A.N. I'm writing this chapter and author's note with a broken heart.
That might sound dramatic, but it's really the only way I can put it. To be blunt, January has been an awful month, and I'm only just now able to share this chapter with you all.
In case anyone was wondering, my brother is still being a complete jerk and my mother is trying to come to terms with the horrible things he said and did over Christmas. But that was just the beginning.
January 1st, my luck ran out when I got infected with Covid. This was thanks to a selfish client who lied about her symptoms because apparently coming into my workplace was more important to her than other human beings. By some miracle, I was the only one to get sick with a mild case of Omicron, but it still took a toll and honestly I was trying to shake the fatigue for about two weeks.
And then, my precious dog died a few days after I went back to work.
It was very sudden, very unexpected, and making that decision to ease his suffering just about killed me. He was my best friend for 12 years, and helped me through literally the worst moments of my life. I was the only one who was able to be with him at the end, and to put it mildly, it wasn't pleasant. He had a bad reaction to the procedure which was horrific to see and I was a basket case for days afterwards.
Every time I would try to write, I'd start crying because he always sat with me when I wrote, with his little head on my knee. So I had to be careful and only write in small chunks, then I'd realise all the mistakes I'd made and have to rewrite the lot.
My heart is still mending, but I think I'm ok now. This was the hardest chapter I've ever had to write. I really can't thank NightWolfRunner enough for being such a rock at this time. She's been so encouraging and helped me more than I can say when I've been stuck on this chapter.
So that's what happened. Sorry to be so direct, but I honestly didn't know how else to say it. I've got my act together now, so we're good. I can absolutely get back on track.
Either way, this is now the longest chapter in the series. It's not as action-packed as I planned, but it's definitely full of suspense. Questions are about to be answered in the next few chapters. I hope you're ready.
foreveradreamerinlife: I'm getting better at taking care of myself. Thanks. Hope you enjoy!
Lady Amazon: You're not wrong. I'm so sorry for the wait on this chapter. This drama with my brother is so painful, mainly because how futile it all is. I'm so angry at him for escalating to this point. It never should have gone this far, but it is what it is. My main concern is that my mother is alright.
Wolfs child/starrat: Here you are. Sorry for the wait. I've sorted things out so we should be ok now.
Ghost of Magic: I'm getting there. Read on to see what happens with Sakura!
hw0134160: You're such a sweetheart. I had to reschedule this one a number of times, but I hope it was worth the wait. Yes, the situation is not good. And unfortunately, it's not about to get any better. Sensui and Haruki have Sakura right where they want her. But Sakura isn't about to give up easily, and the boys are absolutely on their way.
kaigirl16: Girl, I hear you. I have such mixed feelings when it comes to him, but his behaviour is absolutely not ok. You'll want to punch him a lot in this chapter too.
ukitakeitalialover041757: Oh boy, you'll find out. It's not fun. He really is too far gone. Kurama's already coming up with ways to destroy him.
LuminaRose9044: He really has. It's quite sad, really. Albeit horrific.
Guest 2.0: Absolutely. It's like an insane asylum. I'm really looking forward to the rest of the fight. It's going to be epic. And thankyou, it's devastating that things have turned out this way, but I do have an excellent therapist.
Guest/B Martinez: Here it is. I'm truly sorry it took so long.
Chapter 22
It was almost too much for Haruki to comprehend. All that planning, all that preparation, and now it was reality.
Sakura Urameshi was here with him, on the bed he'd so painstakingly put together for her. Those luscious brown eyes were actually looking into his own.
"Just look at you," Haruki simpered. "My little porcelain doll… I've never seen anything so beautiful,"
He hadn't appreciated her beauty at the Dark Tournament. But now that she was at his disposal, he would never take it for granted again.
This is even better than I imagined.
There was so much Haruki wanted to say. So much he wanted to ask her. But for now, he was content to simply relish the moment.
"Having you here…it's like a dream," Haruki breathed. "I've waited so long for this. And now my patience has been rewarded,"
Haruki moved in closer and stroked a fingertip down the side of Sakura's face. She whimpered again before immediately cutting herself off. He could feel her trembling, and paused.
Is she afraid? Maybe…but could it be a side effect from the drugs?
There was only one way to find out. Haruki leaned down, inches from her face.
Remember what Mr Sensui told you. Be gentle. Break down her walls.
"Like I said before, we have a lot to talk about. But first things first, honey,"
Sakura held her breath. Please…please don't…
"How are you feeling now?" Haruki whispered. "You've been asleep for a couple of hours,"
Sakura looked at Haruki in shock. Asleep? Is that what he called it? She couldn't believe he had the audacity to ask her such a thing, let alone with the smile he was wearing.
"How are you feeling?" Haruki repeated. He clearly wanted an answer. And if she didn't comply, who knew what would happen?
There was nothing else for it. Sakura shook her spinning head slightly. It was all she could manage.
Haruki looked concerned. "Not good? Here, let me…"
He reached for her face. Sakura recoiled before he could make contact.
"Come on honey. Don't be like that," her captor started caressing her hair again. "I just want to take the gag off. But only if you promise not to scream. Mr Sensui won't like it,"
Sakura closed her eyes to block Haruki out for just a moment. She couldn't let him see how frightened she really was.
This can't be happening. Oh God, please tell me this isn't happening!
It was useless. The tears were already threatening to spill out from underneath. Sakura turned away, only to realise that she was once again face to face with the other horrifying items she'd seen upon waking.
He's out of his mind. I can't believe I'm seeing this.
"Shhh…it's ok," Haruki took hold of her chin and made her look back at him. "Now do you promise, honey? No screaming?"
Sakura nodded slowly again. She'd never planned on screaming anyway. Her throat felt like sandpaper.
"Good girl," Haruki gently pulled the fabric away from her mouth. "There. It's a crime to cover such a lovely face,"
Even with the gag removed, Sakura didn't dare move an inch or make a sound. Not that Haruki seemed to mind. He was too busy looking her up and down with his spine-chilling smile.
"That colour really suits you," he said thoughtfully. "Looks like I made the right choice. What do you think, honey? You like it?"
Colour? What's he talking about?
Sakura looked down at her aching body. What she saw almost made her pass out again.
Deciding it was at last safe to do so, Botan reached into her jacket. "Yusuke, here. Keiko gave this to me,"
"Huh?" Yusuke blinked and held up the fresh t-shirt. "Where'd this come from?"
"Apparently Kura thought you might need it," Botan swallowed her tears. "It was the last thing she said to Keiko…before it happened,"
Yusuke gave a watery laugh in spite of himself. "She knows me," he mumbled and turned away to pull the shirt over his head. His sister had granted him an invaluable moment of privacy. Without those prying eyes, his anguish could be visible.
Oh God, Kura. If those bastards do anything to hurt her…!
More tears formed, but Yusuke gritted his teeth and tried to focus. There was no time. He needed to get a grip.
I thought I'd done the right thing, making her stay behind. I could've stopped it if I'd been there…right? But if Kurama couldn't even do anything…not to mention how strong Kura is on her own. How the hell did they manage to grab her? Was she just overpowered?
Nobody knew for sure. They'd told him that Sakura had gone to her bedroom to take her medication when Haruki struck. It happened too fast for anyone to react, Genkai said. From the sounds of it, they were right. A sudden revelation from Mitari, the confirmation from Spirit World, and Sakura's frantic scream…
Yusuke shuddered at the thought of what had happened to his sister, and how terrified she must be now. But Haruki was going to pay.
Hang on, Kura. We're coming. We'll get you out of there.
He took one more moment to wipe his face clear of emotion and turned back to the group.
"Before we proceed, let's go over what we know about our enemy," Kurama began. "We know that there were eight of them to begin with. Yusuke took out Doctor,"
"And I did away with Sniper," Hiei added.
Kurama nodded. "Yes. Eight minus two leaves six,"
"And Mitari's with us now, which means just five," Botan piped up.
"We know they'll head back to Demon's Door Cave," Kurama's expression darkened. "That's where we will go to intercept them, and retrieve both Kuwabara and Sakura,"
Yusuke folded his arms. "Oh, we're done sitting on our asses waiting patiently?"
"Stick a sock in it, you impulsive twit," Genkai growled. "The tunnel opens in two days; your sarcasm won't close it any faster!"
"But that's four days earlier than our team in Spirit World was estimating!" Botan said.
Yana cocked his head. "Yeah, why do they keep moving up the deadline? It's like every day, the tunnel's growing faster,"
"When a psychic tampers with the sort of power Itsuki has, there is a tendency to be overpowered and lose control," Kurama explained.
Mitari nodded in agreement. "Now that you mention it, he did say it's going faster than he thought, like the tunnel has a life of its own and wants to grow,"
"Or you could tell how fast it's growing just by looking at our fair city," Kaito adjusted his glasses ruefully. "Well, once fair,"
"All the more reason for us to storm the cave now, before the gateway can expand any wider. Especially now that they have Kuwabara," Kurama growled.
Yusuke couldn't contain himself any longer. "Yeah, but what about Kura? Why did that freak show want her?"
Mitari looked at his shoes. "I'm sorry, I honestly don't know. Mr Sensui never said anything about her powers being useful,"
"For now, let's focus on what we do know," Kurama interjected. "If they can use Kuwabara's newfound power to cut through dimensions and release the higher demons, we're done. And while I seriously doubt Kuwabara would ever willingly help Sensui…"
"But they don't need him to, because they have Gourmet," Mitari interrupted.
Kurama took a breath. "Right. According to Mitari, they are most likely going to have this Gourmet eat his power so that he can then use it to break the Kekkai barrier,"
"I saw him do it once and it was the most horrific thing I'd ever seen," Mitari admitted. Strong words from someone who'd watched Chapter Black in full. "He consumes their abilities by literally eating them whole while they're still alive,"
Botan made a sound of disgust, but Yusuke couldn't resist a wisecrack.
"Does he at least put something on them? Mustard, chilli?"
Mitari shivered. "No, he just eats them. Once they're inside him, their powers become his. Gourmet's territory exists entirely within his stomach,"
Yusuke hesitated, then asked. "Do you think that's what they're planning to do with my sister?"
"I doubt it," Kurama said before Mitari could answer. "Judging by the evidence, it seems the motivation behind Kura's abduction is far more personal. To Haruki, anyway. Sensui clearly has another agenda when it comes to her. But exactly what is still a mystery,"
Nobody knew what to say to that.
Just then, a slight breeze stirred up. Hiei closed his eyes. "There goes that old familiar wind again. I think two days is overly optimistic,"
Yusuke slammed a fist into his open palm. "I guess that means it's time for me to kick a little ass,"
"Down boy!" Genkai snapped. "Before you go getting all dimwitted and fist happy, we should send a small group to scout out the cave. Yusuke, Kurama, Hiei - you'll be the first wave. That way just in case you all get killed while you're down there, the rest of the world still has a chance of surviving this disaster. We'll be the second line of defence. Hang back here, see how it goes,"
Mitari stepped forward. "Pardon me, Master Genkai, but shouldn't I go as well to show them the way? Inside that cave it's a maze, and I know it better than anyone else here,"
"Uh, why the hell should we trust you?" Hiei snorted.
Mitari looked down again. "Because I'm much more…indebted to Mr Kuwabara than anybody," he said quietly. "And Miss Kura. She…"
Yusuke seemed to be x-raying Mitari with his eyes. He didn't say a word. There were a few moments of tense silence until Yana pulled Yusuke aside.
"Urameshi, you want me to run a polygraph on him with my Copy technique?"
Yusuke held up a hand to indicate no before taking a few steps towards Mitari. The two stared at each other, until at last, Yusuke took hold of Mitari's shoulder.
"I trust you," he said calmly. "Let's go,"
"I won't let you down," Mitari promised.
"Yusuke!" Genkai called sharply. "Recall the last time you ran into something without thinking?"
Yusuke frowned. "Which time was that?" He thought for a moment before realising what the old woman meant. "Oh, you mean when these guys' crew captured me!" Yusuke indicated Kaito and Yana.
"That's right," Genkai folded her arms. "So looking back Yusuke, what lessons can we take with us from that experience and hopefully apply to this next one?"
Yusuke's cocky grin was back. "Oh. Don't get caught. Yeah, I'll keep that little pearl of wisdom in mind when I'm kicking Sensui's ass,"
Genkai rolled her eyes. "Idiot,"
And with that, the first wave of fighters began walking away towards the cave. Towards the inevitable war.
Hiei glanced sideways at Kurama as they walked. Deep inside those green eyes, a lethal anger was fighting to escape. Hiei could sense it better than anyone.
Kurama, you know what has to happen this time. You cannot hesitate again, regardless of what she may want.
Kurama gave no outward indication that he'd heard Hiei's message, but his reply rang loud and clear.
No matter the cost, that monster will never walk another day on this earth.
Behind them, the distortion zone burned brightly.
He did this while I was unconscious? But why?!
It took everything Sakura had to stay still. As if the situation couldn't get any worse, she wasn't even wearing her own clothes anymore. Instead, Haruki had put her in an unfamiliar dress. A knee length, v-neck number with soft, delicate fabric of sky blue silk and intricate beading.
What the hell is wrong with him?! How can he possibly think this is ok?
"Pretty, don't you think?" Haruki slowly twisted a strand of Sakura's hair around his finger. "And a perfect fit, thanks to Dr Kamiya,"
Sakura's promise not to scream was being severely tested, but Haruki didn't seem to notice.
"So…do you like it?" he pressed. "Come on honey. You can tell me,"
Admittedly the dress was beautiful from an objective standpoint. Probably the prettiest thing she'd ever worn. But under the circumstances Sakura honestly couldn't have cared less.
Even so…I need to be careful. She told herself. I can't risk making him angry.
Sakura knew she had to say something, at least to appease him. "H-Haruki…" she gasped out in a rusty voice before dissolving into a coughing fit.
His hands, much gentler than she'd been expecting, lifted Sakura upright against the pillows. The motion made her head spin.
"Here, this will help,"
Sakura's vision came back into focus. Haruki was holding a water bottle out, looking genuinely concerned. Sakura reflexively shrunk away from his touch.
Haruki frowned. "Don't be like that, honey. You need water. Now drink up,"
He put the bottle to her lips. Sakura couldn't resist. She let the water flow over her dry tongue and raw throat.
"That's better now, isn't it?" Haruki said softly.
Sakura swallowed. "Haruki…I…"
He closed his eyes and seemed to shiver with delight. "My name…say that again,"
Sakura remained silent.
Haruki's eyes snapped open. "Say it again!" he ordered, his eyes flashing dangerously.
"Haruki," Sakura stammered in terror.
He sighed happily and fixed her with that crazed smile. "So, you worked it out. I knew you would in the end,"
I can't believe he's been alive this whole time. What would Master Shin say if he knew?
Sakura bit her lip and averted her eyes. She didn't want him to see that she was barely holding back tears. But almost immediately, he had forced her to look at him again.
"You're scared," Haruki murmured. "But it's ok now. Nobody's going to hurt you. As long as you behave,"
His thumb lightly traced the bruising on Sakura's cheek before moving down to the scratches on her neck. Both marks were tender, and she winced.
"It's alright," Haruki whispered. "Did you notice? I've made it nice for you,"
Sakura didn't have much of a choice but to look around at what he'd done. Again, she observed the elaborate flower arrangement around the bed. The piles of classic literature books. The sweetly scented candles. The detailed pattern of sakura petals embroidered on the satin duvet. But behind the floral display were the pieces that made her shiver.
First, the television and tape player. Those would've been innocent enough, except for what waited in front of it: a sinister-looking chair covered in restraints.
It was too much to look at. Sakura shut her eyes while her head began whirling again.
Why is he doing all this? What does he want from me?
Haruki's face lit up. "It's all for you, honey," he grinned. "You want to see the best part?"
He moved aside, and Sakura watched the television flicker to life. A gasp of shock escaped before she could stop herself.
The volume was muted but Sakura recognised the footage immediately. It was a tape of her fighting Shishiwakemaru at the Dark Tournament.
Haruki must've turned the sound up, because Sakura soon heard her own voice coming from the screen.
"You don't know anything about me, Shishi. You're not worth my fear. Now let's dance!"
"Indeed we shall, my little flower," Shishi replied. "I'll steal your heart yet!"
The final words were overlaid with Haruki's voice, reciting the dialogue in perfect unison.
Sakura's heart dropped. Don't tell me…oh my God…what else has he been doing?
"Wait, why don't we move to my favourite moment?" Haruki got up and hit fast-forward.
Sakura felt ice-cold all over. "Please. Stop," she whispered, not knowing if her scratchy voice was audible.
If it was, Haruki didn't acknowledge it. He was far more interested in whatever he was looking for on the screen.
"Oh, here we go," He turned back to give Sakura a terrifying look of joy. "This is where everything changed,"
The tape began to play at normal speed. It was the end of her final match. Sakura saw herself standing over…that woman.
"Shut up. Sakyo is right. You've done more than enough to deserve death, Akumu. But I won't do it,"
On the screen, Sakura kicked the knife away. "I'll never sink to your level,"
"Just as I thought," that woman's horrible voice sneered. "You're still that scared little girl, crying to be saved. And now everyone knows just how pathetic you are,"
In the real world, Sakura looked away. With her hands restrained to the bed, there was little else she could do to block it out. The dialogue from the tape was stabbing into her like those knives. The only thing worse was hearing Haruki overlapping the words in unison.
"You're wrong, Akumu. You're incapable of compassion and mercy. I'm not. And that's what makes us different. Honestly, I pity you. All of you,"
It was too much. Sakura could feel her breathing start to speed up involuntarily. "Enough," she pleaded. "Just stop, please. I can't…I don't want this!"
The tape stopped. Sakura heard Haruki approaching the bed and felt his weight settling down on it.
"What is it, honey? Too much?"
Sakura couldn't reply. The ache in her chest was almost unbearable. She felt like she was choking on her own horror.
Why is he doing this to me? Why did he bring me to this place?
"It's ok, honey. It's really ok," Haruki started running his fingers through her hair. Sakura suppressed the urge to shudder, but she couldn't prevent a single tear escaping.
Haruki noticed immediately. "Are you crying? Oh no, we don't want that. Here…you should lie down,"
He took her shoulders and started easing her down on the mattress again.
"I'm sure this must be a bit overwhelming," Haruki said softly. "Everything happened so fast, after all," He paused, and smiled again. "But now that you're awake, we'll have all the time in the world to talk,"
Sakura took a shaky breath. "Talk about what, exactly?" her voice was still scratchy and faint.
"Everything," Haruki's eyes lit up. "I have a lot of questions for you, honey. Questions only you can answer," He lowered himself down to lie beside Sakura, who held her breath. "But where to begin?"
He started stroking through her hair once more, but Sakura's fear made her automatically pull away so she wouldn't have to look at the man holding her captive.
Such a reaction didn't seem to deter Haruki. He simply moved closer and trailed his fingers over her exposed shoulder, all the way down her arm. Sakura felt the goosebumps left behind. A moment later, he had swept her hair aside with a featherlight touch.
"Relax, honey," Haruki whispered. "You can't keep getting yourself all worked up,"
Trembling, Sakura closed her eyes and fought against the lingering dizziness. Enough was enough. She had to contact someone. Anyone who could get her away from this freak.
Kurama? Yusuke? Genkai? It's me.
Nothing.
Sakura concentrated even harder. Kurama! Yusuke! Please, can anyone hear me?
She'd half expected to hear the white noise that came with being in a territory, but instead Sakura found herself faced with the cold reality of absolutely nothing. No, not nothing.
The mere attempt to use telepathy sent a sharp stab of pain through her head, not unlike a red-hot blade. Without meaning to, Sakura gave a cry of agony.
Haruki chuckled softly behind her. "Oh dear. Are we trying to use telepathy?" he purred. "Not working very well, is it? You can thank Technique Zero for that,"
Sakura pressed her throbbing forehead into the pillow to try and soothe the pain. Haruki took advantage of that to bring his mouth right next to her ear.
"I wanted to try it out in the hospital, but Mr Sensui said it was better to save it for later," Haruki continued. "He was right, as usual. And as long as my technique is active, you can't use any of your spirit energy,"
His voice was getting lower, more seductive. "Trying to fight it will only cause you pain. Probably not worth the effort, wouldn't you say?"
The fragile barrier around Sakura's emotions shattered. Her tears began to fall thick and fast.
"You're not going anywhere, honey," she could hear the triumph in his voice. "The sooner you accept that, the easier it will be. Understand?"
That was it. Sakura's temper flared again. "Understand?" she breathed in a much firmer tone. "What I don't understand is how you're still alive. And…and all this?" She looked around at the spine-chilling setup. "Just what do you think is going to happen here? What do you want from me?"
Instead of answering, Haruki just smiled wider than ever.
"Shhhh," He started easing her back down onto the bed again. "Maybe if you settle down, we can get into those details,"
Sakura shook him off. She'd forgotten all about trying to keep things calm.
"No," she snapped. "I deserve an explanation. Why am I here?" Her voice had risen to almost a shout. "Kuwabara has that new sword. I'm of no use to you!"
He slapped her, hard. Sakura registered the metallic taste of blood in her mouth for only a moment before Haruki was pinning her shoulders back down into the bed.
"I thought you promised not to scream," he growled, and pulled at the gag still looped around Sakura's neck. "Do I need to put this back on?"
Sakura glared at him before shifting her gaze. What right did he have to make her promise anything?
Unfortunately, such a response only seemed to infuriate him more.
"Are you listening to me?!"
He slapped her face again. Sakura gasped.
"You don't want to make me lose my temper, honey," Haruki warned. "Or do you think I'm joking?"
Without waiting for an answer, Haruki wrapped his powerful hand around the girl's throat.
"Go ahead. Test me. I dare you," he hissed in her ear. "I've been waiting too long for my answers. I'm not in the mood to mess around. Got it?!"
Haruki felt Sakura nodding frantically. The message rang loud and clear.
"That's better," he said softly, and with his hand still firmly planted on Sakura's neck, moved to look her in the face again. "Now, why don't we-?"
The petrified look in her beautiful brown eyes made Haruki jerk back as though he'd been burned.
At last, the pressure around Sakura's neck finally eased, and she took a huge breath before gasping and coughing. The rush of oxygen felt like a gift from heaven.
Haruki realised that marks were already forming on her fair skin. He froze, and watched Sakura try to shift herself into a more seated position on the bed. Not an easy task with her hands tied, and wearing that flimsy silk dress.
He glanced down at his hand, then back at Sakura. She was still trying to catch her breath. Her head was bowed while her tiny frame started to shake with quiet sobs.
"Honey…?" Haruki made his way back over to the bed and reached for her face. Sakura flinched, but acquiesced to look at him.
Panic shot through Haruki. Sakura's tear-stained face was a portrait of sheer terror. Their eyes were locked in a stalemate, neither willing to look away. She was shaking like a leaf.
Haruki's heart pounded. No…no…!
A little fear from Sakura was fine, but visible panic? This was bad. He'd lost his temper unnecessarily before even starting to question her. What a stupid thing to do!
He needed to think, needed to come up with a plan to calm her…
If she's this scared, then I'll never get any answers out of her! Sensui said to be gentle…break down her walls…what do I do?!
And just like that, the solution came to him in a flash.
"Getting all hysterical isn't good for you, honey. And…I don't want to see you cry so much, " Haruki dropped his voice a shade. "Here…just take a deep breath,"
She did, slowly and heavily.
"Good," Haruki smiled. "Now, I know something that will make you feel better. I got you a present. Something really special. You'll love it,"
Sakura didn't dare reply, or take her eyes off him.
"I was going to wait until later to give it to you, but I don't think I can now," Haruki stroked her arm in what he evidently thought was a reassuring gesture. "Are you going to stay nice and quiet for me while I go get your surprise?"
Sakura nodded. "Y-yes,"
"Good girl," Haruki tucked a strand of hair behind her ear. "You just relax, ok?"
He was getting closer. Much too close. Sakura was paralysed by fear. What was he about to do?
It was brief, but it happened. Sakura couldn't prevent it. His lips brushed her forehead.
"I won't be long," Haruki whispered, and stood up to leave. But at the exit, he paused to look her up and down.
"So beautiful…" He murmured. "I really did pick the right colour for you,"
With a final smile, Haruki was gone. Sakura was alone at last. The spot where his lips touched her was still tingling.
Despite wanting to throw herself down on the bed and weep until there was nothing left, Sakura had just enough strength of mind to refrain, and a growing sense of rage to boot.
I have to get out of here!
This whole situation was beyond messed up. The flowers, the video, the dress…it was more than enough. Even with her powers blocked, she had to get away from Haruki and whatever sick fantasy he was cultivating.
Sakura started pulling at her bindings.
Come on, you got free in the trunk. You can do it again!
The cords were cruelly tight and her wrists had long turned numb. They didn't seem to be giving any slack. It looked hopeless.
Wait a minute…he said my spirit energy was blocked. Does that mean I can still use telekinesis?
A move that didn't require spirit energy? It seemed too much to hope for.
Sakura glanced back at the entrance. There was no sign of Haruki returning, but that could change at any moment.
Come on, Sakura. Just try it. This might be your only chance to escape!
Sakura twisted her head around. Just as she'd suspected, her hands were indeed tethered to the bed frame. It was impossible to reach in this position, but she could still see a loose end in the knot.
Slowly now. Don't rush.
This was going to require surgical precision. Sakura concentrated, and visualised what she wanted.
Please let this work!
The loose end twitched.
Haruki reached around in the dark, looking for the secret crevasse where he'd hidden the gift. It was definitely somewhere nearby. Perhaps he should have considered the lack of lighting when concealing it…
"Ghost,"
He jumped, then scowled when he realised who was there. "What do you want?"
Gourmet smiled. "What's happening with the broad? Is she awake yet?"
"Yes," Haruki said shortly. "And I'm too busy to talk right now,"
"That explains the noise we heard," Gourmet chuckled. "Sensui's wondering if you're ok. What happened? Didn't she like the flowers? Such a shame,"
Haruki turned away and started feeling around the wall. He knew it was close by.
"She's just a bit rattled, but it's nothing to worry about," he said quietly. "She'll calm down in a minute. You can tell Sensui that I have it under control,"
There it was. The small rift in the cave wall. Haruki reached inside and felt a wave of relief as his fingers closed around the box. His gift was safe.
Unfortunately, Gourmet's greedy eyes fell on the small package. "What's that you've got there?"
"I don't see how that's any of your business," Haruki growled and went to leave.
Gourmet's huge hand turned him around. "Hey, we don't need to keep secrets from each other," he laughed. "Come on, show me,"
Haruki glared at him. "No. It's private,"
"Is that right?" Gourmet replied. Haruki felt those damn tentacles snatch the gift from his hand.
"Going to give this to her? How sweet," Gourmet sneered.
Haruki made a grab for the box. "Give it back!"
"Why are you wasting your time on her?" Gourmet's tentacles waved the box teasingly. "You really think she's going to tell you everything you want to know?"
The boy hissed. "What's it to you? Just give it back now!"
"Sure thing. Fetch!" Gourmet carelessly tossed the gift aside. Haruki leapt to catch it inches from the ground and pulled the tiny box close into his chest. It was safely back in his hands at last. But the horrible sound of his teammate's slow, sarcastic clapping irritated him further.
"Well done," Gourmet stepped closer and considered Haruki for a moment. "You could be wrong about the broad, you know. And then what will you do?"
"I'm not in the mood for your mind games," Haruki snapped.
With an evil grin, Gourmet's voice shifted into the true monster lying within. "I'm not playing mind games, boy. I'm merely being realistic. I just wouldn't want to see you disappointed," he giggled. "Could you really survive any more of that?"
Haruki ignored the comment. "I have to go,"
"You know, if she's not behaving, I'm happy to be in charge of discipline!" the monster laughed.
Haruki suppressed a shudder. "That's not necessary. She's not ready to talk to anyone yet,"
"Are you sure?" The monster replied. "It's no trouble,"
Haruki shoved past him. "I don't care if it is or not. I can handle her without your help!"
"Ghost, Gourmet! That is quite enough!" A voice said pointedly. Sensui stepped into the passageway. "Is there a problem?"
"It's fine, Mr Sensui," Haruki said quickly. "Gourmet just momentarily forgot his place in this mission, that's all,"
"I see," Sensui folded his arms. "Ghost, we heard the commotion a few minutes ago. What is going on back there?"
Haruki lowered his gaze. "Nothing, sir," he insisted. "She's awake. I think the drugs are making her feel a little disoriented, but you needn't be concerned,"
Sensui glanced at his other minion, then back to Haruki. "Ghost, follow me. We need to talk about something very important. Gourmet, won't you go check on our guest?"
"You got it, Mr Sensui!" Gourmet's deep tone laughed. So he'd switched back.
Haruki shook his head. "No, really. He doesn't need to -"
He faltered under Sensui's stern gaze.
"Alright, sir. But…" Haruki turned to give Gourmet a warning look. "Don't do anything to her. Got it?"
Gourmet laughed. "What, you don't trust me?"
"Don't tease him, Gourmet," Sensui smirked. "And behave yourself with the girl. She's a key player in this game,"
"Understood, Mr Sensui," Gourmet made his way down the passage. "You can relax, Ghost. I know the drill,"
He wasn't planning on causing harm to Sakura Urameshi. Not yet, anyway.
Sakura tried not to make a sound as she pulled the final cord away and saw that her wrists were criss-crossed with deep red welts. She started gently rubbing them to try and get the feeling back.
Is there a way out of here?
At first glance, it appeared not. But Sakura wasn't prepared to give up just yet. There had to be something.
Think, Sakura. Think! There's always something!
And then she spotted a glimmer of hope. At the other side of the den, there was a split in the rock. The stones looked loose.
If I can move them away with my telekinesis, I might be able to squeeze through!
Of course, that would just be the first step. But at that moment, all Sakura could think of was getting as far away from Haruki and Sensui as possible.
She paused, and listened. Faint voices could be heard down the passage leading to the room she was being held in.
Sounds like he's busy. I need to move NOW!
Sakura moved from the bed and immediately slid to the ground. Her legs weren't able to support her yet.
Come on, you can't stop. Keep moving forward!
She gripped the bed, pulled herself up and took a small, shaky step towards her chance at freedom. Then another. And another.
Good. You're almost there!
She fell to her knees at the wall and examined it. As she'd suspected, the rocks were unsteady.
Sakura took a breath. Focus. See if you can move one of the smaller stones to begin with.
She concentrated, and sure enough, it worked. The lowest rock shifted slightly. Her head whirled from the effort.
Focus, Sakura. You must do this!
Sakura shook her head to clear it, and concentrated again. Finally, it had moved aside enough for her to finish the job by hand.
Sakura peered through the hole and her heart leapt. There was a tunnel leading away from the lair behind this wall.
If I move a couple more boulders, I can just fit through!
But that meant Kuwabara would still be at Sensui's mercy…
There's no time, Sakura. You're no help to Kuwabara in this condition. He'd want you to escape. You know he would!
Her decision was made. Sakura ignored the dizziness and started working on the second boulder.
I'm sorry, Kuwabara. I'll come back for you with Yusuke. I promise!
The rock was out of the way, and the gap was big enough to fit her torso through.
Just one more should do it-!
Sakura gasped. There was a sharp pain on top of her head as someone seized her by the hair. She was dragged backwards, away from the hole she'd made.
"What do we have here? A little bird trying to escape her cage?"
Sensui led Haruki closer to the light so they could see better. He turned to face his minion.
"Before you go racing back to Miss Urameshi, tell me something. Is she ready to talk?"
"Not just yet, sir," Haruki muttered. "I'll let you know when the time is right,"
"Yes, you will," Sensui nodded. "Additionally, I suspect Yusuke will be arriving soon. And with Sea Man guiding them, they'll be able to navigate the cave more easily. I'll need you to keep an eye on the entrance for timing purposes,"
Haruki smiled. "Certainly, Mr Sensui. When?"
"Start your surveillance as soon as possible. We can't afford to let them slip by,"
"No, Mr Sensui. With my techniques, I'll know their movements,"
Sensui grinned. "Good. Be sure to inform Game Master when they're close,"
"Yes, sir. I'll do that," Haruki bowed.
Sensui looked satisfied. "Once they're in his territory, you'll have all the time you need to question the girl,"
Haruki shivered with joy at the thought. "All the more reason to start my surveillance quickly, sir,"
"That's right," Sensui chuckled. "But remember this, my boy. Unless her walls are down, you can't hope to get the answers you seek,"
"I know, Mr Sensui. But I have everything I need to ensure she talks,"
"Excellent," Sensui chuckled. "As for the Spirit Detective and his ilk, feel free to have a little fun with them once they arrive. Within reason, of course,"
Haruki opened his mouth to respond, but just then, he heard Sakura cry out.
"It's just as well Sensui told me to keep an eye on you, young lady. You're still a slippery little minx!"
That voice. It was one Sakura had hoped to never hear again outside her nightmares. Another demon she had thought to be dead since the Dark Tournament. The one who'd laughed as her teacher was murdered…
The voice of a monster
"Thought you could get away, did you?" The monster taunted. He pulled Sakura's head back even further. His face twisted into the one she recognised. "Not on my watch!"
Sakura stared up at him in disbelief. "You?! How is this possible? I saw you die!"
"Never mind that, Miss Urameshi," the monster giggled in that high-pitched tone. "We have far more important things to discuss first!"
She pulled away. "Let me go!"
"Gladly," He hurled her back onto the bed, knocking the air from her lungs in the process.
First Haruki, and now him? What in the world is going on?
The monster climbed up on the mattress and leaned over her. "Ghost said you weren't up for visitors yet. It seems he was mistaken. You must be feeling quite lively to try and leave the party so soon!"
Braving her terror, Sakura gave him an acid-filled look. "Get away from me!" she hissed, and backed up out of his reach. Time had changed nothing. Everything about this creature sickened her.
"Why would I do that, Miss Urameshi? We've spent so much time preparing for this very moment!"
Sakura was so full of hatred for the demon that she couldn't even speak. But her rage only seemed to make him happier.
"Oh, this couldn't be more perfect. The fox is coming, and we have his pretty flower…" he simpered. "The question is, what shall I do with you first? You look so delicious, after all,"
A single tentacle snaked around Sakura's left shoulder. Without thinking, she automatically slapped it away.
The monster's face darkened. "Oh, so that's how you want to play it?" he snarled. "In that case…!"
More tentacles shot out from his hands. Sakura barely had time to scream before she was lifted off the bed and slammed into the cold stone floor.
"You're lucky Sensui wants you alive, girl," His terrifying face filled her vision. "Otherwise, you don't want to know what I would've done to you already," He licked his lips. "There's nobody to hear you scream. So you'd best behave, or I might just decide to take a bite anyway!"
Dazed and terrified as she was, Sakura's inner fire burned brightly. "You're going to regret this," she spat.
"Is that so?" The monster howled with laughter. "I'd like to see you try, even if you-"
"GET OFF HER!"
Sakura looked up. Her eyes widened. Haruki wrenched the demon away from her and rammed him against the jagged wall with a sickening crack.
The demon only looked shocked for a moment before he scowled. "What do you think you're doing?!"
"I told you!" Haruki roared. "I told you not to touch her!"
"Me?" The monster giggled. "I didn't do anything! Just making sure our pretty guest is comfortable. Isn't that right, my dear?"
The look on Haruki's face made Sakura's blood go cold.
"Don't give me that, you son of a bitch," he snarled. "You were trying to consume her power, weren't you?!"
Another laugh. "Of course not! I don't need another mind-reading ability,"
"Get this through your head," Haruki pressed the demon even further into the rock face. "You. Don't. Touch her. Hear me?!"
The demon bared his teeth. "Take your hands off me, boy!"
"I don't take orders from you anymore," Haruki breathed. "She's mine. She belongs to me. If you touch her again I'll…I'll…"
"You'll do what, exactly?" The monster shot back. "Teach me a lesson? Don't make me laugh!"
Haruki's anger flickered slightly. "Shut up!"
Sakura slowly sat up, but neither man acknowledged her.
"Could it be that you've actually forgotten?" The monster jeered. "Forgot what happened last time you tried to teach me a lesson, Hari-chan?"
Haruki went white as chalk. He seemed frozen.
"Go on, Hari-chan," the demon's eyes glittered. "Show the girl what you're made of. Teach me a lesson,"
Sakura didn't know what to think of this exchange, or what to expect. She couldn't even move.
After several tense seconds, Haruki flung his teammate to the ground. "Just get out," he snapped. "Now,"
The monster smiled in triumph. "What's wrong, Hari-chan? Does it hurt to remember?"
"I said get OUT!"
"If you insist," the demon giggled.
Haruki crossed the room and knelt in front of Sakura. She was still shaking with fear.
"Are you alright, honey? Did he hurt you at all?"
Sakura shook her head. The demon hadn't done anything worth repeating. Besides, Haruki still looked like he was ready to explode at any moment.
"Good," Haruki sounded relieved. "I'm sorry, I shouldn't have left you alone. That won't happen again,"
"Just like I said! No harm done," The monster said maliciously before fixing his beady eyes on Sakura. "But don't think I'm finished with you, Miss Urameshi. Once your brother and your fox arrive, I'm going to enjoy every moment of my revenge,"
Something inside Sakura broke at this threat. Her vision went white with pure rage. She forgot about the danger. She forgot about her weakness, her injuries. She forgot about her lack of power. She just wanted to cause him as much pain as possible. She didn't care what he might do to her in return…
"NO!" Sakura shrieked, and lunged for the monster. "You leave them ALONE!"
Haruki caught her around the waist before she could reach him. "Out. Last warning!" he snapped at the demon.
"Of course," the monster said silkily. "But you really need to keep a closer eye on that one, Hari-chan," he grinned at Sakura's tear-stained face and licked his lips again. "Such a wildcat can't be contained,"
Sakura gave an almost animalistic snarl. Haruki tightened his hold on her.
"You have three seconds to get out!" he spat, but Sakura heard his voice tremble slightly.
Finally, the monster slipped out. "Have fun, Hari-chan!" he called over his shoulder.
Sakura felt the arm around her waist slacken, but Haruki immediately whirled her to face him before she could make a move.
"Are you sure he didn't do anything to you?" he demanded, giving her a small shake. "Tell me!"
Sakura's heart started racing. Haruki's face was contorted with primal rage. She couldn't find her voice.
He shook her again. "Tell me NOW!"
"N-no," Sakura whimpered. "I'm ok…"
Haruki reached out and wiped a trickle of blood from the girl's face. Sakura flinched slightly. In the chaos, she hadn't realised that there was a fresh cut above her right temple.
Haruki growled softly. "Bastard. I told him…Sensui told him…"
Without breaking his hold on Sakura, Haruki looked away for just a moment and took a deep, shaky breath while rubbing the scar above his eye. He was still muttering under his breath.
"All these years…Hari-chan…how did he even remember that?!"
"Did…did Master Shin call you that?" Sakura could hardly believe those words came out of her mouth, but they did.
Haruki's head snapped up. His eyes were blazing. "What did you just say?!"
Sakura instantly knew she'd made a huge mistake. "N-nothing!" she said quickly.
Haruki stared at her for a moment. "Is that what you think?" he hissed. "Is that what the old man told you?!"
Sakura went white. "I…no, that's not-!"
SMACK!
Haruki struck her around the face with all his might, or at least that was how it felt to Sakura. She fell backwards and landed painfully on the cave floor.
"Whatever he told you, it's not true!" Haruki rounded on her. "Hear me?! NOT TRUE!"
Cowering on the ground, Sakura gave a feeble nod.
"Good," Haruki breathed. He gritted his teeth and tried to regain focus. "Now, I-"
And then he went rigid. His gaze fell on the wall behind Sakura. Something didn't look right…why were those rocks on the ground?
Very slowly, Haruki turned back and drilled his eyes into her. "Is that what I think it is?" he whispered in a dangerously calm voice.
Sakura's stomach dropped. He'd spotted her escape route.
"Did you really think you could get away so easily?" Haruki continued. "You actually believed there was a way out?"
Sakura braced herself for the next blow, but it never came. To her astonishment, Haruki started laughing.
"Just as I thought. Even without your spirit energy, you still have some fight in you,"
He shook his head and pointed at the hole she'd tried to make. "Newsflash, honey. It wouldn't have done you any good,"
As if to prove a point, Haruki shot a controlled energy blast at the wall. It crumbled, revealing the impossible stone blockade only a few metres in. Sakura hadn't realised in the darkness.
"See? That tunnel leads to a dead end," Haruki smirked, leaning in closer. "I made sure of it,"
He was grinning at her with that demented smile. Sakura's heart sank. She really was trapped down here, completely at the mercy of Sensui and his men.
"I told you, honey. You're not going anywhere. You think I've just been watching videos this whole time? Not a chance. As soon as Sensui told me the plan, I knew I'd need to make preparations, and not just for you,"
He laughed again. The sound sent shivers down Sakura's spine.
"We've all been training, preparing for this fight…if you can even call it that," Haruki spoke as if trying to make sure every word sunk in. "Not even Spirit World has a hope of stopping this tunnel. Sensui thought of everything,"
But for Sakura, this little speech had the opposite effect Haruki was going for. Her powers might be useless with Technique Zero, but the fire inside her heart was burning brighter than ever.
"I don't care what you say," Sakura lifted herself up and looked at her captor with defiance. "My brother is coming. So will Kurama and Genkai, and the others. And they'll stop you, no matter what it takes!"
Haruki chuckled. "Is that right?"
"You of all people should know what Yusuke is capable of," Sakura said fiercely. "Kurama too. Or have you forgotten how he almost killed you after the finals?!"
His face darkened. "That was a while ago, honey. Things have changed since then. I've changed,"
"You can't walk away from this," Sakura clutched her bruised cheek. "They'll come. And they'll kill you this time. I won't be able to stop them, and…!"
She trailed off, not daring to voice the rest.
And I wouldn't stop them anyway.
Haruki took a single step towards Sakura. "Oh, I'm counting on it, honey," he said softly, and bent down so they were at eye level. "In fact, Sensui wants me to give them a proper welcome when they come,"
Panic shot through Sakura. "No, please don't-!"
"What was that?" Haruki raised an eyebrow. "I thought you just said they'd be able to kill me?"
Sakura swallowed. "Of course they can," she whispered. "And they will. There's no way Kurama will let you live,"
Another growl. Haruki seized Sakura's wrists and hauled her upright. Her head pounded and started to spin.
"You think so?" he hissed. "You actually trust the Spirit Fox? And your idiotic brother?"
"You know I do," Sakura winced. His grip was vice-like. "Haruki, please…you're hurting me,"
Haruki laid a finger over her lips. "Quiet!" he ordered. "You won't feel that way soon enough. Just wait. I'll show you!"
He glanced at the exit, breathing heavily.
"They'll be here soon," he said, more to himself than Sakura. "Can't risk letting the technique expire…have to make sure…"
Haruki looked back at Sakura and seemed to make a decision. "Surveillance first," he mused. "The present can wait. Everything else can wait. Surveillance is more important,"
So saying, he started dragging her across the room. Towards the chair that waited in front of the television screen.
"First, let's sort you out…"
"Wait!" Sakura tried to pull herself free. "What are you going to do?"
Haruki turned around and took her shoulders. "Looks like I have to step things up a bit, honey," he gave a hideous smile. "Sorry, but it's only temporary. Promise,"
"What-?"
Haruki pushed her into the chair and snapped his fingers.
Break down her walls. It's the only way.
Sakura nearly choked when the first strap closed around her arm.
"...and then BOOM!" Keiko babbled. Her eyes were wild. "The wall just exploded, or maybe it imploded. I'm not really sure which one. Do you know what happened? Because I certainly do not!"
The police officer took a step back. "Uh, no ma'am. But we do have a few leads," He checked his notebook. "A bunch of youngsters were spotted fighting around here by several eyewitnesses, and we'd like to bring them in for questioning,"
"I didn't see that!" Keiko said quickly. "And even if I did, a fight couldn't have blown up an apartment!"
"True, but-"
"Now that I think about it, we have had odd weather lately, right?" Keiko went on almost hysterically. "It could be global warming with the ice caps and the ozone. And what with the rainforests turning into deserts and…" she gasped dramatically. "It's spontaneous combustion!"
The officer raised his hands in an act of self preservation. "Calm down, Miss. I doubt that," He tucked the notebook inside his jacket. "Well, you've been very helpful. Thank you. If you think of anything else…call my partner!"
At last, he was gone. Keiko heaved a sigh of relief and collapsed to her knees.
"Puu!" Yusuke's soul beast immediately flapped over.
Keiko started petting his head. "That was close," she mumbled. The fire was out, the damage had been somewhat assessed, and the police seemed eager to get away from her. Maybe now the emergency vehicles would finally leave, and she'd have a moment to think about their next move.
Maybe it's a good thing Atsuko isn't here. But how in the world are we going to explain this to her when she gets back?
Puu nuzzled Keiko's hand. He looked worried. "Puu…"
Keiko looked down and pulled him tightly against her. "Hey Puu? You're part of Yusuke, right? Do you know if Kura's ok?"
A single tear fell from Puu's eye in response.
Yusuke must know by now. Keiko hugged Puu tightly. But that's good. He and Kurama will get her back. They have to!
She couldn't bear the alternative.
I'm sorry, Kura. I'm sorry I couldn't do anything.
"Hey kiddo. How are you holding up?"
Keiko turned to see Shizuru kneeling beside her, wearing a determined look. For a few moments, they just looked at each other with unspoken feelings passing between them. Shizuru knew what Keiko was thinking before the younger girl even spoke.
"Shizuru, I can't sit here and do nothing," Keiko whispered. "And I know you feel the same,"
A small smile appeared on Shizuru's face. She held out a hand to Keiko.
"Come on then, sweetheart,"
The final shackle was locked in place at Haruki's wordless command. Though she momentarily fought against them, Sakura quickly realised it was futile, and her body slumped in defeat. His little porcelain doll was going nowhere.
Haruki had to admit there was a certain feeling of guilt in this, even if it was necessary. Sensui had convinced him it was a good contingency plan to ensure the girl's co-operation, but such heavy restraints seemed excessive in practice.
Haruki crouched to her level. "Come on, honey. Look at me," he whispered.
Sakura didn't move. She couldn't.
"Look at me!" He sounded a little impatient now, and evidently Sakura didn't move fast enough for his liking. Haruki's large hand gripped her jaw and she found herself staring into his piercing blue eyes again.
"Remember what I said before?" he warned. "Do what we say, and you'll find things will go much smoother,"
Sakura glared at him with those alluring brown eyes. For now, it seemed her rage even outweighed her terror.
"You won't need to stay like this for long," Haruki brushed the hair from her face. "And just so you know, these restraints are made from a special kind of metal alloy. To put it simply, it's bonded to me through my demon energy and a drop of blood, so I'm the only one who can release them,"
He lightly traced a finger down her neck. "I need to go say hi to your brother now. And when I come back, we can get started,"
"Haruki, no," Sakura felt a stab of fear. "You can't-!"
"Don't worry, honey. I'm not going to fight them. You should think of it more as the prologue. After all, the night is young,"
"Listen to me, Haruki," Sakura tried to keep the desperation out of her voice. "I know who you really are. I know what the Toguro brothers did all those years ago. And I-"
She was cut off by Haruki forcing the gag back into her mouth.
"I told you," he growled. "I told you not to make me lose my temper, honey. But I guess you thought I was joking,"
He leaned over her, one hand at her throat.
"You don't know the whole story, whatever you may think. But that's going to change," Haruki fingered his scarred face.
Focus. Save your anger for the Spirit Fox.
Haruki removed his hand and started gently stroking Sakura's arm.
"You're going to stay nice and quiet for me while I take care of business," he murmured. "If you make a sound, you'll regret it. Is that clear?"
With tears in her eyes, Sakura nodded. She'd never felt so helpless in all her life.
"Good," Haruki positioned his lips next to her ear. "Now just relax, honey. We have so much to talk about when I'm done," he jerked his head towards the blank television. "See, that tape told me a lot. But you're going to fill in the blanks tonight,"
With a final stroke of her hair, Haruki stepped away, behind the chair. Sakura couldn't see where he'd gone, but she knew he was about to confront her twin, her lover, her friends…
Kurama, where are you? I'm scared.
She stared at the door and imagined seeing him appear, Rose Whip in hand. She could picture the scene perfectly. Kurama, sweeping in to free her from this chair. Wrapping his strong arms around her, whispering that nobody would hurt her anymore. Outside, Yusuke would be standing over Sensui's body, having defeated the enemy. The tunnel would close. They'd go home safe and alive…
The images made her chest ache.
Come on, Sakura. Falling apart isn't an option. You have to stay strong.
It was true. The fire began to ignite inside her soul. Sakura shut her eyes tightly, blocking out the horror for just a moment.
Kurama…Yusuke…I'm sorry. There's nothing I can do from here. But I promise you this. He will not break me. None of them will.
This was the only thing she had to give. Haruki may have voided her powers, but there was so much more to fighting than raw strength. Nobody could tame her inner fire. That was hers alone.
Please come for me soon. I'm scared.
Kurama knew they were close the moment he saw the tyre tracks on the dirt road. Even before Mitari confirmed that the entrance was at the bottom of the hill.
Nobody seemed able to speak during the journey downhill, which was fine with Kurama. He kept his eyes on the tread marks, which grew more frenzied the further they went. They were the first piece of the puzzle that he was assembling in his mind, of exactly what must have happened to his flower after she'd been snatched. The smallest scrap of information might prove to be crucial in the rescue and recovery.
"So this is the entrance to hell," Hiei looked calmly up at the cave mouth. "It's drearier than I expected,"
Demon's Door Cave loomed above them all, but the boys ignored the KEEP OUT sign and barbed wire covering the fence that laughably barricaded their path. They were far more focused on the tell-tale vehicles carelessly abandoned outside.
"Well, that's definitely the truck they took Kuwabara in," Yusuke told everyone.
Kurama's eyes narrowed at the black Honda next to it. He may have only seen Haruki's getaway car in the moments following Sakura's abduction, but there wasn't a doubt in his mind that he was looking at it now.
The trunk was open for some reason, and Kurama had a terrible suspicion he knew why this was the case. But there was only one way to confirm.
Kurama carefully approached the car and peered inside. His fists clenched at the sight.
"Kurama? What is it?" Yusuke appeared at his shoulder and gasped out loud. Nothing further needed to be said. One glance at the trunk, and it was obvious to both of them. Sakura had been there.
Kurama took a moment to compose himself before examining the evidence more closely. The entire trunk was heavy with her scent. Half-knotted ropes were lying in the trunk as if they had been hastily tossed aside. Crumpled duct tape partially stuck to the interior.
Kurama's heart ached. Strands of Sakura's beautiful black hair clung to the tape's adhesive. He'd recognise it anywhere.
Beside him, Yusuke looked equally incensed. "Bastards!" he hissed. Those monsters had thrown Sakura into the trunk as if she were a piece of luggage.
Yusuke whirled around and started stomping towards the cave entrance. "Come on Kurama!"
Kurama didn't move from his position. Something didn't add up.
Regardless of her fear, Kura would resist. They must have known that. A man like Sensui wouldn't risk releasing her, even when arriving at the location.
It was obvious that Haruki had restrained Sakura in the trunk, so why were the bindings strewn about?
He already knew the answer, and it made him proud.
She got herself free.
A small smile appeared on Kurama's face, despite the terrible situation. Of course his precious flower had fought back any way that she could. He would expect nothing less…
"Kurama!" Hiei called sharply.
A loud thud from behind diverted Kurama's attention. He turned quickly. Yusuke had face planted straight into the dirt, apparently by Hiei's hands. Mitari bent over to help Yusuke up.
"Damn it Hiei! What was that for?!" Yusuke demanded angrily.
"Because you almost stepped on this, you fool," Hiei nodded at a small object on the ground. It was glinting in the light.
Yusuke squinted at it. His face went pale. "Is that what I think it is?"
"Oh no…" Mitari breathed.
Kurama had already made his way over and stared at the item Hiei was holding up.
"Look, Kurama,"
The pride Kurama had felt moments before vanished, and was instantly replaced with horror. It was a discarded syringe. And from where he stood, Sakura's scent still lingered on it.
Hiei carefully handed the syringe over so Kurama could examine it. Aside from Sakura, he could also detect some kind of sedative. A powerful one.
No.
"See there?" Hiei indicated the ground again. Kurama's eyes narrowed.
Yusuke blinked. "What are we meant to be looking at?"
"Drag marks, Detective," Hiei explained impatiently. "See?"
Yusuke looked. The ground had certainly been disturbed fairly recently. There were a lot of large footprints, but amongst them he noticed the trail of smaller prints that went a reasonable distance before abruptly stopping. From there, the drag marks Hiei pointed out came back to the spot they now stood. They were unmistakable for anything else.
"So what are you saying?" Yusuke turned around for answers, only to recoil when he saw the look on Kurama's face.
"Are you so dense that everything has to be shoved in your face before you understand, Detective?" Hiei enhanced the last word with biting sarcasm. "If I had to guess, I'd say that your sister made an escape attempt. Clearly, it failed,"
Hiei nodded back at Kurama. The fox demon seemed unable to speak. He was looking from the syringe in his hand to the car as if piecing the scene together.
Yusuke felt sick. "Oh God…" If Hiei was right, then he didn't want to imagine what might be happening to his twin in that cave.
Kurama pulled a seed out of his hair, and a bright acid green plant grew from it. Nobody asked what he was doing, or why.
Everyone watched him whisper something to it, and the plant responded with a hiss. Without hesitation, its mouth opened wide to swallow the syringe whole.
"Keep it safe," Kurama muttered. The plant nodded and shrunk back down to a seed so Kurama could stow it away.
His task complete, Kurama straightened up and was suddenly business-like again.
"Mitari, approximately how long should it take to get to Itsuki?" Aside from the hard look in his eyes, he showed little emotion.
Mitari looked equally determined. "If we proceed quickly, but with caution, it should take us about two hours,"
"WHAT?!" Yusuke spluttered.
Mitari nodded. "That is, if we don't encounter any problems along the way," he added.
A hush fell over the four boys as the gravity of Mitari's words set in.
"Well what are we waiting for?!" Yusuke burst out at last.
Hiei rolled his eyes. "You to stop talking?"
Yusuke clenched his teeth. "Let's go. Now,"
No more waiting. It was time. As one, they took their first steps into the cave.
Yusuke glanced around the entrance. The daylight was already growing fainter, and they'd barely gone ten metres.
"Not exactly where you'd want to come for a vacation, huh?"
"Everyone, stay close," Mitari cautioned. "It's easy to get lost in here,"
Kurama stopped dead in his tracks. His body tensed up. "Listen…"
Yusuke's eyes hadn't quite adjusted to the darkness, but he heard it. They all did. The sound of a young girl crying echoed in the distance.
"Kura?" Yusuke murmured. He looked around at Kurama. "Are you hearing this too?"
Kurama had already withdrawn a rose. "Don't move," he breathed, glancing around. There was zero chance that she was truly near.
The crying grew louder. Yusuke couldn't contain himself. "Kura?! Can you hear me? Where are you?"
"Wouldn't you like to know, Spirit Detective?" a distorted voice sneered.
"Huh?" Yusuke looked around wildly. "Who's there?!"
The voice laughed, the sound bouncing around the cavern. "Good question. I wonder if you can guess?"
Hiei's Jagan eye glowed dangerously. "Something's coming," he growled. "There!"
Kurama threw the rose dart with lethal precision, and the air itself seemed to explode with movement. Tiny figures no taller than Hiei came swarming out of seemingly nowhere. Yusuke had never seen anything like them before. Headless, faceless little creatures of pitch black nothing.
Nobody had time to think before they were set upon, but their attacks proved useless. Yusuke swung his fist and caught nothing. Hiei's sword sliced thin air. Kurama's rose dart only hit the ground.
Within seconds, all four of the boys were forced back as the shadows overtook them.
"What the hell?!" Yusuke cried. He and his companions were all being held at bay in different corners of the entrance tunnel by this bizarre force. It looked like the darkness itself had come to life. "What is this?!"
Trapped by the creature, Kurama's eyes narrowed. "Haruki," he hissed.
"Well done, Spirit Fox,"
A large shadow floated down from the cave roof and hovered in front of them for a moment. Then it started to transform. Bright blue eyes, scruffy brown hair, an imposing silhouette, the tell-tale scar above his right eye…
Haruki was indeed standing before them again.
A.N. I've gotten my act together, so Chapter 23 will be released by March 14th. And it's going to be huge!
I just looked at the clock, and it's 1am here, so I should probably get some sleep.
I'd love to know your thoughts on this chapter. Please follow/favourite and leave a review to help me write faster!
Next chapter I have an important (and very fun/exciting) question for all of you, so make sure you're subscribed and we'll see you then!
Next chapter: After confronting Haruki, the boys learn that getting through the cave won't be an easy task...