A.N. Welcome back! I'm happy to be sharing the latest update, and thrilled to say that I have some very positive updates for you all.
Right after I published the last chapter, another crisis hit my family and I just...crumbled. I'd absolutely had it with the sadness and I decided to make a change. I had to do something to get myself out of the darkness and start living life.
Because I'm obsessed with dogs, I started volunteering at a nearby animal shelter that specifically rescues and rehomes greyhounds. Wouldn't you know it, the very first shift I met the most beautiful dog. A 2 year old greyhound who retired due to a recent injury. She was incredibly gentle and sweet-natured, but needed a friend.
One of the full time workers suggested I foster her for a little while. That was the plan, but after two weeks I couldn't bear to give her up. My milestone birthday was early July, so as a gift to myself, I adopted her.
Having a dog again has given me so much joy and reignited my creative energy. I don't know if that makes sense, nor do I care. All I can say is this story is back on track.
Let's go to Goblin City. Things start moving again this chapter, and some answers are given. It's split into two parts, so hold on tight!
Hina714: You can expect more frequent updates from me again. Sakura definitely gets some of her sass back this chapter. Haruki is so close to losing it, and time is running out for the boys to rescue her!
Starrat: Enjoy!
hw0134160: Haruki is definitely on the edge of losing it. When the boys arrive, they're going to be beyond angry. Haruki will probably go to Spirit World in a matchbox.
I'll be honest, I haven't been ok for a while, but since getting another dog I feel like me again. You really are a treasure. Yoko agrees with me. Much love and we'll see you soon!
Ghost of Magic: He's a gift of a character, even though I hate what he does.
Wolfs child: Here you go!
Keywordlf: Welcome! Hope you have a comfy chair for this one, some major revelations are coming!
Chapter 26
Sakura didn't need to look at Haruki to know things had changed. She could almost taste the danger.
"This isn't what I wanted, but that's fine," Haruki murmured. "If the current arrangement isn't working, I'll just have to…increase the pressure,"
His hand was almost crushing her wrist. "Sensui might need you when the barrier is cut, but I'm going to get my answers, honey. I don't care if it's today or tomorrow, I'm finding out what you really are,"
"Let go!" Sakura went to pull away, only for him to immediately seize her other arm.
"No," Haruki hissed. "I've waited too long. What are you, Sakura Urameshi? Tell me what you're hiding!"
Sakura glared at him. "I said let go of me. Now!"
"What was that?" he smirked. "Sounded like an order, and you're not in a position to be giving those, honey!"
Laughing like a maniac, he shoved Sakura down on her back.
"Still, that's what I should expect from my little porcelain doll," Haruki simpered. "So sweet and naive, but feisty when the situation calls for it. I think it's one of the things I love most about you,"
Love. The word made angry tears prick at her eyes.
"Don't you ever say that!" Sakura hissed back. "This isn't…all this, what you're doing to me, this isn't love! It's an obsession. A sick obsession. And-"
"Shut UP!" He released one wrist long enough to slap her. But to his surprise, Sakura didn't even flinch. She simply looked him dead in the eye.
"Go right ahead," she told him. Her voice was so strong that it made Haruki pause.
"What did you say?!" he snapped. Why wasn't she cowering in fear like usual?
"Hit me all you want if it makes you feel better," Sakura spat. "It's nothing compared to what Kurama and Yusuke will do to you when they get here!"
Haruki growled and forced her down harder into the mattress. "So, you're still labouring under the delusion that they have a chance?"
"I'm not the one who's deluded," Sakura shot back. "You aren't going to get away with this. None of you are,"
Haruki snarled in fury. "You really don't get it, do you honey? Sooner or later, your so-called brother and his friends will find themselves trapped in the Game Master's territory. There's no way they'll escape before the tunnel opens,"
Her eyes narrowed in defiance. "They won't let some territory stop them,"
"Oh honey," Haruki chuckled in mock sorrow. "Even if that were true, it'll be too late. We'll be long gone by then,"
Sakura felt sick. His eyes were glittering with insanity. "No…you don't mean…you can't-!"
"Oh, I can," Haruki smiled. "Let's not waste time sugar coating this, Sakura. Game Master isn't the only trap waiting for them. They'll waste hours trying to escape and make it here, and that's if they survive at all. The Kekkai barrier will be cut, the high-class demons will arrive, and then, that's when the fun really begins,"
He saw the horrified look on her face and gave a sinister laugh. "You know what I'm saying, don't you honey?"
When she didn't reply, Haruki leaned down and whispered in her ear. "Once the tunnel opens, we'll be perfectly safe here in this den while the demons destroy those filthy humans. And as soon as things settle down, you and I will slip away to Demon World, and start a new life together,"
At last, it was time. All seven players stood at the heavy iron doors blocking their path forward.
"Best laid plans," Genkai muttered at the sight of what awaited them.
Pity theirs were better laid than ours.
Predictably, it was Yusuke who stepped forward first. "We're seven," he called. "Now where do we stick the quarter?"
The bright announcement came over the theme music.
"Welcome to Goblin City, where your team of seven heroes must clash iron with the evil Goblin King, and restore peace to the town!"
At last, the door slowly creaked open. Everything was bathed in a blinding white light.
Yusuke led everyone else inside and looked around in wonder.
"We're not in Mushiyori anymore,"
The territory was beyond anything they had experienced so far. The entire area looked like some kind of experimental facility, white and pristine. A giant screen displayed the Goblin City logo. In front of it sat a large arcade style control panel.
"You're in my territory now," a voice giggled. "Sure took ya long enough to find seven people. Sheesh, even I've got six friends,"
The speaker was concealed in darkness, but as everyone looked over, a spotlight beamed above his chair to reveal all. Sandy hair, a sprinkling of freckles and wearing a Goblin King costume.
Yusuke's jaw dropped at the sight of this child. "You're telling me that that's the Game Master? But he's just a little pipsqueak!"
Game Master looked up with a smirk. "I may be small, but when it comes to video games, my talent's huge!" he said smugly. "So let's play, shall we?"
"Hold it!" Yusuke glared at him. "You wouldn't happen to know anything about my sister, would you?"
The portal above Itsuki was growing bigger by the minute. It couldn't be much longer before it was ready.
Kuwabara could already see the gaggle of lower class demons drooling with anticipation at the tunnel entrance. Their hands were pressing against the seal blocking their way. Soon they would be free to wreak havoc.
Sensui smiled. "Mr Itsuki, any new developments?"
"It's dilating so much faster than I dared to dream," Itsuki sighed. "I can hardly contain my sense of achievement,"
Kuwabara's stomach turned. Itsuki sounded almost aroused, drunk on his own accomplishment.
"Take your time," Sensui chuckled. "No need to make haste on their account. The Game Master will have them all occupied for hours with his digital diversions,"
"I am but a ripple in the pond now," Itsuki murmured. "It determines its own ebb and tide,"
Kuwabara tore his eyes away from the portal and started shouting. "You better hurry it up freak wads, 'cause if Urameshi and the others are in this cave, the stopwatch for your survival time is ticking! They'll put a cork in your precious hole so fast-!"
Gourmet yanked him flat on his back. "Really?" he snorted.
Kuwabara struggled back upright and shot an acid-filled look at Gourmet. "You know, I don't like you very much! When Urameshi cuts me loose, the first thing I'm gonna do is hunt you down, and use my Spirit Sword to shred you like a bank statement!"
"Pretty big words coming from a guy who's as hard to catch as a case of the clap," Gourmet smirked.
"That's not fair! You had me outnumbered when you caught me off guard! Anyhoo, when Urameshi gets here, you're gonna be-!"
"That's not going to happen," Sensui said calmly. "Your merry band of misfits is in the Game Master's territory now. They'll have to beat him at his own game to get out, and like I said, that's not going to happen,"
"Games, huh? I've never seen Urameshi play any games. Wonder if he's any good?"
"Any skills he might have are irrelevant," Sensui said without bothering to turn around. "Without the guidance of dear little Sakura, they have no chance of victory,"
"So that's why you grabbed her?!" Kuwabara spluttered in outrage. "You sicko's!"
"Well, partly," Gourmet's eyes glittered. "But there's other benefits too,"
"What are you talking about?!" Kuwabara snarled.
"Like I said before, she's multi-purpose," Gourmet snorted. "Should've known you were too dumb to figure it out,"
Sensui turned very slowly to look Kuwabara up and down. "It doesn't seem right to tell you before the girl knows herself," he mused. "Suffice to say, one of her uses will come as soon as the Kekkai barrier has been sliced. Once there's nothing in the way, Miss Urameshi will be…extending an invitation to the demon world,"
Kuwabara's heart skipped a beat.
"Mr Sensui?" Itsuki piped up in that same dreamy tone. "Speaking of the young lady, wouldn't it be…prudent, to see how Ghost is faring with her?"
Sensui glanced over towards the den's entrance. Much to his amusement, Haruki's aura had gone from animated joy and hope to an ugly, dark rage.
"I believe I'll give him a few more minutes,"
Upon hearing Yusuke's demand, Amanuma blinked, then laughed.
"Wait, you mean that girl is your sister? Shouldn't be surprised. Mr Sensui said you'd probably ask about her,"
"Oh yeah?" Yusuke's jaw clenched along with his fist. "In that case, maybe you should tell me if she's ok, and I won't punch your face in,"
"Is that right?" Game Master's smile widened. "Well, if you really wanna know…you'll have to win the game. So let's get started!"
Nobody in the group moved. In fact, Amanuma noticed some of them looked even angrier.
"Are you all deaf or something? Let's get started!"
Yusuke opened his mouth furiously when a hand fell on his shoulder.
"Fox Boy?"
Kurama shook his head and stepped towards Amanuma. There was a very loaded silence as he stared at the boy.
"We are not starting anything until you answer the question," Kurama said sternly. "I'll ask again. Is she alright?"
Amanuma rolled his eyes. "Jeez, you can relax. I haven't seen her since Ghost showed up at the cave, but it's not like you have to worry,"
"And why is that?" Kurama's eyes narrowed.
Amanuma felt a slight chill down his spine. This red-haired boy's stare was practically slicing him in half.
Hang on a second…
A sly look came over the child's face. "That big dumbass with the sword said she was dating someone else in your group. He meant you, didn't he?"
Kurama's chest tightened, but he refused to look away.
"That means I'm right," Amanuma giggled. "You'll be extra fun to beat,"
Yusuke noticed Kurama's body tense up very slightly, but when he spoke, his voice was dangerously calm.
"That is not what I asked," he said coldly. "I'm only interested in what you know about Sakura. Has she been harmed?"
"Jeez, chill out! She's fine. I already told that other idiot, Ghost just wants to talk to her,"
"Like hell he does!" Yusuke spat. "Do you even know what that maniac's capable of?!"
"Ghost? Nah! He won't do anything," Amanuma snickered. "He's crazy about her,"
"No, he's crazy full stop!" Yusuke snapped. "Talk, you little snot-nosed brat. Where is she?"
"What is this, a game of Twenty Questions?" Amanuma groaned. "She's with Ghost, alright? Now can we get a move on already?!"
"What does Sensui plan to do with her?" Kurama drilled his glare straight into the child. That menacing aura was crackling an inch below the surface.
Game Master paused. Clearly, this one was in no mood for messing around.
"You're not letting this go, are you?" He sighed. "Fine. All he said was she's part of the game plan when the tunnel opens. Something to do with the demons, I think. Ghost said he didn't care as long as he could still have her around afterwards. He thinks she's really pretty. Now come on, let's play!"
Yusuke made a sound of outrage, but Kurama didn't respond aside from a lethal glare. Did this child know more than he was letting on? Possibly. But it seemed the only way to know for sure was to win the game.
One step at a time.
"Very well," Kurama muttered. There was plenty more he wanted to ask, but they needed to move. With a warning look at Game Master, he headed back to the group.
Yana nudged Yusuke. "So Urameshi, how do you play this thing again?"
Yusuke raised an eyebrow. "You really don't know jack about what normal people do, huh?"
While Yana laughed sheepishly, Yusuke pointed to something beside Amanuma's chair.
"You see that big slot machine-looking thing over there? That picks the category, game type and difficulty level,"
"It's teamwork," Kurama added. "Each of us seven heroes may play one game only. We must win four games to beat the Goblin King,"
"Who is played by me!" Amanuma called. "Now stop dawdling so I can finally pull the lever and we can play!"
Yusuke glared at him. "Chill out, kid. Give us a minute!"
"But I don't want to give you a minute! This is my Territory, and if I say I wanna play now, we play now!"
Yusuke's scowl deepened. "I'm really beginning to hate this kid!"
"I always thought if the Goblin King possessed a kid, it would be this way," Kaito muttered.
Kurama shook his head. "Never mind him. We need to develop a strategy. Now, who among us has played Goblin City before?"
"Ooh, I have! I have! All the time!" Yusuke shot up a hand.
"I as well," Kaito nodded.
"I play it from time to time too," Mitari offered.
Kurama gave a small smile. "Excellent. That's four of us, including myself,"
"Make that five," another voice piped up.
Everyone paused.
"Uh, we're not talking about Pong here, Grandma," Yusuke said.
Genkai smirked. "You think I've been playing solitaire the last fifty years?"
"Alright," Kurama continued. "So out of all of us here, who has actually beaten the game?"
Yusuke scratched the back of his head. "Well, to tell you the truth I'm kinda hung up in the middle somewhere," he admitted.
"I've only gotten to the ending just a couple of times," Genkai said.
Yusuke's jaw dropped. "You've really gotten that far, Grandma?"
"On my home system, I can win seventy-six percent of the time," Kaito said with a sideways grin at Kurama. "But I'm sure that's no comparison with the success rate of the great Shuichi, is it?"
"No, that's about my skill level,"
Yusuke clutched his head. "Damn…I really did set the game's record for sucky!"
"Still, those scores were all against the real Goblin King," Kurama glanced at the child. "The Game Master must be an even stronger player,"
Kaito nodded. "Or else, why would he have chosen this game to recreate in his Territory?"
"Exactly, but before we even challenge the Goblin King, we must defeat three lower goblins," Kurama explained since Yana was visibly getting more confused every moment.
"Bored now!" Amanuma sighed loudly. "I'm spinning the slots and you can't stop me!"
"That's just fine," Kurama called. "Master Genkai, Mitari, and Yusuke,"
They all nodded in turn.
"Your group will take on the three lower goblins. Then after you've done that, Kaito and I will face Game Master,"
"Oh hell yeah," Yusuke grinned while slamming a fist into his open palm.
"Well it's about time," Amanuma snickered. "Pull the lever!"
The red goblin standing by the slot machine pulled the handle. Everyone else seemed to collectively hold their breath while the options rolled by.
"Sports…tennis…level seven!" Game Master eyed them all. "Which one of you is up for a round of tennis?"
Mitari's face lit up. "Oh perfect, tennis is my speciality! Please, I've got this one!"
"Help yourself," Yusuke shrugged.
Right on cue, there was a flash of light next to Game Master's throne. The Sports Goblin appeared with a sinister laugh.
"You're all familiar with the Sports Goblin," Amanuma sniffed. "I'm sure you already know the skill of the goblin is equal to the level of the game selected, making this one a level seven,"
Every single one of his challengers looked stone-faced, and it heightened the boy's sense of amusement.
"Will you stop looking so unhappy?" He sneered. "We're about to have a lot of fun!"
Yusuke growled. It could not have been more plain that only Game Master himself was intending to have any fun.
The brat heard the annoyance and rolled his eyes again. "Sheesh, you guys are just like her. Crybabies making such a big deal over nothing!"
Yusuke's expression darkened. "What's that supposed to mean?"
Amanuma burst out laughing, knowing he'd hit a nerve, and Yusuke's temper hit a new level.
"What the hell are you laughing at?!"
"Your face!" Amanuma choked out. "You look so mad. It just reminded me of when Ghost showed up with her before. You should've seen it!"
His voice morphed to a high-pitched tone of mockery. "'Oh no, Haruki! Please don't do it! Don't come any closer, get away from me!'"
It was as though an invisible hand had gripped Kurama's insides and twisted them.
Amanuma wasn't done with his reenactment. "And then that other moron of yours, he was all, 'Hey, wake up! What did you freaks do?!' Honestly, you're all taking things way too seriously!"
By now, Amanuma was doubled over in hysterics. He didn't seem at all concerned that nobody else was laughing, nor was he aware of the Spirit Detective's rising blood pressure.
"Shut up!" Yusuke snarled. "You think it's funny?"
At last, Amanuma calmed down enough to reply. "Well, maybe you had to be there," he shrugged.
Genkai saw it. The hint of silver in Kurama's hair. Yusuke's fist preparing for a hit.
"That's enough!" she said sharply. "There's no time,"
Both boys stopped immediately. The old woman was right. Time was not on their side.
"Mitari, go on," Genkai ordered. "You're up,"
Mitari made his way towards the control panel. He'd never looked so determined.
"Seven? They need seven so they leave me out? They always do that!"
Botan paced outside the cave with her arms crossed tightly.
"They think just because I'm a girl I'm no good at video games but they're wrong! And I'm braver than those two eggheads who they've known for, what?"
A giant crow swooped out of a nearby tree. Botan jumped in alarm.
Settle down, Botan. It's just a bird.
With a sigh, Botan slid to the ground and leaned up against Sensui's abandoned truck. Being alone out here was just making her more nervous by the minute.
"Oh please, Koenma. I'm sick of being in charge while you're gone! What is taking you so long?"
That sinister wind blew harder. Botan shivered. She slipped her hands in her pockets for warmth and paused as her fingers brushed something.
The stone! I almost forgot…
Botan pulled Sakura's Hiruseki pendant from her pocket and stared at it. Keiko had pressed it into her hands as they'd left the apartment.
"Keiko?" Botan queried. "What is this for?"
Keiko wiped her eyes and sniffled before she said, "Take it with you. Make sure you keep it safe. She'll need it…when it's over,"
That didn't make any sense to Botan. How could a mere necklace do anything to mitigate whatever horrors Sakura was being forced to endure?
What is that monster doing to her?
If Master Shinsuke were still alive, this situation would have destroyed him. Botan was sure of it. To not only have his missing student working on the side of evil, but also being the one who kidnapped Sakura…
I can't believe we let this happen to you, Kura. I'm so sorry.
Tears filled Botan's eyes as she stroked the pearl's surface. It looked wrong, lying in her hand with a broken chain instead of hanging around Sakura's neck…
Just then, the Hiruseki stone began to glow very faintly.
Botan sat up a little straighter. Was it her imagination? A trick of the fading light? Either way, a strange sense of calm washed over her.
What's going on?
The longer she held the necklace, the better she felt. Did Yukina's gift have some kind of calming energy? Was this why Sakura was so rarely seen without it?
Botan closed her trembling fingers around the pendant. She had to pull herself together. There was no time to fall apart.
"It'll be alright, one way or another," Botan murmured. And somewhere inside, she knew it was true.
From his great height, King Enma glared down at Koenma. His eyes seemed to be burning holes in the toddler, and the trembling ogre who cowered beside him.
"What kind of trouble have you gotten into now?" Enma growled.
Koenma kept his head bowed, partly in respect and partly from shame. "Dad, sir…I need to ask your permission to do something,"
"This has something to do with your renegade Spirit Detective,"
It wasn't a question.
"Yes, Dad," Koenma muttered. "I'm responsible for him, and I want to be responsible for stopping him,"
Enma frowned. "And how do you plan to do so, that you need my permission?"
"By taking…drastic measures,"
"Hmm?" Enma's eyes went slightly wider.
"Sensui now has the means to slice the Kekkai barrier," Koenma said. "And while nobody is sure what his intentions are with Yusuke's sister, it can't be good. There is very little time left. I believe this might be the only way to ensure Yusuke's victory,"
Enma pressed his fingertips together with a frown. "I see. Then you still think the current detective and his twin have a fighting chance, should the tunnel be opened?"
"I do," Koenma nodded. "As long as Sensui is out of the picture, I have no doubt Yusuke and his team can handle damage control,"
Enma looked at Koenma for quite a while. "Your faith in the boy is…commendable," he murmured. "But I still question the validity of that faith,"
Koenma's eyes were on the floor, so he missed his father's reaction. Enma tugged thoughtfully at his beard while he mulled over what Koenma was asking for.
If he only knew the truth…
There was still much to consider. And so much his son had yet to understand about those two.
Amanuma's eyes danced while Mitari got into position at the console.
"No hello for an old friend? No, but seriously, long time no see, man! Get it? Sea Man? It's a pun 'cause of your name!"
Mitari shot a somewhat blank expression towards Amanuma, but otherwise didn't reply.
"I see you haven't lost your sense of humour," Amanuma giggled. "So what's the deal? Have you really jumped ship or are you just playing both sides? Cause you know that's what I'd be doing if I was you! And even if you aren't, it's never too late to start!"
"I'm on their side for real," Mitari replied.
Amanuma smirked. "You do know…they'll never trust you,"
As if on cue, Hiei fixed Yusuke with a hard stare. "Still think we can trust him?"
"Yes,"
The confidence in Yusuke's answer even surprised Kurama.
What makes him so sure?
But before he could enquire further, the holographic goblin had stopped posing and made his own way towards Mitari.
"I'm Sports Goblin! I like to work out and flex my pecs. Just watch them dance!" He laughed and held out his hand. "And I want you to have a good game. Put 'er there!"
Mitari gingerly shook hands with the Sports Goblin. The screen in front of the control panel morphed.
"Singles match, best of five," the announcer said.
Sports Goblin laughed. "That means whoever wins three sets first, wins the match!"
The world around Mitari seemed to shift, warping around him so he was standing at one end of a tennis court in a crowd of cheering spectators. Sports Goblin was now clad in a flash tennis outfit. He was ready.
"Game start. Service, Sports Goblin,"
And so the game began.
Sports Goblin's serve hurtled towards Mitari's avatar. Mitari gasped and started moving the controllers. His own player jumped and struck the ball just in time. Sports Goblin returned the hit, and that's when Mitari seized his chance. The buttons were pressed, his avatar performed a clever combination.
Sports Goblin missed.
"Thank you!" Mitari breathed a sigh of relief.
"And the first point goes to the challenger," Ananuma announced. "The score is fifteen-love,"
He shot a nasty grin at Mitari. "Too bad you can't really play,"
Mitari almost missed the next serve before he quickly reacted. Sports Goblin happily responded, and for several minutes there was nothing but the sound of the ball going back and forth until Amanuma spoke.
"He told me how you were always picked last in gym class, and how all your life you've been labelled an outsider and excluded by all of your peers. It was the same for me. Always picked on and looked at like I was some kind of freak. Alienated by kids my own age and looked down upon by everyone else,"
Mitari was starting to perspire from the pressure. It wasn't just the game that kept him on his toes, but the heckling from his former teammate.
"But Mr Sensui says I was left out because I was superior to them," Amanuma continued. "While you were just excluded because you were too weak,"
Already white-knuckled from the tension, Yusuke lost patience. "How the hell is he supposed to concentrate when that little bitch won't shut up?!" he yelled.
"But that's precisely what the real Goblin King does to distract you," Kaito explained in surprise. "If you ever made it past the intro, you'd know that,"
Yusuke muttered obscenities under his breath.
"Six to one. First set, Sea Man,"
Back and forth the ball went. Everybody watched with bated breath, but Mitari's eyes never wavered from the ball.
"Mr Sensui said he knew you'd be the weak link from the start," Amanuma interjected from the sidelines.
Mitari's focus slipped for just a second, and Sports Goblin pounced.
"Five to seven. Second set, Sports Goblin!"
Amanuma laughed. This was more fun than he imagined. "Do your new pals know what a disloyal coward you are?"
That was it. Mitari's eyes went hard, and he started attacking the ball like his life depended on it.
"Ha!"
Amanuma's words wouldn't affect him anymore. Nothing would.
"Woah…" Yusuke's jaw dropped. It seemed Mitari had completely lost himself in the moment.
Every ounce of his concentration was being poured into the battle. His pain, his anger, the confusion, every single raw emotion fighting inside him was unleashed on the tennis ball.
He had to win. No, he would win. For Kuwabara, for Sakura, for Yusuke and his team, for the world. And for himself.
Sports Goblin didn't stand a chance.
For thirty minutes, the game went on. 6-2. 0-0. 1-1. 3.2. 4-3. 5-3. And finally…
"Game set match. Winner, Sea Man!"
Amid the background cheers, Sports Goblin burst out laughing."Good game! I am the loser!"
He flickered out of sight and Mitari finally relaxed, though he was panting from the effort. It was over. He'd won.
The tennis stadium fizzled out. Mitari took a moment to review his surroundings before taking a step away from the console.
"YES!" Yusuke punched the air in triumph. "You are the man, Mitari!"
But halfway between Game Master and the others, Mitari paused and turned to look Amanuma in the eye. There was something he had to say.
"Amanuma, Mr Sensui was right about one thing he said," Mitari began. "I was weak in that I lacked the courage to accept responsibility for my unhappiness. It was because of that weakness that I bought into Sensui's mission. Blaming the world is the coward's way out,"
Mitari had no idea where this confidence and authoritative speech was coming from, but he drew himself up to his full height and kept going.
"But I'm no weak link. It was ultimately my inner strength that enabled me to break free of the chain,"
Amanuma scowled. "Oh yeah? Well, keep telling yourself that if it makes you feel better. It doesn't change the fact that you're still a traitor. And a coward. They'll turn on you as soon as they realise how pathetic you are,"
Yusuke crossed his arms tightly. "Oh give it up, you brat! He kicked your scrawny ass and that was just the beginning!"
"What?" Amanuma snickered in contempt. "You're saying you actually trust him?"
"Of course I do!" Yusuke retorted.
Mitari hesitated. "I'm grateful, Mr Urameshi. But…what made you so sure?"
A faint smile appeared on Yusuke's lips. "My sister. You keep calling her Kura,"
Mitari looked surprised, along with Kaito and Yana. Apparently they were ignorant to the implications of Sakura's pet name.
"Well, yes," Mitari blinked. "But what does Miss Kura have to do with this?"
"You probably don't realise, but she doesn't let people call her that unless she considers them a friend," Yusuke explained quietly. "And if she trusted you, then that's good enough for me,"
Kurama closed his eyes in relief.
"Oh…" Mitari couldn't help but smile too. "You know, she told me I was underestimating myself, and I think that helped a lot. I realised…it's not too late for me,"
"Sure sounds like something she'd say," Yusuke took a breath and forced a cocky grin at Amanuma. Even thinking of his sister, let alone talking about her, caused raw pain to shoot through his chest.
"Anyway, that's a start I like!" Yusuke bragged. "One, us. Brat King, zero!"
"Yeah yeah," Amanuma waved it off. "Let's just see how you do on this next one!"
The red slot goblin pulled the lever to determine what the next mini game would be.
The horror of Haruki's words took a moment to sink in for Sakura, but after a few seconds she realised what he was saying.
"No," Sakura whispered. "You're not serious,"
Haruki laughed and nodded around the room. "Really? All this, and you still think I'm not serious about you?"
Sakura clamped her lips together. He's distracted again. My strategy is still working.
"You're going to love the Demon World, honey," He smiled and stroked her face. "It's an incredible place. You wouldn't believe it. I mean, I haven't seen it since I was a child, but a place as old as time itself is always breathtaking…of course, not as breathtaking as you, honey. You're something else,"
"Stop it," Sakura turned her head. She couldn't stand to look at him.
"It'll be incredible, once you see it for yourself. You'll understand everything," Haruki went on as though she hadn't spoken. "Without the attachments tying you down, you'll belong to me alone,"
"Will you just stop it?!" Sakura's voice shook with suppressed rage. "You're out of your mind. I'm not going anywhere with you,"
Growling, Haruki pulled her upright, his hands curled tightly around her arms. "Don't you understand?" he hissed. "The human world will be destroyed. Everything and everyone you've ever known will cease to exist. That includes the Spirit Fox and your so-called brother. There won't be anything left!"
"Excuse me?" Sakura narrowed her eyes. "Did you just insinuate that Yusuke isn't my brother?"
"That's right, because he's NOT!" Haruki snapped.
Her jaw dropped. "Not my…? You're…you're kidding, right? We're twins for crying out loud!"
"Shut up!" Haruki growled. "I don't know why or how he convinced you of that, but it's all a lie. You'll see!"
Sakura opened her mouth to respond, but a heavy blow to the face sent her flying. She hit the ground with such force that she skidded a few feet before finally coming to a halt by the wall.
"I was right," Haruki was already standing over her. "I underestimated just how far the Spirit Fox and the Detective went. Looks like it'll take longer than I thought to rid you of their influence. And that means the gentle approach won't work for now,"
His laugh was blood-chilling, made all the more terrifying when his cold fingers tucked a strand of hair behind her ear. "I wish it hadn't come to this, but I'll do what I must,"
"Get…away…from me!" Sakura coughed. The fall had completely knocked all air from her lungs.
Haruki smiled grimly. "Sorry honey. I can't do that. But I promise, I'll make it all up to you when we get to Demon World,"
"That's not going to happen," Sakura said fiercely. "I don't care what you say. Yusuke and the others will-!"
BANG!
The vase Haruki had thrown shattered on the wall above Sakura's head. She held her arms up to shield herself from the broken ceramic, but that didn't prevent a few jagged pieces from leaving small cuts on her exposed skin.
"You won't have a choice," Haruki snapped. "It's what has to happen. Because you belong to me!"
"You're sick!" Sakura spat. "You're just sick. You can't keep me here!"
"I'm sick?!" Haruki scowled. "I'm not the one who erased your memories like it was nothing!"
Despite everything, Sakura rolled her eyes. "If you're going to lie, at least make it believable,"
For one single moment, Haruki looked blankly at Sakura. Just long enough for her to know retribution was coming. And it did.
Kuwabara's head snapped up.
What was that?!
He glanced around at Gourmet, who wasn't indicating that he'd noticed the sudden spike in energy. Neither was Itsuki or Sensui.
Am I going crazy? No, I can definitely sense something. But where did it come from?
Kuwabara scanned the cave. His initial thought was the tunnel, but he quickly realised this was not the case.
I feel it. This insane anger. It's coming from there!
His gaze fell on the jagged wall right of the lake. He knew now. The upheaval was coming from the den where that scarred freak was keeping Sakura.
Something's wrong. She's in trouble!
Kuwabara's teeth clenched. If he could just get his hands free, then maybe…
A kick from behind knocked him over.
"Give it up," Gourmet laughed from above. "It ain't gonna happen,"
Kuwabara struggled upright and shot an acid-filled glare in Gourmet's direction.
"Ooh, that's a scary look," Gourmet taunted. "But it's all you got right now, so I'll allow it,"
Kuwabara's fists closed tightly. He could slice this guy in half, if only he could use his sword.
Gourmet was smirking at him, as if he knew exactly what was going through the boy's mind.
"Bet you feel pretty useless, huh?" he whispered. "I mean, you always have been, but now you're even more useless. Sitting here, wondering what's happening to the girl. Knowing there's nothing you can do…"
Kuwabara went red with anger and he opened his mouth to start yelling again. But something caused him to stop.
From somewhere behind the rock, he heard a muted bang, followed by some unintelligible voices.
Kuwabara's heart skipped several beats.
No!
He wasn't the only one to react. Gourmet noticed the muted commotion too. His smile went wide with pleasure. Sensui only looked mildly curious, at least until there was a high-pitched scream.
"Well how about that," Gourmet grinned. "Sounds like things are getting interesting in there,"
Ice flooded through Kuwabara. He knew Sakura's shriek was one of pain.
"Kura!" he yelled. "Hey, can you hear me?!"
The other psychics laughed at his panic, but Kuwabara barely noticed. He strained his ears, desperately listening for any kind of reply.
At last, he heard something. The barely audible sound of a voice calling his name before abruptly being silenced.
Sensui laughed. "I believe that would be my cue,"
He stood up with great satisfaction. So far, everything and everyone was following his plan to the letter.
Kuwabara's fear for Sakura only increased. "Kura, just hang on! They're coming!"
"That's all you got?" Gourmet snorted. "You really think yelling is gonna make a difference?"
"Shut up!" Kuwabara shot back. "You're dead, all of you. When Urameshi arrives, they'll-!"
Yet another kick cut him off.
"They won't," Gourmet said scornfully. "So you better shut up and stop making a fuss,"
Kuwabara started pulling at his restraints with no success while Sensui made his way over to the hidden entrance.
"You needn't be concerned, Kuwabara. But if it would set your mind at ease, I'll go check on Miss Urameshi,"
With Gourmet pressing his face into the ground, all Kuwabara could do was send a desperate thought to his friends.
Hurry up guys!
Yana read each category aloud as they appeared. "Shooting. Battle Helicopter. Level Six,"
Shooting Goblin appeared in a flash of light. "You cannot defeat me, for I'm the greatest fighter pilot in the world!"
"A classic flight shooter!" Genkai grinned. "I could clear out this game with one hand stuck in a vice. I'm calling this one!"
Kurama gestured her forward. "Please, take care Genkai,"
"Yeah. Show us your skills, old lady," Despite the dire situation, Yusuke seemed contractually obligated to be sarcastic.
Genkai placed her hand on the joystick. The world around her moulded, and she found herself in the cockpit of a helicopter.
"Each player has three lives," The announcer explained. "You must take out your opponent's base and helicopter before losing all lives, or you will have failed your mission. Now hit the skies!"
The helicopter launched out of the ocean and into the air. Genkai immediately spotted the five tankers waiting for her, and she flew towards them.
Guns shot at her from all directions, but she evaded them all with unrivalled skill. It seemed Genkai's dodging technique was not simply restricted to the physical realm.
Everyone watched in astonishment while she expertly pivoted around the missiles and got close enough to shoot each tanker's armament. With a colossal explosion, they were all destroyed.
Game Master's eyes lit up with delight.
"That's incredible!" Kaito gasped. "She cleared out the first level without a single mistake!"
The scene twisted into more of an industrial landscape. This time, Genkai faced guns aimed at her from the sides of buildings. Undeterred, she made a beeline for the base in spite of the shots being fired.
Yusuke nearly had a heart attack. "There's no way she'll make it!"
"She's attacking the base directly," Kaito watched in amazement. "She'll have to be flawless to survive that!"
Genkai heard them and snapped over her shoulder. "Thanks for the real votes of confidence! You two should be cheerleaders; you'd look cute in skirts!"
As she approached the fortified base, Genkai saw it was protected by more than missiles. Rotating blades around her target also blocked a clear shot.
Without hesitation, Genkai pushed the joystick forward with split-second precision.
"Did you see that move?!" Kaito blinked.
Now past the blades, Genkai hovered in front of the red target. She aimed and fired and just like that the second base was destroyed.
"Geez Grandma," Yusuke laughed. "Hiding some skills in that witch hair?!"
"Had to have something to do on rainy days," Genkai grinned back.
The smoke parted as another helicopter entered the fray. It was being piloted by the Shooting Goblin himself, and needless to say he looked far from impressed.
"You're going to pay for that, land-scum!"
"Bring all you got, fly boy!" Genkai called.
Shooting Goblin did just that, rushing at Genkai in a clear display of power.
This calls for evasive action!
Had anyone watching blinked, they would've missed it. In the span of five seconds, Genkai wove and ducked around her prey before expertly angling her weapon exactly where it was needed for the final push.
The Goblin's dying scream was quickly swallowed up in the third and final explosion.
"Game Over. Winner, Genkai!"
Amanuma nodded approvingly as Genkai stepped away from the controller.
"Hey, you really are good for an old nobody!"
"You always this cheerful when someone kicks your ass?" Yusuke snorted.
Amanuma nodded happily. "You betcha! Especially when you've just wasted your most talented player on the easiest game that I've got here!"
Yusuke balled up his fists. "Take your dunce horns and put yourself in timeout!"
Amanuma ignored the insult and announced the next challenge.
"Action Battle, King of the Mountain, level one,"
Naturally the Battle Goblin made his royal entrance and struck a few poses. "Are you ready for a whupping? Come fight me!"
The anxiety Yusuke felt gave way to relief. "Oh yeah. Wouldn't you know it's a fighting game when my turn comes up!" he crowed. "I'm feeling lucky old lady, fortune tapping at my elbow!"
"That was me, telling you not to be stupid," Genkai growled.
"Hey, it's me!" Yusuke laughed. He cracked his knuckles and assumed a fighting stance after pressing the start button.
"You promised, honey. You promised no screaming!"
Sensui could already hear Haruki's temper flaring before he'd even made it halfway through the hidden tunnel.
There was an unintelligible reply from Sakura, far too quiet to make out. Especially once Haruki's voice rose above hers.
"Is that right, my little porcelain doll? Do you still trust him? Still clinging to the fantasy he's created, even though you've seen otherwise?"
"Stop it," Sakura's voice pleaded. "You don't understand anything about him. Or me. Just stop!"
"No, honey. I won't. You deserve the truth. The Spirit Fox doesn't love you. He never did. He just wants to control you. Can't you see it?!"
Sensui laughed to himself. The boy was so blissfully unaware of the irony.
"Then why are you so afraid of them coming after me?" Sakura snapped. "I can see it in your eyes. You've been scared ever since you saw them enter the cave,"
Sensui turned the corner. He wasn't close enough for Haruki to realise he was there, but he had a splendid view of the scene that awaited him.
"A tournament of monsters in a forgotten realm. all fighters clash at once in a battle royale. The last one standing becomes King of the Mountain. You have three lives,"
Five monsters appeared, charging at Yusuke who had already prepared his move. One spirit-powered fist was all it took to knock each of his opponents for six.
"Group discounts," Yusuke grinned in triumph. If he couldn't dish out some justice on the nutcase who'd kidnapped his twin sister yet, these punching bags were a decent substitute.
But his celebration proved to be premature. The monsters immediately straightened up and came back for round two. The collaborative punch sent Yusuke flying. He ended up on the ground for a moment so his pixelated life could expire before respawning several feet away.
"Player one has died. Two lives remaining,"
"Dimwit!" Genkai called irritably. "You see the targets on their chests? You have to hit them for real damage!"
"Sorry Grandma," Yusuke was already running back for more. Bam!
"I thought they were just wearing…"
Bam! Bam!
"…big red bullseyes…"
Bam!
"…to be fashionable!"
Yusuke looked around at his fallen opponents with a cocky smile. That wasn't even a warm up for him.
"Don't just stand there looking pretty!" Genkai hollered. "Get the power potion!"
Yusuke realised what she meant just in time. As the bodies flickered out of sight, he spotted the item Genkai spoke of and hurried to retrieve it.
And not a moment too soon, for just then a shadow fell across the entire mountain landscape.
Potion in hand, Yusuke turned around in alarm and his jaw dropped at the sight. Battle Goblin was towering over him, absolutely gigantic. Yusuke was barely the size of his little toe.
As if to prove this, Battle Goblin raised his giant foot and kicked Yusuke clean across the battlefield. He landed with an enormous crash on the ground, hard enough to leave a crater.
"He's helpless now!" Yana cried.
But with the phenomenal convenience only found in video games, the Power Potion tumbled through the air and ended up exactly where it was most needed: right in Yusuke's mouth.
One swallow was enough for Yusuke to be engulfed in a blinding rainbow orb, and his body started swelling. He drank deeply, feeling not only his physical transformation, but his sense of confidence with it.
"They should sell this stuff at the gas station!" Yusuke looked down at his powered-up body with a grin. Now that he was on a more even size, Battle Goblin was a dead man walking. It seemed his opponent knew it too from the fear on his face.
Yusuke raised a cocky eyebrow. "Hey, where's your bullseye?"
Both fists flew, but it was no contest. Battle Goblin ended up as a crater on the side of a mountain at least a mile away.
Yusuke smirked and his body began returning to normal. "When in doubt, blow up a mountain!"
"Game over. Winner, Yusuke!"
Before the announcement had even finished, Yusuke was already making his triumphant return.
"Please!" he snorted. "I've had crazier fights in real life!"
Slamming a fist into his other hand, Yusuke whirled around to call out. His gut told him Haruki saw and heard everything.
"Haruki! Are you paying attention, you son of a bitch?! That was nothing compared to what I've got in store for you. You're already dead!"
No response aside from Amanuma's renewed laughter as he finally stood up and threw the costume away.
"AI is so disappointing. But that just means it's the Goblin King's turn!"
Sakura doubled over, clutching at her torso. Trying to respond to Kuwabara's call had come at a price. Her ribs felt like they were on fire after being thrown straight into the chair by Haruki, but thankfully nothing seemed to be broken.
Probably just bruised them.
Frankly, physical injury was the least of her worries right now. Haruki had already crossed the gap between them and slammed his hands on either side of her. Effectively trapped again, Sakura stared into her captor's ice-cold rage.
"It's sad, really. You deserve so much more than that creature, but you're still caught in his web of lies,"
Sakura gritted her teeth. "Don't you say a word against Kurama!"
Another deadly moment of silence followed. Haruki reached out and seized Sakura's jaw.
"So you still think they have a chance?" he whispered dangerously. "Well, let me tell you something, honey!"
SMACK!
Sakura was blinded by stars before she found herself pinned against the wall by her throat. It seemed he really wasn't playing around anymore. The pressure on her neck proved it.
"You're mine now," Haruki snarled. "You will always be mine. I'm not letting anything or anyone take you away from me! Do you understand?! Not the Spirit Fox, not that moronic detective, NOTHING! Got it?!"
Sakura nodded frantically. Anything to get oxygen.
Satisfied, Haruki smiled. "Good girl,"
He relaxed his grip slightly before lowering his voice. "You know, you aren't entirely wrong. The detective and his friends might have had a chance at defeating Game Master if you'd been with them. But since you're with us, they'll fail,"
Sakura's eyes went wide for just a moment before hardening again. She shook her head firmly.
"We'll see, my little porcelain doll," Haruki purred. "Perhaps I'll even let you watch the fun. And I wonder how quickly you'll change your mind…when they're no longer around to control you,"
"Is this what you call keeping your temper in check, my boy?"
Sensui stepped into the den. He shook his head in disapproval at the sight, but Sakura saw the smile tugging at his lips. He was enjoying this immensely.
"Mr Sensui," Haruki finally released Sakura who dropped to the ground. "I…I was just about to call for you…"
Sensui didn't reply to his minion; he was far more interested in what their guest was doing. With obvious difficulty, Sakura hauled herself upright while massaging her neck. She seemed to be looking anywhere but at the two of them.
"Miss Urameshi," Sensui smirked. "I've been waiting for this moment for quite some time,"
Standing there in his four foot seven inch glory, Amanuma's declaration evoked different reactions amongst the group. Yusuke glared. Yana gulped. Genkai and Kurama remained stone-faced. But Kaito pushed his glasses up slightly with a sigh.
"It'd be much more authentic if he kept the robe on,"
Mitari went slightly pale. "He's so eager," he muttered.
"Yes, the first three games were necessary to follow the game's script," Kurama's eyes narrowed slightly. "But this is what he's been waiting for,"
Something wasn't right. He knew it.
Hiei snorted, and Amanuma giggled with his hands behind his head. Nobody knew what to say. Despite the fact that they had creamed the game in the first three rounds, this boy didn't seem fazed at all.
That confident smile was all the confirmation Kurama needed. Something was very wrong here, and he could no longer afford to stay silent. There was far too much at stake.
"Yusuke," Kurama muttered in his ear. "You'll need a plan B,"
"Hmm?" Yusuke's eyebrow rose.
"If the Game Master is equal in skill to the Goblin King in the game, it is most likely that either Kaito or I will defeat him, allowing the rest of our group to move on. But I fear this child is far superior to even the computer's highest difficulty. Why else would he choose this specific game to bring to life?"
Yusuke frowned. "Yeah…unless he's got some fetish for losing that's a pretty good point,"
"So…in case Kaito and I…don't make it, you need to start looking for another way out of this territory. Outside of the game,"
"In case you don't…?"
I've seen Kurama survive when his body was chained to a thousand pounds and ice knives were headed for his throat. He never flinched. Now he thinks this play school dropout has him pinned? Are we really that down?
Yusuke didn't want to believe it. He couldn't. "No way, Fox Boy. You can't. Kura needs you,"
"Yusuke, listen," Kurama sounded calm, but there was an urgency about him that stunned the spirit detective. "If I fall…you must push on. Promise me you will rescue her from that deviant,"
"Well, naturally," Yusuke couldn't keep the tremor out of his voice. "But it's not going to come to that,"
"We have to plan as though it will," Kurama murmured. "We know little about Haruki's abilities, and it's likely Sensui has other obstacles in our path as well,"
Yusuke's heart sank. "You really think so?"
Kurama nodded and lowered his voice. "However, someone as overconfident as Haruki will not consider the possibility of losing. This is likely the key to defeating him,"
Before Yusuke could ask anything else, Amanuma had stepped up to the slot machine. "Let's give it a spin! I hope we get an action one; I wanna beat you in style!"
The selections were made, and Amanuma's face fell when he saw what the next game would be.
"Aww, son of a gun! Not the Master Quiz game! This is like, my least favourite game of all of them!"
Yusuke grinned. "Good news for the good guys!"
"I trust you'll let me play," Kaito piped up.
Kurama smiled graciously, all signs of worry gone from his face. "Please,"
"You better play it smart, Kaito," Yusuke muttered. "Kurama thinks this kid's pretty dangerous,"
Kaito pushed his glasses up his nose and walked forward. He had nothing to fear.
Amanuma giggled all the way to his own control panel. His carefree attitude only heightened Kurama's sense of worry.
"He just said this was his least favourite game. Yet he's still happy, and at ease…"
Without Sakura, the options to find out more were limited. Instead, Kurama drew closer to the one person who might know.
"Now, Mitari. What can you tell me about the workings of the Game Master's power?"
"I don't know," Mitari admitted. "I never saw him practising it, really. I just know he can bring games to life. I don't think he's used his power much. Mr Sensui didn't really want him to,"
Kurama froze. If Sensui had prevented Amanuma from training…
Could it be?
Cold logic was beginning to fit the pieces together, but Kurama pushed the thought away.
Or at least, he tried to.
Now in position, Amanuma offered his tiny hand to Kaito. "Good luck shake?"
"Don't spoil the part," Kaito sniffed. "The real Goblin King wouldn't ask for a handshake,"
Amanuma shrugged. "Yeah yeah, spoil the part, you just spoiled the fun! This is a multiple choice quiz where you buzz in to answer. Each right answer gets a point, and the first to ten wins. If you answer something wrong, you won't lose points, but if you make three mistakes you're disqualified,"
"I know!" Kaito almost snapped.
"May the smartest brain win the game!" Amanuma called out.
"Welcome to the Master Quiz," the game announcer said. "Are you ready to play?"
Sakura never thought she'd be so relieved to see an enemy. Even so, she averted her eyes as Sensui looked her over, specifically at the number of cuts and bruises decorating her skin.
"I thought I told you to keep her in pristine condition, Haruki," Sensui's tone was light and calm, but his face was stern. "Don't tell me you disobeyed a direct order,"
Haruki froze. "No sir! I just…she's being so stubborn-"
"Yes, and if what I just witnessed is anything to go by, I'm not surprised,"
Haruki looked slightly ashamed. "I'm…sorry, Mr Sensui. I got carried away,"
"I don't believe I'm the one who needs an apology, my boy," Sensui nodded down at Sakura who was massaging her neck.
Haruki went pale and immediately dropped to his knees beside Sakura. It was as if he'd just realised what he'd done, and wanted to fix it.
"Honey?"
Sakura immediately backed out of his reach, but Haruki wasn't deterred. He reached out and cupped her face.
"I just-"
His sentence was cut short by Sakura's hand slapping him away.
"Don't TOUCH ME!" she cried out.
"I quite agree," Sensui sounded amused. "Step aside, my boy. You've done more than enough for now,"
Reluctantly, Haruki backed off. Sensui took his place, towering over the teenage girl who was so crucial to his plans.
"As I was saying before, Sakura. I've been wanting to meet you for a long time. We have a great deal to discuss,"
She sighed. "More stimulating conversation. Great,"
"Don't you dare-!" Haruki began.
Sensui silenced him with a look before turning back to Sakura.
"I do apologise for his lack of manners, Miss Urameshi," he said politely. "I should have emphasised the importance of treating our prisoners with respect. Especially when they still have a role to play,"
Sakura's eyes narrowed. "Spare me the used car salesman act. I'm not in the mood,"
"That's fair enough," Sensui chuckled. "Why don't you have a seat and we can talk properly?"
"I'm comfortable where I am,"
Sensui smiled. "Very well then,"
Sakura sat up a little straighter and forced herself to look Sensui in the eye before asking, "Where's Kuwabara? Is he ok?"
Sensui's eyes glittered. "You sound so concerned," he mused. "Put your mind at rest, Sakura. He's perfectly fine,"
Her brow creased with suspicion. "Why should I believe you?"
"Come now, girl. Think about it. Kuwabara's power is invaluable for this mission. I'm not going to jeopardise that,"
Sakura scoffed. "You'd be better off trying a regular pair of scissors on the Kekkai barrier. Kuwabara won't help you,"
Sensui shook his head with a laugh. "Gourmet will take care of that problem," he sneered. "You should feel honoured, Sakura. Like your friend, you also share the same great purpose of ending all humanity,"
"I was right. You really are as dumb as you look,"
Sakura's retort earned a raised eyebrow from Sensui.
"Even if I wanted to help, which won't ever be happening, you've forgotten one tiny detail," Sakura explained with a weak chuckle. "I can't use my spirit energy thanks to him," she indicated to Haruki with a scowl, then glared at Sensui. "I'm of no use to you. So why am I here?!"
Sensui laughed harder. "Your Spirit Energy? That's the least of my concerns," he grinned over at Haruki. "Very impressive, my boy. That has to be a new record for Technique Zero,"
"It is," Haruki grinned back. "And she hasn't even realised yet,"
Sakura felt cold all over. "Wh-what is that supposed to mean?"
Her voice shook, and that seemed to amuse her captors further.
"Oh honey. You honestly think I'd tell you that?" Haruki snorted.
Sensui held up a hand for quiet. "I'll let Haruki explain the true origins of Technique Zero to you in a moment, Miss Urameshi," he said. "But first, I do believe you had another question. About your role in this game,"
Sensui's eyes filled with darkness, and a horrible smile cracked across his face.
"To put it simply, there's already quite the crowd of C-class demons drooling at the tunnel entrance, just waiting for the moment to satisfy their hunger. But such lowly creatures can easily be dispersed by the Spirit Detective and his friends. Spirit World probably wouldn't even need to send reinforcements,"
He closed his eyes. "But the higher ranking destroyers, the A and S-Class, are another story,"
Sakura was frozen stiff. What was he saying?
"The Demon World is vast, with many unexplored lands," Sensui continued. "This tunnel won't reach all of them. Not without an invitation,"
Panic gripped Sakura. "No…"
"Oh yes," He took her face in his hand. "When the Kekkai barrier is gone, your telepathy will reach all the greatest destroyers of the demon race, and therefore bring about the judgement of all humans,"
Sakura's face went whiter than new-fallen snow.
A.N. At last, some answers. Although I will say there's still plenty Sakura needs to uncover before this ordeal ends, and many more answers are rapidly coming.
I'd deeply appreciate a review, and make sure you follow/favourite. Also, a reminder that I published a bonus chapter for The Dark Tournament in case you haven't already read it.
UPDATE 21/8: Chapter 27 is taking longer than expected. It's probably the biggest and most explosive chapter I've written thus far, so I don't want to upload until it's up to scratch. Don't worry though, it will DEFINITELY be published this week!
Thanks for your support, Sakura and I love you!
~ Rosentic
Next Chapter: In a brazen attempt to get what he wants, Haruki reveals the truth about his past...