A.N. I don't have much to say here, except that things are going to get INSANE from this chapter onwards. We are well and truly at the third act now, and I'm super excited to finish up this incredible saga with you all soon.
Now I'm going to go climb into my bomb shelter as I'm quite sure a few of you will be howling for my blood after reading this. All I ask is that you trust me!
IloviendoNoshi: What shall she do indeed? Enjoy finding out!
Remiko Okami: He really has gone mad and it's all downhill from there, I'm afraid. When Kurama finds her there will be hell to pay.
Ghost of Magic: thank you! I really played the long game with Haruki, but I think it worked well enough. Sensui is by far my favourite YYH villain, and he's in my top 3 anime villains of all time. He's just so fascinating!
Nyac Silver Fang: I agree, tragic as it is I really do think Haruki is too far gone for redemption. He did what he had to in order to survive, but yes, that little boy inside is still desperately wanting to believe he wasn't abandoned. You're absolutely spot on with rest though. So glad you love this story as much as I do.
Ukitakeitalialover: He has, but that doesn't change his actions. You might just be right about how to save him. Hope you enjoy the chapter.
B.Martinez: Here you go!
Chapter 31
"Hey Mr Sensui?"
"Yes Amanuma?"
The little boy put down his game controller and rubbed the back of his neck. "I've beaten Mario 3 twice now. I wanna play something different."
"Is that right?" Sensui said mildly. "Street Fighter 2 should be in the box."
"Awww, come on Mr Sensui! You know what I really want to play!"
"You know I can't let you play Goblin City."
Amanuma scowled. "I don't mean I want to practise my Territory with it. I just…I want…"
His shoulders slumped a little. Sensui smiled.
"You'll have a chance to play Goblin City soon enough. I assure you, it'll be worth the wait."
"Really?"
"Of course, Game Master. With seven people to play with, it'll be a game to die for."
"Alright then," Amanuma grumbled. "But what am I s'posed to play now?"
Sensui chuckled. "Why don't you go see what Ghost has in his den?"
Amanuma's eyes bugged out. "His den?! But nobody's allowed…won't he be mad?"
Sensui jerked his head towards Haruki's hideout. "He's off running a few errands. But you can take a look. He won't mind. In fact, I'm sure he'd be happy to kill some time playing with you when he returns."
Amanuma's freckled face lit up and he hurried off down the hidden tunnel.
Sensui looked back towards Itsuki, still sitting in the boat, the portal above his head expanding in front of their eyes. The two exchanged a conspiratorial smile.
"All according to plan, Mr Sensui?"
"All according to plan." Sensui smirked.
"How many times, honey? How many times must you see them fail before you understand?"
Haruki glowered at Sakura, who was staring at the television and shaking her head in denial. The sight was so pitiful it made his temper flare.
"Look at you, whimpering over a useless group of humans and demon traitors who can't even treat you as an equal," he snorted. "You deserve so much better."
"Is that right?" she said with her eyes on the screen. "And by your logic, using my telepathy to call the S-class demons is the better option?"
Sensui stepped forward, and for the first time he looked irritated. "As I explained before, Miss Urameshi, you're destined to help put this cursed world out of its misery. This isn't something you can fight. It's what must happen."
"The boys haven't lost yet. They can still win against that little shrimp. Kurama will-!"
Haruki gripped the back of Sakura's neck in warning. The only sound she made after that was a squeak of terror.
Sensui looked closely at each of the players on the screen. The majority were confused and frustrated. The Spirit Detective looked predictably incensed and Hiei coldly indifferent, but it was the Spirit Fox who piqued Sensui's interest.
Kurama stared at Amanuma without blinking. His face appeared impassive, but a closer look revealed the beads of perspiration forming. And even from this distance, his eyes were fearful.
Sensui smiled to himself. That's right, Kurama. You know, don't you?
This couldn't be more perfect. All he had to do now was set the wheels in motion, starting with Haruki.
"Ghost, it would seem the Spirit Fox has figured it out."
Haruki sat up a little straighter. "Oh really?"
"Yes, and that means the time is almost upon us."
"Oh," Haruki laughed. "That certainly changes things."
"Indeed. Our contingency plan might be necessary after all."
Haruki grinned. "Of course, sir. What do you require of me?"
"What are you saying?" Sakura asked sharply. "You better tell me what's going on, or-"
Haruki pulled her back into his chest and growled another warning.
"Thank you, my boy. As I was saying, the Spirit Fox knows. Soon, he will have to decide. And in the event of Amanuma's loss…"
"I understand, sir. The contingency plan."
"Are you talking about Yusuke? Or Kurama?" Sakura's voice shook. "If you even lay a finger on them-!"
"Still gnawing on that bone, I see." Sensui said. "Insisting the odds are in your favour. Unfortunately it's not fooling anyone, Miss Urameshi. I know that you're utterly terrified."
Sakura opened her mouth to deny it, but Haruki's death grip steeled even further.
"That's right, Sakura. I know exactly what you're thinking," Sensui went on. "You're desperate for the Detective and his friends to come after you. But at the same time, you fear what will become of them if they do."
"You're wrong. That's not what I-"
Sensui smiled and approached the bed like a killer about to strike. "You can deny it, of course, but it's pointless. We already know. You still cling to the idea that they can still win…" he gestured to the TV, "And stop the tunnel from opening, but that will never happen. It's already too late."
"Not a chance," she growled through clenched teeth. "They'll find a way, I know it!"
"You say that, but what does their track record against us look like so far?" Sensui said. "And that's not even close to what we're capable of. You truly have no idea what your friends are up against."
Haruki laughed. "Without your telepathy, they can't beat Amanuma. Without you, they're trapped indefinitely. They'll never make it here, honey. Get that through your head and stop trying to convince yourself."
Sakura choked back a sob. Haruki leaned down and snarled in her ear.
"Even if those fools defeat Game Master, there's plenty more where that came from. They'll walk straight into our trap, honey. One they can't think or fight their way out of. And you can't stop this either. It's already over."
"What trap?" Sakura demanded. "You've said over and over there's something waiting for them. What is it?"
Sensui raised a brow. "You haven't already guessed?"
"And why should we tell you, honey?" Haruki snorted. "It's not like you can do anything about it."
"Exactly," Sensui said. "Besides, you haven't given us anything to warrant telling you."
Sakura turned away. She couldn't stand it. Her friends, her brother, the boy she loved, trapped in an endless cycle and she was helpless to do anything about it...
"How does that make you feel, Ghost?" Sensui asked. "Even after opening your heart, she continues to stubbornly deny you any answers."
No answer. Instead, Haruki released Sakura and stood up instead, ostensibly to collect his discarded shirt.
"You know everything now, my little porcelain doll. You saw what I survived. You know my story. And I'm curious…" he finished putting his shirt on before turning to Sakura.
She shrank back. Haruki tilted his head as a demented smile slowly appeared on his face.
"They called me a monster. What do you think I am?"
His opponents were all horror-struck, but Amanuma couldn't have been happier.
"Well now that you've figured out my plan, you know that we've got all the time in the world to play games," he bounced up and down on his heels. "So come on, let's play some more, 'cause you guys are fun to beat!"
"You have gotta be the stupidest most immature brat that ever lived. And that means a lot coming from me," Yusuke sniped. "Your games are gonna get us all killed!"
"Nah. Once the tunnel is done, I'll throw the game and lose. Then you'll all be free to go!"
Kurama's stomach twisted at Amanuma's words. He knew exactly what was going on here, but it didn't look like anyone else did.
You cannot run away from the truth, Shuichi. You know.
Yoko was nudging him in the inevitable direction. But was there another way? Surely there was something. There always was.
His heart pounding, he watched Amanuma pull the lever again. But he wasn't the only one on edge.
"Kurama, I've been trying to summon flames, but it's a no go," Hiei said with a small flex of his arm. "As in Kaito's territory, powers that could interfere don't function."
Yusuke hissed in frustration. They'd already wasted more than two hours playing with this kid, and that wasn't even counting the back-and-forth saga to enter the Territory in the first place. Time was rapidly running out.
"What are we gonna be free to go to if the whole world's turned into a demon parking lot? We've gotta find another way out of this!"
"It's no use," Hiei said immediately. "I tried, and look what good that did us. We're in the child's Territory, and just as it was with Kaito in that ugly mansion we're bound to the rules he's set, no matter how ridiculous."
He turned on his heel and stalked away.
"Where the hell are you going?" Yusuke asked.
Hiei took up a seated position against the wall and answered, "I know as much of games as I do of hugs and puppies and care for them even less. Wake me for the end of the world."
Kurama's senses spiked. The Jagan was glowing faintly again, so faintly that he doubted anyone else could see.
Hiei, what are you up to?
The fire demon made eye contact for a fleeting moment. There was no verbal or telepathic response, but the look in Hiei's crimson eyes told Kurama everything.
Trust me.
And his head bowed.
What's going on? Has something happened to Kura?
Kurama's blood pressure and panic skyrocketed before he forced himself to calm down. He couldn't afford to panic. Until they escaped this Territory, there was little he could do.
Whatever Hiei knew, Kurama couldn't question it. He had to keep faith in his friend.
Do what you must, Hiei.
Meanwhile, Yusuke sighed at Hiei before turning away. "Kurama, is there any way you could whoop this kid's ass?"
Kurama hesitated. Voicing his suspicion would make it final. Absolute.
But he had no choice.
"Actually, I'm…more worried of defeating Amanuma than I am of not."
Yusuke blinked. "You wanna translate that?"
"As Hiei said, he's made it so that everyone in his Territory operates under the laws of the game, thus our fate is the same as that of the challenger in the arcade," Kurama began slowly. "As long as we choose to continue, we can go on indefinitely. If we quit, our lives are over. However, as Kaito demonstrated, Amanuma is not immune to his own Territory's logic. I'm afraid this young boy is naive when it comes to the dire consequences of his own power. If he loses…he too must follow his game counterpart's fate. Merely a pawn in Sensui's shadowy grasp."
Yusuke stared at Kurama's stricken face, so different from his usual calm demeanour.
Sensui, why do you keep putting us in these situations?!
"Puzzle, Three-Seven, Level G. Alright, the game is Three-Seven," Amanuma snickered. "Which one of you wants to play next? There's only three left, and one of you's actually sleeping! Not that I couldn't beat you at Three-Seven in MY sleep."
Kurama glanced at Hiei. That's what he wants everyone to think. He's up to something else.
But frankly, Hiei was the least of Kurama's concerns.
Two paths stood in front of Kurama. He contemplated the outcome of both. If they stopped playing, they would die. But if Amanuma lost…
One choice was devastating, the other was catastrophic. Both were irreversible. And one was going to happen no matter what.
His whole world tilted, lurching with fear, with dread, with utter fury.
Why, Sensui?!
Their enemy had orchestrated all of this. It was his doing, and his alone. But Kurama couldn't argue that this final act, the way to end the game in their favour, would rest on his shoulders.
Kurama's fused soul was being pulled apart. Forced or not, the consequences would be a direct result of his actions.
Is there really no other way?
Shuichi and Yoko knew the answer. And above all, one terrifying question hovered over his head.
What would Kura think?
She'd find out. There was no getting around it. Haruki and Sensui would almost certainly make her watch. She probably was, right this moment. Is that why Hiei was worried?
Would she understand? Would she blame herself? Or me?
Just then, a sharp pain stabbed through Kurama, almost making him double over.
But it wasn't his own. This pain was from a distance, one that was entirely separate from his body. And he knew instantly what caused it.
Kura!
Had any of the others felt it too? If so, none of them were showing it.
Kurama shut his eyes for a moment.
They've blocked off all communication with Kura. Why now? What are they doing to her?
There were many possibilities, each more terrifying than the other.
Sakura's ordeal at the hands of the tokage in Maze Castle, while short-lived, had unquestionably left deep psychological scars, and the match against Akumu at the Dark Tournament had almost destroyed her psyche. Somehow, Sakura had pulled through.
But what now? Was she suffering even worse horrors at the hands of Sensui and Haruki? Had they inflicted greater physical damage than the tokage? Or even worse, had they crossed the threshold and…?
Kurama gritted his teeth at the thought. Nothing was off the table. Especially with that scent hanging in the air. He'd recognised it the moment they'd set foot in Demon's Door Cave.
You cannot fool me, Sensui. I know who else is hiding down there.
That monster might be waiting in the shadows. Or perhaps he had already set upon the most precious flower of all…
The very idea took Kurama's breath away.
Enough is enough.
The physical pain was nothing compared to the desperation he felt now. Thanks to Sensui's meddling, they'd been delayed for hours. Sakura had been held captive for too long. She must be in agony.
You have no choice, Shuichi. Rescuing Kura is all that matters. Win, at any cost.
Yoko was right. With all that was on the line, cold logic had to take priority. Sakura was in terrible danger, and neither his human or demon side could allow it to continue.
At last, Kurama stepped forward. "I'll do what's best."
"Well, honey? I'm waiting."
Sakura stared down at her tingling hands for a moment before she shook her head.
"I can't answer that."
Haruki took a step towards her. "Why not? It's a fair question."
She took a deep breath, then looked up and said, "Does it matter what I think? It won't change anything."
"Don't avoid the question, Miss Urameshi," Sensui said. "You know his secrets. Why won't you do the same?"
"Sensui," Sakura gave him her filthiest glare. "For once in your life, shut up."
Sensui's facial expression didn't change. Neither did his voice. But his glance towards Haruki spelled doom.
"Ghost?"
Haruki was upon her in a flash. "I'm not going to warn you again, my sweet. I might not be a monster, but I will be if you don't start talking. We're running out of time. Tell me what secrets you're hiding."
She didn't respond.
"You saw my past. All I'm asking for is a truthful answer."
Nothing.
"I'm not messing around anymore, honey. You said before that you'd never lie to me," He gripped her shoulder, hard. "So tell me the truth. What are you?!"
"Stop it," she spat. Her bloodshot eyes were swimming with anger and tears again. "Stop asking me questions I can't answer!"
"What are you hiding?! You're no human, so tell me what you really are!"
"I told you," Sakura said as fiercely as she could. "I'm not hiding anything. I'm just me. I'm just Sakura."
SMACK!
"I'm not hearing that line anymore," Haruki shouted while Sakura clutched her cheek. "Why, honey?! Why won't you just tell me?!"
"Because I promised I'd never lie to you!"
The rage on Haruki's face vanished. A second later, it became a sneer. "Oh, is that how it's going to be? Well, looks like I'll have to-"
"You'll do nothing further, my boy."
Everything came to a screeching halt, including the atmosphere. Haruki and Sakura stared at Sensui in utter disbelief.
"Mr Sensui?" Haruki breathed. "What are you saying?"
"I'm saying that the situation has changed. Leave your questions aside for now."
"But Mr Sensui!" Haruki gasped. "My answers, I'm so close-!"
"You'll get your answers, eventually," Sensui said calmly. "It's just going to take a little longer than expected."
Haruki clenched his fists so tightly his knuckles glowed white. He stared at Sensui, then Sakura, apparently too confused and enraged to speak.
"I'm so close…" he choked out. "Mr Sensui, I have to know. You promised me I'd get my answers!"
"It's alright, Ghost," Sensui looked at Sakura through narrowed eyes. "It seems my suspicions were correct. She's been bewitched. Still doesn't remember her true origins. But it's not her fault. The Spirit Fox has truly done a fabulous job on her."
Haruki's teeth ground together. "The Spirit Fox?!"
"No!" Sakura burst out. "You're full of it, Sensui! I'm not hiding anything and you know it!"
"Hear that, my boy?" Sensui laughed. "Completely brainwashed. The Spirit Detective certainly helped as well. It's no wonder she can't answer your questions."
Sakura nearly exploded. "Stop it! Stop lying to him, you asshole! You know Kurama hasn't-!"
In one swift move, Haruki slammed her down on the bed.
"If I hear you say that creature's name again," he hissed, "There will be hell to pay, honey. Do you hear me?"
She nodded slowly.
"His name doesn't belong on your lips, my little porcelain doll. The Spirit Fox doesn't deserve to enter your thoughts. And he won't after tonight. I'll destroy them all. Every single one of them…"
She glared at him, but didn't protest. There was no need, because she knew something they didn't.
They didn't know what was happening inside her body. They couldn't feel how her tingling hands had morphed to a burning sensation, and how that only meant one thing.
My ki is back. Technique Zero does have a time limit!
But was it strong enough to make a difference? She certainly didn't feel like she could fire more than one blast in her state. Two, maybe, if she got desperate…
It's nearly time, Sakura. This is probably your last chance. You have to make it count!
"Haruki," Sensui said while staring at the TV again. "I'm afraid we're out of time."
As Kurama made his way over to the control panel, Yana squinted at the screen.
"Pardon my ignorance, but what does Three-Seven mean?"
"It's a test of your spatial reasoning, mathematical prowess and hand dexterity. It's fun."
Kaito's explanation drew nothing but blank stares from Yusuke and Yana.
"Various combinations of the numbers from zero to seven drop, and you must arrange them so that the sum of three numbers vertically or horizontally is equal to seven, eliminating those blocks," Kaito said. "You can also get rid of blocks by, as the title suggests, lining up three sevens in a row. The object of the game is to clear as many blocks as possible, which becomes increasingly difficult as they fall at faster speeds. If the blocks fill up all the way to the top, you lose."
Yana groaned. "I've got a migraine just from hearing the instructions."
"Yes, it can be quite the frustrating brain buster," Kaito admitted. "Once, I played it for thirty six hours straight without sleep, trying to best my own high score."
"Thirty six hours?!" Yusuke spluttered.
"Uh, yeah. Everyone needs a hobby."
Kurama took up his position at the controller and steeled himself.
"Listen, Amanuma. I have something I need to ask you."
"What is it?"
"Did Sensui specifically instruct you to challenge us at Goblin City?"
"What's it to ya? Yeah, Mr Sensui really likes this game and thought it'd keep you guys busy. I said I didn't care 'cause I'm good at 'em all."
Kurama's heart sank. Just as I thought.
"I need to know…" his fists closed tightly. "Do you understand what Sensui plans to do?"
"Of course I do!" Amanuma grinned. "He'll let a bunch of demons outta their hole so they can wreak havoc and mess with everyone. I thought it'd be fun. Plus, no school for a while. Sweet!"
Kurama's hands trembled, but Amanuma hadn't stopped to draw breath.
"I think the best part is while all those dumb people are running and screaming, I'll be safe in my Territory, playing games without homework or parents!"
Kurama kept his eyes planted firmly on the ground before he spoke again.
"Didn't Sensui tell you that you won't be around that long? You'll die if you lose."
Amanuma's grin faltered. "Huh?"
"WHAT?!" Yusuke yelled.
"Is that true?" Yana gasped.
"What do you think?" Kurama continued with a hint of sarcasm. "Does it still sound fun?"
Amanuma stared at Kurama for a split second before that cocky attitude returned.
"Ha! You almost had me for a sec, but I'm not that gullible. He told me you'd try something like this."
"Because he's counting on us to figure it out," Kurama muttered, still unable to make eye contact. "Now I'm sure you've made it to the game's end more times than I. When you beat the game, they vividly depict the Goblin King's death. That's an ending very specific to this game."
Amanuma mulled it over. He'd seen the end sequence enough to know what Kurama was talking about. The Goblin King's defeat, the resultant explosion, the sight of the latter's lifeless corpse while a cheerful declaration was heard.
"Game Over! Hark and rejoice, for the evil Goblin King is dead, and peace has been restored to the town!"
The word echoed in Amanuma's mind.
Dead.
DEAD.
The very role he had taken on canonically didn't survive the game. In a Territory where the rules of the game applied in the most literal sense…
"Of course, Sensui never wanted you to practise your power playing Goblin City inside your Territory, did he?" Kurama continued.
Amanuma paused. This didn't make any sense.
"But how could you possibly know that? No, I couldn't play this because I didn't have seven people to play with. Besides, it's not like I died in other games!"
"But you have never tested your powers in manifesting any game of this type, have you Amanuma? Where you take the role of a villain who explicitly dies at the game's conclusion. Is that correct?"
"I don't know. Yes?"
"Surely Sensui gave you some reason for avoiding them!"
"Well…"
Sensui had explained once, right at the beginning.
"Such high-stakes games will take their toll on your under-developed powers and tire you mentally. You should save your energy until the time comes. You do want to perform at your absolute peak when I need you, don't you?"
It had made perfect sense at the time, and of course he'd agreed without question. But in light of what Kurama was telling him…
"Wait a second," Yusuke said. "So Sensui's putting his own man up on the chopping block just to stall us for a couple of hours while he digs a hole? I gotta tell you, between you and Mitari, Sensui's not big on the whole building company loyalty, is he?"
A single drop of blood dripped from Kurama's clenched fist.
"A man like Sensui has no other loyalty except to himself and his cause. And he cares nothing for how much blood is shed to reach that goal."
He stared at his own bloodied hand before finally making eye contact with Amanuma. "Not even the blood of an ignorant young boy who foolishly chose wrong over right!"
It was Amanuma's turn to look stricken, but just then…
"Game START! The player who clears the most blocks without filling them to the top wins the game."
Blocks were already falling on the screen. Kurama had immediately begun before Amanuma realised what was happening and hastily started pressing buttons.
Yusuke watched them play for a few minutes before he frowned. "You can go ahead and call me a dimwit, but let me just ask the stupid questions. If Kurama's got this all figured out, why'd he tell the Game Master instead of just keeping it to himself? And why'd he wait until it was too late to stop the round?"
"Sensui had a strategic reason for not telling Amanuma he would die in real life if he died in the game," Genkai said. "Young people are stupid about life and death. They think they're invincible; too young to die, so they're not consumed with the fear of it. That's why armies recruit teenagers. That's why Koenma recruited you."
"Hey, I resent that. I know I can die 'cause I've done it once and lived to tell about it!"
"I don't have time to show how you've proved my point," Genkai sighed. "Sensui didn't want the boy thinking of the possibility of death. However, he counts on us to figure it out and think of nothing else. It fits into Sensui's pattern. Testing our moral limits. Seeing if we will justify the kill."
Yusuke paused. "Well we won't. Will we?"
"Kurama has," Genkai said calmly. "That's why he told the boy the truth. To make him weak. It's a dirty trick, but Kurama knows what he must do."
Yusuke looked quickly towards Kurama in shock.
Is that true?
Part of him didn't want to know.
Haruki snapped to attention. "What is it, Mr Sensui?"
"See, Ghost? Amanuma's performance isn't going as expected."
Without breaking his hold on Sakura, Haruki followed where Sensui was pointing with his eyes.
Haruki growled. "He's failed?"
"No," Sensui said quietly. "No, not yet. But in the case of Amanuma's failure, you'll be needed very soon."
"Sir?"
"Yes, my boy. The contingency plan." Sensui fixed a malicious grin on Sakura. "And you know what that means."
Haruki stared back at Sakura with the slightest hint of uncertainty.
"I know, but…"
"Haruki," Sensui put a hand on his shoulder. "This is no time for hesitation. This is what we've been training for."
"Yes, sir," Haruki breathed. "The mission…it's all about the mission…"
"Remember the promise you made," Sensui said, his eyes glittering with manipulation. "You don't want to let Sakyo down, do you?"
There was a flash of movement. Sakura flinched and braced herself for the inevitable slap, but it didn't happen. Instead, Haruki plunged a hand into his pocket, pulling out a black and gold cigarette lighter with Sakyo's name engraved on the side.
"I promised him," Haruki stared at the lighter as if it were the Holy Grail. "It's what Mr Sakyo wanted. I can't fail him now."
"That's correct, my boy. And you won't get any answers out of a brainwashed girl. Not like this."
Sakura ground her teeth together. But Sensui didn't seem to care.
"It's really no wonder she can't answer any of your questions. Truth be told, I don't think she'll remember until you take her to Demon World."
Haruki stroked the lighter with his thumb. "Then what should I do?"
"Follow my instructions. When the tunnel is complete and Itsuki is finished, you can go to Demon World and do what you like with the girl. But until then, we will not stray from the path."
Haruki turned the lighter over and over in his hand before setting it aside. "I won't, sir. I promised Mr Sakyo. I swore I'd fulfil his dream."
"That's right, my boy. We need your power. Reach inside yourself and unleash it."
"Don't," Sakura said frantically. "Whatever you're thinking, don't do it. It's not too late, Haruki. You can still-"
Haruki seized a fistful of Sakura's hair with one hand and her jaw with the other.
"The only thing I need right now," he murmured dangerously, "Is for you to shut up and listen to what I'm about to say, honey. And you better listen hard, because you could be their only chance."
Her sharp intake of breath made him shiver with delight.
Block after block fell and the control panel clicked and beeped while the two adversaries played. For the first five minutes, nobody spoke. But the cheerful background music contrasted horribly with Amanuma's inner torment.
Mr Sensui doesn't care if I die…no, he's the only one who does care about me!
His parents were never around. Nobody at school gave a damn about games. Teachers ignored him, older gamers didn't take him seriously…
"You have nothing to worry about. I'll protect you."
Sensui was different. From the first day they'd met at the arcade, he'd gone out of his way to make Amanuma feel wanted. He'd played alongside him. He'd taken him to dinner. He'd asked for his help in letting the demons out of the tunnel.
He said he'd keep me safe. I have to trust him…! But what if he was just lying like every other grown-up? They all lie, why should he be different? But he is! He's fun and he cares about what I have to say…unless that was all just an act and-
Amanuma gasped. He'd gotten distracted and a block was about to land in a very dangerous spot. Next to it was two more sevens, and if he just moved it over…
He pressed the correct button, but it was too late. The damage was done.
Even Yusuke flinched. "Man, he just missed a pretty easy three-seven."
"Shuichi's under his skin!" Kaito muttered.
Amanuma tried to control his shaking hands and keep powering through the game.
Ok, focus. Just focus. Three plus two plus what equals seven? Three plus two plus what?!
Sensui's words from the previous night echoed in his mind.
"What game would you most like to create in your Territory? That's right; I got you the game cartridge for Goblin City. You can play that when Urameshi gets here. Nobody can beat you at Goblin City. Except maybe me."
Amanuma's hand trembled so much he was having trouble controlling the joystick.
"Nobody can beat you at Goblin City. Except maybe me."
With a gasp, he noticed his screen was three-quarters full, while Kurama's was barely one quarter, and the blocks were falling ever faster.
Even as everyone watched, more spaces filled. The stack grew higher and higher, and with it, Amanuma's look of terror.
"I'm not up on this game's strategy, but that's the opposite of it, right?" Yana said.
"Yeah, that's bad." Yusuke muttered.
"The Goblin King's distracted himself!" Kaito said.
Between the trembling and keyboard pounding, Amanuma had another horrible thought.
"Hey, if it's true…about Sensui…does that mean your girlfriend isn't here for fun?"
"Huh? You wanna run that by me again?" Yusuke said sharply.
Amanuma saw Kurama's body tense up. It took a moment before he remembered the game and frantically turned back to the screen. After some desperate button mashing, he addressed Kurama once more.
"Let's just say you're right, about the game. About Sensui. That would mean Ghost was lying too, and your girlfriend wasn't playing along before. Which is it?"
"What the hell does that mean?" Yusuke called before Kurama had a chance to respond. "What did you say about that nutcase and my sister?!"
The little boy jumped. Three more blocks had almost fallen on the highest point. If his reaction time had been any slower, it would've spelled doom.
"They said it was all a big game with her. They wanted to talk-"
"A game?" Yusuke repeated. "Are you really that dumb?!"
"Well, there was this one time I was helping Ghost, and…"
Ananuma trailed off with a gulp. The interaction he'd had with Haruki just days ago suddenly took on a whole new meaning.
*~*~*
There has to be something good in here!
Amanuma ducked around the television and examined the numerous boxes littering the den. Some small, some huge, many half open and waiting to be examined. None were labelled, but that didn't deter him. He was here on a mission, and Ghost wasn't around to stop him.
If he has any, I'll find them.
But where to look first? Amanuma dropped to his knees at the small box nearest to him and began rummaging through it.
"Hey, what do you think you're doing?!"
Amanuma looked around quickly. Haruki stood by the entrance with an irritated scowl. His hands were full of packages and something was draped over his arm.
"Sorry Ghost," Amanuma grinned and straightened up from where he'd been poking around. "I was just checking to see if you had any games in here."
"What, the ones you got already aren't enough?" Haruki snorted.
Amanuma giggled. "I already beat the first three Super Mario games. You've been hiding here so much I figured you might be playing Super Mario World. Or Goblin City."
"You know Mr Sensui doesn't want you playing that one yet."
"I know," the boy pouted. "So…do you have any new games?"
"I might. But why should I let you have them?"
"Aww come on Ghost! Be a pal; I'll do whatever you want!"
Haruki cocked his head and surveyed the boy who was bouncing up and down on his heels.
"Well…"
"Please? If you play some games with me, I promise I'll help you with whatever you're doing here."
Again, Haruki hesitated. He looked down at the packages in his arms, debating the offer and mumbling to himself.
"I guess it couldn't hurt…there's a lot to do before we strike…"
Having made his decision, albeit reluctantly, he raised his head.
"Ok, kid. You can help me out if you really want to."
"Yay! Thanks Ghost! You won't regret this!"
"You want a bet?" Haruki muttered under his breath, but Amanuma was too busy celebrating to hear.
"You know I'm gonna beat you in anything, right? Nobody can stop the Game Master! I mean, Mr Sensui did that one time, but you won't…"
Ignoring the child's rambling, Haruki placed his packages on the ground. "Watch where you step, kid. Don't break anything."
"What's with all the boxes?" Amanuma asked. "Have you been shopping or something?"
"You might say that. But not for me."
Haruki took the last bag he was holding and laid it over the pile of boxes. The action was so delicate and precise he might as well have been handling a bomb.
"Whatcha got there?" Amanuma asked.
Haruki ignored the question and nodded at the boxes that Amanuma had just been pawing through.
"If you want to make yourself useful, you can start by emptying those out. And be careful."
Amanuma bounded over and got to work removing items. But the contents made him pause with a confused frown.
Why would Ghost need all this?
Amanuma didn't know what he'd been expecting to see, but it definitely wasn't crystal vases or scented candles.
"Hey Ghost?"
Haruki was busy moving a huge box into the centre of the room, so his only response was a curt, "Yeah, what?"
"I, uh…where do you want me to put these?"
"Put the candles on top of that," Haruki said, pointing with his chin to a small table. "The vases can all go underneath."
Swallowing his questions for the moment, Amanuma did what he was told. Once done, Haruki immediately handed him a pile of plain wrapped bundles to open.
Amanuma sensed Haruki's fragile mood and resolved to save his curiosity til the end.
The two of them kept working, mostly in silence. Packages were unwrapped, more cartons emptied, and soon the den looked more like a warehouse than a cave.
Frosty as the atmosphere was to begin with, it didn't take long to thaw out, not once Haruki realised how helpful this extra pair of hands really was. By the time they had stacked all the literature books in an empty corner, Haruki was even smiling.
"Ok, now it's time for the big one. The most important thing we need to set up," Haruki grinned. "It'll almost be like a big puzzle game. What do you say kid? You reckon you're up for it?"
"If it's like a game, of course I am!" Amanuma giggled.
"Alright, then move that out of the way while I get this thing out." Haruki nodded at the futon lying in front of the TV.
Once his task was complete, Amanuma watched Haruki emptying the huge box and decided it was safe to ask more questions.
"What's all this for, Ghost?"
"Futons aren't going to cut it in here. Not when we make our move. This is a proper Western-style bed. Much more comfortable. She'll like that."
"'She'? Is this anything to do with the tunnel?"
A faint smirk appeared on Haruki's face. "Yes…and no. Come on, help me set this up."
"And then will you play with me?"
"I said I would, didn't I? So less chat, more building."
The boy clamped his mouth shut and got to work again. Slats, rails, legs, base, headboard. The bones of the giant bed came together, piece by piece. Then the mattress. The blush pink sheets. Soft pillows piled high. The duvet, covered with an elaborately embroidered satin cover.
At last, Haruki glanced at the remaining decor, namely the books, vases and candles, along with three tables stacked on the side.
"I think that's all we can do for now," Haruki ran a hand through his hair. "I…have to get a few more things tomorrow, so I might need your help again. And not a word to Gourmet about any of this. Ok?"
"Sure, but does that mean you'll play with me now?"
Haruki chuckled. "One more thing to do first."
With the same reverent touch, he retrieved the black bag from earlier and set it down on the bed.
"You might say this is the most important part of all…" Haruki unzipped the bag and shivered in delight at whatever lay inside.
"What? What is it?"
In lieu of answering, Haruki took out a pretty blue dress and held it up.
"What do you think, kid? Isn't it just stunning?"
Amanuma made a face. "You're asking me?" he said in revulsion. "Dresses are for girls!"
"Can't argue with that," Haruki murmured. "But I think it's perfect."
"If you say so." Amanuma shrugged.
Haruki laid the dress down and smoothed it out, delicately running his hands over the beaded bodice, the flowing skirt, the handkerchief-cut hemline…
"I can't wait to see her in this. She'll look so damn beautiful."
"Who are you talking about?" Amanuma asked impatiently. "I don't get it."
"It's all part of Sensui's plan, kid. You have your role to play when Urameshi shows up. I have mine. Incidentally, my role will make yours a lot easier."
"What d'you mean?"
Haruki smiled down at his helper. "Remember how we were all above ground last week? The day we lost Doctor Kamiya?"
Amanuma nodded.
"Well, there's someone very special on Urameshi's team. Mr Sensui asked me to play a game with her at the hospital. And because of that, he realised she can be really helpful when the tunnel opens."
"How?"
"She's got some really amazing powers. The kind that will help the strongest demons come through."
The boy's eyes widened. "That's so cool!"
"It is, but one of her powers is a sort of mind-reading ability. And Urameshi might let her use those powers to cheat in Goblin City. I'll be bringing her here to make sure that doesn't happen."
"Oh! That makes sense. But…" Amanuma hesitated. "Isn't that like how Sensui wants to grab the guy with the sword?"
Haruki laughed. "Not at all. This is going to be a big surprise for her. The best kind of surprise. Sure, she might be confused at first, but once I explain it all to her, it'll be fine."
He gazed hungrily at the dress again. "She had fun during our game at the hospital. I want to play a few more with her."
"Awesome! Is she any good?"
"Trust me, kiddo. She's amazing. Strong, intelligent, beautiful…but the sad part? She doesn't know how special she is. Neither does Urameshi's team," Haruki's eyes hardened. "So I'm going to show her the truth. She deserves so much better. And to be honest, there's some questions I need her to answer. We'll just play games and have a nice little chat. It's all good."
Amanuma smiled. "Ok, I get it. Now can we play?"
"Sure thing, kid. Super Mario World is in the box under the TV. Plug it in and we'll get started."
With a cheer, Amanuma found the cartridge and set it up in record time. "I'm gonna thrash you in this, Ghost. Just you wait!"
But when he turned around with the controllers, he saw Haruki looking at him strangely. His eyes were almost misty.
"What are you looking at me like that for?"
Haruki blinked a few times before saying, "Oh, you just remind me of someone I knew a long time ago. Someone I used to play with as a kid. He taught me how to fight."
"Oh yeah?"
"Uh-huh. He was…well, a real mischievous brat like you. And brave. He taught me a lot."
Amanuma giggled. "He sounds fun."
"Yeah," Haruki swallowed and forced a smile. "Yeah. He really was."
And without another word, he sat down to play.
"Ghost said…he wanted to talk to her…that it was all a game…"
The blocks kept falling, along with the sweat dripping down Amanuma's face.
"It's no game, you stupid kid! That psycho kidnapped my sister because he's freaking obsessed with her!"
"No way. Ghost wouldn't, he'd never-!"
"Wouldn't do what?" Kurama said coldly. "Didn't you help them capture Kuwabara? You know exactly what Sensui is capable of."
Even the child's freckles went white, both from the revelation and the dire state of the game.
This is bad!
His screen, full of rising blocks. Kurama's, almost empty.
Yusuke noted Amanuma's terror and latched onto it.
"Weren't you laughing at how terrified she was before? How the hell did Sensui explain all that?"
Amanuma trembled all over while trying to split his focus long enough to answer.
"He just…Sensui said it wasn't serious, that she'd understand once we explained it, and Ghost would play a few games-"
"Oh really?" Yusuke snarled. "And when he dragged her out of the car, you didn't think that was weird at all?"
The boy hesitated.
"Well?" Yusuke pressed. "We found the syringe outside. We saw how they shoved her in the trunk. It never occurred to you that she might actually be scared for a reason?"
"No! I mean…I…" Amanuma's lip trembled.
"Amanuma, you said before that Haruki just wanted to talk with Sakura," Kurama said without diverting his attention from the game. "But we know Sensui plans to use her for something else. What is it?"
No answer, but Kurama knew he was listening.
"Please, Amanuma. You have to tell me anything you know, and you have to tell me now."
Amanuma paused, then reluctantly said, "I don't know much. But Ghost told me Sensui wanted her powers from the start."
"Why? What does he want her to do?"
"All he said was her power would help the strongest demons come through."
Everyone gasped, including Genkai.
"Grandma, what does that mean?" Yusuke asked.
"If I had to guess, I'd say Sensui wants Sakura to call the strongest demons," said Genkai, who had turned pale. "Like Koenma said, the high classes are in the deepest pits of the Demon World. They won't know about the tunnel right away…unless someone tells them."
"You're kidding me!" Yusuke breathed. "He wants to use her telepathy for that?"
"Maybe, or it might be something else, I don't know!" Amanuma cried out as he desperately pounded the controller. "I swear, that's all he told me. I really thought it was just a game!"
"Either way, Kura's telepathy isn't strong enough to reach that far on her own," Genkai went on. "Sensui must have found a way to max out her power, or at the very least, he thinks he has."
Yusuke and Mitari both said "No!" at the same time, and very loudly.
"We can't let that happen," Yana said. "We just can't!"
Kaito nodded. "Of course, Kura would never willingly participate, but if Mitari was right and they do intend to show her Chapter Black…"
"That's one way they could do it," Genkai muttered. "There's other options as well. Regardless, the strain of forcing her ki to such levels would be extremely dangerous."
Kurama hissed. Everyone flinched and Yusuke's heart skipped a beat.
"It's not gonna happen," he growled. "Not in a million years. I won't let them do that to her!"
"Miss Kura doesn't deserve that," Mitari said. "Amanuma, do you see now? This is wrong, all of it is wrong!"
Amanuma kept pressing buttons and staring at the screen in something of a daze.
"I'm sorry," he whispered. "I really am."
There was simply no escaping it anymore. Everything they were saying made a frightening amount of sense, and that was unbearable.
Sensui lied…Ghost lied…
Did that mean Ghost knew about Goblin City as well? Did he know it would be fatal?
Another row filled up. The fear that had only lapped at him before now reared up in a huge wave.
I don't want to die…
Ice flooded Sakura's veins while Haruki looked her up and down.
"Look at you. It really is sad. This whole time, you've insisted that those weaklings will defeat Amanuma and make it here. But Sensui is right, honey," Haruki smirked. "You're utterly terrified. Afraid of them coming after you and being destroyed. It would be your fault, wouldn't it?"
She lowered her gaze. Haruki released her and dug in his pocket again.
"Too many people have gotten hurt because of you, my little porcelain doll. You know it as well as I do. But here, you have one final chance to stop it before it begins."
That velvet box reappeared. Sakura stared down at the sapphire ring nestled inside.
"I said before that I would never let anyone take you from me," Haruki said. "But perhaps I should make my meaning plainer. You're mine, honey. Nobody is coming between us."
"No," Sakura retorted. "I don't belong to you or anyone else."
Haruki grabbed her bandaged wrist in a crushing grip. "That's not for you to decide, my little porcelain doll. Not anymore."
Sakura's burning fists closed tightly. She had enough energy to attack now. The moment to do so might be seconds away.
"You belong to me now, my sweet," Haruki hissed. "And I swear, I will destroy anyone who comes here. Anyone. The spirit fox, the spirit detective…whoever tries to take you from me…I'll rip them apart piece by piece while you watch, unless you stop fighting me and accept your fate."
He held up the ring again. Sakura's face contorted as she desperately tried to control her emotions.
"Make the right decision now, and I won't touch them," Haruki smiled. "If not…they'll experience more agony than you can possibly imagine."
"You can't," Sakura insisted. "You know how strong they are. There's no way you could ever-"
Haruki raised a brow. "Do you really want to take that chance, honey?"
Sakura's breath caught in her throat.
"Either way, I'm taking my beautiful bride to Demon World once this filthy world is gone. Your only choice is in how much blood is spilled."
Sakura looked up at the TV where her stone-faced lover had stepped up to the console. She looked at her twin. Then Hiei and Genkai. Kaito. Yana. Mitari. Her lips quivered.
"Do you want to risk living with their blood on your hands?" Haruki continued. "Because if you're wrong, you know what that means. How could you ever forgive yourself?"
Sakura glanced at Haruki, then stared at the ring. He saw the colour drain from her face.
"I can make them suffer in ways you can't dream of, honey. You'll have to watch. Is it worth the risk, knowing you could have saved them?"
She went to pull away, without success. "No…no, stop. You can't make me…"
"There's only one way you can be sure of their survival, my little porcelain doll. So what will it be?"
Sakura stared at the bed until the embroidery blurred. What in the world should she do?
"There's an easier way to do this, my boy," Sensui said unexpectedly. "You know that."
Haruki looked up at Sensui. "Are you suggesting what I think you are, Mr Sensui?
Both their faces split in the most evil grins Sakura had ever seen, and a second later they were directed straight at her.
"I'm afraid I haven't been entirely honest with you, Miss Urameshi," Sensui said. "Before the tunnel opens, I have one more task I require your assistance with. But first…" he nodded at the television. "I think it's time we brought you to enlightenment."
Haruki's grin widened. "I agree."
"No…" Sakura breathed. "No, you can't!"
"We can, and we will," Sensui nodded to Haruki. "Ghost, as discussed."
Haruki surged forward and seized her neck. "Relax, honey. It's for the best. So just be a good girl and-"
"NO! You won't control me. YOU WON'T!"
Nobody expected what happened next, least of all Sakura herself. The faintest trace of fire appeared at her fingertips and started to blaze.
Haruki jerked back. Her Spirit Flame?! Technique Zero must have timed out!
No, that wasn't her normal Spirit Flame. This fire wasn't gold. It was red.
"What is this?!" he yelled.
An unearthly strength surged through Sakura and she threw Haruki off her. Whether it came from her own courage and anger or somewhere else was a mystery. But she didn't care. It was now or never. She had to act, no matter the cost…
Do it, Sakura!
It's him!
The white-haired stranger flashed in front of her eyes for just a moment while she aimed her hand at Sensui.
"SPIRIT FLAME!"
A millisecond before she let her attack fly, Sakura saw utter shock flash across Sensui's face. The inferno shot towards him.
Amidst the chaos of what happened next, another strong and familiar voice filled Sakura's mind.
Kura, hold on. We're coming!
Kuwabara looked up so fast his neck nearly snapped. So did Gourmet. Even Itsuki peeked up with interest.
"The heck is going on in there?" Gourmet growled.
"Well, this is unexpected." Itsuki murmured.
Kuwabara heard a visceral scream, a roar and then a wave of incredible ki from the den.
That energy isn't Kura's. Or Sensui. I don't know what the heck it is!
The energy vanished just as suddenly as it appeared. Kuwabara's fear for Sakura stabbed him again.
"Kura!" he yelled. "Just hold on, you can do it!"
He expected Sensui or Haruki to emerge, possibly with Sakura herself in tow. But nothing happened.
At least, not yet.
Amanuma turned to Kurama in desperation. Every falling block seemed more like the tolling of his death knell
"Please, is there anything I can do to get out of this?" he begged. "Anything?!"
Another block fell. Amanuma jumped and looked back at the game. His hands and body were shaking so badly, he could barely move the joystick.
"Is there not a way to shut down this Territory and void your power?" Kurama asked.
"No, I've tried that. It's impossible to shut it down while a game's still in progress!" Amanuma cried. "Unless you choke at this game, there's no way out!"
Whatever hopes Kurama had left were dashed. This was it.
"I'm sorry, but that's not going to happen," he said. This isn't about choosing one life over another. You know what Sensui's going to do. I can't say you aren't responsible for your fate."
Kurama kept pushing buttons, repulsed by what he was doing and knowing it was necessary.
Do it, Shuichi. Do it! For the sake of the world, for her!
"Sensui swayed you with his words, but you let yourself be swayed by them."
"But I didn't mean…for this stuff to really happen!" Amanuma wailed.
Yet another row filled. Victory was hopeless for him. He knew it, and everyone else did too. The horror on their faces proved it.
Another row filled. And another. Tears spilled from Amanuma's eyes and his breath heaved as he clutched the joystick for dear life.
"I don't wanna die! I DON'T WANNA DIE!"
The child's screams and sobs almost tore Kurama's heart out. But he had to do this. He had to.
For the world. For Kura. It's the only way.
The final block reached the top…BEEP!
Time stood still for just one moment. Darkness settled over the room as a pounding heart slowly beat for the final time. When it cleared, all anyone could see was the sight of Kurama standing over Amanuma's lifeless body.
Hiei looked up from his reverie, and waited for the game to confirm what everyone knew.
"Game over! Hark and rejoice, for the evil Goblin King is dead, and peace has been restored to the town!"
Nobody spoke. Nobody moved.
Suddenly there was a rumble and the earth began to vibrate beneath them. It was gentle at first, but in seconds it was violent and deadly.
"What the hell is that?" Yusuke said. "I didn't know this game came with a rumble pack."
Sparks flew from the consoles. The screen split with an ear-splitting rip.
"Heads up boys!" Genkai shouted.
The ceiling started to cave in around them. Yana was the first to lose his balance. Everyone hit the ground, either by choice or force.
Yusuke flung his arms over his head, but it didn't block the sound. He heard the rocks crashing to the ground, the doors to Goblin City being blasted off its hinges, the control panels exploding and debris flying around him, the rush of air shooting through the tunnels…
The last clear image Yusuke saw was Kurama, still standing motionless at the console, then the dust cloud obscured his vision and he saw nothing but black.
Kuwabara didn't know how long it had been since Sensui disappeared into Haruki's den, but it felt like an eternity.
Sensui said they won't kill her. They need her for something. But that doesn't mean she's ok.
And she wasn't. Kuwabara knew it in his gut.
Every passing second, every tick of the clock only made his terror for his friend grow. But what could he do from here?
I swear Kura, I'm coming in there the second I get loose!
Kuwabara sat up a little straighter. The sound of footsteps followed by a shadow told him that someone was coming out of the den.
He held his breath.
"Mr Sensui," Itsuki's dreamy voice floated through the air. "Judging from the sounds in there, would I be right in assuming things have taken a rather dramatic turn?"
"You might say that, Mr Itsuki. But you needn't worry. It's no longer an issue."
"Oh my," Itsuki smiled faintly. "Does that mean our young lady is almost ready for me?"
Sensui chuckled. "Almost. Once the final pieces of the puzzle are in place, she's all yours."
"What the heck are you saying, you freak?!" Kuwabara demanded. "Are you talking about Kura? You did something to her, didn't you!?"
In silence, Sensui looked back at Kuwabara with a raised brow.
"You assume too much, Kuwabara. I haven't laid a hand on the girl. She's far too important."
"Why the hell should I believe you? All this time, you haven't even said-"
"The broad's a telepath," Gourmet cut in. "How else do you expect us to tell the S-Class demons about the tunnel?"
Kuwabara went white. "No…" he gasped. "No, you can't. She won't!"
"You'll find I'm very capable of using such an extraordinary vessel," Itsuki said with half-closed eyes. "But you needn't worry, Kuwabara. She'll be back to herself once I'm finished with her. Eventually."
His smile widened. "Ghost would never forgive me otherwise."
Kuwabara's rage ignited. He unleashed a torrent of colourful insults and threats towards all of them, but nobody paid any attention. They only had eyes for the tunnel, and the monstrous demons salivating at the entrance.
"It is such a hungry world," Itsuki murmured. "Its own desire to open is making my powers more intensive by the minute. At this rate, it will blossom like the most perfect flower in around two hours. You should start your movie now."
An eager murmur swept through the waiting apparitions. They knew their moment was at hand.
Sensui settled down on the couch and Itsuki sighed happily.
"Can you feel them Shinobu? Feel their desperation to get out?"
"Of course I do Mr Itsuki. It's the urge of the cosmos to reach its true equilibrium. Isn't it exciting to know that you're going to help, Mr Kuwabara?"
"How many times can I tell you? I'd die before I'd help. Urameshi, hurry your butt up!" Kuwabara howled. "Our time's running out!"
"And I assure you, it will," Sensui said. "Because in the event that Game Master is defeated, there's a very special surprise waiting for the Detective."
Kuwabara's eyes bulged. "You don't mean-?"
"Oh yes, Kuwabara. We still have a few tricks up our sleeve. One final line of defence..."
Just then, Haruki's chilling laughter echoed from the darkness. Sensui's gaze travelled from the television to the hidden den.
"Or perhaps I should say…Ghost does."
A.N. In the words of the Joker, "And here we...go!" This is where we hit the accelerator. Next chapter is going to be even crazier.
Make sure you leave me a review, and make sure your email notifications are on. Chapter 32 is well underway, and because it's short, it'll be ready soon.
Lots of love!
Rosentic
Next Chapter: Guilt and despair take over the group as the unthinkable happens...