A.N. Shorter chapter today, but it's a juicy one, and something I've been building up to for ages!
The main reason I published today is...well, it's kinda weird to say this but July 4 is actually my birthday. And for the first time ever, I'm alone except for my greyhound. Hehe.
My mother is on a trip for her milestone birthday (I gave my blessing), my father chose not to see me (no surprise there *eye-roll*) and my brother...well he's still being an idiot and hardly talks to anyone.
I love the FF community so much and I always feel very loved by you all. So...thank you. For being here. For sticking with me and Sakura. We love you. We really, really love you.
Ghost of Magic: You may jump up in this chapter. And the next.
IloviendoNoshi: I wonder how you'll like this one!
Ukitakeitalialover: Sensui really is the worst. So fascinating but he has such a chokehold on everyone he manipulates. When you think about it, Mitari is the only one strong enough to break free. I'm with you on Haruki, he really can't be saved at this point. Sakura's situation has become so dangerous and the boys are rapidly closing in. What did she do with those mysterious red flames? Hmmm.
Nyac Silver Fang: I'm excited and terrified for everyone to find out. It's going to change everything.
Hope you enjoy the chapter. I'll just climb into my bomb shelter now because a lot of people will probably be out for blood after this...
Chapter 32
Kuwabara's voice seemed to have left him. He sat in silence, completely blindsided by Sensui's words.
Oh my God, what the hell does he mean by that?
"Could it be that you've guessed already, Kuwabara? Or not? No matter. I can't say I expected you to figure it out so quickly."
Kuwabara stared at the burn on the side of Sensui's face. Only Sakura's Spirit Flame would be capable of causing that kind of mark.
But if Sensui's out here, then that must mean…!
"No!" Kuwabara looked in horror towards the den, then back at Sensui's smug grin. "What did you do to her?! What's going on in there?!"
Sensui consented to a backwards glance. "Exactly what needs to happen, Kuwabara. Just as it will be for you when the time comes."
Kuwabara's face went scarlet with rage. Smirking, Sensui switched the television on and pressed play.
"This idiot's never gonna cooperate," Gourmet said. "If you ask me, I should just eat him."
Sensui smiled. "No need to be hasty. What's two more hours, anyway?"
Itsuki laughed quietly. "I agree."
Kuwabara opened his mouth to shout again, but stopped when the ground beneath him shook.
He looked up at the ceiling. "Hmmm?"
Aside from the movement, he could hear the sound of a muffled explosion in the distance.
"What the heck was that? Is this a fault line?"
Gourmet looked up too. "It's Game Master. Must've lost."
Kuwabara's heart jumped with relief. "I told ya so!"
"I didn't think anyone could beat him at that game." Gourmet muttered.
"Never underestimate the power of Urameshi and his crew! Hey Sensui, did ya hear that? My pals whooped your little friend's butt. And now they're gonna let me out so I can whoop yours!"
Kuwabara started laughing. For the first time in hours, he felt hopeful. No, it was more than that. He knew everything would be alright. Urameshi and the others would come in and put a stop to this. They'd get him out of these ropes, and then they'd all go into that den and free Sakura…
"Hey listen up, Scarface!" Kuwabara shouted towards the hidden den. "That little brat lost! Urameshi and Kurama will be here any minute now and you'll wish you'd never been born!" Kuwabara was laughing now, his body feeling lighter than air. "Hey Kura, if you can hear me, it's gonna be ok soon! They're almost here. We're all coming to get you!"
"Gourmet, will you please shut that imbecile up?" Sensui growled. "I'm trying to watch a movie."
Gourmet smirked. "Sure."
"Movie?" Kuwabara repeated. "Wait, what do you think you're doing?"
Gourmet walked around him without answering. Kuwabara frowned.
"When you're asked a question, the polite-"
BAM!
Gourmet's foot swung out of nowhere. Kuwabara hit the ground and slid several feet before coming to a halt. Slowly, painfully, he went to sit up, when Gourmet shoved a scarf into his mouth.
Kuwabara's yells turned into unintelligible mumbling, and Sensui went back to his film.
It was just getting to the good part.
Gradually, the roars and explosions died out. When the world had ceased shaking, everyone looked up at the now dark and empty cave. Yana got up first and rubbed his head, closely followed by the others.
Yusuke blinked a few times to regain focus. "Anybody else feel that, or was it just me?" he said. "Where did Goblin City go?"
"When Amanuma died, his Territory went with him." Genkai said.
"These Territory things are messed up." Yusuke muttered.
Genkai trotted over to the console waiting in the centre of the cave. "This is where your Goblin City went."
Yusuke stared at it in disbelief. That's all the brat needed to work with? Just the cartridge? Yeesh.
"His power must have been very great indeed for him to create such an elaborate illusion out of nothing." Kaito said.
Hiei, who had finally roused himself from his apparent nap, made his way to where Amanuma was lying motionless.
Tears still glistened on the child's agonised face. He was tiny in death.
Hiei looked over the vulnerable body, then at the likewise motionless form of Kurama. Everyone else did too.
Kurama had not moved from the spot where he had claimed their victory. He had not made a sound. He hadn't even turned around to face them.
Nobody knew what to say. What on earth could they say? Yes, they had won the game, but in light of what it had cost, none of them felt like celebrating.
Yusuke's legs moved on their own, gingerly approaching his friend.
"Kurama…" he began. "Don't blame yourself-"
He caught sight of the expression on Kurama's face, and physically recoiled.
"I have no regrets, Yusuke."
Kurama turned and immediately strode off towards the tunnel that would lead them to Sensui. To Haruki.
Yusuke watched helplessly. "I don't know what to do; I've never seen him like this before…"
A hand went on his arm. "Yusuke, leave Kurama for now," Genkai murmured. "You have to hurry."
Yusuke looked down at her. He saw the pain in her eyes.
"Get to Sensui, and Kuwabara. And your sister. She needs you."
"Yeah, but I still can't believe that little brat thought it was all a game with Kura," Yusuke said. "I mean, even I know when someone's actually scared and I've got an IQ in the double digits."
"You two!" Genkai barked at Kaito and Yana "We'll resume the original plan and go outside to guard."
"Yes!"
Kaito lifted Amanuma's body into his arms and the three of them turned to leave when a voice rang out.
"Are you sure you want to leave so soon, Genkai?"
Kurama stopped dead in his tracks.
The people of Mushiyori City, unable to see things they would never understand, overlooked the swarms of demon insects and lower level demons descending upon their hamlet. And thus, they likewise failed to see those creatures scatter suddenly, as though scared away by something even more evil.
Truly, this was the calm before the storm.
And it was in this deadly calm that Shizuru and Keiko made their way to Mushiyori City in a taxi. Why they were going and what they could possibly do, neither of them could say. But both knew that sitting around at the Urameshi apartment, doing absolutely nothing, was more than they could stand.
Shizuru and Keiko remained silent during the ride, holding hands and not daring to so much as look at each other. Perhaps the driver found the atmosphere awkward, because he turned the radio up a little too loud.
"Well now, this is some strange weather," the radio announcer said. "One minute there's a thunderstorm warning, then the next it's a bright sunny day…"
"So, where did ya wanna get out at?" the driver grunted.
"Just here will be fine." Keiko said. As far as she was concerned, the sooner they got out the better.
"No sweat."
He pulled up to the kerb. Shizuru waited for Keiko to exit the taxi before she paid the driver and got out herself.
"Keep the change."
"Yeah, thanks a lot."
He drove off, and the girls were left standing on the footpath wondering what to do next.
Keiko hugged Puu a little tighter. "I'm really sorry, Shizuru."
"Why?"
"Because all this time I've been worried about Yusuke and Kura while your brother…"
Shizuru smiled and pulled out a cigarette. "Don't sweat it. He'll pull through."
She fumbled with the lighter and Keiko took the chance to look around. "On the bright side, it's cleared up."
"Hmm…" Shizuru muttered.
"What's the matter?" Keiko asked.
"Oh it's probably nothing, but I don't see those demon bugs anymore or even sense them."
Keiko smiled hopefully. "Maybe that means Yusuke and the rest got rid of Sensui and sealed the hole!"
"I'd like to agree…but when something seems too good to be true, it usually is."
There was too much truth in this to ignore, so Keiko didn't argue. She nuzzled Puu and waited for Shizuru to take a few puffs of her cigarette. Her eyes wandered to the large broadcast screen hanging on the local news station and saw a huge photograph of a wanted man.
"In breaking news, police still have no leads on the whereabouts of Dr Minoru Kamiya, who broke out of custody today. He's wanted in connection with the brutal slayings that took place in Mushiyori General Hospital…"
The hospital. Keiko shuddered at the awful memory, and was grateful when Shizuru suggested they start moving on.
After they'd gone a few blocks, Keiko heard the creature in her arms sniffling.
"Puu…"
She didn't need to ask him what was wrong. The glum look on his face said it all.
"I know, Puu," Keiko sighed. "I'm worried about her too."
Shizuru glanced at Keiko. "So, you wanna talk about what happened?"
Keiko hesitated. She didn't really want to relive Sakura's abduction, but maybe talking would help alleviate her guilt, at least a little. After all, Shizuru loved Sakura too.
"I was right next door, Shizuru. When Kura screamed, I was so close, but I couldn't….she needed help, and I…I let her down."
"No," Shizuru said firmly. "There wasn't anything you could have done, kiddo. Nobody had any idea that they were after Kura too. Nobody sensed that jerk coming in. And it happened so fast. Even Kurama wasn't quick enough to prevent it."
Again, Keiko knew that Shizuru was right, but it didn't make her feel any better. "I know, but I keep thinking…if I'd gone with her, or if I'd just-"
Shizuru stopped walking and placed a hand on Keiko's shoulder.
"If you had managed to get in her room, you probably would've gotten hurt, or worse. Kura wouldn't want that."
"I guess you're right. But still…"
"Look, Keiko, what do you think Kura would say if she heard you beating yourself up right now?"
Keiko's eyes welled up. "I can already hear her telling me off."
"That's right," Shizuru said. "We can't do anything to help Kura; it's way beyond our pay grade. We just have to trust Kurama and Yusuke. If anyone can get her back, they can."
Shizuru wiped her own tears, and this gave Keiko permission to ask the question that had plagued her since she'd found Sakura's broken pendant on the floor.
"What will we do, Shizuru?" Tears streamed down Keiko's face. "You're right, Kuwabara will probably be fine, but what about Kura? She must be so scared, and who knows what they're doing to her now?"
Shizuru pressed her lips tightly together. She had been wondering the same thing.
"I just…" Keiko had to take a breath before continuing, "She's been through so much already. This is going to cause even more damage. How can we possibly help her once she's rescued? I know Kura; she'd never admit it, but she's so tired, being strong all the time. It's not fair."
"I honestly don't know what will happen, Keiko. But I know one thing…"
Shizuru hurled the cigarette to the ground and ground it under her boot. She wished it was Sensui's face she was crushing instead of an inanimate object.
"Whatever happens," Shizuru said through gritted teeth. "We'll find a way. She won't go through it alone. They didn't break her at the tournament, and that monster won't break her now."
Keiko rubbed the tears away. "You're right."
She squeezed Puu again and he snuggled deeper into her embrace.
It'll be ok, Kura. Stay strong. We'll be there for you once you're home safe. You aren't alone.
Botan had moved from the hard ground to the bed of the pickup truck. Time had lost all meaning while she stared down at Sakura's Hiruseki pendant, which was still emitting a silvery glow.
It's beautiful.
The pearl's beauty aside, the effect it was having on Botan was both intriguing and a little confusing. Looking at it, holding it and watching it shimmer in the moonlight, soothed her pounding heart, slowed her breathing, eased the panic and heartache she felt.
Does the stone have the same effect on Kura as well?
Admittedly, Sakura had never said much about her treasured necklace to anybody, only that it was one of Yukina's tears.
Hiruseki stones are rare and valuable, but perhaps there's more to them than just that.
A cool breeze rippled through and Botan looked up, towards Mushiyori City.
Her jaw dropped. She jumped out of the truck to take a closer look.
"That's odd. The Kyourai Cloud that's been hanging over the city has evaporated!"
She'd expected to see the terrifying energy surge rising into the sky, the thick heavy clouds of doom accompanied with ominous thunder and lightning. But there was none of that. The sky above Mushiyori was clear as water.
They must have defeated Sensui and his team!
Botan spread her arms wide and laughed. "Great job, guys, that was the most painless apocalypse averted yet! You're welcome, world!"
"Hate to piss on your parade, but the end is still near."
Botan whipped around. "Koenma!"
He was finally back, and in his teenage form. The relief Botan felt at his return gave way to worry when she saw his grim expression..
"Activity in the pseudo-space has reached its stable period when things quiet down, like the eye of a storm," he said. "This gives us two hours before the final stage."
"What?!" Botan spluttered. "I was told two days! You can't keep changing the ETA!"
"It's not the Shinkansen; it's highly volatile!"
Botan hesitated. "You left so urgently without explaining. What happened in Spirit World?"
"I had to get Dad's permission to remove this in case of an emergency." Koenma gestured to his pacifier.
Botan gasped.
"I'm going into that cave to catch up with Yusuke," Koenma said. "You stay here Botan, and wait for the signal."
"What signal? And what should I do?"
"If there's an earthquake in two hours, that means the Kekkai has been broken and the tunnel is complete. If that happens, get out quick. Fly to the Spirit World and inform my father."
"Yes sir."
"Also, take this."
Koenma reached under his robe and handed the polished wooden box to Botan.
"It's from the most protected vaults of Spirit World archives, and I'm entrusting you to guard it with your life."
"I don't understand, sir. What's this?"
"Sensui needs Kuwabara, so he's probably fine. But Sakura is another story. We don't know exactly what's happening to her in that cave, but I have my suspicions."
He paused, and continued, "I hope to heaven I'm wrong, but if my hunch is correct, this could be the only option to save her, if she comes out alive."
Botan nearly choked. "If? Koenma, surely you don't mean…"
Koenma looked at the ground. "The combination to open the box is 201090. Can you remember that?"
"Of course."
"Goodbye, Botan."
"Wait! I…I have something for you as well."
Botan held out the hiruseki pendant. "This is Kura's," she said. "Yukina gave it to her. I can't explain it, but I have a strong sense that she'll need it as soon as possible. Can you…get it to her, safely?"
Koenma tucked the necklace inside his robe. "I'll do my best."
"Good luck, sir."
Without another word, Koenma strode inside the cave, knowing he might never come out.
Hang in there, Yusuke. And hopefully I won't have to pull out my last resort.
He disappeared from view and Botan was alone again. She inspected the box in her hands.
I've never seen anything like this before. What could it be? And how could it possibly help Kura?
There was no way of knowing. Instead, Botan considered the other mystery Koenma had left behind.
So Koenma might actually remove that pacifier? What will that do?
The obvious problem with the question slammed into her a second later.
"Oh Botan, you silly girl! So busy acting surprised, you didn't ask what you reacted to!"
Yusuke looked up. "Huh? What was that?"
"Didn't you hear me, Spirit Detective?" the disembodied voice asked. "There's no need for everyone to leave just yet. Far from it."
Hiei growled. "It's him!"
"Haruki…" Kurama hissed.
Everyone went on high alert, except Yana and Kaito who merely exchanged a look.
Yusuke's fists tightened as he yelled, "Where the hell is he?"
"Well, Spirit Detective, you might say that in a sense…I'm right here."
Yusuke looked in all directions, but there was no obvious sign in the darkness. "Haruki, you son of a bitch! Why don't you show your damn face?!"
"As amusing as that would be, I'm a little beyond your reach right now. See, there's still another hour until you arrive where Sensui is waiting. Such a pity. So close, yet so far away…"
"Screw you! Where's my sister, asshole? Is she ok?"
"Still pushing that sibling lie, are we? I suppose I shouldn't be too shocked; you've kept it up all this time. Why change things now?"
"Why don't you shut up and answer me!" Yusuke shouted even as Genkai gave him a warning look. "Where's Kura?!"
"Didn't you know that demanding rarely results in getting what you want, Detective? Suffice to say, I have a little proposition for you all."
The group tensed.
"You've got a fair walk until our hideout, but I'd be more than happy to show you a shortcut, if you like."
"And why should we believe you now?" Genkai called. "Your track record is against you."
"If you doubt me, Genkai, I'm sure the traitor will happily confirm."
All eyes went to Mitari, who nodded. "He's not lying; Mr Sensui did mention a shortcut, but I've never been through it myself. And honestly, I don't know how much it cuts the time down by."
Kurama's eyes narrowed as Haruki spoke again.
"It will certainly speed things up a little. Of course, you can't expect me to just let you through without a fuss."
Yusuke looked over at Kurama, who hadn't said a word. His friend's whole body was rigid and his ki swelled with anger.
"Does your endless blathering actually have a purpose?" Hiei's hand inched towards his sword. "Or are you just here to waste more time?"
"Quite the contrary, Hiei. I want to see progress as much as you all. Which is precisely why everyone is invited to participate in my little challenge. And I do mean everyone."
Genkai scowled. "And what might this challenge be?"
"Well, Mr Sensui and I happened to catch your detour into Goblin City. And we both feel one of you got the short end of the stick. Isn't that right, Mr Kaito?"
The latter looked stunned at being singled out.
"Someone of your talent deserves a second chance, Kaito. Perhaps we should consider this something of a bonus round?"
Kaito hesitated, then asked, "And if I were to say no?"
"I would strongly advise against that, my friend. In fact, with what we've prepared, you're really their only hope of getting through…"
Kaito swallowed hard, but didn't answer.
"You said you hate losing," Haruki continued. "This is your chance to win and help your friends on their noble quest to save this filthy world. Do you really want to risk being the potential cause of their failure?"
Haruki laughed, and the sound sent shivers down Yusuke's spine. At the edge of the group, Kurama stiffened further as Haruki addressed him next.
"You're being very quiet, Spirit Fox," Haruki snickered. "Is something weighing on your mind? Or perhaps more accurately, your conscience?"
A snarl ripped through Kurama's teeth.
"Nothing to say? Well, we can come back to you later. In the meantime, what do you say, Kaito? Will you step up to the plate like the smart guy you claim to be? Or will you cower from my challenge?"
Genkai cut in before Kaito could answer. "Say we accept this challenge. What exactly do we get in return?"
Another laugh. "Well…let's just say it might be the last chance you have to get through in time. So, Kaito…what's your answer?"
Kaito looked down at Amanuma's body in his arms. "What kind of challenge are we talking about?"
"Well, I don't want to spoil anything, but I can tell you that it's exactly the kind of code you'll just love breaking," Haruki said. "Incidentally, it's my favourite kind of cat and mouse game too. It should be fun for all of us."
"It appears we have very different ideas on what fun constitutes." Hiei growled.
"Is that what you think, Hiei?" Haruki said with an air of astonishment. "Well, in that case…what do you say, honey? The challenge waiting for them is going to be a lot of fun, isn't it?"
Everyone seemed to hold a collective breath. Surely not. This was a joke.
But then a familiar and terrified voice cried out, "DON'T!"
Kurama's eyes flashed golden, and Yusuke gasped. "Kura?!"
"Yusuke, Kurama, Hiei, it's not what you think. Don't listen, whatever happens, don't-!"
Her desperate cries morphed into a shriek, then fell silent.
Yusuke nearly lost it. "Kura! KURA! You bastard, what have you done?!"
"If you're curious, you're welcome to come and see for yourself, Detective. All you have to do is follow my voice."
Kurama snarled in fury again, and they all took off into the darkness.
"That's right boys. You just can't resist my challenge, can you?" Haruki laughed. "Do you have any idea what it might be?"
"Don't answer," Genkai muttered. "It's what he wants."
"Not in the mood to talk, are we? I suppose it makes sense. Given that you just killed a child."
The atmosphere thickened.
"How does that make you feel, Spirit Fox? That boy's heart no longer beats because of you. Frozen in time, never having the chance to grow up. It's all your fault. You know it as well as I do."
Yusuke glanced sideways at Kurama, then called out, "I thought I told you to shut your damn mouth!"
"Dimwit! What did I just tell you?"
Haruki chuckled softly. "You did say that, Detective, but I chose to ignore it. Nobody tells me what to do. Not anymore," he paused, then added slyly, "You've learned that lesson well enough, haven't you honey?"
There was no response this time, but that didn't stop Yusuke from shouting to his twin.
"Kura! If you hear me, it's gonna be ok, I promise! We're coming for you!"
"Do you really believe that, Spirit Detective? Or do you just want to believe it?" Haruki sneered.
Kurama's expression was still murderous, but he didn't say anything. His eyes were fixed straight ahead. His mind whirled with the prospect of finally confronting the one who stole his treasure.
Stay focused, Shuichi.
There was no way of knowing what they were about to face, or if Haruki would even make a physical appearance. But either way, Kurama had plans.
Haruki, you will rue the moment you laid a hand on her.
By now, Kaito and Yana had caught up to them all, and both looked equally worried.
"Master Genkai, what are we supposed to do?" Yana panted. "We can't trust this guy!"
"Of course not, but what choice do we have?" Genkai said. "Whatever he's planning, our best option is to keep a clear head."
Kaito glanced down at Amanuma's body, still in his arms. "He said I'm the only chance, but what if…?"
"Mr Kaito, this isn't the time to doubt yourself," Mitari said. "Don't forget, you-"
"How many precious hours have you wasted?" Haruki's voice echoed around them. "How long did you drag out Goblin City and cause such crippling delays? You're still too slow, Spirit Fox!"
Everyone saw the silver that began threading through Kurama's hair.
"Kurama!" Hiei almost snapped. "Listen!"
The silver receded, though Kurama still didn't make eye contact.
"You can't deny your failures, Spirit Fox!" Haruki laughed. "You know it, and everyone else does too…"
"Let the fool talk," Hiei said. "As before, he's in love with the sound of his own voice. And if we play this right, it will be his downfall."
"What are you saying?" Yusuke asked.
"It means we have a chance to strategise for whatever he's got down here," Genkai said. "Haruki said something about breaking a code, which must mean at least part of this challenge is intellectual, but there's no way it's just that."
Kaito and Yana exchanged another look. "So what do we do?" Yana asked.
"To save time, you and Kaito may have to tag team on the code breaking, whatever it is."
"Me?!" Yana spluttered. "But I can't-!"
"You can, and you will," Genkai said firmly. "In the meantime, you three…" she pointed at Yusuke, Kurama and Hiei, "Will have to handle any combat. It's likely Sensui wants to try and drain some of your power before facing him, so do your best to conserve it."
"You don't have to worry about that," Yusuke growled. "I'll punch his lights out in a second."
Kurama hissed beside him, then spoke for the first time. "Haruki is mine."
"Well," Yusuke couldn't help smiling a little, "when we catch up to that creep, I'll flip you for it."
"Master Genkai, what if he has Miss Kura with him?" Mitari asked.
"He might. But if he does, he'll almost certainly be using her as a shield or distraction. Getting her away from him won't be easy."
Kaito cleared his throat loudly. "I can change that."
"Don't be ridiculous," Genkai snapped. "You can't do anything of the sort. Worry about whatever these codes are."
Yusuke opened his mouth to remind Genkai of Kaito's power, but she winked at him and he understood her tactics.
Haruki probably doesn't know about the 'no violence' rule.
And in that case, Kaito's Territory was a card they should keep very close to the chest.
Koenma squinted in the dim light. His communication mirror's bright screen resembled the blazing sun. It rang twice, then she picked up.
"Yes sir?"
"Ayame. Tell me, is the operation ready to go?"
"Affirmative. It's taken some work to gather all necessary pieces, but we've managed it in the end."
Koenma sighed in relief. "Good. The ogres said you were on standby, but I needed to check."
"Should we make our move, sir?" Ayame asked.
"Not unless you get my signal. And I assure you, that will only be if absolutely necessary."
"Understood, Koenma sir. Your instructions will be followed either way. Good luck."
"Thank you, Ayame."
Koenma closed the compact and heaved another sigh of relief. Such a massive contingency plan was unprecedented in Spirit World.
It's the absolute last resort.
The risks were great, Ayame's task monumental, and he shuddered to think of what King Enma might say, but his heart told him he'd done the right thing.
There was so little time left. Koenma gritted his teeth and broke into a run.
Yusuke's heart thumped painfully against his ribs. "This must be it."
They'd arrived in a huge cavern not unlike where they had just come from. But unlike Amanuma's Territory, this area was swallowed up by darkness. Nobody could make out more than two feet in front of them.
Where is he?
Yusuke looked around, straining his eyes and ears for any sign of their enemy, but he couldn't sense anything. Not Haruki, and certainly not his missing twin.
"Where is that son of a bitch?" Yusuke muttered furiously. "Why ask us to come if he can't be bothered showing up?!"
Kurama stepped in front of the group with a rose in hand. There was no silver in his hair, but he radiated the same menace.
Especially once the demon ki thread appeared.
"So, you've finally arrived," Haruki's voice giggled. "I'm so pleased you could make it."
"He's coming!" Hiei's Jagan glowed and he pulled out his sword. Mitari held his breath.
"Stay back!" Genkai ordered Kaito and Yana. Not that they needed to be told twice.
The shadows began shifting slightly. Kurama hissed again.
"Haruki!" Yusuke shouted. "We're here! Now give Kura back, you sick freak!"
"Now, do you really think name calling is going to help, Detective?" a sneering voice asked.
Kurama's heavy breathing sped up. The aura surrounding him crackled like electricity and he let out a visceral snarl.
"Haruki…"
The familiar and imposing silhouette emerged from the shadows.
"Welcome to the bonus round, gentlemen. Shall we begin?"
A.N. Oh boy. Hang on tight. Despite what Haruki says, this bonus round won't be fun for any of them.
Please don't forget to leave a review, and I promise the new chapter is coming. It's something I've had planned for over two years and going to be wild.
See you soon!
Rosentic
Next Chapter: With time rapidly running out, none of the team is prepared for Haruki's chilling bonus round.