A.N. Here we are again. The penultimate chapter of another book, and this time we can (sort of) breathe a sigh of relief. Enjoy!

Ghost of Magic: Thank you! I really do put a lot of effort into it, and I'm glad it resonates with you.

Hina 714: Couldn't have put it better myself. She's going to need a LOT of love and support, but that's a matter to explore in Three Kings!

Hmmm...another appearance by dear old Raizen? You may just get your wish granted before we end Chapter Black, along with some other surprises as well. *wink wink*

I'll explain more about the schedule for Book 4 when we're done with Book 3, but please know that your excitement means to world to me!

Mugiwara No Lucy: Thrilled to see you back, dear! Yes, Haruki is gone. It's odd in a way, since I've lived with him for so long now, but it was time, and it worked out exactly as I planned and hoped, so I'm satisfied with the ending to his story. Of course, the aftermath is devastating.

I'm happy to share my current thoughts on the live action Yu Yu Hakusho for Netflix. But...you might want to get a comfy seat. We could be here a while.

I won't lie, when I heard they were making a live action YYH, my heart sank. I'm extremely wary of making live action ANYTHING from animation (don't get me STARTED on the Disney remakes) and historically, it's not like there's a good track record of the results for anime (One of my friends is trying to convince me to watch the live action Assassination Classroom. I'd rather floss my teeth with barbed wire). And the character reveal did NOT help. Hiei and Yusuke look...alright, but Kurama got "the Rachel" haircut and Kuwabara looks like he was shrunk in the washing machine.

That being said, when I saw the trailer, I was pleasantly surprised. Of course, trailers are not always the most reliable of indicators, but what I saw looked pretty damn decent. Nothing perfect, but I could definitely see promise.

The tone is darker, but the director said they're planning to stick closer to the manga, and that makes sense. People are panicking about seeing Karasu and Bui already, but my current theory is that this might happen when Toguro invites them to the tournament, or they face them instead of the Triad during the Rescue Yukina arc. Building up the rivalry prior to the Dark Tournament isn't a bad idea, and it could work.

It's worth remembering that not only is the budge for a Japanese Netflix production MUCH lower than what an American project would have, but live action is an insanely different medium to anime or manga. Plenty of things simply don't translate to film and that's the challenge in adaptation. It's the same with any kind of adaptation between art and media forms. There's a different person at the helm with a different vision and different interpretation of the source material.

Now, I'm not naive. I know there's a good chance that the show could be horrific, but so far I'm willing to give it a go. I can stomach most changes as long as they serve the story or at the very least respect the basic tenements of what Togashi wrote.

Kurama's wig looks like it came from the Reject Shop (yes, that's an Australian 2 dollar store), but he had his rose whip, rose dart and as long as he's suave, calculating and caring I can tolerate it. If Kuwabara is the big talker with a heart of gold, that's more important than his hairstyle (won't stop it sucking, but it's still a fairly minor thing in the big picture). If Hiei is the anti-hero badass, if Yusuke is the cocky street punk who cares deeply for his friends, that's what matters.

Some people are panicking over the most petty of things. Like, Koenma being in his teen form makes more sense for live action. His toddler form is funny, but CGI would make it creepy. I saw someone have a fit over Toguro's slightly different sunglasses and Botan not having a ponytail. *Sigh*. The hairstyle is different, but it's still blue. I think we'll live.

At the moment, I'm cautiously optimistic. We'll only know for sure when we see it. But as people have said, this will definitely send people back to the original, and that can only be a good thing. And in the words of one of my favourite YouTube channels, if it's really good, awesome. If it's terrible, we can laugh about it. The worst thing it could be, is mediocre. Forgettable.

Anyway, those are my thoughts. Thanks for coming to my TED talk!

Chapter 49: Into the Light

As the sun peeked over the horizon, Botan squinted. Was that movement she could see? Yes…yes, it was! But who?

As the silhouettes came closer, she began the headcount.

One, two, three, four…is that five? Six?

Her heart leapt. Yusuke was striding out of the darkness with five more silhouettes behind him.

"Yeah!" Botan cheered. "They're all alive!"

All of them had returned. Yusuke was leading the group. Next came Koenma, and Kuwabara, who appeared to be carrying Hiei's sleeping form on his back. And behind them had to be Kurama, who was also carrying a tiny figure in his arms.

But the torrent of relief that flooded over the group turned to confusion as they saw the mop of hair and tattoos.

"Who's the rocker?" Botan wondered out loud.

"I don't know," Kaito said.

Everyone else looked equally stunned. Everyone, except Keiko.

"Yusuke!"

She shoved past Botan and ran as fast as she could towards him.

"That's really him?" Mitari asked.

"I'll be damned…" Genkai muttered.

"Yusuke!" Keiko called again.

He stepped into the light and saw Keiko running at him. Tears were streaming down her face as she leapt off the balls of her feet and threw herself into his arms.

"You…look good," Keiko whispered.

Yusuke hugged her back. "Yeah, well, I thought I'd try a change."

The others hurried forward to welcome their team back.

"Oh Yusuke, always stopping my heart," Botan said. "Though it's not always because of makeovers. What happened? I'm having flashbacks of Rando."

"Man, I would kill for my hair to grow that fast," Yana said.

Kaito peered intently at Yusuke through his glasses. "Those marks…are they tribal incantations?"

"Is this a press conference? Give me a break," Yusuke smiled a little. "Like I know how this happened."

Just then, the final figure walked into view.

Keiko gasped. "Kurama?"

Standing at the edge of the cave mouth, he looked calm and uninjured, but the entire group immediately caught sight of who he was carrying.

"Oh my God," Shizuru breathed.

"Is that…?" Yana asked.

"Kura!" Keiko and Botan cried out together. Keiko was the first to hurry over, with the rest of the group hot on her heels.

"You found her!" Keiko sobbed. "You got her back! Oh, thank God!"

"Kurama, what's happened?" Botan called. "Is she alright?"

Kurama didn't answer; there was no need, for as he emerged from the shadows, the sunlight flooded over him and his precious flower.

Keiko skidded to a halt. "What the…?"

The relief of seeing the group safe swiftly gave way to shock and distress as they saw Sakura's terrible condition.

Nothing in the world could have prepared them for such a horrific sight. Sakura, bleeding badly from her shoulder wound, every inch of her body covered in scratches, cuts and bruises. The blackest of eyes. The gashes on her forehead. Her lower lip split and bleeding. More blood soaking through the bandages on her wrists and ankles.

Keiko's heart momentarily stopped at the sight of her best friend. "I…what on earth is this?!"

Botan's eyes filled with tears. "Oh, Sakura…what did they do to you?"

"A better question is what didn't they do," Yusuke said, visibly disgusted.

Kaito and Yana arrived, both white and shocked. Then Genkai was there, and pain filled her eyes. Up close, the sight of Sakura's injuries collectively punched them in the gut.

Mitari made to move forward himself, when he heard a gasp of surprise behind him.

Turning around, he saw Amanuma's head poking around the truck.

"I…is that…Ghost did that?"

The child, eyes big as dinner plates, stared at Sakura with a mix of shock and terror.

"Yes," Mitari nodded. "And a lot more."

Amanuma looked close to tears again, but Mitari had no words of comfort. They had both contributed to this, in their own way.
Instead, Mitari hurried over to join the group crowding around the cave entrance. As he approached, a wave of raw emotion swept through him. Sakura looked so young, so vulnerable…

"Hang on," Shizuru said. "What's with the dress?"

It dawned on the others that Sakura was indeed not wearing the clothes she'd been abducted in. Instead, she was in an elegant blue silk dress adorned with lace and intricate beading.

Everyone knew without question or confirmation that the dress was most definitely not from Sakura's wardrobe.

"That bastard did it," Yusuke fumed. "He burned everything else, freaking psycho…"

Shizuru's composure crumbled, her usually steady hands now trembling.

"What happened to her?" Keiko's voice shook with a mix of fear and empathy while Shizuru couldn't seem to find words. What could any of them possibly say or do?

"It was bad," Kuwabara muttered. "But we got her out. And that psychopath is gone. He can't hurt her anymore."

The gravity of Sakura's condition hung heavy in the air, the friends gathered around her struggling to comprehend the extent of the ordeal she had endured.

"She's safe now," Genkai's voice cut through the heavy silence. Her old face had never looked so grim. "Let's get her out of here."

"Botan," Kurama managed to say, his tone a mix of urgency and concern.

"I…" Botan faltered. "I'll try…"

"No, take her to the estate," Genkai said. Her eyes did not waver from Sakura. "She needs more than what you can do alone, Botan. Yukina can help."

Genkai's direction roused something in the group. Kurama adjusted Sakura in his arms and moved forward.

Shizuru shook her head to clear it and turned to hug her younger brother. "I'm glad you're safe, baby bro," she murmured. "You ok?"

"Yeah," Kuwabara nodded. "I'm good."

Shizuru gave a watery smile. Keiko started wiping her eyes. Yusuke put an arm around her.

"Yusuke, what went on down there? Why would they…?"

"We can worry about that later," Yusuke said. "We gotta get her back to Grandma's. Yukina's there, and–"

Genkai's hand went on Yusuke's arm. "What happened to Haruki?"

"He's gone," he said quietly. "But…well…it was a lot. I'll fill you in later on–"

Yusuke paused. "Hold those thoughts, guys. I gotta take care of something."

Botan gasped. The others looked up. Nine more people stood at the cave entrance, all wearing uniforms and identical stone-faced expressions.

Kurama tightened his arms around Sakura, saying, "It appears not everyone feels this case is resolved."

"So, the Mazoku survived," Ootake seethed. "How disappointing."

Yusuke didn't say anything; he just scowled.

Ootake's narrowed eyes travelled downwards, towards Sakura. He noted the faint gold tattoos, the longer hair streaked with shades of soft pink, and the general change in her aura, even while unconscious.

"So, the girl possesses the genes. In that case, we'll be taking the female Mazoku into custody. She must be quarantined."

Kurama gave a low snarl.

"What?!" Botan cried.

"Over my dead body!" Kuwabara snapped.

"That can easily be arranged," Ootake said. "You do not understand. Not as we do."

"The hell are you talking about?" Kuwabara gawked.

"A male Mazoku is deadly enough. But a female Mazoku?" Ootake's face twisted in disgust. "They are virtually unheard of and therefore an unprecedented threat. However, her transformation is incomplete. There is still a chance we can contain her power."

"Are you out of your goddamn mind?!" Kuwabara yelled. "What the HELL is WRONG with you?!"

Dismissing this, Ootake locked his gaze on Kurama. "It's far too dangerous to let her roam free. So hand the girl over, Spirit Fox!"

Behind Ootake, blue-haired Shunjun's eyes widened. "Spirit Fox?!"

If Kurama heard, or even realised that the soldier who'd hunted him was mere feet away, he did not indicate so. He was too busy baring his teeth at Ootake.

"You think I'll allow you to take my beloved?" he said with deadly calm. "You severely underestimate the consequences of attempting to do so."

"This is not up for negotiation, Fox. It's a matter of safety," Ootake shot back.

Yusuke surged forward with fists clenched. "The only threat to anyone's safety is you, asshole! Take another step and I promise, you'll wish you hadn't."

Ootake flinched at the sound of Yusuke's threat, but he refused to back down.

"You're not laying a finger on Kura!"

Kuwabara defiantly stepped up beside Yusuke, still carrying Hiei on his back. But Ootake's determined gaze did not shift.

"I don't expect you to comprehend the magnitude of the situation. The girl is a potential danger to everyone around her."

A louder snarl ripped through Kurama's teeth. Behind Ootake, Shunjun reflexively winced. But when Ootake continued to glare at Sakura as if she were a deadly snake, Kuwabara's temper boiled over.

"You idiot!" he yelled. "Do you even know what she's been through? After what those freaks did to her, you have the nerve to call her a threat?!"

"The risk she poses cannot be overstated!" Hiroshi hissed from the back of the SDF. "I felt her power myself. She has to be–!"

"Screw your risks!" Kuwabara spat, face contorting in anger. "She's been through hell, and you're treating her like some kind of monster?"

"This doesn't concern you, human boy!" Hiroshi said. "The great King Enma has commanded–!"

"Enough!" Ootake held up a hand to silence his minion. "Our directions are clear. Hand the girl over now, fox demon. This is your last warning."

If looks could kill, Ootake would've disintegrated where he stood from the savage glare Kurama was shooting at him.

"Never."

"You're not touching my sister, asshole!" Yusuke shouted. "Never again. She's been through enough!"

With that, Ootake and the SDF made a sudden movement, as if they were reaching for their weapons, when the rest of the group moved as one.

Keiko, Shizuru, Genkai, Yana, Mitari, Kaito, Shizuru, Botan, Kuwabara and Yusuke all stepped forward and began to form a protective circle around Kurama and Sakura.

And in front of everyone, was none other than Koenma. He positioned himself in the no-man's-land between the SDF and his friends, staring Ootake down without a trace of fear.

"If you want to take Sakura into custody," he said quietly, "then you'll have to get through all of us first. Starting with me."

The entire SDF froze.

Ootake's gaze met Koenma's in a silent clash of wills. The SDF waited for instructions, while the friends, united in their resolve, stood ready to defend against the threat with nothing more than their collective defiance.

"Kurama," Yusuke growled. "Get her out of here. Now!"

But Kurama did not move. If he did, the SDF would follow. And he would not risk that for the world.

No-one will ever touch her again.

Tension crackled through the air while each side stared the other down. Ootake, trying to slice Koenma in half with his acidic look and Koenma refusing to turn away. In the silence, Yusuke felt Keiko grip his arm.

"Koenma, you know Spirit World won't overlook this treason," Ootake said sharply.

"Treason?!" Kuwabara repeated.

"You have disobeyed my orders, delivered directly from your father, to erase that boy and take the girl into custody. You've let the Mazoku emerge, fully knowing what that could bring. You'll take responsibility and come with us."

Koenma nodded calmly. "Yes. I'm no fool, Ootake. I realised what the consequences would be."

Yusuke lost what little patience he had left. Pulling his arm from Keiko's grasp, he advanced on the SDF with rising fury.

"You stupid tools! You think you can hide behind your uniforms and push decent people around?"

The SDF tensed up, and Ootake hissed, "Brace yourselves!"

"Look, I don't start fights with the defenceless, but you're starting to piss me off and that's a whole different thing!" Yusuke said. "And since you're all new here, I'll give you a tip: threatening the guy who helped save us will definitely piss me off."

Ootake stared at him.

"Koenma did what he could to help. And if getting rid of you is what it takes to protect him, I'll kill you all one by one!"

Still determined to regain control, Ootake plastered another sneer on his face. "Is that supposed to scare me?"

"If it doesn't, then you're stupider than you look," Glaring, Yusuke moved his deadly gaze from Hiroshi. "Remember what happened last time you went after my sister, asshole? How did that work out for you?"

The memory of Yusuke's retribution physically appeared on Hiroshi's face. He looked like he was fighting to keep his organs from escaping through his mouth.

"Yeah, thought so," Yusuke spat. "And if any of you shitheads even try to touch Kura, I guarantee I'll return the favour."

The simmering rage inside Yusuke had finally spilled over. His aura flared around him, his eyes turning a deadly shade of red. The sight of him powering up, along with the hair and tattoos of his Mazoku heritage, finally made Ootake back down.

"I'd love to accept the challenge," he hissed. "But sealing this tunnel takes precedence. Let me personally assure you…this isn't over."

With that, he whirled around and barked, "Soldiers!"

"Sir, yes sir!"

The nine SDF members soared away, back through the cave.

A few nail-biting moments passed, but when it was clear that the SDF were truly gone, Yusuke turned to his friends.

"Sorry, was that a little much?"

"Not at all, Yusuke," Koenma smiled. "Took the words right from my mouth."

As the sun rose, Yusuke closed his eyes and took a moment to appreciate the light and warmth spilling over him.

"I missed that sun," he admitted. "Matter of fact, I think I'll find a hammock."

"So Urameshi, are you gonna look like that from now on?" Kuwabara asked.

"Good question. Hell, I don't know."

"Don't we have more important things to worry about right now?!" Botan said with great irritation. "We have to get Sakura to Genkai's right away!"

"Oh, hang on…" Yusuke put two fingers in his mouth and whistled.

There was a loud screech, a flapping of wings, a huge shadow falling over them all and Puu appeared in the sky.

Kurama suddenly lowered himself to the ground, eyes solely on Sakura once more.

Botan immediately dropped beside them. "Kurama, let me see…"

Kurama did not respond. He simply looked at his precious flower, holding her as close and as tightly as he could.

Puu fluttered to the ground, ready to take passengers, but everyone was busy watching Botan examine Sakura.

"Botan, how is she?" Shizuru asked.

Botan looked up grimly. "Not good. We have to hurry."

"Right," Yusuke said quickly. "Kuwabara, you come with us and bring Three-Eyes."

Kuwabara nodded and made a beeline for Puu's feathery back with Hiei in tow.

"Botan, can you come too?" Yusuke asked.

"Of course, I'll fly alongside you so it's not too crowded."

"Thanks. And Grandma–?"

"Forget it," Genkai snorted. "I'm too old for riding on that overgrown feather duster. You lot go ahead; I'll call Yukina so she's ready for you on arrival and then we'll come to the house."

"Sounds good to me," Botan said. "Let's move."

"Keiko," Yusuke turned to her. "I'm sorry, but I think it's gonna be a bit crowded if you come…"

Keiko wiped her streaming eyes again. "I understand. Just get to Yukina, quick."

Yusuke gave her a quick hug. "I'll see you real soon, ok?"

"Go on," Shizuru gave him a push. "We'll be right behind you."

"Then let's roll," Yusuke said. "Kurama, jump on. I'll come with you."

Kurama gathered Sakura closer to his chest, but as he rose with her in his arms, he stumbled.

Everyone in the immediate vicinity surged forward to assist but Kurama had already righted himself.

"Kurama, take it easy," Botan said.

"I'm fine," was the curt response.

"You're not," Botan said firmly. "You look like you're about to collapse yourself."

Kurama stared at her.

"I mean, what I'm trying to say is, you've all been through a lot. So why don't you-?"

"Hey man," Yana stepped forward and held out his arms. "It's been a long night. Let me take her for a bit."

Kurama pulled Sakura's tiny frame closer into his body and walked off without a word.

"Kurama–!" Botan made to follow, when Shizuru's restraining hand fell on her shoulder.

"Leave it, Botan," she murmured. "Just let him be."

Was it foolish? Possessive? Perhaps, but Kurama didn't care. They were free to think what they wished. He might be weakened, he might be tired, but he would not let go of Sakura no matter what.

No-one will ever touch her again.

As Kurama and Yusuke went past both the truck and the black Honda outside the cave, they caught sight of something…no, someone, peeking out from behind the vehicles.

"Huh?" Yusuke's surprise became a scowl when he recognised none other than Amanuma.

"Oh. It's you."

Amanuma bit his lip at Yusuke's decidedly unfriendly tone, but otherwise didn't respond. He looked up at Kurama, specifically, at Sakura's limp and beaten body, wearing the knee length dress he'd watched Haruki so carefully prepare just days ago.

Amanuma turned pale. He couldn't believe this was the same pretty teenage girl Haruki had carried into the cave.

"Is that… is she…?"

Kurama's emerald eyes bored into Amanuma, who gulped. The piercing gaze carried more weight than any spoken words – accusing, disappointed, pitying, furious…

Unable to meet Kurama's glare any longer, Amanuma lowered his eyes while the tension lingered in the air.

Just when the pressure became unbearable, Kurama turned away.

Amanuma glanced up and saw Kurama carrying Sakura towards Puu without a backwards glance.

"Real fun game, wasn't it?" Yusuke spat.

Amanuma flinched. He couldn't find his voice or the words to respond while his stomach twisted with shame and guilt.

It was all true. About Sensui, about Ghost…

He understood everything now, and it made him nauseous. All the lies, the manipulation, the complete evil he'd been so blind to.

Ghost lied to me. It wasn't a game. He was planning to hurt that girl the whole time.

And he, Amanuma, had been part of it. He'd helped Haruki set up the den, driven the getaway truck, helped delay Yusuke and his friends in the tunnel, and now he was facing the consequences of his mistakes.

Amanuma sniffled and swiped a hand across his eyes. If only the ground would open up and swallow him whole…

Yusuke shot another scathing look at Amanuma, then jogged over to Puu. Kurama had already climbed aboard with Sakura, and was cradling her securely next to Kuwabara and the sleeping Hiei. Yusuke leapt onto Puu's back in a single bound.

"Come on, Puu. We're going to Genkai's."

Puu took to the skies in a flash, and Botan rose up beside them on her oar. Genkai, Koenma, Mitari, Keiko, Shizuru, Kaito and Yana watched as they flew away.

"We'll see you there!" Botan called over her shoulder, and then they were gone.

"Right," Genkai folded her arms and addressed the group. "We're heading back to Mushiyori City first. We'll figure out our next move from there, got it?"

There was a murmur of agreement, and the group began to move.

Mitari stopped at the abandoned vehicles where Amanuma cowered in the dirt, and asked, "You coming?"

Amanuma hesitated. His inner turmoil had spread to his face.

"I didn't know," he whispered, almost to himself.

Mitari's expression softened. "Either way, we both have to face up to what we did," he said. "We were wrong, Amanuma. The sooner you accept that, the sooner you can make things right."

He held out his hand to the child. "Come on."

Amanuma looked at Mitari's hand, uncertain of what he was supposed to do, when a gravelly voice piped up.

"We all make mistakes, kid," Genkai said. "It's what we do next that really matters."

At last, Amanuma nodded. He wiped his eyes on his sleeve and took Mitari's outstretched hand.

The group of seven became eight, and they started the journey back to Mushiyori City on foot.

Genkai and Koenma exchanged dark glances at each other while they walked. There was so much to unravel. So much to be explained. But where to begin?

"Master Genkai? Koenma?"

Apparently, Kaito and Yana could no longer contain their curiosity.

"What the hell happened down there?" Yana burst out. "Why does Urameshi look like an 80s band reject?!"

Kaito nodded in agreement. "And those people in uniforms, what was their problem? Why did they want to…arrest Sakura?"

Koenma took a moment before answering. "It's…complicated."

"I'm with Kaito," Shizuru said. "Those assholes in the uniforms, who the hell do they think they are?"

"They're Spirit World's Special Defence Force – the SDF. My father only sends them out as a last resort, but…"

"And Sakura?" Keiko asked. "How did she get like that?"

Koenma closed his eyes. He didn't know what to say.

"What happened, Koenma?" Keiko's voice cracked and tears filled her eyes. "What did those monsters do to her?"

"We…aren't entirely sure," Koenma admitted. "The information we have is limited. There's a lot we don't know. A lot that only Sakura can tell us, and –"

"And there is absolutely no way she'll be up for that anytime soon," Genkai finished, and her firm tone left no room for arguments.

An uneasy silence settled over them all. Several anxious looks were shared and Shizuru slipped an arm around Keiko.

"Look, we all need to be filled in," Genkai said. "And we will, but the best place for that is at the estate. Less possibility of miscommunication if the whole group is there. And less chance of being spied on by Spirit World agents, now that the SDF is involved."

"Yes," Koenma agreed. "And right now, the priority is ensuring Sakura gets taken care of."

"She'll…be ok, right?" Keiko asked.

Silence.

"Genkai, she'll be ok, won't she?"

"We'll do everything we can, Keiko. Everything."

"Oh…oh no…" Keiko pressed a hand to her mouth and started sobbing while Shizuru held her close.

Yusuke watched the ground become smaller and smaller while Puu ascended. When he could no longer make out the landscape below, his attention went back to his unconscious sister.

He wasn't the only one. Nobody had eyes for anything or anyone else.

Sakura still hadn't moved since collapsing in the Demon World. She lay motionless and bleeding in Kurama's embrace, her soft breathing the only visible sign of life.

She's safe. Yusuke reminded himself as he looked at Sakura's battered physique. That psycho stalker is gone.

The thought was cold comfort. Haruki was dead, but Sakura had been shattered into pieces. How could they even begin to pick them up, much less put them back together?

Kurama was murmuring words of comfort that Sakura could not hear, occasionally brushing a strand of hair from her face, and Yusuke realised with a pang that Sakura would likely struggle with physical touch and affection for a long time. Maybe even permanently.

That bastard.

"Boys?" Botan was also looking at Sakura with devastation and concern. "I'm sure you've figured this out, but Sakura's condition is precarious. Let me know if anything unusual happens or changes."

Kuwabara hesitated, then asked, "What do you think they did to her, down there?"

"I can't be sure, not without examining her more closely," Botan said. "But I've…never seen or sensed anything like it. What was that monster trying to accomplish?"

"He wanted her," Yusuke said. "Wanted to keep her after Sensui used her power, like she was a toy or something. It's sick."

"And…" Botan swallowed. "Did they? Use her power?"

She saw the pain on Yusuke's face as he gave a single nod.

"No…" Botan's eyes misted, but she shook her head. "Let's focus on getting her to Genkai's. Yukina will be waiting. We'll do everything we can to help her."

"Right," Kuwabara agreed. "Yukina can fix anyone. She'll know what to do."

A silence fell over the group. The only sound was the flapping of Puu's gigantic wings.

They had defeated countless enemies by now, but nothing could have prepared them for the agony of what Sakura had endured.

Botan, Kuwabara, and Yusuke continued to watch as Kurama gently held Sakura, treating her as though she were made of glass and whispering to her, yet she did not wake.

"We'll be there soon, my love," he murmured. "It will be alright, I promise."

Kurama's promise echoed with the love and determination that he carried while the sombre truth knitted them all together. The challenges ahead for Sakura's recovery loomed large, and the hope that came with Sensui's defeat was fragile.

As Puu soared through the air, Kurama's inner turmoil was matched only by his resolve. The resolve to make up for his failures. The resolve to be Sakura's light in the darkness, her shield against danger, and her refuge in the storms she would have to weather.

He knew the journey ahead would be arduous, but that only strengthened his determination. No matter what happened, no matter what was required of him, he would do it. And he knew, without question, that their friends would be there.

Nobody will EVER harm you again, my love.

The wind whispered through the air, carrying his unspoken promise—a promise that Kurama intended to keep at any cost.

Genkai inserted her coins into the payphone slot before dialling. It rang twice before Yukina picked up.

"Hello?"

"Yukina, it's me."

"Genkai!" Yukina gasped. "I've been so worried; what's going on with the tunnel?"

"Sensui isn't a problem anymore. I'll fill you in later, but right now I need you to listen carefully."

"Of course."

"The boys are on their way to the estate with Botan," Genkai said. "They have Sakura with them, and she's in bad shape. Very bad shape. I need you to be ready when they arrive, alright?"

Yukina gasped. "What happened to Kura? Is she alright?"

"No," Genkai said. "She's not. It's a long story, but for now you just need to know she's been through hell. Botan will help, but we're all counting on you to tend to her injuries. You understand?"

"I do," Yukina said. "Get her here as quickly as possible. I'll be ready."

Genkai sighed. "You might want to brace yourself, kiddo. It's not pretty."

Yukina paused. "Oh, I see…look, just focus on bringing her here. I'll be waiting."

"Good," Genkai said. "They should be there soon. The rest of us will be along after them."

They both hung up at the same time. Genkai took a moment to compose herself before trotting back to the nearby park where the others were dutifully waiting.

Shizuru and Keiko were seated on the park bench with Koenma, Kaito and Mitari leaned up against the fountain, while Yana seemed to have given up and stretched out flat on the grass. It had been a considerable walk back to Mushiyori City, and given how none of them had slept or eaten, they were all worn out.

"Yukina knows they're coming," Genkai said, and several people sighed with relief. Shizuru sent a reassuring smile at Keiko, who looked slightly more hopeful.

"Now, we all need to get back to the estate. Even you lot," Genkai nodded at Kaito, Yana and Mitari, before noticing someone had vanished. "Where'd the kid go?"

"Amanuma bolted," Mitari shrugged. "He said he was going home and just…left."

Genkai sighed again. "Well, not a lot we can do about that. Anyway, the quickest way to get to the estate is by train–"

"Which isn't a great option at the moment," Kaito said immediately. "Urameshi's fight in the cave caused considerable damage to the area…" he indicated the emergency vehicles, the taped off areas, the crumbling buildings and the confused onlookers staring at the colossal hole made by Sensui's seikoki, "and the trains aren't running from here"

"We can get a taxi to the next station over, right?" Keiko said. "We have to get back quickly!"

"Good idea," Shizuru said, and performed a quick headcount. "I'll go call for two to pick us up."

She hurried off to the payphones and Genkai continued. "Koenma, you're coming too. It's best if you lie low for a bit."

Koenma nodded. He wasn't about to argue that. He'd been fully aware of the consequences when he made his choices, but still…

"They'll pick us up on the other side of the park," Shizuru called once she hung up. "Let's move."

When the taxis pulled up, Koenma took one look inside and stiffened.

"What's wrong?" Kaito asked.

Koenma flushed. "I, uh…haven't been in one of these before."

A few eyebrows raised, but Genkai laughed as she opened the door. "Well, there's a first time for everything, Princey. Get your ass in there."

Mitari went to get in the middle, but Genkai stopped him.

"Nope. He's getting the crash course," she grinned. "Middle seat, Junior. Best in the house."

Koenma eyed the middle seat with apprehension.

"Move it, Prince Charming," Shizuru gave him a gentle shove. "It might not be your throne, but it'll do."

With a resigned sigh, Koenma positioned himself in the middle seat and attempted to make himself fit. But it was obvious that his teenage form was taking centre stage in the car.

Everyone else exchanged amused glances. Koenma's head was maybe a centimetre from the roof and once Mitari was on his other side, his knees were far further up than anyone's should be. The look on his face was more of a cry for help.

"Comfortable?" Genkai smirked.

Koenma glared amidst the stifled laughter. The mighty prince of Spirit World was quickly learning that navigating the Living World was not the cakewalk he'd apparently expected.

"You foreign or something?"

Koenma jumped. "What was that?"

"You foreign?" the taxi driver repeated with a curious look at Koenma through the rearview mirror. "Never been in a taxi?"

Koenma flushed slightly, muttering, "You could say that."

The taxi driver turned around. His eyes travelled to the kanji for junior on Koenma's forehead, then moved to the cape.

"Never seen that before…"

"Oi!" Genkai snapped. "You want to stare, go to an art gallery! We're heading to the station in Saiki City. Got it?"

The driver looked as though Genkai had hauled off and slapped him. "Yes ma'am. Right away ma'am!"

"That's better," A faint, satisfied smile tugged at Genkai's lips while she leaned back in her seat.

"We'll see you guys at the station, ok?" Shizuru said. She shut the door and hurried off to join Kaito, Yana and Keiko in the other cab.

Genkai raised an irritated eyebrow when she realised that the driver had taken advantage of the momentary distraction and was staring at Koenma again.

"What are you waiting for, an invitation? Get a move on already!"

Now it was the driver's turn to flush. "Sorry ma'am!"

He stepped on the accelerator a little too quickly and almost immediately hit a pothole. The subsequent jolt threw Koenma forward with a yelp.

In spite of everything, Mitari and Genkai couldn't contain themselves and burst out laughing.

"It's not funny!" Koenma gasped with wide, startled eyes. "What the heck was that?"

"A pothole, Mr Koenma," Mitari explained when he'd calmed down enough to speak.

"A what?!"

"Just a hole in the road, that's all. Tends to happen after an earthquake, or a lot of rain."

Koenma's jaw dropped. "This is the kind of thing you put up with here?!"

Genkai rolled her eyes. "Chill out, your Highness. They happen, it's not a big deal."

"Speak for yourself!" Koenma huffed. Mitari and Genkai suppressed more laughter as Koenma crossed his arms and barked at the driver, "No more of those things, alright?"

"Uh…of course," the driver said, though he looked more surprised than ever. And as he turned a corner, they heard him mutter, "Definitely foreign."

Koenma scowled.

When Kazuya came into the living room, he found Shiori curled up on the lounge under a fuzzy blanket with a demolished box of tissues beside her. One hand stretched towards the phone and her eyes were still red from crying. In other words, almost exactly how he'd left her the night before.

He shook his head sadly and knelt beside the couch. "Shiori?"

She stirred slowly from a fitful sleep. The weight of the past night settled on her shoulders as her surroundings came into focus.

"Kazuya, what's happening? What time is it?"

"Hello, dear," Kazuya said after kissing her forehead. "It's almost eight in the morning. Did you get any sleep?"

"Not much," Shiori admitted, and the heaviness in her chest intensified. It had been one of the longest and worst nights of her life, waiting for the phone to ring while simultaneously dreading that it would.

"Has Shuichi called? Is there any news at all?"

"There's still nothing to report. I'm sorry, dear. I thought I'd let you rest in the meantime."

Shiori glanced at the clock. 7:55am, just as Kazuya had said.

Tears filled her eyes again. Sakura had been missing for around eighteen or nineteen hours now, and Yusuke was still in the hospital. If Shuichi hadn't called yet, that likely meant there hadn't been any developments. Or at least, none that he could share.

Shiori sighed and made herself sip the water that Kazuya handed her. Her thoughts drifted to Yusuke, lying injured in a hospital bed.

"I hope Yusuke is alright. Shuichi didn't know much about his injuries when he called, only that they were significant. That could mean anything."

"I'm sure he's receiving the best care," Kazuya said. "We'll know when Shuichi calls."

"Shuichi was barely holding it together when he told me what had happened. I've never heard him so worried. If they don't find Sakura soon–"

"They will," Kazuya said firmly. "The investigators will do everything in their power to bring her home safely. We just need to have faith and hope for the best."

Shiori stared into the empty water glass. She desperately wanted to find solace in Kazuya's words, but the relentless ticking of the clock only emphasised the passage of time. Nineteen hours of this nightmare, and no way of knowing how many more it would last. No way of knowing where Sakura was, or who had taken her, or what might be happening to her–

No. Don't think like that.

Shiori put a hand to her forehead and took a deep breath to steady herself.

This still doesn't make any sense!

All evening, she'd been racking her brain, trying to think of a single reason for Sakura's disappearance. So far, she hadn't come up with anything.

Who could be behind this?

The twins were only fourteen; that seemed a little young for them to make dangerous enemies. And their mother…well, from the little Shuichi had revealed, it appeared she was best described as a flaky alcoholic. Not exactly evidence of criminal activity or affiliation.

But the twins being attacked on their way home, by a gang no less, still indicated to Shiori that this wasn't a random incident. It had to be targeted; it was the only explanation.

But why would anyone go after them? They're children. What do these people want?

It was likely that the questions would remain unanswered until Sakura was found, or released.

Hopefully, unharmed.

The knot in Shiori's stomach tightened. She glanced at the phone again, and as she did, Kazuya slipped his hand into hers.

"Shuichi will call, dear," he said gently. "When he has an update, he'll call."

Shiori nodded, but couldn't bring herself to look away from the phone.

Her mind was teeming with questions. Did the radio silence mean that something was happening? Something promising, even?

Perhaps the offenders had gotten in contact and demanded a ransom, or something of that nature. Maybe Yusuke had recovered enough to give further details and the police were diligently following up on the lead. Maybe another witness had come forward and revealed crucial information.

Many possibilities, but for now, all she could do was wait.

Don't give up, Sakura. Stay strong. You have to come home, safe.

As the morning sunlight streamed through the newly-opened window and cast a gentle glow about the room, Shiori squeezed Kazuya's hand. His presence steadied her pounding heart, at least a little, with the realisation that she wasn't alone.

And when Sakura returned, she wouldn't be alone either.

A.N. One chapter to go before we wrap up Book 3!

Not a lot to say here except that I originally thought that this chapter was going to be maybe 3000 or 4000 words. But not counting the Author's Notes, it ended up being a click over 6000. This was partly because I realised more reactions to everything was needed, and...well, the taxi scene was a last-minute addition. After all the panic and anguish I've dealt out to my readers, my beloved characters (and myself, to be fair), heaven knows we needed a laugh. And Koenma in a taxi was just too good to not include. Lol. So thank you Arielle1406 for giving me the push I needed to add some humour.

So keen to hear your thoughts on this one, and your hopes for Book 4 as we cross the finish line next chapter, which I'll get out ASAP.

Rosentic xx