"Hotel Kubikukuri's front desk, may I help you?"
"Yes, I would like to have some miso soup, jasmine rice, and baked salmon delivered to room 521. Oh, and more green tea, please," Tsuki whispered on the suite's telephone. "Can you remind room service to knock softly? My teammates are still sleeping."
"Of course, madam," the receptionist stated. "Your food will be ready in 20 minutes."
"Thanks," Tsuki hung up and stretched her arms. The morning was peaceful and quiet, just how she liked it. She even had the living room to herself. 5 am was a great time to wake up.
The priestess opened the curtains. She watched within seconds the sun rising, allowing the purple and deep blue colors to fade away. Her mood lifted as its rays shined around the island.
Tsuki smiled when the sun took its position in the paler blue sky. She opened the window and smelled the air filled with saltwater, tropical flowers, and sandalwood. Despite the dark aura, Hanging Neck island was breathtaking. An extensive evergreen forest surrounded the area. While she was in this paradise, the priestess was going to make the most of it.
There was a gentle knock on the door. Tsuki thanked the serviceman before grabbing her tray of food.
"Hmmm, it tastes like heaven." Hotel Kubikukuri was awesome. The staff treated them phenomenally well. Last night, Tsuki passed out as her head laid on the fluffiest pillow, with her body covered in a warm duvet cover. They even gave them the softest house slippers that made her feel comfortable and light on her feet.
After she finished, Tsuki grabbed her dark velvet tracksuit and pampered inside the bathroom. She now had the urge to explore the island.
I went to the beach. I'll be back by 7! ^_^
-Tsuki
Tsuki placed the note on the table. It was 15 minutes until 6 o'clock. Master Genkai and some of the boys should be getting up soon. Hopefully, Yusuke would be one of them.
The lobby was quiet when she made it downstairs. Tsuki waved at some of the hotel workers that were wiping the tables and sweeping the floor. They respectfully bowed before she exited the building.
Tsuki enjoyed her short walk to the beach. The demon's ship was long gone. She had a clear view of the crystal blue water with the waves crawling gently to the shore.
The priestess took off her boots and allowed her feet to crumble onto the wet sand. The black-tailed gulls squawked over her while the sea otters splashed near the surface.
The sea breeze caressed her skin, keeping it pleasantly warm despite the cold morning.
When she strolled, Tsuki allowed the freezing water to touch her feet. She just needed to clear her mind for a bit. Physically and spiritually, Tsuki was A-game, but she was nervous. Other than surviving the tournament, there had to be a good reason why the gods brought her here.
Tsuki lifted her hands high in the air. "Mom, I made it! I don't know if you're proud or frightened! I'm definitely feeling both!" She expressed with a heavy sigh. At least the beautiful sea was keeping her company.
The sound of falling rocks hit Tsuki's ears from behind. She turned around. "Who's there?"
No one was standing at the cliff, but Tsuki sensed someone was near. She gripped her divine bells. "Come out now, or I'll shoot!"
Tsuki's heart raced faster as a figure emerged from the shadows. The beating slowed down when Hiei stood in front of her.
"What are you doing?" She questioned the fire demon. He was bare-chested and already in his fighting stance.
Instead of answering, Hiei sprinted towards Tsuki with full speed.
The priestess surrounded herself with a barrier. "Hiei, it's too early for this. I'm not in the mood for your malicious game."
Hiei stepped backward and extended his sword out. "Fight me, or are you scared to come out of your bubble?" He taunted with a smirk.
Oh, that's it! Tsuki shot a spirit beam at him. "I'll show you, demon!"
Hiei didn't run. He dashed out of the way as the blast skirted through the ocean water.
"Spirit arrow!" Tsuki didn't give him a chance to retaliate. 10 soared in his direction.
Hiei speedily sliced the arrows one by one. "Don't tell me that's all you got?"
Tsuki scowled at his profound confidence. He obviously has been training with her grandfather.
Hiei lunged, but Tsuki was ready. She didn't experience getting hit countless times from Master Genkai's wooden sword for nothing. Just like Yusuke, she swiftly maneuvered from his attacks.
Tsuki skirted back and traced a pentagon in the air. "See if you can dodge this! Seal of purification!"
Five seals appeared on the ground around Hiei. He jumped high while the beams of light shot through the seals.
Tsuki enhanced her spiritual energy. "I'm not done yet!" 10 more surrounded him in midair.
Hiei glided away from the blasts. His eyes widened with pleasure as his arms blazed. "Darkness flamethrower!"
Tsuki gasped as long midnight flames flew towards her. She stood her ground and managed to make another pentagon. "Seal of reflection!"
The seal mirror effortlessly consumed his flames and reflected back to him.
"Ugh!" Hiei yelled as his flames struck him. His whole body flared like a barbeque, falling to the white sand.
Tsuki's mouth was gaped open. She stopped her spell and slowly approached his motionless body.
Oh my god, I just killed my teammate!
When Hiei's flame disintegrated, she crept closer and peeked at his face. His eyes were closed, and remarkably, his skin didn't fry.
Before she could kneel and touch his heart, Hiei rose from the dead. He tried to slice downwards, but Tsuki reacted quickly with her divine bells clashing with his sword.
Their standoff was about a few seconds until Hiei settled his weapon down. He turned around, putting his sword into the sheath. "That was a good warm-up. Now come on, the guys are waiting for us. The committee wants to start the tournament with a big bang. We have two hours to get ready."
Tsuki was utterly dumbfounded as she watched Hiei walk away. She knew he was psycho, but this was loony. The more she thought about it, the more she wanted to strangle him.
"ARE YOU INSANE?!" Tsuki screamed with her white aura glowing. "YOU SERIOUSLY INTERRUPTED MY THOUGHTS JUST TO TEST MY ABILITIES?!"
Hiei stopped and glanced at her. "Of course," he replied while shrugging. "You went out by yourself."
"I LEFT A NOTE! YOU JACKASS!"
"Yes, I've seen it. A virgin priestess on a demon island walking alone at the beach." He closed his eyes. "Now, that's a great horror film to see. If it wasn't me, then who else would've attacked you?"
Tsuki shivered at the thought. She was confident fighting Hiei. High-level demons that she had never experienced will be difficult to defeat.
"If you couldn't defeat me, I was going to recommend you to tag along with someone else next time. I see that's not the case," Hiei explained with a smile. "You're more than capable of being on your own."
Bump. There was that strange feeling again. It was intense this time. Tsuki didn't know why her heart was acting this way.
"Well, are you coming? I told the fool I'll be back in 20 mins. I'll kill him if he's still showering." Losing his patience, Hiei strolled towards the hotel.
Tsuki shook her head and grabbed her boots. After she put them on, Tsuki trailed behind Hiei. She just needed to get used to his odd caring ways.
"Ladies and gentlemen, my name is Koto and I'll be your cute host for this year's tournament!" The fox lady announced. She was standing alone in the vast ring as the crowd roared in excitement. "It's going to be a messy one. For those in the front row, raincoats are available in the merchandise store!"
"Get on with the fight!"
"We came to see blood! Not to hear you talk to us to death!"
The Urameshi Team stood in the waiting area. Everyone was silent except for Yusuke's random snores. Once again, Kuwabara had to be the one carrying him.
Tsuki eyed the arena and took a deep breath. Now she understood why there was such much dark energy surrounding the island. Ever since they stepped foot inside the stadium, Tsuki felt like she entered a Mortal Kombat game. The Dark Tournament was more than just dark. It was a sinister void with no end in sight.
"Now, here's the introduction you guys have been waiting for! The first to enter the arena is Team Royukukai!"
The crowd cheered when the demon team made their way to the ring. Out of all of the team members, Tsuki knew Zeru was the strongest. His spiritual energy was phenomenal as he led his members in front.
"And now for this year's guests, Team Urameshi!" Koto stated after the crowd calmed down.
Tsuki was the first one to step out. The flashing lights and cameras were now on them. She observed the seats that were completely filled. The stadium held five times the people in a regular football game. It even had a suite for the upper-class audience.
"Boo! You'll be dead in one round!" One demon screamed from behind.
"Kurama and Hiei, you're traitors to the Demon World!" Another one yelled.
"This is sure a heck of a greeting for special guests," Kuwabara grumbled behind Tsuki.
"Relax, Kuwabara. It's not pleasant to be called a traitor by your own kind either," Kurama replied.
"Both teams into the arena!" Koto ordered.
They met in the middle. The tension was thick as the teams stared intensely at each other. Team Royukukai only had five members. Their energy combine wasn't superb. However, Grandfather Saito said never underestimate an opponent.
"I thought you guys wouldn't come after last night," Rinku teased. The demon child squinted his nose and eyed Yusuke. "Is that big idiot still asleep?"
Before Tsuki could retort at the brat, the announcer spoke. "As always, the terms of fighting for each match can be decided by leaders of the two teams. Of course, if the team members can't agree, we'll default to one-on-one fights. Determining the winning team by the most individual win. Make sense?" Koto glanced at both of the teams.
"Not exactly," Kuwabara glared at Yusuke with gritted teeth. "Our team leader is asleep."
Kurama smiled. "Well then, Kuwabara. You'll have to be the one to do it."
"Really?" Kuwabara's eyes lit up.
"Mom, I don't want to go to school," Yusuke mumbled. "Just let Kuwabara be the leader in this stupid tournament. Now, where's my green jacket?"
Kuwabara giggled as a schoolgirl. "If that's not a chance for power then I don't know what is. Even though I don't like the fact I was the second choice, but oh well. Let's do this!"
"Poor fool," Hiei muttered as he stood next to the masked fighter.
Kuwabara and Zeru faced each other.
"I don't care how we play this fight. It's not going to make a difference in the end," the blonde demon explained confidently. "Just as long as I have time to enjoy my victory."
Kuwabara stepped forward. "Let's do one-on-one. That's how real men fight, after all."
"Sounds like we came to an agreement!" Koto raised her hand high. "We're looking at one-on-one!"
"See you there!" Kuwabara turned around.
Zeru stopped walking and glared at Yusuke. Large flames splurged and surrounded his body.
Tsuki covered her eyes. The hot air was causing her to sweat. "His spiritual energy just shot to the roof!"
"Hiei," Kurama whispered to the fire demon, who remained quiet. "We better be careful with this one."
Kuwabara shook Yusuke, who was still asleep. The provoking didn't even cause him to blink. "Hey! You got to wake up, Urameshi! Come on!" His eyes widened when Zeru shot fire in their direction. "Great, now what is this punk trying to do?!"
The fire circled them before heading towards the crowd.
"AHHHHH!" The demons screamed. The fire reached the higher seats until it vanished. All that was remaining were black ashes.
Tsuki wiped the sweat from her forehead and fixed her gaze at the audience. Everyone was risking their lives to watch or participate in this awful tournament.
There was no noise as both teams got into their spots outside the ring.
Koto cleared her throat. "Well people, the flames are out. I noticed a lot of people are quiet because of that outbursts, but that's half the fun. Now teams, send out your fighters!"
Rinku stepped in. "I'll go first. This should be fun!"
"Yeah, that brat is definitely mine." Kuwabara placed Yusuke on the ground.
"Be careful, Kuwabara," Tsuki warned as she eyed Rinku. "There's something vicious about that demon child."
Kuwabara cracked his fists. "Oh yeah, he's going to cry to his mommy when I'm finished with him."
"You take him out, Kuwabara." Yusuke tossed to the side. "Now I have to go hiking."
The crowd was rowdy as Rinku and Kuwabara met in the middle.
"No limits have been set besides one-on-one. You're free to use any weapons and techniques you want. The first person to stay down or out of the ring for ten seconds is the loser." A loud buzzer echoed in the arena. Koto gave the signal. "Now begin!"
Kuwabara got into his fighting stance. "Come on, kid. You can hit me first."
Rinku circled him. "Let's play a little game," he stated while jumping up.
The demon child flipped, cartwheel, and somersault around the ring. Kuwabara tried his best to trail him.
"Can you catch me?" He flew towards Kuwabara with his leg sticking out.
Kuwabara managed to avoid the direct hit, but Tsuki noticed blood was dripping on the side of his face.
"Darn it, where did he go?" Kuwabara glanced around.
"Kuwabara, look down!" Tsuki called. It was too late. Rinku kicked him in the chin.
The crowd roared as Kuwabara wiped the saliva off his face. "You know what kid, you're starting to make me mad!"
Rinku giggled and continued to perform his moves.
"What great agility. His moves will be difficult to follow," Kurama proclaimed.
"Yes, but Kuwabara can stop him if he pays attention to his energy," Tsuki added.
"Bet you want to give up now. Don't you?" Rinku teased.
"You may be fast, but I know one thing. You're leaving a trail!" Kuwabara hit the demon child at the back of his head.
Rinku's hat flew, and he tumbled to the ground. When he got up, he shook his fist with his teeth bared.
Kuwabara stood proudly. "You're beaten. I can sense your spirit energy now!"
Rinku tried to run, but Kuwabara came in front of him. With one powerful kick, Rinku skirted in the arena.
"Good job, Kuwabara!" Tsuki yelled.
The unsatisfied audience began booing.
"That kid is a disgrace!"
"Get him off the ring!"
Team Rokuyukai stared closely at Rinku as he struggled to get up.
Kurama smiled. "Our lessons have helped him more than we thought, Hiei. It seems Kuwabara is the type of fighter whose true skills can only be measured in the ring."
"Maybe so, but he still doesn't understand these fights. He should drop his honor and finish the boy while he's down."
"Kuwabara isn't that kind of guy," Tsuki argued. "He's a good person. And will always do the right thing."
"UGHHH!" Rinku sprinted towards Kuwabara. He tried to punch, but Kuwabara dodged and uppercut him. Rinku clutched his stomach and toppled onto the ground.
"I don't want to torture you. Just stay down until the ref counts to 10!" Kuwabara aimed at his stomach, but Rinku suddenly vanished.
"Where did he go?" Kuwabara scrambled to find him.
Tsuki's heart dropped. The kid wasn't playful anymore. Now he was ruthless. "Kuwabara, turn around!"
"You shouldn't take so long with your attack!" Rinku kicked Kuwabara in the face, causing his neck to bend.
"Oh my goodness." Tsuki covered her mouth. Her grandfather told her the Dark Tournament would be extremely brutal. Seeing it with her own eyes didn't make it less painful to watch.
Kuwabara was a broken toy. The crowd went wild as he lay motionless with his neck turned to the side.
"1, 2, 3, 4, 5," Koto counted.
"He, he, he." Rinku put his hands behind his back. He turned to his teammates that smirked and gave him a thumbs up. "How was that Zeru? I thought it would be fun if I allowed him to think he was winning. The fans liked it too."
Hiei scoffed. "Should've known. Kuwabara only seemed better because the boy was leaving a trail."
"Kuwabara, get up," Tsuki pleaded. Though she knew a neck injury was pretty fatal.
Koto continued her count. "6, 7!"
Rinku waved and kissed the crowd. "What's the point of counting? I broke the dummy's neck. Why don't you count his last heartbeat?"
"8, 9!"
"Actually, my neck is just fine!" Kuwabara gradually got up.
Tsuki sighed in relief. Shizuru would've been heartbroken if her brother died so early.
Rinku shook his head, watching Kuwabara twist his neck from side to side. "You should've stayed down, fool. I just need to fix that."
"I love it!" Koto twirled. "Just as we thought it was over, the two are facing off again!"
Kuwabara clenched his fist. "No more silly games! You better start fighting me, honest!"
"They both greatly underestimated each other," Kurama spoke. "I believe the first to realize this will win."
"Well, at any rate, it's an entertaining fight," Hiei stated.
A clanking sound pierced Tsuki's ears as she glanced up. Clouds that were black as the devil's soul crowded the sky. They called it entertaining. She thought the tournament was meaningless bloodshed.
She glanced at the masked fighter that decided to observe from a distance. He gave her a reassuring nod before Tsuki turned back to the show.
"Since I couldn't beat you plain, I'll kill you with my real weapon!" Rinku took out 8 yoyos from his pouch. "The serpent yoyo attack!"
"Oh yeah? Here's a new trick I got!" Kuwabara charged his energy. Two swords emerged from his hands. "Double spirit sword! I think it's time we finish this!"
"Gladly!" Rinku leaped and tossed his four yoyos towards Kuwabara.
"Do you really think you could win with those stupid toys?!" Kuwabara swung his sword, but the yoyos maneuvered and struck his face and chest. "Ah!" He cried out in pain, landing on the ground.
Kurama rubbed his chin. "Yes, of course. The strings are alive!"
"Please tell me I'm not the only one who saw that!" Koto stated. "Somehow, the yoyos snaked themselves around to avoid Kuwabara's sword!"
"Well, duh. When I throw the yoyos, my spiritual powers go into them. They're a part of me. You trying to cut them off with your sword is like grabbing a snake with your bare hands." Rinku yoyos swirled onto the ring. "I know a fun game. How about I throw my yoyos while you try to stay alive! Hahahaha! This is my take on walking the dog!"
Kuwabara used his swords to push the arena's gravel to block the strike. The yoyos broke through the rocks and hit Kuwabara's body.
"Ugh!" The strings wrapped around Kuwabara and pulled him towards the ground. Rinku lifted Kuwabara and maneuvered his body like a human kite.
Koto glanced up. "Well, people. I'll let you use your own imagination to what happens when a human's poor and frail body crashes all the way down into the hard stadium. Isn't this tournament to die for?"
No, it's not! Tsuki gulped. There was no way he could survive that fall.
After Rinku swung Kuwabara, the demon child slammed him to the ground.
"It's hard to counterattack when you can't even move. I love it!" Koto twirled again.
Hiei shook his head. "I knew Kuwabara's training wouldn't be enough. We best to assume him dead and prepare for the next fight."
"No, there are still some techniques that he hasn't tried," Kurama retorted.
"I'm going to get you, brat!" Kuwabara threatened.
Rinku sent Kuwabara high in the air. "How many times do I have to throw you around? You're like fighting a brick. Just enjoy yourself. You'll be coming down soon enough."
Tsuki clutched her heart. Was this it for her sweet friend?
"YUSUKE!" a familiar voice yelled from behind.
Tsuki blinked and turned around. "Keiko?" Her friend was standing front row next to Shizuru and Botan.
"What's the matter, Yusuke?!" Keiko screamed. "Your friend needs you right now!"
"Hang on tight, Kuwabara!" Botan called.
Tsuki ran towards them with her eyes twinkling. "Hey Botan, pretty kimono. Keiko and Shizuru, what on earth are you doing here?" She was ecstatic but frightened to see her friends. They were the only girls surrounded by human-hating demons.
"You really think I was going to stay home while you guys fight in this tacky tournament?!" Keiko put her hands on her hips. "What kind of friend do you think I am?!"
Shizuru lit up her cigarette. "Besides, I have to make funeral arrangements just in case my stupid brother decides to die today."
"Finish him, Rinku!"
"I want to see his blood splatter in the ring!"
"Alright, I gotta finish this for the fans!" Rinku released the strings from Kuwabara's body.
Koto grinned. "Looks like the fans already know what they want! This is it! Get ready for the boom!"
Once Kuwabara's hand was loose, he charged his spiritual energy. "You made a big mistake, Rinku! You should've never let go of my hands! Spirit sword, get long!" His spirit sword broke the fall, and he flung straight to Rinku.
"Huh, that's pretty neat for a blockhead. You made the mistake of flying towards me!" Rinku's yoyos flew towards Kuwabara.
"Not this time, brat!" Kuwabara bent his sword multiple times, aiming at Rinku's chest.
The teams were speechless as the fighters got struck by each other's weapons. The impact landed them outside the arena.
"Both the fighters have been knocked out of the ring at the very same time. By the rules, you're only allowed to stay out of the ring for ten seconds. It's time to start the count! 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5!"
Rinku crawled onto the stadium and covered his stomach. "Damn it. I'll have to use my energy to cover this blow."
"Come on, Kuwabara!" Yusuke mumbled loudly. "I know you're used to losing, but this is ridiculous!"
Kuwabara stood up. "What did you say?!"
"6, Kuwabara," Koto explained. "You have 4 seconds to get in this ring!"
"Not you, fox!" He sprinted towards Yusuke. "Urameshi! Do you want to say that to my face?! Oh, you're pretending to be asleep now?! You scary cat!"
Tsuki slapped her forehead while Shizuru glared at her brother. "Kuwabara, get back in the ring!"
"7, 8, 9!"
Kuwabara began climbing. "Hold on! I'm coming!"
"Oh man, I don't have enough energy to fight him. Please, stay down." Rinku used his spiritual powers to tighten the strings around Kuwabara's body.
"Let me go! You stupid yoyo!" Kuwabara struggled and fell backward to the ground. "Hey! That's cheating!"
"9, 10! And Rinku is the winner! Team Royukukai receives a point!" Koto declared.
The crowd roared with applause and a standing ovation.
"No, no, no!" Kuwabara stood up after the strings became loose. "That wasn't a fair move! Let's go!"
"What? Are you crazy? I beat you! Just please go away!" Rinku cried as he ran back to his teammates.
"This isn't over, kid! Just meet me outside the hotel when this tournament ends!"
Shizuru sighed. "There goes my baby brother being stupid."
"I'm just glad he's alive," Tsuki stated. She watched the grey demon from Royukukai's team, and Kurama stepped inside the ring. "Ladies, I'll talk to you soon. I have to watch this fight. Please stay safe out there."
"I'm coming with you, Tsuki!" Botan dropped down and walked with the priestess.
"Be safe! We'll be cheering you on!" Keiko yelled.
Shizuru smiled. "Yes, and please watch my brother for me!"
Tsuki waved as she and Botan made it back to the team.
"Kurama, we can't take any chances," Hiei advised. "Don't show any mercy."
"Naturally," Kurama strolled to the middle of the arena.
"We'll deal with the rest of the team. You relax," Hiei stated to Kuwabara.
Kuwabara sat down, holding his shoulder. "Hey! I'm not out of this yet! I can still fight just in case you guys need me!"
"We'll pray that doesn't happen." Hiei didn't even try to hide his sarcasm.
"Kuwabara," Tsuki spoke. "After this round, I'll be happy to check your shoulder."
"Thanks, Tsuki. I appreciate it. Hey Botan, what are you doing down here?"
Botan stripped off her orange kimono, revealing a yellow blazer and brown suspender pants. "I'm here to whip this team into shape!"
Hiei glanced at the arena. "Leave before you hurt yourself."
"Well, that's a jolly thing to say to a person that's going to help you win. Not only am I a grim reaper and assistant, but I'm also a licensed trainer. I'll be looking after you all and making sure you're in tip-top shape for fighting." Botan ran to Yusuke and slapped him around. "Earth to Yusuke! Wake up! Come on now! We have a tournament to win!"
"That won't work," Tsuki explained. "We tried everything. He didn't even shriek when Kuwabara put ice water on his face this morning."
"The boy is determined," Hiei stated.
"Well, at least I'll get him out of the way." Botan dragged him to the wall where the masked fighter stood.
"Roto from Team Rokuyukai and Kurama from Team Urameshi, begin!" Koto ordered.
Kurama was a sweetheart, but there was something brutal about him. Tsuki didn't get the chance to fight him during the treasure case. And she only saw a glimpse of his whip in the ship. "This fight is going to be interesting. I haven't really seen Kurama's fighting abilities."
"Kurama has extraordinary powers of manipulating plants. Even weeds can turn into a deadly weapon," Hiei explained.
Roto energy was lower than Rinku's. The battle shouldn't take long. Tsuki firmly believed that Kurama would win.
Roto transformed his right hand into a curved sword and lunged at the fox demon.
Hiei smirked at Kuwabara. "He's clearly no match. It's a pity you could've taken him and allowed Kurama to take on that little child with his yoyos."
"Hey! Watch it, shrimpie! I just got cheated, that's all!"
Roto didn't even scratch the fox demon. Kurama effortlessly glided out of the way with a wide smile on his face. He came behind Roto with the final strike.
Tsuki didn't hear what Roto whispered, but she raised her eyebrow when Kurama stopped attacking. Not missing the opportunity, Roto sliced him. She glanced at Hiei, who was staring incredulously at the ring.
Kurama stepped back with his cheek dripping with blood. He was calm, but his eyes showed deep anger.
Kuwabara turned to Hiei. "What's going on? You said he was going to win!"
Tsuki squinted her eyes. Kurama had the opportunity. Why did he stop? Roto must be threatening him!
"Correct, Tsuki," Hiei stated inside her mind. "Now watch what Kurama does."
Tsuki listened attentively as Roto revealed a device. "Allowed me to introduce my little button. When I pressed it, a signal will be sent to my brother. He's been tracking your mother for some time. He's very anxious to bite her head off."
Tsuki's eyes widened. "Oh no."
"Man," Yusuke mumbled. "I hate cheaters!"
"So now you understand." Roto threw punches at Kurama. "No fighting back!
Kurama ducked from another blow and hit a pebble at Roto's face.
"Oh, honestly. Do you think throwing a pebble at my face is the best thing to do in this situation?"
No, Kurama didn't throw only a pebble. The energy was faint, but Tsuki spotted something small growing inside Roto's chest.
Kurama remained silent. His face was unreadable as he stood firmly.
Roto revealed the button again. "You've been warned! With the push of this button, your mother will meet her death in a horrible sudden manner! Now fold your arms behind your back and let me hit you as I please," he demanded.
Kurama had no choice but to oblige. Whatever he threw was spreading at a steady pace.
"Oh yes, that's so much better. I love the power of forced submission. Why train hard for the best when you can easily use this tactic!" The audience cheered as Roto pulverized Kurama.
"Interesting," Koto announced. "Kurama has become totally obedient to his opponent!"
Kuwabara got up. "What's wrong Kurama, let him have it!"
"Quiet," Hiei commanded.
"Kuwabara, pay attention," Tsuki stated. Kurama needed to stall Roto for a bit more. Roots were beginning to spread inside the demon's chest and shoulders.
"I know what you're thinking. What if I can quickly cut off his left arm of his. I'll still be able to press the button." Roto came right in front of Kurama. "Ha ha ha, I can see it in your pretty eyes."
The fox demon stared directly at Roto. That caused the demon to widen his eyes and twist his mouth.
"Why don't you answer?!" Roto kicked him in the stomach.
"Kurama remains absolutely motionless! What is the cause?! Has he lost his willingness to fight?!" Koto declared.
"Tell them the truth, Kurama." Roto punched Kurama in the face. "Tell them you refuse to fight for the sake of a human tramp!"
The crowd roared again.
"Kill the traitor!"
"Die!"
"It's brutal, it's violent, it's wonderful!" Koto danced. "Roto is punching him like a side of meat and there's no retaliation!"
Tsuki admired Kurama's self-control. She didn't know how she would react if her grandfather's life was in danger. The vile demon had to die.
Roto morphed his sword back into his hand and touched his cheek. "I hate that look. Despite all I have done, you still have that look you're better than me!"
Kurama didn't budge as Roto sliced his face again.
"It doesn't matter anyway because I have the power now." The grey demon lifted his left knee. "I would like you to lick the scum of my boot. I just can't keep it clean. After you do that, I'll decapitate your head and spare your mother's life. And since you care about the whore so much, this is your only choice."
"I refuse."
"What?" Roto clenched his jaw.
Tsuki smiled. The roots were now throughout Roto's body.
Kurama dust off his shoulders. "Go ahead, press it now if you wish."
Sweat was pouring off of Roto's face as he chuckled and pointed. "Your true character emerges! You're nothing special, just a selfish demon like the rest of us here!"
"Push it," Kurama demanded in a forceful tone.
"HA HA HA HA, I WILL!" Roto lifted his arm for a drastic push. A few seconds later, his eyes widened with fear. "I can't move!"
Kurama snatched the button off his hand. "Fighting on a strength of one threat is a very risky gamble. Would if I told you I truly didn't care?"
"It's hard to tell what's happening, but it's clear that Kurama has the upper hand!" Koto announced.
"I've sown the seed of a death plant inside your body. I feed it with my energy. And It had plenty of time to take root. I'm afraid there won't be anything left of your evil manner," Kurama stated as he walked away.
"Wait, Kurama!" Roto cried. "You don't have to do this! I never would've actually had to push the button! I swear it! I'm just a localist! I don't know any better! Come on, you believe in mercy don't you?!"
Kurama glanced at him. Tsuki had never seen his face so dark and emotionless. "No."
"Argh!" Blood spurted out of Roto's eyes, mouth, and nose. As he fell down, dark vines scattered out his body, revealing bright and colorful flowers.
"What irony. Such beauty sprung from such an ugly soul." Kurama shook his head and headed back to the team's side.
"Now that one is definitely over! The score tied to one!" Koto claimed to the silent crowd.
"What a fool," Hiei stated when Kurama came close. "He was so intent on proving himself that he couldn't notice your moves. Don't worry about his demon friend. He vanished the moment Roto died."
Kurama smiled. "So you knew."
"That's good to hear." Tsuki beamed. "You did well out there, Kurama."
"What a relief," Yusuke mumbled.
Tsuki and Kurama smiled at the spirit detective. Yusuke was still with them even in his deep slumber.
Kuwabara tilted his head. "Okay, enough of the secret! What just happened?"
Botan ran next to him. "Please, do tell," she insisted.
"It's passed." Hiei turned his attention to the ring.
Kurama did the same thing. "Agreed."
"Come on, Tsuki. Tell us!" Kuwabara urged.
"I'm not entirely sure myself," she lied. If Kurama didn't want to explain, it wasn't her business to tell.
Botan crossed her arms. "That isn't very friendly of them."
"Those demons think they so darn cool," Kuwabara grumbled.
Tsuki felt hot again. She glanced at Zeru who's spiritual energy was rising uncontrollably. Just like a volcano, he was ready to erupt.