AN: Hello, everyone and happy New Year! My life is getting busier so I had to take a breather and focus on my priorities. However, that doesn't mean I'm going to neglect this story. My updates will be just slower than usual. Thank you, VampireCiel96 for your review. I'm glad you're enjoying it so far. ^^

UniversalGoddess

"Urameshi!" Chū burst into the room, grinning. "Did the ripper wake up yet?!"

Riku followed behind him with his hands behind the back of his head. "Wow, Chū. Do you have to be so loud?"

"Yeah," Kuwabara scowled, massaging his ears. He sat on the floor with his legs crossed. "And will it kill ya to knock first?"

"Hello, everyone," Tsuki greeted them while Jin and Toya entered. "Thanks for checking in on Yusuke."

"Yes," Kurama gave them a head nod. "I'm sure he'll appreciate it."

Yusuke snored loudly while tucked in bed. His face was still pale, but he seemed at peace. Yukina's powers also did a great job of healing his wounds.

"Do ya think he'll be ready for the big fellow?" Jin asked.

Toya observed Yusuke closely. His expression became skeptical. "I hope so. Toguro is a deadly opponent."

"He'll be ready," Master Genkai answered, giving the spirit detective a stern look. "The dimwit has no choice, but to fight."

Kurama's face twisted in nervous anticipation. "I'm afraid we all have no choice in that matter."

"Precisely," Tsuki slowly clenched her fists, glaring at the floor. "We all have to deal with the lunatics."

Kuwabara folded his arms. "Yeah, I don't want to dread it. The finals are only two days away. And I'm glad I'm not watching their fight. Team Toguro gives me the creeps."

"Bawk! Bawwwk! Bawwwk!" Riku flapped his arms, sticking his tongue out. "Chicken! Chicken!"

"Shut up, brat!" Kuwabara shot up. "It's a lot going on, okay?!"

"Aye!" Chū grabbed Kuwabara by the neck, pulling him close to his big chest. "I don't wanna hear nothin about no cowardice! You better get in that ring, and kick some butt!"

"Yeah," Jin agreed, smiling brightly. "Ya gotta be the wind."

"It's the ninja way," Toya confidently declared.

"Oh, Genkai. I almost forgot." Tsuki's eyes lit up as hope warmed her. "Grandpa is coming tomorrow morning. He's happy that we made it to the finals."

Master Genkai greeted the news with bright spirits. "Good, the knucklehead came at the right time."

Tsuki's smile faded while her face hardened. Genkai's aura was slowly dimming in front of her eyes.

"Ready to go, Tsuki?" Kurama asked, opening the door. "We have a long walk ahead of us."

"Yes," Tsuki glanced back at her teacher. "We won't be long, Genkai-sensei."

Genkai patted her shoulder. "You don't have to be so formal with me, Tsuki. Genkai is enough." A smile lifted the corners of her mouth, and her calm brown eyes burned with enlightening warmth. "I'm proud of you. You're getting stronger each day."

Tsuki's arms wanted to reach out and give her a tight hug, but she just smiled, eyes crinkling. "Thanks, Genkai. I'm very fortunate to have you as my teacher."

"Likewise. Take your time coming back. And if I'm not here, don't worry." Genkai settled down next to the lamp. "I'll be fine."

Riku waved. "Have fun watching the show."

"And don't let those fools intimidate ya," Chū stated while Kuwabara continued to squirm in his tight grip. Toya and Jin nodded in agreement.

"Don't worry, we won't." Tsuki kept looking at Genkai before heading out the door. She couldn't ignore the tight knot in her stomach.

"Is everything okay, Tsuki?" Kurama asked when they exited the hotel. "You've been very quiet since we left the room."

Snapping out of her thoughts, Tsuki took a deep breath and gazed at the clear sky. It was a bright day. The island bathed in sunshine. "Yes, everything is fine. Just thinking about the finals."

"Understandable, we're all stressed out. By the way, where's Iku?"

"With the girls." Tsuki clasped her hands and sighed. She already missed his adorable presence. "They wanted to bond with him and Puu." Tsuki paused before asking. "Did Hiei already leave?"

"Yes, a few hours ago actually." Kurama shook his head. "Knowing Hiei, we won't be seeing him for a while. He only has two days to perfect his dark dragon technique."

"Oh," Tsuki lowered her gaze, trying her best to conceal the disappointment in her voice. She wanted to see him before he left. "I hope he stays safe."

"I'm sure Hiei will be fine." The fox demon gave her a peculiar look. "It seems you guys have gotten very close these past couple of days."

"Y-yeah," Tsuki's face took on a cute shyness. "I guess you can say that."

"No need to be shy about it. You can't help but feel the way you do. It takes guts to be vulnerable."

"I don't want to push it. He's dealing with his problems and I have to deal with Kana." Tsuki had a look of determination on her face. That's one of the reasons why she wanted to watch the semi-finals. She didn't want the witch to think she put total fear over her. "Thank you for training me before my final match."

"Not a problem. I'll do my best to help you. And don't mind Hiei," Kurama stated. "He's standoffish, but he does care in his own way. You just have to be persistent and show that you're interested as well."

"I appreciate the advice." Tsuki suddenly remembered his battle with Ura. "By the way, your demon form looked amazing. How did it feel to be back in your original body?"

"Familiar," Kurama confessed, expressing a mixture of dazed and astonishment. "I was fortunate the baby spell didn't work, but at the same time it brought back memories I try hard to forget."

"Was Yoko Kurama really that bad?" Tsuki turned to Kurama with a puzzled stare. "Didn't you have anyone who cared about you?"

"I had, but all of them died in horrible circumstances. I can't help but think it's all my fault." Kurama's face faltered and now sorrow filled his eyes. "I'm fortunate and grateful to be given another chance at life. I want to redeem myself and protect my mother until she leaves the Human World."

"Well, Kurama. I believe you're doing the best that you can." Tsuki's voice turned soft. "I don't truly know your whole story, but I'm glad to have met you. You're a good person even if you can't see it from your past mistakes."

"Thanks, Tsuki. I see you're doing your best as well. I know this tournament has negatively affected your spiritual well-being."

"Yes, but it also gave me a new perspective on things. Especially after battling Team Uraotogi." Tsuki gazed at the bright blue sky with new strong willpower. "I don't need to change who I am as a person to survive. And I won't turn into some kind of monster that I'm not. No matter what darkness comes my way, I have to be the light."

"Well as long as you remain true to who you are, that shouldn't be a problem." Kurama's smile grew radiant. "There's nothing more beautiful than the heart shining in the midst of fear and chaos. Never lose your good and loving heart, Tsuki. Allow your light to shine bright."

They roamed deeper and deeper into the woods, making casual talk. It was not until they made it to the clearing that they noticed other demons emerging from the trees.

Empty cups and beer cans litter the ground. Demons yelled and laughed over the loud rock music coming from a huge stereo. Some were being shoved and jostled in the large crowd.

Tsuki's shoulders slumped. Her weary eyes couldn't keep up with the madness. I thought yesterday was crazy. Today is insane.

The demons went nuts, shouting the all-mighty Toguro team. The pounding music, the cheers, worked their way into Tsuki's blood, and she couldn't suppress her uneasiness.

"Hehehehe, two days! Two days!"

"The excitement of seeing you guy's blood splattering is giving me a boner!"

Kurama focused his eyes on the stadium. "Let's head to the upper-middle section. I want a clear view on what we're up against."

Tsuki nodded, biting her lip. There were more important things to focus on. She took a deep breath and walked side by side. I can handle this.

After maneuvering through a gauntlet of hissing, spitting, jeering demons, they entered the dark stadium. Kurama led Tsuki up a flight of stairs.

"I'm glad we left around this time," Tsuki stated as they squeezed up the packed stairway. She and a demon woman glared at each other when their shoulders bumped. "It seems the fight is about to get started."

"Yes, it's best to avoid confrontation as much as possible."

They found their spot, standing in the middle of the rows. A few jostled through the crowd to get to their seats. Small section to their right swayed side to side.

Tsuki wiped the sweat from her forehead. The stadium burned like hell. She gazed down. Juri stood in the middle, waving at the whistling fans.

"Woohoo! It's about to be a bloodbath today!" Koto announced excitedly in her seat. "Welcome to the last day of the semi-finals! I know you delightful fans are dying to watch this spectacular show!"

"Toguro! Toguro! Toguro!" The crowd roared, foam flying from their mouths.

"Alright, let's start the bloody show!" Juri declared. "On my left, the next contestant that'll be facing the unbeatable Team Toguro is Team Gorenja!"

Tsuki observed the team closely as they headed towards the ring. They were powerful but not nearly close to Team Toguro's dreadful energy. "Do you think they have a chance?"

"No," Kurama admitted. "But we'll just have to wait and see."

Juri twirled and pointed. "And on my right, the awesome Team Toguro!"

Tsuki glared at them. The crowd's claps and whistles rang her ears while the mighty team casually strolled in the ring. The arrogant, elder Toguro led the way.

"Team Toguro are the raging champions! And by the screams of the crowd, they're clearly the favorites of this tournament so far!" Koto announced. "And here's four reasons why: Karasu, Bui, Kana, and the eldest Toguro. Human and demon, you got to love what's next!"

"Toguro! Toguro! Toguro!" The demons stomped their feet. Growling, hissing, and barking. Beer cans and alcohol bottles clanked and popped throughout the stadium.

Tsuki gazed around. No sign of the biggest asshole of them all. "Where's younger Toguro? He should be here."

"This is unusual." Kurama kept his eyes on the ring. "But I'm positive his team doesn't need him in this round."

The two teams met in the middle. After an exchange of words, Team Gorenja's captain glared daggers at Toguro.

Koto grew impatient. "Well, we're just seconds from game time and younger Toguro is still a no show! This is highly unusual for him to miss!"

"What?! Isn't he supposed to be here?"

"Hey, what gives?! I better see some entertainment!"

The crowd whispered and growled anxiously. Confusion appeared on their faces.

"This is quite unreal! For the first time at the Dark Tournament, Toguro is not participating in the semi-finals!" Koto declared, observing the two teams' interaction. "We're looking at four to five!"

Kurama narrowed his eyes. "Toguro is busy. Team Gorenja's captain is agitated, but his female teammate perceives it as an advantage. "

What would make him so busy to miss this? Tsuki pursed her lips as the teams departed to their sides. "It doesn't matter. Like you said before, they don't need him."

"Let's get this 1st battle for the final round underway!" Juri pronounced. "Karasu vs. Midorenjya!"

The crowd roared with excitement while Karasu and Midorenjya stepped in the middle.

He gives me the jibes. Tsuki shivered, eyeing the raven hair demon. "I'm curious what this weirdo can do."

"Yes, he was one of the few members that didn't engage in the preliminaries," Kurama replied.

Juri whirled and gave the signal. "Fight!"

Midorenjya increased his energy. A green orb formed around his hands, enlarging as the wind whipped up the stadium.

"Midorenjya has just created some sort of pastry green object! And ohhhhh my goodness!" Juri pinched her nose, slowly backing away. "It smells really, really, really bad!"

Tsuki covered her nose. The stench reminded her of sweaty feet mixed with kusaya. "She's right. I can barely stand it."

"At least your nose isn't as sensitive as a demon," Kurama answered, squinting his nose.

Karasu stood calm while Midorenjya shot the blast. With swiftness, he scooted to the side. The orb flew past and crashed into the stadium wall.

Tsuki gasped. The acid from the orb vaporized the section of the crowd's skin into bones. She thanked the gods they were in the upper section. "He didn't even scratch him with that powerful attack."

"Karasu is fast," Kurama explained. "Long-range won't work on him."

"What a surprise from section 7! The acidic blast melted them with excruciating pain! Make sure to get the home release from that one, people!" Koto announced.

While Midorenjya charged another orb, Karasu strolled towards him. He made a graceful leap into the air and touched Midorenjya's shoulder.

Tsuki squinted. "My eyes can barely read his movements."

"Yes," Kurama observed closely. "His attack was very subtle."

Midorenjya's arm exploded. When he screamed and clutched his wound, Karasu swiftly touched his other arm.

"Wow," Tsuki's heart pounded as Midorenjya's second arm blew up. "Such a deadly attack."

Kurama fixed his gaze on Karasu. "He must send his energy directly towards his opponent's body."

Team Gorenja stood slack-jawed when Midorenjya scrambled to his feet and darted.

Karasu glided over him. Before Midorenjya could reach the end of the ring, he touched Midorenjya's back. He walked away as his opponent's body blew apart, leaving a dent in the ring.

"The fight is over!" Juri announced while the audience cheered. "The winner by death is Karasu!"

Kurama sighed deeply. "Perhaps Hiei was wiser to disobey."

"For him, yes." Tsuki glowered at Team Toguro. "But for us, no."

"And quickly on to match 2, Bui vs. Kirenjya!" Juri declared. "Fighters, take your stances please!"

Bui and Kirenjya proceeded to the ring. The one-eyed demon immediately took out his large sword when they stood in the center.

Koto whooped in delight. "Oh now, this could have promise! Kirenjya has unsheathed a humongous sword from his back!"

Bui lifted his hand in the air. Red energy sparked before a gigantic ax appeared in his grip.

"And Bui returns by creating an ax out of thin air! You radio listeners really need to find a T.V. screen! I didn't know they made them this big!" Koto declared.

Tsuki glanced at the weapon, troubled. "Wow, that must weigh a ton. His armor looks pretty heavy too."

"He created that ax using his demonic energy," Kurama explained. "Just like Kana."

"Alright, fighters! You may begin!" Juri demanded.

Kirenjya crept closer, focusing his attention on Bui's ax. He lunged, ready to swing his sword.

"I see, he's trying to get close range," Kurama informed. "Kirenjya believes if he gets closer, Bui won't be able to hit him."

Tsuki touched her heart. "I have a bad feeling about this."

Kirenjya aimed his sword at Bui's head. With quickness, Bui swung his ax, easily destroying Kirenjya's whole body.

Tsuki's eyes widened as Kirenjya's brains and guts splattered some of the audience. "Such fatality."

"He had no chance," Kurama replied.

"Oh my goodness! It was so beautiful!" Koto's eyes twinkled. "Bones flying everywhere as if it came from a busted pinata! Bui finished Kirenjya with one single blow!"

Team Gorenja's captain scowled, face reddening. His female teammate jumped in, glaring murderously at Team Toguro.

Kana tossed her hair over her shoulders and jumped in the ring. A cruel smile spread across her lips.

"Yay!" Juri announced, twirling. "The first girl fight at the Dark Tournament! Kana vs. Momorenjya!"

"Kana! Kana! Kana!" Kana's name was being called from all sides. Everyone wanted her attention as she walked gracefully in the middle. Someone threw her a red rose. She caught it, gave it a delicate sniff, and blew a kiss back. A hundred hands reach up to catch it, as if it were a real and tangible thing.

Tsuki narrowed her eyes when they locked eyes. The witch even had the audacity to wave at her. "It's amazing she can be so calm after what she did to me."

"If Kana can do that to you," Kurama stated, watching Momorenjya. "Then I'm curious what she's going to do in this match."

The crowd roared while they stood in the middle. Momorenjya grew her nails long, getting into her fighting stance.

Kana's aura swirled around her body. Her two-tail whip grew and snapped before slithering to the ground.

"Ladies!" Juri lifted her hand, beaming. "You may begin!"

Momorenjya sprinted, creating her clone illusions. They all leaped and circled Kana.

"I see. She's trying to confuse her," Kurama informed.

"I don't think it's going to work," Tsuki confessed. "Even if she's fast."

Momorenjya and her clones leaped for an attack. Before her claws could reach Kana's serene face, her whip grabbed her by the neck. The clones quickly disappeared.

"Kana's got a keen eye," Kurama explained as Kana slammed Momorenjya's body into the ground. "She knew which one was the real one."

"Yeah," Tsuki's stomach twisted. "This doesn't look good."

Kana released her grip and slashed Momorenjya's back repeatedly. She delightfully laughed while her opponent cried out in agony.

"Ohhhh does Momorenjya's cry of pain give me a good shiver!" Koto declared. "Looks like Kana is enjoying it as well!"

Kurama's eyebrows furrowed. "I'm afraid, Tsuki. You're dealing with a very sadistic woman."

"The worst of them all." Tsuki's face twisted in anger. "She has no sympathy whatsoever."

Blood splattered and spread in the ring. Using her demonic energy, Kana used the blood to create a huge circle surrounding Momorenjya.

"Interesting," Kurama stated when the blood formed strange carvings. "It reminds me of alchemy."

"I'm not liking this one bit," Tsuki expressed. She flinched as the circle glowed, revealing bloody, demonic hands.

"Ayeee!" Juri scurried away. The hands reached out, grabbing Momorenjya's shaken and battered body.

Kana giggled while Momorenjya desperately tried to move from their grips. Her bloody hand reached for the sky as the demonic hands pulled her in. Within seconds the circle disappeared.

Everyone watched in silence and horror. Juri got back in the ring and smiled. "Momorenyja has completely vanished! The winner is Kana!"

"Kana! Kana! Kana!" Her fans cheered. "We love you!"

"That's right, girl! Show them the true feminine power!"

Kana blew a kiss, enjoying every minute of her glory. She gave Tsuki a strange look before leaving the ring.

"I have to figure out a way to beat her quickly." Tsuki's hands couldn't stop shaking. "If not, she'll torture me to death."

Kurama's tone turned serious. "Trust me. She's not going to get that satisfaction."

The Gorenja captain and his last teammate scowled at Toguro while he proceeded to the center. Pride and confidence oozed off the short man.

Tsuki glared steely at him. Out of all of them, he was the one she deeply despised the most. "I already know what this evil bastard can do."

"Yes," Kurama watched as the remaining Gorenja team entered the ring. "And it looks like he wants to battle both of them."

"Well, now! This promises to be an exciting end!" Koto declared. "Toguro offered to face Akarenjya and Aorenjya in a winner takes all match!"

"The elder one is going to fight?!" One demon spoke. "I have to see this!"

"I thought he was helpless without his brother?!"

Tsuki frowned while the two demons met Toguro in the middle. "This isn't going to end well for both of them. He's a sadistic asshole."

Kurama nodded in agreement. "Worse than his brother."

Juri gave the signal. "Begin!"

Aorenjya and Akarenjya leaped and created their clones. Their eyes glowed with the wildness of bloodlust.

Koto squealed in delight. "Here we go! We all saw Team Gorenja's fantastic move earlier on in the tournament! The opponent doesn't know who to hit! And it's nearly impossible to defend against! Unfortunately, Momorenjya died so we'll see if it'll have any effect on elder Toguro!"

Tsuki's eyes did their best to watch their erratic movements. They circled Toguro, prodding him like animals at times. "Such agility."

"They're relying on afterimages and their evasiveness to prevent their opponents from hitting them," Kurama informed. "Momorenyja did the same thing, but this is a far more powerful attack."

"Gorenja battalion!" Aorenjya and Akarenjya voices echoed when they created their energy blast. They flew in rage towards Toguro.

Elder Toguro smiled and raised his arms. His body quickly pierced their bodies, thwarting their powerful technique.

Tsuki's mouth gaped open when they collapsed to the ground. "Insane."

Kurama shook his head. "They never stood a chance."

Aorenjya and Akarenjya came to their knees, clutching their wounds.

"Did you see that?! I love these guys!" Toguro received a standing ovation from the audience.

"Team Gorenja is done for!"

"Looks like that amazing attack left Team Gorenja severely wounded!" Koto announced as Toguro walked closer to them. "Though I'm deeply curious what elder Toguro will do next!"

"He wants to keep one alive." Kurama couldn't hide his disappointment. "But they would have to beg for their lives."

Tsuki's shock wore off, now replaced by anger. "What a sicko."

Deep hatred filled the captain's eyes. His eyes widened as Aorenjya bowed his head, pleading for his life.

Elder Toguro's lips peeled back in a wicked rictus. He lifted his hand, impaling Aorenjya all over his face.

Tsuki couldn't help herself. Her jaw dropped to the floor as her eyebrows shot through the ceiling. This is too much. We're dealing with the worst of the worst.

Kurama crossed his arms while Toguro spoke to the captain. "I'm afraid none of them will survive today."

Elder Toguro impaled Akarenjya's skull. He laughed as the captain crumbled, licking his blood from his finger.

"And the winner is Elder Toguro!" Juri pronounced while the crowd celebrated.

Koto was thrilled. "Team Urameshi better get prepared for this unstoppable team! This is the final you don't want to miss, people! It's going to be bruised and bloody!"

"Kill Team Urameshi!" The crowd sang. "Kill Team Urameshi! Kill! Kill! Kill!"

"HAHAHAHAHAHA!" Elder Toguro's wicked laugh felt like glass striking Tsuki's eardrums. "HAHAHAHAHAHA!"

"What monsters," Tsuki commented. The crowd from their section began to hiss at them. "It's to the death with all of them."

"Let's leave." Kurama and Tsuki immediately headed to the exit. "We've seen enough for today."

For a few minutes, they said nothing. It took Tsuki a minute to control her breathing as they headed downstairs. Some demons smirked and snickered, eagerly ready for their demise.

"How did you guys like the competition? I thought it was a massacre."

Another demon taunted, pointing. "Look at Kurama, what a joke! He's a dead man walking! HEHEHEHEHEH!"

"I must find the secret of that transformation," Kurama informed. "If not, I'm going to have a difficult time in the final round."

Tsuki touched her heart. Her stomach was still knotted with anxiety.

"I just pray that the gods will show me the way."

They walked further down until shadows emerged from the dark. Karasu, Kana, and Bui stood proudly in front of them.

A chill ran through Tsuki. She and Kurama side-eye each other before stopping in their tracks.

"Hello," Kana greeted in a sing-song voice. "I'm glad you guys came to watch the show."

Tsuki's defenses immediately went up. So did Kurama's. He didn't like them any better than she did.

"Interesting," Karasu watched them closely. "You're the only two who watch. Your team must be very confident."

"Either that or in denial," Kurama replied.

"Yes, accepting the truth would be easier. The finals will come and the five of you will die."

Kurama raised his eyebrow. "Just five?"

"Yes, of course. One of you dies this evening." Kana eyed Tsuki. Her voice became teasing. "You would know about it, right Tsuki?"

Tsuki glared at her. She had a sick feeling. "What are y-"

Bui cut her off, pounding his hand against the wall. Cracks of concrete splattered to the ground.

Kurama and Tsuki reverted their attention back to Kana when she giggled. Her teammate Karasu suddenly vanished.

Damn it. I got distracted. Tsuki shivered when she sensed the loon behind Kurama.

Karasu's hands twirled Kurama's hair. "Your hair is a bit damaged, Kurama. Human bodies are so frail." His hand slowly trailed his neck while he whispered. "I know you fear what my touch can do to you. And yet, maybe you also want to know it."

Tsuki eyed him crazily. This guy is so weird. And he's very interested in Kurama.

Kurama scowled, swinging his arm back. "Get away!"

Karasu jumped and landed next to Kana. "Hmph, no need to get upset. It's just a game. As a fighter, I like you best, Kurama." His eyes filled with pleasure. "And when I like something I like to take it away. It gives me a certain feeling like pondering answerable questions. You don't reach the results you want, and you're swept into an emptiness of despair that makes you feel alive."

"Karasu, you're always toying with your victim." A slow grin crept on Kana's face. "I don't blame you. It excites me when they scream in pain."

Tsuki wanted to scream curses, but that would only entertain the witch. "Too bad it'll be you screaming in pain. Our team will kick all of your asses and survive this unbearable hell hole."

Bui snorted and walked away. His armor clanked and echoed down the hallway.

"Hehehehe, such a spunky girl. Your fight will be interesting, Kana." Karasu stared at Kurama like a lion stalking his prey. "Goodbye, Kurama. Please save your fight for me." He left, laughing to himself.

Kana walked off, but not before giving the priestess one last, chilling look. "I'll see you in the ring, Tsuki. It's going to be worthwhile."

Tsuki didn't need to read her mind to know what she said. She knew her sick game wasn't over. "It will be, witch. Next time we meet, you're going to feel my wrath."

Kana giggled down the hallway. "If you survive."

"That witch is going to get these hands." Tsuki balled her fists. Heat flashed over her entire body. "They're all sick in the head, Kurama."

Kurama remained silent, breath quickening. He looked calm, but Tsuki still felt his uneasiness.

"Are you okay?" Tsuki asked, touching his arm. She had never seen him like this before.

Kurama escaped from his dazedness and smiled lightly. "Yes, let's get out of here."

No words escaped their mouths once they exited the stadium. The demons taunted and laughed but they ignored them. They both had a lot on their minds.

The cuckoo's singing couldn't even calm Tsuki's mind. Each time she overcame the darkness, it was getting more powerful and sinister. She may have won the battle, but the war was just getting started. Plus Kana's words still haunted her thoughts.

One of you dies this evening…You would know about it, right Tsuki?

Oh, no. A warning bell went off in Tsuki's head. Genkai! She walked faster. "I have to go back to the hotel."

Kurama noticed her scrutiny and kept up the pace. "But what about training? You said you needed to focus on your match with Kana."

"That'll have to wait! Genkai is in danger!" Tsuki snapped, fighting against a tide of panic. "I'm so stupid! I should've realized it soon! Their secret meeting, her dimmed aura! Argh, I hope I'm not too late!"

Kurama touched her shoulder. "Tsuki, calm down. Let's figure this out."

Tears stung Tsuki's eyes. "There's no time to talk! I'll kill Toguro for this! Forcing us here didn't satisfy your sick and twisted needs. Now you're trying to kill my teacher!" Her bracelet transformed. She gripped her divine bells tightly. "Not while I'm here."

"Tsuki," Kurama warned. "You're being irrational. Genkai told us not to worry. I believe she doesn't want anyone, especially you, to be harmed by this meeting."

"I don't care! He's not going to get away with murder!" Tsuki screamed. "And that crazy bitch had the audacity to mock the situation! Inari, come out! It's-"

Kurama blew a dark purple powder that immediately silenced Tsuki. The priestess backed away and began coughing.

"Kurama…" Tsuki covered her nose. She gazed at the fox demon with watery eyes. "What…did you…do…to me?"

"I'm sorry, Tsuki," Kurama spoke sincerely. "It was the only way for you to calm down."

Tsuki's body swayed side to side. The world seemed to spin around her. "What's…happening…to me?"

"It's a sleeping powder from the demon plant called valeriana. Sometimes I use it when I have a hard time sleeping," Kurama explained. "I only gave you a little bit. You should be able to wake up by tonight."

Tsuki's heart sank all the way to the ground. "W-why-n-no,…Genkai!"

"I know you want to keep Genkai safe, but my instincts are telling me to stop you right now. You'll be in serious danger, Tsuki. Maybe even get killed."

Tears streamed down Tsuki's cheeks. "She'll…die." Her voice cracked.

"I know." Kurama sighed sadly. "That's why I'm going to warn her before she heads off. But honestly, I don't think that'll do any good. Either way, we must respect her decision."

"K-Kurama, no." Tsuki couldn't accept that. There had to be a way to stop her.

Kurama smiled, but it didn't reach his eyes. "I know you're going to be upset when you wake up. But that's alright. You can get me then. I just need you to rest for the time being."

"N…," Tsuki's eyes gave in. She fell forward. The last thing she saw was Kurama grabbing her shoulders.

"You'll be fine, Tsuki," Kurama whispered. "We'll get through this together."

"Tsuki," a hard voice yelled in her ears. "Wake up!" Strong hands continued to shake her body.

"Huh?" The priestess's eyes fluttered open. The first thing she noticed was angry brown eyes staring into her face. "Yusuke?"

"Where's Genkai?!" The spirit detective asked harshly.

Tsuki yawned and rubbed her eyes. "I don't know I-" She paused as a sinking, sinking feeling filled her gut. "...Toguro! She's with Toguro!"

Yusuke snarled. "Damn it!" He let her go and flew out of the room.

"Yusuke….wait!" Tsuki cursed herself as she fell to the floor. Oh, I'm going to strangle Kurama. She threw on her boots and ran.

Kuwabara met her in the hallway. "Where is he going in such a hurry? He just woke up."

"No time, Kuwabara!" Tsuki brushed past him. She sprinted faster, hoping to trail Yusuke out of the hotel.

Tsuki pressed the down button, hoping she'll still be able to catch him. She barely missed him when he entered the elevator. Luckily the second elevator opened a few seconds later.

I hope we're not too late. Tsuki pressed the 1st-floor button. She thanked the gods that Yusuke woke her up. There has to be a way to stop this ordeal.

Focusing her sleep-filled eyes, Tsuki floundered outside. Yusuke was already sprinting in the deep forest.

"Yusuke, slow down!" Tsuki's breathing became ragged. Her legs couldn't keep up with his strides. He's gotten faster.

"What was she thinking?!" Yusuke demanded. He was still a few feet ahead of her, glaring at the orange and purple sky. "Has she lost her damn mind?!"

"Toguro wanted to meet up with her," Tsuki informed. "She wanted to go by herself."

"That doesn't mean she had to listen to that asshole!" Yusuke punched the tree. "If he touches her, I swear I'll kill him!"

"Caw! Caw! Caw!" A flock of crows flew over them. Deers, foxes, and monkeys ran in the opposite direction. Clouds darkened over their heads. The dark and sinister energy rippled through Tsuki, making her body freeze.

Goosebumps spread over Tsuki's skin as a gust of wind brushed past them. She never felt this energy before. "Such an enormous power."

Yusuke's body shook. He glanced at Tsuki, fear, and anger flashing through him. "This energy. It's Toguro, isn't it?"

"Genkai is in trouble," Tsuki confessed. Even though she didn't want to admit it.

Yusuke scowled, proceeding in the direction of the powerful energy. "Well, this energy will lead us to her."

The darkness intensified around them deep in the forest. Exhilaration and terror swam across Tsuki's vision as she spotted animals laying still on the ground.

Ugh, his energy is horrendous. Tsuki exhaled another deep breath. Toguro, you're a sick asshole. Fury bubbled inside of her when she spotted the monster a few feet away. "Over there!"

Toguro, with his body tripled in size, stood a few inches from Genkai in a huge clearing. Blood dripped off his fist. He fixed his unsettling gaze on them. "You've arrived too late." He remained expressionless. "Your master is dead."

Genkai laid still, face down. A pool of blood surrounded her frail body.

"No," Tsuki still couldn't believe it. There had to be a way to save her.

Yusuke stepped closer. His eyes expressed great shock. "Genkai."

"I'll never forget her expression," Toguro continued. "It was clear she was trying with every ounce of her energy to stop me. She didn't even scratch my body with the final attack of her life."

Tsuki and Yusuke caught their breaths.

Toguro let his disappointment show. "Such a waste of a battle. I wonder if it was worth showing her my true power."

Within a blink of an eye, Yusuke appeared next to Genkai. He gently held her in his arms.

"You've gotten fast, Urameshi," Toguro commented. "Looks like the test did help you."

Tsuki came closer. Each step seemed so slow. She couldn't deny the aura fading in front of her. "This can't be happening."

"Genkai, you're alright. I'm here now. You're going to be fine," Yusuke assured. "Trust me, Genkai. Come on, let's get out of here."

Genkai opened her eyes and gave a weak smile. "Hey…dimwit." Tsuki's heart cracked when her calm eyes gazed at her. "Hey…Tsuki."

"Yeah that's right," Yusuke beamed, eyes gleaming with hope. "I knew you were too stubborn to be killed by a jerk like that. Tsuki, come on. Heal her."

Before Tsuki could even try, Genkai shook her head. "It's okay…Yusuke. I…knew."

"What do you mean?"

"They came to inform me…months ago. When an old teammate…traps you into a tournament after 50 years….you don't take it likely. I knew…I would die…here."

Tsuki's eyes widened. Genkai kept that a secret from her.

Yusuke gave her a blank look. "You're not making any sense. What are you saying old teammate? You can't mean you and Toguro?"

"Yes," Tsuki replied, glaring at Toguro. "This evil bastard."

Toguro smiled. "It's true, Yusuke. That was my wish 50 years ago. When my team became the champions of the Dark Tournament," he explained. "Suffice to say, your teacher didn't agree with my wise choice."

Yusuke stared fiercely at him. "You talk too damn much."

Genkai's hand reached for his face. "...Yusuke…"

The spirit detective's face softened. "Hey, try to save your energy."

"Damn it…Yusuke. Listen to…me." Genkai grabbed his shirt. "Everyone….has to fight with time..to find their place…before their inevitable…death. Toguro, he ran away…from that fight. Don't you ever…do the same."

Tears streamed down Tsuki's face. Genkai's light was almost gone. "Please, Genkai. Don't go."

Genkai found it hard to breathe while blood rushed out her wounds. "No human…is ever a one-man…show. Every decision you make…will affect the countless…people who…care about you." Her brown eyes stared hard at Yusuke's. "Do you…understand? You can't be…a cocky dimwit…anymore. You have to."

"I have to what?" Yusuke asked, listening attentively.

Genkai released her grip and closed her eyes. Her chest lay still. No flickers of life remain in her body.

Tsuki's heart split into thousands of pieces. She watched helplessly as Genkai's soul drifted to the Spirit World.

Yusuke's head hung low. His eyes looked so defeated. "Genkai….No….."

Toguro lacked sympathy when he spoke. "You guys have no more reason to mourn for that woman than I do. She died a long time ago. Decades before you were even born."

He's so cold-blooded. Tsuki gripped her divine bells. Her teary eyes stared icily at Toguro.

"A fighter has two choices in their life, either die or get stronger. And Genkai chose death ever since she abandoned her potential and hid herself like a frightened animal in that mountain compound. She's nothing but a walking corpse."

"Shut the hell up." The veins in Yusuke's neck stood out. He gently placed Genkai on the ground. "You think you know everything, but you don't have a freakin clue."

"How dare you speak to her that way?" Tsuki tried to make her voice firm, but it trembled. "She's stronger than you'll ever be. She wasn't afraid to die unlike you, Toguro. "

Toguro smirked. "Don't fear the truth. All I did was clean up the filthy mess that she left behind."

Yusuke dashed towards Toguro. "You don't know anything about her!"

Tsuki's voice grew louder with each word until she practically shouted. "I'm so tired of hearing your obnoxious mouth!" She sprinted, shooting a huge spirit arrow with lightning speed.

Toguro's hand sizzled as the arrow kept pushing at his head. It persisted until he finally broke it. He smiled wider as he blocked Yusuke's hook. A gush of blood drizzled from his forehead.

There was a brief standoff. Tsuki went to the side and aimed. "Die!"

Toguro's severely burnt hand punched Yusuke's face. The spirit detective flew across the field towards the deep forest.

"Yus-AHHH!" Toguro's broken hand backhanded Tsuki. She reeled violently to the ground through the clearing.

Despite the pain, Tsuki concentrated. She had to stop herself before she hit something. In an instant, she created a wall barrier that stopped her from colliding in front of a huge cypress tree.

Moonlight broke through the trees. The moon was high above Tsuki's head, almost ready to be full.

Tsuki lifted her head. She could feel the hot blush of bruises forming on her limbs and the sting of scrapes. Her outfit was now caked in grass and dirt.

"Yusuke!" Tsuki screamed. The pain in her limbs was joined by a fierce tightness in her chest. Horror and shock consumed Tsuki, so much so that she thought her soul would shrivel. She wanted to shriek her pain to the moon. She wanted to cry until she melted. "AHHHHHH! Genkaiiii!"

The owls hooted. The night air smelled of pine needles and pulsed with the sound of crickets. Tsuki wrapped her arms around her knees and buried her head. Droplets of tears fell to the ground. She had never felt so alone.

"Tsuki," a calm but authoritative voice spoke. "Stand up."

Tsuki's head snapped up. She'll never forget that familiar soothing voice. "Hiei."

Hiei stood in front of her. His right arm was severely wounded, but he remained unbothered. "Get up."

Tsuki sniffled. "Genkai is gone," she confirmed with watery eyes.

Hiei nodded, acknowledging her statement. "I know." But there was a hint of sadness in his eyes.

"I hate him," Tsuki confessed, glowing with renewed wrath. "I hate him so much."

Hiei looked deep into her eyes. "I know, but you need to get up." He lowered himself until they were face to face. "Do it for her."

Tsuki relaxed slightly, but her stomach was still a mess of knots. Her body shook with pain as she struggled to straighten herself. Before Tsuki's knees gave in, Hiei held her up.

Hiei's closeness made her knots disappear. He gave her a smile that seemed so genuinely sweet with just the right touch of shyness. "You'll be alright."

The unexpected warmth rushed through Tsuki. Her weak arms wrapped around him. "But it hurts so much."

"Let it hurt." Hiei embraced her, holding her tightly and affectionately. "Then let it go."

Tsuki cried, resting her head on his shoulder. The battle may have been lost. But in the depths of the darkness, Hiei found her.