AN: Thank you, Aviellaford412 for your review! I'm glad your enjoying their relationship. I look forward to showing how it fully blossoms in a timely manner. Enjoy! ^^

UniversalGoddess

"Almost done," Shizuru placed the last rubber band behind Tsuki's small braid. She combed her hair before finishing it with a long fishtail. "What do you think?" She asked after securing her hair with a bow.

Tsuki smiled when she glanced at the small mirror. "Thank you, Shizuru. You always do an amazing job with my hair. I like your outfit by the way."

"No problem. I wanted you to look great for your final match." Shizuru placed a cigarette into her mouth. She was wearing a black sweater, a dark green skirt, and a red pattern scarf wrapped around her neck. "And thank you."

"You do look great, Tsuki," Botan complimented.

Yukina beamed like an angel. "Yes, I love the coat on you."

"Iku," Iku agreed as he snuggled next to Tsuki.

Puu flew around the girls, flapping his ears happily. "Puu."

Grandfather Saito smiled warmly. "I'm glad you're wearing it. The coat will protect you from both heat and flame," he explained. "It'll also absorb concussive pressure from high-powered blasts and explosives."

"That's good. It'll be a great defense against that sadistic witch." Keiko hugged Tsuki tightly. "Good luck, girl. We'll see you soon. I'm glad I came to cheer you guys on."

Tsuki returned the hug. "I'm happy you came, Keiko. We definitely needed all of you guys' support." She proceeded to the door. "Well, I'm off. I don't want the boys to wait too long."

"I'll come with you." Grandfather Saito walked beside her. "I need to speak with them."

Shizuru waved. "Tell my brother, if he loses. I'll kill him myself."

"There's no need for that," Botan assured. "I'm positive he and the others will be just fine."

"Do you have your moon water?" Yukina asked Tsuki.

"Yes, I do. Once again, thank you for helping me." Tsuki rubbed Iku's head. "I'll be back to give you a nice treat. You too, Puu."

"Iku!"

"Puu!"

"I have to thank your demon teammate for rescuing you yesterday," Grandfather Saito stated as they entered the elevator. He pushed the down button. "That demon woman knows no bounds, especially after Genkai just died."

Tsuki pushed last night's incident out of her mind. "Yes, Hiei has been very helpful. I wouldn't have made it this far in the tournament without him."

"I guess I was wrong about him," Grandfather Saito confessed. "Getting to know that demon over the past couple of months was interesting. He's a strange one, but I can still see a caring side of him. Especially when it comes to his sister."

"Me too. I'm glad I was able to see it as well."

They walked through the crowded lobby. The rich men and women watched them intently, whispering to each other. Tsuki sighed in relief when she spotted her teammates by the front entrance.

"Hey," Tsuki greeted them. "I hope you guys weren't waiting too long."

Hiei and Tsuki's eyes met. For a while, they held each other's gaze. She smiled before returning her attention to the group.

"No, not at all," Kurama replied. "We decided to get breakfast before we head off. Did you eat?"

"Yes, I ate with my grandpa and the girls."

"Man, I should have gone with you. I would've gladly spent some time with Yukina," Kuwabara stated, sighing. "But you look nice, Tsuki."

"Thanks, I like your outfit as well," Tsuki replied, admiring his white military coat jacket and pants.

Grandfather Saito eyed Yusuke with a serious expression. "Now you know this round is going to be difficult. Especially with your battle, Yusuke. I need you to get rid of your fears and fight Toguro with all you got."

"Yeah I know," Yusuke replied. "I'm already aware, old man. Genkai would be upset if I didn't defeat him."

Grandfather Saito nodded and gazed at the rest of the group. "Good luck, everyone. I wish nothing but the best. You guys made it this far. It's time to finish the finals strong." He gave Tsuki a strong embrace. "I love you."

"I love you too." Tsuki yielded to the strong warm hug, easing her fear. "Thank you for being here, grandpa."

"Of course. Show that demon woman the power of the Saito Tribe." Grandfather Saito waved goodbye before leaving them in the lobby.

"Shall we?" Kurama stated, heading out the door. "I know they can't start the round without us."

Yusuke pounded his fist, grinning. "It's time to kick some ass."

"Right," Kuwabara agreed

"I'm ready," Tsuki declared.

"Hmph," Kurama's face displayed courage and determination. "Me too."

Hiei smirked devilishly. "Let's have some fun."

Burgeoning black clouds swirled through the sky. No sign of the bright sun showing a glimpse of its rays on the quiet island. Crows clustered together onto the trees, watching them closely.

Kuwabara glanced up, frowning. "Jeez, what's up with this weather? Is it always like this every time we go to the stadium?"

"It's a sign," Tsuki answered.

"Yes," Kurama agreed. "A bad omen."

They continued to converse through the trails. Helicopters roared in the distance as they came closer. Music blasted inside the rowdy crowd. Banners and signs were everywhere. The demons grinned and snarled at them.

"Look at the losers! Hey! Do you hear me?! You're going to die today! "

"Urameshi watched out! Today I'm going to eat your dead body!"

"How about you eat this?" Yusuke flipped them off. "I'm so glad this is our last fight. I had it with these annoying demons."

"Me too," Kuwabara agreed, increasing his pace. "I'll race you to the front entrance."

"Oh, you're on." Yusuke sprinted. "Gives me an excuse to knock one of them out."

Tsuki's eyebrows furrowed while the rest of the group continued to walk. The proximity to the stadium sharpened her senses, and the closer they went, the more guarded she became.

Dreadful energy vibrated through the clammy air. Thunder rumbled in the distance as the large dark clouds surrounded the stadium. In a matter of minutes, Tsuki felt rushed, chilled, and uneasy.

I thought I would be used to walking here, Tsuki gloomily thought. This is nerve racking.

Hiei stood next to her as they walked deeper into the crowd. "Breathe."

"I am."

"No, you're not," Hiei remarked, unconvinced. "I can hear your heartbeat increasing. You need to relax."

Tsuki took several deep breaths, shrugging the tension out of her face and shoulders. "Better?"

"Yes," Hiei smiled. "And don't worry. I'll slice their head off before they even think about touching you."

"I would advise them to move out of our way." Kurama's tone turned threatening. "I'm not in the mood to play games."

Tsuki felt like a rat in a crazy maze. The line to the stadium was ridiculously long. She managed to put on a good face when they joined Yusuke and Kuwabara at the front entrance.

"What took you so long?" Yusuke teased. "I had to shove some demons away from me. One dared to put his hot breath all over my face."

"Sorry," Kurama replied. "We were dealing with a lot of traffic."

Tsuki spotted Juri standing in the front of the line. "Well, looks like we're in for some nasty weather! Hope you outside people brought umbrellas!" The announcer declared. "I tell you what, if this line doesn't start moving soon, the fight will be over before everyone finds a seat! Speaking of the fun, I think it's time for me to get there!"

The rumbling of the crowd was loud. Once the team entered the stadium, the worker led them to the triangular door.

"The fight will be starting very soon." The worker chuckled. A glint of evil and mischievousness in his eyes. "Good luck. You're definitely going to need it."

Kuwabara watched the worker leave. "Why do I get the feeling he's not actually rooting for us."

"They weren't by our side since the beginning," Kurama answered, shaking his head.

"Okay, I just checked my watch people! And looks like we're moments away from the exciting bloodbath!" Koto announced. "The outcome is uncertain but the lovely carnage is guaranteed! I'm not sure I can take it! I might faint from the anticipation!"

"Why isn't Genkai here?" Kuwabara crossed his arms. "I don't see why the old broad doesn't need to be here like the rest of us."

Tsuki frowned at his insensitive comment. "Don't call her an old broad."

"And she's sick," Yusuke replied. "I told you that."

"Ah ha! Just so happen I know a secret remedy that can cure all kinds of sickness." Kuwabara thought for a moment. "Let me think. First, you hang up upside down for a while. Then you eat five large lemons. Drink some shoga-yu tea with some pepper in it. And wrap your body with seaweed."

Hiei glared at him. "So tell me, what's it like living in a constant haze of stupidity?"

"Ahhhh!" Kuwabara snapped. "I have enough of your lip, half-pint!"

The stadium abruptly shook. Everyone glanced up nervously until it suddenly stopped.

"Now without further ado, the moment you all have been waiting for! Let the finals begin!" Juri declared as the door opened. "Starting on my left, Team Urameshi!"

Tsuki and Yusuke took a deep breath and proceeded forward, Yusuke leading the way.

The crowd booed and screamed like a pack of mad dogs. Their eyes filled with animosity and anger. Tsuki felt small as thousands of eyes trained on them.

"You guys have just signed your death warrant by coming here!"

"You, yeah you! Rest in peace!"

"Let's see some blood!"

"Kill them! Kill them! Kill them!"

"I really like to show every one of these jerks' face a thing or two about minding their manners." Kuwabara rubbed his forehead. "Besides, all these shouts are giving me a headache."

Tsuki glared at the opposition door. "They're the least of our worries."

"What's the hold up sister?! I came to see these punks fight! Not stand around!"

"He's right! Let's get this party started!"

Juri cleared her throat, her eyebrow twitching. "Your attention, please! Put your hands together for everyone's favorite team, Team Toguro!"

The crowds' anticipation grew. They waited silently as footsteps echoed closer and closer to the door.

Tsuki shook her negative thoughts away, her heart hammering with anticipation and fear of seeing them again.

The Toguro brothers came out first, smirking. Bui came out next, then Karasu, and Kana last.

"Uhhhh," Kuwabara shuddered. "Such menacing energy."

With excitement in her eyes, Kana waved at Tsuki. She even blew a kiss at her.

Anger flushed Tsuki's face. She made no attempt to conceal her hatred for their opponents.

"Toguro! Toguro! Toguro!" The crowd grew wild, growling conspiratorially among themselves. "Toguro! Toguro! Toguro!'

"Die! You hear me, Team Urameshi?! Die!"

"Shut up, already!" Kuwabara screamed.

"Fool," Hiei commented. "Focus on the opponents."

The tension in the stadium increased as the two teams stared heatedly at each other.

Karasu's murderous eyes twinkled, focusing his attention on Kurama.

Kurama returned his gaze, glaring deeply at his enemy.

Yusuke's energy sparked and swirled. He glowered at Younger Toguro while he balled his fists.

"Alright now that we have our full roster, it's time to get ready to feast your eyes on the Dark Tournament's bloodiest massacre yet!" Koto declared. "Ladies and gentlemen, it's taking us seven long days to get here, but welcome to the finals!"

The audience went berserk when Karasu proceeded into the arena. His eyes still focus on Kurama.

"Looks like the weirdo wants to go first," Tsuki spoke. Seeing him only added to her sense of unease. There was something about Karasu that made the hair rise up on the back of her neck, but she couldn't put her finger on it.

Karasu used his hand to mimic a gun, placing his finger on his head. "Bang."

Kuwabara scoffed at his behavior. "Look at him trying to scare us with his dumb finger. Man, I'm going to beat him until his mother doesn't recognize him."

"No," Kurama walked forward, giving Karasu a deadly stare. "I'll handle him."

"Ladies and gentlemen with no further updo, the first match begins!" Juri declared. "And on my right, fighting for Team Toguro, Karasu! And on the left, fighting for Team Urameshi, Kurama!"

"Folks, I guess you can say this tournament has been one heck of a rollercoaster. And finally, we can get to the most awesome loopy loop part of the ride!" Koto announced. "From the sound of things, everyone in the stadium is a big fan of the tall, dark, and gruesome Karasu!"

"What did you just say?!" Keiko yelled, standing up. "You couldn't pay me to root for that vampire wannabe weirdo!"

"Kurama! Kurama!" Jorge cheered.

"Go team!" Botan shouted.

"Damn it," Yusuke said nervously. "If they start a riot in the stands, I'm not going to be the one that saves them."

"Don't worry," Tsuki assured. "My grandfather is with them. They'll be fine."

"Hey, Kurama. Wait." Kuwabara sprinted toward the fox demon. "You used that medicine stuff that Suzuka gave you?"

"Actually, I took some about two minutes ago," Kurama explained. "I ran a few experiments and found it takes a considerable amount of time to absorb into my body and change me."

"Ahh," Kuwabara jerked back. "I don't know if you should take that stuff multiple times buddy. It could be bad."

"Heh," Kurama jumped in the ring. "There's no way I would've showed up here without testing it first."

"So what's it do when you take it?"

"Suzuka was right in assuming it would transform me. However, there's a time limit and I can only stay in that form for fifteen minutes. I'm not worried though. Fifteen minutes is more than enough."

"If I can have everyone's attention, I'll explain the rules of the match!" Juri announced while Kurama and Karasu met in the middle.

"Come on!" A demon groaned. "Let's see some blood!"

"We already know the rules! Hurry it up already!"

Juri huffed. "Fine, you ungrateful pigs! Both players take your opening pose!" She ordered and twirled. "And begin!"

Kurama got into his fighting stance with his eyes steady on Karasu.

"You're either extremely brave or extremely foolish," Karasu spoke. "It's rare for anyone who has seen my capabilities to go through with fighting me. I'm curious as to why you would subject yourself to this? Could it be something personal?"

"Don't flatter yourself, Karasu. I'm here to defeat you. And by the way." Kurama narrowed his eyes. "I advise you not to underestimate me."

"You tell him, Kurama," Tsuki stated. "Don't let him intimidate you."

"How are Karasu's abilities?" Yusuke asked. "Is he really that tough?"

"To be honest, I don't know. Kurama even had a hard time figuring out his powers," Tsuki confessed. "Apparently whenever he touches someone, they suddenly explode."

"Then they're both even," Hiei explained. "Karasu doesn't know all of Kurama's abilities."

"Hmph, don't worry. I won't underestimate you." Karasu's hand glowed. "You're not on my level."

Kurama opened his palm, revealing his rose petals. They flew in the air, swirling around him.

"Oh, wow! Kurama is surrounded by a huge whirlwind of rose petals!" Koto declared. "Karasu must stink!"

"He's creating distance," Tsuki explained. "Kurama needs to buy some time to transform."

Kuwabara scratched his head. "What can those petals do for this type of fight?"

"Believe me, Kuwabara," Tsuki answered, remembering her training. "Those petals hurt like hell."

Kurama spread his arms while his petals scattered. "Petals and thorns."

Karasu walked confidently, unbothered by the petals surrounding the ring.

"Karasu obviously isn't concerned as he walks directly in the mass of clouds of rose petals!" Koto declared.

One petal sliced Karasu's cheek. "It's incredible. Each of the rose petals is as sharp as a razor blade. How utterly charming," he stated as blood dripped from his cheek. "I must say, Kurama. They are absolutely beautiful. However, they're also weak and lacking in substance. Traits that must have been inherited from you."

Why isn't he protecting himself? Tsuki wondered.

The petals flew at Karasu. He raised his hand, and the petals instantly exploded.

Kurama gasped, surprised as the rest of his petals disintegrated.

"What the heck?" Kuwabara's face flickered in bewilderment while the rest of the team felt. "These petals spontaneously combust."

"That's his power," Tsuki explained. "I'm not sure how he does it. It's a mystery we're all trying to solve."

"Learning his powers is pointless," Hiei countered. "Kurama needs to end this quickly and win the match."

"Be careful, Kurama!" Yusuke advised. "This guy is tricky!"

"I guess I was confused about your powers." Kurama took a defensive stance, watching Karasu closely. "You don't even have to touch the petals to destroy them."

"Hehehehe," Karasu chuckled. "Well, well, well. Perhaps it was I who was underestimated by you." He lifted his hand. "My hands aren't the sole source of my power. They're merely vessels. Poor Kurama. It seems you entirely misunderstood me."

"He wasn't the only one that misunderstood," Tsuki muttered.

"You aren't able to see my powers so you feel secure, but it's everywhere. Even in the air you breathe," Karasu elucidated. "You can't escape it. It's all around you. Inside of you. Why don't you make things easier and submit." Karasu leaped in the air.

Kurama's eyes widened. He turned and blocked Karasu's strike. His opponent persisted but Kurama kept dodging Karasu's attack.

"What an attack!" Koto complimented. "It's just the way I like it! Confidence with a hint of malice!"

"Damn it," Tsuki said in a frustrated tone. "He still needs more time to change."

"He better change soon," Hiei replied. "Karasu isn't going to wait for his transformation."

Kurama jumped, transforming his rose. "Rose whip!" He lashed his whip at Karasu.

Karasu lifted his hand. The whip barely came close before it blew apart.

Kurama grimaced, landing back in the ring.

"You know you can't stop me but you continued to try me," Karasu stated. "That's what so appealing about you. It's a shame that circumstances couldn't have been different from us." He sprinted towards Kurama. "But it doesn't really matter. Even things that seemed ideal always turn sour. I'm just speeding up the process. Besides, I found there's no greater rush than taking the life of someone you care for. The intimacy that murderer and victim share is unparallel. Witnessing the victim's spirit separate themselves from their body is overly satisfying."

"What a lunatic," Kuwabara remarked.

"Yeah," Yusuke agreed. "He's a weird one."

Kurama dodged the assault. Every strike Karasu made was becoming more brutal. He caught his breath when Karasu suddenly vanished, gliding to strike him.

"Watch out, Kurama!" Tsuki urged.

Kurama jumped back, but an invisible bomb blew part of his arm. "Ugh!" He kneeled to the ring.

"Hehehehe, like I said," Karasu began, eyes glistening. "It isn't necessary for me to touch you. It's just one of the perks."

"You okay, Kurama?" Yusuke asked. "That must have hurt like hell."

Tsuki's face turned grave. "I don't like this one bit. He's a weirdo and a sadist."

"Darn it. What's the deal? Why hasn't he changed?!" Kuwabara scowled. "If that clown gave him bad juice, I'll make him regret the day he was born."

"Listen to yourself." Yusuke rolled his eyes.

Hiei's voice had an annoyed edge. "You're a silly fool."

"Hahahahahaha," Karasu raised his arm. "Let's see what else I can damage."

Kurama sprinted, but Karasu landed in front of him, delivering another blow to his leg.

"Ahh!" Kurama stepped back and recovered himself, holding his arm tightly.

"Perhaps I should've explained how my power works," Karasu clarified. "It's similar to yours and that we both manipulate with our energy and with one distinct difference. You can control things that already exist like your plants. But I manifest my thoughts through tangible things. For example, the object I'm holding in my hand. Although you can't see it, it's still very real and very deadly."

"He sure likes to hear himself talk," Tsuki commented.

"Yeah," Kuwabara added. "He's worse than Suzuka."

"But honestly I don't think words could do it justice. It's just one of those things you have to feel for yourself. After all, like they say, action speaks louder than words. And make sure you pay close attention, Kurama. I wouldn't want you to miss a single beat." Karasu's hand glowed, revealing dynamites. He sprang, throwing the bomb at Kurama.

A massive explosion went off, and the ground shook. Juri screamed, flunging out of the ring.

Tsuki cast a worried look. "Oh no, Kurama!"

"Where is he?" Yusuke squinted his eyes as a large puff of smoke emerged from the explosion. "I can't see a thing."

Karasu glided from the smoke and stood ready. He gazed at the smoke with gratification.

"What a great explosion!" Koto complimented. "Karasu has just pelted Kurama with several sticks of dynamite! But tragically, I'm not able to see the damage!"

"Anyone seen the fox boy?" Yusuke asked.

"No," Tsuki shook her head. "Just the loon."

"Come on, Kurama!" Kuwabara called out. "Don't let this jerk beat you!"

A rose emerged from the smoke, striking Karasu's hand. Unfazed, Karasu snatched the rose off. "Very amusing."

"Looks like the fox is still alive," Hiei smirked. "And he finally transformed."

"Huh?" Kuwabara's mouth agaped when thunder clapped and echoed in the stadium. Lightning flashed around them as they heard a strong fox cry.

"Whoa!" Juri crawled back into the ring. "I can't put my finger on it, but I've seen this energy before!"

"Where's all this energy coming from?" Yusuke asked.

"Kurama," Tsuki answered, her heart skipping a beat. She shuddered from his powerful demonic energy.

"Yes, Juri! We've seen all of this before!" Koto announced to the silent crowd. "This battle is in for a hard stopping facelift!"

The smoke vanished. Yoko Kurama stood in the middle as blood dripped from his arm and face. "Shuichi is very fortunate I could come. He wouldn't have survived that blast. Being what he is."

Koto stood on the table. "Well, it's no surprise I was right! It's that foxy Yoko Kurama!"

"Alright!" Kuwabara fist pumped the air. "This is going to be sweet!"

Yusuke's eyes widened. "You're telling me that's Kurama?"

"Yes," Hiei replied. "Before he came to the Human World."

"You go king of thieves, you're my man!" Jorge shouted.

The crowd muttered to themselves. Surprised, then disbelief, crossed their features.

"Now he has a better chance," Tsuki said with a hopeful gaze. "Kurama needs to end this as soon as possible."

Yoko licked his hand. "Creating a bomb from nothing takes talent. That caliber of power is a sign you belong to a superior class of demons. A class that can certainly be very worthy." His golden eyes turned deadly. "Worthy to fight and worthy to die."

"You flatter me." Karasu created two monster bombs. "But we're still not equals." The bombs flew to Kurama.

"Rest assured, Karasu. I wholeheartedly agree. Now let's see, you create a monster that acts as invisible bombs." Yoko threw two roses, instantly destroying the bombs. "How very clever. That's why I had so much difficulty fighting you while I was trapped inside my human form. Luckily for me, I've found a way to break free from Shuichi Mimamino just long enough to finish you."

"That's fascinating." Karasu delightfully chuckled. "Hehehe, but nothing more than a loser's excuse. You weren't able to beat me then and you won't be able to now."

"Hmmm," Yoko smirked. "Maybe it's best that I show you."

"Yes, show me." A dozen of bat bombs surrounded Karasu, flapping towards Yoko. "You are always willing to try."

"Yikes," Kuwabara said nervously.

Panic flashed through Tsuki. "So many bombs."

"Karasu is taking Kurama seriously now," Hiei explained. "Now we'll see what he's capable of."

Yoko glided and twirled. Instinctively knowing where to dodge the bombs assault.

"Hehehehe," arrogance appeared on Karasu's face. "When you come from a quest-class of demons, you find you can create all sorts of interesting things. These little jewels are what I like to call trace eyes. Once these bombs have their sights on you, they'll follow you forever."

Yoko kept moving. "Have you ever heard of ojigi? It's a rare plant found only in South America," he explained. "The ojigi is extremely sensitive to movement, and when sensing any kind of vibration will quickly close its leaves and brain."

"I have no interest in gardening," Karasu replied peevishly.

Yoko stood tall in the middle as trace eyes circled him.

"My, my, looks like you're surrounded," Karasu taunted. "What's more to do?"

Yoko leered at Karasu. "I thought you know better than to corner an animal like a fox, Karasu. We have a tendency to show our teeth." The ring's cement erupted, revealing an enormous dark-purple plant that easily destroyed the trace eyes.

"Ahhhhh!" Juri screamed. She almost fainted while dropping down to her knees.

Tsuki blinked in amazement. "Whoa."

"That's so cool," Yusuke stated, admiring the plant.

"An ojigi plant is quite dangerous regularly. And it's several times more lethal and more sensitive when grown under a demon's energy." Yoko gave Juri a warning stare. "You, unless you want to be plant food, don't move."

"Kay." Juri raised her hand but immediately froze when one of the ojigi's leaves came closer.

"Kriii-griii!" The ojigi leaves drew closer to Karasu, opening their razor-sharp mouths.

"It looks like my plant zero in on you." Yoko's eyes lit up with exhilaration. "I guess all of your trembling must have caught its attention."

Karasu moved swiftly while the leaves began their pursuit.

"Um, okay! The tables turned 180!" Koto declared. "And now Karasu is running around like a cockroach in the middle of a tap dancing convention!"

"How does it feel to be the one pursued?" Yoko asked. More of his plant's leaves advanced, trapping Karasu.

Yusuke grinned. "Oh yeah, this one in the bag."

"Who cares if he's part of whatever you want to call it class. Yoko still kicked his butt!" Kuwabara pronounced.

"It's called quest-class," Hiei said, eyeing Kuwabara up and down. "I bet you don't remember your own name half the time."

Kuwabara fumed. "Get off me!" He brushed off Hiei's comment and smiled at Kurama. "Anyway, that super fox Kurama is going to beat the idiot. I just know."

"I hope soon," Tsuki replied. "I'm certain Karasu has a lot of things hidden up his sleeve."

"Kriii-griii!" The leaves released their energy blasts. Karasu maneuvered and threw a grenade at one, blowing it up.

"This is it. He's plant food," Kuwabara declared.

"Kick his ass, Kurama!" Yusuke shouted.

"The ojigi also responds to aggression," Yoko explained with a victorious smile. "So it'll be all the more vicious once you attack."

Karasu's face worned a stunned look. The leaf opened wide, clamping his body.

"You're going to have to come up with a smart way to kill it." Yoko placed his finger on his forehead, imitating a gun. "Or else, bang."

The leaf lifted Karasu, squeezing hard. Blood spurted from his mouth as his mask fell off. The other leaves covered Karasu, giving him no room to escape.

"Wow," Tsuki's mouth widened with shock filling her eyes. "Kurama's demon form is brutal."

"Very brutal," Hiei stated, smiling. "He's only showing a small-scale of what he can do."

Yoko waited, but shrugged when nothing happened. "Huh, I thought it was going to last much longer than that. I would've liked to toy with him a little before he died."

"That was the most beautiful thing I've ever seen! Kurama's plant just grabbed Karasu and juiced him like a fresh orange!" Koto announced excitedly to the speechless audience. "I never would have thought botany could be deliciously gruesome!"

"Kurama sure showed that punk what was up. And he closed the deal in a measly five minutes." Kuwabara beamed. "Eat that, Toguro."

Yusuke nodded in agreement. "Yes, four more wins, and it's done."

Yoko walked away. A glint of triumph lit his gaze.

Why do I get the feeling it isn't over yet? Tsuki watched the ojigi warily.

Hiei eyed the demon plant suspiciously. "Something isn't right. I don't see any blood or corpse."

"Hey, Juri! Get the lint out! It's time to tell us who's won!" Koto ordered.

"Oh, right!" Juri stood up. "Um, it looks like Karasu has been soundly defeated. And the winner of the first match is Team Urameshi!" She backed away as the ojigi lowered itself. "Hey, stay back!"

"Kriii-griii!" The ojigi plant blew apart. Yoko turned around with a surprised look.

"I wouldn't count me out just yet." Karasu stood proudly while the leaves crumbled to the ground.

Juri bowed. "Oh, I'm sorry! It was entirely my fault! Everyone, forget what I just said! The fight will now continue, okay!" She marched out of the ring, mumbling under her breath. "This is insane."

The crowd went nuts while Team Urameshi stood in shock.

"You look surprised, Yoko. Did you think that was the last you've seen of me?" Karasu opened his mouth, increasing his spiritual energy while his hair changed color.

"Brace yourself, people!" Koto warned. "Karasu is back and he's not too happy! His hair also changed from jet black to hyper blonde! To follow the stereotype, that means he's popular and more aggressive!"

A disturbing thought hit Tsuki. "I don't like this," she confessed. "Not one bit."

"Can someone please fill me in here? What's going on with his hair?" Kuwabara asked.

"It's an explicit sign that he's internalizing his power. Which means the bomb that he creates are now inside of him virtually, making him an one giant explosion," Hiei explained calmly.

Yusuke bent down to Hiei's level. He stared at him in disbelief as the truth sunk in.

"Are you serious?!"

"Of course I am. If my assumptions are correct, he's about to detonate. If you're wise, you'll take cover now."

"HAHAHAHAHAHAHA!" With wild eyes, Karasu clasped his hands. His energy grew, spreading around his body as he soared in the air. "HAHAHAHAHAHAHA!"

Fear shooted through Tsuki. "I don't think my barrier is enough for this attack."

"It isn't." Hiei picked her up. "Hang on tight."

"HAHAHAHAHA!" Karasu flew towards Yoko, activating his super bomb.

The ground shook with explosions. Kuwabara and Yusuke were blown backward into the air.

Tsuki couldn't hear anything at the moment. She managed to bury her face on Hiei's chest while shattered bits of matter, some of it burning, rained down around them.

A cloud of acrid smoke filled the air, making it hard to breathe. Karasu's bomb destroyed a part of the stadium. Corpses lay scattered in the aftermath.

Yusuke moved a large rock away from his body. "Hey, is everyone alright?"

"Ohhhh, aaahhh." Kuwabara held his ear, raising himself up. "You guys hear singing?"

Hiei jumped from the stadium wall, placing Tsuki back onto the ground.

Tsuki brushed the dust from her outfit. She gave Hiei an appreciative smile. It's a relief to feel his protective arms around her body. "Thank you."

Hiei nodded. He made sure she was alright before heading closer to the ring.

"Where's Kurama? Yusuke looked frantically around.

"I hope he's fine." Tsuki's chest tightened. "That explosion was powerful."

"Now that's devastation!" Koto pronounced to the speechless audience. "A significant portion of the ring has been completely wiped out! There's corpses everywhere, and Kurama is nowhere to be seen!"

"Hahahahaha!" Karasu laughed. "Bombs away, Kurama! Hahahahaha!"

"Huh?!" Koto's ears perked. "I detect movements from the rocks!"

Kurama came out of the rumble. No fetal wounds, however, he transformed back to his human form.

Dread coursed through Tsuki. "No."

"This is bad," Kuwabara stated.

"Oh, wow! That Kurama is like a nasty virus! You just can't get rid of him!" Koto declared. "However, it just looks like this nasty explosion has taken a toll because he's back to his original human form!"

Yusuke pressed his lips together. "Oh, crap. The potion worned off. Now he's really going to have to wing it."

"What?! I don't get it! He said that stuff is supposed to last for fifteen minutes!" Kuwabara grinded his teeth. "That's it! The next time I see Suzuka, I'm mopping up the floor with his face!"

"I hope you have another plan, fox." Hiei folded his arms. "Karasu isn't playing anymore."

Kurama rose and clutched his arm. Confusion appeared on his face. "I don't understand. The transformation should have been longer."

Karasu crept closer with malicious intent. "Forgive me for disturbing your train of thought, but shouldn't you take this time to pray?" He added in a mocking tone. "After all, you're about to meet your creator. HAHAHAHAH! You can ask him why he flawed with you! HAHAHAHAHAHA!"

Kurama's hand shook when he took out his rose. Instead of transforming, the rose disintegrated.

"You're too weak, Kurama," Karasu's expression confirmed the truth. "You can't even control the basics of your attack. Make this easy on both of us and give in. I promise it won't hurt too much."

"Kurama!" Yusuke yelled. "Don't listen to that sadistic asshole!"

"You can do it!" Tsuki shouted. "I know you'll figure it out!"

"Well fight, fans!" Koto announced. "The suspense is in the air here at the Dark Tournament! Because everybody knows that one more solid attack by Karasu means death for you know who!"

Karasu glared at Kurama murderously. "If you think about it, death isn't so frightening. Who knows? Maybe you'll actually enjoy it."

Kurama scowled, sprinting back to the ring. He flipped and tried to kick Karasu from behind.

Karasu stepped back and flew. Kurama followed in pursuit with aggressive moves.

"Oh, man! Kurama is launching a full blown assault on Karasu!" Koto declared. "But so far it's completely useless! Blondie is dodging each punch! I can't take it anymore!" She slammed her hand on the table. "I need to see some blood!"

"He has a plan," Hiei informed, watching closely. "It's obvious in the way that he moves."

Tsuki clasped her hands. "I pray it's a good one."

Karasu continued to dodge Kurama's attack. "I think you finally lost your mind. If you come any closer, you're a dead man." His hand glowed for an attack.

"I would not be afraid of something that I cannot see!" Kurama jumped from the assault and landed in front of Karasu.

Karasu's eyes widened as Kurama pushed him back. He halted and smirked. "You're just full of surprises, but I thought you would be more original." Karasu took the seed out of his chest, holding it up. "You really thought this would work. It's called tact, Kurama. You should really consider using some."

Kuwabara's face flushed. "Ah, this stupid jerk is about to tick me off."

"He knows what Kurama is going to do before he does it," Yusuke stated.

Karasu laughed, shattering the seed. "I must congratulate you though. You injured me more than once. And that's practically unheard of."

"Ah," a metal clamp Kurama's leg. A bomb came out, smiling evilly at him.

"That's what I call my mad bomb," Karasu explained.

"Ahhhh!" Kurama screamed as the bomb exploded. Blood leaked from his leg as he fell to the ground.

"No, Kurama!" Tsuki yelled.

Kurama slowly got up while Karasu laughed.

Yusuke quickly came to the edge of the ring. "Don't move another inch, Kurama. You're surrounded by bombs!"

Kurama gasped as he ceased. Karasu's bombs surrounded him everywhere.

"Didn't you say you chose not to be afraid of things you cannot see? Well here's a better look." Karasu crept closer, eyes blazing cruelly. "You know this entire battle has been an exercise of futility. You're weak. You're tired. You're powerless. You're pathetic. Yet it seems you have a masochist streak that wants indulging. So here it goes."

"Ahh!" The bombs penetrated Kurama's whole body. "Ahh!" He kneeled while his body dripped with blood.

"He's toying with him." Tsuki squirmed.

Kuwabara's nose immediately wrinkled in disgust. "Sicko."

Karasu enjoyed watching Kurama suffer. "Hehehehe, your red hair is perfect for that fiery spirit that I admire. You know that's why I decided to leave your beautiful face unharmed. I may not be able to keep you, but I'll always have the memory of your face to keep me comfort."

Kurama rose, breathing heavily. His face was too pale, but he bravely stood back up.

Hiei frowned. "Kurama, you fool."

"What's the matter?" Tsuki asked.

"He's going to use his life energy to finish Karasu," Hiei explained. "The chance of this working is very low."

"That means he's about to sacrifice himself," Yusuke concluded.

"Alright, let's end this." Karasu released more of his bombs.

"AHHHH!" Kurama's blood splattered and leaked in the ring. The pressure waves from the bombs continued to penetrate his body.

Tsuki recoiled in disgust as the rest of the team stood slacked-jawed. "This is torture to watch."

Kuwabara's face tightened with anxiety. "Yeah, if it was one of us out there, we'll be gone by now."

"Nooooo!" Yusuke yelled when Kurama's bloody body finally collapsed.

The audience went insane, breaking into applause.

"Yeah! Let him have it, Karasu!"

"Do it already! Finish him!"

"The crowd is going wild here and rightly so!" Koto pronounced. "Kurama is down! And I don't think he's getting back up!"

A demon fan grabbed Koto's mic. "Just do it, Karasu! We don't have all day!"

Koto snatched her mic back. "Give me that you big oaf! Ahhh!" A perverted demon hugged her from behind. "Juri count! Please for the love of good hygiene! Count!"

"Okay!" Juri stood in front of Kurama. "He has until the count of 10! If he stays down, Karasu wins! 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7!"

Hiei sighed while Kurama got up. "He's going to do it now. Luckily he can still call on his plants with this form."

"Well, he doesn't have a choice," Tsuki reluctantly stated. "Karasu granted him no other option."

Karasu gave his head a disapproving shake. "You should have stayed down. But I guess that's not your style." He lifted his arm, ready to release his bomb.

Kurama's aura glowed. A death plant emerged from his body and flew towards Karasu, delivering a sharp blow to his heart. With the last of his strength, he fainted.

"It can't be." Karasu's mouth leaked blood. "When did he find the strength to do this?" He fell backward with his eyes fluttered shut. His chest stopped moving as his energy faded. Sprouting from his body was a large beautiful flower.

Everyone remained silent. Team Urameshi stared at Kurama in astonishment.

"His life," Yusuke finally spoke.

"Is fading," Kuwabara continued.

"He isn't moving." Tsuki's eyes watered. "Kurama, please wake up."

Kurama's eyes opened. He carefully arose, looking pleased and relieved. "Thank you, Yoko. For transferring your powers onto me."

"Hmph," Hiei smiled. "Fortunate fool."

"Yeah!" Yusuke cheered. "And that's how we win this!"

"He's a little jack up, but I say he's won," Kuwabara declared.

Tsuki's face flooded with relief. "I'm just glad he's alive," she stated with a mixture of sadness and satisfaction.

"And the winner by total gross out is Kurama!" Koto pronounced. "The point goes to Team Urameshi!"

"We did it!" Kuwabara glanced triumphantly at Team Toguro. "In your face!"

Yusuke jumped in, jogging to his wounded teammate. "You made a nice flower pot out of him, Kurama."

Hiei's eyes narrowed at Team Toguro who had no sorrow in their eyes. "They don't look like a team that just lost a match. What do they know that we don't?"

"You're right. I don't like their wicked smiles," Tsuki agreed. "They know something."

"How are you feeling there, champ?" Yusuke asked Kurama.

"I'm fine." Kurama's body shook before he kneeled.

Yusuke grabbed his arms. "Hey, be careful."

"I'm sorry, Yusuke." Kurama's eyes filled with remorse. "If only I could've lifted myself a fraction of a second sooner."

"Who cares? You won!"

"It's unwise to be so confident before the official announcement."

"And the official announcement says, the winner of match one is Karasu!" Juri declared, pointing to the dead body.

"What?!" Yusuke yelled.

"Huh?! And now the fair and impartial Juri is saying the winner was the dead Karasu!" Koto announced confusedly to the shocked crowd. "I could have sworn I saw Kurama destroy them with my own eyes!"

"It's not fair," Kuwabara stated angrily. "These judges had it out for us since the first day."

"I think it's different this time," Tsuki explained. "I don't like the announcement, but let's just see what the committee has to say."

Yusuke stomped toward Juri. "Hey, you with the fish ears! I got a bone to pick with you!" He grabbed her shoulders. "How does a dead guy win?!"

"Hold it. I would like it if you remove your hands," Juri calmly stated.

"I would like you to remove your head from your ass! But I don't see that happening anytime soon!"

"I won't talk to you." Juri moved her body. "Not until you learn how to keep your grimy fingers to yourself."

Yusuke's veins formed in his arms. His face turned crimson. "I'll put these grimy fingers to your face if you don't tell me how the hell a breathing guy loses!"

"Fine!" Juri snapped. "Your friend lost the dumb match because he was down for ten seconds after I started counting!"

"So that's why he lost." Tsuki rolled her eyes. "God, I hate these rules."

"Oh," realization spread across Yusuke's face. "Then why didn't you say so?"

"Jerk-ass!"

"Hey, Kurama." Yusuke turned to his teammate. "You know what she's talking about?"

"Yes, I'm afraid."

The crowd couldn't help but murmur and mutter to themselves.

"I still don't trust the announcer," Kuwabara stated. "I want to see some proof!"

"Oh, what probably happened here is that Juri confused Karasu with Kurama because they both have long hair and both their names start with K! Which is an easy mistake to make if you're not a very experienced referee that got promoted from selling cocktails at the-" Koto was interrupted by a worker giving her a tape. "I've just been handed a mysterious unmarked videotape! So without further updo, let's go to the movies!"

The large screen displayed Karasu and Kurama's final moments. "So far this rerun is yet to reveal anything that we didn't already know! Though it is cool to watch the blood splatter slow-mo! Ah, there it is!" Koto declared when Juri started the count.

"As you can see, I began the counts as a responsible referee once Kurama hit the ground!" Juri clarified. "He is the one with the red hair! Right Koto?! Kurama was still on the ground when he destroyed Karasu! 10.28 seconds!"

"Damn it." Tsuki's shoulders slumped.

"Preposterous," Hiei stated. "I'm extremely annoyed by this tournament."

"Jee whiz. .28 seconds huh?!" Koto announced. "But because Kurama stayed down for that much longer than it counted and it didn't hit Karasu until after that fight was technically over! We have a first time in history in this tournament, a winner who's dead and a loser who's not!"

"He's not a loser!" Kuwabara argued while the audience cheered.

"That's alright," Tsuki assured. "The loon is dead."

"Yeah, I knew all those humans were a bunch of no-good cheating scums!" A demon yelled.

"All Team Toguro needs is four more wins! They're so close, I can taste it!"

"Four more to go! Four more to go! Four more to go!" The audience chanted

Yusuke clenched his fist, shaking with anger. He took a deep breath and glared at Juri. "You keep living by your stupid rules. Next time, we'll win." He put his arm around Kurama's shoulder. "Can you walk, Kurama?"

"Uh-huh."

Tsuki gave Kurama a reassuring smile when Yusuke brought him down. "Don't worry, Kurama. We'll handle the rest."

"Four more to go! Four more to go! Four more to go!"

"Shut up, it's not even a clever chant!" Kuwabara glared at the rowdy crowd. "No one seems to have taken into account our moral victory here. At least everyone in our team is alive."

"You just don't get it," Elder Toguro spoke. The audience immediately went dead silent. Just the sound of his voice twisted Tsuki's stomach into a knot of unpleasant emotions.

"Oh, you all shut up for the shoulder monkey!" Kuwabara complained.

"Because they know whenever I open my mouth I have something of importance to say. Your observation, as usual, is short-sighted and quite incorrect."

"Hey, what's that supposed to mean?!"

"Even if by cruel cosmic joke you survive your matches, you forget each champion is granted a wish." Elder Toguro's snakelike eyes pierce their souls. "Once our team wins and mine is rewarded, I wish for the death of all your friends."

A shiver went through Tsuki as she glared at Toguro. It was jarring to see him and she knew he meant every word.

Loud applause emerged from the crowd. They cheered, whooped, and whistled. "Four more to go! Four more to go!"

Kuwabara stomped his foot. "I had it up to here with this moronic chanting!"

Yusuke placed Kurama on the wall. He straightened up and glared at Team Toguro. "Forget world peace, now I just wish for muscles."

Hiei stepped forward. "Want to know what I'll wish for when we beat them?" His crimson eyes stared long and hard at Team Toguro. "The bloody death of every member of that corrupted tournament committee so that I'll never be pulled to one of their carnivals again."

Team Toguro smirked, undaunted by Hiei's comment.

"Well, while we wait for the crew members to pick up Karasu's body, will the next fighters enter the ring!" Juri ordered.

Kana raised her hand. "There's no need for that." Karasu's body lifted off the ground, slowly placed by Team Toguro's side. "I'll gladly go next."

"Kana, Kana, Kana!" The crowd roared as she entered the ring. Kana moved with incredible grace, seeming to float rather than walk.

"Woo hoo, what a babe!"

"You're awesome, goddess!"

Tsuki took a deep breath, and her bracelet transformed. She glared at Kana. "It's time to end this, witch."

"Show her what you got, Tsuki," Yusuke stated as he touched Tsuki's shoulder.

Kuwabara gave her a thumbs up. "Yeah, one down. Four more to go."

"Remember our training, Tsuki," Kurama informed, eyeing Kana suspiciously. "Wait for the perfect opportunity."

Hiei and Tsuki's eyes met. He tried to sound casual, but she knew he was worried. "Don't die." His eyes softened. "Please."

"I won't." Tsuki jumped in and walked with an expression of furious determination. "I promise."

Kana's fans displayed their posters and sang their chants. They hissed and cursed viciously at Tsuki.

"Priestess, you're done for! We're eating your heart tonight!"

"Bow down to the dark queen!"

Tsuki and Kana met in the middle. They glared at each other in icy silence, the atmosphere heavy with their seething fury.

Kana tilted her head, like an animal on the hunt. "You seemed to be very angry with me, Tsuki. Why? I thought you wanted to play. That's why you're in this tournament, right?"

"Kana, you know damn well I didn't come to play with you." Tsuki began, making her voice as menacing as possible. "You made my time here a living hell with your dirty and sick games. Now you're going to feel everything. And when I say everything, I mean everything."

"Is that so?" Kana giggled, and not nicely. "Light, the opposite of dark. Dark, the absence of light. Positive and negative but when combined, a powerful force. Don't you think we make a great team?"

"Hell no. I don't care about any of that," Tsuki retorted, her aura glowing. "I want to go home. The Human World needs me. There are people that I love that want me here. I refuse to allow you or the darkness to consume me!"

"You tell her, Tsuki!" Keiko yelled. "Kick her butt!"

Botan clapped her hands. "You go, girl!"

"We believe in you!" Yukina shouted.

Shizuru whooped. "Burn the witch!"

Tsuki gasped when her divine bells glowed, slowly transforming into a gohei. "What's this?" She never used this type of weapon before.

"Your divine bells have reached their second form!" Grandfather Saito explained. "Don't be discouraged! It'll be natural to wield!"

"Okay, ladies! Let's show these boys how it's done!" Juri smiled and gave the signal. "Match 2, Kana vs. Tsuki! Begin!"

"But I like you, Tsuki." Kana's aura swirled around her. "And when I like somebody, I take their soul."

Tsuki scowled. She noticed the demons killed by Karasu's bomb were slowly getting up.

"You'll be my doll," Kana declared while the zombies proceeded to the ring and Team Urameshi's side. "With your light, you'll help me rule in the Demon World. But the rest of your friends and family can die."

"Eeek!" Juri dashed out of the ring. The zombies growled and ran towards Tsuki and her group.

Tsuki wasted no time. Her arrows shot the zombies' heads and chests. Guts and bones flew everywhere. "Sacred shield!" She sprinted towards Kana as the zombies dropped to the ground.

"Man, this woman is crazy!" Kuwabara stated. "She even brought her zombies to attack us!"

"Yeah," Yusuke agreed. "Tsuki needs to watch out for her."

Kana grew her two tail whip with a wide smile. She splinted them apart, striking Tsuki with both of her hands.

Oh, she was merciless. Tsuki couldn't even come close. "Expand!" Her shield grew as she stood her ground.

A wild grin spread over Kana's face. She twirled one of her whips and struck Tsuki's side.

"Ah!" Tsuki screeched, kneeling to the ground.

"Nice!" Koto declared while the audience cheered. "In less than a minute, Kana shed some blood! Let's see if she could shed some more!"

Blood leaked from Tsuki's side. She rolled over while Kana struck her whip to the ground.

Tsuki rose and raised her shield to defend herself from another onslaught. With her glowing gohei, she wrapped Kana's whip, tugging hard.

Kana's smile soured into a frown. She tried to snatch her whip back, but there was a standoff. "Bad girl!" Kana struck her second whip at Tsuki's face.

Tsuki blocked it and flung her shield at Kana. "Take this!"

Kana's whip disappeared as she used her hand to stop the shield. "You can have it." Her energy pushed the shield back.

Tsuki surrounded herself with a barrier. Her gohei's energy spread through Kana's whip, reaching the witch's hand.

"Ugh!" Kana's whip disappeared while her hand sizzled. With her other hand, she gripped the wound tightly.

"Uh oh, it looks like Tsuki burned Kana's hand!" Koto announced excitedly. "Beautiful, but I want to see some more blood!"

Tsuki shot her cannon beam. "Die bitch!"

Kana flicked her wrist. An enormous stone from Karasu's bomb stopped the attack. She pushed the remains towards Tsuki who blocked it with her barrier.

Juri got back in, cringing when she spotted the zombie's remains splattered in the ring. "Gross."

"Hehehehe, Toguro was right about you. Now it's getting fun." Kana's shadow grew, resembling dark tentacles. "I can't remember the last time a match gave me such pleasure. It'll be even better when I take your soul away." The tentacles flew at Tsuki.

Tsuki swatted them away. "You'll never have my soul!" Her aura glowed, expanding high towards the shadows.

"Oh, but I will." Kana raised her glowing hand while her shadows disintegrated. "Let the darkness spread."

Tsuki gazed up and gasped. Beams of darkness were coming down fast. She instinctively tapped her gohei to the ground, creating a large barrier.

While the barrier repelled the beams, it spread towards Kana. She glided away and shot her energy blast. "Come out, come out, Tsuki. I want to play."

Tsuki released her barrier and sprinted. "I'm done playing with you. I'll end this quickly!" She shot her beams at her.

Kana's dark energy collided with the priestess beams, causing a small explosion. "But I'm not done spilling your blood." She landed back on the ring and snapped her fingers.

Anxiety washed over Tsuki. She didn't feel her gohei anymore. Lifting her arm, she realized her bracelet was secured on her wrist.

"Hahahahah!" Kana laughed with a horrible cackle, slitting her eyes like a snake. "I had to stop you before you could call your little fox." Her two-tail whip expanded in her hand. "You're mine now."

"Looks like Kana has the upper hand, people!" Koto declared. "Will Tsuki be able to dodge her deadly strike?!"

"Spill her blood, Kana!"

"Yes, she'll be dead in a second!"

"Get away from her Tsuki!" Yusuke cautioned.

Tsuki backed away. Her steps swift and fueled by a burgeoning sense of terror. A shock suddenly jolted her whole body. "Ahhhh!"

Kana watched Tsuki kneel, amused by her suffering, mocking her. "I couldn't let you escape that easily. That's why I created a force field surrounding the ring." She raised her whip. "Now stand still."

Tsuki felt the blood rushing to her face. She avoided her strike and ran. I have to create distance. Her whip can only go so far.

"I know your plan, Tsuki," Kana chimed, lifting her hand. "Trust me, it won't work."

Tsuki's body floated in the air. She tried to resist but an invisible force kept pulling her to Kana's range.

"I'm going to enjoy this." Kana's eyes filled with pleasure. She kept her hand out, pinching the air, keeping Tsuki in place. "I hope you'll enjoy it too, Tsuki." Kana lashed her across her chest and stomach.

"Ahhhh!" Tsuki's body burned as her skin tore and bled. "You evil bitchhhhh!"

"Now, that's not very nice." Kana turned Tsuki around. "Let me get your back."

"Ahhhhhh!" Each lash grew deeper and deeper in her skin. Tsuki's world began to spin. "Ahhhh!"

"Yesssssssss!" Koto was much happier now. "Tsuki's cry is the most exquisite sound I ever heard in this Dark Tournament! Each stroke makes me crave the next one!"

"Hang on, Tsuki!" Yusuke yelled. "Don't die on us!"

"This is horrible!" Keiko screamed. "That witch should be ashamed of herself!"

Kana scowled, proceeding closer. "You should be bleeding profusely right now!" With a flick of her wrist, Tsuki dropped face down onto the ground. She looked like a happy predator with upturned lips, waiting to deliver the killing strike. "No matter. I'll just kill you."

Tsuki immediately rose, sweating, aching, and dizzy. She rushed forward, gritting her teeth as she grabbed Kana's wrist.

Kana tried to stir free, but Tsuki's nails dug into her. "Let go of me." She ordered, ready to deliver another blow. "Or there will be consequences."

Tsuki blew a yellow powder at Kana's face. The witch backed up, inhaling most of the powder.

Kana's body shook. Her whip disappeared. She tried to move, but only stood still. "W-what did you do to me?"

"Paralysis powder. It's from a plant called gelsemiuma that works wonders on demons and their powers." Tsuki rolled up her sleeves. "It was Kurama's idea. He suggested I poison your ass but that's not my style."

Kana's force field vanished. She tried to resist the powder, but it only knocked her to her knees.

"I've noticed you can only withhold my power for about five to ten minutes. That's why I tried to wait while you played your sick game." Tsuki cracked her knuckles. "Now it's my turn to deliver pain."

"Excellent strategy, Tsuki," Kurama complimented.

"Hmph," Hiei agreed. "You showed her well, fox."

A sudden fierceness flashed across her face as she grabbed Kana's dress. "This is for Genkai!" Tsuki elbowed her right in the nose, instantly busting it.

"Nice one, Tsuki!" Yusuke cheered.

"Yes, slap her for me!" Keiko shouted.

Tsuki landed more hard blows, making her tormentor feel all of the pain and terror and helplessness that she'd felt. She kicked Kana in the stomach, skidding her through the ring.

"Woo hoo!" Koto cheered while the crowd watched silently. "I haven't seen a girl fight like this since a girl stole my man! Tsuki is giving Kana all the pain and pleasure that we love, people!"

Damn it. Tsuki glanced anxiously at her bracelet. It's still not transforming. She stomped toward Kana. "If I have to beat you to a pulp, witch. Then that's what I'll do." Tsuki grabbed Kana's head, her fingers digging into her scalp.

Kana's blood from her nose splattered all over the ring. She covered her face as Tsuki delivered more hard blows, kneeing her in the stomach.

"Right on, Tsuki!" Kuwabara cheered. "Genkai taught you well!"

"Finish her off, Tsuki!" Grandfather Saito advised her apprehensively. "Before she does anything drastic!"

Tsuki's head burned with apocalyptic thoughts. She wanted to wrap her hands around her neck and squeeze tightly, but killing the witch that way didn't seem right in her spirit. "Give up now and I'll stop."

"Your kindness will be the end of you." Kana giggled, her eyes wild. "I'll never give up." With a flick of her wrist, a sudden force pushed Tsuki across the ring.

Before Tsuki could get up, Kana stalked toward her. She bent the air in front of her, forcing Tsuki to her feet.

"My little, little, Tsuki," Kana's voice was honey but her face glowed with ember. She raised her other hand, and even from far away, Tsuki could feel the fingers on her throat. "You'll be a wonderful plaything."

Tsuki's heart pulsed in her ears, blood and adrenaline racing through her veins.

"It'll be a living hell as your plaything."

"Oh, you silly girl," the hint of venom in Kana's voice jolted Tsuki's skin. "You don't have a choice."

"Yes, I do." Tsuki locked her eyes on Kana's face, radiating hatred. She felt her bracelet transform. "Inari, come out! Fox fire!"

The fox goddess wasted no time once she transformed. A huge fireball flew at Kana.

"What a nuisance." A large stone stopped the assault. Kana released her hold on Tsuki. "It was just getting fun too."

Tsuki rubbed her neck and sighed. Relief spilled over her but the match was not over yet. "Thank you, Inari."

"So you brought your fox out." Kana's face twisted while a small circle glowed on the ground in front of her. "I guess I have to bring my new plaything out too."

Tsuki gasped as a strange but familiar puppet came out of the circle. Her face suddenly went very pale. "No, it can't be."

"Yes, it's Momorenjya." Kana's energy from her fingers created strings, attaching them to Momorenjya's body. "I like her so I decided to make her my doll."

"Wow, looks like Kana brought the dead back to life!" Koto announced to the audience who began to shift uncomfortably. Some stared at the ring with opened mouths. "We thought she was a goner, but it looks like Kana kept her as a souvenir!"

"Okay, I'll take back what I said," Kuwabara stated. "This woman isn't crazy, she's callous!"

"Right," Yusuke concurred. "I don't like this one bit."

"Get me out!" A voice pleaded. "Release me!"

Tsuki's breath halted and she gaped at Momorenjya with sadness and grief. "You're wrong, Kana. Her soul is crying out to be free."

"Well, I think she loves to be around me." Kana shrugged. "Even if you destroy her body, her soul will be lost in the darkness forever."

Tsuki gave her a startled, dismayed look. "Inari, we have to stop her." She jumped on her guardian's back.

"You can try." Kana moved her fingers, her smile taunting. "I would love it."

Momorenjya raged with sudden violence. She sprinted toward Tsuki and Inari with her long sharp nails.

Tsuki watched her warily, heart hammering in her ears. There has to be a way to stop her without destroying her soul. "Inari, fox lightning!"

Inari released her attack. Momorenjya instantly made contact but only halted for a second.

"What?" Tsuki gasped as the puppet kept sprinting forward. "I thought she would stay down."

"My pretty little friend," Kana cooed at her. "You have to do better than that."

"This is getting good, people!" Koto declared to the rowdy crowd. "With Tsuki's fox and Kana's puppet, it's going to be hard to see who would win!"

"How about you stay down! Fox wheel, Inari!" Tsuki also shot her beams at Kana.

Kana evaded them both, dodging like she can read their minds. She used Momorenjya to block the last beam, instantly dismantling her arm.

"Ahhhhhh!" Momorenjya's voice echoed in Tsuki's head.

No. Anxiety and fear coursed through the priestess. There was no blood coming out. Tsuki could still feel Momorenjya's pain.

Kana watched with fierce and erotic pleasure. "It's just an arm, Tsuki. I can always give her a new one." She moved her fingers. "Momoremjya, it's time to use your power."

Momorenjya created her clones, circling Tsuki and Inari.

Tsuki's eyes wandered. "Lightning wave!"

Inari inhaled again. Momorenjya and her clones halted as their whole body shook. This time they stood still for a little while longer.

"You're done, witch!" Tsuki aimed her divine bells at Kana's heart.

Kana smiled. Two of Momorenjya's clones appeared in front of her, shooting dark beams from their mouths.

Tsuki barely created a barrier to stop the attack. "No way. I thought her clones were an illusion."

Kana savored her surprise. "They were," she explained, working her fingers. "But I thought Momorenjya needed some improvements."

"This is getting crazy!" Juri zoomed away from Momorenjya's blast.

"What are you going to do, Tsuki?" Kana teased. "You can't stay in that barrier forever."

Tsuki glowered, feeling her barrier cracking. She released it once the beams stopped. "Inari, fly!" While Inari flew up, Tsuki concentrated, sensing Momorenjya's spiritual energy. The real one is in the middle. She shot her spirit arrows at the clones.

"With Tsuki's quick thinking, she was able to destroy the clones!" Koto declared to the anxious crowd. "But would it be enough to stop the new and improved puppet?!"

"Inari, head for Kana!" The fox goddess dodged another beam. She swiftly flew towards Kana.

Kana shook her head to Tsuki like she was a toddler. "I thought we discuss this. You can't come close when my puppet is ready to defend me."

"Please," Tsuki cuts the strings with her divine bells. "Not when she's not under your control!"

"Yes!" Yusuke cheered. "Finish her!"

Kana giggled, raising her hand. "You only made me free." She pushed Tsuki off Inari.

Tsuki quickly rose. Her eyes widened when Inari floated in the air. "Inari!"

Kana created a force field around Inari. "Now that your fox isn't in the way, we can really have some fun." Her hand glowed. "And by the way, Momorenjya is still under my control. Just free to do whatever she wants. Attack, Momorenja!" Kana shot her dark energy at Tsuki.

Tsuki lunged out of the way as the blasts zipped past her. One blast smashed to the wall behind her. Tsuki winced, hearing a thud of a body smacking to the ground. His screams echoed while he fell.

"Looks like it's getting close to the end, people!" Koto announced. "Now that Inari is caged up, Tsuki has to battle two demons!"

"Tsuki, what's the matter?" Hiei asked. "Destroy the puppet."

I can't. Tsuki protested, shooting a beam at Kana. Momorenjya's soul is still in there. I have to figure out a way to release it. "Ah!" Kana's blast was short but sucked her energy and left her feeling as if her insides were on fire.

Kana's face contorted with deep pleasure. "I love when you run, Tsuki. It makes me giggly inside."

"You stubborn girl. The witch is taking advantage of your heart. She knows you don't want to destroy her body," Hiei explained. "Momorenjya chose this path. Let her deal with the consequences."

No, Hiei. Tsuki shook her head. A barrier surrounded her. She glanced around like a trapped animal. I refuse to believe that. There has to be another way. "Ah!" Momorenyja's blast skidded Tsuki over. Exploded with such force, it knocked her on her back.

Juri raised her hand while Tsuki remained still. "I'll start the count! 1, 2, 3!"

"Get up, Tsuki." Hiei pleaded. "I don't want to lose you."

"4, 5, 6!"

You won't. I promise, remember? Blood leaked from the side of Tsuki's head as she slowly stood up. Just believe in me.

"It seems you still have a little more fight in you." Kana's smile widened. "I play with you a little longer before I take your soul."

"You're a crazy witch!" Keiko yelled.

"Iku!"

"Tsuki, don't die on us!" Botan screamed.

"You can overcome this, granddaughter!" Grandfather Saito encouraged. "Don't give up!"

Kana put a mock malignity into her beautiful eyes, obviously delighted by their comments. "All of your friends and family hate me, especially the little man." She eyed Hiei up and down. "He didn't like that I sent my friends to attack you and that ice girl."

Hiei's eyes darkened. The intensity of his stare gave out murderous intentions.

Kana cut their eye contact and glanced sweetly at Tsuki. "You know, he really likes you," Kana exclaimed. "He's just afraid of rejection. Too bad your relationship won't ever blossom."

Tsuki's heart pounded. Every muscle of her body was sore. With her spiritual energy slowly draining, Tsuki didn't know how much fight she had in her.

"But first, let me do something about your annoying fox." Kana lowered Inari to the ring, releasing her force field. "Momorenyja, you know what to do." She shot her energy blast.

"Inari, no!" Tsuki sprinted between them. A surge of darkness shot up into her, rippling through, making her gasp at the intensity that lit her blood and skin on fire.

"Tsuki!" Yusuke, Kuwabara, and Keiko screamed.

"This can't be good," Kurama stated.

"Hahahahaha!" Kana laughed a hyena laugh. "Your soul is mine! Welcome to the darkness, Tsuki! Hahahahaha!"

"Tsuki ran through the blast to protect her fox!" Koto declared as the crowd cheered. "Is this the end of the fallen priestess?!"

"Um, I guess I'll start the count again!" Juri raised her hand. "1, 2, 3!"

"Get up, Tsuki," Hiei urged. "Please."

Tsuki rose, breathing heavily. She struggled to her feet, standing still for a moment.

Kana glared icily at her. "You should be dead by now!" She spitted at Tsuki while she talked. "Why can't you let the darkness consume you?!"

"Because I promise everyone I won't die." Tsuki's body shook, feeling her last spiritual energy gone. "The darkness doesn't hurt me anymore. I embrace it now. It makes me appreciate the light even more."

Inari's aura glowed around her body. She lifted in the air, slowly transforming.

Tsuki's white aura swirled. "Just like the moon, I'll always glow in the dark. No matter what you throw at me, Kana. I will prevail."

"Is that so?" Kana shriveled her with one glance. "Let's test that theory!"

"Enough, demon!" a powerful but feminine voice yelled. "Your wicked games are over."

Tsuki gazed up, shocked. "Inari?" She was breathtaking. Her luscious ivory hair draped over her shoulders while her fair skin shined bright. Bejeweled in strings of pearls, she wore a simple dress of pleated linen draped elegantly over her body.

"Yes, child," Inari confirmed, touching Tsuki's forehead. Her golden eyes pierced through her soul. "I'm the fox goddess that watched over your shrine for many, many, years."

Tsuki breathed in a sigh of relief. Inari channeled her healing energy towards the dark pain. The flow of energy soothed Tsuki, and she relaxed.

"I can't believe this!" Koto announced to the silent crowd. "We're experiencing a true goddess at the Dark Tournament! We don't get that very often, fans!"

Kana screamed in frustration. "What?! Her soul is supposed to be mine!" She grew her two tail whip, swinging. "Fine, I'll just whip it out of her!"

Inari grabbed the whip, easily destroying it. "This match is over." The goddess declared, her tone dangerous. "You already know the outcome, demon."

Kana slowly backed away. She looked defeated, quite unlike her normal self.

Inari gazed lovingly at Tsuki. "Due to your low spiritual energy, I don't have much time. The gods and I have read your soul, Tsuki. Your willingness to sacrifice for someone else's well being is admirable. For that, you have unleashed my goddess form."

Tsuki's divine bells transformed into her gohei.

"Use the gohei to finish the match," Inari instructed, transforming her soul back into Tsuki's body. "Trust me, you'll know what to do."

"You're right, Inari." Determination filled Tsuki's eyes. She glanced at Momorenjya. "I know exactly what to do." Tsuki tapped her gohei onto the ground. A large pentagon spread in the ring.

"I told you. There's no way to ge-" Kana gasped as her legs were wrapped in talismans paper. Stunned and still off balance, she turned to her puppet. "I can't move. Momorenjya, destroy her now!" Kana's eyes widened when she realized Momorenjya was stuck as well.

Tsuki dashed towards Momorenjya. She lifted her glowing gohei. "I released her soul from bondage. Return to the light!" Tsuki commanded, striking the gohei on Momorenjya's head.

Light surrounded Momorenjya. The demon shook momentarily before collapsing to the ground. Not before smiling at Tsuki. "Thank you." An orb escaped her puppet body, heading up towards the Spirit World.

"EEEAHHHHHH! What did you do to my doll?!" Kana raged, watching her puppet's body disintegrate. She rushed at Tsuki with a frenzy. "You'll pay for this!"

Tsuki rushed at Kana as black and white orbs surrounded her. "Yin and yang. Light and dark. Sun and Moon. Attack!"

"AHHHHHH!" Kana howled, body scalding frightfully. "My beautiful body!"

"You're finished!" With all her might, Tsuki released a huge yin and yang orb, smashing it on Kana's stomach.

Kana coughed out blood. She stood motionless as her body and demonic energy withered away. Everyone remained quiet while Kana's face decayed, getting older and uglier.

Tsuki huffed and puffed, holding her gohei steady. Please be over.

"I can't believe….I won't ever….rule in the….Demon….World." Kana's body burnt to ashes. She whispered her last words as she beamed at Tsuki. "No matter…..I still had….fun. Thank you…..for my final moments….Tsuki."

"You're welcome, Kana," Tsuki said genuinely while her ashes blew away. "If it wasn't for you, I wouldn't truly face the darkness."

"Woo hoo! That's how girls do it!" Juri grabbed Tsuki's hand and raised it. "And the winner is Tsuki!"

The crowd booed. Kana's fans threw their banners and signs.

"How dare you kill our beloved queen?! You're dead, priestess!"

"I swear you and your teammates won't make it out of here alive!"

"Screw ya!" Shizuru retorted. "She wasn't even all that anyway! Great job, Tsuki!"

"That's my girl!" Keiko acclaimed. "Way to show the witch how it's done!"

"Team Toguro has nothing on us!" Botan shouted.

"You were amazing!" Yukina praised.

"Iku!"

"Puu!"

"I'm proud of you, granddaughter!" Grandfather Saito yelled. "You represented our tribe well!"

Yusuke and Kuwabara sprinted to the ring. Goofy grins spread on their faces.

"Don't worry, Tsuki," Yusuke stated as he helped her out of the ring. "I got ya."

"You were amazing," Kuwabara complimented. "Didn't know your fox could do that."

"Me neither," Tsuki said in a hollow voice, swamped by a wave of exhaustion.

Kurama gave her a head nod when they jumped down. "Well done, Tsuki."

"Thank you for your help, Kurama." She glanced at Hiei and smiled. "I told you I wouldn't die."

"You're still stubborn." The fire demon appeared relieved. He patted her head as he returned the smile. "But I'm glad you kept your promise."

"The round isn't over yet." Tsuki glared at Bui who entered the ring. "Looks like armor man is ready to go next."