AN: Hope everyone is having a wonderful 2024 so far. I'm still doing my best to upload in a timely manner despite my busy personal life. So glad to be officially done with the Dark Tournament. It was entertaining but long. Excited and ready for the next phase of my story.

Thank you, for the review. I truly appreciate your patience. Yes Guest, I finally updated :) Thank you, Sabaku no ikuro for favoring me. And thank you for all the new followers and favorites to my story. Hope you enjoy this chapter.

Sincerely,

UniversalGoddess

"Finally, the Toguro brothers fall," Kurama said.

"Hmph, it's been quite a long run," Hiei replied.

Tsuki let out a relieved sigh. "Thank goodness it's over."

"All I can think about is how much our little detective has improved in this tournament. That and the whole saving my life thing," Koenma explained.

Yusuke stood silently. His body began to wobble and he fell facedown on the ground.

Kurama gasped. "Yusuke!" He, Tsuki, and Hiei ran towards him. "Easy does it. No sleeping just yet," Kurama said while lifting Yusuke back up.

"..." Yusuke remained silent. He stared at nothing, dazed and gloomy.

"Yusuke, snap out of it. You have your victory."

Tsuki nodded in agreement. "We won, Yusuke. We can go home now."

"Am I alive?"

"Of course," Koenma answered. "Do you see any halos on us? Everything is okay now."

Yusuke gazed at Kuwabara who was still lying on the ground. His face crumbled in pain. "No, it's not. No, it's not! Damn it! If I hadn't been such an irresponsible kid. If I didn't have concrete walls between my own stupid emotions, I would've had all the strength to save him. I was just too dumb to know how to reach it. What the hell do I say to that, huh?"

"You say you learned," Kurama began.

"Shut up!" Yusuke's voice rose. "What good does that do?! He's already dead! I can't say anything to him now! Is that hard to get?! I'm just like everybody else with power! I don't do anything to help! Ugh! I'm sorry Kuwabara! It's all my fault!"

Kuwabara immediately got up, his hand displaying the peace sign. "Okay, I think you've done enough groveling for one day. Though it is pretty entertaining." He grinned, saluting to Yusuke. "Reporting for duty. Captain Faker, that's me."

Yusuke appeared dumbfounded. He turned to Kurama, mouth agape. "Hey, why is a dead guy walking around?!"

"Yes, well. I tried to inform you, but you were so engrossed with your speech."

"The heart! The finger poking!"

"You're a moving public speaker. Look, he never died."

"He faked his own death so you can beat Toguro," Tsuki explained.

"Hehehehehe." Kuwabara chuckled. "How does it feel to be out of the loopy loop?"

Yusuke glanced at everyone. "All you guys were in on this?"

Koenma shrugged. "Naturally, I know I'm not supposed to lie, but well whatever."

"And you guys let me cry like a baby?!"

"Hmph." Hiei smirked. "You said it yourself. It was your fault."

"I agree with Hiei. Mostly so I don't feel guilty," Koenma stated.

"If you could have reached your power on your own, the fake death wouldn't have been needed and you wouldn't look like a chi-," Hiei was cut off by Yusuke tackling Kuwabara.

"You stupid ass!" Yusuke continued to pulverize Kuwabara. "How dare you make me look like a fool! I can't believe I cried for you! And you're supposed to be my best friend!"

"Hahahaha." Kurama laughed while Hiei's eyebrow twitched, appalled by Yusuke's behavior. "I doubt he heard you."

Tsuki giggled. "I told Kuwabara this would happen. I'm surprised he has the energy to fight."

"Yusuke," Koenma spoke. "Teach him anymore and you'll actually kill him. That's kind of against the point, isn't it?"

Yusuke punched Kuwabara one more time before letting him go. "Wait a sec. That still doesn't explain why Toguro missed dufus's heart."

Kuwabara stood up with a black eye. "Oh yeah, I haven't thought about that. Well with all those years Toguro spent as a hired killer, you'll think he knows where the heart was."

"He obviously knew Kuwabara," Hiei explained. "I say your defense level just rose dramatically and it kept your heart from being pierced. Your stubbornness is even greater than your stupidity."

"That sure is a nasty way of giving a compliment, shrimp!" Kuwabara shot back.

"I suggest an alternative. Toguro didn't want Kuwabara to die. He intended to miss from the start," Kurama clarified. "I believe that the ultimate outcome of this fight is precisely what Toguro had been looking for."

"I agree. Toguro could have easily killed Kuwabara if he wanted to. But he chose to wait to see what Yusuke would do." Tsuki beamed at Yusuke. "I'm so glad you were able to unlock your emotions."

"So he threw the fight?" Kuwabara questioned.

Kurama shook his head. "No, he wanted to be legitimately defeated by someone stronger."

"But why?"

"Maybe he felt guilty for choosing strength over his friends and killing the one he cared about the most," Koenma answered.

Kurama stared at Yusuke, thinking deeply. "And who better to vanquish him than the apprentice of the woman he abandoned. He wanted you to prove him wrong and show that your choice could prevail."

"Guess we'll never know for sure," Koenma replied.

Sakyo stepped forward. "May I put in my two cents? I think Kurama is right."

"What the hell?" Yusuke frowned.

Oh great. Tsuki rolled her eyes. I forgot about him.

"I only knew Toguro for a couple of years, but thinking back, the signs were in neon lights. Toguro's poker face was famous. When he saw Yusuke barrel in Tarukane's stronghold, it was the few times I saw him lose a grin. I just thought he was anxious to kill you, but that's what I get for projecting my taste onto his. In the greatest moment facing the greatest opponent, he was able to face a great end. It's a dream of every true competitor." Sakyo turned to Koenma. "Speaking of Koenma, it's time for us to settle our own great bet. I see my weak point was not knowing the truth of what Toguro was thinking. It's been a most enjoyable game."

Koenma brushed it off. "Bets off. You lost your fortune. You're no threat to me now."

"Such kind words but where's the thrill of gambling if you know you can get out of all your bets?" Sakyo revealed the remote and pressed the red button. "Don't worry, I'll take care of it myself."

The stadium started to shake as if they were encountering a major earthquake. Huge sections of the walls and roof began to collapse. "Stadium detonation now commencing. Fifteen minutes."

Shocked and horrified, the crowd dispersed, screaming and running in different directions.

"What the hell we're standing around here for?!"

"Let's go!"

"The stadium will be turned into ruins. Taking me and my ambition along from the ride," Sakyo explained.

I'm so sick and tired of these ridiculous surprises. Tsuki groaned, and her heart sank horribly. "Are you nuts?!"

Kuwabara gawked at him. "How could you do this?!"

"It doesn't concern you." Sakyo turned and walked away. "You guys should concentrate on your own lives."

"Where are you going, Sakyo?" Koenma demanded.

"Stadium detonation, thirteen minutes."

"Damn it. This is a pain in the ass." Yusuke's eyes swept the crowd. "Keiko!"

"Yusuke, can you help the girls?" Koenma asked.

"Yeah, naturally. What are you going to do?"

"I still have a little business to settle with Sakyo."

"Be careful, Koenma," Tsuki stated.

"Yeah, I will." Koenma ran off. "Don't get killed."

Yusuke stared at his team. "You heard the man. Let's go."

"Right," Kuwabara said.

Yusuke's body swayed. He was about to fall until Kurama caught him.

Kurama offered his support, wrapping his arm around Yusuke's shoulder. "Perhaps you should let me help you."

"Thanks." Yusuke glanced at Toguro's dead body and smiled. "See you around, Toguro."

The crowd screamed. A dozen of them smashed together and tumbled to the ground. Some charged, knocking others in all directions and sending the others scattering in the aisles. No one was safe under all this madness.

"Sakyo already closed off the entrances!"

"Find the hole Urameshi made!"

Tsuki struggled to keep her panic at bay while surveying the scene. Will this nightmare ever end?

"What's up with these demons going the wrong way?! It's like waiting for a pool of a giant trout." Kuwabara gasped, spotting the girls. He dashed upwards, knocking the demons out of the way. "Yukina is in trouble! Hold on! Your loyal samurai shining armor is coming sweetpea! Hey! Get out of my way!"

"Why Toguro miss?" Hiei's expression turned slightly annoyed.

Kurama flashed a smile. "Well, we might as well follow his path."

"Thank you, Kuwabara." Tsuki didn't want to feel suffocated by an anxious crowd.

Kuwabara made it to the top and waved. "Hey, Yukina! I'm here to rescue you! We can go whenever you want!"

Yukina rose, worry filled her eyes. "Kazuma, something is really wrong with Keiko. She's not responding to anything. We can't get her to move."

The stadium wall cracked behind Yukina. Her eyes, always so serene, now wide with horror as the wall started to plummet.

"Oh no, Yukina!" Tsuki yelled, watching Kuwabara stay frozen in place. "Kuwabara, do something!"

"Tch, moron. Can't rely on him for anything." Hiei hurried for his sister.

"Yukina!" Kuwabara finally moved when the wall collapsed. He blinked in surprise when he spotted Hiei hovering over her.

Hiei glared at Kuwabara. "You are of no use."

"Thank you very much, Hiei," Yukina said genuinely.

Kuwabara clenched his fists, glaring at the fire demon. "Grr."

"Stadium denotation, five minutes."

"This isn't a good place for a party, guys," Yusuke stated as he and Kurama walked over to the girls. "Let's get the hell out of here."

"Yusuke, Keiko's not well," Botan explained.

"What?!" Yusuke went to Keiko who sat motionless, staring into space. "What happened?!"

"PTSD. And like everything else, she excels at it."

"Oh no." Tsuki kneeled next to her, fraught with worry. "Yusuke's fight might have been too much for her."

"Hey, Keiko," Yusuke whispered. When she didn't respond he grabbed her collar shirt, shaking her. "Did you hear me? I said hey, it's Yusuke. We can go home now."

Again no response.

Yusuke raised his hand. "Well so much for that. Listen! I'm sorry! But we don't have any more time to talk! Snap out of it will you?!" He slapped her three times across the face.

Tsuki's mouth fell open, appalled by Yusuke's behavior. "What's the matter with you?! Stop hitting her! She's already been through enough!"

Yusuke kept slapping her. "I'll stop when she wakes the hell up! Come on, Keiko! Wake up!"

Keiko snapped, irritation in her voice. "Yusuke, how dare you?!" Her hand made a sharp contact with his cheek. "You jerk!"

"Ahhhh!" Yusuke fell hard on the ground.

Keiko huffed, confusion crossed her features. "Uh, what's going on here? Where am I? Oh my goodness." She shrieked when she spotted Yusuke passed out on the ground.

Kuwabara pointed to the spirit detective. "I think he's dead."

"Serves him right." Tsuki grabbed Keiko's hand. "Keiko, we won the tournament but we have to get out of here. The stadium is going to explode."

"Oh, okay. Let's go."

"Stadium denotation, three minutes."

They made it downstairs, running down the hallway as the crowd continued to scream and shout.

Breathe, breathe, breathe. Tsuki shivered, fighting off a chill of panic. The stadium flooded with fear. Everyone was desperate to find an escape.

Kuwabara glanced at Yukina. "Hey, where's my sister?"

"And my grandpa?" Tsuki asked. "I haven't seen Iku and Puu either."

"I'm not sure really. We were so busy with Keiko, I didn't see them slip away. I'm sorry."

"Hey, don't worry. She'll take care of herself," Kuwabara answered.

Tsuki took a deep breath, allowing her worry to cease. "I'm sure we'll all make it out of here alive."

They group made it to the front entrance. Some demons block their path, unsure what to do.

Kuwabara pushed them out of the way. "What's the holdup?! Clear a path! Kuwabara coming through!" He gasped when he noticed the rocks blocking the entrance. "Uh oh. I don't like this. What now?"

"Get out of the way. I'll bust through." Yusuke wobbled but Kurama caught him in time.

"Yusuke, you know you don't have strength left."

"Well neither do you so what's our choice?"

"Stadium denotation, two minutes."

Botan frantically glanced around. "What can we do? We don't have time to find a new exit."

Hiei's face turned tense. "This is ridiculous."

"Damn it." Yusuke scowled.

The stadium entrance burst open. Chū, Jin, and Toya stood on top of the rocks.

Chū smiled while Riku sat on his shoulder. "How goes it, mate?"

Yusuke's face lit up. "A lot better now. I guess."

"Then don't just stand there like a bludger. Let's go. We can't let our champion team die in this bloody stadium."

"Right he is. When the tourney next around comes flying, we'll have to face you ourselves. And we'll have new muscles on us, and ooo whee! You'll go zipping and we'll be the champions of that one," Jin explained.

Yusuke gave him a thumbs up. "Right, whatever he said."

"Puuuu!"

Keiko turned around and held Puu. "Hey, there you are. You're gonna come live with me, aren't you?"

"Puu!"

"Uh, Keiko! The stadium!" Botan yelled.

"Oh, right."

They ran outside. Tsuki's face beamed when she spotted Grandpa Saito, Shizuru, Koenma, Jorge, and Iku running alongside them. "Grandpa! I'm glad you guys made it out safely."

"Yes, I hope we didn't worry you," he replied.

"We needed to make sure Sakyo didn't have a hidden agenda," Koenma exclaimed. He shook his head in total disbelief. "He really did kill himself."

"Yeah," Shizuru said in a sad voice. "He did."

Iku jumped towards Tsuki. "Iku!"

"Hey there." Tsuki caught him, hugging him tightly. "I'm glad to see you boy. Thanks for looking out for them."

"Stadium denotation, ninety seconds."

Botan pointed wildly. "Let's head for the cliff. I'm sure the explosion won't touch us there."

They ran faster as if they were running for the marathon, daring not to look back. They were relieved when they made it to the safe zone.

"Five, four, three, two, one."

A loud and echoing boom erupted from the stadium. A massive explosion went off, shaking the ground beneath them.

The group watched silently as the stadium crumbled to the ground. It reminded Tsuki of a final scene of an action-packed movie.

"So it's over now," Kuwabara stated.

"Yeah, it finally is." Yusuke's expression went from strained to relaxed.

Tsuki hugged her grandfather, her spirit had lifted. "We can go home now."

"Yes, we can." Grandfather Saito hugged her back tightly.

"Ahhh!" Botan screeched.

"What's the matter, Botan?" Kuwabara asked.

"The prize for winning the tournament. You were each supposed to get whatever you wanted. We didn't even get a souvenir mug."

"Aw man." Kuwabara's shoulder slumped. "I was gonna get famous."

Botan folded her arms, disappointment written on her face. "What a crock."

"Technically, my wish was already granted," Tsuki explained. "I never wanted to deal with this evil tournament ever again."

"And it doesn't matter." Tsuki listened, struck by the sorrow in Yusuke's voice. "Those bastards up in the tournament committee couldn't give us what we truly wanted anyway."

"And uh, what did we want again?" Botan asked. She gasped, realizing Team Urameshi's deepest desire.

Yusuke stood in the middle of the group, staring hard at the clear sky. "It's done! We finished it, Genkai!"

Oh Genkai. Tsuki looked up and smiled. I hope you're proud of us.

"I stand here today to beseech the gods." Tsuki's gohei glowed as she swung it around. "I call upon them to descend from the heavens and join us. I ask that my humble plea may be heard and peace be restored onto this island."

Tsuki, Grandpa Saito, and Iku stood by the stadium ruins. Nothing was left but wreckage, corpses, and survivors. The aftermath of the explosion was a scene of utter catastrophe, with rubble and debris scattered everywhere.

"Gods of the universe. I came here today to send healing and light to this island. For years this beautiful place has been plagued with this evil tournament. With all the respect from the depth of my heart, please take away the evil, disasters, and sins."

More than a dozen crows circled in the air, cawing and noisily flapping their wings. A cool breeze moved the trees and touched the warmth of Tsuki's cheeks. In that instant, she knew the gods' spirits were in their presence.

"Keep going," Grandpa Saito urged. "The air is getting clearer."

Iku barked with encouragement. "Iku."

Tsuki continued, her voice strong and clear. "Sweep the impurities and purify this island. Grant protection, grant happiness, and restore light to this beautiful land. Hi, fu, mi, yo, i, mu, na, ya, ko, to, mo, chi, ro, ra, ne, shi, ki, ru, yu, i, tsu, wa, nu, so, o, ta, ha, ku, me, ka, u, o, e, ni, sa, ri, he, te, no, ma, su, a, se, e, ho, re, ke."

The dark energy continued to fade. Tsuki felt light. Finishing the Dark Tournament was a huge weight off her shoulders. After taking a deep relaxing breath, she transformed her gohei back to her bracelet. Don't you dare ever come back. She clasped her hands and bowed to the ruins.

Grandfather Saito clapped his hands. "Excellent, you did amazing."

"Iku!"

"Thank you." Tsuki smiled warmly as they began walking back to the hotel. "I'm just glad I was able to purify this land. Too much blood has been spilled here."

"I know. I was relieved when I got back home. I've never thought I stepped foot on this island ever again," Grandpa Saito explained. "Coming back here triggered a lot of painful memories. I knew you would experience the same thing, but I prayed for you to come home alive. And I thank the gods for answering my prayer. I'm proud of you, granddaughter. You didn't let this darkness consume you. The light is bright within you."

"I learned a lot about myself here. This journey made me appreciate life even more. When we get back to Osaka, I'm going to work harder to become the best priestess I could be."

Grandfather Saito smiled, a very wise smile. "I know you are. When I saw your divine bells transformed into their second form, I was ecstatic. You're evolving into a powerful priestess at such a young age. Tsuki, I encourage you to think different, be different, and never abandon your dream. Each generation has its purpose but I believe you're doing a great thing. "

Moved by the sincerity in his expression and tone, Tsuki nodded. "I'll honor your wisdom, and choose to live my life to the fullest, grandpa. I'm a twenty-first-century priestess, healer, and herbalist. I need to do what I think is right for the Human World. And I know I'm not going to be dealing with this alone. I have friends that I can trust and rely on."

"Speaking of friends," Grandfather Saito began, raising his eyebrow. "Is there something going on between you and that fire demon?"

Tsuki blushed. "Why would you ask that?"

"So it is true. I've seen the way you guys look at each other. And how he rescued you from Kana's attack." Grandpa Saito sighed. "You are in that age where you're starting to like the opposite sex. But why him? Isn't he too dark and crazy for you?"

"I don't know. It just happened. I can't help the way I feel about him."

"I guess you're right. Though I need to have a word with him."

Oh my goodness. Tsuki groaned at the thought. "Please, grandpa. Not now. I haven't even confessed my feelings to him."

"You're going to tell him?"

"Yes."

"When? We're leaving for Osaka soon."

"Soon. When the timing is right." Tsuki had a feeling the gods would give her the opportunity.

They eventually made it back to the hotel but decided to stay by the cliff and wait. The sun was directly overhead, shining brightly on the island.

Kuwabara and the rest of the group exited the hotel and approached them. "Hey, guys," he greeted them, carrying some shopping bags. "How long have you been waiting?"

"We just got back," Tsuki answered, briefly glancing at Hiei. He looked so handsome, moody, and dangerous. "Ready to go?"

"Yep, how was the spiritual cleansing?" Botan asked.

"Wonderful," Grandfather Saito replied. "She did a great job. I can feel the difference in this island."

"That's cool. I'm proud of you, girl." Keiko gave Tsuki a shopping bag. "Me and the rest of the girls decided to do some shopping for you. Hope you like the souvenirs."

Tsuki's eyes twinkled with gratitude. "Thank you."

"You know I'm actually gonna miss this stupid place," Yusuke said, staring at the ocean.

"Feels like we've been here for years," Kuwabara stated.

"Right," Tsuki agreed.

A flicker of sadness crossed Botan's face. "Losing someone can d-" Kuwabara silenced her by placing his hand on her mouth.

"Easy on the Genkai, okay?" Kuwabara whispered. "It took us all morning just to get Urameshi out of our room."

"Okay," Botan muffled. "Okay!"

The ship's horn caught everyone's attention. It was moving close, heading towards the dock.

"Oh uh, lookie here," Kuwabara said. "Our ship has arrived. Isn't that happy?"

Yusuke smiled. "Back to skipping detention."

"And video games." Kuwabara grinned.

"The shrine." Tsuki closed her eyes. She already felt at peace.

Kurama's eyes glistened. "My human mother."

"Various crimes," Hiei simply stated.

I can't believe I actually like this guy. Tsuki side-eyed him. She was so curious about what crimes he was going to commit.

"Alright." Yusuke fist-pumped the air. "Let's go home!"

"Yay!" The whole group yelled in unison.

"Well excuse me if I'm a little insulted," said a familiar mature voice.

"Huh?" Botan eyes blinked in confusion.

"Am I imagining things?" Tsuki questioned herself.

"Hold on a sec." Yusuke turned around.

Genkai approached them and smiled, looking healthy and much alive. "You're just going to leave the old fossil behind?"

Botan dashed towards her. "Genkai! I don't believe it!"

"Yes!" Tsuki sprinted, tears of joy pouring down her cheeks.

"You're, uh, hey! She's really alive!" Kuwabara stated excitedly while he and the rest of the group proceeded toward her.

Genkai smiled at Yusuke, her tone was amused and mocking. "Must of rubbed off of me, dimwit. I died like you. Half-assed."

"G-g-genkai! Genkai!" Yusuke's eyes lit up. He ran, opening his arms. "Come here you beautiful hag!"

"How did this happen?" Keiko asked after they all hugged her.

"Toguro," Grandpa Saito answered. "He fulfilled you guys' deepest wishes."

"Well it's the least he could do from all the hell he put us through," Shizuru stated.

Yukina's smile was warm and serene. "I'm so happy."

"Hmph." Hiei appeared to be in a good mood.

"Okay, enough hugs. Let's get out of here," Genkai said. "I'm officially done with this island."

The group happily got on the ship with the rest of the travelers. They stood by the rails, watching the island as they sailed the sea.

"Hey, Genkai," Tsuki stated. "After we settle down, is it possible to continue my training? I feel like I can still learn a lot from you."

"Of course, Tsuki. You don't have to ask. Just come visit me when you're ready."

Tsuki's expression was filled with excitement. She looked forward to the future. "Thank you."

"How long is it going to take for us to get back to Osaka?" Kuwabara asked.

"Tomorrow morning," Botan replied. "They're stopping at the other islands first, then Tokyo, and finally Osaka."

"Great, that means we're staying here for the night." He grinned, looking at the ice maiden. "At least I'm able to spend more time with Yukina."

Tsuki eyed Hiei and smiled. The opportunity was coming soon. Lucky me.

Tsuki woke up around midnight with her phone vibrating. She quickly turned off her alarm and rose from the bed. Careful not to wake her grandfather up, she slipped on her boots and put on her sweater.

Iku's ears perked up. He opened his eyes and gazed at Tsuki with curiosity. "Iku?"

Tsuki placed her finger between her lips. "Shh, I'll be back." She rubbed his head. "Just wait here for me."

"Iku." Her puppy obediently laid down, his ears flat, and his eyes drooping.

Tsuki's heart raced faster and faster as she entered the deck. Don't be nervous. What's the worst that can happen? Him saying no? Her heart sank. Great, now I'm thinking negative.

The sound of the waves and the beautiful moon calmed her down a bit. There he was looking handsome as ever. Tsuki was glad she knew him well enough to know that he'd be outside.

Hiei stood by the rails under a beam of moonlight as if the gods themselves had blessed him with eternal light. He turned around. Their eyes met, and Tsuki felt electricity race through her. He was surprised for a moment but went back to his usual calm self. "Why are you up?"

"Couldn't sleep," Tsuki replied casually. "Came to get some fresh air."

Hiei's eyes narrowed, immediately becoming suspicious. "Why do I have a feeling that you're lying?"

"You're right." Tsuki shrugged and stood next to him. "I wanted to see you. Alone."

"Why?"

"Because I know once we reach Osaka, I'm not going to see you for a while."

"True, the Human World is boring. I'll have to find ways to entertain myself," Hiei explained. "The Dark Tournament was annoying but at least it was fun."

"I'm just glad it's over. Do you know what was my favorite part of the journey?" She looked him straight in the eye. "Spending time with you."

Hiei looked genuinely surprised for a moment. "Oh, really?"

Here it goes. Tsuki took a deep breath. "Yes, really. Hiei, you already know I like you. More than just a friend. I wanted to know if you would like to hang out with me when we get back to Osaka."

Hiei studied her face with amusement. "Like boyfriend and girlfriend?"

"Ye-I mean no." Tsuki flushed. "N-not like that. Just people getting to know each other more."

"But that's what you truly want, right?" He pressed. "A lover?"

Tsuki opened her mouth but closed it. Couldn't argue with that. Deep down, she knew he was right.

Hiei sighed and then focused his eyes right on her. It was like burning, burning in a crimson fire.

"Tsuki, I'm not a good person. I'm a demon fugitive who's done a lot of horrible things. There is so much blood on my hands that they will never be clean. I don't deserve you."

"That's not your call." A nervous flutter filled Tsuki's stomach. His words…they should frighten her. Make her run and never come back, but she still wanted him. "I don't want you to be good. I want you to be you."

"Tsuki-"

"Please just listen, Hiei." Tsuki placed her hand against her pounding chest. As soon as she spoke those words, she knew she was speaking from her heart. "It still terrifies me because I have never felt this way about anyone. And…and, your past will never change how I feel about you. Yes, you're a demon. Yes, you're crazy and can get on my nerves sometimes, but I still want you."

"Are you sure this is what you want?"

"Yes. You helped me a lot in this Dark Tournament, especially dealing with Kana. You understood part of me that I didn't understand myself, and sometimes I'm pretty sure I understood parts of you that you didn't understand either." She continued sounding both shocked and impressed by her words. "All I do is think of you. I can't stay away. Even if I tried."

The harsh expression on his face softened, and Tsuki saw the rare gentleness that only she and Yukina could bring out in him. He looked at her for a long time. Finally, he sighed. "Okay."

"Okay?"

"I'll give this a try. But don't say I didn't warn you. This is all…new to me."

Tsuki wanted to twirl and leap but disappointment appeared on her face.

"Why are you disappointed? I thought you'd be thrilled."

"I am thrilled." She pouted. "I thought there would be something more than just a confession."

Hiei smirked. "You wanted a kiss?"

"I-um….I don't know. Maybe?"

He rolled his eyes. "You're such a virgin."

Tsuki's cheeks darkened. "Hey, it's by choice. Just because you lived longer than me, doesn't mean you're an expert."

"More so than you, I imagine." Hiei stepped closer to her. "I can show you some of my moves if you want."

Great, now he's just teasing me. Tsuki huffed and turned away. "I'm going to bed. Night, Hiei."

He moved so unbelievably fast. Hiei turned her back around, wrapping his arms around her body.

Tsuki caught her breath. When he hugged her, she felt safe and protected. There was a knowing glint in his eyes, a sense that the two of them shared an understanding of each other so perfect and powerful that they didn't even need words to convey it.

He leaned in and kissed her forehead. It was so soft and sweet, it made Tsuki melt. "We can go slow, my sweet moon."

Butterflies fluttered Tsuki's stomach. Something major shifted. It's as if all along they've been on two paths bound for collision. Her body and spirit burned for him, and she wanted to be with him more than she ever had before.

They turned around and watched the moon. Tsuki was grateful to be with him at this special moment.