Yu Yu Hakusho Fan Fiction ❯ Enter Ceridwen ❯ Round One ( Chapter 14 )

Kuwabara looked at Kurama. "Why'd you stop me?"

Kurama tilted his head. "For two reasons. The last time you went first you were pummeled, and I think it's time to show everyone what she can do."

Hiei nodded and said, "They'll most likely be underestimating her and we need them to be scared of fighting her. This way we can have a minor advantage."

Ceridwen stopped playing with her braid and grinned at her opponent. "Do you want to fight with swords or just bring them out later when we feel like it," she called. He continued to look angry and charged her. "Big mistake," she said under her breath. She charged back and jumped in the air. She landed ten feet behind him and said, "Psst! Over here!"

The announcer said, "It seems that Ceridwen of the Yurameshi team is playing games with her opponent Mar of the Surabaya team! Mar looks extremely angry and yes! He's getting his spirit energy out and ready!"

Mar released his spirit energy and lazily Ceridwen rounded it back upon him with her telekinesis. He ran from it and Ceridwen ran right at him, turning her shield to level seven, more than enough to stop this lightweight. She released her shield and instead of using it to protect herself she made it stop Mar from running anywhere. She held it steady and when his energy hit himself, she jumped out of the way. Had she not moved, some of the energy would have hit her too.

She landed on her feet and the announcer counted to ten. "The winner of the first match is Ceridwen of the Yurameshi team!" There were very few cheers and a lot of boos from the audience. Ceridwen walked out of the ring and smiled at her teammates.

"Maybe next time I'll break a sweat." Yuske grinned at her and Kuwabara walked into the ring. Kuwabara won his match but only because of luck. Nobody would ever tell him that his opponent tripped and broke his nose, which bought Kuwabara enough time to defeat him. Again there were more boos than cheers from the audience.

For the third fight Kurama walked into the ring. This fight was over quickly. Kurama used his whip and kept him down for ten seconds. For some reason this team didn't know how to fight. Or if they did they weren't very good at it. Kurama sighed and said, "So far this tournament has been a great disappointment. I had really hoped we would be challenged. Is there even a decently strong team around here?" With the fight for them over they left and went back to the hotel. They hadn't even been out there for an hour. They were able to rest for the remainder of the day and Ceridwen went on one of her famous walks.

She tried to think of the last time she had been truly happy but it was too painful. She unbraided her hair and the wind picked up. With her hair blowing in all directions she walked down to the beach, letting ocean spray hit her gently. "I need something to do," she said aloud. She walked back to the arena and sat down, watching the next few teams fight. Luckily she had missed the Scythe fight which had been as short as theirs was. The other teams were fighting hour matches as well. It seemed that the turnout wasn't very good this year.

"You missed my cousin," came the voice of the fourteen-year-old.

"Really," she asked, uninterested. "Well most likely I will fight him in the next round."

"I saw you out there. You were good but I think I know why your team had it so easy."

"And why is that?"

"I heard my cousin Elva talking. They placed your team against an easy team because you were fighting. They said that they'd let you fight real opponents now."

"Good. I might have withdrawn from boredom. Is this the last battle already?"

"Sure is. Nobody really lets the battles last long anymore. Either a lot of teams suck or a lot are really good."

"My money's on suck."

"So is mine."

"Well I guess I'll go and tell the others that we fight again soon. See you later kid."

"Bye."

She left the kid alone and walked to the hotel once more. What is going on with me? I'm talking to the enemy's cousin. Smart way to surprise them huh? And what's up with the quick fights. I get the feeling that someone may be forcing his or her hand in this Tournament. Ceridwen stopped in front of the team door. She was about ready to open the door when someone tapped her shoulder. She turned around and said impatiently, "What?"

The man before her recoiled slightly and said, "You're on the Yurameshi team right?"

"Yes."

"Well here's the schedule for round two." He handed her a piece of paper and left. She turned to go into the room and tossed the paper to Yuske.

He looked up and said, "That fast?"

"Yes. The last battle must have been only half an hour."

"Well tomorrow we're up against Scythe so you can fight the member of your choice."

"First battle is us against Scythe?"

"That's what the paper says."

She took the paper and read it carefully. Tomorrow she would face Vall. Tomorrow she would kill the person she hated most in the world right now. Tomorrow she would see the one person responsible for her never-ending pain. Angry she left the room and went to hers, slamming the door behind her. Hiei and Kurama glanced at each other. Hiei stood up and followed Ceridwen out and to her door.

In her room Ceridwen threw herself onto her bed. All the tears she kept inside flooded out and she couldn't stop them. She hadn't cried in such a long time that the wetness against her cheeks surprised her. She was so out of it that she didn't hear the knock on her door.