Yu Yu Hakusho Fan Fiction ❯ Eternity ❯ Vengeance ( Chapter 19 )

[ Y - Young Adult: Not suitable for readers under 16 ]

The moonlight shone in the window. It was perfectly radiating on the creature lying next to him. Kurama couldn't sleep, he sat up in his bed thinking about his up coming match. He knew what he had to do, it was just a matter of getting it to work. He looked down at San. She appeared to be sleeping, laying on her right side, hair fanned out behind her. Her left arm had a slight reach towards him, and she was naked, keeping the covers under she shoulder. His mark had stopped glowing, but it still stood out for all to see. He moved a strand of hair out of her face gently, just in case she was still awake, or dozing. She was beautiful as always, and he felt foolish for ever doubting that this was his mate. He laid down again, staring at the features on her face. The pressure was on him, not only did he have to make sure he stayed alive, he had to defeat Karasu, kill him, or else he would continue to pursue San. Her life was in danger, and it was his job to protect her. He wanted to be able to do it, he knew he stood a chance. She would be battling as well, but he knew that Karasu wouldn't allow her to be killed. She opened her tawny eyes and stared directly into his. He was worried, she could see it. She moved, pulling him towards her, resting her head on top of his. She was scared about tomorrow as well, but she knew that if he had too much on his mind, he wouldn't be able to fight. No words needed to be said at this moment. She kissed him, just as the sun began to rise. Dawn was here. They still had a few moments, and San drifted off. Kurama kissed her cheek before leaving the room. He would be back, he just had to take care of something first.

"Hn. I was wondering when you'd show up," said Hiei, opening his door.

"I'm sorry to bother you Hiei," said Kurama, stepping in. He stood, his thoughts still haunting him. He knew that coming here probably wasn't the best idea, but Hiei knew him, knew of his past, and that made him the best option. Genkai was gone, he didn't know of anyone else who could do this.

"Well? What do you want?"

"I have a favour to ask of you."

"Depends on what it is."

Kurama sighed, looking out the window. The sun was climbing higher, time getting closer, "I'm going to be facing Karasu. This fight is personal, it stakes not only my life, but San's future. If I lose, he'll take her. Even if I win the match and he's still alive, he'll continue to pursue her. No matter what happens to me. I'm sure you already knew who she was, and I will not question your reasons for keeping the information from me. I just got her back, I don't want to lose her again, not this early. But this fight, it stakes everything on the two of us, and I cannot lose... I want to know if you can look after San for me."

Hiei stared at Kurama. If Kurama was doing this, it meant that Karasu was someone he should be afraid of, someone with tremendous powers, someone that Kurama knew he couldn't defeat. He didn't expect the fox to ask him something like this though, "Hn. Only until he's dead. She's on her own after that."

Better than nothing, "Thank you," and Kurama turned to leave.

"Kurama," the demon fox turned to look at the fire apparition, "You better not lose. I don't want to babysit her. And if you die, you weren't really worth her time."

"Always a pleasure Hiei," and with that he left, back to San. She was still in bed, probably knowing he had left, but he was happy she chose not to question him about it. He sat on the bed, staring out the window as she slept. He felt her hand sneak its way into his, and he squeezed it. It wasn't her match that he was worried about, it was his. This feeling of dread would not leave their minds, and it greatly disturbed him. It seemed that this whole tournament had much more meaning now that she was in his life again. Even as a human, Moriko was a big part of his life, and being here with San was no different than his demon life with her. At least this way, he could still be with her, and she accepted him just as he was, demon and human. She found him, like she said she would. There was no greater happiness than knowing how loyal she was to him, remembering when he nearly kissed her when he heard of the false death. She refused because she wasn't sure, what more could he ask for? He brought her hand to his lips and kissed it, "We should start getting ready," he spoke softly to her. He saw her nod yes, but she remained in bed still. He waited for her, knowing they had time. He didn't want to rush her, and she finally rose. She turned to look at him. They shared a moment, one that could not be described in words. It was funny how this boy could be her mate. They weren't very similar. It was easy to miss him, yet, she stuck around him, not knowing why until now. She realized over the time she spent with him as a human, she did love him just as she loved Youko. She was different as a human, not as formal, but the same amount playful. Finally, she nodded at him, and began to dress. He was ready, it was nearly time. When she was finished, he took her hand and the two of them walked silently to meet the others.

...

"It's time to kick some ass," said Yusuke, as they stepped out of the hotel.

"Right," agreed Kuwabara. Kurama nodded while Hiei said nothing. The five of them walked the short distance to the stadium. They waited by their door, for Juri to announce them. The waiting, it felt like eternity. She thought about Wakato, what he would be like, what his story was, and how she was going to handle him. She had many things in her inventory, knowing she would have to fight as a human, that she wasn't worried about. It was Kurama she was really worried about. She knew his plan of action, but was hoping it would be enough. She noticed Hiei staring at her all day, and that made her very curious. Good thing she wasn't a cat. What did he want from her?

"One question," said Kurama, breaking the silence. San turned to him, she found solace staring into his eyes. They calmed her down, even though she knew he was internally struggling, "Have you arranged for Koenma to be present at this match?"

"I did, but the little twirp hasn't shown up yet," Yusuke answered.

"I don't get it, why does Koenma need to be here?" asked Kuwabara.

"It's mandatory for tournament rules. He needs to be here," said San.

"And if he isn't, we are disqualified," added Kurama.

"I still don't see why the old hag can't be here," said Kuwabara.

"I told you, she's sick," said Yusuke.

"Aha! It just so happens I know a secret remedy that cures all kinds of sickness. Let me think, you hang upside down for a while, then you eat five large lemons, drink some two day old tea with pepper in it and then wrap yourself in sea weed," rambled Kuwabara. Despite the intensity of what was about to come, San laughed at him. Kurama was happy she was able to laugh, seeing her with such dread on her face really bothered him. He mentally thanked Kuwabara.

"So tell me, what's it like living in a constant haze of stupidity?" asked Hiei. This made her laugh more, and Kurama noticed the short fire apparition was looking at her. He respected her, despite his negative exterior, and Kurama was thankful for that as well, knowing that even after Hiei killed Karasu should Kurama fail, the small demon would continue to watch her, whether she knew it or not.

"I've had enough of your lip half pint!" yelled Kuwabara. The doors opened just after that. Juri had announced them, revealing them behind the door. They stepped thru it, making their way to the sides of the ring. The crowd was shouting things to them, like normal. San ignored them, the joy she felt seconds ago vanishing. The pressure was back on and she took a deep breath. Kurama put an arm around her, knowing that she was stressing. She was worried about him, about all of them, but mostly him. She didn't want to see him get killed, she didn't want to be stuck with Karasu for eternity. This was the beginning of the end, "I'd really like to everyone of these jerk faces a thing or two about manors! Besides, all this shouting's giving me a headache," said Kuwabara. Moments later, Team Toguro entered the stadium. The five fighters came from the shadows and approached the ring. Karasu eyed down Kurama and San. He felt her tremble and he pulled her into a one-armed hug, so that she couldn't see him. He glared back at enemy, hating the effect he had on San. Her face was burrowed in his shoulder, but she was still shaking.

There was a problem now. The team owners were supposed to be present for these matches, and neither team had theirs around. Koenma was supposed to be here, and whoever managed Team Toguro had a mandatory presence as well. Without them, both teams would be forced to forfeit, which wouldn't make a difference because the fighting would commence no matter what. She felt safe, hiding in Kurama's shoulder. The smell of roses filled her nostrils, and it calmed her, but only slightly. She heard the doors open, it was on the side of the Toguro's team. She didn't bother to look, she didn't want to face him just yet.

"Its him!" said Yusuke.

"Right, uh, which him?" asked Kuwabara. His question went unanswered. The crowd was getting angry, waiting for their team to present their owner. This was a stupid rule, it shouldn't even exist. Finally, right when Juri was about to disqualify their team, Koenma appeared, making a very dramatic entrance San noted, "It's a giant Koenma!"

"So what kept you, a diaper change?" asked Yusuke.

"Look Yusuke, I'm doing this because I have to. Highly important people like me shouldn't risk their lives, but I don't have much of a choice," said Koenma. They were finally ready, and turning to prepare for battle. San took another deep breath, facing her fate. This was the moment of truth, and she had no choice but to be ready.

"Wait a minute," said Juri, "You can't just switch, we need proof that the original fighter is dead."

"It doesn't matter," said the owner of Team Toguro, "The alternate fighter they have now wasn't intended to be a substitute in the first place. Just continue."

"Well, okay..." said Juri skeptically, "Fighters, take your positions!" she announced. San turned to look at Kurama a last time and then proceeded to the ring. Just as she suspected, Wakato was walking into the ring. His piercing red eyes were glued to her. She stared back at him with hate, wondering what it was he had to do with her past. She jumped up onto the ring and walked up to him, "The first match, Wakato vs. San. It was requested that San stay in her own skin, whatever that means. You may begin!"

"Stay in her own skin? What does that mean?" asked Kuwabara.

"It means they do not wish her to change into a wolf to fight," answered Kurama.

"But, can she fight as a human?"

"Stupid, she went threw more of Genkai's training than I did," said Yusuke. San stared at her enemy, wondering what he was capable of. She had never seen him fight before, there was no need for him to. She just couldn't figure out why he was chosen to fight her. Something to do with her past, what was it? He continued to stare at her, his evil eyes seemed to laugh at her. She growled at him. He disappeared, or so it looked like and came down hard with an elbow at her. She moved out of his way easily and kicked him in the head. It was powerful, and he flew back. She followed it up with a spirit punch the the gut and yet another kick in the chest. Her moves were swift, barely giving him time to think. He blocked her next attack and threw her back towards her team. She landed on her feet, staring at him. He stood, walking up a bit to her.

"You don't remember me, do you my Queen?" he asked. She gasped. He knew who she was.

"Sorry, must not be that important," she spat back at him.

"We met many years ago. I took something from you that day, something that brought you where you are now. I believe you called it Akatsuki."

She widened her eyes, "You..."

Wakato laughed, "Yes, me. I ruined your life, and killed your brother. I used his energy and turned him into one of those stupid spheres that sell for next to nothing!" he yelled, continuing his infuriating laughter. San was growling, all rational thought leaving her. There was no doubt in her mind now, this demon must die, "I have hunted your kind for years, trying to capture as many of you as I can. I use you pathetic demons for many things, but mostly..." and Wakato began to power up, "... I kill you all for fun!" and he charged at her. His fist made contact with her face and she flew back. She caught herself, powering her spirit energy. He came to drop kick her but she dodged. To the untrained eye, it looked like they were blurs, moving across the ring, both of them landing hits to the other.

"Hn. She's not using her brain, she'll get killed at the rate she's going," said Hiei.

"Yes. I suspect they used this demon on purpose, to distract her from rational thought. Toguro knew who San was, and would know of her strength. This demon maybe tough, but they would've known she was fighting today, and knew that she could easily defeat him so long as she had a clear mind," said Kurama.

"What do you mean?" asked Yusuke.

"San is nearly as old as I am. She was trained in combat at her place of birth, and then underwent intense stealth training under me. Finally, she was trained by Genkai. She has many fighting styles at her disposal, and that makes her dangerous. Toguro knew this, being informed by Karasu and knowing she lives with Genkai. There isn't a youki in all of Makai that doesn't know of us and our upbringing. It's ingenius, distract her by filling her with rage, then, she cannot focus on the techniques needed to fight Wakato. She fell for it, though the murder of her brother is a touchy subject."

"How come?"

"It was the reason she was banished from her realm in the first place, she was framed for it. It is wise to never speak of it. Wakato is the reason that she went thru everything up until now."

"But wait, if she wasn't banished from her realm, she wouldn't have met you and be here right?" asked Kuwabara.

"Indeed."

San could not believe it! Here was the reason she lost her brother, the only family she had left. She loved her brother, her whole family. She had to kill him, had to make him pay for what he had done. If only he would stop moving so fast. There had to be some way to get him to stand still. And then she thought of it. She reached into her pocket without him noticing, while she dodged his attacks and laid her weapons down around the ring. She lost track of Wakato for one moment, and then he left a hard kick to the back of her head. She flew across the ring once more. Her energy poured out as she stood, facing him. He was laughing. Boy would she feel good after she shut this guy up. She didn't understand what it was about every opposing team that made them laugh so hard. Was it an opposing team disease?

"Try not to lose focus, my Queen," said Karasu from behind her. She paled from the sound of his voice, but was too angry to be frozen in fear. He reached a hand, touching her bare ankle. The more he taunted her, the better it would be when he claimed her as his. He wasn't even sure what it was about her that intrigued him so much, but he knew he would have fun. She flinched from his touch.

"Fuck you!" she yelled, sending an energy blast at him. He stepped to the side, the wind from the attack barely touching him. The fear took over as he stared at her.

"San!" she heard Kurama yell. She turned and narrowly escaped Wakato's grip. He was fast though, and he grabbed her by the throat, lifting her into the air, "No..." Kurama trailed. Wakato continued his infuriating laughter. He cut off her airways, and she was starting to get dizzy.

"You are useless, I don't see why the legendary bandit mated with you, nor why Karasu here wants you so badly. You have no idea how much I wish I could kill you right now. My rage will just make it more fun to torture you some more, my Queen," said Wakato, squeezing harder. She had to do something, she couldn't lose. San swung her legs and kicked him in the face, breaking free and dashing away from him. She was still discreetly feeding her energy, waiting until her weapon was ready for him. Wakato stood, unsheathing his sword. He was angry, and she was the cause of that, "Just wait my Queen, I have more in store for you," he said. San felt him power up, his energy flowing all around him. He shot his energy in a wide radius, San put up a shield until it passed. His sword began to glow green, and San knew this was trouble. Her attack wasn't ready yet, she still needed more time. He used his demon speed to attack San. She dodged his attack, getting a nick on her cheek, her left arm and finally, taking a powerful blow to the right side.

"SAN!" she heard Kurama yell. The smell of her blood filled the air. She landed right in front of Karasu, who walked up to her.

"Don't worry my Queen, I won't let him kill you," he whispered. Kurama was angry, he felt the pain of the gash in her side. She held her wound as she stood, weakly Kurama noticed. His eyes were wide, and he didn't like how Karasu was able to taunt her. It looked like she dragged herself away from him, blood staining her clothes and dripping on the ring. It left a trail wherever she went, as she inched towards Kurama. Wakato was laughing at her still, preparing for his next attack. He began to charge her, and it looked like she wasn't going to get away in time.

"Damnit San, move!" yelled Yusuke.

"She's... not going to make it," said Kuwabara.

"Hn."

"San..." Kurama trailed.

"Now!" she yelled. The ring was engulfed in green, as vines came up from all around the ground and made their way towards Wakato. They wrapped themselves around her enemy, completely immobilizing him. She dropped to her knees, while Wakato and the others looked in shock at what just happened. She was getting dizzy, losing too much blood, "Murderer... meet the Vines of Destiny."

"What have you done to me?" he cried, as the vines continued to squash him.

"The seeds I threw around the ring feed off of both our energies. They decide from the energy they get who deserves to die. Only the purest of hearts are spared. Since you had already admitted to killing my brother, I knew they would chose you over me. I have never killed for the sheer fun of it, only to survive, just as I have now. They will crush you completely, devour you. There is no escape from them," she explained, forcing herself to stand before Juri reached ten. She fell down again, not being able to hold herself up, "You killed my brother, that is true, but you did not ruin my life. Because of you, I met Youko, and mated with him. It was my true destiny, and you were merely a pawn in it," she began using her powers to heal herself, but it would take time. She heard a muffled scream, and then knew that Wakato was dead. She willed the vines to disperse, leaving nothing but a bloody corpse, half eaten and blood flowing towards the ends of the ring. Juri declared the match a draw, seeing as they were both down for the same amount of time. It was good enough for San, as she felt Kurama carry her off the stage. He poured some of his power to her, and now it was just a matter of getting the blood flow back, "Thanks," she told him.

"That was a dangerous thing to do San. I've always hated it when you used those vines," he told her. He kissed her forehead.

"I had to, I couldn't think of anything else at the moment," she explained, focusing on her wound. The bleeding had stopped, which was good.

"One day you might encounter an enemy with a heart more pure than you, and your vines will crush you instead."

"It was hard to focus Kurama. I know, I fell right into their trap, that was their goal from the beginning. They didn't count on my stubbornness though."

"No. But I did. I knew you would think of something, even with all that anger trapped inside of you."

"Of course! I got to say though, I feel a hell of a lot better knowing that I may have saved the rest of my clan from at least one of these stupid people."

"It's amazing how you still continue to care for them after what they did to you."

"I can't help it, I was once their ruler. I'm sure not all of them believed in the treason, I know I had at least one friend who stuck by me."

"What happened to them?"

"Executed."

Kurama sighed, "You heal fast. Come on now, it's time to rejoin the others."
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