Yu Yu Hakusho Fan Fiction ❯ Right Here Waiting For You ❯ Chapter 10 ( Chapter 10 )

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

~*~*~*Story Start*~*~*~


Today was the day before the Dark Tournament, and I was extremely nervous about the whole thing. Despite all the hard work I put into training for the last two months, I still felt like I was far weaker than that boys, and I was going to let the team down. Talk about confidence boost, huh? However, you can't really blame me, seeing as how I didn't have a background filled with fighting or training like the boys did. I was a thief before anything else, and it's still my main skill and profession. But being a thief wasn't going to help me in the tournament, not at all. All I could do I guess was try my best, even if I don't believe my best will be good enough. But, we'll just have to see when the tournament starts, huh? However, I didn't want it to start.


Stepping out of my Dark Portal, I found myself in a dark forest in Makai, just beside the ocean. Looking around, I saw many youkai standing around in their teams, and I noticed their clothing. I felt really over dressed. I looked down at myself, seeing a black strapless dress like outfit, but it's wasn't any dress, just to make that clear. Around my waste was a purple sash, tied in a bow. Under my outfit was short black shorts, and on my middle left thigh there were bandages,. You know the ones that Hiei, Kuwabara and Yusuke wear sometimes. Looking back up  I felt very over dressed and extremely exposed, especially when I was in a dark forest in Makai with blood thirsty youkai. Not a good combination.


Wanting to find the others as fast as I can, I scanned the mass, trying to find the familiar Spirit Energies. My eyes scanned over the large crowd, and I could feel stares start to fall on my form, making my skin crawl. But my suffering ended when I saw a tall figure that I knew all too well, and I let a smile light up my face as I quickly pushed through the youkai, completely forgetting my fear.


“Hi!” I shouted, waving at Hiei, Kurama, and Kuwabara, with a smile, I haven't seen them in so long.  However, I grew confused when I saw Yusuke missing, along with the other fighter he was suppose to get.


Kurama and Kuwabara smiled, while Hiei seemed to ignore me, looking around at the other youkai. Probably trying to seek out a worthy opponent that he would like to fight in the tournament tomorrow. But enough about Hiei, I stopped in front of the three boys, smiling wide. Happy for two reasons, I wasn't alone with a hundred of youkai in a creepy dark forest, and I finally saw them after a month of training by myself. I wish Yusuke was here, but apparently not because I could not feel his Spirit Energy at all in the area, or anywhere close. Not to mention I could feel any Spirit Energy that could belong to the other fighter either. Where are they? The boat is going to leave soon.


“Hello Kira,” Kurama smiled down at me. “How was your training?” He asked curiously.


I couldn't help but smirk at the question, I wasn't trying to be cocky, I was just happy that I actually mastered more of the Shadow and Lightning Techniques. “Oh, believe me even you will be surprised that I can actually do some of the Techniques I'll be using in the Tournament.” I said, getting a little excited.


Kuwabara smiled widely, asking. “Really? How many have you Techniques have you mastered?”


“Not telling.” I said in a sing-song tone, smiling slightly.


“Aw.” Kuwabara whined.


“Don't worry Kuwabara, you'll see them when she fights in the Tournament.” Kurama said chuckling slightly, making Kuwabara brighten up a bit.


“Speaking of the Tournament.” Kuwabara said, his expression turning serious. “Urameshi still hasn't shown up yet, what could that dummy be doing now?” He asked looking around, I did as well, he needs to hurry the hell up or we could leave without him.


“Hopefully, he's finding us a sixth fighter.” Kurama said.


I nodded, scanning the area for the black haired ningen. “Yeah, I wonder who he's going to get. I don't think there's anybody that wants to be put in this Tournament by choice.” I added with a frown.


“Why don't you worry about yourself, Kuwabara? Have you gotten any better since our last fight?” Hiei suddenly said, narrowing his eyes at the ningen.


Kuwabara glared down at him, saying in a bit of an annoyed tone. “You'll see for yourself, Shrimp Boy.”


I resisted the urge to roll my eyes at the two of them. The Tournament hasn't even started yet and they were already fighting, we don't need them to kill each other before we even reach the god damned Island. So deciding to break up the eventual fight, I stepped in between them both and gave each a glare. Although I was pretty sure my glare would do nothing to them, because Kuwabara seems to be use to it thanks to Hiei constantly doing it, and Hiei doesn't really give a shit. But that isn't really important right now, I just want them to stop before they actually attract attention that we don't need.


“Come on guys, no fighting, save it for the Tournament. Especially when we want the 'great' Hiei to be on the top of his game, too.” I said, glancing sideways at Hiei with a blank look, already knowing that I wasn't going to get off with saying that.


Hiei glared when he heard the sarcastic tone in my voice when I regarded him. “What about you, Onna? Have you improved at all?” He asked.


Turning to him, I kept my face devoid of any emotion, wanting to hide my scowl. Of course he would attack me about me improving. Well fine, I'll play your little game, Hiei. Feeling the Spirit Energy rising in my legs, I let out a small smirk before I appeared behind him, with my Katana pressed to his throat. Copying what he always did to me when we were training a month ago. It always pissed me off to no end since he could always do that to me and I never could. Now it's time for him to experience the annoyance that I've been feeling for a month.


“See for yourself.” I said in his ear, feeling him tense up ever so slightly before I took my blade away, placing it back into it's sheath. The smirk never leaving my lips, now that will show him for doubting me!


Kurama, Kuwabara and Hiei all turned to me, one had their eyes widen slightly, one was completely shocked and smiling goofily, and the last one did not look amused at all. “W-Wow!” Kuwabara exclaimed, his smile getting wider as he saw the annoyed look that passed on Hiei's face. “I bet even Shorty didn't see that!”


“What was that, Baka?” Hiei growled, glaring at him, causing Kuwabara to move away with a nervous smile.


“That was quite impressive Kira, it seems your training sessions with Hiei paid off.” Kurama said, making me smile with a blush of embarrassment, getting a compliment was kind of an honor when it came from someone like Kurama. What? Most of you would be fainting if Kurama complimented you, so sh!


“Yes, you are faster than before.” Hiei nodded, turning to me, the glare gone. That's surprising.


That caused my blush to come back, Hiei never really compliments someone unless it involves an insult, which this one did not. Yay, my self-confidence is not broken thanks to him of all people! “Thanks.” I said smiling happily.


“However,” Hiei started, and I frowned, of course. “The Detective and I are the only ones needed for this Tournament.” He said with a smirk, making Kuwabara and I glare at him.


“You are such an ass.” I said with an irk mark.


“Are you saying I can't help win this stupid Tournament?!” Kuwabara shouted angrily, glaring down at Hiei, who just glanced at him blankly.


“To put it simply, yes.” Hiei said bluntly, leaving Kuwabara to fume in anger.


Before Kuwabara could even begin to retort, the sound of a loud footsteps echoed across the surprisingly quiet forest. All of us turned to the little opening that allowed the huge boat to be seen by all. There, walking through the six giant oak trees that were used as a doorway, was a man who looked like what Yusuke and Kuwabara would call a pirate. On his head was a large hat, that gave him a good 8 inches of height. He had a black beard, black eye patch and a pipe. Those just giving more of the pirate look, and I had to resist the urge to sweat drop at the man. It is so going to be hard to take this guy seriously, and I really mean that too.


“This ship is here Maties, lets try to get on board with out any violence.” The Captain said, his voice just making it more apparent that he was a pirate.


Kuwabara's eyes widened, along with mine, and he held up his hand to catch the Captain's attention. “Hey wait a minute sir! Our team still has some stragglers!” He shouted, the nervousness clearly in his voice, greatly matching his expression.


*Dammit Yusuke!* I thought looking behind me. *You better get here now or you're fucking dead!*


“Then we'll have to put a mark on their heads and send out a hit-man, standard rule of the Tournament.” The Captain said, while I stared at him with a raised eyebrow, he better be kidding.


“Now, now,” A familiar voice said chuckled. “That's not necessary.”


Everyone turned around, or our team did anyway, and we saw the one person we've been looking for. Yusuke. The dumb ass ningen had finally decided to show up. Late of course. However, I sighed in relief, a smile lighting my face as the fear left my body. But as I practically glomped him, I took in his features, wanting to see if he had changed at all. His hair wasn't gelled,  letting it fall just above his eyes. He actually looked cute like that, but not in that way, a little brother way. He was wearing a white wife beater under a red sweatshirt, and blue jeans. Over his shoulder was a bag, probably holding his clothes for the Tournament.


“Yusuke, thank god you made it, or I would've hunted you down and beat your ass.” I said, my smile still on, but it held evil, making all the boys sweat drop. Well except one, one I haven't met before.


Yusuke let a sweat drop fall down his head as he patted my back nervously. “Nice to see you too, Kira.” Smiling a real smile, I let him go and I backed up, finally seeing the person that stood next to him. A masked fighter. “Anyway, sorry to keep you waiting guys.” Yusuke's voice said, making me look away from the shorter person.


“You nearly gave me a heart attack, Urameshi!” Kuwabara shouted, his expression between pissed and relieved.


However, Yusuke just ignored the red haired ningen, and let out an exhausted sigh fall from his lips. He staggered forward, putting his hand against a tree, putting some of his weight on it as he went. “These forest hikes really wiped me out.” He said with a slight smile.


“Yeah,” Kuwabara said with a smirk coming on. “You look awful, oh wait, that's just you.” He said with a laugh, while I only face palmed myself with a sweat drop.


“Yusuke.” Hiei spoke up suddenly, causing all of us to look at him.


Hearing his name being called, Yusuke looked down at the fire youkai that had moved in front of him. “Hm?” Yusuke asked, raising an eyebrow at the shorter youkai.


However, Hiei didn't say anything, and suddenly drew his sword. Before any of us could register what happened, Hiei and Yusuke were suddenly moving at high speeds, Hiei's sword flying at Yusuke's form. My eyes widened, following their movements as Yusuke dodged all the attacks that Hiei threw at him. I wasn't sure if Hiei just wanted to attack him, or was testing him, but it was letting us see how far Yusuke has come. Before, I doubt that Yusuke would have been able to dodge most of the slashes that came from Hiei's infamous sword.  Wow, Yusuke mus have been training very hard these past two months, he's probably even faster than me now, and I specialize in speed. Now I feel weak again. Yay.


“Gosh, they're so fast, I can barely keep up with my eyes.” Kuwabara said, his pupils darting back and forth, trying to follow the two movements that were flashing in front of us.


“No kidding.” I mumbled.


“Damn Hiei,” Yusuke smirked, catching Hiei's sword between his thumb and pointer finger. “Is this how you say hello to people now?” He asked jokingly, letting go of the sword, his hand falling to his side once again.


Hiei smirked, putting his sword away. “Hm, I don't know where you have been all this time, but it seems you've improved your skills a little bit.” He said, while I stared at him with a shock look on my face. He calls that improving a 'little' bit?! From what I've seen from Yusuke before, he really improved a lot!


“Improved a little bit?!” Kuwabara shouted shocked .”Oh man, I gotta say he improved a lotta bit!”


“If that's little, I don't make the cut of improving at all.” I whined.


“Don't be discouraged, the fact that you could follow their moves shows that you have improved as well.” Kurama smiled at Kuwabara, before turning to me. “And Kira, you're much stronger than you were before, don't sell yourself so short.” He said sincerely, aw, he's so nice.


“Thanks.” I said smiling slightly.


"So Yusuke, I assume the little one over there is going to be the 6th member of our team?" Hiei asked, causing us to look at him once again.


Wanting to get the little jerk back for what he said to me before, I fought back a smirk as I said. “No Hiei, Yusuke just brought him here so he could be killed by those youkai over there?” Those words coated thickly in sarcasm, but it's all out of fun. Even if Hiei doesn’t want to admit it, we're becoming  friends.


"You mean this guy here?” Kuwabara asked, pointing at the Masked Fighter.  “He's even smaller than Kira! And whats wrong with his face? He looks like mummy or something." Kuwabara said, while all the other boys turned to me with sweat drops.


My right eye twitched, the area around us growing darker as I glared at the red haired ningen. “He's even smaller than who, Kuwabara? I don't think I heard you.” I growled with an irk mark.


“U-Uh, I-I didn't say anything.” Kuwabara said quickly, his eyes wide.


“That's what I thought.” I said, before I turned back to the Masked Fighter, the glare now gone from my eyes. “Speaking of the fighter, are you sure he can help us at all, Yusuke?” I asked, tilting my head to the side out of curiosity.


“Trust me, this one will be a lot of help to us.” Yusuke said with a smirk.


Kuwabara stared down at the Masked Fighter skeptically. “I dunno, he barely comes to my waist.” He said.


I turned to him, still a bit sore about the whole 'smaller than me' thing. “Well you're a fricking giant Kuwabara, pretty much everything barely comes to your waist.” I said bluntly, and cue the sweat drops.


“Enough of these distractions!” The Captain shouted, all attention back on him again. “Let's all get on board!” His other shout causing all the other youkai to murmur amongst themselves before doing as told.


Walking towards the boat, I couldn't help but stair up at it with an awed look on my face. I've never seen a boat before, and seeing it up close was a whole entirely different experience. Although, the excitement of being on a boat didn't let me forget my fear of being here. For two very important reasons, one of them being actually important, and the other personally important. 1) Toguro and the other teams could possibly kill us, and 2) All the god damned youkai were starting to stare at me again. My skin began to crawl as I looked around, the look of discomfort appearing on my face. I knew I shouldn't have put this on before we got to Hanging Neck Island, I knew I shouldn't have! Stupid me for wanting to look good! However, I was pulled from my thoughts when I saw someone move closer to me out of my peripheral vision. Turning, I saw Hiei standing there, his glare crossing over all the youkai that happened to look our way.


*Thanks Hiei* I thought with a small smile.


{I didn't do it to be nice, Baka.} Hiei's voice echoed in my head before he disappeared, and suddenly appearing on a railing not far from where we stood.


The boys not thinking anything of it, while I sweat dropped slightly, followed to where Hiei resided. Yusuke, letting out another exhausted sigh, plopped down on the ground, letting his back hit the railing Hiei stood on. Kurama stood next to Yusuke's form, while Kuwabara stood next to him. I, however, was conflicted with where I wanted to go. I didn't really want to stand, but I didn't really want to sit either. Deciding to just deal with it, I walked over to the railing, a pout on my lips. Hiei just had to be a jerk, like always, although I shouldn't really be this surprised and annoyed. It's not like he was ever nice to begin with.


Sitting next to him, I shot a glare at him, an irk mark pulsing on my temple. Not even trying to keep Hiei from reading my thoughts as I thought. *I can easily push him off this boat right now, stupid little jack ass.* My voice growling in my head.


{Try it and see what happens, Onna.} Hiei's voice snapped, while I only smiled cutely.


“Shoot,” Kuwabara grumbled, and I glanced at him. “Nothing here but ugly monsters, I thought cruises were suppose to have pretty girls.” He pouted slightly, crossing his arms over his chest.


My right eye twitched once again, and I got an irk mark. “When the fuck did you think this was a cruise Kuwabara?! We are going to be fighting for our lives and all you can think about is girls?! “ I shouted with an anime mad face, I don't want to be mean or anything, but come on! What the hell is that?!


“Well, I thought they would at least give us, 'Special Guests', better treatment.” Kuwabara mumbled, not really affected anymore by my yelling.


“Well they didn't.” I sighed.


“I sure hope the Island isn't as boring as this.” Hiei said, boredom seeping into his words.


Kurama smiled, stating. “We're not on vacation you know.”


“Thank you Kurama, apparently your the only one taking this whole thing seriously.” I said, giving the other two boys a glare, while they only sweat dropped in return.


I would think Kuwabara would be pissing his pants at the thought of being put up against stronger opponents than the Saint Beasts a few months before, but no. Don't even get me started on Hiei, mostly because I don't have a reason for him not being serious. The guy has so much of an ego that all of this seems rather pointless and boring. What I wouldn’t give to have more Kurama's on this team. Although this team wouldn't be filled with yelling, insults and random moments like it is now. But at times like this it would be really, really appreciated.


“I know,” Kuwabara sighed, breaking me from my thoughts. “But couldn't they have given us a place to eat? With some pretty waitresses.” He mumbled the last part so I wouldn't hear, but he was sadly mistaken, seeing as I am a youkai.


“I'm sorry Kuwabara, you are my friend and all, but you're a baka.” I said rather bluntly, causing Hiei to smirk and Kurama to sigh. Kuwabara just laughed nervously, seeing how his little plan didn't work.


“All right Maties, turn your eyes to the Captain's Deck.” The Captain's voice suddenly spoke up loudly over all the chatter of the youkai. We all turned to the tall tower on the boat, seeing the Captain standing there with a microphone to his mouth. “Its still gong to be quite a time before the ship finds it's way to the harbor. So we'll be having some entertainment, to keep you from getting rowdy.” He said, causing more murmurs to break out from the crowd of youkai.


*Well this will be interesting.* I thought, although curious about the 'entertainment'.


“Oh!” Kuwabara smiled, leaping forward with a bright look on his face, his fists clenched tightly out of excitement. “I knew it, some dinner and dancing!” He shouted happily.


“Kuwabara,” My voice was calm, but there was a hint of ice in my tone. “I swear, if you don't shut up about girls and food, I'm going to throw you off this boat, and let you drown.” I said, my voice not lowering or raising, just staying perfectly level. All the boys, minus Yusuke who I think was asleep for being quiet for so long, looked at me with sweat drops going down their heads.


“The preliminaries of the Tournament will be here on me trusty ship.” The Captain continued, causing all of to snap out of our...moment and stare at him shocked, except Hiei.


*The prelims here?!* I thought, my mouth falling open slightly.


“Say what?!” Kuwabara shouted.


Hiei, being the calm and uncaring person he is, stared unfazed by the Captain's words. “A preliminary for the competition.” He said.


“Now that we can't go anywhere.” Kurama added with narrowed eyes.


“Hurray.” I cheered sarcastically.


However, the other sarcastic comments that were on the tip of my tongue got swallowed back when the whole boat began to shake violently. Gasping, my eyes widened as I already knew what would happen if I didn't move now. So, instead of waiting for the inevitable to happen, I jumped from the railing and held onto the bars for dear life. Despite being happy that I wasn't going to relive falling off of something once again, I looked around frantically for the cause of the shaking. To say that the shaking was big was an understatement, it was fucking huge and it made me wonder how Hiei wasn't loosing his footing. The guy was still standing on the railing, and not falling at all! Lucky bastard.


*God I hate this boat! Why the hell couldn't we have flow-.* I started to think, but the thought of flying over a sea in a big metal contraption that could plummet to the ocean scared the shit out of me. I will never, ever, go on something that made me go in the air, I already hate heights as it is!


“Ah!” Kuwabara shouted, his eyes wide with fear. “An earthquake!”


Hiei didn't bother glancing at him, staring at something over in the Captain's direction. “Fool! There can't be earthquakes on the water!” He shouted over the shaking.


Thankfully, the seconds passed and the shaking stopped. I sighed in relief, releasing my death grip that was on the poor railing, letting the blood go back into my hands. However, the relieved expression left when Kurama pointed to something near the Captain's Deck. “Look.” He instructed us with a serious gaze.


Following where he was pointing, we saw the deck of the ship open up. Two pieces of the ship retracted back into the ship, letting a giant oval shaped platform rise from the inside of the boat. On further inspection of the platform, it turned out to be a fighting ring, something that we would see in the Tournament. I narrowed my eyes at the ring, not liking where this was going at all. Something about this preliminary thing was giving me a bad feeling, and usually the bad feelings I get happen, and I don't want anything bad to happen to my team, or I'm going to be pissed. And despite what everyone has seen, you have not seen me actually pissed off. Most of those were out of annoyance and from my random, hotheadedness, so keep that in mind in the future.


“Whoa, that things huge!” Kuwabara shouted, his mouth open in shock.


The Captain smirked. “She's a real beauty ain't she? Now I'll tell it to you straight, fifteen teams have already been chosen for the Dark Tournament, and they're waiting your arrival. That means, out of all of you on my ship, one team will compete on dry land.” He said, making the youkai go into an uproar.


Kuwabara's eyes narrowed. “Hold on, I thought that we were the Special Guests.” He said a bit confused.


“This is the way they operate.” Hiei answered monotonously.


“Well their way sucks ass, they're just wasting our time with this preliminary shit.” I growled annoyed, crossing my arms.


“All teams pick out your strongest man and bring him to the arena’s port side. There they'll fight in a battle royal, and who ever comes out alive gets their team a ticket to fight on Hanging Neck Island.” the Captain said, as if to try and make the crowd cheer with excitement.  Which they did, stupid lower class youkai.


“Such a lovely name.” I scoffed to myself, rolling my eyes.


“Calm yourself Kira, I have a feeling this will be over soon.” Kurama said looking down at me, smiling again as if to tell me to relax. Oh Kurama, I wish I could.


“So one big beat down, huh?” Kuwabara asked with a smirk. “Guess I have to show 'em the brand new Kuwabara Super Attack.” He said confidently, punching his right hand into his left palm, but that quickly fell from his lips as three giant youkai walked passed him. And they were fucking huge!


“Yes I do prefer larger battles, one on one always makes me bored.” A dark gray youkai said.


A green youkai clenched it's claws, letting everyone see the sharp talons it had. “It's an excellent chance to sharpen my claws.” He said with a smirk in it's raspy voice.


“Now I can kill as many apparitions as I want to, after I turn that ningen boy Urameshi inside out, of course.” A light gray youkai chuckled darkly.


Glaring at the three youkai as they passed, I quickly looked down at Yusuke. I was right with what I thought, he did fall asleep. Not even with all this noise going on on this ship he didn't even budge or move an inch. I wasn't sure how he was able to do that, I would even dare try to fall asleep with so many youkai around me. Especially if they all wanted to kill me like they do with him, I would be on high alert if I was him. Getting a nervous look on my face, I couldn't help but wonder if he was going to fight the preliminary match. I knew he could kill them all easily, seeing as how he is the Spirit Detective, but I wasn’t sure if I should wake him up or not. His training probably wore him out and his body must need rest. Damn conflicting thoughts.


"What did he say about the human? You know these guys are pretty big when you see them standing right next to you and everything.” Kuwabara said, laughing nervously as he rubbed the back of his head. “Hey!” He shouted, turning to Yusuke's sleeping form. “That's right, your the one who wants to fight them. Well as the group leader it is your responsibility." He said with a hand on his hip, glaring down at the teen.


I sweat dropped, he was so weird sometimes. *Does he even know Yusuke's asleep?* I thought to myself.


Kuwabara stared confused when Yusuke didn't move or even open his mouth to tell him to shut up. Kneeling down in front of Yusuke, his eyes widened before an irk mark erupted on his temple. “Hey! Wake up Urameshi!” He shouted, grabbing his shirt, shaking him back and forth. “I said that it's the group leader's responsibility!” Still nothing. “Why do I feel like I'm screaming at myself?!” He shouted annoyed.


“Stop.” Kurama spoke up, pushing off the railing.


“Huh?” Kuwabara asked, looking up as he stopped shaking Yusuke, who was still asleep.


“The training Yusuke went through was apparently immense, we must give him time to recuperate.” Kurama explained.


Kuwabara nodded slightly, letting go of Yusuke's shirt, asking as he stood up. “Then whose going to fight with all those big monsters?” I looked around as well, that was a real good question, but the better one was who wanted to? Not me :D.


The sudden sound of someone walking caught our attention, and we all looked down. There, standing in all his quiet glory was the Masked Fighter. He was walking calmly over to the ring, that held over twenty other youkai that were at least three or four times his size. I bit my lip, feeling very nervous for the guy. He didn't have any connection with us at all and he had to fight with us, while we had so much on the line. The poor guy shouldn't have said yes to being the sixth member of the team, he could end up dieing for no reason at all. I just hope that he can fight so I don't have to worry about the guy.


“It seems we have a volunteer.” Hiei smirked. “Good, I'm anxious to see what he can do.”


Kuwabara turned to him shocked. “Are you serious?! We don't know jack squat about that guy! What if he loses and we get booted from the Tournament?!' He asked/shouted/demanded.


“Yes Hiei, what if the masked guy loses? Despite what Yusuke said, I have my doubts about him.” I said, raising an eyebrow at the fire youkai next to me. However, that was mostly a lie, I was just worried about him fighting all those youkai by himself.


“If that happens, all we have to do is kill everyone else on the boat before we reach the Island. We'll say we're the right team and no-one will complain.” Hiei answered, a smirk forming.


“That works... I guess.” I answered, sweat dropping at him.


“You didn't have too many friends growing up, did you?” Kuwabara asked with a deadpanned look on his face, while I snickered slightly at the the comment. Nice one Kuwabara! However I ignored the glare that Hiei gave me for laughing, I turned my attention back on the Masked Fighter. Who stood calmly in front of the youkai.


“Lets attack the little one from the ningen team first.” The dark gray youkai said sadistically.


The green youkai nodded in agreement, chuckling darkly. “Then we'll start on each other.” I shivered slightly, so glad that I wasn't up against those guys. I think I could take them, but it's just really creepy.


“Good idea.” The light gray youkai smirked.


The Masked Fighter just stared at the youkai, completely unfazed by them. Not even them discussing how they would kill him seemed to disturb this guy in anyway. However, I couldn't see his face, thanks to the mask over his face. So, I couldn't really say that he wasn't freaked out, but by his eyes they seemed perfectly calm and collected.


“Hey!” Kuwabara clenched his fist together tightly. “We gotta do something to warn him. They're all going to gang up on him, he's trapped himself in a corner!” He said glowering at the youkai angrily.


“Patience.” Kurama said, gritting his teeth as he glared.


The Captain, who was smirking down at the ring, saw the much shorter fighter and snickered cruelly as he shouted. “Attack!”


The youkai didn't waste any time leaping towards the Masked Fighter with the intent to kill. I gulped slightly, looking at the Masked Fighter who didn't move away as the multiple youkai drew closer to him. “I'm going to keep his head!” A dark blue youkai shouted, it's teeth glistened with bloodlust.


The green youkai chuckled, saying. “Only if you get there first!”


The Masked Fighter waited a few more seconds for the youkai to draw closer to him, and got into a fighting stance. He brought up his right hand, and pulled it back into a fist. I stared confused, wondering how punching them would work. However,  I watched intently when the whole area began to light up with blue Spirit Energy, it coming from and around the Masked Fighter's fist. Punching his fist forward, thousands of bullets of Spirit Energy flew from the Masked Fighter's hand, flying with great speed at the pack of youkai that continued to run. But once those bullets hit them, most were killed with one hit, while the rest knocked the other youkai over the edge with ease. My mouth, and the others, fell open with shock, not expecting an amazing attack like that to come from the Masked Fighter at all. Two words: Holy shit!


“Uh!” Kuwabara shouted, his eyes wide as saucers. “Holy crap! He got everyone up there with one blow!”


Kurama's eyes slowly returned to their original size, and he chuckled to himself. “I guess that explains why Yusuke can sleep so peacefully on a boat with youkai.” He said, looking down at the sleeping ningen teen, Kuwabara and I doing the same.


*Damn, and I thought he either didn't care or was being cocky.* I thought, amazed.


“I'm sorry to say the sixteenth team will have to be a ningen one. Yusuke Urameshi's team!” The Captain shouted into the microphone angrily.


“Oh shut the fuck up! We don't need your comments!” I shouted while glaring heatedly. Cue sweat drops.


However, the moment ended when the Masked Fighter walked over to us, catching our attention almost immediately. “Good job little man, lets see under those bandages now.” Kuwabara said once the Masked Fighter stood before us. But the only thing he did was point behind us.


Well all turned around, seeing over a hundred of the other youkai glaring and surrounding us. “Oh no, we're surrounded.” I shouted in 'horror'.


“Hey?” Kuwabara blinked in surprise. “Whats this?”


“Do you really think we care about fighting by the rules?” A youkai growled.


“There can only be one way to find the best team on this boat.” Another youkai said, flexing their claws.


I glanced at Hiei. “That sounds familiar.”


“Wouldn't you know.” Kuwabara asked sarcastically.


Hiei glared as he scanned the crowed around us, blood red orbs flashing dangerously. “I think they stole my idea, we'll have to make them pay very dearly for that.” He said, making me smirk at the thought of finally getting this stupid preliminary thing over with.


“Of course.” Kurama smirked, pulling out his rose.


With that being said all of us, beside Kuwabara and Yusuke, jumped out of the circle of youkai. I was steadily cutting through the youkai that managed to run away from Hiei, Kurama and the Mask Fighter's attacks, cutting through them with ease. Come to think of it, if the other youkai were this easy, I shouldn't have been so worried when the Masked Fighter fought. Smirking with new found confidence, I dove into a pile of youkai, my Katana clutched tightly in my hand. Blood flying everywhere, and splattering across the ship's once clean wooden deck. The cries of pain and shrieks filled the air before cutting off as quickly as they came. With each cry of pain and new blood splatter, the less youkai there was, leaving the ship almost empty when I was done with the last of mine.


Flicking my blade sharply, letting the fresh blood fly off and splash harshly against the floor, I looked up with a sigh of relief. However, when my eyes landed on Yusuke's form, my eyes widened. A light blue youkai was running at full speed at him, it's claws out and ready to sink int his flesh. Kuwabara was also noticed him, however before we could even think about moving an inch from where we stood, Yusuke's form suddenly stood up, punching at the youkai with rapid and swift movement. Making both of us stare in slight surprise when the youkai flew back, slamming hard against the railing, dead. Damn, even in his sleep he was able to kick ass, wish I could do that.


“Come on!” Yusuke shouted, still punching the air. “You can't scare me grandma, I'll knock you back to your grave!” I couldn't help but giggle, he was still training, that's some dedication he's got.


Kuwabara let out a sigh. “That's a relief, he's finally awake.” He said.


“No you fool, he's sleeping.” Hiei said, walking over ot us, with Kurama and the Masked Fighter behind him. Hearing his voice both Kuwabara and I looked over at the three of them, while Kuwabara got a confused look on his face.


“Right now?” Kuwabara asked skeptically, glancing at Yusuke.


With a few more sets of punches, Yusuke continued to shout. “Quit you stupid old lady!” But once those words left his lips, he fell back, leaning against the railing once again.


“Even in his slumber, Yusuke is still reliving his training.” Kurama spoke. “His preparation should make us all jealous.”


“She wouldn't fight unless she had her own reason.” Kuwabara said out loud.


I stared at Kuwabara with a confused look on my face. Who the hell was  he talking about? “Kuwabara, who and what the hell are you talking about?” I couldn't help but ask, tilting my head to the side curiously, following after the other three boys as they began to walk.


“He's trying to talk in his sleep when he's awake.” Hiei said simply, causing me to snicker as Kuwabara remained oblivious.


“Hey.” Kuwabara spoke up, looking around. “What happened to the fight we were in?” He asked confused.


“Everyone's dead.” Kurama said casually.


Not wanting to hang around anywhere near the rotting youkai corpses, I ran up the steps, reaching the front of the ship. Grabbing onto the railing, I saw Hanging Neck Island in the distance, leaving about an hour or so before we reached it. One part of me was excited that we were finally going to reach the Island, but the other part of me was scared that we were so close to fighting against a strong team. For all we know, we could be going up against S Class youkai, and if that happens, despite all the faith I have in my team, we'll be dead before the day is out. Swallowing thickly, I pushed those negative thoughts, vaguely acknowledged the boys appearing behind me, probably thinking the same thing as me.


“So I take that's Hanging Neck Island.” Kuwabara's voice suddenly said, making me jump out of my thoughts. “This is going to be wild you guys, everyone make sure not to leave me.” He said smirking.


Deciding to push the negative thoughts to the back of my mind, I let myself relax for the time being. Knowing that I wouldn't be able to once we get to the Island. Knowing our luck, something was going to happen to us, I wasn't sure what it was but it was anything but friendly. So listening to the sound of another insult battle, I let out a content sigh. Trying to get as much normalcy in as I can before our hell begins.


~The Island~


Walking off the boat, I let myself breath in fresh air that we were deprived off for about two hours. The rotting bodies of the youkai really decomposed fast, leaving the whole ship smell fucking terrible. But now we had more things to worry about, and we all looked up at the hotel that towered over us. Hotel Kubikukuri. It was like a building made out of gold by the color of the stone, and it was at least twelve or thirteen stories high. I couldn't believe something as fancy as this was in Makai, and that youkai were actually able to go in here. Youkai and fancy ningen stuff do not mix well, I bet by the time this Tournament is over, this hotel is going to be missing a few things. ...Not by me! <.< >.>


“Wow!” I breathed out with a smile.


“Are we really staying here?” Kuwabara asked as he held Yusuke, also staring at up at the huge building with an amazed gaze on his face. Probably thinking the same thing as I was, minus the stealing part of course.


Stepping forward, the hotel doors suddenly slid open, causing me to jump back out of surprise. “Dude what the fuck was that?!” I practically yelled, making many people stare at me, but I was too busy to even care. Considering how I was staring a the hotel doors suspiciously. I told you, hotels and youkai do not mix well!


{Baka Onna.} Hiei's voice spoke in my head, while I only glared at him with an irk mark.
“Wow!” Kuwabara exclaimed. “This is definitely better than the pirate ship.” He said with a smile on his face, staring up at the decor that was all around the lobby of the hotel.


Completely forgetting about my rather 'graceful' entrance, we walked further into the hotel, only to be greeted by a very creepy man in a suit. His voice was so fake, as well as the smile on his face. “It's the best of the evening lady and gentlemen. The hotel has been expecting you, please follow me.” He instructed us, leading us away from the entrance.


But as we did, I got a very bad feeling in here. And just to make myself feel better, I glared around at all the rich people that stared at us. “I got a bad feeling about the people in here, I'd never trust grown ups dressed that fancy.” Kuwabara said, practically saying my thoughts out loud, and I nodded.


“Same here.” I mumbled.


“For some reason,” A woman's voice spoke, making my ears twitch. “I thought they'd be bigger, and that girl, for I fighter I expected someone more butch. She must be the little teams whore.” The woman criticized, taking a sip of her champagne.


“Be nice to them Caroline, they're about to be dead.” A man smirked.


I stopped suddenly when I heard that, both for the team and myself. The area growing darker as I tried to control myself from lashing out on the god damned woman. However, before I could even begin to think of what I was going to do to the bitch, someone grabbed my wrist, tugging me forward. Snapping my head towards the person who grabbed me, I saw Hiei. Blinking out of surprise, I stared at him with a confused look on my face. Why was he stopping me from hurting ningens, and why was he even grabbing me? Confusing.


{Calm down, Onna.} Hiei thought annoyed.


Feeling the anger come back, my eyes narrowed into a glare as I looked over my shoulder. *How can I? Listen to that bitch over there talk down to us! This is exactly why I hate rich ningens and youkai, they act like they're so high and mighty, looking down on everyone as if they're so insignificant!* I growled angrily.


{That may be true, but right now we have to deal with the Tournament, not ningens.} With that, he dropped my wrist and picked up his pace back to his usual one.


Shaking my head, I followed the boys to the front desk. However, if any of you thought that was going to be easy, it wasn't. They wanted me to share one of the rooms that had the other girls from the other teams in them. But after a half-hour fight with the manager about me staying with my team, I finally won the battle, and they showed us to our room, while I smiled victoriously. Once we finally found our room, we found ourselves in a rather fancy looking room, something you would expect in a hotel.  In the area we were currently in, there were two couches, one on each side of a coffee table. It was pretty big considering it was suppose to house three people. Ha, that sucks.


Kuwabara walked over to the couch on the right of the coffee table, saying as he placed Yusuke down. “I sure gotta hand it to 'em, they sure know how to make things pretty.” He looked in awe as he looked around at the chandelier that hung above our heads, having jewels around the light fixtures. “I haven't seen this much rich stuff in my whole life.” He said pretty amazed.


“Believe me Kuwabara, I have but too bad Koenma took all my jewels away.” I pouted slightly, feeling  a very powerful urge to steal the jewels that I saw on the chandelier. I bet they wouldn't miss them, they have enough money and other stuff to just buy them again. Just a few wouldn’t hurt...


Kurama saw the look that I got, and said in a tone. “Kira, don't give Koenma another reason to keep you in his records.” That caused me to pout, and the boys to sweat drop again.


“Aw.” I whined slightly.


Suddenly the door opened, causing all of us to turn towards the door, seeing a waiter with a cart. On top of it was six cups of coffee, something that I've heard about from Yusuke and Kuwabara. “Here is your evening coffee lady and gentlemen, compliments of the hotel.” He said as he bowed, before closing the door once he placed the cups on the table.


Taking a seat in between Hiei and Kurama, I grabbed one of the cups, staring at the brown contents. “I've never had coffee before, is it good?” I asked looking up.


“Are you serious?” Kuwabara asked slightly shocked.


“You should try some.” Kurama added.


Staring a the two of them for a second, I raised the hot liquid to my lips and drank some. It was weird but good, however, what Kuwabara said almost made me spit it out the other sip I took. “Wait, those fancy guys might be trying to poison us.” And with that, I began to choke on the coffee that I sucked down my windpipe thanks to the gasp that I tried to make audible.


“What?!” I managed to choke out, making the boys sweat drop again. “Oh god, what do I do?!” I shouted, about ready to throw the cup at the nearest wall. I did not want to die at the hands of a fucking drink!


“Kira, calm down,” Kurama said, biting his thumb to keep from laughing, along with Kuwabara, while Hiei was just snickering at me. “It's not poisoned.”


“Are you sure?” I asked, staring down at the cup before me.


“Does that really make sense?” Kurama asked, raising an eyebrow at me. “Why would they bring us all the way here to poison us?” He asked once again, making me let out a sigh. Stupid Kuwabara trying to make me think I just drank poison. I'm going to get him back, I don't know how, but I will.


“The advisers want to see us fight, they'll save their murder attempts for tomorrow.” Hiei added.


Kuwabara gave Kurama and Hiei skeptical looks, pulling a can out of the backpack that he apparently carried. “You guys can talk your logic all you want, I'm sticking to the trusty ol' aluminum” He said opening it.


Ignoring Kuwabara's paranoia, we all began to drink our coffee once again. However, as we did, Kurama's sudden gasp made us all look at him quickly. He was looking at the table with a narrowed and suspicious expression, which isn't a good sign. “Why is there only one coffee cup on the table?” He asked.


Kurama was right, there should be two.*What the hell?* I thought confused.


“That's the one I'm not drinking, we went over this conversation already, duh.” Kuwabara said.


His eyes still narrowed, Kurama said with a nod. “Yes, so there should be two, one for you and one for Yusuke.”


“Wow, you think Urameshi can drink in his sleep too?” Kuwabara asked, looking a the boy next to him.


Suddenly the sound of someone drinking behind us filled our ears, making us gasp.  We all turned and saw a boy sitting on a table behind the couch we were sitting on. He had a red and yellow cap was over his brown hair, with the cap turned to the left side of his head. He wore a red and yellow long sleeved shirt, blue jeans and white sneakers. 3 pink stars were on his left cheek, and he had bluish green eyes. He had to be about seven years old, but he was definitely from one of the teams, his Spirit Energy wasn't small at all.


“How did you get in here?” Kurama asked/demanded.


“He must have been hiding in the room before we got in.” Kuwabara accused, narrowing his eyes at the boy.


"Fibber, fibber, I came through the door after you got here, isn't that what good boys are suppose to do? Oops, I guess I did forget to knock though." The boy said before taking a sip of his coffee. “So you guys are the Guests aren't you? Your so lucky, oh my name is Rinku by the way, I'm on the Rokuyukai team your fighting tomorrow." Rinku said, before he balanced him self on the empty coffee cup with just two fingers.


“Oh is that so?” Kuwabara asked mockingly.


"I wish I was a guest, they don't have to go through all the boring opening ceremonies or meetings about the rules. You just show up here and fight! Guess you don't have to learn about all the prizes and final round stuff when your gonna be dead soon." Rinku said with a kitty grin on his face, making me narrow my eyes at him. This isn't a normal kid. “Somebody told me the Guests would be special, so I got excited. But you don't look special at all. Maybe I'll beat you no hands.” He smiled wider.


“Don't you think your talking too much?” A new voice asked.


In unison we looked to our lefts at the corner of the room, near the door. There was a tall muscular man with broad shoulders and long, sharp ears, leaning against the wall. His hair was blond, parted down the middle, with each section spiked up at an angle. He wore a dark blue muscle shirt and white khakis, as well as black boots.


“Ok, who the hell are you?” I asked with a glare, I couldn't sense them, and neither could Kuwabara.


Rinku hopped off the table, next to the man. "Hey there Zeru, I was just saying howdy-do to our enemies." Rinku said in a sing song tone.


Zeru pushed off the wall, and opened the door as he said. “Enjoy your last night with the living.” He looked over his shoulder at us. “Let's just say that tomorrow you'll be strongly resembling your coffee cup.”


We all looked at the coffee cup on the table, only to see it split down the middle, as if a knife pierce through the center. Our eyes widened, before we all looked up, only to see Zeru and Rinku gone. I glared at the spot where they both stood, this isn't good. We're already getting threatened, and we couldn't even sense them come in, this isn't going to be an easy Tournament, that was easy to see. Oh no.


~The Next Morning~


Fireworks rung in our ears as they went off over head, signaling the start of the Tournament. The team and I stood on the grass, beside Yusuke who was still asleep, glaring down the team that was across from us. After last night, we had a hard time getting our guard down enough to sleep. I already hated this stupid Tournament, and now there was this whole other reason for me to despise it more. My team getting threatened, I couldn't wait til this match started, just so we could show them that we were going to kick their ass for what they said last night.


“Welcome ningens and youkai alike to Hanging Neck Island, now let the Tournament begin!” A fox/cat youkai said as she stood on stage. The girl had short brown hair that reached above her shoulders, and green eyes. She wore a yellow shirt with a blue tie, pink shorts and olive tights. If she was annoying as her clothes, then there was going to be problems.


Shaking my head, I let out a sigh, just waiting for our teams to be called. This is going to be a long Tournament.


I hope you liked it!
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