Yu Yu Hakusho Fan Fiction ❯ Right Here Waiting For You ❯ Chapter 12 ( Chapter 12 )

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

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


Once the match had been given to the Rokuyukai Team, everything had calmed down slightly. Although the youkai in the stands still cheered, happy that the ningen team lost. Kuwabara, however was still mad, seeing as he was still in the ring, glaring at Rinku as he continued to heal himself. I let out a sigh, it's not going to be fun now that Kuwabara was going to be mad and down on himself. He was so confident and so sure of himself, now all the youkai in Makai were laughing at him. That must feel pretty horrible right now, and I really feel bad for him, he is my friend after all. But I don't really care about the lose, right now I'm just happy that he didn't get himself killed in the process, although he almost died about three times in the match, but he's alive right now, and that's all that matters I guess. But the fear about my upcoming match was still fresh in my mind, and the sick feeling in my stomach didn't go away either.


Huffing angrily, Kuwabara stomped off the stage. Once he reached us, he gave us an apologetic look. “Sorry guys, I guess I messed up.” He said, a defeated tone in his voice, I frowned at that, I don't like when my friends feel like this.


“Don't worry Kuwabara, we haven't lost yet, just be happy that you're still in one piece.” I said, patting him on the arm, trying to make him feel better.


Hiei scoffed slightly. “Onna, don't baby him, he needs to learn from his mistakes.”


“Oh shut up, Hiei, it's just one loss.” I said, throwing a glare in his direction, he can be so mean sometimes. I don't even see why he hates Kuwabara so mu-... Oh yeah, the whole him liking Yukina thing... Never mind!


“I'm just stating the truth.” Hiei shot back, glaring at me as well.


I opened my mouth to say something witty, but I just crossed my arms and turned away, mumbling. “Well, you still don't need to be so mean.” A pout appearing on my lips, damn him and his abilities to win some arguments!


Kuwabara glared down at the fire youkai. “Yeah, you don't see me ripping on you all the time, Shorty.” He said annoyed.


“Because I rarely do anything wrong.” Hiei said coldly.


*Damn, that was a good one* I thought, trying to hold back at a smirk, even if I'm friends with Kuwabara, that was pretty funny.


“Don't worry Kuwabara, everything will turn out fine.” Kurama said, disregarding what Hiei had said, with a smile. Man, without Kurama and I, poor Kuwabara would be getting so much shit from Hiei and no one would defend him. That's pretty sad to think about actually...


A throat cleared, echoing around the stadium, making all of us turn towards the ring. “All right, now it time for the next match!” Koto announced, and the crowd erupted in cheers. “Teams, send out your next combatants.” She instructed, looking at both the teams, very eager to see more fighting and blood, which the last match lacked.


“Heh,” A laugh came from the Rokuyukai Team. “Let me take this one.”


Hearing that, I instantly turned towards the holder of the voice. There, standing just before the ring, was a regular looking youkai. His skin was a light brown, and his eyes a dull purple color. His hair was a dark brown, tattered looking mane, going down his back. His torso was bare, letting everyone see the muscles that he possessed, although they weren't as impressive as Hiei's (*Cough*). He had black pants an black fighting shoes, he was pretty average looking and nothing special. Just judging by his appearance, he looked considerably weaker than me, but I knew better to underestimate an opponent when I have never seen them fight. With that thought in mind, I narrowed my eyes as I watched him jump into the ring, standing confidently, staring at my team.


“It looks like the Rokuyukai Team is really eager today, Kenta has already stepped up.” Koto said happily.


Kuwabara glared at Kenta dangerously, before glancing at us. “So whose gonna fight the monster guy?” He asked, and if I wasn't both nervous and serious, I would have sweat dropped at his use of words.


“He doesn't seem to have very high Spiritual Energy.” Kurama observed.


“Hn.” Hiei agreed.


Swallowing the lump that formed in my throat, I stepped forward. “Looks like I'm going next.” I said trying to keep the fear from leaking into my voice. I may seem like I'm being over dramatic, but I'm like Kuwabara, I've never experienced these kinds of fights, and I've only been training for two months, I'm not fit to fight important battles. Especially if we already have one loss.


“Remember, Onna, don't let him live.” Hiei warned, his piercing gaze on me.


I nodded slightly, “Yeah, I know.”


“Kick his ass, Kira.” Yusuke mumbled in his sleep, making me look down at him, smiling slightly at him. At least he believed in me, that's one...


Jumping into the ring as well, I walked towards the center of the ring, Kenta doing the same. I held my head up high, not wanting my posture to show my fear, and kept my eyes locked on his. He was smirking sadistically at me, and I could practically see the mocking look about to appear on his face. There weren't many women fighters in Tournaments, and when there were, men always think that they are weak, it was obvious he was the same. It took everything in me to keep the glare from forming in my eyes, if I got mad, then I would definitely lose for sure. I get easily distracted when I'm mad, not good in this kind of situation.


“The second match of the Dark Tournament is between Kenta of Team Rokuyukai and Kira Chikako of Team Urameshi!” Koto announced, having both cheers and boos directed down at us. “Remember, you can't stay down or be outside the ring for ten seconds or you automatically lose.” She reminded us before signaled us to go.


We didn't move an inch, we just continued to stare each other down. Impassive gaze against mocking stare, neither of us breaking eye contact. Finally, the silence was broken by Kenta's snicker, making me glare at him. “What are you laughing at?” I asked, ice lacing my words.


“I'm sorry,” He smirked, his murky purple eyes glistening mockingly. “I was just laughing at how idiotic this match will be. I was hoping for a challenge, but all I got was a little girl.” He sneered slightly.


I rose an eyebrow. “Huh, how funny, I thought the same thing when I saw you.” I retorted, with a growl.


“Oh, it looks like I have a feisty one,” He laughed again, making my anger flare dangerously. “Lets just hope that you can keep it up, it will only make me enjoy seeing the humiliated look fall over that pretty little face of yours even more. Especially when I kill you.” He said, getting into a fighting stance.


I stood perfectly still, eyes narrowing. “You talk too much, just shut up and fight.” I said annoyed.


“As you wish.” Kenta chuckled darkly.


I quickly drew my Katana once he said that, getting a cold chill up my spine. However, as soon as I did, he disappeared almost instantly, and almost as fast as Hiei. My eyes widened at that thought, I may be fast, but I am not as fast as Hiei, which is one of the reasons why I always lose in our spars. I quickly scanned the arena, looking around, even behind me more often than anything. It's common knowledge that enemies go for the back, seeing as how no one ever looks behind them because they're stupid. But, no matter where I looked, I saw nothing. Where the hell could he b-?


A gasp escaped my lips as pain exploded against my face, making me fly across the ring from the force of the impact. More pain came as my body hit against the stone tiles of the ring, and once more when I bounced off it, and rolled on my side. If I wasn't in pain, I would have blushed out of embarrassment. Not even a minute into the fight, and I'm already reduced to a crumpled heap. We are so going to lose because of me! My eyes snapped open, and anger flooded them once that thought came to mind. I was NOT going to let my team die just because I'm too weak to fight!


Jumping to my feet, I felt my Spirit Energy gather and swarm around me, a familiar tingling sensation going through my body. Closing my eyes, I let out a slow breath, saying. “Shadow Eyes.” Opening my eyes once again, I heard the surprised gasps coming from both sides of the ring, my team and Kenta's.


“W-What happened to her eyes?!” Kuwabara stepped back, his eyes wide with confusion and shock. “The- They're gone!” He shouted.


“No they're not, Baka.” Hiei insulted, keeping his eyes on my still form.


Kurama's eyes narrowed, seeing my once red eyes now completely pitch, no color was there, leaving nothing but what appeared to be two black wholes. “Hiei's right Kuwabara, this must be one of the Techniques she was talking about yesterday.” He said, trying to make Kuwabara relax again.


“But they're pitch black, how can she see?” Kuwabara asked, staring at me with a confused look.


“Idiot.” Hiei mumbled, rolling his eyes.


I ignored the noise that Kuwabara was making, my eyes darting around the ring, trying to find Kenta's form somewhere. Suddenly, a flicker came from my peripheral vision, and I quickly turned to my right, raising my Katana in front of me. The sound of metal being hit met my ears, and my dark eyes narrowed when I saw Kenta's smirking face in front of mine. His fist was against my blade, pushing against it, making me slide back slightly. I cursed silently, not only was he faster than me, he was stronger too. This match wasn't going to be easy, that's for sure.


Kenta rose and eyebrow, and chuckled mockingly. “Well, well, well, look at that, it looks like you know some techniques after all. That should make this match a little more interesting, good, it would get boring just smacking you around.” He smirked, seeing my eyes narrow even further.


“There you go again,” I growled out. “Stop fucking talking.” I hissed, putting all of my weight against my blade, pushing him away from me sharply. Letting distance come between us gain.


Feeling my Spirit Energy fill in my legs, I darted towards him, clutching my hilt tightly. Jumping into the air, I disappeared, appearing behind him and raising my blade above my head. However, before I could even bring it down against his head, his body turned so fast I almost didn't see it happen before it was too late. My eyes widened and I gasped, not being able to avoid his fist, and gagged once it embedded itself into my gut. Flying back once again, I rolled and landed on my stomach, almost dry heaving as I got to my knees, holding my stomach in pain. My vision was beginning to blur, but not because of the punch, but because of my Technique. This was the only Shadow Technique I haven't been able to master. I couldn't keep it activated too long, or I would lose more Spirit Energy. Man, that was just a fucking waste!


*Shit!* I cursed angrily, letting the Technique deactivate, letting my eyes become visible again.


I gasped for air, lifting my head up to see Kenta standing there, smirking down at me, which only widened even more when he noticed my eyes back to normal. “Hm, that wasn't much of a Technique, although I shouldn't be surprised. You are a woman after all.” His smirk dropped as he frowned slightly, apparently not finding any more fun with mocking me.


“Fuck you, you sexist asshole.” I spat, through pants.


Eyes narrowing, Kenta appeared behind me, roughly grabbing my hair and pulling me to my feet. I choked back a scream of pain, no matter what, getting your hair pulled hurt like a mother fucking bitch! Seething slightly, my eyes closed tightly as Kenta tightened his grip on my hair as he forced me next to him. My mind reeled as thoughts came flooding to my head, trying to figure out what I could do to get out of this. Kenta was like any other youkai, he wasn't going to let me go and fall unconscious so he can win, he's going to kill me if I don't figure something out! As I tried to think of something, I didn't notice the three pairs of glare directed to Kenta from my team. Kuwabara, Kurama and even Hiei were throwing their coldest glares at him. See, Hiei was becoming my friend. Slowly.


“Girls like you always piss me off.” Kenta growled in my ear, making me shiver slightly, my fear coming back. “You're all talk, you're not even fighting back because you're scared. Women like you shouldn't be in this Tournament, you're just weak and pathetic creatures that deserve to die.”


Throwing me to the ground, he sent a kick to my side, making me slide across the smooth stone, burns beginning to form on my exposed skin. I willed back tears of pain as I stopped, laying motionless onto the stone. But I forced my self to get on my knees, knowing full well Koto would start to count. Panting slightly in pain, I glared up at the youkai from across the ring. If this kept up, I was going to die, Kenta seemed like he was getting to the point of just slitting my throat with his claws out of his irrational hatred for me. What the hell can I do now?! I used up a good amount of Spirit Energy with just my Shadow Eyes, I couldn't use my Lighting Orb on him because if I wanted it to kill him, I would have to use of all of my Spirit Energy just to do that. And knowing my luck, he would probably just find a way around it. My Shadow Techniques are out of the question for now, dammit, this is fucking hopeless!


*Man, why the fuck is this so hard?! I fought with Hiei for god's sake! Training with him in that field was harder than this, what the fuck is wrong with m-!?* I shouted furiously in my head, slowly getting to my feet, stumbling slightly. But I almost stopped when realization dawned on me. *Field! My Lightning Field!* I thought, it taking everything in my power to keep the smile off my face.


Narrowing my eyes seriously, I stood up straighter, trying to figure out how I was going to pull this off. To preform the Technique, I had to do more than just say it and gather my Spirit Energy. I had to place my Spirit Energy around my enemy, and this attack isn't really good against fast opponents. Especially when I had to place eight pieces of my Spirit Energy around, and not letting him catch on with what I'm doing. I mentally shook my head, trying to get rid of the negative thoughts that were beginning to cloud my mind. Dammit, this is the only thing I can do now, don't screw this up!


“Kira is just standing there after getting mercilessly thrown around and beaten by the surprisingly fast Kenta! I love it! This is exactly the kind of brutality that we've been dieing to see!” Koto shouted happily.


Ignoring her, Kenta glared at me. “Are you just going to stand there?” He asked, his frown deepening.


“I don't know, I'm not really sure what to do now, seeing as how I'm just a weak and pathetic girl who apparently can't do shit.” I spat back sarcastically, my anger flaring again.


Not liking the fact that I was now the one mocking him, especially in the state I was in, made him appear in front of me, sending another kick to my side, and sending me across the arena. Coughing up blood, I placed my hand on the ground, letting my Spirit Energy seep into the ground slightly. Quickly getting to my feet, I took a deep breath to prepare myself for what I was planning. It may be the stupidest thing in the world, but I saw no other way. Wiping away the blood that fell from my lips, I ran at Kenta at a surprising speed, although I was only punched back, landing on the other...side of the circular ring. Placing another Spirit Energy down, I repeated this again and again, ignoring the confused and slightly shocked stares that were coming from my team.


“What is she doing?” Kurama asked, his eyes widening as I was smacked across the ring again.


“She just letting him hit her, is she trying to kill herself?!” Kuwabara shouted, clenching his fist tightly in anger as more blood flew down my chin as I sat up. My body was covered in bruises and cuts, my clothes beginning to tatter slightly from the abuse. “Darn it, why isn't she fighting back?!” He growled.


“The Onna may be an idiot, but she wouldn't lose on purpose.” Hiei said, his eyes darting to me as I placed another piece of Spirit Energy into the ground. It was the seventh one.


Kuwabara turned to the fire youkai, asking/demanding. “Then what is she doing?!”


“Attacking.” Was all Hiei said, turning back to the match, leaving the ningen to stare at him in confusion.


“Why don't you just lay down and die?” Kenta asked, glaring down at me as I sat up once again. “You won't be able to beat me, you haven't been able to lay one finger on me this entire match. You're just proving that women are weak and inferior.” He said, growing tired of this.


Getting to my feet once again, I shakily brought my hand to my mouth, wiping away another strip of blood, leaving a streak to form. Standing up straighter once again, I glared angrily, despite the dizziness I was feeling. “You know Kenta, you've been saying all this shit about girls being weak, but I have a question about that.” I said with an icy tone, walking towards him.


“And what is that?” He asked, copying my tone, making my anger grow.


“You have been punching me and kicking me for the past ten minutes and I haven't passed out, died, or cried out of pain. If I'm suppose to be weak, then what does that make you, seeing as how I'm still alive?” I asked, letting a smirk fall on my lips.


Kenta's eyes flashed dangerously, and I suddenly realized, too late, that what I said wasn't really smart. Letting a string of very colorful curse words form in my head, I backed up slightly. I told you I get very distracted when I get angry, and I say some things I really shouldn't say. *Dammit, why didn't I just run at him again?!* I growled angrily to myself, backing up again, fear creeping up towards my heart.


Suddenly, a hand clamped down on my throat, lifting me into the air letting my feet dangle above the ground. Kenta's face appeared before mine again, his eyes cold and cruel looking. My eyes widened, flashbacks of that night flashing behind my eyelids. The pain of Kane's hand around my neck, it tightening to the point where I thought my neck would snap under the pressure. His glowing, blood red eyes staring into mine with so much coldness that made me shiver involuntarily. It was all coming back, and reality began to merge with my memories. Fear was pulsing though my veins as I began to thrash around wildly, and if there wasn't a hand squeezing my throat close, I would have let out a scream. I could only see one face in front of mine. Kane's.


“Stop, moving!” Kenta shouted.


But I didn't hear him, right now I forgot I was even in the Dark Tournament. I was now a child again, having the air suddenly being deprived by the man who murdered my parents, and murdered my father in front of me. My brother. Trying to pry his hands from my neck, I sent a kick filled with all the strength I had at the man who was in front of me, connecting with his head painfully. Not even realizing the bad move I had just made.


Kenta's head had turned to the side from the force of the kick. And he slowly turned towards me again, squeezing my throat tighter than he had been, making me let out a pitiful attempt of a scream as I tried to gasp for breath. His eyes were now narrowed into a dangerous glare. “You little bitch!” He shouted angrily.


The next thing I knew, pain ripped through my chest, knocking me out of my nightmarish memory. The pain came slamming against me hard, making tears fall from my eyes as I dug my nails into his hand at the pain. Forcing myself to look down, despite my vision blurry and darkening and the excruciating pain that I was experiencing, I saw Kenta's claws in my chest, warm blood oozing out from behind his fingers. Taking his hand from around my throat, blood instantly flew from my lips, drenching the ground below me in a puddle of crimson liquid. Grimacing in disgust, Kenta threw me from him, letting his fingers slide from my chest, dripping with flesh, warm blood.


“Kira!” Kuwabara shouted, almost jumping into the ring, but Kurama held him back. “Let go of me, Kurama! She's going to die if we don't do something!” He shouted, turning to the red haired kitsune.


“Believe me Kuwabara, if I could, I would let you.” Kurama said, staring worriedly at my form.


Hiei just stared at my body as it slid across the ground, his eyes slightly wide. Not words able to form.


Sliding to a stop, more blood flew from my lips, causing me to gag and choke slightly. But I forced myself to drink in the air, painting heavily, making more blood fall down my chin as I laid on the ground. More tears of pain fell down my cheeks, my arms clasped around my chest as I made myself sit up. Biting down a cry of pain as I did. But I shakily brought down my hand, putting in the last piece of Spirit Energy into the ground. Coughing again, I glared weakly at Kenta's furious form, his eyes boring into mine like ice.


“You're going...to pay for that...you bastard.” I choked out angrily, sucking in deep breaths.


Kenta squared his shoulders, a sadistic smirk on his lips. “Oh yeah, well come on, hit me.” He said challengingly, holding out his arms, leaving himself wide open. He was mocking me again.


“Gladly.” I spat, slamming my hand on to the ground, shouting. “Lightning Field!”


Kenta's eyes widened as he felt the eight pieces of my Spirit Energy spike, and only growing larger as I sent more and more of my Energy into the ground, feeding them heavily. He looked around quickly, trying to find any kind of weapon that could form, but stopped. Dark purple light formed under him, making him slowly look down, seeing an octagon of purple Energy form beneath his feet. And before he could jump, or run, a sea of electricity raced towards the center of the octagon, before they consumed Kenta's form as he screamed in pain. The glow blinded the whole stadium with a bright light, leaving us to only hear Kenta's screams echoing around the now silent air.


The light dimmed, and all eyes went to the center of the ring. Kenta's form laid on the ground, burns all over his body smoking form the intensity of the attack. He laid motionless, no movement able to be detected by any eyes, youkai or ningen. I lifted my hand form the ground, letting a sigh of relief pass through my lips. But I stopped, narrowing my eyes, as they darted over to Kenta's figure. I felt his Spirit Energy still lingering, he was still alive. Slowly getting to my feet once again, I stumbled over to his form, but not before picking up my Katana.


Staggering to a stop, I stood by Kenta's head, my eyes glaring angrily down at him. “So you're alive.” I said coldly, blood slipping down my chin as I spoke.


A pitiful groan of pain fell from Kenta's lips, opening his burnt eyelids to glare at me. “I would never die..by...the hands...of a women.” He growled out, his tone covered in pain, but even that didn’t make me smirk.


“Well that's too bad,” I sneered sarcastically, raising my Katana in one hand above his chest. “Burn in hell you mother fucking bastard.” I said, spitting some of my blood on his cheek, letting it run down his face before I let my Katana plunge through his heart, making him lurch forward.


Blood flew from Kenta's lips and a strangled sounds came from his throat, but any words or sounds that he was trying to form died in his throat os the light in his eyes dimmed, and his body fell back on the ground. Silence filled the stadium, no one made a noise or even dared to move. Not even the youkai in the stadium wanted to protest right now, they were all staring down at the ring in shock, as well as everyone else. I stepped back from Kenta, tugging my Katana from his body, and sliding it back into it's sheath. I would clean it later.


Koto crawled back into the ring, microphone ready. “That was simply amazing! “ She cried. ”That's exactly what we wanted form our last match! Team Urameshi gets a point.” Koto smiled, gesturing towards the screen, seeing a giant O appear on my picture, and an X on Kenta's. Making the youkai boo angrily.


I ignored the shouts of death threats and boos from the youkai, and staggered over towards my team. My vision was beginning to blur heavily once I reached the edge of the ring. Forcing a smile, I looked at them, wanting to reassure them that I was fine. However, that didn't work when I jumped from the ring, only to end up falling to the ground, not being able to hold myself up. My strength was gone thanks to my attack. Two pairs of hands instantly grabbed me gently, pulling me off the ground, making me sit up in the grass. I looked up, seeing two red heads in front of me, although I wasn't really sure who was in front of me and who was behind the first one. But right now, I didn't really care.


“Kira, just relax now all right, you've lost a lot of blood.” Kurama's voice explained seriously, making me nod slightly.


“Believe me,” I said taking in a deep, shaky breath. “I don't want to move at all right now.”


“Man Kira, you had us all worried!” Kuwabara's voice said from my right, a little bit too loudly for right now, but I let it slide, he was worried after all. “What the hell were you thinking when you were letting him hit you like that?! You could have been killed, you know!” He said angrily, although it was a scared kind of angry.


“It was the only way to win, but don't worry, I'm going to be fine.” I said, letting a smile form on my lips, looking to my right, while I heard three pairs of sighs. But I just ignored them, I hated when people worried over me, it made me feel guilty.


“Don't think you can do something like that again, Onna, next time you might not be so lucky.” Hiei said from my left, feeling his gaze on me.


“Good, 'cause I don't want to do it again.” I mumbled, not even trying to look and find him.


Ignoring them for the time being, I closed my eyes and let myself lean against who I believe was Kuwabara, considering Kurama was skinnier than him and Hiei isn't this big. I took in deep breathes, trying to keep myself away, although I wasn't sure how much help this will be, seeing as how breathing won't stop the bleeding that was currently going on, but oh well. Opening my eyes once again, my vision was clearer, letting me seeing what was going on now, instead of me just seeing blurry shapes and outlines. Hiei was on my left, while I was leaning against Kuwabara, as I said before. I looked around slightly, not seeing Kurama anywhere, until I saw a flash of red come form the ring, and I saw him standing near the center of it, while a blue skinned youkai was doing the same.


“Oh!” Koto said looking at the two. “The next fighters have already stepped up!” She smiled happily


Hiei stepped forward, looking up at his friend. “Kurama, considering the stakes, we still can't afford to take any chances. Don't leave the ring with him still alive.” He warned slightly.


Kurama looked down at him with a slight smirk. “Naturally.” He said before turning back around.


“I don't know if you want to fight him, be careful Kurama.” Yusuke mumbled, a deep frown on his face. I looked at him, and my eyes narrowed slightly at that. What did he mean by that? I looked back at Kurama worriedly. Now I don't have a good feeling able this match, thanks Yusuke, thanks a lot.


“Onna, Kuwabara.” Hiei said, turning to us. “We will deal with the rest of their team, you two relax.” Judging by who had the worst wounds, he was mostly saying that to me. I wonder why...


I held up the 'OK' sign. “You got it.”


Kuwabara, however, didn't agree. “Hey! I'm not out of this yet, if Yusuke doesn't wake up, I'll take the last guy.” Kuwabara said, glaring at the fire youkai, annoyed.


“We'll pray that, that doesn't happen.” Hiei said in monotone.


I smirked slightly. “Aw, you guys really are great friends, it's just heart warming to see how much you two care for each other.” I said sarcastically, making Hiei glare at me, making my smirk widen.


“It seems like you're well enough to act like an idiot.” He said annoyed.


An irk mark erupted on my temple, quickly turning towards him I glared, one word repeating itself inside my head. “And it appears that you're still an asshole, as usual .” I shot back, sticking my tongue out at him, to which he rolled his eyes. He expected it, seeing as we always get into this little argument.


“All right guys, I'm here.” Botan's voice chirped suddenly, making us all turn. There she was in an orange, red, green and yellow kimono, a smile on her lips. “Now let's whip this team into shape!” She said happily.


I blinked in surprise, “Uh, Botan? What are you doing here?” I asked.


“Yeah, and how'd you get here?” Kuwabara added.


Hiei, however, turned away from her. “Leave, before you get hurt.” He said, tonelessly.


Botan glared down at the little fire youkai, asking. “Well that's a jolly thing to say to someone who is going to help you win, don't you think?” While I continued to stare at her confused. How the hell was she going to help us win?


“Eh?! You mean you're the replacement fighter for Urameshi?” Kuwabara asked, wide eyed.


Botan laughed slightly, shaking her head. “No silly!” Grabbing her kimono, she threw it off of her, into the air. Leaving her to stand in a completely different outfit. She wore brown pants with red suspenders, and a yellow long sleeved button up shirt tucked into her pants, with two buttons...buttoned. Underneath her shirt was an orange tank top. “In addition to Detective's assistant and Pilot of the River Styx, I'm also a licensed trainer. I'll be looking after you all, making sure you're in tip-top shape for fighting.” She said happily, placing her hand on her hip.


“Then look after me, I hurt.” I whined, not liking the feel of blood soaking into my clothes and rubbing against me. Sure I don't like people being worried about me, but I will gladly ask for help to be healed. I think anyone would agree, seeing as how I have five fucking wholes in my chest!


Botan's eyes widened as she looked at me, and her hands went to her mouth to cover a gasp. “Oh Kira, I completely forgot that you were hurt!” She said, her tone apologetic.


I stared at her blankly. “Thanks, Botan, that makes me feel so much better.” I said a bit sarcastically.


“I'm sorry.” She said laughing nervously.


However, I didn't hold it against her, and let her heal me as best as she could. Even if she could heal us, that didn't really mean her healing powers were all that great. But once she finished, most of the wounds closed, making most of the bleeding stop. Which I was really thankful for, let's just hope I didn't lose to much blood, I want to see Zeru get his ass kicked. Trust me, I couldn't miss it or I would be pissed.


“There,” Botan said standing up, smiling. “The bleeding should have stopped, but I wouldn't recommend moving around too much.” She said, watching me get to my feet.


“All right, thanks.” I smiled, but that dropped when I heard Yusuke move, but only saw him turn on his side. “Geez, he's such a lazy ass.” I said with a sigh, crossing my hands over my still damp chest. Cute.


An annoyed look passed over Botan's face as she marched over to him, and knelt down, grabbing his collar. “Reikai to Yusuke, wake up! Come on now!” She shouted, smacking him across the face twice, making me wince slightly. How Yusuke didn't wake up from that was beyond me.


“That won't work,” Hiei said, glancing down at her. “The boy is determined.”


Botan stood up, frowning. “Well, I'll at least get him out of the way.” She said, dragging Yusuke by his feet, propping him up against the wall near the stands filled with youkai.


Shaking my head with a sweat drop, I turned back towards the ring, and stood in between Hiei and Kuwabara. I looked at the fighter in the ring, another normal looking youkai. His skin was tinted blue, and yellow eyes balls with purple pupils. His hair was unkempt and a darker blue, going into a widow's peak. He wore a long green trench coat over black pants, along with black boots. Everything about this guy screamed wicked and sin. Something seemed very wrong about this guy, although he had no muscle to prove that he was a fighter, but I couldn't be too sure.


Everything had gone quiet, and we all stared at the two fighters that stood at the center of the ring. The air that hung around the stadium was thick with anticipation, and looking at the two just stand there didn't help. They were locked in a stare off, much like the one Kenta and I were in. However, Kurama's expression was colder than mine, how someone as sweet as him could have such a cruel gaze was beyond me, it didn't really seem to fit him, but at the same time it did.


“You know,” Kuwabara said, breaking the silence looking down at Hiei. “That Rose Whip he's got must be ten feet long, where does he stash it? The ways I can think of sound kind of painful.” He said, making me sweat drop.


I stared at him with a blank look. “You can be very strange at times, Kuwabara.” I said rather bluntly.


“I'm just curious!” Kuwabara defended himself.


“Kurama simply carries a normal rose, by manipulating it with his Spirit Energy it's transformed into a rose. Even weeds can turn into a deadly weapon for Kurama.” Hiei said, keeping his gaze on the ring.


“You mean, he can make plants move and stuff too?” I asked, my whole face brightening at the thought.


Hiei rose an eyebrow. “Yes, why?.”


However, I didn't respond, I was too busy smirking evilly at the thoughts that ran through my head. *Now all I need to do is get Kurama to agree with me, and we can make plants run amuck in Ningenkai. It will be awesome!* I thought, snickers starting to slip through my lips.


{Onna, sometimes I question your sanity.} Hiei thought, a sigh in his mind's voice.


I smirked at him. *Admit it, you would find it amusing.*


{No.}


I frowned. *You're no fun!*


Our little conversation, unfortunately, was cut short by a certain fox/cat youkai who rose her hand into the air, making all eyes fall on her. “The third fight, Roto vs Kurama! Begin!” Koto said.


But both fighters stood still, not moving an inch, unless the smirk on Roto's lips counted as moving. His beady black eyes glistened evilly, staring at Kurama with his sadistic smirk getting wider. I narrowed my eyes at him, I was really getting a bad feeling from this guy now. Even if Kurama seemed impassive, I was still worried that something was going to go wrong. I never like it when an enemy smirks like tat, it foretells bad things.


“I know you've been spending years in Ningenkai.” Roto spoke, making my head snap over at him, how did he know that? “We all do what we must, I only hope you didn't, say, get attached to one of them? For example, be mournful of death.” He said, holding up his hand as his right middle finger turned into a sword. Ew.


“What's your point?” Kurama finally asked, his tone monotonous.


Roto didn't answer, choosing to run at him instead. Raising his...finger sword, Roto let it swing wildly, trying to catch the red haired kitsune, who was dodging each swipe easily. He would either step to the side, or disappear before Roto's blade came close to hit him, Kurama was even doing it with his eyes closed. Seeing that and the small smile that was on his face made me smirk slightly. Kurama was obviously in control of this match, I didn't have anything to worry about, once Kurama was done toying with him this match will be over quickly. Man, why the hell didn't I get put up against him? That's just unfair!


“He's clearly no match for Kurama, what a joke of a round.” Hiei narrowed his eyes in annoyance before glancing at the ningen next to me. “It's a pity you couldn't have taken him, and let Kurama deal with the little child and his yo-yos.” He said.


I started to laugh. “I'm sorry Kuwabara, but that was just a burn.” I said trying to control myself again.


Kuwabara ignored me, and glared down at Hiei angrily. “Watch it Shrimpy, that guy just cheated that's all!” He said, defending himself, while Hiei just looked away from him, not having enough interest anymore.


Kurama had grown tired of the fight, knowing that it wouldn't go anywhere beyond this. Opening his eyes again, he appeared behind Roto, the smile off his lips. His eyes had grown cold once again, and by his narrowed gaze it was obvious that he was going to finish this quickly. Noticing the sudden change in battle, the boys and I quickly turned our attention back towards the ring. Kurama held up his left hand, as if it were a weapon, which it probably was.


“Your skill aren't enough for this Tournament,” Kurama said, narrowing his eyes. “Say your last words.”


I would have smiled, but any hope of me doing that vanished when a confident smirk fell on Roto's lips. As if he wasn't going to die, I didn't like where this was going. “I have your ningen mother, Kurama.” His smirk only widened as he finished. “Or should I say, Shuichi?' He asked.


Kurama's eyes widened, as did mine, at the sound of his ningen name, momentarily shocked that a youkai like him was able to find out something like that. Roto took the opportunity, and swung around, bringing around his sword towards Kurama's head. However, snapping out of it, Kurama disappeared from Roto's reach, landing back in the spot he had started the match from. His eyes now cold again, his face emotionless, despite the cut that appeared on his cheek. My mouth fell open when I saw a small amount of blood trickle out from the cut on his left cheek, the boys on both sides of me doing the same.


“What happened?! He's bleeding, you said no match!” Kuwabara shouted confused, looking at the fire youkai with narrowed eyes.


I glared daggers at Roto's form, clenching my fist tightly. That was a dirty trick, even for a youkai his class. I wanted to shout many colorful words at the bastard, but youkai like him always had bad tempers. If I made him get angry and press the button, I don't think I could live with myself for being the cause of Kurama's mother's death. *Make his death painful, Kurama.* I thought.


Yusuke mumbled out, a frown on his lips. “Stupid cheater, I hate him.”


I nodded slightly, keeping my narrow gaze on the blue skinned youkai. “I agree with Yusuke.”


Roto continued to smirk at Kurama as he held up a device in his left hand, his thumb just over the little red button that sat on top. “Hehehe, let me introduce my little button.” He chuckled darkly. “When I press it, a signal will be sent to my youkai brother. He's been tracking your mother for sometime, you see, and he's been very anxious to bite her head off.” He said sadistically.


Kurama's emotionless gaze was broken when he clenched his teeth angrily, glaring down at the youkai before him coldly. However, he said nothing and got out of his fighting stance, but every trace of anger was gone, leaving another emotionless look to appear. I stared at hm in worry, I knew I didn't have a good feeling about this guy, he's cheating even worse then Rinku did. I bit my lip nervously, looking at the button that laid in Roto's hand. I should have taken him as an opponent, seeing as how I don't have any family members for him to kill...


“Haha, so you understand.” Roto observed, letting his finger go back to normal.


With Kurama now at his mercy, Roto ran up to him without any hesitation. Once he was close enough, he sent his fist towards Kurama's face, who didn't dodge, letting Roto hit him over and over again. Punch after punch my anger began to build up, and I bit my lip from shouting anything at the blue bastard. Ignoring the feeling of someone's gaze on me, especially when I bit too hard and made myself bleed. Wiping the blood away, I kept my narrowed gaze on the two fighters.


Roto threw more punches, saying each word as they connected, putting more force into each hit. “No hitting back!” He shouted, enjoying himself.


However, Kurama stepped back, flicking a pebble at Roto, hitting him in the cheek, making the youkai stop. The smirk dropped from his lips as he stared down at the little piece of rock before he looked up at Kurama with a glare. “Oh honestly, do you think throwing a pebble at my face is the best thing to do in this situation?” Kurama didn't answer, just straighten up again, only making Roto more furious. “You have been warned! With the push of this button, your mother will be dead in a very unsightly manner!” The smirk came back, cooling off again. “Now fold your arms behind your back and let me hit you as I please.” He ordered, his fangs showing slightly as he smirked.


I, as well as the two boys, stared at Kurama in shock as he did as he was told. I know his mother could be killed, but seeing Kurama willing to get hit and not fight back was just horrible to watch. Especially when it only made Roto happier, it was just sick to see that. “Oh yes, that's much better,. I love the posture of forced submission.” Roto chuckled, his eyes flashing slightly, making me shutter involuntarily. “Why train hard to be the best when you could hold onto one of these?” He asked, holding up the button tauntingly.


“Mysterious,” Koto said. “Kurama has become totally obedient to his opponent.”


Kuwabara clenched his fist as he watched Kurama just stand there. “What's wrong, Kurama?! Let him have it!” He shouted angrily, but it was mostly out of fear for his friend.


“Quiet.” Hiei said, narrowing his eyes.


“Huh?” Kuwabara and I asked, turning to him confused, but Hiei didn't reply, still staring at the ring.


Roto dangled the button in front of Kurama's face mockingly, asking. “You want to try? I can see it in your pretty eyes, I know what you're thinking: 'What if I can quickly cut off that left arm of his? But what if his severed fingers press the button?'” He laughed.


“Kurama remains absolutely motionless, what is the cause? Has he lost his willingness to fight?” Koto asked, as if anyone in the stands would tell her.


Roto walked over towards Kurama, asking as he sent a kick to Kurama's gut. “Why don't you answer?” Kurama just grunted slightly in pain, but didn't show any other indication of discomfort. “Why don't you tell the crowd the truth? Tell them you refuse to fight for the sake of a ningen tramp!” He shouted, punching Kurama repeatedly in the face again.


Now I knew how it must have been for them to see me get punched and kicked around by Kenta. It's horrible, and it made me feel sick to my stomach. Just watching someone getting beaten mercilessly made me wonder how anyone could love to watch something like. They would have to be sick and twisted to.


“It's brutal, it's violent, it's wonderful! Roto is punching him like a side of meat and there's no retaliation!” Koto said, her eyes fixated on the fight. I rest my case...


Stopping his punches, Roto glared as Kurama just sat back and took it. Not even trying to fight back or show any emotion at all, just the occasional grunts weren't enough to satisfy him. “Dammit.” He mumbled to himself angrily, making his finger into a blade again, holding it close to Kurama's eyes. “I hate that look, despite all I've done, you still have that look like you're superior to me.” He brought his sword against Kurama's cheek, making another cut over his first one, making it into an X shape, but Kurama made no move. “Stop! That! Look!” Roto finally snapped, slashing Kurama across the cheek, making blood splatter against the ground.


“Bastard.” I hissed angrily under my breath.


Calming himself down, Roto looked back at Kurama, smirking again. “It doesn't matter anyway, because I'm the one who has the power now.” He lifted up his left foot, saying. “Now I would like you to lick the scum off my boot. I just can't seem to keep it clean, and after you've wiped the whole thing clean,” Roto licked his sword/finger, taking off some of the blood. “I will decapitate you and spare your nasty mother's life, and since you care about her so, Shuichi, it's your only choice.” He said, eyes glinting evilly.


“I will not.” Kurama finally said, making me stare at him in shock.


I wasn't the only one, Roto's confident look faded into a confused and annoyed one. “Uh? What?” He asked, as if he hadn't heard him.


“Go ahead, press it now if you wish.” Kurama said, dusting off the dirt on his shirt.


“Well, now the true character emerges.” Roto smirked. “You're nothing special, nothing A class, just a selfish youkai like all the rest of us here.” He changed his finger back to normal, and pointed accusingly at Kurama. “Look at me like I'm dirt, but in the end it's a lie. You think of only yourself!” He shouted laughing.


“Push it!” Kurama shouted, eyes narrowing.


Roto smirked at the command, and held up the button. “I will!” However, seconds went by and nothing happened, and Roto gasped. “I...can't...move!” He said struggling, his fingers not moving an inch towards the red button beneath them. I blinked in shock, what just happened?!


“Fighting on the strength of one threat is a very risky gamble.” Kurama took the button out of Roto's hand. “What if I truly didn't care? Or, what if I could just make you immobile?” He asked, smirking.


I stared at him a bit longer, not really sure what had just happened, but I smiled anyway. *Thank god.* I thought, letting out a sigh of relief.


Koto stared confused, as well as all of the youkai in the crowd, but she quickly composed herself, speaking into the microphone. “It's hard to tell what's happening now, but it's clear Kurama has control!” She informed, smiling.


“I've sewn the seed of the Death Plant in your body, and it has had plenty of time to take root.” Kurama explained, his chin in-between his thumb and index finger.


I cupped my hands over my mouth, shouting. “Take that you asshole! How do you like it?!” Ignoring stares.


Kurama smirked a little at my comment, but continued. “I feed it with my Energy, I just have to will it, and it instantly blooms. I'm afraid there won't be anything left of your evil life after that.” He finished, walking away from him, towards us.


Fear broke out on Roto's face for the first time in this whole match, and he shouted desperately. “Wait, Kurama! You don't have to do this! I actually wouldn't have pushed the button, I swear it! I'm just a low class, I don't know any better! Come on, you believe in mercy, don't you?” Roto asked, looking expectantly.


Kurama stopped, and looked over his shoulder. “No.” He answered coldly, making me smirk.


Roto's eyes widened in disbelief at the answer, but he didn't have long to dwell on that. A gasp fell from his lips, and his eyes widened as plant stems burst out of his body, spraying blood everywhere. Falling back, Roto laid on his back dead, purple and pink flowers covering the whole front side of him. I gulped slightly, that must have hurt, now I understand what Hiei meant about plants being used as deadly weapons. Looking at those flowers, I wouldn't have though they would be used to kill. However, even this was too good for a youkai like Roto. He deserved everything he got.


“What irony,” Kurama said. “Such beauty sprung from such an ugly soil.” With those words spoken, Kurama jumped down onto the grass, walking over to us with his hands in his pockets.


“Kurama!” I said smiling, practically tackling him into a hug. “Don't worry me like that, I was scared you know.” I said, looking up at him with a playful mad look. While he smiled down at me, laughing slightly.


“I'm sorry Kira, but I had to let him think he was in control.” He said as I let him go.


I pouted. “I guess.”


Hiei walked over to us, looking at Kurama as he spoke. “What a fool, so intent on proving himself he couldn't notice your moves. Don't worry about his youkai friend, he vanished the moment Roto died.” He said, making me breathe a sigh of relief, I had almost forgotten about him. Well at least he's gone...


“So you knew.” Kurama stated, while Hiei only nodded.


Turning in his sleep, Yusuke mumbled. “What a relief.” Making Hiei, Kurama and I look down at him.


“No kidding,” I said sighing. “But at least the bastards dead.”


Kurama smiled. “Yes.”


Getting an annoyed looking, Kuwabara walked over to the three of us., Botan trailing behind “Ok, enough with the secret glancing stuff, what just happened?” He asked, considering he was a ningen, he didn't have good enough hearing, so I kept my mouth shut from saying anything mean.


“Yes do tell.” Botan added.


Hiei shook his head. “It's passed.” He said with a slight smirk.


“Agreed.” Kurama said with a nod.


I smirked slightly at them, saying. “Yeah, don't worry about it.” And in unison, Hiei, Kurama and I turned towards the ring, looking away from the two.


Botan and Kuwabara both placed their hands on their hips, narrowing their eyes at us with frowns on their lips. Not really liking that they were being kept in the dark, but it wasn't like it was anything really vital for them to know. So I didn't feel to bad to do that. “that isn't very friendly of them.” She said annoyed.


“Those demons think they're so darn cool.” Kuwabara said.


I sweat dropped when I heard that, and turned to him. “Kuwabara, you do realize that we're standing right next to you, right?” I asked, raising an eyebrow up at the ningen before me. Only to be met with a nervous laughing, which made me roll my eyes at him.


But I suddenly stopped when I felt Spirit Energy beginning to rise. Turning back towards the Rokuyukai Team, I saw Zeru staring us down. Around him was dark red Energy, and by the looks of it, he was ready to let it all out and spread fire around the ring, just like he did about an hour or so ago. I narrowed my eyes at him, so he still thought he cold beat us, huh? I smirked at the thought, well Zeru, we'll just have to see about that, now won't we?


Ending it here, I hope you liked it!
Converting /tmp/phpxT1Mwz to /dev/stdout