Yu Yu Hakusho Fan Fiction ❯ Right Here Waiting For You ❯ Chapter 20 ( Chapter 20 )

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

~Story Start~


A numb feeling was the first thing I felt as the consciousness seeped into me. At first I was sure that there was no sound, that I had slept through the whole other fights, but as I let my eyes opened slightly, sound exploded around me. The murmuring of the youkai above me told me my team was still fighting Team Masho, so we didn't lose after all. I let out a sigh of relief, it barely even audible to youkai ears. My dulled eyes opened wider and I looked up from the green grass. Everyone's back was to me, their focus on the ring in front of them. Kuwabara and Botan were the closest, while Hiei and the Masked Fighter were second, and Yusuke was at the ring's side, his shoulders looked almost rigid. My eyes scanned for someone who was missing, and I saw that Kurama wasn't with us, and my eyes darted to the ring.


Kurama stood in front of a man, or should I say an alien-looking apparition. The apparition's clothes included a light green bandanna on his head, a green skirt with a red and gold belt, golden plates on his two knees, and gray bandage like wrappings on his lower legs. His pale, almost white skin, was extremely noticable, but what laid on his body was what caught my eye. Red and blue swirls of body paint was on his arms and on his back, seeing as how he was laying on his stomach. His eyes were painted red while it looked like he had blue lipstick, but despite that, his body was also painted in his purple blood. He was cut up in places where limbs were slightly scattered, and I knew that Kurama had won this match. It was nice to know that I didn't kill us all thanks to my horrible mistake of fighting Hisoka.


However, the look that passed on the man's face concerned me, and my eyes narrowed slowly. But a tired feeling washed over me, my body still exhausted from...whatever the hell happened to me before. All I remember is having an nervous breakdown and then passing out. How long have I been out? What happened after I passed out? What happened to Hisoka? Questions formed in my head, but all that did was make me even more tired. I shook my head lightly, I've had an nervous breakdown before, I needed to move or I wouldn't for a few days. Pushing myself up, my hand pressed against the wall behind me to keep my balance. My feet stood firm, but I kept my hand on the wall, just encase they decided to give out on me. Knowing my luck, that would ultimately happen, but I sucked it up.


{Sit down, Onna}


My body stiffened and my eyes widened at the unexpected voice. However, when I recognized the annoyance that laced those three words, I settled down. I almost forgot that Hiei was a telepath, it's been a while since he last spoke to me in my head. Almost gave me a heart attack, and thanks to my break down that was not something I needed right now. But my body still didn't relax fully, I didn't like the thought of voices in my head at the moment, thank you.


*Hiei?* I found myself asking, my mind's voice quiet, even to my 'ears'.


{Who else can talk to you telepathically?} Hiei asked, and I could picture him rolling his eyes at me. I stole a glance at him from my spot against the wall, only seeing some of his side, but I could clearly see the blank look on his face.


My body finally relaxed, his voice strangely calming, even though it was mean. *I wanted to make sure, I'm still edgy from whatever the hell happened to me.* I mumbled inwardly, resisting a sudden shake. *By the way, did you...did you see a woman with long black hair suddenly appear in the ring when I was fighting?* I asked, fearing for my sanity once again.


{No I did not-.}


My eyes widened. *So, I really went insane?!* I cut him off, cold fear covering my body.


Hiei suppressed the urge to walk into the force field and just stay there until he either died or passed out. {Don't interrupt me Onna, I didn't see a woman because you were in a Genjutsu.} He said with a sigh in his mind's voice.


I bit my lip, still nervous. *What's a Genjutsu?* I asked, raising an eyebrow, although he couldn't see. But by the confusion in my...voice, it was pretty obvious.


Hiei's eyes narrowed at the spot where Hisoka once stood, remembering my emotionless eyes, and my dazed expression. Then he remembered the tears and my screams, he had to admit that it was an effective technique when used right. {A technique that Hisoka used on you, it caused you to see fake images.} He explained.


*So...* I trailed off slightly. *I never went insane and I'm not going to, right?* I asked, the thought of me going insane scared the shit out of me, partly because I actually thought I did.


If I had been standing in front of him, or if he was free from the barrier, he would have glared at me. Taking a silent deep breath, an irk mark began to pulse. {Yes Onna, you never went insane, but I might.} He growled annoyed, a dark look covering his face.


I let out a sigh, frowning slightly. *I'm sorry, I just thought I really did when I saw what Hisoka made me see.* My mind's voice mumbled, a shiver going up and down my spine at the memories.


{What did you see?} Hiei asked after a long silence.


I would have risen an eyebrow at his sudden curiosity, but the fear of remembering what I saw reared it's ugly head once again. *I...I really don't want to talk about it.* I thought, pushing some hair behind my ear.


Despite himself, Hiei became suddenly interested. {Why?}


My eyes narrowed slightly, frustration growing, why the hell does Hiei have to be interested in the things I don't want to talk about? Although, it does seem fitting. *Because I don't want to talk about it.*


{You are such a child, Onna.} Hiei said with a sigh of annoyance in his voice.


Anger flared through my veins and I glared heatedly in Hiei's direction. *Well how the fuck am I suppose to act Hiei?* I snapped with a growl.


{I won't know because you won't tell me, baka.} Hiei snapped back, although a bit calmer.


*Fine!* My mind's voice hissed. *I saw my two dead fucking parents Hiei, at first they were just like I remembered them to be, nice, loving and happy! But then they were dead, their throats slashed and torn like Kane left them, except they could still talk! They told me that I was also to blame for their deaths, for not stopping Kane! And I could only watch as their blood dripped on me as they tore off my fucking skin! Are you happy now?!* I shouted heatedly, tears of anger and sadness pricking my eyes as I glared.


{So that's why you screamed.} Hiei stated in a murmur, although mostly to himself.


*Yeah that's why I- wait, what?* My anger gone for the moment, and I stared on confused. *You heard me scream? What else did I do?* I asked, hoping that they didn't see me running around and talking to myself like a crazy person.


{Nothing besides standing still, crying and screaming before falling unconscious.} Hiei said bluntly.


I let out a silent sigh of relief, but sweat dropped. *Well that must have been fun to watch.* I mumbled sarcastically under my mind's breath.


{Oh yes, your ear piercing screams were very pleasant.} Hiei said sarcastically, rolling his eyes.


I smiled, laughing softly. *Shut up, asshole.* However, something wasn't right, remembering Hisoka I looked over at Team Masho. *Where is Hisoka anyway, I want to punch the fucking bastard in the balls and make him piss blood for what he did.* I said, my eyes narrowing into a glare.


{He's dead.}


*Oh, well thats coo- what?!* I almost shouted in my actual voice, my eyes wide.


{After you fell unconscious, he was killed by the man with the red diamond on his mask. } Hiei said uncaringly, not that I blamed him, but that really put a damper on my hopes of neutering Hisoka.


I pouted slightly at that. *Dammit, I wanted to kill the bastard.* I whined.


{Just be happy that he is dead, Onna.} Hiei rolled his eyes.


*Yeah, yeah, yeah.* Pushing myself off the wall, I tested out my legs, they still felt weak but I could stand. Stupid nervous breakdowns, they always make me feel weak, fucking Kane can burn in hell-. My eyes widened and my body stiffened, but it wasn't out of fear this time. It was out of rage and hate. *Hiei, is Kane still here, up near the Tournament Committee window?* I asked, my mind's voice monotonous.


{Yes.} Hiei answered after a few moments of silence.


*Good.*


Hiei's eyes narrowed in confusion, but only slightly. {Why?} He asked.


I clenched my fists tightly, but Hiei's voice calmed me once again. *You'll see.* I thought, a different feeling welling up inside of me, almost surprising me. This usually goes the opposite for me, strange...


Turning towards the Tournament Committee's window, I saw the familiar black haired hybrid youkai, his murky eyes peering down at me intensely. However, instead of me shaking and staring in horror, I felt anger and the most intense urge to be a sarcastic smart ass. Maybe seeing my parents again, and see what Kane did to them, finally gave me that hate that I lacked earlier. I think I need to give Hisoka some gratitude for what he made me see... Ok, maybe not, that only makes me want to kick his corpse in the balls, but you get what I mean. A smirk suddenly lit my lips, and I brought my my hand, flipping him off.


“Suck on that Kane, you fucking bastard!” I shouted loudly, my voice still weak but it held confidence, and I was smirking widely, it only widening at the narrowed look that came to Kane's eyes.


Everyone turned around, looking to see me up and smirking, something they didn't think I could pull off after my 'little' episode an hour before. They were sure I would still be passed out, or sitting emotionlessly against the wall, but I was neither. A few seconds passed as they just stared with slightly wide eyes at my form. However, Botan was the first one to recover from the surprise and smiled happily at me, but stayed on the grass next to Kuwabara.


“You tell him, Kira!” She pumped her fist in the air, however her smile dropped and she looked confused, turning to Kuwabara. “Whose Kane?” She asked, confusion in her usually bubbly voice.


“I have no idea.” Kuwabara said, wincing slightly.


Yusuke looked up into the crowd, seeing the man with black hair and red eyes. He didn't understand why, but that man reminded him of someone, but not sure who. Shaking his head to get rid of those thoughts and looked back at my barely standing, but confident form still flipping the man off. “That guy must have really pissed you off bad, huh?” He asked, smirking slightly as he raised an eyebrow.


I looked over my shoulder for a second, and still held my smirk. “Oh you have no idea, Yusuke.” I said, lowering my hand to my side once again. “When I'm done with him he's going to be pissing blood out of a tube.” My evil smirk only getting bigger.


“Damn,” Yusuke winced. “That was a bad mental picture.” He mumbled looking back to the ring.


I laughed slightly at Yusuke's pain filled and scared thoughts, but kept my smirk on my HIS form for a moment longer before turning towards the Medical Tent, my smirk melting into a small smile. In Hiei's own little twisted way, he made me feel a whole lot better. ...Believe me I don't know how any of that made me feel better, but it did, maybe I'm just as twisted as him. Deciding to leave that thought for another day, I quickly looked away before walking over towards the three that sat, laid and stood on the grass in front of me.


Passing the Medical Tent, I thought. *Thanks for being an asshole, Hiei, I needed it.* I had a small smile on my lips, but I quickly got rid of it.


{Don't thank me, Onna, I didn't do it to make you feel better.} Hiei said annoyed.


Getting an irk mark on my temple once again, I shot a glare at the Medical Tent behind me. *You are such a bastard, you know that? I was saying thank you for fucks sake, remind me to never do that again! When you get out of there, I'm so going to punch you in the face!* I snapped, crossing my arms, although casually.


{Oh, like you said you would win your match?} Hiei retorted easily.


My right eye twitched. *Jack ass!*


{Baka Onna.}


Cutting off my conversation with the arrogant fire youkai, I stopped walking and stood in between Botan -who still had Kuwabara's head on her lap- and Yusuke, very colorful words and very violent thoughts swarming in my head. I swear when the bastard does come out of that Medical Tent, I will never let him live it down by being trapped so easily. That will teach the bastard for making fun of me, I at least had a good reason for losing my match! What's his excuse? His arm hurt, pff the jerk can get over that the little pansy! ...Still, he did make me feel better, I guess I won't be too hard on him. I'll just smack him upside the head a little and kick him in the back of the knee... What? That's being nice, geez!


“Kira I'm so happy you're okay, we thought you were going to go insane because of Hisoka.” Botan said with a relieved smile, looking up at me from her spot on the ground.


I pushed my annoyed thoughts of Hiei to the back of my mind and looked down at the blue haired ferry girl with a cute smile. “Aw Botan, I wouldn't have gone insane. I thought you would have got it by now, I'm already insane!” I said happily, making Botan and Kuwabara sweat drop.


“Yep, it's nice to have the old Kira back.” Botan said with a blank look on her face.


I stuck my tongue out at her before standing next to Yusuke. I pouted slightly, but stopped when I felt someone mess up my hair, and I let out a squeak of surprise before smacking Yusuke's hand away. “We missed you Squirt, it was unnaturally quiet without your comments. Although I could have done without the last one, thanks for that.” He said sarcastically with a slight flinch, and I smirked.


“Oh get over it, it's not like I'll to do that to you.” However, I narrowed my eyes slightly, remembering what happened in my match. I lost. “Hey Yusuke, sorry about costing us a match.” I said, biting my lip slightly out of nervousness.


Yusuke shrugged slightly. “It's fine, Kurama just won us one, now we're tied.” He said nonchalantly, making me sweat drop at him. I wonder how he would have acted if Kurama lost?


Shaking my head slightly with a small smile, but it dropped when I looked at the ghost white apparition that laid on the ground in front of Kurama in the ring. “So what happened, it looks like Kurama didn't have an easy time fighting that freak.” My eyes were narrowed on all the markings that were on his wrists and ankles.


“That Gama guy bound Kurama's arms and legs so he couldn't move, but Kurama sliced him up with his Rose Whip. It's all good now.” Yusuke said, a smirk on his lips as he looked at the alien apparition, or Gama. I looked as well, but I suddenly got a bad feeling from that apparition. He had a smirk on his face, it was weak, but it was still there. And my paranoid thoughts were only proved when I heard Gama's sinister voice speak, although barely.


“The death is yours...”


Kurama narrowed his eyes at Gama. “What?”


“You never asked me what gave my makeup it's power, what made it different from the makeup of those other ningen fools. The difference is the main ingredient, Kurama, it's made of my blood.” Gama was smirking wickedly, and all of our eyes widened. I knew it! “I have given you the Makeup of the Seal, it's what I should have done from the start. I've sealed your Spirit Energy, your entire power trapped inside your body, a secured victory for my Shinobi set. And so I die, knowing it is not in vain.” He said as his eyes dulled and his head hit the ring, his last breath already gone.


“Oh, it's all good now, huh?” I asked sarcastically, an irk mark on my temple as I looked at Yusuke.


Yusuke got an irk mark and hit me over the head. “Well excuse me for not knowing that he could do that with his blood!” He snapped with an anime mad face, and I just rubbed my head glaring at him with a similar expression.


“Will the fighters please approach the ring?” Koto suddenly asked now that Gama was out of the ring.


However, Koto didn't need to ask that question because one of hooded men appeared in the ring before she even formed the words in her mouth. He had a white cross on the front of his hood, and seeing the man made me narrow my eyes at him. It was the same one who had spoken to Bakken before my fight, he sounded mature and wise, and with a good combination when our person was still in the ring and can't move. Thanks to the Committee's 'great' rules, if one of our fighters don't leave the ring by their own will, they still have to fight. So that meant we couldn't go up there and take him down, or we would get disqualified. Well today just sucks complete and total ass. First I get kidnapped, I have to met Ichigaki, my fucking brother threatens me and strangles me, I get a 'nice' Genjutsu forced on me making me think that I'm insane, and now Kurama has to fight someone who won't care if he can't move or use his Spirit Energy. And now that I mentioned the strangling part, my throat still fucking hurts like a bitch. I bet I have slowly forming bruises. Great.


Suddenly my thoughts were interrupted when the man in the ring discarded his cloak and hood, letting us see who was behind it. To my surprise a young boy with slicked-back blue hair and three green stands jutting downwards on the left side of his face. He had blue eyes that were a lot lighter than Jin's, and they looked just like ice. He wore a long-sleeve fishnet undershirt and over it a dark blue shirt with lighter blue pants. The young boy also wore a one-shouldered white tunic with a lavender gem on the shoulder over the blue shirt, and his purple belt he had was decorated with a lavender gem too. He was good looking as well, but even he and Jin weren't as good looking as Hiei. ...I really hope he didn't hear me think that, I really hope he didn't.


“You fought bravely Gama, I assure you that your death will be honored.” The boy said as he looked at Gama's body as it laid in pieces on the grass. The boy's ice colored gaze then turned to Kurama. “Kurama will pay.” The way he said it was as if he were making a promise. Not good.



I gulped at that and looked at Kurama. “Don't worry Kurama, you'll beat him, I have faith in you! Kick his ass, but don't kill him, he has awesome eyes!” I shouted with my hands cupped over my mouth.


Silence was in the air and everyone sweat dropped at me, even the mature looking boy did as well. I looked at everyone, blinking my eyes innocently before I realized what I just said. A blush of embarrassment went over my cheeks and I put on a glare. “What?! It's true god dammit, stop looking at me like I'm an idiot!” I shouted with an irk mark, and they did just that.


“Maybe because you are, Onna.” Hiei called with a smirk.


I turned around and pointed at him as an anime mad face appeared. “Don't even start with me Hiei, I'm not the one whose stuck in a barrier and can't fight!” Hiei gave me a dark look, the smirk wiping off his face in an instant. “Yeah, didn't like that now did ya, you ass!” I shouted with a victorious smile.


Yusuke let out a laugh. “Yep, it's nice to have you back, Kira.” He said, messing up my hair once again.


I shot him a look, but I quickly remembered that I disrupted the plot. Shit I hate when I do that, and this was such a serious moment too. “Sorry guys, go back to being serious again, I'll shut up.” I called, smiling nervously.



Kurama and the boy quickly did just that, and the boy walked towards the stage, keeping his icy blue gaze on Kurama's. Kurama was staring intently as well, but there was a very small amount of fear that were in his jade-hued eyes. Without his Spirit Energy or his arms and legs, it would be very hard to win this fight, not to mention impossible. But I did mean that I believed in Kurama, so I wasn't going to count him out yet. But I still worried for his safety, he was my friend after all. So I stood a few inches from the ring, a frown on my lips as I watched the match about to begin.


“All right people, times up, by the rules I must consider those now in the ring as the next opponents. That means it's Kurama vs Toya.” Koto announced, and I gulped, almost time now.


“Prepare yourself, I'll make this quick.” Toya said emotionlessly.


Yusuke clenched his hands into tight fists, his eyes narrowing at the fighters that stood in the ring. “Dammit, this is wrong.” He said through clenched teeth, standing rigid.


Kuwabara sat up, his eye closed in pain as the ribs in his torso screamed for him to lay down once again. But the glare that was in his eye showed us that he was determined to get up. “How can they make him fight?” He winced and he lowered again, his face filled with pain and anger. “Darn it, if I were stronger I could help out, I'm letting down my team and now he's going to die!” He grunted with a growl.


“Try to relax Kuwabara, you can get them back when you're healed.” Botan said, holding him back down.


I bit my lip, watching as Kurama stood motionless in the ring. It was another stare off that went on like every single fucking battle that we enter. But this one was filled with a lot of tension, probably just like Hiei's was when he was fighting Seiryu back in Maze Castle. Which is rather appropriate now that I think about it, seeing as how Toya is well known as the Master of Ice. Unlike a certain 'dragon' that we faced months before, but Toya's Energy proves that he lives up to his name, he is going to be hard to fight, even for Kurama. Now that he was bound, that only made it harder. Great, I'm starting to make myself worry again, dammit be funny!


“It's hopeless.” I suddenly heard Hiei say, although he wasn't saying it to everyone.


“Kurama still has one weapon he can use.” The Masked Fighter glanced at the fire youkai next to her, and he turned to her. “Time. The first curse should wear off soon, and Kurama will be able to move if he can stall Toya long enough. Perhaps he can regain his Energy, too.” She said.


Hiei turned away back to the ring with his eyes narrowed slightly. “That's nice, but I'd rather stay realistic.” He said a bit coldly, and seriously, thus causing me to roll my eyes at him.


“You are just a joy, Hiei.” I mumbled, and I knew he could hear me.


Turning back to the ring, I stared at the fighters intently, ignoring the heated gaze that was on the back of my head. “Please, answer me one thing first.” Toya just stared at Kurama silently, but he was listening. “Why? The Shinobi have always dealt with their affairs in secret, why expose yourselves now?” He asked, hoping that Toya would have a very lengthy explanation like most bad guys do. Although Toya doesn't seem like...


Toya closed his eyes, and a long three seconds passed before he answered, icy blue eyes on the kitsune in front of him. “For light.” He answered shortly.


Kurama blinked, slightly confused. “Explain.”


“It's simple, even the strongest tree will die if left in the dark. I find that to be the best way to describe us, a giant oak crashing through a dark soil, bringing order to an otherwise chaotic land. The Shinobi have done their job for centuries, and done it well. But in recent years, we have caught glimpses of the outside world and asked. 'Why not us? Have we not earned the privilege other take for free?' We are entering a new era, and we will begin with a land of our own. This island. It has already been arranged, if we win this tournament, Hanging Neck Island will be our prize. And once this blinding light pours over us all like branches, we will cover the world.” Toya explained, his gaze serious, his smirk off his lips.


Hiei scoffed. “The ninjas are revolting.”


“The Shinobi have survived for centuries by each master passing their knowledge to one apprentice before he dies. The previous masters must have made poor selections, these fighters don't know their place.” The Masked Fighter said, her eyes narrowed.


Hiei let out a humorless chuckle before leaning on forward, his gaze now in a glare. “I don't give a damn about their internal disputes, the only important thing is how strong they are. I've fought my share of Ice Warriors, Seiryu the Blue Dragon fell to my sword quickly enough, but he was no master. He was a fool who thought he could get by with half of his lessons. But if there is any true Ice Master, anyone who completed the full training that his master intended, that knows the art of ice, it is Toya.” Hiei said, looking at the two fighters with intensity.


“Let's cease with the conversation, I know you are simply trying buy time for that seal to wear off.” Toya smirked, a knowing look in his eyes. I told you all that the boy sounded mature and wise, this only proves what I was saying earlier. Yay.


Kurama let out a small smirk, although I wasn't sure if it was forced or not. “I will admit, you've caught me with my hands red.” He said, a bit of a chuckle in his voice.


“You boys are having way to much fun ok, begin!” Koto said letting her arm down, staring the match.


“Gama made the mistake of giving you too much time for you to think, not me.” Toya said firmly, his smirk wiping off his face as his Spirit Energy suddenly rose. Under his feet was a small circle of ice, wind rapidly spinning around him as the circle grew wider, and I could feel the coldness wash over my skin. I hate the cold, and I'm wearing capris and a thick strapped tank-top, dammit me look what I do!


“What's that?” Koto mumbled before the circle went under and passed her. “Ah! Cold, cold, cold!” She shouted shivering, and I couldn't blame her, because I was now rubbing my arms. “Toya is generating his power to wave a freeze and this girl is really wishing she had worn stellated tights!” She said as a huge light blue light covered the ring and shot into the air.


“Whoa, it's cold!” Yusuke said, a shiver in his voice.


I shivered uncontrollably, my teeth chattering slightly. “I h-hate th-the c-cold! I wa-want it w-warm again!” I shouted, an irk mark on my temple, why couldn't Toya have been a fire youkai like Hiei?


“Your own climate control, that's very impressive.” Kurama said with a bit of a smirk.



“In addition to improving my attacks, it will serve as a barrier, giving you fewer options for escape.” Toya held up his hands, orbs of green light in his palm, and I narrowed my eyes at them. Little white lights dancing around the orbs, almost like they were pulsing. “Even with your Energy sealed, I admit I'm somewhat hesitant to get near you, what with your little Rose Whip maneuver.” Holding up one hand, the green light disappeared. What laid in his palm, or above it, were little orbs of white light. “You understand, I'd rather kill long distance” He said, blowing on the white orbs, all of them suddenly turning into shards of ice.


“Shards of Winter!”


Kurama's eyes widened as the shards of ice flew at him at high speeds. He somehow jumped out of the way, but, winced when the blue and black markings on his clothes glowed red. I was relieved and worried at the same time. Kurama could now move, but his Spirit Energy was still locked away. He won't be able to do much, he can't get close enough to Toya to even try to punch him, especially with those attacks. Right now, Kurama has no other options but to run I guess. I bit my lip as I got over my sudden freezing spell, and watched as I stood rigidly once again.


“It seems Kurama can finally move his arms and legs again, but it may not be in time to dodge this assault!” Koto announced, inside the barrier as well.


Koto was right, Kurama was still in the air after his jump, and was being pelted with the shards. Blood flew and splattered the ground from his new wounds, and I glared, even if Toya had awesome eyes I still didn't like it when my friends were getting hurt! I, however, calmed down slightly when Kurama landed on the ground, quickly darting to his right. At least he was all right, that's all that matters anyway, let's just hope he can stay like that through the whole fight or I'm going to be so pissed off!


“Nice try.” Toya smirked, following after Kurama with equal speed. Their footsteps fell in sync with the others, as they were directly in front of each other. “You better think of something quickly Kurama, you can't dodge these forever.” He warned, another green orb glowing before he blew the shards at Kurama again.


Kurama's eyes narrowed at the ice shards and front flipped quickly, his body almost going in a blur had I not trained with Hiei a month prior to this hell they call a Tournament. My eyes darted as I watched Kurama dodge more and more ice shards, although it was growing increasingly harder. Toya was able to produce more of the ice, and Kurama had minimum places to run to seeing as how he was now stuck in the damn barrier Toya made. Every time he would dodge, more just came at him, and I was ready to have a fucking heart attack with all of the close calls that came with this match. I kept flinching, then sighing, then flinching, it kept repeating until Yusuke smacked me over the head, saying that I was stressing him out by my constant moving. So I just stood still, bitting my lip to the point that I think I was gnawing my lips raw. Ouch.


“Despite awesome acrobatics, Kurama can't avoid these razor sharp blades of ice!” Koto announced.


Another orb in his right hand, and shards of ice in his left, Toya narrowed his eyes at the red haired kitsune. “Surrender!” He shouted, blowing on the ice shards once again, all of them hitting Kurama's arms and legs as he jumped in the air, making him fall on his back with a loud crash, staying motionless.


“And Kurama hits the deck!” Koto shouted.


“Kurama!” I shouted worriedly.


Yusuke stepped forward, eyes narrowing in worry, making me look away from Kurama's form for a second before I looked back. “Just stay down! I'll handle it from here!” He shouted at his friend, his fist clenched tightly out of anger and concern.


“It's not right!” Kuwabara shouted.


“This might be his time to lose.” Botan said seriously, her eyes narrowed in worry as well.


Toya let out a smirk, a satisfied 'hmph' in his voice as he looked at Kurama's motionless and pain filled form on the ground. I was so close to just saying 'fuck it' to the Tournament and Toguro and Kane's screwed up threats and help Kurama. I could tell that Yusuke was about to do the same, this was terrible to watch. The poor guy couldn't defend himself at all against these attacks! The cheers in the crowds were not helping at all, it was only infuriating me to no end. Dammit all, why the hell did Gama have to have freaky ass blood that could be used as a fucking seal? That is just unfair!


Despite my anger, I let out a sigh of relief when I suddenly saw Kurama move. He was slowly getting up, flinching slightly at the wounds that now littered his arms and legs, but he got to his feet before Koto could start to count. He, however, was breathing heavily, sweat rolling down his temple as he held a wound in his side. That made me concerned, and the relieved feeling I had was instantly dashed and I grew worried all over again.


“That hit was not enough to beat you, I know that you stayed down intentionally with yet another attempt to buy time. I don't suggest you trying it again” Toya said warningly, but a smirk was precent on his face, that was not a good thing to see.


Kurama gritted his teeth as he glared at Toya, is piercing jade-hued eyes becoming frustrated. He clenched his fist that was once holding his side. I didn't like this at all, Kurama was having trouble, and he was suppose to be one of the most experienced fighters on our team, along with Hiei and the Masked Fighter because lets face it the woman is smart. Anyway, he was having trouble and it was bad. I stopped my frantic thoughts when I saw Kurama's eyes widen a fraction in realization as he looked down at his blood covered hand. I narrowed my eyes in confusion, but didn't do anything else, I didn't want to act relieved and let Toya see it. That would make him more cautious around Kurama than he already is, and whatever Kurama's planning has to be very difficult to execute, giving the situation.


Kurama suddenly took off running to his left, and Toya followed with another green orb in his palm. As Kurama ran, I couldn't help but notice that he opened his shirt, letting us see his well built torso which had markings on it as well. I had to suppress a blush, geez are all these guys built, no wonder there are a lot of girls that watch these things, they always take off their shirts. ...Not that I mind though. What? I'm a girl lay off me ok, I bet you guys would get nose bleeds if you saw these guys take off their shirts in front of you all the time! (*Coughs awkwardly*) Despite that, I watched as Kurama smeared his blood all over his chest, the purple blood of Gama coming off as well. Toya saw what he was doing, and smirk as he stopped along with Kurama. ...I love this Tournament. ...I said nothing!


'Now, now, don't underestimate Gama's abilities. It'll take a lot more than smearing to get rid of that seal.” Toya said calmly, smirking still as he watched Kurama take the rose out of his hair once again.


“Rose Whip!” Kurama shouted, ignoring Toya's words.


A look of pain suddenly crossed his face as he gritted his teeth once again. He let out a shout of pain as he lowered the rose once again, before he let out another shout before falling to his knees. My eyes widened, I think this was the first time I ever heard Kurama shout, it was horrible. I believe the others thought as well as we watched our friend wither in pain in front of us as he was on his knees. Tears of anger and worry were in my eyes, but they weren't going to fall, Kurama wasn't dead, he was still going to win this. I know he was, I have a lot of faith in him, he wouldn't leave us without having no other choice!


“I see, you've noticed inklings of Energy inside your blood. Only one problem, to release enough to beat me, you'd have to bleed yourself dry!” Toya smirked as he made another orb, ignoring the glare that Kurama sent at him. “Gama's seal won't wear off any time soon, admit it Kurama, I'm holding the end of your life in my hands.” He said, blowing on the ice shards once again.


A stream of ice sailed through the air and into the kitsune's skin, new blood flying out from the wounds and littering the floor with the sticky crimson liquid. Having jumped in the air before that, Kurama landed on his feet, only to fall and let out another shout of pain. He landed on his stomach, his eyes closed as he clenched his teeth in pain. My hands were clenched tightly, I hated just watching this, I wanted to go in there and help him! Fuck the Tournament, the Committee, Toguro, Kane and everyone who enjoys this fucking messed up shit! They can all go and burn in hell or limbo for 10,000 years before they go insane and cease to exist!


“I sure know that facial expression, pure, lovely, excruciating agony. And yet he is till trying to get up, he's determined to take some more!” Koto shouted with a smile, yep, burning in hell soon awaited her.


Kurama got up from his knees, stumbling slightly as he did, his arms almost looked like they were hanging limply by his sides. He was getting warn out and fast, he needed to find a way to win this before he really died. His breath was bated and more sweat trickled down his temple, but his eyes were narrowed and determined. He wasn't going to give up, and even though he was bloody and tired, I let out a relieved sigh, at least he was still breathing.


“He's back on his feet, the fight continues!” Koto announced once again.


Toya stared at Kurama, his smirk falling from his lips as he looked at him confused. However, he gasped and sweat began to form on his skin as well, his eyes narrowing. “You really are dangerous aren't you? I haven't been making direct hits, you've been blocking your vital points with your own body. You must be very old, experienced, perhaps as I am.” He said, cautious once again, although I was a bit confused about the old part, he didn't look old in the sense that he was talking about. Hmm...


“More alike than you know, now tell me. This new life on the outside, what do you truly plan to do with it?” Kurama asked, his voice breathless, but still strong. He was Kurama after all, shards of ice can't keep him down! ...Sorry.


Toya stared at him for a long moment. “The world will know, just as soon as we get there.” He said shortly.


“Don't assume.” Kurama warned seriously, eyes narrowed.


Toya just stared on blankly, or he would have had he not looked surprised after that. As if he couldn’t believe that Kurama still thought he could win this match. Getting into a new fighting stance, Toya held out his right hand, it flashing with white Spirit Energy as green lightning sparked around it. Ice began to grow up his wrist and a good few inches past his hand, it forming into a sword with a very sharp point on the end. Seeing as how those shards could do a lot of damage, I was sure this would be a lot worse and would probably give Kurama a much harder time. Although that was pretty obvious...


Toya narrowed his eyes on Kurama once again. “I can't allow this to continue!” He shouted seriously.


“Wow people! Toya's created a sword out of ice, it's the barbaric finish we've been waiting for!” Koto shouted happily, a smile on her lips as she raised the microphone to her mouth.


Yusuke stepped forward. “Kurama.” He said, worry lacing his words.


I bit my lip harder, blood actually falling down my lip in a thin line. “Shit this is bad, he still has that fucking curse on him.” I mumbled, my hands wringing themselves nervously. “Please be okay, Kurama.” I said worriedly, I didn't need anyone dieing on me now, not after all we've been through while on this team.


I heard a small gasp of pain, and I looked over my shoulder. Hiei was so close to the barrier, looking at his hand angrily. From where he was before, he was sitting on the table farther into the tent. He really does care about us, I knew he did, he just likes to be an asshole and cover it up. Letting out a small smile, I turned back to Kurama and the smile dropped at what I saw.


Toya let out a shout as he suddenly ran at Kurama, his blade in position. Thrusting it at Kurama's side, Kurama quickly side stepped, and Toya caught himself, turning on his heel quickly. Swiping his sword down as he jumped into the air, Toya actually cut some of Kurama's hair, and I swear I almost broke my hand. However, I watched the fight, watching as Kurama jumped away, almost getting hit once again as Toya slammed his blade into the ground where Kurama had been only a second before. Landing on his had, Kurama flipped himself and landed on his left knee, staring at Toya with a narrowed and cold gaze.


“Ooh, that head just nearly flew off!” Koto shouted, and cheers grew.


Toya let out a small laugh, although humorless. “A rather lucky move my friend, let's see how long you can keep that up!” He shouted, running towards Kurama quickly.


Swipe after swipe came so close to just hitting and slicing Kurama's head off. Kurama kept stepping back, moving his head quickly out of the way, his eyes set in concentration and I was not going to open my mouth and say anything that could distract him. I was already nervous about him almost dieing on me, I didn't want to think about it actually happening.


“Tell Fox Girl you give up, I swear I'll take it from here!” Yusuke shouted, clenching his fist in front of him as he narrowed his eyes at the red haired boy.


Kuwabara and Botan watched with worried looks on their faces as they watched Kurama from the grass. “Urameshi knows he can't beat four guys in a row, if Kurama loses we're dead meat.” Kuwabara said seriously, his eyes wide.


Botan suddenly let out a gasp before she turned away. “Just tell me when it's over.” She said, scared.


I looked down, my shoulders shaking from anger. “Dammit, this is all my fucking fault. If I hadn't been so stupid we wouldn’t have lost the first round and Kurama wouldn't have to win so badly!” I growled angrily, punching the ring angrily, not even flinching as blood game down from the broken skin.


Another shout from Toya made my head snap up and I watched with wide and fear filled eyes as Kurama continued to dodge. But they only widened when Kurama suddenly stopped, and blood flew across the air, a deep gash now in Kurama's left arm. Blood flowed freely from the wound and pain filled Kurama's as he flew across the ring, letting out another shout of pain as he landed on the ground once again, sliding a good few inches. Shouts and cheers echoed around the stadium from the youkai that was in the crowd, and I resisted the urge of letting out one of my other mastered attacks, something that could almost -and I really mean ALMOST- rival the Dragon of the Darkness Flame, just without burning my arm til I can't use it...


“What the hell's wrong with you Kurama?! Don't get up, let me take him!” Yusuke shouted, seeing Kurama now facing us through the blue barrier. “Are you trying to get yourself killed?!” He asked angrily as he watched the kitsune struggle to get to his knees.


“I'm so sorry Kurama.” I said softly, my eye watering slightly as I looked at him.


But almost in unison, Yusuke and I gasped when we saw that look that passed over Kurama's face. His eyes were narrowed seriously, and he looked so determined. His teeth were clenched and I swear that if we were to take him out of this fight, he would be so very pissed. He was not going to give up on this fight, that much was true, his expression said it all, there was no need to even make him speak. My eyes were wide, I've never seen Kurama like this before.


“Strange, almost as if Kurama is taking this fight...personally.” Hiei said, eyes narrowing on Kurama's form.


Blood dripped onto the ground as it flowed continuously down Kurama's arm as he stood on his feet. The glare was gone as he eyes softened on Yusuke and I, and he gave us both small smile as well. “Let me do what I must, you two.” He said, and after a moment, Yusuke and I nodded, smirking -and smiling-.


Kurama turned back to Toya, who was smirking confidently. “I'm going to end your life in one blow, prepare yourself.” Toya said, his smirk growing.


Kurama glared at him, his body shaking in slightly pain, only to shout out in pain as he gripped his arm in pain eyes closed. I narrowed my eyes slightly as I saw Kurama open one eye, moving his hand towards the gash, his fingers moving fast and almost unnoticeable. He was doing something, but I didn't know what, however I kept that too myself. I watched as Kurama turned to Toya once again, his fingers now motionless.


“It seems that I've gotten to know you quite well in such a short fight, and I rather like you. Lets not have this slain ruin our friendship.” Toya said with a smirk, holding his sword upwards, the tip shining dangerously.


“My thoughts exactly.” Kurama said with a small smile.


Kurama then darted to his left once again, and Toya followed him with an amused gaze. “Now you shouldn't have run, I can't guarantee a painless kill that way.” Running after Kurama like he had previously done before, Toya jumped into the air, aiming his sword at the kitsune, his smirk gone. “Kurama! Farewell!” He shouted, and I swear I thought he really meant what he said about liking Kurama, maybe if they weren't fighting they could have been friends, they both were very intelligent and great fighters...


Kurama looked up at Toya, his gaze full of concentration and unmovable focus. He raised his left arm as Toya plunged the sword at his head, and in a blink of an eye I saw vines fly out from Kurama's hands. Then, everything happened so fast that none of us could believe what we had seen. All of us let out surprised gasp, even Hiei. Our eyes were wide -except Hiei and the Masked Fighter's- as we looked at the two fighters in the ring. Our mouths were open in slight shock, and I swear I was about to have a fucking heart attack in that one moment. Seeing the blood that flew through the air really, really scared the shit out of me when I didn't know whose it was.


Blood dripped from Toya's chest as the plant stuck out of his back as he grunted in pain. His sword stopped by the vines, so close to Kurama's face. “But how? Your Energy is locked inside of you, how could you manipulate your Death Plant?” Pain was in his voice, as it was in his face, but that was quickly over shadowed by shock. The Death Plant was growing outside of Kurama's gaze, my eyes widened, that's what he did! “Insane, you actually sowed the Death Plant Seed into your own body.” He said with a gasp of surprise.


“It was my only option, my power is locked inside. By inserting the seed into my open wound, the plant could enter my blood stream and take root in my imprisoned Energy.” Kurama explained, taking the vines out of Toya's body, his voice filled with pain.


“You really are..something.” Toya said weakly, falling to the ground.


Silence fell around us as the shock wore off and smiles lit our faces, except Hiei's of course. “Unbelievable turn around, I'll take a ten count!” Koto said with a smile, running towards Toya and Kurama.


“Now it's my turn!” Yusuke said smirking, clenching his fist.


“He really did it” Kuwabara smiled.


Botan turned to him, smiling as well. “Like the saying, 'they can cut your skin as long as you break their bones.'” She said happily, Kuwabara smiling in return.


I let my hand fall over my 'beating' heart, sighing in relief. “Thank god he's ok.” I mumbled.


However, I looked on nervously as I saw Toya struggle to get to his feet. He wasn't passed out like I thought, and I silently prayed he wouldn't get up. “1!..2!...3!...4!...5!..6!...7!...8!...9!” Toya was now on his knees, and if he could get at least one foot on the ground, he would still be in, however at the last moment, his strength gave way and he fell forward on his stomach once again. “...10! Kurama wins, please update the score board!” Koto announced, looking at the yellow screen.


“You have won the match, I admit, please kill me.” Toya begged, pain filing his voice, as well as desperation, why do people always fucking ask for death? It's fucking stupid...


Kurama closed his eyes, lowering his head, and I watched hoping that he wouldn't. Toya..didn't seem like a bad guy. “I will not.” I sighed in relief, while Toya gasped in shock. “You never answered, what do you plan to do with this island, if you get it?” Kurama asked.


“Who cares?!” Toya snapped with a narrowed gaze.


“I too have spent years in shadow, interesting how...unexpected regret...can appear. That's what this light does, I only wanted to know if...it could make your life better, nobler, then...mine has been.” Kurama said, his eyes closing as he his hand went limp, falling down to his side as his head lowered, and he stood motionless.


“Kurama!” Yusuke and I shouted, our eyes wide.


There was no sound around us, and I quickly grew scared. “No, he can't..” Yusuke mumbled beside me, scared as well, and I bit my already bleeding lip.


“Please let him be ok.” I said softly, eyes shining with tears.


Kuwabara stared on confused, his eyes on Kurama's still form in the ring. “Nobler, than Kurama?” He asked.


“What did he mean?” Botan asked, too.


Koto walked forward, peering at Kurama's face before putting her hear to his chest. Although I wasn't sure why she would check his pulse, our hearts don't beat like normal hearts do. But I watched with hope in my eyes. “Wait people, Kurama still has a faint heart beat, it appears he's slipped into unconsciousness while still on his feet.” She announced, and I sighed in relief, I've been doing that a lot...


“Ok, now we're getting somewhere! And hey Fox Girl, just so we're clear, the rest of the fights are all mine.” Yusuke said, his eyes narrowed as he looked at Koto, completely serious.


“Not so fast.”


The voice was deep, and very familiar to my ears, it was Bakken, the man from earlier. I looked as I saw a man, he had dark skinned with numerous scars on his upper body. He had black hair, sporting a crew-cut. As for clothes, he wore an olive green loin cloth with a red belt and a black, round gem in the middle. I could already tell that I want to beat the living shit out of him and cut out his heart and make him eat it as he pissed blood out of a tube that had to go in his-.


“What?!” Yusuke asked, glaring.


Bakken looked at Kurama, a cruel smirk on his lips. “You forgot something, he's standing in the ring. Yes, it looks to me like he's volunteering to fight again.” He said as he laughed sadistically, and my eyes widened.


“You fucking bastard!” I growled heatedly, glaring.


Yusuke clenched his fist, glaring angrily at Bakken as well. “Oh give me a break, Kurama's not even conscious anymore! I'm taking this fight!” He shouted, and he looked ready to jump into the ring.


“Uh...all right uh, Team Captain decides, Yusuke vs Bakken.” Koto said, pointing at Yusuke, making me smirk.


“Correction, the next fight will be Kurama vs Bakken.” The woman's voice said over the speakers, and my eyes widened in disbelief and anger. I looked up at the Committee window, a heated glare in my bright red eyes. Someone was going to fucking die.


“What?!” Kuwabara, Yusuke and I shouted.


“A fighter standing in the ring can not be removed against his will, as will can not be determined here, the fight remains.” The voice explain in monotone, and I'm so going to blow up that fucking committee in a second.


I clenched my fists tightly. “Oh fuck you, bitch!” I snapped angrily.


“Don't think about it Hiei.” Ruka suddenly said behind me, making me turn. Hiei was walking towards the barrier. “Unless of course you want to try another close encounter with my force field.” She said with a smirk in her voice, while Hiei only glared at her.


I glared at the back of Ruka's head before I looked back at the ring. Only to see him lift Koto off the ground, glaring at her in annoyance as she struggled and fussed in his grip. “Looks like you're not needed anymore Kitten.” He threw her out of the ring, and she landed with a hard thud. “Now that the ref is out of the picture, we can really have some fun.” He said, pulling his fist back.


The punch connected painfully on Kurama's cheek, sending the unconscious kitsune across the ring, sliding back slightly. I growled angrily, looking at Kurama's already bloody and almost broken body lay there on the ground motionless. He already had a faint heart beat, if this continues he'll really die! That thought did not sit well with me, Kurama is one of my best friends, I won't let him die. I just need to find a way to get him out of the ring alive, and I don't care if we forfeit the stupid fucking Tournament, his life means more than that!


“He's hitting someone whose completely defenseless!” Kuwabara shouted, glaring as he clenched his fist.


Botan glared as well. “Clearly not the 'honor code' type.” She said sarcastically.


I watched as Bakken walked towards Kurama, his arms crossed over his chest, a disgusted look on his face. But that turned into a smirk again as he stopped in front of him. “You look so peaceful with your little flowers.” He said, lifting his right leg, kicking Kurama hard in the gut and sent him rolling a good few inches. I let out a low growl, my body shaking with anger. I want him dead. Now!


“Kurama's definitely down, Bakken step away so I can start the count!” Koto ordered, glaring at him.


Bakken turned towards her. “You again?” He asked annoyed.


“I'm just going to do my job okay? 1!...” Koto began to count, throwing her hand up and down like she always did, her eyes on Kurama's form. “...2!...3!” She continued.


“You must think you're a comedian, nobody humiliates my set and gets to slip away with a ten count.” Bakken walked towards Kurama's body once again, his arms crossed over his chest like it had been before.


“...4!...5!...6!...7!...8!..9!..and 1-”


“Say ten!” Yusuke and I shouted at her, glaring.


Koto had stopped, seeing Bakken kneel down, picking Kurama up from the ground by his collar. Lifting the red haired kitsune up and holding him just inches above the ground, a sick smirk on his lips. “Oh look, he's on his feet again, I guess that means he wants more.” He said mockingly, pulling back his fist once again, this time slamming it into Kurama's gut.


“Stop the fight!” Yusuke shouted.


I glared angrily at Bakken, watching as Kurama's body lurched backwards at the power of that punch. “Just you wait Bakken, your ass is fucking dead!” I shouted, about to jump into the ring, my eyes only softening as I looked at Kurama's form. Dammit...


Ending it here! I hope you liked it, although I want Bakken fucking dead right now...
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