Yu Yu Hakusho Fan Fiction ❯ Right Here Waiting For You ❯ Chapter 24 ( Chapter 24 )

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

~Story Start~


The crowd was in an uproar of cheers, boos and threats, like most other times. Their loud voice grated on my ears, but I was too busy and worried about Kuwabara to really care. The ningen could hardly stand up without doubling over like Botan had said in the last chapter, and Risho looks like the type to play dirty. Kuwabara could easily get killed in this fight, and I don't think I could handle a death right now, especially with what I saw hours ago. And with Kane's presence, I think that would only make it worse. Kuwabara's my friend and I can't watch him get himself killed. Clenching my fists tightly at my sides once again, I looked on anxiously, my eyes glued to the red haired ningens back. Please be okay...


“All right, people let's not delay this inevitable slaughter fest any longer, please come center for the start!” Koto announced, bringing us back to the start of the fight for the sake of the plot. I hate when that happens, I really do. -__-;


Kuwabara and Risho were locked in a stare, glare against cocky gaze and frown against cocky smirk. They seemed to be in their own little world, and I knew that it was Kuwabara's turn to be locked in a stare down like the rest of us. Kuwabara didn't even show annoyance or anger towards the crowd that was cheering on Risho, suggesting ways to kill him, laughing at him, and many other things that I couldn't make out. I don't know how he could keep his cool, seeing as how I was almost about to blow up the whole crowd so we could finally get some damn quiet around here. However, I knew I couldn't do that, and I had to keep my Spirit Energy just incase any other surprises decided to bite us in the ass today. I say this because I have not had a good day at all.


I grimaced at the thought of everything that went wrong today. It all started with me getting kidnapped, then meeting Dr. Ichigaki, then getting choked by Kane -and I think I can feel the bruises beginning to form now...great-, then Hiei and the Masked Fighter being locked up by a whore, then going in a Genjutsu that made me see my dead parents, then losing a match for my team, then watching Kurama get mercilessly beaten while he was unconscious, then Yusuke being ineligible to fight for the rest of the round, then almost losing the entire round, and now I'm watching Kuwabara about to walk to his supposed death. Yep, a lot of shit has happened today, a lot.


“Think Yusuke,” Kurama spoke, his eyes narrowing, making me turn towards him and Yusuke. “There must be some way we can prevent this disaster.” He said, his tone coated with worry and pain.


Yusuke looked lost, and I frowned at him, seeing his narrowed eyes on Kuwabara. “I...I don't know.”


I swallowed thickly, watching Kuwabara stumble forward towards the center of the ring. *Don't you dare go back on what you said or I'll kill you myself, Kuwabara.* I thought, nervousness beginning to fill me as I watched his battered form go forward.


“Look at the that glow in his eyes, Kuwabara's really ready for more!” Koto watched Kuwabara hold his torso in pain with an oblivious smile. Leaning towards him as he stopped in front of her, she continued to smile. “It feels delightful, doesn't it?” Letting out a squeal, Koto backed up when Kuwabara leaned forward, falling to his knees, laying his face on the floor. Seeing the ningen wither in pain in front of her, she sweat dropped. “You don't...like it?” She asked slowly.


I rolled my eyes, glaring at the fox/cat girl. “Oh yes, he just loves the feeling of his broken bones cracking around painfully in his chest.” I spat annoyed, a growl beginning to form in my throat.


Ignoring me, Koto let out a sweat drop, forcing a smile. “Well, this is gonna be a short one.” She said.


“Yes.” Risho smirked widely, making all glaring eyes turn to him, but he just ignored them, smirking wider at Kuwabara's fallen form. “He's just a waste of time.” He said cockily, like he always did, I doubt the guy has any other tone in his voice. Fucking bastard.


My narrowed eyes snapped to Kuwabara, seeing him glare up at Risho as well. “You are!” He shouted with a mad face, suddenly getting to his feet once again, making everyone sweat drop.


“Nice come back there, Kuwabara.” I called with a blank look on my face.


Sending me a look, Kuwabara gave me a cocky smile that only made me sweat drop more. “Thanks Kira, I thought so, too!” He said, ignoring me as I face-palmed myself, and he turned back to Risho, his smirk widening further.


“I'm happy to accept your surrender, why don't you avoid embarrassment.” Risho said, his tone changing to that of annoyance now, but the smirk remained. Oh, so he CAN change his tone.


Kuwabara's eyes narrowed into a glare, his smirk now gone. “I don't get the spot light very often, and I ain't gonna mess this up!” He shouted angrily and determinedly, jabbing his thumb at himself as his glare worsened on Risho's form.


“You tell that fugly bastard, Kuwabara!” I shouted, cupping my hands over my mouth.


Hiei sent me a look. {Shut up, Onna, you're going to distract the Baka and make us lose with your constant shouting.} His annoyed voice echoing in my head.


I only stuck my tongue out at him, making the others -but him- stare at me.


“Now boys,” Koto stepped between the two, her smile now gone. “Enough with the witty banter, lets get on with this fight that decides the round and advancement to the Semi-Finals.” She said, glancing at the two in front of and behind her. I grimaced at the thought of it starting, but this was the only way now, although it didn't mean I had to like it. Which I don't.


Yusuke clenched his fist and teeth, letting out a growl of anger. “Come on! Just hold on, Kuwabara! Maybe we can beat up that stupid Committee or something!” He shouted, his eyes narrowed worriedly.


“I'll help you with that, Yusuke.” I said seriously, glaring up at the window that held the Committee Members, ignoring Kane's smirking form.


Backing up from the two fighters, Koto looked in between the two for a second. Hearing the shuffling of her feet, I looked back at the ring, my eyes never leaving their narrowed state. “Match 7!” The crowd went slightly quiet, all eyes now on them. “Urameshi Team, Kuwabara. Team Masho, Risho. Begin!” She shouted, throwing her arm down, signaling the fight. Once again.


“Wimps and children first.” Risho said mockingly, holding out his arms slightly.


Kuwabara's glare worsened, and he held out his hand. “Why don't you shut your big trap, Risho?!” He shouted, crouching into an unbalanced stance before he kicked off into a run, heading towards Risho.


“Despite of injuries, Kuwabara's making the first charge!” Koto announced as she jumped back, surprised.


Koto wasn't the only one that was surprised by that. Everyone -...- on the team was staring at him with wide eyes, seeing the ningen running forward, almost stumbling over his feet at times. I was staring at him like he was crazy, he should know not to do that, he's been in tons of fights before, right?! That's one of the many rules that people should already have implanted in their heads! You don't just run at the opponent like an idiot before you have a strategy. But no, Kuwabara is just pissed and running on instinct, heading towards Risho with no real idea in his head. He better fucking win this match or I am really going to be sad and pissed because he decided to fight angry like I did. And we all know how that turned out...


“Spirit Sword!” Kuwabara rose his right hand, the familiar orange sword appearing in his palm. However, before any smile could reach my lips, the sword disappeared just as quickly as it came, leaving Kuwabara and I wide eyed. “Uh oh!” Kuwabara shouted.


Having already put too much force into his attack, Kuwabara wasn't able to stop his arm from going forward. Letting out a smirk, Risho easily dodged it, disappearing, leaving Kuwabara to stumble forward as his 'attack' hit nothing but air. My eyes darted around the ring, trying to find the fugly man. Seeing a sudden flash of black, I looked up to see Risho above Kuwabara before disappearing and reappearing behind the taller ningen. His smirk still on his lips when Kuwabara let out a gasp, Risho brought back his leg, sending it straight into Kuwabara's back. Letting out a strangled cry of pain, Kuwabara flew across the ring, tumbling over the hard surface, making me wince at how badly his broken bones hurt now. However, that thought only made me glare harder at Risho as he landed on the ring, staring at Kuwabara's now motionless form.


“And Risho pops in with a tremendous counter attack, adding injury to injury. The advantage here is obvious.” Koto announced, watching Kuwabara shakily get to his knees.


Clenching his teeth angrily, Kuwabara stared down at his shaking right hand. His narrowed eyes staring on in confusion, obviously not knowing what happened either. “Something's really wrong here. I had Energy, why can't I make my Sword?” He asked himself, fear and confusion seeping into his tone.


My narrowed eyes widened when I heard Risho's snicker, and I turned, seeing him disappear. Already knowing what to expect, I looked at the ningen. “Kuwabara, look out!” I shouted quickly.


Hearing my concerned shout, Kuwabara's eyes widened and he turned around as quickly as he possibly could in his current state. However, Risho wasn't going to give him any time to block his attack, and he appeared in front of him, throwing punches at his chest and face. It was painful to look at, seeing him cry out in pain when ever he was hit and thrown back slightly. I hated seeing him like this, it was just like the time when he was fighting Byakko's monster hair back in Maze Castle, being mercilessly hurt while we were unable to do anything, but this time we really couldn't. And my hate for this Tournament grew when Kuwabara was thrown back so hard that he fell on his back, grunting in pain. However, he got to his feet quickly, only to have Risho appear before him again and send more powerful punches to his face.


“Kuwabara continues to be trounced by Team Masho's snooty leader!” Getting a wide smile on her lips, Koto put her hand to her mouth. “Hey, Kuwabara! Tell me how it feels, makes you wanna shout in joy, doesn't it?” My evil glare found it's way to Koto's eyes, and she got a blush of embarrassment. “I know I'm the announcer, but I can't help a little side tracking.” She said nervously.


“Keep side tracking and I'm going to punch you in the face!” I snapped angrily, making her squeal slightly.


Shooting her another cold glare that made her step away, I turned back to the fight. Kuwabara was still being punched mercilessly and quickly, not being able to block or do anything to stop those attacks. However, what surprised me was that he wasn't moving from the force, he was just standing perfectly still, not even trying. Blood was falling from his cheeks and lips, it falling to the ground, forming a small puddle of warm crimson liquid. I bit my lip, almost drawing blood as I tried to keep myself from jumping into the ring and helping the broken ningen. However, that was hard, especially seeing him getting uppercutted and decked so hard that he almost passed out from the pain. His shouts of pain echoing around the stadium, it was almost too much for me to handle, as well as everyone else.


“Don't just let that creep wail on you!” Yusuke clenched his fist tightly in anger and worry once again. “Show some freakin' balls!” He shouted, gritting his teeth.


“We both know he's proven enough, it's a miracle he's even standing.” Kurama said, staring at Yusuke.


I frowned at the both of them, it was hard for them to watch too. Clenching my fists tightly again, I threw a glare over my shoulder at the whore, hearing her sudden scream. Her gaze was filled with horrified fear, staring at Hiei, seeing the familiar black and purple fire wrapping around his body. Her body was shaking out of her fear, and if this was in any other situation, I would have smirked at her. I would even fucking laugh out loud right now, but I was too pissed and scared to even care about the red haired bimbo.


“His body's exploding with with Energy! Why in the hell did I take this job?! They-They're gonna kill me!” Ruka shouted, her voice trembling as she stared at Hiei's evil smirking form.


I glared. “Shut the fuck up, no one gives a shit if you live or die!” I said venomously, but almost laughed when she glared back. When she opened her mouth I cut her off. “If you say anything that will make me more pissed off than I already am, I'll fucking snap your neck before you can even blink.” I threatened.


Knowing better than to tell me to stop when I was actually pissed off, the others said nothing. They couldn't blame me though, they were pissed as well, and with the 'nurse' making unnecessary noise, it was kind of annoying. But their narrowed eyes were still locked on the ningen that was being thrown around in the ring, anger coursing through them. All right, maybe not Hiei and the Masked Fighter, but who knows about them? They are very careful about showing emotions, but I would have to think they're both cold hearted if they don't feel the least bit angered by this. Although, I can tell that DEEP down inside they are angry.


The Masked Fighter looked away from my angered form and glanced to the fire youkai beside her. “You're going to make your move at the first sign of Kuwabara's loss, aren't you?” She asked, although it sounded like she already knew the answer to her question.


“if you have any nobel plans to stop me, I suggest you write your will. I'm not leaving without war.” Hiei said with a smirk, however, his tone told her that he wasn't kidding.


Glancing from the fight back to him, the Masked Fighter said. “Let's just see what happens first.”


Turning away from the 'glaring' whore, my eyes rested on the ring once again. Kuwabara was on his knees now, breathing heavily from the attacks he took. However, he wasn't looking up at Risho as he began to stand on his feet again, albeit shakily. His eyes were wide with confusion and fear, staring at the ground. I frowned softly at him, already knowing what he was thinking. It was about how he couldn't use his Spirit Sword, at first I was wondering the same thing. But as I thought more about it, I understood what happened. From all of Kuwabara's injuries from Team Ichigaki, they would have killed him long ago if his Spirit Energy wasn't keeping him alive. His Spirit Energy was still keeping him from doing that, and it was working over time now that he was fighting and getting more injured than he was before. Poor Kuwabara...


“Why can't I use my Spirit Sword anymore?” Kuwabara mumbled to himself, breaking me from my thoughts.


Hearing the sadistic laugh fall form Risho's lips, Kuwabara and I looked up almost in unison to the fugly bastard that was running towards him. “The naivete of youth, I though you would have figured it out by now!” He shouted, his smirk widening on his lips.


Risho appeared in front of Kuwabara, punching Kuwabara right in the face, making the ningen's head snap back. The impact echoed around the stadium, making me wince in pain. However, Risho wasn't done yet, now by a long shot. Taking Kuwabara's vulnerable state to his advantage, a swift punch came to Kuwabara's left cheek, making blood fly from his lips. And with one last smirk, Risho punched Kuwabara under his chin, making his head snap upwards. The force of the punch sent Kuwabara to stumble back, his back now facing Risho, staring at the ground as he breathed heavily and painfully.


Risho stood up straight, looking “Do you really think a normal ningen could have sustain the injuries you have? Your body's been using your Spirit Energy to keep you alive, and now you have nothing left!” Risho shouted, running forward again, kicking Kuwabara in the face, sending him across the ring on his back.


Kuwabara laid motionless on the ground, and my eyes widened, fear seeping into them. Watching Koto run forward, I saw her hold her hand up, looking at the crowd. “I'm going to take the count now, so everyone make sure and tell me how I'm doing it wrong, okay?” She asked.


“Kuwabara!” I shouted, running to the ring, my hands grasping the edge of it tightly. No...


“1!...2!”


Yusuke's eyes were wide, his mouth open in shock. But that looked didn't last long, his eyes narrowing into a glare as his fist clenched. “Why won't he fight back?! It's like he wants to die or something!” He growled out angrily.


“Put yourself in his place, his injuries and lack of Spirit Energy are hindering him greatly.” Kurama said seriously, his eyes narrowed on the red haired boy.


“3!...4!...5!”


My eyes brimmed with tears, not out of fear though, but out of sadness. Kuwabara was risking his life, literally, just to make sure that the rest of us live for another day. “Please be okay...” I mumbled, scared.


“7!...8!...9!-” Koto let out a small gasp, watching as she saw Kuwabara move suddenly.


My 'heart' skipped a bit out of surprise, and a wide smile played on my lips as I watched Kuwabara get to his feet, albeit shakily. He was breathing heavily, his eyes narrowed into a serious stare, the determination in them still strong. His chest heaved up and down, despite the pain of his broken bones just beneath his flesh. I let out a sigh of relief, and from my hearing, I could hear Yusuke doing the same, but his was more quiet than mine. Thank god he was still alive, I was scared for a second that he wasn't going to get up again.


Getting out of Kuwabara's way as he limped forward, Koto rose her microphone to her lips. “Kuwabara stumbles up again, I think he's setting some kind of record for sheer will power!” She shouted, watching the ningen intently.


I watched with dried eyes, my smile only getting wider. He was okay, or as okay as he could be in this situation actually. His eyes were still locked on Risho's form, not even blinking when Risho glared at him annoyed, suddenly disappearing once again. However, that didn't last when a strong kick was sent into his jaw, sending the ningen stumbling back. Kuwabara kept his feet firmly planted on the ground, leaning forward as he wiped away the blood that fell from his lips with his arm.


“Bastard!” I hissed angrily.


Risho ignored that, his eyes narrowed and his teeth clenched. “I have no more time to nurse your heroics. I've got a prize to take.” He growled, his brown eyes ablaze with anger.


“A real man earns what he wants.” Kuwabara retorted, wiping the blood away once again.


Risho let out a growl of annoyance once again before he suddenly jumped away, making all of us search the sky. However, when we heard the sound of feet landing to our lefts, we all turned to see Risho standing behind Kuwabara, on the grass. My eyes narrowed on his back suspiciously, Risho -unfortunately- wasn't dumb enough to make himself lose by ring-out. It was obvious he was going to do something, I just wish that I knew what it was.


“Fine, Kuwabara!” Risho turned around, glaring at Kuwabara as the ningen turned around quickly. “You'll see I'm quite capable of that!” He shouted with that growl still in his voice.


“Risho's willfully stepped out of the ring, what could he be planning?!” Koto asked, eyes narrowed as well.


Ignoring Koto's unnecessary commentating, I glared as Risho clasped his hands together, putting them into a hand sign. His left hand closed over his right, his left pointer finger sticking up right. However, that wasn't what made me glare, it was the confident smirk on Risho's lips that put me on edge. Whenever an enemy smirks like that, it's really bad, believe me, Hisoka's smirk was the same and look what happened to me after that. Terrible things that will probably give me nightmares until I forcibly block it from my mind, which will take a very long time to happen, but you get the idea.


“Each Shinobi is a master of some skilled art. Weren't you wondering what mine would be?” Risho asked, his voice sadistic and dark. Not liking where this is going...


Letting out a shout, orange Energy crackled around Risho's body, wind beginning to pick up. Grimacing in annoyance as I held down my hair once again, I watched as a circle began to form in the ground beneath his feet. Cracks shot out from five sides of the circle, dirt and rocks flying into the air, flying around in the strong wind that whipped around Risho's body.


“Uh, not really!” Kuwabara shouted, eyes wide.


My eyes widened, as well as everyone else, when the ground beneath us began to shake violently. Already being off balance thanks to my nervous break down a few hours ago, I was having a very hard time keeping myself up. Grabbing a hold of the ring, I kept myself steady as the shaking grew worse. At first I thought that the 'earthquake' on the ship a few days ago was bad, this was probably ten times worse. Even if this wasn't as dangerous as it was on the ship, but you can't really blame me, what if the the fucking island split apart underneath me and sent me into the water? Yeah, didn't think of that now did you? Didn't think so!


“What is that?!” Yusuke asked, trying to keep his balance.


Kurama's eyes were narrowed on Risho's body. “It's an earthquake!” He said over the rumbling.


“Oh, well this is just fucking perfect! As if I didn't have anymore reasons to want to castrate this guy!” I shouted with an irk mark pulsing on my head, ignoring the flinch that Yusuke got. He will never get these pictures out of his head as long as he's friends with me. ...Ha.


However, I turned serious again when I looked back at Risho. Five towers of dirt shot into the sky, circling around him. Dirt that was beneath him shot out in a a circle, the edges looking like blades you would find on a saw. Whatever the hell he was planning, I was really getting a bad feeling about it now. ...Well that's obvious, but what can you expect? It's me we're talking about right now, I don't notice obvious things until it's too obvious not to notice. ...I'm not sure if that made sense, but right now I don't really care. On with the story!


“Watch out for falling debris, Risho's gathering dirt and rocks from outside the ring and he's wrapping them around his body!” Koto warned, her eyes staring in awe as the pillars of dirt began to close in on Risho.


Kuwabara's eyes were still as wide as they were before. “What is this?” He asked himself quietly.


“I'm a master of earth, and it makes for excellent Armor...” Risho stood perfectly still as the rocks that flew around him suddenly pelted his body, it all forming into some kind of protective armor, sharp spikes made out of rocks sticking out of it. “...of Clay.” He finished with a smirk.


Everyone was silent as we watched the towers of dirt and rocks fall to the ground, making the earth that Risho stood on completely new once again. There were no divots or anything on the lush, grassy surface around him. Risho stood on the perfect grass, his smirk widening by the second, his Armor of Clay wrapped tightly around his body. The sharp spikes glinted evilly, looking as if they wanted blood, and we all knew what kind of blood it wanted. No one said a word, too shocked by the display that happened moments ago.


“Boo!” I shouted over the silence, making everyone sweat drop.


Ignoring me, Risho continued to smirk. “In addition to protection, this armor turns my whole body into a weapon!” Risho disappeared, making Kuwabara's eyes widen as he looked into the sky. Risho was high above him, his smirk now gone and his eye were narrowed. “Let me show you how!” Red Youkai Energy formed around Risho's body as he suddenly shot himself towards the ningen below at a fast pace. “Meteor!” He shouted, just mere feet away from Kuwabara's body.


Not being able to block the terrible attack, blood flew from Kuwabara's mouth when Risho's rock hard armor slammed into his chest. Risho's body slammed into the ring, lifting the tiles from the ground and into the air, while Kuwabara went along with it. My eyes widened, and I swear that my heart almost stopped when I saw Kuwabara's body flying through the air. Kuwabara's strangled cry died in his throat as he neared the ground, his body slamming against the hard surface of the ring, laying motionless. Everything was silent, no youkai were shouting, cheering or booing, it was just quiet. Our wide eyes lingered on Kuwabara's form, and the silence was thickening with each passing second.


“No!” Yusuke shouted, breaking the unbearable silence that fell around us.


I wasn't able to say anything, I don't even know what I could say, all I could do was just stare.


“I've seen bowling balls crash into styrofoam with less force than Kuwabara just showed the ring, thanks to that crash from Risho's Meteor Attack!” Koto turned, seeing Risho's form kneeling in the rubble he created. “However, Risho seems down too, hitting the ring like- well like a meteor! But Risho looks to be unharmed and back on his feet, and Kuwabara...is definitely not.” Koto looked from Risho's now standing form to Kuwabara's motionless one. “Is this the end of this Team?” She asked, making me shoot another glare at her.


*I swear one of these days that I'm going to knock her out, I'm already pissed off enough as it is!* I growled angrily to myself, my worrying getting the better of me. Again.


But I stopped my anger filled thoughts when my eyes found themselves on Yusuke's form. His eyes were wide with shock and fear, lingering on Kuwabara's fallen form before us. Yusuke's body was shaking slightly, and that made me frown at him. This must be killing him, seeing his best friend -we all know it's true- laying in the ring, just mere feet away from him, slowly killing himself. Not being able to do a single thing about it, or it would kill everyone he cared about, as well as our's as well. I understood how he felt, and that only made me feel worse. Oh Yusuke...


“1!...2!...3!...4!...5!...6!...7!-” Koto gasped once again, seeing Kuwabara get to his knees, eyes half glazed over. “Oh, wow people! Kuwabara's actually climbing to his feet, we've still got a fight on our hands!” She smiled.


Resisting the urge to shoot another glare at Koto once again, I stared at Kuwabara. I wasn't even able to smile anymore, every time he would get up, he was knocked back down by an attack even stronger than the last. If Kuwabara kept this up, he was going to kill himself. But it was as if he didn't give a shit about that, he just kept going and going. This fucking match was going to drive me insane, this was just like the one with Byakko back in Maze Castle, only worse. His injuries were worse, the risk was greater and the restrictions were a lot more...stricter I guess I could say. Everything about this was just worse, I just wanted this day to end with everyone all right.


“I'm...not going to lose!” Kuwabara choked out painfully, getting to his feet shakily. We all, even Risho, looked at him with surprised looks on our faces. “No matter how many times you strike me down!” He shouted with a glare in his eyes, his chest heaving up and down as he panted.


I stared at him in shock. “Don't give him any ideas, Kuwabara!” I shouted, doesn't he understand that he's going to get himself killed if he says things like that?!


Risho forced out another smirk, although we all could tell that this was angering him more than he was letting on. Clenching his fist tightly, he stared at Kuwabara with shrinking brown eyes. “I think I'll test out that will power you just love to use. Let's see if you can get up after this one!” He shouted, the smirk gone in an instant.


“Risho jumps into the air for another attack!” Koto announced with an awe filled gaze.


Koto's announcement was right, and we all watched as Risho's form disappeared. Already knowing where he was going to be, our eyes instantly found the rock covered bastard high above the ring once again. His rage filled eyes were blazing dangerously on Kuwabara's form. Red Youkai Energy formed around him like a ball, and he let out a anger filled yell, flying towards Kuwabara once again. I could see the force being put into the attack, making me wonder if the ring would completely collapse when he hit it.


I pushed that terrible thought out of my head when I saw Risho's armored body slam into Kuwabara's once again. Kuwabara's shout of pain echoed around the stadium as he slid across the tiles of the ring, flipping over onto his stomach. Our team watched with fear filled gazes -minus those two- as Kuwabara left a trail of dust behind him as he slowed to a stop, and he laid motionless once again on the ring floor. Or at least we thought so anyway.


“That second Meteor Attack was even stronger than the first. Kuwabara's whole body is doing the wiggle dance, and yet he still tries to get up.” Koto said as she watched Kuwabara limply pull himself up once again from the ground, his eyes half glazed over. He looked ready to pass out, and I could tell anymore of this and he would.


“Why?!” Risho growled out, eyes shrinking as his anger grew, watching Kuwabara struggle. “Why don't you quit?!” He demanded furiously, but his gaze turned to confusion when he heard chuckling.


“You dummy.” Kuwabara chuckled weakly, but as he looked at Risho that died away, making Risho narrow his eyes again. “Guess you haven't checked the score for this round lately! We've got four wins, and you've got three, and the first Team to five advances! Urameshi, Kira, and Kurama gave it all for us, and now I still have a way to bring it home for 'em!” He shouted, the determination in his eyes flashing once again.


“He's going...to kill himself.” Hiei said slowly, his expression blank, or so he wanted us to believe.


Fear ran through my body instantly when Hiei's voice reached my ears. “He better not...” I trailed off, my voice shaking, I couldn't lose my friend, not now! Kuwabara is important to me like everyone else, I can't lose him too!


“I know what you're doing.” Risho suddenly smirked. “Using your Life Energy will only delay this, you're still going to die.” He said mockingly.


Kuwabara wiped away the blood that fell from his lips. “No joke, Moron, that's the whole point of this fight. As long as I take you with me!” He shouted seriously, and everyone on our team stared at him as if he had gone crazy.


“What?!” Risho growled again, his eyes becoming blood shot.


Kuwabara's eyes narrowed further. “If this fight ends in a draw, my team wins and the rest of my guys get to live!” He shouted, his eyes beginning to glow a faint blue, his Life Energy beginning to rise.


I shook my head slowly. “He's really going to do it.” I mumbled softly.


“Hiei.” Kuwabara suddenly spoke, making the fire youkai look at him. “You're a little punk, and you always said mean stuff to me. But I know underneath all that junk, you're a good guy.” He said, and if I wasn't about to burst out crying, I would have joked about that.


“Kurama.” Kurama turned to the red haired ningen. “You taught me a lot with the things you said, there's nobody more caring than you.” Kuwabara stated, and from the sound of his voice, he was smiling a little.


"Kira." My 'heart' was beating loudly in my chest. "I know that I acted like an idiot when we first met, but I'm glad that you've come to think of me as a friend. You've even defended me against the Shrimp a few times before, which really meant a lot to me." Kuwabara said sincerely, and my tears almost fell.


“And Mummy-Fighter-Person, you saved those guys from Dr. Ichigaki, and that means a lot. You didn't say much, but somehow I really feel like I know you.” Kuwabara said, making her glance at him.


“And Urameshi.” Yusuke tensed up slightly, his eyes widening as he stared at Kuwabara's back. “Well...” Kuwabara suddenly turned around, smiling slightly at Yusuke. “Just take care of the rest of this, okay?” He asked quietly.


Hiei, Kurama, The Masked Fighter and I stared at him with surprised looks, all of us -minus the Masked Fighter- let gasps fall from our lips. He was really going to go through with this, he was really going to kill himself. The tears threatened to fall, but I wasn't going to let them, he wasn't dead yet. I wasn't going to believe that he was going to die until it happens. But as I stared at him, and as I thought about how there were so many odds against us, I wasn't so sure what to expect anymore. It just couldn't end like this...


Yusuke shook his head, his eyes narrowing slightly. “Don't you do this!” He shouted angrily.


Kuwabara smirked, brushing his nose. “Let's not get too upset, Urameshi, I wanna keep my finish nice and manly.” Letting out a chuckle, Kuwabara turned to Risho, his smirk never leaving his lips. “You ready, Risho?!” He asked.


Watching as Risho only smirked before jumping into the air, Koto smiled. “It looks like this intense battle is about to end in the most exciting of ways!” She shouted happily.


“Sorry boy, but dieing is not in my plans!” Risho shouted as red Youkai Energy formed around him.


Kuwabara only let out a yell, kicking off into a run towards Risho's falling form. I bit my lip, trying to keep the tears from falling, I really hated how I was just standing here about to cry like a child. It was as if I was watching my parents die all over again, I couldn't save them, and I can't save my friend either! Watching as Kuwabara kept running, his determined gaze never leaving Risho's form for a second, I kept my eyes narrowed as well. Kuwabara wouldn't leave us like this, even if he wants to, I know he'll make it out of this fight. I know it.


Koto stared on in shock. “And this time Kuwabara is charging as well!” She shouted surprised.


Risho's eyes were still narrowed and filled with anger. “Say hello to extinction!” He shouted from above, falling faster towards the red haired ningen below.


“That's fine by me!” Kuwabara shouted back.


“Kuwabara!” Yusuke and I shouted loudly, watching as Risho drew closer.


Reaching where Koto stood, Kuwabara came to a sudden stop. But the stop didn't last as Risho's rock covered body slammed into Kuwabara's. I cringed, expecting him to fly back like he did before, but that wasn't the case. Kuwabara had actually caught Risho by his shoulders, making the two slide across the ring, dust and rocks flying up from Kuwabara's heels. Kuwabara grunted as he he kept Risho from over powering him, while Risho grunted to do what Kuwabara was delaying. Both were glaring at each other, beads of sweat trickling down their temples. However, Kuwabara broke his glare, closing his eyes tightly, and I almost did as well. Knowing that it was only a few minutes until IT happened.


“Kazuma!”


The sudden shout made everyone's head turn form the fight, even Kuwabara opened his eyes and turned. All eyes rested on a girl with mint green hair that was kept in a low ponytail, tied in the back with a fancy red bow. The girl had familiar looking blood red eyes of a certain fire youkai, but these were filled with fear. The girl wore a long-sleeved, light blue kimono with a darker blue obi sash that is tied in the back. The shock set in a few seconds after when we realized who that was, the girl that was standing between Botan and Keiko. It was Yukina. My mouth dropped open in shock. Holy....Shit!


“Hey wait!” Kuwabara suddenly shouted, his eyes wide. “She's here!”


Risho turned his narrowed and annoyed gaze to Kuwabara once again. “What on earth are you babbling about?!” He asked with a mocking smirk, but when he saw the angered look on Kuwabara's face, that instantly dropped.


Kuwabara put more pressure into his hold, his eyes almost becoming blood shot from how much force he was taking and giving. To everyone's shock, both of them were slowing down to a stop. “I'm not babbling, she's my girlfriend!” Kuwabara shouted, slamming the back of his fist into Risho's face, blood flying from the latter's mouth as he flew back.


*Damn...* My mind's voice trailed off, my eyes wide. *He just bitch slapped the shit out of him!* I thought with a smirk falling on my lips, ignoring the blank stare I got. Hell yeah, go Kuwabara!


Koto's eyes widened as she turned her head, watching as Risho flew past her. “Hold on! Kuwabara has just unbelievably hurled Risho outside the ring! What a come back!” She watched as Risho flew across the ring, over the grass, and slamming painfully into the wall just before the crowd. “Where has this sudden surge of power come from?!” She asked, staring at Kuwabara as he stayed on his feet, sliding to a stop.


Looking up with a bright, goofy smile on his lips, Kuwabara looked in Yukina's direction. “There's only one person who calls me by my first name!” He shouted happily, his smile getting wider.


Laughing like an idiot high on sugar, Kuwabara jumped off the ring. Everyone watched with sweat drops, seeing the tall red haired ningen run towards the wall where a worried looking Yukina was waiting, Botan and Keiko beside her.


“We've been very worried, Kazuma, are you okay?” Yukina asked, concern lacing her words.


Kuwabara rubbed the back of his head nervously, his smile still on his lips. “Hahaha, yeah!” He shouted as he began to flex his muscles in poses that I have never seen anyone do before in my life, and I wish to never see ever again. I really mean that, I really do.


“I am never gonna understand that bastard.” Yusuke said, his voice wavering as he sweat dropped.


“When I'm not in a good mood, remind me to punch the shit out of him.” I turned to Yusuke, my bright smile slowly turning into an evil smirk. “I'll naturally let you help me, of course.” I said, making Yusuke smirk back at me.


Yusuke let out a slight laugh at that. “You got yourself a deal there, Kira.” He said, his smirk turning into mine. Aw, the things Yusuke and I do together :D.


Hiei and Kurama sweat dropped, while The Masked Fighter stared on blankly.


Koto rose an eyebrow at Kuwabara and Yukina, a smile on her lips. “Well it appears a lady friend of Kuwabara's has come to witness the brutalities. They seem to be engaged in small talk right now.” She said to the crowd, who I am fairly certain do not care about right now. I'm being serious, so ssh!


I suddenly got a confused look on my face. *Huh, I wonder why she's not counting yet?* I thought, a sweat drop going down my head, it's been over a minute since they've been out. Damn delaying.


“This is ridiculous!” Risho suddenly growled from his hole in the wall.


My eyes snapped over to him, and they widened when I saw the pissed and deadly look cross over them. Letting out a shout of rage, Risho got to his feet, his eyes focusing only on Kuwabara's distracted form. Before I could register what happened, Risho kicked off into a run, his eyes shrining even smaller than they were before. I think his rage just broke, and I don't think it will ever be fixed.


“I felt better right when I saw you, my love!” Kuwabara smiled at Yukina, still flexing, as Spirit Energy formed around him, changing colors. “Don't I look muscly?” He asked, that goofy smile getting wider.


Yukina began to giggle at his funny antics, or what she believes is antics anyway, but when she heard that rage filled shout she looked to her right with wide eyes. Seeing the look of fear flash in Yukina's eyes, Kuwabara turned towards it as well. His smile instantly falling when he saw Risho running towards him, however Kuwabara didn't look too worried. I swear I was going to smack my head against the wall, and I don't care if it hurt like a bitch last time.


“Armor of Clay!” Risho shouted, jumping to the ground, spinning in a ball of dirt and rocks.


“Oh, look out people!” Koto watched with amazement as the dirt and rocks began to form over his older layer, making more spikes appear on his clay. “Risho's stacking an even larger coat of armor on top of the first one!” She shouted with a smile.


Kuwabara got a smirk, letting out a shout as his Spirit Energy began to rise, it changing to a white-ish color as it spiked around him. The white, see through waves rippled around his body like a moving outline. Feeling the familiar feeling, Kuwabara's smirk widened. I also felt the rise in his Energy, and I instantly forgot the feeling of intense annoyance, a smile appearing on my lips once again. Now that he was able to use his Spirit Sword, that meant that we have everything under control now! Fuck yeah!


“Hey, my Spirit Energy's coming back now.” Kuwabara saw the orange Spirit Energy cracking in his palm. “I think we all know what this means!” He said confidently, turning to Risho once again.


Red Youkai Energy was around Risho once again, flying towards Kuwabara. “Try my Meteor Attack this time!”


Kuwabara held out his right hand, the orange orb appearing in the palm of his hand. Letting out a yell, the bright orange sword appeared, extending as it coiled around like a flame. “Spirit Sword!” He shouted, tightening his grip on it's 'hilt'.


“What?!” Risho shouted, his eyes wide.


Kuwabara held his ground as Risho's body was now only mere inches in front of him. “Eat my Energy!” Kuwabara shouted, slashing his sword down, it ripping through Risho's armor like butter.


Despite the situation we were in, and I really mean that, I couldn't help but say this. “Thank god he didn't say 'Suck my pole!'” I said with a blank look, until I saw the stares. “What?” I asked innocently, making them stare at me blankly, sweat drops going down their heads.


“They're both out of the ring, so I'll start the count!” Koto shouted, breaking us from out...moment.


Kuwabara and Risho, however, did not seem to notice at all what Koto had said. They were to preoccupied with what they were faced with, or what Risho was faced with I should say. Risho was staring at Kuwabara wide eyed as his body came to a full stop, cracks appearing on his Armor of Clay before it disintegrated into nothing but the dirt it was. All of us -minus two people- stared at Kuwabara with wide eyes, our mouths slightly open in shock and in happiness.


“You're just a no good cheater, Risho!” Kuwabara glared at the petrified Shinobi in front of him. Bringing his Spirit Sword back, Kuwabara swung it into Risho's stomach. “So, get out of my ring!” He shouted, sending Risho flying into the air, sailing into the crowd in front of all of us.


Stunned silence fell over everyone, and I was actually stunned to the point where I was actually being silent. That went on too fast for me to really comprehend at the moment, but as I looked from Kuwabara's form to the cloud of smoke where Risho landed, it all began to make a lot of sense. A giant bubble of excitement and happiness filled me when it fully clicked in my head. Kuwabara just won us the match! We weren't going to die by the hands of my brother or Toguro! We were save for another day!


Ignoring the boos and threats that were coming from the crowd, my smile grew wider. And I could tell that Kurama and Yusuke were doing the same. “Go Kuwabara!” I shouted happily, pumping my fist in the air.


“...5!...6!...7!” Koto counted, breaking us from our happiness.


Kuwabara's eyes widened, as well as ours. We didn't hear Koto begin the count at all, I guess we were too distracted by the whole us winning the round to notice that we were about to lose the round. I know, it's confusing, and right now I'm just as confused as you are. However, none of us had time to think more about that because we literally had three more seconds left before we're either screwed or saved. And right now we were going in the 'screwed' direction because Kuwabara wasn't fucking moving!


My eyes widened, and I turned to Kuwabara frantically. “Seriously, Kuwabara, go!” I shouted.


“Uh, right!” Kuwabara shouted back.


Scrambling towards the ring, Kuwabara got a scared look on his face, like mine. Running with long strides, Kuwabara neared the ring as the seconds began to tick away from us. I was bouncing on my feet, wishing that it was me so I could just appear inside the fucking ring because the guy was too damn slow. Geez, ningens can be so inconvenient sometimes! I mean seriously, the guy has really long legs and he can't even run that fast. Stupid ningen limitations...


“8!...9!...10!” Koto smiled as Kuwabara climbed into the ring. “Kuwabara is the winner, and with five wins in the round, Urameshi Team advances!” She shouted over the loud boos and threats that erupted from the crowd.


“Hell yeah! We just made an epic come back!” I threw my hands above my head happily, not even caring that I used the word 'epic' in my sentence. I really hate that word, just to let you know, but I doubt that you care about that right now. Yeah, I knew it :D.


“She's really here.” Hiei said to himself quietly, eyes wide as they stayed on his sister.


My ears perked up when I heard Hiei's quiet voice, and I turned towards him. The barrier that had been around the Medical had disappeared, and Ruka was no where to be seen. My eyes narrowed suspiciously as I looked around for the red haired slut, but I didn't see, sense, or hear her at all. Everything was presented in front of me, everything that I was hoping for actually came true. Hiei killed Ruka! A bright smile instantly lit my lips once again as I looked at the fire youkai. He wasn't looking at me, but right now I didn't care what he was looking at. He was my hero right now!


Before I could stop myself, I was glomping Hiei, my arms tightly around him. “Yay, you're finally out, now I can argue with you again! And you killed that red haired bitch, thank you!” I said happily, grinning widely.


“Onna,” Hiei stared down at me annoyed, having been knocked out of his surprised state by ME of all people. “Get off.” He said, his voice beginning to grow an edge.


I shook my head, ignoring the narrowed look Hiei was beginning to give me. I could feel that he was tensed up, I guess I caught him off guard, ha awesome. “No, you killed Ruka, you deserved to get hugged.” I said simply with a bright smile.


“I didn't kill her, Baka, she ran away.” Hiei said, getting a blank look on his face.


“I can't believe I missed it thou- what?” My sentence dropped flatly, and I stared up at Hiei with a blank look on my face, making him narrow his eyes once again, this time in confusion. Before he could register what happened, I had let him go, and was now walking away from him with a pissed look on my face. “Fucking bastard.” I hissed under my breath, leaving Hiei to stare at me with a sweat drop.


Climbing into the ring, I crossed my arms, the miffed look still there from my discovery. I can't believe he would let her live, I mean what the hell?! The bitch pretty much did everything to piss him off to the point where he was going to kill her, and he just didn't. I let out a sigh, closing my eyes as the annoyance dissipated. However, Hiei DID see Yukina, so I guess that's what stopped him from doing it, he was probably shocked to see her. From what I remember, Yukina was going back to her home and we would probably never see her again. Sending Hiei a secret smile, I was happy that he was able to see his sister again, even if she didn't remember him, he's probably happy that he knows she's safe. Aw...


Looking away from him, my eyes stopped on Kuwabara's form. Kuwabara was breathing hard from his fight, sweat trickling down his face. Despite acting completely fine when he was around Yukina, he was actually about to collapse to the ground at any second. I had to hide a smirk, he was acting tough for her, that's cute. I gave him a smile though, he really deserved to have won, if it wasn’t for him we'd be dead.


“Not too bad!” Yusuke's voice suddenly said, bringing me out of my thoughts once again. I need to stop thinking so much... Turning to him, I saw Yusuke smiling with a big grin, clapping Kuwabara on the shoulder.


Letting out a surprised yell, Kuwabara turned to Yusuke, breathing even harder than he was before. “Don't sneak up when I'm breathing hard, ok?!” He glared at a now confused Yusuke, but the glare instantly dropped, his eyes becoming smaller as he swayed back and forth. “I think I better take a little nappy now.” He said, his voice wavering slightly before he fell to the ground in a crumpled heap.


“It's a good thing he didn't take a 'little nappy' while in the ring.” I said with a sweat drop, and a blank look.


Yusuke rolled his eyes as he grabbed his friend by the arm. Putting him into a slight standing position, Yusuke's arm under Kuwabara's to keep the bigger ningen on his feet. “Let's just get the dumb ass to the hotel or something, can't have him lying around.” He said with annoyed.


Leading the taller ningen off the ring, Yusuke walked towards the edge. The Masked Fighter, Kurama, Yusuke and Kuwabara walked onto the grass, and I hopped off to follow them, stumbling slightly as my body was still exhausted. Hiei, being the loner he is sometimes, trailed behind us, hands stuffed in his pockets. The shouts and boos began to grow faint as we entered the tunnel beneath the stadium. Despite the happy feeling I had just moments before, I frowned when I saw the spot where Kane had been moments before. As we drew closer, my eyes fell onto the wall to my left, seeing a pretty nice sized dent.


Unconsciously stopping short, I stared with narrowed eyes at the spot where that little 'exchange' happened. The threat was still clear in my head, making the nervousness begin to rear it's ugly head. No matter what I was going to do, no matter how far we got, I was going to fight him. Or I would risk everyone's lives because of my cowardliness. The frown appeared on my lips as my hand rose to my sore neck, my finger tips lightly touching the tender skin.


“Onna,” an all too familiar voice broke the silence, making my body freeze up. “What are you doing?” Hiei asked from behind me, never going ahead with the others.


I whipped around, a nervous and forced smile on my lips. “Oh nothing at all, just you know, thinking about...stuff.” I finished lamely, taking into account of the raised eyebrow on the fire youkai. Letting out a nervous laugh, I rubbed my neck...or at least tried to. I flinched, snapping my arm away from the burning skin. ...Shit.


The narrowed look in Hiei's eyes went further as he noticed the pain that filled my features for that fleeting second. Walking towards me, he saw me take steps back. “What happened to your neck?” He asked, his tone blunt and emotionless, his eyebrow raised again as he stopped.


I looked off to the side, brushing my hair to cover. “No idea what you're talking about.” I responded with an innocent tone in my voice.


Usually I would have told anyone -hell even Hiei- about what happened, but it had nothing to do with any them. It would have if I decided to ignore Kane's warning, but I was going to fight him when we reached the Finals. Besides that, none of them needed to know about the fight until it was going to happen. They didn't need to worry and try to find a way out of it for me, we already had too much on our hands to concern themselves with my family problems. However, that wasn't the only reason, the other one was because I wanted to forget about it until the Finals came. I was already worried about it now, I didn't need other people asking me if I was all right with it, or if I was scared, it would only cause more stress on me and everyone else. ...I just sounded way too annoying and Mary-sue-ish didn't I? That's really gross.


The silence and the narrowed stare was beginning to grow too much for me, and I forced another smile as I faced him. “Oh, look at the time, the others must be wondering where we are, shouldn’t make them wait.” I said as normally as I would have, however any idiot could see through my lie. I sucked at lying.


Beginning to turn on my heel, a hand grabbed my wrist tightly, making me stop short. Out of reflex I turned, now slightly shocked. Hiei was staring at my neck, his eyes -or so I believed- widened slightly before he composed himself, and I resisted the urge to grimace, the bruises were there and they were noticeable and bad enough to even shock Hiei. Fucking perfect, just what I need at a time like this.


Hiei only stared at me with a questioning gaze, his eyes hard.


“I guess that answers my question about them being noticeable or not.” I mumbled, smirking bitterly. Seeing the narrowed look beginning to form, I turned. “I'm fine, nothing to worry about.” I said, beginning to walk away, hoping he would get the message and let go.


Too bad nothing goes the way I want them too.


Hiei let out a scoff. “Don't think I'm doing this because I care, Onna.” I threw him a cold look, which he promptly ignored. “I can tell that was by your brother, and if this involve-”


I cut him off curtly. “It's nothing, Hiei!” If Hiei could look shocked, I bet he would be at the ice in my voice. My narrowed eyes softened slightly, taking my hand back. “I promise, I'll handle it, just...don't tell the others.” I mumbled, turning away.


Walking away as fast as I could to the others, I ignored the piercing gaze that was on my back. It never leaving as I neared the voices of the others. I would be lying if I said that I didn't feel bad for the bitchy attitude, but as I said before, it didn't involve him. This was my problem, and I was going to handle it the way that I knew how, and I didn't need him to stress me out more than I already was. I just hope that when my time to fight him comes, I'll be able to get out of it alive.


Ending it here! Ooh, looks like that caused a bit of awkwardness between the two. I wonder how they will act around each other now >=3. Anyway, I hope that the ending didn't suck too much, and I hope that this was a good chapter. See you guys next week! Bye!
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