Yu Yu Hakusho Fan Fiction ❯ Right Here Waiting For You ❯ Chapter 34 ( Chapter 34 )

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

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


Night had fallen over the island, and that only meant one thing. Tomorrow was the finals. If I didn't say that I was nervous, I would have been lying. I was a nervous wreck, but I hid it well and kept a smile on my face, despite how everything could change tomorrow. But I had Hiei with me right now, and he had helped me train this whole day, if that didn't help me tomorrow, then I don't know what will. ...However, there was something about Hiei right now that was kind of putting me on edge. I had a deep frown on my lips as I stared at him, and I could tell that Hiei was beginning to grow annoyed with that, seeing as how I've been doing it since the last half hour of our training. We were done now and heading back to the hotel, but I was still staring, but you really couldn't blame me. His fucking arm was completely butchered! I mean seriously, it was cut up and bleeding!


“Hiei, will you please put your bandages on?” I finally asked, my tone coated with worry.


Hiei glared at me for the hundredth time today, and I could tell that he was regretting ever telling me to train with him. “It's fine, Onna, now shut up.” He said with an irk mark pulsing on his temple. He heard my thoughts for the past half hour being about his arm, and he was going to go insane if he heard anymore about it.


I stared at him with a shocked look on my face. “How the fuck is that fine?! It's BLEEDING!” I shouted, gesturing to the bloodied limb that almost made me gag. I hated seeing him bleed.


Hiei rose an eyebrow at me. “And?”


I bit back a groan, he was just going to be difficult, now wasn't he? “And it could get infected you dumb ass!” I ignored the dangerous glare now on my form. “Now give me your arm before it needs to get cut off!” I demanded standing in front of him, my eyes narrowed seriously.


“Onna, you touch me and you'll be the one missing an arm.” Hiei growled as he stopped as well, getting in my face, as if daring me to go through with what I had said.


“I'd like to see you try, Otoko.” I said copying his action, while ignoring the blush. I hope he was.


Hiei gave me a mocking smirk, not backing away, and I felt my heart begin to pound. He should NOT be smirking at me while being so close. He just shouldn't... “I'll be happy to, Baka Onna.” He said, but there was seriousness in his tone that made me shoot him a look, despite what he was making my heart do at the moment. Damn him for being so good looking.


“You are impossible!” I took this as a good escape route to get away from him, throwing my hands in the air as I backed up. “I worry about you and you act like an asshole to me! Why is it so hard for you to just let me help you!?” I asked angrily, putting my hands on my hips.


“Why do you want to help me?” Hiei asked, raising an eyebrow at me.


“Because I care about you, duh.” I said like he was stupid, giving him an expression that matched my tone perfectly, not even knowing what I had said in that moment.


Hiei looked away from me. “Well don't.” He said annoyed, his eyes closed.


I rolled my eyes at him, crossing my arms over my chest. “Too bad, I do so nah!” I said, sticking my tongue out at him. I didn't care if I was acting like a child right now, he was acting like one too, so why not? Stupid little jerk worrying me like this!


Hiei rolled his eyes at my childishness and walked around me, ignoring me as I whined at him to wait up. Seeing that he wasn't going to talk to me about the subject anymore, I decided to block my mind and just stay silent. I bugged him enough as it was, but I didn't want his arm to get infected, I don't need anything to happen to anyone again. Especially when I loved him more than anything. I know, I'm using the word love, even after I only known him for what? Almost a year? Well...it's really hard to explain when I found out I loved him and how I knew that this wasn't just that same 'crush' feeling. But when there are those very rare moments that he shows that he really cares about me, it's not that hard to figure out how I came to that conclusion. And I gave Hiei as small smile as I gazed at him out of my peripheral vision, seeing him eying his bandages that he kept in his pockets.


~*~*~*~

A few minute passed and the silence had become comfortable, bu I knew that wasn't going to last. One, because we were now in front of the hotel now, and two because we felt two Spirit Energies near the rock beach near the entrance of hotel. It was on a lowered level of the island, and those two Spirit Energies belonged to the only ningens on our team. Yusuke and Kuwabara. Letting out a sigh, I knew that when Hiei jumped down the ledge that the silence that we were in was going to be broken and we weren't going to be alone together anymore. I know that we never do anything, mostly because I don't think he likes me the way I like him, but you understand where I'm getting at, so shut up! ...Stopping my fight with the imaginary people in my head, I jumped down after Hiei, landing softly next to him, following him as he neared the corner that would lead us to the ningens.


“Hey genius!” That was Yusuke. ”You gonna say something, or just stare?” He asked annoyed.


I heard a laugh that could only belong to Kuwabara. “Your bad attitudes not gonna ruin my day 'cause I've found my secret weapon! And here it is! My totally fresh, bad guy slicin' and dicin', mega awesome super sword!” He said confidently, and I could only imagine the huge smile that was on his lips, and I couldn't help but sweat drop at him.


“Do you think it's possible that you could shut up?” Hiei growled as we rounded the corner, facing the two ningens before us. And our sudden appearance made Kuwabara jump and let out a shout of surprise.


I let out a sigh, resisting the urge to smack Hiei in the arm for his comment, mostly because I would hit the bad one. “Not even a second around Kuwabara and you're already pissed.” I said bluntly as I sweat dropped, I have no idea how his hate for Kuwabara could be this deep? ...Boys.


Hiei glanced at me. “Shut up.” He said annoyed, and I rolled my eyes at him, he's so nice isn't he? Sigh...


“Hey Hiei, Kira.” Yusuke said almost emotionlessly, glancing at us.


I frowned at that greeting, usually Yusuke would have made some kind of comment to Kuwabara about how Hiei hated him, but I could understand why he didn't want to. Genkai's death had affected him more than anyone one of us could understand, and from what I could tell, Kuwabara didn't even know about what happened, considering he was so happy right now. Sure, I was happy before, but that didn't mean that some part of me still wasn't said, it only happened yesterday. But I noticed Yusuke give me the smallest reassuring smile I think I ever saw, telling me that he was going to be ok. In time. I only gave him the smallest of nods, a small smile on my lips as well.


“You two really shouldn't sneak up on someone whose holdin' the world's most powerful sword!” Kuwabara glared at us, making me turn my attention back to him. But I sweat dropped again when I saw his face turn to disgust when he saw Hiei's arm. “Ah! Ew! What the heck happened to your arm?!” He asked, grimacing at the bloody thing that use to be called an arm.


“It wouldn’t obey when I gave it a specific command so I decided it needed to be punished.” Hiei answered nonchalantly as he glanced down at it, not even caring.


Kuwabara let out a nervous laugh. “OK, he's weird.” He said with a forced smile.


Thank you! Someone who understands how I feel! “You have no idea! I had to walk with him here with that!” I shouted with an irk mark on my temple as I pointed to it, the concern in my voice once again, and Hiei rolled his eyes at it. Again.


“Way too much information for me.” Kuwabara got another nervous laugh and forced smile after he was done frowning at me. “Lets stick to something safe, like where's Kurama?” He asked.


“Kuwabara, I've been standing next to you for some time now.” Kurama's voice said from behind him more than next to him, making the red haired ningen jump out of surprise, turning around with a scared look on his face. Ha. “A bit nervous, are we?” He asked with a small smirk on his lips.


“Hi Kurama!” I smiled, waving at him happily, but it was also apologetic for leaving him yesterday.


Kurama gave me a nod and smile in greeting.


Kuwabara turned around to face Yusuke, smiling again “All right then, now we just need to find the old lady.” All of our smiles -from Kurama and I- dropped at that, all of us turning silent, and Yusuke turned around to face the sea. “Has anyone seen her?” He asked, now confused with the silence that fell over us.


“She's...not coming.” Yusuke said softly, a frown on his lips.


Kuwabara stared at him with even more confusion than before. “Huh?” He asked, and I really knew that he didn't know what had happened to her. Poor Kuwabara...


Yusuke continued to stare at the sea, not even trying to turn around to face Kuwabara, not knowing if he could pull off a lie if he did that. “She's not well, she just needs some time to rest.” He said, his voice wavering slightly as he closed his eyes.


*Yusuke...* I thought sadly, feeling my eyes burn again.


Kuwabara decided not to ask anymore questions, and Yusuke said that he was going to bed. All of us agreed, even though Kuwabara looked a bit annoyed at that, apparently wanting to show us what he could do with a new hilt that he got. I couldn’t help but notice that it looked like the one that Shishi had, but I ignored it and headed back to the hotel with them. Once we got to our room, we all went to bed without another word, our minds already reeling at the thought of the Finals being tomorrow. I was now letting myself completely think about Kane's threat after the three days that it had been said to me, and I was nervous. I was going to try my hardest, but as I willed myself to fall asleep, one question kept appearing in my head.


Would that be enough?


~*~*~*~


The next day came, and I was glad that I had a full night sleep, not like I was expecting that I would. I was scared to fall asleep, thinking that I would have countless nightmares about the whole thing, but the people up there finally gave me some peace this time. But as the boys and I got ready for the fight, I was still worried about the fight, but who wouldn’t be if they were us? Not Yusuke and I, considering if either of us lost our match, our team was going to die. It was a big weight to be placed on our shoulders, but I knew the others were thinking the same thing as well. We all had a huge responsibility that we had to face today, we all knew that death was always a possibility for us, and even if we didn't wan to admit it, it scared us.


Deciding to find a way to cheer myself up, I grabbed my favorite clothing combination and put it on. I knew that it was going to be practically destroyed when I fought Kane, but might as well look good while I was getting my ass kicked, right? I was wearing my fuchsia off-the-shoulder shirt over a gray tank-top, my black capri sweatpants and black martial art shoes. But what was different was that my hair was pulled into a ponytail, my bangs framing my face. If I wanted to fight, I needed my hair out of the way for me to do that. I wasn't sure how Kurama was going to do it, but I wished him luck with that because fighting with long hair sucks. ...Well it use to suck, now that my hair is a lot shorter now.


When we were all finished, it was time for us to leave. My eyes were narrowed into a hard stare, and despite how I felt the last few days and this morning, I was feeling surprisingly calm. No. I didn't think I was going to win easily, there was no way in hell that would ever happen. But I knew if I wanted any hope of winning, then I would have to relax, and I was happy that my body was cooperating with me today. As we walked out the front doors of the hotel, we were met with a clear blue sky and the rising sun. I couldn't help but find the irony in this, but I let it side, smiling slightly at how this was all finally going to be over.


“It's time to kick some ass!” Yusuke said with narrowed eyes, punching his fist into his palm.


Kuwabara and I copied his gaze. “Right!” We said together.


Kurama nodded with a serious face.


Hiei only smirked.


~*~*~*~


The boys and I were standing in the dark tunnel that lead to the ring, waiting for them to open up. It would have been unnerving if we were facing them a few days earlier, but we weren't going to let ourselves dwell on what-if's and shit, we knew that wouldn't do anything. So we waited in silence, our eyes closed and our bodies relaxed despite the situation that was being presented for us. However, I was growing rather impatient about the whole thing. Ten fucking minutes we've been waiting here, and we were almost worried that we were going to be late! God dammit, if I wanted to be fucking relaxed for my fight, they better start the damn match now before I piss myself off! An irk mark was pulsing on my temple, and I was hoping someone would break the silence that was really starting to grate on my nerves. It really was.


“One question.” Kurama spoke up, and I silently rejoiced, almost missing Yusuke glance at him. “Have you arranged for a substitute for Genkai, since she won't be joining us today?” He asked seriously, knowing if we didn't we would be disqualified.


Yusuke frowned at that. “I did, but the little twerp should have been here by now.” He said, his tone coated with annoyance, and I narrowed my eyes at that. Twerp?


“Well I don't see why the old broad doesn't have to be here like the rest of us.” Kuwabara said with a frown on his lips, crossing his arms over his chest. The annoyance was clear in his voice as he it was in his expression, but if he knew what Genkai wasn't here, he would be singing a whole different tune, that was for sure.


*He still doesn't know?* I thought surprised. Wow, we're assholes.


Yusuke closed his eyes, looking down. “She's sick, I told you that.” He said, keeping his voice strong.


“Aha! It so happens that I know a secret remedy that can cure all kinds of sickness!” Kuwabara smiled broadly before he got a thoughtful expression. “Let me think, first you hang upside down for a while, then you eat five large lemons, drink some two day old tea with pepper, and then wrap your body in seaweed.” He mumbled to himself, looking up in thought as he put his hand under his chin.


“So tell me, what's it like living in a constant haze of stupidity?” Hiei asked annoyed, glancing at the ningen.


“I've had enough of your lip, Half-Pint!” Kuwabara shouted with an irk mark on his temple, his right eye twitching as he glared down at the fire youkai next to me.


I let out a sigh, glancing at the two blankly, they just love to piss each other off, don't they? Sometimes I wonder if this is how Hiei and I look when we 'fight', but I quickly dismissed it. We were totally different. “Kuwabara one of these days your going to make the ceiling fall on us with all your shouting.” I said giving him a look, he really could be loud.


A loud rumble suddenly was heard above us, and we all instinctively looked towards the ceiling. Dust from the cracks in the tiles feel down from us, and dissipated into nothing, and we all stood on guard. You all remember what happened to us when we heard a rumble, right? Yeah, a really fucking heavy ceiling fell on us and Hiei almost left us for dead -although I doubt he'll do that again ;)-! We did NOT want to have that happen again, especially on the day that we were finally going to kick Team Toguro's ass and go off this damn island. If that happened, ooh, I would be so pissed off!


*I didn't mean it!* I thought, glaring up at the ceiling.


“Now, with no further ado, the moment you've all been waiting for, so let's begin!” We all heard Juri shout from the other side of the door, and we all turned. “On my left, Team Urameshi!” She introduced.


The doors before us slowly opened, spreading light through the dark tunnel. Our eyes were narrowed as we heard the boo's from the crowd, but we ignored them and walked out towards the ring. Along the way we heard threats come from countless youkai, and I was beginning to grow annoyed. I mean, they'll have a chance to see us fight Team Toguro, isn’t that enough for them?! Apparently not because they only want us dead for Hiei, Kurama and I 'betraying' them for working with ningens. Pff. They can blow it out their asses for all I care. Stopping before the ring, the boo's only got louder, and I desperately tried to block them out. How the hell are we going to fight with so much noise?! Calm down Kira, or you'll get yourself killed, and no-one wants that. Right fans! :D ...Right?


Kuwabara glared at the stands around us. “I'd really like to show everyone of these jerk-faces a thing or two about minding their manners. Besides, all this shouting is giving me a headache.” He mumbled annoyed, and I wasn't sure if he was talking to us or himself.


*Thank you, Kuwabara!* I thought, rolling my eyes.


“Your attention please.” Everyone suddenly grew silent, turning to Juri. “Please put your hands together for everyone's favorite,” I stopped words from escaping my mouth, but chose to just glare, “Team Toguro!” She announced, gesturing to the door that stared at my team right in the face, and we watched it with narrowed gazes.


A few seconds passed and there was no sound coming from the tunnel at all. That made our eyes narrow even further, but the questioning thoughts ceased when we heard footsteps bounce off the walls of the dark tunnel. More footsteps and the sound of chains appeared, and out of the darkness came Younger Toguro, Elder Toguro, Karasu, Bui and Kane. They all had steely gazes on -except for Elder Toguro who looked like a fucking freak-, the coldness that was emitting from them was truly amazing, but we only matched them. Especially Kane and I, our murky and ruby red eyes clashed and I swear lightning was beginning to form between us. The bastards death was coming very soon, I would make sure of it.


“Enough already!” Kuwabara suddenly shouted, glaring at the youkai as they burst into loud cheers.


However, I could feel that the others had found their eyes clashing with their newest enemies. I noticed that Kurama had groan slightly rigid, his eyes narrowing into the coldest glare I've ever seen him give anyone. Glancing away from Kane, I saw that Karasu was looking at Kurama, seeing a glint in his eyes. And Yusuke had obviously met eyes with Toguro, seeing as his Spirit Energy suddenly began to rise at an amazing rate. What Genkai had given him must have done exactly what she wanted it to, because I've never felt Yusuke this strong before. I had to hide the smile that wanted to be on my lips, with Yusuke's larger Spirit Energy, I knew that he was going to win against Toguro. Not easily of course, but I knew he could win. Turning my gaze back to the whole team opposite us, I could tell that things were starting to look better than they did previously. Finally.


Well...I spoke too soon. The youkai -who showed surprising amount of brains- actually figured out that we didn't have our substitute with us, as well as Team Toguro. We both were one member short, and I was beginning to grow a bit nervous. Sure Toguro's Team didn't have one either, but knowing them, they could do whatever the hell they wanted so getting a new member wasn't that hard, and I haven't seen their substitute at all considering I've never stuck around to see their full fights. But still! However, my scared thoughts were cut off when we all turned our a gazes back to Juri when she rose her left hand to gain everyone's attention once again.


“Everyone please calm down, and I'll get to the bottom of this.” Juri looked down at the book clutched in her tail. “Uh, let me see. According to the Tournament Rule Book, each of the twelve players must participate in a one-on-one match, assuming six matches are necessary. First team to win four matches will be the champions. Sorry about that, since it is the Finals and neither side has used their substitution, you must have six or your team will forfeit!”She announced, looking between us with a serious gaze.


“Hey,” Kuwabara nudged Yusuke's shoulder, making the Spirit Detective look at him. “You did say you got somebody for Genkai, but I just want you to know that imaginary friends don't count.” He said with a glare.


“Right.” Yusuke looked away from him with an annoyed look on his face. “I'd think it'd be best if you didn't talk the rest of the Tournament.” He said, his tone matching his expression.


I looked up at the red haired ningen, who was glaring at Yusuke. “Kuwabara, just wait, OK?” I asked.


“Fine.” Kuwabara mumbled.


Koto let out a sigh, a frown on her lips. “Great, so we're already experiencing officiating difficulty. Encase anyone up stairs is curious, I do have the entire Tournament Rule Book memorized.” She said, making sure that the Committee could hear her. I guess she's till a bit sore about not being the referee anymore.


The minutes were passing by and neither of the team's substitutes were coming. Despite my calm facade, I was actually a nervous wreck. We just got to this stupid fucking Final round and we were already about to get disqualified again?! First it was before fighting Team Masho, and now this?! I swear to god that I am going to get those people up there -not the Committee, but the imaginary people who ruin my life-, I THANKED them and this is how they repay me?! ...Sorry. I let out a slow breath, trying to regain my calm composure I had before we came to the Stadium, I needed to be calm for my fight with Kane. It was important that I did, cause we all know how I act when I'm angry and in a fight. It's not good.


“Both teams need to find another player soon, because if you don't I'll be forced to disqualify you and forfeit this match, and that's not good!” Juri shouted at both of our teams, annoyed.


*Well no shit, Sherlock.* I thought, rolling my eye with a sweat drop.


“That's all you had to say.” Toguro chuckled in that emotionless tone he always had, and I glared dangerously at him. “Our reserved team member is ready to join us when required.” He said with a smirk on his lips that made my blood boil.


However, my attention was adverted to the doors that were behind Toguro. They had closed during our wait, but now they were slowly opening again. There, being revealed in light, was a ningen who looked to be in his late twenties or early thirties. He was of average size with a relatively well built body. He had long, black hair that was slicked back with a portion of his bangs on the left side of his face,resting on his forehead. His eyes were a dark blue color, and had a long scar that was on the ride side of his face, reading from his hairline to the end of his jawbone. He was dressed in those suits that those guards had worn back in Tarukane's Hideout, with a white button-up shirt and dark blue tie. He was sort of attractive, but eh... -*cough*Hiei's better*cough*-.


Yusuke stared at the man that was walking towards his team with a narrowed look before his eyes widened. “It's him!” He shouted, pointing at the man with a look of recognition on his face.


Kuwabara was confused. “Right, which him?” He asked, raising an eyebrow.


I was confused too, this guy didn't look familiar to me. “Yeah, did you guys meet him before or something? I don't remember seeing him anywhere.” I said, narrowing my eyes at the man, I didn't trust him for some reason, he gave me a very creeped out feeling even for a ningen.


“Hey big shot! You even know how to fight?!” A random youkai shouted from the crowd, laughing.


The man stopped a few feet away from his team. “Well, to be honest, I have no intention to participate in this match. Granted my presence only allows Toguro to continue, but all it means for me is a much better view.” He narrowed his eyes at us. “I'll stake my life on Yusuke's team being defeated before my turn arrives. Now let's begin.” He said calmly, or indifferently, I couldn't tell with this guy.


“Don't sound too confident there ningen, your luck might run out.” I said, glaring at him heatedly.


“Hm, we'll see.” The man said with a smirk.


Koto was on her feet at the sight of this man, and a wide smile was on her lips. “That's what I call putting your mouth where your money is!” She shouted out happily, seeing as how things were starting to pick up around here. Or slightly starting to, I mean.


Juri turned to us. “Toguro is prepared, now present your fighter or the Finals are over.” She announced.


Yusuke only glared, clenching his fists.


Kuwabara, once again, nudged Yusuke, making the smaller ningen turn to him. “What now mister 'Team Captain', we got like two seconds for this guy to show up!” Yusuke just turned away from him, not saying anything. “Hello?” He asked, raising an eyebrow.


Yusuke was too busy to answer the taller ningen's question, his torn gaze resting on Juri's narrowed one. That same feeling was starting to come back, because by the look that was on Juri's face, any second now she was going to name Toguro's team the winner, and we were all going to die before we even had a chance to fight. Biting my lip, I kept myself from feeling nervous, that would only make things worse for me. That -late- substitute was going to be here any second and we were going to be fine. Whoever the hell this person was was going to be here, and then we'll all fight, and we'll win and then we'll go home and we'll never have to worry about anything ever again. ...Right?


Juri turned away, and I felt my heart sink as I saw her raise her left hand. “Since Team Urameshi has failed miserably to produce a sixth player, Team Toguro will be named the winners by default!-”


“Hold it, Missy, patience is a virtue.” A high, but somewhat low male voice cut her off.


I narrowed my eyes at the sound of that, considering I've heard that voice before. “That voice sounds very familiar...” I mumbled, my right eye twitching in annoyance. I can't believe that Yusuke picked HIM to be our substitute!


“Too familiar.” Hiei agreed, annoyance lacing his tone.


All of us turned our attention behind us, considering that was where the voice had come from. The doors behind us slowly began to open, and out of the cracks was dark blue-gray smoke, it blocking our vision of the person who was so going to get hell from me. However, despite my annoyed attitude, I couldn't help but notice that this smoke was...cold? I let out a sigh, staring blankly at the smoke as it fell around us as I crossed my arms. He really loves to make these entrances of his 'cool' doesn't he? And I didn't mean that as a pun, I was actually being serious, but interpret it the way you want, I don't care.


“Wow, Urameshi, the fighter you got even shoots out some kind of magical smoke.” Kuwabara said with amazement in his tone, and I turned my blank stare to the red haired ningen.


“Kuwabara, really?” I asked with a sweat drop.


“Um, not exactly.” That voice came again, and we all turned, seeing the smoke dissipate completely. “I just thought that dry ice would be a nice touch.” The teenage boy said with a blank look on his face as well.


The teenage boy before us had long brown hair, parted down the middle and brown eyes. He wore blue short-sleeved robe-like shirt over a long sleeved shirt, with a red obi sash tied around the waist of his robe-like shirt He had brown pants and black shoes, as well as a red cape that was draped over his shoulders. On his forehead was 'Jr.' mark, and in his mouth was a blue pacifier. I was taken back by Koenma's new appearance, my mouth dropping open and my eyes widening out of their glare. When the hell did Koenma get hot?!


Kuwabara eyes widened in surprise. “It's a giant Koenma!” He shouted, pointing at the teenage prince.


I let out a wolf-whistle. “Damn Koenma, why don't you stay in that form more often? Being sent to see you like that wouldn't be painful like it is when you're a baby.” I said teasingly with a smirk, not noticing a glare on my back.


Koenma got a dark blush on his cheeks and glared down at me. “S-Shut up, Kira!” He shouted, flustered.


“All right, stop flirting you two.” I sent Yusuke a glare, which he ignored. “So what kept you, a diaper change?” He asked annoyed, turning his attention back to Koenma.


“Great.” Hiei said sarcastically, side-glaring at Koenma.


Koenma walked towards us, an annoyed look on his face as well. “Look Yusuke, you can cool it with the wise-cracks, I don't have to be here you know. I'm doing this as a favor, highly important people like myself shouldn't risk their lives, but Genkai was a friend and Toguro's a jerk.” He explained, and I couldn't help but roll my eyes at him.


“Way to go, Koenma Sir, you knock 'em dead!” I heard a familiar voice shout from the stands, and I looked up, seeing George. “This is the proudest moment of my life!” He sobbed, wiping his eyes, making the other youkai stare at him with sweat drops.


I sweat dropped, turning to Koenma. “And you brought George...?” I trailed off, raising an eyebrow.


“I needed protection.” Koenma answered briefly.


“What the hell can he do?! He just looks after you like a nanny, he's completely useless as a fighter!” I shouted with an irk mark, staring at him like he was an idiot, while he glared back. Sure George is cool and all, but we all know that Koenma and George are chickens when it comes to fighting!


“Hey!” George shouted from the stands, offended.


Koenma and I turned our glares to the poor blue ogre. “Stay out of this, George/Ogre!” We both shouted, making George sink into his seat, while the other sweat dropped.


“Hey!” Kuwabara's shout made Koenma and I turn to him, seeing the ningen pointing at the teen prince accusingly. “Are you sure this is a smart idea? We don't know if he can fight!” He shouted, and I sweat dropped, knowing that he couldn't. Great.


Koenma let out a sigh, closing his eyes briefly. “Believe it or not, fighting isn't way up there on my list of priorities. So, I implemented an escape route.” Koenma turned around, and his cape lifted up, letting us see a bright green jet-pack that had a picture of him -in his baby form- on it. “The Koenma-Tron 5000, what do ya think?” He asked, looking over his shoulder at us.


Hiei and I glanced at each other sweat dropping, our faces blank.


Kuwabara anime fell, and I couldn't blame him, but he got back to his feet in record time. “I think we're in deep trouble, that's what!” He shouted, an irk mark on his temple.


Despite that little random moment, we all grew serious once again. Now that we had a sixth member, that meant that the Finals could start. My eyes narrowed seriously, waiting for Yusuke to give us the go. But as I waited, I couldn't help but glance at Kane out of my peripheral vision. He was still staring at me with those cold eyes, and I resisted the urge to shiver and glare right back. He was trying to intimidate me again, and I wasn’t going to let him. He already did that a few days ago, I didn't want that to happen again. Especially if him intimidating me sent me into a very close state to that of a nervous breakdown, which would be rather bad. But I had a feeling that that wouldn't be a problem, I was surprisingly calm again, and that was a good sign.


“Lets go.” Yusuke said.


Juri looked at Yusuke with a narrowed expression on her face. “Wait a second!” She ordered.


“What?!” I shouted with an irk mark, making the others sweat drop.


Juri ignored me, keeping her gaze on Yusuke. “You can't just switch! The rules say that a new player can only be brought in if an original fighter is dead!” She shouted, glaring at Yusuke as he had deliberately tried to sneak a new member in. Again.


Yusuke's face was torn, not knowing what to say. “Well...about that...” He mumbled, trailing off.


I looked at Yusuke with frown on my lips, he was still having such a hard time dealing with Genkai's death, that he didn't want to admit that she was gone. He didn't even want to admit it to himself from the looks of it, whenever someone -Kuwabara- tried to talk to him about her, he would just try to ignore the question as best as he could. Turning my gaze from Yusuke to Juri, I glared at her heatedly, why can't she just give us this?! We've been through so much hell this past week, can't we just have one single fucking day where we get a break?! Apparently not!


“It doesn’t' matter.” The man -Sakyo- said, making me blink in surprise. ...Apparently we can.


Juri turned her confused gaze to Team Toguro, expecting an explanation, but Karasu took the liberty of doing that. “Their team will never get to the sixth match, so it won't be necessary for 'Jr' to fight. We all know he's just here to take up space.” He explained, his cold gaze on Koenma, and I couldn’t help but glare at him. ...Yeah, Koenma's my friend, too. T.T


“Any time, 'Mask Boy'!” Koenma shouted with a glare, taking a step forward.


“I'm starting to like this new Koenma.” I smiled brightly, while the others sweat dropped -and one glared-, which I ignored. “You tell that fucker!” I shouted, making sure Karasu heard me.


Kuwabara stared at us with a surprised look on his face. “What's wrong with you two?!” He shouted in a whisper, but we ignored him. Ha.


Koto smiled brightly, now back in her seat. “All right, there's finally a full roster! So, get ready to feast your eyes on the Dark Tournament's bloodiest massacre yet! Ladies and gentlemen, it's taken us seven long days to get here, welcome to the Finals!” She announced, the crowd all around her erupting in cheers of anticipation.


We all heard the sound of footsteps appear before us, and we all turned our attention to the ring. Up there was a sight that made me almost stare in horror, but I kept the calm look on my face, considering everyone was staring at me with a concerned gaze in their eyes -Hiei...well I don’t' really know-. Kane was standing in the middle of the ring, his murky red eyes staring down right at me, and I met it with my own. So, he was planning on making me go first, huh? What a dick move, he knows that if I lose than that means that he can kill everyone after. Maybe not right after, but after the Tournament was finished. I swallowed thickly, clenching my fists down at my sides. He wasn't going to scare me anymore, and I wasn't going to let him kill anyone, not after all the training that we've put ourselves through to get this far.


“That's the punk that hurt Kira!” Kuwabara's voice made me freeze, especially when he turned to me with a confident smirk. “Don't worry, I'm gonna take this guy out!” He said, giving me a thumbs up, as if that would make things better. Pff.


I jumped into the ring before Kuwabara even had a chance to. “No. I'm fighting him.” I said firmly, not looking at him, already knowing what his expression was.


“B-But he's trying to kill you!” Kuwabara shouted, shock in his voice.


I bit my lip, nodding. “Yes, I know.”


Kuwabara glared at me, but it was out of fear more than anger. “And you're all right with that!?” He shouted, clenching his fists, keeping himself from dragging me off the ring himself. Oh Kuwabara, if you only knew...


“It doesn't matter if I am or not, I have to fight him.” I looked over my shoulder at the red haired ningen, my eyes pleading. “Please Kuwabara, let me do this.” I said, trying to keep my tone calm.


The seconds passed before Kuwabara nodded, but he didn't look happy about it. I saw the other stares that were on me, Kurama's was easy to see, he knew I had to fight but there was still concern in his eyes. He had seen me when I saw Kane for the first time in years, and I could tell he wasn't sure if I could handle it. Yusuke looked like Kuwabara, but he didn't say anything, just kept his eyes narrowed. Koenma just stared at me with a look that said he understood what I was doing. And Hiei, Hiei wasn't even looking at me, he was glaring at the bastard of a brother behind me, which made me smile lightly. But I stopped when I saw his eyes flicker to mine, losing their glare. Slightly.


{Kill him, Onna.} Was the only thing he said.


I hid the smirk that wanted to appear on my lips in that moment. *Believe me Hiei, I will.* I thought back.


Giving the other boys a smile of reassurance, I turned back around, facing Kane once again. The smile dropped from my lips and the calm expression came over my face again. We locked gazes and we walked towards the center of the ring, our eyes never leaving the others. It was unnerving, but I had to get over it, especially when I could tell that those eyes would only get scarier from here on out. Nice thoughts, but it was true.


Juri rose her left hand. “It's been decided! We will begin the Finals with a match between Team Toguro's Kane, and from Team Urameshi's side, Kira!” She announced, the crowd erupting in cheers once again.


I stopped a the center, Kane only a few inches in front of me.


Our fight begins.


Ending it here! Yes, the moment that we've all been waiting for! Kane vs Kira! Well, in the next chapter anyway, but still! I hope this was a good chapter, and I hope you all are going to be excited for the match :D! Bye!
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