Yu Yu Hakusho Fan Fiction ❯ Right Here Waiting For You ❯ Chapter 48 ( Chapter 48 )

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

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


I frowned, walking up to the other three, Hiei following behind but at a distance. As usual. However, my main concern wasn't on him, but obviously on our leader. My eyes trailed over to the unconscious ningen before us, and I wished that the barrier fucking went down so that I could kick this bastards' ass. But, like always, nothing ever goes the way that I want it to. Sucking it up, Hiei and I stopped next to the three, whose gazes seemed to be narrowed as if deep in thought. Well I don't blame them, those fucking goddamn ningens didn't tell us what to do when we beat them! Now one is knocked out and another has their soul floating above their chest, that really helps. Sarcasm, oh how I love you so very much.


“What do we do now?” I asked, voicing everyone's silent thoughts.  


Kuwabara shrugged, taking his narrowed eyes off of the ningen before him. “Well it looks like we're done here, there's no where else to go but through that door, right?” he asked as he stepped towards it.


“Do you see any other option?” Hiei asked bluntly.


“Screw you, Shorty!” Kuwabara snapped, an irk mark pulsing on his temple.


Hiei only glared dangerously.


“Don't waste your Energy on each other,” Kurama advised firmly as he stepped forward. “The last ningen will obviously be stronger than their grunts.”


Botan nodded earnestly. “Yes, let just get Yusuke and get out of here,” she said, frowning deeply.


Kuwabara tore his glare away from the fire youkai, who looked like he wanted to do nothing more than set him on fire where he stood, rolling his eyes. “Fine all right, come on,” he mumbled slightly annoyed with this whole situation, and Hiei wasn't helping.  


Kuwabara walked towards the  door, stuffing his hands in his pocket out of obvious irritation, and I couldn't help but roll my eyes at their behavior. Kurama followed in suit, mostly because of the keys that Kuwabara needed were with him. Holding back a laugh we came to a small room inside of the doorway, leading to another door. We narrowed our eyes slightly, but placed the second key in, only to be met with another door. I rolled my eyes, annoyance quickly falling over my form, if they even dare think of pulling that trick of different sized/shaped doors I'm going to be pissed. However, I stopped when I saw a white where it didn't belong. My eyes snapped towards the color, or lack thereof, seeing something slightly sticking out of two small plants sitting on the tiny cabinet to my right. Between the green leaves was a folded piece of paper, and I quickly went over to it. Flipping it open I scanned the words for only a second as symbols appeared before my eyes. My eyes snapped over to the others, but more importantly Kuwabara as he reached toward the other doorknob.


“Kuwabara!” I shouted quickly, making the others jump at my panicked voice. “Don't open the door!”


Kuwabara's hand quickly stopped, and he snapped his head over to me as I let out a sigh of relief, however he obviously didn't feel the same way. “What the hell, Kira?! You almost gave me a heart attack!” he shouted as he held his heart, staring at me wide eyed.


I smiled at him sheepishly before thrusting the note over to Kurama, him being the closest. “Read this and that heart attack will be worth it,” I replied with a smirk, however my heart was still beating rapidly.


“Another note?” Kurama mumbled, eyes narrowing as his eyes flickered over the symbols.


Kurama's expression quickly turned to anything but that, his gaze steeled as if a cold wall seemed to appear over them. I felt goose bumps appear on my skin, as if the room around us cooled considerably, and from all those chapters ago, I'm still glad Kurama is still with us. I love him like a brother and all, but he can be completely fucking scary when he's pissed, not something you want to deal with even if it's not directed at you. Kurama didn't say anything, which made the three others quickly read the note that he handed over to them. Hiei read it first, his speed like mine, but there was no real change in his expression, as expected. However, it took the other two a tiny bit longer to read than it had us three, but their reactions were worth the wait.


“Those punks!” Kuwabara growled, fists clenching.


Botan wasn't any better, her pink eyes alight with anger. “I can't  believe this! They were trying to trick us!” she shouted angrily, her voice almost raising to a screech. And considering she was like this, I wasn't going to be the one to point out to her that them trying to trick us was very believable. I wanted to live.


“Hm, who would have guessed you'd be the one to spot that, Onna?” Hiei asked mockingly, but smirked.


I stared at him blankly. “Well apparently not you,” I mumbled, my eye twitching. Ass.


“True.” Hiei shrugged.


Ooh, that bastard! Why must he always find amusement in making me pissed off?! “Asshole,” I snapped with an irk mark throbbing on my temple.


Hiei glanced blandly at me. “Bitch,” he retorted, and I would have taken offense had it not been for the smirk that appeared on his lips. But when I realized how many times I called him worse, I completely let it go, it was about time someone said that to me! ...Besides the enemy I mean.


I laughed, that surprising me slightly. “Ooh, getting into it now aren't we, Bastard?” I asked with a smirk.


Hiei scoffed, rolling his eyes. “Brat.”


I only stuck my tongue out at him playfully, not noticing that his smirk was still there.


Kuwabara fake gagged, the noise bringing Hiei and I back towards the group. “If you two would stop flirting, we have something important to do!” he yelled, staring at us like we were dumb.


I blushed heavily, while Hiei only glared at the dumb-ass ningen.


Quickly making the blush tone down to just a pink flush, I watched as Kuwabara turned away from us, sending a kick into Yana's shoulder, instantly making the purple haired boy stir from his unconscious state.  A groan of slight pain and grogginess could be heard from his lips as his eyes slowly opened, and we all watched him push himself up with glares in our eyes. Even if we couldn't hurt the damn bastard with our fists, at least we could scare the shit out of him with our glares. ...Or, well at least I hope we will, because if that doesn't work I'm going to be SO pissed off! And when Yana saw our shoes not that far from him, his head snapped upwards, his eyes widening ever so slightly.


“Nap time is over,” Kurama growled evenly.


Yana quickly got to his feet, backing away as our glares followed his every move. “Looks like you guys defeated my old pal Kaito. Very impressive,” he mocked with a laugh, however his smirk was forced.


Kurama ignored that remark, grabbing and holding up the two keys he had gotten, although I was pretty sure I wasn't present for the silver key.... “So far we have only been successful in opening two of the three doors that will lead us to the subsequent room,” he said smoothly, eyes narrowing dangerously despite that.


“Don't tell me that's the only reason you guys woke me up,” Yana said mockingly, his smirk now real.


Kurama held up the paper that I found not too long ago. “We woke you up because Kira discovered this warning, the one that says Yusuke dies if we open the door without your approval,” he said, his tone showing he was in no mood for games.


Yana shoved his hands in his pockets. “That is a good reason,” he agreed mockingly.


“If you know what's good for you, you will give us your approval,” Hiei warned Yana coldly. “Unless you harbor a death wish.”


“May I remind you that those kind of tactics don't work here, Hiei,” Yana said with a smirk as he stared down at the fire youkai before him. “So keep your mouth shut and do exactly what I tell you.”


Hiei growled lowly, eyes narrowed into a deadly glare.


He was an idiot. “You really want to die, don't you?” I asked seriously, raising an eyebrow.


Yana rolled his eyes at me. “You obviously don't listen, I'm surprised an idiot like you didn't get your soul taken from Kaito,” he said rather bluntly, ignoring a glare that intensified.


Once those words passed his lips I narrowed my eyes dangerously, Hiei was the only person I let call me an idiot. ...Shut up. “You obviously are the one that's fucking stupid, ningen, because when we beat all of you  bastards and your Territory is gone, there won't be anything stopping us from harming you. So I think if you want to live to see morning, you'll keep your mouth shut, got it?” I asked, my tone smooth but venom laced those words, and I stopped myself from smirking when I saw him give the slightest twitch of a flinch. Good, he should be scared.


“Empty threats, Miss Akira, get you no-where,” Yana retorted easily.


Now it was my turn to growl. Damn him!


“This really chaps my hide that we have to stand here and swallow this dweeb's abuse!” Kuwabara growled.


Yana only chuckled darkly with that fucking smirk on his lips before he motioned us to follow him. I clenched my fists tightly by my side, but when the others followed him I sucked it up and went after them as well. I really couldn't wait until we got Yusuke back, I was going to show Yana, Kaito and that other fucker not to ever mess with my friends. If they're alive, they should considering themselves lucky, them being ningen and all. However, my dark thoughts were cut off when Yana opened the door that we couldn't before. Inside was a room with yellow painted walls, a purple tiled floor and seven doors that lined the wall to our left. Each door had a different colored stairway ranging from red, green, violet, blue, pink, yellow and purple.


“Now what's goin' on?” Kuwabara asked cautiously as we all stepped into the room after Yana.


Kurama narrowed his eyes. “Interesting,” he mumbled to himself.


I scoffed. “Not really.”


Kuwabara, upon seeing the seven doors to his left, widened his eyes considerably. “Geez this place is big, you got your own stair museum!” he exclaimed in surprise.


Yana stopped before the stairs, ignoring Kuwabara's comment, and turned to all of us with that smirk still intact. I really want that smirk to die. “Yusuke is on the next floor up, but each one of you's gotta take a different staircase to get to him,” he explained, the smirk turning a little sadistic.


I didn't like that. “What?!” Kuwabara and I shouted together, glaring as our fists clenched in unison.


“What's your reason for separating us?” Kurama asked calmly.


Yana chuckled. “My reason? It's like the old saying goes: 'That's for me to know and you to find out'.”


I didn't like the sound of that for obvious reasons, and from the look on his face it wasn't going to be good, again for obvious reasons. My teeth clenched as I tried to restrain myself from attacking him. I would only hit the barrier and considering how that hurt Kuwabara's hand and broke Hiei's sword, I didn't really want to risk hurting my hand just because I was angry. I, however, wasn't the only one who was trying to hold themselves back, but they weren't trying to stop themselves like I had.


Kuwabara stepped forward threatening. “Listen weasel-!”


“Kuwabara!” Kurama's voice made the ningen stop and turn to him. “I understand your frustration, but if we wish to help Yusuke we must comply,” he advised seriously.


Kuwabara tch'd while Yana chuckled darkly once again, now very amused. God I hate him!


“Oh! I forgot!” Botan quickly knelt to the floor placing the suitcase on the ground before opening it. “I knew this stuff would come in handy Now let me see...” She dug around for a second, ignoring our eyes now on her a she searched before she pulled out a circular sticker-like item. “Here it is! This clever little gadget is guaranteed to blow you away! The always stylish Mejiru Seal!” she shouted happily, showing us.


All  of a sudden the atmosphere changed around us, everything become pink with yellow and white clouds. Behind Botan and Kuwabara was a yellow sign with two posts with something written on the sign, but I didn't care enough to see what it said. I blinked and rubbed my eyes to make sure that I was not having a moment again. Last time I had a moment was with Ichigaki and that damn calculator of his, and I did NOT want to sound like I was going crazy again. However, seeing as how none of this was going away, I just couldn't help but ask what was on my mind.


“Why the hell did everything change?” I asked blankly, a sweat drop going down my head.


Hiei rolled his eyes, a look of annoyance on his face as well. “Just let it happen, Onna, it will be over soon,” he said with a monotonous tone in his voice, not liking what was going on either.


I blinked slightly at the response, usually I see things that aren't there that make me question my sanity. “I'm surprised you can see it,” I said, however my expression didn't change.


“It's your fault,” he accused bluntly, although there wasn't any annoyance in his tone.


I just smiled cutely.


“Oh great, here we go.” Hearing Kuwabara's voice Hiei and I turned back. “But Botan what can it do?” he asked as he turned to the blue haired girl beside him, his tone sarcastic and bored.


Botan, however, didn't seem to notice his tone, and smiled. “Glad you asked! It's a modified version of the classic tattoo seal used as an inmate tracking devise in Reikai Jail.” She placed the Mejiru Seal onto Kuwabara's chest. “Only the applier can remove it,” she informed, speaking like a true salesperson.


Kuwabara grabbed it, but it stayed. “Hey look, it's stuck like glue!” he shouted slightly surprised as he tried desperately to get it off, ignoring Botan's giggles.


“Let me try,” Botan said with a smile, easily pulling the Seal off. “Tada!”


Kuwabara put on a fake surprised and awed look, his arms up in 'shock'. “Whoa! Awesome!” He got an annoyed look on his face, crossing his arm. “What else?” he asked, knowing there was more and I groaned.


“If the person who attached the Seal dies, it will automatically fall off.” Botan got a serious look on her face when she said that. “Also the Seal will change colors to indicate that person's physical status. Blue if all is well, yellow if slightly hurt, and red if seriously injured. All in one convenient package, pretty neat huh?” she asked, gaining her smile back once again.


Once the scene faded back to the original one, I let out a sigh. “Thank god,” I mumbled, relieved.


“I see.” Kurama looked down at the four Seals that were placed in his hand, as well as the rest of us with ours. “So we should write our names on the Seals and attach them to one another, and know immediately if someone is hurt. Hopefully these are allowed,” he said looking over his shoulder at Yana.


Yana, who had been ignoring us as he leaned against a wall, let out a bored sigh. “Whatever, I don't care,” he said as he closed his eyes once again.


With that nice little approval from the bastard, everyone began to write their names on their Seals while I was a bit left out. They only had four markers, so I had to wait my turn which made me pout like a child. I crossed my arms over my chest as I waited for the others to finish putting their names on the Seals so I could put mine on as they put their Seals onto my chest. However, my thoughts quickly drifted off to Yusuke once again, a nervousness gnawing in my stomach. I didn't like how we were so close but we still couldn't get him and that something was going to happen to one of us once we went our separate ways into our stairways. I didn't like this at all, me not being around anyone of them was going to drive me insane, I needed to know if they were all right. But with the Mejiru Seal, I guess I would know if everything was all right. That's good at least...


“Well so far they're all blue, glad to know most of us are okay.” Botan looked over at me with an apologetic smile, handing me the marker which I took with a pout. “Sorry Kira, I guess I should've came more prepared,” she said with a laugh in her voice, but I only ignored her, pouting more.


I quickly scribbled my name onto the Seals before looking up with a smile, not noticing the color that was staring at me in the face. “Well, we're all done!” I said with a grin.


“Everyone except you, Hiei,” Botan said as she looked over at the Seal-less fire youkai.


Hiei glared at her, tensing slightly. “I don't need them,” he snapped.


“Sure you do!” Botan stepped towards him with a frown, reaching over to put her Seal on his chest first. “You want to know we're okay!” she said, her frowning deepening.


However, before Botan could place her Seal on him, Hiei caught her wrist, eyes narrowing. “Touch me and I break your wrist!” he growled in all seriousness, making Botan laugh nervously, sweat dropping at him.


Seeing my perfect opportunity, I walked over to him with a smile and place my Seal over his heart, mirroring what he did to me. “Stop being so embarrassed that you care about our well-being, now suck it up,” I said teasingly as I leaned forward, sticking my tongue out at him playfully.


Botan, seeing Hiei distracted, quickly retracted her hand with  the smallest of smirks on her lips.


Hiei looked off to the side slightly, seeing my face so close to his. “I told you, Onna, I don't need that Seal,” he repeated once again, but there was no annoyance.


“Don't care,” I replied with a shrug, smiling even wider.


Hiei only shot me an annoyed look.


However, Hiei's glare quickly fell from his eyes when Kurama placed his Seal next to mine. “Could it be that Hiei has already forgotten that it was his soul that was the first to be lost?” he asked, a hidden smirk under his tone as he gave an innocent look, and that question made Hiei reluctantly reply.


“So there, rebel,” Botan teased him lightly, putting her Seal on next.


Kuwabara laughed, following their example. “He told you!”


Hiei looked down at the Seals that covered his chest with annoyance, however when the sight of one Seal caught his eye, his body stiffened instantly. I cocked my head to the side in confusion and concern, watching his shoulders turn rigid, my smile falling from my lips. I opened my mouth to ask what was wrong, but when I looked at the Seals as well, my body froze and my blood ran cold. There were three Seals that were blue, and the last one was...red. And the last one happened to be mine. I swallowed thickly, my face paling when Hiei's glaring red eyes met my widened orbs. Oh shit...


“You're seriously injured,” Hiei almost hissed, making me flinch at the ice that laced his tone.


The others quickly became alert once those words passed the fire youkai's lips, turning to my Seal to see that he was right. “Kira!” Botan gasped, her eyes narrowing slightly down at me, and I flinched once again. I can't believe I forgot I was injured!


“When did you get hurt?” Kuwabara narrowed his eyes as well, glaring over his shoulder at Yana. “Did one of these punks touch you?” he asked looking back at me, a growl in his tone.


I bit my lip, fidgeting under those three stares. “We-well, I-I...” I stuttered feebly, trailing off.  


“No.” The room chilled slightly. “Kaito nor Yana got near Kira, it's the wound she got at the Dark Tournament. It appears that it was more severe than we originally believed,” Kurama explained a bit coolly, making me flinch once again. Oh this was NOT how I pictured them finding out at all, hell I didn't picture them finding out at all! And judging by their glares, I'm in very big shit. Great...


Kuwabara's eyes widened. “B-but Kira said she was fine!” he shouted in confusion.


Hiei's glare never left my eyes, and no matter how hard I tried I couldn't look away. “The baka lied about her condition, Kuwabara,” he snapped slightly, and I flinched at the lack of use of my 'name' while he used Kuwabara's. Oh yeah, Hiei's very pissed off at me...


“Kira.” Botan's scolding, mad mother-ish voice reached my ears. “Why would you lie?” she asked angrily.


I looked down, finally able to break away from Hiei's glower. “What would you have done about it if I did say that my wound wasn't healed like I said it was?” I asked meekly.


“We would have made you stay behind, duh!” Kuwabara glare. “You're hurt, you wouldn't able to go up against these guys!” he said looking at me like I was an idiot, and I let that look go just this once, considering I deserved it and a lot more.


I frowned, looking up once again. “And then Yusuke would have died,” I countered.


They went silent.


“See,  if I told you, you would have worried me and got distracted from Yusuke.” I frowned at them even more, crossing my arms. “Yusuke's more important and he could DIE right now, while I'm not. So be pissed at me all you want but nothing would have changed if I did tell you,” I stated, although I was still fidgeting under their angered glares, although they were now frustrated at the fact that I was right. For once.



Yana yawned boredly, making us turn to our glares to him. “That was cute and all, but time's a tickin',” he reminded us with a roll of his eyes.


“Right, we'll discuss this later,” Kurama stated firmly with a nod.


My eyes narrowed in confusion. “What's there to discuss? We just did!” I reminded with a frown.


Kurama glared down at me, and I fell silent.


“Fine,” I mumbled looking down.


Placing my other Seals on the others, glaring at them when they turned red once again, we all stood in front of our stair cases. Kuwabara was yellow; Botan pink; Hiei blue; me violet and Kurama green. I swallowed thickly as I stared up the stairs, seeming them ascending up so high that the darkness of the staircase turned the rest of the stairs black, not allowing me to see anything. I knew that I would be fine considering my eyesight, but being alone in the dark while my friends could be hurt didn't sit well with me.


“I'm ready when the rest of you guys are,” Kuwabara spoke up, sounding very unsure as well.


“I'm all set here!” Botan stated.


Hiei and I said nothing.


“Lets begin,” Kurama said, his eyes narrowing into a serious glare. “Remember, caution is our ally.”


Kuwabara nodded. “You bet!”


As we all climbed up our staircases Yana wasn't going to let us go without one more little mocking comment. “Those Seals were a good idea, too bad they won't be any help!” he called to us, smirking.


The darkness came over me and the only thing that I could see was the violet staircase beneath me that seemed to illuminate in the dark. I looked around cautiously, watching all around me as I took each step, not wanting anything to happen to me that could cut me off from heading where the others were going. However, my mind was quickly taken away from that thought when I saw that I was upside down, walking on one staircase while another one was below me and I squeaked in fear. I began to stop, scared that I would fall from this height, and considering how far down the other stairs were that would hurt like a bitch. But I bit my lip and closed my eyes tightly, making myself push forward, not caring for the dizziness that I felt as if I was walking in a very tight circle. I would have kept my eyes shut, but when I felt myself slam face first into a door, my eyes shot open and my hands went to my now red nose.


“OW!” I shouted nazelly, anime tear in my eyes.


I shook my head, getting my bearings back as I opened the door with one hand, my other hand still on my nose. As I stepped into the room I heard four other doors open as well, and I looked over to see the others walking in as well. They all looked around at each other and me as well, also finding how we got here at the same time also slightly weird. However, our attention was quickly turned towards Yusuke and a boy who was tall and slightly built, possessing a rather intimidating aura, in spite of his less-than-menacing physique. This intimidation I felt could be attributed to his facial composition, distinguished by charismatic eyes, a quite angular jaw, while his thin eyebrows, miniature nose, and insubstantial lips compose the rest of his sharp-cornered visage. Resting atop his v-shaped head are thick, short, and messy strands of blond hair, complemented by the shades of black and white present on his attire.


“Welcome,” the blonde greeted almost immediately upon seeing us.


“What's up guys?” Yusuke turned to us, but made no move to come over. “Whats wrong with you, Kira?” he asked slightly confused, seeing me holding my nose with small tears of pain in my eyes. It hurt! Shut up!


I blushed in embarrassment, looking off to the side. “I ran into the door,” I mumbled.


“Urameshi!” Kuwabara shouted, as he and Botan ran forward.


However, Botan stopped short when Kuwabara did, seeing Yusuke not moving as well. “Yusuke?” she questioned in confusion, as the rest of us walked over to stand by them. Me standing between Kurama and Hiei, with Botan by Hiei's right and Kuwabara on Botan's.


“What's goin' on?” Kuwabara asked, pointing at Yusuke. “Why are you just standin' there like that?”


Yusuke's eyes narrowed slightly, now serious. “Just stay were you are! I'm here because I'm stuck! If you get close enough for him to step on your shadow, you'll be stuck too!” he warned.


Botan and Kuwabara stepped back, while Hiei, Kurama and I narrowed our eyes. Well that's just great.


“That's true,” the blonde spoke up, instantly making all eyes go to his form. “But I'm not the one you should be worried about. One of your friends is an imposter.”


All five of us just stayed silent, our bodies tensing up at the news. However, I would be lying if I didn't say that I was now a bit cautious and a bit skeptical. The kidnappers could be saying that just so we'll turn on one another, or they could be telling the truth. I bit my lip, not liking this new predicament we were now in. I really didn't want to fight anyone who looked like my friends and love-interest, and if that blonde haired bastard makes me or anyone of us do that, I'm so going to be pissed! ...I'm just pissed about everything today, aren't I? Yep...


“What is that suppose to mean?!” Kuwabara asked angrily, stepping forward.


The blonde ignored Kuwabara all together, turning to Yusuke. “Now lets begin the next game, shall we? Like I said one of your companions is not who they appear to be,” he reminded with a smirk on his lips.


“What the?!” Yusuke turned to us, his eyes confused.


All five of us tensed once again, not liking where this was going. *Oh, this is going to be very fun, I can just tell,* I thought with a frown.


“Your only objective in this game is to determine the imposter in ten minutes, beginning now.” Hearing the blonde say that, Yusuke turned back to him, while the blonde turned to us. “Now the five of you, you are only allowed to speak when Yusuke has asked you a direct question,” he explained.


Kuwabara glared. “I don't know this guy! How do we know he's tellin' us the truth?!” he asked suspiciously.


Botan nodded, her candy pink eyes narrowed skeptically. “I find it hard to believe anyone can disguise themselves so perfectly in such a short amount of time!” she agreed with a frown.


“You could be just saying that so we'll turn on one another,” I  added.


The blonde smirked as he turned to the three of us, causing me to glare even more at him. “I thought I told you not to speak unless you were spoken to? Don't you care what happens to your buddies?” he asked mockingly, that same fucking tone that we've heard from the other two. God they're pissing me off!


Hiei scoffed at that question. “I could easily slit your throat before you even think about doing anything to the Detective,” he threatened truthfully and coldly.


*AW! Hiei~!* I thought with a smile.


Hiei didn't even respond, making me instantly frown. Looks like he's still mad at me...


“You don't follow me, do you?” The blonde asked a little exasperated. “Whoever is being impersonated is currently in our prison. Mr. Urameshi isn't the only one at risk, and for those of you lacking in manners, that means if anything should happen to me the other person we've captured will promptly be killed.”


Damn it, this isn't good. *Well there goes my knocking out plan...* I thought with a frown on my lips.  


Kurama did as well. “It seems your group's thought of everything.”


Yusuke glared angrily as he clenched his teeth, sweat trickling down his temple. “Let me guess, if I don't find the fake one in ten minutes you'll kill the real one?” he asked, although we all knew the answer to that question, and that made me swallow thickly.


The blonde ignored him, looking at his wrist watch. “Uh oh, nine left,” he said, looking up at Yusuke.


Yusuke stiffened, his eyes widening slightly.


“You're wasting time,” the blonde reminded as he lowered his arm down, an impatient tone now in his voice as well as on his face. “I suggest you get started.”


“Don't rush me!” Yusuke glared at the boy before he turned to us, eyes narrowed seriously. “Lets see, what the best way to weed out a fake...?” He looked at each of us once again before he turned to his first candidate. “Kuwabara! What's your blood type and when were you born?” he asked, making us turn to him.


Kuwabara glared. “Figures! You have to suspect me first off!” he shouted angrily, and I sighed. Great.


“Oh get over yourself and answer me!” Yusuke shouted back.


Kuwabara rolled his eyes at Yusuke. “Okay Mr. Crabby-pants, but do you even know my birthday and blood type in the first place?” he asked pointing to Yusuke with an annoyed look on his face.


“Huh, I guess I don't...” Yusuke mumbled, sweat dropping.


“This is pathetic!” Botan groaned.


I agreed with her on that. “No kidding,” I mumbled with a  roll of my eyes.


Yusuke ignored our comments and turned to a certain red haired kitsune. “Kurama, please tell me your mother's name and how old she is!” he ordered.


Kurama's gaze seemed to soften at the thought of his mother, and despite him being mad at me I couldn't help but smile at that. Aw! “Her name is Shiori, she is forty years old and she will be married in the fall,” he answered with a small smile on his lips.


“That's great!” Yusuke grinned. “Tell her congratulations for me! Hey, am I invited to the wedding?”


The blonde then put his two cents in. “Only seven minutes,” he reminded.


Yusuke shot the blonde an irritated look before he turned back to us once again. “All right, Botan.” Said blue haired grim reaper jumped at the sound of her name. “Prove to me who you are by telling me your boob size!” he demanded, making my right eye twitch in annoyance at the order. He is such a pervert...


“Have you lost your mind completely?!” Botan shouted with a blush on her cheeks, an irk mark on her temple. “You and I both know I've never told you anything of the sort!”


“You told me when we were on the roof of the school, remember?” Yusuke asked with a smirk.


Now all of us looked at Botan as she began to sputter before falling silent, looking up in thought. After a few seconds passed she shoo her head violently. “You just made that up, you disgusting pervert!” she shouted angrily.


“Damn it, and you almost fell for it, too,” Yusuke mumbled, frowning slightly.


Yusuke then turned to me, and remembering the last question he just asked, I quickly glared at him in warning. I did NOT want him to ask that question because screw standing still I will walk the fuck over there and smack the shit out of his head! However, considering that Yusuke was told that one of us could be a spy, that wasn't a very smart thing for me to do in this moment. I mean I could have just fucked up my chances of not being picked -because I am NOT an imposter thank you- and now he'll pick me and then the person who is really an imposter will probably hurt the one their impersonating! ...Yes, I just did that, shut up.


“You know,” Yusuke spoke with a glare in return. “That glare isn't really helping your chances, right now.”


“S-sorry!” I rubbed the back of my head with a nervous smile on my face, sweat dropping, damn Yusuke for having a random bout of brilliance. “I just didn't want you to say anything perverted about my chest,” I answered truthfully, looking off to the side with a blush of embarrassment.


Yusuke rose an eyebrow. “Why would I say anything about your boobs? You hardly have any!” he countered.


My face went beat red, and in my shocked state I didn't notice someone stiffening and throwing a glare at Yusuke's form. “HEY!” I shouted with a glare in my eyes once again, an irk mark pulsing on my temple.


It was true that I was pretty flat-chested for someone my age, but that didn't give him the right to say that! And in front of Hiei, too! I didn't want any talk of my body in front of him, or anyone else for that matter! Fuck you, Yusuke, you just made me look like an idiot! I crossed my arms over my chest self-consciously, throwing a glare over at him as my cheeks cooled down to a very dull dust of pink. The others sweat dropped, well Kurama seemed a bit annoyed about the comment and Hiei was busy glaring at Yusuke, as usual. But I had to say that he was using a bit more malice in his glare than he would usually, probably even more than he gave Kuwabara when he was really annoyed with him. ...That didn't really sit well with me.  However, I got over it, seeing as how Kurama wasn't too mad at me anymore, seeing as he glared.


"Okay Kira, lets get this over with, okay?" Yusuke stopped smirking, and I met his eyes instantly. "Who did you see at the Dark Tournament, and what did they do to you in the past?" he asked seriously once again, eyes narrowing.


My body went ridged, a chill instantly filling the room as I glared at Yusuke coldly. My fingers  gripped my arms tightly, almost cutting off my blood circulation as one face appeared in my mind, a face I didn't want to remember. How dare he ever bring Kane up to me?! My right eye began to twitch, however I stayed quiet, making sure not to sound stupid or somehow get myself in more trouble than I already was, but when I saw a smirk begin to play on Yusuke's lips, I decided 'fuck it' and went ahead with whatever I  had in mind. A ghost of a smirk stretched across my lips as well, a sudden thought coming to mind. Oh, this is going to make him regret bringing that bastard up.


"How about I ask YOU a question, Yusuke?" I retorted as I smirked darkly, making Yusuke stare at me in confusion, his smirk dropping instantly.


He, however, turned suspicious. "Whats the question?" Yusuke asked cautiously.


“Oh, you know the answer to it very well, so you won't need to think long.” The smirk on my lips grew darker, but an irk mark began to pulse on my temple again. “Remember what I said I wanted to do to that said person after I woke up from my nervous break down? If you ever, ever, try to make me say that bastard's name, that will happen to you, okay?” I asked sweetly, while the others sweat dropped at me.


Yusuke, as I had said, didn't need to think long at all, and he pale considerably. “O-okay, that's Kir-Kira all right, kn-knew it was y-you all along!” he said with a nervous laugh, and I only smirked wider. Ha.


“This stupidity is making me nauseous,” Hiei snapped in annoyance.


“Fine we'll go to you!” Yusuke glared at him, his attention off of me. “What's your little sister's name?” he asked him, making both Hiei and I tense up at the question. Yusuke, who was now smirking, must have a death wish or something because even bringing Yukina up in this situation is a stupid idea.


Hiei glared harder, especially at the smirk. “You know her well enough, I refuse to play this nonsense game,” he said coldly, his shoulders slightly rigid.


Yusuke frowned, an irk mark on his temple as his eye twitched, knowing it was Hiei all right.


“Hey, that's weird!” Kuwabara walked over to us, stopping next to Hiei and I groaned softly, this isn't going to end well. “I didn't know you had a little sis Hiei. I bet she's a pint-sized pain in the you-know-what just like you! Probably ugly, too!” he shouted with a smirk, and I just shook my head at him, especially when Hiei stiffened even more at the insults that were unknowingly towards Yukina. Smooth move, Kuwabara!


Hiei glared threateningly. “I will kill you,” he hissed dangerously, making me sigh.


Botan's eyes widened slightly, eyes filled with realization. “I forgot Kuwabara doesn't know the relation-”


“Huh?!” Kuwabara cut her off, making her pale considerably.


Kurama and I shushed her, eyes narrowing.


Kuwabara obviously heard our not-so-quiet approach of making Botan shut up, and he turned to all of us with a glare in his eyes. “So everyone knows about her except me?!”he asked angrily, making me remember that time at the Dark Tournament where we kept Genkai's death from him, but this wasn't nearly as bad.


“Well...basically,” Kurama said with a bit of an innocent smile on his lips, his hands behind his back.


That didn't help Kuwabara feel any better at all, it only making his glare deepen if that was possible. “Why didn't you punks clue me in earlier?!” he shouted with an irk mark on his temple.


Kurama frowned. “It's complicated,” he said hesitantly before looking down at Hiei.


“Well?” Hiei asked angrily. “What are you looking at me for?”


Taking that as a way of  Hiei saying 'shut up and drop this matter now or I'll leave and let you all die here', Kurama tried to do just that. “We don't have time to talk about this,” he said looking over at Kuwabara once again, eyes narrowed and serious, hoping Kuwabara would cooperate. Pff.


Kuwabara tried to put on a defeated puppy-like face, which only made me roll my eyes at him. “Oh, have a heart Kurama, tell me what her name is!” he continued to beg to Kurama loudly, a big frown on his lips.


“Five minutes left,” the blonde reminded us.


I was getting annoyed, especially since, as the blonde said, time was running out. “Are we seriously doing this now?!” I shouted, glaring at them.


Thankfully Kurama agreed. “I'll talk to you about her later!” he said, raising his voice slightly at Kuwabara.  


“Okay, you better mean it!” Kuwabara threw Kurama a look before he turned to Yusuke once again. “Any day now, Urameshi!” he shouted as he pointed at the black haired Spirit Detective, while I only stared at him blankly, he was the one that held us all up!


“Get off me! I'm going as fast as I can!” Yusuke shouted back.


I groaned on the inside, massaging my temples. If was probably three o'clock in the goddamn morning, and we weren't any closer to getting Yusuke out of here than we were a few minutes ago! Now we were yelling at each other while one of us was being held captive in a prison and could very well be dead at this moment! I am sick and tired of this place, I want to go to bed and I want this goddamn day to be over with all ready! However considering how much animosity is being displayed between us right now, that isn't really going to happen anytime soon! However, I let out a calming breath, trying to relax once again. Me driving myself crazy with my annoyance is going to help us at all. Just calm down, Kira, calm down...


“Um guys?” We suddenly all looked at Yusuke again hearing the confusion in his tone. “Whats the deal with the stupid looking name tags?” he asked once again, raising an eyebrow at the five of us as if we were being completely stupid. Damn him...


Botan glared with an anime mad face. “If a certain someone had paid more attention when I was explaining their tools to them, they'd know that these are Mejiru Seals!” she shouted angrily.


“Oh yeah, I forgot,” Yusuke laughed nervously, sweat dropping. “Sorry about that.”


Botan sighed. “You know, sometimes I think you might be the imposter,” she said, hands on her hips.


Yusuke suddenly blinked in confusion, his eyes now falling onto my form. “Why is Kira's Seal a different color?” he asked, making me once again tense up at that, oh god here we go again!


“The baka is seriously injured,” Hiei snapped, making me flinch again.


A glare came to Yusuke's eyes. “Who?” he asked in a hiss, side-glaring at the blonde that was before him.


I sighed, feeling very emotionally exhausted, I just don't care anymore right now! “It's my wound from the Dark Tournament, I already got yelled at before we got up here, so please I don't need to hear it again, okay?” I asked in a plead, I will not let them waste the last few minutes yelling at me again!


Yusuke only nodded shortly before his eyes suddenly widened, a thought apparently coming to mind. “Wait, that's the one where the only one who can remove the Seal is the one who put it on, right?” he asked.


“Yes because both ningen and youkai have their own unique Energy Print,” Botan said before gasping.


Our eyes widened slightly, that bit of information about the Seal completely going over our heads. I got a blank look on my face, using all of my will power to not face-palm myself at this moment. We could have just taken our Seals off of one another and if that one person couldn't then we would have known besides going through all this stressful shit! However I calmed myself down, remembering that one of us could be the imposter and when we find that person who knows what they might do.


“That's it!” Yusuke shouted with a wide grin.


The five of us gathered into a circle, staring at each other cautiously. “I see, the imposter cannot remove the Seals. All right, ready?” he asked looking at all of us.


“Ready.” We all nodded.


We all grabbed one of our Seals off of the people closest to all of us, and after a second we pealed them away. But that was the problem. We ALL pealed them off of someone. Gasps escaped our lips as our eyes went wide, not expecting that to happen. Someone was suppose to be the imposter, right? So why were they able to take the Seal off? Or...


“This is rather troubling,” Kurama stated as we looked down at all of our Seals now in our hands.


Yusuke's eyes widened. “What the hell?!”


Kuwabara's eyes narrowed down at the Seals he held, sweat trickling down his temple. “This smells fishy, guys!” he shouted/stated obviously, and we were in too much shock to really care right now to tell him.


“But this is impossible!” Botan denied in confusion. “These things are suppose to be fool proof!”


Hiei narrowed his eyes. “So there was never an imposter to begin with.” He crushed the seals in his hand, suppressing the urge to attack the ningen before him. “He's been bluffing the whole time!” he growled, looking at the blonde with a dangerous glare.


“I knew it!” I shouted, glaring at the blonde as well.


The blonde, however, smirked. “Good guess, but I assure you there's a fake. Yanagisawa's power is Copy, and that is why your Seal's don't work. He has the ability to copy not only someone's appearance, but their voice, their mannerisms, their memories; and yes even their so-called Energy Print. He could copy your own mother and you would never tell the difference, not even with your little magic stickers,” he mocked with a dark smirk now on his lips.


“Bastard!” Yusuke hissed angrily.


“From what my watch says, your time's run out.” The blonde looked up from his watch, turning to Yusuke. “In a few moments I'm going to release you, then it will be decision time. I want you to approach the person you think is the imposter, and hit them as hard as you can,” he explained, looking at us darkly.


Yusuke's eyes widened. “Are you insane?!”


Kuwabara and Botan gasped while Hiei, Kurama and I frowned, tensing up at the sound of that.


The blonde smirked at Yusuke “Sorry Champ, but that's the only way to disarm Yana's power. He has to be hit so hard that it knocks him unconscious, and of course if you choose the wrong person I'll have your captive friend killed. So try to be smart, okay?” he asked, his smirk widening once he finished.


“What's your deal?” Yusuke asked angrily, glaring. “What do you get out of doing all of this to us?”


“I was wondering when you'd ask that,” the blonde said mockingly, taking out a phone. “You've made a lot of friends and enemies, Yusuke, and now we're doing one of them a special favor. Now make your pick.”


The blonde stepped out of Yusuke's shadow, making the Spirit Detective stumble forward before he turned to look at us as he straightened up. All of us stared at Yusuke in the eye and said nothing, reading for him to pick one of us and I hoped that he would pick the right one. I don't know how he'll determine who the fake is or not, but I really hope he does.


“You have only thirty seconds to choose,” the blonde reminded Yusuke.


Yusuke said nothing.


The blonde narrowed his eyes at the lack of response. “I could just order the hostage to be killed and save you the trouble,” he said in a mock-nice tone, lifting the phone to his ear and mouth.


Again Yusuke didn't answer.


“You have fifteen seconds,” the blonde snapped.  


Finally Yusuke clenched his fist, obviously coming to a conclusion. “Enough! I've decided, just don't take this personally.” We didn't know who he said that to, but when he began running towards us we didn't care.  Blue Spirit Energy engulfed his right fist, and we tensed up, not knowing who he was running at either. “I hope I'm right!” he shouted, pulling back his fist.


“Uh oh!” Kuwabara shouted wide eyed.


All of us watched with wide, or narrowed eyes in Hiei's case, as he drew closer and slammed his fist into Kuwabara's left cheek, instantly pushing him off of his feet. However, we all turned and watched as Kuwabara's body began to morph into a different one before the familiar features of Yana's face met our eyes. He let out a shout of pain as the blue Spirit Energy dissipated and he slammed into the ground, sliding into a pile of tables, crashing and breaking them once he came to a stop. Unconscious.


“Wow, you actually figured it out,” the blonde said with a smile in his voice. “How did you know the imposter was Kuwabara?”


Yusuke straightened up. “I chose him because he's use to me pounding his face in if nothing else. Besides Hiei and Kurama are too smart and untrusting, they'd never just walk right into your trap,” he explained with a  serious tone in his voice, and I had to pout when I wasn't including with Hiei and Kurama.


“Yes,” Kurama began with a smirk, looking at Hiei. “Or scream the word 'Hot'.”


Hiei only looked away in annoyance.


Yusuke ignored the comments. “Kira, on the other hand, would've shouted and sworn her head off, so that left her out,” he said, making me smile in pride. I love my swearing.


“You know me so well,” I teased, smiling wider.


“Now that still left me Botan.” Yusuke rose up his right fist, his eyes narrowing dangerously. “And if you dirt bags were low enough to take advantage of the only non-fighter, it wouldn't matter if I lost. Even if you killed me, I would come back from the dead and drop-kick your ass. So Kuwabara was the safest bet,” he said, that threatening tone still in his voice from a few seconds ago.


Botan smiled, tears of appreciation in her eyes. “My hero,” she said happily.


The blonde still continued to smile. “I must say, you're quite impressive,” he complimented genuinely.


The games over!” Yusuke, and the rest of us, turned to the blonde with a glare. “Now cough up Kuwabara!” he shouted, a dangerous tone in his voice that told the ningen not to mess around anymore.


“And he better not be injured!” Botan added.


I nodded as I stepped forward, my fists clenched by my side. “We'll personally see you dead if he is,” I hissed threateningly.


The blonde now smirked, making me narrow my eyes at him, this guy was seriously weird. “Kuwabara is just fine, and I will return him to you in the very near future, but first off I'd like to introduce to you the master of this plan,” he said gesturing to the blue door behind him.


We all looked over at the door once it slid open, tensing up when we saw someone step out from the darkness. A familiar pink haired old woman slowly walked towards us, and when she stepped fully into the light Yusuke, Botan and I gasped out in shock, our eyes widening. However, Hiei and Kurama were completely unaffected and I was temped to believe that they knew it was her the whole time or were in on this. But before I could jump to any conclusions, I turned back to Genkai once she stopped before us, a smirk on her lips.


“I...can't believe it,” Yusuke mumbled. “Why would you do something like this?”


Genkai only continued to smirk.


Yusuke glared down at her, the shock wearing off. “Tell me you crazy old hag!” he shouted angrily, making me jump slightly at the anger that was in his tone.


However, that wasn't the only reason I jumped. The blonde from earlier suddenly dropped his phone to the floor, getting on his hands in knees in a low bow for forgiveness. “I'm sorry!” We all turned to him, surprised looks on our faces. “Forgive me, I failed you master!” he shouted to Genkai.


“Cool it with the theatrics all right, Kido?” Genkai looked over her shoulder at Kido in annoyance. “If we're being honest here, I was counting on you screwing it up,” she admitted easily, looking back at us again.


“You never cease to surprise me, Genkai,” Kurama said. “I thought you might be behind this little ruse.”


Yusuke held his head, his eyes narrowed in irritation and confusion. “This don't make any sense! Why don't you explain it, Fox Boy, 'cause I'm obviously going nuts!” he shouted annoyed as he looked over at Kurama, clearly hating to be left out of the loop.


“Same!” I said, raising my hand.


Kurama looked at us with a small smile. “She was trying to teach us a very valuable lesson; a lesson about perception,” he explained simply.


“Yes, and it's a lesson you must learn very well.” We all turned to Genkai, seeing her eyes turn serious. “I guarantee you this won't be the last time you come in contact with individuals who possess the power of Territory,” she said with her lips set into a firm line. That was NOT good.


“Kurama, when did you realize it was Genkai?” Botan asked, turning to him.


Kurama looked at her. “Once we reached the top of the stairs. If they had truly used their resources; wanted it more, we most definitely would have been defeated,” he answered truthfully, while I frowned.


Yusuke narrowed his eyes. “Oh, give me a break!”


“But there was an ulterior motive here,” Kurama continued, ignoring Yusuke's comment. “And I realized whoever orchestrated was trying to tell us something about ourselves. That would require someone who knows us well, and meant no harm.”


Genkai only scoffed under her breath while I sweat dropped. Thanks Genkai...


“You still haven't given us a reason,” “You haven't sufficiently explained what you're trying to accomplish just by rubbing their powers in our faces.”


Genkai didn't care for Hiei's rudeness, brushing it off easily. “The five of you are well trained fighters, however, as three of you have found out there will be instances where physical strength won't be able to help you, so you must depend on your mind. If you had used that lump three feet above your ass you might've held onto your soul; make that two feet for you,” she insulted as she turned to Hiei.


Hiei stiffened in anger, glaring at her.


Again Genkai ignored him. “To be completely honest I thought Kira would be the first to go, but she actually was smart this time and, along with Kurama, was the only one here to not be captured. She even let Kurama take control because she knew she would be useless,” she, once again, insulted in a...nice way?


“Well thanks!” I shouted with an irk mark.


“Shut up, Kira,” Genkai responded easily, not even looking at me.


I just stuck my tongue out at her.


“Are you for real?” Yusuke asked as he looked over at Hiei, before he smirked mockingly. “You actually let those jerks steal your soul? And KIRA was actually smarter than you for once? Show some skill!”


I got an irk mark once again, my right eye twitching in annoyance. “HEY!” I shouted, offended.


“Oh, and what about you, Dim-wit?!” Genkai snapped/asked as she glared at Yusuke, making him stiffen in fear slightly at the sound of her angered tone.


Yusuke quickly composed himself, waving off her anger. Literally. “Oh come on, I wouldn't have been caught if I had known about that Shadow thing,” he said as if that was no big deal, and my annoyance quickly faded as I shook my head at Yusuke. He was still such a child...


“Are you foolish enough to think that one of your enemies would just hand over that information?!” Hearing that from Genkai, Yusuke stiffened once again, realizing how stupid he sounded. “If an enemy captures you, you're as good as dead. If you remember anything than remember that,” she advised seriously despite how harsh that was, but we all knew it was true. I swallowed, still not liking that news.


“Time out, Grandma.” Yusuke frowned. “You keep saying 'enemy', but these scrubs aren't actually bad, right? So who the hell are they?” he asked.


“Go on, inform them, Kido,” Genkai ordered.


Kido lifted his head, looking up at us. “Yes master. Kaito, Yana and I, we all went to her compound for advise when we developed our powers. That's where we learned about you, Yusuke, and your team. The truth of it is, we've only had these new abilities for about a month. Same as all the other new psychics,” he explained.


“New psychics?” Botan asked, surprised.


“The cause of which is our greatest threat,” Genkai spoke up, turning our attention back to her.


Yusuke frowned. “You're making me nervous,” he said, eyes narrowing.


Genkai didn't  bother with Yusuke's statement, turning to Hiei and Kurama. “I assume some of you have already noticed the youkai insects flying through the city,” she said, not making it sound like a question.


Kurama gasped. “You don't mean...”


“Someone is carving out a tunnel to Makai,” Genkai answered, her eyes narrowing seriously. “Sakyo's plan from the Dark Tournament was not buried with him.”


“Huh?” I asked, now confused and scared.


Yusuke's eyes narrowed, sweat trickling down his temple. “What Sakyo plan?” he asked as well.


“Yeah, Genkai just filled me in.”


All of us turned to the blue door once again, hearing Kuwabara's voice come from inside. We saw his silhouette start to become more prominent before he stepped into the light, making my eyes widen in surprise. Oh. My. God.  The others looked as well, but none of them seemed to be surprised by Kuwabara's appearance. Jerks...


“Apparently Koenma found out and never told us,” Kuwabara said, apparently not self-conscious about his appearance, which surprised me again.  “Sakyo wanted money so he could drill some 'dooms-day' tunnel.”


Yusuke didn't seem to be interested in Kuwabara's explanation as he pointed towards the red haired ningen before us. “Well more importantly we've answered the question: Boxers or briefs,” he said jokingly, which caused me to stay silent any longer, knowing that this needed to be said.


“MY VIRGIN EYES!” I shouted dramatically, covering my face while inwardly snickering.


“Would you two be serious for a second?!” Kuwabara shouted as he blushed, ignoring Yusuke and I as well laughed, stomping over towards Yana. “It's not my fault that idiot stole my clothes!”


Yusuke and I calmed down as we watched him go, but Botan pulled our attention away from the half-naked ningen behind us. “But how could this be? I thought Sakyo died when he blew up the Stadium?” she asked, her eyes narrowing in confusion.


Genkai frowned. “He's dead, we're sure of that, and now he's rolling in his grave because someone continued his plan without him,” she answered.


“It just keeps going, doesn't it?” Yusuke asked, his eyes narrowing angrily.


I only nodded, frowning as well.


~*~*~*~*~


Ending it here! I'm sorry it took me so long to get this chapter out! But I hope you all enjoyed it and I promise one will be out tomorrow night! Bye!
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