A Dream Come True

Disclaimer: See Chapter One.
Warnings: See Chapter One.


Chapter 25: The Semi-Finals Begin!


The stadium was filled and the two teams in the middle were battling to see who would get the pleasure to fight Team Urameshi. Team Uratogi was winning, having defeated another of their opponents in a matter of minutes. An old man is on the team, speaks.

“It’s us who will win….who’s next?” Onji asks the old man.

The leader of the team they were fighting looked horrified at the old man.

“This suck…we don’t stand a chance….you win!”

“Pff…We win? You mean to say you give up?” Shishiwakamaru snorted at the coward.

Shishiwakamaru looked up at the stadium’s roof and points to Kurama and Hiei who were watching the fight from the roof.

“They’re next!”

Hiei looks at the fool who dared to challenge him.

“He’s comical.” Hiei snorted while glaring at Shishiwakamaru.


Another round of fighting starts as you, Kuwabara, Yusuke, Genkai, and even Puu who was resting on top of Yusuke’s head, join Kurama and Hiei in front of the stadium.

They really didn’t want to witness any more carnage.

Kurama filled the rest of you in on what they had witnessed from Team Toguro’s fights, as well as the other contestants who had made it to the semi-finals; and it wasn’t anything good.

“I don’t believe it. Team Toguro finishes all their matches in less than five minutes?” Kuwabara asks Kurama, dumbfounded at that fact.

“Two minutes…” Kurama corrects.

“Damn…that’s good, but bad at the same time….” You say looking just as pale as Kuwabara was at the moment.

“It was just a band of morons.” Snorts Hiei.

Hiei finally notices Puu sitting on top of Yusuke’s head.

‘Astuko’s right….Puu likes empty heads.’ You think, trying hard not to laugh along with Kuwabara, who was also trying hard not to burst out laughing.

“What’s that thing on your head?” Hiei asks, his voice filled with curiosity yet at the same time sounded a bit disturbed.

“I don’t want to talk about it.” Grumbles Yusuke.

He turns to Kuwabara and you; both of you on the verge of cracking up any minute.

Yusuke just looked cute and yet funny; it wasn’t your fault if you thought it was funny.

“IF you laugh, you’re dead!” Yusuke growls, glaring at the two of you.

“Who? Hehehe US? Hehe never! Hehehehe. Why would we laugh at you big bro? hahahaha” you giggle, close to breaking.

Yusuke just glared at you before turning to Kurama.

“How ya feelin’?” Yusuke asks, concerned for Kurama’s health; he had fought three opponents in a row.

“I will be good by tomorrow.” Kurama says giving Yusuke one of his charming smiles, glad that Yusuke was concerned.

“There’s no point in forcing yourself. You see that you’re hurt, just relax.” Hiei snorts, glaring at his long time friend, knowing that he was going to fight even in his poor condition.

“You should talk; you’re just as bad as him!” Kuwabara says concern in his voice just as it was stern.

You raise an eyebrow at this, before looking at Hiei who seemed to be thinking over what Kuwabara said and it was obvious that the fire demon knew what Kuwabara had said was true.

‘Wow…and I thought they hated each other…. it seems like they actually respect each other more then they showed in the show…’ you think, a smile crossing your face.

Kuwabara nodded, satisfied that Hiei knew what he was talking about and turned to Kurama.

“Kurama, you should get Yukina-san to help your wounds! Combined with your powers with herbs and stuff, you would heal in no time! It seems that she came here looking for her brother. After the tournament, I’ll help her!” Kuwabara says, looking at Kurama with a smile.

“Hey! I can help too! With healing Kurama and with finding Yukina’s brother!” you glance over to Hiei as you said that, which earned you a glare from Hiei.

“You don’t know how to control your power yet, (YAFN)-chan.” Kuwabara says, looking at you.

“So! I can still do it!” you say, glaring at him.

“I asked Yukina-san to help you with it, so after she helps you then you can use that power.” Kuwabara says.

You looked at Kuwabara in disbelief.

“You asked Yukina to help me and didn’t even ask me?!” you shout.

It wasn’t as if you hated Yukina or anything like that; it was quite the opposite. You respected her for being a powerful woman yet gentle and loving; even with her powerful ice powers.

The reason you were mad was Kuwabara didn’t talk to you about this. He just asked Yukina for you, with out you knowing. You were hurt that he couldn’t just talk to you; he didn’t even ask you if you wanted the ice maiden’s help. You would have agreed, since you didn’t know her too well and thought it would be nice to be friend’s with her, even if she did have your man. It really didn’t matter to you. You knew it was better that way anyway.

Kuwabara looked at you and saw that you were seriously hurt about this.

He scratched the back of his head.

“Geeze (YAFN)-chan I’m sorry…I didn’t think it was a big deal…”

“That’s the thing. You didn’t think! You didn’t think of my feelings or didn’t even trust that I would ask for help!” You shouted, not knowing why you were upset over the whole thing.

The crowd had stopped whatever they were doing and watched the small fight with in the hated team in the dark tournament.

You were so angry that you didn’t sense the powerful auras coming up behind you and the rest of the group.

“I just want you to talk to me, Kuwabara. I mean, it’s my life, it’s my power and I’ll do whatever the Hell I want with it! If I don’t want to train it then I won’t damn it! You could have just asked me and I would have said yes! I really like Yukina; in fact I think she is a wonderful person and I would have loved for her to teach me. I don’t know why you would ask her for me, when it’s not even your damn business!” You shout your eyes and face turning red.

You glared at Kuwabara who was looking guilty for what he did. He thought he was helping you out. He didn’t think you would be upset.

Before you could even say another word, someone spoke.

“Trouble in paradise I see.”

You froze and tensed up. That was when you felt the huge amount of demon energy behind you.

The rest of Team Urameshi froze as well, a flash of fear in their eyes as they looked behind you.

Kuwabara grabbed your hand and pulled you behind him, using his body as a wall to separate you from Otouto Toguro if he tried anything.

The two teams had a good old fashion stare down. All of you were growling at the demons that stood in front of you. However, Toguro’s team seemed to look at your group with amusement.

“If you want, you can join another team, little lady?” Karasu says looking amused at how the whole team was reacting to their presence.

Yusuke took a step forward, stepping a bit in front of Kuwabara, giving you a double wall.

“What the Hell do you guys want?” Yusuke growls.

Yusuke didn’t like how they came out of nowhere and started a conversation.

“Oh you already know the answer to that question Urameshi. We were just wishing you good luck in your next match. We wouldn’t want you to lose, before you get to fight us.” Otouto says.

“Well don’t worry about that. We’ll be the one’s to kick yer assess, so don’t worry about that.” Growls Yusuke.

“Heh…we’ll see detective.” Otouto says before he and the rest of his team turns; Ani Toguro gave a look towards you and Kuwabara that sent chills down your spine.

You never really liked that guy; he really gave you the creeps.

“Shit…that coward! I didn’t even need to use my spiritual awareness…they had powerful auras! This is trouble…we really have to fight against those monsters?!” says Kuwabara, still not letting go of your hand.

Kurama seemed to be thinking, not really having anything to say, as well as Hiei.

“Shit…I can’t believe I missed that huge energy, until that last second…I’m sorry Kuwabara for yelling at you.” You say, sighing, realizing you shouldn’t have done that.

He was only trying to help you. What really got to you was you were yelling at him and scolding him for just trying to help you and he still tried to protect you from Team Toguro.

Kuwabara let go of your hand and turned to you.

“It’s ok, but I’m sorry too. I should have talked to you about that, instead of just asking her without you knowing it.” He looks at you guilty.

“It’s ok…I’ll tell Yukina that I’d be glad to have her train me, the next time I see her.” You say, smiling at him.

He smiles back.

A clearing of someone’s throat gets both of your attention. You both look to see a smirking Yusuke.

“If you are done apologizing and flirting…” Yusuke starts, but doesn’t get to finish as another team approaches.

Uratogi Team walks up-Uraurashima, Kuromomotarou, Shishiwakamaru, Makintarou, and Onji.

“Do you guys think you’re bringers of justice?” Kuromamo asks.

You, Kuwabara and Yusuke look at him confused.

Hiei snorts.

“You’re amusing.”

Kurama narrows his eyes at the new comers.

“It makes no difference to us.” Shishiwakamaru started, “No matter. Once we defeat you we will be famous.”

“Famous eh? You’ll be famous alright, once we kick yer assess on live TV pretty boy!” Yusuke says, smirking at the team.

Shishiwakamaru’s face changes to an evil looking face complete with fangs and pointy ears.

“You’ll pay for that remark!”

“In cash or check?” you ask smiling.

Shishiwakamaru glares in your direction with that scary look, which causes you to hide behind Kuwabara.

He snorts in your direction.

“You’re lucky you’re a beautiful lady or I would make you regret that.” Shishiwakamaru says before he and the rest of his team leaves.

“There’s nothing to worry about; just minor riff-raff.” Kuwabara snorts, glaring at Shishiwakamaru, not liking how he hit on you as he did.

You blink after him, a slight pink tint to your cheek.

“Is every single demon hitting on me or what? What? There’s not enough girl demon’s to go around?” you ask, really wanting to know why every single demon you had met so far had said some kind of complement or tried to put a move on you.

“Whatya mean every demon?” Yusuke asks, raising an eyebrow at you.

“I don’t know…it seems every single demon I’ve met so far either complemented me or gave me a cheesy pick up line…I’m not even sure if they know I’m human or not…” You say.

“Don’t worry about that…” growls Yusuke.

You sweat dropped.

‘Oh boy…’ You think as you watched Yusuke turn to the crowd of demons.

“LISTEN UP YA JACKASSESS! IF ANY OF YOU AND I MEAN ANY OF YOU HITS ON MY LITTLE SIS AGAIN, I’LL KILL YA! YOU HEAR ME?! YOU ARE DEAD!”

That stopped every single demon in their tracks and shake in fear at the rage Yusuke showed.

You along with Kuwabara, Kurama and even the masked fighter and Hiei sweat dropped at this announcement.

“Uh…thanks bro…I think…” you say.

He turns to you.

“No one messes with my lil sis…no one.” He says.

“Yusuke.”

Yusuke froze at the voice. It sounded like Genkai, but it came from the masked fighter.

“I must speak with you…”

‘Eh? How? That voice?’ Yusuke thinks.

“Uh…sure…I’ll catch you all later….and Kuwabara?”

Kuwabara leaned in close for Yusuke to whisper something to him.

“Keep an eye on (YAFN)-chan will ya? I don’t trust any of these scum balls around her and don’t want anything to happen to her.”

Kuwabara nods.

“Sure thing Urameshi. I’ll keep an eye on her.”

Yusuke smiled, proud at himself with his little plan. He figured if you spent more time with Kuwabara, he would discover his feelings for you and possible tell you and probably the two of you would finally be happy.

“Thanks man.” Yusuke says, smiling.

“No problem Urameshi, I would have done it anyway.”

Yusuke smiled.

‘Only a matter of time…’ he thinks as he follows the masked fighter away.

You watch as they leave.

“So…what are we going to do now?” you ask.

Kuwabara thought about it.

“How about we get something to eat?” Kurama suggested.

You’re eyes brightened at the idea.

“Sounds great to me!” You say, grabbing both Kurama’s and Kuwabara’s hands.

“And I know the perfect place! You coming Hiei?”

Hiei snorted.

“Like I would waste my time with you fools.” Hiei says before disappearing.

“Jerk…” Mumbles Kuwabara.

“Oh well, his lost! Let’s go!” you shout as you pull the two off to the same place you ate with Yusuke and Kuwabara a few days before.

Later that night at the hotel you, Kuwabara, Kurama, and Hiei are in your room, sitting around a table, while Hiei was sitting on the windowsill.

“He’s late…. what’s he up to?” Kuwabara says his eyes furrowed as he looked at his hand.

“Who knows with Yusuke…he could be anywhere at this point…” you say, staring hard at your own hand.

“It’s already the semi finals…” says Kurama, also concentrating on his own hand.

“Yeah…that makes five days that we’ve been here…” Kuwabara says.

“Five days? Damn…it’s really been that long?” you ask, not being able to believe that.

“Yeah.” Kuwabara says.

“I know what you mean.”

“It seems there’s going to be a change of venue…the conditions aren’t going to improve…” Kurama says.

“Don’t worry about it Let’s go for it!” Kuwabara says.

“Yeah, we’ll show them that they can’t get us down, no matter what they throw at us!” you say.

Just then Astuko, Botan, Yukina, and Keiko enter the room; Astuko carrying bottles of liquor.

“Hey! It’s us!” Astuko announces.

“We’ve come to pay you a visit!” Botan says cheerfully.

“Don’t you see that this is serious?!” Kuwabara shouts.

However whatever made Kuwabara think playing a card game right before the semi-finals is serious is beyond the girls, as it is me the authoress ^^;.

“That’s not stopping you from playing cards?!” shouts Botan.

Yukina turns to Kuwabara and you.

“How are you and (YAFN)-chan’s wounds?

Kuwabara grins.

“Things couldn’t be better!”

“Same here…oh Yukina? I would love if you to help me with my healing training. When would you like to train me?” you ask with a smile.

Yukina gives you a warm smile in return.

“Is later tonight fine?” she asks.

“Sounds good to me.” You say, smiling.

Kuwabara smiles at the two of you, glad that you two could get along.

“Hey, do you want to play with us?” Kuwabara asks Yukina and the rest of the girls.

The girls sit down around the table, Astuko passing around the beer bottles as she sits. Kuwabara shuffles and then passes out the cards.

“Soon the semi-finals?! We have to celebrate that!” Astuko shouts, raising her beer bottle.

Shizuru turns to Kuwabara.

“This might be your last celebration…”

“Real supportive aren’t you sis?!” glares Kuwabara.

Off in the corner sits Hiei, not wanting to play.

Kurama looks at his anti-social friend.

“Come on, it’s fun.”

Hiei grimaces.

“I don’t like to play!”

“He’s integrated quickly, huh? Come on! You might like it!” you shout, wanting Hiei to join in the fun.

“No.” Hiei snorted.

“Ah, he’s just chicken.” Kuwabara says.

A huge grin flashes across his face as he throws down his cards.

“HA! Read ‘em and weep! A flush! “

Kuwabara’s grin grows even wider as everyone else groans.

“Sure beats my pair.” You say, throwing down your cards.

“I think you should start crying, baby bro.” Shizuru says, throwing down her cards.

“Royal flush.”

Kuwabara’s mouth drops.

“How in the world did ya get that?!”

“You should know by now, baby bro, that Poker’s my game; I beat you and (YAFN)-chan in it all the time.” Shizuru says, taking the cards and begins to shuffle them.

“Don’t remind me.” You mumble, remembering all the times you lost to her.

“And you call that fun?” Hiei says, a small smirk crossing his lips.

“Oh shut up! Who asked you any way, shrimp!” You shout, forgetting who you were speaking to and grabbing the nearest pillow, flung it at him; hitting him in the face.

He would have ducked, but he wasn’t expecting you to do such a suicidal move.

Hiei stiffens before turning a twitching eye at you.

“Onna…” he growls.

You eep and duck behind Kurama, thinking he wouldn’t come after you if you were hiding behind his best friend. You would have ducked behind Kuwabara, but Hiei would have loved to get a chance to kill him along with you so you weren’t risking it.

“Now Hiei…don’t do something you’ll regret!” you say, peeking at him from a chuckling Kurama.

Everyone in the room was finding the entire situation funny as well.

Hiei smirks.

“I don’t think I’ll regret this.”

He turns to Kuwabara, who thought it was hilarious how you nailed Hiei in the face with the pillow. He wished Yusuke was there to see it, he wouldn’t have believed it even if Kurama told him!

“Hey oaf.” Hiei says his smirk still on his face.

Kuwabara blinks at Hiei, wondering why he wanted to talk to him.

“Yeah shrimp?” he asks.

“Do you want to know what that onna did while you were gone fighting in Genkai’s tournament?” Hiei asks, his smirk turning into a grin at the look that crossed your face.

It was sheer terror.

Your eyes widen.

‘He wouldn’t dare!’ you think.

Hiei’s grin grew if that was even possible.

You couldn’t risk Kuwabara finding out you had put a hole in his wall with Hiei’s sword! He couldn’t know! He just couldn’t find out!

You jump on him, tackling him to the ground and pinning him there.

“You wouldn’t dare!” you growled out through your teeth.

“Oh, tell us! What did (YAFN)-chan do?!” Astuko asks, all excited.

Hiei smirks up at you.

“I will.”

You both were in a staring contest for about a minute before you snorted and got off the little cheater.

“Fine….I’ll leave you alone….” You turn around.

“Jerk…” you mumble as you head for the bedroom.

“I’m gonna take a nap. Yukina, just wake me up when you’re ready to teach me ok?” you say, a bit calmer now.

You didn’t want to yell at her; it wasn’t her fault. Besides, it was hard to yell at her, she looked so innocent and cute you just couldn’t.

“Of course (YAFN)-chan.” smiles Yukina.

You smile back and head into the bedroom.

Kuwabara blinks after you, really confused about what just happened.

“So Hiei…what did (YAFN)-chan do?” Kuwabara asks, turning curious eyes to Hiei’s blank ones.

“Hn.” Hiei says as he also heads towards the bedroom. “Nothing that concerns you baka.”

Hiei loved how he had something over you and he wasn’t going to let it go unless he really had too. It was just too good to use against you if you did anything like that to him again.

Kuwabara glares at Hiei.

“You brought it up shrimp!” Kuwabara growls, now curious at what you did while he was away that time.

“Relax Kuwabara-kun, it was probably nothing. Let’s get back to the game.” Kurama says.

He knew exactly what you had done and didn’t want to give it away either. In other words, he was conspiring with Hiei against you, and he loved it.

Kuwabara snorts, deciding to let it go for the moment.

“Fine…who’s dealing?”

Next day...

“Welcome to all! Thank you for your patience for this trail! And here are the semi finalists who are entering the arena!” announces the new ref of the tournament, Juri.

Koto, who was sitting in an announcer seat at the edge of the stands, commentates.

“We’ll be able to start! The semi-finals….Here comes the moment of truth!” Koto says, excited.

You, Kuwabara, Kurama, and Hiei enter through one door, while Team Uratogi enters through the one across from yours.

The crowd seemed to notice you were a man short, or to them two men short.

“What? There are only three and an alternate? The quitters! They’re pulled out!”

“Where are the other two? They’ve skipped out?” asks Shishiwakamaru, looking displeased.

“They find you too feeble.” Kuwabara says glaring at Shishiwakamaru.

“And boring to boot.” You add.

Everyone looks at you and sweat drops.

“What? I couldn’t think of anything clever!” you say.

“Then don’t say anything baka.” snorted Hiei.

You glared at him but then you remembered the threat of telling Kuwabara what you did last time he left and you decided not to do anything to upset the fire demon too much.

“Choose mode of combat.” Says Juri.

“Stop your chatter. I want to start!” Hiei says.

You look at him and see that he looks anxious to fight.

‘Fightaholic….’ You think.

One of the guys on the other team, who is tall and with blond hair, is blowing bubbles with the gum he was chewing

“Lad. You need to chill out. Is this your first time fighting in the Dark Tournament?” says Kuro, the guy with the gum.

Hiei glares at the demon.

“Yes and the last….It’s me who will finish you.”

Kuro’s bubble bursts.

“I feel I’m in a bad mood. I don’t cope well with stress.” Hiei growled.

“I’ll say…you really need to relax.” You say.

Hiei turns to you, glaring.

You sweat drop.

“Or maybe not…”

“We’ll choose with these, ok?” Shishiwakamaru says while holding up a pair of dice.
One die had Team Urameshi, the other dice with the opponents. The sixth side on each dice was marked free.

“A name is on each side of the dice. The free side permits the choice of a player. If a name comes up twice, he can fight again…assuming he’s still alive!” Shishiwakamaru says.

Hiei snorts.

“You’re comical. If the masked or Yusuke are chosen, I will go in their place.”

Shishiwakamaru nods.

“Agreed. It doesn’t matter if they’re here or not, because with or without them we will be victorious and will become famous!”

“Hey! Why can’t I go if Yusuke’s or the Masked fighter shows up?!” you complain.

“My dear pretty lady, you can not fight.”

“I can too!” you shout.

“I mean, it wouldn’t be lady like to fight.” He smiles a charming smile at you.

“Oh don’t give me that crap. You’re just afraid I’ll kick your ass.” You snort.

Shishiwakamaru glared at you, his face changing into a monster with the fangs and with pointy ears.

“Shut up bitch before I change my mind about killing you.” He growls.

“Bring it!” You shout, however, Kuwabara holds you back.

“Calm down (YAFN)-chan! You’ll get yer chance to pound him for that.” He says.

You sigh.

“Fine.”

“Enough! Just roll the dice!” Hiei says.

You could easily see he really wanted to fight.

Shishiwakamaru rolls the dice and it lands on Hiei for your dice and Makintarou for their dice.

“Pff….I have to fight such a wretch…” Hiei snorts, obviously not getting the guy he wanted to face.

Makintarou snorted.

“Brat, stoop the chit chat.”

Hiei smirks, liking how he isn’t a talker.

“First match, Hiei vs. Makintarou. The style of combat will be the duel in five matches! Let’s go!” Juri says.

Both Hiei and Makintarou are in the ring, having a staring contest.

“Come on, I’m waiting for you. Has someone pissed in his pants?” Makintarou taunts, glaring at Hiei.

“The two opponents are defiant in their regard. Who will attack?!!” Koto says, feeling the tension in the room.

Hiei unsheathes his sword.

Makin looks at Hiei before scoffing.

“A sword, very amusing.”

Kurama watches as Hiei prepares to fight.

“The match is underway….” Kurama says.

Kuwabara looks on a bit confused, since Hiei isn’t moving. You look on in anticipation, since you kind of had missed this episode.

Makin waits for Hiei to advance towards him, however, Hiei just stands there in an attack form with his sword ready.

“Heh heh heh…well? That’s it. Your pants wet?” Makin laughs.

“You’re funny. You don’t feel anything remarkable.” Hiei asks with a bit of curiosity in his voice, as well as amusement.

Makin looks at Hiei, not understanding what Hiei’s problem was.

“What are you saying? Come on, attack me!” Makin shouts, starting to get annoyed with the lack of action.

You and everyone else’s eyes in the crowd as well as Kuwabara’s eyes widened as Hiei held up Makin’s left arm.

“I already did.” Hiei says with a smirk.

“When the Hell did that happen?!” you shout in shock.

Blood started to shoot from Makin’s stump that should have been where his left arm was. He screamed in pain as realization caught up to his nervous system that his left arm was amputated.

“Idiot.” Hiei snorts, not able to believe the demon wasn’t able to realize he was missing his left arm; which he tosses away not needing to hold on to it.

“Raahhh! Gr!! You dare! The Masakari-ken!” Makin shouts in rage.

Makin raises his right hand and it forms into an axe-like blade. Makin runs towards Hiei before swinging the axe down, apparently splitting Hiei in two.

“HIEI!” You shout, in shock and in terror, not realizing that you were getting your self into the scene, however you hadn’t seen this episode so you really couldn’t help your self.

Makin smiles at the image of a split Hiei, which oddly enough doesn’t really look real.

“Heh! You’re dead!”

You blink as you see Hiei crouching on top of Makin’s head with his sword raised.

“You’re dreaming….” Hiei says, making his presence known to Makin.

Makin’s eyes widened at the voice.

“Huh?”

Blood gushes out from where Hiei runs his sword, which was through the top of Makin’s head. Makin made a noise as Hiei jumps from his head and lands in front of his corpse, which fall face first to the floor.

Kurama looks calmly at the scene, not looking a bit fazed by the carnage. Kuwabara’s mouth looked like a fish as it hung freely as he stared at the scene. Shishiwakamaru’s eyes widened at his dead comrade. You cover your mouth, knowing that any moment you would be spilling your lunch all over the place, which would be just as pretty as the scene you just witnessed.

Hiei stands a bit away from his former opponent, not even bothering to take out his sword.

“Someone throw the dice? I have a strong desire to continue.” Hiei says.

“Down! Makin is out of the fight. The victory is to Hiei!!” Juri announces.

“A technique of staggering clarity! Hiei never let his opponent stand a chance!!” Koto shouts.

“Roll the dice. I want to go again.” Hiei demands, obviously impatient.

Shishiwakamaru snapped out of his stupor and rolled the dice.

“Only if your turn comes up…” he says.

Kuromomotaru appeared on their own dice while free on your dice.

“The free face has been rolled. This match is mine.” Hiei stated.

“That’s not fair Hiei! I want to fight to ya know!”

Hiei turns to you and gives you a death glare, but you stand your ground. You were starting to get pissed that you hadn’t helped the guys once in this entire Tournament. What happened to the plan of switching you with the masked fighter? You had no clue, but for sure you weren’t going to let them forget that you were there to fight, no way in Hell were you about to do that.

“Onna.” Hiei warned.

Kurama places a hand on your shoulder.

“Let him have this one. The next time it says free, will be yours.” Kurama says, smiling at you.

You sigh.

“Fine…but promise me that I’ll go if it says Free.”

Kurama smiles and nods.

“Promise.”

“I’ll hold you to that.” You say before turning back to the ring.

Kuwabara leans in to whisper to Kurama.

“Hey Kurama, that was kind of sneak, havin’ yer fingers cross behind ya.” Kuwabara whispers.

Kurama smiled as he removed the crossed fingers from behind his back.

“Well, I can’t let (YAFN)-chan fight. Yusuke would have my hid if she got hurt.”

Kuwabara nodded.

“I know what’cha mean, but we should at least let her fight one match…”

“No. It would better for her sake that she doesn’t fight.”

Kuwabara sighed, thinking Kurama was right, though he still felt that you could fight one of those guys. He wasn’t sensing too much power from this team so he figured it wasn’t as if you would really be in any danger.

“Second match, Hiei vs. Kuromomotaru!!” Koto announces.

Kuro turns to the eldest fighter in their group, who happened to be the old guy.

“Onji, you are certain that he will not use the Kokuryuha?” Kuro asks a bit worried about the powerful weapon Hiei carried on his arm.

“I don’t think so. Even if he wants to. The last time he hurt his arm…What’s more, it emitted him of energy. He doesn’t have the reserves.” Onji responds.

“I see…” says thinking thoughtfully over what the wisest one was telling him.

“That’s not a real Jagan. It isn’t enough for him to master the flame of the earth. In any case, he won’t use Kokuryuha. He could use some derivatives but you must be able to hold it. A moment or your body aura assimilates the spell…the victory will be yours.” Onji concludes.

“That reassures me. Without the Kokuryuha, he isn’t much.” Kuro says, being a bit more confident with him self.

Kuro enters the ring, ready to fight.

“Advance!” Juri announces.

Kuro walks forward towards his dead teammate, grasping the sword still stuck in Makin’s head.

“You rejoice too quickly in this victory. He was unworthy of appearing amongst us.”

Kuro pulls sword out of Makin’s head.

Kuwabara and you both gasp at how more blood spilled to the ground from the wound.

Kuro licks the blade.

“Me, I’m different. Heh heh….A very beautiful sword.” Kuro says, examining it.

“It pleases you? I’ll lend it to you. In exchange, you’re going to die.” Hiei says, glaring at his new opponent.

“Ah, yes?! Thanks!!” Kuro says.

He takes the blade and delicately traces his fingers, before slicing them off.

Hiei looks on confused as well as the crowd.

You turn a bit green at the scene.

“What’s with this guy? He cut off his own fingers!!” shouts the crowd.

“Iirgh…I’m hurt…It cuts well.” Kuro says, as he cringes at the pain he had brought on himself.

“Duh it hurt ya moron! You just cut yer fingers off!” you shout, feeling like you were going to faint.

Kuro grinned at you.

“Yes…but now I know the sword’s skill.” He says.

He turns towards Hiei as he reveals an orb in his hand.

“A little item from the darkness, the kibidango!” Kuro says as he squishes the orb in his hand and inhales the fumes that were released from it.

Kuro laughs as he is now covered in black fur.

“The Buju armor!” Kuro announces.

“The ball caused a transformation! He’s emitting a powerful energy!” Koto says excitement in her voice.

“Let’s go!” Juri says, declaring the match to begin.

Kuro tosses Hiei’s sword back to him.

“I return your toy. It will have no effect on me.”

Hiei catches his sword.

“Amusing!” Hiei says, not one bit impressed by the armor.

Hiei charges with his sword in hand.

“Let’s try and find out!” Hiei shouts as he brings his sword down on his opponent.

As soon as his blade makes contact with the fur like armor, Hiei’s blade shatters into pieces.

You gasp as the shards of Hiei’s once magnificent blade fly around like broken glass.

“Heh…Too slow!” Kuro says. He knocks Hiei away with two fists clenched together, sending Hiei into the audience wall.

Kuwabara’s eyes widen.

“What?!” he shouts in shock.

Hiei climbs out of a dent in the wall.
'
“That’s not possible…” Kuwabara says, in shock that Hiei was so easily tossed out of the ring.

“He blew him away…Hiei was flung out!” shouted the crowd.

“Shit…” you mumble, not liking how this match was going so far.

“Heh heh…” laughs Shishiwakamaru as his face turns dark and his fangs show.

“Fantastic! That’s how it’s done!” he shouts.

“Shut up pretty boy!” You shout, not really liking the guy too much.

“What? Are you worried that you might be out of your league?” Shishiwakamaru says, smiling at you.

You growl.

“You’ll get yours!” you shout, pointing at him.

He only smiled at you, giving you a seductive wink. You growl and stick your tongue at him.

“Jerk...” you mumble.

Crowd began to chant.

“Kill him! Kill him!”

“These monsters all possess their appropriate items! They’re emitting an incredible force!” Kurama says, realizing that you might all be facing more then brute strength in this match.

“My wounded body assimilates the combat techniques of the adversary. The Kibidango ball permits me to increase my strength! Come on kid; show me what you can do! When my body assimilates the aura…you will be a dead man!” Kuro says.

Hiei tosses away his bandana that was covering Jagan.

“Agreed.”

Kuro looks at Hiei, starting to get a bit anxious.

“Come on! Show me your flames! You’ll see you won’t last for long!” Kuro says.

“You like fire so much? You’re sure of yourself?!” Hiei says, smirking.

Kuwabara had a huge grin plastered on his face.

“Yes! He’s going to come out with Kokuryuha! He’s gonna reduce him to ashes!” Kuwabara shouted.

Worry and fear crossed Kurama’s face.

“No, he can’t!” Kurama shouts.

Kuwabara looked at Kurama a bit confused.

“What?” He asks.

“Hiei’s too tired! He really can’t use that powerful attack basically because it needs a lot of power and he almost lost his right arm that time, right Kurama.” You say looking a bit worried at Kurama.

You didn’t want Hiei to get hurt, he was cool and fun to mess with.

Kurama smiled at you.

“Correct, however it’s just not that. The Kokuryuha is a dragon of the demon plane…you were right about him not having enough energy to call it to the human world.”

Kuwabara gaped at the two of you, not able to believe you both doubted Hiei’s abilities.


“That isn’t enough?! With the power he’s putting out?! It’s not enough?!” Kuwabara shouts.

He as well as you was feeling an explosive amount of power Hiei was emitting. It was over whelming, however you hadn’t seen this episode and didn’t know if Hiei won or not.

Hiei rushes forward, starting to attack Kuro with his fists.

“Take that!”

Kuro looks at Hiei with a bored expression.

“Come on!” he shouts, starting to get annoyed.

Hiei brings his right hand back, looking as if he was going to throw another punch; however, his hand starts to glow.

“Rengokushyo!” Hiei shouts as he sets Kuromomotaru on fire.

“Not even worth calling my special attack. My regular flame attack will suffice.” Snorts Hiei.

Hiei starts to walk away.

Laughter comes from the flames before they disburse.

“I’ve just assimilated this pain.” Kuro announces.

“Kuromomotaru is still standing!! It seems that the item has augmented his power!” shouts Koto in surprise.

Kuro breaks another ball in his hand and inhales another lot of smoke.

“That can’t be good for him.” You mumble.

“Hehehehhehehehehe fuchahahahaha your flames will do nothing to me! The next metamorphosis, the armor of Machi.” Kuro says.

He is now covered in what seems to be a feather like armor.

“He’s completed a new transformation!! One can sense a huge increase in his power!” Koto shouts, half way out of her seat.

Kuro attacks Hiei just nicks him, however Hiei was able to dodge most of the attack. Hiei turns around and starts to punch Kuro.

Hiei looks shocked as he still hasn’t been able to penetrate the armor that looks like it couldn’t even protect a baby.

“He’s really reinforced himself…!!” Hiei says.

He dodges a punch from Kuro; however, Kuro ends up punching the floor and creating a huge hole where Hiei once stood.

Hiei gasps at the powerful punch.

“What?!”

Kuro then turns and kicks Hiei, sending the fire demon backwards a bit; however, he stays on his feet.

Kuro chuckles.

”What do you say to this speed? You aren’t my energy anymore, you’re nothing!!” Kuro says.

Hiei snorts.

“Stop your raving.”

Kuro stands there looking at Hiei.

‘I can win! I fear neither the sword nor the flames! I have the choice between three things, the monkey, the peacock and the dog! Today, I used two….He’s a worthy opponent, he’s tough. The second must be fatal for him. I can take my time….but I must eliminate him before he reacts!!’ Kuro thinks.

“Hurt likes this you can’t use Kokuryuha! Don’t count on me doing you any favors! You’re going to die! The last item is for the finish!” Kuro shouts, crushing another ball and releasing the last smoke bomb to finish his most powerful transformation!

“He’s trying for a new transformation! Great peril hangs over Hiei!” Koto shouts.

“The armor of Maken!” growls Kuro who now looks like a huge ferocious dog with the fur ears and sharp teeth.

“I’m still rising in power. What do you say to these powerful teeth and claws! I’m going to rip you to shreds!!” growls the newly transformed Kuro.

Hiei picks up what was rest of his sword, which now consisted of the sword’s hilt.

“Finally…I didn’t think I would be obliged to use this technique…your strategy with two balls didn’t frighten me. You thought perhaps to impress me with a spell? No…I don’t like that so much. It’s not very elegant.”

Kuwabara looks at Hiei.

“Hiei’s giving the guy a warning? This technique’s gotta be scary! What’s he gonna do?!” Kuwabara says, anxious to see what Hiei had up his sleeve.

“I don’t know, but I can’t wait to see too!” you shout, excited to see what else Hiei could do.

Kuro snorts.

“That will be your last speech in this world! Here’s your death!”

Kuro runs up to Hiei and grabs him before sinking his fangs into Hiei’s shoulder.

Kuwabara and you gasp at the sight.

Hiei grins right before a sword made of flames appears from the sword hilt and slices Kuro with it.

“The sword of flames!!”

Kurama looks on in shock.

“The sword of flames?”

‘No, it’s far more then that! He’s fused the flames with his own energy! He brandished that sword in an instant. He has great sense for combat!’ thinks Kurama.

Kuwabara stares at the new weapon Hiei made; mouth gaping.

“Th—that looked like my aura sword except mine’s a candle, his is a blowtorch! Um…hang on a sec!!! You didn’t like using an ability that resembled mine?!” shouts Kuwabara, glaring at Hiei.

Only Hiei would insult Kuwabara even within battle.

Hiei snorts; however there seemed to be a small smirk that appeared on his lips as he looked back at Kuwabara.

“Heh! Got it in one?” he asks.

“Damn...he played you Kuwabara.” You say smirking.

“OH shut up (YAFN)-chan!” Kuwabara shouted.

(End of Chapter 25)

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