A Dream Come True

Updated: November 8, 2009
Disclaimer: See Chapter One.
Warnings: See Chapter One.

A/N: Hey everyone ^^. I am almost back to where I was about four years ago ^^; Why in the seven hells it took me four years to get back to chapter 32? I have no clue ^^; but I do have an update on how many chapters I've written so far! I have 37 written chapters (fully written) and I just started on chapter 38! Woot to you guys haha ^^. So you guys will finally be reading new chapters! There have been a lot of you who have read up to chapter 32 and are like most people who keep seeing the re-runs of their favorite shows and are pissed off that they never show the newer episodes ^^; haha sorry for doing that to you guys; but it wasn't my fault I swear!

But now, your faithfulness and patience will be rewarded with new chapters and soon! Also, if any of you want to know when I updated a chapter please send me an e-mail with your e-mail asking me to let you know when I update this story ^^. I'll make a list of people who I need to update...even if you told me your e-mail PLEASE send it to me anyway. I am going to make a category for those e-mails sometime today.

Also, look for the next four or five chapters. I might be posting them very soon...I know no later than Tuesday of this week, that's for sure ^^.

You will notice I changed up the chapter a bit and added more Youko ^_~.

Also, thank you to Myuuzu for letting me know the CORRECT way to spell the Japanese word for ass hole ^^; for the past 7 years or so I've been spelling it wrong! I thank you so very much as I saw it spelled like how I've been spelling it on a site and I had a feeling it was the wrong way; but since no one corrected me I figured it was the right way ^^;
SO thank you so very much *bows low* I do appreciate it.

I told you guys to correct me if I was wrong and a reviewer actually listened! O.o haha thanks again Myuuzu. I hope you and the rest of my reviewers enjoy this chapter!


Chapter 29: Kurama VS. Karasu



The crowd went wild as the first match of the finals was about to begin. The tension was so thick you felt goose bumps go up and down your arms. The air was filled with anticipation and thrill. However, you were nervous and not feeling as thrilled as the many spectators in the audience.

‘Be careful Kurama…’ you thought.

You watched your friend stare back at those cold purple eyes of the sadistic man that was in front of him. Kurama’s stare was cool and calculating, while Karasu’s was filled with lust, desire, and a hint of sadistic thoughts. If that mask didn’t cover his face, you could have sworn you could see a sinister smile.

“Begin!” Juri shouted and brought her hand down, as if she was starting a race.

Karasu’s eyes sparkled with excitement. He seemed more then ready to start this fight; however, he appeared to be into using psychology to psych out his opponents.

“Are you going to fight as you are? Did you just come here to be killed?” Karasu asked.

There seemed to be amusement in his voice, as he made no indication that he was going to move for an attack any time soon. Kurama looked back at his opponent. His eyes were calculating as he tried to figure out what this demon’s game plan was and how to keep himself alive enough until he would turn into his ‘true’ form.

“To defeat you,” Kurama started to say, taking a step towards the man as he narrowed his eyes, “I will transform. Whatever it takes...”

Kurama out stretched his hand and opened his hand to reveal a pile of flower petals. A wind seemed to kick up as his red hair began to flutter as the petals in his hand came up and began to surround Kurama’s entire body. They swirled around Kurama making his hair flutter and seem to mix with the petals. It appeared they were forming a barrier; a good defense against whatever Karasu would through at the beautiful red head.

‘I need to buy time. If I can just keep my distance for awhile...if he touches me, I won't be able to escape....’ Kurama thought.

“Wo--w! It looks like a lot of flowers are flying around as if to protect Kurama. But...Karasu doesn't seem bothered by them at all!!” Koto announces from her seat in the stands.

Karasu snorted. He found the act a pathetic attempt at a defensive maneuver. He began to slowly walk towards Kurama who was standing his ground. He seemed unafraid, however you knew better. You knew how much Kurama suffered before the battle. The nightmares he had about his fight against this man. He knew the moment he met Karasu that he would have to fight him. That scared Kurama, however, he wouldn’t let anyone know. He didn’t realize that you had known about his fears and were just as scared for him.

You took in a breath and seemed to hold it as you watched a petal from Kurama’s defenses flew at Karasu and cut him across his cheek. A small dribble of blood came from the small cut.

“Flower petals acting as a bunch of blades...? It's rather glamorous....yet fragile!” Karasu said, not seeming to be impressed by the attack.

‘He's being careless, just what I wanted. Everything within range of my Fuka Enmujin (1) will be cut to pieces.’ Kurama thought, hoping that he wouldn’t need to transform into Youko.

‘Once I’m in control, I will take care of him.’ Youko whispers.

He was starting to feel the effects of the drug and was starting to feel his power growing deep within Kurama. It wouldn’t be too much longer before Youko would be free, even if for a little while.

Kurama ignored Youko’s comment and focused on keeping himself alive. However, Karasu continued his slow walk towards the red head, lifting his hand. Fireballs that seemed to be coming from no-where destroyed Kurama’s defense.

“What!?” Kurama shouted.

“Heheheh...did you by any chance underestimate my power?” Karasu asked.

‘I was so stupid! He didn't even need to touch my flowers!’ Kurama scolds him self, finding that he realized too late his opponent’s true power.

‘We both underestimated him, but he has obviously underestimated us.’ Hissed Youko as he was becoming impatient at how he couldn’t come out yet.

Kurama took a step back into another defensive stance.

‘I’ll try to hold him off, you ready yet?’ Kurama asked as he glared at his opponent.

‘Not yet, but soon.’ Youko said.

“My technique of sending my youki into my opponent's body; isn’t that what you were expecting?” Karasu asked,

He knew that Kurama thought his technique was underestimated, and he was enjoying the fact Kurama didn’t realized it sooner. You glared at Karasu and felt like you wanted to slap the man across the face. However, there was nothing you could do and you knew it.

‘But it wasn't!’ Kurama thought.

He realized what was really going on, his eyes widening at that realization. Youko only growled as he too realized the danger they were both facing.

“You still can't see my youki. There is a great difference between our power levels. I'll ask again: are you going to fight in this form?” Karasu asked, with a deeper tone that sounded more threatening.

However, it was a rhetorical question as Karasu leapt into the air, his cloak fluttering behind him as if it were wings. He came down towards Kurama who was able to dodge. However, it wasn’t fast enough as Karasu was able to land a critical hit that seriously injuried Kurama’s arm.

“Shit!! Ahhhh, Shit--!!” Kurama growled out.

He held his arm which became limp. Pain was shooting up and down his arm as it began to bleed from the scorched wound. It wasn’t looking too good for the red head. Youko needed to come out and soon or it would be too late.

“KURAMA!!” you all shouted in pure terror at how serious the injury was.

“Damn it…that bastard…” you growled.

You wished you could run out there and heal the wound. You had done that one time, back when you had first teamed up with him back in the Four Saint Beast mission. However, this was a tournament. Not only that, you had grown a lot since then and learned that you would be more in the way then helping. However, it didn’t mean you weren’t pissed about it.

“It looks like Kurama's in trouble!! He was unable to dodge Karasu's attack.” Koto shouted.

“Heheheh...And I didn't even touch you.” Karasu laughed, looking smugly at the heavily breathing and severely injured Kurama.

‘Grrr...I still need more time to transform into Youko...!!’ Kurama thought.
‘That damn potion better work soon, or we’ll both be finished.’ Growled Youko.

He could feel his power still slowly coming up, but it wasn’t going fast for both the red head and fox demon.

“Well, I'll give you a hint. There's something I can control, the way you are able to control plants. I also create that which I control.” Karasu said.

“Kurama!! Why hasn't he transformed? Shit!! Maybe that drug is defunct after all!” Kuwabara growled his fists clenched as he watched his friend battling for his life.

“No, it’s just taking a long time.” You growl, clenching your fist.

“Hang in there Kura-chan!” you shouted, worry obvious in both your face as well as your voice.

Kurama could hear you and clutched at his arm even harder. He couldn’t let Karasu beat him, especially with you watching. Karasu ignored you, as everyone else really did in moments like these, and out stretched his now glowing right hand.

“See my right hand? At your current power level, you can't see what I'm doing with it.” Karasu said.

Kurama looked with slowly tiring eyes. The hit had taken a lot out of him, not to mention the potion was starting to really drain Kurama’s energy and began to replace it with Youko’s own energy.

“I'm tired of talking. Prepared to die? Now's your chance to take a close look at the solidified energy that I control. I'll even materialize it for you to see.” Karasu said, with his hand out stretched.

Slowly the light began to form into something solid looking. You looked on with wide eyes, as well as the rest of the group. Kurama’s own eyes widened at the sight.

“Wha--?” Kurama said.

There in Karasu’s hand was what looked to be a bundle of dynamite.

“It’s a bomb.” Karasu casually said to the dumbfounded red head.

Karasu seemed to smirk behind his mask as he tossed the dangerous bundle at Kurama. Kurama’s brain was still trying to digest what was happening when the bomb landed close to the red head. There was a loud BOOM as the bomb exploded. Smoke surrounded the area where Kurama was standing.


“KURAMA---!!” you all shouted as he was engulfed in smoke.

Karasu had been caught up in the smoke and jumped out the mess. Karasu looked back at the smoke that was spreading even more violently.

“Owww....such a tasteful invitation.” Karasu said while looking at his bleeding hand; a rose stuck right through the middle of his palm.

Karasu pulled the thorn in his hand, literally; and blew it up with his power. He looked at the smoke with hard eyes as blood dribbled down from the wound. His eyes stared at the cloud of smoke, void of all fun and amusement. They appeared to become serious as if he wasn’t having fun anymore. You all watched the smoke, holding your breaths and praying that Kurama was still all right.

However, the smoke began to emit a strange energy, a strong demonic aura. The smoke grew bigger as sparks appeared in and around the cloud. You shivered at how emence the power was from deep within the cloud. Your eyes widened as you began to realize that the power you were feeling was familiar. It was Kurama’s however, it wasn’t. You had felt this power only two times.

The first was when you had tried to read Kurama’s thoughts that first day you had started to train for this tournament. The other time was the day Youko had managed to escape and beat up Kuwabara. Kuwabara seemed to have remembered the aura as he stood straight up as well as some of the hair on his body. You glanced over at him and held his hand. He jumped a bit but settled down when he found you smiling up at him with a reassured smile. He sighed and gave you one back.

There were gasps through out the audience as well as your own group. You and Kuwabara looked back towards the arena to find the smoke cleared out and a figure standing were Kurama should have been. Your eyes widened at the sight of a man who was only four inches taller than Kuwabara with long white silky hair that stopped at his hip. Two white fox ears twitched on top of the white hair. The skin color was a light white yet still had some small color within the pigment. Even Kurama’s clothes had changed into white garments that were that worn by ‘gods’ from the Greek era. Or that was what you thought they looked like; that or a toga.

However, what made you gasped were those golden piercing eyes of his. They were cold and sadistic. They seemed to mirror Karasu’s eyes and that was what scared you the most at this moment.

“That was close. The body of Minamino Shuuichi would have been blown to bits...” Youko said as he walked out of the smoke and brought his arm up to his lips before licking the small wound that was bleeding.

He then turned a sadistic smile to his opponent who looked displeased and a bit pissed off at his new opponent.
“A youkai who can create and control bombs... I'm happy to meet a Quest Class, but...” Youko said.

Kuwabara stared at Youko for a few moments. He couldn’t believe the demon standing in the arena was Kurama! He was a bit jealous that both Kurama’s human and demon forms were both sexy, however, he was more relieved then anything else at the moment. He truly thought his good friend had bit the dust there a moment ago.

“ALL RIGHT!! What a narrow escape!!” Kuwabara shouted as he let out the breath he was holding in.

“You can totally say that again!” you said, giving a sigh of relief your self.

“I’m going to kill you!” Youko says, though calm and collected despite his wounds.

Karasu narrows his eyes with pure hate.

“It's YOU who will die.” He said.

“Kurama has transformed into Youko Kurama!! However, it looks like the bomb did some damage!!” Koto shouted, now out of her seat.

“A Quest-class that controls gunpowder? Minamino Shuuichi's level is not yet on par with a Quest-class youkai.” Youko said.

“So...? Heheheh...is that your excuse for when you lose? You're a beautiful fox, but you can't beat me. Are you still going to try?” Karasu said, materializing bombs that looked like eyeballs with wings.

Youko just stood there looking at Karasu. He appeared to not really care what kind of demon Karasu was and that he could destroy him at any moment. Karasu seemed to notice this and appeared to be frustrated before sending his eyeball with wings bombs at the fox demon.

"The Trace-Eye: another thing I can make out of my youki. It’s the power of the Quest-class to be able to materialize anything imaginable." Karasu said.

He was proud at himself and felt that he would be victorious. He wasn’t here to fight this white haired beauty. He was more interested in the red head; his favorite color. Youko seemed to jump with ease out of the way of the creatures, keeping himself from getting hit by them. He did back flips, high jumps, summersaults, and anything that dealt with gymnastics; he performed as he escaped the bombs.

“Dude…I could NEVER do that in my entire life…” you mumble, impressed at how flexible and athletic Youko Kurama was.

“Tell me about it, I can’t even do a cartwheel.” Kuwabara said, looking on in awe as well, but with a huge grin on his face.

“Do you know a plant called mimosa? It’s an annual plant from South America that closes up its leaves in response to fire, physical contact, and vibrations.” Youko said, still dodging the flying bombs with ease.

When Youko stopped his movement and found that the flying bomb creatures surrounded him. They appeared ready to jump him and blow him up.

“I'm not interested in horticulture. You are surrounded. What will you do? There's nowhere to run.” Karasu said, annoyed.

“How about this?” Youko said with a sadistic like snicker on his face.

Youko began to mutter something; a spell of some sort in what could have been a forgotten language. The bomb creatures seemed uncaring that Youko was in the middle of making an attack, as they crashed together right where he stood. There was a huge explosion, which caused the arena to erupt into another smoke screen.

Everyone seemed to be holding his or her breath again as you all waited to see if Youko had made it. As the smoke cleared there Youko stood. He appeared to be unharmed, however there was a tall plant that had seemed to sprout through the stone arena floor.

“The mimosas of the Makai are a bit more short-tempered than the normal variety. They attack any moving sources of heat.” Youko stated.

The plant seemed to be alive as it moved around, as if looking for something to eat. Youko turned to a frightened Juri, who was forced to sitting on the ground from the blast.

“Woman if you don't want to die, stay put.”

It seemed he didn’t have to tell Juri twice as she sat very still. Youko looked at you, which made you flush for some unknown reason. He snickered and winked at you before turning his attention back to his ‘prey’.

Kuwabara glared at the fox demon. He knew of Youko’s feelings for you. It wasn’t that hard to see, especially after that incident where Youko had attacked him back that day they were training. Kurama was a nice guy, and Kurama didn’t like you; Kuwabara knew that. He knew the one he had to worry about was this sexy demon that stood in the arena.

Kuwabara put his arm around your shoulder and pulled you to his side. You blinked up at him, not really paying attention to him earlier as you were still flustered by the fact Youko had winked at you. Now, your blush became worse as you found yourself pressed against Kuwabara’s side.

‘Geeze…if this keeps up I’ll end up being a tomato.’ You thought.

Karasu seemed to have moved, as the plant opened up its petals and revealed a vicious razor blade like teeth. Saliva began to drip from the open mouth and fell onto the floor. It was obviously hungry.

“Looks like you've been recognized as suitable prey. You can't escape from it.” Youko said.

“Shit!” Karasu cursed.

He dodged the attack that would have engulfed him deep within the bowels of the plant. Karasu frantically dodged as the plant came after him. As Karasu just made it out of the plant’s mouth, the floor Karasu was once standing would become rubble. Blow after blow, Karasu found himself barely being able to escape the almost foaming mouth of this vicious and ravenous plant.

“Ohhhhh! It's a perfect reversal of positions!! Kurama has taken the offensive, and Karasu is in a great pinch!!” Koto shouted, back on her feet.

“Damn.” Karasu growled out.

Karasu materializes a grenade and tossed it at the plant. It appeared that it was a good attack to buy the demon some time. However, Karasu made the mistake of turning around to see if he had hit the plant. He found that his attack had no effect on the creature and it came straight at him without hesitation.

“Your attacks do the opposite of what you intend. Bang!” Youko said pointing his index finger to his temple in an obvious mockery of Karasu’s earlier taunt.

The plant continued to head straight at Karasu. Karasu’s eyes widened in what appeared to be fear. Just then, his mask pops off his face, but before anyone could see his face; the carnivorous plant swallowed the demon up.

“That took less time than I thought. Darn. I wanted to play a few minutes longer.” Youko sighed seeming as if Karasu wasn’t much of a challenge.

“That was amazing!! It was settled in a split second!! With his transformation, Kurama certainly became overwhelming!!” Koto shouted, seeming to want to jump on top of her table being as excited as she was.

“All right! That was awesome, Kurama!! And it only took five of your fifteen minutes as Youko to defeat him.” Kuwabara shouted, while punching the air.

Kuwabara let you go in order to celebrate, however, he realized he should have continued to hold you as Youko turned his golden orbs in your direction. You epped at the look he was giving you. You didn’t like that look from the fox demon. It reminded you too much of that creepy cat demon from the karaoke bar.

“Oh well, I could use this time to get to know my sweet (YAFN)-chan.” Youko purred, while heading in your direction.

You felt yourself blush yet at the same time fill with fear. The look appeared to be that of a preditor stalking its prey.

“H-hey Youko…umm sooo when’s Kurama coming back? No offense, just wondering how he is and all?” you said, a bit nervously.

Youko stopped where he was and smirked.

“He is asleep right now, but other then that, he is fine.” Youko said.

‘I’m not asleep and you know that.’ Came Kurama from with in Youko.

He felt weird. He could understand how Youko felt. It was hard to see what Youko was seeing yet feel like everything was dark around him.

‘She is worried, I can’t say you are awake and feeling what I’m feeling.’ Youko talked back.

He was certainly enjoying being the one in control. He could now pursue you and no one could stop him; not even Kuwabara. That’s what scared Kurama. If Youko tried to use the short time he would be out to seduce you; then Kuwabara would certainly try to step in; not to mention Yusuke. Yusuke was obviously overly protective of you, although he was like that with Kuwabara too. So if Youko attacked Kuwabara and went after you in the ‘sexual’ department, Yusuke wouldn’t hesitate to punch Youko’s lights out.

Kuwabara stood in a defensive stance and seemed to growl as he began to get ready for a showdown with the fox demon. You looked between Youko and Kuwabara and began to worry. You remembered how beat up Kuwabara was after Youko had came out that time. You weren’t sure Kuwabara could take a beating like that, especially since Kurama wasn’t going to have control of his body for another ten minutes if even that!

Yusuke seemed to notice something and didn’t like that look from Youko either. He also saw Kuwabara’s reaction to Youko’s appearance. To him, it appeared Kuwabara had somehow knew about or even met Youko and didn’t like him.

‘What the hell is going on?’ he thought, looking between you, Kuwabara, and Youko.

Hiei seemed to find the entire scene amusing and figured it would be interesting to see Kuwabara and Youko fight; although he knew that if Youko went too far he would have to stop it. He knew how much you and Yukina were both fond of the human. Although, Hiei wouldn’t admit it aloud, that he too wouldn’t let anyone hurt Kuwabara too much; not even Youko Kurama.

However, it appeared that this little scene didn’t disrupt the tournaments proceeding.

“Considering that Karasu is incapacitated, Kurama is the victor.” Juri announced, now back on her feet.

Before the legendary fox bandit could reach you, a huge explosion blew Juri off her feet.

“Who's incapacitated...?” Karasu asked.

The mask was not covering his mouth anymore. It should the amused yet sadistic smile on his thin lips.

“Sorry!! I'm sorry, it's my mistake!! The match will continue.” Juri shouted, quickly returning to her feet and bowing as she apologized.

“I really liked that, Kurama. More and more, you really make me want to kill you.” Karasu said, with a smirk.

“His mask has come off.” Elder Toguro said, interested.

“So I see. Sakyou, you'd better get behind me.” Younger Toguro.

Sakyou nodded and instantly was behind his team leader’s back.

Karasu began to take in a deep breathe of what would be considered fresh air; considering his mouth had been covered by that mask for who knew how long. As soon as the air was in his lungs, it seemed; his entire body began to glow as a fiery aura surrounded him as well. Youko had turned around by this point and was staring in shock at the person who should have been dead, especially after being eaten by a man-eating plant. However, what made everyone gasp and look on in awe was the fact his raven black hair turned to a golden blond color.

"K-Karasu changed the color of his hair! And...before my very eyes, he has somehow increased the power of his youki!!” Koto shouted, watching Karasu go through the transformation, in awe.

“He has absorbed all the flammable material around him through his mouth. He, himself, is a bomb now. His hands are probably the triggers. He'll consume everything in range.” Hiei said.

“Seriously?!” You shout, in awe.

Hiei nodded.

“Damn…I’m going to do what Sakyou just did and hide behind someone big…” you began, looking around a bit frantically before your eyes brightened with hope at looking at Kuwabara, “…like Kuwa-chan here.” You say, pointing to Kuwabara, before hiding behind him.

“Wha?!” Kuwabara said, now a bit scared at how this might turn out.

“HAHAHAHA!! Die!!” Karasu shouted.

He jumped into the air, hovering over Youko. All the fox demon could do was watch as Karasu fell towards him.

“He hasn't taken us into consideration... We'd better step back a bit more.” Toguro said.

“I think we should do what they’re doing…” You said, grabbing your ‘shield’ and trying to drag him further away; however it was too late.

There was a huge explosion, as Karasu came crashing down on top of the defenseless Youko, who took the attack head on. This caused the explosion to blow out a side of the stadium, sending you and the rest of the guys with the debris. A heavy smoke appeared in the ring.

After a few moments, a figure appeared with in the smoke. Soon, laughter echoed within the smoke that was beginning to fade. Once the smoke dispelled, there stood Karasu. He had barely been untouched by the blast. However, those who were too close or not strong enough were scattered around either dead or injured.

Koto looked at it all in pure awe and shock. She was one of the few who were far enough away to not be affected by the blast.

Yusuke pushed up out of some of the rubble that had sent him and the rest of you into the side of the stadium wall. He stood up, dusting himself off and looking around for the rest of his team.

“Is everybody okay?!” he shouted.

“S-somehow...” Kuwabara shouted from his spot not too far from Yusuke.

He rubbed his head as he pushed some of the rubble off. He felt something heavy in his lap and looked down to find you sprawled out over his lower half, face down and groaning; you swearing you were able to see some stars and maybe a few birdies flying around your head at the moment.

“Hey (YAFN)-chan! Are you ok?!” Kuwabara said, lightly touching you.

You groaned.

“I at least landed on something soft…” he heard you mumble, causing him to chuckle; that being his signal that you were fine.

He turned you over careful not to hurt any injuries you could have gotten. He then picked you up as he stood up. He then stood you right side up on your own two feet. You stumbled a bit but were able to steady yourself with Kuwabara’s help. You weren’t too hurt; just a few scratches here and there.

Hiei jumped down from the edge of the arena, being the only one unscathed in the blast. You all turned your focus to the ring and found the only person standing in it was Karasu.

“Kurama?!” you all shouted.

“Heh...” Karasu smiled, thinking he had won.

Yusuke continued to look, not being able to believe it. He knew his good friend couldn’t have been that easily defeated. Not from this psychotic freak show anyway. Yusuke continued to look before his eyes blinked and he saw another figure appearing from the rubble.

“Huh?!” he said.

“K-Kurama…” Kuwabara said, not being able to believe it either.

You just stood there in shock as well; everyone staring more at the hole in the side of the stadium. Yusuke shouted his comrade’s name another time, hoping his friend would answer him, hoping he was not dead. Appearing out of the rubble was a little more than a beat up Kurama, once more in his human form. He was breathing a bit heavily, and now standing at what was some of the ring that was close to the stands.

“Kurama is no longer in is Youko form!! And it appears the explosion has done him more injury!!” Koto shouted.

“He changed back! The drug lost its effect!” Yusuke shouted.

“No way! It's only been five or six minutes! That drug was supposed to turn him into Youko for fifteen minutes!” Kuwabara shouted pissed off that the drug didn’t work like Kurama said it did.

“Shit.” Kurama said.

‘Not yet. I should have had more time. Why didn’t I? Tolerance!? Did my body build up a resistance to the drug?!’ Kurama thought, not liking the thought.

‘Crap…’ Youko growled, his pride more so hurt then anything else; however, being how Kurama was seriously injured, Youko couldn’t come out without hurting his ‘hosts’ physical body.

“It's a bad time for thinking, but go ahead and say your prayers that you'll die a painless death.” Karasu said, grinning at his prey.

“You sadistic bastard! You leave him alone before I go in there and kick yer ass!” you shout, rolling up your selves as if you were going to fight him.

Kuwabara had to hold you back a bit from running up to Kurama or even Karasu for that matter. He knew that you would do something stupid and possibly get yourself and Kurama in more danger. He knew you wanted to help, but he also knew that running up there wouldn’t do either of you any good.

Kurama closed his eyes as he reached into his hair. He could feel himself beginning to feel weak. He was seriously injuried and needed someone to look over his wounds. You would most likely be the first one on the scene. That thought had seemed to lift Youko’s spirit. However, Kurama wasn’t up for a mental ‘smack’ down as it were. He needed to finish this match and try and win for his team’s sake.

Kurama pulled out his rose. He focused on it and tried to transfer some of his energy into it to create his famous rose whip. However, to his horror his aura had been zapped. He needed to rest and heal up in order to do any kind of attack where he could use his aura. However, he didn’t have enough time and wouldn’t with Karasu being his opponet.

He was screwed and Kurama knew it; and it seemed Karasu had realized this as well.

“Shit…!?” Kurama shouted, as he looked at his hand, shocked.

“It looks like you used too much youki to turn plants into weapons. You probably can't even see my youki anymore.” Karasu said.

“Shit!” Kurama shouted.

Karasu was right, however, Kurama couldn’t think, as he knew he needed to get back into the ring and fight. He jumped back into the right and rushed at Karasu. The demon was waiting calmly for the red head to attack and seemed to be amused as Kurama demonstrated his martial art skills. He punched, kicked, and was doing so all around the arena. He was doing acrobats however, nothing he did seemed to faze Karasu, or even touch the demon. From where you all stood, it looked more like a beautifully choreographed dance as Karasu avoided the attacks with ease and grace; Kurama’s attack being filled with power yet fluid in movement. It was a beautiful yet deadly dance between the two.

“We can see Kurama is using martial arts moves never before seen!! However, Karasu dodges it all, though with the narrowest of margins!!” Koto shouts.

“Kurama is planning something.” Hiei said, realizing there was more to his offense then it seemed to be.

“Were you addled from an injury? Coming so close to me is suicidal!” Karasu said, while raising a hand to attack, however Kurama doesn’t stop his advance towards Karasu.

Karasu gasps as the red hair beauty made his way even closer.

“Since I can't see your youki, it makes no difference where I am.” Kurama said, striking out again, however this time actually making contact and connecting with Karasu’s chest.

Kurama’s blow to Karasu’s chest sends him skidding backwards a bit. Karasu stood there with a smug look on his face. He plucks a seed from his chest where Kurama had just struck.

“That was quite a good attempt…but for where you put it. What were you aiming for? A Shimaneki seed...old tricks are powerless against me.” Karasu said.

Kurama face and eyes stare impassively at Karasu as he destroys the seed with one of his bombs.

“Of course...I must commend you for managing to cause me damage with a repeated attack.”

Kurama clenches his fist and made a move to start to attack his opponent again, when he finds his leg was immobilized by a stone claw that appeared out of the floor. Kurama gasps as he realizes there was an eyeball bomb attached to the clamp that was tightly clamped to his leg.

“Gotcha!” squealed the little bugger with delight.

Karasu smiled a sadistic smile and announced his attack.

“Mud Bomb!!!”

A great boom was made as the giggling bomb exploded; Kurama screaming in pain as he was sent flying into the air from the severe leg injury when the bomb had exploded.

Kurama growled and stood up, attempting to attack his opponent again.
 
Yusuke gasped as he noticed Kurama was surrounded by bombs.
 
“Kurama, don't move! You're surrounded!!” he shouted.
 
You clenched your hands and felt as if you couldn’t breathe. It was too much for you to handle. The tension was so thick you thought you were choking on it. All you could do was stand there and pray that everything would be ok; that you didn’t mess up their reality too badly and that Kurama would survive his fight.
 
Kurama stood there, perfectly still, now able to see the bombs that were floating all around his unsteady form. It was a good sign that his aura was coming back; however, it still wasn’t enough to help him defeat this demon.

‘Just a bit longer…’ Youko thought, feeling the power of his host to slowly come back to him.
 
“You probably can't move even if you wanted to. Simply standing is taking your best effort. You can't call on Makai plants or even turn plants into weapons. I could blow you into small pieces, but I won't.” Karasu said with a smirk.
 
With a raise of his hand he activated a few bombs around Kurama, causing him to scream in pain as more injuries were afflicted to his already bleeding and torn body.
 
You’re eyes widened at the blood that seemed to spray out of him and drench his once clean out fit.
 
“I want you to stay close to me forever. Your face is so beautiful, I won't damage it.” Karasu said with a sadistic smile crossing his lips.

 Kurama was slightly bent over taking in quick shallow breaths as he glared at his enemy.
 
‘Somehow...you didn't notice...my true target is your bleeding heart. Only thing left is to call on a Makai plant that likes the blood of youkai.’ Kurama thought, looking at the chest wound he had created not too long ago.

‘Yes, that will be his downfall.’ Youko added, able to feel the pain Kurama was feeling; not to mention the anticipation and hope of being able to pull what they were about to try to pull off.
 
Sweat seemed to flow down his forehead as he tried to stand in one spot; the tension and pain causing his body to quake.
 
‘You have a grave misunderstanding regarding our powers. I can still call on Makai plants in this form. Only I must give my life in return...I'll burn up all my energy in this final attack. My last shot.’ Kurama thought, ready to finish his fight and hope to keep you and his friend’s safe.

‘What do you think you’re doing?’ Youko thought, fear of loosing not only his host, but a part of himself he had grown accustom to.
 
‘The only thing I can do to aid my teammates to winning this bloody tournament.’ Kurama said, before ignoring anything else Youko would say.

“Would you like to die slowly?” Karasu asked, finding it quite boring now that his prey stopped struggling; or seemed to by this point.
 
Another flick of his finger caused a few more bombs to explode around Kurama, causing his pain filled scream to pierce your very soul.
 
“KURAMA!!” Yusuke and Kuwabara shouted horror clear on their faces.
 
All you could do was stand there with wide eyes and watch your friend’s blood splatter in every direction; as his pain filled scream echoed in you mind. You eyes widen even more as you watched him fall to the ground, in a pool of his own blood.
 
“He's down!!” Juri shouted.
 
“Yahoo! Karasu---don't tease us; kill him! Kill him! Kill him kill him kill him!!!” shouted the demon crowd, their voices growing louder with each ‘kill’.
 
“Everyone around me is cheering. The noise is so great I can't catch what is being said!! Juri--- she's doing the countdown, I think!!” Koto said, straining her ears forward to try and listen to what was being said in the ring.
 
“A countdown is unnecessary. This is life or death.” Karasu said.
 
‘Wrong.’ Kurama thought, turning his head towards Karasu and rising to his knees.
 
“Die!!” Karasu shouted as he fired a huge amount of power from his hand straight towards the defenseless Kurama.
 
‘I'll take you with me to hell!!’ Kurama thought as his energy engulfed him; his body glowing a brilliant color that was blinding.

As Kurama collapsed back to the ground, a nasty looking plant bursts out of him and burrows it’s self into the hole made in Karasu’s chest and straight into his heart.
 
A weak gasp escapes Karasu’s lips as he could slowly feel his life being drained from his body; as well as his blood and even his soul.
 
“A vam...pire plant? Stu...pid...There's no way he could have…” Karasu said, as he fell backwards, his violet color eyes starting to grow dark as he stared at nothing.
 
The plant slowly made its way, covering Karasu’s limp and cold body as it continued to feed on his blood and now his body; engulfing the demon in a matter of minutes before blossoming into a beautiful rose.
 
“Kurama...!” Yusuke shouted as he stared at his friend who lay on the ground.
 
Kurama stirred and blinked in realization that he was not dead.
 
‘I'm...alive? Why...?’ he thought as he started to stand.
 
‘I don't know how...Has my power increased...!? No way!! That's it!! It wasn't the drug's effectiveness becoming weaker; it was Youko's power transferring over to Minamino Shuuichi's body!!’ Kurama thought, his eyes widening for a second at the realization before a smile came to his lips and a sigh of relief.

‘Correct. Now we’re more one then before. I am now not Youko, and you are not Shuuichi. We are now one single being in both power and mind. Although, we still have a different opinion on the lovely (YFN).’ Youko said with a chuckle.

He was relieved that he hadn’t lost his host. He had grown fond of his host known as Shuuichi.

Kurama couldn’t help but smile weakly and chuckle.

‘You just won’t give that up, will you.’ Kurama thought.

‘Never.’ Youko answered with determination.

Kurama sighed but smiled. He was just happy that he had survived.
 
“Great comeback!! The winner is Kurama!!” shouted both Yusuke and Kuwabara.
 
“All right! It's Kurama's comeback victory! Our first victory!!” Kuwabara shouted.

You rushed the stage and tackled the already injured young man to the ground in a death hug.

“YOU SCARED THE HELL OUT OF ME!!” you shouted, before crying.
 
‘Damn it…I’m such a cry baby…’ you thought, before taking in a deep breath.

You shifted to where you were now sitting next to Kurama who was now flat on his back and blinking up at you. He hadn’t expected you to ram him like you did. However, it didn’t hurt as one would think. You seemed to have sent some healing vibes into his body on the fall down. It appeared your healing powers were growing even stronger and would be stronger then even Yukina’s in a few more months.

Kurama smiled up at you as you smiled back down. You then stood up and offered him your hand. He smiled more before taking it and letting you help him up. You helped him off the arena and the both of you went towards the rest of the group. Kuwabara looked relieved to see Kurama back, not to mention the fact he wasn’t dead.
 
“Are you okay, Kurama?” Yusuke asked when the two of you made it to the group.
 
“I'm sorry. I did my best to defeat that bastard.” Kurama said with sad eyes.
 
Yusuke raised an eyebrow.
 
“Huh?”
 
You looked at him with confused eyes before realizing what would happen. However, before you could really process it, the results were announced.

On the other side, Toguro smirked.
 
“The match is over!! The winner is Karasu!!" Juri announced.

(End of Chapter 29)

(1) petal hurricane

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