Chapter III: The First Rounds of the Dark Tournament
“Well, look who decided to show up.” Kuwabara announced as the masked fighter walked out on to the grassy arena floor to join his teammates.
“A true team player,” Hiei nodded while his expression remained indifferent. “He knows when to stay out of the way.”
“Easy on the new guy,” Yusuke ordered. “It’s his first time, ‘can’t blame him for getting cold feet.”
Kurama kept his thoughts to himself.
The masked fighter ignored the taunts and leaned against the wall with one foot resting on the other in a rather stork-like manner. His gaze drifted to the huge arena monitor.
“Please update the scoreboard!” The referee called out over her microphone. There had been several applicants for the honorable position, but a young lady youkai with white rabbit features managed to obtain it. Long blond hair and bright red eyes were apparently in style. Her black and white outfit just barely hinted at being referee-ish, what little clothing she had on anyway.
The masked fighter’s nap had taken longer than expected (as did getting past the humiliated guards again) for he’d missed the first three rounds. Not that it mattered. Team Urameshi team won easy victories with one team even forfeiting on them. This would be the final match of the day and the crowd was lusting for an exciting throw down.
“It’s clearly a set up.” Kurama mused.
“Yeah those first punks were way too easy and the last guys even chickened out.” Kuwabara cracked his knuckles in impatience.
“The way the matches are set up isn’t random.” Hiei agreed. “The tournament heads want to put on a good show so they’re saving their aces for later.” He narrowed his eyes. “I didn’t come here to be some clown in a circus”
“If what I suspect is true,” Kurama paused to muse a second. “Then our next match should prove to be a tad more interesting than the last one.”
“And my guess is the new guy knows it too.” Yusuke agreed and glanced at where the masked fighter had been standing only to see their teammate stretched out on the grass clearly asleep. Yusuke’s expression fell. “I take it back.”
“Sorry for the wait, ladies and gentlemen!” The announcer called. “Do to the last team withdrawing we’ll go ahead with the last match of the day, our returning champions against Team Gyakufuu!”
The crowd burst into frenzy, cat calls and hisses filled the air. Some sang their praises to the Urameshi team, but still the majority was hoping to see a new and purely youkai underdog team win. In the end, however, the odds were in the favor of the legendary heroes and their sleeping companion.
“At least he’s still more useful than Koenma would have been” Yusuke shook his head and walked up to the center of the ring to decide the terms of the match with the other team’s captain. The apposing team’s captain was a rather unpleasant looking youkai with a monkey-like head, a tanuki’s body, tiger’s legs, and a long whip like tail that was scaled like a snake. He looked down at Yusuke with a toothy grin.
“How do you want to play this?” he asked Yusuke in a deep growling voice.
“Any way you want.” Yusuke crossed his arms unthreatened by the imposing demon.
“One on one then,” The youkai declared. “I am Nue and I will be more then happy to defeat you.”
“Looks like we have an agreement.” The referee announced. “One on one with the winner taking the best of five. As with all matches out of bounds is considered a loss, so keep on your toes teams!” She gave a special rabbit wink. “First contenders please step forward!”
“Hope you guys don’t mind,” Kuwabara said as he stepped forward. “But I feel the need for a little workout. With all that fancy food we’re getting, I don’t wanna lose my manly body.” He flexed a little as he took his place in the ring and to himself he whispered, “Just keep watching Yukina, my love. This victory is for you.”
“I, Sarugami, shall have the pleasure of defeating the human” Sarugami, a gorilla looking youkai took the ring for team Gyakufuu. He was dressed in karate clothes, clearly a hand to hand combat man and he stood evenly with Kuwabara in height.
“Kuwabara versus Sarugami! Fighters ready,” narrated the referee. “And begin!”
In his private box seat the king of Makai watched the match with a slight disinterest when an unexpected visitor walked in.
“Our star entertainers are putting on quite a show,” a woman, appearing to be in her early twenties dressed in a midnight blue gown and a navy cloak hiding her face, entered the royal box seat uninvited. She gracefully took an empty seat and leaned in a rather unladylike fashion on the arm rest. An almost barbaric manner of days long past that could easily be misinterpreted as rebelliousness by today‘s standards. It was impossible to tell if she was human or youkai.
“I’m surprised to see you here.” Araku said evenly. He was a tad nervous by the lady’s presence.
“Perhaps you’d like to make a wager?” The lady asked with her eyes twinkling under her hood.
“Not wise to wager against the spirit folk.” Araku declined.
“Bah!” scoffed the woman. “Don’t mistaken me for the likes of Koenma and those so-called high-and-mighty’s. We are the only ones with power in the human realm.”
“Not yet.” Araku corrected as the lady scuffled to lean on the opposite arm rest.
“Perhaps,” The woman said in a smooth and dangerous tone. “But we will be. Now then, about that wager.”
“He’ll loose this match.” Araku said guessing what the woman would say.
“Oh darling, however did you guess?” She giggled. “A ring out. What an embarrassing way to go.”
“As you wish, my lady” Araku replied uneasily.
Just as the woman had predicted, Kuwabara was sent flying out of the ring and landed with a thud in the grass.
“Ring out!” Called the referee. “First point goes to team Gyakufuu!”
“Whaaat!?” Kuwabara leapt to his feet with his white battle outfit torn and dirty from being tossed around. “I can still fight! I’m going to bounce this guy around the ring like a basket ball”
His opponent, Sarugami, shook his head. “He might be up to another go, but I’m not.” he gasped to catch his breath. “Good think I tricked him into using fists only.” Had Kuwabara used his spirit powers, he would have easily won. Sarugami was no monkey mind and had used Kuwabara’s manly pride against him.
“I’m sorry Kuwabara, but rules are rules.” The referee reminded him timidly. “Based on the terms of the match you are not allowed a second turn.”
“Be a good boy and admit you lost.” Sarugami made making faces at him.
“You took the coward’s way out! Fight like a man, you oversized banana eater!” Kuwabara shouted back.
“Your human friend is rather pathetic” Nue said to Yusuke as he waltzed into the ring. He sent a challenging glance down at him. “I don’t know why you, practically a yokai lord, would associate with such lowly beings.”
Yusuke glared at him.
“Raizen should be ashamed of you.” Nue continued taunting.
“Oh you are so going down.” Yusuke was about to leap into the ring when suddenly he felt an unexpected weight on his shoulders for a moment then a shadow flew over his head and landed gracefully into the ring before Nue.
Into the microphone the referee called out, “This is incredible! Team Uramesh’s masked fighter has leaped into the ring using his captain as a spring board! The message is clear folks, the masked fighter is up to the fight and he’s not taking ‘no’ for an answer.”
“WHAT?! You’ve gotta be kidding me!” Yusuke shook his fist in anger. “Hey! Don’t go stealing my fights, new kid! Team captain’s orders!”
“Let him be, Yusuke.” Kurama advised.
“It’s no real loss for us if he loses,” Hiei scrutinized their teammate. “I want to see what the little guy can do.”
“I don’t know guys,” Kuwabara was rubbing his arms covered with goose bumps. “I got a bad feeling about this”
The masked fighter took his stance and with his expression hidden beneath layers upon layers of black cloth as he faced a youkai over twice his size as a huge crow looked on in excitement.
Author’s comments:
Phew~ that was a hard chapter to do. I wanted to detail Kuwabara’s fight, but that failed miserably so I went ahead and introduced my personal favorite character of the fanfic besides Kurama. I can’t wait to write more about the young lady and her nutty associates.
I still need an editor. I can’t edit my way out of a paper bag.
Chapter II: A Spy in the Urameshi Camp
Team Urameshi entered the tournament hotel and were instantly greeted, not by human gansters, but a hub of human and youkai reporters.
“Team Uramesh!” the odd looking mass of pointed hears and tails mixed with humans swarmed around the previous tournament’s champions. “Would you like to provide us with a few comments?”
“How confident are you about winning this year’s tournament?” One reporter asked.
“Who have you picked to replace Genkai?” Another chimed in before the air was filled with a buzz of indiscernible questions. Finally Yusuke raised a hand for silence.
“Those are all excellent questions.” Yusuke said in an authoritative manner. “But, I think it’s best we leave that to our number one spokesperson.” He pushed Kuwabara forward.
“M-me? Well I-” Kuwabara stammered a little as the limelight now shined on him. Then he picked up a microphone from one of the reporters and stated boldly. “It doesn’t matter who you are. If you stand in our way, Team Urameshi is gonna knock you down splat! Cuz’ I’m Kazuma Kuwabara and I’m the back bone of this team!” He finished with a cheesy thumbs-up to the cameras.
The reporters stood in a puzzled silence for a split second unable to think of a response to this spectacle giving Team Urameshi enough time to make their escape.
“So he’s actually good for something” Hiei commented as they fled.
“Shut it, Shorty.” Kuwabara snapped. “You’re just jealous that your puny speeches aren’t as good as mine”
“Will you two ever seriously grow up?” Yusuke asked impatiently.
“Team Urameshi.” A formal and pleasantly musical voice called them to halt. A young youkai bellhop bowed to them in greeting. “I’m here to show you to your room. This way please.”
“Wow, nice to see this place was rebuilt classy.” Kuwabara muttered as he noted the female bellhop‘s lace trimmed uniform. Next to him the masked fighter nodded in agreement making Kuwabara go a double take. “Where did you poof from???”
“It seems our team is back together.” Kurama chuckled. Apparently none of them had detected their comrade’s entrance.
“This way please.” The bellhop insisted again and the team followed her onward.
The lady bellhop brought them to a pair of the finest guest suites the hotel had to offer. As Kurama had predicted, the officials were pulling out all the stops for the returning champions. Each of the rooms had two beds and all the luxuries the team would require. It was Kuwabara who then noticed-
“Hey, wait a minute.” He said looking around. “There’s only four beds, but we have five people. I’m not gonna be the one to share, just so you know.”
All eyes turned to the masked fighter who glanced around the room only out of mild curiosity and then turned to walk out the door in a manner that clearly stated, I have my own arrangements, thank you.
“Solves that problem.” Hiei said. “He’s more aloof than I am.”
“Meaning he clearly can’t be trusted.” Kurama agreed.
Hiei glared at him for the mild insinuation.
“But as the only non-returning team member, I guess it’s expected.” Kurama theorized while ignoring Hiei’s glare.
Yusuke sat down on a couch and motioned to he fellow team members, “We’ll worry about that guy later. Kurama, what do you know about our competition?” The others took a seat and the planning for the up coming matches began.
Meanwhile, the masked fighter eased along the hotel hallways unnoticed by guest and staff. The shadowy figured snooped along taking in the details of the place, noting the exits, staff shortcuts, etc… everything that could be formulated into a possible escape plan later. At last the masked fighter came to a narrower hallway that led to the VIP section. Clearly stated in every way possible was “officials and their attendants only“. The mask fighter took in a deep breath before quietly entering the hall.
The sneaky interloper only made it a short ways in before being surrounded by a pack of boar-youkai guards. Red eyes, hog-like noses, very sharp looking tusks, and (more importantly) the guards towered over the little fighter. The guards encircled the masked intruder and pointed their various unpleasantly sharp looking weapons at the poor trapped rat. However, the masked fighter’s reflection in the blades remained perfectly still and calm.
“You may hide your essence and erase your smell, but you cannot fool members Araku‘s hand selected guards.” The captain warned.
Unperturbed the masked fighter simply wriggled out of the shiny circle dodging blade and spear point, like a monkey would weave through the branches of a tree, before nimbly landing behind the youkai guards. In mockery the masked fighter placed his hands under his robes casually before walking on, ignoring the guards completely.
“Bastard!” One of the guards broke rank and dove at the masked fighter out in rage.
Before the others could stop him he slashed down at the masked fighter with his long spear. Hurriedly the mask fighter brought out a hand from underneath his black robes and blocked the spear with a small round sliver object. The guard strained against the hand-sized shield before backing off.
The captain of the guards snorted. “You could have said so from the beginning, black monky,” he said as the masked fighter flashed the silver badge symbolizing one in King Araku’s personal service.
The slight trembling of the his robes indicated silent laughter and the masked fighter continued down the hall. Walking further till he came to the last door the mask fighter put the badge in special lock in the wall. Once the badge was in place the door opened to reveal an elevator. Taking the elevator to the bottom of a hidden second basement the mask fighter entered a huge lavish room fit for a king and bowed to King of Makai, Araku.
A fine youkai he was, beautiful by human standards and powerful by demon ones. His dark hair reached just past his shoulders and curled gazelle horns following it from his crown. His rich robes were a sharp contrast to Enki’s informal style and his charm far exceeded Yusuke’s. Still, given a choice, the masked fighter would soon swear allegiance to another if Araku lost his place as king. Araku didn’t turn to face his guest and continued to stare at a huge monitor that made up the whole far wall.
“I trust you found it?” Araku asked after a moment. The masked fighter reached again into his robes pulled out a small blue orb and tossed it to the king. Araku caught it without looking and then placed the orb on a golden podium next to him. In an instant the monitor was alight with two images. One was of Koenma sitting at his desk in the spirit realm and the second was of a beautiful woman leaning against a brick building in the human realm, the city noises booming around her.
“I see my messenger reached you in a timely manner” Koenma said. “But, you should know I still think what you’re planning is insane.”
“Enough with the pleasantries,” Interrupted the woman. Her Japanese was thick with a foreign accent. “There is a mortal who stood me up for a date and I won’t let him make the same mistake again.”
Araku glanced at the masked fighter and raised his slender eyebrow, “This is their ambassador?” The masked fighter shrugged in reply.
“Unless you want some annoying little pixie to do the job, then yes, that would be me.” The woman replied irritably. The masked fighter waved his gloved hands in various ways trying to tell the woman a message.
The woman paused in thought for a second then sighed, “Yes, you’re right. Mortals do need sleep. I suppose I can forgive him this time.”
The masked fighter signed again and the woman replied, “Indeed, peace may there be.”
“Well done,” Araku told the fighter. “If you ever get tired of being a double agent you’d make a fine mute marriage counselor.“ More lights on the screen indicated more people had joined the conversation.
“Greetings friends and neighbors,” Araku said eloquently. “Now, let’s talk about a unified Ninenkai.”
A light shake to the shoulder aroused the masked fighter from his light doze on one of the overly fancified sofas. Glancing up the masked fighter saw Araku staring down at him. After stretching a moment, and taking his time in doing so, the masked fighter got to his feet and waited for the king’s next orders.
Araku didn’t say anything and lightly brushed the neck portion of the masked fighter’s hood with his clawed fingers, but not even he could see through the shadows’ disguise. “Still, I’m sorry for what you lost for this mission,” the king said sympathetically. “But not even Koenma can use you now, in a sense that is a kind of freedom”
The masked fighter merely stood still patently.
“Go,” The king ordered. “And win victory for your team”
As the masked fighter bowed and turn to leave Araku added, “And don’t forget to hide the bodies.”
The black robes trembled as he chuckled before the masked fighter vanished from sight.
Author’s notes:
-I NEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEED AN EDITOR!!!
-if you see any mistakes let me know.
-suggestions welcome
-comments, threats, complaints, I’ll take ‘em
Chapter II: A Spy in the Urameshi Camp
Team Urameshi entered their hotel and were greeted a hub of human and youkai reporters.
“Team Uramesh!” the odd looking mass of pointed hears and tails mixed with humans swarmed around the previous tournament’s champions. “Would you like to provide us with a few comments?”
“How confident are you about winning this year’s tournament?” One reporter asked.
“Who have you picked to replace Genkai?” Another chimed in before the air was filled with a buzz of indiscernible questions. Finally Yusuke raised a hand for silence.
“Those are all excellent questions.” Yusuke said in an authoritative manner. “But, I think it’s best we leave that to our number one spokesperson.” He pushed Kuwabara forward.
“M-me? Well I-” Kuwabara stammered a little as the limelight now shined on him. Then he picked up a microphone from one of the reporters and stated boldly. “It doesn’t matter who you are. If you stand in our way Team Urameshi is gonna knock you down splat. Cuz’ I’m Kazuma Kuwabara and I’m the back bone of this team!” He finished with a cheesy thumbs-up to the cameras. The reporters stood in silence for a split second unable to think of a response to this spectacle and Team Urameshi made their escape.
“So he’s actually good for something” Hiei commented as they fled.
“Shut it, Shorty.” Kuwabara snapped. “You’re just jealous that your puny speeches aren’t as good as mine”
“Will you two ever seriously grow up?” Yusuke asked impatiently.
“Team Urameshi” A formal and pleasantly musical voice called them to halt. A young youkai bellhop bowed to them in greeting. “I’m here to show you to you’re room. This way please.”
“Wow, nice to see this place was rebuilt classy.” Kuwabara muttered as he noted the female bellhop‘s lace trimmed uniform. Next to him the masked fighter nodded in agreement making Kuwabara go a double take. “Where did you poof from???”
“It seems our team is back together.” Kurama chuckled. Apparently none of them had detected their missing comrade’s entrance.
“This way please.” The bellhop insisted again and the team followed her onward.
[
The lady bellhop brought them to two of the finest guest suites the hotel had to offer. As Kurama had predicted, the officials were pulling out all the stops for the returning champions. Each of the rooms had two beds and all the luxuries the team would require. It was Kuwabara who then noticed-
“Hey, wait a minute.” He said looking around. “There’s only four beds, but we have five people. I’m not gonna be the one to share, just so you know.”
All eyes turned to the masked fighter who glanced around the room only out of mild curiosity and then turned to walk out the door in a manner that clearly stated, I have my own arrangements, thank you.
“Solves that problem.” Hiei said. “He’s more aloof than I am.”
“Meaning he clearly can’t be trusted.” Kurama agreed.
Hiei glared at him for the mild insinuation.
“But as the only non-returning team member, I guess it’s expected.” Kurama theorized ignoring Hiei’s glare.
Yusuke sat down on a couch and motioned to he fellow team members, “We’ll worry about that guy later. Kurama, what do you know about our competition?” The others took a seat and the planning for the up coming matches began.
Meanwhile, the masked fighter eased along the hotel hallways unnoticed by guest and staff. The shadowy figured snooped along taking in the details of the place, noting the exits, staff shortcuts, etc… everything that could be formulated into a possible escape plan later. At last the masked fighter came to a narrower hallway that led to the VIP section. Clearly stated in every way possible was “officials and their attendants only“. The mask fighter took in a deep breath before quietly entering the hall.
The sneaky interloper only made it a short ways in before being surrounded by a pack of boar-youkai guards. Red eyes, hog-like noses, very sharp looking tusks, and (more importantly) the guards towered over the little fighter. The guards encircled the masked intruder and pointed their various unpleasantly sharp looking weapons at the poor trapped rat. However, the masked fighter’s reflection in the blades remained perfectly still and calm.
“You may hide your essence and erase your smell, but you cannot fool members Araku‘s hand selected guards.” The captain warned.
Unperturbed the masked fighter simply wriggled out of the shiny circle dodging blade and spear point, like a monkey would weave through the branches of a tree, before nimbly landing behind the youkai guards. In mockery the masked fighter placed his hands under his robes casually before walking on, ignoring the guards completely.
“Bastard!” One of the guards broke rank and dove at the masked fighter out in rage.
Before the others could stop him he slashed down at the masked fighter with his long spear. Hurriedly the mask fighter brought out a hand from underneath his black robes and blocked the spear with a small round sliver object. The guard strained against the hand-sized shield before backing off.
The captain of the guards snorted. “You could have said so from the beginning, black monky,” he said as the masked fighter flashed the silver badge symbolizing one in King Araku’s personal service.
The slight trembling of the mask fighter’s robes indicated silent laughter and the masked fighter continued his down the hall. Walking further till he came to the last door the mask fighter put the badge in special lock in the wall. Once the badge was in place the door opened to reveal an elevator. Taking the elevator to the bottom of a hidden second basement the mask fighter entered a huge lavish room fit for a king and bowed to King of Makai, Araku.
A fine youkai he was, beautiful by human standards and powerful by demon ones. His dark hair reached just past his shoulders and curled gazelle horns following it from his crown. His rich robes were a sharp contrast to Enki’s informal style and his charm far exceeded Yusuke’s. Still, given a choice, the masked fighter would soon swear allegiance to another if Araku lost his place as king. Araku didn’t turn to face his guest and continued to stare at a huge monitor that made up the whole far wall.
“I trust you found it?” Araku asked after a moment. The masked fighter reached again into his robes pulled out a small blue orb and tossed it to the king. Araku caught it without looking and then placed the orb on a golden podium next to him. In an instant the monitor was alight with two images. One was of Koenma sitting at his desk in the spirit realm and the second was of a beautiful woman leaning against a brick building in the human realm, the city noises booming around her.
“I see my messenger reached you in a timely manner” Koenma said. “You should know I still think what you’re planning is insane.”
“Enough with the pleasantries,” Interrupted the woman. Her Japanese was thick with a foreign accent. “There is a mortal who stood me up for a date and I won’t let him make the same mistake again.”
Araku glanced at the masked fighter and raised his slender eyebrow, “This is their ambassador?” The masked fighter shrugged in reply.
“Unless you want some annoying little pixie to do the job, then yes, that would be me.” The woman replied irritably. The masked fighter waved his gloved hands in various ways trying to tell the woman a message.
The woman paused in thought for a second then sighed, “Yes, you’re right. Mortals do need sleep. I suppose I can forgive him this time.”
The masked fighter signed again and the woman replied, “Indeed, peace may there be.”
“Well done,” Araku told the fighter. “If you ever get tired of being a double agent you’d make a fine mute marriage counselor.“ More lights on the screen indicated more people had joined the conversation.
“Greetings friends and neighbors,” Araku said eloquently. “Now, let’s talk about a unified Ninenkai.”
A light shake to the shoulder aroused the masked fighter from his light doze on one of the overly fancified sofas. Glancing up the masked fighter saw Araku staring down at him. After stretching a moment, and taking his time in doing so, the masked fighter got to his feet and waited for the king’s next orders.
Araku didn’t say anything and lightly brushed the neck portion of the masked fighter’s hood with his clawed fingers, but not even he could see through the shadows’ disguise. “Still, I’m sorry for what you lost for this mission,” the king said sympathetically. “But not even Koenma can use you now, in a sense that is a kind of freedom”
The masked fighter merely stood still patently.
“Go,” The king ordered. “And win victory for your team”
As the masked fighter bowed and turn to leave Araku added, “And don’t forget to hide the bodies.”
The mask fighter’s robes trembled as he chuckled before the masked fighter vanished from sight.
Author’s notes:
-I NEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEED AN EDITOR!!!
-if you see any mistakes let me know.
-suggestions welcome
-comments, threats, complaints, I’ll take ‘em
Chapter I: In want of a Fifth
“Koenma, better show up soon with our fifth man and it better not be himself.” Kuwabara muttered impatiently.
The foursome was waiting at the dock for Koenma appear before the last boat to Hanging Neck Island departed. Yusuke (not surprisingly) had waited till the last minute before realizing they would need someone to replace Genkai. All their human and youkai friends from the first tournament wanted to fight against the champions in this tournament, not with, so the list of available persons was rather limited to say the least. Thankfully, Koenma had offered to supply someone to fill the vacancy so team Urameshi wouldn’t be disqualified before the first match even began.
“Look on the bright side, Kuwabara-kun,” Kurama pointed out in his relaxed manner. “As the returning champions we’ll be treated to every courtesy the tournament officials can offer.”
“It doesn’t matter who Koenma brings.” Hiei added strait faced. “Yusuke and myself are all that we’ll require to win this time. You won’t be needed, so why don’t you relax and read a book or something.”
“Hey, just ‘cuz I ain’t a youkai, doesn’t mean I can’t kick your short butt all over the arena!” Kuwabara growled back. It had been the first time in years that the two had seen each other and they were already fighting. “Ever since you went back to living in Maikai, I’ve enjoyed not hearing your snappy comments.”
Yusuke and Kurama covered fleeting grins. They had almost missed their teammates’ childish banter.
“Guys, guys,” Yusuke broke in holding up his hands in emphasis. “We’re on the same side this time, remember?”
“Yeah, but I could still beat him.” Kuwabara muttered crossing his arms and looking away from Hiei. “And when is Koenma going to get here? The boat’s gonna to leave without us.”
“Patience is a virtue, you know.” Koenma in his human world form spoke up from behind Kuwabara making him jump. Then in greeting he said, “Yo, how’s it going?”
“You’re late, Koenma.” Yusuke pointed out.
“You’re a fine on to say that,” Koenma retorted. “Speaking of which, should you even be participating? I hear you going to be a daddy soon. Isn’t all this a little unfair to Keiko?”
It had been nearly two years since their wedding and Yusuke and Keiko were already expecting their first child. Keiko had been really upset that Yusuke had fought in the Makai tournament and now, not even a year later, he was fighting again and she wouldn’t be there to heckle him
.
“It’ll be fine.” Yusuke shrugged. “She’s safely at home watching the televised version. And Shizuru and Yukina are with her just in case.” He was actually referring to his own safety, pregnant or not, Keiko still had a fierce punch.
“Yes, even if we can’t be together, the fact that Yukina is watching me and cheering me on is going go give me the strength to win.” Kuwabara announced passionately. The others ignored him.
“I assume you brought a fifth member.” Hiei said cutting to the chase.
“Oh right. It’s not you is it, Koenma?” Kuwabara asked worriedly.
“Relax,” Koenma assured them. “I’m the mighty ruler of Reikai and don’t have time for petty mortal tournaments. I merely brought your fifth member in person as a favor to old friends.”
“Then where is he?” Kuwabara asked looking around. “Is he invisible or something, ‘cuz I don’t think the judges will buy that.”
“Your fifth fighter has been standing behind you all this whole time.” Koenma replied and pointed. The foursome turned around to see a figure hiding in the shadows. His form completely concealed by layers of black robes. The figure nodded in greeting, but made no other movement.
“Whoa, I couldn’t even sense his energy like he was invisible. He‘s not a ghost or something is he?” Kuwabara said looking their new fifth fighter over. “Well, at least he’s taller the Hiei.”
“Is this some kind of a joke, Koenma?” Hiei asked irritably. “This fighter’s defenses are pathetic and I’m picking up on any special powers.”
“Need I remind you the list of available persons was rather limited and even more so after the reiki drain…uh,” Koenma trailed off not wanting to reveal classified information. “I can assure you this is the most able bodied fighter I could find. Seeing as your boat is about to leave, it’s take it or leave it.”
“Well, there is one way to test his skills.” Hiei said drawing his sword.
“Wait! That’s not really a good idea Hiei!” But before Koenma or the others could stop him Hiei had already dove at the masked fighter at full speed.
Seemingly caught off guard the masked fighter shifted to the side, barely dodging Hiei’s blade. Hiei turned his sword about to slice the masked fighter in two, but stopped just before making contact. Almost as if in slow motion the robed figure appeared to turn his gaze at Hiei with a face hidden under the layers of cloth and sent a roundhouse kick to Hiei’s skull. Hiei deftly dodged the kick and came around with his sword again and the robed figure dodged by a paper’s edge, but this time the robed figure drove a solid punch into the flat part of the blade. The sword sang out in a shriek and snapped in two, the tip just barely missing Hiei’s nose as it flew by and embedded itself in a tree. Then everything went still.
“Hmf, as I said his defenses are pitiful. He barely dodged my strokes.” Hiei said looking at the hilt of his now shattered sword.
“Barely is still a dodge Hiei.” Kurama told him. “You yourself just said it didn’t matter who Koenma brought.”
“Phew,” Koenma let go a sigh of relief. “Trust me, this fighter would be a lot more useful then I would. Now if you don’t leave now you’ll miss the boat.” Just at that moment the ship sounded out its horn calling to the last of the stragglers to board. Team Urameshi scrambled to get on with their new team member only a few beats behind. Koenma grabbed the masked fighter’s shoulder to whisper a quick word of warning before they parted. “Don’t get carried away. Remember your mission.” He warned. The masked fighter said nothing and went to catch up with the others.
“So what do you think Kurama?” Yusuke asked once they were aboard the ship. He jerked his head in the direction of their new “masked fighter” who silently ignored everyone and everything, including Kuwabara’s numerous attempts to talk with him.
“Hiei’s assault revealed something of our new friend’s abilities.” Kurama explained. “His punch was delivered with surgical precision to the weakest part of the sword. Clearly not as strong or fast as the rest of us, but to identify the sword’s weakest point and deliver such a precise blow- Koenma did not stick us with an amateur. I think this fighter will yield many surprises in the near future.”
“Geeze, is the new guy a robot or what?” Kuwabara came up to join the conversation. “He doesn’t say anything and just stands there.”
“Maybe he just doesn’t want to be brought down to your level of stupidity.” Hiei suggested casually leaning on the rail of the ship while he had listened to both Kurama and kept an eye on their new teammate.
“Listen shorty, I didn’t come all this way to be insulted by you.” Kuwabara growled.
“It seems Hiei actually missed Kuwabara,” Kurama chucked quietly to Yusuke.
“Now he’s making up for lost time.” Yusuke grinned back. “I can’t wait to see the look on their faces when they end up as brother-in-laws.”
“Well here’s a couple of familiar faces you don’t soon forget,” Said a loud booming voice.
“Aye, once a fella knocks your brains about, you have a hard time recalling anything else.” Agreed another voice as a few members from the other tournament teams came up to greet team Urameshi.
“Chu! Jin! How are you guys doing?” Yusuke greeted cheerfully. Chu and Jin waltzed up to greet their friends with Rinku, Toya, Shishiwakamaru, and Suzuki (all previous combatants from the first Dark Tournament) not far behind.
“Are you all on the same team this time?” Kuwabara asked.
“Nah, we all got a bunch of other strong blokes as fillers” Chu explained. “If we were all on the same team only one of us would get a crack a Yusuke and one would have to sit out.”
“Chu’s already called dibs on Yusuke, but you’re more then welcome to take me on in a rematch, Kuwabara.” Rinku said with a big grin. “But this time don’t expect me to go easy on ya.”
“Ha!” Kuwabara retorted showing off the muscles of his right arm. “I’ve got some new ticks that’ll blow your mind.”
“We’re sorry about the loss of Genkai.” Toya added, putting an end to the macho posing.
“It’s not fair that the old bitty gets away while remaining undefeated.” Suzuki said as he and Shishi sighed remembering their losses at the hand of Genkai. “I hope you got someone worthy to replace her.”
“Koenma supplied us with someone but we’re not sure how good they are-… hey where’d he go?” Yusuke was pointing to were the masked fighter had been standing only to notice that their new teammate had slipped off without their knowing.
“I still think he’s a ghost or a robot.” Kuwabara whispered.
“Oh, yeah. You guys haven’t heard the strange rumors going around, have you?” Suzuki asked.
“What rumors?” Yusuke asked with his detective senses now on alert.
“Apparently there have been alterations in the tournament rules.” Toya explained. Only teams with members from the last tournament are allowed as regular participants including Jin’s, Chu’s, Sazuki’s, and Yusuke’s teams and five other teams. “Aside from that there were suppose to be three other ‘guest teams’ that were decided during pre-tournament match ups.”
“But here’s the strange part. Out of the dozens of fellas that participated only two teams made it to the island alive.” Jin added. With no bodies or evidence to convince them otherwise the officials agreed to let them participate.
“There are a lot of other odd things going on so it seems. Despite the change of hands the dark tournament hasn’t lost its original charm.” Toya added. “I could just be propaganda to add interest to the tournament, but we’ll have to wait and see.”
“Attention, Attention” A voice over a PA system called out to the ships passengers. “The boat will be arriving at port in ten minutes. All passengers please gather your possessions and prepare for departure. Repeat, would all passengers…”
“See you in the ring!” Their friends bid farewell and the tournament participants prepared to set foot on dry land wondering what excitement lay just ahead.
Yu Yu Hakuso: Tentei Tokushuu:
Part Two: Previously on Tentei Tokushuu...
The three years of King Enki’s rule soon came to an end and it was then time for the next Makai Tournament to decide the supreme ruler of all youkai. The favorite participants from the previous tournament along with some new promising candidates all met in the ring to determine the fate of the three worlds yet again as both Reikai and Ninenkai watched on in anxious anticipation. Stronger in body and even stronger in spirit Yusuke, Kurama, and Hiei fought their battles fiercely, each holding the knowledge that someone would be waiting for them once the matches were over. But in the end through perseverance, skill, and most of all luck a youkai named Araku claimed the crown.
Araku chose up hold Enki’s peaceful policies concerning Ninenkai, but decided to extend his kingship term to last ten years (much to the disappointment of many of the other candidates). As a compromise to those who strongly opposed this change Araku agreed to reinstate and sponsor a new Dark Tournament that would be held every two years. This was a chance for the participants to gain popularity and build the strength needed to win the next Makai Tournament. And hopefully the tournament would even feed the blood lust of Araku’s strongest critics. Now, five years after winning the Dark Tournament controlled by human black-market high rollers, team Urameshi has been invited back to defend their title under the watchful eye of a panel of youkai judges.
But before they can obtain victory there is one problem that will need to be addressed- with Genkai “officially retired” who will fill in the missing slot on team Urameshi’s roster?
