Holding on Until Tomorrow

Summary: The Shinobi are slowing falling apart after their loss against the Urameshi team. The light they so badly wanted to obtain seems far from their grasp. Friends will become enemies and enemies will become friends as everything gets turned upside down and inside out. And it is only the beginning. TouyaxKurama among others.

Disclaimer: I don’t own any of the Yu Yu Hakusho characters. Okay?

Warning: for a heads-up this will contain yaoi/shonen ai so if you’re not comfortable with the concept of two boys being together, then go and read something else. Also contained in this will be lots of violence, strong language, rape, lemon, and much more.

Pairings: TouyaxKurama, mild TouyaxKuramaxHiei, one sided RishoxTouya, KuwabaraxYukina, and YuskuexKeiko.

Timeline: Takes place around Episode 38

A/N: I apologize to my readers for rewriting this once again but I really wasn’t satisfied with the way this turned out up until now. Hopefully it’ll be a lot better this time around. Please forgive me (runs and hides)

Chapter 1 Unexpected Conclusion

Touya's body was in excruciating agony as he tried to force himself back on his feet before Koto finished counting to ten. Pain rippled through his muscles but he continued to force himself up. He didn't care if it destroyed his body in the end as long as it defeated Kurama. He so badly needed this victory for his sect; they were already behind since Gama lost his match. They needed to get ahead and stay ahead.

I must not let Gama's sacrifice be in vain. He thought.

Kurama watched Touya struggle to his feet, his emerald green eyes filed with a mixture of fear and pity. Yes he was afraid that Touya was going to get to his feet before Koto counted to ten, meaning that the battle would continue, and he didn't have the strength to go on. However, he also felt pity for the poor creature in front of him. His body was pushed to the maximum limit and yet he was still struggling to find enough strength to get up. He had no choice, Kurama could read it in his eyes. If he did not win this battle, he would be severely punished and bring shame to his sect. He couldn't do that. He had to win or die.

It shouldn't be like this. He thought, watching Touya propel himself upward with one hand while the other tried desperately to staunch his bleeding stab wound. He's resigned himself to a cruel fate. He knows nothing else. But it shouldn't be like this.

Touya had managed to get himself into a crouching position when the last of his strength exited his body and he crashed forward, temporarily losing consciousness as his skull came in contact with the concrete ring.

When he came to, Kurama was still studying him, his emerald orb shining with just pity now.

“You have won...” Touya managed to choke out. “Now...please kill me.”

He had failed to attain a victory for his Shinobi sect so his punishment was to be death. He was ready to accept it. He was not afraid to die. He raised his head so he could look his opponent in the eye.

Kurama’s eyes slid closed. “I will not.”

Touya gasped audibly, not expecting Kurama’s answer.

Why? He asked silently.

Kurama’s eyes opened. “You never answered. What do you plan to do with this island…if you get it?”

“Who cares?” Touya choked out.

“I have spent years in the shadows,” Kurama said, his voice laced with pain. “Interesting how unexpected…regret can appear. That’s what this light does. I only…wanted to know if…you can make your life better…nobler…than mine has been.” Slowly, his eyes closed and Touya fully understood of having the Death Plant sown into Kurama’s body.

What did he mean? Touya wondered silently. It was the last thought he held onto before slipping back into unconsciousness.

When he came to again, he was lying on some soft grass. The pain in his body had lessened considerably.

I must be going numb. He thought bitterly.

It was a bit easier for him to breathe. Slowly, he managed to sit up without passing out and leaned against the wall behind him. He turned his head from side to side, trying to get a sense of his surroundings. Gama's body was still where it had been before but the rest of his team was MIA. There was a large hole to the right of where Jin had once been sitting and the seats in that area had been destroyed. Likewise, some upper seats in a different section of the stadium had been destroyed.

That's two. Touya thought dryly. Wonder who's left. His question was answered when he turned his head back to the center ring. Risho stood with his arms crossed, looking incredibly smug about something. Yuskue was standing still, though by the look of his posture, Touya would venture to guess that he had about to charge someone, most likely the greasy-haired Shinobi leader.

What's going on? Touya thought. His silent question was answered by an announcement by the Tournament Committee.

“Upon reviewing the film of the last fight, it is discovered that Koto delayed her ten-count during Yuskue's first ring-out. Therefore, by a complete and unanimous decision, the fight between Yuskue and Jin has been ruled a double-loss and therefore, Yuskue is ineligible to fight for the duration of the round.”

“Risho,” Touya growled softly. He knew that it was that bastard's doing as he listened to the protests from one of Urameshi's non fighting members.

This is wrong. He thought, struggling to his feet, and ignoring the rapid pain shooting through his body. This is not what the Shinobi stand for at all. Grasping his chest wound, he walked forward.

“Risho,” he said out loud as he got to the edge of the ring and proceeded to pull himself up. 'This deceit has gone too far. Don't you see...we'll make a victory of their sacrifices? Gama willfully gave his life so that we could win...not cheat our way out.”

Risho seemed unaffected by Touya's powerful words as the smaller Shinobi member came to a stop by his side. “Heh, spare me your romantic drivel, Touya.” Touya's eyes narrowed and he hissed softly. He may have been smaller than Risho but he was not to be underestimated. Risho turned to face his teammate. “He fought for the light and now we're going to enjoy it.”
Touya's eyes widened. “But honor...!”

Risho growled under his breath and formed a wristband of earth. He swung it around and it caught Touya in the chest.

“Nonsense!” he barked. Blood spurted out of Touya's mouth. He sailed out of the ring and came to rest in the grass. He lay still for a moment, struggling to cling to consciousness. The last thing he heard made him sick to his stomach.

“We must always keep our eye on the final prize Touya. That's why I am the leader and you're the grunt.”

Touya stared up at his so-called leader in disgust before he finally allowed the darkness to take over his brain.

--

His vision was fuzzy the next time he opened his eyes and breathing was incredibly painful. The rest of his body seemed to be numb. He could hear voices, although he couldn't fully comprehend what they were saying.

“...severely fractured...ribs and his sternum. Blood is filling his lungs...his stab wound...losing even more blood...not much we can do for him but make him comfortable...I'm sorry.”

“...anything...done?” a voice Touya dimly recognized as Jin's asked.

“At this point nothing...really...done.”

“How long?”
“It depends on how long it takes the blood to fill his lungs and cut off his oxygen supply. A couple hours, maybe. If he's lucky that is. Unfortunately, it's impossible to tell what sort of internal damage has been done.”

Touya's eyes slid closed, his brain unable to deal with everything he had just learned. It seemed like an eternity had passed before he managed to force his eyes open again. Although his vision was still hazy, he could hear voices clearer than before.

“What are ya doin' here Kurama?” Jin asked.

“I came by to see how Touya was doing,” said a patient voice Touya was able to identify as Kurama's.

“Aw dat's nice of you.”
“How is he?”
“Not good. The doctor says that he's not going to last dat long. His lungs are slowly fillin' with blood 'cause a what Risho did to him.”
“I see.” There was a pause. “Is it all right if I have a look at him?”
“Why would ya want to do dat?”

“There...may be something I can do to help him. Perhaps...I can still save him.”
“You really think so?!”

“I can try.”

There was a shuffling sound.

“His eyes are open!”

“Yeah, they've been like that pretty much all day. He slips in and out of consciousness though the doctor says he's barely aware of us.”

“It's a good sign—a sign that he still has some fight left in him. Perhaps there's still hope.”
“Tell me what I can do to help.”

“You can get some rest.”
“But I be feelin' fine!” Jin protested. “I'm a quick healer. What about yourself Kurama?”

“I'm fine. I've had a good deal of time to rest and use my powers to uproot the Death Plant from my body. I just need to give my powers a chance to recover and then I'll be as good as new.”
“Well dat's always good to hear.”
“Yes. Now...let me see...”
Touya felt warm hands gently probing his body.

Well, one thing's for sure. He thought. I'm not completely dead yet. Otherwise, I wouldn't be able to feel anything.

He winced when Kurama touched a tender spot. He was sure the red-haireddemon caught it because he prodded the same spot as before causing Touya to wince again.

“Something the matter?” Jin asked anxiously.

“No. There's nothing wrong...” Kurama trailed off. There was a brief silence. “I'll be right back. I need to go and fetch someone.”
“And who'd dat be?” Jin asked. He did not receive an answer.

The next thing Touya was aware of was that he was sitting up/being supported by someone and that someone else was holding a glass to his lips. He firmly clenched them together so that no liquid would escape past.

“Come on Touya. Please drink this. You need to. It'll help you feel better,” he heard Kurama encourage. He guessed that Kurama was the one holding his glass

“Yeah. Listen to Kurama. He knows what he's doin',” Jin added closer to him.

Probably the one holding me. Touya thought.

Finally, Touya conceded and allowed a bit of liquid past his lips. He was aware of a slightly bitter taste as he liquid trickled down his throat. His immediate reflex was to cough, though doing so hurt his chest considerably. Once he was through, the glass was pressed to his lips once more. He parted them and more liquid trickled down his throat. Some of it escaped down the side of his chin, but he barely took notice. Instead, he was focusing all his attention on not coughing again. He screwed up his face at the nasty taste.

“Well he's making faces at me,” Kurama commented. “That's a good side.” Touya drank more of the liquid and more of it slid down the side of his chin. “Easy does it Touya. Don't drink too fast.” Finally, the glass was empty and Kurama took it away.

“Jin, help me lay him back down. Be gentle with him,” the red-haired demon ordered.

Touya felt several hands grab him and ease him onto his back. A few minutes passed with nothing happening. Finally, his vision cleared slightly and he could see Kurama and Jin peering anxiously at him.

“How are ya feelin'?” Jin asked. Touya managed to utter a low groan. “Yeah, dat's what I thought.” Jin laughed sourly.

“Take some rest Touya,” Kurama said gently. “You really need it.”

Touya obliged, letting his eyes fall closed once more.

Kurama checked to make sure the Ice Demon was fully asleep before moving.

“If anything changes, be sure to let me know,” he said softly as to not wake Touya from his deep slumber. “I'll be sure to come by in the morning and make sure he's all right.”

Jin nodded. There was a pause. “Kurama...I don't know how I'll ever thank you for dis. It means so much to me. You've saved Touya from death. How can I ever repay you?”

“There's no need,” Kurama said with a smile. “I'm glad I was able to save him from a terrible fate.” Then, he turned and departed from the Infirmary without throwing a backwards glance.

To be continued...

--

A/N: Well, here's the first chapter rewritten. Be sure to tell me what you guys thought of it. I try hard, after all. This is a lot different from before. It's more of Touya's perspective on things. Though there will be plenty of the the other guys as well.