Disclaimer: I do not own InuYasha or YuYu Hakusho. They are copyrighted to Rumiko Takahashi and Yoshiro Togashi. However, I do own Lady Asami, Lord Yuuden, and any other little minions.

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Chapter #4: Gravity

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"Hey, Kurama. Who is that guy?" Yusuke muttered. Hands jammed deep into his pockets, he leaned against a stone column.

After the skirmish with Yuuden, the pair had reluctantly fallen instep behind the youkai. He led them through the remaining markets and towards the master house. Passing through the grand doors, they stood in the circular foyer of the inner sanctum. Furnished with elegant screen panels, the room was airy and open. Based more upon negative space than cluttering an area, several of the panels were removed to reveal the Royal Garden. Surprisingly, the hybrid was able to keep his mouth shut the whole way. Something about the daiyoukai had him on the defensive. The hair along his arms still tingled from that small burst of youki. And unlike being near Yomi, he knew this demon was on a whole other level. Dark eyes locked onto the pale figure who was currently addressing a vassal of the castle.

A smirk pulled on the avatar's lips. Approaching Yusuke, Kurama peered at the Inu from the corner of his eyes.

"That is Lord Sesshoumaru."

"I know that much! I mean, why is he with us?" Yusuke countered before continuing softly, "And earlier. That little jolt of youki; that was some pretty powerful stuff. Come on! You know more than you're letting on. Spill!"

Kurama sighed, running a hand through his bangs. Glancing down at his shoes, he cleared his throat. Rifling through his memory, the familiar image of the daiyoukai drew them to the surface. He never had much interaction with the higher level demons. Prior to his rebirth in Human World, Kurama found no interest in the affairs of the nobility, finding it more entertaining to steal from them instead. And though he had a few run-in's with the Dai, he never stuck around long enough to get to know the guy.

Surprisingly, Youko chose to remain silent. Curious...

"Lord Sesshoumaru is the current ruler of the Western Territory-"

The halfling interrupted, "But Demon World doesn't have separate territories anymore."

Kurama coughed into his fist. A firm scowl marred his face.

And yet, a new voice interjected before he could continue his speech...

"Yes, but only thanks to your Tournament, little Mazoku. Lord Sesshoumaru lives in Ningenkai, just like we remaining Cardinal Lords. So long as we do not cause trouble and help protect the humans, we can stay there."

The pair turned in the direction of the new voice. Red, hot youki buffeted against their senses like a tide washing over their skin. Dressed in fine, blue silk, the youkai approached on leather-clad feet. His arms were hidden within his billowing sleeves. Just like many of the other lords, this youkai was also adorned in armor. As he neared in careful strides, he looked them over through curious, emerald eyes. He had a smooth face, seemingly frozen in the prime of his youth. Auburn hair pulled back, a few coppery strands fell over his shoulders. And yet, it was the thick train of five flurrying tails that set this demon apart from the rest.

"Of course, we aren't that selfless," he concluded.

Yusuke slouched against the column, an irritated fang peeking from between his lips. Just what I need, he sneered. Another pompous lord bragging about what he's got.

"Ah, I see you were able to claim a place amongst them, Shippo," said Kurama. He bowed at the waist, a light grin appearing on his lips. Rising once more, the avatar extended a pleasant hand in greeting. "It has been too long, cousin."

Shippo smirked, throwing a friendly arm over the other red-head's shoulders. All sense of formality leapt out the window. Musing the teen's hair, the young lord let out a hearty laugh. "Of course it has! After hearing what that S.D.F. bastard did you, I sent out a search party in Makai. Of course, I hadn't taken the Human World into account. But I'm glad to see that you're okay."

They made quite the pair, conversing and chortling amongst themselves. It was difficult to point out the differences. They looked and acted like cousins - brothers, almost - if one truly studied them. A duo of tricksters, the foxes caught up on old times. Quickly rehashing his centuries, Shippo puffed out his chest at the gallant end of his tale. Kurama nodded every so often with a knowing smile; despite being away from Demon World, he had heard much of the kitsune who had laid claim to the Southern Throne. And though the young lord was several millennium his junior, it pleased him to know that one of their kind was striving towards the status of a Daiyoukai.

"But don't let me keep you, Kurama," Shippo started, taking a step back from his old friend. "I'm actually here to meet someone."

Kurama paused. "Oh, really?"

"Yes. Lord Sesshoumaru asked if the South would be attending. How could I not?" A dark shadow fell over the five-tail's face, pearly fangs glimmering in a mysterious light. "I don't like the idea of someone threatening my home in Living World."

As if summoned by the mere mention of his name, the pale lord approached the trio. Red and white silk fanning out in his wake, yellow eyes locked onto the fox lord. Back stiffening, Shippo slowly turned to face the daiyoukai. A tense silence fell over the group as their youki clasped.

"Fox."

"Dog."

Sesshoumaru sniffed. "It appears no amount of training will remove those lessons taught by my fool of a brother."

"Hey! You said I was a good student!" Shippo barked.

"Mediocre... at best."

"Feh!"

"Hn." An invisible smile tugged on the daiyoukai's lips before he turned on his heel. Shooting a glance of his shoulder, his voice carried through the open foyer. "Come. The meeting is soon to begin."

And the procession began once more, now with another to join the ranks. Shippo and Kurama continued to discuss the days prior to the Kekkai Barrier while Yusuke grudgingly brought up the rear. He could only hope this meeting wouldn't take as long as he suspected.

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Engulfed in shadow, everything was motionless. Time - a creature snared in the black ice of this empty world. Her senses dull, she was enveloped in a place of nothing. She was floating. A stagnant wind hung in the air. This place, she did not know. And gradually, tidbits of memory played across black room like a drive-in movie theatre. Images of battle and smiling faces. Moving photos of a gathered group, mixed with echoing shouts and laughter, ricocheted in the void. Steadily, it was all coming back. Recognition sparked in her still thoughts, dusting the cobwebs from the gears of her mind. The grid of things churning, bringing forth a lively gulp of air into the darkness. The lethargy passed, leaving behind a feeling of life and a sudden flush of warmth. The scent of fresh cedar and smokey incense tickled her nose. The pop and sizzle of the fire was a pleasant presence against her skin. But it was the gentle murmur of voices that drew her from the darkness. Hushed whispered wafted overhead while a small body pressed against her side. Blurry gray eyes peered down at the tiny child nestled on her belly.

Fingers twitching, she twirled her nails his auburn hair.

Wet emerald eyes looked up from her shirt as a hesitant whisper glided past his tiny fangs.

"K-Kagome?" he whimpered, inching towards her face. Hands fisting in her sleeping pallet, he buried his nose in her hair.

"Hey, Shippo," came her languid reply.

"Kagome-sama?"

She shifted to lay on her side, resting her head on her forearm. Looking up, she smiled weakly at the dark-haired duo. Miroku leaned forward, hands resting on his folded legs, as he grinned down at her. Sango peered over his shoulders, a loving arm encircling his shoulders. The recovering miko noticed the lack of distance between them. A tickle of finality thrummed in her chest, leaving behind an almost bittersweet tenderness.

'They certainly make quite the pair,' she thought quietly.

"How are you feeling, Kagome-chan?" asked Sango, moving a stray hair back into place.

Moving into a kneeling position, Kagome gathered Shippo into her lap. Stroking the boy's tail, he leaned into her hold.

"Sleepy, but I'm fine. What happened?" She couldn't recall what occurred after the destruction of the evil hanyou. Everything had gone dark.

"We were really worried. You fell unconscious after getting ahold of the jewel," the slayer continued.

Kagome nodded, looking towards Miroku. The monk nodded, agreeing with Sango's statement, before elaborating. After she had passed out, he had summoned Hachi to take them away from the battlefield. The group staggered away from what remained of the encounter, returning to the safety of Kaede's village. There Shippo, Rin, Jaken, Ah-Un, and the elderly miko greeted them with open arms. The dark shadow that clouded the western skies had been vanquished. The time for war had passed. Now was a time for healing - for everyone. Even the pale demon lord. Sesshoumaru had stuck around long enough to ensure that his allies would not die in their sleep; though, he seemed to disguise it as looking after his ward - who was safe in perfectly capable hands. And when all seemed well, he left Rin in Kaede's care, taking a reluctant Jaken and Ah-Un with him. Sango and Miroku moved into a hut down the way from the miko's, taking sometime to themselves to bandage old wounds and look for new possibilities. The monk informed Kagome that Inuyasha hadn't left the hut not once since she blacked out at the battlefield. It wasn't until this evening, when Kaede summoned him away for some task or other, that he emerged from his self-proclaimed duty.

Peeking towards the outside, she wondered when her guardian would burst through door in a flurry of red. He was always in a hurry where she was concerned. Rushing to return to the past; rushing to search for the shards; rushing to protect her. It brought out the wilderness in him. A tiny blush stained her cheeks at the thought before she quickly brushed it aside. The time for those emotions had long since passed. No longer did she vie for the dog-eared boy's attentions. 'Just friends. As it should be.'

"What happened to the jewel?" Kagome asked, playfully tapping Shippo's nose. The boy swatted at her fingers, chiming giggles erupting from his mouth as nibble fingers skittered along his belly.

Miroku chuckled. "It's right there in your hand. I'm surprised you hadn't noticed."

She paused, finally noticing the tightly clenched muscles of her fist. Slowly prying apart her fingers, she beheld the gem of power. Tumultuous clouds of iridescent pink glittered within, churning like an ocean storm. Its energies dipped and swelled like inconstant waves, flowing over her skin like sunlight. It was still so hard to believe. The war was over. Her duties completed, everything felt at peace. All loose ends strung up and knotted, her purpose here was gradually drawing to a close. 'I suppose I have a few more things to do before I go...'

Rising carefully from her pallet, she set Shippo down on his feet. Only then did she take note of the billowing red and white of the priestess garb. She could only assume her clothing had been filthy, and it would go against Kaede's good nature to leave her in soiled cloth. Brushing her fingers against the clothes, she moved towards her bulging, yellow pack. Nothing had been removed since she last checked it. Only her green and white uniform needed to be packed away before she could return for good.

"Kagome-chan?" Sango whispered, taking tentative steps towards the young miko.

Turning in a flourish of blue-black hair, the miko smiled sadly. Sucking in a nervous breath, her words came out choked and soft. "Well, I suppose... I should start s-saying my g-good-byes." A sniffling stutter ate at her throat. Storm-colored eyes twinkled with tears, droplets beading on her dark lashes. Wringing her hands, she plucked at the those strands of her robes. "I've... learned a lot since I came here. A-and I'm going to you - a-all of you."

"No, Kagome!" the kitsune cried, suddenly clinging to her hakama. "You can't leave! You just can't!"

The doleful downturn of her lips said otherwise.

Reaching out, she tenderly removed his fingers from her pants. Her touch lingered on his hands before plucking him from the ground. She held him against her bosom, the thumping of her heart playing a rhythm in his pointed ears. His tiny claws snagged in her shirt, reminding her of Buyo. He seemed so small earlier as he clung to her for dear life. But that wasn't right. No, he'd grown since their first meeting. She had not realized it at first, but as she held him it became more apparent. When before he only reached her calves, he now stood to mid-thigh.

Looking to Sango and Miroku, she combed her nails through his fiery hair.

"Can you guys get Inuyasha and Kaede? I want them to be here when it's time." No point in dragging out tearful good-byes.

It made leaving even harder.

Hesitantly, the pair nodded, departing with a solemn aura.

Holding Shippo, Kagome slowly returned to her pallet and placed Shippo in front of her, looking at him. Really looked at him. His hair had grown, his ponytail coming loose at his blue bow. And soon - depending on however many decades would pass - that cherub roundness of his face would give way to a hardened, chiseled jaw of a man. He would be quite handsome when he was all grown up. She was certain of it. And now, sitting before his tear-stained face, Kagome could honestly say she had done him no justice. She had coddled him too much. But what else could she do? He was so young and so small. 'Youkai grow differently than humans. How silly of me,' she thought with a thin smile. But it was something she did not regret. She gave him the love he needed and the warmth he craved. Opening her arms to the orphaned kit, she had made a home for him in her heart.

And no other would dare take his place.

"That's enough of your tears," she commanded, blanketing her sadness under the authority of her voice. "Come on. Dry your eyes. You're growing up, Shippo. I can't baby you forever."

Stifling his sobs, he peered up at her with wide, green eyes.

Smirking, Kagome swiped away the glistening trails of his tears. "That's better. Now, listen to me Shippo because this is very important."

The kit nodded. Kneeling before her, his elfin ears were tuned into her very breath.

"What do you want to be when you grow up?"

The question caught him off-guard. And he could honestly say that he had no idea what he wanted to be. When it was just him and his father, he was only beginning to learn the basics of fox magic. Barely mastering his Foxfire, the Thunder Brothers had ripped away his future prematurely. Just surviving until the next sunrise had been difficult enough. Now he sat before his surrogate mother, speechless to her calm questioning. He had never had illusions of grandeur until she and Inuyasha came along. Her inquiry made him pause. What did he want to become? Some vagabond fighting for his next meal and living out the remainder of his days a lone wolf? Glancing at Kagome's kindhearted grin, Shippo shook those thoughts away. He wanted her to be proud of him. He wanted to hold his head high with pride when he spoke of his achievements to her. She would have no shame in him.

"I-I want to be a... a great warrior," he started, uncertain. "And everyone will know me and respect me. I want to be powerful and elusive. Even more cunning that The Great Bandit, Youko Kurama!"

Kagome smiled. "Then strive for that. Make that your goal, so that when we meet again, you can tell me all about it."

"Really?"

"Of course! I won't lie, Shippo. I don't want to go, but my duty here is done. This place is no longer mine to call home. And even if I did stay, I wouldn't live long enough to see you become this great warrior. So become a strong youkai and meet me in the future." She touched his cheek, brushing the backs of her fingers against his skin. "But remember this: I'll be proud of you, no matter what you become."

The bamboo covering pulled back as four people silently entered the hut. Looking up, Kagome greeted those gathered. Shooing Shippo off the pallet, she rolled it up and tucked it in place by the other bedrolls. Her sleeping bag was already buried deep with her monstrous pack. Along with all the other items that did not belong in this time.

And as the others kneeled around the fire, Kagome finally settled down in front of them.

"Well then, I suppose it's time..."

She hoped she was about to do the right thing.

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Golden light filtered into the alabaster atrium. The towering Doric columns that lined the western walls and decorated were with the kingdom's crest opened to sprawling palace garden. The air was filled with the fresh aroma of bellflowers and spider lilies. A soft sonata of water, trickling from petrous lips, resonated throughout the limestone hall. Brightly colored birds chittered about in the high, glass ceiling. And on silk cushions, there they sat. Gathered around a low mahogany table like stone statues. Some had horns sprouting from their skulls like sheep. Others were speckled with glimmering scales or delicate plummage. Creatures of questionable origin, they were a sight to behold. Dressed in nines, lords and ladies waited with waning patience. Sharp claws tapped a rhythm against the polished wood. Murmured conversations slipped past pointed teeth like the wind. The rulers of all the demon houses never came together at one time. And despite the meeting being held in neutral territory, the distinct odor of tension festered beneath the surface. Slowly, the seconds ticked away, and the assembly grew increasingly anxious.

"Where is he?" one voice grumbled.

"He's late," another snarled.

"A waste of time," came a twittered reply.

"Perhaps, it is something of value," purred another.

Suddenly, the oak doors swung open, and a figure - back-lighted by blinding white - entered the room.

A pompous smirk on his mouth, Yuuden sauntered into the long hall with his chin to the sky. Meaty biceps swung in his gait. His steps pounded against the marble flooring like a war drum. He leveled a stare at the other youkai. His grizzled mane slicked back and trimmed, he feared nothing from this court. A flare of bovine aura, Yuuden was the epitome of confidence. He was an ox - proud and stubborn. Altogether knowing he would walk away with these smug bastards kneeling at his boots.

Victory was assured.

"Lord Yuuden, Ruler to the House of Bulls," announced a castle caller before stepping back into the shadows.

The gathered royalty rose from their seats, as obligated at any council meeting, before dipping their heads in mutual respect. No one demon was permitted to appear stronger than another. Individuality aside, they were an assembly of greatness. No summons had ever been able to call all of the royalty of Makai to one place. Those who attended were ranked as some of the strongest in Demon World. At the head of the table sat King Enki, current king of this realm. To his right, Lady Asami and Lord Mukuro. And to his left, Lord Yomi and Lord Sesshomaru. And the seats expanded from thus. Kurama and Yusuke sat between Yomi and Sesshoumaru, with the dark-haired detective being closest to the inu-daiyoukai. Shippo sat to Sesshoumaru's right. Other house rulers lined the table - panther lords, bird ladies, and so on - until, at the other end of the table, Lord Yuuden stared down the lucky king.

From his place at the table, Lord Sesshoumaru watched the introductory procession with disinterest. Clawed-fingers steepled, he waited for the meeting to get underway. Such fanfare was unnecessary. Yuuden was anything but worthy of the title of lord. His youki hovered dangerously above the line of mindless beast. He and the bloodthirsty Oni shared the class of incompetent, and stupid.

His hand twitched as the bull took the head seat with conceit.

"Keh! What's he all smiles about?" snapped the dark-haired detective.

Golden eyes glanced over the boy, giving into his ever present flicker of curiosity. Yusuke Urameshi... whispered the Dai's thoughts. Tuning out the rest of the detective's garbled bellyaching, Sesshoumaru turned his attention inward. He had heard much about the rising Spirit Detective. From how the boy stopped Rando in Ningenkai to competing in the Dark Tournament and finally ending his career in Makai with the Demon Unification Tournament. He knows how to cause a ruckus. Sesshoumaru 'hn'ed quietly. Yusuke was brash and crude. Spewing foul words, the resemblance was uncanny. The bright-eyed glare. The arrogant smirk. That cocky swagger. And that fight-first-talk-later charge. It was all there. Perhaps he lacked the white hair and trademark yellow eyes of the Inu clan, but it could be found - if one looked hard enough.

Inuyasha...

"You would do well to pay attention, ex-detective," commanded the daiyoukai.

The teen paused, having been caught muttering something about annoying toddler's and mute demon lords.

Clenching his teeth, Yusuke rounded on the pale youkai. Ever since he followed the demon lord into the castle, he'd felt like dirt under those pristine, leather soles. And he couldn't figure out why. It had nothing to do with him serving with Reikai; that part of his past was behind him, and it seemed the rest of Demon World had put it there as well - or so he'd like to believe. No, it had something to do with who - or what - he was. That curious condescending look. Human World be damned if he didn't get his answers. Yusuke slammed his fists against the dark tabletop, rattling tea cups and fine china. The already soft murmurs quieted to a hush. Multi-colored eyes darted to the sudden disturbance, jumping between the indignant youth to the stoic demon lord.

Kurama reached forward to grab the hybrid's attention, only to have him shaken off.

To Sesshoumaru's right, Shippo watched the interaction with growing amusement. Like the daiyoukai, he too could see the similarities. It was only a matter of time before the sparks began to fly. It couldn't be helped. A moth to the flame, it was almost expected when the Dai began patronizing the boy. And though the green-eyed fox had read over their files, he was still curious as to how the detective would respond.

"Look! You're really starting to piss me off!" the Mazoku snarled, flashing his fangs at the inu. "I don't like how you're talking to me. And if you don't watch yourself, you'll be answering to my fists."

Raizen's blood roared through his veins. His skin itched; the tribal marks of his father glowing faintly on his body. Glaring down at the daiyoukai, Yusuke could feel the tightening of his muscles. His inner demon cried out, shrieking for the inu's flesh. It rung in his ears, shrill as a banshee.

All eyes rested warily on the silent lord.

In a snap of movement, slitted eyes zeroed onto the boy. Rising to his full height, he left the Mazoku no time to think. Black hair snared in his deadly grip, Sesshoumaru yanked sharply on the nape of Yusuke's neck, twisting his head back and to the side. The boy yelped, but the cry fell on deaf ears. Maroon markings darkening on his cheeks, tendrils of youki thrummed beneath the inuyoukai's skin.

He'd had it with the whelp. Priding himself in his infinite patience, it seemed there was only so much bitching and whining even he could take. He chalked it up to old age. Or, perhaps not giving Inuyasha the many beatings he deserved. The detective had become incessant, complaining his whole way to the castle. Yes, if the dai had the chance, he would dump the useless brat in the darkest pits of Makai. The caged beast - the slobbering, drooling, rabid dog within - wanted nothing more than to slice the pup's throat and spray his blood across the alabaster walls. Let the S-Class deal with his mouth! His beast snarled. None had dared to speak to him like that!

At least, not in the last 500 years.

"You dare bare your milk teeth at me, halfling." Sesshoumaru tugged harder on his hair, a thrill raced through his gut as another bone-shattering cry flew from between Yusuke's teeth. "Let me inform you. You are here solely because of that fool toddler. However, when in my presence, you will act accordingly."

A multitude of voices shattered the silence all at once. Several lords bolted from their seats, pleading that the pale inu put the boy down. Others demanded he pass the young Mazoku their way; they were still furious over losing their territory in his ridiculous tournament. Yomi and Kurama watched soundlessly from the side, the avatar biting his tongue to keep from tearing the two apart. Yomi's firm hand on his forearm solidly rooted him in place. Shippo folded his arms across his chest, paying the pair no mind. It would all play out soon enough.

Enki's roaring tone resonated through the stone hall, calling the attention of all those present. Wide hands splayed on the table top, he glared at Sesshoumaru from his place at the head of the assembly.

"Lord Sesshoumaru, surely you understand the meaning of decorum in these lands," the blood-colored king snapped.

The daiyoukai paused. Frigid eyes lingered on the ogre. There was little to fear from this demon. He was only king by fortune's hand; though, that did not boast a good image for the rest of Demon World. What could Enki hope to achieve in chastising him? Yellow irises flickered around the table. And yet, the idea of Makai and Reikai mounting an attack against him should he break that already unstable treaty was not a pleasant thought either. Another time then...

With a derisive sniff, Sesshoumaru dropped the brat back into his seat. The inu gracefully drifted back into his seat, catching the humorous glint in Shippo's eyes.

"Silence, fox."

And steadily, the room returned to some meaning of peace. Smoothing out their finery, all eyes shifted to the bull at the end of the table.

Yuuden rose from his place, folding his arms behind his back. His chest puffed out, his raucous voice boomed through the atrium.

"Fellow mazoku, I have summoned you here for a single purpose. A purpose centuries in the making. To bring about the end of Spirit World and the tyranny we have suffered while under their thumb," he started, curling a fist in front of his audience. A clamor of words erupted from the table, but the bovine quieted them with a raise of his wide palm.

"Some of you may say that they can rule us no longer. With the Kekkai Barrier gone, we are free to come and go as we please. However, do not be surprised if it is a trap. They have done it before. They can do it again... For too long, they have kept control over the bountiful resources of Ningenkai. Too long have they barred us from our rightful territories - to walk amongst humans as we once did. Spirit World has gotten fat and lazy off the goodness of the humans. Centuries ago, there was no problem. They scoffed and turned a blind-eye to the man-eaters and mercaneries.

"... But something changed that. They discovered something in living world that they did not wish to share with us. A gift, created by those simple mortals, that could turn the tables against Reikai. And that is what they feared. Should we hold even a fragment, it would grant us with strength unimagined. Were it only in our hands, things would be much different."

"And what is this gift you keep mentioning?" asked Yomi, threading his fingers in his lap.

All six ears trained on the robust lord at the end of the table. The dark-haired youkai's interest was piqued. Whatever this 'gift' was, surely it could bring about the revolution he had designed prior to Urameshi's grand faux pas.

The tournament did everything to thwart Yomi. Throwing Demon World into mass chaos, disbanding the remaining rulers, and leaving bureaucracy to chance, the ex-detective murdered all of his careful planning. Energy completely maxed out, Yomi was quickly defeated after his battle with Yusuke. It had been a disgrace. A powerful lord - one who had climbed and struggled through the throng to stand equal to Raizen and Mukuro - did not deserve such tarnish on his reputation. However, with his son, Shura, excelling in his training, they would make a formidable pair in the next tournament. Although, that may not come to pass if Yuuden is scheming something, thought the blind lord. And perhaps, I can glean more from this fool.

Yuuden smirked, all too pleased to oblige.

"It was said to be created by a miko of great power."

Sesshoumaru and Shippo suddenly shared an unsettling glance.

"Crafted from her very soul, a gem of power was born. Trapped in a never-ending battle within, neither the miko nor the youkai ever overpowering the other. Only a wish could tip the scales. This treasure was called the Shikon no Tama - the Jewel of Four Souls. And as one such youkai nearly achieved his wish, a motley crew rose against him. Human, Youkai, and Hanyou - missionaries of Spirit World - came forth to halt his plans of a Demon Kingdom. A predecessor to this very cause, he is the youkai we strive to be and surpass. The Great and Terrible:

Naraku."

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End Note: This one took longer than I expected. I actually posted this on Dokuga a while back, but I finally got around to posting it here on . Sorry it took so long. There was a bunch more written, but I felt like it wasn't up to par with everything else. So, I'm going to save that part for the next chapter. Actually, there's probably some editing that needs to be done with this one as wel... FFFFF-!

S.D.F. - Spirit World Special Defense Force (usually just referred to as the "S.D.F." for simplicity's sake). I'm going by the anime where in the Chapter Black Saga, one of the SDF mentions chasing and injuring the Spirit Fox (Yoko Kurama).

Lord Yomi - One of the demon lords from "The Three Kings" saga of YYH. Blind and excellent at using his extra senses, Yomi was a bandit with Youko Kurama prior to losing his sight.

Lord Raizen - Yusuke's ancestral father. He was one of the demon lords from "The Three Kings" saga of YYH. He slept with a human woman, impregnating her with his child, and he swore never to eat human flesh ever again. He died of starvation.

Lord Mukuro - One of the demon lords from "The Three Kings" saga of YYH and the only female demon of the three. Beaten and abused, Mukuro is suspected to be the cruelest of the three lords.