Disclaimer: I claim no ownership of Sengoku Otogizoushi - InuYasha or Yuu Yuu Hakusho. InuYasha belongs to Takahashi Rumiko, Shogakukan, Viz Media, ShoPro Entertainment, and Shounen; while Yuu Yuu Hakusho belongs to Togashi Yoshihiro, Shueisha, Viz Media, and Shounen. No profit or money of any kind is made from this fan-created crossover.

Title: Chapitre Noir
Chapter Four: Yakusoku

From the shadows behind them, she watched and listened as they all were filled in with what was happening. Thankfully Master Genkai was around to knock some sense into all of their heads, to make sure they all didn't go rushing blindly into another situation, one that would most definitely get them killed. Staying in the shadows a little longer, she took in their entire group dynamic, wanting to know more about the ones she would end up fighting alongside. It wouldn't do for her to go rushing blindly into anything with them either, even though she already had, for the most part.

Kagome owed them a debt, albeit a small one, but a debt nonetheless. They had found her brother's body and they had left her know about it. Hardly anyone would do that, especially in these times. Humans had grown far too selfish and proud to stoop to helping one of their own. But she only had herself to blame for that, she did help create the world they were now living in, and she would fight to the death to protect it.

Seeing the perfect opportunity to slip in, she adjusted her brother's body on her back and stepped into their view. "I must agree with Master Genkai, we all should head home and get some sleep. Tomorrow will find us heading to Mushiyori City to deal with this problem."

She almost smirked as she could feel the tension rise and heated glares on her back. She knew what she said would get their hackles up, after all nearly every male of the fighter persuasion had issues with taking orders from a woman.

"What the hell, she's coming too?!"

"Quiet dimwit! Of course she's coming, why else would we have told her to show up!?"

The kitsune and the other four humans merely stared at her strangely. Only three of them knew something about her and the role she would be playing, while the rest knew nothing about her. They were right to be leery of her. Interrupting the argument that was about to escalate, she said, "The people you are after... They now have two things that belong to me.. And by the time these three weeks are up, I will have them both returned. The more help I get the better, especially since we will be going up against seven people of unknown strength and origin."

Kurama narrowed his eyes as he watched her walk away, "Master Genkai... Who is she?"

Genkai only smirked in response, "She is Higurashi Kagome. You'll all be getting to know her better in the coming time."

She felt a little bad about breaking into her own house, but really, this just wasn't a night to spend outside. All she wanted was to spend her time with her family, peacefully. That meant no demon attacks, no humans trying to destroy the kekkai barrier between realms, no thieves stealing Chapter Black, nothing strange. But she guessed that was asking for just a little too much. She should've just been happy with the no demon attacks part of it, but no... She just had to go wishing for more. And this was what happened.

Kagome placed her little brother gently onto the couch, treating him as if he were sleeping, instead of a soulless body. He would get his soul back, she vowed on her life that she would get it back from whoever had the audacity to even think of taking his soul. Her hand gently brushed his hair out of his face. If only she had gone to the park with him as she promised! If only she hadn't decided to go see KoEnma... If only, if only.. Was she really this pathetic that she could only think over what she should have done instead of what she should be doing? Like how to explain this to Mama, for instance.

"Kagome-chan?" Speaking of Mama, who had the best timing in the world. Kagome spun around, facing the tired, but understanding face of the woman who would forever and always be her mother, she found the tears hard to keep back. The older woman looked behind Kagome to see the lifeless body of her only son laying on the couch. Mechanically she made her way over to the couch, sitting down beside her youngest child's side. "What happened?"

"I'm not too sure, but I know someone stole his soul," Kagome paused at her mother's gasp. "I met up with KoEnma's group, who found him and I'm joining them in hunting down some men who are trying to kill off the humans. All the evidence is pointing that one of them stole his soul.."

"Why though? Souta doesn't have powers, he's just a normal boy!"

Kagome looked away, trying hard to keep more tears from falling. "Probably to get to me, to send me a message... God, I wish I went to the park with him!"

Pushing aside her own grief for a moment, the mother of Kagome and Souta enveloped her eldest in a hug, conveying all the love and comfort she could. "Don't start blaming yourself... You couldn't have known anything.. I have the utmost faith in your abilities to bring back our Souta.."

"I swear I will bring him back Mama.."

"I know.. I know, sweety... How long will you be gone?"

After a few sniffles, Kagome answered, "I won't be any longer than three weeks.. That's how long we all have."

The elder of the two nodded her head in acceptance, she had long ago come to terms with what her daughter had to do.