Okay, time to end the cliffhanger suffering. Thanks for the reviews. No really, thanks.

Chapter Two: A Familiar Face

"Yusuke, it has been such a long time."

"Who are you?"

"What? Already forgot Suzaku?"

"What!? But I killed you...didn't I?"

"Almost. I admit, I surely thought so, but it appears you just put me in a serious coma. I had only just recently awakened."

Hiei's hand had moved down to his sword, "so why come all this way to tell us that?"

"You really think I'd be stupid enough to come here personally? Have you forgotten my techniques? I'm just a copy."

"So then you must be here to tell us something, am I right?"

"That's correct, Kurama. I'm here to tell Yusuke that I want a rematch. I realize now that endangering your friends only strengthens you. I trust that you've grown stronger as I have. I'll be waiting, Yusuke."

"So. What? Have you returned to your little castle?"

"No. But trust me, I'm still in Makai. I wouldn't wait too much longer" With that Suzaku turned a walked away.

"Great! Why couldn't it have been something easier? That's it! I'm going over there right now, and I'm going to beat Suzaku into the ground so hard that he'll never get back up!"

"So, you're just going to go over there without preparations?" Kurama already knew that Yusuke wasn't thinking that Suzaku might be much more stronger than what he said.

"What else should I do? He wants a fight, so I'm going to give him a fight."

"We should at least go into this cautiously. We don't know what he has planned, and I believe we might end up walking straight into a trap."

"Okay, so that means you're coming?"

"Yes. What about you, Hiei?"

"Hnn. Sure. It'll give me a chance to try out my new sword." Hiei's sword was broken as a result from the last major conflict. Since the pieces had been lost because of the cave-in, he was forced to get a new sword.

"Okay, now how do we get to Makai?"

"I'm sure Koenma can get us there," Botan had been forgotten since Suzaku's arrival, but she was able to get their attention so they could hear her.

"Okay, then I guess we're off to Spirit World."

-Somewhere in Makai-

"Welcome back Lord Suzaku." A low-class demon was at the gates of a ruined castle. "Was your trip...successful?"

"Yes, Kagebenkei."

"Did they know that you lost your ability to make your copies?"

A quick glare shut him up fast, "that information does not need to spread. Besides, when I separate, my power does divide."

"Sorry, my Lord."

"Did you feed Sandaabaado?"

"Yes, my Lord. Sureiyaa killed 35 demons for him to eat."

"Good. I want Sandaabaado in good health." With that Suzaku passed through the gates and entered the ruined castle.

-Koenma's Office-

"WHAT DO YOU MEAN SUZAKU IS STILL ALIVE!!!!???" Koenma couldn't believe what he was hearing about Suzaku being alive...obviously.

"We all saw him," Botan was trying to calm him down.

"But that doesn't explain how he was able to get to earth. Whether he died or not, that barrier we set up around his castle never failed. And if there was activity at that castle I'd be one of the first to know. So how come I never got a report!!?"

George (the blue ogre in case you didn't already know) spoke up, "actually, Koenma, the report is right here." He dug inside a tall stack of papers that was in the "out" bin and pulled out the report.

"Give me that!" He snatched the report and looked over it. After a few minutes of reading it, "no...! How did they get Sandaabaado!?"

Yusuke looked confused, "uh...Sandaabaado???"

Kurama was the first to begin explaining, "Sandaabaado is a thunderbird. I believe this one came from the one of the lowest level of Makai. Very dangerous, but can be controlled if the demon is stronger."

"Which means..."

"Which means that if Suzaku can control Sandaabaado, then he must be stronger. Which means that we're in for a hard fight."

"Great."

An ogre working as Koenma's researcher walks in. "Koenma, I think I found the book you requested. I'd be careful, though. If you're planning on using any of the material in it, then you've got to follow the instructions to the letter. Remember last time you made a mistake?"

"Yes, I remember. But that's not important. Just set the book on my desk; I'll get to it later."

"What's the book for?"

"...sushi."

".........please tell me you're kidding."

"Yes. This book might have a spell or ritual that will create a body for Kuwabara to return to. But like my research assistant told me, I've got to follow the instructions without flaw. Just hope that I can do it. If I fail, then the only other option is reincarnation, and even that is a difficult process."

"What about getting to Makai?" Kurama reminded.

"Oh yes, we have a portal that leads to Makai; however, you will be taken to the first level of Makai only. So if Suzaku has taken residence in levels further down, then you will have to do some exploration. Each level is slightly smaller than the one above it, but the dangers are much greater."

"Then we should get going now." Kurama was the first to start walking.

"Ogre! Show them to the portal."

"Yes, Koenma, sir." Without delay they were led to the portal and thus they entered. "Be safe."

If I've got any info wrong on Makai or Spirit World, oh well. I don't go out and research it. Please, review. It is what keeps me alive...well the writer in me anyway.