Hey, ya'll! I'm updating! What do you guys think of that? Anyway, this chapter is Kagome's explanation of the Shikon no Tama. It will be about two chapters long because I'm going to do something interesting which I hope will be somewhat original. Anyway, here you guys go.

Disclaimer: I don't own Yu Yu Hakusho or Inuyasha....or do I?

Chapter 3

Tragedy of the Soul

"In her day, Midoriko was the most powerful miko, and it was said that she had the power to purify an entire demons soul in less than a second," Kagome explained. Both demons were sitting and listeningattentively with widened eyes and pounding hearts. "And so it was that during one such powerful battle, an evil demon, which was in fact a collection of lesser demons all rolled into one package, attacked the powerful Midoriko. They fought for days on end,during whichnoside could ever gain the upper hand; until in a last ditch effort to save herself, Midoriko thrust out her soul through her heart, which in turn entrapped her opponent within what is now known as the Shikon no Tama. The small jewel was discovered in a cave, where it was then protected for years by a village of Taijia?"

"Demon slayers?" Yoko asked. Kagome nodded.

"Yes, but eventually the burden became too much for them and the jewel was passed down to a miko believed to be pure of heart and soul. The slayers searched for one such miko and finally found a protector in a woman known as Kikyo."

Kagome's eyes narrowed and neither Yoko nor Kuronue missed the frigid tone of Kagome's voice.

"From the sound of your voice, I take it she was not so....pure as everyone thought," Kuronue surmised.

Kagome grimaced, before her face went blank again and she continued tonelessly. "She was....at first. She was, after all, a miko and she had pride in the fact that they had chosen her as the jewel's protector. But," Kagome's eyes darkened, "over time the strain and the burden began to wear heavily on her soul. It was during this time that she met and befriended the hanyou, known as Inuyasha." Kagome's voice hitched. "It wasn't long before both began viewing each other in....more permanent outlooks. Both eventually fell in love and Kikyo had decided that she was going to give the jewel to Inuyasha; for you see since Inuyasha was a half-breed, he'd been pretty much an outcast his whole life. It was through his original intension to steal the jewel from her, that they met.

"Because he wanted to become a full demon, is that correct?" Kuronue interrupted.

Kagome shot him a small smile. "Yes, that's exactly right." Kuronue smiled back.

"Anyway, things have a way of never turning out the way they were originally planned," Kagome started again. At her serious tone both demons straightened in their seats and leaned closer. "You see Kikyo wanted to become an ordinary woman, and although she thought she loved Inuyasha, she couldnever truly accept him for who and what he was; for she was a miko and protector of the Shikon no Tama, and he was a demon and not even full, but half. But...if Inuyasha wished on the jewel to become human, the jewel would disappear and Kikyo could live, as an 'ordinary' woman."

"So what happened?" Yoko asked eagerly.

"Something unplanned....and evil," Kagome whispered, her words stated with frightening intensity. "On the day that Kikyo was to give up the jewel, she was brutally struck down by Inuyasha."

"He killed her?" Kuronue and Yoko asked at the same time their eyes widening at this shocking turn of events.

"But, why would he do something like that?" Yoko asked suddenly. "She was going to give it to him anyway, wasn't she?"

"She was," her whispered words were spoken so softly at first it was hard to hear her. She shook her head and her eyes cleared as she finally looked up and continued. "After that, Inuyasha went on a rampage and stole the jewel from the protective temple and began to make off with it. You see that tree out there?" Kagome stood up and pointed to a far off tree that even from far away stood taller than its brothers. Yoko and Kuronue moved behind her and glanced in the direction she was pointing. "That is the Goshinbou, the God Tree, a very ancient and wise tree. It has seen many hardships and has stood for more than 500 hundred years."

"I wondered what that was," Yoko murmured.

"Then you felt it?" Kagome asked shooting him a glance.

"Felt what exactly?" Kuronue asked.

"Well, I can't really explain," Yoko frowned thoughtfull. "It is just the fact that there was some weird energy surrounding it...almost like a-."

"Miko's power?" Kagomeconcluded and Yoko just nodded. "That tree was where Kikyo pinned Inuyasha after he tried to get away with the jewel?"

"Kikyo was still alive?" Kuronue asked.

"Yes," Kagome smirked. "But not for long. She used up what little energy she had when she shot the arrow, which only ended up securing him in a dead sleep for 50 years, and so she didn't have the strength left to heal herself. Kikyo died minutes later and the jewel was eventually burned with her body," Kagome finished.

Yoko whistled under his breath. "Such tragedy."

"Yes," Kagome whispered. "I suppose it was."

"So, what happened?" Kuronue asked. "Obviously you are in possession of the jewel now so how, after being burned with Kikyo's remains, did you come to possess it?"

"This is where the story gets a little bit confusing," Kagome sighed. She didn't really know how to explain how she'd come to be here. She began rubbing circles on her temples in an attempt to get her thoughts straight. "About ten years ago a mysterious girl appeared at the same village where Kikyo had perished. She was young and frightened and didn't know where the hell she was.She claimed shewas from the future."

"The future?" Yoko and Kuronue raised their eyebrows doubtfully.

Kagome shot them a glare. "I assure you that what I tell you is the truth, for I am that girl. She is me, I am her. I am from 500 years in the future."

"But-but how?" Yoko asked, still not quite believing her.

Suddenly Kagome got a great idea. "Would you demons believe me if I could prove it?" she asked, calmly.

Okay, now Yoko was interested as one slim silver eyebrow rouse in curiosity. "How?"

"I can show you," she explained.

"And how can you do that, if you don't mind me asking, Miko-sama?" Kuronue asked.

"Please, there is no need for formalities with me," Kagome spoke. "I am just Kagome. I would prefer it if you would both use it."

"But you are a miko, are you not?" Kuronue questioned. "Most mikos go by a strict code and like to be respected."

"Have you figured nothing out?" Kagome's eye flashed heatedly as sheglared at him. "I am not your typical miko. If I was, I never would have let you two in here. I would have purified you the instant I felt you watching me."

"Wait a second," Yoko interrupted. He swung his gaze around to meet with her eyes. "You knew we were here." It was more a statement than a questions and she knew it. "The whole time?"

Kagome's mouth just barely curved as she answered, "yes."

Both demons gaped.

"Anyway, we can talk about this later. For now, are you ready to go?"

"Go?" Yoko asked.

"Go where?" Kuronue continued.

"You'll see." Before either demon could move, Kagome had quickly grasped a hold of both their hands and in seconds, all three were had disappeared within the blink of an eye.

(Should I stop here and be mean and add in a cliffie? :::glances around as viewers brandish their sticks and stones in an attempt to make itknown that stucks and stones really do hurt more than words::: Well, all right. Here you go.)

"Let go, woman!" Yoko cried and backed away as they reappeared. He quickly moved away from her as he thought maybe she was trying to purify him or something. "Hey wait a second." Yoko looked around before sniffing curiously. Instantly his face froze and his mind blanched, his eyes going a little swirly eyed. Beside him Kuronue was looking quite shocked as he too was looking around.

"You!" Yoko cried pointing at Kagome who was standing there looking lost and forlorn. Noticing her sad puppy face Yoko couldn't help but lessen the tone of his voice when he asked, "where have you brought us?" He started to advance on her about to ask if she was all right.

"My home," Kagome whispered. He paused at her whispered words. "This is my home."

"You-you're home?" Kuronue asked. "But you said your real home was in-."

"The future?" she finished for him, a smile beginning to grow.

Kagome's face began to grow in animationand within minutes she had smiled the first true smile she'd shone during these past five long years. Both Kuronue and Yoko were shocked by her expression and couldn't help butthink how beautiful she looked when she truly smiled. Her smile left within moments as she realized that she wasn't truly home, just merely viewing it. "Follow me," she whispered and began climbing some odd stairs. That's when they realized they were in some kind of....well? They had no choice but to follow her up.

Kuronue instantly spread his wings and flew out, as Yoko made to follow. Kagome was shocked as half way up, she felt the arms of the kitsune pull her gently to him as he was passing by. Kagome couldn't help but blush. It had been a long time since someone, anyone besides Shippo, had touched her, let aloneembraced her. Once they reached the top, Kagome pulled away hastily muttering a small, "thank you."

Now, why'd I do that? Yoko questioned himself as he released her. Noticing the questioning look from his best friend, Yoko shrugged confusedly before following Kagome who was making her way across the shrine. Hearing a loud blaring sound from somewhere, made Yoko cringe in pain. Not wanting to stand out here any longer in this strange new world without a guide, he hastened his movements and was behind her within seconds, Kuronue following second later.

Okay, I'll stop here. So now you know where she is. And don't worry. I'll explain how this is possible in the next chapter. Before I said the well closed up and it did. You'll see what I mean next chapter. Anyway, I hope you like this chapter and thanks to those of you who already reviewed. I thank you. Please feel free to review again. I love all you guys!!!

Ja ne

Kura-kun's-lovr