Disclaimer: I do not own Yuyu Hakusho. There are several characters in here that you may not recognize (Pip, Kinley, Puck, Loki, Nettie), those probably belong to me. Feel free to borrow them.

A/N: Research, reading, chilling at GF, phone calls to Texas and Fremont, a xanga thing, a failed diet, and finally I've begun working on this. For certain, Yusuke and Botan will be a couple, just not in the beginning. Jin and Yusuke seems hinted at, I've just realized, but they are half-brothers (rumored) so get your mind out of the gutter. If anyone wants to Beta-Read, I'd be ever so happy. Flames, reviews, and most importantly critique are accepted.

Inspired by/Dedicated to: Nox by Nirvana1, Sunshine by lobstersAHOY, Lady Kurama and her merry crew over at Lover's Sanctuary, Vulpixi Misa and her beautiful site, search engine which revealed that there are 50 fanfics with Yomi in the summary, and Kenneth from Burke High.

Summary: Shura rules Gandara, Yusuke's in a rut, Hiei's son has gone missing, and Botan's a spirit detective. Catch your eye? Featuring the power of bonding and Raizen's resurrection. Along with explanations as to what the hell happened.

Humming. Loud, cheerful, and out of tune, signaling that time he dreaded most. Waking up. Oh, it hadn't always been that way. He had looked forward to waking at one point. It meant teasing Keiko, brawling with Kuwabara, and studying with Kurama. That was a long time ago. The familiar humming, coupled with the bright Makai sunshine pulled him into full awareness.

Jin smiled at him.

He liked that. When Jin smiled, it was hard to believe that two hundred years had passed. It was hard to believe descendants and certain people's graves actually existed. It was hard to believe that punk by the name of Yusuke Urameshi died twice. It was hard to believe that he was that Yusuke Urameshi.

Jin's smile stayed as he moved over to Yusuke's closet, pulling out clothes made of some dark blue cloth. He placed them on the chair, where he had set Yusuke's outfits for the past ten years. Yusuke watched, content to lie in his bed and listen to Jin's humming. However, he had duties he could not ignore. Letters to answer, issues to address, and meetings with both Enki and Hokushin.

He slowly sat up, movements noiseless and smooth, unlike the child that Jin had lost to in the Dark Tournament. That little boy had been reckless, obnoxious and cocky, an in-your-face type of fighter. Jin knew he could never beat that boy. But the man he had been loyal to for centuries, that was another story. This man was mentally old and tired, even though his body was youthful.

Depression had the most terrible effects on Yusuke Urameshi.

Jin waited patiently for Yusuke to get out of bed, his own clothes folded sloppily under his arm. Yusuke moved old, his steps steady as he grabbed the blue outfit off the chair and made his way over to the redhead. Jin nodded his head at him, waiting for some sign of life. Yusuke didn't return the gesture and walked past Jin, out the door. Jin sulked for a half-second before following, reminding himself to keep smiling.

Someone had to.

She slept on. Despite the noise outside, where the guards fumbled to stop the intruder, the ex-ferry girl continued with her well deserved rest. And she knew her partner could handle whatever the problem was. More thumps, a sudden squeal, and then silence filled the hall. Botan was right; her partner had quickly and quietly put an end to the disturbance, using tact for once by foregoing his bombs.

He didn't bother knocking, knowing Botan was more concerned with using her bed than answering her door. His movements were graceful, his coat swinging without making a sound, and his hair brushed neatly back, not a black strand out of place despite the earlier fight.

Loki studied her, his deep purple eyes tracing her form hidden under thin sheets and blankets. She was oblivious to his gaze, or perhaps she didn't care, and Loki looked away, not even remotely interested in her. He moved over the western wall, across from the large opened window and leaned against it, slowly sliding down as his legs crossed beneath him. His eyes closed, the breeze barely ruffling his coat.

Hours passed, and Botan sat up, rubbing at her eyes before stretching. She glanced over at Loki, whose appearance was eerily reminiscent of his father's. He was sleeping, his breathing soft and even. There was a clink sound, a piece of metal hitting the stone wall. Hidden partially by the leather of Loki's coat was a silver colored mask. The mask was hooked to his belt, where it had been since the day Botan had met the younger fighter.

She rummaged through the drawers, pulling out a pink blouse and loose blue jeans. She looked over at Loki one last time, before disappearing to get dressed. Botan came back out, her hair pulled up into a ponytail with a soft colored ribbon. She stretched one last time, ready for the next mission. Loki stood up abruptly, a sudden move that would caused Botan to jump years ago. He turned towards her door, catching it as he walked into the guest hall. A long time ago, it wouldn't be the son of Karasu in this hall, Botan thought.

Years ago, Yusuke would have yawned as he walked beside her down the hall.

The room was dark, a soft glow emanating from the Prince's spot. Puck straightened, biting his lip as he waited for Shura. He had been there for hours, waiting for the Prince to snap out of his daze and into the harsh reality of ruling.

Every night was the same. When the moon had reached it's peak, Shura would leave his rooms and come to the darkened room of his father. Puck and Kinley would play rock-paper-scissors to see who would follow him, as it was their duty to guard the pink eyed demon. Whoever lost would follow the Prince and station themself at the entrance to the blind King's room.

Yomi hadn't been king for almost ten years.

In a few weeks, the anniversary of Shura's rule would come, and the celebration planned was unbelievable. Puck had heard the chefs' plans, heard of the decorations used, and he knew of all the festivities. Even better, the celebration was smack-dab in the middle of the Week of the Moon, which meant a whole week of parties and carnival sites.

Shura hated the entire thing.

He was still called Prince; he had felt that the title of King belonged to his father only. Many referred to Shura as King, despite his protests, and Yomi became a forgotten being. Shura was a fantastic ruler, he had been taught in Ningenkai and Makai methods of ruling. He had taken what he considered useful from all the government types and combined them into a peacekeeping rule that had garnered respect from both Mukuro and Enki.

He still hated it. He would rather have been known as the Brat Prince, a title left over from his childhood, still used by Puck. He would rather have been known as the Fake Son, what many once-hopeful women called him after they realized he was Yomi's son, and their promise of bearing an heir gave Yomi no interest.

Puck's eyes were glazed over as he unconsciously leaned back, exhaustion hitting him hard. He started to fall, golden eyes gently closing. Someone caught him, muttering under their breath as they carefully laid him down on the steel floor. He recognized the energy as Kinley's and reminded himself to apologize to her when he woke up.

Kinley resisted the urge to kick the shorter demon, annoyed with playing babysitter to two children. Her annoyance died a little as she caught sight of Shura, who was ignorant to what happened behind him. He wasn't crying. Nor was he sobbing, weeping, or any other undignified expression of grief that humans seemed so fond of using. He sat perfectly still, the light surrounding the statue in front of him just barely hitting him.

The Prince was not praying, Kinley noted, as he gazed adoringly into the stone face that had brought him up. He was stiff, almost becoming a statue himself. And soon he would move, joints stiff and soul sad, and he would walk towards them seemingly unknowing of their careful watch. He'd walk with them to meetings, and, if Puck tried hard enough, maybe he'd eat for once in his life. He'd look for the person who had ruined his life, and they would always follow. Shura's shadows.

If Yomi could not protect him, they would.

Pip grimaced, the odor of smoke and burnt flesh reaching her perch. Far below, she spied three demons. Lady Mukuro, may she live on in grace, her husband Hiei, and their brat, Prince Ryu. Hiei was scowling, smoke billowing from his right arm while Ryu giggled hysterically. Mukuro watched, amused, and picked up the little monster, probably telling him off for burning his father.

She set the boy back down, while Hiei brushed at his arm, studying the blackened cloth and skin. In a few days his skin would be normal colored again, but until then, he would have to endure the snickering behind his back. Not that it bugged Hiei too much. After all, he could always kill the fool who dared laugh at him. Ryu watched his parents retreat back inside and continued playing in the pond.

Pip smoothed her skirt, watching as the little Prince splashed and sprayed water all over the place. Hopefully, Mukuro would send out a maid or something to take care of the kid, and Pip could go eat something. For awhile, she had been considering the Prince. The little maid stumbled out, her fish like tail waving side to side, and Pip stood and turned away from the scene.

It wasn't her responsibility.

When she heard the high pitched scream, she did not turn around. She was off duty. And when the Prince cried out in pain, as though he had been struck, Pip shrugged her shoulders and made her way down to the kitchens. A pain-filled 'Help' was the last thing she heard before the Prince was gone.

Pip stayed in the kitchens for several hours, ignoring the heated whispers of staff as they discussed Ryu's kidnaping. Mukuro was furious. Hiei had already vanished, tracking down his son with the aid of the Jagan. Pip wondered, as she began sipping her sixth cup of tea, if she should be concerned for Ryu. If Mukuro hadn't met Hiei, then Pip would have stood a good chance to become the next ruler. But Hiei was first named heir and upon Ryu's birth, Pip realized she stood no chance of taking over for Mukuro.

Not that it mattered. She really didn't want to rule. But it would have been nice. She drained her cup as Mukuro stormed in, looking angry and worried and scared all at the same time. She had never had to deal with such a thing. Kidnaping? Why, who did Mukuro care for enough to put any effort in saving? No one, until Hiei and Ryu.

"Pip, finish up already and go to Gandara," The demon lady placed her good arm on Pip's shoulder, voice blank despite the current situation.

"And if I do not wish to?"

"Proserpine, go to Gandara."

Pip flinched, remembering just why she was called Pip all the time. She set the cup down, noting that the current dishwasher hesitated to come near her and Mukuro. She waved the maid over and stood up, avoiding Mukuro's face. Mukuro moved to let her pass, and Pip felt the older demon's eyes on her as she left kitchens.

Gandara. The home of the Thieves.

It was bad. That much Kazuma knew. Yukina had been feeling ill but waved it off as exhaustion from the unnaturally hot summer. She was inside, resting, while the children horsed around in the garden. The garden that Kurama had planted, almost seventy years ago.

Kazuma found that he did not know what was bad, only that it was eating at him ever since he woke up that morning. A tickle in his senses, like that time when Yusuke had put a feather near his ear. Shizuru jumped in his lap, purring as she made herself comfortable. He smiled, wondering what his sister would say to his giving a demon cat her name.

Shizuru had died a while back, and although it hurt, Kazuma had gotten over it. He still felt bad about it but reminded himself of how happy she was. When Shizuru had learned that Kazuma would be with Yukina forever, she had thrown a party just to celebrate. And she had adored little Eiri.

Who was no longer little, Kazuma reminded himself as his son came up the shrine steps. Next to him was Genkai Mitsunari. The purple haired teen was indeed related to Yanagisawa, and his purple hair had been a prominent trait in all of his descendants. Kazuma was uncertain how the power of Copy had been transferred, but the tall girl had revealed that she had the same capabilities as her ancestor.

Eiri nodded at him, his aloofness coming from his uncle while his looks came from his mother. A very handsome boy who only had eyes for Genkai. A crash was heard, and little Hina came running towards Eiri. She threw herself at him, giggling and begging him to visit sooner next time. Keiko was much more subdued, Yusuke's adopted demon child.

She almost looked like the first Keiko. Her hair was a few shades lighter, maybe, and her eyes a few shades darker, but for the most part, the little girl was aptly named. She had come over to Ningenkai for a month, planning to escort the group back to Makai for the Week of the Moon.

By 'the group', Kazuma not only meant himself, Yukina, Eiri, Hina, and Shizuru, but also Genkai, Shinobu Tsukihito, and Suki Okubo. Shinobu didn't have the Gamemaster's exact powers; his powers had a better effect on the books he read while Suki seemed like a normal human, much like her ancestor. The Kuwabara family and the Okubo family had remained close through the last two centuries, despite obvious oddities.

Keiko hugged Genkai and Eiri, a soft smile on her face. Yukina soon came out with tea and the bunch sat outside, catching up and discussing the upcoming Moon festival. It was hosted in Gandara, and this would be the first time Genkai, Shinobu, and Suki actually went, and Genkai's second time in Makai.

"Well, at least I don't have to worry about school. Mom would kill me if I missed another day," Kazuma glanced over at Genkai, who had a frustrated look on her face.

Humans in Makai. It had happened before.

Koenma sighed and watched carefully. It had happened yet again. Someone screwed up the resurrection orders. A certain person who should have stayed dead would be waking up in three hours. And team up with Botan and Loki. Koenma moaned and slammed his head on his desk. Jorge started and hesitantly asked if Koenma was all right. Koenma moaned again, sucking on his pacifier as he thought.

The demon wouldn't be as strong as before, of course, but it was dangerous. To let him out. In Ningenkai of all places. "Jorge, we're doomed!"

Jorge's eyes widened as he finally realized what Koenma worried about. That nasty little mistake that could very well spell doom for Ningenkai. But hadn't that demon promised to not cause problems?

"Koenma-sama, didn't he say he would no longer eat humans?"

"Yes, but that doesn't mean my father will accept his presence in Ningenkai!"

"Oh. Oh," Jorge's eyes bugged out as he thought of what the King would do.

"Exactly. I mean, sure, he's not as strong as he was the first time he was alive, but still!"

Jorge nodded his head, biting his bottom lip as he thought about it.

"Oh dear..."

A/N: Out of sheer curiousity, which storyline do you want to follow the most