_________________________________________________



Youtou Shinnoken
A Yuyu Hakusho/Rurouni Kenshin fic
By Chester Casta�eda
gab_ab@edsamail.com.ph
and Danyal Herder
dherder222@hotmail.com
Original concept by SeventhOne
chadjill@ms3.hinet.net
http://www.fanfiction.net/read.php?storyid=1377336

Chapter three, folks!  Things are really starting to heat up in by
now, and (Much to my contentment), we're finally starting to throw
in more characters from both sides.  Oh, and by the way, I'm Danyal,
the OTHER author of this story. :)

A few more notes before proceeding:

< > indicates character thoughts
" " indicates character speech


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Chapter 3: Naked Heart
_________________________________________________




     The demon hopped off the palm of Bi and landed on the ground,
which was an impressive feat considering how high he was in proportion
to the size of his body.  The three lower demons crouched on their knees
and watched as Randou clasped his hands together, eyes closed as if in
prayer. Within a few moments, Randou was growing, and soon he had
regained the height that the others were accustomed to.  He opened his
eyes and scowled at the dumbstruck demons.

     "Don't waste your puny brainpower thinking about that; it's just
one of my many talents," Randou said, brushing his long hair aside and
glancing at the several newly-formed scars on his body.

     "Yes... yes, Randou-sama!  We all bow to your great power!" Iehog
said, bawling in what the others figured was either pride, fear or both.

     "As you should." Randou said simply. He gazed around his
surroundings. As usual, his lackeys had thought it appropriate to meet
in another cave. <It seemed as though the only place lower demons were
comfortable in was caves,> Randou thought to himself, bemused. He then
turned back to his three servants. "Well?  Get on with it. What news
have you brought me?"

     Iehik bowed down himself. "We tracked down the sword that you
requested, but it was intercepted by a human much more powerful than
us!"

     Randou rolled his eyes mentally.  He considered telling Iehik that
a cockroach was more powerful than him, but it would just slow down his
interrogation of them. "As usual, you two have managed to make things
infinitely more difficult." He grasped Iehik's chin with his long
fingers and pushed his face up slightly, so that the two were looking
eye to eye. "I'm sure you're aware, you little wretch, that getting the
sword was an order of my own lord and master, a lord and master I don't
intend to disappoint in the near future. Do you understand?"

     The other demon nodded furiously, tears streaming down his bony
cheeks. "Yes, yes! I'm so sorry, my lord! It won't happen again!"

     "Good.  Because if it does, I won't show mercy like that human
apparently did," Randou barked before a light-bulb went off in his head.
"This human," he continued, "was it a rather young human boy? With
a head of black hair and a sharp, lethal look in his eyes? "

     Iehog nodded stupidly. "Yes, yes, my lord, how did you know?"

     "Damn!" Randou screamed, causing Iehog, Iehik and Bi all to quiver
in fear. "First Kuwabara tracks me down, and now Urameshi's got the
sword. I should tell..." Randou looked at the only demon that hadn't
spoken yet.  "Bi. Get in touch with Suzaku or Jine, whoever you find
first. I'm going to have to discuss this with them before things go much
further."

     "Yes, lord!" Bi scrambled out of the cave at the order, ready to
please his master at any cost.  Randou glanced over his wounds before
deciding that, while he'd be in certain pain for a few days, none were
life-threatening.

     Iehik breathed deeply. "Forgive me, lord, but why those two? There
are several others you could meet with, like..."

     "Shut up," Randou snarled. "I know everyone involved, and those
two are the only ones I trust enough to keep this a secret." He looked
up. "No one's going to like that the sword's in enemy hands, but I trust
that if we're able to retrieve it in time, all will work out well." His
head suddenly snapped back towards Iehog and Iehik.  "And as for you
scum, I want you to keep a close eye on the blade, no matter how far to
the ends of the earth you have to travel."

     "Yes, Randou-sama!" With that, the two lackeys bumbled off, leaving
Randou to sit and wait.




***




     "So that's what that was, Kenshin," Keiko finally finished.

     Kenshin nodded. "Thank you very much for telling me that,
Keiko-dono. Who would have thought that things would have changed so
much in so short a time," he said, smiling. "It's really too much for
sessha's simple mind to comprehend."

     "Geez, who would have figured that..." Yusuke muttered to himself
before shutting up, mostly because he saw Botan preparing her oar for
another whack. He rolled his eyes. "I mean, yeah, things sure have
changed." He gave up trying to have an active part of this conversation
and just lied down.

     An even more curious look appeared on Keiko's face. "Where exactly
do you come from, Kenshin? Are you human?" She glared at Yusuke, eyes
narrowing. "This little jerk brings home all kinds of demons and
terrible things, but I've grown used to them over time."

     Kenshin chuckled, a bit uncomfortably. "Yes, Keiko-dono, sessha is
human... this lowly one had just been taken off of Earth for a little
while, so thusly sessha is still getting used to things." He looked at
his pseudo-date. "Isn't that right, Botan-dono?"

     Botan smiled, albeit hesitantly. "Of course, Kenshin," she said.
When he turned around, her smile dropped. <What does this mean?> she
asked herself. <Is Kenshin getting more from this than I am?> She
thought for a moment. <I suppose it could be that men were this polite
to ladies a century ago... but then, I spent some time in Japan back
then, and I don't remember the men acting the way this Kenshin is....>
Finally, she shook the thoughts from her mind. He's probably just going
out of his way to see that Keiko is convinced of the act, she decided.

     "So, you said it had been a while since you were here, Kenshin."
Keiko smiled. "What do you plan on doing in Tokyo?"

     Kenshin, unsure of how to answer the question, shrugged. "Well,
I'm not exactly sure, to be honest. There was an old dojo that I used to
spent much of my time at. I suppose I can look to see if it's still
there."

     "What was it called?" Yusuke asked half-heartedly.

     Kenshin turned around. "The Kamiya Kasshin Dojo. Have you heard of
it, by any chance?" He asked, sounding hopeful.

     Yusuke shook his head. "Can't say that I have. Fighting with
swords is pretty much gone. Now everyone's either fighting with their
fists, or they're a wuss and they carry around a gun. A lot of those
old dojos are gone."

     The former rurouni's head dropped. "I see..."

     Botan, trying to think of a way to see if she could cheer Kenshin
up, poked his back. "You know, there is an old dojo for martial arts
training up in a nearby mountain. The master there has been around a
very long time, and she might be able to help you out."

     Kenshin looked at her. "Really?  What's her name?" he asked,
smiling. Even if he didn't know her, it'd almost certainly help him out.

     "Her name is Genkai-sama, and I believe she's almost eighty years
old," Botan chirped, clapping her hands together. "I know that's not old
enough to be from your time, but she might still be able to help you
out. I mean," She shrugged. "You never know."

     The samurai's face lit up. "Oh, that's fantastic. Sessha simply
must meet her sometime." He thought for a moment.  If she's seventy-five
years old, give or take a few years, that would mean she'd have been
born around 1920, easily early enough for Kaoru or Yahiko or Sanosuke to
still be alive. It just might give him some of the information he so
desperately was seeking.

     Keiko stood up. "Well, there's no point in waiting. We might as
well get going if we want to get there before it gets dark," she said,
dusting some dirt off her skirt.

     "What?" Yusuke cried, leaping to his feet. "I'm not climbing up
that freaking mountain again unless I absolutely have to! What's with
you all of a sudden, Keiko?" He must met with a slap in the face by his
girlfriend.

     "You stay quiet, Yusuke. It's obvious that it's very important
for Kenshin to see Genkai-sama, so we should help him any way we can."
Her eyes narrowed at Yusuke. "And besides, it's not as if you're being
the nicest today, so there's no point in continuing our little picnic."

     Muttering, Yusuke rubbed his new wound. "Geez, first a movie, than
a picnic, now a hike.  No one can say now that girls these days aren't
high-maintenance...."

     "I appreciate your concern, Keiko-dono," Kenshin said, smiling.
"But it's really not necessary.  Besides, I wouldn't dare offend Yusuke,
who I still owe much to since he freed me from the sword which held me.
If he doesn't want to go, than I don't want to go."

     "Oh, nonsense!" Botan laughed. "Yusuke's just being a stick in the
mud. Besides, it's been a while since I've seen Genkai-baasan, and I'd
love to see how she's doing."

     Keiko smiled and nodded. "Well, in that case, let's go!"

     Kenshin, still hesitant, looked at the young man. "Do you mind
terribly if we go, Yusuke? I might be able to find out about my friends
if we go, and I would be terribly grateful, so..."

     "Oh, sure!" Yusuke shouted mockingly.  "Why would I object?  It's
not like Yusuke ever has any thoughts of his own. Geez, Koenma,
Keiko.... Hey, why don't I just lay down and let the rest of the
universe walk over me?" he cried.

     "Don't mind him, Kenshin," Botan said, grabbing one of Kenshin's
arms and pulling him towards her and Keiko.

     "Oro..." was all Kenshin could muster as he was pushed next to the
girls. Together, the former vagabond walked along with Botan and Keiko
while Yusuke trailed behind, sputtering and cursing under his breath.
He considered just running off, but since he wasn't interested in
getting some more oar of slap bruises, he grudgingly followed them.




***




     Kuwabara raised his head very slowly, his eyes still getting
accustomed to seeing after being closed for so long.  His brain was also
beginning to function smoothly again, as he recognized where he was; in
the forest where he had fought Randou. Still, he couldn't immediately
recall what had caused the situation he was currently in.

     "Ah, so you're finally awake." He heard a voice from behind him.
Climbing to his feet, Kuwabara turned around to see a very tall man in a
police officer's uniform, his black hair swaying in the blustery wind.

     Kuwabara jumped in surprise. "Who...Who are you?" He cried.

     The officer smirked. "Just an officer who happened to see almost
half of the trees in this area collapse.  When I finally got here,
though, all I saw was you passed out.  That was about...." He checked
his watch. "Two and a half hours ago. Anyway, I considered taking you in
to the station, but I figured I could get some answers easier if I let
you explain the whole thing here."

     Beads of sweat formed on Kuwabara's brow.  He had never gotten
caught by the police before on any of his adventures, and knew that if
he played his cards wrong he could easily wind up in jail. He struggled
to remember the fight with Randou as best he could, but his head was
throbbing with pain. "Well, uh...You see, there was another guy here,
and he was picking a fight with me, and...." He kicked his feet at the
ground. "You know, I had to defend myself...."

     "I understand." The officer nodded. "But still, is there any
reason I shouldn't arrest you for destroying all these trees? Obviously
something very wrong happened here."

     The young man sighed. "Trust me, you wouldn't believe me even if I
told you. You might as well just arrest me, officer."

     "I have no intention of doing that." The officer said, prompting a
curious look from Kuwabara. "I'm very interested in hearing the true
story from you, sir. Come, I'll take you back into town, we'll get some
coffee and you can explain everything." When he saw the look of
hesitation on Kuwabara's face, he smiled. "Do not fear. I promise that
I won't hurt you, or arrest you."

     Still reluctant, Kuwabara nodded. "Alright, we could do that.
Where's your car?" He asked, taking a few steps and gauging how much his
present wounds hurt.

     "Right over here." The officer said, walking out of the clearing
that had formed as a result of the fight and heading to a car that been
parked about a hundred yards away. The car, a well-traveled black Honda
Accord, had been stopped next to an extremely crude dirt road that led
out of the park and back into town.  Kuwabara stopped when he saw it.

     "What's with the car? Why aren't you traveling in a squad car?" He
asked the officer, who was lighting up a cigarette.

     "I was off-duty when I found you.  Don't misunderstand; I still
could have arrested you if I deemed it necessary, and I still can now...
but no matter. Just get in, and I'll drive us back." Having lit the
cigarette, he slipped his lighter back into his jacket.  He started to
settle into the driver's seat, but before he did, he stood back up. "Oh,
before we leave, I never did get your name," he said.

     "Kazuma Kuwabara," was the reply of the young man as he climbed
into the passenger seat.  He slammed the door shut and looked at the
driver, growing a bit more comfortable.  "Is it okay if I ask for your
name, or should I just call you 'officer'?"

     "Not at all." The officer said, starting the engine. "You have
every night to know my name." He pushed on the gas pedal, thrusting the
car into motion. "It's Fujita. Officer Fujita Goro."




***




     Sitting on a high chair within the confines of what seemed to be
the administrative office of a person with a high-ranking position was
Lord Koema... the acting Administrator for the Spirit World. He was the
one who decides where the spirits of the dead go... and he was damn good
at the job, too.

     "...." Koenma, Lord Prince of the Dead, second most powerful
being in the Spirit World, dramatically said.

     Koenma sighed once. Then twice. By the third time, he was able to
overcome his shock and denial as he again reread Kurama's report. <So...
it finally came to this... the threat that began a hundred years ago.>


The Meikai incident and the Black Chapter
episode that happened after it are all
interconnected.

The imbalance of power in the Demon World and
its threat against the Human World... the
attempt to interconnect the worlds... the
revival of a once-dead kingdom... each and
every one of these seemingly
separate incidents are interconnected.

The unknown malefactor that is the puppet master
of all the aforementioned events, with one
simple intention... to conquer Hell itself.

But the web of secrecy of this case is far more
complex than that... far more complex.

Meikai is still alive... and it has a new ruler.
The malefactor I mentioned... it may be the
very one that somehow overwhelmed and defeated
the King of Meikai itself... Yakumo.

There is definitely a leak inside the Reikai
itself... perhaps a double-agent Reikai Tantei,
or one of the officers in the agency itself... I
cannot determine that. I believe only someone
inside the system could find out who the leak
is.

There had also been talk in the Makai about the
Second Coming of a supposed Chojin... an
Overfiend that will soon awaken and reunite all
the different worlds under his own utopia...
many believe that this new malefactor is the
new Chojin.

Any further elucidations and clarifications must
be done in person, I believe.

I will now look into the Demon's Sword that the
new Meikai is seemingly interested in... it
seems that, right now, it's the only key we
have in uncovering the true identity of this
supposed puppet master.


     Koenma closed his eyes as he rubbed his temples, making for a very
atypical sight seeing his toddler-like appearance and all. Even after
rereading the letter, the whole thing still did not sit well for him...
not at all.

     <A very ancient pain-in-the-posterior is rearing his ugly head
again... we all underestimated him and his abilities, taking him for
granted... which is understandable, since he never did anything major
for the past hundred years... but still, the very fact that he didn't
make himself appear like a threat early on has made him the Reikai's
greatest threat... he's like a malignancy now, an incurable cancer.>

     He did not dare state the malefactor's name aloud... the supposed
Second Coming of the Chojin, the puppet master behind many of the
greatest threats to the Human World. <He was even able to usurp Yakumo,
of all people! And now he may actually have a hold in the system as
well... this is bad. Very bad indeed.>

     Koenma called upon one of the lesser oni and handed him Kurama's
letter. "Disintegrate this letter. This letter never existed. Burn
all the files concerning any contact with Kurama... we never contacted
him. We know nothing. You know nothing. Now go... and find that slacker
Jorge while you're at it," the Reikai prince ordered.

     Once he was alone again, Koenma went back to his numerous
meanderings, all centering upon one particular thought... <Himura-san's
legacy... the Demon's Sword... I must find out more about it. I know
that he and the malefactor are interconnected somehow... I'm sure of it.
He's the key... the Demon's Sword is the key now... the key towards the
cure of the malignant cancer known as the Chojin.>




***




     "Running away like that! How detestable! To think that I'm related
to you!" Iehik snorted. "Ba-h! We weren't 'employed' to Randou-sama by
force, y'know... we volunteered! This is a partnership towards a mutual
gain, not enslavement. We should not be kowtowed at the first sign of
his power... you know that!"

     "You should talk, big brother! After all, you ran away much faster
than I did!" Iehog retorted, though his eyes did dart back and forth
all around the cave for any sign of their supposed employer.

     "Don't be silly! I was just being diplomatic! He'd trust me better
if he didn't see me as a threat!" Iehik replied defensively.

     "As if, big brother... do you really think Randou-sama would see
you as a threat? HAH! You make me laugh!" Iehog sarcastically rejoined,
chortling.

     "I don't understand you, Iehog... whatever happened to all your
proud bluster before? All that talk about being stronger than the
strongest S-level creature?" Iehik asked confusedly. "Randou-sama can
hardly be classified as Class-S, even with his myriad of powers... no
offense to him. Hell, you were able to face that human that he seemed
to be pissed with."

     "I-it's not like that!" Iehog stammered. He then looked at the
ground, large beads of sweat falling down from his leathery forehead.
"I don't care about the A-level, S-level shit of the Reikai... but
R-Randou-sama... he's different. Tagging him with a level is stupid...
he can steal techniques of higher level creatures and use it against
them!

     Iehog suddenly posed dramatically, his feral eyes suddenly
developing a slight twinkle. "Randou-sama... Randou-sama was the one who
taught me that levels doesn't really matter in a fight! He even taught
me my body absorption technique! It's how it's fought that counts! He's
a fuckin' better fighter than that overpowered human any day!" the
large, brawny demon declared proudly.

     Iehik tilted his head curiously at his brother before laughing out
loud.

     "What the fuck are you trying to prove?!" Iehog reproached. "What's
so funny."

     "Ah, Iehog... you're as naive as ever. Do you really think that
Randou-sama really cares shit about you?" Iehik stated, smirking. "No
matter... soon, if everything should come together well enough, then
we'll get to use Randou-sama the same way he has used us to find the
Demon's Sword.

     Iehog grimaced at what his brother was implicating. "Don't tell me
your supposed great plan is to betray Randou-sama! If he and his fellow
youkai hadn't taken us in as his servants, then we would never have
found the Demon's Sword!"

     Iehik snorted. "Though your admiration and fear of Randou-sama
is... commendable for a demon with little or no fidelity, I must remind
you where your loyalties lie. Randou-sama thought you to be better than
you are... well, once we get the Demon's Sword, we soon will be
undoubtedly better than we should be."

     Iehog whispered worriedly to his brother. "B-but I'm still worried,
big brother... rumor has it that Randou-sama affiliated with the
Legendary Chojin himself... I don't want us to get into that kind of
shit all because of some shitty sword that turns you into a super demon
of some sort!"

     Iehik butted his brother with his enlarged, veined head. "So much
for your fealty, you filthy demon-whore! As usual, you're not getting
the big picture." The large-headed demon tapped his finger on his
considerable forehead. "We haven't hunted down the Demon's Sword for
ten long years for nothing... I've already uncovered most of the secrets
of that artifact... and I know the real reason why the Chojin himself is
interested in it."

     Iehog could only stare dumbly at his brother demon. "Du-h... what?"

     Iehik narrowed his eyes. "The Chojin doesn't want the sword for
himself... he wants it destroyed and corrupted instead. And we're the
demons who would do just that... or rather...."

     Iehog slammed his fist over his palm. "Randou-sama...!"

     Iehik nodded, grinning. "Randou-sama is the demon who would do our
job for us."

     Another look of worry crossed Iehog's face. "But what if
Randou-sama refuses?"

     "He'll never refuse. Leave him to me. He'll be putty in my hands."




***




     Randou rearranged Iehik's face like it was so much putty in his
hands. "You did not seem to understand me when I said for you to go
forth and keep an eye on the sword like the scum that you are! That
means LEAVE ME ALONE! GO AWAY!!!"

     Iehik's crushed skull throbbed in agony, but he went on and
persevered. "These lowly scum, my dear lord, merely has a proposition
to make...."

     "OUT!!!" Randou shouted, threatening them by pointing his pointer
finger at him with his thumb sticking out, as if he using his hands
to mimic a gun. "Your orders were clear. Find the sword. Keep an eye on
the sword. Lackeys obey... they do not think, they do not question. Do
that." The red-haired youkai then eyed Iehik's shivering brother. "Not
you too, Iehog! You should stop letting your brother dictate your
actions like that! I expected better of you than that, being a much
higher type of scum than your brother."

     "I feel so ashamed, Randou-sama... to be become as low a scum as
my big brother...."

     "Enough of that... dear brother," Iehik nearly hissed before his
tone became more softer and calmer in the end. "Randou-sama... we
understand your position... if we had to face a foe that defeated us
before, we would surely also be having second thoughts in facing the
opponent...."

     "Are you implicating something... scum?" Randou said as he
easily lifted the smaller, weaker demon off his feet. The pasty-skinned
youkai then winced in pain as he unceremoniously dropped the errant
little demon. <Damn. Damn that human.>

     "Looks like you'll never beat Urameshi... you couldn't even
beat the weakest link of the Urameshi team, which only means that you're
weaker than the weakest link," Kuwabara's voice mocked, echoing inside
Randou's psyche.

     "We know that the master you were referring to is the Chojin
himself... we also know of your great loyalty to him. We wouldn't want
to be imposing or anything... but it would seem that we're letting a
prime opportunity to strike pass us by just waiting around here while Bi
gathers both of your comrades."

     Randou's eyes narrowed at the impudent demon. "Yes... you are quite
unnecessarily annoying. I don't like that." He then easily invaded
Iehik's breathing space as he bowed down and stared down the smaller
demon. "You do not fear for your life with your insolent words? You
should. Don't be so familiar when you are referring to my master. Such
knowledge should not be spouted out so flippantly, unless wants an
early grave."

     "My pardons," Iehik said, his breath quickening and the
palpitations of his nuclei deafening. He then remembered the way the
strange samurai-like guardian of the sword spoke. "But this lowly one is
merely presuming that the Chojin would rather entrust you with the
sword, seeing your fealty towards him. If I am mistaken, then...."

     "Don't think that I don't see through your scheme, scum," Randou
boomed, incensed. "If you think empty praises would get to me, then...."

     Iehik suddenly stared back at Randou, his eyes suddenly clear and
uncharacteristically defiant. "This lowly one also knows of your defeat
with Urameshi Yusuke. This lowly one would not be so stupid as to not
try to find out what he could about his employers first, after all. You
desire revenge, do you not? The Chojin assigned you to this assignment
knowing that... this is now your chance, Randou-sama. Please do take
it."

     Iehog crouched down, his large claws covering his eyes. He didn't
want to look... his poor, impudent big brother was about to be turned
into another stain on a cave floor.

     The sickening crunch never did come.

     "I suppose you have a plan to back up all this impudence of
yours, old geezer?" Randou said, still grimacing but now looking at
Iehik in a new light.

     "But of course, my lord," Iehik said gratefully, sighing in relief.
"Me and my brother has not researched about the Demon's Sword for
nothing. We know a bit about how it works, and, if our plan works, then
the Demon's Sword would be...."

     Randou narrowed his eyes yet again. "I care not about the Demon's
Sword. It is the Chojin's affairs. He allowed me to be part of his
organization fully knowing that."

     <But of course... the Chojin knew that the strange boy that
happened to be Randou-sama's great nemesis. The Chojin is a far superior
puppet master than I, it would seem,> Iehik thought in retrospect. <It's
very interesting to see such a great manipulator in action!>

     "On one hand, you would be disobeying the Chojin... on the other
hand, he knew you would do it," Iehik further reasoned. "Is there really
a choice? The boy is there... this is your chance... do you really need
the opinions of an impudent demon to state the obvious at this point?"

     Randou soon felt his fury affect the flow of youki in his body...
his aura  has reemerged once again along with his anger... a technique
he learned and stole from the very person who is the focal point of his
rage. "Enough. I will go. I have no need of your plans... do as you
like."

     "But of course, my lord!" Iehik cheered. <The first hurdle has been
cleared,> he thought to himself in a self-congratulatory manner. "As for
your reduced constitution, I am sure my brother's body-absorption
technique would be of great help to your...."

     "Yes! I would gladly share my health for your ultimate victory
against that insolent human, my lord!" Iehog eagerly said.

     "Did you not hear me, scum? I don't need your help. Don't think
that you've kowtowed me into submission... this is my own decision. Do
as you please, go ahead with your plans... but Urameshi is mine,"
Randou declared, ignoring the fact that his energy, though replenish,
is still too low for a full-fledged battle with a half-demon.

     Iehik could only watch at his lord's back, mouth agape in
confusion. "My lord, I must remind you that the Spirit Detective's
party, along with the Demon's Sword's guardian, are headed toward the
temple of one known as Genkai! If the detective and this Genkai
should combine forces, you may become outmatched! Won't you
reconsider my offer of--"

     "Genkai, eh? Good. I like irony. I'll kill that bitch once I'm
done with Urameshi," Randou said, more to himself than to anyone else
as he headed toward the egress of the cave.

     "What's your problem, big brother?" Iehog asked flippantly.
"Randou-sama could handle himself... did you see that aura of power?
He'll kick that boy's ass, no problem, while we get the sword!"

     Iehik could only shake his head. <Hmph... such unnecessary pride.
Oh well... his death will only highlight my getting the sword in the
end.>




***




     "Hmph... what a pity. Randou has certainly become the Chojin's
little whipped dog," a figure with a black, conical-shaped hat said,
grinning maniacally. He chuckled. "Going through the great Chojin's
standard procedure of informing his comrades any important piece of
information... how very obedient, this dog."

     Bi shook in vexation and fear over the imposing figure of
what appeared to be a very deranged psychopath. It was almost
impossible to believe that this was once a human, and not a demon
from the very beginning. "May I have my leave now, sir? I still have
to deliver my message to the leader of the Four Saint Demons."

     "But of course... how rude of me. Please... go," the figure
said, grinning all the while. His teeth shone in the darkness... like
the teeth of a predator about to consume his prey. Bi wisely took his
leave then and there, running as fast as his two humanoid legs could
take him.

     "Unfortunately, though... I am nothing like that whipped dog
Randou. I hold no such loyalty... Suzaku and his lackeys will never
know what I know now. I have only one intention in getting the Demon's
Sword, and it's not to please the Chojin."

     Bi then found himself frozen in his tracks. <W-what's going on?
Oh no... no! Please!> he thought frantically before shouting out,
"No!!! Jine-sama...!"

     An appalling splatter was heard, followed by incongruous, gruff and
insane laughter. "I promised Battousai that I will see him in hell...
this is my chance. I will soon remind him why his Demon's Sword is
called as such."




***




	Kuwabara sat in the banged-up car silently, not really eager to
strike up a conversation with the officer behind the wheel.  It wasn't
that he didn't trust him, but the man just looked so cold, with an
unwavering expression on his face that didn't shake once as they drove
through town. Only after Fujita parked on a curb in front of a small
coffeehouse did he speak to the cautious youth. "This is a good place.
Have you ever been here?"

	"Nope," Kuwabara said, shaking his head. "I don't really drink
coffee. I usually have soda or something. Coffee's too bitter."

	"I see," Fujita said, beckoning to one of the tables outside of
the building. "Just sit at one of those tables, then.  I'll be right
out, for we have much to discuss." He said in an icy voice. Before
Kuwabara could reply, he had already turned his back and entered the
store.

	"O... okay?" Kuwabara muttered, confused.  <For an officer, this
guy has a really cold aura,> he thought to himself. There's obviously
more to him than meets the eye.  Still, Kuwabara figured that there was
no reason to fight him or run away, so he sat at one of the round glass
tables, fiddling with the fold-out umbrellas until Fujita reappeared,
his left hand clasped around a cup brimming with smoke.

	Sitting down, Fujita took a small sip and locked his gaze on
Kuwabara. "Now, why don't you tell me just what happened in the park?
As I said, no matter what you tell me I promise not to arrest you or
anything of that sort. All I want is the truth." He narrowed his
eyelids. "And I don't suggest you tell me anything other than the
truth."

	Kuwabara nodded, the glare making him quite uncomfortable. "All
right, sir. I was in a fight with a...demon." He stopped to see if the
officer would respond to that with anything.  When he didn't, Kuwabara
hesitantly continued. "A demon named Randou, and...."

	"You don't need to tell me anymore, Kuwabara. I know the rest of
your story." Fujita said, taking another drink.  Kuwabara looked at him
in shock.

	The young man shrugged. "What do you mean?"

	"That you were sent by Koenma to retrieve the renegade demon
Randou, as he escaped from confinement and is considered a great
threat," Fujita said calmly.

	Kuwabara's face turned about ten shades of red when he heard what
Fujita said. At a complete loss of words for a few seconds, his
breathing became a bit erratic when he finally began speaking again.
"How... how'd you know all that shit!?" he cried, prompting a look from
people at the other tables for a second.

	This time, Fujita shrugged. "I know many things. Now...."

	"Hey, answer me, pal!" Kuwabara shouted, slamming his fist on the
table, making a small dent appear. "Hardly anyone knows about that, and
if you don't tell me..."

	"You'll attack me? In the middle of a crowded street?" Fujita
queried, drinking from his cup again. Kuwabara, noticing that more
people were staring at him, settled down. "All right, all right, I'm
sorry, but you just caught me off-guard there.... Are you a demon?" He
asked quietly.

	"Not in the slightest." Fujita said, shaking his head. "Just an
extremely well-informed human, like yourself. Now, I'd like for you to
tell me anything you know about where this Randou went.  You said he
escaped; where could he have gone to?"

	Kuwabara thought for a moment. "I don't really know.  I'd only
fought him one time before this, and that was a good two or three years
ago," he mused.

	Fujita arched an eyebrow. "Oh, so you actually have some sort of
history with this Randou character?"

	Kuwabara nodded enthusiastically. "Yeah. You know the dojo nearby
run by that old hag, Genkai? My rival and I were in a tournament of hers
a while back, and Randou crashed the party, you could say.  I lost to
him in the semi-finals, but Urameshi beat him in the finals and got the
training from Genkai."

	"Very interesting..." Fujita said, finishing the last of his
coffee and tossing the empty cup into a nearby trash can. "You said your
friend's name was Urameshi? As in Urameshi Yusuke?"

	Again, Kuwabara was stupefied. "Geez, you really are good at
finding out information... 'cept of course about the friend part and
all. Yeah, that's the one. Why?"

	Fujita managed a small chuckle. "You could say I know of bit of
information about him as well. Well, no matter. This Genkai character
could be of some use to us. Would you mind taking me to this dojo?
I'd love to see what she knows."

	"Sure, if you don't mind a hike." Kuwabara laughed. When he saw
Fujita not laughing along, he stopped and glared at him angrily. "You
know more than what you're letting on."

	Fujita nodded. "You're correct. But you needn't worry, Kuwabara.
All will be revealed soon, I'm sure." He looked up. "Come, let's get
going. We shouldn't waste any more time than we have to."




***




	Jorge rushed into Koenma's office, where he saw his master slumped
over his desk and lost in thought. "What...What are you doing,
Koenma-sama? Is everything okay?"

	The acting lord of Reikei snapped to attention when he saw his
most loyal servant appear, clutching a large pile of papers in both his
hands. "No, everything's not okay!" he hollered. "I need to find out
more about what's going on here!" He tossed a dry seal at Jorge's face.
"You, did you find out any information about Himura Kenshin?"

	"Y-yes, sir!" Jorge said, pushing the papers onto Koenma's desk.
He sifted through them for a moment, pulled one out and began reading.
"Himura Kenshin, born June 20th, 1849, 158 centimeters tall..."

	Koenma hurled another stamp at Jorge, this one hitting him in the
stomach. "I don't care about how tall he is! Get to the important
stuff!"

	Jorge nodded furiously. "Yes, Koenma-sama! In the Bakumatsu he was
known as the Hitokiri Battousai because he killed hundreds of people
trying to reform the Japanese government. After it ended and the death
of his first wife occurred, he became a rurouni for ten years. This
lasted..."

	"Wait, wait a second," Koenma quickly interrupted. "After his
first wife died? How did that happen? Was she murdered?"

	Jorge looked down. "I'm sorry, sir, I wasn't able to find that
out. I'm not even positive of what her name is at this moment."

	The eyes within Koenma's head rolled, and he began tapping his
fingers on his desk.  "Very well.  Continue with this story."

	"Yes, sir. Let's see... ah, here we go. He was a rurouni for ten
years before meeting a young lady named Kamiya Kaoru. He was summoned by
a Lord Okubo to kill Makoto Shishio, an insane rebel trying to overthrow
the Japanese government. Kenshin completely dismantled Shishio's
operation with the help of his friends, but both perished in the final
battle between them." He placed the paper back on the table. "What
happened after, or how he got put into that sword, I don't know."

	Koenma nodded solemnly.  He considered telling Jorge that he had
uncovered much more information than the ogre probably thought, but he
didn't want to overload his servant's obviously very weak mind. "Good,
good. Did you find out anything else that might be able to help us? Like
who his close contacts were at the time of his death? Interviewing those
people could be greatly beneficial to us."

	Jorge thought for a moment before a light bulb went off. "Oh,
that's right! Well, I discovered that Kenshin was in very close contact
with not one, not two, not three..." He counted off his fingers for
dramatic effect, "...But four mighty warriors of that era!"

	"Four?" Koenma cried. <Well,> he thought, <birds of a feather
flock together.> "Tell me more about them. All of them."

	"Yes, Koenma-sama. First is Saito Hajime, captain of one of the
Shinsengumi units, but I couldn't even find his death record, so...
sorry, but I don't know much about him." He shrugged.

	Koenma grunted, but nodded. "Continue."

	"Second is Hiko Seijuro, the final master of the Hiten Mitsurugi
Ryu, the style Himura-san practiced.  But again, even though I'm sure
he's dead, information about him is quite hard to find. All we really
know about him at this point is that he helped Kenshin defeat Shishio."

	Koenma stroked his chin. The name certainly did sound familiar;
it'd be something to keep in mind for later. "Very well. Who else?"

	"Last are the legendary fighter and gangster Sagara Sanosuke, and
one of the most powerful samurai at the turn of the last century,
Myoujin Yahiko," Jorge said, smiling. "We've located their spirits, so
I didn't think it'd be necessary to look up the details of their lives.
But Himura-san was best friends with those two."

	"Excellent job, Jorge." Koenma clapped his hands together. "I have
vague memories of both of them, so they could definitely come in handy.
Are there any other notable people Kenshin knew at the time of his
death?"

	Jorge shook his head. "Not really, Koenma-sama. There is his wife
and Kamiya Kaoru, of course, a couple of ninjas, two prominent doctors
and a few other friends, but those four all struck me because all of
them are quite well-known to those who've studied that era of Japan.
All of them are fierce warriors as well."

	Koenma nodded. "Yes, yes..." He looked up. "All right, Jorge, your
next mission is to track them down, this Sanosuke and Yahiko, and bring
them here to my office."

	"What!?" Jorge cried out in total shock. "You're not going to
bring them back into the human world, are you?  That's only for the
direst of emergencies!  This situation isn't that bad, is it?" He asked,
growing more frenzied by the second.

	"Not at the moment," Koenma said, shaking his head. "But I can't
risk anything going wrong, so I'm going to need to have a discussion
with those two about Kenshin, about the sword, about Shishio, about
everything. So even if you have to beg, I want them in this office
within the next two hours!"

	Jorge groaned, but nodded. "Yes, Koenma-sama! I'll get right on
it!" With that, he burst out of the room and darted down the hallway.
Koenma sat back in his chair and sighed. He doubted he'd get anything
from Sanosuke and Yahiko that he didn't already know, and it would show
great desperation if he had to give them back their mortal bodies and
send them back to earth. Still, he decided, matters like this are too
potentially dangerous to worry about image.




***




	Randou, Iehog and Iehik exited the cave to see a very tall demon
licking a blade drenched in blood. At his feet were the scarred remains
of another demon.

	"Bi...Bi!" Iehog wailed, crouching to look at his friend and
fellow servant. He looked up at Jine.  "Did you do this to Bi?"

	Jine's eyes seemed to bulge out of his sockets as he unleashed a
huge laugh. "Why, of course!" he screamed. "I thought it appropriate
that his final task is to summon his own killer." He laughed again.

	"Damn you, Jine!" Randou slurred through gritted teeth. "I'm not
so much angry about you killing him-- he was a worthless wretch..."

	"You're correct." Jine said, giving Iehog an evil sneer. "He
didn't even put up a fight; he just ran like a mangy little dog." He
said, turning his glare at Randou.

	"But I was about to send him to get Suzaku," Randou continued,
trying to ignore what he considered ranting and raving on the part of
Jine. "I wanted to speak with both of you, and..."

	The four heard a bird squawking overhead. "You don't need to worry
about that!" A shrill voice muttered. Above them was a green bird with
a tuft of purple hair that had apparently been watching them from one of
the nearby trees. The bird continued by shouting out several more words,
but her voice was so unruly that the others had trouble deciphering it.

	Iehik looked at Randou curiously. "What the fuck is that thing?"

	Randou sighed. "It's Suzaku's damn pet bird, Murugu. It's probably
been spying on us this whole time. That damn Suzaku..."

	"Quite ironic, isn't it?" another voice, this time a much smoother
one, said from behind them. Turning around, they saw a blond-haired
humanoid creature in a red gi standing on top of the opening of the
cave. "You sent one of your servants to get me, when in fact it's me
that's looking after you."

	"It's hilarious, Suzaku," Randou said, his voice dripping with
sarcasm. His glare switched to Iehog and Iehik, who were watching in
horror as Jine dissected the body of their former comrade. "You two." He
commanded. "I told you you're free to do as you wish. Now get out of
here."

	Iehik began sweating.  "But, master, I..."

	"Leave!" Randou roared. "If you're still here after five seconds,
I'll be more than happy to let Jine and Suzaku rip you to shreds." When
Iehog and Iehik saw Jine brandishing his sword and Suzaku making a
golden bow appear from nowhere, they didn't need a lot of inspiration to
make a hasty goodbye and slither away.

	Suzaku jumped off the cave opening and let his bow disappear. He
glanced first at Jine, then at Randou. "So, why did you summon us here,
Randou? Do you have some sort of juicy information to share with us?"

	"Yes, about the Demon Sword. I've found that..."

	"Is that all you wanted, you wretch?" Jine exclaimed. "What makes
you think you could possibly know more about that sword than I? I nearly
died by that blade!"

	Randou rolled his eyes, hoping to keep the insaneness of Jine in
check. "All I mean to say is that I know that the one who inhabits it,
Himura Kenshin, has been unleashed, and that I know where it is right
now."

	Jine's eyes lit up. "Did... did you say Himura Kenshin?" He said,
grinning madly. "Oh, how I've waited to fight with the Battousai!  I've
waited one-hundred and twenty-five long years for that moment..."

	"And how does that involve me?" Suzaku said. "I don't particularly
care for the sword, except for the fact that our lord finds it very
important."

	The gears in Randou's mind were spinning as an idea hatched. "Tell
me, Suzaku, what has become of your lackeys? Genbu, Byakko and Seiryu?"

	Suzaku let himself laugh forcefully. "Well, since our...
unceremonious defeat at the hands of Urameshi's group, we've been
training night and day, praying for another chance to fight them and
thanking our master for giving us that opportunity."

	"Yes! An opportunity is something we've been waiting for!" Murugu
cried, still hovering around them in the air.

	Randou grinned; it was the exact answer that he wanted. "As I
said, I know where Urameshi is, and I think we should have a surprise
waiting for him when he gets there."

	"Just tell me where he is," Jine said.

	"No, I've got a special plan in mind," Randou said. When he saw
both Suzaku and Jine glaring at him, he held up his hands.  "Just hear
me out. I plan on going over there right now. In all honesty, I don't
think I can defeat him, this samurai or whatever, and that bitch Genkai
by myself. Soo..." He looked at Suzaku. "I want to take Genbu, Byakko
and Seiryu with me."

	Suzaku thought for a moment.  "Perhaps... but why?"

	"Yes, why?" Murugu called out.

	"It's simple," Randou said, deciding to begin lying out his teeth.
"Our lord has demanded we retrieve the blade that he's seeking so badly.
I've decided to obey that command. Therefore, if I'm able to defeat all
those fighters myself, then I'll be sure to deliver their bodies to you
two, and you can do with them what you will." He noticed both Jine and
Suzaku smiling at that. "But if I can't defeat them, I'll have weakened
Urameshi and Battousai enough for you two to get your own revenge
anyway."

	"I like it," Jine replied. "There's no way you can defeat
Battousai, but it'll grant me the perfect opportunity to do so."

	Randou nodded slowly.  "Right."  He looked at Suzaku. "So, how
does it sound to you?"

	Suzaku pulled out a small whistle from a pocket in his gi and
handed it to Randou. "I like it.  Use this whistle from anywhere on the
ends of the earth. My three servants will appear at your whim."

	"I see," Randou said. "I don't remember you being able to do that, though."

	Suzaku laughed. "In these last few years, we've all picked up a
few new tricks. Do not underestimate my servants."

	"Yes, do not under...ACK!" A shriek came from the sky. Randou and
Suzaku looked up to see Murugu falling to the ground, a huge blade stuck
in her chest. When she crashed to the ground, she had already died.

	"Murugu!" Suzaku shouted, running to her and cradling her corpse.
When he saw Jine pull his sword out of her body and laughing
uncontrollably, his eyes flared. "Why did you do that?  She did nothing
to you!" he screamed.

	Jine's uproarious laugh continued. "She was annoying me, and I
felt the taste for blood again. It's a nasty habit of mine, you see."

	You'll pay for what you've done!" he screamed, readying a burst of
energy.  When he fired it, however, Jine had already vanished.

	Randou turned away. "I'll see you soon, Suzaku." He walked off,
leaving Suzaku on the ground, crying and grieving the loss of his
servant and pet. "I'll get you for this, Jine..." was all that came from
his mouth.




***




	"You were right, this is quite a hike...." Kenshin smiled.

	"Don't worry, Kenshin. We're almost there," Keiko replied.

	"We'd better be, or I'm going to..."

	"Shut up, Yusuke," Botan reprimanded.




***




To be Continued...


Next: See the lengths Kenshin would go in order to protect his
loved ones...

I've noticed that the trade-off posts between myself and Chester
have been getting longer and longer.  I'm not sure if that means
we both have more to write, or if we're just trying to beat each
other to writing the fun stuff first.  What do you think, pal? :)

Anyway, much thanks go to said Chester and the SeventhOne for the
original concept.  I should write a eulogy for the hour of
Yu Yu Hakusho/Rurouni Kenshin that introduced me to both shows
(Even if both shows were heavily edited, it was still the best
hour on TV).  Ah well.

Disclaimer: Yuyu Hakusho is the rightful property of Yoshishiro
Togashi, Shueisha, Fuji TV and St. Pierrot. Rurouni Kenshin is the
rightful property of Nobuhiro Watsuki and Sony. Don't sue me please,
I'm very poor as well.

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