(Thanks for all the reviews. I wasn't really expecting that much response. Awesome! So writers block…hopefully gone…and here we go…)

"Mo-mother? What are you doing here?" Shuichi asked stunned.

"I'll leave the two of you alone." Yomi stated and left. Botan hurriedly bowed to me and went on her way as well. I stood in the doorway staring at my son thinking about what Kazuma had told me earlier. He only stared back with vapid eyes as if disbelieving what he was seeing. I quietly sat down after a few minutes across from Shuichi still saying nothing.

"Is it true?" I asked him suddenly. My voice seemed to shock him out of whatever trance he was in. His body jerked a little as if he had been electrocuted. Still he said nothing.

"Are you in truth a kitsune youkai?" Shuichi's eyes widened in horror as the words fell from my lips. His mouth trembled slightly as he slowly nodded his head once, hesitantly. I sighed and nodded my own head once as well. We continued on in silence staring at each other. The pain that was clearly etched on his face was almost unbearable for me. What was he thinking?

"Yomi hasn't harmed you in any way has he?" He asked softly.

"No. He hasn't. I just arrived here a few minutes ago."

"I don't understand why he would bring you here. He had threatened you but only if I did not agree to his terms."

"Shuichi I came of my own accord. Kazuma told me everything." No sooner had the words came out Shuichi collapsed onto the floor before me sobbing.

"I'm sorry mother. I tried to tell you what I really was so many times but I could not bring myself too. You deserved the perfect son, which was far from what I truly am. I tried to please you, to make up to you what I stole. Even if you never want to see me again I understand just please forgive me." He cried out. My heart tore at the scene before me. My normally calm, composed Shuichi was in pain. So much pain. I took his head in my lap gently smoothing his hair.

"It's alright Shuichi. I forgive you. No matter what I will always forgive you. You are my son. I love you more than anything. I can't imagine my life with out you. That is why I came here my love. I was worried about your well being." I smiled warmly at him as he looked up at me with tear stained cheeks.

"It's alright. There, there Shu-chan. Don't cry anymore. I will always be there for you no matter what." I said compassionately. He nodded slowly and settled back into my lap.

"Why were you called here Shuich?" I asked after a moment. Shuichi sat back up regaining some of his composure.

"Yomi is an old partner of mine from my past. He gained his strength over the years and has a strong foot hold of power so much so that he rivals the two demon lords and has been named the third." Shuichi said.

"What does he want from you?"

"I am his advisor. He knows of my ability to strategically plan and decided to use it to his advantage."

"For what?"

"His rivalry between the other two lords. There is Yomi, Raizen and Mukuro. Raizen is the one whom called Yusuke here. Raizen is Yusuke's ancestral father and wishes to pass his kingdom to his heir. Murkuro summoned Hiei for reasons unbeknownst to us but most likely to join his army. Mukuro has always been a reckless radical ruler and wishes to plunge demon world into utter chaos. Yomi on the other hand supposedly wants the opposite, to join forces with reikai and eventually ningenkai as well."

"You don't believe him do you?"

"Not for an instant." I nodded my head taking in everything I had been told.

"How much did Kuwabara tell you mother?" He asked. I glanced at him.

"I know about Yoko Kurama but the details were somewhat vague. You know he is dear when he tries to explain something." Shuichi nodded smiling faintly.

"Yes his speech is not exactly up to par." He said.

"When did you decide to stay on?" I asked him. He looked at me and sighed.

"Shortly after you became ill. I couldn't leave you behind. I felt extreme guilt over your sickness after the way I had treated you over the years. I thought I had broken your spirit being the reason why you became so ill." He said looking at the ground ashamed of himself. I wrapped my arms around my son holding him to me once again.

"It isn't your fault Shuichi. It just happened but it's all over now and I'm healthier than I have ever been." I soothed. Shuichi nodded resting his head against my shoulder.

"Thank you mother." He said softly.

"For what dear?"

"For loving me no matter what I do."

"Oh my sweet love, that's what mother's are for." I said smiling a bit to myself. Shuichi gave a small laugh and let go of me but still held my hands.

"Mother you can not stay here. It's too dangerous. I would never forgive myself if something happened to you. I'm more than sure Yomi would not mind my accompanying you back to ningenkai as long as I return quickly." He said standing up. He helped me to my feet and made way to Yomi for permission.

Weeks went by and gave way to a year. Shuichi would come home for a week out of the month and catch up on schoolwork that he had missed. I would sit in his room with him and chat about what had been going on in my life and his as well.

"Shuichi rest please. Your exhausted." I said one late night as he flew through his calculus. He shook his head briefly.

"It's alright if you fall behind a little Shuichi. No one will care if you slip a little least of all me." I stated smoothing down his beautiful red hair.

"Mother I'm fine. Really. Don't worry so about me." He said with a smile trying to reassure me. I had never had reason to be stern with my son but this was enough. I took the pencil from his hands and closed his books. He looked at me in protest opening his mouth to say something but I interrupted.

"Bed now!" I ordered. Shuichi sighed and climbed into bed. I tucked him in and sat on the edge brushing his bangs aside.

"I don't want you turning the lights back on once I leave either. You need your rest my love." Shuichi nodded smiling sweetly.

"Good-night mother." He said sitting up to embrace me briefly.

"Good-night sweetheart." I said kissing his cheek and left the room to return to mine. When I awoke the next day he was gone. His school uniform was there so I knew where he had gone off too. I sighed and called his school telling the secretary that Shuichi was again not doing very well and would not be in school for a while. Concern was voice over my son's condition to which I replied he would be fine and hung up the phone. Months pass without a word from my son when I received the phone call. I had been preparing dinner when the phone rang.

"Hello mother. How are you doing?" Shuichi's voice sounded from the other end. It came to me slow and sad as if he didn't want to say something to upset me.

"I'm fine Shuichi. How are you doing? Your taking care right?" I asked concerned.

"Yes mother. I'm taking my vitamins." He said somewhat amused.

"How are father and Shuichi?" He asked.

"Their fine dear. I noticed on my way to work today the cherry tree has blossomed." I stated deep in thought.

"Really? The old tree out front?"

"Yes do you remember the one?"

"Of course I do. I climbed up that tree every day as a child. Listen mother, I just wanted to apologize for my selfishness. I've been doing a lot of thinking lately about the future and I called to let you know I'll be home with in two weeks." He said. My heart clenched and released at his words.

"That's wonderful news Shuichi. I can't wait to see you." I said barely containing my entertainment.

"Give my love to father and Shuichi. I love you mother." He said sincerely.

"I love you too Shuichi. Please take care."

Two weeks went by slowly with out any word from my son. I became worried, very worried. I was in the study readying some paperwork for the next day when the front door opened.

"Kasan! We're home!" Kesaki's voice called out from the front hallway. I heard Shuichi laugh a bit at his friend as I ran into the kitchen to see them both standing there. Shuichi handed me a bouquet of beautiful flowers and smiled brightly.

"Hello mother. I missed you so very much." I nodded taking the flowers and embraced him tightly kissing his cheek. I released him and took Kesaki in my arms as well.

"Where have you been? Do you have any idea how worried everyone has been with you?" I asked her close to tears.

"I followed Hiei to the Makai but for nothing because I just ended up getting killed by Mukuro, then brought back only to lose my boyfriend to her. But it's for the best. Summer can't marry winter." She stated a bit sadly. I didn't even have to look up to know that Shuichi was beaming when she said that. Kesaki returned home quickly saying she was ready to go get beat up by her sibling's for leaving and life returned to normal well for a while anyways.

After I learned of Shuichi's past our relationship strengthened remarkably. There were no more secrets or lies and Shuichi grew up beautifully. He graduated from high school with high honors and was soon admitted to a prestigious college. After his junior year I was ecstatic to learn that he and Kesaki were engaged to me married. They had been dating since her junior year of high school, the year that Kesaki grew up and out for that matter. By the time Shuichi had secured himself in the business world I had my first pair of grandchildren. Kuronue and Kanna were born three minutes apart from each other and were absolutely perfect. Life went on normally with out much occurrence until one night I will never forget. Shuichi had a very important party gathering that he insisted not only I attend but all his friends as well. Yusuke and Keiko Urameshi arrived with their son Kaneida at what they called Genkai's Temple not long after we had. Kazuma and Yukina welcomed us warmly and the children had played together while the adults got ready for that evening. Botan, whom I hadn't seen since that day, had been assigned baby sitting duty over the children which she had her hands full. The twins, Miroku, plus Kazuma and Yukina's, Ami and Hina. She prayed they would go to sleep quickly and stay that way. We bid good night to the children whom were laid out on the floor and left the room. The party went well enough however half way through Kesaki suddenly had a panic attack and fainted. When she came through she couldn't pin point exactly what had caused it just that she felt paranoid as if something horrible were about to happen or already had? It was because of this we decided to leave early and returned to the temple. The sight that lay before us was an unnerving one. The temple lay in shambles nearly destroyed.

"Botan?" Yusuke yelled out. Nothing only silence.

"Oh my god. The children." Yukina said. We ran to the direction their room was to come across a trembling bloody Botan.

"Botan! What happened?" Yusuke said kneeling down next to her. She looked at us slowly and cried out.

"A sudden wind picked up out of no where. I ran to the room but the door slammed shut on me. The children, they, they were screaming but I couldn't open the door…I couldn't, I couldn't…" With that said the parents dashed into the room weapons ready. Each pair calling out for the children but they were nowhere to be seen. That was when my attention caught the note on the door. I grasped it and read it over several times.

"Shuichi! Shuichi!" I called out for my son. He ran over and snatched the note from my hands. The others quickly crowded around as he read it aloud.

"Greetings and salutations Reikai Tantai's. I was quite disappointed to find that the five of you were retired from your work before our fun had even begun. If you ever want to see your children again come to my palace in the Makai. We will be waiting. Sincerely yours Otsaka Hoshi." We stood for a moment absorbing the contents of the note. In a flash however Shuichi, Kesaki, Kazuma and Yusuke were in fighting attire and making the trek to the Makai with out even a good bye. Yukina healed Botan and put her to sleep. Keiko and myself sat outside quietly trying to remain calm.

"Don't worry Shiori. They'll get them back. Their the best team around." Keiko chided not so much to me but more to herself. Days passed with out a word. After two long weeks I received a phone call from Shuichi. They had yet to find the demon that had kidnapped the children which was unsettling. Not only had they taken our children but also Hiei and his wife's as well.

"It must be someone whom has a grudge against the five of you." I said.

"Yes. That is the conclusion we have come up with. I must go mother. I love you."

"I love you too Shuichi. Good luck." I said softly. He thanked me and hung up. Months went by and eventually gave way to a year. I went about my life normally pretending my family had merely moved away when the pain became too unbearable. Keiko and Yukina however were not so well. They missed their children and their husbands and it was taking a toll on them. Four years passed painfully with out a word from any of them. I had almost been resided to accept the fact that something had gone terribly wrong and perhaps they were never coming back when I heard a knock on the door. I opened it to see two young teenagers standing before me side by side. Shuichi and Kesaki stood behind them positively beaming. If it hadn't been for the red hair I never would have recognized my grandchildren. I quickly cried out and embraced them resolving never to let them out of my sight again. I was informed of the details was inside of what had occurred. Two years prior the children had been found however there was no trace of the demon so the children had stayed with Hiei's wife under the protection of their elite guards while the team sought out and eventually killed him. Once again time passed normally with the children growing up and going off on their own. Each day Shuichi became older and more distinguished while I just became older. My life as an old woman was happy and satisfying close to perfect. I should have known better than to believe in that again, bad things happened when I thought that way and it did. Worse than I ever could have imagined. A phone call in the middle of the night awoke me.

"Shiori." Kesaki's unsteady voice wavered into at the other end.

"Kesaki sweetie what's wrong?" I said sitting straight up.

"It's Shuichi. Shuichi he..he died!" She cried out in hysterical sobs. My heart stopped dead in my chest.

"What?" I said breathlessly.

"I woke up around midnight and Shuichi wasn't there so I went to see if he wasn't fiddling around with those damned accounts he does and he was, just laying there on the family room floor cold. I called an ambulance and I tried so hard to bring him back but he was too far gone." She moaned out. My world became dark and dreary at the prospect of my son being gone from me forever. It seemed unreal even after the funeral I simply could not bring myself to accept that Shuichi was gone. A few months passed and the pain lessened a bit but not much. The phone call I received from my granddaughter turned my blood cold.

"Grandma! It's horrible! Momma just called and she couldn't even hardly speak, Kuronue is over there with her now…" She rambled off as she usually did.

"Kanna. What is wrong?" I asked sternly.

"It's daddy! The higher ups in spirit world are trying him for his past crimes! Things he did when he was Yoko. If he's convicted he'll be sent to purgatory or worse even limbo!" She said sobbing harshly.

"No but, he's different now. He's changed! They can't…." I yelled into the receiver fearing for my son's soul.

"Listen one person from here is allowed to go and speak in his defense. We think it should be you grandma."

"So that is how your life with this demon has come to pass thus far." King Yama boomed from his chair.

"Yes my lord." I said softly but sternly. My Shuichi stood behind shackled and warded guarded by two dozen guards. It was the first time I had ever seen Yoko before and he was absolutely stunning to say the least. Koenma stood next to me vouching for Shuichi as well. He held his record tightly in his hands.

"Ogre the records please." King Yama commanded of a green demon whom promptly hurried down from his perch and grasped the records. Yama looked over them carefully turning each page and inspecting it.

"For well over three thousand years you terrorized the Reikai Yoko Kurama. Is that not true?" He asked not looking up.

"Yes my lord that is true." He said. Yoko's voice much richer than Shuichi's had ever been.

"Not only that but you fled to the ningenkai and seized a human child's body to harbor yourself in until your strength returned."

"Yes that also is true."

"In the past fifty years you have not committed a crime I see. In fact you were enlisted as a tantai in that Urameshi team." Yama said with a hint of disgust. Yoko nodded.

"Woman this being stole your child's body and obliterated the soul that inhabited it. He lived for over a decade lying to you about it. How does that make you feel?" Yama asked suddenly. My breath hitched a bit before I answered.

"As far as I am concerned he is my son. I never have thought twice about the situation revolving around his conception shall I say. Yoko Kurama is my son, my Shuichi. No matter what you or anyone else says he's, he's a good man. I always wondered when he was growing up why he acted so otherworldly. When he told me who he was it put the pieces together and made sense. I was grateful to finally be told the truth." Yama nodded his head for me to continue.

"He may have made mistakes in the past but that's normal for someone to do, trial and error. He saw over the course of being human his faults and wrongs and that should be enough in my opinion. He knows that he's made many mistakes and has tried to right them as best he can, I can not even begin to tell you how many times he's told me how he must atone for his sins and has put himself in jeopardy too many times to even count for the sake of others. I beg you my lord please spare my son's soul. Allow him entrance into paradise if not for his sake then for the well being of his wife and children. If I were to go back to ningenkai and tell Kesaki that he was convicted it would kill her and myself as well." I concluded never taking my gaze off of the gigantic god. He rubbed his hands together in contemplation and sighed.

"Given your testimony on this beings behalf and the fact that he was a protector of ningenkai and reikai for quite some years it is my jurisdiction that he shall serve a minimal sentence of one thousand years in purgatory. Upon the marking of the thousandth year he shall be released and given proper dwelling in other world." King Yama said and left. Grief filled my chest as I turned to my son practically flinging myself at him. I tightly wrapped my arms around him sobbing.

"It's alright mother. We'll see each other again not so far into the future. Once you get into other world time will go by very quickly you'll see." He said cheerfully with a hint of sorrow. I kissed his cheek a few times holding onto his warmth unable to let go. Koenma pried me off of him and I watched the guards forcefully take my son away to his punishment.

I waited patiently for another ten years before I could no longer bare it. My life just kept going on and on. Kanna had died in a car accident five years after Shuichi's death and Kesaki had followed her daughter shortly after. Kuronue had his own family and came by as often as he could to visit making sure I was alright and fussing over me the same way his father always had. I found myself staring at old pictures of days long past, mostly of my son when he was small and the pain was unbearable. I knew that it would still be many years before I saw him again but why continue on this plain of existence being worthless and taking up too much space. I left a carefully thought out note for Kuronue and Shuichi-san, my stepson. I explained to them why I had decided to go on my own and not wait for death. When I was young it seemed that whenever I made a quick rash decision it always backfired on me. It hadn't happened in quite a few years and I was so intent on my decision I wasn't thinking clearly of the punishment that would await me. I entered Koenma's office who only looked at me sadly and shook his head.

"Mrs. Takanaka I don't understand why. Why would you do this?" He asked quietly as if in shock. I didn't reply.

"Do you have any idea the punishment for suicide?" He asked me. Slowly I shook my head. He sighed and sat back in his chair a bit further.

"Suicide is considered unnatural cause of death. It upsets the balance of the living world as well as the spiritual. In reikai it is a crime to do so no matter how it is done. We live by order and if that order is disrupted….I am truly sorry about this however I have no choice. Eternity in hell. God speed good woman." He said and stamped my records sealing my fate.

(I don't know if I'm going to continue this or just make a sequel in Kurama's pov. What do my adoring fans think? Oh btw just bc it was funny as hell here's a little something that GreyRoseRantings sent me to put in the story. 'Shiori thinking I always knew he was growing illegal plants in his room…I just got the usage wrong.' Lol..thanks for the laugh.)