"The Shikon Jewel." A clawed, delicate hand held a small sphere between its thumb and forefinger. It glowed dully, swirling fleeting images of battle within its foggy depths. It was strung onto a necklace, lined with what looked like tiny chips of bone. Ribs perhaps.

"The humans are in an uproar, my lord. As are the clans." It was a small voice, dispensing pellets of unwanted information. The holder of the jewel emitted an annoyed sigh from his nostrils. "They do, do they?" He stared at the orb, a thoughtful expression over the pale features of his face. The jem rolled into his soft palm and rested there for a moment.

Long fingers closed around the fabled Shikon Jewel. Tighter - tighter still - then a crack. It was poignantly loud, and crinkled as the pressure increased. The grip released suddenly. Inu no Taishou, the Great Dog Demon, stared expressionless at the lavender pile of shards and powder, stained by trickling blood from cuts it made on his palm and fingers. He moved the shards to his left hand, ignoring the stinging in the other.
"They cannot find their power in handicaps." left his lips, flat and matter-of-fact.

The Dog General lowered his pale face to the mound of crushed crystal and let out a concentrated stream of air. Instead of merely quivering, each shard leaped from his hold, jumping in the air, caught by unseen winds. They fell, tiny specks of lilac stars, spreading out over the horizon.
The demon turned from the scene and meandered down the winding path from atop the ridge. It was late, and even Great Demons needed rest. War could wait until tomorrow.