InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ Halves ❯ Recognize ( Chapter 2 )

[ X - Adult: No readers under 18. Contains Graphic Adult Themes/Extreme violence. ]

Halves

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Disclaimer: I do not own Inuyasha and I do not make money from writing this story.

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A/N: Thank you for all the wonderful reviews and the support :)

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“I know you,” she whispered to the skies, “I know I do.” The words didn't make sense to her, but her heart seemed to know just what to say. Sighing, Kagome brushed off the fallen leaves from her lap as she went into the house, hoping her mother had already started dinner.

The stars were shining brighter this evening - she liked to think it was because of her feelings. “Okaa-san,” she greeted, smiling at her mother, and hurried to help her prepare the food. They were so happy now - they had everything they needed. Gone were the days when they would suffer hunger or cold. It was a fact that they would have a blissful life. The Emperor had ordered for their remaining things to be brought to their new house, and with their treasured possessions, they truly had nothing more to ask for.

But then… why do I feel so incomplete?

“Have you talked to Yamada-san?” her mother inquired, a warm, pleasant smile present on her features. Her mother was always such a peaceful person.

“Hai, okaa-san. Yamada Shiori is very adorable; I think she's quite shy, but I couldn't be sure. I like working with kids, okaa-san,” Kagome disclosed, chuckling to herself. Yes, she did love children and always felt the best satisfaction whenever she could make a child smile.

“The day will come, sweet child, when you will have little ones of your own,” her mother wisely stated and Kagome nodded. She knew that. Of course she knew it. It was the way of things. Soon she would get married and have a family and children, a new home...

Something's missing…

She couldn't deny it; she had to be perfectly honest with herself. Sometimes, Kagome felt things that confused her. At times they even scared her. The complexity of that puzzling sensation always left her craving for more, but until now she had thought it was a figment of her imagination. She had only felt it in her mind, as a distant piercing sound that unfortunately didn't fade with time. If anything, it got worse, until she'd learnt to deal with it. But now… now she felt as if she had awakened.

What is it?

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“How is Kikyou-san doing?” the half demon asked worriedly. He hadn't had much time to speak to his wife, but he knew she wasn't pregnant as she had wished. Sango would know. Sango would tell him how Kikyou was coping with it.

“Oh, Inuyasha-sama,” Sango whispered, bowing deeply, the beginning of tears forming at the corners of her eyes. It was all so sad. She saw the prince's ears flatten to his head and his eyes look away when she stood straight. The twosome's heartache was so deep, so palpable that it was uncanny. Why wouldn't they be allowed to have a child of their own? It was all so cruel…

“How is she?” he repeated the question and his heart blistered some more when he heard Sango's devastated sigh.

“She… has been crying,” the servant revealed, aware of how much this would disgruntle the prince. Her suspicions had been correct, she realized, when a pathetic whimper escaped from his throat.

“I have to talk to her,” he declared, trying to push past Sango, but the girl bowed and placed herself in front of him.

“I'm afraid I cannot allow you to, Inuyasha-sama. She needs to be alone now.” Her eyes met his. “Surely you understand.”

With a low grunt, he answered, “I do.” And he didn't go to her.

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The old man coughed loudly, announcing his presence in the house. This terrible, terrible cough. It had come with the age for him… But it didn't matter.

“Souta!” he all but bellowed, ecstatic beyond measure. “Boy, come here!” Immediately, a young boy appeared in the doorway with a smile on his face. The grandfather scowled, inspecting him thoroughly. No, those clothes wouldn't do. They would have to buy him new ones.

“I have news for you, my boy,” he declared proudly.

“Don't tell me. You've found some youkai bones somewhere and you know their story?” the boy teased, making the old man glower.

“It is not that! I wanted to tell you that you will be starting your training tomorrow.”

“Training?” a smoother, feminine voice asked from behind the boy before he even got to say a word. “What sort of training are you talking about, ojii-san?” Kagome asked, wiping her hands on a linen cloth, then her forehead with the back of her hand.

“Your brother will be joining the Imperial Army soon. He will start training now, even if it is rather late,” the old man commented, but with a warm smile on his face.

Kagome wanted to scream, to cry. This wasn't supposed to be happening. Being in the Imperial Army was more than dangerous, especially when there were youkai everywhere, but she had no right to show her brother how unhappy she was with it. Though… why him? Why little Souta? Had the Emperor been so impressed with her family as to take Souta under his wing?

Mustering all she had into a big smile, Kagome hugged her little brother that was almost as tall as she was, “Congratulations, otouto. You'll be a great warrior.” Pulling away, she saw for the first time how excited Souta looked. “I'll be the best warrior,” he bragged. “Wait until I tell okaa-san,” he said breathlessly before he took off running.

Looking around, Kagome realized her grandfather had left, probably to tell their neighbors the news. “I hope you're right, Souta-kun,” she whispered, wrapping her arms around her body, “I hope you're right, because I don't want to lose you.”

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Sango froze when she saw Inuyasha's ears stand at attention and his entire posture stiffening. That spelt danger. Hands shaking, she could only ask herself how her brother, Kohaku, was doing. He was supposed to guard the gates to the palace, and it was clear that something had gone through.

“Stay here. No - go inside,” Inuyasha ordered, but Sango realized she didn't want to. Half-obeying, she went towards the shoji doors, but hid behind a pillar. It was a good thing Inuyasha was focusing on smells and instincts now, because he didn't seem to have noticed she didn't enter.

Inuyasha was livid. What kind of creature could have managed to get past their best youkai soldiers?

Suddenly, a beautiful woman with long, black hair, dressed in odd clothes came waking slowly, surrounded by a flock of stone birds. Instantly on guard, Inuyasha was angry he hadn't managed to understand Tessaiga's secret yet. Why was it that his father's fang didn't let him use it? Wasn't he worthy?

“Who the Hell are you?”

The woman, however, didn't seem fazed by the half-demon's rage. In fact, her devilish smile seemed cruel and unforgiving.

“So… you're a hanyou,” she spat knowingly, letting an evil smirk coat her lips. “Don't worry, it's not going to hurt,” she gave a pause, “much.” Instantly, Inuyasha found himself almost enveloped in a flood of scorching flames as the demon's hands turned into monstrous appendages.

The woman chuckled darkly as she began scanning around. Until the flames dimmed. There stood Inuyasha, panting heavily, his claws ready to strike.

“You fucking bitch!” he roared, jumping towards her, but she avoided his rage, laughing mirthlessly.

“I don't know how you did it the first time, but do you think you can avoid Abi-Hime's fury forever? Taste this, half breed,” she shouted, her face glowing with anger, as other tendrils of fire approached him. Inuyasha evaded them once again, but this time it was dangerous. They were very close to where Kikyou was resting peacefully. He couldn't allow his wife to be killed by such a reckless demon.

“What the fuck do you want?” Inuyasha asked angrily.

Her answer was quite simple, “Blood.” With a flick of her wrist, countless huge birds came upon the ground, descending on Inuyasha's helpless servants, sucking their blood. Agape, the half demon jumped into the air to kill as many birds as he could, but it was not enough. His claws were not enough. If only Tessaiga…

“Enough!” the princess shouted angrily, watching her birds being killed by Inuyasha's furious hands. The whole area was suddenly flooded with fire as Inuyasha took a swipe at the demon. Suddenly, a trident appeared in front of her along with a barrier that didn't allow him to harm her. It almost seemed as if she was as surprised as he was by this.

But she smirked, “See? You cannot kill me. Then die!”

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Kagome's eyes snapped open. What was that? Her heart was hammering against her chest, obviously trying to tell her something. Seriously. Why am I like this? Every breath she took, every heartbeat that thumped, they seemed agonizing. She felt a hidden urge to do something - the palm of her hand itched uncomfortably.

Why do I feel as if I am powerful?

“Ane-ue?”

Kagome's attention didn't even snap from her disturbing sounds. It was as if she hadn't heard her brother call her name. Young Souta shrugged, seeing his sister staring peacefully at the ceiling, but didn't know how much of a mess she was on the inside. Kagome looked calm.

“If you need me, I'm right over there,” Souta said, and pointed at a far corner of the room, but didn't ask himself why Kagome wasn't paying attention. Girls were weird like that. Souta didn't notice how brightly Kagome glowed with an ethereal shine.

I have to… have to…

She wanted to…

Protect.

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“Kikyou-Hime-sama! Kikyou—Hime-sama!” Sango shouted loudly, tripping over things in her path. She desperately wanted to reach the princess. It was only Kikyou who could save them now. Kikyou was a miko. “Kikyou-Hime-sama!”

Said princess appeared just in front of the shoji door, looking quite tired, but there wasn't any time for sleeping.

“Kikyou-Hime-sama!” Sango exclaimed, forgetting to bow. She fell to her knees crying helplessly, “Please! Please, help us… Kohaku-kun… Inuyasha-sama... They're all… Please, Kikyou-Hime-sama!”

The princess suddenly stiffened. It was only now that she could feel the evil auras reach inside the palace, crawling their way past the purity of the place. “No!” Kikyou whispered, appalled. “Inuyasha!” She scrambled to get her arrows and followed her miko senses to where the demon was fighting youkai guards from the palace. She saw the bloodsucking birds, she saw the proud demonic princess order them to kill more and more, and… on the ground, Inuyasha was still, his eyes peacefully closed.

Kikyou turned angry eyes towards Abi-Hime, who was chuckling at the display.

“You are going to die!” Before Kikyou could shoot the arrow, a blinding light engulfed them all, the origin unknown. It seemed like it had poured from the heavens, a bright, pure light. Suddenly, there were no more frightening birds, no trace of Abi-Hime. The palace-turned-battlefield looked awful, but it wasn't anything that couldn't be cleaned up. The bodies of the servants and guards that lay on the ground bloodlessly were something that couldn't be brought back, but at the very least the evil was gone now. Before she knew what was happening, the remaining guards started praising her, bowing countless times. Kikyou couldn't do anything but stare and look at the horizon, to where the light was fading.

“Kikyou-Hime-sama,” she heard a few servants cry, “Thank you, Kikyou-Hime-sama.”

No one seemed to have noticed that she hadn't even shot her arrow yet, that it was still firmly held in her hand, but her posture had wavered.

Selfish. It was selfish of her, she knew, but she didn't want Inuyasha to think she hadn't saved him. She wanted him to believe it was her that set him free. Inuyasha!

She rushed over to his side and watched him slowly open his eyes. He coughed a few times and she cupped his cheek lovingly, staring at him with relief evident in her dark orbs. He looked at her and - for a second - he seemed to have expected someone else. The disappointment was soon gone from his eyes, because he enveloped her in a bone-crushing embrace that threatened to undo her, but she smiled against his shoulder.

“I'm glad you're fine,” she whispered on the verge of tears. He must have sensed them, because he shushed her tenderly, trailing his long fingers on her back, whispering sweet words of reassurance. It was proof enough for him. Kikyou had saved him. If anything, she deserved to be his Half. For him, Kikyou was the only Half he would ever recognize.

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At least the feeling was gone now. An odd calmness enveloped Kagome and she found herself distantly grateful for it. Whatever it had been, it was gone now. The danger had faded, and her need to protect was quenched. She could sleep.

Minutes passed, hours trickled, but Kagome still couldn't rest. As much as she wanted and needed some sleep, she couldn't have it. It was that damned feeling again. It was hunting her. Even if it had disappeared, the memory of it was still fresh in her mind and she could vaguely feel the tingle in her hands and the voices in her head that were telling her to protect what was hers.

What is mine?

Tomorrow, she would go to the palace as she had been requested. She didn't know for what, but the Emperor himself had declared it was important. And, after all, who was she to disobey the Emperor? She shuddered, thinking of what he'd do to her and her whole family if she didn't follow his orders.

It was that weird presence again. As if someone had invaded her thoughts and was now privy to everything that went on inside her very soul. Get out, get out - Get out!

She clutched her head with her hands and applied pressure, as if squeezing her brain would make it go away. She didn't like this. It made her feel… weak.

Sensitive…

“Come on! I said, get out!” she shouted at the top of her lungs, startling the living daylights out of her brother that seemed wrapped into his own thoughts.

“Ane-ue! What's wrong?” he asked worriedly, closing the distance between them. Kagome was shaking. Not only that, but Kagome was crying, too. Tears of blood.

Aghast, the boy threw his arms in the air in a gesture of sheer horror, “Ane-ue! You're crying blood!”

Kagome seemed more shocked than young Souta upon the discovery. Her trembling fingers caught a few tears and she brought them to her nose. The red liquid did indeed have a metallic smell that indicated it was blood. She didn't notice her brother come with a cloth and wipe the corners of her eyes. She couldn't feel his hands brushing her hair tenderly. Kagome didn't hear his voice gently reach out to her then desperately call out to their mother and grandfather.

All Kagome could think about when her frightened mother entered the room and knelt by her side as she still bled from her eyes was, `I know you…'

She smiled despite herself. She breathed calmly despite her inner turmoil. Her mind was clear, devoid of any voice except one. It whispered back, `I know you, too.'

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“How are you feeling?” Kikyou asked gently, as if speaking loudly would hurt her husband. Inuyasha looked as though he was sleeping, but his ears kept swiveling back and forth, indicating he was awake. “Does it hurt?”

“Keh!” was the only, weak answer she got.

“I am sorry I'm not a good wife,” she whispered and noticed his ears stop.

“Kiky-“

“No. Let me finish. I cannot give you an heir. I am sorry.” Her voice was low, tender. Remorseful. Inuyasha's eyes opened gradually, setting on the beautiful face of his wife. “I realized I could lose you at any time,” she confessed, “This is why I wanted to let you know how much I love you. I've never wanted anything else for us than to be happy. I can't lose you Inuyasha, but… there might be a time when I'll have to. If anything, your Half could appear and-”

“I have no Half,” he declared, “You are my Half. You're the only one that I need.” The words were whispered with a strained voice, but she smiled bitterly.

“When you'll feel the pull of your soul you won't even think of me, Inuyasha, and you know it's the truth. I can… I can live with that, as long as you don't forget me completely. As long as you don't forget us completely.”

Inuyasha couldn't help but smile. How selfless was this woman? His woman? How much did she love him?

Do I… do I deserve her?

He managed to sit up and pull her into his embrace, not planning to let her go too soon.

“I love you, Kikyou.”

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“I have found his Half,” an arrogant voice echoed in the room, bouncing off the walls with imposing speed. The man that spoke turned to watch his father's reaction with a cold, emotionless expression. He didn't know what to expect, but he didn't care, either. The crescent on his forehead that he had from his mother and the two pairs of stripes on either cheek from both his parents made him look more than elegant - a demon in every way. His long, silver hair wasn't pulled into a ponytail, like his father's was, and it moved with the wind whenever he walked.

“You too?” the Emperor asked, unsurprised. Sesshomaru was a powerful demon; it would have been disappointing for him not to interpret such a change. “When did you arrive?”

“You know when,” the son answered firmly.

“I do.” Of course the Emperor knew. It would have been impossible for him not to notice such a powerful youki nearby. Like that Abi-Hime's. “What do you know of Abi-Hime?” the Emperor found himself asking his son. It was always like this. Curt questions, always short answers, icy demeanor. After Izayoi's death he hadn't had a moment of peace.

“Current ruler of a tribe of birds that suck blood. Why?” You couldn't say Sesshomaru was interested, because he was not. He was merely… intrigued.

“I'm more interested in her alliances than her personal life.” It had been odd, a weird feeling that threatened, like someone had protected the princess. The Emperor didn't know what it was and he wanted to find out. “You followed the light, didn't you?”

Sesshomaru regarded his father with suspicion and ignored the question entirely. “It was the girl, wasn't it?”

“She is perhaps the most powerful miko left on earth. Ignorant of it and its potential, though,” the Emperor disclosed and Sesshomaru nodded, saying, “I have felt it, too.” Just as the prince started to walk away, the Emperor suddenly asked, “Are you jealous?”

Sesshomaru stiffened, his youki swiveling dangerously. Inu no Taishou smiled - his son was so predictable. His eyes widened slightly, though, when Sesshomaru suddenly calmed down.

“Of the half breed?” he demanded harshly, turning his head to the side to receive the answer.

“He has found his Half before you have,” came the Emperor's reply. The comment about Inuyasha didn't anger him anymore; he was used to it.

The younger demon scowled for a moment, his eyes red, before they turned back to their original color. He looked ahead and resumed his walking, letting the walls of the room receive his stern words: “I know who my Half is.”

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“Takemaru-sama! Takemaru-sama!” a guard shouted and the former Shogun stopped. “What?!” he snapped and instantly regretted it as the guard cowered in fear and dropped to the ground, begging not to be killed. “Rise,” he demanded and the guard did just that. “Tell me.”

“I have been asked by a demon to give you something. He said you will be killed,” the guard explained, “I don't want you to die, Takemaru-sama.” The imposing figure grunted in disbelief.

“Even if I am to die,” he spat, “the Emperor is coming with me. Izayoi-sama, as well.” The guard seemed unnerved by this statement, it seemed, as his eyes widened considerably.

“Izayoi-Hime-sama? But… but she was your intended. Will you not spare her?” The fury and unforgiving nature of the former Shogun was well known, but why would he to kill Izayoi-Hime, too?

“She has betrayed me. She has given everything she is to that dog, and that is inexcusable!” he declared, tightening his grip on the sword he carried.

“Very well,” the guard nodded, bowing humbly, “that demon has given you this, Takemaru-sama. He said it will ensure your victory, even at the cost of your life.”

Head bent to face the ground, the guard knelt in front of the other man, raising his hands with the precious cargo inside them. The former Shogun thought about it… for a couple of seconds. The offer was too tempting in and of itself, and he couldn't waste such an important opportunity. Whoever this demon was, it was clear that he wanted Inu no Taishou out of the game, and he'd be glad to be a pawn on this chess table.

“Tell the demon, in case you meet him again, that I am glad to accept his offer.”

The guard nodded enthusiastically and left running after the former Shogun grabbed what he had received. Studying it thoroughly, he suddenly found himself in Izayoi's first room, the one she had used before she had become the official concubine. The one she had slept in when she had been a mere guest in this palace, as the intended of the Shogun.

There was a simple, yet proper design on the shoji doors, with straight lines and right angles, but Takemaru didn't pay attention to it. Scrolls hung on the walls and the futon that Izayoi had used lay on the floor, so Takemaru knelt on it. His mind was elsewhere, though.

The pink, spherical jewel in his hand seemed to glow black for an instant.

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Kikyou fell silent, watching the Shikon no Tama glow pink with purity in her hands. She was kneeling on the futon, oblivious to everything around her. The room she slept in, it was Izayoi's first room. The one she had used before she had become a concubine. Kikyou had requested this one in the beginning of her marriage to Inuyasha, because it just seemed special.

“Sango-san,” she called, knowing that the girl was within earshot, “Come in.”

The servant did as told and bowed. People were treating Kikyou with more respect now, if it was possible, and Sango was not an exception. “Did you call, Kikyou-Hime-sama?”

“I need to speak to Kaede-Oba-san. Do you think the Emperor has need of her right now?”

Sango refrained from shrugging - it wasn't proper. “I do not know, Kikyou-Hime-sama, but I will ask,” Kikyou nodded, “Is there anything else?” Sango expected the princess to say no, but she was wrong.

“Yes. Yes, there is something else, actually.” Kikyou took a deep breath and clutched the jewel to her chest, drawing Sango's attention to the way it glowed through the princess's hands. “Did you see that light? The one that appeared when Abi-Hime died?” she inquired.

“The one you made when you purified the place? Yes, Kikyou-Hime-sama,” Sango said with a nod, oblivious to the way Kikyou pursed her lips. “But why?”

“Wasn't it strange?”

“Are you doubting your powers?” Sango asked reluctantly. She had heard that some mikos did that sometimes, and it always ended up badly. Whatever Kikyou thought, it certainly wasn't something normal.

“No. No, I am not. It was just… odd,” she commented, more to herself than anything.

“Well, that is the true power of love, Kikyou-Hime-sama. I heard that when someone loves someone else greatly, the Kami step in and send their help from heavens. They allow a moment of clarity in the protector's soul so they could reach within themselves to find that strength they need to protect their loved one. You did that with the love you have for Inuyasha-sama. I wish you were his Half, Kikyou-Hime-sama,” Sango said meekly, bowing once again. That way, she was unaware of Kikyou's shocked face and her ridiculously wide eyes as she stared at the doors.

“Half,” the princess whispered, her voice fading softly, and Sango's eyes darted to her.

“What was that?”

“Nothing,” Kikyou assured, ignorant to the way the jewel slipped from her grasp to roll on the floor. “Make sure to tell Kaede-Oba-san to come see me.”

“I will do that right away, Hime-sama. Is there anything else?”

“No. This time no…”

Sango stood up with a smile, bowing while retreating backwards as Kikyou once again took hold of the Jewel of Four Souls. If only she didn't have to protect it until the true protector appeared… But it was her job as the current Miko Protector of the Shikon no Tama. She had been entrusted with it by Kaede, and she was sure that the same old aunt of hers had some answers.

And still, there was only one thought that lingered.

Inuyasha's Half…

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The whole structure looked too menacing, frightening. It hovered above her head as though it would swallow her completely. Kagome realized she had never felt smaller. Her steps were punctuated, but hesitant - it gave away her insecurities. Truthfully, she didn't know how to act or what to say, even though her mother had instructed her thoroughly. And then there was another question. Why would the Emperor summon her of all people? What could she do for him? She knew how to do a lot of things, but she didn't excel at any of them. In all her life she had never felt more disappointed with herself than now. What could she say?

“The Emperor is waiting for you,” a servant announced firmly, opening the shoji-doors for the young woman to enter.

This seemed to snap Kagome out of her thoughts, because she nodded and entered uncertainly, doing her best to be as polite as possible. She didn't raise her head until she heard the Emperor's voice, who demanded her attention.

“There is something I need you to do,” Inu no Taishou announced and Kagome was surprised to see an old woman with a covered eye step towards her, as if she had been instructed to do so. She probably had, too.

“Anything, Inu no Taishou-sama,” Kagome said without wavering, her voice as firm as ever, which she was glad for. “What could a mere commoner such as myself do?” she asked with a deep bow, showing her utmost respect.

The Emperor smiled, but Kagome didn't see it. The girl… she was devastatingly beautiful, even though she wasn't of royal blood. She was self-assured, something that would help his youngest son, who was, at heart, a very fragile boy, even though he acted so gruff and self-confident all the time. A pure miko, that was what Kagome was, and he would make sure to keep her safe until the union could be done. He'd be damned if he let her slip away. His son deserved his happiness. Both of his sons did, actually.

The happiness I never had… Now, Sesshomaru's comment, on the other hand…

He shook his head, willing away his thoughts. His only concern was now Inuyasha and his Half that had miraculously appeared all of a sudden. He supposed they should all be grateful that such a powerful miko - probably the greatest of the living ones - was in their hands, to be married into their family.

“Kaede-san, the head of the Imperial Mikos will train you. You have been chosen, Higurashi Kagome, and know that it is an opportunity that most do not have,” the Emperor explained.

The girl gritted her teeth then, something that didn't go unnoticed by neither the guards, who fidgeted nervously, nor Inu no Taishou himself, who smiled inwardly. Kagome couldn't believe her ears! The Emperor wanted her trained to do… something! … without even telling her what it was.

“Excuse me, Inu no Taishou-sama,” Kagome drawled with a bow, trying to keep her voice in check, “Could you tell me what this is about?” Everyone in the room gasped at the girl's audacity, and even the Emperor looked as if he hadn't expected her to speak, but he smiled nonetheless. It was a smile everyone had learned to fear, because it didn't look human in the least.

“You are a miko, Higurashi Kagome. You have been chosen to work as a Miko for this palace, and you shall be the next Head of the Imperial Mikos after the retreat or death of Kaede-san,” he explained gently, as if he was speaking to a child, and Kagome blushed from the attention. Her grandfather's voice came back to her now - it seemed he had been right. Had the Emperor noticed her miko powers inside her the last time and had decided to act upon it?

`Head of the Imperial Mikos,' Kagome's mind worked hard, `but why?'

“Thank you, Inu no Taishou-sama. I am honored to serve you,” she said with a deferential bow.

“Not serve me,” he corrected, ignoring everyone's unmasked shock, “but work for me. Now Kaede will inspect your powers to see how much potential you have,” he announced and everyone went still once again. Kagome didn't understand why the older miko was trembling or why her steps seemed reluctant, but when she felt something intrude her very soul, her instincts were swift. Immediately, Kaede found herself on her back next to the Emperor, who was quite amused and amazed at the same time.

“These old bones of mine,” the woman grumbled as she stood, ignoring Kagome's incessant apologizing. “Hush, child,” Kaede demanded, and Kagome did just that. “Relax. I am not going to intrude, but merely observe,” she explained, as if Kagome could control the way she reacted.

`She has a strong spirit,' Kaede realized, watching the young woman with awe. She had once thought Kikyou's level of power was outrageously high, but this thing was ridiculous. If Kagome ever got to the bottom of her purity, she would undoubtedly become a threat to everything that was living. `A threat, indeed.' Even Kaede felt vulnerable to the still dormant amount of raw power that oozed out of Kagome's pores without her knowing.

Gently, Kaede reached out to Kagome with her spirit, the touch similar to a physical caress. Kagome was soothed by it, and she let the old miko do her job. Soon, it was over.

Kaede seemed worried and it unnerved the Emperor.

“What is it, Kaede-san?” he asked calmly, unwilling to show his inner reservations. The old miko turned towards her Emperor, bowing as she walked. “I am afraid, Inu no Taishou-sama, that I am not qualified to teach Higurashi-san, although it would be my greatest pleasure and honor.”

`Honor?' Kagome's mind inquired.

“Why is that?” the Emperor demanded.

“She is far too powerful for a lowly miko such as myself,” Kaede disclosed, stunning everyone in the room, including the possessor of that incredible potential.

“But you were the Protector of the Sacred Jewel, Kaede-sama! You are one of the greatest miko alive,” the Emperor protested. Who would train Kagome otherwise?

“There is one more powerful than I am.” At Inu no Taishou's inquisitive gaze, Kaede explained, “Kikyou-Hime.”

The Emperor suddenly stiffened, followed by all the others in the room. It was never good when Inu no Taishou stiffened. It meant… something bad. His brows furrowed and he seemed to be having some trouble deciding to make Kikyou teach Kagome. Inside, he was a mess. How could he force Inuyasha's wife into training Inuyasha's future wife and Half? It was something he could simply not imagine, too cruel to be done. But Inuyasha's Half came before everyone, he thought, so he nodded.

“Bring Kikyou-Hime here.”

“Thank you, Inu no Taishou-sama,” Kaede said with a bow.

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Kikyou was startled out of her musings when Sango came into her room, not to bring Kaede, as she had expected, but to announce that the Emperor wanted to see her. Whatever it was, it surely wasn't good, because Inu no Taishou never spoke to her. The last time she had seen him was at her wedding, when he'd sternly congratulated the married couple, but that had been all. She knew he was still struck by his official concubine's death, but she had the feeling that he sometimes avoided her.

So what did he want from her now?

She slipped the Shikon no Tama around her neck and rose to her feet, moving elegantly. Just as she exited the doors, she saw Inuyasha march towards her, worry etched on his features.

“What happened?” he demanded, clearly having heard that she had been summoned by the Emperor.

“Nothing, anata,” Kikyou whispered lovingly, cupping Inuyasha's cheek. Surprisingly, he didn't return the tender look, but kept a seemingly unnerved one. He looked around as if something was coming for them, but what Kikyou mistook as worry faded slightly when she placed her hand on his arm to show him everything was okay.

“If you want to, you can come with me,” she told him gently and he nodded.

As they walked towards the main room, Inuyasha couldn't help but feel edgy. Something weird was going on, because he could feel an interesting presence and that enticing scent that tempted him like no other. Distantly, in the back of his head, a name was being called, but he paid no heed to it.

Soon, they arrived and Inuyasha entered first, only to stop entirely. His entire body was on edge and he felt like fainting. Blood flowed erratically and he couldn't manage to calm it down. His head pounded with the whisper of that same name as he watched the back of a woman with latent miko powers.

Kagome.

He couldn't hear, couldn't see anything than the sound of her delicious blood thrumming loudly inside her body and her elegant, confident poise as she turned around, bowing to him and his wife. His wife. Kikyou. Somehow, she didn't matter now as he regarded this young, gorgeous girl who seemed to entice his blood. His eyes flashed red for an instant, but he felt something cooling it down, making it retreat. Matching its potency.

Holy-

Kagome bowed, ignoring the goosebumps and stiff hairs on her nape. The man that had entered was sinfully handsome, but he was clearly of royal blood, and she was not. When her eyes set on his, however, the world stopped for a small eternity, as she drank greedily from what his soul had to offer, promising him everything in return. This was done in the expanse of a few moments, she realized, as she was forced to break eye contact when he moved to let the woman behind him enter and approach the Emperor.

The young man didn't bother bowing. “Chichi-ue,” he greeted and Kagome gasped. He was the son of the Emperor. “Son,” the Emperor replied. “Kikyou-Hime,” he said next, completely dropping the honorifics.

“Inu no Taishou-sama,” the woman known as Kikyou-Hime said next, “I heard you wanted to tell me something.”

The Emperor nodded, “I have a task for you.” Kikyou flinched at the news. As if she didn't have enough to worry about... “You will train this girl to be a proper miko,” he demanded and her attention snapped to the commoner that stood before them as if she had all the answers in the world. The girl, she realized, had monstrous miko powers. `Kami-sama!' Kikyou gasped all of a sudden, `What is this raw purity?'

“Can Kaede-Oba-san not do it?” she asked, afraid of the answer, which came in the form of a curt, “No.” She had feared this. “Very well. I'll do it,” she agreed. Turning her attention towards the girl, she asked her, “What's you name?”

Kagome, Inuyasha's mind pounded, Kagome Kagome Kagome Kagome -

“Higurashi Kagome,” the young woman answered politely, bowing deeply. Suddenly, Sango appeared out of nowhere in front of Kagome, reciting what she knew she had to say. “Kikyou-Hime, daughter-in-law of Emperor Inu no Taishou.”

So her trainer was the Prince's wife… a wave of disappointment hit her fully, but she couldn't place it. Suddenly, she felt the presence of something she felt she had to mend. There was something pure but tormented in this room, something that could become even purer. Her heart called out to it, and she subconsciously wanted to help.

Without realizing, Kagome found herself in front of Kikyou, reaching towards the jewel that rested against the experienced miko's chest. Kikyou inhaled sharply, but said nothing. Kagome's fingers fluttered above the jewel as it turned to an impressive white. It had never been so bright before.

Satisfied, Kagome let go of it and stepped back, feeling as if a weight had been lifted off her chest. The whole room turned silent, until the Emperor's Head Miko spoke.

“Most impressive, child. Most impressive! I have never in my life seen the Shikon no Tama so pure! Inu no Taishou-sama!” she called to the Emperor, “she should be given the task of protecting the Sacred Jewel at once!”

Inuyasha stiffened, uncomfortable with the idea. Somehow, knowing it in Kikyou's grasp seemed better to him. For some odd reason, he didn't want this girl to be burdened with such a thing - he knew how hard it was for his wife to take care of it.

The Emperor frowned, torn between accepting and refusing the notion. Kagome was Inuyasha's Half and he didn't want her to have to take care of the Jewel, but Kaede was right - it was the first time that the Jewel took such a pure color.

Decision made, he nodded, “Higurashi Kagome will be the Protector of the Shikon no Tama from now on.”

Elated beyond measure, Kikyou almost ran towards the young girl, slipping the jewel around her neck and whispering words of reassurance and encouragement, but she knew they were all lies. The Shikon no Tama was the most terrible thing to take care of, and she knew it better than most. Still, she acted cool and detached, even a bit friendly when she cheered the young girl, promising she would train her to be the greatest miko. All Kikyou could think of was that she finally had the chance to live a normal, happy life with her husband.

In the back of the room, The Emperor seemed quite displeased with the way the events turned out, but he kept quiet.

Inuyasha awaited his turn to congratulate the young miko as was appropriate. She had, after all, released his wife from such a dreadful burden. But then why did he feel even more concerned now?

“Higurashi Kagome,” he spoke softly and she nodded, ignoring the crazy way her heat beat inside her chest, but he could hear it. He could hear it, and realized it matched his own.

This couldn't be.

“Congratulations,” he said, focusing on her fascinating scent that had enraptured him, promising the entire universe if he gave in to its charm. Her voice was hoarse when she thanked him politely, but she didn't seem so concentrated on her words either. It was only the nagging feeling they both felt, the sensation of belonging, of knowing each other, of…

It can't be…

“I've heard your mother saved my cousin,” he commented casually, too wrapped in her allure to notice anything else. Beside Inuyasha, Kikyou narrowed her eyes suspiciously.

“Yes, she has,” Kagome replied, unable to believe what her heart, her mind, her soul were telling her. Was he her Half? Impossible.

“Thank you,” he said, and she didn't even blink, her attention focused on the way his chest heaved with each breath he took. She felt she could hear his heart thumping.

`Do you know me?' his soul called out, `Say my name…'

Kagome hesitated. Here she was, with the Prince thanking her for something her mother had done. And there was a name that kept devouring her sanity.

Inuyasha Inuyasha Inuyasha!

“You're welcome, Inuyasha-sama,” she whispered without thinking and their hearts simultaneously skipped a beat.

Inuyasha gulped almost audibly.

It's her.