InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ Legend of the Nephilim ❯ a mother's gift ( Chapter 15 )

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

Disclaimer: I do not own Inuyasha, or any other character belonging to the series they are the genius work of Rumiko Takahashi I simply use them for my stories; I also do not own anything related to the fallen trilogy belonging to Thomas E. Sniegoski; the original characters in this story, and original plots, are mine.

Hello everyone, hope you all enjoyed chapter 14, we only have a few left so not the plot thickens! There will be lemons shortly promise. I did try my hardest to make this chapter longer for you all!

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A Mother's Gift

Kagome stretched as she looked up above, sure enough the stars led the way. She had so many of her questions answered by Rin earlier that day, but instead of feeling liberated she now had even more questions. Why had the elders hidden her true origins for so long? What really happened to her mother? What did Rin mean she was the bringer of life or death? But the most nagging question was the one that kept repeating in her mind. What would end up happening to Rin?

She knew her father was a ruthless man that saw only his own gain in everything he did. Her conception was proof enough of that. So what would he do once he found out that Rin had betrayed him? What exactly would she be able to do to stop it?

“So many questions that still need an answer.”

“What was that `Gome?” asked Rin

“'Gome?”

“Yeah everyone else calls you Kags, I wanted an original nick name for you.” Rin smiled.

“I like it.”

“You didn't answer my question. Are you okay?” Asked Rin again.

“Yeah, sorry. I was just thinking, I really didn't mean to say that out loud,” Kagome blushed.

“Oh, well I think we are almost there. Can you feel them?” She shivered. “I can.”

Kagome smiled at her friend and understood fully why she was so wary. Kagome couldn't blame her.

“Yes I can sense them. We are definitely close.” Kagome responded and took Rin's hand in her own. “But don't worry, I wont let them hurt you. We are going to do this together”

“Like true friends.” Smiled Rin.

They stopped as they came to what looked like a large wall; though it was made of ivy and large willow braches it still had the appearance of a strong hold. They both jumped as two large men came out of the bushes, seeming to have almost been a part of them. They were clothed in the same leaves that hid them and their hair and eyes were the color of the willow leaves; A stark contrast to their bark like skin.

“Wood sprites,” said Rin, answering Kagome's questioning look. Kagome looked over at the two `sprites' and gulped.

“For some reason I had always pictured sprites as…well…smaller…” She replied

Rin giggled and the two men stepped closer.

“Who are you and what is your business here?” They asked in unison.

“Let me handle this?” Asked Rin. Kagome gave her an `I'm not going to stop you look' and Rin smiled and looked at the two men who looked more like ogres to Kagome than sprites.

“I am Rin, humble servant of the lady Kagome. We have come to speak with the elders.” Rin said in an authoritative voice. Kagome tried not to cringe at the word servant. “This is my lady,” Rin finished as she bowed to the sprites.

“Enter” they said as one and the large vines moved and retracted creating a large entry way.

Once they crossed to the other side the entry way closed up again, making it look as if it had never moved.

Kagome gasped at the sight before her. There was a large one story castle surrounded by what looked like the same plant-like wall that she and Rin had just walked through.

“The sprites enchant it, that is why they guard the entry way. They protect the place so that unwanted visitors can not enter. It is why Yuma could not penetrate it.” Said Rin once again answering her unasked questions.

“If you look around you will see many different forest creatures. Sprites, fairies, ogres, goblins. They all live in the shelter of the palace serving the fallen and nephilim that live here. In return they are able to live peaceful lives away from the dangers that Yuma is famous for.”

“How do you know all this?” Kagome asked, still taking in the sights before her.

“It was my job to know what Yuma's enemies did,” whispered Rin.

Kagome nodded and followed Rin up the stony walk way into the village market. Merchants of every type of creature were selling all sorts of items. Food, weapons, clothing and several stands were filled with minerals for spells and herbs for healing. It was amazing to watch the creatures in the market place.

Once they reached the out skirts of the market place Rin walked closer to Kagome. It wasn't long before Kagome understood why. Ahead of them guarding the palace entry were two wraiths. Though they looked like no more than a whisper of a solid creature, they were vicious predators. Once members of Yuma's great army, they were the remnants of those who had passed after the fall. Since angles did not have souls that passed on to another life their remaining life force was transferred to the appearance of wraiths. Some worked for Yuma but most remained loyal to only the elders in hope of some day finding their way home.

There appearance was frightening; they looked as light as the wind that blew gently around them and were covered in dark cloaks that hid their sunken faces and skeletal features. That, though, was not what was so frightening about them. It was their defenses against others that was most feared. A wraith was a soulless creature that was not alive but not yet completely dead. They could suck the soul from those who had them. They could also create more wraiths, that was why they were feared by angel and mortal alike.

Holding each other's hands tightly, the girls walked towards the hideous creatures. Though their bodies were covered the girls were able to make out the sunken eye sockets and the hollowed mouths under the shadow of the black cloaks they wore.

“State your business,” the wraith to the left hissed, sounding like the wind itself instead of a creature.

“We wish to speak with the elders.” Kagome said just above a whisper.

The wraiths howled in unison, they sounded eerily like an animal crying out in extreme pain.

“Who are you to ask to speak with those who lead and protect the creatures of the earth?” Asked the wraith to the right.

Rin spoke up once she understood Kagome really didn't know how to answer, “She is Kagome, granddaughter to the great Archangel Alexander.” Announced Rin in the same authoritative tone she took with the sprites.

The wraiths howled again, the noise reminded Kagome of a dieing animal and she felt Rin squeeze her hand harder. Good, at least she wasn't the only one who was scared.

“And you?” Asked the wraith to their left as he looked at Rin.

Rin gulped.

“My servant,” Kagome said, her voice not betraying her fear in the slightest.

The wraiths looked at Rin and the one to the right spoke. “An empath a servant to a nephilim?”

Rin froze, she had forgotten that detail, it was such a part of her. She could feel others emotions, control them and use their emotions against them. She could also read minds, abilities that came in handy against and enemy.

Kagome winked at Rin before speaking. “She is a useful tool against those who seek to destroy me.”

The wraiths looked from Kagome to Rin and howled again, louder than before, causing both girls to cover their ears only to realize the noise was not coming from their ears but their own thoughts. Then all went silent as two more wraiths appeared. Both girls held their breath as all for turn to them.

The left one spoke again to Kagome through her thoughts. “Follow.” He said as he pointed to the now retreating wraiths.

They lead them into the castle and Kagome was surprised to find it dark and dreary. The only light in the hallways were the strange candles that seemed to float beside them.

“It's goblin's wax,” explained Rin. “It's enchanted to never burn away. It also stays suspended in air while lit.”

Kagome nodded, there was so much anout this world she didn't know and it frustrated her to no end. These were things she should be explaining to Rin, not the other way around.

The wraiths suddenly stopped and if Rin hadn't had a hold of her hand kagome would have slammed directly into one of them. The thought made her shutter. She looked up and watched one wraith open a large wooden door while the other simply pointed for the girls to go in that direction. After they entered the room the door slammed shut behind them, causing both girls to jump.

All that followed was silence.

The only light in the room was a single candle on a small table, instinctively they walked towards it hands still tightly held. They heard a shifting sound and suddenly the room was light by a large chandelier and before them sat the elders.

Kagome almost gasped, she had thought the elders would be…well old, but they weren't. Before her sat three of the most beautiful creatures she had ever seen.

The one in the middle, a woman with hair that looked like it was spun from the sun itself, stood.

“Welcome Kagome, we have been waiting for your arrival. I am Asael. This is Balthazar,” she said motioning to the man on her left. “And Alexander” she motioned to her right.

Asael was beautiful. Her golden hair shone against her copper-tinged skin. Her robe was the same sky blue as her eyes. Balthazar was and older looking Haru, but with Adara's eyes. Alexander was the one who made her heart ache. He had copper hair and wild green eyes; she obviously didn't get her looks from his side of the family.

Kagome and Rin bowed. The three sitting at the table inclined their heads.

“We understand you have some questions for us dear?” Asked Balthazar.

Right, she was here for a reason, to find out why the hell everyone around her saw fit to lie to her face her entire life.

“Awe a fitting question.” Said Alexander as he stood and walked towards her.

“Um…huh?” She said dumbfounded. Had she accidentally said that out loud?

“No my granddaughter, I can simply read your thoughts,” smiled Alexander.

As he neared Kagome Rin backed away, allowing the Archangel his space, Kagome shot her a concerned look and Rin smiled back.

“I will not harm you my dear,” he spoke as she looked from him to Rin and back again. “Or her.” he reassured.

“Although, I would like to know why you are traveling with my granddaughter Leiko. I was under the impression that you found Yuma's company more favorable.”

“Rin, my lord.” The girl corrected softly. He raised a questioning eyebrow at her. “A new name for a new life. I have seen my errors and will serve lady Kagome until my last breath.” She smiled.

Alexander nodded his approval; he could sense her sincerity.

“Now my granddaughter, to answer your long awaited questions,” he smiled and held his hand out to her.

She was hesitant at first but his smile set her at ease, he was family after all. She took his hand as he spoke.

“When Izanami, your mother, was taken from us we feared the worst. We were over joyed when she returned safely a few days later. She was silent about where she had been at first, not wanting Yuma's plan to upset me to work. However she had to tell once she learned she was with child.

“We called a meeting with her and she explained she had been picking herbs when she was taken. She did not explain what all transpired only said the stranger took what was not his and now left her with a permanent reminder. At first we did not understand until a few months later when she started to swell. It was then we fully understood her.

“A few weeks before she bore you we encountered a seer; she told Izanami that her child would cleanse the world. At first she did not understand. But then things started to become clearer to her. It was then she came to us and let out her biggest secret. Yuma had be the on to impregnate her. We then understood her fears of you as well.

“You see, your mother was the bringer of life, your father the bringer of death. You are a combination of the two. That would mean you could have the power to either save or eliminate any creature that walks this earth, mortal and fallen alike. We had seen the devastation that Yuma could bring and prayed that Izanami's kind spirit would counteract his effect on you. When you were born your mother cried, she knew you had a pure heart and we were all shocked to find the Kami's had blessed you with a soul. You were our pride and joy my dear. All seemed well for a while, until we learned that Yuma was searching for you.

“In a desperate attempt to save you from him your mother asked Balthazar to take you to his home with his two children. She took you to him personally. It was on her way home that Yuma attacked her. We thought you would be safer if you did not grow up knowing your origins. We simply wished to protect you from your father and his wicked plans.”

“Is that why Haru and Adara stayed with me for so long?” She asked Balthazar.

“Yes my dear. They grew with you from childhood to adulthood. You gained your powers together and trained together. They love you like their own sister.” Balthazar explained.

Kagome's stomach flipped, she felt horrible for the things she had said, had done.

“I understand now, why you kept it from me for so long. But what do I do now?” Kagome whispered.

“We prepare for the eclipse. You, my dear, should rest,” said Asael.

“What about Rin?”

“I do not think we should let Yuma know you have traded sides so soon, perhaps your connection with him will come in handy later on,” suggested Alexander.

Rin released the breath she didn't realize she was holding and bowed deeply.

“Thank you, I will do everything in my power to help you.”

“Come, I will show you to your rooms, you need to rest. We will talk more in the morning,” said Asael as she led the girls out of the room.

Once they were out of earshot Balthazar turned to Alexander. “She has so much of her mother in her.”

Alexander smiled; yes he had first thought it was his precious Izanami who had first walked through those large doors.

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That morning Rin came bursting through the dinning room doors a look of sever concern on her face.

“I had a dream last night. She came to me.”

“Who came to you dear?” Asked Asael

“Kagura. She said Yuma was proud of my progress and that he was finally strong enough to break past the palace barriers. They are attacking tonight at the first star's light!” Rin cried.

Kagome stood and took her friend in her arms as she cried in fear.

“What should we do?” Asael asked Alexander

“We need to remove those under our protection, if we are not here then the destruction of our palace will mean nothing” he replied.

“The northern people” whispered Kagome

They all looked her direction.

“When the northern palace was attacked we moved the northern people to an abandoned fort on the edge of the western lands. They have not been discovered yet, but it's only a matter of time. They don't have the proper protection, and you need a place to hide. It's a perfect match!” She explained.

“Gather everyone, tell them to only take what the can carry on their backs, we leave with in the hour!” Ordered Balthazar.

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As she walked around the large fort Kagome took a deep breath, kami she was happy none of her friends were still here. That was the last thing she needed right now. She sat under a large willow tree, apparently someone in the western gardening division loved to fill every palace garden with large trees and Koi ponds. Not that she minded.

She looked up at the sound of laughter and smiled at what she saw. Rin and Koga; now that was something she had not expected at all. When Koga had first let them stay he could not take his eyes off Kagome, but she had gone to bed early the first night leaving Koga and Rin all alone. And the sparks flew. Yes it was very unexpected but now the two seemed inseparable.

“What is on your mind my dear?” Came Alexander's voice.

“Just worried I guess,” she replied, looking up to meet his green eyes.

“You have been training during your time here and learning more about your past and your powers, you will be fine should anything happen.” He replied

Yes, she had been practicing and studying, she refused to be the ignorant one. When she faced her father she would blow him away. She had always been able to call her healing powers forward but now she was also able to control the others as well, flight, angel fire and incineration. Though that one had frightened her at first she was not fully able to control and feared it.

“You have well over the past two weeks my dear, you must not worry yourself so much.” He bent down and kissed her forehead. “Now, I must get back to training as well,” he said as he left.

Alexander and Balthazar had been teaching the hanyous and demons how to defend themselves against angel fire and how to effectively injure and oni-tenshi, with swords of copper. Now that was something she did not know.

She stood and made her way to her personal hot springs; she needed to relax. Yes, she was prepared for the battle to come, but she still felt empty. She needed her friends here, needed them to know how to defend themselves. She needed Sesshoumaru.

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Sesshoumaru rolled over and frowned, how had he ended up here…again? He was a lord, damnit! He was supposed to be regal and respected. He was not supposed to be acting a like pet whining over the loss of its owner.

Who was he kidding? He had believed, at first, that he didn't need her that he would be fine after a few days. That's when he ended up here. That morning he swore he would never be so weak as to return.

He woke up here again the next morning.

That meant only one thing, his beast missed her so much that it was taking control at night and taking him to the place where her sweet scent still lingered. Her room.

He lifted the silk covered pillow and inhaled; her scent was fading. He tossed that one aside and lifted the one under it. Though it smelt stronger than the last, her scent was still faint. He needed to do something…he was running out of pillows.

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Yuma looked at the ashes around him. The palace was nothing more that a pile of burnt rubble now.

How did they know to evacuate? Why were they no longer here? He was losing time, there was only fourteen more days until the eclipse and he had yet to find his daughter.

“You know the only one who could have informed them was Leiko. I invaded her dreams the night before the attack so she could prepare from the inside,” said Kagura from the shadows beside him.

“She will die by my hand!” He hissed.

“My lord we have found their trail. It leads to a fort in the west,” said a soldier

“We will be on them by night fall!” Yuma roared.

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“Kagome….” The voice called.

She looked around the large garden with a puzzled look. This place was so familiar,yet she hand no idea where she was.

“Kagome….” There was that voice again, like a wonderful song.

She spun around, the white silk of her night gown flowing around her.

Where isthat voice coming from?

“Kagome….” the voice was getting closer.

But oddly she wasn't scared, she almost knew that voice. Instead of feeling scared she was excited and strangely at peace.

“Kagome…find it.”

Find it? What was it?she asked herself.

“Find the sword”

“The sword? What Sword?” She asked out loud

“Kagome…” She swiftly turned around;the voice was directly behind her.

She saw a woman with wild green eyes and long raven hair. Her white gown flutteredsoftlyaround her in thesoft warm breeze.

“I have been waiting for you,” the woman smiled.

“You have?” Asked Kagome. “Do you know what sword I'm supposed to find?”

The woman nodded and held her hand out to Kagome.

“Come,” she said, and Kagome instantly took her hand. There was something so familiar about this woman.

Kagome followed the woman to a large stone alter. She thenlet go of her hand and stood in front of it. Kagome strained to hear what the woman was chanting to the sky and was startled when lightning struckthe alter. Then every thing went dark. A fog-like dust made it impossible for her to see anything.

As the dust cleared Kagome realized she was now alone in the stone courtyard. The strange woman was gone.

“Take it,” she heard the woman's voice whisper.“Take it Kagome.”

Kagome looked where the alter once stood. In its place was a simple looking sword. She picked it up and felt a familiar energy flow through her.Italmost felt like her healing powers butalso very different.

“Tenseiga…” The voice whispered again, and the sword pulsed,surrounding her in a brilliant blue light.

She felt the air leave her lungs as a red burst of energy pushed at the blue, theyfought against each other for what seemed like and eternity and then the sword pulsed again and the energy around her turned a bright purple.

“It is done.” The voice said again.

Then all wentblack.

“Kagome!” She shot up at the sound of her voice and was assaulted by the strong smell of smoke.

The banging on her door continued.

“Kagome are you in there?” the voice out side her door asked again.

“Asael?”

“Yes, Kagome get out of there! The fort is under attack!”

She shot out of bed only to trip on something, something cold…and metal? She looked down at the floor and saw the sword from her dreams.

“Kagome, hurry!” Asael yelled from the other side of the door.

She picked up the surprisingly light sword and ran to the door. “Sorry, I must have dosed off.” She replied sheepishly.

“Where did you get that?” Asael whispered, looking at the sword in Kagome's hand.

“Umm…I'm not sure. Some woman gave it to me in my…um dream.” She replied

“Do you know what that is?” Asael asked as she took Kagome's other hand and ran down the hallway toward the garden.

“No, but I think the lady called it Tenseiga.” At the sound of its name the sword pulsed.

“Kami…” Whispered Asael.

When they reached the gardens Balthazar and Alexander were waiting for them; both froze at the sight of Kagome's sword.

“Is that?” Asked Balthazar

“Impossible,” whispered Alexander.

“Kagome, where did you get that?” Alexander asked her.

“A woman in my dreams gave it to me, she called it Tenseiga.” Replied Kagome.“Have I done something wrong?” She asked the elders around her.

“No my dear we just believed the sword to be forever lost. It was your mother's.” Asael said as she placed an arm around her shoulders “She was the only one able to even touch the sword, it incinerated all others.”

Kagome was about to ask another question when a loud blast reminded her they were under attack. She looked above her at the oni-tenshi trying to break through the dome like barrier Shiori had made. That meant only one thing. Yuma had found them. She looked around and noticed that Rin and Kouga were missing.

“Has anyone seen Rin?” She asked. She felt a shiver fear crawl up her spine as those around her shook there heads no.

She turned to run and search for them, as Alexander's voice called out to her. “Use the sword Kagome, allow it to guide you!”

Another blast at the main entrance followed by the roar of cheers told Kagome that the entrance had been taken by Yuma and his men. She had to find Rin before he did.

She ran through the castle headed towards Rin's aura. Then she heard a scream that would forever haunt her dreams. Rin! She ran faster only to find Rin's aura fading, and then nothing.

No!

She ran as fast as she could, taking out guards and oni-tenshi as she went. When she finally reached the entrance there stood Yuma. He was pulling his sword from a soldier's body. She looked to his right and saw Rin's lifeless body.

She fell to her knees. No, kami no!Not Rin! She screamed in her head.

Then she noticed that the man Yuma had just taken his sword out of was none other than Koga.

A large blast of yellow energy threw Yuma and his guards out of the court yard and sealed the entrance. The elders then came behind her.

“We have stopped them for now but it will not be long until they try again” said Balthazar.

Kagome flinched as cheers were heard around her. Then she felt Asael's hand on her shoulder.

“At least they passed together” she said in a soft voice.

“NO!” yelled Kagome as she ran towards the fallen lovers. Her heart broke more when she saw that Koga had managed to take Rin's hand into his own before passing.

This was not fair! This is not what was supposed to happen!

She felt Tenseiga pulse at her side and looked down. It was surrounded in the same violet energy as in her dreams. Then she heard the woman's voice.

“It will do your will.”

She drew the sword and everyone around her became silent as they watched her. Then she saw them, the servants of the underworld. They were preparing to take Koga and Rin's souls. No not yet! In a furious attempt to stall the inevitable Kagome lifted Tenseiga and swung.

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TBC