InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ New Life ❯ Chapter 23 ( Chapter 23 )
[ X - Adult: No readers under 18. Contains Graphic Adult Themes/Extreme violence. ]
Year: 1535
Month: July
Month: July
Three months… Three stupid, irritating, frustrating months. That
had been how long it had taken them to get to Kouga's domain. It
was impossibly irritating. Kagome was currently away, feeling the
presence of the Northern Lord nearby her quite clearly. They had
known that anytime she would leave, he would follow. It had been
decided that Shippo would be the one to hunt Kouga down first. He
had departed from the group a month earlier to prepare the wolf
pack as well as Kouga himself. The reasoning behind his
disappearance? As the thought rambled through her mind, Kagome's
lips twitched. He had gone to alert Kouga to their arrival so he
could gather those he deemed important. Rolling her eyes, she
glanced over her shoulder, her eyes narrowed. Zia, Sango and Kikyo
had remained at the camp to give her some space. Unfortunately,
Hiroki wouldn't let her be.
To make matters worse, Naraku hadn't shown his ugly face in those
three months, seemingly content to let their larger pack sort
things out. They hadn't even caught a whiff of any of his
Saimyosho. He wasn't watching them it seemed, which was odd.
Sighing softly, her lips parting somewhat, Kagome rubbed her
temples. Her mind began to shift to their current pack. Inuyasha
had finally agreed to step back into the beta position. Of course,
it helped with Kikyo helping him. She knew that the youkai in the
group had taken note of it. Once again Kagome and Shippo belonged
to the pack only this time, she was Alpha. Having Hiroki and
Sesshomaru there though antagonized her to no end. Feeling the
frustration beginning to take root once more, she let out a deep
breath.
Shifting, she moved into a meditative pose. Perhaps it would help
her. In the time she had, she had learned a lot from Kikyo. She
could now adequately use her miko powers. She wasn't the best at
it, but she was getting there. She felt Chi shift in her mind, as
though stretching. A giggle escaped her lips. Sometimes Chi seemed
more like a mix between a cat and a dog. “I do not act as
such!” Her tone was insulted. Rolling her eyes behind
her closed lids, a smirk appeared. Focusing back at the task at
hand, she felt her aura spread around her body, appearing as though
she now had silver blue fire on her body.
She and Chi had managed to entwine themselves closer to each other
and in doing so, Kagome had begun to get some of her attributes.
Her blue eyes now held hints of purple in them. The purple hadn't
spread so she assumed that that would be all that would change. Her
hair had gained more of a blue tint to it and her tips had become
ice blue. Her nails had sharpened somewhat but still looked human
enough. The only other change she had was her sense of smell had
sharpened. It wasn't as good as the canines in the group but was
almost on par with Shippo's.
She remained sitting like that for a few hours before she finally
unfolded her legs from the uncomfortable position, they had been
in. Situating her weapons so that they weren't digging into her,
she turned back toward camp. She missed sparring with Shippo. Sango
taught her some tricks and trained her body to outlast more but
often she found herself holding back. Having Chi manipulate her
reflexes had become so normal that her body tended to move on its
own now. Sango had been adamant in knowing exactly what she was
doing and not let her body simply move. Chi usually liked these
lessons with Sango, saying that it was important that she know not
simply moving but how to move.
Either way, Sango had deigned to take a break from training her.
Instead, they started to run in the early mornings to help her
endurance. She was now able to outlast most of the humans in their
group. Sango had decreed that she would no longer run with her,
pushing her to continue the running. Sango had informed her earlier
that morning. A giggle escaped. She couldn't keep up to her.
Arriving back at camp, she saw that only the youkai remained awake.
She settled by the fire, lying down. She felt when Hiroki came back
into camp. After an hour, she focused on him. “Why do you insist on
following me?” Hiroki seemed surprised for a moment before his face
shifted back into cool calculation. He remained silent but Kagome's
gaze was determined. Sitting up, not fully rising, she rested on
her elbows, glaring. She could feel Sesshomaru nearby. He had left
the group not long after they had stopped for the night. It was
only natural. She knew he probably did not enjoy being around her
pack.
A thoughtful look came into her eyes as they danced. Her pack. She
liked the sound of that immensely. Already the others felt like
family. Focusing back on Hiroki, she frowned. “Don't be such a
jerk.”
Hiroki let out a soft growl. “Do not insult this Hiroki
abomination.”
Kagome's anger flared, the purple in her eyes becoming just a bit
more dominant. The low fire surged for a moment. “You insult me
Lord of the Northern Lands.” Hiroki merely sniffed. Huffing, Kagome
laid down. Pathetic…
As morning dawned, Kagome was already on her run. She was already
just about finished. It hit her suddenly. Why was it she was able
to function so well on so little sleep? “Your body is no longer
human. Not to mention the fact you have begun to merge more
with me. You still need sleep, but it will
lessen over time. Soon you will only need to sleep maybe
once a week.” Kagome blinked in surprise. That was…
different. She could hear Chi laughing within her mind. Rolling her
eyes, she turned back toward camp. Sometimes she felt as though Chi
were taunting her.
As she got close to camp, she paused in confusion. She felt two new
auras there. Tilting her head, she bit her bottom lip in confusion.
Finally shrugging, she stepped in the camp. Instantly, her gaze
took in a familiar sight. It was Kouga. Surprisingly enough Ayame
was with him. He was arguing with Inuyasha as usual. Shippo was
seated near a tree, a small smile on his face. His gaze turned to
Kagome and his eyes warmed. Instantly, he was up and next to her,
hugging her to him. He had grown some more. He was now almost up to
her shoulders. He had also gained yet another tail. She inspected
it with a grin, speaking softly. “When did that happen?”
Shippo blushed lightly in pride. “I found Kouga rather quickly. He
was having some trouble with some rogue wolves. He found me when I
was battling them. They were pretty strong.”
Pride filled Kagome's chest. She felt Chi surge forth and gently
rubbed her cheek against Shippo's. “We are proud pup.” Shippo
instantly straightened, his chest puffing out and his eyes
bright.
Turning her attention back to Kouga, she realized they were still
arguing. She wasn't all too sure what it was about. She glanced
down at Shippo. “Kouga didn't like what I had to tell him, but he
agreed. He's angry at Inuyasha that he let you die. Especially
since he went and mated Ayame after it happened.”
Kagome rolled her eyes, a chuckle slipping out. Instantly,
everything went silent. It was Ayame that rushed forward and hugged
her tightly. “Sister!” Kagome awkwardly patted her back. She and
Ayame hadn't really gotten along before. The fact that Kouga had
been chasing her had been the reason.
“Oh K... ikyo. We were so worried about you!” Apparently, they were
having difficulty as well.
Kagome's eyes softened instantly, and she pulled back some. “I'm
well Ayame. “Turning to Kouga, she smiled toward him. “Hello
Kouga.”
Kouga's eyes were suspiciously bright. In an instant, he moved to
her and wrapped her in a bear hug. “Good to know you are still with
us.” Kagome gave a small smile toward him. After a few minutes, he
released her.
Everything had been packed up already, so everyone was set to go.
Kagome decided she would walk with Kouga and Ayame. They spoke of
how the pack was doing. Apparently Hakkaku and Ginta had finally
found mates and had remained behind as their mates were already
pregnant. Kagome had laughed at that. The two had been very sweet.
Kouga had left his beta in charge of the pack. Both he and Ayame
had decided to come help Kagome with her quest. Shippo had informed
them what was going on, even though he knew little. Kagome was
happy that the two had finally mated. It was Ayame that surprised
her by stating that they wanted to officially adopt her in the
pack. Chi had been leery of the idea.
“So, what would adopting me into the pack entitle?”
Kouga chuckled. “It would just be an exchanging of blood. We would
merely make a pact. You would gain some wolf characteristics but
that is it.” Ayame chuckled.
Kagome could feel Chi shifting in her mind. “Do not do it
Kagome. It would… make us… change…”
Chi sounded uncertain which was unusual.
Kagome gave a small smile. “As much as it would please me Kouga, I
think I would like to wait until Naraku is defeated.”
Kouga nodded. “That's understandable. Ayame and I want to wait to
have pups until he is defeated.” Kagome nodded. The threat of
Naraku hovered about them, drowning them in sorrow. It worried her
that there had been no sign of Naraku for a long while. Did he in
fact think that she was dead and that the rest of them were no
longer a problem?
It was getting close to nightfall when they finally stopped for the
night. Kagome drifted away from the others and entered the trees.
After a few minutes, the girls all followed her, one after the
other. It was a silent agreement. The males remained in silence.
They waited there for about two hours before there was a sign of
returning. It was Ayame and Zia. Ayame moved to Kouga and had him
rise. Zia settled on the ground by Hiroki. She curled into his
side, the two having gotten closer over the time they had been in
the group. Zia focused on Inuyasha and Miroku. The moment the two
had returned, Shippo had slipped off. “Kikyo wants to speak you two
as well.”
The males rose silently. Hiroki tensed but Zia peered up at him.
“Stay Milord?” He stared down at her before finally settling back.
She purred, closing her eyes. Hiroki's gaze watched the others
exit.
Kagome waited silently in the clearing. The other girls were
sitting around her quietly. Sango spoke softly. “How can you expect
us to accept what you've told us Kagome?” Kagome didn't bother
opening her eyes.
“It is what it is Sango. Those creatures that call themselves Gods
don't want someone like me existing. I am a threat to them.”
Kikyo fisted her hands. “Why didn't you tell us from the
start?”
At this, Kagome opened her eyes, sad. “I was afraid. Would you have
been able to accept this as well as the other?”
Kikyo sighed. “No, we wouldn't have. We probably would have thought
you a monster.” Kagome gave a pained smile. Kagome saw their
guardians move to cover them and ease them. The two visibly
relaxed. She could feel Chi's approval. The two had come far.
Turning her gaze to the trees, she felt Shippo slide up behind her
and settle somewhat next to her. Placing her hand on his head, she
watched Ayame and Kouga appear. Not a minute later, Inuyasha and
Miroku appeared. They settled near her. “What's going on wench?”
Inuyasha was as brash as ever.
“I have decided it is time to tell you the truth of
everything.”
Miroku frowned. “What do you mean Kagome-Sama?”
Kagome bowed her head. “I will first tell the story of how I came
to be how I am. It is time for the truth to be known. Naraku's
demise will be soon and so while we still have this peace and no
worries of being spied upon, I have determined it is appropriate.
Zia knows everything already through Chi.”
Taking a breath, she allowed her aura to reach out around them. “In
the last battle we had as a group against Naraku, I died. I watched
him destroy everyone around me. It truly looked as though you would
not be able to survive. I did my best, but he pierced me through
with a tentacle. I wouldn't be able to survive. When he determined
that we were dead, or so he thought, he took our jewel shards and
left. I began to hallucinate and saw Shippo in the ocean, so I
crawled into the sea to save him. By the time I realized the truth,
I was too weak. I was ready to die. I don't know how long I was
there but in time, I heard a voice. It was Midoriko. She gave me a
reason as to why I should return.” At this, she smiled down at
Shippo. He had been her main reason. “She and the youkai of the
jewel offered their soul to me. I accepted. As soon as life flowed
through me, I found myself surrounded by what we called mermaids in
my time. They are not as I used to believe them to be. They
attacked and my reiki lashed out, killing those nearest and causing
the rest to flee. Before Midoriko fully faded away, she informed me
the jewel itself was no more.”
The others, except Kikyo gasped. Kouga reached in a pouch and
pulled out two clear shards. “So that's what happened.”
Kagome nodded. She reached down and infused her power into the
shards. Soon they glowed pink once more.
“Take them and use them. Keep your soul pure and they shall remain
so.” The others stared in amazement. “I became the jewel. It is me
and I am it.”
The others listened quietly. “I journeyed inland and found my
teacher. He calls himself Bokuseno. He is one of the last ancient
trees in this world. For three days, he healed and trained me. When
I came out, Shippo had found me and we fled the western lands. I
journeyed, seeking knowledge and skill. I trained in every type of
combat I could find. After a year, I returned to Bokuseno, finding
Inuyasha and the others.”
Miroku spoke up. “What about that night you had that
nightmare?”
Kagome smiled. “Yes, at that time, Chi had barely started making
herself known to me. She could be considered a beast, but she is
pure unlike a youkai beast. I discovered then Midoriko had made a
fool of the supposed God's by having me eat of the mermaid flesh.
It made me immortal. I will live beyond even that of a youkai.
These fallen creatures seek to destroy me once Naraku has been
destroyed. They will do everything they can to do so. Bokuseno
informed me that I may stand a chance if I gather the lords of
these lands and gain them as allies against them. I was to give
birth to the creature that would end humans. I would assume in that
case though that when I do birth a child, it would be a full youkai
and any child thereafter would be a full youkai as well. Youkai
were created as an insult to the God that these fallen creatures
served at one point as humans were his chosen species.”
Kouga scoffed. “Never took to any gods. Useless things in my
opinion.” Ayame nodded as well.
Inuyasha spoke up. “So, after Naraku, these things that claim
themselves as gods are going to come after you and try to kill
you?” Kagome nodded. Inuyasha grinned. “Good, I have a couple
things to say to them in my opinion and ain't going to let them
tear our pack apart.” Kagome flushed with a smile. The rest
instantly nodded in agreement.
Kagome bowed her head. “Good. Also, there is one more thing. In my
time, there were no youkai. They are beginning to be eradicated. I
refuse to let that happen. We must gather any hanyou's we come
across and send out a call to the others. They must come to Kaede's
village in 5 years. From there they will be directed to
safety.”
“What of full breeds?”
“The full breeds will only listen to Lords. Therefore, after the
battle with Naraku, I will be spending time with each of the lords
and hopefully a gathering can be called so they can be told. For
now, a rumor must be spread of a prophetess, me. In seven years,
humans will begin to come from the mainland and will introduce a
new weapon called a gun. It will allow battle to be fought from a
distance. No longer will swords be a chosen weapon. They will
appear different and will dress strangely as well as talk
strangely. They will bring exotic gifts. Over time, a great war
will surge throughout Japan between the humans. A human by the name
of Nobunaga will attempt to unite the humans. He will use the
destruction of Hanyou and youkai to unite them. He started this
last year. Currently his strength is not imminent, but it will grow
in time. He will slaughter Buddhist priests and priestess in the
name of a new religion called Christianity. He will fail but one of
his generals will succeed and Japan will be under a political
ruler. Nobunaga will die 47 years from now in a revolt. No doubt
youkai and Hanyou will lead the charge with the Buddhist priests
and Priestesses. As for the hanyou's, they will come for safety.
The purebreds will come by the words I speak.” The others bowed
their head. “That is all. When you return to camp, please ask that
Sesshomaru come here to me.” Kagome's gaze was on Rin's face. She
nodded. Kagome watched them leave silently.
Looking down at Shippo, she gave a pained smile. “You must promise
me Shippo that no matter what, you will not go after Nobunaga until
the time I have said. The timeline must play out as it should.”
Shippo stared up at her. “Do you think he will come after you
Mother?”
Kagome investigated the distance. “I have no doubt. He will go
after all who sympathize with youkai or hanyou. I charge you to
leave me after Naraku is defeated to seek out humans that
sympathize with youkai and heed them to come to Kaede's village. It
will grow to become a great city called Tokyo in time. Those humans
will be protected there. Inuyasha's forest will be placed with a
protective seal so that those humans and hanyou there will be
protected until a place can be found to hide them from the rest of
the world.”
Shippo's eyes grew bright. He felt as if he were given an honor to
be tasked with this mission. “I will not fail you mother.”
Kagome nodded. “Good. In the meantime, you must grow strong my son.
I will ensure that you do so as well.” Shippo frowned, cocking his
head in confusion.
Kagome rose then, causing Shippo to scramble to his feet.
Sesshomaru appeared, watching her silently. Kagome bowed low.
Shippo immediately did the same. “Why have you requested this
Sesshomaru's presence miko? I am not a being to be summoned by
anyone's will.”
Kagome spoke up softly, keeping her tone even. “Forgive my
impudence Sesshomaru-Sama. I wished to speak to you without the
others near.” Sesshomaru gave a nod for her to continue. “I have
trained Shippo to the best of my ability. The destiny he has been
set to accomplish though requires him to be given strength he does
not yet have, and he will be unable to learn it from me. May I
request the honor of you teaching my son?” Kagome kept her head
down. She could feel Shippo's shock through their bond.
“The kit will prove his worth to me, and only then will that
decision be made. You will be indebted to this Sesshomaru.”
“Of course, Sesshomaru-Sama. I will do anything that is asked of
me.” Silence reigned for a few moments.
“You will inform this Sesshomaru of the creature within you first
and why it is you can't die.”
Kagome raised her head in surprise. “She is very much like your
beast Milord, but she does not hold darkness within. She is purity.
As for why I am unable to die, I am immortal. The only way for my
death to meet me is to have my head severed.”
She watched Sesshomaru as he studied her. Fear shivered through her
spine and Chi was on edge. “Your debt will be paid in time Miko. It
will not be fulfilled now. The kit will be given tasks for a month.
If he completes said task, then will this Sesshomaru train him.”
Kagome bowed her head. She nudged Shippo to drop him into a bow.
She would need to speak to him tonight.
“Thank you Sesshomaru-Sama.”
Sesshomaru turned away but paused briefly. “You are beginning
another change Miko. Unless you wish for Hiroki to see the truth,
it would do well for you to hide it.” Then he was gone.
Kagome blinked in surprise. Moving out of the clearing with Shippo,
she sniffed her way to some water. Taking a breath, she peered in.
Sesshomaru had been right. There on her cheeks was a faint outline
of a white streak of color. “It will be more natural once
the change is completed.”
“Are these the only ones Chi?” She heard Chi's laughter. Sighing,
she stripped and viewed her body. There were more. There were two
on each of her wrists, one on each of her legs and two on each of
her ankles. They all shimmered white.
“They look pretty mother.” Kagome smiled and dressed once more. She
would need to hide the ones on her face. Using her reiki, she ran
her fingers along the marks and watched them disappear. Nodding,
she turned to Shippo.
“Now Shippo listen. You will train and prove yourself worthy to
Sesshomaru. He will make you strong enough for the destiny you
hold.”
Shippo nodded. “I was just surprised he said yes and that you had
asked mother.”
Kagome smiled. “Good, now go rest, no doubt it will begin
tomorrow.” Shippo nodded and ran back to camp. Kagome followed
slowly after.