InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ New Life ❯ Chapter 26 ( Chapter 26 )

Year: 1536
Month: January

As they slept, Kagome and Chi sought comfort with each other in the arms of Goshinboku. Kagome would cry out from pain every now and then while Chi would only let out a whimper. Goshinboku sought to heal their aching selves but it wasn't something easily done. The world outside of Goshinboku's reach was barren. Sometimes lightening would strike, tearing apart the land. Each time it struck; a shot of pain would race through the two. Their sanctuary suffered from their pain.

Lifting her head, Chi attempted to smile. “It is almost over Kagome. I promise…”

Kagome stared up at Chi, tears falling over her cheeks as she shuddered, clutching her stomach. “Why does it hurt Chi?”

“Your body is acclimating itself to the power of that place. When we drank the water, we claimed its power for our own. It was meant for us.”

“If that power was meant for us then why wasn't I born with it! That makes no sense!” Kagome let out another scream. Chi gasped for breath.

It was Goshinboku that replied. “Your body would have never survived. There are places across this world that hold the power meant for you.”

“I don't want it!”

Chi growled softly. “You must reclaim them. The land cannot contain them forever.”

Kagome narrowed her eyes. “And what will happen if I don't.” Goshinboku's aura covered them. Kagome saw images in her head of other people, different races gaining power and using it for purposes that were selfish. She saw a woman with black hair and glistening eyes standing before a man in black. A crown rested on her head as she bowed, whispering prayers. The image suddenly changed to an area thick with trees. People that seemed almost brown in color were crying out in pain as white men attacked them, destroying them. The picture changed again, and it seemed that she was being shown something farther back. She watched as a group of people attacked those practicing a strange magic. She watched as the priestesses of that religion rose in defiance and then watched as their power was taken and they were harmed. It seemed to jump again, and she watched soldiers attacking another group of people. She saw the men were wearing skirts of some kind. With them were females wielding unbelievable powers. It jumped to reveal people very much like Zia as they were attacked and forced to comply with things they did not wish to. Kagome jerked back, crying out.

“These are current happenings and things that have already come to pass due to the power being unclaimed.” Kagome dropped her head onto her knees. She didn't want this. Another cry made her almost fall out of the tree. Chi grabbed hold of her before she could do so.

“I am here Kagome. We will make it through. I would not have had you drink it unless I thought you ready.”

Kagome nodded. “I saw you… take some out. Why?”

Chi gave a bitter smile.” It is for Shippo. He won't be given it for some time but as of now, he is our heir. What power we gain, he has every right to. When he becomes strong enough, he will be given them one at a time over a long course of time.”

Kagome nodded. “Will he go through this?”

“No, he is already youkai. His body is made to reflect change as he gains more power. His body is much more adaptable than ours.” Kagome nodded. She curled into Chi's body. Through Chi, she knew that it would be over soon. Besides, they needed to go back to Bokuseno. She had a feeling she would be late though. She was determined to reach him by the end of the month at least.

Kagome wasn't sure how much longer they were going to remain here in this place. The pain had lessened to the point where she could hardly feel the pulses of pain. Her body felt different that was for sure. She hadn't looked yet as she wasn't sure she wanted to see. Already, she was meandering along the branches of Goshinboku, flinching every so often. The lightening was striking less and less. “Kagome… What are you doing?” Kagome raised her head, giving a pained grimace.

“The pain isn't as bad as before.”

She gave a shrug and watched as Chi laughed lightly. “And the fact that you seem to be having more abilities as well?” Kagome blushed at being found out. She had found herself to be more limber and able to jump and move much smoother. She had found it fascinating.

Suddenly, Goshinboku rumbled. “Ye need not argue you two.” Kagome rolled her eyes. “Rest Kagome. I have something for you to see outside of your body.” Kagome tilted her head in curiosity, appearing very fox-like. She nodded and scrambled on a branch. Once she was comfortable, she closed her eyes, excited for some reason. Goshinboku let out another rumble of laughter.

Outside their body, Inuyasha, Kikyo, Sango, Miroku and Shippo were watching over her. Amahiko had laid her body on the bed in her room and left, ensuring that the others knew that she was safe. They were now waiting for her to awaken. In the meantime, they were making plans with the information they had been given back on the main Island. Of course, Inuyasha simply wished to barrel into Naraku's lair and destroy him completely but the others knew they had to be wiser. Now that they had gathered the four lords to their side, they had to look beyond Naraku and what would happen then.

This was the view Kagome and Chi was shown by Goshinboku. Kagome smiled as she watched her friends. How typical they were. Always looking out for her. Her gaze was sad on Kikyo. To this day, Kikyo had never spoken of that night when they had first begun her training. Chi reached over and squeezed her hand lightly. Giving her a small smile, she turned her attention back to what she was seeing in her mind.

The view moved through the halls until it reached the study. She recognized it instantly. Within, Sesshomaru, Hiroki, Amahiko and Kouga were speaking. Surprisingly, Kouga was being civil. It caused laughter to bubble through Kagome. Chi glanced over in confusion and Kagome rolled her eyes. “I never thought I'd see the day Kouga would act like a lord.” Chi nodded in understanding. Suddenly, it was as if they were there in the room physically, able to hear everything.

Amahiko studied the three other lords. “Do you know the story of the Fallen Lords?”

Hiroki growled in frustration. “What does this have to do with the miko?” Amahiko gave him an irritated glance.

Kouga spoke up. “Why wouldn't we know it?”

Settling back, Amahiko turned her attention to Kouga. “Retell the story to me.”

It was Sesshomaru that spoke this time. “The Northern, Southern and Eastern Lords called war on the elemental youkai. They killed all but one. In turn, this one that escaped sought vengeance and sealed them away.”

Amahiko nodded in satisfaction. “Good. What many do not know is the truth behind that fable. It was indeed true that they were sealed away and did call for war and one escaped. It was a woman known as Midoriko. She stood before the youkai and Kami alike. It was the Kami that deigned for the destruction of the elementals. Your mother should know well of that time as she was the child priestess that was taken in by the lords. It was through her that she discovered her ability to speak with them.”

Kouga looked confused. “Why destroy an entire species of youkai?”

Amahiko's smile grew. “Because this specific species believed the Kami to be imposters. They believed that the Kami were fallen guardians. They held to a religion of their own where there was one God only. That this one god gave one child to the world.”

Kouga snorted. “Superstition. They are all the same.”

Amahiko studied Kouga carefully. “Tell me Kouga, if Kagome were to ever be placed in a position that Kami's wished her dead, would you stand by her?”

Kouga gave her an incredulous look. “Of course! She's my best friend!”

Amahiko looked to Hiroki. “What have you to say to that question Hiroki?” The fox scowled darkly. “I would protect her for the sake of Zia.” Amahiko nodded in understanding. It was still too early for Hiroki to be fully devoted to Kagome. She caught a glimmer though.

A faint smile appeared in her eyes. “I would as well that ever happen.” The others looked to Sesshomaru for his response.

Sesshomaru wound up giving them an annoyed glance. “The woman has yet to answer my queries. Until she has done so, none shall kill her. She is mine to kill.” Kouga began to get angry but Amahiko shook her head. For some reason, she felt as though there was something more to Sesshomaru's response.

“That is good because in time it may come down to it. The only question is if she will make the same mistake as before.”

Kagome blinked. She had gotten them! She couldn't believe it. She had been expecting Sesshomaru's answer of course but to have heard him say it was a totally different thing. She grinned brilliantly. Chi rolled her eyes. “Did you not hear the last part?”

Kagome stuck her tongue out and gently dropped to the ground. “Of course, I did.”

Chi's expression troubled. “Would you choose the same as she did?” Kagome studied Chi before smiling.

“In a heartbeat.”

“Why?”

Kagome sighed and glanced up to the sky that was now clear. “Because I would rather my friends live on than to be without them. It wouldn't be right. Now, I can't guarantee that I will do the same as Midoriko lived her life, but I would rather give myself up in order to allow my friends to have a future. That would be a last-ditch effort.” Chi had to think about the wording for a moment before nodding. “Besides, there is one thing different about Midoriko and I. Well there is two things. One, I'm stubborn but I know when I can't do something alone. I need others to help me. I want them there. I love because I can.”

Kagome began to wander away. Chi floated to the ground and followed her. After a few minutes, they could both feel them slipping back into wakefulness. It hit Chi that Kagome had never told her the other reason. “Kagome, what was the other reason?” As wakefulness claimed them, Kagome turned to Chi.

“I'm not Midoriko.” With that, eyes opened into the room with her friends, purple with flecks of blue in them.