InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ The Hidden Strength Within ❯ Chapter 21 ( Chapter 21 )
[ Y - Young Adult: Not suitable for readers under 16 ]
Kagome awoke slowly; she knew that she was within Naraku’s palace. ‘But where is here? I can only hope that Sesshoumaru found Shippo since I left my scent all over the barrier there. Oh my dearest Shippo I hope that one day you will find it in your heart to forgive me even if I do not survive this battle.’
Suddenly a creaking noise was heard and Kagome knew that Naraku had entered to check on his prize.
“How much more sleep could you possibly need wench. I should just force you awake so you can start serving your lord and master like a good mate is suppose too.” Naraku stated aloud as he started to walk towards the sleeping demigoddess.
Before he was able to get all the way to the bed though a barrier made it’s self known that in order for Naraku to get close enough to her that he was going to have to fight tooth and nail with the barrier first.
The barrier sizzled with holy powers, powers that Naraku didn’t think that she still possessed.
‘So she has been able to retain her holy powers even though she has given Kikyo back her soul. Very interesting; she will make me a fine mate indeed. I shall enjoy breaking you and molding you into my image Kagome!’
Kagome laid there pretending to still be asleep though she did use her powers to make sure that her worst fears were not true.
‘Oh thank god, though I never thought I would be happy about possibly dying as a virgin but if it is a matter of dying a virgin or having this thing raping me, I would GLADLY die a virgin any day.’
With her new found strength she decided it was time to let this monster know exactly who she was and that she was not going to just lay on her back and let him have his way with her or her body.
“So you are awake after all Kagome.” Naraku purred which caused Kagome to shiver involuntarily and almost throw up at the same time.
“Yes Naraku I have been a wake for some time. You should know that I am not the same powerless and naïve girl you are use to fighting that stood at Inuyasha’s side.” she started while she tossed her legs over the side of the bed.
Naraku was taken by the pure beauty that she emanated and could only imagine how much more beautiful she was in her true form.
“My dearest Kagome, I for one never once dubbed you as being powerless. I always knew you held more power than Kikyo did but I just never realized until now exactly how much power it was. As for you being naïve, I realized you grew a brain when I received word that you finally left that idiot half breed and your treacherous fiends.”
“My friends are not treacherous nor are they fiends. The only fiend I have in my life would be you Naraku.” she paused while looking at his smirk grow further.
“I take it back; you are not a fiend Naraku. You are just a pathetic, poor excuse of a man. You couldn’t hack it as a human and got yourself fatally injured only to show the ultimate fear, you showed that you feared your fate of destiny. You couldn’t handle the fact that you were going to die and that you would either rot in hell for all eternity or might be given another chance at reincarnation; but you knew that even then you would have to make up for your past deeds from this life. You decided instead to sell what little bit of a soul you had left to the bunch of greedy low level demons that promised you life.”
“Did you honestly think that you would get away from your fated destiny? Did you honestly think that the gods were not going to find a way for you to finally be destroyed, so they could make you answer for everything that you have done? Did you not think that they would use one of their own children from the future to come back to the past and destroy you once and for all?” she stated while getting to a standing position.
She slowly walked towards him and with each step she took, he was forced back one step or he would be purified by the barrier still encasing her.
“Tell me what do you think is in store for you Naraku? I can honestly say that I never heard of you before I came here to this time. That alone should tell you something. At the shrine I grew up in I was always told about stories of great and powerful demon lords that were just to his people, and heroic half demons that protected the weak; but not once did I ever hear stories about a man turned half breed that controlled all of Japan, not even for a day. Does that give you a glimpse into what the future holds for you?”
With a smirk of confidence she continued. “In about five hundred years from now, no one will even know your name while the Great Lord Sesshoumaru and Lord Inuyasha’s names will still be honored by those who know of the past. My own grandfather will not even mention your name when he tells of the deeds you laid upon the males of my family.”
Naraku’s eyes narrowed a slight margin. ‘Does this mean that the pathetic monk and wolf princess are her ancestors?’
“Who is it that is your Grandfather that would know of me but yet not speak my name?”
“It’s easy enough to figure out Naraku I mean come on, I am not traveling with them any more and yet I know that Miroku and Princess Ayame are, or at least will be, mated. And if the feeling of balance finally returning to normal is any indication then that means that Kikyo is finally rotting in hell where she belongs for her deeds and Sango and Inuyasha have finally mated. I always knew that she liked Inuyasha but chose Miroku because of me. So you see there is nothing that you can use against me or to surprise me. I may only be a half goddess but I am more in tune with my surroundings and the living beings on this planet then you will ever know. Even now my friends come to bring you down; you will not live past this week Naraku. My suggestion for you Onigumo is to go and make peace with your original maker for your demons will leave you in due time.” she all but laughed out as he stormed out of her room while locking her door.
She walked back to the bed and collapsed. ‘Now all I can do is hope that my powers last long enough until either help can get here or I can figure out what he has done to me that causes me not to be able to harm him. Why won’t my powers do anything other than create a barrier?’
Kaede stepped out of her hut and looked to the north. ‘So it has finally begun. All I can do is hope that Kagome figures out that she can not destroy Naraku she will only be able to purify Onigumo. Though I wonder who it will be that will rise to the challenge of destroying Naraku for her?’
As she was about to return to her hut a light being emitted near her sister’s grave caught her attention.
When she reached the top step to her sister’s shrine she realized that her sister’s soul was finally at peace or so she hoped, though deep down she feared that her sister would be in hell for what she has done and would never be reborn on this plane again.
Nightfall was befalling the land and Kirara, Ayame, and Miroku had only made it half way to the of her clansmen.
“We should set up camp for the night. We are all pretty exhausted from the lack of sleep last night and the battle with Naraku’s puppet has even you tired love.” Miroku stated so she would not be able to protest.
“Yes but if Kirara and I continue we can get us all there by dawn. I just hate to think about what that vile monster could be doing to Kagome.” Ayame shuddered at that thought.
“I understand that but if I were to continue to ride Kirara to the mountains than none of us will be of any use if we meet up with an opponent along the way. Let us take a rest and within a few hours rest we can be on our way. Kagome is not as weak as everyone believes and besides it is at nightfall when her true powers shine.”
Reluctantly Ayame conceded to Miroku’s request. ‘He has been her friend all these years surely he would not risk rest if she could not protect herself.’
Once the sun was completely hidden a calming aura and an eerie lullaby swept over the of The aura caused all creatures to settle for the night while giving strength to one being and one being alone to continue on it journey to their final destination.
The warriors at the Western Palace that were getting ready to depart, as Shippo had demanded that Lord Sesshoumaru ordered it, suddenly looked to the north as the calming aura and the lullaby swept over them. Before Shippo fell asleep he gently whispered, “Good Night Mama!”
The lone warrior sped through the trees watching as the strange calming aura and lullaby caused beast that were once fighting to stop and suddenly fall asleep. It was hard for him to understand why it was giving him energy when everything else seemed to fall into a peaceful sleep.
Still he knew not to question the gods for there actions. ‘If they wish for me to continue towards the north than so be it; all I can do is hope I will get there in time.’
Naraku hissed in pain as he removed the sacred jewel that he kept within his body. Nighttime was falling on the land and he was starting to realize that just being this close to Kagome and the rest of the jewel shards was causing his to purify. Once he has his completely removed he felt this overwhelming aura caress him in a lover’s embrace and could not fight the sleep that came to him immediately after hearing the lullaby.
Kohaku had entered Kagome’s room right before the sun set.
“My Lady I wish to notify you that you and you alone are the only one that can kill Onigumo once and for all. Kagura, Kanna, and I are at your beck and call. Ask and we shall do what we can.” he stated while bowing his head in respect.
Kagome walked up to him and patted his shoulder. “My dearest Kohaku I will not end your life like you are wishing me to but I will rid you of the guilt you feel for what Naraku made you do. That guilt is for me and me alone for if I hadn’t shattered the jewel shard he would never have gained enough power to do what he did to you.”
Suddenly the sun disappeared and Kagome transformed at long last to her true form and as she cleansed Kohaku of his deeds that were against his will a calming aura left her as she began singing a sweet lullaby that swept over all of the creatures of the land.
Suddenly a creaking noise was heard and Kagome knew that Naraku had entered to check on his prize.
“How much more sleep could you possibly need wench. I should just force you awake so you can start serving your lord and master like a good mate is suppose too.” Naraku stated aloud as he started to walk towards the sleeping demigoddess.
Before he was able to get all the way to the bed though a barrier made it’s self known that in order for Naraku to get close enough to her that he was going to have to fight tooth and nail with the barrier first.
The barrier sizzled with holy powers, powers that Naraku didn’t think that she still possessed.
‘So she has been able to retain her holy powers even though she has given Kikyo back her soul. Very interesting; she will make me a fine mate indeed. I shall enjoy breaking you and molding you into my image Kagome!’
Kagome laid there pretending to still be asleep though she did use her powers to make sure that her worst fears were not true.
‘Oh thank god, though I never thought I would be happy about possibly dying as a virgin but if it is a matter of dying a virgin or having this thing raping me, I would GLADLY die a virgin any day.’
With her new found strength she decided it was time to let this monster know exactly who she was and that she was not going to just lay on her back and let him have his way with her or her body.
“So you are awake after all Kagome.” Naraku purred which caused Kagome to shiver involuntarily and almost throw up at the same time.
“Yes Naraku I have been a wake for some time. You should know that I am not the same powerless and naïve girl you are use to fighting that stood at Inuyasha’s side.” she started while she tossed her legs over the side of the bed.
Naraku was taken by the pure beauty that she emanated and could only imagine how much more beautiful she was in her true form.
“My dearest Kagome, I for one never once dubbed you as being powerless. I always knew you held more power than Kikyo did but I just never realized until now exactly how much power it was. As for you being naïve, I realized you grew a brain when I received word that you finally left that idiot half breed and your treacherous fiends.”
“My friends are not treacherous nor are they fiends. The only fiend I have in my life would be you Naraku.” she paused while looking at his smirk grow further.
“I take it back; you are not a fiend Naraku. You are just a pathetic, poor excuse of a man. You couldn’t hack it as a human and got yourself fatally injured only to show the ultimate fear, you showed that you feared your fate of destiny. You couldn’t handle the fact that you were going to die and that you would either rot in hell for all eternity or might be given another chance at reincarnation; but you knew that even then you would have to make up for your past deeds from this life. You decided instead to sell what little bit of a soul you had left to the bunch of greedy low level demons that promised you life.”
“Did you honestly think that you would get away from your fated destiny? Did you honestly think that the gods were not going to find a way for you to finally be destroyed, so they could make you answer for everything that you have done? Did you not think that they would use one of their own children from the future to come back to the past and destroy you once and for all?” she stated while getting to a standing position.
She slowly walked towards him and with each step she took, he was forced back one step or he would be purified by the barrier still encasing her.
“Tell me what do you think is in store for you Naraku? I can honestly say that I never heard of you before I came here to this time. That alone should tell you something. At the shrine I grew up in I was always told about stories of great and powerful demon lords that were just to his people, and heroic half demons that protected the weak; but not once did I ever hear stories about a man turned half breed that controlled all of Japan, not even for a day. Does that give you a glimpse into what the future holds for you?”
With a smirk of confidence she continued. “In about five hundred years from now, no one will even know your name while the Great Lord Sesshoumaru and Lord Inuyasha’s names will still be honored by those who know of the past. My own grandfather will not even mention your name when he tells of the deeds you laid upon the males of my family.”
Naraku’s eyes narrowed a slight margin. ‘Does this mean that the pathetic monk and wolf princess are her ancestors?’
“Who is it that is your Grandfather that would know of me but yet not speak my name?”
“It’s easy enough to figure out Naraku I mean come on, I am not traveling with them any more and yet I know that Miroku and Princess Ayame are, or at least will be, mated. And if the feeling of balance finally returning to normal is any indication then that means that Kikyo is finally rotting in hell where she belongs for her deeds and Sango and Inuyasha have finally mated. I always knew that she liked Inuyasha but chose Miroku because of me. So you see there is nothing that you can use against me or to surprise me. I may only be a half goddess but I am more in tune with my surroundings and the living beings on this planet then you will ever know. Even now my friends come to bring you down; you will not live past this week Naraku. My suggestion for you Onigumo is to go and make peace with your original maker for your demons will leave you in due time.” she all but laughed out as he stormed out of her room while locking her door.
She walked back to the bed and collapsed. ‘Now all I can do is hope that my powers last long enough until either help can get here or I can figure out what he has done to me that causes me not to be able to harm him. Why won’t my powers do anything other than create a barrier?’
Kaede stepped out of her hut and looked to the north. ‘So it has finally begun. All I can do is hope that Kagome figures out that she can not destroy Naraku she will only be able to purify Onigumo. Though I wonder who it will be that will rise to the challenge of destroying Naraku for her?’
As she was about to return to her hut a light being emitted near her sister’s grave caught her attention.
When she reached the top step to her sister’s shrine she realized that her sister’s soul was finally at peace or so she hoped, though deep down she feared that her sister would be in hell for what she has done and would never be reborn on this plane again.
Nightfall was befalling the land and Kirara, Ayame, and Miroku had only made it half way to the of her clansmen.
“We should set up camp for the night. We are all pretty exhausted from the lack of sleep last night and the battle with Naraku’s puppet has even you tired love.” Miroku stated so she would not be able to protest.
“Yes but if Kirara and I continue we can get us all there by dawn. I just hate to think about what that vile monster could be doing to Kagome.” Ayame shuddered at that thought.
“I understand that but if I were to continue to ride Kirara to the mountains than none of us will be of any use if we meet up with an opponent along the way. Let us take a rest and within a few hours rest we can be on our way. Kagome is not as weak as everyone believes and besides it is at nightfall when her true powers shine.”
Reluctantly Ayame conceded to Miroku’s request. ‘He has been her friend all these years surely he would not risk rest if she could not protect herself.’
Once the sun was completely hidden a calming aura and an eerie lullaby swept over the of The aura caused all creatures to settle for the night while giving strength to one being and one being alone to continue on it journey to their final destination.
The warriors at the Western Palace that were getting ready to depart, as Shippo had demanded that Lord Sesshoumaru ordered it, suddenly looked to the north as the calming aura and the lullaby swept over them. Before Shippo fell asleep he gently whispered, “Good Night Mama!”
The lone warrior sped through the trees watching as the strange calming aura and lullaby caused beast that were once fighting to stop and suddenly fall asleep. It was hard for him to understand why it was giving him energy when everything else seemed to fall into a peaceful sleep.
Still he knew not to question the gods for there actions. ‘If they wish for me to continue towards the north than so be it; all I can do is hope I will get there in time.’
Naraku hissed in pain as he removed the sacred jewel that he kept within his body. Nighttime was falling on the land and he was starting to realize that just being this close to Kagome and the rest of the jewel shards was causing his to purify. Once he has his completely removed he felt this overwhelming aura caress him in a lover’s embrace and could not fight the sleep that came to him immediately after hearing the lullaby.
Kohaku had entered Kagome’s room right before the sun set.
“My Lady I wish to notify you that you and you alone are the only one that can kill Onigumo once and for all. Kagura, Kanna, and I are at your beck and call. Ask and we shall do what we can.” he stated while bowing his head in respect.
Kagome walked up to him and patted his shoulder. “My dearest Kohaku I will not end your life like you are wishing me to but I will rid you of the guilt you feel for what Naraku made you do. That guilt is for me and me alone for if I hadn’t shattered the jewel shard he would never have gained enough power to do what he did to you.”
Suddenly the sun disappeared and Kagome transformed at long last to her true form and as she cleansed Kohaku of his deeds that were against his will a calming aura left her as she began singing a sweet lullaby that swept over all of the creatures of the land.
I don't knowWhat words I can sayThe wind has a wayTo talk to meFlowers sleepA silent lullabyI pray for replyI'm readyQuiet day calms meOh, serenitySomeone pleaseTell me, (oh...hmmm)What is it they say?Maybe I will know one day.I don't know whatWords I can sayThe wind has a wayTo talk to meFlowers sleepA silent lullabyI pray for replyI'm ready
She knew all but one other would sleep on this night. Though she had Kohaku’s words to think about she knew she would also have a heavenly visit in a little while.
As Kagome finished cleansing Kohaku of his past deeds a bright light entered her room and she knew instantly who stood in her room.
She bowed to show her respect to the Goddess that now stood before her.
“Goddess Selene, to what do I owe the honor of this visit?” she asked in complete sincerity.
“Granddaughter, do I honestly have to have a reason to come and visit one of my distant grandchildren of whom I have only seen once before?”
Kagome’s head shot up at that, “So that wasn’t a dream back home was it?”
“No my dearest Kagome, I was there and I placed a very powerful protection spell on you. But there is a draw back to the spell; it makes you unable to kill Naraku. I knew it was a risk I had to take other wise you would have been raped and mated to the beast by now. However this spell will cause your protector to show himself to you once and for all. He is the one that you feel your aura giving strength to continue even now on his quest while all other beings sleep on this night.”
Selene chuckled a little at Kagome’s surprised look. “What did you think that we would be so cruel as to leave you stranded in this time without your mate to be with you? Honestly Kagome, that is why we gods chose this time era to bring you back to instead of when it all began, which would have prevented all of this from happening but then your future mate would not have been ready for you. Believe it or not but he is the one that betrothed himself to you before your own mother had even found her mate! It was quiet amusing if I say so myself.” Selene continued musing silently.
“You mean because some one decided that they wanted to have a being with the blood of the gods you all thought it right to force me to mate this being? What right do you have to dictate how I live my life and who I live it with?” Kagome fumed.
“You definitely have your mother’s anger that is for sure! Come now Kagome calm yourself; we actually looked at the two of you and we saw how the two of you would compliment one another. He will help control that anger of yours while you will help him open up once more. I swear that boy has turned sadistic over these past few hundred years.”
Kagome involuntarily gulped at that, ‘I don’t think she meant for me to hear that.’
Suddenly something caught Kagome’s attention. “What is that?” she asked while pointing to the two light orbs that where floating behind Selene.
Selene was brought from her musing and remembered the other reason for her visit to her granddaughter.
“Oh yes these are for you my dear! They are your guardians this is Egeria, the water nymph. She helped my sister Diana during childbirth. This is Virbius, a woodland God. They are both a gift from Diana and me; they will help you with understanding your powers and what is going on. You have the power to make them become visible to whom ever you wish or be invisible, which ever you prefer.”
Kagome smiled at her new guardians. ‘Well at least I will have friends with me here until I am rescued by my protector, who ever that might be.’
With that note and the gifts given Selene made her departure, she knew that her granddaughter would have questions that her two guardians would need to answer. “Goodbye dearest Kagome and fare the well! Please be unlike your mother and come and visit your homeland in ”
“I will try; after all I do have a while before I see my mother and family again!”
Once the Goddess was gone Kagome turned to her guardians and stated, “First and foremost I need a way to get Kohaku back to his quarters and my door needs to be locked again so that Naraku will not kill the young boy. Then I will start with my questions for you in regards to my powers and how to control them and what is going on with them right now.”
With that stated the two guardians went to work on her request. Virbius took care of Kohaku while Egeria proceeded to relock her door. Once all was done they started with the training and answering of her questions.
Author’s Notes
I hope you enjoyed this chapter. First and foremost the lullaby some might recognize from Outlaw Star as Melfina’s Song from episode 22 and 26, so as you can guess I do not own the song. And for those of you that are interested I did use the names of the water nymph and woodland god that I got from a web site (that I can’t remember which one it is right now) these two where said to have lived with Diana in a grove near Nemi that bordered a volcanic lake known as “Diana’s Mirror” and yes Egeria was said to have helped Diana during childbirth too according to this website. Well again thanks goes out to everyone who has reviewed and/or added (or just read) this story. I appreciate all the responses!! Though it does look like this one is about to draw to an end as well though it might every well still have 3 or more chapters I can’t say. I don’t feel like rushing this story but at the same time I refuse to draw something out. I have already changed from my original plot for this story but I might be able to work it back in still, not quiet sure if it would still work or not…have to look into it.
As Kagome finished cleansing Kohaku of his past deeds a bright light entered her room and she knew instantly who stood in her room.
She bowed to show her respect to the Goddess that now stood before her.
“Goddess Selene, to what do I owe the honor of this visit?” she asked in complete sincerity.
“Granddaughter, do I honestly have to have a reason to come and visit one of my distant grandchildren of whom I have only seen once before?”
Kagome’s head shot up at that, “So that wasn’t a dream back home was it?”
“No my dearest Kagome, I was there and I placed a very powerful protection spell on you. But there is a draw back to the spell; it makes you unable to kill Naraku. I knew it was a risk I had to take other wise you would have been raped and mated to the beast by now. However this spell will cause your protector to show himself to you once and for all. He is the one that you feel your aura giving strength to continue even now on his quest while all other beings sleep on this night.”
Selene chuckled a little at Kagome’s surprised look. “What did you think that we would be so cruel as to leave you stranded in this time without your mate to be with you? Honestly Kagome, that is why we gods chose this time era to bring you back to instead of when it all began, which would have prevented all of this from happening but then your future mate would not have been ready for you. Believe it or not but he is the one that betrothed himself to you before your own mother had even found her mate! It was quiet amusing if I say so myself.” Selene continued musing silently.
“You mean because some one decided that they wanted to have a being with the blood of the gods you all thought it right to force me to mate this being? What right do you have to dictate how I live my life and who I live it with?” Kagome fumed.
“You definitely have your mother’s anger that is for sure! Come now Kagome calm yourself; we actually looked at the two of you and we saw how the two of you would compliment one another. He will help control that anger of yours while you will help him open up once more. I swear that boy has turned sadistic over these past few hundred years.”
Kagome involuntarily gulped at that, ‘I don’t think she meant for me to hear that.’
Suddenly something caught Kagome’s attention. “What is that?” she asked while pointing to the two light orbs that where floating behind Selene.
Selene was brought from her musing and remembered the other reason for her visit to her granddaughter.
“Oh yes these are for you my dear! They are your guardians this is Egeria, the water nymph. She helped my sister Diana during childbirth. This is Virbius, a woodland God. They are both a gift from Diana and me; they will help you with understanding your powers and what is going on. You have the power to make them become visible to whom ever you wish or be invisible, which ever you prefer.”
Kagome smiled at her new guardians. ‘Well at least I will have friends with me here until I am rescued by my protector, who ever that might be.’
With that note and the gifts given Selene made her departure, she knew that her granddaughter would have questions that her two guardians would need to answer. “Goodbye dearest Kagome and fare the well! Please be unlike your mother and come and visit your homeland in ”
“I will try; after all I do have a while before I see my mother and family again!”
Once the Goddess was gone Kagome turned to her guardians and stated, “First and foremost I need a way to get Kohaku back to his quarters and my door needs to be locked again so that Naraku will not kill the young boy. Then I will start with my questions for you in regards to my powers and how to control them and what is going on with them right now.”
With that stated the two guardians went to work on her request. Virbius took care of Kohaku while Egeria proceeded to relock her door. Once all was done they started with the training and answering of her questions.
Author’s Notes
I hope you enjoyed this chapter. First and foremost the lullaby some might recognize from Outlaw Star as Melfina’s Song from episode 22 and 26, so as you can guess I do not own the song. And for those of you that are interested I did use the names of the water nymph and woodland god that I got from a web site (that I can’t remember which one it is right now) these two where said to have lived with Diana in a grove near Nemi that bordered a volcanic lake known as “Diana’s Mirror” and yes Egeria was said to have helped Diana during childbirth too according to this website. Well again thanks goes out to everyone who has reviewed and/or added (or just read) this story. I appreciate all the responses!! Though it does look like this one is about to draw to an end as well though it might every well still have 3 or more chapters I can’t say. I don’t feel like rushing this story but at the same time I refuse to draw something out. I have already changed from my original plot for this story but I might be able to work it back in still, not quiet sure if it would still work or not…have to look into it.