Author's note:

Hello my dear readers! Some days ago I ducked this out from the mess in my closet, and had completely forgotten about this story, but it was the first one that I actually completed handwritten! Whereas, Kagome's Path was pc written in here. All I need to do now is write it down on my pc and edit it. SO, this story should not take too long to get out… Anyway, I do hope you enjoy it : )

Oh, a little detail… This is a Kikiyo/ Inu-Yasha hate story… Just to get it out ; )

All of you who are waiting for the chapters to: Kagome's second journey, To find a reason to live and The Miko youkai, I will just say, DO NOT WORRY. Just because I have yet to write them, I will work hard for you to get them out : )

So please read, enjoy and review

Love

CayaC


Chapter 1 –

Kagome –

It was a warm morning. Kagome crawled on top of her sleeping bag and enjoyed the heat on her skin

'What a wonderful morning! I can feel it's going to be a good mor…'

"Oi Wench! Get your lazy body moving, we do not have all day!" she heard Inu-Yasha yell

'Never mind…' Kagome sighed and got started on her morning routines. Not long after, she was ready to go

"Took you long enough! Kikiyo and the others have been ready for an hour" Kagome smacked her teeth hard together in annoyance

'One… two… three…' she inhaled and then exhaled slowly. Since she started on meditate to better control her powers and emotions, she had gotten a lot stronger and most importantly, more patient. If she had not learned to control her emotions, she would have purified Inu-Yasha's demon out of him a long time ago.

She slowly turned to face Inu-Yasha with such indifference on her face, and a glare so intense that Sesshoumaru would have been proud!

'He he… Sesshoumaru proud of ningen! Impossible… rather impressed…' Kagome scoffed mentally. Inu-Yasha froze and starred at her in disbelief, since it was still so uncommon of her in their eyes

"Well, are we going or what?" Kagome asked without any emotions portraying on her face or in her voice. The she grabbed her bag, bow and arrows and started walking, accompanied by Shippou, Kirara; Kirara resting on Shippou's head, and Sango and Miroku, who both wore frustrated faces. Only Kikiyo and Ini-Yasha remained still standing on their spot as before, whispering to each other.


Many hours later, Inu-Yasha finally came running with Kikiyo on his back

"We will camp here for the night" Kagome stated. Every one of her friends agreed and started to set up the camp.

Later that evening, Kagome decided to go out meditate (Which she definitely could NOT do, with Kikiyo and Inu-Yasha around) so, she took her bow and arrows, fastened them to her body

"I am going for a walk, see you later guys" Kagome put a forced smile on her lips and waved before turning on her heels and walked into the forest, in search for a peaceful spot. She let her mind wander in her search

'They don't even see me anymore. Only Shippou… Sango and Miroku is so full of each other, either training, kissing or talking theories or demon talk… So boring… Inu-Yasha and Kikiyo stays for themselves and has been since she joined 6 months ago… I know they talk of my lack of skills, but we haven't been in a real battle for months, so I have not been able to show them who lacks skills!' she hissed mentally

Kagome stopped dead in her tracks. She sensed a powerful youkai about ½ mile from her and approaching. She was glad that she had covered her aura and scent. She looked to her right and then her left, deciding where to go. She then made a choice, and went to her left, hoping to put a distance between her and the unknown youkai. Not a long way ahead, Kagome stumbled upon a small clearing with a small, but beautiful waterfall

"Sugoi..!" She had found a perfect spot next to the waterfall on a large boulder. She crawled on top of it and crossed her legs, resting her hands on her knees and began meditating to relax, focusing on her breathing. She put up a barrier, just in case someone was to interrupt her. She could feel some youkai's nearby, but not close enough for her to break her meditation. She then changed her arms and hands stands, so her fingers touched and formed a big O with her fingers, so she could practice a bit with her powers.

After half an hour, a small sound broke her concentration, but she chose not to show it, and remained in her meditation position. She again, changed her hand stands, to again letting them rest on her knees, with her fingers slightly touching the thumbs. She then concentrated on searching the grounds for auras, and to Kagome's surprise, she felt the previous strong youkai, watching her, only few meters away up in a tree

'There is something familiar with this aura…' she concentrated on the youkai's aura and was quite surprised

'Sesshoumaru…'

Kagome just continued sitting still, pondering over the fact that the Great Lord Sesshoumaru were watching her

'What is he doing lurking in the trees?... IT IS FREAKING ME OUT!' Kagome took a deep breath and concluded that she would take the chance to speak to him and see where it would lead… Hopefully not to her death… She had improved a lot when it came to her abilities… But not that much, or so she felt

"Is there something I can help you with Lord Sesshoumaru?" she tried asking politely, still with her eyes closed. At first there were no sounds or indications that he had heard her or had moved, but she knew better. She was still focused on his aura and that was how she knew he was currently standing just outside of her barrier. She opened her eyes calmly and looked into his eyes. They were more different from Inu-Yasha's yellow and emotional eyes. Sesshoumaru's shined like gold, and held no emotion whatsoever

'They have not been like that always…' she thought a bit sad. She was a bit startled when he spoke, but she didn't show it

"Where is the hanyou?" Kagome sighed

'I do not need Inu-Yasha to protect me anymore, thank you very much' she couldn't help but think disgusted and annoyed. She looked back up into his eyes

"probably in our camp" Silence. They just starred at each other. Kagome, who hated silence, played with a strand of her hair, feeling very uncomfortable. It was so awkward

"Anything else I can help you with Lord Sesshoumaru?" There! She broke the silence! Or… not… Still silence, and still with him starring at her. It was unnerving. Anger and frustration bobbled in heat in her body

"It is not polite to stare Lord Sesshoumaru, so if there is nothing more I can help you with, then I will resume with my meditation, since I do not get much time to do it in" and with that Kagome closed her eyes.


Sesshoumaru –

He was near Inu-Yasha's camp. This was not the first time he had gone out with the attempt on spying on the group. They were, after all, the group that dealt with Naraku. And he wanted Naraku's head, badly. He had kidnapped Rin twice, massacred 2 youkai, and 1 human village on his lands. Unacceptable! He was the Lord of the Western Lands, and he could not let a hanyou ruin what was his. He stopped, both in thoughts and steps. He had heard something to his right. Curious, he followed it, and when he was near enough, he jumped up on a tree branch to get a better view. The sound had been from the waterfall, but it was what sat next to it that caught his attention. There, on a large boulder, sat a woman meditating. She was surrounded in a pink barrier. She had raven colored hair. She was young, and clean, with a healthy looking skin, that looked soft. Her lips had a perfect pink color. He shook his head. He had to admit she was attractive, but she was a human miko! Then he looked at her again, more intently, and that was when realization kicked in

'It is the half breeds wench' he saw her change her hands position to rest on her knees with her fingers touching lightly. He watched her curiously. He knew she was strong, even though she had yet to display her true powers, and that power was incredible! The amount of power she had in the barrier around her alone, spoke volumes! He was not even sure if HE could get through it. He was surprised when she spoke, shocked that she knew it was him, but he did not show it, no, he held his composure.

In a heartbeat he stood in front of the barrier. He was again surprised (And still did not show any sign of it) that she was not the least surprised by his sudden appearance. She did not speak so he chose to speak instead

"Where is the hanyou?" He was curious as to why she was not with him, seeing how overprotective the hanyou was, and he was not sure if she could protect herself without the barrier, bow and arrows

"Probably in our camp" she answered indifferent. No emotion on her face or in her voice. This was very unlike her. She would always be happy or sad or angry. She always showed emotion. But here with him she showed him none. He did not know if he liked it, and the other hand, he was satisfied with her learning the skill. That would definitely stop him from killing her, if she started getting angry and started a fight, like she usually would have, but she was still sitting down calmly, talking to him with the respect he deserved

'Interesting girl… She never seize to amaze this Sesshoumaru' his thoughts stopped when she again spoke, and with his youkai hearing he could hear slight annoyance in her voice, but then his brain told him she had been speaking 2 seconds ago, when he had been in deep thought… He could not blame her annoyance towards him

"It is not polite to stare Lord Sesshoumaru, so if there is nothing more I can help you with, then I will resume with my meditation, since I do not get much time to do it in" and with that she closed her eyes. He just looked at her and took a sniff

'She has masked her scent' He felt a little disappointed. He remembered she smelt good for a human. Of lavender and apples. She shifted her hand pose back to her former, and it looked like she was concentrating. Before he could stop himself he had spoken up

"Why are you sitting out here alone meditating?" He knew he was being nosy, but she behaved so out of character, it actually caught his interest. And when he was curious and interested, it did not disappear until he was satisfied. The miko opened her eyes again, and he looked her deep in her eyes, and admired her deep blue eyes that had used to change shades, according to her emotions, but again her eyes now… seemed dull

"It is impossible for me to meditate near Inu-Yasha and Kikiyo. They do not give me peace unless I am asleep, goes for a walk or when they have gone out to rut" she answered blunt and honestly

'So, he is with the dead priestess' He again started to observe her

'She does no longer seem to care for the hanyou' he was pleased with that thought. It had been disturbing seeing her cry so many times because of the hanyou

"And I am meditating and training my powers in secret, for 3 reasons. 1: I simply do not want them to know… yet. 2: I want to become stronger by myself, until I need help to advance. 3: If they don't know, then my enemies do not either" she spoke softly to him and gave him one of her rare genuine smiles, and he was pleased that she continued to speak

"I am almost at an end to my miko training, and I have perfected my bow skill… So, now all I need is to find someone who can train me in hand – to – hand combat and swordsmanship…. And it is not going to be Inu-Yasha…" she stopped talking. She had finally led an emotion slip. Confusion. Maybe she was wondering why she had been so open to him. But the confusion he saw, quickly disappeared. He did not know what to say, but he took a moment to think of what she had said

'So, she had been training in secret, and is determined to learn how to fight… Interesting…' He looked at her again. Something definitely had changed with her. She held her head high, showing no fear, no emotion. She was polite, respectful… This human confused him to no end. He was drawn to her, and when he locked eyes with her, they seemed so familiar, even the way she spoke now, the way she said his name… It just all seemed so familiar. He had watched her in a while, and this change seemed drastic. He was intrigued. He wanted to know more of her, so he came to a conclusion and would give her a choice

"If you are serious to learn the craft and are willing to teach Rin, then you have this Sesshoumaru's acceptance in coming to stay at this Sesshoumaru's palace.


Kagome –

Kagome looked at him in shock, but quickly gathered herself. He had seen it; she knew that, with the smirk he had on his lips. She thought about what he had just offered

'He could give me the training I need, and I would not be near Inu-Yasha and Kikiyo' she looked at Sesshoumaru again

"It is a great honor and I would like to accept, but I do have some things that I would need to do, if I really do go with you…" she talked calmly, so as to not upset him. He nodded for Kagome to move on

"1: I would like to stay the night to say goodbye to my friends. 2: I still want to search for jewel shards. 3: Since I have adopted Shippou, I want to take him with me. He could be a good playmate for Rin, since he does not get to meet anyone on his own age…" she looked at him cautiously, and waited for an answer, not that she expected him to agree to all of the terms…

"This Sesshoumaru accepts your terms. This Sesshoumaru will meet you tomorrow at your camp" he turned to leave, but he stopped when she moved. Kagome removed her barrier and got down from the boulder

"Let us meet here tomorrow… That would be safer…" '…and less troublesome…'she thought. Sesshoumaru nodded in agreement

"Thank you Lord Sesshoumaru" she then bowed respectfully, picked up her things, and when she looked up, he was gone.

When Kagome got back to camp, she saw her friends were sitting as she had left them. She went over to the fire, where Sango, Miroku and Shippou was sitting around

"I have some news, that I have to tell you" they all looked up, even Inu-Yasha and Kikiyo came over and sat down

"What is it Lady Kagome?" Miroku asked. Kagome frowned at the honorific. She had never cared much for titles, but knew that it was important in this era

"I have decided to go on a journey myself, and I am taking Shippou with me" Kagome stated and walked over to her two closest friends, Sango and Miroku, giving them each a hug

"I need to do this, and you guys have to protect Inu-Yasha for me" Sango and Miroku nodded understanding where she was going with this… They had all talked about how Kikiyo was a bad influence on Inu-Yasha. They also knew how much she had, had to endure everyday because of the duo

"Kagome, I do not believe it to be a wise choice. How would you get the shards? You can barely hit a tree with your aim" Kikiyo stated in disgust. If it had not been for her training in self discipline, she would have snapped and given Kikiyo a piece of her mind, but now was not the time

"I have found protection and a place to stay, and I do not care much for opinions from clay and dirt…" she glared at Kikiyo, who jut glared back

"Sango, Miroku, Shippou… Would you mind go for a walk just a second? Inu-Yasha and I need to talk with Kagome alone" Sango looked at Miroku, and Miroku at Sango. Then they both looked at Kikiyo with glares, and remained seated. They trusted her as much as a fat kid in a candy shop. Kagome almost giggled at that

"It is okay guys… It is just a talk" Kagome said reassuringly. They nodded and left, but Shippou remained at her side, glaring with suspicious eyes at Kikiyo. Kagome kneeled next to Shippou and picked him up. She looked at him with a strange look in her eyes. Then she hugged him and whispered, only for him to hear

"Sesshoumaru has promised protection. Go northeast until you find a waterfall. He will go there. Hide behind the boulder until I or he comes. Promise?" Shippou looked up at her. He saw determination, and that had seemed to be enough for the little kitsune kid. He nodded and ran as fast as he could in the direction given by his adoptive mother.

Kagome straightened up and looked at Kikiyo

"So?" Kagome asked neutrally. Kikiyo smirked and Inu-Yasha tensed, his eyes getting clouded

"I will handle this Inu-Yasha" she heard Kikiyo spout, and before Kagome could react, Kikiyo had grabbed her bow, and had notched an arrow in the same move. She then aimed at Kagome

"I will be taking my soul back" Kagome's eyes widen at first in realization, but then smiled wickedly, she couldn't help it

"I am afraid it is I, who needs the last piece of MY soul. Without it, I can't be me again" Of course, Kikiyo did not know what Kagome was talking about. No one did. Only Kagome and her family. She had gotten her memory back of her real life 2 weeks ago at her 20th birthday. It had come to her in a dream

2 weeks ago –

Dream –

Kagome was sitting on a hill, gazing out in the distance when a servant came running up to her panicking

"Lady Aya! You must come quickly! The Lord and Lady need to see you at once!" Kagome got to her feet and quickly ran back down to the palace. Before she entered the study, she got a good look of herself in the iron doors reflection. She was a black inu youkai. Her hair, black and long, and ended at her knees. She had claws with purple tips. She had a black star on her forehead. A black and a purple stripe on each cheek, and a purple stripe on her eyelids, and like Sesshoumaru she had a big black fussy tail. She was the miko inu youkai princess of the Northern Lands.

She walked into the study and saw the distress in her parents' faces, which normally did not show any emotions

"The priestess who protected the Shikon no Tama is dead. We got to the jewel when they burned her. Fortunately they did not notice it, but we must keep it safe" her father said disturbed. He had the same markings as her, but instead of black hair, it was dark purple and his eyes were ice blue. She looked at her mother. Still same markings, and black hair as Kagome, but she had deep dark brown eyes

"It is now your responsibility, and your mother and I have discussed what needs to be done, so Naraku will not get it or kill you in the process of obtaining it" Kagome started to worry. Her mom had started crying, and fumbled with a silver necklace

"I will do what it takes. Naraku will not get it from me" Kagome said in a serious tone

"This enemy is not yet known. He is unpredictable and therefore we only have one option" her father took a deep breath and let it out slowly while walking two steps to lay a hand on Kagome's shoulder

"Aya, I will use my power combined with your mother's miko powers to create a time loop. You and the jewel will be going to another time where there will be little, to no knowledge of the jewel. Your mother has planted a spell on this necklace so you will forget everything and become temporarily human. You will get new memories and live with a new family and with the jewel inside of your body to protect it…" Kagome could not help but cry

"But… What about you? And my friends? Kira, Chi and Sesshy…."

"I know honey" her mother interrupted, hugging her. She too was barely able to control herself…

Dream end –

And that had been it. It had trickered her brain, and she got her entire memory back. She could have gone back and stayed in the other time, but…It was not her real home. She was going with Sesshoumaru, she didn't know how he would react to all this… Not that she was allowed to say anything yet, anyway… She and Sesshoumaru had been the best of friends… She was thinking back to all their times together, but… A voice brought her back to the present. Kikiyo had called her something and had then shot her arrow, infused with purification energy. Kagome was quick to raise a barrier

"You do not believe that will work?" she heard Kikiyo ask. The arrow she had shot, went straight through, and broke her barrier, to Kagome great surprise, and the arrow hit her in her left shoulder. Kagome hissed, it hurt like hell! Kagome glared at Kikiyo, but it turned to a smirk when she remembered something from her secret training. Kagome concentrated on the spirituality energy, that were embedded in her shoulder, and tried to draw from it, since it was practically her energy anyway, Kikiyo had just borrowed it. Kagome looked at the energy while trying, and saw the energy disappear little, by little until none was left. Her tactic had ensured Kikiyo's attack had become worthless, expect for the fact she still had an arrow in her shoulder. Kagome tore out the arrow, grabbed her own bow, and notched the arrow, but before she got the chance to shot it, Inu-Yasha had drawn Tetsaiga and had thrust it right threw her. Kagome gasped in surprise and pain. She looked at him in disbelief, but he only smiled wicked at her, his eyes still clouded

'He is being controlled, but whom… Naraku!' Kikiyo had been in liege with him all this time! Kagome coughed some blood up and went to her knees. She closed her eyes and concentrated on the auras nearby… She had to know if he was near

'Sesshoumaru…' Her senses flared when she felt him. He was at the waterfall with Shippou already! Kagome, gasped in pain and in one final try she let her aura touch his so he could sense her distress. It could compromise her identity, since one would have, to have or have had a bond with the youkai or human to be able to touch ones aura with one's own. She opened her eyes, one last time to look at Kikiyo who was approaching her, with a big smile plastered on her face. Oh how Kagome wanted that bitch dead! Kagome collected what she had left of her energy in her and stretched her hand out towards Kikiyo. Before Kikiyo got to react a sphere of purification energy burst through Kikiyo's chest. Kagome more heard than saw the clay woman collapse to the ground, dead. Kagome took in a painful breath when she felt her soul heal itself back together, and waited... Either for Inu-Yasha's killing blow or Sesshoumaru's rescue.