Chapter 1: Cursed
I really need to stop going back and forth between stories. They'll get finished eventually. I just needed to write this one. So, here goes!
The night was layered with this feeling of sorrow for Kagome Higurashi, the girl who traveled back in time. She was on a mission with her friends to find the pieces of the sacred jewel shard, but she also was in love with one of her companions. His name was Inuyasha. But alas, while she tried to fall asleep on the hard ground next to Sango, Miroku, Shippo and Kirara, Inuyasha had gone out looking for Kikyou. Kagome had seen her demon collectors flying around and knew immediately when the hanyou stood up, he planned on finding her.
Still, what could she do? Inuyasha and her weren't together. And she knew that Inuyasha loved Kikyou. They were destined for each other even before Kagome met the hanyou. But she could hear her heart shatter like the sound of broken glass invading her ear drums. And the shards pierced through her chest like a sword. Like his sword.
"I need to take a walk." She mumbled, well aware that she wouldn't be able to sleep anyways with him gone. So she got up and tip-toed in the opposite direction that she saw Inuyasha rush off to, not forgetting to grab her bow and arrow if she ran into trouble.
"Fresh air is always a good idea!" She inhaled, "I feel better already." But in her gut she knew that was a lie. The stroll would provide her temporary comfort while the hanyou was away, but when she faced him in the morning, she knew the shards from her broken glass heart would tear her up again.
Still, she trudged on, making note of where she was for when she had to backtrack to where her friends were currently sleeping.
However, it was not long until she heard footsteps behind her. Was it Inuyasha? Had he returned and noticed her absence? Perhaps he was now following the young girl to ensure her safety. Still, it wasn't safe to make that assumption. It could easily be someone dangerous.
So she turned around swiftly and aimed an arrow, waiting for her stalker to reveal themselves. However, a frail man emerged, seemingly harmless.
"Please, don't hurt me." He pleaded, clapping his hands together, "I thought it would be safer to walk near someone who was armed, like yourself." His tanned skin indicated a lower status, given that it meant he must spend a lot of time outside working. However, he appeared to be relatively young for being so weak. He looked about thirty, with a head full of lucious black hair.
Kagome lowered her arrows, feeling compassionate towards the man, who was begging for his life. Normally, she would be more on guard, but the poor soul was all alone, traveling through the night. He did not appear to be armed, anyways. "Oh, so you wanted to travel close behind me in case anything happened? You thought, since I had my bow and arrow, you'd be safe near me?"
He nodded vigorously, his hands still together.
The woman put the bow and arrow backing, deciding that he meant no harm. She moved close to him and waved, "Well, don't worry, I won't hurt you. I'm just taking a walk though, and will be returning soon."
"Oh, thank you for this, merciful woman!" He praised, "Please, for sparing my life, I would like to reward you!"
"Huh?" Kagome scratched her head as the man scrambled through a small bag that hung over his shoulder. From it, he pulled out a small blue bottle that was reminiscent of a perfume bottle from modern day.
"Please, take this oil. It's scent is quite pleasant and it is grand for meditation!" The strange man showed off the pretty blue bottle, confident in his words.
Like aromatherapy? The girl thought, wondering what it was. Still, she was not totally comfortable accepting the gift from the strange man. She didn't feel as though he needed to repay her for not killing him.
"No, thank you." She smiled, "Please, keep this. Sparing your life isn't something I need to be repaid for."
The man began to revel in her kindness once more, insisting that she take the bottle.
"Oh, but many would have shot at me on the spot!" He cried out, beginning to open the bottle, "Please, take a whiff. You will fall in love immediately."
He shoved the now open bottle up to Kagome's face. She couldn't help but inhale the scent that came forth from the bottle. It was a strong, earthy scent, but still possessed some unfamiliar after scent that the girl couldn't put her finger on. Her mother used essential oils quite often with the hopes of keeping up a good mood, so she was surprised when she couldn't recognize what was in the bottle.
She contemplated it a bit, wondering if this was some weird concoction no longer used in modern. But the sensation she felt through her body was not what she expected from some oils. She drooped down a bit like a dying flower.
"Wha-What is this..." She mumbled, losing balance. But she lifted her gaze to a grin on the man's face, whose body now had the appearance of a warrior.
The man's eyes flashed red right before her, "That, my dear, is a demon's soul. Specifically, the soul of Princess Ani, the leader of the Panther tribe."
Kagome felt this rush of power begin flowing through her veins. What did it mean to inhale the soul of a demon?
"And I have passed on her demonic royalty to you, a priestess." He giggled, watching as Kagome's body shook, "You will become a demon, growing in strength, while still maintaining your priestess powers. And you will be our new leader."
Kagome realized that she was transforming into a demon. She didn't feel as though her appearance was changing much, but everything became numb. Her previous exhaustion from a day of searching for jewels faded. She wasn't sure if she could feel anything. But she did feel alive.
"Now, new Princess, come." The man ordered, grinning, "Your people await you." The undercover demon extended his strong hand out in order to grab the Kagome, and the seconds that it took for his arm to stretch outwards felt long, extended minutes.
"NOT SO FAST!" A voice from far up in the trees crashed into the man's eardrums. Kagome knew that the voice was not Inuyasha, but, her senses were blurring out as she morphed, so she could not make out who it was. Although the familiarity was not lost on her.
She looked to see a tan figure jump down from up above, revealing himself to be Kouga.
"Hmm, a wolf demon?" The strange man mumbled, "What is it that you want?"
"That woman is not some slave you can drag off and make the leader of a worthless pack like yours." Kouga sneered, "Demon or not, you can't have her."
The man shrugged him off, "She is not done with her process. Remains of the panther princess, Ani, still rests within this bottle. If the woman does not finish inhaling, she will be lost between her transformation."
"I don't give a damn. I've heard of your tribe." Kouga shouted, "You choose a woman to replace the princess every time she dies. This woman is subjected to the will of your tribe. She must sacrifice her life in order to protect the tribe. And that is why the princess always needs to be replaced. She dies over and over again."
Kagome gasped at the thought of being subjected to such a short life. Still, if she doesn't finish what's in the bottle, what will happen to her?
She didn't get the chance to find out, though. Kouga began to fight the seemingly panther demon, who turned out to be quite the skilled enemy. Still, it did not take long for Kouga to knock the bottle out of his hands and onto the ground, where it shattered and the soul of princess could be seen rising into the air before turning into nothing.
"What? No! Princess!" The man fell onto his knees before the shattered bottle, screaming out to the late princess whose soul had already gone. Kouga took this opportunity to kick his face into the ground before landing a final blow to his neck, which broke, resulting in the man's death.
Kagome fell down to her knees as well, moreso from shock, though. Her transformation had seemed to settle, as she felt in control of her body again. Although, she still felt this power coursing within her. Was she a demon now? For some reason, she doubted that she was a full demon. While she did feel these effects, she still felt undeniably human. Perhaps this was the cause of her failure to inhale the full soul.
"Kagome, are you alright?" Kouga asked, moving slowly towards the girl, "You must be confused."
Kagome nodded immediately as the wolf demon extended his hand out to her. She grabbed on and he lifted her back into the air.
"Your eyes are red. But you don't seem to possess many other demonic qualities. Not even fangs." He noted, "You most likely possess the body of a half panther demon. Maybe even less than half."
"A... Half demon?" She questioned, feeling relieved that she did not completely change. She didn't want to imagine the ways in which her mind would be altered by becoming a full demon. She recalled the way Inuyasha became when he transformed. Would she have lost herself as well?
"Come with me." He said, staring into her new scarlet orbs, "You are gonna need some help."
She thought about returning back to camp and just waiting to tell Inuyasha, but she didn't know if she would be met with any uncontrollable side effects and thought it best to let Kouga take care of her. So, she left with him and they returned to a small cave where Kouga got a fire started before sitting beside her.
"You know, Kagome, I don't like that damn Inuyasha leaving you alone at night..." He muttered, "You should just let me protect you."
"Kouga... you know I can't leave them!" She protested, wishing the demon would put his feelings aside to help her out. Even though, well, she didn't really know what she needed help with. Besides her new strength, endurance, and quality senses, she felt fine. Which surprised her and comforted her at the same time.
"Aw well, I can't help but to say it. I love you, Kagome." He waited for her to return his affection, but when she remained silent, he knew it'd be best to just focus on her new identity.
"You're a demon now. Kind of." He began, "Your half demon status means you risk the chance of becoming full demon, which your body can't handle. You'll be like that mutt and lose control of yourself. So you gotta be careful with that."
Kagome nodded, wondering if she'll ever become like that and hurt someone. She hoped to God that she wouldn't, but then again, its not like she has any experience warding off something like that.
"But there's something else that natural demons don't have to deal with." He muttered, looking down, "Your mind. You can't trust it for a bit. Your human side will treat your demon side like its some kind of poison and you can lose yourself while they fight internally."
The thought of an internal battle devastated the poor schoolgirl, who, at this point, was not so sure how to handle a situation like that. While internal conflicts were common among so many people while making decisions or stuck in hard situations, identity clashes that were out of her control must have more impactful effects. Still, she focused on her mind and senses to try to feel any sort of dissonance. She felt none.
"I feel fine right now... Is there a chance I won't go through that?" Kagome asked, letting her fear crash into her like waves.
Kouga shrugged, "I've seen this before. This demon replacement method. The victims lose their mind, almost becoming hollow. That's why they are so easy to control. That's why this method is perfect for replacing a demon princess. The control the panther demons could have over you as you suffer would make it easy for them to use you for protection and for other degrading things."
The thought of becoming hollow haunted her mind like a ghost. Her mind was all she had. Without it, she is not Kagome. And that type of vulnerability could make her dangerous to her friends.
"There have been a few rescued souls who overcome this and adapt to their new demonic identity to continue normal lives." He added, "Some even continue as if they were still fully human, returning to their previous lives. But it's hard to say how easy that it. Most victims are used and discarded, so they don't live long enough to overcome their inner battles."
The night air fluttered between to the two, creating a soft breeze that blew away all of her safe thoughts. I'm a demon, and a fake one at that. She thought, And now, on top of all that needs to get done, I have to worry about losing my mind? How can I go home? How can I face anyone? They won't understand...
"I'll do everything I can to help you transition." Kouga's words flew out of the woman's ears, though.
"I-I don't want to transition." She muttered, "There must be a way to reverse this." With all the spells and potions and cures in this time, she assumed that someone somewhere must have figured out some way to suck up some inhaled soul. Perhaps Kaede would know something.
"Maybe with some demonic magic... A witch or somethin' might have some spell for it." He mumbled, "But I wouldn't trust nothing like that... They'll promise to suck up the remaining demon soul to reverse the demonic effects, but your soul could get sucked out too by mistake, or at least some of it."
The memory of Kikyou's resurrection surfaced the depths of Kagome's mind. That witch took some of Kagome's soul in order to revive the dead priestess. But Kouga made a good point. Perhaps her soul was at risk for getting pulled from her as well.
"I-I have a family. A home in the modern era." The girl weeped, realizing all the ways in which her life could be altered permanently, all because she trusted some strange man. The image of her arrows whipping through the air and destroying him before he even got a chance to defend himself played like a movie in her head.
"I can't go to school like this. Or see my friends... M-My brother, my mother, my granddad! What will they think? I-I wanted to make a choice between whether I wanted my life to primarily be in the modern era, but it doesn't seem so likely..." She whimpered even more, prompting the full demon to outstretch his closest arm to wrap around her.
While he didn't understand her worries regarding her time period, he knew she was hurt and scared, all of which were justified. Being a demon was normal to him, and he never had to question his inability to live a human lifestyle. While he didn't find his life unfulfilling and believed that he could help her transition, her initial fears about what being a demon would mean for her future was something he could understand.
"Listen, Kagome, you look like yourself almost." He tried his best to comfort her, "The only demonic physical feature you've got are those red eyes."
Realizing that did make her feel better. With some colored contacts, she could appear human in her time.
"Is that really it?" She asked, not having a chance to see herself.
His gaze traveled around her, "Your eyes are bigger, and the outer corners turn upwards a bit more. And your cheekbones are slightly raised, I think. It looks like you got even more hair on your head. But I think that's it."
That was not nearly as bad as Kagome imagined. For some reason, she expected marks on her face or some animal ears like Inuyasha. Then again, she wasn't really like Inuyasha. His half demon features were all natural.
Kagome expressed her concerns further to Kouga, trying to gauge the ways she would have to adapt. He advised her to be wary of her senses. If she wanted to, she could focus her sight, smell, hearing, or touch in order to exemplify one. But it also meant that she'd be vulnerable to loud noises, gross scents, and pain at first while she adjusts. She hoped to God that was it. But Kouga admitted to not being a total expert on the topic.
She made the decision not to return to her time period for a while, in case any other symptoms came up. She also stayed the night in the cave, sleeping next to the wolf demon who, unlike Inuyasha, did not sit up against the cave walls as he slept. His body was so close to hers and she could feel the warmth emitting from his body. She tried out taking in his scent, and found she quite liked it, too.
And her strong inhale was not lost on him, either. He knew she was smelling him, and the smile on her face that appeared afterwards let him know that she quite enjoyed it. For him, perhaps her transformation would not be a bad thing.
Morning came quicker than the sleeping Kagome would like, but she felt energized as she lifted her body up into a sitting position. Kouga followed her lead, quite pleased to have been next to her all night.
"Oh no!" She cried out, "Sango, Miroku and Shippo must be worried sick!" She realized that it may have been a bit selfish to spend the entire night with Kouga without any word to her friends. Although she still did not feel so bad for not cluing in the hanyou who had gone off, as well.
The wolf demon grunted, not too happy that Kagome wanted to leave so soon. He had planned to spend a nice morning with her, hoping to win her heart even further.
"Perhaps I should stay with all of you!" He quickly spit out, wanting nothing more than to be her knight in shining armor, "I-I said I would help you. And I want to do just that."
Kouga traveling with us? Well, it would be an advantage against our enemies to have him fighting with us... But him and Inuyasha would surely kill themselves... The girl thought.
But before she could speak further, he quickly stood and grabbed her up as well, "It's settled. I'll be there for you whenever you need my help."
In truth, Kagome appreciated his dedication to her problem. And decided that it might be nice to have him around. She could sit Inuyasha to hell if he tried to fight him, and, if she starts feeling odd, he'd be there to ease her mind. He's useful. And a good friend, even if he wants more than that.
She nodded, much to his delight, and she got onto his back, feeling a bit uneasy with the idea of trying out her new demon speed. He didn't push it either.
They flew over the trees like free birds while wind brushed against their connected bodies. Her skin kissed the high skies with much glee, feeling better about her situation. At least for now. She knew Inuyasha would be mad, but for a moment she didn't care.
That was, until, another sweet smell graced her nostrils. This time, it was not her wolf friend. Kouga's feet hit the ground at the base of the gang's campsite. Only Shippo and Kirara remained, though.
"Kagome!" The young fox demon cheered, "You're alive! Everyone went looking for you a little while ago. We were so worried when we realized you were gone!"
Guilt rushed over the schoolgirl, "Sorry, I didn't mean to cause trouble..."
Shippo hopped onto her shoulders, happy to see her return, but then hopped off, speechless, when he saw her red orbs.
"I wouldn't worry too much, Kagome." Kouga shrugged, "That mutt should've already picked up my scent and will be rushing on b-"
"KAGOME!" Kouga's prediction came true as a certain silver haired half demon ran into the scene. He was not too happy either.
"Where the hell have you been!?" He growled, "And what's this mangy wolf doing here too-" He stopped, though. He took a strong whiff of the girl and took note of her slight change in physical appearance.
His attention shifted towards Kouga, who was not too pleased to see the hanyou, either.
"You...What did you do to here!" Inuyasha barked, wasting no time before placing the blame onto the wolf, "S-She's a demon!" He hoped his senses were betraying him, but knew in his heart that what he was witnessing was true. But he couldn't understand how. He just knew that he wanted to kill the wolf demon.
"Calm down, damn dog." He retorted, "I didn't do anything."
But that was not enough for the hanyou, "YOU BASTARD! I WILL RIP YOU TO SHREDS FOR LAYING A HAND ON HER!" The man lunged in the air, preparing to whip out his Tessaiga.
"...Sit, boy." As those words slipped from her lips, Inuyasha was pulled down to the ground.
"H-He didn't do anything. I was tricked into inhaling the soul of demon princess. Kouga saved me from becoming slave to a demon tribe!" She explained, hoping her response would calm the angry hanyou.
And it may have helped a bit if Kouga didn't join in, "And it wouldn't have happened if you were there to protect her!"
That hit the hanyou harder than any sit command could ever. He hated himself after hearing those words, but he hated the wolf demon more for daring to insult his dedication to Kagome.
"You...You will taste my blade." He began, getting back and reaching for the sword again, "I swear I'll kill you."
"Bring it on, mutt." Kouga grinned, awaiting the dog demon's first move.
But Kagome couldn't take the fighting. Here she was, trying to adapt to this new identity she didn't even want, facing the possibility that she won't ever be able to return to her modern day life, and these two idiots were more worried about proving themselves superior to one another!
Normally, Kagome would yell out a few more sit commands to quell the battle. But this time, she felt anger flowing through her blood. And it was hot, making her blood like lava. Her surface of her skin began to get warm, while her muscles began to tense up. The feeling of this all made the girl feel powerful. And yet, as her senses numbed, she also felt the sting of all the negative emotions plunging into her heart. She was transforming again.
Unbeknownst to her, she began to grow fangs and dark black line began to extend from her forehead down to the tip of her nose. Black lines appeared down her arms as well. She was become a full demon. In all of the commotion, the emotions she was feeling mixed with her current state of vulnerability caused her to transform.
Inuyasha recognized this process well, and quickly ran to her side faster than Kouga.
"Kagome..." He whispered, but she growled at him, showing no sign of any sentience, just an animalistic nature. She stood there, bearing her fangs at him, ready to attack.
It was not until the hanyou pulled her into a hug that she stopped growling and managed to drop her shoulders.
Is... Inuyasha hugging me? His embrace feels so... warm. So comforting. I can feel my sense of control returning. I realize now that I don't want to hurt him.
Kagome let him hold her while she regained control of her body. Her fangs returned to normal human teeth. The marks on her body disappeared. And her insides were soothed. She had no idea how his touch could manage to do all of those things.
"I'm sorry for leaving you..." He whispered quietly into her ear so no one else could hear. She just leaned into him further, though, wishing the moment could last forever.
Kouga was not pleased, though. Had he been able to get to her before the hanyou, it would his embrace that would be comforting her. But he knew better than to break them up now. He still believed he had a chance to win her over.
Sango and Miroku emerged from the trees, having heard the commotion, but when they saw two still enjoying a warm hug, they stopped. Miroku scratched his head, trying to determine what could have happened and why the wolf demon, too, was here.
"I think we missed something..." Sango mumbled.
Miroku just chuckled, unaware of the situation, but happy to see Inuyasha and Kagome the way they were, "Well, my dear Sango, we'll find out."
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