Author Notice: (Please Read First!)

This is the First Book of this fanfiction, and it will focus on Kagome learning to adapt to the Sengoku Era and realizing the circumstances behind her unexpected fate. She will not start off strong and powerful; keep this in mind.

There will be a brief introduction to Youko early on, but he will not arrive permanently until Book Two; there is a reason for this.

Book Two will be the last part of this story, and it will focus on Kagome finally becoming a priestess near the beginning; she will no longer be weak. There will be more demon interaction, introduction of familiar and new characters/demons from the anime/manga of Inuyasha and YuYu Hakusho. Book Two will begin the plot of this story!

Keep in mind, this is a Youko/Kagome romance story, and it will begin in Book Two officially. This story will have instances of unrequited love, drama and suspense, as well as some gore here and there. This will not be a love at first sight story; MyWorldMyImagination and I plan to build on the relationship between certain people, making it a worthwhile experience for all of you.

During my free time, I've researched plenty on the Sengoku Era and unlike the anime/manga, I plan to take a somewhat 'realistic' approach with this story; I will be using names from the anime/manga and historic names/provinces in Japanese history.

Regarding chapter one, I changed graduation for Japanese students, as you will notice with the date below. I understand graduation begins at the end of March, but I changed it for good reason. I changed the year in which the story begins to 1990, so it correlates to Yu Yu Hakusho. Also, each calendar day will be 30 days each, that way it makes it easier to keep track of the days that pass.

With that in mind, please enjoy the story.

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Year 1990

June 1st

A chorus of applause echoed within the Omori Senior High School gymnasium as proud parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles and siblings all stood before the stage watching the students step up to receive their diplomas one by one. The students were dressed in their required uniforms; the girls in their navy-blue blazers and plaid blue skirts while the young boys were dressed in the usual black blazers and black pants.

Higurashi was called next followed after by her three friends, Eri, Yuka and Ayumi. Once receiving their diplomas, a hardback small book containing their achievements, the four gathered together with their families, snapping pictures and selfies with one another.

Many parents and grandparents were dressed in the traditional Kimonos of various colors and lengths. Among them were Kagome's mother and grandfather who wore their own traditional garb. Grandfather was wearing his normal priest clothes while her mother was donned in a stunning black Kimono with beautiful pink and white cherry blossoms stitched into the fabric while her hair was curled to frame her face.

Souta, who was also standing beside his mother and grandfather, smiled at his sister happily. Although he wasn't dressed similarly as his family, he was instead dressed in a simple button down white shirt with his sleeves folded up at his wrists with black dress pants; over three years, he had grown much taller and was now in his first year of Middle School, fairly popular among his classmates and had even made captain of the soccer team.

"Congratulations Sis!" Souta loudly exclaimed alongside his mother and grandfather.

Kagome smiled warmly in return, slightly blushing from embarrassment. Both her arms were entwined by her friends and Yuka continuously took many pictures, laughing here and there at their celebratory gestures towards the camera.

After all the students received their diplomas, everyone was dismissed but those who remained resigned themselves to enjoying a feast within the school's cafeteria. The Higurashi family however stepped outside the school with Kagome and her three friends following behind, each conversed in light conversation concerning their future careers.

At the entrance of Omori High School, they were greeted by the various decorations surrounding the site where they were all saying their goodbyes to each other. Some people had remained, and as Kagome and her friends looked on, they noticed a good portion of the boys ripping their buttons off their blazers and giving them to the girls, some who were flattered to receive.

Eri and Yuka slyly smirked at Kagome who looked at them in obvious confusion. While Kagome had never gotten a button, she thought the act was rather precious. From what she had seen in middle school, the second golden button closest to the guy's heart was torn from the uniform and given to their significant other. When she thought about it, Kagome couldn't help but smile.

When Mrs. Higurashi and grandpa separated to converse with some of the other parents nearby, the girls caught sight of a familiar brunette surrounded by a crowd of blushing and smiling girls.

"It's Hojo," Kagome suddenly exclaimed, and at this, her friends' laughed at the boy's awkward attempt to flee the crowd. "It seems everyone is after his button."

Yuka laughed. "Well from the looks of it, it seems he's saving it."

Eri exchanged a knowing look with Ayumi and Yuka. "Bet you anything he's saving it for someone special."

"Oh it's so romantic!" Ayumi gushed.

It was at this point that Kagome looked over at Souta, curious about his graduation from grade school. "That's right. Pretty soon you'll have girls asking for your button, Souta," Kagome teased.

Souta blushed at her reply. "Well mine is reserved for someone else."

The girls smiled at his remark, and Souta couldn't help but blush. From what they remembered a while back, Souta had confessed to Hitomi back in grade school, and although he'd been too shy and shot down by the girl, with the help of his sister, he managed to express his fondness for her. It was surprisingly the two were still together, often going out for small dates together and the two were lucky to be in the same class again.

"Aww, look he's blushing!" Eri teased. "Now that you are captain of the soccer team, what about your girlfriend?"

Still blushing from their teasing's, Souta awkwardly rubbed his neck. "Well she joined the gardening club and she's also started cheerleading." Among all the girls at his school, Hitomi was the smartest and beautiful girl with large blue eyes, somewhat similar to his sister's, and she had a gentle side when it came to animals.

Although Kagome's friends were both single, not interested in the boys at their school, they were however given a button from a few boys that day, however it was simply returned as mutual friendship.

As Hojo struggled to escape the girls surrounding him, he managed to find a small gap just wide enough for him to squeeze through. As soon as he was out, he noticed Kagome and her friends a short distance away. "Kagome!"

Turning away from Souta, Kagome caught sight of Hojo running up to her waving. It seemed he had finally escaped from his fan girls. "Hello Hojo. Congratulations on graduating."

"Thanks. You too Kagome," He replied with his everyday enthusiasm. "I was afraid I would miss you after the ceremony."

Kagome's friends looked on pulling Souta away quietly as they waited for the moment Hojo would give his second button to their friend. They were all smiles, except Souta who looked on in confusion.

"So, I heard you were going to college to become a doctor?" Kagome asked.

He nodded. "Yes. I've been studying hard over summer vacation. I only need to pass the college entrance exams soon."

"Well I wish you the best of luck, Hojo. I know you will get into a good college!"

Hojo blushed. "Thank you, Kagome."

For a moment, the two fell into a short conversation discussing their plans for the future. Kagome had explained she didn't plan to go to college simply because she wasn't sure what to major in. Instead, she planned to help out around the shrine grounds until she figured out what she really wanted. Hojo accepted this, also explaining that whatever Kagome wished to do in the future, career wise, she would do great in.

"I have to get going soon," He explained before hesitantly looking at Kagome. "My family and I are having dinner, so I can't stay too much longer."

Understanding this, Kagome offered a low bow to her classmate. "No worries."

"But before that…" As his face reddened somewhat, and Yuka, Eri and Ayumi held their breaths excitedly, Hojo finally tore off his second button and held it out to Kagome sheepishly. "I wanted to give this to you. I hope you will accept it."

Surprised he was giving her his button, Kagome blushed. To be honest, she didn't hold the same feelings for Hojo as he did for her, but she took it anyways. The understanding that nothing more than just friendship would blossom between them was obviously noted, and although her friends had hoped for more, they silently accepted their decision.

As soon as Hojo ran off to rejoin his family, Kagome and her friends eventually said their goodbyes before separating. As Souta and Kagome followed behind their mother and grandfather, Souta couldn't help but ask Kagome about her relationship with Hojo.

"Huh?" Kagome couldn't help but blink at her brother.

"Well he gave you his button, but I thought maybe you would both start going out. Do you not feel the same way about him?" He asked.

Kagome shook her head. "It's not that I don't like him. I know he held feelings for me for a long time, but I only saw him as a friend. Actually, I don't think I've ever gone out with anyone in school."

At this Souta laughed. Although his sister was beautiful, as weird as it was for him to admit, he was surprised she still remained single. He was sure some guys had asked her out over the years. Even his own friends had gossiped about how good looking his sister was.

"Why are you so interested in who I date anyway?" Kagome teased.

At this, he couldn't help but smugly put his arms behind head. "Well if you keep turning down every guy you're eventually going to become a lonely old grandma."

She narrowed her eyes at her brother, and her mother only laughed ahead of them. Looking back at the siblings, she offered Kagome a knowing smile. "It's because Kagome is waiting for the right man to come along."

"Mom!" Kagome blushed.

Souta only shook his head. "I guess, but sis you need to stop being so picky," He joked, watching in amusement as his sister glared at him.

"What's that supposed to mean?" She huffed, her hands on either side of her waist."

Laughing at her reaction, he ducked away from her when she raised her hand to smack him, causing his sister to chase after him until they finally arrived at the staircase to the shrine house. Since Omori High School wasn't but a few blocks away from their house, it wasn't surprising they were already at the long stairs.

"I'll race you!" Souta loudly exclaimed before sticking his tongue out at his sister. After which, he started up the stairs sprinting.

Somewhat annoyed, Kagome chased after. "Stop acting like a child! Get back here!"

Once at the top, Kagome easily caught her younger brother and before he could get away, she quickly wrapped her arms around his shoulders and ruffled up his hair, much to his disdain.

"Hey stop that!" When Kagome refused to stop, he finally gave in and apologized.

Letting go, Kagome triumphantly smiled. That was more like it. As she looked around the yard, Kagome couldn't help but breathe in the fresh air. Finally, she had graduated and that meant no more studying, at least for a while.

Yet as she stood there, something seemed awfully different in her surroundings. Looking around the yard, Kagome couldn't quite her finger on what it was. Buyou was lazing around the yard as always, and nothing seemed out of place.

"Since today is a special day, I've decided to make soba noodles and steak. How does that sound?" Mrs. Higurashi asked as she stepped onto the porch, looking out at her children in the yard.

At the mentioning of food, Kagome and Souta immediately turned around and smiled. "Sounds great!" They replied in unison.

As she and grandpa disappeared into the house, Kagome's gaze shifted around the yard again. Why did it feel different? Maybe it was because she graduated?

The sound of a ball bouncing near her shifted her attention towards Souta. He was tapping the ball on the ground before kicking it up in front of him with his knee.

"Hey Kagome. Can you help me practice?"

"But you're already captain of the team," She replied.

That was true, but that didn't mean he had to stop practicing. The more practice he got the better he would do in upcoming events. "Well I was supposed to practice with the guys today but they changed their plans. Coach said I needed to brush up a little when it comes to making goals."

If that was the case, Kagome guessed it wouldn't hurt to help him out. The problem was they didn't exactly have any nets which he could shoot the soccer ball into. As she looked around the yard, she decided to place herself just right of the Goshinboku tree, with a short distance between them.

"Okay Souta. Just visualize this point here as the net," Kagome explained, spreading her feet apart and awaiting the ball's move.

Nodding, Souta kicked the ball up in front of him a few times, watching his sister before focusing on the goal itself. He knew it wouldn't be as easy kicking the ball out of her reach, given that Kagome was fairly good at sports. During Kagome's time in Middle School and High School, she had taken up Volley Ball and Tennis with her friends and that alone would serve as good competition.

"Alright. Here I go!"

As soon as he was backed a great distance away from the goal, Souta sprinted forward towards the ball and focusing all his strength into his kick, he hit the ball with the side of his foot and it flew straight towards the goal. Souta almost shouted in victory until he saw Kagome move. To Souta's absolute disdain, his sister had jumped and grabbed the ball before it could fly past her before smirking at him.

"That was a good kick. But you're going to have to try a little better," Kagome replied teasingly.

Disappointed by this, Souta didn't give up. For a while, the two practiced, and little by little, the Souta began to improve. Although his sister wasn't into soccer, she gave Souta a few pointers here and there, since she had gone to quite a few games to see him perform.

Since it was almost dinner time and Souta could practically smell the soba noodles cooking on the stove, Souta gave one final kick. The ball flew through the air, spinning as it shot towards the big tree in the yard. Although it had missed the goal by a fraction, Kagome leapt towards the tree, placing herself between it and the ball with her arms outstretched.

Effortlessly, she caught it, but the momentum behind the kick had propelled her backwards against the tree. The bark rubbed somewhat achingly against her back, but it wasn't enough to deter her. "I think that's enough practice for today."

Her brother nodded, wiping the sweat from his face. "Yeah. Thanks Kagome."

Grinning at her brother, she placed the ball onto the ground near her, but before she could walk towards her brother, she heard a whisper. "Huh?" Turning around, she was met with the familiar bark of the Goshinboku Tree. It had sounded like someone was talking into her ear.

Not noticing Kagome's distraction, Souta began walking towards the house, the smell of mom's cooking much stronger from the porch. His stomach practically growled at the thought of food. Before entering into the house, he realized his sister wasn't behind him, but was instead looking around the yard. "Sis what are you doing?"

Maybe she was only imagining things. Looking back at her brother, Kagome merely shook her head. "It's nothing."

"The time has come…"

Kagome froze at the voice. No, she wasn't imagining things. Something was whispering to her, but as she turned once more, nothing was there except for the tree. The time has come? What did that even mean?

"Sis? Are you okay?" Souta asked from the porch, eyeing his sister peculiarly. Why was she acting so strange all of a sudden?

"Return to us Priestess … Save us…"

Placing her hand against the bark of the tree, Kagome wondered if it really wasn't her mind playing tricks on her. The bark felt as rough as usual, though she thought she felt something off about it. There was a slight pulsing feeling against her fingertips, and she had the urge to place her ear up against it.

"Sis?" As he stepped off the porch towards his sister, his ears were suddenly flooded by her startling cry. Of course, her cry could have been from a number of things such as a small bug or cut, but her scream was different this time; there was fear in that scream, and in an instant, he sprinted towards her. As he neared, he saw an unbelievable sight. Her arm was caught inside the bark of the tree.

She couldn't move her arm. Somehow, the tree had sucked it in, and she miserably attempted to pull her arm out, but it was futile. She was stuck. "Souta get mom and grandpa!"

Despite her calls, he stood before her, looking at the sight in obvious confusion. How in the world did this happen? "How is this possible? Kagome what did you do?"

"Nothing. I was just touching the bark and something pulled my arm in!" She exclaimed frightfully. "I can't move. Hurry get mom and grandpa!"

When she said this, Souta was about to turn towards the house, but he was caught off guard when he saw the bark of the Goshinboku become slightly distorted around her arm. Within a second of this happening, Kagome was pulled deeper into the bark, crying out frightfully as her entire shoulder was pulled through including her leg.

"What's going on?!" He cried, immediately grabbing onto his sister to pull her away from the tree. His attempts proved useless. He couldn't do anything, and he doubted he would have enough time to get his mom and grandpa. This wasn't really happening, was it? "Don't worry Kagome. I'll get you out!"

"Thus is your fate…"

As her vision began darkening, Kagome watched helplessly as the rest of her body was pulled away from her brother. The last thing she heard was Souta's cries and the next, absolute silence.