In The Blood
By: Ryu Katanna
Beta:
Disclaimer: All publicly recognizable characters, settings, etc. are the property of their respective owners. The original characters and plot are the property of the author. The author is in no way associated with the owners, creators, or producers of any media franchise. No copyright infringement is intended.
Chapter Two
It had been two weeks now. Three weeks since Naraku's defeat, and the jewel's completion. Three weeks since her youkai blood had awoken, and her ancestor had spoken to her. Three weeks since she had made the wish on the jewel, and woken in the well house. Three weeks since everything had changed forever.
The Shikon No Tama had been absorbed into her body. She could still feel it's power thrum from within her, but it was now hidden from anyone who would seek to use it. There would be no way for anyone to detect it as the power of her reiryoku cloaked it. The jewel would never be a threat to another now that it's power had been sealed within her. She had found out that now, with the jewel having been fused with her body and soul, she could speak with Midoriko and more.
'You are the Shikon and the Shikon is now you. You will forever be the Guardian to protect it from the greed of others.' Midoriko had told her when she had first spoken two days after her return to her time.
Becoming one with the jewel had given her knowledge of of one who was well beyond her years. She knew anything the Shikon had experienced as if she had lived it. The hands it had passed through, and the hearts it had corrupted as it was tainted in return. She knew the lives and hearts of all who had come into contact with it. All this had it's effect on her, and she had learned more about both demons and humans because of it.
It was because of this that now she knew she would live a very long life. As long as the jewel existed then so would she as it's Guardian. She would be the one to suffer in the place of others as she watched those she cared for grow older while she did not. To watch as those in her life passed on without her, and knowing all the while that until the day came that the jewel ceased to exist, she would continue living. Her wish had cost her even the rest of her own death.
Kagome had started to accept that when she was reminded that she was no longer human. Her heart did not beat the same as those of her family, and because of this she knew she would have outlived them anyway. There was nothing she could do about it now. Fate could be cruel, and she had resigned herself to it. She had willingly offered herself with that wish, and so now would live with the results.
It had been a long few weeks as she grieved for her friends from the feudal era. Inuyasha, Shippo, Kirara and Sesshomaru may still be somewhere out there. It was her hope that they were, and she held onto it. Yet she also knew well that Sango, Miroku, Rin, and Kaede would have long since passed. She would not get to see them again. The thing that hurt most was that she had not gotten to say goodbye.
It was part of the price she had to pay as the jewel's Guardian.
"Kagome, Mom said to ask you if you would take me to Yashiro's. She said I could spend the night at his place." Souta asked from the doorway of her bedroom.
Kagome turned to look at her little brother. Well, really he was her little cousin. She had been raised by her Aunt and Grandfather because her mother had not been able to take on two children when she and her twin were born. She had not seen her twin brother since they were thirteen as he lived in Kyoto with their mother, or 'Aunt' Atsuko. Though she loved him dearly, she had no knowledge of what his life was like now, nor did he of hers. Now he was just one more important person she would have to watch leave her behind.
"Sure I can. Go ahead and get ready. I'll be down in a few minutes." She told him before grabbing a hair tie and pulling her ankle long hair back into a ponytail.
She had not bothered to cut it after waking in the well house. Her markings had faded with enough time and did not seem to appear unless she used her youki. Kagome had not been able to practice with it since she had returned as she didn't want to alarm her family. She still had not told them about her death, or how she had woken as a demon. She didn't know how.
Making her way down the stairs she said goodbye before she started walking Souta to his friends house. It was a long walk, but they passed the time talking and laughing. She couldn't help but feel a little out of place as he told her about school, and the soccer club he was a part of. After having lived and travelled in the feudal era everything seemed dulled to her. She had missed so much in this time that she felt inadequate now. Like a wonky puzzle piece that didn't quite fit.
She thought about this as she made her way back home in the fading light of the sun. It had set and the stars shone overhead by the time she made it back to the shrine. That's when she felt it. There was a demonic presence coming from the woods around the shrine. Looking toward the house she decided to check it out.
These demons were too close to the shrine and her family or her to ignore it. If they were a threat then she would have to be the one to do something. Her friends were not there to help her anymore, and so Kagome found she was even more thankful for the training she had received from them.
Walking into the woods as she cloaked her aura, it didn't take her very long to find them. The two could have easily passed for being monks with their shaved heads and the clothing they wore. Their youki was unmistakable to her senses though. She could feel her own youki stir within her in response to the feeling of theirs in the anticipation of a fight. They were an unknown, and this close to the shrine, a potential threat.
"Is there a reason for two demons to be so close to this shrine?" Kagome asked as she came to stand in a guarded position in front of them.
"We are looking for you." The one on the right said in explanation with some slight surprise; they had not felt or heard her as she approached them.
"What do you want with me? If you have harmed anyone on these grounds then tell me now. It'll save me some time in how I will deal with you two." Kagome said curtly as she watched them.
They felt to be low level, but something was off. They were stronger than they appeared. So close to her family she wasn't willing to take any chances. She was not so trusting of unknown demons around her family, and for good reason. She knew what even low level demons could do to a human. She had seen and lived through all too much to through both her own life, and the jewels existence not know the danger one could pose just by appearances.
"We have done nothing to any here. We have been sent only to bring you back to the Makai with us. There is someone waiting there who wishes to meet with you, and has sent us here to bring you to him. My name is Hokushin, and this is Seitei." The one on the left, Hokushin, replied.
Kagome took a moment to think before she spoke. She had half expected something like this to happen sooner or later. She had a few questions first though.
"Kagome. My ancestor has sent for me then? He did say we would meet soon. Where is this Makai you speak of?" She questioned with some caution.
"You do not know of the three worlds?" Hokushin asked with some surprise.
She knew of demons, but not the demon worlds? How odd.
"I do not." Kagome confirmed.
So she was told of the three worlds and of the current turmoil in Makai. She learned of the barrier and of her ancestor. Toushin Raizen was a name she had heard even back in the feudal era. She was starting to think the powerful demon from then and her ancestor were one and the same. While they had never encountered him they had heard tales of the demon who had earned the title of Battle God. Demons who ate humans were common in the time she had lived in, but hearing Hokushin talk of Raizen and his resolve to never eat another human had her paying closer attention. Her ancestor just earned a bit of respect from her if what they had been telling her was true.
The more she listened she knew that she would have to go. Not just to speak with her ancestor but because she, herself, was no longer human. What could come from remaining in the Ningenkai? Watching her friends and family grow old and die? She did not share their lifespan anymore. There was no way she could hide what she was from those in this world so easily as time passed. There was also the fact that Rekai would find her eventually here if she stayed. Would it not be better for her to leave before her human family became involved in the trouble that was sure to come if she were to remain?
"I will go." She told them after they had finished and she had taken a bit of time in her own thoughts.
"Do not be so hastey. Take the time to hear our words first." Seitei said softly.
"We limit our time in and out of this world because we abide strictly by the rules of Makai. To these rules we make no exception. If you do return with us it is then you will become one of us." Hokushin told her before Seitei spoke again.
"No one we bring back to the Makai can be an outsider. These are the written rules of our territory, and it is no different from the other two."
"Don't get me wrong. I have had some time to think. I've known since it happened that I would not be able to stay here for long. My family and others around are human. I'm not. Not anymore, and I can not train here without the risk of hurting one of them. They don't even know that I'm different now." Kagome said a bit mournfully as she clenched her fist before continuing.
"If going to Makai means that I can get the training for the control I need then I will. I have my own goals, and one of them is protecting my family. Even if that turns out to be from myself. As it stands now I am a risk even to them the longer I stay. I need no more time to think on it."
It was painful for Kagome to admit it, but she knew it was true. She would miss everyone here, but life here would only lead to her own heartache later on. Her family would be hurt that she had just disappeared, but they would be more hurt later on if she stayed. It would only cause pain on both ends. Hers as she watched them grow older and pass on, and theirs as they did so with the knowledge that they would be leaving her alone. There would also be a continued threat if she was found by those in Rekai, and even worse, the other demons who may come later.
Kagome did have some hope for the future that remained in Maki though. If her friends had survived the passing of time then she may be able to find them. If any of them were still alive then at least that would be one small happiness. If she could find them then she could make a life there with her those few dear to her. The one she hoped to find most of all was Shippo.
She had adopted the kit as her own and taken him under her wing. She wanted to know that her son was alive and well. Most of all she wanted to know that he had been alright without her. He would still be young yet for a kitsune. Still an adolescent, and not old enough for a mate. Being full demon he would age much slower than Inuyasha, who at over two hundred had still only looked fifteen.
"Very well then. We will leave directly for Makai." Hakushin replied with a small nod of approval.
He liked that she could think for herself. It had only been a short time ago when their King had told them to find her, and already she seemed to know what she wanted. From watching her as she spoke, both Hakushin and Seitei could tell that she was well trained. The way she stood would look to be relaxed and unguarded, but it wasn't. Neither cocky nor aggressive, this girl spoke with reasoning they had not expected.
"I will get a few things and then we can leave. Don't eat any more humans while we're here. I understand if that is your diet, but the smell of rotting flesh is disgusting, and I can smell it on your breath from here. In fact, use this. Might not taste great, but at least it'll mask the smell." Kagome said as she pulled a breath freshening spray out of her pocket and them threw it to them.
She turned to make her way through the trees and back to the shrine. Hakushin deftly caught the spray as they watched her leave. Seeing the label he couldn't help the small grimace. It was spearmint flavored, and the smell was strong even while contained in the small bottle.
"She seems very similar to Yusuke when we first met him a month ago." Seitei said as Hokushin dutifully spray the foul concoction into his mouth.
"Yes, and they have almost the same look to them." Hokushin responded as he thought about what she said and how it was similar to what Yusuke had said on their first meeting.
Trying not to gag, Hokushin then handed the small bottle to Seitei. He could feel the strong odor cloud his senses for a moment, but forced himself to tolerate it as Seitei also did the same. This was borderline torture on their senses, but they would endure.
It was not great, but they would tolerate it if it meant bringing the little miss home.
123
Travel through Makai had taken days even while running at the fast pace they had been going. Looking around the landscape they were passing Kagome wondered just how long her task of finding her old friends would take. She wondered if it would even be possible after Seitei had explained to here the layered make up of Makai. Steeling herself she knew she could not get discouraged now. Looking could take years, and she knew it. Kagome was sure Sesshomaru was out there somewhere at least. He was far too powerful not to be, or at least that what she told herself.
It had taken her not even an hour to leave her childhood home. Kagome had changed into clothes more fit or travel with her taijiya armor underneath. Other than that she had only taken her bow, her throwing knives and her sword all which she had on her when she had woken in the well house. She had written a short letter to her family explaining that she had left to keep them safe and not to worry about her. That she didn't know if she would be back, and for them to live the best they could without her. She didn't want to give them false hopes, but she also didn't want them panicking that she was suddenly gone.
"We are almost there now. It is just ahead." Hokushin called out to her, and Kagome looked up ahead to see where they we going.
The landscape was pretty barren of any plant life, and the buildings seemed to be made of baked mud and stone. They came to a rest just at the top of a hill. Hokushin and Seitei smirked slightly in bemusement as they were reminded of a similar situation a month or so before. Kagome had managed to keep up with them, and while seemingly tired, had not broken a sweat.
She had been pleasant company during the last few days. Mostly quiet she had spoken only to ask questions and learn more about their world and the situation she would be walking into. They had spoken more about Raizen and what type of man he was. They had told her of Yusuke, not mentioning his name, but that there had been another of Raizens line who had joined them not long before her. Telling her that they were both the heirs to a great lineage. She had not asked them about that and had only responded with a short nod.
An explosion shook the ground suddenly and a large cloud of dust filled the air about half a mile away. The three of them looked over to see the tell-tales signs of a fight in the area. Kagome knew from what they had told her that this must be the other ancestral child of Raizen. They had told her of the training he was undergoing in order to defeat their 'father'.
"Seems he is doing well. I will leave you now. Seitei will show you where to go." Hokushin said before he took off in the direction of where the dust continued to rise.
"This way, little miss." Seitei told her before leading them to the highest tower and pointing to the smaller outcropping at the top.
"There is where he waits for you."
Nodding, Kagome looked back toward the door and went on without him. She walked slowly in thought as she made her way upward. She would finally meet the one who had torn Naraku to shreds using her own body, and knew to be cautious. Raizen was a demon starving himself of human flesh, and even now she could hear the loud roiling of his stomach all through Makai. While now a demon her body was still very much human born.
She really could not know what to right now. What she had learned while living around demons in the past, and from the jewel, would be what she relied on to help her now. The time spent around Sesshomaru had taught her a lot about the demonic hierarchy, packs and their behaviors, and some etiquette when dealing with the ruling class. It was through him that she knew what it meant when they had called her an heir. She could only thank Sesshomaru now that he had taught her more than just skills useful in combat. The knowledge gained from the Shikon only furthered what she already knew.
Soon enough she came to a stop in front of large double doors leading to the throne room, and she could sense the large amount of power from the being within. Just on the other side of the door sat one of the three Kings of Makai. A King who had called her his daughter. Pulling herself together she knocked softly on the doors and waited to be granted entrance.
"Enter." Was the growled response she received and so she opened the door and closed it behind her.
Turning, they got their first look at each other. Raizen sat hunched upon his throne. His elbows resting on his knees as he watched her with dark blue eyes that she knew were assessing her from under the yellow fabric that held back his hair. She could see the similarities in their hair now other than the color. This was the man who was her father as far as any demon would be concerned. The bloodline tying her to him was as true as anything else as she felt her own youki rise to meet his, and her markings to appear.
Kagome stood straight with her head tilted respectfully and waited to be spoken to. She had spent enough time with demons in the feudal era to know how to behave when standing before one with such power. Time spent training with Sesshomaru had taught her well. She used this manner now because they had never met, and given his position in the demonic hierarchy she would show the respect he was due.
"I see someone has taught you formal manner. You do not need that here." Raizen spoke with a barking laugh, and Kagome let herself relax from the stiffened posture as she looked up and walked further into the room.
"I wanted to thank you. Even though you had full control of my body you left my friends alone. You taught me how to access my youki when you didn't need too." Kagome said softly as she came further into the room to stand in front of him.
His barking laughter settled into a low pleased growl.
"You did not know your own power. It has left you weak. That will be corrected." Raizen replied as Kagome felt a wave of his power before the grumbling of his stomach roiled through the air again.
"Yes." She agreed easily.
He had spoken it as a statement of fact, and she would not deny him. It was part of the reason she had come here after all.
"I wanted to meet you, and so I have come. Hokushin and Seitei have spoken highly of you. I-" Kagome started to continue when suddenly the doors banged open behind her.
Startled, she shifted instinctively into a defensive posture Sango had taught her as she turned to the doors. The sight that greeted her left her shocked still when she saw the young man who walked through the door. A little taller the her with the same brown eyes and black hair the teen had an aggressive and cocky stance as he entered. He was someone she had not seen in years, and had thought never to see again.
"Y-Yusuke?!" She called in disbelief.
"Kagome?!"
123456
AN: This is t for chapter two. Hope you all enjoyed it. Chapter three will be in revision and some final editing, but I'll have it out next week.
~Ryu