I do not own Inuyasha.
Previously
"So! Kagome really isn't royalty after all!" Naraku said smiling. "Interesting... However, knowing this knowledge, Kagome poses a threat... She must be dealt with as soon as possible... Kan'na; Send Akago."
Current Time
"W-who's her? Why are you pointing at me like that..." Kagome asked nervously, and somewhat cowered behind Inuyasha. Mrs. Higurashi's face was hidden behind her bangs. She was shaking, like she was crying or laughing. Mrs. Higurashi looked up, smiling widely, tears were streaming down her face. "You've grown up so much! You seemed familiar... You have the same brown, determined look in your eyes... Just like your father." she whispered. "My f-father? He has blue eyes though..." Kagome was utterly confused. 'What was in our food I wonder...' Mrs. Higurashi shook her head. "I know this is hard for you to take in... Do you mind taking a walk with me around our shrine?" Inuyasha nudged her. "Go on." Kagome raised an eyebrow. "You're a part of this whole crazy misunderstanding too!" Kagome glared. Inuyasha smirked. "I caught on ahead of time... You have similar scents, unlike you and the Sultan." It finally clicked in Kagome's brain. "M-Mom?" she whispered.
"Drop me off here... Stay nearby just in case I need you..." A little infant spoke softly. Kan'na nodded and set the bundle down on the path. "They will be coming any minute Akago..." Kan'na whispered, disappearing into the shadows. Akago laughed once. 'I can sense the miko's powers from here... She'll be a hard one to manipulate, but I'm sure I can manage.'
Kagome and Mrs. Higurashi walked silently on the path leading them through the small forest area behind them. "Who are you? ... Who am I?" Kagome stopped walking, and waited for an answer. Mrs. Higurashi took a deep breath. "Your real name is Kagome Higurashi... You were born here at the Higurashi shrine, but I- I was so young... We weren't nearly as prepared as we thought we would be... I thought your father had died, and I knew I wouldn't be able to support you... I used to live in the city Uso, before I moved out here to Chisana. I had heard that the Sultan's wife could not have children, so I decided to drop you off at the gate." Mrs. Higurashi clenched her fists. "Four years passed... Your father came home after the war, and I was going to come get you but... The Sultan made a point... You were adapted to them, and had no idea that I existed... How would you feel if I just showed up and claimed to be your mother after growing up as a princess? You would live in poverty and disease... I didn't want that life for you Kagome... Though I wished you had grown up here."Mrs. Higurashi's face dropped into her hands. She began sobbing. "You must hate me..." she whispered. Kagome felt tears prick her eyes as she ran and embraced her mother for the first time in her life. "No... Never." Kagome reassured her. Mrs. Higurashi nodded and wiped the tears from her eyes. She smiled a sad smile and placed her hand on the side of Kagome's face. "You've grown up so much... " Kagome laughed slightly and wiped the moisture from her face as well. "What happened to dad?" Kagome whispered. Mrs. Higurashi frowned. "I'm not completely sure... When he came home four years later, he was a little... different." Mrs. Higurashi shook her head and smiled sadly. "After conceiving Sota, he left to find work out West... He knew about the terrible demons but... he just insisted that he had to go... I never saw him again." Kagome frowned. "I've seen the demons that live out West... They're horrid monstrous beasts..." Kagome shivered. Mrs. Higurashi nodded slowly then smiled widely. "Come, lets continue our walk and get to know each other... You're sixteen now aren't you? I missed out on a lot.. " Kagome laughed. "Don't worry... You're here now aren't you?"
The two walked on the narrow trail as Kagome explained every detail of her life. She was a little hesitant when explaining what happened and why they left, but Mrs. Higurashi nodded and listened patiently. "I see so, the Sultan's adviser, Naraku, betrayed you?" Kagome nodded. "I know the Sultan isn't my real father but..."Kagome trailed off. "I understand completely... He was there when your father and I weren't." Mrs. Higurashi nodded. Kagome smiled sadly. "Yes- Hey. What's that?" she pointed to a bundle of blankets sitting in the middle of the trail. Kagome and Mrs. Higurashi ran over to see what it was. "A baby?" Kagome gasped and picked up the little infant. "It's a boy... he's so little." Kagome held the infant tightly to her chest. She looked around confused. "Hello? Anyone!" she called. The baby started to fuss. "It's getting chilly, lets head back to the shrine." Mrs. Higurashi set a hand on Kagome's shoulder. Kagome nodded. "That would be a wise idea."
Inuyasha growled impatiently and continued his pace. "Dammit! What is up with Kagome, and taking forever to get back!" Shippo rolled his eyes "Calm down Inuyasha! Sheesh! What's up with you and always getting extra worried about Kagome?" Shippo had a sly smile on his face. "Ohhh... I see know." Inuyasha glared and towered over the little kitsune. "Got something to say punk?" he threatened. Shippo shrugged. "Well it's obvious that you're in love with Kagome! Ask anyone-" Inuyasha smacked him as hard as he could, without knocking him out. "What would give you such a bizarre idea like that!" Inuyasha grunted, and folded his arms acrossed his chest. His face was bright red. "Ouch! That proves it!" Shippo said behind tears. Inuyasha growled and smacked him three more times. Just then, Kagome and her mother appeared. "Kagome! Inuyasha is bullying me- Hey! What do you have in your hands?" Shippo bounded over to them. "We found him on the trail back there..." Kagome said frowning. "We don't know how long he's been there." Everyone surrounded Kagome to get a glimpse at the baby. "His hair is whiter than Inuyasha's... And he's so pale!" Sango giggled and tussled the small amount of hair on the baby's head. His little eyes opened. "His eyes... They look like they're black..." Inuyasha said sniffing him curiously. The child had an unusually calm expression. "He's kind of scary actually..." Sota murmured. Gramps nudged him. "Hold your tongue boy." Sota nodded. "Well, he can stay in my room for now..." Kagome said in an almost trance like voice. Mrs. Higurashi nodded. "It's find with me... Are you feeling quite alright dear? You seem a bit 'Out Of It'." Mrs. Higurashi's voice was filled with concern. Kagome shook her head and smiled. "It's nothing... Just taking in everything I suppose..." Mrs. Higurashi nodded. "Why don't you go and rest? I'll get your friends situated." Kagome smiled and nodded. "Thanks, Mom." she froze and laughed slightly. 'Heh... That felt so... Natural... It's nice.' Kagome thought. "I'll show you to your room sis!" Sota laughed and grabbed Kagome's sleeve. Kagome followed him in slight confusion. 'That's right... He's my brother... I've always wanted siblings..'
Kagome laid down and closed her eyes. The baby was resting next to her. He clung to her tightly, and she felt a sort of daze overcome her senses. She was aware of things around her, but she couldn't quite control her movements. Kagome tried to sit up, but she was immobilized. Her heart pounded in her ears as she tried to scream for help. Nothing happened. 'W-What's going on!' She panicked. 'Kagome Higurashi... Rise.' a ghostly voice commanded. Unwillingly, Kagome stood up, grasping the baby to her chest. 'What's happening! Why Can't I move on my own! Who are you!' the little baby in her grasp chuckled. 'My name is Akago... I am one of Naraku's many detachments...' Kagome mentally gasped. 'Don't act so suprised Kagome... You've seen him in his true demon form... He seeks power, and needs henchmen to do so... He has become strong enough to make many creations such as myself... Kan'na, that girl who invaded your mind, is also a detachment from Naraku...' Akago gripped her tighter, and Kagome felt a strange pain in her chest. 'Why are you doing this? Doesn't Naraku have what he's after!' Kagome pleaded. 'Don't play dumb girl.. You have the spiritual powers of a miko... you pose a threat to him, so I have been sent here to, how he put it, deal with you... I, if you haven't noticed, have the power of manipulation, and Kan'na has her magic mirror... All of Naraku's detachments have special powers.' Akago smiled devilishly. 'All of Naraku's detachments? How many of you are there!' Kagome pushed. 'Many... Now, enough talking...' he snapped. Kagome's body started moving on its own accord. 'Help... Somebody please help...' Kagome whimpered.
Inuyasha sat up, and listened carefully. Footsteps echoed down the hall. He crouched down and waited as the footsteps approached his room. His door slid open, and he prepared to pounce, but he froze. "Kagome? What are you doing here so late at night!" he demanded. Kagome stayed silent, and her expression unreadable. She approached him slowly, and hesitantly. "Are you stupid or something? What's your problem!" he stuttered. Kagome was nearly inches from him. He was backed up against the wall. One hand trailed down his face, to his chest. "K-Kagome." he whispered. Her touch sent a chill through him. Her other hand held his face as she leaned in closer. Their lips were about to touch when she sudden grabbed his throat. She began squeezing tightly. Inuyasha gasped, and felt himself actually suffocating. 'How does she have so much strength!' he thought panicked. "Ka-Kagome... What.. Are ... You... Doing!" Inuyasha gasped. He managed to push her away from him. She almost stumbled, but instead did a back flip, and landed neatly on her feet. "How are you able to do that!" Inuyasha gasped. He was hurt, and confused. Something was odd about Kagome's scent. Inuyasha sensed a demonic aura overtaking Kagome's. Someone started laughing, and Inuyasha's arm hairs stood up. Kagome turned around, showing the infant she had found wrapped up in blankets attached to a sling around her. "You! Who are you! What did you do to Kagome!" Inuyasha growled. The infant smiled. "You can address me as Akago... You won't have to remember it for long though. I will have Kagome slay you and the rest of your miserable group." Suddenly, Kagome flipped around, and ran towards him. Her brown eyes were glazed over, in an almost mustard color. 'She's being manipulated!' Inuyasha gasped, and dodged her many attacks. 'Dammit! I can't hurt her! Kagome is still in there.' Inuyasha dodged her fist, and grabbed hold of her wrists. He slammed her against the wall, and reached around to grasp the infant. "If I can just get that thing away from her-" Kagome head-butted Inuyasha, temporarily dazing him. She slipped from his grasp, and flipped him into a strangle hold. Inuyasha gasped for air and dropped to his knees. He felt moisture dripping onto his face. He looked up to see tears, and blood, dripping from Kagome's face. She suddenly released him and backed away. "Run... Away..." she managed to get out. "Kagome! Fight him! You can beat that little prick!" Inuyasha coaxed. Kagome's blank expression flickered from blank to angry to sad. "Obey me Kagome... Kill him... Kill Inuyasha!" Akago hissed. A glowing aura surrounded Kagome as she screamed in pain. Blood trickled from her forehead, where she head-butted Inuyasha, and down the side of her face. "This girl... She's strong, but she doesn't know it yet... She's defenseless against me." Akago laughed. Kagome had a determined expression. "Get... Away..." she said in a raspy voice. Inuyasha smirked. "Kagome, I know you can hear what I'm saying; I'm not leaving, because I know I'm not in any real danger... You are stronger than you think. Why are you letting this little prick push you around? Kick his ass!" Inuyasha smiled reassuringly. Akago gasped as a white light surrounded them. "Get... Off... Me..." Kagome commanded. Akago grunted, and fought her powers. "Where is all this power coming from!" he gasped. Inuyasha took his chance to react while Akago was distracted. He lunged forward, and cut the sling holding Akago onto Kagome. The infant fell to the ground in a heap, and Kagome was pulled into Inuyasha's arms. "Now then! I'll just finish you off!" he leaped at Akago, and hit a barrier. Inuyasha was thrown backwards, and into the wall. The baby inside the barrier began to float towards the sky. "I'll be seeing you again..." he hissed as he grew farther and farther away. Kagome snapped out of her daze and looked around. In the corner of Inuyasha's room, was a bow and a quiver of arrows.
Kagome ran out of Inuyasha's room, and out into the commons of the shrine. "He's so far away; do you think you can hit 'em?" Inuyasha asked, peering at Akago. Kagome grunted and pulled an arrow back on her bow. She closed her eyes and took a deep breath. When her eyes snapped open, she released the arrow. Brilliant light shined from the arrow as it hit the barrier around the infant. With a deafening scream, the barrier dissolved, and Akago burst into ash. Kagome smiled triumphedly and turned to face Inuyasha. "And you had doubts in me!" she teased and elbowed him. "What's all the raucous?" Miroku asked, rubbing his eyes. When he opened his eyes, they nearly bulged out of their sockets. He had a perverted smile playing on his lips. "Getting a little frisky are we?" he said winking, and pointed at Kagome's tattered nightgown. They hadn't noticed that Inuyasha had not only cut the sling around Kagome.. But he had cut up Kagome's clothes as well. She screamed and covered herself, a deep blush covered her face. Inuyasha was as red as an apple. He hadn't noticed the tattered clothing until Miroku pointed it out. Sango walked out from her room, assessed the situation and sent Miroku flying. "Damn pervert... You're always making things worse aren't you?" she turned to face Kagome and Inuyasha. "If I may ask, what did happen?" Inuyasha rubbed the back of his neck. "Well... That baby wasn't really a baby... He was some kind of demon, and was manipulating Kagome to try and kill me..." he shrugged like it was no big deal. "His name was Akago... He was one of Naraku's detachments..." Kagome whispered in a far away tone. Inuyasha raised an eyebrow. "Care to explain?"
"It's decided then... We need to move on... I'm just putting everyone in danger..." Kagome whispered. Mrs. Higurashi frowned. "I just got you back..." Tears welded up in her eyes. Kagome smiled and embraced her. "I don't want to lose you again mama... I'll visit as often as I can and after we fulfill our mission... I'll come home." she pulled back and stared into her mom's eyes. Mrs. Higurashi nodded and wiped any remaining tears from her face. Sota was balling, and Gramps had few tears too. "I promise I'll come back home safely!" Kagome called. She climbed onto Inuyasha's back and held on tightly. She fought hard to keep the tears from falling. "Lets go." she whispered. Inuyasha nodded. "Right!"
