Everyone stared at Hatori. Shippo walked up to him.
"What are you talking about? Tell us what?" Hatori stepped away from them and closed his eyes. A strange, blue aura suddenly appeared, surrounding him. The aura flashed, and everyone covered their eyes. When they opened them, Hatori was gone.
Everyone gasped at what they saw. Instead of Hatori, a beautiful priestess was standing there. Her long, black hair flowed around her, and her bright, lavender eyes sparkled.
"Greetings. I am Midoriko." They were silent for a minute. Kagome took a step closer.
"Midoriko? Are you serious?" Midoriko smiled.
"Of course. I'm entirely serious. I should explain. You see, Kagome is not what she seems. She is the reincarnation of, not just Kikyo, but of myself." Kagome's eyes went wide.
"You?! But you're a legend! There's no way . . ." Midoriko chuckled.
"Well, you see, after I died, and the jewel was created, my soul ascended to Hell, where all humans and youkai go when they die. But, as I soon found out, my soul would not fit with the others, because of its purity. My soul could not rest in peace. And so, my soul went back to the land of the living, where it put itself inside an unborn child, who would be known as Kikyo. This is where all pure souls go. Any soul that is too pure for Hell will come back as a human or youkai, but, depending on how that person is raised, the soul can be tainted.
"My soul, or should I say Kikyo's soul, was tainted with hate, but since that was because of the scheming plans of Naraku, her soul was spared and put into another child, five hundred years later. It was then that Kagome was born." Kagome sat on the grass and held her head.
"But, then how . . .? You're right here, and . . ." Midoriko bent down next to Kagome and placed her hand on Kagome's head. Kagome was surprised by how real she looked and felt.
"Most of my soul was in Kagome, but part of it was trapped in the jewel, still fighting the youkai that attacked me so many years ago." Midoriko stood. "When the jewel was shattered, that part of my soul was released, and for a long time, I wandered around the country. It wasn't until Kagome found the Flower of Fate that my soul found her, traveling with Sesshomaru. My soul couldn't enter her body, though, because another part was still missing. That was the ghost of Kikyo." Midoriko muttered some words under her breath, and suddenly, Kikyo appeared next to her. Kikyo looked dazed and confused for a minute, when she realized that she could now be seen.
"Kikyo, you really are a ghost. I didn't think my dream was true." Kikyo smiled at Kagome.
"Kikyo's soul, the fraction that was taken from Kagome, was also trapped and not allowed to reenter Kagome's body, and that was because she was watching over Kagome. Kikyo had to make sure Kagome and Sesshomaru became mates before returning. I decided that I must also do that, but I soon discovered that I still had some of my priestess powers. I used them to become Hatori, and watch Kagome more closely. This way I could talk with her, and help her. I pretended that my village was destroyed, but it wasn't my village at all. I just chose to use one that had been destroyed recently.
"The ring I gave Kagome controls her power and makes sure it doesn't get . . . out of hand. Because she wasn't wearing it, I suppose that's why . . . the forest was destroyed." Kikyo looked at her.
"But why are you saying this now? You could have stayed as Hatori." Midoriko looked at Kikyo and smiled.
"Because I think that we've both done enough." Midoriko looked at the group. She walked over to Sesshomaru.
"I've been watching you, and as a priestess, my powers have been able to tell that you love Kagome, more than anything. I can sense that your love for her is pure." Sesshomaru went over to Kagome and picked her up, bridal style.
"Of course. Kagome is my one and only love."
"How can you say that?!" Everyone turned to Inuyasha. "How can you say you love her?! I was with her for years! You barely had any time to get to know her!" Inuyasha's blood was boiling. Midoriko went over to him and cupped his cheek.
"Inuyasha, do not be judgmental. Love cannot be tested on how much time is spent together, but rather on how strong of a bond the two lovers feel. In most cases, this bond is strengthened by time and getting to know one another, but sometimes, time is not needed as much. The two just somehow feel that they should be together, whether or not they realize their feelings." Inuyasha stepped back, his ears hanging low.
"I'm sorry for interrupting." Midoriko smiled.
"Inuyasha, you may have lost Kagome, but I can tell that, in the near future, you will find a mate that will love you for what you are now, and you will be happy." Inuyasha turned away. Midoriko looked back at Sesshomaru and Kagome. "As I was going to say, I can see that Kagome and Sesshomaru love each other, and their bond will continue to become stronger. Kikyo, I believe that our souls will be able to merge and become one with Kagome." Kikyo nodded.
The group watched as Kikyo and Midoriko faced each other, and another blue aura surrounded them. The aura glowed brightly, and suddenly, Kikyo and Midoriko were replaced by a large, blue sphere of light. The light floated through the air for a minute before stopping in front of Kagome.
Sesshomaru instinctively tightened his grip on Kagome. The light changed shape, and altered to look like a ghostly form of Kagome. The form rested on Kagome, infusing itself with her. Kagome closed her eyes. A warm, cozy feeling engulfed her. She began to float upward, only to have Sesshomaru tighten his grip even more. 'No, let her go.' A strange voice rang through his head. Sesshomaru growled, but released Kagome. She stayed floating in midair for a few minutes.
The light started to fade and Kagome gently came down. Sesshomaru caught her and pulled her close.
"Kagome, are you all right?" Kagome groaned and opened her eyes.
"What . . . happened?"
"I believe that Midoriko and Kikyo gave you back your soul." Kagome rubbed her head.
"I feel . . . different. It's like there was a part of me missing, and now it's back." She looked around. Kikyo and Midoriko were gone. "This was so strange. I really believed that Hatori was a hanyou boy. All this time he was Midoriko." Kagome gasped as she suddenly sensed something. She hadn't felt this feeling in a while, but she recognized it.
"Kagome? What is it?" Sesshomaru waited for a response, but Kagome only stood and started running. "Kagome!" Sesshomaru followed her, and everyone else went after them.
"I sense a jewel shard! It's big! I think it might be Naraku!" Sesshomaru sniffed the air. Naraku's scent wasn't there, but he could have been hiding it. Sesshomaru caught up to Kagome and stopped her.
"Kagome, wait. Are you sure it's Naraku?" Kagome nodded.
"I'm sure of it. I'd recognize the feeling of detecting his huge piece of the shard anywhere." Sesshomaru nodded, and they continued on. Sango, Miroku, and Inuyasha followed. Rin and Shippo decided it would be best for them to wait at camp with Jaken and Ah-Un.
Kagome panted as she ran. It's a good thing I still have my battle outfit on. I can't believe Naraku has showed up, right after I got the rest of my soul back. Weird timing. Kagome looked at Sesshomaru, who was running next to her. "Give me my sword!" Sesshomaru looked at her.
"You would do better in battle with your arrows."
"I don't have them, remember? They're at camp, and I don't want to risk losing Naraku's trail."
Sesshomaru thought about it, and gave Junsei to Kagome. Kagome fumbled with it, trying to put it on her hip while running.
Sango removed her kimono to reveal her battle outfit that she was wearing underneath. Miroku readied his staff. Sesshomaru withdrew Tokijin, and Inuyasha pulled out Tetsusaiga. Everyone was ready for battle.
oOo
Naraku laughed as he watched the scene in Kanna's mirror.
"I see that Kagome and Sesshomaru will soon be mates, and Kagome is a youkai as well. I hadn't expected this. Not that it will stop me from finishing them off." Naraku laughed again.
"Naraku, will you require my services?" Naraku looked over at Kohaku.
"No, go get Kagura for me." Kohaku nodded and left. Naraku looked back at the mirror. "Yes, I will make sure that they will meet their demise today."
oOo
"This way!" Kagome took a sharp left turn, the rest following her. Kagome could tell the jewel was close. At the speed they were going, they could reach it in a few minutes. Sesshomaru ran closer to her.
"How do you plan to battle?" Kagome panted, trying to keep her pace.
"I don't know . . . I suppose I'll just try to attack the way you told me, and see if I can use different attacks. I might also try battling face to face." Sesshomaru looked at Junsei. I hope Kagome will be all right. If anything happens, I will protect her.
The group continued on, following Kagome's directions. Sesshomaru kept sniffing the air, but Naraku's scent didn't show up. "It's close! We're almost there!" Kagome sped up.
"I can smell him now!" Kagome glanced at Sesshomaru and sniffed the air. She could smell something putrid, like rotting flesh. Kagome almost gagged.
"It's smells terrible!" Ignoring the smell, Kagome focused on the jewel. It was very close. Suddenly, a huge blast of wind hit them, and everyone stopped. They looked up to see Kagura on her feather.
"Kagura!" Inuyasha put Tetsusaiga above his head. Kagura put her hand up and motioned for them to follow, flying away.
"Let's go. She'll probably lead us to Naraku. She's done that before." Sesshomaru looked at Kagome with concern. Kagome just smiled. "Don't worry." After a minute, everyone decided to follow. Kagura flew through the air while the group followed below.
As they followed Kagura, the trees were replaced by open ground. Everyone stopped as they saw an old castle.
"That must be where Naraku's hiding!" Inuyasha raised his sword. Kagome placed her hand on his arm.
"Wait, Inuyasha. I can still sense the jewel, but it's weakening. Maybe this isn't it." Kagura landed and glared at the group.
"Naraku is here, but he has ordered me to fight you in his place." Kagura raised her fan and swiped it. "Dance of the Dragon!" Tornados ripped across the area. Kirara flew into the air, and Kagome just barely jumped out of the way. Sesshomaru growled and stood in front of her.
"Kagome, stay back." Sesshomaru took a battle stance. "Dragon Strike!" A blue beam came out of Tokijin. Kagura used her feather to fly. Kagome grabbed Sesshomaru's arm.
"Sesshomaru, stop! She led us here. She was helping us. Naraku ordered her to fight, and I think she'll be hurt if she doesn't. She has no choice. We shouldn't fight her."
"Kagome, whether or not she wants to, a fight is a fight." Kagome looked up at Kagura. She felt sorry for her, but Sesshomaru was right. A fight was a fight, but Kagome was going to try not to kill Kagura if she could help it.
"Kagura, I will take it from here." Kagura looked down. Standing in the middle of the battle area was Naraku.
"Naraku, I'll kill you!" Inuyasha swung Tetsusaiga, releasing his Wind Scar. Naraku held up his hand and produced a barrier that blocked it.
"Foolish Inuyasha, always so rash. Before we fight, I would like to talk with Kagome." Naraku put the barrier down and started to walk towards them. Sesshomaru stepped in front of Kagome and growled. Kagome stepped to the side.
"Sesshomaru, I can protect myself." Sesshomaru growled at Naraku again. Naraku continued walking until he was about ten feet from Kagome. Kagome took a battle stance.
"Calm down. I do not want to fight just yet. I have heard rumors about you and Sesshomaru, and that you two will soon be mates." Kagome gripped Junsei tighter. "And you have become a youkai. How interesting. I can't wait to see how you do in battle." Naraku jumped into the air, surrounding himself in a barrier. While floating, he held up his hand and released an energy beam.
Kagome leaped out of the way. She landed and held up Junsei.
"Herutsu Strike!" The attack went straight for Naraku. Confident that his barrier would hold, Naraku didn't move. The attack struck his barrier, and to Naraku's surprise, went through it. Naraku tried to dodge it, but the attack still tore of part of his arm. Naraku seethed and held his arm. It stung more than anything he had ever felt.
"What is this? That attack shouldn't have hurt me, much less gone through my barrier!" Kagome smirked.
"My power has increased, thanks to the training Sesshomaru gave me." Kagome smiled at Sesshomaru, then looked back at Naraku. "I'll defeat you! We all will!" Everyone else prepared for battle. Naraku laughed.
"One lucky strike isn't enough! There's no chance of you beating me!" Naraku held up his hand and released a bolt of lighting.
-End-
Hey! Sorry this chapter wasn't as long as usual, and I'm sorry it's been a while. My computer is malfunctioning again, darn it! Anyway, I hope you liked this chapter!
I bet you guys didn't expect Hatori to be Midoriko! Ha ha! I've been planning that since he came into the story! Unfortunately, now he's gone. Oh well, that's how I made the story.
Next up is a battle with Naraku, but I'm not very good at writing about action or fights, so it might now be that good. But I'll try my best!
I have to go now, but I'll update A.S.A.P. Don't forget to review! I love reviews! Reviews inspire me! Please please please please review! Review review review review! Well, I have to go. Bye-bye!
P.S. Review!