Kaede ran as fast as her human legs could carry her. Her heart pounding in her chest, concerned that her Uncle had unsheathed his Tokijin, which was a sword she knew not even herself could wield.
Kaede threw open the door to the room they had stayed, Miroku and Sango already preparing themselves for battle.
"What's going on, Kaede?!" Kagome asked.
"Sesshomaru is here!" Kaede got out in between breaths, "Inuyasha is fighting him alone!"
Miroku and Sango flew past Kaede as Kirara transformed outside of the hut, the three on their way to the battlefield. Kagome grabbed her bow and arrows, Shippo jumping to Kaede's shoulders as they ran towards the scene.
Lining up at the edge of the meadow where the Inn sat, they came upon the brothers swiping their swords at one another, Inuyasha holding Tetsusaiga as he deflected one swing after another.
"Get OUT of here!" Inuyasha yelled, fearful that Kagome would be put in harms way.
Sango rode Kirara just above the pair, throwing her boomerang towards Sesshomaru, "HIRAIKOTSU!"
Sesshomaru easily moved out of the way, jumping up high enough he whipped his poison claws out, striking Kirara. Sango and her demon cat fell from the sky, Kirara transforming back into her house-cat size.
"Sango!" Miroku yelled as he dashed in to catch the two.
Frustrated, Kaede could only watch as everything was happening. She began to unsheathe Tetsusaiga, Kagome holding her arm down.
"You can't! Tetsusaiga won't transform for you, right now and you'll only make Sesshomaru mad!" her mother tried to warn her.
"I know, but-" Kaede started.
"You're only going to create a distraction for him, "Miroku advised, "Inuyasha must face him alone!"
"Just stay here!" Kagome pleaded as she pulled Kaede back a little.
Miroku, having helped Sango to safety, turned back towards the battle, unwinding the prayer beads that kept his wind tunnel blocked off, "I'll aid Inuyasha, myself!"
"WIND TUNNEL!" Miroku unleashed the black hole from within his palm, he began pulling Sesshomaru towards him. Sesshomaru slamming the Tokijin in the ground, holding his position.
"Miroku, watch out!" Kagome shouted as she tended to Sango, having noticed the familiar sight of the poisonous insects appearing. Miroku's wind tunnel pulled the insects in until Miroku's hand pulsed with pain, him blocking the wind tunnel off.
"Is Naraku nearby?!" Inuyasha looked around, he could suddenly pick up the rancid smell of the half demon.
"There!" Kagome pointed out, having sensed the jewel shards from slightly beyond the tree line.
The image of a human wearing a white baboon pelt suddenly appeared from the forest, a menacing laugh following.
"Naraku!" Kaede's blood began to boil. She ran towards the demon, herself suddenly forgetting the battle that was already happening.
"Kaede!" Kagome shouted.
"What fun this will be, "Naraku simply cackled.
"What are you doing?!" Inuyasha could only watch as Kaede foolishly ran towards Naraku.
As Kaede drew nearer to the psychotic half demon, she suddenly noticed a chained scythe coming in from her right. It was on the path to intercept her.
Kaede turned the Tetsusaiga and barely managed to block the scythe, the chain wrapping itself around her blade. A boy appeared from the tree line, pulling on the chains, dragging Kaede towards him as she held fast by only her human strength.
"No, Kohaku!" Kaede could hear Sango cry out with a pained heart. She tried to stand, but her leg was badly cut by Sesshomaru's claws.
"Kohaku?" Kaede couldn't recall this name by the stories she'd been told. She looked from Sango back to the boy. In the time she looked away, he'd pulled out a second scythe, holding it above him at the ready. He was dragging her closer, the Tetsusaiga held tightly by the wrapped chains.
Naraku appeared on the other side of Kaede, "Just drop the Tetsusaiga, Kaede. You'll be free from Kohaku's hold over you."
"Is everyone just trying to get the Tetsusaiga today?!" Kaede thought as she struggled against Kohaku.
"Forget it! I'll tear you apart before I let go of this sword!" Kaede growled through clenched teeth, pulling against Kohaku.
"Kaede!" Kagome shot a sacred arrow towards Naraku.
Naraku avoided the arrow but growled, "Meddling WENCH!" Vines appearing from under the baboon pelt, shooting towards Kagome.
"KAGOME!" Inuyasha yelled, holding against Sesshomaru's attack.
"Mom!" Kaede's heart pounded with a pulse of anger. The Tetsusaiga, still neutral, suddenly produced a light pink hue, bursting forth like a wave of fire.
Naraku's eyes turned to saucers as he watched Kaede break her hold from his zombie-like minion, the Tetsusaiga coming down on him. The light touching Naraku and disolving through his body.
Kagome prepared to be struck, the vines stopping just short of her face. She looked up to see the vines dissipate before her very own eyes.
Inuyasha and Sesshomaru also stopped battling, watching as Naraku faded out of existence.
A shikigami doll dropped to the ground, breaking into two. Kaede's sword resting in her hands just above the wooden doll.
"What just happened?!" Shippo asked as he perched himself upon Kagome's shoulders.
"That light, "Miroku spoke as he held onto his poisoned arm, "It was the same light produced by a sacred arrow. Kaede was, somehow, producing it through the Tetsusaiga!"
As Kaede caught her breath, she'd forgotten Kohaku was still behind her. She stood up, staring at her blade, a mix of awe and confusion passing over her.
"KAEDE!" Kagome shouted, "WATCH OUT!"
Kaede turned to see Kohaku raising his scythe just above her, no time to move.
"NO!" Inuyasha rushed forward, knowing he would be too late.
Time seemed to slow for Kaede. Kohaku bringing down the scythe upon her seemed to last a lifetime. She could hear her father calling out to her. Sango cried out to the boy, begging him to stop. Kaede closed her eyes, preparing for the blow, she had no time to react.
A dark cloaked figure came from behind Kohaku, kicking him in the back and sending the boy into a nearby tree. The figure disappeared as quickly as they had appeared.
Inuyasha landed just short of Kaede, the both of them knowing just who that figure was. Inuyasha suddenly feeling more than a little grateful. Kagome joined the two as they were observing the scene.
"You okay?" Inuyasha asked Kagome.
"Yeah.." she replied meekly, "Who was that?"
Kaede looked to Inuyasha, "I don't know. I suppose it'll just be a mystery."
Inuyasha gave a small, agreeing nod, "Looks like Sesshomaru took off, too."
"Probably because Kaede managed to use the Tetsusaiga, even as a human, "Kagome looked to Kaede as she stood in a daze.
"How'd you do that, anyway?" Inuyasha asked.
Kaede just looked at her sword, "I'm not sure.. That's never happened before.."
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Sesshomaru arrived where he had last left Jaken and Rin.
"M'lord!" Rin said, excitedly.
Jaken waddled over to Sesshomaru, "Lord Sesshomaru! You have returned! Were you able to obtain the Tetsusaiga?"
Sesshomaru stopped and glared down at the tiny imp demon, Jaken stopping in fear of having just provoked his Lord into killing him on the spot. Sesshomaru turning back to his original path.
Jaken turned to Sesshomaru, "I... I do not understand, my Lord, how was it that you were not able to simply take the Tetsusaiga from that girl? She should have been no match for the Great Lord Sesshomaru!"
"She has a strange power. I simply need to know more about her so that I might have the upper hand, "Sesshomaru mounted his two-headed flying demon horse and directed Rin and Jaken to join him.
A long morning flight, and they soon arrived at a familiar clearing, just before a thicket of woods. Sesshomaru jumped off his transportation and headed towards the woods, Rin and Jaken in tow.
Only a few steps into the wooded area, a deep voice broke the silence, "Returned, have we now?"
The three stopped, the face of the Hermit Tree Demon appeared across from where they stood.
"You know why I'm here, I assume, "the smooth voice of Sesshomaru inquired.
"Yes. But the information you seek is quite limited, Sesshomaru, " The tree hermit replied.
"How could that be?" Jaken asked.
"The girl you seek answers about is not of this time, "The hermit responded.
"Not of this time?" Sesshomaru was annoyed.
"Kaede, is the daughter of your brother, Inuyasha. She seeks the death of Naraku. Her powers are quite mysterious, indeed. Currently, her demon blood has ebbed away. She has been reduced to the power of mere human," The Hermit demon explained.
"The daughter of Inuyasha? How could that be possible?" Sesshomaru wasn't sure the hermit was being truthful.
"There is a well, beyond that of a small village, known as the Bone-eaters well. It stands against the test of time, as it is as passageway for Kaede and her mother, Kagome to enter our world, "The hermit went on, "The answer you wish to know is what powers Kaede has."
"Yes, "Sesshomaru agreed.
"Kaede's demon blood coincides with a strong priestess . It's hard to tell which power is most prevalent. Kaede has not the knowledge that she could control which power she wishes to use, which could make her a danger to those around her, "The hermit finished.
"So using the Tetsusaiga as an extension of her priestess powers-" Sesshomaru started.
"Was not her intention. She has no knowledge of how to control that power, "The Hermit demon added, "Outside of what information comes to me through the wind, I know nothing else about this woman."
'So, 'Sesshomaru thought, 'I could probably use this time of her human state to my advantage.'
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"You're going!" Inuyasha yelled, "And that's, that!"
A heated discussion was taking place between Kaede and her father.
"Nothing doing!" Kaede refused.
The group had settled back at their home village. Inuyasha and Kagome were due back to Kagome's world for a doctor's appointment. Inuyasha knew Kaede would wander off, putting herself in danger. Miroku and Sango needed to rest from their battle wounds, so there would be no one to help save Kaede if needed. The conclusion being that Kaede would travel with them to Kagome's time. Kaede, on the other hand, disagreed.
"We'll only be gone a day, Kaede, "Kagome pleaded, "Wouldn't you like to see everyone?"
"It's not about that!" Kaede shook her head.
"I don't care what it's about, "Inuyasha growled, "I'm not leaving only to come back to you being killed! You're staying with us!"
"It's not like I've got my demon powers! I can't do much except sit around and wait!" Kaede spat.
"Kaede, "Miroku intervened, "You should go with Kagome and Inuyasha."
"Not you, too!" Kaede had hoped the others would side with her.
"Naraku is after you, Sesshomaru is after you, you're carrying jewel shards and you are human. Sango, and I are unable to defend you, and Shippo is too young. If either Naraku or Sesshomaru knows you're unprotected you'll be an easy target. You'll also put the village in danger of being attacked, "Miroku made his point.
Kaede sat with her back against the wall of the hut, sulking, "You guys act like I didn't just come from a time that I spent the majority of my life having to defend myself, even while human. I don't need to be babysat. No. Good luck getting me down that well."
"Kagome.." Inuyasha began.
Kaede looked to her mother, a firm look on Kagome's face told Kaede punishment was about to be dished out.
"HEEL!" Kagome shouted.
The beads around Kaede's neck lit up. Kaede looked down at the light in surprise as they pulled her to the ground, hitting the floor of the hut.
Inuyasha simply walked over to Kaede and picked the stunned girl up, "Get on my back, Kagome."
Kagome grabbed her bag and gave a cheery smile to the others as she climbed onto Inuyasha, "We'll be back tomorrow night. See you guys then!"
Inuyasha made a quick dash out of the hut, and in a flash, they were gone.
"That seemed a little harsh, "Sango commented.
"Think of it as an extra insurance policy, "Miroku replied, "Kaede would, somehow, end up in trouble one way or another. This is just to ensure that she's safe. And as long as her scent isn't attracting any of our known enemies to us, we're able to rest as well."
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By the time Kaede was coming out of her stunned state, she realized she was being carried across the grounds of a familiar place. The grey bricks that lined the pathway were untouched by battle. The shrines and structures stood, seemingly against her memories of them having burned and fallen. The trees swayed gently in a fresh breeze, unlike the smog of evil that Kaede knew had befallen over the grounds in her era.
'I can't be here!' Kaede thought.
She squirmed out of Inuyasha's arms, making a quick turnaround to head back towards the shed that enshrined the Bone Eaters Well. Inuyasha blocked her path.
"I don't think so! In fact, "he quickly grabbed the jewel shards Kaede was carrying out of her pocket, "I'm making sure you're sticking around."
Kaede made a reach for the shards, "Will you quit being a jerk?!"
"Kagome, "a voice that Kaede had remembered, clear as a bell, suddenly spoke from behind her, "I was beginning to worry we would have to push back your appointment."
Kaede flew behind Inuyasha in a flash, hiding herself behind her father.
Kagome was a little confused at Kaede's behavior, but answered her mother thoughtfully, "Nope! Wouldn't miss the first ultrasound!"
"And who's this?" Kagome's mom smiled as she made reference to Kaede.
Inuyasha felt Kaede cling to his back. He looked to Kagome, who was still unsure of what was going on.
Kagome pulled Kaede out from behind her husband, bringing Kaede to face her grandmother, "Mom... We want you to meet Kaede!"
Kagome's mom gasped just slightly, "Oh! You really weren't kidding about her!"
"Nope!" Kagome said cheerfully yet confused, "It's really her!"
Kaede took a deep breath and brought her eyes up to meet her grandmother's own eyes. She froze. The soft, loving features of her grandmother had her in a whirlwind of emotions. It was as though the woman who stood before her had come to life out of her own memory. As if she'd jumped straight out of her mind and now stood before her. Kaede fought the urge to run, mostly because she was sure her legs would buckle under the pressure she felt.
"Eh heh, go on, Kaede. Say hi to your grandma, "Kagome was starting to think maybe there was a good reason not to force Kaede to come with them.
"Uh... I-uh..." Kaede wasn't sure where to begin.
"What's wrong with you?!" Inuyasha asked, annoyed at how quickly Kaede changed her entire demeaner.
"She looks like she's seen a ghost, "her grandmother commented.
"I guess maybe to her, you are a ghost, "Kagome realized that she and Inuyasha may have forced a great deal of responsibility onto Kaede. Responsibility with coming face to face with a past she could only remember in small bits of her childhood memories.
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It was sunset at the Higurashi shrine. Kaede had made a place for herself under the Tree of Ages while Inuyasha and Kagome stared at her from across the grounds from Kagome's room.
"Inuyasha.." Kagome started.
"Hm? What's wrong?" Inuyasha looked to Kagome.
"I think this was a bad idea... Bringing Kaede here."
Inuyasha replied with sarcastic, curt laugh, "She'll be fine. She's being ridiculous."
"What if seeing this place as she once remembered it was just too much for her? She doesn't know it this way, anymore. Her world is so different now, maybe this was too much for her to see, "Kagome worried.
"So let's take her back to the past and let her roam around by herself with Sesshomaru and Naraku after her, "Inuyasha suggested, sarcastically.
"I guess it is still safer for her, here. But I just hope we're not damaging her by having forced her hand in coming with us, "Kagome wasn't sure exactly which path was better.
"Stop worrying. She can deal with this, she's just being stubborn, "Inuyasha brushed off any concerns that Kaede might be irreparably harmed, mentally.
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Kaede sat under Goshinboku, sulking to herself. She felt as though she currently existed in a photo that was tucked away in a book that had been left untouched. The Higurashi grounds were a proud relic from her past, but it felt like a lie.
"Hi there!" a young boys voice broke Kaede from her thoughts.
Kaede opened her eyes and looked to her right, seeing the image of her young Uncle standing nearby, a smile plastered on his face.
"...H-hey..." Kaede didn't know where to begin.
"So is it true?! Are you really Kagome and Inuyasha's daughter?!" Sota asked with great excitement and curiosity.
Kaede sighed, "Yep... That's me.."
"That's amazing!" Sota bounced with giddiness.
"What's so amazing about it?" Kaede asked.
"You're my niece! From the future! What's not to like about that?" Sota was grinning from ear to ear.
"I'm not exactly visiting for the fun of it, "Kaede respected her Uncle too much to really be upset at his excitement. He was a child, after all.
Sota stopped smiling, "Kagome didn't get too detailed about the future, but she told me why you're here..."
Kaede noticed the sudden downtrodden look on her young Uncle's face, "Yeah, well. That's why I'm here. Maybe I can fix it."
Sota looked to Kaede with such admiration, "I believe in you!" he smiled sweetly.
Kaede felt a moment of peace. Her Uncle had faith in her. Even if he was still only a child. It was a slight boost in confidence. Maybe she really could change the world? It was, after all, not just about making her life easier, but also securing the future for everyone in the world. Even the future of her Uncle.
"Well thanks... You're a pretty cool Uncle, too, "Kaede complimented.
"Awe, thanks!" Sota's face turned red with embarrassment.
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For the next chapter!
Kaede and Kagome climbed up and out of the well, into the past. It was pitch black outside, now. As they hopped over the lip of the wooden well, the familiar voice of a small child called out to them.
"Kagome! Kaede! You're back!" the bouncy Shippo zoomed over to the girls, jumping to Kagome's shoulder.
"Why do you seem so surprised?" Kaede asked.
"Inuyasha said that you had decided to stay in Kagome's era! I thought he was lying, but he had all of the jewel shards!" Shippo replied.
"He's such a jerk!" Kagome fumed, "He's going to get SO many 'Sits' before I'm through with him!"
"So you're the offspring of my little brother, "The smooth voice of Sesshomaru jolted all three from their thoughts.
"GAH! It's Sesshomaru!" Shippo cried out.
Kagome gasped. They were without any way to defend themselves.
"He knows who Kaede is!" Kagome realized, "How did you know?"
Jaken stepped forward from behind his Lord, "Lord Sesshomaru owes no explanation to you, mortal girl!"
"It was bound to happen, "Kaede kept her eyes squarely on her Uncle, stepping in front of Kagome, "I'm getting tired of you coming out of nowhere and taking us by surprise!"
"Impudent!" Jaken shouted, "Inuyasha is only a half demon, therefore you are even more useless with your demon powers! No less, your demonic powers have diminished currently, you have no right to speak to Lord Sesshomaru in such a way!"
"Imagine that. A useless Imp Demon telling ME my powers aren't good enough, "Kaede teased the small demon.
Jaken was steaming hot, "I'll show YOU just how useless I am!"
"That's enough, "Sesshomaru lamented his follower.
"You need to leave, Uncle, "Kaede advised.
"Not without my fathers' sword, "Sesshomaru took a step forward towards the group.
"What do we do?!" Shippo trembled.
"I've got an idea, "Kaede smirked, "Hey, Sesshomaru! I'll make you a deal!"
Kagome looked to her daughter with confusion. Why did Kaede seem so confident all of a sudden?
"All right, "Sesshomaru was curious.
"If I can land a single punch to your face, you leave us alone. If you land a single punch on my face, "she took the Tetsusaiga from her waist and planted the sword firmly in the ground in front of her, "You can have the Tetsusaiga!"
"What?!" Kagome's stomach churned with uneasiness, "What are you doing?! You're still human, remember?!"
Kaede looked back to Kagome, "I've got this."
Sesshomaru smirked slightly, "You have confidence where it does not belong. But I'll take your deal."
Kaede smirked, taking a step forward in a lunge position, "Ready whenever you are!"