Chapter I, Part I
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Kagome and her brother padded along the alabastor halls silently, passing by carvings ang paintings that would take just anyone's breath away. Kagome had seen the art more than enough. Souta opened a large oak door that Kagome had always overlooked.

There's an entire secret library back here. Dad wrote more books than I thought he had. Souta moved gracefully along one of the many shelves. Kagome looked up. Books filled shelves all the way to the dark ceiling.

How come you never showed me this?

I forgot about it after a couple years. Souta said, pulling out an old leather volume. Here it is. Father wrote a bunch about the shard he carries.

Kagome took the book eagerly, and sat in one of the squashy chairs. She flipped through the ancient pages, and found what she was looking for.

Here! The shards of old shall be reunited when the Chosen One arises from the ashes of truth. She will will reign over Rivendell when the peices of the puzzle are placed with the Shadow Ring. Eternal peace, a Golden Age shall replace The Lost Age when the shards are placed as a whole.

I say that's creepy. Souta said, reading more over Kagome's shoulder. Here it says that the Gaia falls are growing in size and speed.... The world as we know it is slowly deteriorating into a Dark Age. Mordor shall become the Kingdom-'

I think you two have gotten into enough trouble as it is. A voice from the doorway shook the pair of elves.

Father... What is this?

I shall explain it to you all when the time comes. Do not come into this room ever again. Elrond said, his face stern.

Yes, father. the two said, bowing thier heads, and leaving the room. Elrond's hand shot out and grabbed Kagome's arm.

I need to talk to you, Kagome.

Kagome glanced at Souta, and nodded. What is it, Father?

Souta, leave at once. Elrond murmured to her brother. Now, Kagome. You have grown into more of a Elf than I could have hoped. You are what all elves should look like, tall, elegant, beautiful. But, my daughter, more important matters are at hand. You are to stay in your room, do not come out... no matter what. I will fetch you when the time comes. And it is well on it's way.

I wish you wouldn't speak in riddles, papa. Kagome said, brushing a stray hair behind her ear. Why should I be forced into quarentine when-

I need for you to stay safe, my dear jewel. You mean more to every elf's future than you know. Good night. I will fetch you when the time comes.

Kagome kissed her father lightly on his cheek, and swept gracefully up to her room, closing the large oak door behind her. Immediately, she grabbed her journal, writing everything that happened. She wrote about Gaia Falls, and drew a tiny map on the page.

::When the time comes.::

She lay back on her beautifully embroidered bed spread. That's why the world seemed to be darkening. The flowers seemed to wilt as the bloomed, the colors faded before her eyes. The world was dying.

She fell into a long sleep that would last her several days. She hadn't slept in four years.

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I-Inu-yasha, sire! What was that? The coward imp trembled against his master's chest.

That was a demon. Maybe even an orc, but I'm here. Nothing will happen.

How sure are you, Inu-yasha?

I'm positive. Now please, do shut up, it's hard concentrating in this forest. Too many scents. Inu-yasha said, jumping into a branch, and landing on a path below it. They were making good time, and he was glad. Inu-yasha was a strong-built Inu-youkai, he had silver waist-length hair, and a very handsome face. Unfortunately, he was a jerk.

S-sire? Is that the ending of the forest? I see a light.

I see it too, Myouga. Yes, that is the end of Trollshaws. Congradulations, we made it. Inu-yasha said, running at high speeds out of the dreary woods. Rivendell is merely miles away. At this rate, we'll be there in two days. Time runs short. We only have a couple months left.

Why are we going to Rivendell? They have one of the shards, don't they?

Yes, Elrond, the elven King there does hold one. But there is one other reason why we are taking this particular route.

Why would that be, sire?

I have to pick up my fellowship. There are others heading here as well for the exact same reason. This, I hope, goes quickly. We don't have much more time.

Time. Yes, we will need more time.

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Dear, don't you think you are being a little harsh on our Kagome?

She lost her childhood thousands of years. I don't want her getting hurt, or lost before the fellowship arrives. Elrond said, brushing back his long hair with his fingers.

That reminds me... have you told her yet?

I... I was... but I just couldn't bring myself to wipe the cheery smile off of her face.

You said you were going to tell her! How can she be a legend if she doesn't know?

She'll find out. If I tell her now, she may not agree with fate. When that happens, the only result is death. You know that.

I understand. When are they going to arrive...?

After the second full moon. That's two days off.

I shall start forging thier weapons.

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Sango closed her eyes as the hot summer air blew through her hair.

The meeting was urgent, and she and Kirara were nearly there. The Elves were not very friendly with humans, but Sango was a slight exception. She was Kagome's friend. Sango came every year to take a draught made from a rare flower only found in Rivendell. This made her age slower, but not nearly as slow as Mistress Kagome. Sango was now about five hundred years old, she met Kagome years and years ago. It was beginning to fade from her mind like the mists of Hithæglir.

She looked at the ground far below her, and for the first time felt great sorrow. She was off on an extremely important mission, and she may never see the sweet life of trees again. Sango had been alive long enough to remember how the world was earlier. The stars brighter, the forests greener.

The world is dying, Kirara. She spoke to her dear fire imp. The cat-like creature purred loudly, raising the fur on the back of it's neck. Kirara... you must not understand... we shall all perish if the Gaia Falls swallow us all.

The journey went slowly for Sango, but soon the ground was covered, and she landed near the gates of the great halls of the kingdom. As usual, the beauty of the palace took her breath away.

Lady Sango... You are first to arrive. Please step this way. A beautiful Elf said, bowing the gates open. Sango smiled, and walked past him, and into the gardens. Elrond was standing near the roses, his head bent.

The leaves that fell from the large trees carpeted the marble walkways, as Sango made her way to the king. The leaves were turning too early.

Sango said, dropping to her knees, and crossing an arm over heart. This was the proper way to address the Elven Lord. He stepped in front of her and gave her a grim smile.

Sango. I should have known you would arrive first. The world as we know it is slowly falling into a Dark Age. You may have noticed the leaves... they are several months off. The roses are slowly wilting. I can hear their cries.

Sango didn't look the king in the eye. She just stared at her specially-made armor. This was very polite.

Yes sire, I have noticed. I'm very sorry for your pain. I shall not fail you. she said clearly to her shoes. Elrond commanded her up.

Sango, you may see Kagome now. She will be happy to reunite with you, but you mustn't say a word about her role in our fate. Do not make her upset, for she may reject the fellowship all together. He said, managing a smile. She smiled back slowly. It was best to be cautious around the king.

Thank you, sire. Sango bowed one last time, before turning and finding Kagome's chambers.

Kagome, its Sango. Sango said to the door, knocking quietly.

Kagome said, opening the door. What are you doing here?

Sango dropped to her knees, and crossed an arm over her heart. Your highness. It's been centuries.

Sango, quit that nonsense, and talk to me like I'm not the princess of Rivendell. Kagome said with a smile. Sango felt her sorrow grow. Kagome didn't know about this, about her role. And she was smiling.

We are leaving on a long quest tomorrow. You are coming along. Sango said in formal Elvish.

To where? I prefer English. She replied.

We are travelling in search of.... something. I have been told not to tell you. I'm sorry. Once we've left, I shall tell you. Sango said in a plain yorkshire accent.

I see. So you are here to accompany me? Or to get your draught. I've got more in the back garden. Kagome said, taking her friend's arm and leading her down the hall.

Yes, I am one of Seven who are to accompany us. I am your protectress, your highness.

Please, just call me Kagome. Kagome said, pulling her friend out into her private garden. She led Sango over to an odd bunch of lily-like flowers floating on the crystal fountain. Every time Sango came here, she was taken away by the quiet beauty of the place.

You know what to do, just drink the nectar. Kagome said, stepping back, her robe of silk billowing with a ominous wind that swept through the garden. Sango did not bend down, but put a hand on her Katana. Something evil was approaching.

Your highness! A deep voice came, and Sango prepared to attack. But the figure bent on one knee, and placed a respectful hand over his heart. We meet at last! I am the one named Kouga, and I am finally graced by your beauty.

Kagome gave him a look. Do not speak unless I give you permission. I do, however accept the compliment. What is your purpose and status? And why are you in my private garden without my royal permission?

Sango smiled inwardly. If the world was going to die, Kagome would be the only one to survive.

I am here to serve you and you only. I am but a humble wolf youkai, I am one of the seven.

I see. Please, leave us. Kagome said, dismissing him with her hand. He bowed his head curtly, and left. Sango relaxed her grip on her Katana. You may drink you draught now, before more arrive. You will need the strength.

Sango nodded, bent down, and picked up one of the beautiful floating flowers. They always made her wonder. There was no stem, no connection device, they were just tiny floating lilies that filled with a deliciously sweet nectar. It took purity to raise a flower like that. She tipped the warm liquid down her throat, and the small flower crumbled in her slim fingers.

Pure Life. Kagome said. That's what it's name means.

Sango closed her eyes, and felt the warmth spread to her fingertips. Every year she looked forward to that sensation and this might be the last time she ever tasted the simply sweet nectar.

It's delicious. Sango said, licking her lips.

Yes, but deathly poisonous. Remember the first time you drank it, you got so sick that even father had a hard time curing you. Then you came and drank it every year. That's why it has such a positive effect on you.

Yeah... I remember. Horribly hot, like I was going to wither away. That's how it felt. And I remember you being there for every moment of it. I also remember how your father was going to let me die, but you convinced him. Sango got up from her knees, and wiped off her skin-tight armor.

It is deadly to Elves. I wish that once I could taste it's sweetness. Kagome looked down at the innocent white flowers. But I don't need the effects. I will live longer than you ever will. Sometimes I wish I could die. Life gets so old. But you are allowed to leave here and see the mountains and forests.

Another wave of sorrow swept over Sango. I'm so sorry. At least you will travel with us. We are set out to Eriador. I heard it's beautiful. Even I haven't seen the Shire.

Kagome was reassured. Yes, and I will see the trees and the mountains, and the rivers that snake through the countryside. O, I've wanted to see the oceans and lakes. When do we leave tomorrow? Kagome asked eagerly.

We leave when the sun is over head.

Good. That's earlier than I expected. I shall get ready. I cannot travel in robes like these. I think it's time to get out my elven armor. Do not forget my old Mist Sabre. I have missed that old sword. Kagome said partially to herself as she and Sango headed into the palace.

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Hark! I hear the angelic voices of elves! We must be there! Myouga said, sitting up on his master's shoulder.

Yeah, yeah, I hear it. There are the gates. Inu-yasha said, stepping up to the wondrously tall silver gates.

I've waited all of my life to see the gates of Rivendell! Look, there's an elf! I've never seen an elf before. Myouga said excitedly, jumping off his master's shoulder, and bowing to the guard. Inu-yasha stood beside the imp, and bowed as well.

We are here for the fellowship, I am the one called Inu-yasha. He said, not lifting his silver head. The guard eyed them suspiciously.

I have never seen a hanyou in Rivendell...

We are here for the mission. I have the Ring. Inu-yasha said, reaching into a draw bag at his hip and pulling out a silver ring. It had two serpents twisted over it, emeralds set in as eyes.

You may enter. The guard said reluctantly, bowing the gates open. The wolf had a hard time getting through as well. The two walked through gardens made of marble, even Inu-yasha had to respect their beauty. A Life-size sculpture of a beautiful she-elf sat on one of the alabaster benches, her hair was so finely done that Inu-yasha was scared that it may be blown away. He stepped to the front of the beautiful maiden, and examined her face. Her stone eyes held more emotion that he had ever seen human eyes hold, and her face was perfect.

I know that woman! Myouga said, hopping forward, and looked at one of the delicate hands. I heard of this sculpture from our books! This is the lady Kagome!

Lady Kagome? Isn't that the one we are travelling with? Inu-yasha asked, uncertain. The woman's face seemed too perfect to be real.

Aye, sire. That would be her.

Inu-yasha said, leaning closer to the pearly-white stone.

May I be of service to you? Kagome said, stepping up to the pair. She had on an outfit similar to Sango's. Inu-yasha looked up and down her figure slowly. So this was the legendary Elf that would change all of their lives.

Your highness... He swept back his cape, and bent on one knee.

Please. I am travelling with you. There is no way you can protect me while you are bending on one knee. Kagome laughed lightly. It was like the tinkling of crystal on stone.

He stood up. He feared if he looked into those eyes, he would be sucked in. Yes, your highness. Where may I find the others? He said to his leather boots.

They are waiting patiently in the Great Hall. She said, adjusting the blade at her side.

He eyed the sheathed weapon. You fight, your highness?

Yes. Sango taught me. Kagome said happily. Please, just call me Kagome.

He nodded, and chanced a look into her eyes. Both found themselves taken aback. She had crystal-light blue eyes that shone when there was no light. His golden-amber eyes took her breath away. She had forgotten what jewels looked like. All of the gems that father owned had lost their shine ages ago. But his eyes would never loose their beauty.

What is your name? Kagome asked, staring fretfully into the slitted pupils. I have never met a youkai with golden eyes. They are breath-taking.

My name is Inu-yasha, milady. They are chunks of coal compared to yours.

For the first time in Kagome's life, she blushed. She had had many compliments before, but this one was so heart-felt. I-I thank you, master Inu-yasha. Please, meet your other companions.

She walked in front of him, guiding him to the Great Hall. He looked everywhere other than her, and found himself staring at the golden-red trees.

The leaves are turning early. He said to himself.

Yes. They are dying. I can hear them call out to us elves. But there is nothing we can do.

He stayed silent, wondering what it could be like having to hear your very own people die slowly. Inu-yasha was wiser than he let out, he knew that elves had the power over water, wind, fire and earth. The very elements that made up the universe.

She led him down huge halls of silver, then through marble. She made a left turn halfway down the alabaster hall, and entered a beautifully carved stone room.

There were five other people sitting at the large mahogany table. They were all silent, but there was food. The quiet clinking of silver on porcelain reverberated in Inu-yasha's sensitive dog-ears. He looked around at the group of odd people, and recognized one.

He said quietly , walking slowly up to his love. Kikyou, it's been ages. He said, bowing to the woman before him.

Inu-yasha? Are you the seventh? Kikyou was beautiful, her hair swept back into a low tail, her eyes, however, held no emotion. Her beauty did not begin to compare to Kagome's purity. How I've missed you so! She said, putting down her silver fork, and hugging the man before her.

We leave tomorrow for the shire. There's a hobbit there that we need to speak to. Kikyou said lowly.

A monk beside her, glanced in her direction, and whispered something to Sango. The monk had a small ponytail at the nape of his neck, and carried a staff. He was holding a small child in his lap.

I agree, she can't be trusted near the Lady. We will have to keep our guard. Sango said back in a low undertone. The only one not to hear this was an older woman and Kikyou herself. The child in the monk's lap gave Sango a serious look.

Kagome and Inu-yasha glanced up from their food at her. Kouga swallowed his meal in surprise.

The day passed quickly in Rivendell, the Elves sang songs and put on skits for the guests, but none of the music was good enough to raise the warriors' spirits. Kagome stood up from her place at the table, and went to the front of the hall.

Lady Kagome is going to sing. Sango whispered to whoever would listen.

A Elbereth Gilthoniel,
silivren penna míriel
omenel aglar elenath.
Na-chæred palan-díriel
O galadhremmin ennorath,
Fanuilos, le linnathon
nef æar, sí nef æaron.'

Kagome's voice rang out into the hall, and reverberated in each and every person's ear. Her crystal clear voice with the elven language made each and every person's skin tingle. The melody was slow and sad.

The guests clapped politely, and she bowed, and took her seat once more. They finished the food quietly, and one by one went to their chambers. Lady Sango and Lady Kagome were the last to depart. The Monk with the child went away with the old woman. They were speaking very fast in an unknown language.

Lady Kagome, I know you don't sleep. I want to make sure you stay safe while you wander. I do not trust some of these people. Sango said slowly. Especially that witch. She makes my senses tingle. That Kikyou woman shouldn't be here.

I have my Mist Sabre. I know how to fight. Kagome said, bringing herself up to her full height of 6'. Sango was intimidated.

I wish you would just let me accompany you. I do want to prevent an ambush. The order says that I shall protect you. Sango said, dropping to her knee. Please do not get angry. I only wish for your safety.

Kagome's hard face softened. All right. You may accompany me on my midnight stroll. But you shall not utter a word. I do it for the silence.

Sango nodded, stood up, and followed her mistress loyally.

They walked together through the gardens. Sango had never seen them at night. A magic mist seemed to cling to the air, giving everything a surreal glow. The sculpture of Kagome looked like a goddess gazing into a pond of silver. The moon reflected on the many small ponds, making lamp-like pools of light. Sango almost forgot to breathe. Disrupting this scene would be a sin.

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End of Chapter I, Part I