Disclaimer I don't own much. Of course this means Inuyasha and his crew.

Of Fates Unknown

Chapter Twenty Seven

Kagome awoke in the stillness of the night. The image that followed her up from sleep was that of the obelisk, its light so blinding that she could barely make out its contours.

She sat up in bed and ran her fingers distractedly through her sleep-disheveled hair. It wasn't so surprising that she should be dreaming of the obelisk. She'd spent the hours since her encounter with Inuyasha tormenting herself with unanswered questions.

In that moment when he'd challenged her to try to kill him, she had felt as though her body were being used to wage some sort of ancient war whose purpose she could not guess. Something in her wanted to lash out at him, while something else stopped her and seemed to be whispering that they were bound together.

Kagome hugged herself in fear, trying not to disturb Shippou who was asleep next to her. What was happening to her? Was she in danger of losing herself to forces she couldn't begin to understand? Or had that already happened?

She sighed deeply. She needed answers, and the only hope of finding those answers lay in the tower she'd been avoiding. She felt the influence of the obelisk wherever she went, but only there, in its actual presence, did she feel its full force.

As she thought about this, she sat there in her bed, half-expecting that she would suddenly find herself there again with no knowledge of how she'd gotten there. But the moments passed, and although she felt the lure of the tower, she remained where she was. If she were going to go up there, it seemed that she had to take herself there.

So she climbed out of bed, put on her soft leather shoes and went to get her cloak, then dug out the key to the tower that she'd hidden in a drawer. She was very nervous- but also very determined. This time, she was going to the tower of her own volition to seek some answers.

After tucking in Shippou, and a brief check on her sleeping brother, she stepped out into the cold, silent corridor where only a few of the oil lamps along the stone walls burned, casting pools of soft yellow light between dark shadows.

She hesitated only when she reached the hallway where the tower entrance was located. Inuyasha's quarters were there as well, and her thoughts veered to him. For just a moment, she wanted to go to him instead of the tower. But when that familiar aching need swept through her, she ignored it and hurried on. She could not afford to think of Inuyasha now.

She inserted the key into the lock and held her breath at the sound, which was unnaturally loud in the silence of the night. Then she pushed open the door and was immediately bathed in the soft, bluish light that had managed to find its way down the twisting staircases.

After pausing to close the door from behind her, Kagome started slowly started up the steps. Before she was even halfway up, the light had become as bright as daylight, albeit daylight tinged with blue. And it was warm, so warm that she began to feel uncomfortable in the heavy cloak. The door to the tower room stood open and the light blazing form within was so bright that she put up her hand to shield her eyes until the seemed to adjust. Then she unfastened her cloak and let it drop to the floor.

Gentle warmth bathed her skin beneath the light woolen shift, warmth that seemed somehow to penetrate her entire body, creating a feeling of great well-being. She wondered briefly if this was what her patients felt when she touched them. Several had described something like this.

But I didn't come here to be healed, she reminded herself. I came here for answers.

She stared through the brightness to its source. The outlines were visible, and as she stared at it, it seemed there were faint movements within it as well, darker lines that formed and reformed the runes that had by now become familiar to her, even if their meanings were not.

She took a few steps towards the obelisk, still staring at those strange, shifting patterns. Then she stopped.

"What are you?" she asked aloud. Then, when there was no response of any kind, she began to grow impatient.

"What do you want from me? I need some answers."

And still nothing happened. The runes formed, changed, and formed again. Was it speaking to her through them? How could it expect her to know what they meant? She felt her frustration growing. What if the answers were there and she couldn't understand them?

Then it came to her that perhaps she could understand them. She took a few steps closer and stared harder at the patterns. They seemed so familiar, like something she had once known well, but had long since forgotten.

Then she felt herself becoming drowsy. Her frustration waned, leaving only that sense of wondrous well-being. Her very body seemed to be growing insubstantial, floating away in the warmth and light.

)O(

Kagome opened her eyes to find herself at the courtyard of the keep. Glancing up at the tower she saw it brightly shinning and though it was midday there was a heavy fog and no one was about. Looking around she noticed a shadowy figure walking towards her. As the figure got closer, the fog rolled away from the now noticeably female figure.

The woman had dark hair and very fine features with sky blue eyes. Dressed it clothes that could have been called plain if they weren't so well crafted.

The woman smiled gently at Kagome and bid her to come towards her. Kagome walked up to the woman and the woman sat on a bench motioning her to follow suit. Smiling once again the woman then spoke.

"I believe you are in search of answers are you not?"

At this Kagome nodded, "Yes, but who are you?"

Still smiling the woman answered, "I am just a representation of that which could not speak for itself. Least not in a way that could be truly understood anymore, since such knowledge has long since been lost."

Kagome blinked at the answer and looked down at her hands. In a soft voice she sighed. "I don't understand. I am just so confused."

The woman laid a hand on one of Kagome's. "That is understandable. We know this cannot be easy for you. We have brought you here to warn you."

At this Kagome lifted her head to look at the woman, her eyes wide in fear. "Warn me. Warn me about what?"

The woman sighed. "We are a collection of power. An ancient power that has flowed in this world since time began. But we are neither good nor evil, but a culmination of all life force and the obelisk is the tool we use to send the power to those who know how to use it. Even though this was a great gift to most, there were those who though of this as a great curse as well."

"One must be able to keep a balance, or else this power could corrupt even the purest of hearts. And that is exactly what happened many years ago. The race known as Ceadda sought to use our gift in ways we didn't deem correct and therefore we denied them it."

Kagome tipped her head, considering what the woman said. "So you mean they abused it?"

Nodding the woman continued, "Correct. When they sought to destroy that which was already defeated, it was the final act. They lost respect of that which was granted and sought to gain more then was their due. They were to be the caretakers of this world and those on it, not the overlords of it. The true meaning behind what was given to them was lost, and so too then was the power."

"It was not by accident that Inutashio invaded when he did. He too had a role to play and did so. Things change, people change, but the power we represent and the balance that must be maintained because of it, is constant. But the Ceadda either forgot or let the power corrupt them. And in the end, they were lost."

"But we were not without compassion. We allowed for the escape of few Ceadda. Not all Ceadda were corrupt, a few still had true compassion in their hearts. Those few were allowed to flee."

Kagome shook her head, "But I thought you said you were power. How can you have emotions, or even have the ability to choose such things?"

"Like we said, we are a culmination of all life force. Emotions are not just feelings. When one feels an aura of a person, one can tell many things. Like when you heal, you have seen a darkness correct?"

When Kagome nodded she continued, "There is power to change the aura, and a power to change emotions. All things require a power in one way or another. Because of such we are able to do things that require power. Joy, sadness, fear, rage, hate, love, contentment, longing, want, desire, need. They are all a type of power the body has over itself and the thought process of said body. The emotions one has are a very powerful force for both that person and those around them. Kingdoms has risen and crumbled, lives have been lost and born, and men ruined or risen to power by them."

Kagome looked off to the gardens of the keep for a moment absorbing what she had said. Finally she turned back, "Ok, I understand that, but what about how you can make decisions about how the power is used. I thought power was neither good nor evil, but how it is used is the deciding factor."

Again the woman nodded. "The obelisk that was created as a focal point was created with one goal in mind. The constant balancing of power. Because of such, it is able to weave the powers in a way to keep the balance. The life powers affect every aspect in life, and therefore can be used in many ways. As long as that balance is maintained then the obelisk remains dormant, but if it does not, then it seeks out means in which to make it so."

"Does that explain why I feel like at times, my body and emotions are doing things that are so unlike me?"

The woman smiled, "Yes, you are correct. We did not mean to cause you problems in such a way, but because of the great influx of powers now flowing through you, and since you have never dealt with this before, it was necessary at times to do so. When the Ceadda were living here, they grew up around the power flowing through them and were able to learn to adapt to it. You on the other hand, suddenly had the power flowing through you. Your body is still learning to adapt to it."

"Like we said before, your emotions are a power, and some powers are felt more strongly then others. Since you and your brother are the only two left able to consciously tap into our power, we will do anything to make sure that you are protected. Until the time comes when such means are unnecessary."

Leaning back she looked stunned. "What do you mean unnecessary? And why did I have such anger against Inuyasha? And…"

At that the woman laid her hand back on Kagome's. "Relax, all your questions will be answered. If not now, then some time in the future."

"There are many ways for it to become so. All people at one time had the ability to access the power, but as time went by, people lost the ability, either from ill means, or just by simply ignoring its call. The Ceadda we thought would be the keepers of such knowledge until the people returned to it. Time went on, and youkai and man learned to depend on themselves, the completely forgot about the true power. But then the Ceadda too forgot the lessons, and became corrupt with the power. And so, they lost it."

"Inuyasha is at a turning point. At first he was as seduced with the power as were the Ceadda themselves. Then as time went on, he became just as tempted by the one who had access to it. The anger was needed."

"Needed?"

"Yes, he sought to control the power, and in doing control its user. But now he knows that the power is not one to be controlled, but to be respected. He needed to know that not all things bow to his whim. A hard lesson for one who is use to getting that which they seek, but also a much needed one."

Kagome sighed again. Her shoulders dropped and she hugged herself. "Why do I feel this need for him? I am drawn to him it way I don't understand."

The woman laughed softly and looked up toward the keep tower. "What do you think of him?"

Shocked at the question, Kagome stuttered, "W-Well, he is definitely headstrong, and a bit manipulative. He is an enigma wrapped in a hanyou skin."

The woman chuckled again, "Explain."

"Well on our way here we heard about the Lord Inuyasha. One who wanted to be crowned King of Rhea. He killed bandits swiftly and left their bodies as warnings along the road to Domna. He makes wars that kill and mains his subjects, but his lands are better cared for then any other. He educates the youth, and provides medical services for all. He is a hanyou but accepted by both youkai and human alike. And he doesn't act like a man of his status. Be it in the tavern, keep…" with a blush and a lowered voice she adds, "or the bedroom."

"And through your answer you have yet to answer our original question."

Again Kagome blinked at the woman looking puzzled. "I don't understand."

The woman smiled again. "We asked you what you thought of him."

Kagome blushed again. "Well, at first I feared him. Because what he was able to do to both Souta and I. I admit, he is attractive as a male, but I am still afraid of him as such. I worry because it didn't seem like me that was attracted to him. I was worried that it was something working through me that made me drawn to me."

After a moments pause, Kagome added with a mumble, "But the ears are adorable."

At that admission the woman nodded. "You need not fear about the drawn attraction. Like we said before, all emotions are power. Since yours has yet to adjust, the natural attraction was amplified, but was still yours."

Kagome nodded with a blush still remaining. Trying to change the topic a bit she asked, "He said he felt touched by the power, and you said others use to have the ability to do so. So was it true? Is he?"

"Yes, it is. He is a hanyou. Born between worlds, and due to that tie he has the ability to feel it. He may or may not be able to access it, though. That has yet to be seen."

The woman rose from the bench and brought Kagome up with her. "Our time here is almost at an end, and we must soon part."

Kagome panicked, "Wait, what about the runes. I know they mean something, but I lack the ability to read them."

The woman touched her forehead with a finger. A soft bluish light glowed from the contact. "In time all knowledge that was lost will be found. You may not be able to understand this right now, but in due time, all will be made clear. You are needed, to teach others, so that the will come back to the power. Teach your brother and young kit well. They will aid you more then you know."

At that the woman and the area around her became engulfed in the mist and everything turned black.

)O(

Review responses:

Princess Star – Aw, thank you. I'll try.

AngelWing1138 – LOL moosh! Your review is too funny. Plot lines are so hard to be original with so many different fanfictions for Inuyasha already created. Some are quite good ideas too.

InuKagluver91 – I may be smart for saving everything, but it took me loosing all my info on hard drive 3 times before I realized I should do so. Now I have to wipe my hard drive every 3 months. It is sad, really. The story will not be finished for some time, as the fact that it is quite a large story. (my favorite kind)

Heck with spoons, those are just so dull… now you really want to get peoples attention use a spork. LOL! I can see the headlines now. "Death by Spork… film at 11:00" or "A woman was found sporked to death due to irate fans…" HAHAHAHA! That would definitely make people take notice. ROFLMAO!

Anna Sakurai – Yup, gotta love plot twists… hehehe. LOL, trouble is I don't think they had anger management classes back then. :P Freaked out about the blood? Try held hands over face during most of it. (sigh) I am so bad about gore I refuse to watch scary movies with my husband. But my 10 year old daughter can't get enough of them. She loves 'em, especially the classic horror films. But at least she has a firm grip that the stuff she sees is not real. Otherwise she wouldn't watch 'em. She scares me with how mature she is sometimes.

Josie'n the P.cats – I am just receiving some of the reviews from last chapter. (not even gotten all of them yet) And I have not received one story update from the site either. I think they are on the fritz or something. Don't know, but it is annoying. (sigh) Yeah, she is going haywire, but hey, least he has a fighting chance against her. He isn't getting sat six feet under first. LOL!

Mrsjenthornton – I wish I could too. But I have 3 kids, a 68-acre farm, 2 cats, 1 sheep, 4 tanks of fish, and 1 tank of 11 piranhas to take care of. Not to mention doing daily things for my grandmother and handicap grandfather who live with us. (going shopping, picking up their meds. , taking 'em to doctors appoints.) Live gets crazy, and toss in me trying to find a job. UGH! I do believe this may qualify for your, (ahem) hot meeting…

Lilxneko – Glad you liked it. I wish I could post more then one a day, but my schedule will not allow me to. (sigh) If I could get paid for it, that would make it so much easier…lol.

Bluecabbage – Aw, lol. And I thought I was bad about waiting for updates.

Aitu – No, but you can try. LOL! Kidding! …Not going there… once again, can't quite answer the question with giving stuff away. QUIT ASKING THOSE TYPES OF QUESTIONS! ROFLMAO! I can't even view my old reviews. Something about the option being turned off or something or other. Grrrr. Something is going on with Fanfiction, but I don't know what. It is getting a bit on the annoying side.

(Does the happy dance) YEAH! I have over 100 reviews! Whoopie!

LOL, yeah, I am strange aren't I? I am just so glad people have let me know how much they liked my story. It is always good to see the both the new reviews and the old faces to the review board. (er, thingie.. whatever) Hope you enjoy this chapter. I know I did when typing it out….

ANOUNCEMENT! This was on the opening page of

January 13th, 2005 -- Major Maintenance Alert: Between 4AM and 12PM Friday, Jan 13, 2005 US Pacific Time, will be performing a time consuming task of relocation our servers to a new hosting facility. During this service window, all web and email services will be off-line.

We apologize in advance for the down time but it is something we cannot avoid. The improved facility affords us new opportunities for growth in terms of space and bandwidth.

LOL, I forgot to check the main page… guess I should check it out more often!

One last thing… THERE WILL BE REASON FOR THE R RATING IN THE NEXT CHAPTER. Kag/Inu lime pie… LOL. Actually, no lemon type but well, lets just say, boy does the air get thick!

Brightest of Blessings,

Lady Banshee 999