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Dark Lineage

Shade Six

Kagome sighed and shifted position again. Leave it to Hojo to find the most boring romance movie in the theaters. She had been acting as dull as she dared all evening. It was some Chinese flick, and would likely end in suicide by the girl.

When it ended with a sad song that had been translated a bit differently, she stood up and stretched quickly, to prevent Hojo from making any moves on her.

Pleased that her prediction was correct in a twisted way, Kagome thought that she had been rather dull because of it. She felt sorry for Hojo, who she couldn't shake off politely.

As they walked back to her house, she noticed that Hojo seemed a little melancholy. Stopping at the arch before the steps, she looked at him to say goodnight, but was surprised when he leaned in and kissed her, almost sadly.

Before she could say anything, he put his finger on her lips and spoke sadly.

"Kagome, I knew you never enjoyed being with me, but I had hoped that you would grow to like me. Now that Kumiko and the other new exchange students have come, I'm positive that you never will. What did you want me to do? I thought I was being everything you could want, but I see that I wasn't. Kagome, I loved you, but a single-sided love cannot survive. Remember me in the future."

He turned and left, head hung low and his hands jammed in his pockets.

Kagome stayed on the first step, speechless. Hojo…new students…Kumiko…she should have gone to school earlier! There must have been something special or strange about them if he had seen fit to mention them, and for him to think he didn't have a chance anymore. She didn't know what encouragement she had given to make him think he ever had one, but the oblivious one had realized finally how she felt.

But Kagome hadn't said anything…

"I never wanted to hurt anyone…" she whispered, striding to her bed, burying her face in the pillow. She fell asleep quickly, despite all of the troubles that weighed on her mind.

Inuyasha leapt out of the well. He knew that Kagome would be asleep, but he had to see if she had changed at all. After Sango's relation of events, he wouldn't be surprised if Kagome had turned into some sort of succubus. He crept into her room, through the window that was always left unlocked.

She had been crying. If that wasn't strange enough, her hair was no longer its natural pure blue-black. Certain parts had begun turning red, blood red. It was dark enough to be mistaken for a black still, but with his eyes Inuyasha could tell.

"Kagome…what's happening to you?" he whispered, very softly.

She stirred and mumbled,

"Inuyasha..."

In a panic and uncertain of whether it was a dream or if she was reacting to him, he rushed to the well and leaped through.

"Since when is her hearing that good?!" he thought. Reporting immediately to Sango and Miroku, he went to brood on his tree. Growing restless, he jumped off and went for a run. Suddenly, he crashed into Kikyo. He was surprised, having not been able to pick up her scent. She picked herself up, for once without her soul collectors and closed her eyes.

"Inuyasha, where is Kagome?" she asked, almost forcefully. Her face was drawn taut and there were bags under her eyes.

Inuyasha leapt down and asked as bluntly as he could,

"Were-I mean are- you a dark miko, Kikyo?!"

Kikyo glanced at him with unreadable eyes. You could tell that she wanted desperately to say something. She opened her mouth.

But instead of a yes or a no, she screamed.

"Sachiko, tell Nanashi and Nobu I will not come! You have no control over me any-" a dark shape swooped down and cut her off. It straightened and looked Inuyasha in the eyes. It was the face of a beautiful woman. What were unusual about her were her streaks of purple flowing through her hair and the line of red framing her irises.

"I apologize for Kikyo here. You know too much, but you are still a vital part of the plan. Kikyo can see you no more, her use is gone. Kieoko will return soon. Do not fall for her, for if this is the only true thing I ever say, she will be your downfall, more than either Kagome or Kikyo could ever have been. I have said too much, but my blunder should be your gain. Remember, and take heed."

She paused and added, almost carelessly, "I don't suggest letting any dark mikos heal anything."

That was the last thing Inuyasha remembered as he keeled over. That, and a flash of red light.

'I must prevent Kagome from returning. She will cause more harm here than in her time. No matter what, I must prevent her from returning.' Inuyasha thought over and over again, not sure why he was determined to make it so. Darkness blurred the edges of his vision, until it consumed his entire view.

Kagome admired herself in the mirror. She straightened a few stray hairs that had gone out of her neat ponytail. Fingering her red strands, she thought of her new wardrobe. She had to wear her school uniform in school still, but outside anything was allowed. Her tight new skirts went down to her knees, and were a lot more modest than the usual skirt she wore. Her mother had barely given her a glance when she went shopping, only commenting on how it was nice that she was wearing different clothes again.

Kumiko had noticed her on her first day back, and she was slightly confused as to how she felt about him just yet. He was an attractive boy, with waist length yellow hair. He looked like Tetsaki, which only messed her feelings up a little more.

'Kumiko makes me think of Inuyasha as well…' she mused. She wasn't too guilty about making him wait; it had only been two and a half weeks, of course. He hadn't come by to pick her up either, so it meant that he wanted the break as well.

Her old friends had left her; when she returned they were clustered around a still moping Hojo. Shooting her venomous looks, they had done nothing when she greeted them. Yuka had shifted her hand, as if she had to restrain a rude gesture. Eri and Ayumi had openly scorned her.

It hadn't taken long to figure out that they no longer wanted her as a friend. Kagome had never been too friendly with the rest of the school either, and that relationship continued. Now, the only ones who would talk to her were Kumiko and his two friends. Heavenly boys, they were good protectors. She had been ambushed two times already, and the culprits had left as soon as Kumiko had arrived. She didn't have much of a choice in accepting them as her friends.

"But," she giggled mirthlessly, "It wouldn't do for me to shoot my sacred arrows at them either. Dependency on total strangers wasn't exactly on my to-do list."

Inuyasha paused outside the window. What did this last sentence mean? She had assured him several times that there were no demons or anything in her time that she would have to use her miko powers against.

"Kagome, it's time to-" He stopped and stared. Kagome giggled again, this time with more emotion.

"Inuyasha, do you know how this happened?" she asked, pointing to her hair. It was a dark red in the front, streaked in her bangs, and scattered throughout the back.

"No-did you do something to it?" he asked unkindly, hinting that it looked less than beautiful.

"Do you like it?" she asked uncertainly, and Inuyasha had to nod. She was becoming fragile looking.

Kagome picked up her new backpack, a one-strapped white one, and jumped out the window with him. She landed easily, and ran to the well, falling once again gracefully, leaving Inuyasha going slower behind her. He shook his head, and accepted the change. He accepted it because he had no choice, if her blood was calling her back into her true form, he would have to wait to change her back.

Miroku pointed in the direction of the well as they ran up to him.

"Are you sure that the aura of Naraku is there? Why would he want to hang around Kagome's well; he doesn't know, does he?" Sango asked worriedly. Shippo laughed in delight when he saw Kagome sprinting, and ran towards her as well. They met and spun in a circle.

"Is it dress-up day back in your time?" he asked, gesturing to her clothes. They limited her movement, but he thought they looked better than her usual uniform.

"No Shippo, it's what I've decided to wear now outside of school."

"I think it looks nice." Complimented Sango unnecessarily, at loss of what else to say.

"Miroku, is that the demon?" asked Shippo, pointing in the direction of a cloud. It disappeared as soon as the other turned around, and Miroku shook his head.

"That is." He said, pointing in the other direction. Kagura stood, as blank and devoid of emotion as before.

They all ran quickly towards the sitting opponent. She got up, and flashed her fan at their eyes. A ray of sun reflected off. Still running, but blinded, they stopped quickly. When they could finally see again, two blond demons were present. The male was in a stance, icy green eyes boring into them. The female

Inuyasha growled, and Miroku asked casually, "I take it that you know him?"

"He's Kagome's Tetsaki." And now, it was obvious that the miko knew him, as she ran towards the enemy. They exchanged a few words, and Tetsaki shook his head vehemently.

"Bitch, you don't know me at all. What gives you the authority to tell me to back down?" he hissed. Kagome didn't fall back and instead continued strongly,

"Bitch yourself; you should have more brains than to go against us. What the hell does Naraku want now?"

"Nothing that he wants you to know." Tetsaki responded, and swung his katana slowly at her. She backed away, receiving the hint.

"Alright, if you wanna fight for real."

She dropped her backpack some distance away and picked up her bow and arrows. Kagome let several arrows fly, which he dodged easily.

"Simple arrows won't fell me." He said, pointing out the obvious, and let a horizontal slash of power loose at the immobile fighters. The battle began for real.

Inuyasha countered with his Wind Scar, letting the power block Tetsaki's attack. Sango jumped of Kirara, and whispered into the neko's ear. Kirara shook herself, and climbed into the air rapidly. Sango hurled her boomerang at Tetsaki, uncertain of how much strength she was supposed to use. If he was Kagome's friend, would she object to hurting him?

Inuyasha had no such thoughts. He fell upon the demon with energy, slashing, punching, and basically fighting dirty. Tetsaki fended him off easily, sparing the monk a look. Kagura had left, but blades of wind were still whipping around the field. Miroku used his Wind Tunnel to make sure they didn't hit any of his friends.

Sango retrieved her boomerang, and stood up sharply when she felt a pair of hands on her shoulders. No one was there when she looked though. Then, she noticed the female youkai standing a few yards away.

"You do that?" she asked.

"Not physically. There are some powers I wouldn't give up for the world. One of which helps my mental abilities." She laughed, and punched Sango in the stomach. As the exterminator doubled over, she said kindly, "You can call me Tesake."

Sango felt trouble coming on, heavily and strong.

Kagome had sat down when he had said, "Simple arrows won't fell me," surprised at the truth in the statement. It made her think.

'Simple arrows could never kill a youkai of his class. I haven't shot a simple, plain arrow since I…since never. The first time I shot an arrow, it missed horribly, but there was still power. There was still power…even if I didn't will it or anything, there was still something. What about now? Those were just plain shots, one anybody could make. But there's that new power I've been testing…'

"Oi! Kagome, stop your fooling and help us, will ya?!" yelled Inuyasha, who was being pushed back in a deadlock. Shippo jumped up and down, and slapped Myouga off his neck.

"Nice time for you to show up." The kitsune said, his eyes flat lines. Myouga laughed hastily, and said,

"I came to see how you were doing, heh."

"Sure. Any tips for Inuyasha?" asked Shippo sarcastically. H moved to the safety of some trees.

"No."

"Figures."

Kagome walked to the struggling pair and grinned. She pushed lightly on their foreheads with two fingers each, and they flew apart, hundreds of feet spanned in a matter of seconds. The dirt drag marks went deeper and deeper, until a chasm separated each from daylight. She laughed outright then, and sat down, counting on her fingers.

"One, two, and three…" A rumbling was heard from one end, and then the other started emitting several clangs.

"Four, five…" the earth shuddered, getting more violent. Kagome kneeled and spread her hands for better balance.

"Six, seven, eight…" Faint battle cries and shouts could be heard now.

"Nine, ten. Here they come."

"Wench, why the hell do you give me such pain?!" yelled Inuyasha, leaping back towards her. His opponent was similarly insulting her with degrading names, and they clashed almost in the same place as before.

"Because you asked for it." Kagome responded sweetly, and sprinted to Sango, who was covered with bruises and cuts. Tesake was floating comfortably in the air, looking rather sad as she twitched her fingers first one way, and then another. Sango was hit simultaneously. Kagome threw a red ward over her friend and jumped up to Tesake's invisible platform.

"What the hell are you doing? Why are you both here?" she demanded. Tesake sat up straighter.

"It was commanded that I test the exterminator. I'm not finding her much of a challenge. Naraku said you would ask, and said just to tell you that Kumiko isn't yours." She shrugged, still clouded with depression.

"What's wrong with you?" Kagome asked fiercely, keeping her new personality going enthusiastically. "Sango's my friend, stop!!!"

"I can't. I've been commanded. You think I like doing this?!" Tesake furiously asked. She gestured to her right arm, where an intricate labyrinth was tattooed.

"This is the only thing stopping me from stopping."

About to elaborate on her limit, she disappeared, and her platform with her. Kagome plummeted to the ground, and was only barely caught by Inuyasha, who had noticed. Grunting as stars whirled around his head, he asked shakily,

"Where'd they go?"

"I don't know." She replied shortly, getting off and helping him up. She went and picked up her backpack.

"Kagome, I don't think you should come back anymore. It's getting to be too dangerous." Inuyasha whispered, knowing that her ears would catch it. She looked sad for a moment, but then that fleeting look was gone.

"I'll come as often and for as long as I wish." She went over to help Sango up.

"Should I try and heal your wounds?" she asked kindly.

"NO!" Sango refused loudly, before clapping a bloody hand to her mouth at Kagome's stricken look. Inuyasha had told them the warning made by the miko called 'Sachiko'. Kagome backed away, and wordlessly held out the bandages and medication. Miroku gently helped apply the healing ointments, keeping his hands still, which Sango was grateful for.

Inuyasha was almost unharmed, but since the cuts were already disappearing, she decided that he would live. They continued, away from the field that would be forever marked with the signs of battle.

Weary, they settled for a cave after hours of wandering. They were alerted to the unwelcome presence of a longtime friend/enemy by a shriek. Sobs from Kagome followed the initial sound.

It wasn't really the wolf demon.

It was, rather, his body.

It was badly mangled, but the face was still untouched, preserving a look of surprise. Kagome cried silently, touching a cold hand to his colder face.

After a simple, mindless burial, Kagome declared,

"I think I'm going home now."

She disappeared in a flash of red light, leaving her friends stunned. They would have to make their way back themselves. The aftershock of his death hadn't hit them quite yet, and they hadn't thought of why he had died, who had killed him, or even why they had put his body to rest in the place they did.

'Kouga's dead. Inuyasha doesn't want me to come back. But I will! I have to, and I just have to go home and see him again first…' she finished, determined to make Inuyasha want her to be there always, forgetting that he already did.

She jumped into the well, not thinking or asking any questions of why she had gotten there so fast. Kagome was beginning to accept her powers as natural.

Naraku had a dangerous look in his eyes. A few limp bodies were piled next to him, bloodied and quite obviously dead. Some were dismembered.

"Bring me another one." He commanded. A few minor imps scuttled up to him with a new slave, whimpering in fear. The imps shuddered at his stony expression, and scuttled out as fast as their legs could take them.

He suddenly made a knife jump up through his hand, the wound dripping for a while. It closed up, and the knife grew longer, to the point where it was longer than him. Advancing towards the sacrifice, he asked neutrally,

"Tetsaki. You did give the Changer the orders he was to carry out, did you not."

Tetsaki, his face betraying only a little of the fear held inside, bowed and said,

"I did. The Changer told me to assure you that the girl is ready, and completely reliant on him."

Naraku carved the spider emblem on the back of the man, watching emotionlessly as the blood dripped down, ignoring the squeals of pain. Without any forewarning, he cast a spell to mute the man's sounds and stabbed into his right eye. The blood flowed quickly down his face, and Naraku left him to bleed to death on top of the rest of his experiments.

"I am angry, Tetsaki. Can you tell? It took time to set Inuyasha up. It took time to set the miko up. It took time. You and Tesake were called back because he was being incompetent. He made her show too fast."

Tetsaki did not move. It was best not to disturb the master when a failure had been reported. He still remembered his near sister's almost death. She had shown that Koga had died as planned, but not in the way planned. Instead of being found by Kikyo and being crushed by the magic-enhanced boulder, he had been killed by one of the last Birds of Paradise. Kikyo had not found him, but Kagome had.

Tesake had come by again later, and apparently had not acted with enough humbleness, for when she finished, Naraku had smiled evilly and said,

"I have decided that I do not need a psychic demon here, even the psychic demon of communication. You shall be absorbed back into my essence. Your body shall be altered and preserved, to serve a future use. Are you not glad to learn that you shall be useful, even in non-existence?" The following screams of torture had not been easy to bear. But he had to. Survival of the fittest. His master had nearly killed her, but reveled instead in her open fear. He had let her live.

"Leave me now." Naraku finished cutting out the tongue of one of the already dead ones, and tossed the body back on top of the others.

He almost scuttled out, but to show weakness in front of Naraku was to show how you could be killed. He wanted to live, if only for her…

Naraku continued to meditate while gazing upon the faces of Goshinko (Tell me the spellings, please!), Kageromaru, Jaromaru, Tesake, and the newest edition, Kagura. The witch had either died or had found a way to get around her bond. He had felt her part of his essence return, but a little had remained. Not enough to be useful, damn it. He had no clue how she had appeared before Tetsaki and Tesake had, but it wasn't under his control. And the two swore that they didn't know anything. Ha. He wasn't sure why he kept Tetsaki around. He had been humbled by the reabsorbing of his sister, so there shouldn't be any trouble for a while.

This was his wall of failures. All failed plans, incarnations, and battles were depicted in uncanny detail. It was to remind him not to be overconfident. Until recently, only Goshinko and the brothers had been on the wall. Now, a small etching of the Changer, Kagome, and Inuyasha had been added along with the other failures. It was growing, and that wasn't good.

"Master, it is time for your meeting with the Nanashi Akira." Said Tesake humbly bowing in the doorway.

Naraku slammed his fist into the picture of the Changer.

"Tell…her…I'll…be…a….moment." he hissed dangerously. Tesake exited to inform the Nanashi Akira of the delay, cringing at the crack the hit had made on the wall.

When Naraku entered the room 15 minutes later, he was confronted by an irritated miko.

"Naraku, you have often stressed the virtues of punctuality, you would do good to remember what you say!" a rather tall woman yelled in his face, jabbing her finger into his chest.

"I apologize, Nanashi Akira." Naraku said a little impatiently. Just as impatiently, she replied,

"For the last, time, call me Akira! The Nanashi is for the mikos that need to learn respect!" Akira bellowed.

"Very unnecessary behavior for the female head miko." Naraku smirked while Akira fumed and made rude gestures, which only served to prove his point.

The Changer hissed in annoyance when the master's response came. He knew that Naraku would never understand why he had to delay. Those eyes…were enough to stop him

She was enchanting, as no other woman he had experienced before. And he would possess her, even if it meant going against the Spider's orders.

His eyes, shades of jades and emeralds, swirled in a everchanging blend of greens.

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