Lost Humanity

"Bring her to me."

"Hai, Inutaisho-sama."

The servant left the ever frosty throne room. Even in the dead heat of summer that grand hall remained its freezing tendencies. Many believed it to be because of an incantation of some sort, but truthfully it was because this room descended to the lower floors of the western domain without the enterer's knowledge. That was the spell. As you walk down the hall, which is much longer than necessary, the floor begins to slant. There are paintings on the walls that were particularly tasteful, meant to be a distraction. When you are distracted from the direction you are heading, the downhill slope isn't noticeable. Most would realize that they are getting a little nauseous or light headed, perhaps the pressure in your ears changing with the descent. There was a spell around the throne room so that the lowest part would be where Inutaisho's throne was placed.

The servant rushed down the winding passages, the ones within the walls dedicated especially for servants. This caused less commotion in the halls and allowed servants to act out their rush instead of walking with poise like the workers of the western citadel were deemed to accomplish. Yes, even the servants had to act with grace for that was what their training demanded. Koharu was running with short strides as that were only what her tightly fitted yukata would allow. It was her favorite, the best one she had, and that also meant Koharu couldn't release it. No matter how small it was getting for her, she kept it and wore it on occasion. It was a pale sea green with yellow orchid petals and white centers. It was tied with a matching pale green sash, the same as the yukata as was custom. Only those of higher status wore different colored sashes as another way to demonstrate their status.

Koharu exited the second, inner corridor when she reached that which Kagome's room was being held. The southern wing was definitely the simplest of them all, besides the western wing. Well, all of it wasn't so plain, only the elder prince's quarters.

With Kagome

Kagome heard of Inutaisho's return. In fact, she knew the taiyoukai saw her. When Kagome exited the first floor of the eastern wing, she'd snuck behind the crowds greeting their lord and lady. It was just after his voice had sounded through the many halls. Actually it made her jump out of her skin since she was just about to pass under the tapestry when it reached her ears. Since she wasn't the tallest thing in the world, Kagome easily slipped behind the servants. At least until all of the servants bowed. Kagome was entering the next hall when she felt the demon's eyes watching her. Kagome had turned her head looking over her shoulder. Cerulean eyes met stone gold as Inutaisho furrowed his brows at her. Kagome faced him fully with a small apologetic smile and bowed until her torso was parallel to the ground. She just didn't feel like being submissive today.

Kagome then left to her own chambers knowing her way around after a few months of being in the palace. This mirror meant more than just a mirror. It meant that she could look at herself, view her worth when ever she pleased. That Kagome could look in the mirror and no longer fear it would break, like the last time. But now, her powers were under control and she could bare look at herself. And so here she was, standing in front of her large mirror in the room she hadn't known existed until a few days ago. Once again, the ever curious miko was bored out of her mind and took the time, during Rin's training of defense lessons, to explore all of her quarters in depth. This was when she found her new favorite little treat. If she went into her changing quarters there was another door that led to a room next to her bathroom, but wasn't connected by a door. Kagome had never been given the liberty of being able to look at herself. In his eyes, she wasn't adequate to do anything or be anything, but his slave. Even more importantly, it was a lethal weapon that could be used against him and herself.

The raven haired miko stood from her Indian-style sitting position. She'd been sitting here, for nearly an hour. Her thoughts were organized and hanyou-based. They were all 'what ifs' and she was even more frustrated them before. Kagome's kind self, her miko soul, wanted, needed to help Inuyasha for she was the only one who was powerful enough to do it. Not just any miko could do it because you had to actually know the person, but even more important you needed to know their spiritual wavelength, or key.

Steeling grey eyes hardened unnaturally. It was happening…again…

Meditating for so long drew these silent whispering voices passed barriers she hadn't even known were there to leak into her calm spirit.

You aren't worthy of seeing your true self. You are our tool and your renegade behavior will remain anonymous. But because of you…the others' existences are lessening. That half-demon Naraku is gathering and enslaving them. You're…at fault. We're coming for you and those demons cannot help you. For they will die… all of them.

"No! I won't let you…not again…never."

Yes beg…beg and we may let one live. Or maybe…your concern is focused on one certain individual?

"Iie…I won't beg. I will not let you."

Kagome gritted her and felt Kaekei within her stirring. Kagome knew she couldn't defeat the council alone. Even letting her inner spirits loose would be risky, Kagome couldn't fully trust the dark part of the split soul. Her blood lust was renowned and practically uncontrollable. And Yukila could never hurt someone directly or indirectly. The poor pure soul was already tortured by being forced to witness the many murders of her darker half. Kagome's shoulders hunched and tension released from her body. She cracked her neck and knew what she had to do. The council…the creatures that created and trained Kaekei and Yukila when they were once whole. The guardian that the two souls once formed. The destined protector of the elfin throne and the misa-sama of earth. The lady, known as mother nature to all demons and humans, was her charge. The misa-sama was to protect the earth while the kami-sama watched over the heavens.

-But we failed in our duty to our mistress and the mother died. The loss of her presence sent the world into chaos.-

Kagome's head shot up at the newly revealed information. She was even more surprised that it was the normally reserved Kaekei who would never tell you anything without an ulterior motive.

"Yukila…why didn't you ever tell me?"

-I was ashamed…and it is not a pleasant memory, but there is more. Kaekei tell her onegai.-

"What else?"

-Why do you think you can feel the Shikon's ambience?-

"I can?"

-Hai baka, feel for it. Close your eyes, call to it.-

Kagome shut her eyes slowly and slowed her breathing. Her hands spread out on either side of her body naturally with her palms facing up. Her feet spread and a sudden jerk close to her heart sent her to her knees. Kaekei couldn't help the wolfish grin splitting her lips.

-Not bad. The pull was so strong because the Shikon is corrupted. There are is a pure side, the soul of the miko contained in it that rejects this evil poisoning. That is what calls you so desperately.-

"But…but Kikyo is the protector!"

-Until you got here. She is older than you and was…temporary until you were ready to hold the responsibility.-

"Huh...why?"

-You remember we were a guardian? We still are. When we entered your body, our natural instincts were adapted to fit you. Our purpose is life was to protect purity and during our time that innocence was the misa-sama. But now…you must learn our grand knowledge of spells, plus many centuries of training. We will teach in your sleep. You've done it for awhile unbeknownst to you.-

"I still don't get it."

-Baka ningen! Listen! When our soul was separated from our body and reinstated in you, a human, for protection and containment, those instincts morphed. They were translated from a guardian of life souls to that of the jewel of four souls.-

Kagome slapped her fist into her opposite palm with a look of understanding crossing her face with a stupid smile.

"I get it! But why tell me now?"

-Because…you have to know why we have to break the link to the council.-

"What link?"

-When the council promoted us as the deemed protectors of the mistress, a piece of our soul was connected to each of the six masters forming the council. So if we were ever needed in an emergency we could be found easily. But now it is only a clever tracking device.-

"Kaekei…"

-We need to be free from them if we are ever to heal and atone. Their emotions can be transmitted to us through that link just like our emotions can be to you.-

Yukila's voice was strained obviously she was more affected by these emotions. She wasn't weak, but kind hearted. And to be reminded constantly by her failure to protect someone she loved and respected tormented her daily.

"Ok what do I do?"

-Why do you think Naraku kept mirrors from you?-

"I don't know."

Yukila had shrunk into the background, her presence no longer felt in Kagome's mind. And Kagome let her go.

-Because that is how we were sealed and also how we are to be set free. He knew that.-

"Oh."

-When the mirror broke before it wasn't your powers. It was our power, an aura that surrounds us, and it knew that the mirror shards were needed to set us free. You just didn't know what that meant.-

"So…what."

-So….break that fucking mirror. Then use the shards and cut lines as I tell to.-

Kagome gulped, Kaekei's voice was growled to her. She would be the one set free, Yukila was too emotionally tortured to be stable enough to be released. Kagome swallowed hard understanding the painful task she had to do. For the sake of her own freedom as well as the other guardians suffering because of her carelessness. If Naraku was enslaving them the way he did to her, it wouldn't lead to anything good.

"Was the council that voice I heard before?"

-Hai…normally we shield you from it.-

"Yukila! You mean you don't think I'm strong enough to take it!"

-Well you aren't, baka. It's a constant voice, a fucking nag, in the back of your consciousness like a subliminal message all the time. Constantly sending evil waves to sway your spirit and without the proper training you would be corrupted. Then you'd be useless to us.-

-Kaekei! Kagome…you would be controlled by the council and so would we then.-

"But I thought the council was good. They contained your soul within me to protect others…"

-Iie…we are blamed for the misa-sama's death. And Kaekei- didn't help, but going off on a killing spree…but then that is how she deals with her guilt.-

-Nani! I never lament!-

"Sure…Kaekei you big softy…"

-Ningen………….-

"Okay, mou urusai na!"

-Did she just….-

-Cease being a child Kaekei-

-Oh tag team me why don't ya!-

"Shouldn't we tell Sesshoumaru-san first?"

-You mean the overgrown mutt? Doushite?-

"Well…he'll smell the blood won't he?"

-Yukila...barrier?-

-Hai, I believe that's best. We will inform the youaki prince at a later time-

Kagome squared her shoulders, her decision confirmed with her inner soul, even when split it two and so contrasting they still got along. Perhaps it was because they were once one?

-Focus gaki!-

Cerulean orbs shut her vision turning inward. She had to break the glass silently nearly impossible if she wasn't a miko. Kagome silently thanked Kaede for training her, she would definitely need it now.

Now dulled cobalt eyes blinked as she stood there, seemingly forever, lost in a moment where time did not exist. She wanted to see it, see it all. She had to. Kagome had to feel it, she needed it. But what it was she needed…escaped her hazing mind.

Kagome untied the sash from her yukata, a plain cream fabric with white cranes flying across the hemline, one on the collar, and two the outer side of her lengthened sleeves that ceased below her hips. The white sash twirled and fell into a six foot pile of pristine color of the tile flooring. Perhaps that was what she admired about this room? Or was it the high ceiling that appeared to disappear in the shadows. There were no windows and the miko had to light candles for the lack of lantern lighting on any sort.

The simply elegant material slipped silkily and slowly from her slender shoulders. The whisper on soft cotton pooling on the pale grey tile was nearly unheard in the weighty silence of the room. The atmosphere was undying and pressed against her chest as if it held the intent to crush her rapidly beating heart. Dimly Kagome was aware that something was happening. Something she couldn't control. She tried to calm her heart for hope that it was just paranoia and her adrenaline coursing her veins. For once she felt the aura of the darker spirit silencing her doubt. The ebony waves of a tortured sea washed over her and every pain ever inflicted from the council's influence poured over her. It flowed into her, surrounded her.

The air seemed cold around her as her breath was seen in misty puffs around her body. Flashing images coursed her vision and a dream she could never quite remember when she woke up played silently behind her eyes. The council controlled her…purposely led her astray from her charge just long enough for the almost deadly kind woman to meet her end.

"It was your fault!"

-Hai Kagome…hai-

The image of a slender woman chasing the halls at a blurred speed. Brilliant red head screaming behind her shoulders in silent wisps as the churning legs moved mechanically in her panic to reach the throne room. But she was too late. Kagome collapsed to the floor holding either side of her head. Tears didn't run down her face, her body too caught up in the flurry of pain that it knew wasn't real, it was only in her head as memories that weren't her own swarmed her mind.

"Iie…onegai…"

The words that left Kagome's mouth weren't her own, but the red haired goddess in her head. Grey eyes widened in terror at the bloody remains of her mistress. The white-blonde hair falling over the arm of the gold enamored throne in wavy spills. Her kind pale blue eyes empty and distant. Her normally glowing skin that shined with a gold tint like that of the very sun that warmed it was an ashy grey. The life swept from her as the blood crashed against the white marble floor in drips, splatters, and puddles. A river of red crying from every wound. The doors crashed open and guards pulled the stricken Taeku from their deceased, murdered queen. The red haired girl had struggled to release the dead beauty. They had all seen her with her sword protruding from the lady's heart, but failed to notice the blade still resided at her waist. Being covered in the holy, blessed blood of the misa-sama was a sin and Taeku would be not be killed, but forever tortured trapped for eternity in the soul of a human.

As Taeku (tai-ay-ku) was being led away her face looked once last time at her idol before the doors shut closing the horrid image from her watching eyes, but nothing would remove the image burned into her mind.

Kagome watched as the sorrow and betrayal, but most of all anger filled her heart. It wasn't hers, but it felt so real. It was then, in the play behind her eyes, that she saw and felt the split of Taeku's soul. The dark and pure have different ways of atonement. The pain of ripping the soul in half was their punishment for their failure. Each took on different names to call each other should the need arise. The pure part took the given name the mistress gave her while in life, Yukila. The darker half took the middle name, the given name, their father had given them, Kaekei. Yukila would live in silent torture in her prison within a human for atonement. However Kaekei shredded the prison walls as Yukila locked herself away, with her lengthened claws. Kaekei slaughtered anything in her path using her many years of torture training to release the emotions in her soul. Those years of pain she learned from personal experience.

-Ningen…break the glass.-

Kagome's eyes were blank in suffering and the emotional turmoil of her soul made it even simpler to call upon the powers of her miko. For these powers wished to heal their master as well as others around them and were willed to awaken easier when there was trouble. Except this danger was the risk of Kagome's soul being taken over by the darkness given to her by the shadowed soul of Taeku, Kaekei.

The secondary layer of her yukata, the under-yukata as Kagome labeled it for forgetting its true name, followed its formal companion. The undergarments fell swiftly as well as the band she had tied back her hair with. Kagome lifted her palms to lay flat against the glass. The natural oil of her hands made a glossy imprint. But the mist swirled to life moving across the surface with the aid of the miko powers lacing it with a light pink. The spirit in the glass responded to the need of one of nature's children, but instead of falling in spherical shapes so as to prevent injury, the spirit bent willingly to the plead request of the miko to fall in shards. Kagome slowed the descent of the shards, thanking the spirit, as she stepped back from the mirror leading the pieces to lay gently on the floor with a soft scrape.

-Now…first a slash from elbow to wrist on each arm-

Kagome followed the soft commands of Kaekei's almost calming voice. The shadow's voice a lower timbre and didn't have that sharpened edge to cut her consciousness with her natural viciousness.

The first two cuts were followed by a line following along her sternum. It went from top to bottom to stop at the dip between her collar bones. This was followed by a horizontal slash parallel to her two collar bones stopping at the juncture of her shoulders. Two lines fell from the outer corners of her eyes to drop down her cheeks and fall slowly under her jaw. Then the same lines curved inward at an angle to come to a point at the center of the dip between her collar bones. Kagome would have been panting from the ache of her body, was she truly in tune to it and not focused inward. The emotional pain was too great to notice the physical.

A half circle was cut ensuing on the outside of the socket of each shoulder with a smaller horse shoe inside. Cuts echoed across her body, on the outside of her knees, ankles and also over her hips to stop just above her womanhood on either side. A circle ran around her navel with a sun burst of lines forming a directional rose on her flat stomach. On her forehead the kanji symbol for protection formed over her brow. After that she felt fire lace up her back as another carving was created where she couldn't reach between her shoulder blades. Every line burned as the blood turned black. Starting with her face, in a sweeping light, the cuts she made healed leaving only an ink black line that thickened as it tattooed her body.

Kagome's cry died in her throat and Yukila's strong barrier around the room kept anyone from noticing any sounds created while Kagome made the symbols on releasing the guardians on her skin. Blue eyes glowed white as all pain disappeared and content was once again received. One convenience was that the barrier didn't need to hide scents as well sounds because an adaptive maneuver was for the blood of a guardian to be hidden and be sheltered from all beings, no matter species. And since Kagome embodied a guardian soul in her fresh, her blood was secured as well. Weakness would not be discovered this way.

With Koharu

Koharu stepped from the secret passageway and turned the corner to Kagome's room, well Koharu had to remind herself to keep Kagome's alias, Raiven. This way her presence would be somewhat safer even if the southern lord already knew she was here. She could remain simply a guest to the other lords, nothing special. Koharu didn't know why, but in her heart she knew Kagome was different...special and she needed to be protected. Koharu would do her simple part.

She entered the shoji screen and searched for the jubilant woman. Koharu saw the door to her changing room open down the small hallway. She walked in, but didn't see her. Suddenly brown eyes widened as a trembling hand grasped the color of her yukata in shock. Koharu fled the hallway, loosening her yukata enough to allow a full sprint. The servant abandoned her sandals and slipped somewhat it her tabi socks, but it didn't matter as long as she reached Inutaisho-sama as quickly as possible.

Koharu flung over the servant's door next to the much heavier throne room door. She ran into the room and fell to her knees not even noticing the surprised look on her lord's face. She did however feel the irritated gaze of his eldest son of her prostrated back. Luckily no one else was present.

"Gomen nasai my lord! But the woman…Rai-Raiven-sama!"

Sesshoumaru stood straighter acknowledging that perhaps this was important.

"Hai…why is she not with you?"

"There's blood…coming from underneath her door!"

Koharu looked up and honesty with slight fear lanced her dark brown irises. Her scent was clear except for those emotions along with the expected great worry. Inutaisho nodded to her, dismissing her. Koharu bowed with her forehead against the cold floor shivering before walking shakily from the room to gather her sandals she'd left. And with a frightened expression continued on with her duties.

--Be okay Kagome-chan.--

Sesshoumaru stormed after his father. The two youkai releasing their youki to let all in the vicinity the knowledge to leave. Sesshoumaru snarled a fang showing under his lifted lips. Inutaisho watched his heir curiously. They reached the door quickly, but Inutaisho stepped back and allowed his son control of the situation. Crimson dirtied the floor outside the door by only a few inches, but there was no smell. Inutaisho looked at his son and saw no surprise in his features.

--It seems my eldest has been hiding something…he will tell me later.--

Inutaisho's face darkened with promise. If it endangered his castle and domain he deserved to know. His son's silence could be considered treason for withholding such information from his lord. Even the lord's heir was not excluded from this rule.

Sesshoumaru and his father had walked into the room following Koharu's scent to the changing chamber. There they saw that the trail ended here and swiftly flickering eyes caught it. Sesshoumaru attempted to enter the room that he knew held a large wall-sized mirror, only to find it locked, of course, but being the impatient inu he was, Sesshoumaru just slammed the door open. The handle ripping off the wooden door.

Inutaisho could only shake his head at his son, but prepared for the worst inside that chamber. When the door opened a barrier immediately fell after a strong course of youki impaled against it. The barrier was meant to prevent sounds, but not intrusion. The girl obviously didn't think anyone would search for her so soon.

Sesshoumaru's golden eyes narrowed at the body lying on the floor. She was still human from what his senses told him, but judging from the markings on her body she had committed some ritual. Sesshoumaru raised a much stronger barrier in the room ready to confess to his father.

"She isn't normal."

"I believe that obvious. Come now, Sesshoumaru, it isn't like you to dally around, get to the point."

"She is human miko infused with the soul of a guardian elf."

Inutaisho's eyebrows knitted.

"And how do you know this?"

"Observation and research."

"Hmm…human mikos of great potential…were used to contain the souls of guardians that were corrupt and destructive."

"Hai."

"And you kept this from me?"

"I had no proof."

Inutaisho stifled his growl. His son had reasons he couldn't just convict the girl without evidence, but Inutaisho recognized these markings. There were ceremonial and were very clear.

"The girl has fully accepted the souls into her body. They are one, no longer two parts."

Sesshoumaru didn't respond, but knew that this slip of a girl was now much more trouble.

"If she can remain in control of those powers, she'll be a great asset."

And with that Inutaisho left the room leaving his son with the human girl. Kagome was swimming in her own life essence, but no cuts were in her skin and her miko powers flared restlessly as it replenished the loss of her system.

Sesshoumaru watched, intrigued. He kneeled beside her form and studied her. The girl was very much naked. Supple breasts, quite ample for a human, rose with her steady breathing. Her flat stomach tightened in her sleep to reveal lean muscles. A slender neck was revealed to him as her head was turned to her right. It was such a perfect show of submission that he felt his beast rise to the unconscious deed of the girl. She knew not what she did to him by her simple actions. Long spindly legs, just yearning to wrap around his waist lay sprawled against the wet floor. Her ebony hair was lying in all directions with only a few pieces framing her face. A few choppy bangs hung over her closed eyes, but the majority joined the longer masses over her head. A full bottom lip pouted in her sleep as her eyebrows knitted. The human was awakening, but Sesshoumaru didn't move as clear ocean blue eyes opened to regard him.

Kagome sat up quickly shocked to see him sitting there so calmly. She moved to her knees and bowed before him hoping to ease any anger he might have with her. But it was then that she saw bare legs covered in red. And she screamed as a sculpted white eyebrow lifted humorously at her expense.

--Yes…a lot of trouble.--

"What…hey will you quit staring?"

Sesshoumaru rose gracefully and moved smoothly next to her. Sesshoumaru looked down at her and spoke lowly with a silky tone to his voice.

"Does this…bother you."

The youkai added a sexy pause and was rewarded with a heated blush tinting her marked cheeks. But her blue eyes swirled darkly with a fire unheard of in the human race, except for maybe Sango. The blush turned to one of uncontrolled anger as it lit her face highlighting her eyes.

"Hai! It's indecent and I thought humans are below you. Why would you be caught looking at one that way?"

"What way?"

His eyes had darkened, their honeyed color changing to a deep golden. His voice had turned sharp, but he drew a long claw down her cheek as the markings disappeared.

"That…way…"

Kagome was almost ashamed that her voice was so breathless if her attention wasn't completely focused on those darkening eyes.

"You're no longer human."

"…Nani…"

"You've merged with the inner soul…of an elf."

Kagome's mind swirled. She did feel different, but could it be true? By giving the guardian their deserved freedom had she lost her humanity? Kagome was vaguely aware of Sesshoumaru's departure by the rustling of silk and the lengthened sleeve that touched her forearm. Worried blue eyes looked at herself and watched as the last of the black markings fell away to leave her normal skin tone, if not a bit lighter.

For the first time during the whole ordeal, tears fell from Kagome's eyes. That is until she felt Yukila's warm embrace circle her shoulders like the first time in that vision, or dream, she had so many weeks ago. Kagome felt an invisible hand wipe her tears and cerulean eyes widened when she saw the shape of a hand cupping her cheek.

-You made us real. We now had a connection to the world. We won't have our own flesh, but we can truly live again.-

The hand wasn't flesh, but misty white in some places where the light from the doorway hit it, but for the most part clear. It looked like a formation of wind, but it was soft like Yukila's silky skin Kagome had felt while in her dream. It didn't look real, but it felt real and she realized that it would be only to her. Only her, now fully bonded, would see such a miracle.

-We will protect your spirit as you do us with your body.-

Kagome could even feel the acceptance of Kaekei and the slightest tinge of pride.

-Kid, I didn't think you'd survive.-

"What do u mean survive?"

Kagome's was soft, lyrical in her dazed state as she played with Yukila's fingers. The two parts inside her laughed, even Kaekei.

-Kagome not everyone could survive a binding with a guardian, very few in fact.-

"Then why did I?"

-Because you did it out of the goodness of your ningen heart…and not the powers you would receive.-

"Powers?"

-Unfortunately…you have much to learn or you'll lose control.-

Kagome smiled and turned to leave the room. She passed a female servant on the way out and she blushed. However the hanyou just handed her a robe and went to clean up the blood. That is before Kagome stopped her feeling Kaekei's warning before the shadow even spoke it.

"Allow me, won't you? It isn't safe."

Of course it was harmless, but disposing of it herself was much safer. Kagome's blood could be sued against her for that was the main ingredient for an enslavement bond. And the guardian beings would not bear to be trapped again after tasting the delicious feeling of freedom after so many years. Kagome lifted her hands palms down and swept her left out circling wide slowly. Her right fisted except for her index and middle finger which rose together just beneath her chin. Kagome silently chanted an incantation she didn't even know she knew and as the words combined with the motion of her left hand, the blood pulled in on itself. Then the red disappeared in a red mist that rose from the floor before dispersing and vanishing completely.

Then the miko left the chamber passing by a startled hanyou with a pleased smile and went to wash the blood from her body. However, the girl halted right before entering the bathing room. Both hands bracing the door way…

"Kami…"

-Nani? What's wrong Kagome?-

"Sesshoumaru just saw me naked!"

Kaekei chuckled and Yukila patted Kagome's inner consciousness consoling as that same hand appeared only to Kagome's cerulean eyes to smooth down her blood-soaked hair.

-Damn ningen! Bathe already we reek!-

With a shake of her head Kagome ran the water for he bath. Life was certainly going to be even more confusing.

In Yukila's Consciousness

Yukila laid on the soft grass in her designated territory of Kagome's soul. Once three souls now one combines to form the miko elf. A long since deceased hybrid of souls that dried out because of the rarity of their existence. The original protectors of nature and its creatures.

-Kagome…you don't know what you've done…-

Yukila couldn't stop the smile, for once not holding an ounce of sadness beneath the layers of warmth.

-You've saved all guardians…-

Yukila sent a look around her prison that was now her chosen home. She was meant to be here as was Kaekei. They had found their blood bind. Elves were once a fruitful and peaceful race. Until the elder ruler died without an heir, Dire (die-er), was the greatest ruler the elfin race had ever known. Thousands of centuries he ruled, but no heir and no mate to watch by his side. Dire was strong and trusting, but refused to marry for anything, but love. And those who sought him out wanted power.

-Such a foolish king-

His people fought over the throne and blood shed was the only life elves knew. Taeku was one of the first elves born in this error. I never knew peace…but the misa-sama descended to earth for its protection because the elves were destroying it with their fighting. The misa-sama was so kind she wouldn't hurt a soul, she was the purity of all life.

-She is similar to me…but to a much greater degree…-

The elves banded together to protect the deity and soon the council was formed for training and order. The guardians were formed as body guards and only the most elite became such. These souls were of the strongest in magical strength as well as intelligence, battle tactics, technique, etc. But soon the council became corrupt seeking the power the misa-sama held. The power she held over the elves was wondrous, her love spread through all of their hearts leaving only good thoughts and happiness. So the council set out to destroy her wanting to use the guardians. However the guardians were so loyal to their mistress that none would fall to their bating. So the council elders developed a plan to frame one, the most violent and controversial guardian, us, Taeku. The misa-sama saw their deceit, but would do nothing to harm her children. In her last minutes, the misa-sama created demons and humans hoping the elves would watch over and protect them as they did her. Her last hope was peace and the protection of life, but the elves in their sorrow hid away.

-We were hunted after our escape. And they caught us, but they didn't know our unified soul had split in our grief as punishment. They sent the darkness, Kaekei, to the underworld, but because we weren't united, the spell couldn't complete and set us free from our flesh.-

The council couldn't let a guardian soul loose on the earth, so it was bound to a human miko with great spiritual powers. Secretly the council hoped to be able to control the young girl and bring her to their side, but they didn't expect the separated soul of Taeku to protect her from them.

-Now they will feel fear once again…-

Kagome would defeat the council and bring the elves back into the light.

-And I will heal…through you…arigatou, Me-chan.-

Yukila turned her head as the wind blew around her drawing her hair back over her shoulders. In this distance she could feel the warm water washing over her and the heat soothed her troubled mind. Yukila settled back against the grass and slept without visions of the past.

In the near shadows, Kaekei sat with her arms folded against her chest. Her thoughts bearing on the approaching war against the hanyou. And she grumbled.

-That bitch of a 'lord' is just a waste of my time…-

Blah!

Anyone else have a headache? This is getting confusing. PLEASE tell me of any contradictions you see.

It's been awhile and I may have made some mistakes in my plot. I don't think so, but you never know.

There's no excuse…for this being late -.-

I've combined chapters 11-14 (f.y.i)

Words to know:

Mou urusai na!- oh shut up already!

Doushite- why?

Gaki- brat

Iie- no

Gomen nasai- I'm very sorry