A/N: I gave the three spirits nicknames to try and tell you who is speaking when all three converse. Just so you don't get confused they are listed below. There is a lot of dialogue, so I put who is who because I really don't like writing 'said Kagome' over and over as you will see.

Kagome- Me (only by Yukila), Kag

Kaekei- Kei (usually only Yukila)

Yukila- Yuki (by Kagome) Kia (by Kaekei)

--blah blah-- (Kagome speaking to other spirits, thoughts)

-blah blah- (Kaekei and Yukila speaking to Kagome)

Only outward dialogue in quotations. Does any of that make sense?

The Truth behind the Shadowed Mask

The water slid silkily across soft, smooth skin as the body passed by through conquerable barrier of the water's glass-like surface. A pleased sigh escaped dry lips. Dark hair spilled into the tub to soak its bloody tendrils. The water's pull stripped the strands of their abnormal coloring reddening the crystal clear color of the liquid. Kagome lips passed into a frown. She had thought she'd gotten it all out. The woman had gone to such pains to scrub her skin and hair clean before entering the tub, especially from her elbows down to her hands. Kagome reached over the edge and grabbed the flat basin with both hands. It was slightly heavier than normal because the container was still halfway filled with pinkish water from when she had washed before. Kagome balanced the basin on her raised knees and piled the majority of her hair over one shoulder. Kagome then scrubbed and rinsed the long tresses as much as she could once again. She ran her fingers through the raven mass once before flopping it back behind her. Steam sweated her face as the tired pores cleansed themselves of the red steeped into their depths where no cloth could reach. Kagome closed her eyes reveling in the wondrous feeling of being clean.

But her mind was truly else where, as usual. The wounds were gone healing sometime during her haze-shrouded actions. Then the lines simply disappeared on their own after shifting to inked ebony lines. At first she had wondered about it, but her split inner soul, now truly part of her own, informed her of certain aspects of the race she had just willingly become. One was that miko guardians were rare and also that her blood will hold no scent, except to her mate should she ever take one. This is the reason no demons in the nearby vicinity were alerted to her spilt blood. Whenever a miko guardian was injured, the blood scent on the air with its unique quality would bring many creatures seeking a mate or a meal. Basically the rare being would be in grave danger. Now a miko guardian, even when injured, isn't helpless, but these creatures often come in great masses. And there is only so much one person can take by themselves, so a little spell and all were safe.

This is also why the markings were no longer present. One had only to consider the fact of how easy it would be to find such beings if their birth marks or, like in Kagome's case since she wasn't a natural born guardian, ceremonial markings were shown all the time. The other beings would be easily enslaved and controlled much like Kagome was by Naraku or killed before being full-grown for fear of their possible potential. The purpose of the guardians has long been forgotten by all except those who must follow it, besides the council. But even their descendants that are passed on the knowledge of the elder order of elves still are forgetting the guardians' true purpose.

Kagome rested her chin against her chest. Inutaisho had returned home, that meant that in only half of one moon cycle, two weeks, the war would begin. This was all stated in a formal declaration of war sent by Inutaisho to the lord of the South.

--Naraku...--

His name flowed easily across her mind lubricated with the anger, hate, and of course pain that the male inflicted upon her. Kagome was surprised he had waited this long without attacking while the Taiyoukai was still within the mountains rocky range. The hanyou was up to something. Naraku wouldn't stall unless there was a specific reason that demanded he stall. He made himself a lot of enemies. Not only were two of the other three cardinal lords after him, but the council was as well apparently for stealing their pawns...

--I mean 'warriors.'--

Kagome felt Kaekei snicker and realized that she had as well, but Kagome had felt the shadow's humor well in her chest. It was almost as if the emotion was her own. Well, she did combine souls, so that would make sense that they would share emotions and such. But still Kaekei and Yukila had stated that Naraku was stealing guardians, like herself, except there were very few that had combined with a miko's spirit. Apparently this only amplified the purifying and protecting force. It was also technically the reason miko's were created and only a certain few that were set apart from the rest of the human race to be deemed a priestess with their powers. They were meant to find their respective guardian partners and form this hybrid soul, but since human's lives were so fleeting...it was even more difficult. One had to catch the blood mate, or destined partner, especially on the human side, at the right time in their life cycle. If the human was too old, their powers were already declining and wouldn't survive the ceremony. If the elfin guardian was too inexperienced they would kill their blood mate and themselves in the process. Also because this risk was highly common, many elves preferred to stay in their 'lower' forms.

Even with these natural guardians, Naraku would be a much greater foe. Kagome had begun history lessons of her elfin heritage and now knew that no guardian could be killed normally. Only elves without the guardian's training could be killed by an ordinary weapon. It took skilled magic, elemental powers, or poison, but nothing by the physical force of a weapon. And then even the weakest of barriers could prevent that. If Naraku has total control of even just five or six guardians, it would be disastrous to the mortal demons. Now demons are fast healers, but that is in comparison to humans. The demons are only partly immortal to time allowing their extended lives, but with enough wounds their bodies would give out. Elves on the other hand, the ones still living in the open, and not underground, were born into a time of cruel warfare. Their bodies were bred specifically for this purpose and it was their only purpose in life. There were forced matings to ensure strong offspring were sired. This ended up in many mates being slaughtered by their equally forced partners.

Kagome was skilled in the bow and arrow and now slightly in the katana from the short lessons with Sesshoumaru, but not enough for the task brewing in her mind. Sango was supposedly her new body guard since Kieina was once again disposed of on another mission that only her unique talent could accomplish. Kagome decided then to ask Sango for offensive training. Her miko lessons were considered sufficient in defense because that was the miko's duty. A miko is to protect their village and only attack a demon when necessary. Even then the attack strategies are limited because usually a purifying wave is released to destroy the threat.

The woman snuck beneath the water's surface and held herself down by a grip she had on the edge of the tub. Kagome lay belly down in the bath totally relaxed while surrounding by the water's soothing warmth. The crimson red had dispersed soon after entering the bath and now Kagome was trying to settle the squirming in her stomach. She knew something wasn't right and that these suspicions were connected to Naraku, but for the life of her, Kagome couldn't place this awkward feeling into reasonable thoughts. True, the male did send a few of his incarnations to collect her from the western citadel, but could he really think it would have been that simple? The west was using her as collateral and a bargaining chip.

--I'd have to be deaf, dumb, and blind not to notice.--

Kagome wasn't bitter after all it granted her utilities, clothes, and safety, sort of. And most important of all, she had all the food she wanted a wing away, three whole meals! With her past lord, she was lucky if she got one meal every few days, then Kagome was punished for not completing some task correctly which was the result of her weakened, sick state. Well until she was more than just a slave and a use to him when he found out about her second soul. Then she got one a day because he hoped to keep her weak enough to control, but strong enough to serve him fully.

Kagome cringed, that man really was horrid. Especially since serving him fully, in his mind, was not just dealing with his army. Kagome stepped gingerly out of the tub of water-wrinkled toes. She was ashamed that she had helped that stupid hanyou as much as she did. Not only did she organize his army, train troops, though she kept a great many techniques hidden, and show him the existence of guardians and elves, but also stole the Tensaiga from the very demon house that Kagome was currently residing. Now back then she was only trying to get her freedom. That seemed to be the only thing important to her at the time.

–No matter who I hurt.–

What if it had been Rin? Kagome had hated Kaekei being in control, but the shadow had been doing what was best for all three of them. She was looking out for their connected lives. And Kagome couldn't be mad at her for that, but Kagome still kept track of how many lives were lost. Then she planned to care for twice as many as that amount as repentance. So, basically, the rest of her life would be spent as a wandering healer. At least that's what she thought until now. With this war on the so soon horizon, her healing abilities and her guilt would have a chance to be relieved. Actually, tomorrow the new recruits were shipping in from the surrounding villages, but nearly half of the army was already encamped outside the castle gates in fire-lit tents. Kagome felt Kaekei swell at this opportunity and Kagome decided that she would allow her to help with the new troops since only Kaekei knew what she did and didn't teach Naraku's troops.

-This is my chance to get that bastard back!-

Kagome laughed. Kaekei's voice was so emotionally charged and for once semi-optimistic, the key word being optimistic. It was funny because this persona of inner soul rarely ever spoke in a tone other than depressible solemnity, bitter anger, or steely sarcasm. So to here this shadowed horror so excited nearly elated, was just plain bizarre. There was only problem. Kagome needed training herself. She pulled the fluffy powder blue colored robe closer to her damp frame. Yes- during her sleep Kagome would unconsciously receive lessons on how to control her new innate powers. Hell without them, she'd probably be six feet under in mere minutes. Kagome was debriefed shortly on what it was she would be learning exactly so as to not waste day light when Kagome trained with Sango.

--Now that I mention it, I'll have to see her about that…--

Kagome laughed at her own stupidity. That was one of the most important things on her small agenda and she had forgotten it.

-I can teach you, you know.-

--Like you would.--

Kaekei bristled.

-If it would make you useful.-

-Stop bickering! You two must learn to get along!-

--Gomen Yuki-san.--

-I'm not, I only spoke the truth.-

-Kei!-

-Iie…it is.-

--Hai Yuki…she speaks the truth.--

The female had quickly sobered from her spat with Kaekei and fell back into the path of her last thought. Kagome would have the pleasure, she noticed the sarcasm, but continued on, to learn spell casting, further her knowledge of curses, poisons, and herbs that she wouldn't have learned from Kaede and her husband. Kagome was told of poisons with Kaede, but more along the lines of how to cure them, now she was to know how to make and produce them. Of course Kagome was to memorize the cures to such lethal creations, if they were even known or possible. However, most importantly she would learn the depths of all souls, including her own miko, on how to accept influences to gain strength or stability, to share thoughts, etc. This was necessary to learn materialization, such as for weapons. Materializing was a guardian's greatest skill along with summoning souls or presences and verbalization. Another helpful skill is the forest tongue, which is just being able to communicate with creatures. Verbalization can be a magnetic display of persuasion, a warning, but usually coincides with the chanting given during a spell cast.

Now the few problems with these skills were that Kagome could easier overwork or exhaust herself and that they take time to master. And time was one thing Kagome was severely lacking. But in a battle Kagome could use her miko magic for protection of herself and a few others should it be required. And really that wasn't enough, but in a dire situation the few minor tactics she did have under her belt could stall or possibly knock out an enemy. Kagome would have to learn quickly. Yukila had mentioned that meditating was another substitute for sleeping that Kagome could utilize. In the physical sense, magic aside, Kagome was rather weak. Now granted, for a female of her size and previously seen as human, weak wouldn't quite describe her, but compared to an elf or gaggle of demons and Kagome would be easily overcome. Of course one other fault was her natural grace, in the background Kaekei snickered again, but the sound was hollow in Kagome's chest signifying that her emotions were just her own, but that similar emotions could connect the beings together.

-For more power.-

--Nani?--

-The more of us that are connected together, the more powerful we will become.-

--That makes sense.--

The new guardian new very few katas, sadly true, and her use of real weapons was limited. Her main tool was the bow and somewhat the staff.

-But Me-chan, a staff can be very beneficial. Deepen your knowledge in that, you may find it useful to you in later endeavors.-

--Hai, Yuki-san.--

-Suuuure…take her advice like candy, but mine is automatically sour.-

--And why would I trust you? You'd steal the bell of a cow's neck.--

-They're noisy…and that was only once, er twice.-

Kaekei grumbled, crossed her arms, and settled back into her domain content to sulk. Kagome focused once again as she entered her changing room picking a rather close fitting fighting kimono. But too soon her thoughts blew away with her back into quiet contemplation. How would she convert Kaekei's instructions to show and teach the other soldiers? When Kagome was forced to surrender the forefront of her consciousness through the bindings of Naraku's spell, Kagome was cast into Kaekei's mutilated prison. She was still aware though. Kagome could see through Kaekei's eyes and feel any of the diluted emotions emitted from the woman, but the shadow's thoughts had been blocked from her awareness. Kagome could do little besides plead and shout with all her might. In her confinement there was no control over the spirit that had been in control.

Kaekei was merciful to the deserved or to those who simply weren't worth the time. She was strict and often harsh, if not cruel. The dark shadow lived by her own set of complicated rules to which one would get lost and a headache trying to figure out the twisted system. Honesty was however major axel to which the wheel rotated around. Kaekei had no patience for incompetence and little to no regard for kindness because that was mainly Yukila's department as what the shadow considered the 'weak' or 'soft' part of the soul they shared. The two were almost like Kagome's alternate personalities that she hallucinated and sometimes she would wonder if this was all in her head. That is until Sesshoumaru's words entered her head. 'You aren't human anymore.' And also Kaekei would knock her on her head or rather the consciousness in her mind. It's kind of like knocking on a hollow door, except inside her head.

-Me-chan, try to focus…-

--Hai Yuki-san.--

The largest problem was getting permission to train the soldiers, but also to be able to gain their respect and even hold their attention. Also, can Kaekei even take the hypothetical reins from Kagome at will without the help of the spell? And was it possible now that they were joined? These questions were silenced soon after being uttered by a rather irate shadow girl.

-Urusai ningen.-

--But…--

-Mou urusai na, and I will indulge you.-

-Kawaii! Kae-chan is softening up for our little Me-chan!-

-Urusai Kia-

-Fine…fine, but don't you lead her astray. I need to do my distance training.-

-Hai, hai. Go already.-

--Fine, how is it done?--

Kagome huffed, but looked down struggling to tie the black outer sash for her fighting kimono.

-We don't need the spell; that was created for the usage of only an outward force. However, I cannot replace you as before because we are now one part, now in two…rather three. To do this exchange, we would have to split into separate parts once again…and that is nearly impossible not to mention painful.-

Kagome was slightly startled as the longest string on words was played into the abyss of her mind, but she responded quickly despite that.

--It would hurt more than when we joined?--

-Not even you would survive it.-

--What do you by 'even me'?--

-Your strength is rare, not your physical muscles, but the virtual expanse of your soul is nearly limitless. It is this that enabled you to partake in the joining. Your soul was larger therefore being able to spread out the split soul instead of trying to force it into a more confined space.-

--So…it was less painful because there was more space in my soul for you and Yuki-san to combine with?--

-Hai.-

--Wouldn't it be harder because there is more to join?--

-Iie, it is actually easier.-

--Did the council know you were my blood match?--

-Hai…-

--Then wouldn't they be afraid I would combine with you and become stronger?--

-They assumed Kia and I would reject you, so even though we were joined our combined souls would not coincide peacefully. They also assumed that Kia and I didn't get along and believed that they could control you. It would be through promises of power or wealth. They would filter these through your subconscious like subliminal messages throughout your life time. Then you would easily become their tool.-

--And why hasn't that happened?--

It was strange to be having an intellectual conversation with Kaekei, but Kagome didn't want to jinx it. She was actually learning more. The shadow was very observant and extremely clever. Much more than Kagome had first thought. Kaekei was devious and crafty, the type to play practical jokes that could get one either killed or in deep trouble with your parents.

-Because Kia and I accepted each others differences. I believe you ningens would say that we 'agree to disagree.'-

--Hai, but why hasn't that council gained control over me yet?--

-We protected you. The three of us are one and so we must be one to survive. Even if I am not especially fond of the two of you, I won't 'go down with the ship.' If that means shielding you from those old crones, so be it.-

--I thought they were the council members' descendants and not the original people.--

-Hai, but that doesn't mean they are all young. Many are several centuries old, some much more than that. There is only one member we can trust, the oldest one.-

--How old?--

-That's irrelevant. He isn't the original council member, but the first substitute. Many of the others had been replaced several times.-

--And why is he trust worthy?--

-Because he understands the true purpose of the guardians and wishes for nothing, but the happiness and success of others. Unlike his fellows, greed and hunger does not rule his heart. It is seen in his aura.-

--How can you be sure?--

-Well…he is the one who suggested that Taeku's soul be entered into a human and not completely destroyed.-

--Can you destroy a soul?--

-Mochiron, it is the elves' greatest triumph. But it is considered a grave sin to destroy innocence. When Kia and I split she lost all of my influence and became true innocence. The elders, the council, wished to send up to the Makai, except the soul must be bound together with the evil dominating the confines. When Kia left, all evil was transferred with me and the council was not aware of this. So I was sent to the underworld, but Kia was not.-

--And you can't destroy half a soul.--

-Hai, so the two of us were…left wandering free within this realm, the living world, tied by an invisible string. You understand how dangerous this is?-

--Hai, you would be forced to possess others to exist and the council would lose any control of you?--

-Iie, it would be easier to control us this way, but to find us…that was their great task.-

--Ok…so what happened?--

-With a blood sample of Taeku…they found the corresponding aura. They found you, just newly born. Pure coincidence really.-

--And they bound you to me?--

-Hai.-

--But why didn't they join us together then?--

-Because the host, technically you, must make that conscious decision. Back then you were just a drooling idiot, so even you can see how profitable it would have been to even try to explain the situation.-

--Hey I was like what? Two months old??--

-Hai…hai…-

Kaekei's voice held a bit of amusement and Kagome could almost see her shaking her head.

-But…back to the point…-

--Oh my…you're almost as bad as I am.--

-I was answering your questions…-

--So? You didn't have to answer.--

-It would mean less explaining later…MOU! Cease this useless chatter.-

Kagome stuck her tongue out and then realized how stupid the gesture really was. She was sticking her tongue out at an illusionary figure in her head.

--Man, am I losing it.--

-Ningen.-

--I mean seriously…arguing with a part of my own soul?—

-NINGEN.-

Kagome laughed, but conceded.

--Fine fine, what do I do? I mean if the spell won't work and we can't switch places…--

-Do you wish me to tell you, or would you rather guess you way into the next century?!-

--I wanna guess!!--

Kagome gushed, but laughed at the frustrated sigh echoing through her mind.

--Go ahead, I was only joking…--

Kagome shrugged once.

--Ok so how is done sensei?--

Kagome spoke with fake wonder cloaking her tone.

Kaekei gritted her teeth, but once again sighed away her irritation and spoke smoothly.

-Simple. Sink in my presence, my influence and accept it as your own. Breathe my thoughts and live my mannerisms.-

--I can't do that.--

-Hai…you can…-

--But…--

Kaekei was just a tad frustrated. She was never one to trust humans, but with this one she would make a concession because Kagome had merged with the spirit of Taeku without even considering the consequences, especially since they were all on her part. This Kagome wasn't exactly the brightest and tended to whine too much for Kaekei's standards, but…she would put up with this ningen, and only this one. Now she just had to get the brat to relax and be less self-conscious.

-Believe you can. Wish it and it will be so. That is the elfin conquerable promise.-

--The ECP…--

-Hai. You were listening before? Wau, you are rubbing off on me. Anyways, our magic flows alongside our imagination. Now first you must relax.-

Kagome's face filled with a cross between determination and concentration before all washed away like sand moving downstream in a languid river. The tension in her face, all lines disappeared leaving her porcelain skin blank of her ever-present emotions. Her shoulders unwound, but her posture actually straightened from her previous slumped position.

--Okay, now what.--

-Quiet…-

Kaekei began to speak, but her voice dropped to a lower octave and became soft, whispery. It sent shivers up Kagome's spine and she curled her arms around her body. Her head tilted down to stare at the creases in his clothes as they bulged over the sash tied around her waist. But she found her eyes clouding and looking passed the cerulean cotton fabric. The whites of her sleeves flowed over to partly cover her face. The soft material rippled in front on unseeing eyes. Kagome felt an overwhelming wave of emotions so thick they were almost tangible. The sheer pull of it nearly magnetic, so much that the one it infected was hauled down to her knees. Kagome bent at the waist resting her forehead against the ground.

She curled inward clutching at herself seeking to soothe the throb of her rapid pulse as it compelled her blood faster. Millions of jumbled thought swept across her mind, quickly followed by images imitating the words in those random sentences. All the images moved in a charcoal stream pooling inside her memories. It spilled over and replaced the days of training with Kaede. It changed the passing sadness to unbearable grief. Every cut and stinging injuries exchanged for blood soaked clothes. And the twisting, knotting, throbbing pain circulating her frame like the air she breathed. It surrounded and filtered through her skin, weighing down heavily like a constant exhaustion. Kagome moved so her head rested between her knees that she was currently sitting on. Her hands swarmed into her hair clenching the strands. Her eyes shut harshly; she wanted so badly to escape this overbearing power. Like a cloak the sheer strength fell over her, consuming her, forcing certain images to focus and catch her attention.

Each picture was another face, another person she didn't know, but every expression was the same with only slight differences. But the same horror etched in the fear-filled creases of the brow and mouth. The quivering lower lip, but the difference lied in their eyes. Some were blank with only the reflections of Kaekei's cold stare or perhaps that cruel smirk she often played across her lips. But then there were children with orbs swimming with fear and pain or mothers with regret for not being able to protect their children. However there was one picture that floated attached to all of the others. This image moved and weaved within all the others flashing across some before quickly delving back into the stream. There was a screaming, a piercing shriek, but then they were all occurring at different times, each having a varied quality or tone of voice.

Then that fickle picture, the one that Kagome could never quite get a good look at flickered like an old, dying candle in front of unseeing eyes. It was that woman, the Misa, but the picture was actually cut in half. The left side was of her laughing, her eye shut in her pure joy, but the other was quite different. It was on the day she died, Kagome remembered this scene. Her small mouth was parted, but the only eye that could be seen was wide and empty. None of the mirth shown in its partner illustration existed. Death hung across her brow like a rain cloud. Then like the picture folded in on itself, crumbling and turning charred as an invisible flame licked its edges until only ashes remained.

A soft scream exclaimed from Kagome's suddenly sore throat. She was vaguely aware of someone opening a door as well as hurrying feet across the wooden floor. Kagome opened her eyes only to see red, a sea of red washing across her floor. Somewhere in the back of her head, she knew none of it was hers, or rather Kaekei's. Hatred shot through her heart just as coolly warm hands landed gently on her shoulders. A muted voice entered her ears, but couldn't be heard among the chorus of shrieks. Suddenly Kagome felt all emotions alleviate and her eyes cleared, but that madness remained torturing her inwardly. Kagome's focus had returned and she found herself peering into an oddly concerned face of her guard, Sango.

Kagome sat up and ran her hands over her clothes to smooth over the wrinkles. With one hard look at Sango, Kagome started for her door.

"Wait! Daijoubou desu ka?"

"Hai, Hanshi-san."

Sango was left standing in the girl's room with a chill itching between her shoulder blades.

"That was not the Raiven I met before."

And with that Sango turned and left the room to follow the woman, as her post stated was her duty. Though she doubted that woman needed her protection, the first did. How could one change so much in such a short amount of time? Sango kept her distance and she could tell that Raiven knew she was there. The woman had stiff fingers showing her irritation, but she spoke none of it and continued on her way. They seemed to be heading towards the throne room. Sango wanted to intervene, after all the taiyoukai was having a discussion with both of his sons. This was not a very good situation to begin with, but then to add Raiven who was already acting strangely…could be disastrous. Sango scooted up next to the west's guest and looked over at her. Sango then immediately retreated back behind her. Her face had been tight with tension and her jaw clenched with restrain, but her eyes were the darkest blue with a cold violet swirling around the pupil. When Sango had looked at Raiven, the purple had flashed nearly taking over the blue as a sneer rose in the upper lip. But she still spoke her piece so that at least the testy woman would know of the conference between father and sons.

"Inutaisho-sama is having a conference with the two princes."

"I am quite aware. They summoned me a short while ago, but I was indisposed."

Kagome looked back and gave Sango a hard look telling her to keep the incident back in her quarters strictly between them. Sango nodded, though they both knew that if it were necessary or became dangerous, Sango would tell the lord she had sworn loyalty to. Kagome opened the servant's door next to the throne and entered the throne room without so much as a bow or a knock. Sango followed, but with a slight blush of embarrassment at her lord's look immediately kneeled down onto one with one fist resting over her heart. She bowed her head then sat onto both knees with one hand resting on each thigh. She looked up and saw Miroku was for once not staring at her with that lecherous grin. Sango was caught quite off guard to see his features serious, but they had softened slightly, or rather relaxed, at her entrance. A pair of golden eyes also happened to notice this as well, but said nothing waiting for a later opportune moment.

"Welcome Raiven-sama. We expected you much later."

"Am I interrupting?" Kagome's voice was soft, but strangely demanding.

She didn't bow, nor prostrate herself, choosing instead to stand between the two brothers who were on opposite sides of the raised throne. They were also as far as they could be from each other that were at all possible. Kagome looked from one to the other before rolling her eyes and slightly shaking her head.

"Not at all, I wish to speak with you as well."

"Hai."

Her voice was terse and slightly deeper, and the usual smile everyone had come to acquaint with her wasn't there. Sesshoumaru watched her curiously and he looked up at his brother who apparently noticed the change as well, but the dolt had no idea why. Sesshoumaru glanced over her approvingly. She wore a fighting kimono with the outside layer being a dulled cerulean. It was tied tightly to her frame, but still gave an airy appeal. One could clearly see how petite the woman was in the shoulders and hips. The layers bulged here and there naturally with the fall of the fabric. The cut was high with the slits starting at the tops of her hips and stopping just above her knee. The outer sash was a black, but was still dwarfed by the eternity hue that was her hair as the ends fell loose down her back. The kosode she wore underneath was a pure white. The sleeves were halted and bound at her elbows by a thick white ribbon about an inch wide that wrapped around a few times, but the ends still hung down approximately six inches. Over her fore arms down to hook around her middle finger was a cream colored sleeve meant to protect the skin from some sort of armor, yet Kagome wore none. Her hakama were a deep cream and were also bound just below her knees by a white tie. Her inner sash couldn't be seen at the moment, but no doubt it was a white or cream hue. Over all, the look gave her the appearance of being swift and acrobatic, as was the use of wearing such a garment.

"As you know the war with Naraku is soon to occur."

Kagome only nodded.

"Then you are also aware of the fact that you will be used against him."

Again Kagome nodded, but this time also replied, "Taiyoukai-sama there is another way in which I wish to assist."

"Hm, and in what way?"

"I would like to train your soldiers."

Inuyasha scoffed and Sesshoumaru stiffened. The western army was known to be quite vicious; she would be nothing more than a plaything.

"There isn't anything a girl like you can do to help. Just go do some flower arrangements." Inuyasha turned his back and crossed his arms.

Kagome however reacted little; she simply closed her eyes and took a deep breath. Then she continued as if Inuyasha hadn't interrupted.

"I was forced to train Naraku troops and therefore-"

"You know how they are organized."

"Hai and also I know what was taught and what wasn't."

"This could be advantageous Inutaisho-sama."

Inutaisho turned to regard his elder son before nodding his agreement.

"You understand Raiven that you will not be taken seriously."

Kagome lifted her head looking right into Inutaisho's eyes, before a small malevolent smile appeared on her lips.

"Hai." She drawled.

Inutaisho raised an eyebrow at her wishing for her to continue.

"And should it be necessary I will put them in their place."

"They won't respect you."

"Hai, taiyoukai-sama, I am also aware of that. I do not need respect, only their attention."

Inutaisho rubbed his clean shaven chin, resting his elbow on the arm of his bone-constructed throne.

"Very well, but have one of my sons or Sango always accompany you."

"I do not need an escort." Kagome gritted her teeth.

All three demons regarded her carefully and the two humans, who had remained silent watchers, turned to gape at her. Miroku was the first to recover and decided to throw in his two cents.

"Perhaps a demonstration to prove her worth, my lord?" His stated calmly.

"That was what I was thinking." Inutaisho grinned at his advisor.

"Whatever you wish, taiyoukai-sama."

"You will a few of my chosen warriors of varying strengths as proof of your skill."

"If that is your wish." Kagome bowed her head then crossed her right leg behind her left folding her body into an elfin bow.

Inutaisho nodded and stood from his throne, all others bowed immediately at his rise. He waved them all up and to follow him out of the room. All inhabitants followed after their lord, except two stragglers who came after a scream of 'hentai' and a loud slap. Kagome glanced back at Sango and took in her flushed face as well as Miroku's goofy grin, but this time she didn't feel that warming mirth at their silly antics. Instead disgust at their foolishness stroked her heart and now finally Kagome knew what it was like to be Kaekei. Now she wasn't just feeling the emotions that overflowed the shadow's barriers, as they were very much diluted, Kagome was actually experiences how it would be to walk in her shoes.

The small caravan rounded corners and rambled down unknown halls to Kagome, at least until further down the end when she realized they were trekking a similar path that she had taken on her way to the dojo to spar with Sesshoumaru. A sullen chuckle welled in her chest, at least until I passed out.

--How did that happen? I mean I became you right Kaekei?--

-Hai, you were trying to accept my influence then, but didn't know how.-

--So I could have acted like you without being joined?--

-Not usually. You were drawing on my power, summoning me to the surface, which is similar, but is hard to control. That is one reason why you passed out. You were doing what the spell Naraku used was doing essentially, but unconsciously out of need.-

--So it's basically the same thing, except now that we're joined it's easier?--

-Hai, and safer for both of us.-

The small group stopped at the entrance to one of the dojo, though Kagome noticed it wasn't the one she was in before, but much, much larger. It was full of battling and sparing demons, even some hanyou as well, at least until all movement ceased. All of the warriors bowed, some lower than others, as they bowed according to rank. Inutaisho did a shallow bow in return to show his respect for his soldiers and the honor he held with them. It was something Naraku had never done and Kagome felt a twinge of praise rise. So even Kaekei could acknowledge honor as important. Kagome didn't know why that sounded odd to her, but she couldn't help feeling that the shadow was honor-less.

Inutaisho stopped and turned around and held out his hand to Kagome. In response, Kagome stepped forward from her position behind the two sons. The taiyoukai then addressed his men.

"I wish to test the skills of this young woman. Are they any that would challenge?" His strong voice echoed up to the rafters in the huge room.

The men looked from one to the next watching each other. Lust filled some eyes even though Kagome was, as they perceived her to be, human. Although there were also many who watched her with disdain and their eyes spoke volumes of that repulsion. Of course there were some of them in the middle, who really couldn't care either way, but wouldn't volunteer. Inutaisho watched his men with displeasure. Surely at least one would take his request seriously? He frowned when none moved from their assorted levels of prostration. Stone golden eyes slid over to the female standing at his right. She was obviously less than pleased and perhaps a touch bored? However her eyes met his at their sideway point and he saw a mischievous glint and he lidded his eyes to show his agreement. Inutaisho didn't know what the girl, Raiven as she was to be known, was planning, but he would follow along.

Kagome turned to the taiyoukai lazily heaving a large sigh, "Well, Taiyoukai-sama, if none of your men feel they can take this challenge you've bestowed upon them…perhaps you- would take their place?"

There was shock and uprooting rage in the warriors as they all stood up in their bout of expression. All voices remained silent in the crowd and would stay so until their lord allowed them to speak. Inutaisho ran his eyes over the warriors then tilted his head slightly to the side jostling the high pony tail on his head. The captured locks sprayed over his left shoulder falling like a collected waterfall over his loose white haori to his hips. He held up one hand to silence any possible outbursts and turned to Kagome.

"Hm, perhaps instead- you train with them for this would cause less unrest."

Inutaisho some in his army would not like this, but it was the best way for the girl to gain respect without ruffling too many masculine feathers. Kagome nodded her request after considering for a moment. She realized what he was doing. Kagome wanted respect and attention, but a woman defeating a male in combat, especially of a supposedly higher race, would seem outrageous and indefinitely embarrass that pour soul, if not enrage them. She would be pursued constantly. So training with them around her was the best option.

-Plus, if one of these 'warriors' should defeat you, by elfin law they would have the right to take you as a mate. And should they find out what you are, there will be many suitors.-

--How don't they already know what I am?--

-I cloaked you.-

--Why? Because it's safer?--

-Hai. Mochiron.-

"Then I shall leave you here to your own devices. Sango, I believe Kieina has a report to discuss with you."

"Hai, Inutaisho-sama. She is in the southern library?"

That went without saying. Kieina was always there when not on duty. The demon would often sit in the high tower and gaze into the distance. Looking towards someone she cared dearly for no doubt, but she often chose that library because it held the most ancient books of all four libraries. However Sango wished to be certain, searching through all four libraries was not an effortless task. Sango gave a short bow to all present and a lower one to her lord before skirting off the premises.

The demon lord left gesturing for Miroku to follow and allowed his sons to do as they please. Inuyasha removed his slippers and stepped onto the mat. Many sneers were sent his way, but he kept straight on to where there were practice katanas that weren't as sharp. He took one from the wall and saw his brother had as well, though one of slightly more weight. And without any words the two began to spar against one another. Their hatred was well seen, but one could tell that Sesshoumaru was steadily pushing harder at Inuyasha's limits and even under such pressure the hanyou responded well. He just reacted with harsher attacks and stronger advances. Sesshoumaru didn't need to do much besides adjust his strategy, but one could notice the slightest bit of sweat gleaming on his brow in the bright light of the dojo. And everyone knew that the hanyou, Inuyasha, was improving under his brother's somewhat indirect guidance. Sesshoumaru despised his brother, but he wouldn't have a disgrace for a half-brother if he was forced to have one.

Kagome watched them shortly without interest, the boredom of Kaekei's influence bearing down strongly on her, and her curiosity to explore the new environment too great to observe too long. Across the connected tatami mats was a rack hoisted up onto the wall. There was an assortment of bows, left unstrung, ranging from wood origin, functionality, and weight, or rather the strength one would need to utilize the weapon. Then near the end, the strings hung in a great rope all massed together in a braid. No doubt to keep the dozens of twine neat and orderly. Down further, parallel to the rack, but clear across the other side of the dojo were targets of diverse sizes and shapes to add a certain level of difficulty to each individual one. Kagome sidestepped one sparring match and then another, as she staggered her way across the room.

There was only one person on this area of the dojo. It was a tall, lithe male with an almost albino-like quality in the whiteness of his skin. Long, opalescent strands shimmered in the lustrous lighting were swept back into French braid starting at the crown of his head. Heavy bangs hung over his eyes, but with a vigorous shake of his head, they flew, curling and falling over themselves to one side or another leaving his sight clear. But it wasn't long before the rebellious strands returned to their chosen place. There was a slim black tie contrasting the locks were the thick braid ended at the backs of his silk clad knees. He wore a loose fitting white shirt that had fitted cuffs at the edge. The sleeves were pulled up so that the cuffs were fit tight against his skin at the elbow. The long sleeves hung and bunched over the cuffs, but regardless, kept his hands free. The male wore a close fitted wine colored tunic, vest-style that tied on the left side denoting him left handed. It fell to the tops of his thighs, longer the further inward near his crotch and curved up toward to touch his hips on the outside of his form. The neckline rounded just above his collar bone and the armholes extended an inch passed his shoulders.

His pants were bundled at his knees with a tie that could be released so that they hung full length. They were a stark black with horizontal slits at mid-thigh that were used to put weapons beneath the covering layer of cloth and a flash of a creamy white could be seen as he moved gracefully slipping an arrow into place on the bow and fire in one calculated, but swift motion. It was almost like he was moving with the refinement only blessed water could possess. He wasn't a demon, that was for sure, nor human or hanyou. Kagome felt an invisible connection to him instantly. His pointed ears, that were nearly two inches longer than the normal demon, clued her to know what his species actually was. His eyes were glass-like and shined with many highlights. They were almond shaped and were narrow. The orbs were the palest of greens, sea foam in color with a few speckles of emerald lining near the pupil, but only underneath, not on top.

His sculpted eyebrows knitted as he concentrated, before closing his eyes. With a slow, calm breath he shot, blindfolded. The arrow flew straight and true, hitting red, but couldn't be captured. The plumed shaft continued on until embedded itself in the wall behind the targets with a 'thunk.' The clearly elfin male, deigned by his sophisticated manner and the way he held himself, had a perfectly structured nose that had a slim bridge and slightly bulbous end. His lips were thin and his chin short, but well fitted for his face. His bone structure was refined with high cheek bones that held the smallest ounce of a darker skin tone from the rest of his face. He had a slender neck, but broad shoulders. He was all around long-limbed with large feet. He was almost out of proportion, but still almost irresistibly handsome. And when Kagome studied him she could see all the uses for every single part of his physique.

As Kagome approached he turned immediately returning the arrow left unfired into the quiver with the rest of his seemingly limitless stock. He studied her before crossing his left, dominate, of his two hands over to touch his right shoulder and bowed generously at the waist. Kagome allowed a thin smile, her normal self would probably be falling over herself at the show of respect from this beautiful man. However, under Kaekei's restraint and influence, she merely bowed crossing her right hand to touch her left shoulder; after all she was right handed, not left. He tilted his head to side and introduced himself, silently. Kagome watched his right hand raise forming symbols she'd never seen, but strangely understood. Kagome had tried once to memorize the human sign language that was created for those without the gift of speech and she actually remembered a few, but these were quite different. She felt Kaekei resist her action to speak and felt the shadow nod her head 'no.' Kagome then responded by signing her own name. She stared stupidly at her hand for a moment before catching the male, now known as Raikrin (rye-ker-in), smiling at her reaction. Kagome smiled in return, but still glared at her helpful, but none the less rebellious hand.

--It moved on its own!--

-You have my influence and I know the elfin silent tongue.-

--I'm guessing I never use my voice around them?--

-Not when you directly address them. It's considered rude because they cannot use they voice in return. It is a general civility.-

--Good to know.--

Raikrin held out his hand which Kagome just noticed were gloved, white and stopped just above his wrist, as he gestured to the wall rack of bows. As he moved his arm across his thin body, the glove lifted and slid down towards his palm. Blue eyes concentrated on the symbol tattooed into the nearly alabaster flesh. It was a circular shape and looked like the spade of the deck of cards.

Kagome had seen some of the elder human men playing with them at a foreign village far from where she was born. She had traveled there with Kaede while she was in miko training and someone was deathly sick at that particular village. She and her master had just passed by them and Kagome saw them playing some sort of game with different shapes on them. It was later on that she was briefed on the different suits and the rules of the game they were playing.

Inside the spade, whose curved top pierced the circle towards his elbow by no more than half an inch, the entire insignia being only about two and half inches in size, were several much thinner thins curving and twirling. These lines grew slightly thicker in the curves giving an elegant appeal. The lines bent into the loose form of what appeared to be an 'x'. The lines penetrated the spade, but not the thicker outer circle. The strokes were closer together near the center of the tattoo where the 'x' was most visible since the closeness of the lines made the color darker. Kagome averted her eyes to his face and bowed simply in thanks. Then she crossed behind him so as to not interrupt his practice further, unknowing of the attention she had received over the past three minutes of silent conversation. Except only a few of the dojo noticed, the majority resided from two pairs of golden eyes, so similar, yet so different in the same moment.

--Why is that tattoo familiar to me? Or rather you…--

-That is the mark of one of our closest and longest allies, from the north. That mark means that he is loyal to the Misa and the guardians, but not the council. The spade would have been a curved diamond shape had this one been loyal to the council and its elders.-

--So that's good?--

-Hai, very. He is valuable to our cause, and possibly…a cohort for you to associate with. He knows what you are, the reason for his bow, and will be someone for you to speak with in confidence about it. Should you want outside comfort.-

--Hai, that would be nice. Though Sesshoumaru knows, and his father too I think.--

-Hai, the dog demons are quite nosey. They were at a time, supposedly allies, but to the council, basically our government, not the people.-

--So…what?--

-They may turn us back into the council's care, if we don't die during all this mess you want to dive into.-

--Are you telling me you don't? The bloodthirsty Kaekei…avoid a battle?--

-This is none of our business. It is a pointless confrontation and a waste of my skill.-

--Except you want to get vengeance on Naraku.—

-Naturally…he treated us like his newest toy, indecently degrading.-

Kagome felt Kaekei raise her nose in arrogant disgust.

--But why doesn't he talk? Or can't he?--

-He can, if he would like, but his voice is only deemed upon the ears of those truly worthy. The northern clan was blessed with the voice of angels; I believe the ningen legend would be…sirens? It is the sound of persuasion, but this clan was a peaceful and compromising lot. They used it only to please their lord and lady. But the southern clan invaded and the northern clan lost their ruler, their master, and lady at once. They were silenced forever, even among themselves developing a silent code. It is said that even someone on the brink of death, could be revived by the lilting tone of one single syllable from these wood elves. Their voices, by myth, could persuade the underworld creatures, come to take the dying soul, back into the deep whence they came and leave the lucky spirit to the living world. Of course its never been proven, for on no known accounts has even one forest elf broken the unspoken mourning they put on themselves for their leaders.-

--Wow….you said an entire paragraph! I'm so proud of you!!--

Kaekei growled in annoyance.

-Just grab a damn bow and string it.-

Kagome walked along the rack fingering each, eyeing up each of the curves and types of wood searching for one that would suit her. Kagome was more for long distance shots than close range like the silent shooter behind her. His bow reached just below his hips and would easily be used to block if necessary, plus the string was sharp to cut any hagglers close by. It was a clean wire except for at the very center there were two pieces of leather attached one higher by an inch to allow people of different heights the same grip on the wired string. This was so as to not cut one's hand, but Kagome's saw that Raikrin didn't use either and his gloves that were undoubtedly lined with a protective layer allowed him this action. Then at the very end, the whitest wood struck her fancy drawing her closer. The shadow within her stirred much more than her usual, Kagome could picture her leaning forward. Kagome saw a fuzzy black hand stretch out from her chest, like a floating shadow missing its ground. The miko shook herself and scolded Kaekei.

--You want people to figure us out?!--

-Iie, but…that bow. The wood bent into the arch is from the Misa-sama's forest.-

--Your…master's wood?--

Kagome spoke gently not wishing to push further than necessary. She knew many things of Kaekei's nature, but she knew much less of her heart. The shadow was very likely to lash out in her pain, just like when she and Yukila were trapped within the dungeon in the elfin palace. Kaekei had shoved the trembling Yukila back into their consciousness and broke free from their prison with what looked like electric colored wires cutting cleanly through every layer of stone. The emotional state of her current influence wasn't exactly the strongest. Kagome was treading heavily on too thin ice, one slip would be her downfall, and knowing Kagome, she was due for a fall through into the dark frozen waters. Kagome though after mentioning the wood of Kaekei's past master, the one she was unrightfully accused of killing, the spirit morphed from icy to what one could possibly describe as a chilled warmth.

-Hai, she took many walks in the Besa Forest. It was burnt black by the near by volcano that once exploded, sending rivers of lava burning all life in its path. The forest was dark, no light penetrated to the leafy forest floors. She would walk guarded by us, combined as Taeku still, deep into the shadowed darkness. Misa would sit among the bows of the oldest trees, blessing them with her pure luminosity. Those trees she rested among were healed off the black charred scars turning the palest color of wood. It seems during my absence of that forest, the demons have ventured that deep to cut down those trees, they are probably very valuable. They are rare and can't be reproduced.-

--We'll use that one then?--

-Onegai…-

Kaekei's voice was soft, almost yearning. All edge was gone and Kagome was struck still by the quality of it. Her tone was needy, quivering almost like a lost child, nothing she had come to associate with the darker spirit of Taeku. Kagome wrapped her arms around herself dipping her head lower, trying to comfort the spirit she would never had guessed was hurting so terribly that one single reminder of her Misa-sama…made her confidence and courage fall apart. A cool skinned hand fell softly onto her shoulder squeezing with a gentle pressure. Kagome turned her head already knowing who it was. A loosened thin forelock that was ghostly white fell over her shoulder. A smooth cheek nuzzled her neck and soothed the emotions within her, overflowing her frame and what told the truth behind that hidden door locking Kaekei's heart. But that calming touch was swift, like a butterfly landing on one's nose, and too soon was gone without a single word spoken.

It was then that she realized the connection she felt earlier to Raikrin was what Yukila had mentioned as reverberation. It's like an echo, resounding through all the souls of elves pulling and stringing them together like the falling rain draining into a hollowed meadow. All elves are always one. It is very similar to the miko's resonance, an adaptation of it really. It was a gift from the Misa-sama, a way to connect all those deemed strong enough to protect the weaker kind. If an emergency ever arose, the miko's would send a call through this link, but since it was so unstable, undeveloped, the method was only for immediate emergencies that would effect all humans on a large scale. Except for elves, it was instant and unintentional. It was a way to calm, soothe, or reach on a more intimate level. Elves touched each other through their souls instead of just their minds.

Kagome turned and bowed lower this time. Elves were supposed to be a united species. Only an elf could comfort another completely. So why were all the clans so at war with each other? This question could not or was not answered by Kaekei or Yukila who was deep in her sanctuary within Kagome's soul mediating. So, Kagome let it lie and strung the bow. She lightly gripped the velvety wood; the surface lacked texture and was glossy in appearance catching the lights lining the walls of the dojo. The length was nearly her full height and clearly for long distances. Kagome walked over to the braided bow strings noticing that behind them were the bladed or wired lying side by side individually. Otherwise they might have be ruined, dulled, or broken by their neighbor. However, Kagome placed her hand flat beneath the braid and called up her miko power. Pinkish tendrils crept out of her finger tips to run up the string she desired and slipped that particular cord out threading it from the others without undoing or muddling the mass.

The young woman tied the long white twine through the hole of the top of that simple bow and around the top into a plain knot. Then with practiced ease pressed down with her knee onto the curve of the bend and used her free hand to tie the string down on the other end. Kagome felt her muscles stretch from not be used and cursed herself for not tending to her skills everyday as she had been at Naraku's. With her life not being constantly in danger, the miko found herself falling into that lull that peace grants the resting soul, but regardless draws it into laziness. Kagome tied the string, but had to flip the bow on its head to perfect the knot so that it wouldn't come undone.

With a deep, settling breath the guardian miko prepared herself for a long, harsh training session that was long overdone. She hadn't instructed her abilities since she arrives, except for that too short time spent under Sesshoumaru's guidance. Perhaps she would ask for a spar with him?

--Not now…but soon…--

And the guardian let loose the first of many arrows from the quiver that she had strapped to her back in an unconscious action during her many limitless trains of thought. The same wood creating the quiver, but as she fired, became stained with a curving back 'x' that once bled extending from and encasing the symbol for protection on her forehead with long calligraphic lines.

Blah! I picked at this for weeks and I was bored. Anyways a lot of this is dialogue, which I'm not too good at, mainly explaining the relationship 'do's and don'ts of the three spirits within Kagome. Well, I feel I may have overdone it, but…well tell me what you think.

Now- I realized how many names revolve around Kagome. Any of it confusing? Well, here's the gist of it, a basic summary.

Kagome- human miko, prominent form

Raiven- alias at Western Palace, though several know her real name including Sesshoumaru though he never uses it (she is called Raiven, but I will always describe her as Kagome unless it is in dialogue)

Taeku- the whole body and given name of the guardian elf whose soul is contained within Kagome

Kaekei- the darker part of the split soul, the shadow

Yukila- the innocence or kindness of that split soul

Words to know:

Wau- wow

Hanshi- warrior, feudal retainer