A/N: I know it's been about four months since my last update and I am so sorry for the wait. My life made a complete turn at the beginning of the year. So many changes happening at once. But now I am back! I'm not sure how often I'll be posting the chapters, but I can say that I am not taking this long to update again.

Thank you so much for all of your wonderful reviews. They seriously mean a lot. I did get a few from unhappy guests. I'm sorry that it is not what you expected or how you would have done it. Maybe you could give it a try! In no way or form I'm trying to downplay any of the characters from either fandom, but I do have to portray certain things in order to show the power from each side. As for Kagome, I didn't want her to be the damsel in distress anymore. I wanted her to be strong in many aspects. She still has a lot to learn, but she will not be useless in my story.

Now here I give you, the next chapter.

Chapter 15: The Chosen

"Um… Kagome."

"... Yeah Shippo?"

"Do they always get like this?"

Kagome sighed as she saw a chair flying across the guild hall. The music was loud and food and alcohol was everywhere as the entire guild celebrated.

A grin slowly appeared in her face as the ruckus continued, "Yup."

Miroku sipped his beer as his eyes moved, trying to catch all the movements that were going on, "They sure know how to party."

Her grin turned into a smile as she looked at Miroku, "Oh yeah they do."

Two days after the incident with the Eclipse Gate and much more explaining to the King and the other guilds, Fairy Tail was finally back in Magnolia. They had been greeted with so much vigor and excitement as a parade was immediately thrown for them. The King had been unhappy, since his plan was to throw a party in celebration, but since Kagome and the rest had explained the urgency of returning to Magnolia, the King understood and accepted Makarov's apology for not joining the festivities.

She continued eating her food at their spot on the table as she continued to observing the chaos around her. Everyone seemed so happy. Long were gone the looks of disappointment and sadness when she had first met them. Winning the games had been exactly what they needed. One of the biggest things she would always remember, would be the faces of everyone in the guild for the surprise of seeing that the entire town pitched in and re built the guild hall in the outskirts of the city. It was bigger, with strong stone walls, more rooms, an infirmary, and even an inside pool as well. Her smile faltered slightly, as a bittersweet taste came to her as she soon was going to be leaving this life behind.

Makarov had demanded a party to be immediately be thrown to celebrate Fairy Tail's success in the Grand Magic Games and to also commemorate the group that would be setting off to travel to the Feudal Era with Kagome and her group.

Apparently he already had the team in mind. She still wasn't okay with that at all. It had created a private argument between herself and Laxus the day before they arrived to Magnolia. She had tried her best to not pick a fight with him after he had told her he was going when he took her away from the others, but the fact she caught him speaking to Freed in regards of what to do if he didn't come back. Just hearing him saying what to do with his place and his things made her blood boil. He had picked up on her temper, and he had taken her away for her to lash out.

She had been angry to the point that tears were shed. In her angry rant, she had stupidly punched a tree, hurting her hand in the process, making her cry more. Laxus had felt horribly for that and immediately took her back so Wendy could fix her hand. And that also caused a fight the moment Inuyasha smelt the blood coming out of her knuckles. Just as Inuyasha was close on Laxus, Kagome had sat him as Wendy fixed her hand.

The dog demon had been pouting since then.

Miroku, Sango, Kirara, and Shippo had taken well to the members of the guild. Gray, Freed, and Bickslow had made Miroku feel welcomed. Erza enjoyed having conversations with Sango in regards of their different battle strategies with Wendy happily chiming in at times. Evergreen surprisingly had taken a huge liking on Shippo alongside Juvia and Lisanna. The women would gush at how adorable he was and he would absorb the attention and do small magic tricks for them.

However, it was still getting some time for Inuyasha to get used to them, and it wasn't just because of the constant tense vibe between him and Laxus. The man was very withdrawn and usually was found being further away from everyone before arriving to Magnolia. Kagome would try talking to him, but he would always find a way to avoid the conversation. He knew her too well. He knew she would ask about Kikyo and in all reality, that was something he did not want to indulge in any time soon.

So he would linger back and watch her. He couldn't even be surprised at the fact that everyone was smitten by her. Anyone that would talk to her, she would give them her undivided attention. She would smile and laugh. Those that had been injured in any form, even just a small scratch, she would be concerned over. Everyone adored her and everyone wanted to be around her.

Because that's who she was. Simply Kagome that would make anyone around her follow her like a moth to the light.

A part of him would claw the moment he would see her near the dragon. It would irk him. He couldn't stand him. In his head, the blonde was too much of an asshole for her. Even if that made him look like a hypocrite. He made his decision and that decision made him lose her. She used to look at him like the way she would look at the other man, before he screwed everything up, and it was sad to say, that her eyes would shine brighter when she would look at him than what they ever did with him.

He really hated himself for a lot of things and one of them was losing her.

Kagome held a laugh as she saw the drunk of the guild making her way over to her and Sango. It seemed to have snapped her out of that somber like state she had been slowly falling into.

Cana put her arms around her shy friend, "Come on girl! Drink up!" she shoved a glass of wine at the flustered woman.

Sango, not used to women to show so much skin and be so brash, was stuttering.

"Oh-I don't-"

"Girl you're about to go back and kick some demon ass, loosen up!"

Inuyasha shook his head at the drunk woman, but the motion made his eyes land on the bar where a couple of beers were sitting, waiting for another member to grab them and drink them. Elfman caught Inuyasha's look and soon put an arm around him as he shouted, "You don't need beer, you need a manly drink! Mira, bring the man the hard stuff!"

Inuyasha tried prying off Elfman's arm around him, but the man was pretty strong. He couldn't do it unless he had intentions of hurting him. Which he knew if he did, he would be sat multiple times and that was something he didn't want.

The beautiful take over mage happily complied to her brother's request and served Inuyasha a drink. Of what? He wasn't sure. It was something he never smelt before, but the hot feel of his throat after taking a swig was rather pleasant. He decided to stick around Elfman as the man seemed to have good taste on drinks.

As the party went on, Natsu and Lucy eventually made conversation with Miroku. They had been impressed with his wind tunnel and wanted to know more about it. Natsu had commented it smelled different, but couldn't describe how.

"Where do they go?" Lucy asked him as she curiously stared at his hand.

Miroku eyed his hand, "I have been told that it's probably a portal to hell. However I am not sure," His eyes went to Kagome who was laughing at one of Shippo's antics, "Funny enough, the first time we met I almost suctioned her in."

"That's because she has a knack of putting herself in dangerous situations," Inuyasha commented as he wasn't far from Miroku when he heard him.

Miroku made a face as he tried to come up with something to defend his dear friend, but the more he thought, was coming up empty.

He decided to sip his drink as he muttered, "...Honestly I can't argue with that."

That's when Kagome made her way over with Shippo on her shoulder, "Are you guys talking about me?" Her eyes suspiciously looking in between the two men.

Lucy said no.

Inuyasha said yes without missing a beat.

He took another swig of the drink. He could blame it on the alcohol if he got her too mad.

"We are going about how many times we've had to save your ass because you don't listen."

Kagome gawked at him and then at Miroku, "Do you think so?"

He gave her an apologetic look, "You have been kidnapped numerous times."

Inuyasha was becoming more bold as he counted off with his fingers, "The bandits when we first met, thunder brothers, Urasue, Miroku kidnapped you, Kouga, Naraku, Mukotsu… I feel like I'm missing some."

Kagome's face was become redder and redder after each incident Inuyasha would mention like if he was talking about the weather. Lucy wasn't sure if it was out of embarrassment or because she was furious.

"And I thought Lucy got kidnapped a lot!"

The fire slayer got a smack on the head for that one.

At the table where the Thunder Legion sat with surprisingly Gajeel, Levy, and Lily, Laxus started to cough after hearing how many times Kagome had been in trouble. Gajeel snorted loudly as he took a bite out of his burger.

"Inuyasha," She said warningly as she was trying to have control over her face. Miroku caught the tone in her voice that he quickly removed the cup from Inuyasha's hand, "Sit."

He yelped as his face hit the ground first.

Kagome shook her head as her and Shippo made their way to the table where Laxus and the rest were at. She sat across from him, still red on the face. She caught the look Laxus was giving her as he drank his beer and she quickly gave him a look, "Do not say anything."

He blinked, an innocent look appearing on his face.

He sipped his drink, "I have no clue what you're talking about."

Her eyes narrowed suspiciously, "Really?"

Shippo hopped off her shoulder and walked across the table, going directly towards Laxus who was now eyeing the kit wearily as he drank his beer.

"So now that I have you in front of me," Shippo said, his voice trying to hold an authoritative tone as he puffed his chest, "You're the one that has laid an intended claim on my mom."

Laxus immediately spat out his drink to his right, right where Bickslow was sitting enjoying his food.

Gajeel barked out a loud laugh as he saw the confused look on Laxus' face and how he was trying to fight off the blush in his face. Or the urge to pummel the kid. Kagome was no better as she sputtered, "S-Ship-po!"

Laxus wiped his mouth with the back of his hand and then glared at the kid, "What the hell are you talking about kid?"

Shippo tilted his head, "The way your scent is all over her. It's what we call a scent claim. Any males that smell her will know she has an intended," he then turned to Levy, "She has a scent claim mark too but it isn't as strong as Kagome's yet."

Now it was Gajeel's turn to blush furiously and not being able to look at Levy in the eye as she was red as well. Lily walked up to Shippo, ignoring the embarrassed looks of the others and Bickslow's laughter who got over the fact that Laxus spat on him, "How can you tell?"

Shippo shrugged his shoulders, "I can just smell it. You can't?"

Lily thought about it, "I can just smell the scents, but I didn't know it was to claim them," he turned to Gajeel, "Is that a dragon thing?"

"What's a dragon thing?" Erza asked as she came to sit with them, strawberry cake on hand.

Laxus groaned and Gajeel slightly paled now having Titania on the table. They were well aware of her way thinking regarding the innocence of women. He really didn't want to talk about it in front of Levy, specially now with Erza there. All he wanted was get up and leave the guild. He had been hoping no one would notice. Natsu was just too stupid in his opinion, Laxus got the dragon traits from the lacrima but he didn't think he would know anything and from the sounds of it, he had done it without realizing. And then Wendy was too young that he doubted her mother had talked to her about dragon courting.

But Levy, who was sitting next to him, poked him on the side. She was blushing as she voiced her question, "Can you explain?"

He really wanted to punch the fox demon since hearing Levy's soft voice was preventing him from avoiding the question.

"I don't know what you're talking about kid," Laxus finally said as he ignored the other slayer's predicament, "But I haven't done shit."

Shippo blinked twice, "Wow. And here I hoped you were smarter than Inuyasha."

"Shippo!"

Laxus' eye twitch, "You little-"

"Now gather around everyone! Before the party continues I must reveal the team that will be traveling with Kagome and the rest of her friends in order to destroy a despicable enemy!"

Gray snorted as he heard the old man, "More like he wants to say it before he's too drunk to do so."

Shippo took advantage of the distraction and fled to go to Kirara, who currently had Asuka on her back with the child laughing in pure bliss.

Everyone got up and made their way towards the bar where the Master stood. "Now, I have thought about this long and carefully since we cannot leave our own guild unprotected. If I call your name, you have the right to withdraw yourself from the mission since there is a risk that you will not be able to come back once you go through the well."

Kagome clenched her jaw as she could hear the murmurs. If it was up to her, no one would be joining them.

"The first that I'm calling and that will be leader of this team is my grandson, Laxus."

He made eye contact with his grandfather as he nodded once, "I accept."

"The next is Gajeel."

The iron slayer smirked as he crossed his arms, "Sign me up."

Makarov looked at Lily, "Do you wish to accompany him?"

"Where my partner goes, I go."

Makarov accepted his answer as he looked at the rest, "Levy."

The bluenette gasped, "M-Me Master?"

"Your intelligence will be crucial to strategize against their enemy. Do not see yourself as not being physical strong for the task. The strength comes from the heart."

She could hear Jet and Droy complaining that she shouldn't go, but one look at Kagome, someone who she's become close to and nodded, "I accept."

The old man nodded, "Wendy."

Kagome immediately protested, "No. Not her."

Miroku was reluctant, "A war is no place for a child. The amount of violence and body we have seen will give her nightmares for weeks."

Sango nodded, "I agree. She shouldn't have to see that."

Inuyasha had his arms crossed as he looked at the small girl, "Let her come."

Kagome gasped, whirling around "Inuyasha!"

He rolled his eyes, "How is that any different than bringing the runt along with us? The girl showed she can fight. More useful than the fur ball you're always carrying around."

Wendy could feel everyone's eyes on her as ultimately, it was her decision if she wanted to accept or not. She didn't know Inuyasha well, as they've hardly exchanged words, but she couldn't help but have a boost of confidence on how a stranger said she could indeed fight and hold her own. Carla was in her arms, her wide eyes waiting for her to make her decision.

She was nervous nonetheless. Kagome had explained that the life in the Feudal Era was rough. War and death. But just like the rest, she couldn't stand back and let innocent people die. Carla wasn't even objecting at the idea. She was letting her make the decision, not intending to interfere.

Because Carla was seeing her more as a young blooming woman than a little girl. After Cait Shelter and the countless enemies they had fought together, Wendy had been maturing. The way she had jumped in to battle the wind user just proved with more reason that indeed, Wendy was growing up and was no longer that scared little girl.

Wendy raised her head and made eye contact with the master, and with a tone so strong for her small age, she answered.

"I will go."

Carla could feel her heart swelling with pride, "And so will I."

And even if she wasn't comfortable with the idea because of the risks, Erza felt proud of her as well.

Makarov smiles, "And that is the team that will be going."

Immediately Natsu spoke up, "How come I don't get to go?!"

"Or me?" Gray voiced, clearly unhappy.

Makarov had seen the complaints coming from a mile away, "We cannot have a repeat of Tenrou Island and have all the fire power leave. Having Laxus and Gajeel leave will put a strain on our forces, and that's why I need the rest of you here. If an enemy were to come along while they're gone, we can hold our ground."

The stern tone in his voice left no room for arguments. Although both mages continued pouting, they still respected the decision of the Master.

Slowly the small circle that had formed started to scatter around as everyone continued on with the party. Laxus noticed the look in Mira's eyes as he started to make his way to his table again. He knew her too well. After all, they had grown up together. He went over to her, placing a large hand on her shoulder and gave a squeeze.

"Don't look sad. I'll get some revenge for you."

Her eyes shined as she looked at him, "Is it that obvious?"

"I know you too well. Don't worry. I know what he did to you and I'm going to make him pay."

And the sadness that had been reflecting off her eyes, was instantly gone, and back was the chirpy Mirajane everyone knew. She grinned widely at him, and with a small wink, she continued on to serve more alcohol or food. He shook his head, but the motion made him catch the sight of Kagome. She was on one of the tables with the other Strauss siblings and with Miroku and Shippo. While all of them seemed to be into whatever the small fox demon was saying, he could tell that Kagome was not fully into the conversation. The look in her eyes seemed distant, not focused on anything.

He was so focused on her he didn't hear whatever Inuyasha said, but that automatically had gotten him an angry sit from the woman who then started to laugh.

He bit back the grin that wanted to slip out. They would be alright.

He was going to make sure of it.

—-

She swallowed as the well came into view, her friends and the team that were going with her, walking behind her at a fair distance. She had told them she needed a minute to herself once they left the guild. No one had argued.

Saying goodbye to the others in the guild had been rough. There was no guarantee if she could ever come back to see them, so she decided to at least say her goodbyes if that was the case. All of them had very encouraging words for all of the group. All of them shared meaningful hugs and words with her. It was bittersweet.

The Thunder Legion had been the hardest. She got used to them during the three months. They had helped her when she was all alone. Treated her just as an equal. They became her friends so quickly. Evergreen had been clinging to her, the sob rocking through her body as all Bickslow could do was rub the woman's back as they said goodbye to their new friend. Freed had been a gentleman, like always, giving her a gentle hug.

However, seeing them saying goodbye to Laxus broke her. It was obvious the three of them were trying to be strong. She knew how much it had impacted them when Laxus had been kicked off the guild. Evergreen had said it was one of the saddest moments of her life.

And now here Laxus was, saying goodbye to his family because of her.

She gripped her fist tighter as they neared the well. She wasn't going to let that happen. She was going to make sure that all of them would be reunited.

One way or another.

Even if it broke her.

She stopped in front of the well, looking down at the dreadful water that had almost drowned her.

Juvia and the Master were the only ones that came with them. The Master knew better than to let Natsu come along, as the fire dragon would find any way to travel with them. Juvia was needed to remove the water from the well so they could all jump in.

The water mage stepped up, being next to Kagome as she looked down at the well.

"It is strange. Juvia feels a strange power coming from the well."

"It's probably from the magic that my brother is using to keep it open," Inuyasha said as he approached, arms crossed in front of his chest, "We need to get going."

Juvia immediately did what she needed, and controlled the water as it finally came out of the well in beautiful swirls of clear water.

"Kagome," Sango said loudly as she saw the other woman already putting a leg over the ledge, "Just so you know… things are not as you remember."

Kagome gripped the ledge tighter as she glared at the well, "I know. It's been a year there… and the power he's gained… I know."

She then turned to her partner through the whole thing, "I want to jump first. I want to see."

His golden eyes widened slightly, "I don't think—"

She ignored him and with a deep breath, she jumped in.

A bright blue light seemed to come out of the well, and when Laxus rushed over with Gajeel, Levy, Wendy, Carla, and Lily. Laxus' grey eyes were wide just to see that the well was empty.

"What the—"

"We need to go now. She's not going to react well to what she sees," Sango said rather alarmed as she scooped both Shippo and Kirara in her arms.

Inuyasha didn't wait for the rest as he jumped right after Kagome. Laxus bit back the growl that almost slipped out and had the others from the Feudal Era to jump first. After that, with one final look at his grandfather, he was the last one to jump in.

—-

She immediately could smell the familiar fresh air of the Feudal Era. She could see the blue sky as she quickly took a hold of the vine and started to pull herself up.

But there was a different smell in the air. Even she could catch it and she did not have the same capability of Inuyasha or any of the dragon slayers. She grunted as she finally pulled herself over and as she took a sight of what was in front, she felt sick.

Long gone were the tall trees and green grass that covered the area. In its place were burnt branches and plain dirty everywhere. She knew that some were not even branches on the floor, but skeletons that had been left to be exposed to the elements.

Her breathing became more labored as her eyes went into the direction of the familiar tree, the tree that had started everything.

It was barely standing.

She didn't know she was moving as she moved in towards the direction of it. She could feel her chest getting tighter and tighter, her hands becoming sweaty as the anticipation of seeing it was crushing her.

It was no longer beautiful. It was ruined. No leaves left on its place. Various branches had been completely burned off while others went from a crisp black to a darker decaying brown.

But what caught her eyesight made her feel sick.

There was a stone like plaque, propped to be leaning against the base of the tree.

She was already crying because she could read it, even if it was dirty and covered in mud for being outside, she could see what it read.

She was on her knees in front of it in a blink of an eye. Her fingers cold like ice as the realization of the severity of the situation was increasing. The tears fell freely as with the tip of her fingers, she traced the name that was carved deeply onto the stone.

The old woman had helped her. Guided her. Trained her. And loved her deeply for who she was.

"Thanks to her more than half of the village evacuated," she heard his voice cutting through the emptiness in the air as she had been mourning silently, "By the time we reached the village, it was disintegrated. Rin still cries for her."

Kagome sniffed as she wiped the snot and the tears from her face. She turned around, her eyes bright as she struggled to keep more tears from falling.

He looked just the same, but there was something different. There was no fear as she looked at him— he didn't make her nervous how he used to.

His eyes weren't as cold.

That was the reason why he looked different to her.

She no longer feared him.

"Sesshomaru."