Rated: M

This story is rated M for violence, language and sexual themes.

I do not own the shows or the characters.

Chapter 2

Home is where your Gauntlet is?!

It took only a moment before the familiar blue light surrounded both of them. Once the light faded away they were at the bottom of the well in her era and Kilala instantly bristled from the smell. Kagome felt terrible but she knew that she couldn't leave her in the feudal ear where Naraku was waiting. So she tried to cleanse the air around her and to her amazement it worked. Guess she wasn't as useless as InuYasha liked to think.

"Don't worry Kilala, if you stay by my side I can keep the air clean for you." The neko's joy was clear in her mewl. It was impossible for Kagome to not smile. Climbing out of the well the teenager left the well house and cut across the shrine grounds heading straight for the house. Opening the door she called out to see if anyone was home. Seeing her mother come out of the kitchen the miko ran to her and into her arms. No matter what happened she knew that she could always come home, even if she knew she was adopted.

"Kagome what are you doing here, you only just left a few days ago. Did something happen dear? Oh and who is your little friend?" Hitomi Higurashi said with a warm smile. She was a beautiful woman with rich kind brown eyes and short black hair. Her skin was fair and even though she lost her husband nine years ago she still had a natural glow of happiness to her. It made Kagome proud to be in her family, even if she secretly wanted to find her birth parents.

"I had to get some supplies since I'll be traveling with Kilala from now on. InuYasha and I had a final fight, I'm not going back to him Kikyo can be his shard detector for all I care. This is Kilala by the way; she is a twin-tailed fire cat demon." She guessed her tone said it all since her mother only smiled and didn't push about what had transpired.

"Well I guess if you'll be traveling with only Kilala that I should share a few things with you, no offense Kilala. After all if you're old enough to go running around feudal Japan fighting evil then you're old enough to know the truth. Please sit down for this dear." Her mother's voice was strong yet her eyes were sad. Instantly the young miko knew what she was about to hear and even though she knew the information herself, hearing it was a completely different matter. Once they sat down her mother took a deep breath.

"I'm not going to beat around the bush as it were I'm just going to get straight to it because the information I'm going to give to you could very well play a part in your upcoming battles. Kagome you are adopted. Your real name is Kagome Kasai Okamoto; your mother's name was Kiera and your father's name was Ken Okamoto. He was my brother. Your mother died during the delivery and Ken's job made it impossible for him to keep you. Before he disappeared your father re-married to a wonderful woman named Janet Pierce and they were expecting a child. Your younger half-brother lives in America with his mother. Ken was never found but I do know that he and Janet were planning on taking you back and being a real family. I'm sorry I kept this from you." Hitomi took that moment to catch her breath. Kagome sat there slowly taking everything in. Her mother was really her aunt, and her little brother was really her cousin yet she still had a little half-brother who lived with her step-mom in America. Wow she did not see that coming.

"Wait you said that he disappeared and his job kept him from keeping me? Just what did my dad do exactly?" She wasn't angry, in fact the miko was relieved that she was related to Hitomi and the others. Kilala chirped at her while butting at her hands in a comforting manner. It made her smile and gentle stroke the soft fur of her little companion.

"Well your father wasn't just anyone. He was a Kaijudo Master. The Master of Nature to be exact. Now I don't know what it is exactly only that the Masters fight against the Kaiju that get through the veil that separates our worlds. Ken was fighting an enemy when he disappeared. Many say he died in that fight but I choose to believe that my brother was taken into the Kaiju realm. When I took you in your father gave me two things that I was only to give you if absolutely necessary." Slowly she stood up and went over to the china cabinet and opened the bottom draws pulling out a wooden box with two overlapping symbols on the top.

"I believe that time is now. Inside this chest are the battle gauntlet and the necklace your mother used. She was a Kaijudo Master as well, the Master of Fire. Use them for yourself now, call upon the Kaiju as your parents before you did. I know that you can become a Master yourself one day." Her voice held a tone of certainty to it that made even Kagome believe she could be what her mother and father once were. Feeling a slow smile spread across her face the young miko stood up.

"Well if I'm going to be a Kaijudo Master then I'm going to have to defeat Naraku and get all the shards back first. To do that I have to get supplies and get back to the feudal era, isn't that right Kilala?" At her question said fire neko let out a cheerful mewl. Hugging her mom-aunt Kagome put the necklace on before pocketing her glove. With word that she would be back later she left the shrine heading for the mall.

Going to the mall may not have been her brightest idea, everywhere she went there were coupling giggling or guys checking her out. It was getting to be highly annoying and she wasn't even halfway through her list. Entering an athletic shop she went straight for the hiking department. She needed boots, clothes, a jacket and a weather proof rucksack. A young man came over and asked if she needed assistance and since she really didn't know what brand to go with she figured she could just tell him what she needed and he would tell her what to buy. He was more than willing to offer her all the advice she needed and more.

By the time she was done at the mall the young woman had everything she needed but one thing. So heading down to what everyone now called the "old" district Kagome went into an antique shop her aunt told her about. It was dark and musty inside yet she felt calm and at peace.

"Hello child. What can I help you find?" An elderly man said kindly. He had to be at least ninety yet his aura said he was powerful and perfectly able to fight should the need arise. Knowing how important honor and manners are she bowed in a show of respect.

"Honorable elder I come seeking the scrolls of Kaijudo Fire and Nature. Do you have what I seek?" Never had the miko been happier that Sango and Miroku forced her to learn the basics of demon mannerisms. Sure this man wasn't a demon, in fact she had no idea what he was but she knew he was old and powerful and that was enough for her.

"What do you know of the Kaiju and its Masters?" It wasn't a harshly asked question, more like one of curiosity. So pulling out her necklace and her glove she showed them to him. He gently touched them his worn and leathered hands shaking slightly as he did so. His pale blue eyes widened and seemed to clear, as if he was seeing for the first time in a long time.

"I don't know much about the Masters or of Kaiju or anything really. I just know that my mother was the Master of Fire and my father was the Master of Nature and that if there was anyone who would have Kaiju scrolls it would be you." At her words the old man clapped his hands excitedly before beckoning her to follow him into the black depths of his shop.

"I have just what you need, however I feel I should advise you that a true Master of Kaijudo can summon from all civilizations. Still you will feel more drawn and work better to certain elements. It is also common to have one true partner, the Kaiju you will summon more than any other. This Kaiju becomes more than just a beast you fight with they become your friend and sometimes even more than that." Again is tone was gentle and understanding even dare she say it encouraging towards the last point.

"What do you mean by summoning and civilizations? Just what are Kaiju and why don't they live in this world?" She had so many questions and seemed to be getting no answers. It was really beginning to frustrate her. They came to a stop in front of an old painting of a demon she recognized all too well; Sesshomaru the Demon Lord of the Western lands. Reaching out the old man who introduced himself as Bookkeep placed his hand behind the left bottom corner, a few seconds latter a loud click was heard and the painting opened to reveal a stone staircase that lead deep into the earth.

"I will tell you all you need to know as quickly as I can. Kaiju and humans once lived together here on the earth realm in peace. However eventually the other feared the opposing race was becoming too powerful and a war broke out. To prevent the two races from destroying each other the five Kaiju monarchs joined forces with the five Kaijudo Masters and created the veil. The veil sent the Kaiju to a mirror version of our world where they could live their way and the humans remained here. Now they veil isn't indestructible and sometimes rouge Kaiju get through. That is where Kaijudo Masters and their acolytes come in. They can summon Kaiju from beyond the veil to battle alongside them and fight the rouge and sometimes evil Kaiju. Now there are five Kaiju civilizations; Nature, Fire, Water, Light and Darkness, each civilization has numerous Kaiju in it and each one has a name, a personality and each race has a summon stance." They had reached the bottom of the stairs while he was explaining and were now it what appeared to be an ancient temple.

"This is Kaijudo Temple of Japan. It is here that we hold the most ancient scrolls and tablets for summoning and mastering Kaijudo. There has not been a true Kaijudo Dueler in Japan in nearly five hundred years because of this I will leave all there is with you, the last Japanese Kaijudo Dueler. Everything you need to know is here and as my gift to you I give you Aqua Commando, all the knowledge here is within him." With those words Bookkeep did some unique martial arts moves before a crest appeared in the air and a blue creature came out. Kagome was in awe of the water Kaiju. It was beautiful.

"Aqua Commando is a mighty warrior and friend. He is remarkably smart and will aid you in your quests. A.C. this is Kagome, she will be your new dueling partner, please take good care of her for me. She is the last of the true Japanese duelists." Bookkeep's voice wavered slightly but it was enough for the young miko to realize he was entrusting her with his partner, to learn the ways of Kaijudo and fight for what was right. Never had she ever felt so honored.

The intense moment was ruined by her cell going off and it was only then that she realized just how late it was. At quarter to nine she really couldn't blame her aunt for worrying especially considering what all she had learnt today. As if sensing this Bookkeeper simply smiled at her and motioned for her to begin up the steps, her new partner right behind her. Once back in the store Aqua Commando a.k.a. A.C. bowed, stating that should she need him to only call and he would be there before disappearing into water.

"In this chest is all that you need, shrunk down into tiny chips for easier access. You simply hold the chip over your gauntlet and it will transform back into its original form. Remember this young duelist being one of two civilizations is strength if you know how to use it. You will find that being a hybrid yourself you will connect better with them. There are other duelists who follow different laws and will try to tell you our ways are wrong just as there are those who underestimate you and belittle you but you can prove them wrong by remaining true to what you are and you will be a Kaijudo Master in no time." With those parting words Bookkeeper gently pushed her out of the store, chest in her arms as well as all of her bags and locked the door behind him.

Walking back to the shrine gave the young woman time to think about everything she had discovered about herself. Kagome figured she could practice her Kaijudo while fighting against Naraku and then she would go to America and find her brother. She even knew where she was going to start. First thing tomorrow they were going back to the feudal era and setting out for Sesshomaru's palace. If anyone could teach her to fight it would be him. By the time she got into the house her arms were numb and her legs felt like noodles but she had a plan.

"Kagome, thank goodness you're back I was getting worried. Where have you been all this time? Poor Kilala nearly ate Buyo she was so hungry." Hitomi asked gently. She didn't want to pry but after everything that had been said she was concerned.

"Sorry ma-auntie. I had a lot of shopping to do and then I got talking to the Kaijudo Temple Bookkeeper and just lost track of time. I really didn't mean to be out that late or to make you worry. By the way have you told Souta about any of this? I really think he deserves to know." The miko said softly. She wouldn't want someone to leave her out of such important news.

"I told him when he got home from school today. He didn't take the news very well but I know he'll be ok. I think he was more upset that I didn't tell the two of you sooner. Anyway it's been a long day for everyone so why don't you go have a bath. It should help you relax." Again the tone was gentle and soothing and the mention of a bath was all it took for Kagome to kiss her aunt on the cheek and hightail it up the stairs and into her room to grab her things before ripping into the bathroom faster than a bullet.

Once in the bath Kagome all but melted. It felt so incredibly good, gods she never wanted to get out. She could truly stay in there forever. Of course her mind was going a mile a minute, everything about the Kaiju just had her itching to learn more, so figuring that she could use a few answers she cautiously called out for Aqua Commando. When nothing happened she decided to wait until after her bath and then try again in her room, besides he probably didn't want to see her naked anyway.

She stayed in for as long as she could before her fingers started to look like prunes. Slowly climbing out she dried off, put lotion on her skin and blow dried her hair. After changing into a grey tank and black shorts she went back into her room where Kilala was curled up on her bed. Pulling out her glove she put it on and watched as it transformed into a red and black gauntlet with gold and green embellishments. Thinking back to the movements that Bookkeeper did she copied them with surprising ease and call on Aqua Commando once more, this time succeeding.

"You summoned me Lady Kagome. What can I do for you?" A.C. asked regally. He looked around her room in interest and it made her smile. She figured he had never been in a teenage girl's room before and was curious. Moving over to her old bag she brought it over to her bed and after moving Kilala to her pillow dumped its contents onto her blanket. After that she brought her new items over and started setting them out as well.

"Well I figured I could tell you what was going on in my life and what to expect and you could start teaching me about Kaiju and your world. This way I can pack and we can get to know each other better at the same time. So what do you think A.C.? Oh and that's Kilala by the way, she's a twin-tailed fire cat demon. Kilala this is Aqua Commando or A.C. for short and he is a Kaiju from the Water Realm." The young woman said motioning to them with their names.

"That is acceptable. You may start so that I can ask questions." A.C. stated somewhat robotically. It made her laugh a little. So that night she told him her story and what she had to do and her told her about summoning and using her gauntlet. By the time she fell asleep she couldn't wait to see the Kaiju realm for herself.

When she woke up the next day Kagome felt like a whole new person and in some ways she was. However even though she didn't know what to expect or what kind of battles would come her way she knew she wasn't alone. She had Kilala and Aqua Commando. With them she knew she could make it. So after double checking that she had everything she needed the Miko left her room and went into the kitchen. It was almost one in the afternoon so no one was home at the moment which worked out better for her because she didn't want her aunt to see her off with sad eyes.

After eating and changing into feudal era appropriate clothing, short skirts and loafers really didn't cut it; she left the house and went to the Bone Eaters well. Running over her mental check list one last time she picked up Kilala and jumped. Once more the blue light surrounded them and before they knew it they were in the neko's own time looking at a clear blue sky. Once they were out she sighed.

"Well here we are once more Kilala. I think it would be best if we flew westward for a bit before continuing on foot. InuYasha might be around and I really don't want to deal with him right now. What do you think?" As if to answer her the fire cat jumped out of her arms and transformed causing the girl to smile. Once she was on the duo took off heading west in search of Sesshomaru.

~A.N.~

Well here's the second chapter, let me know if you like where this is going so far. Please rate and review. *Smiles and bows*