Disclaimer: If you don't know, I do not own Inuyasha or any of it's characters

Well there is good news! I am no longer disabled. It was a simple sprain and as my fellow klutzes will know, a lifetime of Klutz Attacks let you heal fast! Now onto the next chapter!:D!

Welcome

"Hope and Healing?" Kagome repeated it to herself outloud.

She sighed and fell back onto her very large, and very comfortable bed. "What does that even mean?" she said picking up the necklace around her neck and looking at it.

Flashback

"Hope and healing!" Sango said wrapping her arms around Kagome's neck. "Congratulations."

"It sounds very important. You are a major goddess then." Miroku said smiling, still from his opposite side of the large room.

"Major goddess?" Kagome asked Sango.

Her friend nodded. "Sure. Don't you know? There are two types of gods and goddesses. Major and minor. Me, you, Miroku, basically all of us are major gods or goddesses. But there are others. Minor gods. I'm not the only goddess of war. There are many minor gods and goddesses of war but none of them have my power or my fame."

"Then how do you know I'm a major?" Kagome asked.

"Because you are the only one." Dusk said and she felt the warmth of happiness radiating off him as if he had just smiled at her, though he couldn't because he had a beak not lips. "When you are the first god or goddess you are the major one. Others that follow are, naturally, minor. Here, a gift."

Dusk reached out his long neck and laid the tip of his beak on her chest. The point where they touched glowed and from the light bloomed a bright purple jewel. As Kagome watched, from each side grew two small chains which wrapped around her neck.

"A mark of your rank." Dusk said.

Kagome lifted the jewel and looked at it. "How come I'm the only one who gets a mark of rank?" she asked.

"Don't worry." Sango said. "We all have one. Mine is my hiriakostu(Spl?) and Miroku's are the enchanted beads that wrap his arm."

"Oh?" Kagome said looking at her reflection in the small sphere.

Normal

Kagome sighed and watched the jewel reflect the starlight outside.

She sat up on her elbows as the door opened.

Inuyasha walked in quietly but smiled when he saw her.

"I thought you might be a sleep." he said closing the door and walking forward.

Kagome shook her head. "How could I sleep? I've so much to think about!"

Inuyasha chuckled and sat next to her.

Kagome laid back down and stared at the ceiling. "This has to be the most confusing day of my life."

"Well it is my best day." Inuyasha said running his hand across her belly.

Kagome smiled at him. "I'm not saying it hasn't been incredible, because...oh...it really has." she had a dreamy look in her eyes as she thought about it all. "It's just a lot to take in."

Inuyasha nodded and they fell silent.

After a while Kagome spoke again. "What's your mark of rank?" she asked.

"My mark of rank?" Inuyasha asked raising his eyebrows. "It's my sword." he laid his hand on the hilt. "Why?"

"Mine is this." Kaogme said holding up her pretty purple jewel.

"Yours?" he asked reaching out for it. "But that means....You got your title!?" His eyes grew bright as she nodded.

"Hope and healing." she said then squeaked as Inuyasha grabbed her and cradled her in his lap.

"It's perfect for you." he said nuzzling her neck. "Kagome Goddess of Hope and Healing. I like it."

Kagome giggled and rubbed his ears, a trick she learned last night, making him growl lowly in his chest in contentment.

"It's just so..." she took a deep breath and let it out, "...big."

"Yeah." Inuyasha leaned back and looked up at her. "You'll make a wonderful goddess, I just know it."

"How can you be sure?" Kagome asked more sharply than she had intended.

That was it, she realized. What had been bugging her since Dusk had spoken to her. Just a little niggling feeling in her mind that she just couldn't put her finger on but which bothered her all the same.

"Because I know you." Inuyasha said instantly. "You know the first time I saw you?"

"At the temple?" Kagome asked.

No. She told herself. That can't be right. He said he loved me right as he saw me and that was why he called me up. He must have seen me before.

"No." Inuyasha shook his head. "It was two days before." He stroked her cheek as he spoke. "You were putting out a fire and you looked up."

Kagome knew the night he spoke of. Could it only have been a month ago?

"You were begging for your preistess to find a solution. Your village was dying and this was your last hope and who knew what would happen if it didn't work?" Inuyasha continued looking into the distance as he remembered. "Your face was leaner then and your hair was duller with stress and fatigue. But you were still magnificent. Your eyes shined and sparkled as you pleaded for your village."

"It's a pretty tale, Inuyasha." Kagome admitted. "But what does it have to do with anything?"

"You pleaded Kagome, not for yourself, but for your village. Your village's last hope. You led them through hard times and were strong and hopeful even when circumstances were so dire people had to stop eating. Then you healed them by climbing a mountain to face, what you thought was, death. I can think of no other woman more suited for Hope and Healing."

Kagome smiled and kissed his gently as the moonlight poured on his hair making it glow.

"Thank you, Inuyasha." she whispered.

Kagome stared out the window in wonder. She couldn't take in enough the beautiful landscape that surrounded her.

Inuyasha had left again at daybreak leaving her alone but she was fine.

Kagmoe blinked as a woman in very formal priestess robes walked down the path. In her arms was a basketful of herbs and her hair was nearly to her ankles and jet black. Surrounding her were children of many ages, laughing and playing. Even as Kagome watched, three kids came up to her, their hands full with different plants. The woman smiled and started talking but Kagome was far too away to hear.

"Kikyo."

Kagome turned and saw Inutaisho walk in.

"What?" she asked.

"Her name. Kikyo Goddess of Children." he said joining her at the railings of her balcony.

"Oh? Are those children gods?" Kagome asked wondering at their presence.

Inutaisho shook his haed sadly. "They are an exception to that rule. Those are simply children."

"Then what are they doing here?" Kagome asked.

"They're dead." he said looking at them forlornly. "Killed far too early. Disease, starvation, murder even. Kikyo cares for them. Helps them heal and recover before they are sent on."

Kagome turned and looked again to watch Kikyo pet a young girl's head.

"Those poor things." she said sadly.

Inutaisho nodded.

Kikyo reached the river and the children, all with bright smiles on their faces, ran forward and played in the crystal water.

Kagome gasped when, suddenly, one of the children faded to a bright flowing orb that orbited twice around Kikyo before floating off into the sky.

Kikyo watched it go as the other children waved it good-bye.

"Where did he go?" Kagome asked.

"On." Was all Inutaisho said.

Kikyo turned and looked up at them. Inutaisho raised an arm in salute and Kikyo nodded.

"Come." he said. "Let's go."

"Go where?" Kagome asked following him off her balcony and through her room to the hall beyond.

Inutaisho smiled but didn't speak as he led her down the hall, down the stairs, and through the large atrium. He stopped in front of a pair of large double doors that reached the cieling.

"What are we here for?" she asked.

"Your welcoming party!" Inutaisho flung the doors open and Kagome was greeted by a loud cheer.

"Woh!" She said as she was dragged in.

Happy faces passed her all around and a goblet of wine was pressed into her hands as cheers of welcome and congratulations were hurled at her.

"Hey Kagome!" Rin waved happily from Sesshomaru's shoulder who nodded once though he looked bored and irritated rather than excited like his wife.

"Kagome!" Sango cried standing next to Miroku.

Kagome struggled and broke free to make her way over to them.

"Hey you guys." Kagome said panting slightly.

"Surprised?" Sango asked laughing.

"A little." Kagome nodded. She turned and saw the other gods dancing and laughing, most of them probably didn't notice she had gone.

"We like to party." Miroku admitted. "We throw the best ones."

At that moment a shower of sparks lit the roof in multi-colors.

"God of Fire." Miroku explained pointing to a very bright looking man with flames instead of hair, smirking very cockily and shooking his bright sparks in the air.

"Wow." Kagome said. "All this for me?"

Sango laughed. "Don't feel self-concious. We love to party, like Miroku said. You just gave us an excuse."

"Right." Miroku nodded then suddenly leaned to the side whimpering in pain.

"Move it or lose it." Sango said deathly serious as she pinched the skin on the back of Miroku's hand which had been sneakily making it's way to her bottom.

"Having fun?"

"Inuyasha!" Kagome turned happily at the sound of his voice. "I thought you were working."

"Come on." He shook his head. "Even the Summer Goddess is taking the day off." he pointed behind his shoulder but Kagome couldn't see who he pointed at.

"Hey Inuyasha." Miroku said rubbing his red hand.

"Hey." Sango greeted, smiling again.

They started a discussion on something but Kagome was distracted. She was searching the crowds for one person, someone she knew she wouldn't find.

"Kagome!" Inutaisho showed up and put his arm around her shoulder. "Am I going to be getting grandchildren any time soon?" his face was sweet and childlike as he said it.

"Dad!" Inuyasha protested his face glowing hotly.

"What?" he said innocently making Kagome laugh.

Later that night, Inutaisho pulled Kagome onto a stage and called out to the crowd to hush.

"Well, we all know why we're here!" he said in a booming voice. "Because we like to get drunk and dance like fools!" the crowd chuckled appreciatively. "The reason we say we're here, however, is this girl right here!" Inutaisho held up Kagome's arm making the crowd cheer. "My newest daughter, Kagome!"

"Woo!" The crowd cheered making Kagome's face go red.

"She received her name yesterday, thanks to Dusk up there!" Inutaisho pointed to the rafters where Dusk perched happily. Dawn had occupied that spot until sundown when they had traded out. "May I present to you, the Goddess of Hope and Healing, Kagome!"

The crowd cheered again and Kagome's attention was drawn the the group of kids clapping and smiling so wide their faces would probably hurt later.

"So, welcome to the family Kagome!" Inutaisho said kissing her fingers. "And may your days be happy and blessed."

A loud roar accompenied this statement then peopel went back to their conversations and dances. The Goddess of Music waved her hands and her player-less instruments began to play themselves again.

Kagome hugged Inutaisho and left the stage.

Inuyasha waved to her from across the room and she waved back.

Just as she was about to go over to him she remembered.

She held up a finger in a signal to wait then turned and walked away.

She traveled outside the large double doors which were thrown open casting light into the otherwise dark atrium.

She left the palace and was astounded by the quiet calm of the outside.

Though she would have loved to, she didn't stay to enjoy the gardens at night. There was something she needed to do.

Determined, she followed the river to its source where the fall of the water was still loud and even more beautiful in the moonlight.

Right there, on the bank, sitting much like she had been the other day, was Izayoi.

Kagome slowed down and approached carefully.

Quietly, she lowered herself to sit beside her and even though Izayoi didn't turn her head, she knew she saw her.

They sat in quiet for a time, just listening to the music of the waterfall and the occasional sounds of laughter that drifted across the yard from the large party.

"What do you want?" Izayoi finally asked, breaking the silence. The question wasn't hostile, it just was. No feeling, not even curiosity. As if she was only asking as if she hoped Kagome would leave once she gave the answer.

"Your approval." Kagome said immediatly.

"Then you will be waiting a long time." Izayoi said still not looking at her.

They became quiet again.

"My village was dying." Kagome broke the silence this time. "There was no food and water was going quickly."

"I'm sorry for you then." Izayoi said politly but she still didn't turn her head.

Kagome blinked at her but continued her story. "Our old priestess and healer said she would pray and fast for two days to find a solution." Kagome played with the grass beside her as she spoke and watched the moonlight dance on the water. "When she came out she said the gods had demanded I travel to the temple on the top of a nearby mountain. They begged me not to but I went anyway."

Izayoi didn't speak, didn't move.

After a second, Kagome continued.

"At the top, Inuyasha had given me everything I needed. Salve for my wounds, food and water, and a large bed. When I awoke, he was there. He was cloaked and he begged me to stay. He told me he loved me and I just needed to stay.

"I didn't want to, but my village was on the line, so I agreed. So we stayed together, I never saw him, never knew his true name, but he was so kind and gentle. He took care of me, brought me a friend when I confessed I was lonely. He soon became the person I loved most.

"Then, one night, following my foolish friends advice, I removed his cloak and looked at him. That was the first time I saw him and hearing your voice call his name was the first time I had heard it. I never even knew he was a god until after I fell for him."

Izayoi still didn't speak.

"A few days later he came for me and brought me here." Kagome said at last. "I have everything I could ever want, except your approval."

Izayoi bowed her head more.

"If you were just another random god or goddess it wouldn't matter. I wouldn't care if you liked me or not but your not. You're Inuyasha's mother and even though he tells me not to worry I know he does. He wants badly for you to love me as you love him, or at least look at me. Izayoi," She flinched when Kagome said her name, "I don't know what you're afraid of seeing, but I promise, the only thing there will be my love and sincerety."

They waited in quiet that stretched on for so long Kagome thought she would never move, when she finally spoke. "I grew up with manipulative women. I was born to a woman with four old, rich husbands that she had schemed and planned to aquire like rare peices of jewelry. They are the only kind I know of mortal women."

"We arn't all the same." Kagome said looking at her. "Just as no goddess is the same, niether are us mortal girls. The only women you knew were manipulative but all the ones I knew were kind and strong. There was a mother who I adored who opted to starve so her children could eat better. A friend who volenteered to take my place when we were sure my fate was death. A old woman who volenteered to starve and dehydrate herself for two days for the sake of a village. Those are the women who raised me, who grew up with me, who tought me all I know. I never knew a manipulative woman, for there was no one in my village who was worth manipulating."

Izayoi looked across the water. "I know. Intellectually I know there are others, but when I look back on my human life...they are all I see."

"Then look in the water." Kagome said. "Look at yourself and see what a woman who changed looks like. Look at me and see what kind and true mortals look like."

Izayoi couldn't stop herself, she looked at her reflection, then, slowly and almost painfully, she turned and looked at Kagome.

And saw the love that burned in her chest for son, the love which rivaled that of her beloved Inutaisho for her.

Izayoi bit her lip as it trembled. "You do love him." she whispered and leaned her head against her.

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