a/n: I am so sorry I am late with my update. I was kidnapped by my friends the entire weekend. Plus I had some double shifts yesterday and today. This chapter was pretty hard to write. I am not great with things like riddles, and verse, and such. Because of that, this chapter took me a long while. Plus figuring out the history….anyways thanks for the reviews so far! Enjoy!

Chapter 4-The Eclipse Clan and a Prophecy Of Old

Kagome let the words sink in before taking a seat next to her mother on the bed. She noticed suddenly that her mother looked tired, aged almost. The worry was written in her eyes, her lips, the lines of her face, as if the entire world were suspended in this moment.

"Do you remember when you were little how I used to tell you Daddy had business far away?"

"Yeah…You said he loved us very much, but he was bound by something greater. You said he would come back for us one day."

"I should have told you the truth. Maybe I never did because admitting it would mean accepting it."

Kagome smiled encouragingly, waiting for her mother to continue.

"I…I met your f-father at this very shrine when I was only sixteen." Mikomi choked out.

"So the sacred tree is where you met your first love too?" Kagome asked.

"Yes…It was then that I learned of the Shikon Jewel and the priestess who guarded it although I never met her personally."

"You knew of Kikyou?"

"I....Yes I did."

"Why did you never tell me?"

"Please Kagome…let me finish. You may ask all you want of me then." She said in a strained voice.

"Ok…please continue." Kagome said, heart racing.

"The feudal era was not the same then. As the years have progressed, clans of demons have slowly dwindled down to few. The clan that was one of the most interesting was the Eclipse Clan. Your- Your father's."

"My…father's?!" Kagome's eyes widened.

"Yes. I was of strong miko blood, and your father of a strong, rare demon blood."

"But that would make me a-" Kagome trailed off in shock.

"A half-demon. Yes. I used my miko powers to seal away your blood when you turned seven. I erased the memories you had of being a half-demon. I wanted you to have the best life possible. I convinced myself you would never need to know. Kagome, I am truly sorry I withheld this from you. Can you ever forgive me?"

'Me? A…half-demon? How is this possible?' Kagome's head was spinning. 'It just can't be. It can't. I am Kikyou's reincarnation!' Kagome's head seemed to reel still faster until darkness claimed her.

-x-

Upon reading Lord Saiki's letter, Sesshoumaru had thrown himself into the impressive library inside his mansion. He skimmed the titles looking for only one. He had been searching for days and was beginning to become rather irritated.

"Milord?" Rin called out quietly while looking down.

"Yes Rin?" Sesshoumaru answered sighing.

"May Jaken and I go out to the garden?"

"Very well."

'Maybe now I can get some peace and quiet. How can two little things make that much noise?' He thought resuming his search. He was in a room at the very back of the library where the most important documents were kept and the oldest by far. 'It has to be in this room.' All four walls were lined with books and scrolls. Shelves went through the middle of the room as well. The room may as well have been its own ballroom. Ready to finally give up, Sesshoumaru moved one last book and found a hidden switch. He pressed it in and a long narrow box was revealed. Inside was at last the scroll he sought.

In the scarlet night or pitch black day

Their hidden blood awakens, this much is true

Little is known of the royal ones of old

Respect they gather, determination they hold

They keep the council, they keep the secrets

A time will come, there will be weakness

But do not worry, for one will come

And she will put old legends to rest, every last one

Priestess by soul, demon by nature

Could such a creature exist?

Night of solstice her powers shall descend

Let us pray full demon awakening is not her end

'Was this meant to be found? It most certainly is about the Eclipse Clan, but it is not the history I hoped to find.' Sesshoumaru snapped out of his thoughts and sniffed the air. 'Perfect timing.' He thought arching a brow. Putting the scroll away in the box, he tucked it inside his robes and exited the library. The grand staircase led down on either side of the door. Descending it, he came face to face with Lord Saiki.

"Welcome, Lord Saiki. I trust your visits have gone well?"

"Yes, although something does trouble me. I have already been to Lord Ginkouzetsu's, Lord Koga's, and Lord Koumori's. Come, we have much to speak of tonight."

"Let us move to my study then."

-x-

Kagome awoke to sunlight streaming into her bedroom. She thought back to her arrival last night. She had arrived early evening, maybe 7 pm. The confusion came flooding back and her head felt heavy. Kagome groaned and looked at the clock which read 12:00 pm. 'did I really sleep that long?!' Before she could scramble downstairs her mother came in with breakfast for her.

"Good, you're awake. I was beginning to worry. You passed out last night Kagome. I made your favorite."

"Thanks mom. I'm so sorry I worried you."

"How do you feel?"

"A little better."

"Good. Why don't you eat and get dressed. When you are ready to talk let me know."

"Ok, I will. But Mom? Please don't beat yourself up. We will get through this. I could never hate you."

Mikomi smiled a weak smile and walked out. Kagome walked outside an hour later and sat at the base of the sacred tree with her mother. Both women remained silent lost in memories. After a moment, Kagome broke the silence.

"So, how is it that you met father? How could he cross the well? "

"The Eclipse Clan was like royalty. The magic in their blood is strong. Were your blood not sealed, you too could cross freely with or without jewel shards. I thought I had strayed into a dream. Your father was seriously injured fighting a demon. He jumped down the well and was surprised to find himself here. He made it to the tree, where I found him. I tended to his wounds and I guess you could say that's how we fell in love."

"Wow…then Inutaisho…what were they? The clan Inuyasha is from? Have you been to the feudal era?"

Her mother smiled warmly. "Inutaisho and his family are known as The Crescents. They were like the right hand to the Eclipse Clan. Long ago the two were very close, almost inseparable. As for me, I saw the feudal era just once."

"Wow…"

"Kagome, I must tell you. Your demon blood will awaken soon."

"I thought it was sealed?"

"It was….is….but on your birthday, night of the summer solstice, there will be a lunar eclipse. We are long over-do for one. On this night when the moon turns red, demon blood is most potent. You may even be able to turn full-demon. That is the curse of the clan, even those of demon descent right off the bat, will not experience their full powers until the night of an eclipse. Even if that were not the case, my seal could not last forever. My powers have faded with the years."

"How is that possible? Even with a strong father, how could I become full-demon?"

"It is rare, certainly. It has happened before however, long ago before even your father's time. At least that is what I was told. When you are talking about possibly the strongest clan besides of maybe the dragons, do not underestimate the power of blood."

Kagome thought for a moment then continued with her questions.

"Is father still alive then?" She asked with a small ray of hope.

"No, my daughter. Your father died defending Inuyasha in a very grave battle. He promised Inutaisho before his untimely death that as long as he was alive he would look after Inutaisho's family. Inuyasha was already seriously injured fighting a snake demon that was after a priestess, I can only assume Kikyou. Your father took the demon down, but the venom was too potent. It had already gotten into his blood stream. I still remember the day I heard the news."

Flashback

Saiki came through the well with a grave face. It had been days since Souretsu had been home. Mikomi knew something wasn't right even before seeing his grave expression.

"I'm sorry, Mikomi. He is gone." Saiki said choking back his own emotions.

Mikomi burst into tears, sobbing uncontrollably.

"He died defending Inuyasha."

She bowed her head, unable to think or speak.

"I wish I had more time to spend with you and little Kagome, but alas I cannot abandon my duties at such an important time. Please forgive me for asking but I must make an announcement. Will you allow Kagome when she comes of age to be the next heir-"

"No! Leave her out of this! I will seal her powers! She will not grow up like that! She will not grow up being accepted by neither race! She will not fight for her life everyday! Just look at what it's done to my precious Souretsu!" She screamed in rage.

"I will protect her."

"Like you protected him?! I will NOT have it!"

Saiki sighed and embraced the broken woman. This seemed to ease some of her rage.

"Then I will not argue the matter further. Kagome shall have a normal life."

End Flashback

"That was only the second time I had met Saiki. The first time was at our wedding where I met Inutaisho and his family. The only thing I can tell you is that he is a man of duty, but he is also a man of kindness. I have always wished I could apologize for that day. He is the leader of the demon council. Souretsu would have been his heir, what that may entail I am unsure. I do not know anything more- only that a warning in my heart grows."

"So, Saiki, my grandfather, he lives still?"

"As far as I know. You must find him Kagome. For when your blood unseals there are plenty who would hurt you, that much I know."

"Alright. This is so much to take in! How will I find him?"

"I do not know unfortunately. The demon council is extremely secretive. I know nothing of them. There is one last thing I can tell you. Of all the lords of the council there is one whom might be able to help you."

"And that is?" Kagome asked, already dreading the answer.

"Lord Sesshoumaru."

"But he hates-"

"I know sweetheart, you've told me many times. But he does not know who you really are nor does Inuyasha have to be with you. I do not know how he became the Ice Prince but please believe the Sesshoumaru I met was different."

"I should go, the others are expecting me back by tomorrow."

"Yes, you should leave tonight. There is only two weeks left. You must hurry."

"Goodbye Mother." Kagome said hugging her tightly.

"Be careful and come home safe."

-x-

Kagome climbed out of the well heading for the village. 'When your blood unseals there are plenty who would hurt you' Her mother's words played over and over in her mind. 'What do I tell the others? They will never let me go on my own.' Entering Kaede's hut Kagome found all but Inuyasha.

"Kagome! Hi!" Shippo cheered.

"Kagome ye are back early. Is everything alright?" Kaede asked.

"Hello Shippo. Yes. I am fine, thank you. Has Inuyasha left for the night?"

"I believe so. I have not sensed his aura nearby for some time now." Miroku said.

'Maybe I should leave tonight. If I am truly going to be in danger, I don't want them near me. Sango…please understand.'

"Sango may I speak with you in private?"

"Of course Kagome."

Kagome walked out of hearing range of the others and turned to face Sango.

"Sango, please understand that I cannot tell you much, but I need your support. I need you to trust me."

"I do trust you. Like a beloved sister. What is it?"

"I may be in grave danger very soon. All will be explained later, but for right now even I do not have all the answers I seek. All I can tell you is that the less conspicuous I am the safer I will be. Until this is resolved I cannot travel with you. I was hoping to borrow Kilala to gain some distance. If I wait, I will never lose Inuyasha, so I must leave tonight."

"I don't like this Kagome…if anything happens to you I would never forgive myself."

"Please believe in me Sango. The road would be much worse should I wait."

"Alright…When can we expect your return?"

"After the Full Moon."

"Be careful." Sango said, then whistled loudly.

Kilala, transformed, came charging up to them.

"Kilala, go with Kagome. Protect her ok?"

Kilala shook her head as if to say alright while Kagome hopped on.

"What will I tell the others?"

"Tell them…tell them to trust me. Tell them to be careful. I don't know what lies ahead, but I want those I care for safe until I am sure. Take care of Shippo. He will be disappointed."

"I will. Now go Kagome, while you still have time."

-x-

Souretsu-Brave

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