Chapter
"Oji-Chan!" Kagome squealed as she launched herself at the aging man.
"Come inside it must be freezing out there. What are you doing here?" she asked hugging him again.
"Do I really need a reason to see my granddaughter?" he asked stepping further into the room.
"Of course not I just was not expecting to see you."
"Well the shrine is having some repair problems I was hoping to ask you to take over as priestess tomorrow while I try to fix some of it." He said sheepishly.
"Well why don't I do the repairs and you just sit back, your getting to old to do that stuff." She told him.
"With all do respect my dear I love you but I'll feel better if I did it." He replied impishly.
Sango, ever the women's activist spoke up. " And why's that? Because she's a girl?" she said standing up to face him. He only smiled.
" No, it's because she's a disaster with a hammer!" every one but Kagome chuckled at that.
Kohaku stood as well. "As true as that maybe Kagome's right about one thing. Your too old to do that your self."
Kagome got an evil look in her eyes. "does that mean your volunteering Kohoku?" Oji-Chan did give him a chance to reply.
"Oh would you? I can't pay you but Kagome can whip up some food!" Kaogme nodded. The boys stood.
"If that's the cast then we're in too." Inuyasha spouted, grinning as the other's nodded.
"I'm sorry I forgot my manners, grandfather these are my good friends. Kohaku, Inuyasha, Sesshomaru, Miroku, Sango and Koga." Each bowed in turn.
"Hello everyone I'm Kakishi Higurashi, and if you really don't find it any trouble-"Koga interrupted him "It's no trouble at all. After all we'll be family soon."
"Huh?!" Kakishi said. "What do you mean?" Koga puffed out his chest.
"Well I'm going to make Kagome my women." He stated proudly. Miroku and Inuyasha hi him over the head while Kagome turned red as a tomato.
"Wolf, she is not and never will be your women." Sesshomaru growled.
"But-"Koga started. Inuyasha stopped him by covering his mouth and pulling him in the spare room. The other boys except Sesshomaru followed.
"I guess that's my cue. I will see you tomorrow then my dear. About 3:00 pm?" she nodded and gave him a hug. As she closed the door she growled.
"Stupid wolf, what the hell!" she said nearly shacking. Sango stepped forward and hugged the angry girl.
"It's ok he just has a thick head." She explained.
Kagome shook her head.
"But after I said no! that is so disrespectful!" she said taking her spot next to Sesshomaru.
In the room
"Koga, man I think you need to lay off Kagome." Inuyasha said sitting him down.
"Why?" he asked.
"Didn't you hear Sesshomaru? Hi might as well have marked her there and then." Kohoku explained.
"You also seem to have angered her." Miroku said. They all went silent each feeling the spiritual energy rolling from the living room.
"But why?" Koga asked still not understanding.
"I believe that by you not taking no for an answer she feels disrespected. Like what she wants doesn't matter. And from what I can guess she's just gotten out of that sort of situation." Miroku supplied.
"But I really like her! A lot!" Koga tried.
"Dude I don't think that matters. Kagome doesn't seem to understand that guys could like her." Kohaku said. They all looked at him.
"I just think Kagome is a little insecure. I mean she's always smiling yeah, but it never reaches her eyes. She seems so sad like all of her light is gone. Even if she did accept your advances I don't think she's ready for that right now. Her heart is broken and she needs her friends to support her. If you really cared for her you would too." With that he left and the other's followed. Koga walked out last and approached Kagome. She kind of glared at him but said nothing.
"I'm sorry Kagome I wont push my self on you if your not ready. But if you decide you are I'll be here. I just hope we can be friends." As he spoke her face softened.
"Of course, I need my friends more now then ever." She reached up and hugged him. He took a seat and she looked at them. "well we have a big day tomorrow so we'd better get some rest."
"What's the plan then?" Sango asked.
"Well I have some shopping to do tomorrow and then the work at the shrine."
"Shopping?" Koga asked.
"For cloths, I need some for my new job and I seem to have dropped a few sizes so I need some pants, and we need food for tomorrow. So I suggest we get some rest. Sango, Miroku you take my room. There's a futon under the bed and Koga, Inuyasha, Kohaku you take the guest room there's another futon in there as well. Sesshomaru will take the pull out and I'll take the other side of the couch." Kagome said. The look on her face said no arguments so they all went and did as instructed. Kagome changed and removed her contacts and entered the living room. Sesshomaru had the bed made and was sitting on the corner. She smiled and produced a bush and hair tie.
"Would you mind?"
He nodded and motioned for her to sit.
As he brushed her hair she asked "Are you alright? You've been awful quiet tonight?"
"I'm fine. I've just been thinking is all." He replied as he started to braid.
"About what?" she asked.
"About our little problem."
"What problem?"
"Naraku, I think you need to tell the rest. I know it's painful but they have a right to know, and about Koga."
"I know. I just don't want them to think less of me. And well I just don't get Koga. Why is he so insistent?"
"Why should he not be?"
"He has no idea what I've done, the horrible things I've put people through. And well I'm not the greatest catch I know that I have learned to handle that, I made it that way for Kami sake. I'm not good looking and can't do a lot of things for him. Why would he want me?" she finished.
With most girls he would think she was fishing for compliments but she sounded so sincere that it bothered him.
"Kagome" he said as he tied the braid and moved to sit in front of her and looked into her eyes.
"Any man would be lucky to have you, your beautiful, talented and intelligent, your powerful and loyal and you car for your friends as though they where your family. You would make a good mate." He said.
His eyes held no lies but she couldn't shake the feeling that she was not worthy.
"But my past." She tried.
He shook his head. "You are not your past, your past has made you who you are today. The person we all care for." He said as he lifted her and settled her onto the bed. She lay there as he got in on the other side. With out a word he pulled her to him and snuggled her to his chest.
"Thank you." Was all she said before drifting to sleep. Surprised he simply grinned and pulled her closer.
Next morning
Sango exited the room and headed for the kitchen. When she passed the living room she stopped dead. There on the couch was Kagome and Sesshomaru, they where cuddled on the pullout sleeping. She raced back to the room and woke everyone up. That's how Kagome woke… to everyone standing there and Sango holding her digital camera.
"What is everyone looking at?" she asked rubbing her eyes.
"You!" Inuyasha snickered.
"But…huh?" she said a bit groggily and looked over to see Sesshomaru leaning on an elbow looking at them.
"Heh, well we better get up and get dressed. Big day today. There are some frozen croissants in the freezer if you will set the oven Sango I'll shower and change and do dishes." Kagome said.
The boys went to put away the bedding and Sesshomaru put the bed away. After the shower she went to her room and put on a short jean pleated skirt and a violet and black and silver peasant top and her black kid leather boots. Just as she was about to do her makeup there was a knock on the door.
"Come in." she said sitting down at the vanity. Sesshomaru entered and stood behind her after closing the door.
"Hey what-cha need?" she asked struggling with a knot in her hair. Silently he took her brush and worked through the knot.
"Are you intending to wear your contacts today?" he asked. She nodded the contacts already covering her violet eyes.
"I will buy you an outfit of your choice if you don't wear them for a week. If by the end of that week your still not happy about it you may wear them." He responded.
She thought for a moment about it and figured what the hell why not.
"Sure, might as well show the world the real me huh?" she said leaning forward to grab her make up.
"I'll get you shoes to go with if you don't wear any make up." He added.
"mascara only" she said trying to compromise.
"only if you leave your hair down today." He shot back. She made a face but agreed none the less.
When they emerged he stopped her at the door and whispered in her ear. "you need to tell them tonight at dinner, because they need to know to be on the lookout for trouble. They have the right to choose to fight with you or not to fight at all." Sesshomaru stated.
"And what about you? Will you fight with me or will you stand aside?" she asked looking into his eyes.
"I shall do neither." He said. Her eyes fell to the floor an odd pain in her heart. His clawed hand lifted to raise her chin.
"I shall fight for you and your family and shall neither step aside nor remove you from battle." He said. She nodded and stepped over in to the living room.
Sango stopped what she had been doing and gave a catcall, everyone else noticed and followed suit.
"No contacts no make up and your hair isn't back, I like it!" Kohoku said. Everyone agreed.
"Well now that that's decided lets go we can eat on the way." She said. They all grabbed jackets and headed out side. Sesshomaru allowed Kagome to drive, to everyone's shock. And Inuyasha was to follow as was Koga. Everyone piled in to one car or another. Kagome and Sesshomaru had Sango. They boys refused on account of self preservation.
"Ok…to the mall" Kagome started the engine and took direction from Sesshomaru.
Once at the mall they all got out and entered the mall. Inuyasha, Koga and Miroku went off on a mission of their own while Sesshomaru and Kohoku stuck with the girls. They went to Milk first and picked several things that might fit Kagome, and ended up with a pair of pants and a couple of shirts.
Kagome had started to think though after that first trip. She liked her current form but at the rate things where going she wouldn't be able to go shopping in Japan. They where leaving Milk and decided to go get a full breakfast. They met the others in the food court and got something to eat.
When they sat down Kagome was the last to join them. When she approached they all stopped and looked at her. She was holding a salad no dressing and a yogurt and a bottle of diet green tea.
"What is that?" Inuyasha asked around a mouthful of ramen.
"My lunch, what else?" Kagome said taking a seat between Sango and Sesshomaru.
"That's rabbit food!" Koga stated. Kagome simply started eating. When done they all headed out to pick up groceries and headed to the shrine.
Getting out of the car Kagome grabbed a few bags and headed up the stairs with the others trailing behind her. She stopped and opened the door entering with out knocking.
"Oji –Chan we're here!" Kagome called.
"I'm in the kitchen dear." The elder replied. They all piled into the kitchen and unloaded the food. Kagome gave the old man a hug and stepped back.
"so what do you need us to do?" she asked.
Pulling out a piece of paper he set the list down and smiled. "this is everything that needs done here. Kagome you are today's acting priestess. And you will need to pick a helper. Sango perhaps?" he suggested. Sango shook her head.
"Oh no your not getting me in to a priestess outfit. I'm a demon slayer." The men chuckled "Besides I want to do the gardening."
"I can handle it my self for now if I need help I'll ask." Kagome said grinning. She picked up her out fit off the table and went to change.
The hakama's of the out fit where black with purple stitching and vine embroidery. The top was white with purple ribbons.
Slipping on a pair of tabby socks she was ready. She walked down stairs. No one was there except her grandfather who was putting on his hat and coat.
"Leaving already?" Kagome asked.
"Yes, there is a particular nurse that I would like to speak with so I must leave early." He replied.
"Well have a good time and stay out of trouble. Things will be fine here." She said. He only nodded and hugged her and she walked him to the steps.
"Are you going to talk to them tonight then?" he asked. She didn't know how he knew she had not told them but she gave no answer just the same. He understood the meaning anyway.
By dinner time Kaogme had everyone come in side and sit, she set a dinner of Cornish game hens, twice baked potatoes and Cesar salad down on the table with an Angel food cake for dessert. Again everyone noticed that Kagome had only salad but said nothing on the subject. After dessert was served Kagome sat down, drinking a hot cup of tea.
"Hey guys…" she waited till they became silent.
"I need to talk to you guys about something." She said and took a calming breath.
"About what Kagome?" Sango asked.
"You know you can tell us anything" Miroku said quietly.
"Yeah, don't think we didn't notice something was bothering you." Inuyasha said gruffly.
Kagome took another calming breath. "I know and I'm sorry. But I was really scared to speak of my past. Its not pretty and its painful enough to remember let alone speak about. But Sesshomaru is right it is your right to know. It has come to that time. I just wish it didn't have to happen so soon." She sighed again and leaned back in her chair, when next she opened her mouth she was telling them the ultimate truth, about her life, all the things that she had done experienced and last of all about the current problem with Naraku and the coming battle.
Kagome looked at them all Violet eyes blazing with ice, and fire. "And now he wants me back, and with me he wants something that will destroy everyone if it gets into his hands."
"What's that?" Koga asked eyes red with anger and fury.
"The Shikon no Tama" Kagome said looking at Sesshomaru.
"Do you even have it?" Miroku asked calmly.
"I was born with it. It will lay dormant in my body until the Fae are free of Naraku. It must stay pure, and if Naraku gets it… he will force it to become active, and to do that he will have to taint it, taint it with the pain and blood and suffering of the innocent." Kagome explained looking at the table.
"Look guys I know that what I'm speaking of is dangerous. There are no guarantees I will survive and I am finding it hard to ask you to make that sacrifice. But I am. And I need help. I understand if you don't want to but I knew I needed to ask anyway." When she finished she sat back in her chair and looked each one in the eye.
"You talk about us sacrificing but what about you. Your willing to sacrifice your life for this cause. A cause that could affect us all, and you think we are going to tell you no?! put all the burden on you?" Inuyasha asked.
"It is my duty to free my people and I will not allow any more innocent lives to be destroyed because I couldn't pull through." Kagome responded quietly.
"Well as far as I'm concerned you are owed a load of happiness and if I must fight for it, fight I will." Koga said. The others nodded.
"Are you all positive? I really don't want to see any of you harmed." Kagome said, tears coming to her eyes.
"Well if we are smart and devise a plan that plays to our strengths, we will come out of this with pride." Sesshomaru said.
" Yeah we're your pack, we wouldn't abandon you when you needed us most." Inuyasha said.
"Thank you all so much. You have no idea how much this means to me. And when this is over you will not go unrewarded." She said.
"Knowing that you can smile with out restraint, and knowing that I was able to protect you when no one else has dared before is more then enough for me." Sango stated firmly.
"But aren't you worried about the fight? Your just willingly putting your lives on the table asking for nothing." Kagome said bewildered.
"Well I for one am not giving up my life, if Naraku wants it he'll have to fight me for it. And for two, I'm doing this both for you and your kind but also because I can't stand the thought of that bastard winning anything. It's the principal of the matter." Sesshomaru said.
Kagome nodded and smiled at them all. Before the conversation could continue her grandfather walked in.
"Well how was your kids' day?" he asked smiling.
"It was good Ji-Chan." Kagome said.
"Now Kagome I wanted to ask you… why are you not wearing your true form?" he asked.
"Her true form?" Koga and Inuyasha said at once.
"Goddess did you have to bring that up?! Plus I didn't want to is all. I wanted to look normal for once." Kagome said sounding like a pouting child.
"But your true form is so beautiful! This form does not suit your abilities at all!" Ji-Chan said.
"What do you mean by Kagome's true form?" Sango asked.
"He means my Fae form. I haven't worn that form in 200 years. I didn't want to draw a lot of attention to my self." Kagome interrupted.
"Well let's see it I'm interested to see what a true fairy looks like!" Sango said looking excited.
Everyone nodded, most grinning. They all wanted to see the true Kagome.
She pursed her lips and glared at her grandfather.
"I should kick your wrinkly ass. I really didn't want to do this. But since you all want me to. That's just what I'm going to have to do."
Kagome walked to her purse and reaching in she subtracted a small vial with a rubber cork. In the vial was a glowing violet liquid. Pulling the cork out she paused and looked at them squarely and said sighing, "This is really going to hurt." And she quickly downed the condense of the vial in one gulp, then she wrinkled her nose and scrunched her face.
"Goddess that sucks, that tastes like my mothers cooking." They all chuckled at her. Soon her skin started to glow a violent purple color.
"Shit, its really going to-"she stopped and opened her mouth. What came out shocked them all, an ethereal scream, like the wind whistling through the trees mixed with the sound of a waterfall. Putting everyone in the room to peace, red eyes became clear, and stress calmed, bad feelings put to rest.
Kagome's eyes rimmed with ice blue, raspberry lips turned to blood red, her black and red hair developed magenta streaks, her pale skin developed a caramel hue. The green tattoo's on her body appeared as green banding, her nails grew and her feet got smaller, and to their amazement her waist became thinner, her hips more defined her breast became heavier, and her arms more muscled and defined and traced with small silver vines and leaves. When her feet lifted off the ground Sesshomaru cam out of his seat, he started to walk toward her when she screamed. He only went two steps before Grandfather put his hand on his shoulder stopping him. Her scream died from lack of oxygen but her mouth remained opened, sheer green and lavender wings tore through her skin. Her screaming stopped shortly after and she crumpled to the floor breathing heavily. Sesshomaru crossed the floor in three more steps and knelt down beside her.
"What the Fuck was that!" Inuyasha screamed walking to the other side of her. Kagome coughed "that's what I hate about glamour potions, they taste like shit and hurt like hell. Like getting drunk with out the joy of drinking!" she sat up using Sesshomaru's help then stood carefully. After wobbling a bit she used one wing to stead her.
"Are you all happy now?" she asked.
"Kagome you're absolutely beautiful. Your human form is too but this is on a whole new level." Kohoku said shyly.
"Keh she looked good the way she was too!" Inuyasha said looking over her again.
"I agree but this form has many abilities that are wasted when not worn." Ji-Chan said.
Kagome smiled showing tiny fangs.
"Well I'm glad you all like it because I can't change back. I'm stuck like this." Kagome said pulling her hair up.
" You don't sound thrilled about the change. Don't you like the real you?" Miroku asked.
"you know I used to but when I moved here I wanted to be a new person. I could not change much from how I was physically but I still wanted to be different." She sighed.
"Look I'm going to change, be back in a few." Kagome said.
"Some of your mother's things are still in her old room they might be a bit out dated but they might fit better then your old things." Ji-Chan said.
"Thanks" Kagome said heading up stairs.
Shortly after she left the room Ji-Chan turned to the rest of them.
"So she told you all everything?" he asked. They all nodded.
"And have you decided?" he asked. It was Sesshomaru who responded.
"Yes, we will fight. But she seems scared. More so then she did when she was to fight alone. Why?" Sesshomaru asked pointedly.
"Very perceptive, but let me ask you this, in all her telling did she ever once mention someone who stuck by her? Or did you notice the fire in her eyes when she spoke of setting her people free?" he asked. When no one responded he continued.
"That's because she has been alone most of her life. She wants, no needs a family. She cannot even fathom the idea that someone would want to help her. She needs you all. Not just in this battle for her kind, but in the battle for her self as well. Because right now she is putting all of her heart into a battle for others, and she isn't even thinking about what it might mean for her. With out someone willing to fight for her against both the foe ahead as well as against her self, she will be destroyed in the end, either by Naraku, or after the battle is done she may just be her own destruction. " with that he sat down and started to fix himself a plate.
"Why did she not wish to show us her true form? She could not have thought it was ugly." Sesshomaru asked.
"No it is not that at all. I believe that she felt that if she showed you her true form that you would treat her differently. And as I said she no longer wishes to be alone." He replied.
Sesshomaru looked at him for a moment understanding shinning in his eyes. He too had been alone for to long and he knew the pain of having no one. But since she had come into their lives things have changed. For once he and his brother felt more like family, united under a common banner. Never in his life would he have thought that their unlikely little group would form. It was all because of this one girl, excepting all and rejecting few, and holding everyone on an equal playing field. He no longer felt like he
was doing all of the work in his family with out his brothers help. He had come to feel that he helped in ways that where suited to him, and his brother was only doing the same. Making it easier to see his accomplishments, and harder to see all of his faults.
And on another side he finally had an equal in power, she was everything that he had looked for, even before he had seen her true form. But something pained him in that moment… he never said anything about how he felt, and now that he's seen the real her his feelings only increased. He knew now that as much as she is strong her heart was indeed fragile and needed someone who would protect it and he would allow no other to do it but him.
Kagome walked down stairs and looked at everyone. She had worn one of her mothers court outfits from the Fae world. Each piece of fabric clung to her with a life of its own. The skirt was cut to hang unevenly around her thighs and was colored a deep silver. The top was a lavender and had ties at the top over the shoulders and two pieces of fabric that hung down the underside of her arms and strapped to her wrists. She wore a pair of soft leather boots that laced to her thigh. Everyone had to agree she looked stunning.
"Kagome I have something to tell you…" Sango said.
Kagome only nodded.
"I want you to know that we care and love you no matter what you look like. We loved you in your human form, and shall in the same way forever. What you look like does not change that and never will." She said. With out another word she approached Kagome and gave her a strong sisterly hug.
"You're my family now and that will never change." Sango added fiercely.
Kagome nodded her head still to shaken to speak.
"Well should we get going? We have more shopping to do since none of my old clothes are going to fit now." Kagome said once she found herself able to speak.
Everyone said their good byes and it was decided that only Kagome, Sango, Sesshomaru and Miroku would go shopping the rest would see her at school on Monday.
As the approached the car she remembered a problem… her wings needed to be retracted, so concentrating hard she pulled them with in her self, her wings wrapping around her arms and absorbing into her skin. Once ready she got into the passenger seat next to Sesshomaru and they where off.
During the drive Sesshomaru was quiet. He was thinking over the day's events and even more about what Mr. Higurashi had said to him as he left.
Flashback
"Kagome's birthday is in two weeks on the 25th. She hasn't celebrated her birthday or any holidays in a very long time. What you do with that information is up to you. But don't for get my invite!" he said.
--End Flashback--
He wanted to do something for her, something no on else but he could, and he wanted to give her the gift of hope, and happiness. It was as important to him now as breathing. And he knew just the way.
When they reached the mall it was a totally new experience then before. Kagome was in and out of stores buying cloths left and right, by the time they where done they where all ready for a break and went to the food court to get a snack. When they got there Kagome excused her self to the lady's room and the rest took a table.
"I have something to discuss with you." Sesshomaru stated coolly to Miroku and Sango.
"What's that?" Sango asked.
"Kagome's birthday is on the 25th and from my sources she hasn't celebrated it or any other holiday for quite some time. I would like to throw a surprise party for her at my home but I will need your help." He stated.
"Oh wow! She didn't say a thing. Of course we'll help!" Sango exclaimed.
Just then Kagome approached and they where off back to her house. When they arrived Sango said her farewells and Miroku took her home. It was just Sesshomaru and Kagome now.
"So what are your plans for tonight?" Kagome asked folding a pair of jeans.
"I would like to stay here if you don't mind. I would like to be close by incase something happens." Sesshomaru replied placing a stack of pants in the appropriate drawer.
"You don't have to you know I can take care of my self." She retorted lightly.
"That is not the point I know you can, but the point is that though I know you can I want to anyway. "He said calmly. Kagome only looked at him a moment and then nodded.
"I don't mind if you stay you are always welcome in my home. I just don't' want you to feel like you have to." She replied placing her new underwear in a drawer.
"I never feel obligated to do anything. I do it if I want to and I want to be here." He said.
"Ok its settled then. Excuse me I'm going to get ready for bed." When she returned he was still in the room the spare futon pulled from under the bed.
"I will sleep here, so I can be close by if the need arises." He told her, then he went to change. She simply wrinkled her nose and put the futon away. When he returned he eyed her carefully.
"I have an extremely large bed. There is no reason for you to sleep on the floor, plus it makes me feel like I'm being babysat." She said crawling into bed. He hesitated a mere moment before he climbed into bed as well. With in moments they where both asleep both wrapped protectively in the others arms.