Hiei's POV:
I woke early in the morning to warmth. I realized I was comfortable and that I was lying on something soft. I slowly opened my eyes and blinked at blue fabric. I slowly lifted my head and my eyes widened as I realized I had been sleeping with my head on Kagome's lap. I quickly scooted away. I almost jumped ten feet in the air at the 'meow' behind me. I looked at the black cat of Kagomes. It seemed to smirk. I glared at it and it glared back.
"Oh you're awake, Hiei." Kagome said.
I turned and looked at her as she smiled.
"Nh." I said.
The cat trotted around me and over to her returning to her shoulder. She petted it softly. She looked at the woman named Kaede. She was still asleep. Then Kagome silently stood and grabbed her bag. She motioned me to follow as she left the hut. Once outside I saw that the sun was just peaking out over the horizon.
"Well we should get going." She smiled.
I nodded and followed her closely. I felt I could trust her and I would. She seemed kind and nice. It was better to be with her then alone. As we walked out of the village I relaxed more. As the day wore on we talked. Kagome also gave her cat the name Rei. The cat seemed to like the name. I found out quite a bit about Kagome. Kagome herself was pretty interesting. At lunch we stopped for a small break and Kagome gave me some food she said was 'Ramen' or as a friend called it 'ninja food'. It was noodles in a bowl of some kind. It was okay but I still liked meat better. When the sun started to set we stopped in another clearing and this time Kagome caught more rabbits while I caught some fish. When we had finished eating Kagome pulled her sewing back out. She wouldn't tell me what she was sewing though. I soon drifted off.
.--.
Then next morning I woke with the sun at the same time as Kagome. Today I told her I was feeling better and we ran. We ran for a while then took a break before continuing. By dinner we had reached a smiths house. Kagome said the smiths name was Totosi. I hadn't heard of him. As we walked into his place we found an old man with huge eyes. He was a demon for sure.
"Kagome!" He said. "I thought you were dead… until Myoga told me about the incident that is."
"Mh." Kagome said. "Hey Hiei will you go get some fire wood for us?" She asked.
I knew she wanted to talk to the man in private so I nodded and walked off. I went to the back of the place to find only a small amount of wood left. I decided to go grab some from the forest nearby. I walked off at a nice pace and soon found the forest. I walked in and started to scout for wood. When I had a good amount I walked back to the place. I then sat outside waiting for the two. Two seconds later I heard a cry of pain. I jumped up and ran towards the door. I stopped and looked in to see Totosi with huge pliers and Kagome holding her mouth. In the pliers was a fang. I deemed everything okay and walked back. A minute latter I heard the clang of a hammer and Kagome joined me.
"Hey Hiei, we'll be here for about two days. Okay?"
"Okay."
She sat beside me and we both looked off at the almost setting sun. After a while Kagome grabbed her bag and we headed off to the trees where we would be more comfortable. We made a fire and caught some more food. Then we both sat and ate. When that was done I leaned against a tree while Kagome sat by the fire. She kept sewing on something new. I had noticed that she had sewed three things out of black cloth and one out of white cloth already and now she was doing something with some red cloth. I wondered how late she stayed up to do each of those. I soon got bored of watching her sew though. She had started to hum a while back and it was slowly making me drift off.
.--.
I sat up and saw Kagome sleeping. I just yawned and went to get some fish for breakfast. For the whole day Kagome started to teach me hand to hand combat. It was better then doing nothing and useful so I did it. We talked while Kagome taught me. Well Kagome talked I just gave short answers. We did it all day until the sunset. Then we had diner and once again Kagome started to sew. I fell asleep easy again.
.--.
I woke up after Kagome today. She was up and cooking when I woke. It was our last day here.
"We will leave tomorrow morning." Kagome said as she handed me my breakfast.
I nodded and ate. We did more hand to hand combat and I liked it. I already knew a few good moves. At noon she grabbed two sticks and threw me one. She said usually she would have taught me all hand to hand combat before swords but she was going to skip the hand to hand and start with the sword. She started to teach me moves which I learned instantly. It felt like I had been born to hold the sword….stick. Then at dinner Kagome and I both walked back to Totosi's but left Rei at the camp to guard our stuff. As we walked into Totosi's smith he met us. He handed Kagome a long sword in a sheath. She thanked him and then we walked back to the camp. Kagome then dug in her bag as I sat across the fire from her. She pulled out the black and white clothe. She smiled and beckoned me forwards. She set the clothes in my hands.
"This is an outfit for you. It has some miko spells on it so it will protect you, like armour but it is not invincible."
I opened my mouth but nothing came out. No one had ever given me a gift before. I clutched it then walked behind a tree and changed into it. When I stepped out I was wearing some black baggy pants, a black shirt almost no sleeve shirt, a large black coat/cloak and a white scarf. I bowed.
"Thank you." I said.
"I also got this for you."
I looked up to see her arm extended to me. The sword was in her hand. I gaped.
"I can't accept that. It's to great a gift."
"Yes you can accept it."
I slowly reached out and took it.
"It is made of my fang and will not break under any heat or any freezing temperature. It will never be broken by any other blade either and it will protect you sometimes. The sheath can block an attack from any sword or weapon too.
I grasped it tightly in my hand.
"Thank you."
It was all I could think to say. I slipped the sword in my waist and bowed. Kagome smiled at me. Suddenly she stood up looking fierce. I was slightly startled. Then I sensed a demon coming. We jumped together. I saw Rei started to growl his fur all on end. Suddenly a gust of wind came from above. A woman on a feather dropped from the sky. She wore a kimono and had a fan hiding her face.
"Kagura." Kagome said.
Kagura scowled at her.
"Kagome? Inuyasha's wench? What are you doing away from you're group, and why are you a demon?" She asked.
Kagome smirked.
"So you came to see me but didn't know who I was." Kagome said.
"I came for your jewel shards."
I knew she meant the jewel shards I had seen hanging from Kagome's necklace.
"As if I would give them to you." Kagura said.
Kagura scowled.
"Then I will have to take them."
Her fan snapped up and suddenly large blades were flying at us. Kagome dodged and jumped up. Rei being small hadn't even been noticed. Suddenly an icy cloud surrounded Rei and he transformed into a large panther twice as large as a regular one and his feet were surrounded by icy clouds. I dodged as many of the blades as I could. Kagura saw that I wasn't to fast and still a child. She smirked and threw more wind blades at me. I dodged as many as I could but suddenly one hit my arm. I cried out in pain. Kagome looked mad now. She lunged at Kagura who only had time to blink before she had a hand with poison claws through her chest. She gasped. Kagome pulled her arm out and jumped back. Kagura pulled a feather form her hair and flew up. Kagome rushed to me. I clutched my arm. She looked at it.
"It seems my spells worked. If not you would have lost an arm. All that happened was that it broke. I'll heal it."
I felt a shiver rise in me as her miko powers healed the break. When she was done I felt better though. She took a step back. I sniffed and stepped up to her. She blinked down at me.
"It is disgraceful when a man can not protect himself or a woman."
She smiled but nodded.
"So I promise to get stronger so I can protect you." I said.
She blinked. Then she smiled.
"Okay."
She stuck a hand out and I shook it.
"A hand shake promise can be broke easily though."
She blinked again.
"I want to promise with blood."
She blinked once again and opened her mouth. Then she nodded very slowly. She pulled out a dagger. I took it and sliced my palm. She then took the knife back and sliced her own hand. Then we clasped hands our blood mixing in an oath.
"I promise I will get stronger and protect you. I swear to always be loyal to you. You saved me and I am now dedicated to you through my own free will and the life debt I woe you. I will do what ever you ask when ever you ask. You gave me a life so I will give it to you."
I felt my blood warm a second and I pulsed slightly. I knew the oath was burned into my blood.
"I believe you." She whispered.
Then she healed the cuts on our hands. She walked back to her bag. She pulled out more sewing and got to work. Rei turned small again and sat on her shoulder. I walked to my sack of jewels and started to pull some out. I turned my back so Kagome could not see what I was doing. After about an hour I saw Kagome set her things aside. I did the same. I lay down and took even breathes. I pretended to sleep. When I was sure Kagome was deep asleep I sat up. Rei was awake watching me.
"Can you keep her asleep?" I asked.
I wondered if he even had that ability. Suddenly he nodded and a soft illuminating blue glow surrounded Kagome a moment. I crept to her bag and reached inside. I pulled out a few scraps of cloth and some paper. I crept back to my side of the fire. I quickly wrapped some of the jewels in a spare piece of cloth. Then I pulled out two things I had made for Kagome that night. One was a necklace of the jewels. It had my hair for string and most likely wouldn't break. I wrapped it in another piece of cloth. Then a wrapped a second necklace in cloth. It wasn't as gaudy and full as the first. It had only one jewel but it was the nicest and largest jewel I had. I wrapped it up and set it next to the others. Then I clenched my hands letting my nails break the skin. Once I had blood on my finger nails I grabbed the paper.
I am going to train. The necklaces are for you, along with the jewels. Sell them. They are worth a lot. I will get stronger so I can protect you. I will find you in the future. I want to thank you for the clothes, sword, time, and kindness you gave me. You were the first person I ever trusted. Thank you.
Then I stood up. I grabbed my sack and looked at Rei who was watching me. I walked up to Kagome and brushed a hair from her face. She was the first person to earn my trust and my love. I blushed slightly. I had been with her less then a week and I already felt something for her. I kissed her lips gently. Then I stepped back and turned to Rei. I bowed slightly to him.
"Protect her."
He sniffed and gave me a look that said 'of course'. I smiled and pinched my lips together before running off into the trees. I would get stronger.
Kagome's POV:
I sighed as I read the note. I had known he wouldn't stay long but I had hoped he would. He was a nice person. I folded the note and stuck it in my bag. Then I moved to the small bundle of cloth. He had said something about jewels in his note so I knew what was in the cloth. I slowly opened it and gasped. In the first small bundle were about fifty jewels of various sizes and qualities. I looked them over before moving to the second package. I opened it and gapped. It had a large necklace in it. There were at least thirty jewels on it and was beautiful. I wondered briefly how he had got the jewels on his strand of hair.
I opened the last package and starred a moment. There was a black strand of hair tied as a necklace with one jewel on it. The jewel was the largest and nicest one I had seen. It was deep black but when the light hit it right it looked deep red. I ran a finger over it. Then I gently lifted it and hung it over my neck beside the necklace that held the jewel shards. I gathered the jewels up and put them in a box I had in my bag. Then I shouldered my bag and looked at Rei. He smiled innocently at me.
"You kept me asleep somehow didn't you." I scowled.
He gave me a look that said 'who? Me?' I scowled again and stood up.
"Well we better go see the others they will be worried. And if I remember correctly Sesshomaru was going to meet with King Enma in two days. I want to be there for the meeting and I need to be prepared."
Rei nodded. Then he leapt to my shoulder. I ran off as quickly as I could. I ran the whole day in silence. Then just before sunset I ran up to the gate of Sesshomaru's castle. The guards saw me and bowed as one ran off to tell Sesshomaru I had returned. I walked into the palace and into my room. I set my bag down and walked to my personal spring. I stripped and jumped into the water. Rei just sat on the rocks watching me. When I had scrubbed I jumped from the water and dried off. I walked to my room in a towel and opened my wardrobe. I pulled out an icy blue kimono with black flowers on the hem. I pulled it on and brushed my hair, pulling it into a bun. Then I let Rei jump to my shoulder. He curled around my neck and I walked from my room. A maid met me outside my room.
"They are all in milord's study, milady." She bowed.
"Thank you Saya." I said to the familiar maid.
She bowed again and scurried off. I took fast strides as I walked towards Sesshomaru's study. When I reached the door a guard opened the door and bowed. I nodded in recognition and walked in. I was met by six pairs of eyes. I bowed my head and walked up to the cushion beside Sesshomaru. I sat and rested my hands on my lap looking everyone over. Sesshomaru sat next to me wearing his usual outfit. Miroku and Inuyasha sat directly across from us in their usual outfits too. Then Sango sat beside Miroku in a pink and purple kimono. Kikyo sat beside Inuyasha and wore a red kimono. Jaken stood beside Sesshomaru watching with a small frown. They were silent as they watched me.
"Where the hell were you?" Inuyasha asked suddenly.
"I went home. Then I went to see Kaede."
"But you were gone for days!" Inuyasha said.
"I haven't seen my family in two years I needed to visit them."
"Feh."
"So how long ago did you get here?" I asked.
"Five nights ago." Inuyasha growled.
"Any problems?"
"We were worried when we first got here Inuyasha and Lord Sesshomaru would fight." Miroku said.
"We arrived and Lord Sesshomaru met us in the courtyard. The two brothers studied one another. Then Inuyasha lunged at Lord Sesshomaru. Kirara, Miroku, Kikyo, and I all had to hold him back. We thought he still hated Lord Sesshomaru until he started to yell at Lord Sesshomaru about adopting you without him." Sango said.
I smiled.
"Well we finally got him to shut up. Lord Sesshomaru welcomed us and showed us to our guest rooms. It was late by then so we all retired for the night. Then in the morning some maids brought us breakfast. Then Shippo promptly ran off with Rin and Kirara followed them. Lord Sesshomaru and Inuyasha sat in here for most of the day talking and Miroku and I wandered around along with Kikyo. We spent the last few days doing the same thing as the first day, except Lord Sesshomaru did paper work, and Inuyasha wandered around deep in thought." Sango said.
I nodded.
"Inuyasha and I talked about his life." Sesshomaru said.
Everyone looked up at him.
"Inuyasha has agreed to stay here in the west occasionally travelling. He will be third in command. I thought about making him a general but I don't want my army destroyed in a week."
Inuyasha glared at him but he ignored it. We all hid grins.
"If you're in command and Inuyasha is third in command, who is second in command?" Miroku asked.
Sesshomaru looked at him like he was an idiot.
"Isn't that obvious?" He asked.
"He wouldn't be asking if it was." Inuyasha grumbled.
"Kagome is second in command." Sesshomaru said.
Everyone but Jaken and Inuyasha gaped.
"Oh." Miroku said suddenly making everyone sweat drop.
"So you like it here?" I asked.
They all nodded.
"So any plans?" I asked.
"Inuyasha is going to patrol the western borders to look for clues of Naraku and to learn the boundaries of the west. Kikyo plans to go with him." Sesshomaru said.
I nodded.
"What about you Sango, Miroku?"
"We haven't decided." Miroku said.
"I offered them positions in my castle but they said they needed to think of this." Sesshomaru said.
"We want to wait till Naraku is dead before we do anything." Sango said.
"We are going to get married after that though." Miroku said.
I clapped and smiled at the two who blushed.
"I also said to them that your kit, Shippo may stay here. He will be a good companion for Rin and I will train him." Sesshomaru said.
"Now it all depends on what you will do after we kill Naraku." Kikyo said.
Silence followed her words. I sighed after a minute.
"I will be pulled through the well." I said.
"How do you know?" Inuyasha asked.
"I just do." I said.
Actually Midoriko had told me. She had told me my place was in the future and I would be pulled back when my task was done. They all sighed sadly. Then Inuyasha stood with Kikyo.
"We are leaving for the border in the morning."
We all nodded as they walked out. Then Miroku and Sango stood. They bowed to us and walked out. That left Jaken, Sesshomaru, and me. Sesshomaru motioned to Jaken who also bowed and left. Then we sat a moment. Finally he sighed and turned to me.
"I know you will have to go back to your time but we will see each other again. I promise." He said.
I knew he could tell I was sad even though I hid my scent. I nodded hiding the tears.
"King Enma and his son Koenma will be here in exactly two days."
I nodded and smiled.
"It is Koenma's hundredth birthday is it not?" I asked.
The stoic lord sighed and nodded.
"Enma says he's very excited to see you."
I laughed. Over the last two years Koenma and Enma had come here a couple times. They were nice and I liked Konema who stayed with me every time he came here. I had already got a present for him. Then I pushed those thoughts aside and sighed. I stood along with Sesshomaru. Then Sesshomaru petted Rei, who was still on my shoulder.
"I see you have gotten a demon companion."
Rei nodded.
"His name is Rei. He's an ice cat."
Sesshomaru nodded.
"There is a book on cat youkai of this kind in the library."
I smiled and bowed, then skipped out the door. I headed to the library and grabbed the book Sesshomaru had mentioned. Then I went to my room where I undressed and slipped into a sleeping kimono. I slid under my covers and yawned. Rei cuddled up to me and I soon drifted off.
.--.
When I woke in the morning I pulled on the same Kimono I had worn the night before and grabbed the book I had got. I walked out of my room with Rei on my shoulder. I headed for my favourite garden. When I reached it I walked down the path till I reached a bench. The sun was just rising. I flipped the book open and started to read. By the time a maid had fetched me for breakfast I had learned quite a bit about Rei. I had learned he could make the temperature drop, fly, transform into a panther as large as a horse, and he could induce sleep. I sighed as I realized how Hiei had escaped. I thanked the maid and headed for the dinning room.
When I reached it I found Sesshomaru at the head, Inuyasha on his left, a place for me on his right, Jaken beside me, and Miroku beside Jaken with Sango next to him. Kirara sat on Sango's shoulder and eyed Rei. Kikyo sat next to Inuyasha with Rin beside her and Shippo beside Rin. I smiled and sat down. Rin and Shippo both jumped up and ran to me giving me hugs. They started to talk really fast about what they had done together these past days. I smiled and told them to sit. They obeyed and we started to eat. Eating was done mostly in silence.
When we were finished Shippo and Rin ran off again, Inuyasha and Kikyo left for the border, Jaken walked off to do what ever. Rei and Kirara also ran off with Shippo and Rin. Then Sango and Miroku walked off. Sesshomaru said he had paper work to do and I walked to the training grounds were I trained with the already training soldiers. I spent the day training. That night I had dinner in my room as I did a few tasks. Then when I was finished I scooped up a handful of the jewels Hiei had given me. I walked off to Sesshomaru's study where I knocked. I entered a moment later and walked up to Sesshomaru who sat at his desk.
"Yes?" He asked as I stepped up beside him.
"Will you tell me how much these are worth?"
I set five of the jewels down. He blinked and starred a moment.
"Where did you get those?" He asked quietly as he picked one up examining it.
"I ran into a forbidden child on my way here. I saved him and he gave me fifty of these along with a necklace containing at least another thirty."
He looked up at me.
"These jewels are rare and worth a lot."
I nodded.
"Keep them safe. A thief would love to have them." He said.
I nodded again. Then he perked up slightly. He stood and walked to a shelf. Sesshomaru's study had a desk in front of a large window over looking a garden, and all the wall space was occupied by large shelves that held papers, books, and stuff. He removed some papers and reached way back in the top shelf. His arm came out carrying a box. It was the size of a jewellery box and had demons and animals carved in it. He handed it to me.
"It has power in it and won't let anyone but its owner, open it."
"So then only you can open it?" I asked.
He shook his head.
"I never needed it so I am not its owner. You are now."
"Thank you."
I bowed and turned walking out. When I reached my room I grabbed the jewel necklace and put it in the box. I also added all the jewels. Then I stuck the jewel fragments in it deciding it was safe to do so. When that was finished I opened the door for Rei who had 'meowed' for me to let him in. Then I stripped and got ready for bed. Finally I slipped into my covers and fell asleep.
.--.
When I woke this time it was to Rei licking my face. I looked out my window to see it was a little after sun rise. I yawned and walked to my spring. I had a relaxing soak and scrubbed before I got out. I pulled a deep blue kimono like my eyes that had light blue ivy like leaves threading up the hem. I pulled my hair into a bun then walked to my room. I walked to my box and opened it. I pulled out a small but nice jewel and closed the box. Then I pulled a hair from my head. I had found out that demon hair was very strong. I held the jewel and hair in my hand and fused the two ends of the hair with my miko powers to make a loop. Then I somehow made the jewel fuse with the hair.
Then I grabbed it and an outfit I had been making. I wrapped them both up in some red cloth and tied it with a red ribbon. Rei jumped to my shoulder and I walked off to the dinning room for breakfast. Everyone was there like yesterday except Inuyasha and Kikyo. We ate in silence then Sesshomaru and I walked to the courtyard to wait for king Enma and Koenma. We stood for a little under ten minutes before king Enma and Koenma appeared. We bowed and they bowed back. Then Koenma flung himself at me. He still wore the little outfit and hat and had a soother in his mouth.
"Kagome!" He yelled. "Did you miss me? I missed you. It's good to see you."
I laughed softly and hugged him back.
"Yes I missed you."
King Enma smiled at me then him, and Sesshomaru led the way to the castle. I followed with Koenma and the package in my arm. Koenma saw it but didn't say anything as he chatted with me. When we reached the study Sesshomaru let us in. I sat next to Sesshomaru and Enma sat across from us. Koenma sat on my lap and Rei stayed on my shoulder. There was silence a moment.
"You know why I am here Sesshomaru." Enma said. "But does your sister?"
I blinked.
"No." Sesshomaru said.
"Then we should explain."
Enma cleared his throat and Koenma silenced.
"Kagome Taisho. We are going to set up another dimension. It would be for just demons. There would be a king who ruled the whole place and only he would be able to open a portal to this dimension when he wanted to and let only the people he wanted through. I would also be able to transport people. We have the power to do all this and hope to do it."
"And you agree Sesshomaru." I asked.
Sesshomaru nodded.
"He would most likely be the king of what we will call the Makai." Enma said.
"Will the other lords agree?" I asked.
"We have asked and the lords of the east and north agree and agree to let Sesshomaru be the king since he is the strongest and oldest Lord at the moment. South agrees about the dimension thing but would also like to be king. His power almost equals Sesshomaru's but he is younger. The two will most likely battle it out." Enma said.
I glanced at Sesshomaru who looked away. I sighed.
"I think it is a good idea."
"Good. We were hoping you could help contribute your miko powers too. If you added your miko powers then no demon could destroy the barrier between the worlds. And it would make it stronger.
I thought a moment.
"When will the barrier be put up?" I asked.
"Fifty years minimum two hundred years max." Enma said.
I sighed. I defiantly wouldn't be here that long. Then an idea popped into my head. Midoriko had taught me how to store my power in an item. I could do that and they could use it when I was gone.
"I will give you some power now."
Enma and Sesshomaru blinked.
"Do you have a crystal Sesshomaru or a glass or crystal orb?"
Sesshomaru thought a minute. Then he stood and walked to the door. He spoke to Jaken who stood guard and the imp trotted of. We waited two minutes before Jaken came back with a small white orb in his hand.
"It was made by a sorceress a hundred years ago." Sesshomaru said.
He handed it to me and returned to his seat. I looked it over. It was a solid crystal orb. I took a deep breath and started to let my miko powers flow into it. It started to glow a bit pink. I sat for over ten minutes letting my power flow into the crystal, slowly. When I had finished the orb held a lot of my power. I sighed and wiped some sweat from my brow. I was almost drained of my miko powers now. They would return but it would take a while. I handed the orb to Enma who took it gently.
"That is a lot of power." He whispered.
I nodded. Then he bowed his head to me.
"Well that's out of the way."
"Oh! Koenma I have a birthday present for you." I said.
"You remembered my birthday!" He shouted with glee.
I handed him the red package which he opened slowly. He gasped at the outfit but seemed most interested in the jewel. Enma starred at it a moment and Sesshomaru glanced at me. Then I helped Koenma put the jewel on.
"Kagome will you let Sesshomaru and I talk for a while?" Enma asked.
I nodded and stood with Koenma. I walked from the room and shut the door. I then walked towards the garden as Koenma looked at the jewel. When we reached the garden I sat on a bench.
"Koenma you have to promise me to look after the jewel. Okay?" I said.
Koenma nodded.
"I promise."
"It is very valuable."
Then I reached up and held it in my palm. I let the last bit of my miko powers flow into it. It shone pinkish-red then looked normal.
"The jewel will protect you." I said.
Koenma nodded solemnly. Then I saw Rin and Shippo running towards us. Koenma clapped and ran to meet them. The three ran off laughing. I walked to my room as I yawned. I had drained my miko powers which made me tired. Rei had run off with Konema. I flopped onto my bed and drifted off.
.--.
I woke to someone shaking me. I opened my eyes and peered at Jaken who was pushing with both his hands and scowling.
"Wake up woman!" He said.
I sighed and sat up making him loose balance and fall.
"What?" I asked.
"You have been asleep for three days." He huffed.
"Well I did use all my miko powers." I yawned.
"Well we need you to heal some one now. One of the guards who had gone with Inuyasha came back wounded. He is unconscious and we can't find out what happened."
I jumped up. I ran to my dresser and pulled out my blue shirt, pants, and sash. I ripped off my sleeping Kimono and pulled them on. When I turned around again I saw Jaken looking away respectfully. I then ran to my box and grabbed my jewel shards. I shot to the door and ran out. As I did Rei started to run beside me and jumped to my shoulder. I heard Jaken scramble to follow me. I sped down the halls towards the scent of blood. I burst into a room where a woman was trying to heal a tiger demon. Sesshomaru, Miroku, Sango, and Kirara all stood waiting. I rushed up and used my regained miko powers to heal the huge gash on his chest and wake him. He slowly sat up as we stood waiting. He saw Sesshomaru and scrambled to stand I held him down.
"Milord. Lord Inuyasha sent me to tell you that Naraku attacked. He killed the other five guards. Inuyasha and lady Kikyo sent me to fetch you."
"How long ago did you leave them?" Miroku asked.
"What time is it now?" He asked.
"Little after noon." Sango said quickly.
"I left them a little more then an hour ago." The man said.
"That means Inuyasha has been fighting for an hour!" Miroku said.
We all ran from the room leaving the man. As soon as we entered the courtyards Kirara enlarged and Miroku and Sango jumped on. They dragged Jaken on too. Sesshomaru took off, only a blur to everyone. I had a quick stop to make first. I ran to the training guards and snatched the best spear I could find from one of them. The gaped a moment but I was already gone. Everything blurred past me and Rei held onto my shoulder for dear life. His claws dug into my skin but I ignored it and kept going. I soon caught up to Kirara and her passengers. Sesshomaru was far ahead. I swept past them. They glanced at me once before I was gone.
I ran for only about ten minutes when I burst into a clearing. Sesshomaru was battling Kanna, Kagura, and Kohaku all at once, while Naraku was attacking a barrier that surrounded Kikyo and Inuyasha. I saw Inuyasha inside panting with a large bash on his shoulder. Kikyo was also panting and was using everything she had to keep the barrier up. I ran to Sesshomaru. I took his place fighting the three and sent him to Naraku. Naraku scowled at us and then we saw a huge horde of demons coming from the sky. I focused on the three. Just as the demons were almost on us a giant boomerang shot from the trees tearing many in half. And sutras flew from the hands of Miroku. Sango and Miroku were both on the ground now. Kirara tore the throats from her opponents. Jaken had stayed on Kirara and shot blasts of fire at the demons that Kirara missed. Rei growled as Kohaku leapt at me.
"Don't kill him." I whispered.
Rei nodded then jumped while transforming. I already felt the temperature drop as the panther knocked Kohaku back. I saw an opening in Kanna's guard and lunged. Her eyes widened as my blade swept for her throat. At the last second I pulled the blade back and knocked her hard over the head. She crumpled to the ground. I dodged a blast of wind blades and dived for Kagura. I realized she wasn't fighting with all she had. She was merely putting on a show for Naraku. I grinned at her once. Then I started to act like I was having a hard time beating the woman.
Finally I lunged in also knocking her from consciousness. Then I started to kill random demons that came at me. Rei had knocked Kohaku out and was doing the same as me. As the horde of demons thinned I saw Sesshomaru fighting Naraku. Inuyasha was attacking demons that came after him and Kikyo because Kikyo's barrier had failed and she was almost unconscious. I scowled and also lunged for Naraku. He saw me coming and shot a tentacle at me. I dodged and hacked with my spear. As soon as it hit the tentacle it snapped. I frowned. It had been a good weapon but to put so much strain on it had broke it. I cast the pieces aside and took a deep breathe.
I summoned my whip, like Sesshomaru's. The blue energy whip sliced through a tentacle easily. But the tentacle regrouped with Naraku a second later. I scowled. Sesshomaru had also been hacking at him with Tokijin but it wasn't working. I made my whip vanish and dodged another tentacle. I lashed out with my poison claws, melting a part of a tentacle. I saw now that most of the demons were gone and Sango and Miroku had joined us in attacking Naraku. Jaken, Kirara, and Rei were fighting the few other demons and keeping the three unconscious. I gasped as I saw a tentacle rip through Sesshomaru's side. He spit up some blood and jumped back.
I saw a slight sweat on his brow and he had dropped Tokijin, clutching his wound. I saw poison eating away at his skin. I rushed over to him and pulled him to the ground as a tentacle lashed out. I quickly stopped the poison in Sesshomaru's wound and stopped the bleeding but I couldn't waist anymore energy to do anything else. I then took another deep breathe and made a sword out of my miko powers. I stood in front of Sesshomaru and purified any tentacle that came after us with my sword. Sesshomaru stayed sitting on the ground grasping his side.
'Call the jewel.' A voice said in my head.
'Kean?' I asked.
'Yes.'
'I haven't heard from you in a while.'
'That doesn't matter. Now focus your powers and call the jewel. You are its guardian so it should come to you.'
I nodded. Then I stuck my miko sword in the ground. A barrier sprang up around Sesshomaru and me. I took a couple deep breaths and tried to calm down. Then I reached out with my miko powers to where I sensed the jewel. As if calling I beckoned with my powers. I felt the jewel pulse. Naraku froze for an instant. Suddenly the jewel ripped from his body and flew to me. He screamed and I felt his power level drop a lot. He growled and cursed. Then he started to attack Miroku and Sango again. The jewel in my hand, once black, purified till it glowed pink. I grasped it tight.
Then I made my barrier turn back into the sword. I still grasped the jewel but grabbed my sword with the other hand. I stood and then lunged at Naraku. He growled as I cut three tentacles off of him. This time they didn't fuse back to him. I smiled and continued hacking. Sango and Miroku also attacked in earnest. Then I saw an opening created by the two. I jumped in not thinking about anything else but killing Naraku. I felt my sword enter where Naraku's heart would be.
Everything stopped. Sango and Miroku gasped and jumped back. Sesshomaru's eyes widened. The two cats and the imp also stopped. Inuyasha was lying beside an unconscious Kikyo. I realized one of his tentacles had gone though my stomach while I had dealt my blow. Naraku's mouth hung open and he looked at the sword in his chest. I grinned evilly and released all my miko power, purifying Naraku past hell. It also purified the whole clearing. I made sure not to purify my allies though.
When the pink glow faded there were no demon bodies. All the grass that had been ripped up and the trees that had fallen were fresh and alive. A small breeze floated down blowing the taller grass. I healed the hole in my gut and looked over to the others. Those still conscious gaped at me. Then they sat down. Miroku and Sango held one another. I noticed the beads on Miroku's hand lying in the grass, his wind tunnel gone. Jaken sat in the tall grass by the small fire neko and the small ice cat. Inuyasha hugged a sleeping Kikyo to him and Sesshomaru slowly sat up.
I quickly walked over to him. I sighed. I had rested for three days to get my powers back and then I drained myself in a day. But then I smiled. Naraku was dead. I had the jewel and….I had to go home. My smile faded. I crouched by Sesshomaru and used some of the last of my miko powers to heal his entire wound. Then I ran to Inuyasha and Kikyo. I healed their wounds and took some of the exhaustion from them. Finally I walked to the three unconscious, former enemies. I walked to Kohaku first. I waved Sesshomaru over.
"Will you bring Kohaku back to life if I take the shard from his back?" I asked.
He nodded without hesitation. I smiled and reached down. I pulled the shard from Kohaku's back and his breath left him. Sesshomaru pulled Tensaiga out and slashed the air above Kohaku. Kohaku started to breathe again. Then he slowly sat up. He looked at us and gaped. He looked past us at Sango who was currently crying from shock and joy in to Miroku's chest. Kohaku stood and scrambled over to her. Miroku saw him and shook Sango. Sango looked up and starred. Then she burst into more tears and hugged her brother.
I smiled and moved to Kagura and Kanna. I used the last of my powers and woke them up, and healed the concussions I had given them. They slowly sat up and looked at us. Then Kagura did the last thing I expected. She burst into tears. Kanna tried to comfort her. Kagura kept mumbling 'I'm free. I have a heart. We're all free. He's gone.' Over and over. I smiled. I took a few steps back then turned and looked at everyone. Sango, Miroku, Kohaku, and Kirara all stay together crying, laughing, and talking. Inuyasha and Kikyo sat together hugging and whispering to one another. Sesshomaru had sat down and Jaken sat next to him. Rei sat on his shoulder. I held the almost complete jewel in one hand, Kohaku's shard in the other hand, and four shards hung at my neck. Two Koga had given to me years ago when he had told me he hadn't needed them anymore.
He would be sad to know he hadn't fought Naraku but he had grown smarter and threw away most thoughts of revenge when he had mated Ayame. I smiled. I added Kohaku's shard to the ones at my neck but kept the large chunk in my hand. I wouldn't fuse them yet. I would have to soon. But not yet. I felt a tear slide down my face. Another followed. I stood as a few silent tears rolled over my cheek. They were tears of my joy and sorrow. My joy at our win and at our years together. My sorrow that I would have to leave them. I would maybe see Inuyasha and Sesshomaru in the future but Miroku, Rin, Kikyo, and Sango would grow old and die long before I was even born. Life had some very unfair catches. Rei glanced over at me. He 'mewed' to Sesshomaru before he hopped to me. He transformed and caught me as I fell from exhaustion. I closed my eyes and cuddled into his fur. I would deal with all the problems later. Right now I needed to sleep, and I would. Let the problems wait.
Sesshomaru's POV:
Kagome crumpled from exhaustion and the ice cat caught her gently. She was instantly asleep. I walked over to the ice cat and looked down at my sister. I saw her clutching the almost complete jewel in her hand. I stroked her hair. Then I looked to the others. Inuyasha looked at me and saw that we should go home. He picked Kikyo up and walked over. Kirara transformed and the slayer and her brother scrambled on. Jaken scrambled to me. The monk walked over and sat on the ice cat behind Kagome holding her up. Kagura and Kanna looked a bit confused and then they turned away from us. I had known they had never wanted to work for Naraku. I strode over to them. They looked up at me from their places on the ground.
"You are welcome to come with us as long as you obey the rules."
They gaped at me a moment. Then I grabbed Jaken and rose into the sky. I glanced back once to see the two demons and their passengers following along with a fast hanyou. A second later a feather followed with two passengers. We all made our way back to my castle at a reasonable pace. When we reached my castle we descended to the ground. Servants came and got Miroku, Sango, Jaken, Kirara, Inuyasha, Kikyo, Kohaku, Rei, and Kagome leading them to their rooms, getting them food, and helping clean them up. Kagura and Kanna just looked around with wide eyes. I had told the servants to leave them. I walked up to them. They starred up at me.
"You may stay in the west as long as you obey me." I said.
They nodded vigorously to me. I motioned some servants' forwards and told them to set up the two in the guest wing. I sighed slightly. My sister would need to go home almost as soon as she woke up. I needed some rest but that could wait. I headed to my study were I pulled out a scroll and wrote everything, that needed to be packed and done, down. When that was finished I called three servants I trusted in. They bowed and I handed the list to them while saying my instructions. They bowed and set off. I yawned slightly and walked off to my room.
Kagome's POV:
I woke up slowly. I felt hungry and thirsty but other wise full of energy, well rested, and fine. I slowly sat up and blinked. I saw a platter of food and drink on my desk and walked over to it. I realized as I sat on my chair I still had the jewel clutched in my hand. I slowly set it on the table. I ate while I looked at it and while I sorted my thoughts. When the food was gone I stood and looked around. I blinked as I saw bundles stacked by the door. I wondered what was in them.
I also saw that one of the servants had changed me into a sleeping Kimono and left my blue kimono with the black flowers on it out. I took my sleeping kimono off and slipped the other one on. I picked up the jewel slowly and clutched it in my hand. I had to fuse it. I had to. I couldn't keep it in pieces. I sighed and took the pieces from my neck and the large chunk. I held them in the same hand. A pink light burst from my hands making me close my eyes. When I reopened them the whole jewel sat in my hand. Suddenly I pulsed.
'You have twenty four hours to jump in the well or you will be pulled back to your time from where you are and if that happens it will be painful because you are not following the 'rules'.' Kean said.
I pinched my lips together and set off to fin the others. As soon as I stepped from my room a servant directed me to Sesshomaru's study. I quickly walked not wanting to waist anymore time. As soon as I arrived I walked in. Kagura, Kanna, Kohaku, Sango, Miroku, Inuyasha, Kikyo, Kirara, Rei, Rin, Shippo, Jaken, and Sesshomaru all sat waiting. As I walked in they all looked up and bowed, except for Sesshomaru. I nodded my head and sat beside Sesshomaru.
"How long was I out?" I asked.
"Two days." Inuyasha said.
I nodded.
"How long do you have here?" Kikyo asked.
"Twenty-four hours exactly." I said.
They all looked crestfallen except for Sesshomaru who seemed blank, Kagura and Kanna who didn't understand, and Jaken who looked happy. Sesshomaru glared at Jaken who got a look of sorrow on his face. I could tell it was faked though. We sat in silence a minute.
"I have had a servant pack all your things." Sesshomaru said.
I nodded as I remembered all the things packed by my door.
"Will you leave now?" Sango asked.
I shook my head. There was silence for a few minutes.
"Kagura and Kanna have decided to stay in the west and serve Sesshomaru, Inuyasha and I will also stay here, Shippo will stay and train under Sesshomaru, and Sango, Miroku, and Kohaku will also stay here." Kikyo said.
"Kikyo has agreed to be my mate." Inuyasha said.
I smiled at him and Kikyo.
"And Sango and I are going to get married." Miroku said.
"I wish I could be here for the wedding." I said.
They nodded.
"I will take care of them." Sesshomaru said.
I looked at him gratefully. We sat in another moment of silence.
"You know what is ironic?" I asked.
They all looked at me.
"When I first came here all I wanted to do was go home, now I'm going home and all I want to do is stay here."
They all smiled slightly.
"Today is my nineteenth birthday. I fell down the well exactly four years ago.
They all blinked.
"We almost forgot." Sango said.
I smiled softly. Shippo started to cry. I opened my arms and he jumped in.
"I need to be alone with Shippo for a while." I said.
Everyone nodded. I stood and walked out the door. As soon as I was out I headed for a garden. As I stepped in I looked into the clear sky. I headed down the trail to the bench. I sat down, still holding Shippo. He was sobbing while clutching me.
"I don't want you to leave." He sobbed.
"I have to Shippo. Listen to me a moment."
He quieted and looked up at me.
"You will stay here with Sesshomaru and he will train you. You have to look after Rin for me okay?"
He nodded.
"You can get really strong and then I will see you in the future."
He sniffed and nodded again. I looked over and saw Rin standing at the end path looking sad. I smiled and motioned her over. She sprinted to me and wrapped her arms around my waist. She cuddled her face into my lap.
"I will always love you two."
They both nodded.
"You have to look after one another."
They nodded and looked at me.
"Why don't you go play until I call you? It'll cheer you up."
They nodded. Shippo jumped to Rin's shoulder and they trotted off. I stood and watched till they were out of sight then I walked off to find Sesshomaru. I found him still in his study, but alone. I walked in and waited a moment.
"Yes?" He asked.
"I plan to leave before dinner."
He looked at me a moment. Then he nodded. I didn't wish to travel early in the morning or at night so I had come to this decision. Also the longer I stayed the more depressed everyone would get. I walked up to Sesshomaru and wrapped my arms around him burying my face into his chest. He slowly wrapped his arms around me pulling me close. After a minute I pulled back and turned away. I walked out the door without looking back. As soon as I was out of the room I walked towards my favourite garden. When I reached it I walked to a cherry blossom tree and jumped up to the tree. I masked my presence and scent. I watched as the children ran under me a couple times, as the birds darted around, and as the breeze made all the flowers sway. I just sat there watching the activities that happened in the garden without moving. I don't know how long I sat there but an hour before dinner Sesshomaru walked up to the tree and looked up at me.
"The girls wonder where you are. They want you to join them in the springs."
I nodded and gently fell from the tree. I hit the ground softly and walked off towards the springs. As I entered I heard the voices of four women. I stripped and folded my clothes nicely. Then I walked in. The four women had there backs to me and didn't seem to notice I had entered. I walked over and slid into the water beside Kagura. She looked over at me and screeched before jumping back into the others starting the domino effect. When they all sat back up wiping water from their faces and gasping for air they looked at me.
"Holy Hell! Don't do that you scared the life out of me." Kagura gasped.
"Nh." I said.
I dived under the water and swam around for a minute. When I returned to the others they all watched me.
"Everything okay Kagome?" Sango asked calmly.
I looked up.
"Nh."
"You look completely empty of emotion and you aren't answering with real words." Kikyo said.
"She feels sorrow at the moment." Kanna's ghostly voice said.
I looked at the girl.
"Nh."
The others watched me a moment then they burst into chatter trying to take my mind away from leaving. I could smell their sorrow also. We sat and talked while bathing for about half an hour. Well they did most of the talking. I nodded, shook my head or nh'ed. When we finally got out we had half an hour till dinner. I planned to leave before that. I walked out of the spring and headed to my room. Rei was there along with Sesshomaru. I saw that my pile of things by the door had grown larger. I blinked then looked to Sesshomaru.
"That is more then just my stuff."
"I had some extra things packed that you can't see till you get to your time."
I sighed.
"I will send A-un with you. He will carry the bundles for you."
I nodded. A couple servants came in and hauled some stuff out towards the courtyard. I looked at Sesshomaru who walked from the room. Rei jumped to my shoulder and nudged my cheek comfortingly. I also nudged him back and he purred. I pet him softly and sighed. Then I grabbed one of the bags I was going to carry and threw it on my back. Then I grabbed a second bag and walked off. When I reached the courtyard everyone was waiting. I walked up to Inuyasha and Kikyo who stood together. I rested my hands on Inuyasha's shoulders and kissed each of his cheeks before giving him a hug. He hugged me back hard. I just gave Kikyo a hug.
"I hope you live happy lives together and Inuyasha you had better live to see me again."
Then I reached into my bag and pulled out a smaller bag of ramen.
"This'll have to satisfy you till they invent it."
He nodded. I walked towards Miroku and Sango who also stood together. I gave each of them a hug. Then I reached into my bag again. I pulled out a box with two gold rings.
"In my time it is custom to wear matching rings as a sign of your marriage."
They nodded and Miroku took the rings. Sango was crying now. I hugged her again.
"I wish I knew I could see you again. I hope you live happy lives together."
She almost strangled me with her hug. When she let me go she latched onto Miroku crying into him. I walked towards Kanna and Kagura.
"You two were my enemies for a long time but I hope to see you again."
They nodded. I walked to Kohaku.
"I haven't known you long but I want you to do me a favour and look after your sister for me."
He nodded. I smiled and walked to Rin and Shippo and Kirara. They all looked up at me.
"Kirara I need you to look after your mistress and her family. And Shippo you must protect Rin and train hard. Rin you have to be happy and good for Jaken and Sesshomaru."
They all nodded and gave me large hugs. I also pulled their toys and sweets form my bag handing them to them. Next I walked to Jaken. We looked at one another.
"Well Jaken we were never the best of friends but I hope you live so we may see one another again. And look after Sesshomaru and Rin. They needed to be protected."
Jaken puffed out his chest and gave me an even look. By the time I walked to Sesshomaru A-un had my bags on him and everyone had found somewhere else to look. All my friends seemed interested in the flowers while sorrow was written on their faces, the servants had vanished, and the guards on the wall seemed to see interesting things on the other side of the wall. I hugged Sesshomaru tight.
"Thank you for everything. You had better live to see me again or I will personally make the well bring me back to I can beat you, hard, with some sort of heavy object." I smiled.
"If you do not get word from me after two months of returning then Inuyasha, Jaken, and I have not lived. But I will try my best to see you again, little sister."
I smiled up at him. He even gave me a real smile too. I turned and walked to A-un. I climbed up to the saddle and sat down. I was still a bit tired and wasn't the best at flying so I decided this was faster. A-un leapt into the sky and I turned and waved to everyone. I saw tears roll down Inuyasha's face. Kikyo had a few tears, Sango was sobbing along with Shippo and Rin. Miroku hid his tears and Kohaku, Kagura, and Kanna just watched me go with blank faces. Even Jaken looked a bit sad. I saw no tears from Sesshomaru but I saw sorrow in his eyes. I smiled a don't-worry smile and turned back forwards. I sniffed and grabbed A-un's mane.
After an hour, of fast flying, A-un started to descend. He touched down in the clearing near the well and I slid off his back. I pulled all my packages off of A-un's back and set them by the well. Then I walked up to A-un and hugged his one head. He nuzzled me and tried to comfort me. I let go with one arm and hugged the other head.
"You guys look after everyone okay."
They growled in response. Then Rei who was being smothered by their mane growled. I smiled and pet him softly. Then I walked to the well. I threw some bags gently into the well. Then I grabbed the rest and jumped in. All the bags fell into the blue glow with me. When I touched the ground the blue stayed a moment. Then it seemed to shatter like it had been glass. I felt the well with my powers and knew it was once again a normal well. I sniffed and jumped from the well with some bags.
When all the bags were out of the well I wiped my tear away. I wove my scent and sound barrier around me, masked my miko powers, and hid my demon aurora. Then I opened the well door. I walked to the house and stepped inside. No one was home so I just dumped my bags in my room. I grabbed the other bags and did the same. Then I started to open the bags. I found my kimonos, fighting clothes, and other clothes articles in one bag. I carefully put them in my closet.
Then I opened the second bag to find my jewellery box containing my jewels from Hiei, and a second jewellery box containing necklaces, bracelets, and earrings that had a note that said from Sesshomaru. I opened the next three packages to find weapons of almost every kind. There was a note that said from the guards. I also found cakes and baking items in another package from the servants and cooks. I opened a fifth package to find herbs and seeds from the healers and gardeners. Another one held scrolls and books from the scholars.
And finally I opened a package with sutras from Miroku, a bow from Kikyo, a bunch of youkai exterminator armour from Sango, a top from Shippo, some dried flower petals from Rin, a staff with two head from Jaken –like his but taller-, and finally a sword from Inuyasha and Sesshomaru. A note told me it was made from a fang of each of theirs and made by Totosi. It could block any weapon, and had an ice attack of some sort. I sobbed softly as I looked over the gifts. There was note. All it said was 'We love you. Oh and Happy Birthday!' I let the tears go then. They poured over my face as I sobbed into my hands. After a few minutes I finally stood and put everything away. Then I walked downstairs and waited for my family to return for dinner.
.--.
It had been a month and a half since I had returned and there was no word from Sesshomaru or them. I had spent the days reading, training, gardening, cleaning, and cooking. Rei was always with me and we grew to cherish one another. Hojo had showed up once when my family was out and had tried to get me to agree to be his girlfriend, forcefully. I had pushed him down the shrine stairs. He had lived, unfortunately, but hadn't bothered me since.
I had also redone my room changing it from ugly pink to deep blue. I kept my barriers up all the time and had also kept my demon features hidden. I had also had enough time and power to set up different barriers all over the shrine. Some to keep evil low level demons out, some to keep those tainted out, and some to warn me when people entered the shrine. I had also started an herb garden planting herbs from the feudal era in it. I got my mom to drive me to the country side and grabbed some from forests and such. I hadn't seen any demons around but I didn't leave the shrine that much.
My friends had visited once and I had told them to get lost and not to visit anymore. They had been furious but I didn't care. My grandfather was very happy that I practice my miko powers and planned to take the shrine over from him. It also helped him a lot that I now looked after the shrine. Souta and mom were just glad I was back. Souta thought it was awesome to have a demon for a sister and watched me train every spare moment he had. I had even started to teach him hand to hand combat which killed time for both of us. As the days wore on I got more and more anxious. Finally it had been exactly a month and three weeks when a raven demon flew from a portal and straight for me during one of my training sessions.
"His majesty Sesshomaru gives his deepest regrets that he could not come himself to greet you but he is quite busy." The raven said.
It dropped a large envelope into my hands and tore back into the portal that vanished with a 'pop'. I set my weapons aside and sat in the sacred tree. I tore the envelope open and pulled the note out.
Dear sister
I am sorry that this could not reach you sooner and that I could not bring word myself. As you must have realized the dimension was set up and all the demons were transported to the 'Makai'. I easily beat the lord of the South about four hundred years ago. I took role as king of the Makai. It is a nice job and I get the respect I deserve. Some demons do remain in the human world but are under as close as watch as we can keep on them. I wish to tell you that Inuyasha, Kikyo, Rin, Shippo, Jaken, Kagura, Kanna, A-un, and I are all well. Yes Rin and Kikyo are still alive too. I adopted Rin as my daughter like I adopted you. This actually hadn't been done before and we had wondered what the side affects would be. Well Rin is a Kitsune now. I wondered why she wasn't and inu but you weren't either so I didn't worry. When Inuyasha claimed Kikyo, she too turned into a half demon. Rin mated with Shippo and they are happy together too. Sango and Miroku lived a long life together and had six children. They served me well and were treated with high respect. They missed you a lot. Kohaku also was treated with high respect and married a woman from a village he moved to. Kagura and Kanna are loyal vassals and help me quite a bit help with there mirror and wind. I also have not chosen a mate. Do not scowl.
I had been scowling. I snorted softly.
I will come to get you soon but first I thought you should enjoy some time in the mortal world with your family. We will talk more when you get here. And I wish you to know I named you as my heir. You are the princess of the Makai. I have made the announcement public but no one knows your face only your name, not your family name Higurashi though. Inuyasha should have been the rightful heir but he refused the position saying he would destroy the place in a week if he ran it. I agreed. Now in the envelope are some things for you. Keep them with you. I hope to see you in the future. I will try to send letters regularly but I always have problems that need my attention or I have paper work. So bye for now little sister.
Sincerely, Sesshomaru, king of the Makai.
I folded the letter and set it on my lap. I reached into the envelope and pulled out the remaining papers. One was a graduation form saying I had graduated from high school and university. I sighed in relief. I couldn't work in town any where nice or do anything with out these forms because everyone would think I had failed high school. I had been taught past a university level, in some areas, at Sesshomaru's so it wasn't like I had been given the papers and didn't deserve them. I looked at the next paper to see that they were balances for my new bank account. I gaped. Sesshomaru had given me a lot of money. I laughed slightly. He was a king and former lord, he was very rich. The balance sheet also came with a bank card.
I set theses down and looked over another sheet. It was the papers that said Kagome Higurashi's last name had been changed to Taisho. I smiled and set those aside. The next papers were deeds to the shrine saying I now owned the shrine not the city. I set these down gently and looked at the last sheet. It was instructions on how to contact Sesshomaru. It also came with a small silver bracelet that held a blue crystal. It could open a portal that could take me anywhere. I set this down and looked at the last paper. It was a copy of a document that named me as Sesshomaru Taisho's heir.
I smiled and gathered the papers up. I slid the bank card into my pocket and the bracelet on my wrist. I laughed slightly as I clasped the bracelet on. I was getting more jewellery by the minute. I had the bracelet, the necklace with the one jewel from Hiei, and the Shikon no Tama on another necklace. I felt awkward wearing two necklaces that didn't match well but I didn't want to let either out of my sight. And I also wore two rings; one on each hand. They were special rings that I had changed with my miko powers. They looked like regular white gold rings with small sapphires on each one.
But I had found a nifty trick with my miko powers. I could store weapons in jewels. I had stored the staff Jaken had got me in one sapphire and a giant double sided axe from the guard general of Sesshomaru's in my other sapphire. And I had stored the sword Inuyasha and Sesshomaru had given me, which I had named 'Karai' –storm- in the jewel Hiei had given me. It didn't change or damage the jewels so it was a useful hiding place. I usually had daggers hidden on my body at all times too, even when I slept.
I leapt from the tree and grabbed the spear I had been training with. Rei who had waited for me at the base of the tree jumped to my shoulder. I walked inside and up to my room. I set my spear on the wall by my other weapons which hung from the wall. Then I grabbed a basket of small cakes and cookies I had made. I set a cloth on top of them and set picked herbs on top of the cloth. I slid a small lid on the basket and walked down stairs. I picked up the phone and dialled a number I hadn't in four years. I waited as the phone rung a moment. Then I heard a click.
'Hello, Genkai's residents.'
"Hello Genkai." I said.
'Kagome?' The old woman asked.
"Yes, it's me."
'I haven't heard from you in four years.' She said.
"I know." I sighed. "I got a disease that destroyed my immune system. Then I caught every disease in Japan. I moved out of the country for the past four years while I recovered."
'Oh, are you feeling better?'
"Oh yes. I am ready to run around the world." I giggled.
'Mmh.'
"Well I baked some cookies and I have some herbs you might like. I was wondering if I could come over."
'Of course! You are always welcome and do not need my permission to come over.'
"Thanks! I'll be there in a couple minutes."
'Okay.'
"Bye!"
'Bye.'
I hung up and grinned as I skipped out the door, heading for Genkai's shrine.
Genkai's POV:
I smiled as I hung up the phone. I had missed Kagome and had hoped to see her again. I returned to the sitting room and sat beside Yukina. Kurama sat across from us with Kuwabara beside him. Yusuke was pacing and Hiei hadn't shown up yet. Botan had gathered us and told us that something big had happened and that she would come tell us when Konema had given her permission but that we had to wait here till then. Yusuke finally fell to the ground and grabbed a can of coke from the table. Kurama and Yukina sat drinking tea quietly and Kuwabara and Yusuke downed coke while fidgeting.
"So who was that on the phone old bat?" Yusuke asked.
"It was a friend of mine. She will be coming over."
"What if Botan opens a portal while she's here?" Yusuke asked.
"Botan can erase that part of her memory then but I haven't seen this person in four years and I have been hoping to see her so I'm not about to tell her she can't come over."
"Why is she coming over?"
"She has some baking for me and she has some herbs for me."
Kurama perked up at this.
"She knows plants?" He asked.
"Yes. She could identify any plant or herb you show her, at least from around here."
"You taught her?" Kurama asked.
"Yes. She came over here with her father when she was really young, Then when her father died she continued to visit me. She was the only person to ever visit me. I taught her about all herb lore I myself knew. I also taught her how to take care of plants and how to cook. We got along well."
"So she isn't an old bat like you?" Yusuke asked.
"No. She should be about nineteen."
"Is she pretty?" Yusuke asked.
"I haven't seen her in four years but last time I saw her she was pretty."
I drank some tea and it seemed everyone was out of questions. We sat drinking tea and talking about common things for about five minutes when I heard someone call me.
"Genkai?" A female called.
"In here." I called.
A nineteen year old girl with a cat on her shoulder walked in. Everyone froze and looked at her. She had long ebony hair to her waist, blue eyes with gold flecks, and curves in the right places. She was really beautiful. I could have sworn Kagome had had brown eyes though. I shook my head.
"Hello Kagome."
She looked at me and bowed her head. Then she almost dropped her basket as she gaped at my guests.
"YOU!" Yusuke and her yelled at the same time pointing at one another.
Then she looked at Kurama.
"Oh you too?" She asked.
Kurama seemed surprised to see her too.
"How do you know my cousin?" Yusuke asked Kurama.
"YOUR COUSIN!?" Kuwabara, Kurama, Yukina, and I yelled
"Yeah! Kagome is my cousin; her dad, in my mom's brother." Yusuke said.
He jumped up and gave Kagome a hug.
"I heard you were sick." He said.
"And I heard you were dead." She said.
"Nope, just got knocked into a coma." Yusuke grinned.
Then he turned back to Kurama.
"How do you know her?" He asked.
"He helped me escape from a forceful guy." Kagome said.
"Some one tried to force you to do something! Show me and I'll beat to a pulp!" Yusuke yelled.
"Don't worry. I already threw him down our shrine stairs." Kagome said.
Yusuke calmed and sat back down again.
"So how do you know Genkai?" Kagome asked Yusuke.
"I met her a while ago." Was all he said.
Kagome's POV:
I watched him a moment. I hadn't expected to see my cousin. As I analyzed him I found huge amounts of spiritual power in him. And he had been trained. Kuwabara also had spiritual powers. Kurama had a Kitsune spirit in his body too. I wondered why I hadn't noticed with the two I had met a while back. I guessed I had been busy. The girl by Genkai was also an ice maiden. I looked at Genkai too. She had spiritual powers in her too.
They seemed to be waiting for some one and they looked like they had known each other for a while. They all blinked at Rei who they could probably know was a demon, but they didn't say anything. I smiled and set my basket on the table. I pulled out the herbs and handed them to Genkai and set the cookies and cakes on the table. Yusuke and Kuwabara immediately took two. Kurama and Yukina took one politely. They ate and Genkai looked over the herbs.
"I thought some of these were extinct." She whispered looking over some.
"I found some in the forest by our shrine." I said blandly.
"Where did you get the cat?" Yusuke interrupted.
"Some guys were killing it so I saved him. He is very loyal." I said patting his head.
I saw that they were running low on tea. I smiled and grabbed the pot.
"I'll go grab more tea."
As I walked out the door Rei jumped from my shoulder and rubbed against Yukina, purring.