So any Kikyou or Inuyasha haters may be just a bit disappointed with this story. I do not plan to make either character to be hell spawn. They both have an important role to play in the story otherwise I wouldn't put them in there

Disclaimer: I do not own Inuyasha or any of its characters, though I do make out with my Kagome and Sesshoumaru plushies every now and then.

Chapter 3 - Prophecy

A bright light suddenly filled her vision and for a moment everything went hazy. Limbs, mouth, nose, eyes. All her body seemed to slowly come awake as. She felt as if before the last few seconds she hadn't existed. Slowly Kagome looked about her, eyes wide as she took in her surroundings. Tall crystalline grass stood unmoving near a clear sparkling pond with giant coy circling just below the surface. Thin, pale sakura trees standing tall and swaying gently near the pale stones scattered about the area. The entire landscape was full of unearthly beauty of trees, rocks, flowers and waterfalls. Never had she seen something so serene. After a moment she turned slowly and came to the realization that everything was a pale, glowing white. Nothing in the scenery held any color. Everything was bathed in white light and emitting a soft glow.

With a gentle frown Kagome looked down to find herself still as she always had been. Battle suit dirty and bloodied, skin streaked with muck and sweat. Her hair felt matted to her head. She felt out almost as out of place here as she did in reality.

'Fitting…'

She thought ruefully to herself as she continued to survey the surreal nature around her.

She asked herself 'Is it possible I've died?' her frown deepening. The false brilliance of the scene before was beginning to cause her to squint when suddenly she felt the familiar pull on her senses telling her other auras had entered the area. Her eyes suddenly went wide as recognition lit her eyes and a shocked smile blossomed on her lips. Two small figures came into view.

Standing a good distance from her, hand in hand were little Rin and Shippou. Even from a distance the pure excitement was shining from the two small pairs of eyes was clear. Behind them stood a tall figure.

The man was as tall as Sesshoumaru and he seemed to bear a strong resemblance to the Western Lord, except his face held a kind smile and his eyes seemed to shine with gentle warmth that almost drew her in. Expressions no one could ever imagine gracing Sesshoumaru's features. A long ponytail of shimmering silvery hair was atop his head with his bangs obscuring the view of his forehead two thick braids of hair hung at his cheeks, hiding them from view as well. His entire body seemed bathed in silks of the most luxurious elegance, the colors moving and swimming along the fabric as though alive. The kimono was magnificent. Soft glowing hues of blue and green danced along the white silken robes and gold stitching lined the kimono's edges. He wore no armor and somehow it struck Kagome that it was odd he wasn't. His honey colored eyes regarded her with tender radiance. Even standing perfectly still, Kagome could only describe him as god-like.

The man smiled then gently nudged the children forward when they looked back to him, almost as if seeking his approval before rushing forward. With a silent nod he gestured toward Kagome. Both Shippou and Rin bounded toward the Miko. She dropped her curious gaze from the celestial being and threw her arms open to receive them as soon as the children began their sprint.

"MAMA!"

They both cried out as they slammed into the warmth of her embrace. Smiling and laughing happily she fell backward clutching the two children close to her. Shippou wrapped his arms around her neck and cried as Rin held fast to Kagome's middle. She held both children tightly as she sat up to a kneeling position.

"Aren't you a sight for sore eyes!"

Kagome exclaimed as she kissed their heads and cheeks in turn before laughing again happily as warm tears began trailing down her cheeks. They just kneeled there for a few moments, enjoying one another's embrace until a warm hand descended on her shoulder, causing Kagome to look in surprise. The ethereal man smiled down them before removing his hand from Kagome's shoulder and offering it to help her stand. She took it warily but uttered a small 'Thank you' as she raised to her feet, the children standing with her.

His hand that she could now see to be clawed slid down her arm to slowly grip hers warmly as a slow, brilliant smile began to form on his lips.

"Welcome Kagome, Miko of the Shikon no Tama. We have waited long for the moment when you should visit this plane again."

The man spoke with a gentle, yet deep timbre to his voice. It felt powerful yet gentle, like a mighty river. Kagome cast him a puzzled glance. Visit this plane again?

"But, I've never been here before… have I?"

Kagome asked in confusion. The children merely smiled quietly and held each one of her hands. She looked about the ashen landscape another time and could not find a single thing she felt familiar. Kagome was certain she'd never seen this plane and she would definitely remember if she'd me this man, whoever he was. Maybe this man wasn't all there.

"I am known by mortals and demons as many names, however now is not the time for such things to be known to you"

He said with a musical chuckle as if having read her mind.

"Fret not. You will remember in due time. I am simply here today to allow you to see the children and to impart unto you a warning."

He spoke softly as his voice seemed to change its tone from the gentle and warm to cautious and somewhat guarded.

"With the coming dawn, the Crescent Moon rules.

By morning light it shines.

But should the Shadow overcome

It will be no more.

If one of light, and dark combined

Can cast the Shadow out

The Crescent moon shall rise evermore

And the stars shall be saved"

Kagome looked as puzzled as she felt after hearing the man's Cryptic words.

"I'm sorry but… I don't understand. I mean what does the Moon have to do with dawn? And the stars need to be saved, from what? And what does any of this have to do with bringing the kids back…."

She asked with a small headache forming just behind her eyes. None of this made any sense. Gently she rubbed her temples to banish the frustrated headache when a hand once again descended on her shoulder. She looked up to see the silver haired man looking directly into her eyes.

"I cannot explain further, for this I am truly sorry. All I can say is this prophecy has nothing to do with the revival of the young ones, but rather a cause much greater."

Even as he moved back from the perplexed mike the man's honey colored eyes seemed to hold something akin to sympathy in them as he imparted his obscure message.

Kagome for her part dropped back down to her knees and held the children once more in a fierce hug, both clinging tight to her.

"No matter what, I will bring you back. Sesshoumaru and I will bring both of you back to us…"

She whispered in their ears with her determination and resolve sounding clear in her voice.

"We know you will Mama."

Shippou said softly into his mother's neck as he held fast to her. Rin was silent beside them as she simply clung to Kagome for as long as she could. They stayed like this for a moment longer before the celestial man's voice sounded from above them.

"It is time for you to return Kagome."

Kagome's head shot up to look to him, her eyes wide before clinging to the children once more, not ready to let them go, both were crying softly and she herself couldn't stop the flow of her own angry and bitter tears as she gently stood and let them both down. A set of green and a set of brown eyes looked up to her holding an identical, watery look of sadness.

"Cheer up guys, this isn't forever…"

Kagome said plastering a happy smile on her face as she bent to kiss each child's head in turn. Both children nodded and stepped back to take the tall man's outstretched hand.

Slowly the trio began to fade from view as if an invisible eraser began swiping away from their feet upward. The last thing she saw was each of the children's faint smiles before everything disappeared in a snap.

A harsh bright light shone as Kagome's eyes slowly opened, the sound of morning birds echoing in from the balcony windows. Shifting herself, she slowly rose up on the futon she did not remember putting herself in only to find she'd been nestled in between the children.

Realization slowly dawned on her as she realized just where she was and her cheek flared red.

'Holy crap… I'm in Sesshoumaru's bed!' She squeaked mentally as she stood and smoothed her hands down her front. Dirt came back up on her palms and she frowned. Sesshoumaru had not only let her sleep in his bed, but let her sleep in his bed filthy and bloody. A knowing smile blossomed on her lips and she used the back of her hand to wipe some of the sleep from her eyes.

'He really loves that little girl..' .'

Her thoughts brought her gaze back down to the two motionless bodies she'd slept next to. Kneeling she placed a gentle kiss on both their heads before moving to exit the room and make her way into the main chamber which connected Sesshoumaru's personal chambers, the Library, his office, and her own chambers. Absently she noted Sesshoumaru was nowhere in sight. So she figured she may as well get up, bathe, and go look for him.

Sighing mentally she closed the door to his chambers as she left, not looking forward to trying to navigate the maze of polished wood and artistry that was his shiro to find him or the baths.

She'd been so lost in thought that she almost ran directly into the woman now standing before her.

"Ack!"

Kagome exclaimed as she jumped back with a yelp of surprise as a pile of assorted garments was flung in their just in front of her face and the young woman immediately stumbled back and bowed deeply.

"Forgive me Lady Kagome I did not mean to frighten you!"

The girl's voice sounded as if she were in fear for her life and Kagome for the life of her couldn't figure out why, that is until she took in the girl's appearance.

Her air was dark blonde and streaked with honey and yellowish strands as it hung loose in gentle waves around her heart-shaped face, periwinkle violet eyes peeked out from beneath her blonde tresses as she straightened. Her skin was slightly tan and has a warm glow to it and freckled adorned her cheeks and the bridge of her nose.

Taking in her appearance Kagome smiled as she saw the point of two small fangs poking out from the sides of the young woman's mouth. She was obviously youkai, which would explain the girl behaving as though she'd be eaten for scaring her.

"Oh no, please don't. It's ok really. You just surprised me"

Kagome said with a small chuckle as she used one hand on the girl's shoulder to gentle make her stand straight and stop bowing as the young woman began scrambling to pick up the garments now strewn across the floor.

She was now standing upright and stood just about 4 or 5 inches shorter than Kagome. The miko smiled warmly and took a step back.

"And please, just Kagome. None of that 'lady 'stuff. What's your name?"

Kagome asked as the youkai looked at her as though she'd suddenly grown an extra head.

"I.. I am called Ayako, my lady"

The young youkai stammered and blushed as she looked away. Kagome sighed and smiled. They'd have to work on that but she did have to admit, the name fit the girl perfectly. From the color of her eyes to the streaks of her hair everything about her was vibrant but still warm and colorful.

"Just Kagome… what are you doing in here anyway?"

Kagome questioned as she handed her the last piece of the kimono Ayako had dropped.

"Oh yes, forgive me la… "

Kagome gave her s stern look

"Erm.. Kagome. I was assigned to you by Lord Sesshoumaru-sama to be your handmaiden. I was coming to show you to the baths and dress you"

She said a bit forlorn as her eyes dropped to the rumpled clothing now in a pile in her arms. Kagome gave a soft chuckle.

"It's fine.. I won't tell Lord Sesshoumaru if you don't"

She laughed at Ayako's blush and winked.

"Now about that bath…"

"Oh Kami…."

Kagome sighed as she sank into the hot water of the bath. Well it was more like lake of steaming water than a bath. Just like everything else in Sesshoumaru's home, it was huge.

Swimming over to a formation of rocks that seemed to be fashioned into a chair, Kagome rested her back on the heated rocks and closed her eyes. She felt infinitely better now that she has bathed herself and her hair completely. Ayako had even taken her battle gear to be washed.

The dark water came up to just above her breasts as she leaned back, the water stilling as she lay there.

In the Silence of the early morning she let her mind drift back to her 'dream' the night before. The strange words of the prophecy still swimming around in her head. What could he possibly have meant?

Of course thinking of the prophecy made her think of the children and how wonderful it felt to know they were alright. It was a great weight lifted from her shoulders to be sure but it certainly did not totally ease her fears. She still needed them back in her arms, or running, drawing, torturing Jaken anything.

She gave a watery laugh as tears pooled in her eyes, the image of Rin and Shippou teasing mean old Jaken.

Suddenly the water rippled as Kagome turned to lie on her stomach, her head resting on her forearms when she felt auras enter the room. She'd been once again so wrapped in her own thoughts she hadn't taken the time to pay attention to her surroundings. The good news was neither of the two who'd entered meant her any harm. Kagome looked over her shoulder before turning to face the pair fully

"Ah, good morning Kagome-chan. May I.. We join you?"

Sango asked happily before shooting a quick glare over to the silent woman at her side. There stood Kikyou, quiet and reserved as ever. Kagome looked up to the two of them and smiled.

"Of course, the more the merrier."

"Thank you Kagome-sama"

Kikyou said with a bow as she and Sango shed their bathing kimonos and entering the water.

Kagome stole a glance at Kikyou as she entered the water and that little twinge of bitterness she felt toward the elder miko evaporated once she saw the shy blush creeping up on her ivory skin. Kikyou swan to a separate section of the bath and disappeared behind a wall of rock.

Sango seemed to prefer this and it was almost, her contained anger written deeply in her eyes though her face smiled.

"Better..."

She said tersely to Kagome as she began bathing. Kagome frowned and splashed Sango gently. Her adoptive sister looked at her wide eyed and slightly angry.

"What? Can I help that I haven't forgotten her sins so easily as Inuyasha and you?"

Sango questioned heatedly as she turned from Kagome, not caring if Kikyou heard. Kagome sighed went around to face Sango and gently brought her into a hug. Sango stiffened for a moment the relaxed, hugging her back.

"Sango-chan please… I made the decision I made for a reason. Everyone deserves a second chance and Inuyasha and Kikyou deserve to have the life Naraku stole from them…"

Tear prickled her eyes but she kept them at bay. Sango hung her head and sighed. If Kagome wasn't going to hold it against her she wasn't really sure if she could either. Giving a soft smile Sango hugged Kagome once more before swimming around the rock wall to find the elder miko cleaning herself with a lavender scented soap bar Kagome had given her a while back.

Kikyou loved the scent. And she relished in the knowledge that she no longer had to hide the scent of graveyard soil and death with perfumes and powders. In the months previous the soap Kagome had given her had no effect on her scent but now, she raised her arm to her nose and inhaled. Even to her human nose she could smell the difference. A small smile pulled at her lips.

At the sound of the water splashing against bodies gently Kikyou turned to see Sango and Kagome coming toward her. She had purposely moved away to keep from having to hear whatever hateful things Sango was no doubt saying about her and she didn't blame her at al. She knew she had been a cruel, hateful bitch bent of destroying the only one man who loved her and the only girl willing to help her.

She stilled her movements and waited as they approached.

Sango for her part had the good sense to look ashamed of herself as she did her best impression of a bow in the waist deep water.

"Forgive my Kikyou… I have been unfair in judging you for you past actions. I-If Kagome can forgive you and look beyond that then I cannot hold them against you…"

Kikyou eyes widened at Sango's apology though the rest of her face remained as unmoving as usual. That is until a small smile formed on her lips. She bowed as well and nervously swept her hair over her shoulder.

"I understood your resentment and never faulted you for it… I have committed unspeakable evils against your friends and family and I never thought..."

She paused for a moment, emotion clouding her voice. Kagome felt tears forming again as the sincerity and pain in her incarnation's voice.

"Never thought I could actually be forgiven"

Sango and Kikyou both straightened and regarded one another.

"I haven't forgiven you… yet. But I won't be rude or unkind anymore"

With that Sango quickly swam away to leave uncomfortable situation and emotions beginning to stir up, leaving Kagome and Kikyou alone. Both looking toward one another and neither speaking. Kikyou continued to run her hands though her hair nervously until Kagome broke the silence.

"She'll come around.. she's stubborn and hurting right now but she'll come around."

Kikyou nodded and let go her hair, those long ebony strands falling straight around her shoulders and pooling in the water around her like ink.

Kagome swept her hair back from her face, the majority of it in a loose bun at the nape of her neck. Smiling one last time she turned to leave before a dainty hand on her wrist stopped her. Kagome looked up the arm of the hand now gently grasping her wrist and saw Kikyou looking up to her with a torrent of emotion swimming in her bluish, grey eyes.

Kagome tilted her head in confusion after a few seconds passed and Kikyou said nothing. The seconds stretched on for what seemed like an eternity, the sound of moving water echoing in the space of the thick silence. Finally after what seemed like hours Kikyou released Kagome and dropped both her hands to her sides, her head bowed and her ebony bangs obscuring the view of her face.

"Thank you…." Was all she whispered before she too made a hasty retreat from the water and left Kagome alone once again with her own thoughts.

A small knowing smile formed on Kagome's face as she shook her head and stepped waded over to the shallows to ascend the small stone steps out of the water.

She wasn't worried that one day Sango would come around, and that Kikyou would as well.

'Now.. to find Sesshoumaru'

*Author's Note*

YAY Another chapter down! Thank you all so much for the reviews and the feedback. It helps more than you know. And sorry this took so long. I moved and in the process my muse managed to get herself lost

Inari: I DID NOT! –yells from the other room-

Neo: You DID SO –yells back- Otherwise please explain me finding you locked in the closet after 2 weeks!

Inari: YOU LOCKED ME IN THERE YOU IDIOT!

Neo: Oh… I was wondering what that scratching noise was.. Thank God I thought we had mice –shudders-

Inari: I hate you… -mumbles-

Neo: What was that?

Sessho: I believe the halfbreed said she hates you –smirks as Inari flails, begging him to be quiet-

Neo: Why you…. –chases after Inari-

Kags: -shakes her head, handing Shippou and Rin some of her popcorn and waving- See you guys next chapter!