Disclaimer: Inuyasha and all of its characters are the property of Rumiko Takahashi.
A/N: I own only the idea of this fanfiction and the plot within nothing else. I make no profit off of this story and merely do it for fun.
Koga P.O.V.
"No… Kagome!" Koga thought to himself as he blindly tried to follow after her by scent. His attempt failed though as he soon heard the thunderous hum of what sounded like hundreds of wings. He knew all too well that just a few feet in front of him was a wall of Naraku's poisonous insects. On a regular day he would have had no trouble tearing through them. Now blind and with a fox kit in his arms he could only curse in frustration. "Damn it!" He swore loudly.
"What's happening?" He heard Sango cry a few feet behind him.
"Whatever was in that smoke blinded everyone except for Kagome and she took off running on her own! Whatever Naraku is up to has to do with her. Why else would she be left unaffected by the smoke." Koga called back.
"You let her just take off on her own?!" Inuyasha spat out in frustration.
"As if I just let it happen on purpose!? Don't you hear it? I tried to follow but we are surrounded." He bit back though Inuyasha's words stung as guilt began to set it. "I should never have lost my guard now Kagome is alone. How could I let this happen? Please Kami let her be ok."
Naraku P.O.V.
Slowly he stepped from his place within the shadows. He had watched as the young Miko ran frantically for her life. It had been all too amusing seeing the fear in her eyes as she ran through the forest. When she finally fell as his curse entered her body chills ran up his spine. "It actually worked… The Dark Priestess actually knew what she was doing…" He thought to himself as satisfaction coursed through him. Now he stood before her collapsed body on the forest floor waiting patiently for the curse to take affect.
"Soon… very soon her Riki will be mine to take and use for my new incarnation and they will be able to sense the last of the jewel shards and be useful in battle against Inuyasha and any other demon that dare to challenge me. And young Kagome will die without anything to fill the void the loss of her Riki left behind." Naraku began to chuckle knowing that the group would be lost without their precious Miko. She was the glue that held them all together and the key to his success. Without her all would be lost for them and Naraku could nearly taste his victory. The sound of gagging tore him out of his thoughts and brought his attention to the girl at his feet. He watched as she began to cough and small droplets of blood landed on the forest floor. Curious he crouched down and rolled her onto her back watching as her brows pulled together in frown and she groaned in pain.
Suddenly her eyes shot open and her back arched high as she let out a terrifying scream that took even Naraku by such surprise that he jumped back. Soon the scream faded though and Kagome's body relaxed as she exhaled and wisps of pink magic escaped with her last breath. Following the flow of magic a beautiful small glowing pink sphere slowly rose out of Kagome's mouth and Naraku stared in wonder as it continued to rise above the girl's body.
"That is it! Her Riki… it is mine." He thought as he took a tentative step forward his eyes wide. Slowly he raised his hands the closer he got, eager for the sphere to be within his grasp. Just before his fingers were about to wrap around the glowing sphere though it suddenly shot high into the air out of his reach. "What? No, this shouldn't be happening…" He thought as he watched horrified as the sphere took off in a streak of light before disappearing completely over the trees. "No… NO!" He yelled in rage not knowing what to do. "Kagura!" He all but screamed and seconds later the Wind Sorceress appeared but remained silent. "Come, we are paying another little visit to Yoi. That damned Priestess has some explaining to do." He said bitterly walking towards her.
"And her?" Kagura said indifferently nodding her head in the direction of Kagome's lifeless body.
Naraku glanced over his shoulders taking in the Miko's state. Her once beautiful brown eyes were now dull and lifeless and she was no longer breathing. "She is dead and no longer a threat to us." He said smirking as he realized even with the Riki lost there was still some small victory to be won. With that the two took off on Kagura's giant feather and disappeared into the night.
Kikyo P.O.V.
The blindness was terrifying though she had yet to utter a single word. Inuyasha and Koga were both cussing up storms trying to find ways for them to break through the cloud of poisonous insects though they all knew it was pointless. Without their sight they would do little good stumbling through the forest. Something within her was truly worried though. Something was definitely not right, her entire being shook with anxiety. If she were more than a clay shell she would have been shivering and sweating with the whirl wind of emotion she was experiencing. She knew it must have to do with Kagome. Since they had joined forces the half of the soul she had was constantly fighting against her as if trying to return to her reincarnation or over working to stay where it was. Whatever was happening now something inside her told her Kagome was in trouble and though they weren't close she didn't want anything bad to happen to the other.
"Naraku what are you planning?" Kikyo thought to herself as she reached up placing her hand over where she should have been able to feel her heart beating if she were alive. Suddenly she felt a pulse run through her. It was different than when she sensed jewel shards but she could sense that something was approaching. "Inuyasha…" She said and the two demons fell silent. "What is it?" She heard her love respond and her brows pulled together in confusion. "I don't know something is happening. I can sense something but I don…" Before she could finish it felt like something slammed into her chest. The force caused her to fall back and knocked the wind out of her leaving her gasping as she clenched her hanjuban above her heart. "Kikyo!?" She heard Inuyasha call out before she felt him by her side as he reached down and pulling her close him. "Kikyo what is it?" He asked fear evident in his voice.
It felt as though her whole body was on fire and she gasped before crying out in pain. "What is this?" She thought as fear began to set in. Another pulse ran through her this time more powerful. She could hear Inuyasha calling her name but his voice was muffled as she could hear the blood rushing and pounding in her ears. "Blood?" She thought to herself suddenly realizing how alive she felt. With a trembling hand she flattened her fingers over her chest above her heart as she waited. With the feeling of her now beating heart her eyes went wide in realization. "Kagome…" She said softly fear laced in the single word.
"What about Kagome woman?" She heard the Wolf Demon ask a few feet away. "Why do you smell so different all the sudden?" He asked a few seconds later.
Before anyone had time to say anything though the sound the insects stirred and slowly began to disappear. "They are leaving…" She said to no one in particular. As the swarm slowly left her vision returned. First foggy but then returned to normal. Looking around it was like nothing had happened at all expect for Kagome's absence. Slowly Kikyo sat up still holding her hand over her now beating heart.
"What did you say Kagome's name for?" The wolf demon asked now glaring at her his patience obviously wearing thin.
"My soul… it's whole. I am alive…" She said slowly afraid to say what she thought it meant out loud.
"What the hell does that have to do with Kagome?" He asked his anger rising.
"Kagome's soul was split… They each only had half. But now Kikyo…" Inuyasha said quietly and Kikyo looked over to see him staring at her with a mixture of wonder and horror. Looking back to the Wolf Demon she watched as the realization dawned on him as he backed away from her slowly before turning and taking off at an inhuman speed into the forest likely to find Kagome.
"Please let me be wrong and Kagome be safe and well." She thought to herself slowly standing on shaky legs determined to follow Koga to find Kagome.
Sesshomaru P.O.V.
Sesshomaru growled in annoyance. It had been a peaceful day for the most part before his men reported that his half-brother and his pack were approaching his lands. He had meant to merely come out and taunt his little brother and get a rise out of him. It had become their routine as of the last year. No longer were they constantly trying to kill each other at every opportunity. From the outside it might have seemed like it but now their battles had no real force behind them. It was simple sparring neither actually trying to end the others life. They weren't exactly civil to one another but Sesshomaru's hate had finally melted with time and now he just took the chance to pester his brother when the opportunity presented itself. Truth was he had grown to have a small ounce of respect for his brother and his pack. More than once they had all proven themselves in battle and on rare occasion they had even worked together. Gaining his new respect for his brother and his comrades also help Sesshomaru to see humans in a new light. While he still disliked most as he thought many humans were foolish and let their emotions control and rule their lives he no longer hated them.
Tonight, what he had anticipated to be just another normal meeting and taken an awful turn. Now he could sense Naraku in the area and he internally chastened himself for allowing Rin to accompany him. In the past he would have ordered Jaken to take Rin back to the castle and keep her safe but history had proven more than once that that plan never ended well. So he kept her close at his side completely on guard worried as the sounds within the forest alerted to the danger a head of them. "Rin stay close to me and if something should happen I want you to find a hiding spot and stay there." He looked down at the girl who he had grown to love as a daughter waiting for her to acknowledge what he had said. When she didn't answer instead looking up at him worried as if she thought to stay by him no matter what he couldn't help but frown. "Rin?" He said a little force behind his words not looking for her to challenge him on the matter.
"Hai Otousan." Rin finally responded softly though Sesshomaru could see the fierce protectiveness that she felt. He couldn't help the small swell of pride he felt as he watched her turn her gaze forward determined to be brave. He could almost sense the disobedience in her knowing she was likely to stay and try her best to protect him opposed to hide. He would have to be sure to keep a close eye on her and make sure she didn't get herself into any trouble.
As the wind shifted Sesshomaru picked up the scent of Kagome, Kagura and Naraku and noticed all but the Miko were fading. "They are leaving?" He questioned wondering if maybe his younger brother's companion had managed to chase them off. He had not heard the sound of battle though. The uncertainty of the situation made him that much more nervous and he picked up the pace wishing to find out what had happened. "Why is she alone and not with her group?" All the questions were beginning to frustrate him. When he finally did spot Kagome's body on the ground he stopped walking a deep frown setting on his face. Rin reacted before he had time to really process the situation as she ran forward and fell to her knees next to the young woman's body.
"Kagome-chan!" Rin cried out as she grasped the others arm and shook it roughly. Finally regaining his focus Sesshomaru made his way over his indifferent mask in place. The young woman was dead he could see the beings from the Netherworld working to take the girls soul. Without hesitation he drew Tenseiga and slashed through the air where he could see the pall-bearers. Some may have been surprised by his actions but the Miko had managed to gain his respect over the years. Often she had rescued and protected Rin when he was unable. At first he had hated her for it taking it as his own short comings that a human girl was able to do something he hadn't been able to do himself. As time went on and Rin grew closer to Kagome so did Sesshomaru. He would never say it out loud but he could at least admit to himself that he almost saw the woman as a friend. They had on rare occasion shared each other's company and conversed. When he had learned that Kagome was from another time he had been wildly curious and often pestered her about the future trying to learn all that he could. His respect only grew as he began to recognize her as an extremely intelligent and kind individual. In their meetings Kagome was taking the time to teach Rin to read and write. Something that was no common among women of their time let alone those of a lower class.
Seeing her now cut down so young caused something in his chest to clench. He couldn't help but realize he did not want her to die. So without question using Tenseiga to save her was what he had to do. He openly frowned though as more creatures of the Nether appeared again working diligently to take Kagome's soul.
"Why isn't Tenseiga working Sesshomaru-sama?" Rin asked tears now pooling in her eyes as she stared up at him desperate for him to help Kagome. He looked down at the sword that had never failed him before and frowned deeply frustrated and confused. Again he cut down the Netherworld beings and just as before more appeared to replace the old. Sesshomaru realized that as hard as they worked they couldn't draw out Kagome's soul. "She is empty…" He realized in slight horror now understanding why Naraku and Kagura had left without a fight.
"Otousan please help Kagome. Don't let her die please. I don't want Kagome-chan to die." Rin pleaded looking up at him her tears now flowing freely down her cheeks.
"Rin I don't…" Before he could finish though Rin began to sob and interrupted him. "Please Otousan just try, please." She begged pulling at his heart as he hated seeing her so distraught. "This is old magic, what is there that I can do?" He thought gritting his teeth in frustration. He knelt down next to Kagome's body not having a clue of what he could do to save her.
"Sesshomaru-sama I think I may know of a way to help Kagome-sama." Sesshomaru suddenly heard in his left ear and glanced over to see Myoga perched on his shoulder. "Myoga…" He said coldly acknowledging the other who always seemed to appear once the danger had passed. "Naraku used an old dark spell to steal Kagome-sama's Riki. With half of her soul already sealed within the resurrected priestess Kikyo she now is empty. To live she needs something to replace the power that was stolen from her. If you were to give her some of your blood she would become youkai."
"It is that simple?" Sesshomaru asked having never heard of a human turned youkai ever.
"No, all cases I have heard of where humans have ever taken the blood of a youkai they died not able to handle the demon blood. But I believe Kagome-sama is strong enough. She is one of the most powerful Miko in history and I believe she will be able to handle it. If she does survive though she will still have a long road ahead of her. Learning to control herself as a full blooded youkai will take time. She will have trouble controlling her beast. You must know as well Sesshomaru-sama if you share your blood with her it will make her inu-yokai and a part of your clan. She will in truth become like your sister sharing your blood line." Myoga said all of this quickly and Sesshomaru could tell that the flea was doubtful he would agree to do it.
"Hn…" He said staring intently at Kagome wondering if he should really do it. It would make him responsible for teaching her the ways of inu as well as learning to cope with being a demon. She would also gain the title as Lady of the West as he was unmarried and she would become his sister. All of it was a lot to process in a matter of minutes. And he wasn't sure he truly wanted to deal with that hassle should the Miko survive.
"Otousan?" He heard Rin's soft voice pulling him out of his thoughts and he raised his eyes to meet hers. She still had the pleading desperation in her eyes and it was all it took for Sesshomaru to make up his mind. If he didn't at least try Rin would never forgive him and he couldn't live with causing her that much pain. So without any other words being spoke he lifted his hand and used his fang to slice a deep cut into his wrist and then held the bleeding wound over Kagome's mouth. He watched silently as drop after drop fell between her slightly parted lips.
"That should be enough Sesshomaru-sama. Rin you should move away." Myoga said after a minute and Sesshomaru lowered his wrist.
"Rin listen to Myoga I know you care for Kagome but we don't know what is going to happen." Sesshomaru said after Rin stayed by Kagome's side ignoring the flea. As if already fearing danger Myoga leapt from Sesshomaru's shoulder and onto Rin's as the young girl stood up and back away. At first it seemed like nothing was going to happen but then Sesshomaru heard Kagome slightly exhale showing signs of life. After another few minutes of silence Sesshomaru felt a pulse that resonated from Kagome's body and then after a few second another. Suddenly Kagome's fist clenched and her eyes shut tight as a very small whimper escaped from her lips. Sesshomaru watched in wonder as the woman's features began to alter right before his eyes. Her hair grew even longer than it already was and deepened in color. Where before it had been a flat black it now shown with tints of midnight blue. Markings similar to his own began to appear, magenta stripes around her wrist and across her cheeks, and a blue crescent moon though instead of on her forehead it appeared on her neck below her right ear. While the process had seemed to be going smoothly Kagome suddenly arched her back as her mouth opened in a silent scream. Sesshomaru watched as her teeth shifted and she grew fangs and her soft human body hardened with the muscle and strength of a full fledged demon.
"What have you done to my mate?" He suddenly heard off to his right and he turned to see Koga though his eyes bled red and he stared at him with pure rage. It was clear the others beast was just on the surface ready to take revenge for the woman he cared for. Sesshomaru was a little curious at Koga referring to Kagome as his mate as he could not sense such a connection between the two.
"You are mistaken Wolf this Sess…" He was unable to finish before Koga attacked too far gone to hear reason. "Stop this. This Sesshomaru has done nothing to harm the Miko." He said as he blocked all of Koga's advances. The other was having none of it though. Sesshomaru could tell the Wolf Lord was out for his head and if he didn't get through to the other soon things were going to get bloody.
Inuyasha P.O.V.
"Kagome!" Inuyasha called out rushing over to her thrashing body on the ground. The group had just shown up behind Koga who was already attacking Sesshomaru. "What is happening?" He asked no one though his eyes were wide as he took in Kagome's appearance.
"Master Inuyasha do not touch her you will only make the transformation harder for her." He heard Myoga call out as the flea jumped onto his haori.
"Transformation? What do you mean Myoga? What the hell happened to her?" He asked in frustration the rest of the group looking the flea as well everyone desperate to find out what had happened to their friend.
"Naraku used old dark magic to steal Lady Kagome's riki, Inuyasha. I am guessing by the now very much alive Kikyo though his plans didn't go exactly according to plan." Everyone looked to Kikyo at that statement before turning their attention back to the flea. "Even though his plans were foiled it still left Kagome incomplete. Most of her soul and all of her powers as a Miko are gone. She was dead when Lord Sesshomaru and young Rin found her. I advised Sesshomaru to save her by sharing his blood when Tenseiga didn't work. Kagome is now making the change from a human into a youkai. All in the past have died during the transformation. But it was Kagome's only hope and I believe her to be strong enough to survive."
The group turned their attention to the two battling demons. All a little surprised that Sesshomaru was actually trying to help Kagome. Sure some of them knew that the two were no longer enemies but no one would have guessed he would go so far as to share his own blood to save her. "Master Inuyasha you should stop Koga and Sesshomaru. He was only trying to help and Koga won't listen to his reason." Myoga said a bit nervously obviously uncomfortable with the idea of two very angry demons going into a full on battle. The situation between the two battling youkai was quickly escalating and getting out of hand as Sesshomaru's eyes were tinting red with anger. His patients for the Wolf were fading and he was all too happy to end the other. Before that could happen though Koga froze without notice his eyes wide as he seemed to be listening intently before his head jerked in Kagome's direction. "Kagome?" They all heard the Wolf say and watched as Koga's eyes returned to normal as his anger subsided and he made his way over to where the rest of the group stood around Kagome's now still form.
Kagome P.O.V.
Everything was fire. Her blood was fire, the air she breathed was fire even her skin was fire. Kagome knew nothing but pain. She had been certain that she was dying before. Feeling like her soul was ripped from body before her world went black. When she woke she couldn't even move for fear that it would only worsen the pain that she felt. She had no idea what was going on but everything in her body was screaming. At first she was just doing all that she could not to move a muscle going so far as to not even breath like she knew she should. But as her muscle contracted and expanded against her will she lost all sense of control and her body thrashed and arch with each course of pain that shot through her.
"What is happening to me?" She thought as her head began to pound and she whimpered fighting the urge to vomit. She was vaguely aware that she wasn't alone and though all the sounds around her were muffled she was sure she could hear Shippo crying out her name. "No is he watching me die?" She thought out of panic as she bit down on her tongue to keep herself from screaming in pain again. "Kagome-chan?!" She heard again only this time it wasn't Shippo. "Rin? No what is happening. Ahhh!" It felt like hours of nothing but fire coursing through her, in reality it was only minutes. When the pain finally did began to subside though she lay grateful for the cool forest floor against her blazing skin. Her body was covered in sweat from the transformation she just went through and she panted exhausted from the experience. She whimpered again as hear vision came into focus as she saw all of her friends and loved ones standing around her staring at her wide eyes. The only one she didn't see was Koga. "Koga where is he why isn't he here?" She thought to herself too tired to try and understand the worry and sadness she felt at his absence. "Koga?" She barely whispered and again whimpered and flinched in pain. Seconds later he was there at her side grabbing her hand gently.
"Kagome?" She heard him say and she smiled instantly comforted by his presence. "Kagome what happened?" At his question she tried to recall what had happened when she ran from the darkness but nothing came to mind. The edges of her vision began to darken and she realized exactly how tired she felt. Closing her eyes she gripped Koga's hand that held her tight. "Koga? Stay with me… don't leave…" She barely managed to whisper before fading into darkness again.
Koga P.O.V.
"Kagome? Kagome!" Koga said now pulling her limp form against his chest and he listened making sure she was still breathing and her heart beating.
"Koga-sama, Lady Kogame is likely just exhausted from all the she has gone through. She just needs to rest. You all should find somewhere to camp for a few days to give her time to recover her strength." Myoga spoke up,
"You all will accompany me to my home. You may rest there as we wait for Kagome to heal." Sesshomaru said in a matter of fact voice that took the group by surprise.
"Like hell we will. Who do you think you…" Inuyasha started to argue with his brother. While they might have been civil for nearly a year now he certainly didn't trust his brother even after he saved Kagome.
"Inuyasha it is not up for you to decide. Kagome needs a safe place to recover which is something I can offer. Her and I also have much to discuss once she is awake. She is Lady of the West now whether she likes it or not and with the title comes certain obligation and responsibility. It is about time you return to your lands and learn to rule them anyways little brother. I have done your job far too long, as a son of Inu no Taisho it is your responsibility to help maintain and rule the Western Lands our Father worked to build. You have ignored these responsibilities long enough." With that Sesshomaru turned and began to make his way through the forest followed by Rin.
Everyone stared after him eyes wide and mouths gapped. Never before had Sesshomaru recognized Inuyasha's status that came with being his Father's son. They had all sort of accepted that Sesshomaru wanted nothing to do with Inuyasha or give him what was his right by birth. Slowly all coming out of the stupor they began to follow the ever confusing Western Lord and his charge. Koga lifted Kagome carefully into his arms and caught up with the rest. He had been the only one to pay little attention to what had transpired between the brothers his thought too consumed with Kagome. His beast was still raging within him demanding vengeance on those who had hurt her.
"Mate hurt…."His inner beast seethed causing his blood to boil.
"Yes." He responded simply knowing if he ignored his beast now it would do no good only causing more frustration for them both.
"Kill Naraku for hurting mate." His beast demanded causing him to close his eyes fighting back the anger.
"Yes…. Yes we will."
