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willowdrabbles · 6 years ago

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Little bird no more (Rewritten)

Hey guys I'm back and better than before! I'm so sorry for leaving you guys hanging on Little Bird No More, but I promise this one will be better written and simply more than the old one. I felt like I was disappointed in myself with what I had come up with and just wasn't happy with it. I knew I could do better but I simply didn't have the heart to do it. This one will essentially be the same story plot wise, but with more realistic elements involved. I've been constantly researching cannon concepts and such so I'm not too far off the beaten path when writing this again.

A few things to take note of though: Given the amount of time it would realistically take to find all these shards, I have changed the years. (canonly, The Inu gang find and destroy the jewel all in under a year, then Kagome is sent back to her time for three years, and so the series ends three years later.) So, with that I've adjusted it to be a three year hunt, Kagome is 18 years old, the Jewel is still unfinished, and not all of the events of The Final Act have occurred yet. Since I will somewhat be sticking with my original base plot line, I will be leaving the old story up for reference and rereads.

Last note is that this is a Sesshomaru/ Kagome Fanfic. I unfortunately do not own anything of Inuyasha. I will post the chapter under a read more because it is so damn long.

Chapter 1: Risen

Word count: 6691

Warning: Rated M- This chapter contains character injury.

Re posted from my Fanfiction

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A sudden stiff breeze hit the screen from the doorway, bringing in with it the scent of ash and wet soil as it blew through the half open door. The breeze blew the embers of the small fire pit within the hut, burning what little wood was left and causing it to collapse in on itself.

The small noise was enough to stir one little time traveling priestess from her sleep. Her body gave one minuscule jump to the noise and her blue eyes, stormy and dark from sleep, snapped open. Staring at the embers, Kagome slowly pushed herself up onto her hip as she carefully scanned the dark room of the hut.

Across from the fire pit was Sango and Miroku. Dawn was approaching, the only reason she knew was the sky was light enough to show the sheen of sweat on Miroku's face as he fitfully slept. Dark purple splotches were scattered on his right shoulder, obviously showing the miasma had not fully receded from his body. They had removed his robes to bandage him and let him rest easy, and kagome recalled the bitter comments of foolishness that Inuyasha has spat out while he helped. But he had not seen what she had seen. The dark,sharp, and deadly fast tentacles that had headed for Sangos back while she fought off a centipede demon. Almost making connection before the current of the wind tunnel diverted them, pulling them into the abyss of Miroku's hand.

Sango still had tears in her eyes as she slept, one hand clinging to Miroku's left.

Kirara was curled up on Sango's other side, sleeping soundly and peacefully it seemed despite her own injuries. Shippo was nowhere to be seen within the hut. The spot next to her where he normally slept was cold, but Rin and Jaken were outside, and he had been chatting with her until Kagome had fallen asleep, so she assumed he was still with her.

Eyes landing on the doorway, her eyes grew darker and blank as she noticed a certain red clad half demon was no longer at his 'post'. The dust on the floorboards was still unsettled from where he had folded himself in for the night. But he was obviously gone. That explained the dead fire.

Pain bloomed in her chest, a quiver in her lip had her biting it as she recalled the few words he spoke to her the previous night. They had not been kind. His whole demeanor since their last battle had not been kind.

"Give them to me!" Kikyo demanded once more, stepping forward threateningly. Kagome leaned back from her, not letting her eyes stray from her target. Her arm quivered at having held the arrow in her hand back so far, but she did not waiver.

"I won't! You don't know if your plan will work or if the miasma will corrupt the jewels before they reach him!" Kagome argued, trying to tune out the sound of Inuyasha's screaming and the other priestess at her side.

"If you do not wish to finish Naraku then give them to me! I will do it!" Kikyo lurched forward towards Kagome's chest, obviously seeking to grab the shards. Instinctively, Kagome's elbow shot up, slamming into Kikyo's nose with a distinct crack. Had she looked over, she would have seen the priestess stumble back a step, her eyes filled with anger and resentment while she cradled her nose, a thin line of a crack spreading across the bridge and down to her left cheek.

"I won't kill them too!" Kagome screamed, her eyes narrowing in warning for a second before returning to Naraku

"Lord Sesshomaru!" Rin cried desperately behind her. She had taken refuge behind Kagome when the fighting started to look bleak in their favor. By the sound of it she was just to her right now.

Kagome's dark blue eyes flickered slightly to the left, past Kikyo's shoulder to check on Sesshomaru and Koga. Sesshomaru was up to his neck in tentacle and miasma, his body being more engulfed by the second. Tokijin lay out of his reach, stuck in the mud below him. His lips were bared in a hideous snarl. Just passed him, also wrapped in more tentacles was Kouga, though only his arms and legs had been wrapped so far, and he was thrashing violently, but more of his body was being pulled in, and the closer he got the more curses spewed from his mouth.

"Once I absorb them, I'll have enough power to crush you all and take the rest of the jewel shards!" Naraku boasted, his dark red eyes glittering with almost lust as he looked at Kagome, his focus mostly on the bottle of shards dangling from her neck.

"Asshole." Kagome muttered.

"Kagome! Aim for his body already! On my count!" Inuyasha roared, prepping his tessaiga Kagome grimaced at the order, her eyes looking at Sesshomaru the same moment he locked eyes with her.

She couldn't tell what he was thinking, what the emotion besides anger that resided in his eyes at that moment, but it spurred her into action either way.

'Don't kill them' the pleaded to her bow silently, sucking in a breath as it pulled under her fingertips. With a quick exhale she let the arrow fly, watching it slice through the two fat tentacles that had wrapped themselves around Sesshomaru and Koga. Both demons fell from the air, Koga landing in a heap in the ground, immediately thrashing to remove the dying tentacles from his limbs. Sesshomaru however, with the weakening of his confines, managed to use his poison claws to remove the tentacles faster, allowing him to fall more carefully and gracefully to the ground.

"Damn you wench!" Naraku snarled, his whole disgusting body shifting before another dark gray tentacle was shooting in her direction.

Her eyes widened at the curve and angle he took, easily, he would take out the two woman and the child behind her with the blow.

Unable to reach, draw, and aim an arrow in time, she grabbed Rin by her thin arm and yanked her behind her, her eyes flashing with fierce determination.

"Get down!" She yelled at the child, her brows raising as her voice seemed to echo.

The echo was Inuyasha, who bolted in front of her to tackle Kikyo to the ground to avoid getting hit.

Time seemed to slow as the tentacle propelled forward. Somewhere beyond the rotten flesh she saw a glimmer of silver and the sound of a battlecry. A glimmer of Tokijin slicing through the air, suddenly the tentacle shuttered, still propelling forward, off course but still with force, the tentacle snapped through her bow as she held it out defensively, and continued through her shoulder, slicing her uniform and spraying blood on her cheek. She wasn't entirely sure when she left the ground, or even that she did, until she hit the hard dirt several feet back, winding her from the hit.

She grabbed her shoulder, wincing from the hot glob of mess that met her palm. Pain had not set in yet, so she lurched to sit up and make sure Rin was alright.

The small girl was laying on the ground, just pushing herself up to look at Kagome, fresh tears in the corners of her eyes. "Lady Kagome!" She screamed, scrambling on her hands and knees to get to the wounded priestess, "Lord Sesshomaru!" Her desperate, pleading wail echoed across the battlefield, louder than anyone calling out to Kagome in panic. Rin whimpered frantically looking around before letting go of Kagome and reaching down to her yukata, quickly ripping the bottom off and shoving the bundle into Kagome's shoulder.

Sesshomaru watched the pair with a bit of shock, his mouth open before his eyes flickered to Inuyasha, seeing a movement that was out of her prehervial vision. Suddenly he turned and bared a snarl at Naraku.

"You bastard! Windscar!" Kagome watched as Inuyasha took a running leap past her, swinging his sword with more vigor than before.

"Dragon strike!" Somewhere over the roar of the earth upturning, she heard Sesshomaru's own battle cry.

When the blue and yellow lightning dispersed, Kagome felt a twinge of horror that there was still some of Naraku left, floating in a small barrier containing himself, Kagura, and Magatsuhi.

"Until next time you pathetic fools." Naraku cackled, before his little orb of a barrier rapidly took to the sky.

Kagome was starting to feel the pain now, hot pain radiating from her shoulder to her fingertips and across her chest. The battle field was quiet for a moment, save the pounding of steps as Sango and Miroku sprinted to her side.

"Oh gods, Kagome!" Sango cried, her face held scratches and half of her hair was undone, but she did not seem more worse for wear. Miroku followed behind, panting terribly before coming to a stop a few feet away "Lady Kagome are you alright?"

Kagome nodded, wincing at the pull of muscle her neck caused. Shippo came running, her yellow backpack in his grasp, and handed it to Sango who sighed in relief

"Oh thank you Shippo." Sango said quickly, digging through the pack as Miroku plopped down with a groan, gripping his wrist with his free hand.

"Let's let them work." Shippo said softly, grabbing Rin's elbow to lead her back, giving Sango room to work. A small sob escaped Rin as she watched, unfazed it seemed by the blood but more at the horror it had happened because Kagome was protecting her.

"Kagome!" Koga yelled, leaping to her side and taking her left hand in his, offering a squeeze of support. "I'm so sorry that bastard got away. And he hurt you too! Damnit!"

Koga whipped around to face Inuyasha, having not thought of him until now Kagome also followed his gaze, staring at the half demon as he stared into the sky. Opposite direction that Naraku has escaped in. Curious, Kagome followed that direction as well, and saw a glimmer of silver and red retreating into the distance.

"What the hell muttface?! You helped let Naraku get away and Kagome got hurt! What the hell is your problem?" Koga growled, gripping her hand tighter. She winced at the force but said nothing.

Inuyasha stood there for a moment, his hair covering his expression and intensifying the silence that lingered.

"It's her fault." His voice came softly, but Kagome shivered at the tone. This was not going to go well.

"The fuck did you say?" Koga snarled, letting go of Kagome as he stood to face Inuyasha.

"Gah!" Miroku cried, toppling over and distracting everyone except Inuyasha for a moment.

"Miroku!" Sango cried, preparing to run to his side but stopping as she realized she was not done with Kagome.

"I can do it. Go." Rin said softly, stepping forward and gently taking the bandages from Sango. Nodding her thanks, Sango rushed to his side to asses the damage of his wind tunnel. Shippo still stayed at a distance, his eyes watery and clear, but burning with rage as he looked at Inuyasha.

"How can you say that Inuyasha! It wasn't her fault at all!" Shippo growled, his fists tightening.

"It's her fault Naraku got away! Kikyo told me she had a shot and she refused to take it!" Inuyasha yelled, his fangs bared at everyone in general who opposed him, red was rimming the corners of his eyes and Kagome gasped and Rin pulled a bandage slightly too tight.

"She saved me! And My Lord and Lord Koga!" Rin yelled back at him, an angry tear sliding down her face.

"She could have ended it! But she didn't because she's a weak pathetic little girl!" Inuyasha countered, his fists balling.

"What would you have had me do?! Kill Koga and Sesshomaru? Our allies? For the SLIGHT chance that Kikyo was right? There was no way that Kikyos plan would have worked! Then we would have lost all our shards, and Sesshomaru and Koga!"

"It would have worked if you had at least tried!"

"And then I would have killed our friends as well! You think I could live with this chance?!"

"Enough." A smooth voice interrupted the both of them, drawing their eyes to Sesshomaru, who stood now between Koga and Inuyasha, his eyes on Kagome at first, before bearing down on Inuyasha.

"You kick the girl when she is already down- how dishonorable of you little brother." He said coldly, eyes narrowing as Inuyasha drew his sword.

"What did you say to me?! She wouldn't be hurt if she had done her damn job! Not like you wouldn't do the same to me! You always kick people when they'r-"

With a grunt Koga landed a kick square to his jaw, sending the half demon several feet back and into the dirt. With a seemingly silent understanding, Koga and Sesshomaru shifted to stand next to each other, making a demonic human shaped barrier between the humans and Inuyasha.

"Naraku escaped because we were ill prepared and weak. It is of no fault of the Priestess'." Sesshomaru started plainly, cutting off Inuyasha as he sat up and prepared to argue once more. "I can accept my mistakes and learn from them, it is your problem if you can not do the same, and it will keep you weak."

Sesshomaru had effectively silenced Inuyasha, the red gone from the half demons eyes as he stood. Koga braced himself for another fight, his lips baring at Inuyasha, until he withdrew his sword, not looking at anyone but the ground.

"Either tend to your wounds or let them fester- come Rin." Sesshomaru looked at Rin, awaiting her to finish bandaging Kagome.

"My Lord, lady Kagome and Monk Miroku have both risked their lives to save me this night, I wish to help them however I can." Rin said, her eyes pleading as she looked at him. Somewhere form the border of the trees, and angry imp was screaming about disgrace and ungratefulness. Inuyasha snorted and folded his arms into his sleeves, turning away.

"Very well." Sesshomaru lamented.

That was how they ended up in the abandoned slayer's village once more. Kagome had tried her best to use her powers to heal her injury, however she had only deluded the pain and stopped the bleeding before she became exhausted. Sango put Miroku to bed and retrieved new clothes for Kagome- Black pants that she could say resembled workout tights in her day, only tied around the waist and knitted at the bottom of the legs with leather, and a navy blue thick Kimono to wear on top. A new bow and a sword were offered to her as well, and she had took them, though at the moment they were useless to her.

Pushing her sleeping bag off, she winced as she had to stretch out her arm to retrieve her shoes and put them on. Heaving herself to stand, she grimaced as she picked up her backpack and bow and arrows. Slinging them both over her good shoulder she stepped out into the dark gray morning, the screen shifting back into place behind her.

The abandoned slayers village was mostly quiet with the exception of the crackling campfire outside and the rumbling snoring of Jaken and Ah-Un.

Kagome smiled at seeing Rin comfortably curled up against the dragons side. Shippo also leaning against the hide of the great beast, Rin cuddling his tail as a pillow. Jaken snored from atop his saddle, sprawled across the dragons back. Kagome quietly continued past them, glad that it was still warm enough in the evenings for them to be fine with only a fire. She was almost through the broken gate when a shift of fabric caught her attention.

Ah, someone had to have been attending the fire next to Rin.

"Lord Sesshomaru." Kagome's eyes widened slightly as he shifted to face her, still leaning against the wooden walls. Cloaked in shadow and his aura withdrawn, it was no wonder she almost didn't see him.

"You venture out to find Inuyasha." His eyes looked bored, almost tired if she had to guess. And it was no wonder. His clothes still had slight stains on them, and his normally perfectly smooth hair did not fall straight at the moment. His bangs were frizzed, sticking out in different directions, and his hair had a slight swell of curve to it, teased and tangled around his shoulders, as though he had not taken the time to brush it yet.

Her eyes softened. "No. I need some air." She looked out the gate, eyes scanning over the misty air and the trees. There was no sign of the typical soul eaters that followed the priestess Inuyasha was most likely with at the moment. Not that she wanted to find him, but being unaware of where he was she was nervous of running across him while 'getting some air.'

Setting her shoulders back and sliding her bow down to her palm, she slipped out the gate and into the woods, her feet softly crunching leaves and sticks as she walked. She had been walking for a few minutes before a soft glow caught her eye. Turning curiously, she spotted a light baby blue bundle of orchids was nestled in the base of a tree, illuminated seemingly by the moon. Kagome's eyes brightened and a small smile graced her lips as she moved towards the flowers, kneeling before them to let their lovely scent fill her senses. They reminded her of the flowers her mother planted around the house just before spring, beautiful blossoms that and lilies and orchids that made the morning air sweet when she was leaving for school.

Smiling to herself, Kagome set down her bow and grabbed an arrow, using the head to cut off the flowers at the base and gently cradled them. 'I know where these should go…' She swept up her bow and draped it back over her shoulder. Feeling a quiet presence behind her she turned quickly, her eyes widening as she spotted Sesshomaru standing several feet behind her. She tilted her head at him, silently asking him 'what's up?'. Sesshomaru simply blinked at her, not moving nor offering any response.

Resisting the urge to shrug, Kagome continued on her way once more, now with a purpose and more spring in her step as the foggy morning grew lighter.

From where she had found herself in the woods, it was only a few minutes walk to the limestone cave. She did not mind the ghostly presence following her, feeling actually a bit more safe with the golden eyes at her back. She was curious why he was lingering, perhaps he was curious as to what she was up to as well.

Following her memory, she quickened her pace towards the cave when it finally came into view, looking eerily mournful as fog lingered around the mouth. She did not hesitate as she walked in, for a moment forgetting the presence behind her before she felt the shift of the barrier that covered the cave. She was already several feet in, her green spiritual glow fading when she whirled back, prepared to warn the Daiyoukai of the barrier.

"Oh." She murmured softly, huffing out the deep breath she had taken. Sesshomaru stood, clearly within the rippling barrier just inside the cave. Oddly, like herself, he glowed green as she had until he stepped away from the barrier. He arched a brow at her, then walked the few feet that separated them to stand next to her.

"Did you wish to not be disturbed girl?" He drawled out, brow still raised as he looked at her. Kagome blinked once or twice before shaking her head.

"Uh.. No not at all." She said quietly, snapping her mouth shut and continuing on. Their footsteps echoed off the stone walls of the cave. Mildly bothered by the silence, Kagome peeked at Sesshomaru from the corner of her eye.

"Do you know what this place is?" She inquired, carefully stepping over a large outcropping rock. Honestly she had not been really expecting a response, so his voice gave her a small shock.

"Hn. Some place of power and importance." Sesshomaru remarked quietly, his voice not carrying far within the cave.

"Pretty much." Kagome smiled to herself "This is the resting place of Priestess Midoriko and the Demon she battled for seven days and seven nights. It was from this battle that the jewel was formed." Kagome explained as she saw the eerie glow of the crystallization.

"Midoriko." Kagome sighed, the crystallized corpses coming into view. Such a sight used to give her the creeps. Once upon a time she was just a fifteen year old girl who had never seen a dead body or a demon. Now, such a sight was normal, almost daily thing. But this tomb, these bodies, they were different to her. Something to be revered. History was made here, her whole life and future had been changed because of what happened here.

"You come to seek answers." Sesshomaru stated, though to her it was more of an assumption.

Gently she laid the flowers at the base of the limestone, pulling a dark strand of hair back behind her ear and away from her face, she smiled at the beautiful petals. "To pray, and meditate. Maybe I'll find answers on my own. But there's only so much you can get from a graveyard. You know besides a sword or a magical jewel with infinite power." She flashed him a cheeky grin, receiving no response. After a moment he looked at the stalagmite formation, his expression unreadable to her as he closed his eyes and slightly bowed his head, the smallest form of respect, but all the same enough to make her heart warm at the simple notion.

Kagome straightened her back and rocked back onto her heels before settling into a comfortable kneel. She clapped her hands together in a quick prayer, before resting her hands on her lap, taking a deep breath in to settle herself before preparing herself to meditate.

A sudden gust of wind hit her back, ice cold and biting her skin. Her flesh raised in bumps and her hair flared up and swirled into the air. Her cerulean blue eyes shot open, searching the sudden pitch black void around her. Lurching to her feet, dropping her bag and weapons as she did, Kagome spun in place. Behind her stood Sesshomaru, his brows furrowed and anger in his face. Besides him, she could see nothing else around them. The harsh gale suddenly dropped, her hair falling upon her shoulders once more, Sesshomaru's as well. His eyes were still narrowed dangerously. "What just happened?!" She squawked.

Not a few seconds ago the morning light at least offered a glow to the exit, but now it seemed that the sun had come and passed, and there wasn't even the slightest bit of illumination. Sesshomaru, like her, seemed to glow from within, and yet emitted no light at the same time.

Kagome blinked frantically, trying hopefully to get her eyes to adjust enough for her to see the ground beneath her. Looking back at Sesshomaru, she noticed his eyes trained on her. No, slightly passed her, shock and suspicion still in his golden wide eyes.

"Kagome…"

The voice called from directly behind her, making her jerk to turn around.

"Who-?!" The miko yelped, a shiver running down her spine. Her eyes widened at the glowing figure behind her. An ethereal beautiful woman with the most comforting smile on her face. Kagome's jaw went slack as she stared at the woman. With a wave of her hand the darkness seemed to melt away. The once cold dark black abyss transforming into a beautiful grove.

"Hello Kagome."

She would know that face anywhere,she had been looking upon it only a moment ago, she was sure she would recognize her even though Kagome had never met her in this lifetime.

"Lady Midoriko?"

The woman before her smiled, the warmth radiating from every inch of her skin. "Yes Kagome, I'm glad you know my presence."

"But…. You're…. How…. Where?!" Kagome looked around them, completely flabbergasted at the way this trip had changed. Sesshomaru also had his eyes darting back and forth, taking in their surroundings but never turning away from the spectre in front of him. The soft giggle made the young priestess pause, Kagome's face burning scarlet from embarrassment. This woman was a legend, and here she was, making a fool of herself. The young Miko bit her lip, her cerulean eyes burning with her choked and trapped questions.

With a gentle wave of her hand, Midoriko gestured to the grassy ground, obviously suggesting Kagome sit down once more, as she herself lowered to rest before her.

"We have much to discuss, you and I. My apologies for not having approached you sooner with these matters, but the timing had to be precise, and with certain 'elements' present." Her chocolate brown eyes focused on the Shikon shards around Kagome's neck, covered by her kimono. She then glanced at the Daiyoukai who still stood behind Kagome, showing no sign of relaxing himself.

Kagome wondered if Midoriko, even in this form (or lack there of?), was capable of seeing the shards as she could. That or she knew where it was at all times, who it was attached to, what purpose it was being used for…. The thought that Midoriko was, in all sense, half of the jewel and the cause of its formation… It was overwhelming to think of the connection and what traits or powers Midoriko's soul must have attached to the jewel or it's fragments.

Kagome closed her eyes and shook her head violently, pulling herself out of her own assumptions and theories.

"Why…. Why do you need to speak with me?" Kagome muttered, concern coating her voice, and worry dancing in her eyes. Midoriko gave her a sympathetic glance.

"I so desire to assure you not to worry, but I'm afraid that would be misleading. You have many trials to face, and soon. Danger is growing, and the one true wish will need to be made soon." Midoriko's concern remained on her face, but her smile had fallen. Her voice lowering gravely, she struggled to continue, causing Kagome's heart to race in anticipation.

"It was no mistake you were born with the jewel inside of you. Or why you are from the future, stuck here and now making decisions that will forge the very future you come from. Though, I will be honest I don't even know why. But what I do know, is that you have many choices to make, and that is mostly my fault."

Kagome gave Midoriko an incredulous look, causing the ancient miko to sigh.

"I failed in my lifetime…. I… Became afraid of dying, afraid of the world I would leave behind if I did not defeat the demon…." Midoriko glanced behind Kagome, causing her to look as well.

Unlike the rest of the cave, the one thing that remained the same was the crystallized corpses of the woman next to her, and the Demon that had sealed her fate.

"Because of my fear, I absorbed the demon's soul into my own. Though I was blessed to still have balance within my soul. Otherwise… I can't even think of the destruction that may have occurred. I do not regret my choice, but I do regret the toll of the burden that has been placed on you."

Kagome looked back to Midoriko, her tears gone but questions still in her eyes.

"Kagome Higurashi, you are my true reincarnation." Midoriko smiled ruefully. "I must say, it is a shock to see myself young once more. Your hair is much nicer however." Midoriko let out a soft short laugh, though the joyous sound did not quite reach her eyes.

"But…. I'm Kikyo's reincarnation…. Wasn't I?" Kagome could feel the question in her voice, and her brows furrowed, thinking of the reanimated priestess. They did look alike, though Kikyo had been closer to her age when she passed. But Kagome herself never really thought she could be anything like Kikyo.

"Ah yes lady Kikyo…. I'm afraid even in death I never got to speak with her. She never truly accepted the responsibility of the jewel, or considered the one true wish. I'm saddened I never had a way to help her." Midoriko released Kagome's hand and sat back, reassuming her elegant pose. "You and Kikyo, and a few other strong Miko's and slayers have been my reincarnations. Or simply chosen protectors of the jewel. Each of you contained, or contain a fragment of my soul. A combination of my soul and their own resided in each of them. As it does with you.

Midoriko took a deep breath "You my girl, are so much more than you know. You can bring the end of the jewel, you can make the correct wish. You are more than just the protector of the jewel."

Kagome stared slack jawed at Midoriko "I… uh…. So Kikyo… I..."

"Shhh… I'm sorry, I know this is overwhelming, but you must pay close attention. This is very important information, and I can only give you so much in such little time."

Kagome clamped her mouth shut and nodded, her eyes still wide. Midoriko nodded, pleased with how attentive Kagome was.

"There is… a potentially dangerous side to being my reincarnation. It is part of why Kikyo failed, but a possible strength if used correctly. If you can channel your powers correctly… balance your soul and keep your will and intentions strong… You may be able to manifest more powers- something more powerful than thought possible for the struggles ahead. Perhaps even the powers of the Dragon."

Kagome jerked "Manifest more powers? But how? I'd be stronger? I could help my friends?"

Midoriko smiled, patting Kagome's leg, urging her to calm down. "That is what I believe. None of my other reincarnations have been able to do this… But I am sure that you're strong enough to do so. We are all connected with each other through the jewel. We constantly battle, but we are still connected. And if I am correct about you, you may be able to adapt both sides of the jewel that was reformed inside of you and grow exponentially in power."

Kagome swallowed, her arms beginning to shake in obvious fear. "And…. If I'm not strong enough?"

Midoriko leaned back, shaking her head. "I would not know. There has been no one I thought might be able to do this. I'm not even sure if it's possible, or what the consequences might be if I am wrong."

"Impossible." Sesshomaru bit out, drawing the attention of both of the Priestess'. "For a human, Priestess or otherwise, it would be impossible to manipulate powers from a Demon in such a way as you describe."

"Without a connection to them, maybe. True mates adapt and sometimes receive powers from each other no?" Midoriko asked him, obviously not challenging him, but seeming to want to confirm one of her suspicions. Sesshomaru let out a small 'hn' and stepped back, consenting her point. Mates or no- Kagome was bound to the jewel in a way no one else had ever been.

Kagome bit her lip and gnawed it uneasily before speaking "If no one has ever been able to do this, why do you think I could…"

"Because you have the most powerful and pure soul of my creations. Without my hand, your own soul is large enough to house and contain the jewel. I thought Kikyo would be the one at first… But her soul was not accepting enough. Now I am afraid she is lost. Because Kikyo lives not off of my soul, but of Magatsuhi. The corruption of her soul and part of Magatsuhi's evil resides within her, driving her for her revenge and to be constantly at war with herself over what she desires of the jewel. Your soul has grown and been strengthened by the experience of previous reincarnation's , including hers and mine. When her clay body was formed, it could not tell the difference of the many souls that form the entirety of yours. That's how you lived for so long in the bath, that's how she and you both walk the earth without the one destroying the other with a jumping soul. And, I assume, that is why she has become the way she is, driven by dark and corrupted souls in her heart, using souls of the dead to move her body."

Kagome breathed deeply as she took in this information. Kikyo, as she had always thought, was a victim of more circumstance. Kikyo once held the power of Midoriko and Magatsuhi as well, but fell prey to something darker that led to her end. Kikyo fell down a dark path, not by her own hand, and now she is trapped there.

Or, maybe not.

"Midoriko!" Kagome's head shot up with a sudden thought, her eyes bright with hope. Midoriko gave her a curious look. Kagome leaned forward, grabbing both of Midoriko's hands in her own. "If I make the correct wish, the jewel will be purified, your soul will be free right?" Kagome began to smile, an entirely new plan forming in her head. Midoriko nodded, looking baffled at Kagome's sudden enthusiasm.

"Then, if your soul is free to rest, so should the other reincarnations correct?" Midoriko's eyes widened, making her look more like Kagome as hope suddenly blossomed in her face as well.

"And then so will the other souls trapped within. Brilliant." She grabbed Kagome's hand, a smile splitting her face for a moment before the seriousness returned. Midoriko paused, her face losing expression, as if she was listening to a ringing from somewhere. "The jewel must be whole, And I'm not even sure if purifying it would work. There must be balance in the world."

"Kagome, I do not know if this idea will work, but it is quite the kind one. I don't know if it's the correct wish, or what you may think is the correct wish, but know I have faith in you!" Midoriko gripped Kagome's hands tighter, bringing them to her lips and kissing her fingers gently. Normally, something like that would make Kagome blush. But there seemed to be something far more important in the action, something in the warmth that spread through her fingers and up her arms that made her feel warmed instead of embarrassed.

"As for Naraku, I fear his soul is being sucked within the Jewel the longer he holds the majority of it within his possession."

"How do we stop him?" Sesshomaru demanded, stepping forward until he stood next to them and knelt.

Midoriko scanned him carefully "Son of the Inu no Tashio. You seek to destroy the jewel as well."

His eyes widened a fraction and he glowered "You know of my father?"

Midoriko clicked her tongue and rolled her eyes "But of course. Your father was no fool. His collected demeanor and rule over the lands led us to have a peaceful understanding of each other. He waged war upon the mindless demons the plagued his lands and others as did I. His battle with the dragon clans to the east had him calling me to his aid a few times. He was a marvelous general, and earned my respect."

Her eyes trailed back to the crystallization, her eyes growing hard.

"Unfortunately, he was facing forces of another dragon that gave him trouble. I had learned this one- Magatsuhi- he called himself, lost a battle with your father and fled for his life. Filled with shame and hatred, he found one young man who once sought me. Back then, demons devoured the hearts and souls of easily corrupted men, absorbing the darkness and merging with other demons to create a new more powerful vessel.

The man, Suirou, was completely consumed and killed in the merging. Nothing of his soul remained after it was devoured. The demon left behind was formed almost as powerful as the leader of the eastern army at the time."

"Ryukotsusei." Sesshomaru growled out, his nose wrinkling in distaste. Kagome's eyes widened.

"Wow really? Small world." Kagome murmured. Midoriko closed her eyes, a flash of pain crossing her features.

"Indeed. Our power was a match. And that combined power is the level I fear Naraku may reach, if not exceed with the continuation of use of the jewel."

Kagome got a sudden fearful look in her eyes. "Then… How do we stop him?" She asked softly, all confidence, any hope dimming.

Midoriko set her shoulder's eyes fierce as she looked between Sesshomaru and Kagome. "Two powerful beings, Priestess and Demon, fought and formed the jewel. I believe two more powerful beings, Priestess and Demon, may overcome that power to defeat it."

Kagome leaned back a bit at the intensity of Midoriko's words, her eyes widening and her mouth turning down.

"But there is no way I could possibly…."

"You said she contained the jewel?" Sesshomaru interrupted her, staring hard at the elder priestess. Kagome could almost see gears turning in his head by his expression.

"Yes. That is correct. I waited, for many years for her and the jewel to reform. For her soul to develop as it had, and for the best environment that would lead to as little corruption as possible. It is why there was such a large gap in between her and Kikyo. Kikyo gave her soul the time it needed by burning the jewel with her."

Kagome bit her lip, feeling remorseful for thinking ill of the poor fated woman, even for a moment. She had done all that she could.

"Hn. Something of that power can not be contained by something weaker than it." Sesshomaru stood, turning away and seemingly preparing to leave their little peaceful grove.

"You are correct. It is unfortunate it was forcefully removed." Midoriko stated cooly, watching as Sesshomaru froze. Slowly turning, Kagome was shocked to see his expression dumbfounded.

"So you're saying-" Kagome was interupted as the ground beneath them shook for a moment. A gurgling roar from beside them forcing her to turn in fear.

As if the crystalized formations had come to life, she could see the dragon duplicating. Purple and green scales rippling and shaking as they slowly seemed to burst from the restraints of death.

"We must end this now!" Midoriko cried, standing and grabbing Kagome by the arm. "My barrier for this meeting is fading."

"But what about the demonic power!? How can I unlock it?! And how can I know if I'm ready?" Kagome's heart began racing as the fear and reality began to set in. Midoriko pulled Kagome to her by both arms, her eyes burning into Ksgome's blue ones.

"I'm sorry, I don't know those answers Kagome… But please have faith in yourself and the gifts you've been given so far. The answers will only come to you that way." With a determined look on her face, Midoriko placed a hand on Kagome's injured shoulder. She winced in preperation for the pain, but sighed as none came. Instead a hot warmth spread through her arm and she closed her eyes in bliss. Removing her hand, Midoriko smiled and nodded to herself. "That should help some."

Kagome felt her eyes begin to water as the beautiful grove around them began to shimmer at the edges, Midoriko was fading before her, and Kagome felt more confused and grateful with every passing second. "I can't… I don't know how to thank you…."

Midoriko's fading face smiled, tears in her own eyes. "Well, I do really like those flowers." She lightly laughed. By the time her laughter faded, so did she and the beautiful illusion she had formed around them. Leaving Kagome and Sesshomaru in the darkness, breathless and confused in the darkness of the cave.

#Inuyasha #Kagome Higurashi #Sesshomaru #Miroku #Sango #Shippo #Rin #koga #Sesskag #Fanfiction #fanfic #little bird no more #LB #Chapter 1

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