A New Life by Carla Vough

Life Changing Decision

Kagome looked across the misty grass, the scent of cherry blossoms floated on the warm breeze. She knew this was a dream. She'd had it before, but each time she had it, she still got scared. Inuyasha was walking towards her; his golden eyes were like golden ice.

"Kagome, I can't keep pretending that you're my Kikyo. It was very wrong, and I know that now. This is the only way," he had said.

It was the last day she'd been through the well after peace was won, and Naraku defeated. Now the Shikon Jewel hung around her neck like a lead weight, its smooth pink surface cool against her skin. She'd planned to give it to him, but after that heart breaking nightmare, she couldn't survive going anywhere to see him.

"What are you saying?" she had asked, knowing already what the answer was.

"I'm saying that we can't see eachother anymore." he had replied, and then walked away.

The gasp that had escaped her lips was not one of surprise, but more or less like being punched in the gut and having no breath left. She collapsed onto the grass that was still moist, and sobbed until the sun was setting on the horizon.

Kagome awoke on another morning just like any other. There was her senior year of high school to go to, and friends to see and comfort her. Something was off though; there was a slight tugging on her neck.

She opened her eyes and the jewel that was fastened on a chain around her neck was floating in the direction of the shrine and the well. Being curious as she was, she put on her clothes and her old yellow backpack and packed several food items like she was used to, but then she remembered.

After the battle with Naraku, Sango and Miroku had gotten married and now had two children, Inuyasha was with the clay Kikyo whose serpentine demons brought souls to her, and so all that was left of her little pack was Shippou.

She sighed sadly and unpacked most of the food she had prepared, leaving only enough for her and Shippou if she ever saw him again.

She stepped out of the house, being careful not to wake up the others and walked over to the well. The jewel started quivering and she leapt, she prepared herself for the magic to overwhelm her and take her to the other side. Moments later she was climbing out of the well and onto grass. Voices were approaching her, a woman's and a man's. They sounded so familiar.

"Lord Sesshoumaru, would you like me to prepare our food?" The woman was asking. Her long dark hair was hanging down to about her waist as she turned to face Inuyasha's half-brother, he was the same as I had remembered him, who was the woman with him?

"Yes you may Rin." He said and the woman hopped on Ah-Un's back.

Wait, that woman is Rin? How long have I been gone? Kagome thought to herself.

"Lord Sesshoumaru, why have you not yet found a suitable heir? Rin is only but a human, she will not be able to carry on your estate when you are gone," Jaken's voice was wondering.

"Jaken, you should learn to keep your thoughts to yourself." Sesshoumaru suggested darkly, leaving Jaken to ponder what the consequences of not doing so. Jaken shuddered.

"Is that you Kagome?" A male voice was behind her, and she turned to see a young man with light brown hair and a purple bow tying up his ponytail.

"Yes, who are you?" She asked him, he too looked familiar.

"Why it's me, Shippou!" he said, transforming into his pink balloon-like self. He chuckled, and transformed back.

"Shippou?!" She exclaimed. He and Kagome hugged, and then she noticed the small boy following him, it looked more like the old Shippou than Shippou did himself.

"This is my son, Shenji," he said proudly, messing the boy's hair up.

"Oh," Kagome said curtly.

"We come here every day, we were wondering if you would ever come back. After what happened. Oh, and I think you'll be glad to know that Kikyo is resting in peace now," Shippou said enthusiastically.

"That's very kind of you Shippou; do you happen to know where Sango and Miroku live?" She asked curiously.

"Of course, we live in the same village now," he answered and took her hand.

In about another hour, they were heading off to a village where demons and humans lived in peace together. Kagome had never seen anything like it. The humans were always fighting the demons.

They made their way to a small hut where a middle aged couple sat before a fire with two teenage children, a boy and a girl. Kirara was curled in a small ball on the girl's lap.

"Sango, Miroku, look who came back!" Shippou pushed Kagome toward them and she waved sheepishly.

"Kagome!" they exclaimed in unison, and then there was a large feast and plenty of happiness.

They shared many stories together about their time spent apart, and Kagome once again felt the quivering jewel about her neck.

Kagome spent the night there, tossing and turning as she once again dreamed her nightmare. She woke around midnight and took a walk outside. Kirara followed happily.

"Kirara, have you ever had the feeling that you're being watched?" Kagome asked sleepily. Kirara purred and hopped into her lap and curled into a ball.

"I didn't think so," she laughed, and there was a slight thud a few feet in front of her. Moments later she saw a figure approaching. Kirara transformed and growled at him, baring her giant fangs.

"It's true then, the miko has returned," the cold voice belonged to Sesshoumaru.

"What do you want?" Kagome asked. She really wished she had her bow and arrows right about now.

"You see, Rin is becoming too old, and I wish to find a younger apprentice. I was thinking that perhaps one of the fox's pups might work," he chuckled to himself. He hadn't really thought anything of the sort. All he wanted was the miko to be under his control, and then he'd decide if she was worth teaching or not.

The jewel quivered around Kagome's neck as it knew the true meaning behind his words.

"You won't lay a hand on them," she answered defensively. The aura that surrounded her made the jewel quiver once more.

"Then someone or something will have to take their place," he arched an eyebrow at her and she gasped. The jewel was starting to glow.

Lightly, Kagome touched the smooth surface of the jewel with her fingertips, and it was growing warm.

"Would you take me if I were to become your apprentice?" she asked curiously, putting his plan into words.

"Perhaps," he answered, concentrating on keeping his cold mask.

"Sesshoumaru, I'll go with you," Kagome told him in a defeated tone.

"Follow me then," he said and then hopped on his cloud. Minutes later Ah-Un appeared and Rin walked up to her.

"Are you going to be Lord Sesshoumaru's new apprentice?" She asked wonderingly.

"Yes." Kagome answered as she got on the youkai's back with the now older woman.

"I see. You'll enjoy yourself. Lord Sesshoumaru might even buy you clothes," she said with a wide smile. "It's very easy Kagome, I'll show you what you'll need to do, or Jaken will.  He's been with Lord Sesshoumaru longer."

"Thank you." Kagome said. She now remembered the food she'd packed earlier; she hadn't needed it because she was fed well when she had visited all of her old friends.

I'll have to save it for tomorrow. She thought to herself. And perhaps Rin might want some too.

Ah-Un landed near a castle.

"Kagome, we're here," Rin announced happily.  Her arms were spread wide as she showed Kagome their home.  Sesshoumaru walked to the gates, whispered something to the guards there, and went inside.  Rin then took Kagome's hand and led her through the open gates where Kagome was surrounded by several other Inu’s.

"Kagome, you're to be getting a new bow and new clothing.  If you'd please follow me," A female Inu with long silver hair and golden eyes announced.  She took Kagome's hand when Rin had released it, and led her into a chamber where three beds were placed.  They were all covered with the loveliest of sheets and blankets and all of the finest quality.  There were several dark cloaks, and a staff with a head on it next to one; beautiful dresses and kimonos next to another; and a bow, arrows, and more dresses and kimonos next to the third.

"Your bed is the third. Get dressed, and then you are to meet the others in the dining hall," she announced and then left.

Kagome was baffled as to what was going on in the strange place but instead of letting her new Lord grow angry with her, she dressed in one of the finer kimonos she found there, and tied her hair up in a neat bun.  She met Rin just outside the door.

"Kagome, you look lovely," she beamed. "I was just coming to get you,"

"What's going on anyway?" Kagome asked her.

"Lord Sesshoumaru is going to be introducing you to the rest of his pack," she explained.

"Oh," and with that said, they arrived at the dining hall where several Inu’s and such were sitting at the table.

Sesshoumaru stood up and began.

"My lords and ladies, this is the famed miko, the incarnation of the priestess Kikyo.  She is gifted with Kikyo's great spiritual powers and she is my newest apprentice," he announced.  Everyone there clapped and shouted their praise.  Afterwards, there was a huge feast and celebration. When the guests started leaving, Rin and Kagome went to their room.

"Isn't this exciting?  You know what, I'll bet that you'll be able to train with Lord Sesshoumaru," Rin beamed at Kagome as they got into their beds, Jaken was already snoring in his.

"Wouldn't that be . . . great."

Author's Note: Ok, this is my first fanfic so send me reviews if you like it. I'll try to make the later chapters more exciting or funny. Thanks for reading. :D