To Change the World by JT Santos
Chapter 1: Where We Began...
Disclaimer: I do not own InuYasha
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When the days of the final battle finally came, it had been hard on Kagome. Kagome knew that she would either die on the battle field or the well would seal itself shut, locking her to this time, thanks to a vision. Kagome was forced to say good bye to her family she once knew because Midoriko had come in a dream, informing Kagome that this was the time period that she belonged and was needed in. Midoriko had also informed Kagome, in her vision, that the time she knew would no longer exist and her the mother she once knew would forget about her once she jumped in the well. It hurt to have to see her mom in tears, but Kagome’s mom knew in heart that her daughter belonged beyond the well. Kagome kissed and hugged her family good-bye with tears in her eyes. She knew they would forget her, she knew that this might not even become the family she once knew, but it didn’t make the sting of good-bye any easier.
In the final hours before the last battle, InuYasha had pulled Kagome to the side and explained to her that his feelings were not ones of the romantic nature. He had done a lot of growing up in their four year journey and had finally come to the conclusion that he was still in love with Kikyo. He had also come to realize that he would never see Kagome as anything more than a reminder of what he had lost. InuYasha had let her know, that even though he did protect her, it had felt like he was protecting a dear sister, not a lover. They both knew that Kikyo would not be coming back after the final battle, for it was only the will of Naraku that she stayed on this earth and when he was defeated, she would be no more. Given that they both knew of this, Kagome felt a loss that her friend would surely feel once this was over; but she was glad that he had come to his feelings in his own. Though Kagome’s heart broke and crumbled at his words, she swallowed the hurt and let him know that they would always be best friends.
The battle the group faced was hard, but everyone that they had come to aid during their journey came to aid them, even the great Lord of the West; Sesshomaru. He had arrived shortly after Kagome had said good-bye to her family, he and InuYasha locked eyes, both seeming to know why he was there. With a growl from Sesshomaru and yip form InuYasha, they had locked swords. Before Sango and Miroku could come to help their friend, they were both stopped by Kagome, who had a feeling that this was not like most of their fights. She knew that something was different about it, and upon a closer look, Sango knew what they were doing, they were fighting for Alpha. Their fight had lasted most of the day and the gang, along with Rin and Jaken, and sat down for dinner. Kagome would steal glances at the two inu duelling, she hoped that they would be alright, for she knew the dangers would increase in battle if one were to become too injured.
Kagome looked at her watch, it was already eight in the evening and Sesshomaru had come around noon. She looked up from her watch and continued to study the two brothers, while Sesshomaru looked like he could continue for more hours, InuYasha seemed to be near his end. As the thought left her head, Sesshomaru merely backhanded InuYasha, who hit a tree and slid down the trunk; the battle was over. Kagome’s eyes and met with Sesshomaru once more, he gave her a slight nod, signalling for to check on InuYasha. Once Kagome stood, Sango and Miroku followed her stead and rushed to aid their fallen companion. Upon returning to site where they had dinner prepared, the three carefully place their friend on the ground so he could rest. No one said a word during dinner, everyone knew what had happened between the two and that there was much to be discussed once InuYasha had a woken from his slumber.
It had taken a few days for the group to feel at ease with Sesshomaru, even though it had been explained that Sesshomaru only started that battle so that InuYasha would finally know who his Alpha was. They had also been informed that InuYasha had brushed off his duties to the Western Lands for too long and now, he had to return to his responsibilities. When Kagome had asked Sesshomaru what exactly that meant, the reply came from InuYasha, stating that he was finally recognized as the second heir. Kagome stared a Sesshomaru for a second when InuYasha spoke his words, but then nodded and smiled. She knew what that meant, InuYasha finally had a brother and a family.
Before the group had a chance to wage war on Naraku, they were bombarded with everyone they had helped, who vowed allegiance to Kagome and they would fight for her. Kagome nodded and said thanks to all that had come, she then suggested that they all rest, for the day after, they would surely need their strength. That night, Kouga had given Kagome the remaining shards in his legs, allowing her to poses half of the Shikon no Trama. She knew where the other half would and who would have possession of the relic. Once they had dinner and everyone was settled, Kagome decided to go for a walk to clear her mind, she made sure to grab her weapon before she took her leave from the campsite.
Kagome had found a clearing not too far from camp, and she decided to start meditating, allowing her reiki to flow around her, ridding her of her aches and pains. That’s when she felt a very strong youki approaching her. Just as the being was behind her, she jumped and flipped so she was behind her intruder. She was thankful that she had long ditched the school uniform and started wearing the traditional miko garbs. Kagome had her sword drawn, “state your business.” She then gasped, realising who she was pointing her sword to. Kagome dropped her sword and then dropped to her knees, “my apologies Sesshomaru-sama.”
Sesshomaru turned to look at her with a blank face, “rise.” Kagome rose to her feet and forced her gaze to match his. “When did you learn to handle a weapon and fight?” Sesshomaru questioned, he then sniffed the air around her to see if anything had changed. He could find nothing but her scent. However, where she used to smell of a young budding lily, she now smelt of one in full bloom. ‘She has matured.’ Sesshomaru mused silently to himself.
Sesshomaru took a step back, and stared Kagome, waiting for her to answer his question. “I decided to take lessons once I was finished high school.” Kagome stated plainly, the group had already explained where Kagome had come from. Kagome stood silent again, she had a feeling that he wanted a more in-depth explanation. “I grew tired of being the damsel in distress, so I had signed myself up for martial arts classes as well as meditation classes to help me focus my reiki,” Kagome looked up at Sesshomaru once more, “I had Kaede-sensei teach me how to use my reiki, along with Miroku-kun’s help.”
Sesshomaru nodded, understanding now how she felt him coming and the pink glow that he had seen while she was meditating. “That still does not answer my question of your weapon.” He stated indifferently, even though he was curious, down to the core.
Kagome nodded, “Sango-chan had helped me learn how to use a variety of weapons, and along with Miroku-kun’s help, I was able learn how to infuse the reiki into them.”
Sesshomaru nodded, and realised he had not heard of his brother helping her with her training, “did InuYasha know?” Kagome nodded but didn’t say much else, Sesshomaru had a feeling that InuYasha had been against it. He wondered why, so he asked “why is it that he did not help you in training?”
Kagome swallowed, “I didn’t want his help.” Sesshomaru felt he wasn’t going to get much more out of her, so he just nodded and informed her to return to camp soon. Kagome nodded and bowed low to Sesshomaru before he left her be once more. Once she was sure he was far enough out, she let out a breath, she didn’t know what it was but when he came close, she could feel a warm buzz when his youki touched her reiki. Kagome shook her head and figured it was because he was the Alpha of the pack, her body must have instinctually known. She nodded her head that must have been it, so she sat down once more and began to meditate.
The next day, right before dawn, Kagome’s eyes snapped open as she jumped up. She could feel him approaching, he didn’t even try to conceal himself, and she could also tell a massive demon hoard was trailing behind him. Naraku was not too far away, they had five maybe seven minute before he would be upon them. Kagome quickly jumped into action, she grabbed her weapon that laid beside her, and turned to start waking the group. She looked to the side and had seen Sesshomaru up and alert; their eyes met and a nod was shared between them. Between the two of them, they had managed to awaken the group and quickly prepared.
Kagome grabbed the children and pulled them to the side, “Shippo-kun, Rin-chan, I’m sorry but I must put a binding spell on you both so neither you or anyone else can move you from my barrier.” In her kit’s eyes she could see the worry and the fear.
His eyes started to water, “you can’t leave okaa-san!” Shippo yelled as he flung himself into Kagome’s arms.
Kagome’s heart broke, she stroked his back and hushed him, “I have to for yours and Rin safety,” Kagome paused and pulled her kit so he could look into her eyes. “I could never live with myself if one of you got hurt and I hadn’t done everything possible to protect you both.” She smiled at the two, noticing how it took all of Rin’s self-control to run into the arms of her Lord. Kagome then put Shippo down and kissed him on the head; then turned to Rin, gave her a tight hug and a kiss on the cheek. She then took two steps back and started to mumble words, before they knew it, they were sitting on the group, unable to move their legs. Kagome walked closer to the two children once more, she touched Shippo’s bow and Rin’s hair tie and once more started chanting. Reiki started to flow in the children’s object, once Kagome stopped chanting, reiki shot out from Shippo’s and Rin’s objects forming a barrier around them.
The moment Kagome stepped out of the children’s barrier, all hell broke loose. Naraku and his army stepped out from the trees to greet the travellers. Everyone moved into fighting possessions, bracing themselves for the battle that was just beginning. Naraku spoke, “my, my, thank you my little miko for providing me with the other half of the jewel.”
Kagome glared at the creature in front of her, the Naraku that stood in front of her was not the same as the one she had met previous times. It seemed he was willing to reveal his turn form, this was to their advantage; his over confidence would be his downfall. “I am not your miko,” Kagome said in an even tone. Then, in one swift motion Kagome unsheathed her sword, swung it, and unleashed a large stream of purification energy that took the form of a ryu. The energy had wiped out a quarter of the demons behind Naraku, he screamed in rage and the battle had begun.
The battle was fierce and many lives were stolen that day, it was finally put to rest when InuYasha, Sesshomaru, and Kagome combined their powers and defeated Naraku. The evil hanyo cried out in pain as the Shikon no Trama ripped out of his body and towards the other half that Kagome possessed. Once the Shikon no Trama had left his body, Naraku’s regenerative power disappeared and was no more. As soon as Naraku’s body had completely disintegrated, Kagome placed the two halves of the jewel together, making them whole again. The jewel glowed brightly as the glow engulfed Kagome and lifted her off the ground. Her eyes closed as she went limp, while the others just watched in awe as two streams of light, one red and the other pink, shot out from the jewel.
The red light stopped in front of Sesshomaru, erecting a barrier around them. The red light transformed in the shape of Midoriko and began to speak, “do not fear Lord of the West I mean you no harm.” Sesshomaru nodded waiting for her to continue, “Kagome has been chosen by the Gods to change the future and she will need your help the most with the changes that will occur in her life.” She smiled a knowing smile, and with that she shot back to jewel. Sesshomaru looked across to InuYasha, where the other light had stopped.
The pink light formed a barrier around InuYasha as well, but this time the light changed into the form of Kikyo. Her spiritual hands caressed his face, “oh InuYasha,” Kikyo’s spirit paused as sadness appeared in her eyes, “I’m sorry my love, but I have to go now.” She kissed him on the cheek and looked back at Kagome, who was still levitating, “take care of her.” InuYasha broke from his daze and tried to reach out to her, Kikyo’s spirit just shook her head. “She will help you find happiness once again,” she said before she disappeared into the jewel once more.
Unknown to Kagome of what was going on around her, for her mind had taken her to somewhere she had never seen before. Kagome looked around looking for any signs of her companions, she stood in the middle of the field, full of different types of flowers that surrounded her. A blue light had landed in front of her, taking a form a Ryu Diayokai. Kagome took a step back, feeling great evil coming from this being, “do not be afraid of me, pure little miko,” he cooed at her as he followed her step.
“What do you want from me?” Kagome asked narrowing her eyes while taking her fighting stance.
It laughed, a horrid, broken laugh, “I just want be set free.” Kagome narrowed her eyes even more, waiting for the being to continue, “I am the strongest of the demon that were trapped in the Shikon no Trama.” He studied her, noticing that she never step out of her stance, “I merely wish to grant you a wish.”
Kagome shook her head, “there is no wish that is not selfish.” She straighten her posture to look at him in the eyes, “you cannot deceive me and I see only darkness and ill intent in your heart.”
He laughed darkly once more, “such a clever girl.”
Just as he had come, two more light appeared and turned into Midoriko and Kikyo. They both smiled at her and then looked at the demon. Midoriko was the first to speak, “I told you she could not be fooled.” She smiled, turning back to Kagome pointing at the demon, “this is Idaina Ryu.”
Kagome eyed the demon, ‘great dragon,’ she thought, ‘his parents had obvious expectations.’
“They have gotten quite accustom to each other,” Kikyo could tell by Kagome’s face that she was confused of how comfortable Midoriko was around the dark creature. Kagome slowly nodded, not quite understanding the situation. Kikyo explained further, “they were the only two spirits in the jewel powerful enough be able to hold a conversation. Over time they got used to each other’s presence and came to respect the other. Though, she is pure and he, not so much, they managed to get along and vowed that only someone as intelligent as he and as pure as Midoriko would be allowed to know the full power of the jewel.”
Kagome nodded once more, she understood now but she shook her head again, “I don’t need nor want the power of the jewel.”
The three looked at each other, Idaina Ryu spoke first, “you have no choice in this matter.” Kagome looked at him wide eyed and he continued, “The Gods have another plan for you. You will be transformed into last a ryu daiyokai, you have been chosen to save the demon race from their ignorance that ultimately will lead to their demise.”
“You see Kagome,” Midoriko stepped in, “it was originally the Gods plan to have both being live in peace amongst each other.” She paused uneasily, “they did not realise that, both humans and demons alike, would be blinded with rage of each other.” Midoriko looked Kagome dead in the face, “your job is to now restore peace between the races. The Gods, in the time you call yours, did not intervene because they felt that it was the demons ignorance that caused their own demise.” She took a breath, “however, they have realized that the balance was finally thrown when you were born. They did not expect Fate to create someone as powerful as you in your time. You see, Fate has always been neutral, only caring about balance and did not feel that the world was balanced with demons off the earth. The other Gods dismissed her and, well, she proved them wrong.”
Kagome finally spoke, “I can’t do this.” Her body shook, “I can’t take on another responsibility like this.” Kagome fell to her knees and started to sob, “I deserve happiness, do I not? How can the Gods ask this of me? Why me? Why not another miko?” Kagome asked hysterically.
Kikyo stepped towards her and put her hand on Kagome’s back, “I asked myself those same questions when I was told I would become the Shikon’s new protector.” Kagome looked up at her and she continued, “Kagome, that Gods aren’t doing this because they hate you or because they feel you don’t deserve happiness. The Gods chose you because they know that you’re the only one this earth, past or future, who can look beneath the exterior and see people for who they really are. Even I could not do this, They choose you because They know you can handle this. They know that you have the strength, and Kagome, they know you have the support of so many.”
Kagome processed what Kikyo had said to her, she lost four years of her life to her quest and now she would be losing more for another one. She knew she should be flattered that the Gods thought so highly of her, but she was only nineteen, what did she know about saving an entire race? Kagome sighed, she knew she did not have a choice in the matter. She sucked a deep breath in and stood to face the three souls of the jewel, “what do I need to do?”
The three smiled at her as Midoriko spoke, “Kikyo and I will be merging with our power with you as well as Idaina to complete your transformation. The transformation will be painless, the Gods have chosen a companion to help you on your journey.” Her face went solemn and looked Kagome directly in the eyes, “the task given will be hard, not physically but mentally. There will be many that oppose you and many more that will try to end you, but you must be strong and, above all else, you must survive.” Kagome nodded as the three step towards her, placing one hand each on her forehead. She felt a surge of power before darkness engulfed her once more.
The group had tried multiple times to try and break the barrier that held their companion. Though they could see no harm being done to her, they had started to worry. She had been floating for a little over fifteen minutes since she had completed the jewel. Sesshomaru watched as the woman named Sango threw her large boomerang once more before falling to her knees.
Miroku knelt down beside her, “she’ll be fine, just give her a minute.” He said, trying to comfort the woman he had grown to love. He could feel three strong spiritual presence currently engulfing Kagome, he had hoped that the word he spoke were not a lie. Truthfully, he wasn’t that worried, two of the spirits seemed pure, but there was one that held a great deal of power, and it was nowhere near pure.
Sesshomaru very much wanted to leave, but since Kagome was still alive that meant his ward was still under her binding spell as well as in her barrier. He was left with no choice but to wake for miko to awaken so he could retrieve his ward and turn to his duties. Looked at the crest fallen group, when Naraku was defeated he could all feel their relief that the battle was finally over; but when the miko started to glow and then go limp, well, their emotions quickly went to worry. He didn’t what it was about her that made everyone she had touched either try to kill her or swear their undivided loyalty.
Suddenly, three streams of light, one read, one pink, and one blue shot out from the jewel once more. The red and pink light merged into a deep pink, then the blue merged with the deep pink, turning it purple. The purple light then completely surrounded Kagome, she then rotated to standing possession as anyone around her watch her transformation. Kagome grew in height making her miko clothing too small in length, her body started to fill out, her nails then grew into claws, and her once black blue hair change to midnight black with purple tips and had grown in length. Kagome’s face started to change as well, her once baby face became more defined and chiselled. Two intertwined lavender dragons appeared in the middle of her forehead, then two stripes, one red and the other blue, appeared on both of her cheeks as well as on her wrists and ankles. Once her transformation was complete, the glowing stopped and Kagome slowly floated to the ground, with the Shikon no Trama nowhere in sight.
Sango, Miroku, and InuYasha quickly rushed to her side, but InuYasha hesitated for a moment, sniffing her. His eyes widened, he couldn’t believe it, there is no way that she had wished to become a full demon. He could feel a sting of betrayal in his heart, but he ignored it, he didn’t know what had happened, and he would wait until she woke to confront her. Sesshomaru slowly walked over to the group who were trying to move Kagome, he took a sniff and narrowed his eyes there is no way she had wished to become a full youkai something was out of place. He heard running, he turned to see the children running towards them, he then raised one of his brows. Sesshomaru knew the only way the binding spell and barrier would have fallen is if the miko had died. This is what confused him the most, he could clearly tell she was alive, the protection spell that she had placed on the children dropped.
Once the children reached the adults, Shippo’s eyes started to water at the sight of his mother limp in the arms of InuYasha. He jumped and landed on Kagome’s stomach, and rolled himself into a ball, he knew she was alive but her scent was off and he would not move until he got answers.
Sango eyed the kit for a moment before speaking, “Shippo, we need to move her to Edo.”
Shippo looked at her, sadness swirling in his eyes and then they darkened, “no one will move me from my okaa-san, I will stay with her until she wakes up!”
Sango and Miroku exchanged looks, they couldn’t blame the young; he merely wanted to protect his mother. Miroku look at Shippo, “we understand but you must move so we can transport her.”
Sesshomaru cleared his throat, drawing everyone’s attention, he looked at everyone around the battle field. There were many bodies scattered, few survived, in fact, only Kouga, Ginta and Hakkaku had survived that was not part of the group. He looked at each of them individually, “I have sent for my men to help bring the injured to my castle as well as bury the dead.” Everyone’s eyes shift down, they won but there was no cheering or celebration, it was time for mourning. Sesshomaru continued in his normal indifference tone, “you are all welcome to come, you will be treated as honoured guests.”
Once he finished a small army of about thirty demons arrived by air, landing in the battle field. They looked around to look at the bodies that lay sprawled, they all slowly took off their helmets and bowed for the fallen. A demon that was standing in the front spoke to Sesshomaru, “I’m sorry my lord.” Sesshomaru turned his attention the man that spoke, “there was a barrier around the battle field and we were not able to respond in time.”
Sesshomaru could see the fear in the man’s eyes, for fear of the punishment, but most of all he could see regret that they had let down his Lord. “Naraku erected the barrier to prevent anyone from coming to aiding us any further,” Sesshomaru put his hand on the stranger’s shoulder, “I do not question your loyalty General Toya.”
General Toya bowed low, thanking his lord, he then turned to his men, “get the transportation ready and I need half of you to stay with me to give the brave that has fallen a proper burial.”
One of men asked him how they would know to bury and who do burn, General Toya looked to Sesshomaru for an answer. Sesshomaru turned to his men, in a cool tone, “if their body is well preserved they are to be buried, if they already seem to be decaying, burn them.” General Toya looked at Sesshomaru once more, he knew what his general was thinking. “The Shikon Miko seemed to have blessed us all before the battle began,” Sesshomaru paused looking around them, “I assume that this is why the ones loyal to her stay well preserved.” General Toya nodded and moved to help the men bury the bodies.
Kouga spoke next, in a raspy voice, “how do you plan to get us all the Western castle?” Sesshomaru could hear his companions, Ginta and Hakkaku, telling him to take it easy for he was still badly injured.
Sesshomaru barely looked at the wolf, “my men are currently building a youki cloud strong enough to carry us all.”
Within a few minutes, the group boarded the large cloud and they were on their way to Sesshomaru’s castle. When they had arrived the group was surprised to see how many servants were waiting for them. Once the cloud landed, servants were everywhere, either showing them to their rooms or carrying them to the healers. A female servant yelped and Sesshomaru turned to see his servant holding her finger and Shippo growling at her. She looked at Sesshomaru, “I’m sorry Sesshomaru-sama but the kit bit me.”
Sesshomaru found it almost amusing, almost, “I will take her myself.” Everyone went dead silent in shock. Their Lord was going to touch someone who was not Lady Rin, and not only touch her, but carry her. Sesshomaru let a small growl escape, he already had a more than stressful day, and he did not need his staff to add to it as well. Once the growl could be heard, everyone snapped out of their thought and continued on with their duties. He then turn to the servant, “Tomoyo, bath Rin-chan and bring to her chambers. Then find me so you may change the woman.”
Tomoyo only nodded as she watch Sesshomaru lift the young woman off the cloud. The kit that had previously bit her, only looked up at Sesshomaru before returning to his original possession. As Sesshomaru carried Kagome in the castle, he knew that every one of his staff were staring at him, wondering what was wrong with their Lord. Tomoyo shook her head then help Rin off the giant cloud, created by fifteen men, and went to go bath her as Sesshomaru ordered. Once the Rin was off of it, the fifteen men that accompanied them on their journey to the Western castle, called their youki back making the cloud disappear.
Once the cloud had disappeared, some of the other soldiers came over to them with a solemn look on their faces. Someone had asked if they were the only ones left, they shook their head informing them about the barrier. They hushed once more, then someone asked how bad it was, one of the men that went to field looked at the man who had asked. “There was much sacrifice on that field, the guests are currently hosting are the bravest group I have ever had the pleasure of meeting.” He said, as he walked off to see if there was something else he could help with, the others followed behind him.
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Thank you to everyone that took the time to read my first chapter! I know it was long but I had to set up the direction where story needed to go. Please review and let me know what you think!