The Strength of my Heart by Black_Sakura_Blossom

The New Look

'ka go me'

Inuyasha could only stare at the figure in front of him as the portal sang with power leaving the tainted aura of miasma floating in the air. Inuyasha felt as if he couldn't breath, 'this cant be Kagome' was all he could think as he stared at the figure in front of him. From what he could see the figure was covered in filth from head to toe, but the unmistakable beauty could be seen even covered in dirt. The figure had long black hair that reached the ankles (the style of her hair is the same as Chi from Chobits only black and without the ears) and the figures body could only be described as perfection, with a balance of toned muscles and soft skin. Inuyasha had to wonder if this really was Kagome, for the only piece of proof was the tattered remains of her clothing that covered her.

Inuyasha heard the gasps of many around him as the figure looked up reveling crystal clear blue eyes that seemed to stare right threw him as they swept over the battle field taking in the surroundings.

Eternity seemed to pass in what was only seconds before the first two demons attached, it was obvious that these demons were the weaker of the six that had passed through and they were easily confronted by the army that awaited them and destroyed by Inuyasha's wind scar. The lords turned their attention to the remaining demons, three of the demons took off running looking for an escape in order to regain their strength. The area suddenly filled with miasma causing many to choke and retreat, with the exception of the lords as well as the remaining demon and Kagome.

Naraku then appeared with Kagura and Kanna at his side. The lords tried to attack but were held back by his barrier. Naraku simply smirked "What a pleasant surprise to see the lords of the lands at last, allow me to introduce myself, I am..."

"Naraku!" Inuyasha all but screamed "What the hell are you doing here?"

"Why I came to see the spectacle, its not everyday I get to see all four lords in action". Naraku's voice was laced with malice with every word as he sneered at the hanyou. "It is in my best interest however to obtain a few more demon bodies to add to my collection" Naraku then nodded to Kanna and her mirror began to glow causing the three demons to be absorbed into her mirror. As this was happening Naraku's body began to change even more, he now had demon markings on his skin and his aura had grown in strength. "Ah, what power, however they are not nearly as strong as the one remaining, but I believe I will return after he has disposed of you". Naraku then turned and flew off with Kagura and Kanna, but not before looking back at Kagome 'soon....'

The lords then turned to the remaining demon who had not moved from its current position the entire time. This demon was the only one with a human form he had short dark blue hair and black eyes, he was extremely good looking but his aura screamed of power and evil. He smirked as he stared at the lords and their army.

"What a pitiful group you are" he seemed to hiss the words before leaping into an attack with incredible speed. He dodged and maneuvered around each attack except for Sesshoumaru who was able to get a large wound in his side. The demon became enraged and began to transform into his demon form, I large blue dragon appeared and began to launch its energy blast from its mouth at the warriors below. Before the attack could collide it was intercepted and seemed to dissipate and in its place stood Kagome.

"Insolent wench, you dare interfere, you shall be the first to die at my hands in this world" screamed the youkai.

A smile then appeared on Kagome's face "we shall see". Kagome then reviled Sounga held high above her head.

Sesshoumaru and the other lords could only watch in awe and horror as the sword appeared.

"Dragon Twister" the ranging power was unleashed from the sword and collided with the dragon, causing him to revert back to his human form. Kagome then leaped into the air and thrust Sounga threw the demons chest before pushing him along with Sounga back threw the portal and into hell. Kagome then summoned her miko powers and purified the miasma, causing the portal to close.

Everything was quiet as all eyes were on her. Kagome could feel their piecing gazes as if they half expected her to attack them. Kagome continued to look around until her eyes landed on Inuyasha, she held his gaze for only a moment showing no emotion before looking away.

'Kagome, what happened to you' was all that Inuyasha could think as Kagome turned away from him.

A muscular man with orange colored hair, dressed in fur and silks approached her "I am lord Seeu of the Eastern lands, am I to assume you are the human miko Kagome?"

"You may assume whatever you want, it makes no difference to me". Kagome's reply had shocked the lord in silence and many moments passed where no one moved.

The next to come forward was a young handsome man with strange warm red eyes and long red hair "I am Lord Idou of the southern lands and it is a pleasure to meet you Kagome, please let us know if there is anything you need for us to repay you for closing the portal".

Kagome lifted a delicate eyebrow at the man, reminding everyone of a certain western lord "all I want...is a nice long bath"

Everyone stared in shock at her words 'A BATH', Idou took in her appearance and nodded, then turned to one of his fellow lords "Sesshoumaru your palace is where we were going to meet let us retire there and let this lovely young maiden have her bath" Idou laughed then turned to Kagome who looked at him with complete indifference. Sesshoumaru simply turned in the direction of his lands unable to keep his thoughts of the miko Kagome at bay.

Sango, Miroku and Shippo all watched Kagome from behind as they travel west with the rest of the army, "Kagome perhaps you should rest you have been through a terrible ordeal, you can ride Kilala". Sango replied in a guarded voice, not knowing what to expect.

Kagome looked behind her at her former companions and at the demon they suggested she ride, to their surprise she seemed to tense up as soon as she looked at the fire cat then quickly looked ahead once again and ignored them.

"Sango perhaps we should leave Kagome be for now she may need some time" replied Miroku as he noticed Sango's distraught manner, but he couldn't help but wonder why Kagome had acted so strangely towards Kilala. His thoughts were interrupted as the western castle came into sight.

Kagome could not help but feel guilty for dismissing her former companion. They were still her friends but she was having a hard enough time being around hundreds of demons and keeping herself from killing them all. 'It would be best if I simply lay low an get use to this world once again'. Kagome then looked to the sky and straight at the sun taking in its bright warmth 'its been so long since I felt this natural warmth' and a small frail smile appeared on her face.

The castle stood high above them as they walked through the gates, the lords had already disappeared but not long after several servants came to escort the Inuyasha, Kagome and the others to where they would be staying.

Kagome looked over her room and in plainest terms it was beautiful. It was filled with soft silks and satins of gold and white with a large soft canopy bed. A knock was then herd from her door and she quickly opened it to reveal a demon servant girl.

"I have been ordered to show lady Kagome to the bath houses" the girl seemed to shift nervously on the spot as she took in Kagome's strange appearance.

Kagome only nodded and followed the girl. When they reached the bath house there was no one present inside. Kagome then turned to the girl "I would greatly appreciate it if I could bath alone". The girl only nodded and agreed to return with a fresh gown for her.

Once in Sesshoumaru's study the bickering began.

"Who is this woman, she cannot be the human miko your brother spoke of Sesshoumaru", came Idou's first words.

"Who else could she be, the real question is how is it she has the strength and power of a demon, not to mention wield Sounga with such control" replied Seeu.

The Ladies of the east and south then entered the room, after hearing this. "So Inuyasha's miko actually made it threw the portal, im impressed where is she?" spoke Hara in her sweet voice as she embraced her mate.

"She is in the bath house as she requested" replied Sesshoumaru not bothering to look at anyone, but unfortunately Hara did not miss his thoughtful gaze, 'I haven't seen that look on his face since he was a pup'. "well it seems she's got your attention".

Sesshoumaru's head shot up at those words, just as it dawned on the lords the full possibilities of the human miko. But they were brought out of their musings by an angry Kouga.

"Don't go giving them any ideas Hara, Kagome's my woman".

"Yes Hara, you know not what you speak" came Sesshoumaru's cold reply, Although on he could feel his youkai rage at the wolfs bold declaration.

"Well maybe your right but I wont know till I see her at dinner" and with that she disappeared.

Kagome watched as the girl disappeared and did a quick search of the area to make sure no one was present. She then shed the tattered remains of her clothing and watch as with each step the filth that caked her body disappeared into the water. Kagome thought she had never felt anything as good as this in her life, all her pains melted away as she scrubbed her body with the soaps provided. ' I wonder if I shall ever fully remove this gunk', after almost an hour of bathing the servant returned with a kimono to wear, but stopped in her tracks at the sight of the beautiful woman bathing. The servant continued to stare before blushing slightly and moved forward.

"I have brought you a kimono my lady and I am to inform you that you are to accompany the lords and ladies for dinner this evening". Kagome simply nodded before getting out of the pool, causing the girl to blush more as she helped her put on the garment. To the servants surprise every time she came close to touching the fair lady she would tense up. The kimono was extravagant with shades of green and purples, with cherry blossoms traveling across the silk fabric. It had wide sleeves and a tight wrapping around the waste and the bottom flowed out in layers from the front. "You look beautiful my lady" exclaimed the girl.

"Thank you" was all she replied before turning on the girl and heading out the door. As she followed the servant to the dinning room, she noticed the eyes of almost every person she passed were on her 'what are they staring at?', eyes seemed to follow her and looked at her as if she were candy. She arrived at a large archway that lead to the dinning hall, but the reaction that awaited her was not what she expected at all.

hey what do you think? Do you like how I characterized Kagome so far? Oh and the reason why she tenses up so much is coming in the next chapter so please review and tell me what you think as well as any ideas you have.