A New Path

Disclaimer: I do not own any aspects of the anime Inuyasha. I do not own characters, locations or the storyline. i only own the original plot of this story.

Last time…

They emerged from the well to the sight of Inuyasha chasing Shippo, who had his last cup of ramen, and Litara chasing Inuyasha with a spoon yelling for him to leave Shippo alone. Kagome and Sesshomaru started laughing, but immediately stopped when all eyes turned on them and a shocked silence filled the clearing.

********

Kagome and Sesshomaru looked around nervously at all the staring faces. A tight feeling of fear began to form in Kagome’s stomach. For the first time she toyed with the idea that her friends wouldn’t approve, and would shun her for her new looks.

“L-Lady Kagome! What happened? Are you really a demon? You’re beautiful! What’s going on?” Litara said. Inuyasha finally shook his head, as if dispelling a dream, and spoke as well.

“Kagome I think you have quite a bit of explaining to do, especially about that ring on your finger.” He said. Litara glanced down and gasped. Sango and Miroku still could not find their voices, and Shippo looked very confused by it all. Sesshomaru looked down at Kagome reassuringly.

“Ok, well we should all sit down; it looks like the stew is ready and while I explain you all can eat. Mom fed Sesshomaru and I back in my time. Oh, and Inuyasha, Mom said for me to bring you back tomorrow to get a big box of ramen, and a bag of candy for Shippo.” Kagome said. Inuyasha perked up at that and tossed the cup of ramen back to Shippo, who promptly handed it to Litara to add to the stew.

They all sat down and once everyone was served, Kagome began her story.

“Well, as you know, Sesshomaru believed that I have demon blood in my ancestry, so we went to talk to my mother about it. It turns out that not only did Kikyo have demon blood, my father was a demon as well. Because I wanted to be seen as human, I suppressed my demon side. Now that I know about my father, the suppression ended and my demon half is showing. That’s why my appearance is different. Sesshomaru is going to teach me to use my powers, starting with the ability to change my appearance back to that of a human if needed.” Kagome said.

“Well what’s with the ring, you never had that before, and it looks demon made.” Inuyasha asked with his mouth full of ramen and stew. Litara scowled at him.

“First of all, don’t speak with your mouth full Inuyasha! Secondly, it looks demon made because it is demon made. I have an idea who Kagome’s father was, and if I’m right than that ring was created by Kagome’s ultimate grandfather. The ring is used as an engagement and wedding ring, given informally for an engagement to protect a chosen mate, and add to his/her strengths till the mating. It is a bonding ring, and will only remain on the finger of the heir’s true love, therefore a descendent of the great demon can only marry one whose finger will hold the ring.” Litara said, in awe at Kagome’s parentage.

“Well, the reason I have the ring is because my mother gave it to Sesshomaru for when he proposed to me. We are getting married, and mated. We don’t know when, but soon hopefully.” Kagome said.

Inuyasha stared at her and Sesshomaru, then jumped up and ran into the forest. Litara jumped up as well, and glanced at the young couple for permission to follow. Kagome nodded as did Sesshomaru, and Litara ran after Inuyasha. Kagome looked worried. Shippo jumped up and ran into her arms. She held him tightly.

“It’ll be all right, she’ll calm him down.” Sesshomaru said, pulling her against his side and stroking her hair. Sango and Miroku glanced at each other, and still did not speak. Sango smiled at Kagome to show that they were just surprised and needed time to digest the news.

**************************
Sorry for the short chapter, but I’m tired and I don’t have a desk so writing is very uncomfortable right now. I promise that I’ll put up another chapter Thursday, which is my next day off from work. Enjoy!