Silver Maiden

Chapter One

Kagome sat in front of the campfire, deep in thought. She watched the fire with emotionless eyes as the embers crackled and popped while her friends focused on her blank face.

Sango glanced at her priestly husband of two years and shared a disgusted grimace with him then went back to staring at the young woman that was, both, her friend and sister.

The Miko had been acting very strange the last few weeks. She constantly left the campsite minutes after Inu Yasha would run off, answering the call of his dead lover's summon. However, instead of following him, she went in the opposite direction -- only to return a few hours later with a blank stare and strangely colored eyes. It was all very confusing.

Both Sango and Miroku had a fair idea as to whom it was that made their dear Kagome act this way. It was the same man that had run off two hours ago at the call of a walking corpse. The same man that she had chased after for years, in her determination to stop his next foolish mistake. The same man that had walked into the campsite two hours ago, with a slightly disheveled look to his clothes and a smug expression on his usually handsome face. It was disgusting.

Sango scoffed and glared at Inu Yasha, as the man approached the still Miko, most likely to order her to cook for him. 'Damn him. What right does he have to order her around like that? He can make his own food.' The slayer frowned at the sight of her young friend's slow movements as she obediently went about the task of preparing the dish. 'She's barely aware of her surroundings! It's like she is dead inside.... Oh Kagome... What can I do to help you?'

Sadly, there was nothing the exterminator could do for the Miko. As the eighteen year old woman knelt by the fire, seemingly calm and patient on the outside, her mind buzzed with jumbled words and phrases. 'How am I supposed to explain to them what's about to happen? Even if I do explain to them they won't fully understand till tomorrow night!'

She was aware of the worried expressions on her friends' faces and, frankly, she was worried too. She didn't need the added concern of her friends to make her more depressed though. Her own inner turmoil was already driving her insane. They cared so much about her and she prayed to the Kami above that they still would after her secret was revealed to them.

Kagome shuddered from the cold that filled her heart and seeped into her bones. Her hands shook as she poured the finished ramen into a large bowl and called for Inu Yasha to retrieve it.

“About time, bitch! If you would've spent more time concentrating on my ramen and less time daydreaming I'd be done eating by now!” cracked the Hanyou as he jumped down from his perch and snatched the bowl from the Miko's hands. His white, puppy ears twitched on top of his head as he sat down next to the fire and slurped up his food like a starving man.

“You're awfully quiet tonight, Kagome-Sama.” commented the Houshi. “Shouldn't you be a bit more excited? Today is your birthday after all. This is supposed to be a happy occasion!” Kagome looked at the violet eyed monk and smiled slightly at him but otherwise kept silent.

Worry bubbled over within Sango as she moved to sit next to her sister. “Did you not like the presents we gave you?”

The younger girl smiled as she thought of the precious gifts given to her earlier that day. Her adopted son, Shippou, had given her a deep blue satin choker with a silver bell attached at the middle. The bell rested perfectly at the hollow of her throat.

Sango had given her a gorgeous royal blue kimono made of light weight silk. Silver doves and sakura blossoms were stitched in a detailed and intricate pattern, starting from the bottom right side of the gown and working up to her left shoulder and arm. It was as if the birds were caught up in a great gust of wind that was raising them to the heavens. The most interesting part of the kimono, to Kagome at least, was the long slits that reached up to her mid-thigh. “For ease of movement.” the slayer had explained. The kimono also came with a lovely eri of such a striking ice blue that the Miko couldn't help but imagine that it was the same color as her father's eyes.

Miroku had purchased a black obi that shimmered in any light as if it was made of black diamonds. On the inside of the obi were protection wards that were to never weaken as long as her heart still beat. A silver obi-jime that had two talismans hanging from it, representing love and fortune, was also included. It was heartwarming to know that he worried about her wellbeing so much.

Even Inu Yasha pitched in on her outfit. He had given her black lacquered geta and black tabi that reached her mid-thigh. It was certainly a very surprising and uncharacteristic thing for the Hanyou to do, but she appreciated it nonetheless.

The bamboo box they put it all in was beautiful in its own right, with its etched carving of dragons and stars. Her friends had spent months saving up to buy her such extravagant gifts and it warmed her heart to know they cared for her so much. Their love, or in Inu Yasha's case begrudging affection, for her meant the world to the young Miko. Which made what she was about to say and do all the more difficult.

Kagome looked at Sango and gave her one of her customary bright smiles that, for some reason, did not reach her eyes. “I love the gifts, Sango-chan. Really! They are all so beautiful.” the Miko said, not missing the slight twitch to the Hanyou's ears indicating he was listening even with his back turned. The Miko's oddly light gray eyes landed on the violet eyes of the monk. “The reason I have been so quiet is because I need to tell you all something, but I have been having a difficult time wording it in my mind.”

Inu Yasha's quick temper ignited as he jumped up and waved an accusing finger at the woman. “DON'T YOU DARE SAY YOU WANT TO GO BACK HOME, YOU LOUSY BITCH! YOU JUST GOT BACK YESTERDAY!” he shrieked.
Kagome sighed and gave the Hanyou an icy stare as her son's tail twitched. “Please be quiet, Inu Yasha. You'll wake up Shippou!” The inu's ears flattened against his skull as he sat back down and huffed.

As if oblivious to Inu Yasha's outburst, Miroku smiled reassuringly at the girl he'd come to see as a sister of sorts. A sister he used to enjoy groping, yes, but a sister nonetheless. “Kagome-Sama, please do not be afraid to talk to us. We are your friends, and we are more than willing to listen.” At that, the Miko let a true smile pass her lips. Then, as quick as it came, it left and she went back to frowning down at her lap.

“I'm leaving.”

The young woman prayed no one heard her words but the darkening look on the Hanyou's face told her otherwise. For what seemed like hours, the words simply hung in the air, echoing within the Hanyou's skull.

Without so much as a warning, the Hanyou flew over the fire and had the Miko in a death grip. His blood was boiling as he held the Miko two feet off the ground by her frail neck.

He felt himself losing control as his beast commanded him to teach the impudent wench a lesson. All the while, the other ningens of the group watched with shocked horror frozen on their faces.

“You're not going anywhere.” He ground out, his claws accentuation his every word as they dug into the female's neck. “You're going to stay here like a good bitch and help me finish the Shikon no Tama. Once it's complete I'm gonna kill you... but not before I bend you over and fuck your brains out, of course. If you're a good fuck I might even let you live so you can warm my bed like Kikyou can't!”

Inu Yasha looked at the girl and smirked wickedly. The fiery Miko was limp in his grasp as she stared at him with blank eyes. It was all too pleasurable for the Hanyou. Two bitches for the price of one, it would seem. What could be better? He brought the girl close to his face and breathed against her lips, enjoying the shudder that he felt tingle down her body. Slowly, his lips descended on hers... but before they reached its goal he felt a sharp stinging pain to his head and then nothing at all.

Kagome slowly got up and away from the unconscious male's grasp and let out a shuddering breath of repulsion. This was all becoming too much yet she knew it would just get worse. She glanced at Miroku and smiled weakly at him, thankful that he broke free of his stupor in time to stop Inu Yasha.

“Are you alright?” Sango questioned as she approached her friend and examined the four bleeding wounds on her neck.

The younger woman smiled gently at the slayer and rested a hand on her shoulder. “I'm fine. Just a little shaken, that's all. Please, don't worry. Wounds heal right?”

At this, the older woman frowned at her friend. “Of course, Kagome-chan.” She glanced at her husband to see him already getting out the first aid kit. “Come. Let's take care of your wounds, ne?” With a smile she gripped the younger woman's hand to lead her to a more comfortable area, only to meet resistance. Looking back at the still Miko, Sango once again asked, “Are you sure you're alright, Kagome-chan?”

Kagome gently pulled her hand away from the Slayer's grasp and smiled. “I'm sure, but I really do need to get going. I'll be back tomorrow night and I'll explain everything then. Not a moment sooner though.” At this a bit of the woman's spark came back as she winked at her sister.

Miroku stepped up to the two women and, after wrapping an arm around his wife's waist, said “We will await your return, Kagome-Sama, and we'll keep Inu Yasha at bay also.” To prove his point, the Houshi took his staff and hit the silver haired buffoon on the head again, adding an even larger bump to the first.

Laughing gently, the Miko looked at her two best friends and smiled brightly. “Thank you so much, you guys! I really appreciate it. Um... Two more things though...” The couple looked at one another then back at the Miko and nodded for her to continue. “Well, first, I need to borrow Kirara obviously....”

Hearing her name, the tiny fire neko looked at the woman and trilled cutely before transforming into her larger form. Kagome nodded at the neko then looked back at the couple.

“Second... You guys are gonna have a visitor tomorrow night. You must not attack him though! If you don't attack him, he won't attack you, okay?” At this, the older couple blinked curiously but nodded anyway.

Letting out the breath she didn't even realize she was holding Kagome smiled once more at her friends then went to pack up her things.

The monk watched as his friend went about getting ready. His mind filled with unanswered questions. What was going on? Where was Kagome leaving to? Who was this mystery guest? One thing he was certain of though, Kagome was acting like her old self and that eased both his nerves and his wife's greatly.

After the Hanyou was effectively knocked out a third time, courtesy of Sango, the fully packed Kagome walked over to the fire neko and settled herself on top of its broad back. With her bag comfortably on her shoulders and the box resting across her lap, she looked at her smiling friends and grinned back at them. 'Please smile like this when I see you next time...' she thought. Her eyes strayed to her sleeping son, curled up on top of the sleeping bag she had bought him a year ago. 'I love you, sweetie. Mommy will be back soon.'

As Kirara started her ascent into the sky Kagome called out, “Watch over Shippou for me, please! I'll see you all tomorrow night, I swear! Ja ne!!” With a final wave, she was off, leaving an unconscious Hanyou, worried monk, concerned slayer, and a sleeping child behind. At least for tonight.

~*~

Kagome glanced at her watch and let out a nervous breath. It was eleven o'clock, which meant she had an hour to prepare. After flying for a few more moments, she directed Kirara to land in a clearing. There was a river about half a mile away so it would be as good of place as any for now. Hopping down from its broad back, Kagome turned and smiled at the fire neko. “Thank you, Kirara. I appreciate it.”

The neko purred contentedly and nuzzled her head against the Miko's stomach. She knew what was happening to the Miko and was willing to help in any way possible. Kagome understood the beast's growls and purrs of acceptance and smiled wider.

“Thank you, my friend. I'm afraid I am going to need you to do me one last favor, though.” The Miko pulled out a sealed piece of parchment from the side of her bag and tied it around the neko's neck. “I need you to deliver this to Sesshoumaru-Sama right away. It's critical that he receive it. Once it's in his hands you can go back to Sango, alright?”

The neko nodded obediently and flew off in search of the stoic Lord. Once Kirara was out of sight Kagome took a deep breath and started walking towards her new destination. It was going to be an interesting night she was sure.

~*~

Walking into the cave she found it to be just as she left it. The food and water supplies was untouched and the bedding she had left between the two rock pillars was clean and neat. She had found the small cave a month ago and was instantly entranced by its beauty. The whole cave was filled with veins of jade, and, thanks to the large hole at the top of the cave, the moonlight made it all glitter and sparkle. The constant drip of the surrounding stalactites also added a soothing melody throughout the cave.

Deciding it was as good of place as any, she had gone about the task of making it livable for her visits. She had known that the cave would prove useful to her in the future, and she hadn't been wrong. She'd be safe here for the night.

The maiden placed her extra supplies next to her food reserves and then stepped over to the small fire pit she had made. Kneeling by the dry wood she made a blazing fire with quick, practiced ease. Once that was done, she got up to fetch some supplies from her stash.

As the flame crackled pleasantly, she placed a pot of water onto a flat rock beside the fire. 'Perhaps tea will help calm my nerves...' she thought sadly. 'But it won't heal the heart ache.' Shame washed over the small mistress as she thought of the past and the lies she told to keep up her facade.

She had known that she was in the wrong the moment she said she was “just a human.” That every battle where she placed herself as the weakest link would be thrown at her in the future, along with questions such as “Why didn't you do this?” or “Why didn't you stop that?” Every lie was another nail in her coffin... and yet, even with the knowledge that it would come back to haunt her later, she did it anyway.

Perhaps she was masochistic? It wouldn't be all too surprising if she was since she surely felt the pain now. Undoubtedly, it would get worse tomorrow night she was sure, when she saw the horror, the pain, and, worst of all, the betrayal on her friend's faces. Weren't masochists supposed to feel pleasure from the pain though? Maybe she wasn't too overly masochistic, because all she could feel was the pain that clenched at her heart.

Noticing the water was hot enough; the woman removed the pot from beside the fire and poured the steaming liquid over the tea leaves within her mug. As the water started to change colors, she thought of her own color changing eyes and her mood plummeted. 'Couldn't at least one thing in my life be easy?'

She wondered if perhaps there was someone else as demented and terrible as her. Though perhaps not... no one could be as heartless yet desperate for love as she was, right? No one could possibly understand the pain of Changing like she soon would on this terrible night, this night where everything will forever change.

Once her tea had steeped enough, she picked it up and stood intent on getting some rest before the time came. As she was about to take that first step towards her makeshift futon, her body came to a shuddering stop. The mug slipped from her fingers and clattered to the ground, unnoticed, as the maiden turned and started walking out of the cave with jerky, slow movements.

'What's going on? What's happening to me? Why can't I control myself?' Once outside of the cave's mouth, her body continued to move of its own accord as her eyes stared up at the full moon hanging within the inky black sky, the very red moon that would seal her fate.

Her breath hitched in her throat as she started to mentally prepare herself, only to slide to her knees and scream with her fists against her eyes. Preparation was lost on her as the pain wreaked havoc across her body. She felt the sweat cling to her as her skin rippled and moved. 'Kami-Sama, help me!'

The maiden fell to her side and sobbed. Every breath burned her lungs, every move she made sent shock waves of white hot pain throughout her body but she just couldn't stop crying. She felt everything within her body move and tear and she couldn't stop it.

She gnashed down on her teeth as hard as she could, only to gasp, in shocked realization, as she heard the multiple cracks and felt the weight and tasted the blood on her tongue. She had broken her own teeth! Her eyes dilated and her muscles locked as she vomited harshly onto the forest floor. The numbing shock, however, didn't last long. The fire in her body had begun to center around her jaw and she felt the sharp pain as long, milky white fangs forced their way through her gums.

Next, the fire moved to her ears and seemed to burn them off her skull. Then it moved to the top of her head to branch off and out of her skin on both sides. By the time it was done she thought her head would explode from the loud, earth shattering sounds she was surprised she could still hear.

The fire continued to move throughout her body for hours. It was attacking every muscle and bone in her body, till she felt like she was going to burn to death from the agony. The fire went so far as to push out her nails and replace them with long, black claws.

The spasming maiden moved onto her back and stretched into a terrible arc. The sadistic, bone melting magma had wrapped around her spine, stretching and lengthening it till it pushed out of her body.

As her mind swirled within her own personal hell for hours, the mistress' thoughts were of the only thing she truly wanted and loved the most. His golden eyes stared at her within her hazy, stricken mind; her body shuddered once more as she screamed the name of her love.

~*~

The Lord of the Western Lands sat before his low desk in boredom. He let out another long sigh as he signed decrees and laws, one after the other, in quick percussion. He hated this part of being Lord. Especially, when he came across another letter from a neighboring Lord or noblemen, asking him to marry their daughters. Their daughters were all too loud, vain, and simply too stupid to hold his attention for even a moment.

None of those loose tramps could hold a candle to the woman he desired. Therefore, each marriage proposal was answered with the same pretty letter that used the same pretty words to say the same vulgar meaning: “Hell no.” Though it seemed that the pretty words would not last long for the more determined lot. Thankfully, he will not have to deal with them once the woman, that had been haunting his thoughts for years, came to her senses.

O what a glorious day that would be. For him to hold her curvy body to his firm one. To kiss her pink lips till they were bruised. To travel his hand down her back and grip her nice, round a-

“SESSHOUMARU-SAMA! SESSHOUMARU-SAMA!!”

The stoic Youkai Lord sighed as he stood from his desk and opened the large lacquered doors to see his retainer, Jaken, starring up at him with large, yellow eyes. Jaken collapsed onto his knees at the Lord's feet and blubbered out, “Please spare this lowly Jaken, Sesshoumaru-Sama, but there is an enemy demon on its way to the castle!”

Sesshoumaru's face stayed cold and unimpressed as he stared down at the noisy toad.

“Do you know who it is?”

“It's that blasted fire neko from Inu Yasha's group, Milord!”

“Hn.”

The tall Lord walked past the hyperventilating toad and outside his castle into the front courtyard, his face cold and calm as usual. At least, on the outside he was. On the inside, his mind was abuzz with possible scenarios and reasons as to why the neko dared to approach his compound.

After a few minutes the beast came to land in front of the Lord and, to his great surprise though he'd be damned if he let anyone know that, the neko bowed low at his feet and gave a submissive mewl. The Lord barked in acknowledgement of the neko's submission and the large animal stood up straight and lifted its head high. About to reprimand the neko for acting out of turn, the tall Lord noticed the parchment hanging from the Youkai's neck.

Nodding in understanding, he removed the message and then nodded at the beast, which in turn nodded back and bowed once more before leaving the castle the same way it came. Knowing the neko was done and would not bother him again this night, Sesshoumaru walked back into his castle. Once he was back in his den, he once again, sat down at his desk to deal with business. With a swipe of his claw, he broke the wax seal and opened the letter to see what it had to say.

“Dear Sesshoumaru-Sama,

I'm sorry for the short notice, but I must request an audience with you tomorrow night. This is an urgent matter, and I need you there. Really, it is in your best interest if you come - If not for you then for your father. Please meet me at Inu Yasha's campsite tomorrow night. Your intended is waiting for you.

Your comrade in this desperate endeavor,
Kagome – Miko of the Shikon no Tama”

If the Miko was trying to be vague, she had done an excellent job. The Lord had too many questions flowing through his head, and he knew he probably wouldn't get them answered until he met with the Miko himself. It was an extremely annoying thought, considering his disapproval of being kept in the dark.

'So, it would seem that I have a meeting with the tiny woman. Well then, I must prepare accordingly.' The Lord let an uncharacteristic smile spread across his lips. 'This will be most interesting.'

~*~

Something was crawling on her nose. It felt strange and it tickled. Speaking of her nose, what smelled so terrible? She sniffed delicately and nearly gagged. Ugh..., it smelled disgusting!

The young woman opened her eyes and screamed loud enough to hurt her own ears. There, on her nose, was a beady-eyed caterpillar. She jumped up and quickly brushed the thing off her face, whining lightly about why Kami-Sama would ever create something so nasty.

Now something was tickling the rest of her body. The maiden looked down slowly. 'Oh Kami-Sama please no...' On her chest and all over her legs, were large, furry caterpillars.

“EEP!!!”

The woman quickly wiped off all the offending bugs with violent swipes while screaming to the Heavens about the Kami's lack in judgment. The woman shuddered as she flicked off the last offensive insect and stuck her tongue at it. 'Nasty creature... Though you'd think I'd be used to it after the Change.'

Her body froze as realization seeped in and last night's memories flooded into her head.
The maiden remembered the pain. The terror she had felt. Yet, now she seemed fine. Aside from the facts that she had a splitting headache from all the loud sounds in the forest and she could barely breathe from the smells... she was fine.

The maiden walked towards her temporary camp only to stop and come to two more realizations. First, she was a youkai now. No longer a weak and worthless ningen, she was finally a true youkai!

The newly transformed woman glanced down and grimaced. Second, she now knew where the horrible smell was coming from and she didn't much like it. Sighing, she once again started walking, though this time to a nearby stream, dragging her left foot, to get rid of the steaming matter that caked itself there, as she went.

After taking a short, icy bath in the stream, the woman stepped out and took some well-deserved time to examine herself. The Change certainly changed her that was for sure. She was an inch or two taller now, and more toned, and slender. There were other parts of her body, though, that had changed so drastically she thought she was dreaming! Somehow, even her skin was tanner!

As the woman poked and prodded at her new body, she wondered if anyone would recognize her. If not, what would happen? The woman sighed lightly and with a voice like gentle bells chiming in the winds she whispered, “I guess I'll find out soon enough. Okaa-Sama... Otou-Sama... please.... Give me your strength.”

~*~

Inu Yasha was pissed. He was beyond pissed. He was so pissed he could piss. First, he wakes up from a twelve-hour unconscious spell to a hysterical kitsune that was crying about his missing mother. The woman that Inu Yasha usually referred to as “Shard Detector” nowadays. Then his damn half-brother showed up two hours ago claiming that he had business with the Miko.

To add even more flavoring to his shit-flavored ramen the bastard had a letter from the wench with him to back him up. So what do the other ningens in his group do? Yup, they go onto Mr. Icicle-Up-the-Butt's side.

Inu Yasha continued to glare daggers at his “older brother” with malice. 'What I wouldn't give to wipe the smug look off that bastard's face...' He growled menacingly at his brother one more time before turning to monk beside him. “When is that bitch gonna get here, damn it?!”

Miroku opened one eye to stare at the Hanyou that had ruined his meditation session. “She'll be here shortly, Inu Yasha.” he stated. “Give her time.” The boy growled darkly, “I've already given her time if she doesn't get here in the next-”

“Inu Yasha.”

He looked up at his brother and barked, “What?!”

Sesshoumaru stared at the whelp boredly. “Stop wasting your breath and use your nose. Do you not smell the youkai approaching or is your hanyou nose really as dull as a ningen's?”

The Hanyou in question was about to bark out a reply till he heard a gasp and a rustling of leaves. He turned and felt his mouth drop as he stared at the youkai female walking into the campsite clearing. All of his thoughts were quickly forgotten, as he stared at the beauty.

The woman was about five foot three with curves that would make any man desperate. The chin length hair around her face was sparkling silver in the moonlight, while the rest was an inky black that reached down to the back of her knees. It looked so soft and full.

On top of her head, amongst the long locks, were two large, black, pointed ears with silver tips. It would seem that she also had a long black tail with a silver tip to match her ears. 'Definitely a neko youkai...' his mind supplied for him. The rest of him was too absorbed in staring at this creature to care though.

Inu Yasha's golden eyes traveled down further to stare into the temptress's cat like silver ones. Those sultry eyes shone brightly with such fire he felt his own body burn. Her long eyelashes added to her eye’s beckoning appeal instead of away and he wondered how they would feel on his cheek if her eyes were to slide closed in pleasure as he kissed her. He had to tear his eyes away from hers to inspect the rest of her.

In the middle of her forehead was, what appeared to be, a four-pointed star with a black center. There was also a slender, curved stripe, of a royal blue color, on either side of her tanned face. His eyes followed the path of her small button nose down to her plump lips that were such a tantalizing red that his desire for her grew tenfold.

His view moved down to her long neck. His beast was more than anxious to see if this creature was mated or not. Sadly, he couldn't be sure if she was or not, due to the blue choker wrapped around her neck.

A very familiar looking choker, and now that he thought about it the woman's clothes were also very familiar. Even her face was striking a cord in the Hanyou's hazy mind. He just didn't know why.

Then the slight wind shifted and the woman's long hair blew towards him, dancing in the breeze, and he smelled it. The scent of cherries, vanilla, and fresh spring water was unmistakable even on this body. 'No... It couldn't be!' he thought but before he could stop himself, before he could even think to stop himself even, his horror stricken voice whispered in silent question the name that had been on his mind for such a long time.

“K-Kagome?”