A Gift From The Past

A/N: You know what? I can def. see the changes I have made in my writings since writing this fic the first time. Hell, looking at the first version of the story, I confused myself while reading it. Oh, well. As I have warned, I am doing a seriously heavy edit party and will be reposting my Legend Of The Blue Wolf later on this evening. That one is getting edited just as well.

I hope that this version is much easier to understand and more believeable. Until I saw Inu Taisho(hell, I had heard that he had another name besides this one, but I don't know what it is. Someone want to help me out with it?), I simply assumed that he looked like Sesshomaru. So, this edition has the correct description of him.

Please read and review. And please be on the lookout for Blue Wolf. Enjoy!!

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When they walked in, Totosai walked over to a wall and picked up a large sword. He calmly walked back over to Kagome, placed the sword in her hands, and said, "Lady Kagome, mother of the heir of the western lands, I would like you to meet your child's grandfather, Lord InuTaisho."

Kagome stared at the sword in her hands and then back to Totosai. 'He said what?!' she thought.

Totosai noticed her confused expression and sighed. 'Teenagers, never able to accept what you tell them.' He mused.

"Lord Totosai, forgive me. But I thought that I just heard you refer to this sword as my child's grandfather, Lord Inu Taisho. With all due respect, he has been dead a very long time." Kagome said. Just then, the sword pulsed, and Kagome could swear that she heard a male voice chuckle. She looked around, and then back at Totosai in confusion.

"You heard me correctly, my lady. Please, sit down and I will explain." Totosai said. He waited for the two women to sit down and then began his story. "As you know, Lord Inu Taisho is the father of both Sesshomaru and Inu Yasha. What you did not know, and I doubt that either of them are aware of, is that Lord Inu Taisho was no ordinary inu youkai. He was a god, and a very powerful one at that. Now, at his request I made two swords from his bottom fangs: the tetsaiga and the tensaiga. Both swords are powerful, however, they have a master. The sword that you hold is the gift that Lord Inu Taisho will bestow upon his first born grandchild. Your child, my lady. This sword is called the Youkai's Claw. It is more powerful than tetsaiga and tensaiga together, hell, it may even be more powerful than Sounga. This sword is made from the top two fangs of Lord Inu Taisho. He wanted to make sure that his first grandchild, and heir to his legacy was protected, as well as the child's mother. It was Lord Inu Taisho who sent me after you. He knows what happened, but did not give me all the details. I can only assume from the urgency, he felt that you were in grave danger, and needed his protection immediately."

"How does it work?" Kagura asked, glancing over Kagome's shoulder. She had only thought that the old youkai was senile, but after hearing him talk, she knew that he was more alert than what he let on.

"I am not sure. All I know, is that a youkai's top fangs are a source of his power. It would seem that Lord Inu Taisho's power is so great that it calls to the one who holds it. I have heard his voice, and I am sure that if you listen, you will be able to hear it too, Lady Kagome." Totosai explained.

Kagome turned the sword over in her hands. She had to admit that it was beautiful. With a handle that was encased in pure gold and silver, the blade was carved with pictures of a inu youkai and his exploits. "So, are you saying that this sword belongs to my child?" Kagome asked.

"No. The sword belongs to you. It will belong to your child when he becomes a grown youkai. And his grandfather will be there to guide him as well." Totosai replied.

Kagome stared at him in disbelief. She watched as the old demon got up and walked into the back of the cave. He returned with several furs and lay them out for the women. "This is where you will sleep. Tomorrow, we will begin your training on how to use it. Remember, my bull is not a target." Totosai said. He glared at Kagura when he heard her snicker, but sighed when she simply shrugged.

Kagura waited until the youkai was out of hearing range. "So, do you believe him?"

"Well, yes. See, I felt the sword pulse, and then I heard a chuckle. It was too deep to be Totosai, so it had to come from the sword." Kagome answered.

Kagura stared at her for a minute, shook her head, and then went to lay down on the furs. She bid Kagome a good night and fell asleep. Kagome laid down on her furs and clutched the sword to her. 'What am I doing? I am pregnant and am seriously considering practicing with a sword. I must be crazy.' she thought. She was about to close her eyes when a voice spoke out in her mind.

"No, not crazy." A male voice purred, “But I can sense that you are tired. Why not relax and get some rest?”

Kagome sat up quickly and looked around. Her hand clutching the sword, she slowly raised it.

The voice began to laugh. "Put it down, but keep your hand on the sword. This is the only way, at the moment, that you will be able to be in contact with me, and I need you to hear me out. You need not speak outloud, I can hear your every thought." the voice told her.

"Who are you?" Kagome asked within her mind. Ok, this was just plain freaky.

"I am Inu Taisho. Father to Inu Yasha, and sadly, father to Sesshomaru. I am deeply ashamed about what has happened to you. He had no right." Inu Taisho said softly.

"No, he didn't. But this pup is a blessing, so I refuse to dwell on the negative right now." Kagome replied.

Inu Taisho laughed. His voice was rich with humor and Kagome felt strangely comforted by it. "Well, I can tell that my grandson will be in good hands with you as his mother,especially if he inherits your compassionate and loving nature. Now, I am sure that you are wondering why I am giving you the sword at this time."

"Well....yes. Why pick me? I can't defend myself. Look at what happened with your eldest son." Kagome answered, the memory of her attack rushing to the forefront of her mind.

Inu Taisho winced and took in a deep breath as he watched Kagome's attack replay in her mind. However, at this time, he needed to get to the point. "I need to be sure that my line continues. Inu Yasha has chosen that abomination as a mate and since the body is not real, he will never give me an heir. So, even though the crime was vile, the end result is the same. I am going to have an heir. But, I have many enemies that still live. Since my essence now lives in this sword, I can protect you with little strain on you, but this sword is not the only thing I am giving you. I am also going to give you my power. You will need it for the upcoming birth, and if you wish to have this child and see it grow, you will have to let go of your humanity. To do so, ensures your place at your child's side."

"What are you going to do to me to make me lose my humanity?" Kagome asked. Ok, she was officially past freaked and moving into the territory of hysteria.

Inu Taisho sensed this and chuckled. "Relax, Kagome. It won't hurt. All you need to do is cut your finger on the tip of the sword and allow my essence to flow within you. You will inherit all that I had once been. My strength, my power, and my knowledge will be yours, and all that is your will pass down to your pup. I will simply be there to guide you, and to protect you should you need me. But know this, you are not alone. You have a father by your side, and I will never allow you to be hurt again. Trust in me, and I will protect you with all that I have. Now, place your finger on the tip of the sword, and push. I only require for a small cut to flow into your body."

Kagome sighed. She pulled the tip of the blade towards her and did as she was told. When the cut was made, she watched as a silver mist flew into the cut and into her system. At first, all she felt was a tingling sensation, but when her eyes began to close from sudden exhaustion, she sighed and felt as if she had a pair of strong arms holding her, protecting her from all that would harm her. For the first time in a long time, she felt safe.
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Sesshomaru stood in the clearing. He had been watching the well, looking for the miko that he had violated. A part of him, the blood beast, bragged about his conquest, but the logical part of him felt a bit of pity for the terror and pain that he had put the girl through. It had been a time where his blood beast had been allowed to run free, and it had decided to go after the girl, and used the excuse that it wanted Inu Yasha angry to justify the attack.

But, when he came to his senses, he remembered everything that had happened, and he could hear her sobs. It pained him to know that he had attacked a woman that had been an ally in combat. He needed to see her to make sure that she was alright. He suspected that perhaps the girl had been in the beginnings of heat, and if she had, the probability of her becoming pregnant would have been high, especially with his beast being in control. It was the part of him that demanded submission and dominance. It was the part that would desire to have a female impregnated with his seed to show the world his glory. To prove that he was worth the respect that he commanded. But, he felt no glory, and only shame.

But what confused Sesshomaru, was that the beast had picked a human. He could not stand humans, save for Rin. But for some reason, the beast had craved for her, and took her. It did not claim her, but he knew that the beast wanted to claim the human as theirs. He would have to find some way to supress the beast. He could not afford to make the same mistake again. Sesshomaru's eyes quickly focused on the figure of the monk walking towards the well.

When the monk sat beside it, he called to the youkai lord.

"If you are looking for Inu Yasha, he is with Kikyo." Miroku said.

Sesshomaru jumped and landed right in front of him and glared down at the monk.

"I was not looking for the half breed." Sesshomaru said with a sneer.

"Then were you looking for Kagome?" Miroku asked.

"Don't meddle in my affairs, monk." Sesshomaru snapped. He turned to leave, but the monk stopped him.

"Why?" Miroku asked. Sesshomaru knew that he was asking about what happened with the miko.

"It was not me. It was my blood beast. You would have to ask him." Sesshomaru said as he walked away. But, he then stopped and looked over his shoulder.

"How is she?" He asked.

"Not good. She left." Miroku told him, his tone even.

"She went home?" Sesshomaru asked, turning to face the monk.

"I know that you can tell when someone is lying, so I won't try it. She cannot pass through the well anymore. It has closed and trapped her in this time." Miroku answered. He made his voice as icy as the lord's was.

"So where did she go?" Sesshomaru pressed, and moved closer to the monk.

"I do not know. She just left. She said that she would be back within a few months to visit." Miroku replied.

Sesshomaru did some calculations in his head. His face paled. "Is she pregnant, monk?"

Miroku shook his head. "I do not know. I have my suspicions, but that is all they are. Until Kagome returns, no one will know. Would you like to know what her days were like since the attack? After all, you seem so interested in her now. Your brother had the nerve to make her out to be a whore who fucked you and had a grand old time. Now, where would he get an idea like that?"

"I do not answer to you, monk. But, again, it was the beast. It would seem that even though I have given up on the tetsaiga, it has not. It used Kagome and then taunted the hanyou. Is he the reason why she left?" Sesshomaru asked. So what if it was not the truth. He was above this human insect and did not need to explain that his blood beast desired the girl and decided to mate with her while making a play for the sword.

"No, you are." Miroku said quietly. He got up and began to walk away. He had not made it five feet before being yanked up and found himself staring in the eyes of a very angry youkai.

"What do you mean that I am the reason why she left?" Sesshomaru hissed.

"I mean, she feared for her safety. Now, please let me down." Miroku said calmly. Sesshomaru allowed the human male to slip from his grasp and walk away. The youkai lord had much to think about, and if the female were pregnant by him, he needed to find her. She would be open to attacks by various youkai and if they could smell the scent of his child, hers and the pup's life would be in danger. He would send word to all corners of Japan and have his allies be on the lookout for her. Once found, he would force her to come with him and then he would deal with the situation from there. His protective nature stirring, he darted back towards his palace.
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Morning came, and Kagura awoke to find Totosai staring over at Kagome. She made her way over to him and crouched down beside him. She glanced over to her new friend, and had to gasp. Kagome looked totally different. She had long silver hair, and blue streaks adorning her cheeks. If she didn't know better, she would think that she was looking at Sesshomaru and Inu Yasha's younger sister.

Totosai smiled. "It would seem that Lord Inu Taisho and Lady Kagome have become one."

Kagura tore her eyes away from the new youkai and looked at him. "What do you mean?"

"I mean, wind witch, that Lord Inu Taisho, god of the inu youkai, has given Lady Kagome his power. Her child will also receive that power once born and her power will lessen. With his power combined with hers, Kagome will become a very powerful youkai, but I suspect that unlike his power, her power will have its limits."

Kagura nodded her head in understanding, and looked back over to her friend when she noticed the girl move.

Kagome slowly sat up. But then, like all of the other mornings, she quickly ran to the entrance of the cave and threw up. She grimaced and felt a tap on her shoulder. Kagura had come up behind her with some water. Kagome took it and rinsed out her mouth. "Thank you, Kagura."

Kagura waved her hand, and walked over to get breakfast started. Kagome walked over to Totosai and sat down. She noticed that the youkai kept staring at her, and finally turned to him. "What?"

"Lady Kagome, could you please go over there and bring me my shield? Oh, and can you look into it and make sure that there are no scratches on it? I would not want to find that my work had been ruined." Totosai said, his eyes wide.

Kagome sighed and did as he asked. She picked up the shield and stared into its reflective surface. She then let out a loud shriek and dropped the shield.

"My face. What the hell happened to my face?" Kagome yelled, her hands quickly running over the soft skin of her cheeks.

"Kagome, calm down. Remember, I gave you my power. I made you inu youkai to make you stronger. I also told you that you would lose your humanity." Lord Inu Taisho gently said in her mind. She was now clutching the sword her her breast and breathing heavy.

"Yes, but you didn't tell me that I would end up looking like a smaller Sesshomaru." Kagome yelled. She growled loudly when the youkai lord coughed and muttered that technically, she was a smaller version of himself.

"Ummm, Kagome. Who are you talking to?" Kagura asked, her eyes searching the cave.

"I am speaking to the dog who turned me into a youkai." Kagome fumed. “What in the hell am I going to do now?”

"Please Kagome. Temper is not good for the pup. And remember that you need not speak to me in front of others, all you have to do is think.” Lord Inu Taisho reminded her gently.

"What dog?" Kagura turned around and then looked to Totosai. He shook his head and pointed at the sword. "I believe that she is speaking to her new lord. Just ignore them. He will calm her down."

Kagura nodded and went back to what she was doing. After all, she was going to have to worry about what she was going to do if and when she ever came face-to-face with that foolish wolf, Kouga.

Kagome sat down in a huff. Her long silver hair pooled around her and she could not help but admire it. Totosai looked over at the young woman, and then leaned over. "You know, I never told Inu Yasha about Youkai's Claw because I knew just how much of a fool he is. Youkai's Claw can only be weilded by one who can be not only compassionate, but also fair to all, not just youkai. Just as your predicessor was. Yes, I think that Lord Inu Taisho chose wisely.” He said, his eyes never leaving the sword that he was currently polising.

Kagome nodded and gave him a weak smile before announcing that she was going for a short walk. She needed to think. She tied the sword to her back and walked out of the cave, waving at Kagura as the wind witch practiced some of her moves.

The morning air felt nice and she made her way to an area that held a tree and looked out on the ocean. She thought about many things. She thought about how she missed her friends and family in the modern times, she thought about Inu Yasha and Kikyo, she thought about her friends in this era, and finally, she thought about Sesshomaru. If she were now a youkai, would that mean that her child would be born a full blooded youkai as well?

"Yes, Kagome. The pup will be full blooded, and well respected. A youkai born within the house of the moon will be feared as will his mother. You will be respected and envied. Remember that you deserve all of it and accept no less. Do you understand?" Inu Taisho asked, his tone regal.

"Yes, I understand. But I am not looking to go out and start fights." Kagome thought. In truth, all she wanted was to live peacefully with her pup and have a normal life.

"Of course not. But noble youkai will see your markings as a symbol worthy of respecting, and will give you passage through their lands without question. Even Sesshomaru will not harm you with my marks upon you." Inu Taisho said. “And should he try, he won't be very happy with the outcome. I'll gladly hand him his ass, just as I should have done all those years ago to knock some of that arrogance out of him.”

"Well, I don't have to worry about him. I am not going any where near him." Kagome thought firmly.

"You will have to one day. Do not fear, I will be there to help you." he said. "Kagome, I can tell that you are tired. Why not lie down and sleep? I will stand watch and keep youkai from you."

"You can do that?" Kagome asked, looking around to see if he was being truthful.

His laughter rang out and Kagome instanly felt foolish. "Forgive me. I have never met a being with so much curiosity. Yes, I can do that. Just as I have given you my power, you have also gifted me with some of yours. We are bound together, little one, and it is because of your miko powers that I will be able to fight for you, until your pup is able to do it himself. Now, relax and trust in me." He ordered, his tone telling her not to argue.

Kagome sighed and lay down. She allowed her eyes to close and soon felt her body drifting away. She could have sworn that she felt her body being lifted and then cradled in a pair of strong arms supporting her while she lay in a warm lap. Finally, she had someone who cared about her wellbeing, and didn't ask for anything in return. It felt nice.
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He told her the truth. He knew that by using her miko power, he could easily reform his former body and enter the world once more, but only for a short while. It would take a lot of getting used to, but he was thrilled to be out of that sword and stretch his aching muscles.

He thought about many things as he held Kagome in his arms. The first and most important was that he would have to deal with Sesshomaru. He knew exactly what happened, and that his son did not have control over the situation, but his son should have done something to placate the beast before it ran out of control and harmed Kagome.

But, here he was, holding a young woman who would gift him with a pup who would one day surpass even him in power, and he knew that the pup would need a firm hand, or else he could end up like Inu Yasha. He had many regrets about his youngest son, and wished with all his heart that he had been there to raise him. His son's life would not have turned out like it had.

Now, he had plans to make, but the view was so pretty and he decided that instead of going out and announcing his return to the world, he would simply sit with the mother of his grandchild in his arms, content on protecting what was his. The young woman and pup were now a part of him by blood and it was this bond that would make his protection of her even more fierce, even against his own sons.

He would not make the same mistakes as when he was alive. Kagome smiled and snuggled deeper in his embrace, and he smiled back at her. She was dreaming about the time he courted Inu Yasha's mother. He had a feeling that her dreams had been anything but sweet lately, and he really wanted her to see that not all of the males in his family treated women with disrespect. But, he was fairly certain that had he been in control of the youkai, Sesshomaru would not have treated her so harshly, either.

But, what was done was done. He stared out over the horizon and sighed, before allowing his hand to rest on her stomach and felt his grandpup kick for the very first time. He grinned, but then allowed his eyes to narrow. This child would not grow to become like his father or his uncle. His Grandpa would see to that.