From The Ashes

A/N You know, this chapter has been nothing but a headache. I've tried several different ways to portray Kagome, but I didn't want her to appear horrible. So, this is what I came up with. I hope that you enjoy this newest chapter.

~!~

“We have a problem, Shikon.” Midoriko said, her tone filled with worry. She had decided to leave Kagome be for a while, and hoped that the girl calmed down. In the meantime, she was going to have a talk with the one who had bestowed the phoenix's power upon the young miko.

“I think that we were mistaken when we thought that the phoenix is gone. She is showing signs of aggression that is not normal for her.”

For several moments, silence greeted her, but then Shikon softly asked, “Is she able to use the phoenix's abilities, properly?”

“To an extent. She killed off an intruder, last night, and just a while ago, she threatened a human. Shikon, she was serious in her threat, and she gloried in the death that she caused. I think that the original phoenix is trying to rise to power.”

“Good.” Shikon replied, his tone smug.

Midoriko was stunned, but then asked, “What do you mean, 'good'?”

“The phoenix will rise to power, once more, and this time, it will finish what it started.” Shikon said, his tone hard. “Kagome is simply the tool that the phoenix will use to do it, except this time, the phoenix will have a human body to use instead of its original form. And, as an added bonus, it will be able to use holy power, as well.”

“What have you done?” Midoriko demanded, her tone growing angry. “Why would you help the phoenix, especially when you know what it did the last time?”

Shikon began to laugh, but managed to say, “Because of the phoenix's immense power, it would be foolish to keep it contained. Instead, the four souls of the jewel decided that instead of holding it back, we would free the phoenix, and let it destroy our enemies, namely the lord of the spirit world, and that fool, Chyjoko.”

“I'll stop you and that damn bird. I will not allow the dark legend to rise to power.” Midoriko snapped, her fury mounting by the minute. However, her anger fell to confusion when Shikon chuckled.

“Oh, I don't think so.” He said, his tone playful. “Have you not noticed how your power has been slipping away from you? If you were as strong here, as you were when you were alive, you could have held the phoenix back, but that simply isn't the case here, and you are out of luck. In fact, you will cease to exist in a few hours, and while you are fading away, you can watch that lovely, little miko lose control.”

“She purified the jewel. You should not be corrupt.” Midoriko said. She gritted her teeth as the creature before her said, “Don't be such a sore loser, Midoriko. Just think of this as the better man winning.”

Midoriko tried to call forth her miko power, but was shocked to find that she could barely call forth a barrier. “I'll find a way, or find someone else to stop you.” She said, her tone hard.

“You are welcomed to try, my dear.” Shikon replied. “You had better hurry. You don't have much time, and I seriously doubt that you want to spend it with me.”

Midoriko turned away from the creature, and sighed. She needed to get back to Kagome, and quickly. She had to make the girl see that she was being used and that Shikon had betrayed them.

However, when she attempted to contact Kagome, she found herself behind a very strong barrier. She began to yell, desperately calling on her power to help her, but it was no use. The only thing that she heard was Shikon laughing, enjoying her failed attempts.

Turning, she faced the direction she knew the fool to be in and calmly said, “I may vanish, but there are others who will help her. You and the phoenix will not win.”

Shikon quieted for a moment, but then replied, “By the time Kagome and her friends figure out that the phoenix is the real threat, it will be too late. The phoenix will fly again, and we, the souls of the jewel, will be the ones to control the realms. You lose, you stupid bitch.”

Turning, Midoriko placed her head upon the barrier, and closed her eyes. Already she could feel her body beginning to fade, and knew it would not be long for her to be completely gone. It was simply a matter of time.

~!~

Inu Yasha's face had lost all of its color as he stared down into her eyes. He watched as the others stopped and knew that they had heard him speak her name. As she stood up, she had grabbed the baseball cap and was currently brushing it off, grumbling.

“You know, it's really rude to go around and tackle people.” She said, her voice calm. She looked up at him and then shook her head. “You have also made me late, and my mom is probably going to go ballistic, so thank you.”

She tried to walk around him, but his hand caught her upper arm in a firm grip and she was spun around, facing him and those who were with him.

“What in the fuck are you doing here?” He growled, his eyes beginning to tint red. “You are supposed to be dead.”

Kagome felt her own temper beginning to rise. Yanking her arm out of his grip, she snapped, “And it would be so much better for you if I had stayed dead, wouldn't it, Inu Yasha? Gee, I guess that is just something else that Kikyo and I share now, isn't it?”

“Don't you fucking dare mention her name.” He snarled. “She has sacrificed much, and deserves respect. You are nothing more than a liar, and that goes for your mother, as well. She knew that you were alive, but she hit Kikyo and humiliated her.”

Kagome's body went still when her mother was mentioned. Inu Yasha was too busy to notice that the air around her was now beginning to crackle with energy, nor did he notice that her eyes had gone blank and had changed to the color of fire.

However, Sesshomaru did and snapped, “INU YASHA! Enough!”

The hanyou growled and turned to look at the young miko, a biting comment on his lips, but the comment died when he finally noticed that something was not right with her.

Kagome was shaking with rage. Never before had she ever felt this kind of power and she realized that this power was coming from her rage. It was her anger that was giving her this energy and she realized that Shikon's words were, indeed, true.

She was the thing to be feared, now.

Her eyes focused on the hanyou and she clenched her fists, her energy now whipping around her in a frenzy. The hanyou backed away, his eyes returning to their normal amber shade, and he nervously glanced behind Kagome, a silent plea for his brother to step in.

Sesshomaru's eyes narrowed as Kagome took a step forward. He watched as she held out her hand and in a quiet voice, she said, “I don't think that I heard you correctly, Inu Yasha. Would you care to repeat what you said about my mother?”

Sesshomaru stepped between Kagome and Inu Yasha, and quietly said, “We are attracting attention. We will continue this at the shrine. Miko, you will accompany us.”

“Make me.” She challenged, still angered. The taiyoukai stiffened at her insolence and he calmly replied, “If I made you, it would take you several weeks to recover. Now, let us be on our way.”

Kagome gritted her teeth at his dismissal and then smirked. “Well, let us see if your words hold any merit, youkai.”

Sesshomaru only had a second to dodge her attack and when he hit the ground, he moved and appeared in front of Kagome before she could blink an eye. He reached up and gripped her upper arms in a bruising grip and snarled.

“Stop this foolishness.” He growled, his own eyes beginning to tint. But, if he thought that she was subdued, he was mistaken. Before his and his companions' eyes, she disappeared and he quickly looked around, trying to figure out where she had gone to.

Hiei narrowed his eyes, and silently wondered what in the hell had happened. With the jagan, he should have been able to follow her movements, but when she disappeared, he lost sight of her.

Inu Yasha growled and snapped, “Where in the hell did she go?”

Shippo looked around, and then quirked an eyebrow up. It was clever, but just like in the feudal era, she could never hide from him.

Stepping forward, he ignored the curious glances of his companions and moved to stand underneath the large tree. Leaning against it, he softly said, “I've missed you, mama. I keep thinking about that day, and each time, I wonder if there was something, anything that I could do to make you stop. Now that I am older, I know that there was nothing I could do, but it doesn't make it any easier. The day you died, was the day a part of me died, as well.”

The group was silent, but the scent of salt hit their noses. Shippo shook his head, and asked, “Why won't you come with us, mama? Is it because of Inu Yasha? You should know by now that he mostly speaks out of his ass. None of us think that you are a liar, and we know that you died. What we don't know is how it is that you are alive, now. You have every right to be angry, but right now, this is not the time to do anything about it. We need you.”

Kagome leaned against the tree and angrily wiped the tears that were streaming down her face. In her anger against Inu Yasha, she had failed to see Shippo, her beloved kit. When he began to speak, her rage immediately died down, leaving her with a clear mind.

Taking a deep breath, she concentrated and finally managed to shimmer to a spot a few feet away from her kitsune.

“I've been given another chance.” She replied, her eyes staring at the ground. “The shikon jewel needs me to do something, and brought me back.”

Kurama nodded. “That would explain why no one could find your soul in the spirit world.” He said, shaking his head. Koenma was going to have a fit. He was supposed to know everything that had to do with spirits. He hadn't thought of the possibility that Kagome could be alive.

“Yes.” She said with a small smile, and watched as Shippo began to walk towards her. “I awoke to find myself at the bottom of the well, naked and dirty. It wasn't until after I had climbed out and saw my brother crying in front of the god's tree that I thought of you and about how you must have cried.”

Shippo reached out and gently wiped away a tear that was streaming down her cheek. Her eyes turned to him and she softly said, “I'm sorry, Shippo. I just didn't want you growing up afraid, and if Naraku were to remain in the world, you'd never know the joys of being a child.”

Sesshomaru watched the scene between mother and son, and then shrugged. Things had gotten out of hand, and it was due to the fool he called brother. This situation should have been handled differently, and he should have approached her in a more tactful way.

“I'm sorry, Sesshomaru-sama, for attacking you. I was angry and I should not have taken it out on you. But, as far as your request goes, the answer is no.” Kagome said, and then stepped away from Shippo.

“Mama, why?” Shippo asked, his eyes wide with hurt. He watched as his mother turned her eyes in the direction where her home was and she quietly said, “I have to stay close. My family needs me.”

Hiei shook his head. “Are you the one who created the pile of ash that we found in front of the shrine?” He asked.

Kagome shrugged, but nodded. “She was there, and it wasn't to pray.” She replied. “I simply dealt with her as I saw fit.”

Inu Yasha opened his mouth to speak, but a voice stopped him. “If you guys are done fucking around with each other, Jakotsu and I found something very interesting.” Bankotsu said, his tone bored.

The group stared at the man, but it was Kagome who asked, “And what, pray tell, did you find?”

“Find out for yourself.” Bankotsu snapped, and watched as the young woman glared at him. For a moment, he felt something inside of him warning him not to push his luck when it came to this particular girl, but he shook it off and turned to walk to where Jakotsu was standing.

The group, including Kagome, followed. Soon, they came upon the two men, and stared down at the ground. Kagome moved forward, and reached into her pocket. Pulling out the coins she had found, she studied them, and then at the ground. The image on the coin was identical to the one that was burnt into the grass, telling her that she was correct in her assumption that this place would hold her answers.

Standing to her full height, she turned and began to walk away from the group. Shippo ran to catch up with her and managed to get her to stop.

“Mama, do you know what that is?” He asked, his green eyes pleading. “Help us, please.”

Kagome bit her lip, then stared off into the distance, her eyes clouded with pain. “I tried so hard to keep you from war. I lost my life to make sure that you would never see that kind of horror again, and now, another threat has decided to come.” She said, softly. “It was all for nothing.”

“Then, let's fight it together.” Shippo said, his tone soothing. However, the woman before him shook her head violently and snapped, “Fight it together? You wouldn't even last a minute against this thing. Shippo, go back wherever you came from. This is not your fight.”

“But, it is ours.” Hiei snapped, his eyes flashing. “Your son and the others have come to help us, to protect your family. You would turn us away?”

Turning her head, Kagome looked over at the youkai and then shrugged. “I do not need your help. The jewel chose me for a specific reason.” She said, “You are asking for a violent death by sticking your nose into something that doesn't concern you.”

Kurama stepped forward and asked, “What do you know of a youkai known as Chyjoko?”

Kagome thought for a moment, but then shrugged. “Not much, really. Why? What have you heard?” She asked, her face completely blank.

“Keh, like we'd tell you anything.” Inu Yasha snapped. He froze when Kagome's eyes darted over to where he stood, and was shocked that instead of snapping at him, she shrugged and said, “Ah, so that means that you don't know anything about Chyjoko. Of course, I'm not surprised.”

Walking around Shippo, whose sad eyes watched her every move, she walked to the entrance to the park, and then stopped. “By the way, how is King Enma faring these days? I do hope he's gotten stronger, because this time, there won't be anyone who will save his throne.” She said, her eyes once more changing to the color of fire.

The group watched as Kagome left the park, and then turned towards each other. Jakotsu sighed and shook his head. “See, that is what is wrong with women. Mood swings and PMS.” He said.

He hurried over to where Inu Yasha was standing and then cooed at him, ignoring the way that the hanyou's eyes widened in horror.

“Don't worry, my sweet hanyou. I still love you.” He said, giving the hanyou a wink and a wide smile.

Sesshomaru growled and then turned towards the group. “We are leaving, and I will be the one to give our report.” He said, his tone cold. “It is clear that the miko knows more than what she is telling us, and I intend to find out what it is that she is withholding.”

Kurama called for Botan, and when the ferry girl appeared, she opened the portal and quickly took them to Genkai's. But, there was a surprise waiting on them when they arrived.

King Enma had calmed down quite a bit, and was currently sitting with Genkai, Koenma, and Onigumo. They looked up from the scrolls that they were studying to regard the group.

Sesshomaru stepped forward and was about to give his report, but Inu Yasha snapped, “That fucking bitch, Kagome, is alive.”

Kikyo stood up, her eyes wide, and asked, “What?” It wasn't possible. She had seen Kagome's body turn to ash, along with the others. For Kagome to be alive, it would have to be the work of some higher power.

Kurama cleared his throat and moved away from the spot where Sesshomaru was currently holding his younger brother up by his throat.

“It would seem that Kagome is, indeed, alive, and not only that, she has information on Chyjoko. But, Inu Yasha decided that he would confront her, and called both Kagome and her mother liars. After that, it got quite tense.” He explained, and watched as several pairs of eyes turned to glare at the hanyou, who simply snorted.

King Enma stood up, his eyes flashing. “And why isn't she with you? I want to speak to her.” He snapped.

“She refused to come.” Hiei said, his tone bored. “But, she was wondering if you had gotten any stronger than the last time you met Chyjoko, and also made the comment that there wouldn't be any help, this time.”

“Is that so?” King Enma thundered. “Botan!”

The ferry girl was yanked from her fantasy about a certain blood-thirsty mercenary and quickly stood up to bow.

“I want you to teleport me to where the miko, Kagome, is. If she won't come willingly, then I will go to her and I'll shake the information out of her, if I have to. I'll prove to her just how strong I am.” He said, his tone hard. He would not be defied.

Koenma stood up and calmly said, “Father, let's not jump to any conclusions. We will go and speak to her, but please remember that we are in the human realm, and cannot do anything to disturb the people surrounding the shrine. We must be calm in our interrogation.”

When his father glared at him, the younger man gulped and then said, “The portal, Botan.”

The ferry girl nodded and soon, King Enma was standing at the top of the shrine stairs, along with his son. Sesshomaru and his group had tagged along, mostly because they could fill in holes for the angered lord, should Kagome attempt to lie to him about the meeting in the park.

Strolling forward, King Enma saw a woman sweeping away dirt from the walkways. He clenched his fists, but quickly calmed when the woman turned, her face relaxed in a gentle smile. She quickly put down the broom and walked towards him, and when she reached his group, she bowed and said, “Welcome to Sunset Shrine. Would you like a tour?”

King Enma narrowed his eyes a bit, but calmly said, “What we would like, is to speak to your daughter.”

The woman stared up at him, and then narrowed her eyes. She took a step back from him and was about to tell him no, but Kagome's voice stopped her.

“Mama, go inside.” She said, her voice soft. “It's time for you to start dinner, isn't it?”

The woman nodded, and smiled at her daughter, the visitors forgotten. Without a backwards glance, she walked away and passed by Kagome and into the house.

Once the door was closed, Kagome quickly put up a sound barrier and then turned her attention to the group.

“To what do I owe the pleasure?” She asked, her tone biting. Ever since she had returned from the park, she had grown angrier that she had bumped into them. She was even more angry at the fact that she didn't sit Inu Yasha into the new year for what he said about her mother.

King Enma didn't bother to mince words. He glared at Kagome and snapped, “I understand that you are concerned over my strength. So, why don't you tell me how strong you think that I am.”


Kagome smiled and shook her head. Ever since Midoriko had decided to be quiet, she had seen flashes of things that the former phoenix had seen. The poor king was clearly delusional, as far as his strength went. She was growing stronger and wondered if she were strong enough, now, to take out the obnoxious man before her.

“Well, hopefully you are strong enough not to be knocked out, this time around.” She said as she studied her nails. “It would be a shame for all this posturing to be nothing more than window dressing, if you know what I mean.”

“Little girl, you try my patience.” King Enma growled. “You are going to tell me what you know, and you are going to do it now.”

Kagome shook her head, but then froze when her eyes picked up on a form that was coming towards the barrier at a very fast speed. Without bothering to answer the man, she shimmer up to the roof of the house, and allowed her power to flow forth.

Energy crackled around her violently as she focused on the creature. “Come any closer, and you'll be nothing more than a memory.” She warned, knowing that it could hear her. But, unlike the last creature, this one didn't stop. In fact, it didn't slow down.

When it hit the barrier, Kagome gritted her teeth as the force hit her. Suddenly, she was surrounded by Sesshomaru and the others, her son standing in front of her, protecting her in the way he couldn't do when he was a kit.

“What are you doing?” She demanded, her tone hard. “This isn't your fight.”

Shippo glanced over his shoulder and gave her a sad smile. “You're my mom, and if someone attacks you, then it is my fight.”

Kagome froze, but when the creature hit the barrier, again, she moved around Shippo, roughly pushing him behind her, and glared up at the creature.

“Let me guess, you work for that bumbling idiot, Chyjoko.” She said, her tone full of scorn. “This is your last warning. Leave or die.”

The creature hissed at her, and hit the barrier again, causing Kagome's control on her power to slip. She stepped forward, again, and held up her hand, intent on killing it off.

However, the creature was struck by a ball of light, and screeched as it was blown apart. Turning, Kagome glared at the one who dared interfere, and all he did was raise his eye brow.

“Now do you have faith in my strength.” King Enma asked, his tone smug.

Kagome arched an eyebrow as she regained her control and said, “No, actually it just proves how much of an arrogant ass you are.”

“Watch how you speak to me, young woman.” King Enma warned. “I have jailed others for less crimes against me, and I'll do the same to you, should you tempt my anger any further.”

Kagome's body went ridged. Her mind went blank, and she felt as though she were standing outside of her body and heard herself say, “You dare speak down to the one who saved your throne? I should have let that fool, Chyjoko, kill you off, and then dealt with him, myself. This time, I won't be stepping in, but you already knew that, didn't you?”

King Enma studied the girl for a moment, but then quietly asked, “Who are you? Who are you, really?”

Kagome's mouth moved up in a bright smile as her eyes flashed to the color of a raging fire and she said, “My name is Kagome Higurashi, of course.”

King Enma narrowed his eyes, but stepped back. Kagome smirked, but the gasped. Her head was starting to throb, and her body felt like it was on fire. Something was wrong! The power was growing at an incredible rate, and for the first time, she was scared. It was as if she were being consumed by flames.

Shippo started towards her, but she stepped back and said, “Stay away from me. Leave here, and don't come back.”

“Mama, please.” Shippo begged. Kagome shook her head, and yelled, “I SAID, GO AWAY!”

Shippo's face lost all of its color, and he jumped when he felt Sesshomaru's hand upon his shoulder. The older youkai shook his head at the young kitsune and quietly told him to go and stand with the other kitsune.

Once Shippo was beside Kurama, Sesshomaru opened his mouth, but then closed it and shook his head. He turned to the group, and said, “Let us leave. It is clear that we are not wanted, and so, we will not trouble the miko any longer.”

King Enma nodded, and then studied the girl. Her eyes were shut tightly, and sweat was glistening on her forehead. Stepping forward and ignoring his son's questioning gaze, he looked down on the miko and quietly said, “I don't know how you knew about my being knocked out during my fight with Chyjoko, but I know that I do not owe my throne to you. Once this mess is over, you will be dealt with.”

Kagome grabbed the side of her head, and heard the group moving away from her. When she opened her eyes, she saw Hiei standing in front of her, his eyes filled with disgust. The group had stopped and was waiting for him to speak his mind, before they left.

“Woman, you don't deserve a son like the kitsune.” He said, his tone filled with loathing.

Kagome felt sick, and then raised her head to look at the hybrid before her. “S-something's not right. The power is too much.” She gasped, her voice strained. “It hurts.”

Hiei shook his head, and turned his back on the girl. He was about to take another step towards the others, who were watching and listening, and froze when he heard her say, “Phoenix......it's too much. Too angry.”

He turned in time to see her eyes close and her body fell backwards and off of the roof. Gritting his teeth, he went after her, and managed to catch her before she hit the ground. Kurama was beside him within seconds and quietly asked, “What in the hell just happened, Hiei?”

The hybrid shook his head, and then looked at King Enma. “What in the hell am I supposed to do with her?” He demanded.

King Enma smirked. Looks like he was going to get his way, after all. “We bring her with us, and have Genkai restrain her until she answers all of my questions.” He replied, and nodded at Botan to open up the portal.

Soon, they were back at Genkai's and King Enma laid down the law. He motioned for Genkai to come to him and then pointed over at Kagome.

“She is not to leave the shrine grounds, for any reason.” He said. “Use any amount of force necessary, except force that would kill her. One way or another, she is going to give me the answers I seek.”

Genkai nodded, and motioned for Hiei to follow her. When they entered one of the guest rooms, the old psychic motioned for the hybrid to put Kagome down and then back off.

“Get out.” She said, her eyes trained on Kagome's form. “I'll handle her from here.”

Turning on his heel, Hiei left the room and went back to the court yard, and found his companions recounting all that had happened at Kagome's home.

Shippo was sitting beside Kikyo, who was rocking the kitsune, allowing him to cry out his sorrow. It pained her to see the young kitsune so upset, but she was curious as to why Kagome would lash out at him. This was not the actions of the young girl whom she shared a soul with. She knew Kagome's heart, and malice simply didn't exist within the younger miko.

King Enma was about to ask Kikyo how one would strip a miko of her powers, but a loud bang was heard, causing everyone to jump.

Genkai ran into the courtyard, and snapped at Kikyo. “I need you. She's disoriented, and though she is trying to maintain control, her powers are growing more violent. I've never seen such power, especially from a human.”

Kikyo nodded and stood up. Following the old woman, she was shocked to find Kagome hovering a few inches off of the floor, her power rolling off of her and gently licking at the dead miko's skin, causing it to tingle.

As Kikyo and Genkai watched, Kagome's head turned and her eyes opened, tears threatening to spill over.

“Kikyo.” Kagome whispered. “Help me. It's too much, and it hurts.”

Kikyo narrowed her eyes. “Kagome, you have to tell me what is going on. It's the only way I can help you.” She said, her voice calm.

“The phoenix's power was given to me, by Shikon.” Kagome said, and then threw her head back and moaned pitifully as another wave of pain hit her body. “I can't hear Midoriko, anymore.” She whispered, barely able to get the sentence out. “Why isn't she helping me. S-she promised.”

Kikyo gasped and looked down at the old woman. Genkai looked up and shrugged. “I know nothing about mikos, girly. You're the expert, here.” She said.

Kikyo stepped forward, her own miko powers ready to use should she need them. Slowly, she approached Kagome, and softly said, “I'm going to put what is called a healing barrier around you, Kagome. It should ease the pain, at least to a point to where you can stand it.”

Kagome nodded, and sobbed. Shikon never told her that this would happen, nor did Midoriko. Where in the hell was she, and why wasn't she helping?

Kikyo concentrated for several minutes, but managed to place the barrier, encasing Kagome in its healing power. The younger miko's face relaxed as the pain began to subside and she gave the older miko a tired smile.

“I'm sorry, for all of the trouble.” She said, her voice soft. “I can't seem to do anything right, these days.”

“Tell me what is going on, Kagome.” Genkai ordered, her tone leaving no room for argument. The younger miko sighed and nodded.

Kikyo whispered that she was going to go and get King Enma. There was something about the entire situation that wasn't making sense. The Kagome she knew would never tell anyone she loved to go away, especially not the young kitsune.

Hurrying into the courtyard, she ignored Inu Yasha when he stood up, and directed her gaze to Koenma.

“Genkai asked you if there was a possibility that a phoenix helped King Enma, and you said no.” She said, her tone slightly accusing. “Well, guess what....it would seem that phoenixes are real, or at least, Kagome believes that they exist.”

King Enma stepped forward. “What are you saying, woman?”

“I just had to put a healing barrier around Kagome, much like the same barrier I used on Onigumo when I found him badly burned. It is used to take away pain, and believe me when I say that Kagome is in pain.” She replied. “Before I put it up, Kagome mentioned something about a phoenix and that its power was given to her by the shikon jewel.”

King Enma stared at the miko, then quietly asked, “What is Genkai doing?” Now he was beginning to see where the miko in front of him was coming from. If it had been a phoenix that had helped him, and if that being was currently within the younger miko, then the girl's behavior could be understood. She was a being with two entities in one body, and one of those entities was attempting to gain control.

Kikyo said, “Genkai has decided to question Kagome. I thought that perhaps you had some questions of your own.”

“Damn right, I do.” He snapped, and moved past the dead miko and towards the room that held Kagome.

When he entered the room, he noticed that he had been followed by the others, and every single one of them wanted to hear her explanation for her behavior for themselves. He noted that Sesshomaru had moved off to the right of him, his demonic sword held tightly within his hand. If the girl attacked the king, then the taiyoukai would end her life a second time.

Genkai looked over her shoulder, and put her finger to her lips. Kagome, without acknowledging that they had company said, “I always wanted to be stronger, but was happy with what I had. After all, mikos are not trained in this era. When I died, Shikon, the embodiment of the jewel, granted me with the power of the phoenix, and allowed Midoriko to be my guide.”

“And, then what happened?” Genkai prodded. The girl was quiet for several minutes, but then said, “I honestly can't remember some things, but I can remember the lessons that Midoriko taught me. Hell, I even remember that stupid camel when I accidentally shimmer to Egypt.”

Kagome gave a soft laugh, but the groaned as the pain in her head began to flare up again. Kikyo moved forward and strengthened the healing barrier, then nodded at Genkai to continue.

However, King Enma stepped forward and asked, “What in the hell do you know about the fight between me and Chyjoko?”

Kagome's head turned and she winced as her eyes focused on the tall man before her. She tried to remember where she had seen him before, but soon gave up and asked, “Have we met, before? I can't seem to place you.”

King Enma glared down at the girl, but froze when Kikyo's hand stopped him from moving forward. “She isn't lying.” She said, quietly. “She honestly doesn't know who you are. Whomever you dealt with at the shrine, it wasn't Kagome.”

“And you know this, how?” King Enma snapped. The dead miko turned her eyes to Kagome, to see the young woman looking at them, her eyes wide and confused.

“Look at her, my lord.” She said, motioning over to Kagome. “Look closely at her, and tell me what you see.”

King Enma snorted and turned his angered gaze to Kagome, but then froze. The eyes that were staring up at his were nothing like the eyes he had seen at the Higurashi Shrine.

Those eyes had been full of hate and scorn. These eyes were innocent and curious, and mostly filled with pain. Moving forward, he softened his voice and asked, “Do you remember what happened at your house?”

Kagome bit her lip and tried to ignore the sharp pain behind her eyes. It took her several minutes, but then she nodded. “I hurt someone, didn't I? She was trying to harm my family.” She said, her eyes growing heavy as exhaustion began to set in.

Before her eyes closed, she turned her eyes towards the kitsune who was staring at her, his eyes trained upon her own.

Smiling at him, she softly said, “You've gotten so big. I'm sorry that I wasn't there to watch you grow up. I have so many regrets, but being your mom was never one of them. Even if you were old and gray, I would know that you were my kit.”

Her eyes closed and Kagome gave into sleep, allowing her body to rest. However, if she thought that her dreams were going to be peaceful, she was sadly mistaking.

~!~

King Enma motioned for everyone to leave the room and then turned to Kikyo. “Will that barrier hold her?” He asked.

“Yes, at least I think that it will.” Kikyo said. “However, if what Kagome said is true, and she was granted the power of a phoenix, then it may not hold for very long.”

King Enma nodded and then said, “Do what you can. As for the rest of you, find Chyjoko. I want him to pay dearly for his crimes.”

When the group nodded, King Enma called out, “You are not leaving, Hiei. You are going to stay behind and ensure that the miko stay on her best behavior.”

Growling, Hiei snapped, “Why me? I am not a fucking babysitter.”

“The jagan will be useful, and if she should decide to misbehave, then you will be able to subdue her without bodily injury.” King Enma said, and turned towards Botan.

“We are leaving. Koenma will be staying.” He said, ignoring the way his son yelped and begged him not to leave him behind.

However, when the king was gone, Koenma's head drooped and he softly said, “I really hate my life.”

Yusuke smirked, and then glanced over at Hiei. “Well, shorty. I guess you are stuck.” He jeered, but then yelped when Genkai smacked him upside the head.

“Cram it, dipstick.” She snapped. “As for the rest of you, get out of here.”

Onigumo stood up and watched as everyone's eyes turned towards him. He had been silent long enough.

“I wonder why the shikon jewel would bestow this power upon the miko now. Why wouldn't it have done it before the battle?” He mused, his face thoughtful. “A power that a phoenix carries would have ended my threat before I had a chance to begin my quest. Hmmmm, curious.”

“What in the hell is your point?” Inu Yasha demanded. “The shikon jewel probably gave the power to her because the four souls felt sorry for her. You know how useless she was.”

“She wasn't useless, Inu Yasha.” Shippo snapped, earning himself a surprised glance from the hanyou. “That person, at mom's house, wasn't my mother. Mama would never speak like that to me, even if she were furious with me. What ever that thing was, it was hateful and it wasn't Kagome. But, I can't help but notice that whoever that was, it held some kind of affection for Kagome's mom.”

Onigumo chuckled. “I doubt that the jewel would have bestowed such a power, unless it has other plans for the young miko.” He said, as he studied his finger nails. “I bet that she was given the power for a much greater purpose. Now, all we need to do is figure out what that purpose is, and I can bet that it isn't for the 'greater good'.”

Koenma sat down, and sighed. “All I have ever heard about a phoenix is that it existed only in legends.” He said, “Phoenix, despite its incredible power were considered gentle and only killed out of self-preservation. It had no need to look for trouble, mainly because it could rise from the ashes, but when it did rise, it was more powerful than before, or at least, that is what the legends say.”

Youko had been silent for long enough. A few centuries ago, he had stolen a book that was considered sacred by a large group who had worshiped the phoenix. He had opened the book and had read a passage about a darker phoenix, a creature that held an even greater power than the phoenix. This power was fueled by hatred, and loathing. It was called the dark legend.

“There was a book,” Youko murmured, as his features began to overtake Shuuichi's body. “That says that there is another form of the phoenix. A darker version.”

Yusuke glared over at the kitsune and snapped, “And, you are just telling us about this now?”

“I had forgotten about this book, detective.” Youko growled, his golden eyes hard on the detective. “It turned out not to be worth much, except to those whom I had stolen it from. But, this book was very detailed about what they considered the dark legend of the phoenix myth. It was written that the dark phoenix was a creature that killed nations without a second thought, and reveled in the destruction of civilization. However, the book was incomplete.”

Shippo stared at the older kitsune and timidly asked, “Incomplete? How?”

Youko gritted his teeth. “A few of the pages were missing.” He growled, his claws digging into the palm of his hand. “I think that the pages were ripped out, probably by someone who didn't want others to know how to summon the dark phoenix.”

“Miko, is there anyone you can think of who can help us?” Sesshomaru asked, his tone hard. If this was true, then they needed to get to that book. Perhaps they could piece together what was missing by reading what had been left alone. However, first they needed to decide on how to help Kagome keep the phoenix in line. “Is there anyone you can think of who could keep the miko in line, just by their presence alone?”

Kikyo bit her lip and thought for a moment, then she looked at Koenma, and asked, “Will you allow one other person to cross over from the spirit world?”

Koenma was puzzled, but asked, “What good would that do? All those who mattered to the miko are already gathered.”

“No, there is one more.” Kikyo replied, her eyes softening. “She can reach Kagome, perhaps even more that what Shippo can. Kagome had a special bond with her, and I think that perhaps, just by being here, she will help Kagome in the ways that she needs.

“All right, Kikyo.” Koenma sighed. “Give me the name of the one you believe will help Kagome.”

Smiling, and earning herself puzzled looks from everyone around her, Kikyo's head lifted proudly and she said, “The one we seek was elevated to the status of a high miko before her death. It is an honor that only a few miko receive, and she would be the one to have the greatest influence on Kagome, seeing as how she cared for her in the feudal era.”

Inu Yasha cocked his head. “Oh, no.” He whimpered, his face pale. “Kikyo, let her rest in peace. The old crone is still probably pissed at me for what I did to her precious herbs.”

Kikyo leveled a cool glare at her lover before turning to Koenma. Inu Yasha was right to be worried. His ass was going to probably get handed to him.

“Bring forth the high miko, Kaede.”