From The Ashes

A/N: Yes, I am aware that I need to update the others, but my muse won't be quiet. Seems she has developed a fascination for Hiei/Kagome pairings, and I came up with this little fic.

Some of you may remember a fic I did with the same title as this one, but I am doing away with that fic idea, and have come up with a better plot. Don't fret, I'll come up with another Kag/Sess line, but this was something I could not get out of my head.

This is a crossover with Kagome and Hiei pairing. I hope you enjoy the fic and please review. It makes me happy, and makes my muse purr.

*Edited by Hannah, aka, prinnybubbles. Posted on 5/11/08*

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It was simply amazing. Kagome could not believe that their plight had gained so much attention, and now they had a small army to help them against Naraku. She grinned as she glanced around and realized that despite the obvious discomfort, youkai and human were all willing to put aside their prejudices and fight along side one another.

She could not help but giggle at the way Sesshomaru-sama would glare over at his younger half-brother, but remained quiet. He came to them and stated that he would simply be around long enough to help kill Naraku. After that, the treaty between him and Inu Yasha would be over.

The hanyou didn't seem to care. His attentions were focused on the dead miko, who had also joined the group only days earlier. When she first arrived, she pulled Kagome aside and said that, while she understood that her soul no longer belonged to her, she would not be giving up the small pieces that Kagome gave to her. But she would no longer taunt Kagome, and would begin instructing her in use of the power that Kikyo knew the younger miko held. True to her word, Kagome found Kikyo to be a very good teacher, though she remained as cold as ever, except with Inu Yasha.

Neither hanyou nor miko seemed to care about grudges any longer. They were content to be with each other and would handle whatever fate threw them. Kagome finally got it through her head that she would only be a friend to the hanyou. Though it was hard, she accepted it.

Kouga and Ayame brought their packs to help, and announced that they had mated a short time earlier. It made Kagome happy to see that her friend had finally moved on with his life and taken the redhead as his mate. She was the perfect match for him, but still seemed uneasy around Kagome—mostly because she knew that Kouga still cared very much for the human miko.

Other youkai lords and ladies also lent their support. The lords of Japan, human and youkai, had grown tired of Naraku's threat and wanted his terror to stop. They too were interested in the Shikon jewel, but only to see it destroyed. Real power, they said, was held within one's own self and not some trinket. Kagome had to admit they were right.

However, the biggest surprise came only two days ago, when a group of strangers approached them. At first, the small army and strangers stared at each other. But then an elderly woman pushed herself forward and cleared her throat.

“I am Genkai. This group behind me and I have been sent by Koenma, prince of the spirit world, to aid you in your battle against the creature known as Naraku,” she said.

At first, no one said anything. Then Sesshomaru stood up and calmly asked, “So, the spirit realm knows about Naraku, and is just now sending help? How generous.”

“Koenma was waiting to see what you dimwits were going to do with the hanyou. But seeing as how none of you can seem to stop him yourselves, he sent us,” Genkai replied, her tone cold.

Kagome jumped up and slowly approached the elderly woman, aware that the others behind her tensed and waited to see what she was going to do. Her group, also tense, watched as Kagome stopped in front of Genkai and bowed respectfully.

“Hi there. I'm Kagome, and thank you for your offer of help. We need all the help we can get, I'm afraid. Naraku is pretty sneaky,” she explained.

Miroku stood up, joined the young miko, and also bowed. “I think, Kagome-sama, that it would be wise if we allowed our newest allies to sit and listen to what we know about Naraku. That will give them a better understanding of what they are going to be dealing with,” he said, his hand coming down and stroking Kagome's bottom.

Kagome yelped, whipped around and smacked the monk as hard as she could before turning away and muttering, “Hentai.”

The monk grinned and sighed happily, staring at his hand. But when a hand snatched his ear, he knew that his sweet Sango was about to deliver her own brand of justice. Oh, well. If Buddha was with him, he'd be awake for dinner.

The group glanced at each other, and moved forward to sit with the beings that they would be fighting beside. None of them were prepared for what they were hearing. From the sound of things, they were dealing with the devil himself.

Kagome's eyes were sympathetic as she watched the faces of their newest fighters. She nodded, and softly said, “Naraku is capable of things that are so hideous, and he delights in the misery of others. I guess you might say that he takes sadistic to a whole new level.”

Yusuke gritted his teeth and pulled Keiko closer to him. Damn it, if he had known it was going to be this bad, he would have left her behind.

Kuwabara shook his head and reached over to grip Yukina's hand, ignoring the way Hiei was growling at him. He didn't like the idea of Yukina around either, especially if this enemy was as bad as they were told. But he would shield her from danger and would give his life for her, simply because he loved her.

Kurama watched the youkai and humans before him. All of them seemed to be deep in their own thoughts, and if Youko was correct, they were going to need to be able to fight together if they wanted to defeat this hanyou and go home safely.

Hiei glared at Kuwabara, but then allowed his eyes to move over the group. When his eyes and a pair of soft brown eyes met, he narrowed his and looked away. He didn't like the idea of his sister in that gorilla's arms. But he could feel her contentment, and decided not to do anything about it...yet.

Kagome could feel the smaller youkai's contempt, but she didn't know what she had done to make him angry. Perhaps it was because she was human. Sighing, she looked at the ground, feeling her shoulders sag. It was clearly going to be a long night.

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The battle with Naraku happened much more quickly than anyone expected. At first Kagome thought that it was just another one of his puppets; it turned out that the hanyou simply grew tired of waiting.

He had several other youkai with him, and smirked when he saw the rag-tag group with Inu Yasha. He also noticed that like the younger miko, there were others with the group who were dressed strangely, and who gave off different auras: auras that told him that should he take any unnecessary chances, he would fall very quickly.

Kagura was the first one to attack, and was quickly countered by Kikyo. Sesshomaru ordered his army to move forward, and heard the other lords order their armies to move as well. Soon, the battle field was filled with the sounds of screams and the stench of blood. Kagome, Shippo, Keiko, and Yukina stayed back, their eyes wide as they watched the ones they loved fighting for their lives.

Kagome noticed the redhead named Kurama straighten to his full height and smirk. Within a minute, standing in the spot where Kurama had been was now a taller, silver-haired kitsune. This kitsune could rival Sesshomaru-sama with his looks and cold gaze. And as he cut down his enemies, it was clear to Kagome that he simply reveled in the act of killing.

But it was a movement off to Kagome's right that caught her eye. Like a true coward, Naraku managed to slink out of battle and was on the sidelines, a nasty smirk upon his face. Kagome turned to Keiko and shoved Shippo in her arms, earning herself a gasp from the girl.

“Please, watch over him. I will be right back, I promise.” Kagome said, her hands tightening around her bow. Both Keiko and Yukina nodded, and watched as Shippo cried for Kagome not to go. However, the miko was slowly making her way down the steep incline with an arrow already notched in her bow.

Naraku never even noticed her approach. His senses were overwhelmed with the scent of blood, and he was gleefully watching as his enemies were hurt. So when a sacred arrow hit him, all he could do was stare at it a moment before the pain made him scream out.

Upon hearing Naraku's scream, Kagome notched another arrow and let that fly as well. When it embedded itself into the hanyou, she saw him turn towards her, his eyes a pure red.

“You bitch.” Naraku seethed, his body shifting into a large spider. “I should have killed you off years ago, but now I'll correct that mistake.”

The fighting had stopped and it was Inu Yasha's scream for her to run that broke her out of her trance. She turned, but was not quick enough to escape Naraku's leg as it pieced her body. Laughing, the hanyou lifted the injured miko up and brought her up to his face.

“Well, well. Look at what I’ve caught. A weak, pathetic, ugly, human girl. Tell me miko, how does it feel to know that you will never be good enough for any male? Inu Yasha should be proof of that. After all, you're too stupid to keep his attention. No one will ever love you, nor will they care that you are dead. Your life ends now, you pathetic wretch.” He sneered, not realizing that Kagome's hand had snaked out and snatched his half of the Shikon jewel from his neck.

As he hit her, Kagome managed to hold onto the Shikon, purifying it. And when he threw her onto the ground, she managed to flip onto her side and join her half with the newly purified half that Naraku had held. But Kagome knew that she was dying and didn't have much time. She turned onto her back and gazed up at the hanyou, who was grinning.

Holding up the completed Shikon, Kagome smiled. “I may be pathetic, and will probably lose my life. But Naraku, you'll go before I do.”

Naraku's face twisted into a mask of rage and he dove towards Kagome, intent on claiming the jewel. But he stopped when the jewel lifted itself from Kagome's hand and dove back into the spot where it had been ripped from, fading back into the skin and leaving it completely flawless.

Kagome turned her head to look at the group that was quickly advancing, and she threw up a barrier between them and her. She was going to kill Naraku. She would be the one to make the world safer for her beloved kitsune to grow up in. Besides, this has gone on for too long, and she was so tired.

Pushing herself up, Kagome stood on wobbly legs and watched as Naraku glared down at her. She could feel the Shikon pulsing in her body, and as the hanyou came forth, she held out her hands to ward him off with her spiritual energy. Instead, she was stunned when her hands glowed with energy that reminded her of fire.

Naraku stopped in his tracks and backed off slightly. He could feel the air around them crackling with an energy that he had never felt before, and it frightened him. He watched as Kagome's eyes turned from brown to the color of the flames that surrounded her hand, and he began to shake.

Kagome didn't understand what was going on. The power was unlike anything she had ever seen, and from the look upon Naraku's face, whatever it was scared the hell out of him. She could hear Miroku and Sango screaming her name, but she could not take her eyes off of her enemy. In her mind, she could hear a whispering suggestion for her to destroy the hanyou before her, and realized that she was helpless to deny the suggestion.

Naraku only had a moment to repent for his deeds before a powerful blast engulfed him. He witnessed all the evil he had done, and felt his skin melting off of his body. Screaming in agony, his soul was flung into the abyss of death. Soon, all that was left of him was reduced to just a pile of bones and ash.

The barrier faded, and Inu Yasha darted forward, ignoring the screams for him to stop. The air around him was suffocating, but he didn't care. He had to get to Kagome, to help her. But when he came upon Kagome, he saw her lying on the ground, lifeless eyes staring up at the sky.

Kneeling down, Inu Yasha pushed at her shoulder and hissed, “Get up. Do you hear me, Kagome? Get up, you lazy bitch.”

When Kagome didn't move, didn't blink, the inu hanyou pulled her up and into his lap. He knew she was gone. Gone forever, and there wasn't anything he could do for her.

When the smoke cleared and they could see clearly, they found Inu Yasha sitting with the miko in his lap, crying hysterically.

He looked up when he noticed the others approach, and gently placed Kagome upon the ground before moving towards his brother.

Sesshomaru readied himself for the curses and demands, but was shocked when the younger hanyou threw himself to the ground at his feet.

“Please,” he sobbed, “Please, Sesshomaru, save her. You have Tensaiga. You can bring her back. Please.”

The youkai lord took in a deep breath and moved forward, the sounds of crying echoing in his ears. He stood above the miko and waited for the familiar pulse, but when it didn't come, he took the sword out of its sheath, and glared at it. He waited for a few minutes, and when the pulse did not come, he sighed and resheathed the sword.

He turned back to the army of friends and allies, and shook his head. “The sword will not revive her. She is gone Inu Yasha,” he said, his golden eyes staring down into a pair of identical eyes. He felt an emotion, but refused to give it any attention. He squared his shoulders, but then turned and knelt down beside the lifeless miko. Gently, he ran his hand over her eyes, shutting them, before lifting the miko's body into his arms and turning back to the group.

“We will take her back to the old miko that resides in the village of Inu Yasha's forest. She will be given a proper funeral. Let us go,” he said, his tone cold as he began to walk off the battlefield.

The small army left the battlefield, and many commented that Naraku's army had fled. Even though they had only lost one, that loss was the greatest.

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Kaede and the villagers worked quickly. Once Kagome had been returned to them, a funeral pyre had been constructed. Her body was cleaned, and she was placed in the tradition miko garb. Finally, when night arrived, it found a large group of people, both youkai and human, surrounding a young woman's body.

Kaede spoke of the young woman. When she was finished, she nodded at Inu Yasha, who came forward with a torch and lit the pyre. He watched as his friend's body was engulfed in flames, and didn't notice when his brother came to stand beside him.

“The treaty will continue, out of respect for her. I will not hunt you. In turn, you will begin your duties as prince of the western lands. Father and the mi—Kagome would have wanted that,” Sesshomaru said, his eyes watching the girl's form being melted by the flames.

In front of everyone, Sesshomaru bowed in respect to the young miko, and noticed that the other lords did as well. Soon, everyone bowed, except for Hiei.

To him, death was inevitable. The girl was lucky to escape this painful existence. However, he did give a nod of his head, and turned his back when the elderly miko thanked them for bringing Kagome back to her and the village.

As his group made their way to an old well, led by the monk, Miroku, they were stunned when the monk stopped and said, “The villagers are going to build a shrine in Kagome's name. We thank you for all of your help, and if you ever need any help, please keep us in mind. As far as we are concerned, you are part of our pack.”

Yusuke nodded and extended his hand for the monk to shake. “We really are sorry for your loss,” he murmured, his eyes straying over to Keiko, who was still very pale. He could hear Yukina's sobs and knew that the ground around her and Kuwabara was probably littered with the precious stones that she produced when she cried.

“Kagome-sama was a very special person. She took a lot of abuse, and in turn, gave her love freely. We are going to miss her, and still love her very much. It is our hope that she is alive and well in your time period, and is living a life that she should have, had she not been pulled into this well,” Miroku said, his tone soft.

Genkai sighed. “As a favor to all of you, we will go and see for ourselves. If she is alive, we will watch over her. She will never get involved in anything like this again.” She promised, her eyes watching as the monk broke out into a smile.

“Yes, we would like that very much. Well, as promised, I brought you to the gate that Kagome used. You did say that your prince would allow it to open for you, am I correct?” he asked. When the group nodded, he moved away and bowed to them. When they jumped, he watched as blue light flashed from inside the well, and moved to look over the well's rim. When he was satisfied that no one was left behind, he reached into his robes, and pulled out a hammer, beginning the task of breaking down the well. Never again would it be used.

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Warmth. That was what she felt. She sighed and wondered where she was. When she glanced around, she realized that all she could see was black. Sighing, she held out her hands and moved forward slowly, not wanting to trip over anything.

But when her fingers came into contact with something solid, she snatched her hands back and gulped.

“Hello?” she asked, her voice shaking. She waited for a minute, and sighed. But then she jumped when a male voice began to chuckle.

“I was wondering when you were going to decide to move. Took you long enough.” the voice said, chuckling.

Taking in a deep breath, Kagome whispered, “Who are you?”

“I do not have a name, really. You see, I am made up of four different souls,” the voice explained. “I suppose you may call me Shikon.”

“Shikon? Like the jewel?” Kagome asked.

“Yes, just like the jewel,” Shikon replied. “I am the jewel in a humanoid form.”

Kagome shifted uncomfortably. “What do you want with me? And why am I not dead?” she wondered.

“What do I want with you?” Shikon mused. “Well, I want you to take what is rightfully yours. I want you to rise from your ashes and fly strong, because a new threat is on the horizon. As for why you are not dead, I am afraid that you are, in fact, dead. You simply have not crossed over.”

Kagome paled. She thought back to the battle with Naraku and could remember feeling numb after he pierced her body. After that, she can't remember anything.

“If you are the jewel, why not let Midoriko out and have her fight?” Kagome asked. “You heard Naraku. He's right. I am weak, ugly, and pathetic.”

Shikon broke out into laughter, ignoring the indignant huff that came from Kagome. When he finally managed to speak, he asked, “And why, may I ask, are you listening to him? You'd better learn that people or youkai will say anything to distract their opponent. As for me letting Midoriko out to fight, well, I can't. She is no longer in a form that would allow her to fight. Besides, can't you feel her? She would not have suggested you if she didn't believe that you'd be the best choice. After all the time spent together within the jewel, it has become clear that she is not one to choose lightly for things like this. Besides, you didn't really think that you were alone. When you were born with the jewel inside of you, you and Midoriko became one.”

Kagome felt a slight breeze flow across her cheek in a gentle caress, as if someone's fingers were gently running across the soft skin. Kagome felt safe and warm here, and realized that maybe, just maybe, she wasn't as alone as she thought she was.

As if reading her thoughts, Shikon softly said, “Yes, she was with you when you met the hanyou named Inu Yasha. She was with you when Kikyo was revived, and when that wolf, Kouga claimed you as his woman. She was there when you realized that you would not be anything more to Inu Yasha than a friend, and she was there with you when you took your last breath. Kagome, Midoriko and the souls chose you because your heart is the strongest we have ever seen, and now we have decided to give you something more. The tiny amount of power that was used against Naraku was a power as ancient as time itself. It must be harnessed, or chaos could prevail. We have chosen you to be its vessel.”

“Vessel?” Kagome asked, tensing. She didn't really like the sound of this.

“Yes, Kagome. You will become the weapon that will stop this threat. You are to be the protector of the earth, spirit, and demon realms. Kagome, miko of the Shikon jewel, you are granted the power of the phoenix. From your ashes, you will rise. Go forward, and fear nothing. You are the thing to be feared now,” Shikon said, his tone hard.

Kagome felt a strange tingling in her fingers and toes. She glanced up in the darkness. “Will I become youkai?” she asked.

“No,” Shikon replied. “You will remain in a human body, and Midoriko will help you obtain your ultimate power. She will guide you, and in turn, you will defend. The only things that will change will be your eyesight and hearing. Other than that, you are completely human.”

Kagome looked around and realized that her hearing was indeed sharper. However, her eyes still could not detect anything.

“Why is it so dark?” she asked.

Shikon chuckled. “In the beginning, it is always dark.”