Existence by Emiko

Chapter 1: Beginning of the End

Disclaimer: I do not own him on a moat. I do not own him on a boat. I do not own him on a house. I do not own him or a mouse. I wish that Sesshy was all mine. But I do not own him at this time. I do not profit here at all. So please don't sue, my wallet's small.

~~ Chapter 1: Beginning of the End ~~

In the end it was surreal, as if one were standing back watching it all happen, rather than participating. Naraku was finally purged from the Earth! Blood splattered and gore ridden, the relieved fighters could only meet gazes in shocked silence. In those quiet moments after his death, not a word was spoken, barely a breath taken. No one could believe that the moment they had lived for these past 3 years had finally been realized.

It was Sesshoumaru who finally made the first move, eager to make his way back to his safely hidden ward and be on his way. He stepped over scattered remains, his direction towards a faint purple glow easily viewable to his sharp vision. With a precise stroke of his sword, Bakusaiga effortlessly cut thru burning flesh to reveal a nearly complete Shikon No Tama, still darkened with Naraku’s hate.

To think, despicable creatures, such as this once pathetic half-breed who lay dead beneath my feet, would stoop to such a level as to try and gain power by means not of their own strength. Unworthy. Careful claws handled the jewel, as Sesshoumaru’s gaze narrowed on the object in his hand with that loathing thought.

“Miko,” he finally spoke, turning his gaze to Kagome. “I believe this is now your responsibility.”

Kagome flinched at his words, still in shock at the death of their nemesis. She raised her eyes to Sesshoumaru, and nodded almost imperceptibly, before cautiously moving towards the powerful Daiyoukai.

“Ummm . . . thank you,” she uttered softly, as he dropped the jewel in her cupped palms.

Seconds after the jewel hit her hands, the dark glow softened into a muted pink as Kagome’s powers purified the evil within.  Reaching into her shirt, she grasped at the vial that hung from her neck, which contained the last shard that would complete the jewel. Pulling the stopper, she freed the shard and held both Shikon portions in her palm. The moment was bittersweet - part of her was grateful that Naraku was dead; her friends could go on living long, healthy lives, free from the violence that had dominated their existence since the quest for the jewel shards had started. But still another part of her was saddened. She had come to love the companionship searching for the shards had forged. This was now a time of uncertainty. No one knew if the well would work once the jewel was gone. To be quite honest, no one could find a good reason how it could work once the Shikon No Tama was purified.

Kagome balled both portions of the jewel in her fist and concentrated her energy upon them. Opening her palm, she stared with trepidation at the completed jewel and what it represented. Only a pure wish could extinguish it from existence. Until that time, legions of evil beings would covet its power. While she held the jewel, her mission was far from over.

She looked fondly at the friends and allies that surrounded her. Kohaku was given new life without the Shikon shard that resurrected him from death. Sango could now live the life of an ordinary woman, lay her Hiraikotsu down and start a family with Miroku. Miroku would no longer worry that his mortality would be shortened by the curse of his Kazaana, which disappeared with Naraku’s death, and rather from Sango’s wrath at his constant wandering eye. Shippo could grow up far from the reaches of the violence that permeated his life up until this event. Inuyasha could find peace and closure, finally fulfilling his promise of vengeance for Naraku’s orchestration of Kikyo’s death. Finally, Kouga could settle down, rebuild and regain his place as leader of his pack.

As her eyes landed on Sesshoumaru, a spark of humor lit her eyes. She could not honestly say what the powerful demon before her would do now. What does the great Sesshoumaru do when not plotting the destruction of an enemy? Would he resume his intention to end InuYasha’s life now that the unspoken truce is no longer needed? Rin was safe from Naraku’s machinations – that would bring him some measure of internal relief, wouldn’t it?

“While the jewel is whole and remains in my possession, evil will pursue me. One would think, that after all this time, I would have come up with the perfect wish to rid the world of the jewel’s influence. However, I am at a loss,” Kagome said softly, more to herself than to the group.

It was Shippo, ever cheerful, who spoke up, “It’s ok Kagome! We’ll help you find the perfect wish and I’ll protect you as best as I can until then.”

A small smile graced Kagome’s lips as she looked upon the kitsune. The look of pure adoration on his small cherub-like face inspired her. She knew her wish then. Knew that she wished nothing more than to see that smile continuously on that face she’d come to cherish, along with the happiness of her other companions.

With a deep breath, Kagome closed her eyes, forming the words in her thoughts and making sure she left no stone unturned. It had to be a pure wish, an unselfish one. Only then could the power of the jewel be undone. The others could only look on, too afraid to interrupt Kagome and ruin the chance to banish the jewel from the world and be done with it forever.

Finally, after what seemed like an eternity, brown eyes opened bright and met with a smile on Kagome’s lips. She was ready, unlike never before. She had her wish - it would work; she was sure of it! Holding the jewel in one palm, she looked at each one of her friends before speaking.

“Since the creation of the Shikon No Tama, no peace has been known. Always fought over, always coveted, the jewel will never be left in the hands of good - for evil will always seek it. Only by undoing its existence will a measure of peace become a reality, and for that, a pure wish must be made upon it. So that is exactly what I will do. I wish – I wish the jewel out of existence! That its possibility to aid evil be removed from this world, so that all who have been affected by its presence can rest easy knowing no longer can harm come from evil who choose to possess its power. Allow happiness to reign! Atonement for the chaos it has left in its wake. Bless Midoriko’s soul and let her find eternal rest and be free!”

A few minutes went by with no change. Crestfallen looks crept slowly onto the faces of the group. Kagome looked at the jewel with a mixture of fear and frustration, praying to every god she knew to let her wish work.

Finally, a pulse radiated out from the jewel laying upon Kagome’s open palm – and then another and another. Becoming more powerful with each beat, the pulsations shook those standing nearby and the surrounding environment. Each pulse brought with it a blinding hot light, gaining in intensity and distance until Kagome could stand it no longer. With the next bright pink pulsation, the heat emanating from the jewel seared her palm causing her to drop it onto the forest floor with a sharp exclamation of pain.

“Everyone back! Get back!” InuYasha cried, finding and grabbing onto a crouching Kagome. He covered them both with his fire rat robe, while seeking safety behind a fallen tree. Stealing a glance over the log, he made sure all of his friends had found cover. As the light reached the hidden party, cries of pain rang out around Kagome, including a familiar one next to her.

“InuYasha!” Kagome exclaimed, reaching for her friend and trying to find out the cause of his suffering.

“Kagome, don’t touch me! I don’t know what’s happening!” He said in between the waves of escalating pain.

Not knowing how and why he was feeling as he was, InuYasha told Kagome to stay put and crawled away; not wanting her to be affected, should it spread. Minutes seemed like hours, as the pulsations increased in its intensity, spreading its reach into the forest. Kagome waited, fearing for the life of InuYasha and her other friends and feeling helpless while hearing their continuing cries. The last wave was met with bloodcurdling screams!

. . . And then silence.

For minutes Kagome remained crouched behind the tree. It took that long to gather the courage to face the possible circumstances of her wish - that her friends could all be dead. The pain evident in their screams could not be anything other. Willing herself to stand, she did so slowing, eyes closed. At full stance, she slowly opened her eyes – before shock opened them further!

“Miko”

That one word was spoken so softly, but its angry tone resounded in Kagome’s head loudly, as if speaking to her telepathically. Standing before her, as if hovering between the worlds of death and the living, stood the ethereal form of Midoriko. Midoriko’s expression was not of one pleased. Kagome took a fearful step back; wondering if Naraku’s taint could have permeated the heart of the priestess trapped with the jewel.

“How could u?” Midoriko’s image snarled. “You careless child! How could you run with the very taint every miko wishes to eradicate from this world? Answer me honestly, traitor – do you consider yourself a part of this filth?”

Steeling herself, Kagome answered truthfully, “Yes. However, while I don’t consider them filth, I do consider them friends.”

“Friends! Mikos do not make friends with demons. We vanquish evil!”

“And what of humans who are evil? Would you have us vanquish them as well?” Kagome countered, gaining strength as she continued her reply. “While I do not disagree that most demons see humans as either food or fodder, not all demons fit the same mold; just as not all humans do. That would be unfair to assume. Every miko is first taught to be a fair judge of character and I have had little to no training. What has happened to you for you to have become so hateful?”

An eerie laugh left Midoriko’s lips; her green eyes glowed as her form slowly crept closer to Kagome.

“Child. Would you like to know? Honestly? For I assure you, the truth is not for the faint of heart.”

And with that, the figure laid a palm upon Kagome’s brow and a pulse of power shot thru Kagome’s body, driving her into darkness.

~~A/N~~

Hi! It's the writer formerly known as Smoke Goddess, lol. Yah, I'm trying again =) Started thinking about this story one day, sitting on my hard drive collecting dust and I felt inspired to follow thru. Because I don't have a lot of free time, I can't promise how regular my updates will be, but I am hoping to see this through to completion. 

I self beta'd, so please pardon a few mistakes. Had to remember that I'm not talking in guild chat, lol. No chat abbreviations!! Should I find myself updating regularly, I will definitely try to find beta help. Reviews would be nice, especially to see if people are interested in this story, but not necessary. Although, I do accept constructive criticism with grace. Thanks for reading!!!