Chapter Text
Hello! I am a long-time reader and first-time writer. This is a fic that is close to my heart and something I have been working on for quite some time. It just felt like the right time to share it with all of you. So without further ado, let’s get reading! I hope you enjoy it.
First things first, I do not own Inuyasha or Yu Yu Hakusho; they belong to their respective creators.
Chapter 1
Name: Kagome Higarashi
Age: 23
Occupation: Vice president of Tashio Enterprises
Status: Alive
Five years ago at the age of 18, she had been sent back to the present once the shikon had finally fused back together. Three months after her return, she was visited by an old friend, Sesshomaru. That had surprised Kagome since, at the time, they were not close. They were civil, of course, and the two groups had come to an understanding and decided to travel together for the sake of ending Naraku’s reign over Edo. It was at that meeting that she learned the fate of those she was forced to leave behind. Obviously, Sango and Miroku got married and had three beautiful children, one boy and two girls. Slowly, they had managed to rebuild the demon slayer village, even managing to bring in recruits. Under the duo's management, the village has continued to thrive to this day and is currently being managed by their descendants with Kirara still by their side. There had been an obvious decline in demon slayers. It was mostly known for producing monks and the occasional priestess. On the rare occasion, the village produces someone with high spiritual and fighting power only for them to be recruited by Reikai to help keep the leaks from the demon world at bay. At least until Sesshomaru put a stop to it, but that is a tale for another time.
Shippo stayed at the village for a few years until he entered adolescence when it became obvious the young demon needed to train with his own kind. Sesshomaru had personally escorted the kit to the largest clan of red fox demons that were an ally to the west. Shippo spent the next 200 years learning the ways of his kin, mastering his skills, and learning the secrets of the fox clan. At first, Kagome was sad that he had not shown up as well. She briefly wondered if he was angry with her for leaving while he was so young, but Sesshomaru put those fears to rest.
“Your influence on the kit has been annoyingly strong, even with the time he spent with the fox clan, he never lost his humanity,” Sesshomaru told her. “ Rest, assured, the kit would be here if he could. Alas, he has been sent in my place to take care of… A diplomatic mission.”
Kagome nodded, knowing that would be the best she would be getting out of the great Taiyoukai about her adopted son for now. She focused her eyes on her hands, absently fiddling with her thumbs not sure if she was ready for an answer to her next question.
“What…what about Inuyasha?”
For a moment Sesshomaru didn't answer.
“Inuyasha is no longer among the living,” he said quietly.
The silence was deafening and it took a long time for Kagome to respond. She stood up slowly and made her way to the window of her living room. Without thinking she stared out toward the tree that had been on her family's shrine since it was built all those years ago, the ancient tree with the large scar on its trunk that once held her love for 50 years. Silent tears fell as she continued to stare at the Goshinboku trying to stay calm. It was hard, so hard, all she wanted to do was scream, cry, beg, anything to bring him back.
She felt the Taiyoukai stand next to her and in a surprisingly rare moment of kindness Kagome felt his large clawed hand cover hers in an attempt to comfort the time traveler. She would have been more surprised if she weren’t currently in the process of grieving. After some time Sesshomaru led the priestess back to her living room where they sat in silence a while longer allowing her brain to process what she was told.
“How did it happen?” The question was asked so quietly that even with his sensitive hearing Sesshomaru had difficulty hearing her.
“He wasn’t killed by anyone if that’s what you’re wondering.”
Kagome looked at him confused, as sick as it was she always thought of Inuyasha were to die young it would be from fighting some overpowered youkai or from being overly cocky during a fight.
“When my half-brother was bound to that tree all those years ago the arrow that struck him pierced his heart and should have killed him then,” Seshomaru explained. “The healing energy from the goshinboku helped keep him alive but 50 years is a long time even for demons when in a coma. The tree did its best but to supplement his body’s other needs Inuyasha unknowingly tapped into his life energy which in turn shortened his life.”
To say she was shocked was an understatement, almost enough to take her grief away temporarily.
“That…that doesn’t make sense. He wasn’t even in his prime yet.”
Sesshomaru shook his head. “Yes he was young, practically still a pup but there lies the problem. Inuyasha was too young and untrained when he was pinned. Instead of using other energy reserves or even relying on his strength to keep him alive his body automatically used up his life energy. At the time he was content to wait for you but 20 years after your removal from our time Inuyasha noticed his body changing, his face looked older, and he was having a harder time, keeping up with the younger generation. We met shortly after a particularly long battle with a demon he should’ve been able to kill easily, it took a few months of research from the family physicians and apothecaries to find out what happened. Once he accepted the inevitable, he started to plan your future.”
“My future?” Kagome asked as Sesshomaru pulled out a crisp file with her name on it.
“Yes Miko, your future, after his diagnosis Inuyasha swallowed his pride and formally joined the family. While he was still labeled a bastard, and not originally given a title to call his own, he was given his own land and accounts to look over,” he explained while pulling the important documents out and laying them on the coffee table in front of them. The one that caught her eye right away was the official Tashio family tree presented to her, but… No, that’s not right! Her eyes must be playing tricks on her.
As if reading her mind Sesshomaru responded to her silent question.
“Your eyes don’t fool you sister.”
Kagome’s head snapped to look at the Taiyoukai in the eye still not trusting what she saw.
“Before he died Inuyasha officially named you his mate.”
“How… What… Just how!?” she was in shock, “Isn’t there supposed to be a ceremony, exchanging of vows or something?”
Sesshomaru chuckled, “Demon culture is different when it comes to marriage. Unless creating alliances the mating ritual is a private affair, usually the couple will declare their intentions in front of at least one witness, leave their mark on each other, then consummate their union and go on their way.”
“So then how was all of this able to be pulled off?” Kagome questioned, in truth she felt silly asking but she wanted to hear more.
“Luckily all that was needed back then was confirmation from a trusted source. As the head of our family, most information was confirmed by me. The tricky part was keeping the records ‘legit’ since your actual birth would not happen for another 500 years. The old one offered to create an identity for you, as far as anyone knew you were Lady Kaede claimed you as an orphaned great niece who showed great spiritual power that she took in to train as a Miko where you later freed my brother and the rest is history.”
“What about those who knew the truth?”
“Our allies understood the importance of keeping your true identity secret, eventually those who still spoke of the legendary Shikon Miko passed your story on as a tale for children. If I remember correctly instead of coming from the future you were a gift sent from heaven to rid the world of evil or something along those lines.” Sesshomaru explained.
It was amazing how everything had been planned out, Kagome felt touched that her friends cared enough to go through with this roux.
“So where does that leave us now?”
“Well, that is up to you Miko.”
Kagome looked baffled, “What do you mean? "
“As I mentioned earlier when he formally joined the family and while he started at the lowest rank he had proven his loyalty and was able to work his way up to become my second. As much as I hate praising that whelp I must admit he became quite the asset in his remaining years. As Inuyasha’s widow, you inherited his accounts, land, and current properties he built during his lifetime. He built two homes, one a large estate on the outside of Mushiyori City which is the main house the family meets at to go over business or whenever everyone wants to get together. That was a tradition Inuyasha started, he said you would enjoy seeing the family happy together especially the children.”
“It’s something we spoke about often, not even in a romantic way either, just small talk about how we saw our lives after the jewel was gone,” Kagome said softly as tears started to flow. Choking back another sob she chuckled softly. “ He really was full of surprises wasn't he? Hell with how bullheaded he was I didn't expect anything I said would stick.”
Sesshomaru snorted and a very, unlike himself way, that almost made Kagome jump out of her skin. She stared up at the Taiyoukai in amazement Seeing him so comfortable with her, it almost made her nervous yet she couldn’t quite grasp why it felt so natural. Well, they had history and never became more than two groups coming together to destroy a common enemy. They would be civil, but nothing more, that is until the brothers put aside their differences during Inuyasha’s declining health. Kagome felt sorry she never got to see that development, but was happy. He got to be with his family in the end. Feeling brave Kagome decided to try her luck teasing the Taiyoukai.
“Snorting now? My how Inuyasha rubbed off on you.”
Giving the Miko an almost playful glare he answered, “I’ve learned enough about you from your mate in a short time if he were still here it was almost like you had never left. As he got closer to death he wouldn’t shut up about you it was almost sickening but it was his way of processing what was happening. Your name became so recognized by everyone in our household it’s like you were able to properly join our family too, and as you know, everyone acts differently around family.”
That’s right, for 500 years Kagome was documented as Inuyasha’s mate and he surprisingly did a very good job incorporating her into the family to the point where she was still pretty shellshocked.
“Family.” She said softly feeling her grief settle in
Sesshomaru could tell she was starting to become overwhelmed with the amount of information thrown at her so quickly, and decided to finish the business aspect of his surprising visit faster. Bringing the paperwork back up he continued.
“ Yes, family, for your service, and ridding the world of that pathetic nuisance Naraku along with your marriage to my half-brother, you are forever known as my little sister. Since his death, you and your birth family have my loyalty and protection, along with access to Inuyasha’s accounts that will be transferred to your name effective immediately. Those include the family estate along with the small private home within the city.” Sesshomaru presented two sets of keys to her, “ The first account holds stock for our company Tashio Enterprises, where are you now on 25%. Any decisions about the company will have your input and if desired, you will have the option to work in any department as the head. The second account lists all assets Inuyasha held onto in life, which includes any heirlooms collected from his mother, side, gold, and funds. More than enough to keep you and your family comfortable for many lifetimes.”
Stunned and very touched by what was presented to her, never, in a million years did Kagome think anything like this would happen to her. Hell after her time in the past, and with how much school she had missed, it was already a miracle that she passed high school, and due to her grades, she had low hopes of finding a decent job if she could even get into university period. Honestly, it was a major form of stress that plagued her mind most days since being home. Her mother, ever the most reasonable voice of the Higurashi household told Kagome not to worry about anything for now and just focus on healing her body and soul first, and then they would worry about finding her a career. Either way, her mother believed it would all work out in the end, and lo and behold a fantastic solution/opportunity had fallen at her feet. She could almost cry from everything going through her mind right now with the relief she felt. Her love, as bullheaded as she knew he was kept his promise, even in death, and while Kagome knew she would miss Inuyasha with all her heart she would forever be grateful for everything that he did. Looking at the Taiyoukai next to her, whether it was just because of the promise to a dying family, member, or from genuine respect for her as his brother’s mate that brought him she didn’t care. Even with all the amazing things presented to her Kagome knew the greatest gift was being able to grieve with the people… Demons that knew what she was going through. She would now be with most of her chosen family, and they would be able to help her in ways even her birth family couldn’t. Not that Kagome was ungrateful for everything they’ve done along with how understanding they have been since you’ve been back home, but Kagome knew she needed more to heal. So in that moment she decided to leave with the Taiyoukai and have a chance to pull her life together again.
Of course, this wasn’t something that would happen overnight, Sesshomaru had stayed with Kagome until her family came home and was present as the priestess explained to them who he was, and why he was there. He had remained quiet during the whole exchange, except to answer anything asked of him and to explain that Inuyasha and Kagome’s ‘marriage’ was strictly done on paper all those years ago after she departed from the past and not some secret affair she conveniently forgot to mention. Other than the occasional question, they accepted Kagome’s decision to leave much to her surprise.
“ You’ve always chosen your own path,” her mother told her that evening after Sesshomaru had left, “ I told you earlier, we would help heal you before moving forward, well, your body may be healed, but your soul… I see it in your smile it hasn’t been as full and your eyes don’t shine as bright as they used to. It will hurt not having you here every day, but it would be selfish of me not to give you the chance to be happy again.”
Tears flowed for the second time that day, as both women embraced each other.
“Thank you, Mom,” Kagome told the older woman, she had never been more grateful for how understanding her mother was than she was now. “I love you”
The rest of the week consisted of Kagome packing and preparing for her move along with two more official visits from Sesshomaru, The first he brought the family lawyer to officially sign assets over to her and start the process of making her position in the Tashio family official. The second visit, the night before her move Sesshomaru brought someone who had been itching to see Kagome for 500 years. While bringing a box filled with clothing to the moving van, she insisted on filling herself instead of hiring movers to do the heavy lifting like Sesshomaru wanted. One moment Kagome was walking to the van and the next thing she knew an unstoppable force knocked the wind out of her, Watching all the clothing that was once neatly folded, flying in slow motion through the air falling around the duo. Too stunned to do anything but lie there wondering, ‘what the hell just happened?’
Kagome’s vision of the clear sky was covered by the face of her sealant. Shaggy sandy-red hair fell into her face as sparkling green eyes, and the biggest toothy grin stared down at her.
“Oops! Sometimes I forget my own strength, sorry Mom.”
Kagome blinked, “Shippou?” She asked feeling the added weight lifted off of her. Sitting up she took in the scene in front of her and it almost made her laugh. Sesshomaru was currently holding a young man by the scruff of his shirt, looking highly annoyed well, Shippo looks sheepish with a rather large bump on his head.
“The whole point of this visit was to allow you to reunite with her, not flatten the Miko with your lack of control,” Sesshomaru lectured while dropping Shippo ungracefully on his bottom. The fox demon sheepishly rubs the back of his head.
“Jeez I said I was sorry,” Shippou said, crossing his arms defiantly, earning him a second hit to the back of his head from the Taiyoukai, “Oww! Come on Sesshomaru that’s not fair! You’ve already got to see Kagome twice I just got a little excited is all.” Shippou turned his green eyes toward Kagome flashing a toothy grin.
Kagome on the other hand, watching the whole exchange with wide eyes, never taking them off of Shippou’s face. She couldn’t believe her eyes that this tall, grown-up kitsune was the sweet young kit she had taken all those years ago. Still on her hands and knees, she crawled to the young man and tenderly cupped his cheeks.
“Is it really you?” She asked softly.
Flashing his adopted mother a grin, “Yeah it’s really me,” then with a mischievous glint to his eyes Shippou followed up with, “I’m a big boy now.”
Everyone was silent for a solid minute after that line, well, mostly silent, except for Sesshomaru facepalming and utter disbelief at the kitsune’s childish behavior. The silence was broken by a rather unladylike snort as laughter filled the air.
“Of all the things you say to me after 500 years of separation that’s the first thing that came to mind?” Kagome asked in between laughing at the sheer randomness of it all.
Shippou shrugged, “Eh, gotta keep you on your toes don’t I?” He answered earning a third hit to the back of the head by a very annoyed Taiyoukai. The scene was just so random listening to both demons (mostly Shippou) argue, one being told he was too old to be acting this childish, and the other, how unfair it was that his poor head was being abused just for trying to make his mom smile. It was so bizarre that Kagome couldn’t help but laugh harder at something she never thought she would see in 1 million years. Lord knows she needed a good laugh after everything thrown at her and she would take it where she could get it.
Still giggling like a mad woman both demons looked at the cackling woman then to each other.
“ Think she’s finally cracked?” Shippou asked Sesshomaru genuinely concerned for his mother‘s mental state.
“ With everything she’s been through. It’s a wonder she hasn’t, how you say, cracked earlier.”
Eventually, the laughing fit subsided enough for Kagome to have Shippou help her clean up the mess he had made in his excitement to see her. The trio managed to finish filling the moving truck, in record time, if you don't count demon speed as cheating. Kagome said her goodbyes to her mother, grandfather, and brother promising to call and visit often then she was on her way to her new life. Kagome had decided to have the majority of her belongings go to the private home in the city where she would reside full-time after settling in with everyone at the family estate for a while to get used to her new life. As Sesshomaru, Shippou, and Kagome shared a car and made their way to the estate Kagome could only gawk at the sheer beauty of the home before her. The courtyard leading up to the home was huge and open, Kagome thought she was seeing things at first when the perfect grounds had random holes or cracks here or there, but Sessomaru explained that those were probably scars left behind during past sparring sessions. The estate itself was built like an ancient Japanese castle, and instantly Kagome knew this place was a safe Haven for the demons to be able to be themselves away from society. Everything about this place reminded her of some of the old villages from the past, there was so much room that they had their own gardens to grow more than enough food, and enough land that would allow them to hunt whatever animal came into their territory. All in all, it was very peaceful, even with it being within the limits of the city. Kagome smiled knowing she made the right choice and couldn't wait to see where this new life took her.
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And that's a wrap for chapter 1! Technically This is chapter 1 part one. I ended up having to split the chapter and half to make everything lineup a little bit better. Please let me know what you think Either way, I will still update the story. Until next time, Ja’ne!