Forbidden Hearts

Here it is - my second fic that has had me going crazy. It took me forever to figure out how to start the first chapter properly, but I think I managed it well enough. Hope you enjoy, and don't forget to review!

Disclaimer: I don't own Inuyasha and Co. because I wasn't born as Rumiko Takahashi. I have no clue why the fates decided this, but I guess writing about them will have to do… (sigh)… what a girl would give…

Chapter one- New Beginnings

Kagome tightened a black sash around the waist of her fighting kimono. Her twin katanas swung slightly as she turned towards Inuyasha's forest for the last time. A strong breeze lifted her now ankle length black hair and caressed her ivory skin. 'What a nice way to spend my nineteenth birthday; my youkai heritage becomes known and cause everyone I used to hold dear to turn from me. They will pay for what they have done…' Kagome's golden eyes scanned the area and halted upon the burning sunset upon the western horizon.

She closed her eyes as fire licked at her features, and wings of fire sprouted from her shoulder blades: a trademark of the Phoenix. 'A forbidden child is not welcome. Half angel demon, half dark angel demon, I am a child of two opposites. We are considered abominations, and that will have to change…' The symbol of the flame sparked to life upon her forehead at its mistress's request, and the black diamonds upon each cheekbone became as dark as the night. She took to the skies following the setting sun and leaving behind the only homes she ever knew. Her place was here in Feudal Japan, not modern Japan. She had no family now, but she was strong and would find her own way. The only object she carried that suggested she was from a different time was strapped securely to her shoulders; a large yellow backpack, filled to the brim with supplies from her last trip in time through the bone eaters well.

Several hours later

A tired phoenix demoness landed and surveyed her surroundings. Kagome had managed to find a hot spring with her newly developed youkai senses that was conveniently located far from the traveling roads. She wanted some time to relax and she began to set up her small camp. She set out to gather firewood and retuned in minutes from a task that would've had a human occupied for hours. Kagome picked up a pot and gathered water from a nearby stream. Food was not as necessary due to her youkai blood, but she very much wanted a nice cup of tea. Wrapped up in her thoughts she was oblivious to the approaching figure. A human girl in a yellow kimono raced into her camp and tripped, falling onto the hard ground with a thud. Kagome's ears caught the sound and when she turned to the intruder she was surprised to see the human girl that traveled with the taiyoukai Sesshoumaru cowering in fear as an oni youkai leapt at her small trembling figure.

With practiced efficiency and grace Kagome unsheathed her katanas and launched herself into the oni's path. She swung the swords in an elegant arc and neatly removed the creature's head from its body. Kagome thought back on her fighting lessons with the demon slayer that she had once been a friend with. Though the slayer had been a difficult opponent Kagome had learned skills far more powerful than anything the slayer could have taught her and was pleased she had been able to save the young girl's life easily. She turned to the girl and was satisfied with the lack of fear she smelled in her scent. The girl knew Kagome would not save her if she planned on killing her and offered the strange youkai woman a small smile of gratitude. No emotions danced across the phoenix youkai's face and the young girl giggled at her thoughts. 'She's just like Sesshoumaru sama!'

Kagome nodded at the girl and sheathed her swords. "Can you walk?" The girl nodded and Kagome lead her into the small camp she'd prepared. "Sit there. You must be hungry." The girl nodded and Kagome poured herself and the child tea. She set about making a meal for the young girl and did not notice the young girl's fascination with her features and the strange objects Kagome was using to heat water.

"Rin would like to know the pretty lady's name…" The young girl named Rin looked at the ground quickly and busied herself with straightening the material of her kimono. Kagome stopped and looked at the face of the small girl. 'She reminds me of myself when I was younger…'

"You may call me Kagome." Kagome stared into the chocolate eyes of the girl and watched as her face lit up with happiness. Kagome handed the girl a bowl of ramen that she'd prepared and sat down to wait. She had a feeling Lord Sesshoumaru would be coming for the child and she couldn't let down her guard. Sesshoumaru was powerful, and she didn't want to be unprepared. She began to focus her miko powers and placed a strong barrier around the camp designed to only let Sesshoumaru and his companions enter. After she finished her golden eyes looked for the child only to find her asleep upon one of the sleeping bags. While her face remained emotionless she inwardly wished she were the innocent girl she used to be.

Kagome stood up quickly and scented the air. Sesshoumaru's scent was nearby, and his youkai aura was flaring dangerously. She walked over to Rin and lightly shook the young girl awake. No sooner did she check her weapons did the mighty Inu youkai enter the clearing. His silver mane was flowing around him like a cloud, and his tail was twitching with his irritation. His amber eyes scanned the clearing landing first on Rin and then darting quickly to Kagome.

"Give me Rin." Rin looked up uncertainly at the Phoenix and Kagome nodded. The girl smiled and ran as quick as her four-foot body could allow. She wrapped her arms around Sesshoumaru's legs and squealed in delight. Sesshoumaru eased her arms from his legs and drew his sword at Kagome. She in turn drew her twin katanas and instinctively dropped into her favorite fighting stance. A flash of surprise sparked in Sesshoumaru's eyes and was gone as quickly as it had appeared. It was a rare day that he was challenged, and even more unusual was the fact the challenger was female. He studied her features and realized exactly what she was. 'A Phoenix. It's been many years since the last was born. Let's see if they are as powerful as tales say.'

Sesshoumaru lunged at Kagome completely unaware of Rin's protests. Kagome didn't move and he was almost disappointed that she would die before the fight began. With lightning speed Kagome disappeared in a burst of flames only to reappear directly behind Sesshoumaru as he was attacking. He turned and drew his sword, Toukijin just in time to deflect one powerful swing of Kagome's katanas. 'I underestimated her. I must not do so again.' He launched another attack and she sidestepped to slam her foot into his stomach. Sesshoumaru growled and stood to attack again. The fight had moved closer to the position of Rin, and the toad youkai Jaken who had appeared shortly after the fight started breathing heavily.

Rin's small voice finally reached Sesshoumaru as he began to launch another attack. "Sesshoumaru-sama! Please do not hurt Kagome! She saved Rin!" Rin began to cry, afraid that her protector would kill her new 'friend'. Sesshoumaru stopped mid swing and was surprised that neither of the woman's blades appeared. He turned his gaze upon her to find she had sheathed her swords and was walking towards her small camp. He watched confused as she poured more water into a strange looking pot. She nodded at her actions and returned to the small group.

"I've put more tea on, Lord Sesshoumaru. I'm sure you'll want to know what happened." Her actions intrigued him. It seemed she knew him relatively well to have not only stood up to him in a fight, but show him proper respect: a quality, which very few still possessed. He inclined his head slightly and motioned for Rin and Jaken to return to his side. The group sat on two sleeping bags as Kagome explained her situation. Sesshoumaru was intrigued by her actions and even more so when he learned of the knowledge she possessed.

Kagome and he had finished talking and she removed a book from her yellow bag. She began to read and was making small notes on the side of the page when Sesshoumaru noticed what she was doing. "You know how to read?" Kagome stopped writing and looked up at Sesshoumaru slowly.

"Yes. I also know, history, science, math, I can read and write English and Chinese, and I am a fully trained miko." Kagome spoke the last with bitterness as she recalled her old teacher, Kaede, and the recent betrayal she'd suffered.

"What is the reason for your travel?"

"I am no longer wanted. There is no place for me to go at this time so I assume that I will stay in the wilderness."

"Would you consider becoming one of this Sesshoumaru's commanders?" Kagome stared wide-eyed at the taiyoukai. 'He wants me in his army? But I'm a forbidden one…' Sesshoumaru looked into her eyes as he waited for a response. He wasn't able to see emotion in her face, but her expressive eyes gave him exclusive access to her every thought. At seeing her eyes mist over with regret Sesshoumaru reassured her of his request. "This Sesshoumaru gives his word you will not be looked down upon because of your blood." Shock spread into her eyes at his statement and she nodded.

"If you are certain, Lord Sesshoumaru, I would be honored to become part of your army. He nodded and mentally called his two-headed dragon Ah-Un. After several minutes of packing her things the group took to the skies using cloud, wings, and dragon to bring them to the western lands, home of Lord Sesshoumaru. Their forms disappeared into the darkness, unaware of the small girl clad in white that had observed their encounter as she retreated back into the woods.

TBC

Well, there it is. Hope you liked it guys. This is my second fic, and I'm in the middle of my first so I'll be updating both at the same time. Thanks for reading!

Narria

Hells angel: I wasn't sure at first how to get this fic started, but I hope it is what you were looking for! Thanks for letting me try out your challenge, and if you have any questions or requests for me just review or send me an email.