Transmogrification by Sara
To Dust
Author's Note:
Hello everyone! I will try to keep notes to a minimum but I wanted to introduce this as my very first attempt at writing a full chapter story and sharing it. I will attempt to update as quickly as possible (while caring for two young children). Please don't hesitate to review, especially if you like what you're reading! It's great motivation! This first chapter may be somewhat short but hopefully, I'll be able to make the next few chapters more in-depth. Without further ado, I give you "Transmogrification".
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To Dust
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Finally, Naraku had been defeated, surrendering the remaining shards of the shattered gem known as the Shikon Jewel. Time seemingly stood still as Kagome finally purified the completed ball, eliminating the vile corruption that had poured from the individual pieces. The world was silent and still, as it appeared that the very universe had paused to await her fulfilling her final duty as the ill-fated stone’s caretaker. The time had come for her to make her wish. Though the physical battle was over and they had achieved their purpose, the true victory would not be won until a truly selfless wish was made and the jewel and its influence were voided forever. Kagome had considered carefully the potential consequences of her choice. The lengthy and tiresome adventure had greatly aged the exhausted girl, and she had matured beyond her years as she and her pack of warriors endured trials and hardships throughout the seemingly never-ending journey. She forced her doubts to the back of her mind, knowing that if she honestly wanted this to have a chance of working, she was going to have to be strong and confident. There was no room for error or weakness.
Steadying her courage, she threw her night-black hair over both shoulders. She solidified her stance and held her head high as she locked her steel-gray eyes onto the bauble in her palm. The innocent looking, milky pink gem seemed to shimmer slightly as though trembling in her fierce gaze with its preternatural sense. It had finally met its match.
“Oh, Kami hear my plea! I, the Miko of the Shikon and your lowly servant, have come to right the wrongs of this ill-wrought pearl! I stand before you at your mercy and humbly offer my one true wish! Obliterate this monstrous jewel from existence and bring balance and harmony to those whose harm it wrought, never to create havoc or despair again!”
The world around her exploded into life again as the peaceful spell broke. There was a thunderous crack and a golden white light blinded her to her surroundings. Where moments before the jewel had rested in her hand, she now carried a palm full of glittering dust. Even that was not to last, as a heavy gust of wind carried the remaining powder from her outstretched hand into the air.
As the last vestiges of the once great Shikon were rendered to naught, and her senses returned, she became aware of a great cacophony of blended voices pressing down upon her.
“You have acted wisely and with great compassion, Chosen One. Your wish is an unselfish one. You and your champions may go in peace. The darkness will not trouble you again. Return home and live well. Your task is complete. You have earned your respite.”
A figure she somehow knew on sight, Midoriko, was suddenly before her, hand outstretched with a gentle smile on her face. She was dumbfounded and frozen in place as the newly freed guardian called to her with a voice like bells.
“Kagome, dear child, it is time for you to return to the place you belong. The world is returning to what it should have been and this is not where you are meant to exist. Your family awaits your arrival. Come now, let us away.”
Roused from her trance, she hesitantly reached for the offered arm.
“Oh! But, what of my companions? What will happen to them? They are my family too!”
“Fear not, Blessed One. Those closest to you have earned their place in the world. No harm shall come to them.”
With that final expression, the elder Miko clasped Kagome’s fingers within her own and with a mild tug, they were ascending. The feeling of magic enveloped her as the dual sensation of passing through the well caressed her senses for what she now inferred would be the last time. As she embraced the comforting warmth around her, she couldn’t help the silent moisture of tears that gathered in her eyes, streaming silently down her cheeks. Her last conscious thoughts were of the good friends that had been by her side through it all and how much she was going to mourn the loss their presence.