Kagome sighed. She was tired. She wanted to go home. But she couldn't use schoolwork as an excuse, since it was summer time and she had no home work to do. She wanted to see her mom and little brother, and spend some time with her grandfather. But mostly, she wanted some time away from Inuyasha.
Yet again Inuyasha had run off to do what he called private tracking. He wouldn't allow anyone from the group to come with him, and he would be gone for hours at a time. When he returned he would tell them he didn't have any luck and they would have to keep looking. Kagome and Sango always worried about him, while Miroku just shook his head when asked what he thought. Shippo simply enjoyed time without Inuyasha hitting him over the head.
Kagome heard a sound to the left of her. Her senses always on alert, she tensed without moving. She was sure it was Inuyasha, but she prepared herself for battle just in case. Kirara suddenly stopped playing with Shippo, and all her hair stood on end as she growled deep in her throat. Kagome stood up quickly and notched an arrow in her bow. Kirara would never growl at Inuyasha.
Moments later large footsteps could be heard crashing through the forest. Sango had already picked up her Hiraikotsu and Miroku had his fingers wrapped around the beads on his wrist. Kagome backed up a few steps as a monstrous creature burst out of the trees. It looked like a giant ogre to Kagome. Its arms and legs were huge, but its head was surprisingly small. It carried with it a large stick, probably as a weapon. Sharp jagged teeth overlapped its large lips, and its small black eyes surveyed them with interest. Kagome wrinkled her nose as the smell from it glided toward her nose.
With a growl the large beast ran at the group. Kirara transformed and picked up Shippo to get out of the way. Miroku and Sango nodded silently to each other and ran in different directions. Kagome let her arrow fly and swiftly moved to her left. She congratulated herself when she saw the arrow notch itself in the beast's shoulder, but it barely flinched. But it did turn its attention to the small Miko.
Kagome jumped over rocks and ducked around trees as she dodged the blows from the large creature. She was just starting to wonder where her friends were when she noticed the large boomerang flying toward the creature. She quickly ducked and cringed when she heard the large thwack sound of the Hiraikotsu hitting it. She rolled and ran out of the trees to where Miroku was standing.
"Are you alright Kagome?" Miroku asked, never taking his eyes off of the creature, who was lying on the ground and rubbing his head.
"I'm fine. Any idea where Inuyasha is?"
Miroku shook his head and pushed Kagome out of the way as the large club was swung toward them. Kagome again rolled and ended up back on her feet, but she wasn't fast enough. Quickly the creature grabbed her in his claws.
"Very good, little Miko," it growled at her, bringing her within inches of its face. Kagome tried to get loose and to not gag at the smell emanating off of it. "But not good enough. Give me the jewel shards."
"Let me go you big freak!" Kagome screeched, clawing at the fingers encircling her waist.
"Wrong answer," the beast said, grinning at her.
"Kagome!"
Kagome brightened at the sound of Inuyasha shouting to her.
"I'm here Inuyasha! Hurry up!" Kagome shouted back. She struggled against the giant monster, causing his entire arm to shake with the force of her movements.
"Fine. If you will not give them to me, I'll swallow you whole!"
Kagome shrieked as she was thrown in the air. 'It's okay,' she though to herself. 'Inuyasha or Sango will save me. I'll be fine.' And she looked up and saw Sango swooping toward her. She reached out her hand and saw Sango getting closer and closer. Finally their fingers were touching.
"I got you Kagome! Wait! NO!"
Kagome's eyes widened as she watched Sango get further and further away. She was falling backwards. Towards the creature below her. And suddenly, she saw Inuyasha fly out of the trees, straight for her.
"Inuya-!" The word was cut short as pain pierced Kagome's body. She felt as if her blood was on fire. She looked down in disbelief as the creature squeezed her between his teeth. She blinked once, then twice. She raised her head and screamed to the sky with her eyes shut in pain.
"INUYASHA!"
Her world went black.
The shadows clouded her vision. Kagome struggled through them. She felt utterly alone. She tried to call for her friends, but no sound would come out of her mouth. She ran in different directions without getting anywhere. Finally, after trying forever, she sat down and started to cry. Kagome didn't want to be alone. She wanted her friends.
Eons passed and Kagome lost all track of time. But suddenly, she heard a voice. She surged to her feet and ran straight ahead. She could see a light, far away, and the voice was getting stronger…
"Good afternoon Kagome," the young girl said, setting down the tray with a small bowl of hot soup and some water. She was no older then ten and she wore a simple flowery dress of blue. She picked up a small rag and dipped it in the cool water. She rung it out and gently placed it on Kagome's forehead.
"It's a beautiful spring day," she continued as she wiped down Kagome's still face. "The crops are coming in nicely. We're hoping to have a good harvest this year. Everyone is doing well. A little boy fell down and hurt his arm yesterday, but the miko was able to put some herbs on his cuts and he's feeling better."
"That's good."
The girl dropped the rag as Kagome gently moved her head from side to side. Her eyes blinked open, but she quickly closed them against the imposing light. After a couple of moments she opened them slowly and smiled at the young girl. "Can I have some water please?"
The girl looked shocked but handed her a small cup with cool water in it. Kagome drank slowly, then handed the cup back to her. "What's your name? Have you seen my friends?" Kagome asked. Her voice was a little weak but it was getting stronger with every word she said.
"I am Rei. I will get the miko. Just lie back and relax," the girl said as she stood. She was out of the hut before Kagome could say anything else.
Kagome slowly sat up. She was sore in places she didn't know she had. She stretched lightly and looked around. There was nothing special about the hut; it had a small cooking fire and several blankets folded up sitting in a corner. It had a cozy feeling to it. Kagome turned to the door as she caught the sound of the small girl's voice.
"She did. She just said that's good and opened her eyes."
The door to the hut opened up and in walked a miko. Kagome looked up, expecting to see Kaede, and gasped at the face her eyes fell on. Cinnamon brown eyes glimmering with hope and joy stared back at her. A wisp or two of black hair hung down across the mature face of the priestess Kikyo. She walked toward Kagome and sat on the ground next to Kagome's bed.
"Kikyo?" Kagome's voice was barely above a whisper. She knew that Kikyo would sometimes find a village to settle down in for awhile, but she had assumed that her friends had taken her to Kaede's village, and she knew that Kikyo never wanted to settle there.
"Hello Kagome," Kikyo said. Her voice was different; there was no underlying criticism or sarcasm, only pure happiness. Kagome studied her face and it seemed that Kikyo looked different as well. She had always been mature, but not there was actual kindness in her expression, and it was directed at Kagome.
"Where am I?" Kagome asked.
"You're in my village," Kikyo said, picking up the small bowl of soup and handing it to the young girl. "Inuyasha and your friends brought you here after your last battle. You were severely injured. Do you remember what happened?"
"Of course I do. I wasn't fast enough and I got caught. I remember being thrown up in the air, then landing in that thing's mouth. After that everything went black." Kagome's hands flew to her torso, searching for wounds. Surprisingly, there were none; there weren't any bandages either. She turned a confused gaze on Kikyo, who smiled.
"That's right. Inuyasha destroyed the demon and they brought you here, to recover. But you see, that was-" Kikyo stopped midsentence and sat still for a moment. She turned toward the door just as it flew open. In ran a girl of about four years old. She had long black hair that reached the back of her knees. Before Kagome could say anything, the little girl flew into Kikyo's open arms.
"Mama, mama, there's saying that Lady Kagome woke up! Is it true?"
Kikyo smiled at the little girl and set her down on the lap. "It sure is. Look, here she is, looking at you with curiosity. Why don't you say hi?"
Kagome looked from Kikyo to the child. She noticed the bright golden eyes that the girl had. She was wearing the same clothes as Kikyo. Kagome could see a great resemblance between them, but there were other features that seemed familiar to her to. She couldn't place them.
"Nice to meet you, Lady Kagome," the small girl said. "My name is Akemi, and I'm four years old."
Kagome's head was spinning. Something wasn't right. She could feel it in her bones. "W-Where is everyone? Inuyasha, Sango, Miroku? Where's Kaede?"
Kikyo's face showed sadness for the first time. "To answer your questions, I believe I have to explain some things first. But I think I know something that will make you feel better. Akemi, go get your father." The small girl smiled and scrambled out of the hut, calling for her father. Kikyo smiled at Kagome, but Kagome could see worry in her eyes. When she opened her mouth to ask what was wrong, Kikyo just shook her head.
Moments later footsteps could be heard outside the hut. The door opened slowly and Kagome looked up in relief as Inuyasha walked in. He smiled at her, a true smile, and walked over to her. He bent down and, before Kagome could say anything, hugged her tightly. Kagome was still for a moment, then put her arms around him and hugged him back.
"Kagome," Inuyasha said softly. "I was so worried about you."
"I'm fine Inuyasha. I promise. Where is everyone?"
Inuyasha released her and sat on the ground next to Kikyo. "You haven't told her anything yet?"
Kikyo shook her head. "I was about to when Akemi ran in here. I thought you were keeping her busy?"
"I was! It's not my fault she slipped away!"
"Yea right," Kikyo remarked, but her eyes were laughing. She playfully shoved Inuyasha's shoulder. He smiled back at her before turning back to face Kagome.
"I'm afraid there's some things we need to explain to you," he said slowly.
"Please explain something. Because I'm so very confused." Kagome said, looking from Kikyo to Inuyasha.
Inuyasha took a deep breath. "Well, to start out, that creature that we fought had poison in his fangs, so when he bit you he injected you with a really big dose of it. His teeth also tore apart your stomach and your legs. By the time I got you out of his mouth and had killed him, you looked pretty bad."
"But I have no injuries! Look!" Kagome pulled up her shirt a bit and twisted around.
"I know. There is a reason for that. But you have to stay calm and let us explain it to you, okay?" At Kagome's nod, he continued. "When we finally killed that demon, we found you lying on the ground. You were bleeding so profusely, and there were cuts deep enough that we could see bone. We gently lifted you up onto Kirara's back and brought you here, to Kaede. She bandaged you as best she could, but it didn't seem to be enough. You grew weaker and weaker. We feared that you would die. Shippo was a wreck. I went back to your time and told your family what was going on, and they were pretty worried too. But then, suddenly, you started to heal. Your small cuts were gone in hours, and your bigger injuries were getting smaller and smaller. But we feared that you had internal injuries and we were unsure of what to do.
When I tried to touch you I was repelled. The same thing happened with everyone else except Kaede. I was so worried, and I didn't know what to do. Once you looked okay, Kaede tried to wake you up. But you wouldn't wake up. We were all so worried, so I went back to your time again. I talked to your mom, and she told me that you could have fallen into something called a coma."
"Whoa, wait a second. I was in a coma? For how long?" Kagome seemed to be in disbelief.
"For twenty four years," Kikyo said softly.
Kagome sat silent. Twenty four years? She had been asleep for more then two decades? But she remembered fighting that demon like it happened moments ago. At first she thought they were playing a joke on her, but as she read their serious expressions, she realized that they were telling the truth. She needed more information. "Tell me where everyone is," she said sadly.
Kikyo nodded to Inuyasha. He turned to face his friend and said, "After we realized you weren't going to wake up right away, we decided to keep going after Naraku. One of us would stay with you while the rest of us were out. Most of the time it was Shippo who stayed, but I did a few times too. About three years after you went into the coma we battled against Naraku's full force. We had help from Kohaku, Koga and Sesshomaru. We were gaining ground, but it was hard. When it seemed that Naraku was going to push us back, Kagura turned on his and used her wind blades to destroy his castle. In it we finally found his real heart and destroyed it. Finally we were able to get the Shikon Jewel back. Kaede took the shards from you and Kikyo was able to make the jewel whole again. None of us really knew what to do next, so we settled down here in the village. Sango and Miroku put off their wedding waiting for you to wake up and stayed here with us. Shippo never left your side. After about ten years we decided that we needed to do something with the Shikon Jewel. We could destroy it or use it. After talking long and hard about it, we decided we wanted to make a wish. Kikyo would be the one to make it. We had to choose a wish that wouldn't be counted as selfish. So Kikyo held the jewel in her hands and wished for everyone associated with the jewel to be happy. After the jewel glowed for a few moments it disappeared. Nothing seemed to be different to us. But we were very glad because the jewel was gone. It was about two days later when we Kikyo fell down and cut herself. She actually started to bleed Kagome. The wish had turned her from that clay doll back into a real human.
We were very happy, so we still stayed with you and worried about you. Miroku and Sango finally decided to have their wedding, and so they planned it for right here in the village. You should know, Kagome, that even though you couldn't stand up or say anything, Sango made you her maid of honor. And the actual ceremony happened in here, so she could be close to you. They decided to move into a hut here in the village and Miroku finally got his wish; Sango gave birth to three beautiful babies. Two boys and a girl. You'll get to see them soon enough.
"Shippo lives just down the river with some other kitsunes. He'll be really glad to see you, I know. We'll invite everyone over tonight and have a small celebration."
"And where is Kaede?" Kagome asked. Her mind was pretty much blank, but a feeling of dread was starting to fill her.
"My elder sister passed away about six years ago. She laid down here next to you and never woke up. She loved you, Kagome, as she loved me. In her final years we were able to become close again. I miss her each day."
Silent tears ran down Kagome's cheeks as she thought of the older miko and everything they had been through together. She would miss Kaede's knowing smile, thoughtful advice and friendship. She closed her eyes and said a silent prayer for the older priestess and hoped that her loving friend found eternal peace in her afterlife.
"I am sorry to burden you so Kagome," Kikyo said quietly, reaching out a hand and placing it on Kagome's shoulder. "It is very hard to take in so much at one time."
"I will be alright," Kagome said quietly. She looked up at Kikyo and Inuyasha. The feeling of dread hadn't left her, and she suddenly knew why. "You two are together again, aren't you?"
Inuyasha and Kikyo exchanged surprised glances. "How did you know?" the hanyo asked her, worry laced in his voice.
Kagome shrugged. "Call it a feeling."
Kikyo watched the young girl sadly. "Inuyasha and I have been married for many years now. Akemi is our daughter."
Kagome had heard of people talking about how their souls had shattered when something horrible happened. Kagome always just pushed those thoughts aside; she had seen souls do too much to ever really think they could be shattered. But now, she understood what they meant. Kagome felt as if her entire being had turned into glass, and Kikyo's words were the brick that was thrown hatefully at her. She knew that Kikyo meant to break the news to her softly, but it didn't stop any of the pain she felt inside. She cried silently as she watched her two friends clasp hands.
"Kagome, please don't cry," Inuyasha said, moving close to her and putting his arms around her. "I never wanted to hurt you, but I love Kikyo. I love you too, but she is my one and only. You can't replace her and it's not fair nor right for me ask you to. And we have Akemi now. I wouldn't give her up for anything. Oh please Kagome, don't cry." Inuyasha hugged her tightly and rocked her back and forth, as if she was his child. For a few moments Kagome didn't move, but slowly she wrapped her arms around Inuyasha and sobbed heavily into his chest.
Kagome soon fell into a troubled sleep. Inuyasha left Kikyo to watch over her and went to visit his friends. He stopped first by Sango and Miroku's hut. He didn't have a chance to knock on the door before he was knocked down by three young children. They rolled over and over the ground play wrestling. Inuyasha grinned and finally stood up. "Alright kidos, where's your mom?"
"Right here Inuyasha," said a ladies voice. Inuyasha grinned at the lady standing in the door of the hut with a bowl in her hands. She was getting on in years but she still looked young. Her eyes were kind, as always, and she smiled at her half demon friend. "Did you need something?"
"Yea. I wanted to let you guys know Kagome woke up."
The bowl fell out of Sango's hands as her eyes widened and her hands flew to her mouth. "She's awake? But when?"
"Just a few minutes ago. Kikyo is in the hut now." Inuyasha explained what he had told Kagome and Sango's eyes became troubled.
"I'll go spend some time with her. Miroku is in the next town, blessing the castle. He will be back by nightfall and I will let him know. Thank you for telling me Inuyasha." Inuyasha nodded and left, heading toward the river. Sango nodded; if anyone could cheer up Kagome, it would be Shippo. "All three of you go play with the other children. Later on tonight you'll get to meet your aunt Kagome, okay?" Sango rushed to Kikyo's hut, the broken bowl left forgotten on the ground.
Kagome's eyes flew open and she sat up, panting. She had had a nightmare, she knew that, but she couldn't remember what it was. She closed her eyes and forced herself to calm down. It was only when she opened her eyes that she saw the lady sitting next to her, smiling. It took her a moment to recognize the grinning face, but when she did, she gasped with delight. "Sango!"
"Kagome!" Sango said, and they hugged each other tightly. "Oh I have so much to tell you!" Sango told her all about the wedding and her three children. Kagome listened to her happily and was very glad for her friend. Before either one had known it, darkness had fallen.
"So how are you feeling?" Sango asked, concern written across her face.
"I'm okay," Kagome said sadly. "I was a little shocked when I heard about Kikyo and Inuyasha getting married, but I think I understand what he said."
"We were all shocked when they said they were going to get married. Miroku was very upset; he slugged Inuyasha in his face and asked how he could hurt you like that. But when Inuyasha asked him if he would pass up the chance to be with Sango, Miroku calmed down. I really do believe that Inuyasha is where he should be."
"I know. And I'm happy for him, I really am," Kagome said, and it was true; if Inuyasha was happy then she was happy for him. But Kagome was wondering more about what she would do now. Before she could voice her concerns to her friend, she heard her name being called. The door of the hut was flung aside and a large fluff ball attacked her. She fell back in her pallet and tried to breath.
"Kagome! You're awake! I'm so glad!" said a soft voice laced with tears. Kagome grasped the fluff ball and sat up, placing it in her lap. She looked down at it and for a moment her mind was blank. The light brown hair, those green eyes, and that tail; they were all familiar. And suddenly, it hit her. She squealed and hugged him tightly. "Oh Shippo!"
Shippo smiled and hugger her back. He was bigger then she remembered; he looked like he was around nine or ten years old. His legs and arms were longer, and his tail was smoother. But he still had his childlike smile and bright green eyes.
The next few hours were spent talking, laughing, crying, and eating. Miroku showed up soon enough and quickly expressed his joy for Kagome. He looked the same, but more mature. He sat close to Sango and they held hands. Shortly after that their children came into the hut, and they were introduced to Kagome. The oldest was named Nobu, and he was a strapping young man of twelve years. He had his father's haircut and eyes, but Sango's smile. He wanted to be a monk, just like his father. The middle child was a boy who seemed to be shy. His name was Isamu, and he was nine years old. He looked just like Miroku, with the exception of Sango's eyes. The youngest was a little girl named Emiko. She was five years old, and she took after her mother. All three of them were very nice and polite, until their parents weren't looking; then they would make faces and argue with each other, which made Kagome laugh.
When the time came that the children could no longer keep their eyes open, Kagome bid goodnight to her friends and was left alone in the hut again. She tried to relax, but she couldn't. After some time had passed Kagome stood up and walked out of the hut. She looked up at the shining moon and felt sadness surrounding her again. She missed her family. She wanted to go home. She ducked back into the hut long enough to grab her bow and arrows, which were kept near the door, and headed out of the village.
After walking a few steps, she let out a sigh. Her heart hurt every time she started to think about Inuyasha and Kikyo together. She had known, even back then, that she could never compare to Kikyo in Inuyasha's heart. And she could understand that. She never wanted to make Inuyasha unhappy. But maybe, if she went home and let her family know she was awake and okay, she would feel better. Her mother must be pretty worried about her. She wondered what Sota would look like, all grown up. She hoped her grandfather was still around, but she had a feeling that he had joined Kaede in the afterlife.
Moments later the well came into view, and Kagome's heart felt lighter. Her pace sped up and she ran to the well. IT looked the same as it always had, and that brightened her mood. In one fluid motion she jumped into the well. She waited for the blue light to engulf her, but she reached the bottom without it happening. She looked up and saw the starts still twinkling at her. She climbed out and tried again with the same result. She slowly climbed out and sat on the ground, resting her back against the side of the well. She looked up at the sky with tears blurring her vision.
She couldn't go back to her time, and she had no place in the Feudal Era. Where did she belong now?