Kagome was more than excited for this field trip. She hummed slightly, completely ignoring those around her. On the bus, Kagome got a seat by herself, but Harima and Karasamu were right across the aisle playing cards and it looked like Karasuma was winning. She could never win with that guy either. Tenma took a seat beside her, trying to get closer to Karasume, she assumed. Nothing ever works out with those two. Same with Harima who wanted to get closer to Tenma, but seemed to never be able to.

She sighed as the bus came to a stop. Time to stretch her legs. She wasn't used to sitting so much. Inuyasha always had them running around Feudal Japan collecting jewel shards and hunting Naraku. Kagome opened her wallet and pouted. "No money..."

"Miss Kagome." Karasuma tapped her on the shoulder.

"Hey. What's up Karasuma?" she asked turning to the poker faced high schooler.

"Here." he handed her a small pouch.

"Huh?" Kagome opened it the small pouch. "Karasuma! I can't take this."

"It's fine. Really." he said.

Kagome knew that he was stubborn. "Are you sure?"

He nodded his head.

"Thank you Karasuma! I'll buy you some candy!" she took off into the store. She only had 15 minutes to get some snacks, pay for them, and get back on the bus. She quickly located the candy and bought some for her and the others.

Kagome spotted Karasuma on the bus, Harima wasn't there so she sat beside him, not seeing Tenma across from the Aisle. "Here." she handed him a box of candy for him.

"You didn't have to," he said softly.

"Think of it as a thank you gift for the money," she smiled.

"Oh, In that case, thanks." he took the box of candy from her hand.

Kagome stood up and resumed her spot where she had previously been: The seat beside Tenma. Just as Tenma was getting ready to sit down beside Karasuma, her friend intervened.

"Hey Karasuma," Eri appeared from nowhere. "Can I sit here?"

Karasuma looked up from his book. "Sure."

After awhile, Eri began to feel sick and asked to sit up front. Just as Tenma was about to take the seat, she too began to feel sick.

"You poor thing," Kagome thought. Her heart went out to Tenma. All she wanted to do was sit next to the poor guy, but something always happened.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

"Of all the days to forget my umbrella..." Kagome sighed. Once again she was watching Tenma try and get closer to Karasuma. She hadn't seem him grab an umbrella. "Rain.. costume...?"

Kagomes mouth fell open as she stared at Karasuma. There he was, standing in the rain with a turtle shell on his back, some kind of beak on his pace, and was carrying a giant... leaf? Was it supposed to be a Kappa rain costume? "What the hell is wrong with him?" Before she could begin her run back home, her cell phone rang.

"Hello?" she answered.

"Is this Higurashi Kagome?"

"Yes it is."

"This is Hikaru from the bookstore. I'm just calling to let you know you got the job and we'd like you to come in tomorrow after school."

"Seriously!? I'll be there! Thank you so much!"

The line went dead. Kagome jumped for joy. She could finally get that place apartment. The manager their said the first month was free. She took off, running through the wind and the rain.

She entered the building and rang the bell. Moments later a woman appeared at the desk. "How may I help you?"

"I was wondering about that room.?" Kagome looked up at her.

"Are you looking to move in?" she asked.

"Yes."

"Alright! Great! The first month is free of rent. I just need you to sign some of these papers!" She handed Kagome a small packet.

"Alright thank you!" she sat down in of the seats in the small lobby room. "Oh and sorry about the puddle..."

"Not a problem dear." she smiled at Kagome who began her paperwork. As she was doing her paperwork, the woman brought her a few towels. Kagome thanked her and continued on with the work. 

She read through each and every piece that was there and signed every blank she was supposed to. After ten minutes, she put the paper on the desk.

"Alright. When will we be expecting you?"

"Probably tomorrow. I don't have much stuff, just a couple bags of clothes and items. I gotta run. See ya tomorrow!" Kagome waved and left the building. As she was leaving someone grabbed her shoulder from behind.

Thinking it was a demon, her instincts kicks in and she grabbed the arm and threw it over her shoulder. She whipped out and arrow, planted her foot on its chest and put the tip near its throat, the tip slightly glowing. "Be gone demon!"

"Demon?"

"Huh?" Kagome blinked. Underneath her foot was none other than Harima Kenji.

"Well?"

"What the hell is wrong with you! Don't scare me like that!"Kagome removed the arrow and her foot.

"You're pretty strong for such a tiny girl," he picked himself off the ground and patted her head.

She swatted his hand away. "Serves you right from scaring me like that."

"Why the hell are you carrying an arrow in your bag anyway!" Harima yelled.

"Just in case I get attacked!" Kagome snapped. "Geez. I need to protect myself if I don't wanna get attacked... again."

"Again!?" Harima gaped at the small girl.

"Oh yeah. I could hardly go anywhere without being attack. So my friend taught me how to defend myself." Kagome smiled. "See ya tomorrow Harima!"

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

"A tournament?" Kagome looked at Mayumi after releasing the arrow.

"Yes, and we were wondering if you would participate. They're holding it at one of the shrines in another town tomorrow." She and several other students got down on their hands and knees. "Please participate in the tournament!"

Kagome rubbed the back of her head. "I guess. Have you guys even won one?"

"Nope!" Mayumi said a little too cheerfully. "But with you in the club, we're sure to win all kinds of ribbons and trophies! The school board was going to disband our club unless we won something. You can bring some of your friends if you want. Just have them sign this piece of paper and give it back to me by the end of the day."

"Alright. Well... I guess I'll see you tomorrow!" Kagome finally agreed to participate, and the club cheered.

~Later that day~

"Hey Kagome." Eri greeted as the priestess entered the classroom.

"Hey," she replied taking her seat next to Harima who was vibrating once again.

"What's up? You seem a little tired." Makoto observed.

"Yeah, I came in a little earlier than usual to practice my shooting and the club asked me to participate in the tournament tomorrow. They said I can bring my friends if I want too." Kagome set a 'guest list' on her desk for her friends to see.

"Oh, Sounds like fun!" Eri was quick to sign her name. "Karasuma signed?"

"Yeah. He said that he always wanted to go to a shrine. The good thing is those who sign up get out of school since the bus ride there is a few hours long."

Makoto and Akira quickly signed their named.

"Hey Tenma wanna go?" Makoto asked the girl who just walked in.

"Where?" she approached the group of girls.

"Kagomes tournament tomorrow." Akira said.

"I dunno..."

"Karasuma's going."

"I'll be there!" she quickly signed her name.

The bell rang and the four took their spots.

"Hey Harima wanna go to a shrine tomorrow?" Kagome asked him. "The Archery club is participating in a tournament at one of the shrines."

"Not really."

"Tenma's going~" she snickered. "Just sign your name here."

And so he did.

Kagome, her six friends, Makoto, Eri, Karsuma, Tenma, Akira, and Harima, and the archery club waited for the bus to arrive. Kagome was wondering what shrine the tournament was being held at.

"Hey guys sorry I'm late!" Mr. Okami said.

"Kouga? What are you doing?" Kagome asked him.

 "He's the new club supervisor since our old one retired." Mayumi explained to Kagome.

"Oh."

After a few more minutes of waiting, the bus finally arrived. It was a short bus since not many people were going, meaning everyone had to share a seat.

Karasuma was the first one seated as everyone filled the seats. Tenma started to walk past him but Kagome, being the mischievous one, shoved into the seat he was in.

"S-sorry Karasuma." she apologized quickly.

"It's quite alright."

Tenma looked at Kagome who winked at her. Tenma mouthed 'Thank You' to her.

"Damn it! Tenma is sitting with Karasuma!" Harimas eyes scanned the bus. Making a quick decision, he sat beside Kagome, the closest one to Tenma. Kouga and Mayumi sat behind her and Harima.

"Hey Kagome," Kouga said from behind her. Kagome stood and turned around to look at him. 

"What's up?" she asked giving her demon friend a smile

"I've been meaning to ask, but what did you do with the jewel?" he questioned.

Kagome's smiled quickly fell at the mention of the cursed jewel. Her hand went to the jewel that hung around her neck still. Ever since it was completed, it never left her neck.

She pulled it out from beneath her shirt. "This jewel?"

"Woah... it's really pretty!" Mayumi stared in awe at the pink jewel. "Where'd you get it?"

"It was passed down from generation to generation until it came to me." Well, technically it wasn't a lie. She was Kikyos reincarnation after all.

"Oh really?"

"Yep!"

"Ya know there was a jewel that looked similar to that once upon a time," Kouga smiled. This caught the buses attention.

"Shikon No Tama," Karasuma said softly.

"That's right Karasuma. How'd you guess?" Kouga looked at the poker faced boy.

"The stories."

"A long time ago there lived a priestess named Midoriko. She was very powerful because she contained four powerful spirits. After battling demons for seven days and seven nights, a larger demon took her into its jaws. In her last moments she bound its soul within her own killing them both and creating the Shikon No Tama which burst from her chest. It's rumored that her soul and the demons soul she bound still battle inside the jewel."

"That's amazing!" Tenma exclaimed.

"You forgot to mention the four spirits," Akira pointed out.

"Aramitama, which means Courage, Nigimitama, which means Friendship, Kushimitama, which means Wisdom, and Sukimitama, which means love. When a person contains these four spirits at their maximum, such as Lady Midoriko, they unite to form a really strong balance in the soul that could be used for either good or evil." Kagome explained.

"Exactly." Kouga nodded.

"What happened next?" Makoto asked.

"For several centuries, the jewel was passed down until a demon exterminator entrusted the jewel to a priestess named Kikyo due to her purifying powers. The jewel led to her demise."

"How did that happen?" Tenma asked.

"Well," Kagome began. "Kikyo dedicated her life to protecting the jewel. She slayed many demons and thus could not live the life of a normal girl. It wasn't long until she met the half demon Inuyasha. He too desired the jewel so he could become a full demon instead of just half. Kikyo and Inuyasha fell in love and she offered to allow him to use the jewel to become a human instead of a full demon. Fate turns cruel against her when the evil half demon Naraku tricks Inuyasha and Kikyo into betraying each other. Naraku disguised himself as Inuyasha and struck her down. Then disguised himself as Kikyo and attacked Inuyasha.

Thinking Inuyasha betrayed her, with the last bit of her strength and spirtual power, to stop Inuyasha who attacked the village for the Shikon jewel. However, unable to kill the man she loved with her sacred arrow, Kikyo instead shot a sealing arrow at Inuyasha, pinning him to the Goshinboku. She then ordered Kaeda, her younger sister, to burn the jewel with her body." Kagome finished.

Tenma was in tears by the end. "That's so sad!" she cried. "They just wanted to be together!"

Kagome smiled softly at the girl. "Yeah..."

"That slim ball!" Harima growled. Kagome looked down at him. "If he were here right now I'd pummel him to death!"

Kagome giggled. "You'd be killed in split second."

"What did Kikyo look like?" Makoto asked.

Kouga happened the be a splendid artist. He was quick to pull out a sketch pad. "She looked like... this." he flipped to the drawing of the priestess. Kagome glanced at it. It looked exactly like her! "I had time on my hands." It was a drawing of Kikyo holding her bow with an arrow nocked in the bow string. "I did one of the others as well."

Harima squinted at the drawing. He looked back and forth between it and Kagome. "Hey she kind of resembles you Kagome. " He pointed out.

Kagome shot a glare at him and bit the inside of her cheek to keep from snapping at him. He gulped and shrunk in his seat. 

"We've arrived!" Mayumi cheered as the bus came to a stop.

The group piled off and began their trek up the set of stairs that never seemed to end. They weren't even halfway up when everyone began to tire. Even Kouga was slightly exhausted and he was a demon. 

"How... can you... walk up... these thing...like it's... nothing?" Harima panted as Kagome kept walking. She wasn't even slightly exhausted. 

Everyone groaned, but pressed forward.

"These steps seem familiar." Kagome mumbled as she kept walking up the stairs. Just as Kagome was about to reach the top, she looked back to see Tenma had stopped to catch her breath. She smiled and walked back down to the poor girl, past everyone else. She kneeled in front of her.

"Huh?"

"Come on. I'll carry you." Tenma climbed onto Kagomes back who began her trek up the stairs once more. The others were waiting for them.

At the top, Kagome set Tenma on her feet. "Thanks Kagome!" she giggled.

"No problem!"

"Kagome!" gure launched their self into her arms. Kagome stumbled back, but quickly regained her balance.

"S-Souta!?" her little brother grinned at his elder sister.

"Hey big sis!"

"I'm home...?" she looked around her shrine. A makeshift Archery range had been set up along with several booths for food and games. 

"This is where you lived?" Eri looked around the shrine. 

"Yeah, come on. I want you guys to meet my mother." Kagome, and Souta who was chatting with her, led the way to the house where her mother was inside preparing snacks for those participating in the tournament. "Mom! I'm home!"

"Kagome? Is that you?" Her mother peeked her head out from the kitchen. "It is!" she came and gave her beloved daughter a hug. "I've missed you so much! I got every one of your letters. I'm glad you're enjoying Yagami High!" she smiled and finally took notice of those behind her. "You brought guest!"

"Yep. Most of them are from the archery club. That's why we're here. I'm participating in the tournament."

The group, minus Harima, bowed. "Nice to meet you Mrs. Higurashi." it was like they rehearsed it. 

"You must be Karasuma Oji. You look just like your father." she gave the boy a hug. "How about I go make tea for you guys. You can get settled in the living room or Kagomes room. The other contestants should be arriving soon."

"Let's go check out Kagomes room," Eri suggested.  Kagome sighed and led them upstairs into her bedroom. The group made themselves comfortable: Kagome, Kouga, and Akira sat on Kagomes bed, Eri sat in her desk chair and everyone else sat on the floor. "This is cute." Eri said as she observed the room.

"You think so?" Kagome questioned.

"I smell Inuyasha." he growled lowly.

"Yeah... he came in here all the time." Kagome whispered to Kouga.

"This the first time I've been in your room." he winked at her and he smacked him in the back of the head. Those around them were still a little skeptical about their relationship. 

"Hey Kagome!" her mother called.

"Yeah mom?"

"Are you going to wear your school uniform or do you want to wear the outfit that woman gave you?" Her mother asked. 

Kagome thought for a moment before she remembered what her mother was talking about. Kaeda had given her a miko kimono before she left. "I'll wear the one Lady Kaeda gave me!"

"What outfit is that?" Eri questioned the priestess.

Kagome winked. "You'll see."

A few hours later, several other schools began to show. The tournament was getting ready to start and Kagome was a little nervous. She'd be shooting in front of a bunch a people for a sport. Not to save her life or the life of her friends. 

Throughout lunch, Kagome was silent as the others chatted about this and that. Souta and Harima were quick to become friends, talking about video games and movies. Around the shrine, the other contestants were also enjoying her mothers food, talking and laughing with their friends. 

"Your mom is a really good cook," Harima complimented after lunch was done with. 

"Yeah, she's the best." Kagome smiled. She missed her mothers cooking. "Hey mom do you have any cook books you don't use?"

"I do." she opened a cabinet and pulled two of them out. One was for dinners/lunches and the other was for dessert.

"Thanks mom." she kissed her mother on the cheek.

"Shouldn't you get changed?" her mother asked.

"I will in just a moment, but I've been meaning to ask who was sponsoring this event?"

Her mother opened her mouth to answer, but instead a familiar icy voice spoke up. "That would be me Miko."  The sound of his voice was enough to make Kagome tense and a shiver to run down the spines of those around. "I assumed you had died years ago."

"Died?" Harima glanced at Kagome who could only stare at the intimidating man standing before him. What kind of life did Kagome live?

"Sesshomaru," she breathed. The Lord of the West was standing in her kitchen. He hand't changed much; his long silver hair that once fell to the back of his knees, was tied into a high pony tail and his eyes were still the same golden color. The only difference was the markings on his cheeks and the crescent moon that was once on his forehead, and claws were gone.

"Miko, you are avoiding my question." He glared at her. 

Kagome held his gaze with a glare of her own. "Is that all you can say after all these Sesshomaru? You are still a cold heartless jerk as always! You'd think that having Rin with you would soften up a little!" She stepped forward and poked him right in the chest. "Well, let me to tell you something Sesshomaru. Things have changed, as you're aware. I'm not going to allow you to treat me like you used to in the past."

Her mother sighed as the others stared at the small girl in shock. Literally everyone knew who Sesshomaru Taisho was. He ran a huge company in Japan and was considered one of the most powerful mean in the world. 

Kouga shook his head, but smiled. "Same old Kagome," She was probably the only human being able to stand up to Sesshomaru and not be killed a second later.

Sesshomaru merely smirked and closed his eyes. "I'm not sponsoring this event out of the goodness of my heart, Miko. I am sponsoring this event because I knew it was your shrine. Your given name is Higurashi, no?"

"W-well yes. But-" he held a hand up to stop her from speaking. She dropped her hand.

"You have done me and my lands a great favor in the past and you have gained my utmost respect Miko. I mean no disrespect." He smiled at her and Kagome felt her heart stop. Sesshomaru? Smiling? Times sure have changed.

"I... I apologize Sesshomaru." she said softly. He patted her head.

"But I would like answers at another time." he continued. "I am not the only one helping sponsor this event." With those words a familiar auburn haired, green eyed young man peeked his head out from behind Sesshomaru.

"Kagome!" he launched himself at her and wrapped his arms around her.

It took her a moment to register who he was. "S-Shippo!? Is that you?"

"Yep!" he said.

"Before you jump into his arms, Miko, I suggest you go get change. The event will start soon." he ordered. "I also have an a gift when you return."

"Yes Lord Sesshomaru." Kagome mocked. "Still bossing people around I see." she grumbled as she left.

"How the hell does she know all these important people?" Harima wondered. Yes even he, an idiot, knew who Sesshomaru Taisho was.

"I suggest you all leave as well." he turned his stone cold eyes to the group that had been silent. Everyone was quick to clear the house.  

"Damn. Didn't think he'd be so scary." Harima shivered as his ice, cold golden eyes flashed in his mind. 

Thirty minutes quickly passed by and Kagome was nowhere to be seen. Each school had to choose one person to represent their school.

Mayumi paced back and forth, biting her nails as she did so. Kouga laid a hand on her shoulder. "Relax, she'll be here any minute."

"Let the Tournament! Begin!" Shippo announced. The crowd cheered as fireworks went off. 

Kagome rushed downstairs, waiting for her was Sesshomaru with a bow in his hand. "Miko."

"Sesshomaru."

He smiled at her. A genuine smile. She swore she could have fallen for him in that moment. 

"This is for you." he said handing it to. "I had Totosai forge it just for you as a gift for defeating Naraku." To others, it was a simple silver bow with a purple crescent moon on it, but to Kagome it was something else. The bow hummed in response to her powers. "This bow was forged from my fang. I was going to present it to you once it was finished, but you had disappeared."

"Sesshomaru... I don't know what to say." she whispered.

He shook his head. "I am forever in your debt miko. You have saved Rin's life countless times and saved all of us from Naraku. Now, hurry out there. They are waiting for you."

Kagome nodded and wiped her eyes free from tears that threatened to fall from her eyes. "Thank you Sesshomaru." Kagome opened the door to her house and ran outside to join her school.

"Woah, look at Kagome!" Makoto pointed out. The others looks to see her rushing towards them. Her hair was tied back like Kikyos once was, and she was wearing a traditional Miko kimono.

"Sorry I'm late. This thing was a little tricky to get on," she laughed nervously.

"Well go, go!" Mayumi shoved her forward a bit.

Kagome took a deep breath as each participant shot one by one. The girl beside her released her arrow hitting in the red middle circle, but not in the center. Now it was her turn. Everyone was quiet. The suspense was agonizing. She took a deep breath once more as she drew the silver bowstring back, the arrow nocked in the bow. She aimed for the center of the target.

"Hit the mark!" she released it and it smacked in the middle of the target. A perfect bullseye.

The crowd erupted into cheers. Kagome smiled. The first round was over and it was only going to get more difficult from this point on. She stepped over to her friends

"Your form is beautiful as always," Mayumi breathed out. Eri was speechless. Never had she seen something, or someone, so beautiful in her entire life. Well, other than herself of course.

"Really? When I first started using a bow, I was so clumsy," Kagome admitted.

"That's for sure," Kouga grumbled.

The next round of the tournament started twenty minutes later. Kagome took her spot at the end of the line. I guess the school that never won a single prize always went last. She turned her attention to the archery range. The targets had been moved further away and the red target was smaller. For Kagome, this was nothing. She shot demons further than this, while Inuyasha had her on his back. 

As her turn came, she took the same stance once more and repeated the process. The arrow soared through the clearing and landed dead center once more.

As the day progressed, three schools were eliminated until it was down to the final three. One of them would win first place. The final round was an elimination round. Only two of the three would be going home as victors. There was only one target. It was set up so only two could win. You either hit the middle or you hit somewhere else in the red circle. There was no in between.

The three of them exchanged glances between each other. Who was going to go home the loser?

The first of the three nocked her arrow in her bow. Kagome watched her. Her hands were shaky and so she was sure to miss. True to her words, the girl released the arrow and missed the red target, hitting just outside it. 

She slumped her shoulders as she stepped back to allow the next girl do her thing. She was more calm than the other girl. Taking a deep breathe she let the arrow go, watching it zip through the clearing. The arrow smacked dead center of the target. 

She smirked at Kagome. Giving her a look as if saying 'beat that'. Kagome's eye  twitched. "So that's how it is. Challenge accepted." 

Sesshomaru, Shippo, Kouga, and all of Kagomes friend watched as Kagome took the spotlight.

"There's no way we'll place first," Mayumi chewed on her nails, her eyes glued to Kagome.

"Don't be so sure." Harima spoke before Kouga or Shippo could throw anything in. "Look. She's determined to win first place."

Sesshomaru smirked. "The miko has the advantage." 

Kagome stood before the target, all eyes glued on her. She put the arrow in the bow string and pulled it back. She aimed for the middle, where the previous arrow was currently sitting. Channeling just a tiny amount of her miko energy into the arrow, she released it from the bowstring. The arrow soared through the clearing with lightning speed. Kagome's arrow hit smack in the middle of the target, splitting the other arrow into two.

Kagome shot a smirk of her own at the girl who could only stare with wide eyes and mouth open. She walked past her. "If you keep your mouth open like that, your sure to catch flies."

The crowd erupted into cheers as her friends, plus Kouga, Shippo, and Sesshomaru, met with her.

"That was unbelievable Kagome!" Shippo wrapped her in a tight embrace. 

"Thanks Shippo." she said returning the hug. 

"You looked good out there Kagome." Eri complimented. 

"Yeah you did great!" Tenma grabbed her hands.

"Thanks guys."

The members of the archery club had never seen anything like it. It was the first time they had seen such a thing happen. It was astonishing and it left them speechless.

"Why not stay for dinner," Kagome's mother suggested. 

"Sure mom if that's ok with everyone else." They all nodded and headed inside. Kagome stayed behind and approached the Goshinboku. She touched the spot where Inuyasha was once sealed and sighed.

"Hey," Kouga stood beside her and looked up at the tree.

"There's nothing there for me anymore, is there?" Kagome questioned looking up at Kouga.

(Inside the house)

"Hey where's Kagome and Mr. Okami?" Tenma asked noticing they were gone.

"Did you check by the Goshinboku?" Mrs. Higurashi questioned.

The five of them stood up and walked outside where they saw the two in front of the tree.

"Shh!" Makoto put a finger to her lips.

"What are they saying?" Eri whispered.

"I can't tell." Akira answered.

Harima had been able to clearly hear them from where he stood, but he kept his mouth shut.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

"No." he whispered. The breeze ruffled her hair.

"Ya know, I always thought Inuyasha and I would have a future together." she let out a bitter laugh. "I don't hate Kikyo, after all, she was his first love. Even in death, she still holds his heart."

Kouga pulled Kagome into his chest. "I know." he stroked her head as she finally let the tears she'd been holding in, fall.

"Let give them some privacy.." Akira said, going back inside, they practically had to drag Eri with them.

After Kagome finished crying, she stepped back. "Cover for me?"

"Where are you going?" he asked.

"To tell them goodbye and seal the well." Kagome said as she made her way to the bone eater well. She slid the door open, stepped inside, and then closed it. She walked down the set of stairs and swung her leg over the rim of the well. Then allowed herself to fall into the well, the familiar blue light enveloped her, taking her to the past.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~**~

Shippo and Kirara were the first ones to catch her scent since they were full demons after all. 

"Kagomes back!" Shippo made a dash to the door, followed by Inuyasha Sango and Miroku. They raced to greet Kagome.

"Kaggommmeeee!" Shippo launched himself into her arms. Kagome easily caught the Kitsune.

"Hey Shippo!" she smiled. It was strange to see him so small again after meeting his adult self. 

"Welcome back Lady Kagome." Miroku greeted.

"Yeah. about that," her smile faded.

"Are you leaving?" Sango asked her best friend.

She sighed and nodded. "Yeah. there's nothing left for me here. I'm sorry. When I return, I'm sealing the well."

"I see." Miroku smiled and stepped in front of her. He unwrapped the prayer beads that once helped keep the wind tunnel sealed from his hand and handed it to her. "Take these."

"But these are-" "I know. I want you to have them." Kagome gave him a hug.

"Thank you Miroku."

"Here." Sango handed her the sword that hung at her side. "I have Hirakotsu. If I need a sword, I'll get Totosai to make me one." She smiled.

"Sango..." she felt tears form in her eyes. "Thank you." she took the sword from her hand.

Kagome felt something drap over her head and looked at Inuyasha. His robe of the fire rat was gone, draped over her head. "Inuyasha... this is the last thing you have of your mother."

"S-shut up and take it!" he crossed his arms and looked away from her. "Take Tessaiga too. I won't be needing it anyway."

"Inuyasha... is there something you haven't told us?" Sango put her hands on her hips.

"Yeah. I've been waiting for Kagome to come back to tell you guys..." he unstrapped the sword and handed it to her.

"I won't take your fathers fang Inuyasha." Kagome stubbornly refused.

He sighed. "Anyway. I plan to go to hell with Kikyo after Kagome leaves."

"I see." Miroku folded his hands into his sleeves and closed his eyes. He knew this was going to be Inuyashas decision. 

"Good luck Inuyasha. We wish you well." Sango gave her half demon friend a smile. "I'm glad I got to meet you Inuyasha, even though I tried to kill you. You too Kagome. I never thought I would meet someone like you. I'm glad we're friends." Sango pulled her best friend in a hug. This was the last time she would see her.

"Me too Sango... me too," Kagome wrapped her arms around the demon slayer.

After releasing from the hug, Kagome pulled a crying Shippo into her arms. "We'll meet again Shippo. I know it."

"Lady Kagome, it was a pleasure meeting you. I will never forget you. I will tell my future children stories of the brave priestess who saved everyone's lives." Miroku leaned forward and kissed her forehead. He pulled away moments later. "A blessing just for you."

Kagome approached Inuyasha once more and removed the beads that hung around his neck and handed them to him. Inuyasha smiled sadly at Kagome and put them around her neck. "Keep those too." she hugged him one last time before turning to her other friends. "Thank you Miroku, Sango, Inuyasha, Shippo. Tell Kaeda thank you as well. If you ever come across Sesshomaru and Kouga again, tell them I'll meet them again!" Kagome swung her leg back over the well. She gave one look around the feudal era. "Goodbye..." and she fell. Inuyasha quickly dropped his sword down the well with her.

Kagome sat at the bottom of the well, her items that her friends gave her lay beside her. Finally, she pulled herself up, gathered her things and climbed out of the well. She set them back down on the ground and sealed the well... once and for all. After that was done, she collapsed to her knees and let her tears flow once more.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

"Where's Kagome?" Mrs. Higurashi asked.

Kouga leaned over and whispered. "She went back to tell them goodbye and then to seal the well."

"Oh." her mother knew this was going to tear Kagome in two. Her daughter was going to be heartbroken.

"She's been gone for a long time," Makoto commented.

"Yeah..." Akira agreeded.

"This food is really good Mrs. Higurashi!" Harima said changing the subject rather quickly. 

"Yeah! Moms the best cook in the world!" Souta exclaimed, throwing his hands in the air.

The door opened and shut moment later. The table grew quite as Kagome entered the kitchen.

"I'll be in my room..." she said softly avoiding eye contact with everyone. Kouga saw the things in his arms. The scent of the monk, demon slayer, and Inuyasha, washed over him. 

"Do you guys have to be home tomorrow? It is going to be Saturday after all. You guys can stay here for the night, I'll drive you home tomorrow after lunch.," Mrs. Higurashi asked the group. The members of the archery club had left, saying they needed to take care of some things before Kagome returned. One of the older members had driven here by car, and took everyone home, the bus following them.

"I need to call Yakumo to let her know." Tenma said.

"Staying in the same house as Tenma? This has gotta be a dream." Harima had a goofy grin on his face.

"The phone is just around the corner, at the end of the staircase." Mrs. Higurashi said. Tenma nodded and she, Eri, Akira, and Makoto all went to call their guardians.

"Kouga, you and Karasuma can sleep in the guest room. Harima can sleep in Soutas room. The four girls can sleep in the living room." Mrs. Higurashi said.

"Sounds good." he stood and put his plate in the sink.

"Come on!" Souta took Harima to his bedroom where Souta challenged him to a video game. Harima gladly accepted his challenge.

Kouga went upstairs to check on Kagome. He lightly knocked on her door.

"Come in," he opened the door. Kagome was on her bed with Inuyasha robe in her arms. Tessaiga leaned against the wall beside her bed along with Sangos sword. The prayer beads Miroku had given her and the necklace that once rested around Inuyashs neck, now rested around hers.

"You doing ok?" he asked.

"Yeah." she answered.

"Inutr- Inuyasha give you those?" stupid question.

"Yeah. He went with Kikyo." Kagome said. "I'm going to miss him, Sango and Miroku."

"Yeah. I miss dog breath too." he sighed.

"I'll be fine. I just time." Kagome wiped her eyes. "When are we leaving?"

"Tomorrow afternoon." he said.

"Eh?!"

"Yep. Your mother knows your not ready to leave yet." he stood and made his way to the door. "Feel better Kagome."

"Thanks. I'm glad you, Shippo, and Sesshomaru are around still."