A/N: This will be a short, seven-chapter fic. I've had this idea for years, so I'm happy to say chapter one has finally be finished. I have most of the other chapters mapped out, so I hope updates won't take too long. Hope you enjoy and please let me know what you think.
Thank you to my beta, Evervescent, for being absolutely beautiful.
Tomorrow's Destiny
Chapter 1: A Wish to Be Made
Rain poured from the heavens and the winds blew furiously through the forest, causing the trees to come alive. Leaves tore from their branches and spiraled to the dreary earth below. The storm raged onward, intent on bringing destruction to every living thing.
But she didn't care about the water splattering against her cheeks or the way her hair blew wildly in the gale. She didn't even mind the soil that dirtied her knees as she knelt in the wet grass. Her eyes could only stare at the object she held in her hand. The Sacred Jewel glowed pure and bright.
She had done this.
"Is it over?" her childish companion asked, bouncing to sit on her shoulder.
She didn't even spare a glance at the small fox, instead nodding her head slowly in disbelief. After everything they had been through, the final battle with Naraku had come to an end. The only fatality was that of the evil demon himself, and no one had felt a pang of regret or sorrow. But at the same time, tears fell from her eyes. They were not borne of pity for him and his evil ways. Instead, she cried for those he had hurt and killed. For those whose very lives he destroyed because of his desire for power and revenge. Kagome cried for everyone who had fallen victim to his wrath. It didn't seem right that so many had to die from one man, all because of his greed.
Footsteps fell softly upon the grass as her other companions struggled over to where she knelt. A flash of red caught her gaze and she looked up to be greeted with the amber eyes of her protector. "Inuyasha," she spoke softly. She blinked against the falling rain.
"Come on, Kagome," he said, reaching out a clawed hand to help her stand. "Let's get you back to Kaede's."
Her struggles were nonexistent as she took his hand and stood up, immediately finding her place upon the half-demon's back. Without a word, the heroes slowly made their way back to their safe-house.
-TD-
Sunlight streamed through the treetops and glistened off the small lake, causing a rainbow to sparkle on the surface. It had been almost a week since Naraku's demise and the day had finally come in which Kagome felt like her old self. No longer could she feel the aches and pains from being thrashed by his tentacles and her spiritual powers seemed to have returned after she shot the fatal arrow.
But her mind would not settle down and allow her to be happy. She had been thinking almost constantly the past few days. After all, being the reincarnation of Kikyo, she now had the sole duty of protecting the Sacred Jewel. Long ago, she had decided that if this day should come, she would rid the jewel from existence. Or at least make a pure wish on it so that peace would reign over the land.
So Kagome found herself sitting under the Goshinboku, mulling over what her decision would be. A soft rustling of forest branches brought her attention from the cloudless sky to the direction of the village. Only a moment later did the old priestess appear, rather frazzled to have traveled so far from her hut. "Goodness me, Kagome," she chided upon spotting the girl. "What in heaven's name were ye thinking, dragging an old woman out into the forest?"
The time-traveling girl smiled. "Sorry, Kaede," she replied, watching as her mentor took a seat on one of the tree's large roots. "But this was the only place I could think of that would give us some time alone."
"Aye," Kaede agreed. "'Tis a wise decision. It would not sit well with Inuyasha if he learned of ye little adventure."
Kagome merely brushed it aside. "I asked Miroku to keep him busy so I could talk to you." Kaede looked at her expectantly. "It has to do with the fate of the Shikon no Tama."
She held up the small pink jewel in her hands, letting the old woman catch a glimpse of it. "I see," she mumbled. "So ye wish to seek my wisdom as to what ye shall do with it?"
She shook her head. "No, not exactly. It's more about the wish."
Kaede sighed and brought her gaze to the treetops. "When the jewel was in my sister's possession fifty years ago, I knew little of its origin or the abilities it held. After her demise, I learned it contained great powers beyond my imagination. 'Tis why we were glad it had been burned with her body, to ensure no harm would come from it. But it seems Kikyo's efforts were in vain, for it has been brought back and now lies in yer hands."
Confused, Kagome looked at her, expecting more of an explanation. When none came, she spoke up. "I'm guessing you have no clue as to what I should do?"
"Not in the slightest," Kaede replied honestly. She chuckled at the predicament, but quickly became silent by the disappointed look on Kagome's face. "What troubles ye, my dear?"
"I think I know what I want to wish for. I'm just not sure if it's the right one."
Her mentor smiled. "Ye heart is pure, Kagome. I'm sure that whatever you choose will bring nothing but good." She patted the girl's knee in closure as she stood, preparing to return to the village. "Be back by sundown. Otherwise Inuyasha will be coming after ye."
Kagome smiled in response, but as soon as Kaede had vanished, gloom replaced her happy façade. "What should I do?" she asked aloud, begging the spirits for guidance.
-TD-
One more day, that's all she had. Kagome determined that she had the right wish in mind. However, it would change everything they knew. So she had given herself a set date in which she would say her goodbyes. She only had twenty-four hours to say what she needed to say and do what needed to be done.
The campfire glowed merrily as everyone chatted quietly around it. Misery stayed far from their minds, replaced by chuckles and good nature. Kagome smiled along with them, but she forced her laughter and didn't participate as much as she would have liked. Instead, her eyes were drawn to the half-demon she had unintentionally fallen in love with.
His silver hair shined from the fire's flames as they sent shadows around the clearing. The amber intensity of his eyes made her heart race and his permanent scowl caused her to softly giggle. His arms were crossed over his chest, Tessaiga propped against the crook of his elbow.
Kagome's gaze turned to the rest of her companions, marveling in the small details she knew she would miss. That's if I remember them, she reminded herself wistfully. Sango's hair freely swiped at her back as Miroku took her hand in his, rubbing small circles along her skin. Marriage had been spoken about earlier in the day. However, even as Kagome fussed over the wedding plans and gave her congratulations, she knew there would be no happy celebration.
"What's the matter, Kagome?" Shippo asked, propping his hands upon her thighs and looking up at her curiously.
A small smile tugged at her lips at her little fox friend. Even young, he always seemed to have a keen eye when it came to details. "I'm fine," she assured softly, trying not to draw attention to her melancholy mood. She rubbed the kit's hair affectionately and gave him a comforting nod.
He seemed hesitant to drop the subject, but merely shrugged his shoulders. She could tell he knew something bothered his surrogate sister. However, to him the reason remained a mystery. He galloped back to where Kirara sat, immediately taking part in the conversation that passed between his comrades.
Inuyasha did not miss the exchange Kagome and Shippo shared. She could feel him glance her way, watching her carefully. Her hands curled into tight fists and every so often she would bite her lip in a nervous habit. Taking in the scent around her, he surprisingly found the faint smell of tears, as if she would break down crying at any moment. Why would she be crying, though? After all, they had just defeated their arch nemesis and everyone remained in good health. It was a time for celebration.
His eyes flickered over her curiously, trying to find the source of her affliction. When they landed on the Shikon Jewel hanging by the column of her throat, he swallowed nervously. It made sense. Since the jewel was complete, Kagome had no reason to stay in their time period after she made a wish on it. Is that what could have her so upset?
Feeling someone's gaze on her, Kagome averted her eyes from Miroku and Sango's playful banter and peered up at her half-demon friend. She tilted her head. "You okay?" she whispered, her brows knitted in concern.
"Keh," he only replied, turning away from her.
Kagome shrugged, knowing that if it held any great importance to him, he would tell her when the time came. The twosome tuned back into the conversation and continued to laugh even when the shadows grew darker. Not until the last flicker of flames died down did the warriors begin to feel weary and said their good nights, moving into the hut for a night of rest.
The young priestess listened to her companions' breathing as they each lulled into a dream-like state. She looked up at the ceiling and clutched the jewel in her hand. Twenty-four hours, she chanted in her head. And then this will all be gone.
-TD-
Kagome stepped out of Kaede's hut with a yawn and stretched her arms over her head. Judging by the position of the sun, it was already close to midday, meaning she had spent almost ten hours sleeping. By midnight tonight, everything would change. She only had twelve hours left of her fairytale.
"Morning, Kagome," Shippo called, scampering toward her and bouncing up on her shoulder. "You've been asleep for ages."
She shrugged sheepishly. "Sorry. Guess I'm still exhausted."
It didn't seem to faze him. "It's okay. I was playing with my fox magic while you slept."
"I see," she replied with a bemused smile. "And where is everyone else?"
He pointed toward the village. "Miroku and Inuyasha went for some supplies. Kaede is visiting an old friend and Sango took Kirara on a small demon infestation nearby."
"Well, then," she said, taking the kit from her shoulder and holding him in her arms. "Why don't we hang out, just the two of us?"
The silly grin on his face caused her heart to warm. He could only nod in reply and ran off toward the well, glancing back every so often to make sure Kagome followed. Laughter filled the air as she chased after him, pretending as if she didn't have any concerns in the world.
An hour passed as the two surrogate siblings played games. Shippo showed her all of his fox tricks and they shared the crayons as they drew pictures of their friends. "Look at this one," the fox child announced suddenly through the quiet clearing. He held up his drawing. "Bet you can't guess who this is."
She peered at the picture closely, her eyes scanning over the brown outlines and tanned skin. She smiled. "I bet that one's Kouga," she said, pointing to the larger figure. "And those two behind him are Ginta and Hakkaku." Two wolf demons were chasing after their leader, desperately trying to keep up with his speed.
"That's right!" he gleefully replied, setting the drawing down and choosing a blank piece of paper to start a new work of art.
Kagome chuckled at his antics and continued her own piece. The picture she currently worked on consisted of Shippo. His red hair stood out like a stop light and his emerald eyes seemed to sparkle. She drew him in a battle stance, a wave of fox fire surrounding the edges. Although, she wryly admitted she didn't possess the talent Shippo did when it came to likeness. The drawings splayed out to the left of her consisted of the rest of her friends: Inuyasha with Tessaiga, Sango with Hirakotsu, Miroku and his wind tunnel, and Kirara in her transformed state.
The breeze blew around them lazily, sweeping across the grass and brushing the strands of Kagome's obsidian hair. With a sigh, she set aside her latest completion and placed her crayon back in the box. She gazed at the small kit across from her. His tongue stuck out between his lips in concentration as he continued drawing.
"Shippo," she spoke quietly, coming to sit on her knees, back against the well.
He looked up at her with a smile. "What is it, Kagome?"
"Come here." She beckoned to the place beside her and he immediately did as she asked. He sat down and felt nervous from the tone of her voice. "You've grown up quite a bit since we first met you."
Her statement caught him off-guard and he found himself stuttering. "Y-yeah," he agreed with a blush.
Kagome ruffled his hair playfully, a sad smile touching her lips. "You know, you're going to be a great demon someday. You'll probably be deemed protector of a whole village."
His eyes shined from the compliment. "Really?" he asked, awe-struck.
She laughed. "Really." Turning around to grab her yellow bag, she dug through it until she found what she was looking for. "I want you to have these."
Shippo peered into her outstretched hand, his eyes glimpsing the gifts she presented him. "You're giving me all your pocky?" he asked, gawking up at her.
"Yeah," she affirmed with a nod. "With all the hard fighting you've done, I think you deserve it." She deposited his treasure in his hands.
Kagome only gave him a treat few and far between. She always told him that it would make him sick if he ate too much at once. So giving him all of her sweets not only gave him a big responsibility involving his health, but also meant a great deal of praise. "Thanks, Kagome," he replied.
Trying to fight back the tears, she gathered the young kit in her arms, pressing him close to her body in an embrace. "You're like a little brother to me, Shippo. I want you to be strong, like I know you can."
His little hands clutched her shirt and his eyes watered. It sounded as if Kagome planned on leaving, as if she was saying goodbye forever. "Kagome," he spoke in a quiet, hesitant whisper. "Are you gonna leave us?"
She shook her head and wiped the tears from her eyes. "No, Shippo," she promised. "I'm not going to leave you." How can I leave, if I never came?
Her words brought a smile to his lips and he jumped off her lap. Quickly gathering up his drawings and pocky in his arms, he began the trek back to the village. "I'm going to show these to my friends," he said, his grin widening at the thought of the village children's reactions.
Kagome watched him leave, taking a moment to gather her thoughts. The wind touched her gently as it blew across the ground, carrying the crisp scent of autumn. Colder months would be approaching soon. Just like the feeling in her chest. With each subtle goodbye, another layer of ice covered her broken heart.
-TD-
"Hey, Sango," the young priestess called as she stepped through the trees outlining the hot springs.
She turned to face the newcomer with a smile. "Good afternoon, Kagome." The brunette scooted over the make room for her friend.
Gratefully, Kagome slid into the steaming pool of water, relishing in the slight burn against her skin. She closed her eyes and let her head rest upon the rock behind her. "Sango?" she spoke softly.
"What is it?" she asked in return, raising her brows expectantly as she heard the longing in her voice. "Is everything all right?"
"Oh, don't be silly. Of course it is," Kagome replied cheerfully, waving away her friend's words. She wasn't sure if Sango believed her or not. If the slayer's frown and narrowed eyes said anything, she probably didn't. But Kagome also knew that Sango wouldn't press the issue unless it became concerning. In this case, it would never have the chance. "I was just wondering if you've visited your village recently."
Caught off guard by the sudden question, Sango was speechless. Come to think of it, she hadn't returned home in quite some time. Now that Naraku had been defeated for good, it would give her an opportunity for correct closure since her people had been avenged. "No," she finally answered with a sad smile. "I suppose not. Perhaps tomorrow would be a good time to go."
"Yeah, tomorrow," Kagome mumbled distractedly, looking up at the clear blue sky through the treetops. She bit her lip as she thought about Kohaku. His life had been taken by Naraku and the jewel, leaving Miroku as Sango's only family.
The demon slayer moved closer and tilted her head to the side. "Something is troubling you, Kagome." She formed it as a statement, not a question.
She exhaled deeply. "I guess." Her eyes found those of her friend. "I don't know how you do it, Sango. You've lost everything; your village, your friends, your family. And yet, you still manage to smile."
Sango hung her head with acknowledgement, her eyes glazed over with tears and memories. "I suppose you're right. But instead of dwelling on all that I've lost, I try to be thankful for what I have." She turned to gaze at the young priestess. "I have a new place to call home, people whom I can call family, and a man I love with all my heart."
Kagome beamed. "Speaking of which, how are the wedding plans going?"
The brunette rolled her eyes. "I think he's more concerned with having children than he is of making me an honest woman. He's unbelievable."
"Well, his family was cursed for generations," Kagome pointed out, giggling. "I think you can cut him some slack."
She smiled. "Yeah. I do love him, Kagome, but sometimes I wish he was less of a lecher."
"Then he wouldn't be the Miroku we all know and love," she reasoned.
"Would that be such a bad thing?"
Kagome pretended to ponder her words for a moment before grinning. "We definitely would've lost out on quite a few humorous situations during our adventures."
"Isn't that the truth," Sango agreed with a smirk. Then she suddenly had a thought and turned toward her best friend. "While on the subject of love and marriage, how are you and Inuyasha?"
Vulnerable to Sango's impromptu question, Kagome blushed a deep shade of crimson. "W-what do you mean?"
Sango pulled her knees to her chest. "You know exactly what I mean. You and Inuyasha have grown closer, especially during the time leading up to the final battle. It's obvious to everyone that you two have feelings for each other."
She winced. "Everyone?"
The slayer scoffed. "You didn't really believe it was a secret, did you? I'm sure I've known since the day I met you two. There was always certain chemistry between you. And there is no doubt that Inuyasha cares for you, especially with the way he protects you."
"Maybe," Kagome replied, turning away and suddenly finding the ripples in the water from her movements more interesting.
"No, not maybe," she reprimanded. "It's true. You need to find out what he feels for you. If you don't, you'll never be able to make a decision."
"A decision?" she echoed. "What do you mean?"
"Seriously?" Sango lamented with a sigh. "Earth to Kagome. I'm talking about your decision to return to your time on the other side of the well. I'm sure Inuyasha plays a big part in that."
Kagome pursed her lips and glanced toward the trees. "Oh, I think I hear Shippo calling," she said, moving to stand.
Sango grabbed her arm quickly and pulled her back into the hot springs. "Kagome, you're being evasive."
"No I'm not," she argued defiantly.
"Yes, you are," Sango replied. "Kagome, I'm your friend. You can talk to me."
Kagome looked at her for a long moment, before sighing. She mused over Sango's words, contemplating the speck of doubt that lingered behind reason. She surely had the correct wish in mind, so why did hesitation appear? "Do you believe in fate?" she asked quietly, glancing over at the older woman. "I mean, if you're meant to be with someone, fate will bring you together no matter what."
A chuckled escaped her lips. "Yes, I do. My answer to that perverted monk's proposal is proof enough."
She smiled at her words, recalling the day in which Miroku asked Sango to become his wife once their battle with Naraku had come to an end. Everything had been so different then. They were constantly fighting demons, struggling to stay alive after each encounter with one of his incarnations. Now, peace had settled quietly and Kagome knew that happiness would come around soon enough. The only problem being, it wasn't the original happily ever after they had hoped for.
-TD-
The sun began setting into early evening as the day wound down to an end. Kagome lay back on a grassy knoll, watching the sky as the deep oranges and reds faded to purple. In the distance, she could hear the sounds of the village folk preparing for the night, but they were far enough away not to bother her.
She closed her eyes and drew in a breath full of the woodland air. She let the sound of birds fill her ears, more welcomed than the traffic noises from her own era. Here, ten minutes seemed like a long time and so the day stretched out like a small eternity.
Kagome knew she couldn't stop bad things from happening in the world, even if she knew it would happen. Thinking about it only made her more anxious, more fearful. However, with the wish she had in mind, she knew she could at least prevent some of the bad from happening, even at the risk of her own happiness.
In her quiet contemplation, she turned her thoughts elsewhere. She could think about love, the people she cherished, and everything right in her life. She felt like a higher power's whisper drifted through the trees, assuring her she had made the right choice.
"Kagome?"
The young priestess opened her eyes and looked up, seeing her friend towering over her. "Oh, hey, Miroku."
"May I join you?" he asked with a bemused smile.
She fanned her hand out beside her, offering him a spot of grass, before turning her gaze back toward the sky. They stayed quiet for a while, simply enjoying each other's company and watching as the clouds lazily moved across the expanse of red canvas.
"I spoke to Sango earlier," he finally said, folding an arm beneath his head.
Kagome frowned. "About what?"
"She's concerned about you." He glanced in her direction hesitantly. "She fears you will do something that cannot be undone."
Curious with his choice of wording, Kagome sat up on her elbows and peered down at him. "What's that supposed to mean?"
Miroku sat up, holding his hands out in a manner of peace. "Please, Kagome, forgive me. I am only trying to help. With Naraku gone and the jewel in your possession, we understand you have a lot on your mind. Sango is only worried you will make a hasty decision you will later regret. And truthfully, so am I."
She pulled her lips into a tight line. "Miroku, I am well aware of the weight I have on my shoulders. I understand what my duty is to the jewel and to the future of this world. I don't appreciate you accusing me of taking this lightly."
"That is not it at all," he assured. "We are your friends, Kagome. We only want to be here to help you and support you in whatever you need. Accusing you is not my intention."
Honest eyes bore into hers as if trying to convince her he wasn't lying. However, she found it hard to accept. He had always been so genuine and telling, she wondered why she didn't believe him now. His warm smile begged her to believe him, her heart told her he would never deceive her, but her gut convinced her otherwise.
"You want to know what I plan to do," she stated bluntly, bringing his concerns out into the open. "You're afraid I will make a decision that benefits others with no thought of myself. Well, I hate to break it to you, but the wish on the jewel has to be selfless. So I'm not allowed to think of my own feelings when it comes to this."
Miroku's face slackened and his brows furrowed. "I understand that, Kagome. I simply wanted to let you know that you weren't alone in this. We can help you make a decision. We can help protect the jewel as long as it needs to be protected."
Kagome averted her gaze and ran her fingers through the grass. Miroku was a good friend. He encompassed all of the things she didn't know she needed or loved so dearly. He meant so much to her, meant so much to all of those lives he touched. How could she lie to him? How could she pretend as if everything was okay, when in truth, it was the farthest from it?
She exhaled deeply. "I'm not sure what I'm going to do yet," she said, unsure if her words rang true. "I don't even know what era I want to be in. Back home, I have my mom, and my brother, and my gramps. I have school to finish and friends to catch up with. I have put so much on hold in my life in order to take down Naraku and complete the jewel."
"Do you wish you had never come to this place?" Miroku asked.
"Of course not!" she exclaimed, eyes wide. "Everyone I've met and everything I've done… I wouldn't change it for the world. I can't imagine living without knowing of my adventures. I wouldn't be me without them."
"But?" he persuaded gently.
She shook her head. "But this whole thing is so much bigger than me. How can I think of myself and what I want, when there is so much more at stake?"
He smiled. "Kagome, no one can change the world in a single stroke. However, with each kind deed you've done during your time with us, you've made all the difference in the world. I feel blessed to have known you. You deserve happiness, too."
Kagome turned away shyly, blushing at his praise. "Thank you, Miroku. I just feel as if there is more that I could do."
"What's done is done," he said softly, standing suddenly. "No one can change the past. We can only work to protect the future from our prior mistakes. Besides, with Naraku gone, I don't foresee anything detrimental anytime soon."
"I hope you're right," she mumbled, pulling her knees to her chest.
He held out his hand. "Now, shall we head back to Kaede's for supper?"
She shook her head. "You go on ahead. I'll catch up."
Miroku nodded and took his leave, but a little ways down the hill, he glanced back at the time-traveling priestess. She sat staring up into the sunset sky, her obsidian hair blowing gently in the breeze.
She had a kind of understated beauty. Perhaps it was because she was so disarmingly unaware of her prettiness and flawless, pale skin. She made things simple and easy, helping those around her to relax and be happy with what they have. Perhaps that caused her skin to glow. Her inner beauty lit her eyes and softened her features. When she smiled and laughed, he couldn't help but smile along too, even if just on the inside. To be in her company made you to feel that you too were someone, that you had been warmed in summer rays regardless of the season.
However, a sinking feeling formed in the pit of his stomach. Not understanding why, Miroku had a sneaking suspicion that her rays wouldn't be there to warm them as the winter months approached. Something in his heart told him that she had made a decision that would change everything. And he knew… he knew that this would be the last time he saw Kagome Higurashi, that fiery young priestess from the future.
Exhaling deeply, and praying his conjecture wrong, Miroku turned around and continued toward Kaede's hut.
-TD-
Long shadows of the evening dissolved into the gathering darkness of nighttime. The air cooled and the crickets sang. A canopy of luminous stars materialized amongst the ocean of blackness. Some were dull, merely flickering into existence every now and then, but a collection of shimmering stars illuminated the dark, half-moon night.
The lake glistened, mirroring the dazzling assemblage of glittering stars and the incandescence from the campfire that glowed merrily beside it. Faint wind brushed against the water's surface, the ripples ruffling the stillness, and shattering the reflection of the sky.
Hazel eyes turned toward Inuyasha's forest, the place in which this whirlwind of a fairytale began. There Kagome had stumbled upon this other world through an old well and had met her half-demon for the first time, pinned to the Goshinboku.
The woods always looked different at night. Everything had an unfamiliar slant to it, as if the daytime trees and flowers and stones had gone to bed and sent slightly more ominous versions to take their place. The forest became dark and uninviting, but she knew it the safest place she could ever be.
Kagome exhaled deeply, curling her arms around her bent knees and resting her chin upon them. The fire beside her kept away the night chill, but did nothing to aid the cold that beat within her chest. Time had passed by so quickly. She dreaded what would occur in the next hour, but she knew she couldn't avoid it.
She felt like a prodigious courage pushed inside her, demanding her to be brave and strong during this climax. The decision final, she refused to change her mind, trusting that fate would take care of the rest. It had to.
"Kagome?"
Footsteps fell upon the grass and she knew who had come to find her. She took a deep breath and looked up, her gaze falling on amber eyes full of concern.
She smiled meekly. "Hey, Inuyasha."
He sat down beside her, crossing his legs, and sliding his hands into his sleeves. He regarded the lake for a moment, white ears twitching anxiously upon his head. His silver hair shifted in the breeze, brushing lightly against his cheek.
Kagome worried her bottom lip nervously. What would she tell him? What would she say to him during what would most likely be their final conversation?
"What's bugging you?" he asked frankly, sliding his gaze toward her.
She inwardly winced. "What makes you think something's bothering me?"
He frowned. "I'm not stupid, Kagome. You've been sad and moody all day."
"It's not a big deal," she promised, shrugging.
"It is a big deal," he argued, turning to face her. "Naraku is dead. You should be happy."
She smiled softly. "I am happy," she assured. "I'm glad that it's finally over."
His ears flattened against his head. He didn't say anything for a moment, and he didn't need to. One look in his eyes spoke everything. Sorrow dwelled in his eyes as clear as if he spoke his thoughts and emotions aloud.
"You're going home, aren't you?" he whispered. "To your own time."
She wore a puzzled expression. "What? Is that what you think?"
He turned away. "What else is left for you here?" he asked. "What reason do you have to stay?"
Her lips pulled into a smile that didn't quite reach her eyes. "Inuyasha, I have every reason to stay," she proclaimed. "I have my best friends. I feel as if I make a difference here. Not to mention I have so much more to learn from Kaede."
"Keh, I guess so," he mumbled.
Kagome placed a hand on his shoulder. "Most importantly, I have you."
Dark brows furrowed and his lips parted. He turned wide eyes in her direction. "Me?" he echoed, unsure he heard her correctly.
She giggled. "Of course. You are the most important person in my life. Haven't you realized that?"
He frowned, seeming to contemplate her words. She scooted closer to him and leaned her head against his shoulder. A heated blush rose in his cheeks as he averted his gaze, embarrassed as always by her show of affection.
"I don't ever want to leave here," she said, looking up at the stars. "This is home for me."
His ears perked up. "You mean, you want to stay?"
"Yeah, I do." She lifted her head and looked at him. "I want to stay with you, Inuyasha."
He swallowed hard. "Then, why do you look so sad?"
She shook her head. "Like I said, it doesn't matter. I just want to enjoy tonight."
"All right," he suddenly growled, turning smoldering amber eyes on her. "You're really starting to piss me off."
Surprised, she knitted her brows and shifted away from him. "Inuyasha?"
"All of this talk about wanting to stay, but you still look so damn sad, Kagome," he disputed. "Why? What is making you so upset?"
Tears welled in her eyes. "Drop it already, would you?" she shouted, jumping to her feet.
"No," he refused defiantly, standing up beside her and pointing at her accusingly. "Something's up, Kagome. I'm not letting you off the hook that easily."
She spun on her heel, ready to run from his barrage of questions, to run from the truth eating her up inside. A clawed hand reached out and grabbed her gently, pulling her toward him.
"Damn it, woman. Just talk to me."
Kagome bit her lip, contemplating her next move. If she told him the truth, she would never be able to go through with it. He wouldn't let her. So there was really only one thing left to do, only one thing left to say.
Slowly, she turned to face him, her eyes brimming with tears. She sniffled and took a deep breath, fingering the glowing pink jewel that hung around the column of her throat. "The Sacred Jewel has caused so much pain," she whispered.
"Is that what this is about?" he questioned, releasing her and clenching his hands into fists at his side. "Kagome, you don't have to make a wish. We'll protect it for as long as we need to."
She shook her head vigorously. "No, you don't understand. As long as this jewel exists, there will be pain and suffering. A wish has to be made."
He frowned. "Then what's the problem?"
Suddenly, she stepped forward and wrapped her arms around his waist in an embrace. Pink dusted his cheeks, his eye wide with surprise, before he hesitantly returned the gesture. He held her firmly against him, frustrated with her evasive answers.
The tears flowed unchecked down Kagome's cheeks and dripped from her chin into his robe of the fire rat. Too sad to cry out or wail, she just stood there as still as a statue while the magnitude of her loss swept over her. She became lost in the vortex of the moment, and she knew that she would be forever tormented by a past that could not be undone.
Taking a deep breath and drawing forth every ounce of courage she could find, she pulled away and gazed up at him. She took in every detail: the wash of concern showing in his clear, luminous, warm amber eyes; the tuffs of white dog-ears she loved so much, twitching upon his head; his furrowed black brows and frowning lips. She breathed in his scent, the forest mixed with morning dew. She listened as he breathed deeply, feeling his breath tickle her cheek. She felt the warmth of his embrace as he tightened his hold on her.
He happened to be everything she never knew she wanted. He was brash, arrogant, and stubborn, but he became hers. And now it was time to give him up, to trust that fate would one day bring them together again. She pulled away as her heart accelerated, almost beating right out of her chest. Her stomach filled with butterflies, and she prayed to every spiritual being that her voice would not escape her.
"Kagome?" he mumbled, his eyes questioning her.
"I love you," she whispered, her words almost lost in the soft breeze. "I love you, Inuyasha. I have for a long time."
She watched his Adam's apple bob up and down as he swallowed hard. He appeared lost for words, but she expected that. He never did voice his feelings, and she knew that not long ago he had lost Kikyo. He probably wasn't ready to commit to her, if he even wanted her that is.
Smiling, she stepped away, out of his grasp. "I just needed you to know that," she said. "I needed you to understand how much I care for you."
"Kagome, wait," he called out, holding out a hand toward her. "What's that supposed to mean?"
"A wish has to be made," she repeated, clasping her hands around the jewel and holding it to her chest. "This is the way it has to be."
His eyes turned wide with fear as he began storming toward her. "Wait, Kagome!"
She closed her eyes, pressed her lips close to the jewel, and whispered, "I wish Naraku had never been born."
For a brief moment, the world stopped spinning. She could feel her blood rush through her veins as her heart pounded in her ears. Inuyasha's scared expression stayed with her as he rushed toward her, hoping to undo what had already been done. But it was too late.
A flurry of pink light burst forth from the jewel, enshrouding them completely.