A/N: Well this is it. As I wrote this chapter, it really hit me how much some aspects of the story will change to help it flow with what was revealed with Dream Drop Distance. I didn't finish the game myself when I originally started A Second Chance, however now that I did, I realize some things need some adjustments. Well, hope you enjoy.

Chapter 1

I sat in the well, not really focusing on my surroundings or my current state being. I did not notice the roof over my head, signifying I was back in my time or the fact that the whole Shikon no Tama was by my side. No. None of that mattered to me at the moment. My mind was drifting, floating from thought to thought. Each one that ran through my mind all centered on a common theme. As I sat there, my body aching from the bruises and open wounds I receives from my latest and final encounter with the vile half demon Naraku, I could only focus on one theme. The well is sealed. I am forever disconnected from my family in the past. I was forever separated from my hanyo protector, Inuyasha.

I will no longer be able to see Shippo's smiling face whenever I returned to the Feudal Era or gifted him with sweets and candy from my time period. I will no longer be able to sit in the hot springs with Sango and talk with her of my problems of the Heart. I will no longer be able groped by Miroku or confide in him when I am feeling lost. I will no longer be able to see Inuyasha, hear his voice, comfort him despite his protests, talk with him about anything and everything, or simply enjoy his presence.

Silence filled the well house with only the sounds of my shallow breathing causing it to break every few seconds. With my wounds healing faster than a normal person due to my Miko abilities, a small glow filled the normally dark depths of the Bone Eater Well. The ladder, as always reached the bottom of the well, available for me to use for my returns home. However, I felt no desire to climb out. I wanted to stay here. I wanted to stay as close as possible to everyone. Now that I am cut off from the people who became my second family, it was all I can do. Now that the Fates decided to once again to use me as their plaything, I felt I at least deserved this.

My Heart clenched as visions of my family filled my mind. The last time I was allowed to see Inuyasha was right after the Jewel was restored. He had turned to pull me to him only to see that I was had become transparent. Seeing what was happening, I tried to tell him that I loved him, but before I was able to I found myself here once more.

My fists clenched as a few tears escaped and rolled down my cheeks. It wasn't fair. Why?! Why send me there if I was not allowed to stay if I desired to? Why allow my to form these bonds of they weren't meant to last? Why let me fall for Inuyasha if we could never be? I would have given everything to be there with them right now.

I pulled my knees to my chest and let my headrest on them as my tears streamed down freely. This pain in my chest is unbearable. I want to see him. My sobs raked my entire form as my grief overwhelmed me.

That is how my mother found me a few hours later. Just as the adventure of mine began, it ended with my cat Buyo entering the well house. Hearing my cries, she peered over and gasped at my appearance. I don't remember how she got me out of the well. All I do remember is her climbing down the ladder to hug me to her. Without a fight, I allowed her to wrap her arms around me before I passed out.

I woke up to find myself on my bed. I blinked a few times before trying to push myself out of my bed before a pain shot up my back. That's right. During the fight with Naraku, he managed to pierce my shoulder. If not for my healing abilities, I know I wouldn't have survived this long.

Sighing, I further nap feted my body to see that my wounds were treated and wrapped with gauze, without a doubt due to my mother. Settling myself back I to bed, I called for her. It was a few second before she came with tea, water, and miso soup on a tray. Placing the food and drink on my desk, she sat down on my bed, and gave me a gentle hug.

"I was so worried" she whispered into my ear. Feeling my shirt become slightly damp, I realized that she had begun to cry. Guilt washed over me as I hugged her back with even more gusto.

"I'm sorry mama."

We stayed like that for seemed like hours before we pulled away. Taking the handkerchief on my desk, she wiped her face and offered me the drinks and food. I quickly refused but asked for help with the bath. After it was prepared, she helped me undress and place myself inside comfortably so that I can soak. Before I could leave, I asked for her to stay with me. Leaving quickly to get a stool to sit on, she returned to my side.

After a few moments of silence, I told her of the events leading up to my return. Not once did she interrupt me, or ask question which she always left for when I was done. Like always, she did not judge me on my rash decisions or comments about things I know would worry her or did not approve on. She simply listened to me, which was what I desperately needed from her.

When I was done, she squeezed my hand and said, "the kamis work I'm strange ways dear. We do not always approve of their decisions, but when they place hardships in our lives, it is only to prepare us for something greater. I do not doubt that is the case for you. "

She smiled at me when she said that and as I looked into her eyes, I felt some weight lift off my chest. I know that this pain will not go away right away, but I have my family to help me overcome it and it will make me stronger in the long run. Nodding my head at this with a small smile, I closed my eyes and begun to hum a lullaby my mother sang to me since I was young.

Recognizing the melody, she joined in, singing the words, "When you walk away..."

I sighed as the familiar words calmed my nerves a bit. I laid myself on my bed, enjoying my mother's voice and allowed the tears to roll down my cheeks. Tonight I would cry. I will let myself mourn for the loss of my second family and first love. I will let myself deal with the pain so that when I wake up tomorrow I can hold my head high knowing that they will always be in my Heart.

The sun shining through my opened window was what woke me up the following morning. My alarm clock sat on the bedside table, it being scheduled to ring for at least another hour. Sighing, I picked it up and cancelled the alarm. It seems that my journeys in the past made me an early riser even in my own time. Inuyasha would always wake us up as soon as the sun has fully risen over the horizon. He never wanted to waste a second of daylight that could be used for traveling and shard hunting.

Smiling at the memory of his antics, I started getting ready for the day. I took a long bath since I woke up early. Once I finished with that, I tied my hair into a ponytail while I got dressed. I pulled my uniform top over my head the following day. Rain or shine, if I'm at this time period, I need to go to school. I have already missed enough and to miss anymore, I will definitely fail the grade.

When I finished getting dressed,

Once making sure everything was in order, I grabbed my school bag and headed downstairs. As I grew closer to the kitchen, the smell of tea, bacon, eggs, and toast filled the room. I smiled at e scent of my mothers cooking before placing my bag by the front door and heading to the dining table. Placing myself between Souta and Buyo, I pulled apart my chopsticks, ready to dive into what I know would be a delicious meal.

While I waited, I noticed that both Souta and my grandfather, who was seated across from me, had expressions of caution and worry. They no doubt know a gist of what happened to me. I gave them a tired smile to try and appease their worries, but it seemed like they weren't buying it. However as my mother placed our meals on the table, all was forgotten in exchange for the wonders delight that it my mama's homemade cooking. Once the meal was done and over with, I quickly washed my dish before racing towards the door.

"See ya after school Souta, jii-chan, mama" I yelled as I ran to get my trusty bike. Walking down the shrine's steps slowly, as to control the movement of my bike, I prepared myself for a day. The pain of loss for Inuyasha and my friends gave my heart a tang of pain, but I pushed myself forward. I will move on but never will I forget.

Well that's easier said then done. The pain is still here. It clenches my heart and leaves me gasping for air when it becomes particularly strong. Clenching a fist to my chest, I closed my eyes and focused on my reiki on my hand. Seeing it glow faintly, I placed it over my chest and let the healing energy soothe the ache. Letting my hand rest there, I took several deep breaths before feeling the tension in my chest subside. Once I had no problem breathing, I opened my eyes once more and nodded my head. I won't let this beat me. I survived being attacked my numerous demons, having my side ripped out, being poisoned, and much more. I can do this!

With that in my mind, I walked with a little bounce in my step as grew nearer to the school. Some of my classmates and fellow students looked at me in shock; not that I can blame them. I don't exactly have the best attendance record. However, that is going to change now!

As I entered the building, I heard three voices shout out at once. "KAGOME!" Already knowing it they are, I turned towards them and waited for them to catch up. Yuka, Ayumi, and Eri ran to my side each gave me hug before we continued to class.

"Kagome! It's so good to see you! How is that arthritis of yours doing" Yuka asked.

"Kagome, are you still with that two-timing boyfriend of yours? He's not good enough for you, you know" Eri said as she wrapped an arm around my own.

"I hope that everything is going well for you Kagome. You're so lucky to have someone like that for you" Ayumi chirped happily as she claimed my other arm.

The fact that these three never change made me smile. If there is one thing I can count on from Ayumi, Eri, and Yuka, is that they never fail to distract with the simple pleasures of modern everyday life. As they chattered on, not really stopping to hear my response, I smiled and began to look forward to what this day had to offer. Little did I know that it was going to give me more than I ever thought.