Things Have Changed
By: Me!
Wow, it's been a while since I've uploaded anything here ^3^' I have been on a writing kick as of late, watching and reminiscing on old shows, particularly Inuyasha, the show that probably got me to love anime to begin with. I've been reading a lot of fanfiction, especially KougaXKagome pairings. Probs one of my favorite pairings ever, but surprisingly this isn't a story for that pair! This story was actually inspired by a doujinshi titled, "Raindrops" by YoukaiYume on dA (which is incredible and beautiful, and you guess should definitely look into if you love Sessh/Kagome pairing). I started reading it a few years back, and I still adore the story so much 3
This story is no way shape or form going to be like "Raindrops", but it definitely gives me the craving for some Sessh/Kagome love 3
This was going to be a one shot, but I think I'm going to break it into at least three parts. For now, enjoy!
Part 1: Friendly Reunion
Drops fell gently among the pines, the strong scent of rain mixed in with the smell of wet dirt embraced a lone figure hidden under a pink umbrella. Slowly placing one foot in front of the other, shoes splashed along the trail. It was a quiet afternoon, and the sky showed no sign of stopping. The figure stopped under a thick bough that bent low on the side of the road, shaking their umbrella as they watched an older monk slowly marching by from the opposite direction. Humbly, the bowed until the figure passed, straightening their attire as they erected their posture. Thin nimble fingers brushed through thick raven locks, pulling back the strands and tying them back with a white ribbon. They tucked their umbrella under the arm before sighing heavily. They had promised to meet here at dawn, and their guest was never one to be late.
It was alright though. The weather was peaceful and the scent was very relaxing after a long week. A quiet moment was honestly much appreciated.
It was not long until they heard feet sloshing through the mud. "Oh, Kagome! Sorry I'm so late!" Their head turned in response, a sudden smile spread from ear to ear.
Kagome clasped her hands together from the sudden burst of excitement. Without thinking, the raven dashed out into the rain, arms outstretched, dropping her umbrella in the process. It was none other than Songo, the famous last demon slayer from the hidden village. She too held out stretched arms in reaction to seeing her dear friend's face. They embraced tightly before realizing how drenched they were, taking shelter back under the bough. The chuckled before casually asking the usual greetings. They chattered away for a little bit before they agreed to go the village close by. Songo was currently residing there for the time being, and ushered for her fond friend to join. Without hesitation, they dashed until they reached the local inn.
As they waited for meals, Songo had explained that she was hired to defeat a local demon when she had caught word from a little flea that her friend was in the area, searching for her. She gladly stayed an extra day to meet up with her.
Songo reached over, grasping that hand the rested in Kagome's lap. A sincere smile was glued to her face, overwhelmed that she was able to finally see her after so long. "Oh Kagome, you look so different from the last time we saw each other. How long has it been?"
Kagome smiled apologetically before sighing, a pang of nostalgia aching in her chest. "It's been five years….I can't believe it either." she placed her free hand on top of Songo's squeezing tightly. "It's been too long."
Songo gave a tight squeeze before retracting her hands to her own lap. She still couldn't believe the transformed woman in front of her. She couldn't help but take her in. She had tossed aside her old green and white uniform, and now donned the traditional red and white miko attire, and her hair, which was already naturally long, was now much longer, pulled back with a white ribbon.
Kagome's beautiful brown eyes were solemn, but curiosity and life teemed within. Her lips with fuller, her chin more defined, and if she remembered right, Kagome and grown just a little bit taller. Her posture was nothing short of proper, and her skin had felt warm to the touch.
Songo sighed, turning to face the floor in front of her. "It's crazy what these years have done to us," she began. "You….you look like a true priestess. I can't imagine enduring all the training you have."
Kagome took a deep breath in before releasing a heavy sigh, her posture slouching, her look obviously turned sour. "Oh, don't remind me of those fools." she muttered before letting out a deep laugh. Songo couldn't help but join in the contagious laughter. "It was alright I guess. I'm so glad to be back from the mountains." she straightened her posture once more before stretching out her arms. "But, there's nothing that beats roaming around the plains and walking through the thick forests like we once did." her face relaxed into a soft smile, her eyelids revealing a well known past often seen replayed in her mind. "If only we could do it once more."
Songo sighed, a pleasant smile on her face. "I wish the same thing…" she sighed. There was a sudden intrusion from the inn staff as they brought the finished meals. The woman ate in silence, both imaging a little fox demon and a certain half breed to be bickering over their fair share of the meal. They both had taken a quick glimpse around the silent room, both longing for the bothersome, but friendly presence of their male companions.
It was sudden, but Kagome had a sudden epiphany. "Where's Kirara?" she asked curiously. It seemed out of place not to have the kitten cozy against Songo after a big meal. The question threw the demon slayer out of her train of thought before giving her a chuckle.
"She's currently with Kohaku back at the demon slayer village. A lot has changed the last five years you were missing, so I guess you haven't heard much of what has been going on."
Kagome took her last bite of food before chasing it down with some warm tea, giving Songo a curious look. Songo set down her own glass, excitement building within her. She finally had someone to talk to, and all her pent up thoughts and feelings gushed out at Kagome. Songo explained that Kohaku had completely broken free of all evils, and finally had returned to himself. He almost completely gave up the demon slayer lifestyle, but apparently the skill rain too deep in his veins. He instead decided to take a break, and take up the task of relearning the clan's famous skills, including exercising the demon bones that had remained locked up in the village. Songo had taken the first two years to stop and teach him, and overall learn along side him while balancing job offers all over the country. She always put her brother first though.
She went on to tell about how she's now a mother, and decided to use this job as an excuse to leave and keep her skills sharp. It was apparent that Songo left out no detail in her life, especially to someone who was like a sister to her.
More tea was brought, and before they knew it, the sun was nearing the horizon, and more food was brought out for dinner.
When they had finished their meals, they let the room fill with silence. A lot was discussed this afternoon, and no doubt it was a lot for the young priestess to take in. However, something nagged at the demon slayer. The more she spoke, the more she had noticed Kagome's bright smile had faded some, and a mellow, almost fearful like, grimace eventually took its place as she pulled away the tea cup from her lips. They continued in silence until the raven finally sighed.
"So much of life I have missed….I wonder how my family is doing back home…." Sorrow filled the pit of Songo's stomach. She realized she just ranted on a little brother that she can finally dote on whenever she pleased; but here sat a woman who left her own time period, her own family, the luxurious life Songo believed Kagome had lived, behind to be here in the feudal era. To be with her friends, but most importantly to be with a certain half demon.
But even now….
Now, she couldn't even do that.
Kagome did her best to push the thought of them aside so many times before, but unfortunately sorrow and depressions would settle in, draining the motivation she could muster. Songo scooted closer to her friend, tucking her under her chin and against her breast. She soothingly petted Kagome's hair, feeling the pain Kagome was emitting. "I'm sorry Kagome...I...I didn't mean to bring up such painful memories."
No tears fell from the priestess, but it was comforting to know that Songo's heart still reached out for her in her time of need. Finally Kagome mustered enough strength to pull away, but not too far before giving her a gratifying hug. "Thank you Songo." she whispered before pulling away. "You know, it was really hard these past five years. I'm sure if I had one of you guys with me up in the mountains, I think I could have made the experience less painful...it's hard though..." she stood up and opened the doors to the room, revealing a beautiful garden in the middle of the inn. The moon reflected brightly off of the surface of the pond. She gracefully sat down on the edge of the wood, dangling her feet. Songo quietly took her position next to her left, curious to hear Kagome's side of the story. "It's hard having to let go on your own. I think I would have preferred battling Naraku again, than to experience this loss." she leaned back on her palms, her head tilting to one side thoughtfully.
"But, I know in the end, it has made me a stronger person."
"Kagome..." Songo muttered. She had no idea that such a lively and bright person such as Kagome, could still be wounded deep. She placed her hand on Kagome's for a moment, trying to show a sign of comfort was had within her trusted companion.
"It's alright though...I've managed...however...there's still one thing I can't seem to forget about..."
Songo felt Kagome's skin grow cold. Kagome sucked in a sharp breath, choking on the tears that threatened to fall down her cheeks. It didn't last long, however before the dam was broken and her sobs grew loudly. Songo immediately embraced her friend's shaken frame once more, gently beginning to rock her in her arms.
She was afraid there was still damage that had yet to be healed. She was hoping that within the last five years that Kagome would have come to some terms with herself, like she did with her family.
In that moment as the demon slayer held her best friend tightly, only one thought had crossed her mind: Will she ever be able to love again?
DUN DUN DUN!
Onto part two! Hopefully within a week!
Let me know your thoughts!
