Disclaimer: I do not own or claim to own any of the works of Miss Rumiko Takahashi. I have written this story out of pure enjoyment of writing and anime. I will say, though, that the plot is all mine! :3
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Prologue
Kagome sighed blissfully as she slowly seeped into the hot spring. She had not had time to indulge herself like this in a while. It has been about three months since I left InuYasha and the group, hasn't it? I wonder how my feudal family is doing…
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It was about four months ago when the final battle with Naraku neared. Naraku had receded into the unknown and was nowhere to be found, so the inu-taichi graciously took that opportunity to hone their skills for the impending battle. Miroku trained with Sango. InuYasha trained with, much to everybody's surprise, Sesshoumaru. And even though neither would admit it, they really came to more of an understanding of each other.
Kagome trained herself, the best she could, until one day Kouga kindly offered to train her- an offer that Kagome chose not to pass up. Even Shippou trained- Kirara and two wolves from the northern wolf tribe trained with him. All were anxious for the dangerous battle that lied ahead.
Kikyo joined the group only a few days before the big fight was to happen. Kagome felt no hostility toward her, and they sat and sorted out the fact that she had grown out of those feelings she had had for InuYasha. They in turn became allies, and during the training of miko powers that was offered by Kikyo, they even became friends.
The battle was not won easily, but the Inu-Taichi had the upper hand when they surprised Naraku with their skill and cooperation as a whole. Kagome and Kouga shared the final blow that truly killed the vile hanyou.
At that moment, though all were injured- yes, even the mighty Sesshoumaru had a cut here or there- there was celebration. Right at that moment, Miroku got on wounded knee and proposed to Sango, ring in hand. InuYasha held Kikyo close and whispered soft things in her ear- you wouldn't think a dead person could blush that much. Kouga hugged Kagome tight and swung her around in circles of excitement- Shippou, Kirara, and the two wolves chasing each other around them. Sesshoumaru almost chuckled at the sight, but settled on a smirk and turned to leave silently.
Later that day, InuYasha announced that he and Kikyo were going to be mated by the end of the week- everyone congratulated the two happy couples, (Miroku and Sango, InuYasha and Kikyo) and all was well in the group. A few days later, Kouga admitted that he had to go back to his tribe- he WAS their leader after all. Then Kagome spoke up. She told the group that she was also leaving. She told them that she could not go back to her time, because it wasn't her time anymore- her home was in the feudal era. Everyone was shocked at this, and she explained that she needed to find her place here.
As Kagome was saying her tearful farewells, she hugged each of her friends close. Kouga hugged her closer than ever before, and refused to let her go until she agreed to take the two lively wolves at his side, and after some convincing, she agreed. Shippou leapt into her arms and pleaded for her to take him. Her heart reached out to the kitsune, and after she calmed him down with hushed sounds, told him that he could always come with her.
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A rustle in the bushes brought Kagome out of her thoughts, and she quickly turned and stood in a defensive stance, waiting for what dared to emerge. A muzzle shyly peaked out from behind said bush, followed by another- holding a very muddy Shippou. Kagome sighed with a chuckle; Today is going to be a good day.
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AN: This is the first chapter of the very first fanfic I have ever written, so please read and review with words of advice, ideas, or constructive criticism. I would love to hear how I am doing! Thank you~