Disclaimer- I don't own Inuyasha or Yu Yu Hakusho
Chapter 1
Kagome hated it. The adoring stares and worshipping smiles. After defeating Naraku, the group had become "saviors." Miroku loved it, of course. Girls were coming to HIM, begging to bear him a child. Sango watched at a distance, her face smoking red andHiraikotsu raised menacingly, as he accepted every offer. Kagome chuckled as she pushed her ebony bangs from her face. Some things never change she thought. But things were changing.
After Naraku's defeat Inuyasha had left to seek out Kikyo. With the Shikon completed, he had his wish. Not to become a demon, but to bring back his true love. Kagome's heart broke all over again. As if being replaced wasn't enough, she was leaving this time…maybe forever. They didn't need her anymore. Sango had Miroku (if he ever lived to see their wedding day), Inuyasha had Kikyo, and surprisingly Sesshoumaru had taken Shippo and Kohaku as apprentices. What was left for her here? She loved them with all her heart, but it was time to think about herself. For five years she had dedicated her life to save her friends, family, and their futures. Now it was her time.
Kagome ducked into Kaede's hut, the smell of herbs and spices filling her nose. Kaede looked up with a wrinkled smile.
"Ah, Kagome child, what brings ye out of the celebration?" Kagome sighed as she sat down heavily next to the old woman. Shaking her head she answered, "Kaede, we've been celebrating for a week! I didn't think there was even enough food in the village to celebrate this long!"
Kaede chuckled. Resting her hand on the young miko's knee she answered, "You are ready to leave. I can feel it. I think it would be best if you left sooner than later. Don't you?"
Kagome felt the tears gathering in her blue eyes. Kaede was right. She should leave before it became too hard. In the far corner of the hut she spotted her trusty, yellow backpack. It was packed. Pushing herself up, she walked towards the door. She stopped in the doorway then backtracked and ran into Kaede's arms. With a sob she buried her face into the old miko's shoulder. Kaede patted the crying girl's back, hushing her.
"I'm going to miss everyone so much! What if I can never come back? What if the well seals? What if…" Kagome was stopped by a chuckle. She pulled back and gave the old woman a disbelieving look. Kaede shooed Kagome away.
"Ye worry too much. Fate isn't fair, but it isn't cruel. Now go join the others. Have a good last day, child." Kagome nodded, whipping her tears away with a small smile as she left the hut. Kaede watched with a sad smile.
"Your trials have only begun."
Kagome set her pack down by the old well. Turning she looked at her friends, no her family. Each had a shadow over their faces. Kagome smiled, "Don't look so down, guy! I'll be back, I promise!" Sango launched herself into the miko. They fell with a thud onto the grass.
"Kagome, please don't go yet! You can't leave till Shippo and Inuyasha return. What would they do if you left without a goodbye?" Sango continued on her tirade as Kagome Miroku beamed at each other.
"Stay out of trouble, ne, Miroku? I'll be back for the wedding." Miroku pulled Sango up and into an embrace. He gave her an innocent smile, "Of course Kagome. It wouldn't be the same if our little sister wasn't there!" Pulling her into a hug, he whispered, "good luck."
Kagome pulled back, gave Kirara a pat and gave her friends one last hug before she sat at the edge of the well, throwing her bag to the bottom. Turning back she told her friends, "I'll be back soon. I'm going to stay with my family for awhile." Her last image of her friends before she jumped was them waving and smiling. The blue magic grabbed her, and she landed in the well. Looking up she smiled as she saw the well-house. She climbed out and opened the wooden doors. Sunlight blinded her momentarily. Eyes adjusting, she started towards home. Home sweet home.