The Plastic Rose

Okay, well rewriting the prologue actually went a lot smoother than I thought it would. So I'm off to work on the official chapter one. Hope you all enjoy this story, I know I've enjoyed writing it so far. Sango and Miroku are the best couple in all of InuYasha fanfictions.

Disclaimer: I do not own InuYasha and co. Nor do I profit from this fanfiction… though it may be let known I wish I was because I am completely and desperately broke. T.T

Chapter One – New Beginnings

"Wow, it's so hard to believe its been three years since that day, I still miss them so much" Kagome spoke softly, as she InuYasha and Shippo sat in front of the graves, praying for their friends, the two nodded in agreement with what she said. Three years had passed, not easily though. Her relationship with InuYasha had progressed, and she'd caught up in school. It had been difficult making up for the lost time, but she was happy for the experiences she'd had in Feudal Japan, they'd molded her in to the sensitive intelligent eighteen year old woman she'd become. She was taller now, more mature looking, and her hair easily reached her waist, though she wore it in a low ponytail like Sango once had. Only a touch of make up graced her pretty features, she knew the scent of the stuff irritated InuYasha, so she only wore it on special occasions.

Smiling cheerfully up at her sullen boyfriend, boyfriend… that was a funny word, it really wasn't an accurate word for them. It seemed so childish really, something that didn't suit the young miko and han'you. Watching her now nineteen year old (in demon years, not human years there he was more like 56) boyfriend, she though wistfully of the silver locks he usually had. However when they were out and about, pretty much anywhere but in the house alone, InuYasha wore the old necklace that had once been used to sit him, this time though it bore a concealing charm Kagome had place upon it. That way people saw his human form, she could see through it if she so chose of course. But even InuYasha had matured, eyes and face seemed lighter, hair was always in a ponytail, he was well defined and she was thrilled that the handsome Inu Youkai was all hers.

Shippo sat on the other side of InuYasha, he was ten now, and even attended a local elementary school. He was doing well, though his childishness had faded a bit and he'd become more intelligent and mature. But one thing never changed, he and InuYasha were still prone to their phases of childish bickering over the simplest of things.

But her two special guys weren't the only things that had changed in those three years; her grandfather had died as well, leaving the shrine in the hands of the young Miko. She'd rejuvenated it, bringing in people, especially since the Shikon Jewel was on display there, though well guarded behind countless barriers that were high in spiritual energy. Other things from the feudal era were also on display there, and they'd used a portion of the shrine as a dojo, allowing InuYasha to do what he did best… fight, well at least teach fighting. He'd become surprisingly popular with the kids he taught, and they all strived to achieve his strength.

Kagome arranged the flowers on the five graves that were in front of the ancient tree, the very tree she'd found InuYasha pinned to and the beginning of their adventure in a 500 year old world. InuYasha smiled at his young love, she'd really matured in the years but one thing hadn't changed, their love for one another. Though Shippo often pointed out another thing that had yet to change was their constant bickering with each other over stupidly simple things. The brat had really gotten a bit of an attitude as of late, but InuYasha no longer beat him for every little thing… mainly because Shippo knew not to step out of line with the older han'you.

The group stood, and headed towards the temple to check on the Shikon No Tama, before heading inside for dinner. They smiled at the artifacts that lay around the exhibit, all were things used in the final battle. Even InuYasha's sword was there, also well guarded with many spiritual barriers. Kagome had to smile as they headed towards their living area and InuYasha posed a question she hadn't heard in a long time, too long really.

"Hey Kags? You think we can have Ramen tonight? It's been a while, and I really want some Ramen," InuYasha sounded almost like a child as he pleaded with her, Kagome merely laughed cheerfully. Something's never did change did they?

Across town, in a rather shabby apartment building, an attractive nineteen year old girl moved the last of a pile of cardboard boxes next to the door, and wiped an arm across her forehead, exhausted at her days work. It had taken most of the day, but she'd finally unpacked all of her belonging and set up her new apartment. New to her anyway, the apartment was more like a loft and rather small and run down, but it was all hers and she kind of liked the charm it possessed. Plus the building super allowed them to decorate as they liked.

"Well then, I'm all unpacked," the young woman spoke to her cat, as she moved to the bathroom, stripping off her grimy moving clothing. For a nineteen year old she was fairly lithe, slender, but with a body that looked as if it could kill, literally. Her long dark brown hair fell straight down to her waist; it was effortlessly straight and took little maintenance, which she supposed was a good thing. Stepping in the shower, she quickly freshened up and stepped out, running a fluffy towel over her chocolate brown eyes, removing any and all water from them, before it could do any harm. Making her way to her room, toweling herself off as she walked, the girl grabbed a black tank top and pair of comfy olive green cargo pants. Slipping on her clothes, she added a touch of makeup before grabbing her favorite sunglasses.

Going into the kitchen, she was greeted with an irritated half meow - half yowl. That would definitely be her one of a kind kitten, said kitten was a creamy-white color with black ears, a black diamond on her forehead and black stripes on her two tails and legs, and red eyes. She'd found the cat when she was little, it was being picked on by a bunch of the neighborhood bullies because it bore two tails and she'd rescued her now loyal companion.

"Meow, mew, 'rowr?" the cat demanded impatiently, flicking its two tails rapidly. As much as she loved her kitten, now that she thought about it she realized she may have spoiled it a bit too much as they were growing up. A loyal companion the cat definitely was, but she was also very demanding and bossy. And somehow, she could always understand exactly what her cat wanted from her. She'd always found that a bit strange but never questioned their unique bond.

"Yes, Kilala, I did unpack your food," said the girl with a laugh, "and no you are not going to be fed yet." The cat managed looked irritated and waltzed off, tails high and swaying. She realized her kitten was headed towards her room, most likely to make use of her favorite pillow or something. Her cat always got some sort of subtle revenge, something that let the girl know, Kilala was still the one in control, even if she let the human girl think that. The same way she let the human girl think she owned her, when in fact if was the other way around.

"Well then princess, I am going to go out and explore for a little while. While you may enjoy staying cooped up in here all day, I would much rather get out and see all the things there are to see here in Tokyo Plus I wanna stop by the university and get a feel for it and get an understanding of where all my classes will be," the girl laughed easily, even with the traces of worry and sorrow in her eyes, "Hard to believe isn't it Kilala? My first year of college already? I wonder what father would say if he could see me now!" She waved at her cat, before grabbing her key of the counter and dropping it into her purse, then pausing to check to make sure her cell and wallet were in the purse. Finding everything in place, she locked the door, and placed the key back into her purse before walking down three flights of stairs and out on to the streets of Tokyo.

She walked around easily, looking at different things and people, taking it all in. It was all so overwhelming to be here, to be in college, to be living fully on her own. Tokyo is so different from Kyoto the girl mussed as she walked, watching all the different people going about their daily business with slightly widened chocolate colored eyes.

As she walked her eyes fell upon a fairly old looking temple, with a small sign that stated that they had the famous Shikon No Tama of legend on display within the confines of their small temple. The name of the ancient jewel created so many years ago, that had become a stone of legends caused her to pause in her steps. A slight smile on her face as she remembered what the Jewel was to her family.

The Shikon No Tama, eh? I remember when mother and father were still alive and my brother, was still with me. Mother and Father used to tell us all those old legends and stories of the Shikon No Tama, the Jewel of Four Souls. My little brother practically devoured those stories… he could listen them for hours, we spend much of our family time listening to those stories. The girl smiled again, a light and airy smile full of memories of the past, pleasant ones that made her feel all warm and fuzzy inside.

Turning and altering her path, she walked up the stairs thinking that would be amusing to see this 'Shikon No Tama' copy, but also possessing a curiosity about the jewel. It felt as if it was calling out to her, but she pushed that feeling aside dismissing it as desperation to connect with her past. Plus the sign had spoken of a dojo and since she was new in town, she thought it would take longer to find a dojo. But evidently she'd be able to return to her training much sooner than she'd anticipated.

As the three survivors of the final battle sat down to enjoy their simplistic Ramen dinner, all three froze in unison. InuYasha frowned and sniffed the air curiously, his white dog ears flickering thoughtfully. Since they were inside he'd taken off the concealment spell, as had Shippo. The young red head, sat next to him also tilting his head inhaling lightly. The two paled, as Kagome dropped her chopsticks in alarm, and shook dangerously.

InuYasha reached out a clawed hand to hold his lover's petite hand, which also shook, "Are you alright Kagome, you look a little pale…" Kagome shot him a slightly annoyed dark look, "Don't pull that with me InuYasha! I know you felt that too!! You have stronger senses; I saw the two of you sniffing the air."

Without warning the petite girl burst into tears, leaning into InuYasha she sobbed her eyes out, leaving the two demons exchanging alarmed glances. "Kagome," InuYasha soothed gently, hugging the miko, "It's most likely just because it's this time of year. We all are wishing to see the people we've lost, so we are imagining it…"

Kagome gave him a pointed look, and spoke her voice quivering a bit, the threat of impending tears that were ready to burst forth again still there, "But now, three years after the event. Why not then, when the pain was fresh, why now that it has dulled. And all of us at the same time? I don't believe that for a second… besides I sense a soul that is very familiar to me…"

"Who is it?" Shippo finally spoke, his hands running through his shoulder length red hair as he shifted in his seat a bit uncomfortably. He thought the scent was familiar, however he wasn't sure if he was right or if InuYasha was right and it was all in their minds.

"It's Sango, I know that feeling anywhere! That's Sango, and the person who possesses her soul is heading this way now," Kagome spoke, an expression of slight awe and surprise on her face. Perhaps the promise Miroku had made to her dear friend had not been empty… if so this was something she desperately wanted to believe in.

A/N: Well there was the official chapter one, it was a bit longer than the prologue, and the next chapters will be longer I can assure you. I think it came out pretty darn well, but thats up for you to decide. Again tell me whatcha think, I love to hear what you all think, and if it has to be criticism it should be constructive, flames will me used to boil the water for my Ramen Noodles. x3 Don't forget to review my darlings.

-Lili x3