Chapter 7: Questions and Explanations with a hint of Drama?


-Kagome's POV-

The morning seemed to take forever for everyone. Especially for me. But considering everyone had a ton of questions haunting their minds, just waiting t be answered, I understood how they felt. I felt the exact same way when I first came here. We all went around the village asking people if any members of their family have been harmed or injured. Unfortunately, one 7-year-old girl passed away as she was killed on the ambush on the eagle demons. Fortunately, no one else was injured for they were all inside their homes when notice of the eagle demons presence was heard. After hearing confirmation that no one was injured jurying the ambush and burying the young girl, we all met up at the front of the nobleman's hut. We still had no sighting of Sakura since the hectic action this morning but bid our farewells to the nobleman and headed our way northeast.


-Koda's POV-

We were almost out of the village grounds when Sayuri exclaimed "Sakura!". 'Finally. I was beginning to get worried something happened to her' I thought as Sakura greeted the group. "Where were you my dear Sakura? You should tell me if you go somewhere. Before you know it, something might happen to my beloved woman." I teased as Sakura gave me a death glare. "What did I tell you about me being your woman?" She asked me in a threatening voice. Involuntarily, I flinched at this. "No need to be nasty my beautiful flower." I said innocently while giving her a charming look. Her gaze didn't soften. 'Strange. For every woman who I have given that look to, the all ended up on their knees asking me to marry them. Why won't it work on her?' I pondered as she shifted her attention to the others. "Let's get out of this village. Once that is done, you may ask me all of your questions." she stated. "Let's go." Kagome insisted as the others gave a reassuring nod. "Finally, I was beginning to think I'd never had my questions answered." Miroku stated as InuYasha nodded his head in agreement. "Tell me about it. These questions have been haunting my head." Shippo complied as he jumped onto Sango's shoulder. Sango did nothing but sigh. I couldn't help but sigh as well. I wasn't really making much progress in my relationship with Sakura. 'How is this going to work?' I mentally asked myself.


-Sakura's POV-

After exiting the village, Sayuri pointed out a beautiful field that she claimed she saw earlier. I too knew what field she was talking about. Since we were headed north east, a beautiful field was known to be near a rather wealthy village and in the future, both Sayuri, Koda and I know that's where father decided to build his castle when he got control of the lands. "You know, your father was a very good ruler in his lands. He treated both humans and demons respectfully and always kept fair balance in everything. Your mother was also a very good ruler. She always helped your father and was an exceedingly powerful Miko. Whose powers could even surpass Lady Midoriko, the one who created the much dreaded 思考 の たまに (Shikon no tama)." Koda complimented me as we headed through the forest leading to the destined field. "Thank you for the compliment Koda. But it isn't making me feel better considering you used the words 'was' as if they're already dead. You could've said 'is'." I replied bitterly back at him. "My apologies." he said apologetically.

"HENTAI!" Sango screamed.

SLAP

"But my dear Sango!" Miroku pleaded.

"Butt, but, butt... MY BUTT! You PERVERT!" Sango shouted back.

CRASH

"What an idiot." Sayuri stated as she and Shippo both shook their heads.

"Why doesn't he just give up?" Kagome asked herself.

"He knows he's gonna get hit, yet still goes for it." InuYasha agreed.

"Need help to get up from your current spot on the floor my friend?" Koda offered as he stuck out a hand to help Miroku. "Thank you. You're the only one who bothers to help me. Unlike the others." Miroku replied softly. We all shook our heads. "JUST GIVE IT UP!" We all exclaimed in unison. "Never!" he replied stubbornly as Koda shook his head in disapproval. Miroku ducked and hid behind Kagome. Using her as if she was a shield. "What an idiot..." Shippo stated as he and Sayuri shook their heads. "I couldn't agree more." Sayuri added as she flashed me a smile. I gave her a warm smile back. Seeing the pain she was going though in her eyes. 'Don't worry Sayuri. We'll find a way home. And defeat that witch Kikyo and Goramura and everything will be alright.' I mentally promised her as a determined look came upon my face. Her smiled widened at this, as she nodded her head with a warm smile.

We continued on North East and eventually got tired and stopped by one of the largest trees in the area. "What a nice place to rest is it not?" Miroku asked casually as he sat down and leaned on a nearby tree. "Nice spot." Sango agreed. Shippo nodded his head and hopped on my shoulder. I gave him a warm smile. "You're really pretty Sakura." Shippo complimented me innocently. "Why, thank you Shippo." I replied in a serene and calm voice. "How is it if HE compliments you, it's ok, but if I compliment you, I DESERVE TO DIE OR GET BEATED TO A PLUP?!" Koda whined. "Hahahaha, I'm better than you!" Shippo teased as he stuck out his tongue at Koda. Koda clenched his jaws and stuck out a fist towards Shippo. "Don't you dare hurt Shippo, Koda. If you do, you'll regret ever having been born." I treated Koda in a serious and stern voice. "Ok..." he replied in a squeak as he retreated and hid behind Kagome. Kagome laughed at this and shook her head, InuYasha smirking at Koda's pathetic behavior.

"Now. Care to explain to us your mysterious ability to change forms last night?" Miroku asked, curiosity filling his voice. "I'm enabled to do it through this." I stated as I raised my right hand so my Miko robe's sleeve would roll up, showing my bracelet of the four elements. "What IS that?" Kagome asked curiously. "This is a bracelet, that was destined to be given to the mate of my father and to be carried on to the eldest daughter of him and following. Nature Spirits gave this bracelet to my grandfather. My grandfather gave it to my uncle, and told him to keep it until my father found himself a wife or a mate. From there, it was given to my mother, who already mastered its abilities. Because she has mastered the abilities before the bracelet transferred its powers into her, so she may use it even without the bracket. Now it has been given to me, and I've almost mastered its powers. Soon it will be Sayuri's." I explained casually as everyone except Sayuri gave me their full attention.

"I'm liking you more and more by the moment Sakura." Koda complimented me. If glares could kill, he would've been dead for the thousandth time over. "Shut up." I ordered him as he cowered behind Kagome. "Why does everyone use me as s human shield?!" Kagome asked in frustration as she freed herself from both Koda's and Miroku's grasp.

"Wow... Miroku, it's like Kagome and InuYasha all over again. Just with a little twist. Koda like Sakura and vice versa..." Sango stated innocently. "REPEAT THAT AGAIN?!" InuYasha and Kagome yelled in unison shooting daggers at both Sango and Miroku. "NO! I do not like that stupid mangy wolf!" I interrupted. "Why not?!" Koda whined. "My heart belongs to someone else..." I muttered back. "Who?" Kagome asked innocently, curiosity gleaming in her eyes. I gave her a warm smile despite the sadness and despair she could probably see in my eyes. "I'll tell you some other time. Mainly when I'm more comfortable talking about him." I replied in a sad tone. 'Takaharu...' my mind thought as InuYasha jumped on one of the nearby branches. "Keh. Enough with the mushy stuff. Let's get going." InuYasha scoffed.

"I don't think so my Lord." Sayuri stated calmly. 'That's the first time she ever spoke to InuYasha or father where in she really acknowledges him.' I thought as everyone stared at Sayuri in shock. "Why'd you refer to him as 'Lord'?" Sango asked Sayuri. "I have learned to." she replied solemnly. "I must treat respect to one of the mighty. One who has potential to rule lands." She continued. "Potential to rule lands?!" Miroku asked puzzled. "One of the mighty?" Kagome questioned. "None of you can see it, even you, my lord may not even see it himself. He has great power. Even though he's only half demon, he has even more power than his father had. Though only one person can unleash this power. Only to be activated by the person closest to his heart." Sayuri stated. Her eyes dull and life-less as she stared out into space. Her face emotionless as I could see a dash of sadness in her eyes. One that may not have been viable to the others, but considering she was my sister, I could tell. I continued looking at her as sadness and guilt fled into my heart. 'It's my entire fault why we're here. If I just protected her and ran away, we wouldn't be here. We could have even still been in the future, in the arms of mother and father. I'm sorry Sayuri. It's all my fault.' I thought as a tear collected in the corner of my right eye. I fought the tear back, and kept my posture as I stared at my sister. Lost in the world.


-Ominous POV-

"Poor InuYasha. Since Kikyo is dead, I guess you'll never be able to summon that power." Miroku said in dry humor. "That worthless excuse of a priestess witch is not the one I speak of Monk." Sayuri interfered in a dangerous tone. "If it's not Kikyo, then who is it?" Sango asked innocently as she eyed Kagome. "Kagome, perhaps?" Miroku asked as an evil grin came upon his face. Kagome stood there in shock as she felt her cheeks turn 10 different shades of dark red.

THUD

"What was that?" Koda asked, jumping on his feet. Everyone looked towards the source of the sound just to see InuYasha fallen out of the tree anime style. InuYasha immediately stood up abruptly and dusted himself while giving a Miroku a death glare. "Repeat that again monk." he threatened Miroku. Miroku swallowed a lump in his throat and hid behind Sango cowering in fear. "Never mind InuYasha! It was a joke!" Miroku quickly defended himself. "I'm sorry!" he added. "Keh! You better be Monk!" InuYasha boasted, sticking his nose up in the air. "Let's go." He ordered casually. "I think not." Sakura interfered. InuYasha looked towards her direction and grunted. "Why not?" he questioned her. "If you haven't noticed, clouds are coming from ahead. And if we continue on north, we'll come across a field and get rained on. Then if we continue there is nothing but a small portion of forest, the an infinite number of hills with no trees. I'd say, we stay here and set up camp. Hunt for food if we must, then spend the night here. Tomorrow, we will continue our journey North." she stated simply. "Wow... If you know that, ten I'm starting to think you have been here before." Miroku said in a surprised tine. "Wow. Your smart!" Shippo complimented. "Keh. Fine. We'll spend the night here and continue tomorrow at dawn. Got it?" he asked everyone. Everyone nodded in agreement. "I'll go hunting for some fresh boar meat for us to eat." Sakura announced as she stood up picking up her bow and arrow. "Like you can hunt. It takes ages for humans to hunt. Let me take care of it." InuYasha scoffed. "Don't worry about her my lord. She is a master hunter and ninja. She'll be back soon." Sayuri stated quietly.


-Sayuri's POV-

"Well I didn't know she was a master hunter and ninja." Sango said with shock filling her voice. "First, she's a master Miko, then, she has the ability to control the elements, then she's a master ninja. What's next, She's a HANYOU?!" Miroku sarcastically complained. "Why? Do you have something AGAINST HANYOUS Monk?!" InuYasha yelled in a threatening tone. "NO! NO! NO! InuYasha! I'm just saying, that she has so many abilities and has mastered so many things! And she's only 15! That's all I'm saying!" Miroku defended from behind Sango. I couldn't help but smile. 'So this is how Mom, Dad, Brother Shippo, Aunt Sango and Uncle Miroku acted before when they were gathering the jewel shards... How fun and adventurous. Not to mention Ironic, Sakura and I ARE hanyous…' I thought to myself as I giggled from where I was sitting. "My lord, please calm down. I believe it is better we store our hatred and anger for when we battle an enemy. Not when battling a friend or ally." I stated calmly, as I regained my posture.

"I'm back." Sakura announced as she waltzed into camp. While the others were arguing, Shippo managed to gather some wood and make a fire. "Nice boar." Sango complimented as she saw the 31 pound boar Sakura carried over her back. "I'll cook it, but I need someone to cut it. Anyone got a knife?" Kagome asked as Sakura put the boar corpse on the earth near the fire. "Keh! We don't need a knife. I'll cut it with my claws." InuYasha stated as he bared his claws. He then slashed at the boar corpse causing it to fly in several sliced pieces. "There." InuYasha said hastily. "Great job InuYasha! Now that's a way to cut meat!" Kagome complimented.


-Sakura's POV-

"Have you learned to make your own claws yet?" I questioned my future mother, Kagome. "Claws? But I'm a Miko! How can I have claws?!" she asked me in a shocked tone. Everyone stared at me intently. "Us Miko's have the ability to use our spiritual powers and to use them in such a way where they may form claws. They may come in handy for you may summon them whenever you desire, Lady Kagome." Sayuri informed the group. "Do you already know how to summon claws?" Kagome asked me. I smirked and lifted up my left hand. Then I summoned the claws. My nails extended at least 2 inches as they glowed a bright pink aura.

"Amazing..." Miroku managed to say speechless. "Your Incredible!" Shippo yelled out in excitement. "What else do you expect from my woman?" Koda asked boastfully. I then gave him a death glare as our eyes made contact. I swear, if my death glares could kill, Koda would be six feet under 10,000,000 times already. Gosh, does that guy annoy the heck out of me! What and incompetent fool. "Shut up with your woman business before I use my claws to severe your neck." I snapped at Koda in a dark and cold voice. I saw his muscles stiffen as he leaned on a nearby tree. "Whatever..." he replied. I then smirked in satisfaction and looked at Sayuri, who in this case, was helping cook the boar meat. "Care to teach me how to do that someday?" Kagome asked me. "I could teach you right now if you want," I offered as I gave her a Reassuring smile.

"Yes! In the meantime, you Sango and I can get to know each other better!" She exclaimed in reply. Sango jumped up and straightened her kimono. "Count me in!" Sango added in excitement. "Wait! How about you Shippo, you'd have no one to keep you entertained." Kagome asked Shippo in a concerned tone. "Don't worry Lady Kagome. I will keep Shippo company" Sayuri interjected with a small smile. "Arigatio." Kagome replied as a grin came across her face. "Shall we get going?" I asked Sango and Kagome. "Yup." Sango stated as she stood up and hugged Shippo before beginning to follow and Kagome and I.


-InuYasha's POV-

We all watched Sakura, Kagome and Sango leave camp. Inside I couldn't help but feel like I should go with them. But I rather ignored the feeling than follow it. "So InuYasha, want to spy on them? It would be nice to see them in training, and it might be interesting considering they're going to be training and all." Miroku asked me as a mischievous grin came across his face. "My lord, I recommend not going. What they speak of is not important. Though, if you would like to see Sakura and Kagome in action, then you are more than welcome to follow them my Lord." Sayuri told me in a emotionless voice. I looked at her intently. I couldn't help it. She was cradling Shippo in her arms like Kagome usually did but instead of having the warm, happy and passionate face Kagome would usually wear, but had a hard, stiff emotionless look instead. I then paid closer attention to her eyes. They seemed to be staring out into the forest, looking at nothing in particular, though the thing that creped me out was not only the expression and where her eyes were looking, but it was more like the mix of emotions I seemed to see through them. I saw hatred, depression, misery, loneliness, anger, rage, sadness, desire of happiness and so much pain. That look. I couldn't bare it. It was so cold and bitter. It reminded me of a look I once received or saw before. 'Kagome... She was the one who I first saw that look from. When she first saw me with Kikyo...' I thought miserably.

"Maybe we should follow them. It would be nice to see them training. There's nothing to do here anyways." I stated as I stood up from my current spot. "Well, if you're coming I'm going too." Koda said boastfully as he shifted his position from leaning against a tree to standing up. "In that case, I wouldn't want to miss this either." Miroku agreed as he too stood up and dusted his robe. "Wait. I'm sure the ladies will have our heads if we leave Sayuri and Shippo as well as Kirara here all alone to fend for themselves!" Miroku quickly panicked.

"Do not worry about my safety. I could sense a demon from 3 miles away if I desired or tried to. Though, may I warn you, I do sense demons in this forest. 3 spread out amongst the south where we just passed and 5 heading towards Sakura, Kagome and Sango. May I suggest my lord that you do not interfere with this battle. The demons are quite powerful compared to the average demon, but considering the Ladies strength, they would be able to defeat those demons quickly." Sayuri informed me as she looked into my eyes. 'Why is it, whenever she seems to look into both mine and Kagome's eyes, her expression softens and the emotions I see through her eyes change from whatever they were before to a new, joyful, cheerful and happy expression. And it's definitely not fake. I can even see it in her eyes.' I thought as I gave her reassuring smile. She reluctantly smiled back before looking at the sleeping Kirara next to her.


-Sayuri's POV-

"So InuYasha, want to spy on them? It would be nice to see them in training, and it might be interesting considering they're going to be training and all." Miroku asked InuYasha as a mischievous grin came across his face. "My lord, I recommend not going. What they speak of is not important. Though, if you would like to see Sakura and Kagome in action, then you are more than welcome to follow them my Lord." I informed him in an emotionless voice. 'Oh Kami... How much do I wish to call him father. I miss his embrace. I miss mother. Oh Kami how much do I wish to be in their arms right now... Mother, Father, I miss you so much. Where are you?' I thought miserably as I cradled Shippo in my arms. There was a long dead silence after that. None of us speaking a word until my future father InuYasha spoke up.

"Maybe we should follow them. It would be nice to see them training. There's nothing to do here anyways." he stated as he stood up from his current spot from sitting on the earth next to me. "Well, if you're coming I'm going too." Koda said boastfully as he shifted his position from leaning against a tree to standing up. "In that case, I wouldn't want to miss this either." Miroku agreed as he too stood up and dusted his robe. "Wait. I'm sure the ladies will have our heads if we leave Sayuri and Shippo as well as Kirara here all alone to fend for themselves!" Miroku quickly panicked.

"Do not worry about my safety. I could sense a demon from 3 miles away if I desired or tried to. Though, may I warn you, I do sense demons in this forest. 3 spread out amongst the south where we just passed and 5 heading towards Sakura, Kagome and Sango. May I suggest my lord that you do not interfere with this battle. If there be one. The demons are quite powerful compared to the average demon, but considering the Ladies strength, they would be able to defeat those demons quickly." I quietly informed to the others as I looked into my future fathers eyes. 'Father...' I thought sadly as I could feel my expression soften. InuYasha then gave me a reassuring smile as I reluctantly smiled back. I then paid attention to Kirara, who in this case, was sleeping against my right knee. 'How Kawaii!' I thought happily as I began to stroke her fur.


Meanwhile -Sakura's POV-

"So, what are we going to do exactly?" Sango asked me in a curious tone as she and Kagome walked side by side, me leading the way in front of course. "This is more of a girl bonding time. You guys can ask me about my past, I'll teach Kagome to use her claws, and that way, I can also see what her capabilities are." I replied solemnly. "Where are we going?" Kagome asked innocently as she studied her surroundings. "Were heading down into a field I noticed earlier. I figured it would be the best place to relax, and maybe even train." I explained. Kagome nodded in response. "That's a great idea! That way, we'll also get to know each other better. I guess that would be fun, besides you guys are like sisters to me, so I better get to know you all at the least." Sango stated happily.

I smiled at Sango for her happy statement and continued walking. Not long after Sango's earlier statement, We finally came across The field I spoke of. The field seemed never-ending and was well exposed to the crescent moon on this night. The field itself was a field with flowers blooming almost everywhere with grass that sparked with dew drops, only enhancing the beauty of the area. "Wow, Sakura, this place looks beautiful!" Kagome exclaimed. Sango nodded her head in agreement. "I must say, the moon light does bring out its true beauty. It looks so much more serene this way." I couldn't help but agree. "Should we start training now?" Kagome asked me with a curious and exited look on her face. "Yup. Let's do this now the first thing I got to teach you is how to summon your claws. Then how to use them." I informed her as I lead her farther from Sango. "This is going to be fun to watch." She stated as a smile grew on her face and as Kagome gave a determined smile back.


-Ominous POV-

As Kagome and Sakura were preparing themselves InuYasha, Miroku and Koda were finally able to track down their scents and find the three girls standing in a wide and almost seemingly end-less field. Sango was staring at the scenery near by a Sakura tree at least 50 feet away from the bush they were hiding behind. Upon a hill they spotted Sakura and Kagome standing face to face.

'What are they doing?' InuYasha wandered as he focused his eyes on Kagome. 'She's so beautiful... her raven hair really contrasts with her beautiful pale skin... showing off her rosy lips...' InuYasha thought admirably. Meanwhile Miroku was thinking so thing similar to what InuYasha was thinking, but was directed at Sango; the person he was currently gawking at. 'She looks so happy and at peace... How I'd love to kiss those tender lips... and to hold that amazing body of her's close to me. Sango... One day, I promise I will make you my wife.' he mentally swore. 'Holy Kami, Sakura looks so elegant and serene right now. She looks so much like Lady Kagome. The rosy lips, the raven black hair, though I must admit, her eyes are so fine and sparkly. She's so beautiful, her whole body seems to glow from her purity and powers...' Koda thought as he admired Sakura's appearance. They all snapped out of their thoughts when they heard Sakura first speak.

"Kagome. Before I could possibly teach you how to summon your claws, I must see to what extent you have already mastered your powers. Please, before I start teaching you, demonstrate your capabilities first without a weapon." Sakura instructed. 'As far as I know, Kagome can't actually do that much without her bow and arrow. She can only purify miasma. Is that knowledge enough?' InuYasha wondered as he stared at Kagome intensely. "Ok. But may I recommend, Sakura, you make some space for me." She suggested to Sakura. Sakura then gave her a nod and walked down to the base of the small hill. "Begin." Sakura then said in a curious tone.

"Pure has become impure, impure has now become pure, good has now turned to be bad, bad has now turned to be good, to live is to die, to die is to live everything's been turned around when will things be safe and sound." Kagome recited as a ball of bright pink light formed in between her hands that were held out in front of her lower chest. InuYasha, Koda and Miroku couldn't do anything but gasp. Sango stood in shock from where she was standing. 'Incredible! And here I thought she couldn't do anything but purify miasma without her bow and arrow. Apparently, she could do much more!' Sango exclaimed in her thoughts. 'How is she doing that?! Not even Kikyo, the person who she was reincarnated from had that power!' InuYasha yelled in his thoughts. 'It's so magnificent how much Lady Kagome's Spiritual Powers have developed without us knowing!' Miroku complimented Kagome in his thoughts. 'Lady Kagome is so powerful. Now I know where Sakura gets her powers from.' Koda pondered as he stared at Kagome in awe.

"Go!" Kagome yelled as the bright pink light unleashed several rays of light that began to surround her. The light glowed magnificently as Kagome's clothes began to transform. Her green and white school uniform morphed into a beautiful Miko kimono of red and white. Sango gasped in shock as her jaw dropped to the ground. Little did she know, that she wasn't the only one who reacted that way. InuYasha, Koda and Miroku were all string in awe at Kagome with their own jaws touching the ground.

After the bright pink light died down, everyone stared at Kagome's new appearance. 'She looks almost exactly the same way as she does in the future.' Sakura stated in her thoughts.

-Kagome's True Form-

Kagome was wearing a traditional Miko kimono, with her raven black hair flowing elegantly down her back. Kagome adorned her hair with two fin-like kanzashi hair-ornaments both a beautiful shade of red (Like Kaguya's hair ornaments but red). Her lips turned from a rosy color into a darker much more elegant darker hue of magenta. Her eyelids also change to becoming a beautiful and graceful shade of pink (like Sango's).

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'Kagome looks so much more elegant that way; she already looked so beautiful before. Now she looks even better! Wait! WHAT AM I THINKING!? INUYASHA KEEP YOUR MIND TOGETHER!' InuYasha exclaimed in his thoughts as he stared at Kagome's true form. 'So that's her true form...truly magnificent! I can practically FEEL the power of her spirit and strength of her powers from here!' Miroku complimented Kagome in his mind. "So this is your true form. Now you may unleash your true power. Fantastic." Sakura said calmly as she gave Kagome an impressed look. Kagome couldn't help but smile back. "May you teach me how to summon my claws now?" Kagome asked Sakura happily. "Of course. You're free to turn back to your normal form." Sakura stated in reply. 'Amazing. I can't wait to see what happens next!' Sango practically screamed in excitement inside her thoughts.


-Sakura's POV-

After Kagome transformed back into her normal school girl look we immediately started training. "I order to learn how to summon your claws, you must make an image of bright pink 2 inch long claws sprouting out of your fingers in your mind. Concentrate on the sensation you would feel on your fingers. Imagine the feeling and the sharpness of the claws. And then, manipulate your powers so whatever you imagine would be formed." I instructed Kagome as she snapped her eyes shut. 'You can do this...' I encouraged her mentally. 'I know you can.' I added.

Suddenly, a bright pink light emerged from my future mother's fingers, growing 2 inches long in total. Once the brightness dimmed, though not completely, it revealed ten magnificent pink aura glowing clawed fingers. "No way." Kagome said in shock as she held her hand to her face, as her claws gently tickled her skin. "Incredible." Kagome gasped in awe. A sudden smirk then covered her star-struck face as she fixed herself in a fighting stance. "Claws of Purity!" She yelled fiercely as her claws glowed ferociously and as she swiped at a tree down the hill aiming at nothing in particular. Bright 2 inch figures like daggers shot out of her claws and perched the tree as it painfully took the attack and fell over.

"Watch out!" I abruptly heard someone yell in panic as I saw two shadows of figures dodge out of the trees falling direction. "Ahh!" I then heard someone or something exclaim in fear. I immediately signaled Sango to follow me as I ran downhill at a steady pace and met her downhill in no time. "How are you so fast?! Sakura, you ran from up the hill, to down here in the amount of time it took me to run from that Sakura tree over there to this area!" Sango asked in surprise. "I guess I'm just fast. Now let's see who those fools are who were spying on us." I replied as I walked towards the fallen tree. Only to see Miroku underneath the large, trunk. "What are you doing spying on us Miroku?!" Sango questioned him basically yelling at him. "Uhhh..." I heard him mumble. "Well?" I asked. He lifted his head up. "Do you mind if you guys remove this trunk off my back first?" he practically begged. Sango gave me a questioning look. I nodded in approval as two figures appeared in front of us. Once they both stepped into the moonlight, away from the shadows, they revealed themselves to be none other than Koda and InuYasha. "Well do it." InuYasha stated as he walked up to the trunk and lifted it off Miroku's almost limp body with ease. "What are the three of you doing here spying on us?" I asked them in a monotone. "We wanted to watch, but feared our presences would disturb your ladies concentration." Miroku explained as he stood up and started dusting himself as InuYasha laid the fallen tree trunk back on the earth near another tree. "Why watch us? We were doing nothing but training." Kagome stated as everyone turned their full attention on her. 'I forgot all about her for a second.' I thought as Koda leaned on the tree behind him.

"Why can't we? All you're doing is training anyways." InuYasha replied. Kagome sighed as she stood 3 feet away from him. "Why do you need to train anyways?" InuYasha asked her in a snobby manner, trying to cover up what he said earlier. "It's not like you can get any more powerful." He added. Kagome shifted her gaze from InuYasha to the earth underneath her feet as she hid her eyes under her bangs. "So that's it isn't it? I can't train so I can protect my friends better? No matter what I do, I will forever be Kikyo's shadow. Can't do any better than her, and will never be known as the girl named Kagome. Only known as Kikyo's reincarnation. I get it now. No worries InuYasha. I won't train anymore if it bothers you so much." Kagome said softly, though loud enough for everyone to hear the sadness, misery, depression, pain and sorrow in her usually happy, cheerful, bubbly voice.

"Kagome..." Sango's voice trailed off. InuYasha looked at Kagome intently as she lifted her head up to face him. "Kagome, not everyone thinks of you as Kikyo's shadow!" Miroku complained, waving his hands around to prove his point. "Though that doesn't stop the fact she's her reincarnation." Koda countered. I was losing it. I felt like raging and strangling Kikyo. I felt like killing Koda for speaking when it wasn't needed. "Maybe I should go with Koga then." Kagome mumbled. "WHAT?! You KNOW I didn't mean it that way! REPEAT WHAT YOU SAID AGAIN!" InuYasha bellowed. "I said MAYBE I SHOULD GO WITH KOGA!" Kagome yelled in response. InuYasha was stunned and shocked at her reaction. It seemed to take him a moment to process what just happened. "No!" Koda yelled. "Leave Koga and Ayame to be! Let Kikyo burn in hell! She is a cruel, no good, impure witch excuse of a priestess and is worthless! Let her do whatever she wants! Let her die for all I care! Kagome, you MUST stay with InuYasha!" Sayuri yelled in frustration with Shippo and Kirara flowing behind her as they walked towards the rest of us. "I'm going home." Kagome stated as she picked up Kirara and walked back to camp. We all reluctantly followed her.

"InuYasha. Keep these." Kagome ordered softly as she handed InuYasha her bottle of jewel shards. "What?" InuYasha asked confused. "I'm going home. And this time I won't be coming back. You always say you're sick of me tagging along and always getting in trouble. Now you don't have anyone to subdue you either." Kagome said in a monotone as she packed her bag. "LIKE I CARE. LEAVE. NO ONE'S STOPPING YOU. All you do IS make us slower. GO." InuYasha shot back at her, though his thoughts and heart saying the complete opposite. "Kagome, no one wants that. And, who would be able to take your place in our hearts? How about the jewel shards?" Sango complained as I heard everlasting paining her words. "InuYasha could easily find Kikyo and ask her to hunt for jewel shards. I bet she would be glad to. She too could replace me in your hearts. Remember? I'm nothing but Kikyo's shadow. Nothing else. You guys have everything covered, and you heard what InuYasha said." Kagome replied miserably as she stood up and slung her bag over her shoulder. "Please don't go Kagome. You're like my new mother, I don't think of you as Kikyo's reincarnation. Your completely different. Please don't leave. You two are so different from each other. YOU CAN'T GO!" Shippo begged as tears threatened to fall from his eyes. "Kagome, please don't go. If you leave, you'd painfully remind me of the separation between my mother and father with Sakura." Sayuri pleaded as I saw agonizing pain, misery, loneliness, sadness, sorrow, and anger flood into her eyes, clouding her usually beautiful and clear dark chocolate brown eyes. And when Kagome and Sayuri looked at each other, I saw her emotionless face snap and crumble to pieces.


-Past Kagome's POV-

I shifted my gaze from Shippo to Sayuri and stared at her with glossy eyes. 'Her eyes. They show so much agonizing pain and sorrow. She's been through such horrible things. Things girls her age shouldn't go through. I bet Sakura is only being strong for the sake of her sister. Poor girls. I can't imagine a life without my mother or any of the other members of my family. They're probably so lonely and are in really need of a family. Now they have considered me as family. And here I go leaving them too.' I thought sadly as I continued to stare at Sayuri's lost expression. "Do you want me to stay?" I asked her in a soft tone. I didn't get a reply. She ran from Sakura's side and hugged me tightly. I heard her begin to sob. I patted her back and we seemed to hug there, sitting and hugging in front of the whole gang. "Please...don't...leave." Sayuri sniffles in between her sobs. "Please stop crying Sayuri. I won't leave if you don't want me to." I replied gently back at her as I tightened my hug. "Yay!" Shippo exclaimed as he joined our hug, balls of tears in his eyes. 'Why does it feel so right to hug Sayuri?' I pondered as Sakura walked up to Sayuri and gave her a supporting hand. "Why don't you join our group hug?" I asked her softly with a smile. She nodded in response as she kneeled beside me and tucked Sayuri's head underneath her chin.

'Why does this feel so right? Hugging Sayuri and Sakura? Why? What is it about these two girls that make me feel so complete?' I pondered as a warm smile spread across my face as InuYasha looked at me with desire, warmth and care filling his eyes as he looked at me. 'He's never looked at me like that before.' I mentally noted myself, my eyes widening slightly as Sayuri stopped crying and sat up straight. "Are you ok now Sayuri?" I heard Sakura ask her softly, concern filling her voice. Sayuri nodded and sniffled in response. Sakura shifted her gaze from Sayuri to me. "Please don't leave Kagome. We have all grown fond of you and even developed deep relationships with you. Don't leave us. We can't afford to lose you. No one could ever replace your place in our hearts. No one." Sakura practically begged me as I noticed the agonizing, miserable, sorrowful pain she was going through. 'I've never seen anyone so sad and miserable before. What is it these two girls have been through, that has become so awful, even I can't enlighten their spirits?' I thought glumly. "In that case, I won't go. I'm sorry if I caused you to cry Sayuri. Please… I'm not leaving anymore. Just cheer up." I encouraged Sayuri as her face morphed into a new cheerful and happy smile. "Okay." She replied as Miroku coughed to get our attention. "It is marvelous news to know that you are no longer leaving Lady Kagome. Though, I say for the benefit of everyone, let's get some rest. As InuYasha said, we should leave at the break of dawn." Miroku explained as he walked to a tree and sat down, preparing to sleep. "I agree. Let's get some sleep." Sango stated as Kirara jumped down from her shoulder. "You know, this is a new record! THE SHORTEST GIANT ARGUMENT THE InuYasha GANG HAS EVER EXPERIENCED!" Miroku exclaimed as he shot his hand in an angle, moving it slowly to the side, as if naming the epic title of an award-winning book. I stood up and set my bag down and started preparing my sleeping bag as I laughed half-heartedly at Miroku's antics. InuYasha walked over to the tree next to Miroku and sat down crossing his legs and closing his eyes as Sakura climbed up the tree behind me with ease and fell asleep on one of the mid-area branches. Sayuri for one walked up to me and kneeled next to me as I closed my bag up. "Kagome, could I sleep with you?" She asked me softly. "Sure." I replied back as I laid down with Sayuri in my arms and watched the crimson fire blaze magnificently. 'Life is like a fire. There are moments when it burns mightily representing the moments when life is worth living for, and sometimes weakens when it is not or when in times of struggle. My life is like a fire, fragile, and changes often. But like all fires, all of them die out. I wonder when my time will come.' I thought as my eye lids became heavy and lured me into a deep sleep, not realizing I mumbled the last part of the sentence out-loud.


'Kagome, you don't even realize that your fire is going to last for more than a 1000 years after all of this.' Sakura though amusedly, letting the darkness of sleep consume her.


A/N: WOW. Sorry I haven't updated for a while, I know this chapter was all over the place, but I felt like typing it. XD Thank you to all readers, all reviews are greatly appreciated. THANKS YOU GUYS! I LOVE YOU ALL VERY MUCH! Sayonara!