Her Heart's Winter Thaw

By Dragonessclaw

Disclaimer: Nope still don't own anything. You'll know when I do though, Sesshomaru will only love curvy black women that answer to the name Dragoness. (^_^) Sorry ladies but I'd definitely keep him to myself.

Thank you, you guys are the greatest with all the support with the story. I have to give a special acknowledgemnt to Raven2010 though. You have truly been great.

Chapter 9 The Day Her Nightmares Began Pt. II

Two Hundred and Ninety-Five Years Ago

Kagome lay motionless for a few moments listening to Inuyasha's even breathing. Sliding out of bed she quickly donned her pink fuzzy robe with slippers to match, and then throwing her coat over top Kagome slipped out the hut. Inuyasha immediately sensed Kagome get up but knew where she was headed so he remained where he was. He had told her that she needed to do this on her own and he would let her.

Kagome moved further away from the hut and into the meadow walking with the moonlight as her only guide. Once she felt she had walked far enough Kagome went down to her knees and opened the hands she had been clutching to her chest to reveal the completed Shikon No Tama.

The moonlight acted as sunlight on a diamond as it illuminated the jewel in Kagome's hands. For a moment Kagome forgot to breathe as she beheld the jewels beauty. Kagome had never really seen the jewel as beautiful before. It was hard to when you were running from demons all the time, with a burden she doubted that even Frodo would be able to bear. That paired with all the tragedy and death that resulted from such a small thing also made it near impossible to see it as anything other than just her duty.

Now the end of this crazy journey had finally come and the start of her new life with Inuyasha could finally begin. Thinking of the hanyou Kagome couldn't stop the smile that spread across her face. She wished he were here now with her but he was right. This is something she had to do alone. At first she was a little hesitant when they had first discussed her wishing on the jewel.

How would she know which wish would be selfless and pure enough to make the jewel disappear forever? It was Inuyasha's unwavering faith in her that helped Kagome the most. Even now the memory tugged at her heart to the point of pain.

Flashback

"Don't try to force it Kags. YOU are the Shikon Miko. They wouldn't have chosen you if you weren't the right one to rid the world of the jewel forever. Trust yourself and when the time comes you will know what the right wish is."

Kagome's breath had hitched in her throat at Inuyasha's gentleness as well as his faith in her. He had really come a long way since she first released him from his fifty year sleep, and then again, so had she. No longer feeling insecure about his place in the world and with family and friends surrounding him Inuyasha had learned that it was o.k. to show that softer side sometimes though it was mostly just when the two were alone.

At his declaration Kagome hugged him fiercely burying her head in his neck. Inuyasha wrapped his arms around her to return her embrace when the first whiff of her tears hit his nose. Jumping back as if she were crying acid instead of just tears Inuyasha looked at Kagome with a horrified expression.

"Awe, geeze! What did I do now?" He said panicking. He would never understand females. Waving his hands in front of himself he quickly added, "I'm sorry. I'm sorry. I was wrong you can't do this, maybe you being the jewel's keeper was an accident. I mean, why would they let you shatter it in the first place? Just stop crying already."

Later on as he lay in his own personal shaped hole Inuyasha thought that maybe that wasn't quite the right thing to say. Then again when could he ever win when it came to understanding Kagome? At least he almost understood Sango, just stay away from her rear and don't make Kagome mad in front of her and he was safe.

End Flashback

Kagome now knew what her wish would be. Her stomach turning in knots Kagome started to perspire as she nervously chewed on her bottom lip. Suddenly it was too quiet as if all the wild life in the area were quietly waiting for her to make her wish.

After a quick prayer Kagome opened her eyes and spoke, "I wish for the four souls in the jewel to finally be at peace."

The jewel then begin to glow as the jewel separated into four balls of light all shooting off into the sky with the exception of one that hovered in front of Kagome's face. Her breath quickening Kagome made to move when the ball started to expand and glow brighter. Shielding her eyes Kagome could only wait to see what fate had in store for her now.

When the light died down and nothing came at her Kagome dropped her hands to see the figure of a beautiful miko standing before her. She resembled both Kagome and Kikyou but was so much more and her miko garb was much more luxurious. The strength and purity she radiated instantly soothed Kagome as she looked into an expression so warm and inviting that Kagome could only smile as waves of soothing energy touched and caressed her very soul.

Reaching her hands out for Kagome the Miko spoke, "Rise child for I would speak with you."

Taking the offered hands in her own Kagome stood up as she looked in awe of the figure before her. "Midiriko?" Kagome asked.

"Yes Kagome, do not fear. Feel how your very spirit reaches out and joins with mine. I mean you no harm," Midriko calmly assured.

"Is…is it over?" Kagome hesitantly asked.

"For now, yes. You have done well and no wish could have been more perfect. It was right that you were chosen."

Blushing from such a compliment and shaking her head emphatically Kagome stated, "No but I broke the jewel and so many died from my mistake. It's only because of my friends that I was able to accomplish what I did. I am not worthy of your praise."

Linking her arm with Kagome's Midriko started to walk. Smiling knowingly Midriko glanced sideways and answered.

"The jewel was destined to be broken centuries before you were even born. You are the only one who could do this but you could not do it alone. You have always had great power in you but in order to grow strong enough spiritually, mentally, and physically certain trails had to be endured. The shattering of the jewel also allowed you to meet many allies that all helped in their own way to get you to the point you needed to be to complete the jewel and defeat Naraku." Pausing to gather her thoughts for a moment Midriko looked over the expanse of meadow before her.

Continuing Midriko stretched out her hand in gesture. "Just like it takes many flowers, weeds, pebbles, and grass to make this meadow whole think of each person you ran into as one more flower or blade of grass. All were needed together for the complete picture to be seen. Think about the miller who kept an extra eye out because you healed his daughter and sent word when all the demons seemed to be coming through and heading in the same direction. It was because of him that you got an indication of Naraku's whereabouts. What about the stranger that took you all in so you could rest in safety that just happened to have the salve for your twisted ankle? All these were small parts of the same larger picture. You could not imagine the amount of people that would have died and suffered if things had not gone this way. Those unfortunate souls that lost their lives were just a drop in a bucket compared to what could have been. Do not blame yourself Kagome."

A sigh of relief escaped Kagome's lips as she felt as if a great weight had been lifted from her heart until something occurred to her.

"Um, Midriko. Earlier you said it was over for now?" Kagome asked already dreading the answer.

Her expression hardening a bit Midriko nodded. "That is the next thing I must tell you. The jewel will never be gone for good. It is a great source of power and energy can never be eliminated, it will just change forms. It is that fact that will make evil rise again to try capturing it once reborn. At that time good will have to rise in return for there is no light without dark, just as there is no yen without a yang."

Stopping and turning to face Kagome once more Midriko continued, "It is because of this we are speaking. You have not only done what you were meant to but your goodness and purity have touched so many more souls than the Kami ever dreamed."

At Kagome's questioning look Midriko held up her hand to silence Kagome and shook her head. "There is no more time for questions Kagome I am sorry. I can not stay much longer. Leave it to say it is because of you that Inu NoTaisho's remaining heirs have come to a sort of agreement. By those two just being on the same side a lot of the troubles that were to come have now been avoided. You must remember that even though some things are destined free will always plays a part.

Sighing knowing time was running out for her Midriko jumped to the heart of the next topic. "You're path is just beginning again but there are still hardships in your future. You have a choice. You can continue to be the jewels keeper to delay it being reborn and thus lengthen your lifespan or you can choose to live out the life you have as a normal human would. If you accept this proposition the jewel would go back into your body but would be dormant, no demons will haunt you because of its power. There will not even be a hint of an aura coming from the jewel as it will merge completely with you."

Trying to figure out how to proceed, Kagome stated respectfully, "Midriko I am honored but I am going to be mating Inuyasha. I will share his life span so I must humbly decline. I think it is time that the torch is passed," Kagome stated. Midriko had said it herself, Kagome had done her job. All she wanted now was to live out the rest of her days with Inuyasha.

An expression Kagome couldn't quite place but felt uneasy about crossed Midiriko's features. Before Kagome could really get a good look it was gone the only thing left to prove it's existence was a terrible gut wrenching feeling in Kagome's lower belly.

"Have you talked to Sesshomaru or any full demon about your plans? Your friend Kouga perhaps?" Midriko asked sadly.

Taken aback at the question Kagome cautiously answered, "No, this is kind of a personal decision. Sesshomaru will know eventually and Kouga, well I would rather him find out after. It would be less complicated."

Her lips were thinning out from the pressure of keeping silent as Midriko thought over all that was said. Just when Kagome couldn't take it anymore and was about to ask what was wrong Midriko started to speak again.

"I am sorry that I am the one to have to tell you this. Even if you mate Inuyasha you will not be able to share his life span."

At Kagome's wide eyed expression of denial Midriko again held up her hand for Kagome to stay silent and continued. "Inuyasha is a half demon, strong and capable but half none the less. His life span will be longer than yours but only by a few more hundred years. Sharing ones youkai in the mating process is what binds a couple together which is how a lifespan is shared. Inuyasha's youkai is stronger than most demons but not strong enough to do that. Maybe if you were a half demon or full demon. You have miko powers instead of youkai so it might work with an exceptionally strong full demon but regretfully that is not Inuyasha."

"You will be able to mate and share a connection though not as strong as a full demon mating, but you will have your same lifespan and he WILL outlive you. This is why you were offered this choice; it will at least give you hundreds of years together."

Kagome felt like her head was going to explode. This was all so new and so sudden. She could not lose him now, not after everything. Her head bowed as silent tears slid down Kagome's face. She would never have her happy ending would she unless….

Pinning Midriko with a pleading look Kagome asked, "Couldn't you just make him a full demon?"

Shaking her head Midriko answered in a low voice, "That is beyond my power. There is only one choice if you wish to spend your life with Inuyasha."

"How long would I live?" Kagome asked.

"The time is not specific. It will be until the new descendant is born that is meant to carry the Shikon No Tama, after that you will start to age normally."

Nodding Kagome asked, "How much time do I have to decide?" though she already figured what the answer would be.

"Now," Midriko answered barely above a whisper.

It was as she figured. Kagome's chest tightened at the implications of it all. What other thing was she missing? There wasn't any time, how was she supposed to jump into this without knowing all the ends and outs of what this entailed. But then Inuyasha's face came to mind and she knew it did not matter. She loved him with all her heart and soul and together they would get through whatever problems arose.

"I accept," Kagome said, her eyes shining with determination.

Closing the gap between them Midriko put a hand over Kagome's heart. "You are a brave soul, Kagome. Things will not always be easy for you but do not give up. Remember that there is always hope."

At her last words Midriko started to glow brightly until her whole body looked as if alight. From her hand over Kagome's heart Kagome too began to glow. The glow slowly spread out from Kagome's heart out. The light was so bright Kagome had to shut her eyes against it and when she opened them Midriko was gone and she was alone once more with only the moonlight to guide her back home.

It was just too bad Kagome never thought to ask just how much longer Inuyasha would live for the thought of being without him had never crossed her mind. Maybe the choices they made would have been different had she asked but then again maybe not.

/?/?

Sorry about flashback in flashback. Hope it was o.k. I wasn't quite sure how to do it. Anyway I hope you like. Don't forget to tell me what you think or how you think I should change things. (^_^) Until next time guys.

Frodo (The Hobbit from Lord of the Rings)