Becoming Higurashi

Jessylane318

Kagome stopped in the familiar clearing, her heart thudding dangerously in her chest. She heard the noisy chatter stop when she turned to them, an uneasy smile on her face.

"Why did we stop?" asked Naruto loudly.

She couldn't help but smile a little sadly at him. Somehow, she had the feeling that she would miss his annoying chatter and bright blue eyes.

"Because we're parting here," said Kagome softly. The boy looked even more confused then before.

"But there's nothing here but that old well!"

She nodded and watched as Souta let out a heavy sigh before coming to her side with sullen steps. He didn't want to go home. She pushed down her bright green skirt before resting a hand on his shoulder. Since when did he come up to her chest?

"Are you going to tell them?" the boy asked quietly, his face darkening as he glanced at the well. Now she knew she had all of their attention, and that horrible orange book dropped slightly. Would she?

"Naruto, we aren't going to a village." She said sadly as his eyes turned into wide saucers. She pulled her brother to the well and looked backwards, watching the others follow her. "That well is our home."

"Ugh!" sneered the boy as he stuck out his tongue. "You live in that!"

"Of course not!" she heard Souta reply, rolling his eyes. "We live on the other side!"

"But it just looks like an ordinary well to me," said Sakura who had come over to glance down the blackened depths. If she hadn't jumped down it so many times, she might have been inclined to agree.

She rubbed the worn stones reverently.

"Yeah," pulling out her brightest smile, she dragged Souta to her, pulling him in a fierce hug, almost afraid if she let go he might disappear. "I'm glad we got to meet you guys."

She watched as Souta nodded in agreement, his face a sad mixture of agreement and depression.

"We won't forget you!" said Naruto assuredly, his face incredibly serious. She didn't doubt his words for a moment. Sakura and Sasuke nodded slightly beside him. She turned to Kakashi and bowed deeply. He looked oddly speculative and disbelieving. She always marveled how easily it was for a child to accept the way things were.

"Thank you for your protection!"

She ribbed Souta and watched out of the corner of her eyes as he bowed slowly. Rude brat.

Straightening herself, she grabbed Souta's hand and turned her back to the group and towards the well—towards home. She didn't remember ever being so desperate to get back.

Stepping up on the lip of the well, she balanced precariously even as she helped her brother join her. He was shaking slightly and she wasn't sure if it was from fear or tears. She didn't look at him or the people behind her when she jumped in.

"Sayonara!"

And holding tightly to her brother's hand, she sighed happily at the bright green light filled her senses. They were finally going home…

When the lights finally died down, she looked up to see the familiar roof atop their heads. They were back! She grinned at her brother, only to find him already climbing moodily out of the well.

What was his problem?

Following the boy up, she slid the traditional shoji screen open, taking a deep breath of the familiar scents. She had forgotten the refreshing feeling of being home. Looking out towards the God Tree, she allowed herself a wistful smile.

"It's good to be home," she said softly, looking over towards her brother.

"Whatever," he muttered even as he marched across the yard. She flinched a little at his angry tone.

"We should go tell Mama we're back," Kagome replied.

"Then go tell her."

She frowned beginning to feel angry.

"What is your problem?"

"What's it matter to you?" he said snidely, stopping long enough to glare. She felt her hackles rising.

"Why are you being such a brat? Aren't you even happy to be back?"

"No," he said angrily. "Maybe I'm not!"

"You can be so selfish," she said darkly, a bitter taste rising in her throat. "Mama's probably worried sick!"

"That never stopped you," he hissed back. She froze instantly, feeling as though she'd been slapped.

"Excuse you?"

"What you suddenly can't hear me?" She openly stared as he turned to her, his face reddening with rage. "I said that never stopped you!"

"I heard what you said!" she shouted, fingers fisting.

"Then stop acting stupid!" he shouted back. "What makes you think you're so special huh? You act like your some special gift to mankind—well you're not! You left us all the time and now you"

"You jerk!" she screamed, anger clouding her better judgment. Before she could consider her actions, she pulled back her hand and swung. The resounding slap echoed in the desolate courtyard.

Kagome found herself staring into startled brown eyes.

"I hate you," he whispered turning around and fleeing. All of her anger twisted from her body, and she stared at his retreating back feeling a slow void fill her heart.

I hate you…

How had this happened?

He didn't turn around even as the tears began to leak from her eyes.

I hate you…

The tears turned to sobs and she squeezed her fist tightly, closing her blurring eyes. She had done it for his on good. That place was dangerous and unkind. They weren't meant for that world and this was a mercy. She couldn't let him get involved, couldn't let him prolong the goodbyes.

I hate you…

And despite all of her good intentions, the words didn't hurt any less.