Shippō and Sōten arrive early the next morning. Kagome hugs them both, happy her friends are safe.
"We should have known it was too quiet," Sōten mutters annoyed.
"It's a good thing you two were here. Thanks to you, everyone is safe," Shippō says.
"They are," Kagome confirms, "but we can't stay."
"What?" Shippō and Sōten chorus.
"We have to go back and stop this," Kagome tells them.
"Stop what?" Shippō asks.
"The attacks, the raids," she explains. "If we return to the Feudal Era, Sesshōmaru and I can prove to everyone that there is no need to fear different species."
Sōten and Shippō share a look before the Thunder demoness says, "I thought you said the portal was inactive."
In a show of support, Sesshōmaru places a hand on Kagome's shoulder.
"I'm going to reactivate it," she insists, feeling more confident knowing her mate agrees with her decision.
"But if you go back...," Shippō trails off uncertainly. "...won't the future change?"
"Yes, but hopefully it will be for the better. Demons and hanyōs shouldn't have to live in fear. They should have the same freedoms as everyone else," she shares.
"How are you going to make humans accept us?" Sōten challenged. There was no fire in her tone, only intrigue.
"By working together," Sesshōmaru answers. "Sentiment can only be changed through time and consistency. If we wish to alter their perception of demon-kind, we must show them."
Shippō's face falls. "I don't want you to leave," he mutters.
His arms encircle Kagome and he drops his head to her shoulder. He hugs her the way he did when he was still a child. The only difference now is that he's taller than her. He can't fling himself into her torso the way he did when he was a kit.
She stares around him to her mate, who is struggling to maintain his composure. Sesshōmaru knows Shippō isn't a threat but being newly mated is causing an uncomfortable tension between them. Kagome releases her friend and steps backward closer to her mate.
"I'll see you on the other side," Kagome reminds Shippō. Her eyes shift to Sōten. "Both of you."
She's surprised when the Thunder Demoness surges forward and envelops her in a tight embrace.
"You better take care of her," Sōten grumbles to Sesshōmaru.
"I would give my life for hers," he replies.
His answer appears to pacify Sōten, who lets go of Kagome and returns to Shippō's side.
It's a bittersweet farewell. Even though she will see them both again, Kagome knows she is saying goodbye to this version of her friends. They will no longer be the founders of the demon underground. Kagome hopes their lives will be made better by the change but she won't know for sure until her return.
Sesshōmaru says a brief goodbye to them, trying unsuccessfully to avoid being hugged. Kagome suppresses a chuckle as Shippō and Sōten corner him by the door to embrace him. The demon lord looks to roughly put out but he doesn't scold them. Kagome suspects he enjoys the hug even though he will never admit it.
She takes only what she will need in the Feudal Era— her backpack, her bow, and quiver, and her mate.
They leave the apartment complex to head across the city to Mrs. Nakagawa's home. It's rather early for a visit but Kagome doesn't want to wait any longer. Things in the modern age are escalating rapidly. They don't have the luxury of time.
Sesshōmaru keeps one hand entwined with hers and his other on the hilt of his sword. He has been on edge since the attack on the apartment.
She can't blame him.
Their day went from being complicated to wonderful to utter chaos. It was not the way Kagome intended to wake up. Given Sesshōmaru's scowl, she doesn't think he planned on being interrupted either.
Kagome is running on pure adrenaline. It sharpens her focus and keeps her moving toward their goal. But the effects are only temporary. When the initial rush wears off, she will be anxious like Sesshōmaru.
The metro ride feels shorter than usual. Perhaps it's the distinct lack of crowds this early in the morning or maybe it's the heaviness of her mood. Kagome stands by a window, silently peering out at the city she was born in— a place that has always been home.
This past year, she's been torn between this time and the past. Her adventures in the Feudal Era have shaped her in ways that she never dreamed of. Fashion, boys, and even school hardly matter in comparison to the problems she has faced. Her time spent in the past has forced her to grow up and see the world in a different light.
Likewise, coming back with Sesshōmaru has altered her perspective on things. Kagome always assumed she'd stay in the Feudal Era, mainly because she felt like she didn't belong in her own time anymore. But Sesshōmaru had shown her that wasn't the case.
She had friends here too. Her family, who had always been patient and understanding with her dual role, was waiting for her to make her decision. Kagome hadn't realized how unfair she was being until she nearly lost them in the fire.
In the Feudal Era, Sango has Miroku, Kirara, and Kohaku. Kaede has Inuyasha and Shippō. Even Myoga and Totosai rely on each other. No one is without support or protection.
Here in Tokyo, her family is alone. When their quest is done, she has to return to them. They need her.
The metro screeches as it pulls into the station. Kagome heads out the double doors and down to the sidewalk. Sesshōmaru easily falls into step with her. With legs as long as his, there is no contest.
When they reach Mrs. Nakagawa's home, he pauses. "Would you prefer I go with you or remain here?"
"Can you come with me?" Kagome asks, her voice cracking slightly.
"Certainly."
He follows her to the front door and patiently waits while she knocks.
There is rustling, a hurried 'coming' followed by a whispered, "Who could that be?"
Kagome glances up at Sesshōmaru who merely gives her hand a squeeze.
"Oh! Kagome, is everything alright, dear?"
"Yes, Mrs. Nakagawa. I'm sorry to bother you so early but I need to speak to my mother. Is she here?"
"Yes, of course. Come in, come in." She ushers them inside and directs them to the spare bedroom. "I'll make some tea."
"Thank you."
Kagome finds her mother down the hall. When Mayumi sees her daughter, her welcoming smile turns somber.
"You're leaving."
"How did you know?" Kagome asks.
"A mother just knows," she answers. Then, with a sly grin, she adds, "And you were never a morning person."
Sesshōmaru chuckles— one of the first real laughs Kagome has ever heard from him.
"Be safe and take care of each other," her mother tells them. She pulls Kagome into a hug, then immediately does the same to Sesshōmaru.
As she releases him, Mayumi questions, "Will you come back?"
"Yes," Kagome promises.
"Good. It will give me time to prepare your grandfather for that," she says, gesturing to the fresh mark on Kagome's neck.
The room falls silent for a tense moment. Kagome is stuck between shame, humiliation, and fear but it all fades away when she notices Sesshōmaru's expression. She didn't know demons could blush, especially tall, handsome, brooding ones.
It takes him nearly a full minute to organize his thoughts. "I apologize for not consulting you beforehand. I would have preferred to have earned your blessing before our bonding."
"Kagome is old enough to decide for herself. If she wants to spend her life with you, Sesshōmaru, I trust her judgment. Just promise me that you'll take care of her."
"That is one thing you will never need to ask of me," he responds with a bow.
"I'm happy for you— both of you," her mother says.
"Thank you, Mama."
The trio completes another round of hugs, this one accompanied by tears and heartfelt goodbyes. Kagome has to remind herself this is only temporary until they can prove all the species can coexist together. She will come home to her family— their family.
As of last night, Sesshōmaru became one of them.
He may not be familiar with marriage but he understands the significance of the event. The human custom isn't practiced by the demon courts. To them, it is shallow. Proclaiming to love someone through a few prompted exchanges doesn't hold up against the binding that takes place during a mating ritual. The act is a consuming, physical process that creates a deep connection between the pair. It isn't something to be taken lightly.
Their lives are tied together now, as tightly woven together as their powers. Kagome doesn't know of a force on Earth that could separate them and she doubts any would try. Sesshōmaru is not a forgiving adversary.
Still, she's nervous to see her friends. The past couple of weeks seem to have gone on forever. Her quest ended. She found a new purpose. She gained a new perspective. Her heart has found real love. Kagome isn't the same person she was when she last saw her friends.
Kagome isn't sure what to expect when they are reunited but she knows she won't go through it alone. Sesshōmaru is with her.
He stands beside her as they enter the well house. He takes her hand in his as they descend the steps. Slowly, they approach the wide opening. Kagome peers over the edge and into the dark.
"Ready?" she asks him.
Sesshōmaru nods.
She places her hands on two sides of the well. He mirrors her, placing his hands on the opposite two. Together, they focus their energy on connecting the present day with the past.
Kagome closes her eyes and reaches out— not with her hands but with her senses. It's a gradual shift, similar to how the seasons change. At first, she doesn't feel anything but then there is a breeze that tickles the ends of her bangs. It teases her for a moment before a blast of air blows all her hair back.
When Kagome opens her eyes, she sees the bottom of the well glowing.
She climbs onto the ledge. Sesshōmaru does the same.
"Together?"
He wraps an arm around her waist. "Together."
They plunge into the dark.
When they resurface on the other side, the sun is rising over the forest. Gone are the noises of highway traffic, metro cars, and millions of people. Kagome hears the rushing of water from the river downhill and the birds in the trees. It is peaceful.
She smiles up at Sesshōmaru. He looks more relaxed, pleased even, now that they have managed to find their way back.
"Come on," Kagome urges him, "let's go see, Rin. I bet she can't wait to hear all about your adventures."
He grins.
They stroll through the grass, breaking through the woods just as the sunlight hits Kaede's hut. Kirara is sleeping outside. The moment she senses them, her ears twitch and her head perks up. Even at this distance, Kagome can see her red eyes glowing with recognition. The nekomata sits up and lets out a call to her owner.
Sango leaves the hut first, raising a hand over her face to block out the sun. Her expression goes from confused to elated.
"Kagome!"
"Kagome's back?"
Shippō is the next to appear, followed closely by Miroku, Kaede, Kohaku, and Rin.
Before Kagome can wonder where her best friend is, she hears a whoosh of air and the clang of metal. Whirling around, she sees the two brothers facing off, swords drawn.
"Inuyasha!"
"Stay back, Kagome! I got him. You're safe now."
Her eyes go wide. "Safe?"
"You're going to pay for kidnapping Kagome, Sesshōmaru!"
She rolls her eyes and shakes her head. "Sit boy."
"Whhhhaaaa—." Thud.
Oh well, Kagome thinks with a sigh as the rest of her friends join them. It could have been worse.
Explaining what happened takes longer than she expected. While Miroku, Sango, Kohaku, and Kaede are content to sit and listen to their tale, Inuyasha, Shippō, and Rin have questions about everything. Kagome indulges most of the children's requests but she grows tired of pausing for Inuyasha, who has been glaring at Sesshōmaru since she used the Beads of Subjugation against him.
"So you're going to make humans and demons get along, is that it?" her friend asks.
"Yep."
"Well, that ain't gonna work. Not with that on your neck," he grumbles, waving his hand at her mating mark.
"You require a lesson in manners," Sesshōmaru growls, placing his arm around Kagome.
"Manners got nothin' to do with it. You should've known better than to do that to her," Inuyasha argues.
"Sesshōmaru didn't do anything to me that I didn't ask for," Kagome insists firmly.
Kaede clears her throat, shooting them a disapproving glare before her gaze flickers to Rin and Shippō, who are watching the scene unfold intently.
"Erm…what I mean is, Sesshōmaru was a gentleman," Kagome hastily clarifies. "I hoped you'd be happy for us."
Sango and Miroku share a glance before the monk reaches across the group circle to take her hand. "If this is what you've chosen, Kagome, of course, we are happy for you. Isn't that right, Inuyasha?"
"Yeah, whatever," her best friend mumbles petulantly.
"Are you two going to get married?" Rin asks, peering up at Sesshōmaru.
"If that is my mate's wish."
"Do you want a wedding, Kagome?" Shippō questions, looking at her the same way Rin is watching Sesshōmaru.
"Maybe one day," she answers, "but for now, we have a job to do."
"Where will you start?" Kaede inquires
"The north," Kagome tells her. "Kōga's tribe is up in the mountains. I figured we could start there and work our way south. Plus, I already know Kōga, Ginta, and Hakkaku so convincing them to help should be easy."
"Ayame will be the one you have to work on," Sango remarks.
"Right," Kagome groans. She hopes the she-wolf has gotten over her jealousy issues. Perhaps when she sees that Kagome is happily mated to Sesshōmaru, Ayame will finally believe that Kagome wants nothing from Kōga except friendship.
"We will go with you," Sango offers.
"No," Kagome replies. "I appreciate that but you have been through enough. You deserve to start your lives."
Her friend pauses, considering something. When she speaks, the news doesn't shock Kagome. From the expressions on everyone else's faces, though she can tell Miroku and Sango didn't announce anything earlier. "You'll come back for the wedding?"
"Of course, we will!"
Kagome crosses the room to hug her friend. Few people deserve a second chance more than Sango. The demon slayer has lost so much. She is entitled to gain a new life, a new opportunity to rebuild her family.
Sango isn't the only one who has earned a fresh slate.
"Shippō, are you still planning on studying for your ranks?"
"Yeah," the kit replies proudly.
"It might help if you had a training partner. What about Sōten?" Kagome suggests.
The fox demon turns away, his tail flicking nervously. "What made you think of her?"
"I don't know. I guess I always thought you two would be a good match," she says nonchalantly.
"I'll think about it," Shippō mutters.
Kagome grins at Sesshōmaru. He smirks back approvingly.
"Kaede is teaching me how to be a healer like her," Rin pipes up.
"That's great, Rin," Kagome tells the little girl.
"I believe that path suits you well," Sesshōmaru praises her. "Your training will serve you well as you acclimate to life amongst the humans."
"Because I can't travel with you or Master Jaken anymore?" Rin guesses.
"No, you cannot. I will be traveling with my mate until our duty has been completed," Sesshōmaru explains. "It is best if you remain here where you will be safe and cared for. Jaken and A-Un are free to choose to live out their days as they see fit."
"Hey, where is Jaken?" Kagome questions.
Her friends look at each other and around the hut. No one seems to have any clue until Rin bursts out laughing. "We're playing Hide and Seek," she announces. "Master Jaken and I against A-Un. I put Master Jaken in the best spot of all. Wanna see?"
Kagome looks to Sesshōmaru, who nods.
Rin races out of the hut. They rise and follow.
Outside, she is jumping around between baskets and barrels in the storehouse. A-Un is standing beside the structure, watching her with his golden-green eyes. Sesshōmaru observes his ward wordlessly, while Kagome stifles a giggle.
After a few failed attempts, Rin removes the lid of one of the barrels. Jaken pops out, half-yelling at her and half-gasping for breath. He doesn't see Sesshōmaru right away. Once he does, though, an entirely new round of yelling starts.
"Lord Sesshōmaru! Lord Sesshōmaru!"
"Jaken."
"My lord, you've returned and you're—." He stops the instant he sees Kagome, or more accurately, sees the mark on her neck. "What has this lowly human tricked you into?"
Sesshōmaru's fist collides with the imp's head. Rin makes a tsking sound and waggles her finger at him. "Master Jaken, that is no way to speak to Lord Sesshōmaru's mate."
"Mate?" the imp squawks.
He faints. Whether it is caused by shock or lack of air from being trapped in the barrel, they aren't sure.
No one bothers to ask.
It takes them three years to travel throughout the country. They stop in villages, settlements, and budding cities. Initially, their arrival is met with scorn and doubt but as they continue through the lands, word spreads of their efforts. People talk about how they've helped rebuild dilapidated buildings, healed the injured and sick, and aided crop growth.
Slowly, sentiments begin to change. People go from cursing them and threatening to cast them out to inviting them into their homes for a meal or offering them riches to stay longer. Sesshōmaru and Kagome do not need money or jewels. Their purpose is to prove how a union such as theirs isn't something to be feared.
From time to time, their friends join them. Jineji journeys to villages where the sick require his herbal remedies. Kōga and his wolves protect smaller towns overrun by ruffians and thieves. Even Inuyasha comes to the aid of a village that formally would have looked at him as an outcast. It is there that he meets the woman who will become his mate.
Kagome and Sesshōmaru return to Kaede's village a handful of times— once for Sango and Miroku's wedding, a year later for the birth of their twin girls, and a couple of times afterward to visit the youngsters.
Each visit has shown the marks of time. Rin has outgrown her kosode and her fear of humans. Kaede's village has welcomed her, accepted her, and grown to love her.
Shippō has also matured. Through training with Sōten, he has mastered control over his powers. He has passed a couple of rank tests and continues to improve so he can achieve the highest rank for a fox demon. Since Sōten's abilities are similar, and she is the last of the Thunder Demon Tribe, the Fox Demon Guild has allowed her to join their ranks.
They are still children but Kagome can see how well they complement each other. They are starting fresh with a solid foundation of friendship. She is confident that in the years to come, their feelings will strengthen and grow.
Kohaku has chosen to uphold his family's customs as a demon slayer. Those who cannot be convinced to live harmoniously with humans and hanyōs are dealt with. Kagome is grateful they don't have to call upon his services. If she and Sesshōmaru come up against a foe, they are equipped to deal with the situation. It means Kohaku has more time to visit his family and Rin.
He practices in the fields with Kirara. Sango tends to watch from the sidelines, too busy with her twins to take an active approach to his training. A-Un, Jaken, and Rin join too. Having served as his traveling companions for a time, they are all eager to see him succeed.
The two-headed dragon and Kirara have formed an odd sort of friendship. They are both sought after distractions for the children of the village, who always want to play with them in lieu of doing their chores. Jaken promotes this activity, solely because he doesn't want to be the focus of their interest.
He still hasn't warmed up to the idea of Kagome being Sesshōmaru's mate. She doesn't let his opinion bother her, though his interference did cause a stir when he summoned Sesshōmaru's mother to meet Kagome.
The daiyōkai was unimpressed with her only child's choice. And she said so— quite candidly. It wasn't until Kagome stood up to her that the woman's impassive expression morphed into a grin.
"Ah, there she is," Sesshōmaru's mother had said. "The warrior beneath the pretty face."
After that, she invited Kagome to walk with her along the river and explain their quest to her. By the time Kagome finished, she had gained the support of the Crescent Court and Sesshōmaru's mother's favor.
Though tensions were high for a while, eventually, Inuyasha got used to the idea of Kagome being mated to his older brother. He traveled with them more than any of their other friends, demonstrating how someone born of both worlds wasn't all that different from either.
The day Sango and Miroku announced they were having a third child, Inuyasha informed them all of his own news. He had decided to mate Houko, the human he met with Kagome and Sesshōmaru. They were going to stay in her village to be close to her family.
Everything has come full circle.
Kaede's village is the closest to home Kagome has felt in the past few years. She knows Sesshōmaru feels the same. The moment the little huts come into view, he is lifting her into his arms and soaring toward the old woman's home.
A few of the villagers wave as they fly overhead. They've always respected Kagome. Her decision to take Sesshōmaru as her mate speaks volumes of his character. They have welcomed him just as they have his ward.
"Kaede? Rin? We're back," Kagome calls, peeling back the flap to peer inside.
The hut is empty.
"Huh? I wonder where they could be," she muses out loud.
"They are at the monk's house," Sayo, one of Kaede's neighbors, informs them. "I believe the baby has arrived."
"Oh!" Kagome beams excitedly.
"Perhaps, I should remain here," Sesshōmaru says.
"Don't be silly. You love children," she returns, grabbing his hand and leading him to her friend's home.
Kagome hasn't failed to notice the way his gaze lingers on young couples with their families. Pups, kits, cubs, babies, and everything in between— If Sesshōmaru ever had a weakness, it's them. He's putty in their tiny little hands (or paws).
They have been in constant motion, transitioning from place to place without ever talking about what happens after. Obviously, they plan to return to Tokyo, but beyond that, they have never discussed their future, at least not in detail. Kagome knows they should. Sesshōmaru wants a family and she does too someday. Soon, their quest will be over, and 'someday' will become 'today'. They need to be ready for their next adventure.
As they approach Miroku and Sango's hut, there is a flash of light. Both Sesshōmaru and Kagome freeze. They turn in the direction of the source, finding a pale pink tower of light extending up over the treetops.
"The well," Kagome gasps.
"What does it mean?" Sesshōmaru inquires.
"I think— I think it means we've done it," Kagome says, hardly believing the sight. "We changed the future. We saved them."
"You saved them," he insists.
She shakes her head, turning to him. Kagome frames his face with both hands."My mate was with me every step of the way. We did it together. He supported me, defended me, and provided for me. I couldn't have asked for a better partner."
Sesshōmaru leans down, pressing his forehead to hers. "And will you take your mate as your husband?"
Kagome stares at him, stunned by his request. "A-are you proposing?"
"Are you accepting?" he asks, kneeling before her.
She nods, unsure when he had time to get a ring but suddenly he is sliding a silver band onto her finger. It has a sapphire crescent moon at its center and is flanked by amethyst.
"I was not given the opportunity to ask your mother for her blessing on our mating so I took the liberty of obtaining your friend's approval for our marriage," he explains.
Kagome's vision blurs as tears fill her eyes. "You asked Sango and Miroku?"
"As well as the kit, the one-eyed miko, and my brother."
Her throat constricts. She understands how uncomfortable that conversation must have been. No one has ever done as much for her as Sesshōmaru has. He has become more than her mate. He's her best friend, her security blanket, her cheering squad— he is everything she needs and everything she has ever wanted.
"Ah, Kagome, you're back."
Wiping the tears from her eyes, she turns to face Miroku. "Yeah, it's over. We did it."
The monk looks from her to Sesshōmaru. "I suppose congratulations are in order."
"For you as well, it seems," Sesshōmaru replies.
"Hisui was born this morning," Miroku confirms. "Everyone is doing well, though a bit cranky. His sisters won't leave him alone long enough for him to sleep."
"How's Sango?" Kagome asks.
"Tired but happy. Would you like to see her?"
"Just for a bit. I don't want to intrude," she responds.
Kagome and Sesshōmaru follow Miroku into the hut where Sango has her newborn son resting on her chest. She's telling the twins that they need to go outside and play when she sees her guests. "Kagome. Sesshōmaru."
"Uncle Sesshōmaru!" the twins cry, delighted. Their interest shifts automatically to the towering demon lord. He encourages them to join him outside. Miroku goes with him, leaving Kagome alone to visit with her friend.
"He's asked you, then?" Sango surmises with a smile.
"Yes." Kagome holds out her hand.
"Will you stay here?"
"No," she confesses. "It's time for us to return to my time. I was never meant to be here."
"I think you were," her friend tells her solemnly. "Everything happens for a reason, Kagome, whether we understand it or not. We all have our roles to play."
"I am sorry that I won't be able to see this little guy grow up," she replies, gently stroking a finger down Hisui's back.
"You'll always be a part of our lives," Sango vows, "no matter where you go."
"Here," Kagome says, handing her a picture from Sango's wedding. It took a lot of convincing for the villager to use her camera but the result is priceless. The image is of all of them— Miroku, Sango, Shippō, Sōten, Kirara, Jaken, A-Un, Kaede, Kohaku, Rin, Sesshōmaru, and her. "So you'll have something to remember us by."
"I'll miss you," Sango laments.
Kagome hugs her, unsuccessfully trying to suppress a new wave of tears while simultaneously not crushing Hisui.
"Make sure to tell him goodbye," Sango says as she releases her. Kagome knows which him she means. "They arrived just before you did."
Saying farewell to Miroku and the girls is difficult. Kagome doesn't manage to get the words out without shedding a few more tears. Sesshōmaru struggles to bid goodbye to his ward and Kohaku. He doesn't experience the same problem with Jaken. Kaede wishes them luck and happiness.
They stroll out of the village and toward the river bank where Inuyasha is skipping rocks.
"So you're really going back, huh?" he asks.
"We are," Sesshōmaru answers.
"The well may not open again. You'd be stuck living with humans," Inuyasha points out.
"I am aware."
"Right," he scoffs. "Well, then, bye."
"Farewell, Inuyasha," Sesshōmaru says.
Kagome steps toward her friend but he brushes past her to embrace his brother. "I'm going to miss you, ya dumb bastard."
"I will look forward to seeing you again in the modern age," Sesshōmaru returns.
"Yeah, I expect you and Taeha to be at our wedding," Kagome tells him.
"Pfft, dunno why you're bothering with all that. You're already mated," Inuyasha mutters.
"Kagome honored my traditions. I would like to extend the same courtesy to her," Sesshōmaru says.
"Whatever."
"Bye, Inuyasha." Kagome hears her voice crack as she hugs him.
"Bye," he whispers into her hair as he clings to her.
Afterward, she pretends not to notice him wiping his face with the sleeve of his robe.
Their trek to the well is a quiet one. Vines have grown up around the wooden structure, decorating the inconspicuous form in greenery. Kagome pauses before the pit, staring into its depths.
"Do you have any regrets?" Sesshōmaru inquires.
Her answer of 'no' is an honest one.
She wouldn't change a single moment of her life— not the heartbreak she suffered, the numerous wounds, or the instances of fear. It has all led her to this, to standing beside someone who views her as an equal, who treasures her, and who values the same things she does. Kagome couldn't ask for a better life.
"Come," Sesshōmaru beckons her to the well.
With one last glance, Kagome says goodbye to the Feudal Era. She leaves with the knowledge that her friends are safe and happy. There is nothing to tether her here anymore, everything she needs— everything she wants —is ahead of her.
When they arrive on the other side of the well, Tokyo sounds and smells the same but she knows it isn't. Kagome steps out of the well house to a brand new world.
Everything has changed.
A/N: Many thanks to everyone who read, reviewed, and favorited this fic. I appreciate it! Special thanks to my beta, originalone73 for all her help and support.