Tons of love to y'all for reading, following, favoriting, reviewing...you are all awesome. I think I've replied to everyone who has reviewed, but since I can't reply to guests, a quick thank you to CL and Tolazytologin for your reviews as well!

Without further ado, chapter four:

Quotes:

"Great heroes need great sorrows and burdens, or half their greatness goes unnoticed. It is all part of the fairy tale."
–Peter S. Beagle, The Last Unicorn

"Life is pain, Highness. Anyone who says differently is selling something."
–The Dread Pirate Roberts, The Princess Bride (1987)

"Trying to escape, miko? Tsk-tsk, that won't do. Not when I've finally gotten you alone."

Tentacles shot out from Naraku and began wrapping around her, binding her arms and legs and rendering her immobile. The bloodied and broken bodies of her friends lay nearby, and with more anger and grief than fear motivating her, she struggled violently, though the effort was futile.

"That's so much better. Now…" Naraku's lips curved upward, the stomach-churning, sinister smile hinting at the unpleasantness to come.

No!

Kagome thrashed and clawed her way to consciousness.

Panting, she found herself soaked in sweat and tangled in her sheets. She flung them off, sat up, and pressed her face into her hands, choking back tears and willing her heart rate to slow. Her normally cozy apartment felt so very, very empty and she so very alone. At times like these, she questioned her decision to move out of the shrine house. But would that have really mattered? In the quiet dark of night, she still would've felt alone even with people in the house around her.

She dreamed of them often—her Sengoku-era friends, her enemies, mere acquaintances who'd endeared themselves to her.

Occasionally, the dreams were only images, like flipping through a photo album or viewing a movie reel with no sound.

Sometimes, like just now, they were nightmares, horrific scenarios crafted by a twisted subconscious that tortured her both in sleep and when she awoke.

And other nights, they were memories of the times shared with those she'd journeyed with, memories she held dear.

Inuyasha's headstrong exuberance and often feigned annoyance with their little group, which he valued greatly as friends even if he rarely admitted it. Shippō's mischievous antics and pranks—usually directed at Inuyasha—but also his youthful sweetness and optimism. Sango's fierce determination and passion, and how her emotions, positive and negative, were felt so deeply, so intensely, yet often carefully hidden beneath her warrior exterior. Miroku, with his steadfast loyalty and occasionally questionable morals, not to mention wandering hands, who was equally capable of being the voice of reason or the source of mischief.

Sesshōmaru, Rin, Jaken, Kaede, Kōga, and so many others… And hell, she was even thankful for the memories of Kikyō, astonishingly enough.

Though, I suppose that's not being entirely fair. Things did get better…a little.

During the final parts of their journey, Kikyō had softened fractionally, her icy exterior thawing. She was never really what Kagome would call warm, but she at least was no longer aloof and spiteful.

Even when they held hints of sadness, she clung fast to those remembrances, wouldn't trade them for anything.

Memories were a double-edge sword, however, and there was no guarantee her slumbering mind wouldn't dredge up the really bad ones to star in her dreams. So sometimes, she was forced to relive traumas that no one, let alone a fifteen-year-old, should ever have had to cope with.

Like finding Inuyasha after Kikyō died, so broken with grief and rage she'd barely recognized him.

Then, the heartache and agony had overshadowed the rage, and he had simply looked lost, a shell of his former self.

Seeing him like that had made the decision for her first two wishes a no-brainer.

Sure, she'd still loved him then, but it had softened to the poignant acceptance of an unrequited love, yet without any resentment. She had purely wanted him to be happy.

She had not begrudged Inuyasha and Kikyō their happiness. At the same time, she couldn't escape the hollowness she had felt, still felt. Would she someday find someone who would put her first? Who would make her his priority?

Even if you did…would you let yourself love him, knowing you'll likely outlive him and have to watch him die?

"Okay, that's quite enough of that…" Kagome chastised herself out loud, refusing to let herself wallow in her memories and dwell on things that were no more, not when she desperately needed rest. She grabbed a blanket off the foot of her bed and trudged to the small sofa in her tiny living room, deciding that for tonight, her bed was clearly not conducive to peaceful sleep.

She turned on the TV and was grateful to find a movie on that she'd seen a dozen times already. With the volume to just audible enough and her knowing what was happening without even really watching, it wasn't long before her eyelids drooped and she drifted to sleep.

Later that day—Friday—after finally getting at least a couple hours of sleep and attending her morning classes, she'd gone to the library.

Seated in the reference section of the library, Kagome jotted down some notes and flipped the page, suppressing the urge to make a face at yet another grotesque illustration.

Pre-Byron-inspired vampires are so gross.

For her "Folklore and Mythology in Popular Culture" class, they were working on mythology in present-day media and researching their origins, or suspected origins. Much to Kagome's dismay, rather than allowing them to choose the topic, their instructor had assigned them at random, and she'd wound up with vampires.

And contrary to any tall, dark, and sparkly depictions in present day, vampire lore traced its roots to likely being an explanation for decomposition—quintessential traits such as paleness, extended fangs and fingernails, and blood around the mouth were all normal for the progression of a corpse's decay. This made for particularly un-sexy creatures, more akin to zombies.

She much preferred the Fae lore and similar myths she'd been working on in her "Intro to Celtic Myth and Folklore" course.

The reference section was quiet, as always, but Kagome couldn't help but be happy she'd started this during daylight hours. Between the yurei stories she'd been reading for her independent study and the vampires, she'd have managed to freak herself out doing this at night.

Not that it would have been the first time…

She continued going through the book and taking down notes occasionally when she heard movement behind her. She glanced back, yet nothing was there.

Weird. Or my imagination and too many creepy things in my research today…

She went back to reading, and then she heard it.

A voice behind her whispered in a low, ominous tone, "Kaaaaagooooomeeeee…"

Kagome whirled around in time to see a figure pop out from one of the bookshelf aisles.

A muffled squeak slipped past her lips as she tried to stifle the startled screech.

"Damnit, Natsumi-chan, you seriously scared the shit out of me," Kagome hissed as her friend and former roommate, Torii Natsumi, collapsed on the floor next to her, giggling.

When Natsumi finally regained control of herself, she stood and fisted her hands on her hips, facing Kagome and mock frowning.

"You are in trouble!" Natsumi scolded. "You haven't returned my calls or texts in weeks. Months!"

Guilt flooded Kagome. "I'm sorry… I've just been—"

"Busy. I know, I know." Natsumi dropped into a chair next to her and leaned in close. "But did it occur to you that I might have something important to tell you?"

Kagome eyed her friend. "Well?"

Natsumi's expression grew impishly feline, matching her unusual catlike blue eyes. "Hmm… Nope! You have to earn it."

Kagome widened her eyes incredulously. "Huh? You can't leave me hanging like that!"

Natsumi laughed. "I can, and I will. Serves you right for avoiding me!" She bit her lip, appearing to think on something and then nodded to herself. "Sooo… To earn it, you have to have dinner with me one night next week."

She opened her mouth to make an excuse, and her friend interrupted, saying, "No weaseling out, Kagome-chan. It's happening."

Kagome rolled her eyes. There was no winning with Natsumi when she was like this.

Natsumi glanced at her watch and stood. "Well, I've got to get to class. I'll text you, and we will figure out one night that works best, maybe Tuesday or Wednesday."

She smiled and waved good-bye, both of which Kagome returned before shaking her head once Natsumi was gone. Even when they were roommates freshman and sophomore year, she'd been easygoing and cheerful, and Kagome was still a little surprised how understanding Natsumi had been about her aloofness and quasi-antisocial behavior.

Kagome recalled one morning when she'd woken from a particularly horrific nightmare to Natsumi gently stroking her hair. Kagome had scooted away instantly, the contents of the dream lingering and causing her to react without thinking.

Natsumi smiled a little sadly. "It's okay, Kagome-chan. I know what it's like to have nightmares. It's not real. You're awake now."

Kagome rubbed her arms, chilled from the sweat-dampened clothes and sheets. "Sorry if I woke you up," she said stiffly. She felt really awkward about the whole thing.

Natsumi shook her head, her ever-present glossy black ponytail swaying slightly. "I've been up for about thirty minutes. You're fine. Look, why don't you get dressed, and I'll make some hot tea to warm you up?"

Kagome nodded, wondering why this girl who barely knew her was being so very kind.

Once she'd changed, Natsumi pressed a cup of steaming tea into her hands. "Careful, it's pretty hot."

"Why are you being so nice?"

Natsumi cocked her head in confusion. "Why wouldn't I be? You're my friend."

Friend. Had she done anything to deserve such friendship? For the most part, she'd been distant and morose since they'd started rooming together a few months prior.

Natsumi reached out and patted her arm, a tiny sympathetic smile appearing when Kagome flinched.

It had been a really bad dream.

"I know you don't want to talk about it. Won't talk about it. But…" Natsumi's normally sunny expression grew clouded, and she averted her eyes momentarily. Then she looked back up and met Kagome's gaze. "I know what it's like to go through something traumatic. Not all scars are visible."

Something about Natsumi's persistent compassion, combined with the fact that the girl never once pried, chipped away at the wall Kagome had erected between herself and the rest of the world. It didn't fix the faint numbness she felt, nor did it erase the hollow emptiness inside from the loss of her Sengoku-era friends, but she knew now it had been a miniscule step toward healing.

Healing… Whatever that means, she thought bitterly. She doubted healing completely was even actually possible, especially given the supposed nature of the Sacred Jewel's curse.

The buzzing of her phone drew her from her gloomy introspection, and when she looked at it, she was surprised to see two texts from her mom, rather than Natsumi as she'd assumed it would be.

Mama: Hi sweetie! I know you're busy with classes, but call me when you get a chance.
Mama: It isn't an emergency - I have a small favor to ask.

Between Natsumi's interruption and now her curiosity over her mother's favor, Kagome's focus was shot. She elected to make copies of the sections from the reference books she needed and then headed home. On her way, she called her mom.

Her mother answered on the second ring, and Kagome said, "Hey, Mama, got your text. What's up?"

"Oh, Kagome! You didn't have to rush to call me."

"It's fine, Mama. You said you needed a favor?"

She heard her mom exhale audibly, as though she were uncomfortable. "I don't think Leo is coming back."

Leo was the cat they'd adopted after Buyo had passed away two years ago, since both her mother and grandfather liked having a cat at the shrine to keep away any unwanted pests. Kagome also suspected her mother just liked having a cat.

Approximately five weeks ago, Leo had gone missing, and they hadn't seen hide nor hair of him since. They'd searched for him and put up flyers, to no avail. Kagome knew he certainly wasn't mistreated, so she didn't think he'd run away. She speculated some jerk without any sense of decency had snatched him.

She sighed. Her mother's since of finality to his disappearance made her chest ache. "I'm sorry, Mama. I know you loved him. We all did."

"We did… But the other reason I wanted to talk to you… Your grandfather and Sōta both have said they've seen a rat or large mouse on the property…so…"

"Hmm…if it had just been jii-chan, that would be one thing, but Sōta too?"

"Yes. So I think we need another cat. I can't stand the thought of a rodent infestation."

Kagome shuddered and agreed wholeheartedly. "Me neither. So would it be correct to assume your favor is you would like me to look into getting you another cat?"

She could hear the smile in her mother's voice. "It would be such a help if you could. Who knows, maybe you could find yourself a furry friend…"

A-ha. So that's why she wants me to look into it.

"Mama, we've talked about this…"

"I know, but I just think you wouldn't be nearly as lonely with a cat."

Kagome sighed. "I'll think about it. But I will let you know what I find out and if I find a cat for you."

They said their farewells, and Kagome hung up. Then, once she'd gotten to her apartment and set down her stuff, she flopped on her bed and texted Natsumi to see if she might know anyone who had a cat needing a home.

Almost instantly her phone chimed.

Natsumi: Is something wrong? Are you sick? YOU'RE texting me?!
Kagome: Ha ha very funny -_- Seriously though… Mom needs a new cat at the shrine

There was a pause, and then her phone chimed again.

Natsumi: There's a cat sanctuary opening up the beginning of next week in Ukiyoe Town, a couple blocks from First Street. You free Wednesday? I'll go with you…dinner after?

Kagome sent back a thumbs-up and asked what time.

Natsumi: No class that day so I'm free whenever…can you meet me? First Street's pretty close to my house
Kagome: class till 11:45 and then a meeting with my independent study professor—text you when I'm done? and sure send me the address

Natsumi replied with a thumbs-up and the address for the cat sanctuary.

Kagome then texted her mom to let her know both that she'd found a possible avenue for adopting a new cat as well as the fact that she'd be home tomorrow morning and staying the night. She liked to help out at the shrine a couple times a month, even though her family insisted she didn't need to. Plus she had to go tomorrow anyway to meet the Keikain person there and get her research materials.

I hope there's something about Miroku and Sango…

Her chest hurt, literally, and she rubbed the heel of her palm against it. Hopefully it wouldn't be one of the bad episodes, where all she could do was curl into the fetal position and pray the pain went away quickly.

Yet another one of those things she'd learn to deal with after being cursed, though thankfully not as frequently as it had been when she first returned.

Lying on her bed with her hands pressed to her heart, exhausted from little rest the night before, Kagome fell asleep and dreamed—not of Naraku or her friends from the Sengoku era, but rather of a nameless young man who shifted back and forth between appearances. One with warm brown eyes and bicolored brown and black hair, the other with crimson eyes and long, gravity-defying white and black hair.

Unbeknownst to Kagome, far north of her in the village of Tōno, that very same young man, who had managed to temporarily evade his trainer to catch a short catnap, was dreaming of her too.

Author's Note:

1. lara5170 brought up something I wanted to touch on briefly (thank you again, by the way!)—Kagome is not immortal, and she is (at the present time) aging normally. Whether that will continue…remains to be seen. In this 'verse, yokai are not immortal, yet very long-lived, and they do age, though very little and very slowly. For an example, see Gyūki, who is over 1000 years old and doesn't look that much different than he did when Nurarihyon first met Yōhime. Nurarihyon—at least in my interpretation—seems to have aged more drastically than the others due to Hagoromo Gitsune ripping out (and eating…ew…) his heart. It's also possible it was due to her curse, but that wouldn't explain it lasting after the curse was broken. Though his ability to use his Fear to temporarily regain his youthful form adds more questions... Anyway...that's neither here nor there. I do not want to give too much away about Kagome (we'll get there, I promise), but for now you can assume that she has aged as one normally would, so her physical age matches her numerical age at this time.

2. I greatly appreciate your patience while you wait for Rikuo and Kagome's next meeting. Groundwork still being laid, just a little bit more and we'll be there. I assure you…they'll be meeting again before too long.

3. As I mentioned last chapter, I'm going on vacation this coming week and won't be able to update for a couple weeks. But barring any unforeseen circumstances, I should have the next chapter up by the 17th or 18th. Of course, now that I've said that…I anticipate my muse giving me the finger and disappearing. Keep your fingers crossed, folks, and send her offerings. I reckon she likes sweets and Irish whiskey. Oh and reviews make her happy too ;-)