Author's Note: Thank you for the great reviews! Since I upset my daughter (A huge Inuyasha fan!) with chapter one, I told her chapter two wouldn't be as dark. It meets her approval, so I hope you all like it as well.

Disclaimer: I do not own Inuyasha, his friends, or even his enemies!

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Chapter Two: Kagome's Return

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Kagome had stopped crying and even resolved herself to not think of him again. Not that she was able to keep to that resolve completely, but she was able to move on with her life, somewhat. She was able to study, work on her homework, play with Sota, and even spend some time with her grandfather without getting impatient with his talk of history and things mystic all the time.

Mrs. Higurashi looked after her daughter with concern. Since her return, she had eaten little, and seemed to have lost her spark to living. Kagome didn't tell her everything, but what she wasn't told, a mother could guess. Her daughter wasn't ready to listen to mother's advise or wisdom just yet, so she made sure she felt loved, safe, and secure as this woman child walked her path through her first broken heart.

Though her resolve seemed strong, Kagome felt the overwhelming urge to see him. To cross over to verify he truly was gone. She made daily visits to the well, just to sit on it's lip and wish she had the strength to jump in. She stopped the action from following thought, but it was hard. She even visited the Goshinboku tree. She would look up into its branches and could almost visualize the half-demon lounging on one of its branches, his back against the trunk of the tree. She smiled a sad smile thinking of it.

She wondered what her friends were doing and how they had adjusted to her being gone. She felt sorry she hadn't the chance to say good bye. It had been almost a month since she'd left, and she missed them terribly. She was sure Inuyasha would have told them why she left in such a hurry. She still wished she could have said something to them. 'Poor Shippou. I wonder how he's doing without me.' She thought. Remembering the little kitsune brought tears to her eyes. Angrily she wiped them away. "No more tears!" She whispered to herself sternly.

She stared at the homework on her desk, her mind not working, not registering what she was reading. She looked at the clock. It was nearly two in the morning, and she'd done little in the past two hours. It was definitely time for bed. Wearily she stripped, and tossed her clothes to the corner of the room, and pulled on her pajamas. She moved Buyo to the side of the bed, and lay face down, asleep before her head hit the pillow.

An hour passed, and all was quiet. The figure at her window paused, peering in, not wanting to be seen. He slide the window open easily, and made his way into the room. He stood for a moment, making no noise, inhaling her scent, and tried to still his rapidly beating heart. The cat looked up at him with his all knowing eyes. When the dog-demon posed no threat, the cat lay back down if not quite back to sleep.

Inuyasha cursed himself for doing this. How could he continue to come see her, and still keep his resolve to protect Kikyou? He couldn't help himself. He fought the urge to visit as long as he could, and then snuck over in the deep of the night. He felt the need to see her, to drink in her presence. After each visit he would vow not to come again. As each day passed, his soul would empty slowly, and he felt himself dying inside until the aching urge became overwhelming and he gave in.

Turning, he made his way to the bed the girl slept in. She looked peaceful, if somewhat sad. She was so beautiful, it still caught his breath. He stood staring at her face, almost willing her to wake and catch him. If she ever woke, he knew he could never go back to Kikyou. He looked at the girl's hand resting on the pillow. In her hand, she clasped his subdue-spell rosary beads. He smiled sadly looking at it. He knew his time was drawing short. He had to get back, and find Kikyou again. He leaned close to the girl's ear, and breathed so low as if in a dream from long ago, "I will always love you Kagome." And then he was gone.

Kagome rose the next morning feeling refreshed. She hadn't gotten much sleep, but she felt better than she had in a long while. Mrs. Higurashi was surprised but glad when her daughter arrived at breakfast looking better, and happier than she had in the past month. She was still too sad about her eyes, but she was more like the old Kagome.

There was no school that day, and Kagome planned to spend her time working on her studies; she had been neglecting them terribly, and lounging in front of the TV. Her mother had taken Sota out shopping, and to her friend's house for the afternoon, and her grandfather left to tend to a client. Kagome had the house to herself, and it was too quiet. She gave up studying after an hour, and went to watch TV. The silly show didn't hold her interest, and Kagome wound up wandering around the shrine, touching the old wood and stone. It was comforting in its familiarity. She made her way to the well house, almost against her will. She had no reason to go there, knowing it would make her feel that more alone.

As she descended the steps, she spotted something on the dusty floor. The lighting was bad, so she returned to the house for a flashlight and went back immediately. The light showed a perfect impression of a bare foot in the dust. Kagome's heart thumped. 'Inuyasha? Was he here?' She looked around the well house and didn't see any other prints. She walked back to the house, skirting around the side, she stopped at the tree below her window, and looked at the ground. She couldn't see anything to indicate he had been there. The grass was springy and didn't hold a print. She went back to the well house and sat on the steps staring at the footprint.

'What does this mean? I'm sure the footprint wasn't here the last time I came. In fact, I know mama swept just last week, so it wasn't here then.' Her head spun. What should she do? He had come to see her, but didn't want her to see him. What did that mean?

Without waiting to think about it any more, she headed for the well, and swung over it's side.

The sweet spring air filled her senses as soon as she came through. She felt alive again, and hurriedly climbed the vines leading up to the clearing. She swung herself over and sat, drinking in the beauty of the meadow. Small spring flowers, lush green grasses, trees so vibrant and green. Everything was so alive in this world.

Squashing the slight edge of disappointment she felt that no one was there waiting for her, she hopped off the well and headed for the village. There were so many things she noticed about the walk she'd taken for granted before. All the sights, sounds, and smells. She stopped to pick some pretty pink and white flowers, and to speak with some of the village children out for a day of play. She continued on her journey, not knowing her every move was being watched.

Shippou was the first to see her. He flew into her arms as soon as she came into sight, and cried on her shoulder, calling her name over and over. Kagome was overwhelmed with his grief, and sat down immediately to calm the young kitsune. She held him and talked softly to him. When he seemed to quiet somewhat, she pulled a sucker out of her pocket and handed it to him with a smile. He smiled happily and popped it in his mouth. After scampering to her shoulder, he held tightly to her hair promising to never let go.

Kagome rose to greet the rest of her friends. Sango's hug was warm and inviting. She held no hint of desertion for not visiting sooner. Her eyes reflected the concern for her friend when she saw the sadness about her face, and noticed how much weight she had dropped. Sango hugged her again, and whispered in her ear, "We'll make our way out sometime soon, and talk, you and I." Pulling back, she smiled warmly.

Miroku went to hug her, but at Sango's cough, he merely stopped at clasping her hand. His eyes held no less warmth for her, and happiness with her return. Kagome couldn't help notice, though, he scanned the surrounding area almost eagerly, looking for something before he motioned them all into the hut.

As Kagome chatted on about what she'd been doing since she left, leaving out the painful details of her parting with Inuyasha, and her recovery from the loss, she too found herself looking around for the missing companion. It was apparent the others felt the loss as well, but were perhaps, more use to it. Coming to the end of her tale, she drew a deep breath and asked hesitantly, "Where is Inuyasha? I don't seen him around."

Shippou stopped licking on his sucker and actually hissed. Sango and Miroku looked at each other and then back at Kagome sadly. "Inuyasha hasn't been back here since you left, Kagome-chan." Sango quietly replied. "He came to tell us he sent you home to stay, and he'd be leaving with Kikyou, without us." Her voice belied her quiet words, speaking of the hurt he had caused with his flat emotionless speech.

Miroku placed a comforting hand on her shoulder, and gave Kagome a reassuring smile. "It has been a hard time for us as well. At least we had each other, and were not on our own like you." He added in thought 'and Inuyasha.' He also didn't bring up the fact he was pretty sure the half-demon still came to visit on occasion. He hadn't seen him yet, but sometimes, every once in awhile, he could feel that familiar presence.

"Kagome!!" a hearty voice called from the doorway. The companions looked up to see Kouga. He instantly knelt by her side. "Kagone, when I went to look for you, and found this place only to be told you wouldn't be coming back, my heart died." He picked up her hand, and place a very soft kiss on its back. "I am relieved to know you are here." His eager eyes looked into her face, wanting to see his love and affection returned.

Pulling her hand gently from his grasp, Kagome said softly, "Kouga-kun. It is good to see you as well. You look fit."

The wolf-boy grinned. "Of course I do!" Trying to capture her hand again, he continued, "It's a good thing you kicked that dog-turd out. I had planned to kill him, but this way he'll suffer more." Finally capturing her hand again, he held it up to his lips and stated, "Now you are my woman, and he can't say anything about it."

Shippou ran down her arm and smacked Kouga on the nose, demanding he let go of Kagome before scampering back to the safety behind her hair.

At his talk of Inuyasha, and remembering all those times the two had fought; Kouga declaring his love for her, Inuyasha jealous but not willing to admit anything of the sort, Kagome's face clouded up, and tears began to well in her eyes. She couldn't help it. Just coming here, and being surrounded by all things which reminded her of him, only to find out he wasn't here, broke the emotional barrier she had in place. She couldn't take it any more.

Miroku was instantly on his feet. Never before had he interfered with the fights between Kouga and Inuyasha, as that was for them to work out. Now that Kagome had no one to fight for her, he stood. "Get away from her now, Kouga-sama. You are upsetting her with your talk, and I will not stand for it."

Kouga dropped Kagome's hand, and looked from her to the monk. He'd never before taken the silly human companions seriously and now realized how that could have been a mistake. He turned back to Kagome, and was crushed to see her crying in the heartbreaking way she was. Her other human friend was there, holding onto her, giving her comfort. That kitsune brat hugged her hair, and stroked her cheek. 'What could have I have said that caused this reaction?' he thought. He slowly rose and threw a look at the human male. He looked down at his love, and asked, "What's this all about?"

Miroku sighed. He wasn't sure if he should say anything, and if he did, would it make a difference to the wolf prince? Leaving the girls alone in the hut with Shippou, he motioned Kouga to follow him. Walking a short distance away from the hut, he stopped and began to tell Kouga the story.

The wolf boy followed along with the narrative until the part about Inuyasha demanding Kagome go home and stay there. He grinned. "So, he has given up his claim on the woman!"

Bringing his staff up, Miroku smote Kouga lightly on the head. "Get that notion out of your head now. I will not allow you to attach yourself to Kagome-sama in her present state. If you are still around in a year and a day, and she accepts you, I will not step in the way. But until then, consider me her brother, uncle, father."

Kouga nodded, now serious. "Tell me more about this bitch miko, and that dog turd bastard. Did he say where they were going after Naraku, and what his weakness is?"

The monk shook his head. "I don't think Inuyasha knew. Kikyou does and he is suppose to protect her while she does what she is suppose to do." Seeing the speculative gleam in his eye, Miroku asked, "What are you thinking Kouga-sama?"

Nodding his head slowly, plans forming in his mind, he stated, "I'm going to follow the bastard and be there when Naraku breaths his last. Then I'm going to kill that asshole for hurting my Kagome like that."

Trying not to look too startled, Miroku asked, "How do you purpose to find him?"

"Huh?" The wolf boy asked distractedly. "Oh easy. His scent is fresh. He's been here recently. This morning, or maybe yesterday."

Miroku nodded, hiding his smile. He had thought so, and now it's been confirmed. He cleared his throat. He hated to ask, but they, he and Sango, needed help and knew they couldn't do it themselves. "Kouga-sama, I do have a favor to ask." When he had the wolf youkai's attention, he simply stated, "My partner, Sango and I, have been hunting for Naraku as long as you have, if not longer. We too, would like to at least be there when he meets his end. I would ask if we could accompany you in your search."

Kouga looked at the young man in front of him. Never before had he been around humans much. But working with Kagome, and in his run ins with Inuyasha and his gang, he found he liked the idea of having his own 'gang' and one not made up of only wolves. Since there were two members of his pack left, he felt the need to take on more. He grinned as he imagined the look on that dog bastard's face when he saw that he, Kouga, not only had his woman, but the gang he abandoned as well.

"I want to start right away tracking Inuyasha. Can you be ready before dark?" Kouga was already making plans for his new pack. He was beginning to feel like a leader again, and not aimlessly wandering around lost.

Miroku nodded. "We can be. I'll start now." he turned to go back in the hut when Kouga stopped him.

"Kagome stays here. I don't want her near that fucking bastard again." He announced in a low growl.

Glancing over his shoulder, the monk saw how serious the wolf boy was. He nodded. "I was going to ask her to stay. I do not think she is ready for traveling, and she should not run into Inuyasha for some time. That wound needs to heal first." Seeing nothing more come from Kouga, Miroku entered the hut.

Kagome lay on one of the sleeping pallets in the corner of the room. She had stopped crying, but her sorrow and pain now filled the place. Shippou lay by her head, his tail curled around her neck as he spoke softly to her.

Sango rose when Miroku entered. They went to the other side of the hut, thankful Kaede's duties had taken her out of the village for the time being. "How is she? Did she say why she broke down so suddenly?" Miroku asked quietly.

Sango looked over her shoulder at the girl before turning back to the monk. "Houshi-sama, she claims she found Inuyasha's footprint in her time near her house. He's been visiting her." Her expression turned hard. "I swear, if he continues to hurt her, I will kill him myself."

Putting his arm around her shoulder, Miroku nodded. "He has a habit of doing that doesn't he." He looked down at the girl beside him before continuing, "Kouga confirmed something I suspected for awhile now, Inuyasha is coming back here for visits as well. That's not all." He quickly filled the girl in on what he'd discussed and their plans. Sango nodded after looking back at Kagome.

"Do you think we should try to have her return to her time before we leave?" hating the idea of abandoning her friend when she needed them.

Miroku looked at Kagome for a moment. "Let's wait and see, and then give her the choice. But Kouga is right, she cannot come with us, and she cannot see Inuyasha again." Sango sighed and nodded.

"Do you think he realizes how stupid he's been?"

The monk hesitated before replying. He remembered Inuyasha on the night he made his decision, and how torn he was. "I think he knew how stupid his decision was the night he made it. He just can't let go until that old score is settled and he can move on. He has one more reason to see Naraku to his death."

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The night came quietly creeping in, the blush of darkness covering the land, enclosing the village. Kagome lay in her sleeping bag, absently petting the sleeping kitsune laying on her stomach. She thought of the past few hours and what her new life, her new world would bring.

Kaede had returned a short time after Kouga left. She didn't seem surprised to see that Kagome had returned. She welcomed the young miko as she always did, knowing the girl needed to speak with her and willing to wait until the others left.

Kagome's tears dried up, and her depression lifted as she developed her own plans for her future. She clung to the idea she was still needed in this time, this era, and she wasn't going to leave until she found out why. She felt her idea strengthen when she learned of Sango and Miroku's plans to join with Kouga and his pack to hunt down Naraku. Miroku didn't add that Kouga planned to use Inuyasha's trail to do so, or what the wolf boy stated he would do once the half-demon was in sight.

The friends parted in the clearing before the well just as the sun started to dip in the sky. Kagome agreed she should not go with them. Her heart wasn't in this hunt. She assured her friends they did need to go, and gave them warm smiles and hugs to convince them.

Kouga and the two remaining members of his pack arrived. He immediately went to Kagome's side. He picked up her hands, but dropped them instantly at Miroku's warning look. He tried to behave himself, and to give the girl the respect being demanded of him. "Kagome. I know you are hurting now, and I swore I would leave you to recover from that hurt." He looked sullenly at the monk. "But I ask for your permission to visit with you when I can." He asked softly, pleadingly.

Kagome smiled at the wolf prince. "Kouga-kun, you are my friend. You are welcome to come see me whenever you can. And thank you." When he looked at her questioningly, she continued, "Thank you for respecting my feelings. I appreciate that." She gave him another soft smile.

He grinned in return and held himself back from kissing her like his instincts urged him to. He looked at the human male and smirked. 'You forcing me to back off just might bring her closer to me, human.' He thought, and began to feel pleased with himself. It might take longer than he wanted to finally make Kagome his woman, but he was going to wait that time out as patiently as he could.

Growling, he turned from the woman child, and without making introductions between his new pack, snapped, "Let's go! We're wasting time." He took off with the remaining pack trailing behind him.

Miroku and Sango paused for only a moment. They were both on Kirara in order to keep up with the speedy wolf. They looked down at Kagome, and called out goodbyes to her and Shippou before they too took off.

Kagome and Shippou sat on the well's edge for a few long moments before she finally sigh and climbed to her feet. "Shippou-chan, it's just you and me now." He grinned up at her as she continued. "I need to go to my time for a few minutes. Will you be okay by yourself?"

Shippou was happy. Never had he spent time with Kagome all by himself. He nodded his head eagerly and said, "I'll be right here waiting for you. Don't worry about anything." She smiled at him before dropping down into the well.

That had been several hours ago, Kagome thought shifting slightly in her sleeping bag. She had come back and they had returned to the hut. Kagome had half formed a plan, but she needed help in completing it, and Kaede was the only who could.

After they had finished eating dinner, the old miko looked over the fire at Kagome, and asked, "Girl, what troubles you so? Are you ready to tell Kaede?"

Kagome nodded as tears threatened to fall from her eyes. She took a deep breath and began. "You know about Inuyasha and Ki... Kikyou, right?" At the woman's nod, she continued, "I have tried to harden my heart against him, against what I feel for him, but I cannot. I still love him as much as I always have." She bowed her head, hands running over the sleeping Shippou. "I think that my love for him is a part of who I am, and it will never leave, no matter what." She stopped again, her voice threatening to choke.

"I agree, child. The love you hold for Inuyasha is strong. The love he holds for you is strong. This love will cross whatever will come, and all will be right in the end." The old woman looked hard at the girl. "But you aren't here to tell me of your love. You wish something else?"

With startled eyes, Kagome looked up at Kaede. She nodded mutely and began to speak, "I want to learn how to use my... my miko powers."

"What for?"

"Wha..?" Kagome began, not sure why she asked.

"What do you want to develop your powers for? What good will doing so bring?" The old woman asked roughly.

Kagome thought for a moment. Her first thought was so she could be as good or better than Kikyou. She knew that wasn't the real reason. Since her powers had awoke those two years ago, she had felt them stirring, becoming more and more restless. The fact she never could use them except when her life, or someone dear to her was being threatened, made her believe her powers were weak. She had to know. "I guess… no, I'm sure it's because I can feel it, I can feel it growing. Before it felt like it slept, and it took something great, something dangerous to wake it up for use. I'm not afraid exactly, but I have a need to control it, and make it work for the benefit of all." She had been looking into her lap, speaking softly, when she finished she looked up at the old woman. "You know what I mean?"

Kaede's look soften on the girl woman. "Aye, child, I know." She looked out the window and rose stiffly to her feet. "It's been many years ago since I felt that calling. It won't be long before I go to the beyond, and it's about time I pass on my knowledge to my successor." She walked over to Kagome and patted the top of her head gently. "Get yourself to bed, and rest. We'll begin in the morning." And then went to her futon to sleep.

Kagome lay alone with her thoughts. She wondered what her friends were up to; where they were. She wondered where Inuyasha was. "Inuyasha…" she breathed softly into the darkness of the hut. "Inuyasha be safe… be happy." Only then could she allow herself to drift off to sleep.

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In a tree, a good many miles from the old village and the old woman's hut, the half demon sat staring up at the sky. His mood had been dark and dangerous all day. He had arrived back from his visit to Kagome's time after daybreak, meaning Kikyou saw him sneaking back into her hut. She didn't say anything, but the look she gave him set him on edge, making him feel as though he had betrayed her again.

Inuyasha lost in his thoughts, his thoughts of Kagome, wondering how she was doing, what she was doing, and if she still thought of him. His eyes drooped, and he dropped into a light sleep. As if in a dream, he could see her, see her face staring up at the night, and hear her words float softly through the air, "Inuyasha be safe, be happy." He smiled, and feeling comforted, drifted into deeper sleep.

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