She heard no sound, she felt nothing. A-am I dead ? Kagome thought fearfully. Slowly, she placed her hands over her body and felt solidness covered by a soft material. My school uniform .. okay, I'm not dead. Where .. am .. I .. ? Kagome cracked a reluctant eye opened and saw herself deep inside the Bone-Easter's Well. Where am I ? Am I at home ? Kagome automatically placed her hand on the shard that was hanging from her neck. Wasn't I holding it a minute ago ? Kagome wondered as she looked at the wells' walls. She nothing but hard stone cold walls. A crying feeling washed over her as she laid her hand on the walls. " W-where are the vines that use to be here ? " Kagome whispered, her body shaking.
Memories from the first day she traveled to Feudal Japan came over her like a sledge hammer. She remembered herself climbing up from vines and seeing butterflies soar above her. Where were they ? Kagome felt her heart break as she heard a familiar voice call her name. S-Souta. No, maybe it's Shippou .. Kagome thought, as she bit her lip from crying. But the hope of that erased when she heard her Grandpa came out complaining about his stomach.
I didn't go back to Feudal Japan. I knew it. What the heck was jewel doing ? Kagome let out a soft cry as she watched Souta bent his over the well.
" Hey Kagome, what're you doing down there ? Didn't you seal the well ? " Souta asked, cocking his head to one side. " Come on out, your friends just came. Did you tell them or something that you were .. better ?" Souta smirked arrogantly, but frowned immediately as he saw his sister lower her head. Guilt came over the little boy as he watched crystals of liquid drop from her face.
" Sorry, sis. I was joking. See you ! " Souta cried and rushed away to play with his figurines.
Souta's voice echoed through the well, as Kagome stood there motionless. She was not angry at Souta, she was sure. But why did he sound so much like Inuyasha ? Kagome thought as she jerked her up to the temple's ceiling. Tears flowed freely down her face as she heard Eri's voice calling out to Kagome.
I love you, Inuyasha. Forever and always. Kagome sniffed back a tear, took a deep breath and climbed out of the well. Just in time as her friends burst in.
" Kagome ! Oh my god, how's England-transported-very-acute-British-flu ? Can you get up ? Can you talk ? " All her friends babbled at once, as Kagome stared at them like they were nuts.
" Oh yeah ! Yeah, much better .. " Kagome bit her lip as the thought of Inuyasha flashed into her mind. She tried to shake it out, but Sango, Shippou, Miroku and everybody else back at Feudal Japan came sliding right after. As Kagome was held into this painful trance, her friends cocked their heads, " Kagome ? "
Kagome jumped as she heard Yuka's voice, " Uh, yeah ? Sorry, the flu .. um .. side effects. Yeah .. so what're you guys doing here ? "
" Well, DUH ! " Eri shouted, as she always does, " VISTING YOU, HELLO ! Your mom says you're well now, since it's a Saturday, the girls and I decided to take you .. " Eri paused as all the girls lifted out proud credit cards, " SHOPPING ! "
The girls cheered as they wrapped their arms around Kagome's shoulder and dragged her outside. Kagome loved shopping with her friends, but not today. Probably not ever.
As they left, a bright light inside caught Kagome's eye. She glanced back, but saw nothing but the darkness of the well. Must be my imagination. Well, here comes a new life ..
As the girls stomped inside the mall and rushed into store from store, Ayumi paused and waited for Kagome, who was slowly dragging her feet after them.
Ayumi up to Kagome and examined her face with concern, " Kagome ? Are you okay ? Is your flu back ? "
Kagome faced Ayumi painfully, trying to put a smile on, " Nah, just .. thinking. About. Stuff. " Kagome stuttered out, as Ayumi stared at her.
" It's that jealous boyfriend of yours, isn't it ? " Ayumi demanded, as her face turned angry.
Kagome jerked her head up from the view of her shoes to Ayumi's sharp voice. " Ayumi .. he's not my boyfriend. "
" But you said .. "
" I lied. And you don't understand. He's not crazy or psycho. It's just like, a different world out there. Violence and things .. " Kagome explained as her heart began to pain. It's s hard to lie. Especially to Ayumi. Kagome thought as her heart pained more.
" Oh. Well, theres always Houjou. " Ayumi brightened up as she mentioned Houjou's name.
Kagome smiled at Ayumi meekly before looking at her shoes again, " I don't like him. At all. " Kagome whispered honestly.
" Come on, Kagome ! You seem so hurt from your jealous bo .. friend. You have to get over him ! And besides, Houjou really likes you. I heard him telling his friend over at Math Class when you were away. " Ayumi winked at Kagome, who looked surprised.
Raising her head from her shoes, her eyes widened, " But Ayumi, I really don't like him. Really, really. For a friend, yes. Boyfriend, get away. " Kagome emphasized her last sentence by backing away from Ayumi.
" Aw Kagome. This guy of yours you like, seems to care, cause he's all jealous and stuff. But you mentioned another girl he had to pay debt back to. He'll probably choose her, cause he sounds all arrogant. Arrogant people have to keep their promises or there pride level will drop down to zero. It's hard to accept, but it's like that. But he seems to like you, cause he always takes so long to decide who to choose right ? " Ayumi said as she gave Kagome a smile.
Kagome stared at Ayumi with wide eyes, " You .. are .. amazing .. Ayumi. " Kagome gasped as she burst out laughing.
Ayumi started to laugh to as she and Kagome ran to catch up to the other girls. Maybe what Ayumi said was true. Kagome thought, as hope began to rise within her. I love Inuyasha. Too bad for Kikyou, cause Kagome's in the way ! Kagome giggled as she ran. But her face clouded over as she remembered that the well was sealed. Oh well. It's the thought that counts. Kagome smiled timidly to herself and joined her friends in their shopping frenzy. She was going to move on. To a new life. New life." HEY HIGURASHI ! " a voice called after Kagome. Kagome stopped walking as she ignored her friends tittering. Kagome gave a pleading look at Ayumi, and Ayumi quickly pushed Eri and Yuka away.
Houjou approached Kagome with that same calm smile and ran his fingers through his wavy brown hair, " Higurashi. How's that flu of yours ? That England .. "
Kagome held up a hand, " Yeah I'm fine, thanks. " Kagome gave him a small smile as Houjou's eyes lightened up.
" Hey, since you're all better and before you come up with any more illnesses, you wanna go to the movies with me ? "
Kagome froze. She could hear Eri and Yuka gasped and Ayumi couldn't help herself either. Kagome stood there as she looked at her shoes, trying not to blush. I CAN'T HOUJOU, I DON'T LIKE YOU LIKE YOU THINK I DO ! I LOVE INUYASHA, BUT I CAN'T EVER SEE HIM AGAIN, CAN'T YOU SEE ?!?! Kagome wanted to scream. But she bit her tongue, as she fumbled words out fast, " Well, I don't know, Houjou .. I .. " Kagome froze as she received a poke on the limbs. She turned around and saw Ayumi looking at her, like ' do it. Get over your ex boyfriend ' look. Kagome sighed and gave Houjou her fakest smile she could put on, " Sure Houjou. What time ? "
" YES ! " her friends squealed as Houjou blushed. Kagome sighed deeply and the last bit of happiness from her face drained away. She could feel a comforting hand on her shoulder, and Kagome thanked Ayumi. She's right, I have to get over Inuyasha. No matter how much it hurts. Kagome sighed again and looked at Houjou, who was grinning from ear to ear. " Really Higurashi ? You'd come ? "
" Yes, Houjou. " Kagome tried not to sound annoyed, but she totally was. Does he have to make it harder for her ?
" Okay ! Hm, seven o clock ? " Houjou glanced at Kagome's uncomfortable face, " Er, you could bring a friend and her date if you want. I don't mind. "
Kagome snapped her head up, her eyes widened, " Yeah I am gonna. " Kagome quickly turned to Ayumi before any of the girls could ask, " Ayumi, come with me. " Kagome looked desperately in Ayumi's eyes and squeezed her hands
Ayumi smiled as she watched Houjou lose the twinkle in his eyes behind Kagome. " Are you sure, Kagome ? "
" YES ! " Kagome almost shouted and Ayumi nodded, happy that Kagome would choose her out of the rest.
" Okay then. Houjou, we'll see you at seven, pick us up. Bye ! " Kagome grabbed Ayumi by the wrist and ran for it.
" What's the rush ? " Ayumi asked, as she gasped for breath.
" Anywhere. I can't stand his face, Ayumi ! " Kagome cried out guilty as her voice cracked.
" WHAT ?! Kagome, that's so mean ! " Ayumi cried, shocked.
Kagome closed her eyes as she continued to run into people. I'm sorry, Houjou. It's just .. why did you have to look so much like Inuyasha that time ?
Kagome sighed as she dabbed the last bit of blush on her cheeks. " I don't get why I have to wear makeup. I hate makeup. " Kagome looked down guiltily. Or Inuyasha hated makeup.
" EW ! What're you wearing, wench ? It's hideous on you ! I hate it ! " Inuyasha scowled as he saw Kagome appear from the well.
Kagome blushed a furious red as she smeared the makeup on her cheek, " I-I was just playing around. Forgot to wash it off, ha .. ha .. " Kagome turned around as she blushed deeper. She hadn't meant it to be played. She thought it would impress Inuyasha. Maybe not.
Inuyasha rolled his eyes and turned around, " Feh, get on. When we get back to the willage, you're washing it off, whether you like it or NOT ! " Inuyasha growled as Kagome climbed on his back.
As Inuyasha sped off from the well, Kagome laid her head on his back and cried.
" KAGOME ! " a voice rang into her ears.
" Huh ? Wha .. ? " Kagome snapped to attention and automatically bent down to get her arrows.
Kagome's hands felt nothing but her carpet and noticed Ayumi staring at her strangely. " Uh .. sorry Ayumi what did you say ? "
" What are you doing, Kagome .. ? " Ayumi asked but as interrupted by a loud honk outside.
" They're here, lets go ! " Kagome breathed a sigh or relief as she dragged Ayumi downstairs. " So whose your date, you didn't even tell me ! " Kagome said, hoping Ayumi revert to her question back upstairs.
" Oh .. he's that new guy that came. His name is Hyaku. He's got that pretty blonde hair and baby blue eyes. I just hate him, he's cuter than me ! " The girls laughed as they said their goodbyes and went outside.
Kagome saw Houjou and Ayumi's date get out of the car. Hey, he IS cute. Kagome smiled at Ayumi, whose legs were about to melt. But not as cute as .. Kagome froze as she felt a gentle arm on her shoulder. Looking up, she saw Houjou smiling at her. The moonlight bounced off his round face, and showed all his handsome features. His eyes were big and brown, shining with hope, looking only at Kagome. His smile radiated and showed a set of perfectly white teeth a smile that could melt any girls' heart. Except Kagome. Not as cute as .. Houjou. Kagome forced herself to think, but she grimaced as she thought it. Fortunately, Houjou didn't notice and lead her to the car next to Ayumi.
Houjou let Kagome in the front seat next to him as Ayumi and Hyaku slipped into the back seat. Houjou started the engine and sped down the empty driveway, as Ayumi and Hyaku snapped their heads back, surprised at the sudden speed. Except Kagome wasn't affected. In fact, she found the ride quite slow, compared to her rides on Inuyasha's back. Kagome sighed sadly as she thought about the hanyou and Houjou noticed.
" Too fast for you, Kagome ? " Houjou smiled at her as he slowed down.
Kagome tried not to roll her eyes. It was obvious Houjou never drove so fast. " No Houjou. It's just fine. " Kagome said flatly, as she tried not to feel irritated at the boy. He's just trying to impress you. Not a biggie. Don't get mad, don't get mad .. Kagome snapped her head to Houjou, " I've rode faster. " she blurted out.
Ayumi stared at her like she went bananas, and Hyaku raised his eyebrows. Houjou looked a bit taken aback, but quickly recovered with a smile. " Of course. "
What does he mean by that ? Kagome thought, as she turned her head to the window.
" Looks like your girl's not impressed, Houjou ! " Hyaku teased from the back before he received a punch by Ayumi on the shoulder.
Kagome saw Houjou blush but ignored it. Houjou smiled secretively, " She will be. "
Oh gods, more moves ? Oh well .. at least he's trying. Even though he's making me dislike the boyfriend thing with him more and more .. Kagome thought, as she sighed.
A few minutes past, and the car was silent. Except the occasional giggling in the backseat. Kagome peered behind her and saw Hyaku casually put his arm around Ayumi. Ayumi blushed but leaned on his chest. Kagome smiled at them, wishing it as her and a certain someone. Dream on, Kagome.
Houjou saw Kagome's expression to Ayumi and Hyaku and smiled. Thinking that was what she want, he started to reach over to her. Except Houjou was driving, which made it a lot difficult to reach Kagome. Kagome saw his hand coming and quickly shift in her seat, making Houjou retreat until she settled down. As she stop squirming, he tried again. He put his hand on her leg as he drove, and Kagome looked at him. What is up with him ? As Kagome watched him smile as he continued to look straight ahead.
Houjou took Kagome's look as an invitation to go on and patted her leg. This is SO not Houjou. Kagome thought as she squirmed uncomfortably. I wish he'd go back normal instead of trying to impress me, because it's really not working.
As they arrived at the movies, Houjou tried to drape his arm over Kagome's shoulder. Kagome casually walked away from Houjou, pretending to look at something on the wall. Houjou looked frustrated so he trailed after her. He stood next to Kagome looking at the ' GONE WITH THE WIND ' poster. Kagome peered at it, and for a second she wished it was herself and Inuyasha. Absentmindly she leaned on the closest thing near her. Houjou. Houjou jumped in surprised but hugged her. Kagome's eyes widened all of a sudden and jumped away from him.
" HEY ! " she shouted. All the people lining up for tickets stared at her. Kagome and Houjou blushed as Kagome backed away from the boy. " Gotta go restroom, bye ! " she ran off, hoping her cheeks weren't as hot as they felt.
" KAGOME ! " Kagome heard Ayumi yell after her, but she kept on running.
Hot tears stung her eyes as she bolted inside the girls' washroom. Oh, who am I kidding ? I can't hide it forever. I'll never love Houjou the way I love Inuyasha. Why can't I just get over that ungrateful hanyou ? He's probably happy off with Kikyou by now. He would just laugh at how I look like right now.
Kagome jumped a little as she felt a hand place on her shoulder. Ayumi's soft tender brown eyes looked at Kagome sadly. " What happened back there ? Houjou's so depressed, he's killing himself thinking he did something wrong. "
Kagome sighed as she rested her elbows on the sink. She gazed at the mirror on the wall and gasped. She looked horrible. Mascara was smudged by her tears, her blush fading, her lip stick wearing off over the lines, her eyes bloodshot. Is this what I am ? Kagome Higurashi ?
" Ayumi .. I can't take it. I don't like Houjou, at all now. The way he's been acting is driving me to the edge. I'm trying my hardest to like him, but it's totally not working. I freak out the moment he touches me. Is that boyfriend/girlfriend material to you ? " Kagome buried her face in her hands, afraid to look at herself again.
I'm a monster. Disgusting, revolting, a total turnoff. I just wish Houjou would leave me .. like Inuyasha has. Kagome thought, as she felt like crying again.
" Kagome Higurashi, " Kagome jolted at the harsh tone in Ayumi's usual gentle, caring voice. " You will go out there and prove to everybody around you, you are strong. You will go outside right now and sit through the movie with Houjou. You will not burst into any more depression tantrums or complain. You are Kagome Higurashi. The girl who never gave up, and encouraged others to try. The girl that will try to like Houjou, even though she wants to do everything but like him. Got it ? Good. " Ayumi didn't wait for response before dragging Kagome outside.
" But .. A-Ayumi ! " Kagome sputtered as she resisted the other girl's grip.
" NO BUTS ! " Ayumi declared as she continued to drag Kagome outside to the line for tickets.
" WHAT ABOUT MY MAKEUP ?! " Kagome yelled, and Ayumi looked at her, startled.
Suddenly, the girls burst into laughter. Ayumi quickly pushed Kagome back into the bathroom and fixed her makeup. Then the two quickly rushed outside to their dates, ignoring any questions they asked. They got their tickets and went inside the movie. Kagome was surprised it actually all happened without any annoyance.
They found seats and sat in them, just as the movie began to start. It was a romance movie, called " Love Once Again ". Kagome thought it sounded mushy but everybody else seemed to enjoy it.
" You know, we should've seen that " Dead Souls Resurrected " movie instead of this mushy, gushy one. " Kagome blurted out without thinking. All her friends stared at her like she was crazy.
Houjou smiled as he peered at Kagome adoringly, " I would too, since you want to. "
Kagome blushed and nodded. She quickly slumped down in her seat and focused on the movie. I love romantic movies. What's wrong with me ? What's weirder, I barf whenever I watch horror flicks. What the .. Kagome froze as she felt an arm drape over her shoulder as a girl and boy appeared on the screen.
Kagome glanced at Houjou from the corner of her eye and saw him smiling secretively. " Uh, Houjou ? "
Houjou turned to her, still smiling, " Yes, Kagome ? "
" Can, you, not, do, that ? " Kagome mumbled out, as she looked at her hands in her lap.
Houjou raised his eyebrows but smiled, " If you want. " Then he unwrapped his arm.
Normally, Kagome would love Houjou's arm around her, but tonight she just didn't want it. She knew why, but she pushed it out of her mind.
Soon, Kagome felt an arm go over her shoulder again. Feeling irritated, Kagome was about to turn to Houjou and tell him to cut it out when a thought flashed into her head. Inuyasha's never gonna go for you, Kagome. This nice, popular guy likes you and you're rejecting him ? You're going regret it, Kagome. You're never going back to Inuyasha, so why resist now ?
Kagome sighed at the voice and slumped lower in her seat. Houjou looked at her, his smile widening. " Thanks, Kagome. "
" No problem. " Kagome muttered. I don't even know WHY he thanked me ..
Kagome sighed as she raised her eyes to the romance flick. The boy and girl were embracing and kissing each other romantically. Kagome looked up and wish she could be enjoying that with someone.
As if Houjou read her mind, he leaned in for a kiss. Kagome's eyes widened, but she didn't pull back when she felt Houjou's soft lips touch hers. She could hear Ayumi giggle and kiss Hyaku right after.
A few months ago, Kagome would kill to be in this spot with Houjou. But tonight, she just wanted to kill him. But Kagome held back her urge to punch Houjou and remained still. She tried to enjoy the kiss as a horrible thought ran through her head. No more Inuyasha.
Kagome dropped her head to her pillow. Usually, she would love to feel the softness of the fabric against her head. But this time, she knew it would be forever. No longer will she be sleeping on the hard cold ground, freezing her butt off, while worrying about some demon would come attack them. No. It'll all be sheer bliss from now on. Maybe if she was lucky, a robber comes into her house. Very unlikely.
As Kagome laid her head on the pillow, thoughts flooded her brain. Happy moments of herself back in Feudal Japan came back to her, no matter how hard she tried to push it away. The love and happiness they gave her was irreplaceable. Even the hurt and the insults were worth it all. Kagome sighed as she let a single tear drop. She knew, soon, she'd have to renew pillow covers, on the account it would probably be soaking wet. As Kagome lay on her back, she remembered how exciting and warming it was when she rode on Inuyasha's back. She knew for the first time in her life, she was safe. Nothing can take away that feeling. And she longed for it once more. Kagome's eyes dropped and her heart felt like it was breaking. She wasn't so surprised. For the whole day it felt like that. She hated it. Kagome sighed as she buried her face in her pillow, that smelt like salt. Already ? Guess I'd better be changing it .. Kagome started to get up when she noticed the jewel shard on her neck glowing.
" Hey ! " Kagome cried to it, surprised. " What are you doing ? " Kagome cocked an eyebrow as she heard the words come out. Am I talking to a piece of jewel ? Okay there, Kagome ..
Kagome peered at the glowing jewel, causing her body to feel warm and safe. I could almost feel I was back in Feudal Japan. I could almost feel the happiness .. again.
Suddenly, a strong froze tugged her body forward. She let out a squeal as she felt herself run downstairs with a surprising amount of lightness. Her body pulled her as fast as lighting and when she opened her eyes. She was inside the well. Her stomach twisted and fought the urge to throw up. WHAT AM I DOING DOWN HERE !
" That's it, this stupid jewel is causing me to go back into the past, which I desperately want, but no longer can go back to, making me totally edgy, and turn down Houjou. This jewel is going to be gone, FOREVER ! " Kagome shouted to nobody special as she scrambled out of the well.
She climbed up and pulled her self out of the well. " I can't take .. "
Her heart stopped. Her lungs closed in on her. Her body was still. She was paralyzed. Kagome swallowed as her eyes widened with surprise and shock, " No. No way .. "
Around her was new grown grass, dotted with flowers of each kind. Trees surrounded her as birds swooped down low and rose to the sky again. Kagome was back into Feudal Japan. Back again. What now ?