Chapter 4
Inuyasha's hand was shaking, but one claw traced a line down Kagome's smooth cheek. "Kagome, you're here," Inuyasha whispered, his amber eyes boring into her and wide in disbelief. "How?"
It had been so long since he had laid eyes on her, so long since he had been able to inhale her scent and allow it to calm and pacify him, but Kagome was in front of him. He could not deny it; he had touched her.
Kagome lightly grabbed Inuyasha's wrist, "I fell down the well." Her eyes were wild and scared, "I don't know how I got here. I gave the Shikon to you."
Inuyasha relaxed and a light smile played on his mouth, "I never thought you'd come back." He let his hand fall back to his side, and he stepped back to study Kagome. She was taller, and her hair was a bit longer and flatter, but it still was a dark black with those odd bluish highlights that came whenever she was near any source of light. It looked like she had loss a bit of weight too, and her posture was a little straighter, a little more stiff. "You look different."
Kagome frowned, "Different?"
"Your hair is flat, and all that hair that was in your eyes is gone."
"My bangs?" Kagome's eyebrows furrowed downward.
"Whatever you call them." He waved his hand dismissively, "You don't have them anymore. And your face is all painted."
"My hair is not flat, it's straight. And it's fashionable to not have any bangs." Kagome's tone hit a familiar and dangerous level that Inuyasha was all too familiar with. If her past behavior was any indicator, a sit would soon accompany that tone. "And all that paint on my face is called make- up. In my era, women wear it all the time."
"What's that look for?" Inuyasha asked, pointing to Kagome's angry glare. "All I said was that you looked different."
Kagome folded her arms, "I'm back for the first time in almost five years and all you can say is "how'd you get here" and "you look different". Brush up on your people skills, Inuyasha."
The door of the hut opened slowly, "Looks like Kagome has returned, and she and Inuyasha have reacquainted themselves with their old habit of fighting." Kaede said slowly, her voice cracking with age. She carried a basket full of herbs and plants in her arms.
"Let me get that for you, Kaede." Shippou jumped up from the table and gently took the basket from Kaede. He leaned down to her ear and whispered, "I missed their fighting."
Kaede smiled, "Me too, young one. It's nice to have something lively in this hut besides young Taru."
Kagome walked over to Kaede, making a point to give Inuyasha a final frown before turning her back to him, "Kaede, it is so good to see you again. How have you been?"
"Fine, child, but I am wondering why you are present in this era. Come and speak with me privately." Kaede began to walk outside of the hut, Kagome following. Inuyasha glowered at both of their backs and crossed his arms. "Inuyasha, you come too, but I will tolerate no more of that bitter tongue of yours."
"Feh." Inuyasha replied, but fell into line behind the two women.
Kaede slid the door of the hut open and stepped outside, her feet hitting the dirt and grass solidly while Kagome's high heels sunk into the dirt. She watched Inuyasha's bare feet hit the ground with the same firmness and mentally cursed her shoes and clothing. Kagome took another step, her heel sunk fast into the moist ground.
"Stupid heels." Kagome stopped and looked down at her designer shoes. Kaede and Inuyasha continued walking while Kagome lifted one leg off the ground and began to push the shoe off of her foot. Walking barefoot was a better alternative than sinking into the dirt. She began to wobble a bit while taking off the shoe, but before she had the opportunity to tip to one side Inuyasha appeared at her side, firmly grabbing onto her elbow.
Inuyasha gave Kagome a stern look, "Keep up." There was a ragged edge it his tone and in response Kagome felt the creases in her forehead as her eyebrows frowned.
She yanked her elbow from his grasp, "It's the shoes. Let me take them off and then I'll keep up."
"Why Lady Kagome, I see you have returned and you are as feisty as I remembered you." Kagome looked away from Inuyasha and saw a grinning Miroku several feet away. He was smiling and it looked as though his eyes were laughing in that calm peaceful manner that she remembered.
"Miroku," Kagome smiled, "I was wondering where you were." She approached him.
"Well, Inuyasha and I were out patrolling the outskirts of the village for demons, but Inuyasha threw a tantrum and ran back to the village. I now see why."
"It's wonderful to see you again." She inspected him for a moment. "It's so odd to see you as a husband and father. I never would have suspected it from the lecher that used to try and grope me, but clearly married life suits you." Kagome grinned wickedly at the blush that arose in Miroku's face as she brought up his past.
"That was all in the past, Lady Kagome. But if you don't mind me saying, the dress you are wearing is quite arousing if you don't mind me saying so." Kagome blushed herself, and reminded herself that turnabout was fair play as she noticed the gleam in Miroku's eyes.
"I see old habits die hard," she said.
"Enough, Monk." Inuyasha walked up to Miroku, folded his arms, and scowled. "The old hag, Kagome, and I were going to talk. Why don't you go home and go see Taru?" Kaede rolled her eyes and waited patiently for the confrontation to end.
"An excellent suggestion, Inuyasha." Miroku turned to Kagome, "I will see you soon, Kagome. It is good to have you back." He grabbed her hands, squeezed both of them, and leaned down to her ear to whisper, "Inuyasha is also glad to have you back even if his mood does not indicate it."
Inuyasha's ears twitched, "Are we going to go speak to Kaede or not, Kagome? I'm tired of wasting my time."
Kagome sighed, "Yes. I'm coming." Kagome grinned at Miroku and patted his hand, "I will see you soon, Miroku."
Miroku smiled in return and then turned away to walk back to Kaede's hut. Inuyasha grunted and then began to follow Kaede, whom had already turned and began to walk towards the woods. They walked for a few moments until finding a clearing at the edge of the woods. Kaede sat on the soft grass; Inuyasha and Kagome did the same.
"Kagome, I find myself wondering how you made it back to this era without the Shikon jewel. Tell me how you got here." Kaede shut her eyes as though she were already mentally preparing herself for Kagome's answer.
Kagome bit her lip in thought, "I don't know how I got here, Kaede. One minute I was sitting at the edge of the well and the next I was falling down it. When I hit bottom I was here, in this era."
"Why did you fall?"
"I just got dizzy, almost sick to my stomach." Kagome stopped for a moment and tried to think about the moment, slowing each second of it down in her mind. "No, I saw the form first. I saw that figure with wings. It was almost like a vision, Kaede. I've had it before, but it's never made me sick like that. I sat on the edge of the well for a second but I must have gotten really dizzy and fallen backwards."
During the speech Inuyasha had closed his eyes just as Kaede had, but at the mention of the figure with wings his eyes snapped open.
"A vision that contained a form with wings?" Kaede frowned. "You've had this vision before?"
"Well, they come in dreams, Kaede. More like nightmares actually. It's the same figure every time and he always stands there like he's looking into me, but I can't see his face. He's outlined by some silver light that is coming from behind him, but all I can see is the outline of his figure and the wings. His wingspan is huge."
Kaede opened her small eyes and narrowed them at Inuyasha, "Is this not the same dream you've described to me? Miroku told me you dreamed of the winged figure again just this morning?"
Kagome's mouth dropped, "I had the dream this morning too."
Inuyasha grimaced, "So what does all this mean?"
"It means that we have found the reason for Kagome's reappearance. For whatever reason, she was brought back because of this dream, and the fact is that the two of you share this vision."
"That doesn't explain anything." Inuyasha jumped up from the ground and stared at Kaede angrily, "Can't you tell us more than that."
"Patience, Inuyasha. I will tell you all that I can, but I fear that I little about why Kagome was called back into this world."
"Called back?" Kagome asked. "By who?"
"Do you not think it odd that you had this vision before you became ill and fell back into this world? The truth of the matter is that you should not be able to travel from your era into this one without the Shikon jewel. It is the vision that called you back into this world or the person who has sent you this vision."
"But who would want me back in this world?" Kagome asked. "My purpose here ended once the Shikon jewel was pieced back together and Naraku was destroyed."
"I am afraid I am unsure child, but the one thing I can tell you is that both you and Inuyasha are being called upon by this figure."
"What does it want me for? I've been her the whole time." Inuyasha's voice was sharp and agitated.
"Inuyasha, have you heard the legend of the angels?" Kaede asked.
"Angels? There's no such thing." He gave Kaede a patronizing look and wondered how a priestess such as Kaede could entertain old fairy tales.
"Why would there not be angels, Inuyasha when demons trod upon this land. You yourself have demon blood."
"It's just a fable, Kaede. A legend. There's no truth behind it."
Kaede ignored Inuyasha and turned her gaze to Kagome, "There is an old legend. One that tells of angels walking among humans and demons, but for a reason only they knew, they exiled themselves to the east. They walked away from humans and demons to reside on a sacred mountain, free from all others."
"Why are you telling me this?" Kagome looked at Kaede's steady gaze. Kaede stared into Kagome's eyes and Kagome could swear she saw pity rising to the surface of Kaede's old faded eyes.
"You must go to the mountain, Kagome. I do not believe the visions will stop until you find the figure in your dreams."
"What about me?" Inuyasha cracked his knuckles and stretched his claws. "Where do I fit into all of this?"
"You have also received the dreams, Inuyasha. They are calling out to you as well, but they have reached Kagome through many eras. For some reason I feel that it is more important for them to see her."
Kagome stood up, walked over to Kaede, knelt down next to her, and then grabbed her hand, "Are you sure that I have to do this? I have a life in my own era that I need to get back to. I can't just leave it behind like I did before. There's something very important coming up for me." Shiro's smiling face and gentle eyes flashed in Kagome's mind. She could see him kneeling down in front of her, holding out a ring and pledging himself to her for the rest of his life.
Kaede looked at the young woman in front of her, her face full of understanding, "I'm sorry, child. I can think of no other way to make these dreams of yours stop. If the dispatcher of these dreams has indeed reached through time to bring you here, then it is dire that you find the cause for this all."
Kagome nodded at Kaede and grabbed her hand. It was happening again. She was being pulled into this time, forced to stay and work for a purpose that she did understand. She would have to stand at Inuyasha's side again and put up with his temper and childishness. She knew he would unintentionally berate her, make her question her worth, and somehow always find the way to press tears from her eyes. She knew he would break her heart a second time. It was unlikely that Kikyo would let Inuyasha travel alone with her, and the thought of watching the two of them together, their love being open and full for her to see, made the bile in her stomach churn.
Kagome looked at Kaede, "Thank you, Kaede. I'll do what I have to." She got up and began to walk back to the hut, not bothering to give Inuyasha a second glance.
"What's so important that you just have to get back to your own time?" Inuyasha yelled at her. His eyes glazed over with a sliver of desperation, "Kagome, are you listening?" His voice cut through the air.
"Nothing, Inuyasha." She whispered, knowing that his sensitive ears would catch her words and the slight choking sound that she could not keep in the back of her throat. "Nothing at all."
* * * * * *
"Why can't I go, Kaede?" Shippou looked as the old woman with desperation. It had been so long since he had been near the woman he considered his second mother and now Inuyasha was taking her away.
"I'm sorry, but this is a journey that only Inuyasha and Kagome can go on. You are not meant to travel with them this time." Kaede turned away and walked out of the room, refusing to listen to Shippou's pleading since she knew how convincing the boy could be.
Shippou shifted his pitiful look over to Kagome hoping for a different answer, "Kagome, do you not want me to come?"
"No. That's not it at all. I want you to come, Shippou, so we can catch up and you can tell me about all the things that have happened while I've been away, but where I'm going you can't come." Shippou could feel tears brimming to the surface, but he kept them in just as Inuyasha had taught him. Kagome's observant eyes knew all the emotions of the young kitsune as though she could read him like the page of an old book, and she took Shippou's face into her hands. "I promise I'll be back soon and then you can tell me every story you want."
"Promise?"
Kagome looked him directly in the eyes, "I promise. The same promise a mother gives her son." Shippou's face took on a wonderful grin and he threw his arms around Kagome's neck.
Sango looked on at the pair and felt warmth spread across her; the same warmth she felt whenever Taru would give her his lopsided grin, the same grin she remembered in Kohaku's face. "Kagome, when are you leaving?" she asked, breaking the moment between the pair.
"Inuyasha said we're leaving first thing in the morning." Kagome rolled her eyes. "He said he didn't have any time to waste."
"Sounds like Inuyasha," Shippou said.
"No, it's a good thing. I need to get home soon. My family and friends are probably worried to death about me. Something tells me that Souta and Mom will have a slight suspicion about where I am, but they can hardly tell everyone that I've traveled back in time." A small sigh leaked out of Kagome, "Besides I have someone waiting for me." Kagome felt a pang of guilt in her side as she thought about Shiro sitting at a table in a dimly lit restaurant waiting for her to come and join him for dinner. She knew Shiro would be worried sick when he realized she would not be joining him for dinner.
"If you're leaving tomorrow, then you should probably find a change of clothing. You'll get some odd stares in that dress you're wearing." Sango explained. "You can borrow one of my kimonos. It'll be more practical for traveling."
Kagome looked down at her black dress, "I suppose what I'm wearing seems scandalous to everyone of this era. It's actually pretty conservative for my era, but Miroku has already made a comment about it."
Sango laughed, "Sounds like Miroku."
"Sango, are you really happy with the life you've chosen?" Kagome looked up at her in all earnestness. "You know, giving up the life of a demon slayer and trading it in for Miroku and motherhood."
Sango face became gentle, "I didn't give up anything. I still protect the village from demons and I get to be a mother and wife, all at the same time. Believe it or not, Kagome, Miroku's eyes have never strayed since the day he asked me to be his bride. He may joke or pretend, but he only has eyes for me."
Kagome's face broke into a wide grin and she felt comforted in knowing that she could marry Shiro without giving up her dreams.
"Now, why don't we find you a kimono to travel in?" Sango walked to her room in the hut and opened a maple chest. She pulled out a blue kimono with a crisp white shirt to fall underneath of it. "Here we go. This will be lovely on you and it's sensible."
"Thanks, Sango." Kagome held the kimono towards the candlelight and felt immense gratitude rise up within her. This would be perfect for the path that lay ahead of her.
* * * * *
Inuyasha and Miroku sat outside the hut, enjoying the midsummer night and the cool air that drifted by. Miroku noted that Inuyasha had been rather sullen and silent since the announcement of his and Kagome's departure.
"Inuyasha, would you like to tell me what is bothering you?"
Inuyasha grunted and turned to look inside the hut. The door was wide open and Inuyasha could see Kagome speaking to Sango with the trace of a smile on her face. Taru was curled up into her lap sleeping, and Inuyasha could not help but notice how quickly the young boy had taken to Kagome but children always had warmed up to Kagome quickly. Inuyasha wondered how he could have forgotten that. Watching Taru and Shippou, both who had hovered over Kagome since her arrival, he felt a desire well up inside of him. He could not define what the yearning was, but he knew that in watching her it had etched itself out quickly, tired of being repressed by the hanyou.
"Nothing is bothering me," Inuyasha snarled back.
Miroku sighed and stretched his legs out in front of him, "She found her way back, Inuyasha."
Inuyasha pulled his legs to his chest, pretending to rearrange himself so he could be more comfortable. He rested his chin at the top of his knees, his amber eyes staring out into the forest surrounding the village, "She doesn't want to be here."
"What makes you say that? Look at her." Miroku pointed inside the hut and spoke quietly, trying not to draw the women's attention towards them, "She looks happy enough."
"She said she needed to get home. She had something important to get back to." His continued to stare at the forest, his gaze never wavering from the dark trees.
"Is that why you've been treating her so rudely?"
Inuyasha's face tightened and his eyes moved quickly to Miroku, "She's the one who's been rude. I tried to be nice."
Miroku laughed softly, "Is this about the argument the two of you had when you first saw her. Sango told me about that disagreement. It seems as though you insulted Kagome."
"I was trying to compliment her," Inuyasha said, trying to gather all his dignity while saying the words. "It's not my fault if she's too thick to understand."
"Would you like some advice?" Miroku asked. Inuyasha merely grunted and returned his gaze back to the forest.
"Well, my friend I am married and you are not, so just humor me for one moment." Miroku said calmly with humor lacing into his words. "Don't try so hard. Just be honest with her."
"Honest about what?" Inuyasha asked in surprise.
"That is for you to discern, Inuyasha."
Miroku got up and dusted the dirt off himself. He walked inside the hut and knelt in front of Kagome, "Thank you for getting Taru to sleep. It's become quite a challenge in the last few months." He took Taru gently from Kagome's arms and held him softly to keep from waking the sleeping boy. Miroku stopped and pressed his lips to Sango's forehead before taking Taru to bed.
* * * * * Kagome felt someone shaking her and she opened her eyes. The world was thick and hazy as she tried to make out her surroundings. She blinked several times.
"Kagome, it's time to go," Inuyasha said in a quiet and emotionless manner.
"I'm up, I'm up." She replied.
She moved into an unoccupied room and changed into the kimono Sango had given her and then tiptoed into Sango's and Miroku's room to tell them she was leaving. She stopped and looked at the young couple; Miroku had his arm tightly around Sango's protruding belly as though he were trying to protect her and the unborn child. They very close to one another and there was something tender in the air as she watched them for a moment.
She finally walked and tapped Sango's shoulder, "We're leaving, Sango. Tell Shippou goodbye for me."
"I will tell him." Sango whispered. "And good tides to you, Kagome. Come back to us soon."
"I will." Kagome smiled. She grabbed a pair of sandals Sango had set out for her and fastened them to her feet before leaving the room. Sango smiled and gave a small wave as Kagome waved a small farewell and walked out the door.
"Took you long enough," Inuyasha grunted as Kagome stepped out of the hut. "Are you ready now?" He spoke to Kagome as though she were a petulant child that merely wanted to tag along with him.
"I'm ready," she sighed.
Inuyasha turned and began walking away from the hut, "By the way, you look nice in the kimono." His words were barely audible and came out more in a growl.
"What, Inuyasha?"
"I said you look nice. Not let's get a move on, wench."
Kagome fell into step behind Inuyasha and walked with him in silence until they reached the edge of the village. At the moment they hit the tree-line Kagome stopped walking and bit her lip in thought.
Inuyasha walked a few steps before turning back to look at the still Kagome, "Why did you stop?" He snarled.
"Inuyasha, doesn't Kikyo care that you're leaving?" Her voice shook as she asked the question. "Where is she anyway?"
The fierce look on Inuyasha's face was wiped away by the question. Guilt pooled to the top of his amber eyes and he looked down at the ground, "Kikyo is at rest. She's in a better place." He immediately turned back around and continued walking, telling Kagome by his body language that he would not be answering any more questions on the subject.
Kagome looked at Inuyasha's back and recognized the guilt he was bearing on his shoulders. She felt empathy for him, and asked no more questions. Instead, she followed him into the unknown, unconsciously putting her faith in him just as she had five years before.
* Sorry that it's taken me so long to post another chapter. I have the entire story inside my head, but transferring it onto paper is a long process. I also have summer classes so my free time is rather limited, but thank you for your patience. Major kudos to everyone who reviewed. I don't know if this chapter did justice to these characters and I am certain that some of the dialogue is a bit out of character so if anyone has constructive criticism I'd love to hear it. You can even flame me if that is your heart's desire. Anyway, thanks for taking the time to read; I know it's a long tedious story. But anyway, I hope you enjoy this chapter because frankly the reason I write is to make people think and for the reader's enjoyment.
Inuyasha's hand was shaking, but one claw traced a line down Kagome's smooth cheek. "Kagome, you're here," Inuyasha whispered, his amber eyes boring into her and wide in disbelief. "How?"
It had been so long since he had laid eyes on her, so long since he had been able to inhale her scent and allow it to calm and pacify him, but Kagome was in front of him. He could not deny it; he had touched her.
Kagome lightly grabbed Inuyasha's wrist, "I fell down the well." Her eyes were wild and scared, "I don't know how I got here. I gave the Shikon to you."
Inuyasha relaxed and a light smile played on his mouth, "I never thought you'd come back." He let his hand fall back to his side, and he stepped back to study Kagome. She was taller, and her hair was a bit longer and flatter, but it still was a dark black with those odd bluish highlights that came whenever she was near any source of light. It looked like she had loss a bit of weight too, and her posture was a little straighter, a little more stiff. "You look different."
Kagome frowned, "Different?"
"Your hair is flat, and all that hair that was in your eyes is gone."
"My bangs?" Kagome's eyebrows furrowed downward.
"Whatever you call them." He waved his hand dismissively, "You don't have them anymore. And your face is all painted."
"My hair is not flat, it's straight. And it's fashionable to not have any bangs." Kagome's tone hit a familiar and dangerous level that Inuyasha was all too familiar with. If her past behavior was any indicator, a sit would soon accompany that tone. "And all that paint on my face is called make- up. In my era, women wear it all the time."
"What's that look for?" Inuyasha asked, pointing to Kagome's angry glare. "All I said was that you looked different."
Kagome folded her arms, "I'm back for the first time in almost five years and all you can say is "how'd you get here" and "you look different". Brush up on your people skills, Inuyasha."
The door of the hut opened slowly, "Looks like Kagome has returned, and she and Inuyasha have reacquainted themselves with their old habit of fighting." Kaede said slowly, her voice cracking with age. She carried a basket full of herbs and plants in her arms.
"Let me get that for you, Kaede." Shippou jumped up from the table and gently took the basket from Kaede. He leaned down to her ear and whispered, "I missed their fighting."
Kaede smiled, "Me too, young one. It's nice to have something lively in this hut besides young Taru."
Kagome walked over to Kaede, making a point to give Inuyasha a final frown before turning her back to him, "Kaede, it is so good to see you again. How have you been?"
"Fine, child, but I am wondering why you are present in this era. Come and speak with me privately." Kaede began to walk outside of the hut, Kagome following. Inuyasha glowered at both of their backs and crossed his arms. "Inuyasha, you come too, but I will tolerate no more of that bitter tongue of yours."
"Feh." Inuyasha replied, but fell into line behind the two women.
Kaede slid the door of the hut open and stepped outside, her feet hitting the dirt and grass solidly while Kagome's high heels sunk into the dirt. She watched Inuyasha's bare feet hit the ground with the same firmness and mentally cursed her shoes and clothing. Kagome took another step, her heel sunk fast into the moist ground.
"Stupid heels." Kagome stopped and looked down at her designer shoes. Kaede and Inuyasha continued walking while Kagome lifted one leg off the ground and began to push the shoe off of her foot. Walking barefoot was a better alternative than sinking into the dirt. She began to wobble a bit while taking off the shoe, but before she had the opportunity to tip to one side Inuyasha appeared at her side, firmly grabbing onto her elbow.
Inuyasha gave Kagome a stern look, "Keep up." There was a ragged edge it his tone and in response Kagome felt the creases in her forehead as her eyebrows frowned.
She yanked her elbow from his grasp, "It's the shoes. Let me take them off and then I'll keep up."
"Why Lady Kagome, I see you have returned and you are as feisty as I remembered you." Kagome looked away from Inuyasha and saw a grinning Miroku several feet away. He was smiling and it looked as though his eyes were laughing in that calm peaceful manner that she remembered.
"Miroku," Kagome smiled, "I was wondering where you were." She approached him.
"Well, Inuyasha and I were out patrolling the outskirts of the village for demons, but Inuyasha threw a tantrum and ran back to the village. I now see why."
"It's wonderful to see you again." She inspected him for a moment. "It's so odd to see you as a husband and father. I never would have suspected it from the lecher that used to try and grope me, but clearly married life suits you." Kagome grinned wickedly at the blush that arose in Miroku's face as she brought up his past.
"That was all in the past, Lady Kagome. But if you don't mind me saying, the dress you are wearing is quite arousing if you don't mind me saying so." Kagome blushed herself, and reminded herself that turnabout was fair play as she noticed the gleam in Miroku's eyes.
"I see old habits die hard," she said.
"Enough, Monk." Inuyasha walked up to Miroku, folded his arms, and scowled. "The old hag, Kagome, and I were going to talk. Why don't you go home and go see Taru?" Kaede rolled her eyes and waited patiently for the confrontation to end.
"An excellent suggestion, Inuyasha." Miroku turned to Kagome, "I will see you soon, Kagome. It is good to have you back." He grabbed her hands, squeezed both of them, and leaned down to her ear to whisper, "Inuyasha is also glad to have you back even if his mood does not indicate it."
Inuyasha's ears twitched, "Are we going to go speak to Kaede or not, Kagome? I'm tired of wasting my time."
Kagome sighed, "Yes. I'm coming." Kagome grinned at Miroku and patted his hand, "I will see you soon, Miroku."
Miroku smiled in return and then turned away to walk back to Kaede's hut. Inuyasha grunted and then began to follow Kaede, whom had already turned and began to walk towards the woods. They walked for a few moments until finding a clearing at the edge of the woods. Kaede sat on the soft grass; Inuyasha and Kagome did the same.
"Kagome, I find myself wondering how you made it back to this era without the Shikon jewel. Tell me how you got here." Kaede shut her eyes as though she were already mentally preparing herself for Kagome's answer.
Kagome bit her lip in thought, "I don't know how I got here, Kaede. One minute I was sitting at the edge of the well and the next I was falling down it. When I hit bottom I was here, in this era."
"Why did you fall?"
"I just got dizzy, almost sick to my stomach." Kagome stopped for a moment and tried to think about the moment, slowing each second of it down in her mind. "No, I saw the form first. I saw that figure with wings. It was almost like a vision, Kaede. I've had it before, but it's never made me sick like that. I sat on the edge of the well for a second but I must have gotten really dizzy and fallen backwards."
During the speech Inuyasha had closed his eyes just as Kaede had, but at the mention of the figure with wings his eyes snapped open.
"A vision that contained a form with wings?" Kaede frowned. "You've had this vision before?"
"Well, they come in dreams, Kaede. More like nightmares actually. It's the same figure every time and he always stands there like he's looking into me, but I can't see his face. He's outlined by some silver light that is coming from behind him, but all I can see is the outline of his figure and the wings. His wingspan is huge."
Kaede opened her small eyes and narrowed them at Inuyasha, "Is this not the same dream you've described to me? Miroku told me you dreamed of the winged figure again just this morning?"
Kagome's mouth dropped, "I had the dream this morning too."
Inuyasha grimaced, "So what does all this mean?"
"It means that we have found the reason for Kagome's reappearance. For whatever reason, she was brought back because of this dream, and the fact is that the two of you share this vision."
"That doesn't explain anything." Inuyasha jumped up from the ground and stared at Kaede angrily, "Can't you tell us more than that."
"Patience, Inuyasha. I will tell you all that I can, but I fear that I little about why Kagome was called back into this world."
"Called back?" Kagome asked. "By who?"
"Do you not think it odd that you had this vision before you became ill and fell back into this world? The truth of the matter is that you should not be able to travel from your era into this one without the Shikon jewel. It is the vision that called you back into this world or the person who has sent you this vision."
"But who would want me back in this world?" Kagome asked. "My purpose here ended once the Shikon jewel was pieced back together and Naraku was destroyed."
"I am afraid I am unsure child, but the one thing I can tell you is that both you and Inuyasha are being called upon by this figure."
"What does it want me for? I've been her the whole time." Inuyasha's voice was sharp and agitated.
"Inuyasha, have you heard the legend of the angels?" Kaede asked.
"Angels? There's no such thing." He gave Kaede a patronizing look and wondered how a priestess such as Kaede could entertain old fairy tales.
"Why would there not be angels, Inuyasha when demons trod upon this land. You yourself have demon blood."
"It's just a fable, Kaede. A legend. There's no truth behind it."
Kaede ignored Inuyasha and turned her gaze to Kagome, "There is an old legend. One that tells of angels walking among humans and demons, but for a reason only they knew, they exiled themselves to the east. They walked away from humans and demons to reside on a sacred mountain, free from all others."
"Why are you telling me this?" Kagome looked at Kaede's steady gaze. Kaede stared into Kagome's eyes and Kagome could swear she saw pity rising to the surface of Kaede's old faded eyes.
"You must go to the mountain, Kagome. I do not believe the visions will stop until you find the figure in your dreams."
"What about me?" Inuyasha cracked his knuckles and stretched his claws. "Where do I fit into all of this?"
"You have also received the dreams, Inuyasha. They are calling out to you as well, but they have reached Kagome through many eras. For some reason I feel that it is more important for them to see her."
Kagome stood up, walked over to Kaede, knelt down next to her, and then grabbed her hand, "Are you sure that I have to do this? I have a life in my own era that I need to get back to. I can't just leave it behind like I did before. There's something very important coming up for me." Shiro's smiling face and gentle eyes flashed in Kagome's mind. She could see him kneeling down in front of her, holding out a ring and pledging himself to her for the rest of his life.
Kaede looked at the young woman in front of her, her face full of understanding, "I'm sorry, child. I can think of no other way to make these dreams of yours stop. If the dispatcher of these dreams has indeed reached through time to bring you here, then it is dire that you find the cause for this all."
Kagome nodded at Kaede and grabbed her hand. It was happening again. She was being pulled into this time, forced to stay and work for a purpose that she did understand. She would have to stand at Inuyasha's side again and put up with his temper and childishness. She knew he would unintentionally berate her, make her question her worth, and somehow always find the way to press tears from her eyes. She knew he would break her heart a second time. It was unlikely that Kikyo would let Inuyasha travel alone with her, and the thought of watching the two of them together, their love being open and full for her to see, made the bile in her stomach churn.
Kagome looked at Kaede, "Thank you, Kaede. I'll do what I have to." She got up and began to walk back to the hut, not bothering to give Inuyasha a second glance.
"What's so important that you just have to get back to your own time?" Inuyasha yelled at her. His eyes glazed over with a sliver of desperation, "Kagome, are you listening?" His voice cut through the air.
"Nothing, Inuyasha." She whispered, knowing that his sensitive ears would catch her words and the slight choking sound that she could not keep in the back of her throat. "Nothing at all."
* * * * * *
"Why can't I go, Kaede?" Shippou looked as the old woman with desperation. It had been so long since he had been near the woman he considered his second mother and now Inuyasha was taking her away.
"I'm sorry, but this is a journey that only Inuyasha and Kagome can go on. You are not meant to travel with them this time." Kaede turned away and walked out of the room, refusing to listen to Shippou's pleading since she knew how convincing the boy could be.
Shippou shifted his pitiful look over to Kagome hoping for a different answer, "Kagome, do you not want me to come?"
"No. That's not it at all. I want you to come, Shippou, so we can catch up and you can tell me about all the things that have happened while I've been away, but where I'm going you can't come." Shippou could feel tears brimming to the surface, but he kept them in just as Inuyasha had taught him. Kagome's observant eyes knew all the emotions of the young kitsune as though she could read him like the page of an old book, and she took Shippou's face into her hands. "I promise I'll be back soon and then you can tell me every story you want."
"Promise?"
Kagome looked him directly in the eyes, "I promise. The same promise a mother gives her son." Shippou's face took on a wonderful grin and he threw his arms around Kagome's neck.
Sango looked on at the pair and felt warmth spread across her; the same warmth she felt whenever Taru would give her his lopsided grin, the same grin she remembered in Kohaku's face. "Kagome, when are you leaving?" she asked, breaking the moment between the pair.
"Inuyasha said we're leaving first thing in the morning." Kagome rolled her eyes. "He said he didn't have any time to waste."
"Sounds like Inuyasha," Shippou said.
"No, it's a good thing. I need to get home soon. My family and friends are probably worried to death about me. Something tells me that Souta and Mom will have a slight suspicion about where I am, but they can hardly tell everyone that I've traveled back in time." A small sigh leaked out of Kagome, "Besides I have someone waiting for me." Kagome felt a pang of guilt in her side as she thought about Shiro sitting at a table in a dimly lit restaurant waiting for her to come and join him for dinner. She knew Shiro would be worried sick when he realized she would not be joining him for dinner.
"If you're leaving tomorrow, then you should probably find a change of clothing. You'll get some odd stares in that dress you're wearing." Sango explained. "You can borrow one of my kimonos. It'll be more practical for traveling."
Kagome looked down at her black dress, "I suppose what I'm wearing seems scandalous to everyone of this era. It's actually pretty conservative for my era, but Miroku has already made a comment about it."
Sango laughed, "Sounds like Miroku."
"Sango, are you really happy with the life you've chosen?" Kagome looked up at her in all earnestness. "You know, giving up the life of a demon slayer and trading it in for Miroku and motherhood."
Sango face became gentle, "I didn't give up anything. I still protect the village from demons and I get to be a mother and wife, all at the same time. Believe it or not, Kagome, Miroku's eyes have never strayed since the day he asked me to be his bride. He may joke or pretend, but he only has eyes for me."
Kagome's face broke into a wide grin and she felt comforted in knowing that she could marry Shiro without giving up her dreams.
"Now, why don't we find you a kimono to travel in?" Sango walked to her room in the hut and opened a maple chest. She pulled out a blue kimono with a crisp white shirt to fall underneath of it. "Here we go. This will be lovely on you and it's sensible."
"Thanks, Sango." Kagome held the kimono towards the candlelight and felt immense gratitude rise up within her. This would be perfect for the path that lay ahead of her.
* * * * *
Inuyasha and Miroku sat outside the hut, enjoying the midsummer night and the cool air that drifted by. Miroku noted that Inuyasha had been rather sullen and silent since the announcement of his and Kagome's departure.
"Inuyasha, would you like to tell me what is bothering you?"
Inuyasha grunted and turned to look inside the hut. The door was wide open and Inuyasha could see Kagome speaking to Sango with the trace of a smile on her face. Taru was curled up into her lap sleeping, and Inuyasha could not help but notice how quickly the young boy had taken to Kagome but children always had warmed up to Kagome quickly. Inuyasha wondered how he could have forgotten that. Watching Taru and Shippou, both who had hovered over Kagome since her arrival, he felt a desire well up inside of him. He could not define what the yearning was, but he knew that in watching her it had etched itself out quickly, tired of being repressed by the hanyou.
"Nothing is bothering me," Inuyasha snarled back.
Miroku sighed and stretched his legs out in front of him, "She found her way back, Inuyasha."
Inuyasha pulled his legs to his chest, pretending to rearrange himself so he could be more comfortable. He rested his chin at the top of his knees, his amber eyes staring out into the forest surrounding the village, "She doesn't want to be here."
"What makes you say that? Look at her." Miroku pointed inside the hut and spoke quietly, trying not to draw the women's attention towards them, "She looks happy enough."
"She said she needed to get home. She had something important to get back to." His continued to stare at the forest, his gaze never wavering from the dark trees.
"Is that why you've been treating her so rudely?"
Inuyasha's face tightened and his eyes moved quickly to Miroku, "She's the one who's been rude. I tried to be nice."
Miroku laughed softly, "Is this about the argument the two of you had when you first saw her. Sango told me about that disagreement. It seems as though you insulted Kagome."
"I was trying to compliment her," Inuyasha said, trying to gather all his dignity while saying the words. "It's not my fault if she's too thick to understand."
"Would you like some advice?" Miroku asked. Inuyasha merely grunted and returned his gaze back to the forest.
"Well, my friend I am married and you are not, so just humor me for one moment." Miroku said calmly with humor lacing into his words. "Don't try so hard. Just be honest with her."
"Honest about what?" Inuyasha asked in surprise.
"That is for you to discern, Inuyasha."
Miroku got up and dusted the dirt off himself. He walked inside the hut and knelt in front of Kagome, "Thank you for getting Taru to sleep. It's become quite a challenge in the last few months." He took Taru gently from Kagome's arms and held him softly to keep from waking the sleeping boy. Miroku stopped and pressed his lips to Sango's forehead before taking Taru to bed.
* * * * * Kagome felt someone shaking her and she opened her eyes. The world was thick and hazy as she tried to make out her surroundings. She blinked several times.
"Kagome, it's time to go," Inuyasha said in a quiet and emotionless manner.
"I'm up, I'm up." She replied.
She moved into an unoccupied room and changed into the kimono Sango had given her and then tiptoed into Sango's and Miroku's room to tell them she was leaving. She stopped and looked at the young couple; Miroku had his arm tightly around Sango's protruding belly as though he were trying to protect her and the unborn child. They very close to one another and there was something tender in the air as she watched them for a moment.
She finally walked and tapped Sango's shoulder, "We're leaving, Sango. Tell Shippou goodbye for me."
"I will tell him." Sango whispered. "And good tides to you, Kagome. Come back to us soon."
"I will." Kagome smiled. She grabbed a pair of sandals Sango had set out for her and fastened them to her feet before leaving the room. Sango smiled and gave a small wave as Kagome waved a small farewell and walked out the door.
"Took you long enough," Inuyasha grunted as Kagome stepped out of the hut. "Are you ready now?" He spoke to Kagome as though she were a petulant child that merely wanted to tag along with him.
"I'm ready," she sighed.
Inuyasha turned and began walking away from the hut, "By the way, you look nice in the kimono." His words were barely audible and came out more in a growl.
"What, Inuyasha?"
"I said you look nice. Not let's get a move on, wench."
Kagome fell into step behind Inuyasha and walked with him in silence until they reached the edge of the village. At the moment they hit the tree-line Kagome stopped walking and bit her lip in thought.
Inuyasha walked a few steps before turning back to look at the still Kagome, "Why did you stop?" He snarled.
"Inuyasha, doesn't Kikyo care that you're leaving?" Her voice shook as she asked the question. "Where is she anyway?"
The fierce look on Inuyasha's face was wiped away by the question. Guilt pooled to the top of his amber eyes and he looked down at the ground, "Kikyo is at rest. She's in a better place." He immediately turned back around and continued walking, telling Kagome by his body language that he would not be answering any more questions on the subject.
Kagome looked at Inuyasha's back and recognized the guilt he was bearing on his shoulders. She felt empathy for him, and asked no more questions. Instead, she followed him into the unknown, unconsciously putting her faith in him just as she had five years before.
* Sorry that it's taken me so long to post another chapter. I have the entire story inside my head, but transferring it onto paper is a long process. I also have summer classes so my free time is rather limited, but thank you for your patience. Major kudos to everyone who reviewed. I don't know if this chapter did justice to these characters and I am certain that some of the dialogue is a bit out of character so if anyone has constructive criticism I'd love to hear it. You can even flame me if that is your heart's desire. Anyway, thanks for taking the time to read; I know it's a long tedious story. But anyway, I hope you enjoy this chapter because frankly the reason I write is to make people think and for the reader's enjoyment.