It was hard waking up the next morning, but Kagome had promised Inuyasha that she would arrive by dawn. He reasoned that the earlier they started hunting the jewel shards, the more time they'll have.

Kagome pouted as she wondered why she bothered making promises to a boy who couldn't decide whether he wanted to be with her or not.

Sighing, Kagome made her bed and prepared for her last hot shower before returning to the rivers of feudal Japan.

She decided against wearing her school uniform—it just wasn't practical. Not only was she not going to be in school for a while, a short skirt and blouse was just not proper fighting gear. Kagome opted for an old pair of dark blue jeans and a fitted, short-sleeved pink tee.

The outfit was still not fighting-ready, but at least most of her skin was covered. Kagome shrugged, flung her yellow backpack over one shoulder and headed off.

Thankfully, no one in the household was up. Kagome hurriedly tiptoed out.

Once at the well, Kagome practically leaped in. Her mood was brightening as she thought how happy Inuyasha would be that she arrived on time for once, and that she brought lots of ramen noodles!

She giggled happily as she fell through the well.

"Well, well, someone finally decided to arrive on time," Inuyasha sneered, smirking.

However sarcastic his tone, Kagome could see the delight in his eyes. He was happy for her return.

Smiling, Kagome held up her backpack.

"Guess what I've got in here?" she teased.

"Those 'math' books you dread so much?" Inuyasha answered, somewhat impatiently.

Kagome shuddered. "No, I left those dreadful things at home. I've got ramen," she said seductively.

Inuyasha's eyes widened instantly. "Let's go!" he cried, grabbing Kagome's hand and practically flying her back to Kaede's hut.

The others grinned at Inuyasha as he slurped up the ramen. Kagome sighed contently, willing to forget those negative thoughts she'd entertained yesterday. She enjoyed being with Inuyasha and was tired of being consumed by her insecurities about Kikyo.

She lowered her bowl slowly as she realized that Kikyo had not made an appearance in quite awhile. Kagome frowned.

What could she be up to?

Entertaining thoughts of a truly dead Kikyo, Kagome looked guiltily over at Inuyasha.

Oh well, she thought. It's not like I have to tell him what I'm thinking.

She smiled smugly.

"What are you smiling about?" Inuyasha jeered, noodles hanging from the corners of his mouth.

Kagome stifled a laugh. "Oh nothing in particular—I'm just happy, that's all."

"Yeah, whatever," Inuyasha mumbled, who shoved his bowl in front of Kaede, expecting to be served.

Kaede frowned at Inuyasha, who then shook her head at Kagome. "Honestly, I don't know what you or my sister see in this guy."

Sango, Miroku and Shippo chuckled, also shaking their heads knowingly.

Kagome smiled, but inwardly she wondered if she could answer Kaede's question, were it not rhetorical.

As the others went back to enjoying the noodles, Kagome returned to fantasizing about life without Kikyo.

Images of her and Inuyasha picnicking and snuggling by a campfire watching the stars played like a silent film in her mind. She smiled contently. In her fantasies, she was free to love Inuyasha, and free to hate Kikyo.

"Kagome, ye seem rather preoccupied this morning," Kaede said warmly, noticing the contented look on the girl's face.

"No, no," Kagome insisted, feeling somewhat annoyed at being interrupted. "Like I said, I'm just happy to be here."

Kaede frowned slightly while studying Kagome's face.

"I think it is high time that ye and I had a talk," Kaede said quietly, not wanting to alert the others.

Kagome stared worriedly back at Kaede, but nodded her consent.

The others were too busy teasing Inuyasha about his piggish eating habits to wonder about Kagome and Kaede's departure.

Once they were a good several feet from the hut, Kaede motioned for Kagome to stop by placing a hand on the girl's shoulder.

"Kagome, what it is that ye plan to do if and when Naraku is defeated? Do ye wish to remain here with Inuyasha?"

Kagome looked down at her sneakers, suddenly interested in their pink and white design.

"Well, um, if...I don't know," she stammered, her cheeks flushing. "I mean, I guess if he doesn't mind, then I don't either."

"I'm afraid ye are not long for this world," Kaede said gravely, causing Kagome's head to snap back up in shock and anger.

"What do you mean, Kaede?" Kagome demanded. "After all I've been through here, I just have to go back—just like that?"

Kaede remained silent.

"Oh, I see," Kagome said testily. "And I thought you liked me. I mean, you let me stay in your home, you taught me things..."

Kaede frowned. "What are ye getting at?"

Kagome frowned back. "I think that ye wants Inuyasha with your sister, and that's why you're making me believe I have to leave!"

Kaede gasped. "Ye are mistaken! I would never!"

"Well, then what is it then?" Kagome said, throwing her hands up in the air.

Inwardly, Kagome was in turmoil. Just a moment ago, she had regained inner peace, and now Kaede, of all people, was destroying it.

I guess I should have seen this coming, Kagome thought bitterly. After all, she is Kikyo's sister.

"This conversation is over," Kagome said quietly, turning to leave.

"No, this is far from over," growled an angry half-demon.

Kaede stared calmly back at Inuyasha's glare, but inwardly she wondered whether he would hurt her. She sighed. The conversation hadn't gone as planned, and Kagome had misunderstood her intentions. Now, she had a seething half-demon to reckon with.

"No one tells Kagome to leave, old hag!" Inuyasha barked.

"Inuyasha, ye misunderstand what I was trying to say," Kaede pleaded.

"Like hell I did!" Inuyasha spat.

He grabbed Kagome's hand. "Come on, Kagome, we're getting outta here. This old wench can't be trusted."

Kaede's eyes saddened. Even Kagome, who was still angry with Kaede, felt sorry for the old priestess. For the first time, Kagome saw Kaede's vulnerability.

Inuyasha dragged Kagome inside to gather the others, ignoring their protests. Sango, Miroku and Shippo apologized for Inuyasha before they followed Inuyasha and Kagome.

Kaede shook her head sadly as she watched the retreating figures.

How did it come to this?

"Everyone seems to think I'm just some old maid," Kaede said bitterly. "They know not what I suffered in the years after my sister's death. But they soon will..."

She slowly re-entered the hut. As for much of her youth and adult life, she was alone.