I'd like to thank all my reviewers so far for responding and I hope I continue to gain an even bigger audience by the time my story is finished; or at least this half. So, without any more delays I bring you chapter 2.

Disclaimer: I don't own anything other than all the Yu Yu Hakusho DVD's, except for the ones not released and about half of the Inuyasha series. Oh and Kuronue is my mate! You can all swoon now!


Chapter 2

When Kagome woke up the next morning, after crying her eyes out for most of the night, she literally felt like she was dying. Her throat was soar and scratchy and it hurt to swallow. She must have cried the whole night non stop, except for a few times when she nodded off from exhaustion and worry. Sighing tiredly Kagome desperately wished she could burrow back beneath the covers and sleep her troubles away.

But, alas...it was time.

Her eyes began to brim over with tears again but this time she refused to let them fall. She would get through this. She had to be strong or else she would fall apart and slip into depression. And she did not want to do that. She wanted to be able to look back on this time in her life with happy thoughts and warm feelings. From this moment on, she was turning over a new leaf. She was going to get through this with her head held high. She and her friends had fought and destroyed a dangerous enemy that would have destroyed the world. And she was ever so grateful that Naraku was gone now. From now on she would always pride herself on being able to grow and survive in this most chaotic of times. Yes, she decided, she would get through this...and live life to the fullest.

She sat up, yawning and stretching at the same time, shivering at the intense cold as the blankets slipped off from around her shoulders. She was about to go to her large yellow back pack to find some clothes to wear for her departure when the child-like giggles of a certain green-eyed kit caught her attention. She smiled softly at the delighted sound from her adopted son. How proud she was of him, of how strong and loving he'd become. Kagome's eyes widened when another child's laughter responded. Who was Shippo playing with?

Curiously Kagome got up and went to her flap, pushing it open to reveal a ball of dust headed straight towards her. Her eyes widened when Shippo raced directly by her hut. Moments later a panting Rin appeared from the outskirts of town, hot on his heals. She was laughing and smiling brightly, while red seeped into her cheeks from running so much.

"Ha ha, Rin, you can't catch me," Shippo taunted turning around to stick his tongue out at the younger girl. Kagome watched in amusement when Shippo forgot to watch where he was going and accidentally tripped over himself sending his little body tumbling to the ground. Kagome giggled when he sat up, shaking his head trying to get rid of the cloudy feeling.

Rin took the opportunity of Shippo's misfortune to torture her demon friend and immediately pounced on top of him, catching him off guard and attacking his sides.

"I got you, Shippo!" She shrieked in glee, mercilessly tickling his ribs, causing Shippo to convulse with laughter. Shippo laughed through his tears trying to throw her off. "Give up Shippo! Say Rin is the best!" She continued tickling him just for the fun off it, both kids oblivious to Kagome's watchful eyes of amusement.

"Okay, okay," Shippo coughed, still laughing and trying in vain to dislodge the dust settling in his lungs from kicking it up. "I give! I give! Rin is the best! There I said it, now get off me." It was obvious to Kagome that Shippo could have thrown Rin effortlessly. Even though he was still a kid, he was a full demon. He would have had no trouble dislodging a human, especially one as young as Rin. Kagome had to grin at the obvious case of puppy love.

"Hey, you two," she called, gaining their attention. Rin and Shippo jumped at the sudden intrusion into their playtime. Shippo immediately blushed at the teasing look Kagome was sending him, though Rin didn't seem to notice. She only bounced up off the ground, Shippo immediately jumping to his feet, and raced towards the miko, flinging her arms around her legs in a warm embrace.

"Lady Kagome!" Rin exclaimed brightly while Kagome shook her head in amusement. Rin would always be Rin. Sesshomaru was lucky to have such a warm and precious daughter. He was going to have his hands full when she came up age.

"Hello Rin, it is good to see you. What are you doing here? Is Sesshomaru here as well?" Kagome replied, grinning down at the little imp of a girl. She reached down and ran a hand lovingly through little Rin's shiny brown lopsided pony tail.

"Lord Sesshomaru," Rin corrected and Kagome only nodded, hiding the smirk, "My lord said he had some bus-businss-business to attend to," Rin replied never once losing the adoring smile. Kagome wondered when Rin would outgrow the 'Lord' thing; probably when she recognizes that Sesshomaru treats her more like a daughter than a ward or when she becomes a teenager. Won't Sesshomaru be surprised at how moody teenagers can be…especially girls?

Kagome had to grin over Rin's stumbling and use of much bigger words. It was amazing how hard Rin worked to sound just like her protector.

"Okay, then, Rin, Shippo, I was wondering if both of you would you like to help me pick out something to wear for today? I want to look extra special today. Do you think you can help?" She asked the two kids.

"Sure, Kagome-mama," Shippo agreed springing up and landing on Kagome's shoulder. "What's today? Is it a surprise?"

"Well, sort of," she whispered not wanting to disappoint him. "You'll see. Now come on."

Kagome found another thing she was going to miss; having the love of a son as wonderful as Shippo. Yes, she would miss her adopted son very much. She only hoped he lived long and that she would be able to see him again someday. Perhaps he would come find her when Sesshomaru did. She could only wish.

For the next hour, Kagome tried on several new Kimonos Sesshomaru had graced her with as his little sister. Most of them were very grand and formal, and Kagome almost hated to wear them unless it was a special occasion, although there was one or two which were less formal and definitely more comfortable. Finally she settled on a midnight blue kimono with golden moons and stars embroidered on the sleeves and legs. On the front was a huge golden dragon which curled around a lone sword which oddly enough looked like the Tetsusaiga in its transformed stage. With a little help from Rin, Kagome managed to get her long hair up into an elegant French twist. She let two large chunks of ebony hair fall to frame her face, in front of her shoulders (You know like Kurama's does). She had Rin pin her hair up with a crystal come, a come also given to her from both Sesshomaru and Inuyasha upon competing the adoption ceremony.

She finally sent the two kids back out to play, claiming to be doing some last minute touch ups. But the truth was Kagome just needed time to prepare herself.

She stood up, sending one more look to herself before sitting down on her bed, pulling out 6 previously written letters. She stood up and slipped them into her backpack.

It was time.


The sun was setting by the time everyone had gathered around the well, minus Sesshomaru. Over the span of the whole day Kagome had taken the time to spend a little time with everybody. She'd spend the morning simply talking to Sango, pondering her and Miroku's strange but loving marriage, watching the children play together and slowly fall into puppy love. They'd taken a bath together at the hot springs, Kagome's last one.

Kagome had spent a short lunch speaking to Miroku about anything and everything they could think of. He spoke of his love for Sango and how he thought of Kagome as his little sister. Kagome told him she was happy to be thought of as a little sister as she thought of him as an older brother.

After lunch Kagome had climbed up the God Tree and simply sat the afternoon away sitting in silence next to Inuyasha soaking up their last peaceful day together. Inuyasha seemed to sense her mood and refrained from speaking of pissing her off. He wanted to spend remember her this way always; calm and beautiful. Finally, just before the sun began to sink before the horizon, Kagome had jumped down just in time to play a short game of tag with Shippo, Rin, and Miroku, while Sango and even Inuyasha laughed at the silliness of it all. Kagome eventually left them all, instructing them to wait by the well because she had something important to tell them.

Kagome spotted them first and she stopped a moment to observe them. Sesshomaru was not present as they'd sort of already said their goodbyes the night before. She observed them all standing nervously around, no doubt worrying whether something was wrong.

Kagome's gaze moved to Sango and Miroku who simply looked a bit confused, though Miroku's eyes held a light of understanding and something like acceptance, while Sango simply wondered what their friend had to say. This would be a huge blow to Sango, who'd lost anything that ever meant anything to her.

Shippo looked a bit nervous and was shuffling his feet impatiently. Rin stood faithfully by his side and helped calm him by taking his hand in hers and holding it tightly in her own. Rin was going to be devastated as well as she thought of Kagome much the same was as she thought of Sesshomaru. Kagome was really glad those two would have each other to lean on and grieve with upon her absence.

Inuyasha looked perhaps the most worried and tense, for he had a feeling what was to come. Kagome had a feeing Inuyasha knew what was coming. He'd probably been sensing it from her since the day before, maybe even longer.

Indeed Inuyasha was worried.

His greatest fear was being realized. Kagome was going to leave. She was going home and she was never coming back. The truth of the matter was he might never see her again and the pain that set in unsettled him. It was more than any pain he'd ever felt before, even more than at the time of Kikyo's supposed betrayal. He just hoped he would live long enough to see her one last time, although he was beginning to doubt it. He may be at least part demon, but nevertheless, his other half was human and although his life span would alter a bit, it would not be as long as his brother's or any other full demon.

The others looked up when they finally sensed Kagome's presence and Kagome knew she had to keep moving. Just keeping moving, Kagome, she told herself. Just put one foot in front of the other. It'll be all over soon. She walked smoothly, her face calm, and neutral, betraying none of the chaos her heart was in. Even from this far away everyone could tell by her aura and movements that something was about to happen. She walked on, breaking through the tree line, coming clear out of the shadows. She walked like a ballerina, graceful, confident, sure of herself. She never once faltered in her steps, although she had to fight herself to keep from falling apart and collapsing right then and there. She knew if she stopped she would never make it home...and she would never leave.

"Just breathe," she whispered to herself.

She approached them carefully and smiled a weary, almost timid smile. Everyone could tell the smile was forced and not meant for happiness...only for heartbreak.

"Hello, everyone," Kagome finally spoke, coming to rest just a few feet from where everyone stood. "I'm glad you're all here." She was ever so grateful that her voice didn't sound as shaky as her insides felt. Her heart was racing with feelings and thoughts. She just wanted to get through this and move on.

No one spoke and no one moved as the wind rushed by them, picking up in speed and urgency. It was obvious a storm was brewing in more ways than one. Finally Inuyasha broke the silence and stepped forward. "It's time isn't?" He asked, knowing he'd startled the others with his revelation.

Kagome looked into his eyes and Inuyasha saw the truth, the defiance, and the heartache. "Yes," she responded, looking away. "I'm going home."

"Home?" Sango asked confused. "What do you mean Kagome? You are coming back aren't you?"

Kagome looked away from Inuyasha and into her best female friend's confused eyes. Drawing forth a shuddering breath Kagome replied, "No, Sango, I am not."

"But," Sango's eyes filled with tears and her shoulders began to shake with repressed emotions. "But you can't leave, Kagome. We still need you here, with us. I need you."

"Sango," Miroku pulled his wife into his arms, trying to soothe her in her grief. "Obviously Kagome feels that her time with us has come to an end. Naraku is dead, the jewel is complete. She obviously feels she isn't needed here anymore."

"What does that mean? Of course you're still needed here! You're supposed to stay with us!" Sango almost shouted and broke down as Kagome moved forward shooting a look at Miroku before pulling her best friend into her arms.

"Sango, I'm sorry. Really, you'll never know how much. I love you, you're my best friend. And no matter how much I wish I could stay...this isn't my home. I have to go back."

"But, but," Sango tried to speak but her voice came out in sobs. "But you could have a home here. With us. With me and Miroku. And Inuyasha and Shippo. Hell, even with Sesshomaru if you wanted. You even have your own hut the villagers gave you. You'd be Shippo's mother and eventually you'll find your own husband." Sango's next words caused Kagome to lose whatever hold on her emotions she had. "Our kids are supposed to grow up together. We're supposed to grow up together. We're supposed to grow old together, you and I. You can't leave now! You can't! Who's going to be my little sister now? I don't have Kohaku anymore. If you leave, who will be my sibling now?"

Kagome tightened her arms around her friend's body releasing everything she'd held in at this point, both women collapsing to the ground, much to the shock of Miroku and Inuyasha. That's when the rain fell, first in little spats and then large heavy drops, before the wind picked up even more and lightning flashed across the sky, effectively setting the mood. Miroku reached out to comfort his wife when Inuyasha stopped him with a shake of his head. He realized this was something Sango and Kagome had to face together.

Meanwhile Shippo was bawling his eyes out at the thought of never seeing his mother again. He sat on the ground, while Inuyasha placed a gentle hand on his back, wishing for once that he didn't have so much pride, that he could express his feelings as Shippo was. Rin sat beside her friend curled into his arms, crying just as hard. She too realized that her mother-figure was leaving...and for good,

Kagome finally sighed and began speaking in soft hushed tones. "Sango...I will always be your little sister. You know that. And you know that I would do all those things if I possibly could. But...Sango, listen to me." Sango finally stopped crying and looked up through her tears to search her friend's face, streaked with tears of her own. "There is still something out there for me. I feel as if...something is calling me back to my world. I have to do this. Do you understand?"

Sango sniffled and leaned her head on Kagome's shoulder, both women ignoring the heavy sounds of thunder and the pouring of the rain as it beat down upon them all. "Yes, Kagome, I understand. I don't have to like it, but I do understand. And who knows, perhaps we'll meet again someday. Maybe this time, I will be the reincarnation."

"You...and of course Miroku," Kagome agreed, drawing forth a giggle from the collapsed demon slayer. "Just please don't come back like Kikyo and try to kill your incarnation for loving your reincarnation...or the houshi no doubt for his reincarnated perverted ness."

Both girls giggled until they were laughing so hard, Inuyasha and Miroku had to wonder what was so funny when moments before both girls were sobbing messes. Women were such an enigma.

Finally the women stopped laughing and, with aid from Miroku and Inuyasha, climbed to her feet.

"So...I guess this is goodbye," Kagome spoke softly glancing at the two sobbing children. "Come here Rin, Shippo." Both children raced to her side and Kagome swung them up into her arms. "I have something for you to remember me by. You should be able to read them since you both have the basics done now." Kagome proceeded to pull out two of the letter. One was addressed to Rin while the other was addressed to Shippo.

"Do you really have to go?" Shippo asked sadly. "I've just found you."

Kagome simply nodded and kissed him on the forehead. "Yes, Shippo, I do. And you'll be just fine. I've arrange for you to stay with Sesshomaru and Rin. Is that okay? Or would you rather stay with Sango and Miroku. I'm sure they'd love you to stay with them."

Shippo seemed to consider it before noticing the pout on Rin's face. Obviously she wanted him to stay with her.

"No, that's fine, Kagome-mama. I want to stay with Rin...even if I have to live with Sesshomaru." Shippo shivered while Kagome and the others laughed and Inuyasha scoffed. His brother; scary? Feh!

"Hey, he isn't that bad," Kagome said giggling.

"Says who?" Inuyasha grumbled. "Who would ever want to live with that bas-."

"Inuyasha, sit! I've told you before, no bad language in front of the children!"

Inuyasha fell to the floor, cursing all the way, although his curses were much more subdued and unheard to the naked ear. Kagome set down the children after kissing them both one last time and hugging them close. She stepped towards Inuyasha and held out a hand for him to take. He took it although he protested greatly to needing her assistance. For a few moments they stood there staring at each other before Kagome reached forward. Inuyasha began to blush wondering what she was doing until he heard the snap of the beads around his neck.

She stepped back and held the broken necklace up. "Inuyasha, I now release you from my spell. You have learned much throughout our journey together. Hopefully you'll continue to remember what you learned, long after my leaving."

For once in his life Inuyasha let a tear slip out of his eye as he drew his first friend into his arms for a warm, tender hug. "I'm going to miss you Kagome," he whispered for her ears only before pushing her away. "Wench, who gave you permission to hug me?" He growled, although everybody could tell he didn't really mean it. Kagome smiled at him and wordlessly handed him his letter, before turning back to Sango and Miroku. She looked at Miroku first.

"Well, Miroku, it's been a long journey, wouldn't you say my friend?" She asked him, her mind traveling back to the early days.

Miroku's eyes sparked mischievously. "Yes, sister, it has," he responded warmly. "Who would have ever thought the sweet, naive girl I managed to kidnap, steal her bike and the jewel shards all at the same time, would grow up to be one of the most powerful mikos ever and manage to defeat a great enemy and purify a jewel. I just hope you don't forget about us."

Kagome's throat clogged a bit and she hugged him tightly. She tensed upon feeling his sudden invasion and for once allowed him to feel her up. "For old time's sake," Miroku chuckled, drawing back and releasing her.

Kagome's eyes sparkled. "Yes, for old time's sake."

She met Sango's eyes and this time there were no tears. Both girl embraced one last time before Kagome finally let her go. She handed them letter, addressed the each and stepped towards the well.

"Oh, I almost forgot!" She exclaimed. "I want to get a few pictures of us all to remember us by. I brought my Polaroid so you guys could have a few copies as well."

For the next ten minutes the group took turns taking pictures of each other in various positions. The last shot was of them all standing together beneath the God Tree. Kagome and Sango were in the middle with Shippo on Kagome's shoulder. Kagome's left arm was wrapped tightly around Rin who stood directly in front of her. Her right was wrapped around Sango's shoulders, while Sango's left arm was wrapped around Kagome's shoulders. Miroku stood to the left and back of Sango, one hand possessively wrapped around Sango's waist. Inuyasha stood to Kagome's left a little ways off, refusing to smile fully, although he had a slight smirk on his face with his arms crossed arrogantly in front of his chest. They made two copies of that one and finally Kagome had used the last picture left.

She turned and hugged them all one last time before slinging one leg over the side of the well. "Goodbye, my friends. May your life be blessed with happiness. I hope that someday we'll meet up again, whether it is in this world or the next. We'll be together again...someday."

With that she jumped through one last time, relishing for the last time the feel of the protective magic working it's way to helping her cross back home.

It was over. It was finally over.


Yeah, it's over. Well at least for tonight! So how'd you guys like it? Did it make you cry or feel anything at all? If it did, that was what I was going for. Don't worry, the story will get a bit lighter, but how did you expect everyone to act upon Kagome leaving; for them to jump in joy? So, if you liked this chapter please review and I'll post another chapter tomorrow night, maybe even two.