Kagome awoke with the light of the sun shining directly into her eyes.  She squinted as she groggily looked around as if she was expecting something, someone to be there.  Her sleep softened face sagged into a frown as she took in her empty bedroom.  A dull ache spread through her chest.  He's not here… He didn't come for me…  If he did… he would still be here… Why isn't he here?  Why? 

A tear slid down her cheek followed by several more as she flopped back on her pillows.  During the night, she had several unsettling dreams; dreams that shook her to the very core of her soul.  The details of those nightmares she could not remember for they were fading back into her subconscious.  Yet, she was still a rattled for each vision involved her antagonist, Inu Yasha.  Those stupid nightmares…  Why can't I have normal dreams?  Why can't I dream about anything but him?  For a moment, I actually thought he was here… but he's not…   

Kagome flung her arm over her face as her other hand balled into a tight fist.  "I can start everyday like this," Kagome yelled at herself as she brought her fist down hard on bed.  With that she wiped her eyes and willed herself out of bed.  Somewhere tangled beneath a mass of covers Buyo came busting through with hackles raised, yowling angrily for being disturbed in such a violent manner.

"Oops… sorry Buyo…  Did I startle you?" Kagome stroked the frazzled calico cat, trying to comfort it. 

Kagome sighed as she picked up Buyo and rocked the cat like a child.   She hummed a tune she often heard Kaede sing while she gathered herbs.  She couldn't really remember the words at all but it didn't seem matter to Buyo.  Purring in content and swatting at one of Kagome's sleep mused locks, the housecat was appeased.  Putting the cat down, the young miko dragged about the house getting ready for school.  As she stood in front of the bathroom mirror brushing her teeth, her head began to spin.

My body feels like lead…  Kagome placed her hand on her forehead lightly.  I don't think I feel all that well…  How ironic... maybe I really am getting sick?  Running around in Sengoku Jidai all the time without resting probably took a toll on me, not to mention, stress from school and a certain half demon. Maybe I should stay home…

 Kagome shook her aching head, "I am going to school today whether I like it or not.  I'd rather not stay in this empty house all day.  That'll probably make me worse off.  I will just go to school and if I still don't feel so great, I won't go out with Hojo tonight.  It's not as if we were going to have a great date anyway."   

After getting dressed, Kagome walked to school.  By the time she got there, she was definitely sure she wasn't well.  Her head was pounding a mile a minute and her stomach turned and twisted in knots.  She sat down heavily on one of the benches lining the concrete walkway to the school entrance and held her head.  Tears welled up in her eyes as her aching body betrayed her.

"I think I'm going to be sick…" Kagome groaned to herself.  If she had eaten anything for breakfast, she probably would have.  Taking a few deep breaths, the young girl tried to compose herself.  I am going to make it.  I am not going home.  I don't need to miss anymore school.  If I just sit through a few classes, I will be as good as new and then during lunchtime, I will take a nap in the nurse's office. 

Kagome stood up and realized her balance was not at all steady.  Stubbornly, she fought the waves of dizziness and walked straight into school.  There she ran into Yuka at her locker.

"Kagome!!!!  It's the big day!  You got a date with Hojo tonight aren't you excited!" Yuka jumped up and down excitedly.

Kagome inwardly groaned, "…"

Yuka stopped hopping immediately after she noticed her friend's pallor, "Kagome-chan, you don't look so hot.  You're all pale and clammy looking.  Should you be in school today?"

The young miko pasted on a vibrant smile and shook her head, "I'm fine Yuka… I-I… I think it's just because I was up studying late.  I will be okay…"

Yuka nodded reluctantly, "Well, I will walk with you to class just in case.  You look a little unsteady to me…"

Kagome spent the whole day wishing she never got out of bed.  Her head hurt so bad her vision started to blur and she could barely concentrate in class.  She tried her best to ignore it; her iron will supplied her with enough energy to get through the day. 

On her way to Calculus, the young girl stopped and leaned heavily against a locker.  I wish I were at home.  Me and my stubborn self… I could be piled under some warm blankets right now.  Kagome straightened once again, I only have math than lunch… Ugh... than two classes after that.  I can make it through the day.   I am almost done.

For Kagome, Calculus was a blur.  She could barely comprehend anything that was going on.  Ms. Sae's voice distorted as soon as it hit the young girl's ears.  She had trouble just keeping her head upright the whole time.  Kagome wiped her clammy forehead and sighed in relief when the class ended.  Now, I need to try to make it to the nurse's office.  I hope I don't collapse.  She was too tired and wrapped in her thoughts to notice Sae Hakibi's keen eyes.

"Kagome?"

Kagome snapped to attention when she heard her teacher call out her name, "Yes Sae-sama?"

"Kagome, are you okay?  I noticed that you weren't very attentive in my class… and you are so pale.  I think you should call home so someone can come pick you up." Sae Hakibi's expression was full of worry.

"No, no, don't worry about me.  I think I am just starting to get a cold or something. It's nothing serious," Kagome waved off the idea nervously.  Besides there's no one home to come get me anyway…

"Are you sure?  Your really don't look well…"

Kagome smiled her brightest smile, "I'm okay…  I was just going to take a walk and get some fresh air or something.  Nothing like fresh air to clear up any illness…"

"I don't see why you wouldn't want to go home…" Sae persisted.

"I'm always at home.  I need to be in school.  I miss way too much class, as it is "the young girl sighed dejectedly 

"Well… don't push yourself too hard.  Hopefully, this weekend coming up will revive you.  Get some rest okay…" The math teacher smiled softly at her student. 

"I will…" Kagome gathered her books and walked toward the door, "And Sae-sama?"

"Yes, Kagome…"

"Thank you for worrying…" with that she left the room. 

Kagome didn't see the soft smile on Sae's face.  The young teacher shook her and began grading some homework papers on her desk.  "Kids nowadays…"

******

Kagome spent the rest of her day in the nurse's office.  Kagome had only been to that place once before to pick up a bandage.  She had no idea what the nurse's name was and her unfocused eyes could not make out the name on the lady's nametag.  Upon seeing Kagome's pallor and glassy eyes, the nurse insisted that Kagome stay.  The woman was considerably older, with her graying hair pulled back from her face.  The woman was a little shorter than Kagome but carried herself with authority.  She wore a white lab coat with a blue sweater and brown skirt beneath it.  She also wore round glasses on her face.  The brown eyes showing behind them twinkled with wisdom.

"I'll just get you excused from the rest of your classes, Ms. Higurashi.  What is the point of you running about from class to class in such a condition? Look at you… I bet you can't even concentrate.  I have half a mind to call your parents and have them pick you up…" the nurse gently pushed the girl towards one of the office beds.

Kagome shook her head and tried to explain that she was okay.

"Shush!  I don't need any of your explanations.  Students nowadays… all they care about now is getting the grade.  Just stay put and get some rest.  Lord knows you need it."

Kagome complied wearily and found herself deep in slumber in no time.  When she awoke, her head was still pounding but she didn't feel as dizzy as before.  Narrowing her eyes, she tried to focus on the clock on the wall before her.  How long have I been sleeping?  Why is everything in doubles?  I can't deal with this…   

"You have five minutes before the bell rings.  Some of your friends came down and brought you some notes form class while you were sleeping.  Such an overly excited bunch of girls they were.  Chatting so loudly, I thought they would wake you." The elder woman pointed to some papers on her desk.

Kagome rubbed her forehead and slipped gracefully off of the nurse's bed and on to her feet.  "Thank you for letting me stay for awhile…"

"Don't forget your notes." the nurse replied curtly.

"I won't ma'am.  Thank you…" Kagome grabbed her books and the notes and headed out into the hallway.

The school bell rang just as she stepped foot into the tiled hallway and she winced.  The shrill ringing aggravated her headache a bit.  She walked out into the afternoon sun, ducking and dodging the students spilling out of classrooms.  Caught in the sea of people, her dizziness began to return. 

"I need to get home…" Kagome mumbled but her feet were not carrying her fast enough.  The people were starting blur in just colors.  I wish Inu Yasha were here to save me now.  I wish…  Kagome didn't even realize she was swaying.

"Higurashi!" 

She heard her name being called by a familiar voice.

"Hojo?" she answered weakly.

Hojo came to a stop before Kagome, his enthusiasm dimming a bit as he took in the young girl's condition.  "Kagome, you don't look so good…"

"I don't feel so good either.  I don't think I can make it tonight…  I'm sorry." Kagome sighed.

"Don't worry about that now.  All that matters is that you get better.  I can give you a ride home on my bike."

"No… I think I can make it…" Kagome protested weakly.

"No, I insist." Hojo took Kagome's clammy hand and led her over to his bike.

She did not have resolve to protest any longer and the idea of walking home became less and less appealing as her head swirled faster and faster.  Hojo mounted his bike and she got on behind him.  Then they were off into Tokyo streets, the spring wind whipping in Kagome's hair.  The sickly girl held tight to Hojo, leaning her face a bit into his back.  It's almost like riding on Inu Yasha's back… 

At that thought she held on tighter, her mind filled with a certain silver haired hanyou.  The city slipped by street after street.  The sun shined on the two travelers and above them the sky shone blue without a trace of clouds.  Such beauty went unnoticed by Kagome at the moment.  She passed the time away deep in thought.  So deep was she in her thoughts that she barely noticed that Hojo had arrived at her home.  Quickly she released her tight hold on Hojo, who seemed not to mind at the moment, and slipped off his bike.   She then proceeded towards the shrine steps as if in a daze before realizing she had not thanked Hojo for his help.  I am such a baka.  I didn't even tell Hojo thank you.  Sick or not, there is no need to a total jerk.      

Turning, Kagome spoke softly to her companion, "Thank you, Hojo-kun."

The young boy smiled and rubbed the back of his head as a blush stained his cheeks.  "Anytime, Kagome… I will call you tomorrow to check up on you."  With that he rode away.     

 Kagome numbly proceeded up the stairs and into her house.  Once there, she went into her bedroom and collapsed on her bed.  She didn't even bother to change.  Her body was too weary to move.  Her eyelids drooped and her forehead beaded with perspiration.  If Mama came home early, she could take care of me.  I don't know if I can take care of myself.  I feel too horrible to move. My head aches and I am so tired even though I slept in the nurse's office.  The young girl pulled her comforter about her, even as her body temperature rapidly increased.  Maybe I can sleep it off…  Kagome's eyes slid shut slowly, her dark eyelashes kissing her pale cheeks, her breathing slow and deep.  In her weary, sickly state, sleep claimed her body quickly.  The soft caress of wind blowing through her open bedroom window blew tendrils of her midnight black hair across her fever-heated cheeks.  Mere minutes into her slumber, her subconscious pulled her into a world of dreams, or one dream she had been having repeatedly for weeks.

****In Kagome's Dream****

Kagome stood on a smoky battlefield, dazed in confused.  She looked down at herself.  Her clothes were tattered and slightly burnt.  Cuts all over body welled with blood.  Where am I?  Why am I here?  Wait a minute…  I'm can't be here now…  Did I fall asleep?  This is a dream… 

The shouts of battle rang out, assaulting Kagome's ears.  Everything sounds so real…  Is this a dream?  She began to run, not sure which way she was going and why.  It almost seemed as if her feet were carrying her forward without her consent.  Her mind was foggy and confused.  Where is everyone?  Who is fighting?  Her legs moved faster toward a destination unknown.  She ran past countless unidentifiable charred bodies, some youkai and some human, until she came to a clearing where two figures were locked in battle.  Is that Inu Yasha?  What… who is he fighting?  Where is the rest of the gang?  Where are they?  I can't sense them I can't…  Kagome looked away from the hanyou valiantly fending off some foe.  Her eyes caught sight of Miroku lying unmoving on the ground.  Kagome quickly forgot that she was dreaming; her mind and emotions swept into her fictional dream world.  She ran to him, tears forming in her eyes.

"Miroku…  Miroku…  Oh Kami, please don't be dead…" Kagome sobbed uncontrollably.

The houshi groaned and opened his eyes slightly.  He began to cough, a deep rumbling sound that did not bode well for the injured monk.  "Ka… Kago… me… sa… ma…"

Kagome grabbed his hand and knelt beside him, "Miroku, are you okay?  What happened?  Where are the others?"

"Naraku…  Na…  Naraku…  Sango…  Shippou…" The monk's eyes darkened in pain then glazed over in tears as he spoke.  The words took too much effort for his battered body. 

Kagome understood what he meant to say.  Sango and Shippou are dead?  Oh Kami…  Why?  Why…  I lost my friends… I cannot lose Miroku too…

"Miroku…  Just hold on…  I can save you…  I can_" Kagome was cut short.

"No…  Leave me…" Miroku spoke sadly, the last once of his strength waning.  "I … am… finished… no… reason… to go… on….  Sango…" His last words were but a whisper as he closed his deep purple eyes for the last time.

"No!" Kagome cried out in anguish.  Rage filled her as she charged back into the midst of battle, wishing to seek vengeance for her fallen comrades.  I will make Naraku pay for this…  By the gods, I will make him pay…   She ran back to place where she saw Inu Yasha.  She found him striking down a very hideous beast; a haphazard patchwork creation of youkai parts powered by the Shikon no Tama, who presumably had to be Naraku.  She tried to reach the hanyou but was blocked by some barrier.  What is going on?   I can't reach him…   I need Inu Yasha…  I need to reach him… 

 "Inu Yasha!!!" Kagome cried out, her voice raw from crying and smoke. 

She saw the hanyou pick up the Shikon no Tama from the dying flesh of the evil demon before he looked up at her.  Inu Yasha's eyes seemed dull and cold even from the distance that separated them.  He didn't come forth to save Kagome; he just stood silent, staring into the teary eyes of the miko.

Inu Yasha?  What's wrong?  Why aren't you talking to me? Why can't I reach you? 

"Inu Yasha!" Kagome cried out frantically.

The silver haired hanyou's grip tightened around the Shikon no Tama and a twisted sneer formed on his face.  He still hadn't spoken to her and seemingly did not intend to.  Instead, he turned away leaving the frantic and sobbing young girl to beat against the barrier.  Kagome was forced to watch as he turned away and straight into the waiting arms of Kikyo who was surrounded by her Shinidama-chuu. 

"My love…" Kikyo sighed as Inu Yasha embraced her tightly. 

Kagome could not move.  Her body was frozen in one spot, her eyes wind and shimmering with tears.  What should have been whispering between lovers, echoed unrealistically in her ears.  Every word spoken sent a knife twisting into her heart.

"I have come as I promised you, koibito…" Inu Yasha replied as he nuzzled Kikyo's cheek lovingly.

"What about the girl?" the miko asked directing her attention towards Kagome.

"What about her?" Inu Yasha growled seemingly annoyed.  "I have the Shikon no Tama and you…  What good is she to me?"

Kikyo looked at Kagome, a triumphant gleam radiating in her eyes, before she turned back to Inu Yasha.  The undead miko embraced him tighter as she smiled, "Well, it is settled…  It is time for us to depart, my love…"

Kagome's heart shattered into pieces, even as she struggled to make Inu Yasha hear her.  "No!  Don't do this Inu Yasha…  Don't leave me!" 

The half dog demon did not even spare the young girl a glance as he spoke, "I will follow you wherever you may lead me, Kikyo.  I love only you and no one else."

"Come with me, then…. Down to the underworld where we will both keep the Shikon no Tama forever…  Just you and I… forever in death…" Kikyo's voice became softer as she and Inu Yasha, engulfed in purple light, began to sink into the ground.

"Forever Kikyo…  I will be with you, forever…" Inu Yasha sighed before he finally disappeared.

Kagome slid to the ground against the barrier that kept her away from the pair.  Her tears were unending, her sorrow immense.  Her only love left her alone in a world that was not her own.  He left her without regard to her well being, without a single word.  He didn't love me…  If he did, he would not have left me here alone…  He never loved me…  He never cared… 

Her body shook with sobs as she let loose a cry, "Inu Yasha!!!!!"

****End of Dream****

Kagome jolted straight up in her bed, her body covered in sweat.  Her fever-brightened eyes searched her darkened bedroom.  Inu Yasha isn't here…  But I can feel him…  I can feel his presence retreating from this place…  Kagome jumped out of bed, taking her comforter and pulling sheets away as she ran from her room and out of the house into the chilly spring night.  The petals of cherry blossoms, petals of numerous cherry trees that decorated the shrine, airborne in the night wind clung to her hair.  She ran as fast as her legs could take her even though her body was burning with fever. He can't leave me this time…  I won't let him…  Inu Yasha… 

                Her heart spoke his name with each beat.  With each shaky breath she took, she cried out his name.  I feel you, Inu Yasha.  I know you're here… Why do you run from me?  Why?

                "Inu Yasha!!!"  Kagome ran through the courtyard barefoot and stumbling as her legs caught on the comforter wrapped about her shoulders.  Her sweaty obsidian hair, whipped about even as wayward tendril stuck to her face and neck.  "Inu Yasha, please wait!!!!"

                Her legs carried her forth to the well house, the place where all her adventures began.  She stopped dead in her tracks a few feet away from the shed housing Bone Eater's Well.  She found him there, standing so still, his back to her, illuminated amongst the sakura blossoms by the moonlight.

                "Inu Yasha?" she gasped his name, her lungs depleted of oxygen by her haste.  She was confused by his silence.  I haven't seen him in days…  Why doesn't he say something?  Didn't he know I was coming?   Kagome slid forward to close the distance between them.

                "Don't…" 

                His voice, a terse, growled command, bit through the night air.  Kagome drew back, confused and hurt by his tone. 

                "Inu Yasha…" Why is he being so harsh?  Am I still asleep? This really can't be my Inu Yasha… Can it?