A/N: Gomen, I looked it up, and Kagome's mom's last name is actually Higurashi. I mixed up the r and the g. Oops. Anyway, enjoy!
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Sesshomaru stood watching Inuyasha's struggle with the youkai. That hanyou did have determination, he had to admit that. Even in his human form, exhausted and bleeding, he continued his struggle for life. What drove Inuyasha? What made him stronger than normal humans, or hanyou's? What drove his desire to live to the point that he could keep fighting despite wounds that would have already killed any normal person?
Sesshomaru kept watching him. Even though he is strong, he thought, if he keeps on like this he'll die. Sesshomaru ordered Jaken to have the youkai brought back. Inuyasha couldn't die yet.
Just as Jaken and some of the others lured the youkai out of the room, Inuyasha collapsed. Sesshomaru laughed.
"Leave the door open Jaken."
"But Sesshomaru-sama, he-"
"Might get out? No. He can't move."
"But just a moment ago-"
"A moment ago he was moving to stay alive. Now there is no threat. He won't be going anywhere. Besides, even if he did, he'd come straight to me."
Jaken looked up at his master. Why was he so angry at his brother? Why was he going through all this trouble to kill him? Why did he go through such trouble to go to that girls world, and try to kill her? All this thinking made Jaken's head hurt.
"Come Jaken."
Jaken followed his master, stopping once to turn and look at the unconscious Inuyasha, a look of pity in his eyes, and then quickly ran behind his master.
Inuyasha's breathing was rough, and uneven. Blood from his wounds was everywhere, and all of his strength was spent. He laid there, unconscious for what seemed hours.
Finally, Inuyasha opened his eyes slightly. His vision was still blurred, and he instantly wished he had stayed asleep. The pain from his still bleeding wounds was almost unbearable, on top of the pain in his heart. The pain of not knowing how Kagome was, the pain of knowing she was hurting too. Inuyasha heard something coming down the hallway, and listened intently. Was it Sesshomaru, come to gloat at him? It didn't sound like Sesshomaru. It was the sound of small, shuffled feet.
"Sesshomaru-sama?" said a small voice, "Are you there? I lost my ball down here, and now I can't find my way out."
Inuyasha thought he was imagining it. There was a little girl down here? Was she too a youkai?
"Sesshomaru-sama?"
Inuyasha heard the footsteps stop just outside of the room he was now in.
"Are you in here? It's scary down here."
The little girl walked slowly into the room, and walked towards the figure on the floor. She gasped and backed away when she saw the bloodied Inuyasha.
Inuyasha didn't have much strength, but he spoke with what strength he did have.
"It's okay.... I won't... hurt you." He smiled at her. "I.... can't even move."
The little girl still looked frightened, and didn't come any closer.
"What's your....name?" he asked her.
The little girl spoke softly, her voice shaky.
"Rin."
"Rin." Inuyasha repeated, "That's a pretty name."
He tried to push himself up, and roll onto his back, not succeeding. Rin watched him carefully, and slowly, walked over to help him. With the two of them, he made it. Inuyasha looked closely at this girl. She definitely wasn't a youkai, but then that meant.... she was a human. What would Sesshomaru be doing with a human little girl? Rin looked at the wounds that covered Inuyasha's body.
"Does it hurt?" she asked him.
Inuyasha looked up at the little girl. He didn't want to scare her.
"Yes," Inuyasha said, "But I try not to think about it."
"Then what do you think about?" Rin asked curiously.
Inuyasha smiled. Taking a deep breath, he told her.
"I think about my wife..... and my baby."
"You have a baby?" Rin asked exited.
"Well I... will soon."
"A boy or a girl?"
"I'm not.... sure yet."
"Where is your wife? Is she pretty?"
Inuyasha continued to smile at Rin. She was so full of questions. Why would Sesshomaru have a human girl with him, one that seemed to like him, and that called him sama? Could it be Sesshomaru had a soft spot for this human? That maybe, he cared for her?
"Is she pretty?" Rin asked again.
"Oh... yes. Very pretty."
"Tell me about her."
A lock of Inuyasha's black hair fell onto the ground as his chest rose slowly up and down. He started to breathe more regularly, as he pictured Kagome in his mind, as he closed his eyes.
"Well, she has long, raven black hair, that likes to blow in the wind, and deep brown eyes that sparkle in the moonlight..."
"Do my eyes sparkle?" Rin asked him.
"I'm sure they do."
"Really? Am I pretty like your wife?"
"You are very pretty, just like Kagome."
"Ka...go...me?"
"She's my wife."
"Where is she? Do you love her?"
Inuyasha laughed to himself. Did this girl never stop talking?
"She's at home. She got hurt, and I have to get back to her. I love her very much. So much that I'd die for her if I had to."
Rin's eyes went wide.
"You love her that much?"
A small chuckle came out of Inuyasha's mouth.
"Yes."
Rin's face became very serious.
"Well then you have to get better, so you can go home to her. I'll go find you some food." She jumped up and skipped towards the door, then paused for a second. "I'm a good helper, you don't have to worry. I'll take care of you, just like I took care of Sesshomaru-sama."
She giggled and skipped out of the room. Inuyasha was confused, but grateful.
"I'll get back to you Kagome. I promise." And that was the last thing he said, before falling asleep.
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Mrs. Higurashi (ha ha I spelled it right) walked through the forest, trying to remember everything she saw. Sometimes she thought she was walking through a dream, and that at any moment she might wake up. It made her sad to know that she had missed so many years here. How many years had it been? Nearly two decades. She wondered how many people were still living that she once knew.
"Myouga?" She asked quietly.
"Hai?"
"Is Kikyo's village still there?"
Myouga thought a moment. Kikyo's village?
"Oh. Kaede's village! Hai."
"Kaede?"
"Hai, Kikyo's younger sister."
"Myouga... it's been nearly two decades since I was here last. How many years have passed here? When Kagome broke the barrier, and entered this time, how many years had passed?"
Myouga took a deep sigh.
"Higurashi-sama..... it has been nearly 6 decades in this era, since your last visit. Kagome-sama fell into the well, to a time that she was needed. In the well, you can jump time periods, but you cannot choose the time. The well decides."
"The well decides?"
"Hai. It's very complicated Higurashi-sama. You were sent to this era 6 decades ago, because you were needed here at that exact time. Kagome was sent to this era at a different time because she is needed now."
"You mean I was supposed to meet Hiroshi?"
"You were supposed to do something at that time, yes. Whether meeting Hiroshi was that reason I don't know."
"How can we go through the well now? I thought that...."
"Kagome entered the well with the Shikon no Tama stored in her body, therefore, she broke the barrier that Hiroshi-sama placed upon the well-"
"Hiroshi placed the barrier?" Mrs. Higurashi felt it hard to breathe. He had.... why? Had he really been that angry with her? What had really happened all those years ago?
"M..Myouga? Why did Hiroshi-sama place the barrier? Why did he condemn me to life alone? Did he not love me, or his children?"
Myouga took a deep breath, and shook his head.
"Higurashi-sama.... Hiroshi-sama, loved you very much."
Mrs. Higurashi stopped in her tracks, and began to cry.
"If he loved me, than why-"
"Higurashi-sama, I will explain in time, I promise you, but right now, we have more important things to deal with. There are lives at steak."
Mrs. Higurashi wiped the tears from her eyes, and held her head high. Myouga was right. She had to keep her past behind her for now, and worry only about her daughter. Kagome was in no condition to be anywhere but the hospital, let alone in the feudal era. She had to remember that her first priority was her daughter.
She took a deep breath, and started walking forward determinedly.
"Now where was that village?"
"Not far, just at the edge of the forest, just head straight that way." Said Myouga pointing west.
Mrs. Higurashi said nothing, and started walking in that direction. Although she didn't speak, she still had so many different questions running through her mind. Why had Hiroshi been angry with her? Why had he sent her back to her own time, and then made it impossible for her to return? She had felt so out of place back then, because she had considered the feudal era to be her home. Why had Hiroshi done what he had done? She couldn't help but wonder. And then a greater question came into her mind. A question that haunted her ever since Myouga had told her of his death. Mrs. Higurashi wanted to know, how had he died? Had he been killed? Was he sick? So many questions she wanted answers to, but she knew that she should be focused on Kagome. She was her mother, and with that title came responsibility. Her own life, came after she knew Kagome was safe.
She walked on, until the light became brighter, and she finally came to the edge of the forest. She stood up on a small hill, and gazed down into the village below.
It was just as she had remembered it. It seemed unmarred by time, even though it had been 60 years. It all seemed so strange. It seemed as though nothing had changed, and that everything had waited for her return. Had Myouga been right? Had it really been 4 decades longer here, than in her own time? Why was it now Kaede's village, and not Kikyo's? So many questions.....
She wiped the remainder of tears from her cheeks, and headed down the hill towards the village, whispering as she walked.
"I'm coming Kagome."
.....................
The village people watched her walk through the streets. What strange clothing... like Kagome-sama's, but this was not Kagome, this was an older woman. She looked very much like Kagome however, and this confused the people.
She stopped to ask one of the villagers if they had seen Kagome.
"Excuse me," she began, "I'm looking for my daughter.... Kagome-"
"Kagome? Kagome-sama? You are Kagome-sama's mother?"
"Hai, have you seen-"
"Hey, this woman says she's Kagome-sama's mother!"
This caused a bunch of the villagers to rush over to her, creating a circle around her. All at once they started asking her questions and shouting out things they knew about Kagome.
"That's all very nice, but I need to know...." She was continually being drowned out by the chaos, "I need to know... DO ANY OF YOU KNOW WHERE MY DAUGHTER IS?"
The crowd was silent, and no one made any comment. Once chaotic, and loud, and now no one would speak. She was about to walk away, when Kaede walked through the crowd, over to her.
She looked upon the mothers face, and smiled lightly. Her eyes widened, and she suddenly remembered things long forgotten. Regaining her composure, she spoke.
"Higurashi-sama, your daughter is fine. You need not worry about her."
She let out a sigh of relief. Kagome was safe.
"Is Kagome here? Is she alright? Where is she?"
"Calm down. Kagome-chan is sleeping peacefully. You can see her when she wakes."
Kaede led Mrs. Higurashi down a pathway, and into a small hut. There was a small fire going in the fire pit, and soup boiling in a pot hanging over it. Mrs. Higurashi could smell it. It rose through her senses and her stomach gave a large growl. She hadn't eaten since Kagome had disappeared. Kaede saw her staring intently at the soup, and poured her a bowl. Then she handed it to her and told her kindly to eat it.
"A-Arigato."
"Your welcome Higurashi-sama."
"Can I ask you a question?"
"Hai Higurashi-sama."
"You see, I lived here a long time ago, and I was wondering, what happened to the Miko of this village? Kikyo?"
Kaede knew such a question was sure to be asked. Kaede vaguely remembered this woman, though she did not understand how she could be who she was. How was it she was untouched by 60 years of time? Or maybe, it had not been 60 years to her...
"Kikyo died many years ago."
"That seems to have happened to a lot of people..." Mrs. Higurashi said drifting off..."What happened to her?"
"She died from wounds she received."
"I'm sorry. You must miss her." She said. Nothing ceased to amaze her.
"Yes. I miss my sister very much."
Mrs. Higurashi nearly chocked on her soup. Sister? This was Kaede? No.... Kaede was just a little girl.....
"It's been over fifty years since her death."
Ah yes, she had forgotten that Kaede had been little the last time she had seen her, but that it was 60 years ago. She was going to have to get used to the fact that 60 years had indeed gone by.
...................
Kagome woke to the sudden loud noises outside. What was all the commotion? One of the villagers came in to check on Kagome.
"Ohayou Kagome!"
"Ohayou. What is all the noise outside?"
"Your mother is here Kagome-sama. Isn't it wonderful?"
Kagome's eyes widened. She had no idea how her mother could possibly be here. She had no Shikon shard, how could she have gotten through the well? Either way, Kagome didn't want to take her chances.
"What was she wearing, my mother?"
"Strange clothing like yours, and she looks like you, but older."
Kagome panicked. She was probably here to drag her home. She didn't know how she had gotten here, but no one was going to stop her from finding Inuyasha. Even if they had come from another time to get her.
"Kagome-sama? Are you alright?"
"Hai. Will you go get me some water please?" Kagome asked the villager.
"Hai."
Kagome closed her eyes. She drank the remainder of the herbal broth Kaede had made her, and very carefully pulled herself up. She used one arm to support her ribs, and the other to grab her bow and arrows.
"No one will keep me from Inuyasha." Kagome promised. "No one."
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When Mrs. Higurashi had finished her soup, Kaede finished explaining where she had found Kagome.
"Thank you for saving her."
"It was nothing she wouldn't have done for me. She is an incredible woman." Kaede spoke sincerely.
Mrs. Higurashi had to agree. Kagome had grown up, and she was a very determined girl.
Light burst through the door, as a young man walked in. His face was red, as if he had been running. He took a moment to regain his breath, and then spoke.
"Kaede-sama, Kagome-chan is gone!"
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Miroku began to wonder what was taking them so long. Had it taken this long to get to Kouga last time? What if Kouga wasn't even there when they arrived? Maybe this hadn't been the best idea. But then again, it was their only option. They couldn't take on Sesshomaru alone.
Sango seemed to sense what Miroku was thinking.
"He'll be there Houshi-sama."
"But what if he won't help us," Shippo asked, "he and Inuyasha are always fighting over Kagome."
"Don't you remember the time Kagura nearly killed Kouga?" Miroku asked Shippo, "Inuyasha saved Kouga's life. If nothing else, Kouga will return the favor."
"Besides that," Sango added, "Inuyasha is Kagome's friend, and Kouga wouldn't want Kagome to suffer."
Shippo nodded.
Miroku had just started to believe things were working for the best, when an arrow flew just past his head.
"Are you alright?" Sango asked him.
"Kirara, take us down to where the arrow came from!" Miroku said.
Something was very familiar about that arrow.....
As they landed Miroku called out into the darkness of the forest.
"Kagome?"
A small, weak sound came from the shadows just across from them.
"Miroku-sama?"
Shippo ran over to where the noise had come from. "KAGOME!"
He stopped as he saw her. The others came up behind and gasped.
"Kagome-san....."
Leaning up against a tree they saw her bruised body. Tears were running down her face.
"I shouldn't have.... shot that arrow."
"Kagome......"
"What are you doing here?" Sango asked her, "Inuyasha said you were in your time."
Kagome's eyes lit up. Inuyasha? She had seen Inuyasha?
"Where is he?" She asked quickly.
"He's with S-" Miroku hit Shippo over the head.
"Come on Kagome, we'll take you back to Kaede, she'll help you-"
"No! I can't go back there. I have to find Inuyasha!"
How Kagome wished she could tell them of how her heart ached to see him. How she wanted to be wrapped up in his arms, and re-affirm that he was real. How she ached to talk with him about their new family. What did he really think about having a baby? She hadn't really gotten to talk to him about it.
(flashback)
"Kagome, I need to tell you something. I mean the doctor, he told me something, and I want to ask you about it..... he said you are, you are er..... Well, he said you are p-preg..... he said your going to have a baby."
"So the baby's alright?"
"Yes, but-- You knew?"
Kagome was still for a moment, then almost as though she were frightened, she nodded.
"I... I meant to tell y--"
Inuyasha cut her off with a kiss.
"So your.... not mad at me?"
"Very... you'll have to make it up to me later." He teased.
(end flashback)
Miroku had never seen such determination and need in Kagome's eyes before. Kagome wasn't about to let him take her back. Something was different about Kagome. There was a lot of pain behind her eyes, and not just physical pain, but pain inside of her. For the first time in his life, Miroku saw someone in Kagome, who truly loved someone, and was willing to do what it took, whatever it took, to get to that person. For the first time, Miroku saw the love, the deep love that Kagome had for Inuyasha. He sensed there was more to Kagome than he would ever know.
"Alright Kagome. We'll take you to Inuyasha." Kagome's eyes filled with gratitude. "But we have to make another stop first."
Kagome nodded.
Sango pulled Miroku aside.
"Houshi-sama," She whispered, "how could you tell Kagome that? We can't take her to Inuyasha, Sesshomaru already tried to kill her once!"
Miroku looked at Sango. She saw the mist of tears that seemed to be glossing over his eyes.
"Sango.... whether or not we take her, she will find her way there."
"But Houshi-sama...."
Miroku looked Sango in the eyes. To Sango, it was like looking deep into a Miroku she had never seen. A Miroku that she wanted to know.
"Sango.... She LOVES him."
Sango stared at Miroku a moment, and lowered her eyes. Miroku gently lifted her chin to make her look in his eyes again.
"Look at her Sango. She's in pain. But it's not the physical pain that she suffers from most. Do you understand?"
Sango couldn't believe her ears. Was this actually Miroku?
Sango looked away and gazed into the tired eyes of Kagome.
"I understand, Houshi-sama."
Miroku made Sango look into his eyes once more.
"Thank you Sango."
For that instant they held each others gaze, and a tear fell from Miroku's eye. He wanted so badly just to stop time. To tell Sango how much he loved her, and how she had changed his life. How he could never bare to be away from her. That he understood Kagome's pain, her longing, because he too was experiencing such longing.
Miroku suddenly looked away, and walked over to Kagome, gently picking her up, and carrying her over to Kirara, placing her on her back. He had to stop thinking this way. He would never be around long enough to make Sango happy. His time was running out. He couldn't do to Sango, what his own father had done to his mother. He couldn't leave her alone.
Sango stood there, not moving from where she was. What had just happened? What was this feeling? Had she just seen the real Miroku? The Miroku she had been searching for? Why had she wanted so badly for him to just reach out and hold her? Why did she have such a desire to dry his tears, and to take away the pain she knew he withheld?
"Come on Sango!" Shippo called to her.
She looked over, to see everyone on Kirara, waiting for her.
"We don't have much time Sango." Miroku spoke quietly.
Sango nodded and climbed onto Kirara.
"Hai. Houshi-sama......."
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A/N: Well, I tried to make this chapter longer than I typically do, beings that the last chapter was so short. I know... I can never just leave Kagome in one place. She always has to be getting herself into trouble.... but at least I let you guys know where she is.... I was going to make you wonder. But I didn't. Okay, um... I know there isn't much detail in the beginning.... sorry. I was thinking about other things, like why exactly Hiroshi did what he did. And Myouga was right..... It is very complicated.... And then I got to the part with Miroku, and well..... I couldn't resist. There is just so much more to these characters than meets the eye ne? I apologize if any tears were shed.... just in case, tissues are available..... (hands reviewers tissues) Maybe it's just cuz I'm the writer, but Miroku made me cry... Shame on him! Anyway, thanks so much for reading this guys! And your reviews just make my day! And then they go on to make my week.... ARIGATOU!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Have a great rest of the summer!!!!! (Capasso007 skips off happily....)
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Sesshomaru stood watching Inuyasha's struggle with the youkai. That hanyou did have determination, he had to admit that. Even in his human form, exhausted and bleeding, he continued his struggle for life. What drove Inuyasha? What made him stronger than normal humans, or hanyou's? What drove his desire to live to the point that he could keep fighting despite wounds that would have already killed any normal person?
Sesshomaru kept watching him. Even though he is strong, he thought, if he keeps on like this he'll die. Sesshomaru ordered Jaken to have the youkai brought back. Inuyasha couldn't die yet.
Just as Jaken and some of the others lured the youkai out of the room, Inuyasha collapsed. Sesshomaru laughed.
"Leave the door open Jaken."
"But Sesshomaru-sama, he-"
"Might get out? No. He can't move."
"But just a moment ago-"
"A moment ago he was moving to stay alive. Now there is no threat. He won't be going anywhere. Besides, even if he did, he'd come straight to me."
Jaken looked up at his master. Why was he so angry at his brother? Why was he going through all this trouble to kill him? Why did he go through such trouble to go to that girls world, and try to kill her? All this thinking made Jaken's head hurt.
"Come Jaken."
Jaken followed his master, stopping once to turn and look at the unconscious Inuyasha, a look of pity in his eyes, and then quickly ran behind his master.
Inuyasha's breathing was rough, and uneven. Blood from his wounds was everywhere, and all of his strength was spent. He laid there, unconscious for what seemed hours.
Finally, Inuyasha opened his eyes slightly. His vision was still blurred, and he instantly wished he had stayed asleep. The pain from his still bleeding wounds was almost unbearable, on top of the pain in his heart. The pain of not knowing how Kagome was, the pain of knowing she was hurting too. Inuyasha heard something coming down the hallway, and listened intently. Was it Sesshomaru, come to gloat at him? It didn't sound like Sesshomaru. It was the sound of small, shuffled feet.
"Sesshomaru-sama?" said a small voice, "Are you there? I lost my ball down here, and now I can't find my way out."
Inuyasha thought he was imagining it. There was a little girl down here? Was she too a youkai?
"Sesshomaru-sama?"
Inuyasha heard the footsteps stop just outside of the room he was now in.
"Are you in here? It's scary down here."
The little girl walked slowly into the room, and walked towards the figure on the floor. She gasped and backed away when she saw the bloodied Inuyasha.
Inuyasha didn't have much strength, but he spoke with what strength he did have.
"It's okay.... I won't... hurt you." He smiled at her. "I.... can't even move."
The little girl still looked frightened, and didn't come any closer.
"What's your....name?" he asked her.
The little girl spoke softly, her voice shaky.
"Rin."
"Rin." Inuyasha repeated, "That's a pretty name."
He tried to push himself up, and roll onto his back, not succeeding. Rin watched him carefully, and slowly, walked over to help him. With the two of them, he made it. Inuyasha looked closely at this girl. She definitely wasn't a youkai, but then that meant.... she was a human. What would Sesshomaru be doing with a human little girl? Rin looked at the wounds that covered Inuyasha's body.
"Does it hurt?" she asked him.
Inuyasha looked up at the little girl. He didn't want to scare her.
"Yes," Inuyasha said, "But I try not to think about it."
"Then what do you think about?" Rin asked curiously.
Inuyasha smiled. Taking a deep breath, he told her.
"I think about my wife..... and my baby."
"You have a baby?" Rin asked exited.
"Well I... will soon."
"A boy or a girl?"
"I'm not.... sure yet."
"Where is your wife? Is she pretty?"
Inuyasha continued to smile at Rin. She was so full of questions. Why would Sesshomaru have a human girl with him, one that seemed to like him, and that called him sama? Could it be Sesshomaru had a soft spot for this human? That maybe, he cared for her?
"Is she pretty?" Rin asked again.
"Oh... yes. Very pretty."
"Tell me about her."
A lock of Inuyasha's black hair fell onto the ground as his chest rose slowly up and down. He started to breathe more regularly, as he pictured Kagome in his mind, as he closed his eyes.
"Well, she has long, raven black hair, that likes to blow in the wind, and deep brown eyes that sparkle in the moonlight..."
"Do my eyes sparkle?" Rin asked him.
"I'm sure they do."
"Really? Am I pretty like your wife?"
"You are very pretty, just like Kagome."
"Ka...go...me?"
"She's my wife."
"Where is she? Do you love her?"
Inuyasha laughed to himself. Did this girl never stop talking?
"She's at home. She got hurt, and I have to get back to her. I love her very much. So much that I'd die for her if I had to."
Rin's eyes went wide.
"You love her that much?"
A small chuckle came out of Inuyasha's mouth.
"Yes."
Rin's face became very serious.
"Well then you have to get better, so you can go home to her. I'll go find you some food." She jumped up and skipped towards the door, then paused for a second. "I'm a good helper, you don't have to worry. I'll take care of you, just like I took care of Sesshomaru-sama."
She giggled and skipped out of the room. Inuyasha was confused, but grateful.
"I'll get back to you Kagome. I promise." And that was the last thing he said, before falling asleep.
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Mrs. Higurashi (ha ha I spelled it right) walked through the forest, trying to remember everything she saw. Sometimes she thought she was walking through a dream, and that at any moment she might wake up. It made her sad to know that she had missed so many years here. How many years had it been? Nearly two decades. She wondered how many people were still living that she once knew.
"Myouga?" She asked quietly.
"Hai?"
"Is Kikyo's village still there?"
Myouga thought a moment. Kikyo's village?
"Oh. Kaede's village! Hai."
"Kaede?"
"Hai, Kikyo's younger sister."
"Myouga... it's been nearly two decades since I was here last. How many years have passed here? When Kagome broke the barrier, and entered this time, how many years had passed?"
Myouga took a deep sigh.
"Higurashi-sama..... it has been nearly 6 decades in this era, since your last visit. Kagome-sama fell into the well, to a time that she was needed. In the well, you can jump time periods, but you cannot choose the time. The well decides."
"The well decides?"
"Hai. It's very complicated Higurashi-sama. You were sent to this era 6 decades ago, because you were needed here at that exact time. Kagome was sent to this era at a different time because she is needed now."
"You mean I was supposed to meet Hiroshi?"
"You were supposed to do something at that time, yes. Whether meeting Hiroshi was that reason I don't know."
"How can we go through the well now? I thought that...."
"Kagome entered the well with the Shikon no Tama stored in her body, therefore, she broke the barrier that Hiroshi-sama placed upon the well-"
"Hiroshi placed the barrier?" Mrs. Higurashi felt it hard to breathe. He had.... why? Had he really been that angry with her? What had really happened all those years ago?
"M..Myouga? Why did Hiroshi-sama place the barrier? Why did he condemn me to life alone? Did he not love me, or his children?"
Myouga took a deep breath, and shook his head.
"Higurashi-sama.... Hiroshi-sama, loved you very much."
Mrs. Higurashi stopped in her tracks, and began to cry.
"If he loved me, than why-"
"Higurashi-sama, I will explain in time, I promise you, but right now, we have more important things to deal with. There are lives at steak."
Mrs. Higurashi wiped the tears from her eyes, and held her head high. Myouga was right. She had to keep her past behind her for now, and worry only about her daughter. Kagome was in no condition to be anywhere but the hospital, let alone in the feudal era. She had to remember that her first priority was her daughter.
She took a deep breath, and started walking forward determinedly.
"Now where was that village?"
"Not far, just at the edge of the forest, just head straight that way." Said Myouga pointing west.
Mrs. Higurashi said nothing, and started walking in that direction. Although she didn't speak, she still had so many different questions running through her mind. Why had Hiroshi been angry with her? Why had he sent her back to her own time, and then made it impossible for her to return? She had felt so out of place back then, because she had considered the feudal era to be her home. Why had Hiroshi done what he had done? She couldn't help but wonder. And then a greater question came into her mind. A question that haunted her ever since Myouga had told her of his death. Mrs. Higurashi wanted to know, how had he died? Had he been killed? Was he sick? So many questions she wanted answers to, but she knew that she should be focused on Kagome. She was her mother, and with that title came responsibility. Her own life, came after she knew Kagome was safe.
She walked on, until the light became brighter, and she finally came to the edge of the forest. She stood up on a small hill, and gazed down into the village below.
It was just as she had remembered it. It seemed unmarred by time, even though it had been 60 years. It all seemed so strange. It seemed as though nothing had changed, and that everything had waited for her return. Had Myouga been right? Had it really been 4 decades longer here, than in her own time? Why was it now Kaede's village, and not Kikyo's? So many questions.....
She wiped the remainder of tears from her cheeks, and headed down the hill towards the village, whispering as she walked.
"I'm coming Kagome."
.....................
The village people watched her walk through the streets. What strange clothing... like Kagome-sama's, but this was not Kagome, this was an older woman. She looked very much like Kagome however, and this confused the people.
She stopped to ask one of the villagers if they had seen Kagome.
"Excuse me," she began, "I'm looking for my daughter.... Kagome-"
"Kagome? Kagome-sama? You are Kagome-sama's mother?"
"Hai, have you seen-"
"Hey, this woman says she's Kagome-sama's mother!"
This caused a bunch of the villagers to rush over to her, creating a circle around her. All at once they started asking her questions and shouting out things they knew about Kagome.
"That's all very nice, but I need to know...." She was continually being drowned out by the chaos, "I need to know... DO ANY OF YOU KNOW WHERE MY DAUGHTER IS?"
The crowd was silent, and no one made any comment. Once chaotic, and loud, and now no one would speak. She was about to walk away, when Kaede walked through the crowd, over to her.
She looked upon the mothers face, and smiled lightly. Her eyes widened, and she suddenly remembered things long forgotten. Regaining her composure, she spoke.
"Higurashi-sama, your daughter is fine. You need not worry about her."
She let out a sigh of relief. Kagome was safe.
"Is Kagome here? Is she alright? Where is she?"
"Calm down. Kagome-chan is sleeping peacefully. You can see her when she wakes."
Kaede led Mrs. Higurashi down a pathway, and into a small hut. There was a small fire going in the fire pit, and soup boiling in a pot hanging over it. Mrs. Higurashi could smell it. It rose through her senses and her stomach gave a large growl. She hadn't eaten since Kagome had disappeared. Kaede saw her staring intently at the soup, and poured her a bowl. Then she handed it to her and told her kindly to eat it.
"A-Arigato."
"Your welcome Higurashi-sama."
"Can I ask you a question?"
"Hai Higurashi-sama."
"You see, I lived here a long time ago, and I was wondering, what happened to the Miko of this village? Kikyo?"
Kaede knew such a question was sure to be asked. Kaede vaguely remembered this woman, though she did not understand how she could be who she was. How was it she was untouched by 60 years of time? Or maybe, it had not been 60 years to her...
"Kikyo died many years ago."
"That seems to have happened to a lot of people..." Mrs. Higurashi said drifting off..."What happened to her?"
"She died from wounds she received."
"I'm sorry. You must miss her." She said. Nothing ceased to amaze her.
"Yes. I miss my sister very much."
Mrs. Higurashi nearly chocked on her soup. Sister? This was Kaede? No.... Kaede was just a little girl.....
"It's been over fifty years since her death."
Ah yes, she had forgotten that Kaede had been little the last time she had seen her, but that it was 60 years ago. She was going to have to get used to the fact that 60 years had indeed gone by.
...................
Kagome woke to the sudden loud noises outside. What was all the commotion? One of the villagers came in to check on Kagome.
"Ohayou Kagome!"
"Ohayou. What is all the noise outside?"
"Your mother is here Kagome-sama. Isn't it wonderful?"
Kagome's eyes widened. She had no idea how her mother could possibly be here. She had no Shikon shard, how could she have gotten through the well? Either way, Kagome didn't want to take her chances.
"What was she wearing, my mother?"
"Strange clothing like yours, and she looks like you, but older."
Kagome panicked. She was probably here to drag her home. She didn't know how she had gotten here, but no one was going to stop her from finding Inuyasha. Even if they had come from another time to get her.
"Kagome-sama? Are you alright?"
"Hai. Will you go get me some water please?" Kagome asked the villager.
"Hai."
Kagome closed her eyes. She drank the remainder of the herbal broth Kaede had made her, and very carefully pulled herself up. She used one arm to support her ribs, and the other to grab her bow and arrows.
"No one will keep me from Inuyasha." Kagome promised. "No one."
....................
When Mrs. Higurashi had finished her soup, Kaede finished explaining where she had found Kagome.
"Thank you for saving her."
"It was nothing she wouldn't have done for me. She is an incredible woman." Kaede spoke sincerely.
Mrs. Higurashi had to agree. Kagome had grown up, and she was a very determined girl.
Light burst through the door, as a young man walked in. His face was red, as if he had been running. He took a moment to regain his breath, and then spoke.
"Kaede-sama, Kagome-chan is gone!"
.........................................................................................................
Miroku began to wonder what was taking them so long. Had it taken this long to get to Kouga last time? What if Kouga wasn't even there when they arrived? Maybe this hadn't been the best idea. But then again, it was their only option. They couldn't take on Sesshomaru alone.
Sango seemed to sense what Miroku was thinking.
"He'll be there Houshi-sama."
"But what if he won't help us," Shippo asked, "he and Inuyasha are always fighting over Kagome."
"Don't you remember the time Kagura nearly killed Kouga?" Miroku asked Shippo, "Inuyasha saved Kouga's life. If nothing else, Kouga will return the favor."
"Besides that," Sango added, "Inuyasha is Kagome's friend, and Kouga wouldn't want Kagome to suffer."
Shippo nodded.
Miroku had just started to believe things were working for the best, when an arrow flew just past his head.
"Are you alright?" Sango asked him.
"Kirara, take us down to where the arrow came from!" Miroku said.
Something was very familiar about that arrow.....
As they landed Miroku called out into the darkness of the forest.
"Kagome?"
A small, weak sound came from the shadows just across from them.
"Miroku-sama?"
Shippo ran over to where the noise had come from. "KAGOME!"
He stopped as he saw her. The others came up behind and gasped.
"Kagome-san....."
Leaning up against a tree they saw her bruised body. Tears were running down her face.
"I shouldn't have.... shot that arrow."
"Kagome......"
"What are you doing here?" Sango asked her, "Inuyasha said you were in your time."
Kagome's eyes lit up. Inuyasha? She had seen Inuyasha?
"Where is he?" She asked quickly.
"He's with S-" Miroku hit Shippo over the head.
"Come on Kagome, we'll take you back to Kaede, she'll help you-"
"No! I can't go back there. I have to find Inuyasha!"
How Kagome wished she could tell them of how her heart ached to see him. How she wanted to be wrapped up in his arms, and re-affirm that he was real. How she ached to talk with him about their new family. What did he really think about having a baby? She hadn't really gotten to talk to him about it.
(flashback)
"Kagome, I need to tell you something. I mean the doctor, he told me something, and I want to ask you about it..... he said you are, you are er..... Well, he said you are p-preg..... he said your going to have a baby."
"So the baby's alright?"
"Yes, but-- You knew?"
Kagome was still for a moment, then almost as though she were frightened, she nodded.
"I... I meant to tell y--"
Inuyasha cut her off with a kiss.
"So your.... not mad at me?"
"Very... you'll have to make it up to me later." He teased.
(end flashback)
Miroku had never seen such determination and need in Kagome's eyes before. Kagome wasn't about to let him take her back. Something was different about Kagome. There was a lot of pain behind her eyes, and not just physical pain, but pain inside of her. For the first time in his life, Miroku saw someone in Kagome, who truly loved someone, and was willing to do what it took, whatever it took, to get to that person. For the first time, Miroku saw the love, the deep love that Kagome had for Inuyasha. He sensed there was more to Kagome than he would ever know.
"Alright Kagome. We'll take you to Inuyasha." Kagome's eyes filled with gratitude. "But we have to make another stop first."
Kagome nodded.
Sango pulled Miroku aside.
"Houshi-sama," She whispered, "how could you tell Kagome that? We can't take her to Inuyasha, Sesshomaru already tried to kill her once!"
Miroku looked at Sango. She saw the mist of tears that seemed to be glossing over his eyes.
"Sango.... whether or not we take her, she will find her way there."
"But Houshi-sama...."
Miroku looked Sango in the eyes. To Sango, it was like looking deep into a Miroku she had never seen. A Miroku that she wanted to know.
"Sango.... She LOVES him."
Sango stared at Miroku a moment, and lowered her eyes. Miroku gently lifted her chin to make her look in his eyes again.
"Look at her Sango. She's in pain. But it's not the physical pain that she suffers from most. Do you understand?"
Sango couldn't believe her ears. Was this actually Miroku?
Sango looked away and gazed into the tired eyes of Kagome.
"I understand, Houshi-sama."
Miroku made Sango look into his eyes once more.
"Thank you Sango."
For that instant they held each others gaze, and a tear fell from Miroku's eye. He wanted so badly just to stop time. To tell Sango how much he loved her, and how she had changed his life. How he could never bare to be away from her. That he understood Kagome's pain, her longing, because he too was experiencing such longing.
Miroku suddenly looked away, and walked over to Kagome, gently picking her up, and carrying her over to Kirara, placing her on her back. He had to stop thinking this way. He would never be around long enough to make Sango happy. His time was running out. He couldn't do to Sango, what his own father had done to his mother. He couldn't leave her alone.
Sango stood there, not moving from where she was. What had just happened? What was this feeling? Had she just seen the real Miroku? The Miroku she had been searching for? Why had she wanted so badly for him to just reach out and hold her? Why did she have such a desire to dry his tears, and to take away the pain she knew he withheld?
"Come on Sango!" Shippo called to her.
She looked over, to see everyone on Kirara, waiting for her.
"We don't have much time Sango." Miroku spoke quietly.
Sango nodded and climbed onto Kirara.
"Hai. Houshi-sama......."
........................................................................................................................
A/N: Well, I tried to make this chapter longer than I typically do, beings that the last chapter was so short. I know... I can never just leave Kagome in one place. She always has to be getting herself into trouble.... but at least I let you guys know where she is.... I was going to make you wonder. But I didn't. Okay, um... I know there isn't much detail in the beginning.... sorry. I was thinking about other things, like why exactly Hiroshi did what he did. And Myouga was right..... It is very complicated.... And then I got to the part with Miroku, and well..... I couldn't resist. There is just so much more to these characters than meets the eye ne? I apologize if any tears were shed.... just in case, tissues are available..... (hands reviewers tissues) Maybe it's just cuz I'm the writer, but Miroku made me cry... Shame on him! Anyway, thanks so much for reading this guys! And your reviews just make my day! And then they go on to make my week.... ARIGATOU!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Have a great rest of the summer!!!!! (Capasso007 skips off happily....)