Chapter 2: Searching the Heart

The light streamed through the windows of the Higurashi house, the dust in the air coming alive with a soothing glow. The table in the small kitchen was empty save for a tiny vase of flowers. The hallways gave off an aura of happy days and children running up and down them, laughing and teasing. A stairway worn with age led up to a room at the top. Upon entering, the bright pink bedspread and the brown desk stood out first. The window just above the bedside table was open, letting in the fluty melodies of birds.

This is what Kagome Higurashi came home to. She stepped across the entryway, slipping off her brown loafers in exchange for her pink slippers. Walking through the entryway, she made her way up the stairs and into her room, where upon entering, she discarded her backpack, letting it land with a thunk on the floor.

She went to her desk. Running her hand along the length of it, she sighed.

"I'm going to miss this..." She turned and took a seat on her bed, letting the light from the window warm her legs. Her contenance was content, but a certain regret shone through in her eyes that couldn't be contained. She leaned back and stared at her ceiling.

"How will I tell them?" She questioned aloud. The only reply came from the chirping birds in the tree by her room.

She turned her thoughts away from her room and her memories, to the present.

Inuyasha will come for me soon. I told him today was my last day of school. He even had to ask what that meant! Oh well, at least I get my first whole summer without homework, or tests...And I'm going to the Feudal Era! She sat up straighter at this thought. I should start packing!

And with that in mind, Kagome got up and went to her closet. She managed to find five good outfits for ancient Japan. I don't want to wear anything that might be to delicate for Inuyasha's time. She also put her toothbrush, paste, and shampoos, into a small toiletry bag. Once she had everything laid out on her floor, she emptied her backpack of it's items, mostly being papers and books. Once she'd removed all the contents, she replaced them with her clothes and neccessary items. After finishing this task, she changed out of her uniform, and into a pair of long khaki shorts and a light yellow t-shirt.

The sun was still high in the sky, but it's peak was long past. Now it hung just above the city buildings, making the skyline stand out strikingly against the brights oranges and yellows of the sun's rays. Kagome's thoughts whirled in her head, a jumble of words and peices she couldn't quite connect.

I'm planning on staying...I'll miss them all...I can't believe I'm going to leave!...Why can't I just stay here?...The jewel is whole...Kikyo's gone...should I even try?...maybe I should write a note to them...I can't tell them in person...but I won't ever see them again!...but Inuyasha...

A sudden rush of emotion pushed it's way out of Kagome's heart. She threw herself onto her bed and began to sob uncontrollably, her head in her arms.

"I want to be with Inuyasha...but can I leave my old life behind?"

There wasn't a reply. At least, not out loud. In Kagome's heart she knew that no matter how much she loved her family, or even her life in the present day, she loved and cared for Inuyasha more. She would never dream of choosing between them, and yet, here she lay, torn between her old life, and her new love.

Slowly, she sat up, her hair stuck to her cheeks with wet tears. She smiled sadly at the open window, where she knew that any minute, a certain dog-eared boy would jump through and call out callously, "Let's go, Kagome!" She would look into his eyes, those golden eyes she'd learned to love and cherish. How could she say no?

I would rather spend my entire life alone and without hope than to never see his smiling face again.

With newfound conviction, Kagome sat up and wiped her eyes feverishly. I won't be seen crying when he shows up. I won't. She checked her reflection in the mirror, and seing no signs of distress, smiled happily. This is the life I choose. I hope everyone can except that.

As a final act, she went to her desk and took out a sheet of paper. Picking up a pen, she wrote carefully and neatly the letter her mother, grandfather, and brother would receive when they arrived home.

Dear Everyone,

Mama, Sota, Grandpa...I love you all very much. I would never do anything to make you unhappy or upset. But you must understand, I have to go to Feudal Japan. I love my life here, with all of my friends, sleeping in a warm bed, waking up to a hot breakfast. I'll miss it with all my heart.

But most of all, I'll miss you all. Sota, you can be annoying and obnoxious sometimes, but as a brother, I wouldn't trade you for anyone. Grandpa, thanks for covering for me all those times I was "sick". I'm sure the principal is tired of hearing your voice every morning.

Mama, you're love and patience know no bounds. I'm glad and honored to have you as a mother, and I won't ever forget the lessons you've taught me.

The Feudal Era has become my second home, but this house, on this shrine, and this family, will always be with me in my heart. None of you will be forgotten. I might even come to visit sometimes!

Don't worry about me, please. Inuyasha will protect me.

Thank you for understanding my wishes. I'm sure we'll meet again soon.

Love, your daughter and sister,

Kagome