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YoMama101

Pink Otter's Pet Spider (don't you ever let that spider near me...got it!

Disclaimer: I do not own Inuyasha (hand reaches out to grab IY plushie) NO MINE SLAP

Chapter Four

Preparations were underway for the graduation ceremony. If only the other young women knew that they were also prepping for the Ojii-sama's arrival. Kagome was terribly excited. After this, the first thing she was going to do was do up her hair, wear a beautiful dress and go out into the wildflower field and just dance. She was so excited to finally be free. Then, tomorrow, she would depart with Miroku and return to her village for another celebration. It had been so long since she had attended an actual festival, and the ones in her village were always so grand. She hoped that the hidden meadow that she had discovered as a child was still there and thriving. She hadn't been home in three years, 100 miles was a long way, especially since there were no direct roads there.

"Kagome!" Kagome turned around and saw Kaede-sama coming towards her. "We need to bump up the ceremony. The Ojii-sama is going to be here sooner than expected and we need to be ready for that."

"Oh! But Miroku.." Kaede raised her eyebrows "…sama," they were lowered "Isn't here yet! I can't start without him!"

"I already sent a messenger. He's one his way."

"Oh, whew, thank you Kaede-sama." Kagome suddenly became very nervous. Kaede saw it.

An arm slowly wrapped around Kagome's shoulder. "You'll be fine Kagome." Kaede said softly, "You're the best miko to come through these doors and you'll still be the best leaving them. Don't worry about anything."

Kagome turned slightly and gave Kaede a hug. "Thank you"

They stayed like that for a second before Kaede pushed her away to an arms length. "Well, what are we waiting for? Let's get on with the the beginning of the rest of your life!"

Later…..

Kagome lay on her back in the tall grass. It was finally over. She soaked in the cool breeze that she could now finally feel on her face. The veil had gone in the trash as soon as she left the cathedral. She didn't regret seeing it go at all.

Miroku had made it in time. Right afterwards her was up to his old tricks, earning himself a well deserved slap from numerous women. Two from her. But it was great having him there.

She looked up at the sky. She supposed that she should be getting back. The Ojii-sama could be there already for all she knew. Not that she really cared. She honestly didn't see a need to get excited. All it was is a visit and it was about time. It did seem a little weird that they decided to come now, but she hoped it wasn't going to be anything that would disrupt life. She liked it the way it was.

She began to get up, but looked up to the sky. The sun was just beginning to set and it gave off a beautiful glow over the hills. "Well, I'm sure they can manage without me."

"Kagome!" Kaede was looking frantically all throughout the monastery. The Ojii-sama would be arriving any second and she couldn't manage without Kagome. "Kagome!" Kaede turned around a corner and ran into Miroku. "Miroku-sama, have you seen Kagome?"

"Not since the ceremony, she's not with you?" Miroku said puzzled.

"She's not with me, I thought she was with you perhaps. What a fine time for her to decide to run off." Kaede sighed. "What am I going to do? She's the highest ranking miko and she should be here helping me! She knew that!" Kaede slumped into a chair. "She's also the only one who would be able to keep a clear head for him."

Miroku still had the puzzled look on his face. Where could Kagome have gone. He knew she was probably enjoying her newfound freedom, but couldn't she have waited till they had made it to her village. He turned his head to look at Kaede. "Tell you what, if she doesn't show up in time I'll stick around. I believe the Ojii-sama is heading to the monks place first since it is the first one they come to. They don't need me there, there are enough qualified monks who will take care of things if I don't show up."

Kaede raised her head and it immediately brightened. "Oh thank you Miroku-sama. Any help is appreciated."

A little bit later….

A carriage approaches as a certain young miko is taking her fine sweet time making her way back to her home.