Disclaimer: I do not own the rights to Inuyasha or any of the characters. This is a work of pure fiction and mostly a daydream of how I wished the anime went according to my ship. Here I shall let it sail.

New Beginnings Chapter 3:

It was dark out by the time Kagome decided to pick herself off the ground. Inuyasha still didn't come back, his aura nowhere to be found. She had reached out, searching for his. Praying he wouldn't be around to see her pitiful display. Here she was again, trying to work things out, and he wasn't. How could she be so relieved and angry at the same time?

While lying there Kagome had the time to think, the tears long since dried. She had looked at the portal to her old world. She contemplated going back home and remaining there forever. The thought was rejected after she realized she loved it here, with or without Inuyasha.

Her thoughts began to wander. What was she going to do now? Was it over between Inuyasha and her? If it were, could she stay here? She was helpless in this time without him. Sure, she could string a bow, but she had absolutely no combat skills, a little first aid from the occasional Kaede lesson, and subpar Miko powers at best. She had never had time to train. Miko's' here had been training since they were children.

I don't think I want to be just a Miko. I don't want to be a carbon copy of Kikyo. It's bad enough I look like her. I want to be Kagome. I don't want to be automatically compared to her.

She groaned in frustration as she trudged her way back to Kaede's hut. She air was crisp, and she took in a deep breath, trying to calm her nerves. The idea of trying to start training now was a little intimidating. Kaede already had her hands full with her new Miko in training Ami. Besides, she wanted to get away. She wanted to heal. She wasn't ready to face a certain hanyou.

I am badass. Why do I need Inuyasha? I'll just find a teacher. One who doesn't know me. One who doesn't know Inuyasha. I need to focus on myself. If I'm going to live in this time, I need to learn how to depend on me.

The hut came into view as she walked. A plan was forming in her head. She planned to hightail it out of there before Inuyasha got back. She'd pack her stuff and head out to find someone who could train her.

She walked into the hut and saw Shippo staring into the fire. His little paws were fidgeting nervously. He was in a trance as the fire crackled and he didn't seem to notice her.

"Shippo?" Kagome asked tenderly. Her heart swelled when she looked at the kit.

"Kagome!" he looked up startled and then flung himself into his mother's arms. He had thought of her as a surrogate mother for a while now and his heart had shattered when she disappeared into her time. He had waited, believing she'd come back to him. It took three years, and she did come back, only for Shippo to be concerned she'd go back home. Just as she did anytime Inuyasha crushed her feelings.

He didn't mean to eavesdrop during their fight, but he couldn't bring himself to leave. If she was going to leave, he wanted at least a chance at goodbye. When she sank to the ground and laid there for hours, he decided it was best to leave her be. She clearly needed time to process. He didn't think she knew but her aura was shouting to be left alone.

So, he had walked away, hoping she wouldn't leave. He was worried he'd miss his chance, but with her reiki pulsing around her in agitation he wouldn't have gotten close of he tried.

"Hey Ship, I know this is sudden, but I was thinking I'd see Sango and Miroku. I want to ask if she knows someone to train me. I don't plan to stay there, but I'd like it if you came with me on this journey. What do you say?" she asked gently. She would be heartbroken if her little kit didn't want to go with her, but he had grown close to Inuyasha. She didn't want to rip him away if that's not what he wanted. He deserved a choice. She didn't want to disappear on him again. He may be wiser than most adults, but he was still a child. She vowed to never just leave without him knowing his options. Three years ago, it had been taken from both. She wouldn't do that again if she could help it.

"Why not have Sango train you then? We could stay with them and help them rebuild the village." Shippo's large green eyes blinked at her. She almost made a noise of relief. He didn't automatically reject her idea.

"They have a life, a purpose, and a child. They have too much work to do as it is. I don't want to burden her. Sango can't help with my Miko anyway. Besides, I don't need Inuyasha making everything harder. You understand?"

Shippo put his paw to his chin in contemplation. He didn't want to seem overly desperate in his willingness to leave. He smiled inwardly. If he could be with Kagome, there didn't even need a question. While Kagome didn't think much about her human lifespan, he did. Inuyasha would still be around a while yet and he didn't want to miss any of the time he could have with his mother.

"That makes sense. When would you like to leave?" he asked curiously. It was in the middle of the night but if she wanted to avoid Inuyasha, they should start now. Humans were much slower; he would catch up in no time.

Inuyasha may not know his own heart, but Shippo knew he'd never be able to let her go despite that. It was part of the pattern. He loved her too much to let go, but he didn't love her enough that Kagome felt safe. Even now after hearing their argument he knew Kagome was blaming herself, her lack of trust. In Shippo's eyes if he gave her a reason to trust she would. She was in a fragile state. As young as he is, even he knew that.

"Tonight." She said and Shippo saw Kagome's determination in her eyes. He grinned at her; his momma was coming back. Her sparkle had been gone for a couple of months now, but he could see the small spark and he hoped it would be enough.

She deserved the world, and he was going to help her get it.