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 10:

"It's time to leave." She said spiritlessly. Her mate sat up immediately and grinned. He was glad to go home. His love need the rest and he was glad to provide it.

"Time to go home, little mate." He whispered and he scooped up her tired body and clutched her tightly. He watched as the barrier fell and before Inuyasha had time to gather a thought, the male burst through the trees, soaring to the next chapter of their fates.

Sesshomaru watched as Jaken tightened the satchels on Ah Un and his retainer bowed to him.

"M'lord, we are ready to depart." He beamed at his Lord, serving him gave him immense joy and happiness.

"I am also ready Lord Sesshomaru." Masae said. She was intrigued at the idea of being a companion during Lord Sesshomaru's hunt. This would surely bring to light latest information for her to gather on the elusive Lord. While she considered him her friend and ally, she did not believe he viewed her in the same light. An ally, only grudgingly. She briefly wondered if politics hadn't bonded them together if he would even converse with her at all. She took a glance at him when he ignored her and spun on his heel to leave.

"Lord Sesshomaru are you really going to leave me behind? And to take Masae? So cold!" Takibi cried as Masae turned to follow Sesshomaru. Jaken and Ah Un also began to lumber behind them. Thankfully, it would only take them a few days' time to get to the spot she had last seen Lord Hisato.

She wasn't surprised that Takibi had seen them off. He was by far the noisiest person she had ever come across. She glanced back at him to give him a small smirk and he wailed at the injustice immediately. She grinned to herself as she listened to Takibi fade into the background as they continued. She had only seen Sesshomaru in the rigid rules of their society.

Hopefully, he wouldn't make this trip boring. It was rare for her to travel as freely as him.

"I'm sad to see you go. The visit was much too short." Sango said looking at her friend sadly.

"I'll be back. It wasn't as long as I liked but the kids need me." She said as she peeked towards the two, I question. They were standing at the outskirts of the village. Rin was looking at a pretty flower and Kohaku was just staring out into the distance, waiting patiently for Kagome to say her goodbyes.

"Make sure you do." Miroku said grasping her hands in his. Sango then laid her hand on top of his.

"Did Kohaku tell you why he came? He said he couldn't leave Rin while he journeyed. Did he have a reason or was it just a visit?" Kagome asked thinking about how the aura from Kaede's village had skewed the boy's plans. His goal was to deposit Rin with Sesshomaru and double back.

"He came to recruit slayers for Kaede's village. He wants to form a demon slayer corps there." Sango said a spark of pride as she beamed at her brother. She was relieved that he was moving past his trauma and was pushing through. He had felt so weak and helpless but by continuing to be a demon slayer he was attempting to build his own peace. He was determined to become the man their father believed him to be.

Kagome nodded thoughtfully. It must have been a hard decision. Under Naraku's control he had hidden himself away. Too young and wounded by his past. He could have quit and lived a normal life, but he chose the way of his clan no matter how hard or the personal cost. She smiled as Rin picked a flower and gifted it to an unsuspecting Kohaku. He blushed deeply and Rin gave him her childish grin.

She had a sneaking suspicion that Rin had a crush on the boy, even if she was unaware of it right now. She always found a way to comfort him. He was clearly uncomfortable in his old home. The place had brought too many memories to the surface and every time Rin was there to cool the wound. Kagome was astounded at the way Rin catered to his feelings, always soothing his wariness with her charm.

He was aware of her attentiveness and blushed furiously anytime she looked his way. His eyes softened and he was much more patient with her than most. She wondered if it was really Sesshomaru's wrath that spurred his decision to bring Rin along or if it was another reason entirely.

Ah to be young and in love for the first time. Something twinged in Kagome's stomach that she refused to look at too deeply. There was nothing she could do anymore with those feelings but to grow and move forward.

"If Inuyasha comes looking for me…don't tell him where to find me ok?" She said suddenly. Kagome looked slightly dejected, he still had not come looking for her. Sango and Miroku shared a look and nodded in unison. They felt bad for their other friend, but he had brought this on himself. Kagome deserved the space to sort out the mess that was their relationship and her powers. As much as they wished it weren't so, Inuyasha would only confuse and hold her back. It was time for her to spread her wings and discover what it truly was that she wanted. From herself and from Inuyasha.

Maybe…just maybe…Inuyasha would figure it out too. And they hoped it wouldn't be too late. They wished them both a happy conclusion.

"Of course not." Sango said soothingly. She was so proud. Kagome was finally growing up. She just knew she would blossom. Kagome was just like a flower, beautiful inside and out, she just needed some more sunlight to bloom. She couldn't wait to see the woman she was destined to become. Just being Kikyo's reincarnation, a tie to lose ends was not all she was. She was so much more.

Kagome looked at Sango and Miroku with a touch of envy. They were standing side by side, touching each other slightly. Both had a hold of their daughters. She could see the happiness they held for their new life together and Kagome hoped someday she'd have that too.

"Oh, the map!" Miroku said as he slipped his hand inside his robes and pulled out paper. He began showing her the map and talking her through the directions. Kagome nodded attentively, making sure she understood before folding up the paper and placing it in the pockets of her overalls.

"Oh, Rin knows the way through the west. Do not worry!" Rin said as she looked at the map. She had returned to Kagome's side when the monk had retrieved it. She couldn't read it, but she had traveled the West several times with her Lord, and she vowed she would not allow them to be lost.

"Gome, can we leave yet?" Shippo said as he sat in the basket of her bike, impatient as ever. He was worried Inuyasha was on his way and would be gaining precious ground. He had been relieved by Kohaku and Rin's appearance. He didn't want to cut short their visit either, but he worried that if a Inuyasha caught up to them Kagome would not be able to leave a second time. Not because she lacked the will but because Inuyasha would become a restraint. He was also glad of the strange barrier around the village.

Sango and Miroku explained how the barrier only confused demons' senses and made it harder to pinpoint the slayers village. It did not keep them out if they had no ill will as Shippo passed through easily, although it caused some discomfort. It made sense to Shippo as to why he struggled to find the village off scent alone. His memory got them so far but not being able to catch a whiff of the place was off putting. He was not looking to pass through it again as they exited the village.

"Well, I guess this is goodbye." Kagome said looking at her friends through teary eyes.

"This isn't goodbye Kagome." Miroku said "This is just an I'll see you again soon." He said warmly. Sango nodded and wiped a tear away.

Kohaku straightened when he noticed Kagome was done with her goodbyes. Rin and Kagome walked on either side of her bike as she pushed it along the dirt road out of the village. She looked back to see Miroku, and Sango pressed even closer together and waving as they departed. She vowed she would come back as soon as her training was completed.

If Sesshomaru didn't kill her for trespassing in the West that is.