She's sleep-deprived and fuzzy when she goes downstairs in the morning.

Sleep never came again except for brief, restless snatches. Her dream, all-too real and tempting, tortured her until it was time to wake.

Shifting the yellow pack on her back, she sets to rummaging about the kitchen for an on-the-go breakfast.

"Got everything you need?"

Kagome nods warily, not sure where this conversation will go. "I'm all set."

Mama just smiles. "Be safe."

"I'm always safe."

Her mother's eyes sparkle a bit, but she says nothing.

It's not until she's plummeting through time that Kagome realizes what she meant.


A/N: That's it for today. Quick note: as you read, try not to assume where the story is going. There will be bits and pieces of information that are dropped from time to time that may make the reader think something is a possibility when in reality there are several ways it could go. I know that's ambiguous, so I apologize! Thank you for reading. If you have a moment, your reviews are cherished. Thank you so much to everyone sharing your thoughts as you read. It really helps keep the creative juices flowing.