The whole of immortality secreted in a star.

Emily Dickinson

She hadn't had any nightmares for several nights. The effects were sort of miraculous. She didn't have heavy bags under her eyes. Her body wasn't sore and aching. She stopped thinking about reaching morning and instead thought about enjoying the night. Everything felt serene until Kagome realized that today was recruitment day. She was nervous and jittery and excited. She could only wonder what the others were feeling.

It was a sunny day, the clouds barely visible. She blinked and started forward, trying to make her way through a throng of teenagers who were waiting to enlist in the 104th Cadet Corps. She peered around, accidently stepping on a person's shoe. The stranger released a sound of pain and Kagome immediately flashed an apologetic smile. "Oi, I'm sorry!" Green met sapphire. She felt her lips part. He was around her age, his hair short and brown, curling at the ends. He was staring at her critically, like he wasn't sure he was doing it. She glanced downwards just as she heard someone shout her name.

She whirled at the familiar voice. It was Jean. He looked slightly annoyed, his tall figure pushing against all in his path. When he was within a foot of her, he grinned, all teeth. It took him a few moments to realize who she had been interacting with. His long face contorted into an emotion of irritation. "Jaeger," he started with even contempt, "Nice seeing you here."

The boy scowled. She knew at that instant that they could never be true companions, not if she so closely clung onto Jean. "Same to you." Jaeger replied, abruptly whispering to a female next to him.

All conversations fell when the drill instructor stepped carefully to the group. He didn't look threatening, but the cadets hadn't been exposed to any authority thus far, so they listened attentively. Kagome feels Jean tense next to her. Hesitantly, and making sure no one would catch the action, she took his hand and squeezed it. She was rewarded with a long breath of relief from her friend.

This is it, she thought grimly. The beginning is now.

x

Surprisingly and to Jean's discomfort, Kagome was a natural using the omni-directional mobility gear. It took her two tries before she got the hang of it. She had turned to the individuals close to her, finding them deep in frustration, their brows drawn angrily. Balancing was difficult and Keith Sadies, their mentor, was impressed. He gave her a nod of recognition which she gladly accepted, her cheeks a light pink.

Jean joined the completed group a few minutes after she did. He stood next to her, occasionally whispering gossip about the others. She wasn't really paying attention to him, her gaze scanning to the boy Jean had called Jaeger. He was struggling tremendously, his legs flopping wildly. The cables were getting tangled in his restlessness. She could tell he was panicking. Kagome pursed her lips, wanting to help him but unsure how.

x

Training from there was hell. It was rigorous and every night she retired to her bed, she'd collapse ungracefully, her body stinging. They were going through so many trials, each trying to observe their strengths and weaknesses. At the end of the day, nobody knew how well they had done. Nobody knew just how far they had come. Kagome tried her best, particularly during hand-to-hand combat. She was paired with Mikasa, who, despite her isolated character, treated her fairly. She was quick and aggressive. To her disappointment, she couldn't keep up. Her jabs didn't quite reach Mikasa's torso and every kick she landed was too weak, barely inflicting any pain. Still, the girl she had been sparring with was kind. She placed her hand out. "Good job."

Kagome grunted and smiled a little. "Thanks. I should be saying that to you."

From there, they were friends. Not too close, but not too far either.

x

At midnight, after their last session of evaluations, all the cadets were called to the meeting grounds. The air was slightly chilly and she was certain that everyone was rethinking their decisions. It was now or never. She was either in the survey corps or a nobody in the military police or garrison. She heard the whispers of others behind her, their voices high-strung and stricken.

"I don't know, man. I can't take that risk. I'll stick with the Military Police."

"Are you stupid? You join the Survey Corps and you're basically dead meat!"

"I don't care anymore. I'm keeping my life."

Kagome shivered. Her shoulders straightened when she caught a glimpse of who was in front of them. Commander Erwin Smith. She sucked in a breath and brought her fist robotically to her chest in the form of the salute. All those around her followed suit. To her amazement, she found the Jaeger kid beside her. She snuck a glance at him, intrigued by his expression. He looked proud to be there. She looked away wearily, wondering if she should've appeared that way too.

The Commander circled the teenagers, his strides quick and purposeful. He was a scary man to look at. She kept her face forward, her ebony locks flowing slightly from the breeze. "I do not know what your decisions will be tonight. I do not know if you will be regarded a hero or a coward." He paused, rubbing his chin thoughtfully. Behind him, stood a short man. In spite of his stature, everyone knew who he was. He was stronger than a thousand soldiers. His gray orbs lazily slid from face to face, as if he couldn't care less about their futures. "To tell you the truth, cadets, we are no closer to beating the titans than we were years ago." She heard some people make noises of disbelief and shock. The Commander paid no mind. "Without trial, there can never be success or victory. Join the Survey Corps and you are a warrior. Join the Military Police and you are a protector. Join the Garrison and you're biggest ally is patience. I ask you to choose with your minds, rather than your hearts." He cleared his throat, waving his right hand in the air elegantly.

A woman appeared, her glasses hanging loosely above her nose. She had a notepad in her palm and a pencil that scribbled viciously across the pages. She was less intimidating. She looked more creepy than horrifying. "When Hanji announces your name, please report the regiment you would like to join."

"Annie Leonhart!"

The girl answered, somewhere in the far back. "Military Police!" She said it with such certainty that others near her stirred.

"Mikasa Ackerman!"

"Survey Corps!"

"Eren Jaeger!"

"Survey Corps!"

From there, a lot more volunteered for the survey corps. It was as if Eren and Mikasa had led the charge, eventually bringing in kids like Connie and Sasha and Armin. Kagome and Jean had given the answer they had already decided on.

Their fates were sealed.

x

She gasped, staring at the stone altar beneath her. She hadn't expected the sword to be freed. Her breathing was rapid. The sword was heavy, its metal shining despite the collecting dust. "I-" She started, her voice cracking with surprise and fear.

She stared at Inuyasha, saw her own expression on his face. His mouth was dipped open, ears perked.

It was Sesshomaru who spoke, his voice spotted with malice and interest. "A mere human manages to grasp Tetsusaiga. This changes everything. Who are you, woman?"

It was Inuyasha who managed to retort quickly, "None of your damn business! The sword is hers now. You can't do anything about it." Slowly, he grinned, satisfaction taking over his half-demon features.

Sesshomaru's eyes glinted dangerously. Then he glided toward Inuyasha, the fur on his back whipping swiftly. Kagome screamed, thrusting Tetsusaiga to Inuyasha. He made a startled noise and gave her a questioning look before dodging his brother's first strike.

Kagome fisted her hands. This time, she knew she was dreaming. She struggled to sit up, her body speckled with sweat. She clasped her neck carefully, her hair falling downwards in dark waves.

She was aware of one thing.

The girl in her dreams; it was her. She was dreaming about the past. She swallowed with strain.

x

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