Chapter 9
Feet touching solid ground once again let Kagome know she was back in the future. She confirmed this by looking up and seeing the inside of the well house. Climbing to the top and exiting the building Kagome walked up to her home of the future and entered for the last time.
"Mama?" Kagome asked, hoping her family wasn't away. "In the kitchen dear!" Mrs. Higurashi yelled. Kagome slid her shoes off and set Ashi down. Walking into the kitchen the young woman saw her mother and her jar of emotions burst open."MAMA!" Kagome yelled, flinging herself into the safety of her mother's arms with tears streaming down her cheeks. "Oh Kagome, it's alright," her mother comforted, walking her into the living room and sitting on the couch with her. Mrs. Higurashi took a small cloth from her pocket and dried her daughter's tears. "Now it's alright, tell me what has you so upset?" her mother consoled.
Kagome spent the next hour telling her mother everything that happened to her in the last few days, from leaving her old group to meeting the Sun Kami. Her mother was very supportive, nodding and gasping when the situation called for it. When Kagome finished with the fact this was her last visit, her mother hugged her tightly. "My dear Kagome, I always knew you were special from the day you were born. I know how you feel so out of place here and that the past is where you belong. I knew this day would come," her mother said, both of them now having tears dripping constantly from their eyes."You are strong and you are a wonderful young woman. You will live up to the quest the Kami set for you and you will succeed. I know it! Don't you worry about us, we will be ok, I just want you to be happy," her mother said, hugging her again.
The mother daughter duo spent a few hours holding each other and talking, they both agreed to go shopping tomorrow and spend a lovely morning together before leaving. Kagome went up stairs for a bath while her mother made them some tea. Her bath was a fast one, not wanting to waste valuable time with her mom. Kagome went to her room and put on a short silky long sleeve cream colored nightgown. Once it was in place on her body, golden leaves appeared along the neckline and along the slits at her thighs.
Walking down the stairs with her damp hair brushing her lower back, Kagome found her mother on the couch again. A tray with two cups and a pot of tea sat next to her. The young miko was sad that her brother and grandpa were away for the next few days visiting a possible school for Souta but her mother said it would be best this way and she would tell them when they got back.
They spent another hour talking, laughing, and reminiscing. When Kgome realized how late it was from the amount of yawns over taking her, she asked her mother if they could sleep together tonight. "Of course you can, dear it will be like when you were little," her mother laughed, then cleaned up their tea and led the way to her room.
Curling into bed with her mother she found sleep came to her easier than she thought and drifted off into a peaceful slumber in her mom's arms.
Rising with the sun the next morning, both women got to work early gathering what Kagome would need to take with her and making a list of what they would need to get. Deciding not to wear her miko garbs she chose a white spaghetti strap sundress that flowed to her knees. Once she put it on, shiny golden leaves appeared stitched into the bottom hem of her dress. Gathering her hair into a messy bun, she used her new hair sticks to hold it in place. Looking at her reflection in the mirror she was satisfied with her appearance but then she noticed her mark on her forehead. Putting her palm over it, she said a quick spell to hide it from view for a short time then started to pack.
As Kagome was going through what clothes to take she decided only to bring bras, underwear, and a few pairs of warm socks. While she sorted out her clothes to be donated or stored her mother came into her room with a box.
"I have some things here for you that I was going to give you when you had a child. You can give them to Rin," her mother said with a smile. "There's just some of your old dress up clothes, some dolls, children's books, and a few puzzle games you liked when you got older." Kagome took the large decorative box and put the entire thing into her pouch. Her mother's eyes widened so she spent the next few minutes explaining the spell on it. "Wow, now that will be handy for all your things you need to pack," her mother said with bewilderment.
While Kagome gathered other memorabilia from her room, her mother asked for her attention. "Dear, there's something else I'd like to give you," she said, holding out a small silver box. "I wore these on my wedding day, I got them from my mother who also wore them on her wedding day. I'd like you to have it." Opening the clasp on the box and looking inside, Kagome took in a slow deep breath. Nestled on a silk pillow was a beautiful akoya pearl necklace, the top half were white pearls that slowly faded to black ones at the bottom. "Oh mama it's beautiful, you really want me to have this?" Kagome asked, shocked at the beautiful piece of jewelry. "Of course darling I've been saving it for you and I hope you will also wear it on your wedding day then pass it on to your daughter," her mother said sweetly. Kagome thanked her, promised she would carry out the tradition, and added it to her pouch.
After packing everything she needed from her room, Kagome and her mother looked up on her computer how to make her bathroom essentials, teas, medicine, and anything else she might need to make in the feudal era. She planned on bringing some of her favorites from the future in biodegradable containers but they would not last long and she would need to know how to make more.
Once she had everything she wanted from home packed, they were about to leave to go to the store when Kagome's mother came into her room with a photo album. Handing it to her she simply said, "to remember us," Kagome took the album with a sad smile and packed it away in her pouch then hugged her mother. "I'll never forget you guys," she explained with salty tears threatening to spill over her eyelids.
When the pair arrived at their local grocery store they immediately went to find biodegradable storage bags and containers. Next, they went to the garden sections and looked for all kinds of seeds; fruit, vegetable, herb, tea and plant. Kagome was especially proud of a pack of seeds she found that was a rare flower, almost never found in the feudal era. Rin would be very pleased. After getting everything she needed in that section, she made sure to get another sleeping bag for Rin, some thermal blankets, lots and lots of medical supplies, medications, and recipes. Kagome also passed a fluffy white stuffed animal that looked like a dog she couldn't pass up. It would make a great gift for Rin. She even found some metal pots and tea kettles for her outdoor cooking. Coming into the food section, Kagome picked out a bunch of spices. She also purchased a small cookie for Rin with frosting that was decorated to look like a flower.
Kagome's mother pointed out a candy shop while they walked to the next store they needed, both women squealed and ran inside. The young miko found a glass decorative box that was a bit pricey but had six different, separate spots to store sweets. Knowing this would be acceptable to take back, Kagome picked out the best candidates for her limited space. She chose; Ame dama, Kompeito, Koala's march, Kit-Kat, Higashi, and Kinoko No Yama. Taking her full box to the counter, she got a special deal of free candy with the purchase of the glass box.
Moving on to a few other stores Kagome saw an antique shop she wanted to visit, she went in while her mother went into a bookstore.
Walking in the little Mom and Pop shop she was hit with many different smells from things that were old and leather and antique. Walking around she decided to get gifts for her family as well as her new pack. She found a gold chain necklace for Souta and a pocket watch for her grandpa. While she was looking for her mother's present, her eye caught something in a glass case glistening from the rays of the sun coming through the window. Kagome looked into the case and gasped. It was a beautiful gold necklace with the most gorgeous golden leaf hanging at the bottom. The leaf had intricate gold vines wrapped around it and there were small rubies inlayed in the vines. It was beautiful and she knew right away this was the gift for her mom.
"Now I just need something for Rin and Sesshomaru," she said to herself. After a few minutes of looking Kagome saw a glass case over a plate of marble that looked just like the one from beauty and the beast. She chose this for Rin, she would enchant a rose to go inside and tell Rin of her favorite Disney movie story, Kagome was sure she would love it.
Looking around for more than twenty minutes she was starting to get slightly upset at the fact that she couldn't find anything for Sesshomaru. Sighing, she went to the counter where her items waited for her and decided she would try another place. A sweet lady that looked to be about sixty was ecstatic at how many things she was buying. "Did you find everything you were looking for dear?" the old woman asked while ringing up her things. "Well almost everything, you have a wonderful collection here," Kagome said, smiling kindly. "Was there something else you were looking for?" asked the woman. "I need a gift for my friend, he is high born and already has everything he needs or wants so he is hard to shop for," Kagome explained, taking money from her purse.
"Does he by chance have long hair?" asked the woman who had a look of determination on her face. "Yes he does," the young miko said, confused at the question. The shopkeeper turned around and collected a box from a high shelf behind the counter, one she could barely reach. While dusting it off she said, "I've been saving this for a customer that would appreciate it and I feel in my bones that you will," She opened the box and set it in front of Kagome.
Inside was the most beautiful comb she had ever seen. "It is carved from a jade stone, it is very rare. It has not sold because of its color and the fact it is a comb. But it is a unique gift that most people do not have," she explained. Kagome thought she was a genius. "It's perfect, I'll take it!" Kagome said excitedly.
Money was not an issue for her, she realized some time ago the currency that was so easily obtained in the feudal era was very rare today and was worth a great deal now. After purchasing her gifts and having them wrapped in protective paper, she put a very generous tip in the jar on the counter, collected her items, and waved to the kind woman. "Bless you my dear, your generosity and business today has helped me greatly," the old woman thanked her and bowed deeply. "No need to thank me, have a wonderful day!" Kagome said, then went across the street to the bookstore her mother was in.
Finding her mother, they set out to find all the books she wanted. Kagome picked every princess book she could find along with many other Disney ones for Rin. She also found a few astronomy books, a current atlas of the world, a book of modern homes and buildings, a few educational/teaching books, a history book titled; Japan: 500 years of history, a few of her favorite novels, and an interesting book called 1001 of the most amazing things of the world. These would do well for entertainment for her new pack.
After going to a party store to get wrapping paper for her family's gifts and burlap for her feudal era friends, she and her mother headed home.
It took them an hour to transfer her purchases from their futuristic packaging to feudal friendly packaging. Kagome made sure to wrap her presents for her family while she was alone in her room. She put a protection spell on both her brother and grandpas gifts that would protect them from evil or those that wished them harm then wrapped them up.
With her mother's gift she spent a few extra minutes adding the same spell but also a drop of her blood and a special incantation to the leaf. This would make sure her mother had her scent and heart beat with her wherever she went and when it was held to her mother's ear it would whisper, "I love you forever and always mama," in Kagome's voice. Adding a short inscription on the back, she put the necklace in its box and wrapped it too. Happy with her presents and how they looked, Kagome quickly wrote two notes to her grandfather and brother professing her love then stuck them under the ribbons.
Changing back into her miko outfit, she secured her fully packed pouch to her side along with a very full water skin and sent a quick prayer of thanks to the Kami for such wonderful gifts. Double checking she had everything, she took one last look at her room then went down stairs with her packages in hand.
"Are you all packed darling?" her mother asked when she arrived in the living room. "Yes mama, I have a few gifts for everyone. I left a note attached to grandpa's and Souta's telling them how much I love them, I'll just leave them with you," Kagome said, setting the others to the side and giving her mother a box wrapped with a flower pattern.
"Oh honey, you didn't have to do that," her mother said as she unwrapped her present and lifted the lid to the box. Kagome's mom dropped the lid in surprise, freezing for a moment in shock. Carefully, Mrs. Higurashi picked up the necklace and looked at it closely. "Kagome, it-it's gorgeous!" her mother stammered. "Turn it over," Kagome said. Her mother set the centerpiece in her hand and turned it to the back gasping again. Written on the leaf in a ruby red color were the words, I'll be with you always. "Oh, Kagome!" her mother spoke, choked up and tears lining her cheeks. "That's not it, hold it to your ear," Kagome said proudly. Mrs. Higurashi brought the gold necklace to her ear and gasped, throwing her hand over her mouth to cover her sob that threatened to escape.
Kagome's mother threw herself into her arms crying about how wonderful her gift was. "It smells like you and I feel a heartbeat, is it yours?!" her mother noted through sobs. "Shh, it's ok Mama, and yes I wanted you to have something special to carry with you. You'll always know I'm safe by feeling my heart beat because it matches mine in real life," Kagome said, trying to hold back her own tears. Leaning back and grabbing a tissue from the side table her mother said, "I love it Kagome, it's the best present I've ever gotten," then dabbed away the tears.
"There's one other thing," Kagome said, reaching into her pouch and summoning a small red coin purse. "These are for you, I don't want you guys to have to worry about the future and it turns out money back in the feudal era is quite rare here," she laughed awkwardly, rubbing the back of her head. "Kagome, these must be worth a fortune!" her mother said as she poured the perfectly preserved coins into her palm. "It is enough for you to retire, take care of Souta and grandpa like you've always wanted, make repairs to the shrine, give Souta a nice college fund, and much more," Kagome said reassuringly. "I refuse to leave my family untaken care of." "Thank you so much honey, you are so kind, you are the most wonderful daughter," her mother said, hugging her again. "I'm so proud of you."
After many more hugs, the two promised not to cry any more and walked towards the door. Picking up Ashi, Kagome took his paw and waved at her mom. "Goodbye sweet Ashi," her mother cooed while scratching his ears. "Mew," was Ashi's reply.
"Oh! There's something I need to do before I leave!" Kagome exclaimed, taking her mother's hand and racing to the God tree outside.
Releasing her mother and handing Ashi over to her, she reached into her pouch to summon the seeds for white roses and pulled one out of its bag. Kneeling down in front of the tree she dug a small hole with her finger, put the seed inside, then replaced the dirt. Laying her hand over the rose seed, she said a special spell while letting her power flow into the ground. A moment later there was a beautiful white rose, perfectly bloomed with a slight glow to it. "This flower is special, it will never die. Only those who share our blood can see it, and should you move away or wish to place it somewhere else it can be dug up and replanted. Only our family can destroy it," she finished rising to her feet and brushing her hands together to remove the dirt.
"Kagome, it's beautiful and a wonderful gift, thank you," her mother said gratefully, giving her another hug on top of dozens of others in the last twenty-four hours.
Taking Ashi from her mom, she gave her one more long hug then turned to the well house. Stopping at the door she summoned a butterfly of reiki and whispered into it then blew it toward her mother.
The spiritual insect flew to Mrs. Higurashi's outstretched hand and sat for a moment. It took flight again to place a butterfly's kiss on her cheek and whisper the words, "Goodbye mama, I'll always love you," then disappeared. Tears sprang to her eyes without permission as she quickly looked up to see her daughter had left. "Goodbye my cherished daughter, Aishiteimasu," she whispered, as a warm breeze swept her tears away.
~End Chapter 9~
I'm not crying, you're crying.
Ame dama-Japanese candy balls
Kompeito-Various colored sugar candy
Koala's march-Koala shapes cookies/cream filled
Higashi-Fine Japanese candy made of soybeans and fine sugars
Kinoko No Yama-Mushroom shaped cookies with chocolate tops
Aishiteimasu-I love you
Ja ne, Peach