Chapter One

She sat on a bench, humming softly to herself as she watched the harmless mockingbirds sing their hearts out for the people who visited the peaceful park. It was the last day of summer vacation and she was anxious. Summer had seemed short-lived for her. Another whole year of studying like crazy for ridiculously hard tests and exams that ate up her rare free time. But then, she had a feeling that this year would be better than last year. She sighed and got off of the bench from which she had previously sat.

All Kagome could do now was eat a filling dinner, prepare her clothes for school, get a good nights' sleep, take a shower, and then head off for the education based prison. Lucky her. She headed off to her family shrine so that she could have some of her mother's mouth-watering oden that was on the menu for dinner. As she walked, a gentle breeze passed her. The feel of the wind was so comforting that Kagome stopped in her tracks to enjoy it further, tilting her head towards it. When the wind died down, Kagome felt as though she could do anything. Refreshed as she was, Kagome continued her walk home.

She saw children playing in their yards for the last time until they had to go to school, trying to get out all of their extra energy so that they wouldn't go jumping all over the school walls. Children were so carefree and innocent to the world. It made her smile as she saw a few children playing tag with one another.

Kagome started daydreaming as she made her way along the beige pavement. She was thinking of her career choice. After all, she was going to be a senior in high school starting tomorrow.

'Well, I could always go for the prime money-earning jobs like becoming a doctor or lawyer. But no, that is too common. I want to become someone that people will recognize; like an artist or singer. That's it! I am a pretty good singer. I enjoy it, so why not?' As Kagome thought this, she bumped into something warm and solid.

"Oh, gomen nasai! I wasn't paying attention." Kagome said quickly with an apologetic bow.

"It's okay. It was my fault also," said a feminine voice.

Kagome looked up from her position and found that she had bumped into a girl that looked her own age. The girl had a kind face and was tall. Her long dark-brown hair was tied up in a high ponytail. "My name is Higurashi, Kagome. May I ask yours?" asked Kagome.

"Of course. My name is Taijiya, Sango. You look sorta familiar. By any chance do you go to Shikon High?" asked the girl named Sango.

"Yeah, although, I have never seen you before…. That doesn't matter though. I hope I see you around sometime!

"Same here. See 'ya 'round!"

By the time Kagome got home, her mother had finished preparing supper and was setting the table.

"Kagome dear, could you help me set the table?" asked Jezza.

"Of course, Okaasan."

Kagome got to work with helping her mother. As she took out some rice bowls, Kagome's mother asked about her trip to the park.

"It was just what I needed. It was so beautiful out today, Okaasan. The mockingbirds were singing just above me. It was absolutely peaceful. I even bumped into some girl that also goes to Shikon High. I hope I have at least one class with her. And oh, Okaasan, I can't help but feel that this school year will have a lot in store for me," said Kagome.

"Well, do you think it is going to be bad or good?"

"Good. Yeah, I feel that it will be great."

"Well then, don't worry about it. I'm sure that even if it turns to be somewhat bad, that everything will turn out to be alright," said Jezza.

"Let's just hope we are both right!" giggled Kagome.

A warm smile spread across Jezza's face. Her smile turned to a sad one while she thought to herself, 'If only she knew… Oh dear. I must tell her. Oh dear oh dear oh dear. She is going to hate me after this, but it has to be done.'

"OKAASAN!" Jezza was snapped out of her thoughts.

"Yes, Dear?"

Kagome sighed. "I've been trying to get your attention forever know!" she exaggerated. "The rice is going to burn."

"Oh dear! Why didn't you say so?"

"I tried…" Kagome muttered to herself.

Luckily, Jezza was able to get to the rice in time. She and Kagome set the food onto the table and served everyone.

"Itadakimasu!" said everyone at the table and started to dig in. The meal was delicious, as always.

"You never cease to amaze me with your wonderful food, Okaasan," said Kagome. Souta and her grandfather nodded in agreement.

Jezza smiled at her daughter and replied to the compliment. "Why thank you my darling. I'm glad you enjoyed your dinner. Now that everyone is finished with their meals, however, the leftovers and dishes must be taken care of. If you would care to join me, Kagome, I have something that I must discuss with you."

A/N: I know, I know. A cliffie. I couldn't resist! Sorry for the late update. My older brother keeps on grounding me off of the computer lately by making me give him my computer power cord. Luckily for me though, my dad snuck me a cord. Weird how it is my brother grounding me, and my dad sneaking me a cord, isn't it? It all started because I locked my brother out of the house for five minutes because he was being annoying. I say my actions were justified, don't you?

Japanese Translations:

Gomen nasai> "I am so sorry"

Okaasan> Mother

Itadakimasu> "I am going to begin eating now"

Make sure to review! I am curious about what you guys think of this so far!

Coming Up in the Next Chapter

'Sup? I'm Bankotsu. In the next chapter, I am going to be introduced. School is starting tomorrow which really sucks. Who is the chick in my homeroom class? She's pretty hot but not exactly what I would call "my type" though. Stay tuned!

Whoa! Don't believe him! You Lie!

Suddup woman. Like you'd know!

Actually to be truthful, yes, I do know.

VvV Grumble VvV