Hey, everybody!! I know its short, but I've been working on the whole story. I had to fix a lot of things. Sorry it took so long. Anyway, I hope you all enjoy it and all forms of constructive criticism are welcome, just no flames please.

I do not own any of Rumiko Takahashi's characters, concepts, or ideas.

'thoughts'

"speech"

A woman of great power stop at the bottom of a shrine's steps. Calmly, she looks up and whispers, "Kagome."

Kagome arose without the need of the new unbreakable, plastic alarm clock her mother had bought. Her sharp, blue eyes awoke with an alertness so strong it was as if an alarum had been started within the confines of her room. Neither fear nor anger caused this morning's reaction, but rather an awareness of the particular person who was currently walking up the shrine's steps. After five years, her sister had finally returned.

Why did she learn regret this new silent motivation to awaken at ungodly hours such as five o'clock in the morning? Because it promised pain and training and vigorous exercises that would bring her mind and body to its furthest, absolute limit. Dread was evident in every fiber of her being and her aura released a feeling of anxiety so strong, her lavender bed sheets looked dismal and gray in comparison to their usual bright, comforting color. 'She's back,' thought Kagome, setting aside her tattered book. Today was not a day to enjoy such luxuries. Rising from the bed, Kagome strolled over to her closet and pulled out a pair of jogging pants and a sweatshirt.

A few minutes later, Kagome was outside practicing the few ancient stances which once ruled her life. With each new movement, she was reminded of how her sister was never satisfied with anything she did. Always, as a child, Kagome would practice, day-in and day-out, with the hopeless belief she could impress the cold woman, but it was never enough. Never did she smile and never did she say one word of praise or encouragement. Kagome felt is because Kikyo would never think her to be good enough, or at least that's the reality she had come to terms with. As she continued the stances, and allowed her body to properly warm-up, she dismissed such saddening thoughts.

Climbing up the stairs was the woman Kagome dreaded, but secretly admired. The woman continued in a steady pace and held her features in such an emotionless way; you'd think she was made of clay for her expression did not change. She wore traditional miko garb and carried herself as one with power would. Her long tresses were held by a white ribbon and her pale skin held neither burn nor blemish. Around her the wind blew and the feeling of nature's acceptance of her was in the air. She was a soul of the past, a never-ending reminder of how far times have changed.

If she was a woman of the modern world, she would be of those powerful woman who would have used her intelligence and resources to succeed and succeed she would. She was one who would, whether it be in the spiritual sense or in material value, be admired and looked upon in envy for, not only her beauty, but for the strength and confidence she naturally exudes.

Her appearance was almost like that of Kagome, but her demeanor was far more controlled. When she reached the top of the steps, there before her was her little sister, practicing movements long ago learned. 'She hasn't forgotten I see,' thought Kikyo, 'but she hasn't been practicing.' Waiting for her to finish, Kikyo took the time to see how much she had grown. Kagome had given up the sweatshirt for a tank top and her pants were rolled up to her knees. 'She hasn't lost her shape and it appears she has been working out,' she thought, examining the muscles which flowed underneath Kagome's slightly tan skin. Her curvaceous small figure contrasted with the sharp, precise movements she was practicing; such movements promised pain for opponents, yet her body looked to be almost soft or delicate. Tiny flares of uncontrolled power rose from her aura only to be brought back within seconds of its departure. 'She's gained new powers but does not yet have the knowledge to control them,' analyzed Kikyo, 'It seems all is not lost.'

In her attempt to forget the past and control her powers, Kagome didn't realize Kikyo's presence until she'd finished. When she looked back at her older sister she thought, 'She hasn't changed after all these years.'

"Hello, sister." said Kagome

"Hello, little one," replied Kikyo, "You've grown much since I've seen you."

After an awkward silence, Kagome finally responded, "How were your travels?"

"They have been fine," Kikyo's gaze sharpened, "I see your power has increased, have you told anyone yet?"

Cursing herself for not having enough control, Kagome reluctantly replied, "No"

"Is there a reason?"

"These powers aren't ordinary for miko, or at least the amount of power I carry. It feels as if my powers are combining with another source of energy. I've been having difficulty in controlling my own powers, but this other source unlocked itself last month and has been making it more difficult. I want to understand what this new source of power was before I blindly turned to others for help."

"A wise decision," whispered Kikyo, to herself, as she made her way into the forest "Come, you and I have much to do."

Kagome followed obediently with the feeling she was going to be learning something which would change her life forever.

I hope you all enjoyed it. Please R&R