Hey! Sorry for missing my normal update day(s). I originally had something else planned for this chapter. I spent a lot of time working on it... then decided I hated it. So while I am reworking that, I decided to post this, which was gonna be posted as a later chapter. Also sorry for the length, this is my shortest chapter, but don't worry the next one is long. You guys have been blowing me away and making my day with your reviewing, following, and favorite(ing). Thank you! Don't forget to Read and Review!

She knelt down and picked a low hanging flower off a cherry blossom tree. This was her favorite place. It was quiet and she felt so free, instead of tied down with her duty. This place was magic. She knew magic existed but when she stood right here she could see it. The sun cut through the trees, filtering down in sparkling rays of lights, and if she was still enough small spirits would come out and play. She held her breath and forest was silent. After a few minutes the sun disappeared and she let out her breath in a huff. That's when she heard the first scream.

Kagome was walking down a beautiful hallway. The lights were set low, but there was an ethereal glow. A haze that just settled around everything. The walls were lined with deep purple tapestries, and long silver curtains. The windows were open letting the night seep in, chilling the hall and Kagome's bare feet. The carpet under her was plush and Kagome couldn't stop the slow, contented smile that spread across her lips. She dragged her fingers slowly across the wall. Kagome passed a mirror. She paused and backed up, slowly turning to face the mirror. Kagome couldn't believe her eyes. The reflection was beautiful. The face looking back at her was full. Her cheekbones were high, a light blush dusting her cheeks pink in a healthy flush. Her skin was a soft golden shimmer, and Kagome couldn't help but question whether it was the lighting that had caused this. Her hair fell past her waist in soft elegant curls. Kagome brought a hand to her head, her hair felt like silk. But Kagome couldn't stop staring at her eyes. They were still a deep brown, but Kagome couldn't look away. Kagome gasped, she was beautiful. Stunning even, but this face wasn't her's.

"Kagome..."

She ran over to where the older woman sat, and bounced up and down in her lap. She felt finger's pull on her hair gently, as the woman raked her hair across Kagome's head and tied her hair into a ponytail. Kagome faced the woman, leaning into her embrace. She couldn't see her face, but she felt safe. They were nowhere in particular. But the sun was high in the sky, warming the two of them and lulling Kagome to sleep. The woman hummed to Kagome, rubbing her back in slow circular motions.

Kagome jerked awake, sitting up straight in her bed. She was in her old childhood house. Her walls were a bright pink, Kagome had begged her mother to let her paint her room. Pepto Bismol pink, was a terrible choice. She heard something shatter down the hall. Kagome stiffened, her bratz comforter pulled up to her ears, her knees pulled to her chest. She strained her ears. She heard something else shatter. Kagome felt something slowly pull off her covers. She tugged on them hard, but they didn't give. Kagome whimpered as she let them go. The shadows around her room began to move. They shifted from left to right, as if a light in the middle of her room was swinging. Kagome frantically reached for the flashlight she kept in her bed side table, knocking over her Hello Kitty alarm clock. She fumbled with the switch before clicking it on. She shined it wildly around the room. The shadows froze as the light hit them, snapping to the right positions. Kagome's eyes were wide, blurred with tears. She took a deep breath and laid down on her back, her flashlight still on in her hands.

"Kagome, how did you get these bruises?"

Kagome stared into the eyes of her teacher, pulling down her shirt.

It was probably Kanna who told her. It was bound to happen she had gym everyday, someone was going to notice while she was changing eventually. Kagome kept her lips pressed shut.

"Mom?"

Kagome shook the woman on the floor. Her mother was curled into a ball, her arms wrapped around her stomach.

"Mom? Is Souta okay?"

Kagome ran her small hands over her mother's belly, feeling for a kick, or some indication that her little brother was still alive. Kagome heard heavy footsteps, and cowered under the coffee table where she had been hiding when her mother fell. Kagome's father walked over to her mother and leaned down, roughly grabbing her face in his hands.

"Kimiko." His voice was gruff.

Her mother's eyes fluttered. Kagome held her breath.

"Do you want to go to the hospital?" His voice sounded sad, sympathetic even.

Kagome watched her mother slowly nod her head, her face contorting in pain under his grip.

"I'll take you. You can save the baby. You can even divorce me. But you leave Kagome with me."

Kagome's eyes were wide as her father began to laugh, leaning down and looking under the table at Kagome. His eyes gleamed red.

Kagome sat in her room. All her belongings were in boxes. She looked around at the pink walls. Her mom was right. This was a terrible color. Kagome felt a tear roll down her cheek. She grabbed her suitcase and stood up.

"You can use my shoulder if you want."

Kagome looked up at him. He looked so handsome from this angle. Strong Jawline, straight nose. He stared forward trying not to look at her. She smiled up at him, before gently leaning her head on his shoulder. She looked down at his hand. Strong. His finger were long and spindly, but his palms were big. Butterflies rose in her stomach as she reached out and grabbed his hand, intertwining her fingers with his. He didn't move, continuing to stare straight ahead. He squeezed her hand lightly, and Kagome beamed. His long fingernails ticked the back of her hand. And she giggled while looking up at him. He looked back at her. His gaze made her breath catch. He leaned down, their lips barely touching.

Warm. The candy melted in her mouth. Kagome giggled, smiling up at her mom. Chocolate coating her teeth. They stood in a candy shop, the sweet smells made Kagome's mouth water. She wanted to try everything. Her mom looked around, surveying everyone.

"Mom are you looking for something?"

Her mom snapped her gaze back at Kagome. She smiled, before popping another candy into Kagome's mouth. Kagome chewed contemplatively.

"I like the other one better!"

Her mom laughed before filling a small bag with the kind Kagome liked and purchasing it at the counter.

"Mom, can Souta have one?" Kagome leaned over the stroller at her little brother, who gurgled and reached out a hand for her. She gave him her hand, before pushing the candy in his mouth.

"Lady Kikyo! Run."

Kagome felt her legs pumping. The world was on fire around her. She could hear screams behind her, along with the a voice so loud and deep Kagome could feel the voice in her chest.

"Priessssstessss."

Kagome ran faster.