[Sorry it took so long to update! My computer is pretty much DEAD, so I have to write everything on my mom's computer. Needless to say, it complicates things... Anyway, please review and enjoy.
Also, explanation: Kagome had a brain tumor. She couldn't be healed until after she died because they had to wait for all the cancerous cells to die along with the rest. That was they could heal whatever it was that caused the tumor, and the original tumor would be dead. Does that make sense? I honestly have no idea...]
"Hurry. We have to bring her back, and soon!"
Sesshomaru was desperate, but his father wasn't yielding.
"My son... While I agree that reviving Higurashi-san is of utmost importance... you must wait. If we heal her before the illness dies, then this will all be for naught."
The young prince growled at this, but did as his father ordered, storming off to bed and falling into a fitful rest, dreaming immediately.
"Sesshomaru! Please! I'm scared, it's dark here!"
She appeared in front of him in a spectral form, in flowing white robes and giving off pure light.
"Kagome, I-"
"Please!" she shouted again, and he realized she couldn't hear him.
"I'll bring you back. I promised."
He felt the dream begin to fade, and he heard his servant's voice cut through the dream like a blade through butter.
"My lord? My lord? Your father has summoned you."
"No! Don't go! Sesshomaru!"
The girl dropped to her knees, her glow the only light in the darkness. His last view of her was one of a scared child, and he felt his heart break in two, knowing this was his fault.
He woke and dressed, listening to his servant with half an ear. Upon arriving at his father's study, he was given the sword from his father's hip.
"Tenseiga."
The sword pulsed a greeting, humming softly in his hand.
"Follow me, my son," Toga murmured.
Sesshomaru followed his father down the hall, thinking of her as he went.
He stood over her, Tenseiga in his hand. The sword pulsed again, and he blinked as the minions of the underworld became visible. With one quick swipe, he cut cleanly through them, watching as they vanished.
For a few terrifying seconds nothing happened, and then her eyes shot open, and she flew upright, sitting on her bed and panting, hand to her chest, feeling frantically for her own heartbeat. Her brown eyes shot to his, and she flew into his arms, shaking like a leaf.
"Sesshomaru! I thought you left me! I was so-"
She sobbed, clinging to him desperately, as if afraid he'd vanish. He held tight to her, the same fear floating through his mind.
It was times like this when he remembered she was only thirteen.
Toga watched from the doorway, watching his son, who had trained himself to be separate, now be so close to a human of all people. It was a strange thing, watching someone change. Strange indeed.
She stayed by his side, terrified of what would happen if she left. He took her through the gardens, as he had so many times, and he watched her carefully, drinking in the sight of her.
"Kagome."
She looked up, her eyes hollow.
"Hm?"
"Are you alright?"
"Would you be?"
"... Tell me about it."
"Being dead? It's terrifying. Nothing around you but emptiness, utter solitude, and a constant fight to stay sane. I tried. So. Hard. But I almost failed. I would have gone insane if you hadn't brought me back right then."
He paled slightly at this, but stayed composed.
"We don't have to speak about it."
"I suppose not. It's getting late. Let's go inside. Dinner will be ready soon, and I still have to get ready."
He nodded, walking with her to the doorway, and when they reached it, they parted for the first time in hours.
She walked into the dining room awkwardly, knowing full well that the whole family knew she had been dead, not hours before. No one said a word, and she took her seat by Sesshomaru's side.
"Are you feeling quite alright, Higurashi-san?" Izayoi asked softly.
"I am quite fine, I assure you. Thank you for your concern. I'm a little shaken up, but I'll be fine in the morning."
The Western Lady gave her a concerned look, but allowed her to lapse into silence, her hollow eyes not meeting anyone's for the rest of the meal.
She walked silently back to her room, Miroku at her side. She was exhausted, and ready to fall into bed.
When she reached her room, she did just that, not even bothering to discard her many layers of kimonos as she hit the soft bed, falling asleep in an instant.
When she woke in the morning, it was as if her entire demeanor had changed. She acted as if her death had never happened, and she made it clear to everyone that mentioned it that she wanted to forget it. They reluctantly indulged her, and eventually the subject dropped. She and Sesshomaru talked, more than they ever had before, and the young girl could feel herself falling deeper and deeper in love with her stoic companion.
And somehow she always talked herself out of telling him, though the thought crossed her mind on many occasions.
And the days turned to years for our young heroine, and she grew stronger, physically and mentally. Her training with Naraku, though grueling, was well worth it.
This was good, as she had had one goal since her revival: to avenge her parents. Sota, the only one who could possibly have understood her pain, had gone back to their home, managing the family's affairs until the true heir could take her rightful place. And so, she kept her goal a secret.
And that secret stayed well kept. But soon there would come a day when her goal would have to be met. And that day was coming sooner than they thought.
[Wow. Feels. There will be a time skip in the next chapter, just so you guys know. Anyway, please review and check out the poll on my profile. :) Byeeeeee!]