The group stood in the courtyard, basking in the sun. Sango was holding Miroku's hand, long since free of its windtunnel and bindings. Shippou perched on InuYasha's shoulder, the pair bantering amicably about the latest trick the foxling had pulled. Sesshoumaru hung back slightly, content in letting Kagome say her goodbyes to her companions.
"Well, this is it," she said, taking the pearl from the chain and letting it glint in the sun for a second.
"What will you wish for, Kagome-sama?" Miroku asked.
"It has to be selfless, remember," InuYasha cajolled, earning a him a mock glare.
"I was actually inspired this morning," she said, winking at Sesshoumaru.
She ignored the dry heaving sounds InuYasha made at that and squeezed the jewel between her hands. A bright glow shone through the gaps between her fingers as she brought her hands to her forehead.
"Shikon no Tama," she breathed, "leave!"
Behind her, Sesshoumaru chuckled at the parallel that she'd drawn between the troublesome bauble and his mother. He watched her as she slowly lowered her hands and opened them, revealing nought but air. A content smile graced his face at the sight of his mate completing her duty, freeing her up for him to enjoy her solely. The cheers from her companions were nothing but noise as she turned to him, grinning from ear to ear. She started walking over to him, increasing her speed with each step until she was running towards him. He opened his arms to receive her.
Her startled gasp was the last thing he heard as she passed right through him. He whipped around, just as alarmed as she was, panic written on his face, clear for all to see. As the cheers turned to screams behind him, all he saw was her face, quickly losing its opacity, as she mouthed his name. He reached for her, but his hand came up empty, a faint trail of pink glitters the only sign that she had been there at all.
It was a bright sunny day in Tokyo and Higurashi Yuu was sweeping the grounds of the family's shrine. She sighed contently as she surveyed her work, broom in one hand and the other wiping the slight sheen of sweat from her forehead. Then, she was startled by a sudden cry. She dropped the broom as she realized it came from the well house. She discovered her daughter at the bottom of the well, and stepped back at the desperate emotion in her child's voice.
"NOOOOOOOOOOO!"