Shaman King

by The Amazing Sakumachan

For Higurashi Kagome, moving to Tokyo was supposed to be a fresh start. But little did she know that she was walking a similar path that was walked before. A fateful encounter. A promise that transcends time and space. A gift that keeps giving. What path lends a Happy Ending? [SPOILER-IFIC]

35. The Tragic Heroine

Authoress' Notes: This took a long time to finish because of circumstances. But on the bright side, this will be one of the longer chapters. Hope you guys like it.

---

The Tragic Heroine

Time-Space Agitate

It was the first day of December, a rather chilly Friday. It had only been a week since Ren and Kagome had been to this park. But it felt like so much had changed since their last trip to the taiyaki stand. This particular area had always been a popular location for couples with its assorted food stands, lovely crafted benches, winding trails, and a river where you could rent swan-shaped pedal boats.

Despite this, Ren was not prepared for the shift in the atmosphere. The romantic vibes seemed to have been ramped up by the sudden hanging of lights, bells, and the occasional decorative wreath. Ren was suddenly hyper-aware of the conversations of the many couples that they passed by. The various discussions—both romantic and erotic—made his lips scowl and cheeks burn.

Still, he allowed Kagome's mitten-covered hand to grip his own and excitedly drag him towards their destination. "Stop being a slowpoke!" Her chastising and bossiness was good-natured. "This is the last day that we'll be able to get taiyaki here until April!" She added in a small, anxious rush.

The priestess, who was but one stride ahead of him, could not see how he rolled his eyes before cracking a slight smile. After she disappeared with Hao, it was reassuring to see the girl acting like her sunny self. It was this side of her that Ren wanted to protect the most, because it was this side of her that brought him out of his shell.

"How about you slow down?" The Tao suggested. Despite his gruffness and his warning, he gave no resistance to the girl's pulls. "I doubt that the old man would close up shop before we got there."

"I can't take that chance!" Kagome insisted with no sign of slowing her pace.

Ren released a curt huff of air between his teeth, "Tsk. Don't blame me if you fall."

It only took seven minutes for his prophecy to come true. Kagome suddenly tripped and stumbled forward with a screech, threatening to take the Tao down with her. Ren's reflexes were sharp and precise, however. He effortlessly steadied himself and pulled the girl up and towards him. The sequence of actions took a mere second. Just as quickly as she lost her footing, the girl was righted.

Kagome turned to face him with an embarrassed smile. "That didn't happen," she told him, to which he muttered an indifferent 'or so you say'. It was only when her smile turned into a grateful one that Ren realized the close proximities of their face due to their identical heights.

Ren suddenly felt more annoyed with his height than ever. As he confused Kagome with a sudden pinching assault on her cheeks, he silently demanded a growth spurt from the gods.

From there, it did not take long for the pair to arrive at their destination. As they approached, Kagome raised her arm and waved a warm greeting. "Taiyaki-san!" She called out. The vendor's perplexed expression made Ren facepalm and want to fade into the background. "I'm so glad that we made it in time~" the girl stated as she stopped just short of the stand.

"Likewise, Little Missy," The man regarded her with an easy-going smile. He looked between the faces of his weekly regulars as he stated, "But I'd stay open as long as possible to make sure that I serve my best customers."

Ren was content to stay silent as Kagome exchanged pleasantries with the vendor, as usual. Despite standing behind her, he could hear the smiles in her voice. And that much was enough for the Tao to enjoy the moment. Though no one would guess it from his silent, apathetic body language.

"So, what'll it be today?" The man that Kagome unofficially dubbed as "Taiyaki-san" asked. "The usual?" He added with a bit of mirth behind his smile. The latter question was answered with an enthusiastic nod and chirp of 'mhm~' from the girl. With that, he set to work with his batters, fillings, and molds.

"Do you two have any plans for Christmas this year?" Taiyaki-san inquired to keep the amicable conversation going as he worked. Ren could not discern if he was genuinely interested or just humoring two children who he obviously presumed to be a couple.

Regardless of the man's motivations, Ren was grateful that Kagome could not see his burning cheeks as she answered, "Well, we're probably going to have a big party with all of our friends~"

"Aha," The vendor chuckled. "Yeah, it's probably best that you stay children as long as you can." He answered the girl's puzzled expression with a simple, "Forgive me. I just mean that it's good that you'll be having fun with your friends."

A couple of minutes later, their steaming hot treats were ready and placed in their usual, paper packets. The heat that used to be a punishing testament to their freshness was now lost in the intertwined fabrics of their gloves. The sparkle in Kagome's eyes was worth the generous amount of money that Ren placed down on the counter. "Keep the change," was the Tao's usual mumble.

Taiyaki-san, take care of yourself~" Kagome nearly hugged the treat to her heart as she bowed respectfully. The vendor smiled and returned the sentiment.

"You too, Little Missy," The man responded before looking at Ren, "And you do the same. But remember to keep an eye on Little Missy." The Tao acknowledged the advice with a low hum and a curt nod before trailing after the priestess.

Kagome's pace slowed significantly. She was now trapped in a seemingly endless cycle of attempted bites, hoots of burning pain, and tentative nibbles. "You'd think you'd slow down and savor it," Ren sighed at her antics. "This'll be the last one till April, remember?"

The girl paused for a moment, looking up thoughtfully as she mulled over the prospect. Soon, she smiled widely and replied nonchalantly, "It's fine." Her eyes found Ren's as she asked, "We'll go back next year, right~?"

Golden eyes narrowed as Ren scoffed at the assumption, despite his pink cheeks. "Plotting my own year ahead of me?" He delivered a gentle chop to the top of Kagome's head. She responded with a chuckle and light smack to his chest.

It was only until they settled for finishing their treats on a bench that Ren noticed how the sky changed from clear and sunny to a pale overcast of white. He watched Kagome from the corner of his eye, like he usually did.

She polished off her taiyaki with almost inaudible crunching and a delighted squeal, "Taiyaki-san is the best~! I love how he adds the filling from head to tail~!" As she ranted and raved, she did not seem to notice the Tao's scrutinizing gaze. "There are some cheap people who only fill the main body but Taiyaki-san is so generous~! He'll always be my favorite~."

He allowed her to go on for a short while. He watched her animated hand motions and noted how her eyes did not smile along with her mouth. "—so maybe we should try other flavors next time—"

Ren's call of her name made Kagome freeze. Her mouth and eyes became fixed into their last position as he continued speaking, not missing a beat, "If there's something you want to say, then say it."

Kagome then sighed softly, her shoulders slumping as her facade came crumbling down. She turned her head and gave Ren a small, wistful smile, "Sorry. It just hit me like a ton of bricks." Sensing that the girl needed an ear more than a mouth, Ren remained silent, but not without quirking a brow. She crumpled her empty paper bag and held it within a single fist. "I've decided that I'm going to confess my feelings to Yoh."

Ren was unsure of what face he was making.

But Kagome's statement sent a shockwave through him.

"I decided it just earlier today...after coming home from seeing Hao," Kagome explained before turning to face forward again. She was ignorant of how true her words rang to Ren, how close to home she was hitting as she spoke. "This morning, I realized something—the more that I try to run or hide from these feelings, the more intense they become...because when you repress your feelings, they only keep building up inside of you…"

At this point, Ren resigned to staring at the river ahead. He could not bring himself to look at her. He would never admit it, but he was afraid—afraid that his own feelings were on the verge of spilling out.

Kagome's grip on the ball of paper in her hand tightened. "So I realized that the only solution to this problem is to tell him how I feel," she stated, her voice becoming softer and softer as she went on. "If I tell him that I love him...it'll be out in the open...nothing left to hide and fester… and then...someday...I'll be able to move on and love him the way that a friend should."

Ren did not have to see Kagome's face to know how torn she felt. He knew that she was constantly being tugged in opposite directions. Her heart coveted a treasure that was not rightfully her own. Unbeknownst to her, the treasure that she desired was already hers, not in right but another sense. Before he knew it, the boy found himself opening his mouth and asking, "And who are you doing this for?"

"All three of us," Kagome was able to answer quickly. "It would be best for all three of us that I came clean so I won't get in the way. And besides…" her fist finally lowered into her lap. "I also realized that Yoh has done so much for me since we've met… I have to repay him somehow."

So she said.

Kagome's smile never brightened again, even as she thanked Ren with a pat on the shoulder. "Thanks for always listening to me, Ren~ You're the best," she told him, her closed-eye smile pinched out.

Ren was at a loss. He was sure that his face was blank...stoic.

He certainly did not feel like the best, or even useful in any way.

Somehow, Kagome's decision left him feeling lost. There was nothing but a stillness inside of him, as if all of his internal gears came to a halt. He did not know how to comfort the girl who put on a smile, just for him. If it was Yoh next to her instead of him, Kagome would probably be serenaded in encouraging words.

But Ren was no Yoh.

And that's why, she would never choose him.

S.H.A.M.A.N.K.I.N.G.

HoroHoro was panting heavily. His forehead was drenched in rivulets of sweat. He took it upon himself to depart with the Tao's earlier, under the guise of wanting to spend time with his good buddy, Ren. His excuse for hopping into their limo was mostly honest. Only a small part of him wanted to take the opportunity to get close to Sango.

The Ainu would have spoken to Ren sooner but the Tao heir brushed him off, insisting that he did not have time because he had to prepare for an appointment with Kagome. The last thing that HoroHoro wanted was to possibly trigger a foul mode in Ren before he met with Kagome. So instead of bringing up the heavy topic that seemed to be bothering him, HoroHoro settled for grinning widely and leaning in the bedroom doorway. "Appointment?" His tone was blatantly teasing. "Don't you mean 'date'?"

HoroHoro snickered when Ren tossed him a warning glare from over his shoulder. "No, appointment," The Tao corrected pointedly.

That was several hours ago.

Ren had returned after escorting Kagome home a short while ago.

No one thought it was possible but the golden-eyed teen returned in a sullen mood. HoroHoro and the Tao girls all figured that something must have happened with Kagome—something bad. Normally, HoroHoro was outspoken and blunt, especially when it came to the introverted Ren. But even he knew when to approach sensitive situations delicately.

The two shamans ended up training while waiting for Sango to finish dinner. It was not the first time that HoroHoro sparred with Ren, especially when the Tao needed to vent out his feelings. But this was the first time Ren was so relentless, brutal. It was like Ren was lost in thought, his body moving on autopilot as he battled with his inner turmoil.

After they exchanged more than a few strikes that had a bit too much force behind them, HoroHoro was done. He was ready to learn what had gotten Ren into such a state of distress. The blunette leaned against the wall of the dojo, his back slowly sliding down until he landed on his butt. Ren seemed just as worn out as his rump planted down next to HoroHoro.

Once he caught his breath, the Usui peeked at Ren from the corner of his eye. "So…" he broached. "Did something happen with Kagome-chan?" He asked, knowing that the Tao would expound on what could be a simple answer.

As predicted, Ren let his walls come down. HoroHoro was expecting a straightforward, concise answer. But he was unprepared for the answer itself, "She's going to confess her feelings to Yoh."

"Ah—!" The blunette's mouth fell open into a shocked gape. He recovered a moment later, his body relaxing out of its stiffened reflex. His shoulders slumped, just a bit as he tried to find the right words. "I'm sorry, man…" Was all that he could come up with. HoroHoro had never experienced this type of heartbreak before.

"Don't get the wrong idea," Ren responded, a bit of edge and agitation in his voice. "Kagome—she intends to tell him, but not pursue him any further," he clarified.

HoroHoro blinked, surprised at the development. "But, Yoh obviously feels the same way about her," the blue-haired teen pointed out. "If she confesses, I don't see how they won't end up dating."

The Tao's eyes narrowed.

Instead of glaring at the wall, he was glaring at the mental image of the exchange playing in front of him.

He envisioned Kagome standing in front of Yoh, holding his hands as she poured her heart out to him. He could see the priestess releasing her grip and turning to walk away from a stunned Yoh, his own hands reaching for her. In the Tao's mind, he could clearly see the tears streaming down her cheeks.

"You're wrong…" Ren's voice was almost a mumble. "It's because it's Kagome that they won't end up dating. She's willing to break her own heart to make things right," He explained.

"I see…" HoroHoro leaned his head back, resting it against the wall and closing his eyes. He mulled over the possible outcomes of Kagome's confession. While he thought it was more logical for Yoh and Kagome to become a couple, Ren thought otherwise. It was the thought of Kagome sacrificing herself that was tearing the Tao up inside. But there was no winning for anyone in this mess.

Finally, the Ainu opened his eyes once again. He broke into a broad grin while smacking Ren's shoulder, causing the Tao to scowl at him. "Hey! There is one bright side!" He suggested. "While Kagome-chan is broken up over Yoh, you can swoop in and be her hero. Then eventually, she might fall for you instead."

Ren's thoughtful hum was unreadable.

S.H.A.M.A.N.K.I.N.G.

It was almost unnerving how at home Bankotsu was beginning to feel at the other Kagome's haven. The sky was always clear and blue. The air was always fresh and clean. It was small and simple, but this world was still full of so much beauty. It suited the guardian of the world's secret—solitary but welcoming. He was even accustomed to this Kagome's neutral expression. She looked so angelic and truly looked the part of a goddess as she laid on her side.

"You know, it's strange," the teen said, causing the woman to open her eyes to meet his. "When I first met you, you had a lot more emotions than you do now," He stated while raising an eyebrow. "What's up with that anyway?"

"You already know what I am," Kagome responded, her voice as calm as the sea. "Under normal circumstances, this is all that I am capable of…" She did not bother moving or sitting upright as she spoke, "However, when in the presence of your Kagome, I become a step closer to being complete—we both do. Any emotion that I exhibit are mere echoes of the true Kagome."

"Oh, wow," Bankotsu seemed amazed. He then moved on, ready to engage the woman in the discussion that brought him across dimensions. "Anyway…I'm sure you know about everything that's been happening," He began. "I need to know what I should do next. Anna wants answers but I don't want to—" He began to stumble, his tone unsure as he tried to articulate his desires and concerns, "I don't know, mess up the timeline, or something."

"You can do as you please," Kagome's response was simpler than he wanted. He was hoping for strict, clear instructions about what his next move should be. "Not even I can predict the outcomes of this timeline," She told him. "All I can do is tell you of the past outcomes from previous worlds."

"Still!" Bankotsu asserted as he leaned forward eagerly. "You must have some type of guidance for me! You're the goddess of this world, aren't you?!" He questioned her.

"You're laboring under a misunderstanding," The entity stated calmly. "I am merely a terminal for Higurashi Kagome's power, a mere removable battery. I am not an omniscient being. My knowledge does not transcend time. It is a mere accumulation of memories. I am but a constant variable in this complex equation, a bystander until I am needed."

"So...there's nothing you can tell me that'll be useful?" Bankotsu questioned.

"I have told you everything that I deem useful for your cause," She told him. "You alone know more secrets to the world than any other human alive."

Bankotsu's eyes widened at the implications of her statement. It meant, despite his vast wealth of information, he would still be powerless and no more useful to his Kagome than anyone else. "There is but one fact that I withheld from you," She confessed without a hint of guilt or shame. "And that is because the information would do you no good. But if you wish to know, I will tell you...about the unbreakable promise."

And so, the entity before him divulged the final secret of this world.

It was a secret that shocked him into disbelief.

It changed everything he previously believed. His aspirations and motivations were almost resigned into a jaded, mature acceptance.

Despite knowing the secret, Bankotsu could not allow himself to give up on hope.

He gave the entity a grin, a grateful one. He now knew that there was not much that he could for Kagome. But still, he would still try to put his knowledge to good use in these trying times. He had no plan, only his heart and determination.

And with that, he bid farewell to Kagome, smiling as the woman lifted a hand and waved goodbye to him. It was time to meet with Anna. He no longer wanted to dance around the conversation that he promised her. Bankotsu could sense a storm coming, and he wanted her to board the ship before it departed.

S.H.A.M.A.N.K.I.N.G.

It was the second week of December, and the night before their departure from Tokyo to Izumo. It was decided that Kagome, Manta, Ryu, and Anna would accompany Yoh on his trip to his hometown. Meanwhile, the Usui siblings ended up in the care of the Tao's to both hold onto their savings and spend time with their friends.

Thus, the manor was not as lively as it had been recently. There was still chatter and jokes at dinner time, but without the vast energy that the Usui's brought to the table. "You sure came a long way just to find spirit partners, Yoh-kun," Manta pointed out as he raised a piece of succulent crab meat to his lips.

"Yeah," the young shaman nodded towards his friend. "I figured a big city like Tokyo would be a good place to start my search. Besides, it's convenient to live here during the Shaman Fights."

Amidamaru appeared proud of his partner as he too nodded, his arms crossed over his chest as he spoke, "As expected of Yoh-dono, he may not be the brightest, but he has good instincts."

Yoh sweatdropped, his smile twitching as he asked, "Eh—are you sure that was a compliment?"

Everyone except the two usually quieter party members shared a hearty laugh. Kagome then slurped down the rich broth in her bowl, the action causing Ryu's eyes to lit up in delight. The priestess beamed at him and praised, "Ryu-san, you've never made a meal that didn't blow my mind~"

The older teen blushed, rubbing the back of his neck at the compliment. "You flatter me, Kagome-sama," He said before cooing with hearts in his eyes, "It's Sango-chama who so graciously gave me culinary pointers~"

Anna's sharp eyes glared between Ryu's fanboying with cupped hands and Yoh refilling Kagome's bowl with another serving of her favorite parts of the shabu shabu. She closed her eyes and scoffed with a mutter of, "Lovesick fools annoy me."

"There's so much Japanese history and folklore that originate from Izumo," Manta continued as he recalled all of the information that he researched about the city. "I hope we'll have enough time to get the full Izumo experience."

"Izumo Taisha," Kagome smiled, "I really want to visit that shrine. It's one of the most sacred Shinto shrines in all of Japan~" she pointed out.

Manta smiled teasingly behind his hand, "Going to pray to Okuninushi?" he asked.

Yoh and Amidamaru blinked when the priestess suddenly choked, her cheeks becoming bright red. The brunette patted her back soothingly as he met Manta with curiosity, "Who's Okuninushi?"

Anna almost rolled her eyes, "He's the deity of marriage."

Shippo's eyes lit up at Yoh's reaction to the knowledge. This Asakura truly was nothing like Hao, or the silver-haired half-demon of his memories. But, maybe that wasn't a bad thing.

This time it was Yoh's turn to blush, but instead of losing his composure, he merely grinned and patted Kagome's shoulder. "You've got this~"

"Oh, shut up," the flushed priestess hissed playfully.

"The priestess has no time to be concerned with such trivial matters," Her partner suddenly stated, his low, cool voice chilling the warm atmosphere with a dose of reality. It was then that Yoh felt the demon's eyes on him, "You cannot afford to let your guard down at any time."

Kagome sighed softly before throwing a deadpanned look at Sesshomaru, "Way to ruin the mood."

Yoh chuckled at the girl's tone, "He's right though." The brunette crossed his arms over his chest while closing his eyes and looking focused. "I wonder who that Hao guy is, and what he's truly after."

Shippo, who was floating to Manta's right and directly across from Kagome and Yoh, stated, "I don't know much myself. I just know that he really likes Kagome."

Dinner did not last much longer after that. With their bags packed, all that was left was to bathe in preparation for their early morning train.

Her first vacation with her friends. Visiting Yoh's hometown. Meeting Yoh's grandparents. Confessing her feelings to him. Despite the smiles and laughter, Kagome's nerves were shot. Excitement and apprehension blurred into each other.

The priestess wrapped a towel around her frame as she stepped out into the ladies' hot springs, where she knew Anna was bathing. She had already made up her mind that before she made any moves, she would come clean to Anna about her feelings and her plans. It was the least that she could do.

The itako's hair was tied up into a high ponytail as she relaxed with her back to Kagome. Despite the priestess' silent footfalls, the blond girl spoke as she approached, "What do you want, Kagome?"

"Just to talk," the dark-haired girl answered. She arrived at the lip of the hot spring and knelt down. "Mind if I join you?" She then asked with a pulled, awkward smile.

"Do as you please," was the dismissive answer that accompanied Anna's mildly agitated expression. Kagome felt like she was intruding upon an otherwise peaceful moment, but she still nodded before slipping in beside the itako, not leaving much space between them. Somehow, sitting close to the other girl made the priestess feel more at ease.

Or perhaps it was the thick blanket of steam looming around them?

The initial silence between them was not heavy, but it did linger longer than Kagome cared for. Despite her resolve, she did not know how to broach the topic. She knew what she wanted to say to Anna, but she was at a loss on how or where to begin. How could anyone find such a delicate topic simple?

It was like waltzing while balancing a priceless vase in the palm of one hand.

The priestess had nothing but the thoughts of a resolution to embolden her, and it would have to be enough.

"Anna-chan…" Kagome began slowly, figuring that starting with her name would give her courage a jumpstart. It did not. No words followed up immediately. Shame and apprehension lodged themselves into her chest. Her lips and tongue were like lead weights. Her own saliva abandoned her, leaving her mouth heavier and her throat a desert.

The priestess couldn't tell if it was she or time that dragged this moment out.

"...what?" Anna asked back. She carried her typical cool, impatient air. She was even as snappy as usual. But something was off. The intensity of the itako's personality felt muted and dulled, like a muffled scream or a worn kitchen blade. "If you have something to say then just say it. I'm not going to be here much longer."

The priestess' mouth opening was a miracle. The desire to end the uncomfortable, unborn conversation fueled Kagome's sudden forwardness. Her words were direct and as rushed as her heartbeat, "I'm in love with Yoh." She flinched a bit at the words, or rather, at the explosive response she expected from Anna. She was prepared to take a slap to the face, and she felt that it would be justified.

After a moment of silence, Kagome looked over to Anna questioningly. Where was the itako's usual fire? Or where was a disapproving glare? Anna continued staring ahead, not even bothering to look at her. It was in that moment that the priestess realized a truth that was both heartbreaking and humiliating.

Anna had known about her feelings already, but for how long was unclear.

"And…?" The itako asked, her eyes narrowing as her tone became both impatient and pressing. But there was also something akin to exasperation or exhaustion in her voice, as if she was already finished with the conversation, or as if the matter had nothing to do with her.

"And…" Kagome continued, unable to hide the mild agitation that she felt from being unable to read Anna anymore. Something about the girl had changed, and the priestess could not discern what it was. But it was off-putting how standoffish she suddenly seemed about her fiance. "I'm going to tell him I feel," she explained as delicately as she could, still expecting to be the recipient of Anna's infamous ire.

Kagome quieted down for a moment and kept her eyes on Anna, in hopes that she would respond to her statement.

But, she did not.

Anna's lips pursed and her jaw locked.

Her eyes were wavering.

The gears inside her head were moving, but her thoughts did not leave her head.

"I know that how I feel is wrong...and what I'm doing is wrong," Kagome admitted, Anna's silence and the weight of her own words pressing against her chest. Each second felt as uncertain as a room of the blackest pitch.

Was this decision a mistake?

In Kagome's scenario, she would confess to Yoh and they would both agree that it was alright as long as she moved on. Yoh would be surprised, and maybe a little embarrassed. He would smile sheepishly at her, maybe pat her head. But that would be the end of it. From then on, she would be free to come to terms with her feelings and reality. "But I think that if I get it off of my chest, then I can move on," Kagome concluded.

She then inhaled, her eyes closing as she did so. They reopened upon her exhale.

Blue-gray eyes landed on Anna once again, pleading for an answer, and anxious about the answer at the same time, "So...what do you think…?"

The itako peeked at the priestess from the corner of her eye. But her eyes returned to their original position just as quickly.

Anna hated how Kagome wore her heart on her sleeve—something that she herself could never do. It was a flaw that might have done her in and made her lose Yoh to the girl next to her. Up until she had met Kagome, Anna did not even see her lack of overt affection as a flaw.

But over time, Anna noticed how receptive Yoh was towards the type of warmth that Kagome brought to his life. Wherever she went, she had a way of lighting up the room. Or maybe that was not the problem… Perhaps it was the lingering wish that transcended time and space to bring the two of them together.

Just last week, Bankotsu sought Anna out under the cover of darkness. She narrowly missed slapping him for waking her up in the middle of the night. But the information that he provided to her was worth it.

Anna knew the truth behind this world, their lives, the reason why they met.

And it was disgusting.

"...you want to know what I think?" Anna suddenly asked the priestess. The latter girl knew from the edge in the itako's voice that she was in for it. But nothing prepared her for the words that followed, "I think you're a nuisance." The truth was hissed out in a low voice. "You're in the way. You're ruining everything. You're stealing away my future, my right." Finally, the itako turned to face Kagome, the priestess' face reflecting in brown eyes full of disdain. "That's what I think."

"Anna…" The itako loathed how Kagome looked genuinely startled. She also loathed how a moment later, the priestess' eyes saddened. "...chan…" the honorific came out hushed. What could she say in reponse to that? Anna was right about everything.

It was strange. Seeing the pain and guilt on Kagome's face did not quell the fire suddenly burning in her stomach. Anna knew that the priestess had a temper when one pushed the right buttons. Knowing that she had the potential to be a firecracker, and seeing that pitiful look on her face only made the itako even angrier. Words were suddenly flying from her mouth.

"Higurashi Kagome, I hate you," the blonde stated with no regard for the girl who was listening quietly. "I scorn you, but probably for all of the wrong reasons," she admitted. "I want to hate you because the man that I love, loves you instead." Anna even hated Kagome's reaction to discovering Yoh's feelings. She wanted the priestess' eyes to glimmer with joy when the truth dawned upon her.

Instead, Kagome's eyes widened as her once pursed lips fell open into a small gape. Instead of the blissful, romantic glimmer that Anna wanted to see, blue-gray eyes began to shimmer with tears. Her cheeks flushed.

"But in reality, I hate you because you keep acting so perfect: a true tragic heroine. It's repulsive," Anna expounded. "If you're going to steal Yoh away, steal him wholeheartedly and with purpose and conviction!" Now her hands were tight, trembling fists, her fingernails digging into her palms. "Ask him out! Kiss him in front of me! Don't keep winning while half-assing the race, it only makes me feel like trash! You've won him without even trying!"

Kagome's hand rose from her side and reached for the girl, "Anna, I—" only for it be slapped away.

"Don't," She spat. Anna's chest was heaving as she glared Kagome down. "You can't possibly imagine how I feel, so don't even try." Even after all of her raving, the itako was not satisfied. Nothing but retribution could satisfy her, that much she knew. But nothing could rectify or justify the tribulations she had to endure. The words of encouragement that Bankotsu gave her did nothing to restore her womanly pride.

"Y-you're right," Kagome readily agreed. The itako was not surprised nor moved when the priestess could no longer hold back her emotions. She pursed her lips, trying to steady their trembling. But the stream of tears still rolled down her flushed cheeks against her will. "I can't possibly understand how you feel… And there's nothing that I can do to truly make things right…"

Kagome's head lowered a bit, her long bangs acting as a curtain over her eyes. She knew that the last thing Anna wanted to see was her crying. "I love Yoh, and…"

The image of Yoh's smiling face flashed in her mind.

But it only brought her more pain.

"Yoh loves me," The words escaped her mouth, but they felt oddly foreign. She spent many restless nights thinking about her feelings for Yoh. She would lay in bed for hours on end, replaying the mundane interactions with him that made her heart flutter. But, she never considered that her feelings were requited.

And she felt even more stupid and foolish for not realizing it.

"...but that doesn't mean that we're going to be together," Kagome told Anna. "We can't be together. I won't allow it," this time, it was the Higurashi whose words kept coming one after another, accelerating and becoming rawer with each passing second.

Suddenly, Anna's open palm was flying through the air.

The itako's eyes widened when the priestess caught her by the forearm without lifting her head.

Kagome's firm grasp kept the assault at bay.

"Unhand me, Kagome," The blonde girl commanded in a harsh whisper. "No matter what you say, it just pisses me," she stated effortlessly. " Don't underestimate me. I refuse to accept Yoh as some sort of gift from you."

Kagome was less than gentle when she released Anna's arm, nearly tossing it back. "But don't misunderstand me. This decision that I made—it's not just for your sake. It's for Yoh." Finally, the priestess lifted her head. Unspilled tears were an attested to her true heart—the struggle that Anna did not want to acknowledge. "Even if he picked me...even if he smiled for my sake...I know that he has a kind heart that's never stopped caring about you."

Anna found the roaring inferno inside of her belly suddenly quieted.

Her glaring eyes relaxed.

"I know that even if we were to become a couple...he'd be eaten away by the guilt of abandoning you. There's no way that he'd truly be happy with me, knowing that he left you behind," Kagome explained. Here she was, pouring her heart out to the wrong person, again. "Yoh… He's done so much for me. He's made me feel so happy and secure. And all I've done is want more and more from him. This time...I have to return the favor and make things easier for him… Even if it means that I…"

Anna closed her eyes, sighing softly. "Don't you ever get tired of playing the tragic heroine?"

Kagome's nod was weak. "I do. I've been crying so much lately, when my life has been nothing but magical since I've met Yoh…" she admitted with a wry smile. "That's why I don't deserve to cry… And that's why, when I tell him...I'll send my feelings off with a smile."

Anna did not know what to make of the girl beside her, so she merely turned to face the opposite side of the spring. She leaned her head back, her blonde strands lightly rustling in a passing wind. Her eyes landed on the lonely moon above them.

Despite knowing how things might end, she was told that the future was not written in stone. All she could do was have faith that Yoh's heart would be like a satellite...that it would eventually make its way back to her.

S.H.A.M.A.N.K.I.N.G.

Meanwhile, a lone girl sat on her instep in front of a small shrine on one of the many barren peaks of Mount Sanbe. Her pink hair fell around her shoulders as she leaned forwards toward the parchment sprawled out in front of her. A fond smile and soft blush warmed her delicate face in the darkness. The thought of reuniting with her beloved ushered soft giggles from her lips.

"Yoh-sama is finally returning from Tokyo~" the girl whispered to herself as she pressed a coin down onto the parchment that was littered with Japanese characters. "Oh, coin god. Will Yoh-sama arrive safely?" She asked of the resident deity.

Not even a moment later, the divination began and the deity answered her inquiry. Its energy dragged her coin across the characters and slowly relayed information to her. The girl waited patiently as the answer was slowly spelled out to her. "He…" She whispered the words aloud as she followed the motion of her finger and the coin, "Will...Be...Fine…"

Just as the girl was about to sigh in relief, the coin continued moving across the board. Her pink eyes widened at the next word, "However…" A bead of dreading sweat ran down her forehead, a foreboding feeling weighing down on her. "A...beauty...will...bring..him…misfortune."

She gasped at the final message. The girl sprung to her feet, her hand was a tight fist against her chest as she exclaimed, "I-I must protect him at all costs!"

S.H.A.M.A.N.K.I.N.G.

Yoh could tell that something was weighing down on Kagome. Beauty and smiles were no strangers to her face, even through her unvoiced turmoil. But not even her usual brilliance and pep were enough to mask the heaviness behind her smiles. They were pinched, and unnatural. He had noticed that something had changed with her, or rather, between them ever since she returned from her rendezvous with Hao.

It was also blatantly obvious that she was avoiding being alone with him, something that never seemed to bother her before. She was quick to close any windows of opportunity between them, so Yoh found it difficult to tactfully ask her what was bothering her. Even simple trips to the grocery store were turned into group affairs when Yoh offered to accompany her. Kagome would stiffen, sweat, and quickly lock eyes with Manta or Pirika, asking if they wanted to be an extra pair of hands.

Yoh was scowling, his expression unusually intense as he stared up at his dark ceiling. His fingers were locked behind his head. "Amidamaru…" He called out into the darkness. The samurai spirit dutifully appeared, giving his partner a quizzical expression. "...have I done something to make Kagome uneasy around me?"

The shaman could not see the thoughtful expression on Amidamaru's face as he rubbed his chin. "Not that I can think of, Yoh-dono," He first answered. He paused as something clicked inside of his head. He raised a finger and suggested, "Maybe she's annoyed by how you keep teasing her lately!"

Yoh shot up in bed, his eyes wide as he asked, "Have I really been doing that?!"

Amidamaru sweatdropped and smiled awkwardly, "Ah...W-Well," He was unsure how to answer something that felt so obvious. "Not in a bad way, but you do. It might be embarrassing to be called cute so often."

Yoh groaned, feeling embarrassed at his own stupidity. His cheeks were warm as he thought back to how many times he patted Kagome's head, poked cheek or nose, all while blatantly calling her cute or adorable. Sure, he knew that she had feelings for him. But he felt frustrated that he never considered if she wanted him to act affectionately towards her. Wait—wasn't this the way that he acted with her from the beginning? That was nothing new, but now…

Another groan escaped the shaman, followed by a deep sigh. "Amidamaru, I…" he told the spirit. "... I'm in love with Kagome."

"I know," The silver-haired man answered, his tone unreadable. "And Anna-dono…?"

Amidamaru was not surprised by Yoh's answer. It was an answer that he had known all along, one that he had no place saying on his master's behalf. Even without Oversoul, the man could feel his partner's resolve. There was no need to guide or patronize Yoh.

The boy who wanted to live an easy life unintentionally strayed down a lofty path. One misstep could spell tragedy. But still, he knew that there was no going back, and he knew what he wanted. So he would take life by the reins by not worrying about the future and just following his heart.

And his heart said—.

S.H.A.M.A.N.K.I.N.G.

Yoh was convinced that Anna was a demon for booking their departure train at an ungodly hour. Thoughts of confronting his grandparents kept him from falling asleep in a timely manner. Just as his mind slipped away and his body felt weightless, he was violently snapped back into consciousness by the click of the light switch and the rush of illumination.

"Yoh, what are you still doing in bed?" Kagome asked as she stepped into his room. The brunette's protesting, sleepy groan made the priestess roll her eyes then smile as she made way over to him. "You heard me," Her volume was blatantly loud as her hands settled on her hips.

"Go on without me. I'll catch up," Yoh grumbled after defiantly pulling his blankets over his head. Despite his words and his sleepy haze, the shaman found himself smiling beneath the cover. This scenario felt like something he could get used to.

"Yoh, stop being stupid!" Kagome chastised while snatching the blankets away from him. She had a stern expression prepared for the lazy excuse that she expected to receive. But she ended up disarmed by the soft, fond smile that awaited her. A pink blush crept onto the stunned priestess' face as she remembered what Anna told her not long ago.

That look on Yoh's face.

It finally clicked why everything with Yoh felt so right.

Kagome forced a glare to her face as she huffed. "If you're awake then stop fooling around and get dressed!" She scolded him before adding with a half-smile and raised pointer, "if you're not downstairs in five minutes, you're not getting any breakfast~"

The dreamy expression on Yoh's face snapped into an alarmed one as he scrambled out of bed, "Wha?! No fair!" In his haste, he ended up faceplanting into the floor, courtesy of the blankets and sheets that twisted around his legs and ankle.

"Yoh-dono!" Amidamaru panicked as he flew to the brunette's side. "Are you alright?!"

"Amidamaru," Yoh faked sobbed. "I-It was Kagome. She's so cold."

The samurai blinked and gave the priestess an inquisitive look, "Kagome-sama?"

Kagome answered him with a deadpanned expression before she aimed a pointed glare at Yoh, "It's his own fault for being such a bum."

Yoh chuckled while scratching the back of his head. A grin spread across his face as he asked, "You wouldn't have me any other way, right?"

The priestess blushed. She shook her head before smiling as she admitted, "Of course I wouldn't." Her smile widened, "But now you only have three minutes to be downstairs~" With that said she promptly went about her own business. She crossed paths with Manta in the hallway and two exchanged casual greetings.

Manta noted how Kagome seemed genuinely cheerier than she had been in a week.

As expected, Yoh did not make it downstairs by his deadline. He gave his friends a huge grin that faltered when Anna and Manta gave him deadpanned expressions for his tardiness. "Wah! You mean that I really don't get breakfast now!?" He asked when he noticed Ryu drying dishes and putting them away.

"That's what I said," Kagome pointed out. She then chuckled when Yoh slumped dramatically while muttering about where his angel went. "Oh, quiet you," the priestess said as she bent over and reached into her duffle bag. "I figured that you'd be late, so—" her sentence was cut short when she stood back up and noticed that both she and Anna were holding plastic-wrapped riceballs towards Yoh.

Yoh looked just as surprised as he looked between Anna's riceball and her neutral face. "Ah…" He blinked as his brain to register was going on. "Wow, you both are so thoughtful," He finally managed to say while smiling. He hid his sense of guilt behind appreciation when simultaneously Kagome and Anna eyed each other from their peripherals. After he took both snacks, the priestess smiled uneasily as Anna huffed.

Ryu fell to his hands and knees at the scene, "Yoh-dono is still so popular!" His clenched fist banged into the floor as he sobbed out waterfalls, "and I still can't get one girl to even like me!"

Manta sweatdropped and smiled sheepishly as he soothingly patted Ryu's shoulder. Tokageroh also patted his shoulder but not without feeling embarrassed for his partner.

Amidamaru silently looked on from Sesshomaru's side. He hated seeing his lord being put in tight spots like this. But he also knew that only Yoh could get himself out of them at this point. All the samurai could do was provide guidance and loan him his strength. 'Sesshomaru-sama...' he looked at the demonic spirit, who had opted to only make his presence known if Kagome truly needed it or requested it.

S.H.A.M.A.N.K.I.N.G.

Anna, who planned the itinerary, accounted for Yoh's tendency to drag his feet early in the morning. Thus, the party of teenagers and spirits still arrived at the train station a half-hour early. The train's sleek exterior gleaned beneath the dock's lights. Kagome did not voice how cute Yoh's excitement and admiration for the train's design was. He rested a palm flat against the metal and nearly began to glow as his face became serene and content.

Kagome assisted Manta in placing his luggage in the overhead compartment before settling in her spot next to him. The train's seats were in sets of four. Ryu offered Anna the last seat, it was the aisle seat directly to Manta's right. But she shot him down with a simple and almost haughty, "Are you kidding? I'd rather get an entire row to myself." With that said, she promptly plopped down in the row of seats parallel from theirs and stretched her legs across them.

Kagome, Yoh, and Manta sweatdropped when a single glare from the cross-armed and legged itako sent a grown man scurrying to another cart after he asked if he could sit with her.

After they were settled in their seats and awaiting departure, Ryu grinned widely while reaching into his coat pocket. He had been looking forward to this trip, down to the seven-hour train ride. He was prepared to look cool by bringing many forms of entertainment for the group to participate in. He turned to look at the younger teens to his left, a smirk on his face as he held up a deck of playing cards. "Anyone up for—? Eh?!" His confidence was replaced with shock.

Kagome, who took the window seat on the far left side, was already engrossed with something on her phone. Yoh's limp head was supported by the headrest as he snored loudly, a trail of drool pouring from his gaping mouth. Manta was wearing noise-cancelling headphones and had his nose buried within a complex-looking book.

Ryu paled as his jaw dropped, 'T-They already have their own activities to do!' He could not help but peer back at Anna across the aisle. His jaw dropped even further when he saw that she too was sleeping. 'They're two peas in a pod!'

The sound of the priestess' snickers caught the older teen's attention. "Kagome-sama, what are you doing on your phone? Playing a game?" He asked curiously.

Kagome blinked then shook her head before answering, "Oh no. I'm texting Ren. He told me to let him know when I got on the train and when we arrived. I didn't expect him to reply so quickly so it caught me off guard."

"Tao Ren, huh…?" Ryu muttered to himself as he eyed the priestess, who went back to smiling down at her phone screen and thumbing a reply. His eyes then fell on Yoh's sleeping face and sighed softly. 'Yoh-dono...I might say that I envy your troubles, but… There must be a heavy burden weighing on your heart.'

The seven-hour travel time was more fun than the teens had expected.

Anna kept herself busy by alternating between reading a novel, listening to music, and gazing out of the window. Eventually, Kagome put her phone away in favor of playing card games with Manta and Ryu from over the snoring Yoh's lap. The card games then dissolved into conversations about how they pictured their lives as adults.

Manta sheepishly smiled and admitted that since he decided that he would no longer live the life that his father wanted, he no longer knew what he wanted to do in the future. To which Ryu reassured him by telling him that he was too young to worry about such things and what was more important was finding the place where he belonged, his "Best Place".

When the spotlight turned to Kagome, the girl blushed when she realized that her eyes strayed to Yoh. Opting to spare her any more embarrassment, Manta followed up with, "Do you want to become the next head priestess of Higurashi shrine? You're the rightful heir, aren't you?"

Kagome gave her own smile, it was small and unsure. "I don't know, honestly… I mean, I am the rightful heiress to the Higurashi shrine now that Kik—" she quickly pulled a quick, wide smile, "I mean, I'm the rightful heiress. But I don't know if I want to become the head priestess, honestly. Maybe I can be something cool, like a neurosurgeon."

Ryu immediately cupped his hands as his eye began to sparkle, "You could wear an adorable nurse's outfit too~!"

Kagome sweatdropped and shook her head, "I'm sure there's no place for something like that."

That was when Yoh's head suddenly straightened up. He blinked in a sleepy daze, his brain not processing how surprised his friends were that he suddenly woke up. His wrist wiped the drool from his face before he stated calmly, "I just want an easy, peaceful life."

Kagome shook her head while Manta flatly said, "Yeah, we don't expect anything else from you."

Between card games and chatting, the rest of the trip flew by. Kagome did not show how guilty she felt from how withdrawn Anna was, despite the priestess' attempts to get the itako involved in some of their merriment. And unbeknownst to the others, the growing familiarity of the scenery that rushed by was accompanied by a creeping sense of despair. Unlike Kagome, Manta, and Ryu, Anna knew of the other purpose for this trip.

Firstly, Yoh wanted to train in preparation for his third Shaman Fight in Tokyo, the upcoming one against Tao Ren. Secondly, they wanted answers about the truth about Hao and his relationship to both Yoh and Kagome.

Thirdly—.

The sound of the conductor's voice buzzed over the intercom, announcing their approach to Izumo-shi station. Many passengers began standing, stretching their limbs, and reaching for the luggage in the overhead bins; the group of teenagers were no exception. The next fifteen minutes were spent shuffling and pushing through crowds to exit the train and make their way through the station. Ryu was diligent as he toted Manta and his belongings beneath his arm to make sure he did not get separated and lost in the crowd.

Yoh deeply inhaled once they stepped out into the crisp air. His exhale was animatedly satisfied as he smiled widely, "I never thought that it would feel so good to be home~!"

Kagome nodded in agreement as she commented, "Izumo definitely smells a lot fresher than Tokyo~" she then looked down at Manta and asked, "And I bet you're a big fan of the traditional architecture, aren't you?"

Manta's grin was more than enough confirmation, but he still replied, "I am! I've done so much research on this city. It's called the "land of the gods" and I can't wait to discover why with my own eyes!"

Anna was quick to warn him, "Be careful what you wish for, chibi."

Before the blond boy could question what she meant, the crunch of a pebble beneath someone's feet alerted them of the approach of a newcomer. The group looked ahead and their eyes all landed on a young girl with shoulder-length bubblegum pink hair and matching eyes. Kagome and Manta did not spot how Yoh's eyes flickered in recognition. Instead, they were both instantly rolling their eyes and sighing at how hearts appeared in Ryu's eyes.

The girl's body language screamed timidness with her quick but short stride and stiff shoulders. Her cheeks were nearly the color of her hair as she stopped just short of their group. Kagome's inquisitive stare only seemed to make the girl even more nervous. "Ahhhh, yo~!" Yoh greeted her casually while giving her a warm smile.

The strawberry blond stiffened as her face was set aflame, a reaction that did not go unnoticed. Kagome blinked as she looked between Yoh and the quiet girl. "Um, do you two...know each other?" her eyebrow raised curiously.

Just when Yoh was about to open his mouth to speak, the girl suddenly opened a notebook to a page of characters. Despite her apparent shyness and embarrassment, a determined expression appeared on her face as she began frantically pointing between the characters. 'So fast…' Kagome noted with an awkward smile as her eyes followed the girl's hand movements.

Manta immediately spoke up. He tried to be delicate as he asked slowly, "Erm...could you, possibly, slow down? If you move your hand that quickly, it becomes harder to understand you." He already felt lost, but even more so when Yoh snickered as if he knew something that the others did not. "What's so funny, Yoh-kun?" he blinked.

"It's fine, Manta-kun," Kagome told him calmly. "I can understand her just fine. She said that her name is Tamamura Tamao and she's an apprentice of the Asakura family." She looked to the girl for confirmation and asked, "Right?"

Despite having a translator, Tamao looked uncomfortable as she nodded slowly. For a split second, her eyes met with Kagome's. But she did not know what to look at, her eyes continued to glance between Yoh, the ground, Kagome, her notebook, Anna, and the ground again. Kagome recognized Tamao's feelings Yoh from the way her eyes lit up whenever she looked at him.

"Yeah," Yoh nodded and smiled. "I've known Tamao here since we were kids."

"So she's another childhood friend of Yoh-kun," Manta noted aloud while he and Kagome exchanged looks.

"Well, any friend of Yoh is a friend of mine," the priestess stated as she closed the distance between herself and Tamao. "Do you mind if I call you 'Tamao-chan'?" she asked warmly.

Tamao's eyes widened, but before she could respond, she found Ryu's larger, harder body wedging itself between her and Kagome. Her small hands were suddenly cupped within Ryu's hands as he asked in a deep, smooth voice, "Tamao-chan, you're the goddess of love itself! Run away with me and we'll find our "Best Place" together~!"

Kagome's eye twitched as the older teen stole her chance to engage Tamao. She then blinked when Shippo suddenly appeared from within a puff of smoke. "Oh, Shippo-chan, what's up?" She asked.

The fox hovered in front of the priestess, holding up his arms protectively as he shouted, "Kagome, stay back! This Tamao girl has some nasty guardian spirits!"

"Nasty?" Kagome questioned. "I can sense them. They don't seem that—"

"ACK!" Ryu suddenly grunted as he was engulfed in an enormous, fleshy sac. "W-What...the hell...is this…?!" he struggled to ask. He was completely immobilized by the constricting substance. His shock, horrified eyes scanned the surface of the substance and immediately recognized everything from the malodorous stench, the smooth texture, and the tiny hairs that covered it.

Kagome could not stop herself from blushing at the sight of Ryu being crushed and nearly consumed by the oversized testicles of a red tanuki spirit. Within seconds she created distance between herself and the smirking spirit, opting to duck behind Yoh. The priestess proceeded to chastise the tanuki and the loud cackling blond kitsune next to him, "Shippo-chan was right! You two are disgusting!" She then sweatdropped and gave Tamao a sympathetic smile when the girl threw her burning face into her hands. 'Poor thing...'

Manta was cringed as he reached to pinch his nose, "Who are these two?! And what's with that rank odor?! Is that even a normal thing for spirits?!" The blond boy was shocked and pale as the kitsune zoomed the few meters between them. The kitsune glared him down as it intimated the boy by pressing its face into his.

"Who do you think you are, human?! We're the esteemed guardian spirits of Tamamura Tamao-sama: Ponchi and Conchi!" The kitsune boasted as he crossed his arms. "If you know what's good for you, you'll—…" Conchi's tirade was abruptly paused when a shadow loomed over him and Manta. He looked up and was met with Anna's critical gaze.

The sight of the itako both paled and humbled the two, as usual.

S.H.A.M.A.N.K.I.N.G.

Kagome had a sneaking suspicion that Yoh's family was wealthy, but nothing prepared her for the grandeur that was the Asakura manor: an expansive Minka. Ryu's jaw dropped to the ground when they arrived at the front gate and finally realized that they spent a half-hour merely going around the perimeter until they arrived at the entrance. Tamao's voice was small and soft as she turned her back to the breath-taking background and bowed to the group, "W-Welcome to the Asakura palace."

"I'm actually a bit surprised that Yoh-dono's family home is so grandiose," Ryu admitted as he eyed the brunette, who was scratching the back of his head. "By comparison, Yoh-dono's demeanor is…"

"Ah," Yoh smiled and waved his hand dismissively. "Don't mind the size. This place was built by an ancestor, right Tamao?" He asked, looking to the girl to expound on his statement.

Tamao blushed but nodded as she cupped her hands and fidgeted. "Yoh-sama is corrected," she stated as she began to lead the other teens towards the traditional Japanese manor. They walked a path paved with natural materials; it cut through a grand, grassy courtyard that was decorated with rows of frost-covered bushes and silent fountains that poured into soundless ponds.

The Asakura apprentice made gentle arm gestures as she explained, "This is the Asakura palace, it was made six-hundred years ago. That was back when society relied on shamans so this place was home to one-hundred and seventy-one people." They stepped on the stone step that brought them to the polished, expanse of the engawa. The wooden floor was slick and shiny with recent care and appropriately wrapped around the perimeter of the estate.

Tamao took a moment to breathe, then continued speaking, but her proud, knowledgeable tone turned crestfallen, "But inevitably, as technology progressed, people relied on shamans less and less, so now, it's only Yohmei-sensei and Keiko-sama left…"

Manta asked curiously, "Yohmei-sensei and Keiko-sama...those people are?"

This time Anna spoke up as she stated, "Yoh's grandfather and his mother respectively."

Kagome wanted to know about the whereabouts of Yoh's grandmother and father, but felt that now was not the time to be intrusive. Instead, she smiled and said, "Well, I can't wait to meet them~"

Yoh hummed as he asked, "Actually, I've been wondering about that. I'm sure gramps is out training in the mountains, but where's my mom?"

"Keiko-sama is currently conducting business overseas," Tamao replied.

"Aww," Kagome deflated. "And here I thought that I could learn a thing or two from her…"

Yoh grinned and gently patted the priestess' slumped shoulders, "I'm sure there's plenty of scrolls and tomes that you can borrow and take home with you~"

Manta sweatdropped, "Yoh-kun, is it wise to loan out someone else's possessions while they're away? Speaking of which, did you even tell her that you'd be bringing so many guests with you?"

The brunette then cupped his hands behind his head, joining them through linked fingers. "It's fine! My family has a laissez-faire policy so I usually can do whatever I please without problems."

As they traversed the engawa, they passed numerous rooms hidden by closed shoji doors. "You all will be utilizing the guest quarters closest to Yoh-sama's room. Allow me to assign the rooms and then escort you all to the dining room for supper," Tamao informed as she stopped by a room. "This room is for you, Manta-san," she told the blond boy.

Manta nodded his head and verbalized his gratitude before sliding the door open to drop his belongings inside. The process continued as they walked along the floors, each guest was designated a room and placed their luggage inside until Yoh and Anna arrived at their respective rooms. "Y-Yoh-sama, do you mind hosting our guests while I prepare supper?"

Yoh's easygoing smile made Tamao's heart flutter as he replied, "Sure. I can take over from here no problem!"

The girl bowed deeply, "T-Thank you so much, Yoh-sama!" With those final words, the girl turned around and headed in the opposite direction of the group. But not without warily eying Kagome as she passed by.

S.H.A.M.A.N.K.I.N.G.

Yoh gave his friends the grand tour of the most interesting parts of the house. He showed them the dining room, the restrooms, the hallway of old family portraits that timelined his family tree, and casually noted a few rooms that he might get yelled at if they wandered into. Finally, he brought them into a large room. It was full of haphazardly placed boxes filled to the brim with various items and parcels.

He scratched a pink cheek as he stated in an embarrassed voice, "This is our storage room. Err, it's not pretty to look at, but feel free to take anything that you like."

"And whose job was it to clean and organize this room in the first place?" Anna questioned while placing a hand on her hip. Yoh winced and gave his friends a twitching, guilty smile from over his shoulder.

"Heh heh," He chuckled as he explained, "Well, Gramps asked me to clean this place the day before I left for Tokyo. I figured that I could just put it off until I got back."

"That sounds just like you," Manta sweatdropped.

Kagome walked towards a random box and bent down. She began rummaging through it, taking mental notes of the assorted items that she saw. "Well, we might as well help out and organize while we're here~" she suggested.

"Do Yoh's chores on my vacation?" Anna scoffed at the prospect. "I'll pass," she stated casually while raising a hand in goodbye as she left the room.

Kagome clapped her hands together, sweatdropping at Manta and Ryu, "Well, I'm sure you two don't mind doing Yoh a solid, right?"

Ryu smirked and raised his nose high, easily replying, "Of course not. We're all in this together, right?"

Manta nodded in agreement as he formatted a plan of attack in his head and sought out the box closest to the doorway. "I'm in too. I'm sure I'll find some educational literature while I'm here."

With that said, the three teens immediately got to work, instantly bringing Yoh to globby tears. He choked on a sob as his nose began to run like a weeping child. "Y-You guys are the best friends I could ever ask for!" He cried out dramatically while rubbing his snot away with his sleeve.

Kagome chuckled and smiled at him from over her shoulder, "Don't sweat it~" Her tone remained good-natured as she added, "Also, don't wipe your nose with your sleeve, it's gross." She reached into her jean pocket and extended a handkerchief towards him. "Here, you keep it~"

Yoh beamed as he nearly floated towards her, a dumb, love-struck look on his face. Manta rolled his eyes as the brunette fawned over the girl, "Kagome, you're such an angel~"

The priestess blushed and shook her head, "Stop exaggerating and get to work!" With that, she turned back to her task. As expected of a box that was under Yoh's care, she found random, unrelated objects tossed and squished in together. "Oh!" A thick book with edges oh photographs jutting from the closed pages caught her eyes. "An album."

Without hesitation, the girl plucked the book from the box and settled down on her butt as she cracked it open. Kagome's entire face lit up at the contents of the very first page. Her squeal of delight caught the attention of the other teens. "Oh my God, Yoh~!" She cooed, setting the brunette's cheeks on fire with her enamored expression. "You were such a cutie when you were little~!" She exclaimed while cradling the album to her chest like a small child.

"Pictures of Yoh as a child?" Manta smiled widely. "I want to see too!" He declared as he quickly padded towards the girl. Ryu was close behind him as he bent down to take a gander at Yoh's pictures.

Yoh blinked when Kagome pointed at a specific photograph that he could not see from across the room. "So far, I think this one here is my favorite~" the priestess told Manta and Ryu. The Asakura's tanned skin turned beet red at her following statement, "He's completely naked in the tub with his little rubber ducky~"

"O-Okay...!" The blushing teen scowled as he grabbed the album from the girl's hands. "That's enough photos...!"

Kagome blinked and tilted her head to the side, "Why? We were just looking. I'm not going to take any."

Manta snickered and grinned devilishly as he teased, "Yoh-kun is embarrassed that you've seen him in the nude now, Kagome-chan~"

Ryu hummed and nodded, "Yes, I can see how that can be embarrassing for him."

Kagome then shook her head and chuckled, "Don't worry about it, Yoh. I have a little brother so I've seen those parts before~"

Yoh's blush did not fade as he hung his head low at Kagome's apathy. "T-That...doesn't make me feel better somehow."

A few hours later, the group gathered around the long dinner table, where they stared in wonder at the impressive spread that Tamao prepared for them. "Tamao-chan, you made all of this by yourself?!" Kagome marveled at the assortment of dishes. 'This girl might have culinary skills that even rivals Sango-chan...!' She then sweated inwardly at her next thought. 'Does this mean that I'm falling behind?!'

Tamao's shyly raised a trembling hand near her lips as she spoke modestly, "I-It's nothing, K-Kagome-san!" Her shoulders stiffened as she squirmed beneath the sparkling eyes and impressed gazes that she received. "T-This is but a simple meal for such e-esteemed guests..." She averted her eyes from Ryu's smitten gaze.

Anna said in a deadpanned voice as reached for her chopsticks, "No need to treat these goons like royalty, Tamao. Birds of a feather flock together, so they slack off just as much as Yoh does."

Kagome and Manta deadpanned and waved their hands dismissively, "Don't lump us in with him."

"U-Um...!" The shy girl spoke up while clutching an empty serving tray to her chest protectively. Her cheeks were warm as she asserted, "Y-Yoh-sama is the heir to the Asakura clan and a-an amazing person! You all shouldn't speak illy o-of him...!"

Kagome and Manta exchanged curious glances with each other. Yoh then chuckled from his spot next to Kagome. This time it was his turn to wave his hand dismissively, "Don't sweat it, Tamao. We can joke like that because we're friends~"

The strawberry blond's serious expression faltered and became a surprised one as her mouth fell into a small gape. 'Because they're...friends...?' It was then that Tamao realized that she had been completely left behind. It was one thing to bid Yoh farewell as he left for Tokyo alone. It was another to discover that for the first time, her beloved Yoh-sama found people who he could be so lax with. He accepted them, and they accepted him.

"Who's joking?" Kagome tilted her head to the side as she looked to Manta.

The blond boy then shrugged nonchalantly, "We're completely serious."

Yoh looked between Kagome at his right and Manta at his left and protested, "Hey now! You two are cruel!"

The three then shared a laugh that Tamao did not understand. She frowned inwardly and deflated. She would not press the matter any further because Yoh seemed content. 'But still...' the quiet girl eyed the laughing face of Kagome. 'Do they know how much Yoh-sama has suffered from being different...?' She then spied the regal, silver-haired spirit who had been all but skulking around the property since their guests arrived. 'Yohmei-sama said that evil people cannot see spirits, so...maybe they're not so bad after all.'

Hours after the meal ended and the guests retired to their respective rooms, Tamao found herself in the kitchen, preparing to wash the many dishes that piled up. She was accustomed to such chores. It was but a small stipulation in exchange for being under Yohmei's tutilage.

Besides, she silently relished in the compliments that Yoh paid to her about her cooking. She also admired the happy munching and smiles while he indulged in his meal.

It truly was wonderful to have Yoh back.

She always admired him from afar and had longed to be the person at his side.

But the Asakura family could purist in some respects.

To ensure the most powerful progeny possible, they usually married heirs to the suitors with the most potential. And despite her devotion to the family and Yoh, it was apparent that Tamao's power and skills paled in comparison to Anna's. This was why she was never even considered as a matchup for Yoh.

Tamao accepted that fact years ago when Anna first arrived at the Asakura manor.

She had been introduced as the girl that Yoh had chosen to be his bride.

At first glance, Tamao did not think that the sharp-tongued, cool girl was a good match for the sweet, easy-going Yoh. But when she saw how Yoh smiled when he explained why he wanted to help Anna so badly...Tamao knew that he truly cared about her.

Tamao accepted things that she did not want to long ago. But now...

She felt her eyes watering as her mind kept replaying scenes of the dinner.

The way that Yoh smiled so fondly at Kagome...

The way that he casually refilled her bowls and cups...

The way that he laughed and joked with her...

Tamao had been watching Yoh for so long. She knew more than anyone that he never joked with any girl like that before, including Anna. And the way that Kagome responded to his teasings and small acts of affection...her reactions stated that his feelings were returned.

Losing Yoh to because of family approval was one thing.

But losing him to someone because they made him happier was another.

"Tamao-chan?" Kagome's voice suddenly brought the girl back to reality. She gasped and raised her head. She quickly wiped her eyes and spun around to face Yoh's friend, who was standing in the doorway. "I know there's a lot of dishes so I thought you could use an extra pair of hands," she offered with a smile.

Tamao shook her head negatively, "I-it's fine, Kagome-san! I'm used to it!"

The priestess' eyes landed on the mountain of dirty dishes that were stacked dangerously high. "Eh, are you sure?" She asked. "It's not a problem. I don't mind at all. I'm used to it too~"

The pink-haired girl unknowingly gave Kagome a small smile as she reassured her, "I'm sure. I like to keep busy anyway." She placed her unused sponge down and wiped her hands on her apron. Tamao then pointed to the refrigerator and stated, "b-but if you want to help out, Yohmei-sama returned not long ago. I believe he and Yoh-sama are catching up right now. If you would, could you bring them some hard tack and tea?"

Kagome's heart swelled at the thought of meeting Yoh's grandfather. She nodded, "Of course. Leave it to me~"

S.H.A.M.A.N.K.I.N.G.

Yohmei could not believe his ears. He thought that his grandson was returning home with the sole purpose of training in preparation for his final preliminary match. He was more than ready to gage Yoh's progress to determine what regimen would enhance and refine his skills in such a short amount of time. But instead of seeking guidance in his training as predicted, his grandson threw him for a complete loop.

The elder Asakura scowled as he requested,"Come again...?" He hoped that his age was getting the better of him. He hoped that his hearing was failing. He hoped that his mind was going. But Yoh's direct response proved him wrong.

"I am in love with Kagome," The heir repeated. "I would like your blessing in—."

"I understand that you've grown up with the freedom to make decisions for yourself," Yohmei said to his grandson. He did not like how unusually serious and firm Yoh's expression was as he spoke. Likewise, Yoh's face unconsciously hardened as he disliked how his grandfather was responding. "However, a man's word is his vow. We Asakura's are an ancient clan who take sacred vows as seriously as life and death."

The elder could tell how sure Yoh was from the way the boy did not even flinch, nor did his face waver in the face of dissension. "I understand that, Grandpa," Yoh responded, his voice carrying the respectful but powerful tone of a true heir. "That's why I want to do the right thing. I want to spare Anna from more pain." The Asakura heir then leaned forward, his forehead touching the floor in a bow. "Kagome is the one who I love...please."

The last thing that Yohmei expected was for his slacker of a grandson to drop all pride and beg for something. Let alone beg to forsake his promise to wed his intended. Yoh was suddenly no longer the Asakura heir, but a disgrace of a man, and it set the elder Asakura's skin on fire. "Dammit!" His fist banged into the floor as he snarled at his grandson, "Raise your head! Where is your pride?! The Asakura clan cannot rely on an heir whose heart is easily swayed by a passing fling!"

Yoh's face rose from the floor at the last statement. He was scowling, clearly displeased, but his temper remained steady and cool. "You're wrong about Kagome," he asserted calmly as he pushed himself into an upright position. "Kagome is—."

"You're but a hormonal child!" Yohmei scowled Yoh. In his blind rage, he did not hear the approaching footfalls of Kagome. He continued his tirade, unable to perceive Kagome's apology for the intrusion as she slid the door open. But the sound of her name in his voice made her freeze on the spot. "You will never marry Higurashi Kagome! I FORBID IT!"

Kagome gasped as she felt her heart stop.

The venom and fury behind Yohmei's voice was a shock to her system.

Her fingers lost their grip on her tray of refreshments.

The glassware plummeted to the floor with a loud crash and clatter as they shattered.

The shock and subsequent regret on Yohmei's face as he stared wide-eyed at something behind him alarmed Yoh. The brunette looked over his shoulder and felt his heart painfully clench in his chest.

Kagome stood just outside the door, completely stunned. Her eyes were wide as her mouth hung open.

"Kagome…!" the distressed tone in Yoh's voice brought the girl back into reality. Her arms fell to her sides. The girl then turned heel, causing the young shaman to clumsily scramble to his feet to bound after her. "Kagome, wait!" He called after her as she fled the scene.

The priestess, who was several strides ahead of him, was silent as she tried to gain more distance between them. Her cheeks were flushed as she pursed her lips. She did not trust her burning throat with words. 'Yoh, stop! Don't follow me!' She mentally yelled at the boy frantically pursuing her. 'He's right after all! No matter what, we can't be together!'

Kagome's eyes widened when Anna suddenly emerged from her room. The priestess easily sidestepped the itako before she could crash into her. The blonde looked from the girl's back to Yoh as he followed close behind her. "Hold it," Anna said as she grabbed Yoh's wrist as he ran by.

The brunette turned questioning eyes to the blonde. "Anna, I have to—."

"No, you don't," Anna corrected him bluntly. She released her grip on his wrist. "You have to let her go. We all know how this will end," she told him straightly. Despite all of the pain he brought her, Anna felt no pleasure in seeing the troubled and torn expression on Yoh's face as he took in her words. "Why push it any further?"

Yoh sighed softly, his head bowing slightly.

For a moment, Anna felt relief that he finally resigned.

But suddenly, the shaman raised an anguished smile as he spoke, "I'm sorry, Anna… But I cannot lie to myself." The itako was surprised how taken aback and hurt she was, despite knowing how Yoh felt for a long time. "...and I don't know how it'll turn out till I try," he explained. "So...that's why I can't give up just yet."

With those words, Yoh continued his hot pursuit, and Anna was left standing there in stunned silence.

S.H.A.M.A.N.K.I.N.G.

Meanwhile, Kagome finally stopped running when she exited the front gates of the Asakura manor. She bent over, her hands slapped against her knees as she desperately gasped for air. Once she finally caught her breath, the girl stood up straight and walked over to a nearby tree. She leaned against its wide trunk and sighed to herself.

'I'm so pathetic. I already decided that it was for the best that Yoh and I don't get involved romantically… But when someone else said it...it still hurt so badly,' She thought miserably. Her head hung lower than usual as she placed a hand over her heart. 'Yoh, I'm so sorry...for causing you so much trouble.'

That was when her train of thought was interrupted by a familiar, unexpected voice from above, "At dawn, I found a flower covered in dew." Kagome's eyes widened as she stepped back from the tree and looked up. Surely enough, she spotted Hao casually standing on a naked branch, the hem of his cloak light flowing in a gentle breeze. His usual smile was on his face as he continued, "At noon, I found a rainbow."

"...Hao…" She whispered to herself as the shaman suddenly leaped from the branch. He landed gracefully in front of the girl. The shaman's smile widened when he stepped closer and the priestess did not shy away. Her usual suspicious glare was lost and replaced with silent wonder laced with misery.

"And this evening…" Hao raised a hand to Kagome's cheek. "I found you."

The girl snapped from her stupor and took a step back. Her usual glare appeared as she snapped, "What are you doing here?! I don't have time for you!"

"Even if I came to refer you to a trusted individual who can tell you the secrets of your feelings?" Hao's eyebrow raised as his smile began more mischievous. "Don't you want to know the truth about your connection to Yoh, and to me?"

"Connection?" Kagome repeated, scowling at Hao as he loomed over her. "What are you going on about? That so-called destiny that you talked about before?" She questioned him, but not without taking a half-step back.

"Aren't you curious to find out for yourself?" Hao asked. His tone was gregarious as he egged her on, "I bet you want to know, but you're afraid." He smirked inwardly at the sight of the priestess' face tightening into an indignant glare.

"Me? Afraid?" Kagome looked skeptical at the prospect. "Yeah, right," she said saucily.

"Prove it then," The shaman challenged with a smirk. He then flicked his arm to the side, his cloak flapping as it followed the dramatic motion. "I leave this in your hands now, Tsubaki."

"Yes, Hao-sama," a feminine voice responded. A moment later, a young woman emerged from the darkness. Kagome was surprised to find her to be dressed in traditional dark priestess garbs. She was a beautiful creature with a mysterious aura accentuated by the makeup that contrasted her pale skin. The priestess looked at Kagome warily, much like the expression that Tamao gave her earlier in the day.

"My name is Tsubaki, the dark priestess who belongs to Hao-sama," Tsubaki greeted as she approached the younger priestess, who returned her wary gaze with a guarded expression. The dark priestess' steps were deliberately slow as she carefully carried a purple, porcelain vessel. Her pale hands gripped the side handles as she held the large vessel flush against her chest. She stopped just short of Kagome.

Kagome blinked when Tsubaki stooped over to place the vessel down on the ground in front of her. A liquid that was the consistency of a light syrup sloshed and threatened to spill over the rim. From first glance, the girl thought that the liquid that reflected the moon overhead was a large collection of sap. But the otherworldly smell that was emitted from the vessel told her otherwise. "What…" her eyes narrowed as she scrutinized the liquid. "Is that?" she scrunched up her nose as the stench assaulted her senses.

"An arcane recipe known only to dark priestesses," Tsubaki answered with a displeased scowl. "Its purpose is to astral project the drinker to the plane of my choosing." Her sapphire eyes narrowed at the younger priestess' lack of wonder. "Just a few gulps is enough," she explained as Kagome squatted in front of the vessel.

The Higurashi looked up from liquid to Tsubaki before narrowing her eyes at Hao, "You're not trying to poison, are you?"

"My, my~" Hao sighed at the girl's reluctance. "I can assure you that if Tsubaki's concoction harmed you in any way, I would quickly dispose of her myself." He paid no mind to how his minion's surprised expression changed from shocked to disgruntled.

"Oh yeah?" Kagome asked while staying squatted in front of the potion. "And why should I trust you?" The question was more for herself than anyone else. She questioned why part of her believed his words, that he would guarantee her safety. She then looked back at the waiting vessel in front of her. 'Maybe...I have to drink this...to find the answer.'

Hao did not answer the girl. The resolute look on her face told him that she made up her mind.

Without another word, Kagome reached forward and dipped her cupped hands into the thicken fluid. She grimaced at the slimy texture, but still lifted her hands to her lips. She tilted her head back and allowed the concoction to slide into her mouth. The flavor was as musky as the odor, but not rancid enough to make her retch. She swallowed it and went for two more handfuls.

Kagome shuddered at the unpleasant aftertaste then pushed herself off the ground. She looked at Tsubaki and asked, "What now? When do I—?" A soft gasp interrupted her question. Her eyes widened as she felt a foreign pulsing from deep within her. A moment later, her eyes closed and her limp body forward into Hao's waiting arms.

Seconds later Yoh became racing through the grand gates with a cry of, "Kagome!" The worst-case scenario flashed in his mind at the sight of the unconscious girl in Hao's arms. He threw caution to the wind as he charged his doppelganger. "Kagome! Let her go!" He demanded with an arm stretched out.

To his surprise, Hao released a curt puff of air through his nose and smirked. The shaman gently pushed the priestess' body towards Yoh, allowing him to support the girl. "Ah!" Yoh's eyes widened with horror, "Kagome, wake up!" he urged the girl while lightly patting her cheek.

"Don't look so scared," Hao told Yoh when the latter shaman's eyes scanned Kagome for injuries. "I would never harm my Shaman Queen. But since she's not here right now, I'll take my leave," he stated before promptly turning around and disappearing in a burst of flames.

Tsubaki watched the fuss over Kagome with open distaste. She scoffed at Yoh as he tried rousing the girl to consciousness. "As Hao-sama said, that girl is not here right now. Her spirit is currently traveling to another plane of existence," she informed him.

"Another...plane…?" Yoh asked as he looked up from Kagome's face to the young woman.

"Yes, she's going to visit the only known entity that has the answers she seeks," Tsubaki added. "Perhaps you already know of this entity, the omnipotent goddess that both sleeps within and lives apart from Higurashi Kagome."

It was then that Yoh understood the gravity of the situation. He wanted to ask the mysterious young woman more questions but she too turned to take her leave. Her final words as she disappeared into the darkness were, "If you want to follow her, feel free to drink from that container."

The Asakura let out a breath that he did not know he was holding. His eyes then settled on the vessel in front of him. He knew there was no time to hesitate. No matter what happened, no matter where she went, Yoh knew that he had to be there for Kagome.

S.H.A.M.A.N.K.I.N.G.

Kagome was floating in a place of pure nothingness. She looked left: nothing but endless white. She looked right: not even the sight of any shape or dimensions. She looked up: there was nothing but a blank canvas. And surely enough, her feet were supported by nothing within the mind-boggling void that she found herself in.

There was nothing to discern directions, nothing except her own senses in her mind. "Okay, Kagome. What did Mama tell you about taking potions from strangers? You'd think I'd learn my lesson," She lightly admonished herself, trying to bring sound and humor to ease the anxiety that came with emptiness. She sighed aloud and asked herself, "What exactly am I supposed to be looking for?"

Suddenly, her peripheral honed in on a slow, fluid movement. Kagome turned to her left and gasped at the sight of a trail of bubbles floating by. "Out of all things...why bubbles…?" She wondered as she kicked her legs to propel herself towards them. Within moments, she was upon the parade of iridescent orbs. "And what are they doing here anyway?" She questioned, allowing a straying bubble to collide with her cheek.

Kagome gasped at the sound that resounded after the bubble bursted.

It was an adult man's voice, both unfamiliar yet nostalgic.

["Kagome, there's something that I want to tell you. But I can't right now."]

Suddenly, the girl's hand was gripping at her chest, which clenched at the sound of the voice. Kagome did not know why this man's words were so painful, like they were words of parting and apology.

The sound of Yoh's voice interrupted her introspection, "Kagome! There you are!"

"Yoh…?!" Kagome spun around, her hair whipping behind her. At first, she thought that she was hallucinating, but the sight of Yoh breast-stroking towards her confirmed that her mind was still intact. "Yoh, what are you doing here?!" She queried in disbelief.

Once he was close enough, the Asakura stopped in front of her. He gave her an easygoing grin, "I couldn't just let you come to a place like this alone." Then his face relaxed as he added, "Besides...I want answers just as much as you do."

Kagome nodded solemnly. "Okay," she conceded, knowing there was no point in arguing since he already came this far. "Just tell me one thing, how did you catch up to me so fast?" She asked.

"Simple," Yoh answered. "I followed the bubbles," he pointed at the trail of bubbles that continued to float by them, all headed in one direction. "If we follow them, we'll find the person who probably knows everything that's going on."

"I'll take your word for it," Kagome chuckled. She then smiled and nearly sang, "Well, then~" She took Yoh by surprise by taking his hand. "Let's go~" she urged as she propelled herself forward, dragging Yoh behind her.

"Wah!" Yoh screamed as they shot through the void, causing the girl to look over her shoulder at him. "Not so fast!"

Kagome merely giggled out a half-hearted, "Sorry, sorry~" She then looked ahead and smiled wistfully. 'Yoh...thank you so much...for coming to such a dreadful, desolate place, just for me,' she thought to herself.

She had the feeling that this was not the first time that she wanted to say those words to him.

"Kagome, up ahead!" Yoh alerted her as they approached a light in the distance that grew brighter and larger. "Careful!" He warned her. "That's the entrance to—" with no method of calculating their speed, they crossed the bright threshold before he could finish his statement.

"Wooooow," Kagome breathed out in awe at the wide, blue sky that greeted them. Her eyes delighted in the bright, wonderland of colors that they entered. She then looked down and noticed that they emerged several kilometers in the air.

"Too late," Yoh commented with a nervous smile.

The two then embraced and screamed simultaneously as they plummeted to the ground. Kagome scowled as the ground came closer and closer. "I've got this," she whispered to herself as she willed her energy to take form.

Just before their collision, a blue barrier appeared and formed into a makeshift net. The duo landed on the energy that they curiously bounced off of. Yoh blinked and released his grip on Kagome after they safely landed on their feet a few meters away from the energy net. He wanted to thank Kagome for her diligence but a familiar voice beat him to the punch.

"What an innovative way to use your Furyoku," the older Kagome praised as she walked toward them, a small, serene smile on her face.

Kagome gasped at the sight of an older version of herself approaching them. She was dressed in an elegant, flowing pure white dress. Her hair was unreasonably long, trailing behind her like a stream of train cars. "It's you…" She said in a breathy voice. "You're...me."

"You are correct, and incorrect at the same time," the older Kagome confirmed and denied.

"Tell me!" the young priestess urged the young woman before them. "If I'm not completely right, tell me the full truth! Who are you?! What's your relationship to me?! And…" She looked at the boy at her side. "If Yoh and I have a bond deeper than what we know, please tell us what it is."

The older Kagome did not seem bothered by the barrage of inquiries directed at her. She merely looked at Yoh as he found his voice as well, "I want to know too… I've been having strange dreams about the future." He did not meet his Kagome's eyes as he stared the older Kagome down. "In that future...Kagome was...so sad. And I want to change that future."

The young woman stood against a fantastic background of the lushest grass and happiest of trees who waved their arms in a gentle breeze. "I believe that it is time to fulfill my duty and debrief you on the truth," she told them. Hearing this, the teens relaxed. "You two must first forsake any ideas or theories that you brought here with you. Your minds must be completely clear and open to what I am about to tell you. Are you ready?"

Kagome and Yoh looked at each other before nodding silently. "We are," they answered in unison.

"Good. The first truth is that…" the older Kagome closed her eyes. "You...Higurashi Kagome...and I...We both make up parts of the complete Higurashi Kagome." Kagome gasped, but did not interrupt her counterpart. "You are the mortal, human side, and I am the immortal, inhuman side. I am but a sum of accumulated Furyoku. You are the heart and mind, and I am the power."

'But why…?' Kagome thought to herself. 'I don't understand. I am only one part of myself?'

The older image of Kagome continued explaining without missing a beat, "There was once a time when Higurashi Kagome received too much power for her mortal body to handle. She received too much knowledge for her mind to comprehend. In a last-ditch effort to hold onto her mortal existence and sanity, she separated the excess power from her body. That power was split off into a separated but connected consciousness. Its sole purpose was to serve as a reservoir of power for the mortal Kagome to fulfill her wishes and exert her will."

Yoh looked at the entity with wide eyes and pursed lips. He was too tongue-tied to press her for more details. He peeked at Kagome from the corner of his eye. Understandably, she was just as shocked as he was.

"That's right…" The young woman finally opened her eyes. "In another world, Higurashi Kagome received enough power to transcend her mortal existence and become a god. However," she turned her eyes to Yoh once again. "She had no desire to become such a being. Her only wish was to fulfill the promise that she made to you, Alpha. That is why she continued to create new world after new world, so that you two could meet again and again."

"New world…?" A bead of sweat ran down Yoh's forehead as the truth began dawning upon him. "That means that those dreams...those visions…" he whispered to himself.

"Correct," The older Kagome answered him. "Asakura Yoh, you are the Alpha and you are the Omega. You are the beginning of this cycle, and only you can be the end of it. Until you both are satisfied, Higurashi Kagome will continue to recreate the world. This world marks the seventh world that was made by Higurashi Kagome. And this is the eighth time that you two have met."

"Wait!" Kagome interjected. "If what you're saying is correct, and this is the seventh world that I've made, but we've met eight times…" The gears in her head began turning. "Does that mean that we first met in a world that I did not make?"

The inhuman Kagome nodded solemnly, "Yes. There was once an original world before you received your godlike powers. That world was where you two first met. It's the world where you made your vow."

Yoh did not know what to think. What he was being told should have been unbelievable and difficult to grasp. But the nostalgic feelings that he felt when he saw those visions and dreams made it a lot easier to believe. "So, can you tell us more about the original world and what the promise was?" He asked. He did not know what to expect. He did not know which visions showed the original world.

All that he knew was that he wanted to know the truth.

The older Kagome shook her head negatively and responded, "It would be better if I showed you instead…" With a wave of her arm, a portal ripped its way into the small, vibrant world. It swirled and roared not far from the trio.

"The world that you know was reborn for the single purpose of you two meeting again. In the original world where you met...unfulfilled wishes and promises were made. Those very wishes and promises kept being unfulfilled, thus, the world kept being reborn with the hope that someday, those dreams would be realized," She explained slowly before looking off towards the dimensional door that awaited the duo. "I send you off in search of the original world, once you find it, you will understand. A journey through fragmented space-time is disorienting for mortals so take care. Go now, and follow my voice… Do not stray in any other world for too long."

"Right," Yoh nodded readily. He then turned to Kagome and raised his hand in offering to her. "...are you ready?" He asked.

Kagome lost her voice.

Those words felt so familiar.

She nodded wordlessly, unable to find her voice as she placed her hand inside of Yoh's. His grip was firm but gentle, just like his very existence. Kagome spared her other part one last glance before she allowed Yoh to lead her through the door.

It was the beginning of Kagome's and Yoh's traverse through time and space.

---

Authoress' Notes: This chappy was a bit of a doozy but I think that I accomplished everything that I wanted to here. Are you all ready for the big reveals? I'm sure many of you already have part of this figured out, but hopefully no one has caught on to everything~ These next few chapters will be dedicated to big reveals so I hope you're ready! Thanks for all of your support! Take care!