Chapter Two
Kagome spent her first few days in Paris exploring the city, taking in the sights and immersing herself in the vibrant culture. She visited museums, strolled along the Seine River, and indulged in the delicious pastries that seemed to be on every street corner. It was a welcome distraction from the painful memories of her past and the weight of her responsibilities.
On her fourth day in the city, Kagome decided to visit the Louvre Museum. As an art enthusiast, she had been looking forward to this visit for a long time. She meandered through the halls, marveling at the centuries-old masterpieces that adorned the walls. The Mona Lisa, with her enigmatic smile, held a special place in her heart.
Lost in thought, Kagome wandered into a room filled with sculptures. She gazed at the intricate details of each piece, appreciating the skill and artistry of the sculptors. As she stood before a particularly beautiful sculpture of a woman, she couldn't help but feel a sense of connection.
"Excuse me, miss," a voice interrupted her reverie. Kagome turned to see a museum employee approaching her. He had kind eyes and a warm smile. "Is there something you'd like to know about this sculpture?"
Kagome smiled politely. "Oh, no, thank you. I was just admiring the art. It's truly exquisite."
The museum employee chuckled. "It is indeed. If you have any questions or need information about anything else, feel free to ask. Enjoy your visit."
"Thank you," Kagome replied before the young man continued on his rounds. She turned her attention back to the sculpture, her fingers lightly tracing the contours of the stone. It felt strangely comforting, as if the statue held a secret it was willing to share.
The days passed quickly, and Kagome settled into her new routine. She explored the city during the day, attended French language classes to hone her skills, and spent her evenings reading or watching French television. She felt a sense of peace she hadn't experienced in a long time.
One evening, as she sat on her balcony sipping a cup of tea and gazing at the city's twinkling lights, her phone buzzed with a notification. It was a message from a friend she had met during her travels in the past. Ayumi had been one of the few who knew about Kagome's adventures in the Feudal Era.
**Ayumi**: *Hey Kagome! I heard you're in Paris now. How's everything going?*
Kagome smiled as she typed a reply.
**Kagome**: *Hi Ayumi! Paris is beautiful, and I'm doing well. It's been a peaceful change of pace. How are you?*
Their conversation continued, and Kagome shared some of her recent experiences and discoveries in the city. Ayumi was thrilled for her but couldn't help but feel a tinge of sadness for her friend. She knew Kagome had given up a lot to find a semblance of normalcy.
As the days turned into weeks, Kagome found herself settling into her new life in Paris more comfortably than she had expected. She made a few friends in her language class, and her proficiency in French was improving rapidly. She even discovered a quaint little bakery nearby that served the most delicious croissants she had ever tasted.
One sunny afternoon, as Kagome strolled through a picturesque park, she couldn't help but reflect on the past. She had left behind a world of demons and battles, and while it was a relief to be free from that burden, she couldn't deny the emptiness that sometimes crept into her heart.
Lost in thought, Kagome wandered near a small pond, where children were feeding ducks. As she watched the joyful scene, she felt a strange sensation, as if she were being drawn to something. Her gaze landed on a lone sakura tree near the water's edge, its delicate pink blossoms fluttering in the breeze.
Approaching the tree, Kagome noticed something unusual at its base. Half-buried in the earth was a small, ornate box. She knelt down and carefully unearthed it, her curiosity piqued.
The box was exquisitely decorated with intricate patterns and held a sense of ancient craftsmanship. Kagome's fingers trembled as she opened it, revealing a pair of beautiful earrings adorned with shimmering blue gemstones.
They were unlike any earrings she had ever seen, and their beauty was mesmerizing. Kagome's heart skipped a beat as she held them in her hand. She couldn't explain it, but she felt an inexplicable connection to the earrings.
As she examined the earrings more closely, a soft voice whispered in her mind, "Wear them, Kagome."
Startled, Kagome looked around, but there was no one nearby. She hesitated, her rational mind warning her of the unknown. Yet, something within her urged her to try them on, to feel their weight on her ears.
Carefully, Kagome placed the earrings on, and a wave of energy coursed through her. Colors danced before her eyes, and a feeling of power surged within her. It was both exhilarating and overwhelming.
"What...what is this?" Kagome murmured, her heart racing.
The voice returned, soothing and gentle, "You have been chosen, Kagome. Embrace your destiny, for you are no ordinary girl."
Kagome's life in Paris was about to take an extraordinary turn, and she had no idea what lay ahead.
To be continued...