September 9th

Kagome's eyes focused upon the Goshinboku Tree, its height extraordinary, and while her thoughts lingered on her family in a more distant future, there was a feeling of acceptance left behind. Similar to her last visit, the magic which once surrounded the tree was no longer visible, nor could she hear the voices of her family on the other side. It seemed, the last time she was in danger, after the attack from Mistress Centipede, the magic had allowed her to briefly return.

It was strange, but whatever this magic was, Kagome was certain it was no coincidence; the people of this time period needed her, at least, that's what she assumed given the voice which had spoken to her before she ended up in this situation. The magic which once surrounded its bark was gone, and it was likely impossible to pass through again, but this didn't dismay her, as devastating as it seemed.

"The time has come … Return to us priestess. Save us. Thus, is your fate."

It was strange; although she'd only been in this world for roughly four months, despite the dangers and misunderstandings, somehow, it felt welcoming. Maybe she felt that way because people were looking at her in a different light than before. But it was almost certain because she'd managed to forge friendships, friendships between different clans and groups, not to mention she was now raising a child which was not her own.

'I should feel overwhelmed by all of this, but I don't. After everything that's happened, I've decided to take up responsibility for the Jewel inside me. Mom … Souta … grandpa … I'm sorry, but it seems like I can't return home. You're all probably worried, but it's alright. One day … maybe one day, the magic will return. Until then, I'll be doing my best here.'

When they arrived two weeks prior with Sango and her brother, Kagome was surprised to see how far the construction of the village had gone since their leave. Lord Shako and his men went above and beyond, erecting the few remaining huts in an astounding amount of time, and to Kagome's relief, the villagers were no longer burdened by door flaps, but were instead gifted with shoji screen doors with sliding wooden locks. With this, everyone could rest easy, especially in the coming Winter.

There was fast improvement on the old storage shed near Kaede's hut, and the men were making fast repairs, going so far as to expand it, and similar to the huts, latched doors were also attached. At the current moment, half the men were focusing their efforts in stabilizing the barn roof and support beams, the others determining the fields which were no longer filled with crops.

With the repairs coming along quickly, even Sango was doing her part to help the villagers; every two days, she led the hunting party further out from the village, following the river until it arrived upon an area inhabited by many animals; although the trip took hours to reach, it was well worth it when they returned by dusk with enough to sustain everyone for two days. Despite this, Sango taught the men a better way to set traps, one being a pit trap covered by leaves for larger animals, and to catch smaller prey, using a wooden basket trap from twigs and rope.

With the Demon Slayers assistance, there was no longer any fear when it came to the demons in the nearby vicinity; in fact, the slayers had done their part to keep them away, and with it, the people felt their built-up tension fade away.

Kagome recalled Kaede and Lord Shako discussing the advantage of erecting a protective wall around the village, but even that would take a considerable number of weeks, maybe even months, but even then, it would be useless since their fields were so poor in quality. Sango believed it would be best, once Winter ended, to move their entire village until they found rich soil, and from there, start over, otherwise, they would continue to be greeted by poor harvests in the coming years.

It made sense, at least to Kagome, but there was a disagreement among the people to move their village, especially since they had no dominion over other lands and would need consent from the Daimyo himself. It would mean someone from their village would need to consult with him, and though they were lucky with Kagome and Yuuta's help, there was no guarantee it would be as easy the next time.

In the end, they decided to put off the idea of erecting a wall, despite it's benefits to keep bandits and demons at bay. At the moment, they needed to consider the coming Winter, which was sure to be a long one, similar to last years. They needed furs to make their blankets, enough wood and kindling, and food which would surely diminish in the coming months. Once the cold season ended, then they would consider moving their village, but there was no guarantee what would happen in the future.

With everyone so busy preparing for the first snow, Kagome had volunteered to help the women of the village craft fur blankets; with Aiko and Naomi's guidance, they spent their nights tirelessly stitching. As hectic as it was, it was kind of exciting; at least they didn't have to toil in the fields plucking weeds.

Brushing her ivory fingers against the bark of the tree, Kagome released a heavy sigh. They'd come so far in just a short amount of time, but things were better for the village. Somehow, she was certain they would prevail through the Winter. "I wish you could see this…"

"See what?" A feminine voiced asked from behind.

Blinking, Kagome turned away from the Goshinboku Tree, dropping her hand to her side. "Oh, Sango. I was just thinking of my family."

Dressed in comfortable pink and white kimono, the young woman nodded, her caramel gaze drifting to the tree curiously. "This tree must be important to you? You visit it almost every day, I've noticed."

She nodded. "Yes. There is a tree very similar to this on my family's shrine. It brings me comfort," She replied, blushing when she caught Sango's stare. "I guess that sounds strange…"

"Not at all," She replied, moving to stand beside Kagome, her eyes taking in the tree's immense height. "If I recall correctly, you mentioned your home is quite far from this village; so, it's only natural to feel a sense of longing."

As her blue eyes lingered upon the tree, she shifted her gaze to the woman beside her, her caramel eyes somewhat lost in thought, though her eyes lingered upon her almost curiously. "Sango?"

"Kagome, you mentioned before a mysterious light swept you away from your family a short time back, and you awoke in this forest, later taken in by the village. Although I assume this is the work of a demon, I can't help but question it…" Sango began, her head tilting to the side, and briefly, her gaze fell to Kagome's chest. "But, after that night, when the jewel turned black, I couldn't help but wonder if it was the cause for separating you from your loved ones. Of course, it's only a thought…"

This caught Kagome off guard, and touching her chest, she wondered if the jewel was capable of opening a portal to the past. Then again, what about the voice? Was it possible the voice came from the jewel and not the tree? Somehow, she wasn't sure; there was no indication of a jewel within her when she was first pulled through; in fact, Lady Kaede had thought its powers remained dormant for a long time until just recently.

But Sango's words didn't seem entirely impossible; in fact, what if it was true? What if, all this time, it was the jewel? Since the moment she was born, the jewel remained within her, and maybe it was possible, that night when she was attacked by Mistress Centipede, the jewel sensed her fear and want to return home. Like Lord Shako revealed weeks ago, her emotions were definitely a key factor in determining the jewel's powers. And if this was a jewel which was capable of granting wishes, then maybe, just maybe, it was possible.

"You know, I never thought about that. You make a great point, Sango."

She only nodded, her lips curving into a subtle smile. "It's only a guess. Perhaps, your key to returning home lies in the jewel. Then again, I could be completely wrong…"

"Why?"

"All your life, you've lived sheltered from demons, until one day you were mysteriously pulled from your family's reach and into this very forest," Sango began, her hands touching the tree's bark. "And yet, when you arrived, there were problems among the village, such as the bandit attack, the demons and then the jewel's powers awakening. In a way, it sounds to me your connection to the jewel is much more than you first thought. I suppose, what I'm trying to say, maybe this is fate, Kagome. Maybe you were destined for this path."

Destined? Kagome mused over the word. Fate, the mysterious voice, the Sacred Jewel; they were all connected to each other, connected to this era of constant warfare. For the first time, since her arrival, the pieces were slowly coming together. If this was certainly the jewel's doing, then perhaps her training would help her to return home.

'It can grant wishes. If I can train enough to where I can call upon the jewel, I could ask to return home! Right?' She couldn't hide her excitement from bubbling to the surface, her smile stretching upon her face. This had to be true! Why hadn't she thought of this before? And yet, as her excitement grew, she suddenly furrowed her brows, her smile falling. 'But … I didn't decide to take up training simply to leave this world. In fact, I did it so I could control these powers so they wouldn't harm anyone, and besides, I decided to take up this role to help everyone, not simply turn my back on them and run away.'

"Kagome?" She called.

Realizing Sango was probably troubled for mentioning this, Kagome released a heavy sigh and flashed her a reassuring smile. "It's nothing. I was just taking it all in. Thank you. I think I should reveal this to Lady Kaede; it's something to think about."

She nodded. "Of course. Speaking of Lady Kaede, she was asking about you earlier."

"Oh?"

"Yes. It seems she wishes to discuss something with you, and so, she asked me to bring you back, that is, if you are not busy."

Despite taking a short reprieve from training, she turned away from the Goshinboku, both she and Sango walking side by side down the path towards the village. "Not busy. I was about to head back anyways."

"How is training? You've been working with Lady Kaede for two weeks since we returned."

She mused, recalling the moment Lady Kaede had presented her with a few tomes riddled with dust to examine and study. Supposedly, these books belonged to Kikyou long ago, but the pages were so worn, it was difficult to discern certain passages. "It's not too bad. I'll admit, I was a bit confused at first. When I'm not busy helping Aiko and the other women, I'm usually studying. There's so much information about medicinal plants, so it's a lot to take in."

"I see," Sango replied.

At this, Kagome nodded. "Yes. Almost every day, Lady Kaede and I go into the forest to collect herbs, roots and other various plants. I've been writing them down as we collect them. I've started my own book, and so far, I've learned how to make a couple medicinal salves."

Sango smiled at this. "What ones have you learned so far?"

She pondered. "Let's see … I was taught how to make a paste using the leaves of a Comfrey plant. Traditionally, this is one of Lady Kaede's primary uses for small injuries or accidents around the village. It can also be made into tea as well, which I found interesting," She began. "She's taught me how to staunch bleeding using other herbs and numb pain, but that's all I've learned so far."

This information must have pleased Sango, and she smiled warmly. "Very good. You've done well for even two weeks of training. Have you also been practicing with the bow? And what about your spiritual powers? Has Kaede helped you to control them?"

"When it comes to using a bow, Yuuta has been teaching me, but I'm not very good at hitting targets head on, so that's something I'm trying to fix," Kagome sweat dropped, touching a few scratches on her fingers which had bled on account of her many failed attempts in her training. "Kaede hasn't mentioned anything about controlling my spiritual powers. She's been dedicating her time teaching me about herbs, where to find them and how to use them. I'm sure controlling my powers will come once I've learned the basics."

"I see. Well, either way, you seem to be doing just fine, Kagome."

Not long into their travels, they reached the outskirts of the forest, their eyes taking in the view of the village below the hill. The newly built huts stood in the distance, the people attending to their daily chores.

"I guess all that's left is to finish stabilizing the roof of the barn, right? After that, our village should be fine for the coming Winter," Kagome replied thoughtfully, continuing the trek downhill.

"That's true," Sango replied soon after. "Father and I were just discussing this. Since Winter is quickly approaching, father has decided to leave most of our men here until late Spring."

Kagome blinked. "Why?"

"It's merely a precaution. There's no telling how bad it will get. We're expecting a long winter this year, and though we've supplied you with what we can, we thought it would be best to make sure all is well during the coming months."

"I see."

"I also brought something up to father just yesterday," Sango continued. "I've noticed your village lacks kamado stoves…"

"That's right," Kagome explained, recalling her last visit to Hitomi Village; that had been the first time she'd seen a kamado stove, built from what she assumed was stone, sand or clay; it seemed more proficient than a pit fire.

"We've agreed to gather what clay we can and supply your village with these stoves. We plan to have one built for each family," She explained. "As you are probably aware, it is common for many villages to have their own. The process would only take a matter of days to complete."

"That would definitely be a load off for sure," Kagome grinned. "I'm curious, is it only clay that's used to build these?"

"Yes, along with some forms of attachment, which I'll leave to our blacksmith," she replied. "And, in regards to what many villagers have nowadays, it will have two stove tops."

"You and your father have done so much for us. I'm sure you've heard this, many times. Thank you, Sango."

She nodded. "We're glad to help. And, in the future, please don't hesitate to ask for our help. While our village may be miles away, we'll do what we can," She replied, smiling. "And, I hope this doesn't sound rude, but I enjoyed it. Often, I'm so busy with training and handling assigned missions, it's not often I get the chance to do something like this, helping with construction and hunting affairs, I mean," she laughed. "And, the company has been nice too. I don't often get the chance to converse with another female like I do with you, Kagome."

"Yeah. I agree."

When they reached the river, pausing just at the bridge leading into the village, Sango paused. "Well, I must attend to some other things. So, I'll leave you for the time being."

Hearing this, Kagome watched as the young woman, dressed in her pink and white kimono, turned to leave, but a thought came to her. "Sango," She called, the young woman turning curiously. "In the next hour or so, me and the girls' are planning to have lunch near the lake. If you like, you and your brother can join us."

Sango smiled at this. "That would be nice. Well, then, I'll see you then."

Pleased Sango would accompany her and the girls for a picnic later, Kagome returned the smile, and with a wave of her hand, turned and darted across the bridge towards Kaede's hut. Somehow, she had a feeling she and Sango would get along just fine.

As she followed the path, she noticed Aiko and Naomi assisting Ume's father just outside his hut, and though she didn't have enough time to chat, especially since Lady Kaede wished to speak with her, she sent them a friendly wave, the trio returning it happily.

When she finally neared Kaede's hut, she paused before the newly made sliding door to catch her breath, silently admiring its craftsmanship. Thank god that old deerskin flap was gone. With a soft knock upon its exterior, she opened it slightly and stepped inside, closing it behind her.

"Lady Kaede? You wished to speak with me?"

When she turned to greet the older woman, whom she assumed was sitting cross-legged in front of the small pit fire like usual, she was surprised to see Yuuta and his strong gaze staring directly back at her. "Huh? Yuuta?"

"Ah, there ye are, Kagome," Kaede's voice soon drifted to her ear, the older woman appearing from behind one of her shelves in the room. "Please, have a seat."

Nodding, she crept into the room, seating herself beside Yuuta, though she couldn't help her gaze from wandering his form. There was a bit of sweat glistening from his arms and neck, likely from working with the others on the barn earlier. "What's going on?" She asked, wondering why he was also summoned, but he only shrugged, bemused just the same.

Silently, Kagome watched as the older priestess rummaged through an old chest across the room, and after retrieving what seemed like a decorative, carved wooden box, she returned to Kagome and Yuuta's side. Although appearing to struggle as she knelt before them, she soon made herself comfortable, the box held within both hands, her eyes locked on Kagome.

"I'll just get straight to the point," Kaede replied, opening the box before retrieving a rolled-up sheet of parchment, yellowed with age. Smoothing over the wrinkles slightly, she held it out to Kagome.

Confused, she accepted the old paper, her eyes shifting over it curiously before turning back to Kaede. "I don't understand. What is this?"

"This is the document stating my ownership of this village and the land surrounding it, including the Forest of Inuyasha," Came Kaede's reply. "Kagome … my time is running short, I'm afraid. I would like to ask that ye take care of this village and the people in my absence. When the time comes that I can no longer protect my people, will ye take ownership?"

What? "Lady Kaede … what are you saying? This is too sudden, and besides, why are you talking like you're going to pass away soon? Besides … isn't there someone else?"

"No," Came her reply. "For some time, I've been thinking of this. I do not plan to leave this village in the hands of someone that cannot be trusted. There's not many I do trust, no one except ye."

Kagome's eyes widened.

"Ye said before, ye wanted to take up training to help this village, and help it ye have, tremendously, might I add. Ye have done more than ye fair share and have gone above and beyond," She explained, smiling with a warmth and hopefulness in her gaze.

Surprised by this, Kagome's eyes fell upon the document, immediately recognizing the last two names beneath a series of unfamiliar names. Kikyou and Kaede; it was likely the names above those were of their families and the families before them, and now, Kaede wished for Kagome to write her own and lead this village. Honestly, Kagome didn't know what to think, and besides, she'd only just begun her training, but looking at Kaede, she felt a tinge of sadness follow. 'Lady Kaede … are you unwell?'

As if reading her expression, Kaede continued. "Of course, ye mustn't feel burdened. Perhaps I've sprung this upon ye too early, but I thought it would be best to explain so ye could think about it."

"Lady Kaede … this village has been in your family for so long…"

She only nodded. "That it has, and I see ye as my own," She declared, surprising Kagome. "Since the time my sister passed away, I was so young and inexperienced in my training; I didn't know how to protect my village, as young as I was. I never got the chance to experience a life as a normal person, and I never had children of my own; I dedicated my days, tirelessly, for the sake of my people. After all these years, I find it difficult in my old age to keep up these rigorous tasks. Ye have shown determination to help this village, and through those efforts, I want to pass this village down to ye, Kagome."

Understanding, Kagome weakly smiled, Kaede's words touching her heart. "Alright. I'll do it. I'll take care of this village when the time comes, Lady Kaede…"

Pleased, Kaede's eyes shifted to Yuuta. "Now, onto the matter concerning why I've summoned both of ye. It has come to my attention that ye and Yuuta are husband and wife?" She inquired curiously, a single brow arched. When she noted Kagome's blush and immediate awkwardness, she squinted her gaze thoughtfully. "So, it's true?"

After some time, remaining silent, Yuuta suddenly spoke up, waving his hand dismissively. "No. it's merely a front I created so it wouldn't seem strange for a man and woman to travel alone together, especially with a child," He replied almost blatantly, despite a small blush spreading across his countenance.

Kagome nodded in agreement. "Yeah. It's nothing more than that."

"I figured this lie would keep others from questioning our relationship," Yuuta clarified.

Understanding flashed through Kaede's gaze, her frown suddenly turning into a smile, obviously amused by this explanation. "So that was it? When I heard from Lord Shako, I had thought ye two eloped during the journey," She laughed. "Well, since that's the case, I do have a reason for summoning ye still. I have a proposal. How do ye feel about an arranged marriage?"