Disclaimer: I do not own Inuyasha or Zelda. If you're reading this story on a site that ISN'T Fanfiction . net or Archive of Our Own, then someone stole this fanfic! Proof is seen on the time the story was published!
CREDITS
Peace finally returned to Termina, and all who had been afflicted by the curse regained their normality. Upon this celebration Clock Town prepared a Festival in honor of the New Day. Citizens from all over the land flocked to the bustling town, many performing their own dances and songs while many drank their hearts out for such a wondrous day.
Even Granny was seen within the Bar chugging down many pints of Chateau Romani in a race to become victor against some of the carpenters in town. While Anju was against her grandmother's frequent visits to the bar, she was far too busy attending to guests to stop her.
"Anju, we have another guest!" Kafei called from the lobby as his wife hurriedly stirred the food within the kitchen.
Upon hearing this, she quickly rushed to the front desk beside her husband. She kissed his cheek, thankful she no longer had to bend down to kiss him any longer. "I'm still not used to your voice being so husky. I kind of miss you being a kid," she joked.
Kafei blushed. "It's still me, dear."
Giggling at his flushed expression, Anju attended the Goron on the other side of the desk. "A Mr. Link Goro, right?" At his fervent nod, she handed him his room key.
Wrapping his hand around his wife's waist, Kafei leaned into her, causing her to blush. "You think it was those young ones that saved us?"
Smiling, she turned and wrapped her arms around his shoulders before kissing his lips. "I think so, honey."
OOO
Ever since the start of the Festival, Jo-Ho found himself busy helping his grandmother with the Floral Shop in town. If business kept up, he was thinking of expanding. As a group of beautiful women bought his flowers and herbal remedies, he realized none of them compared to the young maiden he met before on his travels.
"Kagome … I wonder how you're doing?" He couldn't help but smile to himself, imagining her smiling face. For some reason, he felt she stood apart from other women. How was she doing right now? Did she return to her own land? Was she smiling? Just thinking of her was enough to motivate him to work harder at the shop. Somehow, he knew he would meet her again. Perhaps not now, but someday, he was sure.
OOO
As for Hideki, he was doing great. After returning to the Palace of Deku's, he was reunited with his father and the Princess. There was no longer any resentment towards the monkeys and as an order given by the Princess herself, any monkey that wished to visit the palace was granted permission.
No longer tormented by the other Deku's because of his single leaf, Hideki found himself embracing his adventurous side. He wanted to see more of the world, but he would do so when he became a little older. Often at times, he would playfully train with the other monkeys while the Princess observed from the Palace windows when she wasn't busy attending her royal duties.
As for Hideki's father, well he was appointed a higher position within the Palace. No longer acknowledged as a Butler, he was now the Royal Advisor for his Majesty. It was a great honor and thus, Hideki also gained more respect among his peers.
OOO
After the collapse of Cremia and Romani's farm house several days ago due to the massive earthquake, Grog had stepped in to help the ranchers rebuild, even adding a few extra rooms for traveling tourists. Together, they decided to open up a small Inn within the Ranch.
As for Romani, she spent her days practicing out in the fields with her bow and arrows. Every morning and night she would practice, explaining she wanted to be of use to her sister if something should happen to the Ranch. Although thieves hadn't appeared lately to steal their precious Chateau Romani which they often sold at the Bar in Clock Town, Romani kept on her toes, always watching. She wanted to be as fearless as Grasshopper.
As for Pamela who was left on the ranch by the Inuyasha gang, she kept herself useful to Cremia and the others, often helping with supper and cleaning. She and Romani had become great friends, sharing their secrets and often playing games together.
On a bright and sunny day, while the girls were out playing near the stable, Cremia, who was sweeping off the porch, noticed someone walking towards the Ranch, a tall gentleman dressed in a long white lab coat with red hair.
"It seems we have a visitor, girls!" Cremia called to them.
Ceasing their playing, Romani pointed to the person, and Pamela turned in question, her mouth parted in surprise. Without a moment's hesitation, the brown-haired child ran towards the man, whose arms were open wide. The two hugged each other for what seemed like an eternity, while Cremia looked on smiling with her younger sister Romani.
OOO
Great Bay was fairing just a good as all the other regions. After peace had returned to the seas, Kauji continued his training, turning his eyes away from the females which clung to him day in and day out. He remained single, even after Kagome and the others left weeks before.
As he leaned back that afternoon, watching the waves of the ocean around him, he pondered what the priestess was up to. Had she returned home with her friends? By now, he was sure she and her friends had saved the entire land. Everyone was in partying bliss since that morning, and while it was a nice change for him, he still felt rather lonely.
As time went on, he realized it was time to leave the domain. He knew there was much more out there in the world for him, and he was adamant in finding his place in the world. Despite his people's disapproval and the many broken hearted Zoras, Kauji needed to do this.
"Kauji please don't leave us!" One of the many females begged, tugging on his arms as he prepared to leave.
"Yeah. Stay with us!"
Kauji flashed them a toothy smile. "Sorry ladies, but my adventurous side is calling. Don't worry, I won't be gone forever." As he pulled away from them, he exited the domain. Although he was of age to marry, he realized he didn't want to marry a Zora. In fact, after meeting Kagome, he felt a strange fondness for human women.
While it was unheard of for a Zora to travel upon land, he wanted to be the first. He carried with him many bottles of water, including some in a satchel around his shoulder. And as he knew there were dangers lurking even on land, he took with him a shield and sword for protection.
For days he traveled upon the land of Termina, often hearing the names of a familiar foreign group. By now he was sure they were no longer in Termina, and he was okay with that. But he was sure if he saw Kagome, he would most likely ask for her hand in marriage. He often blushed at the thought of seeing her again.
Eventually he set sale across the sea, to see what lied beyond Great Bay, but an abrupt storm swept him far out into sea. He lost all his supplies and with as much strength as he could muster, he managed to return to land. He realized he was far from Great Bay, and weary from his journey, he collapsed at the entrance of the first house he saw.
At the sound of something hitting the door, Natalie sprang from the couch and opened the door curiously. "Oh! Are you okay?" When she saw the Zora was unmoving, she called for her sister. "Victoria, help!"
Many days had passed since Kauji's arrival on the sister's farmland, and feeling indebted to the girls, Kauji decided to stay with them for a short time. Since they lived on a beach, he knew he wouldn't have to worry about water.
Eventually after some time, Kauji grew fond of the young girl named Natalie, and the two eventually became inseparable. As for Victoria, well she started disappearing as of late to the forest. It would seem she also had fallen in love with a young man, one who resembled a young youth she met a while back.
As Victoria stepped into the foliage, she searched the clearing. She knew there wasn't any reason to call out to him because she knew he was there. He was always there, waiting for her. When she first met him, he had completely lost all of his memories except for his name.
As if on que, he stepped out from the shrubbery, smiling at Victoria. "You're back. I was going to drop by the house," He explained.
Surprised by this, Victoria approached him. "Really? You've never visited before. Well if you want, let's go. I would like for you to meet my sister and her fiancé, Dark Link."
And as for Tingle, or should I say, Nigel, he returned to helping his father with Boating Tours in Southern Swamp for a short time, however, he disappeared one night and was never seen from again. There are theories that speculate that he … Oh who am I kidding. No one really cares! LOL
OOO
3 Months later
It took all of their effort to defeat Naraku. Fortunately, they had help from the Wolf Clan and Inuyasha's older half-brother. Although there were difficulties between the half siblings, the two managed to finally come together as comrades and successfully put an end to Naraku's evil rein over the land.
Everyone had suffered their share of injuries, but whist in battle, Kagome had suffered more when she suddenly fainted. She had fallen and hit her head rather hard. It was then that they realized she was bleeding very heavily from her midsection and legs and was carried to Kaede's hut. The sight had been frightening.
"Is Kagome going to be okay?" Shippo asked from beside his sleeping mother.
Kaede nodded before moving towards the screen flap of the door, beckoning the others to follow her outside. Shippo, although worried about leaving Kagome by herself, went outside with the others, curious about what Kaede was going to say.
Inuyasha's eyes narrowed at the old priestess. Something bad was up with Kagome, he could tell by the way the old hag solemnly stared at them. "What's going on? Are her injuries that serious?"
Sango, Miroku and Shippo looked on worryingly. They shouldn't have forced their friend to fight in such a long arduous battle. It was true Kagome had sustained many injuries, as well as a sprained hand, but he didn't realize it would be so serious.
"I'm afraid Kagome was with child for a time. It seems she has had a miscarriage…" Kaede suddenly explained.
Everyone's hearts dropped at the news. No. Her predicament was far worse than they imagined. They couldn't believe what they heard. Although it seemed almost impossible, they realized after all they experienced in this world and the other, anything was possible.
"She'll be devastated…" Sango covered her mouth when her lips trembled and tears slipped from her eyes.
Shippo couldn't believe his ears. How much more pain would Kagome tolerate before completely breaking? After she had been separated from Link three months ago, she hadn't acted like herself until just recently, but now this happened? He was sure Kagome didn't even know she was with child.
Kaede continued on, steadying herself on her cane. "Kagome needs as much rest as she can get and to take it easy for a while. Do ye happen to know who the father is?"
The gang looked at one another, their eyes downcast. They knew exactly who the father was, but they couldn't dare speak his name around the priestess.
Inuyasha on the other hand answered the old priestess. "Remember when we were transported to a different world?" At the old lady's nod, Inuyasha continued. "It was Link's…"
Hearing this, her eyes widened. "I see … and by the looks of it, it seems ye knew nothing about this. I'm sure Kagome didn't know either. After all, three months is a little difficult to tell."
It was then that Inuyasha came up with an important decision. "Hey … let's not tell Kagome."
While Miroku said nothing in understanding, Sango couldn't help but protest. "But we have to tell her. We can't hide the truth."
Shippo frowned, looking back inside the hut as Kagome peacefully slept. "I don't want to see her sad again…"
While it didn't settle well with him saying this, Inuyasha knew it was for the best. After all, Kagome was finally smiling again, and that was something he planned on keeping. "While she has the right to know, do you really want to see her broken? She has already lost the man she fell in love with."
Sango refused to listen to this. It wasn't right to keep this a secret from Kagome. "We can't do this!"
Miroku nodded. "What do you think would happen if she found out she was pregnant with Link's child and lost it in the final battle? I fear Kagome would become closed off from everyone around her if she were to find out. Inuyasha is right. Let's keep quiet about this, for Kagome's sake."
Although Sango was entirely against the idea, she understood where her friends were coming from. In the end, she decided to come to an agreement with them, for Kagome's sake. After which, Inuyasha and Miroku buried the still born beneath the Sacred Tree, and held a small burial for the baby.
OOO
Six years later
Kagome busied herself outside the shrine house, sweeping the sidewalk clean from the fallen leaves of late Autumn. The weather was becoming a lot cooler and as she waited outside for Souta to return home from school, she couldn't help but think back on her days in the Feudal Era.
The moment she was pulled into the well by Mistress Centipede where she was confronted by all kinds of crazy demons and people who were out for her blood, Kagome wasn't sure she would survive or ever return home, but she did. Eventually traveling back and forth from the past and present became an almost ordinary everyday thing.
She met Inuyasha, a half demon, Sango a Demon Slayer, Miroku a monk and Shippo a small and cute little fox demon. She also met others like Kouga, Sesshomaru, Jaken and little Rin.
"It's been so long since I last seen everyone…"
Six years ago peace finally returned to the Feudal Era and although she had passed out from exhaustion during the final battle, she knew she had to leave. The Jewel had spoken to her in her dreams, and after making her wish, she managed a short goodbye to all her friends before she vanished from their lives entirely. Since then the well never worked anymore.
After returning home, Kagome finished her senior year along with her three friends before returning home to help her mother take care of the shrine. While her friends went off to college, sending her postcards and letters describing their new lives, she still kept in touch with them, often meeting up whenever possible. Although she was uncertain of a profession to major in, Kagome decided she would rather stay home and take care of her family.
A couple months ago, they had lost a dear member of the family. Her grandfather had fallen ill and from there his health only spiraled downhill. There was no saving him, they had to take him off life support. Souta and her mom crumbled at this, and Kagome felt it was her duty to officially take over the responsibilities of the shrine, just like her grandfather.
While Souta attended school, her mother worked full time at the hospital as a trained Nurse, eventually remarrying a close friend within the same building.
As a cool breeze swept by, Kagome shivered and ambled to the house, leaving the broom on the porch before stepping inside. Once inside, she removed her jacket, hanging it up before walking into the kitchen. From there she turned on the stove and added water to a kettle, watching as it boiled. Pulling out a large container from the cabinet labeled Hot Chocolate, she placed two heaping table spoons into a small mug.
Yet as she waited, she couldn't help but continue thinking of the past. A familiar boy with blonde hair and blue eyes came to mind, and at the thought, Kagome shook her head. Why couldn't she forget about him? A few minutes rolled by and the kettle started steaming; it roused Kagome from her thoughts, and she quickly turned off the stove and poured the water into the mug.
Making her way to the table, she sat down and stirred the contents with a spoon. While doing so, her eyes stared out the window and her thoughts returned to Link. If only there was a way to change fate. She wondered what her life would be like if it could be altered.
Those final moments together had been so precious. After the Happy Mask Salesman had allowed her to remain with Link for a short time, he disappeared after. Back then, Link had wanted to return something he had promised back when they had time traveled. When Princess Cathleen was dying in Inuyasha's arms, she had wanted them to return the pendant to Roshan; those were her final words before dying.
Link had led her towards the outskirts of Ikana to an old Cemetery which belonged to the Royal Family of Ikana. He returned the pendant to Cathleen's grave and Kagome said a prayer to the Composer Brothers, hoping they had both found peace.
Touching Nayru's Love which was tied around her neck, Kagome looked into its crystalline depths, her memories of Link never forgotten from her life. Link said it would protect her, but ever since she left Termina, the power disappeared entirely. Even after everything she had encountered in Termina, she still had the necklace Link had given to her earlier on in their adventure.
How was he doing? Had he passed on or was he still waiting for acceptance?
Pulling away from her thoughts, she took a sip of her hot coco while her eyes lingered on the clock on the wall. Any minute now she was sure Souta would arrive home from school. Somehow, she had a feeling he had walked his girlfriend home like usual. He was growing up so fast.
The house was lonely during the day while everyone was out, and it left Kagome to her silent ponderings. Buyou, her large feline, had grown rather old, and didn't bother playing as much as she used to in her younger years; Instead, she slept all day, and Kagome envied her there.
There were many days Kagome often just slept, dreaming of her friends back in the Feudal Era. She would dream of many heart felt conversations with Sango and Miroku, the constant bickering with Inuyasha and playing with Shippo, but every time she woke up, it felt like an old memory.
As she sat there, watching the leaves kick up in the wind, an odd feeling came over her. It was a strange and almost familiar sense, and she looked around her house confused. Setting down her mug, she stood up and felt a strange pull calling to her from outside.
"Something is calling me…"
As she left the kitchen, she stepped out into the cold air, searching her yard for the source. Her chocolate eyes shifted to the old well-house, and a strong gust of wind pushed her forward. It was pushing her towards the well.
Approaching it, somewhat skeptical, she pushed opened the old doors and peered into the darkened building. Something was definitely there, and while she descended the creaking stairs almost hopefully, she eventually stood beside the rim of the well.
"Can … I go back?" She asked, looking into its dark depths. There was no longer a breeze pushing her, and Kagome absentmindedly touched the necklace around her neck; it felt warm to her touch.
Suddenly, the faces of her friends came to the forefront of her mind. The smiling face of Sango standing beside Miroku, the usual smirk from Inuyasha and the childish grin from Shippo urged Kagome to lean further over the rim, staring hopefully at the empty bottom.
"Sango … Miroku … Inuyasha and Shippo … I miss you all…" She sorrowfully voiced. Kagome felt her eyes well up in tears at the thought of her friends. She wanted to be with them again.
But at the thought, a pained chuckle escaped, her and she lowered her head in disappointment. Of course, she was only imagining things. Nothing had changed. The magic had long since vanished, but still Kagome couldn't help but reminisce on the past.
"Kagome … will you marry me?"
Tears fell from her eyes, and her body wracked with uncontrollable sobs as she knelt to the ground. How much longer could she bear this loneliness. It wasn't fair. With all her heart, she prayed the well would work again, but she knew that prayer would not work. Kagome did not sense the magic emanating from the well, and all she felt was the dampness of this old building.
Her duty in the Feudal Era had come to an end, just as her promise had ended in Termina. Peace had returned to both worlds and she had been forced to return to her own reality. Kagome greedily wished something terrible would befall either world, so much so, that her assistance would be needed once again. It was selfish of her to think, but she felt that was the only way she could reunite with her friends and loved one.
"I want to go back…"
As she sat there with her back against the well, she pulled her knees up to her chest and laid her head upon her knees, her bangs covering her eyes. For a while, she remained like that until her tears finally ceased. Not sure how long she had been sitting there, Kagome saw Buyou sitting at the top of the stairs watching her.
The doors to the well-house were still open, and looking out, she noticed it was nearing evening. She must have been sitting there for hours and didn't realize. By now she was sure Souta was home, probably thinking she had stepped out or something.
Quickly standing up, she turned towards the well once more. Perhaps it was time to move on. It happened six years ago, and still nothing had changed, and there was still no sign of Inuyasha barging in to bring her back. Now she was merely Kagome, a normal woman living in a modern-day society.
Propping her hands upon the rim of the well, Kagome offered a forced smile. "I guess … this is goodbye," She voiced somewhat softly. This would be the last time she looked at the well; she was sure if she continued to frequent the well-house, she wouldn't be able to let the memories go.
Before she could turn to leave, the chain around her neck unexpectedly broke, and startled, Kagome watched helplessly as the crystal gem fell into the well. The chain had been old and it wasn't surprising it snapped after so many years.
Somewhat panicked, Kagome immediately propped her legs over the rim, careful not to slip, and she took hold of the rope ladder from within. From there she made her slow descent. Kagome could forget the well, but she didn't want to forget the gift Link had given to her.
As she continued down, she stopped half way, squinting at the bottom. There was no sign of the gem anywhere, but she was sure it had fallen somewhere out of sight.
"Kagome, I'm home!"
OOO
Saying his goodbyes to Satoru Ikeda, Souta ran up the steps to the Higurashi Shrine. He hadn't meant to stay out too long after classes, but he had promised to take Hitomi out to see a movie that day. Of course, he had called the house to let his sister know but no one had answered the phone. Souta only assumed she had stepped out for a while.
While making captain of the soccer team, he found it much easier to climb the stairs to his house, and once at the top, he ran towards the house. As he searched his pockets for his keys, he went to unlock the door, but when the door opened suddenly, he realized Kagome was probably still at home.
"Kagome, I'm home!"
As he walked in and threw his backpack onto the couch, he looked around the living room. The house was awfully quiet and not used to the sudden change, Souta shrugged it off and stepped into the kitchen. From there he opened the fridge and opened a bottle of water before drinking its contents.
Thinking she might have left a note, Souta checked the front of the fridge, but there was nothing there nor was there anything on the table. How odd. Normally if she decided to step out, she would at least write a small note to the family.
As he turned to walk into the living room, he stopped and looked back at the table. "Huh?" Stepping closer to the table, he saw a half full mug of what he presumed was Hot Chocolate, and as he touched the mug, he realized it was still warm. "Sis must still be here. Maybe she fell asleep upstairs."
Deciding to go check up on her, he walked up the stairs and lightly knocked on her bedroom door, but after a few knocks there was no answer. Turning the knob, he opened the door and to his confusion, saw that the room was empty of her presence.
Souta scratched his head. "Where did she go?"
Making his way down the stairs, he was about to sit down in front of the TV, but a noise from outside turned his attention to the window. Walking over towards the door, Souta glanced out the window. He saw Buyou pacing back and forth mewing loudly, and he wondered if Kagome had forgotten to feed her.
Stepping outside, he called for Buyou to come in, but the cat did not listen and only continued her loud shrills. "What's gotten into her?" At the sight of his cat pacing in front of the well-house, Souta stepped out into the yard. He saw the well-house doors open and Buyou standing in front of it, as if to tell him something important. "Huh? Why are the doors unlocked?"
For a brief moment, his thoughts went to Inuyasha, and he wondered if the well had finally worked after so long. Maybe Kagome had gone back in time to see her friends. It was only a thought, but then again, Souta was sure it could also be some sort of burglar that had snuck in.
Whatever the case, he cautiously walked towards the building, picking up a stick lying in the yard on his way. Once in front of it, he stepped inside, looking around nervously for any sign of danger. To his relief, there was nothing inside.
For some reason, he felt the hairs on his arms stand on end, and as he called out to Kagome, he received no answer. Maybe she wasn't here. As he turned to leave, he heard Buyou mew again, and confused, he watched as the cat scampered down the old stairs towards the well, scratching on it before looking back.
"Is something in the well?" Somewhat frightened a demon would jump out, Souta shook his head and tried to calm himself. No, he had to check it out just in case, or else he would be up all night worried about it.
As he descended the stairs, he moved towards the old well and leaned over the edge. He couldn't see anything, and he knew it was a long drop down. However, he thought he saw something glimmer at the bottom of the well, and curious, he lifted his legs over the rim and climbed down the old rope ladder to get a better look.
However, he didn't get very far when he failed to touch the next step. As he held on, he realized the rest of the rope had broken and felt his heart pound suddenly. One wrong move and he knew he would regret it.
With one strong hand holding on, he used his free hand to search his pockets. After retrieving a small flash light, he turned it on and shined his light towards the bottom of the well.
His chocolate eyes widened fearfully at the sight of his sister lying unmoving at the bottom. His sister's face was turned away from him, shielded by her long raven locks while her arm and legs were turned in an awkward manner.
"K-k-kagome?!" He cried. From his understanding, she was definitely not moving! With fear clinging to him, Souta quickly climbed out of the well, stumbling onto the ground. As quickly as he could, he retrieved his phone from his pocket, fumbling to dial the police. "Pick up! Someone pick up!"
He sat there for a few moments, tears spilling down his cheeks until he heard a female's voice on the other side. "Hello?! Hello?! I need an ambulance!"
"Hello? What is your emergency?"
Stuttering over his words and with his tears clouding his vision, Souta found it almost difficult to explain the situation, but he did his best. "I need help! My sister … she fell down the well. I think the rope snapped and she she's not moving. I need someone to get here quick!"
"Okay. Calm down. Tell me your name and address and tell me the situation more slowly."
Souta clutched the phone tightly in his hands, his entire body shaking at this entire ordeal. Kagome was probably dead. "My name is…" He took a deep breath and attempted to calm himself. He was too worked up to properly speak. "My name is Souta Higurashi of Higurashi Shrine…" He gave the woman the street address and he explained that he was a Junior High Student who lived within the residence. "My sister fell down into our well. The rope snapped and now she is lying at the bottom and she's not moving … I-I think her legs and her right arm are broken. Please, send an ambulance! Send someone!"
"Please standby. Our dispatch team has been alerted. Please stay on the phone until they arrive. Is there any way you can get closer to your sister and tell us if she is awake or not?"
Souta was becoming frustrated by this point. How many times did he have to explain that his sister wasn't moving? "She's not responsive and she's not moving so of course she's not awake! What kind of stupid question is that?" It was unlike him to talk in such a way, but he was scared. He didn't want to lose his sister.
"Please remain calm. We are doing our best to help. I need as much information as I can get so that we can further assist you. I need for you, in some way, to get down to your sister, if possible and describe up close what else is wrong with her. For example, did she also hit her head har—"
"Wait! Let me get the ladder!" He explained before dropping his phone. As quickly as his legs could carry him, he ran out of the well-house and crossed the yard towards the tool shed. Not bothering to close the door after, he lifted the ladder and somewhat clumsily made his way towards back the well.
Once inside, he set the ladder down into the well, watching carefully not to hit Kagome as he used his flashlight. The ladder wasn't too heavy to manage, and after setting it against the inside of the well, he quickly bent down to retrieve the phone.
"Hello? Hello? Souta Higurashi, are you still there?"
Pressing the phone to his ear, Souta tried to catch his breath. "I have the ladder. I'm going down the well now!"
"Dispatchers will be there within ten minutes. Please stay on the line."
Although ten minutes was a little too long, Souta supposed he had no choice but to wait for them. With his phone in one hand, he quickly climbed down the ladder very quickly and as safely as he could manage. Unexpectedly, he almost lost his footing and as a result, the phone slipped from his hand and clattered at the bottom.
"Shoot!" He hadn't meant to drop it. As he continued climbing down, he thought he heard something. It sounded like mumbling within the darkness of the well. While pausing, he listened closely and realized it was Kagome's voice. She was alive!
As soon as he was about four steps from the bottom, he jumped down and knelt at his sister's side. He touched her shoulder, his hands still shaking in fright. "Kagome? Kagome?" He called, but she only continued to mutter to herself in incoherent words.
From the situation, he realized there was a small puddle of blood pooling around her head, but she was still breathing, that much he gathered. Placing his hands gently to cup her cheeks, he turned her head softly, pushing away strands of her hair from her face. "Kagome, can you hear me?"
"M-mmph … fate… Don't …want … die … y…"
Unable to stop himself, he cried. He didn't understand what she was saying, and her eyes were entirely out of focus. "Don't worry Kagome, help is on the way … s-so stay with me! Okay?"
While she continued mumbling to herself, her gaze directed elsewhere, Souta picked up his dropped phone, realizing it had hung up on the lady. Deciding against calling her back, he quickly called his mom's cellphone. "Pick up … pick up…"
The phone continued to ring for a few moments until a young woman answered. Souta didn't know who it was, and he only assumed it was another Nurse. "Please, can you get my mom? Higurashi. There's a family emergency." In the background, he heard the nurse frantically call out to who he presumed was his mother, and not a second had passed when his mom answered.
"Souta? Honey what happened? Are you and your sister okay?"
He wept while on the phone, and he was sure his mother could tell from the sound that it wasn't good. "Kagome … she … mom she fell in the well…" He explained the entire situation, his entire body trembling fearfully.
"Souta, listen to me very carefully. I need for you not to move her. If you can, prop her head onto your knee and keep her warm until the ambulance arrives. I'm on my way home now. Don't worry."
His mom hung up suddenly, and Souta shifted closer to his fallen sister. Removing his school jacket, he laid it up on her and raised her head gently onto his lap.
OOO
It was dark. There was nothing but darkness with each step she took through the unknown. Where was she going? The last she remembered was climbing down into the well.
A masculine laugh resonated from all directions, and befuddled, the young girl searched around her, but she could not pin point the source. Who was laughing? Why was that person laughing?
As if to answer her thoughts, a figure appeared before her, illuminated by a faint white glow. At the sight of this person, Kagome's eyes widened. "It's you!"
He smiled. "You have met with a terrible fate, haven't you, Kagome?" Emmett chuckled.
Confused, Kagome stepped closer to him, not at all fearful of his presence. The last she saw him was six years ago, and seeing him after so long brought a smile to her face. "You've said that once before, I think. Are you insisting that something terrible happened to me?" She asked.
He nodded. "Well Kagome, you are at the door of death, between the living and nonliving."
"What? But how? I don't remember dying…" She mused. Of course, the news was startling to her, but she didn't feel any fear or pain. In fact, she felt just fine, as if she were still alive. "So, I'm still alive? I can't remember what happened…"
With a little assistance from his part, he helped the young girl remember, and from her widened expression, she remembered falling when the rope broke. "Although you were not meant to die just yet, you have surprised me."
Souta had called out to her from outside and then the rope broke and now she was here with Emmett. "I see…"
He arched a brow at her forlorn expression before pressing his hands together. "I am curious. Why did you walk to the well-house in the first place? Even after your adventure came to an end, and after so many years, why after so long did you reopen those doors?" He asked.
Her eyes shot up and stared at him. She was surprised. How did he know? "Wait … Have you been watching me this whole time?"
Although the thought sounded rather creepy, he couldn't help but nod in response. "Indeed. While I may deliver the souls to the afterlife, I do still have an interest in other worlds, Kagome. When I sought out your friends six years ago, I found your adventures and your quest to save the land rather interesting, especially your ability to transcend time, Kagome. Even after saving Termina, I have kept a watchful eye on you and your friends."
Kagome couldn't believe her ears. Even after all this time, he had watched over everyone. "I see …" When she noticed he still awaited a response to his question, Kagome mused. "I felt a familiar force pulling me towards the well … and—"
That was all he needed to hear to truly understand. "I see. You thought the power of the well had returned and you hoped you would be able to return to your friends in the Feudal Era, or to return to the one you left behind?" He asked knowingly.
Kagome nodded.
"I'm afraid it was only wishful thinking," He replied with slight disappointment.
Hearing this, Kagome felt a pang of sadness wash over her. Even though she hadn't jumped to her death, she should never have opened the doors to the well-house. If she hadn't she wouldn't have lost the necklace Link had given to her. The thought of her brother came to her mind suddenly and she gasped. "I wonder if Souta has found me…" She replied worriedly. "Am I speaking to you from within the well or am I somewhere else?"
"I am merely speaking to you spiritually. Your body and your mind still lay within the bottom of the well. Your younger brother is there with you as we speak."
How awful. What had she done? Now she had put Souta into a difficult and stressful situation. It had been a lot of him to get over after the death of their grandfather, but now this? "I'm sorry Souta. I'm so sorry…"
Realizing time was fleeting, Emmett decided to get straight to the point. "I'm afraid time is of the essence Kagome. We must reach a decision regarding your fate."
She blinked at this. "My fate? Wait, I don't want to die yet. I—"
He merely held a hand up in front of her, smiling all the while and understanding her thoughts exactly. Dropping his hands to his side, he approached her and stood before her at a comfortable distance. "Since you were not supposed to die yet, I am willing to give you a choice."
"A choice?"
Emmett continued. "Since you are at the brink of your end, you may choose which fate you wish to take. Whether you wish to live and be with your family and friends in your own world or if you would rather be with your loved ones in the Feudal Era."
What? It sounded a little fishy. "So even as I'm dying, you're allowing me to keep my life however I get to decide where I wish to live?"
He nodded.
It didn't make sense though. If she remembered correctly, six years ago, the Goddesses gave him the duty to deliver the souls of the dead to the afterlife, but here he was giving her special treatment. "Why are you doing this?"
"I must say, I never got the chance to properly thank you and your friends for helping me cleanse my evil deeds back in Termina," He explained with a small bow of respect. "I only wish to show my gratitude to you in this way since I was unable to do much before."
Kagome returned the bow gratefully. "But won't the Goddesses be upset by this?"
In response to her question, he placed a finger to his lips as if to tell her it was their little secret. Ever since peace was reestablished to Termina, the Goddesses returned every so often to check up on the world, and it gave Emmett just enough freedom to enjoy his daily hobbies.
She smiled at this. "Since you have been watching over me and my friends, how are they doing? Have they been well?" Did Sango and Miroku settle down and have children? What about Shippo and Inuyasha? Was Kaede still well?
He nodded. "From what I have seen, they are living peacefully within the village. They remain just as powerful and have settled down with their own families. The monk and slayer have three children, and it seems remains Inuyasha remains single. The fox child on the other hand enjoys training on his own." As he said this, he saw a pleasant smile grace the young girl's face standing before him. "They miss you very much and are always eagerly awaiting your return."
"If … I should decide to be with my friends in the past?" She asked.
"Unfortunately, due to your present state, you will never walk again, Kagome," He explained, much to her disappointment. "But, if you should so choose, I can give you a different body, one only slightly different from your own of course, but they will know it is you."
To see her friends again would be the best thing she could ever hope for. Right now, she could only imagine the surprise they'd feel when they saw her. Everything could return back to the way it used to, only in a world more peaceful without the fear of Naraku around.
When he felt she had made her choice, he was surprised when her expression suddenly fell. He watched as her fingers touched the small sapphire ring wrapped around her ring finger, and his expression softened. "You are curious of Link?"
Looking up, she nodded. "How is he?"
"Rest assured. He is doing well, in fact, Link has never forgotten you … until just recently…"
Kagome blinked. "Until recently? What do you mean?"
For a moment, he paused. "Link … has long since reached his acceptance, Kagome. He no longer wanders in Termina. Very soon his soul shall be reborn into the next Hero of Hyrule. It is his destiny after all, a curse you might say."
At this, she nodded. That's right. Back then he was already dead, so it was no surprise that he had finally found peace. "He's really passed on…"
Not wanting to rush her, Emmett couldn't help but notice there was not much longer left. He could already feel the girl's life slipping from her world, and he hoped they could come to an agreement before then. "I'm sorry to say this, but have you reached a decision?"
Although she was torn by her thoughts of her friends and Link, not to mention her family, Kagome pressed a hand to her chest. What did her heart want? "If I choose to stay with Link?" She asked, more to herself than to Emmett.
A short silence fell between them, and Emmett frowned at this request. "It is not impossible. I had thought you might choose a much easier world, like your own or the past. At least in those you wouldn't become lonely…"
"What do you mean? By choosing to be with him, my fate would be sad?" She asked.
It wasn't necessarily a terrible fate, but it wasn't a fate without its problems. "What I'm saying is this. You will no doubt cross paths with Link's reincarnation. The two of you are bound together, just as you and your friends are bound by time. I sense much joy and love between you and his reincarnation, but…"
With his continued pauses, it only brought her worry. "But?"
"You will no doubt go through many hardships before you can reach your happy ending … that is, if you can reach it," He explained, doing his best not to spoil such fate if she should so choose.
Now she was confused. If she chose to stay with her friends in the past or with her family in her current state, she would lead a happier life, but to live in a world with Link's reincarnation, it would become difficult. "Although it's not really Link…"
Now this was where Emmett cut in. "He is still Link. The man you fell in love with," He replied with a smile, earning a hopeful stare from the girl. "Although he won't remember you, the bond between you will never change. After all, you are both fated to be together. Such a chance never comes around, so choose wisely Kagome."
She wondered if it was the right thing to do. Although she wished for a happy ending, she realized that in order to do so, she would have to leave her old life behind and start anew. But could she actually leave her family behind?
"Of course, if you should decide to be with Link, you will be reborn in the land of Hyrule and your memories of your currently life will have been erased, just as this meeting now will not be remembered," Emmett explained. "The decision rests with you, Kagome."
After a moment's pause, Kagome finally reached a decision. She felt it in her heart. "Then … I have made my decision, but first, I have a small request."
OOO
The sound of an ambulance reached Souta's ears suddenly, and looking up, he realized that help had finally arrived. By now he was sure his mom was running up the steps towards the shrine. Looking back at his sister, he grabbed her hand and smiled. "Kagome, help is coming. Just stay with me."
"Souta…"
Surprised she had said his name, he leaned in towards her. This was good. She was speaking a lot better and her eyes were looking directly at him. "Kagome! Are you okay? I called mom and—"
She smiled. Since when had he grown up so fast? "Don't worry Souta. Everything is okay … You did the right thing," She replied, somewhat achingly. "How was school today?"
Leave it to his sister to think about him instead of herself. Maybe all that blood loss was making her delusional. Sniffling back his tears, he could help but let them fall. "I-it was good. I made the soccer team … I was selected as captain of the team…" His voice choked, and he found himself trembling to fight off the tears.
Despite this, Kagome only smiled. "Aww. I knew … you could do it, Souta. I'm so proud of you…" As he continued holding her hand, she managed to lift her good arm and cover his hand before giving it a comforting squeeze. "How … are you and H-Hitomi? Did she kiss you when you made the team?" She teased.
If he weren't a crying mess, he would have blushed, but he nodded, furiously wiping away his tears. "That's beside the point. Kagome … are you okay? Your arm and legs… I think it's serious. Are you in any pain?"
"I … can't feel anything."
His mouth trembled and lowered his head, hiding his eyes from view. The damage was a lot worse than it seemed. He couldn't do anything more than to comfort her here. He wanted to ask why she was in the well-house and how she ended up in such a situation, but he was afraid to ask.
"Don't cry … I'm sorry Souta, but I-I don't have much time left…"
Sniffling, he looked at her, searching her eyes for an answer as to why. What did she mean she didn't have much time left? "What do you mean? Everything is going to be fine. It's just the blood loss talking … Kagome please … stay with me," He pleaded. "If you see a bright light don't go near it."
Kagome couldn't help but softly laugh. "Take care of mom and Hitomi, and … be sure to visit grandfather's grave soon … his birthday is coming up."
"Why … do I feel like I'm losing my sister?"
She couldn't stop the tears from cascading down her cheeks. The thought of leaving her little brother broke her heart and not being able to see her mother again pained her. "I'll … still be here, just in spirit. I'll be at every game … watching you make those goals and hopefully get married and have lots of children."
"Stop. You'll still be here with us. You'll be sitting in the front row of the bleachers when I make those goals," He explained confidently. "You'll … be sitting in the front alter when I take Hitomi's hand in marriage … and you'll be there to hold the babies when I pass out in the delivery room!" He choked, unable to hold back his sobs.
As Souta pulled her into his arms, mindful of her injuries, she placed a hand to his cheek softly, wiping away his tears. "Souta…"
"I love you Kagome. Don't leave me … please!" He wept achingly.
But she had already made her decision. "I … love you more my little brother…"
As he continued holding her, he realized she had become still within his arms, and wiping away his tears, he realized she was no longer breathing. Her eyes were closed and that's when he realized her skin was somewhat chilling to the touch. "Kagome? Kagome?" He called again, but no answer came. "No … don't leave me … Kagome…"
"Kagome?!" Mrs. Higurashi cried from atop the well.
Yet even as the police shined their lights down into the well, some climbing down to fetch the fallen girl, Souta held tightly to his sister, his tears unending.