A dream, a memory, a past conversation

One year and three days before Kagome's disappearance.

At the age of fourteen, Rin congratulated herself on her level of stealth as she crawled towards the illuminated door of Kaede's hut. She stopped within the touch of light to situate herself behind a large pot. Crouching down small, she fit almost perfectly in the space. Sneak and stealth were essential to her mission. Conversation leaked from the hut in hushed tones. Rin scooted closer to gain a better understanding of their words.

"I just don't know what to do, Kaede." Kagome's voice was uncharacteristically morose, making Rin's heart drop to her stomach.

"Our destinies are always unclear, child," Kaede replied comfortingly. "Here, have some more stew."

A moment of silence passed through the hut. Rin dared to move closer until she caught a glimpse of Kagome. Her bright blue eyes were lined with red.

"After leaving the modern era, I thought I knew what I wanted. I wanted to stay by Inuyasha's side. But that didn't work out. Now, I feel I have no purpose. I don't even know who I am anymore. I've never felt so lost, Kaede-sama." Kagome burst into tears, shoving her face in her hands. Rin wanted to run to comfort her but remained steadfast in her hiding spot.

"Ye have experienced far more than the average woman, do not let such musings bring ye sorrow. Ye need to take the reins of thine own destiny." Kaede said. Her sage words were firm, but not unkind.

"I couldn't just leave you guys. What about Sango and Miroku and the kids?"

"They will understand as they had to decide for themselves what life looked like after Naraku's demise."

"What about Rin? She's started training under me, I can't abandon her," Kagome said. Rin lifted her chin proudly, her heart flaring with hope.

"Kagome," Kaede's voice cut through the young miko instantly. The older sighed, placing her bowl down."Worry not, I can take over training her, even as old as I am I can handle it."

Hearing the mirth in the older woman's voice, Kagome chuckled weakly. Suddenly, the smooth crackle of paper being unraveled filled the air. A pregnant pause stifled the night air.

"Let this be an incentive to go forward, Kagome."

"A summons? Kaede-sama, are you sure?"

"This village will remain as is for however long ye decide to leave. Ye always have a home here, Kagome. Go. Find yourself. Take thine destiny and bend it to your will."

"Thanks, Kaede-sama."

Voicing her gratitude for the meal, Kagome took her leave. At the sound of rustling fabric and footsteps approaching, Rin scrambled to hide behind the pot. Kagome walked out of Kaede's hut standing tall, shoulders rolled back and a scroll clenched in her fist. Seemingly distracted by her thoughts, the miko didn't sense that Rin was there. A lucky break considering she just snooped on a very personal conversation.

"Do what my sister and I could not," Kaede's voice was soft and drenched with an emotion Rin could not understand nor articulate. This was her time to go.

"Ah, there ye are, Rin." Kaede said, standing outside the door. Rin blanched and released a strangled "eep" before scrambling from her hiding spot.

"O-Obaa-sama! I'm sorry I'm late, I ran into some village kids and they wanted to pick flowers and then it was late and I went to find Kagome-sama–" Rin rambled on until Kaede put a comforting hand on her shoulder.

"Calm yourself, child. Come inside for bed. Methinks we need to have a chat about privacy."

Rin groaned as she followed the old miko into the hut.

0-0-0

A/N: A big thank you to everyone who favorited, followed, reviewed, and left some love for this story! I was so excited to post chapter two so here we are! Thank you for reading 3