Author's Note: For those of you who don't know, this story is a sequel to "The Prophecy of the Child." This is my second 'story' and I'm hoping to make this one more of a blast than the last one. However, I do advise for you to read the first story before you read this one because it might seem a bit confusing, but it will get even more confusing later on. So... I'm back with this sequel.

Disclaimer: I do not own Inuyasha...

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Chapter 1: Rebirth Can Come With Regret

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The life of Kagome Higurashi is over.

But, I can never forget what she has done for the people of Japan. My daughter, so brave and strong, had saved the lives of many and had never thought for herself once. She had stood strong during the battle that would have ended mankind. She faced her enemy with fire in her eyes and the purest aura I have ever encountered. And with that, my daughter had defeated Kano Mitsuhada, the known evil that threatened to destroy the world from his lust for the Shikon no Tama.

Kagome… Such a beautiful child. Such a beautiful being. Yet, I must let her go. For during her time here, in the Maboroshi Kokudo, with me, I have begun to feel pain. Pain for taking her away from her life in the world of the living. Pain for feeling her pain, because we are connected in a way that binds our souls together. Like mother like daughter, or so they say. However, I cannot stand by any longer and watch my daughter disintegrate here. Though she has me, I know that she wants more. Wished she had more. And so, as my gift to her, I will do just that. I will give my daughter a second chance. A chance for her to journey the world of the living, again, and find what she wants. But what she will find is not what she will expect. People are living, and when you live, you utilize your life, your needs and your desires to the fullest while you can.

So I will go to the Fates and ask them to give her a second chance.

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Kagome plucked the petals of a pink jasmine as she watched the falling of the waterfall in front of her. The pond was cool as she dangled her feet in the water, leaving little ripples from her movements. She smiled, dropping a petal into the water to watch it float down to the river. Kagome giggled. The sky above was bright with the sun and a few high clouds, but it only helped to brighten her mood. The miko robe she wore was a stark color against the surrounding area. She had wanted pink flowers and so the Maboroshi Kokudo gave it to her, now being a servant to her wishes, as well as her mother's. Kagome smiled as she threw the stem into the water and plucked another pink jasmine, taking a sniff at the beautiful flower.

"Kagome?"

Turning her head, Kagome smiled in welcome at her mother. "Hello, mother. Come join me. The water feels nice."

Midoriko smiled, watching the gleam in her daughter's eyes, as she moved towards the small pond. The sound of the waterfall was all that could be heard as Kagome went back to plucking her flower and watching the water fall. Midoriko stopped just a few feet away from Kagome and grasped her hands in front of her abdomen. Her green and purple kimono ruffled at the movement of her arms in front of her.

"Kagome… I have something to tell you."

That said Kagome turned to her mother, curiosity and worry in her chestnut orbs. Kagome slowly placed the half-picked flower onto her lap, giving her mother her full attention. "What is it? Is something wrong on the other side?"

The Other Side. That was the real world, the world where people lived. Here, no one was alive. Here, only Midoriko and Kagome resided because this was Midoriko's home and her daughter was finally home. But, it was always empty. Always. At least, she was happy that Kagome was here with her. But, her daughter wasn't happy, no matter how many smiles Kagome placed on her face and how many flowers she sprung up around her. Because Kagome always plucked the flowers that she made around her, and soon the ground was littered with beautiful petals. But they would be cleared by Kagome, as if they were never there. Midoriko took a deep breath and turned towards the waterfall, avoiding her daughter's gaze.

"I met with the Fates."

Understanding flickered in Kagome's eyes as she nodded, her face still serious. "I wondered where you were. I couldn't feel your aura. That only happens when you go into someone's dream or you are with the Fates." Kagome turned towards the waterfall, trying to see what her mother saw. But her mother's aura spoke volumes, it felt so strong and determined, but Kagome could sense the sadness hidden well beneath. 'Not well enough.'

"I talked with them about a matter concerning you. It was my intention to propose this to them and they listened." Kagome kept her mouth shut, understanding that her mother was getting to the point. But her curiosity was getting the best of her. Kagome placed the flower on the ground and moved to sit on her knees.

Midoriko's eyes saddened, her brown eyes growing darker. "I know that I took you away from everything and everyone you loved." Midoriko raised her hand to stop Kagome from interjecting. She needed to get this off her chest before her daughter tried to soothe her. "You had just gotten back with your family and then I had ripped you from them so quickly."

"Mother…" Kagome said softly, knowing that her mother didn't want any interruptions, but needed to say her feelings. "It wasn't your fault, you have to know that. The Fates had written my prophecy. Don't blame yourself for what was out of your power."

Midoriko closed her eyes at her daughter's words, trying to believe them and take them in. She opened them to look down at Kagome. "After all that you have suffered, I knew that it wasn't fair for you. So… I decided to ask the Fates to give you a second chance."

'Second chance…' Kagome's eyes widened as those words rang in her head. Her heart felt lighter while butterflies fluttered in her stomach. 'Is it… possible?' She couldn't fathom that the Fates would send her back. Why give her another life when they had wanted her death and sealed it?

Midoriko smiled down at her daughter. "Kagome… the Fates have decided to allow you to return to earth."

The words seemed to not even register in Kagome's thoughts. Her eyes looked into her mother's without even seeing her. 'What?' She didn't know if what her mother thought was the truth, or maybe she was hearing things. But as the waterfall kept feeding the pond, and the air around her became warmer, Kagome knew that her mother spoke the truth. For Midoriko's eyes were still on Kagome's, with such intensity and love that Kagome got to her feet slowly.

"The Fates… will allow me to live again?" she asked, watching her mother warily.

Midoriko nodded her head with a smile as they stood at the same height. "I had told the Fates that you deserved a second chance after what you had suffered. And they agreed, of course after much debate. But… you will go back to earth and live." Midoriko knew that she would forever be alone in the Maboroshi Kokudo, again, but she would always be thankful that her daughter was happy living. She would be able to see Kagome in her dreams, and she would watch over her, but she wouldn't be able to spend the time and words with Kagome like how they did these past three years.

Kagome blinked rapidly, a hand flying to her heart. She could see the truth in her mother's eyes, heard it in her voice, but there was also sadness. Kagome could feel it, and it was also coming from her. Because her mother would be here alone.

"Mother…"

"Please… do not feel sadness for me, Kagome." Midoriko closed the gap between them and their arms wrapped around each other at the same time. "I know what I'm doing, and I'm so happy that you are going back to the other side. Yes, I will miss you, dearly." Midoriko tightened her hold on Kagome, wanting to give her daughter the strength to turn away. But Kagome's happiness and excitement radiated off her in waves and Midoriko knew that she had done the right thing. "But I know that you will be happy. And that's all a mother wants from her child."

The two released each other and looked into each other's eyes. Kagome smiled, a genuine smile in a long time. For the past three years, Kagome had always smiled. Always covered her sadness in leaving her family and friends with a smile. But Midoriko knew her sadness, lived it every second they spent together in this realm. And she always felt hopeless, defeated, because her daughter was suffering because of her, and the Fates. But now, Kagome would go back to earth and continue the life that she was forced to leave behind with her family and friends.

Kagome felt a tear roll down her cheek as she gazed into her mother's eyes with love. "Thank you, mother." Midoriko nodded her head with a smile and reached forward to wipe the lonely tear. Kagome closed her eyes at the contact. Midoriko looked up as she heard the Fates and her smile disappeared, but she quickly covered her frown.

"You must go now. The Fates will take your soul and revive it in the living. Your Brothers will know this and they will be waiting for you." Kagome nodded her head. Midoriko began to back away, leaving Kagome standing next to the waterfall. Her hair played around her figure and her eyes were full of life. 'Go, Kagome. Be happy.' She was glad that her daughter was given another chance.

There was a shot of light from the clouds above and it engulfed Kagome's figure. Midoriko watched as the light blinded Kagome until only white could be seen.

"I love you, mother."

Midoriko closed her eyes as she tried her best not to frown. And just like that, the light faded as if it never was, and Midoriko opened her eyes. The waterfall still tumbled and now the place was desolate again. The pink jasmines on the ground remained where Kagome sat. But they would soon wither and die. Midoriko turned towards the waterfall, her eyes searching for the future. She would miss her daughter's company and presence, but she was always connected to Kagome. So she would always be with her. But Midoriko was still unsure of how Kagome would react to this new life given to her. While Kagome was here, she was not allowed to glimpse at the Other Side. But Midoriko knew things that she didn't, could go as she pleased to the other realm as she visited people in their dreams. And what Midoriko saw of the present was something that Kagome was not ready for. Something that was totally off the beaten path and that would hurt Kagome more than anything. But her daughter had been through much and this wouldn't stop Kagome from her determination to live. For Kagome was a strong minded person and her soul was bright. 'Yes… Kagome. Go live your new life and be happy. But don't forget that you were given a second chance, too. Don't throw away what you have been given.' With that thought, Midoriko turned around and began to fade into the emptiness of the Maboroshi Kokudo.

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Monk Kiyoshi woke with a start, his body jerking upright and his eyes wide with shock. "My Brothers! Wake up!"

The Brothers said all began to stir and come up from their futons on the ground. Their eyes were wary, yet sleepy, being roused out of their dreams. But their attention was given to their eldest as he quickly stood, making them all awake from the dreamy haze. Something was wrong. Monk Kiyoshi's eyes were panicked and shocked that it brought all of the Brothers to their feet as well.

"Our Priestess Midoriko has come to me in my dreams. Kagome is being reborn."

There were gasps that flew out of everyone's mouth, the same he had done when Monk Kiyoshi had awoken. He looked at his four Brothers and saw shock in their eyes. That's all they felt right now, shock. "We must go meet her." The four Brothers nodded and all followed their eldest to the door. They descended the stairs and quickly walked towards the Garden of Naiku. It was deeper in the shrine grounds from the entrance into the Naiku Shrine, but there was a pond that had underground water feeding it. It was a pond the priests and priestesses used to retrieve water to be used in prayer, blessings and spells. The water was pure, as it came straight from the earth, and it was used to be purified for other means. Which was why the Garden of Naiku was sacred. But many of the priests and priestesses could travel in the small garden which offered serenity and peace.

The five monks scurried to the garden, passing many with curious glances and some who even shouted out their worry to the monks. But the five kept going, intending on seeing their Priestess again. Though this was all farfetched, if Priestess Midoriko said that Kagome was going to be reborn, then Kagome was going to be reborn. They would ask questions later. But as the shock began to wear off, their excitement and joy in seeing Kagome began to carry their feet into the Garden of Naiku.

Some priests were walking in the Garden of Naiku. Their bodies cloaked in robes were a stark contrast against the beauty and greenery of the garden. Monk Kiyoshi slowed the group down as the pond came into view.

"Everyone! Leave!" he called out, his hands rose in the air to get their attention. The priests all looked, and when they noticed it was Monk Kiyoshi, head of the Naiku Shrine, they all bowed and hurried out of the garden. No voices could be heard as all of them left. Monk Kiyoshi looked around as his Brothers went towards the pond. He wanted to make sure that no one was around to witness the rebirth of their Priestess. With a final sweep, Monk Kiyoshi followed his Brothers.

The pond was big like a Jacuzzi, easily fitting a big group of people, though no one swam in it. It was only used for spiritual practices. No one has ever gone into this pond, but one would be coming out. The flowers around the pond, growing on boulders covered in moss and on the ground, swayed with the movement of the wind and the Brother's passing. But when Monk Kiyoshi joined his Brothers as they made a circle around the pond, he was shocked.

"Brother… it's… cloudy," Monk Kenshin said, his voice shocked. Never had the pond been cloudy or even dirty. The pond had the clearest water in the whole Ise shrine, which was why it was used in spiritual practices. But when the Brothers saw its murky depths, they were taken aback.

Monk Kiyoshi scanned the surface of the water, looking through its murky contrast to find a body. But the Brothers couldn't find one, their voices quiet and their eyes searching. Though no one realized it, but an hour or so went by. But the Brothers stood there, along the edge of the pond, waiting for a sign of life. And then, the pond began to bubble, startling the monks.

Monk Nobu gasped, his eyes closed in his blindness but his face shown his concentration. "She is here…"

At this realization, the Brothers got to their knees as the pond kept giving up small bubbles that came in numbers. The pond cleared, as if it was never dirty to begin with, and a shape could be seen in the water. The Brothers all gasped at the same time while their bodies arched towards the body in the depths of the water. Monk Kiyoshi could see the body in a fetal shape, and the long black hair was what made him begin to realize that this truly was his Priestess. 'Kagome… are you truly back?'

The bubbles stopped and the figure slowly floated to the surface of the water while the Brothers watched, and waited. Long, black hair moved in the water, all along the body as it danced. The figure was naked, her body in a fetal like position. As it almost reached the surface, Monk Kiyoshi took off his kosode, shuffling out of it while the Brothers watched him. They all glanced at each other, knowing that this was a miracle, but they were still in shock. Monk Kiyoshi reached towards the body as it hit the surface, the sound made was as if someone had gasped out of the water. But the body hadn't moved. The Brothers moved towards him as he grabbed a foot and pulled the body towards the edge of the pond.

It was Kagome. Her head was still underwater, but she was breathing. He quickly got her into his arms while throwing his kosode over her naked form. Monk Kiyoshi could feel the rise and fall of her chest, as he took in her appearance. It was Kagome, and she looked the same as he remembered her three years ago. 'Kagome… you are back…'

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Kagome opened her eyes, and regretted it. Sunlight shone right on her face, making her wish for the clouds. But for some reason, the clouds didn't come, like how they usually did when she wanted them. 'Huh?' she wondered, still not opening her eyes. Kagome thought of the clouds again, but they didn't come. 'Mother…' But she couldn't feel her mother anymore. Something was wrong. Kagome slowly opened her eyes, letting them adjust to the bright light, and saw that she was in a house. There was a roof over her head and the sunlight poured through a window with no glass. Kagome's eyes flew wide open, her hands moving. She looked down to see that she was covered in a kosode, and as realization hit her, she recognized the kosode. The white kosode was embroidered with green leaves outlined in gold that went from one side on the bottom to the other side on the top. She remembered this kosode well.

"My Brothers…" she whispered. Memories of what had happened came flashing through her mind. She remembers talking to her mother at the waterfall and her words. 'Second chance…' Yes. That's it. She was given a second chance to live on earth. The Fates had given her life again. Kagome pushed off the ground and looked around. It was a shrine house, the one she slept in whenever she remained in the Naiku Shrine. There was gold everywhere in this room, a lot of it. Ranging from golden candlesticks to golden rods, it was all here, all along the walls with her Buddha statue behind her. Kagome remembered living her days here, but the gold was not familiar. Slowly, she got to her feet, wrapping the kosode around her and placing her hands in the arms of the clothing. She held the kosode together as she turned around, taking in the wood of the house, marveling its beauty. It's been so long since she had lived in a house. In the Maboroshi Kokudo, there was no need for a house, or a futon, because one wouldn't need sleep. There is no sleep for the dead.

Kagome walked towards the shoji and opened it, quickly being blessed by the setting sun. She smiled and closed her eyes, feeling the warmth of the sun's rays on her face. It was a miracle to be back, and joy filled her being. It flooded her blood and sang in her soul. She was back, home, and she was going to find her family and friends.

"My Lady."

Opening her eyes, Kagome looked down at the bottom of the stairs to see the five monks. Her eyes suddenly began to burn as water filled her eyes. Monk Kiyoshi had his head bowed, just like the other four behind him. But she was so glad to see them again. The only one she could talk to in the Maboroshi Kokudo was her mother, so not only was their presence nice, but their voice was too. But she was overcome with a desire to hold them again, to know that she was really alive. Kagome slowly walked down the stairs, the sound of the wood creaking the only noise in the area. She looked around at the shrines surrounding this lone one. Her feet touched the white stones that surrounded her lonely shrine while the Sakura trees blessed the land around it. Kagome stopped right in front of the eldest Brother.

Monk Kiyoshi was hesitant as he came to his full height slowly, his eyes locking on Kagome's. In that instant, joy hit his chest painfully as he realized that he had missed her more than he thought. Kagome's eyes were filled with tears, but also love and joy. It was written clearly on her face as she tilted her head to the side and smiled at him.

"It has been a long time… my Brother."

The others behind Monk Kiyoshi all gasped softly as they heard Kagome's feather like voice. Even he couldn't believe how beautifully rich her voice sounded. Kagome was the purest being he ever met, and seeing her again only reminded him. Monk Kiyoshi gulped and nodded his head, but he couldn't get the words to come out because of his overpowering emotions.

Kagome, thankfully, understood. She closed the gap between the two as she embraced her eldest Brother, her hands going around his waist to secure on his koromo and squeeze him to her. Another life. Another being. Yes, she was alive. And she was back with her Brothers, which brought such joy and happiness to her heart. Now, she was yearning to see her family and friends. Especially him. Kagome smiled, her cheek pressed against Monk Kiyoshi's shoulder.

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The night was cool as the night breeze floated through the Naiku shrine. Kagome stepped along the soft petals of the grass. She had escaped the torture of being in the Naiku Shrine for just a few hours. The priests and priestesses all flocked her, yearning her attention and presence. Kagome smiled, closing her eyes as she stopped to take a deep breath. The smells of the forest and the streams were comforting and magical as the moonlight spilled through the leaves of the trees. Kagome opened her eyes and looked through the spaces made from the leaves on the trees that towered high above.

It seemed like Japan knew of the High Priestess now. Her Brothers had told her that Japan knew that Kagome Higurashi was the High Priestess and the Shikon no Miko, which only made herself a wanted person in all of Japan. She had to be more careful now on where she went and who she saw because everyone would flock to her like sheep. Kagome sighed. 'I guess it was something to be expected…' Actually, everything that was happening wasn't as she expected. Kagome kept walking, the sounds of the streams drawing her towards them as she went deeper into the woods where she spent her first life here.

Coming back to life wasn't what she expected. Now that she was, she had to worry about being noticed by many for everyone knew her secret now, a secret that she had to hide for years when she was alive. Kagome shook her head. 'This is weird.' Her feet kept moving along the grass as a few streams came into view. The grass ended and black pebbles were littered along the land as the two streams cut the land of pebbles in four. Kagome smiled as she walked towards the first stream. She wasn't expecting to be coming back. But now that she was, she was excited to see her family and her friends. Memories of her first life came back to her, though they never really disappeared from her memory to begin with, and she began to get even more anxious to see them. The way she left her family was terrible, but she never expected to come back and be able to patch things up with them.

Yes, this was definitely not what she expected. Nobody expected for the Child of Prophecy to be reborn, for it wasn't written that it would happen. Nobody expected to learn the truth about who was the High Priestess, for it was forbidden to gaze upon her face. Everything that happened was all written by the Fates, going according to plan. And now, well, now everything was out of order and going a different course.

The sound of the streams was able to drown out her thoughts. Kagome got down to her knees, feeling the hardness of the pebbles embed themselves into her skin. She settled her weight on her heels and fixed her miko robes. Kagome looked around, noticing the emptiness and her solitude. She took a deep breath and exhaled while closing her eyes. Her hands were planted with her palms on the cool pebbles. The sound of the stream died out as Kagome retreated inwardly, finding her center while wrapping herself in her aura. The wind rustled the leaves above while the moonlight spilled its light on Kagome's midnight, black hair. Her face was serene as she meditated, her body as still as stone.

The pebbles began to tremble softly, making clicking noises against each other in protest. The stream flowed above the trembling pebbles, unable to ease its pain. The wind was suddenly still, and Kagome's hair began to float. It was as if the wind was her, the sight of her hair easily floating behind her made her seem earthly and surreal. Kagome's face remained calm as the pebbles shook violently now, disturbing the tranquil streams. Their clatters were loud as one by one they rose into the air like water evaporating. They slowly rose above Kagome's head, all hovering above the spots where they once lay. Suddenly, Kagome's body began to glow softly, as if a spotlight was shone on her. The light blue light engulfed her figure, making her hair seem like it was shinning and her face pale.

Kagome's eyes snapped open, totally engulfed in a light blue light, and the pebbles dropped to the ground, sounding like stormy rain hitting a metal roof. Water splashed as some pebbles fell back into the streams, but none of them seemed to hit Kagome. Her hair fell, as if it was dead against her back, and her eyes went back to their chestnuts as her pupils focused on the figure in front of her. A small smile graced her lips.

"What power you have, My Lady," Monk Minoru said, his shock shown in his eyes.

"I have had three years to learn under my mother. There is nothing else to do in the Maboroshi Kokudo," Kagome said with a sad sigh. She got to her feet while Monk Minoru watched her with a smile.

"You have learned much."

Kagome nodded as she walked towards him. "Yes." She smiled as she got to his side and the two turned to walk towards the bridges that led back to the Naiku Shrine. "My mother was surprised to see me learning so quickly. Though she knew she should have suspected that, she was still surprised to see the density of my powers," Kagome said with a shrug. She still didn't think that she was that great. Not like her mother. Midoriko had her name everywhere, she was a well known legend. After years of people worshipping her and passing down her stories, Midoriko had her place in history. Yet, Kagome never really cared to make her own. Though her mother said that one day she would surpass even her own stories, Kagome didn't care if she did or not.

"What has made you so upset?" Monk Minoru asked, the sound of his Shakujo hitting the wooden bridge as they got to it making Kagome snap out of her thoughts.

Kagome sighed, looking over the railing of the bridge to see the streams. "I just don't think that my mother is right about me being superior than she is."

"And why is that?" Monk Minoru was curious as to why Kagome would think that. After she had given birth, those three years ago, she was weak and broken. Though Monk Minoru tried to forget, it was hard not to remember how broken she was when they taken away her child. After that, she had to fly to Hokkaido quickly and help her friends and family who were fighting in the war against Kano Mitsuhada. Only Kagome could defeat him, for he had a secret weapon. Rejuvenation. And she had her own, the Shikon no Tama. But Kagome had to give her life in order to defeat him, and that she had freely given. However, Kagome had spent much of her strength in those two days of fighting and in the two days of training in the Naiku Shrine while she was pregnant and swollen. So he really wanted to know why Kagome thought so little of herself when she has truly proven how powerful she is.

There was a silence between them as the bridge creaked underneath their weight and the sound of Monk Minoru's Shakujo hitting the bridge loud in the silence. As they got off the bridge and headed towards the next one, Kagome spoke softly.

"My mother says that I have become stronger than her. But I don't want to believe that. I don't want to become something strong and dangerous. I don't want to be feared."

"Who said you were, Kagome?"

Kagome turned to look at her Brother, watching the way he kept his face forward, avoiding her eyes. "Nobody. But it is expectant when one has so much power."

Monk Minoru nodded his head. "Yes, that is true. But you are wrong about people fearing you." He turned his head, a smile on his face. "People fear others with power, but they don't fear you. You are what they believe in. People only fear those who abuse their power." He stopped then, making Kagome stop with him, as he turned his body towards Kagome. "Listen, my Lady. You have enormous power, more than you can imagine, more than Priestess Midoriko, and yes you should be worried. But if you can control it, then why worry when your powers won't be a threat to anyone? There is no point in fearing who you are if you can control what you are."

Kagome frowned. "But I'm not sure how enormous my power is. I don't know if I can control what I don't know."

"You can't. That's the point," Monk Minoru said, a smile on his face. He then turned and continued walking, Kagome following his footsteps with confusion written on her face. Her eyes watched him as she took in his words, but couldn't find out what he was trying to tell her. 'Oh well… I'll figure it out later.' With that thought, the two entered the Naiku Shrine grounds and went into the inner shrine to meet with the other Brothers.

-'-'-'-'-'-'-'-'-'-

The sunrise was a blessing on Kagome's face. When in the Maboroshi Kokudo, the sky was either with the sun or without the sun. The sun never "rose" and it never "set". It was just there, or not. But there was never a moon in the Maboroshi Kokudo. Always a sun, controlled by her mother's will. With her eyes closed in bliss, Kagome opened her hands out on the side of her. The cool morning breeze washed her fears away for this day. 'Yes… today I will go and meet my family.' The thought brought so much happiness to her, but also fear. For she remembered the last words she told her family and friends while she could feel her body become nothing.

"Be happy," she whispered. Kagome opened her eyes, pain filled the depths of her orbs. She brought her hands around her body, feeling the trembles that would wrack her soul. She remembered that day clearly, still fresh in her mind as if the three years she's been gone hasn't even happened. Because in the Maboroshi Kokudo, she had nothing to do but think. And she thought about her friends. Her family. As they all looked up at her with sadness and shock in their eyes, as if they couldn't believe that she was actually, finally, leaving. Kagome bit her bottom lip, her eyes darting around the rocks and grass in the Garden of Naiku. She was afraid that they were finally happy. But that's what she wanted, and that's why Kagome was angry at herself for fearing their happiness.

With a huff, Kagome turned and walked out of the garden, heading for her Brothers' shrine house. The sound of her bare footsteps was silent in the already silent shrine grounds. Some priests and priestesses would see her coming and get down to their knees, placing their hands out as their foreheads would touch the ground. She nodded at their fallen figures, wondering why they kept bowing for her. Though the whole shrine knew of her rebirth, many were rejoicing and busy sending prayers to Buddha. However, since the whole of Japan knew who she was, she expected everyone in the shrine to remain on their feet. Her face was known, so there was no need to hide their faces towards the ground so they couldn't see hers. Kagome shook her head, continuing towards her Brothers' shrine while she nodded at a priestess' fallen figure.

"We must get our Lady's things ready," Monk Minoru said, his eyes darting towards his Brothers as they all finished their morning prayers.

Monk Nobu nodded his head. "I believe that Kagome is coming."

"Yes," Monk Kenshin said, all of them feeling Kagome's aura. "I think we should accompany her on her visit with her family."

"She is distressed," Monk Arata said softly, his eyes going to the shoji as if she was right outside the door.

Monk Nobu tilted his head, interpreting Kagome's aura. His face was in concentration as the Brothers tried to do the same. "She fears meeting with her family," he said, his voice stern. Everyone watched Monk Nobu's face, unable to see his eyes but his expressions were what they were used to reading on Monk Nobu's face. "She believes that her presence will only cause them turmoil."

"Then she fears that her family has already moved on," Monk Kiyoshi said, turning his back to his Brothers as he faced the Buddha statue. He placed his palms together in front of him and did a silent prayer as he bowed. Monk Kiyoshi got back to his full height and turned around, wrapping his Ju around his left hand. "We will meet her and discuss these thoughts." He went towards the door and grabbed his Shakujo, as the others did the same. He opened the door and walked out into the morning sunrise, feeling the warmth as he descended the stairs.

Just in time, Kagome made her way around the corner of a nearby shrine house and spotted them. She smiled, coming closer to where they waited in the middle of the black pebbles. One thing about their shrine house was that it was the same as Kagome's. However, Kagome's was deeper in the Naiku Shrine, surrounded by the last few shrine houses, and remained in the middle of a white pebbled land. Sakura trees bloomed on each of the four corners that the enclosing made around the shrine house. The Brothers, on the other hand, had no Sakura trees but the land encompassing their house was filled with black pebbles.

"Good morning, my Brothers," Kagome said as she reached the monks.

Monk Kiyoshi watched Kagome's smile with wariness. Although Kagome had grown to become a beautiful young woman, he still could see that little girl hidden deep in those woman-like features. And he could tell her aura was hiding her true feelings from them. "Good morning, my Lady. Are you ready to go home?"

Kagome nodded her head with a smile. "I'm excited to see them," she said as she turned around and headed towards her shrine. The monks followed her as they all walked in silence. The Brothers tried to decipher Kagome's aura and her attitude, wondering what she was really feeling. But Kagome kept going as if everything was okay.

They reached her shrine house, got some miko robes for her to wear, and grabbed some gifts that were given for her. Kagome picked out some necklaces with jewels, a few golden cups and also some hair clips. There were many that were too big for her to carry, but these would be good gifts for her family. As Kagome rummaged through her gifts from the people of Japan, her Brothers waited for her by the door, holding her things as she picked them out. She was light on her feet, going from one side of the room to the next. Finally, Kagome and the monks walked out of her shrine with four bags filled with gifts and one with her clothes. They all made their way through the Naiku Shrine to the entrance of the shrine. Kagome saw the priestesses and priests that were on the ground, making a path for her towards the bridges that would go out to the Geku Shrine. She looked down at all the backs of the heads that faced the ground.

"Why are they here?" she whispered to her eldest Brother.

Monk Kiyoshi smiled at her. "They are here to wish you a farewell." The sounds of prayers began to float towards her ears as they went closer to the "farewell" party. Kagome looked at each side as she walked past every individual. She could make out some words; some prayed for her health, her protection, her happiness, but some just prayed that they were happy and thanking Buddha for her return. As they ascended the bridge, Kagome turned around, her Brothers standing aside to allow her to talk.

"Thank you all for seeing me off. I have come back with good intentions, I assure you, and I take all of your gifts with grateful hands. Be well." Kagome turned around as she heard them say "Be well Priestess Kagome". The party then walked over the many bridges that separated the Naiku Shrine from the Geku Shrine. Though the walk was exactly what Kagome needed.

Nature surrounded her, engulfed her in its arms. Thank goodness it was morning and no one journeyed to the Naiku Shrine. She could walk freely towards the Geku Shrine without having to offer her blessings to anyone. She looked around in awe at the beauty around her. Nothing was like the nature on earth, so different than that in the Maboroshi Kokudo. The plants here were real, able to die and grow on their own. The streams and rivers beneath her made soft noises, fighting the noises that the birds made high up on the branches of the Willow trees. Kagome smiled, taking a deep breath, thanking Buddha that she was alive to feel this again. Such peace.

The group then made their entrance into the Geku Shrine. They hadn't send word that they were coming, so many of the priests and priestesses were shocked to see the five Brothers of the Naiku Shrine. The woman with them was more of a shock as it registered in them who she was. Everyone fell to their feet, it didn't matter if they were holding a tray full of offerings or sweeping up the shrine grounds. They fell, as it was accustomed to, to their knees and kept their faces planted on the ground. Maybe because they were so used to doing it that made them automatically fall to their knees. Kagome didn't know. But she wondered if many of the people in Japan would do this now if they saw her on the streets since they knew who she was. If so, then they would call attention to her easily.

There were two cabs waiting at the entrance to the Ise Shrine. Kagome found herself walking slower. She didn't want to go out into the real world and face the hardships that were waiting for her. Fame. So many would see her, flock her, and she would turn into some kind of 'All hail the queen!' kind of thing. Family. She wasn't sure if she wanted to ruin her family's life that they have taken days, maybe even years to rebuild after she left them nothing to live with. Yes, Kagome knew that she shouldn't go back to them. They were happy without her, they must be. It's been three years and they had moved on, just like she asked, her dying wish. And yet, she found herself getting into the cab with some of her Brothers and driving away from the childhood home she knew. Out into the real world once again.

-'-'-'-'-'-'-'-'-'-'-

The Higurashi shrine was quiet. Some people were already awake and making their prayers for the day in the shrine houses. However, most of the people went to Lady Kagome's statue, right in front of the Goshinboku, and offered their gifts and prayers. There was money on the platform the statue rested on, hairclips, ribbons, roses, flowers, anything that the people wanted to give it was there. For Kagome.

Souta busied himself by sweeping the shrine grounds. His mother was busy making breakfast and she told him to keep an eye on Kagome's statue. When no one was there, he took the gifts inside the shrine house they kept for Kagome so that the platform wouldn't be cluttered. Souta remembered the first couple of days after Kagome's funeral. Many people came, just like the five monks had told his mother. Many people flocked to their shrine, all shocking his family, and stayed bowed at Kagome's statue for hours. Their prayers were soft but their bodies were rigid against the ground. Some had rocked back and forth while others remained like statues on the ground. Souta sighed and continued to sweep.

He remembered those days after the funeral with his family. His mother had done better than he would have thought. She had years to prepare herself for this, and it seemed that with the help of Priestess Midoriko and her friends and family, his mother had held up better than any other mother who had lost a daughter. But, Kikyo on the other hand was another story. After the funeral, she was rarely at home. She spent her days and nights at the Takahashi's, helping Inuyasha with watching his son. Kikyo said she wanted to help him with his and Kagome's child because she felt like it was her duty now that their sister was gone. But Souta knew that Kikyo was hurting just as bad as he was. Kagome had left them, and as their sister, he and Kikyo had to cope harder than their mother. But Kikyo also had Onigumo's death to cope with, and it was another reason why Kikyo helped out Inuyasha. She needed to get Onigumo out of her mind.

Souta turned around, looking at Kagome's statue. People were on their knees praying, but only three. At least this morning wouldn't be one that his mother would have to clean up. He had to go to school and he didn't want to leave his mother here to deal with all these gifts for Kagome. Though Souta always told his mother to let him take the gifts to Kagome's shrine house when he got back from school, his mother always refused. She said that it's better to clear the platform so others can read the engravings and leave more offerings it they please. Souta was always against his mother's wishes on this, wanting to spare her the pain, but she always smiled and refused. He sighed. 'Kikyo…'

Taking the last step into the Higurashi shrine, Kagome kept her head down. She could feel her Brothers behind her, bags slung over their shoulder, but all kept their head down. They all wore straw hats, big ones to cover their faces. Kagome didn't want to just pop out of the blue and surprise her family in her appearance. So she wanted to watch them for a bit, see how they were doing, and go from there. Kagome tilted the hat back a bit and saw a boy cleaning the shrine grounds. Her eyes then went to the statue that glowed in front of the Goshinboku. 'What is that?'

"What is that?" she whispered aloud to her Brothers.

"We did not tell you of our gift to your family," Monk Kiyoshi said, his voice soft.

Kagome felt her breath leave quickly as she realized that she would be walking into her home grounds. She took a deep breath and walked forward, her miko robes swishing with her movements and her Brothers following her steps. Kagome glanced around at the shrine, trying to keep her concealment but also wanting to see her home. The shrines were all the same, nothing changed. It was so beautiful, all of it, making Kagome weak to be here again. Her thoughts started to cloud her mind, making her think about why she was here and what she was going to tell her friends and family. 'Hi mama. I'm back.' Yeah, that was going to go really well.

With a jerk, Kagome came to a stop, not noticing where she was walking. Her eyes lay upon the white platform with engravings, partially covered by flowers and gifts laid upon the stone and on the ground. The people who were in front of the statue were gone. Kagome looked at some of the words and realized that they were quotes, quotes that she remembered.

"You put their quotes on…" she whispered.

Monk Kenshin nodded as the others smiled. "We did not forget your wish, my Lady. All of your family's and friend's quotes are on the stone. We also put your quote on there at the top." They couldn't see the quote because it was hidden by all the flowers, but Kagome knew that it would be there. She was grateful for her Brothers to remember her request.

Kagome then looked up and gasped at the statue in front of her. It was her. The statue was made of the purest of white stone, from the Naiku Shrine, and it looked exactly like her. The hands were outstretched towards the heaven, palms up, one on top of the other, as if waiting for something to be dropped into it from the sky. The face was a perfect replication of Kagome's features and the hair billowed behind her as if the wind would move the stone hairs. She wore the miko robes and her eyes were cast down, to look at those who would come to pay respects to her. Kagome bit her bottom lip. The statue looked too much like her and it must have pained her family to have it here.

"Your mother understood why we had to have your statue here. Look at how many gifts you have, my Lady," Monk Minoru said, reading her thoughts.

"Excuse me," a young boy said as he walked in front of the group. "I must clear the stone. You'll be able to see the engravings afterwards." The young boy went to work, picking up the bouquets of flowers with his back facing the group. He filled his arms with as much flowers as he could and turned towards one of Kagome's shrine houses.

Souta rushed away, not wanting to be rude about interrupting their conversation. The last he heard was the man's voice. 'Many gifts you have, my Lady…' Souta arched his eyebrows while ascending the shrine stairs. 'Their not hers idiots… they're my sister's…' he thought, wondering who those guys were. They all wore straw hats that covered their faces. However, the robes they wore were what caught Souta's attention. He opened the shoji and walked into the room smelling like new and dying flowers.

When he saw the group walking towards Kagome's statue, he saw that the three guests who were on their knees had left. So the group just stood there and looked at his sister's statue. As he swept, he watched them. The five men, or what seemed like men because of their size compared to the smaller figure in the front, held bags slung over their shoulder. If all of those gifts were for Kagome then he would have a long morning before school. But those guys were what drew Souta to watch them warily. The robes that the men wore were familiar, too familiar. The only people he ever saw those robes on were the five monks of the Naiku Shrine, Kagome's Brothers. But they had never come back to this shrine ever since Kagome had died. But those robes were the Brothers', it had to be. Souta placed the flowers down and looked at all the flowers that were stored here for Kagome. When the flowers withered and died, they would take it out and dispose of it. But the flowers the people gave usually lasted a long time.

Souta sighed and walked out, closing the shoji as he descended the stairs. He then looked back towards the group who still was at Kagome's statue. Although it didn't look like they were looking up at Kagome's statue but more at the base, probably reading the engravings. Souta walked back towards the statue, keeping a wary eye on the group as he passed them to get the other gifts. More people were coming into the shrine to give offerings and blessings, but thankfully they didn't come to Kagome's statue. Maybe because there were too much people in front of the statue that they wouldn't have room to do their prayers.

"Excuse me, young man." Souta turned around from reaching for more flowers to look at the straw hats, only being able to see the bodies. The figure in front had a miko robe on, making Souta suspicious even more.

"Would you happen to know who those people are who said all of those quotes," one man asked, his voice friendly.

Souta arched his eyebrow, placing his free hand on his hip. "They're Kagome's friends and family." He watched the one figure nod his head, probably the one who asked him the question.

"Do you know how they fared after Kagome's death?"

"Yeah, I do," Souta said with sarcasm, never hearing these questions before from guests. "Why do you ask?"

"It is merely out of curiosity."

After a short silence, Souta took his hand off his hip and turned around to continue picking up the flowers. "The families were all devastated. We held her funeral a couple days after she died. After that, the families all went on with rebuilding their lives but we all still kept in touch."

"Ah… and what of the boy Inuyasha."

Souta grew rigid, slowly getting to his full height to turn around and look at the figures. He glared at their straw hats, angry that they were hiding their faces. "Why do you ask?" Something was wrong with these people. Didn't they watch television? Mayonaka was all over the news these days with their upcoming concert and Inuyasha's…

"I am just wondering how Inuyasha fared after Kagome's death."

Souta laughed low and turned back to pick up the remaining flowers. "Oh Inuyasha took everything really well," he said with sarcasm as he quickly turned on his heel and started to walk back towards the shrine house.

"Souta…"

Souta jerked to a stop, his eyes wide and his mind reeling. His whole body went rigid from the sound of that woman's voice. It was soft, kind, and something that drew him to it as if he remembered that voice. Unable to turn around, Souta kept his back towards them. "How do you know my name?"

There was a silence while Souta had to count numbers to himself in order to keep his feet planted in the ground. He could remember that voice, so soft and reassuring. Only one person had that voice in the whole world, one person who was always there for him. The only person who would have a voice like that was gone and was never coming back. 'It's impossible.'

"I know a lot more about you than you think."

Souta jerked around, his hands so rigid that he was nearly crushing the flowers in his arms. He looked at the figures, now all turned towards him, but mostly at the one in the front of the group with the miko robe. Slowly, one by one, the men took off their straw hats, revealing the faces that he never expected to see. The five monks of the Naiku Shrine, their faces held in a smile as they looked at him. Souta must have shown the shock in his eyes and face because one of the monks had to hold in his laugh. Then, his heart stopped, waiting for the woman to reveal her face. With slow movements, the figure brought her hands up to the straw hat and pushed it aside.

The flowers dropped to the ground in bundles as Souta felt his heart skip a beat and his mouth hung wide open while his eyes bulged out as far as it could go. He was speechless. He was shocked. He was… 'What the hell is going on?' But the figure in front of him was Kagome. It was Kagome. His sister. Kagome. Water began to fill his eyes as he found his feet moving on its own accord. It had to be true, it just had to be. The five monks stood behind her, just like always, being her loyal servants, and she was dressed in the same thing she died in. It just had to be Kagome, his sister. The gap between them became smaller as he kept his eyes on her face, taking in the smile that graced her beautiful features. The same features that were on the statue behind them, but more beautiful. Nothing could replace Kagome, not even a statue, and her features were what couldn't be manipulated. But her eyes were soft and kind, those beautiful chestnuts. It was her. His sister.

The gap between them became only a few feet. Souta's hands were lifeless at his side, his eyes glued to Kagome's face. She still smiled at him, and then she moved, making him blink. Her arms opened for him as she dropped the straw hat at her side. The arms he remembered when he was small that would always wrap around him in comfort. 'This is impossible…'

"K… Kagome?" he asked, his voice cracked and was barely a whisper. But she nodded her head.

"Hey squirt," Kagome said, her eyes filling with water.

In a heartbeat, Souta was in Kagome's arms and he had her squeezed in his arms as well. Souta closed his eyes and felt Kagome's warmth and the hardness of her body. She was real. She was in his arms. And as much as Souta wanted to cry because his sister was back, the five monks were still there and they had a crowd. But his curiosity was still strong, wondering why she was here, as he squeezed her even more. Souta could feel Kagome's body shake.

"Kagome…" he said, rubbing her back. Kagome smiled into Souta's chest, grabbing a handful of his shirt in her hands and hanging onto him for dear life. Her little brother. Not little anymore. Souta was seventeen years old now and he was almost leaving high school. No, he wasn't young anymore, he wasn't her little squirt anymore. But he was. He always will be. And right now, she missed him so much. Missed the way he would make fun of her and always make trouble to her. Always. They were always trying to get on each other's bad side. But they loved each other, nonetheless.

"How?" Kagome opened her eyes, tears falling onto Souta's chest and leaving wet marks on his shirt. She slowly let go of him, feeling the warmth of his hands leave her body as well. But now she could get a good look at him. He was tall, taller than she remembered. The past three years had put some good inches on his height and some good muscles on his body. He wasn't the little squirt that she knew anymore. He was all grown up and packing some looks for the girls. Kagome smiled, wiping away the wetness on her cheeks while sniffing back her sobs.

"I'll explain everything with mama and Kikyo."

Souta's face had pained just for a second, and then he covered it up quickly. But he smiled at her and nodded his head, placing one hand on her shoulder. But they didn't move. They were still standing there, staring at each other and smiling into each other's eyes. "It's good to have you back, sis."

Kagome nodded her head with a smile, her eyes watering again but she furiously shook her head, telling herself not to cry. "It's good to be back." Souta then ushered her and the monks towards the house. Everything was still surreal to him, making him feel like he was dreaming, but he kept his hand planted on Kagome's shoulder to make sure that she was real. And that she wasn't going to leave him again. Souta smiled as he opened the shoji and called out for his mother.

"I'm in the kitchen, honey," Mrs. Higurashi said, the sounds of dishes hitting each other could be heard above her voice.

Kagome felt her heart squeeze painfully and her body grew stiff in the spot right outside the house. She couldn't go inside. The house was full of memories and she didn't know what to say to her mother. Memories began to flash in her mind, making her weak, taking away her resolve to see her family again. But Souta had squeezed her shoulder.

"Come on," he encouraged.

Nodding tentatively, Kagome walked forward with Souta at her side. The monks gave the two some time as they waited by the doorway. Souta ushered Kagome to the kitchen since it seemed like she didn't have the strength to walk anymore. Her body was stiff but she moved with Souta's help and remained quiet. Souta made it into the doorway first, giving Kagome a little pull inside.

"Did many people leave gifts?" Mrs. Higurashi asked as she busied herself at the sink. She kept her back towards them, wiping the wet dishes and placing them in the racks.

Souta smiled at Kagome, seeing her fear and joy, and then looked at his mother's back. "There were many gifts. But I think that Buddha gave us one of his own."

"Oh really?" Mrs. Higurashi asked, wonder in her voice. "What did…" The sound of a plate crashing on the floor was loud as it broke into a hundred pieces.

Kagome watched in shock as her mother looked at her with the same face, though probably even more horrified than her own expression. Her mother, so beautiful, stood with her apron over her green skirt and maroon shirt. Her hair was put up in a neat bun but her face was full of shock and maybe a little paler than Kagome remembered. But the fact that she was standing here, in the doorway to her kitchen, would be a huge shock altogether. Tears began to fill Kagome's eyes as she kept staring at her mother, waiting for Buddha only knew what. Souta never took his hand back, which she was grateful for, but he did remain quiet as he let the two women have their moment of silence together.

Kira didn't know if she was dreaming or not. She took a step forward, wanting to touch her daughter, but as she did, she stepped on a piece of the broken plate. There was a crunch as the glass split even more and Kira winced only for a short second. But it was enough to get Souta's attention.

"Mama!" Souta rushed to Kira's side, urging her to sit down. "Sit down, mother, you're bleeding." But Kira never heard him, nor did she feel the pain on her foot. Her whole attention was on the girl in the doorway, her face the same as it has always been, except for the hint of a few more years in her womanly appearance. 'I don't believe this… Kagome?' Kira felt her eyes sting but she felt herself being seated into a chair, yet she didn't know how she got there. Then, there was movement, and the figure in the doorway moved to the sink. Kira watched Kagome's figure, never letting her eyes stray from her daughter.

Kagome took deep breaths and tried to calm herself from rushing into her mother's arms, thinking about the wound on her mother's feet first. The hugs and kisses could come later. Kagome wet a rag and went next to Souta's side. She kneeled on the ground, Souta holding up Kira's leg for Kagome to inspect. Kagome took out some of the glass that embedded itself in Kira's foot and then placed the rag to the wound, holding it there to stop the bleeding.

"Kagome?" Kira said weakly, her voice a mere whisper. Kagome closed her eyes, loving the way her name came from her mother's voice. "Is that really you?"

Kagome nodded, the weakness that her mother shown was enough to bring more tears to Kagome's eyes. "Yes, mama. It is me." Souta then got up and went to get a broom, coming back to sweep all the glass pieces away. Kagome took the rag and went back to the sink to wash the blood away. Kira watched her the whole time, telling herself that Kagome was real. Her thoughts flew around in her head, making her feel wild and insane. 'Kagome is back. But how is this possible? I must be dreaming. Kagome is never coming back.' Kira shook her head, now starting to feel the pain on her foot as her shock flew out the door. She sucked in a breath.

"Don't move," Kagome said, coming back to Kira's side to place the rag back on the wound. She kept her eyes down on her mother's foot, busying herself with a task. Anything to keep from crying and squeezing her mother for dear life.

Kira took a deep breath and placed her hands on her lap. She tried to concentrate and get herself under control before she broke down. Her eyes already burned with tears in seeing her daughter again, but she has seen Kagome many times. In her dreams. In her home. All of it has been just images, memories, of Kagome and then she would disappear. However, the only difference this time was that Kagome was actually touching her and the wound on her feet was definitely real. So, this couldn't be a dream. But Kira was confused more than anything. It took her years to come to terms with Kagome's prophecy, and now her daughter was back as if her prophecy never even happened. That brought back a sense of sanity to her mind.

"How, Kagome? How are you here?"

Kagome sighed, getting comfortable on her heels as she continued to busy herself with her mother's wound. "Well, Midoriko had asked the Fates to give me a second chance in life. She had bargained with my sacrifices that I had made during my life and they had agreed. The Fates gave me a second chance, mama," she said with a whisper. But Kagome kept her head down, unable to meet her mother's eyes. There was still the fear that maybe this was wrong. It had to have taken her mother a long time for her to get back to her normal life. And Kagome knew that she was only ruining that peace that her mother made for herself. It was selfish of her, yes, but this life she could be selfish. She had no chains to hold her down, no restrictions on her actions that would therefore lead to sacrifices.

Kagome felt hands on her shoulders, making her look up at her mother's worried face. Her mother's eyes held joy but it was tinged with fear. Kagome placed the rag on the ground as her mother leaned forward in the chair. Kagome turned her head to the side, staring at the ground.

"Kagome… are you really back?" Kira tried to look at Kagome's face, wanting to see her daughter's eyes that she missed so much. But the years that it took her to cope with her daughter's prophecy, and then the days that it took her to cope with her daughter's death, was nothing but a memory. Kagome was back. "You will stay forever now, won't you?"

Kagome looked up to her mother, seeing the sadness in them. Kagome frowned and brought her hands to rest on her mother's lap. "I am. I can stay now, mama." That was all Kira needed to here. She bent down and drew Kagome into her arms, her sobs finally being able to be released. Kagome, too, broke down from her mother's tears. The two cried in each other's arms as Kagome went up to be embraced in her mother's arms. She could feel her mother stroking her back as she grabbed fistfuls of her mother's shirt. Her tears soaked her mother's apron as she felt them on her cheeks and dropping from her chin.

"Oh, Kagome… how I've missed you," Kira whispered through her sobs. She closed her eyes and just cherished this moment with her daughter in her arms again. And Kagome was staying. They were a family again. She had come back to them and she was going to stay and live out her life, as she should have been able to do from the beginning.

After the two women were able to control their emotions, they let go of each other and finished patching up Kira's wound. Souta came back in to help after he gave them time together. He was all dressed up for school already. Kagome smiled as she joked with her brother on his new "outfits" and Kira just sat on the chair watching her children bicker with shock and wonder. True content was on her face as was her happiness and satisfaction. She sent a prayer to Buddha for brining back her daughter.

"By the way… where's Kikyo?" Kagome asked, now remembering about her eldest sister. She turned towards her mother as she washed the rag in the sink. Kira had a frown on her face and her eyes were clouded with doubt.

Kagome became curious and suspicious as she turned to her brother, who had busied himself with walking to his backpack on the table. They were both avoiding her question. "Mama?" Kira sighed and placed a smile on her face.

"I think your sister is at the park. I don't know when she's coming home."

Kagome nodded her head, wondering why Souta and her mother were so silent about Kikyo. They seemed worried and the answer was a bit tentative. But Kagome settled for that, not wanting to dwell too much now that she had her family back. The two said goodbye to Souta and invited the five monks into the house for some food. The two women started to catch up on the three years that Kagome was gone. Kira told her all about Mayonaka and their new album that came out a few months ago. So far they had three albums now that they had published. Kira also told her about Souta's baseball future and his plans for going to college to join the national league. Kira let Kagome know all that she felt Kagome should know, without giving too much away too soon.

-'-'-'-'-'-'-'-'-'-'-

After lunch, Kagome said her goodbyes to her Brothers. The gifts were left on the kitchen table, as Kagome told her mother that she would give them to the families for all of their sacrifices. Although Kira said that she shouldn't give the families the gifts, Kagome wanted to thank them one way or another. But her mother had said that they should be the ones thanking her. Kagome just smiled at her mother and waved off the statement. Kira had then told Kagome to go see her room, her eyes soft as she urged Kagome towards the stairs.

Kagome opened the door into her room and was suddenly hit with a wave of memories. Her room still smelled like her, something that just always was the smell of her room. It was the same way she left it. Her mother had not wanted to touch anything, saying that it was her room, and it always will be. Kagome smiled as she looked around at all the frames that lined the dressers and her computer desk. Her bed was neatly made and the paper that she left for Inuyasha was gone, along with the ring that she left behind. Kagome smiled sadly, touching her bed with her fingertips. 'So many memories…' she thought, looking around at the picture frames.

Every event was captured and she remembered every one that was framed. As Kagome relived those moments, she sat down on her bed just remembering everything that she left behind. Everything that she left unfinished. Everything. From Inuyasha's love to her education, from the smallest to the biggest, she remembered her life and what it was used to be. The memories of what wasn't captured began to replay in her mind. The war. The blood. The bodies. So many deaths of demons, so much evil. Kagome remembered the war well, relived it many times. She stood up and went to her window, opening it up to let the breeze in. Taking a deep breath, Kagome figured that it was time. She had to meet with the families and give them their gifts for helping her through the war. But first, she would see her sister. Then, she would meet with someone who meant the world to her. She needed to see him, to feel him, to tell him how much she loved him. A smile graced Kagome's face as she turned around and headed for the door. 'Inuyasha…'

-'-'-'-'-'-'-'-'-'-'-

The streets of Tokyo were busy, something that Kagome was glad for. People, something that she lived without for years, were bumping into her and it was a sight to behold. Kagome walked along the streets, having changed into normal clothes, another thing that she forgot what it felt like. She wore a black skirt with a light green top, one of Kikyo's outfits. One thing that Kagome realized now that she wore these kinds of clothes was that she had grown, in more ways than one. Her breasts had gotten fuller and so did her butt, which was something that she liked, but was a bit self-conscious since it was her first time in a long time wearing such clothes. Kagome then thought back to her mother's words as she drifted to the park where she and Kikyo used to go to.

'Your sister should be at the park by now. I think she will be leaving soon so you'd better hurry.' Kagome had rushed out of the house, but not before catching her mother's fear and worry deep in her mother's voice and eyes. Something was wrong. Her mother seemed hesitant to tell her about Kikyo's whereabouts. But Kikyo was someone that she wanted to see before Inuyasha. Her sister, someone who looked almost exactly like her and who she loved dearly, was a blessing in more ways than one. They understood each other and, though she never asked her mother how Kikyo fared with Onigumo's death, they both needed each other as the comforter that they once were for each other. Kagome smiled to herself as the park came into view. She quickened her steps, allowing people to bump into her as curses flew out of their mouths for her eagerness. But Kagome didn't care. She was alive. She had people around her. She had her family. And nothing could get any worse.

Kagome smiled as she entered through the park's entrance and walked along the manmade pathways that snaked all around the park. Young children ran along the grass near the river while the parents watched them closely. Kagome smiled at them as she quickly scanned the area, looking for her sister. 'Kikyo… where are you my sister?' There was no way that she would miss her sister, so Kikyo was somewhere else in the park. Kagome huffed and picked up her pace, the sound of her sandals hitting the cement making her approach known to the other walkers in the park. She hurried around, taking in the flowers and the trees and the sound of laughter and gossip floating through the air. All of it overwhelmed her senses, making her feel so alive, like she was. It kept hitting her that she was alive and every time it happened Kagome told herself that now she could live. 'Now I will live. I will make up for all that I couldn't do before,' she vowed, eager to see Inuyasha after she visited her sister.

The swing sets came into view and Kagome began to wonder just where her sister was. Her eyes looked around as she began to slow down, walking off the pathway to head to the nearest tree. She needed to look around first and get a better view of the park and where she needed to head next. Kagome placed her palm against the trunk and looked out over the grounds of the park. Her eyes then landed on the swing sets that were full of children playing in the sandbox that held the swings or kicking their legs high in the air on the swings.

Suddenly, Kagome's eyes widened. 'Inu… Inuyasha?' Kagome scrunched up her eyes, trying to get a better visual, but the silver hair didn't lie. It had to be Inuyasha. Kagome smiled, her eyes beginning to water at his appearance. It was him. 'Inuyasha!' her mind screamed over and over again. Kagome's grin reached her ears as she unconsciously reached out her hand, taking a step forward. But then her body jerked to a stop and her outstretched hand flew to her heart.

Hands wrapped themselves around Inuyasha's neck, snaking their way from the front of his chest to hold him. Kagome's eyes widened, her body moving closer to the tree while trying to get a better view. She knew this was wrong, spying like this, and if it wasn't Inuyasha then she would be even more embarrassed. But there was no lie. The Takahashis were the only ones she knew in all of Japan to have silver hair and golden eyes. 'His eyes…' All she had to do now was get a glimpse of his face and…

Kagome gasped, a hand flying to her mouth. 'Ki… Kikyo?' She shook her head slowly, her eyes stuck on the couple a few yards away. It was her sister, Kikyo, in Inuyasha's arms. The two had turned so that their sides were facing her, bringing tears to Kagome's eyes. 'No…' she said, shaking her head back and forth.

Inuyasha smiled, bringing his head down to the crook of Kikyo's neck. She wrapped her arms around his neck, bringing her body closer to Inuyasha. He held her with such gentleness that it broke Kagome's heart to see this. To even see them together was hard enough. But what she saw next was even more shocking and heartbreaking than she was prepared for. For when Inuyasha had slowly released Kikyo, Kagome saw the proof of their relationship. 'She's… pregnant…' Kagome just felt her world slam down on her and the voices and laughter around her was nothing more than a memory now. She felt herself hit back against the tree, her legs beginning to wobble, but as the bark dug through her shirt, she didn't feel the pain against her skin. Her eyes were glued on the happy couple in front of her. Inuyasha and Kikyo. Together. With a coming child.

'What's going on?' she asked herself, screaming in her mind and denying the scene in front of her.

"Okaa!" Kagome's eyes whipped to the little boy that ran straight into Kikyo's arms. Her eyes widened as she saw the display of affection between the two as Kikyo remained on her knees, supporting the weight of her swollen belly. She could feel warmth trickling down her cheeks but she didn't bother to identify what it was, though she had an idea. Her heart was breaking. Her mind was fragmenting. And she was beginning to believe that she shouldn't have been reborn. She should have stayed in the Maboroshi Kokudo with her mother where she never felt such pain like this before.

Kikyo kissed the little boy's head and Inuyasha helped her up. Kagome kept her eyes on Inuyasha. How she missed him. She took in his appearance. From his black, loose jeans to his navy blue t-shirt. He seemed like the same boy she knew back in high school, the one she fell deeply in love with. The ears on his head flicked to the sounds around him, something that she always adored about him, and his smile made her heart flutter. But he wasn't smiling at her, like he used to. Now he smiled at her sister. Though she couldn't see that clearly, Inuyasha probably had love in his eyes as he looked at her sister, the same look he gave her when they were in love. Were. 'I guess… he had… moved on…' she thought, feeling her emotions finally beginning to choke her. Kagome pushed herself away from the tree and turned around on the couple. There was no denying that the child was their's. The way the child looked, with the silver hair, it was definitely Inuyasha's. The little boy had called Kikyo his mother and the show of affection from her sister didn't go unnoticed by her. And there was another child on the way, nonetheless.

'Oh God…' Kagome thought, making her feet walk back onto the pathway. She retraced her steps that she took to get here. Though she shouldn't be here. She shouldn't have come here, to this park, and now feel the biting pain in her heart. No, she shouldn't have come back at all.

-'-'-'-'-'-'-'-'-'-'-

Midoriko sighed as she watched the reflection of her daughter in the pond. She could feel Kagome's pain as if it was her own; live her daughter's pain as if she had loved that half demon as much as her daughter had. But the look in Kagome's eyes made Midoriko will the image out of the water, but not out of her head. Kagome's eyes were dull, lifeless, the same when she found out that her child was to be killed because of the new prophecy from the Fates. Kagome showed defeat.

Turning around, Midoriko willed the waterfall away and around her shimmered a new landscape. There was a bench made of white stone with bushels of roses growing in a semicircle, including the bench. She walked towards the bench and sat down, feeling suddenly weary. Her robes ruffled against each other as she settled her weight on the stone and reached to pick a white rose. Her eyes then glazed over on the petals.

'Kagome…' Her daughter was deeply hurt. But Midoriko couldn't do anything about it. Kagome had to live the new life she was given now. Though, now Kagome knew just how much the world she once knew three years ago has changed dramatically. Maybe her daughter just didn't expect some things, like Inuyasha's and Kikyo's engagement and upcoming child. Kagome would just have to cope with the couple's love and start to live out her life.

Because there was something that Midoriko hid from Kagome as well, something that Kagome would find out in time, on her own. 'Kagome…' Her daughter was given a second chance, yes, but it seemed like she would always be the Fate's guinea pig, much to Midoriko's anger. Her daughter was treated like a toy, having her hopes and dreams crushed and then being brought back to life for a different reason than perceived. Midoriko threw the white rose onto the grass and stood up, heading over to a water fountain. It was a plain, three layer water fountain, but Midoriko just wanted to hear something while she thought to herself. And the running of the water was something that helped to keep her sane, it always did.

'Kagome…' Her beautiful daughter. Now, Kagome would understand what she had wanted for her family when she gave them a new life. She had given them a chance to start over, and they did. Inuyasha and Kikyo were together. No matter how much Kagome wanted to get back with Inuyasha and continue the life they once had, it wasn't going to happen. Time had torn the two apart and allowed them to travel down different paths. Now, she just wondered what to do with her daughter. Kagome still didn't know the truth behind her new life and what would play out in the future. But for now, Midoriko wouldn't tell Kagome anything. She would let her daughter live her new life the way she wants to, with no restrictions. Until it came absolutely necessary will Midoriko tell her daughter. But until then… 'You will live your life the way you want to, Kagome. Do all the things you want to do and those that you wanted to do before you died.'

Yes, Midoriko despised the Fates for their cruel usage of her daughter in their designs for the future.

-'-'-'-'-'-'-'-'-'-'-

Kosode- a kimono with short sleeves usually worn under a koromo
Shakujo- a staff made from Sugi wood with 5 rings at the end made of silver metal
Ju- a Buddhist rosary with 107 beads, representing the venal sins of man, made of Bodi seeds (symbolizing the tree Buddha sat under)

I hope that you liked this first chapter. I wanted it to be a good introduction but also be a big shock from the previous story. This story is one that I'll be working on during my college life so it might take me some time, but I find inspiration from the reviews. So, leave me a review and tell me how you thought of this new story. For those of you who read my last one, I really want to hear your opinions. For those of you who haven't, I advise you to do so but let me know what your initial reaction was. Anyways, I'll update when I receive enough reviews. :)

-Kaleialohalani