Where The Heart Is.

"Damn you, Inuyasha! Will you just wait a sec?!" Kagome yelled.

He growled at her and snapped back, allowing her the time to catch up to him. He had no need to hear what she said, the prize was won. What he wanted would finally be completed and no more time wandering as a pathetic, half-breed.

"Inuyasha, this can't be what you want. Not anymore..."

"Why not? This was the goal from the start, remember? Now you can go back home where you belong and leave me the hell ALONE!"

"But, I don't want to. I want to remain by your side, Inuyasha. Please-"

The silver-haired hanyou growled again and turned away. This was useless, trying to argue with her. Tears welled up in her eyes but she did not budge. She wasn't going to let him go without a fight. Kagome reached for his arm, only to have it snatched from her equally as fast.

"Enough, Kagome. I'm done here."

Without another word, he flew off into the trees.

Kagome's eyes opened to the sun beaming in on her through the window. Was it just a dream? She looked around her bedroom, seeing nothing out of the ordinary. Her alarm suddenly sounded, a loud buzzing noise to her ears. She groaned softly to herself and hit the "snooze" button. It was 7:00 a.m., and she had her final day of school ahead of her.

Her house was quiet, as it usually was these days. Her mother worked in the mornings at a law firm now and her grandfather was usually out running around with his errands. Kagome peered into the next room to see that Sota was already out of bed and downstairs cooking breakfast. He was such a responsible little kid, growing faster than she could expect. Even she, finally finished with high school, would have to make some pretty tough decisions soon.

She had already been accepted into numerous colleges, despite being away from school for days on end in the past. A pang in her heart realized she still couldn't think about those days without hurting. She had been doing well to keep those days from her thoughts. They were no longer significant and she could not dwell upon them. She had to move on. Most importantly, she had to forget.

"Sis, food is ready!"

"Coming, kiddo."

After her quick shower, Kagome met her little brother downstairs in the kitchen. He had decided to make pancaked with sausage and egg that morning, her favorite. He was so good to her, never suffering the traditional brother/sister relationship that kids usually had. He took care of her.

Once they were finished with their morning routine, they locked up the house and headed out for school. Kagome always walked the kid to school, although the youngster argued that he was old enough to travel by himself. She was proud to see him growing and maturing without the silliness of childhood. He had developed far beyond his years.

Eri, Yuka and Ayumi were already awaiting her arrival at the front gate when Kagome finally showed up. They ran up to her quickly, all squeezing her in a tight hold.

"Morning," Kagome gasped, breathlessly.

"Oh, Kagome! This is our final day together!" Yuka cried.

"We'll be off to university soon and be apart FOREVERRR!" Ayumi chimed sadly.

"Don't be dramatic, girls, we'll still have time to hang out," Kagome assured.

The three girls pulled away and stared at her, then burst into waterworks. 'Geez, such babies!' Kagome thought. She continued to comfort them as they made their way into the school building, although looking quite embarrassed at the scene they were making. Regardless, they were sweet girls and caring beyond belief. Kagome was grateful to have them throughout her school days, even when she was far apart.

If she had to be honest, Kagome was not the least bit fazed by the end of her high school career. She had conquered much more serious things, rather than simply graduating. After everything she had been through, she was just uninterested in such an event as "The Last Day Of High School".

"Kagome!" Another voice called.

The young girl sighed softly, attempting to hide her weariness, and turned towards the voice.

"Glad to see you today. I was certain you wouldn't be here."

"And why is that, Hojo?" She smiled politely.

"Well, you have a tendency of disappearing," he shrugged, grinning.

"I haven't been sick in weeks, give me a bit of credit, will ya?"

"Certainly! If you attend the banquet with me, that is."

Kagome gave him a puzzled look.

"Don't tell me you forgot," he said. "The school is throwing a banquet for all of the seniors before graduation. And since you missed prom, I was thinking you could come to this."

"I honestly don't have anything nice to wear, Hojo."

He shrugged, "Well let me know if you change your mind."

Hojo smiled, but walked off in defeat. Kagome shook her head, she hated to disappoint him but it truly hasn't crossed her mind to attend the festivities. Her three little monkeys were there to scorn her, as usual, for shutting poor Hojo down. She hadn't thought he'd continued perusing her anymore, but old habits died hard. He was a good guy, she didn't doubt that, but her heart wasn't ready to think of other things besides...

Kagome shook the thought out of her head. She couldn't let it consume her again, she was finally losing the depression that had seeped into her once returning to her world for good. He never came for her, making her decision permanent. Kagome had to stop letting that get to her, she was better than that. And it was time that she grew up and understood that.

As it was, the school day went by rather quickly for her. There wasn't anything for her to do and thankfully the school day ended early as well. Unfortunately she NOW had to listen to her three friends argue for her to attend the banquet with Hojo. It would only be unfair for him, he didn't have her interest whatsoever. Why couldn't he just find another girl to give him what he desired? Why her? She wasn't special, obviously.

"Look, Kagome," Eri started. "We know things have ended with that psycho of yours but frankly you can NOT stay mopey over him! It's not healthy for a young, pretty girl like you. We won't tolerate it any longer!"

Kagome look exasperated by that statement but she couldn't help but to giggle. As if her friends had any real power over her life! But it was with good heart that they still tried to get through to her. Despite everything, she knew she had missed out on a great amount of time with the girls. She owed it to them to at least make a last effort.

"We mean it, Kagome. You-"

"Okay, okay! I hear you," Kagome said with a long sigh.

"So you'll do it.?!" Yuka exclaimed.

"Yes, but I'll need to get a dress."

"Perfect! We go now!"

Kagome opened her mouth to protest but she knew she had no choice. She was dragged off down the street and to an extremely painful afternoon, worse than when her feet were burned inside one of Naraku's demons.

Kagome smiled to herself. She had to admit, she didn't hate how she looked. She stood in her bedroom, staring into a mirror as long as she was and studied the way the dress fit her. It was a midnight blue that sparkled in the light, reflecting to the world her elegant curves that were rarely complimented. The halter dress hugged her body nicely, making her breast sit firmly in place, which she found to be in good taste. The bottom end of the dress lightly brushed the ground with a slit that went half way up her left knee. What the hell, she figured, last chance to even look semi-decent.

She turned to her face then, having make-up for one of the first times ever. She merely used a light shade of blue and black eyeliner to bring out the color in her eyes. Her hair was curled and pinned up behind her head, leaving her bangs to flow as freely as they normally did. For once she could honestly say her hair looked tamed.

She suddenly heard the doorbell and knew her date was there to pick her up. Her heart jumped nervously in her chest and she did her best to keep her composure. She quickly grabbed her matching clutch and stepped out of her room. Ultimately, she had to relax. She knew it wasn't going to be a bad night, she was just worried about leading Hojo on when there were no matching feelings. Still, that didn't mean she couldn't have a good evening with him and that was what allowed her to let him know she had changed her mind.

When she got downstairs, she could see the back of Hojo waiting in the doorway. Her mother, grandfather, and Sota were all waiting opposite of him so they saw her, with wide-eyed expressions. At that, Kagome felt her cheeks flush and she paused at the edge of the stairs. Hojo turned around and immediately beamed at her sight. He didn't look half bad himself, really. He wore a black suit with a blue vest and tie to match her dress, his shoes shined to their best.

"Wow, Kagome, you look beautiful."

"Thank you, Hojo," she replied softy.

"Shall we?" He asked, extending an arm to her.

"Wait, kids! A picture."

Kagome groaned.

"None of that," her mother said. "You hardly have any pictures from high school... What with being sick all the time."

Kagome gave her a mother a nervous glance, noticing that she almost spilled a little bit TOO much information. Before anything else could be done, her mother had her standing next to Hojo, looking rather awkward. Kagome tried to loosen up, remembering that tonight was supposed to go well. For her mother's own good, she allowed her to take a picture of them.

Once the two of them were out the front door, Kagome was able to breathe a little better. She didn't enjoy the pressure she was receiving for such a small event in her life, much smaller than things she had already encountered. Still, she had to keep an open mind. Hojo looked handsome, and he was kind, but she would never be interested in him the way he or her friends wanted her to be. Hopefully after the banquet, they would all be able to let that dream go to rest.

"So, Kagome," Hojo started while driving, "What are your plans for college?"

"Well, I was hoping to stay here in Tokyo and get a job while in school," she replied thoughtfully.

"Truly? What would you like to study for?" he inquired curiously.

"I don't really know, to be honest," the young girl laughed.

"I'd like to study to be a doctor."

Kagome smiled and nodded her head. Hojo was very smart and she knew he would excel in anything he did. Truthfully, she never imagined herself going into any university. It was by some crazy desire in her heart that she thought she would live in the Feudal Era for good. However now that she thought about it, she realized just how silly it was. Her heart ached and she winced at the tremble of pain that slivered through her. She blinked back a tear and looked ahead as Hojo drove. She couldn't worry about that now, it was all behind her.

Sango breathed in lightly, then out again. It was a crisp night in Kaede's Village, no signs of danger to be spotted. After Naraku's fall, there really wasn't much of anything to disturb the peace of the village. She leaned against the hut, arms crossed firmly across her chest, and eyes gazing up at the moon. The silence in the air only reminded her of the loneliness she now felt in her. A void had opened within her, and she had no powers to control it. She truly didn't care to either. Such was the cost of losing her brother, Kohaku. She had failed him and she would never forget that for as long as she lived.

"Sango?"

Miroku appeared from inside the hut and put his hand on her shoulder.

"Are you alright?" he asked her, though he could only imagine.

"Just thinking," she replied quietly.

Miroku rubbed her shoulder, managing to grab her attention at that gesture. He hesitated, but left his palm there. Sango was not alone, he couldn't bare to let her feel that way. But yet he had no control over it, she was devastated. She aimlessly wandered through the days, seeking nothing from anyone. She was falling apart and the miserable monk couldn't even protect her the way he wanted to. He couldn't make her come to her senses. Still, he tried.

"Come to bed, you must be tired."

"No. I'm not. And it's not that late."

"Please, Sango, I do not rest without you by my side."

Sango studied his face, seeing the obvious concern and the love buried deep within his eyes. He cared for her the way no one else ever had, even beyond his lecherous ways. He adored her. She wished she could return him the same feeling. She smiled at him, half-heartedly, and then walked away. He did not follow, knowing she wanted her space. However, he couldn't prevent his heart from calling out to her, wishing for her return to his arms.

Sango led herself into the dark forests, seeking some answers that she may find within herself. Miroku was more dear to her then she could show him, but she prayed he stuck through if he truly cared for her as well. She didn't want to appear weak in front of him, still much too prideful to lose her strength. If only Kagome were still around.

Before she knew it, Sango found herself before the Bone Eaters Well. She stared at emptily, knowing Kagome would never be returning. And who could blame her? She belonged in the future, not in the Feudal Era. But the reason for her leaving was more heartbreaking. Inuyasha had take the Sacred Jewel and fled with it, doing who knows what. Sango was willing to bet he had already used it to transform into a full fledged demon, which meant it was best for him to stay away anyway. He would be a danger to the villagers in that state. Truthfully, Sango hadn't even given much thought to Inuyasha since he left. She didn't care, she only wanted Kagome back, but that was a lost cause. The girl who was like a sister to her would never return, thanks to him. She couldn't understand how he could be so selfish and uncaring, after all the time they had spent together. It was as if none of that mattered.

"Please, don't go!"

"Shippo, don't cry," Kagome begged.

The young fox kit had tears forming in his eyes, no longer able to contain himself from the pain he felt. Kagome felt tears in her own eyes and she reached down to squeeze him in her arms. This was goodbye forever, and it was tough on all of them. She glanced up to see Sango and Miroku hovering nearby, both looking upset as well. Kagome turned back to Shippo and grabbed something out of her bag.

"If you miss me, just hold this tight. You'll feel my love," Kagome whispered to him.

In her hands was a small figure of a stuffed doll. Her hair was black and wild, and she wore the same clothes Kagome had on. Shippo clutched it to his tiny chest and again looked up at her with small whimpers.

"I love you, Shippo. Do not forget that," Kagome said shakily.

He nodded his head and did his best to be strong. Kagome stood up and turned to her other friends. She had already said her farewells to them but it still pained her to know that this would be the last time she'd ever see them again. Kagome gave them all one last hug, then lept through the well one last time.

Sango wiped the tear away from her eyes as she remembered the last time she saw her. It had been many moons ago, but Sango had not forgotten. She gave the Bone Eater's Well one final glance, then headed back to the hut to retire for the night. Sango thought daily of what it was she would do with the rest of her life. She and Miroku seemed to be closer than before, romantically speaking, but nothing had progressed. It was her dream to restore her family's village but for now, she was only able to visit their grave sites when time permitted. She was too afraid to leave Kaede's Village, what if Kagome returned? She scoffed at her own stupidity. She already knew that wouldn't happen, why did she keep hoping for otherwise? Sango attempted to draw her mind away from the girl and sighed when she saw Miroku sitting, waiting for her.

"You returned quickly," he noted.

"I knew you'd be waiting all night if I didn't come back," she replied.

Miroku gazed at her lovingly and she blushed at the look in his eyes. He was a good man and she knew he deserved her attention. She took his hand and led him quietly into the hut, where Kirara and Shippo were peacefully sleeping. The three of them were her family, she couldn't pretend that she was alone. She smiled at the thought and settled onto her futon. She knew Kagome was fine wherever she was, it was time Sango let herself be happy as well.

Hello, there! Welcome to my newest story, I haven't written a fan fiction in quite some time so please be patient with me! This story is a bit of a work in progress, I'm not even sure of the ending but I'm enjoying the writing that I'm doing again. I have a few older stories on FanFiction if anyone wants to check them out. Hope you liked the first chapter!

P.S. This follows the end of the series, not in any mind to The Final Act. The timing in the series has always been a bit confusing to me but let's just assume Kagome is finally graduating and has been away from the Feudal Era for a full semester, shall we?

Disclaimer: I obviously do NOT own Inuyasha, but this is MY story. xD