InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ That's the Way Love Goes ❯ XX ( Chapter 20 )

A/N: I know it's repetitive, but sorry about the wait. I hardly have any time to myself these days, which leaves little time for writing, no matter how much I want to. I literally have to choose between taking a shower, and writing. Showers always win. But I am very eager to get along with this storyline - just know that I haven't abandoned it, I just have too many projects and too little time to work on them all. Most of my notes are at the end of the chapter - please read them!

 

The song d'jour - or song d'chapter. Let's pretend Kagome has hazel eyes instead of blue for now, shall we?

“Seems like just yesterday, you were a part of me;

I used to stand so tall, used to be so strong.

Your arms around me, tight.

Everything it felt so right.

Unbreakable, like nothing could go wrong.

 

Now I can't breathe, no I can't sleep; I'm barely hangin' on…

 

Here I am, once again.

I'm torn into pieces; can't deny it, can't pretend - just thought you were the one.

Broken up, deep inside…

But you won't get to see the tears I cry: behind these hazel eyes.” Behind These Hazel Eyes - Kelly Clarkson.

 

That's the Way Love Goes

Chapter XX

 

 

 

 

Surrounded by friends and family, Kagome didn't feel right. She felt like she should be mourning alone. People were laughing, talking, joking. This wasn't right. It had only been one short year.

 

Her therapist had come up with the idea that she should have a gathering for the one-year anniversary of her husband and child's death. At the time, Kagome had laughed at the idea - sure! Let's have a party because they died! - and when she went home, the first person she called was Souta.

 

“Kagome, that's a great idea,” he told her.

 

She gaped, although he couldn't see it. “Are you crazy?”

 

“Kagome, you've gotta stop torturing yourself. She's a psychiatrist for a reason. She knows what she's talking about, so just trust her.”

 

Well, she did. And now she wanted to kill Tanaka and Souta. Sure, her culture had odd ways of celebrating those they've lost, but this was ridiculous. She needed to ease her grieving, but this was not the way. She hadn't been in mourning that long - it had only been about nine months since she learned what happened. How could the people she love stand around her home - the home she still had so many memories with Inuyasha and little Sango in - and celebrate? No, this was wrong.

 

“Kagome, aren't you going to have some sake?” Kayo asked.

 

The miko shot her friend a glare. “No, Kayo. I'm not. Maybe after all of you leave…”

 

Between her black expression and her words, the cancer survivor began to worry about Kagome; she hadn't thought this was a good idea, and knew Kagome hadn't thought so either. Unfortunately, the young woman trusted her brother entirely too much. Perhaps she should stay…

 

“… and he told me to go for it. I mean, if it weren't for Inuyasha, I might be working in a grocery store or something.”

 

Kayo listened as Souta told his girlfriend and a few close friends a story about his brother-in-law. At least the boy was mourning healthily. He was celebrating the man's life, not wallowing in his death. Then again, Kagome felt directly responsible for her husband's death. She blamed herself for the accident, because he had been trying to save her. And she never got to say goodbye. And they had been fighting, which was also her fault. And she hadn't really loved him the way he deserved… The list went on and on. Kayo was wondering if the therapy sessions were actually doing any good; it seemed she was angrier than normal, even if she was able to speak more freely now.

 

Kagome was watching her mother mingle with some of her friends whom she hadn't seen in some time. Her grandfather was there, too. “You know, that dear boy cared for my Kagome so much. She was gifted - or cursed - that way. Many men have been in love with her.”

 

It hurt so much, Kagome had to force herself to stand, to keep from crumpling on the floor. So many men… What an understatement. From those that had less-than-pure intents, like Manten or that disgusting pig youkai, or even that sage - Inuyasha rescued you from all of them, her traitorous mind supplied, and now he's dead because of you - to ones that had little crushes - or big ones - like Jinenji, Akitoki Hojo, and of course, Kouga.

 

Kouga. I haven't thought of him in a long time. It was disturbing that Kagome almost wished she could go back in time to take the Wolf Prince up on his offer of becoming “his woman” just to keep herself and Inuyasha from going through what they had. Of course, she'd have been in exactly the same situation; she wondered if her little `Sango' would have had wolf ears, or perhaps a tail…

 

She was brought out of her depressing thoughts by a tap on her shoulder. It was Tanaka, her therapist.

 

“Kagome, you never answered my question from two sessions ago. Now, with all your family and friends here, do you think you can answer me?”

 

Kagome had to think for a moment. What was she supposed to tell her? Hmm… there was lots of talk about Sessho - him, lots of talk about him - and then… Oh. That's right. Damn it.

 

“Ah, not as much, no. I mean, I know what you're trying to help me realize, but really, I'm not lying to myself. I have a pretty good grip on reality.” She thought that sounded pretty believable, and congratulated herself.

 

Tanaka shook her head, as if a child had done something against her mother's wishes. “Kagome, I don't think you realize that you're waiting for something. It's as if you're expecting your ex - sorry, I'd say his name but I don't know it-” here, she cast a disappointed look at her client, “to come waltzing into your life and sweep you off your feet. At the same time, you teeter between hate and incredible love for him.” Here, she paused, not for dramatic effect, but because she wasn't sure if Kagome was ready to hear her next words. She sighed, as if in resignation. “Kagome.” She waited until the young woman opposite her looked up. “You are not going to heal your pain with your loss until you come to terms with what happened with his brother.”

 

There was a hushed silence all around.

 

Mortified and angry, Kagome turned and stalked back into her house, slamming the screen door. Oddly enough, she had the image of Sesshoumaru waltzing in her mind, and it was deeply disturbing. Embarrassed, Kagome's mother began to say goodnight to everyone, not just because she was leaving the party, but because she thought it best that everyone leave. She watched Souta run after his sister.

 

For his part, Souta was surprised and relieved that Kagome had finally told someone all the things she was bottling up - well, obviously not everything, from Tanaka-san's rant. He found her in his old room, which was still depressingly pink, with baby things everywhere. She was crying desperately; big, hiccupping sobs wracked her frame. He was afraid she was getting worse.

 

“Kagome?” he ventured.

 

She had known he was there. She wiped her face and sat up. He sat next to her, and rather than address why he was here, she figured she would throw him off his game.

 

“Did you know that ever since my powers were fully released, I can sense you no matter where you are?”

 

His wide eyes and gaping mouth let her know that no, he did not, and could you run that by me again?

 

She giggled a little at his expression. “Yeah, I guess since we're both from holy blood-” she looked at him dubiously here, as if to question just how holy their lineage was, “I can sense you. It's not a big thing, like feeling youki, but it's there.”

 

That was certainly something to digest. But Souta knew what she was doing and wasn't going to let her distract him.

 

“You okay? That was awful. She shouldn't have said that in front of everyone…” His brows furrowed so far into a scowl that Kagome had to look away, as it reminded her so much of the brothers she loved.

 

“No, it's okay. The worst part was that she was right.”

 

“What?” her brother said, astonished at both her admittance and her courage.

 

She could feel his eyes on her, waiting for her to say more. After a few minutes, she obliged. “I mean, I don't know if I will heal by thinking about Sesshoumaru, but the lying to myself? Check. The waiting for him to shoot back into my life - despite how impossible that may be? Check. Maybe she's right about the healing, too.”

 

Souta was torn. On the one hand, he didn't know what her reaction would be. On the other hand… “Kagome?” he said meekly.

 

His tone surprised her. He looked guilty. She watched as he fiddled with his shoelaces. Now her brows were drawn together in a frown. He was hiding something.

 

He finally finished his thought. “Kagome, um… why do you say it's impossible?”

 

Well, that threw a proverbial minivan in front of her train of thought. “Er, what?”

 

He looked away, unwilling to continue. “Ah, er… shoot.” Perhaps, Souta was thinking, I should've kept my big mouth shut. Kagome was doing that piercing thing with those blue eyes of hers. Damn! “Well, you said something about waiting for him? Um, Sesshoumaru? And that it was, uh…” Her eyes were narrowing with every word. The last word was barely distinguishable - it came out as a squeak. “… impossible?”

 

Besides irritation, anger, trepidation, and intense curiosity, there was a nervous fluttering in Kagome's stomach. “Yes…” she said in a low voice, drawing it out.

 

Souta got the distinct impression that he was now at the age where his sister - if provoked - would no longer have any qualms about beating him up. This conversation was not beneficial to his health, and she was going to kill him, and oh, look! There's a sparrow in the tree! A small part of him - unknowing of exactly what kinds of powers Kagome possessed - was hoping desperately that she wasn't capable of zapping his unmentionables.

 

She saw his sudden change of mind as the emotions flitted across his face. When he started to focus on the bird outside the window, she smacked him on his arm, hard.

 

“Ow!” he said, but then thought better of saying anything else. Well, there was no going back. She wouldn't let him go until he told her something, so he might as well go through with it.

 

For her part, Kagome thought this was torture. The different thoughts that raced through her mind of what Souta could possibly know about Sesshoumaru ranged in color: red, why did he have to bring Sesshoumaru up?; blue, I really miss him - wow, could that be what Tanaka said about not lying to myself? she mused; black, did someone find a grave or something?; white, what does he know?; and yellow, does he know where Sesshoumaru is?

 

“Okay. Please try to keep in mind that I didn't want to keep this from you. You said he was your Romeo, and I know how that feels. But mom…” He trailed off, now realizing he was not only going to get beat down by his sister, but he was gonna be in epic trouble with his mother.

 

Kagome looked like she was about to explode, so he blurted it out as quickly as he could.

 

“Sesshoumaru's here. He lives in Northern Japan, and he comes to visit, but mom shoos him away because she doesn't want you to be upset, and the last time, he was really upset over something mom said, so he's been staying away, but he has a home in Tokyo…”

 

It was all too much. Sesshoumaru had a home here? He came to see me? Mom got rid of him? Oh god. Oh, thank the gods, he's alive… Kagome slumped against the wall and started to laugh. This would not have been so disconcerting had she not also been crying at the same time.

 

He shook her shoulder lightly. “Er, Kagome? You all right?”

 

She was still giggling, tears streaming down her face. “Haha, he's… alive!”

 

Souta, at a loss for words, watched in astonishment as the emotions inside wore themselves down.

 

Later, when she was able to say more than just “he's alive” - which she had repeated at least twenty-five times - she finally got the scoop from her brother.

 

“Well,” he said rather sheepishly, “I heard Mom talking to him a couple of times, and…”

 

“A couple of times?” Kagome shrieked.

 

Souta was playing with his hands: clenching and unclenching his fists, twiddling his thumbs, cracking his knuckles… his fidgeting reminded Kagome that this was hard for her brother to admit. After all, she was a priestess, was she not? Kagome-sama, forgive me…

 

“Well, I heard all this stuff from her. And honestly, Kagome. She asked him to stay away for everyone's benefit.”

 

“Everyone's?” Kagome was furious. How dare her mother muddle this far into her affairs?

 

Souta sighed. “Kagome, you're gonna have to talk to her. I can't… I won't get in the middle.”

 

The priestess slumped her shoulders in defeat. She knew he was right. When did her little brother get so mature? Playfully, she rumpled his hair. He swatted her hand away.

 

“Kagome,” he whined. Secretly, he was pleased with himself. Sure, his mom was gonna kill him, but he had effectively taken his sister's grief away.

 

She was getting up now, realizing which room she was in. With a sigh, she looked around. “Not yet,” she said to herself.

 

Souta stared at her, wondering what she meant. Then he followed her as she went back downstairs.

 

To her embarrassment, almost everyone had left. Kayo told her that Tanaka had felt very bad about talking about Kagome's problems in front of everyone, and stayed to personally apologize. Grandpa was now digging through the storage shed, looking for something. And Mama was saying goodbye to a few more guests as they walked down the shrine steps.

 

“I'm staying,” Kayo informed her friend.

 

Kagome's brows drew into a frown. “You don't have to. I'm okay.”

 

The older woman studied Kagome's face and felt that she meant it, but didn't relent yet.

 

Souta hovered nearby, anxious. He knew Kagome was going to confront their mother. There had never been a fight between them before; they had always gotten along splendidly, although he knew that once Kagome came back for good, they didn't talk as often, which had weakened their relationship. He knew that if he were smart - which he wasn't, which was why he was counting on a soccer scholarship - he would run. Now. With a sigh, he resigned himself to stay by his sister's side.

 

Finally, the elder Higurashi woman was coming back, her body telling how exhausted she was with her posture. When she saw the little group waiting for her, along with Kagome's expression - and Souta's nervousness - she began to get suspicious.

 

“Well, that was… interesting.”

 

Not the most tactful person, Kagome jumped right in. “Sesshoumaru has been coming to see me and you've been telling him to leave me alone?”

 

Souta looked like he wanted to burrow into the dirt. Kayo gasped, knowing the gravity of the situation. For her part, Kagome's mother looked stern. “Yes.”

 

Now the miko looked angry. “Why? You knew how I felt about him. I was miserable. I've been wishing for death! And you've never told me that Sesshoumaru came to see me?”

 

“Kagome,” her mother said, and her voice took on that mother-knows-best tone, “I've known Sesshoumaru for quite some time now.” She watched as her daughter's face became a perfect mask of surprise. “It's all very… complicated. A long time ago, he told us. What happened, that is. Between the two of you. He warned me that you were going to become sad, and that Inuyasha would stay with you. Beyond that, he didn't know what would happen, because you never went back.”

 

Kagome was so shocked, she couldn't speak. “I… But, what… Um…” Brows drawn in confusion, Kagome was unsure of what to tackle first. “Regardless, you shouldn't have made that decision. You should have told me.”

 

“I know, dear. I wanted to so many times,” her mother said sadly. “I was going to tell you as soon as you came back, crying about what had happened. But I couldn't interfere until Inuyasha decided to stay, because that would be meddling with time and fate itself. Then, when it was time, Inuyasha… well, you know.”

 

Tears began to stream down Kagome's face. She knew all too well. Inuyasha had made the wish that sealed his - and her - fate.

 

“And then, there was too much going on. I couldn't add to your stress. I decided that it was best he stay away. But Kagome, I only told him to leave you be until it seemed like you needed him. And really, I can't think of a time you needed him more than now. Would you like to see him?”

 

Kagome was in shock. It was all going too fast. Sesshoumaru was alive, and… nearby? She could see him? But could he possibly want to see her after all these centuries? Her brain processed the fact that he had, in fact, come looking for her. But her heart, hurt so badly all those years ago, rejected her sane side. No, it wouldn't be the same. He wouldn't want her in the same way she wanted him. The way she needed him.

 

“Uh… no,” was all she managed to squeak out.

 

Her mother looked disappointed. Actually, everyone did. Kayo, Souta, and… Tanaka?! Why was she still here again? And why hadn't she asked the therapist to leave? Oh, damn. That meant that she heard…

 

“Sesshoumaru? Kagome, your ex-boyfriend's name is Sesshoumaru? Well, I can see why you hid that from me. Now, would you like to tell me more about your relationship and what happened that ended it?”

 

Kagome was seeing red. This was none of Tanaka's business! A small part of Kagome's brain argued that it was, indeed, her psychiatrist's business, but she locked that piece away behind a door and threw away the key. “No! I would NOT like to tell you. This is a family matter! Please leave!”

 

“Kagome!” her mother scolded, “I did not raise you to be so rude!”

 

“I'm sorry, mother, but this whole day went wrong because of Tanaka-sama. I just wanted to sulk at home by myself…”

 

“And that is precisely why I suggested this,” Tanaka said sternly.

 

Kagome whirled on her. “You're still here?”

 

“Kagome, I expect to see you in my office on Tuesday.” With that, the therapist turned and left.

 

They all stared after her, mouths agape, wondering at this person that stood up to Kagome. Not many people could do that. Even Inuyasha had had trouble with that.

 

After a few moments, they thawed.

 

“Er, yeah. Anyways, do you want me to stay with you?” Kayo asked.

 

“No thanks. I think I'll be okay. I feel kinda empty right now. Not in a bad way, just like a fire with nothing else to burn…”

 

Kayo twisted her mouth up, unsure of how she should take that statement.

 

“Anyways,” Kagome continued, “my family is spending the night. It's too late for them to travel back to Shimane tonight.”

 

Kayo finally relented, knowing that she'd be in capable hands. “All right,” she said, nodding. Then, in an aside to Kagome, she whispered, “but if you need me, just call, and I'll be here.”

 

It was a bittersweet comment for Kagome - on the one hand, she was grateful for a friend like Kayo. On the other hand, this meant that her friend could see Kagome's discontent with her mother. “Thanks,” she smiled.

 

With that, the ex-cancer patient departed, leaving Kagome with her family. For the first time in quite some time, Kagome actually wanted to be alone, dreading having her mother and brother - both meaning well but neither willing to shut the hell up - here in the house again. Instantly, she felt guilty about thinking of them in this way; it was still her mother's house, after all.

 

“I'm going to clean this up. Souta, can you bring in that table?” her mother began.

 

Kagome was relieved that they weren't going to talk about things yet. Without a word, the shrine's priestess went to her room to brood.

 

Kagome never came out again that night. Afraid to confront her mother again, not wanting to hear her grandfather go on about either of the brothers she loved, or listen to her brother prattle on about how she shouldn't be sulking, Kagome sat in her room, trying not to remember.

 

So many things were whirling in her head that she didn't know where to start. Sesshoumaru was still alive? He was looking for her, after nearly five hundred years of - what? Planning world domination? Killing all the other youkai? In her mind, she wondered if this was the reason there weren't any youkai around anymore. Had Sesshoumaru hunted them all down? Disturbed with where her thoughts had skittered off to, Kagome turned to the most essential question. Do I want to see him?

 

There was a resounding yes coming from within her mind.

 

But then a more vital query came around: should I see him?

 

Her heart and brain warred over this, but in the end, Kagome knew that she could take no more heartbreak. The answer was no.

 

Her stomach clenched tightly over this, knowing that everything she wanted was so close, yet she couldn't force herself to reach for it. Besides, her mother had said that she had told Sesshoumaru to stay away until she needed him, and Kagome could not think of a time she needed him more than right now, and yet, he was not here.

 

In that instant, she realized how much she still loved him, despite everything that happened.

 

I told you, her heart told her with a staccato beating.

 

Shut it, we don't need this, her mind snapped.

 

Her stomach grumbled to her that it hadn't eaten, since she was too busy grousing around at the “party”. Well, she wasn't about to give in to any of her grumpy body parts. So she just went to sleep, feeling only slightly guilty that she hadn't helped to clean up. Well, it hadn't been her party, anyways, she thought petulantly.

 

~~~~~%~~@

 

Kagome hadn't felt right in a big, empty house in quite some time, but after that ordeal, the past week had been rather peaceful. As long as she didn't think about Sess - him, as long as she didn't think about the guy I used to think about - then she was fine. She even thought about getting her own cat. She loved Buyo, but her mother wouldn't part with the portly feline. Perhaps she would do that today, after closing the shrine…

 

She realized that she didn't have to meditate to be at peace, but she liked to do it, and so every morning, she had risen early to sit under Goshinboku and clear her mind. Then she tended to the shrine's visitors, giving tours when needed, being a salesperson when tourists came, and giving advice to those that sought it. She was almost… happy. As long as she didn't think.

 

Now, as she ushered an elderly man - so much like her grandfather - off the grounds, she had a thrill of excitement. She would have a new friend by tonight! A small part of her brain chided her. You just want something to take care of again; it won't replace her, it said. Kagome told her brain to fuck off.

 

Kagome called Kayo to find out where a good animal shelter was; she remembered that her friend had a few cats that she had rescued. They had been afraid of Kagome the first time they met, but had warmed up to her - Kayo told her that they must sense her holy powers, because they usually never came to meet strangers. The woman told Kagome that in the country not far from here, there was a shelter called ARK: Animal Rescue Kansai. Kagome departed immediately, calling them in advance with the number Kayo gave her.

 

They were thrilled to have her, and asked lots of questions. When they found out that Kagome was the sole person on a large amount of property, they suggested a dog.

 

“I don't know…” Kagome said, looking away uncomfortably. “I've always had a cat.” She felt bad for lying. Of course, she had always had Buyo, but that wasn't the real reason. She just didn't want any reminders of the brothers that had broken her heart.

 

Of course, the workers didn't know this, and kept at it. “But a dog would love all the room you have to offer!” one said.

 

“Yes, but they eat more,” Kagome rebutted. She wasn't stupid. She knew the plight dogs suffered in her country; most were treated as property, being forced to live outside on a short rope. Most Japanese people were afraid of dogs and did not want them as pets, and the few that did own pet dogs usually did not neuter or spay them, letting them breed without discretion. She didn't harbor these feelings - Kagome liked dogs as much as cats - but they would just be a constant reminder. How could you forget when your dead husband's name started with `Inu' and the man you pined for actually turned into a gigantic dog? Well, a gigantic, slaughtering, demonic dog, but a dog all the same. With long, floppy ears and wagging tail. Kagome had to stifle a giggle that threatened to spill from her mouth.

 

They could sense that she was being reluctant. “Either would be just fine for you,” an elderly, kind-looking woman said. She wasn't Japanese, but she spoke it well. “Whatever you decide, you'll be saving a life.” She looked at the younger native woman that had tried to convince Kagome, and the woman seemed instantly contrite.

 

Kagome smiled, and the woman introduced herself as Elizabeth Oliver; she ran the ARK. Kagome was pleased - it was sad that it took a foreigner to bring compassion for animals to Nippon. After introducing herself, and telling the elderly woman about growing up with Buyo and how her family had taken him with them to Shimane, she asked to see some of the animals.

 

“Of course! I am very pleased that your family took your Buyo with them. You know how things can be…”

 

Kagome knew she was referring to the hokensho - a Japanese twist on the `dog catcher'. But there were several other things she could be referring to as well… “Yes, well, we all love him very much. But he is happiest with them. I suppose it's my turn now,” she said, excited about having a pet that was actually hers.

 

“Well, then. Let me take you to the cats. We have some that can only go to a home with no other cats because of illness. Would you be interested?”

 

Despite her friendliness, Kagome could see the desperation - obviously, she was hoping Kagome would take away one of these `lifers'. “I'm sorry, Oliver-san,” Kagome said, adding the honorific, despite the woman's heritage. “Being that I'm the only one at the shrine, I don't think I could provide the care necessary.”

 

There was no doubting Kagome's sincere and solemn words. “That is very honest of you, Higurashi-san ,” Elizabeth said, nodding.

 

“Onegai,” Kagome told her, “call me Kagome.”

 

“Hai,” the elderly woman replied, smiling.

 

She led the way, but on the way to the large, outdoor cage that held some of the adoptable cats, they had to pass a large, fenced-in area with dogs. There were so many! All different shapes, breeds, and sizes. They all ran to the fence, barking excitedly and wagging their tails. Tongues lolled out of their mouths, and Kagome found herself laughing. Well, when they acted like this, it was hard to remember… unless she was doing it on purpose, like she was now. Elizabeth stopped, smiling. She watched as Kagome walked up to the fence. As she observed, a big, white dog suddenly woke up, realizing that there was someone there. The older woman was about to call to Kagome, to warn her. But it was too late. There was a flash of white as the huge dog rushed to the fence. And…

 

That was it. Astonishingly, he stopped at the fence, trying to sniff Kagome as well as he could through the wire. But when Kagome saw him, it brought tears to her eyes. It was absolutely ridiculous, but looking at the enormous dog was like looking at Inuyasha, when he was hanyou. The giant, fluffy, white triangles swiveled on his head, listening to Kagome sniffle. Her right hand was caught on the fence, her fingers on the other side, curled around the metal. The Inuyasha-dog cocked his head to the side, just as Inuyasha would do when he was stumped; like Sesshoumaru would do when he was puzzled by her. Luckily, this dog's eyes were nowhere near golden - they were too dark a brown to be considered amber. As she thought this, a big pink tongue came out and gently licked her fingers. She stared.

 

“That is Hijiri,” Elizabeth told her. “His owner simply disappeared, and we took him in.” She didn't want to push Kagome; it was rare when she witnessed something this special, and she didn't want to press on the young woman. Obviously, something was happening between the two.

 

“Hijiri,” Kagome whispered.

 

Hearing his name, the dog's mouth opened into a big doggy smile.

 

Kagome laughed and wiped away her tears.

 

On the way home, Kagome realized that she should have thought about this more carefully. After all, you couldn't simply take a dog onto the subway or buses. And she didn't have a car. And of course she would find herself adopting Japan's largest breed - the Akita. People crossed the street, avoiding them. Mothers pulled their children to safety. Even men ducked into stores to get out of their way.

 

Kagome laughed to herself. Well, this dog could come in handy! Whenever I want to be left alone, I just have to call Hijiri! Perhaps I should bring him to my next appointment with Tanaka-sama… Hijiri, oblivious to Kagome's inner-breakdown, strolled down the street as if he owned it. He probably could, they way people avoided them as if they had the Avian Flu. But they still had quite a ways to walk.

 

Sighing to herself, Kagome realized that she had to give in. Stopping to use a phone booth, Kagome held onto her newly acquired violet leash as she closed the door. Hijiri looked at her nervously, as if he already could not bear to be parted from her. Kagome smiled at him, and dialed.

 

Moments later, there was a voice on the line. “Good evening,” the woman said.

 

Kagome sighed. “I need you to pick me up. I hadn't thought about getting home…”

 

Half an hour later, Kagome was pulling Hijiri into the back seat of Kayo's little Mitsubishi. “Sorry again,” Kagome said.

 

“Don't worry about it,” Kayo smiled. She could already see the difference the dog made in Kagome's life. “What's his name?”

 

“Hijiri,” Kagome answered. The dog in question looked at his new owner expectantly. She patted him on the head, and he returned to looking out the window. “He's six, and his owner just left him.”

 

Kayo nodded. “That's usually the case. Things aren't great for dogs,” she told Kagome. “We would get one, but my husband is terribly afraid of them. He had one of those mothers that constantly told him that dogs are demons that will bite you for no reason.”

 

“I'm glad to have a friend like you,” Kagome said solemnly. Kagome knew that some families were like that, but her mother had never given her any prejudices, hence her big heart and even bigger soul. In hindsight, that might have been because her mother knew a very old, very powerful demon. The thought brought tears to her eyes. Had she grown up tolerant because of Sesshoumaru? Well, indirectly?

 

“What, Christian?” Kayo joked.

 

Kagome laughed. “No, sympathetic.”

 

~~~~~%~~@

 

Kagome had wanted to go home, but Kayo insisted on bringing her to buy some necessities. “You need to spend tonight bonding, and you don't want to leave such a large dog unattended so soon,” the experienced woman had explained. There was no arguing for it, so Kagome went along with it. After buying a gigantic bag of dog food and a pair of bowls that were equally huge, Kagome was cleaned out. The adoption fee had been more than she hoped, but it was worth it; going towards Hijiri's medical bills and helping with the other shelter animals, Kagome was happy to pay it. But now, she saw the difficulty. If she spent any more, she wouldn't have enough for the supplies she needed at the shrine.

 

“Kagome, you'll need a brush as well - Akita shed like crazy.”

 

Kagome looked at the brush longingly, but walked away without a word.

 

When they got back to the car - the window steamed up where Hijiri was panting, looking for Kagome - Kayo presented her friend with a bag of items: a brush, a few chew toys, and a blanket. Kagome tried to make her take them back, but there was no use. They spent the rest of the ride home with Kagome thanking Kayo, and Kayo brushing her off.

 

With a wave, Kagome said goodbye to her friend, who promised to visit in a few days. Kagome watched as the little blue sedan took off, the sky dark with night. Then, Kagome turned towards the shrine steps. She suddenly realized how tired she was. The day's excitement had worn off, leaving her weary. She looked up at the stairs. Hijiri followed her gaze, looking up as well, then back to her. He whined, not sure why the woman wasn't moving. Kagome looked down at him.

 

“Well, I guess there's no helping it.” She began to climb the steep steps. Hijiri followed cautiously. Kagome realized that he might not have ever been on stairs before. She stopped. “Are you okay?” she asked.

 

He cocked his head to the side, making her giggle.

 

“Okay,” she sighed. “Let's get it over with. I can't wait until I'm old and I'm in a wheelchair. Then I never have to go up these stupid steps again.” She clomped up the steps, Hijiri at her side, easily keeping pace.

 

Kagome began to slow, fatigue creeping through her muscles, and the dog watched her. Suddenly, he overtook her and was straining against the leash. At first, Kagome was just annoyed.

 

“I'm coming, I'm coming,” she said, her forehead crinkled irritably.

 

But then he pulled harder, and they were going up quickly. Kagome tugged back, but her strength was nothing compared to his bulk. Finally, about halfway up, she stopped resisting. And then, he was pulling her up. She barely had to work. She found herself laughing as he bore her weight, hauling her up the steps. By the time they were at the top, Kagome was laughing hysterically.

 

“That was actually fun!” she said, hugging the big white dog. He licked her face in agreement.

 

He merged seamlessly into life at the shrine. Kagome would wake up and meditate, and the big white dog would lie next to her, his face on his paws. When she took her shower, he waited patiently near her bed, chewing on a large bone. While she made breakfast, lunch or dinner, he laid on the threshold between the kitchen and living room, watching and subtly waiting for anything to fall to the floor. And while she putted around the shrine, he would lay under Goshinboku. She would return to him every now and then to pat him; at first he had followed her around, but the tourists and praying locals were not amused by his quirky “is he happy, or is he thinking of biting me?” smile, so she had asked him to stay away from the visitors, and he obeyed, keeping a steady vigil from a short distance away. At night, they would walk around the property. Hijiri would run after birds and squirrels - hunting was in his blood - and then turn to grin at Kagome, making her laugh. Later in the evening, they would curl up on the couch together and watch television or she would read. Then she would haul herself upstairs, leaning against the large dog, and crawl into bed. Hijiri slept next to her on the bed, his big furry head often on her body.

 

And he brought some amount of real joy to her life. The same night she brought him home, she attempted to bathe him. Of course, he was much stronger than her, and she received more of a shower than he, but all the same, he humored her. He seemed to know that she was a wounded soul, and did his best not to disappoint the beautiful miko. When he was in the tub, water only up to his knees, he yanked while she was holding on to his collar, and in she went. Both of them covered in suds, she proceeded to yell through her teeth - until she stood and saw herself in the mirror. Chuckling at first, she tried to wipe the bubbles away. Hearing her laugh, the dog gave a mighty shake, and she was once again covered in soapy soup. She couldn't help but have hysterics, and the dog's tongue lolled out in a big grin.

 

“Oh, yeah?” she asked playfully. “Think you're so tough, huh? Let's see how tough you are now!” Turning on the shower, Kagome cackled wickedly. The dog tried to get out, but Kagome held fast to his collar, and he didn't want to make her tumble out, so he stood there, defeated, his ears splayed out. Later, Kagome felt bad and gave him some dried fish, but he had learned his first lesson: avoid the bathtub at all costs.

 

Kagome wasn't kidding herself. She wasn't healed, and it still hurt to see her dog's white, expressive ears. But she couldn't deny that his non-judgmental companionship made her feel loved. And it was true, because Hijiri adored her from the minute they met.

 

It didn't take long for them to bond. A week after the enormous canine came to live with Kagome, a local thug came snooping around the shrine, hoping to find a donation box or something similar. He had been very quiet, but when he got to the Well House, he slid the door open, hoping that something of value would be inside.

 

The old wood, combined with the fact that Kagome hadn't opened those doors in nearly a year, creaked as it was pulled ajar. Instantly awake, Hijiri's giant ears perked in the direction of the sound. Too subtle for human ears, Kagome lay fast asleep. With a quiet `woof', the dog jumped off the bed and went to the window, but since Kagome's window - once her mother's window - didn't look out over the well house, he couldn't see anything. But he could definitely hear someone walking around on the wooden floors of the Well House, at that didn't sit with him. For a moment, he considered going alone, so as not to wake his new master. But in the end, the dog knew that he would never be able to open the door leading outside.

 

There are many more favorable ways to awaken than a big, cold, wet nose poking you in the cheek. However, this was not Kagome's fate. Apparently, the Gods were playing a very cruel trick on her. Was it not bad enough that she fell in love with one golden-eyed brother who had furry dog ears? Was it also not enough that she should happen to fall for the other golden-eyed brother, who could actually turn into a dog? No, it was not. She must have angered the Gods, because now she was being brought back from a lovely dream - one in which she was rolling around in the sheets with Johnny Depp - by a prodding, soggy, hard nose that was most definitely belonging to a dog. Ugh.

 

“Wha-”

 

The dog growled low and long, effectively hushing her. At first, she was ashamed to be frightened. But Hijiri looked away as he growled, towards the window. Kagome understood immediately, having heard Inuyasha growl as his ears flattened to his head; it was a menacing gesture meant to warn allies of danger… and enemies of his prowess. Kagome silently got out of bed and held on to the Akita's collar - she didn't have to bend, since he was so tall - and he led her downstairs. She would be unable to turn on any lights, so Hijiri guided her with his photosensitive eyes. When he stopped, she knew they had come to the kitchen door. Ironic, she thought as she realized the reason for the darkness, it's a New Moon. Since the shrine was elevated, they were able to see the sky without the light pollution of Tokyo. Slowly, she released the deadbolt on the door. Gently, she turned the knob. Carefully, she pulled the door open. Quietly, she pushed the screen door out. As soon as there was enough room, the dog bolted out, running in the direction of the Well House.

 

“Hijiri!” Kagome called in a whisper, her outstretched hand reaching. Hesitation gripped her. She did not know what was out there. But then again, if her dog got himself killed within a week of living with her…

 

She couldn't bear it. Not knowing. It came so naturally, even after all those years of disuse. Her body reacted automatically, and the next thing she knew, Kagome was outside, running towards the Well with her quiver on her back and an arrow nocked and ready to loose. She didn't remember reaching into the small closet in the living room for her old weapon, but she was glad for it.

 

When she reached the small wooden shack, Hijiri was standing outside of the door, almost as if waiting for whoever was inside to come out so he could surprise the intruder. It was a silly notion, and Kagome approached. His ears swiveled back towards her, noting her arrival. Then they perked again as his shoulders suddenly tensed, telling Kagome that someone was coming. Then, a black figure slinked from the shadows, creeping out from the little building. Immediately, the dog began to snarl viciously. Kagome was surprised, but in the almost non-existent light, she could see that this person was much younger than her. And he didn't appear to have a weapon.

 

The young man - barely out of High School - stopped dead in his tracks when he heard the rumbling growl. Slowly, he turned. The stark whiteness of the dog made him practically glow, and the teen thought he was seeing a ghost. Then Kagome - not about to be upstaged after fighting demons for so long - aimed her arrow at him. Her powers surged familiarly, and her entire body was lit with an incandescent flame.

 

“Leave this sacred ground, or you'll be sorry,” she said in her strongest tone. But, perhaps she was still a bit sleep-addled, because it wasn't as powerful as she would've liked. It came out raspy, like an old woman's voice.

 

The boy would never forget that night. He would go on to tell his grandchildren that they were to adhere to the Shinto ways. And when they misbehaved, he would recount the time he had tried to rob a haunted Shrine, and a Ghost Dog and its Miko Master had instructed him that they would forever haunt his progeny should they ever step out of line again. Needless to say, his children are some of the brightest in Tokyo, and the best behaved.

 

~~~~~%~~@

 

About a month after Hijiri came to live with Kagome, Tetsu came to see how his healer was doing. He had heard from his spying girlfriend that Kagome looked much better - almost happy. He recounted for her his great soccer games, and he aspired to be as good as her brother, Souta.

 

“If I can get my grades up a little more, maybe I can get into that school, too.”

 

Kagome twisted her mouth, knowing this would take some delicate maneuvering. “Tetsu, I believe you could do it, if your Japanese was better,” she started to say, and he tried to interrupt, but she gave him a stern look, “but when Souta had to leave he was heart-broken. He had to leave his girlfriend behind. And even when he visits, they are both very sad when he has to leave again. If I had known how hard it would be, I would've convinced him not to go.”

 

The boy let this sink in. “So you think I shouldn't try?”

 

“No. I'm saying you must choose what's more important. If you're going to choose Megumi, then make that work and forget about soccer. If playing is more important to you, however, you need to let her go before you both get hurt.” Kagome chose that moment to make more tea and went inside, the big white dog padding after her.

 

Tetsu was disturbed by what she had said. In truth, they were wise words. But they didn't sound like Kagome. She had been so passionate before, fiery and strong. Now, although she was living with her grief, that was all it was. Living. She seemed like she was coping well, and she was happier with the dog, but she obviously still harbored scars from whatever had happened before, and then the death of Inuyasha and her baby, Sango.

 

When she came back, Tetsu decided to change the subject. “Kagome, I don't know if you're up to it, but…” He trailed off, now wondering if this was the time to speak of such things.

 

But he had piqued her interest. “Hm? Up to what?”

 

“Er… I dunno…” He blushed lightly and scratched the back of his head.

 

Kagome frowned. “Tetsu, you wouldn't have said anything if you hadn't wanted to. Now, what is it?”

 

“Um… ok. You see… No. Er, I guess I should start by asking if you're strong?”

 

Kagome's face screwed up in confusion. “What?”

 

“Ah, no. I mean, are you strong enough? No, no, that's not right. Uh…”

 

Kagome rolled her eyes as she waited for the boy to gather his thoughts, and even Hijiri seemed frustrated as he sighed and lay hid head on his master's feet.

 

“OK. Here it is. So, there's this friend of mine. He, um, is in the hospital.”

 

“Oh, Tetsu…”

 

Her tone was chiding, so Tetsu began to backtrack. “Oh, okay, I'm sorry. I thought maybe… Never mind. I guess, I dunno, that you would… okay, never mind.” He placed his cup down and started to leave.

 

“Oh, wait! Tetsu…” Kagome stood up, reaching for him.

 

“Um, no. It's okay, Kagome. Never mind.” He trotted towards the stairs, a tear beginning to run down his cheek. Not just for Kagome's sake - the fearless, spirited woman he once knew - but for the friend who lay unconscious in his hospital bed, dying of pneumonia.

 

It kept Kagome up at night and ate at her all day; she really didn't want to expend that much energy anymore, but she had to know. A little over twenty-four hours after her little friend had run from her, Kagome was speaking with Tetsu's mother. The understanding mother called for her son, and the priestess asked him to come back to speak with her. He reluctantly agreed. He was once again at the shrine within an hour. Hijiri welcomed him with a lazy wag of his curled tail.

 

“I'm glad you came, Tetsu. I'm sorry if you got the wrong idea when you were last here, but I really want to know what your problem is.”

 

Tetsu looked at her askance. “Or maybe your curiosity got the best of you?”

 

“Er, yes. That too. But mostly I want to help.”

 

Her gritted smile told him otherwise, but he knew that this time, she wouldn't let him leave without hearing the story. Oh, well. Might as well get it over with.

 

“I know that you've been through a lot, so I'm not going to ask you to do anything, okay Kagome?” She nodded although he had a feeling she was only humoring him. “Well, my friend Hiro is on my soccer team. One day, after we almost lost a game because he didn't get this one shot in, he stayed to practice. I was worried, so I stayed to practice, too.” Tetsu's brow creased with worry. “It started to rain, so I began to run off the field, but he stayed. I shouted to him to get out of the rain, but he just kept kicking balls at the goal. I… I left.”

 

Now the boy's expression was sad and guilty, making Kagome want to wrap him up in her arms, but she wanted to hear the rest of the story. “At our next game, he looked sick. Like he had a fever. But he just kept pushing himself. He collapsed.” Here, Kagome's friend broke, putting his face in his hands. She rubbed his back, and after a few moments, he gathered himself. “They wanted to bring him to the hospital, but he begged them to take him home. When he got there, he let himself in, saying he would be fine and that his mother would take care of him. We… we should've known. There was no one there. His father was away on business and his mother and sister went to visit their sick grandmother. The next day, he didn't come to school, so I went to check on him. A-and… well, he was barely alive.”

 

The boy broke down, and Kagome consoled him, ashamed at herself for turning him away yesterday. She should have listened - this was obviously something that was bothering him. Her mind made up, Kagome shook Tetsu lightly. “Where is he?”

 

He sniffed, wiping his nose on his sleeve. “In th-the hospital.”

 

“The same one?”

 

He nodded weakly, but she had the information she needed. “Okay, then. We should probably go. Right now.”

 

“R-r-right now?” he repeated.

 

“Yep,” she replied, and the conviction in her eyes was not to be doubted.

 

Two hours later, the pair were in the elevator, alone - luckily - and discussing their plan. They needed to get anyone in the room out, and they had to be detained until the healing was over. Kagome's palms were clammy, as she wasn't even sure she could still heal. Sure, nothing had changed biologically, but she had been through so much in the past couple of years. Then again, maybe she had been watching too much anime; only in the cartoons did people suddenly lose their powers because they didn't believe in themselves. Oh, and in Spiderman.

 

And when an incredibly evil manifestation of the demons that an ancient miko once fought decides that you're dangerous and seals your powers…

 

“Kagome? Daijoubou-ku?”

 

She shook her head. “Hai! I'm fine, just thinking about something.” No sense in thinking about the past. There was no one to help her; she was on her own. Plus, there was the fact that she could feel the maladies of almost everyone in the building…

 

“What if his family is there?” Tetsu asked nervously.

 

This was the one scenario Kagome really hoped would not become reality. You couldn't ask the family of an unconscious boy to leave. Even to tell them she meant to help. “I… I honestly don't know. Pray to the gods, Tetsu.”

 

The boy nodded, and Kagome saw his jaw set. She wished she could drum up the courage she had given him.

 

The elevator dinged and they walked out. Tetsu led the way to Hiro's room and they peeked inside. To their dismay, they were faced with the worst possible scenario. Not only was his family there, but a few other teammates as well. She could barely feel him; he was extremely sick. Her lungs felt heavy, and she realized that the fluid in his lungs was slowly suffocating him.

 

Kagome's heart froze as she realized they were preparing him for death. This gave her some hope: she could pretend to be a priestess summoned to bless the child and prepare him for the afterlife. Well, she was already a priestess, but her duties did not include blessings for the nearly dead. She turned to her companion, but he interrupted her.

 

“You'd have to be a doctor to get them out of there.” His voice was barely a whisper and bleak, but the point was across.

 

Kagome's mouth shut. That was brilliant! It was the only way, and it was the easiest way, seeing as someone was already blessing the boy. Now, where to find…

 

As she looked around, Kagome saw a doctor entering a door. She tapped Tetsu and pointed. He didn't understand, but when she trotted to the same door, he went along. Standing outside as guard, he watched in amazement as Kagome let herself in, walking confidently up to the doctor she had just seen. He was buying a can of tea from a vending machine, and Kagome pretended to be waiting her turn. Luckily, she wore a blouse and skirt - perfectly acceptable doctor apparel. She was doubly blessed that so far, the room was empty, aside from the man ahead of her.

 

The older man picked up his oolong and turned to leave, but stopped when he noticed Kagome. He scrutinized her, and Kagome had to bite her lip to keep from bolting. She pretended to be deciding which type of drink she should get when he spoke.

 

“You…” he said, scrutinizing her, “you seem to be a little young to be a doctor at this hospital.”

 

All those years of being kidnapped by demons, hunted by Naraku, and hiding her emotions from Inuyasha were about to come in handy. Even though her heart was hammering in her chest and her nails were digging into her palms, sweaty as they were, she seemed like the visage of cool and collected.

 

“I am new here. Thank you for the compliment. I am actually thirty-one.” She bowed out of respect. “Higurashi Kagome.”

 

“Hmpf.” The man cocked an eyebrow as he judged her and then introduced himself. Kagome continued to falsely peruse the collection of teas and coffees, and without any other formalities, he left the room.

 

As soon as the door closed, however, the priestess bolted for the cubbies that belonged to each doctor. It took longer than she had wanted, but she found a white lab coat with an access card that looked close enough to her, pending she wear the glasses that were stored in the pocket. Using a pencil to put her hair in a more professional updo, Kagome checked herself in the mirror.

 

She wasn't sure what she should be more freaked out about - that she was impersonating a doctor and using her belongings, or that she could pass for thiry-one.

 

After deciding that she could do nothing more to look like the woman on the badge - Hiramoto Yuuki - Kagome left the room. She almost passed Tetsu, as he didn't recognize her and her vision was blurry from the prescription glasses.

 

“Wow, Kagome! You look… smart!” Kagome punched him in the arm. “Ow!”

 

“Be quiet! Look, I'll have to tell them that I need to do something. You go in there and pretend like you're visiting and back me up!”

 

“'Kay! Oh, wait…” He grabbed the tag hanging from her coat and examined it briefly. “See you in a minute, Doctor Hiramoto.” With a grin, the boy turned and ran to his friend's room.

 

Kagome took a deep breath and tried to concentrate, but between the intense sickness all around her and the headache that was beginning to form because of the glasses, she couldn't focus. She would have to do this blind.

 

Tetsu approached Hiro's bed and saw that the blessing was over and the monk had vanished. He blended with the others, and a few teammates nodded in acknowledgement, but no words were exchanged.

 

A minute later, Kagome strolled in, her back straightened to appear strong. “Excuse me, I'm very sorry. My name is-” Without rehearsing, she slipped up and told them her real name. “Higurashi Kagome. I know you want to be with young Hiro, but I need to check something. Would you mind leaving me alone with him for a few minutes?” She appeared to address everyone, but she looked to the mother, since she knew she would be the biggest problem.

 

“But we may only have a few minutes left with him! How could you ask that of us, Doctor?” The mother was quite distraught, her already swollen eyes preparing to dump a fresh set of tears onto her face.

 

Tetsu, pressed for time and worried that Kagome wouldn't get to him in time, stepped up. “Oh, Doctor Hira - er, I mean, Higurashi. I, uh, saw a documentary about you. You are a famous respiratory specialist.”

 

There were faint murmurings, and Kagome sent Tetsu a look that he was unsure of: either murderous traitor, or thanks for covering my ass. “Ah, yes. I am glad you saw that show.”

 

The father brought Hiro's mother aside and spoke to her quickly, although Kagome couldn't make any of it out. It seemed heated, but the father gestured to Hiro and Kagome several times. Finally, the mother knelt next to her son's bed and kissed his hand. Kagome could feel his heart labor to push the sickly blood and knew she had very little time left. As the father began to usher everyone out, Kagome placed a gentle hand on the woman's arm. She was reluctant to leave, but a few moments later she rose and walked out. Tetsu closed the door from within and hoped no one noticed he never came out.

 

Quickly, Kagome slipped the glasses that were hurting her head up as she pulled a chair over to Hiro's side. “Now remember, Tetsu, if I faint, you're gonna have to drag me out of here, even if it's by my hair. I can't get caught, and I don't want you to get in trouble, either.”

 

The boy nodded fervently. “I'll get you out no matter what.”

 

Kagome accepted this and turned to Hiro but just as she rolled up the coat sleeves, his heart gave up and the monitor began to sound a long beep. Kagome began to panic. She had never healed someone who was already dead. Could she do it? But there was no use debating it. She had to try. The medical team would be here any second. Parting the top part of the boy's yukata, she placed her hands on his chest and concentrated. Instantly, her pure light began to glow.

 

Tetsu had seen this before and watched the door, but he looked back to make sure Kagome was all right. He was deeply worried. Could Kagome still save him? Would she get a chance before the real doctors came?

 

Sweat beaded on her forehead as she poured her powers into the boy. She felt the liquid lessen in the boy's lungs, but his heart had not yet restarted. And yet, she could not break her focus to tell Tetsu to perform CPR. If he even knew CPR. By the second minute, Kagome's vision was blurry, but from the draining of her powers rather than from bad glasses. His lungs were almost devoid of fluid, and she had also brought down his temperature, but his heart still remained motionless. Using the techniques she learned in yoga, she blocked everything out of her mind. She imagined his heart beating in a healthy rhythm. She saw his veins moving his oxygenated blood in her mind. And then, she saw nothing.

 

Tetsu heard many things at the same time. There was a ruckus outside, which he could only hear bits and pieces of. `Why are you out here?' `… Doctor Higurashi… glasses and…' `… no such doctor.' “Um, Kagome, I think we should-” He turned to the miko, but she was slumped over in the chair. At the same moment, he noticed that the long note had stopped - his heart was beating again, and it sounded much healthier. Now he had to get them out. He promised her he would.

 

~~~~~%~~@

 

Sesshoumaru was leaving the office of the Chief of Surgery when he heard a commotion. Nurses were rushing past with defibrillators and other medical supplies. Then he heard the long tone of someone's monitor. He felt bad for whomever it was, but he wasn't interested; he had made up his mind that he would visit the Higurashi Shrine today.

 

Strolling towards the elevators, he felt the surge of power. It was unmistakable; Kagome. Using all his willpower to not use his extreme speed, he ran towards her aura, passing the others that were rushing that way. With trepidation, he realized that it was not only the same room that the coding was coming from, but also the one that all those doctors were rushing to; he stopped in his tracks. Her power calmed, although still strong, and then just as quickly, it was snuffed out completely. Like a bucket of ice cold water thrown over him, Sesshoumaru felt the hand of dread grip him. He ran once again, and as he passed the nurses' station, he heard a conversation between a family and one of the nurses. A doctor was also standing there, listening intently.

 

“Why are you out here? Shouldn't you be with your son?” a nurse asked a man.

 

“We are waiting for Doctor Higurashi to finish her tests,” a teenage girl said. The nurse looked puzzled, so the girl elaborated. “The one with the glasses.”

 

The doctor looked startled as the nurse replied, “There is no such doctor.”

 

Sesshoumaru was already at the door that the alarm had come from, but it had stopped; it was replaced by a steadily beeping sound. He rushed inside, hoping to find her. He could smell her in the area, but couldn't feel her potent aura.

 

~~~~~%~~@

 

Tetsu was in a jam. Even though his friend was alive and the monitor was reporting him as such, the nurses were surely still coming. Unfortunately, Kagome was heavy despite her slim figure, and he was almost sure that she, in fact, was now the dead one. Tears streamed down his face. If he had known that Kagome would have to give her life in order for Hiro to live, he would have selfishly chosen for Kagome to live. But there was no time. She had asked him to make sure they went undetected, and god damnit, he was going to do everything possible to keep her anonymous.

 

He was halfway to the door, dragging Kagome by the shoulders of the white lab coat, when the door swung open and a tall, statuesque man - obviously older by his long, white hair - practically ran in. Tetsu froze, scared witless, his face shining with tears.

 

The man looked at Kagome and gasped, and Tetsu could only say, “She's dead!”

 

__________END CHAPTER____________

 

End Notes: I did some research about animal shelters for this chapter, and got sucked in. Of course, dogs and cats have it bad all around the world - why should it be different from the U.S.? When looking for a “character” to play Kagome's new `man in her life', I came across Hijiri (yes, he's a real dog). If you'd like to see a picture of this handsome and funny boy, copy and paste to this address (fanfiction.net users, contact me, since ff won't allow non-ff addresses): http://www.arkbark.net/?q=en/node/873 If you'd like to help out, there's a page for donations. Like most non-kill shelters, they have `lifers': animals that won't find a home because of medical issues. Why not sponsor one? (FYI: I originally found Hijiri in October. It is now almost March, and he, as well as many others, have not been adopted.)

Also, please excuse my ignorance of the rites they give to the dying in hospitals. I'm going off my experience in America. Sorry for the cliffie!