InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ The Choice of Fate ❯ Back to Reality ( Chapter 1 )

Chapter One: Back to Reality

 

Kagome rose from the veils of darkness that surrounded her as the pained cries echoed in her skull. Opening her moist eyes, she awoke to her familiar bedroom, and her mothers gentle embrace. Crying fiercely, she clung to her mother, her lifeline to this reality.

“Oh, Kagome dear. It's gonna be alright. It was just a nightmare.” Mrs. Higurashi whispered into her daughters hair.

“But it was a real nightmare, momma…” Kagome cried.

“I know sweetie, but time has helped heal some of the damage. What you went through will take a long time to heal.”

“I know momma, but these dreams make it feel like it was just yesterday. I can still see them…” Burrowing further into her mothers arms. “ They were all so happy, and just like that, they were gone. All because of my mistake.”

“Kagome, there was no way you could foresee what would happen. You did what you thought was best at the time, and that's all any of us can do.”

“I know momma. Thank you for being here.” Kagome said softly.

 

 

*****

 

Kagome quickly shut the door to her house as she ran to catch the bus. `Oh, I'm soooo late!' she thought. Running for the steps that led away from her home, she glanced sideways at the well house. Sadness pooled in her heart as memories surfaced.

 

*****FLASHBACK*****

 

“So, do you know what you're going to do?” Sango asked her as they both soaked in the refreshing hot spring.

“I'm not really sure. Now that the Shikon no Tama is finally complete, and Naraku destroyed, I don't know how much longer I'll be able to stay here.” Kagome told the taijiya as she dipped her ebony hair in the warm water.

“You know that you could always stay here in this time.” Sango told her.

Kagome looked over at the demon exterminator, the woman who had grown to be like a sister to her, and felt torn. Part of her wanted to stay, to live out her life with her friends in the feudal age, but she also thought of life without her mom, Souta, and her grandfather. She wanted both, but felt in her heart that time would soon make the choice for her if she did not. `Oh, which path do I choose?' The question resonated through her mind. “Hmmm…” She muttered as she fingered the shining jewel around her neck.

 

*****END FLASHBACK*****

 

Kagome unconsciously raised her fingers to her collarbone, longing for the feel of the jewel around her neck, longing for the chance to right the wrongs of the past. Remorse darkened her chestnut eyes. “I'm so sorry Sango.” She said softly. “If I'd only known, you'd still be alive.”

Shaking her head, “That was a long time ago.” Forcing her thoughts back to the task at hand, she shrieked as she saw the bus heading towards her stop. “Ah, chikusho!” Kagome cursed as she bolted down the steep steps.

 

*****

 

Yoru stood motionless, looking out the window at the bright day. It was always like this, the same repetitive nonsense that plagued his days. Where was the challenge, the adventure in life?

“Yo, Yoru! Get your butt in gear and get back to work!” Someone shouted at him.

Sighing, while grinding his teeth, Yoru turned and grabbed the mop and bucket and continued down the hallway. The incessant chatter of teens rang through his head. “I really hate this fucking job” he muttered to himself.

 

*****

 

Kagome sprang into a run as the bus opened its doors. `Agh, he's gonna kill me', she thought miserably. Barreling past the other students, she took the stairs two at a time, and flew onto the second floor landing. Rounding a corner, she didn't even have time to react before the floor slipped out from under her. *Thud* Rubbing her sore rear, Kagome looked at the Caution - Wet floor sign in front of her, then up at the startled janitor. `Such intense eyes' she thought suddenly. Pulling her thoughts out of the gutter, she tried to get herself up and almost slipped a second time.

“Here”, the janitor said.

Looking up, Kagome found his outstretched hand and gratefully took it. Goosebumps ran through her at the brief contact. `What the hell?', she berated herself. `Stop thinking about Mr. Intense eyes and focus on this test.' Picking up her bag, she saw how her entire backside was soaked and growled. “Kuso!” Looking at the bemused janitor, she simply said “Arigato” before taking off at full speed for her class.

 

Yoru watched as the young woman took off, wet clothes clinging to her legs, and felt a twinge of shock at the smile creeping onto his lips.