Chapter 2: Tale and tales

After I heard the crunching footsteps of grandpa that are slowly fading as he exits the shrine, I exclaimed in anger that my plans in returning to the other world might fail. A hot stream of tears slowly flowed down to my cheeks as I tried to remember how it is hard for me to accomplish a quest where Sota's life is at stake. "Isn't it unfair that I was dragged in the well that connects to other world just to fulfill something that I didn't even agreed upon? Yet, here I am, sulking 'cause I can't cross to the other side just to save the life of my brother." I thought to myself as I keep on shedding tears. "This is insane! If I can't cross, then how come that, that stupid demon managed to come here in the first place?" I added while murmuring profane words at the same time.

"Please, bone-eater's well. Let me go back once more. I'll do anything you want as long as I can cross!" I cried whilst clenching my fist.

"Everything?" said the thousand voices that echoed inside the shrine.

"Who's there?"

"Silly girl," said the voice. "Don't act like you're innocent when it comes to these things. I am the well itself. You mentioned earlier to me that you're going to do anything just to cross because you want to save a dying life."

"My brother is not dying!" I retorted.

"Don't be ridiculous. I can sense from here his heartbeat and his soul.... it's trying to separate from his body but surprisingly, he's still trying to resist but I doubt that he'll last longer. If I were to picture him out, he's like a flickering candle where his light is getting dimmer as he is being consumed by the darkness slowly."

"Stop it! I-I'll just do anything you want, just say it!" I demanded.

The voices chuckled. "Such a brave girl. No wonder why a lot of people and demons love you so much. Even I, myself honestly is starting to like you too. So I'll let you cross this time in one condition."

"What condition?" I asked confidently without knowing how painful it might be to my hearing or feelings in general.

"You remain forever in the other world." the voice laughed as I nodded in agreement.

I got no option but to concede as I cover my mouth with my hand as I weep immensely as my body is slowly getting teleported to the other side. If this is the only way to save my brother, then I'll accept my fate at least I have my friends there especially, Inuyasha who is always there to protect me.

"This is not the time to be feebled, Kagome," I told myself as I tried to look up the blue sky as a momentary blast of sunlight shines through the well. "Does the bone-eater's well wants to make and see me in a sad situation by trapping me in this world forever? Well, he might have succeeded but not if I have Inuyasha." I thought to myself proudly as I march to the village while taking my last glance at the well that used to serve as my portal.

While walking through the forest, I felt like I was being watched. I tried to glance naturally as if I didn't notice anything. A moment later, acorns began falling in front of me and I wonder why is this happening when there is no acorn tree nearby nonetheless, that didn't halt me from going to my designated route and then, a boy jumped in front of the path and began cuddling me.

"Wait, who are you?" I asked shoving the boy away from me while he's trying to grab my waist.

"Kagome! I knew you'd come back, I knew it!" a familiar voice remarked as he welcomed me warmly.

I've never been deluding nor imagining things about a handsome boy acting like I was his long lost princess but this voice... If I'm not mistaken, it's Shippo!

"Oh Shippo, I missed you so much! How are you" I interrogated. "You don't have to show off your tricks and act like a prince just to impress me." I told him while pinching his face harder not only because of his cuteness, but also of his foolish act.

"Oh we're just doing just fine here but it will now be more nicer since you came back!" he babbled while hugging me as tight as he can. "By the way, Kagome why did you come back? How about your family? I thought you can't get back here but if that's not the case, then it would be much better because I can now demand again for some delicious snacks from your world! Amazing, right?" he questioned me with a bright smile but my only response was a frown.

"Ka-Kagome, I'm sorry if my questions sound so personal. Please forgive me. Did I say something wrong or is there something I should know?"

"Shippo, there's no need for you to do that," I assured. "We'll just talk about it at lady Kaede's house. Besides, I can't wait to see them now... especially Inuyasha. So come on!" I prompted.

Shippo transformed into a big balloon and carried me all the way to the village and when we got there, I saw the young villagers that stopped their playing for a moment and greeted me good morning. Looking from behind, I saw lady Kaede carrying a large basket full of medicines and other ingredients for her spiritual practices. I am not surprised when she greeted me with an unbelieving-expression while finding the exact words to utter.

"Lady Kaede, nice to meet you! It's me again, Kagome." I addressed.

"Impossible! How did you-"

I didn't let her finish asking instead, I urged her to get inside her house immediately so that I can explain the story, ask for advice, finish my mission and go back to the modern age as soon as possible. After explaining each and every detail why and what and how did all this bullshit happen, judging by the looks of lady Kaede, I'm very certain that she's clueless what to do.

"So Kagome, I am sorry to hear about what happened to your family earlier but since I don't possess the knowledge that my sister had, my only advice to you is to seek for help by praying at the shrine of the first priestess to ever walk in this country. Legend has it that she was the one who was responsible why the supreme deities granted humans like you with sacred powers. My sister used to tell me that before she went under the training to master her skills, she was told by the late great monk by the name Akihiro that, whoever calls and prays to the pioneer priestess shall be answered. Many people that time kept on praying to her shrine just to gain some assistance from the late priestess whatever their reason. Annoyed waiting for answers, people stopped visiting her one by one where her ashes were buried from her very shrine." lady Kaede explained while motioning her hands as she speaks. "But legend also says that the reason why the priestess doesn't listen to anyone is because, she only grants one wish and after that, there's no more to follow." she added.

"She must be waiting for a real wish!" Shippo chirped while stuffing his mouth with snacks that were suppose to be eaten on my journey.