The Snow Angel by SunsetMiko

The Well

Chapter 230 - The Well

*Running Away from Home* (Stella's Soundtrack Challenge 2)

When morning came, Kagome decided to skip breakfast. She said her goodbyes to the children and her friends the night before, and she had no desire to go through that again. Instead, Sesshoumaru had food brought to their room. The couple ate together while Kagome explained her plan to leave half of the shards with him for safety. If she didn't have the whole jewel on her, then hopefully the well wouldn't close and trap her in the future. Sesshoumaru hid the shards in their room because he had no intention of carrying them with him. It would defeat the purpose of separating the shards if they were close enough to be pulled together.

Kagome dressed mechanically, emptying her bag of everything but her textbooks so she could bring back as much supplies as possible, and all too soon she was ready to leave. The miko still had no idea how she was going to break the news to her mother, but she had to do so. She figured the words would come when she needed them, though she kept trying to plan out the conversation in her mind.

They both wanted this to be over with as soon as possible, so Sesshoumaru decided to use his youki orb to get Kagome to the well as quickly as possible. The sooner she got there, the sooner she would come back to him. Knowing that her family would like to spend some time with her before she left them the final time, the miko told her mate that she would return in one week's time. The separation was going to be torture, as they had yet to be apart, even for a short time. A week was going to test Sesshoumaru's patience and risk his very sanity, but he knew it was necessary. At least it wouldn't be happening again.

*Question* (Stella's Soundtrack Challenge 2)

When they reached the well, Kagome wrapped her arms tightly around the taiyoukai, fighting back tears. "I love you," she whispered, swallowing hard to keep from sobbing.

"I love you as well, my angel," Sesshoumaru replied softly. "Everything will be fine, and I will see you again in one week," he said, trying to sound reassuring even though he was falling apart inside. "Your mother will understand."

"I hope so," the miko whispered. She gave the taiyoukai one last long, lingering kiss before climbing up onto the wooden ledge. She turned to look at Sesshoumaru, just in case it was the last time she would see him, and stepped backwards, falling into the well. A rush of magic caught her, carrying her safely through the bright blue light to the bottom of the well.

Kagome looked up and saw the roof of the old well house. She sighed heavily, wiped her eyes with her sleeve, and began climbing up the ladder. She peeked through the doors, checking to make sure no one was around to see her, before sliding them open and stepping out. She closed the doors behind her and began the short walk to the house. The miko entered through the kitchen door to find her mother there, washing the breakfast dishes.

Mrs. Higurashi turned at the sound of the door and smiled at her daughter, though her smile quickly faded at the look on Kagome's face.

"Oh, Kagome. What's wrong?"