Two weeks.
How could I have been gone for two weeks?
It only felt like a few days at best. Was I really held captive for that long?
Why didn't Sesshomaru say anything?
I looked down at Shippo's face and watched him sleep comfortably in my arms, poor boy probably thought his mother had been killed. I run my hand up and down his back to comfort him and myself. To assure to myself that I will never allow myself to be separated from my son like that again.
"Keade where are the others?" I asked
"Sango should be here shortly for her checkup. As for Miroku, he went with Inuyasha to look for you. I assume they are back since his voice could be heard from anywhere in the village. The entire village has been keeping a look out for ye." She informed me while she put the pot of soup into the fire pit.
Guilt filled my heart at those words. "I am sorry Keade. I didn't leave by choice. I did get back as I soon as I could." I apologised.
"Not by choice? Child what happened?" she asked, her voice heavily laced with concern.
"I'd rather what for everyone to be present before I reveal what happened. It's a long story and one I only wish to say once." I spoke softly, trying not to wake Shippo as he began to stir.
The room became silent after that, neither one of us knew what to say.
"Kaede! Is it true?!" Sango cried out as she entered the hut and immediately froze when she saw me sitting by the fire. Her eyes filling with tears.
"Kagome!" She gasped. "Oh, thank Kami you are safe! What happened? Are you hurt?" She questioned as she walked to me and sat down, giving me a side so not to disturb Shippo.
"I am okay Sango, a little sore but otherwise okay." I reassured her, but by the look in her eyes, I could tell she didn't believe me completely.
"The others are on their way here, Mizuki as well. We are just relieved that you are back safely." She blubbered, trying to calm herself down from crying.
I stiffened at the mention of Mizuki. Yes, she is Inuyahsa's mate, and she seems nice on the outside. But I can sense how wary she is of me, how she considers me a threat. Not only because I was a love interest of inuyasha's, but mainly because I am a priestess, the Shikon Priestess.
Even though I have made it completely clear that I have no interest in him and that we are just friends, she still does not let down her guard. Not even when I proved repeatedly that I am friendly towards demons will she allow us to be friends. It's like she tolerates me because I am her Mate's ally.
It wasn't long before Miroku and Inuyasha and his mate came to the hut and gathered around the fire pit. Miroku showing his relief at seeing me next to Sango and telling me how happy he was to see his dear friend has returned safely.
Inuyasha sat near the entrance of the hut and grunted in agreement with Miruko words, guess he is still upset with me for returning with Ah-Un.
Mizuki sat cuddled up next to Inuyasha, with her head on his shoulder. Not once did she acknowledged me or ask about my wellbeing.
What a bitch. And not in the dog term.
"You going to tell us what happened or not wench. We didn't come here just for chit chat." Inuyasha huffed, interrupted Miroku.
"Inuyasha." I sternly spoke. "If you can't be nice then I suggest you leave."
He let out a growl but did nothing else. Mizuki on the other hand just glared at me before going back to playing with his hair.
I took a deep breathe and started explaining what happened the group a few gasps could be heard every now and then during my tale, but they remained silent until I was done. I didn't mention the visions or the way the northern lord greeted me. I even left out details from being at Sesshomaru's Shiro. However, I did tell them about the jewel.
"You wished the jewel away..." Inuyasha whispered in shock.
I nodded in confirmation and tugged at my necklace until the jewel came out of my Kimono and held it up for all to see.
"It turned a deep sapphire blue after the wish was made. Now it is just a regular jewel stone. Its still has an unearthly presence around it, but otherwise it's just normal." I explained. Pulling it over my head and handing it to Sango so that she can inspect it and pass it on.
"I can't believe that it is gone." Sango whispered into the air.
Looking at the jewel in wonder before letting Miroku take it, gently from her fingers.
"Remarkable! I thought the jewel itself would disappear as well when the wish was made." He thought out loud. Twisting the jewel between his finger and holding it up to his eye to look closely at it.
I turned my attention towards Inuyasha as Miroku continued to his examination, he was suspiciously quiet. He was staring in the fire pit with a blank expression on his face, like he was deep in thought. His mate on the other hand, looked pissed and I could see her whispering into his ear. I may not have demon hearing, but I am not blind.
I suddenly felt a tap on my shoulder and looked to the left, realizing it was Kaede who was trying to get my attention.
"Ye did the right thing child. I am proud of you for what you have accomplished." She smiled at me and then stood up, walking out of the hut.
My heart swelled with happiness at her words, and I smiled softly in the direction where she left.
"I don't understand why you fulfilled that silly spirit's wish. You could have just refused and gave the jewel to my mate. Like you promised from the beginning." Mizuki scoffed, drawing my attention to her.
I glared at her as I spoke, "Well I don't see how your input in this situation is necessary, seeing how you didn't travel with us during the time of Naraku and only just entered in this group." I spoke calmly and watched as she looked at me like I slapped her.
Everyone in the hut was quiet and just looked between Mizuki and I.
Waiting to see what would happen next.
She growls and lets her demonic energy expand from her and towards me. I erect a barrier around my friends and I, except for Inuyasha. And watch as her power sizzles against mine.
"Do you really think that your power out matches my own, Mizuki? Pathetic." I scoff. Gently handing Shippo to Sango in case it came down to a fight.
She growled in anger before getting up and storming out of the hut. There was an awkward silence throughout the hut after she left, but I was not going to let it last.
"Do you feel the same as she does Inuyasha?" I questioned calmly.
I looked straight at him and waited for an answer, watching as his gaze left the fire pit and met mine.
"No. I know you did the right thing, and it's better for the world that you wished it away. But part of me will always wonder what could have been?" he calmly answered.
I could feel Miroku and Sango let out a sigh of relief as he spoke, I guess they were worried about how he would answer.
"Well then maybe you need to remind your mate of how different things would have been if the jewel was used selfishly. The consequences that would have been unleashed upon the world." I lectured as I took the jewel back and pulled myself up from the mat and walked out of the hut.
Once the sun hit my face, I took a deep breath and let the cool crisp air awaken my mind and body.
I watch from a distance as people walk around the town and working the fields, preparing for the new season.
I walk around the border, just slowly taking notice of what all needs to be done tomorrow that I can help with. After completing the circle around the village, I begin to make a mental note of all the herbs I need to pick first and then the baskets I need to make to store them.
As I began the path that leads to my hut, I would stop and pick a few berries along the way. When I finally got to the clearing that not only housed my hut, but also housed the very object that brought me to this time.
The well.
I fondly smile at the thing that started this all, that brought me on this journey that led to the nice life I am living now. Though I will always miss and love my family, I have accepted this new life and have found happiness in my own way.
As I come a few feet closer to my hut, I notice a knitted bag to the left of the door.
I raise a brow in question as I get closer to it. I quickly scan the area with my powers, upon not detecting any enemies or threats nearby, I approach the bag and gently poke it. When nothing happens, I lift the lid and look inside.
I let out a giggle at the sight before me, I should have known. After all, the villagers always leave me some fish once a week.
I pick up the bag and slowly drain the water from the container before carrying it inside and preparing the fire to cook.
Once the fire is started, I stack up three logs above the fire in the shape of a tipi and then get started on the fish. Seasoning them and shoving the stick down the fishes mouths, I set them next to the fire to cook.
I turn around and look towards the solar power clock I brought here on my last trip, seeing that it is fifteen past five, the kids should be on their way over for dinner. Despite not knowing time, Shippo has always had a keen sense of mealtimes, bedtimes, and when to wake up.
I walk out the hut and sure enough I see Shippo and Rin walking up the path towards me.
I smile and wave as they get closer, which makes them start running towards me instead of walking.
"Mama! We found you!" Shippo yells as he runs into me, giving me a hug.
"Kagome! Rin is so happy that you are back safely!" she exclaimed as she hugged my knees.
I wrapped an arm around Shippo and rested a hand on top of Rin's head, lightly tussling it.
I ushered the kids inside and we played a few rounds of a card game I taught them a month or so ago. by the time we finished the fourth round, the fish were done cooking and we put the game away.
While we were eating Shippo and Rin told me about what they did during the time of my absence. They talked about all the flowers they picked and all the people they helped by sorting herb and doing laundry, while the adults looked for me.
I felt a bit guilty for disappearing the way I did but I am glad that the others took care of them while I was away.
"Shippo? Rin? Now that we have finished dinner, would you like to color with the crayons until bedtime?" I ask, wanting to spend a little more time with them.
"Yes!" they both squealed.
I laughed at their excitement and went to the trunk I had by my bedroom door. I had just gotten 3 colouring books and a box of crayons out of the trunk when my Reiki senses alerted me to an unknown youkai presence nearby, quickly approaching.
By the way Shippo came over to me and grabbed my hand, I could tell he sensed it as well. I quickly give him a reassuring smile and hand him the colouring supplies. "Here you go sweetie. Why don't you give Rin a book and start colouring? I am going to go check the wards on the side of the hut."
He nodded his head and walked back to Rin with the supplies and started to distract her from the current situation. While I slowly made my way to the front door without being noticed and stepped outside. Waiting for the demon to show itself.