Rating - PG-13 (although may change at a later date to R...I don't know yet for.) for Inuyasha language (geeze, go figure) Fighting (now that is unusual for Inuyasha right?) and all that other stuffs.

Disclaimer: I don't own Inuyasha and company...but I keep searching for him on E-bay. Maybe one day I will get lucky! (Yup, I keep trying. What I won't do to be able to own those doggie ears!)

Like I said, tis my first time, so be gentle, that doesn't mean go easy, but it does mean, be sure to explain something if you don't like it. Don't just flame… explain! But don't forget to let me know if I am doing something right. :P

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The Whispers of a Well and The Fate of Them All

Chapter Five ~ Looking Inside Oneself for Answers

Waking up before anyone else, Inuyasha notices that Kagome's color has returned to normal and seems to be sleeping easier then when he went to sleep. 'Well, maybe a good nights sleep was what she needed.'

Shippou starts to wake up. Grabbing the young kitsune and putting a hand over his mouth before he yells out, he walks out of Kagome's room and removes his hand. Twitching his ears down the stairs he hears people moving around in the kitchen.

"Quite you. Let Kagome sleep. If you are hungry I will take you downstairs to get something to eat." With a nod from the still sleepy Shippou they heads downstairs.

Coming into the kitchen he notices Souta, and Kagome's grandfather sitting down to get ready for breakfast. Kagome's mother is busy fixing the food. She glances over at them as they enter the room. "Come on in you two and sit down. Breakfast will be ready shortly. Is Kagome up yet?"

Sitting himself down and putting Shippou down in a chair next to him he replies, "No, not yet. I figured it was better to let her sleep."

"Good idea Inuyasha. I am sure she could do with the extra sleep. Besides, once she smells the food I am sure she will be up pretty quick asking for coffee."

Glancing over at the fox demon the old man speaks up, "Isn't it bad enough we have one demon in the house? Now we have another one? Who said you could come here?"

Inuyasha puts his ears down lightly on his head. He has heard this sort of thing before from many people. With his head down he glances over at Shippou who has a stunned look upon his face.

With that Mrs. Higurashi turns around quickly and giving a dangerous look at her father she says, "Dad, you know darn well that Kagome's friends are welcome here. In fact the rest of Kagome's family from the feudal age will be here today. I invited everyone over for dinner. You will show them respect while they are here. The young one is named Shippou-chan. I will NOT tolerate such behavior from you. Your granddaughter has been traveling with these two for almost a year and they are her family as well as I consider them part of our family as well. DO I MAKE MYSELF CLEAR?"

Souta hearing this suddenly beams with pride. "Inu-no-oniichan and Shippou are part of our family. Too cool! Does that mean that they are like brothers to me? That would be so great!"

Inuyasha looks over at Mrs. Higurashi curiously. 'She defended us from her own father?'

Shippou on the other hand is giggling at Souta's outburst and says, "I never had a brother before. I think that would be great too! That means I can come over more and play with you while Kagome is here." And gives a big smile. "I would like that a lot!"

Kagome's mother brings the food over to the table and grabs Shippou's plate. "Would you like me to make up a plate for you? Since your arms may not reach everything."

"Hai, please." As he jumps around his chair at all the different smelling foods.

Laughing she dishes him up some pancakes with butter and syrup and cutting them into bite size pieces. "I figured with Shippou-chan here, chocolate chip pancakes would be a good breakfast for his first sleep-over. I hope you like them."

"They are made with chocolate? WOW! I am sure I will like them then." Mouth watering as she watches her fix up a plate for him.

Souta, and Grandpa have already grabbed their own and Inuyasha feeling out of place just grabs his cup and goes over to pour himself some coffee.

"Help yourself dear." Mrs. Higurashi replies when she sees him get back. "You may want to add some syrup to them like I did with Shippou-chan. It makes them taste even better." She proceeds to give Shippou his own plate full of pancakes. Who starts eating them like he hasn't eaten for a week.

Giving her a slight nod he puts a couple on his plate and adds the syrup. Sniffing them slightly he can smell the chocolate. Tasting them he finds that they really do taste as good as they smell and starts gobbling them down just as fast as the kitsune.

Hearing movement coming down the stairs he moves a single ear towards the door and then suddenly turns over to see Kagome enter the room wearing her pajamas.

"Morning all. Mama, is the coffee ready?" She gives a yawn and then rubs her eyes.

Laughing lightly Mama looks over at Inuyasha and says, "See, what did I tell you." Looking over at her daughter she replies, "Hai, dear. Coffee is ready. Grab yourself a cup and come join us."

"Thanks mama." With that she goes over and pours herself a cup of coffee adding some sugar and then grabs a seat next to Shippou. "I see Mama make chocolate chip pancakes for you Shippou-chan. They are Souta's favorite too." She proceeds to grab some for herself and looks over at the hanyou. "Although, I think Inuyasha has found a rival to Ramen."

Pausing slightly he looks up from his food. "Ramen is better," he replies simply before attacking his food again.

Laughter comes from both Higurashi women at the reply. Kagome looks over at Souta and asks, "Souta, would you mind keeping Shippou-chan company today while Inuyasha and I go and get the others? Would that be ok with you Shippou?"

"I would be happy to play with Shippou. Maybe I could show you how to play the Playstation I have." Glancing over at the young kitsune who gives him a big smile and a nod.

"That would be a lot of fun!"

"Well, that is settled then," replied the young Miko. "Grandpa, I don't want you trying to seal anyone. There will be two other youkai coming to dinner. I think you and Myouga will have a lot in common. But Kirara will rather sit on Sango's lap."

"What would I have in common with him?" the older Higurashi replies sulking over his teacup.

"Myouga is Inuyasha retainer. He has a lot of knowledge on many things and always is looking for more. And I know you have a lot of knowledge to share." Groaning as she remembers his attempts to educate her in the knowledge 'passed down from generation to generation.'

Looking over at the hanyou he asks, "Why would you have a retainer?"

Never looking up Inuyasha lowers his ears slightly catching his tone as being skeptical.

Mrs. Higurashi replies in a mater-of-fact tone, "Actually dad, he was Inuyasha's fathers retainer. But when his father died, Myouga became his retainer."

"Why would his father have a retainer then?" he looks over at his daughter.

"Because he was the ruling lord of the Kyushu area," she replies simply.

"Wow, Inu-no-oniichan! Does that mean you are a prince?" Asks Souta taking an interest in the conversation and looking over at him.

"Feh, I don't know. I never really knew my father, and never asked." He replies quietly.

Mr. Higurashi looks back over at the young hanyou with an odd look in his eye. But doesn't say anything more. 'I think I will have to have a talk with my daughter later.'

Quickly getting up Inuyasha puts his plates in the sink as he saw Kagome's mother do last night he then says, "I will be upstairs." Then leaves the room.

Kagome watching this all take place and decides to have a talk with Inuyasha after she finishes breakfast. Looking over at her mother she catches her eye and glances over at her grandfather quickly. Her mother catching her meaning gives a slight nod.

Souta and Shippou having lost interest in the whole thing start talking again about the 'Playstation' and what games he has.

After she finishes she gets up and puts her dishes in the sink. "Mama, do you mind if I go get changed before I help you with cleaning up?"

"Don't worry about it dear. I can handle this easy. Besides, you have to get ready to go get your friends. Before you leave though, I need some items from the market. Would you and Inuyasha mind getting them for me? I will have a list ready shortly."

"Hai, mama. I am sure we could grab them quickly enough."

"Can I come with you Kagome?" asks the little youkai.

"I don't see why not. You will have to do your illusion spell to remove your tail though."

"Hai, no problem." Giving Kagome a big grin.

"Can I go too?" asks Souta.

"I don't see why not."

"Thanks sis!"

With that she leaves to go to her room. Once there she sees Inuyasha sitting on her bed looking out the window. His ear cocked towards her as the only evidence that he noticed her come in.

Walking over to where he is sitting she sits down next to him, and looks over at him. "Inuyasha?"

Glancing over at her, "Nani?"

"Are you alright?"

"Feh, I am fine wench. Why wouldn't I be?" He goes back to looking out the window.

"Don't pay any mind to my grandfather, he doesn't know you like I know you. He only knows about demons from what he has read. And mostly demons are written to look like Sesshomuru. He doesn't know that there are good demons with kind hearts like you, Shippou, Myouga, Kirara, and others. He needs time to realize that not everything he reads is true."

"All demons are evil."

"Baka, you know that isn't true. You and the others are not evil. You all have good, kind hearts. I know you grew up with this hate, but would you judge me like those who call you a lousy hanyou?"

Looking at her, then down at the floor he admits, "No."

"Even though when we first met you tried to kill me to gain the Shikon no Tama. Would you try to kill me now if I had the Shikon no Tama here in my hand?"

Looking back at her like she was crazy he replies, "I wouldn't kill you, you know that." Giving a bit of an evil grin he adds, "Although I may try to steal it though."

Smiling at his reply she continues. "Inuyasha, when we first met, you tried to kill me. Then when we had to work together to recover the shards, we learned to trust one another. Now I consider you one of my closest friends and I hope in my heart you consider me your friend. Give my grandfather time to understand that which I knew when I first met you. That all is not as it seems. Even when we first started working together I noticed that you had a kind heart. Although you try to hide it, I saw your actions speak louder then the tone of your voice. My grandfather will see this as well. My mother has already seen it. I know she thinks fondly of you. And Souta, well, lets face it, you're his hero."

"Feh" he replies quietly. 'She thinks I have a kind heart? She thinks of me as one of her closest friends? But how can this be? I am only a hanyou, not human and not demon. Why would she be so different from all the others I have ever met? But then again, with her help, I have a pack of humans who also accept me for who I am. As does her mother and brother. I don't understand this at all.'

"Also, I am sorry that you had to wear a hat yesterday when we went to the mall. It isn't because I am ashamed of who you are. But since here in my time people don't see ones with ears as yours. Well, you remember when my mother first met you she ran up and started rubbing your ears, and the Souta asked if he could do it next. Well… it would be like that except a lot worse when others see you." Chuckling slightly, "And since I know you don't like your ears rubbed. I figured this would be safer, ne?"

"Feh, they better not rub my ears." Cracking his knuckles as he replies. "People and there damn fascination with them."

"Well, anyways. Go get your new clothes on. Mama put them in the guest room. We have to the market and pick up some items for dinner. Shippou and Souta are coming with us, so please, no hitting Shippou on the head while we are out," she adds while laughing.

"Feh, whatever." And with that he gets up to walk out to go change leaving her to do the same.

After brushing her hair and dressing in a simple blue sun dress she goes downstairs into the living room to find that Souta lent Shippou some of his smaller clothes. Shippou in turn has removed his tail. "Shippou, how long can you do that for?" Souta asks. "For however long I need to. Making a tail invisible is easy. Trying to do change my whole form for a long period of time, now that I couldn't do as easily."

Laughing Kagome adds, "Although, he does a great impression of me. He did it one time to help me against the younger thunder brother. I was quite impressed."

Beaming with pride the little kitsune adds, "You where?"

"Feh, it wasn't that good."

Everyone glances over at the doorway where a certain hanyou leans against the wall. Dressed in the shirt that Kagome picked out, (the dark blue one with flames on the sleeves and a tribal dragon on the chest) and a pair of black jeans. He also has a black baseball cap over his ears. His silver hair still unbound flowing down his back.

Kagome's heart suddenly stops. 'Wow, he looks better then he did before.'

Shippou of course notices he is not wearing his normal red outfit and says, "Inuyasha, you look really different. You and I look like we are humans!" And with that starts giggling.

"Feh, I only have to dress like this here cause Kagome's mom said I would fit in better."

Mrs. Higurashi comes into the living room with her list. "Inuyasha, those cloths fit you well. Shippou-chan, you look adorable as ever. Here is the list for you Kagome, and some cash. It isn't a long one."

Walking with the group over to the front door. Souta showing Shippou how to put on the shoes that he gave him. Inuyasha leans down to put on his shoes. Kagome, being a normal teenage girl can't help but watch him do so. 'What a view! Ack, did I just think that! Geeze, I am almost as bad as Miroku.'

Of course her mother notices where her daughters eyes have wandered and goes over to her whispering. "You know as nice of a view as it is… you can't stand here all day."

Blushing she looks over at her mom she replies just as quietly, "Um, I, um, sorry… I couldn't help myself."

Laughing her mother replies, "That is ok dear, I was once young too. Now hurry up and go get those items so you can go get your friends."

"Hai, Mama." And with that runs over to put on her shoes and runs out the door.

Of course, mister great hearing heard all of that and doesn't know what to make of it. 'What does she mean, nice view? I will never understand females.'

Shippou and Souta just giggle as they join Kagome outside with Inuyasha behind them.

Shippou and Souta walk in front while Kagome and Inuyasha walk side by side. Shippou of course asks a million and one questions which Souta tries to answer to the best of his abilities, Inuyasha just looks around and listens to Souta's answers to things he himself didn't ask.

After the shopping is done they return back to the shrine. Dropping off the items they get ready to go back to the feudal age. Walking up to the well, the hanyou is back in his normal rat fire attire and Kagome is still dressed in her simple sundress.

"I hope nothing happens right now. I just want everyone to meet." Says a slightly nervous Miko.

"I am sure we will be fine. Besides we will be ready for anything."

"Hai. Well, lets get this over with."

And with that they both jump into the well, surrounded by the familiar blue light. But suddenly a voice speaks out:

'Look inside your hearts and truthfully what do you see?

What is your greatest fear?

What is your greatest hope?

Look deep inside and answer these questions.

Know yourself and know each other,

Love, Honor, Trust, Courage, Strength, and Truth.

The bonds you have forged are stronger then any steel.'

Suddenly the voice is gone, and they find themselves on the other side of the well. Jumping out of the well, they start walking to Kaede's hut.

"Greatest hope and greatest fear? Know yourself and know each other? These voices can't get any more obscure can they?" asks Inuyasha.

"Actually, this time it seems the voices want us to find answers within ourselves instead of from an outside source. Only you can answer what is your greatest hope and greatest fear. Not to mention knowing yourself and knowing how you see the others. I am assuming they mean the others in our group." Kagome looking ahead but not really seeing, for she herself is deep in thought.

Looking at Kagome for a minute before looking forward. 'My greatest fear? Not being able to protect Kagome for one. My greatest hope? It was, at one time, to become a full demon, but now, I am not sure. Knowing myself, hell I am a hanyou. Everyone has told me what I am and what that means. Or at least that use to be true. Kagome, the pack, and even Kagome's family have showed me that being hanyou isn't seen as a curse in their eyes. Knowing the others, they are strong. They fight well.'

Kagome is thinking upon the questions as well. 'My greatest hope is that Inuyasha looks upon me with the same love as he holds for Kikyou. My greatest fear is that he will go to hell with her after Naraku is dead. Not to mention that he looks upon me because he sees Kikyou in me. Knowing myself, being honest with my feelings, thoughts, and accept myself, and all my limitations. Knowing the others, I know they are strong on their own but stronger when together. I know them all and call them all my friends. I feel honored to have them all in my life the way that I do.

At last they come to the hut. Going inside the others look up and greet them. Kagome relays the latest voices request and what she thinks it means, and how it differs from the others. Not to mention the request that everyone prepares for anything and bring their weapons with them for when they return through the well.

"This is very interesting Kagome-sama. I do believe you are correct though in your reasoning though." The Monk ponders.

"Oi, that reminds me," replies the hanyou. "Kaede-baba, should we test your ideas about what happened to Kagome?"

"Hai, Inuyasha, you are right. We should indeed test Kagome's powers. Kagome, child please grab you bow and come with me." With that she leaves the hut. Kagome grabs her bow and follows as does all the others.

Coming to the forest, the older Miko asks Kagome to focus her powers and try to hit the tree in front of her. Doing as she was asked Kagome lets the arrow fly with a large trail of purple energy. Upon impact with the arrow the tree explodes from the energy. The others gasp as they look on in amazement. Testing her distance the Miko asks Kagome to shoot an arrow at a tree some distance away. Never being able to hit something so far before she doubts she can but tries anyways. Repeating the process of putting her abilities into the arrow she lets the second one fly. Many yards away the tree she was aiming at again explodes like the first.

Afterwards she wavers and almost falls to her knees but is stopped by the quick reflexes of a certain hanyou who keeps her on her feet but doesn't loosen his grip. "Thanks Inuyasha. I don't know what happened, but I think it took a bit out of me.

"Tis as I thought. Child your powers have been unlocked. Ye hold within yourself one of the greatest powers I have ever seen. Not even my sister, who was more powerful then I, had the amount of power that you possess. But since you are not use to the immense drain on your energy you can only use it a few times at full power. As you use it more, you will be able to do it more times. Beware the drain upon your body. I shudder to think what might happen if you use up all your energy. Ye think have enough energy to use the bow one more time. But if ye where to use it a fourth time, I don't think ye could not survive it."

"Hai, Kaede-baachan. I don't think I want to find that out personally either." She replies while leaning up against Inuyasha's chest while she recovers her energy.

"Kaede-sama, she can use arrows with less energy can she not?" asks the young taiji-ya walking up to her sister.

"Hai, she can. But I do not think she realized how much power she put into the arrows when she did it. It may take some adjustment on her part to get them to the energy level she wants." The older Miko looks thoughtfully at the first tree that is now just a pile of splinters.

Sitting on his perch on the fire cat's ear Myouga watches all that has transpired. 'This young girl is to truly be a powerful force.'

"Well, Kagome-sama, your arrows have always helped us before. I think that they will be even more of an asset to our group now," the monk said while looking at Kagome.

"Hai, I agree Houshi-dono. This group will now be even stronger then ever before. Ye all know each other's strengths and weaknesses. Ye work together as a group for a common goal. And together there is nothing ye all can't accomplish." With that the older Miko turned back to the group. "But in the mean time, come. We need to prepare to go to Kagome's time.

With that the others turn to go back to the hut. Inuyasha still holding on to Kagome who is still a bit weak from her energy drain looks down at the girl. She looks back up at him and smiles weakly. "Looks like even though I have gained some powers I still need you to protect me, if only from my own weakness. But then again, is it really weakness to ask for help from another or is it that maybe one becomes stronger when one knows their own limitations."

"Feh, you are stronger now then ever before. But I will still protect you like I promised." With that he lets go of her and offers her his back to climb up on.

"You know. You got to quite doing this. I might get to use to it." She chuckles lightly and gets on.

"Quite doing what?" he asks puzzled.

"Quite being so nice. But don't get me wrong I like it. It is better then being called a weak human."

"But you are a weak human. And I am not being nice. I just promised your mother to watch out for you."

"Thank you Inuyasha, I am grateful." Smiling she lays her head upon his shoulder and they set off after the others.

Once inside the hut, Inuyasha sets her down by the fire. The rest are gathering their items as if they where about to go on a journey. Kirara comes over to Kagome and sits down on her lap. A certain flea jumps up to Kagome's shoulder and asks, "Lady Kagome, I was wondering. Have you thought about the reasoning behind being able to travel through time using the well?"

"Actually, no. I was always thinking that it was the Shikon no Tama creating the actual portal. I never understood why it used the well."

Head down and arms folded the flea replies, "Maybe we will have these questions answered from the voices as well."

"It would be interesting to find out, that is for sure," replies the young Miko.

With everyone ready to go to Kagome's time they all set out to the well. Inuyasha keeps a close eye on Kagome to make sure she still has recovered from her earlier tests. Once at the well, Kagome hands each member a shard. She says, "Sango and I will try first, and if it works I will come back."

Both Sango and Kagome sit upon the lip of the well, holding hands they drop down into the well together, while the others watch. The blue light surrounds them both and they appear on Kagome's side. "It worked." Kagome smiles at Sango. "Go ahead and climb up to the top. Leave Hiraikotswu next to the well. I will be right back."

Sango nods and starts climbing the ladder to the top of the well, as Kagome climbs the ladder slightly before jumping back down and back to the feudal age. Once back Inuyasha jumps down and grabs her to help her back up. "Well, it worked. Sango is on the other side. Inuyasha, would you take Kaede-baachan next please."

Inuyasha nods and offers his back to Kaede, who climbs on. He then proceeds to jump into the well where both suddenly disappear.

"Kirara and Myouga will go with me when he gets back. Miroku, you will go with Inuyasha, alright."

"Certainly Lady Kagome," replies the monk.

Inuyasha suddenly jumps out of the well. "Kaede-baba is waiting with Sango."

"Ok, I will take Kirara and Myouga now. Wait a few and then bring Miroku," she said while grabbing the fire cat in her arms and the flea riding on the cat. "Are you guys ready?"

"Hai, Kagome-sama," comes a small voice along with a slight nod from Kirara.

"Alright, then here we go." And with that they jump into the well.

"Truly an amazing thing. Being able to go through time by using this well." Miroku says will looking down into it. "Hard to believe a dry well would have such an important purpose."

After waiting a few more moments Inuyasha grabs Miroku and jumps into the well.

*To be continued*

Banshee ~ Ok, folks, I am not sure if I am getting the spelling correct for the suffixes added to the names. I know that like Inuyasha calls Myouga "Myouga-jiji" where as Kagome calls him "Myouga-jichan".

My trouble is that I have seen Kagome call Kaede "Kaede-baachan", but is it "bachan" or "baachan"? The buggers who did the English translations on my DVD's spelled it both ways. *sigh*

Anyways, I hope you have enjoyed the story so far. It only took one chapter to get thru the first half of the day. That must be some kind of record for me. Then again… I went from 7 pages a chapter to 12. Those extra pages help. Let me know if it is to long though. Personally, I like them longer, cause I can add the detail I like. Anyways, let me know what you.