The trip back to the village was basically a light hearted affair. The children ran and played, relentlessly teasing poor Jaken, who huffed and puffed, but really didn't mind too much. Shippo reverted back to a silly little kitsune, since there really was no fear anymore.
No fear. How many times had Kagome and her friends felt fear. Fear of demons... fear of dark places... fear of the future... or past. Kagome smiled as Shippo ran under her feat. Her little friend could finally play and be the child he really was.
Miroku practically levitated with glee. The awful curse on his family was lifted. He was free to live a normal life. What was a normal life exactly? Not one of the travelers could answer that question. Their lives had always been molded and twisted by fate. Today fate became destiny.
Now the monk had many things on his mind. There was a world of things he wished to touch with both of his palms. Maybe a handstand... yes he thought he may even try doing a handstand. Ooh and to bath without the glove and beads... ahhh. The wonders of it rolled on. A woman's tender behind would surely feel better in both palms than just one. 'Hmmm... maybe now is a good time to test that.' "OOWWWCCCHHH!!!"
"HENTIA!!!" Sango screamed as she busted the lecherous monk in the chops. Her beet red face practically glowed.
Miroku rubbed his cheek, but smiled while he did so. "Now that was well worth the pain!" He looked down a his open palms and flexed his fingers. "Yes... endless possibilities."
Kagome's giggles would not be stopped, and Shippo and Rin just looked confused. Sesshomaru had his usual facade in place, but silently thought the monk deserved it. Jaken was aghast at the houshi's forwardness with the woman.
All fell easily back into random gibber as they strolled towards their new life. One among them was trying very hard to be happy, but deep down she fought the knot that stayed put in her belly. Nuraku's death meant something else to Sango. It meant her brother was free of the evil hanyou as well. Would he be alive? Would he be better off if he were not? What horrible nightmares would haunt him the remainder of his life? There were so many unanswered questions for the demon slayer. Her quest could not truly end until these questions were answered.
It amazingly took only half the time to get back home. The fleet of foot travel fast. Kagome smiled when she saw the puffy clouds of smoke rising over the treetops ahead. The village was just ahead! She knew there would be a feast to celebrate their victorious return. Everyone would want them to relay the details of their adventures. She skipped and clapped her hands together in her excitement.
Sesshomaru smiled at his tiny mate. Her youthful enthusiasm was a breath of fresh air to the taiyoukai. He couldn't wait to show her off at court. He snickered at the thought of the gossip they would induce. The males would no doubt be jealous of his good fortune. Most of their wives were stuffy arrogant snobs. To find a mate who holds the power of his miko combined with her stunning looks, and cheerful demeanor was simply impossible in the social realm. Oh there were other beautiful, powerful female youkai, but none as beautiful and powerful. A smirk played on his lips. He always did have the most extravagant tastes.
As if she read his mind Kagome smiled shyly at him. He determined that her evilness lay solely in her wish to torture him. Those wicked little smiles and the way she wiggled when she walked...mmm... the coming centuries were going to be interesting to say the least.
The village came into view. The children were the first to catch a glimpse of the group. Their excited cries spread the word quickly. Kagome was sure that the entire village was filing out to greet them. She stayed close by Sesshomaru's side. He was still very unpredictable around humans. His trust in them did not run very deep. Kagome stayed by him mostly for his own comfort than that of the villagers. She could sense his unease.
Many ex-youkai had found their way to the village in their leave. They all met them with questioning in their eyes. Kagome felt sad for them. The majority of them wanted no part of being human, and hoped she would return with good news. She dreaded telling them of their fate... Inuyasha included.
There was no problem walking through the crowd, for the humans feared Sesshomaru. They all moved aside, well out of the demon lords path. Kagome just glided along beside him smiling and waving to all. Briefly she turned around when she heard Sango calling Miroku a hentia in a shrill voice. Would he ever learn?
Kaede came out of her hut to greet them. She hugged Kagome close. She thought of the girl like a granddaughter. Someone to pass on her wisdom too. "Oh girl, I'm so happy to see ye're safe."
"Konnichiwa Lady Kaede." Kagome said warmly.
"Well... don't keep an old woman waiting." Kaede said anxiously.
"Nuraku is dead." Kagome said proudly.
"Oh girl, It warms my heart to hear you say that." Was the old woman's reply.
"I'll tell you all about it in a little while. Where is Inuyasha?" Kagome asked her. She was nervous about seeing Inuyasha, but she figured she might as well get it over with.
"Well... Kagome, I need to warn..." The old priestess began.
"Well. It's about time. I figured you'd done gone and gotten yourself killed." Inuyasha taunted as he stepped out of the hut. He grabbed Kagome and hugged her, but released her immediately when his brother snarled at him.
"What the hell is your problem asshole?" Inuyasha asked angrily.
"Inu-yasha. I see being human has not improved your language." Sesshomaru replied sharply to his half brother.
"Inuyasha we need to ta..." Kagome began, but stopped as another figure emerged from the hut. Her shock was portrayed as her mouth fell open.
"Close your mouth, reincarnation, before an insect finds a home," came Kikyo's smooth voice.
"Kikyo." Kagome couldn't believe her eyes... or could she. "What are you doing here?" Kagome felt a strange rumble from deep in her chest. Those standing near recognized it as a low growl. The sight of the ex-priestess sent feelings of anger shooting through her body. Before she thought about what she was doing, Kagome pinned Kikyo against the hut by her neck.
"Kagome stop!" Inuyasha made to pull her off of Kikyo, but soon found himself in the same position. He glared at Sesshomaru as he tried to suck in a limited breath of air. "What is... your... problem?!"
"You will not touch the mate of this Sesshomaru." The demon lord growled in warning to his younger brother.
Kagome looked to her side. Sesshomaru had Inuyasha pinned exactly like she had Kikyo. This was not going well at all. Everyone halted at the sound of Kaeda's commanding voice. "Enough of this foolishness!"
Sesshomaru held Inuyasha and said, "Old woman, you would be wise not to give orders to me."
Kagome knew she needed to bring some peace to the situation. She released Kikyo, who fell to the ground holding her throat. Immediately she put her arms around Sesshomaru's waist. "Please release Inuyasha." She calmly asked. Her own anxiety and anger seemed to spawn the same feelings in her mate. She forcefully calmed her own emotions, in order to bring her mate's anger down. She was rewarded when he dropped Inuyasha to the ground along side of Kikyo.
Inuyasha tried to catch his breath before he turned on Sesshomaru once more, "Your lying! Kagome would never mate with you! Kagome, what the hell is going on?!"
Miroku was witness to the last portion of the tryst, as well as the rest of the village. He looked around at the villager's who gathered in curiosity. Many were whispering and pointing to the two youkai. He figured it was time to intervene. He stepped up beside of Sesshomaru and said, "If I may... this is no place to discuss such things. May I suggest that we retire to a more private setting?"
The monk may not be the most chaste of his cloth, but his wisdom could not be questioned. They all stood and gathered their bearings. One by one they fell in behind Miroku following him to a secluded spot near the old well.
Kagome looked around to make sure Sango had fell in behind them. Miroku took the lead and tried to bring a little order to the chaos. The miko was glad Sesshomaru was being agreeable. They gathered in a large circle to discuss everything.