A/N: Sorry for the lack of updating, been really busy (still am). My first anime convention, Otakon, took a lot of time and I had to make my costume (Sango in her demon slayer outfit)...and then school started, so apologies.

InuYasha and all characters, © Rumiko Takahashi.

This story, © Me.

The Miko, dressed in red and white, strode across a vacant clearing. There had been a struggle here. The whole clearing was filled with a sense of foreboding, as if something could happen at any second. No sign of movement was visible, save for her steady but light footsteps, and her Shinidamachuu around her. There was no question in her mind about who had been here; it was obvious that it had been Inuyasha and his allies.

She had come here, following the Shikon no Tama. Her senses had been able to pick up the jewel for days, yet it was always moving swiftly, much quicker than she could follow. It had an intent, its holder knew exactly where it was heading. Of course, she had known that the holder had been Naraku. Though unable to explain how, she knew that the way the jewel had traveled, the way it had been carried with so much proficiency, it could be no other. She could only hope that he was not able to do too much damage, take too many lives. Still walking, she came to the middle of the clearing. Kneeling down, she pressed her hands into the earth, trying to sense any disturbance or wicked aura.

There was none.

Furrowing her brow slightly, Kikyo closed her eyes and murmured a short prayer. Naraku had pulled many a trick on them before, surely this was one also. Yet, the air felt normal. Not tainted, yet not unreasonably pure. Very much unlike Mt.Hakurei, which had an irrationally pure aura. Of course, Hakurei had been a trick. A well played-out one, at that, Kikyo recalled.

Though this Miko was wise in the ways of the world, for all her being, she could not comprehend what had happened here. There was no one around to be asked. Straightening up, she quickened her pace, walking in the direction of her village.

He could still not grasp the fact.

Kagome is gone.

His nails dug into the earth at the bottom of the well.

She will never return.

His body started to quiver.

After everything you went through.

He bit his lip to hold back the many words he longed to scream and curse at the world.

You've lost her.

Inuyasha let out an enraged sigh and let himself fall against the side of the well, cracking his head against it. The sound that came from the action was a sickening thud, though it hurt much worse than it sounded.

It had hurt, not that he would show it. His vision became fuzzy before sliding back into focus. He shook his head, trying to make some of the pain disappear.

Everyone else was bound to be worried about him. Oh well, let them worry. Right now, he didn't care what anyone thought. Or about how they would feel. Maybe he would just leave; he didn't have any reason to stay here anymore. Kagome was gone, and that's what he valued most.

…What about Kikyo?

Wearily, he slunk down even further into the well. He couldn't leave Kikyo. She was the only existing memory of his former life, and he of hers.

Still, he wasn't ready to go back to his friends just yet.

Inside of Kaede's hut, Sango, Miroku, Shippo, and Kaede herself sat in a strong silence. Someone had obviously told Kaede what occurred, as she didn't act like the hush was anything peculiar. Being as old as she was, she could not help being wise in sad situations like this one. Tossing more wood on the dying embers, she busied herself with setting up a pot of water for stew. The situation wouldn't get any better, not until they had time to mourn and be alone.

"Sango, would you please go and get some rice from the storehouse?"

Snapping out of her dreamlike state, Sango looked up at Kaede and nodded.

"Of course."

The taijiya stood up, Kirara on her shoulder, and made her way silently out of the hut and to the storehouse.

Turning now to Miroku and Shippo, "This firewood will not last much longer, would you two go gather some more?"

Miroku inclined his head in a bow. He had a good enough grip on his emotions to answer, though he was far from happy.

"No problem, Lady Kaede."

Shippo jumped up on Miroku's shoulder, staying balanced with ease. The young fox did not reply to Kaede, he didn't trust himself yet to speak without bawling. The two set off in the direction of the woods, but didn't go anywhere near the well.

Kaede knew that time alone would be good for all of them, nothing would come from sitting in an awkward silence and pretending like it was all okay.

Sango shuffled slowly to the storehouse, she wasn't in a hurry to get back to the uncomfortable quietness of Kaede's hut. Even Kirara was miserable. Sango, of course, knew that her pet was smart and could understand exactly what happened. She turned the corner, watching some of the village children play a game, laughing and squealing. Her face shaped into a sad smile, remembering what it was like to be young and having no true worries. She reached the storehouse, pulling open the doors with a slight effort. Normally young women had trouble opening the door, and would either have to enlist the help of a man or a few more women. But Sango was used to a harder lifestyle than just a simple housewife and had no problem. She pulled a few bags of rice off of a stack, and dragged them up until they were hanging off her shoulder. Kirara mewed, though it was a barely audible and miserable one, more to try to comfort her mistress than anything. Sango stroked Kirara with her free hand, and started back to Kaede's hut. Halfway there, she stopped and turned towards the forest. Dinner could wait; she knew Miroku was probably taking his time as well. Goldenrod and light pink clouds seemed to be making fun of them, the sun was beginning to set but the day was still pleasant. Much unlike the mood hanging around.
Brushing a few branches out of his way, Miroku let out a sigh. Kagome was truly gone. He remembered the time when Inuyasha sent her back to her own world, to protect her. That was long before their relationship had truly started to blossom. Now…well, no one could really tell what Inuyasha was feeling. Miroku kept a grip on his emotions, more for Shippo's sake than his own. If he had been by himself he wouldn't have bothered to be so passive about everything, but he knew if he started to get angry or depressed that it would just make Shippo even more upset. He was beginning to wonder if he would have to cut more firewood himself, but there was usually an already-cut pile around somewhere. After searching for a few minutes, he finally found the heap of freshly cut wood. He bent down to scoop it up, Shippo hopping off his shoulder in the process. The wood wasn't heavy, but it was cumbersome. Miroku stacked as much as he could in his arms and turned around to prepare to go back to Kaede's hut. He looked at Shippo, who had three cut logs in his arms as well. His heart ached for the little kitsune, who had lost his parents and had now lost his surrogate mother. Shippo probably missed Kagome as much as Inuyasha did, but in a different way. The kitsune quivered a little, most likely trying to hold in his tears. Miroku knew they should probably hurry back, so Kaede could get dinner started, but everyone needed time to work out their emotions.

"Hey Shippo, do you want to take a walk before we go back to Kaede's?" Miroku tried to make his tone as even and soothing as possible.

The kitsune, still shaking, turned to look up at him. "You don't think Kaede will be upset?"

"I'm sure she'd understand."

Shippo nodded, it was much more peaceful to be in the forest rather than be back in the village. Miroku set his wood back down, as Shippo did the same before jumping back up onto Miroku's shoulder.

Being alone herself; Kaede stopped her task of preparing dinner and sat in thought. She couldn't say that she hadn't thought of something of this nature happening, Kagome was bound to be forced home sometime. After all, she was from the future. She did not belong in their era; she belonged in her own time with her family. Time has a way of righting itself, whether the mistake be miniscule or colossal. It had finally caught up with Kagome.

A/N: yeeeep. I don't know, I didn't like this chapter as much. Maybe I'll redo it when I get time. I promised my friend I would update this story for her birthday, so happy birthday to myOnee-chan! Over and out.