Back Through the Well
"Hey Mom, have I forgotten anything?" Kagome was packing yet another backpack full of supplies.
"No dear, this is the last of it." Mrs. Higurashi handed the first-aid kit to Kagome. Looking at her daughter she wished it wasn't necessary but knew it would be because Kagome always needed a new kit when she came home.
"Thanks. Well that's it." She fastened the catch. "I'll get Inuyasha to carry it of course." Kagome grinned.
Mrs. Higurashi looked around, "Where is Inuyasha anyway?"
"Oh, he went upstairs to change back into his kimono." Just as she spoke, Kagome heard him coming. At the top of the stairs, he jumped the rest of the steps and called out for Sota.
"Hey, you gonna walk with us to the well, kid?"
"Sure thing." Sota left the couch and went into the kitchen.
Inuyasha stuck his head in the living room, "Bye old man."
Grandpa turned and waved, "Oh bye now and be sure to take care of our Kagome."
Kagome came in and kissed his cheek, "See ya Gramps. Try not to make up anymore horrible diseases for me, okay?"
"Hey, I do the best I can! Hmph." He folded his arms and looked at the TV.
"Yeah, sure." She went back to the kitchen and saw they were all waiting on her. The four of them walked over to the shrine housing the well.
"Bye Sis, be careful." Sota hugged her tight then moved to Inuyasha. "You guys gonna be gone long?"
"Yeah, probably. Take care of Mom, okay?" Inuyasha ruffled his hair.
"Of course, I'm the man for the job." Sota grinned up at him.
Kagome hugged her mother, "See you later Mom."
"Bye dear, I love you." Mrs. Higurashi held her tight.
"We'll be careful.
"I know." She kissed her then turned to Inuyasha and kissed him too. "I'm gonna miss you two. It gets lonely without the whole family here."
"I promise we'll come back when we get some good leads on Naraku." Said Inuyasha.
"Now there's a name this mother could learn to hate. Well you'd better get going; your friends are waiting on you."
"Yeah, okay." Kagome and Inuyasha went down the steps to the well. Looking back one more time, they waved then jumped into another time.
Kirara and Kaede were waiting when the emerged.
"Meow." The little cat demon welcomed them back.
"Hey Kirara, thanks for coming to get us." Kagome picked her up and cuddled her.
"Welcome back, she got here early yesterday and is rested for the trip back." Kaede smiled at them, she missed them now that they were tracking down Naraku all the time.
"Hey Kaede, how are things here? Any problems?" Inuyasha looked around but all seemed quiet.
"Not too bad. We still have a few minor demons popping up but it's nothing we can't handle."
"You sure? I can take out a few before we leave." Inuyasha grinned and cracked his fingers.
Kagome just smiled and shook her head. Inuyasha loved a good fight.
Kaede also grinned. "If you wish, there are two just beyond the forest. We will wait here for you."
Inuyasha looked to Kagome, "Okay? This won't take me long."
She waved him off, "Sure, have fun." Grinning he was off and running. "I know he likes coming home with me but there isn't much fighting for him there."
"Yes, I suppose that's the demon in him but you seem to be able to keep him in check."
"I don't know about that. He's just more…mellow these days."
Kaede smiled knowingly. Since their relationship became more intimate, Inuyasha was indeed a happier man.
"Iron Reaver Soul Stealer!" Inuyasha slashed through the second demon and landed calmly while the demon split into pieces behind him. "Yeah, that felt good. A little light exercise before traveling."
He turned and headed back to Kagome. Soon he came upon the sacred tree. Inuyasha stared at the spot where he had been sealed for fifty years. Of course he now understood why it had all happened but in some ways, complete forgiveness of Kikyo wasn't possible but then without his past, he would have this hopeful future. Kagome had freed him and now loved him. Smiling he turned away from the tree and went back to his woman.
"Thanks for putting these together for me Kaede. I'm sure these medicines will come in handy."
Kaede nodded then looked up. "Look he's back and it didn't take long either. To think we used to fear him and now he protects us." She laughed at the irony.
"Inuyasha just needed people to care for and for them to care about him. He was alone for a long time and just needed a chance."
"Well, he sure is handy to have around. So Inuyasha, no problems?"
"Nah, piece of cake. Ready to go Kagome?" Inuyasha walked forward and put his hand under her hair and massaged her neck.
"Yeah." She smiled up at him and let Kirara jump to the ground. Once down fire surrounded her as she increased her size.
Inuyasha sat in front with Kagome holding onto him. They waved goodbye as
Kirara took them to meet Miroku, Sango and Shippo.