Disclaimer: I do not own Inuyasha, or its characters. I do own, however, the original characters: Alden, Cora, Setsuko, Fiamma, and Serafina. Using my original characters in your own stories is not permitted, unless with my consent. Thank you.

Chapter 16

Return to the Present

Fiamma screamed a hopeless song.

The shackles bound her ankles together and bit into her bone. They wrapped around her arms like the sinuous coils of an iron snake. Flames singed her back and melted her flesh like dripping candle wax. Steam breathed on her shoulders and face. Her black wings were bound, broken, and featherless.

There was no escape.

Fiamma's red eyes burned with agony, as hell's fire engulfed her without mercy. She cried the loudest lamentation, as damnation burst forth to consume her in a fiery requiem.

Alden did not dream this. But he felt it. His prophesying never seemed to fail him ever since he and Cora had come from the well.

He felt this, as he was relaxing in the hot spring. Everyone decided to do this as night began to approach.

"This is our last night in this era," Alden said to himself. "I'm going to miss it."

Alden was thinking of Sango at that moment. He wasn't ready to leave her. He just wasn't ready to leave so soon as he began to become situated in the feudal era. He pondered about his plans for later that night – he and Sango were to meet at the lake one last time.

Shippo did a dive into the water and laughed playfully. Inuyasha had his eyes closed and his back against a rock. Miroku noticed Alden's sad expression.

"So it is all over," he said to Alden. "Everything will be returned to normal."

"Yes," Alden sighed. "Cora and I will have to leave tomorrow. But, I guess, it all is destiny."

"Yes, it is."

Shippo popped his head up from the water.

"I'm going to miss you guys," he said tearfully. "You and Cora have become part of our team! Why can't you stay?"

"We have to go back to our time, Shippo," Alden said. "Our home and our lives are back there. We were needed here for this time to help with something extraordinary in the past, and now, we must return to our present."

"But I'll miss you guys!" Shippo cried.

"It's okay, Shippo," Alden consoled. "We'll remember you."

"But there's a chance you won't! Your memory might get erased like Serafina said!"

"Somehow, I don't think that will happen."

"I hope you're right."

"Either way, you will always remember us, right?"

"Of course!"

"You two may become legends now," Miroku intervened. "After all, you did contribute to Fiamma's demise. It was an epic battle that will sure to make history."

"Well, a myth at best maybe," Alden said. "Things as epic and as supernatural as this don't make history, they usually make legend, you know? Who's to truly believe what happened? But maybe our personas will be remembered in the story."

"Of course they will!" Shippo said.

"Feh," Inuyasha scoffed.

"Inuyasha," Alden said, turning the conversation over to him. "I never really properly thanked you. You were the one that gave me some courage and allowed me to harbor my strength in times of need. If it wasn't for you, I probably wouldn't have been able to fight or unleash my power at all. Thank you."

"It was nothing," Inuyasha said. "Like Shippo said, just don't forget us."

"I won't. And thank you, Miroku and Shippo. Just for helping Cora and I, and being our friends."

"You're welcome!" Shippo said happily.

"There's really no need to thank us," Miroku said. "We're just glad everything is peaceful again."

"Yes, me too," Alden said.

Out of the darkness, came a small sound. Inuyasha slapped his neck. It was Myoga again, attempting to get a snack of blood.

"Myoga," Inuyasha grunted, annoyed. "Where have you been?"

Myoga regained his composure and stood atop Inuyasha's shoulder.

"I've been around," he said. "Don't think that I missed that battle!"

"Myoga, the cowardly flea, was there?" Shippo wondered, amazed.

"I would never miss such an important event!" Myoga said.

"Seems like his curiosity and thirst for knowledge surpassed his cowardice this time," Miroku said.

"Yes, well," Myoga began. "This event answered all the questions about the mysterious things that have happened! And now I have yet another story I can share."

"Yes, you do," Alden said. "And thank you, Myoga. For being a sort of guide and figure of knowledge in our time here."

"But of course, Master Alden! Well, it's good to hear that someone appreciates my wisdom."

"Haha."

"Well, best be off. Farewell!"

Myoga hopped off Inuyasha's shoulder and leapt into the shadows of the approaching night.

In the other hot spring, Kagome, Sango, and Cora were talking. Cora had become less shy and opted to take a relaxing dip with them. Kilala was mewing peacefully by the rocks, paying careful attention to see if there were any prying eyes around in the semi-darkness.

"This is so relaxing," Kagome said. "Ahh. But I sure miss my bed back on home."

"Me too," Cora said. "But I really don't want to go back."

"Why?" Sango asked. "Don't you miss your home?"

"Well, yes," Cora told her. "But I don't want to leave you all. Or this era. This era seems so much more interesting than ours!"

"Demons and jewel shards, it's not a very safe place though," Kagome reassured her. "But it is interesting."

"I know! Stuff like this you only find in books!" Cora exclaimed. "I love it here now, but I guess we have to go back."

"You've been such a great help to us, Cora," Sango said. "Imagine if you two never came here at all!"

"I know. It's just sad though. I don't want to go."

Sango couldn't stop thinking about Alden. He was leaving. She had to accept that. But so soon? When everything was resolved and seemed so perfect? Her tears were nearly welling up inside her. But she swallowed them, as she let her body wade deeper into the water.

A few hours passed by. The crescent moon nestled itself into the night. The stars dappled the skies.

It was at this time when Sango and Alden met at the lake. They both met each other with somber steps and placid eyes. Although it seemed serene, they both felt a tempest in their hearts.

They held hands.

"Sango," Alden said. "I just want to tell you that you have stolen my heart completely. I have never met someone as beautiful and as lovely as you."

Sango's eyes became wet. She closed them and bowed her head a little.

"I'll miss you," Alden continued, embracing her.

"I'm sure you'll find someone to replace me easily," Sango said, her voice somewhat muffled in Alden's shoulder. "I'm sure there's plenty of beautiful girls in your time. Girls that you can relate to more. And that are beautiful."

"You are mistaken. I haven't met someone like you. You are the person I can relate to most. Someone that I can talk to about anything. And you surely are the most beautiful girl I've yet met."

"Alden."

Sango embraced him more tightly. She didn't want to let go. But soon, she knew Alden would vanish from her arms.

She cried silently. But Alden could feel her shuddering. He closed his eyes and held her close to him.

The night allowed them to weep. The moonlight cast a beautiful shine over the water.

"I will miss you too," Sango said quietly. "I will always think about you."

Alden brought his hands up to her cheeks. They were warm from her tears. He looked into Sango's eyes for a moment more, and then kissed her.

Sango didn't want all this to end. But it had to. Fate would force them to split away from each other into the waking dust. Like broken branches and falling leaves.

They loved each other.

They kissed passionately, as the moon sung a lullaby with the stars.

Alden didn't know life could feel so beautiful.

Sango didn't know it could be so sad.

They couldn't let go.

In the morning, Cora woke up early. After Serafina had departed for the heavens the day before, she restored the land. The trees regained their roots. The earth regained its verdant luster. The village was as it was before. All the destruction and havoc Fiamma had wreaked was undone. Cora breathed in the morning air and exhaled a sigh. She looked out the window – the sky looked peaceful and blue, and the village seemed content.

She decided to write another entry in her notebook. It was hard to write because she was feeling sad. But she tried to write what she could.

Alden was sleeping soundly. He was probably out late, Cora thought. With Sango at the lake. Or maybe they stayed with each other until the early morning, holding each other. To watch the sunrise. She wondered if Alden was this romantic.

"Pfft," she said.

Still, she was a little upset for him. He seemed happy with Sango. But they had to leave.

Alden stirred a few minutes later. He noticed Cora writing. He rubbed his eyes.

"You're writing?" he asked Cora. "Why don't you head over to the others? I'm sure they're up."

"I will," Cora said. "It seems pretty early. They might still be asleep."

"But this is our last day. Let's spend all the time we can with them."

"Alright. But it'll be your fault if we wake them up."

Cora stopped writing and put her pen and notebook down. They both got ready and dressed. Cora felt her stomach groan, as they walked toward the adjacent abode.

"I hope we're going to have breakfast soon," Cora said.

They went inside. Cora had been correct – everyone was already awake and waiting for them. Kagome and Kaede were cooking breakfast already for everyone.

"Good morning!" Kagome greeted them happily. "We're making a really nice breakfast for you!"

"That's great, thank you!" Cora said. "I'm really hungry."

Alden sat down with Cora to join the others. Sango sat to the side of Alden with a sullen expression. Her eyes greeted him but then quickly darted downward.

"Hey!" Shippo greeted them. "This is going to be the best breakfast ever for you guys!"

"We're looking forward to it, Shippo," Alden said.

About a half hour later, the food was done. Everyone relaxed and enjoyed a meal of a delicious vegetable soup Kagome cooked, some fresh fish, steaming buns flavored by Kaede's herbs, and some other foods provided by the villagers. Everyone was hungry and began eating.

"This is so good!" Cora exclaimed, sipping up some soup. "Man, I'm going to miss the food in this era too!"

"Yeah, nothing is quite as bad as mom's cooking," Alden said.

"Alden!"

"You know you were thinking it too."

Kagome laughed.

"You're so lucky to have a mom that cooks so well, Kagome," Cora said.

"Yeah, and I'll be glad to go back and visit finally! She and my brother, Souta, and grandpa are all probably worried that I haven't been back."

There was a quiet pause in the conversation. Then Alden spoke.

"I just want to thank all of you," he said to everyone, modestly. "For everything. For taking us in, caring for us, providing for us in this amazing era, and of course, for being dear friends. Cora and I will miss you."

"Yes, thank you," Cora said sadly. "Oh, but, I don't want to go!"

"I don't want to either. But we have to, Cora."

Another silence ensued. Kagome decide to speak up and lift everyone's spirits, if she could.

"Hey, but let's not be sad," she said. "Let's talk and enjoy everything while we can."

"You're right, Kagome," Shippo said.

"And this is the perfect time to bring up the topic of gifts," Kagome continued. "We have gifts for you two."

"What do you mean, Kagome?" Alden asked.

"You're giving us presents?" Cora wondered.

"Yep! We have presents!"

"Oh, but we don't have anything to give to you all," Alden said, humbly. "That wouldn't be right."

"Oh, don't worry about that," Shippo said.

"Well, okay, if you insist," Cora said.

"Cora," Alden said, annoyed.

"Oh, but we do," Kagome persisted.

Kagome retrieved her backpack from the floor. It was full of items, including the jewel shards. It was always big and heavy. She unhooked the latch and opened it. She grabbed hold of something inside and pulled it out.

"This is for both of you," Kagome said. "I've been saving them."

It was food that Alden and Cora recognized from their time. Except it was of Japanese origin and name brands. The snacks looked somewhat like Twinkies, Devil Dogs, licorice, and pretzels.

"Oh wow, thank you!" Cora said, delighted.

"Thank you, Kagome," Alden said.

"Well, this way, even if you guys forget all about everything when you return, you still have something," Kagome said.

"Oh, oh! Kagome, give them my present!" Shippo said, excitedly.

Kagome reached into her backpack and pulled out something else. It was something wrapped up in cloth. Kagome handed it to Shippo to give to Cora.

Cora unwrapped the gift. It was a variety of tops and little toys from Shippo's collection that he usually used with his fox magic.

"Thank you, Shippo!" Cora said. "They're so cute."

"Are you sure you want to give them to us, Shippo?" Alden asked.

"Of course! You guys can have them. Just don't forget me, okay?"

"Okay," Cora said, smiling. "Of course we won't. Thank you!"

"Let's see what's next," Kagome said, rummaging through her things in her enormous backpack.

"There's more?" Alden wondered.

"Of course! There's still Inuyasha's and Miroku's gifts. And Sango's."

"Oh, yay!" Cora giggled.

"Let's see…"

Kagome felt around inside her backpack again. This time, she extracted what seemed like cards or scrolls of paper.

"They're powerful sutras," Miroku said to them. "They will ward off any powerful demons and evil spirits. Even in your time."

"Well, I'm not sure that we'll need them, but you never know," Alden laughed. "But thanks, Miroku."

"Thank you!" Cora said.

Kagome next pulled out what seemed like feathers. They had a beautiful luster and shined as she held them in her fingers.

"They're feathers from the demon we did battle with," Sango said. "It's not much, but we managed to make a lovely necklace and bracelet from them for both of you."

"They're very nice, Sango," Alden said.

"Oh, thank you!" Cora cried.

"You're welcome," Sango said, smiling.

"Would you give them mine, already?" Inuyasha said, vexed.

"All right, Inuyasha, hold your horses," Kagome said, peering inside her backpack at its current contents. "Wait, didn't we put them somewhere else?"

"Yes," Kaede said abruptly, upon entering the room. "Here they are."

She carried what appeared to be heavily clothed shirts.

"They are made from the beasts ye have slain," Kaede explained. "Inuyasha and I assisted the seamstress and armorer in making them for ye."

"Oh my!" Cora exclaimed. "They're amazing!"

"They are, wow," Alden agreed, as Kaede handed them their clothes. "Thank you!"

Kaede smiled. Inuyasha sat with a proud smirk. Alden and Cora tried them on.

"They fit perfectly!" Cora said happily.

"Yes, they are very nice," Alden said.

"Oh, and last but not least," Kagome continued. "This."

Kagome turned her backpack upside-down so that all of its remaining contents would spill out on the table. She emptied it completely.

"I want you to have my backpack, Cora," Kagome said. "I know how sad you were about yours when Totosai had your backpack changed."

"Oh, that's okay, Kagome," Cora said meekly. "I don't want to take it from you."

"No, but I want you to have it. I can always get another one when I get back home. Really. Look, I'm going to put all of your gifts in it and you can just take it with you."

Kagome wrapped up all their gifts and tucked them neatly inside her backpack. When she was done, she clasped it shut.

"You're so nice, Kagome! Thank you! But, if you insist on giving me your backpack, can I give you mine as a gift to you? I mean, I can't really use it any more anyway except to throw things at demons, and I don't think we'll be doing much of that when we return home."

"Yes, that's perfect," Alden agreed. "I'll give you my umbrella as well. I won't be using its sword for anything either. You can take them both. They'll be our gifts to you all, since we really don't have anything else to give. I don't know if they'll come in handy to anyone, but at least they'll be some sort of remembrances of us and our adventures together."

"Well, if you're sure that's what you want to do," Kagome said. "I think that's a great idea."

Cora smiled brightly. Alden returned it.

They went back to their own abode and returned with the backpack and the umbrella. Cora emptied the backpack since it was loaded with rocks. Alden extended the sword of the umbrella one last time. Then, they gave their weapons to everyone.

"Well, there they are," Alden said. "Our very innovative weapons that protected us in our battles against the demons."

"Yes, Totosai seems less senile recently with such creativity," Miroku commented.

"At least they won't go to waste here," Cora said. "Everyone will remember us, right?"

"Of course we will," Sango said, smiling sadly at Alden.

"Like I said before, you guys have been part of our team!" Shippo said.

"It sure seems like it," Kagome agreed. "But, it's all for the best."

"Of course," Alden said somberly.

Everyone continued to eat and talk for another hour or so. Alden and Cora's time was looming closer. Alden decided to leave for a while.

"I'll be right back," he told everyone, and left the abode.

Outside, he paced for a bit. He was trying to brainstorm what to give Sango before he left. He had to give her something special. Thoughts swam in his mind, but he couldn't seem to reel in one that seemed particularly different from the rest.

He decided to walk to the lake. Maybe an idea would come to him there, or better yet, maybe he could find something there that was meaningful to give her.

As he walked hurriedly to the lake, there was some doubt in his heart. He could feel it in him. Maybe it was from not thinking of anything to give Sango. Maybe it was from a notion that Sango would fall in love with someone else soon after he left. Maybe it was just from leaving this era. Either way, he couldn't do anything about any of those things. Except, maybe, find something by the lake for her.

His feet reached the grass were they held each other last night. The lake's water was serene, and it had a perfect reflection of the clear sky above. It was like a beautiful mirror.

Soon, Cora and him would have to go beyond the looking glass again. Back to their time.

What was something that made him think of Sango? Something meaningful? Something that would be beautiful in memory?

He looked out at the horizon. It seemed so infinite. He felt so small. He felt like he could feel the world tilt under his feet.

Alden sat down. He looked down at the blades of grass. He scrutinized the texture between his fingers, and sighed.

Then, he looked up. He felt something. It was like the time before when he could see Fiamma after they had finally sealed her in the depths with Serafina. He saw something somewhere else. It was his power.

He saw a stone in the distance. A perfectly translucent gem. He was able to see right through it, and it gave off a brilliant reflection.

Was this prophecy telling him that he should find this gem to give to Sango? Was this the perfect gift?

Yes, it was. It was like a key that could let you look beyond the looking glass – to remember what was there. To remember him, in the reflection – another time, another world.

It was perfect for her.

But how would he find it?

Alden immediately stood up intently. He looked around.

He felt something.

Was it near?

He walked around, and felt it force him onto a grassy path amongst some bushes. He went into the thicket, brushing back leaves.

There was a small clearing in the midst of the foliage. Rocks dotted the dirt near the grass. Maybe it was here?

Yes, it was very close. He felt it.

Alden looked closely at the ground. There was a rather large rock collected near a group of smaller ones. On the side of it, nestled in the dirt, was the stone. The gift for Sango.

He immediately dug his hands into the dirt and started shovel with his fingers. He didn't care – he would pry it out either way.

Alden dug to its base and tried to dislodge it. He picked up a loose rock and started smashing it. After a short while, it gave way, and he extracted the beautiful gem.

"It is perfect," he whispered to himself, gazing at his own reflection on one of its facets.

He stood up and left the thicket. Then, he quickly brushed himself off, washed his hands and the gem in the lake, and headed back for the village.

When he arrived, he peeked his head into the abode where everyone was still sitting and talking.

"Hey, Sango," he whispered, getting her attention.

"Oh, hey Alden," she said. "Where did you go?"

"Come outside for a second."

She got up and went outside, leaving everyone else in conversation. Alden took her by one hand. He held the precious mirror gem in the other.

"Sango," he began. "I love you very much. And I will miss you and always think about you. But I have something for you. Something to help you remember me and how I'm always just on the other side of the looking glass somewhere."

Alden held out the gem and put it gently into her hands. She stared at it.

"Wow, Alden," she gasped. "It's so beautiful. Where on earth did you manage to find such a wonderful stone?"

"I don't understand exactly how I found it, but it doesn't matter. I hope you like it."

"I love it! It's perfect. It makes me think of the lake too – the beautiful water's reflection. Our meeting place."

Sango embraced him tightly. She almost began to cry again.

"Don't cry, Sango," Alden consoled her. "Let's go inside with the others now."

Sango pushed back the hair out of her eyes. She rubbed them.

"Okay."

Alden took her hand and led her into the abode.

"Hey, we're back, sorry," Alden said to them.

"It's okay," Kagome smiled.

They sat down.

"Wow, what's that?" Shippo asked, noticing the lustrous gem in Sango's hands.

"Alden gave it to me," Sango said.

"Oh, it's beautiful!" Kagome exclaimed.

"It's almost time," Kaede announced, intervening with the conversation. "Serafina will be returning soon for ye."

"Already?" Cora cried. "It can't be, already!"

"I'm afraid so, my child."

"I guess it's best that we start walking over to the Bone Eater's well," Kagome said. "Serafina will probably want to meet us there."

"Yes," Miroku said. "Then everything can be solved with that wretched well's magic that has been causing so many problems."

Alden and Sango looked at each other.

Inuyasha got up.

"Well, let's go then," he said.

He led everyone out of the abode and over beyond the green hills. It was a sullen walk – Alden and Cora would have to leave soon, after all, and wouldn't be allowed to return. They were soon at the Bone Eater's well.

Everyone looked around, and then lifted their faces to the sky. No sign of Serafina yet.

"Well, here's your things," Kagome said to Cora, handing her the full backpack containing all the gifts.

"Thank you, Kagome," Cora said.

She put the heavy backpack on her back.

"You got it, Cora?" Alden asked, concerned.

"Pfft, don't worry about it," she said.

A moment later, a light appeared from the sky. A great channel burst forth, descending to earth. The holy emanation faded, revealing Serafina, once again, in a celestial glory.

She floated gently over to everyone, near the well's remains.

"I have returned," she said. "This is what is left of the well?"

"Yes," Kaede answered her.

"I see. Then, let us restore it."

Hands clasped together and eyes on the remnants of the well, Serafina mustered her power. With a flash of light, the Bone Eater's well was restored to its whole, original state.

Everyone gasped.

"It has been done," Serafina said. "And now, let us see what we can do with that hand, young mortal, Cora."

Cora looked up at Serafina.

Once again, Serafina concentrated and summoned her power. She reached out with an angelic finger to touch Cora's arm. With that, the glimmering shard shot forth, ejecting itself out of Cora. Cora remained unharmed.

"Here you are," Serafina said. "Take the shard."

She allowed it to float gently into Kagome's palm.

"Thank you, Serafina," she said.

"It is in the best hands," Serafina told her. "Now, it is time, Alden and Cora."

They both looked at her sadly.

"However," she continued. "I will allow you to say your final goodbyes."

Alden and Cora turned to face everyone else. They started with Kaede, who was nearest to them.

"Thank you, Lady Kaede," Alden said to her. "For taking us in and helping us to traverse this era."

"Oh, do not mention it," Kaede said.

Alden hugged her, and so did Cora.

"Thank you for all those wonderful meals too!" Cora said.

"Ye take care, child," Kaede said.

Inuyasha was next.

"Inuyasha," Alden said. "Thank you for the training and your protection. Thank you for helping me to find my strength. If it wasn't for you, we hardly would have survived."

"Feh," Inuyasha said. "It was nothing."

Alden held out his hand. Inuyasha took it and they shook hands.

"Thanks," Alden said.

Cora motioned for Inuyasha to come closer to her. She touched his ears.

"Hey!" Inuyasha cried. "What's the big idea?"

"Sorry, I just always wanted to do that," Cora laughed.

"Feh."

Cora smiled.

"Bye, Inuyasha," she said.

They moved on to Shippo.

"I'm going to miss you!" he cried. "Wah!"

"Aw, don't be upset, Shippo," Alden consoled him. "Hey, don't let Inuyasha get to you."

"Yeah, just touch his cute ears if you have to and embarrass him," Cora giggled.

"Haha!" Shippo laughed.

Cora hugged him.

Next was Miroku.

"Well, monk, I guess this is farewell," Alden said to him, holding out a hand. "No hard feelings, right?"

"Of course not," Miroku said, shaking his outstretched hand. "I recognize that Sango was quite taken with you."

"She is an amazing girl."

"That she is."

Alden leaned in to whisper something to Miroku.

"Take care of her for me, will you?"

Miroku smiled.

"That I will," he said.

Cora butted in.

"Well, goodbye, Miroku," she said.

Miroku leaned down and touched her shoulder.

"Farewell, Cora," he said, smiling. "Make sure to keep your brother in line with the ladies."

"Oh, don't worry, I always know about that!" Cora said.

Kagome stood by. Cora ran up to her and hugged her tightly.

"Kagome," she cried. "I really don't want to leave!"

"Cora," Kagome said.

"You've been like a sister to me, Kagome," Cora said. "You believed in me and taught me that I could do anything if I really tried hard at it. You've been a really good friend."

"You have too. I'll miss you!"

"I'll miss you, too. Goodbye, Kagome."

They hugged again.

Alden embraced Kagome after.

"Kagome," he said. "Thank you for everything. If it wasn't for you, we probably would have been lost and wandering by ourselves in this era. And thank you for being there for Cora."

"Of course," Kagome said. "Goodbye, Alden."

Sango was last.

Cora ran up to Sango immediately and hugged her.

"Goodbye, Sango," she said. "I'll miss you a lot."

"I'll miss you as well, Cora," Sango said. "Please take care of Alden for me. You may not know it sometimes, but he is one of the most wonderful people in the world. You're very lucky to have him for a sibling."

"Pfft. Sometimes, maybe. But I'll take good care of him."

Cora released her embrace and let Alden say his final goodbye to Sango.

"Sango," Alden said, hugging her close to him. "I will never forget about you."

"Oh, Alden," Sango said, tears making her eyes glisten. "I love you."

"I love you too, Sango. I don't want to leave you in this era. I wish I could take you with me."

"Well, who knows, you may encounter my reincarnation in your time."

"Haha. I don't think even she would be like the beautiful original one."

They kissed. Sango let her tears fall freely. Alden wiped them away.

"But don't cry anymore over me," Alden said to her. "Be happy, okay?"

"I can't, but I will try, Alden," Sango said. "I will always carry the beautiful gem you gave me."

She pulled it out of her pocket. It sparkled in the sunlight. She brought it closer to see her reflection. She saw Alden as well, who appeared through it, on the other side.

Cora was petting Kilala, bearing a very sad expression. Kilala mewed.

Sango put the gem safely back in her pocket.

"Goodbye, Sango," Alden said.

They kissed one last time.

"Farewell, Alden."

Alden and Cora stood in front of everyone.

"Goodbye, everyone," Alden said to them.

"We will never forget you," Cora said.

After that was said, Serafina spoke.

"Are you ready?" she asked them.

"Yes," Alden said.

"Let's go," Cora said.

"When you return, everything will be as it was in your time," Serafina said. "Your powers will be stripped from you and no time will have passed."

"Okay," Alden nodded.

"I bid you farewell, strong mortals. Your contribution to heaven's victory over adversity will always be remembered above. You have my blessing."

With a wave of her hand, Serafina caused Alden and Cora to float off their feet. They rose up and then fell. Down, down, down. Into the Bone Eater's well. Light swirled around them. Cora clutched her backpack tightly. Alden held his breath.

In the next instant, they felt wet. The rain was still pouring. The sky was still grey and thunderous. They were back at the school, back in their time.

"Was that all just a dream?" Alden asked Cora. "Did we just imagine that?"

"No," Cora said simply. "Because look at this."

She turned around to show Alden her backpack – it was Kagome's. Chock-full of their gifts from the feudal era.

"Well, I guess that did actually happen," Alden said. "Our memory wasn't erased of it either."

"I guess we were destined to remember it after all," Cora said. "I'm going to miss them."

"Me too, Cora."

The rain continued to fall on them.

At this time, the others in the feudal era waited for Serafina to speak. Alden and Cora were gone.

"I must depart now," Serafina told them. "The well will now continue to work as it did before. Your friends, Alden and Cora, have returned safely."

"Thank you," Kagome said quietly, answering for everyone.

"You have my blessing as well."

With those final words, Serafina smiled peacefully. She shined with a brilliant radiance, as the heavenly channel came and swept her away. She departed from the mortal plane.

"It's all over," Sango said, a tear running down her cheek.

Everyone watched the well for a moment longer, and then lifted their eyes toward the sky. It was still cloudless and blue. A while after, they headed back for the village.

As the rain fell on their heads, Alden and Cora hurried into the car.

"Well, Serafina said our powers are gone now and no time has passed," Alden said. "It seems both are true."

"Yeah, but it's better that everything is back to normal," Cora said. "I'm just going to miss them."

"Yeah."

Alden started up the car. Cora settled herself in the passenger seat with Kagome's backpack on her lap.

"Why us, Alden?" Cora asked suddenly. "Why did all of that have to happen to us?"

"Well, why not?" Alden said. "It's all a part of the whole, big plan of destiny."

Alden pulled out of the parking lot and began driving home. The windshield wipers were at their fastest setting. Alden turned on the headlights to see the road better.

"No one is going to believe us, huh?" Cora asked. "If we told them what happened."

"Of course not," Alden said. "So maybe it's best if we just kept it to ourselves. Or maybe we could write a book about it."

"Hey, yeah! Alden and Cora's Great Adventures in the Feudal Era."

"And we could write about everything that happened."

"I still have my notebook, you know. I put it in this backpack before we left."

"Well, we could use that to help us remember all the details when we're writing."

"Yeah. But it's still kind of sad that no one will ever believe us."

"Maybe it's better this way though, Cora. Sometimes fiction can be truer than fact."

"It's all a small part of the big plan, huh?"

"Of course."

Cora nodded sadly.

Alden felt a needle prick in his heart that he knew would smart later.

There was a moment of silence. Then Cora turned on the radio. Alden let her pick the station she wanted.

The two siblings were finally able to drive home. Thinking about their adventures and destiny, the raindrops continued to cascade like tears with diamond reflections.

END.