40 chapters. Hot Damn. So now I guess I'm gonna have to make this chapter a bit longer huh? Explains why it took way more than two weeks... I lie. I've just been busy with life which has gotten even more hectic. As a reward for waiting patiently and as an apology for making you wait so long here's a longer than usual chapter.

Disclaimer: Nothing change. I still own nothing

Chapter 40: The Well

The misfit group kept traveling throughout the day until the sun began to set. On Sesshomaru's word, they stopped near a stream to rest. Kagome almost sighed with relief when they landed and started to set up camp. The inu lord helped her down from Ah-Un, and let the beast go off to graze. Shippo and Rin dashed off as fast as they could to collect wood, Miroku trailing after them. Sango cleared the ground for the fire while Inuyasha went off to catch their meal. Kagome almost sighed at the glare he sent to the youkai lord, who ignored him for the most part.

The young miko found a spot near the stream, wet a spare piece of cloth, and proceeded in cleaning the little inu. Once clean and dry, she dressed the pup in a spared white and blue hakama. Tending to the pup, she almost missed the presence of Kikyo sitting beside her. The priestess sat beside her quietly, gathering water into a bowl. The two sat in silence for a few moments before Kikyo spoke.

"Do you find this uncomfortable?"

Kagome paused for a moment before responding. "What do you mean? What's uncomfortable?"

"My presence here," the priestess stated, staring into the stream.

"Do you want me to be honest?" Kagome asked. When Kikyo did not respond, she took it as the okay to continue. "When I asked Inuyasha to join you, I was worried. You've been against us... against me from the beginning. So much so that I don't trust you and you have never given me a reason to. I only tolerated you for Inuyasha's feelings."

"I see."

"Don't get me wrong," Kagome said quickly. "I've been grateful for your help so far. And-" She turned to the other priestess and moved closer to her.
Kikyo was still as she felt Kagome place a bundle in her arms. She looked at the little inu confused as she made happy bubbly sounds before bringing her attention back to Kagome.
"It seems you have been honest, and I can learn to trust you," the young miko said smiling, entirely pleased when the kind gesture was returned.

From a distance, Sesshomaru watched the two women interact. He was a bit cautious when Kagome placed the young pup into the priestess' arms, but once he saw the genuine smile from both females he let himself relax just a bit. It would seem the undead priestess won't cause them any problems for the time being. As the others set camp, he kept watch, alert for any posing threat that might come their way. He couldn't risk any slack, especially with the miko and pup now out in the open.

The laughter of Rin and Shippo let him know the two energetic younglings were coming back. He quickly glanced at them to see the monk walking, arms full of sticks. Rin was dancing around him, her kimono full of nuts and berries. Shippo chased after her, picking up the dropped food as she continued to spin around. Sango helped Miroku start a fire just moments before Inuyasha came back, carrying with him a small boar. Soon after, the boar was cleaned, prepped and cooked over the fire.

The group ate in silence, save for the quiet chatter between Shippo and Rin. Kagome sat close to the fire, Mizuki laying in her lap. Sango was next to her, brushing out the young Rin's hair which was no doubt covered in leaves and petals. Shippo sat across form her by the fire, speaking animatedly between her and Miroku. Not to far from them Kikyo sat below a tree which Inuyasha rested in. On the opposite side of their camp sat Sesshomaru.

Kagome couldn't help but spare more than a few glances at the youkai lord. He was near enough to hear them but the distance itself... she didn't like it. She tried distracting herself by listening to Rin and Shippo but couldn't resist another peek at the inu. This time she caught his gaze, which she immediately pulled away from.

Sesshomaru watched her turn away. He wasn't sure why she was staring at him so much today but he was going to question her about it. He thought it better to talk with her away from her companions so he stood and walked towards her. It wasn't hard gaining her attention as she seemed to always be focused on him. He stood beside her and silently gestured her to follow him.

Kagome looked at the inu curiously before standing with him. They only moved a couple feet before Inuyasha voiced his opinion.

"Just where are you two going?" The furry eared hanyou called out from his tree spot.

Sesshomaru gave him a hard stare before replying. "It's truly none of your concern."

"The hell it isn't," Inuyasha stated jumping out of the tree and landing in front of the daiyoukai. "Everything that deals with her is my concern."

Kagome quickly stepped in between the two. "We were just going for a walk, Inuyasha. Nothing to worry about."

"So you go with him?!" he questioned glaring directly at the inu lord.

Sesshomaru returned the glare and gently tugged Kagome towards him. "I wish to converse with the miko alone."

"What do you have to say to her that you can't say here?" Inuyasha questioned, not liking the way the inu held his friend.

"Once again it concerns you not." Sesshomaru replied with a cold tone.

"Everything that deals with her concerns me."

"Inuyasha enough." Kagome intervened. "Is it really a problem for him to want to speak with me in private? And can you please stop making decisions for me. I am my own person."

At the time, the others looked on in silence, not really sure how to deal with the situation. Miroku, curious about Inuyasha's grumpy demeanor, decided to interrupt. "Inuyasha, if I may. If it's Kagome's safety that worries you-"

"I don't trust him to keep her safe!" Inuyasha blurted out.

The clearing grew quiet after his outburst. Kagome stared at him in disbelief. "Are you serious? Is this still about what happened back at the palace?"

"It's always been about that." he answered honestly. "I left you in his care and you almost got killed and kidnapped."

"Inuyasha" Kagome sighed. "I've already told you. It was my own fault I got hurt from Isamu."

"It doesn't matter. You were in his care, he should have protected you."

"Inuy-"

"Is this truly about my incompetence at protecting her, or yours?" Sesshomaru asked coldly.

"Excuse me?" Inuyasha's glare hardened.

The inu lord stepped closer to him, pinning him with a cold gaze. "Is your anger towards me or to yourself and your own failures?"

That earned a growl from the hanyou, who immediately went for the hilt of Tetsusaiga.

"Stop it." Kagome stepped in between the two. "Why do you two always have to fight?"

"It's all this pricks fault. From the start he has been my enemy. Now I'm suppose to just accept him?"

"He's been helping me. Isn't that reason enough?"

"Yeah. And a lot of good that's done us. His job is done, so why is he still here? I'm the only one who can go with you through the well." Inuyasha stated. He glanced at Sesshomaru and noticed a slight look of confusion. He smirked at the daiyoukai. "That's right we share a bond you could never have."

"Inuyasha!" Kagome gave the hanyou a disapproving look before turning to the inu-youkai. What she saw froze her cold. Sesshomaru eyes seemed hollow and distant. His posture was relaxed and calm as he gazed coldly at Inuyasha. She had never seen him look this way. And when he spoke, his words were equally cold and hollow.

"I care not for what you call a bond," He said, never breaking eye contact with the hanyou. "Nor do I care about your connection to the miko. But remember half-breed," he glanced at Kagome briefly. "The only reason you are not dead where you stand is because of the girl and the pup." Slowly but surely he turned away and walked from the group until he was far from sight and hearing.

Kagome stared after him somewhat shocked. Spending so much time with him, she had almost forgotten how emotionless and frightening he could be. Trembling she sat back down by the fire. Looking again to where he disappeared, she wondered briefly if he would return to the western palace. Honestly, she wouldn't blame him if he did. Disheartened she didn't register Sango speaking to her or trying to comfort her. The night seemed to stretch as the group stayed relatively quiet.

Inuyasha, back in his spot kept an eye on Kagome, now more than ever confused about the relationship between her and his brother. Something definitely happened while they were at the palace, and he was going to find out what it was. In the mean while, for her sake, he would try not to piss off the ice lord again. His face scrunched up at the thought. He would have to apologize.

Morning arrived, and one by one the group began to rise. Kagome, having a fairly restless night, stretch out her limbs slowly. She woke up Shippo and Rin, who had fallen asleep next to her. The dried tear stain on the young girl's cheek reminded her of Sesshomaru's departure. Looking around her heart sank when she realized he never came back. Sighing she helped break camp and got ready to leave. Thanks to their flight yesterday, they were more than half way to the village. In just a few hours she would be back home, in her own time.

"Kagome," Sango called out to her. "Are you okay? You look like you didn't sleep much."

"Ah, don't worry. I'm okay." The young miko smiled knowing her friend could see through her lie.

Sighing, Sango left it be and finished getting ready.

They were about to depart when Rin let out a short squeal. "Lord Sesshomaru!" She took off running ahead and caught the leg of the inu in a hug.

Everyone turn to see the youkai lord walking toward them, Rin clinging in tow. Kagome almost smiled before she noticed the same distant look from the previous night. He was still angry.

"Where were you?" Inuyasha asked, not too relieved at having him back.

Sesshomaru didn't spare him a glance and proceeded on taking Ah-Un reigns. Seeing as he wasn't going to get a response, Inuyasha led them down the dirt path. The daiyoukai stayed far in the back from the group. That's how it was for the morning. Inuyasha and Kikyou leading the front, with Miroku trailing behind. Rin and Shippo happily chatted and played with Kirara, and Kagome kept pace with Sango.

Kagome kept looking back to see if the inu-youkai was still walking after them. After the tenth time, she slowed her pace significantly until she was right beside him. No words were spoken between them for some time and she fought to keep her eyes off him and on the path ahead. She shifted the pup in her arms every so often as a hopeful distraction.

Sesshomaru took notice when she had slowed down and when she walked beside him. He hadn't acknowledged her all morning. He had nothing to say. Eyeing her, he noticed the slightly dark circles under her eyes. "Did you not sleep?" He blurted the question out before he could stop himself.

"Huh? Oh.." Kagome covered her eye briefly. She wasn't expecting him to say anything. "It was enough."

"So I see." He said blankly. The silence before started to simmer in, which Kagome did not approve of. Even if he was mad, she wanted to talk to him... to hear his voice.

"You know," she spoke still looking ahead. "Rin cried thinking you left her behind."

Sesshomaru watched the little girl ahead talk and laugh with the young kit. "Rin tends not to get affected by anything for to long."

"That or she believes you will always be there."

"How did the pup fare?"

"She slept longer than me."

"Hmm."

Silence again took over and Kagome wanted to sigh in frustration. "Where did you go?"

"Were you worried?" The inu asked not exactly hoping for an answer.

"Yes." The young miko said honestly making him stop in place. Noticing her companion was no longer walking beside her, Kagome stopped and faced him. "What's wrong?"

"Why do you trust me?" Sesshomaru asked staring at her curiously. "And why does it seem you never fear me?"

Kagome opened her mouth to answer but stopped. She didn't know how to explain it. When she was with him she felt safe. "I just do. I trust you because you told me to. You said you would protect me and Mizuki, and despite a few unforeseen circumstances you have. You haven't given me a reason to believe you would ever hurt me... But..." She looked away briefly trying to voice her thoughts. "When you fight with Inuyasha, and you get angry- like last night... I seem to forget how truly terrifying you can be."

He listened to her carefully and almost felt a twinge of guilt. "I never wanted you to feel afraid of me."

"I'm not afraid."

"So you say but your eyes betray you."

Now it was Kagome who felt guilt. "If I understood you it would be better. I never understand what your thinking or feeling."

The inu lord said nothing in response but stepped toward her. He gently brushed her hair behind her ear, resting his hand on her cheek. How could she learn to understand his feelings when he himself is always confused by them. "How do you freely talk about your emotions? How do you not let them hinder your behavior and judgement?''

"Honestly?" Kagome leaned into the warm hand on her cheek. "I say what's on my mind. And I'm sure you have noticed how well that usually goes for me... Will you tell me what you're thinking?"

"I have never been one to let others know what I'm thinking."

"Not even Hayate?" She questioned curiously.

"He attempts to make guesses."

"That's no good. You should have at least one person to talk to."

"Why?"

"To keep from feeling conflicted and confused." She took his hand in her own and stare at it. "I have Sango so, you should have someone too."

Sesshomaru stared at their joined hands. Her small hand wrapped around his own. Whatever he wanted... whatever he was searching to tell her was interrupted from a shout ahead. Dropping her hands he turned toward the noise, irritated to see the Inuyasha and the others watching them. The shout no doubt coming from the hanyou. "He infuriates me."

Kagome giggled. " I guess that's a start. But we did stop for too long I think." She smiled at him as she started walking towards the group.

"Hn." The inu followed after, his palm still tingling from the warmth of her own. The interruption was needed he supposed, though a part of him wished they stayed that way for a bit longer.

"What were the two of you doing for so long?" Inuyasha asked Kagome once they had caught up.

"Just talking." Kagome responded.

"Sure didn't look as just talking to me."

She gave him a sugar sweet smile. "Well it's none of your business anyway." Then she proceeded to walking ahead.

Inuyasha huffed before quickly glancing at Sesshomaru. The inu silently walked behind of them, joined by Rin who insisted on leading Ah-Un. He notice the inu staring blankly ahead, and as he followed that stare toward Kagome, Inuyasha realized something was hidden there. Well, whatever it was he was going to find out.

By noon time Mizuki was up and Kagome was feeling tired from the travel. She felt hot and her legs were burning. "Okay I need a break."

"We're almost there. Are you sure you can't walk for a bit longer?" Inuyasha asked.

"My legs are going to fall off." Kagome said wearily. Before anyone could voice another sound, she was immediately picked up and placed unto Ah-Un. Once again she found herself staring back into the gold gaze of the daiyoukai. "Thank you"

"Hn." Was the response as he continued walking with the beast in tow.

Inuyasha eye twitched as he stared at the two, noticing the blush on Kagome's cheek.

"You are irritated Inuyasha." Kikyo commented quietly.

"I am not." He responded tearing his gaze away from the pair. "I don't trust him."

"She trusts him. Doesn't that count for any thing?"
Inuyasha mumbled something she couldn't quite piece together. Resisting the urge to sigh, Kikyo gave him a serious look. "She forgave me."

"What?" Inuyasha looked at her confused.

"I said she forgives me. Kagome said she can learn to trust me."

"That's different. You're different."

"How? I gave her no reason to trust me before. I've tried to get rid of her Inuyasha." Kikyo said in a hushed bitter tone. "If she can see past that now... then why can't you see that for your brother?" She looked back at the pair and saw Sesshomaru watching Kagome as she chatted happily with Sango. "He cares for her Inuyasha. That much is obvious."

"Feh." Inuyasha turned away scowling. He knew he was being an ass, but the fact that his closest friend was probably falling for his brother was driving him mad. His thoughts were interrupted by Shippo's excited shout.

"I see the village." The kit bounded happily towards Rin and tugged her hand. "come on Rin."

"You two be careful!" Kagome shouted after them as they raced to the village. Kagome stared away into Inuyasha's Forest. Something didn't seem right but she just couldn't point out what.

The group followed the kids into the village. It's been so long but they were greeted cheerily by the villagers. Although most of them stared wearily at the inu youkai, the showed him proper respect seeing as he was escorting the well loved Kagome.

Once they arrived within the center of the village they headed straight for the elder miko's home. Kaede was waiting for them outside. "I am glad ye all made it safe. How was the journey?"

"Couldn't be better," Inuyasha muttered sarcastically before heading inside. The others greeted Kaede as they followed inside. As they all sat down, the old miko looked at each of them not hiding her surprise at the sight of Kikyo, Sesshomaru, and Mizuki.

"It seems ye have a lot to tell me."

"I guess we should start from the beginning." Kagome replied with a smile. She told the old miko about the night they found Mizuki to when She was taken in by Sesshomaru. And about the incidents that occurred at the western palace. They explained the recent events concerning Naraku, Miroku's run-in with him, and the new threat of Katsurou.

Kaede listened quietly as they each gave details to what they discovered about Katsurou and Naraku. "This is problematic. I never thought Katsurou would revive during this old one's lifetime."

"What do you think we should do?" Sango asked.

"From what you've told me Naraku is in league with Katsurou. Ye need to know Naraku's movement."

"We'll find out soon enough." Kikyo said. They watched her quietly as she stood and walked to the entrance. Opening the flap a single soul collector entered and landed in her palm. Her expression turned serious after a moment and she sighed. "It seems Naraku has been busy."

"What did it gather?" Inuyasha asked.

"You were right about Naraku's involvement with the young inu's situation."

"You're talking about her parents death aren't you?" Kagome questioned not really asking for an answer.

"It was Naraku's doing but he wasn't acting alone. Another demon was involved. I think you mentioned an Isamu? Apparently he's made a deal with Naraku. Naraku's undisturbed travels through the Eastern lands in exchange for the destruction of any inu-youkai found."

Kagome's eyes widened and she could feel the silent rage coming from the inu lord next to her. "Does that mean he'll hunt down Mizuki too?"

"I won't let that happen." Sesshomaru stated sparing the young miko a glance.

"I know." Kagome whispered slightly drawing the young pup in her arms closer to her body. She trusted him, she knew she could rely on him but why did she feel like something terrible was going to happen. "I'm just nervous."

"Hmm." Kaede observed the girl before clapping her hand together. "Let's not dwell on this problem for now. It's been a while since you've been back home I presume."

The young girl gave the old miko a cheerful nod. "Yes. I miss family. And it's safer to be there for the time being."

"Do you want to stay a while longer or leave now?" Sango asked.

"Hm." The young miko stood up. "It might be best to leave now."

The others quietly got up, said a brief goodbye to Kaede and walked Kagome down the familiar trail that led to the well. As they talked and walked, Kagome felt and overwhelming feeling of unease. The closer they got to the well the more this feeling swelled.

A hand brushed across her cheek and she turned to look at the inu-youkai. "What are you fearing?"

"It's nothing." She responded looking away from him.

"You know better than to attempt to lie to me. As well as hiding what you are feeling."

She sighed before smiling. "I can at least try."

"Miko."

"I don't know. I just feel like something's wrong. I can't shake it." She whispered so only he could hear.

"Does it deal with your return home?"

Kagome shrugged no sure what to say. As soon as they entered the village she was feeling this way. 'Is it because I will miss this place? My second home?" She shook her head and tried to cheer up. As the trees broke away so did the smile on her face.

The gasps from her friends, and Inuyasha muffled curse confirmed what she saw to be true.

There, where the well once stood was a shallow crater. The ground was broken around it and the center was blacken as if torched by fire. Kagome took shaken steps towards the center, each feeling more heavy than the first until she fell to her knees. "This... why... how-" She could feel the tears fall. Holding Mizuki close, she couldn't respond to her friends worrying attempts to speak to her.

The well was gone.
Her way home was gone.
She will never see them again.
Her family. Her time.

"Momma." She let out a heartbroken cry.

I AM SO SORRY. But life always gets in the way. Hope you enjoy this bit. I put a lot of time and thought into it. If Sesshomaru seems a lil out of character... well, it's intended. Any way. please wait patiently for the next chapter. I should have it uploaded before my finals in mid-June. Thanks for reading and being patient.