Disclaimer: I do not own any of the plot or characters in InuYasha

I don't know when or how often I'll be updating. It's just a little story I'm doing in my free time. Please feel free to comment but constructive criticism only, please. If you don't like it then feel free to not read it.

5

InuYasha was, unsurprisingly, furious when Miroku released him from the sutras. He didn't even pause to breathe as he yelled at Miroku and Sango after failing to grab Shippo when he was initially released. The tirade went on for the better part of an hour before Sango hit him over the head with her Hiraikotsu and snapped that he had no right to complain after what he did. Miroku, though still upset, had calmed down since the incident and calmly followed Sango as she stomped outside.

InuYasha had yelled at Sango for that too before rushing to the well, intending to retrieve Kagome. His companions spent most of their time giving the other villagers apologetic looks, as the hanyou's voice had been heard throughout the village. The two companions made their way toward where Shippo and Kirara were helping Kaede gather herbs on the other side of the village.

All except Kaede cringed as they heard the unmistakable sounds of the hanyou's rage as he discovered his inability to go through the well. Kaede calmly continued gathering her herbs, slowly herded the group further and further from the village and pointing out different types of plants to Shippo as they went along. The fox kit soaked up the information, attention never wavering from the old woman.

"So you can drink that one as a tea, but not eat the leaves?" Shippo's nose scrunched in confusion as he inspected the greyish leaves in front of him, leaning forward to memorize their smell.

Kaede nodded and took the leaves from the kit, placing them in the basket that Sango held for her. "Yes. Ye should let them soak in hot water but make sure to remove them from the tea before you drink. They are not fatal, but ye will be quite uncomfortable for a good while should ye consume them. They are not common in most areas, but they are useful for quick muscle recovery." At the group's questioning look, she hummed and continued on. "For example, if ye are in a difficult battle and drink this tea before ye go to bed, the soreness ye experience in the morning will be minimal."

"Ohhh I see. Thanks, Kaede!" Shippo grinned and ran ahead with Kirara, searching for more of the herb. Kaede gave the kit a small smile before turning to the two humans beside her.

"Sango, ye have extensive knowledge of different plants and herbs from your training, do ye not?" At the slayer's nod, Kaede turned to gaze toward where Shippo was bent over in the grass. "It would be good if ye were to share your knowledge with the kit during your travels. It is something his parents would have taught him."

Sango looked over at the kit thoughtfully, shifting the large basket to her hip. "You're right, I guess I never thought about it. I'll teach him as we go, it'll be easier for him to remember that way rather than me just describing them."

By the time InuYasha caught up with them, the group was already well outside of the village. Though still in control of his demon side, the hanyou looked livid. He landed in front of Kaede, who to her credit did not flinch. Snarling, he crouched to get in her face as she calmly continued her herb gathering. "What have you done, you old bat?" His tone was ice cold, and he dug his claws into the ground to keep from grabbing her throat. Miroku put a hand on Sango's arm to keep her from interfering, knowing the hanyou wouldn't hurt the old woman.

Kaede smoothly moved around him and crouched to pick a purple looking sprout and put it in Sango's basket. "I have only supported the girl, InuYasha." Her tone was calm, but there was a sharp note to it as she moved, never looking at him.

"What does that mean?" InuYasha ground out, his hands curling into fists as he followed her. "Why can't I get through the well?"

"Kagome made her own decision to seal the well, InuYasha. She would have done it with or without my help. I just happen to agree with her decision." Shippo chose that moment to come bounding back, arms full of herbs. Kirara was close behind, more herbs held gently in her jaw.

"Kaede look what I fou-" He stopped short at the sight of the hanyou, green eyes narrowing. Turning sharply, he looked up at Kaede. "Could you teach me about these next? I found some more of the grey ones too!" He nodded over to Kirara, who had placed herself protectively between Shippo and InuYasha.

"Oi, runt! Where have you been?" InuYasha snapped at the kit, who steadily ignored the older demon.

"Of course, child. Kirara, will ye please place those in the basket?" The fire neko, unwilling to move from her place between Shippo and InuYasha, looked at her companion. Understanding immediately, Sango stepped forward to bring the basket to her.

She slayer looked praisingly at the kit. "Nice job, Shippo. Those will be a big help to us." Shippo beamed and held out the new herbs for Sango and Kaede to inspect.

"What am I, chopped liver? Don't ignore me runt!" InuYasha stepped forward, fist raised, but with a snarl and burst of flames Kirara crouched in front of him, fully transformed. InuYasha stopped, shocked at the sight. "Kirara what's wrong with you? It's just me."

The fire neko continued to glare at him, bristling with her lip curled, as Miroku stepped up beside her. Laying a hand on her shoulder, he gazed at the hanyou. "I believe she does not want you to touch Shippo, my fr-." He stopped, expression turning sad. "InuYasha."

A sliver of confusion broke through the rage in the hanyou's eyes. "It's just me guys… you know I wouldn't hurt any of you, right?" Nobody answered as they avoided eye contact with him. Sounding truly confused, he looked in askance at each of them. "Why don't you trust me?"

It was Shippo who responded. His voice was quiet, but his tone and gaze were cold as he looked at the hanyou. "You would have let her die, InuYasha. You chose to save a dead woman over the one who has been there for all of us, especially you, since day one." He hopped onto Sango's shoulder. "We have been in many battles and dangerous situations, but you have never turned your back on her like you did that day. Are you really surprised that we no longer trust you?" The kit sounded much wiser than his age as he finished speaking.

Several moments passed as InuYasha gaped at the kit. When he spoke, his voice sounded lost and confused. "Is she ever coming back?"

"Perhaps. But it is her decision and no concern of yours." Sango responded, her unrelenting anger returning. InuYasha flinched, looking helplessly at Miroku.

"Miroku?" Miroku sighed and met his gaze.

"You are our friend, InuYasha, and we care about you. But your actions are inexcusable and you will have to work to prove that you are trustworthy again. I expect that you will stay away from Lady Kagome until she is ready to speak with you." His voice became stern at the end. "And the first thing that you say to her will be an apology." Miroku's tone was final.

Looking at the monk despairingly, the hanyou dashed off, no doubt to sulk on his own. "The boy still does not understand, ye will need to keep an eye on him." The three companions nodded at Kaede's words, knowing she spoke the truth. Sighing, she shook her head and turned to Shippo, gesturing to his forgotten herbs. "Now, child. What have ye brought me?"