Disclaimer: I don't own Inuyasha or his travelling companions or his brother. Only Nekoyasha is mine and she is still asleep.

"Spoken"

Thoughts

Chapter 15: Over the River, and Through the Woods (To Kaede's We Will Go)

Inuyasha lead the way to Kaede's village. Miroku walked beside him, but they did not speak, as each man was lost in his own thoughts.

Rin and Shippo followed behind the two men. Every so often Rin would pick some flowers for the chain she was making.

Sango toted Kagome's backpack since Miroku was carrying her brother. She found that she had drifted to the back of the group and was walking by Sesshomaru. There were a couple of reasons she could come up with for this behavior in her mind.

To be a guide in case he gets separated… But I guess he could smell our trail. To protect him since his arms are full. She frowned at the thought. Miroku and Inuyasha have their arms full, too. Plus Sesshomaru is used to fighting with one arm.

So the townsfolk won't attack him. With one of us back here, they'll know he's not a threat.

Satisfied with that thought she stole a glance at the demon lord.

He looks like he could use a friend. Is that why I am back here? … To give him the comfort of another person?

The group passed silently through the village. However the townsfolk were not so quiet about their little ensemble. Their voices reached the group's ears.

"They're back!"

"Why is Inuyasha carrying Kagome?"

"Why is there a youkai with them?"

"Surely he isn't going to Kaede's with them!"

"Well, he is carrying a woman…"

"And he does bear a resemblance to Inuyasha…"

xxxxx

The group entered Kaede's hut as silently as they had walked through the village.

The old miko knew something was wrong when Inuyasha didn't gripe at her. She turned to face them and was unprepared for the sight that greeted her.

Both Inuyasha and Miroku stood before her solemnly, each holding a body in his arms. The old woman took a moment to study them before turning to get some blankets and headrests.

"What has happened to ye?" she asked as she and Sango began making the pallets.

Miroku answered, "We fought Naraku and won." He paused and looked at the boy in his arms and at Inuyasha gently laying Kagome on a pallet.

"But at a terrible price. Both Kagome and Nekoyasha…" He stopped. "Strange, I thought Sesshomaru was right behind us."

Inuyasha looked up at the door. Sesshomaru stood just outside.

The younger dog sighed. "You can come in, you know."

The youkai's eyes shot toward Inuyasha. "I can't. Besides, this is not your house to invite me into."

His glance went to the old miko. She held his eyes for a long while. Finally she looked at the woman in his arms.

Sighing she said, "Lord Sesshomaru, as long as that girl in your arms is here, you are welcomed.

The youkai lord bowed his head. He noticed her wording, but chose not to comment on it.

He silently entered and laid his cousin next to Inuyasha's miko.

He settled himself against the wall next to his younger brother. Rin got up and softly sat by her guardian.

Kaede took in the silence among the group. She was surprised that the brothers weren't arguing. They both seemed concerned for the girl(s) on the floor and had put their dislike for each other on hold.

While she prepared dinner for the group, Miroku filled her in on all that had happened. Kaede was glad that her sister had finally been put to rest.

She handed out the bowls of food. Lord Sesshomaru respectfully declined the meal, although he sipped on a cup of tea. The old miko noticed that only the two children seemed to have any sort of appetite. The monk only picked at it. Sango and Inuyasha just moved it around their bowls.

Afterwards Sango and Rin helped Kaede clean up.

Sesshomaru got up and began pacing. He stopped in front of the door. He looked out for a long time. He remained mostly still but Inuyasha could tell that his brother was restless.

"Just don't kill the villagers or their livestock and you'll be fine. I think some lower class demons have invaded my forest," Inuyasha stated.

Sesshomaru glanced back at his younger brother. Inuyasha wasn't even looking at him. His gaze was focused on the two sleeping girls.

Sesshomaru's glance went to Nekoyasha and then to Rin before he turned back to the door.

"I won't be far," he said.

"She'll be safe here," Inuyasha replied.

Sesshomaru inclined his head slightly before stepping fully into the night. He was gone before the curtain resettled.

Miroku noticed that Inuyasha didn't glance up as his brother left, but he didn't seem to relax any either. The hanyou sat with his sword propped in its usual position against his shoulder keeping sentinel over the girls.

Shippo and Rin were getting ready for bed. Shippo seemed to have trouble figuring out where to sleep. He was used to sleeping with Kagome, but with the miko in a coma, he wasn't sure who to be near. Rin laid down near Inuyasha. The hanyou's eyes flicked to the little girl, but he said nothing. She paid no mind to him as she got comfortable. A grin found its way to Shippo's face and he joined the girl near Inuyasha.

Sango let a small smile slip at the children. It was only for a fleeting moment and then she went back to preparing for her own night of sentry duty over her brother.

Miroku planned to keep her company, but there was something he needed to do first.

"Kaede-sama, may I have a word with you?"

The old miko nodded and they made their way outside. Inuyasha's eyes followed them to the door.

Once outside, the monk turned to her. He withdrew a small sack from his robes.

He spoke as he placed it the priestess's hands, "These are Kikyo's remains. I thought you might want to return them to her grave."

Kaede nodded. Miroku looked past her to the hut. "I recommend that you wait though. I believe Kagome-sama would want to be present for it."

"I agree with ye. Thank ye for bringing my sister home."

Miroku bowed. Suddenly a yelp issued from inside. Both the monk and miko rushed back in.

Inuyasha had risen to his feet. Kohaku had sat up. His eyes were wide but blank. Confused noises issued from him. Sango had her arms around him speaking soothingly to the boy. Miroku raced to her side. After a moment the boy's eyes closed and he fell back to the floor.

The episode had Sango shaking. Miroku wrapped his arms around her and pulled her close.

It's going to be a long night. He thought.

xxxxx

A/N: My internet died a horrible gruesome death. I was without it for a month. It was driving me crazy. At least I write a little bit here and there at work. Chapter 17 isn't quite finished yet, but I figured it was time to update.

Of course there is work. I have also been going out with friends. Made a new one. He pays for everything. It's kinda nice. Well that's all for now.