Disclaimer: I don't own Inuyasha

Scientific Method

Chapter 54

The jump down the well felt familiar and she just knew that in some way or another, that old and abandoned well on that magic-born forest, was the real Bone Eaters Well. The young high school girl had been terrified of that jump, dreaded it because she feared finding Inuyasha with Kikyo or seeing Sesshomaru.

Her heart became weaker with time, with every betrayal from Inuyasha. It was with Sesshomaru when she learned to let go of some of the pain, to see the world in a different way…but then, he too betrayed her.

For a year now she thought the Taiyoukai had been Inuyasha's accomplice on Kikyo's revival. She thought he had helped Kikyo get a new, living body…but she had been mistaken. While it was true Sesshomaru gave Inuyasha the 'tools' and 'knowledge', it was Inuyasha who decided to go on with it. It was Inuyasha who decided to revive Kikyo.

It hurt though…but she guessed it worked out for her at the end. Would she really want to be with Inuyasha if he wanted Kikyo that badly? Maybe Sesshomaru did her a favor.

So, when her sandaled foot touched the ground of the Well…and a new scent reached her, she smiled. She was finally back. She was back in the Feudal Era.

xxoOoxx

As soon as she came back, she realized something was wrong. The air smelled off, as if something was burning. It made her nose itch. Instantly she pressed the hem of her kimono against her nose to stop the uncomfortable itch and looked up to the mouth of the well.

She couldn't see outside, for the top was covered in greenery. She frowned. She guessed that a year of disuse would make the place somewhat…different but she never thought it would be this much. Really…did no one think she would be back? Even if she did…she wouldn't have been able to get out. These vines weren't the young, weak ones. This was almost tree bark by now.

Kagome was about to call out for Inuyasha but bit her tongue. Did she want to call Inuyasha? He had a living Kikyo now…and it felt strange to call out for him when he was probably a happy husband and father.

Still, Sesshomaru wasn't much better. He must be angry with her now…perhaps Shippo, or Sango or Miroku. Kirara would be the perfect escort, undoubtedly. At the end, Kagome decided to climb by herself. She untied her obi and tied it loosely below her chest so she could have freer legs to move. She tested it and it worked fine. It wasn't as comfortable as her school uniform but it would have to do. She took off her sandals as well.

After that she did her best at climbing up the Well. She got a scratch on her knee and one in between her big toe and the next one…and that one was evil. Her hands ached, she was sweating all around and her arms and legs were burning. Well, after a freeloading year…it was expected.

It took her an hour to get to the top, and when she did, she paled. There, in front of her was Sesshomaru, with the wind playing with his silky, silver hair.

xxoOoxx

Sesshomaru drew closer and Kagome held her breath. She knew it was him, he was wearing different clothes, commoner's garments, but she could tell it was him. It was impossible to miss his youki or his royal looks.

He made her feel small.

She didn't know why, but she didn't startle when he grabbed her by her waist and placed her on the ground. Perhaps she was so surprised to see him that she couldn't think about anything else, except, "Why didn't you help me up?"

There was a moment of silence, it was tense, it was fine. Everything was just different and nothing made sense anymore.

"You didn't come back," he said gravely. His voice sounded as if it was a reprimand, but too old to be heartfelt right now.

Kagome pursed her lips and sighed, "I-"

"I didn't do it," he interrupted, "I didn't betray you. Jaken said you said I betrayed you."

Kagome smiled a sad smile, "I know…I just needed time. This last year…"

"Centuries have passed miko," stated the Taiyoukai making Kagome glance up at him with wide eyes, "You didn't return."

Kagome shook her head slowly, "No…it has only been a year Sesshomaru," she said quietly her brown eyes blinking confusedly.

Sesshomaru merely shook his head, "You must go back to the Well," he stated firmly and sat her on the well's rim. Kagome was about to object but he silenced her with a look, "Inuyasha and the kit are alive Kagome," he told her to appease her bigger worries, "We will meet again in the future. You have to go."

Kagome turned to him, hurt on her face but the stern, handsome face didn't lessen. She nodded confusedly and feeling very lost, but trusting him enough to obey. She didn't resist when he pushed her down and the blue light circled her in, taking her to the future.

However, the Taiyoukai stayed near the well, watching with lonely eyes at the blue light which never returned. The minutes ticked by and Sesshomaru transformed taking on the shape of a huge, white dog. He curled around the Bone Eater's Well protectively and rested his massive head over his paws and waited. A few minutes later Shippo appeared and jumped down the well holding a black-haired human, as did Inuyasha later on. None managed to pass, but that was never their intent. Sesshomaru accommodated his body to cover them all and the well protecting them, and once again waited.

The first sunrays appeared hours later, and yet they waited. He waited for what he knew was about to come. What Kagome's long lost books said would happen. He knew it would, he trusted her.

Not long after morning arrived an American B-29 bomber finally dropped the "Little boy" at Hiroshima and everything that was Japan changed after that fateful minute. A huge smoke column, followed by a strong radioactive wave coated the island, and Sesshomaru.

...But not the Bone Eater's Well. The Well, its occupants and its magic…were safe.

To be continued...

JeniNeji's Note:

Hn. Please, review :3