Prologue
"Are we doing the right thing?" Kagome asked with tears in her eyes as she watched two dragon demons set an all too familiar hut on fire.
"Yes." Inuyasha answered, pushing the Priestess away from the sight of the demons rejoicing in the hut being reduced to ashes.
The battle with Naraku had raged south for days and days with no end in sight. The sadistic demon and his horde of minions were slowly, but surely making their way through the villages one by one to get to the well. Kagome and her friends tried to lead the fighting away from the people who resided there, but Naraku would not be deterred. They evacuated as many of the residents as they could, sending them to Sesshomaru's lands in the west, but some chose to stay. Those few all lost their homes, their lands, and unfortunately, their lives. Naraku was determined to decimate anything in his path. The small group of fighters was tired, wounded in one way or another, and running out of options. Their opponent proved to be too strong to hold off and defeat due to his growing legion. The demons under Naraku's command spread death and destruction everywhere they went, bringing trouble to both the human and demon population within close proximity of the battlefield. Humans, regardless of their status, were killed instantly, but the demons were given a choice to join the fight. If they declined, they were killed as well. No mercy was shown, not even to the strongest.
The lands, which were once fields of lush green grass, blooming flowers, and plentiful crops, were now laid to waste. Rivers, hot springs, and small flowing springs were dried up. The trees that filled the forests were dead or dying. Naraku was using the thick, purple and black toxic Miasma, spreading it inch by inch over the lands, annihilating everything that made the feudal era beautiful. And what he didn't destroy, his demons found pleasure in killing. By the wicked smile on his face, you could tell that Naraku was enjoying every minute of it.
"We've got to hurry Inuyasha. We're almost there." Kagome yelled as she followed her small group of friends towards the well. They were to meet up with Shippo, Rin, Kohaku, Jaken, and Ah-Un who were hiding safely away from the fight. Bright red blades in the shape of crescent moons, which were created by Inuyasha's wind scar attack, plowed through a large group of demons. Inuyasha, who was breathing heavily from attacking again and again, growled in response when fifty more of Naraku's hideous demons, filled the gap he'd just made.
"Damnit! We're coming! Just get everyone to the well and make sure Miroku and Kaede erect a barrier until Sesshomaru and I can get there!" Kagome felt her heart wrench in response, she didn't want to leave him, but she had to take care of the others. Sesshomaru and Inuyasha were their last line of defense, holding off Naraku until she could secure their way out. She had to trust that he would make it back to her.
"I love you Inuyasha." She whispered, knowing he wouldn't hear her over all the noise. She'd never said it before; she was always scared of how he'd react. There was an understanding between the two of course; the words never needed to be spoken. However, in this moment, Kagome regretted not telling him.
"Kagome! Stop standing there! Get going." She nodded, turning on her heel to head towards the well with renewed determination. He'd make it back, and then once they were through the well, she'd tell him. She would say the words that were always on the tip of her tongue. She clutched the jewel closer to her chest as she followed Sango and Miroku closely. This would be their way out. Kagome and Inuyasha managed to recapture the Jewel of Four Souls a few weeks earlier after tricking Hakudoshi into handing it over. They'd managed to put all of the shards together, somehow saving Kohaku's life in the process. But after doing so, Naraku followed them, waging an all out war on the way to the village, destroying everything in his path. When Naraku reached the village, Kagome and Inuyasha thought they would be ready for him, but they were wrong. Naraku managed to score more than a few allies on the way, increasing his army by ten thousand demons; a number that, unfortunately, grew daily as the battle continued. Two of the higher ranking families of the East and North joined Naraku's fight with promises of power from the Shikon Jewel. Kagome knew deep down that was a deceit. There was no way the power hungry demon would share the magic of the jewel with anyone. He was determined to become invincible, and once he was able to attain that goal, he would destroy them all before they even could blink. The half-demon was ruthless in a way that shook Kagome to her core. Sesshomaru tried to talk some sense into those families, make them see reason in their madness. He knew that Naraku would head his way next and the Western lands would become a wasteland, as well as the North, South, and Eastern lands. But no one would take the advice of the demon Lord because he had allied himself with a half-demon and some humans. Their loss. They would learn the hard way as so many others had before them.
Once Kagome and the others reached the well, Kagome took a minute to breathe in a sigh of relief. Sesshomaru's little pack was hiding patiently near the well along with Shippo and Kaede.
"It's time." Miroku said, quickly getting into position with Kaede. They sat side by side, their legs crossed, chanting together to produce a barrier around the well and their friends. Their hope was that the barrier, combined with a little boost from Kaede's priestess power, would protect them until they could get through the well. Kagome and Sango watched with fascination when a bright pink glow shot into the sky roughly ten feet above them, and then spread out in a large dome shape around them.
"Think the color of his barrier has something to do with the jewel? I've never seen his barriers do this before." Kagome shrugged at the demon slayer's question. "I don't know. Maybe? I can feel its power pulsing from inside the pouch but I can't tell if it's powering the barrier or not." Both Kagome and Sango silently hoped that the jewel was interfering and protecting them. They were going to need a miracle if they planned to survive this. With the combined power of Naraku and his army, there was a chance that one of the demons could get through the barrier, however, that was a risk they all made a choice to take. There was no going back now, every member of the group agreed that Naraku had become too strong. Too powerful. "Sango! You made it! Master Jaken and I have been holding off the demons as much as we can but there are just so many of them. We can't hold them much longer. Please tell me you have a plan." Shippo asked, taking a moment to breathe a sigh of relief while he could. Sango hesitated, still unsure herself. A long time ago, the group joked about taking everyone through the well to visit the future. They'd heard from Inuyasha about the many strange things in Kagome's time and were curious to see it for themselves. She wanted to show them what a hot shower was, introduce them to all of the food the future had to offer, she wanted them to meet her family, friends, and her cat Buyo but they weren't sure it would work even if they got the jewel back. So the idea stayed just that, wishful thinking. After they heard that Naraku and his followers were headed their way, Kagome introduced the idea again one night while they were sitting around a fire. She suggested in case of an emergency, to save them all, they would make that wish and take everyone to the future. The idea was ludicrous of course. How would they all survive a place like that? However, after fighting for so many days on end and watching many of their friends die, this was the only other option they had to live. Even if they defeated Naraku, everything they had was gone.
"We have a plan, but it's a little crazy." Shippo looked at Sango hesitantly but gave a small nod. He trusted them and would follow their lead as he always did. "Where is Lord Sesshomaru? We can't leave without him!" Rin said, popping up out of the well, searching for him among the fighters. "You silly girl! Lord Sesshomaru does not plan to take part in this ridiculous plan! Kagome and Inuyasha have been given orders to take you with them while he stays." Tears started to form in the little girl's eyes as she tried to picture a life without Jaken, Sesshomaru, and Ah-Un. How could she live her life knowing that they might die if they stayed? She had faith in her Lord. She knew he was strong, capable, and so far, practically undefeated in battle. But something in the back of her mind wouldn't allow her to picture a life without him. A feeling deep in her gut, a feeling she couldn't explain, told her that if he stayed, he would die. The thought was unbearable. "No Jaken, he will come! My Lord will surely not leave me." Jaken mumbled something about an insolent girl and then shot fire out of his staff of two heads to kill two approaching demons. So far, the demons surrounding them failed at all of their attempts at getting inside of the barrier.
A third stepped out from behind a tree watching the group carefully. The demon, who closely resembled a large black bear, walked over to the barrier. He studied it for a moment, but didn't dare touch it. This one was much smarter than the others. "Your barrier will not hold forever Priestess." He smiled wickedly, his yellow eyes glowing with an evil rivaling Naraku's. Kagome pulled Rin behind her, standing face to face with the grisly demon. "We will be long gone before that happens so don't get too excited." He chuckled and bent down, eying Rin. "I'll eat you first little one while Lord Sesshomaru watches. Then I'll kill him and let my friends devour him." Fire shot out and the demon jumped back. Rin giggled as Shippo's blue fox fire singed the bear's fur. "Watch your tongue demon or I'll have my Lord tear it out and feed it to you before you die." Rin tilted her head to the right, smiling with a deep wickedness herself. She used to fear Lord Sesshomaru when he would kill his enemies, but over the last year, she'd come to enjoy watching him make the bad demons suffer, especially when they threatened her. "Thank you Shippo." Rin whispered, turning back to Kagome. The little fox demon smiled triumphantly, feeling pride in how far he'd come since his fox training started. "Rin, you know there is nothing left here for Lord Sesshomaru. Don't let Jaken upset you. I'm sure he will join us. He cares for you far too much to let you go without him." Rin felt hope spark at Kagome's words. Ever since the demon Lord revived her with Tensaiga, her life, her soul belonged to Sesshomaru. There was no other way of life for her. She wanted to stay with him always, and if he chose to stay here, she would stay as well no matter what danger they faced. She would welcome death once more as long as she was at his side when it happened. "Look! He's coming with Inuyasha. They're almost here!" Rin ran to the edge of the barrier, seeing Inuyasha and Sesshomaru a few yards away. Her heart started to race as he neared the barrier. He was alive and unharmed for the most part, and the relief she felt was palpable. "Hurry Lord Sesshomaru! It's almost time!" Sesshomaru's eyes met hers and, even though his facial expressions never changed, Rin could clearly see relief in his eyes.
Sesshomaru let out a breath he hadn't known he was holding when he saw Rin standing there safe and sound behind the barrier. He had hoped and prayed many times since leaving her that she would be protected and secure in their hidden place. When Inuyasha suggested earlier that Shippo use his fox magic to conceal them within the well while the fight ensued, he was skeptical. The little fox demon was smart, cunning, sneaky, and his magic was strong. But the kind of demons they might face were stronger, wiser, and could detect fox magic most of the time. The thought of leaving her without his protection made him quite uneasy. However, Inuyasha made a reasonable argument when he and Sesshomaru were discussing the plan. By his side, Rin would be vulnerable to all types of attacks. He wouldn't be able to protect her and be useful in the fight. But if she were safe within the protected well, he could focus, and that would have to suffice for now. Since he was unaware of Shippo's abilities, he'd threatened Jaken with instant death should anything happen to her. He didn't like for Rin to be out of his sight at a time like this, but he could not properly protect her either if she was used as a pawn by Naraku or another demon who knew of his fondness for her. He'd tried to keep his feelings toward the little girl a secret but demons were quickly taking notice of his care for her. "You cannot defeat me Inuyasha and Sesshomaru! I will make you watch as I torture and kill all those who you love most!" Naraku's wickedness knew no bounds, and Sesshomaru was certain that if given the chance, he would do just that. Rin falling prey to Naraku was unacceptable. He would not have her. "Inuyasha, Meido now!" Inuyasha nodded at Sesshomaru's command. He raised his sword preparing for the attack. "MEIDO ZANGETSUHA!" He yelled as the portal to the underworld opened when he completed the circular attack with his sword. The black hole of nothingness consumed a plethora of demons, sucking them in with such force that, within seconds, hundreds of them were gone. Before the portal could take him too, long white, bone-like tendrils sprung out of Naraku's back and plunged into the blood soaked ground, anchoring himself. Sesshomaru took this moment of vulnerability to attack, being careful of the powerful suction the portal. With Naraku distracted, he could do some damage as long as he didn't get pulled in by the portal as well. Sesshomaru raised Baksaiga to the sky, its silver color gleaming in the sunlight as it called forth it's power. Lightning flashed and thunder roared in the sky but Naraku's attention remained focused on avoiding the black hole. "Dragon Strike!" Lightning came down from the sky and circled his sword as he plunged it into the blood covered ground. The devastating attack broke the earth in half as the lightning raced towards Naraku. Sesshomaru and Inuaysha shared one thought as the attack neared; this is it, we've got him. The attack would not only break his anchor, it would wound him severely as well. Anxiety and excitement swirled in their chest as their heart beats raced within their chests. This was it! They had him! But their hope left as quickly as it came. The attack hit, and bounced off Naraku's barrier. A barrier that he'd somehow erected just in time. Sesshomaru growled low, frustrated by the inability to land one attack on the disgusting half-demon. "Sesshomaru, get to the well. It's our only chance." His eyes met Inuyasha's worried gaze. The half demon and his friends, which included his ward, would die unless they got them safely through the portal. Sesshomaru turned and hurried towards the barrier, dodging a number of demons in his haste to get to Rin. He had to get her in that damn well.
Once they reached the barrier, they stepped inside and watched as Miroku and Kaede chanted louder, making the barrier extend, pushing the demons back a few more feet. "Kagome we have to hurry. Their barrier won't last for long." Kagome sighed in hesitation; she couldn't focus with all the chaos ensuing around her. The demons were pounding on the barrier and throwing all kinds of various attacks to try and weaken it. The outside noise was ringing loud in her ears; to a point where it was almost deafening. Add those factors to the pressure to save everyone in her group, and it made this experience just so overwhelming. It was all up to her to make this wish on the jewel work. If she couldn't do it, they were going to die. Naraku's army was bearing down on them, and more demons seemed to appear with every minute that passed. "Kagome? What's wrong?" She felt Inuyasha's comforting touch on her back, and she turned to face him. "I'm scared. What if it doesn't work?" He shook his head, his determined gaze unwavering. "It will work. Believe in yourself, and in the power of the jewel." Kagome closed her eyes, taking a deep breath in then letting it out slowly. "Shut out the noise. Focus. You can do this." He whispered into her ear, his hands reassuringly now resting on her waist. She nodded, leaning against him lightly. She needed his strength. With shaky hands, she pulled the jewel from the pouch hanging from the chain around her neck. "This will work. This has to work." She whispered to herself, pouring all of her focus and energy into the task at hand. The jewel immediately started to glow a bright pink color, reacting to the power within Kagome, as she purified all of the evil still trapped inside. The jewel pulsed, shining brighter within Kagome's hands as the small remnants of black faded from inside. She smiled, feeling a deep connection spark. She could feel the energy of the jewel of four souls and all those who lost their lives protecting its power. "Inuyasha, this is incredible. I can feel them; I can feel all of them." She whispered breathlessly. The half-demon behind her watched in fascination as the beautiful priestess and the jewel both started to glow. He wasn't sure what was happening, but he tried to stay steady and strong, lending her his strength and protection. He loathed having to admit that if this didn't work, the small group of warriors would be in big trouble. There were too many of them.
Rin slowly walked over to join Lord Sesshomaru, lacing her fingers with his. Seeing the great demon Lord worried was a new experience. He was always so calm, confident, and constant. "Are you supposed to be over here?" She shook her head, laying it on his arm. "No. But you needed me." She responded, feeling his racing heart calm. Rin knew she was supposed to stay in the well or beside it, but she was kind of a brat. She didn't exactly follow the rules these days. "It's the coming of age rebellion my Lord." Kaede told him a few months ago. The disobedience no doubt annoyed him greatly, but she couldn't find it in herself to care. She needed his strength as much as he needed hers. "You insolent girl! Get back here and leave our great Lord alone." Sesshomaru growled at Jaken's comment, scaring the little toad demon. If his ward wanted to be beside him, then so be it. Sesshomaru loathed to admit that he was relieved to be with Rin again. He'd grown quite attached to the human girl over the years. "What do you think our new lives will be like my Lord?" She asked, shifting closer to his body. Rin hated to ask the question, she feared his answer, but she had to know. Would he go? Would he stay? Either way, whether she lived or died, she vowed to stay by his side. Sesshomaru looked down into her big brown eyes, contemplating the right words to say. Where she was headed, he could not and would not go. Killing Naraku was his top priority. He'd committed too many heinous acts; Sesshomaru could not so easily walk away and let that go. Naraku had to die, and by his hand. "Your life will be more than satisfactory I'm sure." He turned away to avoid Rin catching a glimpse of his facial expressions. Leaving her would be difficult; more difficult than he realized until the moment grew ever closer. Why did the thought of losing her make his chest ache? She would be safe from the demons that wished her harm and happy in a time where humans could freely live their lives. To most, this knowledge would be comforting, but he felt sick. He turned back to her, catching her full attention. "Rin, I want you to learn as much as you can, be good for Inuyasha and Kagome, and grow up to become a strong, beautiful woman. And make sure you learn how to defend yourself, it's important. Sango and Kohaku can teach you the ways of a demon slayer. Even if you do not need those skills in the future, learn them for yourself. A woman should always know how to defend herself." He watched the realization slowly dawn on her as she understood the silent meaning behind his words. Rin felt lightheaded as her heart beat harder in her chest. There was clear determination in his normally emotionless gaze. Lord Sesshomaru's mind was made. He was going to stay behind and fight this battle; consequences be damned.
"Ugh! You are an idiot! You will die if you stay here." Sesshomaru was momentarily taken aback, shocked at her choice of words. She'd never so openly insulted him. Normally, he would be offended by her words and punish her for such back talk but she was too visibly upset. Her emotional outburst was normal considering the sitation, and he expected this kind of reaction once she learned the news. However, he didn't approve of her lack of faith in him. He was one of the greatest dog demons alive, much like his father. He was not one to be outmatched by another. Did she have such little confidence in his abilities? He was surprised to see in this moment that she appeared to doubt him. "Rin I cannot go where you are going. I have to stay here and defeat Naraku." She shook her head and latched onto him, wrapping her arms around his waist. "No! You cannot leave me!" He smelled the salt from her tears before he saw them roll down her porcelain face. Why was she crying? "Please Lord Sesshomaru! You've saved my life twice now, let me save yours." For the first time, Sesshomaru felt guilt. The sensation was so foreign that he almost didn't recognize it. "Sesshomaru, I know you could care less what I have to say, but don't stay here to die. We're headed to a time where our lives will be so much more fulfilling. You can be a part of that with Rin. Come with us. Come. With. Her." Inuyasha emphasized those last three words, hoping it would resonate with Sesshomaru in some way. They were practically strangers, Inuyasha knew this, but he also knew to use Rin as a bargaining tool. Sesshomaru loved the little girl, for whatever reason, and that would be the way to get through to him. He didn't want to save the ungrateful asshole, but he also knew he owed him. Sesshomaru saved his life, as well as the life of his friends, on more than one occasion. He needed to repay his brother with the same kindness and offer him a life with the one he cared for most. "I cannot brother." As much as Sesshomaru wanted to take up Inuyasha's offer, although he would never admit that fact, he couldn't. This future Inuyasha spoke of; how could he fit into a world, a future, where demons were nonexistent? Here, he was the Lord of the Western Lands. In the future, he would have to hide, he would be nothing. That was not the kind of life he envisioned for himself, even if that life included Rin. What kind of life could he give her in that state? "It's time, I'm ready." Kagome whispered. His eyes fell on Kagome and then he looked back to Rin who still held tight to his waist. "Rin. Let go." Sesshomaru ordered. She shook her head violently. "No! I will not go without you. If you stay, then I will stay." Her loyalty was admirable, but he couldn't risk her life again. The Tensaiga could not revive her a third time. She had to go. He couldn't lose her again.
"Jewel of Four Souls, hear my wish. I wish to have, and use, four wishes in all to help save my friends." Inuyasha stood close behind her, guarding with Tetsaiga at the ready. A light from the Shikon Jewel shot into the sky above them, lighting up everything around them. Everyone gasped in shock and anticipation, watching and waiting to see what would happen. "Granted. What is it that you wish Priestess?" A beautiful, breathy voice rang out through the noise, startling Kagome. She was surprised, but remained focused. "For my first wish, please open the well and allow all within this barrier to pass through to my time, then once I am through, please seal the well so that no one else can come through or…go back." As she finished her request, the seriousness of the decision weighed heavy in her heart. She'd never again return to this time, nor would her friends. They would all be stuck in the future time. "It is done." Said the voice as the inside of the well suddenly started to glow. All eyes turned to see what looked like little pink balls of light flowing from the inside of the well. For a moment, time stood still for all those inside the barrier. They were fearful of what awaited them on the other side, so no one made a move to go. Inuyasha growled in frustration. This was their chance. "Why is everyone just standing around? Jump into the well. Now!" Sango kissed Miroku on the cheek, stunning the young monk. "Hurry up; I'll be waiting for you." He smiled wide as she grabbed her brother's hand and jumped in. The pink hue glowed brighter for a second then died down, signaling for the next person to go. Kilala and Shippo were next, following the Demon Slayer's move. If she could be brave enough to go then they could too. "Hurry up child, I will follow ye shortly. I must keep up the barrier to protect ye all." Kaede said to Miroku, pulling him from his concentration. He looked at her solemnly then jumped in as well. Ah-Un went next. He was ushered to the well by Jaken, fighting the whole time to stay with his master. "Go." Sesshomaru said softly. The two-headed dragon whined in for a moment, hesitating. Much like Rin, he didn't want to leave Sesshomaru's side. But he jumped in, knowing his job was to protect Rin along with Inuyasha and Kagome in the future.
"Sesshomaru, you need to take Jaken and Rin now. The barrier is weakening and Kagome can't pass through until everyone else does. I'm not leaving her yet so you are next." Sesshomaru shook his head. "Jaken, take Rin and go. If she is harmed or dies in the future, Inuyasha will kill you. Do you understand me?" Inuyasha's eyes met Sesshomaru's and nodded his understanding. He wouldn't actually kill the stupid toad but he would torture him relentlessly for his brother. Jaken shook in fear at the threat, and tried breaking Rin's hold on his Master. For a human, she was strong. She would not budge. "Rin, you have to go with Jaken. You are endangering Kagome and Inuyasha if you do not." She shook her head and continued to cry. "No! No! Please don't make me go without you. Rin's life is here with you." Sesshomaru knelt down and, in a moment of weakness, kissed her forehead. The moment greatly shocked the others and they gasped. "Rin, it will be okay. This Sesshomaru does not die that easily." Her eyes met his and he could see so many emotions running rampant within her childlike gaze. She was silently pulling him in, slowly daring him to change his mind. His emotions were warring inside him; guilty for leaving her, heartbreak at losing her, sadness for the tears in her eyes, and another feeling he couldn't quite put into words. "I am sorry." He whispered, so low only she could hear. "Wait, what?" Before she could protest, or process his apology, he squeezed her wrist hard enough to break her hold on him. She cried out in both pain and heartbreak as he handed her to Jaken. She kicked and hit the green imp, who was trying hard to haul her back towards the well. But Rin was determined not to go through without him. She fought harder, struggling. Sesshomaru was shocked by her behavior; she was so strong yet so fragile, and the emotions displayed on her face were breaking down every barrier he put up to avoid any type of feeling. He was not supposed to feel remorseful for leaving her. He knew he was doing the right thing, but the look in her eyes was heart wrenching, even for someone lacking emotion.
Rin was frantic, panicked as Jaken neared the edge of the well. If she didn't break his hold, she'd be flung into a world, a future without Sesshomaru. She had to do something. "My Lord, please don't do this!" Sesshomaru turned away from her, eying the barrier, and the thousands of demons behind it. He crouched down, preparing to fight the horde by himself once the barrier disappeared. Was this worth leaving her? Would his death be worth the small dent he would make in Naraku's army? "SESSHORMARU! No! You will not leave me!" Rin demanded, her voice deepening. She would not go out like this. Sesshomaru turned back around, shocked at the tone in her voice. She'd used his name without any formalities, and practically commanded him. A command, he admitted only to himself, he wanted to obey. Instantly, something within him broke. His eyes softened, not of his own free will of course, and those watching were taken aback by his clear adoration of the child. Whether he lived or died bothered him not. He did not fear death for if he died, it would not be in vain. She would be safe. But if he lived, and succeeded in defeating Naraku, what kind of life would he have without her? When he looked upon her still, un-breathing form at his mother's palace when she died the second time, he thought to himself that nothing was worth losing her. To this day, that opinion had not changed. Then it hit him, deep within his gut. This fight was not worth fighting, or winning, if he had to live without her. Before Jaken could throw her into the well, Sesshomaru snatched her out of his grasp and held her shaking body close to his. Her hands fisted into his shirt, holding on as tight as she could. She instantly relaxed, which brought about the same reaction in him. One day he might regret this decision but for now, it felt right. His tail curled around Rin instinctively, warming her shaking form. "Jaken, let's go." He said simply before jumping into the well with Rin curled up inside the soft fur of his tail. Whatever happened, they would face it together.
"Are we going to talk about what just happened?" Kagome asked, her eyes wide with shock. "Nope. Not yet." Kagome just laughed. This moment would definitely be a hot topic of conversation between the group later. That was a once in a lifetime occurrence right there. Kagome and Inuyasha turned to assist getting Kaede into the well but then the smell hit Inuyasha's nose. Blood. She was wounded. "KAEDE!" Kagome screamed, noticing a large, gaping hole in her back. Kaede coughed, blood spilling from her mouth. With the barrier weakening, one of the demons managed to get an attack in through a small opening. "Go child! I am dying. I am not long for this world." Kagome and Inuyasha hesitated. She was like a grandmother to them both. They didn't want to leave her to the demon hoard. "But Kaede, we can't just go without you!" She exchanged a knowing glance with Inuyasha. They both knew what had to be done."Yes child, you must. Take care of each other. Hurry! Go!" Inuyasha grabbed a crying Kagome, nodding his thanks to the old woman. "See you again in the next lifetime." He whispered, jumping in. They noticed the barrier break and heard the old woman scream in pain. The sound was terrible.
When they landed on the other side, the glowing inside the well stopped. Now that everyone was through, the well was sealed. No one could return to the Fuedal Era, the only home they'd ever truly known. Inuyasha jumped out of the well, trying to console Kagome. He felt guilt wrack his entire body for leaving Kaede, but he knew there was no way to help her at this point. Only a demon could have survived that kind of fatal attack. Even if she were to go to one of the hospitals in Kagome's time, she wouldn't have made it in time. She'd given her life to save them all, something he would never forget.
"Where…is Kaede?" Miroku asked, breaking the silence. They were looking at the well in anticipation, waiting for the dog demon to no doubt jump back down and pull her out. But it would not happen. Kaede was gone.
"She didn't make it. One of the demons managed to fatally injure her when the barrier was breaking down. She told Kagome and I to go." Gasps were heard from all around. Sango, Shippo, and Rin started crying as well, mourning the loss of their loved one. Normally, Kaede would be the one to provide words of wisdom or encouragement at a time like this, where their lives were turned upside down. The silence they felt was consuming, and devastating.
"We can't let her sacrifice be in vain. She died protecting us." Inuyasha said, trying to help his friends through this moment.
No one knew what to say or do but they had to make the best of their situation. Kagome held on tighter to Inuyasha, who still held her in his arms. She knew she should get down, but she wanted to feel his body next to hers and smell his scent just a little longer. It was the only comfort she felt through the stress, exhaustion, and loss. Kagome looked up to see her mother standing at the entrance to the well. Like Kagome, her mother was empathetic and could physically feel the pain and devastation in the room. When she cleared her throat, everyone in the room turned their heads to her.
"Hello everyone, I am Kagome's mother. Why don't you all come inside the house? We have plenty of food and water. We have clean clothes if you'd like to shower and change. We can get your bandaged up. And then you can all get some rest. I know you are all exhausted." Inuyasha and Kagome looked at each other, and then to their friends who looked unsure of what to do.
"Thanks mom, we're coming." She said as Inuyasha placed her on her feet.
"This is going to be a big shock for everyone." He whispered. How right he was in that assessment.
"At least we're alive and together. Let's get everyone inside." She motioned for Sango and the others to follow her mother inside. They did so without anymore hesitation. However Sesshomaru stayed in place, still holding onto Rin.
"Come on Sesshomaru, it's time to start trusting humans. They're all we have now." He looked outside of the house where the well stood and then quietly followed Inuyasha into the Higuarashi home, reflecting on his decision. However, when his eyes met Rin's happy gaze, he knew he'd made the right decision after all.