InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ Of Gods and Monsters ❯ Chapter 51: Homecoming ( Chapter 53 )

[ Y - Young Adult: Not suitable for readers under 16 ]

By: Niamh

Chapter 51: Homecoming

A/N: Yes, I know. Six months since an update. Unfortunately, it could not be helped. I hope this chapter makes up for it. ;) I must thank my invaluable team of betas for help through this chapter -- Ithilwen, Kat Morning, Nanda-chan, and my alpha-reader, Everstar. You ladies are fantastic.

I will be the answer

At the end of the line

I will be there for you

While you take the time

In the burning of uncertainty

I will be your solid ground

I will hold the balance

If you can't look down

~Sarah McLachlan, "The Answer"

Inuyasha was stretched out on a tree limb, frowning at the silhouette of a passing bird. Eight days, Sesshoumaru had said. After eight days, Kagome could come back through.

It had been eight days. And where was he? Nowhere the hell near the fucking well, that was for sure. She could be coming through now.

Damned stupid shard hunt. Well, at least they got what they'd been looking for.

He tucked his arms further into his sleeves, shifting a bit, casting another look at the sky -- the sun was now visible above the mountains in the distance. Nodding once, he dropped to the ground. Miroku and Sango were still asleep, both of them curled up contently by the fire. He made a face before nudging the monk's shoulder with his foot, rewarded with a barely coherent grunt.

"Wake up."

Rubbing his eyes, Miroku rolled onto his back, looking up at Inuyasha. He blinked once, then twice. "Inuyasha? What is it?"

"It's time to get moving. Come on -- get up."

The monk sat up slowly, shaking off his slumber. After a moment he yawned widely. "Inuyasha, I realize you're looking forward to Kagome-sama's return, but..." he looked at the sky. The sun had only begun to tint the edge of the horizon pink. "You do understand that she is, most likely, not even awake yet."

"Just get up, bouzu."

Miroku stretched his arms above his head, arching his back as he yawned widely. "All right," he replied. "If I must, I must." He eyed the sleeping Sango next to him and a wicked grin lit his lips as he regarded her.

"Sango, it seems Inuyasha wants me to get--"

"If you know what's good for you, you won't finish that sentence," she said clearly, never opening her eyes.

"Are you quite sure, darling Sango? I thought perhaps you might have an opinion on the mat--"

"Hold your tongue, houshi," Sango muttered crossly. Though she still hadn't opened her eyes, her cheeks were turning faintly pink. Miroku had a pretty shrewd idea that the flush had nothing to do with the chilly morning.

He smiled delightedly. "You weren't complaining about my tongue last night -- unless I misinterpreted you. Screams are so hard to--"

Sango's eyes snapped open, catching the young monk in the glare. Miroku's smile was suddenly wide and guileless.

Inuyasha turned away from the couple, disgust evident on his features. "I don't even want to know."

The snowfall was light as Kagome huddled in her coat. It barely even counted as snow, melting as soon as it hit the ground, but it was another reminder of the change in seasons. It wouldn't be that much longer until New Year's, and soon after that the cold weather would be melting away into spring.

Kagome gnawed on her bottom lip as she drummed her feet on the stone steps, her restless eyes watching the street as she waited for the sleek black car to pull up. She shouldn't feel as if she was going home, but she couldn't deny the excitement -- the relief that came with the knowledge. Her bright yellow pack, stuffed to capacity, took up nearly half of the step she was sitting on, but still the young woman felt it necessary to touch it, running her fingers across the top flap, just to remind herself it was really there.

The news had been a shock, of course. And Kagome had been convinced that Teles hadn't meant it, but the former goddess' voice resonated with confidence when they spoke on the phone the previous night, and any apprehensions she might have had were washed away. Besides, Sesshoumaru wouldn't let Teles do anything that would endanger herself or the pup. Kagome was certain of that much.

Which meant... she was going home. A slow, happy smile spread across her face.

It was only a few minutes later that the limousine pulled up, and mere moments after that did Sesshoumaru and Teles exit the vehicle. The latter carried a simple brown leather backpack on her shoulder. She stood, shouldering her own pack, and smiled as they reached the steps.

"Are you ready?" Kagome asked.

Teles sent a quick look up at the youkai as she huddled down in her black wool coat. "I believe so," she said quietly, a tiny, sad smile playing across her mouth.

"Then I guess we should..." the young woman looked up the set of stone stairs.

Sesshoumaru placed his hand under Teles' elbow, helping her maneuver the stairs. "Yes, we should."

Nodding once, Kagome jogged to the top of the stairs and turned her steps toward the well-house. She was aware of Teles and Sesshoumaru behind her as she slid open the aged wooden door, pausing on the threshold and staring down at the well. Her skin prickled with anticipation, and looked over her shoulder at the couple.

"Teles. You're... really sure you want to do this?"

"As certain as I've ever been about anything, Kagome."

Kagome drew her bottom lip into her mouth and sucked lightly on it. "Then... I guess I'll let you two say... good-bye." Of course, Kagome wondered, was it really good-bye if she'd be seeing him in mere hours?

A look passed between the youkai and his mate, and Kagome knew that yes, it still was good-bye. She turned quietly and made her way down to the side of the well, leaving Teles and Sesshoumaru framed in the well-house's doorway, the snowy dawn a backdrop for their goodbye. The young woman felt her throat tighten with tears as she bit her lip and looked away.

Teles swallowed hard and closed her eyes. She'd known all along that this wasn't going to be easy, but now, faced with the task at hand, faced with the knowledge that she'd be leaving Sesshoumaru again -- this Sesshoumaru, at least -- she found it far more difficult than she'd imagined. Even without looking, she knew he was watching her with somber, golden eyes, waiting. Just waiting. Waiting for her to leave, and quite possibly waiting for things to change when she did. He would no longer exist, Aphrodite had said. He would... become someone else.

That saddened her; she couldn't bear the thought of any version of her mate ceasing to exist.

"I..." The words caught in her throat and she exhaled softly. "This is it, isn't it?"

Sesshoumaru only nodded, reaching up to brush his fingertips across her cheek. The touch was warm on her skin and she turned her face into the caress, closing her hand over his and pressing it against her cheek. But it was the light kiss brushed across her temple that nearly undid her. The warm arm sliding around her shoulders, pulling her close, nearly made her recant the many promises she'd already made. It was all so tempting -- too tempting -- to simply turn around and leave. They would be thrust into this tableau all over again. Again she'd come through the well, again he would find her, again she would forgive him...

And then an image flashed upon her inward eye: Sesshoumaru -- her Sesshoumaru -- haggard and weary, closing himself off to everything but his misery and guilt. She then thought of her own fears that she'd somehow surrendered her will to him, that she was unable to resist him, and that weakness would prove her undoing.

She could not believe she'd entertain a thought so unfathomably foolish.

No. She could not stay. She would not knowingly let him suffer thus.

Teles made herself look at her mate, despite the tears burning in her eyes. She wanted to say something -- anything -- but nothing seemed adequate. She reached up once more, letting her fingers trace the familiar crescent moon as the light snowfall blew in on them both. Crystalline flakes landed in the youkai's silver hair, making him appear even more ethereal, despite his modern garb.

"It seems as if I'm always leaving you," she whispered, trying to smile. And when his arms slid around her, she wished that he would never release her.

Sesshoumaru pressed a slow, chaste kiss against her mouth. "As long as this time is the last time," he murmured, resting his forehead against hers.

Teles smiled, but did not reply; she knew that they would be forced to say goodbye once more. She was but a mortal creature, and a final farewell would be inevitable.

They reluctantly pulled away from each other, turning towards the well; once again Sesshoumaru's hand went to her elbow as he helped her down the short flight of wooden stairs to join Kagome at the side of the well. Teles' fingers were restless as they traced the pearl prayer beads her mother had given her, granting passage through the portal. When she reached the well, she looked down, eyes straining to see in the darkness. It appeared to be such an ordinary thing, the well. But on the other side of that darkness there existed an entire world.

And it was time for her to return to it.

Setting her jaw and tightening her grip on the prayer beads, Teles looked at Kagome for a long moment before nodding once.

"I'm ready."

"Okay," Kagome replied, leaning over the well's edge, looking down into the shadowed depths. After a moment she looked up again. "I think the best thing is for both of us to jump."

There was a moment of perfect silence. Sesshoumaru's eyes widened minutely, while Teles arched an eyebrow at Kagome.

"I beg your pardon, little priestess?"

Tapping her index fingers together, Kagome looked once at the couple before glancing again at the well. "Um... jump? Into the well?" She paused a moment. "You know -- like we did to get here? Except Inuyasha was carrying you that--"

"Then I will do the same," Sesshoumaru replied without hesitation.

"Are you sure that's a good idea, beloved? What if... what if you went through as well?"

The youkai sent her a faint, wry smile. "Then I should like to take the opportunity to have a word or two with myself."

Kagome shook her head slowly. "Oh, I... I don't think he'd go through, Teles. The well... it... it usually seems to 'know' who to let through and who not to let through. Even I need the Shikon shards to travel back and forth. You've got Aphrodite's beads, so... I'm pretty sure Sesshoumaru would stay on this side."

"Pity," he replied dryly.

"Very well," Teles murmured, looking once at the well, and then at Sesshoumaru. "Then we will all... jump together?"

"I think that's probably best," said Kagome, adjusting the straps of her pack.

"It's settled, then. Beloved, how would you like to--"

Before Teles could finish her question, Sesshoumaru had scooped her up, cradling her body protectively in his arms. She let out a short, surprised yelp before narrowing her eyes at him.

"Like this," he supplied blandly, ignoring her glare with something that looked almost like amusement.

Kagome ducked her head a moment, smothering her smile. "Okay. Let's go." She rested her hands on the lip of the well, lifting herself up and swinging her legs over the edge. Waiting only a moment, she dropped down, Sesshoumaru and Teles close behind.

For his part, Sesshoumaru was trying not to dwell on the warm weight in his arms. Midway through the descent, he carefully adjusted Teles' body so that she would land on her feet when the well took her through to the past. These final moments were ones he wished to retain in his memory for as long as he could; he realized the consequences of sending his wife back to his younger self -- he would cease to be. Both he and Inuyasha would become... different, somehow.

And yet, as light surrounded them, and he felt Teles' body dissipate, his grip tightened on the disappearing form. But soon -- too soon -- she was gone, her scent the only thing that remained of her. He stood for a moment at the base of the well, head bowed. He had done what he had to do -- what was required.

But it was all very cold comfort.

At some point, Teles' hand had found Kagome's, gripping it tightly during the trip. When the ground materialized beneath her feet, she blinked a few times, shaking her head to get her bearings. A bright blue winter sky gleamed above -- such a sharp contrast to the grey, snowy day they'd left behind. She thought of Sesshoumaru, alone now, and something inside of her ached at the notion. Leaving him didn't hurt as badly as it had the first time -- it hurt worse.

"We're here," Kagome said quietly, looking up. She worried her bottom lip between her teeth and a faint frown marred her forehead. "I'm going to need to get some help. I can climb up, but... it's really not safe for you to try."

"I understand," Teles replied. "I'll wait here."

Nodding once, Kagome let her backpack slide off her shoulder. She could get to the village more quickly without it. Her movements nimble, she scrambled up and out of the well, vaulting over the side, feet hitting the frozen ground with a solid thud.

Kagome peered over the lip of the well where the former goddess was looking up at her. "I'll be back as soon as I can," she called out.

Teles tucked one end of her scarf into the neck of her coat. "And I..." she looked around, "will be here."

Kagome bit her lip, worrying it between her teeth. She had to hurry; even though the sky was clear here rather than in her own time, it was still a cold day. Running as fast as she could through the forest, Kagome felt a surge of relief as she the rice paddies came into sight. Her breath came out in puffs of steam as she ran, her arms pumping at her side.

She had to find Inuyasha.

He could see it. Beyond the trees, just on the horizon, Inuyasha could see the familiar structure. He was too far away, and the wind was blowing in the wrong direction for him to catch Kagome's scent, but he couldn't ignore that thrill of anticipation in his chest. Today. She was coming back today.

If she isn't back already, he thought, his steps quickening.

Inuyasha could hear Miroku say something as he turned his steps toward the well, but he'd already broken out into a run. One sniff would tell him if she'd come through yet, and if she hadn't, then he'd simply wait there until she showed up.

When Inuyasha reached the well, he braced both hands on the lip, inhaling. Blinking suddenly, he looked downward.

"...The fuck?"

From the bottom of the well, Teles looked up at him, fingers waggling in a little wave.

"Good morning, Inuyasha."

He looked around, his eyes scanning the area for any sign of Kagome. He could smell her -- he knew she'd come through, but there was no sight of her. She had brought Teles through with her, and left her down there?

For all the gods' sakes, she looks like she's ready to whelp any minute!

Shaking his head in exasperation, Inuyasha looked back down at Teles. "What the hell are you doing down there?"

There was a beat of perfect silence as his brother's mate regarded him with a wry gaze.

"I should think it would be quite obvious that I'm waiting for you to help me up."

Just as Inuyasha was about to leap down and retrieve the former goddess, he heard Sango and Miroku footfalls thudding hard against the frozen ground. He gritted his teeth against the swift surge of annoyance at the fact that everyone was there except for the one person he wanted to be there.

The monk said nothing as he reached the well, following the hanyou's gaze. Soon, Sango joined him. There was a moment of perfect silence before Miroku lifted his hand in a small wave. "Good morning, Teles-sama."

The pregnant woman's face warmed in a smile. "Good morning to you, little monk."

Miroku then directed a guileless look at his friend. "You know, Inuyasha, when you find an attractive woman at the bottom of a well -- even if it's not the one you were looking for -- the polite thing to do is--"

But Inuyasha was already vaulting over the wall. "Shut up, bouzu!"

In a moment, Inuyasha had brought Teles up through the well, settling her on the earth.

"Ah, thank you," she replied, straightening her coat. "That's much better." Pausing, Teles looked around the clearing, a small frown knitting at her brow. "Where's Kagome? I thought she was going to fetch you."

Frowning, Inuyasha tested the air. "She went to the village." He glanced at Teles, anticipating her next question. "We just got back this morning."

The former goddess blinked. "...Back?"

Inuyasha was about to explain, but Miroku cut him off with a wave of his hand. "Ah, nothing to worry too much about, Teles-sama. We were only in search of a jewel shard." He made a slightly rueful face. "It took longer than we'd expected, which, I suppose, is hardly unusual."

Sango, who was watching this exchange off to the side, a tiny Kirara in her arms, was deep in thought. She hadn't expected the pregnant woman to return -- and she certainly hadn't expected her to return now. From what Sango had heard of Kagome's land, children born during the harsh winters fared far better.

She considered the situation for several moments; if the Sesshoumaru that existed in Kagome-chan's era remembered what she and Miroku had told him, then perhaps he thought it more important that the child be born here, where its father was.

But then, that Sesshoumaru is the child'sfather too...

Sango gave a quick shake of her head. No, it wasn't quite the same thing, was it? That Sesshoumaru, the one Teles had just left, was five hundred years older. He'd been waiting. He'd lived for centuries, knowing what he'd done.

She felt a pang in her chest; of course he'd sent her back.

"Well, come on," Inuyasha was saying, his impatience to get back to the village -- and Kagome -- showing through his ire. Sango straightened and adjusted Hiraikotsu on her back as her temperamental companion began walking.

"I can't believe she just left you here to freeze," Inuyasha grumbled, looking once at Teles.

For her part, the former goddess followed her mate's brother slowly, hefting the bag on her shoulder. "I don't think she intended for me to suffer needlessly, Inuyasha. She only--" her words were cut off when he took the bag from her with a grunt. "She only wished for me to make it out of the well uninjured, since I cannot climb with the same ease that she can."

In a blur, Inuyasha turned around to face her. "What the hell do you think you're doing?"

"I believe it's commonly referred to as walking," Teles replied archly.

"Keh. You look like you're gonna drop that kid any second now."

The former goddess' spine straightened as she inclined her head slightly. "Considering that I can't fly, what would you like me to do about it?"

Teles saw Inuyasha open his mouth, preparatory to snapping some order or other, no doubt, but before he could, Sango had already turned her head and was whispering something to the tiny firecat on her shoulder. Kirara then leapt to the ground before transforming into her larger-self with a wide, growling yawn.

The hanyou's mouth snapped shut and he gave an abrupt turn, marching off towards the village. Sango sent Miroku a conspiratorial grin as the rest of them followed at a somewhat more leisurely pace.

"Ah, young love," the houshi murmured under his breath.

Of course, when Kagome had reached Kaede's hut only to find that all of her companions had left the village days before, she nearly tore her hair out in frustration. How on earth was she supposed to get Teles out of the well safely?

She had just started making the rounds, asking some of the village men if they could help when Kagome saw a familiar flash of silver out of the corner of her eye. When she looked, the smile that lit her features was nearly incandescent. Turning, she ran full-speed, hurling herself at the hanyou and hugging him tightly around the waist.

"Inuyasha -- thank god you're here! Teles came through with me and she's stuck in the well, and--"

Warm hands were on her shoulders, pushing her back. "Kagome--"

"Inuyasha, we have to hurry!"

"Kag--"

"No, Inuyasha, I--" She would have said more, but was interrupted by a familiar voice.

"Hurry, Kagome? Whatever for?"

The younger girl's eyes widened when she looked behind Inuyasha in time to see Miroku assisting the former goddess off of Kirara's back. "Teles!"

Teles opened her mouth to speak when she was cut off when Inuyasha cut her off, angrily. "What the hell were you thinking, leaving her in the well like that? It's freezing cold out!"

Indignation snapped in the young woman's eyes. "I was coming to find you!"

"Well, I wasn't here!" he shot back.

"I know that NOW!"

"So what the hell were you--" But Inuyasha's diatribe was cut off by a hand on his arm.

"Inuyasha," Teles said calmly, "I'm quite clearly all right, and so is the baby. Now, might we please go inside?"

"Before we all freeze to death?" Miroku added.

"Inuyasha, is that you?" Kaede's head poked out of her hut, "It's about time you're back. Kagome's looking all over for you. She needs you to get--" The old woman paused, her eyes settling on Teles. "I see you already have. Good. Though I hope you didn't leave her down there too long. This weather isn't good for a woman in her condition. Come inside, where it's warmer."

A muscle in Inuyasha's jaw twitched, even as Miroku gave him a jovial thump on the back. "An excellent idea, Kaede-sama!" he said as he headed into the hut, followed by the others. Once Kagome, Teles, and Sango were inside, he looked back at the seething hanyou. "Aren't you--"

"Yeah, I'm coming, I'm coming," he grumbled on his way into the hut.

While the small group was enjoying the fire's warmth, Teles had filled them in on what had transpired during her stay with Sesshoumaru, explaining why, exactly, she'd come back.

"Eight times?" Sango breathed, eyes wide. "And if you hadn't come through..."

Kagome blinked. Even she had not heard this part of the story. "Everyone would've been stuck, forever?"

Teles nodded, lips pursed. "This is what I am meant to do -- I must return to Sesshoumaru." She had to return, had to try and repair some of what had been damaged with her initial departure. "But I will require assistance."

The last time the former goddess had tried a particularly long journey on her own, it hadn't met with what one might call stellar results. Teles still could not believe she'd tried such a rash, potentially lethal excursion, but she could still remember the fear she'd had toward her mate, the desperation that had swamped her at the time. It had seemed her only option then, and she could only be grateful to Inuyasha for showing up when he did.

The hanyou in question looked at her for several moments as a gentle hush settled over the hut, punctuated only by the crackling of the fire. He shrugged one shoulder with practiced carelessness.

"So? If you need help getting back to him, I'll--"

"We'll--" Kagome corrected him. Inuyasha made a face.

"We'll help."

Teles glanced at Miroku and Sango, expecting them to disagree, but when they didn't, it occurred to her that Inuyasha had had more than ample time to relay the truth of the situation to his friends. Teles was thankful for it; she was in no mood for lengthy explanations summarizing her mate's foolishness. She only wanted to go to him, as soon as was possible.

"Thank you," she said quietly. "I would like to leave as quickly as we can."

Concern flashed in the violet depths of Miroku's eyes as his brows knitted together. "Don't you think it would be wiser, Teles-sama, if you took some time to rest before such a journey?"

Before she could open her mouth to disagree, Sango chimed in. "Miroku's right, Teles-sama. It's not a short trip, and it isn't a good idea for you to travel such a distance in your condition. We don't know what effects such a trip would have on the baby."

The former goddess didn't say anything right away. They were correct, of course, but she could not ignore the burning urge to leave immediately so that she might return to her mate as soon as she possibly could.

"It would also," Miroku was saying, "allow the rest of us to prepare as well." At this, Sango and Kagome both nodded in agreement.

"...Prepare?" Teles asked after a moment. "You... all wish to accompany me?"

Folding his arms over his chest, Inuyasha sent Teles a narrow look. "Well what did you think we were going to do, eh? Point you in the right direction and send you on your way?"

"Well, of course not," she shot back tartly. "But I didn't think we'd form a caravan and parade down there either." She exhaled in a huff. "I'm nearly surprised he didn't manage to track me here."

Inuyasha sputtered a bit before he arched an eyebrow at her. "Do you know what we had to do to get him to LEAVE?"

"Mm. No, but I can imagine." Closing her eyes, Teles took a few seconds to gather her thoughts. She was fairly certain that Sesshoumaru would not appreciate it if his brother and his band of comrades came parading down to the den. She needed to make the trip alone, but she was absolutely positive that Inuyasha would object.

For that matter, she was positive that Sesshoumaru himself would have objected.

Teles blew out a deep sigh. "Inuyasha, you must understand--"

There was a flash of silver and red, and Inuyasha was on his feet. "You're not going alone."

Green eyes blinked once. "...I beg your pardon?"

"You're not going alone."

"I wasn't going to suggest that," she replied reasonably, and as honestly as possible.

Slowly, the hanyou settled back into his spot. "Good," he muttered.

"I just don't think it's a very good idea for everyone to make the journey. While I'm quite sure that Sesshoumaru wishes my return, I'm quite certain he won't be in the mood for company."

"Keh," Inuyasha began, a scowl etched on his features. "If I cared--" But he stopped, looking down at Kagome's hand, resting gently on his forearm.

"Inuyasha," she said quietly, "I think Teles knows what's best in this situation."

The hanyou looked as if he wanted to argue the point, but didn't.

In Teles' mind, there remained the mental image of her mate, embittered and haggard. Traipsing into their home with an entourage was not what she'd had in mind when she envisioned her return. She needed to go into the library alone. But she didn't need to make the trip alone.

And then, as if anticipating her next words, Inuyasha spoke up. "Sango, Miroku, Kagome -- stay here in the village. I'll go with--"

"I'm going with you," Kagome said quietly. But Inuyasha was already shaking his head.

"No, you're not. This isn't the same Sesshoumaru we saw last time, Kagome. You weren't here when he almost destroyed the well. Bastard wasn't in his right mind." He frowned a little. "Not that he ever is."

"I don't care, Inuyasha -- I'm going with you."

"No, you're not."

"Yes, I am."

"No, you're NOT! What, you think I waited eight days for you to come through just so you could come right back and jump into a dangerous situation?"

Kagome's dark eyes flashed with defiance. "I'm not letting you go alone!"

Teles could see the monk and taiji-ya trying to hold back their laughter, covering their mouths and schooling their chuckles into coughs. She suppressed a sigh; it was quite obvious Inuyasha would never have to worry about Kagome becoming meek or subservient.

"Inuyasha," she said firmly, cutting into the pair's bickering.

"What?" came the irritated reply.

"If Kagome wishes to accompany us, I have no objections," Teles said smoothly. "I will be the only one going into the den."

And again, Inuyasha looked as if he wanted to argue, but the former goddess cut him off with a shake of her head. "This is not negotiable, Inuyasha. And please do not try to tell me that it's unsafe." She knew otherwise -- Sesshoumaru would not have sent her back to his younger self if he'd been at all worried about the danger.

From her elbow, Teles heard a soft trilling, and when she looked, Kirara was perched on Sango's shoulder, her tails swishing. Sango cleared her throat. "Teles-sama could ride Kirara while Inuyasha carried Kagome-chan."

Dark brows drew together as the goddess frowned slightly. "Are you certain, Sango? I know you returned from a journey only this morning..." But if Kirara carried Teles upon her back, their travel time would be decreased, getting them to the den by midday.

Sango's slim shoulders lifted in a shrug. "We walked most of the way. It's all right, really." As if in response, Kirara rubbed her head against Sango's cheek, eliciting a chuckle from the young woman. "I think she wouldn't mind stretching her legs."

After it was all sorted out -- Kirara would hold Teles on her back while Inuyasha carried Kagome on his -- it wasn't much longer before the small group left in the direction of the Western Lands. Teles was settled on the huge firecat's back, her fingers lost in the dense fur. She could see a streak of silver far beneath her as Inuyasha leapt from tree to tree. Teles could hardly see Kagome's yellow pack; in fact, she could barely see anything at all of Kagome -- the girl was curtained by the hanyou's silver hair.

As the countryside passed beneath her, Teles' mind went back to Sesshoumaru as she'd left him. Even now she had difficulty wrapping her mind around the fact that all he'd been trying to do was invoke her anger.

We've both been such fools, she thought, shaking her head slowly. There was no other word for it -- they'd both behaved idiotically. Why hadn't she behaved the way she normally would have? The moment Sesshoumaru had started acting strangely, she should have spoken up -- done something.

But then a flood of memories washed through Teles' mind; she could recall with startling clarity the fear she'd felt after her transformation, and the foreign sensation of prickling insecurity rendering her unsure.

Fools. The both of us.

Eventually the ground grew closer and soon Teles could see the familiar area she'd called home. It felt as if she'd not seen it in years, and for a moment she wondered if this was how mariners felt, returning home after a long, arduous journey.

"Of course," she said, rubbing Kirara's head slowly, "I suppose in some ways it has been years." The firecat only rumbled in reply.

Kirara's huge paws hit the earth with a soft thud, Inuyasha dropping gracefully to the ground only a moment later. Kagome slid off his back and joined Teles at the neko youkai's side as she began crawling off. Obligingly, Kirara lowered her body slightly to make the pregnant woman's descent easier.

Once on her feet again, Teles straightened her coat a bit, adjusting the bag on her shoulder. She looked at the entrance to the den, barely recognizing it -- the entire moment held a detached sort of surrealism for her. It was as if she were watching herself from someone else's body, like in a dream.

After a moment, she came back to herself, shaking her head before turning her gaze to Kagome and Inuyasha, who were watching her expectantly. "Thank you," she said, running one hand over Kirara's head.

Kagome shifted her weight a bit, glancing at the den entrance before looking at Teles once more. "We'll hang around for a little bit, okay? Just to make sure?"

A small, warm smile formed at the ex-goddess' lips. "You really don't have--"

"Yeah, we do," Inuyasha broke in with more than a hint of his usual gruffness. Amber eyes went to the den for only a second before he fixed his gaze on Teles again. "I know what you said. And I know what he said. But..."

"But you just want to make sure," Teles replied, sighing. "I understand."

Kagome sent her a small, apologetic smile, which she returned before facing the den's entrance and directing her steps that way. It felt as if her insides were twitching, and Teles was quite certain that the pounding in her chest was loud enough for Sesshoumaru to hear, no matter his location. But the moment Teles spied a diminutive form with a dark head and bright, familiar smile, she felt her worries evaporate.

Rin's eyes widened in surprise, and she bolted forward, running until she flung tiny arms around the pregnant woman -- or as far as she could manage -- pressing her face against Teles' side. "Teles-sama!"

For her part, the former goddess had not been expecting such a greeting, and her throat closed with emotion as she looked down at the girl. Her hand hovered above Rin's dark head before her fingers slid through the strands.

"Rin," she murmured, her voice sounding rough and hoarse. She could say nothing more -- the young girl's name was all she could manage. It had been difficult leaving the child, but now that she was back, she couldn't believe she'd gone at all. How could I have been so selfish?

After a moment or two passed, Teles cleared her throat softly. When Rin looked up, the pregnant woman offered her a warm smile, even as she struggled to keep the tears at bay.

"Forgive me, my little friend, but I wish to see your Sesshoumaru-sama."

And then, like a cloud gliding in front of the sun, Rin's smile faltered as concern flickered in the depths of her eyes. Teles winced inwardly, and tears continued to burn her eyes. Wiping away the moisture with a brief swipe of her fingertips, Teles leaned over a bit to meet Rin's gaze.

"But perhaps we can go inside together, hmm?"

Rin's smile was hesitant, but genuine. "Is Sesshoumaru-sama going to come out of the library soon?"

Teles combed back the young girl's bangs. "Yes, Rin-chan." If I have to drag him out by his hair.

The pair walked slowly into the den. Rin's hand was snug in Teles', and if the girl took any notice of the former goddess' damp, cold palms, she said nothing of it.

When they stepped inside, Teles blinked several times, allowing her eyes to adjust to the dimness. They walked down the long corridor into the main hall, and Teles smiled at the roaring fire -- it took the edge off of the cold. She gave the girl's hand a gentle squeeze and smiled down at her.

"Rin-chan, I need you to go play for a short time while I speak with your Sesshoumaru-sama."

Rin started to agree, but suddenly looked unsure -- as if she thought Teles would not be there when she returned. The pregnant woman felt a stab of guilt as she lowered herself down onto her haunches, putting her nearly eye-to-eye with the girl.

"I told you, little one -- I'm going nowhere."

"...Promise?"

Teles gave her a reassuring smile before pressing a kiss to Rin's forehead. "I promise."

This seemed to be enough for Rin, who nodded once and turned, hurrying down the torchlit corridor that led to her chamber. When she was gone, Teles took a deep breath before carefully easing herself to her feet and squaring her shoulders. She ached to see Sesshoumaru, and at the same time she could not bear the thought of seeing in person what her absence had done to him.

Teles had only taken a single step toward the library when a shrill, familiar voice made her freeze.

"Teeeeeeee-eh-heh-les-sama!"

Suddenly there was a brown-robed figure at her feet, sobbing, as cold, reptilian arms wrapped around her legs. It took a moment for it to register that this prostate, crying form was her beloved's retainer. It was nearly impossible to discern words from wails, until the toad youkai looked up at her with teary eyes. Teles blinked at Jaken for a moment, endlessly bemused at his use of the honorific. It took a moment for her to recapture the power of speech, and during that time she stared at the toad, not quite believing her eyes -- or ears.

"Jaken, shhh--"

"My lady, you've got to DO SOMETHING!"

Teles' voice was a hissing whisper. "Be quiet, please."

The toad youkai sniffled a little, but nodded, and when he continued, his voice was lower. "Restore him, my lady I beg of you! No matter what I do, what I say, what I offer him, he has no desire for it! He has not eaten! He has not slept!" He sobbed a little. "Even the mighty Sesshoumaru must eventually succumb without food and rest!"

"Jaken," she said quietly, interrupting the youkai's wailing diatribe. She could not help but be surprised at this sudden change in his behavior. Teles was quite aware of the fact that it was fueled by his loyalty to Sesshoumaru, but still... he'd been so resistant to her in the past -- despite what Sesshoumaru had wanted. The fact that he was willing to learn and bend a bit made Teles warm to him somewhat.

He sniffled. "Y-yes?"

"Please prepare some broth for Sesshoumaru. Some tea as well."

"B-but you don't understand, Teles-sama! He hasn't-- he won't--"

"Yes, Jaken," she interrupted gently. "He will." He'd better.

The toad youkai straightened and readjusted his cap, which had fallen askew. Tears still filled his eyes and streamed freely down his face, for all that he wiped the moisture away with his sleeve.

"B-broth..."

"Yes, please. And some tea."

He was soon nodding vigorously. "Yes! Yes, of course! I would never fail my lord so!" And he was gone, scurrying away to procure or prepare the requested items.

Alone again, Teles blew out a deep breath and once more turned her steps towards the library. Few lanterns lit the long corridor, and Teles lifted one as she made her way down the familiar hallway, her steps quiet against the stone floor as she approached the library. She paused before the shoji, casting a glance to her right -- further down that way were her and Sesshoumaru's chambers. Teles wondered if he'd gone in there since.

Her grip on the lantern tightened as she prepared herself to enter the room. Anxiety made her pulse pound through her veins, and Teles had to take several steadying breaths before pushing the shoji to one side.

The sight waiting for her stole the air from her lungs.

Sesshoumaru -- her proud, arrogant, beloved youkai -- sat on the floor, his back braced against one wall. One leg was bent at the knee, and one hand, with long, tapered fingers and dangerously sharp claws rested on his knee. Sesshoumaru's head was bowed, long, silver locks trailing past his shoulder to pool on the floor, his hair acting as a curtain to shield her from his gaze. His armor was gone, and without that extra bulk, she could see that he looked thin and, as odd as the word was to associate with him, weak.

He lifted his head minutely -- still never looking at her -- and when he spoke, his usually sonorous voice was dry, as if he hadn't had water in days. From the sounds of things, he hadn't. "I said, no light."

Teles stepped in anyway, sliding the door shut behind her. He looked up then, and the lamplight caught that feral amber gaze, pupils narrowing to slits against the illumination.

"I said..." Sesshoumaru trailed off as he frowned, blinking slowly.

"--No light," she replied in a crisp tone. "Yes, I heard you the first time."

He didn't reply right away. Instead he continued to stare at her as if he expected her to vanish from sight at any moment. Several moments passed in silence, and during this time, Teles stood completely still, her skin prickling as she waited for him to speak, to say something.

His throat moved as he swallowed. "...Teles?"

The hesitation with which he spoke tore at her heart. It sounded as if he didn't truly believe that she stood before him. As if he believed himself to have gone quite mad. Teles set the lantern down on the low desk before lowering her back from her shoulder and placing it on the floor. And then, moving carefully, she knelt before him. After a moment, she reached out, her fingertips brushing over the knuckles of his hand. "I'm home, beloved."

But Sesshoumaru did not reply; he only stared at her, one hand reaching up carefully, as if to touch her face, then drawing back. The gesture made Teles' breath catch in her chest, and she reached out to him, gentle fingertips tracing the stripes at his cheek.

He closed his eyes, leaning ever so slightly into her touch. Teles had never regretted leaving more than she did at that moment. Keeping her touch tender, she ran her thumb over the crescent at his forehead when he opened his eyes and brought his hand up, touching hers as if he expected his fingers to pass through it. Moving slowly, she slid her hand into his, bringing it to her lips and brushing a kiss across the palm as tears burned in her eyes. I'm sorry, beloved. I'm so sorry.

"...Teles?"

"Yes?" her voice was thick and husky with emotion.

He was still watching her with that same haunted gaze. "You're... here?"

Moving carefully, Teles shifted off of her knees, settling down until she was sitting on one hip, leaning lightly against his bent leg. "I'm home, yes." When he didn't respond, she gave his hand a gentle squeeze. "...I shouldn't have left in the first place."

Sesshoumaru shook his head slowly. "When I behaved as I did--"

She interrupted him with a soft, wry laugh. "Idiotic youkai. When you behaved as you did, I should have taken Jaken's staff and beaten you until you saw sense."

A moment of perfect silence passed as Sesshoumaru blinked once. It was as if he didn't quite believe until that moment that Teles was actually there. She could nearly see him processing the warmth of her hand, the rhythm of her breath, and even the combined tattoo of her heart and the pup's steady beating, and he sat bolt upright, eyes suddenly alert. "You're... the child. Is he..."

"We're fine," she replied, sending him a reassuring smile.

But the youkai only shook his head. "You were in pain; I didn't realize..."

Without another word, she placed her mate's hand on her rounded abdomen and stared at it. Sesshoumaru fell silent, eyes closed, and after a moment or two, he exhaled a shuddering sigh of relief. "There were many things neither of us realized, Sesshoumaru," Teles said, her heart lurching at the familiar, comfortable sight of his hand against her stomach. When she looked up again, his eyes were searching hers.

"Forgive me," he murmured.

His words made something tighten inside of her, and Teles swallowed hard to loosen the knot tightening in her throat. "I'm sorry that I left you, beloved," she managed, her voice a husky whisper. "I... I did not intend for it to be a punishment. I only thought... that you no longer wished to have me by your side."

He shook his head slowly, as if he couldn't quite believe what she was saying. In truth, Teles couldn't believe she'd thought such a thing either.

"Never."

She caressed the hand against her stomach. "I realize that now."

"I thought..." Sesshoumaru paused, exhaling a deep breath. "I thought it was no more than I deserved."

Moving slowly, Teles leaned in, brushing a chaste kiss across his lips. "No," she breathed.

His soft, humorless laugh sent a warm puff of air across her lips. "No?"

She pulled back, watching him with solemn eyes. "No. You did not deserve this." Though Sesshoumaru did not reply, the look he sent her was clearly dubious, and at this she sent him a steady, measuring gaze. "Youkai, do not disagree with me on this. I know what my intentions were, and they were not to leave you, half-starved and miserable."

He opened his mouth suddenly, as if to deny that he was half-starved or miserable, realizing -- just in time -- that denying such a thing bordered on the absurd. After a second or two, he sighed and leaned back against the wall, giving Teles an opportunity to look at him. Never had she seen the youkai lord look so haggard, so unkempt.

Reaching up, she brushed his bangs back with a slow, soothing stroke. "I missed you," she murmured as he closed his eyes.

"And I, you," he replied, quietly.

Gingerly, Teles leaned against him, and as she did, she could feel the tension drain out of him. They stayed like that -- it could have been mere minutes, or it could have been hours -- until Teles drew back slightly to regard him once more.

"You should be in bed, you realize," she said, slowly getting to her feet. "It's far too cold in here for you." Her tone brisk and brooking no argument, she offered him her hand. But Sesshoumaru seemed determined to stand up on his own steam, which he did, leaning on the wall for support.

When he was upright, Teles picked up her bag and lantern, offering Sesshoumaru one arm. He took it, carefully, moving as if he were certain he'd topple over at any moment. It was a long walk to their chambers, and when Teles stepped over the threshold, she could not help but stare.

It had been untouched since she left; kimono were strewn all over the bed -- even the bamboo vase was still on the floor, the orchid that had been in it now dry and shriveled.

Sesshoumaru's voice came from behind her. "...I forbad Jaken from coming in."

"So I see," she replied, setting her bag and the lantern down before sitting down on the edge of the futon, shoving aside most of the clothing. Sesshoumaru still stood, looking down at her for a moment, his eyes still flickering with disbelief.

"And... I did not think you were returning."

Teles cleared off the other side of the futon, shoving the garments into the floor. "Well, as you can see, I have." She looked up as Sesshoumaru approached her carefully. Smiling a little, she lay back on the futon, settling on her side. Patting the bedding softly, she said, "Come here, beloved."

Soon she'd gathered him in her arms, and she could feel his fatigue as he settled against her. Closing her eyes, she pressed a kiss against his hair.

I very nearly did not return to him.

The hushed, tearful whisper was nearly inaudible. "I am sorry, Sesshoumaru. I'm home, my beloved idiotic youkai." Her arms tightened around him. "I ran away from you once. I won't do it again."

But the youkai had already closed his eyes, finally succumbing to the exhaustion that had been trying for days to claim him.

Outside, Kagome and Inuyasha watched the den quietly; Inuyasha's ears were trained forward, straining to hear any noise at all from within. He'd heard that toad screaming some, but not clearly enough to know what he was saying. Inuyasha wasn't worried about him. He was too busy listening for the deep, wild growl of an inuyoukai, and was gradually moving closer to the entrance of his ancestral home to hear it.

He was torn, really. He had no reason to disregard what Sesshoumaru and Teles had told them, back in Kagome's world. There was no solid reason why he couldn't believe that this was the right thing to do.

Except that it meant trusting Sesshoumaru. And something deeply ingrained in Inuyasha balked at the very idea -- still.

And yet, there was no sound coming from the den -- and he could make out only the scents of its inhabitants, combined with the smells of the forest, along with the twining scent of wood smoke. He could hear no cries; he smelled no fear.

Kagome's voice came from beside him. "Do you think it's... all right?"

"I can't smell anything," he replied quietly. "Can't hear anything either."

Several more beats of silence passed. Finally, Inuyasha shook his head. "I'm going in and looking for myself."

"Are you... sure?" Kagome asked, tugging nervously on a lock of hair.

"Well, I'm not gonna leave without knowing for sure. And I can't do that out here." He took a few steps closer to the den's entrance and out of his peripheral vision he saw Kagome walk with him. He turned, exhaling a huff of annoyance. "You're staying--"

"I'm going with you," Kagome replied simply.

It really was enough to make Inuyasha want to scream sometimes -- the effortless way she defied him, and no amount of screaming or yelling would make any difference. At least, until she Sat him. Dammit.

He blew out a deep breath and gave an indifferent shrug, heading quietly into the den. Kagome was behind him, and the soles of her shoes scuffed lightly against the stone floor as they walked. Aside from that, everything was nearly silent.

Following Teles' scent, he headed down toward his father's library. Not coincidentally, Sesshoumaru's scent grew stronger as he drew closer, and the back of Inuyasha's throat closed reflexively; the place smelled stale, heavy with a musky smell that he strongly suspected was unwashed inuyoukai. At least Kagome seemed unbothered by it, and he could only imagine that Teles took no notice of it either.

I can't believe anyone could keep from smellingthis. Puny human noses.

Upon finding the library empty, Inuyasha continued on. He could smell Sesshoumaru all around them, but Teles had gone further down the hallway, and in the dimness, he could make out a faint glow coming from a side chamber. Stopping, he looked around, half-expecting either Rin or Jaken to appear out of nowhere to scold him for interrupting the youkai's rest. But the corridor was silent.

From where Inuyasha stood, he could see the corner of the futon and some swaths of colorful silk. He could hear a soft, feminine voice, and deep, even breathing that told him all he really needed to know.

And yet, he still wanted to see for himself. A tiny voice, far at the back of his mind, was suggesting that perhaps he was the slightest bit worried about his half-brother. But, no, that was a ridiculous idea.

Inuyasha paused at the doorway and looked in. Kagome's hair tickled the side of his face as she peered over his shoulder. When he saw the sight awaiting him, Inuyasha could only stare.

In the flickering amber lamplight of the room, he saw the youkai and his mate curled up on the futon, surrounded by an unholy mess of silken robes. Both of them lay on their sides, though Teles' arms were around Sesshoumaru. His head was resting against her breast, one arm curled protectively around her belly. He appeared to be asleep, and Teles was resting her cheek on top of his head as she murmured soothingly to him.

Inuyasha felt a sudden, hot rush of embarrassment, faced with such a private moment. He slipped out of the doorway and was only half-aware of Kagome's hurried steps as she followed him. Neither said a word until they were back beneath the bright winter sky. Kirara lay in a patch of sunlight, lifting her huge head when they came out again.

"So... I guess it's okay now," Kagome ventured quietly, looking over her shoulder at the den.

"Guess so," he muttered; the embarrassed flush hadn't faded just yet. "How the hell long 'til she whelps, anyway?" Once again, his tone was all business as Kagome climbed onto his back. He saw Kirara get to her feet and stretch, enormous jaws opening in a wide yawn before she looked at him expectantly. "Go on," he said, nodding at the firecat. "We'll be right behind you." She gave an answering rumble before taking to the skies.

"I don't know when she'll have the baby," Kagome replied, holding on firmly to the hanyou's shoulders as he leapt upward, leaping from treetop to treetop.

"Can't be too much longer," he muttered, but Kagome did not hear him over the rushing wind as his body cut through the winter air.

I hope it's not too much longer...

Once he'd leapt out of the well, Sesshoumaru stood by the ancient structure, his hand resting on the aged wood. She was gone, the well empty. Blowing out a breath, he turned, tucking his hands in his coat pockets as he made his way to the door. Aphrodite had told him what would happen -- that his memories would change, that things would be different after Teles returned to the Sengoku Jidai. As he stepped out into the light snowfall, he wondered how long it would be before this week -- indeed, the last five hundred years -- faded from his memory.

He snorted. There were some things that were so completely scorched onto his soul that he doubted anything would remove them. Teles' death had haunted him for five centuries. That sort of pain didn't simply disappear...

"...What do you think, Sesshoumaru?" There was a pause. "Sesshoumaru?" A longer pause. "Youkai, are you ignoring me?"

The youkai in question looked up sharply, unable to shake the odd feeling of disorientation that had settled on his mind like a fog. He blinked once and leaned back in his chair to gaze up at Teles, who was sitting on his desk, legs crossed. She swung her ankle lazily as she looked down at him, green eyes twinkling with amusement.

It took him a moment to respond. Sesshoumaru wasn't given to woolgathering, but his mind had most definitely been somewhere else. A faint frown marred his brow; he had the oddest feeling that he should have been... sad over something, but when he tried to grab on to the memory, it slipped away from his grip. "Yes?" he replied, distracted. "What is it, beloved?"

One dark eyebrow arched gracefully. "Lunch, Sesshoumaru. You're taking me to lunch, and you wished to know whether I preferred Thai or Indian food." A small, amused smile lit her lips. "Is any of this ringing a bell?" Her smile quirked into something more mischievous. "Or is that fabled youkai memory finally starting to collapse under its own weight?"

He stood, eyeing her. "I do not suffer memory lapses. I was merely distracted. And you always prefer Thai." He slid one hand across her hip to settle at the curve of her waist. As he pressed his mate's slender figure against him, something tugged at the back of his mind -- something seemed... wrong.

Teles' thumb passed over his crescent moon -- a gesture that had soothed him for ages now. "Beloved, is something wrong?"

"...Katsuro."

She blinked once. "He phoned this morning. Why?"

Sesshoumaru gave a brief shake of his head. The odd sensation that something was amiss was fading now, a diminishing ripple on a pond. "It is nothing. I'm fine."