After All This Time

Ch.21 Facing Realities

They stood in front of Lady Kaede's home. Inuyasha stared aimlessly. Kagome gave birth here.

She died here.

Her life vanished. Stolen.

The grief he felt never once went away.

He wanted her back.

He should have done more.

He should've protected her.

She died because of him.

"Just go in."

Inuyasha turned to Kouga.

"I'm right here, so go in."

He made it seem so simple. Kouga started walking through the door and pulling him along since they still held hands. Inuyasha braced himself, closing his eyes trying not to ball his fists.

"Huh? Seems like she's out." Kouga said confused.

Inuyasha opened his eyes and saw just a normal home. He expected horrors, blood, and irrational fear but was happily disappointed.

"Seems like it."

"Ye look almost unrecognizable in good clothing Inuyasha."

They both turned around and there was lady Kaede.

"As old as ever I see." Inuyasha retorted at a speed that reassured Kaede and Kouga it was still Inuyasha.

"Make ye selves comfortable." She said as she slowly walked over to the cooking pit and slid the bow and arrow holder down. She still held that authoritative intimidation. Both demons stood there expecting Lady Kaede to reprimand them (or at least Inuyasha) in some way. She started a fire instead. Smoke flew up in swirls trying to escape this home. Lady Kaede was too close to it, accidentally inhaling the smoke causing Kaede to wheeze. As she wrapt it up the old lady glanced at them. "I hope the both of ye aren't expecting tea. Though my heart is young, my body isn't"

Inuyasha smiled. He let go of Kouga's hand and sat across from her as usual. "Coulda' fooled me." The half demon remarked.

Instead of annoyance, she chuckled. Kouga took the initiative to sit between them and was uncharacteristically quiet. The trio watched the fire flicker and grow, absorbing the warmth it provided.

The half demon skimmed between Kaede and his hands. "You aren't mad.." he fidgeted with the tassel of his talisman.

"Thy aren't correct. I am beyond mad."

He was dismayed.

"I've heard good things about ye." Kaede leaned back against the wall. Ache and pain all to apparent on her face as she did. "Thy are gracious and a kind lord." She didn't look too well. She needed to catch her breath while speaking.

Inuyasha's tongue was tied.

"Thy are home Inuyasha. Don't become a stranger."

Inuyasha glanced at her. He doesn't thinks he deserves to say. As if on que rushed footsteps and jingle sounds could be heard. The monk who they belonged to surely followed.

"Inuyasha!" He yelled out of breath. "I didn't think you would have been here so early!"

"Gotta visit home sometimes right?"

Courage, that's what this whole trip is about.

Miroku stared blankly, then his eyes trailed toward Kaede. "Of course."

"Actually, I need a favor from you." The half demon said sheepishly.
The monk raised his eyebrows. "Okay, let's talk outside."

Without hesitation Inuyasha began to get up and behind him was Kouga ready to follow.