DISCLAIMER: Don't own, and I'm starting to think you guys are getting the drift by now!

Here you go! Chapter 14

Starlight Moon

Chapter 14

Miroku, Sango, and Kagome stared up at the demon, all words dying on their lips. This would be their first battle, and this demon was nothing short of huge.

Inuyasha jumped to his feet where he and Miroku had landed on the ground before their brains had could have been splattered. He pulled out his sword and felt the familiar rush of energy as Tetsuseiga transformed.

The others finally regained their senses and readied themselves for the fight. Sango hoisted her Hiraikotsu above her shoulder, and parted her legs for better leverage, slightly bent at the knee, Kagome whipped out an arrow and steadied her bow, and Miroku pulled out his sutras and leveled his staff. Kaede stood beside the young girls, sutras and the like in tow.

The beast pulled back its large fist, ready to strike yet again. His instincts pulled him toward the jewel, which was around the neck of the young Miko in training.

"Get your eyes of Kagome!" Inuyasha yelled and jumped into the air, swinging his sword in a perfect arc. The demon pulled its arm up to block the attack, resulting in the loss of a limb. It flew toward the ground and landed next to the previously grounded Inuyasha with a loud thud.

"Well, this should be easy enough," Inuyasha puffed, a smirk starting on his features.

"Look, his arm is growing back!" Kagome pointed out. They all turned their gaze to the regenerating arm on the demon.

"Damn," Inuyasha cursed.

Kaede stepped forward holding a few sutras between her middle and forefinger that were extended toward the heavens. She was mumbling a prayer. The sutras shot out at the demon and plastered themselves to its face. The creature started to scream, an awful ear-piercing scream, as it started to claw at its face.

"Now! Strike the beast now!" Kaede yelled for someone to finish the beast.

Sango took the cue.

"Hiraikotsu!" her weapon spun out in the air going for the demon's face. She wasn't very skilled with her weapon yet, and it didn't exactly hit home. Instead, it dug into the demon's shoulder, slicing it cleanly off. The entire arm fell away and quickly sizzled into ashes. It didn't start to regenerate this time, but it didn't seem to be weakened either. The beast continued to claw at the agitating sutras that infiltrated its powers. Sango's weapon came back to her and she reached up to catch it, sliding a foot or so backwards.

"Don't worry about it Sango, we all need more practice." Miroku soothed.

"Miroku, get rid of this mindless bastard with your wind tunnel." Inuyasha suggested as the gigantic demon started staggering around having an eminent threat.

Miroku shot the hanyou an ominous look, not making a move to comply. They stared at each other dangerously, their own battle continuing to wage.

"Miroku!" Kagome rang out.

Miroku tore his glare away from Inuyasha back to the bigger threat. He tore away the beads on his wrist and aimed his palm at the giant. Pulling back his fingers he started to suck the demon into oblivion. After the menace was gone, he jerked his hand closed and wrapped the beads back around this hand quickly before he could suck anything else into his black hole.

They all breathed a sigh of relief.

"Do not think that this is over, children. This was the first battle of many so long as the Shikon no Tama resides here." Kaede said gravely from where she stood at the entrance of her hut. She would need to get a head start on the protection prayers surrounding the village.

They all nodded, and Kaede entered her hut.

"It's going to take more than an over grown mindless drone to due us in." Inuyasha gave them a crooked grin, overlooking Miroku.

Miroku in turn scowled at him. The girls took quick notes of this. Sango shifted her weapon to a more comfortable position and walked over to Miroku. They exchanged a few quiet words before walking off in the opposite direction of the hut.

Inuyasha averted his gaze from the simmering monk and Sango to Kagome. She was watching them as he had been. Tetsuseiga went back to its original form and he tumultuously thrust it back into its sheath. He found his way to a boulder and sat down and crossed his arms over his chest. It hurt that his best friend could no longer trust him, but he would probably be the same way if he were in Miroku's shoes.

"Inuyasha?" a gentle voice rang out. He knew this angelic voice all too well. It even haunted him while he was stuck in his demon form.

He turned slightly to look at her. He recognized the worry and sympathy in her eyes. He closed his amber eyes before scooting over to let her know he wanted her to sit by him. She took the hint and set her arrows and her bow beside the rock. She knew she was always safe with her Inuyasha.

For a while they sat in silence. Inuyasha listened to the calming rhythm of Kagome's breathing. 'At least she can forgive me,' he thought. He felt a weight at his shoulder and knew instantly Kagome had laid her head there. He took a deep breath, inhaling her natural scent.

"He'll come around," Kagome said quietly, knowing Inuyasha was hurting from Miroku's reaction. "I think Sango is trying to talk some sense into him."

"It's not sense, Kagome. I betrayed him. I betrayed all of you; you especially!" he said harshly, letting the hate for himself for what he had done wash over him yet again.

Kagome lifted her head. "You couldn't help it, Inuyasha! You can't control your instincts!"

"You don't understand. I'm too weak to overcome my instincts. I couldn't protect you and I hurt you in the process. What good am I?" Inuyasha's insecurities began to come out.

Kagome brought her hand to his cheek and gently urged him to look at her. The pain in his eyes burrowed in her heart. "No. You are not weak. It was natural for you to want the jewel, and you couldn't stop what nature was telling you to do. Yes, you did hurt me, but I don't hold you responsible for what you couldn't control. You are good too, Inuyasha. You are good for this village, you are good for Shippou, you are good for protecting us, and you are good to, and you are good for me, Inuyasha. I see that, why can't you?"

The tenderness in her eyes almost made him break down. He didn't understand how she could forgive him for what he did. Her heart was the purest he had ever encountered. Inuyasha reached out and pulled her too him. He held her as tight as he could without hurting her fragile form.

"Kagome, you don't know how much you mean to me. I'm not going to ask you how or why you can forgive me, but I do know that I could never… never live without you in my life." He kissed the top of her head lovingly and sat content to pull in the fragrance of her hair.

"Now you know how I feel." Was her heartfelt reply.

- - -

They had been walking for some time, neither of them willing to break the silence. It was a tense silence due to the object of the would-be conversation. They were walking side by side at a slow pace watching the ground beneath their feet or the scenery beside them. Miroku's hand brushed against Sango's before he took her hand into his own. The small gesture dusted the tops of her cheeks pink, but she looked away before he could notice.

"I just don't understand," he started. Sango turned to look at him as he spoke. Miroku focused on the dirt beneath their feet and the occasional scattering of leaves as he began.

"I can't even begin to fathom how she could take him back after… after…" Miroku shook his head, not bothering to finish the thought. Sango gave his hand a little squeeze, earning his attention.

"Miroku, she loves him. She took him back with open arms because she loves him. From what my family used to say, love makes people to crazy things, and there isn't any reason behind half the things they do. We can't understand it, but we don't have to." She smiled, mostly to herself.

Miroku watched her features change and felt the corners of his lips turn up as well. He gave a deep sigh. Love. He couldn't say anything against Kagome for taking Inuyasha back, but he didn't know if he could accept him again. It would take time.

"I know it's hard, but please don't hate him." Sango asked. They had stopped now, still joined by their hands.

"I don't think that I hate him, but, I'm finding it very hard to forgive him." Miroku admitted to her. She nodded in understanding.

"What would I do without you, Sango?" Miroku chuckled, wrapping his arm around her waist.

"Probably rubbing up on some unfortunate girl." She laughed.

"You know, you're probably right. But I'm much happier to be rubbing up on you." Her face flushed a deep crimson as his hand stroked her hip softly. She didn't stop him this time in their privacy. She modestly planted a kiss on his neck then brushed her lips against his.

"You are a very good tease, my lady." She grinned broadly and they started up their pace again, circling back to the village.

- - -

The sun was vanishing over the horizon, and everyone had long since came back to the hut. The women sat in a back room talking softly. Inuyasha sat at the entrance, Tetsuseiga leaning against his shoulder. He continued to watch for any signs of danger. Miroku leaned against he far wall, a clear shot of Inuyasha in case there was a disturbance.

Neither male had decided to swallow their pride and speak. They continued to ignore each other at any cost and it was seriously grating on the women's nerves.

"Did you speak with Inuyasha?" Sango started up.

"Yes. Did you speak with Miroku?" Kagome sighed.

"Yes."

Kaede just shook her head and continued stirring their dinner.

"You'd think they would just fight and make up already." Kagome whispered.

"But Inuyasha is much stronger than Miroku, and it would probably end badly." Sango too whispered.

Inuyasha's ears twitched and a smirk made its way on his face.

"That's true, but Miroku has his wind tunnel and he could just suck Inuyasha into it." Kagome added, her voice going lower again.

Inuyasha frowned at that.

"This is exasperating. Their acting like children." Sango said.

"Yeah. We're probably going to have to give them separate rooms, but that would end up you being alone with Miroku, and I with Inuyasha…" Kagome stated.

The women looked at each other gravely and shook their heads vigorously, laughing in the process.

"They're just going to have to deal with it. One way or another, this is going to have to work out even if we have to lock them in a closet or something." Kagome giggled. Sango smiled, and Kaede gave a chuckle of her own.

A yawn escaped Kaede's mouth as she bade the group goodnight. They agreed it was well time for bed. Inuyasha stood from his position at the door and walked out into the night. Kagome frowned at Sango and rushed after him.

"Kagome, go back inside and get to bed." He called out to her once she made it out.

"Where are you going?" she asked, not making a move to obey him. He came up beside her and gently grabbed her forearm.

"I'm not going anywhere. I'll be out here, in this tree." He pointed the largest tree beside Kaede's hut.

"You're going to sleep in a tree?" She asked incredulously.

"I actually found it very comfortable while I was out in the woods." He laughed at her expression. He wound his arms around her and again inhaled her scent. His possessive side started to resurface and he held her tighter. He planted a kiss on the hollow of her throat then on her jaw.

"Kagome," he growled next to her ear.

"Hmmm…" she absently answered. She would have wrapped her arms around his neck, but he was currently holding her immobile.

He kissed her one last time on the lips before releasing her.

"Get to bed." Was all he said still holding her gaze.

Kagome leaned into him and pecked his cheek before going back in. He stared after her for a moment watching the sway of her hips before jumping into the tree and getting comfortable. They really needed to get back to the present. They had been gone too long. He made a mental note to talk to the 'hag', as he put it, tomorrow morning.

The early hustle and bustle of the villagers woke the teens in the hut. They weren't exactly used to getting up at the crack of dawn every morning. Kaede had started breakfast, the aroma filling the household.

Kagome sat up in her futon, yawned, and stretched. She looked over to see Sango already putting her bedding away. Miroku was silently creeping up behind her. He was starting his antics early this morning.

"Don't even try it, monk." Sango's voice stopped him short.

"I thought I was being quiet." Miroku whined slightly. Sango rolled her eyes and stood up. She dusted off her legs and went to join Kaede casting a warning glare at Miroku, who in turn gave a purely innocent look.

"I'll be keeping an eye on you." She threatened.

"On all of me?" he started to grin. She blushed before leaving in a rush.

Kagome laughed from where she was. Watching them was always going to get you a good laugh. Miroku shrugged and put his own bedding up as well. Kagome slowly followed suit. She was going to go and see Inuyasha as soon as she was finished.

Kagome stepped out in the cool crisp air. Taking a deep breath of the fresh oxygen, she walked to where Inuyasha was. She looked up in the tree to see his eyes closed and his arms folded across his chest. Tetsuseiga leaned against his shoulder as she had noticed him doing lately. Not wanting to wake him, she looked toward the ground to see where a nice seat would be to look out over the village and wait for him to wake.

"Now where to sit," she whispered to herself.

A loud crash behind her made her whip around. Inuyasha laid face down and arms and legs spread in a deep hole.

"What the hell was that for?" he yelled, jumping up. Becoming the best of friends with the ground rudely awaked him, not that he was asleep. He still was wary of his surroundings and knew she had come to sit under his tree. It wasn't exactly on his list of ways to be woken up.

"Sorry! I forgot about say s… the subjugation word." Kagome apologized walking towards him.

"Feh," he crossed his arms over his chest, but this time protectively.

Kagome suppressed a giggle and walked towards the hut. She looked back to see if he was coming. He wasn't.

"Breakfast is almost ready. I suggest you come inside." Turning, she noticed everyone at the door staring. They had heard the crash and came to inspect.

"I accidentally said…the word." She smiled.

Sango held a hand over her lips to hide her grin, as did Kaede. Miroku made a mocking sort of 'ha' and returned back inside. They all followed him, Inuyasha behind the rest.

After eating, Inuyasha decided to bring up what he was thinking about last night.

"I think that we need to get back to our own time. We've been gone too long for anyone to not get worried."

They seemed to agree.

"Is it possible to get back the way we came?" Sango asked.

Kaede seemed to think. "I do not know for sure, child, but it might be worth trying for ye to get back to your present. The jewel let ye pass the first time, I do not see why it would not let ye pass back."

"So you think it's possible as long as we have the Shikon no Tama with us when we transport?" Miroku injected.

Inuyasha interrupted them. "I don't think we have to have the jewel at all. Remember, I came through here about five times before and I just went the way I came."

They all seemed to take this information into consideration.

"That would mean just about anyone could pass through time. What if Sota accidentally fell through? He could be killed if he encountered a demon." Kagome brought up.

"It may be more complicated than that, child. Inuyasha is a hanyou, and you had the jewel. That may have some effect. Did ye come through at one time?" Kaede asked.

"No, we held hands. I wasn't sure if it would work, but something told me to link together." Inuyasha spoke.

"Miroku, when ye return, seal the well with the sutras I have given ye. It should stop any demons who might see ye pass."

Miroku nodded obediently.

"We should just keep the well a secret and only pass together, no matter what." Sango put in.

"I think it's a good idea. We shouldn't tell anyone. But we do need an alibi for how long we've been missing. Our parents probably have the police looking for us by now." Kagome looked a little worried.

"Lets get our things together. Can we leave our weapons and things here with you, Kaede?" Sango asked again.

"I do not mind, child. All of ye children be safe."

They nodded to her and got up to get their things.

"So, where have we been?" Miroku asked as they headed for the well.

"We were at my house before we jumped in. We need to tell my parents at least. Sota's a good kid. I don't think he would actually go exploring. We could bar it up just for good measure anyway." Kagome thought aloud.

"That would explain it to your mom and grandfather, but not to our parents or Inuyasha's brother." Sango added.

"My brother wouldn't really care."

"Let's just talk it over with my mom and see what we can come up with. She may be a little shocked though." Kagome laughed uneasily.

They approached the well and stood around it. They each looked at each other.

"Do you think that you two are the only ones who can pass alone?" Sango asked before they jumped.

"I don't know, but he passed alone." Kagome answered and gestured towards Inuyasha.

"It doesn't matter. We'll pass together from now on." Inuyasha said. "But right now, we need to get back."

They nodded; even Miroku nodded.

Inuyasha grabbed Kagome's hand. She took Sango's who in turn grasped Miroku's. They all sat on the edge of the well and slid in. The same blue light as before engulfed them. As soon as it was there, it was gone. They stood staring up at the beams of Kagome's shed.

Inuyasha helped Kagome out first, and Miroku helped Sango. The two guys glared at each other, neither relenting.

"Might as well go up first, monk. I can just jump." Inuyasha half growled.

"No need. You go, and I'll be right after you." Miroku retorted.

"Yeah, clawing at the edges like a cat."

"Sure that just wouldn't be you?"

"I'm sure." They were in each other's faces at this point, Inuyasha growling, and Miroku glaring angrily.

Kagome and Sango rolled their eyes as they started to walk away.

"We'll see you two when you both can stop acting like kids." Kagome called.

There was a loud thump behind them. They turned around to see Miroku laying dazed on the floor. Inuyasha jumped out easily.

"Inuyasha," Kagome began to scold him as she and Sango checked up on Miroku.

"What? I wasn't going to be stuck alone with him treating me like an ax murderer." He crossed his arms over his chest and turned away from them slightly.

The two women helped Miroku to his feet and to walk to Kagome's house.

When they stepped outside of the shed, it looked to be a beautiful sunrise.

After staring for a moment, Sango piped up. "Do you think the times are different?"

"They would have to be. When we left it was almost night, and when we got to the feudal era it was mid afternoon." Miroku answered.

They all looked at each other. How much time actually passed from the time they had left the present? The four of them walked to the front to see Inuyasha's car still sitting in the driveway. If their parents had called the police to report a missing group of teenagers, wouldn't the police have impounded the car as evidence?

Kagome led the way as they unsteadily headed to the front door. It was locked, as always, so Kagome lifted one of the nearby plants to retrieve an extra house key.

"Brilliant," Miroku joked.

Kagome shrugged and twisted to handle. Inside everything was quiet. It didn't appear to be a worried household. No upset mom and brother and grandpa. Kagome heard shuffling from the far room and went to investigate. The other three sat quietly on the sofa, Sango separating the two immature boys.

Kagome approached what was her grandfather's room. He was muttering to himself and going through a variety of old looking items.

"Grandpa," Kagome whispered, making the old man jump.

"Ah, Kagome! You could give an old man a heart attack like that!" He put a hand over his heart for emphasis.

Kagome smiled, "Sorry,"

"What are you doing up at this hour?" he asked, eyeing her suspiciously.

Kagome was a little taken aback. She chose her words carefully. "Well, I heard you in hear so I thought I would come see what you were doing." She answered, not telling the whole truth.

"I didn't think I was making that much racket. It usually never wakes you up." He thought a moment. "Say, what time did your friends leave?"

The innocent question confused her further. "Um, they're still here."

The horror on his face almost sent her into a fit of giggles. "Did they sleep over? Kagome, did you have boys in your room last night? Sango is alright, but if those boys had stepped one foot into your room I'll put a sutra on them faster than…" He stopped as a sigh of relief passed from her. "What?"

"Nothing. When mom wakes up, there's something we need to discuss, you two, and me, and my friends. It's kind of important. But you'll find out when mom gets up, nothing to worry about though." She turned and left her grandpa to fiddle around in his room after the lines of thought passed.

She stepped back into the room with her friends and plopped down into a chair opposite of them.

"This is so weird. My grandpa thought you guys just slept over last night."

"What?" They asked in unison.

"He remembers you guys coming over before we went into the well, but he thought you spent the night here, meaning only a night has passed since we've been gone." Kagome said, still astonished.

They all just looked at each other.

"Well, this is a hell of a lot easier to explain to my parents. They'll be mad for the irresponsibility on my part, but nothing a little lie won't fix." Miroku laughed.

"Are we still going to tell your mom and grandfather?" Sango asked. Kagome nodded.

"I'm waiting for my mom to get up. I guess we can watch TV or sleep or whatever 'till then." She suggested. They nodded to her but didn't make a move. They all just sat in silence, Miroku and Sango brooding on what to say to their parents. Inuyasha thinking of a good excuse that his brother wouldn't care about, but Shippou would, and Kagome getting ready to explain something that seemed impossible.

That's it! I finally updated! Can you believe it? Neither can I, lol.

Well, tell me what's wrong with it, suggestions, and even more importantly, constructive criticism.

Sorry for the extremely long update. Hopefully none of you check for this or anything. But I thought that since I had a holiday and everything, it would be nice for me to write this and all. Sorry, but nothing much happens in this chapter, it's purely transitional for my not very well developed plot.

Naraku should be introduced sometime soon, so there. Lol

Thanks for being great fans and urging me to keep going. I love ya'll soo much!