Ten days
by Kradvity
Chapter 1: Malison
I was having the feeling that something would go wrong in a very disastrous way. Last time I had felt like this was a little before Naraku came to me in Kikyos form. Since that I'd been afraid it would happen again. Or not afraid, that's not my style. Bewared, maybe. I tryed to deny the fact my stomach was turning upside down. And the others weren't making it better. They looked like this was only an usual demon hunt. Wasn't my face expressing my feelings anyhow? Did I always look worried?
Kagome was laughing with Sango and Shippo for something that Miroku had just said. They were sitting around the campfire eating food Kagome had brought from the future. I wasn't hungry. I didn't want to think what would happen in my stomach if I ate something. And it's not my stomach only. I'm not so sure about those 'snacks' of hers. They were wrapped in ridiculously colourful papers. I saw Shippo collecting them into his pockets. I sighed mentally. A living trash can...
The night was rather cold. Good thing I wasn't shivering. It would have been warm near the fire but I didn't want to join their stupid conversation. That wasn't my style either. I wasn't interested in their things. Human-talk. Or was I interested? It't not so easy to be a half- demon. Sometimes I saw myself sitting along the fire telling jokes and laughing. But the person I saw wasn't me. Or at least he didn't look like me. He was an ordinary Japanese boy with ordinary thoughts. Laughing to ordinary things. When was the last time I had laughed? It seemed to be years ago.
Something sunk inside me when I realised it had been years ago.
" Inu-Yasha! "
I raised my gaze from the dark forest behind them. Kagome wove at me. I couldn't help noticing she was awfully pretty. Not in same way than Kikyo had been. But pretty anyway. What was I thinking? Kagome wasn't pretty. She was like an enthusiastic pixie... I snorted. What did she want? I wasn't hungry. Or that was what I would tell if they asked me to join them. It's odd how I can lie to myself and believe the lies. Kagome looked happy. She was holding a paper bag.
" Come here! I know you're hungry! "
She was right. Could she see straigt through me? I felt uncomfortable every time Kagome looked at me. She had a playful smile spread across her face. That made me feel almost sick. How could they be so... relaxed? Was I the only one worrying? I worked hard to save their skins and they couldn't care less. Had they ever mentioned they were grateful? Next time I wouldn't save them. We'll see if they start to respect me... I forgot that threat when the next time came.
I had been too deep in my thoughts to notice Kagome walking towards me. She looked slightly worried. My silence made the girl usually mad. Now the expression on her face was more like pity. God, I hated that look she gave me. The paper bag was still in her hand. Her long black hair was a little messy like always and her fringe seemed to have a will of it's own. She was wearing her 'school dress'. It already looked weird and now it was starting to be also really dirty. She washed it, but all the dirt just didn't seem to get off. It was not her dirty dress or her hopeless hair but her eyes that bothered me the most. Her eyes were the only part of her that didn't remind me of Kikyo. There was some almost unnoticeable glow in that deep brown.
" Why are you just sitting here? Aren't you having cold? "
" I'm not a whimp like you. "
Now good old Kagome came back. It didn't take long. I had started to miss her training her voice chords. Good thing Kagome wasn't good in arguing. Neither was I, but at least Kagome could beat me in shouting so a fight with her wasn't a complete waste of time.
" So the fact were humans makes us whimps?! " she said. Her face turned angry. She stood in front of me. I could imagine her hair sparkle with electricy like a bunch of lightnings. I tried to look as bored as I could. I was delighted to realise it wasn't difficult at all.
" Do you think Miroku is a whimp?! He has saved us many times! "
Suddenly my calmness disappeared like it never existed. I stood up. Good thing I was longer than Kagome. It gave more power to my authority. So Kagome thought Miroku was the hero here. It hit something inside me. Like another one of my lungs had disappeared and then moved into the bottom of my stomach. I didn't even want to try to hold back.
" Who has saved you from most of the troubles? When has Miroku saved me? Never! "
That wasn't true but I didn't really care on the moment I said that. Miroku had saved me several times. I didn't need his help but he wanted to play hero. He doesn't even do anything. He just sucks all the demons into his vortex. He is a hero only because his grandfather was an idiot and fell into Naraku's trap. I fight like a demon and he is the brave on!
" Please, leave me out of this ", Miroku said in that calm voice of his. He shouts as often as I laugh... Sango didn't want to take part in this fight. Miroku had probably told her to let us fight. But knowing Sango... She would be on Kagome's side. It's only a matter of time when I have two mad girls yelling at me.
" How can you say that after all we have done for you?! Miroku has helped you out big time! " Kagome shouted. The remaining lung decided to join the one in my stomach.
" I'm still here ", Miroku said dryly.
" And what have you exactly done for me?! You're just on my way! " I shouted. It started to be hard with some of my organs in wrong places.
" You wouldn't have all those shards without us! "
" Without you it wouldn't be in pieces! "
Sango stood up. My heart was beating in my forehead. Had I gone too far? Sango had that furious look on her face that never ment anything good. Why did she have to interfere? She wasn't there when Kagome broke the Shikon jewel by shooting the demon carrying it. I wasn't afraid of Sango. She just knew how to hit the nerve. Her gaze felt twice as uncomfortable as Kagome's.
Sango walked on me and slapped me hard on face. I backed out two steps. It didn't actually hurt. I was surprised by her action. I could have parried her but I somehow forgot to do that. I must have had a dumb expression on my face when I stared at Sango who had crossed her arms stubbornly. Her eyes were flaming. I tried hard not to blink so that she would think it hadn't had any affection. What is wrong with Sango? Kagome had never slapped me like that. She hits the back of my head or my shoulder but never my face. I lifted a hand on my cheek.
" What was that for?! "
" There's a problem for you! " Sango hissed and grabbed Kagome's hand. I watched their backs draw away. I looked at the four silhouettes and turned around. My lungs were moving back to the right places in an extremely unpleasant way.
" Feh. "
I stepped on something that made a crunching noice under my foot. It was the paper bag Kagome had held. I had thought she would throw it on my face. I lifted it and took a look inside. The bag was full of flat, salty snacks. Who could ever eat these? I threw a quick glance sideways at Miroku who was just opening another bag of these same snacks. If Miroku could eat these... They didn't taste so bad after all. Weird, but not bad. I emptied the whole bag.
* * * * *
The sun wasn't shining when I woke up. My mouth was dry and there was an aching pain in my lower back. It doesn't make too good for you to sleep against a tree. I stood up holding my back. I wouldn't have done it if someone saw me. It was embarrassing to show weakness in front of humans. They had aches too but I felt like I shouldn't have any. Okay, Shippo wasn't a human. He was a fully demon. That's a good reason to act like a doll who doesn't feel pain.
When I stood up I noticed my clothes were cold and wet from the dew. Dammit. It would take a long time for them to dry. The moisture of the mountains was starting to get on my nerves. What was that Kagome's brilliant idea called? A tent. It's a pity that the villagers got scared of it. It would serve us better here than in the bottom of the lake... Those humans sleep like logs. I never sleep much. I don't need to sleep and that's good. It's such a pain in the neck when you can't go on with your task only because your eyelids turn heavy. I touched my cheek carefully. It wasn't sore anymore but I hadn't even expected it to be. Still I could feel Sangos fingers on it. Girls don't even hit well. Fists. They should use fists. But no. Who teaches girls to fight? I bet it's someone like Miroku.
I didn't want to wait fo the others to wake up so I went for a quick round. There were no villages nearby so I wasn't expecting to run into anyone. Or anything. I wasn't in the mood for a fight. Was I ever?
The forest was silent and green. I don't understand Kagome. She loves nature. That tree-hugging pixie. What's so special in it? I decided to try to... 'enjoy the nature'. I sat on a stump and crossed my arms and legs and stared at the forest. Many thoughts sailed inside my head when I explored the slowly waking nature. I often sit like that but I don't usually see the forest. I see through it. It's difficult to explain. Someone could understand it but hey, have you tried to explain to someone how you can see through the trees?
Why was Kagome so upset? It was Kagome's fault that the Shikon jewel was in pieces. I wanted to be a full demon. I didn't need their help. Miroku was with me because he had to destroy Naraku and to do that he needed a demon. That means me. And Sango wants her family to be revenged. Shippo... What is he actually doing with us? He doesn't have any parents left. That's not a good reason. I didn't have any parents left in his age. He's a whimp like the humans.
Kagome... Because of her I was set free. And she is Kikyo's reincarnation. She has the same talent as Kikyo. If Kagome hadn't come I would still be sealed by Kikyo's arrow. Forever. Long time no shiver, I thought when I felt the chills run up my back. It would be like death, I suppose. To be stuck in a tree for eternity. Eternity sounded bad even in my thoughts... But maybe....Maybe it wouldn't have been that bad if I had never woke up. Kikyo had died fifty years ago. Kaede was already an old hag. Do I really want to become a demon? What is my purpose to live after that? I would have everything I wanted...
A scream brought me back to Earth. I got scared because I felt like my heart was forced into a too small space. I'm wasn't sure what it ment. I thought it was because I got startled. That had definitely been Kagome's voice! I sprinted through the misty forest with all my speed. I heard Miroku and Sango. And a voice that absolutely didn't belong to Shippo. If they're in a trouble again... We'll never catch that demon! Damn those humans! Damn that cursed Kagome! Do I have to save her again?!
When I reached the opening my heart bounced. The demon! It was the same demon we were after! I didn't have time to draw Tetsusaiga. I saw Kagome. She couldn't escape. The demon was going to slay her. What does she think she's doing? The demon raised it's hand. A row of sharp, dirty claws were shining in morning sun. Everything happened fast like always. I jumped and caught Kagome as the claws digged into the spot where Kagome had stood. We flew to the ground. Kagome gave out a moan. I hit my arm but I this wasn't the time to worry about that. Half-demons don't feel pain... half-demons don't feel pain... I replied this mantra in my head as I attacked.
" Claw of steel! "
It took a few steps back. I had time to take a look around. The camp was spread all over the surrounding forest. Sango was helping Miroku to get up. The demon had obviously thrown him away like a puppet. That would explain their yells. Why do humans yell so much?
" Are you allright? "
I turned around. Kagome looked at me worriedly. She hadn't hit the ground. It had been my back.
" Get your bow or stay away! " I shouted. I could use a little help. But I didn't actually mean Kagome to get her bow. I wanted her to get away from the fight. She turned around and ran to search her bow and arrows. Gosh, she can't possibly be that dumb.
" What do you think you're doing?! "
Kagome gave me a stubborn look.
" You said we never help you! Now I'm going to! "
My stomach turned around, again. Had I said that? Yeah, that fight last night. Why did I say it? Why did that girl take it so literally? Can't she think of her own? Of course I was lying. But now it was too late to admit it. I heard a loud roar from behind me. I jumped just in time to avoid the demons attack.
" Kagome! Get the he--- "
I felt myself being thrown away. I hit a group of rocks where the campfire had been. I heard a loud crack and hoped it hadn't been my back. It already hurt after the night I had spent with that tree. A human wouldn't get up after that but I wasn't that weak. Or at least I thought I wasn't. I saw Kagome pointing the demon with her arrow. Sango tried to attack it with her boomerang bone. She made a scratch but ended up to fly against Miroku who was already a little stunned. I draw Tetsusaiga. The sharp katana seemed to burst into life in my hands. But I never had time to swing it.
The demon opened it's mouth and gave out a massive roar. It was ear- splitting and I thought I would turn deaf. My ears were more sensitive than human's. I cursed myself from that weakness. Then something came out from the demon. Red shafts of light flew out from it's chest above it's heart. The gentle red light was floating in air. I had never seen anything like that before. Then, unexpectedly it flung towards me. Just like when Sango had hit me. I knew I could get out of it's way but I forgot how to do it. I heard Kagome scream my name when the light hit me.
" Inu-Yasha! "
I felt blurry and dizzy. I wouldn't collapse. Not in front of them. I'm a half-demon... I'm stronger than them... A voice kept me awake. The demon was speaking. I could hardly make sense of the words.
In ten days you will get what you have always wanted. In ten days you will face the thing you fear the most. And in ten days you will have to learn the truth your mother did not have time to teach to you, and you will remain the same and have more time to think...
I could keep myself awake no longer. The forest turned black and then I was drifted away.
* * * * *
It was midday when I woke up. Great. I had a terrible headache and my back was even worse. I had hit the rocks so hard that I was lucky not to break anything. That wasn't really comforting me. The ground under me felt too hard to be grass. Maybe they had found a cottage. A nice, warm cottage with...
" Inu-Yasha? Do you hear me? "
Miroku. Anyone else but him. I didn't want my first sight to be his sanctimonious face. Not when I had passed out and he had probably saved the day. I could have beaten that demon! I opened my eyes and saw the most unpleasant sight. Darn. It was Miroku. And there was no cottage. I was lying on grass after all. Wonderful, my back is broken or something. I meant to say 'get off' to Miroku but it sounded more like a senseless group of moans.
A sudden panic stroke me. I made a horrified noice which I shamed later and opened my eyes. Kagome! Where is Kagome?! Did the demon kill her? I tried to speak. I knew I sounded stupid.
" You're alive! "
I heard Miroku give a whimper when he was being forced off the way. Kagome kneeled next to me. The same untamed hair and deep brown eyes. I felt so relieved I could faint again. Our eyes met. Was that a tear in the corner of her eye? Please Kagome, don't tell me you're gonna cry again... I raised and blinked when my eyes met the sun. Everything was okay. And I haven't even said anything embarrassing yet.
" Where is the demon? " I asked.
" We don't know. It just vanished ", Kagome said. She had her bow. Miroku, Sango and Shippo were sitting around me. If they just weren't staring at me...
" What happened? What did it say? "
" Inu-Yasha... ", Kagome started. Swallowing had never been that difficult. What could be wrong? They were all alive.
" We think it put somekind of a curse in you. "
I wanted to laugh. Nothing more serious? Kagome was fine.
" What kind of a curse? " I inquired. No-one answered. Then, Miroku gave a hem. I looked at him. Everyone else did the same.
" I think I know what we should do. "
" Spit it out, monk! " I muttered.
" We ought to see Kaede. "
by Kradvity
Chapter 1: Malison
I was having the feeling that something would go wrong in a very disastrous way. Last time I had felt like this was a little before Naraku came to me in Kikyos form. Since that I'd been afraid it would happen again. Or not afraid, that's not my style. Bewared, maybe. I tryed to deny the fact my stomach was turning upside down. And the others weren't making it better. They looked like this was only an usual demon hunt. Wasn't my face expressing my feelings anyhow? Did I always look worried?
Kagome was laughing with Sango and Shippo for something that Miroku had just said. They were sitting around the campfire eating food Kagome had brought from the future. I wasn't hungry. I didn't want to think what would happen in my stomach if I ate something. And it's not my stomach only. I'm not so sure about those 'snacks' of hers. They were wrapped in ridiculously colourful papers. I saw Shippo collecting them into his pockets. I sighed mentally. A living trash can...
The night was rather cold. Good thing I wasn't shivering. It would have been warm near the fire but I didn't want to join their stupid conversation. That wasn't my style either. I wasn't interested in their things. Human-talk. Or was I interested? It't not so easy to be a half- demon. Sometimes I saw myself sitting along the fire telling jokes and laughing. But the person I saw wasn't me. Or at least he didn't look like me. He was an ordinary Japanese boy with ordinary thoughts. Laughing to ordinary things. When was the last time I had laughed? It seemed to be years ago.
Something sunk inside me when I realised it had been years ago.
" Inu-Yasha! "
I raised my gaze from the dark forest behind them. Kagome wove at me. I couldn't help noticing she was awfully pretty. Not in same way than Kikyo had been. But pretty anyway. What was I thinking? Kagome wasn't pretty. She was like an enthusiastic pixie... I snorted. What did she want? I wasn't hungry. Or that was what I would tell if they asked me to join them. It's odd how I can lie to myself and believe the lies. Kagome looked happy. She was holding a paper bag.
" Come here! I know you're hungry! "
She was right. Could she see straigt through me? I felt uncomfortable every time Kagome looked at me. She had a playful smile spread across her face. That made me feel almost sick. How could they be so... relaxed? Was I the only one worrying? I worked hard to save their skins and they couldn't care less. Had they ever mentioned they were grateful? Next time I wouldn't save them. We'll see if they start to respect me... I forgot that threat when the next time came.
I had been too deep in my thoughts to notice Kagome walking towards me. She looked slightly worried. My silence made the girl usually mad. Now the expression on her face was more like pity. God, I hated that look she gave me. The paper bag was still in her hand. Her long black hair was a little messy like always and her fringe seemed to have a will of it's own. She was wearing her 'school dress'. It already looked weird and now it was starting to be also really dirty. She washed it, but all the dirt just didn't seem to get off. It was not her dirty dress or her hopeless hair but her eyes that bothered me the most. Her eyes were the only part of her that didn't remind me of Kikyo. There was some almost unnoticeable glow in that deep brown.
" Why are you just sitting here? Aren't you having cold? "
" I'm not a whimp like you. "
Now good old Kagome came back. It didn't take long. I had started to miss her training her voice chords. Good thing Kagome wasn't good in arguing. Neither was I, but at least Kagome could beat me in shouting so a fight with her wasn't a complete waste of time.
" So the fact were humans makes us whimps?! " she said. Her face turned angry. She stood in front of me. I could imagine her hair sparkle with electricy like a bunch of lightnings. I tried to look as bored as I could. I was delighted to realise it wasn't difficult at all.
" Do you think Miroku is a whimp?! He has saved us many times! "
Suddenly my calmness disappeared like it never existed. I stood up. Good thing I was longer than Kagome. It gave more power to my authority. So Kagome thought Miroku was the hero here. It hit something inside me. Like another one of my lungs had disappeared and then moved into the bottom of my stomach. I didn't even want to try to hold back.
" Who has saved you from most of the troubles? When has Miroku saved me? Never! "
That wasn't true but I didn't really care on the moment I said that. Miroku had saved me several times. I didn't need his help but he wanted to play hero. He doesn't even do anything. He just sucks all the demons into his vortex. He is a hero only because his grandfather was an idiot and fell into Naraku's trap. I fight like a demon and he is the brave on!
" Please, leave me out of this ", Miroku said in that calm voice of his. He shouts as often as I laugh... Sango didn't want to take part in this fight. Miroku had probably told her to let us fight. But knowing Sango... She would be on Kagome's side. It's only a matter of time when I have two mad girls yelling at me.
" How can you say that after all we have done for you?! Miroku has helped you out big time! " Kagome shouted. The remaining lung decided to join the one in my stomach.
" I'm still here ", Miroku said dryly.
" And what have you exactly done for me?! You're just on my way! " I shouted. It started to be hard with some of my organs in wrong places.
" You wouldn't have all those shards without us! "
" Without you it wouldn't be in pieces! "
Sango stood up. My heart was beating in my forehead. Had I gone too far? Sango had that furious look on her face that never ment anything good. Why did she have to interfere? She wasn't there when Kagome broke the Shikon jewel by shooting the demon carrying it. I wasn't afraid of Sango. She just knew how to hit the nerve. Her gaze felt twice as uncomfortable as Kagome's.
Sango walked on me and slapped me hard on face. I backed out two steps. It didn't actually hurt. I was surprised by her action. I could have parried her but I somehow forgot to do that. I must have had a dumb expression on my face when I stared at Sango who had crossed her arms stubbornly. Her eyes were flaming. I tried hard not to blink so that she would think it hadn't had any affection. What is wrong with Sango? Kagome had never slapped me like that. She hits the back of my head or my shoulder but never my face. I lifted a hand on my cheek.
" What was that for?! "
" There's a problem for you! " Sango hissed and grabbed Kagome's hand. I watched their backs draw away. I looked at the four silhouettes and turned around. My lungs were moving back to the right places in an extremely unpleasant way.
" Feh. "
I stepped on something that made a crunching noice under my foot. It was the paper bag Kagome had held. I had thought she would throw it on my face. I lifted it and took a look inside. The bag was full of flat, salty snacks. Who could ever eat these? I threw a quick glance sideways at Miroku who was just opening another bag of these same snacks. If Miroku could eat these... They didn't taste so bad after all. Weird, but not bad. I emptied the whole bag.
* * * * *
The sun wasn't shining when I woke up. My mouth was dry and there was an aching pain in my lower back. It doesn't make too good for you to sleep against a tree. I stood up holding my back. I wouldn't have done it if someone saw me. It was embarrassing to show weakness in front of humans. They had aches too but I felt like I shouldn't have any. Okay, Shippo wasn't a human. He was a fully demon. That's a good reason to act like a doll who doesn't feel pain.
When I stood up I noticed my clothes were cold and wet from the dew. Dammit. It would take a long time for them to dry. The moisture of the mountains was starting to get on my nerves. What was that Kagome's brilliant idea called? A tent. It's a pity that the villagers got scared of it. It would serve us better here than in the bottom of the lake... Those humans sleep like logs. I never sleep much. I don't need to sleep and that's good. It's such a pain in the neck when you can't go on with your task only because your eyelids turn heavy. I touched my cheek carefully. It wasn't sore anymore but I hadn't even expected it to be. Still I could feel Sangos fingers on it. Girls don't even hit well. Fists. They should use fists. But no. Who teaches girls to fight? I bet it's someone like Miroku.
I didn't want to wait fo the others to wake up so I went for a quick round. There were no villages nearby so I wasn't expecting to run into anyone. Or anything. I wasn't in the mood for a fight. Was I ever?
The forest was silent and green. I don't understand Kagome. She loves nature. That tree-hugging pixie. What's so special in it? I decided to try to... 'enjoy the nature'. I sat on a stump and crossed my arms and legs and stared at the forest. Many thoughts sailed inside my head when I explored the slowly waking nature. I often sit like that but I don't usually see the forest. I see through it. It's difficult to explain. Someone could understand it but hey, have you tried to explain to someone how you can see through the trees?
Why was Kagome so upset? It was Kagome's fault that the Shikon jewel was in pieces. I wanted to be a full demon. I didn't need their help. Miroku was with me because he had to destroy Naraku and to do that he needed a demon. That means me. And Sango wants her family to be revenged. Shippo... What is he actually doing with us? He doesn't have any parents left. That's not a good reason. I didn't have any parents left in his age. He's a whimp like the humans.
Kagome... Because of her I was set free. And she is Kikyo's reincarnation. She has the same talent as Kikyo. If Kagome hadn't come I would still be sealed by Kikyo's arrow. Forever. Long time no shiver, I thought when I felt the chills run up my back. It would be like death, I suppose. To be stuck in a tree for eternity. Eternity sounded bad even in my thoughts... But maybe....Maybe it wouldn't have been that bad if I had never woke up. Kikyo had died fifty years ago. Kaede was already an old hag. Do I really want to become a demon? What is my purpose to live after that? I would have everything I wanted...
A scream brought me back to Earth. I got scared because I felt like my heart was forced into a too small space. I'm wasn't sure what it ment. I thought it was because I got startled. That had definitely been Kagome's voice! I sprinted through the misty forest with all my speed. I heard Miroku and Sango. And a voice that absolutely didn't belong to Shippo. If they're in a trouble again... We'll never catch that demon! Damn those humans! Damn that cursed Kagome! Do I have to save her again?!
When I reached the opening my heart bounced. The demon! It was the same demon we were after! I didn't have time to draw Tetsusaiga. I saw Kagome. She couldn't escape. The demon was going to slay her. What does she think she's doing? The demon raised it's hand. A row of sharp, dirty claws were shining in morning sun. Everything happened fast like always. I jumped and caught Kagome as the claws digged into the spot where Kagome had stood. We flew to the ground. Kagome gave out a moan. I hit my arm but I this wasn't the time to worry about that. Half-demons don't feel pain... half-demons don't feel pain... I replied this mantra in my head as I attacked.
" Claw of steel! "
It took a few steps back. I had time to take a look around. The camp was spread all over the surrounding forest. Sango was helping Miroku to get up. The demon had obviously thrown him away like a puppet. That would explain their yells. Why do humans yell so much?
" Are you allright? "
I turned around. Kagome looked at me worriedly. She hadn't hit the ground. It had been my back.
" Get your bow or stay away! " I shouted. I could use a little help. But I didn't actually mean Kagome to get her bow. I wanted her to get away from the fight. She turned around and ran to search her bow and arrows. Gosh, she can't possibly be that dumb.
" What do you think you're doing?! "
Kagome gave me a stubborn look.
" You said we never help you! Now I'm going to! "
My stomach turned around, again. Had I said that? Yeah, that fight last night. Why did I say it? Why did that girl take it so literally? Can't she think of her own? Of course I was lying. But now it was too late to admit it. I heard a loud roar from behind me. I jumped just in time to avoid the demons attack.
" Kagome! Get the he--- "
I felt myself being thrown away. I hit a group of rocks where the campfire had been. I heard a loud crack and hoped it hadn't been my back. It already hurt after the night I had spent with that tree. A human wouldn't get up after that but I wasn't that weak. Or at least I thought I wasn't. I saw Kagome pointing the demon with her arrow. Sango tried to attack it with her boomerang bone. She made a scratch but ended up to fly against Miroku who was already a little stunned. I draw Tetsusaiga. The sharp katana seemed to burst into life in my hands. But I never had time to swing it.
The demon opened it's mouth and gave out a massive roar. It was ear- splitting and I thought I would turn deaf. My ears were more sensitive than human's. I cursed myself from that weakness. Then something came out from the demon. Red shafts of light flew out from it's chest above it's heart. The gentle red light was floating in air. I had never seen anything like that before. Then, unexpectedly it flung towards me. Just like when Sango had hit me. I knew I could get out of it's way but I forgot how to do it. I heard Kagome scream my name when the light hit me.
" Inu-Yasha! "
I felt blurry and dizzy. I wouldn't collapse. Not in front of them. I'm a half-demon... I'm stronger than them... A voice kept me awake. The demon was speaking. I could hardly make sense of the words.
In ten days you will get what you have always wanted. In ten days you will face the thing you fear the most. And in ten days you will have to learn the truth your mother did not have time to teach to you, and you will remain the same and have more time to think...
I could keep myself awake no longer. The forest turned black and then I was drifted away.
* * * * *
It was midday when I woke up. Great. I had a terrible headache and my back was even worse. I had hit the rocks so hard that I was lucky not to break anything. That wasn't really comforting me. The ground under me felt too hard to be grass. Maybe they had found a cottage. A nice, warm cottage with...
" Inu-Yasha? Do you hear me? "
Miroku. Anyone else but him. I didn't want my first sight to be his sanctimonious face. Not when I had passed out and he had probably saved the day. I could have beaten that demon! I opened my eyes and saw the most unpleasant sight. Darn. It was Miroku. And there was no cottage. I was lying on grass after all. Wonderful, my back is broken or something. I meant to say 'get off' to Miroku but it sounded more like a senseless group of moans.
A sudden panic stroke me. I made a horrified noice which I shamed later and opened my eyes. Kagome! Where is Kagome?! Did the demon kill her? I tried to speak. I knew I sounded stupid.
" You're alive! "
I heard Miroku give a whimper when he was being forced off the way. Kagome kneeled next to me. The same untamed hair and deep brown eyes. I felt so relieved I could faint again. Our eyes met. Was that a tear in the corner of her eye? Please Kagome, don't tell me you're gonna cry again... I raised and blinked when my eyes met the sun. Everything was okay. And I haven't even said anything embarrassing yet.
" Where is the demon? " I asked.
" We don't know. It just vanished ", Kagome said. She had her bow. Miroku, Sango and Shippo were sitting around me. If they just weren't staring at me...
" What happened? What did it say? "
" Inu-Yasha... ", Kagome started. Swallowing had never been that difficult. What could be wrong? They were all alive.
" We think it put somekind of a curse in you. "
I wanted to laugh. Nothing more serious? Kagome was fine.
" What kind of a curse? " I inquired. No-one answered. Then, Miroku gave a hem. I looked at him. Everyone else did the same.
" I think I know what we should do. "
" Spit it out, monk! " I muttered.
" We ought to see Kaede. "
