Everyone retreated back into the Temple. Rin moved to sit beside Inuyasha. His wound on his face was bleeding again. Rin removed the bandages, exposing the ruined eye. Blood oozed, warm and thick from around the eye. She took a cloth and began dabbing the blood away. The blood was pretty thick and stringy. Worried, Rin pinched the skin on Inuyasha's arm. Just as she feared, the skin stayed pinched.

"He needs water." She looked up. "As much as I don't want to disturb his rest, it is important that he drinks some water." Gently, she began rousing him while Sango retrieved a bowl of water.

Inuyasha knew he was waking up. He tensed up, knowing the pain was coming. Surprisingly, the pain did not come. Confused now, he opened his eyes. His right eye remained dark. He raised his right hand to his face, feeling the bandages. Memories began to trickle back. Yes. Chaos's fang, only a body slam by Sesshomaru had prevented Chaos's fang from doing more than slicing the right side of his face. Yes. Chaos had knocked Sesshomaru for a loop. Inuyasha recalled giving in to his demonic side. He had seen or heard nothing for a while, than he came to being nudged by Sesshomaru using his snout. The next sensation had been Sesshomaru carefully picking him up in his mouth. Shortly after came the sensation of something being pushed back inside him, agony, being forced to move, and now here he was. He explored his abdominal injury, wincing at the sharp lances of pain that came with each tiny movement. A dull ache turned his attention to his right leg. It looked wrong, and felt wrong. Wait, why was it so short?

"Wait. Let him." Rin's voice reached him.

Rin? Wait! Kagome! He looked around frantically.

"It's okay. I'm right here." Kagome soothed.

"You… hurt?" His mouth felt really dry.

"Shh, I'm fine. I'm going to help you sit up a bit. Rin wants to get some water into you. This will hurt. Feel free to scream if you need to." Kagome smiled. Gently, she lifted him so he lay against her chest. He felt her wince a little.

"You're… hurt!" He tried to move, but let off a scream instead as his body reminded him it was badly hurt.

"Easy! It's okay! Calm down. It's only a small cut. I'm fine. Easy. There you go. Relax." Knowing he wouldn't settle until he saw her injuries, Kagome lifted her kimono to reveal the healing cut on her upper leg, and the cut on her side. "See? It's okay. They have been treated and are healing. Relax. There you go. Calm."

Inuyasha calmed. Sango held the bowl to his lips, and Inuyasha drank some water. His raging thirst dealt with, he lifted his head. "What happened to my leg?"

Everyone looked at one another.

"Suki, our big sister, couldn't save your leg. She had to amputate it." Sesshomaru explained gently, deciding to keep silent about the fact he had eaten the leg to dispose of it. "We decided to burn it to dispose of it."

"Liar. That would have attracted every Daiyokai in the area." Inuyasha pointed out, "You ate it, didn't you?"

"Consider it payback for cutting off my arm!" Sesshomaru grinned.

"I didn't eat your arm though. So, we have a sister." Inuyasha grinned back.

"Her name is Sukiyaki, but she goes by Suki. She's a healer and is the one who has been healing you. She actually isn't really our sister as she was adopted by my parents. She actually does resemble me. Same white hair, nearly the same height, and is excellent with a sword."

"Are we jealous?"

"Shut up!"

"Jealous!"

"I'm not jealous!"

"So jealous!"

"Keep pushing me and I'll take your other leg!"

"His sense of humor is intact." Sango said.

"Hmm, I should be up and moving in about three days. I'll be good this time and stay put." Inuyasha was enjoying the fact he was being held by the girl he loved. Sango and Kagome both looked at one another, then at Inuyasha. "What?"

"You said that last time." Kagome pointed out.

"And the time before that." Sango added.

"And the time before that. Jinenji threatened to tie you down because you refused to rest." Shippo added.

"That was because Naraku had captured Kagome!" Inuyasha retorted.

"How were you going to save her with both of your legs broken?" Sango asked, "Jinenji had to manually straighten your left leg! There was no way you could walk!"

"We are seriously going to argue this again?"

"Alright, you two. That's enough." Kagome cut in, "Inuyasha needs to rest."

"Tomorrow night is the new moon." Inuyasha spoke after a bit. "Even I know humans don't survive my injuries."

"No, don't talk like that!" Kagome snapped, "You will pull through it!"

"I'm not sure if I will be able to. If I don't survive, please, live on for me. Don't suicide."

"Will you cut that out?" Sango cut in, "You will survive, you hear me? You will not die!"

"It sounds like you might have feelings for Inuyasha too, Sango." Once again, Shippo ran for his life. He realized a second later that he was not being chased. Confused, he turned.

"I have no feelings for Inuyasha. My heart belongs to Miroku!" Sango hissed, beet red.

"Totally called it!" Shippo crowed.

"Here. I want you to drink more water." Rin held the bowl to Inuyasha's mouth. Obediently, he drank. "We'll stick to water for now. Later, I want to start giving him broth. It is important that he try to rebuild his strength."

"I've been thinking. We destroyed So'unga but Chaos brought it back. Could it do the same with Naraku?" Sesshomaru asked.

"I don't think so. Naraku was a conglomeration of demons. It would take too much energy to revive each demon and there is the issue of getting them to cooperate enough to fuse again." Inuyasha stifled a yawn, which did not go unnoticed.

"You sleep." Kagome encouraged. Within moments, the injured half blood had fallen asleep, his head resting on Kagome's lap.


"Please take the Arrow to Father Superior. Father will reward you well." Ciro said as they entered the camp.

"I know, it isn't much. This is only temporary. After our King builds its kingdom, we will have better quarters." Sakai responded.

"No! No farther! Let me go!" Suki put up a fight. Miroku let his grip slip a little, than put up a show of trying to tighten his hold of Suki. "I am not an arrow you stupid jerks! Let me go! I've got herbs to collect and a patient to treat! My patient will die without my treatments! You've got to let me go!"

"You fit the description, woman! Hold still!" Miroku felt himself go off balance, "Suki! I'm going to fall!" He hissed into her ear. Still fighting his hold, Suki shifted a bit, and they both went down. Suki scrambled to her feet. She panted, frozen in place, giving Miroku a few seconds to get back up and grab her again.

"Feisty one, isn't she?" Sakai asked, "If the King rejects her, I will show her a passion that will subdue her. She will make me a fine wife."

Suki twisted around and spat at Sakai, "Never!"

Sakai laughed, "That's how I like my women!"

"I better not keep Father Superior waiting!" Miroku maneuvered around Sakai, "I believe the Monk who captures the woman gets first dibs." He headed toward the large tent in the middle of the camp, "Now I remember why I left."

"So far, so good." Suki lessened her struggling. "Are all Monks supposed to be celibate?"

"That's after taking the vow of purity. I decided not to take that vow." Miroku whispered back.

They reached the tent. A tall man exited to stand before them. Miroku gasped. There was no mistaking this man. The man only smiled. "Miroku."

"Naraku? Brother Naraku." Miroku quickly corrected himself.

"Brother Moro." Naraku studied Suki, using a long finger to lift her face so she was looking at him. "Such a lovely face. Brother Sakai, take her back to the cage!" Miroku had no choice but to let Sakai take Suki away. "Into the tent. I'll explain everything."

"Now we wait right here until Father Superior summons you." Sakai whispered, "I know everything, and your importance. Earlier was an act. I have an image to maintain!"

"I figured. I hope I was convincing enough!" Suki whispered back to her oldest friend with a grin. "Think we fooled them?"

"Yes, we did." Sakai returned the grin. He had been the one to open the cage and let Suki escape. He had also been the one to run her through. That part had hurt.


Miroku followed, "You were killed! How are you alive?"

"I was revived. By whom I do not yet know." Naraku answered, "I don't expect your trust, only that you hear me out."

"Fine. I will hear you out." Miroku responded.

They both sat on mats.

"It started a very long time ago when the world was young. Chaos was created, and ripped up the land. The Lady of Light rose and sent Chaos into the Realm of Darkness. Every five hundred years, the world passes close to the Dark Hole, and Chaos uses it to escape. The Lady crafted an arrow known as the Arrow of Light. This arrow lays dormant within a daughter of light until Chaos escapes. A hero rises and uses the arrow to send Chaos back into the Realm of Darkness. It is a cycle that has gone on since the beginning. An English Knight came the closest to destroying Chaos. His name was Susano. He is the only human thus far to send Chaos back. This time is different. The hero died in a fire. The Lady was found dead feet from the Bone Eater well. There was evidence that she had recently given birth. It is unknown if the child she bore is alive." Naraku began.

"Suki. She said that all she knew of her mother is what her father, Inutaisho, told her. He said that he found the dying Lady and took Suki from her. He and his wife raised her as their own. Suki must be the child of the Lady." Miroku responded.

"She could be lying to you."

"I don't feel that she is lying."

"Chaos seems to believe Suki is the Arrow of Light."

"Suki? It is possible."

"It will feed upon her, eliminating its only threat. I am afraid this time that there is nothing that can be done. Your Wind Tunnel is not capable of absorbing this kind of energy."

"I figured as much. Chaos is searching for something."

"Yes. It is searching for the Full Moon Bow. It is the only thing capable of firing the Arrow. Using it means death to the wielder. Once the Arrow awakens, it will summon the bow. The Hero will use the bow and arrow to send Chaos away. You must protect Suki, no matter what."

"I will protect her as will my friends. I also came here to find Suki's sword and herb pouch."

"Those are right here." Naraku handed them over. "Sakai and Suki should be outside waiting. I'm working from the inside to try to figure out Chaos's plan."

Miroku stood, "Good Luck." He went outside to find Suki and Sakai waiting.

"Good act, Sakai. You almost had me fooled." Miroku chuckled.

"Make sure you give Chaos a punch for me!" Sakai said.

"Count on it!" Miroku responded.

He and Suki began the trek back to the temple.


His demonic power was fading. The pain was steadily worsening. He focused on keeping his breathing even. Every breath was hell on his broken body. He felt too warm.

"It's almost night." Sango glanced at Inuyasha, "I wish Suki were here."

"Inuyasha, can you hold my hand?" Kagome asked. Inuyasha gently took her hand into his own.

"I'll do my best to hold on. If I pass, promise me you will not follow me into death. Please?" Inuyasha opened his eyes.

"Will you cut it out, Inuyasha? You are not going to die!" Kagome screamed.

"Please, Kagome. Promise me." Inuyasha begged.

"I…" Kagome looked away. Could she live on without Inuyasha? Could she? "Only if you promise you will live on if I die."

"I promise." Inuyasha answered.

"I promise too." Kagome promised, "You hold on as tight as you can, you hear me?"

"I'll do my best. I love you, Kagome."

"I love you too, Inuyasha."

"YES!" Shippo cheered, "I won the bet! Miroku owes me a bag of acorns!"

"SHIPPO!" Kagome snarled.

"You are lucky I can't move!" Inuyasha snapped, "Otherwise you would be dead!"

"Kitsune is pretty tasty." Sesshomaru said, "Especially slow roasted over a fire."

"Not helping, Sesshomaru!" Shippo cowered behind Sango.

"let's all calm down now. Inuyasha needs it to be quiet so he can sleep." Sango cut in.

"I'm not tired." Inuyasha said, "In fact, I'm wide awake!"

Inuyasha did his level best to not show any pain. He knew he was beginning the change to human. His senses were dulling, and his claws were shifting into human fingernails. His hair was likely beginning to darken and his ears were likely starting to migrate from the top of his head to the sides of his head. He knew that inside his body, his organs were shifting as the extra bones of his demon side vanished. The change always hurt. He had gotten used to it and was able to hide it very well from his friends. This time however, his damaged organs were shifting into the places they took in a human body, and it was agony. He clenched his teeth.

"Does the transformation hurt?" Rin asked.

"I'm so used to the pain that I don't- Ow! Notice it. That was just a spasm. I'm fine!" Inuyasha winced, "It is really hurting this time!"

"Suki did have to put your innards back inside you." Rin said.

"That explains why I felt like I was being stuffed with something." Inuyasha tried to stifle a whimper, "I'm okay!"

The sun was setting. The further it vanished beyond the horizon, the closer Inuyasha got to becoming fully human, and the worse the pain got. He clenched his teeth, his eyes squeezed shut. His breath was shallow. His transformation was nearly complete. The pain had not improved in any way. He had become flush. Sesshomaru moved to sit by him. He placed a tender hand on his half brother's head. Fever. He leaned in a little and sniffed, nearly gagging as a sickly sweet smell did the one two punch to his nose. Infection was setting in. Rin noted her Lords concerned look and came over.

"Damn it." Rin swore, "Infection is setting in!" She realized she had accidentally swore, "I know, go get my mouth washed by Jaken."

"That one is a freebie." Sesshomaru said, "Just don't do it again."

Jaken joined them, holding Rin's pouch. "We're stuck. All that is left in here is a Jilin seed."

"Jilin seed calms the stomach. It won't do anything here." Rin said.

Sesshomaru started, blushed a little, and drew a small white pouch from under his kimono. "I forgot I had this on me." He opened the pouch, "Ragweed, marshmallow root, mint, thyme, sage, red berry, Shōji seeds, a poppyseed! And rose hips."

"Drop the poppyseed, or else!" Rin ordered. Knowing full well what the 'Or else' meant, Sesshomaru handed the seed to Rin. "That's better. Inuyasha, can you wake up? I've got something that will help with the pain."

Inuyasha cracked open his eyes. Kagome let him lean against her while Rin gave him the poppyseed and Sango held up the bowl of water, which Inuyasha drank from after swallowing the seed. Before long, agony dwindled to north of bearable. The transformation finally ended. Inuyasha knew Sesshomaru was staring at him. This was the first time he was seeing his brother in his human form. A knock sounded.

"Little brother number 2 turns human upon the new moon. Little brother number 1 has a birthmark in the shape of a four leaf clover on the back of his neck. He hates the taste of anything green except his boogers." Suki said, "He once got a hold of Father's razor and shaved half his hair off."

"I'm going to kill her. I'm so going to kill her." Sesshomaru glared at Suki as she and Miroku entered the Temple, "I'm going to kill her!"

"Any other stories?" Rin asked. Inuyasha woke up some more to listen.

"I've got tons. Seshy here is terrified of spiders. I once put a fake one on his pillow and he refused to sleep in his room for a month. Guess who's bed he slept in? Mine. I didn't mind, except he had a tenancy to rotate so his feet were on my pillow. I don't know how many times I woke up with his toe up my nose." Suki giggled, "Seshy was a terror as a child, especially after he mastered his transformation. He was an ankle biter. I've got the scars to prove it."

"Quit with that nickname, Suki!" Sesshomaru snapped, "You know I hate that name!"

"He was a very adorable pup." Suki continued, "So little, and fluffy!"

Inuyasha giggled, "I would have loved to see you as a puppy!"

"I smell infection." Suki went to Inuyasha's side. She peeled the bandages off of his stomach to reveal blackened flesh, and it was not from the cauterization. Thin lines revealed that the blackened area was spreading. "Oh this is not good! This is what I was afraid would happen!"

"What is it?" Kagome asked.

It was Sesshomaru who answered. "A foul sickness, one that blackens the flesh as it burns through the victim, consuming them. Thick blood pours out of every opening it can find, sickening those who touch it. A foul Plague. It is called the Black Sickness."

"We need to move to another room from this one. This is going to get very bad. I don't want any of you exposed. Even humans are not safe." Suki took a deep breath. She had seen the Black Sickness before, and it's gruesome results. "The last time I saw this, Kaede would not let me help treat the man, nor would she provide treatment. He was a Hanyo, and it took him pretty quickly."

"How fast?" Miroku asked. Suki stayed silent. "How fast, Suki?" Miroku waited.

"Six hours." Suki whispered.

"How do we help?" Rin asked.

"You can't." Inuyasha responded, "No one can help me now. I'm not going to see the sunrise. No crying. I want all of you to go to a different room. No one needs to watch me die, nor watch the progression of the sickness. Just promise me one thing. Promise you will put an end to Chaos. I will be watching from the afterlife. I know you can defeat him. Suki, I know. Go on."

"No, I will not leave you alone!" Kagome was grabbed by Sesshomaru. She fought his grip, but he refused to let her go. "Please! Let me stay! I don't care if I get sick! I don't want him to be alone!"

"No! We all are going! Inuyasha does not want us to get sick! I know it is hard, but it's what we have to do!" Sango screamed back.

Everyone moved to a different room except Suki. She hovered near the fire for a minute and brought a cup of steaming tea to Inuyasha. "Here." She paused at the door, watching.

Inuyasha knew without asking what that tea was, and what it did. He stared at it. It meant not having to suffer as the Black Sickness coursed through him. It would be a peaceful death. He would simply go to sleep. He reached for the cup, and stopped. It would be an easy and quick death, and there would be no pain. It would be far better than facing the brutal agony of the Black Sickness. His breath caught. Tears filled his good eye. He was… crying? "No. Not yet." He stared at the ceiling. He had lied when he had told everyone they couldn't help him. There was a way. The Arrow of Light was a warm healing light. It's purity could remove the sickness. Using it on him would save his life. It meant that Chaos would take another five hundred year nap. He had already figured out the last line of the poem. Without him there, Kagome would do the right thing and use the Arrow on Chaos, ending it. He again looked at the tea, and picked up the cup. He sighed, and raised it to his lips. Again he hesitated, closed his eyes, and drank the entire cup. It was better this way, far better. Already, the tea was taking effect. He gave a sigh, and let go. It would be good to see Kikyō again.

Suki managed to stifle a soft cry. He had done what she had known he would.

"Good night, Inuyasha. Thank you." She felt herself choke up. Closing the door, she rejoined the others.


Queen Sunstar: (hiding behind a brick wall) Inuyasha fans, don't hurt me! Next chapter, the battle against Chaos begins. I don't know if this battle will span more then one chapter. It will be brutal. Finally we will have an epilogue which will likely be short.