Chapter 14: The Time Elapsed

Miroku and the others did not know where Inuyasha could have gone. Yet, he had not divulged to them about his vision of Sesshomaru. He did not believe it was necessary in what they needed to discover, let alone if it had actually happened. Miroku could not understand what could have transpired. It had taken place so quickly that it didn't seem real. A power had grown just beyond the trees and a bright light engulfed Inuyasha and caused him to disappear. Since that time, the company had remained there, hoping beyond hope that Inuyasha would return to them.

Several moments passed and there was still no sign of the half demon. Kagome, still in a state of shock, remained seated, staring at the place where they had last seen Inuyasha. She could sense that Kouga was nearby simply by the jewel shards that were in his legs. She wondered how he could still possess them, for Naraku certainly would be looking for them. The single jewel shard that she had hung around her neck. Finally she twisted her head towards Kouga, who stood beside her. "How have you been able to avoid Naraku?"

"What do you mean Kagome?" the wolf responded.

"Well, it has been a while and I was just wondering how you have been able to keep those jewel shards in your legs. I know Naraku must have most of the Jewel and he would want to have yours to complete it."

The wolf was confused. He looked over to Miroku for an explanation. The monk, realizing that it had finally become time to explain to Kagome the events of the past year, moved over to the pair. Sango followed with Shippo not far behind. They gathered around the place where Kagome sat. "Well, there is a reason for that Kagome," Miroku began. "A lot has happened since you went away."

They then commenced to tell her all that had happened. Sango recalled the events as Miroku spoke, beginning with Inuyasha's actions on the day following her leaving…

Inuyasha remained leaning against the well as he had all night. His eyes were closed but everyone knew he hadn't slept. "How are you doing, Inuyasha?" Sango questioned, concern evident in her voice.

At this Inuyasha took a deep breath. "She'll be back," he stated without lifting his head.

Miroku shook his head. "Are you sure about that Inuyasha?"

"And why wouldn't I be?" he answered, anger and frustration growing in his voice. "She always does. She just needs to cool off for a while."

Sango and Miroku both knew that Inuyasha was attempting to mask his true feelings. "If that is the case, why don't you go get her and talk to her?" Shippo piped up.

"I don't think that now is a good time, Shippo," Miroku answered his question. "Kagome does need some time to relax and be in her own time."

Shippo nodded. Inuyasha remained still. "She'll come back…" Inuyasha mumbled. "She'll be back…"

When they moved on to the confrontation with Naraku, Kagome's eyes grew wide. She couldn't believe what she was being told. "So you actually defeated Naraku?" she interrupted.

"Yes, Kagome," Miroku answered, showing her his right hand. It was the first time since she had returned that she had noticed that the wind tunnel was gone. "We finally conquered him."

Kagome could not believe what everyone was saying. "What about Kagura and all of Naraku's other incarnations?"

"Kanna is gone, for she held the infant that possessed Naraku's heart," Sango replied. "As for the others, we really do not know, but none of them have come after us."

"And Kohaku?" Kagome asked with apprehension. "Have you found any sign of him?"

Sango hung her head. "That was the first thing I thought about when Naraku was destroyed. I remained with Inuyasha and the others for as long as I could, but soon I had to go find out for myself. I hated leaving, but I needed to know if he was okay. That was six months ago and I still haven't heard anything or seen any sign of him. I came last night to their camp just to see how everybody was doing and then all of this happened," she finished with a sigh.

"I stayed a while after Sango left, but when we came upon a group of fox demons, I left too. I wanted to know more about my kind, and Miroku believed it was a good decision. I was just taking a walk when I saw Sango and Kirara fly overhead last night. I flagged them down and we took off together," Shippo added.

"I ended up staying with Inuyasha," Miroku explained. "I couldn't leave him alone. After the confrontation with Naraku, Inuyasha had possession of almost all of the Sacred Shikon Jewel. Yet, I was worried that he would not be able to defend himself against everything that came to claim it. His condition had worsened and he returned to the well almost every day after the battle. He talked less and I became even more worried. Then recently we were confronted with Sesshomaru. He wanted the Tetsusaiga and I was sure that Inuyasha would stand up to him. But I was wrong. He willingly gave up his sword and later, when I confronted him about it, he did not even realize he had given it up. It was then that I concluded that he must have been under the influence of some stronger power. Plus, since the New Moon had been coming, Inuyasha was going to be very vulnerable. And, as everyone witnessed, my suspicions were correct. Something new has risen to power in the stead of Naraku and he is working fast."

Everyone agreed. Kouga felt out of place. So much had happened to this group that he did not even know about. He was not part of their normal company, therefore his exploits meant nothing to them. Even Kagome did not ask him what he had been up to. Sighing slightly, Kouga twisted into his tornado and dashed off away from the group. Even if Inuyasha did not return, Kagome would never think about Kouga the way she thought about Inuyasha. It was time to move on, at least for now. He would return later when all the excitement was over. This wasn't his fight after all.

The company shielded themselves from the spiraling wind as Kouga left. When the dust had settled, they realized that Kouga was gone. I wonder where he is going… Kagome thought to herself. She turned to the others and knew the same question was on their minds as well. However, they did not have a lot of time to dwell on it for a tremor suddenly shook through the terrain. A great roar ripped through the air and the light returned. The company had to shield their eyes once again as the light increased in intensity.

When the ground ceased shaking and the light dimmed, the group looked at the spot where Inuyasha had disappeared. Inuyasha had returned to the exact spot, and not far-off stood Sesshomaru. As soon as they had appeared, Inuyasha dropped to his knees clutching the wound in his stomach. Sesshomaru merely stood there looking intently at his brother. "Inuyasha!" Kagome screamed and sprinted forward. Yet, before she could reach them she was thrown back by a barrier surrounding the pair. Gathering her senses, Kagome cried, "Inuyasha! What is going on?"

Inuyasha did not respond - he simply fell face forward onto the ground. He lay there, semi-conscious, unable to move. Sesshomaru then diverted his glance to Kagome and the others. He held their gaze for a fleeting moment and then turned to go. Before he got far he turned his head over his shoulder and looked upon the group once more. Without saying a word, he stepped through the barrier - breaking it. Soon he was covered by the shadows within the forest.

After a moment of hesitation, Kagome pulled herself off the ground and rushed to Inuyasha's side. She carefully rolled him onto his back and stared into his face. Little trickles of blood seeped out of the cuts on his face and his stomach was coated with crimson. A tear rolled down her cheek as she checked him over for any other injuries. She slowly pulled off the top half of his kimono, revealing the white shirt he wore underneath. It was caked with blood. Kagome laid her head on his chest to feel if he was breathing. Relaxing a little as she felt the steady rhythm of his heart beat, she choked back a few tears that were beginning to form. Fight it Inuyasha… Kagome thought. Fight it with everything you have… You have to get better! You just have to!

A/N: Hey! Hope you like the new chapter. Anyway, my school's network has a virus right now, so I don't know how often I'll be able to get on for the moment, since my computer is one of the computers to get infected. I am currently at the computer lab putting this chapter up. I will try to update as often as I can, and I will let you know when the problem has been cleared up. Luckily I haven't lost anything yet. Wish me luck!