A.N Sorry this update was so late! But I hope you guys like it sooo ENJOY!

Chapter 26: Promises

"It's so dark…so cold…I can't see, I can't hear…I – I can't do anything but feel. A dense chill is in the center of my chest, and its slowly spreading to the rest of my body. The denseness is chilling me to the bone, giving me a foreboding feeling…I-I'm scared… I - I don't know what to do…Inuyasha…help me."

Inuyasha and Kouga were the first to bust into the emergency room behind the paramedics; the others following closely behind. As Inuyasha and Kouga went to follow the paramedics through the doors they were stopped by the nurses. "Sorry sirs, no one besides immediate family is allowed back here." Just as Inuyasha was about to yell at the nurses he felt a hand on his shoulder. Keeping silent he watched as Kouga stood in front of him. I'm Kouga Ookami; I'm the primary of that girl that they just wheeled into there. You can look it up, her name is Kagome Higurashi." The girls gasped as everyone looked at Kouga.

"You're her primary? How is that possible?" Miroku said as he looked at the wolf-demon. The said demon sighed, "Well before Dominic died he set it up for the minute I turned 16 I was to become Kagome's primary. He knew that Naraku would come after Kagome and he feared his wife wasn't strong enough to handle it. I didn't know until the day of my 16th birthday when I got a letter from the hospital notifying me of becoming her primary and a letter from Dominic explaining why he did this." The gang just stared in shock as the nurse came back and said "It seems you are, but only you are allowed back there." Nodding Kouga started to follow the nurse. Stopping he turned to the others, his azure orbs settling on Inuyasha. "I'll keep you guys updated." All Inuyasha could do was nod as he watched Kouga turn back around and follow the nurse.

Hours passed, and all the gang could do was sit and wait. Hours before Sesshomaru had called Mrs. Higurashi, and the woman has rushed over, leaving Souta and Shippo with her father. Everyone was sitting in the waiting room, watching as Inuyasha paced back n' forth. "Inuyasha, please come sit down. You're exhausted and you need to rest." Kikyo said, trying to get the boy to relax. Inuyasha whirled towards the girl. "Relax?! Relax?! How can I relax when the love of my life is fighting for her life?! The last text we got from Kouga was FIVE HOURS AGO saying she was getting prepped for surgery. We don't even know if she's gonna make it! I'm sorry that you don't care about anyone but yourself. I can't help it if I actually have a heart. The woman I love could die and I can't do anything about it. So DON'T. TELL. ME. TO. RELAX!" With that Inuyasha stormed out, needing some fresh air.

The room went deathly silent, everyone looking at Kikyo. The said miko stood up, her arms wrapping tightly around her chest as she walked towards the waiting room door. Stopping she didn't turn as she softly said. "Well I'll just leave now, someone please contact me when you hear anything about Kagome's condition." As she went to take another step she felt a warm hand on her shoulder. Turning around she saw Kagome's mother smile warmly at her.

"Honey you don't have to leave. Inuyasha is just stressed and worried right now and he took his anger out on the first thing he could." Kikyo just stared as Mrs. Higurashi continued rambling on. "You know, Kagome has told me so much about you lately. She talks about how lovely you are and how she sees you two as really good friends. She says you guys are bonded in a way that's hard to explain. But you want to know something? She likes that she can be close to someone like that, she says the bond you two have reminds her of her and her fathers bond. She cares for you a lot, and I believe that when Kagome wakes up that she wants you to be here. I can see that you care for her a lot, and you want to be here as much as Inuyasha."

Kikyo stared in shock as her brown eyes started to feel with tears. She launched herself into Mrs. Higurashi's arms, the older woman instantly wrapping her in her warm grasp. She could instantly see how much Kagome was like her mother, and she took comfort in that. "I don't want her to die!" Kikyo sobbed, clutching Mrs. Higurashi tighter. "She really means so much to me. She just came into my life; I don't want her to leave yet!" Mrs. Higurashi just stroked Kikyo's hair as she whispered into the girl's ear. "Kagome is going to be just fine, you just watch."

Dominic paced as he looked at the scene under him. He was freaking out and for the first time since he had died…he didn't know what to do. Feeling a hand on his shoulder he turned around to see InuTaisho and Izayoi smiling warmly at him. Dominic sagged, the exhaustion of the last couple hours taking its toll. "I don't know what to do…She needs that jewel!" Dominic collapsed to the ground. "She's my baby girl, and I have to sit helpless why the doctors try to save her when they don't even know what's wrong! Without that jewel she's as good as dead! That jewel is tied to her soul! Without it she's going to keep withering away until there is nothing left!" Dominic's head fell into his hands as sobs rocked his body. All InuTaisho and Izayoi could do was watch. "She's too young! She hasn't even lived her life; she hasn't had a chance to be truly happy! She can't come up here! It's not her time!" InuTaisho crouched in front of his friend, his hands coming to Dominic's shoulders. "Dominic, we will figure this out. Inuyasha will do everything in his power to get back the jewel and you know that." Dominic just sagged against his friend, too tired to do anything else but believe the words coming from InuTaisho's mouth.

Inuyasha ran outside, and when he got far enough away he collapsed onto his knees. "I should've been there for her; she shouldn't have had to go through that. I SHOULD HAVE BEEN THERE TO PROTECT HER!" Inuyasha's hands shook as they ran though his hair. He was supposed to protect her and he couldn't. Suddenly he felt his phone vibrate, grabbing it as quick as possible with shaking hands he saw it was a text from Kouga. She's stable; they're settling her in a room now. I'll be out soon." Getting up as quickly as possible Inuyasha ran back to the hospital. When he walked into the waiting room everyone looked up at him. He smiled at them, "She's stable, Kouga will be out soon."

A couple minutes later Kouga walked out, looking worse for wear. Seeing everybody looking up anxiously at him he tiredly smiled. "She ok, she's sleeping right now but they're letting people in two at a time." Looking at Mrs. Higurashi he smiled. "Mother first." Mrs. Higurashi smiled at him as she stood up. Placing a hand on her back Kouga started to lead her away. Stopping he turned quickly and said, "We'll be back, figure out who's going to see her and when." Turning back around he continued to lead Mrs. Higurashi to her daughter's room.

Walking into the hospital room Mrs. Higurashi gasped. There lying on the hospital bed white as a ghost was Kagome. She was attached to many machines, tubes coming to and from her. The only sound at all was the sound of Kagome's heartbeat coming from the machine. Slow and steady. Mrs. Higurashi collapsed into Kouga's arms as tears ran down her face. "Oh Kagome! My sweet Kagome!" Mrs. Higurashi sobbed into Kouga's chest. "My baby!" Kouga just held the woman closer to him, offering as much comfort as possible. After she stopped crying she slowly walked over to her daughter's hospital bed. Running a hand softly over Kagome's face Mrs. Higurashi brokenly whispered. "Oh Kagome…"

"What happened? Why am I here? Why can't I leave? I just want to go home and see my friends and family! What is this cold denseness that has settled in my chest? Why can't I do anything but feel? I'm so scared…I don't know what to do… Inuyasha, Kouga, Sango, Miroku…Sesshomaru, Rin…mommy, someone help me!

When Kouga and Mrs. Higurashi finally came back to the waiting room Mrs. Higurashi smiled at everyone. "Thank you for all of your support for Kagome…You all are amazing friends….Well I have to go home to check on Souta and Shippo now, I'll be back in the morning." Walking past Inuyasha Mrs. Higurashi stopped and placed a warm hand on his shoulder. Smiling up at him she whispered, "take care of her." before walking out of the hospital.

Watching Mrs. Higurashi walk out Sesshomaru stood up and grabbed Rin's hand. "We'll go in next." As they walked closer to Kagome's room Rin's grip on his hand tightened more and more. Looking down at his mate Sesshomaru could see that she was visibly shaking. He squeezed her hand, giving her the only comfort that he could. Walking into the room Rin gasped as Sesshomaru grimaced. "The stench of death is around her…If we don't find the jewel soon she will parish." He kept this to himself as he led Rin over to Kagome. Not letting go of her mate's hand she reached out and grabbed Kagome's other one. Trying not to cry at the feel of Kagome's cold hand. Knowing she wouldn't be able to say anything Rin just squeezed her friend's hand and thought, "Don't worry Kagome. We WILL save you."

After Sesshomaru and Rin came back Kouga and Ayame took their turn. As the walked closer Ayame could smell the stench of death that surrounded Kagome and she knew Kouga smelt it too. As they looked down at Kagome Ayame looked over and saw Kouga staring down at Kagome, a look of pain on his face. "We will find it Kouga, we will save her." Ayame said as she squeezed his hand. "You won't lose her."

Once Ayame and Kouga walked back they looked at Sango and Miroku; signaling that it was their turn. Miroku stood up and turned to Sango, he could see that she was scared. Helping her up Miroku wrapped an arm around his girlfriend's waist. Kissing her on the forehead he whispered. "It's gonna be ok." All Sango could do was nod as Miroku started to guide her to Kagome's room. As Miroku went to open the door leading to Kagome's room Sango whispered, "Wait". Pausing Miroku looked down at her. "Are you ok Sango?" he asked worryingly. "Yeah…I-I just need a second." She said as she squeezed her eyes shut and took a deep breath. "Ok, I'm ready." Miroku only nodded as he opened the door and ushered Sango in. Hearing his girlfriend gasp he squeezed her tighter, hoping it would offer her at least some comfort.

Walking up to their friends bed Sango tried not to cry. Her best friend looked as though she was just sleeping, but they knew she was still dying. As long as the jewel was away from her body, she would continue to get weaker and weaker until she finally died. Sango's hand shot up to cover her mouth as a sob escaped it. "Oh Kagome! I'm so sorry! We should've been there!" Sango sobbed as tears ran down her cheeks. Miroku just wrapped Sango in his arms as she cried. "Sango, we will save her. We will." He said. After a couple minutes the two turned to leave, but as they reached the door Sango stopped and turned to look back at her friend. "We will find Naraku and the jewel Kagome, and I promise on my life that Naraku will pay."

After everyone went it was finally Inuyasha and Kikyo's turn. As they were walking to Kagome's room Inuyasha said, "Kikyo….I'm…sorry about earlier. I shouldn't have taken it out on you." Kikyo softly smiled, "It's ok, I understand." Walking into the room the two sets of eyes settled on Kagome. Kikyo slowly walked up to her bedside, as Inuyasha watched he decided to give them some time alone. Quietly he walked out and shut the door softly behind him before leaning against the wall, closing his eyes. Grabbing her friend's limp hand Kikyo gasped at the coldness of a hand that was usually so warm. Squeezing it gently Kikyo whispered. "You're gonna make it through this Kagome. You have to come out of this. So many people need you…..I need you, but most of all…Inuyasha needs you." Kikyo's eyes squeezed shut as she tried to stop the tears from falling. "I'm so sorry. We were in there together…I should've helped you. I shouldn't have ran away like a coward." Not able to hold it in anymore Kikyo burst into tears. "I'm so sorry Kagome." Holding onto the cold hand like it was her lifeline Kikyo whispered. "I promise, I'm gonna do everything in my power to help Inuyasha and the others save you…we're gonna get Naraku and he's gonna pay for what he did."

"What's this?...it almost feels like the denseness is disappearing…but…its gone as quickly as it came…whatever that was come back! Please come back!"

Inuyasha's golden orbs shot open at the smell of tears, Kikyo's tears. A couple minutes later Kikyo walked out. Looking up at him with watery eyes Kikyo smiled. "I'm gonna go now and give you some time alone." Inuyasha just nodded as Kikyo grabbed his hand. "She's gonna be ok Inuyasha. We're gonna save her." Not waiting for him to answer Kikyo squeezed his hand before letting go and walking away. Inuyasha just watched as Kikyo disappeared around the corner. Smiling softly he turned and opened the door into Kagome's room.

Walking in he was instantly hit with the smell of Kagome, but….it was different….it was missing something. Pushing that to the back of his mind Inuyasha walked over to the bed, gazing down at Kagome. Her jet black hair was fanned across her pillow; it made her pale white skin look even paler. Her lush eyelashes rested against her cheeks, she looked stunning. Inuyasha ran the back of his hand softly down her face. But she looked so much better lively; he missed her sun-kissed skin, her laugh, her smile, her beautiful eyes looking up at him shining with love. Inuyasha squeezed his eyes shut as he started to shake.

Sitting in the chair next to the bed Inuyasha grabbed her cold hand with his shaking ones. "I'm so sorry Kagome…I'm so sorry…" he choked out. "I shouldn't have let you go back there. I knew you didn't like that place… I should've been there. I'm supposed to protect you and I couldn't even do that…" Inuyasha could feel his eyes tear up as he looked down at her. "Come back to me baby….everyone needs you…I need you! You can fight this love! You're the strongest person I know, you make me strong." Inuyasha squeezed her hand, hoping for some sign that she heard him. "I swear to you on my life Kagome that I will find Naraku, and when I do I'm going to tear him limb from limb for what he did to you. I will get back the jewel, if it's the last thing I do." Leaning over Inuyasha kissed her forehead, when he leaned back he realized there was water on her face. Wiping it off he wondered where it came from, before he realized, it had come from him.

A.N Well I hope you liked it! hopefully I'll be able to get the next chapter done quick! Please review and tell me what you think!

Until Next Time

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