Title: Inu Tarzan
Disclaimer: I do not own Inuyasha and all credit for the anime should be directed to the Inuyasha corp. I also do not own Tarzan or anything related to the name, characters or storyline.
Music: The song I have selected for this chapter is: "Inuyasha OST 3 - Sokushin Butsu Hakushin Shounin." You are welcome to listen along if you want. It is not required to follow along with the story. When you see these marks (***) that means to begin to play the selected song. When you see these marks (xxx) this means to stop playing the music. It is important to pay attention to these markings, as there is often more than one song per chapter. I do not have credit for these recordings or channels.
Rated: M – Mature language, violence, and adult content in various chapters.
Inu Tarzan: Uncovering the Mystery
(*** Inuyasha OST 3 - Sokushin Butsu Hakushin Shounin ***)
Kagome was in shock. Inu-Tarzan's mother… was human! She had not seen this coming. She knew of genetic mutation with pigs and sheep for cloning purposes, but humans successfully breeding with dogs? Surely, there had to be some kind of mistake?! It was biologically impossible! His father's seed should not have been able to take root in his mother's womb and she should not have been able to carry Inu-Tarzan to full term! How was this accomplished? Inu-Tarzan's story of his father choosing his human mother to be a partner was obviously true seeing how he was alive and everything. That's not what bothered her. Love was a beautiful thing that bridged all living, breathing organisms together.
The process of reproduction however, was a totally different story. As they relaxing in the warm afternoon sun she continued to think over his story. Had she missed something? Was there an element she didn't understand? She had so many questions running around in her head but she knew her reaction and silence upset him. She didn't mean to reject him by freaking out. She was just… well stunned! He asked her if she was ok but all she could do was nod her head yes, close her eyes and recline against the tree behind them to keep from passing out. She could tell he was uncomfortable with her silence and reservations but was grateful he just sat beside her quietly so she could process everything.
Knowing he needed the reassurance that they were ok as friends and that she wasn't going to leave his side because of what he was, she held his hand and leaned on his shoulder. To her relief it did the job and they remained like that till it was time for dinner. Not wanting to leave on an awkward note she walked him out of camp and gave him a warm hug goodbye. Thankfully he didn't push her away but pulled her close to his chest and sighed. After he promised to come see her the following day and sailed off into the treetops she made her way towards her tent to check on Mr. Hojo. When she entered the tent she had to bite her tongue to keep from throwing up.
"Grandpa! What the hell is that smell?" Kagome chocked as she walked over to her grandpa examining different glass petri dishes under his microscope.
"Unfortunately Mr. Hojo's condition has ditereated. He's begun vomiting and defecating quite regularly." Professor Porter sighed as he motioned for her to take a look at the microscope.
"Oh great… do you think it's food poisoning?" Kagome asked as she looked into the microscope.
"No, his symptoms have gone beyond that." Professor Porter said as he went to retrieve his notebook.
"There is definitely an abnormality in the blood sample you took. It's attacking the red blood cells." Kagome said as she twisted the nob to get a closer look at the petri dish. "Do you think it could be a parasite?"
"That's what I was thinking. Do you recall studying anything like this at University?" Professor Porter asked as he set his list of symptoms on the table so she could look at them.
"I do, it's called malaria." Kagome frowned as she looked down the list.
"Malaria?!" Professor Porter paled. "I thought that was caused by poor air conditions? The air here is practically perfect!"
"That's what's believed to cause it. The disease however, is still being studied and no known cure has been found. Only preventative drugs and even those aren't 100%." Kagome said as she looked over the symptoms. "Unfortunately, Mr. Hojo's symptoms are nearly an exact match. The only ones he's missing are the most deadly and they only show up when malaria is in its final stages before it kills its victims."
"What symptoms are those child?" Professor Porter asked just as Mr. Hojo groaned in his sleep on the cot in the corner.
"The disease affects the internal organs, specifically the liver and kidneys and causes them to shut down. The red blood cells, just like Mr. Hojo's are destroyed and the parasite spreads throughout the body. Eventually it ends up in the brain making it swell. This causes convulsions that eventually lead to a coma. Death follows soon after that." Kagome said. "If Mr. Hojo has malaria, his body will have to naturally work itself out. We do not have the proper medical supplies, only a miracle can save him."
"Is malaria contagious?" Professor Porter asked out of concern.
"Scientist aren't exactly sure how it spreads but once one person contracts it, it doesn't take long for others to soon follow. If it is contagious the entire camp has been exposed." Kagome said. "Including us."
"Hn." Professor Porter nodded. "I'll go look over the other men at camp. If Mr. Hojo was uncomfortable sharing about his sickness there may be others not speaking up."
"Good idea." Kagome nodded as her grandpa made his way out of the tent.
"M-Ms. P-Porter?" called a soft voice behind her.
"Yes, Mr. Hojo?" Kagome asked as she came to sit by his bedside.
"C-could you g-get me a glass of w-water?" Mr. Hojo stuttered as he shivered under the blanket.
"Of course." Kagome said as she went to the water bucket in the corner and ladled him out some. "I know you are embarrassed to share your condition Mr. Hojo but I need you to be honest with me. Your symptoms are very serious and I need to know everything to properly care for your needs."
"I understand." Mr. Hojo said as Kagome helped prop his head up so he could drink. "Th-thank you."
"You are welcome." Kagome said as she felt his forehead. "Your fever still hasn't broken. How are you feeling at the moment?"
"My stomach and right side have been cramping." Mr. Hojo said.
"Can you show me where on your side?" Kagome asked as she got up to grab her grandpa's notebook and medical bag.
"Sh-show?" Mr. Hojo blushed.
"Yes, Mr. Hojo." Kagome chuckled as she sat back down at his bedside. "I'm a doctor remember? Your bare chest won't be my first, nor I say the last."
"Ha! I g-guess not." Mr. Hojo chuckled as he reluctantly pushed down his blanket to rest at his hips and unbuttoned his shirt. "The pain is mainly here but spreads all over when I need to well… um…"
"Use the bathroom or vomit?" Kagome asked as she took note that he pointed over his liver.
"Both…" Mr. Hojo blushed.
"Ok." Kagome nodded as she grabbed her stethoscope out of her medical supplies. "I'm going to listen to your heart if thats alright with you?"
"A-alright." Mr. Hojo nodded. As Kagome listened to his heart she noticed his body was covered in mosquito bites.
"Your heart beats accelerated but nothing to be concerned about just yet." Kagome said making Mr. Hojo relax a little. "Why are you covered in so many bug bites? Doesn't your tent have a bug flap?"
"The men like to keep the tent open at night to keep cool." Mr. Hojo sighed as he fastened the last button on his shirt. "I told them to keep the ties closed so the mosquitos stay out but they didn't listen. Now we can't get rid of them."
"I see." Kagome noted down in her grandpa's book. "You just take it easy Mr. Hojo. I'm going to take another look at your test samples to try and figure out how to fix this."
"Th-thank you Ms. Porter." Mr. Hojo smiled as he curled under the blankets to keep warm. Reaching out he took her hand in his and began to rub his thumb over her knuckles. "I'm sorry I d-didn't ask for your help. I was embarrassed and not th-thinking straight."
"It's quite alright Mr. Hojo." Kagome blushed as he continued to caress her hand tenderly. "I'll do my best to get you well again."
"I know you will. You're an amazing woman Ms. Porter." Mr. Hojo smiled making Kagome's blush darken. "I look forward to our return home. It will be early spring by then. P-perfect timing for a wedding, don't you think?"
"Haha! Spring is a good season!" Kagome chuckled nervously as she gently pulled back her hand as she got up from her seat. "One thing at a time though. We've got to get you feeling better before making anything definite."
"Right you are darling." Mr. Hojo laughed as he watched his bashful fiancé return to her work.
He thought her shy nature was adorable and he loved how her cheeks flushed when he held her hand. He was afraid there being a lack of intimacy in their relationship would weaken it but after witnessing her shy away from him just now, he knew he needed to take things slow. His beautiful Kagome was as delicate as a rose. She was a properly lady and not used to a mans touch. He looked forward to the day he could call her his wife. She was everything he ever wanted in a life partner. She came from a respected family, was smart, beautiful, kind and he knew she'd be an excellent mother one day.
He needed a strong partner to stand at his side when he took over his father's tea business. He didn't want a simple trophy wife like his mother had been. He wanted someone to depend on and live out the rest of his days with. They hadn't known each other long when their family's arranged for her hand. As soon as he met Kagome he knew she was the one for him. Other than her occasional temper she was perfect. He didn't doubt their union would bring honor to his family. Seeing her flustered in his presence only made his feelings stronger. He wished he could be a little more forward with her in his advances but he didn't want to frighten her away.
She was the most beautiful woman he had ever met and he was eager to become one with his wife in every sense of the word. It's been months since his last sexual encounter and he was ready to play. Cheep whores at the casinos and desperate noble women seeking his money didn't cut it for him any more. He wished for a real woman. A women that would challenge him, needed him and make him a better man. He wanted a woman that was untouched by another man and would crave for him in bed alone. Kagome was all of these things and more and it made him excited. That being said, he was jealous of Kagome's relationship with Inu-Tarzan.
Their bond was very close and he wanted that kind of relationship with his fiance. He wanted to be the one to make her laugh and hold her when she cried. He wanted to be wanted! To be needed! Inu-Tarzan shouldn't do those thing for her. It should be him! He knew there was no point in worrying seeing how they would be leaving soon. Besides, Inu-Tarzan was an animal, a beast… a mutant! The ultimate freak! True, Inu-Tarzan could force himself on her or try to steal a few kisses while no one was watching, but Kagome was an honorable women. He didn't doubt she'd put Inu-Tarzan in his place if he tried anything funny. Besides, this afternoon was the only time Kagome and Inu-Tarzan had been alone together. At least not since Inu-Tarzan saved them from the panther that is.
He'd explained his concerns for Kagome's wellbeing to Professor Porter but he reassured him that the duo had stayed in camp where she was safe. They had't galavanted off into the woods for a tryst. That eased his worries instantly. Kagome wasn't some loose women begging for a man's attention. She wouldn't throw herself away to have wild animalistic sex with a half-dog man. The idea of her having any physical relations with a dog was absolutely ridiculous! Because of this, he let the topic go and allowed her to continue her research on the modern dog cave man. They'd be leaving in a few weeks any ways. The dog would stay, they would go home and he would gain himself a beautiful wife. First things first though, he had to get better. He couldn't risk getting any sicker or dying here.
He was his parent's only son and he didn't have any children of his own… at least that he knew of. He needed to keep alive long enough for him to marry Kagome and produce a legitimate heir. If things didn't get any better, if his sickness continued to get worse, then he'd talk to her grandfather about performing an early wedding ceremony. It wasn't the most romantic situation nor honeymoon but considering his condition it was in a way slightly romantic. On his deathbed he could bless her womb with his child and spend what time he had with his beloved wife tangled up in the sheets. Then after he was gone she would have his child to remember him by. He was certain considering them being married she and their child would be well taken care of by his family. He didn't need to worry about them living on the streets.
Knowing he was way ahead of himself he shook his head of those thoughts and drifted off to sleep. He'd worry about that later. Little did he know, those dreams weren't too far off from the truth. As he dreamed Professor Porter informed Kagome that four other men were now suffering from the same symptoms. After going through their notes and collecting a few more samples they uncovered the dark truth of the illness. It wasn't pollution or foreign bacteria that was making everyone sick. It was a parasite born from infected female anopheles mosquitos. Now in the human blood stream the parasite becomes plasmodium falciparum, also known as… malaria. Without the preventative medication and no known cure for the desise it was only a miracle that could save them now.
[End of Chapter 13]
Authors Note:
I wanted to put some reality into my story because let's be honest... if you're anywhere in the jungle without proper medication and preventive care you gonna get sick... end of story. Question is, what will happen next? Be sure to post them in the reviews! I'd love to hear your 't forget to click the follow button so you know what's coming up. Thanks friends!
(Just so you know I am not a trained medical expert or professional. What I wrote about malaria were based off of facts I found online. I do not claim to know how to care or prevent malaria. What I write is for fictional purposes only.)
*It wasn't intentional to write about a contagious disease during this horrible corona outbreak. I wrote out my plot line a few months back and this chapter just happened to occur at this time. That being said, I wanted to say that I'm praying for all of the coronavirus victims, families, communities, doctors, politicians, law enforcement, teachers, religious leaders and anyone else who has been effected by this deadly disease. Regardless of people's opinions on the seriousness of this illness in whether or not we should be worried about or not, people are dying and we shouldn't be downplaying or dismissing those who are suffering. To those who are sick and dying it is serious and we should respect that and try to prevent it from spreading to others as best we can. Praying for healing all over the world and for peace to settle over the mass hysteria over the media.
Until next time,
-TG1
