Chapter 4: Enter the Slayer

I nearly jumped out of my skin. I knew that voice anywhere. I sunk down into the water trying to hide my naked body.

"You alright Kagome?" he asked taking off his top.

I nodded. "I'm fine."

"Who's the squirt?" He asked gesturing to Shippo.

"Oh, he's-"

"I am no squirt," Shippo said cutting me off. "Do you have no manners or do you not see that she needs to dress herself halfbreed?"

Inuyasha gripped the hilt of his sword. "What the hell did you just say to me!?"

"Inuyasha he's right," I said.

He scoffed. "Well then hurry up and come on out then."

I glanced over at my still wet clothes.

"Inuyasha, give me your robe, my clothes are still wet."

He folded his arms. "If it's new clothes you want, ask your new friend that you've been wastin your time with."

I scowled. "Do not make me say it."

On cue, he began to undress laying the robe on a nearby rock. He turned his back to me as did shippo. I slipped out of the hot spring; shivering as the chilly air brushed against my skin. I quickly put the rob on, wringing out the water from my hair.

"You guys can turn around now."

"Good. Hop on we have to look for the others."

" No thank you. I would rather walk." I grabbed my things and placed Shippo on my shoulder facing him.

I gave him a look. "Are you going to lead the way or not Inuyasha?"

He glared at Shippo, who no doubt had a smug look on his face.

"Keh. Fine, don't come crying to me when your little human feet start hurting, because I won't be carrying you anywhere." He said setting off into the forest.

I rolled my eyes and followed suit.

About four agonizing hours into the walk my feet were burning. I tried to hide it, but it seemed as though I did not try hard enough. I heard Inuyasha snort, glancing over his shoulder. I clenched my jaw getting ready to give him a piece of my mind until he had stopped dead in his tracks. Eyes closed and nose straight up in the air. I watched him inhale deeply. His eyes snapping open quickly.

"Inuyasha what's wrong? What did you find?"

"Sango." He whispered, his eyes darkening. "I can smell her blood." He said, whispering the last part.

I swallowed the lump in my throat. "How far away is she?" I asked, not trying to think the worst.

"Another mile and a half that way." He said pointing.

I ran in the direction that he had just gestured to. Running as fast as my legs would take me. I Ignored Inuyasha's calls and the pain I felt in my feet. I saw him pass me, jumping from tree to tree.

"Just who is this Sango woman to you?" Shippo asked.

"She is the closest thing I have to family here," I said huffing. "I won't waste another second out here. I couldn't live with myself if I could have helped her, and I didn't make it in time."

I could feel my eyes beginning to sting with tears. I bit the inside of my cheek, blinking them away. I noticed Inuyasha going off on his own up ahead. I pushed myself even harder, emerging out of the thicket of trees. Seeing Inuyasha standing at the entrance to a cave. I entered without waiting for him.

"Stay here and guard the entrance," I told him.

For once he did not argue with me. Venturing deeper into the cave, I saw that there were a few small homemade torches on the wall; leaving the small base of the cave dimly lit. I held my nose, the smell of blood becoming stronger. I squinted, my eyes adjusting to the dim light. My eyes widening at the sight before me.

"Sango!"

I ran to her side. Her breaths were labored. She was covered in sweat, and she was bleeding through her bandages too quickly. A small puddle sat underneath her. I gingerly removed the bandages, rubbing my newly formed tears away. Shippo jumped down from my shoulder, laying his small hand on her forehead.

"She will not make it. Do not waste your tears, Miko."

"You shut your mouth!" I bit out at him.

I was surprised at her anger. I did not know she was capable of showing such emotion. I sat and watched her dig into her yellow pack. Pulling out these foreign objects I had never seen before. She cut open the woman's bandages and clothes. The woman had already lost too much blood. A small portion of her ribcage and intestines could be seen. The gash was too large for anyone to suture. It would take a miracle from the Gods to save this woman. I watched her roll up her sleeves, hovering her hands above the wound. They began to glow a bright pink, which lit up the entire cave. They were both encased in what seemed to be a pink bubble. I reached out to touch it. To my surprise, it was a barrier of some sort. It was soft and warm... inviting even. My eyes widened with astonishment. Slowly her intestines retreated back into her body. Her flesh seemed to be regenerating out of nothing. Just how powerful was this Miko? Her chest had ceased its heaving. The woman seemed to be more at peace. I looked up at the Miko, and it all made sense. She was looking weaker with each passing second. Her forehead was covered in a thick sheen of sweat. I could hear her taking labored breathes. Dark circles were beginning to form around her eyes. She was beginning to falter. I glanced back down at the woman she had referred to as her family. There was nothing left on her stomach but a long pink scar. She pulled her hands away. Struggling to keep sitting upright.

"Miko?" I called out to her.

She looked up at me, eyes glossed over. She opened her mouth to speak, but nothing came out. I pushed her pack behind her, helping her lean back. So that she would be somewhat comfortable. It seemed as though she was fighting to stay awake, but to no avail the sleep took her.

"Do not die Miko. You have yet to fulfill your promise." I whispered.