Miroku, Sango, Kirara, and Shippo were making their way back to the camp. The sun was nearing the horizon, and the quartet was looking forward to dinner by the fire. The trip to the village had proven to be of no use, either in procuring information or food.
As they reached the edge of the forest, they heard Inuyasha's frantic voice calling out to Kagome. The three rushed ahead to the clearing to find Inuyasha holding a limp Kagome in his lap.
"Inuyasha! What happened? Is she ok?" asked Miroku, worried about the woman who had become like a little sister to him.
"I don't know! She was fine one minute, and then she just passed out!"
Sango and Shippo watched as Miroku knelt down next to the pair. He felt the girl's wrist for a pulse and then felt her forehead. "She's still so pale. How has she been today?"
"She was fine until Kagura showed up and left again," growled Inuyasha.
"Kagura?" gasped Sango. "Did she do this?"
"No," replied Inuyasha. "She came to gloat about some secret Naraku claims to know about. We didn't have a clue what she was talking about. I don't think she had anything to do with Kagome. I think this is the same sickness as before."
"We should take her to Lady Kaede," spoke Miroku. "Her village isn't far. We can reach her by nightfall." Miroku could tell that Inuyasha was hesitant to move Kagome. He spoke softly to his friend, "she will have a better idea what we're dealing with here than any of us."
Inuyasha nodded. He looked down at Kagome, fear written all over his face. Kagome, you have to be okay. I promise, I will fix whatever is wrong.
Miroku, Sango, and Shippo packed up the camp. Inuyasha gently picked up Kagome, and the group started on the road to Kaede's.
It was past nightfall when the group arrived at Kaede's hut. Miroku rapped his fist on the doorframe and called out, "Lady Kaede! Lady Kaede, please, we need your assistance!"
"The old hag's taking too long!" complained Inuyasha. He looked down at the young woman in his arms. Her breathing had returned to normal, and she looked less pale then before. She looks like she's just sleeping, thought Inuyasha.
"Miroku, what can I do for you?" came Kaede's voice from the door.
"Lady Kaede, Kagome has fallen ill and is in need of your care," answered the monk.
Kaede looked to Inuyasha and saw him carrying the limp form of her reincarnated sister. She nodded and said, "of course. Bring her inside."
The group entered the hut, and Inuyasha laid Kagome down on the makeshift cot in the center of the room. Kaede laid a wet cloth on the girl's forehead, and Inuyasha covered her with a blanket.
The elder priestess turned to Inuyasha and asked, "now, what is it that ails her?"
"Well, she's been complaining about being tired a lot, then she spent all last night up puking, and today, she fainted for no reason!"
"Hmmm," was all Kaede replied.
"Kaede, do you know what's wrong with Kagome?" asked Sango, worried for her friend.
"I have an idea, but I'd like to talk to Kagome about it more tomorrow when she wakes. I think it's best now if we all get some rest. We'll have answers in the morning."
Inuyasha huffed but didn't protest any more. The group settled in for the night. Inuyasha stayed sitting with his back against the wall beside the door never taking his eyes off of Kagome. He watched the girl as she slept with no intentions of sleeping himself. His thoughts drifted back to Kagura's visit earlier that day. "Naraku knows your secret. Naraku is quite delighted. He plans to have lots of fun with this information."
Inuyasha clenched his hands into fists, his claws almost drawing blood. That bastard. What the hell is he planning? Suddenly, a new thought came to Inuyasha. His eyes widened in fear. What if...what if he's cursed Kagome somehow? What if he did this to her? The half-demon quickly looked back over to Kagome. She doesn't look cursed. She actually looks...kinda peaceful.
Inuyasha let his hands relax again. He crossed his arms and put each hand inside the opposite sleeve of his robe. Whatever it is, I promise, Kagome, I will save you.