Chapter 4
"Kagome? Lady Kagome?," A voice softly asked her.
Arms raised to rub her eyes, they motioned glancing up at the hut ceiling, then beside her.
Rin sat closed by, expression worried.
"Mmm… Rin? How long have I been out?," She asked.
"I am not sure. But the day has just started!," She replied happily. Though her demeanor slowly shifted, posture becoming nervous. Kagome raised an eyebrow at her.
She bit her lip., "would.. You like to accompany me Lady Kagome? Jakens foot is taking longer than expected to heal. And Lady Kaede is busy being a midwife to another today… she is not supposed to leave me alone, so she told me to watch you here…".
Kagome settled that she was trying to say she needed a babysitter. Though honestly, she wasn't in the best of mood for this. Saying no to a little girl wouldn't fly either.
"Alright Rin, I'll watch you. But nothing too strenuous okay? I'm kinda tired feelin," She said. Her muscles were sore as she struggled to sit up. The pain in her stomach was gone, but her head felt woozy.
"Yay!," Rin exclaimed, hugging her too roughly. She winced.
"I shall be outside waiting My Lady! Picking flowers should not be too hard!." With that she got up to run out of the hut.
Kagome sighed.
I guess I've slept enough. I was barely awake yesterday before passing out. Kaede must be right, my emotions are effecting me.
She stretched as she exited the hut. Rin was already half way across the village when she spotted the child. Lord Sesshomaru would kill her if anything happened to the girl, or at least if she wasn't nearby. So she began sprinting in her direction avoiding the people around doing daily task. Mumbling Excuse Me to those she barely missed.
"So much for a non strenuous day," She huffed out. Rin was much more active than Shippo, he'd just rest on her shoulder. Or the very least stay by her side always.
She finally caught up to the girl, heaving hard.
Im out of shape..
"Are you tired already Lady Kagome? Oh you mustn't be! There are many breeds of flowers I need to show you! Some I do not know, but you may!," Rin said, waving her arms happily above her head. It was nice having someone young to accompany her. Kaede never had time to do this, Lord Sesshomaru certainly wasn't about to fake any care for it, and Jakens rudeness annoyed her.
"No Rin I'm fine. Just tired.. Go on, show me where you usually go."
Rin began to walk past the last huts before she had a thought.
They'd choose the same spot everytime to pick flowers, those she had seen again and again. Also it was a beautiful day! Not a cloud out in the sky, fresh summer. The idea of living in a village with kind people made her happy, but she did miss New. New scenery. That was something her Lord always brought when adventuring. Everyone else knew Rins typical spot she was allowed to go, but… Kagome didn't! And she could protect Rin with her powers if anything bad came! It was okay!
"Uh.. Yes! Where we usually go! Follow me My Lady!," She said, walking towards a foliage on the outskirts of the near forest.
Kagome made a skeptical face following behind her. Strange area to go picking flowers, she pictured the field on the edge of the village… unless there was one beyond this area of the woods.
She took long steps along the roots on the overgrown plants, careful not to trip. Placing hands along the tree bark for balance. And bending to avoid low hanging branches.
How Rin was able to skip gracefully was beyond her.
They walked a good distance she knew, before finally stopping.
"Rin. Is this Really where you go to pick flowers? It's been a good few minutes of walking and I haven't seen a single one.," She asked from behind.
Rin stopped and turned around. Her cover was being blown.
"Why yes Lady Kagome, it certainly is! We are not far now. There should be some soon, I promise!," She answered and began skipping faster, moving further from her companion.
Kagome struggled to keep up, until she looked up from her feet, seeing Rin out of her sight.
"Rin wait! Don't go off alone," She hollered, "damn it." She began walking faster, jumping root to root, careful not to get cut or picked on anything. Thank goodness she didn't wear her uniform anymore. Otherwise her legs would've been all cut up. But the priestess attire she wore did much better.
She pulled herself out the deep forest with a huff, ultimately entering a clearing. Finally, brushing herself off, "Rin, did you not hear me call-," She stopped. Inuyasha stood before them, eyes blood red and fangs bared. Claws open at his sides, he began growling.
Rin stood there, fear rippled throughout her body. Taking small steps backwards until she bumped into Kagome, while she bent down and wrapped her arms protective around Rins front.
Inuyasha breathed hard and jagged, slowly stepping towards the two.
"Inuyasha..," She pleaded. "What's wrong Inuyasha? It's me. Please, snap out of it..".
He didn't even blink. Instead, she was answered by a harsh, loud snarl. Claws being raised over his head, his knees slowly bent.
" Rin," She whipsered into the little girls ear. "Get ready, we will have to run. The woods behind us are a lil thick, try the left. They look thinner."
She nodded in agreement.
Suddenly he lunged at them, clawing the air. Kagome grabbed Rin and shoved their bodies into the woods, running as fast as they could. The child began screaming loudly, hearing him on their tail. Branches crunching, trunks being slashed out his way with the debris being hit so strongly it flew into the girls hair and faces.
Sweat formed quickly as Kagome panicked, hoping something, someone, would save them. It didn't seem likely, for if anything she could be leading them to a dead end.
Rin tripped over a branch. She cried out as Inuyashas claws barely caught her leg before falling down. He raised his arm to finish his strike before Kagome screamed "SIT!"
He slammed onto his knees, grunting hard as he fought against the necklace weighing him down.
She pulled Rin into her arms and ran off as fast as she could. Still picturing his blood filled eyes glaring hungrily at the pair.
The little girl clung loosely to her shirt, crying in pain and fear. Kagome struggled with carrying her, avoiding trees and roots as sweat formed all over her. This was not how she intended to die, less take childs life with her to the grave. What was wrong with Inuyasha? Why was he suddenly a demon?
Her thoughts were cut off as she fell. Falling to her side with a hard thud, Rin slipped out of her arms skidding down a very steep hill. They both were screaming, Kagome catching herself on a root sticking out of the ground.
"RIN!," She yelled down to. The girl was panicked, flailing to hold onto anything. But to no avail, as she watched her small body hit the flowing river hard. Going under and not emerging.
Oh my god. I have to let go, there's no way she can swim.
Kagome took a deep breath and let go, letting herself slide straight down the hill into the water to follow Rin. Her body submerged. She swam up to get air. Scanning the water, she eyed Rin not far off clinging to a large boulder sticking out the river.
With strong stride she swam over to the little girl and grabbed her. Tucking her arms tightly around her frame.
"It's okay Rin *cough* I've got you," She said.
The kid was absolutely terrified as she quickly wrapped herself around Kagomes body. Face buried into her neck.
She looked around.
What am I gunna do? There's no where to go.. This waters so deep and it's too rough to swim through.
It all seemed hopeless. But the thoughts left fast as she felt her grip slipping. The current was extremely strong and much more so than her. She let go, a sharp scream followed by silence as they both succumbed to the bank. It was powerful, rushing through out her clothes, hair whipping around her face. There was almost no light so deep underwater until it pushed her upwards.
Inhaling hastily, it pushed them farther downstream. Kagome could barely make out another rock heading directly to them as she forced their bodies to turn around. She flailed and struggled to catch a pace, and swim out, all efforts wasted when she came into straight contact with the stone. Slammed at her shoulder blades, she threw her head back in agony as her remaining air escaped in bubbles to the surface. With her vision going blurry all she could Invision lastly was Rins tight grip around her body. Shaking violently.
Inuyasha stood before the trees in the surrounded woods. His breaths were ragged, leaves coming into view as he slowly came to.
What the hell? Where am I? What in the world was i doing?
Last he remembered, he was traveling in hopes of learning about anyone that can raise the dead. In all their travels, they had came across several who possibly could. There was no need to know of anyone certain, he'd find them eventually.
But his quest of returning Kikiyo to the world of the living must come to a halt. For he had no idea why he just came to, back to normal from being a full fledged demon. His sword was to keep him in check.
He grabbed his side, hand on his sword.
"Tetsusaiga," He asked, "why did you let me go full demon? You're supposed to keep me from that?"
In the midst of asking, he noticed his hand on his sword, and raised it. Blood. It was blood.
Eyes grew into shock at the discovery. Bringing his hand up to sniff it, the scent was unfamiliar.
Idk who's blood this is damnit. But it smells human.. It certainly isn't Kagomes from the previous day. Oh god.. Please tell me I didn't injure anyone.
"Hello!," He yelled out. No answer.
Inuyasha walked around for a bit, looking for clues or a body. Nothing. He could see branches and trees cut down, long slashes streaking down them. Those were clearly his own doing. But nothing else. The scene went cold from where he had woke up.
"Damn it!," He snapped. Only Totosai would know why Tetsusaiga had not protected him. But for now, he had to get this blood off. Inuyasha was already ashamed of the incidents he had committed lately. No one needed to know of this one to add to the list.
Kotaku approached the village in hopes of visiting everyone. He had been gone hunting demons for other ones nearby, and had wished to see Rin. He worried for her lately, in the few months of Shippo dying she cried a lot. Though her mental state did seem better now. It was a good site to see.
He passed the meadow leading into the outskirts of the village, viewing the upcoming firsts huts. Waving to the people who greeted so kindly.
Their children ran up to him, offering dried meats to the fellow slayer of their village.
"Thank you guys, that's very kind but please keep your gifts. I am here to visit and shall come back to tell of stories as to what I have seen. But please say, have any of you seen Rin?" it was unusual for her to not be in the meadow. It was where most of her time was spent.
The children shook their heads. "We haven't seen Rin all day. We've been needing another player to our games, but she never showed!"
He frowned at that, waving goodbye and continued in. He could only hope she wasn't still keeping herself shelled up inside the hut. Rin had been doing much better lately. And the last time they spent together she was rambling on about another tale of Sesshomaru.
Kaede had stopped him along the dirt path.
"Kohaku, it is good to see you dear," She said smiling to him.
She had just finished helping a woman give birth, and was now cleaning up with a bucket of water.
"Hello Lady Kaede," He said, "have you seen Rin? I have come to visit, see how she's holding up. Is she back to staying quiet in her hut?"
Kaede frowned, "why no child, I last asked her to watch over Lady Kagome while I became quite busy. She was asleep in my hut, you may look. She should be in there."
He smiled and bowed to her, continuing on his way. When he got to the hut, he pulled the makeshift screen to the side and entered.
"Rin i-," He stopped. No one was in there. Being slightly frustrated, he wandered out and went on his way towards her own.
Passing several villagers and their huts, he finally got to Rins.
With an achy yelp coming from inside, he ran in, only to find Jaken attempting to sit up. The demon looked him over.
"If you seek Rin she is not here. Lady Kaede is watching her as I heal my forsaken foot," Jaken said.
Kohaku answered, "no she isn't, Kaede said she left Rin to watch over Kagome in her hut. I just went look there and it was empty."
"Well then stupid boy, try the meadow. Surely if that is where you have came to the village through, you should have seen her."
"She wasn't there either. Nor have I seen Lady Kagome. Just where are they?," He asked.
Jaken stilled. Rin was always where adults told her to be. With someone watching her. And Kaede had no reason to lie. That miserable girl had taken Rin elsewhere, where she did not belong!
"Find Kagome now boy! Rin must be with her! And make haste, they cannot have gone far! Lord Sesshomaru shall have everyone's head if not!," He snapped at Kohaku.
As much as Lord Sesshomaru being angry was worrisome, Rins safety came as well. Kohaku ran out from the hut and began searching. Asking every villager if they had seen her. Checking the meadows one last time to every inch. Lastly down by the stream nearby. But nothing.
Even the people around began to somewhat look. She was gone, without a trace.
He began to sweat thinking of awful outcomes. A man kidnapping her. Or a demon. Maybe she just got lost after strangely wandering off for some reason?
Coughing up the water in her lungs, Kagome heaved forward. Gasping for air as she threw up any remaining within her body. She sucked in air hard, scrambling to exit the river on her hands and knees.
She struggled to catch her breath while tucking her wet hair out of her face. Things were quiet. Only the sound of rushing water.
When she finally took into consideration her surroundings, she began to panic. Rin. Where the hell was Rin. Or where were they to begin with? Just how far did they travel down stream?
She still crawled looking around at the trees and river. The bank was a little sandy, gritty pieces flew as she still spit them out.
Her head pulsed as she felt the back of her head. Pulling away, she saw blood on her hand. Her head was bleeding? She must've hit that rock harder than she thought.
Kagome tried to stand but it hurt, her back throbbing as the breathes she took ached per one. She may have broken a few ribs. A cold breeze blew through rather chilling. And the trees rustled around, followed by the smell of this wet bank. It was musky.
Roughly rubbing her eyes, her vision eventually focused. Rin lay not too far unconscious.
"Rin!," She yelled, running over to the little girls body.
She was pale and motionless. Arms stretched outward, mouth opened a bit. Kagome put her cheek to the childs mouth to feel any air. There was none.
"No! Rin you can't die on me!," She snapped, kneeing upward and pressing her arms onto the little girls chest. Counting as she pressed down hard, again. And again. Then stopping to press her lips to Rins, forcing air inside the childs lungs.
Kagome continued trying over and over again until her arms screamed for mercy. Tears forming in her eyes as she huffed. They fell onto Rins face, gliding down her cheeks and forehead.
She stopped, sobbing hard. Laying her head on Rins body as she cried out. Sniffling and gagging at the thought of another dying by her hands. It was too much.
Then suddenly, Rin choked up the water inside her. Thrashing around, Kagome forced her to her side. And Rin continued to throw up any access water.
Her breathes were ragged and she was trembling on her elbows to prop herself up.
Kagome was still, watching the life come back to Rin. In a moment her heart beat hard. Heat rising to her face as the hot tears flowed even harder.
Rin finally finished and stopped, turning to look at her.
"Lady Kagome?," She asked. Seeing her cry hard like that towering over. Kagome grabbed her once more, embracing the girl. Rins eyes were wide looking over kagomes shoulder.
She buried her face on top of Rins head as her arms were wrapped firmly around.
"Oh Rin," She cried out, "I thought I lost you for a moment there.. I-i… I'm sorry.. I'm.. So sorry."
But it was short lived for Rin cried out a bit, it hurt. Kagome let go and looked, her ankle. It was red and swollen. Not only did she trip sorta hard, Inuyasha managed to get a slice up her leg. Not too deep but enough.
"I'm sorry Rin I forgot. Don't worry, I'll find something around here to ease the pain.," She said as she motioned the girl away from her to stand.
Just what exactly was she to do? They were lost. Both hurt. She was only alive for the moment before Sesshomaru found them and killed her for this. To top it off, they couldn't return to the village yet, even if they knew where that was. Considering Inuyasha was in that direction. The sun was setting. It was late. Whatever was to happen, she'd hope fate would just get it over with already. For the only good thing about this situation was that she didn't have to spend the night alone. The same thing she feared last time.
i am so sorry for anyone that read and I had that part with Urasana. That wasn't meant to be there and I had a little edited issue from a different story I was on, sorrrrrrrry lmao my bad