________________Chapter 3____________________
In the Warring States period....
Miroku, Sango and Shippo were fighting a demon. They had discovered a story of a demon possessing a shard and had dutifully followed it. The trio had found said demon and were now taking their frustration and anger out on it.
Inu Yasha had out waited them. They had been by the well an hour; positive the hanyou would show. By the end of that hour, all three were puzzled by Inu Yasha's lack of appearance. They had relaxed their vigil only to watch as the half demon jumped into the well via a tree branch above them. Inu Yasha had disappeared with the parting words of "Go find Shikon Shards- they have power, maybe they'll help you!" After much cursing, the trio had gone in search of shards as he had `suggested.'
"I've got it!" Shippo cried, brandishing the glittering shard. Sango finished off the mewling demon- now only a foot high mouse- and walked over to help Miroku up. The houshi had been knocked over while distracting it. The two walked over to the kitsune, examining the shard he held.
"Now we have to find out what to do with it to get through the well." Miroku looked at the tiny shard and thought of many possibilities. Sango felt a hand on her rump and smacked the priest. She and Shippo headed off to Keade's, leaving Miroku to find his own way back.
Back at the village Keade told the trio about the time Kagome's brother Sota had come through the well. He had simply held the shard and crossed over. Armed with that fact, the priest, the demon slayer and the kitsune walked back to the well surrounded by diminishing sunlight.
At Kagome's house....
Inu Yasha carried Kagome downstairs and laid her on the couch, pulling the blanket over her, and letting her settle as she was comfortable before leaving to refill her glass with water. When he returned, he found Kagome sound asleep, the blanket pulled high over her head. Kagome lay curled underneath it, hidden from view until she rolled over and made the blanket slip down. Half her face now visible, she gave a soft groan, her features unhappy. Inu Yasha's ears pricked forward at the sound and he set down her water glass on the TV tray.
The dog demon crouched in front of the Kagome. In this position, he was eye level with the sleeping girl. Kagome's raven hair could be seen poking from the top of the blanket. Silly girl, Inu Yasha thought as he eyes the blanket cutting off half her air. How can she breathe? Cautiously, the dog demon pulled at the blanket. His goal was to pull it so he could see her face fully. In the process, his hand brushed her cheek.
The hanyou gasped then pressed his lips together tightly. He hadn't noticed how hot she was while carrying her down here and he couldn't fathom how he'd missed her high fever. Kagome uttered a grumbled protest and curled up into a tight ball. She coughed quietly and pushed at the blankets. Inu Yasha blinked, momentarily fascinated as Kagome tried to get comfortable. She uncurled, sprawling over the couch. She twisted and turned. The covers were pulled higher then kicked off. Kagome tried lying on her side, on her back, on her tummy. She faced the couch, she faced the TV. When she almost fell off the couch, Inu Yasha had had enough.
He resettled her back on the couch, firmly laying her straight. He pulled the blankets up to her chest, tucking it under her arms. Who'd have ever guessed Kagome moved so much in her sleep? She never moved this much while she slept back in the Warring States Period; Inu Yasha had watched enough to be an expert on Kagome's sleeping habits.
All right, that was one problem down. Inu Yasha touched Kagome's forehead lightly with a finger. No wonder she moved so much- her fever was so high it burned against the dog demon's skin. Uncertainty making the gesture awkward, he caressed her cheek. Inu Yasha knew that humans could die from colds, especially in the winter. But it wasn't winter, here or in the past. Why she was sick was a mystery, but Kagome was tough- she'd faced demons and hadn't flinched. A little cold wouldn't kill his Kagome. His Kagome. My Kagome. The thought had bothered him in the beginning, when they first began traveling together. It didn't bother him anymore. Inu Yasha shook his head slightly, sitting down on the couch beside Kagome. Ok, so maybe he couldn't say it out loud yet and announce it to the world, but he could admit it to himself. Kagome was his. She cared for him and he cared for her. She was his and he was hers. Inu Yasha blinked again. What an odd thought.
He withdrew his hand and fished inside his shirt for the bottle Keade had given him. He uncorked the bottle, mixing its contents with Kagome's full water glass. Now all he had to do was wait for her to wake up and drink the stuff. She'd be better soon and be able to come visit him again.
Inu Yasha was drawn out of his thoughts by murmured protests. Kagome was shaking her head back and forth, her body beginning to twitch. Her breathing accelerated, taking on a panting quality, and her expression was afraid. A shiver went up the dog demon's spine. "Kagome?" He questioned. He shook her shoulder. She yelped and shied away.
He leaned forward, trying to make out her garbled mutterings better. "No! No, no, no, no..." She moaned. `No?' Inu Yasha frowned. No, what? Better stop that right now.
"Kagome," he said softly. "I'm here. You're dreaming. It's not real." The dog demon took her hand and squeezed it lightly, mimicking what she had done when she had grabbed his hand earlier. She calmed marginally, but continued to toss her head. Fever dreams. Nightmares. They were always horrible and frightening. Inu Yasha felt her head again, pulling his hand back quickly. He needed a wet cloth to cool her down. He got up to go find one.
Asleep...
I awoke screaming, bolting upright in the process. I kept screaming, one long shriek after another. I wasn't seeing my living room; I was seeing Naraku slaughtering Keade's village and everyone in it. Flames and carnage and death surrounded me. Clawed hands grabbed my shoulder and someone was saying my name. I fought the hands, fought with all I had. The hands left my shoulders and took hold of my wrists. I stopped screaming, and pulled my hands free, keeping my hands in a fist and bringing them down upon my attacker's back.
I heard a satisfying grunt, and lashed out with my fists. Flesh gave under the assault, and my attacker snarled. A blanket was thrown over me, and strong arms surrounded me. My own arms were pinned to my side and all I could do was struggle uselessly. I blinked slowly, realizing where I was and where I wasn't. "My God," I murmured, leaning against the one who held me. I'd worn myself out, and could only pant under the hot blanket.
"Do you yield?" The question was muffled but I recognized the voice. Inu Yasha was the one who held me tight. My heart fluttered at the thought. I could hear his heart against my ear (I must be leaning against his chest) and feel him try to control his breathing. I'm safe, I thought. He wouldn't let anything get me. I relaxed against him fully, nodding weakly. He pulled the blanket away, and pulled his arms away. Part of me was disappointed.
Inu Yasha looked at me. He had two black eyes, a swollen lip and his hair was mussed. His ears were flattened back on top of his head. The dog demon looked extremely unhappy. I was shocked at the damage I had caused my friend but also bizarrely pleased. Apparently, when frightened I could inflict a lot of damage with my body. Now arrows weren't my only weapons. Hell, maybe I had a future as a boxer. While I'm at it, why don't I become queen of the world?
"Oops. Sorry." I smiled weakly at him. He frowned and sat on the floor. He picked up my water glass and nearly threw it at me. I took it from him, not noticing its contents. "Drink that." He growled. "Hmm?" His ears swiveled toward the door and the rest of him followed. He stood in one graceful motion and headed for the door. I drank my water and preyed it wasn't Hojo paying a visit. I drank the contents of my glass and wondered what the problem was.
I put my glass back with a grimace. That was the nastiest water I had ever tasted. I looked at the glass, noticing the dregs of liquid. I blinked and frowned. The liquid wasn't clear, it was green. With a sigh, I left the couch and went to find InuYasha.
Half way to the door, I felt- strange. It was the only word for it. I felt weak inside suddenly and began to shake. My knees gave out and I dropped to the floor. A headache seared through my temples and nausea bubbled up. I was going to relive my soup. I heard the door open and familiar voices. The nausea got worse as well as my headache. The whole freaking gang was here. Somehow, Miroku, Sango and Shippo had all come through the well and were now here. Oh my God. I had to get out of here unless I wanted to retch all over the carpet and entertain everyone with my soup's pretty colors.
"Hey, Inu Yasha. What happened to your face?" I heard Shippo ask. I climbed painfully to my feet, tottering from the dizziness the move evoked. I covered my mouth with one hand, the other out to break any falls, and ran for all I was worth for the bathroom.
I heard a startled, "Kagome!" as I sprinted up the stairs. I skidded on the wood floor upstairs and narrowly avoided colliding with the wall. I dived for bathroom, locked the door behind me, and made it to the toilet before I vomited. When I was done, I flushed, and brushed my teeth. I still felt shaky but at least I didn't feel nauseous anymore. Someone was knocking on the door, their pounding in time to the pounding in my skull. I rubbed my temples, wishing they would stop, wishing they'd all go away.
I pulled at my pajamas. I needed to change and get a shower. I ran a hand through damp hair, hearing an argument outside the bathroom door. I could hear Inu Yasha; he wanted to break the door down and pull me out. Miroku was telling him to be quiet and Sango was suggesting they wait. I didn't hear Shippo though and it worried me- he was usually the most vocal.
Hoping that they'd get the point, I turned the shower on. I pulled my clothes off, throwing them in a corner. I heard a popping noise and yipped in surprise as Shippo appeared on the floor beside me.
On the other side of the door...
"Kagome! Open this door!" Inu Yasha roared. He cracked his knuckles, ready to shred the handle. He had to get to Kagome; he had to find out what was wrong! He'd given her that medicine to make her feel better- not make her worse. His ears twitched forward, both zeroing in on the new sound coming from behind the locked door.
"What's that noise?" Sango had her ear to the door. Miroku raised his eyebrows, leaning in to listen as well.
Inu Yasha closed his eyes tightly, trying to calm his anxiety. "Water." He told them. "Running water." They looked at him quizzically.
"Inside?" Sango and Miroku looked at each other and then at Inu Yasha. Realization hit the hanyou.
"She's having a shower!" A wave of anger rode that thought. He was out here worrying about her and she was taking a shower?! He growled, flexing his claws.
"I wouldn't do that if I were you." The warning came from the floor. With a small pop, Shippo appeared. The kitsune radiated anger, his fur curling from his short stint in the steam. His tail stood straight up, the hair fluffed in all directions. Inu Yasha knew he was in trouble. So did Sango and Miroku.
Uncharacteristically demonstrating restraint, Shippo's tone was level when he spoke, his voice tight. "Kagome says that you, Inu Yasha, and Miroku are to go downstairs and wait. Sango is to stay up here for a few minutes. Kagome said not to touch anything in the kitchen. Leave the appliances alone." He pronounced the unfamiliar word with exaggerated care. Miroku and Sango looked ready to obey. Inu Yasha, on the other hand, was livid.
"What? I'm supposed to go downstairs and wait?! Sango, you go downstairs and I'll stay up here."
"NO!" Shippo thundered, finally loosing his temper. The kitsune bit Inu Yasha's knee, making the older hanyou jump back in surprise. "Kagome is really sick. She says she had a reaction to what you gave her and the medicine she took earlier. She'll explain later. Go downstairs and wait!"
Inu Yasha's anger popped like a soap bubble. "Why does Sango get to stay?" he asked sulkily.
"Kagome needs new pajamas. She told me where they are but Sango will probably need to deliver them. Besides," Shippo sounded worried. "she may need someone to walk with her in case she falls."
Inu Yasha's ears flattened. "No. I'll do that." He grabbed the kitsune's tail and held him by it. "Show me where her clothes are." One ear was trained on Shippo; the other was unconsciously tracking the sounds in the bathroom. He had been about to obey and introduce Miroku to the refrigerator. He had seen Kagome shuffling about, and then watched her when she suddenly sprinted up the stairs and shut herself in the bathroom. After Shippo's last comment though, Inu Yasha wasn't letting anyone help Kagome except himself.
"Now, Inu Yasha..." Miroku made a calming gesture. Sango was beside him, ready to grab Shippo and be led to Kagome's room. The two demons were gearing up for a tremendous fight- both looked ready to kill. Inu Yasha was growling, and Shippo's fur was rising even further.
It startled everyone when the bathroom door opened and Kagome stood framed in the doorway. She was wrapped in a towel, wet hair cascading over one shoulder. She looked miserable in every sense of the word. Her skin had a pale, yellowish tinge. Her face had that pinched look that came with exhaustion. Dark half circles under her eyes stood out in stark relief against her skin.
"Kagome..." She looks so small. Inu Yasha thought as she slowly shuffled past them. They all watched silently as she slowly walked down the hall to her room and shut the door. No one knew what to say.
In the Warring States period....
Miroku, Sango and Shippo were fighting a demon. They had discovered a story of a demon possessing a shard and had dutifully followed it. The trio had found said demon and were now taking their frustration and anger out on it.
Inu Yasha had out waited them. They had been by the well an hour; positive the hanyou would show. By the end of that hour, all three were puzzled by Inu Yasha's lack of appearance. They had relaxed their vigil only to watch as the half demon jumped into the well via a tree branch above them. Inu Yasha had disappeared with the parting words of "Go find Shikon Shards- they have power, maybe they'll help you!" After much cursing, the trio had gone in search of shards as he had `suggested.'
"I've got it!" Shippo cried, brandishing the glittering shard. Sango finished off the mewling demon- now only a foot high mouse- and walked over to help Miroku up. The houshi had been knocked over while distracting it. The two walked over to the kitsune, examining the shard he held.
"Now we have to find out what to do with it to get through the well." Miroku looked at the tiny shard and thought of many possibilities. Sango felt a hand on her rump and smacked the priest. She and Shippo headed off to Keade's, leaving Miroku to find his own way back.
Back at the village Keade told the trio about the time Kagome's brother Sota had come through the well. He had simply held the shard and crossed over. Armed with that fact, the priest, the demon slayer and the kitsune walked back to the well surrounded by diminishing sunlight.
At Kagome's house....
Inu Yasha carried Kagome downstairs and laid her on the couch, pulling the blanket over her, and letting her settle as she was comfortable before leaving to refill her glass with water. When he returned, he found Kagome sound asleep, the blanket pulled high over her head. Kagome lay curled underneath it, hidden from view until she rolled over and made the blanket slip down. Half her face now visible, she gave a soft groan, her features unhappy. Inu Yasha's ears pricked forward at the sound and he set down her water glass on the TV tray.
The dog demon crouched in front of the Kagome. In this position, he was eye level with the sleeping girl. Kagome's raven hair could be seen poking from the top of the blanket. Silly girl, Inu Yasha thought as he eyes the blanket cutting off half her air. How can she breathe? Cautiously, the dog demon pulled at the blanket. His goal was to pull it so he could see her face fully. In the process, his hand brushed her cheek.
The hanyou gasped then pressed his lips together tightly. He hadn't noticed how hot she was while carrying her down here and he couldn't fathom how he'd missed her high fever. Kagome uttered a grumbled protest and curled up into a tight ball. She coughed quietly and pushed at the blankets. Inu Yasha blinked, momentarily fascinated as Kagome tried to get comfortable. She uncurled, sprawling over the couch. She twisted and turned. The covers were pulled higher then kicked off. Kagome tried lying on her side, on her back, on her tummy. She faced the couch, she faced the TV. When she almost fell off the couch, Inu Yasha had had enough.
He resettled her back on the couch, firmly laying her straight. He pulled the blankets up to her chest, tucking it under her arms. Who'd have ever guessed Kagome moved so much in her sleep? She never moved this much while she slept back in the Warring States Period; Inu Yasha had watched enough to be an expert on Kagome's sleeping habits.
All right, that was one problem down. Inu Yasha touched Kagome's forehead lightly with a finger. No wonder she moved so much- her fever was so high it burned against the dog demon's skin. Uncertainty making the gesture awkward, he caressed her cheek. Inu Yasha knew that humans could die from colds, especially in the winter. But it wasn't winter, here or in the past. Why she was sick was a mystery, but Kagome was tough- she'd faced demons and hadn't flinched. A little cold wouldn't kill his Kagome. His Kagome. My Kagome. The thought had bothered him in the beginning, when they first began traveling together. It didn't bother him anymore. Inu Yasha shook his head slightly, sitting down on the couch beside Kagome. Ok, so maybe he couldn't say it out loud yet and announce it to the world, but he could admit it to himself. Kagome was his. She cared for him and he cared for her. She was his and he was hers. Inu Yasha blinked again. What an odd thought.
He withdrew his hand and fished inside his shirt for the bottle Keade had given him. He uncorked the bottle, mixing its contents with Kagome's full water glass. Now all he had to do was wait for her to wake up and drink the stuff. She'd be better soon and be able to come visit him again.
Inu Yasha was drawn out of his thoughts by murmured protests. Kagome was shaking her head back and forth, her body beginning to twitch. Her breathing accelerated, taking on a panting quality, and her expression was afraid. A shiver went up the dog demon's spine. "Kagome?" He questioned. He shook her shoulder. She yelped and shied away.
He leaned forward, trying to make out her garbled mutterings better. "No! No, no, no, no..." She moaned. `No?' Inu Yasha frowned. No, what? Better stop that right now.
"Kagome," he said softly. "I'm here. You're dreaming. It's not real." The dog demon took her hand and squeezed it lightly, mimicking what she had done when she had grabbed his hand earlier. She calmed marginally, but continued to toss her head. Fever dreams. Nightmares. They were always horrible and frightening. Inu Yasha felt her head again, pulling his hand back quickly. He needed a wet cloth to cool her down. He got up to go find one.
Asleep...
I awoke screaming, bolting upright in the process. I kept screaming, one long shriek after another. I wasn't seeing my living room; I was seeing Naraku slaughtering Keade's village and everyone in it. Flames and carnage and death surrounded me. Clawed hands grabbed my shoulder and someone was saying my name. I fought the hands, fought with all I had. The hands left my shoulders and took hold of my wrists. I stopped screaming, and pulled my hands free, keeping my hands in a fist and bringing them down upon my attacker's back.
I heard a satisfying grunt, and lashed out with my fists. Flesh gave under the assault, and my attacker snarled. A blanket was thrown over me, and strong arms surrounded me. My own arms were pinned to my side and all I could do was struggle uselessly. I blinked slowly, realizing where I was and where I wasn't. "My God," I murmured, leaning against the one who held me. I'd worn myself out, and could only pant under the hot blanket.
"Do you yield?" The question was muffled but I recognized the voice. Inu Yasha was the one who held me tight. My heart fluttered at the thought. I could hear his heart against my ear (I must be leaning against his chest) and feel him try to control his breathing. I'm safe, I thought. He wouldn't let anything get me. I relaxed against him fully, nodding weakly. He pulled the blanket away, and pulled his arms away. Part of me was disappointed.
Inu Yasha looked at me. He had two black eyes, a swollen lip and his hair was mussed. His ears were flattened back on top of his head. The dog demon looked extremely unhappy. I was shocked at the damage I had caused my friend but also bizarrely pleased. Apparently, when frightened I could inflict a lot of damage with my body. Now arrows weren't my only weapons. Hell, maybe I had a future as a boxer. While I'm at it, why don't I become queen of the world?
"Oops. Sorry." I smiled weakly at him. He frowned and sat on the floor. He picked up my water glass and nearly threw it at me. I took it from him, not noticing its contents. "Drink that." He growled. "Hmm?" His ears swiveled toward the door and the rest of him followed. He stood in one graceful motion and headed for the door. I drank my water and preyed it wasn't Hojo paying a visit. I drank the contents of my glass and wondered what the problem was.
I put my glass back with a grimace. That was the nastiest water I had ever tasted. I looked at the glass, noticing the dregs of liquid. I blinked and frowned. The liquid wasn't clear, it was green. With a sigh, I left the couch and went to find InuYasha.
Half way to the door, I felt- strange. It was the only word for it. I felt weak inside suddenly and began to shake. My knees gave out and I dropped to the floor. A headache seared through my temples and nausea bubbled up. I was going to relive my soup. I heard the door open and familiar voices. The nausea got worse as well as my headache. The whole freaking gang was here. Somehow, Miroku, Sango and Shippo had all come through the well and were now here. Oh my God. I had to get out of here unless I wanted to retch all over the carpet and entertain everyone with my soup's pretty colors.
"Hey, Inu Yasha. What happened to your face?" I heard Shippo ask. I climbed painfully to my feet, tottering from the dizziness the move evoked. I covered my mouth with one hand, the other out to break any falls, and ran for all I was worth for the bathroom.
I heard a startled, "Kagome!" as I sprinted up the stairs. I skidded on the wood floor upstairs and narrowly avoided colliding with the wall. I dived for bathroom, locked the door behind me, and made it to the toilet before I vomited. When I was done, I flushed, and brushed my teeth. I still felt shaky but at least I didn't feel nauseous anymore. Someone was knocking on the door, their pounding in time to the pounding in my skull. I rubbed my temples, wishing they would stop, wishing they'd all go away.
I pulled at my pajamas. I needed to change and get a shower. I ran a hand through damp hair, hearing an argument outside the bathroom door. I could hear Inu Yasha; he wanted to break the door down and pull me out. Miroku was telling him to be quiet and Sango was suggesting they wait. I didn't hear Shippo though and it worried me- he was usually the most vocal.
Hoping that they'd get the point, I turned the shower on. I pulled my clothes off, throwing them in a corner. I heard a popping noise and yipped in surprise as Shippo appeared on the floor beside me.
On the other side of the door...
"Kagome! Open this door!" Inu Yasha roared. He cracked his knuckles, ready to shred the handle. He had to get to Kagome; he had to find out what was wrong! He'd given her that medicine to make her feel better- not make her worse. His ears twitched forward, both zeroing in on the new sound coming from behind the locked door.
"What's that noise?" Sango had her ear to the door. Miroku raised his eyebrows, leaning in to listen as well.
Inu Yasha closed his eyes tightly, trying to calm his anxiety. "Water." He told them. "Running water." They looked at him quizzically.
"Inside?" Sango and Miroku looked at each other and then at Inu Yasha. Realization hit the hanyou.
"She's having a shower!" A wave of anger rode that thought. He was out here worrying about her and she was taking a shower?! He growled, flexing his claws.
"I wouldn't do that if I were you." The warning came from the floor. With a small pop, Shippo appeared. The kitsune radiated anger, his fur curling from his short stint in the steam. His tail stood straight up, the hair fluffed in all directions. Inu Yasha knew he was in trouble. So did Sango and Miroku.
Uncharacteristically demonstrating restraint, Shippo's tone was level when he spoke, his voice tight. "Kagome says that you, Inu Yasha, and Miroku are to go downstairs and wait. Sango is to stay up here for a few minutes. Kagome said not to touch anything in the kitchen. Leave the appliances alone." He pronounced the unfamiliar word with exaggerated care. Miroku and Sango looked ready to obey. Inu Yasha, on the other hand, was livid.
"What? I'm supposed to go downstairs and wait?! Sango, you go downstairs and I'll stay up here."
"NO!" Shippo thundered, finally loosing his temper. The kitsune bit Inu Yasha's knee, making the older hanyou jump back in surprise. "Kagome is really sick. She says she had a reaction to what you gave her and the medicine she took earlier. She'll explain later. Go downstairs and wait!"
Inu Yasha's anger popped like a soap bubble. "Why does Sango get to stay?" he asked sulkily.
"Kagome needs new pajamas. She told me where they are but Sango will probably need to deliver them. Besides," Shippo sounded worried. "she may need someone to walk with her in case she falls."
Inu Yasha's ears flattened. "No. I'll do that." He grabbed the kitsune's tail and held him by it. "Show me where her clothes are." One ear was trained on Shippo; the other was unconsciously tracking the sounds in the bathroom. He had been about to obey and introduce Miroku to the refrigerator. He had seen Kagome shuffling about, and then watched her when she suddenly sprinted up the stairs and shut herself in the bathroom. After Shippo's last comment though, Inu Yasha wasn't letting anyone help Kagome except himself.
"Now, Inu Yasha..." Miroku made a calming gesture. Sango was beside him, ready to grab Shippo and be led to Kagome's room. The two demons were gearing up for a tremendous fight- both looked ready to kill. Inu Yasha was growling, and Shippo's fur was rising even further.
It startled everyone when the bathroom door opened and Kagome stood framed in the doorway. She was wrapped in a towel, wet hair cascading over one shoulder. She looked miserable in every sense of the word. Her skin had a pale, yellowish tinge. Her face had that pinched look that came with exhaustion. Dark half circles under her eyes stood out in stark relief against her skin.
"Kagome..." She looks so small. Inu Yasha thought as she slowly shuffled past them. They all watched silently as she slowly walked down the hall to her room and shut the door. No one knew what to say.