Chapter 3:
A bird flew down and perched on a low branch. All was silent and still. Hands reached out and cupped the bird. It nestled in them, feeling safe from harm. The hands closed around the bird. Kagome watched from a distance. The bird suddenly went stiff, fear radiating from it. It no longer felt the comfort in the hands. Only panic. The hands began to close around the bird tighter, until they were squeezing it relentlessly. The bird began to flap wildly, but its wings were useless. It continued to struggle, not giving in to the fate it awaited in the hands. Kagome knew it was growing tired. The bird couldn't hold on much longer.
The owner of the hands cooed to the bird, trying to coax it into being still. The bird only struggled harder, using up its little strength. Kagome wondered what the voice was saying to the bird to make the bird fight harder. The hands squeezed it tighter. The bird's eyes turned pale blue. A wolf howled far away. The howl was carried by the wind over the land. Then, all at once, it fell silent. The bird lay motionless in the stranger's hands. Kagome looked closer at the eyes, finding something disturbing and familiar in them. All at once the feeling hit her. Death shone brightly in the bird's pale eyes.
Kagome awoke in a cold sweat. Inuyasha looked down at her. He was leaning over her, less than a foot away. She gasped in surprise at their closeness and tried to back away. However, her body protested the movement and refused to respond. "Are you okay?" He sounded concerned.
"What are you doing?!" She stammered. He backed away, realizing the distance was disturbing her.
"Feh, I was checking up on you. You've been asleep for nearly five hours according to your wrist-thingy.' Kagome didn't try to move her wrist. She knew it was hopeless. Her body ached, throbbing in tire. Kagome felt ill. Trying to control her nausea, she looked at Inuyasha and then past him. Cold stone hung overhead and realization struck her. She was in a cave. Soot caressed the stones, remainders of fires made long ago.
"Where are we?" She asked, her voice becoming restricted in her throat. The question came out a soft whisper. Nevertheless, Inuyasha's keen ears were still able to hear her.
He shrugged, unconcerned. "In a cave a few minutes from the village. Kaede decided it was best you stayed close by in case anything else happened. She'll come check on you at daybreak."
"What about Shippou and Sango and Miroku?" Kagome knew they would be frantic with worry if she didn't return by sunrise.
"I've already talked to them. I told them you weren't feeling well and Kaede said she was going to look after you for the night." Kagome relaxed. "Besides, I owed Shippou chocolate." She dreaded to see what the inside of his pocket looked like since he had stored the cake in it.
Inuyasha seemed to have gotten everything in control while she had been asleep. Sleep crept up her again, but she pushed it away. "Are you warm enough?" Inuyasha asked. She nodded, but her body was shaking, giving Inuyasha the sure indication that she was freezing. He crawled beside her and lifted her into his lap, wrapping his arms around her. She snuggled in his warmth.
Inuyasha seemed a completely different hanyou. Normally he would tease her if she was cold or at most make a fire for her. Now he was actually letting her snuggle against him. Very different hanyou. He was acting so.nice around her. Kagome smiled, pleased with his changed behavior. She definitely liked the new Inuyasha.
Sleep returned to her, but this time she couldn't push it away. Instead it swept over her, enveloping her once more as she fell into a deep, dreamless rest.
********
Kagome awoke in blackness. She fought to open her eyes, but couldn't lift her eyelids. "And she's doing alright? No convulses?" Kagome recognized the voice to be Kaede's. It must be daybreak.
"She's fine. Just tired and a little cold." Inuyasha answered. They were whispering to not wake her.
"Very well. Then continue to make her drink the concoction and call me the moment she wakes up. I'm sure you can manage to do that by now." Kaede stated. Kagome wondered what she meant.
"Yes. It should be fairly easy now."
"Good. Keep her here and stay with her. Don't leave her side for any reason." Kagome tried to open her mouth. To tell Kaede that she was indeed awake. Her lips protested her and remained closed.
She listened to the footsteps recede. Kagome tried to open her eyes again and managed to after a few tries. She found herself still surrounded by Inuyasha's arms. He hadn't budged. Feeling her slight movement, Inuyasha looked down at her.
"So, you finally wake, do you? You just missed the old hag. She'll be glad to see you awake at last. How are you feeling."
Kagome grimaced as she tried to sit up. Her body groaned the movement, but she found herself with the strength to sit up. "I feel like a bulldozer ran over me." She rubbed her eyes, trying to dull the stinging sensation behind them.
"A what?"
"Nothing. What's for breakfast?" She asked, sleepily. Inuyasha slipped her off his lap and stood, hunched over due to the low ceiling. He walked over to a bunch of logs. Kagome assumed Kaede had brought the wood since she hadn't seen it earlier. "Well, when I manage to light this fire we're going to have fish." Kagome's stomach grumbled it's content with the choice of meal. Inuyasha grinned at the noise. She hadn't had anything to eat in the last two days besides a piece of cake and that poisonous medicine. Now she was starving.
Kagome stared at Inuyasha as he set about gutting the fish. A year ago she would have found this act repulsive and turned away in disgust. However, after a year of battling hideous youkai, Kagome watched, fascinated. Inuyasha took his time slicing down the belly of the fish, focusing on his precision. She knew he was trying to impress her with his cooking skills. Slowly, he removed the organs, throwing them aside. Then, laid the gutted fish on a rock. Inuyasha stood once more. "Be back in a bit." He mumbled and left the cave in search of a way to light the dry firewood.
Kagome was left staring at the logs. Kaede had instructed Inuyasha to never leave her side. Yet there he was, striding down the hill away from the cave. Not that Kagome minded. The sooner he found a way to light the fire, the sooner she could have breakfast. Inuyasha had never been keen on following orders. Now Kagome was glad he wasn't. If he followed orders they'd never have breakfast or worse, have to eat the fish raw. Her stomach grumbled, not pleased with the thought.
Kagome watched the wood, having nothing better to look at. She remembered countless tales where sorceresses could light fires with the wave of a hand. Now, she wondered if she could do it too. Heck, if she could create balls of fire that sucked soles and Exorcist scenes, why wouldn't she be able to spark a little fire. She gazed at the wood, willing it to light. Moments passed and nothing happened. Kagome began to feel frustrated and dismayed, but finding nothing better to do, she continued to try.
She felt deep inside her, searching for her magic that appeared to be hiding. A small amount of warmth was nestled in the abyss. She slowly drew it out, focusing her energy on controlling it as she did so. She didn't want a reoccurrence of the night before. Once again, foreign words came to her on command and she found exactly what she had to say to make the fire. "Ail mei da," Kagome chanted and the warmth shot to the firewood. Kagome watched as the wood absorbed the warmth, thriving in it. Suddenly the wood burst into flames. Kagome gave a little cry of excitement. Wouldn't Inuyasha be surprised!
She didn't have to wait long. Inuyasha entered the cave, a small stick of wood in his hand. At the tip was a tiny flame. His eyes were instantly drawn to the blazing fire crackling steadily. The fish were lying next to it on a flat rock, smoking. Pleasant aromas filled the warm cave. Inuyasha dropped the stick and ran over to the fire, astounded.
"How did you do this?" He demanded. Kagome frowned in confusion. She thought he would be pleased with her. After all, she had managed to control her power and light a fire. Instead of pleased, Inuyasha sounded angered.
"I lit it." She fidgeted with a lock of her hair, trying not to look at him.
"How?" He squatted beside her.
"I just did." She didn't look up at him.
"Shit bitch," she flinched at his language, knowing she was in trouble. "I know fires just can't be lit. Now how did you do this." Kagome had a very good idea Inuyasha knew just how she had done it but wanted her to tell him anyway. She shook her head.
"I just willed it to! God you're annoying. One second you're all nice and cheerful and kind. The next you turn into a ranting bastard! What's your problem?" She glared at Inuyasha, noticing his scowl at her choice of words.
"None of your fucking business." Kagome huffed at his sharp tone. Inuyasha stood up to tower over her. His head hit the stone ceiling, making him wince and squat down once more, rubbing his head painfully. He stared at the fire, flames reflecting in his glowing eyes. Silence reigned for several minutes before it was broken by Inuyasha letting out a heavy sigh.
"Kagome, I'm worried about you. You're changing before my eyes and there's nothing I can do to protect you from this. To protect you is something I've always been able to do. It scares me that for the first time, I have no control." Kagome scooted toward him until she was beside him. Hesitantly, her hand touched his leg, a touch of caring and affection. It made sense now. His sudden mood swings were caused by his worry, his concern, his fear.
"I know. It scares me too. But I'm going to be okay. Don't worry. This will pass." She tried to reassure him. He looked at her, gazing into her eyes, searching them. Tears welled, blurring the golden glow in them, but none overflowed. Quickly he turned away from her, ashamed of his weak behavior. Kagome couldn't believe what she had seen. He had almost cried.
"You should drink the concoction." Inuyasha said through ground teeth. She knew he was trying not to cry. She quickly grabbed the flask from a nearby rock and took a sip, not wanting to fight with Inuyasha anymore. He was hurting. She didn't want to add to his hurt by refusing to drink. He turned to her again, watching her take the sip. "More." He said. She scowled. One sip was bad enough. Now he wanted her to take two?
"Inuyasha, Kaede said I should have ONE sip. Why do you think I should have more?" Any other time she would be yelling at him now, complaining that he was going against what Kaede had told him. Now, she wanted only to keep him calm. To do so meant to use skills she had learned from being a peer councilor at her school. She remained calm and questioned him without saying he was wrong.
"Kaede told me you shouldn't be able to do any magic." Inuyasha stared at the ground as he spoke. Kagome knew he was still disturbed at her fire- lighting trick. Kagome sighed. The stuff stared up at her, oozing in mockery. he was going to have to down more of the acrid stuff.
"Listen, ok. All you need to do is take two little sips instead of one. That should do it. Just two little sips and you'll be alright." Inuyasha pleaded. Kagome's lips trembled in distress, but she managed to open her mouth and down another sip. The liquid burned and her stomach tried to throw it up before it even went down her throat.
"There, thwat betta?" Her words were slurred, as if she had been drinking. He smiled at this, finding it amusing.
"Much." He drew her into his arms like before. She stifled a yawn, but the sleep gathered in her eyes. Moments later she was slumbering.
A bird flew down and perched on a low branch. All was silent and still. Hands reached out and cupped the bird. It nestled in them, feeling safe from harm. The hands closed around the bird. Kagome watched from a distance. The bird suddenly went stiff, fear radiating from it. It no longer felt the comfort in the hands. Only panic. The hands began to close around the bird tighter, until they were squeezing it relentlessly. The bird began to flap wildly, but its wings were useless. It continued to struggle, not giving in to the fate it awaited in the hands. Kagome knew it was growing tired. The bird couldn't hold on much longer.
The owner of the hands cooed to the bird, trying to coax it into being still. The bird only struggled harder, using up its little strength. Kagome wondered what the voice was saying to the bird to make the bird fight harder. The hands squeezed it tighter. The bird's eyes turned pale blue. A wolf howled far away. The howl was carried by the wind over the land. Then, all at once, it fell silent. The bird lay motionless in the stranger's hands. Kagome looked closer at the eyes, finding something disturbing and familiar in them. All at once the feeling hit her. Death shone brightly in the bird's pale eyes.
Kagome awoke in a cold sweat. Inuyasha looked down at her. He was leaning over her, less than a foot away. She gasped in surprise at their closeness and tried to back away. However, her body protested the movement and refused to respond. "Are you okay?" He sounded concerned.
"What are you doing?!" She stammered. He backed away, realizing the distance was disturbing her.
"Feh, I was checking up on you. You've been asleep for nearly five hours according to your wrist-thingy.' Kagome didn't try to move her wrist. She knew it was hopeless. Her body ached, throbbing in tire. Kagome felt ill. Trying to control her nausea, she looked at Inuyasha and then past him. Cold stone hung overhead and realization struck her. She was in a cave. Soot caressed the stones, remainders of fires made long ago.
"Where are we?" She asked, her voice becoming restricted in her throat. The question came out a soft whisper. Nevertheless, Inuyasha's keen ears were still able to hear her.
He shrugged, unconcerned. "In a cave a few minutes from the village. Kaede decided it was best you stayed close by in case anything else happened. She'll come check on you at daybreak."
"What about Shippou and Sango and Miroku?" Kagome knew they would be frantic with worry if she didn't return by sunrise.
"I've already talked to them. I told them you weren't feeling well and Kaede said she was going to look after you for the night." Kagome relaxed. "Besides, I owed Shippou chocolate." She dreaded to see what the inside of his pocket looked like since he had stored the cake in it.
Inuyasha seemed to have gotten everything in control while she had been asleep. Sleep crept up her again, but she pushed it away. "Are you warm enough?" Inuyasha asked. She nodded, but her body was shaking, giving Inuyasha the sure indication that she was freezing. He crawled beside her and lifted her into his lap, wrapping his arms around her. She snuggled in his warmth.
Inuyasha seemed a completely different hanyou. Normally he would tease her if she was cold or at most make a fire for her. Now he was actually letting her snuggle against him. Very different hanyou. He was acting so.nice around her. Kagome smiled, pleased with his changed behavior. She definitely liked the new Inuyasha.
Sleep returned to her, but this time she couldn't push it away. Instead it swept over her, enveloping her once more as she fell into a deep, dreamless rest.
********
Kagome awoke in blackness. She fought to open her eyes, but couldn't lift her eyelids. "And she's doing alright? No convulses?" Kagome recognized the voice to be Kaede's. It must be daybreak.
"She's fine. Just tired and a little cold." Inuyasha answered. They were whispering to not wake her.
"Very well. Then continue to make her drink the concoction and call me the moment she wakes up. I'm sure you can manage to do that by now." Kaede stated. Kagome wondered what she meant.
"Yes. It should be fairly easy now."
"Good. Keep her here and stay with her. Don't leave her side for any reason." Kagome tried to open her mouth. To tell Kaede that she was indeed awake. Her lips protested her and remained closed.
She listened to the footsteps recede. Kagome tried to open her eyes again and managed to after a few tries. She found herself still surrounded by Inuyasha's arms. He hadn't budged. Feeling her slight movement, Inuyasha looked down at her.
"So, you finally wake, do you? You just missed the old hag. She'll be glad to see you awake at last. How are you feeling."
Kagome grimaced as she tried to sit up. Her body groaned the movement, but she found herself with the strength to sit up. "I feel like a bulldozer ran over me." She rubbed her eyes, trying to dull the stinging sensation behind them.
"A what?"
"Nothing. What's for breakfast?" She asked, sleepily. Inuyasha slipped her off his lap and stood, hunched over due to the low ceiling. He walked over to a bunch of logs. Kagome assumed Kaede had brought the wood since she hadn't seen it earlier. "Well, when I manage to light this fire we're going to have fish." Kagome's stomach grumbled it's content with the choice of meal. Inuyasha grinned at the noise. She hadn't had anything to eat in the last two days besides a piece of cake and that poisonous medicine. Now she was starving.
Kagome stared at Inuyasha as he set about gutting the fish. A year ago she would have found this act repulsive and turned away in disgust. However, after a year of battling hideous youkai, Kagome watched, fascinated. Inuyasha took his time slicing down the belly of the fish, focusing on his precision. She knew he was trying to impress her with his cooking skills. Slowly, he removed the organs, throwing them aside. Then, laid the gutted fish on a rock. Inuyasha stood once more. "Be back in a bit." He mumbled and left the cave in search of a way to light the dry firewood.
Kagome was left staring at the logs. Kaede had instructed Inuyasha to never leave her side. Yet there he was, striding down the hill away from the cave. Not that Kagome minded. The sooner he found a way to light the fire, the sooner she could have breakfast. Inuyasha had never been keen on following orders. Now Kagome was glad he wasn't. If he followed orders they'd never have breakfast or worse, have to eat the fish raw. Her stomach grumbled, not pleased with the thought.
Kagome watched the wood, having nothing better to look at. She remembered countless tales where sorceresses could light fires with the wave of a hand. Now, she wondered if she could do it too. Heck, if she could create balls of fire that sucked soles and Exorcist scenes, why wouldn't she be able to spark a little fire. She gazed at the wood, willing it to light. Moments passed and nothing happened. Kagome began to feel frustrated and dismayed, but finding nothing better to do, she continued to try.
She felt deep inside her, searching for her magic that appeared to be hiding. A small amount of warmth was nestled in the abyss. She slowly drew it out, focusing her energy on controlling it as she did so. She didn't want a reoccurrence of the night before. Once again, foreign words came to her on command and she found exactly what she had to say to make the fire. "Ail mei da," Kagome chanted and the warmth shot to the firewood. Kagome watched as the wood absorbed the warmth, thriving in it. Suddenly the wood burst into flames. Kagome gave a little cry of excitement. Wouldn't Inuyasha be surprised!
She didn't have to wait long. Inuyasha entered the cave, a small stick of wood in his hand. At the tip was a tiny flame. His eyes were instantly drawn to the blazing fire crackling steadily. The fish were lying next to it on a flat rock, smoking. Pleasant aromas filled the warm cave. Inuyasha dropped the stick and ran over to the fire, astounded.
"How did you do this?" He demanded. Kagome frowned in confusion. She thought he would be pleased with her. After all, she had managed to control her power and light a fire. Instead of pleased, Inuyasha sounded angered.
"I lit it." She fidgeted with a lock of her hair, trying not to look at him.
"How?" He squatted beside her.
"I just did." She didn't look up at him.
"Shit bitch," she flinched at his language, knowing she was in trouble. "I know fires just can't be lit. Now how did you do this." Kagome had a very good idea Inuyasha knew just how she had done it but wanted her to tell him anyway. She shook her head.
"I just willed it to! God you're annoying. One second you're all nice and cheerful and kind. The next you turn into a ranting bastard! What's your problem?" She glared at Inuyasha, noticing his scowl at her choice of words.
"None of your fucking business." Kagome huffed at his sharp tone. Inuyasha stood up to tower over her. His head hit the stone ceiling, making him wince and squat down once more, rubbing his head painfully. He stared at the fire, flames reflecting in his glowing eyes. Silence reigned for several minutes before it was broken by Inuyasha letting out a heavy sigh.
"Kagome, I'm worried about you. You're changing before my eyes and there's nothing I can do to protect you from this. To protect you is something I've always been able to do. It scares me that for the first time, I have no control." Kagome scooted toward him until she was beside him. Hesitantly, her hand touched his leg, a touch of caring and affection. It made sense now. His sudden mood swings were caused by his worry, his concern, his fear.
"I know. It scares me too. But I'm going to be okay. Don't worry. This will pass." She tried to reassure him. He looked at her, gazing into her eyes, searching them. Tears welled, blurring the golden glow in them, but none overflowed. Quickly he turned away from her, ashamed of his weak behavior. Kagome couldn't believe what she had seen. He had almost cried.
"You should drink the concoction." Inuyasha said through ground teeth. She knew he was trying not to cry. She quickly grabbed the flask from a nearby rock and took a sip, not wanting to fight with Inuyasha anymore. He was hurting. She didn't want to add to his hurt by refusing to drink. He turned to her again, watching her take the sip. "More." He said. She scowled. One sip was bad enough. Now he wanted her to take two?
"Inuyasha, Kaede said I should have ONE sip. Why do you think I should have more?" Any other time she would be yelling at him now, complaining that he was going against what Kaede had told him. Now, she wanted only to keep him calm. To do so meant to use skills she had learned from being a peer councilor at her school. She remained calm and questioned him without saying he was wrong.
"Kaede told me you shouldn't be able to do any magic." Inuyasha stared at the ground as he spoke. Kagome knew he was still disturbed at her fire- lighting trick. Kagome sighed. The stuff stared up at her, oozing in mockery. he was going to have to down more of the acrid stuff.
"Listen, ok. All you need to do is take two little sips instead of one. That should do it. Just two little sips and you'll be alright." Inuyasha pleaded. Kagome's lips trembled in distress, but she managed to open her mouth and down another sip. The liquid burned and her stomach tried to throw it up before it even went down her throat.
"There, thwat betta?" Her words were slurred, as if she had been drinking. He smiled at this, finding it amusing.
"Much." He drew her into his arms like before. She stifled a yawn, but the sleep gathered in her eyes. Moments later she was slumbering.