Title: The Curse of the Demon's Bite
By: DragonLady
Rated: PG-13
Disclaimer: Not mine- just borrowed.
Summery: Death is a seeker in the night. Putrid and corrupt, evil flies on silent wings to seek its prey through the well of time.
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"I promise, I'll be back in two days!" Inuyasha folded his arms in irritation. "Fine, whatever!" He growled, ignoring her disappearance down the well. "Just be sure to bring back something good!" He yelled over his shoulder. "I promise!" She yelled back- her last word cut off as she vanished in time.
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As she rematerialized within her own time, Kagome adjusted the heavy bag on her shoulders. 'Wow- I should really ask Mom to buy me a new bag, this one is getting really beat up!' She thought to herself as she climbed out of the well. As she walked up the steps to her home, she yawned hugely. Her time spent searching for the jewel shards was exhausting! She sometimes wondered if her family had the least clue what she went through on the other side. In fact- she was sometimes amazed at the amount of trust they had in her to allow her to go back so often, and be gone for so long! If her mother knew only a fraction of the dangers she'd faced while helping Inuyasha- Kagome was certain she'd never be allowed to go back again! As she had these thoughts, she frowned a little. 'I wish I could talk to her about it sometimes; I love her so much, but I feel like I'm keeping half my life from her.' Her contemplation ended as she entered the dining room.
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"Mom, my favorite!" She squealed, dropping down to the table. Her mouth watered at the food before her. "Well, Kagome- I'm hoping that a nice meal might tempt you to stay around a while this time!" Said her mother, smiling in a teasing manner. "Ulp- uh, heh heh... yeah." Said Kagome weakly. 'Eep- did she really just say that?' Kagome covered her face to hide the flush of guilt. "Hey Sis!" Said Sota, rounding the corner at a dead run. Kagome looked up just in time to be tackled by her little brother. "Is Inuyasha with you?" He asked hopefully, eyes sparkling with hero worship. "Sorry Sota, not this time." Disappointed, Sota plopped down next to Kagome. "You never bring him home." However, as soon as a plate was set before him, he forgot his distress and attacked his supper. Grandpa sat down across from the boy, frowning at the speed in which Sota was eating. Before he could speak, however, Kagome's mother served him a plate. "Eat up, I made lots tonight!"
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After dinner, Kagome retreated to her room, wanting nothing more than to soak for a few days in a steaming bath. Stripping off her uniform, she stared at the garment glumly. 'At the rate we run into these demons, I'm amazed there's anything left of this.' She thought, tossing it in the garbage. Luckily, she had several dozen uniforms in the closet. She regarded them momentarily. Her mother never said anything about it. The uniforms just started appearing there. It was never spoken of just why she needed so many- her mother simply provided them. Kagome dug deeper in her closet, pulling out one garment in particular. It was her first uniform, the one she had worn the first time she fell into the well, the only one she'd saved. She had retrieved it on her second trip through, when Inuyasha had come for her. The ragged hole in the waist made her shudder, as did the rusty, dried blood that stained the torn edges as well as the skirt. She still remembered the pain of Mistress Centipede's bite. Shoving the garment back into the recesses of the closet, Kagome grabbed her bathrobe and headed for the tub. Steam filled the air as she opened the bathroom door. "Mom- I love you!" She cried, dropping the robe and sinking into the heavenly warmth.
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Tiny bubbles escaped at her movement, following the curves of her body to burst at the surface. The scent of lavender wafted up from the bath, calming her senses. Kagome sank deeper, allowing the scented water to close over her head. She loved being underwater, hearing nothing but a faint buzz and her own heartbeat. Every few seconds she raised her head, just enough to breathe, before dropping down again. She was in complete relaxation, every muscle slack as she felt herself grow sleepy. Reluctantly, she sat up, not wanting to fall asleep in the tub.
Leaving the delicious bath behind, Kagome donned her robe again and grabbed a towel for her hair. Rubbing briskly for a few moments, she wandered over to the medicine cabinet. Amid vials and bottles of her Grandfather's concoctions, Kagome found a tube of ointment and a box of band-aids. Once in her room, she allowed the robe to fall to he floor. Shivering slightly as the air hit her damp skin, she sat down on the edge of her bed. Several scrapes on her legs and arms had begun bleeding a little since her bath. She applied ointment and bandages to some of the nastier cuts. Finally- as a last indulgence, Kagome rubbed vanilla-citrus lotion over her entire body, paying special attention to her sore feet. Feeling slightly human again, the girl finally allowed herself to go to bed. Slipping into a nightgown, she switched off all the lights and slid under the covers, sighing in ecstasy at the feel of cool sheets. In moments, she was sleeping soundly.
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In the blackness of night, a figure stood by the ancient well. Shadowy arms rested at the edge of the opening, cradling something carefully. The figure bent low, whispering softly to the object held in its grasp. One word could be heard in the silence. "Higurashi."
Leaning forward, the figure dropped the object into the well. The being watched for a moment; then, with a tiny smile, vanished into the night.
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The sound within the room was the barest thump- yet Kagome sat up as though she'd been kicked. 'Guess all this shard hunting has made me a light sleeper!' Her eyes strained in the dark, seeing nothing. 'Probably just the cat.' She thought, starting to lie down again. Suddenly she sat bolt upright, her eyes wide. 'A jewel shard!' The sense was unmistakable. She peered around the room, an ominous dread slowly settling in her stomach like cold lead. Without thinking, she pulled her legs up tight to her body, shivering with tension as she scanned the darkness of the room. Her ears pounded in the dark- seeking any movement, any sound. The muffled thump sounded again. A tiny whisper of a cry escaped Kagome. Something was in the room with her, something evil! Her breath caught in her throat with strangled terror. Somehow, facing something like this in her own time was hundreds of times worse than battling it in the feudal era. 'Of course, I have more than just myself to depend on too!' She thought, clasping her elbows. She backed against the headboard as she heard a sound like nails scraping on wood. Something was clawing its way up her bed! Frozen in fear, she felt a weight drop lightly on the foot of her bed and rapidly begin to race towards her!
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With a scream, Kagome threw the covers over whatever it was and ran from the room. Behind her, she could hear the creature squeaking angrily. For a fraction of a second, Kagome considered running for her mother- but discarded the thought instantly. Whatever that thing was, it was after her- and she wanted it as far from her family as possible! Before Kagome even quite realized where she was going, she grabbed her bag from the floor by the door. As she ran, she assured herself that the jewels were safely inside. She felt a strange humor as she ran- realizing that, though she was trying to escape with her life, she was trying to do it in a way that wouldn't wake up her family.
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Wincing as the sharp stones scattered on the courtyard dug into her feet, Kagome made a beeline for the well. 'Almost there', she thought frantically. The door almost shattered with the force she used to throw it open. Spinning quickly, she slammed it shut again. Without missing a beat, she turned to leap into the well... and something cold struck her at the base of her throat.
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A numbing sensation flooded her body. Weakly, she reached up with her hand to find something small and leathery attached to her. It snarled as she touched it, digging its fangs deeper into her skin. Stumbling against the closing darkness, Kagome forced herself to the lip of the well and painfully dragged one leg over the edge. The tiny creature- sensing her intent sank its teeth up to the gums in her cold flesh. With a jerk, Kagome fell forward, losing consciousness even as she dropped from sight.
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Inuyasha sat up on his tree branch; something tickled his nose. He leaned forward as a familiar scent floated up to him. Leaping down onto the moon-brightened grass, the half demon quickly raced to the well, determining to jump out at Kagome as she climbed out. A good scare would serve her right for taking off for home. She didn't even have tests this time! Bracing himself, he paused, nose wrinkling. Something was wrong. He could smell another odor mingled with Kagome's distinctive scent. It smelled like carrion. His fingers clenched as he sensed something rising from the depths. In a flash, a hairless, bat-like creature shot from the well, barely dodging Inuyasha's flashing claws. "Come back and face me coward!" He shouted as the creature raced away. Inuyasha felt dread fill him as he realized Kagome still hadn't climbed from the well. Leaping inside, he braced his feet on either side of the well to prevent himself from passing through time. Kagome lay at the bottom, her face drained of color. Inuyasha stiffened when he saw the ragged bite at the base of her throat. Leaning down, he caught one arm in his grasp and managed to pull her to him. Then, gripping her gently, he sprang lightly from the well.
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Once outside, Inuyasha raced with Kagome to the village; her body already growing colder as the poison from the bite sped through her veins. In moments, Inuyasha arrived at Kaede's hut. The old woman had risen to her feet the moment the half-demon stepped inside. "What happened to Kagome!" Asked Kaede as Inuyasha placed the unresponsive body near the fire. "Some kind of demon attacked her- look after her while I go find it!" The older woman threw out her hand, grasping the sleeve of his kimono tightly. "Wait! It will do thee no good!" The old miko leaned close to Kagome, wrinkling her nose. "Do ye not smell it?" Inuyasha's ears lay back on his head. "Yeah- I smelled it by the well too... It smells like a corpse!" Kaede placed her hand on Kagome's forehead. "It is the bite of a spirit viper! Already Kagome has retreated deep into her own mind, there is little time!" Inuyasha pulled away from Kaede at her pronouncement. "Then let me go find that thing!"
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The older woman shook her head. "I told thee, it will do thee no good! The bite has already done its work! A spirit viper does not attack the body, but the soul! It preys on its victim's fears. With the victim distracted with terror, the spirit viper returns to consume its prey. It feeds on their fears and their flesh! Even after death, Kagome's soul will be forever trapped within the spirit viper!" Inuyasha clenched his hands in frustration. "Well what the hell do you expect me to do!" He yelled angrily. Kaede stared solemnly at him. "Thee must go to Kagome, and return with her here." That was the last thing Inuyasha expected to hear. "Huh?" He flicked an ear, certain he'd heard wrong. "Thee must follow Kagome into her mind. But beware Inuyasha; the realm of the soul is a dangerous place. Thy weapon will help you not, nor thy claws and fangs. In this place, Kagome will face her greatest fears, as will you." Inuyasha folded his arms. "And how do you suppose I get to this place huh?" Kaede stood stiffly. "I must bind the two of ye together. Thy blood must mingle with Kagome's blood, they soul with hers. However, I fear that even that is not enough. I alone cannot protect you should the spirit viper return." A footstep sounded at the door. "Then allow us to aid you Lady Kaede." Miroku, Sango, and Shippo stood in the door. Inuyasha simply smiled, having sensed them a while ago.
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Kaede nodded. "It is well that ye have come. However, this will be no battle like ye have fought before. Thy souls will also be in danger as long as you remain in this place. I must prepare this hut for the coming fight, for the demon will most certainly return. Sango-san, I require these herbs from the nearby forest- collect them quickly! Inuyasha, please guard her." Nodding, Sango and Inuyasha ran quickly to do her bidding. "Miroku, you must assist me in upholding these others. Thee must begin meditating to clear thy mind of any distractions!" Miroku paused only for a moment before bowing and retreating to a corner. "Kaede, what can I do to help?" Asked Shippo, bouncing up to the older woman. "Young Shippo, thee must remain by Kagome's side. Keep her cool with these compresses, and alert us to any changes in her face." Shippo rushed to obey, bathing Kagome's sweating forehead with the wet cloth. In only minutes, Inuyasha and Sango returned with the herbs. Inuyasha fidgeted openly, barely holding himself in check. "I still think I should go after that demon! All this stalling is just gonna let him sneak up on us!" Kaede took the herbs, dropping them into a cauldron of boiling water. "Thee would do well to heed wisdom Inuyasha!" She said briskly, startling the hanyou into silence. While Sango went to guard the door, Kaede led Inuyasha to where Kagome lay on the floor. Shippo looked on fearfully while the old woman retrieved one of Kagome's arrows. With a deft move, she cut into Kagome's wrist. "Wa- what are you doing!" Cried the little fox-demon. "Be at ease Shippo, Kaede knows what she is doing." Said Sango softly. "Thy wrist Inuyasha." Said Kaede, holding out her hand. Eyeing the arrow warily, Inuyasha slowly held out his wrist. With a quick slash, Kaede sliced open his wrist. Dark crimson blood spurt from the wound, joining the puddle near Kagome's arm. "Now, lie back." Easing himself to the floor, Inuyasha stretched out next to Kagome's motionless body. While Kaede bound their wounds together, he regarded the girl at his side. Her mouth was twisted in a grimace of fear, her eyes moving rapidly under the lids. Inuyasha's own features tightened with concern. 'I'll get you out of this Kagome, I swear to you!' He thought, feeling the rush as his blood started to flow into her body, and hers into his. "Quickly Inuyasha, drink this!" Said Kaede, lifting a steaming cup of the boiled herbs to the dog-demon's lips. Inuyasha drained the cup, resisting the urge to spit out the bitter taste. Almost instantly, he felt the heavy pull of sleep blanket him. As Miroku and Kaede began chanting, the world around him disappeared completely.
By: DragonLady
Rated: PG-13
Disclaimer: Not mine- just borrowed.
Summery: Death is a seeker in the night. Putrid and corrupt, evil flies on silent wings to seek its prey through the well of time.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
"I promise, I'll be back in two days!" Inuyasha folded his arms in irritation. "Fine, whatever!" He growled, ignoring her disappearance down the well. "Just be sure to bring back something good!" He yelled over his shoulder. "I promise!" She yelled back- her last word cut off as she vanished in time.
.
As she rematerialized within her own time, Kagome adjusted the heavy bag on her shoulders. 'Wow- I should really ask Mom to buy me a new bag, this one is getting really beat up!' She thought to herself as she climbed out of the well. As she walked up the steps to her home, she yawned hugely. Her time spent searching for the jewel shards was exhausting! She sometimes wondered if her family had the least clue what she went through on the other side. In fact- she was sometimes amazed at the amount of trust they had in her to allow her to go back so often, and be gone for so long! If her mother knew only a fraction of the dangers she'd faced while helping Inuyasha- Kagome was certain she'd never be allowed to go back again! As she had these thoughts, she frowned a little. 'I wish I could talk to her about it sometimes; I love her so much, but I feel like I'm keeping half my life from her.' Her contemplation ended as she entered the dining room.
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"Mom, my favorite!" She squealed, dropping down to the table. Her mouth watered at the food before her. "Well, Kagome- I'm hoping that a nice meal might tempt you to stay around a while this time!" Said her mother, smiling in a teasing manner. "Ulp- uh, heh heh... yeah." Said Kagome weakly. 'Eep- did she really just say that?' Kagome covered her face to hide the flush of guilt. "Hey Sis!" Said Sota, rounding the corner at a dead run. Kagome looked up just in time to be tackled by her little brother. "Is Inuyasha with you?" He asked hopefully, eyes sparkling with hero worship. "Sorry Sota, not this time." Disappointed, Sota plopped down next to Kagome. "You never bring him home." However, as soon as a plate was set before him, he forgot his distress and attacked his supper. Grandpa sat down across from the boy, frowning at the speed in which Sota was eating. Before he could speak, however, Kagome's mother served him a plate. "Eat up, I made lots tonight!"
.
After dinner, Kagome retreated to her room, wanting nothing more than to soak for a few days in a steaming bath. Stripping off her uniform, she stared at the garment glumly. 'At the rate we run into these demons, I'm amazed there's anything left of this.' She thought, tossing it in the garbage. Luckily, she had several dozen uniforms in the closet. She regarded them momentarily. Her mother never said anything about it. The uniforms just started appearing there. It was never spoken of just why she needed so many- her mother simply provided them. Kagome dug deeper in her closet, pulling out one garment in particular. It was her first uniform, the one she had worn the first time she fell into the well, the only one she'd saved. She had retrieved it on her second trip through, when Inuyasha had come for her. The ragged hole in the waist made her shudder, as did the rusty, dried blood that stained the torn edges as well as the skirt. She still remembered the pain of Mistress Centipede's bite. Shoving the garment back into the recesses of the closet, Kagome grabbed her bathrobe and headed for the tub. Steam filled the air as she opened the bathroom door. "Mom- I love you!" She cried, dropping the robe and sinking into the heavenly warmth.
.
Tiny bubbles escaped at her movement, following the curves of her body to burst at the surface. The scent of lavender wafted up from the bath, calming her senses. Kagome sank deeper, allowing the scented water to close over her head. She loved being underwater, hearing nothing but a faint buzz and her own heartbeat. Every few seconds she raised her head, just enough to breathe, before dropping down again. She was in complete relaxation, every muscle slack as she felt herself grow sleepy. Reluctantly, she sat up, not wanting to fall asleep in the tub.
Leaving the delicious bath behind, Kagome donned her robe again and grabbed a towel for her hair. Rubbing briskly for a few moments, she wandered over to the medicine cabinet. Amid vials and bottles of her Grandfather's concoctions, Kagome found a tube of ointment and a box of band-aids. Once in her room, she allowed the robe to fall to he floor. Shivering slightly as the air hit her damp skin, she sat down on the edge of her bed. Several scrapes on her legs and arms had begun bleeding a little since her bath. She applied ointment and bandages to some of the nastier cuts. Finally- as a last indulgence, Kagome rubbed vanilla-citrus lotion over her entire body, paying special attention to her sore feet. Feeling slightly human again, the girl finally allowed herself to go to bed. Slipping into a nightgown, she switched off all the lights and slid under the covers, sighing in ecstasy at the feel of cool sheets. In moments, she was sleeping soundly.
.
.
.
.
In the blackness of night, a figure stood by the ancient well. Shadowy arms rested at the edge of the opening, cradling something carefully. The figure bent low, whispering softly to the object held in its grasp. One word could be heard in the silence. "Higurashi."
Leaning forward, the figure dropped the object into the well. The being watched for a moment; then, with a tiny smile, vanished into the night.
.
.
.
.
The sound within the room was the barest thump- yet Kagome sat up as though she'd been kicked. 'Guess all this shard hunting has made me a light sleeper!' Her eyes strained in the dark, seeing nothing. 'Probably just the cat.' She thought, starting to lie down again. Suddenly she sat bolt upright, her eyes wide. 'A jewel shard!' The sense was unmistakable. She peered around the room, an ominous dread slowly settling in her stomach like cold lead. Without thinking, she pulled her legs up tight to her body, shivering with tension as she scanned the darkness of the room. Her ears pounded in the dark- seeking any movement, any sound. The muffled thump sounded again. A tiny whisper of a cry escaped Kagome. Something was in the room with her, something evil! Her breath caught in her throat with strangled terror. Somehow, facing something like this in her own time was hundreds of times worse than battling it in the feudal era. 'Of course, I have more than just myself to depend on too!' She thought, clasping her elbows. She backed against the headboard as she heard a sound like nails scraping on wood. Something was clawing its way up her bed! Frozen in fear, she felt a weight drop lightly on the foot of her bed and rapidly begin to race towards her!
.
With a scream, Kagome threw the covers over whatever it was and ran from the room. Behind her, she could hear the creature squeaking angrily. For a fraction of a second, Kagome considered running for her mother- but discarded the thought instantly. Whatever that thing was, it was after her- and she wanted it as far from her family as possible! Before Kagome even quite realized where she was going, she grabbed her bag from the floor by the door. As she ran, she assured herself that the jewels were safely inside. She felt a strange humor as she ran- realizing that, though she was trying to escape with her life, she was trying to do it in a way that wouldn't wake up her family.
.
Wincing as the sharp stones scattered on the courtyard dug into her feet, Kagome made a beeline for the well. 'Almost there', she thought frantically. The door almost shattered with the force she used to throw it open. Spinning quickly, she slammed it shut again. Without missing a beat, she turned to leap into the well... and something cold struck her at the base of her throat.
.
A numbing sensation flooded her body. Weakly, she reached up with her hand to find something small and leathery attached to her. It snarled as she touched it, digging its fangs deeper into her skin. Stumbling against the closing darkness, Kagome forced herself to the lip of the well and painfully dragged one leg over the edge. The tiny creature- sensing her intent sank its teeth up to the gums in her cold flesh. With a jerk, Kagome fell forward, losing consciousness even as she dropped from sight.
.
.
.
.
Inuyasha sat up on his tree branch; something tickled his nose. He leaned forward as a familiar scent floated up to him. Leaping down onto the moon-brightened grass, the half demon quickly raced to the well, determining to jump out at Kagome as she climbed out. A good scare would serve her right for taking off for home. She didn't even have tests this time! Bracing himself, he paused, nose wrinkling. Something was wrong. He could smell another odor mingled with Kagome's distinctive scent. It smelled like carrion. His fingers clenched as he sensed something rising from the depths. In a flash, a hairless, bat-like creature shot from the well, barely dodging Inuyasha's flashing claws. "Come back and face me coward!" He shouted as the creature raced away. Inuyasha felt dread fill him as he realized Kagome still hadn't climbed from the well. Leaping inside, he braced his feet on either side of the well to prevent himself from passing through time. Kagome lay at the bottom, her face drained of color. Inuyasha stiffened when he saw the ragged bite at the base of her throat. Leaning down, he caught one arm in his grasp and managed to pull her to him. Then, gripping her gently, he sprang lightly from the well.
.
Once outside, Inuyasha raced with Kagome to the village; her body already growing colder as the poison from the bite sped through her veins. In moments, Inuyasha arrived at Kaede's hut. The old woman had risen to her feet the moment the half-demon stepped inside. "What happened to Kagome!" Asked Kaede as Inuyasha placed the unresponsive body near the fire. "Some kind of demon attacked her- look after her while I go find it!" The older woman threw out her hand, grasping the sleeve of his kimono tightly. "Wait! It will do thee no good!" The old miko leaned close to Kagome, wrinkling her nose. "Do ye not smell it?" Inuyasha's ears lay back on his head. "Yeah- I smelled it by the well too... It smells like a corpse!" Kaede placed her hand on Kagome's forehead. "It is the bite of a spirit viper! Already Kagome has retreated deep into her own mind, there is little time!" Inuyasha pulled away from Kaede at her pronouncement. "Then let me go find that thing!"
.
The older woman shook her head. "I told thee, it will do thee no good! The bite has already done its work! A spirit viper does not attack the body, but the soul! It preys on its victim's fears. With the victim distracted with terror, the spirit viper returns to consume its prey. It feeds on their fears and their flesh! Even after death, Kagome's soul will be forever trapped within the spirit viper!" Inuyasha clenched his hands in frustration. "Well what the hell do you expect me to do!" He yelled angrily. Kaede stared solemnly at him. "Thee must go to Kagome, and return with her here." That was the last thing Inuyasha expected to hear. "Huh?" He flicked an ear, certain he'd heard wrong. "Thee must follow Kagome into her mind. But beware Inuyasha; the realm of the soul is a dangerous place. Thy weapon will help you not, nor thy claws and fangs. In this place, Kagome will face her greatest fears, as will you." Inuyasha folded his arms. "And how do you suppose I get to this place huh?" Kaede stood stiffly. "I must bind the two of ye together. Thy blood must mingle with Kagome's blood, they soul with hers. However, I fear that even that is not enough. I alone cannot protect you should the spirit viper return." A footstep sounded at the door. "Then allow us to aid you Lady Kaede." Miroku, Sango, and Shippo stood in the door. Inuyasha simply smiled, having sensed them a while ago.
.
Kaede nodded. "It is well that ye have come. However, this will be no battle like ye have fought before. Thy souls will also be in danger as long as you remain in this place. I must prepare this hut for the coming fight, for the demon will most certainly return. Sango-san, I require these herbs from the nearby forest- collect them quickly! Inuyasha, please guard her." Nodding, Sango and Inuyasha ran quickly to do her bidding. "Miroku, you must assist me in upholding these others. Thee must begin meditating to clear thy mind of any distractions!" Miroku paused only for a moment before bowing and retreating to a corner. "Kaede, what can I do to help?" Asked Shippo, bouncing up to the older woman. "Young Shippo, thee must remain by Kagome's side. Keep her cool with these compresses, and alert us to any changes in her face." Shippo rushed to obey, bathing Kagome's sweating forehead with the wet cloth. In only minutes, Inuyasha and Sango returned with the herbs. Inuyasha fidgeted openly, barely holding himself in check. "I still think I should go after that demon! All this stalling is just gonna let him sneak up on us!" Kaede took the herbs, dropping them into a cauldron of boiling water. "Thee would do well to heed wisdom Inuyasha!" She said briskly, startling the hanyou into silence. While Sango went to guard the door, Kaede led Inuyasha to where Kagome lay on the floor. Shippo looked on fearfully while the old woman retrieved one of Kagome's arrows. With a deft move, she cut into Kagome's wrist. "Wa- what are you doing!" Cried the little fox-demon. "Be at ease Shippo, Kaede knows what she is doing." Said Sango softly. "Thy wrist Inuyasha." Said Kaede, holding out her hand. Eyeing the arrow warily, Inuyasha slowly held out his wrist. With a quick slash, Kaede sliced open his wrist. Dark crimson blood spurt from the wound, joining the puddle near Kagome's arm. "Now, lie back." Easing himself to the floor, Inuyasha stretched out next to Kagome's motionless body. While Kaede bound their wounds together, he regarded the girl at his side. Her mouth was twisted in a grimace of fear, her eyes moving rapidly under the lids. Inuyasha's own features tightened with concern. 'I'll get you out of this Kagome, I swear to you!' He thought, feeling the rush as his blood started to flow into her body, and hers into his. "Quickly Inuyasha, drink this!" Said Kaede, lifting a steaming cup of the boiled herbs to the dog-demon's lips. Inuyasha drained the cup, resisting the urge to spit out the bitter taste. Almost instantly, he felt the heavy pull of sleep blanket him. As Miroku and Kaede began chanting, the world around him disappeared completely.