"Kagome…" Inu Yasha sighed from his perch high in a tree close to the manor house of lord who allowed his companions to bed down there. The sunset reflected in his weary amber eyes and cast a pinkish gold hue on his silver hair.
Miroku's exorcism scam always worked. By the time he and Sango had arrived at the town that was rumored to be attacked by a youkai carrying jewel shards, Miroku had the frightened lord Tsukumo into eating out his hand. Inu Yasha could only sigh and shake his head. To this day, Miroku still stood as the oddest monk he had ever met, not that the hanyou had come across many monks in his travels.
Shortly after his arrival, the dog demon and his traveling companions came face to face with a youkai that fit the description of the demon that terrorized the small town. He could remember the townspeople running in terror like the cowards they were. I can't blame them for being scared though. That demon was pretty tough. It had to be one of Naraku's cast offs. I could smell that bastard's presence all over that nasty beast.
***Flashback***
Inu Yasha followed Miroku and Shippou's trail all the way to small town of Jikoro that lie on the edge of the forest. The pair set out hours ago and covered more distance than he anticipated.
I guess that bicycle thingy Kagome always travels on really makes a difference. I wonder if they found anything yet. Inu Yasha stilled for a second sniffing the air. He noticed the eerie stillness of the forest long ago and the stench of a youkai hung in the air. Looking up through the trees, the inu hanyou searched for Sango and Kirara. They duo were not far behind. Upon confirming their location, Inu Yasha sped on to Jikoro, hoping that the youkai he sensed had yet to reach the village. When he came upon his destination everything seemed calm. Inu Yasha closely surveyed his surroundings, looking for any trace of abnormal activity. There was none, but he could feel something in the air, it tugged at his senses and made him a bit antsy. He waited for the demon exterminator and her fire-cat companion for he didn't want any danger to befall them upon arrival.
Sango and Kirara landed gracefully beside the hanyou. Sango dismounted and walked over to the dog demon. At first she thought to rebuff Inu Yasha for his prior rudeness but stopped when saw the agitation in his features.
"Do you feel it?" Inu Yasha asked his eyes darted this way and that.
"Yes, it is quiet here… almost too quiet… Kirara sensed something a ways back. Do you think it's that demon rumored to possess a piece of the jewel shard?" Sango conceded.
"I don't know, Sango. I do know we should locate Miroku and Shippou quickly. Just in case there is some threat here…"
"Where exactly could they be?" Sango asked all the while petting an untransformed Kirara who perched herself on the taiji-ya's shoulder.
"If I know the monk like I think I do, that bouzu will be at the richest looking house or inn there is." the hanyou half sneered and half chuckled in amusement at Miroku's antics. That monk knows how to bullshit his way into anybody's home.
Sango shrugged, "Miroku will be Miroku…"
"Keh…"
Their task was simple: find the biggest house in town and there you will find the monk and the kitsune. In only a few minutes of searching, Sango and Inu Yasha came upon a large manor house. Its partially gated entranceway opened into a lush and incredibly lush garden. Sitting within that garden chatting up a storm with a man dressed lavishly, was Miroku. Shippou was off to the side admiring golden scaled fish in a perfectly manicured pond. The young youkai sensed their presence right away greeted them.
"Inu Yasha!!! Sango!!! You guys are slow… Hey, where is Kagome?" the kitsune's expression drooped a bit upon noticing the miko's absence.
"She's home…" Inu Yasha growled a bit unnecessarily, his amber glare directed at the young fox demon.
Shippou got the point right away. I am not in the mood to have my head bashed in this afternoon. Shippou inwardly sighed. Inu Yasha is such a jerk… It's no wonder Kagome yells at him all the time. Because Miroku was still talking, Shippou felt it was his duty to update Sango and Inu Yasha on their recent findings. "It seems this town has been plagued by a demon for a couple of months. Miroku convinced Lord Tsukumo to allow us to stay here. He performed an 'exorcism' and put a bunch of those sutras he always puts up when he trying to con… I mean convince people. But there is more to it. We sensed some presence in the forest, but didn't try to go after it without you two. Miroku says that it's a powerful presence but it keeps it self cloaked by some strong magic."
"I felt it too. It's like we walked into a brewing storm or something…" Inu Yasha agreed.
Shippou nodded and then looked in the monk's direction. "Miroku must be laying it on thick. I think the old lord has a pretty daughter or something."
Sango bristled a bit where she stood. She had to force her hand from reaching for Hiraikotsu. Save that for later, Sango…
Upon noticing Sango's expression, Inu Yasha instinctively moved away, "Uh, Sango… are you okay?"
The taiji-ya's right brow ticked as she spoke through clenched teeth, "I'm fine… Why wouldn't I be okay?"
I don't know if I am hallucinating or not… is that flames surrounding Sango? Okay, that's a bad sign… Time to move as far away from her as possible… The hanyou crept over to Miroku, looking back at the furious taiji-ya warily. Shippou followed his lead.
Lord Tsukumo, a tall man with black hair and a regal bearing, warmly greeted the newcomer's, "I see the companions you spoke of have finally arrived. Welcome to Jikoro, I will be your host until your business here is at an end. Please do make yourself welcome. The monk, Miroku, has performed a much needed and much appreciated service here. My gratitude is unending."
"You move fast…" Inu Yasha muttered to the houshi.
"I do what I can," Miroku humbly replied. "Our task is not yet finished. There is still a great evil that hangs over this town. In order for peace to return, that evil must be exterminated."
"Ah yes… the demon that terrorizes this land. It is of a powerful sort. So powerful in fact, the townspeople have come to believe it may have aid from a shard of the Shikon jewel…"
"Shikon shard you say?" Inu Yasha's ears perked up at the mention of the Shikon no Tama.
"Yes, a shard… the beast is able to cloak itself so well that, no one can sense it until it is too late. We know not how to approach this foulness. It attacks mercilessly…" Lord Tsukumo shook his head sadly. "Many of the townsfolk have met an untimely demise at its hands. I fear my wife and daughter may be at risk."
Miroku grinned roguishly at the mention of females, "Never fear. Your lovely wife and daughter are safe in my… I mean our hands."
Sango chose that moment to walk over and discreetly kick the grinning monk in the shin before bowing respectfully to the lord. "Tsukumo-sama, we will do the best that we can."
"You wear the armor of a demon exterminator. I heard a rumor that the village was destroyed, are you a taiji-ya?"
Sango's eyes saddened at the mention of her hometown "Yes, I am one of the last surv…"
Her sentence was cut short as a horrendous roar cut through the air. A loud crashing could be heard and trees were shaken and torn from the ground as a large object came barreling through the forest.
"It's here…" Inu Yasha growled as he pulled Tetsusaiga from its sheath. "Damn it… How could I not smell its stench?"
The demon crashed through the entryway, sending debris left and right. Instinctively, Sango pushed Tsukumo-sama out of harms way.
"Please, get out of here. Warn the villagers and keep them out of the way." She warned.
The old lord bolted away, determined to stay alive.
When the smoke cleared the rampaging youkai could clearly be seen in afternoon sun. The demon was a huge lizard creature with five eyes and huge venomous fangs. The lizard youkai stank of death and blood and with each breath it spat clouds of miasma. One touch could have easily burned the skin off its victim. It hissed threateningly at the group and lunged for anything moving. Inu Yasha was mobile within seconds, ready and willing to sharpen Tetsusaiga on the beast's body. The fang sword made contact with the demon's scaly hide but made no dent. Inu Yasha leapt away in shock. His scales are almost impenetrable. This battle is not going to be easy.
Turning to the monk, Inu Yasha yelled, "Miroku, do you sense any jewel shards in him?"
The monk concentrated hard but sensed nothing, "No, Inu Yasha. He carries nothing."
Inu Yasha crouched low in a battle stance, ready to strike again. His sniffed the wind smelling the scent of miasma and Naraku on the lizard youkai. "You're just one of Naraku's cast offs, aren't you? What do you want here, you piece of shit."
The lizard youkai hissed his attention focused squarely on Inu Yasha at the moment, "I want jewel shardssssss… You are rumored to posssssssess them… Where are they? Where have you hidden them?"
The inu hanyou sneered, "Out of your reach…"
Miroku and Sango on Kirara chose that moment to try to attack the distracted youkai. Sango threw Hiraikotsu and hit the lizard demon between the eyes but it had no effect. The demon hissed in aggravation using its huge tail to bat her out of the sky. Sango managed to leap from Kirara before the cat demon landed with a loud thud on the ground. Sango was frantic as she hit the ground running to her companion's side to check how badly damaged the fire-cat was. Determination lit Sango's eyes as she charged back into the heat of battle after making sure Kirara was at least breathing.
Trying his best to defend himself without the support of his companions, Miroku tried to use the kazaana but stopped short as the youkai let loose a huge cloud of miasma. Some the beast's noxious poison was sucked into the void in the young monk's hand. The effects were immediate causing Miroku to double over in pain. Sango was at his side in minutes.
"Houshi-sama! Oh Kami, you're hurt." Sango cried out in alarm, gripping his shoulder tightly.
"Even in the heat of battle, you call me by that formality…" Miroku looked up at her with a lopsided grin. Then grabbed her abruptly, pulling her aside as the lizard demon came rushing at them. The monk successfully got Sango out of the way, but not before brushing against the scaled length of the demon with his shoulder. The wound was instantly infected with poisonous residue from the youkai's skin. The two lay momentarily unconscious. Sango was the first to awaken.
"Oh… Miroku… you are hurt because of me… please wake up… please… oh kami, this cannot be happening…" Sango cried franticly between sobs. Her shaking hands skimmed over his injuries before clenching in the folds of his robe.
Miroku groaned as his eyes refocused. Above him, Sango's dirt smudged visage was crying. Even in the heat of battle with the possibility of death looming above him, Miroku smiled. "You called me Miroku…"
Sango swatted at his chest as a teary chuckle erupted in her throat, "You baka… how can you think of things like this when you are so badly hurt?"
Miroku briefly caught Sango into his embrace before letting her loose, "I am never too hurt to answer my lady when she calls…"
A deep blush spread across the taiji-ya's cheeks as she sat back on her haunches. He called me his lady…
Miroku never gave her chance to respond. He pushed himself to his feet once more. His eyes hardened, as he looked at Inu Yasha battle the large youkai, "That beast tried to cut my time shorter than it already is. I will not find rest until Naraku is dead, regardless of the cost." Turning to Sango he reached out to help her to her feet.
"Sango, we must do something to slow that thing down. It is too fast for any of us to handle."
The demon exterminator nodded in agreement.
Inu Yasha sprang again, trying to find the beast's weakness. The youkai was fast… too fast in fact. As the dog demon tried to recover from the recoil of Tetsusaiga against the rock hard skin of his opponent, the lizard jaws latched onto his shoulder. The hanyou let out a cry of agony. He could feel the poison burn through his body similar to the when he was bitten by the spider demon. I will not succumb to this. I must live… I have to live… Inu Yasha tried to fight the effects of the poison even as the lizard demon remained latched unto his body. The half demon let loose another cry of agony. Shippou riding on the back of the injured Kirara came charging into the midst of battle, determined to save his friends. He urged the cat demon to charge head on, hoping to distract the fiendish youkai.
"Go Kirara! Inu Yasha needs us." Shippou cried. I just hope there is something I can do to help. The young kitsune's hands clenched tightly in Kirara's fur. He had to gather all his strength into the attack he was about to execute. Once close enough, Shippou let out a cry, "Fox Fire!!!!!" Letting loose the biggest blast he'd ever created in his life. It hit the lizard demon in its eyes, momentarily blinding the huge lizard. It belted out another horrendous scream as Inu Yasha dropped from its jaws. Shippou never saw the huge tail coming at him. He and his demon companion were sent flying backwards. An alarmed cry erupted from the young demon's lips as he hurtled at breakneck speed through the air. He hit a tree with a sickening thud and all went black.
Inu Yasha lips formed the words but nothing came out. He wanted to yell Shippou's name, to run to him, but he could not move. His body was sluggish in his eyesight blurred in and out of focus. I need to fight it. I will not die. Thank the gods Kagome isn't here. She would have been hurt. Thoughts of the young girl made energy pulse through his veins. What if she had been here? Would I have lain here helplessly while she was slain? No… I am not weak… I will not be weak now… Inu Yasha struggled to his feet using Tetsusaiga as a crutch. He gasped as fire ran through the entire length of his body, but he tried to shrug it off. He got up just in time to see Miroku and Sango rush back in. The demon exterminator swung Hiraikotsu at the already distracted beast, hitting it in its damaged eyes. The youkai roared and let forth a blast of miasma that knocked Sango back. Miroku rushed forth pinning one of ofuda to the belly of the beast. It immobilized the fiend momentarily, giving Inu Yasha enough time to get his bearing and strike.
"The scar in the wind… I can see it now…" Inu Yasha growled through clenched teeth. Leaping through high and raising Tetsusaiga above his head the hanyou let loose another cry, "Kaze no Kizu!!!!"
The lizard youkai's eyes widened as death flashed before its eyes. As the power of the fang sword ripped him to shreds, it howled once more before disappearing in the wind. Inu Yasha lowered his sword and then sheathed it. He ran over to where Shippou lie unconscious.
"You fucking brat! You better be alive or I swear to the gods I will kill you!" Inu Yasha cried out as he picked up the fox child. Shippou's breathing was labored but all that mattered to the hanyou was that he was breathing.
Sango and Miroku limped over leaning heavily against each other. A look of worry crossed the demon exterminator's face as she limped over to Kirara and collapsed unto the fire cat. Kirara lifted her large head a bit and mewled weakly. Sango embraced Kirara tightly before turning to Inu Yasha who was holding Shippou, "Will he be okay?"
Inu Yasha looked at Sango. In his eyes, everybody looked a little worse for wear, "I don't know…"
At that moment, drones of people led by Lord Tsukumo flooded into the heavily damaged garden. They surrounded the group and began to cheer loudly. Sango, Miroku, Inu Yasha, and the barely conscious Kirara, looked around in utter surprise.
"You guys are heroes…"
"You must be some kind of gods…"
"You avenged my family's death. Domo Arigato…"
The yelling and cheering finally overwhelmed the injured and fatigued warriors. They all lapsed into unconsciousness.
***End of Flashback***
I thank the gods Kagome is not here. That demon was tough, not that I haven't faced tougher. Even l didn't escape that nasty beast without a couple of injuries. Inu Yasha hissed as he pulled the collar of his haori to expose some of his injuries to the rapidly cooling night air. His chest was red and raw where his skin had been melted away by miasma. It was beginning to regenerate now but it hurt like hell. His injuries were serious but not as bad as the others. Kirara and Shippou sustained quite a few bumps and bruises when the demon used it tail to swipe them away. Shippou hit a tree and was knocked unconscious for hours. Sango and Miroku both had a couple of wounds and burns to tend to.
Those two are going to be out of commission for a couple of days. I know they are going to be all right though. If Sango hadn't distracted the beast with Hiraikotsu, Miroku wouldn't have been able to pin his ofuda on that thing. Its skin was so hard I couldn't use Tetsusaiga on it or find its weak spot. The damn thing kept moving and shifting. With Miorku's ofuda in place, the demon was bound long enough for me to find its weak spot and use the Kaze no Kizu on it. I wish we had been able to get some information out of that piece of shit but it was too dangerous. The longer that lizard youkai was alive the more of a threat it became to everyone. After all that shit we went through, the damn thing didn't even have a shard.
Oh well… It's not as important as the lives of my friends. I will never tell them, but I was actually worried that someone was going to get killed. I almost thought Shippou was dead when I found him on the ground not moving at all. Myouga had to suck the poison out of one of Miroku's wounds because that bouzu managed to get himself wounded by that damn youkai. Now that all of us sustained injuries in that battle, we have to stay put. I could keep moving but no one would be able to travel with me. Shippou's just a kid and the other two are just human. Humans can't heal as fast as demons. I know for a fact Kirara won't budge unless Sango is okay. So here I am… Stuck in Musashi country… Naraku is out there somewhere and I have no idea what he's done with Kikyo. At least I don't have to worry about Kagome… or do I? What if she came through the well while I was gone? I can't even be sure of what she's going to do. That bitch is way too unpredictable. What if she did come back? She would be defenseless and demons would be drawn to her because of the jewel shards she possesses.
Fear began to well up in his heart, the same emotion that always made him stay close by the well until she returned. Today, he tried to push aside his emotions and go on with his life without Kagome. For a while it worked because he had other things to on his mind, like a huge lizard youkai and his impending death. Still, at the end of the day when all was calm and he could no longer sense any danger, he felt the growing emptiness that came along with the young miko's absence. Frustration began to well up in him.
I have to forget about Kagome. I do not need her. I can live without her… I can… Who am I kidding? How can I make her understand that she cannot be a part of my life anymore when I can't even convince myself? I can't bar her from here; she always finds her way back. I somehow have to make her believe that I… that I… don't want to be with her anymore…
Inu Yasha flinched, not from the nagging pain in his shoulder, but the pain in his heart. I tried to go and break it off with her before. I honestly would have but the words she said to me. She said she wanted to be with me no matter what happened. How can I let her do this? How can I let her love me knowing in the end I have to walk away from her? I can see it in her eyes; she still has some hope that I will change my mind. I don't have the heart to let us keep going on as we are… I can't lead her on anymore. She's too naïve… I'd rather break her heart now… I have to make her believe I'm not worth her time.
The dog demon heaved a great sigh and sniffed at the wind. His thoughts made him restless and the urge to go to Bone Eater's Well began to overcome him. He shifted on his tree limb, rotating his aching shoulder. My injuries aren't too serious. I have been beaten up far worse than this. Plus, I can't smell any nearby youkai. I guess the threat has passed for the night. If I run at top speed, I can make it to the well in no time flat. I need to know if she returned here… I need to know… Without another thought, Inu Yasha leapt from his perch and set back towards his forest with neck breaking speed.
********
Miroku exited the manor house just in time to see the young hanyou dash into the forest. He stopped and rubbed at his injured shoulder blade as he watched the half demons retreating back. Beneath his robes, most of his upper body was bandaged. Despite his injuries, the monk found the energy to walk out into the night. After having a conversation with Sango about Inu Yasha's disposition, the houshi took it upon himself to come out and talk to him. Miroku smirked for he knew fully where the young half demon was headed. Looking off in the direction Inu Yasha disappeared to, Miroku lost himself in his thoughts. He can never stay away from her. No matter how hard he tries to hide it, he loves Kagome. They have a spiritual bond. When I first met the group, I had not noticed. I was too intent on flirting with Kagome-sama to recognize it. I am not even sure they realize the extent to which their lives are intertwined. Neither Kagome nor Inu Yasha, from what I know, questions the fact that they are the only two able to travel between times. It seems to me that they were destined to meet. If this were not true, then all of us could easily pass through the well. But we cannot, I have even tried a few times upon seeing Inu Yasha sneak off to visit Kagome-sama after one of their fights. I am curious to know what kind of world exists on Kagome's side of the well. I wonder what the women are like… Are they all like Kagome-sama? Hmm… That must be pleasant… But I digress…
Dear Kagome… She is willing to endure much to be with him... I can't help but pity the guy… He has the task of choosing between Kikyo and Kagome… two women he loves too much… It is difficult watching Kagome-sama suffer at the hands Inu Yasha. The boy has no class when it comes to women and says and does things that are too callous. Kagome-sama deserves to be treated with more care. She is a naturally kind and loyal person. There is an inner depth and strength to the young miko that holds our group together. I'm not sure we can remain as a united front without her presence. She keeps Inu Yasha under control most of the time and the advanced techniques and supplies she brings from her world help us greatly in our journey to defeat Naraku. She is also a very powerful priestess even though her powers are not as trained as Kikyo's. I try to advise Inu Yasha in matters of the heart, but it is still his choice. I just hope he makes the right choice…
"Miroku?" a childish voice called out from the dark doorway of the house.
Miroku turned towards the door responded, "Yea, its me Shippou… Why don't you come out and sit with me."
The kitsune cub leaped with inherent grace onto the monk's shoulder. Miroku winced a bit.
"I'm sorry… I didn't mean to hurt your back…" Shippou leapt down to sit beside the quiet monk. The child youkai fidgeted a bit, hoping that he would not get yelled at.
"How is your head?" Miroku asked quietly. He did not feel like reprimanding the child for his transgression, everybody had already experienced a trying day.
Shippou looked up at Miroku and then back down at his hands, "It hurts like hell. When I hit that stupid tree, I saw my life flash before my eyes. I thought I was a goner for sure…"
"You had everybody worried for a while. I'm glad you're okay."
Shippou smiled and then looked at the moon, "Inu Yasha isn't here is he?"
The monk beside him shook his head, "No… he ran off, it seems…"
"Probably off to see Kagome… He thinks nobody notices when he does that…" the child youkai was very intuitive and perceptive. "I wish they didn't fight so much. I can't remember my mom and dad ever fighting. I mean... I am sure they did but not so much as Kagome and Inu Yasha do…"
"Well, things are much more complicated…" Miroku sighed. Shippou is affected by the fighting. He's just a kid and his life has been so hard.
"I know… I'm just afraid that baka Inu Yasha is going to say something to make Kagome go away forever. He tried to make her leave before. I don't know what I would if Kagome was gone. She took me in and stood up for me… she cared when no one else would have… She's the closest thing I've got to family…" tears began to pool in Shippou's emerald green eyes.
Miroku reached out and lightly patted the head of the young kitsune, "If I know Kagome-sama, she will be back. She has many responsibilities, you know. Everybody needs some time off especially when dealing with Inu Yasha."
Shippou nodded and continued to look up at the night sky and the emerging stars. Otousan… Mama… I miss you… I wish you were here… Kagome… Please come back… I don't know what I will do if you don't…
The pair sat in silence for what seemed like hours before finally retiring, the weight of their individual thoughts and the stress of the day finally bearing down on Shippou and Miroku's shoulders. Once inside, Shippou curled up with the cat demon, Kirara, wishing that he could sleep in Kagome's arms and listen to her heartbeat. Miroku bedded down in a spot close to Sango, he watched the demon exterminator sleep for some time before sleep finally claimed him.
*********
Inu Yasha maneuvered through the forest with fluid grace and mobility, even with his injuries. The red sleeves of his gi billowed out behind him in stark contrast to his long silver hair that moved with a life of its own. If there were any youkai present deep with the forest to watch the inu hanyou leap and run across the forest floor, they remained hidden. Perhaps, it was in their favor to let the young half demon be. His amber eyes glinted and radiated a glow of determination bright enough to intimidate any foe. In the moonlight, Inu Yasha's claws glinted, reflecting the wayward moonbeams that found their way through the forest canopy. His whole aura held a silent threat to anyone who dare come between him and his destination and with Tetsusaiga at his side; he could make that unspoken threat a certain death. While his body vaulted, dodged, sprinted, and glided over obstacles, his mind focused on one single minded purpose: to reach Kagome. The anxiety that previously tugged at his heart now had full control of his body, spurring him to move faster. The wind whipping across his face and through his hair did nothing to allay his tension or fear.
After hours of pushing as fast and as far as his half demon body would allow, Inu Yasha came to clearing where the Bone Eater's Well lie. He landed on his haunches before the well with feline grace. He was tired and the healing wounds on his chest burned where sweat seeped into it. After catching his breath, he sniffed at the wind hoping to catch Kagome's scent. It was there, but very faint and old. Kagome had not returned since they argued. His shoulders slumped.
"Damn it! I ran out here for nothing. That bitch…" Inu Yasha ranted in unreasonable anger. He knew fully that Kagome had not requested his presence nor was she aware of his worries. He sighed as he sat, "Keh! It doesn't matter anyways. If she was here, I would have to tell that baka I hate her guts… She is such a nuisance… a pain in the ass… a burden… a…" His voice trailed off to silence as he stare at the cold stone well, "Why should I wait until she comes back to tell her this? I should go do it now. Go and get it over with. She's probably awake and doing that home- work or whatever the hell she calls it. The faster I get this over with, the faster she can get on with her life and I with mine…"
His resolve faltered as his clawed hand reached out to touch the lip of the well. Do I really want to sever the ties that bind Kagome and I together? What do I say to her when the time comes? How am I supposed to go about this? Is this really the right thing to do? Inu Yasha stood still for several moments, his hand poised over the well as his conscience attacked him. His jaw clenched in frustration and hands balled into fists as he sought to gather the strength to block his own feelings. "What the fuck is going on? I am not a weakling… I can do this… Kagome means nothing to me… She is just a girl… a useless girl…"
To complete this task I must be heartless. I must be cold… I must be cruel to be kind… He chanted this mantra over and over in his head as hopped into the well and through time. Once on the other side of the well, he caught traces of Kagome's scent along with some of her blood. It had to be days old but it still worried him. His heart raced as he sped towards the house and up to the window he usually used as an entrance. Slipping cautiously through her bedroom window, he caught sight of Kagome sleeping soundly sprawled across her bed.
I built up all this courage to come here and she's in bed. I bet she isn't even thinking of me… Not that it matters now… Should I wake her up? Should I try to tell her now? Inu Yasha unconsciously drew closer to the sleeping girl. He snaked out a clawed hand to touch her but stopped. His amber eyes glistened with the unshed tears and his white ears flattened against his head. He drew his hand back as if he had been burned. This isn't right. I am not that much of an asshole to wake her out of her sleep like that. His heart dropped in his chest. He turned away, berating himself all the while. What made me think I could really do this?
Inu Yasha walked over to the window, ready to flee the scene. His body was growing increasingly weary and if he did not leave and get back to the group soon he might just drop wherever he stood. He froze when his keen ears picked up a whimper from the bed. Oh shit! I did wake her. Now, I have to tell her… No… I have…
"No… Kikyo… n… no… Inu Yasha don't… Don't die…" Kagome cried out in the grips of some nightmare. Tears slid down her soft cheek as she whimpered.
"Kagome…" Inu Yasha was at her bedside in a flash. His clawed hands gripped the edge of her bed and his amber eyes took in the sight of her.
His voice was not enough to comfort her as she continued her distressed cries.
"Please don't… don't leave me…"
It hurt the hanyou to the depths of his soul to see Kagome like this. These are her true feelings. The sadness and pain she hides behind a mask of smiles. It's my fault. I led you to this. I hurt you even in your sleep. I should have put an end to us long ago. I am a coward… Inu Yasha's clawed thumb ran lightly over her cheek, wiping away her salty tears. His touch must have brought the young girl comfort for her whimpers decreased in volume. The hanyou did not notice right away because he was busy reveling in the soft smoothness of Kagome's skin. He never touched her bare skin so intimately before and now he was enraptured. Berating himself for his weakness once again, the dog demon pulled his hand away. A small shuddering sob welled in Kagome's throat and broke free. Inu Yasha suddenly realized that his touch had the power to quiet her.
What should I do? I can't spend the whole night like this. If I don't get out of here soon she might wake up. But… I can't leave her like this… and I am too tired to make it back to the group. I should leave… I really should go now… Inu Yasha thought this even as he inched up onto Kagome's bed so that they were lying face to face. He touched his forehead lightly to hers and his arms wrapped around her pajama-clad body, pulling her closer. Kagome sighed and nuzzled into his warmth. His body was too tired to go rigid in shock although a blush spread on his cheeks. He sighed as well and nuzzled into soft obsidian locks. Just this once… I need to…
The young hanyou fell into light slumber, wanting to remember the feel of Kagome's body against his more than to rest. As the sun began to rise, he disentangled himself from the sleeping girl and with one last look fled the scene. He was fully aware that he could have stayed until she woke up. However, he could not bring himself to sully the intimate moment he shared with Kagome with angry words and awkward situations. His conflicted mind was still bent on breaking it off with the young miko but he decided to put it off until later. What happened in Kagome's room would forever be apart of his memory, her scent, her warmth, her heartbeat, the steady rise and fall of her chest, the way she felt pressed so close to him. He would never forget… even when he turned Kagome's feelings against him… all he needed to remember is that precious moment he shared in her arms… and just maybe that would be enough to keep him going…
Inu Yasha sped towards the well and back to his companions. He didn't know when he would return to finish the task he set out to do. I will be back sooner, rather than later. This one thing I know. Inu Yasha found his way back to Jikoro and his slumbering companions in a short time.
