Chapter 9

The group sat in silence watching Kohaku's unconscious body. It was Sango that first broke the awkward absence of words.
"Do you think he really has a chance Keade"
"It is his choice. To ensure his life he must want to live. He must have a reason o open his eyes. He will live if he remembers. If he can remember you, your face, anything…it could save him"
"I understand"
The silence returned. The awkwardness filled with thought of Kohaku and Sayuri. They were all clueless as to what had happened and were too afraid to speak about it let alone ask Inuyasha.
Meanwhile Kagara was reporting back to Naraku.
"You let them have the boy!" Naraku was furious "I let them have NOTHING!" Kagara yelled, "besides, the boy will be dead anyway. That fool removed the shard. She is so clueless! So what does it matter…all they will have is a corpse. Tell me, why is that such a bad thing"
"I think it is you who are clueless. You don't even realize what you've done! Kanna"
"Yes Naraku"
"Your mirror could have prevented the loss of the boy…now tell me, why did you not take her soul"
"The mirror would not let me. I do not know the reason why either, master. Unlike the human girl who made it break, this time it was as if there was no soul to take at all. I apologize for my failure"
Naraku gave a very displeased growl, "Leave, both of you! Right now! And do not return until you have captured the girl, retrieved the boy, or destroyed Inuyasha"
"Yes Naraku," Kanna answered As Kanna answered Kagara muttered under her breath, cursing Naraku.
Shippo was beginning to fidget. He was becoming impatient and bored. This time it was him that broke the silence "Do you think she'll come back"
Everyone looked up, startled, because Shippo had interrupted their deep thought.
"Does it matter?" Inuyasha asked. He seemed very annoyed.
" I was just wondering!" Shippo retorted "Inuyasha-" Kagome started "Don't ask"
"But"
"I said DON'T ASK"
"Why not"
"Because I already told you too much by telling you who her father was…and…I shouldn't have"
"Kagome felt like she was going to cry. "Why doesn't he ever tell me anything? I just don't see why he can't share what he's thinking or feeling! Why can't he just tell us?" she thought Kagome child..."Kaede waited for a response and got none. Kagome was too busy thinking, "KAGOME"
"Huh? Oh I'm sorry Kaede. What did you say"
"I asked if you would mind taking the kitsune to fetch some water. He wants to be of assistance"
The two were getting nearer to the river.
"Thanks to you Kagome, Inuyasha can't complain that I don't help"
"You're welcome Shippo"
"Do you think that Kohaku is gonna live"
"I don't know but I hope he does…. I don't know what Sango would do if"
"Yeah I hope so too"
"What is it Shippo? If you want to ask me something then just ask"
"Umm…well here it goes…do you think Sayuri will come back"
Just as Kagome was about to reply and the two arrived at the river, they saw the silhouette of a familiar figure in the light of the rising sun. Sayuri heard the rustle of the fallen leaves underneath the wheel of Kagome's bike. She turned around to face what she thought was just a stupid villager. Kagome once again felt as though the deep eyes were looking right through her and she wasn't sure why, but it hurt her to see Sayuri's tear streaked face.
"Look Kagome," Shippo whispered, "it's Sayuri. We could make her come back with us." Although she heard him, Kagome didn't respond. Neither of the two girls moved. It was as if they were in a trance, staring directly into the eyes of the other, immobilized by an indescribable emotion, almost like fear. Shippo looked back and forth. First at Kagome and then at Sayuri. He jumped out of the bike basket and began to tug at Kagome's arm "Come on Kagome! Kaede needs the water for Kohaku's wounds"
She did not budge. The only thought that ran through her mind was about Sayuri.
"She was crying…she…she's so strong but she still cried. And worst of all I cant help her…I just cant believe it! What would make her cry? Why did she cry?"