welps- I'm glad you liked the last chappy, hai- I did make it longer and I really like the way it turned out. It was a fun chappy to write, and sorry about the cruel joke about ending the story...if I ever intend to end this story...you will be notified...and there will most likely be a sequel-lol- but I'm not big on sequel's anymore, especially since I had a 4 part story that I'm not too crazy for now...looking back on it, I'm not thrilled with my writing- but it would take WAY too much work to go back over it. So basically, this story will most likely continue here- maybe going as far as 50-60 chappies..i dunno...anyways- on with this chappy! ENJOY!
Chapter 33
Earlier that day, Inuyasha had felt broken- his dreams taunted him of things he wanted, love he longed for. He was sleeping when he heard Kagome's voice- the sweet innocent tone making his ears twitch as she nudged him. He opened his honey pools to look up into her smiling face- looking around in confusion a moment before realizing that her near-death had been a mistake, a trick- a simple nightmare that he never wanted to relive. "Something wrong Inuyasha?" She gazed at him curiously. "ano...no- Nothing's wrong..." He sighed into a smile- drinking up each passing moment, every inch of her face-her long soft ebony hair. He was almost convinced this was reality- until the dreams ended...sweeping him back to the dark hut- where he sat motionless for several minutes- smelling death over the room once again, cursing his dreams for horribly teasing him in such a cruel way.
But now- though she was deep in an exhausted sleep with dirt smearing her cheeks and her entire body dripping wet- he could watch her, knowing that she would wake soon and he could take her in his arms- taste her lips again and know everything would be alright, show her that he cared. That made him smile- a genuine little smirk that curved his lips for the first time in what seemed like forever.
Kagome's figure lay in Inuyasha's arms now- he held her closely in his lap, his body giving her warmth as she pressed against his chest. They were now alone together in her hut- a blazing fire crackling before them. Moments ago, figures had crowded the room- Sango had thrown her arms around Kagome's dispondent form, sobbing with happiness as Shippo clung to Kagome's neck for dear life. Miroku and Kaede smiled happily in the background- withholding tears behind their eyes as news of Kagome's improved condition and apparent recovery filled their minds with hope again. Kagome, however, hardly hugged them back- she was too exhausted to tell what was going on around her, and her body ached to sleep, but as much as she drifted into the looming darkness- reality always clung to her side like a dream she couldn't escape.
The next morning- Kagome's eyes fluttered open curiously and glanced around the empty hut. She could hear voices outside the door and she stumbled to her feet, catiously standing against the wall by the beaded door- listening in on the conversation of voices. She could recognize the sounds of their voices- but it wasn't enough, it was like hearing someone for the first time- she could place names with faces and voices, but they were like familiar strangers. She sighed, tiredly walking to the bed and sitting down, looking over her hands and thinking quietly. She looked up as everyone outside began to enter the room. They looked overjoyed to see her awake, just as they had the night before. They smiled softly as she stared at them, giving them small momentary smiles to muse them.
Sango sat by her side as Inuyasha and Miroku lingered quietly by the door of the room. Sango gave her friend a small hug, trying not to bother her injuries. Her eyes brimmed with new tears that she withheld, and Inuyasha's attitude had returned overnight. He rolled his eyes momentarily as Sango forced her tears away. Kagome's brown hues darted around the room- though she knew all their names, she hardly recognized them- as though they were new to her.
'This young girl...Sango...the young monk...Miroku...the small fox child by the door- Shippo....the elder woman who cared for me last night..ummm- Kaede... and- the boy who held me in his arms last night- the one who found me in the woods...the same one who gives me a tingling feeling when he touches me and sends an unusual sensation down my back when he looks or speaks to me...-Inu..yasha...' She sighed, her eyes tracing their figures as if she were trying to replace the old, blurry pictures in her memories with the new, fresh faces she saw in the rooms. Each time she looked them over, it was as if their name simply came to her head- from out of nowhere- she only wished the remainder of her memories would follow, but they didn't.
"Kagome...do you want to go by the hotsprings? You can clean up and change into some new clothes..." Sango smiled comfortingly as Kagome's eyes roamed over her bloodied clothes and distantly nodded a yes. Sango grabbed some of her things- a change of clothes for Kagome and herself, then some towels and such. The two girls then walked from the hut, followed by the boys who conversed about something that Kagome didn't quite catch. She sighed- licking her lower lip slightly only to be greeted with a metallic taste of blood from a cut. Her finger gently wiped the cut, then her eyes darted to the small ball of fur that ran toward her. Involuntarily her arms flew open as Shippo jumped up into her embrace, just as natural as it had been for years. Kagome smiled lightly as Shippo began to ramble about his concerns for her.
Inuyasha immediately scolded the child for being so rough. "Hey squirt! Be careful- Kagome's injuries are still healing...don't be so rough..." Shippo looked at him from Kagome's shoulder as she looked between them, then Shippo apologized. "Gomen ne Kagome-chan! Did I hurt you?" She shook her head softly to relieve his fears. "its alright..." She whispered softly-looking at Inuyasha faintly for a moment. Inuyasha caught the unusual expression in her eyes-it set him off uneasily, he turned his eyes away with a huff. Kagome wasn't sure why he had concerned himself about her injuries-he was being rude, but kind- she quickly brushed it off as the three began toward the hotspring, leaving Inuyasha, Miroku, and now Kohaku to await Koga and Ayame- who were coming later to check on Kagome.
Inuyasha and Miroku started back towards Kaede's hut, but Kohaku stared at Kagome and the others curiously until they left-a strange expression on his face as he studied them, Kirara mewing on his shoulder until he turned and followed Inuyasha and Miroku.
-------------------------------
Shippo stood guard by the hotspring as Kagome and Sango slipped out of their clothes and into the warm waters. Kagome carefully removed each piece of bloodied fabric, which was torn and tattered in every possible place. Sango looked over the many extensive wounds as Kagome carefully pulled the bandages away, wincing as the girl ripped away the bandages from her shoulder. "That must have been some battle with Nanashi..." Sango commented as she slipped into the water. Kagome gave her a strange look, then nodded slightly as she followed into the warm embrace of the heated liquid, dipping over her head to drench her black locks, then returning to sit against a rock.
Sango pondered silently a moment, watching her friend stare aimlessly at the surface of the spring while steam lifted off all around-finally deciding to speak. "Kagome..." After a moment, her brown hues lifted to meet Sango's. "ano...We thought we lost you this time...you were dangling on death's edge..." Sango's diverting eyes were forced to look at Kagome again- clouded slightly with tears as she continued. "What happened? ...Inuyasha said you disappeared--- and when he found you...you...regained your soul...what happened?" Her eyes pleaded for the truth, but Kagome searched through her mind and found nothing but blank spaces- she replayed it again and again, desperate to find this young girl some sort of satisying answer- but nothing was left. She sighed, biting her lip ackwardly- then speaking distantly. "I don't know...I can't- I can't remember..." Sango smiled comfortingly. "It's alright...whatever happened- it doesn't matter now...your back...and Kaede says after your wounds heal you'll be back to you old self..."
Kagome's eyes went back to studying the dark pool of water before her, searching for the 'old self' that Sango spoke of. She feared telling her 'friends' about the loss of her memories...she didn't want to disappoint them, she wanted to make them happy-since she had obviously caused them enough pain in the past. She only wanted the blurred pictures to become clear- the blanks to be filled in. She remembered their names, but that's where it ended- she was lost in a sea of confusion, where nothing made sense anymore.
Silence befell the two girls for the next few moments, until Sango started telling the dispondent Kagome about Inuyasha's actions while she was gone. A few stories made them both giggle and smile, but Sango could tell that Kagome was harboring some secret within her mind. 'Why won't she tell me...what could possibly be making her act this way...its as though she is looking through me...like she has no idea who I am...' Sango brushed it off for the moment- rationalizing that it was due to Kagome's lack of sleep and exhaustion.
The two finally got out, drying themselves off and carefully dressing. Sango put on her usual kimono over her exterminating outfit, then helped Kagome rebandage her injuries. When they were finished Kagome slipped into a royal blue kimono-like dress flowing to her ankles with a long slit up to her thigh- Sango had always favored it on her. Sango then braided her drying hair, the tendrals falling toward her face gently- making Sango smile in envy of her friends beauty. All three started back toward the village by mid-day.
Inuyasha and Miroku had already greeted Koga and Ayame about a half-hour after the girls' diparture. All four sat around the fire discussing the situation that had lead to the current point. None of them could truly account for all the occurences, but they made many theories while Kohaku stood by in the background, listening carefully until he left the hut and met up with Sango and the others at the edge of the village. Kohaku followed Kagome to her hut while Shippo and Sango made thier way to Kaede's hut to see Koga and the others.
-----------------------------
Once inside, Kohaku confronted Kagome about his suspicions. "You don't remember us...do you?" He said flatly. Kagome sighed, turning to face him- letting her disillusioned eyes stare at him. "What makes you say such a thing...Kohaku?" She asked, her voice slightly quiet and shaky, trying to play off the situation. He sighed- already gaining his conformation. "Kagome...you might remember our names...but I've seen that lost and lonely feeling before- your eyes tell it all...believe me- I know how it makes you feel..." He let his voice trail as her voice caught in her throat- now everyone would know. "I- I- ..." Her gaze drifted to the shelf on the side of the hut, her hands pulled down the pictures of her friends- looking them over with glassed brown hues. "I can't see them clearly...everything that rushes around in my mind...its all gone...something is missing..." Her finger drifted over the old photo of the group- it was taken long before Inuyasha died, by the well before it was closed off. Everyone was happily smiling for the camera that Kagome had brought from her era.
"I can tell you exactly who these people are....Sango- Miroku-- Shippo....Inuyasha...I can even recognize the one they call Kagome...who is me I suppose...but- ...that's where it ends and all the blank spaces begin...I can't tell you where or when this picture was taken because I don't remember...I couldn't tell you how I knew these people or even if they really existed...because I have no idea..." Kohaku watched as she searched her mind, as if she were scanning the pictures for answers that it held- desperately pleading it for memories. "....Its---" She swallowed hard before continuing. "Its like seeing these familiar strangers...people you know that you've seen before-but you have no idea who they are...the pictures aren't clear enough and their are too many blanks for me to read the full thought...I'm stuck with halfs and nothings...." She shook her head- tossing the picture to the bed gently.
Kohaku sighed- concern filling his lungs with every breath...he knew how it felt to be alone in your mind- to forget everything you once loved. "Why haven't you told Inuyasha...or the others?" She smiled softly, returning her gaze to him as she sat on the bed with a few more pictures held tightly in her hands. "They didn't ask..." She laughed slightly- letting her eyes go back over the pictures before her. Kohaku left- not sure if she would even notice as he went to the hut with a heavy heart- not quite sure how to deliver the news about Kagome's condition.
She heard him leave- and she knew exactly what that meant- in a few moments she was sure she would hear the shuffle of feet and distant voices getting closer until they burst into the hut with all their confused and concerned questions...but she was ready, she just sat indian-style with her legs folded on the bed, staring over the handfull of pictures spread out before her in a calm manner. 'Sango...Miroku...hai- they must be married...' She smiled- glancing over the wedding photo that showed Sango in a beautiful flowing white kimono-the most content smile playing on her face as Miroku smiled brightly beside her- his arm around her happily as he wore a handsome white tux. Kagome and Shippo stood by in the background, Shippo in Kagome's arms- wearing a small robe of his own, Kagome wearing a beautiful flowing red sundress with a ring of red flowers pinned in her ebony hair like an elegant crown.
Kohaku and Kirara were also present, Kirara looked especially cute with a blue ribbon on her neck as she sat on Kohaku's shoulder, who was wearing a nice robe kimono. That made everyone present except Inuyasha. Another picture dipicted all the wedding guests- Kaede, Ayame, Koga...everyone- everyone except Inuyasha. She couldn't quite understand where he was.
She studied the picture further- noticing that everyone from this picture was present in the others except Inuyasha. She looked over herself in the red sundress- noticing the smile seemed different from the rest of the photos- in some way, it was less content- uneasy or saddened in some way. She continued to stare at the photo until she heard the footsteps and concerned voices coming closer- breaking her train of deep thought. 'Here they come...' She sighed, her eyes glaring into the spread of pitcures carelessly, as if she was looking through them.
---------------------------------
Kohaku had walked into a conversation about Kagome when he entered Kaede's hut. Sango had informed the boys that they had returned when Miroku asked her what was bothering her. Sango clenched her fist close to her chest, biting her lip as she tried to figure out a way to put her concerns gently. She sighed, taking a seat by Miroku gently and staring into the flames before her. "Its...Kagome..." Everyone looked at her curiously. "Is she alright?" Miroku asked quickly. "Hmmm... Un- for the most part she is fine...but- something is wrong..." Kirara mewed, jumping into Sango's lap from her previous position of playing with the children in the other room. "What is it? What's wrong with her...are her wounds not healing properly?" Ayame spoke up- wondering what Sango could be trying to tell them. Sango's eyes drifted over the concerned faces- trying to reach some sort of conclusion on Kagome's condition as her hand petted Kirara soothingly.
She sighed- shaking her head. "Iya...I don't know...Its just- something about her...the way she looks at you-- its...different..." She looked at Miroku with concern as he comforted her, pulling her closer as her rubbed her back gently. Inuyasha listened closely- the things Sango said were making little sense to him, but he understood somehow. "Sango...I think I know what you mean..." He sighed, his ember orbs reflecting the flames he now gazed on as he voiced his speculations. "I'm not sure...but somehow she is different-- When I pulled her from the forest...it was like she was dreaming or asleep with her eyes open...she was distant and unresponsive- but I thought it was just from her injuries..." Miroku thought deeply for a few moments as everyone took into account the things they had just heard, but Koga quickly spoke up just as Kohaku entered the room, having already overheard the majority of the conversation from the doorway.
"I hope its not what I think..." He sighed. "But if it is...it shouldn't last too long..." Kohaku sighed deeply at Koga's last comment before speaking. "Let's hope not..." Sango and the others turned their eyes to the young boy who had volunteered his participation in the conversation. "Whats...the matter Kohaku?" Sango could tell something was bothering her brother. "Its true...Kagome's memory...is gone..." Everyone's concerns were realized as they stared curiously at the young slayer. "How-- How do you know?" Koga questioned, a bit of concern and disbelief playing on his voice. "She told me...I could recognize that dull look in anyone's eyes..."
Everyone got to their feet- determined to get some answers from Kagome as they began to go to her hut. The entire group watched from the door as Sango and Ayame entered first- insisting that the boys wouldn't be gentle enough and might upset her. "Kagome?" Sango called gently as she sat on the edge of the bed by Kagome's rather distant looking figure. Her hand gently went up, brushing Kagome's stray strands of hair from the side of her face as they cascaded over her shoulder. "Kagome...tell me...is it true? What Kohaku says? ...You don't remember any of us?"
She lifted her eyes to Sango, the same lifeless look in her eyes- as if she had lost all the light behind them. She sighed. "I wish I could...I've tried so hard but- its gone... somehow- I lost all recollection of you...any of you...and I'm not sure how to regain it..." Inuyasha's charming personality seethed with annoyance as he stepped into the room, rolling his eyes as he raised his voice to Kagome. "STUPID GIRL! Why didn't you tell us before?! Were you just going to go around pretending the entire time?" Kagome huffed, looking passed Sango with a fiery glare. "Shut up Inuyasha! You didn't exactly ask if I remembered you! Was I just suppose to crush all of your celebrating by telling you I had no idea who you are!" Inuyasha glared at her with a huff. "Well when were you planning to mention this? When you got out in a hunt and forgot how to fight?!"
Kagome rolled her eyes with a sigh, pushing her feet over the side of the bed as Sango went to Miroku's side by the door- everyone's eyes staring at the two as they attempted to have one of their old arguments. "Gimme a break- I remember how to fight you jerk! Just because I don't have memories doesn't make me a half-wit!" Inuyasha growled low in his chest. "Well you still should have mentioned something!" Kagome sighed annoyingly- though something about this argument made her want to inwardly smile. 'Not like they wouldn't have figured it out eventually anyways...'
"I'm going for a walk..." She pushed herself off the bed as her feet hit the floor, but with a few steps she immediately regretted it. Her heart raced into her throat- pounding so loudly she could hear it over everything else- her knees buckled easily and she felt herself letting out a small gasp as she lost her breath momentarily. Fortunately, Inuyasha caught her quickly in his arms before her knees even hit the floor, letting her body press against his for support. Her head rested against his chest momentarily until she regained her posture, swallowing as her head cleared again. "You need to rest Kagome...your wounds aren't healed and you've overexerted yourself for today..."
His ember orbs burned into her, just as before but she pulled her eyes away- slipping from his grip as she made her way out the door, grabbing her Kinjai shiisu as all her friends watched helplessly as she left the hut. "Don't tell me what to do Inuyasha...I'm fine..." Sango and the others pleaded with her to stay in the village and get some rest- but she refused. She mounted Yurusu tiredly-the slit in her dress enabling her to do so without too many problems, then she looked back at the hut door where an annoyingly concerned Inuyasha stared her down- barking at Sango and Ayame.
"Give it up- she's too stubborn to listen to any common sense- she's just going to go running off again and get herself eaten by demons..." He walked over, pulling the Kinjai blade from his sash and handing it up to a confused Kagome. "Its yours...I just hope you remember how to use it..." His voice drippe with slight hints of sarcasm and annoyance- but Kagome ignored it. Her hand went down- grabbing the blade curiously and slipping into her sheath. Kagome smiled slighty for a moment at Inuyasha-as if to thank him- then she turned the horse toward the forest. "I will be back before long...I just need some fresh air..." She began trotting into the forest as the late afternoon sky poured colorful sunlight over the entire landscape- most was dry, but wet patches still remained from the large amount of rain that had previously fallen.
Koga commanded a few of his wolves to track Kagome and make sure she stayed out of trouble while he continued to complain about the girl's wreckless habits. "Even when she can't remember who she is- SHE IS STILL STUBBORN AND RECKLESS!" Inuyasha was fairly quite as they all went into Kaede's hut to discuss her current 'state of mind'. Shippo, Kasaku, and Kota played quietly in the corner- all unaware of what the others were discussing around the fire.
"THAT WENCH! What did that kijo do to her?!" Inuyasha clenched his fists furiously, slamming it into the ground before him in frustration that he had withheld until Kagome was gone. "Calm down dog-boy....I don't think it was the kijo at all..." Koga replied calmly from his deep thoughts as he stared into the flames. Ayame clung closer to his arm, looking up at him curiously. "Do you think..." She was unable to finish as Koga stared deeply into her eyes- his gentle fingers caressing her cheek comfortingly with a nod, then holding her closely as she snuggle nect to him. "Hai...I think it finally happened..." His eyes wandered up to Miroku, who held Sango tightly in his lap, his arms around her soothingly as she buried herself next to him- her head leaning back on his shoulder gently. Miroku looked at Koga knowingly with a soft sigh.
Inuyasha simply looked between everyone in the group, getting increasingly irritated that everyone seemed to know what was happening except him. "ALRIGHT! What is going on!? TELL ME!"
-----------------------
Kagome let the horse wander into the forest at a slow pace- late afternoon sun pouring through the trees and seemingly setting the leaves on fire. She breathed deeply- the scent of earth and rain that smelled clear and fresh. Her eyes moved over the blade at her side curiously- then shifted to the swaying bow and quiver attached to the horse's side. 'I know how to use them...but- ...its like I never have before...and this blade- it feels so strange...hmmm...' Her thoughts roamed curiously over different topics- at one point she found her fingers slipping up to her neck to find something- but they were met with an emptiness. She felt around until she realized there was nothing there. "Whats missing? Why do I feel like I should be wearing a necklace of somekind..." Her hand slipped back down to the reins-enjoying the silent ride until she came to a clearing, the well sitting in the middle with seals covering the board over it.
She smoothed out the bottom of her blue kimono-like dress uneasily, then finally gave way to curiosity and dismounted the horse-walking to the covered well. Her fingers fidgeted with the ebony tendrals that had escaped the long flowing braid down her back as her brown hues gazed over the old wooden well. She bit her lip curiously, ready to touch the seals and examine it further when her eyes darted foward- searching the shadows for a figure.
Soon, a form stepped from the shadows- she seemed to recognize the armor and kimono and most certainly the long flowing white strands of hair, but she couldn't quite remember his name. The face along with all its information were slurred horribly in her mind- unlike the other figures in her life up to this point, she couldn't remember this person's name...though she was positive she must know him from somewhere. His stoic glare sized her up from the short distance as his ember orbs coldly burned into her without any readable emotion.
»--------------------------«
Welps- the next few chappies will probly revolve around a number of different events...most all leading to special things that will be happening...but no worries- this isn't one of those fics that will end when Inu/kag get together...nope nope, I want to go further- I want to go into their children's stories(hai, I plan for them to have children) and everything that happens there- sound good? alright- so hold on...we could be in for a LONG ride...lol R&R! -trans. at the bottom as always-
ano- er, ummm
Dokomade- how far
Ageku- Finally
Kogatana- small knife(in this case it was a small knife Kagome kept secretly strapped to her ankle for easy access- kinda like Sango's many concealed weapons in her uniform)
Haimu- home
shiisu- sword sheath
Matte- wait
Gomen nasai- I'm sorry; my apologies
Kijo- demoness; she-devil; witch
Un- Yeah
Chapter 33
Earlier that day, Inuyasha had felt broken- his dreams taunted him of things he wanted, love he longed for. He was sleeping when he heard Kagome's voice- the sweet innocent tone making his ears twitch as she nudged him. He opened his honey pools to look up into her smiling face- looking around in confusion a moment before realizing that her near-death had been a mistake, a trick- a simple nightmare that he never wanted to relive. "Something wrong Inuyasha?" She gazed at him curiously. "ano...no- Nothing's wrong..." He sighed into a smile- drinking up each passing moment, every inch of her face-her long soft ebony hair. He was almost convinced this was reality- until the dreams ended...sweeping him back to the dark hut- where he sat motionless for several minutes- smelling death over the room once again, cursing his dreams for horribly teasing him in such a cruel way.
But now- though she was deep in an exhausted sleep with dirt smearing her cheeks and her entire body dripping wet- he could watch her, knowing that she would wake soon and he could take her in his arms- taste her lips again and know everything would be alright, show her that he cared. That made him smile- a genuine little smirk that curved his lips for the first time in what seemed like forever.
Kagome's figure lay in Inuyasha's arms now- he held her closely in his lap, his body giving her warmth as she pressed against his chest. They were now alone together in her hut- a blazing fire crackling before them. Moments ago, figures had crowded the room- Sango had thrown her arms around Kagome's dispondent form, sobbing with happiness as Shippo clung to Kagome's neck for dear life. Miroku and Kaede smiled happily in the background- withholding tears behind their eyes as news of Kagome's improved condition and apparent recovery filled their minds with hope again. Kagome, however, hardly hugged them back- she was too exhausted to tell what was going on around her, and her body ached to sleep, but as much as she drifted into the looming darkness- reality always clung to her side like a dream she couldn't escape.
The next morning- Kagome's eyes fluttered open curiously and glanced around the empty hut. She could hear voices outside the door and she stumbled to her feet, catiously standing against the wall by the beaded door- listening in on the conversation of voices. She could recognize the sounds of their voices- but it wasn't enough, it was like hearing someone for the first time- she could place names with faces and voices, but they were like familiar strangers. She sighed, tiredly walking to the bed and sitting down, looking over her hands and thinking quietly. She looked up as everyone outside began to enter the room. They looked overjoyed to see her awake, just as they had the night before. They smiled softly as she stared at them, giving them small momentary smiles to muse them.
Sango sat by her side as Inuyasha and Miroku lingered quietly by the door of the room. Sango gave her friend a small hug, trying not to bother her injuries. Her eyes brimmed with new tears that she withheld, and Inuyasha's attitude had returned overnight. He rolled his eyes momentarily as Sango forced her tears away. Kagome's brown hues darted around the room- though she knew all their names, she hardly recognized them- as though they were new to her.
'This young girl...Sango...the young monk...Miroku...the small fox child by the door- Shippo....the elder woman who cared for me last night..ummm- Kaede... and- the boy who held me in his arms last night- the one who found me in the woods...the same one who gives me a tingling feeling when he touches me and sends an unusual sensation down my back when he looks or speaks to me...-Inu..yasha...' She sighed, her eyes tracing their figures as if she were trying to replace the old, blurry pictures in her memories with the new, fresh faces she saw in the rooms. Each time she looked them over, it was as if their name simply came to her head- from out of nowhere- she only wished the remainder of her memories would follow, but they didn't.
"Kagome...do you want to go by the hotsprings? You can clean up and change into some new clothes..." Sango smiled comfortingly as Kagome's eyes roamed over her bloodied clothes and distantly nodded a yes. Sango grabbed some of her things- a change of clothes for Kagome and herself, then some towels and such. The two girls then walked from the hut, followed by the boys who conversed about something that Kagome didn't quite catch. She sighed- licking her lower lip slightly only to be greeted with a metallic taste of blood from a cut. Her finger gently wiped the cut, then her eyes darted to the small ball of fur that ran toward her. Involuntarily her arms flew open as Shippo jumped up into her embrace, just as natural as it had been for years. Kagome smiled lightly as Shippo began to ramble about his concerns for her.
Inuyasha immediately scolded the child for being so rough. "Hey squirt! Be careful- Kagome's injuries are still healing...don't be so rough..." Shippo looked at him from Kagome's shoulder as she looked between them, then Shippo apologized. "Gomen ne Kagome-chan! Did I hurt you?" She shook her head softly to relieve his fears. "its alright..." She whispered softly-looking at Inuyasha faintly for a moment. Inuyasha caught the unusual expression in her eyes-it set him off uneasily, he turned his eyes away with a huff. Kagome wasn't sure why he had concerned himself about her injuries-he was being rude, but kind- she quickly brushed it off as the three began toward the hotspring, leaving Inuyasha, Miroku, and now Kohaku to await Koga and Ayame- who were coming later to check on Kagome.
Inuyasha and Miroku started back towards Kaede's hut, but Kohaku stared at Kagome and the others curiously until they left-a strange expression on his face as he studied them, Kirara mewing on his shoulder until he turned and followed Inuyasha and Miroku.
-------------------------------
Shippo stood guard by the hotspring as Kagome and Sango slipped out of their clothes and into the warm waters. Kagome carefully removed each piece of bloodied fabric, which was torn and tattered in every possible place. Sango looked over the many extensive wounds as Kagome carefully pulled the bandages away, wincing as the girl ripped away the bandages from her shoulder. "That must have been some battle with Nanashi..." Sango commented as she slipped into the water. Kagome gave her a strange look, then nodded slightly as she followed into the warm embrace of the heated liquid, dipping over her head to drench her black locks, then returning to sit against a rock.
Sango pondered silently a moment, watching her friend stare aimlessly at the surface of the spring while steam lifted off all around-finally deciding to speak. "Kagome..." After a moment, her brown hues lifted to meet Sango's. "ano...We thought we lost you this time...you were dangling on death's edge..." Sango's diverting eyes were forced to look at Kagome again- clouded slightly with tears as she continued. "What happened? ...Inuyasha said you disappeared--- and when he found you...you...regained your soul...what happened?" Her eyes pleaded for the truth, but Kagome searched through her mind and found nothing but blank spaces- she replayed it again and again, desperate to find this young girl some sort of satisying answer- but nothing was left. She sighed, biting her lip ackwardly- then speaking distantly. "I don't know...I can't- I can't remember..." Sango smiled comfortingly. "It's alright...whatever happened- it doesn't matter now...your back...and Kaede says after your wounds heal you'll be back to you old self..."
Kagome's eyes went back to studying the dark pool of water before her, searching for the 'old self' that Sango spoke of. She feared telling her 'friends' about the loss of her memories...she didn't want to disappoint them, she wanted to make them happy-since she had obviously caused them enough pain in the past. She only wanted the blurred pictures to become clear- the blanks to be filled in. She remembered their names, but that's where it ended- she was lost in a sea of confusion, where nothing made sense anymore.
Silence befell the two girls for the next few moments, until Sango started telling the dispondent Kagome about Inuyasha's actions while she was gone. A few stories made them both giggle and smile, but Sango could tell that Kagome was harboring some secret within her mind. 'Why won't she tell me...what could possibly be making her act this way...its as though she is looking through me...like she has no idea who I am...' Sango brushed it off for the moment- rationalizing that it was due to Kagome's lack of sleep and exhaustion.
The two finally got out, drying themselves off and carefully dressing. Sango put on her usual kimono over her exterminating outfit, then helped Kagome rebandage her injuries. When they were finished Kagome slipped into a royal blue kimono-like dress flowing to her ankles with a long slit up to her thigh- Sango had always favored it on her. Sango then braided her drying hair, the tendrals falling toward her face gently- making Sango smile in envy of her friends beauty. All three started back toward the village by mid-day.
Inuyasha and Miroku had already greeted Koga and Ayame about a half-hour after the girls' diparture. All four sat around the fire discussing the situation that had lead to the current point. None of them could truly account for all the occurences, but they made many theories while Kohaku stood by in the background, listening carefully until he left the hut and met up with Sango and the others at the edge of the village. Kohaku followed Kagome to her hut while Shippo and Sango made thier way to Kaede's hut to see Koga and the others.
-----------------------------
Once inside, Kohaku confronted Kagome about his suspicions. "You don't remember us...do you?" He said flatly. Kagome sighed, turning to face him- letting her disillusioned eyes stare at him. "What makes you say such a thing...Kohaku?" She asked, her voice slightly quiet and shaky, trying to play off the situation. He sighed- already gaining his conformation. "Kagome...you might remember our names...but I've seen that lost and lonely feeling before- your eyes tell it all...believe me- I know how it makes you feel..." He let his voice trail as her voice caught in her throat- now everyone would know. "I- I- ..." Her gaze drifted to the shelf on the side of the hut, her hands pulled down the pictures of her friends- looking them over with glassed brown hues. "I can't see them clearly...everything that rushes around in my mind...its all gone...something is missing..." Her finger drifted over the old photo of the group- it was taken long before Inuyasha died, by the well before it was closed off. Everyone was happily smiling for the camera that Kagome had brought from her era.
"I can tell you exactly who these people are....Sango- Miroku-- Shippo....Inuyasha...I can even recognize the one they call Kagome...who is me I suppose...but- ...that's where it ends and all the blank spaces begin...I can't tell you where or when this picture was taken because I don't remember...I couldn't tell you how I knew these people or even if they really existed...because I have no idea..." Kohaku watched as she searched her mind, as if she were scanning the pictures for answers that it held- desperately pleading it for memories. "....Its---" She swallowed hard before continuing. "Its like seeing these familiar strangers...people you know that you've seen before-but you have no idea who they are...the pictures aren't clear enough and their are too many blanks for me to read the full thought...I'm stuck with halfs and nothings...." She shook her head- tossing the picture to the bed gently.
Kohaku sighed- concern filling his lungs with every breath...he knew how it felt to be alone in your mind- to forget everything you once loved. "Why haven't you told Inuyasha...or the others?" She smiled softly, returning her gaze to him as she sat on the bed with a few more pictures held tightly in her hands. "They didn't ask..." She laughed slightly- letting her eyes go back over the pictures before her. Kohaku left- not sure if she would even notice as he went to the hut with a heavy heart- not quite sure how to deliver the news about Kagome's condition.
She heard him leave- and she knew exactly what that meant- in a few moments she was sure she would hear the shuffle of feet and distant voices getting closer until they burst into the hut with all their confused and concerned questions...but she was ready, she just sat indian-style with her legs folded on the bed, staring over the handfull of pictures spread out before her in a calm manner. 'Sango...Miroku...hai- they must be married...' She smiled- glancing over the wedding photo that showed Sango in a beautiful flowing white kimono-the most content smile playing on her face as Miroku smiled brightly beside her- his arm around her happily as he wore a handsome white tux. Kagome and Shippo stood by in the background, Shippo in Kagome's arms- wearing a small robe of his own, Kagome wearing a beautiful flowing red sundress with a ring of red flowers pinned in her ebony hair like an elegant crown.
Kohaku and Kirara were also present, Kirara looked especially cute with a blue ribbon on her neck as she sat on Kohaku's shoulder, who was wearing a nice robe kimono. That made everyone present except Inuyasha. Another picture dipicted all the wedding guests- Kaede, Ayame, Koga...everyone- everyone except Inuyasha. She couldn't quite understand where he was.
She studied the picture further- noticing that everyone from this picture was present in the others except Inuyasha. She looked over herself in the red sundress- noticing the smile seemed different from the rest of the photos- in some way, it was less content- uneasy or saddened in some way. She continued to stare at the photo until she heard the footsteps and concerned voices coming closer- breaking her train of deep thought. 'Here they come...' She sighed, her eyes glaring into the spread of pitcures carelessly, as if she was looking through them.
---------------------------------
Kohaku had walked into a conversation about Kagome when he entered Kaede's hut. Sango had informed the boys that they had returned when Miroku asked her what was bothering her. Sango clenched her fist close to her chest, biting her lip as she tried to figure out a way to put her concerns gently. She sighed, taking a seat by Miroku gently and staring into the flames before her. "Its...Kagome..." Everyone looked at her curiously. "Is she alright?" Miroku asked quickly. "Hmmm... Un- for the most part she is fine...but- something is wrong..." Kirara mewed, jumping into Sango's lap from her previous position of playing with the children in the other room. "What is it? What's wrong with her...are her wounds not healing properly?" Ayame spoke up- wondering what Sango could be trying to tell them. Sango's eyes drifted over the concerned faces- trying to reach some sort of conclusion on Kagome's condition as her hand petted Kirara soothingly.
She sighed- shaking her head. "Iya...I don't know...Its just- something about her...the way she looks at you-- its...different..." She looked at Miroku with concern as he comforted her, pulling her closer as her rubbed her back gently. Inuyasha listened closely- the things Sango said were making little sense to him, but he understood somehow. "Sango...I think I know what you mean..." He sighed, his ember orbs reflecting the flames he now gazed on as he voiced his speculations. "I'm not sure...but somehow she is different-- When I pulled her from the forest...it was like she was dreaming or asleep with her eyes open...she was distant and unresponsive- but I thought it was just from her injuries..." Miroku thought deeply for a few moments as everyone took into account the things they had just heard, but Koga quickly spoke up just as Kohaku entered the room, having already overheard the majority of the conversation from the doorway.
"I hope its not what I think..." He sighed. "But if it is...it shouldn't last too long..." Kohaku sighed deeply at Koga's last comment before speaking. "Let's hope not..." Sango and the others turned their eyes to the young boy who had volunteered his participation in the conversation. "Whats...the matter Kohaku?" Sango could tell something was bothering her brother. "Its true...Kagome's memory...is gone..." Everyone's concerns were realized as they stared curiously at the young slayer. "How-- How do you know?" Koga questioned, a bit of concern and disbelief playing on his voice. "She told me...I could recognize that dull look in anyone's eyes..."
Everyone got to their feet- determined to get some answers from Kagome as they began to go to her hut. The entire group watched from the door as Sango and Ayame entered first- insisting that the boys wouldn't be gentle enough and might upset her. "Kagome?" Sango called gently as she sat on the edge of the bed by Kagome's rather distant looking figure. Her hand gently went up, brushing Kagome's stray strands of hair from the side of her face as they cascaded over her shoulder. "Kagome...tell me...is it true? What Kohaku says? ...You don't remember any of us?"
She lifted her eyes to Sango, the same lifeless look in her eyes- as if she had lost all the light behind them. She sighed. "I wish I could...I've tried so hard but- its gone... somehow- I lost all recollection of you...any of you...and I'm not sure how to regain it..." Inuyasha's charming personality seethed with annoyance as he stepped into the room, rolling his eyes as he raised his voice to Kagome. "STUPID GIRL! Why didn't you tell us before?! Were you just going to go around pretending the entire time?" Kagome huffed, looking passed Sango with a fiery glare. "Shut up Inuyasha! You didn't exactly ask if I remembered you! Was I just suppose to crush all of your celebrating by telling you I had no idea who you are!" Inuyasha glared at her with a huff. "Well when were you planning to mention this? When you got out in a hunt and forgot how to fight?!"
Kagome rolled her eyes with a sigh, pushing her feet over the side of the bed as Sango went to Miroku's side by the door- everyone's eyes staring at the two as they attempted to have one of their old arguments. "Gimme a break- I remember how to fight you jerk! Just because I don't have memories doesn't make me a half-wit!" Inuyasha growled low in his chest. "Well you still should have mentioned something!" Kagome sighed annoyingly- though something about this argument made her want to inwardly smile. 'Not like they wouldn't have figured it out eventually anyways...'
"I'm going for a walk..." She pushed herself off the bed as her feet hit the floor, but with a few steps she immediately regretted it. Her heart raced into her throat- pounding so loudly she could hear it over everything else- her knees buckled easily and she felt herself letting out a small gasp as she lost her breath momentarily. Fortunately, Inuyasha caught her quickly in his arms before her knees even hit the floor, letting her body press against his for support. Her head rested against his chest momentarily until she regained her posture, swallowing as her head cleared again. "You need to rest Kagome...your wounds aren't healed and you've overexerted yourself for today..."
His ember orbs burned into her, just as before but she pulled her eyes away- slipping from his grip as she made her way out the door, grabbing her Kinjai shiisu as all her friends watched helplessly as she left the hut. "Don't tell me what to do Inuyasha...I'm fine..." Sango and the others pleaded with her to stay in the village and get some rest- but she refused. She mounted Yurusu tiredly-the slit in her dress enabling her to do so without too many problems, then she looked back at the hut door where an annoyingly concerned Inuyasha stared her down- barking at Sango and Ayame.
"Give it up- she's too stubborn to listen to any common sense- she's just going to go running off again and get herself eaten by demons..." He walked over, pulling the Kinjai blade from his sash and handing it up to a confused Kagome. "Its yours...I just hope you remember how to use it..." His voice drippe with slight hints of sarcasm and annoyance- but Kagome ignored it. Her hand went down- grabbing the blade curiously and slipping into her sheath. Kagome smiled slighty for a moment at Inuyasha-as if to thank him- then she turned the horse toward the forest. "I will be back before long...I just need some fresh air..." She began trotting into the forest as the late afternoon sky poured colorful sunlight over the entire landscape- most was dry, but wet patches still remained from the large amount of rain that had previously fallen.
Koga commanded a few of his wolves to track Kagome and make sure she stayed out of trouble while he continued to complain about the girl's wreckless habits. "Even when she can't remember who she is- SHE IS STILL STUBBORN AND RECKLESS!" Inuyasha was fairly quite as they all went into Kaede's hut to discuss her current 'state of mind'. Shippo, Kasaku, and Kota played quietly in the corner- all unaware of what the others were discussing around the fire.
"THAT WENCH! What did that kijo do to her?!" Inuyasha clenched his fists furiously, slamming it into the ground before him in frustration that he had withheld until Kagome was gone. "Calm down dog-boy....I don't think it was the kijo at all..." Koga replied calmly from his deep thoughts as he stared into the flames. Ayame clung closer to his arm, looking up at him curiously. "Do you think..." She was unable to finish as Koga stared deeply into her eyes- his gentle fingers caressing her cheek comfortingly with a nod, then holding her closely as she snuggle nect to him. "Hai...I think it finally happened..." His eyes wandered up to Miroku, who held Sango tightly in his lap, his arms around her soothingly as she buried herself next to him- her head leaning back on his shoulder gently. Miroku looked at Koga knowingly with a soft sigh.
Inuyasha simply looked between everyone in the group, getting increasingly irritated that everyone seemed to know what was happening except him. "ALRIGHT! What is going on!? TELL ME!"
-----------------------
Kagome let the horse wander into the forest at a slow pace- late afternoon sun pouring through the trees and seemingly setting the leaves on fire. She breathed deeply- the scent of earth and rain that smelled clear and fresh. Her eyes moved over the blade at her side curiously- then shifted to the swaying bow and quiver attached to the horse's side. 'I know how to use them...but- ...its like I never have before...and this blade- it feels so strange...hmmm...' Her thoughts roamed curiously over different topics- at one point she found her fingers slipping up to her neck to find something- but they were met with an emptiness. She felt around until she realized there was nothing there. "Whats missing? Why do I feel like I should be wearing a necklace of somekind..." Her hand slipped back down to the reins-enjoying the silent ride until she came to a clearing, the well sitting in the middle with seals covering the board over it.
She smoothed out the bottom of her blue kimono-like dress uneasily, then finally gave way to curiosity and dismounted the horse-walking to the covered well. Her fingers fidgeted with the ebony tendrals that had escaped the long flowing braid down her back as her brown hues gazed over the old wooden well. She bit her lip curiously, ready to touch the seals and examine it further when her eyes darted foward- searching the shadows for a figure.
Soon, a form stepped from the shadows- she seemed to recognize the armor and kimono and most certainly the long flowing white strands of hair, but she couldn't quite remember his name. The face along with all its information were slurred horribly in her mind- unlike the other figures in her life up to this point, she couldn't remember this person's name...though she was positive she must know him from somewhere. His stoic glare sized her up from the short distance as his ember orbs coldly burned into her without any readable emotion.
»--------------------------«
Welps- the next few chappies will probly revolve around a number of different events...most all leading to special things that will be happening...but no worries- this isn't one of those fics that will end when Inu/kag get together...nope nope, I want to go further- I want to go into their children's stories(hai, I plan for them to have children) and everything that happens there- sound good? alright- so hold on...we could be in for a LONG ride...lol R&R! -trans. at the bottom as always-
ano- er, ummm
Dokomade- how far
Ageku- Finally
Kogatana- small knife(in this case it was a small knife Kagome kept secretly strapped to her ankle for easy access- kinda like Sango's many concealed weapons in her uniform)
Haimu- home
shiisu- sword sheath
Matte- wait
Gomen nasai- I'm sorry; my apologies
Kijo- demoness; she-devil; witch
Un- Yeah