Disclaimer: Hmmm, let me check. . . NO!
Sorry this took so long, it's been a bad couple of weeks. Thanks for the reviews, I'm not boring you guys am I? Anyways, here's the next chappie. Hope ya like!
If You Only Knew: Chapter 8
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"I would never let anyone take anything from you. That includes your life and your purity. I would die trying to keep that from happening. I promised I would protect you, and I meant it." He wanted to say much more, so much more, but instead he wrapped his arms around her waist and pulled her to him. Kagome gasped, amazed by this show of affection. She returned his embrace, sighing into his hoari and closing her eyes. 'If I'm dreaming, I don't want to wake up.'
'What am I doing?!' Inuyasha wanted to take back what he had just done, or at least he thought he did at first. But when she too hugged him, his only thought was 'she feels so right.'
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Miroku clamped his hand over the kitsune's mouth, who was thrashing madly to get away from his grasp. He didn't want to risk Inuyasha finding them eaves dropping from the bushes on the scene playing out before them. 'He bathed her?! That's my boy!'
Shippou saw Kagome crying and dog-boy had caused it, and ohhhh did that piss him off. He would have some words with Inuyasha, after he made Kagome happy again, but the monk wouldn't let him go.
The houshi's jaw dropped and he relaxed his hold on Shippou, who instantly stopped squirming as Inuyasha pulled Kagome into a fierce hug after saying he'd protect her with his life. Their thoughts were a jumble of mostly, 'Did he just. . .? What did he just say?' and so forth.
Inuyasha heard the commotion going on behind him, and he decided he's beat the crap out of both of them later. However, someone had come to pay a visit, and he was all but thrilled. Growling, he pulled away from Kagome, but picked her up, taking her over to the bushes where a very surprised Miroku fell on his ass and tried to explain why he was there. Shippou jumped up into a very confused Kagome's arms, nuzzling her chest.
"Inuyasha-sama, I was just. . . I um. . . " Miroku stood up, taking several steps back, holding his hands up in submission.
"Save it for later, bouzu," Inuyasha sneered with promise of repercussion. "Keep her safe, I have a wolf to take care of." He walked away from them, heading towards the tree line.
'Wolf? Kouga?' Kagome was even more confused. "Wait, Inuyasha!?" She put Shippou down on the ground and took a step towards him.
"What?" He barked (no pun intended), turning around to face her. 'I swear if she. . .' "Don't even try to stop me from killing the bastard!"
"You didn't kill Kouga before?" Kagome stared at him wide-eyed, shocked that Kouga wasn't lying in pieces some where.
Inuyasha snorted, but before he could make up a quick excuse, Kouga dashed into the clearing. "Don't worry, Kagome, I wouldn't die by his worthless hands." His tone held the same menace she remembered from earlier that day which made her cringe. Kagome backed up slightly, shaking her head, and her face had paled. She gripped onto Miroku's robes for support, as she was dizzy and felt like her legs would give out any second. The monk put an arm around her shoulders to steady her, for once not attempting to cop a feel. It was only a whisper but her plea of "Oh, gods, please. . . not again" reached Inuyasha and his blood boiled.
Inuyasha flexed his claws and growled, focusing his full attention on Kouga, "I told you to never show your ugly face again! I'll just have to kill you for good this time," he smirked while flying through the air towards the youkai.
"SANKONTESSOU!"
His claws ripped through Kouga's torso, tearing his shirt and leaving streaks of blood in their mist. The wolf touched his chest and pulled back a crimson stained hand. He advanced on Inuyasha, "You're going to have to do better than that!" He thrust a fist towards Inuyasha's head, but the hanyou ducked, planting his own in Kouga stomach. The blow reopened the wound Inuyasha had previously given him that morning and more blood gushed forth. Kouga doubled over and fell to his knees, once again holding his abdomen.
"This looks familiar. . . Except this time I won't make the same mistake." Inuyasha began to draw his fang, hand on its hilt, but paused to look back at his friends. There was a look of fear and worry on Kagome's face and she was visibly shaking, tears threatening to fall down her pale cheeks. 'I can't stand seeing her like this! I should've ended it before.' "Miroku! Take Kagome back to the village!" Inuyasha yelled over his shoulder. The monk nodded and Shippou tried to grab one of her hands, but she wouldn't let go of Miroku's robes.
Kagome couldn't see Kouga as a friend anymore. He brought nothing but terror to her mind, and all she could remember was what he had tried to do to her. . . what he had nearly succeeded in doing. Try as she might, she couldn't find her normal empathy for him. There was no desire to stop Inuyasha this time, and it scared her to feel such hatred. "Inuyasha." It came out a cracked whisper, but brought him to her side in an instant. She let go of Miroku and collapsed into the hanyou's arms.
"I have to do this, and there's nothing you can do to stop me." Inuyasha told her sternly, although concern etched his voice as he embraced her tightly.
"I won't stop you. I just. . ." 'Will I really let him die? Can I really stand here and wish him dead? What if it wasn't his fault?'
Inuyasha couldn't understand the indifference in her voice. The bastard had hurt her, but yet she could still feel pity for him? He was starting to believe there wasn't an unkind bone in her body. However, he could smell the fear radiating from her trembling form, and the wolf would have to pay for causing it.
"Take her to Kaede, I don't want her here to see this. He picked the girl up without her protesting and handed her to the houshi. "Hai, good idea," Miroku shifted her weight a little to get a better hold and headed towards the village with Shippou keeping to his ankles, asking over and over again if she'd be okay.
Inuyasha turned around to finish the fight, but Kouga wasn't where he had left him. Startled yelps from Shippou and Miroku as they both got knocked on their behinds and the scream of complete horror projected from Kagome took his rage over the brink and he lost it. Spinning through the air, he unsheathed Tetsusaiga, and dropped in front of Kouga. Kagome thrashed and screamed for him to let her go, but he just tightened his hold on her. "Nice kimono, but I think I like that other garment much better." He ran his hand up her thigh. "This is too restricting." He emphasized by tugging on the fabric of her pants. "Not to worry, I'll be taking it off soon enough." Kouga purred in her ear, and Kagome shuddered.
"Stop spouting bullshit! Put her down, you fucking bastard!" Inuyasha snarled, baring his fangs. His voice was so low and menacing that Miroku and Shippou shrunk back behind a nearby tree.
"Wow, he's really pissed," Miroku said, stating the obvious.
"Do you think he's going to really kill him, Miroku?" Shippou asked.
"I don't know, probably. I mean, Kouga is infringing on Inuyasha-sama's woman." Miroku grinned but it turned down into a frown when Shippou hit him on the head.
"You dope! Kagome isn't Inuyasha's woman! He's too mean to her!"
"Would you two fucking shut up!" Inuyasha growled towards the tree. A couple of 'eeps' could be heard, but nothing followed.
"The little brat is right, dog-turd, she isn't your woman, she's mine!" Kagome had given up struggling and she was in some state of shock. It was like her mind wasn't there any longer, almost like the unconsciousness she had let take her on the last encounter with Kouga. She didn't want to feel any more pain or fear. There was a morbid happiness for her in the darkness.
"In your dreams, wolf! Now put her down, so I can fucking kill you!" Inuyasha felt a pang of panic at her condition aside from the anger of seeing Kouga's blood drenching her kimono.
"I think not! I'm going to take her home, and then I'll come back to punish you for stealing my mate!" Kouga smirked and pulled Kagome closer to his face.
"What are you deaf or just stupid? She's not your mate and her home isn't with you! What will it take to get that through your thick head!?" Inuyasha was at a loss at what to do, if he attacked Kouga, he'd be endangering Kagome. 'Why isn't she fighting anymore?' She was completely limp, and her eyes were open but glazed over. 'It's like she isn't even there, like her spirit has left her.' That thought scared him, but he wouldn't let it show. He had to think of something and fast. 'Damnit! I was never good at planning!' He wanted to hit his head against a tree, instead he just stood there, sword poised, but not making a move.
Kouga snickered, "What the hell do you know? You've been travelling with her for how long? Obviously she doesn't want you!" Inuyasha growled at his comment, moving closer, but not attempting to take the offense yet. 'Let's push him a little farther.' Kouga dropped his head, but still kept his eyes on Inuyasha as he licked Kagome from her neck to her chin. She didn't even flinch, and he could practically see the anger flooding the hanyou's eyes. He bent his head a little further, prepared to kiss her lips, but the fury finally took over Inuyasha and he sprang at the youkai.
"DON'T TOUCH HER!!!!!!" Inuyasha swung his sword, aiming for Kouga's legs, where he was sure to miss Kagome. The wolf leapt backwards, the girl still in his grasp.
"Heh, you think that you're really going to kill me, don't you dog-breath?"
"Shut your mouth!" Inuyasha swung again, this time aiming for his head. Again the wolf dodged the attack, and the sword drove into a tree. Grunting, he managed to pull it out.
Kouga put Kagome down against the trunk of another tree. 'It's time to end this futile game.' He sprang through the air, kicking Inuyasha in the chest, throwing him back into the middle of the clearing.
Shippou ran out from the tree he and Miroku were hiding behind and rushed to Kagome's side. "Kagome! Kagome! Snap out of it, Kagome!" He shook her shoulders, but she didn't make any signs of response. Miroku kneeled beside her and looked into her dazed eyes.
"Her eyes are void, like her soul has went elsewhere," he concluded.
"What?! What do you mean?! Will her soul come back?" Shippou whined.
Miroku shrugged. "I don't know, we'll just have to wait."
"Waaaa! I don't want wait! Kagome! Wake up!" He wrapped his little arms around her neck and sobbed.
Kouga laughed at the fallen Inuyasha. "You are really a pathetic puppy. Kagome needs more than some half demon to give her what she needs. How many times do you need to hear it to finally believe it?"
Inuyasha stood and growled at his rival, "You just don't know when to shut up!" He hoisted his sword above his head. "Die, NOW!" He crouched and then jumped overhead, all the while spinning and bringing Tetsusaiga down on Kouga's shoulder and through it.
Kouga let out an agonizing scream as blood poured from all his wounds. He tried to continue standing, but he was getting dizzy. As his vision blurred, he barely saw Inuyasha coming at him again. The last thing he saw was the blade of the fang coming at his chest. His life was fleeing from him fast but he breathed his last words, "I'm sorry. . . Kag. . . ome. . . so sorry."
Inuyasha pulled his sword from the youkai's dead body. Sighing, he sheathed it. He didn't feel as good as he thought he would over killing Kouga. Maybe it was the indifference in Kagome's voice that made him feel that way. He never wanted to see her upset or sad, and somehow he knew regardless of everything, she'd still mourn over him. Miroku and Shippou were crowded around Kagome's still unmoving and unseeing body.
"Go tell Kaede to prepare a bed and healing supplies for Kagome, I'll meet you soon." He directed to Miroku, who acknowledged the request and sped walk in the direction of the village. "You, too, Shippou."
"But I want to stay here with Kagome!"
"Go you little runt!"
"No! I'm staying and there's nothing you can do to make me!" Shippou crossed his arms over his chest and stood firm. Well, that is, until Inuyasha booted him across the clearing. You could hear his 'Waaaa' all the way on the other side.
"Keh, he shouldn't be back now." He looked down at the girl slumped against the tree. Sitting down, he gingerly lifted her into his lap. He couldn't count the number of times he'd held her today. Remembering the point that he bathed her made him blush, and he was thankful there was no one else around. It was an uncomfortable feeling, kind of. However, he just didn't want to admit that he liked it.
Sighing again, he shook his head. Lightly running his hand through her hair he said softly, "Kagome, you get into more trouble in one day then any other person I know." Then a frown creased his brow. 'But I'm the reason why she's constantly in so much danger. If she weren't here with me, she wouldn't have to face these types of things.' Cradling her tighter, he rose and began the familiar trek through his forest to the village.
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"Oh my! Poor Kagome-chan! She's been through so much and now this again!" Sango threw her hands up in the air, and then fisted them at her sides. "Ohhhh, I hope Inuyasha tears him apart piece by piece! That damned wolf! He just doesn't know when to quit!"
Miroku put a calming hand on her shoulder. "I'm sure Inuyasha-sama will take care of it, don't you worry." He grinned, reaching south, but pulled back his hand at her death glare. With a sigh he sat down. "Where's Kohaku?"
Sango couldn't stop the huge smile that crossed her face. "He just left with Shippou and Kirara to go play with the village children."
Miroku couldn't remember a time when she looked happier, and he thought she was the most beautiful woman alive just then. "You know, Sango-chan, you look quite lovely when you smile."
She blushed ten shades of red and then turned her back to tend the small fire. Kaede entered the room, clearing her throat, "A bed is made for Kagome-chan, and there are herbs and a bowl of water with rags as well. I have to go tend to another sick case in the village, so will ye be able to handle it?" Kaede had a hint of laughter in her eyes from hearing the exchange of conversation from the two "friends."
"Hai, Kaede, thank you." Sango smiled, still blushing, and Miroku continued to stare at her, oblivious to Kaede's presence. Shaking her head but looking amused, the old miko left the hut.
"So, Sango-chan, since we're alone. . ." Miroku stopped talking as hiraikotsu made contact with his skull.
"You never give it up do you, bouzu?" Inuyasha pushed the mat away from the hut entrance, carrying Kagome with him. He had closed her eyes, because the blank stare was frightening him for reasons he hadn't figured out.
"Inuyasha-sama! How's Kagome-chan doing?" Sango had stood up abruptly from the floor and in a flash was in front of the hanyou.
"Where's the bed?" He demanded without answering her question. The exterminator pointed behind the curtain where Kagome had been earlier that day. With a nod, he moved her into the room. Over his shoulder he ordered, "Leave the hut!"
Sango protested, "I will not leave my friend when she's like this!" The glare she got in return was almost enough to shut her up. "You don't even know how to take care of her!"
"What do you know! I said leave, and I meant it!" His voice was nearly too loud for his own ears. In a huff, she turned around, tugging Miroku, who was still rubbing the new bump on his head, by the sleeve and out the door.
With a contented snort, Inuyasha sat against the wall with Kagome still in his arms. Petting her hair, he began softly speaking to her. "Kagome, you can wake up now. Kouga's gone." She didn't stir. "C'mon Kagome. It's just me, no one else. I will kill anything that tries to harm you, you know that. Come back." He didn't know what to do really, but he knew he didn't want anyone else doing it. He found himself saying, "You said you wouldn't leave me." Inuyasha knew why the blank stare bothered him so much just then. It reminded him too much of Kikyo. The cold, dead nothingness of her eyes was what he saw. He needed the shine of Kagome's deep brown eyes. The soft, forever caring gaze that always met his. Sometimes, he even thought he saw a glint of love and happiness when she looked at him. And nothing made his heart jump like when she smiled or laughed. And then he remembered all the times he'd made those eyes water and release tears of sadness and pain, all because he was afraid to let his real feelings show. How many times had he hurt her with his harsh defenses? 'If you only knew the reasons why.'
Inuyasha looked down at her. He could hear her short breaths and she was still slightly trembling. It was really starting to worry him and he was lost for what to do. She was comforted before by him, surely he could do it again, right? Softly at first, but then louder, he began growling deep in his chest and caressing her back and head, running his fingers through her dark hair occasionally. One of his hands lightly stroked her cheeks, which were still deathly white. He moved her hair from her face and gazed at her with a concerned but solemn expression.
An hour passed and he had achieved little difference in Kagome's condition. He had laid her on the bedding and covered her. Using the rag and water, he wiped her brow and face. The herbs were nothing familiar to him, so he didn't pay them any heed. Lifting one of her hands into his own, he shuddered at how cold it felt. Rubbing both between his own hands in attempt to warm them, he found no change. Inuyasha brought one to his face, lightly grazing his own cheek. Kaede picked that moment to enter the room, catching the hanyou off guard.
"Baba! What are you doing here?" He jumped up and tried to cover up his embarrassment.
Kaede chuckled. 'These two will come around. If only one would give in.' "Has she gotten any better?"
Happy that she didn't make a comment on what she had just witnessed, he quickly answered, "No. She just lies there, not moving, except shivering."
"Poor girl, she seems to be in a mental shock. Here boy, bring those herbs." She motioned to the plate of green and brown plants. He abided to her request and picked up the platter.
Inuyasha covered his mouth and nose, "Damn, baba, what the hell is that smell?!"
Kaede laughed, "it's an herb we priestesses use to awaken people. Its essence is very strong, so lets see if this works." She picked up a dark green and yellow leaf and held it under Kagome's nose. In a few seconds, she was making a disgusted face and began coughing and gagging.
Opening her eyes, she bolted upright. "Ewww! What is that smell!" She looked around the room to see relief in both Kaede and Inuyasha's expressions? 'This has got to stop happening to me!'
"Welcome back, child. I'll leave you two alone." Kaede rose and exited the room.
"What the hell happened to you?" Inuyasha asked in an unconcerned manner.
Kagome looked down at her hands and then her kimono. It was stained red. 'Kouga's blood.' "I don't really know. I was scared. And I guess I just kind of closed myself off from what was occurring. I'm sorry if I worried you."
"Keh! You didn't worry me! I had to carry you all the way back here, wench. And then you just lay here, even though that fucking wolf is dead."
'I don't understand him! One minute he's nice and acts like he cares, the next he's being a complete jerk!' Kagome sighed. The last part of what he said hit her and she gasped slightly. 'Kouga's dead. Oh gods! This is all my fault!' She started sniffling.
Inuyasha crouched in front of her and put his face in hers, their noses nearly touching. "Oi, don't tell me you're going to cry over that bastard."
Kagome turned her head. "So what if I do! It's my fault he's dead. . . that you killed him."
"I killed him because he fucking deserved it! Did you want me to let him take you?" He was getting frustrated at her. 'She needs to make up her frickin' mind!' Both were standing now, Kagome with her arms down at her sides and her head hung.
"No." She softly replied. "I just wonder if he really meant to do what he did. His voice was different from normal and he wasn't acting like himself." Kagome looked up at Inuyasha. "I felt hate towards him and I feel like a horrible person for it." A lump formed in her throat and she knew she was about to cry, so she pushed past the hanyou and ran out the hut door.
Inuyasha stood there aggravated as hell. "Damnit wench! Get back here!" Growling, he took off after Kagome.
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Sango and Miroku sat under the shade of a tree, at least three feet from each other at all times, but still conversing. The monk was leaning back on the trunk sitting cross-legged with his hands behind his head. Sango sat with her legs off to one side, pulling grass, and with her eyes averted to the ground.
"Houshi-sama, do you think we have the complete Shikon no Tama?"
Miroku thought briefly and answered, "Hmm, we may, but we won't know for sure until things settle down and Kagome-sama can purify what we have."
"She's been through so much lately, it's a wonder why she doesn't go back home and seal the well." Sango sighed. "What if the shard Kohaku carries is the last one?"
"Well. . . " He didn't know how to answer that. "When the time comes, you'll be the one to remove it, no one else. At least he's in loving hands now."
Sango forced a small smile. "I guess you're right, but I don't know how to tell him."
"What's more important is to make him feel at peace. If he wasn't meant to live any longer in this world, then that is his fate. Perhaps we will see a miracle, however. Don't get your hopes high, but don't feel like everything is at a loss either," Miroku tried to assure her.
The exterminator's smile was genuine this time. "Thank you houshi-sama."
"I do the best I can. It seems I'm the only one who isn't suffering some sort of disaster. He brought his right hand into his lap. With the other he started unwrapping it, first removing the beads, and then the cloth.
Sango looked at him questioningly before it dawned on her. "Oh, Miroku! The curse of the void has been removed from your hand!" She put her head down. "There's been so much going on, I completely forgot. I'm sorry."
The monk was amazed she used his actual name instead of the normal 'houshi- sama,' and that was enough to make him happy. "Sango-chan, there is no need to apologize, I understand."
Relief shown in her eyes when she made contact with his again. "Really?" He nodded, grinning, and reclined back against the tree.
The silence that fell upon the two was comfortable, but a sobbing Kagome running past them broke it.
"Kagome-chan!" Sango stood and met her friend, the two of them colliding, as Kagome ran full force into her. Sango kept her balance, though, and gently pushed the weeping girl back to get a better look at her face. "What did Inuyasha do this time?"
"It really isn't his fault. Forgive me, Sango-chan, but I just want to go home right now." Kagome didn't even make an effort to wipe her eyes.
"Okay, Kagome, but I'll be here to talk when you return." Sango gave her a quick hug and smiled.
"Thank you." Kagome forced a small smile and continued her way to the well, but in no time Inuyasha was in front of her.
"Where do you think you're going?" Inuyasha crossed his arms over his chest. Apparently he wasn't going to let her pass him.
"I'm going home."
"The hell you are! You've got more important things to do here!"
"Like what, Inuyasha, look for more of your precious shards?!" Kagome voice was getting louder with each word.
"You need to put the Shikon no Tama back together! I won't let you leave." He glared down at her, expecting her to get pissed.
Kagome's tone was frighteningly calm, "Of course you won't, Inuyasha. How could I have been so stupid as to think I should go home instead of staying here and helping you."
Inuyasha looked at her quizzically but shrugged. Victory! Heh, right.
"You jerk! Is that all you care about! I have been through practically hell in just one day. I've been nearly raped, killed, and abducted! I'm going home and if you even try to stop me I'll s-word you a hundred times!"
Inuyasha didn't know how many a hundred was, but it sure as hell sounded painful. Not that it mattered, he was on the ground with a scared shitless expression on his face. When Kagome walked over to the well and sat on the ledge all he could do was stare wide-eyed. He snapped out of it before she jumped though. "Wench, I said. . ."
"SIT!"
Kagome heard a muffled 'bitch' as she jumped down the well and let the light engulf her.
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(a/n) There was more I wanted to add to the chapter, but I figured you guys might have forgotten me by now so I'd better update. I hope I didn't bore you too much. C-ya's soon. R&R!
Sorry this took so long, it's been a bad couple of weeks. Thanks for the reviews, I'm not boring you guys am I? Anyways, here's the next chappie. Hope ya like!
If You Only Knew: Chapter 8
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"I would never let anyone take anything from you. That includes your life and your purity. I would die trying to keep that from happening. I promised I would protect you, and I meant it." He wanted to say much more, so much more, but instead he wrapped his arms around her waist and pulled her to him. Kagome gasped, amazed by this show of affection. She returned his embrace, sighing into his hoari and closing her eyes. 'If I'm dreaming, I don't want to wake up.'
'What am I doing?!' Inuyasha wanted to take back what he had just done, or at least he thought he did at first. But when she too hugged him, his only thought was 'she feels so right.'
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Miroku clamped his hand over the kitsune's mouth, who was thrashing madly to get away from his grasp. He didn't want to risk Inuyasha finding them eaves dropping from the bushes on the scene playing out before them. 'He bathed her?! That's my boy!'
Shippou saw Kagome crying and dog-boy had caused it, and ohhhh did that piss him off. He would have some words with Inuyasha, after he made Kagome happy again, but the monk wouldn't let him go.
The houshi's jaw dropped and he relaxed his hold on Shippou, who instantly stopped squirming as Inuyasha pulled Kagome into a fierce hug after saying he'd protect her with his life. Their thoughts were a jumble of mostly, 'Did he just. . .? What did he just say?' and so forth.
Inuyasha heard the commotion going on behind him, and he decided he's beat the crap out of both of them later. However, someone had come to pay a visit, and he was all but thrilled. Growling, he pulled away from Kagome, but picked her up, taking her over to the bushes where a very surprised Miroku fell on his ass and tried to explain why he was there. Shippou jumped up into a very confused Kagome's arms, nuzzling her chest.
"Inuyasha-sama, I was just. . . I um. . . " Miroku stood up, taking several steps back, holding his hands up in submission.
"Save it for later, bouzu," Inuyasha sneered with promise of repercussion. "Keep her safe, I have a wolf to take care of." He walked away from them, heading towards the tree line.
'Wolf? Kouga?' Kagome was even more confused. "Wait, Inuyasha!?" She put Shippou down on the ground and took a step towards him.
"What?" He barked (no pun intended), turning around to face her. 'I swear if she. . .' "Don't even try to stop me from killing the bastard!"
"You didn't kill Kouga before?" Kagome stared at him wide-eyed, shocked that Kouga wasn't lying in pieces some where.
Inuyasha snorted, but before he could make up a quick excuse, Kouga dashed into the clearing. "Don't worry, Kagome, I wouldn't die by his worthless hands." His tone held the same menace she remembered from earlier that day which made her cringe. Kagome backed up slightly, shaking her head, and her face had paled. She gripped onto Miroku's robes for support, as she was dizzy and felt like her legs would give out any second. The monk put an arm around her shoulders to steady her, for once not attempting to cop a feel. It was only a whisper but her plea of "Oh, gods, please. . . not again" reached Inuyasha and his blood boiled.
Inuyasha flexed his claws and growled, focusing his full attention on Kouga, "I told you to never show your ugly face again! I'll just have to kill you for good this time," he smirked while flying through the air towards the youkai.
"SANKONTESSOU!"
His claws ripped through Kouga's torso, tearing his shirt and leaving streaks of blood in their mist. The wolf touched his chest and pulled back a crimson stained hand. He advanced on Inuyasha, "You're going to have to do better than that!" He thrust a fist towards Inuyasha's head, but the hanyou ducked, planting his own in Kouga stomach. The blow reopened the wound Inuyasha had previously given him that morning and more blood gushed forth. Kouga doubled over and fell to his knees, once again holding his abdomen.
"This looks familiar. . . Except this time I won't make the same mistake." Inuyasha began to draw his fang, hand on its hilt, but paused to look back at his friends. There was a look of fear and worry on Kagome's face and she was visibly shaking, tears threatening to fall down her pale cheeks. 'I can't stand seeing her like this! I should've ended it before.' "Miroku! Take Kagome back to the village!" Inuyasha yelled over his shoulder. The monk nodded and Shippou tried to grab one of her hands, but she wouldn't let go of Miroku's robes.
Kagome couldn't see Kouga as a friend anymore. He brought nothing but terror to her mind, and all she could remember was what he had tried to do to her. . . what he had nearly succeeded in doing. Try as she might, she couldn't find her normal empathy for him. There was no desire to stop Inuyasha this time, and it scared her to feel such hatred. "Inuyasha." It came out a cracked whisper, but brought him to her side in an instant. She let go of Miroku and collapsed into the hanyou's arms.
"I have to do this, and there's nothing you can do to stop me." Inuyasha told her sternly, although concern etched his voice as he embraced her tightly.
"I won't stop you. I just. . ." 'Will I really let him die? Can I really stand here and wish him dead? What if it wasn't his fault?'
Inuyasha couldn't understand the indifference in her voice. The bastard had hurt her, but yet she could still feel pity for him? He was starting to believe there wasn't an unkind bone in her body. However, he could smell the fear radiating from her trembling form, and the wolf would have to pay for causing it.
"Take her to Kaede, I don't want her here to see this. He picked the girl up without her protesting and handed her to the houshi. "Hai, good idea," Miroku shifted her weight a little to get a better hold and headed towards the village with Shippou keeping to his ankles, asking over and over again if she'd be okay.
Inuyasha turned around to finish the fight, but Kouga wasn't where he had left him. Startled yelps from Shippou and Miroku as they both got knocked on their behinds and the scream of complete horror projected from Kagome took his rage over the brink and he lost it. Spinning through the air, he unsheathed Tetsusaiga, and dropped in front of Kouga. Kagome thrashed and screamed for him to let her go, but he just tightened his hold on her. "Nice kimono, but I think I like that other garment much better." He ran his hand up her thigh. "This is too restricting." He emphasized by tugging on the fabric of her pants. "Not to worry, I'll be taking it off soon enough." Kouga purred in her ear, and Kagome shuddered.
"Stop spouting bullshit! Put her down, you fucking bastard!" Inuyasha snarled, baring his fangs. His voice was so low and menacing that Miroku and Shippou shrunk back behind a nearby tree.
"Wow, he's really pissed," Miroku said, stating the obvious.
"Do you think he's going to really kill him, Miroku?" Shippou asked.
"I don't know, probably. I mean, Kouga is infringing on Inuyasha-sama's woman." Miroku grinned but it turned down into a frown when Shippou hit him on the head.
"You dope! Kagome isn't Inuyasha's woman! He's too mean to her!"
"Would you two fucking shut up!" Inuyasha growled towards the tree. A couple of 'eeps' could be heard, but nothing followed.
"The little brat is right, dog-turd, she isn't your woman, she's mine!" Kagome had given up struggling and she was in some state of shock. It was like her mind wasn't there any longer, almost like the unconsciousness she had let take her on the last encounter with Kouga. She didn't want to feel any more pain or fear. There was a morbid happiness for her in the darkness.
"In your dreams, wolf! Now put her down, so I can fucking kill you!" Inuyasha felt a pang of panic at her condition aside from the anger of seeing Kouga's blood drenching her kimono.
"I think not! I'm going to take her home, and then I'll come back to punish you for stealing my mate!" Kouga smirked and pulled Kagome closer to his face.
"What are you deaf or just stupid? She's not your mate and her home isn't with you! What will it take to get that through your thick head!?" Inuyasha was at a loss at what to do, if he attacked Kouga, he'd be endangering Kagome. 'Why isn't she fighting anymore?' She was completely limp, and her eyes were open but glazed over. 'It's like she isn't even there, like her spirit has left her.' That thought scared him, but he wouldn't let it show. He had to think of something and fast. 'Damnit! I was never good at planning!' He wanted to hit his head against a tree, instead he just stood there, sword poised, but not making a move.
Kouga snickered, "What the hell do you know? You've been travelling with her for how long? Obviously she doesn't want you!" Inuyasha growled at his comment, moving closer, but not attempting to take the offense yet. 'Let's push him a little farther.' Kouga dropped his head, but still kept his eyes on Inuyasha as he licked Kagome from her neck to her chin. She didn't even flinch, and he could practically see the anger flooding the hanyou's eyes. He bent his head a little further, prepared to kiss her lips, but the fury finally took over Inuyasha and he sprang at the youkai.
"DON'T TOUCH HER!!!!!!" Inuyasha swung his sword, aiming for Kouga's legs, where he was sure to miss Kagome. The wolf leapt backwards, the girl still in his grasp.
"Heh, you think that you're really going to kill me, don't you dog-breath?"
"Shut your mouth!" Inuyasha swung again, this time aiming for his head. Again the wolf dodged the attack, and the sword drove into a tree. Grunting, he managed to pull it out.
Kouga put Kagome down against the trunk of another tree. 'It's time to end this futile game.' He sprang through the air, kicking Inuyasha in the chest, throwing him back into the middle of the clearing.
Shippou ran out from the tree he and Miroku were hiding behind and rushed to Kagome's side. "Kagome! Kagome! Snap out of it, Kagome!" He shook her shoulders, but she didn't make any signs of response. Miroku kneeled beside her and looked into her dazed eyes.
"Her eyes are void, like her soul has went elsewhere," he concluded.
"What?! What do you mean?! Will her soul come back?" Shippou whined.
Miroku shrugged. "I don't know, we'll just have to wait."
"Waaaa! I don't want wait! Kagome! Wake up!" He wrapped his little arms around her neck and sobbed.
Kouga laughed at the fallen Inuyasha. "You are really a pathetic puppy. Kagome needs more than some half demon to give her what she needs. How many times do you need to hear it to finally believe it?"
Inuyasha stood and growled at his rival, "You just don't know when to shut up!" He hoisted his sword above his head. "Die, NOW!" He crouched and then jumped overhead, all the while spinning and bringing Tetsusaiga down on Kouga's shoulder and through it.
Kouga let out an agonizing scream as blood poured from all his wounds. He tried to continue standing, but he was getting dizzy. As his vision blurred, he barely saw Inuyasha coming at him again. The last thing he saw was the blade of the fang coming at his chest. His life was fleeing from him fast but he breathed his last words, "I'm sorry. . . Kag. . . ome. . . so sorry."
Inuyasha pulled his sword from the youkai's dead body. Sighing, he sheathed it. He didn't feel as good as he thought he would over killing Kouga. Maybe it was the indifference in Kagome's voice that made him feel that way. He never wanted to see her upset or sad, and somehow he knew regardless of everything, she'd still mourn over him. Miroku and Shippou were crowded around Kagome's still unmoving and unseeing body.
"Go tell Kaede to prepare a bed and healing supplies for Kagome, I'll meet you soon." He directed to Miroku, who acknowledged the request and sped walk in the direction of the village. "You, too, Shippou."
"But I want to stay here with Kagome!"
"Go you little runt!"
"No! I'm staying and there's nothing you can do to make me!" Shippou crossed his arms over his chest and stood firm. Well, that is, until Inuyasha booted him across the clearing. You could hear his 'Waaaa' all the way on the other side.
"Keh, he shouldn't be back now." He looked down at the girl slumped against the tree. Sitting down, he gingerly lifted her into his lap. He couldn't count the number of times he'd held her today. Remembering the point that he bathed her made him blush, and he was thankful there was no one else around. It was an uncomfortable feeling, kind of. However, he just didn't want to admit that he liked it.
Sighing again, he shook his head. Lightly running his hand through her hair he said softly, "Kagome, you get into more trouble in one day then any other person I know." Then a frown creased his brow. 'But I'm the reason why she's constantly in so much danger. If she weren't here with me, she wouldn't have to face these types of things.' Cradling her tighter, he rose and began the familiar trek through his forest to the village.
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"Oh my! Poor Kagome-chan! She's been through so much and now this again!" Sango threw her hands up in the air, and then fisted them at her sides. "Ohhhh, I hope Inuyasha tears him apart piece by piece! That damned wolf! He just doesn't know when to quit!"
Miroku put a calming hand on her shoulder. "I'm sure Inuyasha-sama will take care of it, don't you worry." He grinned, reaching south, but pulled back his hand at her death glare. With a sigh he sat down. "Where's Kohaku?"
Sango couldn't stop the huge smile that crossed her face. "He just left with Shippou and Kirara to go play with the village children."
Miroku couldn't remember a time when she looked happier, and he thought she was the most beautiful woman alive just then. "You know, Sango-chan, you look quite lovely when you smile."
She blushed ten shades of red and then turned her back to tend the small fire. Kaede entered the room, clearing her throat, "A bed is made for Kagome-chan, and there are herbs and a bowl of water with rags as well. I have to go tend to another sick case in the village, so will ye be able to handle it?" Kaede had a hint of laughter in her eyes from hearing the exchange of conversation from the two "friends."
"Hai, Kaede, thank you." Sango smiled, still blushing, and Miroku continued to stare at her, oblivious to Kaede's presence. Shaking her head but looking amused, the old miko left the hut.
"So, Sango-chan, since we're alone. . ." Miroku stopped talking as hiraikotsu made contact with his skull.
"You never give it up do you, bouzu?" Inuyasha pushed the mat away from the hut entrance, carrying Kagome with him. He had closed her eyes, because the blank stare was frightening him for reasons he hadn't figured out.
"Inuyasha-sama! How's Kagome-chan doing?" Sango had stood up abruptly from the floor and in a flash was in front of the hanyou.
"Where's the bed?" He demanded without answering her question. The exterminator pointed behind the curtain where Kagome had been earlier that day. With a nod, he moved her into the room. Over his shoulder he ordered, "Leave the hut!"
Sango protested, "I will not leave my friend when she's like this!" The glare she got in return was almost enough to shut her up. "You don't even know how to take care of her!"
"What do you know! I said leave, and I meant it!" His voice was nearly too loud for his own ears. In a huff, she turned around, tugging Miroku, who was still rubbing the new bump on his head, by the sleeve and out the door.
With a contented snort, Inuyasha sat against the wall with Kagome still in his arms. Petting her hair, he began softly speaking to her. "Kagome, you can wake up now. Kouga's gone." She didn't stir. "C'mon Kagome. It's just me, no one else. I will kill anything that tries to harm you, you know that. Come back." He didn't know what to do really, but he knew he didn't want anyone else doing it. He found himself saying, "You said you wouldn't leave me." Inuyasha knew why the blank stare bothered him so much just then. It reminded him too much of Kikyo. The cold, dead nothingness of her eyes was what he saw. He needed the shine of Kagome's deep brown eyes. The soft, forever caring gaze that always met his. Sometimes, he even thought he saw a glint of love and happiness when she looked at him. And nothing made his heart jump like when she smiled or laughed. And then he remembered all the times he'd made those eyes water and release tears of sadness and pain, all because he was afraid to let his real feelings show. How many times had he hurt her with his harsh defenses? 'If you only knew the reasons why.'
Inuyasha looked down at her. He could hear her short breaths and she was still slightly trembling. It was really starting to worry him and he was lost for what to do. She was comforted before by him, surely he could do it again, right? Softly at first, but then louder, he began growling deep in his chest and caressing her back and head, running his fingers through her dark hair occasionally. One of his hands lightly stroked her cheeks, which were still deathly white. He moved her hair from her face and gazed at her with a concerned but solemn expression.
An hour passed and he had achieved little difference in Kagome's condition. He had laid her on the bedding and covered her. Using the rag and water, he wiped her brow and face. The herbs were nothing familiar to him, so he didn't pay them any heed. Lifting one of her hands into his own, he shuddered at how cold it felt. Rubbing both between his own hands in attempt to warm them, he found no change. Inuyasha brought one to his face, lightly grazing his own cheek. Kaede picked that moment to enter the room, catching the hanyou off guard.
"Baba! What are you doing here?" He jumped up and tried to cover up his embarrassment.
Kaede chuckled. 'These two will come around. If only one would give in.' "Has she gotten any better?"
Happy that she didn't make a comment on what she had just witnessed, he quickly answered, "No. She just lies there, not moving, except shivering."
"Poor girl, she seems to be in a mental shock. Here boy, bring those herbs." She motioned to the plate of green and brown plants. He abided to her request and picked up the platter.
Inuyasha covered his mouth and nose, "Damn, baba, what the hell is that smell?!"
Kaede laughed, "it's an herb we priestesses use to awaken people. Its essence is very strong, so lets see if this works." She picked up a dark green and yellow leaf and held it under Kagome's nose. In a few seconds, she was making a disgusted face and began coughing and gagging.
Opening her eyes, she bolted upright. "Ewww! What is that smell!" She looked around the room to see relief in both Kaede and Inuyasha's expressions? 'This has got to stop happening to me!'
"Welcome back, child. I'll leave you two alone." Kaede rose and exited the room.
"What the hell happened to you?" Inuyasha asked in an unconcerned manner.
Kagome looked down at her hands and then her kimono. It was stained red. 'Kouga's blood.' "I don't really know. I was scared. And I guess I just kind of closed myself off from what was occurring. I'm sorry if I worried you."
"Keh! You didn't worry me! I had to carry you all the way back here, wench. And then you just lay here, even though that fucking wolf is dead."
'I don't understand him! One minute he's nice and acts like he cares, the next he's being a complete jerk!' Kagome sighed. The last part of what he said hit her and she gasped slightly. 'Kouga's dead. Oh gods! This is all my fault!' She started sniffling.
Inuyasha crouched in front of her and put his face in hers, their noses nearly touching. "Oi, don't tell me you're going to cry over that bastard."
Kagome turned her head. "So what if I do! It's my fault he's dead. . . that you killed him."
"I killed him because he fucking deserved it! Did you want me to let him take you?" He was getting frustrated at her. 'She needs to make up her frickin' mind!' Both were standing now, Kagome with her arms down at her sides and her head hung.
"No." She softly replied. "I just wonder if he really meant to do what he did. His voice was different from normal and he wasn't acting like himself." Kagome looked up at Inuyasha. "I felt hate towards him and I feel like a horrible person for it." A lump formed in her throat and she knew she was about to cry, so she pushed past the hanyou and ran out the hut door.
Inuyasha stood there aggravated as hell. "Damnit wench! Get back here!" Growling, he took off after Kagome.
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Sango and Miroku sat under the shade of a tree, at least three feet from each other at all times, but still conversing. The monk was leaning back on the trunk sitting cross-legged with his hands behind his head. Sango sat with her legs off to one side, pulling grass, and with her eyes averted to the ground.
"Houshi-sama, do you think we have the complete Shikon no Tama?"
Miroku thought briefly and answered, "Hmm, we may, but we won't know for sure until things settle down and Kagome-sama can purify what we have."
"She's been through so much lately, it's a wonder why she doesn't go back home and seal the well." Sango sighed. "What if the shard Kohaku carries is the last one?"
"Well. . . " He didn't know how to answer that. "When the time comes, you'll be the one to remove it, no one else. At least he's in loving hands now."
Sango forced a small smile. "I guess you're right, but I don't know how to tell him."
"What's more important is to make him feel at peace. If he wasn't meant to live any longer in this world, then that is his fate. Perhaps we will see a miracle, however. Don't get your hopes high, but don't feel like everything is at a loss either," Miroku tried to assure her.
The exterminator's smile was genuine this time. "Thank you houshi-sama."
"I do the best I can. It seems I'm the only one who isn't suffering some sort of disaster. He brought his right hand into his lap. With the other he started unwrapping it, first removing the beads, and then the cloth.
Sango looked at him questioningly before it dawned on her. "Oh, Miroku! The curse of the void has been removed from your hand!" She put her head down. "There's been so much going on, I completely forgot. I'm sorry."
The monk was amazed she used his actual name instead of the normal 'houshi- sama,' and that was enough to make him happy. "Sango-chan, there is no need to apologize, I understand."
Relief shown in her eyes when she made contact with his again. "Really?" He nodded, grinning, and reclined back against the tree.
The silence that fell upon the two was comfortable, but a sobbing Kagome running past them broke it.
"Kagome-chan!" Sango stood and met her friend, the two of them colliding, as Kagome ran full force into her. Sango kept her balance, though, and gently pushed the weeping girl back to get a better look at her face. "What did Inuyasha do this time?"
"It really isn't his fault. Forgive me, Sango-chan, but I just want to go home right now." Kagome didn't even make an effort to wipe her eyes.
"Okay, Kagome, but I'll be here to talk when you return." Sango gave her a quick hug and smiled.
"Thank you." Kagome forced a small smile and continued her way to the well, but in no time Inuyasha was in front of her.
"Where do you think you're going?" Inuyasha crossed his arms over his chest. Apparently he wasn't going to let her pass him.
"I'm going home."
"The hell you are! You've got more important things to do here!"
"Like what, Inuyasha, look for more of your precious shards?!" Kagome voice was getting louder with each word.
"You need to put the Shikon no Tama back together! I won't let you leave." He glared down at her, expecting her to get pissed.
Kagome's tone was frighteningly calm, "Of course you won't, Inuyasha. How could I have been so stupid as to think I should go home instead of staying here and helping you."
Inuyasha looked at her quizzically but shrugged. Victory! Heh, right.
"You jerk! Is that all you care about! I have been through practically hell in just one day. I've been nearly raped, killed, and abducted! I'm going home and if you even try to stop me I'll s-word you a hundred times!"
Inuyasha didn't know how many a hundred was, but it sure as hell sounded painful. Not that it mattered, he was on the ground with a scared shitless expression on his face. When Kagome walked over to the well and sat on the ledge all he could do was stare wide-eyed. He snapped out of it before she jumped though. "Wench, I said. . ."
"SIT!"
Kagome heard a muffled 'bitch' as she jumped down the well and let the light engulf her.
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(a/n) There was more I wanted to add to the chapter, but I figured you guys might have forgotten me by now so I'd better update. I hope I didn't bore you too much. C-ya's soon. R&R!