What Does Not Kill You Only Makes You Stronger

Disclaimer: We do not own InuYasha or any of its characters.

Chapter seven: Wounds that won't heal

(InuYasha's POV)

"Kagome?" I asked in a quiet whisper.

Why had she said those things? It didn't even sound like her. She wouldn't say those things. It almost sounded like…no. It could not be. Kikyo could NEVER speak through Kagome. It's just not possible.

I looked down at the young girl in my arms and sighed. She was beautiful. Just like Kikyo had been. She spoke her mind like Kikyo had, too. They seemed to be entirely different, but they had so many things in common.

"Kagome," the name rolled off my tongue and sent butterflies wiggling around in my stomach.

I suddenly looked down as the scent of blood rushed to my sensitive nose. Her leg was drenched in blood from her wound.

"Damn!" I nearly yelled and carefully picker her up bridal style. I had to hurry to Kaede's hut or Kagome would be sure to die from all the blood she had lost.

"Dammit, I should have paid attention," I said kicking my self in the ass for not noticing the blood sooner.

I ran into Kaede's hut and watched the old hag turn slowly towards me, as if she had been expecting me to come back. I panted quietly and tried to catch my breath.

"What have ye come here for?" the old hag asked with amusement in her voice.

"You wouldn't have that strange stuff that helps heal wounds ready would you?" I asked rather harshly.

"I just finished making the medicine. What have ye done to the child, InuYasha?" She asked as she hobbled towards me. I hastily clenched Kagome to my chest, not wanting to give her to anyone or anything.

"It wasn't my fault! The stupid wench dropped the jewel and then fell over a damn cliff. I had to rescue her and when we were safely on solid ground, she passed out," I yelled trying to defend myself. I felt Kagome rub up against my cheek, making me want her more than ever.

I looked down and saw Kagome's eyes flutter open.

"Kagome?" I whispered gently into her ear.

She looked up at me with glassy eyes. "InuYasha?" she murmured, "Why am I so cold?" she asked before she passed out again.

I looked up at the old hag and tried to keep my concern for Kagome out of my voice, "You have to help her, Kaede," I demanded in a voice that showed every concern I had tried to hide.

Damn! Here I am trying not to sound concerned and I almost sound hysterical. She's just a bloody wench for Pete's sake. No. She's not. She's the girl that pulled me from my endless nightmares and dreams. She's the one that willingly pulled the arrow from my chest even though she didn't know about the demon inside me, waiting to be released. She's Kagome. Not Kikyo.

"Lay her here, InuYasha," the old hag muttered, interrupting my thoughts.

I shook my head, pushing away my thoughts and placed Kagome on a weird shaped bed. I stared down at Kagome and tried not to reach over and move her hair from her face.

"Ye may have to hold her down. This may hurt," Kaede said and waited until I had a good hold on Kagome's shoulder.

"Wait; let me get a better hold," I mumbled as I sat on her thighs and held her arms to the floor with my hands, "There."

I watched as Kaede pulled up Kagome's shirt slowly, almost painfully slow. My heart started to race as I noticed that a black cloth was covering her luscious, round breasts.

What the hell am I thinking? Is this jewel making me horny or something? Ever since that damn shard entered my body, I can't seem to get Kagome out of my mind. Watching her skirt fly up when I yanked her towards me was torture. I guess not having anyone since Kikyo has finally gotten to me.

I suddenly heard Kagome scream and rustle underneath me, making the arousing images that popped into my head disappear. I put a little more pressure on her arms and watched as a single tear rolled down her cheek. My heart skipped a beat.

I suddenly felt a hot burning sensation on my cheek. I yelped and leaned down. Kaede was trying to put the green medicine on the cut on my cheek. Amazingly it did hurt. It felt like a hot poker was trying to melt the flesh off my cheek.

I leaned my head on Kagome's chest and waited for the pain to go away. I hastily squeezed my eyes shut. The pain dwindled as I listened to the rhythm of Kagome's heart.

I lifted my head up as me and Kagome caught each other's glance. She blinked and I watched a tear roll down her precious face. I came so close to leaning forward and licking the tear clear off her face, if it wasn't for Kaede slapping more of that damn medicine on my face.

"Dammit Woman! It hurts already. I don't need more," I hissed as I gave her a death stare.

She merely smiled and stood up, "I was only trying to help ye," she said and sat by a small fire; throwing another log into the dying flames.

I held my breath as the pain surged through my cheek. I hadn't realized Kagome's arms slipping out from under my hands until her arms were around my chest.

I gasped and looked down at Kagome. Not knowing what to do, I got to my knees, letting her legs free. I smiled and silently complimenting her on her flexibility and gently wrapped my arms around her.

(Kagome's POV)

I hugged InuYasha close, welcoming the heat that was radiating from his gorgeous body. It felt like I was lying in a tub of ice, my body was ice cold. I shivered and felt him unwrap his arms from around me. I sighed and pulled away.

I sat back on my heels and looked down at my hands that were folded in my lap. I suddenly felt something warm drape across my shoulders.

I looked up at InuYasha's white shirt and knew that his kimono top was draped across my shoulders. I smiled and thanked him with my eyes. He nodded and stood up. He walked out of the hut and disappeared around the side of it.

I got to my feet in a rush and followed him. I ran out into the cool air and looked around for InuYasha. He wasn't anywhere in sight. I looked across and caught a glimpse of his silver hair blowing in the breeze.

I sighed and walked towards the stream. I gently jumped over it and continued walking towards the old tree. I glanced around and noticed that something was slowly creeping towards me from my right.

I quickened my pace and started jogging towards the tree. I looked over and saw that it was matching my pace. I ran and skidded to a halt under the tree where I saw InuYasha.

"InuYasha?" I asked in a fearful voice.

I gasped when he fell in front of me, "Yeah?" he asked.

I threw my arms around his chest.

"Something was following me," I whispered and started to shake.

"Hold on," he murmured in my ear and jumped back into the tree.

He sat on a branch and settled me in his lap. He pulled his Kimono over his arms and gently slid them around my back, letting me have access to his chest, to his warmth, to his beating heart.

"Sleep, wench. You'll need it," he whispered in my ear, as he rested his chin on top of my head.

(InuYasha's POV)

I woke up to the sound of Kagome's soft breathing. I looked around and noticed that it was still dark. I watched as a leaf fell from the giant oak tree, and swirled in a gust of wind and gradually floated towards the ground.

I sighed and felt Kagome rub her nose into my chest. I looked down at her sleeping form and could not help but smile. She looked so innocent when she was sleeping, almost like nothing could hurt her.

I felt something soft touch my arm. I looked over and saw a tiny feather lying on my bicep. I gently picked it off and watched as it floated into the air and drifted across the moon.

"Feathers remind me of angels," Kagome whispered, making my heart skip a beat.

"Yeah, well, I've never believed in angels," until now.

"That's sad. I've always wanted a guardian angel. Angels are so cute," she yawned and cuddled closer to my body.

"Maybe you'll get one someday," I murmured and hugged her tighter.

"You'll probably be the last one to volunteer, too, huh?" she mumbled in a doubtful tone.

I pulled her closer to my chest, letting her know I would always be there for her.

"Thank you," she mumbled before falling asleep once again.

"Sleep well, Kagome, my love," I whispered to her before falling asleep myself.

Where am I? What is this place? Where's Kagome?

That's chapter seven for ya! I hope you liked it! I know it is very long, but it's to make up for our last chapter, which was very short. Please leave tons of reviews! We love those oh so wonderful reviews! Cookies for all that give us good reviews!

Special thanks to: InuYasha's- Puppy- Girl, Frilling Freak, Artemu's Lover. We love you all and your wonderful reviews. Please send us more!