Author's Note: I'm probably going to be lynched for not updating "Robin's" in so long, but this was percolating in my mind all last week and driving me crazy, so I'm updating this. Don't worry, I'll update my others as soon as possible.
My thanks to all my reviewers!
Shadow Wolves: I'm continuing!
Silverphoenix25: You'll find out. I'm updating.
Chapter 2
Inuyasha's fever rose, leaving him groggy and almost entirely at the mercy of the strange demon that had carried him off. Nightmares and fever dreams set in, leaving him alternately terrified, heartbroken, or angry as the subjects of the dreams shifted and changed from one thing to the other. Somewhere in some corner of his mind that had continued to hold on to reality, he was aware that he was being carried somewhere, but that part of his mind did not exert control over the rest of his consciousness. It was as if he were trapped within a prison that did not have walls or doors.
Slowly, very slowly, his fever went down, enabling him to sleep naturally and gain some rest. His mind cleared fully late one night, and he opened his eyes to stare at a ceiling that was unfamiliar.
"How are you feeling?" he heard as someone came to his side and sat down.
Inuyasha turned his head to see the strange demon that had taken him. "I'm not quite sure," he admitted. "Where am I?"
"You're in my home," the demon said, smiling kindly. "These will be your rooms while you're here. How's your head?"
"Hurts," Inuyasha rasped, surprised at how much his head was pounding. "Everything hurts."
The demon nodded. "That's what's to be expected. Believe it or not, but you're much better now. Are you thirsty?"
Gingerly, trying not to hurt his head, Inuyasha nodded. The demon rose, went to a small table, and Inuyasha could hear him pouring something. He returned, bearing a small cup filled with a red liquid.
"What is that?" he asked, trying to ignore the fire in his throat.
"A special drink that will help your head and throat and ease the pain. Don't worry, there's nothing in here that shouldn't be," the demon assured him. Setting the cup down, he helped Inuyasha to sit up by placing an arm underneath his shoulders and lifting. Once he was sitting up, the demon helped him to drink by placing the cup to his lips and tilting it. Inuyasha drained it as quickly as he was allowed to and sank back into the pillows with a sigh of relief. The pain began to ease almost immediately, and he was able to look about now with a clear mind.
He was bedded down on a wooden platform that was covered with a thick futon and several blankets and pillows. The walls were such that one would find in a rich man's house, and the floor, of course, was wood that had been scrubbed and polished to a high shine. Tatami mats covered it in spots, reminding Inuyasha of the "rag rugs" that he'd seen in Kagome's house. Doors to a verandah were open, allowing fresh air and sunshine to enter the room. In one corner was an ikebana, and on the wall opposite was a screen covered with a dog design. Small chests and cupboards sat on the floor against the walls here and there, and Inuyasha briefly wondered what was stored in them. A doorway in the right-hand wall led to another room beyond this one, and Inuyasha wondered what was there.
"I want you to try drinking just a bit more," the demon said, breaking into his observations. "I have some broth here, you should be able to handle that with no problem."
Inuyasha didn't say anything—the guy was trying to be friendly, hoping he would talk, but he didn't want to since he didn't even know who this guy was. He was helped to sit up again and given a small bowl of broth to drink, and when he asked for a little more, was given it. He was hungry enough for soup, it seemed.
"Izayoi always said that broth was best for someone who had been ill," the demon said, setting the bowl aside and smiling as Inuyasha let his head fall back on the pillows. It took him a moment, but Inuyasha turned and stared at the demon, wondering how he could have known his mother's name.
"What's the matter?"
Inuyasha took a deep breath and let it out, trying to gather his thoughts. "How did you know my mother's name? I mean, it's not too common."
"Your mother?" the demon said, sounding amused. "Why wouldn't I know her name?"
"I don't know," Inuyasha grumbled. "Who are you, anyway?"
The demon stared at him, then burst out laughing.
"What's so funny?" Inuyasha demanded, getting angry. "I was serious, you know!"
"I'm sorry," the demon apologized, waving a hand to show that it was nothing. "I was just surprised, that's all."
"Well?" Inuyasha said as the other quieted down. "Who are you?"
"You silly pup," the demon said. "Didn't you realize that I was your father?"
