To Say These Words

Lost-Remembrance (Red Tail)

Chapter Four

The day was humid and there was still fog down on the ground, hiding the path from Kagome's searching eyes for a moment. She shifted her backpack and adjusted the strap to her quiver full of arrows. Needless to say, Kagome wanted to become prepared for the tedious journey. Wiping a hand across her brow to get rid of the beads of sweat from the muggy weather, she continued on at her quickened, but not tiring pace.

She insisted that Shippo stay at Kaedas, hoping that the kit would be of some use to the stressed healer. The older woman certainly seemed to be catching up with her many years ever since their group had returned with an injured Inuyasha.

Turning her had to look at her companion, she smiled, "Thanks for coming along with me, Kirara." Kagome had said the same thing more than once, thankful that the demon cat walking beside her offered protection. She was glad that the demon had come along with her, leaving Sango's side.

Kirara purred, a deep rumble echoing in her throat, as she responded to Kagome's comment in her own language.

Smiling again Kagome continued her page, hopping over a tree root obscuring her path. She looked up at the bright sky. They were wandering through territory that they hadn't been through before, but Sango managed to give her and Kirara directions of where their destination would be.

The forest was dense and silent, something that unnerved Kagome a little bit. It was odd not traveling with her other friends. Inuyasha would probably be saying something to lighten the mood, and Shippo would offer some words. Maybe a fight or two would break out while they were travelling, but nothing too serious in the end; just a bop to Shippo's head or Sango slapping Miroku.

Kirara brushed one of her tails against Kagome's leg, gaining her attention. The fire demon looked at Kagome with her red eyes, tilting her head to the side. The Japanese schoolgirl patted the large cat gently on her head. She knew that Kirara was worried about Inuyasha too. Inuyasha was weakening ever day, despite what herbs and healing techniques they tried.

"Inuaysha," Kagome gently grasped Inuyasha's pale and clammy hand in her own. His eyes flickered open, taking longer than a moment. Tired golden eyes stared at her; shimmering with recognition.

"Ka…gome?" He breathed, frowning lightly when she clasped his hand a little tighter. She offered him a wistful smile. "Wha..t…"

Kagome's finger touched his lips, telling him not to speak. Leaning in, she kissed him lightly on the cheek, the most she dared to do thus far. Pulling back, she brushed some of his sweat-soaked bangs away from his forehead.

'I'm doing this for you, Inuyasha. Please let me be able to help you like you've helped me.' She tried not to cry, tried not to worry Inuyasha.

"Inuyasha, I have to go and try to get something to help you." He looked at her and tightened his own grip around her hand. "Please hang on until I return."

Nodding, Kagome smile when she saw Inuyasha look how he always did; fierce and determined.

"Sleep." He relaxed back into the bed in Kaede's hut. He closed his eyes, strength draining him as he was drawn back into the blackness of his subconscious.

Pulling herself once more from her straying thoughts she shook her head to get rid of them.

"We should be able to fly during dusk and night, when we won't be as noticeable." Kagome didn't want to chance being delayed by a youkai that could fly, or send attacks through the air. Time was too precious to risk, and Kagome wasn't willing to take the chance with Inuyasha's life on the line.

TBC

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