Well, I'm bored out of my mind right now, so I guess I have time to update already. This chapter may not be long, but I'm sure that it will happen later. Don't expect me to update with such speed next time.

Wounds of the Body and Soul

Inuyasha burst into the clearing, the smell of blood filling his senses. He looked around, his eyes still adjusting to the dark. Then, he caught movement in the shadows. He crept closer, and was shocked by what he saw.

There was a girl, lying on a bamboo mat, shivering. She was wearing a short green skirt, and a white top with green trim and a red kerchief at the collar. Next to her was a tattered purse, bulging with supplies. The scent was coming from her, though from where on her he couldn't tell.

"Hey, you okay?" He said.

There was no response, he touched her shoulder and she didn't respond. He laid a hand on her forehead, then, drew back in surprise.

She's burning up! I know she's wounded, but it's not all that recent. She probably lay down to rest and lost consciousness. I can't leave her like this. Grandma will know what to do with her. It's the only choice. Otherwise she'll die.

He took her off the mat, rolled it up, and grabbed the rest of her stuff. After tucking the mat under his arm, he bent and gingerly picked the girl up.

Damn she's light. She really needs help. What kinda stupid girl travels when she's wounded?

He ran towards the mansion as fast as he could. When he reached his home, he ran into the house and into the living room, where his grandma was reading.

"Inuyasha, What happened? Who is this girl?" Inquired Arani.

"Grandma, I smelled human blood in the woods, I found her when I looked for the source. She's burning up and is wounded somewhere."

"Oh my… Here, lay her on the couch and cover her up, I'll go call the doctor"

Inuyasha did as he was told. He gently put her down and covered her with the thickest blanket her could find. He couldn't help noticing that even though she was filthy and beat up, she was still beautiful.

What could have happened to her?

Five minutes later the doctor came running into the room, followed by Arani.

"Who is this?" The doctor asked.

"We don't know, I found her wounded in the woods, and she is seriously hurt." Inuyasha mumbled.

"Let me look at her." The doctor said, uncovering her.

"Inuyasha, so heat a basin of hot water. Bring it here with a clean cloth." Said Arani.

She's trying to get rid of me, but I'll just go, they probably want privacy to look the girl over.

He went into the kitchen and began heating water in a large pot. When it started to boil, he poured it into a basin and headed back towards the living room with it. He was almost there, when his grandmother rounded the corner.

"Thank you, Inuyasha, let me take that." She said as she lifted the basin from his hands.

"Will she be okay?" Inuyasha asked, concerned.

"She has a week-old stab wound in her right side. She tried to care for it, but it became infected and made her horribly sick. She also has other signs of abuse on her."

"Abuse?"

"Yes, bruises and the like. But the doctor says she should be fine. He is treating it and stitching it shut right now, then, I'm going to clean her up a bit. Could you do two more things for me?"

"Sure, I guess." He sighed.

"Can you make sure the 2nd floor guest room is prepared?"

"Why that guest room?"

Because it's close to mine, is the largest guest room, and has a fireplace to keep her warm."

"Oh. What's the second thing?"

"Can you get one of your mother's nicer nightgowns? I know it hurts to look at her things, but this girl really needs something else to wear."

Of course it hurts

"I does hurt, but it's urgent, so I suppose I can handle it." He said, hurt in his voice.

"Thank you Inuyasha."

He went upstairs to the guest room and turned on the electric fireplace to warm up the chilly room, and added two extra comforters to the bed. He also pulled a recliner hear the bed, so he or his grandma could watch over her in comfort. He then walked to the end of the hall and entered his parent's old room. He crossed to the dresser and found the drawer where his mother kept her nightgowns. Her warm scent filled his nose, and his eyes started to water. Blinking back the tears, her selected a gown that he thought would best suit the girl.

The one he chose was his mother's favorite. It had long sleeves, and looked like a loose dress. Though loose, it had hugged his mother's form perfectly, flowing when she walked. The shade of creamy light blue had looked wonderful on his mother. This girl looked a little like her, and he couldn't think of a better one to give her. He slowly shut the drawer, and walked out of the room, headed back downstairs.

Mom would have given her this one. I know it.

He handed it to Arani, who shooed him out while she dressed the girl. Once she was finished, she called him back in to carry her to the guest room. He lifted her again, and because she was clean, could now smell her sweet scent. He laid her into the bed and Arani covered her.

"One of us has to sleep here for the next few nights, so that if she worsens, we can call the doctor." Arani whispered.

"I can. You should sleep in your bed."

"I'm not that old."

"I never said you were."

"We'll take turns."

"No grandma."

"Don't start with me."

"Fine," Inuyasha huffed, "but I get tonight."

"Whatever. Goodnight, Inuyasha."

"Goodnight."

Arani left the room, and Inuyasha settled down in the recliner.

And goodnight to you, mysterious girl, you're safe now. Get well.

Well? What did you think? I really appreciate your feedback! I will try to update soon, but as I said, I'm really busy lately, so PLEASE be patient!