Well, I'm back. Again. Wednesday is always a busy night for me, but I had to update. This story is moving fast, and I have to keep up, or my chapters shall bury me. I'm already a ½ chapter ahead of myself, so I think I can continue at this speed (or close to it) so… ON WITH THE STORY!

Awakening

Inuyasha gulped, Kagome's eyes were beautiful, though they were still unfocused. She opened her eyes a little wider. She was staring at him. Or rather, she was staring at his ears. Terror flashed in her eyes, startling him. She cringed, and tried to withdraw from him. Only the pain in her side stopped her.

She's afraid of me… It must have something to do with whatever happened to her.

"Hey. You okay?" Inuyasha asked, trying to be friendly.

She merely flinched and braced herself, and if he were about to beat her. For some reason this both hurt and infuriated Inuyasha.

"Look. I'm not gonna hurt you, I'm just trying to help. If you don't want my help, that's fine with me."

His tone only startled her more, and she continued to watch him out of fear. Finally, he couldn't take it anymore. He stood, crossed to the door, and left, letting the door close behind him. All sound from outside the room would now be muted.

Fine then. I'll just call Arani. She can take care of her.

"Hey grandma! Come up here please!" He shouted.

"What is it?" Arani called back.

"Just come here please!"

"Alright already! I'm coming!"

Arani soon appeared, looking concerned. When she saw Inuyashas' face, she could tell the girl was okay. He just looked mad about something.

"What is this all about Inuyasha?"

"She's awake, but is deathly afraid of me."

"Well, give her time… Until then, I'll look after her."

"Whatever."

Inuyasha stormed off, and Arani entered the room. She smiled at the girl, who still seemed wary. She bowed and introduced herself.

"Hello Kagome, I am Arani, and that young man you just met was my grandson, Inuyasha."

"How do you know my name?" Kagome asked quietly.

"Because Inuyasha found your locket in the woods. I wonder where he put it?"

"I have it, it was tucked in my hand when I woke up…"

"He must have put it there. Despite his gruff appearance, he really is quite kind."

"I think I may have hurt him…. It's just that I…"

"It's okay child, we all know you've been through some hard times. We won't force you to talk until you're ready."

"Thank you. By the way, how did I get here?"

"Inuyasha smelled blood in the woods, went to investigate, and found you. He saved your life."

"He did? Now I feel terrible…"

"It's okay. Now you should get some rest. We can talk once you've healed some more."

"Okay." Kagome said as she nodded.

Arani left the room, shutting the door behind her, as Kagome returned to sleep.

She is worried about my feelings?

I nuyasha slipped back into the room. He had been hiding and listening to the conversation in Kagome's room. He watched her for a little while, and then left the room. There was no need to watch her, now that her fever had gone.

Well, at least she's improving. I can wait until she is well enough to talk to me…

He flopped on his bed and stared up at the ceiling. He hadn't cared about anyone this much since the accident. Which wasn't hard, since he had hardly cared at all.

"Where are my parents?" He kept asking. None of the doctors would answer, nor look at him. "Where are they?" He tried to get up. "No! Stay where you are! You're hurt!" "I don't care! Where are my parents?" Finally, the doctors drugged him. And he knew no more.

"INUYASHA!" Arani bellowed once more.

"Wha-What!":

"I've been calling you for the last 10 minutes!"

"Sorry! I was thinking! What do you want?"

"Kagome wants to talk to you."

"Kagome?"

"Yes, but please Inuyasha, please be kind."

"Whatever."

When he walked in, Kagome was propped up halfway by pillows, and was staring into the fire. She didn't look at him, but he noticed a pink tinge on her cheeks. But it could've been the fire. He sat down next to her.

"So, how are ya feeling?" Inuyasha asked.

"Better. Thanks to you."

"Huh?" Inuyasha asked, caught off guard.

"You saved my life, and I wanted to thank you. I also wanted to apologize for earlier."

"Don't mention it. I was no big deal."

"It was to me."

"Really?"

"Yup."

It was no big deal. She was hurt. Why is she still thanking me?

Arani walked in, and looked at Kagome.

"How are you?"

"Better, I should be good enough to go in a couple of days."

"Go?" Arani inquired.

"Yes, move on, I don't wish to be a burden…"

"You won't be. You are welcome here. Until you so decide, Kagome Higurashi, this place is your home."

"Thank you very much, but I don't know if I can accept such a-"

"Don't worry yourself about it, you are welcome here."

I agree.

Kagome smiled, and Arani left, allowing them to continue their conversation. There was silence for several minutes. Suddenly, Kagome spoke:

"So, where exactly am I?"

A cliffhanger this time! I wanted to do this to keep the next part together. I'm sure you understand. I hope you enjoy this one! I'll be back soon with chapter 5! Thanks for all your support, Twilight.