Damn it! They were so close! How could Naraku just gain the upperhand like that? Inuyasha grit his teeth together and growled, struggling to carry Kagome and Miroku down the mountain. Shippō was on Kirara's back, Irene being dragged by the arm in Kirara's jaws. The only one out of his group of friends that was still conscious was Sango, whose gas mask was keeping her lungs cleared enough so that she could walk. Kirara was struggling, even with being a full fledged demon, but the cat demon was determined.

They had to get to the mountain base… at the very least.

Doctors- someone with medicine had to be down there. Their frail human bodies won't last very long otherwise.

"Come on… don't die on me yet, damn it." The half-demon cursed. "We're almost… there…"

Inuyasha swayed, his vision getting blurry. How much farther? He can see trees. Sango's eyes were starting to close, too. She was using her hiraikotsu for balance, to keep her steady as she headed down the mountain. Almost…

Ah-! His foot slipped on some gravel and he, Kagome, and Miroku were all sent tumbling down the rest of the mountain hill, crashing down hard onto a grassy plain. Sango called out for him, but it took the remaining strength she had to do so. The slayer tried to rush after him and the others, to make sure they were okay, but her body gave out and she fell unconscious. Kirara roared, catching the slayer on her back before she could tumble down like the half-demon did.

Carrying the weight of everyone down the hill, Kirara collapsed and curled into a ball, transforming into her kitten state and falling asleep. Inuyasha's eyes fluttered open and he could make out the shape of someone walking towards them. Unfortunately...

"H-Help them."

...was all he could say. If he was stronger this wouldn't have happened. He was so damned weak as a half-demon. Not even his great sword worked against the barrier Naraku put up. Why was he so pathetic?

Now everyone is going to die because… of him...

The half-demon woke in a daze. Body recovering much faster than regular humans, the poison had already made its way out of his system. Yet something wasn't right. Without herbs he would be feeling the effects of the miasma, so how…?

He turned his head, ears twitching upon hearing the sound of an old man praying. Kakuju dabbed some cloths into buckets of cold water, carefully straining them and resting them upon the foreheads of his companions. He was currently tending to Irene, who was the most badly affected by Naraku's miasma. Her skin was deathly pale and dark circles sat under her eyes, chest heaving up-and-down painfully. The old man wiped the sweat off of her face, something strange in his expression as he cared for her.

It was as if the blind priest was unnerved by the girl. What was it about Irene that bothered him so?

Kakuju rested his shaky hand against the side of her face, feeling her bone structure. He looked as if he were going to cry. "From the future, they said…" He murmured to himself. "Just how much time has passed? Are the spirits cursing me? Punishing me for what I had done…?"

Inuyasha narrowed his eyes and coughed, sitting up and catching the attention of the heartbroken priest. Kakuju jumped and turned, looking in the general direction of the half-demon. "Hey…" He began, noticing the basket of herbal remedies and the bucket of water, several towels soaked with blood from wounds that were tended to. "What'd you do, old man?"

The blind man didn't speak for a moment. When he did, he avoided the question by answering something else the half-demon had been wondering, "I found you at the base of the mountain. This hut belongs to a kind villager, one who had opened his home to me on my travels. With his help I carried you all here and have been tending to you since. How are you feeling?"

"I'm fine." He said, frowning. There was something strange about this person and Inuyasha's suspicions only grew stronger. He knew that old man had some kind of connection to Irene- he just couldn't figure out what. His first guess was an ancestor, but she had no family in Japan. They looked nothing alike. Their powers were the same, or at least Inuyasha assumed they were, for he was able to help her unlock them. "How's she doing?"

"Ah, Irene… yes." He shook his head, looking quite pale himself. "She's… not doing well. I'm afraid the poison took to her body faster than the others."

Kakuju didn't appear surprised at all from this, almost as if he had expected it. What did he know about her that he wasn't telling them? It was driving Inuyasha insane. "Will she get better? What about Kagome and Sango? Miroku, Shippō, and Kirara?"

"There's… no telling." He said quietly. "The last time I witnessed such a terrible thing on someone so sickly, the victim passed away shortly after. I… I fear that young Irene will share the same fate."

Damn it. Curse that Naraku-! Inuyasha grit his teeth together and dug his claws into the floorboards, rage boiling in his chest. If only he were stronger! If he could have complete mastery over his sword, then destroying Naraku would be simple!

No one would be getting hurt like this. Not Kagome, not Sango, not even Irene.

She was the last one who needed to get caught up in their battle, and yet…

He dragged her into it. Fuck. What kind of friend was he? Inuyasha knew she was weak, that she couldn't fight properly, that she got ill so easily. Of course she would be more susceptible to Naraku's miasma. What an idiot! The girl always wears herself out by crying and freaking out about every little thing- he knew she was going to die sooner or later!

Damn it, damn it, damn it!

"The others will recover just fine, thankfully. If the poison were any stronger they might not have survived."

"But Irene will die?" He felt relief at hearing that the others would be safe- especially Kagome- but his mind was focused on the woman who he had once saved from bleeding out in a forest. That day felt like so long ago- when they first met. Had it truly already been almost a month? Was it over a month now? He couldn't recall. "Is there anything we can do?"

Kakuju shook his head slowly. "I'm doing all that I can. But my connection with the spirits are weak, so they can not help us. Not unless they act of their own will. When I made those sutras for the monk it was with my own spiritual ability- not the abilities of the spirits."

Inuyasha sat up, slamming his fist hard onto the floor. He felt so tired. "But can't you try asking them!? I thought you said they favor her!?"

He didn't respond. The blind man simply ran the cloth along the girl's face, listening to her breathing. Even Inuyasha could tell she wouldn't last long at this rate. There was one person he knew could help, but that village was so far away- Inuyasha wasn't certain he could get to Jinenji's farm and back here to the hut in time. It might already be too late.

"Hey, old man…" The half-demon began, mind trying to piece something together about Kakuju's strange behavior. "That victim you were just talking about… who were they?"

He paused, turning away from the girl he was tending to and reaching into his basket of herbs. Kakuju felt each one until he found the one he was looking for, putting it into a mortar and crushing it with a pestle. "...If you must know… she was my wife."

"Oh." There was nothing he could say to that. Inuyasha turned away, staring at his group of friends for a moment, and then forced himself up into a standing position. His body felt so sore. "I'm… going to get some fresh air. I'll be back."

Kakuju listened as the half-demon stormed out of the hut, the beaded door swinging shut. He sighed and reached over, grabbing the girl's pale hand. He thought for a moment, ignoring the horrible memories that were attempting to rise to the surface. If only he could see normally again, things would be made certain… yet this was how things were.

"If only you could use the power a bit better." He said quietly, already mourning the loss that hasn't yet happened. "They show so much favor, so why…? How did this happen? You're different from her, are you not? Don't follow that same path… please, Irene. Reach out to the Shikigami. I implore you. Save yourself this once..."

What's happening to me? Everything hurts.

It's cold. My body is boiling, burning worse than any fire. I can't see or speak; the one sense I had that seemed to be working were my nerves, all of which were under excruciating pain. I couldn't even scream.

It was as if something was binding me, dragging me down deeper and deeper into an abyss.

...

Sango and Kirara finally woke up. They didn't move around a whole lot that day, mostly spending time resting and recovering, but they were greatly worried about their comrades. Kirara wouldn't leave her or Irene's sides, curled up in her kitten form and licking their faces to encourage them to wake up and feel better. After them it was Miroku, but he was moving around a lot faster than they were as he was used to being poisoned. He was helping tend to the others, showing much concern for his ill comrades.

Meanwhile Inuyasha was fuming. He was outside slashing the air with his sword, practicing his swings and growling at nothing, cursing the world and Naraku for being this way. Inuyasha cursed himself for being this way. For not being stronger. He needed to get better at wielding the tetsusaiga, so he could surpass his father and become strong enough to protect everyone that he cared about.

Not that he would ever admit out loud how much he cared about the others, but… they knew how he felt. He didn't have to say it. Right?

But Kagome still hasn't woken up… and neither has Shippō or Irene. The foreigner was still so pale, sweating and shivering, her body having trouble fighting the poison. If she doesn't get better within the next day or two… Irene will die. Her sister won't ever see her again. Damn it.

Curse that Naraku! They needed Irene for something, but then they'd just go and throw her away like that? What- did they plan to just go after Maria instead? Did they have her already- if so, how come she wasn't at the castle? They went all over and tore that place apart searching for survivors. What was their aim?

Unless… they knew Irene would survive.

Inuyasha lowered his sword, a frown on his face as he thought. His eyebrows knitted together frustratedly.

Irene's gotten through every hurdle thrown at her thus far; even when she caught that disease a while back she still recovered. For someone so sick and weak, she's quite tough. She's not even a demon. Why does she fight so hard to survive? She didn't have anything prove like Inuyasha did.

There was no point.

Did she love her sister that much? That she would dangle herself on the brink of death and pull herself back again? She was so determined to find her. To keep everyone she met alive. It was a pointless effort- people die so easily here; the Feudal Era was so different from Irene and Kagome's times. Much more dangerous.

Maria might not even be alive herself.

But… Irene fought so hard. Struggled to get here. Even with her sickness she does her best.

She could stand not to be so emotional and avoid crying over every little thing, but Inuyasha could let that pass. She had a lot on her plate at the moment. She couldn't go home home whenever she wanted like Kagome could, and Kagome didn't have to take several different medicines daily just to function normally.

What a pain. Inuyasha sighed, turning and looking in the direction of the hut everyone was staying. Irene better make it out of this alive.

He won't forgive her if she dies. Not after she forced herself into becoming one of his friends.

I'm so scared. I don't know what to do. There was only the empty black, stretching on for miles without end.

...

Kagome finally woke up. Inuyasha's never felt more relieved. Sango was sitting next to her, helping Kakuju tend to her and ensuring that she didn't wear herself out. Kirara was feeling quite well this night, although Shippō was drowsy. Inuyasha tapped his claws impatiently against the ground, staring at the only remaining member of their group that hasn't woken up yet.

How can I get out of here? My body is stuck.

"One does not leave."

What was that? Who did that voice belong to? Where was it coming from? It kept moving around, drifting from place-to-place. I couldn't pin it down.

Irene's never looked closer to death. The poison had taken over as a fever by this point, spreading completely throughout her body. Her lips and fingertips had turned completely blue, the horrific purple of miasma spreading along her flesh as it continued to run rampant within her bloodstream. Soon enough, in just a few hours, it would reach her heart and kill her.

The voice even sounded garbled, not having one clear distinct sound, but two. It was if several voices were overlapping the other. I had no idea what kind of person was speaking to me. I wanted to ask, to speak up, but my throat was clogged by whatever was hurting me. I couldn't even feel my limbs now; just this harsh, intense boil all throughout my body. I wasn't sure where it hurt most. It was everywhere.

"I am no person." The voice told me. ""I am a spirit."

What kind of spirit? Was it here to kill me-?

"I am a Shikigami… but I have not yet been given a form; not by you, anyhow. Your soul will only be safe if you are able to do so."

I'm not quite sure I understand. Does that mean I can't get out of here? The pain won't stop? I felt like I was going to drown in this river of black sludge, already sinking deeper inside of it with each passing second. Who was this spirit talking to me? Which one was it? Did I not know of this one yet?

Can I even give it form? Have I been the one giving the previous Shikigami their appearances?

"You are our Summoner. We exist to serve you."

Yet if I betray that trust, you'll betray me. Why help me?

"...Tell me, do you desire freedom? From the toxin- the illness brought on by the miasma plaguing your mortal body?"

Freedom? I would like to get out of this place- to end this agonizing pain and embrace the world once more. If I stayed here any longer… I was scared I would die.

"You are dying. I can heal you of your abnormal status, but your weakness will remain. Do you desire your freedom, even if it means to continue living in suffering?"

Were my lungs really in such bad shape that people could consider it to be suffering? It wore me out greatly and some days it took a lot to even get dressed, arms weak and tired, legs not even wanting to walk. Heart pounding so fast just sitting down trying to get oxygen through my body. It frustrated me and sometimes I was scared that if I fell asleep I wouldn't wake up, but… I didn't want to give in.

I liked living, painful as it is. I would love to be more active, to do things regular people could. But I can't no matter how much I wish it… and that's just something I have to accept.

I have severe limitations on what I can and can not do. That doesn't mean I want to die because of it. I have people I care about. I don't want to make them upset. Maybe it's selfish of me, but… that's fine. I'm a selfish person.

Yet being selfish doesn't mean I can't want to help others.

And being trapped in this place… burning for all eternity… won't let me do that. I need to get out. If this spirit can help me do that, I want it to help me. I'll just have to find some way to repay its kindness. Is there anything it would want me to do for it?

"You've already helped us, human. Now speak my incantation."

Speak? I can't speak. My voice won't work. What am I supposed to say? I struggled to get out the words, hardly able to move my lips. I was stuck. What form would the spirit even take? A creature that would free one from abnormalities… perhaps… a bird? It kept saying things about freeing me. What would the creature be?

Suddenly a light could be seen shining in the distance. Warm and bright, but not so blinding that I couldn't look at it. And I could see it- slowly taking shape with its feathers shaded in brilliant hues of blue, a large eagle flapping its wings and flying through the darkness. With each beat of its majestic wings some of the darkness cleared away, leaving light to filter into sight. It flew high in the air, circling above, before diving down to where I was- purifying the area with its fiery blue trail.

Its body trailed above the river stream, claws splashing the black sludge and clearing it away to reveal beautiful clear water. The eagle neared me, sapphire eyes gleaming in the sun, and I found my body able to rise from the liquid that had once been binding me. It was still so hard to move, but as the eagle moved closer I found the black dripping off of my form into the earth below- dissipating completely. A wind blew around us, forcing the darkness back.

The sky above us was so blue, so incredible. It was like a dream.

"Reach into your heart. The words the incantation will hold… are there."

The eagle flew into reach. As I took in the view something dawned on me- a realization of sorts. This creature with their overflowing blue sky… it would fill the land with its saving winds if I asked. It would rid one of all poison, no matter how great, and free a person from the effects a demonic aura could create.

"Yes. It shall be done."

My hand rose from the water as the eagle came closer, its forehead pressing into my palm and phasing through my body. Its wings beat once more and at that moment... my heart picked up pace.

"Now rise."

Inuyasha was pacing outside the hut when he heard someone mumbling to themselves. The half-demon barged into the building, pushing the beaded door aside and staring at the girl with wide eyes. Sango, Miroku, and Kakuju looked equally shocked, seeing the way Irene was muttering to herself quietly and grimacing for a moment before falling back asleep. She looked so tired. Still pale, but her veins no longer appeared purple.

"Th-The Shikigami just…" Miroku stammered from his spot kneeling down, hands placed together as if he had been praying. And Inuyasha knew for a fact that the monk had been praying, using his spiritual powers as best as he could to help Irene's body heal from the toxin. "It came out of the ground and healed her."

"I've never seen her summon that animal before!" Sango exclaimed, stunned. "Is it a new one?"

"She's done it." Kakuju whispered. The old man looked as though he were about to cry, a shaky smile on his lips. "She communicated with the Shikigami."

"Wh-What happened?" Shippō asked, looking back-and-forth at everyone and then at the resting foreigner. "I-Is she okay? Did the eagle save her!?"

Miroku lowered his hands, staring at the girl closely. "I… believe so. Her breathing is a lot smoother now. What do you think, Kakuju?"

The blind man rested a hand above the girl's face, feeling for her breath. He nodded. "Yes. Irene will be quite well. She just needs rest. Her body is a lot frailer than most. How is your friend?"

"Kagome's doing good as well." Sango answered, having been tending to her when the blue flame of the spirits flared up in the hut. Inuyasha stepped forward, walking over and squatting beside the middle schooler's sleeping form. "She's sleeping right now. I think when they both wake up, we all could go for a nice meal."

Kakuju chuckled at that. "Indeed! I'll inform Kichibei at once that his visitors are recovering. He'll be happy to know."

"Is that who this hut belongs to?" Miroku asked curiously. Shippō grabbed a wet cloth and began to dab at Irene's forehead, wiping away the sweat. Color was slowly returning to her skin, but once she wakes up she was going to be in severe need of her breathing treatments. Unfortunately, all of their stuff was back at the entrance to the castle town. "I'll have to thank him for his hospitality. And you, Kakuju. If there's ever anything you need, let us know; we'll be sure to repay you for your kindness. If you didn't find us when you did, we would already be dead."

Kakuju shook his head at that, using his cane to help himself stand up. "There's no need. My only request is that you take good care of the girl."

"How come you like her so much?" Shippō asked, frowning. "You barely even know her."

The old man paused on his way out of the hut, considering the question. "She reminds me of someone from long ago. Please... do not bother yourself with questions about my past; it is something… best forgotten."

Kakuju left the hut and Inuyasha narrowed his eyes at him, watching as the old man disappeared from sight. "Okay, now that's suspicious. Are you guys really sure we can trust him?"

Sango shrugged. "I see no reason why we shouldn't. He's been kind to us thus far. You really don't like him, Inuyasha?"

"Somethin' just doesn't sit right with me." He explained, frowning deeply. He turned to glance over at Irene, watching her as she soundly slept. "He said Irene reminds him of his wife. That she died from poison. Kakuju was there when Irene came to this time. Isn't it all a bit too… you know- weird? It's too much of a coincidence! There has to be a link somewhere."

"Irene has no relatives here." Shippō said, frowning. "She can't be an descendant from someone of Japanese origin."

"That's true." Miroku agreed. "Maybe another reincarnation? Kagome does not share a bloodline with Kikyō."

"But his wife would have to be foreign!" Sango countered. "She can't be a reincarnation of someone that's of a totally different ethnicity. ...Can she?"

They all stared at the girl inquiringly, so many questions in the air floating around about her origin and why she was here in Feudal Japan. The longer they traveled the less they knew. More things just piled up onto their list of unanswered questions. Irene was a strange one, that was for certain.

"But what would that have to do with Naraku and Anastasia?" Shippō asked, confused. "I don't get it."

Sango sighed. "You're right. We're way off base. But we don't know anything about Anastasia- just that she can use the Shikigami power as well. We need more to go on. Kakuju and his story will have to wait."

"What's… going on?" Kagome murmured, groggily opening her eyes and sitting up. The wet cloth fell off of her forehead, falling onto her lap. "My head hurts…"

"Kagome!" Sango and Miroku exclaimed. Shippō hopped over to the girl, tackling her lightly and wrapping his arms around her shoulders in a hug.

"We've been so worried! I'm so glad you're okay."

She gave a weak smile, reciprocating the embrace. "I woke up earlier. But thanks, Shippō. I'm glad you are, too. How's Irene? She awake yet?"

Inuyasha shook his head. "Nope. The poison is out of her system though."

"Wh-What? How?"

They went on to explain what happened. By the time they were finished, Kagome herself looked ready to panic.

"H-Her medicine! She needs her medicine! Inuyasha, we left them at the castle. We need to go get them or else-!"

"It'll take over a week to get back to the castle." Miroku informed, shaking his head. "We went down the back of the mountain. We'll have to retrace our steps back to Kasasagi Town, through Kaede's Village, to Tsuzumi Village, and then through the cave in order to get back to the castle. The secret passage we took brought us all the way across the mountain, but it's a one-way trip. We can't climb back through it. Even attempting it would cost us our lives. Rindoh Village is a very long way away from the castle."

"Oh no…" Kagome brought her hands to her mouth, horrified. "Irene won't last that long, will she? She can't breathe without- that's it." She stood, clearly panicking. "I need to go home. I-I have to replace what we lost, I can't- ohhh, that means my textbooks too! Mom's gonna- no, she won't, she's too nice, but still… I feel so bad. Oh man." She ruffled her hair, face growing paler with each passing second. Kagome looked ready to fall back down. "We need to hurry to Kaede's so I can get to the well! Inuyasha or Kirara will have to carry Irene so she doesn't exert herself during all this!"

"This is troublesome." Sango murmured, worried. "If we get attacked by demons and she tries to use her powers, she might be done for good this time. We can't risk battling. We'll have to keep her as far away from the danger as possible."

"Why don't we just go ahead and have Kirara bring Irene to Kaede's village?" Miroku suggested. "She'll be under watch there and we don't have to worry about protecting her. On Kirara's back by herself it won't take her more than a day to reach it if they're flying at full speed."

The cat demon let out a meow, showing her agreement. Sango nodded. "Yes. But we really need those supplies… shouldn't we send Kagome with her?"

"Perhaps."

"Let's do that!" Kagome clapped her hands together, falling to her knees. Inuyasha reached out ready to catch her, but stopped himself when she regained her balance. "I'll go home, bring Irene her stuff, then probably go back home if you guys aren't there yet and wait maybe… three days to return?"

"Sounds like a plan." Sango said, smiling. She looked down at her animal companion. "You up for that, Kirara?"

Another mew.

"Then let's wait for her to wake up. You alright with Kagome going home, Inuyasha?" She looked at the half-demon. "You haven't voiced any complaints."

His ear twitched. "Look, if Irene doesn't get her medicine she's as good as dead, right? Then there's nothing to complain about. It'll take us a while to get back to Kaede's village anyway, so whatever. Kagome can do what she wants in the meantime."

"Aww~ you're so understanding!" Kagome grinned, beaming at him. She reached out, ruffling his hair and scratching behind his ears. Inuyasha's leg twitched and he placed a hand on his knee, trying to keep it from moving like a puppy would when it's happy. "Who's a good boy?"

"Stop treating me like a god damned animal!" He snapped, glaring, pulling his head away. "I'm not a dog!"

"Sure you're not." She said, grinning jokingly. "Only half."

Irene awoke the next day. She was barely even aware of what was going around her, even after she ate and used her rescue inhaler. Without the rest of her medicine to get her through, she was a breathy groggy mess who could only nod to whatever they were saying, too worn to question what was happening as they put her and Kagome on Kirara, sending them off by themselves.

It was only two days later when they arrived at Kaede's that the girl even realized Inuyasha and the others weren't with them, having spent the majority of the time sleeping. She had no idea where they were or what happened, or that they had even spoken to her when she and Kagome left Rindoh Village. The villagers looked worried about Irene, but weren't surprised to see her in such a state. She was often catching ill, after all. Kagome left soon after.

A day had passed since the middler school arrived home. Having explained the situation to her mother, Kagome's grandfather quickly went ahead to call the doctor. The girl heaved a sigh and walked up the stairs to her room, throwing herself onto her soft bed. Her body sank into the mattress, a happy sigh escaping her lips. Her body was still sore from the poison, but at least… she had this to comfort her.

She hoped Irene would survive long enough for them to order and buy the medicine tomorrow. Then Kagome would return to this time, take her tests, and… oh- maybe go have some after school lunch with her friends. It's been so long. The girl would have to study tonight whilst waiting for her grandfather to tell her how the phone call went.

The girl had a bad feeling for some reason.

Whatever Irene was getting into with this Anastasia person… it wasn't good.

Her eyes opened, staring into the distance. She sat up and looked at the calendar on her wall, frowning when she saw the year. They were so far apart, yet so close at the same time. Irene was nineteen, wasn't she? That meant she was going to be born in about four years from now. Her sister might already be born.

How complicated this all is.

"Kagome! Have you seen the broom? Grandpa wants me to go sweep the area around the well since his back his hurting today…" Sōta peered into her room, looking at her. "I've been telling him he needs to hire help, but he's so stubborn! Hey, you okay?" He stepped forward, noticing she looked a bit paler than usual. "Did you and Inuyasha get into another fight today? Or… was there a really big battle? You're not hurt, are you!?"

Kagome sat up and waved him, smiling awkwardly. "It's fine~ don't worry about. I just inhaled some miasma is all. I'll be fine in a bit. I drank plenty of the antidote."

"A-Antidote?" That just made him look more concerned. "Th-That's for poison, isn't it!? You were poisoned!?"

Oh jeez. How was she supposed to calm him down now?

"Was it that Naraku dude you keep telling us about!? Did you beat him!?"

"No…" She sighed. "But we're close. We found his castle, but now we have to spend a few more days travelling to get to it. Even worse is that we lost our supplies, so Irene doesn't have her medicine."

"Irene?" Sōta blinked. "That, uh… American girl you mentioned a while back? Doesn't she have some kind of disease?"

"Yeah. She's really unlucky. It's like she's some kind of… what did you call it before, Sōta? A Glass Cannon? " Kagome tilted her head to the side, closing her eyes and slumping her shoulders. A nice, hot bath with shampoo and conditioner sounded amazing right now. Clean clothes, too. "I don't even know what that means, but… I wonder what her sister is doing. Or if she's even okay? But- that's for another day! Grandpa is calling the doctor and I need to clean myself up! Also- how could I have seen the broom? I've been gone for almost a week!"

"S-Sorry, I just thought I'd ask!" Sōta yelped, seeing the way she stood and put her hands on her hips. He quickly darted out of the room. "It was just a question, sis!"

Kagome smiled at him, having missed her younger brother. The conversations she had with Irene and Sango made her value Sōta even more. She was going to have to give him a hard time later, definitely. He's had it easy here without her to annoy him.

So dizzy. Where did Kagome go? What about… Inuyasha and Sango, and Miroku and Shippō? Where are they? Why am I… the only one at the village besides Kirara? I can't think. It hurts. I'm so tired, but I don't want to sleep. I've been doing that far too much. Too dangerous. Not now.

I need… air.

Kaede. She's talking- wait, what did she just say? I can't… focus.

Ah, I should move. Get out of the way; she's walking over here. My arms felt so weak, legs like limp noodles. I wasn't even moving yet my heart was pounding so fiercely. Kaede held a small bowl out in front of me, the liquid inside colored green and filled with herbs. Was it food? She held it up to my lips.

My senses cleared for a moment. I could breathe easier, but not by much. Standing took too much energy out of me; it left me dizzy and discombobulated. I was trapped in the role of a lifeless doll sitting in a corner. In-and-out. Deep breaths. In through nose, slowly out through mouth. There was no escape.

I'm scared. How come the others aren't here? I thought I saw them a few days ago. Did Naraku kill them? The miasma…

Had it affected them more than they showed?

No…

Kaede looked startled when she saw the tears start to fall. "Whatever is the matter, my child?" She asked, concerned. I couldn't speak. My lips moved, but hardly any sound came out. Eventually my lips just curled back and I squeezed my eyes shut, shaking my head and looking away. The priestess rested a hand against my cheek, frowning sadly. "Do not fret. Young Kagome will return soon enough."

But the others… why aren't they here?

Is she hiding something from me? Because she thinks I'm in such a bad state that I can't handle the truth? That I'm too childish to handle the truth?

Every time…

Whenever something happened back home no one would tell me. I would find out months later. Was I really so unreliable? Maybe my dad was right. I'm too emotional to be of use to others. I'll just be walked on and used, abandoned to rot. But… if that was the case… how come I'm still alive? If Inuyasha and the others are dead… why am I here? Shouldn't I have been the easiest to kill?

Was it the Shikigami that saved me?

I doubted I would find out. I remembered nothing after we were forced into the secret passage.

Kagome showed up two days later. Handing me my inhalers and apologizing for not being faster, she waited until I had finished using the portable nebulizer to head back through the well again. She apparently had a test to take, so she was rushing. I sat there in silence inhaling the medicine, sitting in a depression with Kirara on my lap.

Kagome hadn't mentioned Inuyasha or the others at all. Were they truly gone?

I… didn't want to believe it.

But they still weren't here.

Turning off the machine, I sat in silence. Contemplating everything that was going on, what had happened, and what might have led to Kagome and I being the only ones to come back to Kaede's Village on Kirara. Maria wasn't at the castle nor was she with Naraku, so… was she also…?

No. No.

It can't… be…

I cradled Kirara close to my chest, crying into her fur. The cat demon let out a confused meow and licked my face, trying to comfort me. I hated all of this. I hated it so much. What did we do to deserve this punishment? They were all good people! My sister… should have gotten better than this. She was incredible. Kind. Caring. I loved her so much a-and… she wasn't there at the castle.

"Sh-She's gone…" I whimpered, squeezing my eyes tightly shut. "M-Maria… Sango… In-Inuyasha… even M-Miroku and Shippō… they're all gone, Kirara." My voice cracked and I choked, hiccuping as I started to sob. What had led to this? We were supposed to destroy Naraku. Good defeats evil, right? That's always how it goes. "I-I don't know… wh-what I should do…"

My solution wound up being to freeze in the lake, unmoving and quiet for almost two whole hours. I ended up forcing myself underwater, holding my breath for as long as possible to try and distract myself from the heartache. When I started to get far too dizzy I rose to the surface, gasping and coughing and spitting out water, and then I repeated the process. Eventually I grew so wore out from it that I collapsed against a rock, Kirara letting out worried meows and disapproving growls.

"I-I can't…"

They were gone. They were seriously gone. I pressed my forehead against the rock, whimpering as I thought about how I would never see anyone again. We were talking and arguing and just… living a few days ago. Now they're gone? Just like that? Without any warning?

Curse that Naraku.

"I hate him…" My fingers curled into a fist and I shouted angrily, whirling around and slamming my hands into the water. It stung and the liquid splashed me in the face, but I didn't care. "I hate him, I hate him, I hate him!"

Kirara transformed, fur standing on end as she watched me. Flames tried to light themselves on my fingertips, but they were quickly washed out by the water. One of these days Naraku will die. Someone will kill him. That was my only consolation. He didn't exist in the future, right? That means he'll die eventually.

But it couldn't happen sooner!? RAAAAAH! I want to strangle him myself! Burn him! Melt his flesh away!

I sunk down, bringing my hands up to my face and pulling at my hair, burrowing underwater and nearly drowning myself as I refused to breathe. Everyone was gone! Dead! Why should I even bother trying to live when the person I was trying so desperately to remain alive for was gone!? What's the point of even going home now!? I can't take Naraku on my own and survive.

I'm all alone. Useless. Weak. I have nobody to care for.

No one but myself and that… is not a good thing.

Kirara crawled onto the boulder and flew over the lake, glaring into the water as she waited for me to rise back up again. I was starting to get dizzy again and my chest was burning painfully. A little longer and I would pass out. Would it be worth it? What would I gain from this?

No one would lose me. Anyone who could have are already lost. Those at home, those I met here…

Kaede and Kagome are all that's left.

My eyes opened and I rose to the surface, gasping.

I can't leave them behind. I lifted my head and stared blankly at Kirara for a moment as I realized she was about to dive in and pull me out if I didn't get out myself.

That's right… she's here too.

Sango was her human. Without her… Kirara won't have anyone. Kohaku is still in Naraku's hold, after all.

I climbed out of the lake and stumbled over to grab the towel, quickly drying myself off and pulling on the green sweater and blue high-waisted jeans. I sat down and reached my arms out to Kirara, calling her over. The cat demon stared at me uncertainly for a moment, still worried about my unstable behavior, before she transformed and dashed over, leaping into my hold. I quietly apologized to her and made my way back to the village- where apparently Kaede and several other villagers have been looking for me.

"My child, where did ye run off to!?" She demanded, stepping forward with a frown. "Ye are in no condition to wander by yourself."

"...Sorry." I lowered my head, feeling guilty for what I had been doing back in the lake. "I...I'll go back to the hut."

"...Your eyes are red." She noted, stepping closer. The older woman reached out a hand and brushed my bangs out of the way, taking my temperature. "You're burning up, Irene! You must lie back down and finish recovering."

"Okay." I didn't argue.

Three more days passed, but during that time I tried to distract myself. I studied up on the herbs and medicines Kaede told me about, even going so far as to try and brew them using a mortar and pestle. I followed the priestess around like an awkward shadow, ignoring the pain in my heart that grieved for my fallen friends. I can't believe I'm never going to see them again. I can't believe I'm never going to see Maria again. We had come so far and now… just like that… they were gone.

When the villagers spoke to me I smiled, pretending I was alright. It was so easy. My personality was such a bubbly, childish one that smiling wasn't difficult in the slightest. It just hurt so much knowing it was lie. Nothing was okay. Not anymore. The world was falling apart around me.

Not even Kirara could cheer me up at this point. When I wasn't outside and was forced to be alone with my thoughts only the darkest things came to mind. I wanted to go back into that lake and drown myself. But I didn't. I wandered around lifelessly following Kaede's teachings and the day would repeat.

Until suddenly there were several explosions a short ways away from the village, taking place upon a hill. "Could that be…?" The priestess turned her head, frowning. "It is mostly definitely. Come, Irene. Let us go."

"H-Huh?" What? We're heading towards the danger? Oh jeez. I set the basket of herbs down and quickened my pace, walking after her. "O-Okay? Um. Are there demons or-?"

I cut myself off, seeing the next explosion and recognizing it. My heart caught in my throat and I choked, praying I wasn't imagining things. Was that the Wind Scar I just saw? I hurried up the hill, stumbling and wheezing, and Kaede followed after telling me to slow down and not to exert myself. I didn't care. I didn't listen. I was just desperate to see everyone alive.

And… they were. Inuyasha was standing there, sword in hand, with Sango, Kagome, Miroku, and Shippō beside him.

No way.

Was this for real?

"I… I'm not dreaming, right?" I choked, stumbling to a stop and staring at everyone. "You guys are… You guys are real, right?"

"What nonsense are you blabbering on about?" Inuyasha demanded. "Do we look fake to you?"

Sango stepped forward, looking quite relieved to see me. "How are you feeling? Sorry for sending you off with just Kagome, but we couldn't risk having you get even worse without your medicine. Things are-!" She was startled when I lunged forward and my arms wrapped around her. "Irene?"

"I-I thought you guys were dead!"

Silence washed over the group and Kaede walked up, eye widening when she saw what was going on.

"O-One second we're with Naraku a-and the next… the next I'm here a-and you guys are gone and no one would tell me anything! I-I thought… I thought…" I sobbed, fingers pulling at her kimono as I hugged her tight. "Don't just leave me like that! Okay!?"

Her hand rested gently on my head, petting my hair softly. "I'm sorry… we didn't mean to make you worry."

"Please don't cry, Irene!" Shippō pleaded from his spot on Miroku's shoulder. "We just wanted you to feel better!"

Miroku nodded, stepping forward. "It is flattering you care so much about us, though. I fear your time here was spent in stress rather than recovery… am I wrong?"

I lifted my head up at, staring at the monk with blurry vision. I hiccuped and squeezed my eyes shut, unable to answer. Inuyasha huffed and marched over, bumping his fist lightly against the back of my head. "Toughen up already, would ya?"

"S-Sorry…"

Kagome brought a hand up to her face, cringing. "I can't believe I didn't… oh, man. This is all my fault. I should have told you the others were going to catch up. I'm so sorry, Irene; if I had known you would have panicked like this, I…" She lowered her gaze and sighed. "I screwed up big time. My mind was in other places."

"It's fine." I still didn't let go of Sango. "They're… okay. So… it's fine."

"Is that what ye were worried about, child?" Kaede asked, moving closer to us, her hands laced behind her back. "Inuyasha and the others won't go down so easily- even by the hands of Naraku. And speaking of such- what was that commotion we heard? Did something happen?"

Inuyasha huffed and turned his head, sheathing his sword. "You're too late to help, so just forget it."

"What?"

"It's nothing. It's all over now." He frowned, eyebrows knitting together. "At least, I think it is…"

"Irene, you're burning up!" Sango exclaimed, seeing the way I collapsed against her. She held me up, keeping me from hitting the ground. I was so dizzy and light-headed, but I was so happy. The others were safe. My friends were okay. But Maria… was not. "Let's get you back to the hut."

Kagura glanced up when she heard footsteps, arms and legs bound by chains in the lower dungeon of Naraku's castle. She couldn't move and even if she were able she wouldn't. She had faced his wrath too much, Kagura behaved too rashly before. If Naraku hadn't needed her to keep Kohaku under wraps she would have been imprisoned much sooner after what she did to Kōga.

She was cursing his name when the demon appeared, approaching her slowly. "Do you wish to be freed?" He asked, expression void of any sympathy or compassion. "Do you want me to remove these chains?"

"I… promise you." She forced out. "I won't… try and run away from you again."

Naraku narrowed his eyes at her, but didn't speak anything of his suspicions. "Follow the one who calls himself… Muso. He is your younger brother." The half-demon raised his hand and the incarnation fell free of her binding, collapsing on the ground. Her wrists and ankles were sore, the female demon still bearing bruises from the cave falling in on her in Tsuzumi Village. Kagura glanced up, furious at the sight of her captor and creator knowing she had to obey him. "Inform Inuyasha and his friends of Muso's whereabouts. You will stay near and keep watch over him."

"What?" She demanded, struggling to stand. Kagura looked at Naraku incredulously. "Are you serious?"

The half-demon merely laughed. His red eyes darkened and he grinned, a dark expression on his face. "There's only one place where Muso could be headed for… And while they're distracted, Kagura, I will send Kohaku to grab that girl our comrade so desires. She's weak, so she should still be recovering from my miasma. He'll sneak into the village and take her."

Kagura wasn't completely certain that she wanted to risk facing that girl again. She had left quite the mark from their last battle. At least it was that pathetic mortal boy going after her this time and not herself, but if she was with her friends… no. Kagura wasn't going to think about it. Her burn stung at the thought of the human. "What do we even need that foreigner for?"

"It is not the girl herself that we need." He told her, smiling wickedly at his red gaze bore into her own. "It is her soul that Anastasia requires."

The incarnation's eyes widened.

While Irene was forced to lie back down in the hut, the others discussed what to do about this new demon that appeared. Apparently Naraku had created a new incarnation, one who called himself Muso, that was obsessed with Kagome. As such they were intending to send her home, but the girl was rather reluctant. "I do want to see how I made out on that test, but…"

"I think it would be wise for you lie low for a little while," Miroku told her, frowning, "at least until we know for sure what Naraku is up to."

"He's right." Sango said, nodding. Shippō shifted from his spot on Inuyasha's shoulder, looking quite worried.

"You're safer on the other side."

Kagome sighed, bringing a hand up to her chest nervously. "Yeah, I guess… but what about you guys? You'll have to fight him again. I don't want you to go through that alone. And what about Irene? She's too sick to battle right now."

"We'll take good care of her." Miroku said, smiling encouragingly. "Don't you worry."

Sango didn't hesitate as she reached up and grabbed the monk's ear, pulling it as she said, "And I'll be taking good care of him to make sure he doesn't do anything to her."

"Shouldn't we be heading for Naraku's castle?" Inuyasha huffed, crossing his arms. "Irene will be fine; she's lasted this long. If we wait any longer he might find a new castle to relocate to! We have to hurry up and kill him."

Shippō shook his head. "You guys can, but I'm staying with Irene. I want to make sure she feels better." He hopped off of the half-demon's shoulder, making his way over to where Irene was laying. The foreigner blinked, staring at him dazed. "We scared her so bad this time…"

"It's fine…" She mumbled. "S'normal."

"No, it's not! You thought we were dead! That's not fine."

Inuyasha leaned his head back and let out an irritable groan. "Then what do you want me to do? Huh? Just sit here and wait for Naraku to make his grand escape!?"

Kaede walked over with another bowl of herbal soup, carefully helping the foreigner to sit up. Irene made a face, wishing that she didn't get sick so easily. "Ye know very well that is not what they intended, Inuyasha. They merely suggest that they wait for Irene to recover so that you may go together, where your life is not as endangered."

"And I'm supposed to wait at home while they fight Naraku by themselves?" Kagome said, upset. "I don't like this plan. I want to stay here and help."

"Grah!" Inuyasha stood, ruffling his hair in frustration. "This is annoying! I'm done with this! I don't know about you all, but I'm gonna patrol the area and make sure there's no sign of Naraku! Got it? Come find me when you made up your fucking minds!" The half-demon stormed out of the hut, the beaded door swinging behind him.

Everyone let out a sigh, exasperated by his behavior. They understood, but… it was still childish. He got angry so easily.

"There goes Master Inuyasha, making a fuss and showing how hot his temper burns." Myoga let out a tsk sound, shaking his head disapprovingly. "He should really learn one of these days. Mortals are frail, but there is strength in numbers. Especially when they are such accomplished mortals like you all."

"Myoga!" Shippō exclaimed, seeing the flea sitting on his shoulder. "When did you get here? You've been gone for days!"

"I-I've been busy, you see." He responded, stammering. He coughed into one of his many arms, not meeting the fox demon child's gaze. "Anyway, I returned to see how you all were faring. Has Irene not yet rid her body of Naraku's poison?"

"No, that's not it." He said. "She's just really stressed out, so her body's weaker than usual. She's got a bad fever."

"Oh, I see… that's terrible. But what's all this I'm hearing about Muso? A new incarnation?"

Miroku and Sango quickly went on to explain what happened, before leaving the hut and following after Inuyasha. They tried to calm him down, but it only seemed to anger him further.

"I'm backtracking to the villages that Muso raided! It's called following a lead, morons!"

He only stopped shouting at them when the wind around them picked up. His ears twitched and the half-demon narrowed his eyes, looking up to see a woman leap out of a feather and land in front of them. "Yo." Kagura greeted, as if they were casual friends. Her movements were graceful, but the burn on her face was still so unsightly. They stared at her, stunned by her appearance.

Inuyasha jumped back and grabbed his sword, unsheathing it and holding the blade in front of him defensively. "Kagura!" He growled, fangs bared. "You wench-! What are you doing here!?"

Kagura quickly held up her fan, bringing it out to the side. "I haven't come here to fight. I simply wanted to tell you where Muso is."

"What?" Sango blinked, pausing in her reach for the hiraikotsu she wore on her back. "Where Muso is? You don't mean…"

"That demon is still alive!?" Miroku exclaimed. He could recall so vividly how that male incarnation took a direct hit from the Wind Scar- how was he still alive? Dokumoryu regenerated quickly as well, but even he died after enough damage was done to his body. Naraku was pumping out incarnations left-and-right. "How can that be!?"

Inuyasha scowled, narrowing his eyes and glaring at Kagura, attempting to see through her plans. "I knew we weren't through with him yet... but somethin' doesn't add up. How come you're so helpful all of a sudden, huh? What do you want?"

"I told you already; it's because I wanted to tell you. He's hiding in the cave that Onigumo stayed in. You're familiar with that place, aren't you?"

"What?" Inuyasha loosened his grip on his word, startled. "Kikyō…"

"Ah, so you do know it." Kagura purred, grinning as she opened her fan and used it to cover the lower half of her face. "Good. You know where to look then."

Miroku stepped forward, rings on his staff jingling with the movement. "Why would Muso have gone to Onigumo's cave? What's the connection between them, Kagura?"

She turned away, letting out a, "Hmph", as she did so. "I've told you all I know. Good-bye."

"Wait!" He shouted, calling out after her. The woman paused, hand stopping in mid-reach to the feather in her hair. "Did Naraku send you here to tell us?"

She glared at him. "What do you think?"

"Does he know about Inuyasha's secret?"

Her red eyes narrowed. "Secret?" She asked, as if the term were unfamiliar with her. "What secret? I don't know anything about it." Then she plucked out the feather, riding away on it without warning. Inuyasha tucked the tetsusaiga back into its sheath and made a face.

"There she goes… What was that little visit all about?"

"I don't know." Sango said, frowning deeply. "The last time she showed up it was to help Kohaku capture Irene. If she's acting on Naraku's orders again, then… do you think…?"

"There's no telling." Miroku said, frowning. "It could be a trap. A diversion. Yet she did try and betray him by stealing Kōga's jewel shards before."

"Either way, she's still not our ally." Inuyasha told them. "But if there's a chance Muso is still out there… maybe we should take a chance and believe her."

Miroku and Sango looked at the half-demon like he had finally gone crazy. The monk stepped forward, placing a hand on Inuyasha's head and shaking it back-and-forth. The half-demon's eyebrow twitched and he pulled away, snapping at Miroku's hand. "What are you so on edge about? This is unlike you- taking advice from the enemy."

"I'm not on edge!"

The two just stared him, unimpressed by his lies. The half-demon whirled around, crossing his arms.

"This Muso guy just…" His hands balled into fists. "He's just really starting to get to me, alright!? What's his deal, anyway?"

"Huh?"

"But if it is a trap…" Inuyasha looked down, thinking deeply. "We have to have someone back at the hut- to keep Irene safe. I'm gonna go after Muso, but you two-"

"Miroku stays with you." Sango said quickly. The monk jumped and looked at the woman in surprise, having not expected her to say such a thing. "I'll go after Irene. If Kagura tries to capture her again…" She shook her head, closing her eyes. "I won't be able to live with myself if she succeeds. Last time I left Irene alone she was nearly taken. That won't happen again."

Miroku stared at her for a long moment, a soft smile spreading across his face. "You really care about her, don't you?"

"It's…" Sango hesitated, looking almost ashamed of herself as she turned away. Her grip tightened on her hiraikotsu. "I know she's older than me, but at the same time I… I feel like she's the younger sister I never had. Every fiber of my being wants to protect her. I know we're not really family, but…"

With her younger brother under Naraku's control and Irene's older sister missing… it led the two to reach out to each other. They could relate and bond under their familiar circumstances, finding comfort in each other.

"I understand." Miroku said, stepping forward and placing a hand on the slayer's shoulder. Sango's eyes widened and she looked up at him, a small brush of red across her cheeks.

"Y-You do?"

"Yes. I'm certain Irene feels the same way."

"M-Miroku, I-" She cut herself off, tensing when she felt a familiar hand start to caress her bottom gently. Eyebrows twitching, Sango slowly raised a fist. "What. Do you think. You're doing. Monk?"

He smiled at her, unperturbed by the threatening aura radiating off of her. "I'm only telling you what I think, Sango. There's no need to be upset-!" He yelped, the woman landing several hard hits on his head. Miroku was sent flying towards Inuyasha, but the half-demon easily ducked and avoided being smacked by the monk's body.

"Why am I not surprised?" He asked no one, face blank. "You go hurry on back to the village. I'll take the pervert and go on to the cave."

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