Chapter Four
A Terrible Fate
"Where did Kagome run off to?" InuYasha complained.
The group finally met up with each other. But Kagome was no where in sight.
"She went down to that hut with some gypsy," Shippo replied.
"Well let's go get her so we can be on our way," InuYasha stated.
They walked down the small dirt path to the gypsy's hut. When they reached it InuYasha walked in first.
"Come on Kagome we have to go! Oh no, Kagome!" InuYasha shouted and ran to her side.
Kagome was still unconscious. Her breaths were slow and shallow. She was sweating and her body was burning up.
"InuYasha, what's wrong with her?" Sango asked.
InuYasha gathered Kagome in his arms, "I don't know. She won't wake up."
Miroku spotted the Rui fruit that Kagome had taken a bite of. He picked it up and examined it. "If I'm not mistaken, this is a poisonous Rui fruit. People eat it because they are told it can make the one you desire fall in love with you," Miroku explained.
"Why would Kagome even think to eat something like that?" InuYasha questioned, his tone was full of anger.
"Oh gee, I don't know. You're always thinking about and talking about Kikyo. Can't you see that Kagome loves you," Sango argued.
"This is no time to fight. We have to get the antidote, if we don't she will be dead by morning," Miroku snapped.
InuYasha stood up with Kagome still in his arms, "What is the antidote? Where do we find it?"
"We must find a Tsubaki Tree. The nectar from its flowers is the only antidote," Miroku explained.
"That's not the only thing we're gonna have to find. Kagome's jewel shards are missing. The gypsy must have stolen them. Let's hurry and get out of here," InuYasha exclaimed.
"Right now the only thing that matters is curing Kagome," Sango replied.
They fled from the hut and the village. InuYasha carried Kagome tightly in his arms. She looked so helpless. Her body was so limp.
"Hang on Kagome, don't you die on me," InuYasha whispered in her ear.
They ran through the fields and forests. They searched high and low for the Tsubaki Tree. They were coming up empty handed and it was starting to get dark.
"InuYasha, you should set up camp. Sango, Shippo and I will continue to search for the tree. Take care of Kagome, she should not be moved around so much," Miroku explained.
InuYasha didn't argue. Miroku and the others went off on Kirara. InuYasha laid out a sleeping bag and put Kagome on top of it. He made a fire and then went to fetch some water. He came back and got a cloth from Kagome's first aid kit. He soaked it with cold water and put it on Kagome's forehead to help lower her fever.
"Inu…InuYasha," Kagome gasped out.
InuYasha lifted her up, "Yes, I'm here Kagome."
"I'm scared, don't leave me. I need you near me," she whispered.
"Shhh, don't worry. I'm not going anywhere, I won't let you go. Miroku and Sango are looking for the antidote to cure the poison you ingested. You're going to be okay," InuYasha explained.
"I'm sorry, I was stupid. I… I wasn't thinking," Kagome sighed.
"Stop talking like that. Just rest, you need to rest," InuYasha demanded.
"Thank you, for watching over me and keeping me safe," Kagome whispered and fell back into unconsciousness.
InuYasha rested Kagome's head in his lap. He continued to put cold compresses on her forehead. She was still sweating and her fever seemed to be getting worse.
"Come on Kagome. I know you can get through this. Please Kagome, I can't lose you. I need you, I need you with me always," InuYasha whispered.
He'd already lost the only two mortals he ever loved. He couldn't lose Kagome too.