Chapter Seven

Getting Back the Sacred Shards

All of the poison was finally out of Kagome's system. She was finally strong enough to stand up and walk on her own. However, her head was still reeling and dizzy from the romantic encounter she had with InuYasha. She still couldn't believe InuYasha confessed his love for her.

"Okay everyone, lets get going. We have to find those scared jewels," Kagome exclaimed.

"Are you sure you're up to it. Maybe we should wait a while longer," Sango suggested.

Kagome jumped onto InuYasha's back, "I'm better than ever. Lets go."

No one argued with that. They were off and running. But, no one really knew where to go. Sakura left without a trace. She also had a whole day and a half to escape.

"Do you sense anything Kagome?!" InuYasha questioned.

Kagome shook her head, "Nothing!"

All they could do was run. Hopefully Kagome would sense something soon. The one thing she couldn't figure out was why Sakura wanted the shards so badly. She wasn't a demon. And she was already a powerful gypsy. Daylight was fading fast. There was still no sign of Sakura or the shards. Kagome was very disappointed.

"This is ridiculous! Where could she have gone!" Kagome shouted.

"Will you stop worrying. We'll find her," InuYasha assured her.

Kagome pouted, "You're just saying that to make me feel better."

"Maybe, but still, don't worry we always get the bad guy," InuYasha answered playfully.

Kagome enjoyed this new side of InuYasha. It was refreshing. It was also less irritating. It was nice to have civil conversations with him.Just when they were about to give up, Kagome felt something.

"InuYasha, that cave up ahead. I feel the jewel shards!" Kagome exclaimed.

They picked up the pace and headed for the cave. Sakura had to be there. The feeling Kagome had was intense. They reached the cave and went inside.

"Everyone be on their guard. Who knows what this witch has done with the shards," InuYasha warned.

They cautiously walked further into the cave. There was a strange feeling in the air. It was a heavy thickness. Up ahead there was a strange blue and purple glow emanating from the end of the tunnel.

"What is that?" Miroku questioned.

"I don't know, but the air is strange in here," Sango replied.

They reached the end of the cave. There, Sakura was standing in front of a large statue. It was the statue of a samurai warrior. The look on his face was menacing. Sakura had the jewel fragments in her hands. She was chanting and preparing to place them into the statue.

"Hey! You stop right there!" InuYasha demanded.

Sakura spun around. She was shocked to see Kagome alive and well.

"Well, well young lady. I see you survived the poison. Too bad, this time your death will be more painful," Sakura explained deviously.

"I don't think so!" Kagome shouted.

Kagome shot her arrow into the statue. Her purifying arrow hit him point blank in the chest. The statue disintegrated into a pile of dust and rubble.

"No! My brother, you destroyed my brother!" the gypsy cried.

"I'll take those" InuYasha grunted and snatched the jewel shards from her hand.

Miroku walked up to Sakura. "Why was your brother turned to stone?"

Sakura straightened up, "He was the most brutal samurai warrior. After he massacred an entire village, a sorceress turned him to stone. I was going to use those shards of the shikon jewel to break the curse."

"I'm sorry for your loss. But, it's better that he is gone. Now, leave this place before we destroy you for trying to kill Kagome," Miroku insisted.

Without hesitation Sakura ran from the cave. The group was incredibly satisfied with their work. And Kagome was glad to have the shards in her possession once more.