I know, this chapter is very short. It's being posted at the same time as another chapter, though, to make up for an upcoming week of absence, so give me a break. The chapter after this makes up for it. I own nothing.

As InuYasha's body fell heavily to the ground, limp as a ragdoll, Kagome, Shippo, Sango, and Miroku watched in confusion and horror as the old woman turned to reveal a face with eyes red as blood. Those eyes, glinting eerily, were the last thing any of InuYasha's companions saw before they and the entity they belonged to disappeared.

"InuYasha!" Kagome screamed, recovering first. She ran as fast as she could toward him, but one of her feet hit a rock by the river's side wrong, and she was sent sprawling just inches from the hanyou, who seemed to be glowing with a strange light.

Sango, Miroku, and Shippo joined Kagome at InuYasha's side, Sango helping the girl up.

Kagome's eyes filled with tears. "What's wrong with him?"

Miroku's expression was unreadable as he said softly, "that creature just now likely cast a spell or curse upon InuYasha here. We'll know exactly what's been done when he wakes up, but his appearance may very well change. We must all be prepared for that so that we'll be able to supply some amount of comfort for InuYasha when he finds out what's been done."

Shippo bounced over to InuYasha. "He looks almost like he's glowing…"

"It's already happening," Kagome whispered. She collapsed on top of InuYasha, tears flowing down her face. "InuYasha, please, fight it! Don't let yourself be taken over by this curse!" Kagome couldn't explain it. She was just sure that it wasn't just a spell on InuYasha. He must have been cursed. But if he was… there's a way to fix it, isn't there?

"He won't be able to hear us. He's out cold," Sango said, gently pulling Kagome back. "We can't help him now. We can only wait."

Kagome looked back at InuYasha. The hanyou's face was relaxed. He always looked so much younger when he slept. In fact… he looked almost too young. Kagome looked closer at him. Her eyes weren't playing tricks on her. InuYasha was looking younger. His haori hung on him. "You guys…"

"I see it too," Miroku said.

Sango and Shippo nodded.

Kagome whimpered. "InuYasha…"

Hurry, on to the next chapter now! ^^ Oh, and review! As a rule, I always have to say that. Every chapter. Everyone does, right? Review!