A/N: Thank you for the reviews. I adore them.

Disclaimer: I do not own Inuyasha.

The Child Within

Chapter 2: Wake Up

In a room laid an angelic figure. She had long ebony hair that cascaded all around her fragile figure, her eyes closed shut, her lips sealed, and her cheeks glistening lightly in the reflection of sunlight that peeked into the room from the parted white curtains. The sound of soft breathing and a mechanical device beeping echoed through the room, mingling together like a duet.

Within the room the mechanical device began spiking and the beeping grew as a man in a white coat came in, inspected the mechanical device, pulled out his cell phone, and walked out quickly talking to another person on the other end.

The girl's lips slowly parted as her breathing grew; the sound of rushing footsteps could be heard as men and women in all white came in and began to inspect her like a fascinating object. They noticed her lips were parted; they looked at one another and nodded.

Outside the room stood a woman in her mid forties with a young boy, they appeared anxious and nervously waiting as the doctors inside analyzed the situation.

"Kagome, please be awake." The woman whispered softly as the child next to her held her hand tightly while looking up at her. His innocent brown eyes shined lightly at the thought of his sister, whom he had never spoken to before, to wake up.

All those who had gone into the room came out slowly and left; leaving only one man behind to speech to the woman. He looked at her and took off his glasses. His pale blue eyes stared down into her dark brown eyes.

"Mrs. Higurashi, I you must be very anxious to meet her, but we need to go over a few things." The man said as he looked over his shoulder at the girl in the room whom was sitting up with her head turned towards the window; her eyes barely open, her hair falling all around her, and cheeks rosy pink.

"Doctor, is she awake? Is she ok?" Mrs. Higurashi began as the boy next to her began to jump up and down to get a peek into the room.

"She is awake; but, she doesn't realize how long she's been sleeping." He began and looked down at the clipboard in his hand and flipped through it, "It's been almost ten years Mrs. Higurashi; that's a large amount of time for someone to be in coma, especially at such a young age. She'll probably go through shock when she realizes what year it is, how old she is now, and that… your husband passed away, and she now has a younger brother. Please take it slowly with her and don't shock her too much; it might contribute to her condition." He explained and moved aside for the woman to enter the room and followed behind her along with the young boy.

The doctor had been there since Kagome had arrived at the hospital, he had considered her a lost cause but was surprised she held on and made it through. He was there for the delivery of her brother Souta, and then the departure of her father.

The young girl heard the door open, a gasp, and rushing footsteps towards her. She turned towards the sound. Her eyes didn't seem to focus on the figure that approached her.

"K-Kagome!" The woman cried out as she knelt down next to the bed and threw her arms around her. Her eyes were closed tightly while clinging onto the girl; almost afraid to let to or she might disappear and it'd all be a dream.

"M-Mom?" Escaped the girl's lips as she fumbled her hands around, "I-I c-cant see." She whispered as the doctor whom stood at the door jerked forward and ran towards her, knelt down, pulled out his tiny flashlight, and inspected her eyes. Her voice was soft and meek as if she had to put a lot of effort into uttering those short words.

"W-What's wrong with her? Is she blind?" Mrs. Higurashi asked as she released the girl who sat there confused and began to panic.

"M-Mommy?" She whispered as her voice cracked and her hands fumbled around to grasp her mother. She wasn't sure what was going on; all she knew was that she came back into the world without sight.

The doctor sighed softly, "Its ok, she hasn't adjusted yet. It'll take some time." He said in relief and stood back up.

Mrs. Higurashi sighed and wrapped her arms around her daughter once more and stroked her hair gently, "Honey, its ok." She whispered soothingly into her daughter's ear. "Everything's ok." She was reassuring herself more than she was reassuring the girl.

Souta sat awkwardly in a chair, watching his mother give affection to his older sister. He had never spoken to her, all he heard were stories about her, and how she ended up in coma along with the visits he had with their parents to come see her.

Mrs. Higurashi released her daughter and stared at her face, reached a hand up, and placed her palm on her cheek. "Kagome, you're so beautiful." She whispered softly; it was a miracle she even came out without scars.

She then began to run her finger along Kagome's cheek and ran her fingers through her hair. Kagome smiled as her mother seemed in awe with her.

"Mommy. That tickles." Kagome giggled as her voice tried to balance itself out. Her mother smiled and released her. "Mommy, where's Daddy?" she asked suddenly. Her mother froze as Souta sucked in a deep breath. "Is that him?" She whispered when she heard the distant gasp and began fumbling her hands around, only to have it grabbed by her mother.

"No, honey, Daddy isn't here." Mrs. Higurashi replied softly and held her daughter's hand tightly as tears filled her eyes. She didn't know how to tell her. To tell her she had a brother, to tell her she didn't have a father anymore, she didn't know what to do. She began to tremble as Souta ran up and placed a hand on her shoulder.

"Oh." Was all that came out of Kagome as she felt her mother trembling; she knew something was wrong but knew not to ask. "I'm hungry." She said and smiled. Her mother stared at her in shock. She was such a bright girl. She still acted as if she was five years old; but even then she was very bright. Her mother smiled and looked up at the doctor; in return he nodded and left the room.

---

The sun peeked into a silent bedroom as a young man laid in his large bed, his arms outstretched, and gripping onto his bed sheets tightly. Sweat trickled down his forehead and chest as he thrashed around on his bed. His breathing grew from steady into pants as his body jerked forward. His eyes flashed open, his mouth parted in heavy breathing, his body tense, and his cheeks flaring. He stared down at his hand and began to rub his face and run his fingers through his hair. His silver hair clung to his face and neck as he tried to compose himself.

He could feel his heart racing; beating against his chest and drumming into his ears. His amber eyes grew soft and relaxed as he lay back down on his bed and turned his head over to his clock, 11:30AM. His lips parted once more to exhale slowly.

"Not again…" He whispered softly to himself while shaking his head.

It had been years since he last saw her. Her. He turned over in bed, grabbed a small toy fox, held it in his large hand for a second, and kissed its nose lightly. 'Kagome.'

The young man sat up slowly as he buried his face into his hands, "Why do I keep having these nightmares…" He whispered to himself. It had been ten years since he last saw Kagome. The day that continued to haunt him in his sleeps.

He got out of bed, placed the fox down on his pillow, and headed into his bathroom. He stood in front of the mirror for a second staring into his reflection, and then at the orb that dangled at his neck. He reached up and touched the necklace then turned on the faucet and began to wash his face and brush his teeth along with taking a cold shower. From a distant he could hear his mother calling him down for lunch; with a heavy sigh he got out and got dressed.

He sat down on his bed, took off the necklace, and placed it gently around the fox's neck. Every night before he went to bed he would put the necklace on, every morning he'd take it off; and on occasion when he felt like he needed her presence by his side; he'd wear it with him wherever he went.

As he stood up and began to leave his room, the pink orb flashed lightly and dimmed down.

He exited his room and began to head down the long stairs that reached his mother at the end of it, whom had her cell phone out and talking on it. She stared up at Inuyasha as he walked down. He stared at her oddly, walked up to her, bent down to kiss her cheek, and headed into the kitchen. She continued to stand there seemingly in shock as she turned her head and looked at her son. 'Inuyasha…'

She quickly headed into the kitchen behind him, waved at her husband as he got up, and pulled him outside into the garden.

"What's the matter?" Her husband asked her, "You look like you've seen a ghost." He laughed and places his arm around her lightly.

"Darling, I just got a call from Higurashi." She said softly and glanced back into the kitchen and looked back up at him.

"Oh?" He said sounding interested, "Is something wrong? Did something happen?"

She bit down on her lip and took in a deep breath, "Kagome just woke up." She began to explain only to have her husband suddenly begin to talk.

"Oh goodness, is she alright? How is she doing?" Before he could finish off with his questions his wife signaled for him to quiet down.

"Shh, don't let the boys know." She explained, "She doesn't want Inuyasha to know yet since Kagome still hasn't found out what happened to her father along with not knowing about Souta yet." She continued. "She thought she'd call and let us know Kagome's ok and healthy; but apparently she's temporarily blind until her eyes get back into focus."

Throughout the years they had occasionally gone to visit her in the early stages of her coma, but after a while with schedules, it became harder and harder to go far out of the city to visit. Inuyasha hadn't seen her since the day it occurred because they feared it would make him grow unstable.

Her husband nodded, "So when can we see her?" He asked softly.

"Once her sight is back, eating normally again, and they'll have her start rehab to walk again; they speculate it should be about a year before they let her out." She explained. "That's only if she cooperates."

He sighed softly, "A year." He whispered to himself. "So we don't tell them for a year?"

She nodded, "Or at least not until Kagome finds out about her father and Souta and comprehends all that's happened. She obviously hasn't seen herself in the mirror yet to know she's not five anymore."

The two stood there in deep thought, "Shall we get them something?" He asked.

"We should go visit her mother. She might need some support."

Her husband nodded in agreement and they entered back inside to have lunch, drop all their afternoon plans, and head out the city; leaving everything in their sons hands.

---

Kagome sat in the hospital bed as her mother stood outside talking to the doctor. It had been hours and she was beginning to be able to see object at a blur. She was content that she could see but couldn't wait until she could see fully. She extended her fragile arm, reached for a brush, and began to brush her hair slowly as her arms began to ache.

Her mother moments before had explained to her what happened, though she remembered the day clearly. Her mother explained that she had been sleeping for a very long time and things might seem a bit different. She also warned her not to panic and that she'd be right there by her side.

'Everything's alright.' Kagome thought to herself as she felt her long hair, 'I was asleep long enough to have such long hair. Mommy never let me grow it out before.' She thought to herself as she continued to brush her hair through.

Seconds later her mother entered the room slowly and knelt down by Kagome. "Darling." She whispered softly, "When you can see again, I'd like you to meet someone. He's very anxious to meet you." She said softly and stroked her cheek.

"Is it Daddy? Inuyasha?" Kagome began as she dropped the comb, smiled in excitement, and clapped her hands together. Her eyes twinkled at the thought of the two males in her life that she loved the most.

"No, someone else." Her mother replied and looked over at the closed door where Souta stood outside tip-toeing to look in.

"Oh." She said softly sounding disappointed as the shine in her eyes disappeared.

"Kagome, your father won't be around anymore." She began as she saw the sudden frown on her daughter's face.

"Why not? Is he working?" Kagome asked.

"No honey, he got really sick." She began as she saw Kagome's eyes shift back and forth rapidly.

"Is Daddy ok?" She asked frantically.

"No, he's wasn't ok." She whispered softly.

The door suddenly opened as the doctor came in and looked at Mrs. Higurashi and shook his head. Her heart rate had increased dramatically while they were talking and he worried something would happened and decided to interrupt it.

"Is Daddy dead Mommy." She whispered out softly. Her lip quivered lightly as she gripped onto her sheets.

"Honey, shh." Her mother cooed and pulled her close to her body tightly; engulfing her body in her warmth. "Be a big girl for Mommy." She whispered softly and stroked her hair.

"Daddy…" Kagome whispered softly as she sat there in shock. "When…" She whispered.

Mrs. Higurashi hesitated and looked at the doctor who nodded. "Two years ago." She whispered.

Kagome sat there, her eyes shot open widely as things suddenly came into focus. "T-Two?!" She exclaimed while trying to get out of her mother's grip. "T-Two years? H-Have I been asleep that long?" She cried as she pried her mother off her finally.

Her mother sat there, tears in her eyes staring into her daughter's honey brown eyes. "Darling…"

"No mom! How long have I been sleeping? I didn't have to go pee at all? I didn't eat for two years? Was it more? Mommy!" She cried out in confusion, "If this is a joke stop it!" She cried as she fumbled around in bed and turned her head to look out the window, but instead of looking out she saw herself in the slight reflection.

She wasn't a tiny girl with short hair anymore. She was taller, longer hair, and didn't look at all like a child. "Mom!" She screamed as she pointed at the window and began to feel her face.

The doctor ran over to her side as he tried to calm her down. Her breathing increased and her heart rate was spiking dramatically.

"Kagome, calm down. Everything's ok." He said while trying to lay her down. He fumbled around in his coat for a needle as Mrs. Higurashi sat there crying.

"Don't drug her." She cried softly as she buried her face into Kagome's lap.

The doctor stopped and looked at the two. He didn't know what to do. He glanced over at the meter and looked at Kagome whom sat there staring at her mother's head.

'I made Mommy cry…' she thought to herself as tears filled her eyes. "Mommy…" She whispered softly. Her pale cheeks began to grow a tint of pink as she lifted her mother's head up and hugged her tightly. "Tell me he's in heaven Mommy…" She whispered softly. She couldn't bare the sight of her mother crying; even if she herself wanted to cry at that very moment.

Her mother nodded and hugged her tightly, "Y-You know he is. He's watching over you darling." She cried into Kagome's shoulder, soaking her gown.

Souta stood outside leaning against the door listening to the crying and yelling as he covered his ears. The doctor tapped on the door lightly for Souta to move so he could get out of the room.

Mrs. Higurashi sat next to her daughter silently as she stared at her mother.

"Mommy. Tell me." Kagome uttered after the long silence.

"Mmm?" She looked at her daughter; confused.

"How old am I? It's ok. Be honest. I saw this on a TV show. Am I thirty?" She asked and looked up at her mother whom smiled, laughed softly, and ran her finger through Kagome's locks.

"No darling, you're not that old. Guess." She teased to ease try and Kagome a bit.

"Mmm, twenty-five!" She guessed while watching her mother laugh and she pouted.

"Nope."

"Mmmm…"

"Try sixteen in two months." She said.

"Sixteen in two months! See, I knew it." Kagome said proudly and stopped, "Sixteen?" She cried out, "Am I out of school yet?" She asked and her mother began laughing again at her daughter's innocence.

"Once you get better, you're going to learn from home." She said smiling at her daughter.

"From home? School at home?" She whispered. "Is that some kind of special program for stupid kids? If so I'm not going!" She pouted.

"How would you not go to school when it's right in your home? I'd like to see you attempt that." She teased, "And no it's not for stupid kids. You're not a kid anymore Kagome." She said and fixed the sheets on the bed.

"Oh, I'm a big girl now." She said as she squirmed around.

The two sat in silence once more while Kagome looked at her reflection in the window. She couldn't believe she was turning sixteen. She had such long hair and looked nothing like how she use to. She looked down at her hands; they were so frail.

"Kagome, would you like to meet who I was talking about earlier?" Her mother suddenly asked, thinking she would just get it over with in the first whole run. She didn't want to hold back on Kagome; she could handle it.

"Ok." She said and clapped her hands together and smiled.

Her mother nodded, walked over to the door, opened it, reached her arm out, and pulled in the boy. He awkwardly walked in and dragged his feet a bit. He stood in front of Kagome whom stared at him confused and then at her mother.

Her mother knelt down, placed her hands on the boy's shoulders. "Kagome, this is Souta." She said smiling as Souta slowly moved forwards.

Kagome smiled and clapped her hands, "A new friend." She stated as she reached her hand out and realized how much bigger it was compared to the boy's.

"Not exactly." Her mother said softly as the two shook hands, "He's your brother Kagome."

Kagome looked at her mother and then the boy. "B-Brother?" She stuttered.

Souta stood there, afraid she would reject him. His eyes stared into her as it glistened suddenly and she reached out and pulled him into her chest.

"I have a brother!" She squealed and rubbed her cheek against his.

"He's been waiting for a long time to finally talk to you." Her mother said as she watched her daughter's enjoyment over having a brother.

Souta blushed as he hugged his sister in return, not wanting to let go and ended up sitting on her lap.

Kagome smiled and poked his cheek lightly, "He looks a lot like Daddy." Kagome said softly and kissed his cheek. "So handsome." She giggled and rubbed her nose against his cheek.

Souta blushed and laughed softly at the compliment along with the tickling.

"Well, I'm going to get some water, you two behave; I'll be back in a bit." Mrs. Higurashi said as she got up and walked out the room slowly.

"Kagome?" Souta asked as he sat on her lap, his large eyes looking up at her.

"Mmm?"

"What was it like sleeping forever?" He asked her curiously.

Kagome sat there in thought for a second as the last events she remembered reoccurred in her mind and she snapped and looked back at him, "I don't know." She said softly, "Sleeping I guess." She said and laughed. "But I still woke up tired even when I slept for ten years." She laughed and tickled Souta.

Her mother returned and stood outside watching the two talk and play. Souta didn't have many friends at school and was taking to Kagome quite fast. She smiled as her eyes filled with tears. 'He'd be so happy to see this…' she thought to herself and took in a deep breath, blinked away her tears, and entered the room. "Looks like you two are having fun!" She smiled while coming in with three bottles of water.

Kagome smiled and nodded, "Souta is so cool." Kagome giggled and blew at her brother's hair as it danced.

Souta reached out and got two bottles from his mother and handed one to Kagome. "Cheers!" He yelled as he held up his bottle and Kagome laughed.

"Cheers!" She squealed; her voice finally leveling out.

"Cheers!" Mrs. Higurashi smiled as they all began to drink their bottled water together until it started getting really late.

Hours later Souta, Mrs. Higurashi, and Kagome sat in the room talking about Souta's childhood and his embarrassing moments. Kagome was content. She was definitely sad not having a father anymore, but she knew he was ok and watching over her. She had a younger brother; she had always wanted a sibling, and she still had her mother; her adoring mother.

"Kagome, it's time for us to leave. Relax and go to sleep ok?" Her mother said softly and leaned down to kiss her daughter's forehead.

Souta came over and kissed her on the cheek and give her a thumb up.

"Ok. Promise to come back again?" Kagome said smiling but yet at unease. She watched as they both left unwillingly and waved to her one last time and disappeared.

Her room was dark aside from dim light in the room. She felt so isolated, lost, and confused. She stared up at her ceiling; her honey brown eyes began to slowly well up with tears. She had seemed ok in the earlier events; but truly she wasn't. She felt empty. She knew her father was gone, that would be her biggest dilemma to overcome; but realizing she wasn't a child anymore overwhelmed her. Tears began to trickle down her pale cheek as it began to turn a shade of pink. "Papa…" She whispered softly as she turned over in the bed, curled her body up, and began to cry softly. She was delighted to have a younger brother; but she missed out on him growing up. She wanted to be there. She wanted to be there with her father; even if it would've been heartbreaking.

She knew she would have to act more mature than a five year old; she was afraid she wouldn't be able to do it. She wanted to see Inuyasha again, but she knew I'd be a while until she'd meet him again. Her mother told her that she hadn't met Inuyasha since the day they moved and that he possessed her necklace and her stuffed animal. The thought had made her giggle; a boy with a stuffed fox and a pink necklace. She had wondered what he looked like and if he thought of her; if he remembered her at all. Her mother had reassured her that he did but a part of her felt like he didn't; little did she know…

She eventually wore herself out as her muscles began to relax and she began to drift off into a sea of darkness. She was somewhat scared of not being able to wake up again; but she would be ok with that. Not like it hasn't happened before.

A/N: WHEW!! Hours or typing, revising, some more typing, and revising. I hope you guys liked this chapter.

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