Cold Hearts Can Never Be Warm

Ch. 1 Help from a Friend

"Hey ma, do you need any help?"

"No thanks Jinenji. Why don't you go start boiling some water to get supper started." the old woman told her large half-demon son. As he was about to enter the house, he sensed someone's presence

"Ma, someone's coming" Jinenji forewarned his mother. They both looked ahead and saw a priestess slowly walk towards them.

"Kagome!" they both exclaimed and ran to her. When they reached her, they saw how worn out she was, with her pale skin and dull eyes. The poison was spreading through her body quickly and she had been walking all night to get here, now it was late in the afternoon.

Kagome fell to her knees and started gasping for air: "Ji-Jinenji…please…give me a remedy. The poison…is spreading through my body."

"Jinenji, take Kagome inside and get Takera to clean up that arm, then come and help me gather the ingredients."

"Ok ma." the huge giant quickly, yet gently, carried Kagome in his hand and entered the house with distress. "Takera!"

"What is it Jinenji?" a young girl about 15 entered from the door. She wore a very fancy red/orange kimono with white and dark red designs on it. She had brown eyes and long black, silky, flowing hair that stopped at the middle of her back. She had a sweet smile, a kind spirit, and a heart made of gold. "Who is this?"

Jinenji handed Kagome over to Takera. "This is an old friend of mine. She's been poisoned very badly and she has a fever too. Please clean her up a little."

"Oh, poor thing; I'm on it Jinenji." she quickly took Kagome to the other room and tended to her wound. She laid her down on the bed and put a cold compress on her forehead. While undressing her, she noticed her permanent scars. There were three long claw marks going diagonally down her back. 'Poor girl, she doesn't look much older than me, but she's been through so much pain.'

Takera dressed her in a white kimono and cleaned up her arm. By now, Jinenji and his mother had arrived with the medicine. They spread it all over her arm and wrapped it up; also, they gave her some tea that would get rid of any poison in her system.

The next day, Kagome awoke to find herself in a dim-lit room, with her priestess attire next to her. Kagome put her regular clothes and walked out to see Takera cooking.

"Oh, good morning Lady Kagome." she said cheerfully.

"Uh…good morning?" she looked at Takera quite confused.

"What's the matter?"

"It's just…I thought I came to Jinenji's farm."

"Well, you're in the right place." the young teen said reassuringly

"But…this house is so big, and who are you?"

"Oh, I'm sorry." she jumped up with all the energy in the world, "We weren't properly introduced." She held out her hand friendly like. "I'm Takera. Jinenji has told me so much about you."

"Pleasure to meet you Takera," Kagome shook her hand.

"Kagome! I'm so glad you're ok!" Jinenji walked in with a excitement.

"Hi Jinenji!"

"Kagome, you sure did take a beating. What happened to you?" Jinenji's mother asked.

"Oh…uh…it was just a demon attack" she tried to sound as convincing as possible. Jinenji and Takera bought it, but his mother wasn't easily fooled.

"Jinenji, why don't you and Takera grab some fruit for Kagome?"

"Sure thing ma."

Takera softly grabbed his hand as much as she could, which made the half-demon's blush they and ran out.

"Well, she seems nice"

"Yes, and she's a major help around here."

So is that why she is here?"

The old woman nodded. "About a year ago we found her barely alive in the forest. Her village had been attacked and set a fire, burning it to the ground. Her entire family was killed, so we took her in after she was back in good health. Fortunately she was taught about medicine at a young age, so she can help around here."

Kagome grew a small smile. "It seems Jinenji has a crush on her."

"Believe me, that boy's head over hills in love with her." she sat down next to the fire, "I won't be here forever, and I need someone to be here with Jinenji. He needs to learn how to live a life without me holding his hand through every trial. He needs to step up his game, and Takera can do that. He needs someone to love; someone to protect."

'Someone…to protect? Those words…sound so familiar…' Kagome's face saddened as she remembered when someone very special once said that…

"No, you should shut up and let me protect you!"
"I have someone I have to protect, and that's why I can never give up!"

The raven haired priestess broke out of her thoughts by the old woman's voice.

"You know, for a while, I thought the person who would stay with Jinenji would be you, Kagome."

"Oh…" Kagome kind of felt awkward at the idea.

"But, I could tell that your heart belonged to that pretty young fellow."

"Uh…miss…"

"It was him, wasn't it? He's the one that hurt you? That means…that Inuyasha has returned."

It was quite for what seemed like forever to Kagome, but she finally spoke.

"So…what are you going to do?"

"If he causes any trouble, I will protect what is mine and kill him." she said softly, yet menacingly.

"If that's what you feel you must do, then do it. You must protect what is yours now, for he is a thing of the past."

After a big breakfast, Kagome was ready to go back to the village. "Oh, won't you stay for a little while longer?" Takera asked with begging eyes.

"No, I'm sorry. But there's someone special I've got to get back to."

"Really? Who is he?" Takera became interested.

"Someone very special to me." she responded very softly.

"Yeah, you can't keep him waiting." Jinenji said to his friend.

"Thank you for everything Jinenji." Kagome said gratefully and bowed.

"Can I ask you one more thing?" Takera stepped up, and Kagome nodded of approval, "Do you love him?"

Kagome smiled sweetly and answered "Yes, with all my heart."

"Then I wish you well." the cheerful Takera said with joy.

"Thank you"

"Tell him we said hi." Jinenji's mom reminded.

"I will. Bye!" they all waved and watched as Kagome was no longer in sight. The priestess looked forward, anxious to get back where she belonged to see her loved ones.

Who is this "special" someone Kagome is so anxious to see? Is it Inuyasha? Or is it someone new that she has given her heart to? Find out next chapter!

Oh yeah. i don't own Inuyashaor the chaacters. but i do own Takera