Disclaimer: I do not own any of the wonderful InuYasha characters created by Rumiko Takahashi, nor do I own any of the Greek gods listed within this story.
Friends
InuYasha and Apollo stumbled out into the sitting area, instantly shrinking back into a corner when they saw the angry visage of the demon slayer near the fireplace. Miroku came out and joined them. "Everyone sit down and I'll tell you what I know." He motioned to the pillows on the floor. Shippo was cradled in Sango's arms, trying to comfort her and take the edge off her anger. "When Sango told me about the barrier Kagome created, I figured the two of you were the root cause of it." The two idiots glared at him but didn't say anything. Miroku continued "I was able to meditate and read Kagome's emotions through the barrier. It seems she is having trouble managing her anger. It might be a side affect of the demon snake venom her body absorbed two weeks ago, or it might be our dear Lady Kagome has finally reached the end of her patience with a certain Hanyou." Miroku paused when he heard a snort from said Hanyou. "I'm serious, InuYasha. Think back over the last two years that Kagome has been here in the feudal era. How many times have you two fought, only to have her forgive you and apologize even when it wasn't her fault?" InuYasha blushed and looked at the floor. Miroku continued. "I'm not sure when Kagome will let the barrier down. I am guessing whenever she is able to quell her anger." "Is there anything we can do to help Kagome get her anger back under control?" Shippo asked. "We need to be supportive and give her time to resolve her inner conflict." Miroku replied. "Feh! And how long is that going to take? We got jewel shards to find." InuYasha shrank back at the glare Sango sent his way. "I don't know, InuYasha." Miroku walked over to the fireplace and stared into the golden flames. He turned to face the group again. "I do know when she comes out of her barrier, we need to be more patient and understanding. We're her friends and we need to help her harness her anger and dispel it or…" he trailed off. "Or what?" Apollo questioned, not sure if he was going to like the answer or not. "If not, she may lose control of her Miko powers and hurt someone, including herself." He sighed. "I just wish I knew why her anger has gotten out of control. She was always able to deal with it before. Why can't she now?" he mused.
"Well I think we should do something special for Kagome, you know, to try and take her mind off whatever is making her angry." Sango commented. "I could draw a picture" Shippo offered. "She'd like that, Shippo" Sango hugged the kit. "I'll teach her some meditation chants to help her calm down and relax when she's feeling stressed." Miroku decided. "I will continue to teach her about her Miko powers. If she knows how to use them, it will be easier for her to keep them under control." Apollo commented. "I'll work with her on some physical training so she can work the anger out of her system instead of letting it take over." Sango stated. "How about you, InuYasha?" Miroku asked. "Hn. I'll figure something out" he grunted. "No way am I going to tell them what I plan to do" he thought, hiding his face under his bangs so they couldn't see his blush. Miroku stretched and yawned. "Well, let's get some sleep. Hopefully Kagome will come out of her barrier in the morning."
Sango could tell InuYasha was worried about Kagome, though he wouldn't say it outright. "InuYasha?" She started. He grunted. "I'll take your futon tonight. Why don't you stay with Kagome? That way if something happens, you can protect her." She looked at the Hanyou. "Feh. Whatever." He mumbled. "She knows I'm worried and I want to be near Kagome until she wakes up. Thanks, Sango." He thought, unable to vocalize his thanks. Sango grabbed a sleeping yukata out of the room and headed to the second bedroom with Shippo in tow. InuYasha closed the door behind her and sat down in a back corner so he could watch the room and Kagome at the same time. He soon drifted off in thought.
"Why, Kagome? Why are you having trouble now?" He shook his head to clear it. "I'll try to be better and not interfere with your training. Seeing Apollo touching you makes my inner demon want to come out." He looked at the sleeping girl again. "Somehow I'll make it up to you…" his thoughts drifted away as he fell into a light sleep.
He woke suddenly, at first not knowing why. He quickly scanned the room, finally looking at Kagome on the bed. She was moaning and thrashing in her sleep. "She's having a nightmare." He thought as he moved closer to the futon. "I wish she would let the barrier down so I could help her." A slight pulse ran through the room. "The barrier's down. I wonder why" he moved to sit on the edge of the bed. "InuYasha, help me" Kagome cried in her sleep. "Kagome, I'm here" he grabbed her shoulders, trying to wake her up. She just flinched and started crying again. "I…can't…get…away…where are you?" She panted, her face tightened in pain as her hands clutched the sheets. "She's not waking up. What can I do?" he was angry and guilty, not being able to help her. He slid into the bed next to her and pulled her close, stilling her thrashing arms. "I'm here, Kagome. I'll protect you. I'll always protect you." He murmured into her hair as he rubbed her back, trying to soothe her. Her face calmed as she sighed and snuggled closer into his warmth, never waking up. He continued holding her as sleep finally overtook him.