NVP

Chapter 8

Inuyasha found no rest as he slept that night. He was tormented by visions of Kagome being pierced by Naraku's claw over and over. The same horrific dream seemed to never truly end, just to repeat that horrible image. He was thankful when a small prick in his neck drove him from sleep completely. He reached up and slapped whatever pest had decided he would make a good meal.

"Nice…to see you again…my lord." Myoga said as he un flattened himself from Inuyasha's neck.

"Myoga? What're you doing here?"

"I simply dropped by to check on you… and it would seem that it's good that I did."

Myoga bounced over to Kagome.

"She has lost a great deal of blood."

"Yes, how did you know?" Inuyasha asked.

"Please master, I'm a flea, I know all about blood." Myoga said, then he took a serious tone, "She has very little time left."

Myoga paused, seeming to be thinking about something. He looked at Kagome, then up to Inuyasha, and back to Kagome.

"Myoga if you know a way to help her then just tell me already."

"I can't really do anything. It is you, master, who can help her."

Inuyasha was getting agitated. He grabbed Myoga between two fingers, threatening to squish him.

"Just tell me then!" Inuyasha yelled, a little louder than he'd intended.

Myoga fidgeted in his grasp. "My lord, this is not something that should be done hastily. You must be aware of the consequences before you decide to go through with this."

"Then tell me." Inuyasha said sternly.

Myoga looked around,"Not here, let's go outside, away from the others."

Inuyasha frowned. Myoga jumped up onto his shoulder and they left the hut. Inuyasha headed for the woods as Myoga began to explain.

The others awoke just before daybreak and moved inside the hut. Finding Inuyasha gone, they feared the worst. Miroku rushed to Kagome and placed a hand on her cheek. She groaned slightly and he relaxed a little.

'What would have made him leave her side at a time like this?'

As if in answer to his unspoken question, Inuyasha walked in with Myoga perched on his shoulder and an empty bowl in his hand. Shippo jumped in front of him.

"Where were you, Inuyasha? How could you even think to leave at a time like this!"

Miroku stood up. "My thoughts exactly."

Inuyasha ignored them and walked past them, in front of Kagome.

"Everyone please leave now." He said, not looking at them.

Miroku started to question, but Inuyasha cut him off with a glare.

"Now!"

Miroku hesitated, and then led the others outside. Only Kaede remained.

"You too Kaede."

She looked surprised, then suspicious, "what is it ye intend to do?"

Inuyasha looked down at Myoga, then to Kaede. "Protect Kagome."

Kaede didn't fully understand, but she trusted Inuyasha and nodded as she backed out the door. When she was gone, Inuyasha moved to a corner and crouched down, still holding the bowl. When he returned, it was full of a thick, dark liquid. A fresh wound bled from his wrist. He knelt next to kagome and very gently propped her up on his knee.

"Kagome." He said quietly.

She didn't open her eyes but he sensed her shift from sleep. He held up the bowl close to her mouth.

"Kagome, I need you to drink this."

"…What is it?" She managed to whisper.

Inuyasha looked to Myoga for support. Myoga shook his head vigorously, covering his mouth.

"It's… It's medicine. Just trust me and drink."

Kagome leaned her head back and Inuyasha started to slowly pour into her mouth. The moment it entered though, she grimaced and coughed. Inuyasha pulled the cup away.

"I know it's bad but you need to drink all of it." Inuyasha pleaded.

He tried again and this time was able to empty the bowl completely. When she finished, he laid her back down and stood up.

'Please don't hate me Kagome.'

Inuyasha went to the door and poked his head out. The others, including Tor'mac, were all waiting right outside.

"No one comes inside until I say so."

Sango jumped up. "What's going on, Inuyasha? We have a right to know, she's our friend too."

Kaede calmed her by placing a hand on her shoulder as Inuyasha disappeared inside again.

"Ye must have faith in Inuyasha. He will not harm Kagome, she is in good hands."

Miroku looked at her curiously,"Lady Kaede, do you know what's going on?"

Kaede folded her hands, "I suspect, but it is not my place to reveal it. In any case we'll know for certain in time."

Inside the hut, Kagome began to shift uncomfortably and groan as if in pain. Inuyasha moved closer and Myoga jumped to the ground.

"Look master, it's beginning to take effect."

Outside, the others could hear Kagome's groans become cries of anguish. Waiting was taking its toll on the group. Shippo nearly bolted for the door, but Miroku stopped him. Kirara sniffed the air and growled uneasily.

"What's wrong Kirara?" Sango asked.

Kirara's only answer was the intent stare she kept on the small hut. Sango looked back.

"What's going on in there?"

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