Disclaimer: Inuyasha and all of it's characters are the property of Rumiko Takahashi.
A/N: I own only the idea of this fanfiction and the plot within nothing else. I make no profit off of this story and merely do it for fun.
Kagome P.O.V.
It had been nearly a week since Koga joined the group and it had been nothing but stressful. The first few days were not that bad as Inuyasha tried to pick fights with the Wolf Demon but Koga kept his calm and ignored the other. With Inuyasha continued failed attempts to get a rise out of Koga he finally gave up instead turning his anger towards Kagome. That is what finally caused Koga to tick. Kagome didn't know why but for whatever reason when Inuyasha would start in on her, Koga was there to immediately defend her or simply argue. It was like he couldn't help himself. At first she had been flattered but as the days went on she realized Inuyasha had picked up on Koga's sore spot which was her. He now used to it to his advantage. It felt like every hour they were yelling at each other if not actually fist fighting. It was a good thing they were both demons and healed quickly or they would be nothing but bloody pulps by now.
Their continued aggression soon spread to the rest of the group and now everyone was short tempered. Whenever Inuyasha would start in on his rants not only was it Koga who argued back but as well as Sango who could sometimes be more hot headed than both demons put together. Even she herself sometimes was sucked into the madness no matter how hard she tried to stay out of it. Kikyo and Miroku only seemed to care when there was actual physical violence.
This caused the tension between Kikyo and herself to become even worse. Kikyo was quick to come to Inuyasha's aid when things got too intense. This wouldn't have been such a bad thing but because Kikyo did not seem to have any sort of care for Koga as a member of the group these interventions often led to Kagome having to jump in to keep Kikyo from purifying her friend. The whole thing was getting out of control and she could feel that any second what order there was would be lost.
Right now Inuyasha and Koga were in the middle of what felt like the same argument for the hundredth time. It started with Inuyasha's insults towards her for having not sensed a single shard since the Boar Demon. She tried to ignore how irritating it was that he was so quick to criticize her even though Kikyo could sense shards just as well as she could but he didn't say anything to her. Even though she hadn't said anything to Inuyasha's insults, at once Koga came to her defense and then the argument circled around to how Inuyasha didn't think they needed Koga around.
Kagome sat with the palms of her hands pushed hard over her eyes as she groaned in frustration. She was currently sitting on the ground with her knees pulled to her chest. "Why…... why please just let them both shut up." She thought to herself as her shoulders hunched further over like she was trying to shrink into a ball.
"You are an even bigger fool than I originally thought if you honestly believe that mutt. How can you even convince yourself that you don't need all the help you can get? You clearly don't know how to lead a pack and anyone with half a brain would accept that in order to track down and defeat Naraku it is going to take more than some dog boy with a sword." Koga was currently snapping at Inuyasha.
At this Inuyasha drew his sword and Kagome nearly physically flinched. She wasn't afraid but so far Inuyasha had destroyed several areas of forest all due to his temper. She knew this time would be no different.
"Oh yeah? You think you could do better. I would just like to see you try. You are a piss poor excuse of a fighter." Inuyasha said with a small smirk tugging the corners of his lips and he eagerly waited for Koga to pick a fight with him. His lust for violence sickened Kagome and she couldn't help in that moment wonder how she ever looked past that quality in Inuyasha. Yes he was a great person with a great heart but his own love in the thrill of battle made her stomach tie in knots of nervousness. Koga grit his teeth in frustration and she could tell he was losing his temper not really eager to fight like Inuyasha but down right frustrated and looking for a way to release that anger.
"That's it I am tired of hearing you spew bullshit. Might as well beat you until you choke on your words." Koga said his pupils now small slights as he was clearing trying to hold back how angry and short tempered he really was.
Before either could make a single move Kagome stood up with her hands clenched into fist at her sides. "That is it! Both of you just stop! This whole thing is ridiculous and childish and disgusting." She practically yelled and the whole group turned to look at her in surprise.
"Kagome just stay outa th…."
"SIT! SIT SIT SIT SIT SIT!" She screamed before he could finish his sentence. Inuyasha was planted face first in the dirt unable to move with the force of her command. It had been some time she had used the beads to subdue Inuyasha. A part of her felt like it was inappropriate now that he was with Kikyo. As if she would be stepping over some line by doing so. At this point she cared very little though.
"Ha! Take that dog fa…." Before Koga could finish what he was saying he was suddenly pegged on the side of his head with a rock with charged with just enough spiritual energy for it to really hurt. "Ouch!" He yelped looking at Kagome in surprise only to be hit with another rock on the shoulder. Soon multiple rocks were flying his way as Kagome was throwing them as fast as she could find them to pick up. He held his hands up in defense too shocked to dodge them and flinching every time one made contact with him.
"I am done do you hear me?! No more! You are done fighting this instance. Your guy's behavior and attitude is nothing but toxic poison to the rest of the group. You both are driving everyone to the brink of madness. I won't deal with it anymore I mean it. Inuyasha you need to grow up and realize Koga is only trying to help us and get over whatever it is that is wrong with you. Koga I expected more of you. If you can't just let Inuyasha childish antics roll off your shoulders then maybe you really should think about returning to your pack. I don't want you to go but I can't take this anymore I am going to crazy! Now I am going to go to the hot spring if I hear any raised voices or if anyone tells me you two so much as looked at each other wrong I will purify you both into next week!" With that she grabbed her bag and made her way in the direction of the springs. "Come on Sango." She said in a huff. Normally she would not command her sister to do anything but right now she just wanted to relax with her best friend. Sango seemed to understand because she didn't say a word and simply followed behind Kagome.
Koga P.O.V.
He felt ashamed. He knew that tensions had been high for everyone but seeing Kagome so upset and knowing he was part of the reason made him feel horrible. He hadn't realized the toll Inuyasha and his arguing had taken on everyone. Never before had Kagome been physically violent towards him. He could feel her anger as the spots the rocks had hit him still stung painfully. Inuyasha didn't seem to be in a much better state barely able to pull himself off the ground since Kagome had left for the spring. Inuyasha gave him a sideways look before frowning and leaping into a tree. Distance between them was probably best as he had no doubt Kagome would make good on her threat if she caught them arguing again. He tried not to let it hurt that she had told him he should leave if he couldn't handle himself around Inuyasha. He knew she was really upset but the thought that Kagome might think it was better for him not to be there still stung. "She made a point to say she wanted you to stay though." That thought alone caused him to smile to himself as he set about collecting wood for a fire figuring they would be camping here for the night.
"I don't like or trust you Inuyasha but for her and everyone else's sake I say we try and at least just stay out of each other's way if we can't get along." Koga said barely above a whisper knowing Inuyasha and no one else would hear. He hoped the other would be mature enough to at least attempt to obey Kagome's wishes otherwise it was going to be that much more difficult for him.
"Inuyasha come down for a second please." He heard Kikyo call up to Inuyasha who had perched himself on a branch. Inuyasha hopped down without complaint and Koga couldn't help but notice the loving way he looked at Kikyo.
"What is it?" Inuyasha asked Kikyo in a quiet voice and Koga was doing in best not to eavesdrop though it was difficult since they were all right there. Kikyo without saying anything though reached up and grabbed the prayer beads around Inuyasha's neck and pulled easily breaking them. Inuyasha as well as the others in the group stared wide eyed in surprise. They all knew the message Kikyo's actions sent. It would be made clear that Kikyo did not appreciate the control Kagome had possessed over the man she loves. Koga just shook his head to rid himself of the shock and continued to collect wood his thoughts returning to Kagome.
Inuyasha P.O.V.
He had no idea what to say. All he could do was just stand there and stare at the beads on the ground. It hadn't ever accord to him that Kikyo had the ability to remove the prayer beads. He didn't even realize he could have asked. After so many years of having them it just became natural, like a permanent extension of his person. Now there the beads were on the ground completely useless.
Finally regaining his composure he looked up and met Kikyo's gaze. "Thank you…" He practically whispered with a small appreciative smile pulling the corners of his lips. Kikyo returned the smile and nodded her head though there was a spark in her eyes that gave away her still remaining slight irritation. Without asking Inuyasha wrapped his arms around Kikyo and jumped back into the tree. Wiggling a little he made himself comfortable with Kikyo on his lap. "Let's get some rest before the others get back and we eat." He said pulling Kikyo close and watching as she nodded and let her eyes drift close as she curled up against him. Inuyasha couldn't have fallen asleep if he tried though instead stared off into the dark forest deep in thought.
Yes a part of him was happy to be rid of the prayer beads. Who wouldn't have been? Another part of him couldn't help but realize how it was just another tie to Kagome severed. He truly did love Kikyo and wanted to be with her. Not a single part of him regretted his decision to be with her. A part of him did feel sad at the loss of what he and Kagome shared. Yes they were still friends he couldn't imagine a time when they wouldn't be but the relationship they now had was confusing. Trying to make sure they kept that degree of separation as friends was suddenly complicated. It was part of the reason Koga's presence bothered him so much it made things all the more confusing for Inuyasha. He felt jealousy for the attention Kagome showed the Wolf and would get irritated seeing the way that Koga looked at Kagome even though he knew he had no right to feel that way. He knew it bothered not only Kagome but Kikyo as well. He had even tried to explain it to her but how was he supposed to put it into words when he couldn't even get his own thoughts straight. Kikyo had understood thankfully. All he knew was that he wanted to be with Kikyo and that he loved her more than anyone. He knew he had to let Kagome move on but for whatever reason he was struggling to let go of old feelings and habits.
"Koga is right for everyone's sake we have to stop fighting. I don't want Kagome angry at us especially not now when everything is already so tense. And I definitely don't want Kikyo to get angry because she might think I still have romantic feelings for Kagome when I don't… Plus Kagome does deserve to be able to move on…" He saw the way Kagome sometimes looked at Koga when she thought no one was looking. He had realized the other was developing feelings for the wolf and that she likely hadn't even realized it yet. He knew he needed to just let Kagome choose her own path in life he clearly struggled with it though. Despite knowing taking a step back was the right thing to do he had so little control over his actions and words. He knew if he and Kagome were going to stay friends he had to stop picking fights with the wolf and making things hard on everyone. With that in mind Inuyasha made the solid decision to put an effort into being civil with everyone including Koga.
Kagome P.O.V.
"Thank Kami finally some peace and quiet." Kagome said as she slid further down into the hot water letting it relax he tense muscles.
"Your tellin me." Sango said as she too slid deep into the hot water. She watched as her sister let her eyes drift closed as she leaned back against a large rock. "How are you? I mean with everything." Sango asked softly watching as Kagome frowned just slightly.
"I am fine…" Kagome started to say before Sango cut her off.
"Don't you lie to me Kagome. I know you better than that plus I do have eyes I see how exhausted you are. You wake up looking awful I know they whole situation is probably hard for you but don't think I haven't noticed how you have been waking up in the mornings still completely exhausted even though you have actually been getting sleep."
Kagome sighed deeply before letting her eyes open so she could look at Sango. She should have really known better than to think Sango would let her get away with pretending she was ok. "Well yes I mean… things are confusing. I guess letting go of Inuyasha in that sense wasn't as hard as I thought it would be. It still hurts but it's bearable. Having Kikyo in the group is more frustrating than anything. She hasn't done anything wrong I guess I just feel a little out of place with her around. I will admit as well I haven't been feeling that great. I think it is because she is now so close all the time. Not that its bad but I think having her nearby is literally draining at my energy. I haven't been able to decide which yet but it is like either my soul is trying to leave me and join its other half or there is something constantly working to try and pull the other half of my soul back to me. Either way I just feel tired all the time. I wonder if Kikyo feels it as well?" She could tell that her admission shocked the other and watched as Sango sat thinking about what she just told her.
"I guess it would be smart to ask her… as awkward as that might be. If that is what is happening we can't continue the way we are. I mean it will start to get worse I imagine and not only that but we can't expect you or her to be much help if something goes wrong if you are exhausted all the time just by being around each other." Sango said and Kagome nodded her head in agreement though the last thing she felt like doing was striking up a conversation with Kikyo. She really had been trying to feel well anything towards the other. Jealousy felt so juvenile. She knew deep down even without Kikyo that she and Inuyasha had lost the spark that was once between them. She had tried to hold onto it with everything she could. Inuyasha had been her first love after all and a part of her just didn't want to let it go. He was a good person, hot headed for sure, but one of the best people she knew. Accepting that they simply weren't meant for each other was hard. In that sense Kagome felt a little grateful for Kikyo. Without her finally coming to Inuyasha and asking for a second chance they would have likely still been stuck in that weird sort of limbo.
"Do you think we should try to include her more?" Sango suddenly asked and Kagome looked up ripped from her thoughts to see her friend with her head tilted back on a rock so she could gaze at the sky above them.
"Huh?" Was the only thing Kagome could utter surprised and also confused?
"Well… we haven't really been very open to her. I know I haven't. I have been downright cold because I wanted to stay mad at them both for hurting you. I also saw you were keeping your distance as well… and as your best friend I guess I just figured it was my place to hate the woman if you hated her." At this Sango looked over at her and winked before her expression became more serious. "I have been thinking though that maybe if we just… tried to include her make her feel accepted she would not be so difficult to be around. She is constantly on guard you can see it. It is like she expects at any second one of us will turn on her. It is affecting Inuyasha as well. I don't want to lose him as a friend because we were being too immature to even try and be nice to her."
At that Kagome bowed her head in shame. It was true while they had all accept that Kikyo was now going to be part of the group none had made the effort to really welcome her or make her feel included. They never asked her to join them in anything and Kagome had to admit if someone did that to her it would make her feel on edge as well. "I understand what you mean. I guess the more selfish side of me just wanted to blame her for how confused I have been feeling lately and the awkwardness that is now between Inuyasha and I. Plus I do still worry that in some crazy way this all may still be a trick even though I am pretty sure it isn't." Kagome signed and ran her fingers through her now damp hair. "Maybe we should see if she wants to help with dinner tonight? Not that it's really needed but it is a way to include her."
Sango nodded her head with a small smile though her eyes showed she felt just as awkward as Kagome about the whole thing.
"Alright let's get washed up and head back. I am sure by now Koga has gone and fetched some rabbit or something like he has been all week." Kagome said dunking her hair back into the water as she reached for her shampoo bottle.
"It really has been nice having him around, minus the constant fighting between him and Inuyasha. He really does go that extra step as a member of the group though. Not that I don't love the Ramen you bring from you time. It has just been nice to have fresh game to eat and the fire started without you and I being the ones to build it. Even Miroku seems to be trying to make more of an effort to pitch in I think Koga is rubbing off on him. It is kind of nice."
"I know I can see why his pack respects him so much now. He just goes out and does what he thinks needs to be done." She couldn't keep the smile from appearing as she thought about Kago and it didn't go unnoticed by Sango who smirked.
"Very attractive qualities in a man for sure." She heard Sango say and couldn't help but blush.
"Well yeah sure…" She mumbled as she rinsed the soap from her hair.
"Oh come on Kagome don't tell me you haven't thought about him like that." Kagome's blush only deepened and she splashed water in Sango's direction shushing her as she looked around as if afraid they would be over heard.
"I… have not." Her voice squeaked a tiny bit as her embarrassment grew.
"Ok ok… well maybe you should is all I am saying." Sango said clearly amused and with that both girls quickly finished their bath before making their way back to camp.
Like they had guessed Koga had caught three rabbit for dinner. They had already been skinned by the time they returned and were ready to be thrown on the fire. Unfortunately they were skinny and didn't really have enough meat for everyone to get a decent meal so Kagome decided they should have Ramen as well so they could all go to sleep that night full. As she dug through her bag grabbing what they would need she glanced up at Kikyo who was perched in the tree with Inuyasha. Looking over to Sango she watched as her friend nodded her head in encouragement.
"Ugh why is this so weird you are only asking her to help cook dinner. Stop being such a sissy." She thought to herself trying to force the words out.
"Uhh… hey Kikyo would you like to help Sango and I with dinner." She said just loud enough for everyone to hear. She couldn't help but notice how all three men raised an eyebrow clearly curious as to what she was doing. Inuyasha looked ready to say something until all the suddenly a look of realization crossed his features and he looked at Kikyo who was still on his lap.
Kikyo for the first time looked surprised and lost her mask of indifference. Kagome watched as she glanced over to Sango and then back to her. "Of course." She finally said and waited for Inuyasha to help her down from the tree before she made her way over to Kagome. "I have been curious about your odd noodles in the cup." She said softly.
"Woah is she actually trying to make conversation…" Kagome thought to herself before shaking off her surprise and reasoning this was all good. "Oh the Ramen? Yeah I guess it would seem weird huh? Well I don't know all the details of how they did it but in my time they found a way to stop the cooking process of the noo…" Suddenly Koga plopped himself down right next to her giving her a pointed look.
"Not to interrupt but you really are going to have to explain the whole… 'your time' business to me at some point. Pretty sure I am still the only one here that doesn't know the whole story. But that is for later I am curious about the hard noodles too." Koga said as he scooted closer to her watching as she prepared the noodles while Sango handled the rabbits.
"Oh sure Koga…" Kagome said having completely forgot that Koga still had no idea about how she ended up 500 year in the past from her own time. "Anyways…. So they found a way to stop the cooking process of the noodles. So now all you have to do is put them in hot water to sort of… rehydrate them and you can buy multiple flavors. My favorite is spicy chicken. Instant food is kind of a big thing in my time. It makes it easier to store and keep so it doesn't really go bad." She watched as Koga and Kikyo nodded as they watched. "Here we can all just prepare our own up cup and eat that while the rabbit cooks." Everyone gathered and took a small cup and then followed Kagome's example of pouring in the hot water and letting it sit for a few minutes before stirring and breaking up the noodles.
For the most part everyone ate in silence while the rabbit cooked. Once they had portioned out the rabbit for everyone Koga came over and sat next to her scooting close so he could lean against the same tree as her.
"So your time?" He said offhandedly as he slowly ate.
"It is kind of complicated and I can't really explain all of it to be honest. But I was born actually 500 years from now. It is really different than it is now. There are buildings taller than the trees and made of metal, machines that people sit in to travel, and it is so loud and noisy…. so busy. To be honest I have a hard time returning there and feeling like it is still home. Anyways, one morning I followed my cat into my family's old shrine and this centipede demon grabbed me and pulled me down the well. She was after the Shikon Jewel which was actually at the time in my side. When I fell into the well I managed to break free of Mistress Centipedes grasp and had no idea I had actually just traveled through time. When I climbed out of the well and found myself in this era. Well you can imagine that I was a little more than confused. The rest of the story you guys know. I found Inuyasha pinned to the Goshinboku tree set him free and a series of demon attacks led to me accidentally shattering the jewel which is the reason we are all now camped in the middle of the forest hunting for them." She knew it wasn't the best of explanations about how she comes from a different era but with everyone starring at her intently, listening to her, she became self-conscious. Koga nodded his head though accepting her tale and she relaxed relieved she wouldn't have to try and explain what happened better.
"So do you have family back there? I mean in your time?" Koga asked and Kagome smiled though her eyes relieved a slight sadness.
"Yes I do I have a younger brother he is 13 now and my Mother and Grandfather." She said softly.
"You miss them?" Koga asked tilting his head so he could see her face.
"Yes I do all the time. It is hard though. Like I mentioned it doesn't really feel like my home anymore when I go back. I feel out of place and have a hard time handling the craziness that comes with the future. I even have a hard time with the smell of the city when I go back which is saying a lot considering I am human. I think I realized I don't really belong there anymore when I tried to spend some time with my old friends from school. I could barely stand them. Not that they are bad people but everything they talked about, everything they were interested in seemed so trivial to me. I can't blame them for enjoying a simple life… I just don't fit into it anymore." Kagome realized she was rambling and that everyone in the group was staring at her sympathetically. Even Inuyasha had a look of concern and sadness in his eyes. Kagome had to fight the urge to become irritated. She hated that the others were feeling sorry for her but she knew she couldn't really blame them. Each one of them had suffered great loss in the hunt for the jewel shards.
"At least my family is alive and well." She thought before shaking her head refusing to fall into a pit of depression for thinking about all that they had lost.
"I am so grateful though. Sometimes I have to remind myself that falling through the well has also brought me more happiness than I could ever imagine for myself. I have found some of the best friends anyone could ever ask for and Shippo my son. I wouldn't change a single thing if it meant losing any of you." Shippo hopped onto Kagome's lap and gave her a hug.
"I am glad that the well brought you to me Mama when I needed you the most." He said and he snuggled against her refusing to move. Kagome simply smiled down at the child she had grown to love and accept as her own and she wrapped her arms around him holding him close. She didn't notice the way Koga looked at her with admiration knowing there were not many human women who would take a demon child into their care.
"Well I don't know about the rest of you but I am pretty sleepy." Kagome said reaching into her pack for her blanket prepared to crash for the night.
"Mhm." She heard Sango mumble in agreement as she snuggled against Kirara who had taken her larger demon form.
Everyone at that began to get ready for bed Inuyasha and Kikyo returning to their perch in the tree and Miroku took a spot by the fire. Not paying attention she had to stop herself from yelping in surprise when Koga wrapped an arm around her and pulled her into his lap. It was the closest they had been since the nap they had taken together before Koga decided to join the group. She half expected to hear a yell of protest from Inuyasha but when nothing happened she simply smiled and draped the blanket across Koga, Shippo and herself. The way Koga held her felt nice and she couldn't help but instantly becoming drowsy feeling more relaxed than she had been in a while. "Goodnight." She said softly before she curled up against him nuzzling her cheek against his chest. "Why does this feel so natural? I haven't ever just felt this comfortable with a man. I mean Koga has only been with us for a week but here I am on his lap like it is an everyday occurrence." Kagome didn't think about it too much too exhausted to stay awake for very long. Just before she fell asleep she thought to herself she would definitely have to talk to Kikyo about their shared soul the next day.
Koga P.O.V.
Koga was all too happy when Kagome didn't fight him when he pulled her onto his lap. He knew he was definitely pushing it considering he and Inuyasha hadn't really agreed to stop arguing. Well he had voiced it but the hanyou had yet to say anything. A part of him just couldn't help it though. Each day is affection and desire for her grew. She continued to prove to him what a wonderful mate she could be and she wasn't even trying. He had made a point to not push her and profess is love like he usually did. He didn't want her to think he was joking or doing it to just get a rise out of Inuyasha like he had done in the past. They next time he told Kagome he loved her he wanted to make sure she knew how much he meant it. She was truly a remarkable person who had been through so much and still remained kind hearted, brave and strong. He had no idea all that Kagome went through before. Yes he had deduces some time ago that she was… different. She was just too out of place from the things that she talked about to the clothes that she wore. She was definitely not like women from their time. He never would have guessed that she time travelled though.
Koga like the rest though couldn't stay awake for long. He was too comfortable with the woman he loved and her kit in his arms. The way Kagome's hair smelt was intoxicating to Koga and helped to ease him into a comfortable state of sleep.
Naraku P.O.V.
"Finally they are all asleep…" Naraku thought from his place in the shadows not far from the group. He had been waiting for the opportune moment to unleash the plan he had been working on for months. He had done his job in staying off of the groups and everyone else's radar working tirelessly to gather all that he needed. It had been difficult but he finally found what he was looking for. "That damned woman will soon no longer be a problem. They are all so blind thinking that it is that half breeds strength that keeps them all safe but it has always been her. Her and her damned spiritual gifts from the Kami. That will all change after tonight though." In his hand he held a glass orb that contained what looked like swirling black smoke and was glowing a dark menacing purple. "All thanks to help of a rather nasty dark priestess." He thought with a smirk before disappearing into the dark forest.
Kagome P.O.V.
Kagome woke with a start she could feel the chills running up her spine sensing someone's eyes on her. She tightened her hold on Shippo suddenly very aware that the group was no longer alone and that something was very wrong. "Koga." She said barely above a whisper as she reached up and grabbed the fur he wore.
"I know…" He said as he sat up. When Kagome looked up at him she saw his eyes shifting from side to side as he tried to figure out what was there.
A growl off to her side caused her to sit up and turn and she saw Kirara had now stood up her hair raised as she stared off into the forest at something Kagome could not see. Sango at Kirara's warning grabbed her Hiraikotsu as she too tried to tried to see what Kirara was seeing. Suddenly a pulse ran through Kagome and she immediately got to her feet just as Inuyasha had jumped out of the tree with Kikyo. "He's here." Kagome said not having to explain who 'he' was as the rest of the group likely already knew even without being able to sense the shards. There were very few out there that put off the dark energy that followed Naraku where ever he went.
Suddenly a chuckle echoed through the forest and all around them giving no indication of what direction it really came from and an orb flew from the forest right where Kagome was staring and shattered where it hit the ground between the group. Before anyone could react thick black swirls of smoke began to pour from the place where the orb had broke and filled the air quickly. Kagome covered her nose afraid it may be poison as it became so thick she couldn't see the others standing just a few feet away.
"I can't see Kagome!" She heard Shippo cry out and held him closer to her chest and looked down. She was just barely able to see him but was shocked when she saw that his pupils had completely disappeared like he was blind. "He really means he can't see. Kami what is this?" She thought as she frantically looked around for the others within the smoke. Something grabbed her wrist and she jumped in fear before she realized it was Koga.
"Everything has gone black." He said just loud enough for her to hear and she realized that he too was now blind.
"Shit what the hell is this?!" She heard Inuyasha yell angrily though she couldn't see where he was. Suddenly Kagome again felt the tingle on the back of her neck signaling that she was being watched. Slowly she turned and had to swallow a terrified scream as she saw a set of bright glowing purple eyes surrounded by a dark mass just barely able to make out within the smoke. They were locked on her even though there were no pupils and they did not move she knew whatever was there was looking right at her.
Run. Something inside her screamed though she stayed frozen. RUN! It demanded finally startling Kagome out of her stupor. Without thinking Kagome forced Shippo against Koga's chest taking him by such surprise that he instinctively wrapped his arms around the kit letting go of Kagome's wrist. "Protect him with your life Koga." She said before she took off running. "Mama! Come back don't leave me!" "Kagome no wait! Kagome!" She heard Shippo and Koga scream but forced herself to keep going. She had no idea how but she knew whatever it was would follow and she was right. As she emerged from the cloud of smoke and into the forest she felt the dark energy right behind her. It was rare that anything really scared her anymore. They had faced all manner of demons in her travel and she had grown accustomed to having her life threatened all the time. This was different though. This, whatever it was didn't feel like the demons they had faced in the past. It felt like darkness… it felt evil and something deep inside of Kagome told her no matter how fast she ran or how hard she pushed she would not be able to out run it.
It will catch you and it will destroy you. Something inside her head spoke making her heart pound and her fear spike. The sounds in the forest were doing little to help her fear. Owls screeched as they took flight and she swore the forest floor came alive as all the small creatures and insects began to emerge, they too fleeing from the darkness. "No…" She thought in desperation as she felt it closing in on her. Suddenly a pain ripped through her chest causing her to stumble and grab onto a nearly tree to brace herself. Another wave of pain ripped through her causing her to cry out and grip the front of her shirt. It was like she had been feeling since Kikyo had joined the group like her soul was literally fighting to get out only now the pain was amplified to the point that her vision went blurry.
Looking behind her she froze seeing the glowing eyes literally right in front of her face though there was no distinguishable shape that they belong to. It was just a black mass within the smoke and even though she could not see it she could feel it smiling in triumph knowing it had caught its prey. Suddenly the wind shifted and it felt like it was pounding all around her as the smoke began to close in on her. She shut her eyes tight against the force of the wind and was brought to her knees as pain tore through her whole body causing her to break out into a thin layer of sweat. She wasn't even able to catch her breath as it felt like her lungs were on fire. Now on her knees and bracing herself off the ground with her hands she used what little strength she had and screamed. She screamed as the fire coursed through her causing her to lose all sense of reality and only able to focus on the pain. As she screamed though the smoke began to enter her through her mouth paralyzing her making it so she was unable to close her mouth to stop whatever it was from entering her body. Soon all the smoke was gone, now contained within her and she fell limp on the forest floor as her world went black.
A/N: And that is it for this chapter everyone. I hope you all enjoyed it.
