InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ All Things Come Full Circle ❯ Chapter 3 ( Chapter 3 )

Chapter 3

In the darkened room of a castle there sat a lone figure, or at least he seemed to be alone. The dark haired man began to speak, and if not for the reply of the woman hidden in the shadows, one would have thought he was speaking to himself.

"Do you know what you must do?"

"Hai, Naraku-sama."

Naraku gave a sadistic smirk, which made the room that much colder.

"Good, they will be arriving at the planned location within the next day. You should make your way there now, Koorimizu, so that you are prepared for their arrival."

"As you wish, Naraku-sama." the woman replied as she turned to exit the room.

"Oh, and Koorimizu," Naraku called after her, causing her to stop, "Do not return here until you complete your job."

"I understand." was all she said, and then she was gone.

Naraku smirked as he stood and walked to the only window in the room.

'How will you fare against my newest incarnation, Inuyasha? How will you react, when your miko is attacked and you have to sit by and watch her die?'

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"Inuyasha, can we stop here for the night?" Kagome asked.

"No!"

"C'mon Inuyasha! It's almost dark anyway, and we just passed a hot spring. It's the perfect place to stop for the night."

"Inuyasha, we might as well stop now, we're not gonna get much further now anyway. And Kagome's right, it will be getting dark soon." Inukigo stated, giving him meaningful look.

The look she gave confused him for a second before he caught on. 'Oh yeah. How did I forget about that?'

"Keh! Fine, whatever." Inuyasha replied grumpily as he plopped down at the base of a tree. He didn't really mind stopping, he just didn't like giving in so easily.

"Great!" Kagome exclaimed, "Sango-chan, Inukigo-chan, how about the three of us go to the hot spring while the boys set up camp."

"I think that's a great idea Kagome-chan." Sango replied. Inukigo didn't say anything.

"Inukigo-chan, do you want to come with me and Sango-chan?" Kagome asked.

Inukigo looked to Kagome and Sango, then back to her brother still leaned against the tree.

"No, not right now. I'll join you later if you're still there."

"Okay, we'll see you later then." Kagome replied as she and Sango grabbed her bathing supplies and left for the hot spring.

The spring was a short walk away, and Kagome and Sango made it there in just a few minutes. When they got there they immediately checked it out. The water temperature was perfect, not to hot. It was fairly large, almost the size of a small pond. It was shallow at one end, with flat rocks perfect for sitting on, and deep enough in the other to swim in. Once both girls had stripped off their clothing, they settled into the shallow end of the spring and leaned back against the edge. Kagome was the first one to speak.

"I wonder why Inukigo-chan didn't want to come with us."

"I don't know," Sango lied. She knew that Inukigo had been waiting for a chance to talk to Inuyasha and she had promised not to tell Kagome about it, "She said that she'd be by later anyway."

"Yeah," Kagome sighed, "I hope that nothing's wrong."

"I doubt it Kagome-chan. You shouldn't worry so much."

"But she just seems as though she has a lot of issues. Inuyasha said that something happened a long time ago and that she hasn't gotten completely over it yet. When Inuyasha was telling me where we were going a few days ago, she got really upset and ran off. I asked him about it and he just said it was something about Sesshomaru. He didn't want to get into it."

"Yeah, I noticed that Inukigo-chan got touchy when we mentioned Sesshomaru too. Remember that day we got back to the village, when Houshi-sama suggested that she resembled Sesshoumaru? We asked her about it just before you came back. She said it was something she didn't want to talk about. Do you think that it may be something that affects Inuyasha as well?"

"I'm pretty sure. He asked me not to ask about it. I don't know what to really think of it. I'm kinda worried about the both of them. I wish I could help."

"You know, as much as I hate to say this Kagome-chan, but Inuyasha is right. You worry way too much."

"It's only natural to worry isn't it?"

"Well, yes. But you have to realize that they have been dealing with this for a very long time. If they really want you to help them, they'll come to you about it. You shouldn't pry into something that they're not ready to share yet."

"I suppose so." Kagome said dejectedly. She still worried about them, but she would stop asking about it until they were ready to share it with her. Both girls fell into comfortable silence, until Kagome got a confused look on her face.

"Sango-chan, did the water just get colder?"

"I thought it was just me."

"No, the water is getting definitely getting colder. This isn't normal, maybe we should get out now."

"I am afraid that I can not allow you to do that." came a voice from the forest.

"Who's there?! Show yourself!" Sango yelled.

"Very well."

A woman then stepped out into plain view. She was a little taller than Sango and had to be the coldest looking woman either Kagome or Sango had ever seen. Kagome was compelled to think that her cold features even rivalled Kikyou's. She had straight coal black hair that fell down her back in a low ponytail. Her eyes were a cold ice blue that could seemingly freeze a person with a single look, which were the same colour as her ankle length kimono. She stood at the end of the spring opposite to Kagome and Sango with a look that showed absolutely no emotion.

"Who are you?" Kagome asked wearily.

The woman's face suddenly split into a cold smile that sent shivers up both girls' spines.

"My name is Koorimizu," she said as she bowed low, then raised just her head to look at Kagome and Sango, "Naraku-sama sends his good wishes."

Sango and Kagome's mouths dropped open in shock as both girls moved to try to scramble out of the spring.

"No, no, no. Can't have you doing that now." she said shaking her finger back and forth, then crooking her finger towards the girls, beckoning them to her. The simple action created a strong current in the normally still water that pulled both Kagome and Sango toward the deeper end of the spring.

"Foolish girls. As my name implies I have power over water and ice. Why do you think I came to you while you were in the spring?" Koorimizu said with a laughing tone. She then began to twirl her finger, which immediately created a large whirlpool that surrounded Kagome and Sango.

"Sorry taijya, but this visit was meant for the miko only. You'll be needing to get out now."

"Nani?" Sango said confused at the statement. Things suddenly became clear as the current grabbed Sango, separating her from Kagome, then threw her out of the spring and into a tree.

"Ahh!!" Sango screamed as she was hurled through the air. After she hit the tree she slide to the ground with the wind knocked out of her, but was not unconscious. She groaned as she looked up to see how Kagome was fairing. She was still in the deep end of the spring with the whirlpool surrounding her.

"Now that she's out of there," Koorimizu said as she looked at Sango then back to Kagome, "I have orders to carry out," she then leaned in over the water slightly and looked Kagome straight in the eye, "Naraku-sama wants you to die."

Kagome grew panicked, and looked around frantically, realizing that there was no way for her to escape. She looked to Sango desperately, who had managed to grab a towel to cover herself, before she felt the current grab her and drag her under the water in the deep end of the spring. Sango looked on terrified, and was about to jump back in to help.

"I don't think so taiyja." Koorimizu said coldly. She swept her hand over the water, causing crystal clear ice about three inches thick to completely cover the spring, "You will never get to her now." She said laughingly as she backed up into the trees and disappeared. Sango didn't even notice her leave.

"KAGOME-CHAN!!"

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Inukigo watched as Kagome and Sango walked off into the forest towards the hot spring.

'Sorry guys, but this is the chance I've been waiting for.'

She looked over to Inuyasha, who had yet to move from his spot by the tree, and then to Miroku who was itching to follow after the other female companions.

"Inuyasha, how about you and me go look for some fire wood and something to eat?"

Inuyasha looked up at her then over to the would-be monk who was starting to look a little excited.

"What about the lecher?" Inuyasha asked.

"Oh, he'll stay right here and set up camp. Shippou and Kirara can make sure that he doesn't go anywhere."

Miroku's face immediately fell.

"Yeah, I guess we could."

"Alright, let's go."

Both hanyous then took off towards the forest. After a few minutes of running side by side Inuyasha spoke up.

"Why didn't you go with Kagome and Sango? Is it because of…"

Inukigo stopped running and Inuyasha followed suit.

"No, that's not it. I wanted to talk to you." she replied simply.

"About what."

"Sit down."

"Naze?"

"Just do it." she said using a tone that demanded no argument. Inuyasha caught it and did as he was told.

"Alright, what do you want."

Inukigo crouched in front of him and looked him dead in the eye. Her seriousness was starting to make him feel uneasy.

"I'll just be blunt Inuyasha. Tell me exactly what is going on between you, Kagome, and Kikyou?"

"Huh?" Inuyasha said, looking mortified, "How did you…you've been talking to Sango, haven't you?" he said, his tone becoming laced with anger.

"Yes, because I had some things that I needed to ask her. She happened to tell me about Kikyou. From what I can tell, you are an even bigger baka then I remember. I mean, you run off to an un-dead bitch!"

Inuyasha's lips pulled back into a snarl as he bared his fangs to his sister.

"Where the HELL do you get off butting into my business! And do NOT refer to Kikyou that way!!" he yelled as he leaned in, his voice becoming progressively louder and angrier in an attempt to intimidate his sister. She stood her ground and looked at him indifferently. She knew him too well for this to work on her.

"Stop yelling at me Inuyasha, I'm not going to submit to you," she said calmly and he shut his mouth in favour of growling harshly, "I'm butting in because you're not really doing a very good job of handling it yourself. And I will refer to Kikyou in any way I please. Now calm down and talk to me."

"Fuck off." he said sharply, still staring at her straight in the eye.

"No. Inuyasha, I know you're courting Kagome," his expression changed from angry to shocked and slight pink tint could be seen across his nose, "What, you thought I wouldn't notice? C'mon Inuyasha, give me some credit. I'm inu youkai too, of course I would recognize it," taking note of his scent and posture, Inukigo determined that he had humbled a little at that and hoped that he would now talk to her, "Now, tell me. Why is it that you are courting Kagome, but haven't marked her, and when Kikyou comes around you leave Kagome and go to her?"

"My reasons are my own! I don't have to explain myself to you! You have no right to interrogate me like this!" Inuyasha yelled hotly, getting just centimetres from her face.

"You're right, you do have your reasons, and you don't have to explain them to me, but I do have a right to question you about them! I am your sister, damn it! I worry for you! How could I not with you being such an unbelievable moron and being hung up on a cold, soulless piece of dirt that insists on desperately clinging to life!"

"Shut. Up. Right. NOW!" Inuyasha yelled at her in a fury as he raised his right hand and slapped her hard across the face. The only movement that her body made was to drop into a sitting position and her head turned in the direction of the hit, baring her abused cheek to him as three deep, bleeding scratches appeared before him.

Inuyasha sat stock still staring at his hand, seemingly in a trance after what he had done. It was something he had never done to her before, and he was now shocked at what had happened. He dared to look back up at her face, only to be met by her scratched, bloody cheek because she had not moved. Her eyes were wide open, but they didn't seem to see anything.

"Inukigo?" he asked quietly.

She didn't look at him and remained still.

"Is this how far apart we've grown?" she asked, but she seemed to be talking to herself, not him, "Am I now being pushed out of the life of the person I trust and love the most as well?" she whimpered.

Inuyasha's eyes went wide and his mouth dropped open when he realized how she had interpreted his actions. He hadn't meant to do it! He wasn't used to people being so blunt with him and he had gotten hot-headed. When she still didn't acknowledge him he began to grow frantic and did something only she and his mother had ever been the recipients or witnesses of. He begged for forgiveness.

He approached slowly and tentatively wrapped his arms around her, whimpering as he went. When she still showed him no recognition he took it a step further and tucked his head under her chin like an ashamed pup. She shifted her head to accommodate him, letting him make his apology, but other than that did not move. Inuyasha then resorted to the verbally begging for her forgiveness.

"Sorry. I'm sorry. I didn't mean to. Please, sis. I'm so sorry." he mumbled into her neck, repeating the words over and over again.

Inukigo's eyes softened slightly at his display. She knew that this was something that he hated doing because of his pride. She decided to put an end to it before he began to think himself a total weakling. She lifted one hand and rested it on his head, silencing him immediately. She began to stroke his hair reassuringly.

"I know Inuyasha, I know. I forgive you. It still hurt though."

He didn't move from his position, comfortable with not being able to see her face at the moment.

"I'm sorry. I didn't mean to hit you. I didn't mean to make you think what you did. It's just…no one is ever that blunt with me about this situation. The others just dance around it. I just lost my temper and I…"

"Inuyasha, it's alright. I understand. Now look at me," he obeyed and moved back so he could look her in the eye, "I've forgiven you. It's no big deal so forget about."

"But, I cut your face." Inuyasha said sadly as he moved his hand to her injured cheek.

"It's fine, Inuyasha."

"No it isn't!" he replied, grabbing her chin and turning her cheek towards him. She did not struggle against him and let him make amends with her. She winced when his tongue came into contact with the stinging scratches, but quickly relaxed as the action began to sooth the stinging out of them.

Inuyasha grimaced at the taste of her blood in his mouth. This wasn't the first time he had done this. He had done it many times in the past on scratches and cuts, and she had done the same for him. However, this had been the first, and he vowed it would be the last, time that he had been the one to inflict the wound. That thought alone made the blood taste that much worse. When he could no longer taste the blood he pulled back to inspect her cheek and was pleased to find the wounds closed and healing.

"You done?" Inukigo asked softly.

"Yeah." Inuyasha replied before dropping his hand.

"Good," she said and then stared straight into his eyes once again, "You gonna answer my question now?"

"You're not gonna give up, are you?" Inuyasha sighed.

"No. You should know me better than that." Inukigo said, still staring at him.

Inuyasha's eyes shifted a little before he turned his head and averted his gaze. He hated being in these situations. Inukigo was one of the few people who could get him to submit, Kagome being the other. He could never hold her gaze.

"It's complicated."

Inukigo looked at her brother with concern, then panic. 'Aw, shit. Now he's distraught. Whenever he gets this way it means it's really bad.' She got up, then crawled over and sat up on her knees behind him. She then put her arms under his and wrapped them around his chest and laid her chin on his shoulder. He remained absolutely motionless through the whole thing, as if he didn't even feel her holding him. He only acknowledged her when she rubbed her cheek against his and began to growl softly in an attempt to comfort him. He sighed as he relaxed his posture and rubbed her cheek back.

"That's better," Inukigo said as she rested her head in the juncture of his neck and shoulder, "You gonna explain now?"

"Where do I start?" he asked quietly, though not to her.

"It's okay. Just go slow and start wherever you want. Or maybe I could ask you questions and you answer them? Does that sound better?"

"Yeah, that would be better." Inuyasha replied in a sigh.

"Alright. Well, why haven't you marked Kagome. I have some suspicions, but I want to hear your reasons first."

"Well, there's Kikyou…"

"Uhumm…I figured that. Sango said something about a promise to protect her. What's that about?"

"Naraku is still after Kikyou's 'life,' or what's left of it. I promised to protect her from him, and to put her soul to rest."

"And what would do that."

Inuyasha paused for a moment before answering slowly.

"My death, apparently."

"Inuyasha…Sango said she once tried to drag you to hell with her. Do you really want to die with her?" Inukigo asked quietly in a worried tone.

"At first I did," Inuyasha answered truthfully, "I thought that I had no reason to live, and that after Naraku was defeated I would go to Hell with her. But, I've grown so close to Kagome and the others since then, and now you're back as well. All that makes me feel like I have something to live for. I want to live," and then a slight smile came across his face, "Kagome wants me to live."

Inukigo caught the smile. "You want to live with her." she said softly.

Inuyasha didn't deny it. She already knew that he was courting Kagome, so it would have been pointless. He only nodded and tried to fight the blush appearing on his face.

"I still want to bring Kikyou's soul to rest, but I don't know how to do that now."

Inukigo was glad that he was talking to her openly now, and thought for a moment before coming up with a way to answer him.

"Inuyasha, Sango told me that Kagome was the reincarnation of Kikyou. So that would mean that her soul was already at rest within Kagome before she was resurrected. Wouldn't the way to put her to rest be to put her soul back where it belongs, inside Kagome, instead of it going to Hell?"

Inuyasha thought about what Inukigo had said. It made sense. Kikyou's soul was technically now Kagome's soul. In order for her to be at rest it would need to go back where it belonged.

"You know, I think you're right about that."

Inukigo got a smug smile on her face that Inuyasha caught in his peripheral vision.

"Of course I'm right, you baka."

"Don't be so cocky."

"Keh, you're one to talk. Is that all Kikyou has to do with it?"

"Well, not exactly…"

"What else is there?" Inukigo sighed.

"It's just…I made a promise to Kikyou. That promise will prevent me from devoting myself completely to Kagome. I don't feel right asking her to be my mate when I can't pledge myself to her completely."

"Inuyasha, you need to explain these things to Kagome. I'm sure that she'll understand, but right now she thinks that you still love Kikyou. Do you?"

Inuyasha looked thoughtful, before turning his head slightly to look her in the eye.

"I do care for her well being, and I always will, but no, I longer love her. The Kikyou I loved died fifty years ago. Kagome is the one I love now."

Inukigo looked at him wide eyed with her mouth hanging open.

"Nani?" He asked, irritated.

"I can't believe it. You just admitted to me that you loved Kagome, and I didn't even need to ask you about it! My brother has matured so much!" Inukigo said in a proud voice.

Inuyasha froze for a second, then realized he had indeed for the first time admitted out loud that he did love Kagome, and in the presence of his sister no less. His face turned a shade of red that matched his haori, and he quickly averted his gaze, suddenly finding his hands very interesting.

"Oh, don't be that way. You don't have to be so embarrassed," Inukigo chided. Then she got a big grin on her face, "My Inuyasha is in love! My nii-chan is in love!" she said in a sing song voice as she rocked back a forth and nuzzled his cheek happily.

"Ooi!" Inuyasha said laughingly as he tried to get her to stop, "What's this about? You never acted like this last time."

"Oh," Inukigo said, stopping her attentions, "You never told me once that you loved Kikyou, and even though I assumed it, I was never sure because you acted so unnaturally around her sometimes."

"Oh, I see." Inuyasha replied. 'It's true. I would not act like myself sometimes around Kikyou because I wanted her to accept me. With Kagome things seem so much more natural.'

"So you understand right? That you need to explain these things to Kagome?"

"Hai."

"Good. Now that we have that straightened out, what else?"

"Well, I don't want to put her in more danger than she's already in from being in this era."

"What do you mean?"

"We can never know when Naraku is watching us. If he was to ever see that mark on her neck, he'd know exactly how much she means to me."

"You're afraid that Naraku will do something to her to get to you."

"Aa."

"Well then, maybe you can at least talk to her about it in her time. Tell her that you want to mark her, but let her know why you can't right now. That would solve that wouldn't it?"

"I guess it would…"

"Is there something else Inuyasha?"

"Would she really want me to mark her and someday be her mate?" he said quietly.

"What makes you think that she wouldn't want you?!"

"I'm just a hanyou, a half-breed. What have I ever done to deserve someone like Kagome?" he said sadly.

"Inuyasha," Inukigo said softly, "I've told you before that you shouldn't put yourself down so much. I'm sure that Kagome doesn't think of you in the way you're thinking about yourself now, so I'm sure that she won't hesitate to accept becoming your mate. I can't see any reason for her to reject you."

Inuyasha 'humphed' and mumbled something that sounded like 'baka ookami.'

'Stupid wolf? What could he be talking abo…ohhhh…' "You mean that Kouga right?"

"Wha…how did you…Sango told you right?" Inukigo nodded into his shoulder, "Then you know all about it."

"I know that Kagome has no feelings for him other than friendship."

"She says that, but her actions show something completely different."

"I'm gonna have a talk with Kagome about this later, but think about it Inuyasha - she is not only completely human, but she is also from five hundred years in the future. How much do you think she knows about courting?"

"Umm…not much I'm guessing." Inuyasha replied sheepishly.

"Try nothing. Sango is a taiyja and she didn't know anything about it. Don't worry, I'll explain everything to her, so you can talk to her about the marking the next time you go to her world."

"Thanks sis, you can be really helpful when you want to be."

"Hey, you help me, I help you. That is how it works you know, nii-chan." Inukigo said as she ruffled his hair and scratched his ears.

"Ahhh!!!"

"What was that?" Inuyasha said as both of their heads shot up and their ears perked up at the scream.

"It sounded like Sango." Inukigo said as she stood up. Inuyasha stood up beside her.

"We should get going, something might have happened to them."

"Matte, Inuyasha," Inukigo said putting a hand on his shoulder, "I'll go. Something might have just startled her. No reason for you to get in trouble. You go and do what we were supposed to be doing in the first place. I'll call out for you if I need you, so don't go out of hearing range."

"Alright, you better call out if you need help. Don't try to show off or anything."

"When have I ever done that, Inuyasha?" Inukigo asked innocently as a grin broke out on her face and she ran off through the forest towards the hot spring.

'What could Sango have been screaming about? She doesn't strike me as someone who would be easily startled.' Then a scent caught Inukigo's attention. 'Naraku? No, it's a little bit different, but there's definitely a youkai nearby, but where…the hot spring! Oh shit!'

"KAGOME-CHAN!!"

"Okay, that was definitely Sango, and that definitely didn't sound good!" Inukigo was at the spring in moments, only to see a towel clad Sango pounding at the ice covered spring. 'Wait, ice covered??'

"Sango, what's going on?! What's with the ice? And where's Kagome…oh no!!" Inukigo screamed as she saw exactly why Sango was pounding on the ice. Under the crystal clear ice was Kagome, pounding on it from the other side as she fought to get out.

"INUYASHA!!!" she screamed at the top of her lungs before she got down on the ice next to the frenzied Sango and pushed her slightly out of the way so she could begin her attempts to break the ice.

"Sango, go ahead and put your clothes on before Inuyasha gets here, I can handle this." Inukigo said as she began to alternate between beating on the ice with her fists and scratching at it with her claws.

"O-okay." Sango stuttered as she ran to grab her clothes.

"Damn it, what kind of ice is this?! It won't break, I can't even put a scratch in it!!" Inukigo yelled as she continued to beat her now bloody hands on the seemingly indestructible ice.

"The demon that attacked us did it. I've never seen anything like this before. How are we supposed to get her out! At this rate she'll drown!"

"I could used the Touitsaiga. The 'Kaze no Kizu' should be able to do it," Inukigo thought aloud, "But that probably wouldn't be a good idea. I'm not very experienced with it. I might hit Kagome. We'll have to wait for Inuyasha. Damn it!" Inukigo swore as she brought both hands together into one fist over her head and brought it down as hard as she could. She was sure she had broken some bones by now. The good thing was that Kagome was still right there under ice, but Inukigo doubted that she would be able to hold her breath much longer.

"What's going on?!" Inuyasha yelled as he came across the ice to where Inukigo was still pounding away. "Why are you…where's Kagome?!"

"Get out the Tessaiga Inuyasha! We need a hole in this ice, NOW!!" Inukigo yelled as she noticed that Kagome wasn't really pounding on the ice anymore. She had only needed to tell Inuyasha once. Inukigo turned to see him a few feet away with the Tessaiga over his head. She saw him bring it down, and the 'Kaze no Kizu' began to cut through the ice. She then turned back to look at Kagome, only she wasn't there anymore, and Inukigo froze.

"Fuck!"

"What? What is it?!" Inuyasha yelled, but he never got an answer as Inukigo pushed him out of the way and jumped into the hole that was still being cut open. She felt her upper arms burn as they came into contact with the 'Kaze no Kizu,' but as soon as she hit the water she felt like an ice cube. Her body was almost numb after just a few seconds.

'Shit, it's FUCKIN' COLD!! I thought it was still warm under the ice. How the hell did Kagome last so long in here? I'm half demon and I feel like I'm freezing to death already. C'mon Kagome, where are you?'

Her eyes were burning from the cold, and it felt like her ears were going to fall off. She wasn't sure how long she could last down here.

'There!'

She could see Kagome's ebony black hair at the bottom of the spring. She picked up her pace and when she reached Kagome she grabbed her under her arms. She was so numb if she hadn't seen Kagome in her hands she wouldn't have known she was there. She looked into Kagome's face, but could see no life in it. She was limp and her lips were blue, and Inukigo couldn't feel for life signs because of the lack of feeling in her own limbs.

'Oh please, oh please be alive Kagome! You're not even my sister yet, you can't die now! What would Inuyasha do without you?!'

She kept the younger girl facing her as she wrapped one arm around her then began to swim back towards the hole as fast as she could. She could feel herself beginning to black out from the cold.

'No, not yet. Not yet. I'm almost there. Damn, what is with this water? It's way beyond cold enough to be frozen, but it's still liquid.'

She was nearly to the hole and she could now see the bright red of her brother's haori.

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Inuyasha stumbled backwards as Inukigo pushed him out of the way as she jumped into the hole that was still surrounded by his 'Kaze no Kizu' attack. 'What the hell?'

When the light cleared, he could see a faint red tint in the water. 'Shit, she was cut as she jumped in. Why did she take off so fast?'

His unspoken question was answered by a frantic Sango.

"Kagome-chan must have passed out! Oh Kami!"

"Sango calm down. You won't help anyone like that." Inuyasha said as calm as he could manage. The truth was, he was worse than Sango, he just held it in better. 'Oh Kami, let her be alright, please let her be alright!'

"What's going on?" came a voice from behind them.

"Miroku, what are you doing here?" Inuyasha asked, wondering how the monk had known to come.

"I heard Inukigo scream your name like the world was about to end. It didn't sound like you had been caught peeking so I figured something was wrong. Why is the hot spring covering in…ice?"

"I don't know, Sango can explain later, after Inukigo comes up with Kagome."

"You mean they're under the ice?"

"Aa, I got here and she was pounding the hell out of it because Kagome was down there. I made a hole and she was down it before the 'Kaze no Kizu' could dissipate. They've been down there a bit too long for my liking." Inuyasha said as he moved his hand towards the water. As soon as he touched it he reeled back cursing as if he'd been burned.

"What's wrong Inuyasha? Is it that hot?" Sango asked worriedly.

"Hell no! It's freakin' cold! How could it be so cold without it freezing?" 'Shit, how long has Kagome been down there? If it's this cold to me she's probably frozen solid by now.'

"It must have been the power of the demon that attacked us. She said she had control over water and ice." Sango explained.

"I guess." Inuyasha replied, but he wasn't really listening. He was staring intently at the water for some sign of life. He was now not only worried about Kagome, but for his sister as well. 'C'mon, c'mon, you can make it. I know the both of you can make it.' Suddenly he saw a flicker of white, then black and red.

"I see them! Inukigo's got her!" he exclaimed as he saw them coming closer.

Sango and Miroku crowded the hole with Inuyasha as Inukigo weakly broke the surface of the water.

"Inukigo…" Inuyasha said, stunned by the sight of his sister.

"P-pull us o-out In-Inuyasha. I c-can't move." Inukigo replied weakly as she began to dip back below the water. Inuyasha was quick to comply and grabbed her upper arms and hauled both her and Kagome out of the water. He winced when he touched her. She was as cold as a block of ice! No wonder she hadn't felt it when he touched the deep wounds on her arms that were made when she had jumped into the hole. He was growing more and more frightened as he looked at his sister and Kagome. Both were blue in the face, but since Kagome was naked - which at the moment he wasn't thinking about - he could see that she had a bluish tint all over the parts of her body that he could see, which consisted of her back and legs, since Inukigo still had a death grip on her.

"Inuyasha, g-give Kagome y-your haori. Then S-Sango has to ch-check her out. I d-don't know if s-she has any life signs. I c-couldn't check." Inukigo said to him in a shaky voice. It was then that he noticed how badly she was shaking. He made no argument as he removed the article of clothing, then separated his sister from Kagome and wrapped the black haired girl tightly in his haori. Inukigo had collapsed to the ice as soon as they were pulled apart, but she told him as forcefully as she could to worry about Kagome first, and he complied to her wishes, bringing Kagome to the shore for Sango's inspection before he came back to pick her up.

"Are you okay?" he asked quietly.

"Other t-than the f-fact that I can't f-feel a damn th-thing, and I th-think that I b-broke both my h-hands and m-most of my f-fingers, I'm p-pretty good." she replied.

"You're arms are cut up too."

"O-oh, I thought I f-felt something w-when I j-jumped in."

"Gods, you're shaking so bad. You feel like you're made of ice."

"S-still fuckin' c-cold, tired too."

"Don't you dare fall asleep while you're so cold you stubborn bitch. You can wait until you're warmed up. I'll let you sleep as much as you want."

Their conversation was cut short by a shrill cry from Sango.

"She's not breathing!!"

Inuyasha broke into a run for the rest of the short distance to where Sango was hovering over Kagome and Miroku was just off to the side, then dropped down next them. He watched as Sango began to give Kagome mouth to mouth to get her breathing again, then looked to Miroku for some explanation.

"Sango said that she has a heart beat, which is remarkable considering how long she was in that cold water, but she's not breathing because she started taking in water. Sango will be able to get her to come around. She'll be alright Inuyasha."

Inuyasha was looking worried, until coughing brought his attention back to Kagome, who was now lying on her side coughing up water while Sango patted her back. Everyone present breathed a sigh of relief. Inukigo was the first to speak up.

"Inuyasha, g-give me to M-Miroku."

"Huh? Why?"

"S-so you can t-take Kagome." she said with a tired smile on her face.

Inuyasha looked to Kagome, who was now shaking just as badly as Inukigo was, then nodded to his sister and passed her to Miroku, who had taken off the outer most layer of his robes and wrapped her up in it.

"No f-free gropes M-Miroku," Inukigo threatened.

"I won't, you have no worries of that Inukigo." Miroku replied.

She said nothing, just closed her eyes and settled into his warmth, still shaking and completely numb.

"Don't let her fall asleep Miroku!" Inuyasha called as he picked up the equally shivering Kagome.

"Alright!" Miroku replied as he shook the half-asleep hanyou awake, "Sorry, but it's dangerous for you to fall asleep with your body temperature so low."

"I k-know, can't h-help it though. Too t-tired."

Miroku looked at her sympathetically before giving her another shake to rouse her yet again as he turned to see Inuyasha having to do the same with Kagome, and then Sango following along with Kagome's bathing supplies and clothes. They walked slowly together back to camp.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~* ~*~

Back at camp things had turned rather hectic. When Shippou had seen the state of Inukigo and Kagome he went ballistic. Inuyasha had convinced him that they would be fine and managed to get him to calm down a little. Inukigo was now refusing to be helped until Kagome was taken care of, which was causing some arguments.

"Inukigo, at least let Sango change you out of your wet clothes! They're only keeping you cold! At least Kagome is mostly dry."

"Sango, g-get Kagome warm f-first. I'm the one w-with youkai blood. I c-can handle this f-for a while so help her, p-please?"

Sango hesitated before nodding and turning to Inuyasha and Kagome.

"Inuyasha, can you bring Kagome-chan over behind those trees for me?" she said as she grabbed Kagome's bag. Inuyasha looked at his sister, still shaking and wrapped up in Miroku's arms, then got up with Kagome in his arms to do as Sango said. When he came back he went to get his sister and Miroku handed her over.

"I'll go and get some firewood. We're going to need it. Come on Shippou, you can help me." Miroku said as he got up and left the campsite.

"Alright." Shippou replied and jumped on Miroku's shoulder.

Inuyasha manoeuvred Inukigo so that her back was to his chest and tried to give her as much body heat as he could while rubbing her arms to try to bring some feeling back into them.

"Baka," he said to her, but there was no harshness in his voice, "You soaking wet. Even Miroku's robe is soaked through."

"I'll be okay Inuyasha," her voice steadier now that her temperature was rising, "It's better that Kagome be taken care of first. She's human and was in there longer than me," she explained as she settled back into him. His hands were slowly bringing the feeling back into her arms. Wait, the feeling in her arms?

"Ow! Damn, stop rubbing my arms Inuyasha!" she cried out and he immediately stopped.

"What is it?" he asked worriedly.

"My arms aren't numb anymore. I can feel my injuries now. Shit…help me take this robe off please?"

Inuyasha did as she asked, and grimaced as he saw her bleeding arms.

"These weren't bleeding before and you couldn't feel them because you were so cold," he then lightly grabbed her wrists to get a look at her hands, "I think you were right about your hands being broken. You beat the shit out of them trying to break that ice. What was with it anyway? I didn't see a scratch in it even after all you did to it." he commented as he carefully removed her gloves. Inukigo winced as the gloves passed over her hands and fingers.

"I don't know, that youkai that Sango was talking about had some serious control over water and ice. The spring should have been solid ice for how cold it was in there."

"Yeah, I felt the water after you went in. It was so cold it burned. It frightened the shit out of me to know that you and Kagome were down there. How did you manage to last so long in that water? How did Kagome?"

"I guess it was because I was determined. As for Kagome, I guess that her spiritual powers protected her somewhat. It's the only thing I can think of."

"Inukigo-chan, what can we dress you in until your clothes are dry?" Sango asked as she came back, helping a fully clothed and dried Kagome walk while carrying Inuyasha's haori.

"Is the haori drier than Miroku's robe? If it is I'll wear that."

"Yeah it is. Do you need some help Inukigo-chan?"

"Yes, please Sango," Inukigo replied standing up shakily. Inuyasha steadied her as she got the feeling back in her legs, "My hands and fingers are broken so I can't grip anything."

Sango nodded, then handed Kagome over to Inuyasha before she steadied Inukigo to help her walk.

"I'll bandage your arms and hands up for you too."

They were about to proceed a little off to the side, before a certain perverted monk came back with an armload of wood.

"Lets go in the woods Sango." Inukigo said in an annoyed tone, and both girls walked out into the trees.

Miroku looked on, dropped the wood then snapped his fingers and had a look on his face that said 'darn it, so close.'

"Now is not the time, bouzu." Inuyasha said threateningly.

Miroku held up his hands in a defensive gesture.

"No worries Inuyasha, I was joking."

"Yeah, I'm sure. Just light the stupid fire."

"Hai, hai."

"Inuyasha?" Kagome said quietly, catching his attention, "Arigatou, for lending me your haori."

"Keh, don't mention it. You needed something to wear so you wouldn't freeze to death out of the water." Inuyasha said with a slight blush on his face. He then noticed that she was shivering. "Are you still cold?" he asked concerned.

Kagome was a little startled by his uncharacteristic open concern. He usually only showed feelings that he considered to be 'weak' to her when no one else was around.

"H-hai, a little, but it's not…" she stopped when Inuyasha sat behind her, pulled her back into his chest, and wrapped his arms around her. "I-Inuyasha?" she quickly glanced at Miroku, who looked like he was about to exorcise the uncooperative match that he was using to light the fire. 'Why is Inuyasha acting like this right out in the open? He never does this where anyone can see.'

"That better?" Inuyasha asked her quietly

"Hai. Arigatou." Kagome replied, still contemplating his actions.

He leaned his head on her shoulder and whispered in her ear so that only she would hear him.

"I was so fuckin' scared Kagome." Kagome could hear a slight quiver in his voice and glanced at him in her peripheral vision. "I was so scared that you were going to die, right in front of me."

'Ahh…so that's why he's acting this way.' Kagome thought. She reached back and rubbed his ears reassuringly. "It's alright Inuyasha. I'm right here with you, like I always am."

Inuyasha sighed as buried his face in her hair. "I'm glad for that."

Kagome smiled at his openness and continued playing with his hair and ears. It was a few moments before she spoke again.

"Inuyasha, what happened back there? All I really remember after I was trapped under the ice is that it was really cold. How did Inukigo manage to break her hands and fingers and get her arms cut up so badly?"

'That's just like you Kagome. Always worrying about everyone else before you worry about yourself.' "When I got there, Inukigo was pounding and clawing at the ice with everything she had in her, that's how she broke her hands and fingers. The damn stuff wouldn't budge, she couldn't even make a scratch in it. That's why when I got there I had to cut a hole with the 'Kaze no Kizu.' I think that was where you lost consciousness so she jumped in before the 'Kaze no Kizu' dissipated and it cut up her arms."

"Owowowowow!!" was heard from the trees where Inukigo and Sango had disappeared and all heads turned in that direction.

"Stay still Inukigo-chan! I need to set the bones in your hands and brace them before I bandage them so they'll heal properly."

"I'd like to see you try to! OW!"

Inuyasha chuckled a little to himself before shouting out a snide remark.

"You're being awfully wussy there sis!!"

"Shut up Inuyasha!! You baka! OW! Fuck, that hurts Sango!"

Inuyasha laughed lightly before Kagome hit him on the shoulder. "Ooi! What was that for?"

"Don't make fun of her. She's hurt."

"I'm not making fun of her, I'm just trying to take her mind off it a little bit. Not like her injuries are life threatening anyway."

"OWWW!!!"

"Although you would never know that from the noise she's making. C'mon Inukigo, I thought you were tougher than this!"

"Grrr…I said shut up," Inukigo said as she stepped out of the trees with Sango. She was wearing his haori, which was too big for her and left nothing but her legs bare, "When I can use my hands again I am gonna hit you so hard…" she threatened.

Inuyasha just laughed as she came to sit beside him.

"I know you will. So, how bad are they?" he asked pointing to her hands.

Inukigo raised her arms so the long sleeves of the haori fell back and revealed her heavily bandaged hands.

"Everything broken except my thumbs. Sango wrapped them tight so I would remember not to move them too much," she said and dropped her hand in her lap, "This is going to be a pain for the next day or two. And I wanted to go after that youkai too." she added with a sigh.

"I'm sure you'll get your chance at her Inukigo-chan." Sango said after laying out Inukigo's clothes by the fire and then sitting down near Miroku, but not before giving him a warning glare.

"I agree with Sango. I'm sure that the youkai will be back and you'll have your opportunity." Miroku added.

"I hope so," Inukigo replied, her face hardening as she resisted the urge to wring her fists, "When I find that youkai, she is going to seriously regret messing with any of us. I'll make sure of it."

*************************************************************** ***************************

Nani - What?

Taiyja - demon exterminator

Naze - why?

Nii-chan - big brother (same as onii-chan)

Matte - wait

Ooi - hey

Hai - yes

Aa - yeah

Haori - the red shirt that Inuyasha wears

Well, there's chapter three. I'll try to get chapter four out in a week or so. I would really appreciate some reviews. That's not the reason that I'm writing, but it is nice to get some feedback once in a while, so please review! Arigatou, Ja Ne!!