InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ Desert Rose ❯ "His Eyes are Cold" ( Chapter 14 )

 

 

 

I'm sorry to say that I disappointed some of my readers. I'm not sure whom it was, but someone didn't like Kagome's behavior in the last chapter. I'd like to clarify that her actions were normal for her character. Really the most she has spent with Inuyasha would be a couple of weeks: The few days she was with him in the beginning of the story and the few days she was with him after her debut. Part of the reason she was so uncomfortable with him touching her is because she doesn't want things to go too far if he is unable to return her feelings.

 

Someone also complained about my spelling and grammar. Yes, English is my second language. My problem is not the writing. It's the typing. Believe me, if this was on paper, it would be flawless. I'm so sorry for my grammar problems. I've tried to fix it as many times as I could, but I still find errors! God I hate my typing! Anyway, this chapter is a little iffy. I don't know if my readers like thrillers…don't kill me please! There is important info regarding Inuyasha's heart in this one! The next chapter will be uploaded as fast as I'm able…

 

Warning: Dark Chapter ahead.

 

 

 

Chapter 14: “ His eyes are cold”

 

“You can't go home. Not yet.” Inuyasha stated as if he read her mind. “I haven't figured out how the Tetsusaiga rips open other dimensions. All I know is the sword's ability to transport and kill.”

 

Kagome sighed in relief. She had thought that if Inuyasha had learned to handle the sword, he would send her home. It was always about her safety and she was certain that he wouldn't hesitate to send her back whenever the chance came. She knew, indisputably, that Inuyasha would never waver to send her home, where he knew she would be safest. Uncertain to return home because she had unfinished mysteries to solve, Kagome wasn't ready to return to her normal life with the thought of what would happen if she didn't finish what she started.

 

Surprised that Inuyasha turned from her so suddenly; Kagome followed him to see him reunite with Sango and Miroku before walking toward Lord Levion. The blind Lord stood there for a moment before realizing that he wasn't alone where he stood, his eyes coming into their alert state.

 

Levion waited for a sound so he would know who was near but, when an unexpected voice sprang from the atmosphere, everyone jumped in surprise.

 

“ I leave for one year, and you already let your guard down, Levion. I am very disappointed, little brother.”

 

Kagome watched, wide eyed, as Jordan appeared, a veil of snow covering her elegant, blue gown. She walked through the surprised crowd of acquaintances, stopping for a brief moment in front of Levion, before startling everyone even further when her hand smacked Levion across the face, her gaze remaining emotionless even as her eyes sparkled with anger.

 

“ Jordan, what-” Kagome began, not understanding her former teacher's odd shift in behavior.

 

“How could you be so careless like that? Wandering deep into the city without placing an active guard in case a threat arises.” The party flinched at the anger resonating in her voice.

 

“What if they invaded the city? What if they killed you in your moment of weakness!”

 

“ I…I am truly sorry sister.” Levion's shoulders slumped. “ I shouldn't have let them exploit me in my moment of fragility.”

 

“ I'm not worried about the castle being taken over. What would happen to our people and you?” Jordan's voice calmed.

 

She turned to Inuyasha, bowing lightly before turning her attention to Kagome.

 

“You have my thanks, Kagome, for helping my brother.”

 

“I should think he was perfectly capable of helping himself.” Kagome answered.

 

Jordan's eyes softened before she gestured for the soldiers of Northern Domain to return to Crystal Palace. As Kagome and her party began walking toward the sanctuary of the castle, a guard spoke.

 

“Lady Jordan, what of the demons?” He asked, clearly referring to the purified demons that still lived from the spell cast by Kagome and Inuyasha. Jordan turned, casting her eyes over the weakened demons that lay in the frigid snow of her homeland. “What of them?” She began, “They are useless from purification, they are no longer a threat to us. They would no sooner stay in the snow and freeze or flee into the mountains.”

 

“Inuyasha,” Levion turned his attention to him in a serious glance. “Your party is welcome to stay at Crystal Palace to rest and recuperate.” He finished before walking along side his sister and his guards into the palace while Inuyasha followed with his group. Once inside the warmth of the stronghold, Jordan released the guards before apologizing to the party from Western Domain. She said something about dealing with some damage control and speaking with her brother.

 

Before Jordan turned to leave, Kagome called for a private meeting with her. “If you wish to speak with me privately,” Jordan stated, placing a keen eye on Inuyasha as he stood behind Kagome nonchalantly, “then, I shall summon you after I speak with Levion.” The siblings left into the inner walls of the city.

 

A servant girl was told to escort Kagome, Inuyasha, Miroku and Sango to their private rooms. Sitting in their private room, where green life assorted the walls, Kagome turned her gaze to Inuyasha. He stood in the middle of the room, contemplating her with his arms crossed. She fidgeted under his eye for a moment before he spoke.

 

“Mind telling me just how you ended up on another continent? I leave my eye off you for a few moments and you disappear again.” It was just like the time that he found her at the border after she had vanished from the baths.

 

“The last thing I remember was running back toward the castle when the sky roared. The next thing I knew, I was here.” She replied truthfully.

 

He stared at her without facial expression for a while before turning to the exit. “Stay here.” He said.

 

“You're not the boss of me, Inuyasha.” She answered. Where did he get off suddenly giving her orders? She was his host, not his servant!

 

He stopped for a moment before turning to focus his eyes on her. What Kagome saw there, for a moment, almost made her jump out of her skin. Red eyes. He had given her the coldest look before exiting the room, a look that locked her in that room, realizing that the illness that took hold of him was getting worse.

 

“His soul is dying.” She muttered. She knew then that his body was starting to feel the effects of being separated from his heart for so long. Soon, Kagome knew that he would be an empty shell. “But, how did this happen? He was just fine when I saw him a few hours ago…”

 

Kagome was determined to find his heart and return it to him. She knew Jordan had information regarding his condition, but she didn't know how to ask her what she should do to help him. She had seen it in the mirror. Jordan knew from the moment she met him that he didn't have a heart, and he was suffering under that condition for years. One question rang in Kagome's head: How did she know? A knock on the door brought Kagome out of her musings as Miroku and Sango entered the room.

 

“Kagome-chan? I was wondering if we could talk to you?” Sango stated nervously.

 

“Sure, come in.” Kagome answered as Sango and her husband came to stand next to her. They looked concerned and anxious, causing Kagome to become apprehensive in their gaze.

 

“What is it?” She asked, with the most assuring smile she could muster.

 

“You seem to be the only person who will know anything relating to this matter. So, Kagome, I'm just going to get to the point. Do you know anything about the illness that torments Inuyasha?” Miroku stated.

 

“What?” Kagome stammered. “I thought you knew since you have known him longer than I have.”

 

“We don't know what's wrong with him, Kagome-chan. At times, it's like he feels nothing, like a body without a mind. I've seen him act this way before, but, lately it's all I see in him. At first, I thought he was acting this way to match his brother's unfeeling exterior but…now it's like he doesn't even know how to feel.” Sango said.

 

“Sesshoumaru-sama told me that he was slowly losing his human heart. I don't know what he was referring to. I have seen Inuyasha emotionless several times, but after your debut, he mannerisms became more frequent. I thought you would know about the state he is in.” Miroku stated.

 

Kagome took a deep breath. In her mind, they deserved to be informed seeing as they were just as worried about the hanyou as she was. She looked away before saying.

 

“I noticed the changes in him too, how they slowly got worse and worse. I kept seeing how he only had two feelings. He was either teasing me or angry with me. Any other time, he would give me that cold, blank stare.”

 

“Now that you mention it. I've never seen him scared, joyful, sad, or hurt. I always thought that was how his personality was.” Sango said as he covered her mouth with her fingers.

 

“I assumed that was part of his character as well. However, now, I'm seeing less and less of those emotions. Kagome, please, tell us what is wrong with him.”

 

Kagome looked up at Miroku. Clearing her throat she said, “After ,my debut, Jordan told me not to have feelings for Inuyasha. When I asked why, she told me he didn't have a heart.”

 

A soft gasp escaped from Sango as Miroku closed his eyes and shook his head. “How is that possible? He shouldn't be alive without a heart. I don't understand Kagome-chan.”

 

So Kagome told them everything: about how a person loses their heart, about how she was certain that Inuyasha lost his heart after he met Kikyo, about how she kept seeing the changes evolve in him and about how she knew that he was slowly dying inside. When all was said, she sat with a very worried Sango and Miroku.

 

“ He is our friend. I wish we could help in some way, but I'm just as lost as you are, Kagome.” Miroku took a breath before continuing. “Is there anything you know about how to get his heart back?”

 

“I'm sure that Inuyasha isn't knowledgeable of what I know about his condition. Please don't tell him what you are aware of. I don't know how he would react.” Kagome said. “I want to talk to Jordan about it. I think she knows some things I don't. I thought it was fair to tell you guys the truth, but please keep it a secret.”

 

“We promise, Kagome.” Miroku said as Sango nodded.

 

There wasn't another moment spent between then as a servant girl knocked on the door, telling Kagome that Jordan was ready to see her. Standing, Kagome bid a brief farewell to Miroku and Sango. Before she could leave, she glanced back at her friends and they nodded, showing her that they understood to keep quiet.

 

She followed the servant girl into Jordan's private chamber. The sorceress' eyes sparkled at the sight of Kagome. She dismissed the servant and told Kagome to have a seat at the table she was sitting by. Kagome place herself in that chair, staring amiably at her former teacher.

 

“It's great to see you again Lady Jordan.”

 

“I told you there was no need for formalities. So, what did you want to speak to me about?” Jordan began.

 

“Well, first I was curious to know why you slapped Lord Levion.” Kagome said, deciding that she should start things off friendly.

 

Jordan's eyes twinkled with care before she answered. “I know that he took you to see the mirror of memories.” She watched as Kagome flinched slightly at the statement. “Don't worry, that's not the reason I was angry with him. The mirror is free to anyone who is a friend. I was angry that he wandered deep into the city with you without placing a ready guard around the palace in case something should happen outside. He left everyone, including himself, unsafe. There is a war going on after all. Even if the enemy isn't fighting with us yet, he should've been ready. My brother's blind, Kagome. I've always been worried about his wellbeing. If an enemy were to take him by surprise, he'd be at a great disadvantage. I'm glad you were here to help him. But, let's get to the real reason you wanted to speak with me. I know that you wanted to know more about Inuyasha's heart.”

 

“You always knew what I want was going to say.” Kagome stated. “I know that Levion didn't tell me everything about how someone loses their heart.”

 

“Levion was correct in leaving some things unsaid.”

 

“So you won't tell me?”

 

“On the matter of what would happen when the heart is returned, no. To be honest, I don't really know. However, it is better that the heart is returned because Inuyasha is dying.”

 

“I don't understand. He was just fine when I saw him a few hours ago. Now, his eyes are cold. How did he become to distant?”

 

“That's because the more powerful energy he uses, the less control he had over his being. The heart regulates the soul as well as power. The more power he uses, the less he feels. That spell earlier between the two of you must have taken its toll on him. Once the body is an empty shell, the heart stops, wherever it may be. The body cannot live without a soul.”

 

“Jordan, how did you know that Inuyasha didn't have a heart? I saw it in the mirror. You knew.”

 

“You want the truth?” Kagome nodded.

 

“I knew he didn't have a heart because…I don't have a heart either.”

 

“What!”

 

“Do not fret, Kagome.” Jordan immediately said, her eyes softening, calming the frantic look on Kagome's face. “Unlike Inuyasha, I didn't lose my heart on unfortunate circumstances. I chose to give my heart away.”

 

“Who has it now, then?”

 

“I prefer that to myself, if you don't mind.” Jordan stated politely.

 

“Jordan…”

 

“I know you're worried about his wellbeing, but I'm afraid I don't know much to help you.” Jordan said sadly. “But you must find his heart. I know you're the only one who can. It has been far to long. He has been separated from his soul for so long. Sixty years is far too long an exposure without a heart. There is no doubt that Inuyasha will slowly become the demon that rages inside and die. You have to help him, Kagome.”

 

Kagome's mind kept wandering to what had caused his heart to drop. What could have been so horrible that could frighten Inuyasha? He was the type of person that could be covered in blood without distressing. He watched people die in so many gruesome ways during war without even flinching. He tore out Jakotsu's heart at Southern Domain. What could possibly scare him!

 

Suddenly the image of the girl in the painting appeared in Kagome's head. Who was she? She never saw her in Inuyasha's memory. Did she have Inuyasha's heart? If that was so, where was she?

 

()()()()()()()()()

 

Returning to Western Domain carried a wind of change as Kagome, Miroku, and Sango began seeing the drastic switch of personality in Inuyasha. As the war got more intense, Inuyasha became more and more empty. Hardly ever was he angry or teasing. His eyes were empty as they searched his surroundings.

 

Kagome noticed that he was becoming more and more fatigued. He would sleep for most of the day. It made her wonder if he wasn't able to sleep at night. Did he keep having that dream: the one that had caused him to wake when they were together in the golden room?

 

After her conversation with Jordan, Kagome had reported everything to Miroku and Sango. She told them what she thought about the portrait in Rin's room. They had decided to inspect the picture more closely after they arrived back at Western Domain. However, they couldn't touch the painting since an immense spell had been cast to keep it in place. The spell was so powerful that none of Kagome's miko powers could dispel it.

 

Only two days were spent in Western Domain before the four of them reunited the Kouga at Base-point to fight. Kagome was finding it difficult to fight for her concentration was more focused on other matters. She would rely on her own powers because she didn't want Inuyasha to use any more energy than necessary, even though she was more weary when relying her own abilities. Inuyasha would find it odd that she would only keep his energy and give it back if he needed it.

 

Inuyasha's empty behavior even had Kouga noticing the dog's change. He, on the other hand, enjoyed Inuyasha's switch of persona. He said, “At least the dog's quiet now.”

 

“I would rather have him screaming in anger than see him like this.” Kagome said to Sango as they sat together in her tent in Base-point.

 

“I would too.” Sango replied before turning her attention at Miroku who had entered the tent with his staff jingling.

 

“I'm sorry to interrupt you. We have another battle to see to.” He stated. Seeing the looks on the girls' faces he added, “I'm worried about him too.”

 

The three of them left the tent, heading into the battlefield where the fighting was effortless. Kagome became used to the hostility, but never killed in any battle. Every demon purified by her would evaporate away from the war zone.

 

It didn't take too long for the enemies to retreat. When Kagome had joined into the war, the tides had begun to turn in their favor. Kagome waited as Miroku, Sango, and the warriors on their side of the war regrouped around her.

 

“It seems things are beginning to change. I'm glad you volunteered to be Inuyasha's host, Kagome.” Kagome blushed at Miroku's complement as she turned to see Inuyasha walk toward them.

 

Suddenly the skies became dark as the clouds roared with thunder. Kagome cringed from the sound as a familiar demon appeared out of a bolt of lightening. “Hiten.” Inuyasha growled. “Did you miss me, Inuyasha?” Hiten sneered. Kagome wasted no time in pointing an arrow in Hiten's direction. “Ah ah ah. Now, now, maybe you should pay attention to your allies.” Hiten said shaking his index finger at her.

 

A howl of pain had Kagome whirl around to see Miroku, Sango and the warriors fall to the floor. “That sound! Shut it off!” Sango screamed as Hiten's spell wove into their ears. “What are you doing to them!!” Kagome yelled. “Stop it!”

 

“I'm just distracting them and you from our real target.” Hiten said coolly.

 

Realizing what he meant, Kagome spun around to see that she was too late. Inuyasha stumbled backward, eyes wide with shock, as the dagger pierced the center of his chest. Her eyes followed to see a man in white robes with a large sword across his shoulder.

 

“Bankotsu…” Inuyasha breathed out.

 

“A poisoned dagger, courtesy of Jakotsu. Now I'll stop your heart just as you stopped his.”

 

Kagome broke into a run to aid her ally. Inuyasha grasped the tip of the dagger before sliding it out of his chest, wincing from the pain; the blood fell into the sand from the tip. “Tell me something, Bankotsu.” Inuyasha's eyes flashed crimson while he bared his fangs in a sinister way. “How can you stop a heart that isn't there?”

 

Kagome stopped dead in her tracks at his words. She watched speechlessly, as Inuyasha slashed across Bankotsu's chest in an instant before turning to Hiten. The thunder demon evaded Inuyasha's attack, flying to Bankotsu and disappearing with his injured ally.

 

The red from Inuyasha's eyes faded as he went to check on Miroku, Sango and his army. When he was certain that they were fine, he turned to Kagome.

 

“This is getting too dangerous. You should return to your home before you die in this war.” He stated.

 

“I'm not leaving until I help you get back to normal, Inuyasha.” Came her answer.

 

His eyes reddened again before another voice spoke from him, “You're too late,” this voice was menacing, the voice of his demon half as it became more dominant, “the Inuyasha you know now is gone. Unless he faces his fears, there will be nothing left. Tomorrow, I will take Sango, Miroku, and you to my father's tomb to find out how the sword can take you home.” The crimson from Inuyasha's eyes faded as the gold resurfaced. He stumbled before shaking his head.

 

“What, what happened…Kagome?” The normal hanyou that she hadn't seen since the goddess spell reappeared and, before she knew it, she had wrapped her arms around his torso.

 

“Thank goodness your back!”

 

“What the-OW! Fuck! Kagome let go!”

 

()()()()()()()

 

Kagome sat across the hanyou in their tent. He had been bandaged around the chest and Kagome had given him all of his energy so that he could heal. He sat with his legs crossed on the bed, his head against the wall of the tent. Kagome couldn't help smiling since Inuyasha had come back out of his heartless state. She knew that it meant that there was still a shred of his soul left in him. She didn't even care that he was taking her to his father's tomb the next day to see how he could take her home. She knew that she would find a clue there relating to his heart. She knew now that as Inuyasha's soul slowly began to vanish, his demon began to take over. That was the emotionless side of him she could see. That was side of him that was controlling him for the past few days and the side of him that just gave her the eerie warning.

 

“What?” Inuyasha said impatiently when he saw her staring at him.

 

“Nothing.” Kagome answered, still beaming that a shred of the old Inuyasha was still there.

 

“WHAT!” Inuyasha said as Kagome still looked at him with that strange smile.

 

“Nothing.” Kagome answered again.

 

()()()()()()()

 

Morning had come with an exhausted Inuyasha. He called for Miroku and Sango to join him before their departure to his father's tomb. According to the hanyou, the tomb was on an island, not far from Western Domain. When the monk and the slayer came into the tent, Inuyasha rose from his resting position. He stated that they would be staying with his servants at the tomb until he could learn about the sword's power. He also stated that he had to see his brother before departure.

 

Pulling the Tetsusaiga out of its sheath, Inuyasha literally ripped a hole through the air. As Kagome peered in, she saw the throne room of Western Domain. “Well, hop in.” Came Inuyasha's voice. Taking a deep breath, Kagome jumped into the portal, shocked that her feet landed on the marble steps of the throne room. She looked behind her to see her comrades appear out of nowhere. Inuyasha came last with the sword on his hip.

 

“Back so soon, Inuyasha-sama?” The voice of the Nazuna came from the entrance of the throne room. The four of them turned to see the royal adviser in her elegant robes.

 

“Nazuna? Where is Sesshoumaru?” Inuyasha asked, though he would prefer not to see his brother.

 

“ I'm afraid he's a bit busy. If you have a message, I'll send it to him.”

 

“I want permission to go to our father's tomb.” Inuyasha stated.

 

“I shall go tell him, wait here.”

 

It didn't take long for Nazuna to return, panting to get the news to them. “He said, `Let him do as he sees fit. I know that Kouga can handle the battlefield for now.'”

 

Inuyasha nodded, turning to his party to open another portal. The four of them hopped in to be taken to the tomb.

 

()()()()()()()

 

“The plan has finally been set into motion.”

 

“I don't understand, Master Naraku. Inuyasha survived that surprise attack.” Hiten spoke angrily.

 

“My plan was not the half-bread's demise: just to let the girl know what he knows. He will soon feel the same anguish he felt sixty years ago and once that weakness has returned, their land will be ours. Kanna.”

 

The child in white appeared from the shadows holding her mirror. She looked icily at her lord.

 

“You know what must be done.”

 

The girl nodded and vanished back into the shadows.

 

()()()()()()()

 

Kagome stood between a large temple, a garden and a lush green pine forest. She walked with Inuyasha, Sango and Miroku into the temple. The bones of a dog towered high in the inner walls. Kagome gaped at it's magnitude.

 

“Father.” Inuyasha breathed.

 

“THAT'S your father?” The three of his companions said at the same time.

 

“Of course, Lord Inu-taisho was a very powerful demon in his own right.” An old shriveled man and a small toad appeared from another room in the temple. The toad imp was green with wrinkles in its face and small brown robes, a staff with the head of a woman and an elderly man in its hand. The balding old man had a small, white beard, large eyes, a hammer in his hand, and brown robes covering his form.

 

“ Oh, it's only you.” The toad said as it turned and left back into the room it came from.

 

“Great to see you too, Jaken.” Inuyasha replied sarcastically.

 

“Master Inuyasha!” Something small jumped from the old man's shoulder to land on Inuyasha's nose. Inuyasha squashed whatever was on his face with the palm of his hand before lowering his fist and opening it to reveal a small flea. “I've lost enough blood, Myoga.” Inuyasha stated angrily at the tiny flea demon that un-flattened himself in Inuyasha's palm.

 

“Haven't seen you in a while. What have you been up to Inuyasha?” The old man said as he walked up to them.

 

“Uh, Inuyasha?” Sango began. Somehow knowing what she wanted to be clarified, Inuyasha explained, “They are my father's servants. The flea is Myoga, the toad is Jaken, Sesshoumaru's annoying follower, and this,” He said pointing to the old man, “is Totosai, the forger of Tetsusaiga. They guard my father's tomb.”

 

“Pleased to meet you.” Said Kagome politely.

 

“Likewise.” Greeted Sango and Miroku.

 

Totosai nodded before turning to Inuyasha and saying, “So what brings you here?” Immediately the Tetsusaiga was thrust into his face. “I want to know how this sword rips open other dimensions.” Inuyasha glowered.

 

The old man took the sword from the clawed hand of the hanyou and began inspecting it. “The blade has been roughly handled. I was wondering what happen to my precious Tetsusaiga after it's disappearance. Will you give a couple days to fix the sword? I will tell you later how to open other worlds.” The old man stated.

 

“Keh, fine. How long?”

 

“Five days. Until then, you and your friends can stay in the manor behind the temple.” Totosai excused himself from their presence but not before asking the flea on Inuyasha's shoulder to take them to their rooms.

 

()()()()()()()

 

Kagome sat on a bolder at the edge of the bath. True, she didn't feel like bathing, but being around water gave her a feeling of tranquility like no other. Her second day at the tomb didn't consist of anything special. Miroku and Sango hadn't come out of their room the entire day. Kagome didn't want to go check on them, afraid of what they could possibly be doing.

 

Truth be told, she was a little on edge because she wasn't able to find any clues and she was worried about prematurely being sent home. It wasn't in her nature to fret too much so she had come to sit by the steaming water. She sat there contemplating what she could do. She had no leads, and she promised herself that she would help her companion but with no idea of where to look or what to do, she felt a little lost.

 

Inuyasha hadn't fairing too well in the last two days. Since arriving, all he had wanted to do was sleep. His chest was still healing and his body was in a number of pains. So Kagome had not seen much of him as he spent his days in bed. She wandered through the gardens, all the while thinking of how he was doing in rehabilitation.

 

“Why do glum, Ms. Kagome?” A voice called from her shoulder. Kagome didn't have to turn her head to see the small flea resting peacefully on her shoulder. Through the long days, Myoga had been her little companion. It surprised her how loyal the flea was, even though he was as big of a coward as they came. She had become quick friends with the servants, except for Jaken, who despised humans.

 

“It's nothing, Myoga. I'm a little worried, that's all.”

 

“ Your thinking about Master Inuyasha's wellbeing?”

 

Kagome nodded.

 

“You know what he is?”

 

“ If you mean, do I know that he doesn't have a heart, then yes.”

 

The small demon sighed. Thinking this was the best time to draw out answers, Kagome asked, “Do you know anything about it? I want to help him, Myoga, please tell me what you know.”

 

“I'm truly sorry.” Myoga said shaking his head. “I am forbidden to tell you anything Ms. Kagome. Master Inuyasha had forbidden me from the discussion and I fear his wrath should I tell you.” The flea finished, shivering.

 

Kagome sighed before rising to walk back toward the manner.

 

()()()()()()()

 

Inuyasha opened his eyes. Slowly the world came into perspective as he stared at the ceiling. The pain in his chest was numbing. What had awoken him? The last thing he recalled was a small sound that called his name. Sitting up in bed, he noticed the room was dark thus revealing it was past nightfall. His eyes scanned the room and he knew he was alone.

 

A light caused him to look toward the corner of the room. His eyes locked on familiar face, and he jumped from the bed as his mind screamed and his arms began to shake. She was there, her silver hair and small frame looking at him lightly.

 

He blinked, but she was still there. Lip trembling, and eyes wide, he began to chill uncontrollably “A-Ayla!” The girl smiled before padding out of the room.

 

“Wait!”

 

He yelled, ignoring his tired muscles as he sprang from the bed. He exited the manor, looking through the dark skies and surroundings to find her again. His eyes locked on her glow where she stood in front of the dark forest, beckoning to him and all he could do was follow. He walked after the girl, his body falling numb from the chill. She smiled and walked deeper into the dark passage ways of trees, her small, bare feet making the tiniest of sounds as she stepped on the twigs of the forest floor.

 

His breathing increased in frequency as he walked behind the small girl. She led him nimbly through the forest, her hair shining under the moonlight. Finally, she stopped in a clearing where the only light was the light from almost invisible moon. He stopped to stare at the mirror image of himself standing daintily on the grass.

 

“It-it can't be…” His hand reached out to touch her.

 

“A-ayla…I-is it really y-you…” He struggled to keep his voice straight, reaching out to the smiling girl.

 

His hand stopped short, her smile had turned into a scowl the moment his hand was about to touch her. Her bright eyes had darkened to a cryptic and burning gaze. “You didn't protect me…” Her voice came out as a menacing whisper.

 

“N-no. That's not true!” His chest ached at her accusation, his body trembling.

 

“YOU DIDN'T PROTECT ME! YOU didn't save me! You let me die!” She screeched. Her voice came out as a chill and it burned his sensitive ears as he sank to his knees.

 

“That's not true!”

 

()()()()()()()

 

“Hey, Inuyasha, how are you feeling?” Kagome asked as she pushed the door to their room open. She entered the room to see the bed sheets ruffled, as if someone had risen in a rush. Her eyes searched the rooms to find that Inuyasha was not there.

 

“He's gone?” She asked to the flea on her shoulder.

 

“Kagome, I don't have a good feeling.” Myoga shuddered.

 

“What? Do you think something happened to him?”

 

“Why would Inuyasha's bed look as if he rushed up in a hurry? He is in such a tender state. Something must have jerked him out of bed.”

 

She couldn't help the immediate rush of worry that racked through her body. Kagome rushed from the manor to look for him. She ran though the grounds calling out his name, but no answer came to her frantic search. Sensing that something was wrong because he wouldn't even answer her when she called out to him with their sorcerer-host bond, Kagome's heart began to flutter unconsciously.

 

“Kagome-chan, what's wrong?”

 

She turned to see Sango and Miroku exit the manner, rubbing their eyes sleepily. “Inuyasha's gone.” She stated.

 

At once, the monk and his wife were wide-awake and fully alert. “Where do you think he could've gone?” Miroku asked.

 

“I don't know. I tried calling to him with my host energy, but he wouldn't reply.” Kagome said as she bit her lip.

 

The flea jumped off her shoulder and scurried through the grounds. “What are you doing, Myoga?” Sango asked as the flea jumped around on the floor.

 

“Over here!” The demon called. The three of them knelt at the area.

 

“The smell of Inuyasha's blood in fresh.” The demon stated as he stood in the middle of a deep footprint.

 

“Those footprints look like they are headed into the forest.” Miroku observed.

 

“That's not good.” The flea began. “This forest is full of many apparitions and demons. He shouldn't have gone in there in his state!”

 

“What do you mean by apparitions?” Sango asked nervously.

 

“The forest throws illusions at you. Anything that haunts you, anything that you fear will appear in this forest. Not to mention the number of forest dwelling demons that could attack him.”

 

“I'm going in there to find him!” Kagome stated with determination.

 

“You're not going alone.” Miroku said. Sango had rushed back into the manor to fetch her hiraikotsu, Kagome's white bow and Miroku's staff.

 

The three of them stood, looking into the blinding darkness of the forest.

 

“You cannot go in there! You will be attacked with whatever frightens you. The forest is most dangerous at night!”

 

“ I don't care!” Kagome exclaimed. “I'm going!” Sango and Miroku nodded.

 

“Well, best of luck to you.” The flea said as he ran from the scene the moment the three of them entered the forest.

 

The forest was chilly. The spaces in between the trees had a eerie glow and the snaps of the twigs below their feet was the only sounds that Kagome, Sango and Miroku heard as they stepped deeper into the forest calling for their friend. The sinister breeze that ruffled the black leaves had Miroku stop walking.

 

“What is it, Miroku?” Sango asked as she stopped.

 

“There's something there.”

 

They readied themselves. Sango stood on her guard, but nothing came from in between the forest blushes. She wondered if Miroku was losing his touch until a sudden scream shattered her through her thoughts. “S-stay away from me!” Miroku shouted as he stumbled backward from nothing in particular.

 

“Miroku, there's nothing there.” Sango said, tying to soothe her husband, only to realize that he was out the reach of her voice as he backed away from the nothingness that was there. “Miroku?” His eyes were wide and unblinking with terror.

 

Afraid for him, she brought him back to his senses the only way she knew how. Swinging her hand to collide with Miroku's face, she watched as he fell into the floor. “Miroku!” She leaned over him, hoping that he was back to his old self.

 

A soft touch on her bosom had Sango sighing with relief as Miroku became calm again. “So, that's what Myoga meant by illusions that frighten you.” He breathed.

 

“What do you mean?”

 

“They seem so real. Whatever you are afraid of most comes at your in this forest. Apparently, only you can see it. I saw…the creature that killed my father when I was young…”

 

“Miroku, Kagome's gone.” Sango stated nervously when she realized that the miko was nowhere in sight.

 

()()()()()()()

 

Kagome wandered through the black forest. Precisely when she had gotten separated from her companions she didn't know, but she kept going forward. She couldn't help the shivers that went up her spine from the forest floors. As she kept walking, a wave of sadness and fear came over her. Not knowing where the two emotions sprang from, she kept following something that was calling her deeper into the labyrinth of the forest.

 

The closer she walked to the calling, she more sorrowful and frightened she became. She didn't understand these feelings. She didn't understand their gravity and why they weighed so heavily on her the way that they did. Wondering why she had yet to see anything truly frightening, she kept walking through the forest until an agonizing sorrow engulfed her. What was it? Why was she feeling so upset, yet still, she kept walking. The more she walked, the sadder she became.

 

Her heart lurched. The anguish had gotten to the point where she didn't even want to walk anymore. A familiar sound reached her ears and she looked up. The sound was coming from a little further from where she had knelt to relieve the unhappiness.

 

Pushing the bushes aside, she came across a small clearing, where a figure knelt in the ground. As she walked closer to whatever was kneeling in the ground, Kagome reached out to touch the thing that was glowing a radiant white light. The light flashed, momentarily blinding her. When she unshielded her eyes from her arms, she could see the figure in full view.

 

“I-Inuyasha?” He didn't respond. He was kneeling on the forest floor, his arms wrapped around himself as he was shaking uncontrollably. “Inuyasha?” She called again. He didn't hear her.

 

“What's wrong?” She said as she knelt next to him, her hand on his back. His face was covered by one hand.

 

“Stop!” He yelled in grief.

 

“What's wrong? Inuyasha?” Seeing that words didn't reach him, Kagome called to him with her mind.

 

Inuyasha? She thought.

 

You didn't save me! A voice echoed inside his head.

 

“ That's not true! I tried to-”

 

You let me die!

 

“Inuyasha!” Kagome yelled, trying to rid the voices she could hear in his head. She grasped his head, pulling it to her chest.

 

“Wake up!”

 

He still shook harshly.

 

“Wake up, Inuyasha!”

 

The sound of a strong heartbeat, it came into his mind, numbing the shrill of the voice and face he saw earlier. The beat was louder than the shrill in his head. It kept going until the screeching stopped and he opened his eyes. Feeling the warmth around his ears, his body stopped shuddering and snuggled into the softness. The familiar smell came into his nose.

 

“Ka…gome?”

 

“Inuyasha! Are you alright?”

 

He shuddered when he remember who it was that he had seen. “Inuyasha?”

 

Kagome was able to finally meet his gaze. She gasped at his expression. Eyes were wide with terror, the pupils dilating further and the distant, fearful look. “What happened?” She asked tenderly.

 

“I…saw…but…she…” His eyes closed. For a brief moment, Kagome panicked before she realized he had only fainted.

 

“Kagome!” The voices of Sango and Miroku echoed through the forest. “I'm here!” She called out, still holding the fainted hanyou in her arms.

 

The monk and his wife emerged through the forest to see Kagome cradling Inuyasha in her lap.

“What happened?” Miroku asked.

 

“I'll explain later, I think we should get out of here.”

 

()()()()()()()

 

Kagome sat in her seat watching Inuyasha doze in his bed, lightly. With Miroku and Sango's help, they had carried the unconscious hanyou back into the manor. She had told them everything she had seen and the voice she heard in Inuyasha's mind. The three of them had looked at each other quietly before Kagome told Miroku and Sango to go to sleep, saying that she'll take care of Inuyasha. They had refused at first, but Kagome insisted.

 

Inuyasha shifted to sit in an upright position, his hand on his face. “Uh, what a nightmare.”

 

“Inuyasha are you okay?” He turned his head toward her for a moment before his eyes frantically searched the rooms, only to relax after knowing that just Kagome was there.

 

“You look like you've see a ghost. Are you okay?” She asked again.

 

He didn't answer, just gave her an empty stare before suddenly grabbing her wrist and yanking her into his embrace. “Inu…”

 

“Thank you, Kagome…”

 

“Sure.” She responded by wrapping her arms around him, not paying attention to the shift in behavior.

 

 

A thumping sound reached her ears. Trying to ignore it, Kagome shifted in her sleep, squeezing whatever was in her arms. The beating sound continued. Languidly, she opened her eyes. Inuyasha was resting next to her quietly. She looked into his slightly relaxed features before the beating sound assaulted her ears again. Wondering what the sound was, Kagome untangled herself from Inuyasha's embrace before quietly sliding off the bed. She looked back to see that Inuyasha was still sleeping.

 

Walking out of the manor, as the beating became louder, Kagome looked up into the black sky. The sound sang in her ears again. She followed it.

 

“What is that sound?”

 

Follow it.

 

She walked through the gardens, her feet sinking a little in the damp earth underneath. The sound was getting louder in her ears and she stepped further toward the beat. She stopped short in front of a small shack. Climbing the wooden steps, Kagome lightly pushed the door, surprised that it opened with such a small push.

 

Silently she walked through the small wooden shack, as the beating sound got louder. Dazed by the sweet sound, Kagome walked deeper into the empty shack. A small door squeaked under her feet and she pulled the trap door open to reveal the stone steps that led underneath.

 

Curious to see where this secret passage led and called by the beating sound, Kagome stepped down the stairs. The beating was even louder as Kagome followed the dark steps. Soon the steps no longer went down and she found herself climbing instead.

 

Kagome emerged in a small clearing bathed in moonlight. A tiny lake, surrounded by lush green trees, glowed from the shimmer of the barely visible moon. She followed the sound that was now loudest and she stepped over the small, brick road next to the lake. The beating led her to a small, ivory shrine. Her hand touched the door lightly. Nervously she stared at the knob.

 

Taking a deep breathe and gathering her courage, Kagome pushed the knob down and walked into the room. Her bare feet could feel the ice of the marble that lay under her feet. Something was glowing in the far corner of the room. Red curtains surrounded whatever glowed.

 

“Kagome, what are you doing here?” Kagome was snapped out of her trance to see Myoga sitting on her out stretched hand. She had been preparing to clear the drapes where the beating came from.

 

“Myoga? What is this place?”

 

“I don't have time to explain! You must get out of here.” The flea stated while jumping up and down on her hand.

 

“Why?” Kagome asked defiantly.

 

“Never mind that! You must leave, Ms. Kagome!”

 

“I'm not leaving until you tell me why.” Her fingers grasped the drapes.

 

“No, wait!” The flea was too late. Kagome had already pulled away the red drapes and gasped when the beautiful read crystal floated over an ivory pedestal. The beating sound was emanating from the ruby, colored crystal.

 

“Wow.” Kagome watched as the gem twinkled.

 

“Please, Ms. Kagome, you must leave now!” The flea demon exclaimed.

 

“What is this crystal, Myoga? It's beautiful.”

 

“That's doesn't matter. Please, you must go.”

 

“It sounds like a heartbeat…Myoga! Tell me!” She ordered.

 

The flea demon paced a little on her hand before sighing and crossing its four arms. He watched as Kagome looked at the crystal wondrously. Her eyes shimmered from the extravagant glow the red diamond.

 

“ No doubt, I will get in trouble for this.” The flea shuddered. “ However, I believe that you deserve to know, Ms. Kagome. You are the only one that could help now.”

 

“ Please tell me, Myoga. What is this crystal.”

 

“What you see that shines so radiantly before you Kagome-sama, is Inuyasha's heart.”

 

Kagome's heart jumped, pounding thunderously. “Inuyasha's heart…” Her hand reached out to touch the beating crystal.

 

()()()()()()()

 

Inuyasha jumped upward from the bed, his breathing raspy as he clutched his chest in pain. Someone was near…

 

“Near my heart.”

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I'm sorry that I can't write more for you. I rarely have the time now, but I'm trying. I know this chapter is kind of iffy…I'm so sorry! I'll try to get the next chapter to you as fast as I can. Please don't kill me. I'm under too much stress to endure this now and I know that's not an excuse. Please forgive any grammar errors. I'm really tired.