InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ I will love you to my dieing day... ❯ The beginning ^_^ ( Chapter 1 )

Disclaimer: Unforuntally I do not own Inu-yasha or its characters -_- wish I did but I don't. Please dont sue me I'm broke!

Everything was perfect, the shards had been collected and his greatest and most hated enemy was dead. He was able to enjoy his life now without scorns of hatred from the one race that had once declared him an outcast, who wanted him hunted and killed. Well, maybe we would had got those glares from unfriendly strangers if he was in another place or should he venture into another village but in this village he was its protector and everyone was grateful to him. He also enjoyed this location since it was so close to Kagome, for only just out the village in the clearing of the forest was the place where she would emerged to meet him.

She was with him almost constantly now, those stupid 'tests' she had to take and study for were now a thing of the pas since she realised that since she had absolutely NO CHANCE of getting into any kind of further education she decided to make her money by selling simple things from this age in her time, she claimed they were 'priceless' in her time, and there was many who'd like to study the stuff. Within a year after her little discovery she had made enough money to take care of her for the rest of her life, should she actually decide to live in her time. Inu-yasha had become friendlier towards her, their feelings were so strong but neither of them would admit their love for one another. Kagome wished to be sure of her feelings, and his, before she decided which time she would live in. "Kagome! Kagome where the hell have you been?" He demanded. Kagome smiled at him, he always got so hot-headed when she was late which was fairly often, but today it didn't bother her as it normally did, for some reason she felt as though even if the entire world collapsed around her it would not make her frown.

"If you must know I was at the shops buying you more of those noodles you like, here." She rummaged through her back then pulled out a small plastic tub. "They got a new flavour, I thought you might like it. Its 'chicken barbeque flavour' the man at the store said in his opinion it's the best flavour yet." Kagome told him happily.

"Why are you so 'up in the clouds' today? Its creepy." Inu-yasha asked suspiciously.

"I don't know, but I'm happy and you should be happy that I am happy or I would have landed the 'S' word five times already." She almost seemed to gleam in the midday sun as she showed those pearly white teeth once more with a favoured smile. Inu-yasha couldn't help but follow her trend; he too was in a happy mood. Kikyo's soul had long been put to rest, and even though he still had feelings for her and was saddened by her death, he was no able to clear his head of those emotions and make way for new. After long and sleepless nights he finally realised that all that time he spent protecting Kagome wasn't just because she was the 'Shard detector' but a very important person in his life. And he chose her as his mate; all he had to do now was tell her that. She was in such a good mood today and seeing how Inu-yasha was convinced that she hated him, he decided not to tell her yet; he didn't want to spoil her day. He walked with her to the village, everyone smiled and waved at the two companions, many pleased to see that Kagome had returned to their humble village. In many ways Kagome had became a flame of hope to them, ever since it was declared that she was the reincarnation of their beloved Kikyo they had regarded her with much respect.

"Kagome. I was wondering, when would you be going back this time?" His voice was a little uneasy, there was something on his mind but Kagome couldn't quite place it.

"That's nice, I've only just got here and already you're asking me when I'm going to return." She laughed jokingly.

"I didn't mean it like that. It's just that I wanted you to come with me someplace tonight. There is something I want to show you, I was just wondering if you were free is all." His voice began to falter slightly and he blushed. Inu-yasha blushed! SWEET! Kagome saw this but because she knew even though he tried to hide it Inu-yasha was a very emotional person, she didn't want to embarrass him so she pretended that she didn't notice his blush.

"I've already told my mum that I wont be coming home for at least a week, and I've only just goy here so sure I'm free."

"Good." Was all he said before a time little kitsune came running up to her, a smile as wide as his face would allow he flung himself at Kagome and giggled.

"Kagome-chan! I've missed you!" He told her warmly as he snuggled closer into her. Kagome laughed and then picked him up.

"I've missed you too Shippo but I've only been gone for two days you know." She told him fondly.

"I know but." He shrugged, not knowing what else to say. "Sango and Miroku are being icky again, they're doing the kind of stuff mama and papa used to do when they thought they were alone." Kagome blushed at this.

"Feh. You shouldn't be watching them every chance you get if you think its so icky. Geez, you're growing to be a pervert just like that Miroku." He huffed before walking off leaving Kagome and Shippo to catch up on anything they had missed. He looked back at them before returning to the Go-Shimboku and smiled, she's good with pups.

Kagome met Inu-yasha by the Go-Shimboku as requested, he had hardly spent anytime with her today except to get some more food from her and to tell her where he wanted her to meet him tonight. The moon and stars shone brightly on the two companions, her grey-blue eyes sparkling in the reflected glory of the moon and his silver-white hair shimmering they looked at each other, silent for a moment before any of them spoke. "So.what was it you wanted to show me?" Kagome asked softly. Her voice was so sweet to him, be it angry or sad, it always gave him a strange feeling within his chest, like pounding drums.

"Err.yeah, come." He grabbed her hand and she blushed. He had noticed this, as he was too busy pulling her into the forest, his eyes alive with excitement. She's gonna love this! He thought wildly to himself.

He brought her to a small clearing in the forest, it was indeed a small and insignificant clearing that she had passed many times but had paid no heed. He led her to the middle and covered her eyes gently with his hands. "Inu-yasha." She sounded a bit unsure.

"Don't worry, you're going to like it." He assured her. He let out a small low whistle and almost as if summoned by the hanyou's call Kagome was aware of not only the faint light she managed to see through his fingers but the sensational energy surrounding her. He slowly pulled his hands away and Kagome was suddenly struck in awe. All around her with tiny little spirits likes fairies with tiny human bodies that glowed and their massive transparent wings that glistened gold. She gasped at the beauty of these tiny creatures who danced all around her, some teasing her by tugging gently at her raven black hair, tiny giggles escaping there tiny mouths.

"I.I love it! You're right, this is amazing!" She exclaimed as she unexpectedly flung her arms around him and embraced him tightly. "Thank you for showing me this!"

"Kagome." He pulled her away slightly and looked at her with deep and thoughtful eyes.

"Yes Inu-yasha." Her voice was barely above a whisper but yet it was audible to his sensitive ears.

"I.I." He swallowed hard and decided to go for it. Her looked was so innocent and trusting he couldn't help himself. He moved his lips closer to hers and missed her passionately on the lips. He expected her to pull back, to spit angrily and shout 'sit' a dozen times or so but she time not. In fact she pulled herself closer and it suddenly appeared to him that she wanted this, she felt the same way about him as he did her. Finally they pulled apart and the fairies faded back into the darkness leaving only the clear sky to light their faces.

"I love you Inu-yasha!" She told him bravely, tears were welling up in her eyes and she wiped them away.

"I love you too." He then wiped away one tear that had escaped and ran down her cheek. "Why are you crying?" He asked intently.

"Because I'm so happy." She responded blissfully.

And so it was that the two creatures, both from different worlds, different times came together and had decided to share their lives together. She was his woman, his prize and joy and he was hers, it some strange way it seemed so right that they should be together even the birds almost seemed to preach their engagement.

"Feh, I'm not saying that we shouldn't do it just that it isn't a good idea at this time of year." He complained slightly. Kagome and Sango had been begging both Inu-yasha and Miroku about building two huts of their own. One for Inu-yasha and Kagome and one for Sango and Miroku.

"If I'm going to live here I want to live in my own little hut, and stop sponging of Kaede-sama." Kagome snapped angrily.

"Yeah, and don't give us that excuse about it being too late in the year, it isn't winter yet. If you start now you'll be done by the time the weather starts to change, the villagers are all willing to help, we've already asked them if they'd help you two." Sango's voice was just as dangerous as Kagome's and so the two men decided that they fought a hopeless battle and so with a sigh they gave in.

It had been almost two months now and the huts were almost ready. They were located just on the border of the village, close to each other but not so close that the two separate couples wouldn't be disturbed by each other. It was a warm day despite the rapid change from autumn into winter and Miroku and Inu-yasha rested on the riverbank. It was growing into night and the girls had promised to meet them here so that together they could explore their new homes. The villagers had helped if only a little, the priest did not have a problem with the extra help but the dog- Youkai seemed to think that their 'tampering' was upsetting his soon to be home, and so he built his more of less by himself often scaring the people who tried to help too often. They just needed furniture now, that and to fence in their front gardens. "I don't think we should bother no more Inu- yasha, I mean the furniture we'll buy, I don't want to make it myself. And well we haven't got kids yet so the fence isn't at all important. I say just show the girls what they wanted to let it be at that. All this work has made me tired." Miroku said in a whiney voice.

"Feh, you mean you were actually contemplating a fence and making the cursed chairs and tables? I wasn't intending to do no such thing, I thought we had finished." Inu-yasha asked a little surprised. "The girls should like them, I mean they've been nagging us long enough. Its lucky we've done it just in time for winter though."

"Me too, I feared we might not had gotten them ready in time and that we might had to abandon them for the winter. I also think that they girls should be happy with it. We put enough work into it."

"They better be or they can sleep outside this winter and we'll use the huts." He huffed. Inu-yasha was even more irritable than usual, if that was possible, but Miroku just put it down to the building of the huts, after all the hanyou hadn't had much luck since it was obviously his first house he had built and since he refused most help he had found it harder to build than the priest.

"Hey cheer up Inu-yasha, I'm sure the girls will love them. They're not so spoilt that they'll turn their noses up at a misshapen fireplace."

"Humph, its not that misshapen." He groaned. "Besides, these claws were made for fighting, not building stupid huts."

"Heh I suppose so but they won't be claws tonight will they? Its kind of nice how it's turned out, the first night together in your new home and you're both human." He said almost dreamingly. "Sango and I are going to christen the house as soon as we get in."

"Feh, you really are perverted you know that?" His voice then grew quieter. "And I'll thank you not to speak of that certain fact so loudly." He growled.

"Who is going to hear us here? There's no one round for miles." Miroku laughed at his paranoia.

"Just be careful." He snapped. The truth was he was a little nervous, his sense had already begun to fail him, and soon and very soon he would be human. If there had been anyone there he could not smell him or her and that made his worry. Miroku may have just exposed his weakness to a passing Youkai.

He cackled as he heard the great news that his most trusted henchman had brought him. "So there is a weakness to the great Inu-yasha? Finally I'll see you dead for what you have done to me." The man touched his stump where his hand should be, where it used to be. "I shall make you suffer."

Kagome ran up to Inu-yasha and embraced him warmly. He had already transformed into his human self by the time she had gotten there, his beautiful black silky hair fell round his shoulders, no long did he look like a dog without his white ear that normally adorned the top of his head. "You ready to see the hut then?" He asked her softly. All the harness and irritation had gone from his voice from when he had been talking to the priest, he didn't worry as much when Kagome was around him.

"Hai!" She exclaimed excitedly. He laughed and together they rushed off to see their new home. Miroku and Sango laughed and followed their lead.

"Come, let's bless our new home." Sango said wickedly, and the priest couldn't help but blush furiously.

Kagome had loved the house not so much as raising an eyebrow at the misshapen fireplace or the creaky door. Now they lay in each other's arms as they lay on their new, warm bed. It was the only furniture they had in the house so far, Inu-yasha had promised to take her shopping for furniture tomorrow, saying that he once knew an excellent carpenter. But Kagome shook her head and told him firmly that she wanted certain furniture from his world. He disagreed at first, he always disagreed about going into her world but finally he gave in. Tomorrow they would go shopping in her world. "Kagome?" Inu-yasha asked with a slight bump in his throat. "Would you like some pups?"

"Pups? You mean children?" She thought about it for a while and then cuddled closer into him. "Only if we made them." She teased as she began to rub his chest.

"Before we go into that.I was wondering, do you prefer me like this? As a human I mean." His voice was serious; it was obviously something he had been worrying about for a long time. Did being a hanyou bother her?

"Of course not silly. Its nice to see you in human form, feels more normal but I don't prefer it. You could have six eyes and one leg for all I care. As long as you stay as you are on the inside." Kagome told him kindly. She always had a way with words, always knew exactly what to say to make him feel better.

"Thank you." He sighed blissfully. "I." A sudden surge of pain pulsed through his body, as if a pin had been stuck into his neck and made the rest of the body suffer. He quickly slapped the back of his neck, when he pulled it away. On his hand were the remains of a squashed spider; making a sound of disgust he wiped his hand on the covers.

"Don't wipe it on the covers! We gotta sleep in here tonight!" Kagome exclaimed almost angrily when she saw it was a squished bug he had wiped on their covers. He didn't seem to hear her, or if he had he didn't pay attention. He seemed kinda spaced out, like his brain had turned completely off. She waves a hand in front of his face. "Hello? Anyone home?" She asked jokingly. He turned his head to face her with a dazed look on his face.

"Nani?"

"Good there is someone home." She laughed. "Are you ok? You were kinda spaced a second ago."

"Oh.I'm fine." He spoke confidently though he didn't feel so sure himself. The pain was quick but agonising, it had only lasted a matter of seconds but his entire body now tingled slightly and he felt extremely tired all of a sudden. He jus put I down to shock from a spider bite, after all he was in his weak human body. He then lent back and sighed. "I'm feeling a little tired, it's getting late. We should sleep."

"Oh, ok Inu-yasha but I thought we could." He was already asleep before she could finish her sentence. Inu-yasha never got tired so quickly after a non- eventful day but she put it down to him being in his human body so she snuggled in closer to him and closed her eyes. "Goodnight love."

Kagome woke before Inu-yasha did and so crept out of bed. He had transformed back into a Youkai during the time they were asleep, his silver- white hair complete with white and soft ears that twitched slightly every time she moved. She grinned as a wicked through came to her mind, she'd simply have to take him into the hairdressers and get his ears pierced. She giggled quietly and went into their front garden to watch the surroundings until her love awoke. She was looking forward to taking Inu-yasha into her world today but at the same time she dreaded it. She remember once he had almost had a fight with a car after it almost ran into him, calling it a strange Youkai that should be destroyed. She laughed at the memories, since then he had visited a few more times since the 'car incident' so he was a little more settled but still got a little jumpy around things he didn't recognise. When he was jumpy she had to be extremely careful, because a jumpy dog-Youkai equalled broken stuff. She heard footsteps approaching and she turned round to see her dear friend walking up beside her. She had a joy-filled smile on her face, the bliss she felt on the inside shone on her lips. "Hey. You look happy, did you enjoy last night?" Kagome asked cheekily and laughed when she saw Sango blush.

"What about you and Inu-yasha? Did you enjoy it?" She asked just as childishly as Kagome had done, expecting her friend to blush and turn away just as she had done.

"Actually we just talked, he was tired and so we went to sleep." Kagome replied almost disappointingly.

"That doesn't sound like him, normally he's eager to make pups." Came a piping voice from behind them.

>>A/N = I didn't forget about Shippo! He's just been hiding until now ^_~<<

"Shippo-chan! What do you mean by that?" Kagome's face had turned a bright pink.

"Normally when I watch you too he always mention something about pups and you offer to make them for him. But you never seem to get round to making them, you just start playing that kissing game where you." Kagome quickly clamped her hand round the little kitsune's mouth to shut him up.

"Now that's enough of that Shippo! Where have you been anyway? I haven't saw you for the past few days." Kagome was wager to change the subject.

"I've been at Kaede's hut, we've been making medicines!" He then went into fine details of what medicines he had made and how he had made them.

After Shippo's little discussion Kagome had made them breakfast after Sango decided to go back to wake her husband. >>YES HUSBAND! : P I'm well aware of the fact I've neglected to tell you lot 'till now, but I did imply it in the very least<< Inu-yasha still slept and it was now coming up to noon and Kagome began to wonder why he was so tired. He never slept in this late, and they hadn't gone to bed all that late the night before. She prepared some toast and jam then brought it to her mate and sat on the bed. She began to stroke his cheek gently. "Inu-yasha, wake up I've made breakfast." She whispered softly in his ear. He groaned slightly before opening his eyes and then looked at her.

"What time is it?" He asked sleepily.

"Its past noon sleepy head." She told him gently.

"Noon? Why did you wake me?" He asked, suddenly more awake than usual and he sat upright.

"I didn't like to wake you, it looked as though you were enjoying your sleep." She told him gently before putting a piece of toast on his lap. "Eat. We're still going shopping today, I'd like to go soon if that's ok with you." Inu-yasha looked at the food in front of him, normally it would had looked so tasty and edible in the morning but today he wasn't hungry, not in the slightest.

"Thanks, I'll get changed now then." He smiled fondly at her before getting out of bed, placing the toast on the side. He then reached for his clothes

>>A/N that's right folks, he was NAKIE! <<

"Aren't you going to eat your breakfast?" She asked gingery. Inu-yasha just shook his head apologetically.

"Its looks yummy but I'm not hungry today."

"Then I'll eat it." She quickly snatched the toast of the plate and popped it into her mouth. Inu-yasha just laughed at her pouty face and stuff mouth and carried on getting changed. "Err. Inu-yasha you're going to have to wear those shoes again, and that hat I gave you." He just growled his displease at that, he hated wearing those stupid items but if it kept her happy he suppose it was worth the discomfort for a few hours.

And so they went into her world, a quick journey through the well and a few seconds late they were there at the old shrine. Inu-yasha had suffered a spout of dizziness while going through the Well but he put it down to time travelling even though he never felt that way before. Now they were in a huge building which sold many strange looking, what Kagome assure was 'furniture'. He hadn't been in any fights with the cars, as requested and he also didn't growl too much at the magical 'door' that automatically opened when they approached. "What about this table? Its flat pack so we'll be able to get it through the Well." Kagome asked as she expected a pine- coloured table.

"Yeah sure, it's a big strange looking though." He whispered to her as if the table could have heard it.

"And this is an older design." She sighed. "Well I think it's rather nice, it's also pretty light to carry."

"Then get it, I'm not bothered." He was too busy looking at the many weird and wonderful things in the shop; it smelt strange in here, but there again so this whole world. He crinkled his nose slightly as a woman walked past; she had this overpowering smell of what could have been tainted flowers.

"That's called perfume. Most ladies wear some form it." Kagome told him quietly when she saw him crinkle his nose.

"Do you wear it?"

"Kind of, I wear deodorant and that smells slightly but not as much as that stuff does." She then spotted a chair that looked incredibly comfy and cute so she ran up to it without saying another word and practically jumped on it. "I want!" She almost screamed as she embraced what was to be her new bubble chair. This did look tremendously bizarre but she seemed to like its inflated design so Inu-yasha decided to let her have it. After all a happy Kagome was a happy hanyou. He was about to join her when a sudden pain struck his entire body, the source of the hurt came from his heart but like his blood it was pumped through him, with a sharp hiss of pain he clutched his chest not understand what was wrong and almost staggered to his knees. Bravely he then straightened himself, clenching his fists as if to relieve him of the pain. His own claws dug into his flesh and caused them to bleed but it did seem to achieve the task he had intended it to. The pain from his chest faded and eventually disappeared. He wiped his bloody hands in his clothes and then tucked them in his sleeve so that Kagome did not see them and worry. He hated her pity, or to see her worried. When he got back he'll find out what that was, and how to stop it from happening again. He pushed away that thought for now, now he would enjoy his time with his Kagome.

"What about this thing?" He sat down in it, feeling a little unstable on its wobbly surface he put his hands down to balance himself but as soon as his claws hit it soft and thin 'skin' he could hear the sound of air escaping and he began to sink deeper and deep in. Startled and slightly confused he quickly jumped out and began to growl at the chair. "What the hell?" He about screamed. Before he could pull out the Tetsusaiga and completely dice the blow-up chair, Kagome came rushing towards him with her face flushed an angry red and dragged him from the store.

They had bought a table, wardrobe, chest of draws and one certain desirable bubble chair from a different shop after Inu-yasha got kicked out of many of them. Kagome was going to complain and scold him but with those puppy-dogs eyes she just didn't have the heart. After this entire entire world was different to his, in the Warring Ages of Japan where Inu-yasha had lived everything was simple looking, in this world, her world, things happened frequently that wasn't even possible in his world. Now they sat together in his world, they were under the Go-Shimboku after they had brought and assembled the furniture in their home. He had been quiet since they returned home, she knew there was something on his mind but didn't know what it was. Now she thought about it he wasn't as noisy as he normally was the entire day but she had just put it down to him being in a different world, which was probably more than likely scare him slightly. But now they were home, no more hidden surprises for him, he knew every tree in the forest and there were no cars, revolving doors (he had a little trouble with those too! ^_~) so he should be more comfortable here. But he wasn't. In fact he kept fidgeting as if every position he sat in brought him discomfort. "Inu-yasha, what's wrong? You seem a little off today." She asked him with great concern as she snuggled in closer to him.

"Eh?" He hadn't been listening to her again. It was as if his mind had wondered, deep in his own thoughts. "Oh, sorry. Yeah I'm fine. What about you? You look tired? After all those shop-things today I'm surprise you still got your eyes open. You were prancing in and out those shops like an excited deer."

"And you were being kicked out of those shops like the plague." She giggled, remembering one incident when even the security guard seemed too afraid to ask him to leave. That thought hit him like bolts of lighten, the plague? No it can't be, even if it had been going around here I wouldn't be affected by it. Only humans.Maybe it is something else. Something less serious. He thought silently to himself. Kagome had noticed that he had become distant again and so this time she gently tapped his ears. "Oui! Hello?"

"Heh, you're being childish." He stated and he gently tugged at her ears. "Little elf." He chuckled.

"What were you thinking? I don't like it when you have secrets from me."

"Its nothing. It's your birthday next week isn't it? I was thinking maybe we should do something special. Maybe have a party in the village or something." He suggested. Kagome couldn't help but turn bright red from the suggestion, a village party for her birthday! That would be so embarrassing but at the same time so wonderful. She could invite all her friends (from this time!) and at night she'll share it with her little puppy-dog!

"Oh that would be great!" She almost squealed with delight. She was a woman now, at least she was of the right age but she still had the heart of a child. Innocent, playful and easy to excite. Suddenly like a begging child pleading to be fed his stomach rumbled and she realised she had not eaten since breakfast, completely skipping a proper lunch, bar a few packs of crisps, and so it was time for dinner. Thinking of the food she had which was quick and easy to make she decided that the packets of pasta would do for dinner tonight. If she remembered correctly she had several packets of tomato and basil instant pasta, Inu-yasha's favourite flavour pasta. "I'm going to make us some dinner now, is pasta ok with you? I got your favourite." She teased playfully.

"I'm not hungry thanks, but you have something to eat." He replied almost drizzly. He was in a strange and sombre mood today and she did not know what to do with him. Had it had anything to do with last night? The discussion about having 'pups' or about him being a hanyou? She hoped not, for he did not have to worry about those things.

"You haven't eaten all day, you sure you're not hungry?" She enquired.

"I said I'M NOT HUNGRY!" He barked this made Kagome jump back a little. Since they had declared their love for one another he had became a lot more gentle with her, not once had he yelled at her like this since then. He let out a low growl and then jumped into the tree in a brooding silence. Shaking herself out of the shock she stood up angrily.

"I was only trying to be nice! Stay up there all night for all I care, I'm going home!" She yelled but he didn't even seem to notice or care. Angrily she stalked off, she wouldn't go home, and instead she'll go and talk to Sango.

Only moments after she had left the pain came back again, this time however it came back three fold and he feared he might not be able to keep his balance in the tree. So clumsily he jumped down, almost instantly collapsing to the ground, then slowly pulling himself up slight so that he could lean against the tree. He breathed heavily and thick drops of heat fell from his feverish head. This time the pain did not subside no matter how hard he clenched his fist or tried to concentrate on something else. But cruelly, even though he was on the verge of losing all concisenesses he was unable to lose himself into that deep sleep. No one was around, so he didn't try to contain his pain as much so occasionally he did let out small yells of pain. After what appeared to be forever blackness clouded his vision as he slowly close his eyes and let the emptiness in. Tomorrow I'll find out what this is, and if I can get rid of it, were his last thoughts before falling into a dreamless sleep.

Kagome had shed angry tears by the time she showed up on Sango's doorstep. They had talked for most of the night, Kagome practically spilling her guts to her (not literally) >>A/N= we can all wish can't we? << Sango had listened and helped Kagome to calm down while Miroku who had been kicked out the house for the night wondered aimlessly around the woods until he thought it safe to return. He decided to go down by the river and watch the nightlife there, it was always so serene down there and he silently wondered what Inu-yasha had done this time. The dog-Youkai wasn't exactly the most well-mannered creature nor was he the most sensitive to other's feelings but as far as Youkais go he was a pretty ok guy. He had saved all their lives more than once and without during those frightful times of hunting for the Shikon Shards they'd probably would all be dead. He absently looked at where his wind tunnel used to be and silently thanked not only Inu-yasha but also all the others who had helped to destroy Naraku and along with him, the curse. Now Sango would be able to bear his child, not because he had to have an heir to carry on his bloodline so that the child could avenge their family in case he did not succeed. He now wanted a child with his beloved Sango because he just wanted one. He didn't care be it girl or boy, as long as it was healthy. His thoughts now wondered towards children, how many would they have? What should we call them? He laughed half to himself, never had he truly believed that he would be able to live a normal life without that stupid curse, never had he thought he would be married with a wonderful woman that he planned to spend the rest of his life with. In awe he watched as the sun slowly began to raise above the hills in the far distance, no matter how many times he had seen it the sun rising was always such a beautiful sight. But something seemed wrong, the normally gentle morning sun was hard on his eyes and he was forced to look away. His eyes were tired so they had not taken to the light, as quickly had they if he had managed to sleep that night. He smiled, almost laughed as he came to the conclusion that he had been kicked out of the house for the entire night just because one of his friends had upset another. Determined not to make this a habit and let it happen two nights in a row he decided that rather than spending another night outside waiting for the sun to raise he would fin Inu-yasha and see if he could fix this little problem he and Kagome seem to be having.

He found Inu-yasha sleeping under the Go-Shimboku and couldn't help a smirk of satisfaction. He had not been the only one who was forced to sleep outside last night, so he guessed it wasn't all bad. He plopped himself beside his friend and put his hand on his shoulder and shook him slightly. He did not wake up, but Miroku noticed that Inu-yasha was sweating a great deal and he was breathing a lot more heavily than normal. Concerned for his friend's health he tried to wake him again, this time by calling his name. This seemed to have worked and he slowly succeeded in opening both his eyes. When he saw it was his priest friend he rudely pushed him aside causing him to topple slightly. "What the hell do you want? I'm tying to sleep." He growled.

"I'm glad someone got some sleep last night. Kagome came to our hut and I was kicked out while they had a little chat that lasted all the hours of darkness." He corrected himself and sat up straight and looked Inu-yasha directly in the eye. "What's wrong?"

"Feh, its nothing. All I told her was that I wasn't hungry. She was irritating me. I never did nothing wrong." He huffed.

"Well by the sound of it you weren't the nicest about telling her so. Maybe you should apologise, it won't kill you, you know and I think we'll ALL benefit from it. I'm pretty sure that Sango didn't appreciate being kept up all night either." He stated. Inu-yasha growled at him once more this time not saying a word. "Are you feeling alright? It looks as though you got a lot on your mind, maybe it will help to get it off your chest."

"You're as annoying as Kagome, I'm fine now leave me alone."

"Kagome is only worried about you. You're not yourself today Inu-yasha and according to Kagome you weren't yesterday either. What's up with that?"

"I'm just tired I suppose and I think you're pushing your luck. Now get away from me before I really give you something to whinge about." He flexed his claws menacingly and snarled. Miroku couldn't help but notice, though very faint and healing scars in his hands, as though he had dug his own claws into them. He nodded knowingly, Inu-yasha wanted to be alone and he respected that.

"If you're tired maybe you should go see Kaede-sama, she'll know how to heal any.discomfort." Miroku said friendly before bringing himself to his feet and making an attempt to go home. He hoped that Kagome would have left already leaving him and Sango to talk alone. Even though most the time they were unable to help in their friend's crises they still both liked to try.

Inu-yasha thought about what Miroku had said last before he left, maybe she should go and see the old witch. After all she did have an excellent knowledge of medicines and illnesses. So he rudely barged into her hut where she was talking to a young couple about something or other. "Kaede-baba, we need to talk." The other two villages looked at him in light fear. They both knew he, he was a protector to their village but he was still a Youkai and Youkais were meant to be feared. He ignored their look and glared at the Miko. "Now!" His voice was desperate and Kaede suddenly became very worried. He told the young couple that she would have to finish their discussion later and wished them all the luck with their union.

"Now what's all the racket about Inu-yasha?" She asked after the two kids had left.

"First promise me that you wont say a word to the others." He was tensed and looked her directly in the eye, their faces almost touching. Though old she still managed to push his glare away from her face.

"I promise. Now tell me what troubles you." She sat down and he followed her lead, sitting opposite him.

"I.I've got this problem. It's a hurt here." He thumped his chest gently. "Well it's mainly there and it isn't all the time, only for short whiles, since yesterday really. But as it goes on they last for long and become more painful. All I want to do now is sleep but between Kagome and Miroku." He left it hanging there.

"You said since yesterday huh? Wasn't the night before that the day you become human?" She enquired. "Take your top off, let me look."

"Yeah, it was. You don't think it could be down to that do you?" He removed his top leaving his chest bare. "I've never had any trouble with it before, things always go back to normal after that."

"Hmm." She inspected his chest at first, running her fingers up and down his chest, and feeling for anything unusual. "Can you think of anything that could had brought this up? A battled with a couple of Youkais you've neglected to tell me about." She raised an eyebrow but said no more.

"I never told you about that fight because it had nothing to do with you. Besides I got rid of it didn't I? And despite what you said I DID NOT almost direct it to the village. Anyway no, I haven't had a good warm-up for months now." He sounded a little offended. He knew to which incident she was referring. It had been a simple snake Youkai that was out killing mortals one day and he simply destroyed it. He neglected to tell anyone about it because it didn't seem important but the blabbermouths he had saved from the creature just happened to live in this village and told everyone about it.

"Well anything else then? A bite maybe, it doesn't seem like any kind of disease from what I can see." She carefully felt his pulse. "This is strange."

"What is?"

"Your heart-beat is uneven, as though you've been running for miles but you don't even seem out of breath. Anyway back to the question I want an answer." He thought for a little while then he suddenly remembered that spider that had bit him when he was in bed. Come to think of it the bite did cause him similar pain as the others.

"There was a spider-bite, I was in human form so it was able to get through my skin I suppose. But how would that affect me now? Shouldn't my Youkai blood fight back any venom it could had injected?"

"Where did it bite you?" She asked quickly, seemingly ignoring his question. He pointed to the area where the spider had bitten him on the neck. She moved his white mane out the way so she could see it; there where he had pointed was a giant swollen lump about the size of a child's fist. The skin surrounding it was a light ashen colour and the skin upon the lump itself had a greenish tinge to it. She gently touched the bump and Inu- yasha yelped and jumped forward.

"Baka! Why did you do that for Kaede-baba?" He demanded.

"My apologises, I didn't know it was that tender. It seems that it was in fact the spider bite that cause you so much pain. I don't know what kind of spider it was so I can't give you any details. You don't perchance remember what the spider looked like do you?"

"Well.err.It was black I think, it was only small about the size of my palm >>A/N = Small?!<< Oh I do remember something about it. The little bastard had different colour legs then his body.what colour were they?" He began to think harder when Kaede interrupted him.

"A lighter grey, almost transparent?" She asked, although she was pretty sure that it was the one she was thinking about.

"Yeah. So what about it? Is it dangerous?" He asked only showing a slight interest though his eyes showed he was anxious.

"Its fatal to humans, within twenty-four hours the venom would had spread across their body causing extreme pain as it attacks the organs mainly the heart. But to Youkais, I don't know, its obviously affecting you in some way, but be it fatal to you, I do not know. Though I'm afraid that it seems." She placed his hair back to where it was before she moved it and then looked him sombrely in the face.

"I'm showing all the signs of a dieing human?" She nodded her head sadly. "So you think it could be fatal despite by strong blood?"

"Youkais aren't really affected by spider bite and other small creatures biting them because nine times out of ten the spider cut through the flesh. But since you were in your human form it must of found you easy to bite. Your blood is probably still trying to fight the venom, that's why you've lasted so long but I'm afraid it looked like because of the human blood inside you its slowly eating its way."

"I hope I can trust you in keeping your promise." He began to dress himself once more and was preparing to leave.

"You're not even going to tell Kagome?" She asked a little surprised.

"There is no need to worry her about such little matters." He snapped.

"She has a right to know." He ignored her and was about to leave the hut but she stopped him and placed a hand on his shoulder. "What are you going to do?"

"If I am to die, I'm not going without a fight. I'll fight a anti-dote or something, there must be something I could use if only to buy me more time." He then left ignoring everything around him, even Kaede's words to him.

"But there is no cure!" She scarcely said in fear that people may overheard. She would be worthy of his trust and not tell no one like he had requested but something inside told her that she should tell Kagome if he wasn't going to tell her. She had a right to know. She turned back and walked into her hut and sat down debating whether or not she should tell Kagome. Her hearing wasn't as good as it used to be but she could hear the slight sound of sobbing. She turned round and saw there was a red fluffy tail peeping from the side of an old herb pot. She moved it out of the way to find Shippo curled up, he looked at her with sad, wet eyes. "What are you doing in here?" She asked gently as she picked the little cub up in her arms. Shippo turned round and hugged into her arm.

"Is Inu-yasha going to die?" He cried.

"I don't know. Were you hiding there the entire time?"

"I came. *sob* to show you the herbs I've just picked but Inu-yasha came here first *sob* so I waited until you were done talking." Tears fell down his face. "I don't want him to die!" He wailed.

"Then you must have also heard him tell me not to tell no one, I think we should respect his wishes."

"I.I know." Was all he could say before crying again. He was the youngest and probably like most children the most emotional. In some ways Inu-yasha had appeared as a big brother to him, he didn't want to lose any more family.

Two days had almost past and he could feel his body getting weaker with every step he took. He had apologised to Kagome and was now in her good books but he had hardly spent any time with her or any of the others. At night he would sleep early and despite his body's protests he would force himself to wake in the morning and then he'll leave for the entire day and return at night. He wished he didn't have to return but he didn't want to worry Kagome too much, it was already going to be hard enough for her when she found out. He had eaten neither had he really talked to the others if they happened to see him. He didn't really know where to start looking for the cure and he didn't really believe he would find one in time. So he just spent most of his time moping around the forest on the off chance he might get lucky with a miracle cure found under a tree or something. If true be told Kaede was his only hope and she was working extremely hard trying to find a remedy, researching all her knowledge of medical herbs. He would visit her before he returned home, but already two nights had proved unsuccessful. He felt his chest begin to tighten and was finding himself out of breath more often. He was wondering back down to the village, it was growing dark now and so he decided to check in on the old bag before going home to his Kagome. He didn't want her know, he didn't want her pity. He couldn't make it to the village without a short rest and so sat down for a while. Before forcing himself to stand he saw Miroku, he too was walking to the village with a look of determination on his face. Inu-yasha stayed quiet, though he was not hiding he was found and the young priest's course changed. "There you are! I've been looking for you for hours now." He wasn't angry but his voice had a certain edge on it. Miroku saw the pitiful state his once proud friend was. He had become dangerously thin, his eyes grew sunken and that once energetic shine he once had in them was gone. Kagome wasn't wrong when she said he looked terrible.

"What have I done now?" He complained.

"What's going on here Inu-yasha? Kagome and the rest of us are worried about you! You've been acting so strange lately and I mean this in the nicest way but you look terrible. Something is going on, something more than a little fight between you and the misses." He voice was firm, unmoving and most of adamant to discover the truth.

"Its nothing." He assured him as he brought himself to his feet and began walking away but Miroku had placed himself in front of the hanyou and wouldn't let him pass.

"I was sent to find out what is wrong and that is what I'll do. Even if the girls hadn't asked me to, I would have still came to find out. I'm worried about your health Inu-yasha, you'll kill yourself carrying on like this. When were the last time you eaten?"

"Youkais don't get sick! Now let me pass or I'll." Suddenly the pain appeared again, this time it twisted through his body causing him to take a knee as he clutched his chest. His vision became clouded, Miroku's image became blurred.

"Inu-yasha! What's wrong?" His voice was desperately worried and almost afraid. He tried to make his friend more comfortable but Inu-yasha viciously just pushed him aside. Like animals, when he became distressed he would sometime lash out without really realising what he was doing. Miroku knew this and became very wary of his claws but still tried to help. The throbbing continued for at least ten whole minutes, he was determined not to lose conciseness and so he strained to keep his eyes open. Miroku's voice was barely recognisable, he didn't know what the priest was saying except he did hear his name called out a few times. Finally the pain faded a little, only leaving a slight ache in his chest. He put his hands on the ground and started taking deep breaths while his face was wet from fever. "Inu-yasha" He asked a little unsure.

"I.It was nothing." He rejected any help in standing up and pulled himself to his feet.

"Don't tell me THAT was nothing! You are sick aren't you? Tell me what is wrong, I may be able to help."

"Leave me alone!" He rumbled. Before Miroku could object an unexpected cackling could be heard, a sudden mist surrounded them only to fade away revealing a man. He was a little man, no higher then Miroku's chest and he had long curly black hair that he tied back with a brought piece of string. His eyes were glassy but they did seem to glow a slight red. When he opened his mouth where were nothing there, no tongue, and no teeth it was like a black void. Another thing strange about this 'man' if he could be called a human was that his right hand was missing. "Who the hell are you?" Inu- yasha demanded, he did not liked to be laughed at.

"I'm hurt, you mean you don't remember me?" He asked in mock amazement. "You and I go way back, before you even met these riffraff humans, even before you feel helplessly in love with hat stupid, ugly Miko." Inu-yasha didn't wait to find out who this man was, he didn't really care. He had insulted and now he must die. He swiped a claw across his face, the blood trickled if only for a moment and then disappeared entirely along with the wound.

"What are you? I smell the stench of a human corrupted." He looked the stranger in the eye and sniffed him a little more. "Many Youkais nest inside your soul, but you're not bothered are you?"

"I invited them there. Do you remember this?" His voice became bitter as he showed the hanyou his handless stump.

"No, should I remember such an ugly and revolting thing?" He snarled and took another swipe that him, this time slicing his throat but the same thing happened and it was as though he hadn't cut a thread on his clothing.

"You were nothing but a little whelp, but old enough to know what you were doing you disgusting half-breed. You bit my hand off you bastard, don't tell me that you don't remember that?" His voice had risen above angry, he almost screamed.

"Now that you mention it I do remember a certain carpenter who wished to get too friendly with my mother." He lowered his ears. "You were trying to touch her, she didn't want you too. It was at night wasn't it?"

"You do remember then? I'm so glad you recalled that little event before you died!" He laughed at this as if it was some kind of joke.

"You deserved what you got back then, taking advantage of my mother when you knew father wasn't around to protect her." Inu-yasha watched the man laughing for a while and a thought suddenly struck him. He roughly grabbed the man by the collar and pushed him to the ground. "It was you wasn't it? Who sent that spider to bite me?" He demanded angrily. If this were the man he would rip his heart out. Miroku stood helpless, he didn't know what to do, and if Inu-yasha would be able to beat him with nothing but his claws. He had left the Tetsusaiga at home for some reason and did not carry it at his side. Unwilling to leave the hanyou alone he fought with himself whether or not to get the sword.

"Hehe, of course it was. I have tired for years to avenge my poor destroyed hand but each time I had not been powerful enough to destroy such a strong hanyou. Each Youkai I sent you destroyed and I started to devise other plans to get rid of you, then one glorious night I found out your secret little human. The spider seemed fitting since I was still unsure how strong you was if I was to send another Youkai to simply fight you." He laughed as he explained everything, he could see the fiery anger in Inu-yasha's eyes. He wanted this moment, he wanted to see the pain and anger in his eyes.

"You bastard! How do I get rid of this poison inside me, TELL ME! And I'll let you live." He began to push the once carpenter further into the ground, he knew that cutting his skin would not help.

"You think I'd tell you? I'm immortal dear boy, you can't kill me!" Inu- yasha fixed his hands round his throat.

"I've heard that many times, but I've still managed to kill them!" He gritted. "Now tell me or do you wish to lose your other hand?" He then bit deeply into the man's wrist, gnawing into his flesh, through his bone. The man screamed in undeniable agony as Inu-yasha pulled his head away and with one final tugged he had ripped the last remaining hand of. He spat the broken limb from his mouth, blood dripping from his fangs and trickled down his chin.

"My hand! MY HAND! You bastard you shall pay for that!" His voice became hallow and almost frightening as he began to glow slightly. Within that glow his entire body mutated and Inu-yasha was forced to let go and jumped back slightly to watch as the small man's body was twisted and mutilated into a fiery beast.

"Miroku, go get the Tetsusaiga! I need it!" Inu-yasha whispered to his friend.

"But Inu-yasha I don't think I should leave you with."

"Just go damnit! If you stay we both die, not to mention what that beast might do to the village and the girls!" He pushed him as if to start him running. Miroku took one last look at the beast transforming and then ran as fast as he could.

"Your little friend seemed to had abandon you little Inu-yasha. No matter he will be spared from seeing your death!" It had grown claws, fangs and razor sharp scales from its back. It looked like acid that dripped from his mouth and sizzled on the floor beneath him.

"No, you're wrong it's the other way round. You're going to die!" In vain he dug his own claws into his stomach causing them to be soaked in his own blood. He felt the warm liquid dripping down his fingers. "Claws of Blood!" He screamed as he sent the liquid blades through the beast's body but almost as soon as the holes appeared the covered up again. This was going nowhere, without his sword there was no way he could beat this creature, he prayed that Miroku would return in time.

Miroku burst into the hut and started looking for the Tetsusaiga. Kagome was just sat there on her bubble chair having some tea with Sango when he came in like a madman. "What are you doing?" Sango demanded, angry at the interruption. "Did you find out about Inu-yasha like we asked?"

"Kagome. where is the Tetsusaiga?" He panted as he was out of breath from the running and the worry.

"Here." She rushed over to the side of the bed and handed it to him. "What's wrong? Where's Inu-yasha?"

"There's this Youkai, he needs the sword." Was all he was going to say before attempting to leave the hut but Sango grabbed him. "Let go Sango. Inu-yasha is sick, we haven't got much time!" Miroku pulled away from her grasp and started running, knowing that she would understand. Kagome had already got her bow and arrows read.

"Kirara!" Sango summoned her little pet that grew quickly into a more dangerous Youkai. "Jump on Kagome." She got his boomerang and swung it round her shoulders, even though she hardly used it was a habit to had to break. Luckily she carried it everywhere with her. Both Kagome and Sango jumped onto Kirara's back and ran after Miroku. Since the cat-like beast was faster they picked him up along the way and the priest directed them to where Inu-yasha was.

He felt his body getting weaker, as though his blood was being drained from him. The truth was that he had been finding it hard to even walk for as long as normal today, so this extra exercise was taking its toile. The beast had swiped him a few times causing his flesh to be ripped and bleed. He barely had enough strength to stand let alone fight and to make maters worse the pain had started again. He tried to ignore the throbbing in his chest the best he could but it made him clumsy and slow. The Youkai ex-carpenter clutched onto Inu-yasha slowly crushing him, squeezing out his breath. With a yell of failure he tried to fight the pain, he tried to fight for his freedom. Angrily he blinked back the tears in his eyes, he knew he would probably not get out alive and he was worried about Kagome. Darkness was slowly crowding around him until it was so much trouble to breathe. "Now you shall die hanyou!" He heard the voice rasp.

"Inu-yasha!" Screamed a voice, it was so familiar. He looked in the direction and seen a girl in weird clothing, she was pointing an arrow at him.no at the beast that clutched him. It was Kagome! "Let him go! Or you'll die!" With a free hand the Youkai went to swipe for Kagome causing her to fly into the air and land in a nearby bush.

"Ka.gome!" He strained his voice as he called out to her. Sango was ready for combat as she sent her huge weapon flying through the air while Miroku helped Kagome up. As soon as she was on her feet she shot an arrow from her bow, it went spiralling into the air and struck into the beast's eye. With a yell of pain he let go of Inu-yasha and sent him rushing to the ground. With barely enough strength to stand Miroku ran to help him but Inu-yasha ignored his attempts to move him and instead he grabbed the Tetsusaiga from his hands and lent on that for support, waiting for the right moment to attack. Waiting for at least a little strength to return to him.

"You can't fight him Inu-yasha look at yourself you can barely stand. Come over here, we'll finish him off for you." Miroku felt the need to shout as if anything quieter the half-Youkai wouldn't be able to hear. Either way though it appeared that Inu-yasha hadn't heard or just wasn't listening. He was watching the Youkai that had groped his mother all those years ago, the monster that deserved to die. With a massive war cry the rusted sword transformed into his father's Fang and he jumped into the air. Kagome's arrows and Sango's boomerang kept the beast busy while Inu-yasha prepared the main attack. He sliced through the creature's should and right through his chest. Screaming in pain and defeat the monster began to slide apart but not before delivering one final blow to Inu-yasha. He dug his claws right through the hanyou's chest. The Tetsusaiga transformed back into its normal rusted state and the Youkai turned back into the tiny handless ex- carpenter. Falling straight to his knees the sword fell out his hands, the torture was too much and he knew he would just have to give in. Through tearful eyes he watched his friends run over to him and within moments he was in Kagome's lap. She was crying freely as she clutched onto him.

Kagome saw Inu-yasha fall to the ground and she ran over to him. Quickly swooping Inu-yasha into hr lap she began to stroke his face. His skin had turned a deathly white and his eyes were dull and pain filled. His breathing was laboured and he hardly had enough to speak to her. "Ka.gome. I.sorry." He managed to say through sharp and painful intakes of air.

"Shhh. Don't talk save your strength." She sobbed, never had see seen him look so helpless. Suddenly in a hiss of pain he clutched his chest tighter as blood gurgled to hip lips. He tried to reach up a hand to wipe away her tears, but before his bloody hand could touch her soft skin he let out one last shuddering breath and his hand fell limply to one side and his eyes rolled back into his head. They were empty, lifeless. This chest, which had been moving up and down as he breathed, had gone still. "Inu-yasha? Inu- yasha!" She scooped him into her arms and embraced him tightly, slowly rocking back and forth. His body was still, limp, lifeless. "Don't leave me, I need you!" She wailed. Sango saw that her friend was dead and she buried her face into Miroku's shoulder and wept. Holding her comfortingly he too wept for the loss off his friend. It then began to rain, the droplets of grief fell onto them, mixing both tears and ain together.

>>A/N = don't kill me! I didn't kill him, the monster did.sure I create the carpenter and stuff... *dodges angry fan-girls' rotten fruit* grrr. I'm sorry!<<

Kagome sat alone in her misery. Everything reminded her of him, the creaky door, and the misshapen fireplace she could even smell his scent around her. They had buried him under the Go-Shimboku, and even though he was now in peace Kagome couldn't help but let his death tear his soul apart. Everything was still so vivid, he falling to the ground, the pain in his eyes, his last words. She hadn't thought it possible to cry this much, everything was so painful because it reminded her. She decided to go back to her own time; she couldn't bear living here without him. There was a timid knock at the door and Sango let herself in. She saw Kagome curled up on her odd-looking bubble chair, she had been crying. With puffy red eyes she looked at Sango and acknowledged her with a little feeble wave. Heart- broken to see her friend like this Sango had to hold back a sob as she approached Kagome and knelt beside the chair. "How are you feeling?" She asked softly.

"Like shit." She answered bluntly. "I suppose I look it too." In truth she did look awful but shook her head and smiled gently.

"I'm so sorry that this happened but it wasn't no one's fault. He must had loved you very much, surly you can take some comfort in that."

"It wasn't long ago he was talking about having kids, well he called them pups. I wanted to spend the rest of my life with him, I didn't want him to leave me."

"A lot of things happen that we don't want to, but we got to accept that." Sango told her wisely, she briefly remembered her particular tortured past and Kagome saw the flash of pain in her eyes. How could she be so selfish? They had all suffered lost; she had to be strong.strong like Sango.

"I'm going back to my time today, I.I need some time to think and all these memories here are distracting me."

She did pack much, she didn't need it. Her mum would understand why she had returned and she had no doubt that her mum would provide her with everything she needed, including comfort and support. Before leaving she went o say good-bye to Inu-yasha who was buried under the Go-Shimboku. As she approached the familiar tree that had stood tall for over five hundred years and that even remained in her time. Shock and disbelief filled her heart as she saw the grave of her mate; her lover had been dug up. She quickly rushed to it and looked down into the gapping hole of the grave, Inu-yasha's body had been stolen! She felt tears of anger and disbelief fall down her cheek who would do such a thing? What reason could they possibly have? Feeling as though she had suddenly lost Inu-yasha all over again she sobbed as she felt the earth between her fingernails. She watch a leaf fall in front of her, it had came from the tree and drifted down close to her hands. She looked up but nothing could prepare her for what she saw. The leaf had fallen due to a disturbance in the tree; someone was in its branches! Could it be the person who dug up the grave? She shot to her feet and glared at the figure in the tree trying to see past her tear-clouded eyes and get a better look. He wore a red hakama and one bare foot dangled down while the other stood on the branch, he was almost hugging the main trunk of the tree and kept the rest of him hidden. Annoyed Kagome walked round the tree to get a better look at him but as she moved so did he. "Who the hell are you? Stop playing games with me!" She screamed. The person seemed surprised and almost frightened by the change of volume in her voice. Feeling frustrated she began to climb up the tree, she did not care if this was a Youkai and dangerous. She had practised climbing trees when Inu-yasha was not around, mainly because one day she hoped to climb up beside him when he was alone in a tree and comfort his thoughts, this she could not do is she was falling down every time she attempted to get close so she learned. And she learnt well. Within minutes she was at the same height as the stranger but he still hid behind the main trunk. "Look I know you're there. You got half your body exposed for crying out loud!" She too got close to the trunks trying her best to per round it but he kept moving. Suddenly she lost her foot and slipped. She would had fallen had it not been for the stranger's speed and strength. She looks up at the face staring down at her, concerned. She gasped, lost for words she just starred at him. It couldn't be, could it?