InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ If You Only Knew ❯ Chapter 3 ( Chapter 3 )

[ X - Adult: No readers under 18. Contains Graphic Adult Themes/Extreme violence. ]

If You Only Knew: Chapter 3

The trees whipped past him, as he was just a blur of red amongst the green. Birds abandoned their perches in flocks, fleeing the path of the hanyou. Dark storm clouds rolled in, blanketing the land in sheets of rain, yet Inuyasha paid no attention to the droplets' sting. 'That fucking wolf! I'm going to make him wish I killed him a long time ago!'

"Shit! The rain is covering up their scents! I'm going to lose the trail!" 'Where the fuck is his den?'

Just then he heard a scream above the thunder, one pleading word, but it was like music to his ears. "INUYASHA!!" 'Kagome! She's alive!' He leapt through another bunch of trees only to stop at a small cliff above a river.

'There, behind the waterfall! Kagome, I'm coming!'

"Hey, you! Stop! You can't go in there!" Haggaku and Ginta were blocking Inuyasha's path.

"Bastards! Get the fuck out of my way!"

The two wolf youkai looked at each other, than at Inuyasha. Haggaku whispered to Ginta, "Sis does sound distressed. . ." Ginta knocked him on the head, "Kouga would kill us if we let. . . huh?"

Inuyasha jumped over the two and headed to the waterfall. Upon entering the den, what he saw made his blood boil. Kouga was crouched over the still form of a girl, holding her down. 'That bastard!' Kouga didn't have time to turn around and face his visitor before Inuyasha grabbed his neck from behind, picking him off the ground.

"Get your fucking hands off her!" Inuyasha threw him against the cave wall.

"YOU, get the hell out of here! She is no concern to you now, she belongs to me!" Kouga was struggling to stand.

"Kagome belongs to no one! Especially not a wimpy wolf like you!" Inuyasha growled, flexing his claws, and took a couple steps towards him.

"Aww, what's wrong dog-turd? Pissed off that a real youkai knows when to claim their bitch? You had her all this time but did nothing!" Kouga was smirking at him.

Every word increased Inuyasha's bloodlust to wipe this bastard off the face of the planet. Then his anger dropped for a moment as he thought, 'Kagome would've never wanted me to. She would be disgusted by the thought.'

Kouga saw Inuyasha's indifference as a win, he laughed at him. "You are a disgrace to this world, Inuyasha. I'm doing her a favor by giving her a mate that will provide her with all she needs."

Inuyasha was once again enraged. "Without her permission, you asshole! That is her decision to make, not YOURS!" He lunged at Kouga, punching him in the face. The wolf stumbled back, wiping the blood from his lip with a grin.

"You talk like the weak human you are. She would never want you, so why don't you just take your pathetic self and leave my home, before I kill you!" It was his turn to attack as he rushed forward, placing a fist in Inuyasha's stomach. He doubled over from Kouga's blow, but quickly recovered, pulling forth his fang.

"Shut your mouth!" Inuyasha swung Tetsusaiga, aiming for Kouga's shoulder. The wolf dodged the strike, spun around behind him, and landed a swift kick to the back of Inuyasha's head. The hanyou was knocked towards the wall but he rebounded off it. Landing on his feet, Inuyasha thrust his sword forward into Kouga's midsection.

"Keh. Not so tough when you don't have your shards, are you wolf?" Inuyasha sneered, pulling back Tetsusaiga and sheathing it. Kouga coughed up blood and dropped to his knees with his hand over the open wound in his torso. "I may be part human, but that also means I don't lose my mind to women in heat like you do." Inuyasha glanced over at Kagome. 'Gods, I need to get her out of here and back to Kaede-baba.'

"If I ever see your face again, I will kill you for good. Don't ever come near Kagome, or even think of touching her again, or I'll rip you apart, piece by piece."

Kouga laughed, though it sounded more like a gurgle. "Dog-turd, are you so weak you can't even kill me now?"

"Don't you know when to fucking shut up?!" Inuyasha put a clawed hand to Kouga's throat. "Like I'd give a fuck if you died, you piece of shit!" He picked him up and threw him out of the den. Kouga landed unconscious at the edge of the cliff. Inuyasha kicked him in the side, sending him over with the waterfall. At its base in the river, Kouga's two pack members hurriedly pulled their leader from the water. 'Kagome would be mad if I killed that fucking wolf, even after what he did to her.' Inuyasha shook his head and re-entered the cave.

Inuyasha made his way to Kagome. He wanted to look away from the sight of her. She was practically naked from the waist up. Her shirt was missing, and there wasn't much left of the garment that covered her chest. It had been shredded. The already short skirt was pulled way up, exposing all of her thighs, and a torn triangular piece of fabric. Most disturbing, however, was the blood caked all over her, amongst the many wounds. 'How could I let this happen to you?' Inuyasha removed his firerat fur coat and wrapped it around her body, and then he picked her sleeping form up into his arms. The quiet beating of her heart and shallow rise and fall of her chest comforted him in a way he couldn't explain.

"You're safe now, Kagome. I'll get you to Kaede-baba." Inuyasha left the den, running up the cliff, though it seemed his feet didn't even touch the rocks. He held the miko close to his body, trying to shield her from the pouring rain.

x0x


Inuyasha had left to retrieve their friend, and that was when Sango noticed a young boy lying face down in the dirt. 'Kohaku!' She ran to him, hoping to find he still had life within him. Kneeling beside him, she noted his breathing and sighed with relief. 'The shard of Shikon must still be imbedded within his body. But when we remove it, he'll no longer exist here with us. . .' She couldn't help the tears that began to fall. A hand on her shoulder brought her out of her grieving for the moment. Sango wiped her eyes with her sleeve and turned to look upon the monk.

"Houshi-sama. . . He's still alive, but. . ."

"We will take care of him, Sango-chan. Do not trouble yourself with the outcome of the future yet. There may be a chance of his survival without the help of the Shikon no Tama." Miroku's hand never strayed from her shoulder, surprising the exterminator, but no more than what he had just said.

"I don't want you to hope too much, but I'm just stating that it's a possibility that his wounds healed over the time period that he was under Naraku's bidding. We have reason to believe that Kohaku still has his own mind beneath the corruption of the Shikon shard."

"Ah, you mean when he didn't kill Kagome, though he had the chance to?"

Miroku nodded, but his thoughtful expression subsided as he added, "However, when he awakes, he will remember everything they had made him forget. He will suffer emotionally for killing your father and fellow taijiya."

Sango sighed. "I know, but I will be there for him. I will make him understand that it wasn't his fault." She began choking on her words. "I want him to live! I don't want to be alone anymore, houshi-sama!" Miroku suddenly found himself holding the crying exterminator as she flung herself into his chest.

He held her tightly, "Sango-chan, you were never alone. We are all here for you. No matter what happens, I will always be here." He blushed slightly as she looked up at him, her eyes glistening from the tears.

"Thank you, Miroku." She hugged him, and he stood there bewildered at the fact that she had just called him by his name. Sango drew back as she heard him chuckle. "What is so funny?"

"Amusing, really. Inuyasha didn't even consider the large chunk of Shikon no Tama Naraku possessed. All he cared about was getting Kagome-sama back." He winked at her, "I guess we'll rub it in when she's safe at home, eh?"

Sango couldn't help but giggle slightly. The monk went in search of the Shikon piece amongst the remains of their now defeated enemy. "Kirara!" The demon cat walked up to her master, rubbing against her side in attempt to comfort her. Sango gently lifted her brother and placed her on Kirara's back. Jumping up herself, she called to Miroku. "Have you found it yet?"

"Hmmm. . . maybe over. . . Ah, I found it!" He picked the black ball of glass like it was a dead rodent and placed it in his robe with a disgusted face. 'Kagome will have to purify it later.' He made his way to the firecat and climbed aboard. "Sango-chan, where's Shippou?"

"I don't know. Shippou! Shippou!" She received no answer and looked at the monk. "I hope he didn't follow Inuyasha, or he may not live to see Kagome again."

Miroku sighed. "The kit cares for Kagome like a mother, he's only concerned for her welfare."

"That isn't going to help him against Inuyasha." Sango patted Kirara on the head. "Let's go home."

"I guess we'll find out what happened when we get back." She nodded.

"Hey! Wait for me!" Shippou came running out of the bushes, with twigs stuck in his hair and purple juice all over him. "Don't leave me behind!" Sango smirked.

"Go get him Kirara." The cat flew by and picked the kitsune up in her mouth and headed on her way. "Hey! Not like that! Hey!"

x0x


The rain had finally let up, allowing a few beams of sunlight to shine upon the weary hanyou. He was now entering his forest, but still had a little ways to go before he would reach the village. Inuyasha wanted nothing more than to sit up on his favorite branch of the Goshinka tree and sleep. He looked down at the still unconscious girl in his arms. 'Hrm, I can't bring her back looking like this, squirt would have a fit. I guess I have no choice.' He spotted the nearby hot spring and made his way to its bank. After unwrapping his coat from Kagome, he decided he'd better remove the rest of her tattered clothing as well. 'Oh boy, this is going to hurt if she wakes up. She'll 'sit' me so many times, my back will break.' He threw the garments, if you could even call them as such, to the ground. Keeping himself clothed in his kimono pants and inner haori, he stepped into the spring. The warm water felt good on his tired muscles, but his task was to clean Kagome of all the blood and dirt her body had acquired. He couldn't get rid of the blush that insisted on tainting his cheeks at the complete nudeness of her. He never had intentionally peeked when the girls took their bathes. Anything he saw was brief, because he looked away quickly. 'Not like I ever wanted to see her without her clothing anyway!' Carefully, he cleansed the impurities from her skin. Inuyasha sighed, realizing the water wasn't going to wash away her injuries. She had a large gash in her side, along with deep scratches and puncture marks all over the rest of her body. 'I'm sorry Kagome. This should've never happened to you.' He found himself smiling sadly. 'She's still beautiful, regardless of the wounds. What? Where did that come from?' Inuyasha growled quietly. 'Damn wench, making me think such things!' He made his way to the shore, and Kagome began to stir into waking. He wanted to just drop her and run, but instead he stood there frozen, waiting for the outburst of 'sits'.

Kagome felt warmth surrounding her and noticed her body pressed against another. Remembering what was happening before she blacked out, she stiffened. 'Oh gods! No, please no!' She was afraid to open her eyes, and she started shaking uncontrollably.

Inuyasha felt the girl tense in his arms and then begin to tremble. "Kagome?" It came out in almost a whisper. 'I can't even talk right! I'm getting all soft! She's going to think I care or something.'

'Wait, that's not Kouga. . .' "Oh, Inuyasha! I'm so glad it's you!" She wrapped her arms around his neck and wailed into his chest. He didn't know what else to do, so he just tightened his grip on her. Kagome continued to cry with her hands fisted into his shirt. Inuyasha stooped to pick up his coat and wrapped it around her once again. 'Maybe she won't notice she was even unclothed.' He glanced at the pile of rags at his feet. 'Or not.'

'Stop crying already!' He didn't want to get frustrated, but he hated to see her cry. 'I have to calm her down or I'm going to go insane.' He sat against a large boulder and jumbled her into his lap, keeping his hold all the while.

'He's holding me? Why hasn't he pushed me away yet? He couldn't possibly care, could he?' She decided that was near impossible until she felt his hand sliding down her back and through her hair slowly.

Inuyasha caressed her from her head to her lower back, running his hands down the length of her hair. Closing his eyes, he started to growl softly in his chest, comforting the sobbing girl. However, he hadn't realized he was doing any of this until he found her asleep in his lap, curled up tight against his chest. There was a small smile on her lips and she looked at peace. 'Ite! What am I doing!' He got to his feet and quickly made his way to the village. 'How am I going to explain all of this?!'


x0x


When Sango and Miroku arrived at the village, Kaede had been outside tending to her garden. "Ah, Sango-chan, Miroku-sama, I was wondering when ye would be getting back."

Little Shippou wiggled his way free of Kirara's mouth. "That was mean! I just saw some blackberry bushes. They were so good! You guys should've had some!" When he realized no one was paying any attention to him, he scampered into the hut, pouting.

Sango lifted her brother from Kirara and the firecat transformed. Miroku took Kagome's bag into the hut, but returned outside to assist with Kohaku.

"Who might this young lad be, Sango-chan?" Kaede asked.

"He's my brother, Kohaku. He was under Naraku's control with a Shikon shard in his back. If we remove it. . . he will probably die." She suppressed her tears, because she knew she needed to be strong, if not for Kohaku, but for herself as well.

"A lot has happened in your journeys, ne?" Miroku and Sango both sighed. Kaede chuckled lightly at their worn expressions, but then asked curiously. "Where is Inuyasha-sama and Kagome-chan?" The two travelers looked at one another, Miroku nodded in silent agreement to tell the old miko, and so Sango took Kohaku into the hut.

"Well, you see, we ran into a couple problems. Kagome was abducted and injured by Naraku, but then given by him to Kouga. . ." He coughed into his hand, "While in um. . .*cough* 'heat.' So, Inuyasha went to get her back, after defeating Naraku, of course." Miroku looked down at his hand, fingering the rosary beads he'd grown so accustomed to wearing. He hadn't felt the need to gloat over his change in fate, that he could now live without regret of the void in his hand. Everyone else was occupied with his or her own vengeance and reasons for the destruction of Naraku. The monk couldn't help but feel he had gotten the better part of the deal, considering every one else was still suffering in theirs.

Kaede closed her eyes, briefly, to an overwhelming sense of peace flowing through her at the news of Naraku's death. Yet, somehow, she knew the moment he died. It was like the world dared once again to live, resounding in the joy over such an evil being lifted from its shoulders. The sun shown brighter, relieving the land of darkness, nourishing hopes that had withered in those shadows. 'There is still much to overcome, children. However, anything can be done when there is love and friendship.' She displayed a small smile to the monk before heading into her home.

Shippou sat in a corner of the hut crying. He was scared for Kagome, not only because he liked her, but also that she was the closest thing he had to a mother. 'No one else pays attention to me. It's not fair! I want Kagome back!' He watched as Sango brought in her brother and laid him on the futon.

Sango was lost for answers on what to do. They could check his wounds, but what would tending to them help if he passed away the moment the shard was taken away? 'I wish he would wake up. Would he be the Kohaku I remember so fondly?' A sniffle on the other side of the room caught her attention. 'Oh, Shippou, you must be so worried about her.' She made her way over to him.

"Shippou?" The exterminator sat down in front of him and put a hand on his tiny shoulder. "Are you worried about Kagome-chan?" The kitsune nodded as a tear slid down his nose, causing him to sneeze. Sango smiled sympathetically, "She's going to be fine, Inuyasha-sama will take care of her."

He'd wished he was with the hanyou, getting Kagome out of danger, but he was just a little kid. "I wanted to help her, too. Now I have to sit here and wait. It's no fair, I don't know if she's okay."

"I'm sure she's fine, and they'll be back very soon." Sango tried to reassure the kit the best she could. Though she didn't really feel reassured either. 'What is taking him so long, anyway?' She'd have to get his mind off of it for a bit. "Do you want to help us get Kohaku better?" At the suggestion, Shippou's eyes lit up. 'I can help! Yay!' He nodded enthusiastically and crawled over to where the young boy lay.

x0x


Inuyasha looked down at the bundle in his arms. Kagome sighed softly in her sleep and buried her face further into his chest. He wondered how she could have been through so much just recently but still find peace in her slumber. The village was in sight already, though he wished he could hold her forever like this, well maybe with different circumstances. No one greeted them as he arrived. There were no flying runts, lecherous monks, or pissed off exterminators. 'Where the hell is everyone?' He pushed aside the mat to the hut entrance and found all of his friends huddled around a boy.

"KAGOME!!!!!!!!" Shippou ran to them, attempted to jump up on Kagome, but met face first with the wall as the hanyou moved out of dodge.

"Hey! What was that for? I want to see her!" The small youkai whined.

"Fine, but you don't have to jump on her!" Inuyasha snapped back at him. "Baba we need to dress her wounds and um. . . her." He cleared his throat and sent a warning glare at Miroku to avoid any perverted comments.

"Ai, take her into the back room, behind the curtain, and lay her on the bedding." Inuyasha did as she said. As he laid her down, he swore he heard her whimper. Tucking his coat around her securely, he acknowledged the form standing behind the wall of fabric. "You can see her now, twerp, but don't pounce on her!"

Shippou rushed over to her side and Miroku entered as well, taking a seat against the wall. "Kagome! Wake up!" The kitsune exclaimed, shaking her hand up and down inside the two of his own. Inuyasha swatted him over the head. "Don't wake her, idiot! She needs her sleep!"

A few minutes later Sango and Kaede entered. The old miko went about preparing bandages, herbs, and getting clean water from a barrel in the corner of the room.

"You got to her in time, before anything worse happened, right?" Sango inquired, hoping to use as much discretion as possible.

"Feh! Of course I did!" Inuyasha retorted, sticking his nose in the air.

"Ah, I almost forgot, Inuyasha-sama, you forgot this." Miroku produced the ball of Shikon from inside his robe.

Surprise masked the hanyou's features for a brief moment before he replaced it with his usual gruff expression. "I didn't forget it, I was just going to go back and get it." He tried to cover up his bafflement that he had forgotten all about it in his rush to get Kagome back safely.

The monk placed the large shard in Inuyasha's hand. "Kagome-chan will have to purify it when she's feeling better." He glanced over at the girl to find she was sitting up, staring at the fragment in Inuyasha's hand, eyes wide and mouth agape. A huge grin spread across the houshi's face.

Everyone turned their attention to Kagome, who had yet to realize the coat had slipped down to her waist, exposing her entire chest. Inuyasha lurched across the room to slam the monk's face into the ground. "Don't look at her, you lecher!" He turned his scowl to Kagome but realized she had already covered herself. There was look of pure terror on her face.

"INUYASHA!!!!!!!!" Kagome shrieked.

'Uh-oh. I knew this would happen.' He didn't have enough time to prepare himself before the storm hit.

"SIT! SIT! SIT! SIT!" His face met the floorboards one time after another and dust puffed up around him. All he could do was groan in protest, as he was not able to form words at the moment.

Kagome took a deep breath, but it did near to nothing to calm her down. Her face was red from complete embarrassment. "Where are my clothes?!"

Inuyasha, who could now utter something coherent as the spell wore off, yelled "What clothes? There was nothing left when I got to you, wench!"

She looked down at the garment that covered her. 'His firerat fur kimono jacket. Come to think of it, I remember him wrapping something around me when I awoke earlier. . . That means that Inuyasha saw me without. . . Oh, gods!' "Iiiiiiieeeeeeee!" Shippou and Inuyasha both covered their ears.

"Stop yelling, bitch! What the hell is your problem?" He couldn't understand what would be that bad about her not having her clothing. Hell, he'd given her his own to wear, so what was the problem?

"OUT!" Kagome pointed at Inuyasha, Miroku, and Shippou. "OUT!" Both the older boys scuttled to the curtain and out of the hut. Shippou stood there pouting, until Kagome gave him a stern look, and he followed suit.

When they got outside, Miroku asked Inuyasha with a smirk, "So, you got to see her without any clothes on, eh?" Inuyasha punched him in the head, knocking the monk unconscious, and left for his tree. Shippou decided he'd roam around the field until everything cooled down.

Inside, Kagome was still getting over her shock. "How embarrassing!" Kaede approached her with a bowl of water and a rag. Kagome shrugged off the coat and sighed. "Although, maybe I shouldn't have yelled at him. He was only trying to help, I guess. It's just so embarrassing to think he saw me naked." She blushed, catching a giggle from the demon hunter.

Kaede noticed her wounds were already clean of blood and debris. She laughed at the uncharacteristic efforts of Inuyasha. "I'm sure Inuyasha- sama meant well. He really did a good job cleansing these wounds, I don't even need the rag and water!" Kagome blushed more as she realized what the old woman meant. 'He bathed me?!' She wanted to dig a nice deep hole and bury herself there. Kaede applied a healing herb to her wounds and bandaged them. Kagome only winced when she touched the gash on her side, and Sango did as well.

"I'm sorry Kagome-chan, that Kohaku hurt you again." Sango turned her gaze down, ashamed to look at her friend.

Kagome realized he must have been the one who attacked her in the beginning. She looked at her friend sympathetically. "It's not your fault or his, Sango-chan. He was under Naraku's spell. Speaking of that jerk, I'm assuming you guys killed him?" 'I can't believe I missed that battle!'

"Hai, we did. Kohaku is in the other room. He hasn't awakened yet but he's alive, for how long, however, we do not know."

Kagome looked thoughtful for a moment and then asked Kaede for some clothing to wear. The priestess brought her a green kimono from a chest in the back of the room. "Thank you, Kaede-sama." She quickly changed and entered the main room where Kohaku lay. Smiling reassuringly at Sango, she stooped beside the boy. "Will you help me sit him up?"

Sango looked at her questioningly, but she trusted her friend's judgement. "Sure. Do you have an idea of how to wake him?"

"Well, Naraku locked his mind under the corruption of the Shikon Shard, so maybe if I purify it, he will awaken and be himself." Sango's face brightened a bit with hope as she sat him up. Kagome worriedly asked, "Are you prepared for his memory to return?" At the exterminator's nod, she took a deep breath and placed her hand upon the location of the fragment. A purple light illuminated the room briefly as she touched it.

Slowly, Kohaku opened his eyes, blinking as the sun's light flooded his sight. Sango grasped his shoulders and pulled him into a hug, speaking softly, "Kohaku, do you remember me? Sango?"

"Sister?" At his recognition was the best thing she'd heard in a long time, and she let forth the tears that she'd been holding back.

"Oh, Kohaku! I've been so worried! I missed you so much!" He started trembling with sobs and she pulled back to look at his face. There was anguish and fear etched deeply into his features. "Kohaku?"

"I thought. . . I thought I killed you. I killed father. . . and our friends." He put his head in his hands, muffling his words. "I should be dead! I don't deserve to live for what I've done!"

Sango turned his face to meet her own, wiping at his tears. "Shhhhh. Don't ever say that! It's not true, it wasn't your fault. A very evil demon was controlling you, but he's dead now. I'm here, and I won't let anything bad happen to you again. I promise."

"Sister, I'm so scared!" He flung himself into her embrace, holding on tightly, as if for his own dear life.

She helped him lay back down on the futon, comforting him. "I won't let any harm come to you. I'm here." Crying had exhausted them both, and soon the two siblings lay fast asleep.

Kagome crept from the hut, deciding she should pay Inuyasha a visit and apologize for yelling at him. Besides, she had a few questions to ask him, as embarrassing as they might be.

x0x


Inuyasha sat on his favorite branch of the God tree, sulking and arguing with himself as usual. He put the ball of Shikon in his hoari, joined with Kagome's bottle of Shards. 'She's disgusted that I saw her unclothed. I don't want to see how upset she'd get if she remembers what else I did. I should've known better than to think she'd except such gestures from me.' He growled to himself. 'Why the hell do I care anyway! It's not like I wanted to see that wench nude!' Kagome's scent drifted up to him across the breeze, nearly sending him falling not-so-gracefully from the branch. 'She's still in heat! Not like it matters, I'm not weak to it like that wimpy wolf.' He could now see her making her way to him, dressed in a dark green priestess's kimono. 'Gods, she looks so pretty in that outfit.'

"Inuyasha!" Kagome knew he had to be in his tree. 'Where else could he have gone?' "Inuyasha!" No answer. 'Maybe he went to see Kikyo,' she thought sadly.

Unbeknownst to her, he was trying to calm down a certain part of his body before he really got 'sat.' His mind was really on overdrive trying to figure this one out. 'Why now?!' Mentally berating himself for being so vulnerable, he finally fixed his problem and jumped down, startling the girl.

Kagome yelped and jumped back. "You scared me! Don't do that!"

"Keh! It's not my fault you're frightened so easily!" Inuyasha crossed his arms over his chest.

She handed him his firerat fur coat that she had folded neatly across her arm. "Um, thanks for lending this to me." Kagome had a light tint of pink creeping into her cheeks. He took it from her, snorting. "And thank you. . . for saving me." She dropped her gaze to the ground.

Inuyasha huffed. "Stupid girl! Like I'd let someone like Naraku or wolf- boy touch you!" The next thing he knew she was hugging him. He stood there surprised for a moment before finally placing an arm lightly around her waist. 'Damnit! She's crying again!'

"I was so scared! I thought I was going to be. . ." Kagome sniffed and more to herself finished, "raped." Inuyasha grasped her tighter, but it was more from anger, wishing he'd killed Kouga. She calmed down, but continued to hug him. 'He's hugging me! Was I not dreaming before when I thought he had held and comforted me?"

"Inuyasha?" He realized he had relaxed, relishing in the feel of her in his arms, and how it must have seemed. Blushing, he pulled away and turned around to sit against the trunk of the tree. 'Idiot! Just keep pushing it until she thinks you're in love with her or something, why don't ya?'

Although saddened by the loss of his embrace, she asked anyway, "Kaede said my wounds were cleaned. Did you. . .?"

Inuyasha blushed furiously, though it was hidden beneath his bangs. "You reeked of Naraku and that fucking wolf, so I threw you in the hot spring."

"Threw me?" Kagome couldn't imagine him tossing her into a body of water unconscious. Then again, it is Inuyasha.

"Feh! You know what I mean!" Inuyasha was growing restless with the conversation, so he jumped back up into the tree without another word. 'What does she want me to say?'

'Maybe I was dreaming when I thought he cared.' For some reason, she just felt like crying again. The shock of what she had just been through was still fresh in her mind, but she hadn't found comfort anywhere. However, when he hugged her just then, she felt as if the world couldn't touch her. 'I'll never have a place in his heart, will I? He will forever be lost on Kikyo.' Kagome reached up to touch the spot where the dead miko's arrow had held him prisoner to the tree. 'Where we first met. He had assumed me as Kikyo then, but now I'm nothing but her lowly reincarnation who will never add up to what she was.'

Inuyasha watched the sorrow play out across her face as she stood beneath him. 'Why can't I make her smile?' She turned to leave and he found himself on the ground again, behind her, and placing a hand on her shoulder. "Kagome?"

Feeling his touch made her heart speed up, and she spun around to see concern within the depths of his golden eyes. Concern! With one clawed finger he reached up and wiped a tear from her cheek. Just that simple gesture made her tummy flutter. "Inuyasha?"

"I would never let anyone take anything from you. That includes your life and your purity. I would die trying to keep that from happening. I promised I would protect you, and I meant it." He wanted to say much more, so much more, but instead he wrapped his arms around her waist and pulled her to him. Kagome gasped, amazed by this show of affection. She returned his embrace, sighing into his hoari and closing her eyes. 'If I'm dreaming, I don't want to wake up.'

'What am I doing?!' Inuyasha wanted to take back what he had just done, or at least he thought he did at first. But when she too hugged him, his only thought was 'she feels so right.'

Miroku clamped his hand over the kitsune's mouth, who was thrashing madly to get away from his grasp. He didn't want to risk Inuyasha finding them eaves dropping from the bushes on the scene playing out before them. 'He bathed her?! That's my boy!'

Shippou saw Kagome crying and dog-boy had caused it, and ohhhh did that piss him off. He would have some words with Inuyasha, after he made Kagome happy again, but the monk wouldn't let him go.

The houshi's jaw dropped and he relaxed his hold on Shippou, who instantly stopped squirming as Inuyasha pulled Kagome into a fierce hug after saying he'd protect her with his life. Their thoughts were a jumble of mostly, 'Did he just. . .? What did he just say?' and so forth.

Inuyasha heard the commotion going on behind him, and he decided he's beat the crap out of both of them later. However, someone had come to pay a visit, and he was all but thrilled. Growling, he pulled away from Kagome, but picked her up, taking her over to the bushes where a very surprised Miroku fell on his ass and tried to explain why he was there. Shippou jumped up into a very confused Kagome's arms, nuzzling her chest.

"Inuyasha-sama, I was just. . . I um. . . " Miroku stood up, taking several steps back, holding his hands up in submission.

"Save it for later, bouzu," Inuyasha sneered with promise of repercussion. "Keep her safe, I have a wolf to take care of." He walked away from them, heading towards the tree line.

'Wolf? Kouga?' Kagome was even more confused. "Wait, Inuyasha!?" She put Shippou down on the ground and took a step towards him.

"What?" He barked (no pun intended), turning around to face her. 'I swear if she. . .' "Don't even try to stop me from killing the bastard!"

"You didn't kill Kouga before?" Kagome stared at him wide-eyed, shocked that Kouga wasn't lying in pieces some where.

Inuyasha snorted, but before he could make up a quick excuse, Kouga dashed into the clearing. "Don't worry, Kagome, I wouldn't die by his worthless hands." His tone held the same menace she remembered from earlier that day which made her cringe. Kagome backed up slightly, shaking her head, and her face had paled. She gripped onto Miroku's robes for support, as she was dizzy and felt like her legs would give out any second. The monk put an arm around her shoulders to steady her, for once not attempting to cop a feel. It was only a whisper but her plea of "Oh, gods, please. . . not again" reached Inuyasha and his blood boiled.

Inuyasha flexed his claws and growled, focusing his full attention on Kouga, "I told you to never show your ugly face again! I'll just have to kill you for good this time," he smirked while flying through the air towards the youkai.

"SANKONTESSOU!"

His claws ripped through Kouga's torso, tearing his shirt and leaving streaks of blood in their mist. The wolf touched his chest and pulled back a crimson stained hand. He advanced on Inuyasha, "You're going to have to do better than that!" He thrust a fist towards Inuyasha's head, but the hanyou ducked, planting his own in Kouga stomach. The blow reopened the wound Inuyasha had previously given him that morning and more blood gushed forth. Kouga doubled over and fell to his knees, once again holding his abdomen.

"This looks familiar. . . Except this time I won't make the same mistake." Inuyasha began to draw his fang, hand on its hilt, but paused to look back at his friends. There was a look of fear and worry on Kagome's face and she was visibly shaking, tears threatening to fall down her pale cheeks. 'I can't stand seeing her like this! I should've ended it before.' "Miroku! Take Kagome back to the village!" Inuyasha yelled over his shoulder. The monk nodded and Shippou tried to grab one of her hands, but she wouldn't let go of Miroku's robes.

Kagome couldn't see Kouga as a friend anymore. He brought nothing but terror to her mind, and all she could remember was what he had tried to do to her. . . what he had nearly succeeded in doing. Try as she might, she couldn't find her normal empathy for him. There was no desire to stop Inuyasha this time, and it scared her to feel such hatred. "Inuyasha." It came out a cracked whisper, but brought him to her side in an instant. She let go of Miroku and collapsed into the hanyou's arms.

"I have to do this, and there's nothing you can do to stop me." Inuyasha told her sternly, although concern etched his voice as he embraced her tightly.

"I won't stop you. I just. . ." 'Will I really let him die? Can I really stand here and wish him dead? What if it wasn't his fault?'

Inuyasha couldn't understand the indifference in her voice. The bastard had hurt her, but yet she could still feel pity for him? He was starting to believe there wasn't an unkind bone in her body. However, he could smell the fear radiating from her trembling form, and the wolf would have to pay for causing it.

"Take her to Kaede, I don't want her here to see this. He picked the girl up without her protesting and handed her to the houshi. "Hai, good idea," Miroku shifted her weight a little to get a better hold and headed towards the village with Shippou keeping to his ankles, asking over and over again if she'd be okay.

Inuyasha turned around to finish the fight, but Kouga wasn't where he had left him. Startled yelps from Shippou and Miroku as they both got knocked on their behinds and the scream of complete horror projected from Kagome took his rage over the brink and he lost it. Spinning through the air, he unsheathed Tetsusaiga, and dropped in front of Kouga. Kagome thrashed and screamed for him to let her go, but he just tightened his hold on her. "Nice kimono, but I think I like that other garment much better." He ran his hand up her thigh. "This is too restricting." He emphasized by tugging on the fabric of her pants. "Not to worry, I'll be taking it off soon enough." Kouga purred in her ear, and Kagome shuddered.

"Stop spouting bullshit! Put her down, you fucking bastard!" Inuyasha snarled, baring his fangs. His voice was so low and menacing that Miroku and Shippou shrunk back behind a nearby tree.

"Wow, he's really pissed," Miroku said, stating the obvious.

"Do you think he's going to really kill him, Miroku?" Shippou asked.

"I don't know, probably. I mean, Kouga is infringing on Inuyasha-sama's woman." Miroku grinned but it turned down into a frown when Shippou hit him on the head.

"You dope! Kagome isn't Inuyasha's woman! He's too mean to her!"

"Would you two fucking shut up!" Inuyasha growled towards the tree. A couple of 'eeps' could be heard, but nothing followed.

"The little brat is right, dog-turd, she isn't your woman, she's mine!" Kagome had given up struggling and she was in some state of shock. It was like her mind wasn't there any longer, almost like the unconsciousness she had let take her on the last encounter with Kouga. She didn't want to feel any more pain or fear. There was a morbid happiness for her in the darkness.

"In your dreams, wolf! Now put her down, so I can fucking kill you!" Inuyasha felt a pang of panic at her condition aside from the anger of seeing Kouga's blood drenching her kimono.

"I think not! I'm going to take her home, and then I'll come back to punish you for stealing my mate!" Kouga smirked and pulled Kagome closer to his face.

"What are you deaf or just stupid? She's not your mate and her home isn't with you! What will it take to get that through your thick head!?" Inuyasha was at a loss at what to do, if he attacked Kouga, he'd be endangering Kagome. 'Why isn't she fighting anymore?' She was completely limp, and her eyes were open but glazed over. 'It's like she isn't even there, like her spirit has left her.' That thought scared him, but he wouldn't let it show. He had to think of something and fast. 'Damnit! I was never good at planning!' He wanted to hit his head against a tree, instead he just stood there, sword poised, but not making a move.

Kouga snickered, "What the hell do you know? You've been travelling with her for how long? Obviously she doesn't want you!" Inuyasha growled at his comment, moving closer, but not attempting to take the offense yet. 'Let's push him a little farther.' Kouga dropped his head, but still kept his eyes on Inuyasha as he licked Kagome from her neck to her chin. She didn't even flinch, and he could practically see the anger flooding the hanyou's eyes. He bent his head a little further, prepared to kiss her lips, but the fury finally took over Inuyasha and he sprang at the youkai.

"DON'T TOUCH HER!!!!!!" Inuyasha swung his sword, aiming for Kouga's legs, where he was sure to miss Kagome. The wolf leapt backwards, the girl still in his grasp.

"Heh, you think that you're really going to kill me, don't you dog-breath?"

"Shut your mouth!" Inuyasha swung again, this time aiming for his head. Again the wolf dodged the attack, and the sword drove into a tree. Grunting, he managed to pull it out.

Kouga put Kagome down against the trunk of another tree. 'It's time to end this futile game.' He sprang through the air, kicking Inuyasha in the chest, throwing him back into the middle of the clearing.

Shippou ran out from the tree he and Miroku were hiding behind and rushed to Kagome's side. "Kagome! Kagome! Snap out of it, Kagome!" He shook her shoulders, but she didn't make any signs of response. Miroku kneeled beside her and looked into her dazed eyes.

"Her eyes are void, like her soul has went elsewhere," he concluded.

"What?! What do you mean?! Will her soul come back?" Shippou whined.

Miroku shrugged. "I don't know, we'll just have to wait."

"Waaaa! I don't want wait! Kagome! Wake up!" He wrapped his little arms around her neck and sobbed.

Kouga laughed at the fallen Inuyasha. "You are really a pathetic puppy. Kagome needs more than some half demon to give her what she needs. How many times do you need to hear it to finally believe it?"

Inuyasha stood and growled at his rival, "You just don't know when to shut up!" He hoisted his sword above his head. "Die, NOW!" He crouched and then jumped overhead, all the while spinning and bringing Tetsusaiga down on Kouga's shoulder and through it.

Kouga let out an agonizing scream as blood poured from all his wounds. He tried to continue standing, but he was getting dizzy. As his vision blurred, he barely saw Inuyasha coming at him again. The last thing he saw was the blade of the fang coming at his chest. His life was fleeing from him fast but he breathed his last words, "I'm sorry. . . Kag. . . ome. . . so sorry."

Inuyasha pulled his sword from the youkai's dead body. Sighing, he sheathed it. He didn't feel as good as he thought he would over killing Kouga. Maybe it was the indifference in Kagome's voice that made him feel that way. He never wanted to see her upset or sad, and somehow he knew regardless of everything, she'd still mourn over him. Miroku and Shippou were crowded around Kagome's still unmoving and unseeing body.

"Go tell Kaede to prepare a bed and healing supplies for Kagome, I'll meet you soon." He directed to Miroku, who acknowledged the request and sped walk in the direction of the village. "You, too, Shippou."

"But I want to stay here with Kagome!"

"Go you little runt!"

"No! I'm staying and there's nothing you can do to make me!" Shippou crossed his arms over his chest and stood firm. Well, that is, until Inuyasha booted him across the clearing. You could hear his 'Waaaa' all the way on the other side.

"Keh, he shouldn't be back now." He looked down at the girl slumped against the tree. Sitting down, he gingerly lifted her into his lap. He couldn't count the number of times he'd held her today. Remembering the point that he bathed her made him blush, and he was thankful there was no one else around. It was an uncomfortable feeling, kind of. However, he just didn't want to admit that he liked it.

Sighing again, he shook his head. Lightly running his hand through her hair he said softly, "Kagome, you get into more trouble in one day then any other person I know." Then a frown creased his brow. 'But I'm the reason why she's constantly in so much danger. If she weren't here with me, she wouldn't have to face these types of things.' Cradling her tighter, he rose and began the familiar trek through his forest to the village.


x0x



"Oh my! Poor Kagome-chan! She's been through so much and now this again!" Sango threw her hands up in the air, and then fisted them at her sides. "Ohhhh, I hope Inuyasha tears him apart piece by piece! That damned wolf! He just doesn't know when to quit!"

Miroku put a calming hand on her shoulder. "I'm sure Inuyasha-sama will take care of it, don't you worry." He grinned, reaching south, but pulled back his hand at her death glare. With a sigh he sat down. "Where's Kohaku?"

Sango couldn't stop the huge smile that crossed her face. "He just left with Shippou and Kirara to go play with the village children."

Miroku couldn't remember a time when she looked happier, and he thought she was the most beautiful woman alive just then. "You know, Sango-chan, you look quite lovely when you smile."

She blushed ten shades of red and then turned her back to tend the small fire. Kaede entered the room, clearing her throat, "A bed is made for Kagome-chan, and there are herbs and a bowl of water with rags as well. I have to go tend to another sick case in the village, so will ye be able to handle it?" Kaede had a hint of laughter in her eyes from hearing the exchange of conversation from the two "friends."

"Hai, Kaede, thank you." Sango smiled, still blushing, and Miroku continued to stare at her, oblivious to Kaede's presence. Shaking her head but looking amused, the old miko left the hut.

"So, Sango-chan, since we're alone. . ." Miroku stopped talking as hiraikotsu made contact with his skull.

"You never give it up do you, bouzu?" Inuyasha pushed the mat away from the hut entrance, carrying Kagome with him. He had closed her eyes, because the blank stare was frightening him for reasons he still hadn't figured out.

"Inuyasha-sama! How's Kagome-chan doing?" Sango had stood up abruptly from the floor and in a flash was in front of the hanyou.

"Where's the bed?" He demanded without answering her question. The exterminator pointed behind the curtain where Kagome had been earlier that day. With a nod, he moved her into the room. Over his shoulder he ordered, "Leave the hut!"

Sango protested, "I will not leave my friend when she's like this!" The glare she got in return was almost enough to shut her up. "You don't even know how to take care of her!"

"What do you know! I said leave, and I meant it!" His voice was nearly too loud for his own ears. In a huff, she turned around, tugging Miroku, who was still rubbing the new bump on his head, by the sleeve and out the door.

With a contented snort, Inuyasha sat against the wall with Kagome still in his arms. Petting her hair, he began softly speaking to her. "Kagome, you can wake up now. Kouga's gone." She didn't stir. "C'mon Kagome. It's just me, no one else. I will kill anything that tries to harm you, you know that. Come back." He didn't know what to do really, but he knew he didn't want anyone else doing it. He found himself saying, "You said you wouldn't leave me." Inuyasha knew why the blank stare bothered him so much just then. It reminded him too much of Kikyo. The cold, dead nothingness of her eyes was what he saw. He needed the shine of Kagome's deep brown eyes. The soft, forever caring gaze that always met his. Sometimes, he even thought he saw a glint of love and happiness when she looked at him. And nothing made his heart jump like when she smiled or laughed. And then he remembered all the times he'd made those eyes water and release tears of sadness and pain, all because he was afraid to let his real feelings show. How many times had he hurt her with his harsh defenses? 'If you only knew the reasons why.'

Inuyasha looked down at her. He could hear her short breaths and she was still slightly trembling. It was really starting to worry him and he was lost for what to do. She was comforted before by him, surely he could do it again, right? Softly at first, but then louder, he began growling deep in his chest and caressing her back and head, running his fingers through her dark hair occasionally. One of his hands lightly stroked her cheeks, which were still deathly white. He moved her hair from her face and gazed at her with a concerned but solemn expression.

An hour passed and he had achieved little difference in Kagome's condition. He had laid her on the bedding and covered her. Using the rag and water, he wiped her brow and face. The herbs were nothing familiar to him, so he didn't pay them any heed. Lifting one of her hands into his own, he shuddered at how cold it felt. Rubbing both between his own hands in attempt to warm them, he found no change. Inuyasha brought one to his face, lightly grazing his own cheek. Kaede picked that moment to enter the room, catching the hanyou off guard.

"Baba! What are you doing here?" He jumped up and tried to cover up his embarrassment.

Kaede chuckled. 'These two will come around. If only one would give in.' "Has she gotten any better?"

Happy that she didn't make a comment on what she had just witnessed, he quickly answered, "No. She just lies there, not moving, except shivering."

"Poor girl, she seems to be in a mental shock. Here boy, bring those herbs." She motioned to the plate of green and brown plants. He abided to her request and picked up the platter.

Inuyasha covered his mouth and nose, "Damn, baba, what the hell is that smell?!"

Kaede laughed, "it's an herb we priestesses use to awaken people. Its essence is very strong, so lets see if this works." She picked up a dark green and yellow leaf and held it under Kagome's nose. In a few seconds, she was making a disgusted face and began coughing and gagging.

Opening her eyes, she bolted upright. "Ewww! What is that smell!" She looked around the room to see relief in both Kaede and Inuyasha's expressions? 'This has got to stop happening to me!'

"Welcome back, child. I'll leave you two alone." Kaede rose and exited the room.

"What the hell happened to you?" Inuyasha asked in an unconcerned manner.

Kagome looked down at her hands and then her kimono. It was stained red. 'Kouga's blood.' "I don't really know. I was scared. And I guess I just kind of closed myself off from what was occurring. I'm sorry if I worried you."

"Keh! You didn't worry me! I had to carry you all the way back here, wench. And then you just lay here, even though that fucking wolf is dead."

'I don't understand him! One minute he's nice and acts like he cares, the next he's being a complete jerk!' Kagome sighed. The last part of what he said hit her and she gasped slightly. 'Kouga's dead. Oh gods! This is all my fault!' She started sniffling.

Inuyasha crouched in front of her and put his face in hers, their noses nearly touching. "Oi, don't tell me you're going to cry over that bastard."

Kagome turned her head. "So what if I do! It's my fault he's dead. . . that you killed him."

"I killed him because he fucking deserved it! Did you want me to let him take you?" He was getting frustrated at her. 'She needs to make up her frickin' mind!' Both were standing now, Kagome with her arms down at her sides and her head hung.

"No." She softly replied. "I just wonder if he really meant to do what he did. His voice was different from normal and he wasn't acting like himself." Kagome looked up at Inuyasha. "I felt hate towards him and I feel like a horrible person for it." A lump formed in her throat and she knew she was about to cry, so she pushed past the hanyou and ran out the hut door.

Inuyasha stood there aggravated as hell. "Damnit wench! Get back here!" Growling, he took off after Kagome.

x0x



Sango and Miroku sat under the shade of a tree, at least three feet from each other at all times, but still conversing. The monk was leaning back on the trunk sitting cross-legged with his hands behind his head. Sango sat with her legs off to one side, pulling grass, and with her eyes averted to the ground.

"Houshi-sama, do you think we have the complete Shikon no Tama?"

Miroku thought briefly and answered, "Hmm, we may, but we won't know for sure until things settle down and Kagome-sama can purify what we have."

"She's been through so much lately, it's a wonder why she doesn't go back home and seal the well." Sango sighed. "What if the shard Kohaku carries is the last one?"

"Well. . . " He didn't know how to answer that. "When the time comes, you'll be the one to remove it, no one else. At least he's in loving hands now."

Sango forced a small smile. "I guess you're right, but I don't know how to tell him."

"What's more important is to make him feel at peace. If he wasn't meant to live any longer in this world, then that is his fate. Perhaps we will see a miracle, however. Don't get your hopes high, but don't feel like everything is at a loss either," Miroku tried to assure her.

The exterminator's smile was genuine this time. "Thank you houshi-sama."

"I do the best I can. It seems I'm the only one who isn't suffering some sort of disaster. He brought his right hand into his lap. With the other he started unwrapping it, first removing the beads, and then the cloth.

Sango looked at him questioningly before it dawned on her. "Oh, Miroku! The curse of the void has been removed from your hand!" She put her head down. "There's been so much going on, I completely forgot. I'm sorry."

The monk was amazed she used his actual name instead of the normal 'houshi- sama,' and that was enough to make him happy. "Sango-chan, there is no need to apologize, I understand."

Relief shown in her eyes when she made contact with his again. "Really?" He nodded, grinning, and reclined back against the tree.

The silence that fell upon the two was comfortable, but a sobbing Kagome running past them broke it.

"Kagome-chan!" Sango stood and met her friend, the two of them colliding, as Kagome ran full force into her. Sango kept her balance, though, and gently pushed the weeping girl back to get a better look at her face. "What did Inuyasha do this time?"

"It really isn't his fault. Forgive me, Sango-chan, but I just want to go home right now." Kagome didn't even make an effort to wipe her eyes.

"Okay, Kagome, but I'll be here to talk when you return." Sango gave her a quick hug and smiled.

"Thank you." Kagome forced a small smile and continued her way to the well, but in no time Inuyasha was in front of her.

"Where do you think you're going?" Inuyasha crossed his arms over his chest. Apparently he wasn't going to let her pass him.

"I'm going home."

"The hell you are! You've got more important things to do here!"

"Like what, Inuyasha, look for more of your precious shards?!" Kagome voice was getting louder with each word.

"You need to put the Shikon no Tama back together! I won't let you leave." He glared down at her, expecting her to get pissed.

Kagome's tone was frighteningly calm, "Of course you won't, Inuyasha. How could I have been so stupid as to think I should go home instead of staying here and helping you."

Inuyasha looked at her quizzically but shrugged. Victory! Heh, right.

"You jerk! Is that all you care about! I have been through practically hell in just one day. I've been nearly raped, killed, and abducted! I'm going home and if you even try to stop me I'll s-word you a hundred times!"

Inuyasha didn't know how many a hundred was, but it sure as hell sounded painful. Not that it mattered, he was on the ground with a scared shitless expression on his face. When Kagome walked over to the well and sat on the ledge all he could do was stare wide-eyed. He snapped out of it before she jumped though. "Wench, I said. . ."

"SIT!"

Kagome heard a muffled 'bitch' as she jumped down the well and let the light engulf her.