InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ Long Awaited Reunion ❯ Making New Friends ( Chapter 4 )

Disclaimer: I do not own Inuyasha, although I wish I did...*plays with his puppy ears*

Chapter 4: Making New Friends

It was early evening before Inuyasha decided that the small clearing that they had found was safe enough to stop and rest. Inukigo was still asleep, she hadn't so much as twitched her ears once through the entire day. Inuyasha was a little worried, but kept reassuring himself that the shards had taken a lot out of her, and that her body was recovering. When they had come across the clearing and began to settle in, Kagome took out her sleeping bag and gestured for Inuyasha to lay Inukigo down on it. He was quick to comply, and gently laid his sleeping sister down on the sleeping bag. He knelt there for a minute, until he was startled by a hand on his shoulder.

"Don't worry, Inuyasha. She'll be ok after she rests a while. Why don't you go help Miroku get some wood for the fire. I make sure nothing happens to her," Kagome said soothingly.

Inuyasha dwelled on her suggestion for a few moments, then he nodded, got to his feet, and followed the houshi who was just making his way out into the forest.

Kagome watched as they left, then after a few minutes turned to look back down at the sleeping hanyou on the ground.

'I wonder what the story behind you is,' she thought sadly, as she put her hand to Inukigo's forehead to brush the hair away from the girl's face. Kagome was startled to find that the hanyou's forehead was considerably warmer than it should have been and that she was starting to sweat.

"She's coming down with a fever. Not good," Kagome said, loud enough for both Sango and Shippou to hear. They both turned to her with very concerned looks on their faces. Kagome didn't want to waste any time.

"Shippou-chan, could you get the herbs that I use for fevers, a cloth, and a bowl out of my backpack? And Sango-chan, can you go and get me some water?" she said quickly but politely. Both nodded their heads and quickly went about fulfilling their respective tasks. When they returned, she put some of the cool water into the bowl, dipped the cloth into it, wrung it out, and then placed it on Inukigo's forehead. She then realized she had a problem.

"Darn it, I need to boil water so I can use the herbs. I hope Inuyasha and Miroku don't take too long collecting firewood."

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About ten minutes after leaving camp, Miroku decided that they were far enough away from camp so that he could talk to Inuyasha without the hanyou becoming too self-conscious. He stopped walking and searching the ground for firewood, then went about picking up what he could see, while Inuyasha did the same. After about five minutes of silence he decided that he should finally strike up some conversation.

"So Inuyasha," Miroku started, trying not to agitate the hanyou, "Why is it that none of us have ever heard about this sister before?" he half expected to receive a rather large smack on the head and have his question blown off with a 'Keh!', but was surprised when he heard Inuyasha release a sorrowful sounding sigh.

"I never mentioned her before because I didn't want to have to think about her again," he replied, then went back to picking up dry wood off the ground.

Miroku looked over at Inuyasha questioningly, and for the first time saw the rather hurt expression on his normally gruff looking face. Miroku took this as a sign that he shouldn't pry any deeper, mainly for fear of his own well-being.

'Perhaps Kagome-sama will be able to get more of an explanation out of him later' he thought, as he too went back to the task of collecting firewood.

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About half an hour later, Kagome was happy to see Inuyasha and Miroku return, each carrying an armful of firewood. She noticed that Miroku seemed to have no injuries, which meant either that for once, he had not tried to press Inuyasha for information about something that he didn't want to share, or that Inuyasha had actually managed to tolerate his questions. When she saw the rather sad looking expression on Inuyasha's face, she was entirely unsure of which of her guesses was right.

'I can't remember the last time I saw him looking so sad, that is if I ever saw him that sad.'

It hurt her to see him that way, and she wanted to go and comfort him so badly, but decided against it. She knew that it would do no good since he would be too embarrassed by the presence of their friends to fully accept her gestures.

She then remembered the task at hand and quickly came back to her senses.

"Hey, Inuyasha, Miroku, could you two hurry and start the fire? I need to have hot water right away. Inukigo has come down with a fever, and I need to give her these herbs before it gets much worse," she called to them.

Inuyasha's head jolted up when he heard Kagome's words, and seeing the worried expression on his face, Miroku told him to go help Kagome tend to his sister and that he would take care of the fire. Inuyasha nodded gratefully, quickly dropping the firewood in his arms and running to take a seat next to Kagome. Kagome noticed the very concerned look that had come across his face, and once again placed a calming hand on his shoulder.

"She'll be okay. If she really is your sister I'm sure that she'll be rid of this fever in no time," she said smiling at him.

He looked over at her and returned her smile, "Arigatou, Kagome."

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Kagome had been right. After Miroku got the fire going, she quickly boiled some water so she could mix the herbs and gave them to Inukigo. With the added effect of the herbs helping to fight the fever, Inukigo's body recovered from it in just over an hour. She was now sleeping peacefully again, much to the relief of everyone in the camp, especially Inuyasha.

Inuyasha hadn't budged from his spot next to Inukigo, but as soon as he was certain that her fever was gone, he had moved to sit against the base of a tree not to far from her. When she saw that Inuyasha had relaxed a bit, Kagome made some ramen for him, and joined him next to the tree as he made short work of it. That had been a few hours ago and now it was completely dark, except for the light coming from the fire. Miroku and Sango were sleeping not to far from each other, but Sango made sure that she was far enough away from Miroku so that he couldn't grope her in his sleep. Shippou, who had lost his usual spot in Kagome's sleeping bag, was now curled up next to Sango with Kirara. The only two left awake were Inuyasha and Kagome. Neither of them could seem to drift off to sleep.

"Ooi, Kagome, you don't need to stay up with me. You should just go to sleep," Inuyasha said gruffly.

"No, it's okay. I want to keep you company," she replied.

"Fine, do whatever you like."

Kagome looked over at him and saw the same hurt expression on his face as she had seen earlier that evening.

'He's thinking about the same thing he was when he came back from getting firewood with Miroku,' she thought. At that time she had wanted so badly to comfort him. She looked around once quickly to make sure that their friends were definitely asleep, then looked back to Inuyasha, and hugged him. She wrapped both of her arms loosely around his neck from the side and rested her head on his shoulder.

Inuyasha was stunned for a moment when he felt Kagome's arms around him and the weight of her head on his shoulder.

'W-what is she doing?' he wondered.

"Um...Kagome?" he questioned softly as he looked at her.

She looked up slightly so she could meet his gaze, "Onegai, Inuyasha, don't be sad anymore. I-I...don't like...to see you sad."

'She's worried about me? She wants to comfort me? She's the only one, other than mother and Inukigo, who has ever bothered to do this for me.'

"Kagome..." he whispered softly. It was then Kagome's turn to be surprised when Inuyasha pulled her into his lap and returned her embrace, and proceeded to bury his face into the crook of her neck.

'Her scent...Why does it make me feel so calm?'

"...Arigatou."

"Everything's alright, Inuyasha. Can you tell me what's wrong?" Kagome asked softly.

"It's not something that you need to concern yourself with," he replied.

"You know Inuyasha...it helps to talk about things that are troubling you. It lessens the burden of having to deal with it alone. So you can tell me, I just want to help."

Inuyasha sighed.

'Being like this with her, it feels as if I can tell her anything. It's almost as if I want to tell her everything.'

"Kagome, the truth is, I feel...guilty."

'Guilty?'

"Guilty for what?" she asked quietly.

"Guilty for leaving Inukigo alone."

"Huh? Do you mean when Kikyou sealed you to the Goshinboku?"

"Yes, but not just that. From what she has said, she's been sealed 50 years, and that she was only awakened last night. That means that for two years she's been sealed, and I've been free to wander around with you and the others."

"But Inuyasha, it's not your fault," Kagome said, trying to reassure him.

"I could have at least looked for her. When I woke up, her scent wasn't anywhere around, and I haven't encountered it at all in the last two years, so I just assumed that she had either died or left and completely forgot about me. That's why I never mentioned her to you before. Either one of those possibilities just...made it hurt too much to bring up memories of her. And now, she's accused me of betraying her. I'm starting to think that she's right."

Kagome pulled back from Inuyasha and grabbed his face with both hands.

"Inuyasha, don't start thinking that way. There was no way that you could have known that she had been sealed. You did not betray her okay. When she wakes up tomorrow you can explain everything to her, and even apologize to her if it makes you feel better."

Inuyasha just stared at her, dumbfounded for a few moments. Then he moved his head so Kagome would let go and moved his face back to her hair again.

"Arigatou, Kagome. I...really appreciate this."

Kagome smiled.

"You're welcome, Inuyasha," She tightened her hold around his neck while he tightened his arms around her as well. Then in just a few moments, both joined their friends in a deep and peaceful sleep.

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Just as the sun was coming up Inuyasha was awoken from sleep by a quiet whimpering. He looked down at Kagome, who was still in his arms, and blushed for a moment before determining that the sounds weren't coming from her. He looked around the camp for a minute before laying his eyes on Inukigo, who seemed to be rather restless as her head shifted back and forth in her sleep. Fearing that there may be more wrong with her than just a simple nightmare, Inuyasha decided that it would be best to wake Kagome.

"Ooi, Kagome. Kagome, wake up," he whispered softly as he gently shook her.

"Hmm...Inuyasha? What's going on?" she asking sleepily.

"Inukigo is..."

He was interrupted when Inukigo whined loudly and started to toss and turn on the sleeping bag. Inuyasha and Kagome quickly got to their feet and ran to Inukigo. As they knelt beside her, she let out a cry and shot up, her eyes wide and panting heavily. Inukigo's cry instantly woke the up until now, sleeping Miroku, Sango, Shippou, and Kirara, and all four were quickly gathered around with concerned looks on their faces. Her eyes darted around to survey her surroundings, and once she recognized the faces around her, she started to calm down and her breathing slowed to a normal rate. She relaxed a bit, and sat back, then started to get a little nervous when she saw all the concerned faces looking at her.

"Ano..." she said quietly, "I know that you're all concerned about me, and I'm grateful for that, demo, I don't really know all of you, and you're making me kinda nervous."

There was a chorus of 'Sorrys' and everyone shifted back a little bit to give Inukigo some breathing room. Inuyasha was the first to speak as he looked at his sister questioningly.

"Inukigo, are you okay?"

She looked up at him and then returned her gaze to the ground.

"My first night off of that tree, and I have the same nightmare that I was stuck in for 50 years," she gave a half-hearted smirk and looked back up at Inuyasha, "Oh well, I guess I should look on the bright side. At least I can wake up from it now if I want to."

Kagome saw the hurt in Inukigo's eyes when she talked about her nightmare. Once she seemed to be relaxing again, Kagome got an idea.

"Sango-chan, did you say yesterday that you found a hot spring somewhere near here? Is it very far away?" she asked.

"Hai, Kagome-chan. It's only a few minutes walk. Why do you ask?" Sango replied.

"I figured that we could get in a quick bath since we didn't get one last night. Shippou and Kirara can stay here and watch the camp while Inuyasha and Miroku go and collect some more firewood. When we get back I can make something for everyone to eat. What do you think Inukigo? Do you want to come with me and Sango-chan?"

Inukigo's head shot up. She had been listening intently to this girl Kagome as she spoke, but was surprised when she was asked if she wanted to join her and the other girl Sango when they went to take a bath. She looked at Inuyasha first in question, and he nodded, telling her that it was okay. She returned her gaze to Kagome and nodded sheepishly, and within minutes found herself being pulled up off the ground and led off by two very happy looking girls.

When they reached the edge of the campsite Kagome turned and yelled over her shoulder,

"And no peeking. That means you Miroku!"

"I'm hurt Kagome-sama. I would never do such a thing."

To this he received a large thump on the head from a pissed of Inuyasha.

"Yeah right, you lecherous houshi. Come on, let's go get that fire wood," he said as he took Miroku by the back of his collar and dragged him off in the opposite direction. Shippou and Kirara just stayed where they were and decided to go back to sleep while they waited for the rest of their group to return.

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After a few minutes walk, Kagome, Sango, and Inukigo had reached the hot spring. It was a big hot spring, with plenty of room for three people, and was rather deep in some places, with large flat rocks along the edges that made perfect places for sitting.

Inukigo felt very awkward. She had never before been invited to take a bath by a group of girls. She had always bathed alone because she was shunned and hated by everyone other than Inuyasha since her mother had died. She didn't even know these girls, and they were being so friendly to her, acting as though she was normal.

'This must be why Inuyasha is with them. They're all accepting and understanding people. They don't care that I'm a hanyou.'

She gave a small smile. Kagome noticed this and smiled as well.

'She looks happy, I'm glad. Inuyasha will be glad that she's feeling better too,' Kagome thought as both she and Sango lowered themselves into the spring.

"Inukigo-chan! You should come in too! The water is really nice and warm!" Kagome called.

"Kagome-chan is right Inukigo-chan. The water is very relaxing," said Sango.

Inukigo froze for a minute. Kagome and Sango both noticed her sharp intake of breath. They looked at each other nervously for a moment and then looked back to Inukigo on the shore.

"Inukigo-chan, daijoubou ka? Did we say something wrong?" Kagome asked.

"No," Inukigo replied softly as she rose her head, "It's just that...no one has ever called me Inukigo-chan before. Arigatou...Kagome and Sango."

'They hardly know me, and yet they treat me as though they've known me for years. They're...being kind to me, and they seem to genuinely...care for me. Is...is this what it feels like to have friends?' she thought as she happily lowered herself into the hot spring.

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About fifteen minutes later, Inuyasha and Miroku returned to camp after collecting wood for the fire. This time, it was Inuyasha's job to get the fire going, and while Inuyasha had his back turned, Miroku figured that it would be the perfect opportunity to go 'keep an eye' on the three girls bathing in the spring. Unfortunately for Miroku, Inuyasha heard him trying to sneak away before he even made it to the edge of the clearing.

"Don't bother you baka houshi. You won't even get as close as you usually do."

"Why, I have no idea as to what you mean Inuyasha," Miroku said feigning innocence.

"I mean that even if I don't stop you, which I will, you won't get anywhere near that hot spring with Inukigo there. She'll smell and hear you long before you get there. And you know how much trouble you'll be in if you get caught, don't you?"

Miroku's shoulders slumped at this new information, and it slowly dawned on him that he would probably never get a chance to peek on the bathing girls ever again, at least not while Inukigo was with them. He gave a sigh, then turned around to join Inuyasha by the now roaring camp fire. They sat there quietly for a few moments until Miroku decided to break the silence.

"Inuyasha, I've been wondering. Don't you think that it's strange that Inukigo came to possess four Shikon shards? She said that she had been sealed to a tree, so there is no possible way that she could have gotten them herself. It is most likely the case that they were given to her. And then there's the problem with her thinking that you betrayed her. It's all very confusing."

"Aa, I've been thinking about that too. I'm gonna ask her about all of this when they come back from the hot springs." Inuyasha replied, turning to face the fire again.

Miroku nodded and also turned his gaze to the fire.

'I hope that the person behind all this is not who I think it is.' he thought warily.

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Back at the hot springs, the three girls were still relaxing, and Kagome and Sango had offered to wash Inukigo's hair for her, joking that since it was so long (down to Inukigo's knees) it would probably take Inukigo a whole day to wash all that hair on her own. It had taken some coaxing on their part, but Inukigo had finally agreed to it, after Kagome and Sango had convinced her that shampoo was safe and they had promised to be careful of her ears. Once Kagome and Sango had started to lather the shampoo into her hair, Inukigo found it rather relaxing, and was soon giving off a very soft, almost unnoticeable purr-like growl. However, Kagome and Sango did noticed this and were rather shocked - a half-DOG demon...purring?

"Ano, Inukigo-chan, are you, purring?" Kagome asked.

"Only nekos purr, and I am, most definitely, no neko," Inukigo replied, sticking her nose in the air, "It's more of a contented growl that I don't really have any control over. It's just something that I do when I'm comfortable, that's all."

"I see. It's a nice sound regardless," Kagome said, then another thought came to mind, "Inukigo-chan, can Inuyasha make that noise too?"

"Yeah, he can, but it can be hard to get out of him sometimes. He's usually the only one who can get it out of me. I haven't done it much since..." Inukigo paused, and Kagome noticed sadness in her eyes, "...since our mother died."

"Oh, gomen ne, Inukigo-chan. We didn't mean to bring up bad memories for you," Kagome said as both she and Sango dropped their heads.

"It's alright. Don't either of you worry about it. Mother died a long time ago. I'm grateful that the two of you are making me feel as comfortable as I am."

Both girls smiled at Inukigo, and then at each other, giving a small smirk.

"Okay Inukigo-chan, it's time to rinse your hair!" Sango said happily.

"You might want to close your ears," said Kagome.

"Huh, what fo..." the rest of her question came out as a gurgle, as she was rather unexpectedly pushed under the water. She stayed under for a few moments, making sure that all the soap was out of her hair, then resurfaced with a rather sour look on her face. The look softened into a smile when she saw the pair of girls giggling hysterically in front of her, and she too was soon joining them in their laughter.

'I was right, this is what it feels like to have friends,' she thought happily as she was dragged out of the spring by her two new friends. Kagome handed her a towel to dry off with, then they all got dressed and headed back to camp.

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I know that the idea of Inukigo coming down with a sudden fever is kinda corny, I just wanted to use it as a situation where Inuyasha could be concerned over her.

Inuyasha may also seem a little OOC, but here's the way I look at it: he just found his twin sister, who was his only family for about 10 years (according to this story). Wouldn't it be natural, even for Inuyasha, to openly show some affection towards her?