InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ Maturity and Sacrifice ❯ Maturity and Sacrifice ( Chapter 5 )

MATURITY & SACRIFICE

BY: TAJE

 

DISCLAIMER: I do not own Inuyasha or any of its affiliates

That belongs to the original creator of this wonderful cast of characters. I do own Takahiro and Akemi.

 

 

CH. 5 DESTINATION, JINENJI'S

 

“What! You must be crazy!! Travel to that village now?!”

 

Inuyasha's ranting was heard throughout the village. Kagome stood with her eyes closed trying to calm her already frazzled nerves. When Inuyasha noticed that she didn't respond he was concerned about her next actions. But again he couldn't feel anything from her. She took a deep breath, slowly opened her eyes, turned and walked away from the tree back to the hut.

 

Inuyasha thinking he was going to get the `sit' of his life was dumbfounded by her actions. Normally when he would rant she'd `sit' him. Hell, even when he was just giving his opinion and it annoyed her she'd `sit' him. But here lately nothing, she would just ignore him or leave his presence. He had to do this, he had to do something to get a rise out of her like he use to. He charged behind her grabbing her arm turning her to face him. Shock didn't express the next action.

 

Kagome stiffened her body while Inuyasha had her in his grip. Inuyasha couldn't help the urge he had to ask,

 

“What's wrong with you Kagome! You have been acting strange! I don't know… you've been kind of distant with me. Something has changed. What's going on wench?!”

 

As he was speaking, Kagome looked him in the eyes saying,

 

“Release me Inuyasha! Now!”

 

This caused Inuyasha to quickly release her as if she was something very hot and he stepped back that much quickly. Again he couldn't feel her emotions.

 

{What's with this?}

 

He thought.

 

“Kagome! What's going on? I can't feel your aura, smell your scent or anything! I don't like this! You've been like this for a while now! Tell me what's going on!”

 

For the first time Kagome realized that this new use of power she's been developing was now like second nature. She didn't realize she was doing this. Kagome thought,

 

{Gosh, Inuyasha must be freaked.}

 

She smiled but then saw Inuyasha's expression. One of fear and concern and then her own expression became sadden as she said sternly,

 

“I'm sorry Inuyasha, you're right. I have been kind of weird. As for not feeling my `aura', I don't know, maybe stress is the cause. I didn't mean to cause you any grief. I figured since I'm not part of this equation where you and Kikyo are concerned, I just thought I'd back away from you and let you get yourself collected with your feelings. I'm only concerned for Miroku; you know one of our comrades. I need to get to Jinenji's village to get the herb Kaede and I think may help Miroku recover. It's about Miroku right now, not you or me. I was going to ask Sango if I could ride on Kirara to get there since you're so against this. So if you will please excuse me!”

 

Kagome walked away. Inuyasha could only stand there thinking

 

{Where Kikyo and I are concerned? She's backing away from me? Collect my feelings? What the hell is she going on about?}

 

As Kagome walked on, she didn't want to let Inuyasha in on her new found power. Not yet, she was happy to know that it was working. Meditation was key for this to work. She would continue. She felt bad using him this way but he's using her as well.

 

 

TTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTT

 

Sango saw Kagome approaching the hut. There was no Inuyasha in sight. Just as well, she was still a little angry. She felt her words might have been harsh to the hanyou. No need to be negative now with Miroku in this state. She'll calm herself and concentrate on helping him recover.

 

Sango didn't want to admit this but she cared more than she realized. She must set her mind on getting him better. At that moment she didn't know Kagome had entered the hut and was talking to her.

 

“I'm sorry Kagome what did you say?”

 

Sango said as Kagome giggled saying,

 

“I thought you left me!”

 

Sango smiled saying,

 

“What did Inuyasha say?”

 

Kagome replied in a nonchalant manner,

 

“Oh you know the usual calling me crazy stuff like that. I haven't got the time to be bothered which is why I've come to ask you if Kirara could ride me there?”

 

Sango agreed but only if she promised to be careful. Kagome agreed.

 

Kagome prepared to pack some items to go to Jinenji's village. Shippou darted in the hut hoping Kagome would allow him to go with her. At first Kagome was going to refuse him but when she saw his soulful eyes she just couldn't say no. Kagome looked at Kaede preparing more bandages for Miroku dressings. She will relieve her when she returns.

 

A moment later Inuyasha decided to appear. Kagome continued her preparations stuffing things in her backpack. Not saying a word to Inuyasha. She was getting ready to leave the hut. She said her farewell to Sango and Kaede. She told them if traveling goes smoothly they should be back in a day or so.

 

Inuyasha didn't care too much for the idea of her going alone even if Shippou went along didn't make him feel any better. After all what could the runt do?

 

“You're not going!”

 

Kagome and Sango were startled because of his loud mouth. Kaede held her hand over her chest saying,

 

“Ye should not scare old women like that Inuyasha!”

 

Inuyasha just huffed saying,

 

“Old hags should be more alert!”

 

Kagome now with her bearings together says,

 

“What do you mean I'm not going?”

 

Inuyasha searched her face again. This time he felt her anger. More relaxed now he heard her say,

 

“I'm going to Jeninji's! End of conversation!”

 

As Kagome turned towards Sango bending down to her ear saying,

 

“Keep talking to Miroku okay? I'll be back as soon as I can.”

 

Kagome stood to leave the hut when Inuyasha grabbed her wrist. Kagome super annoyed said,

 

“What Inuyasha? You don't want to go, so I am, if you don't mind…”

 

She tried to jerk from him. He knew he would risk getting `sat' but Inuyasha held firm saying,

 

“You're not going alone!”

 

Kagome rebutted,

 

“I'm not alone! Shippou's going with me on Kirara.”

 

Releasing her wrist, Inuyasha laughed saying,

 

“That runts not much help.”

 

Shippou was very indignant at Inuyasha saying he was no help so he responded,

 

“At least I won't be leaving her at the drop of `soul collectors'!”

 

Kagome gasped. She was shocked and amused at the same time. Inuyasha growled at Shippou, as Shippou hid behind Kagome's legs. Kagome couldn't help but giggle. Inuyasha looked at her. He hadn't heard her laughed nor seen her smile for a long time. He missed it.

 

“Glad you find this so funny Kagome!”

 

Inuyasha stated.

 

Kagome placed her hand over her mouth and cleared her throat trying to look serious.

 

“So I take that you will be accompanying us to Jeninji's village?”

 

Inuyasha huffed sarcastically,

 

“Unless you're planning on hearing more of Shippou's jokes.”

 

Leaving the hut Shippou climbed Kagome's shoulder while Kagome mounted Inuyasha's back. She felt very awkward but decided that the sooner they get going the better. She yelled to Kirara to look after everyone. Within seconds they were in the forest.

 

AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA

 

They were making record time. They were halfway near the village when Inuyasha stopped. He thought Kagome might be tired. When he was placing her down she asked,

 

“Why are we stopping Inuyasha?”

 

Inuyasha not answering started to make camp. Shippou also being curious asked,

 

“Yeah Inuyasha, why are we stopping now?”

 

Inuyasha growled,

 

“Just thought you all might want to rest, any problems?”

 

Kagome and Shippou just looked at each other shrugging their shoulders.

 

Once camp was done Kagome finished the food. She passed the food around. When all were done, she cleared the utensils to wash them. The site Inuyasha choose was ideal. A nice stream was nearby and she was grateful for this as she washed everything. After all was done she headed back to camp.

 

Shippou was drawing while Inuyasha was up in a tree. Kagome mussed her fingers through Shippou's hair, much like she does Souta and smiled at Shippou's drawing.

 

“Very nice Shippou! You're quite an artist!”

 

Shippou smiled while admiring his work. He was pleased Kagome liked his drawing. Inuyasha grunted saying,

 

“Will you two turn in already, we still got a half day travel tomorrow. The sooner you two get to sleep the sooner we'll rise and head to the village!”

 

Shippou smirked saying,

 

“Oh yes Great Dog Leader! We be off to sleep land now Arg!”

 

Kagome laughed at Shippou's `pirate' imitation.

 

“Shut up `red tail' or I'll throw you to the sharks”

 

Kagome just crawled in her sleeping bag and Shippou joined her and soon all were asleep.

 

JJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJJ JJ

 

As morning came they were almost near Jinenji's village. Kagome was wondering about Miroku's condition and how Sango was fairing. She knew Sango loved Miroku. Her very actions are loud and clear. She knew that Shippou was feeling her, for she felt him squeeze her shoulder.

 

Approaching the village, Kagome asked Inuyasha to let her walk. He placed her down and they walked on. One of the village elders saw them coming and welcomed them. Kagome told them why they were there and the elder immediately told one villager to send for Jinenji but Kagome asked him not to go through that, she and her companions will be fine going on their own.

 

The elder bowed thanking her again for helping the village to see just how important Jeninji is to them. His knowledge of all kinds of healing herbs grown in the village has helped all who resides here and even those who here by word of mouth in other villages. He also told her how Jinenji and his mother are well looked after by all in the village.

Kagome was glad to know this for their last visit here Jinenji was not treated very kindly. Inuyasha just wanted to go. Kagome feeling his impatience flare from him decided to bow to the elder and leave.

 

Once at the home of Jinenji his mother told them Jinenji was up at the hill harvesting some herbs he planted and that he would be back shortly.

 

Kagome explained to his mother why they were there. She told them she would be glad to give her what she needed. As the elder woman was gathering what she needed, she sensed her son's approach.

 

“He's on his way back. He'll be happy to see you child.”

 

Referring to Kagome,

 

“It will be good to see him as well. It's been a while.”

 

Kagome said.

 

EEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE

 

Children were surrounding Jinenji as he walked towards his hut. Kagome smiled as she saw how they played around him.

 

{Funny how when he walks there's no heavy vibration in his step like before. Very light and careful steps as if being careful of his small friends. I guess this attributes to his gentle nature}

 

Kagome was broken out of her thought when she heard him say,

 

“Alright little ones, time for you all to go. Your parents await you.”

 

After a few disappointing “aw's” from them, the children said their goodbye's promising another days visit. Jinenji spotted Kagome immediately. Wondering about her visit he saw her run towards him with a smile that warmed his heart. They greeted each other with respectful bows. Inuyasha stayed at the side of the hut door with his arms folded looking at Kagome and Jinenji's greeting.

 

 

Jinenji held out his enormous arm for Kagome to take and they walked back to the hut. As they walked, Kagome explained why she and her companions were there.

 

“Oh my! How unfortunate for the monk. I hope he will fair well”

 

Jinenji said. Kagome smiled thanking him for his concern. She told him his mother had gathered what they needed, and they will be heading back to their village.

 

Jinenji greeted Inuyasha and Shippou. Inuyasha just grunted while Shippou gave Jinenji a respectful bow. Jinenji walked into the hut and a few moments later he came out with another package. Kagome said,

 

“Oh Jinenji, your mother has already gave us what we needed…”

 

Jinenji continued to put it in her hand saying,

 

“This is also to be used and mixed very carefully because he's unconscious he will need assistance to get this into his body. Crush, boil and strain like a tea you only need a small amount to brew it. These hollow reeds will do. Put him in a reclined or sitting position and holding his head steady gently stick the reed as far back towards his throat as possible. Inhale some of the solution only about 2 notches of the reed. Gently blow the solution in to his throat. Rub his neck gently to stimulate swallowing and lay him back down. This is a very strong stimulant. Please mix carefully. Mix one part of this herb called `Dragon's tongue, to two part of `Virgin's heart'. This herb called `Dragon's Tongue' is a deep red flowering weed. This herb called `Virgin's Heart' is a white flowering weed. Both are very potent.”

 

Which is why Jinenji expressed very careful mixing of the herbs. Kagome listened carefully making sure to understand all of what he was instructing. Jinenji continued,

 

“You will notice a change in his coloring. His skin may deepen in color. Do not be alarmed for this is a good sign. The medicine is going through his body and I hope you will see him conscious in a day or two. Administer this only once a day and keep fluids in his body as well. Warm tea will do nicely.”

 

With the instructions given Inuyasha exclaimed,

 

“Well at the rate of all this instructing, Miroku won't make it!”

 

Kagome eyes widen in disbelief! His timing for annoyance was remarkable! She decided to calm herself and replied,

 

“Ignore him Jinenji he must be having a flea attack or something.”

 

Shippou went into a fit of laughter and Jinenji just smiled. Inuyasha growled at Shippou and started to give chase. Inuyasha caught Shippou's tail holding him upside down. Shippou yelled for Kagome's help. Kagome knew Inuyasha wouldn't hurt Shippou, it was just one of his ways of making Shippou tough.

 

As Kagome saw Jinenji smiling she saw just how beautiful he really was. Not his out side appearance, a very warm glow that surrounded him.

 

“You should smile more often it becomes you. Your kindness just radiates when you do smile. I know Miroku will be fine now. Your smile gave me much encouragement. Thank you Jinenji!”

 

Kagome hugged his enormous arm. Jinenji blushed. He was so taken by her sincere view of him.

 

{How could someone as beautiful as her see anything such as what she just said about me? This is unbelievable yet I know she's sincere!}

 

It warmed his heart so much. He couldn't help but smile again. Inuyasha not missing the interaction, or the conversation shouted out,

 

“Uh, can we get going here if Miroku is such a concern?”

 

Kagome was at her wits end with his impatience. She grabbed her bag and then turned to Jinenji's mother who had just walked over. His mother took Kagome's hand looking into her eyes saying,

 

“Thank you child for you kind words to him. It means so much”

 

Kagome smiled saying,

 

“I meant every word. He is beautiful when he smiles.”

 

Kagome bowed to Jinenji's mother and ran towards Inuyasha and Shippou.

 

“Come on you guys let's be heading off”

 

Inuyasha snapped,

 

“Oh! Sure you don't wanna stay? I mean how long do it take to say goodbye?”

 

Walking up to Inuyasha Kagome said,

 

“May I have Shippou?”

 

Inuyasha tossed Shippou to Kagome to which she asked,

 

“You okay?”

 

Shippou went into a rant while Kagome checked him over. All of a sudden she felt light headed and slowly fell to the ground. Inuyasha quickly picked up Kagome's body.

 

“She's breathing that's good. Kagome! Kagome!”

 

He shouted. Shippou was still being held in Kagome's arms. Inuyasha yelled,

 

“Move it runt! So she can breathe! She doesn't need you blocking her intake of air!”

 

Shippou tried to move but Kagome had him in a vise-grip. He wasn't frightened at all. He felt so comforted. Like when his mother would hold him when he was scared. Shippou replied,

 

“Inuyasha I can't! I can't move!”

 

Inuyasha now confused and frustrated looked at Shippou like he was crazy.

 

“What do you mean you can't move?”

 

Inuyasha shouted. Kagome then opened her eyes looking at Inuyasha saying,

 

“He says he can't so leave him okay!”

 

Inuyasha gently released Kagome in a sitting position and moved back away from her. He felt an unknown aura about her. She was like a stranger to him. Her eyes closed and she passed out again with Shippou still in her embrace.

 

By this time Jinenji and his mother ran over wondering what happened to Kagome. Inuyasha explained what he witnessed. Jinenji's mother suggested that they bring her to the hut.

 

Once in the hut Shippou is still in Kagome's arms. Jinenji's mother tried to remove Shippou but her grip on Kit tightened. Kagome's eyes were opened in a far away trance.

 

**Inside Kagome**

 

“Oh my sweet little Kit. Mother misses you so much. To get to hold you again! Look at him Takahiro!”

 

“Yes Akemi, he is beautiful. He received that from you!”

 

They looked at their son through Kagome's eyes. Akemi looked at Takahiro saying,

 

“My love, I know we can't stay like this for long but I must feel my son!”

 

“We have done so. Now let's release her. We would only weaken her.”

 

With that they were gone from Kagome.

 

**Outside Kagome**

 

 

Inuyasha watched as Jinenji's mother tried to remove Shippou. All the while he noticed the aura around Kagome changed again. This troubled him deeply. But Shippou didn't seem to be at all alarmed. It was as if he was enjoying the hold Kagome had on him, as his face was calm and content. Kagome moaned and slowly blinked her eyes into awareness.

 

“Are you all right Child?”

 

Jinenji's mother asked. Looking around Kagome wondered why she was lying down. She remembered walking with Shippou in her arms and then nothing.

 

“Yes, I'm fine, but why am I here? I thought we were on our way back and now I'm lying here.”

 

Kagome said. Inuyasha was confused.

 

“That's all you remember? You passed out with Shippou in your arms! When we tried to remove him you tightened your grip and was conscious long enough to tell me that you couldn't let him go. It sounds crazy but it's what you said then you passed out again and kept your hold on Shippou. Then you were in some weird trance.”

 

Kagome looked puzzled.

 

“Oh my! Shippou I hope this didn't frightened you!”

 

Shippou shook his head saying,

 

“No. But Inuyasha sure was scared!”

 

Shippou giggled. Inuyasha growled saying,

 

“I wasn't scared you brat! I was just concerned, but not scared! So shut up!”

 

Kagome stood up as Jinenji spoke,

 

“Are you sure you should be moving Kagome, I do not mind saying I was scared for you. But when I saw that the fox child wasn't frightened I arrested my fear. I am concerned about this aura that surrounded you while you were passed out.”

 

Jinenji mother responded by saying,

 

“Yeah child we were all concerned!”

 

Kagome smiled saying,

 

“I'm fine now. I'm sorry I frightened you all, but there's a monk that needs us. So we must be off. Come on guys.”

 

With that she said her farewell again and then off to the village they went. Inuyasha decided to talk to Kagome later about this passing out spell. He didn't like this at all.

 

 

MSMSMSMSMSMSMSMSMSMSMSMSMSMSMSMSMSMSMSMSMSM

 

Sango felt she was all talked out. She's been talking to Miroku since this horrible incident started. She worried about his condition. He was unconscious for so long. Just to hear his beautiful voice, giving her comforting words whenever her encounter with her brother would be stressful. Just to see his beautiful eyes open that would look at her when she was stressed knowing that comfort was needed. Being engulfed in his warm embrace when she was at her wits end. By the god's she would welcome his groping at this point!

 

Tears started to fill her eyes. She never knew how much she needed his presence. Being there for her when thoughts of her brother would send her in a fit of crying.

 

Oh Kami if something happens to him who would…

 

As she cried, Kaede heard her sobbing and entered the hut. Putting her hand on Sango's shoulders saying,

 

“Come my dear, you need to rest.”

 

Sango tried to resist getting up but Kaede firmly said,

 

“Listen Child, you have not rested well since he's been injured. Come now up with ye! No good can come of this if ye do not rest so ye can be strong to care for him. If you want to stay in the room, I'll get a mat and place it down so ye can be near.”

 

Sango gave a grateful smile and agreed to do as Kaede ordered. As soon as Sango placed her head down she was out cold. Kaede changed Miroku's bandages. She was about to leave when she heard Sango say,

 

“Please Houshi don't leave me!”

 

She thought Sango was awake when she turned and saw that she was still asleep. Kaede prayed that Kagome would return soon.

 

MSMSMSMSMSMSMSMSMSMSMSMSMSMSMSMSMSMSMSMSMSM

 

Inuyasha was setting up the campfire as Kagome gathered the provisions to cook the ramen. Shippou gathered water from a near by stream.

 

As they ate their meal silence was most welcomed. Kagome and Inuyasha fought as usual. Inuyasha wanted to know why Kagome acted so weird. Kagome tell him she doesn't remember, and Shippou just wanted to cover his ears. So now no one talked. Fine by him he wanted to get back anyway. So he broke the silence saying,

 

“Shouldn't we be heading back now?”

 

Kagome looked at Shippou and smiled saying,

 

“Yeah, I guess we better. All full Shippou?”

 

He smiled. Kagome was so kind she gave him the rest of her ramen. He did notice that she didn't eat much. All of a sudden he had a feeling of longing and hopped in her lap. She gladly received him. He then asked,

 

“Kagome are you okay? You didn't eat much. I feel bad for taking the rest of your ramen.”

 

Kagome smiled saying,

 

“Hey, didn't I give it to you? Besides you are a growing kit, you need your nourishment.”

 

Inuyasha grunted saying,

 

“If you felt so bad runt then you should've told her to eat instead of taking it from her.”

 

Shippou started to interject, but Kagome cut in,

 

“Okay now let's clean up so we can get back. Please!”

 

Shippou jumped from her lap and started to help pack everything. Inuyasha smothered the fire by kicking dirt into the flames with his feet. As dirt went flying some hit Shippou as he yelled,

 

“Hey! Watch it dog boy!”

 

Inuyasha gave chase to him as Shippou cut running. Kagome just continued to close off the compartments to her backpack. Standing up she calmly said,

 

“Can we leave now? Or are you two going to give chase all afternoon?”

 

The two stopped their chase as Kagome started walking. Inuyasha and Shippou really acted like two wild kids the way they gave chase. Sometimes she just imagined them as the `Fox and the Hound' story and would laugh as they went into their antics.

 

Sure would be good to get back Sango must be going out of her mind with grief. Sango may never admit it; but Miroku has been someone she came to rely on emotionally. She knows Sango cared deeply for him.

 

Inuyasha looked at Kagome and realize that she was deep in thought. He wanted to ask, but left it alone. He didn't want to start another argument. He felt they walked long enough and decided to put Kagome and Shippou on his back to make it back to the village at least by dusk.

 

A/N: I will answer some of the mysteries surrounding Kagome and Inuyasha's confrontation, and Miroku's purpose in this saga. Just bare with me please a little longer. Thanks to all who reviewed I appreciate all of you. Peace!

 

End Ch. 5

 

TAJE

 

 

 

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