InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ The Call of Life and Death ❯ A slight of mind, and strange goings on ( Chapter 4 )

A/N: Standard disclaimer, I don't own Inu Yasha, blah blah, blah, blah. Sorry this took so long to get out, although I think that chapter 5 will take longer. Enjoy, and please review.

The Call of Life and Death

Chapter 4: A slight of mind, and strange goings on.

The Tetsusaiga rang in Inu Yasha's hands, as he deflected a mighty blow from the jewel-empowered demon. Grunting, he slashed at the beast, forcing it back. There wasn't enough room for him to even try the wind scar, besides; this monster was far too quick for that.

Sango circled around opposite Inu Yasha, forcing the beast to have one at its back for it to face the other. She held in her katana in her hands, as Hiraikotsu had been lost into the tree line some time ago. Above them, Kagome sat astride Kirara looking for a shot. Miroku sat behind her, to help protect her just in case. His wind tunnel was useless for this battle, they needed to collect the shard, not have it lost forever.

That should be me protecting her! The half demon thought furiously.

Sensing his momentary distraction, the demon leapt at Inu Yasha, knocking Tetsusaiga from his hands. Inu Yasha was able to roll away from the blow, and managed to avoid injury.

"What are you going to do now that your big sword is gone, boy?" mocked the demon, laughing.

Letting out a deep snarl, Inu Yasha closed on the demon rapidly. "Iron Reaver (I don't think there is a comma in the name of this attack, but I may be wrong) Soul Stealer!" as he moved, he clawed across the demon's torso, knocking it to the ground. Landing on his enemy's chest, Inu Yasha leaned close to its face. His eyes flashed dangerously as he whispered, "I've always worked better with my hands!"

Bringing his right hand back, he swept it across the beast's neck, removing its head from the rest of the body. Standing from the corpse, Inu Yasha retrieved his sword, and re-sheathed it. As the hand guard clicked against the sheath, he fell to his knees, in obvious pain. Clutching his head, he rocked forward so his head rested on the ground.

"Inu Yasha!" Kagome cried out as Kirara landed next to the fallen hanyou.

"Get, get away from me, Kagome!" he warned through clenched teeth.

"Hold, Kagome," urged Miroku, grabbing her arm. "Look at his eyes!"

She gasped as she noticed his eyes changing from normal, to solid black, to solid red, and back. "What's happening to you Inu Yasha?"

Squeezing his eyes shut, Inu Yasha slammed both fists into the ground. Kagome broke free of the monk's grasp and rushed to her comrade's side.

"What's happening to you Inu Yasha?" she repeated, reaching her hand out to let it rest on his shoulder. At her touch, he let out an angry hiss and collapsed the rest of the way to the ground, Kagome passing out atop him.

Sango returned from retrieving Hiraikotsu to find Miroku standing above their friend's unconscious and prone forms, looking thoughtfully at them. "What happened to them?" she asked.

"Huh?" asked the monk, his thoughts broken. "You mean you didn't see?"

"No, as soon as Inu Yasha had taken the thing's head off, I went to get Hiraikotsu," she replied.

"Well, I'm not sure. I've never seen Inu Yasha fight so fearsomely or as brutally as he did when he lost Tetsusaiga. As soon as the demon was dead, he went and got his sword. As soon as he had it sheathed, he fell to the ground in pain, his eyes flashing strangely. Almost like when he's in his full-demon-like state. But when Kagome rushed over and touched his shoulder, both of them passed out."

"Wonderful. Well, you load them up on Kirara, I'm going to get the jewel shard out of its head," she instructed, gesturing at their fallen foe. "When we get them back to the inn, you're going to have to distract the innkeeper while I sneak Inu Yasha in through the back."

"Hmmm, sounds like a plan," he agreed.

Back at the inn, Miroku pulled the innkeeper aside and distracted the man with tales of a dark ominous cloud hanging over the building. The innkeeper gave him a suspicious look even when the monk assured the man that it would be his pleasure to put up wards against the dark cloud. It wasn't until Miroku added that it would be free of charge did the man's face change, into a broad grin. At this point, Sango was making her second trip up to the room, this time carrying Kagome up the stairs.

"What's wrong with that girl?" the innkeeper asked, suspicion creeping back into his voice.

"Her? Oh, um, she's, uh, one of my followers. She took in a little too much sun today is all," Miroku lied, smiling in a reassuring manner.

"Oh, then why is she dressed so strangely?"

"She's, uh, a bit eccentric, if you know what I mean."

"Just so long as she's okay and not a danger to the other guests…"

"She's harmless. I give you my word that she'll be no trouble what so ever."

Having assured the innkeeper, Miroku mounted the steps, and quickly made his way to the room he was sharing with Sango. His roommate was leading against the far wall, under the room's window, catching her breath. Inu Yasha and Kagome lay next to one another on Miroku and Sango's sleeping mats.

"I-huff-don't know-puff-what he's-huff, huff-have been eating, but he weighs a ton!" Sango gasped out, giving Inu Yasha a light kick to the ribs.

"How are they doing?" the monk inquired.

"No change since they first collapsed," the demon slayer answered, having caught her breath.

"I wonder what could have happened to them," Miroku wondered aloud.

"If I may offer a theory," said a tiny voice from Miroku's shoulder.

"Myoga? Is that you?" asked Sango, looking around for the flea demon.

"Why, yes it is," he answered.

"What are you doing here?" Miroku asked his friend's cowardly vassal.

"Well, when I head of Lord Inu Yasha's brother's demise, and what had been left to him, I sought out Toto-sai. I was wondering if there would be any negative side effects of my Lord carrying both blades. When I got to his dwelling, he was not at home, and the natives seemed less then happy to see me. So, I came in search of Lord Inu Yasha."

"You mean, you ran away," corrected Miroku.

"Well, what do you think is wrong with him?" demanded Sango.

"First, would one of you kindly tell me what transpired to leave Lord Inu Yasha and Lady Kagome in such a state?" the flea requested. Miroku quickly informed Myoga of the day's events. "I see, well then it would seem that their comas are linked. If we bring one out, then the other should follow. Sango, please take the Tenseiga from Inu Yasha."

Sango looked at Miroku for help, but he only shrugged. Standing, she walked over and untied the cord that held Tenseiga to Inu Yasha's body. As she pulled it from him, he began to stir. His eyes shot open as soon as the sword had been totally removed.

He grabbed Sango's wrist and took a breath when Myoga's voice stopped what he had been about to angrily say to Sango. "I wouldn't suggest that milord."

"Myoga? What the hell are you doing here? Wait, where is here? What happened to Kagome?!" he reached out his hand toward her arm. Her eyes fluttered open at his touch.

"Inu-Inu Yasha?" she asked, sitting up. "Are you okay?" The concern for him was clear in her voice.

"I'm fine, are you okay?'

"Yeah, what are we doing back at the inn?"

"If you'll both be quiet for one moment, then I'll be more then happy to answer all of your questions!" exclaimed the excited and irritated flea.

Picking his small vassal up off Miroku's shoulder, Inu Yasha held him between his thumb and middle finger. "Well?" he prompted the flea. The frightened insect explained everything that had happened, with Sango and Miroku filling in the details of the battle.

"Feh, give me my sword back," he said, dismissing Myoga's warnings. Reaching out, he snatched it from Sango's grasp before anyone could do anything, and promptly passed out.

"Inu Yasha!" Kagome exclaimed, grabbing his shoulder. She quickly joined him, passed out on the floor.

After rousing both of them, again, Myoga was able to convince Inu Yasha to let someone else hang on to Tenseiga for the trip out to visit Toto-sai. They began to plan for their trip to the sword smith when there was a loud banging on the door.

"Are you in there, monk?" the innkeeper demanded loudly.

"Oh no, it's the innkeeper! Quickly Inu Yasha, hide." Miroku whispered urgently. Kagome threw a blanket over the hanyou's head and shoved him, sitting down, in the corner, next to her bag.

"Please just stay here and quiet," she pleaded softly.

"Feh, fine," he agreed.

"Thanks," she replied, kissing him on the cheek quickly.

When he felt her lips press against his skin, his eyes went wide, and he could feel the blush rise in his face. Whoa! Did Kagome just kiss me? He pondered silently.

As she pulled her head out form under the blanket, she felt her cheeks heat as she blushed. Did I just kiss him? What was I thinking? As she thought, she brought her hand up to her lips.

"What can I do for you, my good man?" Miroku inquired, sliding the door open before the innkeeper could resume his pounding.

"I thought I heard voices coming from this room as I walked down the hallway. I just wanted to make sure you and these young women were okay," supplied the innkeeper, looking around the room in suspicion.

"We are fine, I was simply sharing some of the Buddha's teachings with my followers here," Miroku said. Both women smiled at the innkeeper and nodded their heads vigorously.

"When do you think that you'll be able to take care of this dark presence you sense?"

"Just as soon as we are done eating the evening meal. Then tomorrow, my followers and I will be leaving."

"Oh, so soon?" the innkeeper stepped out the doorway to allow Miroku, Sango, and Kagome to follow him.

"I'll meet you later at the tree," Kagome whispered back into the room, knowing that Inu Yasha's ears would hear her. Then she turned, to follow the others down stairs.

Her last remark wasn't the only thing that Inu Yasha's ears were able to pick up. He was also able to hear the conversation between the innkeeper and Miroku as they walked down the hall.

"Who was she talking to?" the innkeeper asked.

"No one, she's a bit of an eccentric, as I said. But worry not, she is harmless," Miroku assured the innkeeper.

"Why do you keep her with you then?"

"Well, I hope that perhaps the Buddha's teachings will help to cure her," the voices faded as they went down the stairs. Inu Yasha was still lost in thought over Kagome's kiss.

"Err, master Inu Yasha?" Myoga asked tentatively.

"Huh?" answered the half demon, his thoughts returning to the present. "What do you want, Myoga?"

"Well master, perhaps we should leave before they come back. I believe Lady Kagome said something about a tree?"

"Oh, right. Come on then." Inu Yasha crawled out form under the blanket and opened the window. Checking to make sure he was clear, he climbed out of the window, closing it behind him, and leapt form the windowsill. He quickly made his way out of the town. Once he was far enough away, he took to the trees, leaping from branch to branch, he found the tree he and Kagome had slept in the previous night.

Finding a comfortable branch, the same one he had shared with Kagome, the inu hanyou shut his eyes in an attempt to sleep.

"Uh, Lord Inu Yasha?"

"What now, Myoga?"

"Uh, I was just wondering if something had changed between you and Lady Kagome that I should know about."

"Nothing's changed, and even if it had, I doubt that it would be any of your business anyway."

"Well, it's just tha-"

"Drop it, Myoga!" Inu Yasha commanded in an irritated voice.

"Of course, my Lord."

Night was almost upon them by the time Inu Yasha heard Kagome coming. Dropping to the ground, he leaned against the tree's trunk to await her arrival.

As she entered the clearing that surrounded the tree of Inu Yasha's choice, his senses were flooded with her. His eyes hungrily roamed over her body, delighting in her every move. His nose was filled with the scent that was simply her. Her voice was like the sweetest music he had every heard, every word caressed his ears.

"Hi, Inu Yasha, sorry we had to hide you like that, but the innkeeper ended up all but asking me to leave," she laughed. "What's wrong?" she asked, noticing the strange look on his face, concern evident in her voice. "Why are you looking at me like that, Inu Yasha?"

He moved forward, the movement so quick and smooth; he seemed to flow toward her. He stopped just short of running her down, and inhaled her scent deeply. Reaching out, he slid his hands down her arms, enjoying the luxurious feel of her soft smooth skin. His chest rumbled in a deep purr of pleasure.

"Wha-what are you doing Inu Yasha?" she asked, worry seeping into her voice, and fear into her scent. When he didn't respond, she continued, "You're frightening me Inu Yasha."

Squeezing his eyes shut, he shook his head to clear his thoughts. "What do you mean, wench?" was his reflexively acidic response. He knew she hated being called that, and as soon as the word had left his lips, he wanted nothing more in the world then to be able to take it back. That wasn't what I meant to say damn it! As he thought, he could smell fury rising in her scent.

Her whole body went stiff, "I guess I was wrong about you! I thought you had grown up. I guess I was wrong, you're still acting like a child."

"Maybe you were, bitch," he cursed himself as every word left his mouth. Damn it, I didn't mean to say that either! Why can't I say what I want to?

"Fine!" she shouted angrily, tears forming in her eyes, "Take your stupid dinner." As she said this, she shoved a small paper bag he hadn't noticed her carrying into his hands. "I hope you choke on it, you arrogant jerk!" With that, she stormed off into the woods, reeking of fury, and of hurt.

As she went, he reached a hand out as if to stop her and whispered, "Don't go Kagome. I'm sorry for being a jerk. That wasn't what I meant to say. Thanks for thinking of me and bringing me dinner." His words we so quiet that he barely heard them himself.

"Um, my lord-"

"Shut up and leave me alone Myoga."

The flea watched as his obviously depressed master took the bag and disappeared in the opposite direction of the angry Miko. Hmm, the flea thought to himself, perhaps I can talk to her, make her see that he didn't mean those things he said; although I really don't know why he did say them.

Resolute in his decision, the insect demon took off in search of Kagome. He found her not far away, kneeling in the dirt, and crying quietly.

"My Lady Kagome?" he asked softly.

"Myoga? -sniff- Did he send you to keep tabs on me?" the young woman asked.

"Uh, no, milady. He wandered off looking more depressed then he did when his mother died. I came to you of my own accord."

"Oh, what do you want then?"

"I wanted to tell you something, something that happened right after you left." She looked at him in confusion, then worry.

"Did, something happen to him?" Concern overcoming the anger in her voice.

"As soon as you turned, he whispered something to you. He said, `Don't go Kagome. I'm sorry for being a jerk. That wasn't what I meant to say. Thanks for thinking of me and bringing me dinner.'"

"Well, he had better learn how to say those things when I can hear them," she muttered.

"Uh, yes my lady. However, I really don't think that you should take any of these nasty things he says to heart. Have you noticed that when he is nice he is nicer then before and when he is mean he is meaner then he used to be?" Seeing the girl nod, he continued, "I think that it might have something to do with Tetsusaiga and Tenseiga."

"So, what you're saying is that I should ignore both the good and the bad?"

"No, I think that the one draws out is inner feelings, and allows him to share them, while the other causes him to become more protective of his feelings, far more then usual."

"Oh, great! Now I have a manic-depressive half demon to contend with, figures I'd fall for someone like that." As she said the last words, her eyes grew huge and she grabbed Myoga. "You must promise me that you will never tell him I said that, or feel that way!"

"Of course, my lady, you have my word that I will never tell another soul what you have just revealed to me. However, I am here if you ever need to confide in someone. If I might be so bold, I would suggest not keeping your feelings concealed for too long, he needs to hear you say those words."

"Thanks Myoga, I'll think about what you said. Now if you don't mind, I'm going to set my sleeping bag set up somewhere and get some much needed rest," she punctuated this with a yawn.

"As you will, I must return now to my master. Goodnight." She waved the flea away with one hand, while the other covered her yawning mouth.

Myoga didn't have far to go. While he had been talking with Kagome, Inu Yasha had been listening from a nearby branch, where he could neither see, nor be seen by Kagome.

"My lord, what are you doing here?" asked the surprised flea.

"Shh, keep your voice down," he hissed in reply. "Even if I say nasty and mean things to her, I still must protect her. I can't very well do that if I don't know where she is, now can I?"

"Of course, my lord, uh, did you hear us talking?"

"Yeah."

"Then what do you think abou-"

"I don't want to talk about it Myoga. Just get some sleep," he said, cutting the old flea off.

"Of course Lord Inu Yasha." He waited until he was sure that Inu Yasha was asleep then took a long drink of his blood. Once his belly was full, he too went to sleep. While Myoga slept deeply, Inu Yasha's sleep was light and fitful.

Every time he heard a sound come from the area Kagome was in, he awoke. He finally got so paranoid, he moved to another tree where he could observe her, unseen. As he watched, he could tell that her sleep was uneasy.

She muttered in her sleep, and he could hear it. At first, he tried to ignore it, but every so often, he heard a few words that he understood, and curiosity got the better of him. Stealthfully, he crept down the tree, leaving Myoga behind, and made his way across the ground to where Kagome was sleeping.

Leaning very close to her, he was able to make out some of what she was saying. One word in particular. "Sit." With that one faint utterance, Inu Yasha's body collapsed and fell the six inches that had been separating them. The force of impact from Inu Yasha's body caused the young Miko to waken rather abruptly.

Her first thought was confusion over what or who was lying so heavily upon her. Once she realized who it was, she then felt a deep blush rise in her cheeks from the embarrassment of having their bodies pressed so closely together.

She could feel his powerful arms on either side of her body. His broad, well-muscled chest pressed hard against her breasts. His hair had fallen onto her face, and she was surrounded by its smell; mostly his scent, but also a faint trace of tree sap and fresh air. As he growled, trying to get up off her, she could feel his chest rumble, causing her body to vibrate in a not so unpleasant manner.

The spell was starting to wear off, and she was tempted to cast it again to have the feel of him against her for just a bit longer. She then remembered that she was very angry with him, and considered recasting it for a totally different reason.

Shoving him off of her, she yelled, "Get off me, Inu Yasha! What the hell are you doing here? Why were you laying on top of me? Are you mute now, or just deaf?

I'm sorry, I was just checking to make sure you were okay, he thought. But when he opened his mouth, "I was laying on you because you sat me, bitch," was all that came out.

"Why were you right over me?"

Because I love to watch you sleep. You're not mad at me, and you look so peaceful. "You were babbling in your sleep to the point that I couldn't sleep. I was trying to shut your damn mouth, wench."

"Why were you anywhere near me? I thought I made it clear I didn't want to see you for a while when I told you to choke on your dinner."

Because I need to protect you, Kagome. If anything happened to you, I don't know if I could continue to live. "Because I can't have your dumb ass dying on me, I still need you to find the shards for me."

"Is that all I am to you; just a shard detector?" Before he could say anything, he clamped his mouth shut so tight Kagome could hear his teeth creek. In reply to her question, he simply shook his head.

"Well? Aren't you going to answer?" she demanded, pulling his face close to hers. Se could see an inner conflict in his eyes, and how hard he was struggling not to open his mouth and respond.

Taking a deep breath, she was ready to demand that he respond again when she remembered what Myoga had said. Looking deep into his eyes, she could tell that the silent side was winning the struggle, and she could see worry starting to creep in. Worry about what she was going to do and say next. There was something else there too, she couldn't quite tell what it was.

Is that remorse? It couldn't be, yet that's what it looks like. Is he actually sorry about what he said?! Is that why he's not talking now? Closing her eyes, she leaned in even closer. For the second time that day, she kissed him, but this time on the lips.

When he made no response, she pulled her head back. Surprise was written all over his face. It was tinted with a touch of relief, and happiness. Before she could say anything, he closed the distance between their lips, and pressed his to hers. Overcoming her initial surprise, she closed her eyes again, and kissed him back.

What started as a chaste kiss, quickly deepened and grew in passion. Kagome gasp slightly when she felt his tongue pressing lightly against her lips. She opened her mouth some, and was rewarded by the feel of his warm tongue pressing against her own. They continued kissing, probing and teasing each other until they had to stop for air. Kagome opened her eyes slowly, and found a pair of golden ones looking deep into them. She smiled and pulled him down next to her. She tucked her head under his chin, and cuddled against him. He wrapped one arm protectively around her waist, and brought the other up to cushion her head.

Myoga watched from the tree with a small grin on his face. He decided that he would wait to see what happened in the morning before he would do or say anything.