InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ The Runaway Heart ❯ Broken Memories ( Chapter 2 )

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

 

 

The next morning Kagome awakens early to the cheerful sounds of nature and smiles.

 

 

 

“Mmmm,” she moans while stretching lazily.  “Guess I really was tired, after all.  I slept like a rock.”  Kagome slowly sits up and looks around her, finding some rather large, thick, blue and yellow leaves, covering her body.  “I’ve never seen anything like these before.” she says pushing them aside, and then stares up to watch the birds flying above, and the few remaining stars disappearing, one by one as the morning sky slowly brightens, changing its hues from a dusky orange to a bright azure blue.

 

 

 

“Yes!  It’s a brand-new day, the day I’m finally going back home.”  Kagome looks down, finding many of the scratches on her body have somehow disappeared.  “My body…where did all the bruises go?  Could it be these leaves,” she whispers curiously lifting up a leaf, “are they medicinal or something?  Wonder if I can stand now.”  The young woman attempts to get to her feet, grateful to find she can indeed stand.

 

 

 

“I guess you were right, Astroth,” smiles Kagome dusting off her clothes.  “I did need to rest.  I feel a lot better than I did last night.”  She reaches behind to rub her back.  “Still, I…do feel a little stiff and sore.  But it’s nothing compared to the way I was feeling before.  I’ll feel even better once I start walking.  It should be the best medicine for stiffness.  Now.”  Kagome puts a finger to her chin while looking in different directions.  (Where should I go from here?  It would be kind of helpful to know where I came from in the first place.)

 

 

 

Kagome tries hard to recollect, what had happened to her the night before.  However, due to her broken memories, the young miko can’t remember how or why she came to be in this strange place or where she truly belongs.  Again, she stretches and yawns.  “It sure is bright and cheery today, don’t you think Astroth?  There’s probably lots of hunters hunting today.  We’ll probably run into someone on my way home…or at the very least find somebody who will tell us where I live.  We can start out now if you want.”

 

 

 

Kagome taking in her current surroundings discovers bright colored red and black berries sitting on another large leaf lying close to where she slept the night before.  “Wow, thanks Astroth” exclaims Kagome with a smile, “These look delicious!  Why not come down and we’ll eat these together?  After all we might have a long walk ahead of us.”  She kneels and clasps her hands together, whispers a quiet thank you and begins to eat.  Popping a large red berry into her mouth the young miko looks up toward the huge rock not far from her.  “Astroth?”  There is no reply.  “Aren’t you hungry?  We should get set off after I eat, ok?”  Still only silence.  “Didn’t you hear me Astroth?  I said I’m going home.  You are coming with me, aren’t you?”  The wind playing among the trees is the only sound she hears.  “Hmm.”  (Strange little demon.  Wonder where she is?  Maybe she has a home after all.)  The young miko frowns.  (Though I did hit my head pretty hard last night, so I guess I could have imagined her.)  She gives a slight shrug of her shoulders and pops another berry into her mouth.  (No that can’t be true.  These leaves weren’t here before, and then there’re these berries so someone must have taken care of me last night.)

 

 

 

Kagome continues eating her breakfast while again looking around her.  (I am kind of worried though.  Why is it I can’t seem to remember anything.  What could have happened?  My name is all I can remember.  Do I have a family… a husband perhaps…a home?  Probably have lots of brothers and sisters too.  Maybre that’s what happened.  We were all playing some game last night and I just got lost, that’s all.)  This odd dilemma worries the young woman, somewhat, but she doesn't allow it get the best of her.  (My family is more than likely searching for me right now.  They must be really worried because I didn’t come home last night.)  A sad look comes into the miko’s eyes.  (But what if there is no family?  I mean no one’s found me yet.  I could be all alone in this world.  Man is that ever a depressing thought.)  A look of determination crosses the young miko’s face.  “Oh, come on, Kagome get a grip.  It doesn’t matter if you’re alone or not.  You belong somewhere and that somewhere isn’t here.  So, stop thinking all these negative thoughts, suck it up, and get moving already.”

 

 

 

After finishing her small meal, Kagome bravely sets off; slowly following a slightly worn path leading away from the strange clearing, and hopefully to where she may have come from.  It isn't long before she discovers a large lake, surrounded by tall white stripped trees and beautiful, flowering bushes; Kagome is sure she has never seen before.  A large outcropping, of four large oddly shaped rocks; sit tall in the middle of the large lake.  With water trickling down their many surfaces, they add a soothing almost melodic sound to the beautiful scenery.  The young woman, kneels down and stares into the depths of the dark water; finding herself looking back at her.

 

 

 

“What was I doing last night?” she quietly asks the reflected image.  “Where do I go from here?”  The image gives no reply and the miko frowns.  “Well, you’re certainly no help.”

 

 

 

The young woman shrugs her shoulders, cups her hands and dips them into the cool lake to take a drink of water and splashes some on her face.  The cold liquid feels quite refreshing to her dry, parched, throat and skin.  

 

 

 

(Alright.  My name’s Kagome,) she thought becoming a little dizzy.  (And for some reason, I was…was running through the forest last night.  So where was I running to and why was it so important for me to get there?  Could it be something was actually chasing me?  A demon maybe?)  Feeling dizzy and disoriented, the young miko raises her hand to her head while narrowing her eyes.  (That’s odd.  I felt fine a minute ago, so why is everything spinning and looking so fuzzy, like cotton?)  Kagome violently shakes her head, attempting to drive the strange cobwebs out.  She becomes even dizzier, confused, and bewildered.  “Am I losing my mind?  What’s happening to me?”  The young woman worriedly looks back to where she came from.  (Which way…which way am I supposed to go?  Where am I supposed to go?  Is it that way or,) she looks toward another slightly beaten path, (or that way?)  

 

 

 

“Awwwe,” she yells frustrated.  “I CAN’T STAND THIS!  SOMEBODY COME FIND ME ALREADY…PLEASE!!!”  A sad look enters her eyes.  “I want to go home,” she says a little quieter a tear escaping her eyes.  Kagome’s surroundings become more blurred and again she violently shakes her head.  “Is this Astroth’s doing?  She wanted me to stay with her so she might have given me those, berries to make me sick.  Probably why I can’t seem to focus on anything right now.”  The young miko slowly stands.  With legs trembling she quickly leans back against a nearby tree to keep from falling down.  “Geez, I must be sick if I can’t even stand straight.  It’s almost like I’m drunk or something.”  She pushes away from the tree and slowly straightens.  (Well sick or not, no way am I going to stick around and be Astroth’s plaything,) she thought determined.  “I’ve got to get home.”

 

 

 

The young woman picks a direction and, swaying from side to side, begins her long journey home, following the strange beaten path, before her.  She soon pauses to deeply breathe in the lovely scent of wild flowers, brought in by a soft, cooling, breeze blowing gently throughout the forest.  Before starting off again she becomes aware of strange quiet sounds...much like whispers, seemingly coming from the forest surrounding her.  Curious, Kagome pulls her long hair back behind her ears to listen.

 

 

 

“Unloved!” accuses the trees.

 

 

 

“Huh?” says Kagome her eyes widening in surprise.  “Who are you?”

 

 

 

“Yes!  Betrayed much, be she!” says the voices.  “Her soul shattered!”

 

 

 

“Forget, must she, no?!”

 

 

 

“Forget?” asks Kagome worriedly looking around her.  “Forget what?  Who are you talking about?”

 

 

 

“Yes…yes!  Forget…she must forget,” repeats the many voices.

 

 

 

“Her poor spirit…tis broken, it be.  Her soul no longer has spark.”

 

 

 

“Pity…pity the little one,” replies another voice.  “Pity we must.”

 

 

 

“Hey!  I can hear you; you know!” yells Kagome becoming irritated.  “Mind telling me who you’re talking about?”

 

 

 

“Cry we must!” exclaim many voices.  “Cry, cry, cry!  Cry!  Cry for the unloved one!  Her fate, sad it be.”

 

 

 

“Much betrayed…lost and alone she be.”

 

 

 

“Hellooo?” calls Kagome continuing to look up through the branches of the tall trees.  “This isn’t funny Astroth.”

 

 

 

“Betrayed…forget she must,” replies the whispers.

 

 

 

“Who was betrayed?” calls Kagome.  “Who’s alone?”  Silence.  A frown creases her forehead.  (Am I, going insane?  I did hear something, didn’t I?  Was it me, they were talking about?)  Kagome looks back to where she came from and her frown deepens.  (Or was it, Astroth?  Has she been betrayed by someone?  Is she alone?  That has to be it.  Maybe I shouldn’t have been so quick to leave there, after all.  If she’s alone then maybe I could help…)  Kagome turns and starts back, then after a few steps stops and shakes her head.

 

 

 

“Oh, come on girl,” says the young miko, laughing.  “You’re being delusional.  You know trees don’t talk!  Mind’s just playing tricks on you, that’s all.”  She hesitantly turns and trying to ignore the sad sounds above her, again sets off through the forest, following the strange, faint, beaten path ahead.  (It’s those strange berries, I ate earlier,) she thought.  (They’re doing things to my mind.  They’re making me hear things.  If I don’t leave this forest soon, I’ll start seeing things like flying pink elephants and hearing talking polka dot rabbits.)  Picking up her pace, Kagome continues onward, humming loudly to keep the strange sounds in the trees at bay.  (It’s just my imagination… just my imagination…)

 

 

 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

 

 

 

The sun rises higher, in the sky, and after what seems to have been a long walk, Kagome, tired and worn out, finally leaves the forest.  Entering a large field, she finds an old wooden weather beaten well surrounded by tall grass, and ancient looking trees.  (Have I…been here before?  Sort of looks familiar,) Kagome thought hesitantly looking around her.  (At least I think it does.)  Hoping to find water, Kagome runs to the old well and looks down into its vast darkness.  (What?!  Empty,) she thought disappointedly?  “Must not have rained around here in a long while.  It looks completely dry.”  The young woman wipes the sweat from her brow, turns and leans back against the old structure.

 

 

 

“Well, this is just great!” she says sarcastically.  “I finally get out of that strange forest only to end up in some field, with a dried up old well, no less.  And where is everyone!  Surely, I would have at least run into a traveler or hunter by now.”  Frustrated Kagome cries out to the wind.  “HEY!  IS ANYBODY HERE?  I KNOW I’M NOT THE ONLY PERSON ON EARTH PEOPLE!”  The gentle blowing wind is her only reply.  The woman sighs, “At least I hope I’m not.”  Her stomach begins to slightly grumble and she rubs it.  (I’m starting to get hungry.  Wonder if there’s a tea house close by.)

 

 

 

As if on cue, the wind gently blows and an enticing odor of meat, being roasted nearby, attacks the young woman’s senses.  Kagome deeply inhales the odors and smiles as her stomach grumbles louder.  (That meat can’t be cooking itself,) she thought.  (Meaning somewhere around here there’s either a campsite or a village nearby.  I’m almost home.)  The hungry miko gives her stomach a swift pat, and quickens her steps, following the delicious aroma.

 

 

 

Her nose leads her to a small village.  Farmers are seen working in large rice fields and various gardens while the women are about their business as well, doing laundry and chasing their laughing young children.

 

 

 

(This sure is a lively village,) thought the young miko looking around her.  (I wonder if I can find something to eat here.)  Kagome continues her search.  (This could be my home, couldn’t it; where I belong?  I sure hope so though I don’t seem to recognize this place.  But maybe if I keep looking, I’ll find someone who knows me and will tell me where I live.)  As she continues through the village, a small pain develops in her head, becoming sharper, and the miko’s steps slow.  (Where do I belong?  Where should I go?)  Kagome bites her lip while quickly lifting her hand to soothe her head while leaning against a wall.  (I can’t stand this pain much longer.  Can’t somebody… help me?)

 

 

 

“Kagome?”

 

 

 

(Huh?)  The young miko, slightly jumps hearing her name, then suddenly pauses.

 

 

 

“Kagome?!” again asks a strange voice guardedly.  “Is that really you?”

 

 

 

The young miko slowly turns, toward the voice, finding a young woman, perhaps, a year or two older than she, with brown eyes and long dark brown hair tied low with a ribbon for a ponytail.  She stands about the same height as the young miko and is smiling at her as if they were friends.

 

 

 

(Who is she?  Do I know her,) thought Kagome staring curiously at the stranger?  (My… sister perhaps?)  “You mean me?”

 

 

 

“I thought it was you, Kagome.  Thank goodness you’re safe!”  The strange woman runs to and tightly embraces the puzzled young woman.  “Everyone’s been so worried about you.”

 

 

 

“They have?  Why?”  (Why didn’t someone come looking for me then?)

 

 

 

The young slayer feels something's not quite right with her friend for the young miko stiffens in her embrace.  She loosens her hold to look into her companion's confused eyes.  “Kagome?  What happened?  Why didn’t you come back last night?” she asks concerned.

 

 

 

“Huh?”

 

“You did go home didn’t you… through the well?”

 

 

 

“What well?” replies Kagome, surprised.  (Was that dried up old well my… home?)

 

 

 

“You told us you needed some supplies and was coming right back.  When you didn’t return right away, we were all worried something might have happened to you.”

 

 

 

(So I live in that old well, huh?)  The young woman looks back to where she came from.  (Just how poor am I?)

 

 

 

“That’s what you told us, at least,” says Sango concerned.  “Did you have to take some test or something?  Is that why you coming back so late?”

 

 

 

“I don’t…” replies Kagome more confused.

 

 

 

“It doesn’t matter.  You’re back now and you’re safe,” replies the slayer with a nod and a smile.  “Though, you really should have taken your weapons with you when you’re out alone like that.”

 

 

 

“I’m sorry,” replies Kagome quietly.  “I must have forgot them.  I really didn’t mean to make anyone worry.”

 

 

 

“That’s ok.  Miroku took some of the villagers out with him last night, to search for you.  Most of them are back now but there are some still out there still looking.  Like InuYasha.”  Sango rolls her eyes.  “Would you believe how he...”

 

 

 

The strange name InuYasha causes a sharper, violent, pain to run through Kagome’s body causing her to quickly grab her head while almost doubling over.

 

 

 

“What’s the matter Kagome?!  Are you sick?” yells Sango alarmed quickly reaching to keep her friend from falling to the ground.  “Hey!  Kagome!”  The slayer’s voice echoes and pulsates in the miko’s head and ears causing her to become even more bewildered and disoriented.  “Can you hear me Kagome?  What’s wrong!”  The young miko looks up, with confusion and pain in her eyes.  

 

 

 

“Man, you look terrible, says Sango worriedly.  “Perhaps you should have just stayed home, if you’re this sick.  We would have understood.  Well…maybe not everyone.  Not InuYasha but he...”  The miko groans even louder causing the slayer to become more worried.  “Come on Kagome.”  The slayer gently places her arm around the young woman’s waist and helps her on her feet.  “Let’s go find Kaede.”

 

 

 

“Kaede?” asks Kagome uncertainly.

 

 

 

“Yeah,” replies Sango with a short nod.  “If anyone would know what to do for you, it would be her.”

 

 

 

“Oh…I see,” says Kagome hesitantly.  (Maybe she has medicine that will make this pain go away.)

 

 

 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

 

 

 

Sango holds onto the silent suffering young miko tightly, while slowly leading her through the village.  Many of the villagers stop and stare, as the two pass them, some even bow.

 

 

 

(Why are they bowing,) thought the bewildered young miko with a frown?  (Is this person really that important?  Maybe she’s the priestess here.)

 

 

 

Finally arriving at a small dwelling, the slayer lifts the thin straw flap.  The smell of brewing herbs suddenly attacks Kagome's nose and she breathes them in.  The odors, themselves, seem quite familiar to the young miko; very pleasing, and relaxing.  Yet, like everything else, Kagome just can't place them.  After entering the strange hut, Kagome finds the source of the strange odors coming from a large pot, placed over a small fire.  (Don’t tell me,) thought Kagome worriedly.  (Kaede’s a witch, right?)

 

 

 

“Welcome back Kagome!” says a male voice happily.

 

 

 

The young woman’s eyes widen at the strange voice and she slightly jumps in Sango’s embrace who, in turn looks at the young miko, curious as to why she would act in such a manner.

 

 

 

(What now,) thought Kagome turning?  (Haven’t I been through enough already?)  She finds sitting on the floor in the corner of the hut a very nice looking young, man, who is staring up at her, smiling.  The nameless man wearing monk’s clothing has deep, sparkling, blue eyes and short black hair tied back in a short ponytail.  She also notices his nice but flirtatious smile.  Kagome huddles closer to the slayer.  (A monk,) she thought.  (And a perverted monk, at that.)

 

 

 

“Is something wrong, Kagome?” asks the slayer curiously.  “It’s only Miroku.”

 

 

 

(Miro…ku.  Nope, doesn’t ring a bell.) 

 

 

 

“Where ever did you find our wondering miko, Sango?” asks the monk in an amused voice.

 

 

 

“What?” answers Sango, still curious about the young miko’s actions.  “Oh, um…well I didn’t find her, Miroku.  Not exactly.”

 

 

 

“You didn’t?”

 

 

 

The slayer slightly shakes her head.  “No.  She just walked into the village a short time ago.  Didn’t you, Kagome?”  The miko gives a slow uncertain nod.

 

 

 

“I see.  How was your trip home, Kagome?” asks Miroku.  “Was it successful?”

 

 

 

Kagome shrugs her shoulder.  (Seems these two know me well enough.  So, I must be in the right place.  I’m home.)

 

 

 

“I was quite concerned when you left here without your back pack last night,” says the monk looking at the young miko curiously.  “You seldom leave it behind whenever you return home.”

 

 

 

“I must have forgotten it,” replies Kagome timidly.  “I’m sorry.”

 

 

 

“Don’t be,” he says, standing to his full height of six feet while brushing his robes.  Kagome takes a step back behind Sango adding to the slayer’s curiosity.  “I’m sure you have your reasons for leaving it behind.”  The monk walks to the door.

 

 

 

“Where’re you going, now Miroku?” asks Sango suspiciously.

 

 

 

“Out,” replies the monk.  “Now that Kagome’s finally returned, I thought it best I go out and find InuYasha since …”

 

 

 

“Nooo!” cries the miko grabbing her head and feeling her legs threatening to give way.  “Please…not again!”

 

 

 

“Kagome?” the slayer cries as she tightens her hold around the miko’s body.  “What is it?”

 

 

 

“Hey,” says Miroku worriedly, reaching out to help Sango.  “What’s happening to her?  Was it something I said?”

 

 

 

“Don't know,” says Sango shaking her head, tightening her hold around Kagome’s waist.  “She did this same thing when I found her outside.  I thought it best to bring her straight here so Kaede could look at her.”  The slayer looks around the room.  “Where is she anyway?”

 

 

 

“Out in her garden collecting more herbs for whatever it is she's brewing there,” says Miroku worriedly while nodding toward the large pot.  “She told me she wouldn’t be long.”

 

 

 

Kagome is really in the dark as to who these two strange people are.  They seem to know her, quite well, yet she hasn't a clue as to who they are or what their relationship is to her.  The young miko curiously looks from the concerned slayer to the monk, attempting to find something, anything, familiar about them, but their faces leave her feeling lost and more confused.  The pain in the young woman’s head worsens and she raises her hand to rub her temple.

 

 

 

“Um, excuse me?” asks Kagome with pain in her voice.

 

 

 

“What is it, Kagome?” asks Sango and Miroku concerned.

 

 

 

“It’s this headache,” replies the young miko painfully still rubbing her temple.  “It just won't go away for some reason.  Is there some place where I can lay down and rest for a while?  I promise not to get in the way or anything.”

 

 

 

“I’m sorry,” replies Sango apologetically.  “I wasn’t thinking.  Your sleeping bag is over there where you left it.”  The slayer leads the young miko to her sleeping bag and helps her to settle down.  “I’ll find Kaede for you.  I shouldn’t be gone too long so you just lie here and rest.”

 

 

 

“Thanks,” replies the young miko quietly, feeling the pain beginning to slightly subside.

 

 

 

“Sure.”

 

 

 

Once, Kagome is settled, Sango leaves the hut with Miroku following close behind.  He lightly touches the slayer’s shoulder to gain her attention.

 

 

 

“Sango?”

 

 

 

“What is it?” replies the young woman turning.

 

 

 

The monk puts a finger to his lips.  “Shh.  Not here.”  He, after looking around, places his hand to the small of the slayer’s back and gives a gentle push.

 

 

 

“What’s this about, Miroku?” asks the slayer when the two are far enough away from the hut.

 

 

 

“You didn’t notice?”

 

 

 

“Notice what?”

 

 

 

“Kagome.  I don’t think it’s really her,” he whispers.

 

 

 

“Of course, it’s her monk,” replies Sango.  “Who else could it be?”

 

 

 

“You didn’t notice anything different about her at all?”

 

 

 

“Other than she has a headache, no.  Why?” replies the slayer.

 

 

 

“I see.

 

 

 

“Miroku!”

 

 

 

“I was just wondering if you perhaps found Kagome’s demeanor a bit odd, just now?”

 

 

 

“I don’t understand?”

 

 

 

“Well, she seemed so quiet … a little too quiet perhaps.”

 

 

 

“What’s wrong with that?  I’m quiet too sometimes.”

 

 

 

“Yes, Sango but... before Kagome left us last night, she was so bubbly and talkative, almost excited, you might say.  Nothing like she was just now.  And she seemed rather pale to me.”

 

 

 

“Kagome did tell us her head was hurting her some Miroku.  It could be she’s gotten disoriented somehow.”

 

 

 

“Disoriented how?”

 

 

 

“I don’t know.  Maybe she tripped on her way back and hit her head against something.”

 

 

 

“I could almost believe that if not for the fact she didn’t know where her sleeping mat was.  And she has yet to mention our names.”

 

 

 

“She just got back here Miroku.  Give her some time.  Kagome’s not feeling well and maybe she’s just a little tired.  But once Kaede gets a look at her I’m sure she’ll be just fine.”

 

 

 

“Perhaps but…

 

 

 

“But you’re thinking something’s seriously wrong with her, right?”

 

 

 

“Yes,” says Miroku rubbing his chin.  “I’m finding it strange Kagome’s acting this way.  Like she’s …well…lost for some reason.”

 

 

 

“Lost?”

 

 

 

The monk gives a slight nod.  “I suppose her headache could have something to do with it.”

 

 

 

“I see.  And that’s why you’re suspicious of her?”

 

 

 

“Aren’t you?”

 

 

 

“Not really.  Kagome has quite a lot to deal with, Miroku, both here and on the other side of the well.  All that could finally be catching up to her and she’s overwhelmed by it.”

 

 

 

“Still Sango, that strange pain she’s having.  Where did it come from?  Why did it just suddenly come on her like that?  Didn’t any of that seem odd to you in the least?”

 

 

 

“Not really.  Though it did happen once before.”

 

 

 

“It did?”

 

 

 

Sango nods.  “On our way to Kaede’s hut.  The two of us were talking when Kagome suddenly grabbed her head, almost falling over… like she did when you saw her.”

 

 

 

“I see.”

 

 

 

“And just now,” says the slayer, “Kagome acted like she very was afraid…of you, Miroku.”

 

 

 

“Me?”

 

 

 

“That’s right.  She was shaking and everything.”  Sango narrows her eyes suspiciously.  “Which makes me kind of wonder if you’ve tried something before, she left here last night?  Something perverted and she didn’t want to come back.”

 

 

 

“You know me better than that, Sango.  It never crossed my mind to do such a thing to lady Kagome.”

 

 

 

“Uh, huh.”

 

 

 

“Seriously.  I would never do such a thing.  Perhaps I just surprised her when I called out to her.”

 

 

 

“She’s never been surprised by you before monk.  And she’s known you way longer than me.”

 

 

 

“True as that may be, I can assure you, I have the utmost respect for Lady Kagome.”

 

 

 

“Yeah, yeah, whatever.  Anyway, Kagome’s back now and she’s safe, right?”

 

 

 

“Yes.  Which begs another question.”

 

 

 

“Now what?”

 

 

 

“In all the time we’ve known her Sango, has she ever gone home without taking her backpack?”

 

 

 

“Not to my knowledge.”

 

 

 

“She was supposed to have gone home for medicines and supplies, right?” replies the monk looking serious.  The slayer slowly nods.  “Well Kagome needs her backpack to carry them.  But this time she left it behind and I didn’t notice her carrying anything else when she came in the hut.”

 

 

 

“Kagome did say she forgot it; you know.”

 

 

 

“But why did she forget?  Before, whenever she forgot it, she always…” the monk looks around before lowering his voice, “always comes back for it, right?”

 

 

 

“Who are you looking for?” asks Sango as she too looks around.

 

 

 

“Naraku,” the monk simply answers.

 

 

 

“What?  Why?” asks the slayer a bit surprised.  “You’re not thinking he had anything to do with this, are you?  That he’s the reason for Kagome’s headaches?”

 

 

 

“It’s possible,” says the monk with a nod.  “He could have done something to her on her way back here, without her realizing it.  Like the time she was bitten by the well.”

 

 

 

“I don’t think so, Miroku,” says Sango.  “For one thing Kagome would sense his presence long before he could get anywhere near her.”

 

 

 

“That could be part of Naraku’s scheme though,” says the monk.  “To get close enough to Kagome to place some spell on her.  And let’s not forget he possesses the ability to change his form to anything or anyone he so chooses.  So, it is conceivable he could have been with Kagome all or at least part of way back here.  Naraku could be, watching us right now, planning his next move.”

 

 

 

“If someone were with Kagome monk, I would have seen them.  And I didn’t see anyone one else around her.  Besides, getting that close to Kagome… would be a pretty bold move on his part.  And coming into the village alone with you, me, Kaede…and InuYasha still here,” asks Sango worriedly looking around her.  “No, I just can’t see it.  And you and I both know Naraku’s a coward and has never entered a village before.”

 

 

 

“There’s always a first time Sango.  And it could be, Naraku used one of his many subordinates to get to Kagome at some point.  One who would perhaps spy on us and be certain to report back to him.”

 

 

 

“Why would he send his spies like that?  There’s nothing here for him to want.’”

 

 

 

“Don’t know,” replies the monk with a slight shrug.  “To find weaknesses perhaps.  Like times you or I would be out of the village, or maybe when InuYasha is most vulnerable which could really give him the advantage over us.  And with Kagome here, he could send someone to take the shards Kagome possesses.”

 

 

 

“Oh,” replies the slayer biting her nails.  “I see.  I guess you could be right about that.  Still… Kagome would never betray us, by giving Naraku her jewel shards Miroku no matter what he’s done to her.  But if Naraku should be skulking around out there, what should we do to keep him from attacking us or taking Kagome?”

 

 

 

“Nothing unless we can get InuYasha back here.  It would give us the upper hand should Naraku attack us.”

 

 

 

“And if InuYasha’s left the village forever, what then?”

 

 

 

“Just have to do the best we can, I guess.  But let’s hope that particular scenario doesn’t happen.  For now, though I think it would be wisest for us to keep watch, to keep Naraku from taking Kagome and from gaining any advantages over us.”

 

 

 

“Yes,” replies the slayer with a nod.  “One could never be too cautious where he’s concerned.”

 

 

 

“Exactly.  Which is why I’m going after InuYasha.  We’ll need his keen nose if Naraku is hiding himself here among us.”

 

 

 

“Then you’d better get going.  The sun’s going down and I’m sure InuYasha will want to know about this.”

 

 

 

“Yes,” agrees Miroku with a nod.  “Especially since he wants to avenge KiKyo’s death so badly.”

 

 

 

“KiKyo?” asks Sango surprised.  “You don’t think he’s concerned about Kagome?”

 

 

 

“Of course, he’s concerned.  He wants to protect Kagome.  I’m just saying since he and KiKyo may become mates soon, he would be more anxious about Naraku hanging around here than anyone.”

 

 

 

“I see,” says Sango.  “So, I take it you know where InuYasha is, right?”

 

 

 

“Oh, I’m quite sure I can find him.  And once he knows of Kagome’s return it won’t take him long to return to the village.”

 

 

 

“I sure hope his mood changes when he does,” says Sango a little surly.  “I swear, monk, that hanyou hasn't been approachable since Kagome’s disappearance last evening.  He was actually more rude than usual.  I mean he…he runs into the village…shouts, where’s Kagome, and then suddenly disappears without so much as a word to any of us as to what may have happened to her.  Plus, he threw little Shippou so far he hasn’t come back yet.”

 

 

 

“He does do things without thinking, it seems,” replies the monk.

 

 

 

“Boy is that’s ever an understatement.”

 

 

 

“I wonder what could have happened last night to upset him like that.”

 

 

 

“Oh, I can tell you what pissed him off, monk,” says Sango with a smirk, “and it has nothing to do with a demon, KiKyo or Naraku.”

 

 

 

“Oh?”

 

 

 

“Yeah!  He got upset because Kagome left here without telling him.”

 

 

 

“She’s left us before, hasn’t she?” observes the monk.

 

 

 

“Yeah.  To go home.  So?”

 

 

 

“So, InuYasha’s mood has never changed quite so drastically, before when she’s left us.  When she leaves, he either goes after her, or just sits around sulking until she finally returns.”

 

 

 

“You’re right, he does,” says Sango hesitantly.  “And last night InuYasha didn’t come in for dinner which was odd in itself.  He never misses a meal.  And as I think about it, last night, his mood did seem sort of strange, darker.  He acted almost like a full demon would act when losing his mate.”  The slayer looks anxiously at the monk.  “Say Miroku.”

 

 

 

“Yeah?”

 

 

 

“Last night…before Kagome went missing, InuYasha went out earlier to see KiKyo, didn’t he?”

 

 

 

“I believe he did,” replies Miroku with a slight nod.  “He set off toward the forest just before sunset.”

 

 

 

“I thought so,” says the slayer slowly nodding.

 

 

 

“Why do you ask?”

 

 

 

“I saw KiKyo’s soul collectors, flying around in the forest last night.  Seemed she wasn’t even trying to hide the fact she was calling or waiting for someone.”

 

 

 

“Someone meaning InuYasha?”

 

 

 

“Who else?  Why do you suppose he went out after her?”

 

 

 

Miroku heaves a heavy sigh.  “My guess is, he was worried about KiKyo’s safety and went out to protect her.”

 

 

 

“Oh, I think he had a little more on his mind than just protecting her monk.”

 

 

 

“Well, whatever the case may be Sango, InuYasha’s got to be more careful when leaving the village,” explains the monk as he again looks back toward the hut.

 

 

 

“You don’t need to tell me.  I mean, you’d think InuYasha’d be more considerate, of Kagome’s feelings than that,” says Sango.  “Anyone could have seen him leave here.”

 

 

 

“Yes, I quite agree,” replies the monk with a sigh.  “And though it pains me to say this, like any small village, news travels fast and we do have our share of gossips.”

 

 

 

“Sort of makes me wonder why we have messengers,” agrees the slayer with a nod.  “The gossips could send the news much faster than they can.  I wonder if Kagome… that before leaving for home last night she’d…”

 

 

 

“Seen him leave here as well?” asks the monk.  The slayer nods.  “I certainly hope not, Sango…for her sake.”

 

 

 

“It would break her heart if she found them together.  She loves him so much.”

 

 

 

“Well.”  The monk turns from the slayer.  “I guess I go now.  I probably know exactly where InuYasha is, so it shouldn’t be too much trouble getting him back here.  Hopefully KiKyo isn’t with him.”

 

 

 

“I’d better find Kaede,” says Sango.  “Before Kagome’s headache gets worse.”

 

 

 

“Perhaps you should watch Kagome, Sango until we get back.”

 

 

 

“She’s not going to run off monk.”

 

 

 

“No, but just the same keep an eye on her, just to be safe.”

 

 

 

The two separate and young Miroku, staff in hand, leaves the village, heading out toward the forest of InuYasha, where the young hanyou keeps his vigil over the bone eaters well.

 

 

 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

 

 

 

The sun begins its slow descent over the trees as the monk, walking through the tall grass searches for the hanyou in question.  As he nears the tree line of the forest, he pauses for he finds a very pissed half demon stomping towards the old well.

 

 

 

The hanyou is tall, muscular, with a slim build, has long flowing silver white hair with two triangular shaped ears on top his head that are slightly drawn back.  He’s wearing a red kimono made with fur from the fire rat, a white silk undershirt, and sheathed at his side is an old rusted sword he uses in battle.  He wears no shoes on his feet and has sharp fangs and claws.  Walking toward the well the half demon wears an angry look of determination in his sparkling golden eyes.

 

 

 

(Leaving here like that,) he thought.  (Making everyone worry about her.  Well she’d better have a good reason, for leaving me here without telling me,) he thought growling.

 

 

 

“Ah, there you are, InuYasha,” greets Miroku with a slight wave while approaching the upset hanyou.

 

 

 

“Huh?”  The hanyou looks over, seeing the monk approaching him.  His frown deepens and he quickens his step toward the well.

 

 

 

“You’re a hard one to find my friend.  I’ve been looking everywhere for...”

 

 

 

“I don’t have time for you, right now Miroku,” the hanyou says angrily stomping past the smiling monk.

 

 

 

“Oh,” says Miroku quickly following him.  “You do seem to be in a hurry…where are you off to this time.  Or could it be you were just out on a nightly stroll?”  The young monk smirks for he knows good and well where his hot-tempered young friend is headed.

 

 

 

InuYasha stops and angrily growls.  “I ain’t got time for any stroll monk!”

 

 

 

“Oh?  Then where are you going?  Home perhaps?”

 

 

 

“HOME?”  The half demon angrily points in the well’s direction.  “I'm going through that damn well, to bring Kagome back here!  Or did you guys forget she’s missing?”

 

 

 

“I was not informed she was missing, InuYasha.  You had neglected to tell us.”

 

 

 

“Oh.  Well, she is, ok?  Been missing since last night.”

 

 

 

“I see.  So, you’re finally going to bring her back now, are you?”

 

 

 

“Of course, I’m bringing the wench back!” says InuYasha with a slight growl, narrowing his eyes.  “We still need her ass to find the damn shards, don’t we?!”

 

 

 

“This is true, InuYasha,” says Miroku calmly with a slight nod.  “We do.  And only you can go through the well to get her.  Correct?”

 

 

 

“Damn right!”  The hanyou again growls.  “The stupid wench; always taking off whenever she feels like it… when we need her here to help hunt those damn shards!  The wench didn’t even tell me she was leaving!”  InuYasha takes a step forward and pauses to look back.  “Well, if you ask me, monk I don’t think that wench cares whether we find the shards or not.”

 

 

 

“You don’t?” replies the monk, curiously.

 

 

 

“No, I don’t!”

 

 

 

“And why would you think that?”

 

 

 

“Kagome’s always going home, that’s what!” replies the hanyou with a curt nod.  “And when she is here, she’s got her damn nose stuck in some stupid ass book; always telling us she’s got to study for some fucking test or some such nonsense!  Kagome’s the one who broke the damn thing, in the first place, you know.”

 

 

 

“I’m quite sure lady Kagome is well aware of that fact, InuYasha,” says Miroku patiently.

 

 

 

“Couldn’t prove it by me!” says the half demon angrily. “Always reading some shit called math or geo…geo…”

 

 

 

“Geometry?” replies Miroku with a smirk.

 

 

 

“Yeah, that shit what you said!” replies InuYasha.  “Kagome’s only concern should be finding the jewel shards Miroku.  It should take precedence over any of that other shit.”

 

 

 

“She does have to keep up her studies, you know,” reasons the monk.

 

 

 

“Keh!  Don’t know why,” replies the half demon stubbornly.  “It’s not like she’s ever going to need that shit here.”

 

 

 

“But Kagome’s not from here, my friend,” observes Miroku, talking to the hanyou as if he wasn’t aware of that fact.

 

 

 

“You think I don’t fucking know that?!” growls the hanyou.  “The fact is Kagome’s ass is supposed to stay here, monk!  Not go home whenever it damn well suits her.”

 

 

 

“I’m just saying she has a life of her own.  That’s all,” explains Miroku with a slight shrug of her shoulders.

 

 

 

“Yeah?!” agrees the hanyou stubbornly.  “So what?  We all got lives too, don’t we?”

 

 

 

“Yes, we do.  However, our lives are here whereas Kagome’s life is on the other side of the well,” replies the monk.  “And she’s sacrificing that life to help us find the shards.  So, you can’t really fault lady Kagome for wanting to keep up with things there too, can you?”

 

 

 

“I sure as hell can!” says InuYasha angrily.  “That wench needs to fix the damn jewel before doing any of that other shit.”

 

 

 

“But…”

 

 

 

“No, no buts.”  The hanyou points toward the old well.  “Every one of those damn shards needs to be found Miroku and Kagome has to put the damn thing back together again.  So, I’m going through that damn well and drag her fucking ass right back here with or without her damn permission, ok?  That wench is going to help us whether she wants to or not!”  InuYasha turns and again begins walking toward the well while continuously mumbling.  Miroku quickly walks up and places his hand on the upset hanyou's shoulder and the hanyou stiffens.  “WHAT DAMN IT?!”

 

 

 

“Uhhh,” Miroku takes a quick step back, afraid the hanyou may strike out at him.  “That’s all well and good; my friend but what if I was to tell you going after her now would only be a wasted trip.”

 

 

 

“How come?” asks the hanyou curiously.

 

 

 

“I just don’t believe you’ll find Kagome there is all,” replies the monk shrugging his shoulders.

 

 

 

“You think not huh?”  The half demon growls angrily, turns and slaps the monk on the side of his head.  “Did you crack that damn brain of yours open or something?” he asks.  “I’m telling you that damn wench ain’t here, ok?  I can’t find her fucking scent anywhere so she's got to be on the other side!  And when I find her ass, I’ll…”

 

 

 

“It might be better if you calm your temper a little,” suggests Miroku while rubbing his cheek.  

 

 

 

“Why?”

 

 

 

“Well, it won’t due for you to be this upset once we get back to the village.”

 

 

 

“What?” says the hanyou incredulously.  “Who said anything about going back to the village?  I sure as hell didn’t!”  He points toward the forest.  “Kagome’s still missing, Miroku!  She’s either hiding in that damn forest somewhere or on the other side of that well.  So, I won’t be going back to the village until I find her stupid ass!”

 

 

 

“Then may I suggest searching the village?” suggests Miroku.

 

 

 

“Keh!  You don’t think I’ve already done that?” asks the hanyou suspiciously.  “Kagome’s not there!”

 

 

 

“Then I suggest, InuYasha you search it again.  For you see, Lady Kagome returned to us this morning.”

 

 

 

“She what?”  The hanyou looks at the monk surprised.  “She’s… here?!”

 

 

 

“That’s right.”

 

 

 

“She came back this morning?!!” asks the hanyou looking more suspicious.  The monk gives a slow nod.  “Are you sure, Miroku?”

 

 

 

“Most certainly InuYasha,” replies the monk.  “Kagome’s looking rather pale though and it seems her head is hurting her.”

 

 

 

“She’s hurt?”

 

 

 

“Seems that way.  She’s resting in Kaede’s hut now.”

 

 

 

(Kagome…she’s back?  But how?)  “What makes you think, it’s her, monk and not some fucking demon?” asks the hanyou suspiciously.  “You’ve been fooled by them before, you know.  Or have you forgotten about your wind tunnel?”

 

 

 

“No, I haven’t forgotten, and yes I’m quite sure it’s Kagome,” replies Miroku, subconsciously rubbing his right hand.  “After all, it would be practically impossible for a demon to easily fool both Sango and me.”

 

 

 

“I see.  Then I don’t understand.  How was it possible for Kagome to get past me?” asks the angry and now confused hanyou, looking back toward the forest.  “I've searched all damn night Miroku; combed every inch of that forest to find her ass.  Even went to the wolf caves to find her.  Between here and there, I should have seen her or at the very least picked up her scent, somewhere.”

 

 

 

“You… went to the caves?” asks Miroku surprised.

 

 

 

“Damn right I did,” replies the hanyou.  “But…”

 

 

 

“Kouga didn’t by any chance see you there, did he?”

 

 

 

“Hell no,” replies InuYasha angrily.  “I was looking for Kagome, not him.  But if she were there, I would have caught her scent long before any of his damn underlings could spot me.”

 

 

 

“I see,” says Miroku now rubbing his chin.  “that’s certainly good to hear InuYasha.”

 

 

 

“Believe me, monk,” says InuYasha boldly, “if Kagome was there, I would have had her ass back here long before now.  Still,” The hanyou again looks back toward the forest.  “There’s the fact she somehow got past me.  I would know Kagome’s scent anywhere Miroku.  So how did…”

 

 

 

“You were with KiKyo last night, were you not?” asks the monk expectantly.

 

 

 

“I saw her,” replies the half demon angrily staring at the monk.  “What’s she got to do with Kagome’s disappearance?”

 

 

 

“Oh nothing,” replies Miroku fiddling with the rings on his staff, “or perhaps everything.”

 

 

 

“Want to be a little more specific, there monk?” growls the hanyou, “Or are you expecting me to fucking guess?!”

 

 

 

“Well, I was just thinking InuYasha, that perhaps you may have been…well, shall we say…just a little too preoccupied with lady KiKyo.  You may not have noticed Kagome when she walked by.”

 

 

 

“Preoccupied huh?  Like how exactly?” asks InuYasha with narrowed eyes.

 

 

 

“Oh, you know,” says the monk knowingly.  “You’re a man…and for all intents and purposes, Lady KiKyo is a woman.”

 

 

 

“Yeah, so?” asks the hanyou getting a little ticked off with the monk beating around the bush.

 

 

 

“So, it was a lovely night, last night,” replies the monk with a slight shrug of his shoulders.  “Perfect for a little um…well one thing could have led to another and things got a little… heated?”

 

 

 

“Heat?” The hanyou frowns.

 

 

 

“Yeah you know,” explains the monk, nudging the hanyou.  “Heated.  Like um…well sexual.”

 

 

 

“Huh?” asks the hanyou with wide eyes and he becomes angrier.  “What the hell’s wrong with you monk?”

 

 

 

“Oh, come on, InuYasha.  Just between us men.  Weren’t you enjoying a little of KiKyo’s delights last night?”

 

 

 

“Delights?”  The hanyou growls.  “Hey!  We weren’t doing anything, like that, you damn pervert!”

 

 

 

“Oh?” says Miroku disappointed.  “You’re…sure?”

 

 

 

“Damn right, I’m sure!” replies the hanyou vehemently with a wave of his hand.  “Last night was perfectly innocent monk.  Besides, it’s none of your fucking business if we were doing anything…heated or not, ok?”

 

 

 

“I see.”  The monk sighs.

 

 

 

“Though that doesn’t answer my question about Kagome,” says InuYasha.  “How did she get back to the village without me picking up her scent?”

 

 

 

“It could have something to do with the wind, InuYasha,” offers the monk.  “You could have been upwind or something.  Either that or Kagome has found a way to mask her scent somehow.”

 

 

 

“Yeah right,” growls InuYasha as he points to his face.  “Nothing gets past this nose.  Wind or no wind, it can pick up scents from miles away.  And as far as a mask?  There’s never been a mask clever enough to fool me.”

 

 

 

“That may be so, my friend, but whatever the case may be, I can assure you, Lady Kagome is safely resting back in Kaede’s hut.”  Miroku pats the hanyou on the shoulder.  “So let us return home as well, shall we?  It’s getting close to dinner and you haven’t eaten in two days.”  The monk then leads his very upset and confused friend, back toward their village.