InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ To Our Trials We Add Another ❯ A Long Road to Recovery ( Chapter 4 )

I WILL NEVER HOLD A CHAPTER HOSTAGE TO RECEIVE MORE REVIEWS!

 

The ratio of ownership between Inuyasha and I is non-existent. I do, however, own all my original characters.

 

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“That stew was delicious, Kaede.” Kagome complimented after finishing off her bowl.

 

“It was both new and pleasing to the pallet.” Miroku agreed.

 

“Keh, it still wasn't as good as Ramen.” Inuyasha grunted.

 

“Inuyasha! Be polite! She DID help save your life you know.” Kagome admonished.

 

“Yeah Inuyasha, if you weren't such a baka anyway you wouldn't have gotten hurt!” Shippo stated in his “matter of fact” tone while slurping down his dinner. Inuyasha reached out with one hand and smacked Shippo squarely on the head, causing him smash his face into his bowl and cry.

 

“Inuyasha! SIT!” Kagome yelled as she reached for the crying kit. Some passers by outside stopped and looked at the miko's hut as the sudden loud crash. They merely shrugged and returned to their business.

 

Kaede chuckled quietly to her self as the others looked on with dismay. `Things are back to normal already.' she thought silently. Inuyasha sat up as the subduing spell wore off and moaned painfully, holding his chest. `Well, almost normal' she amended. Realizing her mistake, Kagome gasped in horror as she hurried over to Inuyasha. She knelt down beside him and placed a hand on his shoulder, a hand that was promptly shrugged off.

 

“Hands off, wench.” He bit out, rubbing his chest.

 

“Inuyasha I'm sooo sorry, I said it out of habit… I didn't mean to do it while you are so hurt.” Kagome placed her hand on his back and rubbed gently. Surprisingly, he didn't seem to mind that slight bit of comfort.

 

“Keh, I hate these damn things.” he growled, pulling on the rosary.

 

“I don't think they were meant to be liked, Inuyasha” Miroku said sagely while eyeing his empty bowl. Kaede seemed to have noticed his forlorn expression as she reached over and gave Miroku another helping. Smiling his thanks, Miroku started into his new meal.

 

Inuyasha was about to retort when Sango jumped in.

 

“I need to fix my Hiraikotsu…but the only way I can do that is with the tool at the slayer village.”

 

“Don't you think it's a little too dangerous to split up right now?” Kagome questioned with a slight tone of worry in her voice. Not only was she worried for Inuyasha's sake, she worried for her friend and her feline companion. There was a danger out there that might even rival Naraku…she knew it was selfish of her but she didn't want any of them to leave her sight.

 

“I know, but it's my main weapon and it's kind of worthless right now.” she replied sadly, looking at the corner of the hut that housed her split weapon. Truthfully she didn't even know if she could repair it.

 

“How long do ye believe it will take to repair, Sango?” Kaede asked.

 

“I'm not sure. Kirara helps maintain the heat of the flames, but she is still weak from the fight. It could be three days at least.” she sighed. “I'm not much help without…or even with it.” she muttered. Her human companions might not have heard it but her demon ones sure did.

 

“You did your best Sango, ain't nothing wrong with that.” the hanyou stated while looking away. Sango glanced up and half smiled. Kirara meowed her agreement as well.

 

 

“If you wish, I will accompany you to the slayer's village Sango” Miroku said flashing a big grin.

 

“Thanks…..I think” she replied, eyeing the monk wearily. She stood up and walked over to a corner of the hut that was adorned with her weapon.

 

“If we are going, we should head out now. I think we can get there before night fall.” she said, hoisting the parts of her Hiraikotsu.

 

Nodding in agreement, Miroku stood up as well while Shippo jumped off. “I will work as fast as I can. Again I am not sure how long it will take.” Sango reiterated before they bid everyone a farewell. Picking up the now sleeping Kirara, they both walked out of the hut. Kagome stood up and followed them outside a short distance.

 

“Be careful you two, and hurry back.” Kagome said to their retreating backs. Sango turned her head and yelled in return, “We will!” before she was out of sight.

 

Sighing, Kagome turned to walk back towards the elderly miko's hut. Fortune favored her as she had turned just in time to see an angry Inuyasha storm out with a little fox close at his heals.

 

“You can't go fight him yet, you're still hurt!” Shippo yelled.

 

“Get away runt.” he said.

 

“No!” Shippo yelled as he jumped in front of Inuyasha and pushed against his legs. The attempt to stop the hanyou ended in depressing failure. The little demon gave a short yelp when the larger half-demon kicked him into the air with a growl, not even bothering to look where the little guy landed. Luckily, Kagome was quick enough to catch the flailing demon before he hit the ground. Holding the crying child, she stormed after Inuyasha.

 

“Inuyasha stop!” she yelled.

 

“Keh.”

 

“I said stop!”

 

“And I said Keh, wench!”

 

“Don't make me say it….” Kagome warned.

 

Inuyasha stopped dead in his tracks and turned around slowly. “You wouldn't, I'm still hurt.” he said while glaring, not entirely convinced himself.

 

“I will.” she threatened.

 

Staring at him, she realized she had won when his ears drooped and he muttered “Feh” before jumping into the nearest tree.

 

“This is going to be a fun few days.” she muttered to herself.

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By night fall of the second day, Kagome had only seen her friend three times, each one because of his powerful need to eat. Sighing in exasperation, Kagome couldn't figure out what his problem was. Putting it out of her mind for the time being, Kagome had helped Kaede with her daily chores around the village. She thought battling demons was hard….weeds were much more difficult even if they were less deadly. The extra time she spent with the old miko allowed Kagome a chance to talk to her about Inuyasha. In the midst of pulling yet another weed Kagome broke the silence.

 

“Kaede, can I ask you something?”

 

“Aye child, what is it?” she responded while pulling another weed out of the ground.

 

“Do you know what could be wrong with Inuyasha? I have barely seen him the past few days. When I do he ignores me and leaves right after he eats.” Kagome asked sadly.

 

The tone in Kagome's voice gave the weathered miko pause, she too had been wondering what could be causing Inuyasha to behave in such a manner. Many different reasons crossed her mind, the next as unlikely as the previous. Setting her newly acquired weed into the basket she paused in her task.

 

“Aye, I have wondered about his state as well. Perhaps it has to do with how easily he was defeated.” Kaede responded while stroking her stubby chin.

 

“What do you mean, Kaede?”

 

“From the events you recanted about the battle it seems to me that Inuyasha was completely overwhelmed by this mysterious attacker. Inuyasha, the proud dog he is, may feel ashamed about being defeated so quickly.”

 

“But it wasn't his fault! That demon…guy…whatever he was took us all by surprise!”

 

“Aye, I gathered as much. But for Inuyasha more than his body was injured. Had ye all not been there he most certainly would have died, thus he may consider his companions as a sign of his weakness. At least from the dog's point of view anyway.”

 

“That's so stupid! His friends make him stronger, not weaker!” Kagome all but yelled.

 

“I agree child, but bear in ye mind that I could be mistaken. Inuyasha is as complicated as you and me. He only seems dimwitted.” Kaede said as she restarted her weeding, obviously ending the conversation.

 

Kagome had to stop and think really hard about what Kaede was saying. Did Inuyasha really think she and Miroku, Sango and Shippo were signs of his weakness? Making up her mind Kagome set back to work.

 

After Kaede had finished most of her chores for the day she no longer needed help. Kagome, taking the initiative, told Shippo to stay in the village and play. Shippo was all too happy to comply as he ran off to play with the other children, none of which seemed to mind having a demon playmate. In fact, Kagome was pretty sure there was a little girl Shippo had his eye on. Smiling slightly to herself, she then set into motion her plan. Her goal, to entice the hanyou SHE had her eye on to talk to her…..her weapon of choice…freshly cooked Ramen. After boiling the water and preparing a steaming cup of the beloved snack, she walked over to the Goshinboku.

 

Picking up her approach, Inuyasha attempted to stop the smile that threatened to appear when he smelled the ramen Kagome was bringing. He failed, but lucky for him Kagome was too far away to see.

 

“Inuyasha…” she called up. When she received no response she was puzzled again.

“Inuyasha I know you are up there!”

 

“Come to sit me from up here wench?”

 

Sighing, she replied, “I said I was sorry Inuyasha, I never meant to hurt you. I just want to talk”

 

He sighed aswell. He knew she didn't mean to hurt him….but damn it all those beads were fucking annoying! Steeling himself against a possible sit Inuyasha hesitantly asked, “Is that ramen you have there?” while eyeing the cup in her hand.

 

“Why yes….yes it is.” she replied coyly. “Would you like some?”

 

He `Keh'ed softly and jumped down from his branch. Kagome noticed how he winced slightly when he landed on the ground.

 

“Does it still hurt a lot?” she asked, instantly concerned.

 

“Keh! I'm a demon, not a wimp like you wench!”

 

“Oh…ok then.” she said as she offered him the cup tentatively. He swiped it out of her hand, sat down, and started eating all before she could blink. Giggling softly, she walked around a tree root and sat down on the ground beside him. She sighed heavily at the way he inhaled the noodles. `Some things never change.'

 

“Inuyasha…”

 

“Wkdnkw?”

 

“I thought you said your wound...you know…would have healed by now.”

 

“Ighm thugjd skok” he replied through a full mouth.

 

“Inuyasha! Slow down before you choke!” He paused when he heard the concern in her voice. Deciding that he better repeat himself, he swallowed what was left in his mouth and repeated what he said.

 

“I thought it would be too.”

 

“Let me take a look at it” she ordered as she started to pull his robes open. She swatted his hands away at every attempt to stop her.

 

“Oi wench I'm still eating!” he complained, but to no avail. Sighing inwardly he imagined turning the tables on Kagome and ripping her clothes off. `Whoa where the hell did that come from?' he thought to himself, blushing slightly. So wrapped up in his thoughts he didn't realize that Kagome had successfully opened up his robes until he heard her gasp.

 

Succeeding in pulling his robes open enough to view the wound, she gasped when she saw its status.

 

“Inuyasha, this has hardly healed at all!” she cried. The wound didn't seem to have healed at all. Now there was a large, angry looking scab that had formed over the wound as well. The edges of the cut had also become fiery red, a sign indicative of an infection. Hanyou can't get infections…can they?

 

“It has so, wench.” he replied gruffly, trying to pull his shirt closed. Swatting his hands away, Kagome continued to inspect the wound while he growled at her.

 

“Inuyasha, at the rate this is healing, it could be a week or more before it's gone! Why didn't you tell me?!”

 

“Keh”

 

“Keh, KEH! What does that even mean!? And why have you been avoiding me! Why didn't you tell me you were still hut!” she yelled exasperated.

 

“Oi wench, shut up! I have demon hearing remember?” He said pointing at his ringing ears.

 

“Why have you been avoiding me Inuyasha?” Kagome asked again, to which he only replied with another `Keh' and looked away. Looking down at her hands, Kagome gathered the strength to ask her important question.

 

“I was thinking about it a lot and…well Inuyasha….have you been avoiding me because you think I weaken you?” she asked with a slight hitch in her voice.

 

Completely caught off guard, Inuyasha spun back around and faced her with wide eyes. He was unable to read her face, however, because her head was still bowed and bangs obscured her face.

 

“I….uhhh…” he couldn't seem to form the words he wanted. Of course he didn't think she weakened him, hell when she was gone he could barely fight! Miroku had taunted him mercilessly about it several times. Even the thought of those encounters brought back the anger he felt. Unfortunately the anger manifested itself as a grim look on his face….which Kagome promptly, and completely, misunderstood.

 

“You do don't you; you think we prove that you are weak.” She said sullenly while on the verge of tears.

Realizing his expression had been misconstrued, as well as smelling the bitter scent of tears, Inuyasha tried his best to reason with her. Placing a hand on her shoulder Inuyasha's mind raced with what to say to her.

 

“Baka” She grumbled as she shrugged off his hand. She sighed to herself; her anger and sadness were warring with each other. She knew Inuyasha wasn't weak, she knew her and her friend only made him stronger. She also knew that Inuyasha probably didn't see any of them, or her, as strengths. Sighing loudly again she started to get up.

 

“I couldn't protect you” she heard him barley whisper. Those four quite words froze her movements instantly; she turned to look into Inuyasha's face.

 

“What?”

 

Glaring at her, he replied, “I said I couldn't protect you, damn it. If Kirara hadn't come when she did….” His voice trailed off. Thoughts of Kikyo's death and unlife began assaulting him.

 

“Inuyasha, is that why you have been avoiding me?” He nodded slowly in the affirmative.

 

“Not because you thought we…I made you weak?” Glaringly he shook his head again, most defiantly a negative.

 

“It wasn't your fault. We don't even know what happened.” Kagome tried to reassure him, “No one blames you, I don't blame you.” she stated with conviction, trying to look into his eyes.

 

“I know that” he grunted, “That still doesn't mean that you wouldn't have ended up dead if the others hadn't been there!” he nearly yelled, turning his head away.

 

Kagome could only stare in shock at the back of his head; she could practically feel the tension radiating from his body. She wanted to reach over and hug her friend but she knew that he wouldn't like it very much. Instead, she gently laid a hand on his shoulder. She felt him become even tenser when she touched him. Soon, though, he relaxed a bit into the comfort of her warm and caring hand. They stayed that way for awhile, neither of them breaking the silence. Suddenly, in a blur of motion, Inuyasha turned back to face her again.

 

“He had holy powers.” he stated with conviction.

 

“What?”

 

“I've been running the battle through my mind these past days. That's the only reason I can come up with.”

 

“You think our attacker had holy powers?”

 

“That's what I said wench!”

 

Kagome glared at Inuyasha quickly before pondering his revelation.

 

“So, if he had holy powers, does that mean his attack could be effecting the healing of your wound?”

 

“Exactly what I was thinking. Hell even when Naraku wounded me it didn't take this long to heal”

 

Kagome contemplated his comment for a few seconds.

 

“That could also be how he cut through your wind scar so easily. Could it also explain how his scent and the smell of blood were masked?”

 

“I hadn't thought of that.” he said, scratching his head. “Maybe he placed a barrier or something around us……or him. It would also explain the way Shippo felt when that white light you spoke about was shot at you.”

 

Kagome nodded absently, her mind racing to another, more frightening possibility.

 

“If he can stop his scent, and aura, from being detected…that means…that means…unless I can sense his jewel shards, we may never know he's coming.” Kagome whispered with dread.

 

At this Inuyasha started to scan the forest around them sniffing every so often.

 

“I don't like that idea, wench.” he said.

 

“Maybe we should head back to Kaede's”

 

“Keh. No wench, I can't believe I'm saying this, but you should go back to your own time.”

 

Kagome blanched. Was he really telling her to go home?

 

“Inuyasha I don't…”

 

“Not debatable wench.” he cut her off. Standing up with a slight stumble, he dragged her to her feet and started heading for the well. Kagome protested and fought back the entire way. She lacked the strength, however, to successfully stop the hanyou even when he was this badly injured. As they neared the edge of the forest Kagome felt a familiar tingling in her head.

 

“Inuyasha, I can sense jewel shards….and there's a lot of them” she whispered looking around. Growling he said, “Quick, get on my back.”

 

Once she complied, he sped off towards the Bone Eaters well. As they entered the clearing, the tree line directly behind them exploded into a bright, white light. Stopping at the edge of the well Kagome jumped off while Inuyasha drew Tessaiga and turned to face his enemy.

 

As the white haired figure emerged from the smoldering trees, Inuyasha yelled over his shoulder, “Go Kagome!”

 

She hesitated long enough to see the man engage Inuyasha.

 

Inuyasha had transformed the Tessaiga while unleashing a deadly upward swing at the attacker. The white haired man responded with a quick downward slash of his own. The resounding clash of metal was probably heard all the way down at the village. Inuyasha dodged the uppercut the man had aimed at him, countering with a forward charge and a mighty side swing of his own aiming for the other combatant's body. When the strike seemed like it would score a hit, the attacker blocked his strike. Glaring into each others eyes, the attacker spun around so fast that Inuyasha stumbled forward. Off balance and already winded, Inuyasha was barley able to dodge the blow aimed for his neck. The battle was clearly beginning to take its toll on Inuyasha. The hanyou was barely able to raise his blade to block the attack aimed for his side; the resulting clash of weapons caused him to stumble slightly, the concussion waves caused puffs of dirt to float excitedly into the air. Kagome could see that Inuyasha was already losing ground because of his wound. It was obvious to her that, should the fight last much longer, Inuyasha would be killed by this mysterious attacker.

 

Her mind raced to think of a way that she could help him, but… `I didn't bring my bow!' she realized, berating herself. She was pulled to the present when she heard Inuyasha grunt in pain. The enemy had scored a slash across Inuyasha's thigh. Kagome watched his hakama darken as the blood literally gushed from Inuyasha's newly acquired wound. With a startling glance at the rest of his body she noticed his chest wound had reopened as well.

 

With lighting speed the attacker smashed his halberd against Tessaiga over and over; Inuyasha was barely able to hold the sword over his head, much less counter. The swings were coming in with such a furious force that Inuyasha was forced down onto one knee. He became so strained that he needed to place one hand on the blade to keep his arm from buckling. Unable to think of anything to subdue the attacker, Kagome tried a desperate gamble as she reached for the shards around her neck. Holding them up in the air she yelled, “Hey! looking for these?”

 

The attacker's eyes locked onto her for a split second providing exactly what Kagome was looking for, enough distraction for Inuyasha to act.

 

“Blades of Blood!” he bellowed as he threw the blood from his chest at the attacker. As the mysterious man twisted his halberd to shield himself, Inuyasha pressed his attack. Pushing the attacker up and away, Inuyasha was able to get back to his feet and release several quick slashes and strikes that forced the man onto the defensive. Still, Inuyasha was too weak from all the blood he had lost to capitalize on his attacks. With a great arch up to block Inuyasha's next blow, a powerful punch to the stomach from the attacker caused Inuyasha to fly back towards the well. The battle was nearly over.

 

Finally coming up with a plan, she realized what she had to do. Kagome quickly looked up at the slowly advancing figure. `Just enough time' she thought running towards Inuyasha. As she neared him she uncorked the shard bottle and fished out one of her three shards. Finally reaching Inuyasha she tried to drag him to his feet.

 

“Get UP Inuyasha!” she yelled struggling against his unresponsive weight.

 

Eventually finding his footing, Inuyasha got to his feet while being heavily supported by Kagome. Once up, she moved him as fast as she could to the edge of the well. Their stumbling took too long, however, as the enemy was nearly upon them. Enacting the final part of her plan, Kagome threw her jewel shard at the figure. The evil man snatched the shard out of the air, distracting him long enough that he decreased speed. The plan had worked! Yes, the figure was still bearing down on them but he had slowed enough for Kagome and Inuyasha to complete their escape. The man continued his slow advance with confidence, obviously unaware of the power the young miko was about to use. With one last glance back at the ever advancing enemy, Kagome pushed Inuyasha over the edge and then jumped in after him. The sight was unbelievable at best. The two seemed to be trying to hide in a well…in the middle of a clearing…with absolutely no avenue of escape. Smirking to himself as he watched the two fall into the old hole, the lone figure was startled when he saw a flash of purple light. Running over to the edge of the well, he stared down into the empty blackness, cursing.

 

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A/N

Here I am again….anyway I was told by a fellow writer, of whom I hold in high esteem and have the utmost respect for their writing ability, that people like to be thanked when they review. I had planned on doing this every once in a while anyway…but I guess it would be nice to do it every time. So….yeah thanks there people for reviewing.

 

Also, this chapter was a little late because of medical problems with my dog. He spent a week in the hospital so I was there every day to keep him from freaking out and biting people.

 

The next chapter might also be late seeing as the Irony Gods hate me and placed every single one of my finals in the same week. I, unlike Kagome, don't have a well I can run to and get away from my evil professors.

 

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