Meanwhile at the home of Lady Kaede’s Kagome’s condition had taken a turn for the worst. For the last couple of minuets Kagome’s fever has risen rapidly causing her body to break out into a sudden cold sweat. Her wounds had been cleaned and bandaged many a time, but the efforts to rid her body of the toxins had failed. Kagome had fallen victim to the lacking of medicine in this time. With everyone surrounding her body they watched as the condition of their friend weakend with each breath. Everyone deep down feared what would come next. Their breathing began to grow heavier as Kagome’s began to grow shallower. As she stirred within her unconscious state Sango reached in to hold her hand.

 

Sango: “Ka..go..me..don’t die, alright, you can’t! Oh lady Kaede…she feels so cold…”

 

Tears now were beginning to fill the eyes of everyone within the room. Kouga now too was feeling subject to the symptoms. Covering Kagome with a blanket so as to trap in what body heat remained Sango quickly stepped outside. Miroku joined her shortly. Slowly approaching her Miroku thought of words of comfort.

 

Miroku: “San..go…?”

Sango: “Oh..Miroku!”

 

Then unexpectedly Sango threw herself into his arms. As long as he could remember for this moment it did not hold the same effect then in his thoughts. He would of never of thought that the harm of a close friend would be the answer. As he wrapped his comforting arms around the crying Sango Miroku placed his chin upon her head. He couldn’t offer any more words of comfort other than to just hold her within his arms. A moment or two had past when an alarming feeling came from within Miroku. He could sense the presence of a demonic aura. A familiar one in fact. As his alarming feelings surged through his body it caused Sango to soon notice. Wiping her eyes she quickly looked up at Miroku.

 

Sango: “What’s…wrong..miro..ku?”

Miroku: “I sense a demonic aura heading this way…you better take shelter inside…”

Sango: “No…I can’t go back in there…!”

 

Realizing that he couldn’t ask that of her. He permitted her to stay there by his side. Readying his staff Miroku scanned the area around the home with his eyes. They were met with nothing but shadows until a small object crept its way towards them from above.

 

Miroku: “It’s Kagura!”

Sango: “Kagura? What’s she doing here?”

Miroku: “Up to no good I presume!”

 

Miroku allows the demon to land upon the ground.

 

Miroku: “What is your business here Kagura…?”

Kagura: “Humph! Silly munk! I’m merely collecting what’s owed, nothing more!”

Kagura: “Well be gone with you, we owe you nothing…!”

Kagura: “Oh really…? Hmm…where’s Inuyasha?”

Sango: “Inuyasha… what does she want with Inuyasha?”

Kagura: “Well, I would assume he would be here to pay me with what he owes…shame, though…I shall just have to take it for myself…!”

Sango: “What are you talking about, Kagura? What do you mean, what he owes you?”

Kagura: “Why haven’t you heard?

Miroku: “I assure you what ever tricks you are up to, will undoubtedly be met with action!”

Kagura: “Me? Tricks? Come now, surely you know me better than that, but it is a shame that you have not heard the latest news, really…!”

Sango: “Heard of what! What are you talking about Kagura?”

Miroku: “Don’t Sango, she’s merely trying to provoke a fight…!”

Kagura: “Then I shall enlighten you both… Inuyasha has bargained Kagome’s soul in exchange to bring Kikyo back from the dead… a pity that he didn’t realize what he had bargained for his wishes …unfortunate, really… but what better payment then those who are on the verge of death! He was so eager to bring her back that he hadn’t quite realized the consequences… but nonetheless a debt has to be repaid…now move!”

Sango/Miroku: “What!?”

Sango: “He couldn’t of, Inuyasha would never do that to Kagome…! You’re lying!”

Kagura: “Perhaps, but then it would explain why your friend’s condition took a turn for the worst… a final transaction I’d say… to a perfectly incedious plot… a plot well devised by Naraku himself…now if you excuse me, I have a duty to attend to…”

Sango: “Not if I have anything to do with it!”

Kagura: “Oh but you don’t…young demon slayer, and neither do I…”

Miroku: “What is this non sense Kagura, leave this place at once!”

Kagura: “In due time my dear monk but I am merely the messenger… he is, however… the collector of Inuyasha’s little bargain…ha!”

 

Kagura turns to point to a shadowy figure behind her. As the figure makes its way into the light, it is Injitsumo. As he comes closer to Miroku and Sango, Shippo and Shippa soon joined the two friends outside. They jumped back at the sight of the two figures. Shippo had known Kagura very well and knew that her presence meant trouble.

 

Miroku: “Shippo! Go back inside and barakade the doors, do not let them near Kagome!”

Shippo: “What’s goin’ on Miroku!?”

Sango: “Do what he says Shippo! We’re not gonna let them take Kagome…!”

Shippo: “They’re after Kagome?!”

Shippa: “Shippo, what’s goin on? I’m scared!”

Shippo: “Come on, we have to get inside!!”

 

The two kitsunes head back in doors and alert Lady Kaede of the trouble just outside the home. Realizing that they were of no match to the demons outside they took heed in Miroku’s demands and barakaded the doors with what they could. Huddled into the fartherst corner awwy from the door they sat and anticipated the action outside. They feared for what was to be expected.

 

Miroku: “Stay back you foul demon!”

 

Miroku throws a few of his sutras to help ward the demon off, but they immediately turn to ashes as they hit his body. Quickening his pace closer to the enterance of the doorway Sango lashed at the demon with her dagger. The contact from the blade tore open a wound upon Injitsumo’s arm. Feeling the infliction Injitsumo pulls his arm back towards him.

 

Injitsumo: “Impudent women…!”

 

Injitsumo thrusts his hand at Sango causing her body to be thrown a slight distance. The impact of his hand upon her body put her in a frozen state. She was able to think freely but her body was unable to move. The force that held her down pained with every attempt to regain her footing.

 

Sango: “I…can’t….move! Dammit! KAGOME! NO!”

 

Seeing this Miroku became enraged. He quickly unvield his wind tunnel only to find that he too ended up in the same position as Sango. This demon was too powerful for the both of them not to mention the attack was unsuspected allowing no time to prepare. Making his way to the doorway he slid his large figure through the doorway….

            From the outside Kagura watched as the light that once lit the fire within the home slowly begin to dim. When the fire had completely gone out, Injitsumo quickly made his exit. He had finished his creators’ wishes. Lifting off into the air Injitsumo now holds within his hands a small glowing orb….Kagome’s very exsistence was not within the hands of evil… in the hands of Naraku….

 

 

Inuyasha rushed through the forest making sure as to leave the path of the shadows behind him. He was set out to find Kikyo beyond the forest of griefs at the barren lake of Oguru. The journey was long but with his constant quickened pace it would not be long before he reached his destination. His heart was beating faster with every thrust of body movement into the darkness before him. His soul silently seeking to be within her presence, he had to see for his own eyes. Could it be that Injitsumo did indded have the ability to bring her back? Only time would tell and time was of the essence. He quickened his pace faster and faster as his sense tried desperately to seek Kikyo scent. As he passed old domaint villages and damaged forest trees he had a feeling that he was soon approaching his destination. When he cleared the ever-familiar surroundings of the thickened forest Inuyasha halted within his steps. Just a few feet before him was a flattened plain covered in rotting tree trunks and decaying plant life. He now knew he had reached the forest of griefs. The very exsistence for the forest of griefs was of a legend that has lived out through centuries. It was told that a village once stood where Inuyasha’s feet walked upon. The dreadful demon, by the name of Natsuyai, raveged and pilleged the peaceful homes of the villagers, slaughtering anything within its sight leaving nothing but what remains. It shed the innocent blood of many humans for its own pleasures only to leave their homes and their bodies in ashes crushed deep within the earth. Since that tragedy no tree, no form of plant life has hence grown leaving a saddened and grief filled visual of what was once there. As Inuyasha slowly walked his way into the desolate field his eyes couldn’t help but look at the devastating handy work of Natsuayi so very long ago. The physical presence of the dying clearing sent shivers down his spine. His body all of a sudden grew cold as he neared his way into the center. Though Inuyasha was part demon a part of him marveled at the power a demon could achieve in battle, but the human in him made him stricken with grief for the many deaths of the innocent humans. Realizing that it would only disturb him more Inuyasha turned his focus to what lies before him. The barren lake of Oguru. In the past the lake was merely used for fishing and fresh water and other purposes for villagers, but it was also said that lake possessed a spiritual barrier that protected the life growing within it. The lake was blessed by a wandering priest who stumbled upon the lake so many years ago causing the area around the lake and the water and life it possess to be protected. When the preist grew of old agem, his dying wishes were to have his ashes released into the lake so that his soul would be able to protect the very lake that had provided him food and water. Inuyasha continued to keep his focus stright forward making his eager heartbeat faster and faster. As he drew nearer to the warn path that was used so many a time by the villagers tha tonce lived there, he unwillingly drew to a halt. His body would not permit him to move any further, though his sould and mind persisted to remain in motion. As Inuyasha looked down upon his motionless body he could see that the wounds from Injitsumo were bleeding immensely now, and the loss of blood was now causing him to become weak and agile. He knew he could go on, but his wounds were now physically and mentally slowing him down, they needed to be badly mended. Realizing that time could be running out, he stubborning neglected his wounds again and continued his way towards the entrance of the beaten path before him. As he stepped foot onto the warn path a chilled wind filled his hair lifting it slightly off of his shoulders. With a slight puse he continued on his way. He had to reach the barren lake. With one foot in front of the other Inuyasha calmly paced down the dirt path that was filled with looming shadows and eerie noises. As he crept further, he began to take deep breaths as he saw the opening at the end of the path.

 

Inuyasha: “I can see the opening… the opening to Lake Oguru… could she be…Kik..yo?”

 

At the thought Inuyasha pushed his body harder into a quick running pace the opening grew closer with each outstretched foot. The clearing came and then gone leaving Inuyasha stopped within his tracks. The lake was calmly nestled in the middle of nowhere; it gave him the feeling that this was no place for a lake. The lake was small and surrounding its edges ever so often along the banks were boulders obstructing his view of the lakes full surface. Taking in the sight before he knew that he was not finished yet. Walking hastily towards a enormous boulder Inuyasha leapt uptop. From his birds eye view the water was clam but eh surface was pitch black. A slight ruffle in the water would occur when the wind blew in from the trees and the light from the glowing moon above him caused a white shadow upon the lake.

 

Inuyasha: “I.. can’t see anything… the water..it’s so dark..?”

 

Leaning over the boulders edge gazing into the water he could now see his silohoutted figure upon the lakes surface. Running his eyes along the other sides of the lakes edges he could not see what he was searching for, he could not see Kikyo… Had Injitsumo tricked him into sparing his life regardless of his abilities… Had Inuyasha fallen victim to another one of Naraku’s hurtful acts of deceat? Inuyasha now grew angry knowing he would let himself fall viotim to the unfulfilled promises of a demon. As Inuyasha turned his head away in utter shame he took one last look at the hope that was never there. Taking in the last look upon the lake he soon spotted something dimley glowing deep beneath its surface. His body quickly swung from its departing manner once again leaned of the edge. His body was tired and his vision was not like it had been ealier that day. The hope that had quickly vanished suddenly returned and the feeling that Kikyo may be truly here rushed through his body. Without hesitation Inuyasha leaped into the water. When his body submerged to the surface his body was filled with icy chills. The water was crisp and oddly chilling. He drifted his wading body over the glowing source beneath him. Glaring down into the water beneath his chin, Inuyasha drew in a deep breath and once again submerged his body in the chilling water. Using his arms to dig deeper into the blackened water, he could see the dimmed light begin to grow brighter as he drew nearer. He immediately stopped all motion at the sight just below him. There along the bottom of the lakes bed lay the body of Kikyo. A wave of body heat rushed through his body and his heart began to beat harder as he drew his body in closer. Reaching the lakes bed he outstrached his arms to grab the weightless body. Holding her tight within his arms Inuyasha hastened quickly to surface. Breaking through the lakes surface Inuyasha drew in a well awaited breath. The air felt warm yet stale. After quickly regaining his breath he used one arm to pull him closer to the water edge as the other held dear to Kikyo’s body. Reaching the lakes banks Inuyasha scooped up Kikyo’s naked body within his arms. He hadn’t reached very far before he placed her agile body upon the forest floor. Taking off his kimono jacket he quickly covered the pale priestess. With a gentle finger Inuyasha swpet the soaked hair of Kikyo’s from her face. Her eyes were closed yet he could hear the faint sound of her heart beat in the calm night. His eyes were hastily moving about the presence below him. He was immediately filled with contempt and comfort. Looking down upon her face he tok in the familiar features of his past love. As he looked upon the priestess a sudden feeling of regret filled his heart. He had truly hated for all that Kikyo had been through. As he once again leaned in to scoop her body into his arms her knew he had to get her home… back to Kaede’s village. Making sure she was tightly wrapped within his Kimono he headed off into the night for Kaede’s village… As he traveled he stole moments of gazing hope upon the soul that slept within his arms…

 

Inuyasha: “I’ve…finally found you Kikyo… I will make Naraku pay for what he had done to you, but non of that matters … your back with me now…”

 

Fixating his eyesight on the journey before, Inuyasha traveled through the forest while the moon light lit his path guiding him and the once lost Kikyo home…

 

 

After Kagura and Injitsumo wandered off into the night sky the spell that had bounded our friends in a pahze of motionless was beginning to wear off.

 

Sango: “I…I…can almost, move! KAGOME!”

 

Just then Sango sprinted up from her motionless state and ran inside the home. The room was dark but she was still able to make out Kagome’s figure upon the floor. Without hesitation Sango reached in with a desperate hand upon Kagome’s head. While Sango leaned in to listen for the dire hopes of life Miroku rushed his way in into the room realizing that the others had fallen under their fate as well. He realized that they were over powered and helpless under Injitsumo’s powers. He had feared the worst. Turning to face Sango with fearful eyes they were soon met with the same expression. As tears quickly fell from her eyes Miroku knew deep down that Kagome was no longer living. Injitusmo had taken her soul. Sango began to feel choked up with emotions. No words or sounds could slip from her mouth as the hot and heavy tears continued to slide down her heat beaten cheeks. With having to witness the dreadful fate of his dear friend, and the saddened cries of grief from Sango, Miroku joined in grieving. Though he did not bear tears of heaving his soul and heart was split int two causing the reailty of the situation to water his eyes. With the cloth from his Kimono Miroku wiped his watering eyes ever so often as he drew in the lifeless body of Kagome lying upon the floor. The others had witnessed everything before their own eyes, but were helpless to prevent it. Feelings of guilt and hatred rung out in their hearts, as the night came closer to its end. As they moved closer to their cherished friend, the late night sky was filled with their grieving and tears of sorrow. Kagome was gone… As Sango stared down upon Kagome’s face she wiped the hair from Kagome’s pale skin, and as a single tear fell upon Kagome’s face a tiny feeling of hate began to grow within Sango. The feeling of being betrayed, the feeling of loss, the feeling of hate towards, Inuyasha… Never before would she think that Inuyasha’s wishes would lead to the end of Kagome’s exsistence. Sango became determined to put an end to it all; she would not yet give up on the hopes of Kagome’s survival… Though her body laid within the shadows of the home, leaving a physical disturbance, her soul traveled on through the night, not quite ready to give into the evil that grasped her…