Chapter 3: The Journey Begins

I was supposed to go on this perilous journey alone but due to Shippo's insisting that I might need an extra hand, I conceded to bring him with me because he just won't stop crying and besides, I doubt that he won't follow me either. I haven't met Sango ang Miroku yet, because according to lady Kaede, they were accompanying Kohaku on his recovery from Naraku's wrath and his tragic past. They went to the monk who is highly proficient when it comes to mental-related therapy, who also happens to be one of the trainers of Miroku's father before.

I was informed by lady Kaede that it might take several weeks for them before they return. Nonetheless, I reasoned that I don't have enough time to look for them for assistance because of Sota's illness and the ugly part is, Inuyasha hasn't been around since I left here. Shippo concluded that he might have went to his mother's hometown because he's been talking about it in his sleep for consecutive two nights.

A sigh came from my frowning mouth as I muttered my hatred about my despicable life.

"Why do I have to live this way? Am I fated to be like this forever?"

"Kagome, I know you can make it. Even without Inuyasha. I mean, you also have me, right?" Shippo addressed.

"In order for you not to overthink, watch me do this! With a blink of an eye, the tiny fox-demon transformed into Inuyasha but with fox tail.

"Oh Shippo, how thoughtful of you." I complimented as we head on our journey. He blushed and I can't help but consider thinking that he is Inuyasha but just at the moment.

It's almost noon when we decided to take a rest under the shade of a tree, near a river. I rummaged through my bag and grabbed two cup noodles for us to eat. Shippo volunteered to gather some woods and promised to be back within five minutes. While waiting for him to return, I went to the river and washed my face. I can't prevent myself from thinking about facing my own journey. "Can't I be indepedent?" I snorted. "Now's not the time to rely, Kagome. I told myself. Looking at my reflection on the ice-cold water, I was surprised when I saw Shippo in his Inuyasha form standing behind me. I turned to face him and I can see no expression from his face. "Shippo, I thought you want to gather some woods?" I asked curiosly.

Instead of receiving a reply, he hugged me and I could really feel the warmth of his body, as he presses his chest against mine. "The smell, the gesture, the feeling... wait, Inuyasha!" I exclaimed hugging him tighter and kiss him before he does it. "How'd you find me? Oh, right! I forgot that you can easily sense me."

"Kagome, why did you come back?" You know there's no turning back, right?" he asked sadly.

"I know but there's something you need to know." I said.

After telling him everything, Shippo, in his Inuyasha form arrived, stood shocked while holding a bunch of woods. While eating, we didn't prolong the  talking due to the the limited time that I had to save my brother.

Inuyasha insisted to come with us so I didn't argue. With his company, I'd be more motivated to accomplish my mission. What keeps me thinking is, he's very silent right now unlike before. I just assumed that he might still be surprised that I came back knowing that I can't go back anymore. He must be thinking that I'm crazy at least, crazy enough to save my brother's life.

"Inuyasha, you seemed very quite today?" Shippo interrogated while munching fish crackers. "I bet you have a problem and you're just not telling Kagome about it." he added.

I, myself as well, was surprised about Inuyasha's behaviour right now. He wasn't the type of guy who would just ignore Shippo's statements about him. He's known for being stubborn and sensitive and would readily wield his sword and showcase his demonic powers whenever he feels questioned.

Seeing him stare blankly on space sometimes makes me even more worried. Whatever his problem, I'll be by his side to help him. "Inuyasha, always know that I'll be here for you. I said and kissed him on the cheek while Shippo is busy leading the way. "Kagome, thanks." he simply replied and surfaced a smile on his face. "You quite look uncomfortable today, does somthing bother you?" I asked gently, despite feeling a little bit irritated because I know that he's not the type of man who loves to create a drama; because its the other way around. Instead of answering me, he briskly walked. Perhaps, he's annoyed and I didn't bother to disturb him again.

The night has fallen and the fireflies are filling the nightsky with their glowing bodies, dancing through the air as they flap their wings together and beautified the night along with the stars. We stopped walking and decided to take shelter on an abandoned hut. After eating, Shippo fell asleep while Inuyasha sits in the frontdoor with his back facing me. I stood and invited him to come along with me to talk outside about his problem. He was hesistant at first but got carried away with my power of persuading.

"Inuyasha, you had helped me defeat Naraku and you saved me a lot of times before. If there's something that I can do to help you, just tell me what is it." I explained. "Kagome, I'm fine." he replied, "I assure you that." he added.

"I can sense that you're lying. Whatever it is, just tell me." I demanded. But seeing him think twice about saying it or not, I just told him not to hesistate to tell me when he's ready. "Inuyasha, I know you're not used in telling your problems to others but this time, trust me." I said. "The only thing that I need is... you. Only you." he replied and as he gently pulled my body closer to his, I could feel my pulse getting faster as if my blood was having its own race inside my body.

"Kagome... I want you." he whispered in my ear and started kissing me all the way down to my neck as if he were a hungry beast. I couldn't resist the feeling and it made me moan. He doesn't seem to care when he began grabbing my breast. His amorous longing to do this thing is influencing my body as if it had its own mind. I can't resist even though I want to halt for a second because this is not the right place for us to do this thing.