Lowering towards the ground Kagome took notice of small huts scattered on the other side of the forest that they were landing in. Upon landing she stepped away from Sesshoumaru and combed her fingers through her hair, then she began walking in the direction she saw the huts. Coming to the edge of the forest she stopped.
"You don't need to come with me Sesshoumaru. Both Jinenji and his mother know me so I will be safe." After she spoke she stepped out of the forest and headed towards the hut with the huge garden in front which was far away from the small village. As she drew near she saw both Jinenji and his mother outside. "Hello Jinenji."
"Ma it is Kagome." As she drew near she watched as Jinenji's mother pick up a farming tool and held it protectively while looking past Kagome.
"Ain't seen you around these parts mister. What ye be wanting?" Looking behind her, Kagome saw Sesshoumaru stand behind her eying the old woman carefully.
"No it's alright. He is the one that brought me here." The old woman kept a close eye on Sesshoumaru but lowered the farming tool.
"Come inside." Kagome looked at Sesshoumaru then turned back and followed both Jinenji and his mother. "The group with the two humans, the small kitsune, the small cat and the half dog where are they? I noticed they did not come with you."
"No I'm afraid that I won't be traveling with them anymore."
"Did something happen and that is the reason you are here or did you become smitten with this one your with?" She motioned over towards Sesshoumaru.
"They were all killed when we fought our enemy Naraku. I was the only one barely alive. No I'm not smitten. Lord Sesshoumaru is the one that healed me and offered his domain for me to heal from the loss of my friends instead of staying in the village I once lived with my friends."
"I am sorry to hear that child." The old woman handed Kagome some tea. "What manner of youkai is he?" She looked over at Sesshoumaru.
"Lord Sesshoumaru is a Inu youkai and was Inuyasha's brother.
"An Inu youkai you say. You also say he is Inuyasha's brother."
"Yes." Kagome took a sip of tea.
"He does not look as though he's that one's brother."
"That is because lord Sesshoumaru is a full blooded Inu youkai and not half like Inuyasha was."
"I see. Where be he the lord of?"
"You need not know where my domain resides old woman."
"She was just making small talk. It is not like she would be able to do anything to your domain in the western lands." Kagome sat the tea cup down. "I had best come out with why I was brought here. See I was taught by Lady Kaede the art of herbs and healing plants and since I can't go to my home. I will be helping Lady Kaede and when she passes I will be taking over as the healer. But right now I am just gathering herbs so I can dry them and have them in case where ever I am at I will have some on hand. I was wondering if I can get some herbs and other healing plants that will heal both human and also youkai alike. I know that normal miko's don't go around healing youkai, but I am not a normal miko. I don't believe all youkai are bad and need to be destroyed. There are good and bad youkai just like there are good and bad humans."
"You have a good soul." The old woman said as Jinenji stood up and walked outside. Picking up the kettle the old woman poured Kagome more tea.
Sitting there in a hut a little bit smaller then Kaede's, Kagome began to feel that uncomfortable feeling and knowing that Sesshoumaru had to of been uncomfortable she set her cup down and stood up.
"I've got to get some air." She was greeted by Jinenji as she, Sesshoumaru and the old woman exited the hut.
"Hope these help." Jinenji placed a big basket with straps on the ground. Kagome stood by the basket to see that the basket was almost as tall as she was and was big enough to fit two of her standing back to back in it.
"Ah I was not expecting that much, but thanks Jinenji." She looked up at him and smiled as he raised a finger and lightly touched her nose before he turned to go back into the garden due to not being one to say good-bye.
"Come back anytime Kagome. Welcome the strength that derives from him." she motioned towards Sesshoumaru as Kagome looked at the basket to see how she was going to carry it and her bag, bow and quiver. That is until that problem was taken care of by Sesshoumaru. "Wondrous times await you my dear. Youkai males can be gentle as much as they can be rough with a woman." The woman voiced as Kagome turned to leave. Kagome stopped and turned to face the old woman.
"I don't have and never had any males that I was even remotely involved with or smitten with or even kisses let alone someone's intended. The only male that is interested in me is betrothed to another." She turned once more and walked past Sesshoumaru. "She almost matches the way Miroku used to be." she told herself as she walked towards the forest. She continued walking until it was to dark for her to see and Sesshoumaru made her stop. "I wonder what Rin is doing?"
"Retired for the night."
"Sesshoumaru do you ever turn into your true form other than that one time in your father's tomb?"
"When needed."
"Have you since the tomb?"
"Once."
"Has Rin seen you?"
"She has."
"Oh." Kagome ate her dinner then retired.
Early the next morning Kagome had woke up, changed and done her other morning activities then Sesshoumaru lifted the both of them and traveled to his domain. Upon landing they were greeted by Rin and Jaken.
Two Months Later
"Kagome come look there is snow on the ground." Rin came into Kagome's room and shook her.
"Oh is that it?" Kagome pulled the blanket tighter around her and turned over to go back to sleep.
"Ah, come on Kagome get up. Let us go out in it before the morning meal."
"Are you kidding? It's going to be cold out there this early. Wait until after the morning meal and if you can get your Sesshoumaru-sama to go out as well so we are not the only ones out in that stuff."
"Ah you are no fun." Rin puffed out her lip as she turned and left Kagome's room and Kagome returned to sleep.
A hour later Kagome was woke up again but this time it was by Hanako. While Kagome sat up Hanako opened the window to which a blast of cold air came rushing in and a shiver went up Kagome's spine. Grabbing the blanket she wrapped up in it.
"Rin wants me to go out in that! The only thing that I have that covers me completely and has long sleeves is my miko outfit and that is at Kaede's hut because I left it there so those here don't feel to much uncomfortable with seeing me wear the outfit. I don't even have a coat."
"A coat?" Hanako looked at Kagome.
"A coat is an outer garment made to wear on days like this or when it rains to keep your outfits dry and to keep you warm," Kagome said behind the changing screen. She came out from behind the screen and headed to the dining hall. "Morning." she said as she came in and sat down.
"Would Sesshoumaru-sama come outside with Rin and Kagome after morning meal?" Rin looked over at Sesshoumaru.
"Lord Sesshoumaru has more important things to do then baby sit the likes of you two," voiced Jaken as he stood by Sesshoumaru.
"That's alright Rin. We are big girls and don't need neither of them sniffing our skirts. So hurry and eat so we can go out." She looked from Jaken to Sesshoumaru and then to Rin. When the two were finished they both headed outside. As they went outside Rin took off faster then Kagome. "Where did you go Rin?" Rounding the corner Kagome got hit in the shoulder then heard laughter. Looking down she saw the evidence caused by a small snowball. "Why you little..." She stopped with another snowball to the face. Squatting down she grabbed handfuls of snow and packed them until she got a rather good sized snowball then headed in the direction she heard the laughter. As she got near the spot, Rin dashed away.
"No don't Kagome!" Rin cried out as the snowball nearly hit her. Running she hid behind a tree. Leaning forward to get some snow ready and look to see is she could see Kagome and felt something hit her back.
"Found you." Chuckling Kagome knelt down to get more snow to only receive snow in the face as well as down her shirt. Taking the time to shake the snow out of her shirt, Rin took off once more laughing as she went to hide. "She thinks this is funny does she?" Making another snowball she followed the small foot prints. "Rin where are you? You can come out." Seeing a place that looked like Rin could hide Kagome walked over to check it out to find that Rin was not there.
Bending down she packed fresh snow since the snowball she had melted. Continuing on she spotted another place close to one of the ways that lead to the main building but decided not to look there figuring that would be to easy of a place to hide so she headed in a different direction. Rin watched as Kagome turned and headed in a different direction. Letting out a soft sigh she slowly made her way out of her hiding spot and quietly followed Kagome. Getting the feeling of being followed she turned and didn't see anything. Giggling softly as Kagome turned, RIn followed once more but then stopped as she noticed something more interesting.
"Come out Rin." Getting the feeling of being watched from behind she quickly throw the snowball she had in her hand. "I've got you not Ri..." She stopped in mid sentence when she saw that the one she had hit was not Rin but was the western lord. "Sesshoumaru! I'm sorry. I thought you were Rin." She spoke as she saw him look at the spot where the snowball had hit him then back at her. Laughter was heard to the right.
"Kagome's funny thinking Sesshoumaru-sama was Rin and hit him with snow... Ahh..." She quickly gasped as she saw Kagome run towards her. Turning to run she was quickly brought to the snow covered ground by Kagome. She struggled to get free as Kagome tickled her and covered her with snow. Please let me go Kagome." She giggled as Sesshoumaru watched not that far away. After a bit Kagome let Rin free as she sat on her knees breathing fast as she stood up wiping moister from sweat and snow from her face and neck. Looking down at her wet clothes then over at Rin.
"Let's go in and change out of these wet clothes and into something dry before we get cold and sick."
"Just a bit longer Kagome. Please!"
"A few more minutes, but then we will go inside." Kagome bent down to get more snow into a ball. Rin's eyes grew wide but Kagome shook her head no but motioned with her eyes to Sesshoumaru. Rin smiled and got some snow. "Ok let's do it." Kagome throw the snowball at Sesshoumaru and watched as only hers went and not hers and Rin's. "Rin!"
"Umm second thought Rin's cold so she will see you inside Kagome." Rin ran to the building. Kagome swallowed as she slowly turned.
"You strike me yet again miko!" Looking down at Kagome.
"Only in fun." She backed away then turned and ran as she giggled but her escape was quickly stopped as she was covered by snow falling on her. Digging herself out of the snow she looked up to see the tree she was under was empty of all its snow. Looking around she saw Sesshoumaru walking away. Wrapping her arms around her, she headed back to the main building and to her room to change. "Dumb dogs, dumb dogs, dumb dogs." She grumbled to herself as she headed down the halls to reach her room. Upon changing and coming out from behind the changing screen with her wet clothes she watched Hanako enter the room.
"Lady miko, your clothes look to be even more wet than the young Rin's."
"Yeah, no thanks to your lord!" Kagome grumbled as her wet clothes were taken by Hanako. "Making all the snow from a tree fall on me just because I hit him with a snowball thinking he was Rin, then hitting him again but this time in fun. Two snowballs hitting him does not equal to a whole tree full of snow being dumped on me." She sat by her small table.
"Your lucky it was that miko. Lord Sesshoumaru is not one to play."
"Apparently so."
"I will return soon to bring you to the evening meal." Bowing Hanako left the room. While sitting by her low table a shiver ran down her spine. A half hour later she was lead into the dining hall. Excepting the food she took a few bites then sat her eating tool down and looked at Sesshoumaru.
"You know that was cold! How could two small snowballs equal to having a tree emptied of it's snow onto me?" she watched as he remained silent at the head of the table.
Three days later Kagome while she shivered and held her blanket tightly around her, she felt someone shake her shoulder. Opening her eyes she saw Hanako kneeling beside her futon. Looking towards the window and seeing no sign of light she looked back at Hanako confused.
"You must come with me lady miko."
"What is it? What's wrong?"
"It is young Rin. I fear she is very sick." Kagome quickly pushed the blanket off of her and grabbed her bag and followed Hanako down to a different room and entered. Entering the room she noticed Sesshoumaru standing close as another servant was next to Rin. Going over to the other side of the futon Kagome knelt down and touched Rin's forehead. As her hand neared Rin's forehead she could feel heat radiating from her skin. It was confirmed as to how hot when she touched the skin. Taking her hand away she grabbed her bag and opened it. Looking through her bag she pulled out some herbs.
"I need this boiled in some water and brought to me with something to pour it into her mouth so she can drink it." She held out some herbs to the servant.
"We should get a known healer from a village and not this miko," the servant voiced.
"That will only take more time. The healer will have the same healing herbs as I do. I may not know all the different healing herbs, but I know the ones to use for this. There is another one that was used on me by Inuyasha that cured me what seemed like over night though I am not sure which herbs that was used because he did not tell me. He only said his mother used dried ingredients as he used fresh. Listen I'm the closest healer from a village that you have. Are you going to let the fact that I am a miko get in the way and let her get sicker or take these herbs and get them boiled?" The servant didn't move. "Fine I'll do it myself."
"I will do it lady miko." Hanako stepped forward taking the herbs. Kagome watched as Sesshoumaru ordered the other servant to follow him. When the room was empty Kagome stood and looked around the room and found another clean sleeping kimono. Going back to the futon she untied the other sleeping kimono and changed the it. Then taking out a wash cloth and her drinking bottle she wet the cloth then began to bathe Rin's forehead. As she finished Hanako came back in. "Here."
"Thank you Hanako." Taking and pouring some of the liquid she sat the cup down then raised Rin's head a bit. "Ok sweetie you need to try and drink this so you can get better." She brought the cup to Rin's mouth and slowly tipped the cup giving her a little at a time until it was all gone. She then looked at Hanako. "She needs to drink this every few hours." Kagome went to stand to leave.
"No, don't leave Kagome, please!" Came a soft voice as a small hand slowly raised. Lowering back down to the futon Kagome moved Rin so she was laying against her.
"All right I'll stay with you." Kagome stroked Rin's hair out of her face. Looking up she saw Sesshoumaru come back in. She noticed that he was not wearing his normal white and red outfit nor wearing his armor or swords but was wearing a plain white haori and his normal hakama's. "She will be all right Sesshoumaru. I will be here with her if you would wish to return to your room." He looked at Rin.
"Summon help upon need." He turned and left. Kagome remained awake the remaining night watching over Rin and having her drink the herbal liquid. Come sunrise Hanako entered the room to see Kagome still awake.
"Lady miko have you not slept?"
"Some. Could you take and boil some more of these herbs?" Hanako nodded and left. Sitting there Rin began coughing so she sat Rin up a bit and began rubbing her back until it subsided then laid Rin back down. Soon the herbal liquid was brought to the room. While pouring and helping Rin to drink it, Kagome began to softly hum. Feeling as though she was being watched she looked up to see the western lord. "Oh."
"Miko."
"She is doing ok. She slept pretty soundly when her coughs subsided." He nodded before he left once more. The rest of the day and night went the same as early dawn when she had been brought into Rin's room. Kagome only taking breaks to go to the bathroom and eating something small.
Four days passed with continuing this task when Kagome herself began to feel she was not doing well. Though she did not let on that she was slowly becoming sick, she had begun to get chills, followed by her chest beginning to become sore, then her throat and her nose began to run and slowly she begun to not want to eat. As dawn drew near on the fifth day Kagome's head felt as if it was going to split open at any given moment and she was fighting to keep her eyes open. Hearing the door sliding open she tried to look well awake and fresh but failed.
"Lady miko, you must rest. Others can watch young Rin."
"Thank you, but I am doing fine." Though when she spoke nausea shot through her as her head throbbed when she spoke. She handed Hanako more herbs. Leaving the room she handed the herbs to another servant with instructions before she went down the hall and knocked on a door. Receiving word to enter Hanako did so and bowed.
"M'lord, I bring word of the miko."
"What about the miko?"
"M'lord, it is my belief that the miko has slept very little since she has been brought to your young ward's chamber many days ago. Upon entering young Rin's chamber come this dawn the miko did not seem right. She has this unhealthy look about her. I suggested that she rest and that there are others to watch Rin. She thanked me and said she would be fine. Though her eyes say other wise." Hanako watched as the western lord stood.
"Come." He headed to the door and left his study. Reaching the desired room Sesshoumaru followed Hanako into the room and watched Kagome. It took her a bit of time to realize that she was not alone with Rin and tried to sit up straight and look as if she was fine. "Miko answer me truthfully. Have you slept any these past days?"
"Some. A little here and a little there, but I assure you that I am fine."
"Your health. How do you fair?"
"I'm fine."
"Your eyes showed pain within them upon my coming in at dawn as they still do." Hanako spoke. Sesshoumaru looked carefully at Kagome's eyes.
"Miko, you will return to your room and rest. Upon Hanako's judgment on your restfulness will you be able to return to Rin's side to care for her."
"But I'm fine. Sure I'm a little tired, but I will be fine."
"Unrest will bring poor judgement." Seeing she would not win she stood up as he turned to the door. Standing there her head began to throb even more as blood rushed through her head. Next thing she knew was her legs were numb as a bright light exploded within her mind and everything went muffled.
"LADY MIKO!" Hanako cried out. Sesshoumaru turned to see Kagome collapsing towards the floor. Hanako watched as her lord caught the miko before she hit the floor.
As her body laid against him, he could feel Kagome's body was like it was on fire. Thinking that it was her miko power he was about to lay her on the floor. That is until he smelt the pungent scent of sweat. Holding her to him, he quickly got to his feet and ordered Hanako to follow him. Her body began to shiver as he carried her to her room. Hanako quickly laid out the futon. Placing her on the futon Sesshoumaru ordered Hanako to watch her until he returned. From where Hanako sat she could tell that Kagome was alot worse then Rin when she had become sick. Returning back to the room Sesshoumaru handed Hanako a thick sleeping kimono and
stepped out of the room.
"M'lord, she is dressed. Should we not get the healer from the village which she comes from or at least the herbs? Since she used the last on young Rin?"
"The healer will not worry. Return to Rin's chamber."
"Whom will watch the miko, M'lord?"
"Whom else do you see within this chamber?"
"No one but you, me and the miko." Hanako's eyes widened when it dawned on her that her lord meant that he, himself would care for the miko.