((Saved))

~~OO~~II~~OO~~

The moment her eyes began to flutter open, pain exploded throughout her leg and arm. Confusion filtered through her mind and she moaned softly as she opened her eyes. Immediately, she was confronted by a pair of anxious brown orbs that glittered with fear that quickly became relief. "Kagome! You're alright!"

"...Rin?" Kagome whispered in response, blinking. She moved to sit up but gasped in pain and went still. "Rin? Where...what happened?"

Rin gasped. "You remember now?" she said hopefully, beaming at the woman. She nodded faintly and Rin smiled broadly. "That's great, Kagome! Oh! And I don't know where we are, but Master Jaken and I washed up here. His staff kept us above the water so we could breathe. I was really tired, so I took a nap, and then we went to look for Lord Sesshomaru because we were with him when that scary water attacked, but we found you!" She frowned. "I dunno what happened, but we can't move the tree..."

"Tree...?" Kagome whispered, twisting. Sure enough, a medium-sized tree had landed on her. Luckily, she had been on her side, left arm tucked under her along with the left leg. Her right limbs, however, hadn't been so lucky. Her right arm was smashed beneath the tree, her left leg in ribbons of flesh from the branches that had scored across it. She gave a quiet moan of pain, and then panicked. Her child! Her hand immediately reached for her belly. "Rin," she choked out, "I need-"

But Rin was already shaking her head, eyes sorrowful. "Lord Sesshomaru isn't anywhere nearby; the only person we've seen besides you is dead."

"Be grateful it wasn't you, pathetic creature!" squawked Jaken from his place nearby. He scowled deeply. "My Lord will come for us soon!"

Kagome rolled her eyes before asking, "How big is this little island, Rin?"

"Not very big," Rin admitted. "It used to be a hill, but now it's just a little bit of land. We came here to look at the stars once."

Kagome smiled at the memory. "I remember that," she whispered. She'd been settled in Inuyasha's lap then; it was after the nasty blizzard where Kaede's home had burned down. Anxious that Kagome would get sick, the half-demon had swaddled her in his haori and forced the reluctant woman into his lap.

The thought of him made her want to cry. She had never needed or wanted Inuyasha so badly. "We will find him," Toga rumbled reassuringly in her head. Kagome bit back a whimper of relief. At least they had Toga to help them out...mentally, of course.

Shaking off her need and fear, she said firmly, "Rin, we need to get the tree off. Jaken, get over here and help her. Push against it as hard as you can, ignore my pain, okay?" Rin nodded and waited for Jaken to come over. "On my count," she told them. "One...two...three-" She cut off with a keening wail of pain as the tree shifted. Rin used all of her meager strength, and, along with Jaken, succeeded.

Kagome rolled onto her back, brow dotted with sweat. "Thanks," she breathed, panting for breath. Rin bit her lip nervously and Kagome used her good arm to ruffle the girl's hair. "Good job, Rin. Now, I..." she trailed off, cursing as her arm pulsed with pain. "I...could you check the...check the area one more..." The pain was too much and she could feel the black closing in.

Just before it did, she saw Rin smile toothily. "Yes, of course, Kagome!"

Her voice was distant as Kagome passed out, listening to Toga's reassuring rumble.

~~OO~~II~~OO~~

When Kagome opened her eyes again, it was dark out. Pain still pulsed through her, and she recognized the feverish feeling of infection setting in. Rin was curled up against her good side, hugging her good arm, and even Jaken had cuddled close, curled up in a ball against her good leg. It was a chilly spring night. Kagome gave a small sigh, her hand gently ruffling the girl's hair as she forced herself to throw up a barrier. She was useless like this.

Tears began to gather. She wanted Inuyasha, more than she'd ever wanted anything or anyone. Even more than when she'd watched him die in front of her, watching the last breath leave his already cooling lips. She shuddered. At least then, she hadn't been terrified for the life of her child and in pain.

Kami, help her. She couldn't lose her unborn son or daughter- most likely son, if her theory about Shiro was correct. Please, she prayed silently, PLEASE. Get me out of this and back to Inuyasha and so help me, I'll name the child Shiro if its a boy!

"He will be a strong pup," Toga thought quietly to her, trying to help. But he only made her feel worse.

The tears began to spill over. They were going to die. They were definitely going to die here. She had been too stubborn to let Kirara take her up to the cave and now she was the reason her child was dead, or going to die soon enough.

Suddenly, however, a demonic presence slammed into her own. Kagome opened her eyes with a gasp as Rin shot up, listening intently. Then she gave a cry of excitement. "Master Jaken, Master Jaken! It's Ah-Uhn! Do you hear him, Master Jaken, it's Ah-Uhn, he's found us!"

Kagome's eyes widened. The strange demon would be able to get them to safety. Exhausted, she let her barrier drop, and almost immediately, the demon landed beside them. Rin laughed, running to meet the demon. It made a sound of content, one head lipping at her hair while the other leaned to sniff at Kagome. Kagome raised her good hand, stroking its nose weakly. "Good boy," she breathed. A question lit her mind. "Where's your master, hm?"

"Rin."

Ah, there he was.

Rin burst into tears of happiness, racing over and throwing her arms around Sesshomaru's leg. Kagome watched with silent surprise as the emotionless demon lord rumbled quietly in reassurance, dropping a hand to soothingly touch her head. Rin buried her face against his hakamas. "Rin was scared," she sobbed. "The water was scary. Master Jaken saved me though, and we found Kagome!" Like a whirlwind, her tears were gone, replaced by a bright smile.

Kagome's eyes flashed with silent wariness as Sesshomaru turned cold amber eyes on her. His nostrils flared silently as he inhaled, taking in her scent. "...you are ill, miko," he growled.

Kagome gave a wry smile and managed to get out, "Obviously. I'll give you points for observation, Sesshomaru." She forced herself to sit up, going white as a sheet as her arm was jostled. She hesitated, then sighed in relief as Ah-Uhn helped her to her feet, letting her lean heavily on his neck. "I..." she choked out, "I need to borrow Ah-Uhn if I can. Please. I need to get back-"

Sesshomaru sniffed and Kagome's eyes widened as he huffed, "You will accompany me to my home, human." He shot her a look when she opened her mouth to protest. "Your injuries cannot be dealt with by a simple villager. The healer of the Western Castle will see to them."

Kagome's jaw dropped despite her pain. "You're...you're helping me? Why?" Silently, his gaze flickered to Rin, and she understood. Despite his outside appearance, the demon cared deeply for the girl and was grateful that Kagome had helped keep her safe. In payment, he would let her recover with the best care possible, as the well was shut. "Thank you," she said in a strangled voice.

"Hn."

Kagome paused, then froze. "Inuyasha. What about Inuyasha? I need to tell him I'm okay, I have to make sure-"

"I will alert the half-breed of your whereabouts upon reaching the Western Land's center," Sesshomaru gritted out with strained patience. He did not appreciate the human trying to get out of his offer. It was offensive to he, the Lord of the West. "Ah-Uhn will carry you and Rin. Come." Without another word, he turned to leave, but was stopped when Kagome made a nervous sound.

"Uh...Sesshomaru...? I, you know, don't think I can- eek!" She broke off with a shriek when the demon was suddenly beside her, easily placing her in Ah-Uhn's saddle. Her cheeks flushed red- that is, until her arm smacked into Ah-Uhn's scales. Her squeak became a cry of pain and tears threatened to fall as she cradled her arm. "Thanks," she managed to get out as Rin climbed on behind her, patting her good arm gently in reassurance.

Sesshomaru snorted. "Come," he repeated.

Kagome merely closed her eyes and slumped forward in the saddle to sleep as Ah-Uhn stepped after him, leaving Jaken to squawk and follow. Her thoughts drifted to her Inu, who she had no doubt was currently panicking. A desperate need flashed through her again and she bit back a sob.

As grateful as she was, all she wanted was Inuyasha back so that she could know she was safe once more.

A thought struck her and she called softly once more, "Sesshomaru." The demon lord didn't stop walking but she knew he was listening. "I need to know. Please. Is-"

"You are still with child, I smell no hint of death," the demon lord answered smoothly, tone cold. "Stop asking such ridiculous questions. This Sesshomaru does not appreciate having to answer them."

Satisfied, Kagome finally gave in to the sleep she so desperately craved once more.

Your name will be Shiro, my strong one. Thank you. Thank you for not making me lose you.

And with that final thought, Kagome was out cold.

~~OO~~II~~OO~~

A/N: Sesshy to the rescue! :D This part was originally going to be different, but my fingers have a mind of their own. And this time, I like it! Thanks for the reviews, they make me so happy! I hope you liked the chapter! :3