Previously on Great Dog's Devotion:

(The last thing I saw was Sesshomaru reaching for me....)

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Sesshomaru P.O.V.

I turned as I heard Nikko's voice...it sounded strange almost drained. Then I saw Nikko starting to fall and I quickly went to her and caught her in my arm delicately as she went limp and unconscious as her arm draped over my forearm.

I smelled the coppery and metallic of her blood as I looked at her arm that was cut from the boys weapon while trying to protect Rin, it was still bleeding and it doesn't seem to stop. My heart started to ache to see her like this as a cold chill went through my spine.

Rin was at a distance from where I was as I held Nikko, she ran towards me unsure what had happened as her face was usually cheerful until it had turned into worry as she saw what I had in my arm. She was still at a distance from me but she knew not to interfere but she was concerned about Nikko.

Kagome came towards me and took a look at Nikko. She looks at me with sheer concern on her face. "I don't know if I can stop the bleeding, if it doesn't she'll go into shock and won't make it." She said soberly.

The group looked Nikko with great concern, unsure what to do for her. So they try to discuss what other options for Nikko injuries. I know of two ways: One, Mark her and make her mine which would mean she would be bound to me for as long as I live.

I... I can not do that without her permission, both partners must agree to this other wise one of them dies, however a strong yokai can mark an individual so other demons won't touch them but that is not Yokai bonding, it just scent marking. Two: Wait for her to pass to the netherworld and use Tenseiga to bring her back but... I don't think I can bare to see her die this time and then the next time she gets severely hurt might be her last.

The beast resurfaced with a heartbreaking howl in me. "There is another way... and you may even like it. However it may change you and her for the better or for the worst...It is how you may see it. You'll be more attentive for her. You must taste her blood, your saliva as healing properties that help wounds heal but she may need time to recover. So you may have Kagome take her to her world to recover quicker." The Beast said with a purr.

I closed my eyes, blocking all the other sounds only hearing Nikko harsh breathing and slow heartbeat which was becoming hard to hear. I took a deep breath, inhaling her intoxicating scent, one I have imbedded in mind.

In a few moments holding her in my arm, I had only held her like this once and she seem to fit to my body like a puzzle piece. Seconds later, I have made my decision... while the others were talking among each other, I turned away from them, kneeling onto the grass and gently placed Nikko on my lap.

I petted her hair which was soft to the touch as if to coats her on what I'm about to do. "Forgive me Nikko." I whispered. I lightly grabbed her bleeding arm, bringing it towards my mouth and started to lick the wound on her forearm.

The taste was something I have never expected it to be. It was like having a rich sake and I'm getting daze from the euphoria of it.

I wanted more...of her, but a small part of me in the back of my mind says to cease this before it goes any further. So regrettably, I remove myself from her forearm, regaining my self control and composure.

The wound was healing and I cleaned all the spilled blood on her forearm. I exhaled as if a weight was lifted off my shoulders and a tangible connection seemed a little stronger than before and more recognizable of what she feels.

I read what Nikko was feeling: tired, concern, heartfelt and longing. And in a moment of weakness of being enveloped in her feelings, I leaned down and I put my head towards hers, gently touching her forehead with mine.

Closing my eyes and treasuring this moment a little longer. "Stay strong for me...Watashi no hasu (My lotus)." I whispered to her.

I opened my eyes and lifted my hand to her face, vaguely touched her cheek as it was getting a small bit of color but not enough to be safe. I looked at her face wanting to remembering it as if it is the last time I get to see her.

I wanted to keep her close me, for her to stay by my side but I know what has to be done and what happens next was one of the hardest things I'll ever do.

I stood up while carrying Nikko close to my chest, turned towards the group. They stopped talking as I approached them and Kagome looked at me as she approached.

She looked up to me as if asking for permission to get close, I nodded as she examined Nikko's arm and saw that the wound was healing. Kagome stared in awe as the wound was almost healed but didn't say anything to me.

I leaned my arm towards her, signaling her to take Nikko. Then Sango comes by, takes one of Nikko's arms and looks to me.

"Take her... Make sure she recovers." I said to them. Kagome and Sango nodded in unison as they would make sure she'll recover.

"We will." Kagome said as she and Sango carried Nikko towards Kirara. Putting her on Kiara as they and the group left quickly.

I stood there for a moment, feeling the connection slowly dissipating until I could barely register that it was there anymore. I turned and Rin approached me grabbing my Mokomoko as we went to the air, heading back to Ah-Un and Jaken.