Chapter 7
They walked a fair distance through out the wilderness with the sky clear above. Day light had set in with the sun gleaming in spots, still offering much shade.
Kagome still slept in his arms. She shivered a bit as a breeze kicked up in the wind, blowing over her bare arms and cleavage. She nuzzled her face closer to his torso. He felt her shift, glancing down to see the goosebumps appearing over her skin.
She is cold. In these damp clothes and exhausted state, she will become sick.
He huffed annoyed. Moving his moko moko over her upper body, she sighed in comfort.
"Is Lady Kagome going to be okay My Lord?," Rin asked concerned as she caught up to his side. She looked over to see, taking notice of how pale Kagome had grown.
"I do not know Rin," He replied. In truth he wasn't sure the state of health this woman was in. But whatever the issue, he could hope it'd solve itself. Caring for this woman to Rins comfort was not wanted at all.
They reached a stream that had broken off from the main river. It would be a good place to rest for the moment, as her health obviously needed to be checked on.
"Rin, see what you can gather around. Fish for you to eat as we rest. It may take time to reach the village."
"Yes My Lord!," She said running off to do as he said. She was hungry, and maybe Kagome would be so too when she awoken.
He lay her down on his complete moko moko. The sensation of having her full body pressed down on his tail felt different. No one had ever gotten that comfortable in his personal space.
She moaned out, face scowling before opening her eyes just a little. It was hard to focus her vision.
"Are you aware priestess?," He asked.
She looked in his direction, face flushed with fever and awkwardness.
"Sesshomaru… what happened? Where's Rin?," She whimpered.
Her hands cupped something soft under her.
There it was again. Showing no concern for herself. A mere child. That who she had barely known.
"You are weak after using your powers against a demon to protect Rin. For that I thank you."
Kagome only stared at him. Her fever was slightly high and it was hard to comprehend anything currently.
She was about to ask another question when her stomach growled loudly, embarrassment showing.
Food shall bring her strength. I shall go help Rin.
But as he went to stand, Kagome clutched his hand. He stopped. Scowling a little, yet not pulling away. Their eyes locked and she blushed a bit. She didn't mean to be so bold but she didn't want him to go yet. She was weak, and very confused.
"I-Im sorry. But ..where..are we?," She asked.
He grew agitated by her neediness. He gripped her hand back, widening her eyes. Lowering his face close to hers, he answered, "we are in the forest. Journeying back to the village you so foolishly left. I almost managed to dispatch Inuyasha. And with you annoying me further, I may do so to you as well." With that he abruptly pulled his hand from hers and walked away to help Rin gather.
Inuyasha… why..
She thought of her old love with tears gathering in her eyes and betrayal wallowing in her heart. It hurt her so. Now knowing that Sesshomaru had hurt him, she could not feel bad about that. After all he had done, she was afraid of Inuyasha. It's not like the situation she was currently in was any better. This man was equally if not more scary.
Sesshomaru smelled her tears from afar. Doing his absolute best to ignore it.
Hearing her sniffle, Rin looked over. She could see Kagome crying quietly into the Lord's moko moko. The child frowned at this.
"...Lord Sesshomaru?," She asked.
He stopped his assault at the water and gave her his full attention.
"Yes Rin?," He replied.
She fidgeted, unsure how to word herself.
".. L-Lady Kagome, she saved my life. I was the one who lied about where to pick flowers, and she trusted me. In doing so, I had led us into trouble.. She saved me from being attacked. She carried me. She dove into rushing water to save me, and almost died.. So please My Lord… be kind to her. I ask this of you.."
He was unsure how to answer her. It was baffling inside to know that she dared tell a lie. And acted so irresponsible, even for a child. But what was done, was done. To know the struggle of what that woman went through for his ward was even more surprising. He knew that she was a selfless person, but to what extent he had no knowledge.
He simply nodded to her.
"I shall keep all of what you have told me in mind Rin."
She smiled brightly. As they both continued to catch fish, in the background the moko moko gently draped itself over Kagome.
She stopped crying for a second and her breath hitched. Wiping her tears, she looked over her shoulder at them. Sesshomaru never returned a glance.
Staring at his back she wondered how strange a man he was. One minute threatening her life, and the next attempting to mildly comfort her.
He's so weird...One things for sure, he and his brother need to get their emotions together.
It was strange certainly. The cold and stoic Lord doing anything for another. Yet this small gesture was more comforting than any support Inuyasha had ever offered. Aside from saving her from time to time, it didn't include caring for her mental well being.
She ignored her picking thoughts. Puffing her cheeks, a stare turning into a scowl.
Being around Inuyasha for so long sure did lower my standards.
But she also wouldn't deny the kindness and buried her face into its softness. The fever was so tiring. Hopefully her powers would still be there once she regained her strength.
The heat was thick in the air. Lava flowing over the ground, Inuyasha skipping around it. Within a days journey he was finally able to reach the beginning part of the volcano this man strangely chose as a home. Clothing of the fire rat was a useful protection in visiting the old man since no normal being would be able to with stand such environment.
I hope he can tell me what's wrong… Tetsusaiga, why have you forsaken me? And become tainted?
As he climbed higher, he could sense the old man. Making a slight dash to hurry.
The sounds of metal clanged from the inside, his hammer steadily molding a current weapon. Inuyasha ducked under the skull entering, standing awkwardly.
Totosai stopped his movements, placing the hammer down. Letting out a harsh huff.
"So you've finally come Inuyasha. Though I wish the circumstances were more delightful, I must say, you've surprisingly managed to disappointment me."
Inuyasha shocked, clinging his fist tightly.
"I don't give a damn about how you feel old man! Just tell me what the heck is wrong with tetsusaiga!," He spat back.
Totosai stood and faced him fully. Receiving an angry stare yet not wavering.
"You are the one who has done this Inuyasha. Due to your hateful and selfish emotions, you have turned your back on the ways of the sword. The insight your father had to humanity. So tell me, what exactly was the horrid deed you committed for it to become tainted?," He sassed.
Inuyasha tensed. Thinking back to what he did to Kagome, the guilt began to wallow. Since then he had tried not to think about it and keep his mind dead set on his goal for Kikiyo. Though in the time span of it he had committed so many atrocities. It was hard to remain focused with his mind being clouded by these new awful memories.
So he said nothing, the anger in his face only growing more intense with shame setting in.
"I can feel your shame Inuyasha. You might as well spit it out. I can't help you otherwise."
His ears lowered with his expression. Being angry at the old man served no purpose. Eyes downcast he said, "I…. I hurt Kagome in my attempt to bring Kikiyo back from the dead. I had no solid plans. But I figured, if I got the basics, everything would sort itself out from there."
Totosais brows furrowed. "Tell me Inuyasha, do you remember the time Tetsusaiga first granted you power? Can you remember why? The swords ability came to you with the guarantee you would protect humans. The first being Kagome. And you have betrayed that trust between you and your sword. Though it shall remain loyal, it is flowing with your heart. Acting as it feels best for you. Yet you so stupidly dare to wonder what's wrong?"
Inuyasha looked straight, confusion setting in. "What are you talking about old man? I still wanna protect humans! Kagome even! And I didn't mean to hurt her! I just want Kikiyo back, and I don't deserve to be punished over one mistake!"
The sword pulsed at his side again, jaw clinching tight as he steadied himself to keep control.
"As I suspected. You can't even control it. And do you know why that is? Because you're a brat like always, unable to admit when he's wrong. Nor are you able to truly understand How what you did is wrong. You acted to harm someone while being sane, not demon. That's the issue. You knew better and didn't care."
He backed away leaving the inside of the skull. He had to get away or else this darkness would take over again. No matter the words he heard, there was no listening. It wasn't true. Of all the things hes done for people, the one time he chose himself would not be the end.
He jumped back, dashing down the mountain before committing another action he'd regret.
Totosai hollered down, "it will continue happening until you feel in your heart what you've done was wrong Inuyasha! Tetsusaiga is feeding off of your emotions!"
But it only fell on deaf ears. The half demon was as stubborn as always. He may only hope that he stray from populated areas.
The path he now walked was one of loneliness. Though it was not meant to be.
I knew exactly what I wanted. I don't need anyone telling me otherwise. I'll just figure out what's wrong with this sword on my own and if there exist a possibility of bringing Kikiyo, back then sure thing. But no way in hell I'm apologizing for something I didn't mean! And if there's a chance what I did would help bring me closer to her, then I'd do it again!
Rin gathered rocks into a circle followed by near twigs to make a small fire. With her Lord assisting in catching fish, there was plenty to eat!
She pierced two fish and set them close by. Noticing Kagomes state still weak in slumber once again, she grabbed the white shirt that was given to her and tightened it. Only hoping her newfound friend would be well soon.
"Do I look like a priestess My Lord!," She asked playfully.
He sat under a tree by his moko moko, and nodded. Watching her twirl around in the cloth she wore. As his ward began to prepare a fire to cook with, he turned his head to the priestess. Whos face still buried in his tail slept peacefully.
He placed the back of his hand on her for head. Hincing the hot touch, he pulled away.
The temperature inside her is rising. I am unsure how to assist.
The moko moko tightened, wrapping around her waist, arms and legs. The one thing he did know was that a human sweating was healthy for them to exit illness. Making her hot would serve for now.
Which he noted that it was slowly doing so, sweat forming on her face.
Kagome grimaced. She was becoming uncomfortable underneath his tail. Her hair stuck to the side of her face. Legs moving and turning to get comfortable. She began making clear noises of discomfort in her sleep.
Suddenly she sat up gasping for cool air, throwing the moko moko off of her body and aggressively pushing it down.
"Oh my God why is it so hot!," She said aloud, further kicking it off. It moved sharply away from her, startling her a bit. Grasping her chest, she looked to her left seeing Sesshomaru sitting somewhat close. Glaring daggers her way as the moko moko wrapped back over his shoulder.
"Uh. Thank you for um, letting me sleep on that pelt of yours..," She mumbled feeling embarrassed.
"It is not any form of pelt from another. It is my tail.," He said coldly.
Kagome blushed madly, smiling sheepishly.
His tail!? Oh god, and I hit it! He felt everything! I'm so rude!
He cut her thoughts off, "how are you feeling currently?"
She snapped back to attention. Noticing she did feel awfully better. Still a tad weak.
"A lot better now! I think you broke my fever hehe..," She nervously replied. He said nothing back. Standing and approaching the fire. She sighed hard, feeling self pity for her awkward nature. His emotionless demeanor was a certain difficult one to match.
"Rin. Have you finished preparing the fish?," He asked the child. She smiled wide again and jumped up.
"Yes I have! It is all finished, I have already begun to eat mine!," She replied, mouth slightly stuffed with food.
He nodded. Grabbing the other one next to her, he walked back over to Kagome.
"Eat," He said, handing the fish to her. She looked at him confounded. Slowly reaching up and taking it from him.
"Thank you very much Sesshomaru."
"Do not thank me. Thank Rin. She prepared it.," He replied walking back to the spot and propping back down under threat tree.
"Thank you very much Rin," She said taking a bite. "It's delicious." She smiled at the child.
Rin grinned brightly. "You are very welcome My Lady! I'm so happy you are awake and feeling better!"
"Yea I am now.. Hopefully we can make it back home soon." she glanced over at Sesshomaru to see if he had any input on the situation. But he only stared ahead deep in thought it seemed.
Inuyasha. You are a fool….And I will destroy you. Neglecting a so called friend while allowing the others to perish. Then attacking Rin like so. I may only hope this woman does not get in way, less I must take her with him.
He pushed the problem aside for now. Dwelling would serve him no use.
"We shall stay here for the night. Priestess, I shall allow you rest for another night. Yet slow us down in the morning for a second time, I will leave you to your own devices."
She nodded, taking another bite. Looking down she felt a bit bad for the two. Having to go out of their way to help her. And the uncertainty of Inuyasha still replayed over in her mind. Wondering what state he had left him in. She would only imagine a drastic one, eyeing the bloody spot on his pants finally. She had never even noticed until now surprisingly.
Oh my, Inuyasha hurt him. Did Rin tell him what Inuyasha had done to her? Is he.. Still a mere demon?..
"Sesshomaru, did Inuyasha do this?," She asked, pointing to the bloodied area.
He studied her for a moment.
This girl is quite slow. A gaping wound and she just now realizes. Unless the fever truly was that harrowing on her.
"it is not your concern. Finish your food and sleep more, there is much travels ahead.," He replied.
She didn't listen, crawling his way and kneeling over him. He glared at her.
"What are you doing woman. I already told you, it is not your business now leave me be."
"No way! My powers came back earlier right?, maybe they'll work again!," She said before motioning both arms over his leg. As they did so begin to glow, he grabbed both wrist in his own hands and pulled them over her head, face to face with him. She reddened, writhing in his grasp.
"Are you not aware that I am a demon? It would only further any demise in me. Next time I suggest you listen, a trait you seem to be lacking in.," He snapped at her. In doing so the negative emotions she once faced resurfaced as the glow went away. She fell on his lower waist, quickly pushing off of him and scooting far away. Pouting
She hugged her knees and puffed her cheeks, looking angrily at him. But he paid her no mind and continued staring on.
He's such a jerk!