Kagome mopped the sweat from Sesshomaru's forehead with a cool cloth,
trying to bring down his fever. The poison was spreading at an alarmingly
fast rate, and the symptoms were already starting to show. He was
frightfully pale, and his lips were taking on a bluish tint. He mumbled
fragmented words occasionally, and Kagome blushed when she heard her name a
few times. Did he even know he was calling out for her?
Sango was fast asleep, Shippou cuddled next to her, while Miroku remained deep in thought. Inuyasha had not returned yet, and things were beginning to look very bleak for Sesshomaru. The herbal remedies Kagome had managed to whip up would only hold off the inevitable for so long. Eventually, the poison would kill Sesshomaru. Kagome just couldn't figure out why this was bothering her so much. Sure, she didn't like to see anyone die, but Sesshomaru had been a sworn enemy up until a few days ago. Why did the thought of him dieing make her so sad?
"Kagome," Miroku called, the light from the fire casting an eerie glow over his face in the darkness. "Are you okay?"
"Oh, Miroku, I'm fine. I didn't get injured at all. You should be more worried about Sesshomaru-"
"I wasn't talking about him. Kagome, your hands are shaking."
Kagome looked down at her hand that was currently grasping Sesshomaru's and was startled to see that Miroku was right. In fact, her entire body was trembling for some reason she couldn't understand.
"I-I don't know what's wrong with me."
Miroku smiled gently. "I think I know what ails you, Lady Kagome. It's a common illness, and can be cured."
"What's wrong with me?"
His gentle smile gave way to a mischievous grin. "You're lovesick!"
Kagome almost fell over. "What do you mean lovesick?!"
"It must be obvious to everyone but you and him. You and Sesshomaru have fallen madly in love with each other, and now that he has taken ill and might die you are fearful that you will never be able to confess your true feelings to him!"
She stared blankly in silence.
"That has to be the dumbest thing I ever heard, Miroku."
"Believe what ever you want Lady Kagome, but I know the symptoms when I see them. You're clutching his hand like a lifeline, and you look over at him every five seconds. You're very weary, and yet you refuse to sleep until you are sure he will get better. It's time to face the truth; you are hopelessly in love with the Demon Lord of the Western Lands."
Miroku had fallen asleep about a half an hour later. His arm had magically draped over Sango while he was asleep, and there was no doubt he would receive a slap in the morning. However, while the others were sleeping peacefully, Kagome continued her vigil over Sesshomaru, trying everything she could possibly think of to bring his fever down.
Even though he was dieing, Sesshomaru still looked immaculate. His hair was fanned out around his head, and his face remained unblemished. Kagome touched his cheek hesitantly, fingers tracing the markings on his face in fascination.
Her knuckles brushed his hair slightly, and she marveled at its silkiness. Though it was the same color as Inuyasha's own albino locks, his weren't gnarled and tangled.
It was amazing how much the relationship between Inuyasha and Sesshomaru was so similar to the one between her and Kikyou. Just because Inuyasha and Sesshomaru shared some of the same features, such as their hair and eyes, didn't make them the same person.
She reluctantly pulled her hand away from his face, hoping that he would open his eyes. When they remained firmly sealed, she sighed in dismay before shifting her legs in an attempt to get more comfortable.
After all, it was going to be a long night for her. She was determined to stay awake until Sesshomaru woke up.
She refused to believe that he could die.
A few hours later, Kagome was lying on the ground. She had fallen asleep from exhaustion, her hand still tightly clasping Sesshomaru's. His eyes opened slowly, blinking as he took in his surroundings. It had been almost a day since Inuyasha had left, but he had yet to return. Sango, Miroku, Shippou, and Kirara were asleep nearby and Kagome. . .
was also asleep. . .
next to him. . .
holding his hand. . .
with his tail wrapped around her like a blanket.
The sight of her arms cuddling his tail like a child would a teddy bear amused him to no end. He lifted his head, trying to get a better view of the girl lying next to him, but he quickly dropped to the ground again with a hiss of pain. Apparently, he was still poisoned.
He frowned. By all means, he should be dead right now. The poison had had plenty of time to take hold of his heart and stop the blood flow. There was no way he could recover from such a fatal poison. Unless. . .
He squinted at the hand that was grasping Kagome's, and wasn't surprised to see a pink light enveloping their connection to each other. It was just as he had suspected; Kagome was unknowingly healing him using her miko energy. The transfer of miko energy was a complicated process that included risks to both people involved in the transfer, but she seemed to be able to do it without even knowing.
However, the effort to heal him had taken so much of her energy that she had passed out from exhaustion. Sesshomaru studied her in wonder. A girl he had barely acknowledged until a few days ago was risking her life to save his own. No one had ever shown him such compassion.
Despite the fact that Kagome had been able to hold off his death for an entire day, he couldn't help wondering if he was going to die. The thought of death didn't really scare him. He was more afraid of what would happen after he died.
Like what would happen to Rin for instance.
Sesshomaru seriously doubted Jaken would stick around to take care of the child, no matter how loyal the toad demon was to his master. Rin would most likely be abandoned, and without protection, she would easily be killed.
A low grow rose in his throat at the thought of Rin's death. He couldn't just die on the child. She looked up to him as a father. It was his job to protect her.
'Would Kagome be sad if I were to perish?'
Kagome seemed like the kind of girl that didn't like to see anyone die. Would she mourn him as a friend or as someone more intimate was the real question. He gazed at the girl lying next to him. She was facing towards him, her expression peaceful. She inhaled and exhaled slowly, her chest rising and falling with each breath. As he looked at Kagome, he began to feel almost possessive of her.
'Kagome is mine now, but if I died would she move on and find someone else, despite the fact that I have laid claimed on her?'
Sesshomaru was sure Kagome would mourn his passing, but she probably would get on with her life. She might even consider becoming Inuyasha's mate! His eyes began to take on a reddish glow with his anger. He was determined not to die now, for both Rin's sake and Kagome's.
To calm himself, Sesshomaru strained a trembling hand to brush Kagome's cheek. The warmth she gave off comforted him, and he fell into a deep, healing sleep.
~*~
Inuyasha ran as fast as he could, touching down to the ground every now and then before launching into the air once more, giving a false appearance that he was flying.
'Come on. . .almost there. . .'
Inuyasha wasn't even quite sure himself why he was so determined to save Sesshomaru. If his brother was dead, life would be a lot easier for him. He wouldn't have anyone trying to steal his sword anymore, and he wouldn't have any competition for Kagome's affections.
'Except for that wimpy wolf,' Inuyasha scoffed to himself. 'He doesn't really count though.'
The shard hunting group had traveled a lot farther than Inuyasha had thought, and now he was racing against the clock to get back to Kaede's village. He could only hope she knew a cure for the poison otherwise there would be no chance for Sesshomaru.
Inuyasha got a sinking feeling in his gut when he spotted a plume of dark smoke hovering over Kaede's village. He set down on the ground, and the horrible smell of death quickly assaulted his nostrils, making his eyes tear.
He walked slowly through the destroyed village, all senses on alert. The remains of Kaede's hut made a lump form in his throat, and he looked away hurriedly. Hopefully she had managed to flee with some of the other villagers. Inuyasha clenched his fists, nails digging into his skin.
'This attack reeks of Naraku. He probably knew we would search for a cure from Kaede after Sesshomaru was poisoned. The stupid bastard is always one step ahead of us! It's like we're puppets that he can manipulate with only a tug of strings. We can't tell if he's lowering us into a trap until it's too later. . .'
Inuyasha's ears froze as a harsh chuckling filled the air.
"Very good, Inuyasha! It seems you aren't a stupid as you look. I suppose you're looking for a cure for your brother?"
Inuyasha growled, trying to figure out where Naraku was hiding. The voice seemed to come from everywhere and nowhere at the same time.
"What do you want Naraku?" he snarled out to his seemingly-empty surroundings.
Naraku laughed even harder.
"What makes you think I want something from you, my dear boy? It appears you never learn from past mistakes. No matter how many times I plant the same trap, you always fall into it head first. By now the girl is already back at my palace, and your other friends are trying to figure out what to write on the 'Great Sesshomaru's' tombstone."
Inuyasha felt his pulse quicken in panic. Naraku's goal had been to lure him away from the others! With Sesshomaru wounded and Inuyasha gone, their defenses would be low. It was the perfect time for an attack!
"Damn you!" Inuyasha shouted, racing back from where he came from faster than he believed was possible. Naraku's maniacal laughter quickly faded into the distance, but Inuyasha knew he'd never make it in time.
~*~
When Sesshomaru woke the next morning, the aches he had felt the previous day were a thing of the past. He sat up slowly and stretched his arms carefully only to find that he felt more energized than before the battle.
He looked in wonder at the girl who had healed him only to find her still sleeping peacefully along with the other members of the camp. His lips twitched as he fought the smile that was starting to bloom on his face. Kagome was truly an amazing girl. She would make a wonderful mate for him.
'And a wonderful mother for our pups,' he added silently, remembering how kind she always was to the kitsune that traveled with them.
Of course, it was Kagome's decision to make. She still had a few more days left until she would have to give an answer, and Sesshomaru was determined to win her over.
'Kagome, you will be mine, whether you like it or not.'
A/N: Ugh, you guys can blame my delay for updating on evil school. . Does anyone else besides me REALLY miss the summer? Anyway, I hope you liked the chapter! It's a little on the short side, but I didn't want to make you wait any longer. Please review! It makes me really happy to get feedback on my stories.
Sango was fast asleep, Shippou cuddled next to her, while Miroku remained deep in thought. Inuyasha had not returned yet, and things were beginning to look very bleak for Sesshomaru. The herbal remedies Kagome had managed to whip up would only hold off the inevitable for so long. Eventually, the poison would kill Sesshomaru. Kagome just couldn't figure out why this was bothering her so much. Sure, she didn't like to see anyone die, but Sesshomaru had been a sworn enemy up until a few days ago. Why did the thought of him dieing make her so sad?
"Kagome," Miroku called, the light from the fire casting an eerie glow over his face in the darkness. "Are you okay?"
"Oh, Miroku, I'm fine. I didn't get injured at all. You should be more worried about Sesshomaru-"
"I wasn't talking about him. Kagome, your hands are shaking."
Kagome looked down at her hand that was currently grasping Sesshomaru's and was startled to see that Miroku was right. In fact, her entire body was trembling for some reason she couldn't understand.
"I-I don't know what's wrong with me."
Miroku smiled gently. "I think I know what ails you, Lady Kagome. It's a common illness, and can be cured."
"What's wrong with me?"
His gentle smile gave way to a mischievous grin. "You're lovesick!"
Kagome almost fell over. "What do you mean lovesick?!"
"It must be obvious to everyone but you and him. You and Sesshomaru have fallen madly in love with each other, and now that he has taken ill and might die you are fearful that you will never be able to confess your true feelings to him!"
She stared blankly in silence.
"That has to be the dumbest thing I ever heard, Miroku."
"Believe what ever you want Lady Kagome, but I know the symptoms when I see them. You're clutching his hand like a lifeline, and you look over at him every five seconds. You're very weary, and yet you refuse to sleep until you are sure he will get better. It's time to face the truth; you are hopelessly in love with the Demon Lord of the Western Lands."
Miroku had fallen asleep about a half an hour later. His arm had magically draped over Sango while he was asleep, and there was no doubt he would receive a slap in the morning. However, while the others were sleeping peacefully, Kagome continued her vigil over Sesshomaru, trying everything she could possibly think of to bring his fever down.
Even though he was dieing, Sesshomaru still looked immaculate. His hair was fanned out around his head, and his face remained unblemished. Kagome touched his cheek hesitantly, fingers tracing the markings on his face in fascination.
Her knuckles brushed his hair slightly, and she marveled at its silkiness. Though it was the same color as Inuyasha's own albino locks, his weren't gnarled and tangled.
It was amazing how much the relationship between Inuyasha and Sesshomaru was so similar to the one between her and Kikyou. Just because Inuyasha and Sesshomaru shared some of the same features, such as their hair and eyes, didn't make them the same person.
She reluctantly pulled her hand away from his face, hoping that he would open his eyes. When they remained firmly sealed, she sighed in dismay before shifting her legs in an attempt to get more comfortable.
After all, it was going to be a long night for her. She was determined to stay awake until Sesshomaru woke up.
She refused to believe that he could die.
A few hours later, Kagome was lying on the ground. She had fallen asleep from exhaustion, her hand still tightly clasping Sesshomaru's. His eyes opened slowly, blinking as he took in his surroundings. It had been almost a day since Inuyasha had left, but he had yet to return. Sango, Miroku, Shippou, and Kirara were asleep nearby and Kagome. . .
was also asleep. . .
next to him. . .
holding his hand. . .
with his tail wrapped around her like a blanket.
The sight of her arms cuddling his tail like a child would a teddy bear amused him to no end. He lifted his head, trying to get a better view of the girl lying next to him, but he quickly dropped to the ground again with a hiss of pain. Apparently, he was still poisoned.
He frowned. By all means, he should be dead right now. The poison had had plenty of time to take hold of his heart and stop the blood flow. There was no way he could recover from such a fatal poison. Unless. . .
He squinted at the hand that was grasping Kagome's, and wasn't surprised to see a pink light enveloping their connection to each other. It was just as he had suspected; Kagome was unknowingly healing him using her miko energy. The transfer of miko energy was a complicated process that included risks to both people involved in the transfer, but she seemed to be able to do it without even knowing.
However, the effort to heal him had taken so much of her energy that she had passed out from exhaustion. Sesshomaru studied her in wonder. A girl he had barely acknowledged until a few days ago was risking her life to save his own. No one had ever shown him such compassion.
Despite the fact that Kagome had been able to hold off his death for an entire day, he couldn't help wondering if he was going to die. The thought of death didn't really scare him. He was more afraid of what would happen after he died.
Like what would happen to Rin for instance.
Sesshomaru seriously doubted Jaken would stick around to take care of the child, no matter how loyal the toad demon was to his master. Rin would most likely be abandoned, and without protection, she would easily be killed.
A low grow rose in his throat at the thought of Rin's death. He couldn't just die on the child. She looked up to him as a father. It was his job to protect her.
'Would Kagome be sad if I were to perish?'
Kagome seemed like the kind of girl that didn't like to see anyone die. Would she mourn him as a friend or as someone more intimate was the real question. He gazed at the girl lying next to him. She was facing towards him, her expression peaceful. She inhaled and exhaled slowly, her chest rising and falling with each breath. As he looked at Kagome, he began to feel almost possessive of her.
'Kagome is mine now, but if I died would she move on and find someone else, despite the fact that I have laid claimed on her?'
Sesshomaru was sure Kagome would mourn his passing, but she probably would get on with her life. She might even consider becoming Inuyasha's mate! His eyes began to take on a reddish glow with his anger. He was determined not to die now, for both Rin's sake and Kagome's.
To calm himself, Sesshomaru strained a trembling hand to brush Kagome's cheek. The warmth she gave off comforted him, and he fell into a deep, healing sleep.
~*~
Inuyasha ran as fast as he could, touching down to the ground every now and then before launching into the air once more, giving a false appearance that he was flying.
'Come on. . .almost there. . .'
Inuyasha wasn't even quite sure himself why he was so determined to save Sesshomaru. If his brother was dead, life would be a lot easier for him. He wouldn't have anyone trying to steal his sword anymore, and he wouldn't have any competition for Kagome's affections.
'Except for that wimpy wolf,' Inuyasha scoffed to himself. 'He doesn't really count though.'
The shard hunting group had traveled a lot farther than Inuyasha had thought, and now he was racing against the clock to get back to Kaede's village. He could only hope she knew a cure for the poison otherwise there would be no chance for Sesshomaru.
Inuyasha got a sinking feeling in his gut when he spotted a plume of dark smoke hovering over Kaede's village. He set down on the ground, and the horrible smell of death quickly assaulted his nostrils, making his eyes tear.
He walked slowly through the destroyed village, all senses on alert. The remains of Kaede's hut made a lump form in his throat, and he looked away hurriedly. Hopefully she had managed to flee with some of the other villagers. Inuyasha clenched his fists, nails digging into his skin.
'This attack reeks of Naraku. He probably knew we would search for a cure from Kaede after Sesshomaru was poisoned. The stupid bastard is always one step ahead of us! It's like we're puppets that he can manipulate with only a tug of strings. We can't tell if he's lowering us into a trap until it's too later. . .'
Inuyasha's ears froze as a harsh chuckling filled the air.
"Very good, Inuyasha! It seems you aren't a stupid as you look. I suppose you're looking for a cure for your brother?"
Inuyasha growled, trying to figure out where Naraku was hiding. The voice seemed to come from everywhere and nowhere at the same time.
"What do you want Naraku?" he snarled out to his seemingly-empty surroundings.
Naraku laughed even harder.
"What makes you think I want something from you, my dear boy? It appears you never learn from past mistakes. No matter how many times I plant the same trap, you always fall into it head first. By now the girl is already back at my palace, and your other friends are trying to figure out what to write on the 'Great Sesshomaru's' tombstone."
Inuyasha felt his pulse quicken in panic. Naraku's goal had been to lure him away from the others! With Sesshomaru wounded and Inuyasha gone, their defenses would be low. It was the perfect time for an attack!
"Damn you!" Inuyasha shouted, racing back from where he came from faster than he believed was possible. Naraku's maniacal laughter quickly faded into the distance, but Inuyasha knew he'd never make it in time.
~*~
When Sesshomaru woke the next morning, the aches he had felt the previous day were a thing of the past. He sat up slowly and stretched his arms carefully only to find that he felt more energized than before the battle.
He looked in wonder at the girl who had healed him only to find her still sleeping peacefully along with the other members of the camp. His lips twitched as he fought the smile that was starting to bloom on his face. Kagome was truly an amazing girl. She would make a wonderful mate for him.
'And a wonderful mother for our pups,' he added silently, remembering how kind she always was to the kitsune that traveled with them.
Of course, it was Kagome's decision to make. She still had a few more days left until she would have to give an answer, and Sesshomaru was determined to win her over.
'Kagome, you will be mine, whether you like it or not.'
A/N: Ugh, you guys can blame my delay for updating on evil school. . Does anyone else besides me REALLY miss the summer? Anyway, I hope you liked the chapter! It's a little on the short side, but I didn't want to make you wait any longer. Please review! It makes me really happy to get feedback on my stories.
