Silver

Disclaimer- Don't own.

Small note: There is a lot of cursing in this chapter, thanks to Inu.

::Inuyasha in the background:: - Cut that out! Don't you come near me with that!

Kagome - SIT! ::SLAM:: You have a horrible potty mouth! I need to wash your mouth out with soap!

Inu - NOOO!

XxXxX

7 - Poisoned

XxXxX

There are many things in the world that can trigger a fight. This was most definitely one of them.

"What the fuck is with this?" The hanyou growled in a low voice.

"This is none of your business, little brother." Sesshoumaru growled back. Sango looked at Inuyasha and frowned.

"Inuyasha..." She whispered. "Why are you-"

"I want to know what the fuck this is." He snapped, anger flashing in his eyes. Sango got herself out of Sesshoumaru's grasp and stared at the hanyou in shock.

"What exactly do you want to know? What we were doing? Why we're out here? What?" She walked forward a little.

"I know what you were doing. But I want to know why."

"She is mine now, little brother. And you do not have any say in it."

"Did you have anything to say about it, Sango?"

"Yes, I did. He asked me and I said yes. What did you think? He would rape me and bring me back here a crying mess?" She felt the taiyoukai's eyes on her back. "He has more pride and honor than that."

"I'm just suspicious as hell of him. I'm worried about you. Kagome and Miroku are worried about you. What we want to know is, if his intentions are for the benefit of you."

"Why would he make me his mate if his intentions were bad? Why not just ask him yourself?" She turned to look at the Lord of the Western Lands. "What are your intentions of me?"

"Sango..." The youkai hated the filthy hanyou for this. For accusing him of such a thing as lowly as rape. And with a human no less! Not that this human was not special to him but... that was downright low. "You know I would never harm you in any way. My intentions are pure." She smiled and looked back at Inuyasha.

"See?" Miroku came outside and looked at the fighting.

"What is going on? You're going to wake Shippou and Kagome if you continue being loud."

"This is nonsense, Inuyasha. I thought you trusted me." Sango gave the hanyou a glare before running to her home.

"What did you do now, Inuyasha?" Miroku asked, rolling his eyes.

"None o' yer business, houshi."

XxXxX

Sango sat, staring at the barren wasteland they were staying in and she just snapped. She wanted it to be nice and beautiful again. She wanted her home. First of all, she wanted a sakura tree planted in the middle and others around. They were beautiful. A small trickle of hope filled her at the thought that maybe it would be home again in no time.

"Home..." It made her think of her family and that made her gaze stray to the graves. "I will make it home again for you... I promise." She smiled in delight and knew she could start right away. She raced down, only to see Sesshoumaru and Rin waiting for her with everyone gathered behind them. "What is it?" She asked softly.

"I must go to the Western Lands and see if everything is running smoothly. I will be but a few days." He looked down at the little girl standing next to him. "Say good bye." She nodded and jumped up into Sango's arms.

"Good bye, Sango-chan. I will miss you." She kissed the taiji-ya on the cheek and Sango kissed her on the forehead.

"You behave yourself and mind Sesshoumaru, all right?"

"Yeah!" Sesshoumaru smiled at her before grabbing her hand and pulling her into his arms.

"A few days." She nodded and leaned up, kissing him lightly.

"I'll be here." He let go of her and grabbed Rin, running as fast as he could. The little display made Kagome go into her overly-happy romantic mood. She had stars in her eyes as she thought about how cute a couple they were. "Guys, I have a project for us to do, if you're willing."

"Of course!" Kagome nodded eagerly.

"Help me." She said quietly. "Help me rebuild this place and make it look like home. I know it will take a while but... I just want it to be home so much."

"Of course, Sango. We'll help!"

XxXxX

Within two hours, everyone was hard at work. Miroku, Kagome, and Shippou were doing the gardening, since the houshi was so good at digging holes. Inuyasha and Sango were well at work, tearing down and rebuilding homes and they had an inn planned. It would be a long project but one they were willing to do. It wasn't even noon yet and they were well on their way. Kagome and Miroku were planting the sakura tree in the middle, right where Sango had requested. They found a nice size, and, thanks to Inuyasha, had gotten it there. It wasn't huge but it was nice. Now, Inuyasha and Sango were building the inn. They had the base drawn in the dirt with a stick to estimate how big it would have to be.

"Do you think this should be about right?" Sango asked, staring at the huge base she had drawn.

"Mmm... Yeah. It's about the size of every inn, only a little bigger than some I've seen." She smiled. They then began on taking wood and starting on their project. Eventually, Miroku went to help the two because Kagome didn't need his help any more. "Does this look all right?"

"Yeah, I like that. Four or five steps in the front? Stone?"

"Walkway of stone. Stairs should be wood." She nodded at the thought.

"I like that." No more than hours later they had the base completely built. Sango was planning the placement of the stones when Shippou came flying past her with Inuyasha in hot pursuit. She sighed. He was supposed to be taking a break. She sometimes wished that she could sit him. Kagome let out a cry and fell on her backside. The bug on the plant flew away, startled. Then she sighed and got back to planting. It was just the right time of year, too. She would get some good flowers before autumn arrived. Miroku was still working, lazily putting them in place.

XxXxX

Sango stared up at the ceiling, unable to sleep. She'd been laying there for over an hour and she had no idea what was keeping her awake.

What... is this feeling? I feel... incomplete. It's like I'm not totally happy with being with Sesshoumaru. I... I feel comfortable with him and he isn't at all cold. I don't understand it.

"Sango! You're back!" His bright eyes lit up when he saw a man beside her. She bent down and smiled at him, accepting him in her arms.

"You should know I always come back, Kohaku." She said with a tender smile.

"Who is that? Is he gonna be-" She put a finger to his lips and tears formed in her eyes.

"No, Kohaku. He is just a friend of mine. Father wanted to meet him because he has the potential to be a good warrior, an addition to us taiji-ya." Kohaku frowned.

"But..."

"I know how much you want an older brother." She whispered, a light blush tinting her cheeks. "And I would like to be less lonely but there isn't anything we can do about it."

"I know father wants you to have someone, too." She smiled.

"I know. I promise you that you will have an older brother some day."

That has to be it... They're not here to... be happy to meet the person they wanted me to have.

Her eyes misted over but she knew crying wouldn't help her. And yet, she couldn't help it either.

Kohaku, I gave you an older brother... and Inuyasha is also your family now... I'm his sister-in-law. I wonder how he feels... And if Kagome gets with Inuyasha, we will be sisters. I will have a younger sister.

She tried looking at the bright sides. There were so many. And she would get to have children.

That youkai better change his behavior towards hanyous. Or else I'll have a fit.

XxXxX

"INUYASHA!" Kagome screamed at the top of her lungs. She was way past frantic. In fact, she was going to have a nervous breakdown.

"Kagome? What is it!?" The hanyou's amber eyes were wide. He burst inside and stopped immediately, his face pale. "Sango..."

"She has a fever. I have no idea what to do. She has other symptoms but I don't know how to treat all of them." He was still staring at the taiji-ya as if he'd seen a ghost. "Don't just stand there! Do something!"

"Like what, per say!?" He snapped. "I have to tell him."

"Why are you shaking, Inuyasha?" Kagome had never seen him like this.

"Sesshoumaru. He won't be happy." Blinking, she gave him a strange look.

"What does he-"

"They're mated, stupid! Do I have to tell you everything!?" She growled at him.

"SIT!" Let us only say that the hanyou was hurting. And there was a hole in the floor bearing his shape. "Stop being rude and obnoxious. It isn't helping her get better!"

"I'm going to go and tell Sesshoumaru about this. Just make sure she doesn't get worse!"

"Fine!" She called after him as he darted away. Kagome was sitting with her legs curled up beneath her as Sango hugged her around her waist. She soothed the taiji-ya as best as she could and ran her fingers through the girl's hair. "Sango, I don't know what to do about this. But I need Miroku's help to gather herbs so I'll have Shippou and Kirara-"

"No, Kagome... Don't leave me..."

"But..."

"Just... water." The miko nodded.

"Miroku!" The houshi ran in and nearly dropped his staff.

"What is it that you need, Kagome?"

"Water. Some cold water in a cup and a bowl, please. Oh, and don't forget a cloth."

"Of course." He left quickly and the miko felt tears sting her eyes.

"Are you... feeling all right? Do you want anything to eat?"

"N-No."

XxXxX

Damn, this isn't good. I wonder how... She was weak last night 'cause she was thinkin' of somethin' that was hurtin' her. I don't know how to tell him that she's sick. The feverish scent was potent and I'm sure the fever is life-threatening. That's why I have to get there as soon as possible.

Inuyasha jumped on the tops of trees, figuring it would be easier than dodging them and wasting more time. In any event, he was concerned for his friend and loyal ally.

She's done so much... And now she's my sister-in-law. In a way. Kagome explained all of those 'family relations' but there was no sense. She's like my little sister now anyway. My older brother's mate. She's always been important to me but now she's family.

He knew he had to get there. And fast. But he wouldn't make it there until morning at best.

There has to be a shorter way but I know all of the routes to the castle. No other way.

He took a whiff of the air around him.

SHIT! Does that irritating asswipe have to make his star appearance now? Damn it all to hell!

The potty-mouthed hanyou, who would probably get sat ten million times and his mouth washed out with soap if Kagome read his thoughts or he had the balls to utter them out loud around her, thought as he caught the scent of Kouga.

He's a constant bother. Why doesn't Kagome let me kill the little-

"Well, well, well. If it ain't my pal, dog turd. Where's my woman? Are you takin' good care of her?"

"Listen, you mangy cretin, I don't have time for you. I have to get my brother and warn him about-" Kouga suddenly got interested and cut him off.

"You're actually going to visit that guy? He'd kill you. That's my job." The hanyou sweat-dropped and nearly fell over.

"Listen, dumbass! Sango's sick and-"

"What does that have to do with your brother?" Inuyasha slapped his forehead.

"I don't have time for this!" He grabbed Kouga's long black topknot of hair and jerked him close. "Sango is Sesshoumaru's mate now, understand? He needs to know that she's sick and it could be life-threatening." He went slowly as if to explain it to a child. Kouga's aqua eyes blinked and he thought it over.

"I suppose since Sango is my woman's friend... I'll help you get there." Inuyasha was ready to whip Tetsusaiga out when he fell over, flat on his face. He looked back up.

"What was that?"

"I'll help you get there. You ain't gonna get there till morning on your own. I can get you there before sundown." The hanyou was more worried about Sesshoumaru knowing before morning so he nodded and got up. "Get on my back. You've come a way already. You'll slow me down."

"Thanks, Kouga." Inuyasha was grateful but he hated to thank his arch rival.

XxXxX

True to his word, Kouga got them there before sunset. Inuyasha was fidgeting. He ran past the guards, not even caring about them. They chased after him but he took no notice. Neither did Kouga. They found Sesshoumaru just coming down the steps, a scroll in his hands.

"Inuyasha?" The Taiyoukai was surprised by this visit but said nothing of it and showed nothing of it, either. "What are you-" He saw the look on the hanyou's face and nearly dropped what was in his hands.

"She's sick, Sesshoumaru. She came down with a fever this morning. Kagome is there, taking care of her." Kouga watched Sesshoumaru's expression go from blank to nearly sick in a matter of seconds. "It is life-threatening. Even I can sense it."

B-But... How could this... Sango. She's in danger...

Without another thought, Sesshoumaru darted away, swiftly passing the guards.

"Let's go, Kouga."

"You got it."

Sango, I am coming!

XxXxX

Sango was laying underneath two blankets. Miroku had been forced to watch her as Kagome got some stuff for fevers. The houshi knew not to fool around, especially as he watched her suffer. A few tears ran from the corners of her eyes. Kagome said she was asleep.

"Sess... houmaru..." She clutched the blankets tightly in her fists and sweat rolled down the sides of her face. The roots of her hair were soaked from the perspiration.

"Inuyasha has gone to get him, Sango. Please, be brave." Miroku was a little shocked that they were in love at all. It was an unlikely relationship. Of course, the houshi had his own doubts about being with her. Would he ever quit being a lecher? He was that way most of his life. Sango once said that a woman's hand would be the death of him. He wondered if that would be true. Their searching for the jewel shards had been senseless and long. Naraku held the rest. They just had to wait for something. Any clue to where the hanyou might be. The stars began to dot the sky and Miroku was just putting wood on the fire when Kagome returned with herbs in her hands.

"Has she gotten worse?" She asked worriedly. He shook his head.

"Though I do not suppose she can, considering she may die if she did."

True enough.

Kagome thought with a small nod. She sighed.

"The bowl is over there, where you asked me to place it."

"Thanks." She went over to it and took it gently in her hands. "Oh! It's just the right temperature Kaede-sama taught me!" The water needed to be warm to a specific point. The green plants she held in her arms only treated fever so Sango wouldn't be able to have anything else until the effect wore off. "This is always so bitter, too. It tastes nasty."

"But it helps. Perhaps..." She watched him, blinking.

"Hm?"

"Never mind, Kagome. Just hurry and give it to her." She nodded. Her chocolate brown eyes went to the plants that she crushed with the rocks she had placed there earlier.

"I can't believe it took me so long to find them. If I never tripped over that tree root..." She trailed off. She crushed just enough for the amount of water then poured it in and mixed it up until the liquid turned green.

"Are you certain that it will help?"

"I am certain that it treats the fever. But I can't say that I know exactly what she has. These symptoms look familiar in a way but I've never seen them all together like this. To be honest, until I know the cause, I can't cure what she has. The only thing good this does is make her sleep through it." She held up the cup as if to examine it. "I've learned a lot but not enough just yet."

"When do you think Inuyasha will reach his brother?" Miroku asked to change the subject. It was not like he had anything against plants and mixtures but it made him feel stupid and left out.

"I dunno. I hope soon. By the rate he's probably travelling, I don't think it will be till morning." Kagome sighed and closed her eyes. "By the way he acted, he was under pressure about this. I mean, she is practically his family and all. So much is happening now and I'm a little afraid that one night I'll go to sleep and everything will be fine. Then when I wake up, everything will be destroyed and Naraku will have won."

"Kagome, I doubt Inuyasha or Sesshoumaru would let that happen. You know how they both feel about that sick and twisted-" He cut himself off, putting his hands in a prayer position. She sighed. Even a houshi had to stop himself from calling Naraku vulgar names.

I wonder if Inuyasha is doing all right...

XxXxX

"Will you... OW! You bastard! Stop doing-" The hanyou got leaves stuck in his mouth after a branch hit him in the face. He was on Kouga's back and the wolf wasn't helping him or caring about what happened to him. He spit the leaves out and ducked just in time to avoid another branch. The ride wasn't bumpy but it sure was painful. He kept his head down and leaned his forehead against the youkai's shoulder. It was awkward but fast. They would get back sooner than expected. He wasn't very happy with being this close to his rival. Kouga's eyes were fastened on the path that Sesshoumaru was taking. The youkai was quick, very quick. And he was exceptionally precise with the way he dodged trees. Kouga grunted and jumped up over a fallen log. His arms were holding Inuyasha's legs in place on either side of him. "How far?"

"About a few miles." The hanyou knew it was almost midnight. They would just make it back before morning. "Can you run now?"

"Yeah." Kouga skidded to a stop and let Inuyasha off. He was allowed a small time to take a breath before they started again. "Thanks a lot for this, Kouga."

"It wasn't any trouble." The wolf then smirked and started off. "Eat my dust, mutt!"

"You wish, you flea-bitten cretin!" Inuyasha grinned as he chased after the wolf. They raced the remainder of the miles.

XxXxX

Sesshoumaru saw the hut, smelled the feverish scent, felt his heart pounding against his ribcage, felt the blood slowly seeping down his hands from the small cuts his claws created as he clenched his fists, felt small beads of sweat roll down his face. He blinked his startling amber eyes.

"Sango..." He ran forward, pulling open the door to the hut. He saw Sango laying near the fire, a blanket covering her. Kagome and Miroku looked up when he entered. "How is she?"

"She is... still feverish but it hasn't gotten any worse." Kagome stated, her chocolate eyes going to her best friend. "She's been... crying out for you." Miroku stood up.

"Is Inuyasha with you?"

"He was with that wolf. They are but a moment from reaching us." The youkai answered. Kagome blinked at this.

"You mean, Kouga? What would they be doing together?" She slapped her forehead then sighed. "They're probably fighting up a storm." Two figures raced into their view a few minutes later and the two skidded to a stop before entering.

"How's she doin'?" Inuyasha looked a little anxious and Kouga was sniffing the air. Sesshoumaru's gaze went to Sango before he walked over and kneeled down next to her. He leaned forward and brushed some of her hair from her sweat-soaked forehead.

"Sess-Sesshoumaru?" She opened her eyes and gazed up at him before sitting up and throwing her arms around him. She trembled in his embrace. "I-It hurts so much..."

"Do not worry. You will be well again soon." He leaned down and let his nose inhale her scent. Along with it came a different one. It was so faint that Inuyasha couldn't smell it. Sesshoumaru needed proof. Solid proof. "Wolf, come here." Kouga blinked before walking forward. "What do you smell?" The wolf youkai took a moment.

"Poison. Naraku's miasma, to be exact." The Taiyoukai nodded then looked to Kagome.

"We need a cure for the poison. Can you get it?" The girl grinned.

"Yes, we can!"

XxXxX

How was that for a chapter? Hope I did a good job! ::grins:: Boy, have I got plans for the next chapter!

Please review!