Kagome walked at a brisk pace, hurrying towards Eriko's hut. Her precious
cargo shifted slight in her arms. A moan of pain escaped Sakura's lips as
the girl shifted. Looking at her tenderly, Kagome felt her heart clench at
the sight of the child's bedraggled body. Blood crusted her half-congealed
wounds, her once-lovely green kimono torn and dirty. Never stopping her
steps, Kagome couldn't help but feel tears sting her eyes.
This child was so young, and yet had lost so much. True, she still had Hikaru, but the loss of a mother could be comforted by nothing. Kagome thought of the period of time after her father had died. She had been inconsolable, closing herself off from the world. It was her mother, with her gently coaxing and love that had brought her back to reality. But Sakura lacked even that comfort, her father being god-knows-where. Breathing a melancholic sigh, Kagome noticed that she'd arrived at Eriko's hut.
Quickly entering the small structure, Kagome placed Sakura on the small futon that she usually occupied. Seeing the haste with which Kagome carried out these tasks, Eriko came to see what was the matter. Gasping in horror at the sight of Sakura's mangled body, the elder priestess quickly began moving around the hut, gathering herbs and liquids.
As Eriko busied herself with the task of brewing medicines for the child, Kagome, after disposing of Sakura's clothes, fetch water and a piece of cloth. Gently, she began dabbing Sakura's body, washing the dirt, grime, and blood from the girl's small frame. Neither woman spoke, seeming to silently agree that all questions would be put aside for now.
Cleaning Sakura's body turned out to be a challenge in itself. The boar's saliva apparently had an anticoagulant in it, leaving the majority of Sakura's wounds open and constantly bleeding. Using what little skill she had learned from Eriko in the past few days, Kagome managed to closely the majority of the wounds. Feeling somewhat drained by her exertion, Kagome forced herself to remain strong for Sakura's sake.
Finished cleaning the girl's body, Kagome noticed that her wounds were much worse than anticipated. How Sakura had survived the pain was beyond Kagome's comprehension. A serrated gash ran from Sakura's left shoulder down her back, stopping at her right hip. Peering at the wound, Kagome was positive that she could see bone. While the majority of her wounds were located on her back, Sakura's small arm was also bent at an odd angle, dislocated if not broken.
Sensing that Eriko stood behind her, Kagome quickly moved out of the way, allowing the elder miko to tend to the girl. Grimacing slightly, Eriko applied a thin layer of paste over Sakura's major wounds. Taking one look at the girl's arm, Eriko breathed a sigh of relief to see that it was merely dislocated. A broken arm with an unconscious patient was something she could do without at the moment. Taking the arm, Eriko maneuvered it into position and sharply pushed it back into place, eliciting a whimper from Sakura.
While Eriko had tended to Sakura's wounds, Kagome had absently gone and fetched several strips of bandages. Handing them to Eriko, she winced as the child whimpered in pain. Eyes becoming unfocused, Kagome allowed her mind to wander.
For the first time since arriving in this time, the young miko allowed herself to think of those who she had left behind in the Sengoku Jidai. A smiling Sango appeared in her mind's eye, waving cheerfully, even as she whacked a certain houshi over the head. Musing to herself, Kagome realized how close she had gotten with Sango and how much she depended on the exterminator's strength. It was Sango who had comforted her during Inuyasha's betrayal and it was Sango who gave her the will to carry on.
The next image to materialize was Miroku's somewhat lecherous face. A red handprint marred his otherwise handsome face, a sure sign that he'd performed his trademark grope. Sighing sadly, Kagome thought of how much she missed the monk. Despite his somewhat annoying tendencies, Miroku always had the ability to make her feel that she was important, that she was needed.
A small smile decorated the young miko's lips as she thought of a certain kit. She thought of Shippo when she had just met him, a child without either parent. Mentally, Kagome pictured his growth, always changing. With a bittersweet pang, she realized that Shippo was growing up. Unexpectedly, an illustration of Shippo gnawing on Inuyasha's ear popped into her head, making Kagome smile inwardly.
Her smile faded, however, as she thought of the aforementioned hanyou. Inuyasha and Kikyo, embracing, kissing, loving; all of these depictions danced in Kagome's mind. Wanting to shake free of such thoughts, she found that she couldn't escape.
Still caring for Sakura, Eriko turned to look at her apprentice. Seeing her distracted and faintly upset appearance, Eriko wondered what was on Kagome's mind. Her thoughts were cut short though, as the injured girl shifted on the futon beside her. Deciding to ask Kagome what her reverie concerned later, the elder miko turned her attention back on healing the child.
It was close to dusk as Hikaru and Yoshiro placed the last of the earth on Aki's grave. While Yoshiro felt only pity and sympathy for the dead woman and her child, Hikaru was grief-stricken.
He had known Aki since he was merely a pup, visiting her every day to hear the stories that she would spin. Even as a young girl, Aki had always possessed a vivid imagination. As they grew, all other childhood friends had began to drift apart, but their friendship lasted. Hikaru had been present when Aki had fallen in love, just as he was there to help her when her love abandoned her and their child. He had been by her side during her pregnancy, marveling in her inner strength as those around shunned her.
And now, she was gone. Seeing a patch of lily of the valleys, Hikaru walked over and gently plucked one. These had been her favourite flowers. She had always been fascinated over the fact that something that felt so small could emit such a large smell. Even without the sense of sight, Aki had been the most vibrant woman Hikaru had ever met. Looking at the freshly dug grave, Hikaru allowed a tear to escape his saddened eyes. Whispering a final farewell, he placed the lily of the valley upon the mound of earth, praying that, wherever she was, Aki was happy.
Yoshiro had stood a distance back, watching his brother mourn the death of his friend. Yoshiro's own memories shifted back to a time when he had such emotional ties. Gods, but it was a long time ago. His mother's smiling face came into view, her amethyst eyes shining. He had been devastated when his mother was killed, as had been Hikaru. And now, his brother had lost another who was close to him.
Walking slowly from behind Hikaru, Yoshiro gently placed his hand on his sibling's shoulder, speaking in a tone meant to soothe. "She is at peace now, brother. Allow her to rest in peace." Seeing that Hikaru was still in a trance, he switched his tactic. "It is not a dead woman who we must be concerned for right now, it is her injured child. Stop your moping and act like the demon that you are. You must be strong for Sakura," Yoshiro said in a somewhat harsh tone, something that rarely happened with the easygoing demon.
His brother's reasoning finally brought Hikaru out of his daze. Turning swiftly, Hikaru looked at Yoshiro, appreciation shining in his eyes. Nodding slightly, his voice wavering slightly, he whispered, "We should go check on Sakura." At Yoshiro's nod, both demons disappeared in a blur, racing to Eriko's hut.
Arriving, they entered. Hikaru headed straight for the futon where Eriko was still tending to Sakura. Yoshiro stood back, realizing that Hikaru needed to do this alone.
Hikaru peered at the child's limp form and saw only a bandaged back with a few light gashes. Knowing that there was much more than that, he turned to Eriko, speaking urgently. "How is she, Eriko-san?"
Turning away from her small patient, Eriko lifted her eyes to meet those of Hikaru. In a soothing voice, she said, "Sakura is better, Hikaru. I gave her a mild sedative so that she does not move in her sleep. However, I can't guarantee you that she will survive. She has sustained very severe injuries and from those, extensive blood loss." Shaking her head slightly, Eriko sighed. "I've done all that I can for her. The only thing left to do is to pray for her."
Eriko moved out of the way, going to concoct some other medicine. Hikaru took the seat she had vacated by Sakura's bed, silently holding the girl's limp hand. In his mind, he made a vow to keep her alive. No matter what happened, no matter what had to be done, Sakura would live. He owed Aki that much at least.
As the touching scene unfolded, Yoshiro sat back and watched. Glancing around the hut, he noticed Kagome's obvious distraction, and by the sadness that was radiating from her, it was not a welcome one. Yoshiro moved to stand beside her, gently nudging her. While it was not hard, it was enough to shake her out of her thoughts.
Kagome looked to the demon that had apparently saved her from her musings on Inuyasha's feelings for her. Smiling at him, she noted to herself that she hadn't even noticed the two brothers arrive.
Turning towards the saddening scene again, Yoshiro and Kagome noticed that Eriko was motioning for them to exit the hut. Looking at each other and shrugging, the two moved silently out the door of the hut, Eriko following suit.
A frown marred the elder miko's face as she regarded Kagome and Yoshiro. Her concern was evident in her voice as she asked, "What happened to Sakura? And why is Aki not with her?"
Instantly, tears sprang to Kagome's eyes as she remembered the gruesome scene. Yoshiro, seeing that the young miko was incapacitated, answered, "Mother and child were attacked outside the village by a boar demon. When the three of us arrived at the scene, Aki was already dead, and Sakura was barely alive. Lady Kagome killed the boar youkai with her arrow and brought Sakura to you. Hikaru and I buried Aki and then came here as well."
Seeing that the explanation was done, Eriko shook her head. "Poor Hikaru. Aki was like his sister." Sighing, she turned to look at Yoshiro, her eyes both demanding and pleading. "I would never ask this of you unless it was of the utmost urgency, but I must insist that you stay for tonight at least. Hikaru needs your support as well as your guidance. Please, Yoshiro."
Without hesitation, Yoshiro agreed, even though he knew that there would be hell to pay when he went back to the Western Palace.
A slight breeze waltzed around the gardens. This was his mother's sanctuary, a place where nothing could touch her. Sesshoumaru had been the only other being that had been given access to this piece of paradise. Even Lord Inu Taisho was banned from entering.
Another breeze blew, dancing with wisps of gossamer hair. Sesshoumaru had come here to escape. Taking a deep breath, he swore he could smell the scent of his mother. Closing himself off to the grief that threatened to engulf him, he once again cursed Yoshiro for not returning.
Everyone knew where he went, but none had said anything of it since he had always returned to the palace before night. Today, he had not, sending Inu Taisho into a rage. Scoffing at the hypocrisy of Inu Taisho's rage, Sesshoumaru merely ignored his father's "request" to go and search for the wayward demon. His father wished for Sesshoumaru to accept his hanyou brother and yet would never even consider accepting Hikaru.
Yes, the young lord knew Yoshiro's brother. He had even met the quarter- demon once. While he was slightly perturbed by Hikaru's origins, he could not deny that Yoshiro's brother was a charming person. Sesshoumaru would even go so far as to say that he was fond of Hikaru.
Breathing deeply, Sesshoumaru's thoughts were cut short. There were people looking for him in the gardens, crying out his name, breaking the serene tranquility of the night. They all knew that he was in his mother's gardens and knowing that none but someone of his mother's blood could enter, was making as much noise as possible to drive him out.
Growling, Sesshoumaru exited the garden, grabbing the unfortunate servant that he had come upon. Snarling, the young lord demanded, "Why is it that you disturb me, fool?"
Stuttering, the servant stunk of fear, "Mi... Mi... Milord, you father demands you presence. Lady Mariko is giving b... b... birth..."
Eyes flashing red, Sesshoumaru threw down the servant and stormed to the East wing where Mariko resided. He knew that youkai pregnancies were must faster than that of human ones, but none were this quick to end. Inu Taisho must have concealed the evidence for a long time indeed.
Reaching the room from which all the commotion originated, Sesshoumaru flung open the door. The "happy couple" was sitting on the bed, cooing at a small white bundle. Hearing the door opening, both heads snapped up. Mariko pulled her child closer to her, doing a wonderful imitation of a scared mother. Inu Taisho, seeing his mate's "discomfort", growled, "Sesshoumaru, you have no right to enter this room. Apologise to your mother this instant."
Regarding his father coolly, Sesshoumaru replied, "Understand this, 'Father'. That whore is not my mother and the whelp she holds in her arms will never be my brother. Do what you will with them now, but know that the rest of the Lands will despise them." Smirking slightly, he said, "Congratulations, by the way. You have just antagonized all of the other three lands by concealing this." Laughing bitterly, Sesshoumaru stalked out, leaving a growling Inu Taisho and a "weeping" Mariko.
Shadows danced upon the young lord's face as he awaited the chaos that was bound to come.
This child was so young, and yet had lost so much. True, she still had Hikaru, but the loss of a mother could be comforted by nothing. Kagome thought of the period of time after her father had died. She had been inconsolable, closing herself off from the world. It was her mother, with her gently coaxing and love that had brought her back to reality. But Sakura lacked even that comfort, her father being god-knows-where. Breathing a melancholic sigh, Kagome noticed that she'd arrived at Eriko's hut.
Quickly entering the small structure, Kagome placed Sakura on the small futon that she usually occupied. Seeing the haste with which Kagome carried out these tasks, Eriko came to see what was the matter. Gasping in horror at the sight of Sakura's mangled body, the elder priestess quickly began moving around the hut, gathering herbs and liquids.
As Eriko busied herself with the task of brewing medicines for the child, Kagome, after disposing of Sakura's clothes, fetch water and a piece of cloth. Gently, she began dabbing Sakura's body, washing the dirt, grime, and blood from the girl's small frame. Neither woman spoke, seeming to silently agree that all questions would be put aside for now.
Cleaning Sakura's body turned out to be a challenge in itself. The boar's saliva apparently had an anticoagulant in it, leaving the majority of Sakura's wounds open and constantly bleeding. Using what little skill she had learned from Eriko in the past few days, Kagome managed to closely the majority of the wounds. Feeling somewhat drained by her exertion, Kagome forced herself to remain strong for Sakura's sake.
Finished cleaning the girl's body, Kagome noticed that her wounds were much worse than anticipated. How Sakura had survived the pain was beyond Kagome's comprehension. A serrated gash ran from Sakura's left shoulder down her back, stopping at her right hip. Peering at the wound, Kagome was positive that she could see bone. While the majority of her wounds were located on her back, Sakura's small arm was also bent at an odd angle, dislocated if not broken.
Sensing that Eriko stood behind her, Kagome quickly moved out of the way, allowing the elder miko to tend to the girl. Grimacing slightly, Eriko applied a thin layer of paste over Sakura's major wounds. Taking one look at the girl's arm, Eriko breathed a sigh of relief to see that it was merely dislocated. A broken arm with an unconscious patient was something she could do without at the moment. Taking the arm, Eriko maneuvered it into position and sharply pushed it back into place, eliciting a whimper from Sakura.
While Eriko had tended to Sakura's wounds, Kagome had absently gone and fetched several strips of bandages. Handing them to Eriko, she winced as the child whimpered in pain. Eyes becoming unfocused, Kagome allowed her mind to wander.
For the first time since arriving in this time, the young miko allowed herself to think of those who she had left behind in the Sengoku Jidai. A smiling Sango appeared in her mind's eye, waving cheerfully, even as she whacked a certain houshi over the head. Musing to herself, Kagome realized how close she had gotten with Sango and how much she depended on the exterminator's strength. It was Sango who had comforted her during Inuyasha's betrayal and it was Sango who gave her the will to carry on.
The next image to materialize was Miroku's somewhat lecherous face. A red handprint marred his otherwise handsome face, a sure sign that he'd performed his trademark grope. Sighing sadly, Kagome thought of how much she missed the monk. Despite his somewhat annoying tendencies, Miroku always had the ability to make her feel that she was important, that she was needed.
A small smile decorated the young miko's lips as she thought of a certain kit. She thought of Shippo when she had just met him, a child without either parent. Mentally, Kagome pictured his growth, always changing. With a bittersweet pang, she realized that Shippo was growing up. Unexpectedly, an illustration of Shippo gnawing on Inuyasha's ear popped into her head, making Kagome smile inwardly.
Her smile faded, however, as she thought of the aforementioned hanyou. Inuyasha and Kikyo, embracing, kissing, loving; all of these depictions danced in Kagome's mind. Wanting to shake free of such thoughts, she found that she couldn't escape.
Still caring for Sakura, Eriko turned to look at her apprentice. Seeing her distracted and faintly upset appearance, Eriko wondered what was on Kagome's mind. Her thoughts were cut short though, as the injured girl shifted on the futon beside her. Deciding to ask Kagome what her reverie concerned later, the elder miko turned her attention back on healing the child.
It was close to dusk as Hikaru and Yoshiro placed the last of the earth on Aki's grave. While Yoshiro felt only pity and sympathy for the dead woman and her child, Hikaru was grief-stricken.
He had known Aki since he was merely a pup, visiting her every day to hear the stories that she would spin. Even as a young girl, Aki had always possessed a vivid imagination. As they grew, all other childhood friends had began to drift apart, but their friendship lasted. Hikaru had been present when Aki had fallen in love, just as he was there to help her when her love abandoned her and their child. He had been by her side during her pregnancy, marveling in her inner strength as those around shunned her.
And now, she was gone. Seeing a patch of lily of the valleys, Hikaru walked over and gently plucked one. These had been her favourite flowers. She had always been fascinated over the fact that something that felt so small could emit such a large smell. Even without the sense of sight, Aki had been the most vibrant woman Hikaru had ever met. Looking at the freshly dug grave, Hikaru allowed a tear to escape his saddened eyes. Whispering a final farewell, he placed the lily of the valley upon the mound of earth, praying that, wherever she was, Aki was happy.
Yoshiro had stood a distance back, watching his brother mourn the death of his friend. Yoshiro's own memories shifted back to a time when he had such emotional ties. Gods, but it was a long time ago. His mother's smiling face came into view, her amethyst eyes shining. He had been devastated when his mother was killed, as had been Hikaru. And now, his brother had lost another who was close to him.
Walking slowly from behind Hikaru, Yoshiro gently placed his hand on his sibling's shoulder, speaking in a tone meant to soothe. "She is at peace now, brother. Allow her to rest in peace." Seeing that Hikaru was still in a trance, he switched his tactic. "It is not a dead woman who we must be concerned for right now, it is her injured child. Stop your moping and act like the demon that you are. You must be strong for Sakura," Yoshiro said in a somewhat harsh tone, something that rarely happened with the easygoing demon.
His brother's reasoning finally brought Hikaru out of his daze. Turning swiftly, Hikaru looked at Yoshiro, appreciation shining in his eyes. Nodding slightly, his voice wavering slightly, he whispered, "We should go check on Sakura." At Yoshiro's nod, both demons disappeared in a blur, racing to Eriko's hut.
Arriving, they entered. Hikaru headed straight for the futon where Eriko was still tending to Sakura. Yoshiro stood back, realizing that Hikaru needed to do this alone.
Hikaru peered at the child's limp form and saw only a bandaged back with a few light gashes. Knowing that there was much more than that, he turned to Eriko, speaking urgently. "How is she, Eriko-san?"
Turning away from her small patient, Eriko lifted her eyes to meet those of Hikaru. In a soothing voice, she said, "Sakura is better, Hikaru. I gave her a mild sedative so that she does not move in her sleep. However, I can't guarantee you that she will survive. She has sustained very severe injuries and from those, extensive blood loss." Shaking her head slightly, Eriko sighed. "I've done all that I can for her. The only thing left to do is to pray for her."
Eriko moved out of the way, going to concoct some other medicine. Hikaru took the seat she had vacated by Sakura's bed, silently holding the girl's limp hand. In his mind, he made a vow to keep her alive. No matter what happened, no matter what had to be done, Sakura would live. He owed Aki that much at least.
As the touching scene unfolded, Yoshiro sat back and watched. Glancing around the hut, he noticed Kagome's obvious distraction, and by the sadness that was radiating from her, it was not a welcome one. Yoshiro moved to stand beside her, gently nudging her. While it was not hard, it was enough to shake her out of her thoughts.
Kagome looked to the demon that had apparently saved her from her musings on Inuyasha's feelings for her. Smiling at him, she noted to herself that she hadn't even noticed the two brothers arrive.
Turning towards the saddening scene again, Yoshiro and Kagome noticed that Eriko was motioning for them to exit the hut. Looking at each other and shrugging, the two moved silently out the door of the hut, Eriko following suit.
A frown marred the elder miko's face as she regarded Kagome and Yoshiro. Her concern was evident in her voice as she asked, "What happened to Sakura? And why is Aki not with her?"
Instantly, tears sprang to Kagome's eyes as she remembered the gruesome scene. Yoshiro, seeing that the young miko was incapacitated, answered, "Mother and child were attacked outside the village by a boar demon. When the three of us arrived at the scene, Aki was already dead, and Sakura was barely alive. Lady Kagome killed the boar youkai with her arrow and brought Sakura to you. Hikaru and I buried Aki and then came here as well."
Seeing that the explanation was done, Eriko shook her head. "Poor Hikaru. Aki was like his sister." Sighing, she turned to look at Yoshiro, her eyes both demanding and pleading. "I would never ask this of you unless it was of the utmost urgency, but I must insist that you stay for tonight at least. Hikaru needs your support as well as your guidance. Please, Yoshiro."
Without hesitation, Yoshiro agreed, even though he knew that there would be hell to pay when he went back to the Western Palace.
A slight breeze waltzed around the gardens. This was his mother's sanctuary, a place where nothing could touch her. Sesshoumaru had been the only other being that had been given access to this piece of paradise. Even Lord Inu Taisho was banned from entering.
Another breeze blew, dancing with wisps of gossamer hair. Sesshoumaru had come here to escape. Taking a deep breath, he swore he could smell the scent of his mother. Closing himself off to the grief that threatened to engulf him, he once again cursed Yoshiro for not returning.
Everyone knew where he went, but none had said anything of it since he had always returned to the palace before night. Today, he had not, sending Inu Taisho into a rage. Scoffing at the hypocrisy of Inu Taisho's rage, Sesshoumaru merely ignored his father's "request" to go and search for the wayward demon. His father wished for Sesshoumaru to accept his hanyou brother and yet would never even consider accepting Hikaru.
Yes, the young lord knew Yoshiro's brother. He had even met the quarter- demon once. While he was slightly perturbed by Hikaru's origins, he could not deny that Yoshiro's brother was a charming person. Sesshoumaru would even go so far as to say that he was fond of Hikaru.
Breathing deeply, Sesshoumaru's thoughts were cut short. There were people looking for him in the gardens, crying out his name, breaking the serene tranquility of the night. They all knew that he was in his mother's gardens and knowing that none but someone of his mother's blood could enter, was making as much noise as possible to drive him out.
Growling, Sesshoumaru exited the garden, grabbing the unfortunate servant that he had come upon. Snarling, the young lord demanded, "Why is it that you disturb me, fool?"
Stuttering, the servant stunk of fear, "Mi... Mi... Milord, you father demands you presence. Lady Mariko is giving b... b... birth..."
Eyes flashing red, Sesshoumaru threw down the servant and stormed to the East wing where Mariko resided. He knew that youkai pregnancies were must faster than that of human ones, but none were this quick to end. Inu Taisho must have concealed the evidence for a long time indeed.
Reaching the room from which all the commotion originated, Sesshoumaru flung open the door. The "happy couple" was sitting on the bed, cooing at a small white bundle. Hearing the door opening, both heads snapped up. Mariko pulled her child closer to her, doing a wonderful imitation of a scared mother. Inu Taisho, seeing his mate's "discomfort", growled, "Sesshoumaru, you have no right to enter this room. Apologise to your mother this instant."
Regarding his father coolly, Sesshoumaru replied, "Understand this, 'Father'. That whore is not my mother and the whelp she holds in her arms will never be my brother. Do what you will with them now, but know that the rest of the Lands will despise them." Smirking slightly, he said, "Congratulations, by the way. You have just antagonized all of the other three lands by concealing this." Laughing bitterly, Sesshoumaru stalked out, leaving a growling Inu Taisho and a "weeping" Mariko.
Shadows danced upon the young lord's face as he awaited the chaos that was bound to come.