Chapter 16: Sesshomaru's Sworn Promise

Disclaimer: I don't own Inuyasha, but the storyline is mine.

Author's Note: Yeah…so its been quite awhile since I updated. All I did all summer was work and work and work some more…now school started again and so I'm busy as hell with coursework. But I promise that I'll try to pick up the pace a little. Just a quick note, someone noted in a review how something in one of the chapters resembled something they read in another story (I think it was about Kagome's barrier)—anyway—I just want to make it clear that I haven't come across that before, but I don't claim it to be OH SO ORIGNAL. So…that's that. AND… I want to take a moment to say THANK YOUUUUUU to all my reviewers. I totally appreciate that people are reading my stuff period, and liking it to boot! That gives me warm fuzzies. Hahaha XD ….But anyway, yeah, you might have noticed by now that some of the stuff the characters are doing is a bit OOC, but well, I have to make some adaptations, right? Right. : ) So….here's the new chapter! Yay:D Please review! I love hearing feedback, so anything you have to say will be of help. (Note: that doesn't include retarded flames that have no sort of constructive commentary. K? k.) Thanks for reading! azami

Last time: Kaede turned and looked at him, her expression serious. "As I mentioned to ye previously, now that the destined bond is in tact, ye both will experience a growth in the power which ye possess. Kagome was able to produce a barrier of protection most undoubtedly due to an increase in the potency of her spiritual powers. At this stage, her ability to do so is most comparable to when ye experience turning into a full blood demon when ye are in danger and without the Tetsaiga," she explained

"So now Kagome can do what…well she can use her spiritual powers to do stuff like form barriers?" Inuyasha asked, trying to figure out what exactly was happening to his mate.

"Yes, that is one of the abilities it seems she has developed, but I shall discuss it further with ye when Kagome awakens. I'm sure that she will have more to share with us when she is able." With that, Kaede left the hut. Inuyasha then lowered himself to the ground, pulling Kagome closer into him. He wrapped his arms around her protectively, nuzzling her with great affection.

"You're gonna be fine, Kagome…I'll make sure of it. And whatever's going on…we're in this together…" he thought.

Kagome awoke the next morning, the sun shinning brightly through the bamboo shades that covered the window of the hut. She winced, moving her hand up to cover her eyes. A pain surged over the surface of her skull, causing her temples to pulse with a dull ache. "Damn…this headache is worse than the time we drank all that sake…" she thought to herself, wincing again.

"Yeah, but there ain't so sake this time, " mumbled a voice beside her. Kagome turned her head and the warm amber eyes of her mate. She smiled as he yawned sleepingly, blinking his eyes repeatedly. He then tightend the grip he had around her waist, pulling her in closer to him. "Hey…how you feelin? You ok?" He watched her expression intently, as to assure her that he wanted nothing but the truth (this was because she would often say she was "fine" when indeed she wasn't).

"My head hurts some," she admitted, but then smiled "but I'm fine otherwise, I think." Inuyasha watched her for a moment longer, and then rose from his spot next to her, and got to his feet.

"You should probably eat something," he said, looking around the room. Kagome watched him, her head cocked to one side, wondering what he was doing. "Ah…here it is." He crossed the room to where Kagome's backpack rested, and went over to it. He rifled through the contents for a moment and then pulled out a container of ramen.

"Good ole ninja food," he said, smirking. "This'll do the trick. Now where is a pot…" He began looking about the room, but was unsuccessful. "Hold on…I'll be right back, Kagome." Inuyasha then exited the hut, the ramen still in hand. Kagome sighed.

"Same ole Inuyasha…always thinking about his stomach," Kagome smirked to herself, and then sighed. "Well, I guess I'm alright enough to boil up some water." She then attempted to get to her feet, but stumbled, landing her straight onto her backside. "Ohh!"

A moment later, Inuyasha reentered and saw her sprawled awkwardly on the floor. "Hey! What're you doin, wench! You're too weak to be tryin to get up! What're you thinking, huh?" He furrowed his brow, frowning, but then went to her side, and helped her to sit in a more comfortable position.

"Well, jeez! Excuse me for livin! You're the one that decided it was time to eat!" Kagome shot back. "I was just going to boil some water for your ramen! But, FINE! I won't then!"

"I wasn't askin you to boil water! I was goin to ask Kaede where I could find a pot so I could boil some water for YOU to make YOU some ninja food cuz that's what you always make ME when I'm hurt!" Inuyasha shot back fiercely, his temper rising.

"Oh…," Kagome murmured, now blushing. "I'm sorry…I guess I'm a little cranky cuz my head hurts…" She then looked down at her hands, embarrassed that she'd jumped to the conclusion that he'd be so selfish, even now. Inuyasha noticed the change in her demeanor and softened.

"Okay…well uh…I'm gonna make you some food, okay? You need to get your strength up," he said in a gentler tone. He then moved to find in the pot in the place Kaede had told him it would be and brought it to the fire pit. After lighting the fire pit, he then went to retrieve some fresh water. Once the water was in the pot, he sat beside Kagome while they waited for it to boil.

"So…what happened, exactly?" Inuyasha asked, eyeing Kagome's face closely. She looked off for a moment, staring intently in space, as if trying to recall some exact detail as to what she had experienced the evening before

"I'm not completely sure…," she said, a frown spreading to her lips. "I was just…I dunno…it was so WEIRD." She then shook her head, attempting to shake the feeling that rose within her body. She shivered slightly, wrapping her arms around her body.

"Hmm….are you sure you're okay? Maybe I should go get Kaede…wait here…I'll be right back," he said, getting up quickly and leaving the hut. Soon after, Inuyasha returned with Kaede in tow, only to find Kagome still sitting with her arms wrapped around her, now rocking slightly.

"Kagome…are ye alright? Inuyasha has told me that ye seem to not be feeling well," Kaede said, kneeling down beside Kagome and feeling her forehead. When she did not find any sign of fever, Kaede rose to her feet and went to a cabinet on the other side of the hut. Inuyasha watched her, unsure of just what she was doing. Kaede pulled jars from the cabinet, and brought them to her working table and began to grind herbs in her mortar.

"Kagome, I am grinding up a special herbal remedy for ye to drink. It shall help with your discomfort and should bring you some relief in terms of the coldness you are currently feeling," Kaede explained as she worked.

"Coldness? What is she talking about?" Inuyasha wondered, slightly confused. He looked over to Kagome, whom was still sitting wrapped in her own arms, rocking back and forth. He moved over to her quickly and brought his hand to her forehead. He gasped at the ice-like surface her skin had become and quickly pulled her into his lap. "Kagome…what's goin on with you! Come one…you gotta be okay…" Forgetting that she would hear his thoughts, Inuyasha was slightly taken aback when she answered, her lips unmoving.

"Inuyasha…I'm so cold…I don't know what's going on…" Her voice sounded scared and confused. Inuyasha held her tighter, rocking her in his lap and stroking her hair. He frantically looked back up at Kaede, who continued to work. Upon finishing grinding the herbal concoction in her mortar, she proceeded to put the contents into a clay mug. Once that was done, she added some of the hot water that Inuyasha had been boiling for Kagome's ramen. She then approached Inuyasha, holding the cup out to him.

"Here, take this. Ye must have Kagome drink it. It shall help her to regain the warmth of her body," she said calmly. Inuyasha took the cup from her and then looked back to Kagome.

"C'mon Kagome…you gotta drink this okay? Kaede said it'll help you…" he murmured soothingly, bringing the cup to her lips. With a bit of effort and a great deal of patience on the part of Inuyasha, Kagome was able to ingest the contents of the cup. Once she'd finished, Inuyasha laid her out on the mat (this was the advice of Kaede, though Inuyasha preferred she stay closer to him), and continued to kneel beside her, stroking her brow.

Kaede looked on, and saw the pain and fear in the hanyou's eyes. He feared for the life and safety of his mate, and seemed to feel helpless at the moment. "Now ye must let her rest. The medicine will help her soon," Kaede said, speaking softly.

Meanwhile outside….

"How dare he refuse to tell me! She's my best friend! She's like…she's like my sister!" Sango said, her voice cracking. Miroku brought a comforting hand to her shoulder, stroking it down her spine and rested upon the small of her back.

"My love…Inuyasha is acting as any yokai would when it comes to the safety of his mate. Really, that applies to any living being," Miroku said softly, trying to reassure her. He knew that she was moreso concerned about Kagome, but expressing it through a retort of Inuyasha's unintended rudeness. "He has done the same I would if it were you." Sango looked at him then and her expression softened.

"I know that, Miroku..but I can't help but worry. What could be wrong with her?" Sango asked, the question almost rhetorical. She looked back toward the hut, her eyes misted over. Miroku hugged her close to him, trying to provide any sort of comfort he could, but he, as well, was worried.

Sometime later….

Kaede had emerged from the hut, and took a seat near the outside fire, grinding herbs in her mortar, humming a melancholy tune. The others paced continuously, awaiting news of Kagome's condition. It was a few hours before Inuyasha emerged.

"How is she! Is she alright! Inuyasha tell me!" Sango shouted, rushing toward him. The others gathered closely, staring at the hanyou. He saw Shippo sitting on Miroku's shoulder. The kit was abnormally silent and docile. The fear was plainly read on his face.

"She seems to be doing better. Her body's not so cold now," Inuyasha said firmly. "But she still needs her rest. She finally stopped muttering and crying in her sleep." He then took a seat near the fire, staring into it, as if concentrating on something. The others watched on, but only Kaede had an inkling of what he might be doing.

Somewhere off in the distance….

"Lord Sesshomaru! I found some wild berries! May I go and pick them?" Rin called breathlessly, stopping short in front of her guardian. The full blood yokai brother of Inuyasha looked down at the bright eyed child that he'd taken in as his own. His cool stare was enough to make nearly anyone squirm with discomfort, but not this girl. She looked upon him with trust and admiration. He nodded.

"Go and pick the fruit, Rin. It will soon grow dark, so you best hurry," he replied emotionlessly, turning his gaze back to the horizon. The young girl scampered away once more, completely unaware of the things that plagued the demon lord's mind.

"So…my brother has take the miko as his mate…" he thought to himself, looking up at the impending twilight. The stars had shown differently on recent nights. The sign of the union had been written in the sky, making its presence known to all that knew of it's importance. "Now will come the time for my involvement. As if I want to assist that worthless brother of mine…but it is what must be done. Even I know that." Sesshomaru continued to gaze up at the stars, trying to read their message. It bothered him slightly that he must rely on those he did not trust, though the miko seemed to have something about her that made him think otherwise.

"My Lord! My Lord!" squaked the voice of Jakken, Sesshomaru's faithful follower, interrupting his thoughts. Sesshomaru furrowed his brow, turning his head slightly.

"What is that you have chosen to interrupt me with now, Jakken?" he responded, the irritation evident in his voice. Jakken stopped short, bowing to his knees.

"I'm very sorry My Lord! But Rin has wandered off again and I think we should be moving along soon!" Jakken ranted, putting a hand on his hip. " That child! Always causing us trouble by wandering off! She's just a –"

"Enough, Jakken. I gave her permission to gather fruit. We'll be moving along when she has gathered enough for herself," Sesshomaru replied, cutting off his bumbling servant. He turned his gaze back to the horizon, as if dismissing Jakken.

"But My Lord! We really should be moving about again! Is it not you that said that finding that ingrate Naraku is your very top priority!" Jakken sputtered.

"Jakken?"

"Yes My Lord?"

"I think it would be in your best interest to not question me. Now leave me be." Sesshomaru walked away from him, finalizing his dismissal.

"Why must he always choose her over ME? Is it not I that has followed him faithfully! That girl is nothing but a menace!" Jakken weeped pitifully.

A short while later, Rin had gathered up enough fruit to satisfy her hunger, sharing them with A-Un. Soon after she was fast asleep on his back, her tummy full and satisfied. Sesshomaru's smirked slightly at the sight of the sleeping child. Time and time again he had refuted having any sort of actual feeling toward the girl, but over time, even to himself it became obvious. She had reached the age of 11, and was growing up quickly. Jakken sat sullenly by the fire, sulking in Sesshomaru's earlier rejection.

"Jakken."

"Yes My Lord," he chirped, jumping to his feet.

"Gather A-Un. We must go."

"Yes My Lord! Right away!" Jakken gathered the reigns of the two-headed dragon, and quickly sprinted after his already traveling lord. "My Lord! Where are we headed to now?"

Sesshomaru kept walking, keeping his back to Jakken. "To find my brother."

A few days later….

After many hours and sleep and staying off her feet, Kagome once again felt well enough to move around. She helped Kaede collect and grind herbs, while the others planned strategies for their upcoming battle. Kagome played a crucial role in this as well, but Inuyasha wanted her to rest and get well again. He knew that her body and soul were going through some rather intense transformations, and could sense the spots of weakness she still felt.

He watched her as she gathered herbs with the village children. In the beginning, he compared her with Kikyo at times, seeing them follow the same path. He'd fallen in love with her, just as he had Kikyo, but he knew that the love he had for Kagome was much different. With her, he felt whole… no need to change, one way or the other. To her, he was already perfection, as she was to him. Now, as she smiled so cheerfully, her voice shinning like the way rays of sun that shined from overhead, he saw her…he saw Kagome, and only Kagome. In recent days, since their union, he'd come to feel more close to her than he ever thought possible. Their bond was the sort that few living creatures would ever come to know. He could feel the pain and torment that she experienced. She raised her head, her eyes meeting his, and she smiled. Warmth washed over him as she looked at him so lovingly.

"I'll be okay, Inuyasha. I promise you," he heard her whisper, her lips unmoving. He was still becoming accustomed to this new form of communication they shared, but it was quickly becoming a standard part of their connection to one another.

Suddenly, a familiar scent wafted into the air. Inuyasha felt a growl rumble within him, coming straight from his gut, into his throat. He whipped his head around. "Sesshomaru," he muttered, seeing his older brother standing a mere ten feet from him.

"Whaddya want Sesshomaru? If you're lookin' for a fight, save it for later. My mate's hurt and I'm not getting' into any bullshit while that's goin on! You hear me! So don't try startin nothin'!" Inuyasha growled, bearing his teeth. Sesshomaru smirked slightly, looking almost bemused.

"Ah little brother, a hot head just as always," Sesshomaru said, almost disinterestedly. "But don't flatter yourself. I haven't come here to fight. I am here in concern to the prophecy." The older inu-demon turned his head, watching Rin run up to Kagome, hugging the young miko with youthful warmth. The girl had taken to Kagome a few years earlier, when the young miko nursed the child back from the depths of a dangerously high fever. He turned back to Inuyasha. "I suspect that you are already at least somewhat aware of the situation at hand?"

"Of course I do, jackass. What kind of question is that!" Inuyasha snapped, his fists balled. "What's it got to do with you, anyway?" Sesshomaru smirked again.

"Well, as you know, I am the elder son of the great demon lord InuTaisho, and with that position I carry certain responsibilities. Part of those responsibilities include standing with my brethren in battle," he said, eyeing the hanyou. "Regardless of how much I may detest them." He chuckled slightly at his brother's impatience. " So I suppose this means we'll have to make amends for the time being."

Inuyasha glared at him, and opened his mouth to say something else, but then stopped. Sesshomaru looked at him, raising an eyebrow.

"Inuyasha…wait…let's see what he has to say," murmured the voice of Kagome. "Maybe there's some truth to this…" Inuyasha looked to Kagome, who was staring back at him intently. She smiled slightly, trying to reassure him. The hanyou nodded gruffly, uttering a quiet "Feh," and then crossed his arms over his chest.

Kagome approached slowly, holding a basket of herbs she had collected. "Hello, Sesshomaru," she said brightly, smiling and greeting her new brother-in-law. "I heard what you were saying to Inuyasha. Is this true?"

The full-blood inuyokai scanned the young miko, and hesitated slightly. Normally, he found mortals to be useless and unworthy of his attention, but this girl, like his own adopted daughter, had a different aura about her. It couldn't be said that he exactly trusted her. She was, afterall, the mate and love of the brother he detested so, but in the same frame, he knew that his role in this entire process was far to great to ignore. He cared more about the keeping the level of honor that he had so admired in his father.

" Yes, miko. I speak the truth," he replied coolly. "Now, brother, I say it's time we speak of this matter properly and in a civilized manor." He turned back to Inuyasha, whom still stood with an indignant silence.

"Okay then! Let's all go back to the hut and I'll make some food!" Kagome chimed, motioning for them to follow her.

"You don't gotta offer HIM nothin'! My mate's not gonna go around makin food for some pompous fluffy boy like him!" Inuyasha grumbled, glaring at his brother.

"I do not require the human equivalent of sustenance, and nor did I ask for such service," Sesshomaru mumbled, casting a devious glare back at his brother.

"Oh c'mon you two! Grow up! We have important things to discuss," Kagome said, sighing and shaking her head. She then turned on her heels and began to head toward the village, leaving the stubborn brothers to sulk on their own. On the way, she was greeted by a beaming Rin.

"Hi!" the young girl greeted brightly, "You remember me right?" Her eyes looked up hopefully at the miko whom she'd come to idolize, in a sense. They'd had very few encounters, but on a few occasions, since her joining the company of Sesshomaru, the demon lord had saught out the healing powers of the young miko when the child had grown ill. This played a large part in the unspoken respect that Sesshomaru harbored for the miko (though he would never admit to it).

Kagome smiled back at the child. "Of course I remember you, Rin! You're not an easy girl to forget," Kagome said, winking at the child. The girl gave her a toothy smile, and took her hand, skipping along side her as Kagome walked toward the village.

"You too! So it is true that you're the mate of Lord Sesshomaru's brother?" she asked innocently, watching the ground for divots and rocks. Kagome blushed slightly at the child's inquiry.

"Yes, that is true," Kagome replied, smiling a little. "So you're pretty close to Sesshomaru, huh?"

"Yes! He's like my father now…my real parents were killed by demons..but Lord Sesshomaru has been wonderful to me. He may not seem like he cares about others much, but he always takes care of me and protects me," Rin chirped, still skipping along. Suddenly, she stopped in her tracks and looked up at Kagome. Kagome looked back, cocking her head. The girl seemed to be deep in thought, and then she smiled widely.

"So…Lord Sesshomaru is like my father…so that means that Master Inuyasha is my uncle…and…that means…that means you're my aunt!" she exclaimed joyfully, throwing her hands up. "Doesn't it?"

It was now Kagome's turn to beam. "Yes, Rin. I would say it does…and I'm happy to be your aunt," she said, smiling back at the sweet girl. Rin beamed again, and then thrust her arms around Kagome's waist, hugging her. Kagome returned her hug warmly.

"Well, how would you like to meet your cousin then?" Kagome asked. Rin's eyes grew wide, her mouth forming an O shape.

"I have a cousin? Really?" she cried excitedly.

"Mmmhmm," Kagome replied, grinning. "You see, I have an adopted son, just like Sesshomaru has you. He's a young fox demon who's parents were killed. He joined our group a few years ago, and since then he's said that Inuyasha and I are like his surrogate parents." The child stared back at her even more wide-eyed.

"Wow! That's wonderful! You look in a poor demon child who lost his parents…that's great! I want to meet my cousin!" she exclaimed, almost cheering. Kagome laughed and took the girl's hand again. They set off for the village, chattering away. Kagome glanced over her shoulder, hoping that Inuyasha and Sesshomaru would soon follow. She could only hope that this promise Sesshomaru had spoken of was sincere, and that they weren't currently at each other's throats.

So….Sesshomaru made a promise with his father that has to do with Inuyasha..what could it be! And why does Kagome keep getting so sick? Is there more to this than they know yet? Guess you'll hafta read next time to find out! PLEASSSSSSEEEEE REVIEW! Thanks! ;) azami

Secondary note: Ok…this chapter was a little slow, and really sedate but it's REALLY REALLY necessary for the storyline so puhleaseeeeeeee take that into account. K? K! wee! XD a