Chapter Five

:This chapter is dedicated to Hikari-Nanashi

Kagome's arms shook with exhaustion, her face, her flesh, was completely pale from loss of blood. Her dark eyes drooped lazily, blackness trying to desperately take over her wounded body. Rin lay limp, the girl looking very tan against Kagome's skin. She knew very well that she was not going to last much longer, but that didn't stop her from following the red and white blur in front of her, her vision failing as well.

Exhaustion also, mush to his surprise, was starting to take its toll on him like the girl. His muscles were burning with lactic acid from lack of oxygen, he was disgustingly smeared in his and the wench's blood. The wench, Inuyasha's wench,was following him. But she was carrying Rin, which was very good on his terms, but he knew her mortal body would soon...

He unexpectedly heard a loud thump behind him, as if it had only waited for him to jinx it. With an irritated growl, he turned around slowly, careful not to limp in front of her. It would be very bad if he showed more weakness to the wench, though it was already bad enough, and he didn't want that worse.

Kagome was visibly startled at the harsh sound of his growl. Sesshoumaru's eyes held a commanding light to them, daring her to do that again. His face remained solid, untransformed from the vicious rage chilling his amber eyes in the dank light of the morning clouds. She gulped with difficulty, trying to wet her dry throat the best she could. The rain, at least, was helping.

Kagome sat there on her knees in the mud. Rin had accidentally slipped from her fingers and had fallen to the ground. She had dove for the child, mud splattering on her face, legs, and clothes in a diagonal line. Sesshoumaru's eyes flashed with a strange emotion, something that was slightly disturbing.

It was not disturbing to her, but to him. The woman…child…looked attractive dirty. That thought alone was what had disturbed him so. She looked wild with those wide eyes, the messy hair, the bloody clothes, and that dirty face. A shiver ran up his spine at the thought of finding a human attractive in any way. He continuing to walk forward as Kagome scrambled to catch up, the demon lord mentally shrugging off the inappropriate subject.

They soon came upon a small pond, a tiny water fall from the stream above on the hill pouring down. The gentle splashes of water to water became louder than the rain, though the rain was more like a sprinkle now. It was clearly day now, and Kagome knew Inuyasha was going to defiantly kill her when he found her.

If he found her…

With amazing grace, Sesshoumaru led them down to that pond, slowly stepping from rock to rock on the way down. Rocks lay everywhere, some covered in a green furry moss. Kagome feared falling, the rocks hitting her wounds not a pleasant image in her mind.

As they neared the water, Kagome groaned in protest as she body started to shut down. In a desperate attempt to not get killed by rocks or Sesshoumaru, she made a mad dash to the wetness. But, as luck would have it, Kagome slipped.

Rin flew from her arms, making her cry out in panic. As she fell forward, eyes still on the little girl, she ran head first into a wall of steel. Shockingly, the steel moved. Sesshoumaru's eyes grew slightly wide, his body falling now with the human's, his ward flying through the air.

Kagome watched Rin land in the water, relief washing over her. It didn't last, however, as Sesshoumaru and her hit rocks. Hard and sharp rocks. Kagome couldn't open her mouth to scream as iron spiked on to her tongue, the scarlet staining yet another thing of hers. 'My poor taste buds,' she whined with dry humor. Luckily, that was the only thing that happened to her…at least…in a way.

A huge, gigantic splash was heard and Kagome turned to it. Sesshoumaru lay floating on the water's surface, his bangs in his face, his cloths clinging to him everywhere. Kagome decided he must have fallen in from their position on the rocks. With a gulp, Kagome watched him for any sign of life. His beautiful eyes were closed, fueling her fear as he continued to float.

He wasn't moving.

Kagome made her way hesitantly into the fridge like water. With a violent shiver, she waded her way to the demon lord, watching with a bird's eye to make sure he wasn't playing a trick on her. With a deep breath, Kagome reached her pale, bloody hand out to him.

As soon as flesh hit flesh, his eyes snapped open. Kagome drew her hand away with a scowl on her face, angered by his reaction to her touch. She was just trying to help, but of course, the pompous ass of a lord couldn't handle that. With emotions raging, she held her tongue reluctantly.

Exhaling slowly and shakily, his golden eyes gleamed with anger as his feet touched the bottom of the pond. "Rin," he quietly ground out between his teeth. Kagome's eyes grew large as she yelped, realizing her mistake and clumsiness. Her head snapped from side to side, looking eagerly for the little girl she had been carrying moments before.

Rin lay propped against a rock in the shallow end of the freezing pond, her expression peaceful and unaffected. Kagome stared at her in awe. How could she not be affected by the water? How could she still be sleeping? Kagome's mind finally really took Rin's condition.

Brown eyes narrowed in concern, she bent and picked up Rin, her head turning to look back at the demon lord. "What'd wrong with her?" His golden eyes seemed to flame as his hungry gaze lingered on her. Kagome stilled under the intensity of his eyes, afraid while he openly observed her.

Finally, after eternity it seemed, he turned his back to her. "Poison," he said simply, as if it held no real meaning. Kagome stood straight as her mouth dropped open.

"What! Then we have to get her help, fast! We-"

Sesshoumaru's head snapped back to look at her again. "Calm yourself, human. You will just make the situation worse," he bit at her, eyes chilled. "She will not die so soon. The poison has merely stunned her into a deep sleep."

Kagome's open mouth slowly closed, as if she was hesitant to believe him. Rin was, after all, his ward. Kagome doubted Sesshoumaru would allow anything to happen to the girl, his pride and honor wouldn't stand for it. A smile tugged on her pale lips, brown eyes warming as she held the lord's gaze. Maybe it wasn't his pride, maybe he just cared…

Sesshoumaru glared at the human wench, angered by her display of joy. Inhaling the cool air around the pond, he collected his thoughts and waded toward the rocks. Splashing indicated the girl was following him, and Sesshoumaru was thankful he didn't have to deal with her anymore than he was right now.

Fatigue attacked his body and felt as if it would crush him. His golden eyes grew dull as his mind entered a fog, and only a part of his brain seemed conscious of where he was going. His feet started to become heavier and heavier to lift, his legs stiff and cold. The little dip in the pond hadn't helped, either, but instead it made everything worse. Shivers ran up and down his body, killing nerves as it went. He could no longer feel his body soon after, numb to the world as his eyes closed.

Kagome knew the instant Sesshoumaru was starting to lose himself. His shoulders started to slump and his walking slowed. His long legs did not lengthen very well anymore as he went through the trees. His breathing became harder and his eyes drooped with exhaustion.

Kagome stopped, setting down Rin and leaning her against a tree. If she was wrong about him, then she knew she was about to get her head bit off. Cautiously, Kagome approached the powerful demon, her eyes wide in fright.

"Sesshoumaru," she whispered quietly. He didn't respond, but instead kept moving, walking like a ghost. "Sesshoumaru…maybe we should stop," she tried again, hoping the lord would comply to her suggestion. "Please…?"

Kagome's eyes grew wide as Sesshoumaru nearly walked into a tree, his shoulder jerking back as half his body hit it. As funny as Kagome would have thought that sounded, the humor was not there for long. Blood stained the pale bark of the tree, and Kagome could not allow Sesshoumaru to walk any further than he was already. Before she could act on her thought, Kagome watched in horror as he started to fall forward.

It was like a dream or perhaps a movie, watching as a hero fell to the ground in defeat. Chocolate eyes wide, she watched him fall in slow motion. His beautiful silver hair fanned out behind him as he descended, his pale face bloody and a look of serenity across his handsome features. His grand white clothing, stained, bellowed out to trail after his form as he hit the ground, a dull thud echoing in her ears.

Fear like nothing Kagome had felt gripped her stomach, and she rushed forward to her fallen rescuer. "Sesshoumaru!" She reached out to touch him, reluctant at first, but seeing his shallow breathing persuaded her. "Sesshoumaru," she yelled at him again, shaking him as she spoke. Still, he did not wake.

"Sesshoumaru, please, say something." Kagome felt extremely out of place talking to him like this. The feeling of not belonging almost made her want to give up, but she wouldn't dare leave him. Her hands gripped his kimono like a life-line, and now that she had him, she was terrified to let go. The freezing cloth held in her grasp chilled her fingers to numb.

Weakly, she thought of Rin. She didn't want the child to go on without him. Sesshoumaru was almost Rin's whole life, the girl counted on him, needed him. Again, she shook him, but not as hard as before. Maybe she could get him to speak and say what Rin needed? That, at least, would help.

Kagome looked at his pale face, her stained hand coming to rest on the top of his silver haired head. "Sesshoumaru…what does Rin need?" She felt odd asking this question, as well as worrying over her enemy. Kagome figured his demonic body had had enough, so no reason to ask about his well being. She already knew what he needed.

Slowly, as if with his dieing breath, Sesshoumaru's mouth formed words. "Aloe Vera," he whispered to her. Kagome shivered at the sound of his weak, deep voice talking to her in such a manner. It wasn't…right. Her warm pools became even more concerned as his breathing slowed. Maybe she shouldn't leave his side till he was better? Kagome shook her head. No, Rin needed her right now. She could help Rin and then Sesshoumaru later.

With a deep breath of the damp and chilled air, she stood on shaky legs. Looking around, she searched for the item of her need. Kagome smiled, remembering what Aloe Vera was. She had seen it sometimes when she went grocery shopping for her mother. It was a strange green plant, thick leafs adorned with poky spikes.

With a sigh of defeat, she decided to go in the direction Sesshoumaru had been heading in. Maybe, Kagome thought, she could find some further up. Looking cautiously back behind her, Kagome starred at the man…demon, lying on the wet ground. Determination lighting her eyes, she nodded at him.

"Don't die on me Sesshoumaru," she spoke with hope. "I think I'll be a little too lost without you around." With her phrase out of her mouth, she turned and walked forward. Her words hung thickly in the forest, as if all had heard the remark. But it fell on deaf ears, both demon and girl fast asleep.

Inuyasha paced frantically around in the small, stuffy hut, his comrades watching him in distress. "Damn it! Where is she!" Again, he cursed his luck. He had fought with Kagome and this is what happened? When would he ever learn?

Miroku held up his hands in submission, trying to ease the hanyou's hostility. "Inuyasha, calm down. Kagome probably went back to her own time," he suggested lightly. Sango, who sat comfortably next to him, nodded in agreement.

Shippo, curled on the demon slayer's lap, looked up at the half-breed. "Yeah, she did say she wanted to go home this morning." Inuyasha turned sharply to regard his little group. His golden eyes flamed with the fury of emotions, worry and anger tying into one.

Slowly, his glowing orbs went to look at the large yellow pack that settled in the far corner of the room. It seemed to plunge his thoughts further into confusion, his keen eyes watching as the firelight danced across its bright surface with the shadows.

'But why would she not take it back with her?' His dark brows rose in concern at this thought. Kagome hadn't been to her world in a long while, she should have wanted to restock. Why, if she wanted, wouldn't she take her back pack with her? It made absolutely no sense.

The firelight danced in his pools as he continued to stare at the main cause of his worry. 'Her bow and arrows are missing,' he realized suddenly, dread gripping his stomach. Quickly, fright coming into his heart, he turned to his friends. "I'm gonna go to the well," he offered strongly.

Before the others could protest, Inuyasha was gone, hopping on the ground and shooting off like lightning. Miroku exchanged a look with Sango, both fairly concerned about their friend's reaction to the absent Kagome. Shippo merely sighed and shook his head, feeling like another quarrel was to start if Inuyasha intruded upon Kagome in her era.

"Well," the monk reasoned. "It is strange that Kagome failed to take her pack with her. Usually, she'd never forget it."

Sango nodded quickly. "Yes, it is strange. She must have been very upset," but her voice seemed to trail off on the last part. They were unsure of what there friend had done, or where she was, for that fact. All was becoming restless with the absence of their comrade.

Shippo looked up from Sango's warm lap, his green eyes glittering with worry. "I hope she's okay…"

The strange, poky leafs of the Aloe Vera bit gently into her skin. Kagome heaved and coughed for breath as she came crawling back to little Rin, the girl still fast asleep. Sesshoumaru's blood, dry, was caked on her hands and arms. 'It won't come off', she often cried in her mind. It stuck to the hairs on her arms, painful and reluctant to let go.

Again, her hands ran along her blood tinted limbs. It was like maple syrup, thick and sticky. Kagome shuddered in disgust. All she had done was roll the wounded lord onto his back so he might be able to breath better. It seemed to be working, but making him move was as easy as moving a lead wall. Kagome grumbled to herself. 'Or a house.'

She looked over at Sesshoumaru, his mouth parted to breath. The cold air wheezed by his almost blue lips, and Kagome cringed in pity. Shaking her head to try to focus and ignore the migraine that had started beating at her skull, she picked the plant up once again. In doing so, Kagome soon realized she had no idea what to do with it.

"Aw man!" She cursed lightly under her breath. Kagome growled at the leafs in her hand, nearly crushing them. She had at least walked a mile to get to the stupid herb and now it seemed wasted.

Slowly, she looked at Rin. 'Maybe,' she thought suddenly. 'Rin needs to…eat? I mean, she hasn't probably eaten since yesterday…' With a look of hope, she glanced down at the plant which was now slightly squished. 'This thing hasn't failed yet.' With new feelings of determination, Kagome crawled further over to the girl.

Grasping Rin's little, slightly chubby face in her left hand, she raised the leaf up to touch her lips. Left hand clutching her jaw, she opened the young girl's mouth. Kagome's lips tightened. "I hope I'm right," she whispered to herself and Rin. With a deep breath, Kagome gently shoved the plant into the ward's mouth.

When Rin didn't show any sign of waking once Kagome got her to swallow the herb, she nearly gave up right then. Rolling onto her back, wincing as her wounds screamed in agony, she whimpered in helplessness. If Sesshoumaru knew what happened to the girl, then she would have to wait until he woke up and was sober. Only the demon could tell her what needed to be done.

Her face to the frosty drizzle, she closed her chocolate orbs in exhaustion. How she could have continued walking, Kagome didn't know, but she was thankful. Now, when Sesshoumaru woke up and told her what to do, then she wouldn't have to walk two miles. Her face scrunched when a negative thought entered her weary mind.

'That is…if Sesshoumaru wakes up…'

Note: Tee-hee. Sorry for the REALLY long wait guys. My life has been in utter chaos as of late and I couldn't help but slow down and try to fix it. Now, at least, I think I'm back on my feet. Next time I'll try to update sooner. Oh, by the way, this chapter is going to be dedicated to Hikari-Nanashi, as it says up at the top. Nanashi-sama has been kind enough to snap in my face and get me moving along with, as Nanashi-sama has stated, the show. I am glad to say that this show will start to fly, and I also say thank you to all of you, most of all Nanashi-sama. Thank you.