I'm back. :)
Sesshomaru felt as though he was lost in a fog; a grey mist which clouded his vision, causing him to feel both disoriented and confused. Was he in the underworld? No. The abode was dark, not grey. Wispy trails of light still shone from where he was, indicating that he was not dead. Yet.
He remembered falling, though when this occurred, he could not recall. And thinking of such things caused his brain to hurt.
He could hear people talking. At least, he thought they were people. Much of what they said came out as a mumble, just as murky as his sight.
What happened to him? Why couldn't he see anything? He worked to lift his hand to see if he even was in the flesh. Perhaps he was a spirit, lost between earth and space.
He could not lift himself, nor could he even look down. Panic soon began to settle in, allowing him to realize he was alive because of the strenuous palpitations of his heart. He could not move and he could see nothing that mattered, but he had to be alive. This quickly settled his racing heart, though he still worried over this predicament.
What if he stood this way? What purpose would there be in living if he was left blind and in a vegetative state? He would rather die than live in such a manner of ruin. Rin would never want him like this.
No one would.
But then, he was never one to resign himself to any sort of dealing he did not agree with. He was the master of his soul, body and mind. Whatever he was experiencing, wherever he was, he could find a way to remedy the situation. This had always been the case, at least for all things directed toward him.
He focused on his vision again, working tirelessly to make out any figures within the grey. Then he realized his eyes were not open. They were closed as if glued to his lids. This could not be tolerated. What kind of weak willed fool failed to open his eye lids from their own accord? He centered all of his attention on his eyes, charging his might and power to simply letting the lids open by a mere slit. It would not budge and his frustration knew no bounds.
He heard himself growl and the voices suddenly stopped their ramblings. Someone inhaled sharply. He could not even smell them and damned himself to hell because losing all of his senses because of a damned fall was nothing short of an embarrassment. He was stronger than this. What the hell happened?
The toll these thoughts took on his mind caused his headache to swell. He could feel himself grit his teeth, and tasted blood. Suddenly, someone opened his mouth and placed a piece of wood there. Outraged beyond belief, he tried to slap their hand away, but he couldn't move a muscle. Instead, he could do naught but growl from the very depths of his core. Not even words could spring from him.
The person spoke to him. He could hear their mumble, and their breath fanned close to his neck. He could feel its warmth and wondered who they were- and if they were the cause of his misery. He wanted very much to see and move but nothing, not even his unwavering fortitude could save him from this singular form of torture.
The agony of this kind of immobility exhausted him. Suddenly the grey curtain fell, and darkness gripped him once more.
Kagome stood over Sesshomaru, with one hand checking his sweat stained forehead. She turned to Inuyasha with a soft smile and said, "His fever has lifted."
Inuyasha didn't say a word. He simply nodded and stepped into the room. He stood next to Kagome, while he observed his half brother's appearance. For nearly a fortnight, the demon had been gripped by a fever which both Kagome and he thought would kill him. His wife claimed that she had never met anyone with a temperature as fiery as Sesshomaru's who could live through it. But Sesshomaru was no ordinary creature. He somehow managed to pull through, as if anyone could doubt such a thing.
Inuyasha watched Kagome while she walked toward the demons foot. Above his ankle was a strange mass of liquid under the skin she emptied nearly every day. She claimed it was infected and had asked Inuyasha what could have caused such a thing. Inuyasha knew the kind of wound he had, since it was one he suffered through one time or another.
"He must've been stabbed," he told her when Inuyasha placed him onto a cot within their home. He was sequestered in a room which had never been used, resting day and night toward recovery...or his demise.
Kagome shook her head at the time stating, "Looks more like a slice to me. I think he was cut by a sword which failed to be cleaned properly. That could be the only reason why he was so horribly infected."
Kagome knew a lot about this subject, so Inuyasha had no reason to question her insight. Even he knew that one should clean their sword after battle, but only to keep it from staining with blood. She told him that malicious bacteria could cause enough damage to have his leg cut off. Inuyasha winced at the thought. It was bad enough Sesshomaru once lost an arm ages ago. It was able to grow back somehow, but living with that disability had to have been cumbersome.
The wound had been gangly and disgusting when he was found, but now it was close to healing, despite the lump that remained. Kagome dressed it, as she always did each night, and then bandaged the appendage with a white cloth.
Sesshomaru was now asleep. Kagome took this opportunity to wipe the sweat from his skin. It was weird seeing her touch his half brother, but Inuyasha knew this was something she was adept at. Kaede had taught her well. She also managed to learn a lot from her time in the future to better care for those in this era. He was thankful for her, but could not yet voice this without feeling a sense of embarrassment. Odd thing that, since he had been married to her for years now and never kept a thing from her. He simply could not stomach saying something to her about his half brother. They had no relationship to speak of and the demon didn't have a care for him.
Out of respect for Inuyasha, she had an apprentice take care of Sesshomaru's hygiene. It was paramount above all things that he remain clean, she claimed. She called the young woman inside to focus on this task, while she and Inuyasha left the room.
They walked outside of their home, and sat along the wooden steps of their stoop. Kagome sighed a small breath of relief and wiped her forehead.
"I can't believe I'm saying this, but your brother may have been the hardest patient I ever dealt with."
He arched a brow. "Why?"
"His infection is just as stubborn as he is. I was honestly beginning to lose hope that he would recover. People don't last from temperatures that high, Inuyasha."
Inuyasha shrugged. "Yeah, but he's a demon. It's different."
"Yet the same remedies used on humans worked on him. Some things are the same, and I'm glad this was the case."
"Yeah."
Kagome rested her head on his shoulder and he kissed the crown of her hair.
"I don't think he recognized us," she whispered. Inuyasha swallowed thickly. The demon didn't open his eyes at any point of his struggle, but they knew he was awake because he reacted to things they said, yet made no reply.
"Do you think he has amnesia?"
"I doubt it." She sighed. "He's very weak, Inuyasha. I don't think he even has the strength to open his eyes, but I've no idea why he doesn't recognize us."
"Maybe he does." When Kagome saw him bleeding because he was biting his tongue, she was able to place a small log between his lips to separate his teeth from his unrelenting bite. The demon looked furious and even growled. It scared Kagome, reminding her of how Inuyasha would act whenever he was in his demon form: feverish and angry. Maybe he knew who was tending to him and the outrage mounted. He never liked the duo and made it known to any who knew them.
"He's healing, so that's a plus. The infection is waning and his fever is gone. Within the week, he should be able to muster up some strength to open his eyes. Hopefully, he won't kill us." Kagome laughed.
Inuyasha rolled his eyes and turned to her. "As soon as he's ready to fly, I could give a rat's ass about where he goes. But if he dares lay a hand on ya, I'll beat him back into a coma."
Kagome snorted and swatted his chest. He narrowed his eyes. "You don't think I can take him?" He muttered, feeling thoroughly outraged. Needless to say, it was embarrassing to think his wife thought so lowly of him.
"No, my love," she said in an attempt to caress his ego. "I snorted because I doubt you'll lay a finger on the demon."
He sucked his teeth. "Yeah. Okay. You forget that I've beaten his ass a number of times.
"Nope. Never forgot. I just know that you care for the guy now."
Inuyasha barked out a laugh, and his wife shushed him. "Lower your voice before you wake him."
"Don't care, lady."
"Of course you do. Especially since he's been taking care of little Rin."
"She ain't little," he muttered.
"True, but she'll always be that little girl for us. Kaede misses her dreadfully, as do I. And I know you do too." She was the sweetest girl in the world; one Kagome expected to become a sister to them both any time now. Which reminded her, where was she?
Inuyasha appeared to read her mind because he voiced her thoughts. "Where the heck is she anyway?"
For now, they were simply left to wonder.
Sesshomaru could not make sense of his circumstance, nor could he grasp how long he was in this state. But he knew that he had yet to dream, for if he had, he would likely have recalled visions of Rin. Just as he was seeing this very moment.
He knew she had not physically come back to him, but he could understand with a certain sense of clarity, that the vision before him was the woman he craved with every fiber of his being. A woman he could not yet grasp, because even in his dreams, she was lost to him.
He saw her in front of a Sakura tree, looking up. Her gaze was serene, untroubled by any scuffles in life.
Before their eyes, the petals blossomed. Pink and purple strands spread across the tree. He heard Rin gasp with delight and she jumped with a whirl.
To his astonishment, she turned to him and beamed. The singular act took his breath away and he could feel his throat constrict with some strange emotion.
"Have you seen anything so beautiful, milord?"
He nodded slightly, overcome with longing for the girl. He wanted to move closer to her, but his legs would not budge. He remained fixed in place.
She cocked her head to the side, giving him a quizzical look. She grinned, though it was rather impish as she hopped toward him. With each hop, she hummed a soft song. Sesshomaru had no idea such a small thing could effect him so much, but he found himself breathing heavily because he remembered now how much he enjoyed Rin's voice.
She used to sing all the time. Not only had he grown accustomed to her sweet, lilting voice, but he had enjoyed it many a time. She would come up with melodies all her own, and he sometimes found that it brought him a certain sense of peace.
He missed that. He missed her voice. He missed her smiles.
God, how he missed his Rin.
And here she was, no more than a dream, but before him all the same.
She finally stood merely inches away, and he yearned to reach out to her lips, to feel the silk of them on his fingers.
She looked up at him with those large brown eyes, and winked one eye.
"You're unusually quiet, milord."
At that, he nearly laughed. He was always silent. An indomitable force, quiet as the flutter of a butterfly.
She pouted. "Why don't you talk more? I enjoy hearing your voice."
Finally, he spoke. "What do you want me to say, Rin?"
I want to hold you.
I want to be closer to you.
I want you. Simply you.
"Mmmm. I don't know." She stopped to think and rocked herself against the blades of grass. Suddenly, she gasped. "The tree! Isn't it beautiful? I'd like to know your thoughts."
He turned to it once more, and found the tree to be rather remarkable. Its color's were vibrant, with hues of varying degrees of pink and purple. But something was off about it. The leaves moved, yet there was no breeze. Suddenly, their colors dulled, turning brown and then grey. The petals then fell in a heap along the surface.
Rin sighed.
"How can something so beautiful be so fleeting? Doesn't seem fair. Right, milord?"
He was no fool. He knew what the message of this dream was. He contemplated the very thought of it nearly every day. Rin was a human. One who would die in a short span of time. How could he let himself care for a creature with no hope for perpetuity? Yet how could he let her go?
"Nothing lasts," she lamented. "But at least the memory of it lives here." She placed her hands on her chest, right next to her heart. Then she looked at him with something so primal, he gulped. Her pupils dilated, the brown in them wide and sparkling with adoration and near worship. "I'll never forget you, milord. Will you forget me when I'm gone?"
Damn this dream. Rin was more beautiful than any creature he had ever encountered; a rare gem that could never be priced. But one day she would die and this dream was nothing more than a reminder of time being wasted because of her choices.
And his own. After all, he had no reason to comply with Rin's demands, since he had never been the type to respect one's wishes that contradicted his own. He should have been with her. Not lost in a haze of nightmares and afflictions, plagued by apparitions and voices from a hidden place beyond his own eye lids.
Rin frowned. "Lord Sesshomaru? Will you miss me?"
He could not wake from this torment so he humored the temptress. He narrowed his eyes. "You told me to leave you."
Her eyes welled and he had no choice but to endure. "I'm sorry, milord."
"Why did you make me go?"
"I don't know."
"If you fall prey to villainy, I may not be there to save you."
She smiled. "But you've always been there for me, Lord Sesshomaru."
This was torture. Absolute torture.
"I failed you," he bit out. "I failed to save you, and now you are lost to me."
Her brows furrowed. "I'm here, milord. I'll never leave you."
He could feel something in him begin to burn. It spread from his head to the soles of his feet, melting all resistance that once held him there. Suddenly, he could move, and he sprang forward, grabbing Rin by the arm. He pushed her against the old tree, and he growled down at her. But she was not afraid of him like she had been during their last encounter. Instead, her eyes remained fixed on him, and this dream turned into euphoria when she wrapped her legs around his waist and purred.
"Rin," he breathed against her neck. "Rin. I need you." He repeated her name, over and over, while she caressed him and touched him everywhere she could. Her fingers slid across his neck, down to his chest, and his breath grew heavy. Fangs retracted, with eyes gleaming red. Rin cupped his cheeks and pulled him close.
"Then find me," she whispered with a kiss. "And never let me go."
"Kagome, the demon is waking!"
Kagome turned to her pupil, a young girl with raven hair, named Suki. She stood with a quickness, and ran to the demon's room. He was still in bed, but his eyes moved quickly beneath his lids and his fangs were retracted. He gripped his bed sheets and growled.
Fear gripped Kagome, as she thought he came under a new fever, so she went to him and knelt down. Then placed her hand onto his forehead and sweat gleamed there, but he was not hot. He was warm, but did not suffer the same temperature he reached a week before.
"Get me a bowl of water and a cloth," she told Suki. When she returned, she gave the bowl to Kagome and she wet the cloth. When she was about to place it over Sesshomaru's head, his eyes shot opened. They were crimson, like blood, and looked as though they would bleed over. He growled at Kagome and hissed.
She raised her hands and gulped. "C-calm down, Sesshomaru."
His eyes roamed the room, looking from left to right. He tried to make a move to stand but he could not move his legs- worst even, his arms.
"Where am I?" he snapped.
"My home," she gulped. "We found you by the Bone Eater's Well, wounded and in a coma. We took you in so that you would heal in safety."
He searched the room again, and his fury seemed to abate. His eyes reverted to their natural hue and calmed somewhat, but he remained cautious and somewhat wary.
"How long have I been here?"
"Three weeks."
His breath stopped for what seemed like minutes. All thoughts were kept inward, with nothing uttered, but Kagome was able to glimpse, however briefly, the image of horror upon his gaze. He could not mask it.
"You had a terrible fever," Kagome said in an attempt to fill in the silence. "Any one else would have died in such a state, but you've managed to come out of it. Suki and I made sure to-"
He cut her off. "Do you know how long I was by the well?"
"'No more than a day. We heard news of a crash and went out in search of the source. We were shocked to find you in such a state."
He made no reply and looked away from Kagome. Seconds later, he closed his eyes and fell to sleep once more.
Or so she thought.
After Kagome left the room, Sesshomaru lay, frozen in place, both horrified and furious of his circumstance. How had this happened? How did he lose track of so much time? Three weeks. He had been asleep for three weeks. More than enough time for Rin to have gone far and wide. To another continent even.
And he couldn't move. He was frozen. What fresh horror was this? How could a mere human have incapacitated him in such a way?
How shameful.
He tightened his eyes shut, willing himself to move his hands, legs and feet. He gasped suddenly, when he felt his fingers twitch. So he wasn't a complete invalid. Perhaps he would heal, though it would take some time. Time which he had little of. He needed to go to Rin. He had to find her. He had to speak to her and knock some sense into her. She belonged with him.
Look what being separated did to them both.
Kagome returned some hours later. Sesshomaru was unable to sleep throughout that time. He worked tirelessly to get his hands to move, but it was so taxing that when his brother's wife came in, she gasped at the sweat that gleamed from his forehead.
She found him staring at the ceiling.
"I have no fever," he told her without looking her way. His voice was hoarse, parched from being slightly dehydrated.
"You could give a girl a heart attack with the amount of times you sweat."
Sesshomaru had no response for that.
"You look exhausted."
Yes. Clearly. He could hardly lift a finger without causing his heart to palpitate.
"Want some water?" She didn't give him a chance to reply. "I'll get you some water."
When she returned, she placed the cup next to him and he stared at it. He swallowed thickly, yearning for the beverage, but didn't have the strength to reach out and grab it.
"I can help," Kagome offered.
This was the most embarrassing moment of Sesshomaru's life. The last time someone offered him aide was Rin. Only she had ever seen him like this, and even then he despised the experience. Having his brother's wife see him this way could not be borne.
She could view his hesitancy with ease and sighed. "Come on, Sesshomaru. I'm just here to help. You need the water. It'll help you get better."
He wanted nothing more than for her to leave him alone. In fact, he simply wanted to remain sequestered in this dark, wooden room, isolated. But she was right. He needed the water. And he needed food. Having both would expedite his healing process. He said nothing, but he let her lift him somewhat to better drink the water. When it touched his lips, his senses returned, while he felt the cool river slip down his throat. Within seconds, rejuvenating properties within the liquid encompassed him, and he didn't stop until not a drop was left behind.
When he finished, Kagome gently set him against the mat and left the room. He appreciated the fact that she did not speak to him again except to ask if he felt strong enough to have some soup. He blinked his response and she returned with a small bowl of vegetable soup. While she fed him, she remained quiet as if she knew this experience shattered every ounce of his pride.
He recalled when Rin found him debilitated and wounded. She offered to feed him and provide some help. At the time, he wanted nothing to do with her. What he wouldn't give to have her mend him back to health this very moment. To have her hold him and caress him while he rested in her arms.
But like all feeling from his hands and feet, she was lost to him.
Kagome told Sesshomaru he was doing much better as the days progressed. After the third day of being awake, he could move his arms and was able to feed himself. Kagome brought him food every day and she made sure to remain mute while doing so. At times, the girl Suki would visit to help him change his clothes, but once he was awake, he could control his bowel movements and refused to let anyone touch him again.
Kagome told him he needed help with standing, but after he growled at her for the tenth time, she gave him a wooden cane and muttered, "You're just as stubborn as your brother."
Inuyasha never visited Sesshomaru, though his scent permeated the walls within the home. Sesshomaru was grateful for his absence since he wanted nothing to do with the mutt. His time and focus was zeroed in on regaining his mobility. Soon enough, he was able to see the scar which remained on his ankle. Kagome mentioned that it had been infected for some time, but was now near to being healed. He lamented that such a thing would probably mar his skin for years, but did not dwell on the matter.
After some time, he tried to fly, but this proved to be harder than moving his legs. Even thinking about it brought him pain. So he worked in steps. Moving one toe. Then the other.
After a week, he was able to move his feet. A day later, he was able to use the cane to stand on his own. The moment was triumphant and he felt a small glimmer of hope begin to swell. Perhaps he would be able to walk within the week, and then after that, he could run or even fly.
Every hour from this point forward, he worked and he toiled with himself, striving to walk, at first with the cane, then without. When he was finally able to move without the stick, he rejoiced inwardly and smiled to himself. He took pride in this moment and wished to gloat or even share it.
Jaken would have shouted for joy and Rin would have sung a song for him.
His mood darkened and he dropped himself onto the mat. With a grimace, he stared at the ceiling and glowered.
A month now passed since he saw Rin and he was able to think more deeply about certain facts.
Rin had been wounded, but he was able to heal her. Clearly, her mental state was questionable, so he had to learn to work through this, but hadn't the faintest notion of how to understand the inner machinations and thought processes of a human woman.
He looked at the wall next to him and saw his clothes and weapons sitting there, useless and cold. He noticed the sword he purchased for Rin and cursed the damned thing aloud. It was because of this gift that he was far and away from Rin. If he had simply taken her with him to get the tool, she would have been with him and none of this debacle would have occurred.
Not only that, if he had simply explained why he wasn't able to be with her, perhaps she would have forgiven him, because now it was blatantly clear that Rin could not stand the sight of Sesshomaru because he had failed her during the most important moment of her life.
Yes, he failed her, and in doing so, he failed himself.
"I'm worried about Sesshomaru."
Inuyasha rolled his eyes heavenward. He was trying to take a break at home from all talks about demons since he had just fought a few with Miroku hours before.
"What's wrong with him now?" he asked his meddlesome wife in their main room. It was at a reasonable distance from where Sesshomaru rested, so he would not be able to hear them talking unless he focused on them.
"He reminds me of someone."
"Who?"
"Myself."
He gave her a side glance and arched a brow. "How so?"
She bit her lip. "I think he's depressed."
He turned to her immediately and stared. "Kagome, are you trying to tell me something?"
She waved her hand. "No. Sorry. Not what I meant. I mean he reminds me of myself when I was gone. You remember?"
Of course he remembered. How could he forget? For three damned years, he was away from Kagome, and he was the most despondent creature the world had ever seen. He moped so much, Miroku and Shippo would get annoyed with him, and just thinking about it was damned embarrassing. But it wasn't his fault. He couldn't help how he felt about Kagome. She was his girl. He loved her.
He glowered. "I don't want to talk about it."
She held his hand and he squeezed it gently. "I know, my love. I'm just worried over the fact that Sesshomaru remains in that room, all to himself, without muttering a word to anyone."
"He's always been that way. He's a quiet guy."
"But not with Rin," she muttered. "I'm worried about her."
So was Inuyasha. Sesshomaru had been here for more than a month and Rin was nowhere in sight. Sesshomaru didn't have the balls to speak about her, but it irked Inuyasha nonetheless.
Kagome looked at him with glassy eyes. "Do you think something happened to Rin?"
"Why would you say that?"
"Where is she? She should be the one person by his side at this time."
"She's probably with Jaken and Ah-Un. You know how Sesshomaru always goes off on some venture without them."
"How can you be so nonchalant about this?"
"I'm not. I just don't think it's a big deal."
Kagome glared. "Don't act like you don't care. I know you like to put up a bravado when he's around, but don't do that with me. Sesshomaru's hurt. Emotionally. I can feel it. Something's wrong, and it's not just because of his wound." She bit her lip. "I'm worried about Rin. It's been too long."
Inuyasha shrugged, though inwardly he could feel anxiety rise. He too cared for Rin, and her not being here during the demons time of need was simply wrong.
"Just ask him about her. You know the guy doesn't speak to me about anything. Besides, he's got a soft spot for you."
With a nod, Kagome made a move to stand and left. When she stood in front of Sesshomaru's room, she knocked, then entered. Sesshomaru rested against the wall. A small window let in a steam of moonlight, allowing Kagome to see his face. The demon watched her coldly as she approached, and she fought the urge to tell him off, since she didn't deserve that look.
Instead, she knelt before him and did as she had done for the past few weeks. She asked him if she could take off the bandage on his ankle, but he said, "The wound has healed. I can walk now."
Kagome gasped. "Oh, that's wonderful, Sesshomaru!"
He simply watched her.
"I'm so happy for you. I-" Kagome frowned. "Why are you still here then?"
His eyes narrowed to tiny slits. "I had no idea my presence was some kind of imposition."
"Of course not, Sesshomaru. I wish you would come more often, of course. I'm sure you know I would love for you and Inuyasha to settle your differences and act like a real family."
He had the nerve to smirk and Kagome groused. "I'm just surprised you're still here. I thought you would leave by now."
"I am still on the mend."
Kagome looked at him. "Is something amiss?"
Though hesitant at first, he actually responded. "I cannot yet fly. Until then, I remain."
"Flying requires more effort then?"
His nod was curt and swift.
"Hmm." Kagome placed a finger on her chin in a thoughtful gesture. While thinking, she took his blanket and moved it to the door frame. It had to be cleaned. She also took some of his clothes which had been discarded weeks ago. Since he was close to recovery, she may as well clean his garments. While lifting them, she briefly looked at his swords.
When Inuyasha brought him in, they'd noticed the third, smaller sword. Inuyasha didn't think it was his because it was rather thin and light, which made them wonder who it belonged to.
Kagome turned to Sesshomaru. He was looking at the window, his view on the moon. His face was pale, like alabaster and his eyes glowed within the darkness.
It felt a bit wrong to see him this way, fragile as he was. Too personal, but she couldn't help herself, since she was too curious about the weapon.
"Hey, Sesshomaru."
As per usual, he did not look at her, but he listened. Sesshomaru always listened.
"I noticed you've got a new weapon at your side. It's beautiful." Even she wanted something like it. The craftsmanship was unrivaled and the spiraled details within the hilt were inspiring. "Was it meant for Rin? She'll love it."
Right before her eyes, she saw the demon crumble. In an instant, he closed his eyes and his brows fell in a small moment of anguish.
Kagome immediately thought the worst, and tears began to well. She came to him with a swiftness and knelt before him. "I can't stand this. Is Rin okay, Sesshomaru?"
He didn't open his eyes. Instead, it looked as though he worked to focus his might on his delicate hold over all emotion.
"Please, just tell me if she's okay. Is she alive at the least?"
His chin dipped slightly.
Kagome sighed in relief. "So why the heck does it look otherwise?"
Finally, he opened his eyes only to glare at her, but she wasn't afraid of him. Not this time. That look told Kagome he wouldn't hurt a fly because of how miserable he seemed.
"I do not wish to speak of this matter with you."
"Why not?" she demanded. "That girl's like a sister to me. I watched her grow from a small, but strong girl, into the beautiful woman she is today. The same woman I know you care for above all else. Please," she implored. "Give me something. You have me worried and I love her."
Sesshomaru stared at Kagome. His gaze was unwavering, without the slightest blink. She felt prickles of unease on her neck, and tried to rub them away.
"Stop being so creepy," she muttered.
He didn't. Instead, he continued to look at her until she was peeved enough to finally stand and walk away.
But he stopped her fairly quickly when he said, "Rin was wounded."
Kagome slowly turned to him. She swallowed thickly and frowned. "What-what do you mean?"
"I purchased the..." Sesshomaru cleared his throat. "The sword. While I was away, she was wounded."
"And you left her?" Kagome breathed.
"She told me to."
"Why?"
"She was attacked. And the attack wounded her. Mentally. I was able to heal her wounds, so she is clear from this. But whatever is plaguing her mind has caused her to wedge a bridge against us; one which I am no longer permitted to cross. She won't even speak to me about it."
Silence filled the room, while inwardly Kagome's mind swirled with thoughts. Like a puzzle, she struggled to piece together what he meant, but she managed to understand him quickly enough.
Once again, her eyes began to well. She knew what kind of attack occurred because only one thing could make Rin leave a demon she loved above all else.
"Do..." Kagome's voice cracked. "Do you know where she is now?"
He shook his head and let out a breath that came out ragged, almost as if he were holding in the compulsion to cry.
Kagome could hardly stand this. She'd known Sesshomaru for more than a decade now. He had always been a cold and calloused creature; one who would never reveal his emotions to another, not even to Rin, as far as Kagome was concerned. Yet, here he sat, against the wall, pale and powerless to something he, in all likelihood, never experienced before.
But Kagome knew that look, because she had seen it in the mirror during those three years she was away from Inuyasha. It was plain to see, even from someone as cold and methodical as him.
His heart was broken, and Rin had caused it.