You and Me After All
Chapter 41: Lapse
"You do not remember?" Rinnosuke repeated. "It does not strike you as odd?"
Sesshōmaru had no desire to tell his cousin how he actively stopped himself from thinking about the lapse of memory. Although Rinnosuke's theory of a poisonous plant was not altogether impossible, it was rather far-fetched.
But his slow descent into madness was a very real threat, and the loss of memory could very well be its precursor.
Sesshōmaru glanced at the tent before he sighed and looked at his cousin. "What can I do to help her?"
Rinnosuke's answer was simple: "Food."
—
The aura was golden. It felt a lot like Sesshōmaru's, though slightly different. Kagome cracked her eyes open, and vaguely saw blurry visions of silver hair, pale skin, and the crescent moon symbol.
Must be Sesshōmaru.
She closed her eyes again, moaning when the painful knot in her stomach gradually loosened, and her nausea began to abate. She felt strength slowly flow within her veins, seeping into her bones.
"I feel… better now… Sesshōmaru," she whispered.
"I am glad to hear that," a female voice spoke. "Though I am not Sesshōmaru. I am his cousin."
Kagome forced her eyes to reopen, and found herself staring into a pair of bright golden eyes glittering in the dimness of… a tent? The light of a campfire filtered through the canvas and illuminated her surroundings.
She returned her gaze to Sesshōmaru's cousin before her. It was difficult to see the female's visage clearly, as the interior of the tent was dimly lit and her vision had yet to find its focus.
"What… should I call you?" Kagome asked.
"You may call me Benihime, or Lady Seirin." The voice lacked warmth, but it was not unkind.
Kagome cleared her throat and asked: "Are you a physician?"
The female inclined her head. "Of sort."
"Where is Sesshōmaru?"
"He went hunting for food. For you."
Kagome's stomach growled at the mention of something to eat. She could not remember the last time she ate. It must have been the morning just before the assault. She did not even realize until now how hungry she was.
"I will fetch my brother," the female said as she made a move to rise. "He is good at helping others. But, for now, rest."
Before she had the opportunity to leave, the flap of the tent opened. Sesshōmaru stood at the entrance, waiting to enter.