FOURTEEN

The sun hovered at the horizon as it sets on the eventful day at the Moretti household and everyone, except for Kurenai who is still sound asleep, gathered at the great room as supper approaches. The three demons sat comfortably in the living room in their real form with their eyes glued on the TV along with Rin and the dogs sans Zodiac who stayed by Kurenai's side. Miroku and Sango chose to stay in the kitchen and help Ren with making dinner.

"This place is really amazing." Sango gasped as she peeked at the ceramic pot holding the roast in the oven.

"And we thought the things Kurenai brought back to us before were extraordinary." Miroku added while watching a pot of simmering heavy cream with rosemary and garlic that Ren planned to use for mashed potatoes.

"Oh? The thermos, thermometer and the first aid? That's nothing my friends, there's so much more." Ren said while folding melted butter into the potatoes. It was at this time that Zodiac's frantic barks rang in the house and Ren quickly turned the burner off and dashed to his sister's room.

"What's wrong Zodiac?" Ren flicked the lights on and found the husky skimming his muzzle at Kurenai's cheek, whimpering. His sister still laid on her side, not snuggling the canine anymore but seems to be in a deep sleep even with Zodiac barking like crazy over her. He sat beside her and touched her forehead gently, her temperature seems fine.

"What happened?!" Inuyasha spat as he got inside, the others followed anxiously.

Ren shook his head, "I don't know. She seems fine."

"The dog is alarmed that the miko has not awoken." Sesshoumaru calmly declared from the door.

"It is alarming that she's not reacting to Zodiac barking beside her." Miroku said.

"She didn't even flinch when the doctor checked on her foot this afternoon." Ren added as worry begins rising in his chest.

The demon Lord's eyes observed the woman in slumber with his cold, apathetic eyes in contemplation and once again spoke, "Her heartbeat is stable and her scent is normal. The magic stripped a great amount of her spiritual and physical energy, she's just drained. "

Much to their confusion, Zodiac suddenly growled and whined at Sesshoumaru.

(The powerful dog demon that mother told me about. Your abilities are impressive but are you certain she's alright? She hasn't moved an inch since she closed her eyes.) The dog's words echoed within his mind.

"Hey, Sesshoumaru. Is the dog speaking to you?" Inuyasha asked with furrowed eyebrows.

"Hn."

-You dare question this Sesshoumaru's honor?- a scowl painted his face.

{He's just worried about his parent, you should know how inus are. You already decided to comfort him, why stop now?} a feral voice he hasn't heard in decades suddenly rumbled within him.

-This Sesshoumaru is not comforting anybody, I just simply want him to stop whining.- he said firmly at his beast before bringing his attention back to the dog.

-Like I said, her heartbeat is stable and this Sesshoumaru can tell from her scent that there is no threat to her life. The miko is just in a deep, peaceful slumber. Just wait until she fully regains her strength.-

Zodiac looked down at Kurenai's sleeping form, (Thank goodness.) he said in relief and licked her cheek.

Seeing the situation under control, Sesshoumaru walked out of the room.

"Let's leave her to rest then." Ren pushed himself off the bed, "Come on Zodiac. Let's go eat." he summoned but then smiled at the reluctance of the dog to leave Kurenai's side but eventually leapt off and went downstairs with Ren.