Recap:

"Yes, though it is understandably so. By all means his Lady of the West should be taking care of such matters. Sesshomaru has yet to find a suitable mate though. Normally his mother would just handle those duties but she has long been gone from this castle and cannot take the burden off of her son's shoulders. I have tried to take over the position but…it is not what I am good at."

Kagome nodded. Though it was understandable. The only reason she knew how to do these things were because of her grandparents from her father's side. They were extremely well off and had made Kagome visit every summer up until the year she fell in the well. They had put her in every etiquette, and lady of whatever class they could find.

"Perhaps…you could take over it?" he asked quietly.

Kagome legitimately felt her lungs as they refused to take in any more air once they heard his request, "Did you just ask me to be Sesshomaru's Lady of the West?"

Jaken continued to look down towards the ground, "Yes, yes I did. You know how to read, which most demons have a hard time with, you are good with the staff for some unknown reason and all the soldiers love you, again for some unfeasible reason. Please, I cannot bare to be anymore of a disappointment to my Lord."

Kagome suddenly felt a weird feeling of…pity for the stupid toad. "I don't know, Sesshomaru and I don't really get along. I doubt he'd work with me. I really want to help, even I can see how stressed he is."

Jaken finally looked up at her. His eyes were big and almost glossy from the unshed tears.

She just couldn't help herself, "But maybe we don't have to tell him for now? Our little secret?"

It was as if Jaken was a whole new demon. He disbelievingly nodded his head in amazement that she had agreed, "I'll leave them in your room?"

Kagome smiled at the toad, "Just promise me the wench stuff stops?"

He stood up and nodded his staff once again in hand, "My Lady, I promise."

Kagome couldn't remember the last time she was so busy. It seemed everyone in the house needed her and it was beginning to drive her mad. Touga had thankfully laid off a little on the sleepless nights when he realized that even she couldn't continue to function the way that she was. Of course, that was until Inuyasha and Sesshomaru virtually killed each other three days ago over a battle strategy. Oh the joys of knowing homicidal demons.

And by homicidal she meant that they just had to be out kill her.

In all actuality she did not know why she ever thought Sesshomaru silent. He had plenty to say with his multiple glares. They got more than enough across. How one person could ever have so many glares with so many different meanings she would never know. Maybe it was a demon thing because most humans had one, maybe two glares with their own distinct meaning. The first one would obviously be something close to anger and the second one being close to distaste. Sesshomaru on the other hand could write a whole book with his glares…you know, if glares could somehow be put on paper. Maybe like a picture book or something. On second thought, the children reading it would have way too many nightmares. Kagome was in the middle of contemplating this new found interest with Sesshomaru's not so silent treatment when she was interrupted by the sound of running feet.

"Lady Kagome!" yelled another voice from behind her.

She internally cringed. For a human hating castle, its occupants sure were around every corner waiting for her. She spun around slightly, "Yes?"

"Can you-" the maid was cut off as Lord Uza walked around the neighboring corner. He stopped mid-whistle and surveyed the situation. The maid was holding a handful of scrolls and had a distressed look on her face while looking at the priestess. Said priestess, who obviously wanted to do nothing more than leave the situation, looked at him pleadingly. Like a true man, he paused and then turned around; walking back towards the direction he came, whistling all the way.

Kagome could have hit him. That phrase about chivalry being dead was flat out wrong, because in order to be dead it had to have originally existed. She turned away from her possible escape, the one that had just abandoned her, and back towards the maid. "Yes?"

"It is the cleaning staff. There is a huge problem about who is working today. I guess three of the servant's families have fallen ill and the women left this morning to visit. It is awful timing, especially for three of our best to leave."

Kagome rubbed her temples as she attempted to straighten out the situation. Then it hit her. She looked up at the demon, speculation in her eyes, "Demons can get sick?"

The woman before her paled just enough for Kagome to notice the change, "Well, technically yes. It is very rare for something to come along that can affect us. I doubt that the family members are truly sick though."

Kagome continued to survey the information, "So they just wanted some time off? That does not sound like anyone in Sesshomaru's staff. He is more than willing to let go of anyone that does not want to be here, you know that."

The woman slowly nodded, "Honestly speaking Lady Kagome, this is not the first time the excuse has been used. It is a kind of formality to say 'sick' when one means injured. It is a way of bowing out of humiliating losses in a fight among your kin's peers."

Kagome listed to the whole situation before she said anything. When the woman was done Kagome tried not to sigh. Demons were way to prideful, it was going to be the death of them. And being a girl who actually knew what the future held, it was a more than likely possibility, "Alright, ask if anyone else can help take over. In the mean time move Rika from the kitchens to help make up for the difference. Laski can take a few hours to help with what she can. Aside from that, I don't know what else to do. Are these women's villages close? Will any of them be back soon?"

The demon nodded. "It is just over the mountain, less than half a day's walk. They all live in the same village so it will depend on the injury of their kin."

Kagome again felt herself pausing, "All in the same village?"

"Yes. I can only guess that there was a large scale attack and that many were injured. I could not guess why though. It is well known that the village is protected by our great Lord Sesshomaru. It is too close to the castle to be anything else than under his protection."

Kagome briefly glanced out of the window. "The runner who brought the message, is he still here?"

The woman nodded. "I believe he is in with Lord Sesshomaru right now. Our great ruler would want to know of any possible threats upon his people."

Kagome smiled as she dismissed the demon. After she was gone Kagome quickly changed her direction towards Sesshomaru's war room. She knew that he would meet the man there, because a blatant attack on a village so close to him was a declaration of war. She quickly rounded the now familiar corridor but was greeted by a garrison of two guards. She instinctively knew that they would not let her in, but she tried anyways. After all, how you could you ever receive anything if you don't ask? Before she was even an arms reach in front of the door the guards stepped in front of her.

The boar demon was the first to speak, "I am sorry my Lady. Lord Sesshomaru gave us orders to allow no one inside, even you."

She huffed, "Did he specifically say me? Because if he didn't-"

The boar demon was obviously trying not to smile in such a serious situation but her antics were making it hard, "Yes my Lady, he specifically pointed out you. I will not repeat his words though, they are not becoming for you to hear."

Kagome could have foamed at the mouth. He specifically said she could not go in? Since when did he remember to think about her? And what the hell did the bastard say about her anyways? There was no way it was something nice. God, it was probably absolutely nasty about her being human, or that she was useless. The stupid demon made her so mad sometimes! Well now she just had to know. She stomped her foot angrily, "Did he call me woman? I swear if he did I'll chop off all his frickin hair. Woman, bitch or wench. All of them end in a bald Sesshomaru."

Neither spoke.

She could have gouged her eyes out. She really hated Sesshomaru. He knew exactly how to get to her. How was it he could drive her to the point of murder while Inuyasha only wanted to make her throw things? Even when visiting Kikyo she never got the frickin frustrated. Disappointed yes; eyes glowing red with fresh blood, no.

"Tell me or I swear I will track down your mates and then they can have a little word with you about proper ways to address a woman." She glared menacingly as she stood with her hands on her hips. Contrary to popular belief, she would sink as low as blackmail when it came to Sesshomaru.

The other demon, a bear from what she could tell, gulped. Before his friend could stop him he caved, "All he said was that to tell the woman that I specifically singled her out from coming in, let her guess what else I said. It will drive the wench insane."

The bastard got two out of three of those god-forsaken names in there. Now if only she could find a sharp enough blade and magically reduce all of his senses so she could sneak up on him properly.

The boar demon quickly turned to his former friend, "You trying to get us fired?"

The bear shook his head, "Rather fired than facing my mate. You may be single but I sure as hell ain't and there is no way I am sleeping on the floor…again. She is already mad at me about bringing home a dead pig for dinner instead of a dead horse."

Kagome quickly patted the bear demon's hand in a reassuring matter. "Good boy."

The bear demon quickly looked towards her hand and sighed liked the caged animal he apparently was. The boar on the other hand couldn't believe how quickly his friend had fallen. Kagome turned around so she could properly sit in between the two demons. Once her back was placed firmly up against the door she slid down to the floor like the three year old she was at heart. After a few seconds she looked up at the guards, who were staring at her from their now obvious height advantage. She quickly patted the two spots next to her as she attempted to make small talk.

"Come on now, I cannot go in and I don't plan on leaving until I know what is going on. That means you are stuck with me until Sesshomaru and the messenger come out. We might as well get to know each other while I am here."

Both the boar and bear demon crossed their arms and shook their heads.

The bear then stared at her. "We're men, we don't do talking."

Kagome just rolled her eyes, "Oh yes, I forgot. You do sweating and heavy lifting. Just stop being a baby and get down here."

The second guard, the boar, turned his head defiantly, "I ain't no woman."

After three hours Kagome could say that she knew the two demons pretty well. The bear demon, named Koshi, was mated to another bear demon who worked in the laundry division. He had been in the service most of his life because his father had been a soldier for Touga. He had no children, though it was not for a lack of wanting. His mate did not have time to take care of cubs and she had decided that now was not the right time in their lives for little ones. They were going to wait until he got his next promotion before trying for a third party in the household.

Kurenia, the boar, on the other hand was a whole other story. He was unmated and was not looking to be tied down. From what Kagome could tell nothing scared him more than commitment, not that he would ever admit that. He is a demon, and therefore scared of nothing. He had joined Sesshomaru's guard because he was a rebellious youth with nothing better to do. The only reason he stayed was for the occasional fights they were a part of. Basically, Kagome got the impression that he was bored. He needed something to keep him on his toes and so far, Sesshomaru's army was the best way to do that.

"What I don't understand is why you don't talk to your mother," argued Kagome.

Kurenia rolled his eyes as Koshi agreed with Kagome's statement. He again tried to explain, "She could never forgive me for walking out on the family and I can never forgive her for trying to make me into my dead brother."

"I understand that. If there is one thing I get it is how hurtful it can be when someone tries to make you a replacement for someone else, but that was over a hundred years ago. I am sure she feels sorry now that you both have had some time to cool down. I know that you don't feel the same amount of resentment as you did all those years ago, so why should she?"

Koshi did not entirely agree with her, "I don't know my Lady. Women tend to hold onto things for a pretty long time."

Kagome rolled her eyes, "Yes we do, but that is only because you men make the same stupid mistakes over and over again. Now stop trying to relate this to your mate. Mothers and mates are entirely different. Your mother could never truly hate you Kurenia. I don't think any mother could truly hate something that they carried inside of them for all those months, which they raised since a baby. Disappointment and anger, sure, I will give you that one, but never hate. Just try talking to her. If it does not work out then it doesn't work out but at least you will have tried."

The demon sighed as he attempted another argument but before he could get another word out of his mouth both his and Koshi's eyes snapped open. In an instant they were on their feet, leaving Kagome with no idea about what was going on. Plenty of people had passed them in the hallway and they had never once scrambled like thi-

Kagome was suddenly on her back.

The door behind her had been abruptly moved and she went flying backwards and into the war room. She growled to herself, "Well that was surprisingly painful."

"It seems you are finally learning your place miko," spoke Sesshomaru from above her. She looked up innocently as he continued to smirk, "at my feet."

Her gaze immediately went feral, "Bite me you inbreed."

His own smirk went angry as she quickly stood up and dusted herself off. Kagome quickly turned her attention to the newcomer only she did a quick double take after her initial one over. He was covered in blood, and she could not tell if it was his own or not. The smell of the red liquid was suffocating, even to her sense which meant it must be wreaking havoc on Sesshomaru's. He was tired and worn, which was rather abnormal for a demon. Kagome could not lie, the messenger looked absolutely horrible.

Kagome quickly went into her 'mother-mode' as she assessed the situation. She turned towards Koshi and gave him orders. "Go get Laski and tell her to prepare the red bedroom in the eastern wing. Our guest is injured so he will need a bath, rest, clothes, food and perhaps a medic."

Koshi was immediately around the corner and looking for any available maid to tell him who Laski was and where to find her.

Kagome, still in her mode, immediately walked up to the man and grabbed his hand. Before doing anything she turned towards Sesshomaru, "I trust you two are done with your talking?"

Sesshomaru, confused about her attitude only nodded in response.

Kagome turned towards the demon, "Thank you for informing us of the attack, that was very brave of you to rush here with your friends and family still injured. I am sure your attackers were still around as well. That was very noble of you and you have our deepest thanks. Please, come with me so we can get you cleaned and ready for bed. You look like you can use some rest, it is the least we can do."

The demon smiled tiredly as Kagome gently pulled him towards the east wing where his room was being set up. Together the two walked around the corner leaving both Sesshomaru and Kurenia behind her. After a few minutes she had walked the demon to the 'Red Room' as the staff called it. Normally it was reserved for higher diplomats, according to the staff, but no one else was currently using it. Besides, there was no harm in making sure the man was being taken after.

She quickly walked into the room as Laski was walking out. She only nodded once but enough was said. Thanks to her demon speed the room was prepared and Laski would wait outside for Kagome.

Kagome quickly stepped into the room with the over worked demon and lead him straight to the bed. He slowly sat down and Kagome grabbed the nearby basin of water. She slowly helped him take off his shirt as he tried not to move more than necessary. Kagome heard him hiss once and she couldn't help but feel guilty. When she was done she was able to see a large gash surrounded by bruises on his side and back. Kagome gasped just slightly but it was enough to draw the attention of the battered demon.

"I know your kind heal quickly but…" she tried to finish but she just couldn't. After a few minutes of assessment she grabbed a nearby cloth and soaked it in the water. Carefully she washed what blood she could off of him and lightly wrapped some bindings around the man's midsection.

Gently, a skill only learned though practice with Inuyasha, she helped him lay down on the bed. Once settled Kagome pulled the sheet up to his neck in hopes of keeping him warm. When she was satisfied with that she walked over to the windows and pulled the maroon drapery shut in order to block out the light. As quietly as Kagome could manage she blew out the candles throughout the room while managing her way back to the door. Once there, Kagome briefly looked back at the already sleeping demon. With a shake of her head she quietly walked out of the room and into the hallway.

She turned to see Laski waiting for her. "Thank you, he was more injured than I suspect even Sesshomaru knew."

"I was glad to help my Lady," spoke Laski.

"Is there a medic we can call? Those wounds looked really deep," sighed Kagome as she walked away from the room.

"I am afraid not. It is not often that demons are injured like that and live to seek help. If they are, it is because they walked into a fight they could not finish and were somehow able to get out."

Kagome stopped as she looked out a passing balcony, "I will do what I can then."

Laski smiled, "You have too pure a heart to be working with demons my Lady."

Kagome couldn't help the smile, "Oh, I doubt Inuyasha would agree with that."

Kagome briefly wondered when her life had become this overwhelming. After talking with Sesshomaru it was clear who had attacked the village; black hair, red eyes, tentacles and a girl with white hair holding a mirror. It was most defiantly Naraku. The only question was what exactly had he done? The guards reported damage to the village but honestly speaking, there was nothing to be gained from it. Naraku was not an idiot, psychotic, yes, but not an idiot. He would have only attacked a village guarded by Sesshomaru for a reason and according to Sesshomaru, nothing of value to him was in the town. Only its proximity to him was what made it interesting.

Then it was made clear to them when Horti, the injured demon, became sick. Originally it was believed to be from the injuries. Perhaps it was an infection of some sort that he could not defend against, but as the days passed, it had become clear. The demon was truly sick. Naraku had not attacked the town to kill, but to slaughter. He must have known a runner would get through, and he must have known Sesshomaru would send help. Thus the reason for the plague he released. It would infect every demon in the area and could quickly spread. It was a well calculated and thought out plan. Naraku really was a bastard.

Four days had passed but the demon, Horti, was not getting any better. He had developed a fever on his first night's rest and it had not gone down. He would suddenly have chills and then demand food. An hour later he would throw everything in his system up.

"Lady Kagome?" came a voice to her left.

Kagome briefly stopped her hand as she dipped another cloth into the cool water. She had been attempting to calm Horti's fever while sitting at the foot of his bed. She turned to see Rika waiting for her by the side of the half open door.

Kagome was immediately on her feet. "Rika, you need to leave. Whatever this man has could infect you."

Rika's eyes began to tear, "That is just it my Lady. The squadrons that Lord Sesshomaru sent to the village have all been infected as well. The whole town in plagued and now it has been brought back to the castle. We are quarantining who we can but…half the castle is dying my Lady."

Kagome wanted to comfort her but she knew that Horti only had a few minutes left in this world. With his injuries there was no way for him to combat the disease, at least not while fully healthy demons were falling to it. She quickly looked back at the demon on the bed and then back at the distraught servant.

"Rika, please draw yourself a bath to get rid of anything you may have caught. After that I want you to go to the children's quarters and stay with them. We were lucky enough to keep the virus away from them but many of their family members are infected." Kagome briefly smiled as she tried to help Rika feel like there was still something in the castle worth feeling hopeful for, "They are going to need someone to be strong for them."

Rika briefly smiled as she turned and headed for the bath house.

Kagome turned as well, but it was towards the dying man on the bed. She wished there was more she could do for him, but her powers were all but useless and there was no known antidote. Carefully she walked back towards the bed and grabbed the man's hand. She would be here for him. He had no one else, she couldn't leave.

Kagome carefully shut the door to the Red Room as she quietly walked down the halls. She stopped momentarily when she saw a flash of silver. Inuyasha was quickly standing in front of her as her eyes welled up with tears. Without notice he did a very un-Inuyasha move and hugged her. Not a side hug, not a pat on the shoulder, but a true hug.

Horti had died.

Kagome quickly wiped her tears as she tried to look at Inuyasha. She did not hold any fear of him catching what may be lingering on her clothes which is why she had no restraints. She could hold him all she wanted, he could have been in there with her and Inuyasha would still be safe. Inuyasha's cursed half blood status was currently saving him. He was a bit more tired than usual but that was the extent of his symptoms. Due to his human blood, he was all but immune to whatever Naraku had released.

"How is everyone else?"

Inuyasha sighed, "We are doing what we can but we are not medics."

"…Jinenji," Kagome looked up at her friend. "Jinenji can heal anything and his human half will protect him."

Inuyasha thought about the idea, "Only you and I know where he lives. You are too valuable to leave and I am currently the castles only source of protection."

Kagome bit her nails in frustration, "Do you remember how to get there? We could send Miroku with some of the healthy guards."

Inuyasha did not like the idea of sending Miroku out there, where Naraku was probably waiting, any more than her. The difference was that she knew there was no other option. While there were only a handful of deaths so far, Kagome knew the numbers were going to increase. It was only a matter of time now that the disease had settled.

Before either could get in another word to argue their case, a loud crashing noise was heard to their left. Kagome immediately swung around to see Rika running towards her, tears in her eyes. "My Lady!"

Kagome was by her side, possible death be damned. "Rika, what is it?"

"Lord Sesshomaru! He's caught this god awful sickness!" Kagome quickly hugged Rika as she fell into her arms. She instinctually wiped away the woman's tears.

Kagome immediately turned towards Inuyasha in a panic. "You have to leave right now. Naraku will not think that you would have left without the rest of us. You will take Hiko's squadron, Rika and a few others who may or may not be infected. Jinenji is going to need to see the virus. Take every precaution I have said while on your way there and back." She pulled Inuyasha close to her, "It has to be you Inuyasha. Miroku will not get their fast enough."

Kagome quickly held Rika, giving just the briefest of hugs to the woman. They slowly stood up as Rika was directed to take her bath and meet Inuyasha at the gate in an hour.

Kagome looked at Inuyasha once before sprinting towards Sesshomaru's bedroom.

She found him unconscious in his room. Someone had laid him in his bed and lit a few candles to help with the lighting. Slowly she walked closer to his form as he panted restlessly. Everyone had known that he had spent hours with Horti and was at the highest risk for infection but he had shown no symptoms. After three hours of being confined in a small room with a sick man Kagome had made him wash first. He had been disinfected in every way she could think of, as were the two guards and Laski. Everyone had assumed it had been caught in time since neither of the four had been sick. Apparently they were wrong.

Slowly she walked closer to the bed. When within reaching distance she brushed Sesshomaru's bangs out of his face, revealing not only the crescent moon but the sweat glistening off his forehead. Kagome briefly felt his temperature and cringed at how hot he was. This was worse than a few hours of neglect, Sesshomaru had been sick for days.

"Stupid idiot, you should have told me you were sick," she mumbled incoherently as she continued to brush his bangs out of his face. "I mean, I don't like you but I don't want you dead."

Sesshomaru's breathing only quickened as the inflation of his lungs became harder. Kagome stood back up and walked over to the door. Most of her medical supplies were being used by the other demons who were sick, but she still had a few things she could do. Slowly she popped her head outside of the door only to be met with the ever devout Jaken. His staff was at the ready as he guarded his master.

"Jaken?"

He immediately turned to her, "Yes my Lady?"

"I am going to need a large basin of cold water and a large basin of hot water. Please get a pitcher of tea made from peppermint and willow bark. I am also going to need some lavender oil."

Jaken just nodded as he scurried down the hallway. Once done, Kagome quickly went back to work. She slowly adjusted his pillows and removed his shirt. Kagome then surveyed the damage. Slowly she placed her hands on Sesshomaru's torso as she attempted to resituate him. He was going to need to be awake for this. Once again she found herself wishing that her powers were strong enough to heal whatever Naraku had unleashed.

She heard a knock on the door and she quickly moved over towards the wooden frame. Two maids, and Jaken, were standing on the opposite wall in the hallway. She was thankful that they were keeping their distance like she instructed. Kagome looked down to see a tray of all that she had asked for at her feet. She briefly smiled while she took the tray. She also quickly hauled the two basins of water to the bed, intent on doing what she could to heal Sesshomaru. Closing the door with her foot Kagome was back by Sesshomaru's side in an instant.

Once the tray was placed by the stand next to the bed she pushed Sesshomaru up as much as her muscles would allow. She was not strong by any means and Sesshomaru was heavier than he looked. After a few minutes of struggling she had Sesshomaru sitting up and slightly conscious. She placed the cup up to his mouth but in his half-there state he refused to drink.

"Please Sesshomaru, the willow bark and peppermint will help your fever," she tried. His eyes remained glossed over as he toppled back over onto the bed. He was too far gone and he was not going to be taking the drink by himself. At this point, she wasn't even sure if he was of the right frame of mind to swallow on his own.

Kagome quickly felt his forehead once again and shuttered. He needed something to calm his body down and this was the only thing that would help. At the same time, it would only help if she got it into his system. She bit her thumb nail as she contemplated the situation. Damn, she looked at the door, there was only one way she could think of. She looked back at Sesshomaru then back at the door, then back at the cup.

Inuyasha could never know. Hell, she would prefer for no one to ever know.

With one last glance at the cup she took a quick drink of its contents, but she did not swallow. As the tea rested in her mouth she placed the cup down and crawled over to the very sick demon. He was still panting, and by doing so, he was telling her that he was getting worse. This only made her resolve strengthen. Slowly she straddled his form, her knees on either side of his waist. Her hands quickly found his striped arms as she pushed them into the bed and under his back. The last thing she needed was for him to have an attack and try to kill her, what with everything she was putting herself through to save him.

Wishing she could take a breath to prepare herself, she leaned down and placed her lips onto Sesshomaru's. Slowly, and only when she felt ready, did she open her mouth. Sesshomaru, in his unconscious state, responded by opening his own with only slight prodding of her fingers on his jaw. Inch by inch the liquid drained into his mouth, Kagome moving accordingly with his movements. Her hands were on his jaw and throat, massaging the closed muscles in hopes of initiating proper swallowing responses.

After what felt like an eternity she pulled away, the taste of peppermint and sickness in her mouth. She looked back over at the rest of the tea and then back at Sesshomaru.

Oh joy.

Kagome carefully rolled Sesshomaru onto his chest as she pulled the sheets further down his body. She had taken a warm cloth to most of his body, since he was now having chills, and was able to remove most of the sweat. She felt now was as good a time as ever to rub on the lavender oil. While it would be very strong to his senses it would help him sleep. Well, sleep peacefully anyways.

She carefully rubbed the oil on her hands as she warmed the ointment up. He may be a demon but she doubted he wanted the cold oil all over his body. Carefully she started at his lower back, absentmindedly tracing the stripes shaping his abdomen. She followed the natural curve of his waist, trailing the dips and rises of his shapely form. Eventually she made it to his shoulders where knot after knot resided. She worked on his upper body for nearly an hour, focusing a great deal on his shoulders and arms. When she was done Kagome contemplated whether or not to lather his front. She carefully rolled him back over and quickly changed her mind. In an instant her cheeks were red as Sesshomaru's pants hung lower than they were supposed to. While nothing prominent was visible she was more than able to see the defined V shape men spent hours at the gym for. It was more than enough to make her blush a bright red color.

In a flash she had the covers up to his neck hiding anything and everything that could give her mental images she should not be having. He was Inuyasha's dying brother and there are some lines that should just never be crossed. Besides, this was Sesshomaru, bastard of the frickin world.

After mentally correcting her wayward thoughts, she blamed it on the last couple of stressful days, she resumed her work. Almost delicately she pulled Sesshomaru to the side of the bed where a basin of warm water resided. She grabbed a sponge and began to wash all of the sweat out of his hair. While she doubted he would let her do this, well, any of this, while awake, the last thing he needed right now was any of the toxins being absorbed back into his body. So, she meticulously lathered the scentless soap in his hair, rinsing, then combing until dry.

When that was done she looked over at the tray of raw horse meat in front of her. Sesshomaru had not eaten…people who are sick need to eat. He needed the energy to fight his sickness.

Mentally she groaned.

The damn egotistical moron just couldn't wake up on his own, could he?

Carefully, and with her eyes squeezed as tight as they would go, she pulled the tray towards her. Almost as if in slow motion she pulled the nearest strip of horse meat forwards even further than the tray. After a few brief seconds of cursing everything mutt, Kagome put the meat in her mouth and began to chew. She desperately hoped she had never met this horse before, or got forbid ever ridden him. Sir-Kills-A-Lot better be damn thankful for all of this when he gets better! She doubted she would do this for anyone else, except maybe Shippo and Inuyasha, if it was not such a dire situation. As she continued to yell at the unconscious dog her heart rate and breathing increased as she became more and more uncomfortable. It did not help her situation as the raw meat continued to squish between her teeth as she chewed.

After a few minutes of chewing, and a new appreciation for any animal with a baby learning how to eat solid foods, she once again straddled Sesshomaru's waist and leaned over.

Jaken was reviewing the rounds, since Kagome was occupied at the moment, when the door leading to his Master's bedroom burst open. He was immediately on his feet as the priestess came sprinting out of the room.

She was repeatedly wiping her tongue with a towel as she gargled the mint tea he had supplied for Lord Sesshomaru. He watched as she spit the tea onto the towel while continuing to run down the halls.

"My Lady?"

She quickly spun around, "Sorry Jaken, I have to go throw up somewhere. I think I just lost my appetite for the next year."

Before he could ask what the hell happened she was already down the hallway while covering her mouth.

Two more days had passed and Sesshomaru was still not better. He had not woken up once, which was really disheartening. Thankfully, thanks to all of Kagome's precautions, only three more had been infected. The down side was that seven more had died.

Kagome placed her bowl of strawberries down as she surveyed the empty kitchen. Everyone was either sick or working. She felt bad for those who weren't sick, since they were running a whole castle on their own. They were doing at least double the amount of meals while trying to keep the stupid castle in order so no enemies could take advantage of their weakness. The three visiting Lords were much the same. Lord Uza had caught the sickness but Kagome had noticed it early enough to keep it from getting unmanageable. He was currently on bed rest upon Kagome's orders. Lord Shiho and Lord Malik were of course keeping him company, which she was sure he loved.

Kagome eyed her food once again, but found that she was not all that hungry. She was about to force the food down her own throat, because the last thing the West needed right now was a sick medic, when the doors burst open.

Two guards were running into the kitchen, heading straight for her. They looked like the devil himself was chasing them, and she couldn't help but wonder what was going on. So of course, being the naturally inquisitive person she was, Kagome decided to ask.

"Wh-?" but if she ever finished her question it was left back in the kitchen because the two demons had suddenly whisked her away. By the time they stopped running she was dizzy. Inuyasha had never taken her around corners that fast and she was extremely thankful for it. Kagome grabbed her head and was once again going to try asking what the hell was going on but out of the blue, felt the intense need to duck.

Knowing that she probably should she ducked just in time to see one of the guards that had brought her here being hit by an antique tea pot. Soon after a table went flying over her head. She was immediately over to the guard hit by the tea pot when realization suddenly dawned on her. She knew this tea pot. She looked around for more evidence. She knew the table as well, as well as what looked to be a piece of drapery.

Didn't they belong in Sesshomaru's room?

The non-injured demon looked at her like someone would Mother Tereasa, "Please fix it!"

Kagome looked behind her to see the door that normally lead to Sesshomaru's room beaten out. Literally, it looked like a fist had gone right through it. She heard more crashing coming from inside and debated whether or not to investigate. It was only after Jaken was thrown through the door that she decided to at least figure out what was happening.

She lifted herself off of the floor and crawled over to the doorway. She heard more yelling and crashing noises but they did not stop her. She cautiously looked around the doorframe only for her jaw to drop.

Sesshomaru was awake and attacking everything in sight.

There were currently three guards and Lord Malik trying to restrain him but it was not doing any good. His eyes were blood red, his fangs elongated and his stripes more prominent than normal as he attempted to swipe at Lord Malik. The other guards were attempting to hold him down but it was pointless, Sesshomaru had officially lost it.

Kagome brought her hands up to her mouth to stop a gasp as a guard was thrown through the window. Unfortunately, her action gave away her position. Sesshomaru's head snapped in her direction and she stumbled backwards. Oh god, the human hating Sesshomaru just noticed her. The human hating, feral and blood thirsty, Sesshomaru just noticed her.

Instantaneously he was in front of her, crouching to her level. The movement scared her more than she would admit and Kagome flew backwards. Unfortunately, Sesshomaru had predicted her reaction and caught the collar of her shirt with his very, very sharp claws. Kagome squeaked as she tried to pull away but Sesshomaru was having none of it. He growled a furious growl that would make Inuyasha cower. Fear was never a huge motivator for Kagome though, and she continued to fight. She clawed, kicked and punched anything she could get her hands on. A few seconds later she felt her collar released as she fell onto the hard floor.

Kagome opened her eyes to see Lord Malik once again fighting Sesshomaru. He had the dog demon's arm twisted backwards as he tried his own roar at Sesshomaru. It did not even phase the insane demon. Sesshomaru swiped Lord Malik's feet from out under him, effectively causing the demon to fall to the ground. Before he could get up Sesshomaru kicked him in the head, effectively stopping any further interruptions. The feral demon Lord wasted no time as he turned back towards her.

Kagome quickly pushed herself further up against the wall, like it would somehow help her from being seen. She continued to watch as a demon jumped onto Sesshomaru's back but was quickly thrown off. Another was punched into the wall when he tried to stand between Sesshomaru and his prey. It was now just the two of them. No one could help her. The guards were down for the count and Lord Malik was just now starting to wake up. He groaned slightly and Kagome looked over at his prone form.

"Please, Lord Malik, you have to get up," she pleaded as she pushed herself further into the wall.

Sesshomaru heard her cry out and silenced her with another deafening growl. Before she knew it he was standing directly in front of her, his claws at the ready. She closed her eyes in fear, knowing that the last thing she saw before she died would be Sesshomaru. That was not what she wanted. She always figured that if she died it would be in the last battle, her last vision being of Naraku being killed. She never thought it would be like this.

Briefly, she felt Sesshomaru's elongated claws running through her hair. They continued until they reached the base of her neck where his palm now rested. One snap and she would be done for. God knows he had the strength to take off her whole head with just a twitch.

Then something strange happened. His hand moved back up the base of her skull. She then felt his hot breath on her forehead, then her cheek. Slowly it descended until she could feel his warmth on the juncture between her shoulder and her neck. Then the most unexpected thing in the world happened. Sesshomaru placed his cheek at the base of her neck and started to…nuzzle.

There was no other way to describe it. Sesshomaru was full on nuzzling her like a dog saying hello to his master.

Kagome briefly opened her eyes as he wrapped his arms around her body, effectively lifting her off the ground. She squeaked just slightly as he pulled her closer, her only support being his own form. He gave off a sound that almost sounded like a cats purr, but it was deeper than any cat she had ever met and she could feel it throughout her whole body as his mouth made contact with her skin.

"Sesshomaru!" yelled a voice from behind them.

Said demon immediately stiffened and she could feel the slight growl as it vibrated across his lips. He slowly, and reluctantly, put her down. He never fully let her go though. His hand continued to stay around her waist, effectively holding her in place.

Once Kagome could see past her 'guard' she watched as Lord Malik pushed himself off from the floor. Once on his own two legs he looked back over at Sesshomaru, surveying the situation.

"Woman, did he hurt you?" he asked.

Kagome was too shocked to even notice the woman comment. She tried to shake her head to answer his question, but she did not feel her muscles moving. She tried again, only verbally this time. "N-No."

Malik took another step forwards but Sesshomaru once again started to growl, his red eyes staring at the intruder furiously. Kagome automatically felt his grip on her tighten.

Malik stopped when he saw the interaction and stepped backwards. The growling stopped.

"What is going on?" asked Kagome while trying to look at both demons.

"I-I think he is trying to keep you safe. He woke up a little while ago and went into a frenzy. He is in an instinctual state right now, everything is in terms of survival," answered Malik. "We were seen as a threat so he tried to kill us."

"So why wasn't I killed?" she asked.

"I think it is because you are taking care of him. He is still sick, and must be able to recognize that you can make him better. You have been healing him for days and your scent is over everything in this room, calming him. Right now he knows that you will make him better so he will do anything to keep you near him."

Kagome looked up at Sesshomaru who was still staring at Malik.

"You sure?" she asked. She did not want to be alone in a room with Sesshomaru if he was suddenly going to turn on her like some serial killer.

Malik shook his head, "No, I'm not."

In her shock she tried to take a step forwards but was immediately yanked back. Her back made hard contact with his chest as the air was knocked out of her. Both of his arms were wrapped around her waist as Sesshomaru pulled her tighter. Kagome was effectively trapped and going absolutely nowhere.

"Woman, his dislike of you is more than known throughout the castle. I can think of no other reason for this type of reaction," reasoned Lord Malik.

Kagome looked back up at Sesshomaru whose gaze had not wavered once, "If you are right, he won't hurt me right?"

"He shouldn't," he said while slowly, so as not to disturb Sesshomaru's calmer state, moved over to the two unconscious demons. He placed one over his shoulder while dragging the other by his foot.

Kagome remained in Sesshomaru's embrace as Lord Malik tried to move out of the room while he still could. Kagome on the other hand, was not done. "Why have none of the others responded like this?"

Lord Malik pulled one of the demons closer to the door where another demon was waiting. It was one of the demons who had brought her here and she could only guess, from the cut on his forehead, that it was the one hit by the teapot. "Lord Sesshomaru is much more powerful than the other demons infected. His baser needs as a demon were strong enough to overcome the fatigue caused by the sickness, but, in order to stay awake, and safe, he must stay this way. Otherwise he will revert back to the unconscious form you have been working with."

"I-" Kagome paused. Sometimes, you just needed to take a chance, and since she was not going anywhere she might as well go with whatever the fates were going to throw at her. "I will stay here with him."

Malik paused, "I told you, I am not sure if-"

Kagome cut him off, "I will not let him hurt anyone else if I can help it. We have too many injured and sick. If I can keep him calm for even a little bit then I will. You on the other hand need to go straight to the bathhouse."

Lord Malik nearly dropped the guard he was carrying when he heard her tone. There was no way he was leaving her with Sesshomaru while he was in this state. He could be completely wrong in his assessment. Sesshomaru could kill her the instant he left. She had to know this.

"This is not up for discussion. You will stay healthy and protect the inhabitants of this castle until its Lord can resume his post. But up until then…I need you to be his friend and do what he currently cannot."

Lord Malik could not argue with her words. Her conviction was enough to make him listen, even if he did not want to. He slowly left the room, the two unconscious guards in tow. He did not shut the door though. If anything happened he did not want any type of barrier standing in his way.

Kagome turned around while still in his hold. His gaze was still focused on the doorway as he ignored everything else. So, she took advantage of the situation. Inch by inch she was able to move her body so she was facing him, chest to chest. Kagome looked up wearily as he finally looked down at her. He held the same terrifying gaze and it took all of her self control not to squirm.

He was not going to kill her. It wasn't allowed. Inuyasha would kick his ass.

After that riveting pep talk, Kagome mustered up her failing courage. She pushed against his chest lightly but it did nothing to break his hold. She looked back up. Could he understand her? He seemed to only communicate through growls and they did not teach that particular language in her school.

"Could you lie down on the bed?" she tried asking.

He blinked a few times but did nothing indicating any sort of movement.

She pulled her hand from his grip as she continued to crane her neck upwards. "Bed?" she said while pointing.

Sesshomaru's gaze flickered over to the bed, then back at her. He then looked at her hand, which was still pointing towards the bed. Slowly, his own stripped arm reached out and his clawed hand engulfed her small one. He then pulled her arm back towards him and put it up to his chest, where his heart was. He whimpered slightly, as if telling her that this part of his body hurt. After a few minutes of holding it there he brought it up to his face where he could properly rub the back of her hand against his striped cheek.

Kagome blushed at the contact. "Umm, bed?" she tried again.

This time he was engrossed enough into holding her hand that she managed to pull herself about a foot away. He looked up at her skeptically, like he did not understand why she wanted to leave. Deciding to take advantage of his confusion she pulled him closer to the bed. Once they got there she sat down, pulling Sesshomaru with her. Slowly but surely she pushed him down onto the covers in a more relaxed position, all the while his gaze remained locked with her own. It was not until she got up to get his tea and search for some oil that he tried to sit back up.

Kagome quickly placed her hand on his chest and pushed him back down. "No, you have to stay. I'm just going to get your lavender oil. It should help you sleep."

This time when she moved, to search for the lavender oil in the now destroyed room, Kagome did not break her eye contact with Sesshomaru. Once she found it, buried under a pile of clothes, she walked back up to the bed. Sesshomaru visibly relaxed the closer she came which made her feel a lot better about the whole situation. Maybe he really wasn't going to kill her.

When she was back by his side she reached for the base of his shirt and pulled up slightly, "We need to take it off to put the oil on."

He continued to stare at her. She sighed slightly. It was one thing to take care of Sesshomaru while unconscious, but this was totally different. She would not be able to do half the things she normally did with him in this state. He was like a kid, it was his way or no way. Okay, truth be told that was pretty normal to how he normally was. How about a kid who had no qualms about hurting others. No, that was pretty normal to. Looking back at him she decided to do this the…visual way. Since words did not seem to work.

Kagome quickly pushed up her own sleeve and poured a tiny drop of the lavender oil onto her skin. She then proceeded to rub it in, leaving a slight glisten. "See, you put it on your skin."

He looked at the bottle, then at her. Finally he looked at his shirt, the one that was slightly risen. Slowly, he grabbed her hand, the one without the oil, and placed it on his exposed stomach. Kagome could not help the smile that formed. Maybe Malik's theory was right after all.

She removed the shirt as best she could, since he was still trying to nuzzle her while she did it. It took a good half hour but finally it was done. Miraculously, it only took a little effort to get him to stay lying down on his stomach. The main issue was that he could no longer see her, which he apparently did not like. After she repeatedly reassured him that she was still there, by her hand constantly being on his back, she was able to get started. Slowly she rubbed the oil over his body, trying to get him calm enough to sleep. Once again she traced the lines on his back and she briefly wondered if they were a sign of some sort. Many powerful demons seemed to have markings on their body and Kagome couldn't help but think it was some sort of sign of royalty.

When she was done, and her hands were tired, she carefully closed the bottle and placed it on the floor. Normally, she would have placed it on the desk but Sesshomaru had made quick work of that. As quietly as possible Kagome tried to stand but the silver haired, red eyed demon began to move. Damn, she was positive he had fallen asleep over half an hour ago. He slowly rose from the bed, his back muscles glistening as his upper body pushed him up. His red eyes blinked at her in a daze.

Honestly speaking she had every intention of sitting back down on the bed to help him go back to sleep. It seemed Sesshomaru had a similar idea. His arm carefully reached out and grabbed her wrist. Gently he pulled her down to his level. Once there, he wrapped his arm around her and dragged her into his embrace. Once he had her situated how he wanted, namely her back pressed firmly up against his chest, his arm clinging tightly to her waist and her feet intertwined with his own, Sesshomaru closed his eyes and went back to sleep.

Kagome, who was now as bright as a tomato, looked frantically around the room. She was not staying here. She was not sleeping in the same bed as Sesshomaru. She was not curled up next to him. He was not being so damn possessive of her. Stupid mutt, even in his current state he must have sensed her desire to leave. There was no way she was getting out of this without waking him up.

You know, sometimes, she really hated her lack of luck.

Malik had just finished explaining the current scenario to his fellow Lords. He wasn't sure what annoyed him more, Uza's triumphant look, or Shiho's disbelieving one. "He would not let her go."

Shiho scowled, "He could kill her."

Malik growled, "I know that. I did not have a choice though, you should have seen him. I was this close to transforming then suddenly he's nuzzling her like some pup given a bone."

Shiho stood up, "I have to go back and stop this."

Uza quickly interrupted him, "No, Malik's theory was right. I went through this once. I was just a few hundred years old when it happened. I had gone on my first hunting trip when we were attacked. I was incredibly injured and no one thought I would live. The only one I would let near me was my sister. She was not allowed to go anywhere without my permission and I had to have her by my side constantly."

Shiho paused, "Your sister? Not your mother?"

Uza grimaced, "I loved my mother but I knew she was cheating on my father. I did not trust her to take care of me like I did Aimi. It will go away when he gets better."

Shiho looked out the window as he assessed what he had just heard, "Will he remember? What happens during this state I mean?"

Uza couldn't help the laugh that escaped his lips. He briefly sat up just a bit taller in the bed he was confined to, "Oh, he'll remember alright. Though, considering who he is, and who she is, I doubt he will own up to it. Nuzzling his half-brother's alpha female, trusting her with his life like that? I highly doubt he would ever admit to leaning on her for anything."

Malik slowly walked over to the window that Shiho had formerly been looking out of. With a deep sigh, one full of burdens and regrets, he spoke his mind. "She reminds me of her."

Uza immediately stiffened at the mentioning of her.

Malik quickly turned back around, "I know she was your friend Uza, but she hurt me. This Kagome girl reminds me so much of Nori it is hard to look the wench in the face."

Uza did not say a word. There was nothing he could say. Words had already been said between them, things that could never be taken back. There was no point in fighting about it anymore. What was done, was done, there were only the after effects to deal with now.

Shiho, seeing the defenses around Malik's heart going down for the first time in years, made a leap of faith, "Do not forget that at one point you loved her Malik. You once saw something good in her and I suspect that those are the things you see in Lady Kagome. Nori chose her path, but that was one woman. Do not blame Kagome for things another woman did to you."

Malik just continued to stare outside the window.

Firevixen73- So how did you all like it? I wanted to give a twist to the story and I felt like this was a good way to do it. Thank you so much for all the reviews, they really do mean the world to me. Hopefully I will get another chapter up soon. Also, I have a new Sesshomaru/Kagome One-shot called Just Say Please. I was hoping to get some input on it. Thank everyone for reading!