After an unplanned hiatus I am back. I never thought life would get so suddenly hectic but I think it will go smoother now. I haven't touched any of my writings in at least two weeks before I wrote this. I suppose my toughest part of this hiatus was our kitty suddenly nearing death's door. I had finally gotten my sewing machine out to start fixing clothes but forgot about a loose spool behind the machine. Well one of my kitty's, Winter, who is always trying to get into string along with her brother Mud Puddle… well she got the spool. The string was likely ingested a few weeks ago on a Saturday while I was hosting a garage sale outside and that night she began throwing up. Part of the string had anchored around her tongue so it gave her a gag like reflex. Tuesday I had her to the vet when she grew worse and very reclusive which is very unlike her. Half the time when I am writing she is sitting on the back of the couch or recliner keeping me company if not something with her siblings. The surgery was going to be a high cost that we couldn't afford at that point and were beginning to face the decision of euthanasia so she wouldn't suffer a worse death as the string was cutting through the soft intestines. A local clinic was able to do it without needing the money upfront. She was home again by the weekend and was at least a few pounds lighter and not doing well still. When she continued to not eat on her own we resorted to syringe feeding her by the end of Monday and she was rushed back to the clinic two more times after that. Every 2-4 hours we fed her watered down wet food through a syringe and gave her medicine to protect her from infection every 12 hours for two weeks. They removed 2/3 of her small intestine and the vet wasn't sure if she would even live and called after letting us know just how bad it looked. I was tearful and asked her to just give Winter a chance. September 2nd would be my daughter's 8th birthday. Her and Winter have always seemed to have a special bond and somehow my little girl had complete faith that Winter would pull through even though I nervously paced for hours after the vet called and feared that Winter didn't make it. About 4 hours later at 12:03 when I was beginning to think about going straight to the clinic I was given the call that she had. Calista was happy to celebrate her birthday knowing her kitty is back home even if she wasn't doing well and sometimes was being given pain medicine as well which caused her to be quite out of it. On 9/11 I felt a mixture of emotions as I was about to walk out the door shortly after 8:20 AM to take Calista to school. It was a tragic day for the nation but I was given hope when I spotted Winter over at the fresh dry food eating slowly. I was so ecstatic that I took a video and Calista ended up a minute late to school. It took longer but a couple days ago she began eating wet food on her own as well after not wanting it from the forced feedings. The other night she raced around the house a little and right now she is right on her perch on the back of the couch. For as close as she is with Calista she has begun following me around the house ever since I began letting her have free reign of the house. Honestly I would think she would avoid me since I kept her shut in my room and gave her many of the feedings and medicine that she absolutely detests but I guess she understands that I was just taking care of her. A lot can happen in a short period and it showed me that I need to be more cautious about things that are dangerous for these kitties. Since then I have practically had a kitty radar as I just somehow knew that one of them were up to no good. Go figure I was absolutely right. Mud Puddle got into string that he got out of a container. It wasn't just any string. Winter's was black polyester thread but this was black heavy duty thread I use for my winter coat. I got it from him in time and have been getting it in better containers and put away in harder to access cupboards… Whew. This just goes to show you how deadly things like this are for them. So please learn from this, even tinsel or hair ties are deadly for them. Hope everyone is well but this should more than explain why I suddenly vanished from here. Now on with Chapter 7.
Okay well I guess not yet. Winter took another turn for the worse. She wasn't getting enough nutrition due to her severely shortened intestine which caused her to be basically starving and that started the liver failure. I took her back into the clinic Monday October 5th and she had an exploratory surgery Tuesday. We were given the bad news and I broke it to Calista after she got home from school. Even if they could have attached for intestine she likely wouldn't have survived her failing liver and liver transfers have not been done successfully. I feel like crying just typing about it. In 7 days it will be the anniversary of my dog Simba's death so this is a bit of a sad month for me. To pull myself out I am going to begin typing again but I can't guarantee if it will be fanfics or my own works. Hope you are all well.
Chapter 7
Gaara arrived at the scene with his men looking helpless with the situation unfolding between the two priestesses. Kankuro used crow to attack but was repelled back from the barrier, the arms nearly coming out of their joints. It made their blood boil and with angry eyes Gaara sunk down into the Earth, it was a look that would have made others scram if had he not gained such a considerable amount of trust and respect since his blood bathed days.
It wasn't impossible but Kikyo couldn't quite wrap her head around two of him showing up at the same time through the sand they stand on. She did understand this meant grave danger to her as she threw her hands up shooting a blast at him in her desperation to not perish. Before she could even begin stepping backwards and away from him his sand had already captured her feet and the blast that hit this sand clone only caused the blasted pieces to reach out and grab hold of her.
Now Gaara doesn't pretend to be an expert on the methods she uses to stay alive but he understands a crucial fact… her body is artificial, made up of the very Earth he can control and that means he can easily grind her up into the pieces she was reborn from and prevent another revival. She struggled good and hard as the sand worked its way around her as she began to be pulled into the ground. The real Gaara stood in the collapsing barrier that holds Kagome, ready to support her weight should she collapse. Pale slender fingers reached out after failing to be rid of the sand, trying to grab on to the soul that became still as she was pulled away from it.
"No! That soul is mine!" She screamed with a wild look in her eyes.
The clone of Gaara just stood there indifferently as she sunk to her waist and began pushing against the Earth trying to break free of his hold. He simply asked, "What happened to InuYasha?"
A menacing and accomplished grin broke her face just as she said, "Oh he won't be coming and good luck trying to find him. InuYasha is back to the way I had left him before my first death," she retorted proudly seeing the slightly irked expression on Gaara's face.
Shifting his stance he decided to break her thoughts on him being unreachable. "I can sense him with the sand that is in his bloodstream, just merely trying to figure out why he wasn't here."
The expression on her face took a sharp turn as she knew once Kagome is able to go herself the curse will be lifted once more meaning InuYasha will live a life free of her. It didn't sit right with her. In her first life she wanted to settle down and get married to InuYasha, even have kids just like a normal woman but it was all ripped away from her because of a jealous man and a duty. Now in this false life she will die knowing he will continue to live without her, their dreams from before never coming true and some other woman will prance around with her soul while also seeing InuYasha. This isn't the life she wanted, the way it should end a second time. InuYasha should have been hers and hers alone but she will get nothing of what she wanted in the end even though she had spent many years being a good priestess. Kikyo began to sink into the sandy Earth with her mind heavily weighted down with these thoughts until the sand grinded this clay and ash body into nothing, freeing what is left of her to move on into the afterlife and the Earthbound soul to settle back into its new container… Kagome.
The sand clone dispersed and Gaara caught her body under the arms as she fell. They were greeted with her soul rushing back in her so fast he had to brace himself from the force. Kagome was unconscious at that point as he lifted her into his arms so he may return her to bed. His gaze turned East in the direction he could sense InuYasha. For now the half demon should be safe but he will have to speak with Kagome once she wakes.
Closing in on the hospital he reached her room with a flurry of staff rushing about and doctors making orders. Miu still held their son, Anbu stationed around the room and building for extra protection until Gaara waved them off and allowed his brother to take care of things. Kagome was moved to a new location and checked over by doctors as she gradually began to wake and slowly recall the events that took place. Rather than go to bed Gaara decided to stay up with her and held their son even as he began to nod off in a lightly cushioned chair near her bedside. It wasn't nearly so easy for her though as she often stared at the male duo. In all honesty she would prefer to hold their son, to physically feel that he is safe and fine. Like with many things in her life it all happened quickly and unexpectedly. Gaara had barely said a word and spoke with doctors out in the hall which bothered her as well.
A day later and Kankuro came by to seemingly keep her company but she had the sneaking suspicion that he had also become her personal bodyguard for the time being as he only left when two Anbu or Gaara would come. From a simple shrine child in Tokyo to a heroin of the past and now a bed bound mother, her life has continued to take turns that she never expects. While in this hospital bed she has had a lot of time to think about her family back in Tokyo and friends in the Feudal era. The chance to share this special event with her Mother has been ripped away from her. They will never know about the new addition to the family unfortunately and she will never know what has become of them. With a sigh she looked out the window and watched a messenger hawk fly over the village.
A surprise walked in through the door two days after the incident when someone new came in scratching the back of their head wearing a different uniform. "Hey," they said a bit lamely and looked around the room before straightening up a little and then slouching into a lazy stance. Just from looking at them she had a good idea as to who he is and figured it must be since the Anbu stationed outside had let him through. "I'm Shikamaru, a ninja from the Hidden Leaf village and brother-in-law to Lord Gaara and Kankuro. Temari wrote me, I was briefed by Lord Gaara yesterday."
She stood in front of the window having walked as far as the machines would let her. "Nice to meet you Shikamaru," she gave a slight bow. "Would you like to meet Kichiro?"
"Yeah," he looked at the stretched out chords and took a look at the monitors. "Shouldn't you be resting in bed and all that?"
With a shrug she really didn't care at this point, not when she is now having a hard time sleeping after the sudden break in. Sure Kikyo has a new grave but it freaks her out that she had seen her son grabbed right before her eyes and then tossed into the air like he is worth nothing. "I feel restless. How much longer do they really need to hold me in the hospital? "
"My understanding is that you might be released tomorrow if you continue to not show any signs of backtracking in your health. It has been asked of me to help ensure your safety since Lord Gaara has been flooded with work and feels I would be able to look at everything from a new and unbiased perspective. You should sleep while you can, I know from experience what caring for a baby can be like," he advised and eyed the bags under her eyes. "If you are still worried about security I am now overseeing it," he added in.
"It isn't that I don't trust Gaara, I'm just used to my enemies not staying dead… or not dying to begin with." The nervous smile that graced her lips was brief before she turned her attention out the window with the shriek of a hawk that passed by the window.
"These enemies, how many came here," he inquired just to be sure.
"Just Naraku and Kikyo. The only other is InuYasha… but then again," she bit her lip as her worried thoughts took over. "Naraku had enough time to make any plan he was planning come to fruition once he needs it. We thought we killed him other times and I feel disturbed that he had been the one chasing us and for so long. He isn't usually like that," she softly explained as her eyes searched the horizon and tops of the buildings for any sign of him or any detachments being out there. "The jewel is gone and his body…" she never finished and it disturbed Shikamaru that she seems to be in a sudden doubt about her safety.
"Have you spoken with Lord Gaara about this," he watched her shake her head, giving the negative. He smoothed a hand over his dark locks held up into a spiky ponytail. It will be up to him to notify him of this worry. "I will deal with it," he turned his attention to Kichiro and walked over, picking up his small nephew. "Kichiro," he cradled the babe and watched him stretch with a yawn, smacking his lips a few times before going still with slight breaths raising his chest. "You're tiny," he commented and knew the pouch of kunai knives weigh more than this baby.
The door opened once again and in came Gaara looking between the three of them before fixing his gaze on Kagome and the stretched out chords. "Kagome you should be resting," he expressed his worry and felt anxious about her being up and out of bed when she is supposed to be getting approved for release the following day. When she didn't make a move back to the bed he requested, "Please go back to bed. The doctor will be in again in the morning, I would like to get you out of the hospital."
She really didn't want to be back in bed. It felt like if she remained in it much longer then she will be facing the possibility of bed sores as well. With a pause of hesitation she finally got back in bed to make them both happy and hope she will be out of here although she is also nervous about living with Gaara. 'What is it going to be like? Are we a couple or just parents living and raising their child together?'
Thoughts circulated through her mind and she barely noticed the shot put into her IV making her sleepy until she finally drifted off into slumber. The two men didn't pay much notice and moved onto other business once the nurse left. "Lord Gaara," Shikamaru started, "how much do you know about this Naraku character? Kagome didn't seem confident in the thought that he is truly gone for good."
"She didn't," he felt puzzled but the concern also grew. Sure they have spoken at times but he doesn't know much more than some of the horrible deeds he has done. "After her release we will discuss it in the privacy of my home."
"This could just be paranoia on her part," he added, watching the young Lord of the village settle on the couch and rest his chin on his hands, going deep into thought. They both have their thinking and strategizing habits. He may be hailed as a genius overall but Gaara doesn't fall short with his own talents and genius. Although only younger by a few months, Gaara looks up to Shikamaru, holding him in high respect as they have bonded through the years. Gaara's own nature prevented him from overlooking this as he decided to remain cautious. If they could learn more in-depth information then they can come to a decision. He won't be letting Kagome try to walk out of his and their son's lives just because of paranoia or an enemy he will then take on as his responsibility for her in her stead. It is time for her to focus on being a mother and think of a relationship out in the open with him as she adjusts to all the sudden changes in her life and the severance of nearly everything she has ever known.
Early the next morning the doctor arrived and began doing tests, coming in and out of the room with a couple nurses before finally coming in to sit down and speak with them at her bedside once Gaara was present. "Her levels are now normal and so I am releasing you on the terms that you exercise your muscles and rest often so you can gain your energy back. I will still want to see Kichiro twice a week to keep him making steady progress. Make sure you both come back to the first two appointments where I will teach you how to exercise and massage his muscles to encourage development. Make sure you speak with him often like reading books or singing, things to keep his cognitive abilities growing or he will have certain handicaps possibly for all of his life. As it is Lord Gaara, you had been born early and in frail condition. This child carries the blood of strong parents so I feel confident that he will continue to improve and exceed expectations as he gains ground. Do you have any questions for me?"
Gaara's eyes slid over to Kagome as she sat up in bed chewing her lip and staring at their son. "Do you have a chart or any information I can refer to about his growth," she asked, unsure if they develop differently compared to the humans she knew.
"Yes I will include that with the release forms," the doctor answered.
"Okay, that is all I had," she concluded.
"If that is all," the doctor swept his eyes over the new parents.
"Thank you doctor," Gaara spoke, Kagome nodded her agreement.
"You're welcome Lord Gaara and Kagome. I will see you in a few days," he stood up and bowed before leaving the room. The nurses took care of the papers once they were all signed and dated. With a nervous glance Kagome dressed and slowly followed Gaara out of the hospital while he carried their child, leading them down the streets to his home and trying for the most part to ignore the looks.
From the women gushing over the new addition to their Lord's family to taking in the appearance of the woman he had lain with. The streets held a large range in motion, some even with jealous eyes. Shock was there for those who recognized Kagome and everyone then finally had to acknowledge the rumors are true, a young woman had caught Gaara's attention a long time ago but none knew why they hid it or where she had disappeared to or why and so the rumor mill began full steam ahead, led by the major gossipers of the village. They were all ignored though by Gaara who could really care less about such things, his priorities are clear to him and so he will only focus on them. Kagome on the other hand was catching some of the whispers during the silent walk that was thankfully almost over as Gaara pointed to a building ahead of them, indicating that it is his home. Relief swept through her until she felt her nerves kick in once again…