Chapter two: Illness

Sesshomaru got the news on his way back from an allied demon. The messenger was the fastest falcon in his palace. It landed on a tree next to him, raising a leg with a piece of paper. Sesshomaru took it, reading it through. He crumpled the paper up with an angered expression.

Damn that pond. I should have got rid of it long time ago...

He didn't waste his time, returning home immediately. It was February and the air was damp, filled with frost. Wind was blowing wildly to his face, but Sesshomaru didn't pay any attention to it.

Illness... I know none, I experienced none... A matter of humans...

He flew right to the village. Dark and gloomy afternoon was upon it as he drifted smoothly above the roofs, making his way to the last house at the end. He stood in front of the plain wooden door, not bothering himself with knocking but walking inside to a small, dim room.

"Sesshomaru..."

Kaede shuffled toward him, not really surprised to see him. Sesshomaru didn't like this woman much but he was grateful - although he would never say that aloud - she agreed to take Rin in.

"I got the message," he said. Kaede nodded.

"That stupid imp sent it I guess. He was there a few days ago..."

Kaede shook her head with disapproval. Sesshomaru let her be, passing by and entering the other room in the house. A room furnished exclusively with things from his palace. There was a bed under the window and an oil lamp on the table next to it. He approached the bed, looking down at the little thing buried in covers and sheets.

"Rin..."

She was sweaty and pale, her eyes closed and her breathing exhausting. He touched her forehead, feeling the fever burning inside her. As many times before he had this strange tension in his chest, like a rope would tie him tightly. He didn't even notice himself frowning with worries and concern in his eyes.

Such a despicable thing... Mere human disease, something he would dismiss as nothing of his interest... Being completely helpless against it now. None of his powers could do anything about it. And he hated it. Rin was so small... so fragile... And the illness had taken over her totally. He could sense it. The fever eating up her body like fire.

He caught her hot hand in his, the little palm disappearing in his grip. She moved the tiny fingers slightly, somewhere deep in her slumber noticing the touch.

"She jumped into the pond to save a neighbour's dog," Kaede said from the door. "And the ice broke under her."

Sesshomaru didn't look at her.

"Why didn't you watch over her more?" he asked, his voice deadly cold. Kaede smiled, waving her hand.

"It's a little child, if you don't tie her to your door there's no way you could prevent anything happening to her. And don't worry, it's just fever. She should be fine."

"Should be?" he repeated, giving her an angry side-look.

"Believe me, I've met this illness before."

Sesshomaru turned back at Rin.

"That's enough," he said. "Leave."

Kaede raised an eyebrow, making a grimace over the bad manners and insolence but then she just shook her head with resignation, sighing and closing the door behind her. Sesshomaru sat down on the edge of her bed. Rin seemed so imperceptible there. So defenceless against it. If only she didn't jump there to save the dog. But that was just like her, he though. It wouldn't actually be Rin if she didn't do it.

He frowned with great annoyance. How come he was so helpless? How come a simple human disease could win over his powers. Made him feel so useless?

Sesshomaru breathed in to calm himself down. Rin moved as well, waking up. As she opened her eyes he could tell she was delirious. His heart ached for her. But he brought himself to just stroking her hand with one finger.

"Lord Sesshomaru..." she whispered, despite the sickness the happiness over his presence was more than obvious. She even tried to get up but he shook his head, pushing her down gently.

"Don't, Rin," he said. "Lie."

"Right..." she muttered. She would like to sleep but his visit caused her way too much joy.

"Do you have any pains?" Sesshomaru asked.

"No, I'm just sleepy," she said, her voice weak. "I'm so glad you are here, lord Sesshomaru. I'm sorry I'm ill."

"Don't be," Sesshomaru answered, his eyes moving from her white skin to her hair soaked with feverish sweat. The helplessness against it stroke him again. Rin seemed to notice that as she squeezed his hand feebly.

"Don't worry about me, I'll be fine. And do you know why I'm so sure? For you promised I could visit you."

There was so much craving and desire in her voice. Sesshomaru detected it.

"Of course," he said. "I..."

He paused. Even with Rin, even after all the time he'd known her, voicing his feelings like that was difficult and awkward for him anyway. He looked back, assuring Kaede wasn't there, before returning his glare to Rin.

"I will be very pleased if you come, Rin."

"You will?" she said, breathing out slowly, her smile widening.

"So I'll make sure to get well as soon as possible then."

"You do," Sesshomaru said, watching her falling back asleep. He didn't leave her bed that night. Although he couldn't help her, he was at least about to stay and watch over her when the stupid woman failed to protect her. But he would not.