Evolution of a Taiyoukai
By Danyealle
(FanFiction/MF/angst)
Chapter 16
Though this mode of transportation was about as fast as you could travel short of vanishing in one spot and re-appearing in another, to Sesshomaru it seemed to take forever. Although she was awake and moving around there was little doubt that she was badly hurt and in serious pain. Every time she moved or was jostled in any way she whimpered, something was agonizing for him. Yes, he could feel some of it through their bond but mostly it was an emotional pain coming from knowing just how badly she was hurt and watching her suffer.
It only took him a couple minutes at the most to reach the village then he landed right outside the old miko’s hut and began calling for her.
Hearing the taiyoukai, Kaede felt a knot form in her stomach. Knowing the situation was bound to be a bad one, the elderly miko dropped what she was doing and hurried back to her hut as fast as she could. When she saw the shape Kagome was in her heart sank but she didn’t allow it to show. Instead, she stiffened her backbone and hurried the taiyoukai and wounded girl into her hut. After a closer look at Kagome’s injuries, she called for the two women that always assisted her and sent them off to gather water and some plants she would need.
Directing the taiyoukai to lay her down on a sleeping mat, she then asked him to leave so she could get the girl undressed and assess the totality of her injuries, a request he bluntly refused.
“There is no way this Sesshomaru is leaving his mate when she is badly injured!” He snarled at her.
Though she arched her eyebrow at the term mate, she didn’t argue. Kagome was injured enough that she wasn’t going to try to figure out what was going on at the moment. Quickly, but gently, she pulled the girl’s clothes off and washed her off to see just how deep and bad the wounds really were. Though the rips and punctures were partially healed they were still bad and oozing blood. When her helpers returned she had one put water on to boil and the other mix up a pain killing drink.
After getting Kagome to drink it, she mixed up a paste to apply to the wounds and cleaned them with the water that had been boiled. But she was willing to admit Kagome was in bad enough shape that it was beyond her skill level. “I’ll patch ye up Kagome but ye need to go home for treatment.” She told the little miko gently.
“No! I’m staying here! No home!” The little priestess insisted in a slurred voice as the pain killer took effect.
“Alright.” The old woman soothed as she went on cleaning her up. When she saw the young woman fall asleep she looked at Sesshomaru. “Her injuries are beyond my skills to treat. Do ye have a healer ye can get here?”
Mind racing, the taiyoukai nodded. Though Kagome was human, these were battle injuries, something he was sure his healer could deal with. Between the old miko and his healer, Kagome would get the best care anyone could provide. After kissing her on top of the head, told her, “I’ll retrieve my healer. I should only be gone a short while.” Then he exited the small hut and took off for his fortress as fast as he could move.
~~~~~@~~~~~
When he touched down at the fortress, he began to move at tops speed to do what was needed. First thing he did was find his healer, a small bear youkai that had been with him since he was a child. After explaining the situation to her she asked a few rapid-fire questions then began to gather what she felt she would need. While she was doing that he grabbed the maid that had cared for Kagome and a couple of the people that did construction and maintenance at the fortress. When they were all ready they all headed back to Edo at top speed.
Once there he escorted his healer into Kaede’s hut. Unlike many youkai healers his, Jaio, had a great deal of respect for human healers who knew what they were doing. Kneeling down by Kaede, she quickly assed what the miko’s injuries were and what the human miko had done. Nodding her approval at what treatments the patient had received, Jaio had her continue on with what she was doing then moved away to mix up a few things like a better pain killer and something to promote blood production.
Unlike Kaede, Jaio was unwilling to let Sesshomaru stay with them while they treated his mate because she felt he would just get in the way so she told him to leave. Fixing her with a gimlet stare, he growled a bit but acquiesced.
After being banished he went to take care of something else. Quickly, he bought a small parcel of land in the tiny village then set his ‘men’ to work designing and building a small house for Kagome to use while she recovered and to use when they were in Edo. Though the shard hunters had a small hut they used when they were there he wasn’t willing to let his mate stay in such a thing. She deserved the best and he was going to provide it for her.
Once that was taken care of he dealt with Uryu. Yes, her main duty was going to be caring for Kagome as well as what she normally did but he also put her in charge of decorating the place when it was done as well as taking care of such things as hiring help and getting everything that was needed for it, such as food, clothes, household items, etc. As the two of them were making initial plans for what would be needed, he was called to Kaede’s hut because his assistance was needed.
Hearing a bit of stress in Jaio’s voice and sensing her anxiety, he quickly headed back to the miko’s hut. Once he stepped inside he found out the problem and that it would be an easy one to deal with. Kagome was still under the influence of the pain killers and unconscious. Because of the effects of the drugs, her instincts were a bit jumbled. Sensing an unfamiliar youkai aura she had unconsciously put a barrier around herself to protect her. Usually that was a wise move but in doing so she was preventing Jaio from coming near her. Once more, because of the drugs influence, Kaede was unable to get through to her and explain who the youkai was.
Understanding the situation, he nodded then slid over to where she was lying. Settling down on the floor beside her, he put a hand on her head and gently explained to her who the bear youkai was then signaled her to come over. This time Kagome didn’t put up the barrier and allowed the healer to touch her.
~~~~~@~~~~~
A couple hours later, when Kagome had been treated and bandaged then out in the shard hunter’s hut to sleep, with Sesshomaru perched by her like a guard dog, the rest of the bedraggled pack arrived finally. Before they even considered getting their own injuries tended to they all went to check on the little priestess. As would be expected, they were all relieved to see that she had been treated and was resting comfortably. Though she was badly hurt she was expected to make a full recovery, something that elicited a sigh of relief from all.
Jaio let them stay a short time then shooed them all out, firmly stating that Kagome needed rest not a bunch of noise. Understanding, the group made a quiet exit.
Once they had assured themselves she was fine they all piled into Kaede’s little hut to see to their own injuries and relax a bit. Because Kagome needed her rest and some peace and quiet it was decided that they would stay with the old miko until the house Sesshomaru was having constructed was done. Then they would have their own hut back.
While sitting around and tending to various injuries, Kaede was finally able to get the full story, from their point of view anyway. When they were done she had a few questions for them but knew she was going to have to talk to Kagome to get the rest of the story because she was sure that there was more to the whole thing than what there seemed to be from what the others were saying.
After a couple more hours, when everything had finally calmed down, Inuyasha grabbed the miko’s pack and headed towards the hut she was in. After knocking, he waited for permission to enter then slipped inside. Putting the pack down by his brother then said, “I thought she might need that. Plus, Kaede asked if it’s safe for her to get near Ah-Un. He has some wounds she wants to clean up and treat. She said she doesn’t want to get attacked or incinerated.”
Jaio bounced to her feet, “I’ll go help her.” Then she took off out the door.
Staying a good distance away because he wasn’t sure of his brother’s mood, the hanyou settled on the floor and looked at him. “Just so you know, I would never have unleashed that attack if I had known what that bastard was planning.” He told him quietly, looking at the injured miko.
Sighing, Sesshomaru nodded. “I know, don’t worry. Naraku’s wholly and completely responsible and it’s him that will pay dearly for what he’s done. You were just a pawn he used.” Since the incident he had been able to put some distance between himself and it so he had been able to replay it in his head a couple times. From his perspective he could see that Naraku had orchestrated the whole attack on Kagome and had just used Inuyasha as an unwitting participant. Hell, he would probably have done the same thing. They boy had no way of telling what the spider had been up to. By now he was fairly certain that the whole thing had been an attack on Kagome for some reason or other. Nothing he could pin blame on the boy for.
Staring at Kagome’s face, Inuyasha felt a sick knot in his stomach. No, it wasn’t an intentional attack on her or some screw up on his part that caused what happened but he still blamed himself partially for it. “I feel like shit over the whole thing.” He admitted softly.
“Which, I’m sure, was part of Naraku’s purpose.” Sesshomaru told him quietly. “He’s well aware of what you feel for Kagome and knew what your reaction would be to it. I’m sure he had planned for that as well when he concocted this whole scheme.”
“True. But I’m sure as hell going to make him pay for it when I take his ass out.” Inuyasha growled.
“It will be I, little brother, that will be the one to dispose of Naraku. Be assured of that.” Sesshomaru shot back in an icy tone.
“Like hell you will!” The hanyou shot back.
“If you two are going to argue, please go somewhere else. I’m trying to sleep here.” Kagome said in a muzzy, uneven voice, eyes still shut.
Rubbing her head, Sesshomaru told her softly, “We’ll keep it down Kagome. Rest.”
“Thanks.” She said, sliding back towards sleep.
Looking at the boy, Sesshomaru growled, “We’ll discuss this at a more appropriate time.”
“You can count on that.” Inuyasha lobbed right back.
“Did you two ever consider that it may well take both of you plus the rest of us to kill Naraku? If either of you could do it yourselves he would have been gone by now.” Kagome told him in a still fuzzy voice but one that had an angry bite to the tone. She was in a great deal of pain and listening to the brother’s snipe and snarl at each other was irritating her to no end.
Though what she said gave him a bit of food for thought, Sesshomaru filed it away for later. He could sense how uncomfortable she was. Looking at Inuyasha he said, “Go get either Kaede or Jaio and tell them she needs something for pain.”
Nodding, Inuyasha was instantly on his feet. “Will do.” Then he was gone.
Kaede quickly showed up carrying a drink Jaio had prepared. She had Sesshomaru gently sit the little onna in his lap then help her to drink it. She told him that once she was fully asleep again they were going to put some more medicine on her wounds.
Holding her as close as he dared, she stroked her hair gently as he listened to what the old miko was saying, nodding to let her know he was hearing her. Really though, all he could really concentrate on was the little onna is his arms. He felt so helpless. It was his nature with her to try and fix whatever was wrong but he couldn’t do that. This time he had to rely on the skills of the two healers and Kagome herself to do that. Yes, he had done what he could to ensure she healed the best she could but mostly he had to wait for her body to do the job.
~~~~~@~~~~~
When Jaio entered the hut Sesshomaru gave Kagome a kiss on top of the head then laid her down gently. Once he assured himself she was fine and in good hands he exited the hut to allow the healers to work.
There was no way he could just stand around and wait for them to finish, that would drive him nuts, so he went to go check on the construction of her house.
At first look he was pleased. No, not much was done on it but work on the foundation was well under way. The two men he had brought along had, as he expected, hired a few locals to help. He was assured that the thing would be done in a couple of days.
Once he checked on the construction he went to find Uryu. She was in the village proper, surrounded by several of the village women. Already she had the local seamstress hard at work as well as all those who she recruited. While they were hard at work the little inu maid was going through decorations and furnishings with the others.
When she saw Sesshomaru she broke away and went over to him to show him the plans and such she had made to get his approval. She had gone to the miko’s friends to get a feel for what the young woman liked then had worked from there. From the start she knew this wasn’t going to be something elaborate like the fortress nor was it going to be used all the time so she opted for something comfortable and simple.
Looking at the plans, Sesshomaru made a couple minor changes then approved the plans and let her do what she needed to.
~~~~~@~~~~~~
In her dream, Kikyo was walking down a path that was covered with cherry blossom petals. A gentle breeze rained more of the sweet smelling petals down on her. Walking beside her was Midoriko, a soft, contented smile on her face.
For a while all they did was walk, saying nothing. Then Midoriko broke the silence. “Kikyo, I wish to apologize to you. Forcing you to return and walk the earth once more was a cruel thing to do.”
“There is no need to apologize.” Kikyo said quietly. “It was for a good cause and worth suffering for.” She was quiet for several minutes then she stopped and looked up, watching the swirling petals as they danced around in the gentle breeze. “What’s going to happen to me now? I assume the purpose for me coming back has ended.”
Putting a hand on her shoulder, Midoriko gave it a gentle, reassuring squeeze. “Yes, your purpose has ended. But the choice of what becomes of you is your choice. You can stay here or once more move on to the other world. It’s up to you now; the fates have laid the decision in your hands entirely.”
“What will happen if I stay when it comes to Naraku and the quest to rid this world of him?”
“He will continue to grow stronger while he tries to rid himself of his human heart and what he feels for you.”
Sighing, Kikyo looked at the ground. “And if I move on?”
“With her whole soul intact, Kagome will have the power she needs to help rid the world of him. Until she had her full soul she won’t have the power to do that. Nor will you have the power to do so with the small fragment you possess.”
Shutting her eyes, Kikyo thought about what she had been told seriously. Could she really allow herself to continue to walk the earth when it would fuel Naraku to become more powerful and probably lead to more death and suffering for countless innocent beings? She was sure that he would try to gain power in another way if she was gone but everything would be in place to bring about his downfall. To her the choice was a simple one.
Despite that, there was something that concerned her and stopped her from immediately making the decision. “While back here I’ve done some things that were very wrong and downright hateful…”
Stopping her, Midoriko explained, “Yes, you have. But if you make the right choice it will redeem you and you would have no fear of hell.”
That one sentence made up her mind for her. But there were a few things that she wanted to know. “What about Inuyasha?” Since she had been back he had been hurt in so many ways that she wasn’t sure that he could take any more emotional hurt.
“Yes, Inuyasha will be hurt by you leaving him again but he’s strong and will survive it. He will then be able to move on and heal the wounds left by this time and the last, something he can’t do while you’re still here.” Midoriko explained. “I have confidence you will do the right thing Kikyo.” She told her, giving her a hug then she vanished.
Sighing, Kikyo shut her eyes and stood there. While the cherry blossom petals gently caressed her skin as they fell her mind raced over what she wanted to do. Her decision had been made but there were things she felt she had to do before that step was taken.
~~~~~@~~~~~
When the two healers finished with Kagome Sesshomaru once more went back into the small hut with her. While they had treated his miko they had also bathed her and washed her hair as well as dressed her in some comfortable sleepwear. Pleased, he settled down by her to relax.
Because it had now been several hours since the battle the day’s events finally caught up with him. Over and over, his mind played over everything that had happened in minute detail. Watching her be hit over and over with the adamant shards was almost more than he could bear. He was sure that, as long as he lived, he wouldn’t ever be able to purge that memory from his mind.
Unable to help himself, he had to have her as close to him as she could get her. Mindful of her injuries, he gently picked her up and put her on his lap. Wrapping his arms around her, he held her as close to him as he could possibly get her. Resting his cheek on the top of her head, he shut his eyes. While he stroked her back, he rocked back and forth, letting her smell and presence sooth and comfort him. Her aura was filled with the energy it took to heal but there was enough of her normal energy there to comfort him. Never again did he want to even come that close to losing her and he would put every measure he could to ensure he didn’t. Understandably, there was no way to totally ensure that but he would do everything within his power to guarantee it the best he could.
On the heel of that came the thought that he was going to make Naraku pay for visiting this pain on the both of them, and do it in the most painfully cruel way he could come up with. The spider deserved no less than to suffer and be in as much pain as both he and Kagome were. He decided he would torture the arachnid for however many days it took for Kagome to recover. In the fortress there was a dungeon, which would allow him to keep the spider as long as he needed. And he would enjoy every minute of his suffering and pain.
After a while of the pleasant musings of what he planned to do to the spider once he was in his grasp he switched topics. He began to make a mental list of what he was going to need to make her recovery as comfortable as possible. It would take a couple days to complete the house but until then the hut would be made as comfortable as possible. As he drifted off to sleep, he made a mental note that there would be a bed, or at the very least a futon, in here by nightfall.