Between Two Hearts: Chapter 7

They trekked on through the dark cavern, still in silence. Kagome couldn't bring herself to accept that Inuyasha went to Kikyo not only because he still loved her, but also because she was an inadequate priestess. I don't understand... If I am such a terrible priestess, why hasn't he said anything to me about it? She knew that she shouldn't read into Sesshoumaru's words as much as she was. He did afterall give her a compliment on her powers and ability to control them. That had to count for something. Yet, she couldn't help feel in her heart that Sesshoumaru was right. Now that I think about it, Inuyasha has never complimented me...the most I've ever gotten from him was a "wow". Kagome sighed inwardly. There was nothing for her to do about it now, and it did no good to dwell on such depressing matters. Besides, she had given up on Inuyasha ever loving her and only her, right? It doesn't matter anymore, she decided, trying to find more cheerful thoughts.

Sesshoumaru was growing uncomfortable with their silence. He hadn't meant to upset her, or had he? He couldn't even remember his initial intent. He was too distracted with her current mood, though it seemed to be lightening. Well, whatever he meant to say, he wasn't apologizing for what he had already said. Hn. This Sesshoumaru does not apologize. he sneered to himself.

With Kagome no longer disturbed by her thoughts of Inuyasha, she began noticing how tense the demon lord was. Hmm...I wonder what has him on edge... she pondered. Then she looked at what she thought would be his face, and to her surprise, she could make out a vague outline. We must be getting close!! she thought excitedly. she looked straight ahead and could barely see what was seemingly an exit. Although she could now see a little of the Taiyoukai, she was still blind to the rest of their surroundings. As they progressed forward, Kagome could begin to see more and more with the new found source of light.

Sesshoumaru had noticed the slight shift in attitude in the priestess. She no longer seemed to be forlorn. It was as if she had forgotten entirely what had been said earlier. He wasn't one to complain however. If Kagome was no longer upset or distracted, that suited him just fine. For the first time, he noticed the light at the end of the cavern. That must be the cause for the mood change. He deducted. Now Rin can be taken care of. He was happy to return to his normal companions, yet, a small part of him ached at the thought of no longer being alone with the priestess.

When Kagome's sight was clear enough to see the tiny rocks that lay on the path, she released the Taiyoukai's arm."Thank you Sesshoumaru-sama for guiding me in the dark." He gave a curt nod in reply to her thanks. Though he didn't show it, Sesshoumaru missed the warmth that he felt when she held on to his arm, and the feeling of her depending entirely on him. He wasn't sure why, but it gave him a sense of power he had never experienced before.

Finally, they had reached the end! Kagome let out a small sigh of relief. She had thought that she might of been dreaming about seeing the light at the end of the tunnel,but now they were a few yards from stepping out into the gorgeous sunlight. She felt as though she had been traveling all day even though they had yet to break noon. Kagome Shielded her eyes from the bright sunlight that now engulfed her body. It's warmth sent a small chill over her skin. We couldn't have been in there for more than 4 hours at the most...I can't believe how much I've missed the sunlight in that time. She stretched her arms way out as if to grab th sun and hug it. It feels so good to be out of the dark...It's like I have all of my energy back... Kagome ponder that thought for a moment. She would have to test her new theory, but now wasn't the time. She began observing her surroundings: It was a beautiful alcove, complete with hotsprings hidden behind what appeared to be a wall of rocks. The grass within the area was lush, it was as if the changing seasons had no effect on this place. The only evidence that it was Autumn was the lone Sakura in the middle of the small field with it's leaves a mix of colors from crimson to yellow.

Sesshoumaru watched as Kagome basked in the sunlight. He had allowed her to run ahead of him, her excitement more than evident. It was truly amazing to him how her moods switched almost instantly. As he gazed upon her, he was lost in thought once more. However, this time his mind didn't linger on himself or his actions, but rather the miko in front of him and how her ebony locks shined in the sun, her cheeks now bright with color, and her eyes now alight with happiness. It was amazing how one could always underappreciate even the smallest of commodities. Yet, Sesshoumaru took in the sight of a beautiful, smiling Kagome and felt somewhat honored to be seeing it. He was brought back to reality when he noticed Kagome staring at him intently. If he had been anyone but himself, he was sure that he would have blushed at being caught staring. Though he scoffed at his own perception. This Sesshoumaru does not get embarassed. He progressed on as if he had been doing nothing. Though the priestess gave him a curious glance as he passed her.

Kagome fell in step behind the Taiyoukai, still wondering about what had just happened. Was he really staring at me? And was that a look of shock on his face when he noticed me looking at him? She shook her head in disbelief...I'm thinking about this too hard...I'm just tired is all. The sooner we get to Rin, the sooner I can get some rest myself. As She followed him along the edge of the inner sanctum of the small mountain, she noticed a makeshift set of stone stairs. She would have never known they were there if he hadn't brought her to the base of the steps. Hmm...How does he know so much about this mountain? I'll have to remember to ask.

They climbed the steep stairs, one after the other until finally reaching a small platform. It was a wonderful little platform, or at least Sesshoumaru thought so. It was a very good advantage point, not only could he observe everything below, but also the sky above. Kagome on the other hand, wasn't fond of heights, and though the view was pretty, she stayed close to the mountain wall. After surveying the area, Sesshoumaru led the priestess into the small hollow in the Mountain side. "Jakken!" He called as the scurrying imp came forward to greet his master.

"M-m-mi L-l-lord! I am glad you have returned!" Jakken was a little shaky.

"Jakken, how is Rin?"

Jakken gaped for a moment at his Lords neglect for his well being, but decided to reply quickly, lest he be scolded. "N-n-not well Mi Lord. She has gotten much worse in such a short amount of time"

"I see. Jakken, show Rin to the miko. You are to do anything that she requires." Sesshoumaru glared at the imp as if to say 'I dare you to disobey'.

"Y-y-yes Mi Lord." he stuttered fearful for his life. "Come this way priestess."

"Please, call me Kagome." She said suddenly finding her voice. Geesh...I don't need anyone else calling me 'miko' or 'woman'...just one is more than enough.

"very well...Kagome." Jakken replied, not wishing to anger Lord Sesshoumaru.

He guided her over to the pile of furs and blankets. Kagome was surprised that there was a living creature within the mound. With her borrowed poison mask on, Kagome set down her bag and uncovered the sleeping girl slightly. She turned around quickly and retrieved her watch from her pack. She put two fingers on the young girl's neck and took her pulse. It was a little high. She then progressed to taking her temperature with the thermometer in her first aid kit-102.5, not good. Kagome then put her ear to Rin's chest, she was definitely having trouble breathing. Rin began to stir as she coughed hard, her eyes opened slightly. "Kagome-san!" she wheezed. It was evident in her face that she was more than exhausted. This is definitely pneumonia. Kagome concluded. "Lay back down Rin, you need to rest. Sesshoumaru-sama has brought me to help you."

"Ok Kagome-san." Rin coughed hard again, this time with mucus and a little blood coming up. She layed back down and gathered the furs around herself once more.

Kagome walked over to Sesshoumaru. "Well?" he asked.

"It's not good. I don't think she's going to make it through this. It's one of the more advanced cases of pneumonia. If she gets any worse...well, let's just hope she doesn't get any worse." No sooner had the words left Kagome's mouth, Jakken was in a frantic state.

"Rin, Rin, RIN! Oh no...MI LORD! She was just awake, but now she isn't responding."

"Unacceptable. Miko, do something." Sesshoumaru kept his calm appearance, yet he was beginning to panic on the inside.

"There's nothing I can do. I don't have anything to help this. I'm sor--" She was cut off before she could finish.

"Enough. How do we accquire what she needs?" He was growing impatient.

Kagome sighed heavily. She wasn't sure if it was the best option, but it was the only one with the amount of time they had. "We have to take her to my time."

"Isn't it risky to expose someone to the future that shouldn't be there?"

"Yes...but what other choice do we have? You want her to live, correct?"

"Yes."

"Then there are no other options. Do you have a way of getting us to the Bone Eaters well quickly?"

Sesshoumaru thought for a moment. "Yes." he replied.

As Kagome gathered the unconcious girl in her arms she spoke, "well then let's get a move on. I don't know how much time she has." With Rin secure in her arms, she looked up to see the Taiyoukai's eyes glow red. She watched in amazement as he stepped outside of the dwelling and began to transform into his true form. She had only seen this transformation once before, and if she remembered correctly, he was trying to kill her. Now that she had a chance to actually watch the process without having to worry about her own life, she realized how beautiful his true form was. She stared in awe at the huge, silver-furred, dog demon before her. She was brought back to reality and her sense of urgency by a rather loud, low growl from the demon in front of her. As she walked out to the cliff, she noticed the magnitude of Sesshoumaru's size. She could easily climb on to his back from where she was. Another growl, told her that she needed to hurry. As quickly as she could manage, she clambered onto the Taiyoukai's back with Rin in her arms. Once mounted, she settled Rin in front of her. "Ok, Sesshoumaru-sama, I believe we are ready." And with that, the great demon leapt out of the center of the mountain and started heading towards the Bone Eater's Well.