InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ Code of Conduct ❯ That Which Binds Us ( Chapter 12 )

I'm sorry for the long wait. You can throw many *small* rocks. In the last chapter, I did as much research as I could. However, everything from the fire to her condition and the treatments may not be completely correct. I've never been in a fire or known anyone who has, nor have I worked in a hospital. I tried to make it as accurate as possible, but I'm sorry if it isn't. Just in case any nurses, doctors, paramedics, or firefighters were to read this.

 

Chapter 12: That Which Binds Us

 

It is so dark and incredibly cold. I feel as if I'm walking down an endless path. Actually, I can't recall my feet touching anything, so am I just gliding through a vast emptiness? Am I really getting anywhere? Where am I anyway and how in seven hells did I get here? I wish I could remember even falling asleep. I mean, that's the only logical reason for this situation. It's a dream isn't it? Terrific imagination, Kagome! Nothing but a black void and here I am, hanging in the middle of it. At least I could have brought Inuyasha with me.

 

Kagome's sedation starts to wear off, and Inuyasha's breath shudders while he watches her begin to thrash.

 

My chest feels so heavy. I feel like I'm choking! Oh god, someone help me please! My skin feels on fire. Fire… The cabin is on fire. Inuyasha! Why can't I see anything? Where is Inuyasha?

 

Inuyasha grabs hold of her hand, talking loudly to her, “Kagome, baby, it's okay.” She squeezes his hand hard, her other hand fisted at her side.

 

“Nurse!” He screams just as the shift nurse runs into the room. “Help her!”

 

“It will be okay, sir. This is a normal reaction to the breathing tube.” Another nurse enters the room to assist. One assists in keeping her immobile while the other prepares another sedative.

 

“I know, I know, just please. I can't watch her like this.”

 

The second nurse, a male looks at him with compassionate eyes. “Talk to her. If there's any time that she will hear you, it's now.”

 

Inuyasha tries again. “Kagome, it's Inuyasha. I'm here, Kitten. Calm down, baby. Everything is going to be alright.” Kagome's movements slow a bit, and he gains more confidence. “Can you open your eyes? I want you to see me. I'm right here.” Her hold on his hand slackens to a comfortable pressure.

 

“Just one more minute, we're going to administer another sedative.”

 

“No!” Inuyasha half stood from his seat. “Don't give it to her.”

 

“Sir, she's in pain. This is the best thing for her.”

 

“What if it isn't?”

 

Inuyasha places his free hand on her face, rubbing his fingers up and down her cheek.

 

There is so much pain. Am I dying? I hear voices, but I can't call out for help. My throat is burning. Wait, I can feel someone touching my face.

 

`Kagome, I'm here. It's okay, baby.'

 

Inuyasha? Where are you? Why can't I see you?

 

`Open your eyes, Kitten. Open your eyes.'

 

I can't! Inuyasha, I can't!

 

Tears form at the corners of Kagome's eyes, and Inuyasha starts to cry with her. Leaning down, he kisses both droplets away. “My angel, I'm so sorry.” Kagome whimpers, although it sounds more like a wheeze. “I love you, so much. I know you can fight through this for me. Come on, Kitten. Be the fighter I know you are.”

 

Kagome fights to open her eyes, but when she does, she is blinded by whiteness and closes them again. More tears stream down her face.

 

Inuyasha can feel a pull deep within him, and a peculiar tingling at his mating mark. Could it be that the sedative is barring her connection to him? He looks up at the nurses, demanding again, “Don't give her the sedative. It's impairing her ability to heal.”

 

“Sir?” Both look confused, and being that they were human, he was sure they had no clue about the bond with a youkai mate. He didn't have time to explain.

 

“Would you please leave the room?”

 

“I'm sorry sir, but I can't leave the patient,” replies her nurse.

 

“Kagome, her name is Kagome. Where is her doctor?”

 

“I will get him,” the male nurse offers and leaves the room.

 

Inuyasha turns his attention back to his fiancée, disregarding the other woman in the room. “Kitten, you are in the hospital. There was a fire, and you were hurt badly.” Kagome shakes her head slowly from side to side. “Calm down, Sweetheart. You can get through this. Listen to me, I want you to concentrate. You can draw strength from me. I'm your mate, feel for me, Kagome.”

 

“Mr. Taisho.”

 

Inuyasha looks up with hopeful eyes. “Dr. Yumai, she's awake.”

 

“I see that. Kimmi informed me that you have requested no sedative.”

 

Inuyasha nods, explaining to him briefly the bond that a youkai mate share and how it can help Kagome. He left no room for argument in the matter.

 

“Well, perhaps we could give her a light dose of morphine to help her with the pain. She will probably sleep, but it won't be as deep and restricting.”

 

Inuyasha agrees with her best interest at heart. “The morphine will ease the pain.” He watches as Dr. Yumai gave her the medication. “I will be right here, honey. I'm not leaving, I promise. You just rest and heal. I believe in you, Kagome.”

 

In a few minutes, she is resting somewhat peacefully. Inuyasha takes a deep breath, and closes his eyes, laying his head on the bed. `We can do this.'

 

I feel you, Inuyasha.

 

~*~

 

Dr. Yumai read over Kagome Higurashi's chart. Glancing at her room, he saw that her family and Mr. Taisho were all there. He walked over to the room, greeting her loved ones. They all stared at him expectantly. “It's been a week, and I've watched Kagome's progress very closely. Since we've taken her off the sedation, she's done rather well. Her oxygen levels have stayed consistent and have considerably improved. There is no longer sign of infection. What we are going to do today is attempt to wean her from the machine.”

 

“That's great!” Aemi exclaimed, along with her father and son.

 

“This may take a few hours, and we can't guarantee that she will be able to sustain herself with out the aid of the ventilation tubes. My expectations are high. So I'll have Kimmi come in and start the process. We have to do a lot of monitoring and work with Kagome, so this would be a good time to get some breakfast and freshen up.” He glanced pointedly at Inuyasha, who hadn't really eaten or slept all week.

 

Inuyasha stood, waiting for everyone else to exit the room. He looked at the doctor and said, “Thank you, Dr. Yumai.”

 

“Don't thank me yet,” he replied with a wink. “But I have a good feeling about this.” Inuyasha nodded and met up with the rest.

 

Aemi put her hand on Inuyasha's shoulder as they left the ICU. “Today will be a good day, son. You just wait and see.”

 

“I feel it, too. Will you be leaving to go home?”

 

“Only for a couple hours, and then we'll be back to visit before tonight. Are you sure you wouldn't like to come with us? You could take a nice long shower and get something wholesome in your belly.”

 

“Thank you, but I promised Kagome I wouldn't leave. I'll just go down to the cafeteria for a snack, and then I'm going to stay in the waiting room to make sure nothing happens.”

 

Aemi smiled, proud that Kagome had him by her side. She felt the utmost faith in Inuyasha. “Alright then.”

 

He walked them down to their car. Waving as they drove off, he then headed back to the building, settling himself on a bench. Flipping open his phone, he turned the power on. There was a voicemail message, most likely from his father. He checked it, and closed his phone, nearly breaking it. His mouth formed into a tight frown. Inuyasha had made a simple request for Inu Taisho to detain Kikyou's return to America. He had a gut feeling that she had something to do with this. His father believed that he was jumping to ridiculous conclusions. Inuyasha had still insisted and his father had only told him he look into it. On behalf of Kikyou's reputation, he instead recommended that she visit Kagome in the hospital. So the bitch was coming tomorrow morning to save face. This was the last thing that Kagome or he needed.

 

Opening his phone again, he dialed the local police station. “Hello? Yes, I'd like to speak to Detective Mensou.”

 

“This is Detective Mensou, to whom am I speaking?”

 

“Inuyasha Taisho, ma'am. I'm calling to find out if they've discovered any evidence regarding the fire at my cabin?”

 

“Ah, Mr. Taisho, how is your girlfriend faring?”

 

“My fiancée, Kagome, isn't out of danger yet, but she's improving.”

 

“I'm sorry to hear that. Well, our investigators have done a thorough search through the ruins. We've concluded that the accelerant was gasoline, saturating the couch. As for who did it, we don't have anything to go on.”

 

“That's it? I want whoever caused that fire to be brought to justice!”

 

“I understand. We're doing everything we can to solve this case. It's just going to take some time. I'm very sorry, Mr. Taisho. I sincerely hope Kagome recovers.”

 

“Thanks but just find out who did this.” Inuyasha hung up and turned off his phone. He wanted to hit something, or rather, someone. Breaking his hand wasn't going to help Kagome, however, so he took a deep breath and vowed that his time would come.

 

Returning to the ICU waiting room, he grabbed the T.V. remote and flipped through the channels. Naturally, there was nothing on. It's not like anything would be able to keep his mind off things anyway. Choosing a documentary on the Feudal Era, he laid himself across the couch.

 

~*~

 

Five hours later, Inuyasha was woken by a gentle hand shaking his shoulder. “Mr. Taisho, wake up lad.”

 

He sat up quickly, rubbing his eyes. He glanced at her name tag. “Kaede? What's wrong, what happened to Kagome?” Inuyasha stood up in a panic.

 

“I thought you would like to know that Miss Kagome is awake and able to speak.” She didn't even get to blink before he was past her in a blur.

 

He stopped at the security door, picking up the phone receiver to request access. Before he could dial, a nurse opened the door. He dropped the phone in the cradle and sped through the door.

 

“Sir, you can't-“ but he was already around the corner and out of site.

 

“'Tis alright Layni, I would have let him in myself except he was too fast for these old bones.” Kaede chuckled, swiping her card and entered the ICU.

 

Inuyasha halted just inside Kagome's room, the elation of seeing her tired eyes turn his way nearly floored him. “Kagome.”

 

She smiled softly. “Puppy,” her voice was a hoarse whisper. He was at her bedside in an instant, laying a gentle kiss upon her forehead. “You weren't hurt.”

 

Inuyasha pulled back, regret and shame shadowing his features. “If it could have been me, instead of you…”

 

Kagome put a finger to his lips gingerly. “Shh, don't. I'm glad you are safe.”

 

He didn't retract how he felt about the situation but didn't want her to see him dwell on it. Sitting in the chair next to her bed, he held her hand. “I love you, Kitten. You scared the hell out of me.”

 

Kagome stared at their clasped hands and asked, “Where is the ring? Do the nurses have it?”

 

Swallowing his anger he replied, “It wasn't on you when we left the cabin.” Avoiding eye contact, he added, “I think someone took it before setting the fire and leaving.”

 

“Someone did this on purpose? Why?” Kagome started coughing, her eyes tearing at the pain in caused.

 

“Kagome!” Inuyasha panicked. “Kaede!”

 

Kagome shook her head and rasped, “I'm okay.”

 

“No, no you're not.”

 

Kaede shuffled into the room. “Oh, dear.” She picked up a pitcher of ice water from Kagome's bedside table and poured a cup. “Here, sip and it will help your throat.” Kagome did as she was told, coughing a couple more times before laying back against her pillows. “Perhaps you should rest. Talking will be difficult for a while.” Kaede checked the oxygen Kagome was receiving from a small tube in her nose and noted on her chart the amount versus her blood oxygen level. The rest of her vitals were relatively good. “You are doing well on just oxygen. Over the next couple days, the doctor will have it reduced until eventually you are off of that as well. You probably won't have to stay in the ICU more than another day. Just take it easy.” Kagome nodded and thanked her.

 

“We'll talk about what happened later. What's important now is that you get better.” Inuyasha squeezed her hand. “Sleep, I will be right here. Your family will be here soon, and I'm sure Sango and Miroku will want to see you as well. You'll need your rest.” He neglected to tell her that tomorrow morning, they would have an unwelcome visitor, but he didn't want to upset her any more than she was now.

 

~*~

 

Later that evening, Kagome's family arrived. They were overjoyed at the reunion. Tears and smiles, hugs and kisses, and relief filled the room. Kagome was careful how much she talked, but she seemed comforted by all the love surrounding her. Aemi assured her that the burns wouldn't horribly scar her, if at all, and that a good haircut and conditioning would make her hair lovely again. Her grandfather showed her all the ancient artifacts he had used to pray to the gods for her good health, insisting it was their grace that returned her to them. Souta was excited and gave her a get well card he had made. Her father brought her two large vases of flowers and a bundle of helium balloons, as well as a new dress and shoes to wear home. A small joke about missing undergarments lent laughter to the dismal room.

 

Sango and Miroku arrived an hour after her family said their goodnights, shortly before visitation hours would end.

 

“Kags!” Sango ran to her, crying and wrapping her arms carefully around her friend for a hug. “I was so worried about you!”

 

Kagome sniffled. “I'm one tough broad.”

 

“You bet you are,” Sango grinned. “Here! We brought you a card-“ Miroku walked over to the bed holding up an enormous get well card. “My patrons at the bar all signed it.”

 

“And of course, you can't get a lovely woman a card without these.” He pulled a bouquet of roses from behind his back.

 

Kagome giggled, reaching out to accept them. She brought them to her nose and frowned. “I can't smell them,” she pouted.

 

“Aww, poor thing!” Sango cooed.

 

Inuyasha asked the desk nurse for something they could use to put the roses in. A few minutes later she returned with a plastic vase. “Wow, the things they dig up.” He helped Kagome arrange them and filled the vase with water from the hand washing sink.

 

Sango dug in her oversized purse and pulled out a deep Tupperware container. She whispered, “These are for you to sneak when the doctors aren't looking.”

 

Kagome opened it and smiled wide. “Chocolate covered strawberries, mmmmm.”

 

“Nature's medicine!” Sango exclaimed.

 

“Also good for sucking up to the wife,” Dr. Yumai stated from behind them, startling the two girls. Kagome's mouth formed an `O' and Sango clasped her hands behind her back mocking innocence. “Don't worry, I never saw them.” He winked. “But don't let the nursing staff see them, they would disappear quite suddenly.” Everyone laughed. “Your progress is looking well. We are going to be transferring you to a recovery room mid-day tomorrow. Sound good?”

 

“Mmhmm,” Kagome answered.

 

“Great! I recommend getting a good night's rest. Have a good night and I'll see you in the morning.” Dr. Yumai left, stopping to talk briefly to Kaede.

 

“Well, I guess we should get going. We'll come back and see you tomorrow if you want,” Sango offered.

 

“That would be awesome, thank you for the gifts,” Kagome hugged them both good-bye.

 

Miroku put a hand on Inuyasha's shoulder, “Get some rest, you look like shit.”

 

Inuyasha glared at him, “Thanks, asshole.”

 

“Hey now, boys!” Sango scolded, pulling Miroku out by his forearm. “See ya, Yash, take care of my girl.”

 

“Later guys.”

 

Kagome looked sad when he turned his attention back to her. “What's wrong, Kitten?”

 

“Do you have to leave, too?”

 

“No, I'll be right here by your side.”

 

She studied him, taking in how worn he looked. “Have you slept at all?”

 

“A little,” he smiled, “I don't need sleep.”

 

“Yes you do. Why don't you go home and get some rest?”

 

He shook his head. “I won't sleep until I can hold you in my arms.”

 

Kagome surveyed the bed. “Well, this bed is too small for both of us.”

 

“I'll be okay right here in this chair.”

 

“You're so stubborn.”

 

“Sleep.”

 

Kagome sighed, closing her eyes. Completely exhausted, she fell asleep within minutes. Inuyasha just sat there and watched her. Apprehensive about seeing Kikyou would keep him up anyway. How in the hell was he supposed to act like nothing was wrong and be civil?

 

~*~

 

In the morning, it turned out that they needed her room for another critical patient. So, Kagome was moved earlier than expected. She was more comfortable in her new room, because her bed was right by the window.

 

“It's so pretty outside,” she pouted with the knowledge she was still stuck in the hospital for at least another week.

 

“Maybe they will let me take you out in a wheel chair in a couple days,” he suggested, trying to lift her spirits.

 

“Maybe…” Kagome continued to stare out the window, unconsciously fingering the bandage on her face.

 

“You're still beautiful, you know.”

 

“Hmm?” Kagome was too lost in thought to really hear what he said.

 

Inuyasha grasped her chin lightly between two fingers, turning her head so that her eyes met his. “I said you're still beautiful. And the doctor said you should heal up just fine. Even if you didn't, you'd still be gorgeous to me.”

 

Kagome smiled subtly, “Thank you.”

 

There was a quiet knock on her door, and a nurse wheeled Kagome's breakfast cart in. “Good morning, Miss Higurashi. Hope you're hungry?”

 

“Starved,” Kagome joked.

 

“Hmm, that sounds good. Kitten, I'm going to go down to the cafeteria and get something to eat. I'll bring it back up and eat with you. Sound good?” Kagome nodded, so he stood up, kissing her on the forehead before he left with a short wave.

 

The nurse was helping Kagome set up the tray table when she saw someone walk in the room. “Ah, you have a visitor.”

 

“Kikyou?”

 

~*~

 

I already have part of the next chapter done. Hopefully things will keep moving until I can finish this story, which isn't far. Thanks for reading!