InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ Living The Promise ❯ Free ( Chapter 11 )

A/N: This chapter contains a medical procedure. I am not in the medical profession and do not claim that I am very knowledgeable regarding these types of procedures. If I am totally off and offend someone, I apologize. Keep in mind that this is a fictional story and that I, as the author, am able to take certain “artistic license”. Enough said. Enjoy!

 

 

Chapter 11: Free

 

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Sesshomaru found himself awakened by Inuyasha's gasping. He could make out his brother's body as he sat trying to gain his breath.

 

“Inuyasha, what is wrong?” he asked in concern.

 

“Sess, it…it is hard…to breathe,” Inuyasha gasped out.

 

Sesshomaru stared at him for a moment, and then glanced towards Kagome. Inuyasha immediately understood the thoughts running through his brother's head.

 

“Oh shit! Kagome!” The two men focused on the unconscious woman. A quick check found that her breathing had become labored and her pulse had weakened.

 

“Inuyasha, I believe that Kagome's lungs are collapsing due to blood in her chest cavity. If we do not relieve the pressure, she will soon suffocate.”

 

Inuyasha blanched. “What…can we do? There is…no way…they can get to…us in time.” He bent over as he tried to alleviate the pressure preventing his lungs from filling.

 

Sesshomaru thought quickly. “Inuyasha, do you still have the first aid kit?”

 

“Yeah, why?” Inuyasha pulled it out and handed it to Sesshomaru.

 

He didn't say anything as he tore into it, trying to find what he was looking for by touch. Pulling out several packets and a knife, Sesshomaru cussed softly as he looked feverishly for something, but was not finding it.

 

“Sess…what are you…looking for? What…what are you…going to do?”

 

“Inuyasha, do you happen to have a pen, or something that I can use as a hollow tube?”

 

Inuyasha thought for a moment, before digging into his pocket and pulling out a slide whistle. One of his students had thought to cause a disruption during their final test, and he had confiscated it. Inuyasha handed it to his brother, who snatched it and broke it apart. “What are…you going…to do?” he wheezed.

 

“I am going to try to put in a chest tube to help drain the fluid from Kagome's chest.” As he spoke, Sesshomaru tore open packages, using the alcohol wipes to clean the knife and whistle as best as possible.

 

Inuyasha tried to take a deep breath, only to choke. When he finally was able to stop coughing, he put a hand to his brother's shoulder. “Are you sure you…can do this, Sess?” Sesshomaru stopped and stared into the darkness.

 

“Do we have any choice?” he asked softly. “Inuyasha, I need you to hold on to Kagome when I do this. I don't think that she'd be able to move, but I would rather not take that chance.” Sesshomaru felt Inuyasha move to hold Kagome down by her shoulders.

 

“Okay, I am ready when you are.” Sesshomaru took a deep breath and carefully felt along Kagome's side, trying to find the correct spot. He quickly dug into her flesh with the knife, thanking the gods that it was sharp, and cut deeply. Poking a finger into the hole he made, Sesshomaru could feel the warmth of Kagome's blood as it tried to escape past the blockage. Quickly removing his finger, he jammed the whistle into the wound. Blood poured rapidly through the small tube for several moments before tapering off. Sesshomaru heard Inuyasha's breathing ease - indicating that Kagome was also breathing easier. He felt for her pulse.

 

“Her pulse is stronger, but it is not as strong as I would like.” Sesshomaru worked to secure the makeshift chest tube and then covered it with a piece of gauze.

 

“She is breathing easier, Sess. It worked. Thank-you.” Inuyasha took a deep breath, glad that the suffocating feeling had eased.

 

Sesshomaru sat back and started putting the strewn contents of the kit away. “She is not out of danger yet, but at least we have bought her a little more time.” Silence fell as the brothers prayed for a quick rescue.

 

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A shout from the worksite brought everyone running. The second shift had started about a half hour ago, allowing the weary first shift workers a chance to get some much need rest. Hojo was the first to arrive, with Koga, Miroku and the others right behind.

 

“What is it? What did you find?” Hojo asked anxiously.

 

One of the volunteers pointed to a piece of rope lying amongst the rubble. “We have found the rope that was tied to the rescue basket, sir. We are almost there!”

 

“What are we waiting for then?” asked Miroku, all signs of exhaustion erased. “Let's get them out!” He jumped back into the worksite, Koga and Hojo along side. Ayame and Sango hugged each other and watched as the workers renewed their efforts as the night sky started to lighten, heralding the dawning of a new day.

 

As the sun made its appearance in the morning sky, a voice was heard from beneath the dwindling pile of rubble.

 

“Hey up there! It is about time you got to us!”

 

“Inuyasha, you old dog, is everyone okay?” Koga asked with a large grin. He should have known that his friend wouldn't let a little thing like a building falling on top of him slow him down.

 

“Yeah, Sess and I are fine. You need to hurry and get Kagome out though,” Inuyasha's voice answered.

 

After conferring with the foreman, Hojo called down to them, “We will have you out shortly. We need you to protect yourselves as we remove the last pieces that are trapping you.”

 

“Understood. Make sure to have the paramedics ready for Kagome!”

 

The work on the building increased as everyone began working with a renewed sense of purpose as they found their goal in sight.

 

Sango and Ayame watched in anticipation as the final chunk trapping their friends was removed. Within moments, the basket with an unconscious Kagome was lifted to the surface and quickly whisked away by the paramedics. The two brothers emerged from their prison, blinking at the brightness of the new day. Cheers erupted once everyone was free.

 

Inuyasha spied the paramedics loading Kagome onto a waiting ambulance and hurried over. Sesshomaru allowed himself to be led to a bench where he was handed a very welcome cup of coffee. Sipping it, he closed his eyes and sighed in appreciation. The group of friends gathered around him and took in his appearance.

 

Sesshomaru was covered in dirt and it looked like he had blood on his hands and pants. His eyes appeared bruised from the dark circles lying beneath them and the exhaustion that lined his face.

 

He opened his eyes and gave a brief accounting of all that had passed while they were trapped. As he was finished, a small voice called out crying “Sess-sama, Sess-sama!” and Rin came running up and wrapped her arms around his waist.

 

“Where is `Gome?” Rin asked, her bright brown-eyes searching for her friend.

 

“Kagome was hurt and has been taken to the doctor.” Sesshomaru stood to his feet, keeping a hand on the child's head. “I do not know about all of you, but I am going to follow my brother to the hospital.”

 

“Rin is going too!” Sesshomaru looked down and saw the child's determination and nodded.

 

“Of course. Jaken, bring the car.” The assistant, who had been standing to one side as his boss recovered, jumped to follow his order.

 

Hojo smiled at the group. “I will be over in a bit. I need to mop up here.” Sango, Ayame and their exhausted husbands nodded and headed for their cars. They all would go and see how Kagome was doing.

 

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“Here, go get cleaned up Inuyasha.” He jumped as a set of clean clothes was dropped into his lap. Inuyasha looked up and glared at his once again immaculate brother. Sesshomaru had managed to get a shower and a change of clothes before coming to the hospital. Inuyasha realized just how filthy he was. Nodding his thanks, he stood and walked off to find someplace he could clean up.

 

Sesshomaru took the seat his brother had abandoned and looked over at Rin, who was looking through some picture books. He smiled softly at the child before allowing his gaze to pass over the others who were gathered in the waiting room. Sango and Miroku were dozing in front of him, while Ayame lay with her head in Koga's lap, while Koga stared blankly at the wall.

 

A short time later, a now clean Inuyasha came back and started to pace nervously. “What is taking so long?” he complained softly.

 

“Patience, Inuyasha. The doctors are only doing their job. They will inform us as soon as they have news.” Inuyasha looked at Sesshomaru and tried to summon a smile.

 

“Thank-you Sess, for everything.” Sesshomaru nodded and closed his eyes.

 

A few hours later, the doctor came and asked for Mr. Taisho. Inuyasha stood to his feet. “Is Kagome okay? What is going on?”

 

The elderly doctor smiled. “Your wife is going to be just fine. She has a concussion, a broken rib, some minor internal bleeding and some extensive bruising. She had also suffered a collapsed lung, but some quick thinking in the field took care of that.” Inuyasha sighed in relief.

 

“When can we see her?” asked Miroku. Everyone had awoken when the doctor came in. The kindly, old woman smiled at the group.

 

“She is still asleep, but you can come in for a moment as long as you don't disturb her.” She turned and led them down the hall to a door and nodded to them. “I will be by a bit later to check on her.”

 

Sango and Ayame opened the door and slowly entered the room, Miroku, Koga, and Inuyasha followed close behind. Sesshomaru brought up the rear, carrying a quiet Rin in his arms.

 

Inuyasha went over to the bed where Kagome lay sleeping. He gently gathered her hand in his, careful of the IV in her hand. Sango and Miroku stood on the other side; Sango reached out and brushed Kagome's bangs from her forehead. “I am glad that you are okay, Kagome. You hurry up and get well.” Sango bent down and kissed the sleeping girl's forehead before allowing herself to be pulled in to Miroku's embrace.

 

Ayame stood with Koga's arms wrapped around her waist as tears fell down her face. Koga stood quiet for a moment and then said softly, “Inuyasha, we will be back later. We need to get back to the twins. If you need anything, don't hesitate to call, okay?” Miroku and Sango also indicated that they needed to go as well.

 

Inuyasha nodded, not taking his eyes off of Kagome. “Thanks for helping us you guys.” Murmuring their farewells and promises to return later, the friends took their leave.

 

Sesshomaru and Rin had stood in the background, watching the others quietly. Once everyone else had left, Rin slid out from Sesshomaru's arms and walked quietly to Kagome's bed. She looked at Inuyasha for a moment before she climbed up and snuggled against Kagome's side. Kagome seemed to realize that the child was there as she wrapped her arm around Rin's small body and drew her close. Rin smiled sleepily and soon drifted off. Inuyasha and Sesshomaru watched Rin's and Kagome's interaction in silence.

 

“It would seem that Kagome finds comfort in the child. Just as the child finds comfort in her.” Inuyasha nodded.

 

“I think I will ask Kagome if she would like to adopt her when she wakes. I don't think that either of them will mind. I know that I wouldn't mind calling her my daughter.” He drew a blanket over the two, placing a kiss on both of their cheeks. Sesshomaru smiled at his brother's tender gesture.

 

`It is about time I became an uncle,' he thought to himself.

 

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TBC

 

A/N: I hope that you like this chapter. Kagome was finally rescued and the doctors say that she will be okay. You will have to stay tuned to see what will happen next.

 

If you would like me to email you when I update this story, please review and make sure to leave an email address. I will send out a message when I add chapters.

 

As always, Read, Enjoy, and Review!