InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ Special delivery ❯ Elixir of Life ( Chapter 86 )
[ Y - Young Adult: Not suitable for readers under 16 ]
By: saphira404 
Anime/Manga: InuYasha Fan Fiction | Genre(s): Romance / Hentai / Drama / Comedy | Type: Alternate Universe | Uploaded On: 09.15.2011 | Pages: 4 | Words: 7.1K | Visits: 238 | Status: Work In Progress
Anime/Manga: InuYasha Fan Fiction | Genre(s): Romance / Hentai / Drama / Comedy | Type: Alternate Universe | Uploaded On: 09.15.2011 | Pages: 4 | Words: 7.1K | Visits: 238 | Status: Work In Progress
Chapter 86: Elixir of Life
A/N: Longer chapter this time around. I hope you guys will enjoy!
Disclaimer: If I owned Inuyasha, Sesshy and Kagura would be happily mated and working on silver haired baby number three by now…
“Talking”
‘Thinking& #8217;
“Good evening Kagura, I just came in to introduce you to a good friend of Bankotsu, Jakotsu and I. This is Mukotsu, a former… associate of ours.” The tall dark haired and handsome doctor then turned towards the much shorter man. “Mukotsu, this is Kagura, the fiancée of the patient I mentioned earlier.”
“Hello… nice to meet you.” An uncertain Kagura blurted. She trusted Suikotsu implicitly even if she had no idea what he was planning.
“Yeah yeah, I have no time for pleasantries.” Mukotsu’s words came out muffled as he did not bother with removing the cloth from his face. Before Kagura could protest, he stepped past her inside the room, and headed straight for Sesshoumaru’s bedside. He flicked out a small blade from inside his robe and lifted the blanket to prickle Sesshoumaru’s uninjured arm with it. Before the wound had a chance to close up, he brought the bloody tip of the metal under the veil to his lips.
“What is he doing?!” The wind sorceress gasped in utter shock. She was not sure what to say or do, and was too stunned to do anything anyways.
“So Mukotsu, what is your verdict?” A nonplused Suikotsu asked.
After a loud lip smacking sound, the shorter man removed the cloth from his face and revealed what Kagura mentally thought to be the most hideous and swollen face she had ever seen. When she had met Jaken, Sesshoumaru’s small green servant, she had been sure that she had met the ugliest being alive, but in her eyes Mukotsu had just won the contest.
“He definitely has too much toxin in his blood.” The short ugly man spat on the carpeted floor, not even caring that he was behaving disgustingly.
“I don’t understand what just happened, or what the hell he is doing here.” Even if she was talking about Mukotsu, it was towards Suikotsu that Kagura turned in search for an answer.
“My friend Mukotsu is a poison master. If he is unable to save Sesshoumaru’s life, then no one will.” Suikotsu’s words resonated ominously around the small hospital room.
“You… you think he can help Sesshoumaru?” Kagura gasped. She thought to herself that as ugly as Mukotsu may be, if he indeed managed to get Sesshoumaru out of his coma, she would readily kiss him.
“I am fairly certain it is the buildup of toxins in his blood that is keeping him in a coma.” Mukotsu explained before thoughtfully bringing the small bloody blade to his nose, and inhaling Sesshoumaru’s blood. “Clearing such strong poisonous toxins from his blood will not be easy...”
“Will you be able to come up with an antidote?” Suikotsu questioned his friend.
He had called in a favor to make Mukotsu, who had become quite a recluse since they had been released from jail, come all the way to the city in order to try to help Sesshoumaru, and all the young doctor hoped for was that the other man would be able to save his young patient. Not long after their Band of Seven had been released from jail, Mukotsu, who had not always been able to control himself when in the presence of young beautiful women had found himself in trouble. A young miko he had been infatuated with had not taken his marriage proposal and kidnapping/stalking lightly. After Suikotsu had sorted out the legal mess, Mukotsu had decided to exile himself to a mountain cave where he was able to practice his poison and antidote making craft without being disturbed by anyone.
It was the delightful Mayumi who had reminded Suikotsu of the debt Mukotsu owed him for having helped him out. Only thinking about the beautiful young demoness caused him to slightly smile. To his own surprise in the last two days they had been seeing quite a bit of each other for which Suikotsu was more than grateful. She had given him a much needed boost in confidence, and to his surprise even helped him be in better control of his ever present inner demons. One look at her shy sweet smile, and he was convinced he was the best doctor and strongest man who had ever lived.
“It will not be cheap…” The small pudgy man reminded his former associate.
“Money is not an issue.” Kagura stated. Assuring her lover’s recovery she knew would take precedence over anything in the eyes of everyone. She may not have access to Sesshoumaru’s bank accounts, which she knew to be quite full, but she knew Inuyasha, Asuka and even her own parents would be more than willing to contribute money as long as it would help Sesshoumaru.
“In that case, I can start work right away. I will need a lab…”
“I have already made preparations.” The young doctor informed his former Band of Seven associate. “I hope you brought your herbs with you.”
Without answering, Mukotsu gently tapped the white backpack strapped around his back.
“Fantastic. Let me show you the space I have prepared. Be sure to tell me if there is anything you will need.” Suikotsu headed towards the door. He wanted Mukotsu to start working immediately. Kagura and her daughters had waited long enough to be reunited with Sesshoumaru.
The young doctor was not the only one eager for the poison master to start working. Mukotsu was a man who loved challenges; especially when it came to creating poisons, or as in this case antidotes. The prospect of working on a very rare poisonous inu youkai made his blood sing in anticipation. Since he was human, it was not often that demons required his help, or even agreed to let him help them. He therefore intended to take full advantage of the opportunity given to him. He was going to help Sesshoumaru, fulfill his promise to Suikotsu, but above all else further his knowledge of the inner workings of youkai. The latter was the thing that mattered the most to him. Just thinking about it made him want to start working immediately.
“The sample I tasted might not be enough for me to work on. I will require a greater quantity of his blood in order to analyze it in more detail.” Mukotsu tried thinking back to the acrid, acidic taste of Sesshoumaru’s blood, and what he could use to help dissolve the excess toxins.
“I will arrange for one of my nurses to bring you some of Sesshoumaru’s blood.” Mukotsu nodded happily at his friend’s answer. He did not protest when Suikotsu then gently steered him towards the door; he had work to do.
Kagura wondered if she should say something, or thank Mukotsu as she watched the two men exit her fiancé’s hospital room. In the end the two left, and she did not say anything.
She sighed deeply. Her previous tiredness was now forgotten. For the first time since Kanna had been adducted, she finally saw the light at the end of the very dark tunnel she had been stuck in.
“He will help you come back to me.” She stated as she walked towards her slumbering lover. As careful as ever she sat next to his uninjured arm on the bed, and leaned towards his beautiful face. “I know he will.” She brushed some of his silver bangs out of his closed eyes to reveal the blue crescent that adorned the creamy pale skin of his forehead. She leaned forward and pressed a light kiss on his soft skin.
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“Absolutely not!”
Kagura rolled her eyes at Asuka’s shout. The wind sorceress had spent another dreadful night. Ever since Suikotsu had brought Mukotsu on board, she had been too excited to sleep properly. She kept expecting to hear from the short human as she was convinced he would have been able to save her lover. However to her disappointment for the past forty eight hours the ugly human had stayed locked inside the lab Suikotsu had accommodated for him.
Sesshoumaru’s personal physician had at least taken the time to come see Kagura, but even he had no idea what Mukotsu was concocting in his lab. She had been disappointed that he had no words of comfort for her. And now even as she patiently sat in her seat, knitting the afternoon away, she had found something even more to annoy her: Asuka. The second the older demoness had been appraised of Suikotsu’s plan, she had rushed to the clinic, eager to let everyone, and especially Kagura, know of her discontent.
“I will not let you poison my son!” At seeing how angry Asuka was, Kagura was surprised her mother in law had not started frothing at the mouth. That at least would have been an interesting enough sight that could help her get over her present irritation. She was tired, cranky and the idea of Asuka giving her a reason to snap at her, or better yet fight with her was not really something she was looking forward to. Usually she knew she would be able to stand her own against her mother in law, but at the moment she was suffering from lack of sleep and was extremely short tempered.
‘There’s no need to get angry at her right now. I need to think positively for Sesshoumaru. The last thing he needs right now is for me and Asuka to start screaming over his body…’ The wind sorceress thought to herself as she forced herself to focus all her anger in moving the knitting needles in her hands faster.
Noticing that she had not managed to get Kagura’s attention, Asuka’s anger grew. If there was one thing she hated above else, it was having people ignore her, which was exactly what the wind sorceress was doing. The younger demoness had resumed working on the orange pullover she had started knitting for Rin. She was sitting by her lover’s bedside, her fingers working diligently as she did her best not to react to Asuka spitting venomous words in her direction.
‘Where is mom when I need her?’ Kagura wondered. She was sure that if anyone would be able to make Asuka understand that Mukotsu, as ugly, creepy and disrespectful as he may be, was Sesshoumaru’s best shot at recovery at the moment, it would be her Sakura Fujibayashi.
“Do not pretend you did not hear what I said.” The dog demoness snarled. The fact that Kagura was still ignoring her was grating her nerves raw. She wished she could once again throw the young woman out of the room, and out of her son’s life, but Kagura’s attachment to the Fujibayashi prevented her from doing so. Only remembering the dazzling and exquisite dinner party she had attended with Sakura the night before made her slightly relax her clenched fist.
“My ears function properly, so I have heard you.” Kagura shrugged off Asuka’s glare. She reached down in the basket at her feet, looking for a different colored yarn in order to put flowers on the pullover she was making for Rin. Since winter was fast approaching, the wind sorceress had decided to make use of the time she was spending by Sesshoumaru’s side, and was knitting for their daughters. She had already made both Kanna and Rin a set of scarves and gloves, which they had both loved, and was now working on a pullover for her eldest child.
Kagura’s impertinent tone managed to make Asuka forget about her earlier resolution to calm down.
‘I have had enough of that bitch! It does not matter who her mother might be anymore. Sesshoumaru has to come first, and I will not let her kill him. It is already because of her that my son is in this hospital bed.’
“You might have forgotten, but it is only because I have allowed you to be by Sesshoumaru’s side that you have been allowed here.”
“Yes, I know. Have I and my mother not thanked you enough?” Asuka’s dark read lips spread in a cruel grin upon hearing Kagura’s words.
“Are your words going to bring me my son back?”
Kagura halted her knitting needles. She almost snapped back at Asuka, but decided against it. She could tell where the older demoness’s words were coming from; pain and fear. Two emotions she had been very familiar with as of late.
“No.” She averted her crimson gaze from the mass of orange yarn draped over her knees to look up at the fuming woman. “I am aware that you’re angry. I am too. However I am not about to give up on Sesshoumaru. This is why I believe in Mukotsu, I am sure…”
“As if a pitiful human who believes himself to be knowledgeable about poison could help a powerful demon like my son. This whole farce has gone on for too long. I have allowed my son to be transferred to this pathetic clinic only because I know he seems to care for Suikotsu…” She paused thoughtfully. “Although I do not know why he allows that former human criminal to treat him…”
The door of Sesshoumaru’s hospital room was thrown opened, and a red clad figure walked in.
“Well a hello to you too Inuyasha.” Never had Kagura been gladder to see the hanyou. She really hoped that he would prove to be a buffer between her and Asuka.
“Keh! What’s this about some poison guy making some magic potion for the old bastard to wake up?”
Kagura decided to ignore Inuyasha’s disrespectful words towards her fiancé.
“Mukotsu is a friend of Suikotsu and from what I’ve heard, an accomplished poison master. I’m convinced he can make an antidote to help Sesshoumaru.” Kagura answered lightly. Only thinking about the moment Sesshoumaru would wake up made her heart feel lighter.
“Sounds to me like a load of bullshit.” He countered, crossing his arms over his bright red dress shirt.
Asuka had been angered enough by Kagura’s refusal of listening to her, and the young woman’s decision to go along with Suikotsu’s plan, and the appearance of Inuyasha was not helping matters at all. However when she noticed he sounded dubious about what she deemed to be Suikotsu’s harebrained plan, she perked up. She believed that strength was in numbers after all.
‘Not to mention that he could finally make himself useful. If he takes the blame for sending away that doctor’s friend, then my relationship with the Fujibayashis will not be affected.’ The older dog demoness did her best to mask her triumphant smile.
“Inuyasha, for once we find ourselves in agreement.” Asuka smiled icily towards Kagura. “I have tried to let Kagura know how ridiculous this idea may be. I really do not think we should rely on some quack to save your dear brother…” The last word had almost stuck in her throat, but she was proud to have managed to let it out.
Inuyasha felt a shiver of unease run down his spine. Never had Asuka been this charming, respectful or accepting towards him, and it freaked him out.
‘She’s definitely up to something…’ The half dog demon could not shake the feeling that his half brother’s mother was trying to use him in some way. He scowled as he gently scratched the back of one of his twitching left ear with sharp claws.
“Feh! It’s not like we’ve got anything to lose. Knowing Sesshoumaru, he’d want us to give it a try. Besides he trusts Suikotsu…”
Upon hearing Inuyasha’s words, Asuka was not happy. Not happy at all. She realized that she had just lost a potential ally.
“That was exactly what I thought. It’s worth a shot… besides I doubt things could get worse.” Kagura chanced a brief glance towards Sesshoumaru’s unmoving form.
“Everything now makes sense to me.” Asuka murmured words caught Kagura’s attention. Seeing how the inu youkai’s plan had been thwarted, the wind sorceress had expected for the other woman to start screaming at her. The way in which she appeared calm and in control lead Kagura to believe that something was up, and it would not be something good.
“The only reason you are interested in my son is his money. It would be in your interest if he died. I now see that this is what you want. For him to die!” Asuka let out a humorless chuckle. “As soon as you have gotten rid of Sesshoumaru, then that human child you have pushed him to adopt with you would be his only heir, and you as its mother would be able to enjoy Sesshoumaru’s money!” Realizing she was shouting in a manner fitting for a fishmonger wife, and not a woman as refined and sophisticated as her, the older demoness lowered her voice before speaking again.
‘I cannot stand back and let them kill my son!’ Asuka clenched her right hand in a fist, hoping it would help her control her raging emotions.
“If you insist on trying to poison my only child, then I have no choice but to remove your disgusting influence on him. I have tried tolerating you; however, I have now come to realize that in your case, inconveniences far outweigh benefits. I will have you thrown out of here for good.”
Kagura had reached her limit. She was about to refute all of Asuka’s ludicrous claims, but she never got the chance.
“Oh for fucks sake!” Inuyasha’s loud expletive was enough to shock Asuka into silence. “How can someone be so stupid? If she was only in it for the money, do you think she would have stood by his side like that all day all this time. Even you can’t stand to be in this damn room for more than an hour. What are you even doing here? Don’t you have another party or gala to go to?”
Asuka pinched her lips. There was truth in Inuyasha’s words. She may have really enjoyed mingling with the city’s rich and famous while attending dinner parties and galas with Sakura and Morio Fujibayashi, but most of all it was a great way for her to distract her mind from the fact that her son was lying in a coma. She indeed found being in Sesshoumaru’s hospital room nerve wracking. Unlike Kagura, she did not speak to her son as she did not believe he could hear her; not to mention that speaking aloud to an obviously sleeping person seemed completely ludicrous to her. A few minutes every day, or sometimes every other day was all she could stand to see her son. If she spent more time in his presence she felt edgy. However since Asuka was not about to admit to Inuyasha and Kagura of all people that she felt scared, angry and frustrated, she decided to mask her true emotions with outrage and furiousness.
“How dare speak to me this way, you disgrace?! What makes you think that you of all people can presume to judge me? From the moment you were born, you were a stain upon the Takahashi name. The only reason I have tolerated you all these years was Sesshoumaru’s misplaced affection for you…”
Kagura discarded her knitting before jumping to her feet. “You’re the one who’s being a disgrace to Sesshoumaru. How he could have come from your body, I will never understand. Ever since he’s been in a coma, I have done my best to get along with you for his sake, but I don’t even care anymore. You can insult me all you like, but I won’t let you doubt my love for Sesshoumaru, or try to insinuate that I’m trying to use Rin to get to his bank account.” Kagura let out a deep sigh; it felt so good to be finally liberated!
‘It is so ironic that even if the one thing I have always refused to take from Sesshoumaru is his money, his mother doesn’t believe me.’ The exasperated wind sorceress thought. Because of Sesshoumaru’s condition, her nerves were raw, and the situation with Asuka was not helping matters at all. Now that she was presented with an opportunity to vent, and she was not about to let it pass.
“Oh and Asuka, one more thing. Inuyasha is an important part of our family, and both Sesshoumaru and I care a lot about him.” Inuyasha was warmed over by Kagura’s fierce defense, but Asuka’s insults had never affected him in the past, and that was not about to change now.
“Keh! I really don’t get why you’re trying to keep these two apart; any idiot could see they love each other…” Inuyasha interjected before Asuka opened her mouth to retort.
“When your opinion will be required, it will be called upon.” The snappy tone used by his half brother’s mother caused Inuyasha to snicker and let out a loud “Feh!”
Kagura had had enough of Asuka belittling both her and Inuyasha; especially when they had more important things to deal with such as her fiancé’s recovery, and the antidote she was hoping Mukotsu was concocting. In a frustrated gesture, she rubbed the skin under her black bangs with two fingers; she could feel a headache coming as well.
‘As things stand right now, even if he manages to make an antidote, I don’t know if we’ll be able to give it to Sesshoumaru. His mother will oppose it… and as much as I hate it, we need her damn consent before administering the medicine. There must be some way to make things work…’ The crimson eyed demoness was surprised when an unusual idea suddenly came to her.
‘It may be crazy, but it might just work.’ She thought to herself before speaking aloud. “Asuka.” Kagura using her name immediately caught the attention of the dog demoness.
“What?!” Had she not been wearing a tailored cream colored designer pantsuit, Kagura would have said the other woman had just barked at her, which considering she was an inu youkai should not have been that surprising.
“I will make a deal with you.” Asuka arched her eyebrow in response to Kagura’s words, causing the nervousness of the latter to grow. Trying to give herself more confidence, she moistened her lower lip with the tip of her tongue before speaking. “If Mukotsu fails with his antidote… I will leave.”
“What?!” Instead of Asuka, it was Inuyasha who screamed.
Asuka was slightly surprised by Kagura’s sudden proposal, but her shock was quickly overcome by pure delight and relief. She did not hesitate one second before clamoring “I accept!”
One thing Asuka Watanabe-Takahashi had learned early on in life was to always take advantage of every opportunities offered. This was how she had managed to leave behind a life of poverty, and ascend to the place she now had in society. Right now she was not about to let what she deemed to be a golden opportunity to pass her by.
‘This will be the perfect chance to get rid of Kagura once and for all. Of course allowing that disgusting so called potion master to pump some potion into Sesshoumaru’s body may be undesirable, but I am sure he will be able to withstand it. He is a pure breed inu youkai, and my son; he will be just fine.’ She smiled happily to herself. ‘Things are finally working my way!’
“I will go in search of that incompetent human doctor my son seems to like so much, and see if that friend of his has made any progress.” Now that she had found a way to get rid of Kagura, the dog demoness was very eager to help things move along. Asuka walked towards the door then briefly paused to throw some words of warning to Kagura over her shoulder. “Be sure to remember your promise; I will hold you to it.”
Before the wind sorceress had a chance to say anything in return, her ‘mother in-law’ left the hospital room.
“What the fuck is wrong with you?!” Inuyasha crossed the room to stand right in front of Kagura. He was tempted to grab her by the shoulders, and shake her hard in the hopes that she would regain her sense. The deep scowl darkening his face would have scared off anyone with a lack of a backbone; lucky for Kagura, this was not her case.
“Sesshoumaru making a full recovery is the most important thing to me right now. I would do anything to make sure he gets better, and I really think Mukotsu’s potion will help…”
“Feh! I know that, but it doesn’t mean you have to give up your relationship!”
Kagura sighed in exasperation. “I know that! You may not have thought about it, but in order to give Sesshoumaru the antidote, we will need Asuka’s consent. After all she is legally still the one in charge of him. The only way I could think of to get her to agree was to dangle under her nose one thing I was sure she would want.”
“What if it doesn’t work?” Inuyasha asked the question which had been nagging at her mind.
“Let’s just hope it will.” The wind sorceress let out through her clenched throat. “Even if it does, I will do as I have promised. However when Sesshoumaru wakes up, and I know he will, nothing will prevent him from coming to me.” She forced a small smile before adding. “I did say I would leave, not that I would give up on marrying Sesshoumaru…”
It took the hanyou a second to recollect the conversation Kagura had just had with Asuka, and once he realized that she indeed had not promised to walk out of her lover’s life for good, he felt reassured.
“Feh! You truly are one cunning crazy wench. I don’t know why you have so much faith in that poison guy...” Inuyasha could only hope that Kagura was not making a mistake.
“The way I see things, he’s the only chance Sesshoumaru has right now. Nothing else worked, and unless you have some other remedy, we have to rely on Mukotsu.”
“I suppose...” Inuyasha reluctantly grumbled. He was still not convinced by Kagura’s decision, but decided not to question it. Not being one who could stand tense awkward situations, he decided to try to cheer up Kagura. He dug inside his pocket, and retrieved a small object that he threw in her direction. It was only because of her youkai reflexes that she was able to catch it.
“This is…” The wind sorceress started. To her own annoyance, she was suddenly too choked up by emotion to be able to fully finish her sentence. Even if words failed her, and that her bloodshot crimson eyes were suddenly becoming very moist, it was with steady fingers that she placed the elegant ring around her finger.
“That old bat of Totosai gave it to me when I stopped by the penthouse to check on things. I thought you’d like to have it.” Inuyasha could not help but wish Asuka had stayed long enough to see the gift he had brought for Kagura. He was dying to know how she would react to him giving Tenseiga to the other demoness.
The wind sorceress brought her left hand up for inspection, the diamonds on Tenseiga shinning brighter than ever on her finger.
‘Sesshoumaru intends to spend the rest of his life with me, and that is a commitment I take seriously because we love each other.’ She walked towards her unmoving fiancé, and carefully sat next to his arm on the bed.
“I’m going to go for now… Kagome and Shippou are waiting for me.” The half dog demon lied. He had never been one to handle displays of emotion well, and something told him that the way Kagura’s eyes were shimmering while she stared down at Sesshoumaru’s face was a prelude to a breakdown, which he had no intention to witness.
“Sure. If there’s any news, I’ll let you know.” In response he nodded towards her before heading straight for the door.
“Oh Inuyasha.” He turned around to look back at the wind sorceress who had called after him.
“Thank you.” Kagura’s whispered words resonating in his ears, the young hanyou walked out of the room, leaving the young woman with her lover.
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“Are you sure that thing is safe? It reeks.” Inuyasha could not help but comment. He, Kagura, Asuka and Suikotsu were all watching intently as Mukotsu got ready to attempt to save Sesshoumaru’s life.
The five of them were standing in a semi circle around Sesshoumaru’s bed. While Inuyasha’s nose kept twitching, the two demoness and the young doctor stayed silent as Mukotsu kept pulling objects out of the white backpack which had been strapped behind his back a few minutes ago. Only an hour before Mukotsu had asked his former associate to summon Sesshoumaru’s family members in order for them to witness him administrating the antidote to the dog demon.
As much as she tried to hide it, Kagura could not repress a shiver of unease from shaking her thin frame when she noticed the huge syringe Mukotsu pulled out of his bag. She did not know what he was planning to do with it, but she was sure that it would hurt her lover, which made her worried.
‘I guess it’s what they call a necessary evil…’ She thought as she nervously twirled Tenseiga around her finger. Getting her engagement ring back had helped her remember that Sesshoumaru and she were going to have a bright future after he woke up.
Inuyasha was more focused on the jar full of an oily dark brown liquid the young pudgy human then produced from his bag. Using his dog senses he had been able to make up the foul smell the second he had stepped inside the room, and had immediately suspected it was the antidote the potion master.
‘Feh! I don’t know what he put in that, but I’ve never smelt anything this disgusting.’ Inuyasha rubbed his nose. ‘Only the smell of it should be able to bring Sesshoumaru back from his coma…’
A much more subdued Asuka was watching the proceedings with wide golden eyes. She was impatient for Mukotsu to start working.
‘Whatever happens this will be a win-win situation for me. If the antidote works, then I will have my son back; if it fails, both Sesshoumaru and I will be rid of Kagura for good.’
“How long will this take? We all have better things to do.” Asuka addressed none other than Mukotsu.
The hunched human, turned his big round eyes towards the beautiful dog demoness, and gave her a nonplused look. “It will take as long as it takes.” He placed latex gloves on his hands then removed the syringe from its wrapper.
Suikotsu easily felt the tension rising in the room, and decided to try to calm down everyone.
“Mrs. Takaha…”
“Mrs. Watanabe-Takahashi” She corrected the young human.
“Mrs. Watanabe-Takahashi” Suikotsu amended. “I am sure Mukotsu is doing all he can in order to help your son. We have all waited three days for him to craft this antidote, so I am sure we can all wait a few more minutes.” He sent the older woman a bright smile to which she of course did not answer.
Even if both Inuyasha and Asuka were trying to mask their feelings, the two of them as well as Kagura and Suikotsu waited with bated breath as Mukotsu started injecting the dark substance into one of Sesshoumaru’s IV through the big syringe he had unwrapped earlier.
Five pair of eyes followed the substance as it travelled down the long transparent tube before reaching the vein on Sesshoumaru’s arm and disappearing into his body.
“As I thought, this was a waste of time.” Asuka scoffed after a few minutes, masking the fact that deep down she had hoped the antidote would work, even if it meant she would have to suffer Kagura’s presence longer.
“What ignorance! The potion will need time to take effect. It may even require more than one application.” Mukotsu, who did not like to be doubted, spit out in the direction of the regal dog demoness.
Asuka was imagining various and very painful ways of destroying the small human. Most of them involved her very potent poison since he seemed very fond of it…
“After this first dose, I will make Sesshoumaru go through some tests to see if there might be some improvement in his condition.” Suikotsu quickly interjected, once more hoping to dispel the tension between his friend and the mother of his patient.
“In that case I will take my leave. I better be informed if there are any changes.” Asuka glided towards the door, and quickly exited the room. Once she was out of the room she lowered her eyes to the hand which was holding on to her designer clutch purse, and was shocked to see the limb was shaking tremendously.
‘Stupid emotions.’ She thought angrily before stomping in the direction of the parking garage.
Back inside the room, Inuyasha briefly averted his gaze from his brother to the door. “Good riddance.” He muttered under his breath.
“I will be back in a few hours to take another blood sample for analysis. For now I will go prepare some more antidote.” The short poison master informed everyone, not caring one bit about how they may react to his work. “While I am working, do not interrupt me… unless the patient shows a reaction to the treatment.”
“Reaction?” Kagura echoed.
“Some people turn out to be allergic to some of the herbs or roots I use in my potion… Although I am unsure how it will work out with a youkai. If he develops hives, redness, a fever or anything uncommon, let me know.”
Not even bothering to provide a more detailed explanation, Mukotsu picked up his bag, and put back his protective white veil back over his face. In the next instant his small form was waddling out of the room, and heading back to his lab. He really could not wait to see how his first youkai patient was going to react to his potion.
“Side effects?! How come that bastard didn’t tell us that was possible?!” Since the source of his upset was out of his reach, Inuyasha turned towards Suikotsu. He sent a glare towards the young doctor before speaking again. “If Sesshoumaru gets worse, I’ll blame you.”
“Inuyasha…” Kagura gently tried to calm him down. Having him get angry at Sesshoumaru’s doctors was not going to help matters. “He said it was a possibility, but Sesshoumaru is a demon, and a strong one. I doubt there will be any side effects.” Even though she was trying to reassure the hanyou, her words were helping her as well. “I’ll keep an eye on Sesshoumaru to make sure he’s doing alright. If I see any changes, I’ll be sure to let Suikotsu and Mukotsu know. Of course I’ll let you know too. You should go see Kagome; I know how unnerving things can be for a pregnant woman when you’re time’s nearing.”
As much as Inuyasha wanted to argue, he had to admit that now that Kagome was approaching the third trimester of her pregnancy, she was having a harder time with things. Her feet were swollen, she was having horrible heartburn and backache, and had developed a tendency to fall asleep anywhere anytime. The latter was what worried him the most, and had even pushed him to ask her to stop driving. And since she had to rely on him or her mother to get around, the half demon could not afford to be away from home for too long.
“Keh! Alright, I’ll go for now, but if anything changes, call me.” Kagura nodded in assent upon hearing the words of her future brother in-law. With a last nod in her direction, Inuyasha left his brother’s hospital room.
Not really knowing what else he could add, and figuring that Kagura would probably be better off by herself, Suikotsu also took his leave.
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Sesshoumaru Takahashi had never felt this strange in his life. He was plunged in complete darkness, and could not hear a sound, which was very uncommon for a dog demon as himself who so often relied on his sense. He tried remembering where he was, or what had happened, but he could not. He struggled, but to his own shock found himself unable to move. Growing irritated, he then attempted to open his eyes, but found them to be glued together. He felt a growing tingling sensation resonate through his left arm, but could not figure out what it was. Before he had a chance to figure out what happened, his mind suddenly shut down, and everything went blank again.
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Kagura stretched as much as she could while not having to get up from her seat. As much as she wanted to take a nap, she knew that Mukotsu would come soon to give Sesshoumaru his third dose of the day.
‘For the past two days he’s been giving Sesshoumaru regular doses of the antidote, but nothing’s happened yet.’ She sighed heavily as her crimson eyes rested on her fiancé’s ever slumbering form. ‘I know that soon Asuka will come to tell me to leave. We’ve made a bargain, and I intend to fulfill my end… as much as it may hurt me. While Suikotsu thinks up another way to help Sesshoumaru, I can focus on the girls. Kanna’s birthday is in only two days, and she misses her dad so much. The least I can do is be here for her…’
Her head full of her daughters’ pain, the young demoness walked towards her lover with the clear aim to say her goodbyes. She sat next to him, and leaned forward to press a kiss to his lips. She gasped when she felt something move against her jean clad thigh. Her eyes lowered, and she was shocked to see Sesshoumaru’s hand clench the white bed sheet. Her heart skipped a beat, and air rushed into her lungs.
“Sesshoumaru!” She whispered incredulously before launching herself towards the side table which had a phone resting on it. Using the speed dial, she quickly called the office situated on the highest level of the clinic. As soon as the person on the other line answered, she wasted no time speaking the words she had wanted and hoped to say for so long.
“Suikotsu… it’s Sesshoumaru, I think he’s waking up!”
To be continued…
A/N: Will Sesshoumaru really wake up, or will Asuka be rid of Kagura for good? We shall see. Although I’m sure you can guess since the chapter will be named Convalescence. I’m planning on only having one or two more chappies before *sniff sniff* the store comes to an end.
Con verting /tmp/phpGPwInG to /dev/stdout
A/N: Longer chapter this time around. I hope you guys will enjoy!
Disclaimer: If I owned Inuyasha, Sesshy and Kagura would be happily mated and working on silver haired baby number three by now…
“Talking”
‘Thinking& #8217;
“Good evening Kagura, I just came in to introduce you to a good friend of Bankotsu, Jakotsu and I. This is Mukotsu, a former… associate of ours.” The tall dark haired and handsome doctor then turned towards the much shorter man. “Mukotsu, this is Kagura, the fiancée of the patient I mentioned earlier.”
“Hello… nice to meet you.” An uncertain Kagura blurted. She trusted Suikotsu implicitly even if she had no idea what he was planning.
“Yeah yeah, I have no time for pleasantries.” Mukotsu’s words came out muffled as he did not bother with removing the cloth from his face. Before Kagura could protest, he stepped past her inside the room, and headed straight for Sesshoumaru’s bedside. He flicked out a small blade from inside his robe and lifted the blanket to prickle Sesshoumaru’s uninjured arm with it. Before the wound had a chance to close up, he brought the bloody tip of the metal under the veil to his lips.
“What is he doing?!” The wind sorceress gasped in utter shock. She was not sure what to say or do, and was too stunned to do anything anyways.
“So Mukotsu, what is your verdict?” A nonplused Suikotsu asked.
After a loud lip smacking sound, the shorter man removed the cloth from his face and revealed what Kagura mentally thought to be the most hideous and swollen face she had ever seen. When she had met Jaken, Sesshoumaru’s small green servant, she had been sure that she had met the ugliest being alive, but in her eyes Mukotsu had just won the contest.
“He definitely has too much toxin in his blood.” The short ugly man spat on the carpeted floor, not even caring that he was behaving disgustingly.
“I don’t understand what just happened, or what the hell he is doing here.” Even if she was talking about Mukotsu, it was towards Suikotsu that Kagura turned in search for an answer.
“My friend Mukotsu is a poison master. If he is unable to save Sesshoumaru’s life, then no one will.” Suikotsu’s words resonated ominously around the small hospital room.
“You… you think he can help Sesshoumaru?” Kagura gasped. She thought to herself that as ugly as Mukotsu may be, if he indeed managed to get Sesshoumaru out of his coma, she would readily kiss him.
“I am fairly certain it is the buildup of toxins in his blood that is keeping him in a coma.” Mukotsu explained before thoughtfully bringing the small bloody blade to his nose, and inhaling Sesshoumaru’s blood. “Clearing such strong poisonous toxins from his blood will not be easy...”
“Will you be able to come up with an antidote?” Suikotsu questioned his friend.
He had called in a favor to make Mukotsu, who had become quite a recluse since they had been released from jail, come all the way to the city in order to try to help Sesshoumaru, and all the young doctor hoped for was that the other man would be able to save his young patient. Not long after their Band of Seven had been released from jail, Mukotsu, who had not always been able to control himself when in the presence of young beautiful women had found himself in trouble. A young miko he had been infatuated with had not taken his marriage proposal and kidnapping/stalking lightly. After Suikotsu had sorted out the legal mess, Mukotsu had decided to exile himself to a mountain cave where he was able to practice his poison and antidote making craft without being disturbed by anyone.
It was the delightful Mayumi who had reminded Suikotsu of the debt Mukotsu owed him for having helped him out. Only thinking about the beautiful young demoness caused him to slightly smile. To his own surprise in the last two days they had been seeing quite a bit of each other for which Suikotsu was more than grateful. She had given him a much needed boost in confidence, and to his surprise even helped him be in better control of his ever present inner demons. One look at her shy sweet smile, and he was convinced he was the best doctor and strongest man who had ever lived.
“It will not be cheap…” The small pudgy man reminded his former associate.
“Money is not an issue.” Kagura stated. Assuring her lover’s recovery she knew would take precedence over anything in the eyes of everyone. She may not have access to Sesshoumaru’s bank accounts, which she knew to be quite full, but she knew Inuyasha, Asuka and even her own parents would be more than willing to contribute money as long as it would help Sesshoumaru.
“In that case, I can start work right away. I will need a lab…”
“I have already made preparations.” The young doctor informed his former Band of Seven associate. “I hope you brought your herbs with you.”
Without answering, Mukotsu gently tapped the white backpack strapped around his back.
“Fantastic. Let me show you the space I have prepared. Be sure to tell me if there is anything you will need.” Suikotsu headed towards the door. He wanted Mukotsu to start working immediately. Kagura and her daughters had waited long enough to be reunited with Sesshoumaru.
The young doctor was not the only one eager for the poison master to start working. Mukotsu was a man who loved challenges; especially when it came to creating poisons, or as in this case antidotes. The prospect of working on a very rare poisonous inu youkai made his blood sing in anticipation. Since he was human, it was not often that demons required his help, or even agreed to let him help them. He therefore intended to take full advantage of the opportunity given to him. He was going to help Sesshoumaru, fulfill his promise to Suikotsu, but above all else further his knowledge of the inner workings of youkai. The latter was the thing that mattered the most to him. Just thinking about it made him want to start working immediately.
“The sample I tasted might not be enough for me to work on. I will require a greater quantity of his blood in order to analyze it in more detail.” Mukotsu tried thinking back to the acrid, acidic taste of Sesshoumaru’s blood, and what he could use to help dissolve the excess toxins.
“I will arrange for one of my nurses to bring you some of Sesshoumaru’s blood.” Mukotsu nodded happily at his friend’s answer. He did not protest when Suikotsu then gently steered him towards the door; he had work to do.
Kagura wondered if she should say something, or thank Mukotsu as she watched the two men exit her fiancé’s hospital room. In the end the two left, and she did not say anything.
She sighed deeply. Her previous tiredness was now forgotten. For the first time since Kanna had been adducted, she finally saw the light at the end of the very dark tunnel she had been stuck in.
“He will help you come back to me.” She stated as she walked towards her slumbering lover. As careful as ever she sat next to his uninjured arm on the bed, and leaned towards his beautiful face. “I know he will.” She brushed some of his silver bangs out of his closed eyes to reveal the blue crescent that adorned the creamy pale skin of his forehead. She leaned forward and pressed a light kiss on his soft skin.
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“Absolutely not!”
Kagura rolled her eyes at Asuka’s shout. The wind sorceress had spent another dreadful night. Ever since Suikotsu had brought Mukotsu on board, she had been too excited to sleep properly. She kept expecting to hear from the short human as she was convinced he would have been able to save her lover. However to her disappointment for the past forty eight hours the ugly human had stayed locked inside the lab Suikotsu had accommodated for him.
Sesshoumaru’s personal physician had at least taken the time to come see Kagura, but even he had no idea what Mukotsu was concocting in his lab. She had been disappointed that he had no words of comfort for her. And now even as she patiently sat in her seat, knitting the afternoon away, she had found something even more to annoy her: Asuka. The second the older demoness had been appraised of Suikotsu’s plan, she had rushed to the clinic, eager to let everyone, and especially Kagura, know of her discontent.
“I will not let you poison my son!” At seeing how angry Asuka was, Kagura was surprised her mother in law had not started frothing at the mouth. That at least would have been an interesting enough sight that could help her get over her present irritation. She was tired, cranky and the idea of Asuka giving her a reason to snap at her, or better yet fight with her was not really something she was looking forward to. Usually she knew she would be able to stand her own against her mother in law, but at the moment she was suffering from lack of sleep and was extremely short tempered.
‘There’s no need to get angry at her right now. I need to think positively for Sesshoumaru. The last thing he needs right now is for me and Asuka to start screaming over his body…’ The wind sorceress thought to herself as she forced herself to focus all her anger in moving the knitting needles in her hands faster.
Noticing that she had not managed to get Kagura’s attention, Asuka’s anger grew. If there was one thing she hated above else, it was having people ignore her, which was exactly what the wind sorceress was doing. The younger demoness had resumed working on the orange pullover she had started knitting for Rin. She was sitting by her lover’s bedside, her fingers working diligently as she did her best not to react to Asuka spitting venomous words in her direction.
‘Where is mom when I need her?’ Kagura wondered. She was sure that if anyone would be able to make Asuka understand that Mukotsu, as ugly, creepy and disrespectful as he may be, was Sesshoumaru’s best shot at recovery at the moment, it would be her Sakura Fujibayashi.
“Do not pretend you did not hear what I said.” The dog demoness snarled. The fact that Kagura was still ignoring her was grating her nerves raw. She wished she could once again throw the young woman out of the room, and out of her son’s life, but Kagura’s attachment to the Fujibayashi prevented her from doing so. Only remembering the dazzling and exquisite dinner party she had attended with Sakura the night before made her slightly relax her clenched fist.
“My ears function properly, so I have heard you.” Kagura shrugged off Asuka’s glare. She reached down in the basket at her feet, looking for a different colored yarn in order to put flowers on the pullover she was making for Rin. Since winter was fast approaching, the wind sorceress had decided to make use of the time she was spending by Sesshoumaru’s side, and was knitting for their daughters. She had already made both Kanna and Rin a set of scarves and gloves, which they had both loved, and was now working on a pullover for her eldest child.
Kagura’s impertinent tone managed to make Asuka forget about her earlier resolution to calm down.
‘I have had enough of that bitch! It does not matter who her mother might be anymore. Sesshoumaru has to come first, and I will not let her kill him. It is already because of her that my son is in this hospital bed.’
“You might have forgotten, but it is only because I have allowed you to be by Sesshoumaru’s side that you have been allowed here.”
“Yes, I know. Have I and my mother not thanked you enough?” Asuka’s dark read lips spread in a cruel grin upon hearing Kagura’s words.
“Are your words going to bring me my son back?”
Kagura halted her knitting needles. She almost snapped back at Asuka, but decided against it. She could tell where the older demoness’s words were coming from; pain and fear. Two emotions she had been very familiar with as of late.
“No.” She averted her crimson gaze from the mass of orange yarn draped over her knees to look up at the fuming woman. “I am aware that you’re angry. I am too. However I am not about to give up on Sesshoumaru. This is why I believe in Mukotsu, I am sure…”
“As if a pitiful human who believes himself to be knowledgeable about poison could help a powerful demon like my son. This whole farce has gone on for too long. I have allowed my son to be transferred to this pathetic clinic only because I know he seems to care for Suikotsu…” She paused thoughtfully. “Although I do not know why he allows that former human criminal to treat him…”
The door of Sesshoumaru’s hospital room was thrown opened, and a red clad figure walked in.
“Well a hello to you too Inuyasha.” Never had Kagura been gladder to see the hanyou. She really hoped that he would prove to be a buffer between her and Asuka.
“Keh! What’s this about some poison guy making some magic potion for the old bastard to wake up?”
Kagura decided to ignore Inuyasha’s disrespectful words towards her fiancé.
“Mukotsu is a friend of Suikotsu and from what I’ve heard, an accomplished poison master. I’m convinced he can make an antidote to help Sesshoumaru.” Kagura answered lightly. Only thinking about the moment Sesshoumaru would wake up made her heart feel lighter.
“Sounds to me like a load of bullshit.” He countered, crossing his arms over his bright red dress shirt.
Asuka had been angered enough by Kagura’s refusal of listening to her, and the young woman’s decision to go along with Suikotsu’s plan, and the appearance of Inuyasha was not helping matters at all. However when she noticed he sounded dubious about what she deemed to be Suikotsu’s harebrained plan, she perked up. She believed that strength was in numbers after all.
‘Not to mention that he could finally make himself useful. If he takes the blame for sending away that doctor’s friend, then my relationship with the Fujibayashis will not be affected.’ The older dog demoness did her best to mask her triumphant smile.
“Inuyasha, for once we find ourselves in agreement.” Asuka smiled icily towards Kagura. “I have tried to let Kagura know how ridiculous this idea may be. I really do not think we should rely on some quack to save your dear brother…” The last word had almost stuck in her throat, but she was proud to have managed to let it out.
Inuyasha felt a shiver of unease run down his spine. Never had Asuka been this charming, respectful or accepting towards him, and it freaked him out.
‘She’s definitely up to something…’ The half dog demon could not shake the feeling that his half brother’s mother was trying to use him in some way. He scowled as he gently scratched the back of one of his twitching left ear with sharp claws.
“Feh! It’s not like we’ve got anything to lose. Knowing Sesshoumaru, he’d want us to give it a try. Besides he trusts Suikotsu…”
Upon hearing Inuyasha’s words, Asuka was not happy. Not happy at all. She realized that she had just lost a potential ally.
“That was exactly what I thought. It’s worth a shot… besides I doubt things could get worse.” Kagura chanced a brief glance towards Sesshoumaru’s unmoving form.
“Everything now makes sense to me.” Asuka murmured words caught Kagura’s attention. Seeing how the inu youkai’s plan had been thwarted, the wind sorceress had expected for the other woman to start screaming at her. The way in which she appeared calm and in control lead Kagura to believe that something was up, and it would not be something good.
“The only reason you are interested in my son is his money. It would be in your interest if he died. I now see that this is what you want. For him to die!” Asuka let out a humorless chuckle. “As soon as you have gotten rid of Sesshoumaru, then that human child you have pushed him to adopt with you would be his only heir, and you as its mother would be able to enjoy Sesshoumaru’s money!” Realizing she was shouting in a manner fitting for a fishmonger wife, and not a woman as refined and sophisticated as her, the older demoness lowered her voice before speaking again.
‘I cannot stand back and let them kill my son!’ Asuka clenched her right hand in a fist, hoping it would help her control her raging emotions.
“If you insist on trying to poison my only child, then I have no choice but to remove your disgusting influence on him. I have tried tolerating you; however, I have now come to realize that in your case, inconveniences far outweigh benefits. I will have you thrown out of here for good.”
Kagura had reached her limit. She was about to refute all of Asuka’s ludicrous claims, but she never got the chance.
“Oh for fucks sake!” Inuyasha’s loud expletive was enough to shock Asuka into silence. “How can someone be so stupid? If she was only in it for the money, do you think she would have stood by his side like that all day all this time. Even you can’t stand to be in this damn room for more than an hour. What are you even doing here? Don’t you have another party or gala to go to?”
Asuka pinched her lips. There was truth in Inuyasha’s words. She may have really enjoyed mingling with the city’s rich and famous while attending dinner parties and galas with Sakura and Morio Fujibayashi, but most of all it was a great way for her to distract her mind from the fact that her son was lying in a coma. She indeed found being in Sesshoumaru’s hospital room nerve wracking. Unlike Kagura, she did not speak to her son as she did not believe he could hear her; not to mention that speaking aloud to an obviously sleeping person seemed completely ludicrous to her. A few minutes every day, or sometimes every other day was all she could stand to see her son. If she spent more time in his presence she felt edgy. However since Asuka was not about to admit to Inuyasha and Kagura of all people that she felt scared, angry and frustrated, she decided to mask her true emotions with outrage and furiousness.
“How dare speak to me this way, you disgrace?! What makes you think that you of all people can presume to judge me? From the moment you were born, you were a stain upon the Takahashi name. The only reason I have tolerated you all these years was Sesshoumaru’s misplaced affection for you…”
Kagura discarded her knitting before jumping to her feet. “You’re the one who’s being a disgrace to Sesshoumaru. How he could have come from your body, I will never understand. Ever since he’s been in a coma, I have done my best to get along with you for his sake, but I don’t even care anymore. You can insult me all you like, but I won’t let you doubt my love for Sesshoumaru, or try to insinuate that I’m trying to use Rin to get to his bank account.” Kagura let out a deep sigh; it felt so good to be finally liberated!
‘It is so ironic that even if the one thing I have always refused to take from Sesshoumaru is his money, his mother doesn’t believe me.’ The exasperated wind sorceress thought. Because of Sesshoumaru’s condition, her nerves were raw, and the situation with Asuka was not helping matters at all. Now that she was presented with an opportunity to vent, and she was not about to let it pass.
“Oh and Asuka, one more thing. Inuyasha is an important part of our family, and both Sesshoumaru and I care a lot about him.” Inuyasha was warmed over by Kagura’s fierce defense, but Asuka’s insults had never affected him in the past, and that was not about to change now.
“Keh! I really don’t get why you’re trying to keep these two apart; any idiot could see they love each other…” Inuyasha interjected before Asuka opened her mouth to retort.
“When your opinion will be required, it will be called upon.” The snappy tone used by his half brother’s mother caused Inuyasha to snicker and let out a loud “Feh!”
Kagura had had enough of Asuka belittling both her and Inuyasha; especially when they had more important things to deal with such as her fiancé’s recovery, and the antidote she was hoping Mukotsu was concocting. In a frustrated gesture, she rubbed the skin under her black bangs with two fingers; she could feel a headache coming as well.
‘As things stand right now, even if he manages to make an antidote, I don’t know if we’ll be able to give it to Sesshoumaru. His mother will oppose it… and as much as I hate it, we need her damn consent before administering the medicine. There must be some way to make things work…’ The crimson eyed demoness was surprised when an unusual idea suddenly came to her.
‘It may be crazy, but it might just work.’ She thought to herself before speaking aloud. “Asuka.” Kagura using her name immediately caught the attention of the dog demoness.
“What?!” Had she not been wearing a tailored cream colored designer pantsuit, Kagura would have said the other woman had just barked at her, which considering she was an inu youkai should not have been that surprising.
“I will make a deal with you.” Asuka arched her eyebrow in response to Kagura’s words, causing the nervousness of the latter to grow. Trying to give herself more confidence, she moistened her lower lip with the tip of her tongue before speaking. “If Mukotsu fails with his antidote… I will leave.”
“What?!” Instead of Asuka, it was Inuyasha who screamed.
Asuka was slightly surprised by Kagura’s sudden proposal, but her shock was quickly overcome by pure delight and relief. She did not hesitate one second before clamoring “I accept!”
One thing Asuka Watanabe-Takahashi had learned early on in life was to always take advantage of every opportunities offered. This was how she had managed to leave behind a life of poverty, and ascend to the place she now had in society. Right now she was not about to let what she deemed to be a golden opportunity to pass her by.
‘This will be the perfect chance to get rid of Kagura once and for all. Of course allowing that disgusting so called potion master to pump some potion into Sesshoumaru’s body may be undesirable, but I am sure he will be able to withstand it. He is a pure breed inu youkai, and my son; he will be just fine.’ She smiled happily to herself. ‘Things are finally working my way!’
“I will go in search of that incompetent human doctor my son seems to like so much, and see if that friend of his has made any progress.” Now that she had found a way to get rid of Kagura, the dog demoness was very eager to help things move along. Asuka walked towards the door then briefly paused to throw some words of warning to Kagura over her shoulder. “Be sure to remember your promise; I will hold you to it.”
Before the wind sorceress had a chance to say anything in return, her ‘mother in-law’ left the hospital room.
“What the fuck is wrong with you?!” Inuyasha crossed the room to stand right in front of Kagura. He was tempted to grab her by the shoulders, and shake her hard in the hopes that she would regain her sense. The deep scowl darkening his face would have scared off anyone with a lack of a backbone; lucky for Kagura, this was not her case.
“Sesshoumaru making a full recovery is the most important thing to me right now. I would do anything to make sure he gets better, and I really think Mukotsu’s potion will help…”
“Feh! I know that, but it doesn’t mean you have to give up your relationship!”
Kagura sighed in exasperation. “I know that! You may not have thought about it, but in order to give Sesshoumaru the antidote, we will need Asuka’s consent. After all she is legally still the one in charge of him. The only way I could think of to get her to agree was to dangle under her nose one thing I was sure she would want.”
“What if it doesn’t work?” Inuyasha asked the question which had been nagging at her mind.
“Let’s just hope it will.” The wind sorceress let out through her clenched throat. “Even if it does, I will do as I have promised. However when Sesshoumaru wakes up, and I know he will, nothing will prevent him from coming to me.” She forced a small smile before adding. “I did say I would leave, not that I would give up on marrying Sesshoumaru…”
It took the hanyou a second to recollect the conversation Kagura had just had with Asuka, and once he realized that she indeed had not promised to walk out of her lover’s life for good, he felt reassured.
“Feh! You truly are one cunning crazy wench. I don’t know why you have so much faith in that poison guy...” Inuyasha could only hope that Kagura was not making a mistake.
“The way I see things, he’s the only chance Sesshoumaru has right now. Nothing else worked, and unless you have some other remedy, we have to rely on Mukotsu.”
“I suppose...” Inuyasha reluctantly grumbled. He was still not convinced by Kagura’s decision, but decided not to question it. Not being one who could stand tense awkward situations, he decided to try to cheer up Kagura. He dug inside his pocket, and retrieved a small object that he threw in her direction. It was only because of her youkai reflexes that she was able to catch it.
“This is…” The wind sorceress started. To her own annoyance, she was suddenly too choked up by emotion to be able to fully finish her sentence. Even if words failed her, and that her bloodshot crimson eyes were suddenly becoming very moist, it was with steady fingers that she placed the elegant ring around her finger.
“That old bat of Totosai gave it to me when I stopped by the penthouse to check on things. I thought you’d like to have it.” Inuyasha could not help but wish Asuka had stayed long enough to see the gift he had brought for Kagura. He was dying to know how she would react to him giving Tenseiga to the other demoness.
The wind sorceress brought her left hand up for inspection, the diamonds on Tenseiga shinning brighter than ever on her finger.
‘Sesshoumaru intends to spend the rest of his life with me, and that is a commitment I take seriously because we love each other.’ She walked towards her unmoving fiancé, and carefully sat next to his arm on the bed.
“I’m going to go for now… Kagome and Shippou are waiting for me.” The half dog demon lied. He had never been one to handle displays of emotion well, and something told him that the way Kagura’s eyes were shimmering while she stared down at Sesshoumaru’s face was a prelude to a breakdown, which he had no intention to witness.
“Sure. If there’s any news, I’ll let you know.” In response he nodded towards her before heading straight for the door.
“Oh Inuyasha.” He turned around to look back at the wind sorceress who had called after him.
“Thank you.” Kagura’s whispered words resonating in his ears, the young hanyou walked out of the room, leaving the young woman with her lover.
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“Are you sure that thing is safe? It reeks.” Inuyasha could not help but comment. He, Kagura, Asuka and Suikotsu were all watching intently as Mukotsu got ready to attempt to save Sesshoumaru’s life.
The five of them were standing in a semi circle around Sesshoumaru’s bed. While Inuyasha’s nose kept twitching, the two demoness and the young doctor stayed silent as Mukotsu kept pulling objects out of the white backpack which had been strapped behind his back a few minutes ago. Only an hour before Mukotsu had asked his former associate to summon Sesshoumaru’s family members in order for them to witness him administrating the antidote to the dog demon.
As much as she tried to hide it, Kagura could not repress a shiver of unease from shaking her thin frame when she noticed the huge syringe Mukotsu pulled out of his bag. She did not know what he was planning to do with it, but she was sure that it would hurt her lover, which made her worried.
‘I guess it’s what they call a necessary evil…’ She thought as she nervously twirled Tenseiga around her finger. Getting her engagement ring back had helped her remember that Sesshoumaru and she were going to have a bright future after he woke up.
Inuyasha was more focused on the jar full of an oily dark brown liquid the young pudgy human then produced from his bag. Using his dog senses he had been able to make up the foul smell the second he had stepped inside the room, and had immediately suspected it was the antidote the potion master.
‘Feh! I don’t know what he put in that, but I’ve never smelt anything this disgusting.’ Inuyasha rubbed his nose. ‘Only the smell of it should be able to bring Sesshoumaru back from his coma…’
A much more subdued Asuka was watching the proceedings with wide golden eyes. She was impatient for Mukotsu to start working.
‘Whatever happens this will be a win-win situation for me. If the antidote works, then I will have my son back; if it fails, both Sesshoumaru and I will be rid of Kagura for good.’
“How long will this take? We all have better things to do.” Asuka addressed none other than Mukotsu.
The hunched human, turned his big round eyes towards the beautiful dog demoness, and gave her a nonplused look. “It will take as long as it takes.” He placed latex gloves on his hands then removed the syringe from its wrapper.
Suikotsu easily felt the tension rising in the room, and decided to try to calm down everyone.
“Mrs. Takaha…”
“Mrs. Watanabe-Takahashi” She corrected the young human.
“Mrs. Watanabe-Takahashi” Suikotsu amended. “I am sure Mukotsu is doing all he can in order to help your son. We have all waited three days for him to craft this antidote, so I am sure we can all wait a few more minutes.” He sent the older woman a bright smile to which she of course did not answer.
Even if both Inuyasha and Asuka were trying to mask their feelings, the two of them as well as Kagura and Suikotsu waited with bated breath as Mukotsu started injecting the dark substance into one of Sesshoumaru’s IV through the big syringe he had unwrapped earlier.
Five pair of eyes followed the substance as it travelled down the long transparent tube before reaching the vein on Sesshoumaru’s arm and disappearing into his body.
“As I thought, this was a waste of time.” Asuka scoffed after a few minutes, masking the fact that deep down she had hoped the antidote would work, even if it meant she would have to suffer Kagura’s presence longer.
“What ignorance! The potion will need time to take effect. It may even require more than one application.” Mukotsu, who did not like to be doubted, spit out in the direction of the regal dog demoness.
Asuka was imagining various and very painful ways of destroying the small human. Most of them involved her very potent poison since he seemed very fond of it…
“After this first dose, I will make Sesshoumaru go through some tests to see if there might be some improvement in his condition.” Suikotsu quickly interjected, once more hoping to dispel the tension between his friend and the mother of his patient.
“In that case I will take my leave. I better be informed if there are any changes.” Asuka glided towards the door, and quickly exited the room. Once she was out of the room she lowered her eyes to the hand which was holding on to her designer clutch purse, and was shocked to see the limb was shaking tremendously.
‘Stupid emotions.’ She thought angrily before stomping in the direction of the parking garage.
Back inside the room, Inuyasha briefly averted his gaze from his brother to the door. “Good riddance.” He muttered under his breath.
“I will be back in a few hours to take another blood sample for analysis. For now I will go prepare some more antidote.” The short poison master informed everyone, not caring one bit about how they may react to his work. “While I am working, do not interrupt me… unless the patient shows a reaction to the treatment.”
“Reaction?” Kagura echoed.
“Some people turn out to be allergic to some of the herbs or roots I use in my potion… Although I am unsure how it will work out with a youkai. If he develops hives, redness, a fever or anything uncommon, let me know.”
Not even bothering to provide a more detailed explanation, Mukotsu picked up his bag, and put back his protective white veil back over his face. In the next instant his small form was waddling out of the room, and heading back to his lab. He really could not wait to see how his first youkai patient was going to react to his potion.
“Side effects?! How come that bastard didn’t tell us that was possible?!” Since the source of his upset was out of his reach, Inuyasha turned towards Suikotsu. He sent a glare towards the young doctor before speaking again. “If Sesshoumaru gets worse, I’ll blame you.”
“Inuyasha…” Kagura gently tried to calm him down. Having him get angry at Sesshoumaru’s doctors was not going to help matters. “He said it was a possibility, but Sesshoumaru is a demon, and a strong one. I doubt there will be any side effects.” Even though she was trying to reassure the hanyou, her words were helping her as well. “I’ll keep an eye on Sesshoumaru to make sure he’s doing alright. If I see any changes, I’ll be sure to let Suikotsu and Mukotsu know. Of course I’ll let you know too. You should go see Kagome; I know how unnerving things can be for a pregnant woman when you’re time’s nearing.”
As much as Inuyasha wanted to argue, he had to admit that now that Kagome was approaching the third trimester of her pregnancy, she was having a harder time with things. Her feet were swollen, she was having horrible heartburn and backache, and had developed a tendency to fall asleep anywhere anytime. The latter was what worried him the most, and had even pushed him to ask her to stop driving. And since she had to rely on him or her mother to get around, the half demon could not afford to be away from home for too long.
“Keh! Alright, I’ll go for now, but if anything changes, call me.” Kagura nodded in assent upon hearing the words of her future brother in-law. With a last nod in her direction, Inuyasha left his brother’s hospital room.
Not really knowing what else he could add, and figuring that Kagura would probably be better off by herself, Suikotsu also took his leave.
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Sesshoumaru Takahashi had never felt this strange in his life. He was plunged in complete darkness, and could not hear a sound, which was very uncommon for a dog demon as himself who so often relied on his sense. He tried remembering where he was, or what had happened, but he could not. He struggled, but to his own shock found himself unable to move. Growing irritated, he then attempted to open his eyes, but found them to be glued together. He felt a growing tingling sensation resonate through his left arm, but could not figure out what it was. Before he had a chance to figure out what happened, his mind suddenly shut down, and everything went blank again.
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Kagura stretched as much as she could while not having to get up from her seat. As much as she wanted to take a nap, she knew that Mukotsu would come soon to give Sesshoumaru his third dose of the day.
‘For the past two days he’s been giving Sesshoumaru regular doses of the antidote, but nothing’s happened yet.’ She sighed heavily as her crimson eyes rested on her fiancé’s ever slumbering form. ‘I know that soon Asuka will come to tell me to leave. We’ve made a bargain, and I intend to fulfill my end… as much as it may hurt me. While Suikotsu thinks up another way to help Sesshoumaru, I can focus on the girls. Kanna’s birthday is in only two days, and she misses her dad so much. The least I can do is be here for her…’
Her head full of her daughters’ pain, the young demoness walked towards her lover with the clear aim to say her goodbyes. She sat next to him, and leaned forward to press a kiss to his lips. She gasped when she felt something move against her jean clad thigh. Her eyes lowered, and she was shocked to see Sesshoumaru’s hand clench the white bed sheet. Her heart skipped a beat, and air rushed into her lungs.
“Sesshoumaru!” She whispered incredulously before launching herself towards the side table which had a phone resting on it. Using the speed dial, she quickly called the office situated on the highest level of the clinic. As soon as the person on the other line answered, she wasted no time speaking the words she had wanted and hoped to say for so long.
“Suikotsu… it’s Sesshoumaru, I think he’s waking up!”
To be continued…
A/N: Will Sesshoumaru really wake up, or will Asuka be rid of Kagura for good? We shall see. Although I’m sure you can guess since the chapter will be named Convalescence. I’m planning on only having one or two more chappies before *sniff sniff* the store comes to an end.
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