InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ Worthy ❯ Chapter 7 ( Chapter 7 )

[ X - Adult: No readers under 18. Contains Graphic Adult Themes/Extreme violence. ]

It seems that Mediaminer doesn't like italics. So any conversation between the pack that doesn't include Sesshoumaru, is spoken in Gaelic.



Kaori was growing weaker and they didn't know why. At first his development was as to be expected. Granted, it wasn't as fast as Inuyasha's had been but that was because the pup was more human than youkai. He managed to hold his head up on his own when he was only two weeks old but now, it was like he was a newborn again. His neck no longer able to support the weight and now relying on his parents to do it for him. He was sleeping more than usual. In the beginning, he would just peacefully watch everything for as long as he was able to keep his eyes open. But now it seemed like all he wanted to do was sleep.

Kagome had sensed something was wrong before Inuyasha did, which wasn't surprising since Inuyasha still couldn't smell any illness within his son. Maybe it was her motherly bond that told her that he son was ill or maybe from the knowledge she gained from school. It didn't matter. What mattered was she became frantic. She tried desperately to find what was wrong with him. She crossed out every illness she knew, and now had no ideas.

Kaede was looking at him now. Checking him over as he nestled withing his mother's arms. Inuyasha stood in the background. He seemed calm and almost distant but inside he was shaking. He remained strong for Kagome. Giving her his strength when she needed it and it was eating it up inside. His son may be dying and he couldn't do anything. He, Inuyasha, who defeated Naraku, battled hundreds of youkai, and was now the most respect hanyou in the land, and he could do nothing for his son.

Clenching his fist to control his anger, Inuyasha looked at his wife.

Kagome was tenderly soothing their son with her carress as he whimpered under Kaede's inspections. She was humming a lulliby that she always sung to put Kaori to sleep and the gentle sound comforted him but Kagome was crying and Inuyasha suspected that they were having the opposite effect. They didn't know how powerful Kaori's youaki blood was, but he had already proved that he nose was up to youkai standards.

Kaede finished and rewrapped the blanket around Kaori. Kagome instantly held him closer and she looked up at Kaede with pleading eyes. Kaede wouldn't meet them.

"I am sorry," she softly said. "I can find nothing wrong."

"But Inuyasha can smell no illness," Kagome pleaded. "It has to be something else."

Kaede shook her head and sighed.

"The babe was early. Maybe that it what is effecting him."

"That was over two months ago." Inuyasha stated and pushed himself from the wall. He his wife on the futon and helped her undo her kimono as she guided Kaori's mouth to her breast. The pup latched on with a vengence. That was another thing. Kaori was always hungry.

"Kagome said that as long as he survived the week," he added, "that wouldn't effect him."

"Maybe but the only other thing I can think of is his blood." Kaede slowly stood. "I know nothing of how to tend to a hanyou pup."

There was a pause as all three adults looked down at Kaori. He was feeding happily with Kagome's hand under the back of his head to hold him to her and with Inuyasha's finger loosely in his grasp. As far as the pup knew, everything was fine.

"He grows weaker as the weeks pass," Kagome stated before looking up at Inuyasha. "We're going to lose our son."

Inuyasha quickly gathered his family in his arms and settled them into his lap as Kagome cried. Kaori sensed the distress and made a sound of disproval but continued to eat. Inuyasha rocked Kagome as she cried into his shoulder. He couldn't say anything that could comfort her and since there was none, he let her cry. Tears were filling his own eyes but he forced them away before looking to the door.

"I want you all in here," he called as he put a sheet over Kagome's bare shoulder to spare her the embaressment. Not that she would notice concidering the situation but it was something she would apprieciate once she calmed down.

Slowly, the door opened and his friends and adopted son came through. Shippo quickly made his way to his family and nestled into Kagome's lap, hoping to comfort her with his presence. It didn't work but she put enough space between her and Inuyasha for him to settle against her stomach.

"I'm not giving up," Inuyasha told them. "I don't know if he'll be able to help but it's chance to save my son."

"What is it?" Miroku asked.

"We'll do anything," added Sango.

"I need Kirara to fetch Sesshoumaru."

Both looked surprised but they quicly overcame it. Of course he would ask for Sesshoumaru. Sesshoumaru was the only youkai Inuyasha trusted and ever since the bad blood between them had passed, they had become true brothers.

"Sesshoumaru won't understand," Miroku told him. "He's always ignored her and he'll take his time."

"I know, that is why Shippo is going with her."

Shippo sat up at the sound of his name.

"Me?"

Inuyasha nodded but he kept his eyes on Sango and Miroku.

"You are pregnant again Sango and you shouldn't travel. Miroku is the only one that can take care of you since I have to stay here. And Kaede is just too old. Shippo is the only one."

"You could take Kaori to him," Sango suggested.

Inuyasha shook his head and he looked down at Kagome as she began wiggling. Kaori had stopped nursing and she was trying to put the kimono back with one arm. Inuyasha quickly went to her aid.

"I won't take the chance of him not surviving the journey."

Both of them nodded their agreement. Shippo, at that moment, decided to jump from Kagome's lap and ran out of the room. They all watched as he came back a moment later, carrying an arm load of food. He quickly went to work on making himself a pouch out of Kagome's old shirts.

"Shippo," Kagome softly called to him, "I'd prefer if you wait until morning."

Shippo shook his head.

"Kaori needs help now. It will take us at least two days if we fly the whole way with only short breaks and that's if we don't run into trouble."

Kagome suddered at the last statement but didn't protest as Shippo ran up to her and kissed her cheek.

"Don't worry Kagome," he comforted, "Sesshoumaru will come and he'll make Kaori all better."

Kagome managed a smile.

"I hope so."

"Shippo, you be careful." Inuyasha instructed.

Shippo smiled and ran out of the house with Kirara running behind him. They all heard the roar, signalling Kirara's transformation and they each felt the two leave. None of them said anything. There was nothing to say. All they could do was hope.



Why he was putting up with this, Sesshoumaru didn't know. It had almost been a week since the arrival of Rin's first blood and it had been a week of hell. If Sesshoumaru thought her mood swings were bad before, they were even worst during her blood. She snapped at everyone, even the servants, who amazinly, now feard her about as much as they feard Sesshoumaru. Jaken had made himself scarce, forcing Sesshoumaru to go over her lessons and neither of them had much patience with each other as of late. He was thanking every god he could think of that it was over but now he was having to deal with this.

Sesshoumaru couldn't help but sigh as he once again pulled his tail out of the pup's grasp. The pup screamed in delight and reached for it again, wagging her little fingers as she waited for it to come back into reaching distance.

Sesshoumaru had talked to Rin about her ventures into the forest and they settled on a compromise. She could visit the wolf pack and as long as at least one adult was with her, she could travel the forest. Rin had been delighted and this was their first visit. Sesshoumaru had decided to stay to make sure everything went well and now he was being tormented by a female pup no more than a month old. Why she was fasinated with his tail, he had no idea.

Rin was having a good time. Morgan had taken it upon herself to ensure that Rin was comfortable and took part in the games. Right now she was playing tag with some of the older pups. She was much taller than them but they were much quicker but judging by her laughter, she didn't mind. The tension he had been feeling for the past month eased. It was good to hear Rin laugh again.

He heard movement behind him and narrowed his eyes. Morgan. She had started to invade his dreams and he had been thinking about her ever since she helped Rin. Why he was infatuated with this female, he had no idea. She was stubborn, blunt, rude, loud, and had the best set of legs he had ever seen. She was wearing a strange type of hakama that though still hid her figure, they still clung to her enough to imagin their shape and tell him that she was all legs. Sesshoumaru surpressed his growl of frustration.

Slowly he turned around to face her, just as she bent over the pup and greeted her upside down. She said something in her native tongue and the pup squealed as she latched onto Morgan's cheeks with tiny fingers. She was lucky the pup's claws hadn't yet grown or she would have had ten deep cuts on her face. Morgan didn't seem to mind but laughed as she picked the pup up and swung her in the air before settling her on her shoulder. The pup continued to kick with glee.

"Thank you for watching her," Morgan said as she stepped beside him.

Sesshoumaru narrowed his eyes.

"Is this pack so large, you cannot look after one pup?"

If Morgan felt the insult, she didn't feel it.

"We have been looking after her," She stated before tickling the pups neck with her fangs and looking up at him. "Normally, she wouldn't be out of touching distance from at least one of us but since she was with you, we felt no need for concern."

Sesshoumaru couldn't argue and turned to continue watching Rin. Morgan smiled.

"The lord must be special to gain the trust of the pack so soon."

Sesshoumaru turned back to Morgan who laughed.

"Forgive me, I wanted to see at least one emotion on your face. Too bad it was anger."

In her arms, the pup wailed to be put down. Morgan complied and sat the pup on her The pup tried to scurry off, only to find her self rooted when gentle pressure was applied to her still limp tail.

Sesshomaru's eyes lowered the pup who sat down as she stared at the foot impressing her. Obviously, she was trying to think of a way to get free.

"What relation is she to you?" he asked.

"This one?" Morgan looked down the pup. "None."

"How many relations do you have?"

Morgan looked up at Sesshoumaru with a gleam in her eyes. "Is my lord trying to get to know me or is he just curious?"

Sesshoumaru glared at her. Morgan's smile only got bigger before she turned her eyes the pack.

"I have several relations in the pack," she told him. "You already met my father Kallan, my brother Alban, and my cousin Cory. The other two leaders are my father's brothers, Allan and Cedric. Allan is Cory's father. He also has one other son, Conroy who has given him three grandchildren. The tall blond near the water barrel is his granddaughter Blair and the two red headed males chasing Rin are his grandsons Brennan and Dermot. Uncle Cedri only has one daughter. Alanna who is the raven head talking with my sister Katherine, the red head, and they both seem to be staring at us."

Sesshomaru glanced down at her.

"And why would that be?"

Morgan blushed and she glared at her sister and cousin who both chose to laugh at that

"Not a clue," she growled through her teeth as she mentally told herself to have one of the males freeze the duos underwear. Lets see if they laugh then.

"Any way," Morgan waved her hand to dismiss the question. "Alanna has bore five children. Three females, two males. All are chasing Rin."

Sesshoumaru looked back to Rin who had just gotten tackled.

"None of those with Rin are over ten."

"Yes, Alanna has a set of twins and a set of triplets."

Sesshoumaru looked at the one called Alanna. She looked too small to have given birth so many.

Morgan chuckled. "And she's pregnant again, I might add. Me and some of the others are betting whether or not it will come in a set."

"She's too small."

Morgan shrugged. "It happens."

"So that leaves Kallan's family. He has three offspring."

"Four. Briana's still in Irelend and I'll leave it at that. Katherine is her younger sister and my older half sister and she's doing a fine job in carrying the bloodline. Two sons; Brenden and Duncan. They're both with their father in the cave."

Jaken had effeciently counted the members of the pack a few weeks ago. There were over thrity, not counting the pups. Morgan's family made up almost three thirds of it. Most likely the pack would branch out, making several smaller packs. Sesshoumaru guess that the only reason they remained this large now was do to the war and the sudden move but once they got comfortable, they would spread and seek out other packs to take over or join. Sesshoumaru only had two packs in his lands. It might be enough but as fast as this one grew, they would need more. Sesshoumaru mentally shrugged. It wasn't his problem but he wondered if Morgan would be one of those leaving.

Next to him, Morgan yelped and pulled away from the pup who had just sunk her baby fangs into Morgan's leg. The pup took the oppertunity to take off. Without thinking, Sesshoumaru grabbed her. The pup wailed and struggled. Morgan quickly took her.

"You little brat. You bit me," she scolded and gave the pup to her mother who had ran over. She apologized to both of them before hurrying back to her mate.

"Damn." Morgan growled as she studied the puncture wounds on her calf. The fangs had dug in deep and were bleeding steadily but already they were healing as her body sought to repair itself. "No matter what, they seem to think I'm either a chew toy or prey."

"Do you not like pups?"

"Like them? I love them. I just wish they wouldn't tackle or bite me all the time." Morgan answered and she walked over to a fallen log that had been purposely placed in the clearing to be used as a bench. She lifted the pantleg a bit more, giving Sesshoumaru a view of the pale, smooth flesh of a well formed calf. He quickly averted his eyes. Did this female have shame? Sesshoumaru thought as he adjusted his stance.

Morgan licked her thumb and wipped the blood away. Her saliva helped heal the wound as well as give her a clear view of the damage. The punture wounds were small and the bleeding had already stopped. Under her watch, they disappeared. Nodding her head in approval, Morgan covered her leg and looked up at the lord. She looked confused when she noticed how uncomfortable he looked. Lowering her eyes, she understood why. She couldn't see much due to his baggy hakama but there was definetly a bulge. Raising her eyes, she noticed that Sesshoumaru was looking everywhere but at her. Is it me?

Normally, Morgan would have made some sort of wise crack when taking notice of a males discomfort but she had never been the one to cause it, other than the occassonal bruise. And considering she felt the same way towards the lord, she kept her mouth shut. She even felt embarress for them and blushed as she lowered her eyes to her feet. She surpressed the growl before it escaped. What was she doing? She lowered her eyes for no one.

Recovering, she rose her chin and stood. To help him, she brought up a subject that would calm his heating blood and ease her discomfort.

"Rin seems to be enjoying herself," she said.

Rin at the moment, had once again been tackled and was now being 'dog-piled' before being rescued by Cory. At this, Morgan brows rose in interest. Cory helped no one when ambused by the pups. It could be because she was human. That idea changed when she watched Cory help Rin to her feet with a gentle hand and a soft smile on his face. Rin was also blushing. Morgan bit her lip to keep herself from laughing. It seemed Cory had taken an interest in the young woman. It was amusing but at the same time disturbing. Morgan had nothing against humans and nor did the pack but a relationship between youkai and human was doomed to be rough.

Sesshoumaru nodded but it was the only response he gave. He too noticed the exchange between Rin and Cory and his eyes narrowed into dangerous slits. It seemed that he was going to have to keep a closer eye on Rin or more importantly, the wolf.

"The pups enjoy having a new playmate," Morgan continued, "and their caretakers are thankful for the break. She can visit whenever she wants."

"We will see."

Morgan narrowed her eyes but she kept herself from snapping at him. He was only being protective of his ward and she could understand that. Fathers were always protective of their daughters.

"He won't hurt her," Morgan explained, "and if you tell him to, he'll stay away from her."

Sesshoumaru nodded.

Morgan sighed in frustration.

"Well, this conversation has been real enlightening," she growled under her breath. "I'll leave you to your thoughts."

Sesshoumaru watched as Morgan walked away from him and headed toward her sister. He had angered her somehow. He smell it on her but it was only a slight scent. She was more frustrated than angry and he wondered what he had done to make her so. He shook the thought out of his head. It didn't matter if she was angry or not, he had no interest in her. Never mind that he was watching the graceful sway of her hips as she walked.

Both Alanna and Katherine smiled when Morgan joined them. She settled next to Katherine and glared at them with bright green eyes.

"What are you two laughing at?" Morgan growled but there was little heat in it.

"I do agree with you, Morgan,"Alanna said and she glanced at Sesshoumaru. "He does have a cute butt."

Morgan blushed before she could controled it and she glared at her cousin but she didn't respond since there was nothing she could say on her own behalf. She had said that and now she was facing the consequences. It wasn't the first time she had opened her mouth without thinking but this was the first time it had caused her complete embaressment. She still couldn't keep herself from blushing whenever it was mentioned and she put up with it. In time, she would get even.

A whistle cut through the air and all rose to their feet as one of the guards jumped into the clearing.

"A fire cat is coming this way," he told the leaders.

They nodded and began shouting orders as the pups ran inside. Rin found herself practically being draged by two of her playmates as they headed into the cave. A fire cat was not something they feared. The pack could easily overtake one but no risk was taken when it came to the pups, especially when a youkai, even a weak youkai was so near the den.

Sesshoumaru couldn't understand the words but he understood what was happening and he took a deep breath to find out who was attacking. He was surprised to smell Inuyasha's firecat friend and the kit. That was strange. What were they doing so far away from their land and why wasn't Inuyasha or the taijai and monk with them.

Before him, the wolves were preparing for battle. Kirara and Shippo were heading straight for them and remembering how they reacted to him when they first met, he knew they would attack first and ask questions later. Normally, Sesshoumaru wouldn't interfere but Shippo was Inuyasha's adobtive son, therefore, his to protect as well.

"Lower your weapons," Sesshoumaru snarled.

All turned and looked at him but they did not do as he said. Most likely it was because they have never heard such a sound from him. The pack looked to their leaders who studied Sesshoumaru with suspicious eyes but they nodded their heads and the weapons disappeared. The pack was still tense though and each were ready to fight as Kirara disended into the clearing.

The cat showed no concern for her safety for she didn't even give the pack a glance as she lowered to the ground. Shippo immediately hopped off her back and ran toward Sesshoumaru who continued to stand at the edge of the clearing. The pack's distress was quickly replaced with confusion when they saw the kit and they each grew curious when it was obvious both fox kit and lord knew each other.

"Sesshoumaru," Shippo shouted in excitment, "you must come quick. Kaori is dying."

They didn't know who Kaori is but they saw Sesshoumaru stiffen and concern flash in his eyes before being covered by his ever present mask.

"How?"

Shippo shook his head and tears filled his eyes.

"We don't know. He just keeps getting weaker. We're hoping that you might be able to help."

"There is no illness."

"No."

"Then I cannot help."

"But your sword-"

"Can heal injuries, illness, and can raise the dead. It cannot cure weakness."

Shippo began to tremble and the tears began to fall. The pack looked among each other. They shouldn't be seeing this and most of them began to back away. Only Kallan and Morgan remained, both clearly concerned.

"Kaori's going to die?" Shippo softly asked.

Kirara, who had transformed back into her smaller form approached Shippo and started nuzzling him in an effort to calm him.

Kallan looked do his daughter and after a few words, she nodded and ran to the cave. She came back dragging Rin.

The girl's eyes widdened when she saw Shippo and she almost smiled until she saw the tears and the way Sesshoumaru was clenching his fist.

"What's wrong?" she asked.

"Inuyasha's pup is dying," answered Sesshoumaru.

Rin gasped and she covered her mouth with her hands. Tears began to fill her own eyes and she looked at a lost at what to do. Morgan took the girl into her arms and held her as sobs began to shake her body. Aching for them, she looked to her father, pleading for him to do something. Kallan nodded and slowly appoached.

"Forgive me for overhearing, my lord, but I would like to help," Kallan said.

Sesshoumaru met his eyes but they still held no emotion.

"What can you do?"

"Tell me what is wrong and we will see."

"Kaori is dying," Shippo told him.

Kallan looked down at the kit and softly smiled at him.

"And who is Kaori?"

"Kaori is my hanyou brother's pup."

Shippo nodded in confermation.

"Kaede says it is something with his blood that is making him sick but she doesn't know what it is."

Kallan smiled and looked to the heavens before meeting Sesshoumaru's eyes.

"The lord works in misterious ways,"* he told him, "one of the elder women cared for a hanyou pup when he had grown ill for no reason. If this is the same case, she will be able to help. I will have Cory and her follow."

"I'm going to, Da," Morgan said as she brushed Rin's hair behind her ear.

"Why do you need to go?"

"In case Ceara is unable to save the pup, they will need looking after. Especially the girl and I'm sure the mother will need some help if her pup dies. And lets face it, even if Ceara is able to help the pup, she is old and getting Cory to help like asking for a cold day in hell. We still have trouble getting him to fetch wood."

Kallan smiled and he glanced at Rin, "I'm sure he would help."

"I'm going."

Kallen nodded.

"Very well, but be on your best behaviour."

Morgan would have commented on that but her father chose that moment to yell for Cory who rather eagerly, ran up to them. Sparing a glance at Rin, she noticed that the girl had started to blush. Well this was going to get interesting.

Kallan gave Cory his orders and at first he protested but then he looked at Rin. That apparently settled the arguement and Cory ran to get the elder. It took longer for him to come back since he had to carry Ceara on his back.

Ceara was their oldest member of the pack and the most stubborn. No one thought she would survive the journey to Japan but she had made it with less difficulty than most of them, and had complained the entire way. Her raven hair was now white as snow and her face nothing but wrinkles. She was loseing weight quickly and they knew that it was sheer stubborness that was keeping her alive. But dispite her age, Ceara's coal color eyes were full of life and warmth and despite her crankiness, the pack knew she loved them. After all, she was their nanna.

Kallan and Ceara exchanged a few words and after settling some sort of arguement, turned to Sesshoumaru.

"These three will accompany you."

Sesshoumaru glanced at all three of you.

"I don't think the boy will be able to keep up carrying the woman."

"She can ride Kirara," Shippo offered.

"I am not riding a cat." Ceara stated before looking at Kirara, "No offense."

Kirara seemed to shrug as if it made no difference to her then quickly transformed. Shippo took his place on her back and looked at the others.

"I don't care who's coming as long as one of them is her." He pointed to Ceara and Kirara chose that moment to take off. Obcviously, they had waisted enough time.

"Send someone to instruct Jaken to look over the estate," Sesshoumaru ordered before grabbing Rin and following the firecat.

Morgan and Cory looked at each other.

"I can tell this is going to be a fun trip," Cory complained before getting waked on the of the head by Ceara.

"Quite your bellowing aching and get moving," she ordered,"I don't want to be left behind."

Cory said something under his breath but did as he was told. Ceara immediatly started complaining about him going to fast. Morgan smiled and gave her father a quick kiss on the cheek before following. This was definatly going to be worth seeing.

those of you who do not believe in God. Remember that this is taking place 500 years in the past where religion was a strick part of life, especially in Europe.
Finally got the next chapter up and will be working on the next as soon as I can but it will be a while. I got finales coming and if I don't study 24/7 I'm going to fail and this is not a class I want to take again, the ever hateful math. Why I had to take precalculus I will never known. I had to have been on something when I signed up. I also calmed down enough to keep posting on Mediaminer but I can't fix the second chapter. I have tried everything I can think of and it will just have to remain that way. For those of you who wish to read it, it's up on Adultfanfiction.net, which happens to work.
Chapter: can't tell. It'll give it away but there will be more interaction between Morgan and Sesshoumaru.