Somewhere in Time

Medicine

Grogginess still clung to Kagome's bones as they began their journey. The sky was tinged with a beautiful soft orange hue and the morning breeze was fresh, invigorating. Inuyasha led the group towards the slope, followed by Kagome, Shippo, and Sango. Miroku was acting as the rear guard in case somebody attacked.

"I still think it's too early, guys," Kagome complained, yawning. She stretched her limbs, causing Shippo to fall from her shoulder. Muttering an apology, she picked the kitsune and held him on her chest.

"Now, now, Kagome-sama. We have a long way to travel. Besides, isn't the view great?" the monk cheerfully said.

"Stop looking at my rear, houshi-sama."

The crisp sound of a palm hitting the skin was heard in the waking woods. Sango glared indignantly at Miroku, her hand about to fling the hiraikotsu on his head.

Kagome sighed. At least it won't be a boring journey with all her friends' whims and antics. The rest of the morning passed without much trouble, only stopping at midday to eat lunch. They rested contentedly under the shade offered by the trees, and Kagome took the chance to refill their water containers at a nearby spring. She hummed absently, enjoying the chirping of the birds and the occasional autumn breeze.

"Miko."

Kagome whipped around, immediately recognizing that low, chilling voice. Sesshomaru stood a few feet from her and in his only arm was the small figure of his young ward. The little girl was breathing hard, sweat beading her temples.

"Sesshomaru-sama! What happened to Rin?" Kagome rushed forward fearlessly.

"She has fallen ill." His face was as expressionless as ever, betraying no traces of concern. Knowing that the daiyoukai wouldn't stoop low to ask humans for help, he still came. He just doesn't like to say it out loud, Kagome mused.

"I brought medicines from my own time. I'm sure I can find something that will make her feel better. Let me take her to our camp."

Inuyasha suddenly burst out of the trees, his tetsusaiga drawn. "Stay away from Kagome, you bastard!"

"It's all right, Inuyasha!" Kagome moved between the half-brothers to prevent the two from attacking each other. "Rin is sick and I've offered help."

"Keh! He doesn't accept help from humans." Inuyasha sheathed his sword and crossed his arms.

"I insist. Besides..." Kagome's expression softened as she caressed the child's forehead. "I like Rin."

###

Sesshomaru watched her fluid movements carefully, ignoring the shocked pairs of eyes that stared at him. The miko supported the fragile body of Rin and murmured assurances, subtly coaxing the child to take the liquid substance from one of the many small bottles in what she called her "first aid kit".

"Kagome-nee-san?" Rin whispered weakly.

"Yes, Rin-chan. I will help you feel better. I promise to take away what hurts my little girl, but first you need to drink this, okay?" When the child nodded, the miko held the cup to the trembling lips. "Sleep. I will watch over you."

She gently laid the little girl and tucked her in. As she did so, the taijiya handed her a towel that was dipped in a lukewarm pot of water, and she placed it on Rin's forehead. After a while, the afflicted girl was fast asleep.

Relief washed over Sesshomaru and he finally relaxed his body against the tree. What Jaken's herbs could not do, the miko easily did. This foolish human saved Rin's life.

Perhaps I was wrong, he thought grudgingly, glancing away.