Greetings dear readers, and welcome to another chapter of Guilty Hero! Hard to believe it, but we are coming slowly to the end of the tale... With that being said, please note that there is a VERY IMPORTANT AUTHOR'S NOTE at the end of this chapter. I would appreciate your input. :)

Without further ado, let's carry with the chapter.

Guilty Hero

Chapter 59: Into the Aftermath

Beep...

Beep...

Whirrrrrr...

Beep...

The sounds were soothing. They were the first thing Kagome acknowledged as her consciousness slowly returned to her. Having been trained as a nurse, she instantly recognized the beeping of the heart monitor and the low thrum of a blood pressure cuff. They were a familiar sensation, and therefore brought her a modicum of comfort.

Then, she took stock of her body. She could feel all her arms and legs and digits, much to her relief. The only pain she was experiencing was the throbbing of her head. Her fingers shifted a little, and she rubbed the cotton sheets and coarse fibers of hospital blankets. Having spent her past several nights on the rocky floor of Naraku's cavern, this bed was sinfully comfortable.

Naraku...

At the thought of him, her brow furrowed, and she frowned. There was work to do, surely. Was he defeated? Was the city saved? She needed answers, and she needed them immediately.

Wincing as her aching muscles were forced to move, she slipped the oxygen tubes from her nose and sat up on the bed. With a grimace, she slipped the IV from her arm. Then, ignoring the alarms going off, she removed the blood pressure cuff and pulse monitor and swung her legs over the bed.

"Goodness..." Suddenly, she slumped forward. Dizziness swept over her, making the room spin. She shut her eyes tightly and held her head, hoping the spell would pass quickly. What had happened to put her in this state? She held no memory of what happened after she released her bolt...

"Inu-Yasha!" His name was blurted out before she even realized it. What had happened to him? Where was he?

With panic welling in her breast, she forced herself to her feet. She was determined to find someone in this hospital who could give her information. Whatever else was happening could wait; his status was first and foremost in her mind.

Fortunately for her, she did not have to wander far. A nurse burst into the room just as she wobbled her first few steps away from the bed.

"Miss Higurashi! What are you doing?" The nurse, who Kagome vaguely recognized as the one who had treated her head wound several weeks ago, rushed over to her and held her steady. "You shouldn't be out of bed yet! You've been unconscious for three days, your body isn't quite ready to move around yet."

"Three days...?" Kagome repeated the time with a modicum of disbelief. However, she shook her head to clear it. There was a more important issue. "Inu-Yasha. Where is he? Did he make it?"

"Please, Miss Higurashi. Get back in bed. I'll call for Sango to come fill you in on everything." Spotting the fierce glare Kagome was giving her, Koharu sighed and relented. "All I can tell you right now is that he is alive, all right? Other than that... I will let Sango explain. Now please, will you get back in bed? I promise, we will get you up to speed quickly."

Begrudgingly, Kagome allowed Koharu to help her to the bed. Once her pulse monitor and oxygen tubes were back in place, Koharu stepped away to call for Sango. Meanwhile, Kagome leaned back into the pillows, secretly relieved to be prone again. But truthfully she was more at ease knowing Inu-Yasha had survived the battle with Naraku. She didn't know how—the man had been minutes away from death. Hopefully Sango could give her more information.

When Koharu returned to check her vitals, Kagome piped up. "What's happened to me? Why was I out for so long? I'm afraid my memory of recent events is... spotty."

Koharu gave Kagome a kind smile as she got the IV set up once again. "While you escaped any serious wounds from battle, your time locked in Naraku's cavern took its toll. You were suffering from extreme mental stress, malnourishment, overuse of your holy energy, and a particularly nasty head cold. Your body never had a chance to recover before you rushed into the fight. So by the time all was said and done, you were forced to sleep for a while."

Kagome chuckled weakly. No wonder she felt like she had been hit by a truck. She'd practically forgotten about her tortures at Naraku's hand in the cavern. Her mind had been so focused on obliterating him from existence that there wasn't much room left in her brain for anything else.

The pair settled into silence for a few minutes. Koharu was busy checking her vitals and Kagome was glad to enjoy the quiet. However, that peace was shattered when the door to the room banged open.

Sango stood in the doorway, panting for breath. It was quite clear she had made a mad dash to get here. "Kagome! You're awake at last!" And before the poor girl could return Sango's greeting, she was crushed in a hug.

"Oh! I—Sango-what-" She couldn't finished a sentence, she was laughing too hard at the enthusiastic hello.

At last, Sango pulled away and gripped Kagome's arms so she could look her in the eye. "Kagome... You did it! You destroyed Naraku! He's gone!" Sango's brown eyes were shining with sheer joy. Kagome had never seen her in such a state before. "You've saved the city! You're... you're... you're amazing!"

Still chuckling, Kagome blocked Sango from pulling her into another hug. "Calm down, calm down! I've been awake for ten minutes, give me a chance to get caught up!"

"Right, right..." Relaxing only slightly, Sango sat back on the bed. She took a deep breath to steady herself. "I'm just so glad to see you awake. Miroku and I were starting to get concerned... The nurse told us it was mostly exhaustion that was keeping you asleep, but we still worried Naraku may have done something to you."

Kagome slowly shook her head. "No need to worry about that. I know Naraku was cast from existence. He could do nothing to me. I made sure of that. But anyway, tell me all that's happened since! I must know... What's happened to Kohaku? Did he make it?" She was honestly more concerned about a certain half-demon, but knew that Kohaku was near and dear to Sango's heart.

"Yes, he did. Thanks to you." Sango squeezed Kagome's hand in a tender show of gratitude. "He's going to struggle for a little while. Being under that monster's control did a number on his psyche. But he regained his soul once Naraku was defeated, and is recovering day by day. It will take some work, but I think we can expect a full recovery from him."

That made Kagome smile. "He was always stronger than we gave him credit for. And what about Miroku? Is he okay? Sessho-maru never told me if anything had happened to you two before he took off."

Sango's grin faltered a little. "He got wounded badly in the shoulder. He's had some surgery to try and repair the damage, but we're still playing a waiting game to see how it will heal. But I suppose the main thing is that he is alive. He was thrilled to hear the same about you, you know. He wants to see you as soon as possible."

Scoffing, Kagome shot a look over at Koharu at the nurse's station. "I tried to get up, but she wouldn't let me yet. It's like she's trying to do her job. How strange."

Sango, didn't laugh at her joke. "Hey, after all the injuries these doctor's and nurses have seen after that battle, they don't mess around."

At that, Kagome could only shrug. "Fair enough. And speaking of injuries..." She fixed Sango with a firm look. "What about Inu-Yasha? All Koharu would say is that he was alive. What's happened to him?"

With a sigh, Sango looked down at her lap. "I knew you were going to ask about him... I wish I had good news, Kagome. I really do..."

"...Sango?" Worry wrapped around her heart, nearly choking her. She could feel anxiety creeping into her breast, and willed herself to remain calm. He was still alive, she knew at least that much. Anything else could surely be overcome.

"...He's hanging on by a thread." Sango met her gaze with a sad one of her own. "In fact, the doctors are amazed he's still here. His demonic healing abilities are just barely keeping his heart beating. The way they explained it to me, there are just so many things going wrong with his body that he doesn't have the capability to heal everything at once."

She played nervously with her ponytail, but saw Kagome was still hanging on to her every word. "His withdrawal is complicating everything. His body doesn't know how to operate without alcohol. So to try and close up a gaping wound in his stomach while keeping his organs functioning normally is nearly impossible right now. Combined with the sheer amount of blood loss, dehydration, and malnourishment... They have been fighting to keep him alive, but there have been a few scares. I'm sorry Kagome, but his prognosis isn't good..."

Kagome stared down at the blanket on her lap. She was no fool. She knew he was flirting with death the moment he left behind the medical care at City Hall. But he had come through every time before. His stubbornness was legendary, and she had never fully considered the idea of him actually succumbing to death. Frankly, it was not an option. She would not allow it.

When she looked back to her friend, Sango was surprised to see a spark of fire in her eye. "I'll just have to go slap some sense into him, won't I? He's always listened to me when I gave him medical advice. At least, he does eventually."

Shocked at the girl's reaction, it took Sango a moment to return the grin Kagome was giving her. "I'm glad you're back, Kagome."

Kagome flushed, but smiled nonetheless. "Well, while we're waiting for Koharu to eventually bring me a wheelchair, get me up to speed. I want to hear everything that's happened. Shippo, Sessho-maru, Koga, Kaede... You're not done getting me caught up on everyone."

This time Sango laughed. It was indeed good to have Kagome awake and well. It would be the shot in the arm the Order's survivors needed to get through the aftermath of battle. So once she got Koharu to work on getting Kagome released for at least a short while, Sango settled back onto the bed to regale Kagome with the tales of battle.

oOoOoOoOo

"I expect you back to work in three days. You are needed elsewhere." Sessho-maru's voice was calm and emotionless. Had it not been coming from a hospital room, a passerby might have thought he was in a business meeting.

"Of course, master!" Shippo's response was laced with irritation. "I'm ready to leave right now, but these darn nurses won't let me out of their sight." He crossed his arms and grouched spectacularly on his bed. The hole in his abdomen was nearly recovered, and it was clear he was frustrated to be held back.

"That is because you could easily re-injure yourself if you return to the field too soon. It is important to know your limitations. Consider this a lesson." Sessho-maru turned to leave, but paused in the doorway. "I will see you back to work in three days. No more, no less."

Sighing and grumbling under his breath, the fox sunk back into the pillows. It was useless to disobey a direct order.

Satisfied that his pupil wasn't going to attempt a grand escape, Sessho-maru left the room. He strode down the hallway, following a path that he had taken twice daily since the battle against Naraku. Doctors and nurses were beginning to recognize his presence, and they nodded at him as he passed. He ignored them entirely, opening the door to a private room and slipping inside.

Each time he saw it, the scene still unsettled him. It was unnatural to see so many tubes and wires coming out of a person, but when that being was his own brother... It didn't sit well with him. Still, he kept his discomfort hidden. Keeping his face a smooth mask, he claimed the seat next to Inu-Yasha's bed and fixed the nurse with an even stare.

"Any changes in his condition?"

"None as of yet, sir."

It was as though they were reading from a script. Each day it had been the same conversation. But he still chose to recite his lines. One day, the script would change. But with that out of the way for now, he turned his attention back to the figure on the bed.

Inu-Yasha's chest rose and fell with a mechanical rhythm, aided by a ventilator in his throat. A massive black piece of foam had been inserted into the hole in his torso, and several tubes emerged from it. Sessho-maru had been told that the contraption was to keep infection from taking over the wound, and thus far it appeared to be doing the job. IV needles were inserted in both arms, pumping fluids and drugs through his veins, while a feeding tube provided him the nutrients he needed to fight his current battle to live.

Through all the medical apparatus, it was still evident the half-demon was not doing well. His skin was pale and waxy, and his limbs were painfully thin. There was a constant sheen of sweat on his body, and his brown was puckered in a permanent frown. Worse still, there was absolutely no change in him since he had been rushed in straight from the scene of battle three days ago. The medical staff had already told him they had done all they could. All that was left was to wait.

Taking a deep breath, Sessho-maru began to speak.

"Today is Thursday, April the fourteenth. It has been three days since the battle against Naraku. He was defeated by Higurashi's hand, as you had intended. Both she and my ward have survived the encounter. The boy is recovering from his wounds, but Higurashi has yet to wake. She is expected to come to any day. The boy Kohaku has broken from Naraku's control and has returned to his sister's care. Miroku received an injury during the battle, but it is not life-threatening."

He continued on in this manner, stating the facts of the past few days in a soft and calm voice. He had been told by the doctors that hearing voices might aid Inu-Yasha's return to consciousness, and so he never wavered in his task. Twice a day, every day, he stopped by to fill his brother in on the happenings of the Order. And he would continue to do so until there was no reason to.

For several minutes, his rundown of events since Naraku's destruction went uninterrupted. However, as he was about to finish with the day's weather forecast, he was disturbed by the opening of the door.

"All right Kagome, here he is. Just be forewarned, he's not con—Sessho-maru!" Sango cut herself off when she spotted the demon. "What are you doing here?"

Sessho-maru frowned deeply, and rose from his chair. He had purposefully timed his visits when he knew Inu-Yasha was typically alone. He had no desire to allow other people to see him watching over his brother. "I was merely inquiring about the fool's condition. It appears there has been no change since he was brought here."

"Sango." Kagome's voice, small and quiet from her seat in the wheelchair, drifted up between the pair. "Please... take me to him." Her eyes were fixed on the half-demon. It was clear she hadn't even registered Sessho-maru's presence in the room.

Giving Sessho-maru an inquisitive look, Sango pushed past him and situated Kagome right next to the bed. She took his vacated chair, and then settled back to give Kagome a chance to absorb what had happened to her beloved hanyou.

Quickly deciding now was his best chance to remove himself from the situation, Sessho-maru made his way to the doorway. However, when a smothered sob reached his ears, he cast a glance back at Kagome. She had taken Inu-Yasha's still hand and was clutching it like a lifeline, weeping at the sight of him. Her shoulders shook, and Sango could do little but rub her back and allow her to sob.

"Higurashi."

Her name tumbled out of his mouth before he could stop it. However, when she turned her watery eyes over to him, he found words he didn't know he had.

"He is a stubborn fool, and too dim-witted to realize when he has been beaten. Speak to him, and he may just claw his way back to reality."

Then, before he embarrassed himself any further, he strode from the room. He had no desire to remain in the room with a weeping woman. There was work for him to attend to, and his brother was in better care in Kagome's hands. Sessho-maru would continue to recite his script, but the odds of his brother regaining consciousness were already improving with Kagome nearby. She had done the impossible with Inu-Yasha before, and Sessho-maru believed she could do it again.

oOoOoOoOoOo

Days passed by in a flurry of activity at the Order's headquarters. Reconstruction efforts were the primary focus, as great swaths of the city had been razed during the battle. In addition, there was much work put into finding temporary homes for citizens who had been displaced due to the destruction. Sango, Miroku, and Kaede were spearheading these efforts, and the duties kept them going from dawn till dusk. Fortunately, they were aided by the mayor as well.

With the city's governing body in shambles after Muso's disastrous reign, the former mayor had graciously agreed to fill in until a new leader was elected. Having experience in rebuilding a city after a war, he funneled as many offices into relief efforts as he could. All were grateful for his return, even if it was temporary.

Some of the Order's members had opted to take a brief reprieve from their duties, which was granted with no qualms. This war had been intense and draining, and all had earned themselves some rest. However, there were some fighters who needed to keep busy. For them, there was still work to be done. Demons who had managed to survive the battle were causing trouble in the dregs of the city. Order members such as Shippo and Koga gladly volunteered for such tasks, along with several members of the police force.

Even Kohaku, after enduring unimaginable tortures at Naraku's hand, found it easier to cope by keeping active. He had undergone several sessions with a therapist, and discovered that he did better by immersing himself back into action. Under Sango's watchful eye, he continued to handle assignments for the Order. Surprising everyone, the boy flourished. His transition back to a normal life progressed sooner than anyone would have guessed.

Through all the hustle and bustle, through the busy days and sleepless nights that were experienced at the headquarters, Inu-Yasha remained unaware. His body was trapped by sleep, while his mind drifted hazily on a sea of drugs. Day after day he lay silent and still in the hospital ward. The ventilator had been replaced with oxygen tubes, and he had transitioned to breathing on his own. The feeding tube kept his digestive organs functioning. The black foam in his abdomen had been replaced several times as the wound healed and shrunk. But he had yet to wake.

He was visited by a great number of concerned friends—Sango and Miroku, Shippo, Kaede, and even Koga dropped in from time to time. While they were pleased to see his body was healing slowly, they all hoped to see him wake. Unfortunately, they all were discouraged as his somnolence persisted. But despite their concern, it was Kagome and Sessho-maru who kept a daily vigil on the hanyou.

Kagome felt a sense of peace each time she went to visit her patient. Deep down, she knew he would be all right. She held none of the worry that their friends expressed. That feeling of calm kept her centered, and kept the anxiety at bay. Inu-Yasha would wake eventually, and she would be there when he did.

While she wasn't quite certain of the reason, Sessho-maru appeared to feel the same way. Thus, it came as no surprise when she entered Inu-Yasha's private room and found the demon already sitting in a chair by the bed.

"Sessho-maru."

"Higurashi." He didn't need to look to see who it was.

"How is he today? Still the same?"

"You would have been notified otherwise."

Chuckling softly, Kagome approached and perched on the edge of the bed. With careful tenderness, she covered Inu-Yasha's hand with her own, rubbing it gently with her thumb. His skin was thin and translucent, appearing almost blue from the veins underneath. "I know. It's just wishful thinking when I ask that question." She gave him a knowing smile. "It's for that same reason I find you here everyday, you know."

Sessho-maru did not return her smile. "That is a human emotion I do not share. I come here only because the doctors have recommended verbal communication. They believe it will aid him in his return to awareness."

"In that case, I appreciate your efforts." Kagome was quite unfazed by his demeanor.

There was an awkward silence between them for a few moments, filled with the beeps and hissing of machinery. But finally, Kagome piped up with an inquiry.

"How is your arm doing? Any signs of regeneration?"

Sessho-maru's eyes flicked down to the empty left sleeve of his suit jacket, neatly pinned up at the shoulder. Mere moments before the explosion of holy energy that had destroyed Naraku and obliterated five city blocks, he had made a mad dash to deposit Kagome with his brother. He then attempted to retrieve his injured pupil before the fox was purified from existence. While he had been able to get Shippo out of harm's way, he was only milliseconds away from the blast. His left arm was caught, and was completely disintegrated.

"No. And I doubt there will be. Being a demon, attacks by holy energy leave lasting scars. I am not awaiting the growth of a new limb." It was not spoken with sadness, nor was there any desire for pity. To Sessho-maru, it was a battle scar and nothing more.

"I see..." Kagome bit her lip to keep an apology from tumbling out. She knew expressing her guilt would only irk the demon. He thought logically, not emotionally. Logically, the blast was required to destroy Naraku. And she also, logically, had not intended to harm Sessho-maru. So to offer an apology would be a waste of her breath.

His golden eyes bored into her. "Pay it no mind, Higurashi." It was his way of telling her to move on.

Sighing softly, she nodded before focusing her attention back on Inu-Yasha. Frowning a little, she brushed his sweaty bangs from his forehead. Since Sessho-maru was seemingly in a decent enough mood, she decided to take a chance and ask a more personal question of him.

"Sessho-maru... Why did you return?"

It seemed that the demon had not been expecting such a question. He blinked at her, considering his answer carefully. "...I was asked to return to the city. My services are not called upon unless the situation warrants it."

"Yes, but... I've been talking with Shippo. He's told me a few things."

A single eyebrow rose as the demon stared at her. Talking with Shippo about himself could never be good.

Ignoring his blatant skepticism, Kagome instead regarded him with an odd expression. "He told me that you were the one who helped Inu-Yasha and I meet up the night I was kidnapped. It was meant to help the two of us reconcile. And he said you were the one to get Inu-Yasha into the Order's hospital to help him sober up after his two-month bender. Is that true?"

Sessho-maru moved his gaze to a spot on the far wall. "It is. His presence, for reasons unknown to me, was required for you to release your full potential. I was simply doing what was required in order to destroy Naraku."

Kagome kept her stare firmly on him. He was not going to weasel his way out of a proper explanation. Not if she could help it.

"That may be true..." Her tone clearly told him she didn't buy his excuse. "But how do you explain what you said to me during the battle? How Inu-Yasha needed to stand up to Naraku on his own? Only someone with great empathy would understand that Inu-Yasha had to face his fears in order to move past them."

The demon remained silent, which spoke volumes to Kagome.

"And once I had shot Naraku, just before the explosion, you carried me over to protect him. Even though doing so cost you several seconds on your way to get Shippo. That act cost you your arm, and yet you hold no grudge. Do you know what that tells me?"

The spot on the wall must have been fascinating, considering how hard Sessho-maru was staring at it.

"It tells me you care about him."

He shut his eyes for a brief moment. He clearly had hoped to avoid having this conversation at all. But alas, he hadn't given Kagome enough credit. He hadn't counted on the fact that Kagome was annoyingly perceptive when it came to stubborn dog demons.

"What has my brother told you about me, Higurashi?"

Kagome blinked in surprise. She had not expected Sessho-maru to say anything in response to her inquiry. "Nothing, I'm afraid. I didn't even know he had a brother until you arrived."

"Yes." He had asked her the question before, but it proved his point. "He does not tolerate my presence in his life. I have earned this, however."

Absolutely stunned to hear the demon opening up to her, Kagome knew better than to interrupt. She kept silent, merely rubbing Inu-Yasha's hand while she listened.

"After our father and Inu-Yasha's mother passed away, it fell upon my shoulders to be his caretaker. I begrudged that task. He was a filthy half-breed child, and I a mighty demon. I had no desire to drag such an embarrassment around the world with me as I sought out new and greater powers. Thus, I left him behind."

In typical Sessho-maru fashion, there was no emotion in his storytelling. Speaking more than three or four sentences at a time was highly unusual for him in the first place. If he allowed emotion to creep in, it would only draw out the torturous process.

"I sold the family home. I wanted nothing tying me down to this city, including my brother. I cast him out to the streets, then left to travel the world."

Kagome had to work hard to keep her temper from rising. While she was furious at his nonchalant admittance of such a terrible deed, she knew he was not telling her this just to make conversation. He spoke only when there was a purpose to it.. She opted to wait and allow him to finish before giving him a piece of her mind.

"My distaste for my brother was only amplified every time I was called to return to the city to clean up his messes. Eventually, I turned down the orders when they arrived. I was ashamed of his behavior. No self-respecting demon would ever fall victim to drink, let alone anyone with a bloodline as mighty as ours. However, as the years passed my powers grew and my reputation within the Order preceded me. Thus, when a certain orphaned fox demon fell into the Order's lap, his raising was entrusted to me. I believe you are aware of this tale."

Kagome nodded silently. She did indeed remember Shippo telling her about meeting Inu-Yasha for the first time.

"Being ordered to raise and train this child... the thought abhorred me. But as time passed, I grew impressed with the boy's abilities and his constitution. He had endured much, but was flourishing with a stable presence. I had a glimpse of who my brother might have been had his upbringing been different. Eight years passed with the child in my care, and in that time I was made aware of the errors of my past. Thus, when I received word of Naraku's return and was ordered to return to the city, I could not disregard it."

He flicked a non-existent piece of dust off his business slacks. "I attempt to keep my brother from continuing down his destructive path. I have no intention of earning his respect or admiration. That opportunity is long since gone. But I will not allow him to kill himself over my own mistakes."

With that, he abruptly got to his feet. It was quite clear that he had finished, and did not wish to remain in the room any longer.

"Higurashi."

Kagome quickly looked up to meet his gaze. She was slowly digesting everything he had divulged, and it took her a moment to collect herself. "Y-yes?"

His eyes flashed gold as he gave her a terrifying glare. "If anyone, especially my brother, learns of what I just told you, I will have your head."

Kagome did not doubt it.

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There we are, chapter 59 on the books. A much calmer chapter than many prior, and it was surprisingly much harder to write. We aren't quite finished with GH yet—there are a few loose ends to tie up still. ;)

However, I have some food for thought for you all, dear readers.

GH is almost over. I am not ready to be done with it. I have put my heart and soul into this story, and I am just not ready to let go. So I need to ask for your help!

First, I have the beginning of some one-shots from the prequel story written. I'm not certain I want to dive into the entire prequel—I'm not great at writing Inu/Kikyo fics, and I feel it would be quite the challenge to write a story that everyone already knows the ending to. However, how would you feel about seeing some one-shots from certain points during the prequel? If there is a particular scene you would like to see or have an idea for, let me know in a review or a PM.

Secondly, an obvious choice to keep GH going would be a sequel! But I have NO IDEA how to go about a sequel. I have absolutely no plot ideas, and not much inspiration for anything. So again, if anyone out there has a thought about a sequel story, please let me know.

Heck, if there is even a one-shot idea you have that takes place AFTER GH, that would work too.

Also, any ideas that are not mine will of course be credited to the person who gives it to me. Credit where credit is due, after all. :)

So thank you for sticking with me, dear readers, and stay tuned for the next chapter! And please, take care in this wacky, wacky world...