Frankenstein Project by iamsesshomarusfluff

The Project

I was so excited to post my new story, I forgot my disclaimer. So here it is: I don't own Inuyasha, or any other characters. Just this story. I also wanted to think my Beta for helping me. If it weren't for them, this story would most likely not be posted. 

I am glad so many of you are enjoying this story! Keep the reviews coming and I will try to update frequently.

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Kagome breathed out slowly as she turned the page of another volunteer for the Frankenstein Project she was placed in charge of. The success of this project would determine if she would obtain her doctorate in Neuroscience. She had use of all the members on the board committee, who were top specialists of their prospective divisions. Through them came her volunteers. She wanted people who had extensive medical backgrounds, some incurable condition or disease, and those willing to completely hand over their lives to her.

Her project was a risky one and she needed whoever she chose to understand that. The Frankenstein Project has never been tested on a human before, and though her test runs on lab subjects looked promising, anything could go wrong. Despite all the medical break throughs over the past centuries, such as completely mapping out all areas of the brain and what they controlled, a complete model of the human genome, and the most recent accomplishment- the ability to have robots maintain a live human brain, essentially making an entire prosthetic human- life happens and any variation could lead to disaster.

Before starting the project, Kagome took the time to read the original story of Frankenstein, and was completely horrified at the barbarianism and primitive way in which Dr. Victor Frankenstein made and treated his creation. Why on earth the Committee wanted to name her project the Frankenstein Project was beyond her, unless they had a warped sense of humor. She has no intention of making a new being; she only wanted to improve upon what was already there. The serum she created is intended to fix any conditions, mental or physical, and cure any chronic disease, not turn them into any new being.

Kagome sat up a bit straighter in her seat as her eyes settled on the last volunteer in the portfolio. The man lay in a hospital in a coma. His name is Sesshomaru Tashio, son of the General Inu no Tashio, and served as his First in Command in the last war. The summary of his condition stated that he had been in the coma for a little over three years now, caused by trauma due to swelling and inflammation to his brain from bacterial meningitis. His doctors have little hope he will ever wake. She noticed that he is missing his left arm, which had to be amputated from an injury he received during battle. His doctors believe he contracted the bacterial meningitis during the amputation.

Unwittingly her eyes roamed over his prone figure. Whoever took the picture was standing to his left so they could get a good shot of his missing left arm. Her expert eyes roved over the puckered scar tissue. Stray lines of scar tissue radiated up his biceps and triceps, leaving angry red marks against his pale skin. Whoever performed the amputation cut the limb mid-humerus. She couldn’t see the end of the limb from the angle of the picture, but with the information given about him losing the limb during battle, she assumed he contracted a severe infection, which lead to bacteria entering his blood stream, leading to him having bacterial meningitis.

Blue eyes softened as they traveled over the rest of him. He was once an imposing sight from what she saw with her mind’s eye. Lean muscles that once filled out his frame had long since withered to resemble a pale, mummified corpse. Hair that once shimmered in the sunlight now seemed to absorb all the light in the room. Despite all the medical advances in this time and age, they still haven’t found a way to defeat death, which Sesshomaru seemed to be just a step away from.

Why his family has kept him on life support was beyond her. Kagome’s sympathetic nature ate at her, yelling at her to fix this broken man. She held the ability to fix everything wrong with him. She could heal the bacterial meningitis, regrow his arm, and help him along the road to recovering the body, the life he once had.

Yet if she were to fail, she would lose everything. His family is a very public and resourceful one. Should she promise them hope of returning their son to them, and then end up killing him, they would ruin her. She would never obtain her doctorate in Neuroscience; they would strip her of her PhD/medical degree and nursing license. She would lose her wonderful home, and be jobless.

After a few moments of staring at Sesshomaru’s prone, sickly form, she found herself dialing her mentor’s number.         

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Righteous anger boiled in her veins as she read over Sesshomaru’s medical file. It had taken a surprising large amount of effort to obtain and now she knew why. The original doctor who operated on Sesshomaru had been in a rush, as the medic center was being flooded with wounded soldiers, and failed to follow the proper procedures. The unedited report said that Sesshomaru’s arm had been sliced off in close combat. His men, upon seeing their severely wounded commander, manage to dispose of the enemy person and hurried Sesshomaru in an ambulance to the medic center. Not far behind them was his severed arm, which they put into a bucket of ice.

That meant his arm could have been reattached.

Instead, the doctor didn’t wait for the arm. He already started to pinch off veins and arteries to stop the bleeding, which he used unclean utensils that he just used on a previous patient. Once he stitched up his arm, he was placed in a sweltering unit where nurses rarely checked on him.

Everything that could have gone wrong did go wrong.

As usual, the event was covered up and nothing was done about it while Sesshomaru lay wasting away in a hospital bed. Having read enough, she slammed the report closed, causing Tashio-sama and his wife to jump.

When she first met Tashio-sama, she felt thoroughly intimated. He stood well over six feet, easily commanding attention. He carried with him an aura of someone used to giving orders and expecting them to be followed. Taught muscles filled out his suit, telling without words that despite having to be middle aged, he is still a force to reckon with. The most striking feature of this incredible man is his eyes. They reflected decades of bloodshed, suffering, wisdom, but held within the amber orbs is kindness. This man could not only make the difficult and necessary decisions, but he also is full of compassion.

Tashio-sama’s wife, on the other hand, filled the stereotypical raised by riches woman. She dressed in rich silks that hung from her petite frame in smooth ripples. Soft, flawless skin looked as though it never saw an ounce of sunlight with is creamy paleness. Raven curls hung around her heart shaped face, which held a stern expression. While Tashio-sama’s eyes were stern, but kind, his wife’s unwavering golden orbs are cold and unforgiving. She looked down upon Kagome with barely covered contempt, as though she were at fault for her son’s condition and not the one trying to save him.  

“Well,” prompted his wife, Mizuki, with impatience clear in her voice.

“I am utterly appalled at how your son was treated.” She said in a strained voice that couldn’t hide all the anger.

“Yes, but can you fix him?” Mizuki leaned forward a bit, eyes bright yet guarded.

Kagome’s eyes shifted between Tashio-sama and his wife as her fingers fiddled with the edge of the tablet. They were people who were not used to not getting what they wanted, and she couldn’t give them the promises they wanted.

“I like to be straight forward and honest with my patients, and their families. I find it leads to less confusion and saves time.

“With that said, to answer your question Mizuki-sama, I don’t know.”

“You don’t know!” She exploded, quickly standing up and pushing her chair back. “You said that you could!”

Tashio-sama reached for her hand to sit her back down. Casting him an irritated look, she slowly and indignantly complied.

“I only said that I might be able to.” Kagome shifted so that she leaned her forearms against the table, looking each in the eye. “I need you to understand that what I’m proposing is extremely risky, and the end results being rather unpleasant, to say the least.”

Tashio-sama and Mizuki-sama shared a look, one filled with longing and desperation. In that instant Kagome knew these parents have been through hell about what happened with their son.

“Explain it to us Kagome-sama,” Tashio-sama finally said, solemnly.

“The serum I’ve created works to help the body rebuild neural pathways that have been damaged, or have stopped working. That means any damaged created by the bacterial meningitis will be repaired, and Sesshomaru will have no brain damage. The serum also works with the neurotransmitters in healing damages to the body, meaning any scars, or bed sores, even his missing arm, should be regenerated.

“That should happen, in theory. My serum has never been used on a human patient before, but all research and testing I’ve conducting proves promising. Despite that, however, there are many differences between research and using it on an actual patient. He could have an allergic reaction; his body could reject the serum. He may not respond to the serum at all. Since the serum is supposed to work on a chemical level with his brain, it could have reverse affects, and make his condition worse.

“It’s important you understand this before you decide on anything. I’ve read over his medical file, and I know his situation is dire. He may not ever recover or wake from his coma. I can only offer you hope right now. I can also, with your permission, run some tests with some blood samples to see if he responds to the serum.

“I want you to take your time in making your decision. I take my job at saving lives very seriously, and I don’t want to make any mistakes. Your son has suffered enough mistakes by doctors. Here is my office phone number, as well as my personal one, should you have any questions. Call me at any time.” She slid a scrap of paper towards the couple.

Tashio-sama took the paper as though it was a gift from the gods. Mizuki stared off into the distance, her golden eyes watery. Tashio-sama stood, clearing his throat.

“Thank you Kagome-sama. You have no idea what this means to us. We certainly will be calling you.”

Kagome stood and walked over to stand in front of the couple. She gave them each a deep bow. “Thank you both for giving me this opportunity. I only hope I can help your son.”

Tashio and Mizuki-sama bowed deeply to Kagome in return. “No, we thank you for giving us a chance to have our son back.”

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Mizuki entered her son’s room quietly. The hard soles of her designer shoes tapped loudly against the linoleum floor. The soft chiffon fabric of her skirts swished against her legs as she walked to Sesshomaru’s bed side. She rarely came to visit him; finding it unbearable to look upon his prone, sickly form.

Blinking her eyes against the straining moisture, she gently took his hand into hers as she sat down next to him. The room beeped with the sound of the machines that monitored his vitals, and the hiss of the breathing machine breathing for him. IV tubes ran from his arms to the bags that held a saline solution to keep liquids in him, as well as medication. A breathing tube ran from his throat to the machine gently pumping air in and out of his lungs.

The hand she held felt cold and bony, and life and vitality leeched from it long ago. It felt limp and lifeless in her hold as she lifted it slowly to hold it against her cheek.

“Hold on just a little longer Sesshomaru. The day we’ve hoped for has arrived. Your new doctor, Kagome-sama, has a cure. She says she can even regrow your arm, isn’t that wonderful?” She whispered past the lump in her throat.

Unwillingly, knowing she would notice no change, she glanced up at the monitor that showed his vital signs. Nothing happened; no change at all to indicate he heard her.

Placing his hand back down beside him, she stood up, just in time to see Kagome walk through the door. Kagome paused, glancing between the two.

“I was just leaving.” Mizuki said, gaining her composure. Before she walked out the door, she paused to tower over the young doctor.

“I heard what you said about this possibly going wrong,” She started; her eyes and voice cold and hard, leaving the girl no doubt about the impeding threat. “But if something does go wrong, I will be holding you responsible.”

Seeing the girl swallow hard and blue eyes widen as she register the threat, she lifted her chin before storming out of the room.

Kagome breathed out heavily as she approached Sesshomaru. It was the first time seeing him in person. He looked no better, and she once again felt her heart throb at what was done to him. She forgave his mother her animosity; she surely would be weary of doctors if this happened to her son.

Taking another breath to steady herself, she quickly looked over his vitals and his daily chart. Nothing had gotten worse, but there was no improvement either. She leaned over his side with a needle in hand. With speed earned with practice, she filled four vials of his blood for testing. Before leaving, she gently sat down where his mother had sat mere moments before.

“Hello Sesshomaru. They tell us in medical school that many coma patients can hear those around them, and there have been many cases where that has been proven true. I believe that you can hear me, and I just want to tell you to not give up yet. I know you must be buried within yourself, and I don’t blame you, for all you’ve suffered. I don’t want you to give up yet because I may hold the answer to your recovery. Your parents too are hopeful and want you back desperately. So hold on for just a bit more, Sesshomaru, Please.” She reached out to grip his hand. She moved her thumb over his boney knuckles and couldn’t help but think about how his hand had once been strong and warm. She vowed to herself that she would help him, no matter what.

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Inuyasha descended the stairs with a groggy yawn, but stopped short when he saw his parents sitting on the couch in the sitting room very much like when they told him what happened to Sesshomaru.

Heart thundering, he lowered his hand from his eye, whispering, “Is he dead?”

“No” Tashio almost laughed. “But we do need to talk to you about him.”

“Did he wake up? Is he okay?” Inuyasha fired off before he actually sat down across his parents.

“Inuyasha, silence. We will tell you if you let us.”

Inuyasha grumbled, slouching back in the recliner, crossing his arms over his chest. Mizuki cast him a disapproving glare, which he snorted at, but complied by sitting up straighter.

“The doctor that called us yesterday wanted to talk to us about a new treatment for Sesshomaru.” Tashio raised his hand before Inuyasha could but in. “She told us she has a new serum, that’s never been tested on a patient before, which is supposed to fix him completely.”

Inuyasha blinked. “Completely? What the hell does that mean?”

“She said that the serum will cure of the meningitis, any brain damage that may have happened, even regrow his arm.” Mizuki answered.

“All brain damage?” Inuyasha snickered. Tashio smacked the side of his head.

“Sorry. What did you guys say?”

Tashio and Mizuki shared a look. “Well, she also warned us that the serum could make his condition worse.” Replied grimly.

“What the hell could be worse? He’s half dead! If the serum kills him, he’ll probably thank it.” Inuyasha said slouching back, ignoring his mother this time when she gave him another glare. Slouching back couldn’t save him from the smack to the head, however.

“Anymore smacks and I’ll be the one in the coma. Fuck.” Inuyasha grumbled as he rubbed the side of his head.

“Language,” Mizuki snapped.

“Freak,”

Tashio-sama pinched the bridge of his nose and he took a deep breath.

“Really though, guys. What is there to lose? He’s been in a coma for three years! Is death really the worse that could happen to him?”

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Kagome stared at the results of Sesshomaru’s blood work with the serum. It seemed as though the serum was made for him; his blood responded to the serum better than she had hoped for. All traces of the bacterial meningitis were gone. All the vitamin levels were increased to resemble a healthy person.

Just as she was about to call Tashio-sama to inform him of the test results, her phone rang.

“Hello, Dr. Higurashi Kagome speaking,”

“Hello Kagome-sama” Came Tashio’s deep voice.

“Tashio-sama! I was just about to call you. I have the results of Sesshomaru’s blood work with the serum.”

“Excellent, lets here it then,”

“His blood responded very well to the serum. I even personally looked at the samples myself, and my confidence in the serum has improved greatly.”

“That is great news,” he sounded relieved. “I called because we have talked about you treating Sesshomaru. We agree that, despite the risks, it’s the best we can do for him.”

“I’m honored Tashio-sama.”

“When can we start the treatment?”

“I can give him the serum now. If you wish to be here by his side, then we should start seeing improvements by the time you get here.”

“We are on our way,”

“Brilliant, see you in a few then.”

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Kagome walked down the hall with a slight smile on her face. She felt absolutely giddy. So far, everything was going perfectly. Her serum was working, and her new patient proves promising.

She entered Sesshomaru’s room glowing with optimism. Her eyes scanned the screens of his monitors, noticing no change in his condition. Placing the clear tablet viewing his file on the table beside the bed, she pulled out the vial of her serum from her pocket. With her other hand, she pushed the needle through the top, pulled back the syringe, and double checked the dosage.

The serum resembled antifreeze more than a cure with its bright green color. She gently pushed the needle into his arm, making sure to push in every drop. Despite knowing that she wouldn’t see any immediate change, her eyes wondered over to the screens to view his vitals. As expected, no change is detected yet.

After tossing the syringe in the proper trash bin, she pulled a sitting chair up to the side of the bed, grabbed the tablet, and proceeded to do her filing work while keeping an eye on her patient. She wasn’t far into her work when the door opened to his parents. They stopped to bow low to her, which she returned in kind. She saw their eyes stray to the monitors, but not enough time had passed to show any changes.

“How is he?” came the expected question from Mizuki.

“He is-“ Just as she was answering, she heard a gaging noise coming from the bed. Three pairs of eyes shot towards the occupant in the bed. Kagome lurched forward when she noticed he was trying to breathe on his own. Quickly snapping on some gloves, she carefully unwrapped the tape around his mouth, and gently pulled the tube out of his throat. She turned to pour a small glass of water as Sesshomaru fell into a coughing fit.

“Sesshomaru?” His mother jumped to his side, eyes wide with hope.

“I don’t think he’s fully conscious. Here, help me make him drink this. It’s just water.” Kagome said, holding Sesshomaru’s head up in her free hand.

She tilted the cup back as his mother gently massaged his throat. After it was clear he couldn’t drink anymore, Kagome gently laid his head back down. She watched him carefully as his eyes moved behind his eyelids. His frail chest rose as he tried to catch his breath. After a few unsure moments, he finally relaxed, breathing completely on his own.

She turned to the screens and noticed a slight change in blood pressure, a change in oxygen levels, and respiration levels. Despite the changes, everything still seemed normal. She pulled up an image of his brain to check any brain activity, and gasped.

“What? Is something wrong? What does it mean?” Mizuki shot out as she came to stand beside Kagome.

“This is remarkable,” Kagome breathed.

“What? Tell us!”

Kagome blinked out of her revere. “Let me show you,” she replied while pulling up an image of his brain during his coma.

“This is his brain activity while he was in a coma. The relatively even lines indicate a deep sleep, which is common for coma patients. That means his brain hasn’t been very active. But look at the lines now,” she said as she pulled up an image of his current brain activity.

“They’re all over the place,” Tashio-sama noted.

“Yes. Here shows when he gained a few moments of consciousness, right when I pulled the breathing tube out. These waves here resemble more of someone in stage four of sleep. During that stage the brain stays active. These brain waves are very good progress. Let’s hope he wakes up soon.”

She turned to the couple with a bright smile. It grew warm at the hopeful look the two shared.

“Kagome-sama, we cannot thank you enough for this.” Tashio-sama said with a deep bow.

“The pleasure is all mine, Tashio-sama.” Kagome returned the deep bow in kind.