InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ A Latent Destiny ❯ Chapter 6 ( Chapter 6 )

Disclaimer: Inuyasha and its characters are created by Rumiko Takahashi, not me, but the new plots and the original characters (Akiyama, Moriko, Kajimaru, Eiko, Shoichi, Katsuo and Natsumi) are mine. This fanfiction had been written for entertainment purposes only and without intention of infringing upon any copyright.

 

A/N: As always, I thank you all for reading and reviewing this story! I'm glad you're enjoying it. Just in case you want to know, this state Sesshoumaru found himself in would form only a small arc of this story. We'll see the adult version eventually!

 

And here's the next chapter for your reading pleasure…

 

 

A Latent Destiny by elle6778 - Chapter 6

 

 

“Sesshoumaru?” she ventured uncertainly. Was that cute kid really Sesshoumaru?

 

A pair of bewildered eyes blinked at her. “Who are you?” he asked quietly. “And how do you know my name?” He paused in thought and then immediately demanded, “You will tell me where I am.”

 

At his words, Kagome released the breath she did not realize she was holding. So it really was Sesshoumaru after all. That tone could not belong to anyone else, even though the voice was pitched much higher.

 

Wait. Did it mean that she had been thrown further back into the past somehow?

 

Then her eyes landed on the sword beside Sesshoumaru.

 

Tenseiga.

 

A frown marred her brows. If Tenseiga was there, it was probably safe for her to assume that she had not been thrown back further into the past. After all, Inuyasha had told her once that Tenseiga was created only after Sesshoumaru had become an adult. So the only feasible explanation for this was that his grandmother's spirit had been really mad enough to do revert him back to a child. And it looked as if Sesshoumaru did not remember their time in the tomb, let alone her identity. Did that mean that he no longer wanted to kill her?

 

 

 

 

And more importantly, how would this change the future?

 

Taking a deep breath, she said, “I'm Kagome. And you're in…” she faltered, waving a hand about. She had no idea where they were.

 

“You don't know,” he stated flatly, inspecting the ground with a serious frown. Then he looked up at her. “How do you know my name? I don't remember you.”

 

“You're… umm… my friend's brother,” she finally said.

 

It was the truth after all. She would just have to make sure that she did not give away his adult identity. How could she tell him the truth? How could she tell a child that he would grow up to be an arrogant, cold-hearted assassin? That he would be cruel enough to kill his own brother for the sake of a sword? He would not believe her if she did anyway.

 

Sesshoumaru's frown deepened. “I don't have a brother. I'm an only child.”

 

It was very disconcerting to see the various emotions on Sesshoumaru's face. Although she had only met the taiyoukai many times over the years, he had barely exhibited any emotion each time. Well, apart from complete disinterest and disdain. To see such vivid emotions on his face, even in this young form, was rather unsettling.

 

“Heh heh.” She knew that her laugh sounded forced, but this entire situation was just too surreal. There was no question that she could not tell him the truth about his current state. Or why he did not remember having a brother. How could she explain to a child Sesshoumaru that his grandmother was punishing him because she did not like his attitude?

 

“Kagome?”

 

Perhaps it was best to evade the questions. “Umm… Trust me on this. Inuyasha's your half-brother and you've lost contact with each other. Let's find him. He must be somewhere close. Then you can ask him anything you want.”

 

Yes, she would leave it to Inuyasha to explain. She just hoped that she would find that hanyou friend of hers soon. This was really too much for her to deal with alone.

 

 

…***…***…***…

 

 

Sesshoumaru was… confused. The human girl in front of him was not making any sense. He did not recognize the area he was in and he could not recall how he had arrived there in the first place. The Western Lands did not look like this at all. A quick downward glance told him that he was dressed in his usual traveling attire, but oddly enough, there was a sword strapped to his waist.

 

One which he did not recognize.

 

Feeling increasingly perplexed, he touched the hilt and was rewarded with a sense of acceptance. It was clear that sword was related to his blood, most likely his father. How curious, for he could not recall receiving such a thing from his Chichi-ue.

 

Raising his eyes to the human who called herself Kagome, he asked, “What is this?”

 

Her eyes flickered in obvious indecision. Then she took a deep breath. “It's Tenseiga, a healing sword. It is a gift from your father.”

 

“I do not remember such a gift,” he stated blandly. “Why?”

 

She averted her eyes. “I can't explain it.”

 

“Hn.”

 

This human was certainly unhelpful in terms of information. He could not be certain, but perhaps it was a common trait in humans. Since she did not possess any useful information, he no longer needed to communicate with her.

 

Still perplexed by his situation, Sesshoumaru slowly studied his surroundings. It was almost midday, and he could see a forest nearby. There was nothing around him which informed him of where he was. Perhaps he should travel to find something he recognized, and then he could find his way home from there. Still, a lone young youkai, even one of Inu-no-Taishou's blood, would be foolish to travel without companions. Common sense told him that he would only endanger himself but traveling alone appeared to be the only option.

 

“Let's go, Sesshoumaru. We need to find Inuyasha,” she suddenly said.

 

She was inviting him to travel? Sesshoumaru stood rooted to the same spot as the female in front of him began to walk away. It was clear that she expected him to follow her. But where to? She was a stranger. He did not know her. All he knew was her name and nothing else.

 

What would happen to him if he followed her? Would she seek to inflict harm upon him? He had heard such rumors before, that humans were afraid of youkai and would not think twice of killing them. Sesshoumaru frowned. But then again, he also remembered that his grandmother had told him not to judge the humans too harshly. After all, not all of them were of the same mind.

 

What should he do?

 

The girl's step faltered and she turned to look at him over her shoulders. Upon noticing that he was not following her, she shook her head slowly and walked back to him, a curiously resigned expression adorning her features.

 

“Come on, Sesshoumaru. Let's go,” she urged when she reached him, holding out a hand.

 

He stared down at her slender fingers wordlessly until she finally dropped them by her side. Should he follow her? She seemed sane. Or perhaps this was a plot against his father. Perhaps the other lords had decided to send a changeling to deceive him. That would explain how she knew who he was. In which case, it was best that he remained cautious.

 

Taking a step back, he shook his head. “I will return home.” If he could find where home was, he added silently. It concerned him that he had suddenly appeared here in unfamiliar territory. How long would it take him to travel to the Western Lands?

 

She seemed to be surprised at his answer. Then concern marred her features as she took a step to close the gap between them.

 

“Listen, I can't let you wander off by yourself. It's dangerous out here,” she told him, kneeling down in front of him so that they were eye to eye. “Come with me. We'll go find Inuyasha and he will be able to lead you home,” she coaxed.

 

Sesshoumaru eyed her warily. He sensed no deceit from her but she might be under a concealment spell. Still, if she spoke the truth about this brother that he had yet to meet, perhaps he should go with her.

 

“Sesshoumaru. It's okay to come with me.”

 

Her soft brown eyes pleaded with him. Something about it reiterated that she did not mean him any harm. Yes, he should go with her. After all, he did not know where else to go. And even if he was wrong about his assessment of her, the danger would be slight. He would simply have to make sure that he remained alert at all times. Humans were not as powerful as youkai, therefore if need be, he would subdue her with force.

 

Mind made up, he nodded slightly. The girl who called herself Kagome brightened instantly.

 

“Great!” she exclaimed enthusiastically.

 

 

…***…***…***…

 

 

Kagome had only led the way for few hours before she realized that she had no idea which direction she was headed in. Much to her embarrassment, the child Sesshoumaru had quietly but firmly taken the lead. Instead of heading north, they were now heading west.

 

Trying to ignore the discomfort of Tetsusaiga bumping against her side with every step, she looked down at the silver-haired head beside her. Even as a child, Sesshoumaru seemed so much more composed than anyone she knew. It was as if he had been born that way. The only real difference she could see between the adult and the child was that the child did not seem to have an aversion towards humans.

 

Yet.

 

And of course, no attempt on her life had been made.

 

Yet.

 

They continued to journey across the land, some which Kagome recognized, some which she did not. After an entire day of walking, on top of not having any sleep the night before, Kagome knew that she could not go on. Not to mention that it was beginning to get too dark for her to see where she was going. Finding Inuyasha or not, she had to rest for the night.

 

Turning to the boy walking beside her, she said, “Sesshoumaru, we need to stop for the night, okay?”

 

He glanced up at her, his brow furrowing. “We have not gone far.”

 

Kagome sighed inwardly. Should she explain that her frail human body needed a break? That she was pitifully weak compared to him? Maybe she should appeal to his… um… sense of sympathy?

 

“I know. But I'm really tired and I need to rest,” she ventured.

 

Understanding dawned on his little face. “I understand,” he replied in a serious tone.

 

Kagome blinked in surprise at his reaction. She had not expected it. It was beginning to look like this child Sesshoumaru possessed a bit more compassion that his older self. What his grandmother had done was beginning to make sense to her. Sesshoumaru had not always been the cold-hearted taiyoukai. Somewhere along the line, something had happened to change him.

 

She watched silently as he looked around, giving the impression that he was searching for something. A short while later, he pointed towards his left. “We will stop there.”

 

Still stunned by his unexpected compassion, not to mention the way he had so easily taken charge of their journey, she just nodded. He was just a child but he was definitely more self-assured than she was. Not to mention that his manners were impeccable. Kagome had an awful feeling that he was actually more responsible than she was. How had he spent his childhood? Learning to lead? Learning how to shoulder responsibilities? A child his age should be playing, not being taught how to carry responsibilities far too heavy for his young shoulders.

 

It was not long afterwards that she found herself standing beside him in front of a shallow stream. Sesshoumaru had picked a good spot. With the stream so close by, she did not have to wander far to fetch water for dinner preparations.

 

With a relieved sigh, she set down her backpack and began to rummage through it for food. Once she had laid out the necessary equipments, she stood up and began to gather some dry pieces of wood. When she finally collected enough, she returned to the camp and dropped them into a small pile. Soon, the wood crackled as tongues of fire licked them. As she waited for the fire to grow, her eyes sought Sesshoumaru out.

 

She found him sitting cross-legged on a flat rock next to the stream, staring out thoughtfully at the gurgling water. Picking up her pot, she went to the edge of the stream and proceeded to scoop up some water. As she straightened, she glanced at Sesshoumaru and noted that there was a faint hint of bewilderment in his eyes.

 

Kagome's eyes softened. This must be really hard on him. She could not imagine how he must feel, thinking that he was being tossed somewhere strange with an unknown companion. He was taking it very well considering the circumstances. If she was in his place, she would probably be curling up in a miserable lump, crying her eyes out.

 

Suddenly she wanted to laugh. What was she thinking of? She was in a similar fix, having being thrown five hundred years or so back in time for the second time. But at least she had a purpose here, thanks to her own ineptness at making a wish. Idly, she wondered where Naraku was. Maybe if they got to him earlier, they could defeat him faster. Then again, Inuyasha had not learnt all those techniques yet.

 

Shuddering slightly at the feeling of dejection painted by the thought going through everything again, she turned back to the fire. Putting the pot to boil, she turned to look at Sesshoumaru again.

 

How would his presence affect the future? Whoever he was as an adult, she knew that she would never leave someone as young as him to wander about by himself, youkai or not. And there was no telling when he would revert back to his real self. She supposed that once Inuyasha arrived, they could together for as long as Sesshoumaru was a child. Somehow, she did not think that Inuyasha would welcome the idea.

 

Well, it was too bad for him. After all, Sesshoumaru was his brother. If he tried to be unreasonable, she would just have to subdue him until he agreed.

 

Then her eyes widened when she realized something. Something which should have occurred to her earlier.

 

The subjugation beads were never placed on Inuyasha.

 

Her throat went dry. What would this mean for them? Those beads had played quite a large part in the past, especially in keeping Inuyasha from doing stupid things. Was there anything she could do about it now? Should she find Kaede and somehow explain why she needed to subjugation beads?

 

Groaning out loud, her shoulders slumped dejectedly. She supposed there was nothing she could do about it now. Scolding herself inwardly, she poured the boiling water into the two cups of ramen, hoping that it was enough for the child. She should be thankful that at least the alternate future had instant food, even though the packaging was quite different from what she was used to.

 

“Sesshoumaru?” she called out when the food was ready.

 

Turning around, his eyes went to the cups held in her hands. “Yes?” he questioned, his eyes shining with curiosity.

Giving him an encouraging smile, she invited, “Come on and have some dinner. It's only ramen, but that's all I have.”

 

Jumping gracefully off the rock, he made his way towards her, his nose twitching at the smell from the ramen bowls.

 

She handed him one with a pair of chopsticks. “Here. Try some.”

 

Their eyes met for a moment. Hesitantly, Sesshoumaru took the food from her. His expression betrayed some of his misgiving as he eyed the contents of the bowl, but after a moment he sat down with the bowl in his hands.

 

“Thank you.”

 

Polite as usual, Kagome thought with amusement. “You're welcome, Sesshoumaru.”

 

 

…***…***…***…

 

 

Sesshoumaru studied the curly strands in the bowl critically. It looked like a thinner and curlier version of what he had seen some humans eat. Vaguely, he wondered if his stomach could digest it. After all, this was not the sort of food he usually consumed.

 

However, he knew that it would be considered rude if he returned the bowl of food to her without even tasting it. His grandmother had always told him never to do so unless it was something truly inedible. He shrugged inwardly, deciding that it was highly unlikely that the small amount of food would cause him much harm. Dipping the ends of the chopsticks in the soupy mass, he fished out a strand and quickly brought it to his mouth.

 

The salty taste spread warmly on his tongue, followed by some rich flavor he could not identify. Chewing slowly, he realized that the food was actually quite palatable. The second bite found its way faster to his mouth. A little too spicy than he was used to, but nevertheless, it was good.

 

Before he knew it, the bowl of what Kagome called ramen was wiped clean. Sighing inwardly at the empty bowl, he carefully set it down before he looked up at Kagome for the first time since he had started eating. She was looking at him with a smile on her face.

 

What puzzled him the most was how well she treated him considering that he did not even recall knowing her. As far as he was concerned, she was a stranger. But from her attitude, it would seem that she knew him.

 

There was also this curious fact that he had a brother. Perhaps his father had a concubine somewhere and none of them knew about it. Sesshoumaru blinked at the thought of how enraged his mother would be when she found out about his father's supposed indiscretion. Still, he might be wrong. Perhaps he should meet this Inuyasha to see if there was any truth in what Kagome had told him. There was a possibility that it was something as simple as a misunderstanding.

 

“Was that alright?” she asked.

 

It would be greedy of him to ask for more, therefore he simply nodded. “It was sufficient.”

 

She stood up. A brief flash of hesitation crossed her face before she gestured to the stream. “Well, I'm just going to take a quick bath.”

 

He stared at her, wondering why it was necessary for her to inform him of this.

 

“Um… You just stay here and watch over the stuff, alright?”

 

Sesshoumaru nodded and watched as she walked towards the stream and disappeared behind the foliage.

 

 

…***…***…***…

 

 

Uncomfortable by the idea of leaving the child Sesshoumaru alone for any amount of time, Kagome finished her bath quickly and then returned to camp. Sesshoumaru was sitting cross-legged on a flat piece of rock, looking as if he was meditating when she arrived.

 

Deciding not to disturb him, she prepared her bedding to settle down for the night. For a moment, she wondered if she should offer Sesshoumaru to sleep with her, before she realized that it would turn out to be rather awkward for her. Even though Sesshoumaru was now a child, there was no telling what his reaction would be if and when he turned back to his adult self. It was better to be safe than sorry, in this instance.

 

Still, she stood there undecided as she eyed the meditating figure. What if Sesshoumaru got cold in the middle of the night? She could not just leave him to sleep like that.

 

Finally, she fished out a spare blanket from her pack and walked towards Sesshoumaru. When she neared him, his eyes opened to stare right at her.

 

Placing the blanket beside him on the rock, she said, “It might get cold tonight. Use this.”

 

He glanced down at the blanket, then back at her with a slightly startled expression. “Thank you.”

 

Casting him a small smile, she turned and walked back to her own bedroll. That was all she had been able to find in the alternate future, seeing that she had no idea where to find a synthetic sleeping bag, if it even existed. Laying down on the bedroll, she pulled a thin blanket over herself and closed her eyes.

 

She did not know how long she had slept, but the next thing she knew, she was woken up by a noise her sluggish mind could not identify. Slowly, as her senses sharpened, the muffled sound became clearer to her, making her frown as she sat up. Holding her breath, she listened intently to try to figure out where it came from.

 

Then she heard a soft sniff from the large tree nearby and a flash of silver caught her eyes.

 

Sesshoumaru.

 

Quietly, she tossed aside her blanket and went to the large tree to find Sesshoumaru leaning against a tree with his eyes closed. A quick scan of his face told her that he had been crying. For a long while, she could only stare at him in shock. This was Sesshoumaru, after all. And crying was the last thing she expected from the taiyoukai.

 

Then her heart sank. Sesshoumaru or not, the youkai in front of her was just a kid, and considering everything, he must be feeling so lost and alone.

 

“Sesshoumaru?” she called out softly.

 

He did not reply. Instead, she saw him squeeze his eyes shut tighter and lower his head, as if to prevent her from seeing his tears. His silver hair formed a shield around his face. Taking a step closer, she lowered herself next to him. He immediately tensed, obviously sensing her proximity to him even with his eyes closed.

 

“You can talk to me, you know,” she coaxed gently.

 

His eyes cracked open, revealing a set of moist golden eyes to her. “I don't need it.”

 

Thinking that there was no reason to make him feel more uncomfortable, she was careful to look into the distance and not towards him when she settled down on the ground, wrapping her arms around her knees.

 

“It helps to talk,” she pointed out softly.

 

“I don't want to talk,” he declared quietly.

 

“Fine, I'll just sit here with you then. I don't really want to be alone,” she remarked, sneaking a sideways glance at him.

 

He gave her a disbelieving look before turning away. Hiding a smile, Kagome closed her eyes and leaned back against the tree.

 

Silence surrounded them. Tired from the events of the past twenty-four hours, Kagome felt her consciousness ebb as her body demanded sleep. She almost nodded off when Sesshoumaru's voice broke the silence.

 

“I wish to return home.”

 

Kagome opened her eyes to look at him. His tears were gone now. He looked like he always did, his expression not giving away much, but she could see the hint of longing in his eyes. He sounded so lost that it tore at her heart. Who would have thought that Sesshoumaru could have elicited such a feeling from her?

 

“What was the last thing you remember before you got here?” she asked softly.

 

A moment of silence followed before he replied somewhat hesitantly, “I was in the courtyard. Obaa-san was leaving and I was saying goodbye.”

 

Kagome's eyes widened. His grandmother must have decided to send him back to the time when she had been still alive. Vaguely, Kagome wondered when Sesshoumaru's grandmother had left the world of the living. The old inuyoukai did not seem the type to allow Sesshoumaru to turn into the cold, arrogant taiyoukai he was as an adult.

 

“Are you very close to her?”

 

A small smile lifted the corner of his lips. “It pleases me when Obaa-san visits us. But she lives on another land.”

 

Kagome's eyebrow rose. “Where?”

 

Sesshoumaru shrugged. “I don't know.”

 

She supposed that it was not something which he was interested in. A heavy sigh escaped her lips. All this talk about family made her miss her own. It felt like she had not seen them for years, even though she had came through the well a little less than two days ago. So many things had happened since then.

 

“I'm away from my family too,” she confided in him.

 

He gave her a curious look. “Are you going to see them again?”

 

“I hope so. But I have something to do here first.”

 

“What is that?”

 

For a moment, she wondered if it would be wise to tell Sesshoumaru about the Shikon jewel and everything that had revolved from it. She glanced at him to find a pair of curious golden eyes fixed to her and was instantly reminded that this was not Sesshoumaru as she knew from yesterday in the tomb, nor the Sesshoumaru from the future. This Sesshoumaru was innocent, not a cold-blooded assassin. Yet. Maybe if she gained his trust now, he would be more receptive if and when he transformed back to his adult form. And perhaps this would be something to take his mind off home.

 

“Do you know about the Shikon-no-Tama?”

 

His face displayed his puzzlement. “I'm aware of its origin.”

 

“Many youkai and even humans are after the Shikon because of its power.”

 

He adopted a thoughtful look. “Obaa-san told me about the legend of Shikon-no-tama. About how the jewel was created from the great battle of Midoriko and the powerful demons. And how it could be used for good or evil.”

 

She nodded. “That's right.”

 

“Father thinks that it is not honorable to gain power from such a bauble. One should seek to improve one's own strength, not by relying on something else.”

 

Kagome's eyes widened at his words. His father had thought him well. “So, you agree with that?” she asked carefully.

 

Sesshoumaru nodded. “My education would provide me enough skills to survive. But once it is over, I have to seek to improve my strength on my own.”

 

“That's admirable, Sesshoumaru.”

 

“No. It is just necessary. I'm the heir of the Western Lands. Weakness is not acceptable,” he declared seriously.

 

Kagome smiled softly at his determined expression. So that was how Sesshoumaru ended up being so strong. If he was this determined as a child, she could only imagine how forceful he was as a growing adult. But still, that did not explain how he became so cold-hearted. There was definitely no sign of that coldness in this child.

 

A comfortable silence descended upon them then. After a while, a soft pressure on her shoulders told her that Sesshoumaru had fallen asleep leaning against her. Her expression softened. Then she succumbed to her own need for sleep.

 

 

…***…***…***…

 

 

Sesshoumaru's eyes opened slowly to be greeted by the sight of sunrise in the horizon.

 

It took him a mere second to realize that he was leaning against another. Oddly comforted by the warmth, but feeling thoroughly unsettled by it, Sesshoumaru quickly removed himself. Standing aside, he stared at the sleeping figure of the human girl. Bodily contact was not something he indulged in often. His mother had told him more than once that such a thing was unnecessary each time his grandmother hugged him. But he could not help but admit that it had felt nice.

 

His neck suddenly pricked.

 

Brows furrowing, Sesshoumaru spun around on his heels. His eyes landed on a figure clad in red who was staring back at him with something akin to shock.

 

Then the figure spoke in a low, growling tone. “What the hell…”

 

Before he could think of an appropriate response, Sesshoumaru felt Kagome stir. He glanced back towards her to find her jumping to her feet, her face alight with relief and excitement. With a gasp, she dashed past him towards the newcomer.

 

“Inuyasha! You're safe!”

 

Inuyasha? Sesshoumaru's eyes widened. This was his brother? He did not know what to expect but it certainly came as a surprise that Inuyasha was a hanyou. Though it was not hard to see the family resemblance. Inuyasha had the same hair, only slightly whiter and he had no markings. The golden eyes were also a dead giveaway.

 

“Keh! Of course! What do you take me for?” Then he pointed. “What's that?”

 

The girl's eyes narrowed. “Don't point, Inuyasha. That's Sesshoumaru. Don't tell me you don't recognize your own brother.”

 

“Oh…” A moment of silence passed before Inuyasha added softly, “I see.”

 

To Sesshoumaru's surprise, Inuyasha's eyes began to gleam with certain menace. Instantly, Sesshoumaru's senses told him to back away. But to do so was cowardly, he reminded himself. His father had taught him so.

 

Cracking his knuckles menacingly, Inuyasha began to stalk towards him.

 

“What are your intentions?” Sesshoumaru questioned, forcing himself to remain still even though he felt like bolting.

 

“Inuyasha! Stop it!” Kagome snapped.

 

Raising his fist, Inuyasha grinned evilly. “This is going to be so much fun.”

 

Now that Inuyasha was closer, he could tell for certain that they shared the same blood. And yet, it was clear to him that Inuyasha wanted to strike him. But why? What did he do?

 

“Stay back,” Sesshoumaru bit out.

 

“I'm warning you, Inuyasha!” Kagome shouted, bending down to pick up a piece of rock.

 

Sesshoumaru immediately wondered what she was planning on doing with the rock. Such a weapon would not suffice against one of Inu-no-Taishou's blood. It appeared that he would have to defend himself against this hanyou brother of his. Pressing his lips together in determination, Sesshoumaru raised his arms and extended his tiny, but sharp claws. Then he fixed his full attention on the approaching hanyou.

 

“Scared, Sesshoumaru?” Inuyasha taunted.

 

“I'm not afraid,” Sesshoumaru stated, trying hard to keep his voice even. But underneath, he could feel his own heart thumping hard against his ribcage. He was not certain that he was fully capable of winning this battle. After all, his training was not yet complete.

 

Inuyasha's grin widened as he continued to advance. Her expression twisted in annoyance, Kagome threw the now glowing rock at the hanyou. When it hit the hanyou's bare feet, Inuyasha yelped and was instantly thrown back. Sesshoumaru's blinked in surprise, his clawed hand suspended mid-air. The glow of the rock suggested holy powers. Was this human girl a miko?

 

Before Sesshoumaru could ponder upon the implications of traveling with one which was a sworn enemy of demons, Inuyasha's outraged snarl caught his attention.

 

Jumping to his feet, Inuyasha glared at Kagome. “What the hell did you do that for?” he yelled indignantly.

 

“How could you even think of beating up a kid?” Kagome yelled, her face flushed with anger.

 

“I'm not a child,” Sesshoumaru protested with a frown. “And I can defend myself.”

 

Inuyasha cast a withering look at him. Not wanting to appear weak, Sesshoumaru stood his ground and glared back at the hanyou.

 

“Keh! So you can defend yourself, huh?”

 

Sesshoumaru tipped his chin up. “Certainly.”

 

Inuyasha narrowed his eyes menacingly. “Show me,” he growled.

 

“Stop it, Inuyasha!”

 

Inuyasha swung around to face her, a smirk making its way across his features. “Hey, he said he can defend himself. Let us see what he's made of.”

 

Kagome immediately ran in front of him, holding her hands out to block his hanyou brother. “No,” she hissed angrily.

 

“You do not need to protect me, Kagome,” Sesshoumaru protested as he stepped around her. Her reaction baffled him. Why would she protect him from his own brother? Yes, his brother seemed to be a little unrestrained not to mention unstable, but he was still responsible for his own welfare.

 

Inuyasha smirked. “See, the brat wants to fight,” he said as he took a menacing step forward.

 

“I'm warning you, Inuyasha,” Kagome gritted out, reaching down to pick up another piece of rock.

 

“Keh!”

 

Shoving Kagome out of the way, Inuyasha launched towards him. As the girl fell on her side, Sesshoumaru darted away from his brother's attack. However, he did not anticipate Inuyasha's speed. The hanyou was up in the air before he knew it.

 

Sesshoumaru's eyes widened as Inuyasha's claws descended towards him.

 

 

 

…***…***…***…

 

 

A/N: And that's it until the next update. Hope you like how it's progressing and please review if you can. Thanks!

 

:elle6778: