InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ Crossroads of Betrayal ❯ Confronting the Family ( Chapter 8 )

Here comes the latest addition to Crossroads of Betrayal. First, the thank yous for my readers at Media Miner. Peacemaker; I think you'll find that knowledge is not always power. Enjoy this recent twist on events. Now for Fan Fiction. HeWhoWalksTheEarth (or the artists formerly known as Savior); I'm sorry it seemed a bit rushed but I'm glad you liked the fight scene. I'll keep looking for those stories. Nightfall2525; glad you enjoyed it. NellaFire; it was a song, but it's okay if you didn't catch it. I'm sorry to offend your gender. Glad you like the story. Crimsontears824; I updated just for you, enjoy. Twistedtiger; I'm glad you can still make time to read the story. I haven't gotten to watch much of the newer stuff, so that fight won't be happening unfortunately. BTK; I was joking about the name. I'm glad I could keep you own your toes. I let Inuyasha transform because he's more demonic than he was before, it kinda makes sense to me. Whocares666; I'm glad I still rock and hope to continue to do so. Oakrock; I'm going as fast as I can. I'm not sure when she'll figure it out, I have a few different scenarios I'm working on but I promise it will be good. SnowFox13; I'm glad it's close to dark. I put in that comment from Sess to piss off Inuyasha, worked didn't it? Fireclows; so you're my biggest fan. I was wondering who it was. I'm planning to possibly write another one after his story, whether it's Inu/San I'm not sure but it won't be Inu/Kag I can promise that. XDragon; wish granted. GothOnTheInside824; glad you liked it. I know Sess was a bit nicer than normal, but it fits with my story if he's accepting of the new Inuyasha. Zero R3b0rn; I wouldn't call it perfect, but in my own little world it's pretty darn good. Thanks. Arcangel3012 (from Merlin8719); I'm glad you decided to come back to the dark side and enjoy my story. Inu-shommaru; another conversion to the dark side. I'm glad you like the direction I took with my characters and that I could open your eyes to the new pairing. Sesslover101; glad you liked the last chapter, hope this one is just as enjoyable. Celestial Chaos; ah yes, a crossover from my Teen Titans family. I'm glad you like this fic as much as the other. I like pushing the envelope with the odd pairings, since the obvious ones usually annoy the hell out of me. KatonKageNaruto; glad I'm on the favorites list. It's rated M for language and the future lemons that will show up eventually. The Angel of Death; two groups meeting for a rumble in the jungle, hmmmmm. It has possibility. I'll see what I can do. Trafari; I'm working on getting it done, have patience. Ned kynaston; HOLY SHIT! Celestial e-mailed me shortly after your review to tell me about that. I just realized that's one of my reviewers too. He has promised me that his fic will be different from mine. How different is yet to be seen but let's just remember who was here first so it I don't like anything I'll hunt them down with my weedwacker. Loyal Reader; glad I'm your favorite. Yet another satisfied customer of “Sango in heat!”. Whocares666 (again); awesomeness is a word according to spell check and Strong Bad. Enough said. Christian; Sweet! Glad you enjoy and keep on reading.

 

Well that does it. Now onto the rest of the awesomeness of myself and this chapter.

 

Disclaimer: Until I finish my army of ninja robots, I cannot steal the rights to Inuyasha. It is only a matter of time now though. For now, they belong to Ms. Takahashi.

 

“Example”-speaking

`Example'-thinking

“Example”-transformed voice

 

Chapter 8

 

It was a peaceful day in the Feudal Era. It was rare to find one of these. There were no demon attacks, no fires, no storms, and no missing children. It was the kind of day where the ebb and flow of time seemed to slow down to enjoy the beauty of the moment. This was the kind of day where you would find couples curled up underneath a shade tree talking about their futures; the kind of day where children would run around playing games while their parents watched with happy smiles upon their faces; the kind of day where you didn't have to do anything except lay back on the bank of the river and watch the clouds roll by. God did Inuyasha ever wish he could be enjoying this day. Instead, he was forced to face a foe that he couldn't defeat. He was powerless against it, a thought that made him truly pissed. He couldn't do anything except stare into the eyes of his opponent and wish that the earth itself would open up and swallow him granting him a quick demise. “STOP THAT!!!” he screamed.

Shina and Shiori were staring at Inuyasha with the dreaded “puppy eyes” the number one way to get your way from him. He was resisting them though. The girls shared a quick glance out of the side of their eyes at each other; an understanding was carried silently across that gaze. They again locked eyes with the Second Lord of the Western Lands and began to tear up. Their bottom lips began to quiver for an added effect.

Inuyasha looked on in silent terror. `No. Oh please God no.' His eyebrow began to twitch and he growled. His growl only furthered the production of tears. He took his eyes off of the girls and over to Sango. She stood a few feet away from the poor dog half-demon. She had her hand over her mouth trying to hide the laughter that was building at watching him squirm with his back against the tree. He then looked to his feet to see Kirara rubbing up against his leg and purring. `And the clouds parted and God looked down to say, “I hate you Inuyasha”,' he grumbled in his mind. “Alright FINE! I'll go hunting for something other than fish for dinner.”

He was met by a squeal from the two girls in front of him, a laughing Sango, and a fire-cat who'd jumped to his shoulder rubbing his cheek. He scowled at having been beaten, but it quickly turned to a smirk when a thought crossed his mind. “You two will just have to clean and prepare whatever I bring back.” `That will show them.'

“But I don't want to hurt a rabbit or a deer, they're too cute,” protested Shina.

“Couldn't you have them ready for us already when you come back?” pleaded Shiori.

“Not a chance. You'll eat what I bring back and you're gonna clean it. End of discussion.” The girls weren't buying into that so they started with the faces again. “Not gonna work twice in a row.”

Sango came over and pulled the disheartened girls away whispering something to them so that only they could barely pick it up with their hearing; which did not sit well with him. She then walked over to Inuyasha with an overly exaggerated sway in her hips and a look of pure innocence on her face. She stepped in front of him and clasped her hands together in front of her chest. “Please do it for me, Inuyasha?” She made sure to have the same look as the girls, only she batted her eyelashes too.

Inuyasha swallowed the lump in his throat as his eyebrow once again twitched. `This has gotta be considered cruel and unusual punishment or something. How can they do this to me?' Inuyasha could smell tears coming from the young girls. He clenched his fists and closed his eyes tight. He growled for everything he was worth. “ALRIGHT, JUST STOP WITH THE EYES!!!” Instantly the girls smiled and played with Kirara and Sango hugged him. “I hate you,” he grumbled under his breath.

Sango looked into his eyes and smiled playfully. “No you don't. You just hate that you can't win against me.” She then stood on her toes to give him a quick kiss. “Good luck.”

“Yeah, yeah. Just watch the kids while I'm gone,” he reminded her.

As he walked off, Sango kept replaying the scene in her mind. The way he'd said to watch them, it sounded so much like a husband telling the wife to watch their kids while he went out to hunt.

“Oh no!” Shiori yelped from behind Sango.

Sango quickly turned and rushed over. “What's wrong?”

The young girl looked down. “I forgot tonight was the full moon.”

This comment also made Shina look at the ground. Tonight was the night Shiori would be human. Shina hated it just as much as Shiori, and without Inuyasha around it was always scarier.

Sango smiled gently at the little girl. “Don't worry. I'm here to protect you. You also have Shina and Kirara. Inuyasha will be back in a while so you have nothing to worry about. Alright?”

The girls looked up and nodded as small smiles crept across their faces.

“Now go play until Inuyasha gets back.” That was all they encouragement they needed. In seconds they were off running around playing tag. Sango sat lost in thought as she gazed into the fire. `Inuyasha is so strong, but when it comes to me or the girls his heart is bigger than even the Tetsusaiga.' Sango was pulled from her fantasies about living a life with Inuyasha by the scream of a young girl. Her heart stopped at that sound. She got to her feet and ran at top speed towards the source of the voice. She found Shina crying over a human Shiori who clutched at her ankle. “What happened?”

Shiori turned to Sango. “A snake bit me.”

“I burnt it right after I saw it bite her. I think it might be poisonous,” Shina explained.

Sango looked in fear at the two puncture marks that seeped red blood. They were a good distance from any village with a priestess; Kaede would probably be the closest. Even then, there was no guarantee she could save the girl. Sango did the only thing she could think of; she screamed. “INUYASHA!!!”

It took only a matter of seconds before the summoned half-demon landed with his arms loaded with meat for dinner. “What happened?”

Sango could only point at the ankle. Inuyasha visibly paled as he dropped the meat and rushed over to smell the bite. He grimaced when he got the scent of the poison it contained. He quickly reached for Sango's neck and she flinched. He grabbed onto the small pouch around her neck and removed a jewel shard. He bent down and slipped it into one of the gaps in Shiori's armor. He then scooped the little girl into his arms and turned to his friends. “Go back to camp and wait for me. I'll be back tomorrow. Stay safe and use your heads.” These commands all came out in a forced growl. He then turned away from them and leapt into the air as he headed off into the forest.

The remaining group members scooped up the meat and headed for camp. Shina was devastated that she couldn't heal her friend, but poison was not something she could remove. Kirara was upset that she didn't smell the snake in the first place and protect her young charge. Sango was hurting most of all; thoughts of what she believed to be Inuyasha scolding them for being so stupid running through her mind. She also thought of how she'd let down Shiori's mother, Kaori, by allowing her to be injured like that.

 

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Inuyasha cradled the shivering form in his arms. The poison was working faster than he wanted. She wouldn't make it to dawn at this rate. He knew of only two things that could allow her to survive until her demon blood resurfaced. The first was Sesshomaru and the Tenseiga; and the second was anti-venom from Kagome's time. Inuyasha knew Sesshomaru would help him now that they ruled together, but he had no idea where he was at. This left his only option to be the well. He hated this. He'd rather be resealed to the tree for another fifty years, but for Shiori he'd do it. He raced with all his power to the well. He just hoped that by holding onto her along with the shard he'd slipped into her armor that she'd be able to pass through with him. The moment of truth came when he saw the well. He was panting hard from the long run and didn't stop as he once again catapulted himself into the air. He fell straight down the well as he came down from the jump. He clutched Shiori to his chest as he began to see the familiar glow of the well. “Hold on, Shiori. We're gonna get you help.” The girl only whimpered back. Once the well had worked its magic and his feet were once again on solid ground, he jumped out onto the lip of the well and rushed forwards at the door full force. Inuyasha didn't bother opening the door; he threw his shoulder into it and blasted through it.

The sound of the door shattering had Souta, home alone while his grandpa was out of town visiting an old friend and his mother was out picking up dinner, running for the door. He opened the door just in time to see a silver, red, and black blur run into him and knock him down. The unknown attacker rushed into the living room. Souta got up to give chase. When he got there, he saw someone putting a small girl down on the couch and quickly grabbing a blanket to cover here. The man then set his eyes on the young boy and jumped at him. Souta fell backwards as his attacker ran for him. It was then that Souta noticed two white ears on top of the man's head. With wide eyes and a shaky voice, Souta muttered the only word that came to mind, “Inuyasha”.

Inuyasha smirked at the reaction he got from the boy in front of him. He bent down to put his face close so he'd know he was serious about the situation. “Hey kid, we'll chat later. She was bit by a poisonous snake. I remember something about anti-venom we got at one time. Do you remember where it is?”

Souta nodded. “It's at the hospital. When mom gets home she can go get you some.”

“No, it has to be now. Do you know which room they keep it in?”

“Yeah, I went with mom the last time.”

“Good, let's go.” With that said Inuyasha grabbed the boy by the collar and lifted him up and walked outside. He dropped the boy down onto the ground. “I'm gonna transform so that I'm faster. You get on my back and hold on for your life, got it?!”

Souta just nodded again. Then to his astonishment and horror, he watched as Inuyasha transformed into a beast before his eyes. Once the initial shock was over, he found his voice. “Cool, you're a were-dog!”

“Whatever, just get on my back, damnit!” the creature growled at him.

Souta hopped onto Inuyasha's back and held on tight. Before he knew what was happening, Inuyasha had crouched low and rocketed into the air. He was running and hopping using all four of his limbs like a normal dog would, giving him incredible speed and range for his jumping. Sota directed him towards a large white building with a red cross on the side of it.

“I don't think they'll just let us walk in there, especially with you like this,” whispered Souta.

“We're not going in the front door. Point to the window where it should be,” commanded Inuyasha.

Souta pointed and Inuyasha leapt into the air. He landed on the ledge and forced the window open. Once inside Inuyasha changed back and grabbed a bag which he handed to Souta.

“Put whatever we need in here; anything at all that we could possibly use and don't forget anything.”

Souta nodded and went around the room grabbing bandages, tape, disinfectant, a syringe, and the anti-venom. He carefully packed it in the bag and slung it over his shoulder. Inuyasha then transformed again and Souta hopped on for the journey home.

As they touched down in the yard, Inuyasha's heightened hearing picked up a gasp from the living room. It belonged to a female, but it wasn't Shiori. The smells from the hospital were still overpowering his nose so he couldn't pick out the scent. It could be one of two females in this house. He silently prayed it was the older one and not the younger. He transformed back as he followed Souta into the house.

Souta rushed into the living room to see his mother standing over the little girl. “Mom, she was bit by a snake. Inuyasha brought her here. We just got the anti-venom. We gotta help her.” Souta handed the pack to his mother.

The older woman looked at the bag and then to the figure who walked into the room next. She gasped when she realized who it was. Her surprise however was quickly replaced with anger. “Tell me who this child is, Inuyasha. I won't help you for what you did to my daughter but if you tell me who this child is I may decide to help her. If she has something to do with the heartache you've caused Kagome though, I can't promise she'll get the full treatment.”

Inuyasha was floored. He couldn't believe that Mrs. Higurashi was gonna let an innocent child die. `Wait a minute. What the hell did she say about hurting Kagome? Apparently the whore hasn't been truthful with her family about the situation. Well, a little scare tactic won't hurt.' “I don't know what lies your daughter is telling you, but this Inuyasha will not tolerate your insolence. Save the child and I'll explain later if I feel like it.” `God I sound like Sesshomaru.'

Mrs. Higurashi wouldn't be swayed though, she instead stomped her foot and glared. “No! You will tell me now or her death will be on your head for failing to protect her like I'm sure you were supposed to do.”

That hit a nerve for Inuyasha; in fact it hit the last one. `If she thinks I'm a monster then I'll give her one.' In one swift motion he'd run and grabbed Souta by the back of his shirt and lifted him off the ground. He flexed his claws and glared back at the woman. “I'll make a deal. Save her life and I'll spare his.”

Mrs. Higurashi could see it in his eyes; Inuyasha wasn't kidding. He'd really kill Souta if she didn't save this girl. “Alright, just don't hurt him.” She then opened the bag and began to work on the young girl who shivered on the couch. She quickly put into practice the classes in nursing she'd had. She administered the anti-venom and then set about cleaning out the wound. When she was finally done, Inuyasha leaned forward to smell Shiori. He detected no sign of death and the venom was already decreasing at a fast rate. He nodded and put Souta down. The boy quickly ran to his mother who began to sob.

Inuyasha sat down with his back against the couch by Shiori's head. “He wasn't in any danger. I just had to get you to save her,” he said with no emotions and his eyes closed.

In a fit of rage, Mrs. Higurashi picked up a vase behind her and threw it towards the young man. The object flew far over his head though and smashed into the wall.

Inuyasha cracked open one eye to look at her. “Your aim sucks. So, other than tricking you into thinking Souta was actually in danger, why the Hell are you so pissed at me?”

Mrs. Higurashi only glared at the half-demon and began to shout at him. “You know what you did! How could you do that to my poor daughter?!”

This comment intrigued him. He opened both eyes then and stood as he crossed the room to tower over the woman. “What exactly has she said I have done? I will gladly set any record straight or admit to what the deed is if I'm truly guilty.”

Mrs. Higurashi wasted no time as she promptly slapped Inuyasha across the face and fled to the kitchen.

Inuyasha sat there stunned. `She just slapped me? Oh Hell no!' Inuyasha stormed into the kitchen. As he walked in the door, he caught sight of a pan flying towards his head. He dodged just in time for another larger one to come veering towards him. “What the Hell, wench!?”

“This is for saying all those hurtful things to my baby!” A small pot the size of his head this time was the weapon of choice. “She did nothing but trust you and help you and you repay that kindness by turning on her.” This time a huge pot he never knew existed came whizzing by him.

He noticed she was out of pots and that she glanced at the knives. `Oh shit,' he thought. He ducked down and grabbed the large pan she'd thrown earlier to deflect the knives she was now preparing to hurl at him. The first one came for him and he batted it away until it stuck in the wall.

“You then attack her,” a carving knife, “thank god for that nice wolf boy who could save her,” a chopping knife, “and run off to that dead woman of yours,” and finally the butchers knife; the last leaving a loud clang and vibration in the pan. She glanced around and realized she was out of artillery.

Inuyasha dropped the pan to the floor. “Let me get this straight. I said bad things, tried to kill her, was scared away by a wolf, and ran to my dead girl; does that sum it up?”

Mrs. Higurashi panted and stared at the young man as she nodded her head. Souta decided this would be a good time to peek into the kitchen to survey how the war was going.

“Then let me tell you what's really been going on. Before you say that I'm gonna lie, let me first swear upon the grave of my father, the soul of my mother, and my title as Second Lord of the Western Lands that what I'm about to speak is the truth.” The sincerity of his statement and the formality of his oath of truth surprised the two Higurashi's in the room. Inuyasha went and sat upon a stool, not daring to take his eyes off of the woman who threw her kitchen at him just moments ago. A quick thought of how heavy the sink behind her was flashed through his mind but he shook it off. “Here's how it really went then . . . . . . .” Inuyasha spent the next few hours relaying the past few months of his life to his audience. He told them of Kagome's subduing him and the consequences of it; of his formation of a new group and his ascension to that of a greater half-demon than ever imaginable; of Shippou still looking over them in his absence and the wolf there too; and finally of becoming the Second Lord of the Western Lands. He did make sure to leave out the parts involving how close he and Sango had gotten; after all they didn't need to know his entire history. When he had finished telling his tale, he looked to the faces before him.

Souta was sad that his sister had run off his hero because of her own naïve ways. Mrs. Higurashi wasn't sure what to think. There was a part of her that didn't believe her daughter would lie to her, but that point quickly lost when she realized that whenever Kagome began talking about the journey and Inuyasha she never made eye contact. Kagome would always look off to the side or up like she was searching for an answer. Mrs. Higurashi locked eyes with Inuyasha and she began to cry. “I'm sorry,” she whispered.

Inuyasha simply nodded his acceptance. “I hold nothing against you or Souta. My problem lies with your daughter only. I'm sorry it had to be this way. As soon as sunrise comes around and Shiori has rested a bit in her half-demon form she will awaken. Once she's up, we'll leave you to your lives. This will be the last time I will trouble you with my presence.”

Souta wasn't about to lose his hero that way. “No, you can still come by. Kagome can make it up to you. She can remove the rosary, she can apologize, she can-” he was silenced by his mother's hand on his shoulder.

“Souta, honey, we can't just force Inuyasha to put up with Kagome. She's hurt him more than any of us realize. Because he still wears that rosary, it proves she didn't trust him. He's never even said her name the entire time he's been here. I'll miss him too, but it's not our decision to make.”

Inuyasha cleared his throat to get their attention. “It's getting late. I'll sleep down with Shiori, you two go on up to bed.”

“Alright, Inuyasha, goodnight,” Souta said as he walked upstairs followed by his mother.

Mrs. Higurashi paused on the steps to turn back towards Inuyasha. “I'm sorry for everything.” Again Inuyasha just nodded. She seemed to have something else on her mind though. “If I hadn't helped her, would you have hurt Souta?”

Inuyasha locked eyes with the woman before responding. “No.”

This satisfied her and she left to her bedroom. “Goodnight, Inuyasha.”

Inuyasha crouched over the sleeping form of Shiori and brushed a strand of black hair off of her face. “Sleep well, young one. Nothing will ever harm you so long as there is still breath within my body.” Inuyasha then sat on the ground with the Tetsusaiga in his lap as he lowered his head and drifted off to a peaceful sleep.

 

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Shippou was heading for the location where his father was supposed to be camped at. It was the monthly meeting, which tonight fell upon the full moon. He knew that Shiori would be human tonight, which meant he was free from being tortured by being held in place by an aura barrier. He didn't really mind, he just hated being fawned over by the two girls. He wanted to prove he was growing up to Inuyasha, and giggling girls made it very difficult to seem masculine.

He caught the scent of Sango and Shina up ahead. He broke through the underbrush and landed next to the two females. “Sorry for being late, Ayame wouldn't let me leave without eating first.” Shippou then noticed something that made the little hairs on the back of his neck stand on end; they were crying and there was no sign of Inuyasha or Shiori. “Shina, how come Shiori isn't here and you aren't playing with her and Kirara?” The response he got was the young girl drew her knees up to her chest and she hugged them while sobbing. Shippou turned shakily towards Sango. He hesitantly took a step towards the young woman. “Sango . . . . w-where is m-my f-f-father?” Sango looked over to the little fox demon and slowly crawled over to him. Shippou was terrified; why wouldn't they answer him? He stiffened when she pulled him into a tight embrace and began to whisper to him through her sobbing.

“Shiori . . . . was bitten by a . . . a snake and Inu- . . . . Inuyasha took her . . . . . we think he went to the w-well . . .” she then broke down and cried harder than she was before. “I couldn't protect her . . . . I've failed again . . . . .”

Shippou sat there in Sango's arms and let her cry. He was trying to understand why he'd go to the well. `Duh, he took her there because she has a better chance of surviving until sunrise with their medicines.' This was an acceptable reason to the young fox demon, until another realization dawned on him. `That's where her family lives. I hope she has been telling the truth all along for why he hasn't been coming back. Wait, she's going back tomorrow afternoon! They might run into each other!' Shippou broke free from the tight grasp of the demon slayer and ran off in the direction he'd come from.

Sango took this to mean that he was disgusted with her as well. She sank back to the ground and buried her face in her hands as she continued to cry.

Shippou wasn't mad though, he had a mission. He had to get to the group and delay them. He ran as hard as he could, but even with the adrenaline boost he was getting his speed was slowing. Shippou quickly reached his burnout point and collapsed to the ground exhausted. The sweat poured off his face and his breathing was heavy, but still the young warrior got to his feet and began to stagger in the right direction. A snapping twig behind him pulled his mind back to attention and he swung around while drawing his fang. He came face-to-face with a young girl. `What is it with me and girls?' “What do you want, wench?”

The girl seemed to be studying him for a bit. “That's not very polite to call people names. Rin gets scolded when she does.”

“Well good for you. Now tell me what the Hell you want?”

The girl, Rin so he guessed, gasped before frowning and putting her hands on her hips. “You are very rude to Rin. You also use such bad words, I will have to tell Lord Sesshomaru on you.”

Shippou's face faulted. “Sesshomaru?”

“Yes,” spoke the stoic lord as he stepped out of the shadows behind the small girl.

Shippou just slumped over and shook his head while mumbling, “not my day.”

“What is wrong, nephew? You look like something horrible has happened.”

Shippou looked up at the Lord of the Western Lands with wide eyes. “What did you call me?”

“I called you my nephew, just as Rin is my daughter, and you are both cousins.”

“So, you know about Inuyasha and me?”

“Yes, do you know about Inuyasha and me?” the lord mimicked.

“You hate each other; want to kill each other; and that's it.”

“That was before he proved himself to me. He has ascended to a new level, as I'm sure you're aware. As a result, we had a duel to determine who would rule the Western Lands. It was a draw leaving me as the First Lord and Inuyasha as the Second Lord. We hold no animosity towards each other, nor do I hold any grudges towards you.” Sesshomaru glanced at the sword Shippou held out while speaking the last statement.

“Oh, yeah, sorry.” Shippou put his sword away. “I'm trying to get to my group. Something happened to one of the girls father travels with and he was forced to take her to the world beyond the well. That stupid whore is gonna be going home tomorrow and I have to keep her away until father returns. If she catches him there, it will be disastrous.”

Sesshomaru merely nodded at this. “I thought I picked up his scent and another a moment ago. The young female scent had a trace of poison in it. I hope she will be alright, I know it will be quite a blow to my brother if she isn't.”

“Yeah,” Shippou agreed with a sigh.

“Not to worry, My Lord,” all eyes were trained on Rin now. “If she isn't then when Uncle Inuyasha comes back with her you can use your sword to bring her back.” She smiled big at the two demons.

The demons in question just looked shocked, the same thought running through their minds; `why didn't I think of that?'

Sesshomaru cleared his throat and glanced back at his nephew. “It appears you've picked up a few of Inuyasha's habits,” he said remarking about the fox demon's attire and sword. “Including his mouth,” this last statement was accompanied by a fierce glare.

Shippou returned the glare, “yeah, and I don't plan to change it. I will watch it around Rin though, if that's what you're implying.”

Sesshomaru nodded in acceptance. He then regarded the young boy again with an inquisitive look. “How are you progressing with the group? Are you able to grow stronger even with that wolf around?”

Shippou sighed and looked at the ground. “I'm not getting as strong as I want. I try to go off and train on my own but it's hard to find something that's not too weak or too strong for me.”

“Is Inuyasha not training you also?”

“He does when I meet with him once a month. It's all we're able to spare though; otherwise the group would follow and track us down.”

Sesshomaru seemed to be deep in thought. “I take it you were on the way to meet with him tonight?” A simple nod was his reply. “Would you like the chance for me to train you as well?”

Shippou stared into the eyes of his “uncle” as he desperately searched for the truth in those words. He saw the sincere look in the demon lord's gaze and only nodded.

“I assume you were taught technique by Totosai while Inuyasha teaches you strategy,” Sesshomaru surmised.

“That's right. My father was teaching me how to read an opponent and counter any attack they use.”

“That is an area I will not go into then, as the teachings may conflict. I do believe I can teach you a different aspect of reading your opponent. I will teach you to learn their fears and use them against themselves.”

Shippou furrowed his brow in confusion. “I don't understand how that would work.”

“It is simple, learn how they think and what makes them afraid or at least worried. For instance, Inuyasha is afraid of being found to be weak. If you taunt him about that, he will begin to make mistakes. Likewise, if you make fun of his friends or his many betrayals he will also attack without thinking first. These are no longer weaknesses though, so they cannot be exploited.”

“I understand now,” Shippou said with a nod. “Kind of like how you take great offense to anyone dishonoring you or your blood.” Shippou made no attempt to hide his smirk.

Sesshomaru glared at the young boy. “You learn fast. However you have spent more time with me so you know from past experiences. The trick is to be able to read your opponent on the battle field for the first time and discern those fears through battle taunting and opening attacks.”

“It is a lot to learn, if I'm not mistaken, but I promise to be a good student and learn well,” Shippou paused before finishing, “Uncle Sesshomaru.”

Shippou could have sworn that he saw the faintest of smiles flash across the great lord's face.

“Let us begin then, nephew.”

Over the course of the rest of the evening, Shippou was educated in learning to read an opponent. He was taught using fights he'd already witnessed to get a better idea. It also allowed him a greater understanding of his own traveling companions and their own weaknesses.

Very late into the night, Sesshomaru decided it was time to rest. He could see that the boy was beginning to lose concentration from his exhaustion. Sesshomaru made himself comfortable at the base of a tree with Rin snuggled up next to him for warmth. To the demon lord's astonishment, Shippou jumped up into a tree and settled down. `So much like his father. You make our bloodline proud, young warrior.'

 

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As the sun began to rise over the land, Shiori's demonic blood began to stir again. She felt herself gaining consciousness as her demon traits returned. She was not fully awake yet, but her senses were returning quickly. She could hear very peculiar noises. She could also smell scents that were strange as well. Someone then gently stroked her cheek and hair. It was such a calm and loving gesture. A soothing scent accompanied this person, a scent she recognized. She slowly opened her eyes to gaze into the face of her sworn protector, Inuyasha.

Inuyasha smiled as the girl opened her eyes. “Good morning, little one. You had me worried for a bit. Everything is alright now, and you're safe here. Rest a bit more and in a few hours we will set off. Sleep some more and recover.”

Shiori nodded and closed her eyes, instantly drifting off to sleep. Inuyasha continued to stroke her hair as it seemed to calm her. He also knew he had an audience behind him on the stairs as two sets of eyes focused on the two half-demons.

Without turning his head, he addressed them. “We'll leave when she wakes up next, her strength will have returned by then.” He then got up from the floor and fastened his sword to his belt. He turned towards the two humans and bowed. “I thank you for your assistance in this time of need. Your home will be protected by my family for generations to come.” `I need to stop hanging around with Sesshomaru, he's rubbing off far too much for my liking.'

Mrs. Higurashi in turn bowed back. “It is our pleasure, Lord Inuyasha. Would you like some breakfast? I was gonna fix some for Souta and I.”

“No, thank you. When Shiori wakes up if she wants something though I would be honored to have you cook for her. Now I'll go fix that door I broke upon my arrival last night.” Inuyasha then turned to head towards the well house.

“I'll help you,” chimed in Souta. The young boy intended to spend as much time as he could with his hero.

The repair work took less than an hour; in that time Souta had left to eat breakfast and returned to help finish. Inuyasha stood back admiring his work with the young boy. The half-demon could feel the sadness and smell the tears that he wanted to shed. Inuyasha had never been much for saying the right things or having much tact, but he decided he'd give it a shot and speak from his soul on this.

Inuyasha walked over to the boy and placed a hand on his shoulder. “I don't know what the future holds kid, but I do know a few things. You've got a great family here. You're the man of the house here, which means you have to protect your loved ones. If you want to truly do something to honor me then grow up. I want you to promise me you'll grow up and become a good man; love your family and your friends; enjoy your life to its fullest and never have any regrets. When you find that one girl who seems perfect, think first. Don't always follow your heart; it can sometimes be blinded by what's just in front of you. Don't dwell on your past, or you'll be doomed to relive it again. Learn from my mistakes, Souta. I'm not perfect, nor will I ever be, but I plan to live my life from now on and forget my horrid past. In time, you'll forget about me. The hurt will be gone and only a good feeling will be left when you remember me.”

Souta sniffled as the tears began to roll down his cheeks. He couldn't help himself and launched towards Inuyasha to clamp his arms around the half-demon's waist. “I'm gonna miss you. You've helped me out a lot. Whenever I needed to be strong, I thought of you and it gave me courage.”

A small smile played across Inuyasha's lips. He managed to get the boy to release his death grip and knelt down to eye level. Inuyasha reached into a small compartment in his armor and pulled out a small leather pouch. He placed it in Souta's hand.

The boy looked at the object in his hand and then slowly opened it. Inside he found a small piece of rope tied into a circle, at the center opposite the knot, was a fang tied up. He looked questioningly towards Inuyasha who simple smiled wide and pointed to a gap in his upper teeth where a canine should have been.

“Now you'll always have a piece of me with you, not just in your heart and mind, but a physical aspect that you can pull that courage from.”

Souta smiled as he put the small pendant around his neck. He held the fang between his fingers and could feel the power it possessed.

Inuyasha nodded in satisfaction. “Now let's go inside and cool off. I need to check on Shiori anyways.” The two headed indoors where they were met by Mrs. Higurashi holding two large glasses of water.

As Souta walked upstairs to shower, Inuyasha turned towards the woman. He knew there was something on her mind, his new demonic senses allowed him to pick up on changes in scent and body language easily now. As he waited for her to find her voice, she looked over his appearance and marveled at the changes he'd undergone. When she was done, she finally spoke to him. “You mentioned last night that you're still holding a grudge against Kagome, I'd like to know what you mean.”

Inuyasha crosses his arms over his chest and closed her eyes. “She's wronged me; by the laws of demonic nature I have the right to justice. Since I am now a lord that punishment may be as severe as torture or even death in this instance.” A gasp was heard making him open his eyes. “I don't know yet if it will come to that, her future actions will be used to determine that. If she mistreats my son in any way or tries to harm myself or any member of my party then it is possible she may be dealt with in that manner. It would be advisable if you were to relay that message to her when she next visits.”

“I will. I'm sorry this has happened. I blame myself for the way she was brought up.”

“That line of thinking will accomplish nothing. Do not worry about such things when more is important. See to it that Souta becomes a great man and try to salvage what you can from her.” Inuyasha's ear swiveled on his head. “Shiori is waking.”

Inuyasha walked into the living room with a glass of water for the stirring girl. When she finally was awake, she drank the water and sat up.

“How are you feeling?”

“Much better, thanks to you,” she smiled as she hugged him.

“Do you want something to eat or would you like to go home now?”

“I just wanna go home. My tummy hurts and I don't want to eat. I wanna see Sango and Shina,” Shiori began to sniffle a bit.

Inuyasha nodded. “If I transform to run faster, do you think you could hold on?”

Shiori nodded. Inuyasha helped her off the couch and held her hand as they walked outside. Once outdoors, she gripped his large hand tight and clung to his leg. This strange world frightened the poor girl. Mrs. Higurashi and Souta came out to watch them off. Simple goodbyes were said; Mrs. Higurashi made no attempt to hide her tears while Souta held onto the fang to keep from showing weakness.

Inuyasha opened the newly repaired door to the well house and turned to face the humans watching him. His eyes bled over to fully red and he glowed. The sight of Inuyasha transforming caused the older woman to gasp and step back while the young boy just looked on in fascination.

Inuyasha knelt down by Shiori and helped the young half-demon onto his back. “Hold on tight.” With that said, he jumped into the well and the magic took over. Once on the other side, Inuyasha leapt out of the well onto the ground and then sped off towards the forest.

As he was racing along, he picked up three familiar scents. `What in the world are they doing here?' Inuyasha skidded to a stop in the small camp that contained Shippou, Sesshomaru, and Rin. Shiori hopped off his back and he transformed back to his normal self. “What's going on here?”

A screaming voice from a tree above them was the first to respond. “Shiori, you're alright!” Shippou then came flying out of the tree towards the young girl. He never made it to her to give the hug he was preparing for as Inuyasha had grabbed onto his tail.

“Hey, watch it pup. She's still a little weak.” He then narrowed his eyes at the young demon. “Weren't you supposed to be with Sango and Shina?”

“Well, I was. But they were crying and barely managed to tell me that you went to the well with Shiori. She was planning on going home today so I had to try and stall them a bit, but Uncle Sesshomaru said they were farther away so they wouldn't make it until this morning at the earliest. We also stayed to see if you needed help,” replied Shippou.

“I'm pleased that you came to try to help me and that you and Sesshomaru had a chance to chat.” The young demon beamed at the praise of his father. That quickly changed when Inuyasha began to scowl. “However you left Sango and Shina crying by themselves which means they were not completely protected from some kind of demon attack. You're very lucky that Kirara was there with them, or you would have much to answer for.”

Shippou could only gulp as he stared at the upset eyes of his father.

“They were not unprotected. I sent Jaken and Ah-Un there earlier to watch them from afar. Now that the matter is settled, have you decided upon which regions you wish to govern over?” interrupted Sesshomaru.

“No, I haven't. When I do, you'll be the first to know. Until then, shut up!”

“Very well then, I take my leave. Come, Rin.”

As Sesshomaru headed off into the woods with Rin running around him, Inuyasha transformed and carried Shiori and Shippou back to their camp.

 

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That same morning found the shard collectors heading back towards the well and Kaede's village. They made it to the well by mid morning. They had just gotten over a hill and the Bone Eater's Well was in sight. All seemed normal and tranquil around the spot. Kagome sighed as she realized she was gonna have to keep up some of the lying she'd been doing. She didn't mean to do it; the truth was just too hard to tell. All her thoughts about what she'd tell her family this time ceased when the familiar magic glow of the well suddenly appeared. Suddenly a beast of some kind sprang out of the well and quickly ran off into the woods. It looked like it carried something on its back. Kagome's heart sank to her stomach and she ran with all her might towards the well and jumped in.

Once on the other side she began to climb the ladder and screaming at the top of her lungs. “Mama, Souta, Grandpa!”

When she got to the house she rushed in to see the kitchen in a mess and her mother and brother cleaning it up. “What happened? What was that monster that came out of the well?”

Mrs. Higurashi and Souta shared a glance at each other, and then set two pairs of cold eyes upon the girl. “Inuyasha,” they both replied in monotone.

“H-he w-w-was here?”

Mrs. Higurashi walked over to her daughter and stared into her face. “He told us what happened between you two.”

“Whatever he said I'm sure it was all a lie. He just wants to hurt us all,” claimed Kagome while looking away from her mother.

Mrs. Higurashi stamped her foot and grabbed her daughters chin so they looked into each others eyes. “The truth, now!”

Kagome broke down and cried as she told them the same story Inuyasha had spoken about the previous night. When she was done she felt like a great weight had been lifted from her shoulders. That weight was replaced quickly as she noticed the death glare that Souta was giving her and the look of disappointment in her mother's eyes.

“Clean up the kitchen, Kagome. Souta let's go do that shopping we need to do,” Mrs. Higurashi calmly stated as she gathered her purse and house keys. “Do whatever it is you came to do, Kagome. When you decide to go back to the Feudal Era I would be cautious of how you treat those close to Inuyasha,” a fierce glare accompanied the next part of the statement, “your future existence might depend on it.” With that said she and Souta left the confused and devastated priestess there in a wrecked kitchen.

 

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To say it had been a rough night for Sango and Shina would have been putting it nicely. They had not slept much at all. Their nerves were completely shot from the lack of sleep. It was no surprise then when they shrieked at the sudden explosion of a beast from out of the woods. Fortunately for them, this beast resembled a white dog-like form carrying Shippou and Shiori. The passengers jumped off while the beast transformed back into Inuyasha.

Shina ran over to hug Shiori and the girls began to sob together.

Inuyasha turned his gaze to the large cat-demon form of Kirara. “Kirara, would you take the girls back to that village we were in a few days ago?” The cat tilted her head as if to ask the reason for this. “I wish to speak with Sango for a moment, we will join you later.” The demon cat growled and the girls got on as she took to the air. Inuyasha continued to watch the girls as Shippou headed over to Sango.

Sango kept her eyes on the back of Inuyasha. She was interrupted from her thoughts by Shippou clearing his throat at her feet. He gestured for her to kneel down and she did. She was shocked when the serious looking young demon hugged her.

“I didn't run off because I was mad. I had to make sure my group didn't get back to the well until later today,” he whispered into her ear. He then shocked her even more by giving her a kiss on the cheek before letting go. “I'm off to head back to Kaede's village to wait for the others. See you later!” Shippou yelled as he ran off.

A very uncomfortable silence followed his departure. Inuyasha turned to look into Sango's eyes with a cold glare. He began to stalk closer to her. She in turn stood up and began to back up until her back was against a tree and she had no way out.

Sango couldn't stand to see that look in his eyes, but she couldn't break away from his icy stare. “I'm sorry I failed you, Inuyasha. I wouldn't make a good mother. I'm more horrible than Kag-” she was silenced by a very forceful kiss from Inuyasha. He pulled back and again stared at her with his petrifying gaze.

“Try that last statement again,” he commanded.

“I'm more horrible than Kag-” again she couldn't finish as she was brutally kissed. She was sure her lips would be bruised.

“Again!” he growled.

`What does he want from me? I'm just trying to say that I'm not any better than . . . .' realization finally sunk in. “I'm more horrible than her.”

Inuyasha growled and narrowed his eyes; the result was the scent of fear and sorrow from Sango. He slowly approached her lips again with his own. This kiss proved to much gentler than the others. He wrapped his arms around her waist and pulled her closer to him. Sango let out a small gasp at the sudden gesture and Inuyasha took this moment to explore her mouth with his tongue. This earned him a moan from the woman in his arms as she snaked her arms around his neck and entangled her fingers in his hair. They continued to enjoy the taste of each other for what seemed like an eternity. Inuyasha ran his hands up and down her back and sides while she began to gently pet his ears. He broke the kiss and began to trail little kisses and nips with his fangs down her jaw line and on her neck. Sango began to moan and say his name breathily.

Much to the dislike of the slayer, the half-demon giving her such pleasure suddenly stopped. This action earned him a slight whimper which he chuckled at.

“I was never mad at you. I was only interested in getting Shiori help as soon as possible. You are also not going to be a horrible mother. Your job is nurturing, mine is protection. Never think you were at fault, accidents happen. Everyone is safe and sound. Let's go meet the others now.” Inuyasha then let her go and scooped her up into his arms bridal style and began running off in the direction the girls left in.

“How can you just do that?” asked a slightly upset Sango.

“I can't help but forgive you. My mother taught me that you do that when you truly love someone.”

Sango couldn't help but blush at that statement. “That's not what I mean. How can you just kiss me like that and move on? Do you have any idea what you're doing to me?”

Inuyasha glanced at her and smirked. He sniffed quickly and his smirk widened. “I know exactly what I was doing to you. I'm able to move on because after having battled my demonic blood for so long I've learned excellent restraint. Once our mission is over with though,” he paused to gaze at the woman he was carrying again with a devious grin that could only be described as a look learned from Miroku, “you're MINE.” The last came out as a growl and his eyes flashed.

Sango gasped at that. “You mean you've really chosen me?”

“Unless you don't think you can handle me,” he jokingly said with a smirk.

Sango glared at the half-demon but her eyes were sparkling with love, “I think I can handle anything you've got, my little puppy.”

“Guess I better kill the bastard soon then,” Inuyasha said as he fired off that grin again.

`Two can play that game.' Sango reached up to stroke one of his ears. Inuyasha slowed his speed as the feeling rushed through his veins. He bowed his head slightly giving Sango better access; she in turned licked the tip of the other and whispered into it, “you sure as Hell better kill him quick.” She stopped and smiled back at him with that same look he'd worn only moments ago.

The couple continued on towards the village and the waiting girls, their future looking very bright.

 

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Jacketslacker: Wow, that was a long as chapter. It came out pretty good, I hope. It came out of a couple requests some readers had, for Inu to go back through the well and a scene with Sess and Shippou. I was told that someone apparently is writing a story that seems uncannily similar to mine. This person e-mailed me recently and apologized for that but promises that it will be different from mine in the long run, I hope for their sake it is because my loyal followers might tar and feather them otherwise. I'm still looking for artists to help out with some drawings for this and my Teen Titans fic. Until next time kids.