InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ Young at Heart ❯ Plots Thicken ( Chapter 17 )

Chapter Seventeen: Another Setback

 

The pain that ripped through Sesshoumaru was intense, and he whimpered miserably. The claws wrapped around his small body, and dug into his sides, causing him to yelp at the pressure. He was hefted to the youkai's face, and he clenched his eyes shut thinking the youkai intended to eat him. `What a wonderful way to end my life.' He thought. A certain brown-eyed little girl's face came to him then and he gaped. `Rin.' Growling, he couldn't give up. Struggling in the youkai's grasp, he tried clawing at the tough hide on the arm that held him.

The youkai hissed and tossed him through the air, and Sesshoumaru connected with a large tree, knocking the breath out of him. Struggling to his feet, he made to run but he was smacked to the side forcefully. He could feel the claws on the youkai rip through his haori and through his flesh.

Whimpering at the stinging pain that ripped through his back, Sesshoumaru stumbled and fell to the ground. The claws descended as he turned his head and he bit back a sharp cry of pain as the claws drove into his legs pinning him down to the ground. The claws ripped through his skin, through muscle and penetrated the bone. He stiffened and blinked in surprise at the pressure, and then his limbs grew numb and then the pain exploded behind his eyes and he wailed into the air.

When the youkai twisted his hand, Sesshoumaru couldn't prevent the cry that erupted from his mouth in another agonizing yowl. Tears filled his eyes. When had he been in this much pain before? The only memory that he could recall was when his brother had used and discovered the Wind Scar.

Panting, and swiping at the claws embedded in his legs, preventing him from moving, his soft short claws tore a small piece of flesh. The large youkai yanked his clawed hands out of his legs, causing Sesshoumaru to howl in pain and he struggled to his feet.

The intense pain that shot up his legs caused them to freeze up and turn to mush. Falling uselessly to the ground, he whimpered more, and pulled himself away from the furious youkai that attacked him. Every thing became muddled together, and a flurry of movement caused him great confusion. Things seemed to move in slow motion, and he turned his head slightly, to see where the youkai was, and all he saw were those sharp claws again.

The claws descended on him, and Sesshoumaru closed his eyes preparing for the pain. It never came. Blinking and curling into himself, he felt strong arms wrap around him, and he whimpered. Was it his father? Frowning, he shook his head. That wasn't right. Blinking open his eyes, he turned his head slightly and peered up at the demon slayer who cradled him gently in her grasp.

Whimpering again, he glanced over his shoulder and saw Kagome shoot an arrow at the large youkai, and then Miroku suck the dreadful thing up into his hand. Burying his face in Sango's shoulder, he released another whimper and shuddered.

Strong hands rubbed his back and he clenched the front of her kimono in his hands, wiping the tears from his face. He still had a little pride left, so he hid his tears; he felt those fingers run through his matted hair gently.

Rubbing his nose on her shoulder, he lifted his eyes to her again and blinked.

Sango smiled softly. “You are safe now.” She said whispering.

Sesshoumaru frowned and buried his face once again on her shoulder. Kagome and Miroku raced to their sides, and he felt another hand on his back and he whimpered. It hurt. He was carried all the way to the camp, and he was placed onto a soft blanket, and he rolled onto his side curling into himself.

He winced at Jaken's cries of rage, and whimpered at the gentle pressure on his legs as Kagome tended them. Smiling slightly, he found this small bit of attention rather pleasing. He was being babied and he turned his head to stare at his brother's girl.

Kagome had tears in her eyes as she tended to his legs and back, and he frowned. Was she shedding tears for him? Why? All he had ever done for her was to cause her grief and he had even tried to kill her on several occasions, yet here she was, tending to him gently as a mother would her pup.

Her hands worked tirelessly on his wounds, cleaning them, and binding them in some strange woven cloth, and he sniffed softly, and then yelped when her fingers brushed a deep cut.

Kagome glanced up quickly as his foot jerked away and his whimper reached her ears. “I'm sorry, Sesshoumaru.”

Inuyasha crawled over to them and sat beside his brother watching intently and he rested himself onto his stomach with his head placed in his hands. The hanyou just watched curiously, and winced when his brother did and sighed.

Everyone was quiet as Kagome finished tending his wounds, and Rin sat over by Sango who tried to make the girl laugh. Even Rin was shedding tears for him. Shivering, he drew his legs to his stomach and whimpered at the stinging pain that shot up them. Kagome had gotten up and began helping Miroku prepare camp and something to eat, and Sango came over to sit next to him.

“Are you okay, Sesshoumaru?” She whispered, placing her hand on his forehead, brushing back his silver bangs.

Blinking, he glanced at her and nodded. Even though he felt horrible, he couldn't show weakness to these humans, could he? Swallowing, he realized that he had already shown great weakness in this body, and he shuddered again.

“Are you cold?” Sango asked softly.

Sesshoumaru nodded slowly. Startled, he felt those strong hands on him again, lifting him into a set of strong arms, and he furrowed his brow confused. What was she doing? Sango cradled him in her arms, and he sighed placing his head against her shoulder. Somehow, it felt safe here. Smiling, he curled up more and closed his eyes.

Kagome walked over and laughed at her friend. “Is he sleeping?”

Sango looked up smiling from ear to ear. “I think so.”

Kneeling beside her friend, Kagome looked at the peaceful expression on his face, and brushed the tangled hair out of his eyes. “He's cute, isn't he?” She whispered.

“I wouldn't let him hear you saying that.” Sango giggled, and unbeknownst to herself, she was rocking back and forth very slightly, as though trying to calm a frightened baby. “How are the rest holding up?”

“Inuyasha is a little shaken. When he had told us he smelt his brother's blood on the air, he had gone into a fit of panic. He is calmer now.” Kagome muttered, seating next to her friend. “Rin seems to be doing better too. I think all that blood frightened her.”

Sango nodded. “It scared me.” She admitted looking down into her arms at the relaxed figure of Sesshoumaru. His mouth moved slightly, and he curled against her more. Giggling softly, she glanced up at Kagome. “He's dreaming.”

Kagome peered over into her friend's arms, and nodded. “I think you're right. Do you think we should wake him when dinner is ready?”

Sango shook her head. “No, I think he really needs to sleep. It's been a big day for everyone. Even Inuyasha is sleeping now.”

Kagome blinked and looked over into the hanyou's direction, and true enough, he was curled up around Kirara sucking on one of his thumbs. She snorted. “I wonder what he would do if I took a picture of that as a memory.” Gasping, she remembered she had her camera with her. “Oh, that would be too good of a revenge against him. Having pictures of him and Sesshoumaru together.”

Sango giggled and nodded. “I think they would both probably deny it despite the proof.”

Kagome nodded and grinned. “Do you think they will get along if they change back?” She whispered.

Sango shrugged. “Sesshoumaru was acting really strange after the encounter with the village boys. I think maybe he was startled at a new discovery, and that is why he had left, but I don't know for certain.”

Sesshoumaru stirred in her arms, and Sango looked down to see if she had woken him. His eyes remained closed and he gripped her kimono tightly in his grasp and uttered a word she certainly wasn't prepared for. “Hahaoya.”

Sango glanced up startled and stared at Kagome, blushing furiously. “Did he just say what I think he said?” Kagome asked just as wide-eyed as her friend.

Sango nodded wide-eyed. “I never really thought about him having a mother.”

“I wonder what happened to her?” Kagome whispered.

Sango gave a small smile and shook her head. “I don't thing anyone will ever know the answer to that.”

Kagome nodded sadly, her mind on her own mother back home in the present. “I wonder what she looked like?”

Sango giggled. “Well we saw their father after Sou'unga was destroyed. He looked similar to what Inuyasha does in his transformed state. I think Sesshoumaru has more of his mother in him then his father.”

Kagome smiled. “Do you think he got that arrogance from her too?”

Sango bit her lip. “I really have no idea. Inuyasha is pretty arrogant too.”

Kagome nodded. “That's true.” She gave a yawn and stretched her arms over her head. “I think that's it for me. I'm exhausted.”

Sango nodded. “I'll keep watch, and wake Miroku half way through the night.”

Kagome got up and glanced once more at Sesshoumaru who was curled up protectively in Sango's arms. “You know, you could always lay him down on that bedroll.” She pointed to the one behind the demon slayer.

“I know, but I think I'll hold him awhile longer.” Sango gave a tiny smile and tightened her arms around the youkai pup in her arms.

Kagome grinned and nodded. “Good night, Sango.”

Sango looked up, but then looked back into her arms, where Sesshoumaru was. His face was buried in her hair, breathing softly. His tiny hands were clutched in her kimono, holding it desperately, as though afraid that if he let go, danger would find him. Again his whispers took her by surprise when he softly called for his mother. “Hahaoya.”

Sango whispered in his ear, trying to calm his now racing heart she felt through her clothing. “Shush, little one. It's okay.”

This didn't go unnoticed by Kagome or Miroku who watched with small smiles on their faces. Sango pushed herself up against a tree, and cradled Sesshoumaru closer, and almost jumped surprised when a small golden eye popped open to peer at her curiously.

“Did I wake you?” Sango whispered.

“I'm not little.” He mumbled, before closing his eye again and shifting closer to her warm body.

“Have you been awake all this time?” She scolded.

“Keh. Ridiculous.”

Before she could comment, she looked up and saw Inuyasha wandering over to her. He stopped beside her and yawned and also climbed into her lap and promptly curled up next to his brother, slipping back into sleep before she could say a word.

Sesshoumaru's eyes opened surprised and he grunted as his brother gripped the remains of his shirt tightly in one fist and stuck his thumb into his mouth. Frowning, Sesshoumaru reached over and removed the thumb and snorted when Inuyasha protested. “You're too old for that, Inuyasha.”

The hanyou muttered something and plopped the thumb right back where it had been and fell back asleep.

“Leave him be, Sesshoumaru. He is only doing it because he felt insecure and frightened earlier.” Sango explained.

Shrugging his shoulders, Sesshoumaru closed his own eyes and planted his nose into her hair taking a deep breath. Shifting his head slightly, he sniffed again and sighed. She smelt like the soft spices of cinnamon and the flowery scent of lilies.

Sango felt Sesshoumaru sniffing her and she frowned. “What are you doing?” She whispered.

“Nothing.” He declared and shifted closer to her sighing again.

 

The next morning was interesting for everyone as Kagome tended to Sesshoumaru's back and legs. He had been able to remain silent during the ministrations to his shredded back, but once Kagome unwrapped his legs, the young youkai had closed his eyes tightly.

Kagome applied streams of water over his legs, and she noticed his tiny immature fangs sink into his lip, holding back any sounds of pain. She was almost certain that once she applied the antibiotic from her era, Sesshoumaru would definitely cry out. Rinsing out the cloth, Kagome turned back and blinked surprised seeing Sango kneeling behind Sesshoumaru rubbing his arm gently, and he released a snarl at the contact.

Giggling, Kagome uncapped the lid to the antibiotic spray and took a deep breath. “This is going to hurt, Sesshoumaru.”

Sesshoumaru turned his glare to her quickly, before he noticed what was in her hand and he clenched his teeth together, preparing himself. Never in his small life was he expecting the cooling sensation that eased the painful throbbing, but once the cooling subsided, it began to burn and it felt like someone had lit his legs on fire. Suddenly the stinging intensified and he flopped half way around and wrapped his arms around Sango's waist yowling into her kimono.

“I'm sorry, Sesshoumaru.” Kagome whispered softly.

Sesshoumaru's mind didn't even register her words, as he felt hot tears well up in his eyes at the stinging hot pain that coursed up his legs right into his stomach and he felt it clench painfully. Wincing against the pain, he whimpered. Those strong arms wrapped around him again, and he felt suddenly sick.

Twisting quickly, he retched over Sango's legs, his stomach trying to rid itself of something, even though he hadn't eaten anything besides the pastry from the day before. Having already digested it, his stomach only released stomach bile and it burned through his throat, making him gag.

Finally exhausted, he slumped into the demon slayers arms, and whined low in his throat. Kagome handed Sango some water, which she offered to Sesshoumaru who shook his head slowly.

“I don't feel good.” He whispered.

Sango nodded, and sighed. “Have some water at least. It will help with the burning in your throat.”

Sesshoumaru looked up and shot Kagome a glare, before taking a long drink from the bottle, and he released his breath in relief.

Miroku walked over and announced that they were ready to depart, and Kagome nodded. “I don't think you should walk on your legs yet, Sesshoumaru.”

The youkai blinked at her. “So what do you suggest I do? Crawl?” He mocked.

“There is Kirara and Ah `Uh who can carry you.” Sango smiled.

Sesshoumaru glanced over at the transformed cat youkai and shuddered, he was never really that fond of cats. Blinking over to the two-headed dragon, Sesshoumaru nodded in its direction. “I'll ride Ah' Uh.”

Sango nodded and giggled, lifting him as she stood and Sesshoumaru protested.

“I'm not a baby.”

“I know that.” She replied shaking her head, and then placed him on the dragon's back. Sango turned away and quickly jumped onto Kirara's back, as did Miroku and Kagome. Shippo perched on Kagome's shoulder happily, and watched the rest of the group take their spots. Rin clamored onto Ah `Uh's back behind him, and grinned. Jaken only sighed from the other side of Sesshoumaru and remained quiet.

“Why are you so happy?” Sesshoumaru grumbled.

“I think it is a wonderful day.” Rin cheered happily, her exuberance flooding the area and making the others smile widely at her cheerful voice. “The sun is shining, the birds are singing.”

Sesshoumaru snorted and felt a small smile pull at the corners of his lips as her happiness washed over him as well. Inuyasha bounded over to them and hopped onto Ah `Uh's back and grinned widely. Rolling is eyes; Sesshoumaru looked down at his torn hakama pants and sighed. Through the material and torn strips you could see the gauze that Kagome had placed on the wounds. Turning his head to glance at Ah' Uh, he couldn't remember the last time he had ridden the animal, and he frowned.

Why was it every morning, it seemed his memory was dimmer? Thinking back to the day before, he remembered the village boys taunting him and Inuyasha, but what had happened after that? Frowning more, he tilted his head. There had been a youkai that had attacked him, but why had he been alone? Had he run off? Or was it something else? Shaking his head furiously, he glanced up when Ah' Uh started walking.

Gripping the saddle tightly in his hands, he certainly didn't remember the jolting steps the two-headed dragon made. Rin clapped her hands excitedly behind him and he turned his face to hers snorting. “It's not that exciting.” He mumbled.

Inuyasha stood on the dragon's hips testing his balance, and Sesshoumaru felt his eyes widen when they passed under a low hanging branch that successfully knocked Inuyasha over backwards into the ground.

Sesshoumaru snorted and then smirked. Inuyasha bounded back up onto the dragon blinking curiously as to what had happened. Rin grinned and explained. “You got knocked off by a branch. Ah `Uh is tall you know.”

“I did? Now how'd that happen?” Inuyasha asked placing his index finger to his chin, not fully listening to her words. Shrugging his shoulders, Inuyasha stared at his brother who seemed lost in thought. “What's wrong, Sess?”

Sesshoumaru glowered at him. “Nothing, mutt. Go back to testing your balance.”

Inuyasha nodded excitedly and stood up just as another branch connected with the top of his head and sent him reeling backwards onto the ground once again. Rin burst into laughter. Sango glanced over her shoulder and saw Inuyasha lying on the ground. “Get up Inuyasha, you're going to get left behind.”

The hanyou rolled to his feet and glared at the trees, but more importantly at his brother who sat chuckling on the dragon's back. Quickly running to catch up, he jumped back onto the dragon and snarled at his brother. “You had that all planned, didn't you?”

“Not my fault you fell for the same thing twice.” Sesshoumaru smirked.

Inuyasha raised his fist, and got to his feet to tackle his brother, but his ears filled with a sharp crack and he felt the wind knocked out of his lungs. Lifting his head, he realized that yet again a stupid tree had knocked him down. Growling, Inuyasha attacked the tree trunk furiously with his immature claws, barely leaving small scratches in the thick bark.

“Inuyasha, stop fighting with that tree, and come on already.” Kagome said impatiently.

Blinking and nodding quickly, Inuyasha raced over to Kirara. “Can I ride with you?” He asked, throwing a glare at his brother and Rin who tried to hide their laughter.

“There isn't anymore room, Inuyasha. Kirara can only carry so many, and she already has four.” Miroku explained.

“But I don't want to ride with them, they made the trees knock me off the dragon's back.”

“Stop standing on Ah' Uh's back and you won't fall off.” Kagome rolled her eyes.

Inuyasha pouted and stomped back to the dragon and pounced into the saddle behind Rin.

The rest of the morning passed without any more incidents, and Kagome called for a break so they could eat something. Inuyasha all too eagerly raced from the dragon to Kagome's side, and pounced around her feet as she searched for firewood.

Kagome giggled as she dodged his excited movements. “Inuyasha, you're going to make me fall.”

Inuyasha grinned, and decided to help her with gathering the wood.

Rin also had jumped from Ah' Uh's back and followed Jaken to the river after a stern command for Jaken to get some fish. Miroku and Shippo also followed. Sesshoumaru blinked stupidly on the dragon's back and watched as everyone went about the camp, building the fire and finding sticks so they could cook their meal. The youkai turned his head and snorted. “I guess they forgot about me.” He muttered to Ah' Uh.

The dragon sniffed, and took a step towards the fire and waited. Sesshoumaru also waited, a bit impatiently as he was indeed forgotten, and he snarled. “Hey, I'm hungry too, you know! I can't believe you forgot about me.” He said after everyone seated themselves around the fire preparing to dig into their meal.

All heads turned in his direction and their mouths dropped open in surprise. They had forgotten, and both Kagome and Sango scrambled to their feet and ran up to him apologizing profusely. Sango quickly scooped him into her arms, and carried him back with Kagome following behind still apologizing.

Sango placed Sesshoumaru down beside Rin and handed him a bowl of something, and then walked back to the dragon with another bowl for the two-headed beast and paused briefly looking at the single bowl in her hand and then up at the two heads of the dragon. Tilting her head, she glanced over her shoulder and smiled sheepishly. “So, umm which one usually does the eating?”

Sesshoumaru looked over his shoulder and snorted. “Ah' Uh won't eat that. Leave him, he will find something on his own.”

Rin chirped. “He loves to eat leaves and grass.” Turning her head to Sesshoumaru, Rin grinned. “Can I take Ah' Uh to the field later after we eat?”

Sesshoumaru nodded and lifted the bowl to his nose sniffing it cautiously. His stomach rumbled in response to the smell and he quickly lifted the bowl to his lips, allowing the liquid to pass into his mouth. Licking his lips, Sesshoumaru frowned. It was pretty bland. What he really wanted was another one of those treats that Kagome carried.

“Hey Kagome, can't I just have another one of those knob things on a stick?”

Kagome looked at him for a moment, and copied his words. “Knob things on a stick?” Suddenly it clicked, and she shook her head. “That's candy and it will rot your teeth. Eat your soup and I'll give Inuyasha, Rin, Shippo and you one. But not before.”

Sesshoumaru wrinkled his nose and glanced back down at his bowl. “But this tastes like heated water with bad spices.” He stated.

Kagome narrowed her eyes. “It's good soup, stop complaining…” Her mouth formed a large Oh as Sesshoumaru plummeted to the ground by the force of the beads spell. “Oops.”

Sango glanced at the sprawled Sesshoumaru and then at Kagome. “Interesting word to choose.” She shook her head.

“Sorry Sesshoumaru.” Kagome muttered blushing.

Sesshoumaru growled and snarled until the spell wore off and he struggled to sit back up wincing as the slight movement pulled at his wounds. “That was not called for.” He snarled.

“I said I was sorry. Besides, it's not like I picked the word or anything.” Kagome defended herself.

“That hurt!” He snapped.

“Ohh!” Kagome stomped to her feet and stalked away.

Sango and Miroku shared a look and shook their heads. “Normally it's Inuyasha getting her mad.”

Inuyasha looked up and frowned. “What did I do?”

Sesshoumaru wrinkled his nose. “Do I still get that knob thing on a stick?” He asked softly.

Shippo shook his head and crossed his arms. “I wouldn't count on it. Once Kagome is mad, she stays mad for a long time. I would apologize to her. You insulted her cooking.”

Sesshoumaru peered down at his hot water and snarled. “Cooking?”

Miroku leaned over and whispered into Sango's ear. “You know, he is right though. It does just taste like heated water. I think Kagome forgot an ingredient.”

Sesshoumaru's ears perked, and he narrowed his eyes mischievously. “I heard that!” He glanced over his shoulder with an evil smile. “Perhaps I should let Kagome know what you think of it.”

Miroku's eyes widened dramatically and waved his hands frantically. “No, no. It's alright, in fact this tastes wonderful, doesn't it Sango?”

She glanced at him and rolled her eyes. “Don't drag me into this you lecherous monk. You are on your own.”

Sesshoumaru shifted his eyes back to the monk. “I won't say a word if you get me a knob thing.” He smirked. “My soup spilled when she leashed me.”

Miroku blanched. “Uhh…”

Sesshoumaru turned is head. “Oie Kagome!”

“Okay, okay, I'll do it.” Miroku flinched. Sighing, he watched as Kagome came back to the fire still mad.

“What?” She raged.

“I wanted to say, sorry.” Sesshoumaru started, and locked his eyes on the monk who flinched again and quickly reached over to her bag pulling out a sucker. Nodding, Sesshoumaru turned his eyes upward grinning. “It's just that it tastes like it is missing something, it's not bad or anything.” He quickly amended when her eyes narrowed even more.

“What do you mean missing something?” Kagome snatched up her bowl from the ground and quickly tasted it. She gasped. “Oh, how could I have been so stupid!” Stalking away, she began mumbling to herself, everyone forgotten.

Sesshoumaru smirked and held out his hand.

“You stoop so low.” Miroku mumbled. “Even Inuyasha has never gone so far.”

Inuyasha looked up again. “What? Now what did I do?”

Sesshoumaru sighed. “Stupid mutt.” Snatching the sucker from Miroku's grasp, he grinned widely. Fiddling with the wrapper on the sucker, Sesshoumaru felt his grin widen even more at the discovery of a purple knob on this stick and he plopped it into his mouth happily.

Soon they were back on the road, and Sesshoumaru beamed happily on Ah' Uh's back with his treat. Kagome had apologized to everyone on her outburst and had given everyone a sucker, and when she had gone to give Sesshoumaru his, she had paused and glared at the one that stuck out of his mouth.

Of course she had asked where he had gotten the sucker, and he had grinned and pointed at the monk whose eyes had widened so wide Sesshoumaru could have sworn the eyes would have popped out of their sockets. Kagome had then gotten angry with Miroku and now the monk was walking behind Kirara, throwing looks in the youkai's direction.

Sesshoumaru had cursed upon his slip up, and figured had he not been so hasty on eating his treat, he could have had two instead of one. Rin had once again crunched on hers, and now sat happily behind him, and Inuyasha once again watched Sesshoumaru carefully, looking for any opportunity to steal his.

Throwing a warning glare and a growl in his brother's direction had stopped Inuyasha's attempt at filching the knob, and now pouted beside Miroku. Sesshoumaru pulled the sucker out of his mouth and yawned widely. He was tired, and shifted slightly in the saddle and rested his head against the black mane that drifted down the neck of the two-headed dragon. Closing his eyes, he clenched his fist around his sucker and sighed as sleep filled him completely.

Inuyasha's eyes remained locked on the sucker, and he waited for it to fall from his brother's grasp. However after several minutes of not seeing the grip loosen, he released a frustrated sigh and inched his way over to the dragon's side slowly.

Sango and Kagome both looked back to check up on the youngsters, and noticed Sesshoumaru sleeping, and they both shared a look. “Do you think it is partially because of his injury?” Sango whispered.

Kagome nodded, but her eyes shifted when she caught Inuyasha sneaking up on his brother. The hanyou tiptoed towards the limp hand that hung over Ah' Uh's side and his eyes locked on the purple sucker clutched tightly in the little fist.

Kagome raised her hand to her mouth and she nudged Sango gently and tilted her head in the hanyou's direction. Both girls watched as Inuyasha at first tried to snatch the sucker from the grasp. They noticed Sesshoumaru's fist tighten, and move away slightly, and Inuyasha sniffed.

Inuyasha raised his hand and tried to pry each finger off the stick but a soft growl erupted from Sesshoumaru's mouth and the hanyou froze, peering up slowly with wide eyes. Smiling, Inuyasha noticed his brother was still asleep and snorted, now trying to yank the sucker out of the tight grasp, by planting his feet on the dragon's side and tugging on the hand that held the treat.

Sesshoumaru released another growl, and pulled his arm back, still fast asleep, and successfully dislodged Inuyasha, who fell to the ground with a loud thump. Growling now even more frustrated, Inuyasha ran to catch up with the slow moving dragon, but Kagome hissed softly. “Inuyasha s…” A hand on her shoulder reminded her of the word to send Sesshoumaru crashing to the ground and she gasped. “Don't, leave him.”

“But he isn't eating it and it might go bad. I'll look after it.” Inuyasha pouted.

Kagome shook her head firmly. “No, Inuyasha. Next time don't crunch your sucker.”

Inuyasha pouted more and crossed his arms, and replied. “Keh!” Kagome blinked, that had sounded like the old Inuyasha only with a higher pitched voice and she burst into laughter.

 

Something wasn't right. His dreams, which he knew they were, just weren't making sense to him. Sesshoumaru felt himself frown. These were definitely his dreams, but he felt like he was in a strange awareness that seemed to slip out of his fingers reach the further into his dreams he wandered. Something tugged at his hand and he released a soft growl, warning whoever it was back.

Relaxing once again, Sesshoumaru saw the same woman from the night before, right before his eyes. He knew this woman. She was surrounded in a gray mist, like she had been in his other dream. Squinting his eyes, he saw a pair of golden eyes stare at him in amusement. It was his mother!

Reaching out his hand, he called for her, but she didn't hear him. `Hahaoya!” He tried to race to her side, but something stopped him. Looking at his feet they were caked in thick mud, and he frowned. His feet were bare, and he wore bright green hakama instead of the deep blue ones he had been wearing only moments before. Blinking, he looked back up to his mother, only to be facing a large youkai. Stepping back, his feet refused to move and he fell backwards, sinking into the thick mud. “Hahaoya!” He cried.

She grinned at him suddenly and turned to walk away. Gasping, he held out his hand again. “Hahaoya!” The gray mist swirled and changed to a green forest. Shaking his head, he found himself on his feet once again. This time he was standing on a hill surrounded by a forest, with the wind blowing gently. Confused, he looked over the hill and found it to be his brother's former village. Where he had lived with his mother many years ago.

Stepping forward, he realized he was dressed once again in white. Lifting his left hand, he fingered his kegawa and grinned. It was back. Sighing in relief, he glanced once more at the village and saw a flash of red and white darting through the field below. Snorting, he jumped into the trees and followed the path that lead down to the valley. Sesshoumaru had been here before. How was it he was here again? Hadn't it been almost two hundred years since Izayoi had passed?

Shaking his head, he followed the path and stood behind a tree to watch little Inuyasha. Frowning, he guessed him to be only three years old, maybe four. The hanyou looked up from his pursuit of a grasshopper and glanced over at the trees curiously.

“Who dare?” Asked a nervous boy.

Sesshoumaru remained silent and watched his brother carefully. It was obvious that the pup could sense his presence, but his nose hadn't matured fully and didn't allow for the pup to figure out the similar scent to his own.

Inuyasha backed away nervously, and stared at the tree line intently. “Yera youkai.” He whispered.

“Yes.” Sesshoumaru whispered back.

“Aw you gonna kiw me?”

“Not today.” Sesshoumaru turned around and disappeared into the trees leaving a confused hanyou behind. Inuyasha had not even been able to penetrate the darkness of the forest with his weakened eyes.

The wind howled suddenly, and Sesshoumaru found himself once again at the trees with a frightened hanyou staring into the darkness. Frowning, hadn't he just turned away from here? Looking up, Sesshoumaru almost gasped at an older hanyou. Inuyasha was now maybe six.

“I smelt you before.” Inuyasha said.

“Yes.”

“Did you come to kill me today?”

“You remember that?” Sesshoumaru smirked.

“Who are you?”

“No one.”

“You gotta be someone.” Inuyasha rolled his eyes.

“Indeed.”

“Do I know you?” Inuyasha asked.

“No.”

“Who are you?”

“Your brother.” Sesshoumaru whispered and turned once again into the trees.

Somehow the trees vanished before his eyes and he was now held in a tight embrace. Frowning, he was a youth again. Confused and baffled, Sesshoumaru opened his eyes and jolted at the long silver hair tied up in a topknot. It was his father. “Chichioya!” Sesshoumaru cried out.

His father didn't say anything, but the hold on him tightened and he gasped.

“Chichioya hurts! Can't breath!” Strong hands tightened around his throat, and his eyes clenched shut. He felt his chest begin to burn from the lack of oxygen and he slipped his eyes open again. His mother stood before him, looking ready to fight, and he glanced down.

Someone's hands were around his neck, trying to strangle him.

His mother barked out something to the one holding him, but he couldn't make out the slow drawled out words that lowered in pitch. Suddenly, he was released and he plummeted to the ground. Gasping and heaving in deep breaths, he raced away. Where was he running? Glancing around, everything vanished into a mist of gray and then suddenly black surrounded him.

“Chichioya! Hahaoya!” Sesshoumaru cried out, holding his hands out for someone to grab.

 

Someone was shaking him, and he opened his eyes slowly. Where was he? Blinking rapidly, he swallowed the dryness in his throat and sat up slowly, with someone's hand helping him. Was it his father?

Turning his head he stared into a pair of deep brown eyes, and he gasped. His eyes widening drastically, he turned to stare at everyone around him. Sesshoumaru frowned as he turned from one face to the next, each face holding a look of worry on them.

Where was he? Who were these people? Where was his father?