Claws

Sesshoumaru had made a grand entrance, simply walking gracefully into their camp. Of course, Inuyasha predictably overreacted, and was standing with his sword brandished in front of him, howling insults at the top of his lungs.

Sesshoumaru merely quirked an eyebrow at the fussing hanyou, and pointedly ignored him, turning instead to face Kagome. Inuyasha fumed at this obvious dismissal, and the miko was thrown into a state of confusion at the sudden attention. Why on earth was the demon lord staring at her so intensely? What had she done?

Approaching her at a leisurely pace, the taiyoukai got increasingly too close for comfort. For every step he took forward, Kagome took one backwards to compensate. This only ended up with her back to a tree, and Sesshoumaru too near to make a worthwhile escape.

Sango and Miroku readied themselves in the background at this, not wanting to unnecessarily provoke the demon. After all, he hadn't done anything wrong. Yet.

And then Inuyasha happened to do the exact thing to provoke him. Taking a running start, he leapt into the air, sword held high above him. As he was about to bring it down upon his half-brother's head, said demon pivoted smoothly, raking his claws across the hanyou's chest.

Losing all momentum, Inuyasha dropped to the ground, clutching at the wound. It was bleeding profusely, and the pain was evident by the way his fangs punctured his lip in an effort to not cry out.

Sesshoumaru merely gazed at his handiwork for a moment before disdainfully flicking the blood off of his claws, returning his focus to the miko once more.

The girl tore her eyes away from that hand, which had just felled her companion. She darted a look at Sango, who had rushed to aid Inuyasha, and Miroku, who had his prayer beads at the ready to unleash his Wind Scar, if needed.

Steeling her frayed nerves, Kagome bravely met Sesshoumaru's gaze once more. And promptly screamed when she discovered his face just inches from hers. The demon clamped a hand over the miko's offending mouth without delay, his claws prickling at her skin uncomfortably, but not quite drawing blood.

"You will refrain from such noise in the future, girl."

Terrified out of her wits, Kagome nodded hastily.

"Good. I require you."

Five things happened at this revelation. Kagome's eyes flew open in shock. Inuyasha made a strangled noise and attempted once again to challenge his half-brother. Sango forcibly held the hanyou down and looked to Miroku desperately. The monk nodded his consent to the demon lord. And then everybody stared at him.

Kagome's eyes were filled with hurt. Sango's were highly indignant. Sesshoumaru was unresponsive as always. And Inuyasha was certainly going to kill him in the very near future, with the silent daggers being sent his way.

Hastening to explain himself, and save his hide, Miroku said, "Kagome, you will not be harmed. Sesshoumaru would've hurt you by now had his intentions been such. No, I think you will be quite safe with him."

The miko sighed as best she could with the demon's hand in the way, and nodded half-heartedly her compliance. The taiyoukai regarded the monk cooly for a moment, almost approving.

Then suddenly Kagome found herself flying above the treetops at an alarming pace. Letting out a horrified shriek, the girl clung tightly to the nearest support possible. And the support growled ominously at her. Looking up, the miko gulped when she realized that she happened to be plastered to a very displeased Sesshoumaru.

Distancing herself somewhat, Kagome relocated her hold to two of the spikes protruding from his armor, her look clearly daring him to make an issue of it. After all, he was the one dragging her up into the clouds so unceremoniously, he could at least give her peace of mind by bolstering her slightly.

Knowing that an unhappy miko would not be a willingly helpful one, Sesshoumaru inwardly cringed at what he was about to do. It was just too demeaning. But regardless of his pride he had to do it to ensure her cooperation.

And so he wrapped an arm securely around the girl's waist, being mindful not to let his claws prick her side.