Sesshomaru's thoughts

Kagome's thoughts

"Sesshomaru, would you like to go hunting?" Lord Inutaisho asked. Young Sesshomaru looked up from the book he was reading, glad to have something else to do. He gave one sharp nod. "Very well then. Come son." They walked out of the front gates of the castle and into the woods. They continued deep into the forest for twenty minutes before they finally stopped. "Sesshomaru, I don't want you to think about what you want to catch. I want you to follow your instincts and just let it come to you. Understand?" "Yes, father." "Whenever you're ready." his father smiled.

He never understood what his father smiled about. Was there truly anything in life to be joyful about? Humans with their petty grudges and war, famine spreading through the East, and demons slaughtering innocent people, this is what the world had come to. He couldn't think of one person that got the privilege to be happy at this time. Except for his father. He would make sure to ask him why later. Sesshomaru's eyes grew red and his claws and fangs sharpened and lengthened. He sampled the fresh air. Blood. This should be fun. He smiled evilly as he jetted off into the thick forest, following the sweet scent of vanilla and rain-kissed violets mixed with blood. Soon he found the source of the magnificent scent and reared back his hand, bringing it down upon- "Stop Sesshomaru." his father warned, grabbing his wrist to prevent him from getting at his prey. Sesshomaru took a deep breath and closed his eyes. When he opened them again they had returned back to his curious amber. "Father?" His father was gazing down at the base of the tall tree and had a grim look on his face. Sesshomaru followed his gaze. He raised an eyebrow.

Lying on the ground in a pool of her own blood was a girl-just a little younger than him- with waist-length black hair. She was wearing a shredded black kimono that contrasted with her scarred porcelain skin. Sesshomaru sniffed the air. "Father, she is a half-demon." His father nodded. Lord Inutaisho bent and gently tugged at her arm. Suddenly her eyes snapped open and she held out her hand. "Don't touch me!" she yelled in a weak voice. Her palm lit up purple and his father was knocked through four trees before crashing into a fifth. He seemed to be unconscious. Her breathing became labored and her hand fell limp by her side. She has no energy left to deal with me. Or does she not see me as a threat? The thought oddly relaxed him as he knelt down in front of her. "What's your name?" he asked quietly, not one for speaking overly loud. She looked at him with vibrant, light blue eyes filled with pain. Yet you wouldn't be able to tell just by looking at her face. "I am-" he began. "Sesshomaru." she said so quiet, had he been a human he wouldn't have heard it. He nodded. Now what? "I can get you help, if you'll let me." he eventually said, looking away. Her eyes rested on his face for a moment before she nodded. He slowly crept forward so that he was in arms reach of her. He gently helped her onto his back, making sure not to touch hers. He had learned that long, bloody, jagged gashes ran down her back, most likely caused by a demon. He walked over to his unconscious father and nudged him with his foot. "Father." He stirred. Lord Inutaisho looked up with a surprised look on his face when he noticed the young girl. Then he smiled. "Well, you sure can pack a punch." he laughed.

Quickly they made their way back to the castle. Along the way, Sesshomaru could feel the girl slowly relax against him until she had fallen asleep. Once they had gotten back to castle, Sesshomaru found himself not wanting to part with the injured girl. He followed his father back to his study. "Sesshomaru, your back is covered in her blood, perhaps you should change." his father said. He nodded and then asked almost silently, "Father, what are you going to do with that girl?" "Hmm, I guess take care of her until we can find her parents." Sesshomaru nodded once again and turned to leave. He pushed open the door and paused without turning around. "Father, what makes you happy? I see nothing to be happy about when you have to do paperwork all day and listen to complaints and go to the other lands to negotiate with the other Lords." His father looked up from his desk. He thoughtfully tapped his chin with his index finger. "Well, your mother makes me happy. Her love keeps me going. And you. I may not tell you enough but you really do make me proud. My love for you two is what makes me happy." Sesshomaru walked out without saying anything. Love?