A/N: Oh my gosh bros, I completely forgot about this story. I am so sorry. :( I apologize. But I do have a new chapter for you guys, and this one has Sesshomaru and Kagome action!...well in a sense it does. Yay! Anyways…

Enjoy my lovelies~

Disclaimer: I do not own InuYasha or any of its characters. All rights go to Rumiko Takahashi and her amazing imagination!


CHAPTER 3: PATHETIC

Kagome stood in her room, three maids at her side, as she looked at herself in the mirror monotonously. She, unlike the rest of the girls, she was garbed in traditional European clothing. Her mother had come by early in the morning and gifted her with the dress that her father had left for her years ago before his death.

The dress was long and white, silk and lace making frills along the length of it. The top half was pure lace that connected with a heartline corset that was wrapped tightly around her waist. The length of it was circled in lace frills. At her shoulders there were rounded pads that led to skin tight long sleeves that stopped at her wrist and frilled out in two layers of lace that hung lightly on her hands. She wore long thigh high socks and odd shoes that had rather thick heels underneath the dress. (honestly you have to think lolita dresses for it XD). Her face had been mostly left alone, with the exception of a soft pink gloss on her lips and a touch of ink to outline her eyes. Her cheeks remained naturally rosy and her long thick lashes seemed somehow more exaggerated by the simple ink along the rim of her eyes.

One of the maids exited the room and returned with a long red hood. She handed it to the other two maids who proceeded to place it on her ever so carefully, as though she were a porcelain doll. They placed the hood over her head and made sure to leave two long strands of hair out of the hood to frame her face.

Kagome nodded to the maids and they bowed and exited the room. Kagome slowly turned to the door before awkwardly rushing to her wardrobe and digging through it almost frantically. She took constant glances at her door before she pulled out a small dagger and a set of kunai that Sango had given her long ago. She and Sango had hidden an array of weapons near the edge of the forest they were to 'wander' into the night before. They were fully prepared to face the Beast with everything they had, which was all supplied by Sango's oh so wonderful family. Kagome quickly pulled up her dress and wrapped special carriers around her thighs and placed the weapons in their respectful compartments, and managed to right herself just as Kaede entered the room.

"Are ye ready as well?" she asked as she looked Kagome up and down.

"Yes...but I wanted to ask about what happened that night-"

"There is no time for that nonsense my child, we must depart." Kaede said as she circled Kagome and began to push her out of the room.

Kagome blushed at seeing the difference between her apparel and that of her fellow 'wanderers'. They all wore kimonos that were obviously of great quality.

Kikyo's inner kimono was white and the next layer was black and the outer layer was red with intricate golden designs. Her long hair had been arranged in a series of braids, laced with red tropical flowers. Her face had been made mat and her lips had been painted a bright red. Her eyes were outlined with black ink, and her eyelids were softly powdered with a tinge of a slightly darker cream color.

Tsubaki was wearing a black inner layer and was followed by two more purple kimonos that also had their own silver designs. She had opted to keep her impeccable black hair free, only choosing to wear an intricate ornament to hold back her bangs, another smaller piece at her widows peak. Her lips shimmered with a darker almost purple shine. Her eyes had a smoky feel, making her dark blue eyes stormy.

Kagura wore an assortment of red, teal, and white kimonos. As usual, her lips were shimmering a pure red and her eyes had a streak of red. She wore beaded jade earrings and an array of golden bracelets and jeweled rings.

Sango wore a white inner kimono and another black kimono, followed by a hot pink outer kimono. Her silky brown hair had been brushed to perfection, her usual ponytail long gone. Her lips had been painted in a peachy pink, matching the color that adorned her eyes. The addition of pink to her cheeks made her seem more feminine.

Kagome ignored the disapproving stares that a certain three girls gave her and awkwardly made her way next to Sango. She grinned and elbowed Sango gently on the side, "Oh look at you~" she said with a quiet giggle.

Sango turned rapidly with a dark blush and a stinging glare, "Don't you dare."

Kagome held her hands up defensively, "I haven't said anything yet!" She chuckled, "But, my goodness, if Miroku could see you know-"

She broke out in a fit of laughter as Sango weakly punched her, failing to hide her blush. "Honestly, Kagome!"

The two girls continued to softly shove each other playfully, but of course it wasn't as soft as the thought. In reality they were already starting to almost shove each other to the ground, which cost them a glare from Kaede.

"Fine, fine we'll stop!" Kagome laughed. Sango gave her a final shove, pausing suddenly when a metal clank was heard. She stared wide eyed at Kagome, somehow the room seemed deathly quietly. Kagome awkwardly laughed and patted Sango's back roughly, "Wow Sango, you're imitations have gotten wildly good!"

Sango cringed at the weak excuse, but played along nonetheless, "Y-You think so? I've, uh, I've been practicing!"

They laughed nervously and turned to Kaede, who of course shot them suspicious looks. They gave clumsily gave thumbs ups, their expressions completely unconvincing. Kaede shot them the 'I'm-watching-you' look and continued to speak with the men that were to escort them to the woods. Meanwhile, Sango and Kagome fumbled to pick up the dropped dagger.

Kikyo scoffed disapprovingly at the fighting duo, "How much more ridiculous can they get?"

Kagura throatily chuckled, "They're only going to make fools of themselves, of course I will take great satisfaction at watching them be killed!"

Kikyo and Kagura laughed darkly, not noticing how Tsubaki remained oddly silent.

Everyone was silenced when two claps and an 'Everybody listen up.' was shouted.

Kaede cleared her throat and straightened her back, "Today the lot of you will be wandering into the forest, I wish ye the best of luck. To the woman that is chosen, you will be greatly missed. It has been an honor to have been able to spend all these years with you lovely ladies. We've all had our disagreements and our misunderstandings, but you've all grown past them, " A small scoff was heard in the background, but Kaede continued, "Whatever may become of my little girls, ye will always have a special spot him my heart." Kaede's voice wavered slightly, she cleared her throat, "But it is now time to leave, may the kami protect you all."

Kagome held back tears she didn't know she would shed on that day, trying will all her might no to run up to her surrogate grandmother to comfort her. She felt another hand grasp tightly onto her hand. Sango stood next to her, a determined expression on her face, although she herself looked as though she was going to burst into tears at any second.

Kagome let out a small laughed and blinked back her tears, "Well would you look at that even they have tears..." She whispered to Sango.

Just a few feet away Kikyo hurriedly patted away tears with her handkerchief, holding onto Tsubaki's hand, much like Sango and Kagome. Tsubaki held her head down, a few tears falling to the ground, while Kagome sniffled, but never shed a tear.

"It's almost like their human." Sango joked, squeezing Kagome's hand a little tighter.

Kagome honestly wasn't surprised that even the three 'evil witches' were able to become sentimental on a day such as this one. Even if they did speak fondly of leaving and becoming the Beast's bride the fact that they would have to leave the woman who cared for them their whole lives was a hard hit. Of course that was a mutual feeling amongst all the girls, it was like losing their mothers all over again.

The girls were escorted out of their longtime home, not surprisingly, there was an impressive crowd outside. Kagome felt slightly comforted over the fact that Miroku was one of the men that was escorting them, but she obviously wasn't as happy of this fact Sango was. I mean really she was still blushing like an idiot over one glance he gave her ten minutes earlier. The girls all held their heads down, covering their faces with their red hoods and walked in unison. Kagome wondered if anybody elses heart was going as fast and as loudly as hers. She desperately wanted to look up, maybe she could catch a glimpse of her family. Had her mother and grandfather aged much? What about Souta, how tall was he? Did mother have another child? Did they even come see her off? What about her old friends? Did they remember her, or had they moved on with their lives and found new friends? Whatever happened to the little cat demon from that day?

Kagome thought frantically, only walking after Sango on autopilot.

The murmurs around them made it hard to concentrate on anything and brought a heavy feeling that hung in the air like a shroud of darkness. All the comments ran around the same same topics of beauty, loss, and misfortune. It wasn't a topic she necessarily wanted to hear, but it was really all she heard her whole life. It was probably the biggest reason she had chosen to stop going into town when she was round nine.

She remembered all the odd looks of pity, greed, and jealousy she would receive whenever she walked into the marketplace. As if on command everyone would become silent and would clear a path for her, and just like now, murmurs surrounded her. She always wondered why they did that.

Kagome had been so lost in her thoughts that she had failed to realise that they had already arrived at the edge of the forest.

All five hooded woman lined up at the edge of the clearing, staring into the forest, a heavy atmosphere in the area.

The sound of a kokiriko began, followed by the loud taiko and higher pitched kakko. Soon enough a biwa was heard. More instruments joined in, creating a rather melancholy tune. All at once the five hooded women turned slowly and bowed, to which the large crowd bowed back. Kaede stepped forward to speak, but none of the words registered through her mind. She only knew that when she heard her name being called she had raise her head and remove her hood. Her heart was beating so loudly in her ears she doubted she would be able to hear her name, let alone respond on time.

She nervously glanced to her right, where Sango stood. Her breath caught in her throat when she noticed her friend was already removing her hood. Kagome looked to her left, and found no one.

Well that means...I'm nex-

"Higurashi, Kagome..."

Kagome took in one big shaky breath and closed her eyes. Slowly, Kagome raised her head. Somehow she managed to raise her hands and smoothly remove her hood. Her face remained neutral through all the attention she was receiving. Kagome could feel everyone's sights on her, but then again, when you wear a traditional european dress in an asian country you're kinda asking for it. She desperately willed her body to stop shaking and forced herself to remain planted to the spot.

"...To these five women we bid farewell until the time comes for a decision is made by the Great Beast of the forest. When the remaining four women return we will receive them with respect and..."

Kagome paid no mind to the remainder of the speech, her mind wandering elsewhere. There was an odd feeling creeping up her back, almost as though something bad was about to happen…and that's when she heard it…

The most blood curdling roar she could ever have imagined.

Well that's okay...I wasn't planning on sleeping tonight anyways… Kagome thought to herself as chills ran up and down her spine.

~0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0~Little Red~0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0~

A large white beast roamed through the forest, his giant paws somehow making no noise. He paused and raised his large head in the air, his nose twitching slightly as he sniffed intently. The wind blew toward him, bringing with it new scents. A grin slid across his face as he lowered his snout.

The wind picked up and swirled around the beasts large frame, gold and teal beams of light mixed in. The trees noisily whistled and shimmered as the winds seemed to increase with more time. Within the chaotic windy vortix there was a growl like sound that made the floor rumble around it. Hints of silver flashed in and out of sight. Sickening cracking sounds and what sounded like breaking flesh echoed in the surrounding area. As the winds subsided the form of a man appeared, an ambiance of serenity surrounding him.

His hair was silky and silver, almost looking like a waterfall over his bare shoulders. His skin was a pale ivory and shined effervescently under the suns delicate rays. On each side of his aristocratic face were twin magenta stripes. These twin stripes continued along the perfection that was his body. His eyes were like two golden gems, putting any golden sunset to shame. White silk began to appear on his body, becoming hakama and haori with red crested flowers along the edges of his sleeves. Boots, armor, and eccentric sashes appeared short after.

His final appearance was that of a complete war god in all his glory and radiance.

The man lifted his hand to his face and flexed it, looking at it in an almost curious manner. The tips of his sharp clawed hands began to glow an alarming green,discharging a green liquid. The liquid ran down the length of his arm until it finally began to drip down to the ground sizzled and was relieved of any life.

A smirk spread across his handsome face and he stalked forward. A small frog like creature wearing clothing stumbled out from the bushes, his staff causing him to trip on his face. "Lo-Lord Sesshomaru…"

Sesshomaru stepped over the green blob without a second thought. A killing aura surrounded him as he exited the thicket he was in. "Jaken."

Sesshomaru's low booming voice caused Jaken to jump to his feet, "Y-Y-Yes, m'lord!"

"How is Father?" He hissed as he raised his nose to the air.

"Lord InuTaisho is unaware of your whereabouts and his currently residing at the shiro."

"Hn."

Sesshomaru continued his stride, his piercing gaze scanning his surroundings.

For at least six moon cycles his father had him on the run. Despite the fact that he and his father were practically at the same level of strength his father still had power over certain aspects of his being as his father. Conveniently enough one of these aspects happened to be his ability to maintain a humanoid form. He had been forced to run- no, he had been forced to momentarily leave his home and avoid his father until further notice…

Sesshomaru clenched and unclenched his fists in a small show of frustration. it was simply pathetic to have to leave his own home because his father decided it would entertain him to torment him. He had attempted to return, but every attempt ended in involuntary transformations. Every month that passed he was pushed farther and farther away from his lands. With the distance he began to lose the ability to sense the power that was his father and his home. As of now he was practically at the border of his lands, The Western Lands.

Sesshomaru would be lying if he said that he was upset of leaving his home, it was just the way that he had left. His father would more and more often come home from his patroles smelling of another woman...and he did not make the smallest attempt to mask it. Sesshomaru and his mother were well aware that his father was not faithful, his mother wasn't either, but father dearest had taken it to another level.

Sesshomaru paused in his stride, Jaken almost bumping into his legs, and scanned the area. Something felt...off…

He didn't know much about humans, but he knew that humans would only gather for festivals and funerals, and this didn't seem like one of those. He could sense them from at least five miles from where he stood.

Before he could inquire any further on the situation he felt something pulsate within him. His breath caught in his throat. Unwillingly, Sesshomaru came down to his knees and gasped for air, one clawed hand clutching his chest as the other supported his body as he fell to the ground.

"Lord Sesshomaru!" Jaken said in a panic at the sight.

Sweat began to drip from his body as he attempted to hold back the inevitable. "How pathetic…" he hissed as the air began to swirl around him again. Within the swirling vortex of air and magic the sound of cracking bones and tearing flesh could be heard just as clearly as before. The magnificent man began to regress back to the form in which he had first arrived.

Elegant clawed hands became enormous clawed paws, his aristocratic face molded into something much more animalistic. In one blinding flash of light what had become of the God-like man became the largest beast in the forest.

Jaken stumbled away from the large beast as the pools of acid began to reach where he stood. He clumsily scurried up a tree and squealed in fear as it began to deteriorate and collapse.

Sesshomaru felt rage build within himself like lava boiling in a volcano. He'd only lasted ten minutes in his humanoid form before he had succumed to his beastial side. He'd only been able to control himself for ten minutes. How low had he become already? For someone of such great power to fall this low, it was a wretched sight. How humiliating. How deplorable. How pitiful. How pathetic.

Sesshomaru dug his claws further into the ground, watching them glow green, and oozing acid in large amounts.

Sesshomaru raised his head to the air and growled loudly, shaking the ground, and let out a roar. A roar that blew trees away.A roar that carried the power of a thousand demons. A roar that held all of his anger. A roar that meant only one thing in the ancient language his so-called ' beloved father' had taught him.

Pathetic.


A/N: Alright then, that'll be all for today, but honestly guys I had completely forgotten about this story! When I was going through my docs and I saw it I was like ER MAH GERD! XD Well at least I worked on it enough to get this chapter out by today! Righty-o then I'm off to get me some boba tea, see ya! Oh and don't forget to RATE & REVIEW! FIRST PERSON TO REVIEW THIS TIME WILL HAVE A GRAND PRIZE!

Until next time my lovelies~

-Blind Fool