I have officially begun my summer class, but I have the time to update this story. To those who read HP fics, I am currently working on a Harry/Snape friendship fic. I won't give away any hints other than it's friendship, not slash.

Chapter Four- Disappointed

A sense of déjà vu washed over him as he climbed the stairs that led to the temple. Had it really been just one day since he had last been here? Just one day he had spent as a half-demon? Apparently, it had. 'Well good,' he decided. 'One day is enough. I can hardly wait to have this curse lifted. I'm starting to feel weaker than I did yesterday.'

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Inuyasha followed way behind his brother. He was feeling a little mixed about arriving at the temple. On one hand, he would prefer for Sesshomaru to stay cursed. On the other hand, tonight was the new moon and he didn't want Sesshomaru to discover his secret. He weighed the two options and found that he'd rather have his brother gone than cursed.

As he reached the entrance, he saw his brother striding toward a half-demon cat. That had to be the one who laid down the curse. He sprinted over in time to hear Sesshomaru say, "I order you to lift this curse now!"

The cat smirked. "Rather short-tempered now, are we Lord Sesshomaru?"

"Because of you, Kijutsu! Now, lift the curse!"

"It might help if you ask nicely," Inuyasha remarked.

Sesshomaru glared at him. "Stay out of this!"

Kijutsu turned his attention to Inuyasha. "Are you his brother?"

"Half-brother actually."

"Hmm. It explains why Sesshomaru looks the way he does."

"I'm not complaining. I'm glad you cursed him. It's about time someone did."

"You've suffered his insults too?"

"Of course. He called my blood dirty and tainted."

"Well, his is too now."

"Are you going to lift the curse or not?" Sesshomaru asked somewhat patiently.

"I'm afraid I can't," Kijutsu answered. "The curse won't lift until you respect half-demons."

"That's impossible."

"Not really. It can be done."

Groaning softly, Sesshomaru turned and started to leave. Inuyasha shook his head. "Gotta tell you, Kijutsu. I was told of his curse and solution yesterday. I can't believe he forgot the solution."

"That's the beauty of it. When the curse is broken, he'll be a better demon for it."

"I sure hope so. Nice meeting you."

"Same here. Stop by anytime."

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Sesshomaru's groans ended when he reached the stairs. At this point, he stormed down them with a scowl on his face. He had been hoping there was another solution to the curse other than the one specified in the curse. His hopes were sufficiently shattered. He was starting to believe that he was doomed to remain a half-demon. Indeed, he was starting to feel as weak as one. His senses were apparently the last ones to fall under the curse.

"Lord Sesshomaru," Jaken called. "How did it…go?" Jaken paused before the last word when he saw the ears. The curse was still in place. Sesshomaru's scowl was further proof. Yet, it seemed like a sad, depressed scowl. This was a new experience for Jaken. He had never seen his lord display so many emotions before and he wasn't sure how to respond.

"Jaken, Rin, we're leaving." Sesshomaru's order brought the imp back to reality. The trio began to leave.

"What's your rush, Sesshomaru?" Inuyasha called. "Don't you want to stick around?"

Sesshomaru glared at him. "I'd rather not. You irritate me."

"Is it me? Or is it because I'm a half-demon? If it's the second reason, then you're irritating yourself."

"It's you in general. We're leaving."

"Not without us," Kagome stated firmly. "I don't care what you say. We're staying until the curse is broken."

"Kagome," Inuyasha protested. "If he wants to leave, let him."

"Sit, boy."

Sesshomaru's lips twitched up as his brother hit the ground. It was amusing to see Inuyasha get pushed around by a human and a girl at that.

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Kagome was the one who bridged the gap between her group and Sesshomaru's. No words were being exchanged and the silence was a bit unnerving to her. She wanted to help Sesshomaru, but was unsure how to go about it. She didn't know many half-demons and the closest one didn't want to help.

"Uh, Kagome?" a timid voice spoke up, interrupting her train of thought. She looked down to see the little girl, Rin, beside her.

"What is it?"

"Thank you for sharing your food and staying with us."

"You're welcome, Rin."

"Do you like traveling with that, guy? The one in red."

"Inuyasha? Yeah, I do."

"Does he make you feel safe? I feel safe around Lord Sesshomaru."

Kagome was a little surprised at this. Rin felt safe around Sesshomaru? The guy didn't like humans. But then, why did he allow Rin to follow him? Out loud, she said, "Well, yeah. I feel safe."

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Sesshomaru wandered aimlessly. He didn't know where he was going and he really didn't care. Although, he could continue his search for Naraku. No point in delaying the search just because he was a half-demon. At that point, a demon appeared in his path, intent on killing him.

Without thinking he extended his arm. He was pleased to hear his claws hissing with poison before he melted his opponent. He frowned. That poison took one second longer than usual. 'Curse these slow half-demon reflexes,' he hissed silently to himself as he continued walking as if no attack occurred.

Speaking of half-demon, his little brother was behaving rather peculiar. He kept glancing around, looking skyward, and then at his claws. Why was he acting like that and since when did he care? Probably since he was cursed. In any case, Inuyasha was fine.

"Help!" a voice cried up ahead. Sesshomaru halted. He attempted to pick up the voice's scent, but it took more effort to do so. He finally caught a whiff of human before a man came into sight.

The man right past Sesshomaru and grabbed Inuyasha's kimono. "Help! Demon attack!"

"Where?" the young hanyou demanded excitedly. He had been looking for a distraction and now he had one.

"Just up ahead. Please, help."

"Sure. Be glad to." Hoisting the man onto his back, he took off through the woods, leaving the rest to run after him.

Sesshomaru really had his hopes up, didn't he? Anyone have any idea why Sesshomaru's reflexes are slowing down? Hint: it has something to do with why Inuyasha didn't want Sesshomaru hanging around for very long.