Chapter 10

Thanks to a demon metabolism and keen knowledge of potent curitive herbs Shura's injuries mended rapidly. Within a day the wound on her chest had scabbed over and by the end of day two Shura was comfortable enough to sit upright. She also had gained enough stamina to converse for longer periods of time, which she often did with Kagome, Sango and Shippo. In truth Shura would have liked to talk with Inuyasha but he was still fuming and had made it a point to avoid her until his temper cooled. On day three Matyeo returned and he brought with him the satchel Shura had left behind when she ran from the village. The pouch contained a few defensive weapons like her flash powder and fire whip but for the most part it held healing potions, herbs, and instruments as well as the booklet that contained Shura's illustrated herbology records.

At first glance Sesshomaru had sneered at the bulk of the contents and commented that her business as a healer was "a waste of time." But despite his disapproval Shura remained true to her stubborn blood, and bluntly refused to give up both the items and the trade. True she may have wanted gain battle skills …but that didn't mean she was thus obliged to rip apart every creature that crossed her path.

Following this argument came a second some hours later. While Shura was critically injured Sesshomaru had tolerated Matyeo's continuous presence on the precautionary basis he would need a back up should they be attacked. But now that his daughter was making steady improvements the great dog saw no reason for the dragon to remain in his company. That and the apparent friendship Matyeo had with his child was playing havoc with his parental protection instincts. When he brought up this topic to the dragon, it too was met with Shura's rejection, as well as one of her very annoyed glares.

"Well I want him to stay," the she-demon had promptly voiced from the cavern interior before Matyeo had the chance begrudgingly comply to his canine mentor.

"Whatever for?" Sesshomaru found himself questioning suspiciously, though he was quick to regret it. His wary tone only amplified Shura's ire.

"Because he's my best friend and I happen to enjoy his company," she barked in return. After a long moment of deliberation the dog lord reluctantly gave in to his daughters wish. He would tolerate Matyeo's company for a bit longer. It would after all, be a bit hypocritical of him to do otherwise, what with his three tag-alongs and all. And in any case, the dragon did still owe him.

As for Inuyasha and his group of misfit friends however, Sesshomaru bared no such tolerance. As far as he was concerned the group had long overstayed their welcome and should continue on with their own business…away from him and his child.

But therein was the problem. Despite all their goals, to find the sacred jewel shards, and destroy Naraku, no one in the group had any clue as to which direction they should travel. Kagome had sensed no traces of the jewel, and without any leads, finding Naraku would be impossible. They were in effect, stranded. Then of course there was Inuyasha. Though he tried to hide it with his usual, surly attitude, it was clear he detested the idea of leaving his niece solely in Sesshomaru's care. He would later admit to Kagome his reasoning was for Shura's protection and that he feared his brother would repeat his past mistakes should she not prove worthy in his eyes. However deep down, the half demon also feared his sibling would turn the girl against him, and the last thing he needed was a Sesshomaru she-clone to berate and torment him.

And so it went. With both brothers harboring an increasing distrust for one another, and yet neither one willing to leave, conflict was the inevitable result, and it came swiftly.

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No one from Inuyasha's party ever really expected Sesshomaru to show himself among them, and yet there he was. His pale body, silky white hair and spiked armor bathed orange by the fire's light. It was not the monarch's presence however, which woke everyone from sleep, but rather Inuyasha's voice as it spoke out gruffly in the dark.

"What do you want?" Seeing that his presence was noted, Sesshomaru took a step closer causing the red glow of the pit's embers to reflect faintly in his golden iris's.

"Three nights have past, and I grow weary of your presence. Why is it that you still linger here?"

Sesshomaru's inquiry came seemingly out of nowhere and carried with it his usual, stubborn hostility. The remark surprised the half demon, and he glared up at his sibling from his typical sleeping slouch.

"Why do you think?" he grumbled with a returned note of anger. Sesshomaru cast a weary glance past his shoulder to the cavern where Shura still slept. He narrowed his eyes when Inuyasha followed his stare. It was as he suspected.

"Your concern is unnecessary" the demon assured gruffly.

"Oh but I disagree," retorted Inuyasha sarcastically in a tone mocking his brother's "Because unlike Shura, I don't buy into your whole 'devoted father' routine," the half demon's voice turned suddenly serious "and I'm gonna be there when she finds out what kind of demon you really are"

"Is that so?" Sesshomaru remarked coolly as he continued to stare unblinkingly down at his sibling.

"Yeah it is." Now it was the monarch's tone that hardened.

"And what makes you think she'll disagree with the type of demon that I am?" there was an unnervingly long silence…and no answer from the half demon. "Weather you approve of it or not Inuyasha," Sesshomaru continued gruffly "Shura is my daughter and it is demon blood that courses through her veins," Sesshomaru paused to brush a silky lock of hair back behind his pointed ear "I'd advise you remember that before you try presuming loyalties in your favor."

Now Inuyasha was fuming, but it was not because of his sibling's arrogant manner or subtle threat…no, this anger raged much deeper. And it came from the scared psyche of an orphaned half-demon child.

"You're a fine one to lecture me on loyalty Sesshomaru!" Inuyasha howled as he sprang to his feet and aimed a clawed fist at his brother. The anger and hurt…it was uncontrollable…and before he could restrain himself… the feelings flew from his throat. "Considering you had a kid with a mystery demon and then abandoned both of them!"

Sesshomaru's pupils constricted and a low growl started in his throat. His hand coiled into a fist, though the demon didn't feel it. He couldn't perceive anything past his siblings face… that tormenting, conniving half-fanged scowl Inuyasha was wearing as he blatantly, and wrongfully accused him… The monarch's eyes shaded crimson and the roar in his throat deepened. How dare he? How dare he! The question burned through his mind again and again, and each time his demonic impulses quickened. How dare he! Now Sesshomaru was shaking. Harsh quakes blasted through his already tensed muscles and coiled them even tighter. He no longer cared about dignity or elegance….or even bloodlines. All that he saw was the object of his hate, and like a tightened spring being suddenly released, Sesshomaru snapped forward at his target…

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A painful fluttering in the chest stirred Shura to consciousness. At first she tired to ignore the discomfort, but each passing moment only seemed to make it worse. Soon the throbbing extended beyond her chest, and branched to even the very tips of her fingers and toes. Recoiling, Shura pulled herself into a sitting position and reluctantly opened her eyes. Her sight fell past the dreary cavern interior and focused instead on the scenery beyond the entrance. A fire was still crackling just outside, and sitting near it Shura could see Matyeo's familiar shadowed outline. His fin ears were perked forward, as if watching something very intently…

Shura winced hard as pain flooded suddenly to her head. It was then she became aware of a strange, thrumming pulse of unknown demon energy. It was beating in her mind at rhythmic intervals, and each throb seemed to intensify the discomfort that now plagued her body. Shura rose and took a few staggered steps forward. The pulses were growing stronger now, as was the energy signal. It seemed to be coming from somewhere outside…somewhere very close.

Shakily the demoness continued forward until she stepped from the cavern. She could just barely make out the rapidly moving forms of her father and uncle as they struck at one another with claw, whip and blade. Another demonic pulse rattled through Shura's mind causing her vision to blur and distort the image of her feuding family.

"Shura?" the demoness heard a familiar voice question. Shura rubbed a hand hard across her forehead in the hopes a massage would at least help adjust her eyes. It worked. Matyeo's concerned expression eventually came into focus. "What is it?"

The demoness could tell from his tone that Matyeo knew her agony extended beyond seeing her family members trying to tear one another apart, but beyond that he didn't seem any the wiser.

"Can't you sense it?" Shura asked with a deep note of worry. When the dragon shook his head, the demoness's expression turned from agitated to downright afraid. "There is a great evil approaching here…"