Disclaimer: I do not own Inuyasha.

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An odd-scented wind tickled Sesshoumaru's nose. He sniffed delicately then sniffed again, his eyes widening a fraction.

This...he knew this scent. Ordering the imp and the girl-child to remain where they were, he rushed to the source.

The sight that met him was one that left him quite flabbergasted for the first time in a very long time. He felt disgust should have entered the question also but, for some reason, pity was more akin to what the vision stirred in him. Before him, curled up and crying, was Inuyasha. It was not crying, he decided after a moment of pondering, for the keening wails and the sobs were enough to melt a stone's heart; Inuyasha was broken.

"This Sesshoumaru finds this display pitiful."

A statement customary for him was met with a very non-customary reaction.

"Sesshoumaru-nii-sama!" The boy raised teary eyes to him. "Forgive me! You were right. You were right...no-one could want a half-breed...please...please forgive me."

Somewhere in the region of his chest something protested and told him to approach the boy, but he resisted stoically.

"What nonsense are you spouting now, half-breed?"

"I'm sorry I ran away. I..."

"Get away from him."

He turned a quizzical stare on Kagome with her bow poised.

"I'll say it only once more. Get away from Inuyasha now!"

"You both seem to have lost your ability to reason. Do you really think this Sesshoumaru would allow himself to be hit by your pathetic arrow?"

The bow sounded and he felt something hot brush the side of his face. The tree behind him exploded.

"The next one will be your head. Get away from Inuyasha!"

"No! Don't hurt nii-sama!"

"But...Inuyasha...he..."

"Miko!" Sesshoumaru growled dangerously. "You will explain the situation to this Sesshoumaru, now!"

"Don't listen to her, nii-sama! She'll…"

A look silenced him.

"Inuyasha has lost his memory."

He continued watching silently, and she felt the need to elaborate.

"He got injured. Most of his memory is gone."

"And you are sure of this?"

"Yes."

"He seems to have lost a considerable amount, indeed."

"He thinks it's not year the year since his mother's death."

Sesshoumaru's eyes widened the slightest fraction then he nodded thoughtfully.

"Please, Sesshoumaru-nii-sama..." Inuyasha's soft voice broke their conversation. "Please...I'll take any punishment...but please...don't make me go back with...with...her."

Kagome thought she would break but willed herself to continue standing.

"Go back?"

"To...her dwelling."

"And what reason is there for this Sesshoumaru to listen to your plea?"

Inuyasha looked down.

"Because...I...Because I'm sorry nii-sama. I promise I won't disobey you again. Or complain if I'm hungry. I'll hunt for myself. You won't even know I'm there. And I...I won't cry when I'm disciplined...please..."

The scent from Kagome's tears hit both brothers like a wave.

"I-Inuyasha...what did I do?"

He refused to even glance her way.

"Please...nii-sama..."

"This Sesshoumaru will punish you first."

"No! You touch one hair on his head and I swear..."

"You will go back with the miko. That is your punishment."

"No...! Nii-sama...!" His cries were heart-wrenching.

"That is final, Inuyasha."

"No..." His eyes gave away the panic, and Sesshoumaru caught him right before he bolted.

"Now, miko, you will show this Sesshoumaru the way to your dwelling."

She looked like she was about to faint.

"Would you rather I took him with me?"

She shook her head.

"This way."

Author's Note: Thank you all for the responses to the last chapter! I very much love hearing from all of you! :3 Comments, questions, glomps all welcome! :p