Sesshomaru's POV

(Seven Days Later)

"Sesshomaru-samaaa."

"…"

"Sesshomaru-saaaama."

"…"

"Sesshomaru-saaaamaaaa~"

"…"

"Sesshomaru-sama? Oof!"

The daiyoukai stops dead in his tracks, causing the green little imp to slam into his leg. He turns his head slightly to glare down at the nuisance who is mere seconds away from incurring his wrath. Although his immaculate face is shrouded in passivity, the intensity in his halcyon orbs are enough to send the bald old man fleeing to hide behind the nearest tree. "Jaken."

"Milord?" His voice which was previously an annoying shriek is now barely louder than a half-hearted peep.

"Cease your foolishness at once."

"Yes milord."

His loyal follower has been a torn in his side all morning. Usually the ice lord does an expert job of ignoring him entirely, but his patience is shorter than usual today.

"My apologies Lord Sesshomaru. I know how seeing your mother puts you in a sour mood. Oh! But of course, your rage is completely justifiable, milord. She was absolutely out of line. How dare she question your ambitions? How dare she call into question your worthiness? Does she not know—!"

Instead of words, the daiyoukai swiftly turns around and delivers a sharp blow to the top of his shiny head. The hit renders him counting stars on the ground as Sesshomaru continues his walk in peace…perhaps peace is the wrong word.

His fine brow is puckered in agitation and his pale lips are set in a tight line. If not for his centuries of self-control, he would be growling right about now. He would never openly admit it, but Jaken is correct. His mother has a talent for getting under his skin the way no one else can. Normally this is not an issue since their paths rarely cross. She spends her days in her castle, and he only seeks her out when it is conducive to his plans. Unfortunately, today he found her waiting while he was patrolling his lands:

(Earlier that Morning)

"My beloved boy."

"What do you want?"

"Is that how you greet your mother?"

"…" Although identical, the demoness was the picture of calm meanwhile her son's face was already twisting in mild irritation.

"What is it that you seek Sesshomaru?"

"…" Whatever he was expecting, it was not that.

"You have the meido stone, you have your father's name sake, and you've no enemies left to conquer." The line of questioning was already starting to infuriate him. Jaken's disbelieving blustering did nothing to appease the situation. "Do you think I speak to hear my own voice? Answer me boy!"

"H-How dare you?" Jaken had finally found his voice and stepped brazenly forward to defend his master. She glared down at the toad demon, looking so much like her offspring that he almost backed down. "No one commands Lord Sesshomaru in such a way! Not even his Lady mother. You have no right to question Lord Sesshomaru t and if it were not for your blood coursing through his veins then he would—aaah~"

Having heard enough, Sesshomaru kicked his servant away before scowling at his mother. "What is the meaning of this?"

"I want to know of your intentions."

"This Sesshomaru is none of your concern." She has never questioned him like this before and was doing an expert job of putting him on edge.

"Are you to continue roaming this world aimlessly? What of a mate? And pups to further your legacy?

"Mother—"

"Is it to end with you? Am I to disgrace myself by finding a mate once again and having another son for the sake of my and your father's lineage? I understand that there are no more dog demons left, but don't you think you should do something?"

"Mother."

"I will not be silenced. You know I speak the truth."

"You speak nonsense, for you know nothing. My ambitions have nothing do with you or your lineage."

"Does your stubbornness know no bounds? I know how you were before; wandering this world in the frivolous search for worthy adversaries to test your might. But that is over now. Naraku is dead."

"You are naïve to think that hanyou trash was a worthy adversary. He was nothing but vermin that needed eradicating from this lifetime. You are foolish to believe him to be the most powerful this world has to offer. I will continue to seek out any who think they can challenge me as all-powerful."

"To what end?!"

"Until I am slain."

Her eyes had flashed red momentarily, but in the next second, she regained control of herself. "And what of the western lands? Who is to reign over them in your selfish quest for gratification?"

"…" She had not put him at a loss for words, he had simply realized the absurdity of him standing there and answering to anyone. Okasan or otherwise. He turned his back on her to leave, but her next inquiry gave him pause.

"So, are you going to meander pointlessly while you await the moments you can visit that human child?"

He could feel his blood boiling. His snow-white hair started dancing about his face in an unnatural wind as his youkai threatened to take over and turn him into his true form.

"Sesshomaru," Perhaps she had sensed her son's mounting fury because her voice had lost some of its' edge as she stepped closer to him. "I only want you to think on it for now. Those human children followed you for so long—you clearly have the right instinct to look after your own. Humans are like rats; they will always multiply and spread. It is not your duty to ensure the longevity of a few that will die off on their own accord anyhow. It will feel like mere days to you. What is the use of holding on to something so short-lived? You should think of your own future. Certainly, you would make a far better patriarch than your own was."

With that he had transformed into the great dog demon and soared into the air, leaving her far behind.

(Present)

'She has outdone herself on just how foolhardy she can be. Truly, how dare she? What I choose to do and not do is my business alone. I need no one, lest of all something as arbitrary as a family. What do I stand to gain? What can a family give me that I do not already have? Any way I look at it such a thing would only be a nuisance.' More frustrating than her interrogation, is the fact that she brought up his father. He had not thought about the previous Lord of the West for a long time now, much longer than any other period in his life. Thinking of the man only brings up bad memories and leaves a bitter taste in his mouth. He is never testier than when he is thinking of the old dog demon. It makes it harder to deal with since he refuses to acknowledge his conflicting feelings in that regard. Meeting Rin and awakening the true power behind tenseiga has allowed him to let go of his bitterness concerning tessaiga but…for a reason unbeknownst to himself, he still holds some resentment towards his father.

Why? At first, he believed it was due to his involvement with a mortal, but would that not make him, Sesshomaru, a hypocrite? What of his own involvement with several mortals at this point? Not only Rin. The fact that he can be in the presence of so many and not attack is a direct contradiction to his previous hatred. Wouldn't such a contradiction imply he considers humans good enough to protect, but not to mate with? Is that why he still cannot forgive his father? He does not know, nor does he want to dwell on it any further. He abhors the intrusive thoughts and feelings that only his okasan can trigger. 'It is a waste of time to think about such useless things.'

"Lord Sesshomaru," Jaken huffs, finally having caught up to him. "Perhaps we should go visit Rin? The silly girl is somehow an expert in cheering up milord—much better than me." He adds in a defeated grumble.

"…" Although he does not like the implications that he is some sulking brat who needs a human child to 'cheer him up', he was planning on stopping by anyway. It has been a long time since his last visit. Last time, Rin expressed that even though she enjoys Inuyasha's pack, she feels lonely without him. In the face of such a confession, he did not know what to say but made a mental note to stop by more often. Sesshomaru does not verbally acknowledge the imp's suggestion, but when he starts floating into the air Jaken knows to latch onto his mokomoko. Midflight, he spies a nearby village and makes a quick stop before continuing to Kaede's territory.

….

The daiyoukai lands noiselessly, diminishing his barrier as he heads straight for the unique scent of his charge. He spots her nearby, struggling to carry a large basin full of water. In a blink of an eye, he reaches down and alleviates her of the difficult task. She looks perplexed for a moment before looking up and giving him a smile so bright it could put the sun to shame. "Lord Sesshomaru!"

"Rin. Why are you doing this on your own?" She was one tilt away from dumping the entire bucket on herself. 'Where are all the humans who are supposed to be caring for her?'

"I can do this much on my own, Lord Sesshomaru! Besides, Miss Sango and Hoshi-sama have their hands full right now. Can you believe it Sesshomaru-sama? Miss Sango gave birth to TWO girls. They look exactly the same in every way and, and they are soooo cute."

"Hn." Despite her bubbly rambling, he can sense something off about her normally sunny and carefree disposition. When he first approached her, she had a bothered frown on her round face, and he could tell it had nothing to do with the heavy lifting she was doing. Sesshomaru shoves the basin into Jaken's arms who struggles to keep up as they follow the girl back to the demon slayer's hut. "What is ailing you Rin?"

"I…um…" He glances down at the little girl, more than a little taken aback that she is hesitating to tell him anything. "I'm really worried about Master Inuyasha."

"…"

Although he asks no further question, she takes his silence as the go ahead to elaborate. "He left a long time ago to help Tatsuya, but he still has not returned. Hoshi-sama and Kohaku-kun went out several times, but they still cannot find him."

"…" He says nothing at all and soon they find themselves in front of the humble abode.

"Oh! I'm going to bring this inside. I'll be right back—thank you Master Jaken." She gives the green demon a sweet smile as she takes the bucket and hurries inside.

"Feh! Stupid girl. Why would she think you'd concern yourself with that hanyou?"

"…" 'It is not an unfair question. She knows well enough that Inuyasha is not nor will he ever be any of my concern. But…who is Tatsuya? The name is not familiar to me.'

He does not have long to ponder because Rin comes bustling out after the taijiya who is nearly running towards them. "But Miss Sango! You should not be moving around right now. Hoshi-sama made me promise!"

"Sesshomaru!"

The daiyoukai's cold gaze flicks from his old follower to the young woman currently staring up at him with hopeful eyes. She is holding one infant close to her chest and the other one is strapped to her back with a blanket. Her dark brown hair is in complete disarray and by the looks of the dark circles under her eyes, she probably has not slept in days. Seeing that the stoic lord is not going to verbally acknowledge her, Jaken speaks up in his place. "And what do you want from Lord Sesshomaru?! He is already in a foul mood and I suggest you—"

"SHUT IT YOU!" The unbridled viciousness in her tone sends him hiding behind his unaffected master. "Sesshomaru, it is so good that you are here. We think Inuyasha is in trouble. A little dragon boy came to the village fifteen days ago asking him for help and he is still yet to return. He was supposed to help defend the mountains against the panthers—Ryukotsusei's nephew, Khuzaimah I think it was, called on him specifically." 'Khuzaimah?' "Miroku, Kohaku, and Shippo have been travelling back and forth for many days trying to find him. They are searching the surrounding forest area for clues but cannot find any trace of them. Did I mention that he is supposed to be in the mountains pass Ryukotsusei's Valley?"

He had only been half paying attention so when she springs the sudden question, she only receives a cool stare in response. "…"

"Well, anyway Miroku is sure that there is a powerful…barrier…"

She trails off into a mumble when he raises a hand to silence her. They stand silently for a few tense seconds before he poses a question of his own. "And what does any of that have to do with this Sesshomaru?"

"I—you—He—what?!" She gapes at him in disbelief. "What are you saying? Inuyasha could be in real danger! He would never stay gone this long—"

"Do not make me repeat myself."

"B-But you have to help!" She all but screams at him. Rin glances between the two adults in anxious concern. The demon slayer looks on the verge of tears. "I pushed him to go and it pains me to think that he could be in danger because of it. He was suspicious and yet I forced him to go. You may be the only one who can help him right now."

"Am I to be held accountable for his stupidity and your ignorance?"

"That's not fair! If it were you, Inuyasha would—"

"It would never be me." His eyes narrow at the sheer insinuation.

"You! Are you really saying you will not lift a finger to help?! Your own brother?!"

"WAAAAAHH~" Before he can put the young woman in her place, the babies attached to her erupt in a chorus of wails. Perhaps in response to their mother's sudden spike in stress. His lips thin into a tight line as he turns and walks away toward the forest with Jaken and Rin close at his heels. "Please!" She shouts after them. "At the very least, check into it." He pays her no mind and soon she is nothing but a scent in the distance.

The trio walk to the very edge of the village where they find A-Un patiently waiting. Rin wastes no time in playing with her old best friend. She runs around him, dancing and singing all the while. The two-headed dragon appears to be just as excited to see her and looks amused at her antics. Jaken is less impressed and berates them for their silliness, making him the perfect target for their jokes and pranks.

As usual, the Lord of the West contents himself with watching passively from the side. He finds a shady space under a tree and sits with his back against it as they engage in their typical shenanigans. Like always there is something calming about the fleeting moment. It was not too long ago when he could indulge in these peaceful times on a daily basis. Since he left Rin to the care of these humans, he has come to appreciate the little moments even more. He knows that, sooner rather than later, he will not be afforded the opportunity anymore. Even now he notices the subtle changes in the little girl who used to blindly follow him. She is taller now. It happened over such a short period of time. Even the way she speaks now hints at a small growth in maturity. It never ceases to baffle him. 'Ningen age so rapidly…' What is he thinking? There is no use bothering with that irrelevant train of thought. He would never do so in the past. Even when Rin asked him if he would remember her after she died, he refused to go down that rabbit hole. So why is he entertaining it now? Is it due to his recent visit from his mother? His eyebrows twitch downward at the mere thought of her again, so he quickly redirects his focus to someone else: 'Inuyasha.'

Not necessarily an improvement, but at least someone he is indifferent about. Regardless of his callous attitude, he cannot help but wonder what that dragon wants with his younger half-sibling. 'Khuzaimah…the nephew of Ryukotsusei.' He does not know anything about him. In his youth he heard the name once or twice in passing and considered seeking him out. He thought that the nephew of the infamous spirit must posses some prowess of his own, but he could never find him. Sesshomaru naturally assumed he either perished or never existed in the first place. 'Why would he suddenly come out of hiding to target Inuyasha? And why the hell would Inuyasha go?' Sesshomaru is no stranger to his little brother's crippling idiocy, but he thought he had just a little more sense after his ordeal with Naraku. 'Why would he trust someone related to the one responsible for the death of father? Keep up these moronic actions and you will die before we can have our final battle.' He has always known that one of them would perish in one last fight—well it is how the hanyou will perish. It is the only reason why Sesshomaru bothered fighting with him against so many common enemies. It is the only reason he told the now dead miko that Inuyasha was his to send to hell, not hers. But what if this Khuzaimah has already claimed that right? '…'

"Oh, are you leaving already Lord Sesshomaru?"

He pauses mid-stride, not realizing when he stood up and completely forgetting where he was in the first place.

"Good! I have had enough of your nonsense! A-Un, let's go—"

"Stay here Jaken."

"M-M-Milord, you want me to stay here with the humans?"

"Yaaaaay~" Rin squeals in delight while shaking her shorter, less enthused companion.

"Here Rin."

"Hm?" She eyes the little wooden box he holds out curiously, before taking it.

He does not wait around for her reaction and takes off into the air. His superior hearing catches the little gasp of glee when she opens it and discovers the little chocolates inside. "Thank you, Sesshomaru-sama!"

….

It takes him little to no time to reach the Valley of Ryukotsusei, seeing as he used to come here often to reflect. This time he flies past it towards the small collection of mountains in the horizon. He lands just shy of the main one, near the forest outskirts. There is an unnatural stillness that engulfs the entire area. He cannot sense a single creature, animal or demon, beyond the edge of the forest. There is obviously a barrier in place to keep potential intruders at bay. Certainly powerful enough to keep the likes of those humans Inuyasha is so fond of away. This should have been Inuyasha's first deterrent, but perhaps his lesser senses could not detect it. That or he is a bigger fool than Sesshomaru gives him credit for.

The question keeps burning in his mind; what does Khuzaimah want with Inuyasha? 'He cannot possibly see him as a greater adversary than This Sesshomaru…No, that would make him equally as moronic.' But it is possible, and the daiyoukai can feel the indignation rising in his chest. He should go up there and teach them both a lesson. Unlike the foolish gang his brother chooses to run around with, he knows that his half-breed little brother is more resilient than he looks. A troublesome trait that Sesshomaru himself has had the displeasure of testing time and time again. 'That's right. There is no need for me to waste my time or effort on a pair of wretched idiots.' If he is done in by some reclusive dragon, then he has only himself to blame. And—

'It has nothing to do with me.'

….

Inuyasha's POV

"Sto-ah! F-ngh, ah! St—op! Ugh, god damn it!" He can hardly breathe. It feels like he is being ripped apart. The tearing, the blood, the aching—he tries to focus on something else, anything else. He tries to hold onto the discomfort of the rocks digging into the skin on his back, or to the way the blood is flowing from his shredded shoulder. He already bit through his lip several times in an attempt to quell his pained cries, but even that feels numb now. His eyes are almost swollen shut and he knows his body is littered with bruises and claw marks. But none of it is distracting from the terrible agony below his waist. The animalistic sight of the man moving so energetically on top of him makes him nauseas, but he refuses to throw up again. Although this is the sixth time his body is being used, he is in no way used to it. Each time is more excruciating than the last. The shackles on his hands and feet, keep his power drained thus his body cannot properly heal itself. Each new sadistic attack renders him weaker than the last. He can feel his consciousness slipping for the third time and he wills himself to hold on. It feels like if he passes out again, he will never wake up again. He can hear himself whimpering and he chews on his tongue to stop it and stay awake.

"Oh? Are you done screaming? Done bitching? Have you finally realized there is no option for you but to submit? Bear your neck to me and perhaps I shall show you some mercy!"

His eyes were glazed over, and his eyelids were sliding shut, but they pop open at his mocking words. Submit? Submit?! Never. I'll never give this sick bastard the pleasure.' "Go, hah fuck yerself'. You're—ngh, nothing but a cow-ah-rd."

For a split second, his crimson eyes widen in shock, but he recovers quickly and grips his hips so hard Inuyasha feels like they are going to break. A sneer tugs at his lips as he slams into the body underneath him. "You are going to break, it is only a matter of time. You will either break or die before you do."

As excruciating pain shoots up his hips and takes his breath away, Inuyasha cannot help but think for a brief moment…the ryu may be right.