Inuyasha's POV:

Traveling together after their brief confrontation was as strained and hushed as Inuyasha expected it to be. Sesshomaru trailed behind and followed at a pace that almost put the demon lord out of view. But even the distance between them was not enough to cut the heavy tension that had settled over the trio. Predictably, when they had to stop for the night the Lord of the West made himself scarce until the rays of dawn licked at the sky.

As the surrounding forest twists into rolling fields, dusk is once again darkening the sky on their second day of non-stop travel.

"M-Master Inuyasha?" He looks down and to the right to find Tatsuya peeking up at him between strands of cobalt hair. It had been so long since he last heard the kid spoke, he almost forgot what his little voice sounded like. The dragon-boy had clamed back up after fessing up to the existence of this mystery woman and preventing the Inu brothers from tearing each other apart. "A-Ano…?"

"What is it?" He questions before his silence gives the boy a heart attack.

"W-We are approaching another c-clearing w-which we could stop and r-rest for the night…i-if my lord pleases of course!"

"How long will it take to reach this lady if we stop?"

"If we d-depart w-with the sun, we should r-reach her by midday."

'Wasting time like that is no good. The longer it takes us, the more likely that snake will borough himself away in a new unreachable hole. How many days has it been now? Seven—eight? That bastard could have moved on by now. Would he expect Tatsuya to help us? Is he even aware that he survived the collapse of the roost? And even so, would he expect him to tell us about whoever this lady is? Shit. Do we really need to stop?' His golden eyes closely examine the child at his side who starts to fidget under his scrutiny. 'Tatsuya looks okay. He's probably used to this kinda' thing and I feel fine. We should be able to push on through the night—'

"Why have you stopped?" It takes everything in him not to roll his eyes as he looks over his shoulder to meet his brother's cold gaze.

The hanyou may have managed to keep his hostility to a minimum during the trek, but that does not mean he is going to answer to him like a dog. Sensing this, Tatsuya bows at the waist until he is practically horizontal with the ground before delivering one on his behalf. "F-F-Forgive me S-Sesshomaru-sama. I-I was telling M-Master Inuyasha o-of a p-place t-to r-rest for the n-night."

"Unnecessary. We continue until we reach this woman."

"Tch, arrogant bas—don't say it like yer' calling the shots around here." This time there is no holding back the bark from his voice. "That's what we were gonna' do anyway!" Sesshomaru levels a cool glare his way as he strides past them.

Much like before, they travel in a tense and absolute silence. Inuyasha is used to his older brother's domineering presence, but the little dragon at his side is petrified. It is strange considering that Tatsuya was living with and serving the likes of Khuzaimah for so long. 'Sesshomaru may be a bastard but he's not the unreasonable monster that Khuzaimah is. Sesshomaru would never stoop as low as that cretin and does not get off on torturing little brats.' It makes the hanyou wonder what went on between them when the two were on their own.

"A-Ano Inuyasha-sama, S-Sesshomaru-sama, w-we are almost there." The whelp finally speaks up after hours of noiseless walking. They have walked through a large plain and finally arrived at a small collection of rolling hills and valleys.

"What's this woman's name again?"

"L-Lady Karura."

"What can you tell me about her?"

"Eh? O-Oh umm…Lady Karura is the o-only living m-mate of Khuzaimah's…that I am aware of…B-Besides you of course, M-Master Inuyasha!" As soon as the words leave his mouth regret shines in his eyes at the way the hanyou turns to scowl at him.

"Don't—

"Don't—"

Just as he was going to reprimand the tiny ryu for referring to him as though he belongs to that monster, his brother's unexpected interruption stops him short. Sesshomaru pointedly ignores the questioning look he gives him and looks almost as stunned as anyone else. Tatsuya takes his chance to sprint ahead and lead them on in silence.

….

'This is it? It can't be…I don't sense him anywhere. Maybe there's a barrier here too?' Nestled deep in one of the many valleys, they followed a meager stream to a small hut surrounded by tall water sausages. The hut looks as though it would barely house a single person comfortably. 'I cannot picture someone as pompous and arrogant as Khuzaimah staying here…well he has proven that he is a coward above all else, so maybe he was desperate enough to do what he had to do. There is only one way to find out.' Without breaking stride, the brash hanyou kicks through the shoji covering the entrance and pulls tessaiga from its' hilt in one fluid motion. Sesshomaru follows swiftly behind and from the tightness around his mouth, it is obvious he does not appreciate his younger brother rushing forward like this.

The inside of the shack looks just as humble and measly as the outside. From the poorly lit firepit in the ground, to the straw mat in the corner; the place looks like the abode of a poor human villager. However, the woman staring apathetically at them with large red eyes is anything but human. Besides those unnerving eyes, her face looks normal enough; covered in pale skin that covers her bare breasts and flat stomach. Her arms, which appear more like bird wings, are completely covered in red and orange feathers and instead of hands they end in long clawed talons. Her legs are similarly feathered and end in talons instead of feet. In place of hair her head is adorned with a long assortment of red, orange, and black feathers. Instead of looking outraged at the sudden intrusion into her home, she merely stares at the brothers as if waiting for them to explain themselves. The empty look combined with the pastiness of her skin makes her look almost ghoul like.

'He has been here! It is very faint, but I can spell it!' "You! Lady! Where is he?!"

Karura cocks her head to the side in an impossibly fast movement as her eyes settles on Inutaisho's youngest. "It would be helpful to specify who this he is."

"You know who I'm talking about!"

"Do I?"

"Tch!" 'Is she playing with me?!'

Before he can retaliate, Sesshomaru beats him to it. "Don't test this Sesshomaru's patience. Tell me where Khuzaimah is." Unlike his sibling, he has chosen to keep his sword sheathed, but the threatening gleam in his eyes is undeniable.

"I do not know."

Instead of reacting right away, the lord's gold eyes dip to something behind her. Inuyasha follows his gaze, and it is only then that he notices the young child hugging the woman around the waist. He looks to be about the same age and stature of Tatsuya, but better fed despite his meager surroundings.

"You may want to reconsider wasting my time." There is no mistaking the underlining threat to his suggestion. A threat made even more apparent by the way his cold leer settles on the youngster hugging her waist. "It would be in your best interest not to do so."

The harpy-like woman shakes her head at them without bothering to look down at the child. "Do what you will."

'What?!' "You would risk yer' brat's life?! To protect scum like Khuzaimah?!"

He never thought he would meet someone whose blatant apathy ticks him off more than Sesshomaru's. At the very least Sesshomaru expresses outrage, offense, and disgust. This demoness looks as though she has never felt any emotion at all. "Think what you will. Anything you could do to us would still be a mercy when compared to what his father would do."

"It is a grave mistake to underestimate me."

"You appear to be impatient men; brash, goal driven, fueled by self-righteous pride. Those traits are a far cry from his father's wickedness. A death by your hands would be swift and done. That is a mercy I, as his mother, am willing to grant my child."

"Tch!" Inuyasha can feel his blood boiling just under his skin. 'A mercy she is willing to grant? She is talking about her child's life as if it is something to be thrown away on a whim.'

"So here," She emphasizes her point by roughly shoving the boy forward who just narrowly avoids tripping into the Lord of the West. Out in the open, Inuyasha can see the resemblance. He inherited the alabaster skin and blood red eyes of both his parents, but thanks to the ryu's influence he is sporting small horns at his temples. His high cheekbones, fingers, and neck are also covered in dark green scales and his feathered hair is the same green-black color.

The boy bolts upright and looks up at the imposing demon with a barely audible gasp. There is obvious fear in the way his peculiar eyes dart around, but to the youngster's credit he does not flee. Sesshomaru meets the woman's expressionless stare while drawing his sword with a subtle frown. "You dare test me? Very well." There is no question about his brother's intent when he raises the sword above his head. Even so, Karura remains perfectly calm and still. The boy squeezes his eyes shut as the sword follows its' arc downwards, but before it can put an end to his life Inuyasha grabs his brother's wrist.

"What do you think you're doing? Do you want to be next?"

Pointedly ignoring his death glare, the hanyou locks eyes with the harpy. "I guess making this kinda' decision might make sense when dealing with a beast like Khuzaimah." 'Still nothing I would ever do. I'd fight tooth and nail!' "Yer' right, he'd probably torture his own brat just for the fun of it."

"…"

"But. At least you have the choice to make." Khuzaimah never left him any choice at all before dropping his pups to their demise. Even the brief memory is enough to bring up emotion almost impossible to swallow down. He can feel his teeth grinding together and he does not realize he is sinking his claws into Sesshomaru's skin until he yanks his hand free. Rather than treating this action with hostility, the full-blooded daiyoukai is staring at him in unconcealed curiosity.

The woman continues to stare vacantly until understanding suddenly lights up her otherwise dead crimson eyes. Her lips tighten into a straight line, and she stays silent for a pause before letting out a an almost inaudible huff. She beckons her son over with a simple wave of her hand and the boy wastes no time rushing to her side. She runs her fingers affectionately through his feathered hair as he hugs her waist. Her talon-like hands cup his cheeks when he tries to hide his face in her stomach, and she tilts his head up to look at her. "Calm yourself my child. It has been an age since you and Tatsuya have seen each other, yes?" On cue, all eyes land on the forgotten fledging still standing in the entryway. Predictably, Tatsuya responds by shrinking under the scrutiny. "Why don't you two go outside and become reacquainted?" The boy nods before slowly detaching himself from his mother and treading past the brothers. Sesshomaru judges him with a displeased frown tugging at the corner of his lips but does nothing as he grabs Tatsuya's hand and dashes outside. "Let us finish this business, shall we?" She prompts once the children are out of earshot. "Ask your questions and I will answer what I am able."

'Able or willing?' "Where is Khuzaimah?"

"If Khuzaimah does not wish to be found, then he is nowhere and everywhere."

"That was not his question to you." The hanyou can tell that his sibling's patience is wearing thin, and honestly, so is his.

"I am sure you two are smart enough to determine that he has been here. Clearly that much is true, but I am unaware of his current whereabouts."

"How long ago was he here?" The full Inuyoukai continues in his naturally demanding manner.

"Three—perhaps four days ago."

"Where would he go from here?"

"I have no answer for that."

"You expect this Sesshomaru to believe you?"

"It matters not if you believe me." The daiyoukai's jaw tightens at her flippant retort. "He did not say, nor did I ask. I do not delve into his affairs."

"I am sure you can think of somewhere he would flee."

"I cannot." Again, she is emotionless as she meets his glower with a bird-like tilt of her head. "Are you not to blame for his mysterious circumstances? You destroyed his mountain lair, yes? That is where I would have suggested."

"Oh? So, the coward blamed me for that. He failed to tell you that it was him that destroyed his lands in a last-ditch effort to escape his inevitable defeat at my hands."

"Is that how it happened? Still, it matters not. His home is gone and as you can see, I know very little."

"Why are you one of his favorites?!" Inuyasha blurts the question that has been burning in his head since Tatsuya first mentioned her. 'Why? Why was she allowed to keep her brat? Why?! Is it because I'm a hanyou?! Was it because I was too defiant as a captive?! WHY?!'

"Favorite?" She looks more intrigued than confused by his off-subject inquiry.

"Tatsuya mentioned that you have his favor. I wanna' know what kind of person would have that monster's 'favor'. Tell me why."

"I see…You would have to ask him that." Damn this lady! Is she just toying with us? I cannot get a read on her at all.' "I will tell you this however…" Her avian eyes are still placid, but there is an unexpected hardness to them as she continues. "The mute boy you see now is what remains of many lost hatchlings."

"!" 'So…that bastard killed a bunch of her children before choosing this one to live? I've never wanted to tear someone limb by limb before. I'm itching to take down this disgusting ryu. How many people has he done this to?'

"What is the point of this senseless conversation?" Sesshomaru scoffs without really expecting an answer. "What more can you tell me that will lead to finding him?"

"…If he went anywhere in his current state, it would be to reunite with his sister."

"Where is she?" The males demand at the same time but she is already shaking her head before they can get out the last word.

"I do not know."

"Tch, her name then?"

"Kaida."

"What did you mean by 'his current state'?"

Those empty pits for eyes run a chill up Inuyasha's spine when her head twitches back in his direction. "He was weak and injured when he arrived. I would say on the brink of death."

"Nani? How come?" 'I thought he got away from Sesshomaru. Everything about that night is still hazy.'

"He had a devastating wound to his chest," 'Oh, that's right! Sesshomaru did that before…bonding us all to avoid killing me…well I doubt the reason was specifically to keep me alive…I'm sure there's some other reason that fits his agenda.' "It looked as though he overused his abilities as well and…I noticed that the link between us was inexplicably faint. I did not think it was possible, but it appeared as though someone stronger that he claimed him. Someone evidently incompatible, yet powerful enough to force the mating and survive. I would presume that very person is also feeling the negative consequences from doing so." Although her face remains devoid of all feeling, there is a slight edge of mockery to her tone as she gazes at Sesshomaru.

For his part, the stoic Inu narrows his eyes before promptly moving to the exit. "Lets go. There is nothing more to be gained."

After a moment's hesitation, Inuyasha makes a move to follow but they both falter when Karura offers this, "It is not unusual for Khuzaimah to speed up his recovery by any means necessary. This is typically at the expense of some unfortunate villagers or lesser youkai. There is a humble human village nestled in the next valley over. It may prove worthwhile to start your search there."

Sesshomaru bows out of the hut without a backwards glance, but Inuyasha stops long enough to offer a nod of gratitude before following suit. He walks out just in time to watch Tatsuya face plant into the ground. Hovering above him, the hybrid bird boy is flapping his feathered wings with a smug smirk on his pallid face. It is a superior looking sneer that reminds the hanyou way too much of a certain someone. When the bird-dragon hybrid notices the long-haired brothers, he promptly floats back down and wordlessly helps the ryu whelp to his feet.

"O-Oh!" Tatsuya starts, ignoring the dirt caking his face. Apparently, that was only one of many failures they just witnessed. "L-looks like o-our time is up for now. M-Maybe you c-can teach me next time? O-Only if it's not a b-bother!" He adds on in a squeak. The taller boy simply nods and gives a little shrug of his shoulders, looking so much like his lifeless mother, before hurrying back inside to her.

"M-My lords," Once they turn their attention back to the young ryu they find him on the ground once more in a low bow. "I-I hope this j-journey has proven to be h-helpful?"

"Hn."

"Yah', good job kid, but listen up. I have a job for yah'." Something has been nagging at the back of his mind ever since the day he woke up off that mountain. He cannot ignore it anymore. He waits until Tatsuya peeks through his hair to meet his eyes. "Remember my village and the folks you met there when you came looking for me?"

"H-Hai Inuyasha-sama."

"I need you to go back and let them all know I'm alright."

"T-Tell them Inuyasha-sama is 'a-alright?'"

"Exactly. Don't say any more than that, got it?"

"A-Ano, I-I think so."

"Good. Think you can do it, kid?" He knows the former slave was sent all over the feudal world by Khuzaimah, but he is still somewhat reluctant to send the flightless little dragon into the wild on his own.

"O-Of course sir! S-Should I return after delivering M-Master Inuyasha's message?"

"No, don't bother. Just sit tight and try to relax, if yah' even know what that means. Stay on the lookout for any signs of your asshole uncle. If it seems like he's nearby somewhere, come find me as fast as you can."

"Y-Y-Yes sir!" Even now, he is still taken aback by the way the red clad Inu addresses his former master.

As he turns to carry out his new orders Sesshomaru adds, "While you are at it, tell Jaken to uncover all he can about this 'Kaida'." Tatsuya startles at the mention the name and peers back at the imposing man. Sesshomaru raises an elegant brow in response to his staring, "Failure is not an option."

The poor youth cannot muster a verbal reply, so he settles for a gulp and a quick nod before running off into the distance. Inuyasha watches after him for as long as his enhanced sight will allow before turning to the careless man at his side. "That's his okaasan."

"I know that already."

"Mm."

"It does not matter."

"Feh, whatever. Lets go." They walk in silence for a few miles until the hanyou can feel his inner youkai growling out in displeasure. He looks to the side to find Sesshomaru to be the cause. He is watching him…closely, intensely. It is unnerving. "What is it?!"

"What was that about?"

"What was what about? You're the one being weird."

"In there with the woman…it looked like you two were having some unspoken conversation. What was it about?"

"Its none of yer' business."

"Let me educate you, you brainless ingrate. If it has anything to do with Khuzaimah, it has everything to do with me."

"Feh." 'I still don't understand why!' "Just drop it, yah' arrogant prick. It won't help us find him anyway." 'Why'd I say us? I meant me! Sesshomaru should just scram already. I have no idea why he's still sticking his nose where it doesn't belong.'

It takes a while before Sesshomaru deigns to respond and his ears twitch at the sound of his dangerously low timbre breaking the silence. "As a correction to your earlier ignorance, anything to do with you is, unfortunately, my concern now. I will not have you marked and disgracing my name."

'WHY does he have to remind me of something like THAT?!' Even though he can feel his face burning in embarrassment, he grumbles at his idiot half-brother. "Just shut up and go to hell already Sesshomaru. Leave me the hell alone and you won't have to worry about me disgracing shi—"

"Watch how you—…" Inuyasha looks over when he suddenly trails off and sees him flaring his nostrils in thought.

"Oi, what—" The putrid scent of iron and rot makes him choke on his question as it assaults his senses. 'Blood. Human blood. And lots of it!' Without another word he dashes ahead, leaving the not so concerned youkai behind. The closer he gets to the village, the more overwhelming the scent becomes. At one point he must cover his nose and mouth with his sleeve. When he crests the next hill, he finds the source. Where once a village likely stood is nothing but a bloody, charred, destroyed mess now. The word massacre does not do the scene justice. It looks more like total annihilation. There is little to no chance that there are any survivors, but Inuyasha starts the task of searching, nonetheless. The deeper he walks into the village the more nauseous he feels. By the time he circles back to the front his head is spinning.

Sesshomaru is waiting there with an annoyed sneer furrowing his brow. "Done wasting time?"

"Urasai!" 'Curse him. Shouldn't his nose be even more sensitive than mine? He looks completely unaffected.' "At least I was making myself useful instead of standing here doing nothing."

"Oh really? And what useful insights did you gain from your search?"

"The blood hasn't fully set and dried, but it isn't fresh either. The bodies that were left are stiff and cold. We probably just missed him by a couple of days. He killed everyone too, the bastard. There's not a single survivor."

"Therefore, you were able to learn what was already plainly evident? Very admirable."

Once again, the blood is rising to his face, and it takes all his self-control not to pick a fight. "Yeah well! It was worth checking if there was anyone left alive. Even if It was just one who managed to survive."

"You honestly believe Khuzaimah would allow any of them to live?"

"…No…" His question caught Inuyasha by surprise as he expected the daiyoukai to berate him or call him out for placing such importance on human life. Even though he knows his brother has changed over the last couple years, it is still hard not to think of him as he was before. A selfish, cold, ruthless, killing daiyoukai with a profound hate of humans. But his recent actions have completely contradicted this image. He thought for some strange reason, Rin was a once in a lifetime exception, however…'He did protect Kohaku and Kagome during our siege on Naraku. He's protected the entire gang at one point and even fought alongside me. Then of course there is the fact that he got me away from Khuzaimah, for whatever reason…I…I really don't understand him at all.'

Sesshomaru's POV:

'Why is he looking at me like that?' "If you have something to say, say it and be done."

He shakes his head as if clearing his thoughts and turns his attention back to the gruesome scene barely a meter from where they are currently standing. "What if he's still around here?"

"You think him that much of a fool? Why would he stay here in the open when he can find a new hole to crawl in?"

"Think about it. He went out his way to leave behind all this mess. I mean these petty games ain't above a bastard like him, but do you think he is in any position to have some 'fun'? From what I've heard and remember, he escaped you on the brink of death. Yah' think he would just get what he needs from this village and run off again, right? But instead, he made sure to really leave behind a dramatic display. Maybe he is trying to confuse us and make it impossible to sniff him out while he hides among the desecration."

"Impossible for a hanyou like you perhaps. I would know if he was still here."

The snide comment hardly registers with the hanyou as he folds his arms into his sleeves in deep thought. "If he regained enough of his strength between this killing spree and Karura, then it would be easy enough for him to hide behind one of his barriers again."

"…" Sesshomaru is always left momentarily speechless when his half-sibling proves that he is not a total imbecile. Of course, he would never let the other know that and replies with his usual haughtiness. "Very well, since you appear to have all the answers—how do we find him then?"

"I don't know," He grunts indignantly. "There isn't much about this guy that I do know. I hadn't even heard of him until he sought me out personally." Again, the hanyou has a point. When the first born looked to challenge him in his youth, there was no trace of him in the world. "Only other thing to do would be luring him out, but how? He's too much of a chicken to fall for taunts despite all those airs he likes to put on."

'Hn...another good point. Khuzaimah is not going to rush in and defend what honor he thinks he has with the both of us waiting for him…However, while he may be able to quell his prideful instinct to fight, his more primal instincts are something else entirely.' It is an impulse the Inu daiyoukai has had trouble repressing himself. He assumed that when Inuyasha's heat ended, his youkai would return to normal. Mate or not, it is Inuyasha after all. Someone who not too long ago made him sick with rage on sight. But the truth is not much has changed since the end of his heat. Not a moment has passed that he has not wanted to pounce on the half-demon. A yearning that has left him feeling irritable and sullen at every turn. 'It is that wretchedly alluring scent.' His predatory senses take over as he slowly stalks up behind his brother. By the time he realizes his approach it is much too late.

"Wha—oof!" The air is knocked out of him as he shoves Inuyasha face down into a nearby boulder. The smaller male struggles to turn around but finds himself literally stuck between a rock and a hard place. When that fails, he tries to push back but Sesshomaru rewards his efforts by forcing him to double over the rock. "What the hell is your problem?!"

As he leans in to talk into his canine ear, he can feel his arousal growing. "I know of a way we might entice that lowlife out into the open."

Right away his ears twitch away from him and flatten. He can feel his athletic body tense against his. "…You're giving me the creeps. I don't get how this is—"

"You may be unwittingly unaware, but your altered odor is practically irresistible— for inferior youkai. A lowly weakling like Khuzaimah will be unlikely to help himself." Sesshomaru loosens his hold enough for the other to lift his head and scoff. The way he tries to squirm away shows he does not appreciate this new piece of information about himself. "So be useful and hold still."

"Keh. You are so damn—" The words hitch in his throat when Sesshomaru abruptly yanks on his top. The robe falls open enough to reveal his toned back and without giving much thought the older male reaches down to graze the old scars still barely visible. As soon as his claws touches his tanned skin, a strong chill runs up the half-demon's body as he tries to jerk away. Looks like his body has not forgotten the injuries even though they are fully healed by now. This becomes more evident when Sesshomaru presses his muscled body harder onto him. "T-This…I…I don't think this is going to work." Sesshomaru knows he is trying to sound irritated and brash as usual, but his voice fails him by coming out in a tremoring gasp.

'Hmm.' His ears are practically buried in his long locks, his neck is unconsciously exposed, his heart is racing, his body trembling—the absolute epitome of perfect prey. But. Something is different. 'His heart is beating as if he is going into battle. And he is not trembling out of desire.' Sesshomaru watches with cool detachment at the way his body seizes, and his claws dig into the hard rock when he reaches for his red obi. There is no denying it. 'He is scared.' The pheromones he is giving off are ones of utter terror. It is not repulsive since as Inutaisho's first born he is used to such fear after centuries of conquest. Nevertheless, it is not nearly as intoxicating as his wanton allure. It will not be enough to drag the spineless dragon out of hiding. Just as quickly as the daiyoukai advanced on him, he pushes off and turns his back.

"Huh?"

"You are right for once, little brother. This is not going to work. That pathetic smell you are giving off is not enough to tempt anybody; even the likes of Khuzaimah."

"Pathetic?! Say that again, you bastard!"

He looks over his shoulder and regards his flushed face with callous apathy. He is furiously fixing his Robe of the Fire Rat, but Sesshomaru can easily spot the relief sagging his previously tense shoulders. "It is the truth. Your blatant show of weakness is making me too sick to bother trying. I know you are nothing but a hanyou, but I assumed you would at least be able to avail yourself for your alpha. Utterly useless."

At this point, the silver haired male is putting his red robe to shame. He looks ready to tear the condescending demon apart. "As if I'd give a shit about any of that! And what do you expect anyway, baka? You're trying to—you want to—there is a pile of dead bodies less than a stone's throw away! And to top it off it's you of all people trying to, ugh damn it. I don't want to think about it. THAT'S what's making me sick!"

"Oh?" His upper lip curls in discontent as he glares him down. Whether he has a point or not, the daiyoukai will not allow anyone to speak to him like that; least of all Inuyasha. "If I remember correctly, you were not so sickened a couple nights ago. In fact, you were practically begging this Sesshomaru for relief, otouto. And you should be honored I would lower myself to such a pitiful level. Or is it that you would prefer someone else? A certain ryuyoukai—"

"Don't Sesshomaru." He remains unfazed when the other pulls tessaiga halfway out of its hilt and lowers himself into a fighting stance. The added growls and bared teeth only serve to mildly amuse him. "Don't you fucking dare."

'Interesting.' All his previous meekness is gone, but it is not the usual fire and passion Sesshomaru can see in his honeyed eyes. There is a hatred there; pure, unbridled hate. It is unlike anything else he has seen from the younger male. The closest comparison would be when he encountered him as a full demon. But even then, that was more maniacal than true animosity. He can tell it is not directed at him, but it is strange to see it darken his cherubic features. "Calm yourself, fool. If you have this much energy and time to waste, use it to find him."

He can see Inuyasha's mind working to combat his emotions. A task he is not typically good at doing. Eventually he drops his white knuckled grip from his sword handle.

"And in the future, it would do you well not to start anything you cannot finish."

"Feh! I can take you on anytime, anywhere. But I have better things to do right now. I will make you eat your words, but for right now…I'm going back to my village."

"Why?" His eyebrows knit together, but Inuyasha turns away from him and folds his arms into his sleeves.

"Khuzaimah could be here or…he could be plotting something back home. He knows where it is and has threatened to harm everybody more times than I can count. I have a bad feeling, especially now that he will know for sure we are tracking him down." No doubt he is talking about their recent visit to the resigned demoness. "Kaede and the others will be in danger, the longer I'm away…and I'm sure they'll want to see I'm alright with their own eyes once the kid reaches them. They don't need to panic any more than they probably already have."

There was something strange about the way he said that last part, but the lord's mind is preoccupied with something else. 'I did not know Khuzaimah definitely knew of the village's location. Rin is at risk.' "Fine, go. I will continue my search on the outside and you stay and prepare for any attack."

"Don't say it like this was your plan and you're ordering me around like a dumb lackey!"

"While you are at it," He continues as though he never spoke, "Make sure Jaken is looking for information. Either on him or his imouto."

"How do you know his sister is younger than him?"

"Don't concern yourself with what I know and go."

"Tch." He was expecting more of an outburst than that, but when Sesshomaru looks at him more closely, he notices the far off look in his eyes. As though he is in deep thought about something.

"Is there something else?"

"What? No— I…There's something I've been worried about. I've been feeling—un, no." He shakes his head quickly as if realizing he was talking out loud. "There's nothing. It's nothing."

Clearly, he is lying, but before the lord can push him on it, he sprints off without sparing a backwards glance. Sesshomaru watches him fade further and further into the horizon with an unreadable look on his immaculate face. Although he is perfectly calm and cool on the outside, he can feel his youkai burning in distaste within.

'Do you not understand your place, Inuyasha? You cannot hide anything from me.'

…