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"Youkai!" The acrid scent of fear.
"Hanyou." The fear-smell tempered by contempt.
"Those claws...those ears..."
It was always the same when Inuyasha arrived in a new place. Sometimes the villagers were wary rather than fearful, and less likely to throw stones or shoot arrows.
Kagome's house, beyond the Bone-eater's Well, was a wonder to him. It smelled of calm and a deep happiness, more fragrant than the shrine-incense.
They were always glad to see him there. He ate with them. He did chores for Mama and Grandpa.
No fear. No contempt.
"Inu-no-niichan!*" called Souta.
Inuyasha was home at last.
* Elder brother Dog