Disclaimer: I do not own the characters of Inuyasha.

Chapter 6: A Chance Meeting

The Well House, Higurashi Shrine.

Inunobu waited patiently in the well house for Kagome and Inuyasha so they could return to the feudal era. It was taking longer than he had expected. He still thought about what had transpired that day. Kagome's friend Eri was the first girl to ever touch him with affection. Humans in his era feared him, and during the 200 years he had stayed in the Western Lands, the dog demonesses had been told to stay away from him. In reality, he could not be trusted with anyone, because he had such violent tendencies. Not only that, but he rarely carried out a conversation, so no one really was interested in spending time with him.

I don't understand. I've never seen a human act that way. I don't know what my reaction should be. I don't even deserve to call myself a full blooded demon anymore. I lose control of myself, I look like a half breed, and I even seem to have human emotions. I have never been so confused in my life. It is best if I just return to my own era and forget about these people. I should just forget about Kagome, Inuyasha, Shippo, Sango, and Miroku. None of this does me any good.

Inunobu was deep in thought. He hadn't noticed that Kagome and Inuyasha had come into the well house. Inunobu was facing away from the door. When Kagome entered the building, she saw Inunobu, head in one hand, staring at the ground in the corner.

'Are you all right?' she spoke from behind him.

He was startled, and Kagome saw him jump just a little bit. She had no idea of what he was thinking that could make him ignore his senses. He seemed to have not smelled or heard her. Inuyasha was still standing on the top of the stairs leading down to the well.

'I'm fine…'

'Sorry we took so long, my mom wanted to have a little…talk…with me before we left. She saw us on the news. Since a wild dog taking several tranquilizers and…killing…two people isn't something that happens all the time here, she was watching it. She says that luckily, Inuyasha was moving too fast for the cameras to get a clear shot at our faces, there'll be no problem.'

'Kagome, I am not a fool,' was Inunobu's answer, 'that could not possibly have taken that long to talk about. Your mother said something else to you.'

She smiled guiltily. I guess he figured it out. She walked over to him and made sure that she had Inunobu's eyes.

'You're right…I shouldn't have made that up… My mom told me to…not to…she wanted me to stay here, so that-'

'So that I wouldn't kill you?' he asked flatly.

'Inunobu I know that you wouldn't do anything like that, my mom just doesn't know you. Inuyasha was the one who finally convinced her.'

'You are a fool. How can you say that I won't hurt you? I can't even control myself. I can't promise anything like that. How can you even say that you know me at all? In my four hundred years I've spared maybe a dozen humans that crossed my path. You cannot trust me.'

Kagome looked very hurt. She had just defended Inunobu in front of her family, and so had Inuyasha. He's not bad I can tell. He's probably just really lonely. He wouldn't hurt me or any of my friends. He doesn't trust himself, and that's the problem.

'Inunobu, don't say things like that! You wouldn't hurt any of us. Why would you? Just give us a chance. You've already been with us for a while now.'

'It is time for it to end.'

'But if you leave us Sesshomaru will-'

Inunobu's eyes flashed red for an instant, and Inuyasha drew Tetsusaiga, but did not transform it.

'I do not fear Sesshomaru! If not for that damned sword I would kill him.'

Inunobu turned towards the well. He put one foot on the edge, and prepared to jump in. By the time Kagome and Inuyasha appeared on the other side he would be long gone. Let Sesshomaru come, I don't care. If he decides to kill me then it will be the end of a disgraceful demon's life. I was never fit to call myself a full fledged demon. He lips curved in a light smile. Of course, he won't take me down easily.

'Goodbye Kagome, and goodbye little brother. I doubt that we will meet again.' With that he jumped into the well and vanished in a flash of purple light.

'Why…why didn't he just stay with us? We would have showed him what it's like to be with friends, to not be alone all the time.'

Inuyasha stepped down into the lower part of the well house and finally spoke. He looked calm. He finally understood his brother. Kagome still didn't understand. Humans never understood. Maybe that was why human and demon relationships never work out, he mused. He almost immediately regretted that thought as an image of Kikyo ran in his mind.

'Kagome, I know what he is feeling. He thinks like a half demon, even though he has a demon's body. He is just like me, before I met…'

'Before you met who,' she asked curiously. Then she understood. 'Before you met Kikyo you mean.'

'Yeah.'

There was silence. Kikyo, the resurrected priestess was not an easy topic for either of them. It would never be. Kagome looked off at the well, and Inuyasha stared at her. Kagome I'm sorry, but I can't abandon Kikyo. Not now, not ever, as long as she still walks the earth. She was the only person who ever understood me, and I will never be able to thank her enough for that.

'Kagome, Inunobu may never come back, but this helped him. He needs to learn to understand himself, just like I did.'

'Okay…I just wish that he could understand himself…with us. He is your only other relative besides Sesshomaru. I was hoping maybe he could make a common bond with you. I was hoping it would help him.'

Inuyasha normally would never talk to anyone like this. Kagome was different. He could open up to her. He could tell her thing that he had never told Kikyo, which was a painful realization. He could tell Kagome was sad.

'Kagome, you can't go around helping everyone all the time. It's just not possible. Some things just happen.' Inuyasha thought of Kikyo dying. He thought about the tragic end to their love story. Could it have been different? Was there any way out of it? Kikyo…I wish things could have been better.

Kagome looked at Inuyasha, who was showing a rare emotion for the Inuyasha that she knew. His eyes were filled with sorrow. Well if it worked with Inunobu, then it should work on his brother. She slowly reached up with her hand and stroked Inuyasha's cheek. I don't like seeing him so sad, I hope this works.

Inuyasha remembered bittersweet experiences with Kikyo. He remembered how she would always pin him to a tree, two arrows in each sleeve, one in each leg. She told him that she couldn't kill him because he was an outcast, like her. She was always so kind, yet cold. He felt Kagome's hand against his cheek, soothing him and his troubled mind. He looked down at her for a few moments before embracing her. He held her for at least half a minute before pulling away and looking at her.

'Thanks for that Kagome, I needed it.' Kagome really isn't like Kikyo. She is warm and happy. She is not reserved. Even when Kikyo was with me, she would always stay so calm.

Kagome was still a little in shock from the hug she had received. Wow, that was more than expected. My heart is beating so fast. I guess all dog demons, even half dog demons, like affection. They aren't so different from some of my friend's pets. She laughed a little to herself, and then became serious again.

'Inunobu…is probably already gone.'

'He doesn't know what to do right now,' Inuyasha soothed, 'all he needs is time.'

'We should get going Inuyasha. We won't even be able to try and get Inunobu to come back if we stick around here.'

'Let's go then.'

They both moved towards the well. They waited for a second before jumping in. When they emerged on the other side, Inunobu was no where to be seen. They walked back to Kaede's hut, to find only Miroku, Sango, Shippo, and Kirara waiting.

Deep in the Forest, Far from the Well

He ran as fast as his legs would carry him. Damn it all, what's wrong with me? I don't understand anything at all. I'm so confused. Sesshomaru always told me company was worthless. He told me for 200 years that the people around me were mere tools to achieve a goal. I never thought much of companionship myself. Of course, I never really gave anyone a chance to get close to me. He slowed his pace, feeling that he was far enough away for the time being. He smelled a faint scent on the wind that smelled almost like a graveyard. I guess there's a cemetery near here. What a strange place to put one though.

'Wait a moment.'

Inunobu froze. The voice came from no where, almost from the air itself. There were no humans or demons nearby, not even animals. What the hell was that? I guess I imagined it, I haven't been myself lately. He started to walk again. The voice spoke again, but this time, mere feet behind him.

'Wait.'

He spun around and saw a human. It didn't smell like any human he had ever encountered. It was a very beautiful priestess. She had a bow slung over her shoulder, and a quiver of arrows on her back.

'Who are you priestess, and how is it that you mask your scent?'

'I am Kikyo.'

'Kikyo? You are the priestess that Kaede….'

'So you have met my sister? I suppose that means that you have met Inuyasha.'

'He is my brother.'

'Yes, I can see the connection, but you are a full demon.'

Inunobu smirked. 'Of sorts yes.'

'I came this way because I sensed a faint trace of the Shikon Jewel. It comes from you. You used the jewel to make yourself a full fledged demon.'

'My father used it, but yes.'

'Now that I am closer to you, I can sense restlessness in your spirit. What troubles you?'

'That is none of your concern priestess.' I just want to be left alone. Everyone needs time to think.

'If you do not wish to tell me, that is your choice. I know the things that trouble Inuyasha, and he is your brother. I thought perhaps your thought would be similar. I will go then.'

Inunobu watched the priestess turn and start to walk away. Could she really have helped me? It is so lowly to receive help from a human, but I must know why I feel like this.

'Wait…Kikyo.'

She stopped at the mention of her name. The demon was being more personal with her. He is unlike any full demon I have ever encountered. It is almost as if he kept his half demon soul when he was transformed with the Shikon no Tama. She turned to face Inunobu once again.

'What is it?'

'I wish to know something. I don't understand myself. Can you truly help me?'

'Why don't you start by telling me your name?'

'It is Inunobu.'

'Very well Inunobu. Give me your hand so I can feel what your soul feels.'

Inunobu walked up to her. He was very hesitant. She is human; she cannot possibly help me, a demon. He held his hand out halfway to her extended one. She smiled softly and took his hand before he could take it away. She tapped into her spiritual powers and began to feel exactly what Inunobu felt. When she was finished she dropped her hand.

'Inunobu, you must go back with them. Sometimes spending time with other people teaches us about ourselves. I am sure that they have the answer you seek, even if they do not know it themselves.'

Inunobu thought about this. He knew he wanted to return, but was afraid he would fall into the same trap the caught his father. The humans were dangerous to a demon's state of mind. They were so different. It was not that he wanted a human woman as his mate, but if he became too attached, he might risk his own life for theirs.

'If you are still unsure, Inunobu, then listen to what I am about to say to you. The Shikon Jewel cannot take anyone's soul from them. It can corrupt the soul, but never change it entirely. Your father used the Shikon Jewel on you to make you a full demon, but it could never make your soul into that of a full demon. Your soul is warped, but it still belongs to a half demon.'

Inunobu nodded. He took one last look at the priestess, his eyes thanking her, and then sped off into the forest in the direction he had come. I still will not return for a few days, I need some time to think, but I believe I will go back.

Kaede's Hut

'Inuyasha, Kagome, ye have returned,' greeted Kaede.

Neither of them said much, only nodded. Kaede could tell something was the matter. She stared at the pair as the entered and watched them, as they met Sango and Miroku. Shippo was curled up asleep in Kirara's fur.

'Kagome, Inuyasha, is everything alright?' asked the demon slayer.

'Kind of,' Kagome responded.

'Kagome, was Inunobu able to travel into the future with you?' Miroku questioned.

'Yes, but he isn't here right now.'

'Did he try to hurt anyone? Are you alright?'

'Yes we're fine. I think he just wanted to know what the future is like. He…left…we don't really know where he went to.'

'Keh, Kagome you know I can still smell him right. I could follow him if you want.'

'Why did he leave ye? Do not tell me that he is loose in your era Kagome,' said Kaede in a serious tone.

'No he came back here.' Might as well tell them what happened. They won't understand unless they know all of it.

Kagome sat down and describes the entire experience. She told them how Inunobu could change into a regular sized dog, how he had run into the city and been chased. She told them about Eri, and they regarded her with surprise. Then she told them what he had said about them being foolish for trusting him.

'He just left after that. He said he probably wouldn't see us again. I don't know where he's going to go.'

'That is strange behavior for a demon,' Sango stated. 'I have never heard of a full blooded demon losing control like that.'

'I think it's because he is not really a full demon at heart. The jewel didn't take some of his half demon traits.'

'That could be the case,' Miroku commented. 'I will ask my master, the high monk Mushin for all of his knowledge on dog demons. He may be a drunkard, but he is very wise. I will set off tomorrow morning. Will you be coming with me, my dear Sango?'

Sango blushed. 'I…sure…I'll come with you.'

The Forest Bordering Kaede's Village

Inunobu sat with his back against a large tree, facing a small lake. It was a full moon, and the light shown off the lake and prevented him from finding sleep easily. Instead he thought to himself. Kikyo's words were most likely true. She was beautiful and wise; it was no wonder Inuyasha fell for her. It is difficult to have a relationship with someone who is dead, he thought. Why doesn't he just realize that it wasn't meant to be? Kagome clearly loves him.

'I just don't know anymore.'

A familiar scent came to him. He decided not to get up; he honestly did not care. The figure approached, and Inunobu picked up three other scents. He heard them walking through to the edge of the trees that bordered the lake and stop behind him.

'I believe I said that if you went anywhere alone, you would die.'

'Kill me then, brother. If you wish to fight here and now, then so be it. I am tired of this.'

Inunobu stood and turned to face him. Sesshomaru stood at the tree line, with Jaken, Rin, and Ah and Un, the two headed serpent. Inunobu was in no mood for conversation.

'Sesshomaru, if you wish to fight me, then tell me now, so that I may prepare myself.'

Sesshomaru eyed him for a moment. My brother seems different. He seems more in control of himself. How ironic that his experiences with humans would teach him to behave more like a full blooded demon. 'That will not be necessary, little brother; you have learned to act like a son of the great Lord Inu no Taisho at last. It only took you 400 years,' Sesshomaru taunted.

Inunobu eyed Sesshomaru with cold emotionless eyes. 'Better late than never I suppose.'

'Indeed.'

'I find it amusing that you are concerned about my behavior. It's almost like your taking the role of a real brother.'

'Nonsense fool, our father's reputation is at stake. If other demons see you running around like a beast hunting humans and demons alike for meals, you insult of father's memory.'

Inunobu laughed coldly. 'If that is all you came to say then allow me some peace and leave.'

'Gladly, little brother.' He turned to leave, but spoke again when his back was turned. 'Inunobu, under no circumstances will you take a mortal for a mate. I do not care what station a mortal has, I will kill her. I will not have the bloodline weakened by yet another half breed.'

Sesshomaru, how dare you even say something like that? I know just as well as you do that it was father's love for that mortal that brought him to his end. You take me for a fool. Inunobu lashed out with his light whip at Sesshomaru's back. Sesshomaru easily dodged to the side, traces of a mock smile forming on his face.

'It is good to see that you understand little brother. Farewell.'

Two Days Later, After Miroku and Sango have Departed

Kagome stood next to Inuyasha. They awaited Miroku and Sango's return. Kagome was getting more and more saddened. Inunobu had not returned, although she half didn't expect him to. Inuyasha had said that he was in the forest on the hill, directly across from Kaede's. Kagome had twice caught glimpses of him walking through the trees, but Inuyasha said it was best for her not to bother him.

Inuyasha could smell Miroku and Sango, and they were probably about ten to fifteen minutes away. He understood Inunobu better than Kagome did, so he knew that the demon wanted to be left alone. He would come back when he was ready to. Inuyasha knew that Inunobu would come back, perhaps even against the dog demon's own better judgment, because Inuyasha would have returned if he were in the same position. Shippo, he noticed, was a little relieved that the demon was not around. Shippo will never make a very tough demon. He spends so much time around battles I would think some of it would rub off on the runt.

Miroku and Sango could be seen on the horizon, flying on a transformed Hachi, the raccoon dog demon. Kagome seemed to become even sadder as she saw them. When they landed, Kagome did not come greet them, as she would normally do.

'So, you guys learn anything useful from Mushin.'

'Surprisingly,' said Miroku, 'not really.' He rubbed the back of his head while he spoke, embarrassed that he had so much faith in his master that seemed to be for nothing.

'Well, did he tell you anything at all?'

'Well actually, he spent most of his time talking about dog demon mating rituals. I found some of it very interesting. Especially the…ow! Sango, what was that for?'

'Pervert.' She removed her hiraikotsu from its resting place on the back of Miroku's head.

'Keh, big surprise there that an old drunk only knows about demon mating rituals; what did you expect out of him anyway Miroku?'

'Well he did tell us that dog demons enjoy physical contact, like what Kagome said her friend did to Inunobu.'

Kagome winced at the mention of the demon's name. Miroku noticed this.

'He still has not returned?' the monk asked solemnly. Kagome shook her head.

'Kagome,' the demon slayer said in a confused tone, 'if Inunobu has not returned, then why is he standing in the meadow over there?'

Kagome's eyes widened as she looked over to where Sango was talking about. Sure enough, Inunobu stood in the grass before the edge of the forest. He was looking at the group with a blank expression. Kagome waved unsurely at him. It was a half wave, lacking her usual happy energy. I wonder if he is just coming to see us leave she thought. Inunobu, who was a good 300 feet away, coiled his legs under him and jumped into the air, landing about thirty or forty feet away.

'Does this mean you're going to come with us?' Kagome asked hopefully.

'If you will allow me to do so.'

'Of course we will! Right Inuyasha?'

'Keh! Not like I care.'

Kagome giggled. 'That means yes.'

Inunobu closed the distance between them and stood facing Kagome and Inuyasha. He looked calm, but some of the overwhelming sadness and cruelty in his golden eyes was gone. He turned his gaze to Sango and Miroku, Kirara on Sango's shoulder. The demon slayer had decided to let Kirara ride along to give the cat a break. Inunobu looked at Shippo, who promptly hid behind Kagome. Inunobu sighed, and Kagome laughed.

'If you don't mind, I have been sitting for almost two days now. I need to stretch my legs.' Inunobu was immediately surrounded by a ball of light. A white dog with familiar golden eyes walked out of the light.

'Ah, that's an interesting talent you have there. Kagome told us about it but it is an intriguing sight to behold,' Miroku said.

Inunobu let out something that sounded like a bored growl.