Sesshoumaru gazed up through the branches. He'd known what had happened back there. His head carried multiple versions. He knew what he had done. He was not without shame. He knew what he could pretend he'd done, but it was too late for that. And he knew the look in the girl's eyes. That was the worst. Everything could have been fine if that girl-- that Kagome-- hadn't been so damned perceptive. She'd seen it. She'd seen him block the blow meant for Inuyasha. That brat. He didn't mean the girl. If he wasn't so damned much like Father, I would kill him, and be better off for it. Sesshoumaru eyed his hand, burnt by the Tessaiga. Tessaiga... how can I kill him now? He has Father's blessing, Father's sword, Father's Spirit, and even a hint of Father's scent. The stupid man, to bring such a creature into this world. Sesshoumaru tried to put the thought out of his head, tried to keep walking, but it followed him like an apparition, dragging him back. He did not care that he'd protected Sara from Inuyasha. That had been mostly because he wanted to see what information he could get out of that filthy pile of demons. However, seeing that Inuyasha could protect himself, there'd been no reason to protect the hanyou from the artificial half-demoness. None whatsoever. Seeing that Inuyasha could protect himself? What do I care whether he lives or dies? In that instant a frightening truth struck Sesshoumaru, a truth too frightening to confront, too frightening even for the Great Dog Demon who was not afraid of anyone or anything. As soon as the truth hit him, he buried it as deeply into his mind as he could, hoping the thought would never, ever surface itself again. That simple truth was just this-- he did care.