So I know it's been forever. I'm so sorry! Life's been hectic the past few weeks. I got a new job! Plus, I'm getting ready to move again. I really wanted to get this chapter out so I've been working on it non stop the past two weeks. I got a little hung up on it at one point because of some writers block, but I believe I've found my muse again! This ended up a little shorter than I'd hoped it would be. After some consideration though I decided I liked it better this way.
Edited as of 08/24/2020: Spelling, grammar, and punctuation errors fixed, dialogue reformatted to be more reader friendly, minor details added.
Disclaimer: I own nothing Inuyasha, nor do I own anything by Selena Gomez.
Recap: Sesshomaru and the others find a destroyed village while searching for Rin. The slain corpses of bandits littered the ground, but Yasuhiro's scent also blanketed the area. What could have possibly happened here? The group catch Rin's scent coming from a clearing so the run as fast as possible to get to her, but when they reach the field Sesshomaru realizes the foxes have tricked them! How were they able to pull that off? In the past, Mika and Sesshomaru know Lord Minoru is suspicious of where they disappear to everyday. They seek out Moriko's help to fool the old fox into thinking they've been staying in the village. Sesshomaru and Yasuhiro distract the village's guards while the girls steal these mysterious herbs. How exactly are they going to use them?
This is going to take a long time and I wonder what's mine, can't take no more. Wonder if you'll understand, it's just the touch of your hand, behind a closed door. (Selena Gomez: Only You)
*The Demon Village, Many Years Ago*
The next morning, Sesshomaru and Mika were sitting quietly by the river. The dew covered grass felt damp beneath them. Mika let out a sigh that seemed almost too loud in the silent air. Sesshomaru glanced over at her. Mika had been different since they'd found Yasuhiro and Moriko behind that dilapidated shed at the edge of the overgrown field. He'd catch her staring at him with a frown on her face and an odd, distant look in her crimson eyes. The young dog considered for a moment asking her what was bothering her, but Sesshomaru hated talking about feelings and other such nonsense. Eventually, Mika would be back to her usual self. At least, he hoped she would.
"Well, isn't this surprising. Pup isn't the one who's late today, we are," a deep voice said behind them. Sesshomaru turned around to see Yasuhiro and Moriko walking towards them. The older boy was grinning while he carried a large bundle of rope. The twosome settled beside their friends.
"Why are you carrying rope?" the younger boy asked.
"It's for the herbs," Moriko explained. Yasuhiro handed over the thin cord while the brunette girl took out a small blade and cut it into pieces, "We'll use this to bunch them together."
"What happens after we do that?"
"I'll need some strands of hair from you and Mika to wrap around them as well."
"Why?" Sesshomaru asked, confused. Moriko finished dividing the rope and then handed them over to Mika. She smiled patiently at her friends.
"Come with me and I'll explain."
The foursome got to their feet and walked to the fallen log they normally used to cross the river. Yasuhiro reached into a hole in the dead tree and pulled out a mass of cloth. He held it carefully in his hands as he pushed the fabric to reveal the plants inside.
Sesshomaru had to clamp his hands over his mouth and nose as a rancid odor filled the air. Yasuhiro handed the herbs over to Moriko, gagging at the smell. The girls cringed as well as they removed the plants from the cloth.
"Why do they smell like rotting flesh?" Sesshomaru managed to choke out. His voice was muffled
by his sleeves as he continued to cover his face.
"I'm afraid that's just how they smell. At least, until they're burned."
"Burned?" the dog asked. Moriko nodded.
"Yes. Normally when we want to mask our scents, we gather a few of these herbs, infuse them with our demonic energy, and then set fire to them. The energy mixes with the properties of the plants so as they burn the odor of the herbs covers any other scents in the area. After a short while, you can't smell anything at all."
"So how do you use them to make a fake scent?"
"That's why I need your and Mika's hair." Moriko held her hand out to her sister. Mika ran her fingers through the soft, cerise locks and pulled out a few strands. She handed them over to the brunette girl. Moriko took a few of the herbs from the pile, and set the rest of them gently on the ground. She slowly wrapped the hair around the foul-smelling plants. "If you wrap a person's hair around the plants and then infuse them with your demonic energy, when you burn them it will create a new scent."
"Of the person whose hair you used?" Sesshomaru clarified. Moriko nodded.
"Exactly. So all we need to do is make several of these bundles and over the next few days burn them in that spot by the riverbank and it'll seem like you two have been there this entire time. We just need to make sure we remove the evidence. If any of Father's guards see these plants anywhere near there, he'll know we're trying to trick him."
"Okay then, let's get to work." Yasuhiro said cheerfully. He reached over to the shorter boy beside him and yanked harshly on the dog demon's silver mane. Sesshomaru grunted in pain as Yasuhiro ripped out several strands of his hair. The younger boy's eyes flashed red and he whipped around to punch the fox in the shoulder. Yasuhiro whined as he grabbed at his now injured arm.
"What was that for?" the brunet boy muttered.
"What do you think it was for? Don't touch me, stupid fox!"
"Petulant mutt." Yasuhiro grumbled.
"What?"
"Enough you two," Mika groaned, "Let's just wrap these herbs already."
The spent the rest of the morning wrapping and bundling the plants. Moriko checked over everyone's work to make sure it was done carefully. The herbs had to remain undamaged before they were burnt, or else their plan might fail. When they finished the group headed over to the secluded spot Mika and Moriko had found for them to use. The had to push their way through the thick thorns of the thicket to get to the riverbank. The girls set the herbs in the center of the tiny clearing. Yasuhiro stepped forward and summoned a palm full of his fire. He leaned forward so the flames would spread to the plants. The foursome watched as they slowly blacked and turned to ash.
It was strange how instantaneous it was. In a matter of seconds, the putrid smell had vanished from the air. The only thing Sesshomaru could smell was his and Mika's scents.
"Whoa. I have to be honest Moriko, I didn't think it was going to work so well." Yasuhiro said. Moriko laughed.
"It's alright. I know this isn't a common trick among other fox clans. I'm sure most people would doubt its usefulness."
"So now what? We just come back over the next few days and repeat what we did here?" Sesshomaru asked. Moriko nodded.
"Pretty much. Though I would advise none of us be seen near here until the scent is believable. If Father's guards come to inspect this place too soon, they might be able to figure out that the scents are fake."
"Well, we will just have to stay in the village until then." Yasuhiro said. "We'll come back in the early morning over the next few days to burn the rest of the herbs. That way there will be less of a chance of us being seen."
It took seven days for them to use the rest of the plants. Every morning they awoke before sunrise to gather the herbs from the dead log and burn them in the tiny clearing beside the riverbank. They'd spend the rest of the day walking around the village or laying in the field by the river. Sesshomaru noticed that Yasuhiro and Moriko were staying by his and Mika's side. He wondered if it was because they were worried about being caught, or if it had something to do with whatever they were doing the other day.
On the eighth morning everyone met in the room Sesshomaru stayed in. Moriko told them that the scent should now be believable enough for the young dog and Mika to be seen near that spot. So, the foursome made a plan to split up and let the guards catch Sesshomaru and Mika walking alone near the riverbank. It was easy to do so. The group of friends had noticed they were being heavily watched over the past few days. Once the sun had risen in the sky and the villagers were all meandering about, the young boy and girl walked swiftly through the crowds to the path that led them down to the river. They made sure to let Minoru's guards spot them along the way. Sesshomaru let Mika step into the bushes first and then, after looking around to see if they were being followed, climbed in after her.
Mika slid down the bank until she was close enough to stick her feet in the cool water. Sesshomaru sat behind her. He leaned back so the sun would warm his face.
"I hope this plan works." Mika said quietly. Sesshomaru was silent. Mika twisted around so she could look at the dog demon. He looked so relaxed with the sun shining on him. Sesshomaru's golden eyes were on her. Mika felt her breath catch in her throat as she stared into those honeyed orbs.
"Where do you want to go next? Once we can leave the barrier, I mean," the silver-haired boy asked. Mika considered his question.
"How about Father's lands a little north of the village? We haven't been that way yet." Sesshomaru nodded in agreement. They were quiet for a moment. The only sounds were the babbling river and the buzzing of insects.
"It'll work." Sesshomaru mumbled. He looked away from Mika. It seemed like he was biting the inside of his cheek again. She smiled at him.
"Good."
They spent the rest of the day relaxing in that tiny secluded clearing. Mika chatted about any little thing she could think of. Sesshomaru would occasionally respond to her. The younger girl would smile even wider every time he did that. When night had finally blanketed the sky, Sesshomaru and Mika walked together back to the old house. They stopped in Sesshomaru's room to wait for the others to join them. Yasuhiro slid open the door to the room and stepped aside so that Moriko could enter first.
"We saw some guards heading towards the river after you two left. I bet they're checking out the riverbank," Yasuhiro said, sitting beside his friend.
"How will we know if they were fooled by your trick?" the dog demon asked.
"I'll try and find out some information tomorrow," Moriko said, " For now, we should all just get a good night's rest."
It wasn't until evening the next day that they heard anything from Moriko. Sesshomaru and Mika had thought it wise to stay in the secluded clearing for the day, in case the guards had not yet been fooled. The sky had already turned a deep orange as the sun set behind the mountains. Yasuhiro and Moriko came running up to the twosome, a happy look on both their faces.
"Did you hear something?" Mika asked. Moriko nodded.
"Yasuhiro and I went to Father to ask him if he'd seen you two around the village. We told him we were having trouble finding you today."
"What did he say when you asked him that?" Sesshomaru questioned as he stood to his feet. Yasuhiro let out a laugh.
"He made some sly comment about you two being down by the river. He said you two must be attached at the hip because you seemed to go everywhere together."
Sesshomaru rolled his eyes. "Wonderful. I bet he's going to send word to my father and let him know."
Mika nudged him in the side with her elbow. She muttered, "hey, that's a good thing, remember?"
Sesshomaru stared at her, confused, for a moment. Mika huffed at him. Oh, that's right. He finally remembered. The two of them didn't have an actual plan for how to convince the Dog General to let them go back to the west. Mika's idea had been to fool him into thinking they were infatuated with one another. Sesshomaru still doubted that would work, but he supposed it wouldn't hurt to have his father believe it anyway.
Yasuhiro and Moriko shared a look. They weren't really sure what was going on with their two friends. They supposed it didn't matter though. It was still exciting that they could help the others sneak through the barrier again.
"I think tomorrow it will be safe enough for the two of you to head outside of the barrier," Moriko said, "Though I think it would be better if Yasuhiro and I stayed in the village from now on. In case anyone were to coming looking for you, we could distract them."
Mika frowned as she looked at her sister. Sesshomaru noticed that strange look was back in her eyes again.
"Okay, if you think that's what's best," she mumbled.
Sesshomaru and Mika met Moriko down by the fallen log early the next morning. The brunette girl did as she usually did and reminded them of her stipulations to their freedom. They quickly crossed the log, in case anyone were spying on them, and walked through that same small shimmering hole.
The two demons casually made their way to the northern part of Minoru's territory. Sesshomaru relished the feeling he got at being outside of the confines of the village. He was never one to stay in a single spot for long. He would much rather be moving constantly, exploring new areas as much as possible. Mika was enjoying the freedom too. When she and Sesshomaru had first formed this plan, she'd only been interested in the idea of getting to participate in actual battles. Now though, just being able to go where she wanted brought a smile to her face. She never thought she'd come to detest the limited borders of her home, but now just the thought of being kept in such a small area made her skin crawl.
It wasn't long before Sesshomaru caught sight of the rushing water of the river again. It was rougher and wider here. Large rapids crashed over weathered rocks. He and Mika found a spot to sit in where the sun would warm them. Mika fiddled with her long hair while Sesshomaru stretched out on the ground to relax.
The day had been enjoyable. It was mostly quiet, but neither the fox nor the dog really minded. Mika had twisted her red mane into a pretty braid and was looking for something else to occupy her time, when a dark shadow covered them. She looked up to see what could possibly be blocking the sunlight and was surprised to see a large, ugly demon glaring down at her.
"What are you doing by my river?" it snarled in a raspy voice. Mika cringed as its rancid, hot breath wafted over her. The beast was tall with thin gray skin and a dirty fur wrapped around its waist. Its arms were exceptionally long, nearly brushing the ground, and it was hunched over so badly that Mika could see the bumps along its spine. The beast's eyes were a cloudy blue and its teeth were stained yellow.
"Go away," Sesshomaru grumbled as he squinted up at the demon.
"Intruders! I will devour you!" it roared. It swung its large arm down at them. They rolled away as its fist pounded into the ground. Dust and rock flew up around them. Sesshomaru let out a growl as he stood to his feet. He cracked his knuckles and then leaped at their attacker. His claws raked a long gash in the beasts arm. It howled in pain as the dog demon's venomous claws burned the skin around the freshly bleeding wound. The demon spun around and charged at the dog.
Mika watched in shock as the beast continued to attack her friend. Sesshomaru dodged the blows with ease. Mika watched their movements, stunned by the fluidity of the silver-haired boy. This demon was sluggish and stupid. Sesshomaru was fighting almost effortlessly. Mika looked around to see how she could help the dog demon. They were still close enough to the river for her to use her control over water.
Mika waited until the demon's heavy swing sent it stumbling towards the river's edge. She focused her energy and used it to pull at the water. The young fox could feel it shift and soon the rushing water was lifting into the air. It formed a tower, the sunlight shimmering across the surface.
The ugly demon stared in confusion at the river. Sesshomaru twisted to see what Mika was doing. He saw the column of water and immediately knew what the fox was planning. He opened his mouth to shout a warning at the girl.
"Wait-"
Before he could utter another word, Mika had swung her arms down. The water, fueled by her energy, burst from the river. The huge demon jumped back to avoid the girl's attack, but it lost its footing. Sesshomaru grunted as the beast plowed into him. He tried to push it off, but it was too late. The water crashed into them, throwing the demons into the harsh moving river. The dog felt his breath knocked out of him as his back collided roughly with a sharp rock. He choked as he swallowed several mouthfuls of water.
"Sesshomaru!" Mika shouted, her voice thick with worry. She ran along the bank, following as her friend was swept away by the current.
The young dog twisted around in the water as he struggled to get his bearings. His armor and mokomoko felt ten times heavier as he pushed himself upwards to break the surface. Sesshomaru swam as hard as he could towards the bank. When he reached the muddy edge he dug his claws in to the ground and pulled himself out.
He winced as a rough, wet cough passed his lips. Mika was kneeling in front of him, one hand holding her sword, the other reaching for the dog's arm. He brushed her off and moved to sit a few feet away. Sesshomaru shoved his sopping bangs out of his eyes.
"What the hell was that?" he asked her. Mika turned away from the angry look in the older boy's eyes.
"I'm sorry. I didn't mean for that attack to hit you as well."
"You didn't mean to? That doesn't change the fact that you did! If that were a more serious battle you might have ended up injuring me."
"I said I was sorry!" Mika shouted.
"Sorry doesn't bring your comrades back. Why weren't you being more careful?"
"It was an accident, okay? I was just distracted."
"By what?"
Mika opened her mouth to speak, but thought better of it. Instead, she quickly stood from the ground and turned to walk away.
Sesshomaru let out an angry huff and got up to follow her. He could see where this was going. They were going to argue. The young dog hated arguing. It was loud and unnecessary. He knew he couldn't just ignore this though. Mika had been acting strange for more than a week. It was time she told him why.
"What's your problem lately?'
"My 'problem?'" she asked as she spun around to glare at the shorter boy, "I haven't had a 'problem!'"
"Yes, you have. Ever since we found Yasuhiro and Moriko standing behind that dirty, old building you've been acting like..."
"Like what? What have I been acting like, Sesshomaru?"
"Weepy... and weak!"
"What?" Mika growled. She stepped closer to him.
"It's true. Anytime I see you lately you look as if you're about to cry."
"I do not!"
"Yes, you do! Especially if we're with Yasuhiro and Moriko. Frankly, I'm sick of it."
"Well, excuse me for actually having feelings. Not all of us can be as cold-hearted as you!"
Sesshomaru blinked. Where had that come from? He let out an aggravated sigh and walked over until he was standing right in from of her.
"What is going on?" he asked. Mika stared at him as she nervously ran her tongue across her lips. Sesshomaru opened his mouth to ask her again as Mika leaned forward.
Something soft and warm pressed against his lips. The young dog's senses were suddenly overwhelmed by Mika's heavy, summery scent. It took him a moment to realize the fox was kissing him.
Sesshomaru stumbled backwards, sputtering nonsense as he stared at the girl in front of him. Mika's eyes were impossibly wide and a blush as red as her hair was spreading across her cheeks. Sesshomaru swallowed and shook his head in an effort to calm himself.
"W-why did you do that?" he stuttered. Mika brought up a hand to cover her mouth and then sprinted off into the forest.
"Mika! Stop!"
Sesshomaru swore under his breath as he chased after the redhead. He followed Mika for what felt like an hour. Finally though, Mika stopped in a tiny clearing. It was quiet here. The only sounds were the chirping of birds high up in the trees. Sesshomaru stared at the fox girl as he waited for her to speak.
"Yasuhiro and Moriko were kissing," she muttered.
"What?"
She turned to face him. "That day we saw them behind the building. When I came around the corner, I caught them."
Sesshomaru shook his head, confused. "Okay, but why have you been acting so different. That can't be the only reason why."
"I've been... angry, I guess."
"Angry?"
Mika let out a huff. Her crimson eyes bore right into his, and there was a storm of emotions brewing inside them.
"Yes, angry. Because... well, because you and I spend just as much time together as they do and I know you don't think about doing things like that with me. So, why does Yasuhiro want to do that with Moriko? Why do they like each other so much? It's..." she took a deep breath, "I'm angry because I know you don't think of me the same way that Yasuhiro thinks of Moriko and I'm angry because I know you never will."
She turned away from him again, her fists curled in frustration at her sides. Sesshomaru mulled over her words for a minute. He let out a sigh.
"I can't be Yasuhiro, Mika."
Mika whirled to face him, glaring at the shorter boy. "I know that! And I'm not asking you to be him. It's just..."
"Just what?" Sesshomaru asked. Mika tossed her blade to the side and then slumped against a tree. She hid her face in her hands as she slowly slid down the rough bark and settled on the ground.
"Why is it different for them? We spend just as much time together as they do."
"Because, I'm not Yasuhiro,"
"I said I know that!"
"No, listen," Sesshomaru interrupted. He knelt beside her, "I'm not him. I can't act the way he does or... feel the things he feels. Yasuhiro likes Moriko so much because... well, because he likes to be the protector. He likes to feel needed and that the person he's with depends on him. Moriko isn't a fighter, so he gets to be all that with her. Can you honestly say that what you want is someone to protect you?"
Mika scoffed. "No! I don't need someone to protect me. I can take care of myself!"
"Good. Because I refuse to waste my time worrying about what's going to happen to you." They were silent for a moment. Mika started ripping up the grass beside her. Sesshomaru watched her for a moment and then let out a long sigh as he settled against the tree, "My father was right."
"What?" Mika asked.
"He said before we came here that your father chose who each of us would marry based on whose personality complimented ours the best. I didn't understand at first, but now I think I do. Moriko is gentle and intelligent, but she'd rather heal someone than fight in a battle. Yasuhiro is rough and foolish, at least when it comes to fighting, but he'll do all that he can to protect someone in his care."
"So, they even each other out," Mika mumbled. Sesshomaru nodded, "What about us?"
"If I'm going to have to spend the rest of my days with someone fighting by my side, I'd rather they be able to take care of them self, like you."
"Even though I almost drowned you trying to attack that big, ugly demon?" she joked. Sesshomaru rolled his eyes.
"Yes, even though you make stupid mistakes like that. At least, for the most part, you'll listen to me when I criticize you. Yasuhiro has always been too arrogant to listen."
"I think he just likes to take risks, like me. You, on the other hand, can be kind of predictable."
"I am not predictable!" Sesshomaru argued. Mika laughed.
"Yes, you are," she frowned then, "and I honestly worry it's going to get you hurt one day."
"Well, with you around, no one is ever going to notice how predictable I can be. I think they'd always be worried about what you're going to do next."
Mika laughed again. "Hey, maybe that's how I compliment you? I'm the little bit of whimsical that you need."
Sesshomaru allowed his lips to tilt up into a small smile.
"Maybe so."
They drifted off into silence again. Mika noticed how the quiet didn't bother her so much anymore. It was almost expected now. She looked at the boy beside her. Sesshomaru seemed relaxed. He was leaning against the side of the tree, absentmindedly rubbing at a spot of mud on his hakama. His hair was finally starting to dry now. Mika could see a few tangles starting to form in the strands framing his face. She reached over and gently brushed her fingers through them, easily working the knots free. Sesshomaru let her. He just continued to wipe at the stain.
"You know, I wasn't very happy about the arranged marriage either," Mika said. Sesshomaru looked over at her. "My father and mother met and fell in love. Mother used to tell us this story about how they'd both run away from their clans so they could be together. It always sounded like such a great, romantic story. I wanted to have that, too"
"My parents had an arranged marriage," the dog told her, "I always figured I'd end up with one as well."
"Just not with a fox?" Mika smirked.
"No, not with a fox."
"It's not so bad though," Mika said. She'd finished combing through the older boy's hair and was now just twisting the strands around her fingers. "It could be worse. We could despise each other, but I think I like getting to be your friend."
"Yeah. Me, too."
"So how exactly did they create this 'fake scent?'" Inuyasha asked. Sesshomaru turned around to face him.
"There are special herbs known to Moriko's tribe that can be used to mask a demon's scent. They can be also used to create a false scent to trick enemies."
"Do you know how they work, Sesshomaru?" Kagome asked. Sesshomaru nodded.
"You take the herbs and a few strands of hair from the owner who's scent you want to create and bundle them together. Then you infuse the herbs with your demonic energy and burn them in the area you want to leave the scent in."
"And it really works, huh?" Inuyasha sighed.
"We followed the scent all the way here, didn't we?" Sesshomaru growled. "It's nearly impossible for a demon to distinguish the fake scent from a real one."
"So if they use this trick on us again, we're probably going to fall for it?" When Sesshomaru nodded, Inuyasha swore.
Kagome looked around in the field they were in, a curious look in her eyes. "Do you two think you could find what's left of the burnt herbs? I'd like to see them."
"Why? They can't be good anymore." Inuyasha told his wife.
"I know. I just want to see them, is all."
"Okay?" Inuyasha said. He gave the girl a strange look, but started searching for the herbs anyway. Sesshomaru didn't want to waste his time looking for the ruined plants, so he ordered Jaken to help his half brother instead. Almost half an hour had passed when finally they heard a delighted high-pitched laugh coming from Sesshomaru's retainer.
"I've found them m'lord!" Jaken called from the far edge of the field. The small imp ran back towards the group, waving a bundle of blackened herbs in his tiny hands. Jaken held them out for the others to see. Kagome leaned down to get a closer look, when suddenly she let out a disgusted squeal and stumbled back from them.
"Oh my God, they reek!" she yelled as she pinched her nose shut with her fingers and twisted her face away. Sesshomaru stepped closer to see what on earth the priestess was shouting about. He sniffed at the herbs in Jaken's grasp. Rin's scent drifted up faintly from the dead plants. A stinging sensation shot through the dog demon's nose. He rubbed at it in annoyance (it seemed that even after all those years Moriko's sleeping spell could still mess with his senses) and straightened to look at the girl.
"They smell like Rin to me," he told her.
"And to me as well, m'lord," Jaken said, taking a whiff.
"Let me see." Inuyasha grabbed the plants from Jaken and held them to his face. A few moments later, the younger dog tossed the herbs to the ground, an odd expression on his face. "They definitely smell like Rin, but I'm pretty sure I can smell that odor Kagome's talking about too. It smells... rotten."
Sesshomaru nodded. "They smell like that before you use them. Once you infuse them with demonic energy and burn them with a person's hair they take on the scent of that person. I've already explained this to you."
"Well all I smell is rotten meat." Kagome said. She looked a little queasy.
"Of course you wouldn't be able to smell Rin's scent. You're human." Sesshomaru sighed in irritation.
"Wait a minute, Sesshomaru, that's it!" Inuyasha said suddenly. Sesshomaru looked at him confused. "Those herbs don't work on humans because humans can't pick up people's scents. Kagome can't be tricked by them!"
"Your wife also can't smell something from miles away. You don't burn these herbs near the person you're trying to fool. You do it at a distance to throw them off your trail."
"Oh... yeah."
"Oh, but wait a moment, I think Inuyasha might be on to something," Kagome said, "What did you smell first, Inuyasha?"
"Rin's scent."
"And then you smelled the actual herbs?" Inuyasha nodded. Kagome looked at Sesshomaru. "I think they won't work as well on Inuyasha because he's only a half demon. So the next time you guys catch Rin's scent, wait a minute and see if Inuyasha can smell that gross stench too. Then you'll know we're being tricked!"
"But why isn't Lord Sesshomaru able to smell the herbs true scent as well? His senses are far superior than Inuyasha's!" Jaken argued.
"That's why he can't tell the difference. The demonic energy infused in the herbs must strengthen the fake scent and mask their actual odor. Since full demons have such heightened senses, you get overwhelmed and can only sniff out the fake one!"
Sesshomaru nodded his head. It made sense, once he thought about it. He remembered Mika saying once that the herbs created such powerful scents that demon's couldn't even distinguish whether or not they were old or new. So, if Inuyasha could detect the putrid fragrance of the plants, then they might just be able to catch Yasuhiro and Moriko.
They might just be able to get Rin back.