Author's Note: Sorry the update has taken so long. I was finishing up an internship required to graduate from my University and that involved a lot of paper writing. I should have more time for updates now, though that could change if I pick up a second job. Still, I will not abandon this story!

Disclaimer: I do not own any of the characters from the Inuyasha franchise. Only Ryuunosuken. So don't sue!

Smiling faces sometimes pretend to be your friend
Smiling faces show no traces of the evil that lurks within
Smiling faces, smiling faces sometimes
They don't tell the truth

-"Smiling Faces Sometimes" by Undisputed Truth

Chapter 2: Breaking the Bonds

Inuyasha waited on the roof of Kaede's hut for Kagome to return from her bath. He hoped the silly wench wouldn't take too long. They needed to figure out what this Ryuunosuken guy was all about. His ears twitched and aimed backwards, but he couldn't catch much from inside the hut. Either they were talking incredibly quietly, or weren't talking at all. Inuyasha wasn't entirely sure, but was willing to bet on the latter situation.

The soft scent of flowers drifted in his direction and he sat up, catching sight of Kagome as she walked towards the hut. Her damp raven-colored hair blowing gently in the summer breeze.

She really is lovely.

Wanna put that tongue back in your mouth now, dog?

Shut up. No one asked your opinion.

I know. That's why you do ninety percent of the stupid things you do.

Bastard.

Kagome caught his gaze and smiled, the scowl melting from his features as quick as it had shown up. He leapt down from the roof, careful to keep the weight off his leg as he landed. He smirked at the impressed look on the miko's face. He knew it looked like he had barely even injured his leg. Didn't mean it didn't hurt like a bitch though. And he was fairly certain he could smell the blood leaking through the bandage. Aside from this little show in front of the stranger, he would have to take things pretty easy from here on out.

Inuyasha led the way into the hut, Kagome following after. Everyone else was already there. Sango, Shippou, Kirara and Miroku were huddled in a far corner, staring suspiciously at Ryuunosuken as he downed a bowl of Kaede's stew. The old miko was busying herself pouring bowls for the rest of the company. No one said a word as they entered. Kagome moved to sit next to Sango and Inuyasha placed himself between the girl and Ryuunosuken, just in case the inu youkai really wasn't as friendly as he had claimed.

"So," started Miroku, as he helped himself to some of Kaede's stew, "what brings you here Ryuunosuken-sama?" The inu youkai blinked at the monk, but explained again anyway.

"There were some things that Inuyasha's father wished me to pass down to him in the event of his death. I am simply here to bring the hanyou these messages and help him learn a little more of the father he didn't have the chance to know."

"You are his uncle, are you not?"

"Yes monk, his late father was my brother."

"Then what has taken you so long to approach Inuyasha? After all, his father has been dead for quite a while."

"I lost track of him when he was younger. After Sesshomaru kicked him out, the whelp made himself rather difficult to track. I was always one step behind, with the benefits of occasionally being called off from my search to help his elder brother fight his battles. Around fifty years ago, I heard a rumor that Inuyasha had died. It wasn't until Sesshomaru told me of the battle against Naraku that I realized the pup was still alive." Inuyasha scowled at the youkai from across the room. He didn't like being called a pup.

Miroku nodded thoughtfully, before speaking up again. "Most of the full demons we have come across, Sesshomaru included, have been somewhat…condescending towards Inuyasha for his half-demon status and his heritage. Does this not bother you Ryuunosuken-sama?" The full demon twitched, but held the monk's gaze.

"Please, call me Ryuu. I find my full name both formal and stifling." He sighed and looked at Inuyasha intently.

"I find nothing wrong with Inuyasha being a hanyou. I think he is, in a way, gifted. His human side gives him a strength that full demons can never really know. It allows him to connect with others in a way that a full youkai cannot." Miroku looked like he was about to ask another question, when Ryuu suddenly stood. The demon approached Kaede and handed her his empty bowl.

"I thank you for the food Kaede-sama." He bowed slightly and moved towards the door of the hut. His golden eyes met Inuyasha's, and then took in the rest of the group. "You all have much to discuss, I'm sure. I will leave you to it. Young miko? You may wish to rebandage the hanyou's wound…" with that, he was gone, leaving a very sour half-demon to glare at the monk.

"What the hell Miroku? We're you trying to drive him off or something?"

"I was simply trying to learn of his intentions Inuyasha."

"Keh! I figured that much out earlier, besides his intentions don't concern you." Miroku turned a hard look at Inuyasha, but the inu hanyou ignored it. Growling, he hefted himself to his feet and leapt out the door. The group watched him go, but didn't move to follow him. Kagome edged closer to Kaede and whispered something to her. The old lady nodded, and then they too got up and left the hut. Sango looked curiously at Miroku, who still looked thoughtful.

"What is it Miroku?"

"It could have been his irritation at his 'formal' name, but when I questioned his feelings towards Inuyasha's half-demon heritage, Ryuu-sama seemed a little uneasy." Sango nodded, and they both looked towards the door to the hut, features twisted in concern.

The room lightened slightly as the sun began to rise in the sky. Holding her breath, and hoping she wouldn't wake the slumbering hanyou, Kagome quickly gathered her things and left the hut.

It was cool outside and promised to be a good day. The birds were just starting to sing. She stopped to slip into her shoes and shoulder her bow and quiver of arrows, before setting off towards the meadow near the well. She couldn't help but glance around as she walked and wondered where Ryuunosuken had disappeared to.

Inuyasha had returned shortly after he had left, unable to find the inu youkai anywhere. His irritation had grown upon realizing Kagome was also missing from the hut, though he relaxed when Sango assured him that Kagome had left with Kaede.

Despite agreeing with the houshi's questions, Inuyasha had been reserved that night. Presumably preoccupied with Ryuu's disappearance.

Kagome didn't think the youkai had gone very far. She was sure he was still around, just giving them time to regroup like he had before after the fight with the dragon. When he would choose to return though, she didn't know.

Puffing slightly from her brisk walk, she finally reached the meadow. Kaede was there already. She had set up a few targets, but nothing else. She smiled as the young girl drew closer? "Are ye ready to start?"

"Yes."

Inuyasha awoke with a start, noticing instantly that Kagome's scent was faint, and quickly fading from the hut. Panicked, he grabbed for his sword and rushed out the door, only to stop as he collided with something rather hard.

"Hey, watch it pup. What's the hurry?" The hanyou looked up into similar gold eyes and realized that Ryuu had returned.

"Kagome's gone. I have to find her before trouble does."

The youkai chuckled and shook his head. "Calm yourself Inuyasha. She is with the old miko Kaede, near the meadow where I found you." Inuyasha visibly relaxed. If Kagome was with Kaede then she would be safe.

"Come, take a walk with me." Inuyasha nodded and followed.

Sweat beaded off Kagome as she struggled to coat the pebble in her hand with her miko powers. It had seemed so much easier when she had been angry. It had just happened, wasn't even something she had to control. But now, now when she wished, she couldn't do it. She gritted her teeth as Kaede gave her a critical glare.

"Ye aren't even trying Kagome. I thought ye wanted to learn to protect thyself. To protect the others?" Kagome felt her anger build as she closed her eyes against the older miko's words. She did want this. She wanted to be more useful. She didn't want to feel like she was always in the way, like she was helpless; like she was useless. Internally, she searched every corner of her mind and looked for anything that could help.

What's that…?

There!

It was a barrier of sorts. With glee the girl pushed against it, feeling strong, smooth walls. She shoved harder, and harder, yet it still wouldn't give. Finally, with a yell, she threw herself at the strange wall inside her mind.

It broke. Her eyes flew open as her body and hands flooded with power. The pebble flamed a brilliant purple, and then went abruptly dark as Kagome's eyes closed, and she collapsed.

Inuyasha looked up as he felt a surge of power, the hair on his arms and the back of his neck standing on end. He had felt power like that only once before, when they were fighting Naraku.

Kagome…

Concern radiated his features and he turned to run off. A solid arm spun him back to face an irritated looking inu youkai.

"Inuyasha, your bitch is fine. Can you please pay attention?" The hanyou's ears flattened, his trademark scowl forming on his face as he shoved his hands deep into his fire rat haori. He hoped Kagome was alright. The power surge concerned him, but if she was with Kaede, maybe it was intentional? Maybe the wench was finally using those powers of hers. Inuyasha stalked after Ryuu, still pouting.

They reached the river and Ryuu stopped, staring intently at the water. He motioned for the hanyou to sit. Inuyasha grumbled before settling down on the ground. He waited for the youkai to say something, but Ryuu was oddly silent as he watched the water. The impatient hanyou shifted on the ground, grumbling to himself, before shooting an irritated look at Ryuu.

"Spit it out will you? What were you gonna tell me about my father?" He growled as Ryuu simply blinked, his gaze never leaving the water.

"Your father was a brave demon for what he did, for going against society, against his entire kingdom, for the woman he loved. He wasn't the first to take a human mate, but he was the first of such high standing, the first taiyoukai to love a human, and love her openly. Many hated him for it and many thought him weak. But he was strong, too. Strong enough to defy an entire people, to follow his heart." He paused, thoughtful gaze turning to the hanyou beside him. The hanyou rolled his eyes. He'd heard this before.

"You love her, do you not, Inuyasha?"

"Huh?" Inuyasha recoiled as if struck, gazing warily at the demon next to him.

"The miko, Kagome. Do you wish to make her your mate Inuyasha?"

"Keh." Muttered the hanyou as he looked away, his cheeks flushing red. He wasn't sure he liked where this conversation was going.

"Inuyasha…"

"What?" he growled, fingering the hilt of his sword. Maybe he could just kill this bastard. Then he wouldn't have to listen to his dribble about Kagome.

It didn't matter how he felt about her. Didn't matter that he did love her. She'd never want to be with a half-breed like him. And even if she did…it would be better for her if she had nothing to do with him. If she reduced herself to being with him she'd be tainted, no longer pure. He didn't think, as selfish as he was, that he could do that to her.

"Stop pushing her away." Inuyasha glanced up, confusion and curiosity in his gaze. Ryuu sighed and looked directly at the half-demon beside him.

"I've seen the way she looks at you Inuyasha. She loves you. When you pushed her away back in the clearing, after I mistakenly called her your mate, it hurt her. We don't hurt our mates."

The hanyou shook his head.

"You don't understand. I'm not…I'm just a hanyou." Ryuu laughed, a sharp barking sound that startled Inuyasha.

"You are just fine for her Inuyasha. It's only your own insecurities that lead you to believe you are not. She has chosen you, and you have chosen her. Why beat around the bush?" Ryuu looked out at the water again, a strange look in his eyes. "You have a gift Inuyasha. You are a half-demon. You can fight with the strength and determination of a full demon and love with the heart of a human. You can draw strength from both sides. Instead of weak, this makes you powerful."

Inuyasha joined Ryuu in looking out at the water, his countenance thoughtful. Hadn't Kagome said the same thing about his hanyou status? That he was better than either human or demon because he shared the blood of both?

"Why are you telling me this?" his voice sounded raw to his ears, though he didn't know why.

"Because Inuyasha, you are the son of my brother, and I should like to see you have some happiness in your life." The hanyou growled, his claws twitching in the grass beside him. He was happy enough without the Inu meddling in his affairs.

You really have to admit, he makes a good point.

Keh!

"Talk to her Inuyasha. Tell her how you fell, and see what she does. Do not be a coward and hide your feelings. You are hurting more than yourself in just this matter." Inuyasha nodded. He was facing the river, but his gaze had turned inward.

"Inuyasha? There is something you should know though…" the hanyou looked up, wondering what else his uncle would impart on him.

"If you should take this girl as your mate, your youkai will guide you until the ceremony is complete. There is something however, that is not instinctive and unique to you alone.

Should your full demon blood take over while you mate her, you will have a hanyou child. If you are yourself, your child will be that of a half-demon and a human. If you mate her on your human night, your child will be a human."

Inuyasha blushed and looked away, grateful for the knowledge, but embarrassed all the same. He was sure of one thing though. He would never have a hanyou child. He couldn't wish his life on anyone, much less a pup of his own. And he would never let his full demon self near Kagome again. He hadn't hurt her on his previous transformations, but there was no guarantee he wouldn't hurt her should he transform again. Especially since he lost a little bit more of his soul every time he transformed.

The hanyou had once wanted the jewel to become a full demon, but now that he had seen what he would become, he found he wanted nothing to do with the jewel or his father's demon blood.

"I told you I would tell you of your father Inuyasha." Dog-like ears perked in the direction of the youkai's voice. Though his gaze remained on the water before them, his suddenly rigid posture belayed his concentration.

"Your father was a great demon, however he was not perfect. In many ways I find myself wishing to undo his mistakes." Confused golden-eyes bored holes in the side of Ryuu's head.

"What do you mean?" Inuyasha's tone was harsh, and he found his hand slipping to the sword at his hip. Too often had Inuyasha himself been called his father's mistake…

"Calm yourself hanyou, I have already told you I intend no harm. Though the information I bear about your father may do just as much as my claws." The full demon sighed and briefly met Inuyasha's eyes.

"Your father was less than perfect in where his interests lay. Once his first and true mate died he was never really the same. Even after taking your mother to mate, he was hardly himself again." Inuyasha stiffened, releasing a low growl. The story he had been told had been quite a different one. His mother, not Sesshomaru's had been his father's true mate.

What the hell is he on about?

"You father's greatest fault however lay in his disloyalty and inability to cope with the loss of Sesshomaru's mother." The hanyou's growled deepened, his pained thoughts turning to his human mother.

But Sesshomaru always told me he was honorable. This can't be…

"It pains me to have to inform you of this, but it is a truth you must know. Your father failed to remain loyal to your human mother during their time together. I often heard him referencing their time together as mere entertainment. I can never forget the countless times I saw the pain and hurt in Izayoi's eyes, and felt it my duty to inform you of your father's transgress—"

"Enough!" Inuyasha shot to his feet, fists clenched so hard Ryuu could easily smell the blood from where his claws bit into his palms. The hanyou was oddly still, though he felt like shaking in his rage. The youkai could not see the hanyou's eyes, as they were hidden by silver bangs, but something told him if he could, he would see gold rimmed in red.

"Why has no one ever told me of this?" bit out Inuyasha, his teeth grinding together as he spoke. "Myoga, Sesshomaru, even some of the servernts at the court. They all led me to believe father had been honorable. That he had chosen my mother to mate, not Sesshomaru's bitch mother."

This has to be a lie! Could I really believe this stranger over everyone else?

Ryuu nodded, seeming to think over the hanyou's question before answering. "I cannot speak for the servants or Myoga, but I believe Sesshomaru wished to keep the information from you. Not for the pain it would cause, but for fear of what you might do upon finding out. He thinks highly of the late InuTaisho, and his heritage is a point of pride. He may also have wished to use the information against you now that your fight against Naraku is over." The hanyou flinched and looked up, meeting Ryuu's gaze. The youkai couldn't help a slight smirk. He had been right. The half-demon's eyes were lined with red.

"You mean Sesshomaru wishes to break the truce?"

Ryuu nodded sharply. "I have long since stopped following your brother at court. I believed his betrayal of you to be imminent and wished to aid you as best I could against him. I'm not sure what his plan was, but I believe it involved public humiliation in front of the court. He would use the information about your father against you, to make you appear nothing but a weak and pathetic half-breed."

Inuyasha's snarled, his whole frame vibrating with rage. Ragged purple stripes appeared on his cheeks and his aura flared dramatically. Ryuu looked back out at the water, but his frame stiffened at the feel of Inuyasha's increasing demonic aura.

"You are not alone Inuyasha." The half-demon turned his angry eyes to Ryuu then, mouth open to ask what the hell he was talking about when—

The power flare, so much like the previous one, made the hanyou jump, his aura dissipating almost as quick as it had grown. Swearing furiously he took off towards the well, not caring if Ryuu would try to stop him again. He had to make sure Kagome was alright. Talks of his bastard father and half-brother could wait.

Kagome blinked as consciousness slowly returned to her. Her vision swam but slowly she was able to make out the form of Kaede looking down at her. A migraine bloomed behind her eyes, and she rubbed her head as she sat up.

"What happened?" she asked as the older miko handed her a waterskin. Kagome swallowed the cool liquid gratefully, her throat feeling hot and sore.

"Ye finally tapped into thy powers Kagome. Ye were however, overcome, and fell unconscious."

Kagome shook her head and immediately regretted the action as the world spun around her and her stomach lurched uncomfortably. Kaede offered her a hand and helped her slowly to her feet.

"The first time will be the hardest. Since ye have managed to call them once, thy powers shall become easier to use again. Ye may wish to try and use less next time though." Said the old woman with a laugh. Kagome wiped the now cool sweat from her brown and shivered. She eyed Kaede warily, unsure if she honestly wanted to continue the instruction for the day.

But her thoughts returned to how helpless she had been during the fight with the dragon, how she could do nothing to help Inuyasha or Miroku and Sango. She wouldn't allow that again. Learning to use her powers, as much as she disliked them, would give her strength; the strength to protect herself.

Kaede handed her another pebble. Now that she knew what to look for it was much easier to find the barrier in her mind. Breaking it however, was just as difficult, if not harder than the first time. The old miko beside her said nothing as she watched the young girl intently.

In an effort to use less of her powers, Kagome tried to gently shove the mental barrier. It still refused to budge. Finally she was once again forced to throw herself at it. She felt it crack and bend. Triumphant she shoved into it again. Power shot out, flooding her body and the pebble. Kagome's stomach rolled and bucked. Her lungs heaved for air as sweat coated her pale skin. She felt both unbearably hot and cold at the same time, and was sure for several moments that she would die. Despite sinking to her knees on the hard ground she managed to keep her eyes open. She would not, could not faint again.

Ryuu overtook Inuyasha as he ran for the meadow. The hanyou gave the youkai a look as he sped past, and Ryuu nodded in return. They weren't far off; Inuyasha could just make out Kaede's form in the field, standing over someone kneeling on the ground.

Kagome! Inuyasha let loose a feral snarl as he pushed himself harder, straining to reach the girl and assure himself that she was alright. Ryuu reached the glade first, but stopped while he was still rather far from Kagome. It would not be wise to get between an inu and their perceived mate. Inuyasha rushed to her side, unaware of the ragged purple stripes that had re-appeared on his cheeks and the red that rimmed his eyes. Gingerly he reached out and brushed the hair from her pale face before gently grasping her shoulder.

"Kagome?" She groaned in response and blinked at the hanyou before turning away from him and vomiting on the ground. He held her hair back from her face and growled at Kaede.

"What the fucking hell were you thinking, you old hag?" Ryuu kept carefully away from the trio, not wishing to accidentally provoke Inuyasha's anger towards himself. Kagome turned back towards Inuyasha, her body convulsing with shivers. The hanyou pulled her closer towards him, cradling her head against his chest. He was about to shout again at Kaede when an all too familiar youkai pinged against his consciousness. He turned to Ryuu, his snarl growing deeper. The youkai frowned, wondering how he could have drawn Inuyasha's ire.

"Inuyasha." The hanyou's eyes fixed on the figured behind Ryuu. It was his half-brother, Sesshomaru. The demon paused and seemed to take in the situation before his gaze fixed on Ryuu. With a roar his eyes bled scarlet and his jaw elongated. Power whirled around him and soon, it was not the humanoid Sesshomaru standing behind Ryuu, but a large white demonic dog. The dog let out another roar before charging at Ryuu. The defending inu youkai just barely had time to avoid Sesshomaru's massive jaws. He was however, not quite fast enough. A paw caught him and flung him hard into a tree.

"Fuck!" Inuyasha helped Kagome to her knees and handed her over to Kaede as Ryuu was hit. He stood slowly and drew both swords form their sheaths. Running towards Sesshomaru he executed a summersault over the dog's head and landed in front of Ryuu. He tossed the youkai's sword towards him before pointing Tessaiga at his brother.

"I don't know why the fuck you're here asshole, but this shit ends now. Ryuu's told me everything, and I swear I will fucking kill you this time." Raising the blade he brought it down with a vicious cry, a cry that drowned out Sesshomaru's snarls.

"Windscar!" Sesshomaru leapt sideways, his hind leg knocking hard into Kaede and Kagome. A yelp of pain reached Inuyasha's ears and his eyes became a little redder.

"You'd better get the fuck out of here now Sesshomaru." He should have seen this betrayal coming, should have known that his brother would only put aside his disgust for so long to keep their truce. The hanyou raised his sword again and brought it down to deal his brother a vicious blow across his chest. The great dog yelped and retreated, eyes flickering from the half-demon to the youkai behind him. As Ryuu got to his feet and raised his own sword beside Inuyasha, Sesshomaru shook his head and backed off, turning into a ball of light. Inuyasha didn't lower Tessaiga until the light had faded off into the horizon.

Once his brother was, beyond a doubt, gone, the hanyou dropped his sword and rushed towards the humans. Kaede was painfully struggling to her feet, bruises already forming on her old skin. Kagome lay on the ground, clutching her arm close to her body. She felt strong arms warp around her pull her up against a hard chest.

"Kagome? Are you okay?" She whimpered in response as he accidentally bumped her elbow. Brow furrowed in concern the hanyou reached a very quick decision.

"Kagome's hurt. I'm gonna take her back to her ti—er, home. Kaede, will you take Ryuu back to the village? He may be injured from the tree." The youkai laughed at Inuyasha's comment and gently picked up the older woman, holding her bridal style.

"I think you phrased that backwards Inuyasha. Lady Kaede has surely sustained wounds from that clumsy ass. I will carry her safely back to the village and tend to her wounds." Inuyasha eyed him for a moment, noticing the unsheathed sword at the youkai's hip, before he nodded.

"Here." He tossed the youkai his sword's sheath, which Ryuu somehow managed to catch without jarring the old miko. He turned and ran for the village, leaving the hanyou and Kagome alone in the meadow.

"I'm gonna move you now, okay Kagome? We're going back to your time." The girl nodded, her face scrunched in pain as he shifted her in his arms and ran for the well. His movements weren't as smooth as Ryuu's, and he felt awful for jarring the poor girl. She tried to hide her pain, but he could still feel her tense up when he jumped.

They landed safely in the well house on the other side of the well. Hurrying, but trying to be careful of her injured arm, the hanyou carried her towards the house, yelling for the occupants.

Mrs. Higurashi met them at the door. Taking one look at her daughter she nodded and directed Inuyasha to the sofa. He set her down as carefully as he could, but his stomach turned as Kagome's face went white with pain. A gentle hand touched his shoulder and he whirled, growling.

"What?" he asked gruffly. Kagome's mom simply smiled and handed him a box.

"You'll need to get changed before we can take her to the hospital. Put these on." Inuyasha nodded and with a backward glance at Kagome, bounded up the steps to the bathroom. He returned minutes later to find Mrs. Higurashi helping Kagome to stand. The young girl wavered, but managed to keep her footing. Impatiently the hanyou followed them out the door and then waiting with a tapping foot for Mrs. Higurashi to load Kagome securely into the vehicle.

The drive to the hospital had seemed to take hours. That wasn't half as bad though, as the wait once Kagome was taken back for examination. Growling loudly and heartily Inuyasha was doing his best to wear out a section of floor with his pacing. Kagome's mother ignored him for a magazine, but couldn't stop a smile from gracing her lips at the younger boy's antics.

She remembered being young and in love.

Finally the doctor came out to meet them. Inuyasha spotted the man in the white coat who had walked off with Kagome first, and before Mrs. Higurashi could blink he had the young man shoved up against a wall, claws wrapped dangerously around his throat. Mrs. Higurashi laughed nervously and patted the hanyou's arm.

"Please release him now dear." Inuyasha grumbled, but let the man go. His eyes, flaming gold never left the doctor's face.

"I'm so sorry. This is my nephew from out of town. He's been very concerned about Kagome, and the waiting hasn't helped his nerves." The doctor gulped. "Now, about my daughter?" The doctor finally managed to tear his gaze from the irate hanyou to look at the older woman beside him.

"Er, yes. Your daughter suffered from a fracture in both her ulna and radius." He glanced quickly at Inuyasha, whose growling only increased. "We have secured her arm in a cast, as well as treated her pain. I have a prescription of pain meds for her," he handed a small scrap of paper to Mrs. Higurashi. She listened intently as the doctor continued to explain to her the details of caring for Kagome, noting that Inuyasha seemed to have stopped growling quite a while ago. Finally he finished and Mrs. Higurashi turned back to the hanyou.

"Well Inuyasha? Shall we go see how Kagome is doing?" She might as well have asked the wall. Or the double doors that were still swinging slightly from when he had rushed through them. Smiling to herself she followed, hoping no one would pay too much attention to the strange looking boy who was undoubtedly sniffing his way down the hall to Kagome.