"Inuyasha! Sit boy!"

There was a curse before the inuhanyou crashed facedown onto the ground, his ass in the air. Kagome rolled her eyes, and announced, "Seshoumaru isn't here to fight, Inuyasha. He's going to be travelling with us till this whole situation is resolved."

Inuyasha pushed his face from the ground and snarled, "Why can't he just take the brat and leave? You stupid bitch! Why do you have to go around poking your nose in everyone's business!"

Kagome paled somewhat and even the adult Seshoumaru sensed the hurt flowing from her. She opened her mouth and then closed it, and looked away. However, before Sango or Miroku could say anything, a miniature version of Seshoumaru's poisonous whip struck Inuyasha on his back, making him jump in shock and pain. He glared at the pup at Kagome's side.

"What the fuck did you do that for, you damn brat!"

Chibi-Seshoumaru's voice was suppressed with rage, "You will not harm her. This Seshoumaru will not allow it."

He grabbed Kagome's hand tightly, as if to emphasize his claim. Even Seshoumaru's brow lifted at the action. However, he said nothing, determined to just observe.

"I didn't touch her, you brat!"

This time it was the present Seshoumaru's whip which made contact with his skin. The daiyoukai's face was blank as he spoke in his regal way, "Physical harm is not what this one's past self was talking about, half breed."

Inuyasha spluttered, but before he could spout more nonsense, Kagome turned on he heel, her voice quiet, "Let's go. We're wasting time."

Chibi-Seshoumaru looked up at the miko, concerned. Her face was blank, but her hand was cold, so cold.

"Kagome?"

She looked at him and smiled, but even he could tell it was forced. Her eyes were shiny, and she blinked hard. He squeezed her hand, and muttered, "Do not care for what others say to you. They do not know any better."

A chuckle escaped the girl and she ruffled his hair, feeling better at his attempt to comfort her. His cheeks turned slightly red and a small smile graced his lips.

They walked in silence, and Kagome drew comfort from the child's presence. The adult Seshoumaru followed behind them at a steady pace. Why was he following them? What had he to gain from this? He should simply have taken his past-self from the miko. Suddenly something struck the daiyoukai and his eyes narrowed thoughtfully. Bokensu. The old tree youkai. Surely he would know something.

Chibi Seshoumaru glanced over his shoulder to see hi solder self lost in thought. Was he truly going to grow up to be someone so powerful. His childish eyes widened in wonder. But…why was he so cold, like father?

Father.

The pup's head bowed as he remembered his last encounter with his father. He had been thrashed and punished. The child's heart twisted in his chest and he swallowed in painful remembrance. Father had come back home after a few months and mother had said something to him and he had been angry. Mother had disappeared without a second glance and father had beaten him up for being weak and then sent him in the wilderness for the annual hunt.

His golden eyes were confused and miserable as he recalled the happy faces of the other inuyoukai pups. Sesnei always told him that inuyoukai were affectionate, but then why didn't his parents love him? He always watched the other pups play around and would feel envious when their parents bestowed their love upon them? He would always feel small then? Was he not good enough for that sort of love and care?

The day he had been sent for the hunt, he had been all bruised up and wounded. The other pups had stared at him, frightened of his appearance. The other inuyoukai had given him strange looks and had turned their heads away.

The child studied his unoccupied hand. Maybe something was wrong with him and nobody wanted to love him. But, but Kagome had, hadn't she? Kagome liked him. She said so herself. Kagome held his hand and let him sit in her lap and fed him. Tears burned his eyes and he sniffled softly, biting his tongue to push back the tears. He wasn't allowed to cry.

Kagome somehow sensed his distress and stopped. The others were in front of her and they didn't notice as she went on her knees besides the pup and spoke his name, "Seshoumaru?"

He refused to look at her, not wanting to see the disgust on her face when she saw his tears. Her voice was gentle, but firm, as she tilted his head, "Seshoumaru, what is it?"

He just tugged on her hand, wanting them to keep on walking, casting a fearful glance behind him at the still figure, clothed in white. Kagome frowned at him and then sighed. She enveloped him in her arms and let loose a little of her reiki, enough to surround him in her scent. As he relaxed in her arms, she smiled. Suddenly, she felt strange and her body burned.

Choking, she let the child go, and coughed violently. Inuyasha turned around at the sound and his eyes widened at the sight of Kagome on her hands and knees, coughing. Her body was shuddering and her eyes were clenched shut. Before, he could move, his half brother stood there, his stoic face grim. The pup whimpered and tried to reach Kagome, but was pushed aside by the future self.

"Kagome!" Sango and Miroku rushed to her side, Inuyasha in the lead. What was happening to her? Kagome gasped hoarsely, her body unable to bear the strain and she collapsed.

A.N: The one question I am constantly asked is why doesn't the present Seshoumaru remember Kagome? And how can Seshoumaru be five when he says he is seven years old in the inu term? Well to the first question, he will remember Kagome, but now now. Certain events have to take place first. He tries to remember her as he thinks he should but is unable to. And to the second question...it was a mistake, but Seshoumaru is five...FIVE...not seven. Because I think five is an adorable age! And as per request, I shall be calling the past Seshoumaru, Maru.