Disclaimer: InuYasha & Final Act are all owned by Rumiko Takahashi, Shogakukan, Viz Media & Madmen Entertainment.

SessKag Week 2023 Day 4 – Anger

Word prompt: Fight

Scenario 1: The moment worry turns to anger

Scenario 2: Character A vows revenge, character B promises to help

Chapter Four

A shaky hand lifted, cradling her forehead as Kagome sat up, eyes flicking away from molten gold. Waking with Sesshoumaru practically hovering over her was the last thing she ever expected, and after her dream… There was no stopping the blush from staining her cheeks.

"What do you remember?" The deep timber of his voice sent shivers down her spine, and not from fear. She wanted to curse her subconscious for the cruel joke. Even now she could feel strong arms wrapped around her, keeping her safe.

Of course, this wouldn't be the first time she had dreamt of the daiyoukai. He may be rather cold, but there was more to him than what he showed. Typically, she had time to collect herself before having to face him when he visited. Hopefully, she wouldn't embarrass herself. Not like when she told him she was single a few months ago.

Ignoring her heated cheeks, eyes flicked back to the youkai sitting before her. Already a delicate eyebrow lifted, waiting for her to answer his question. She knew he wouldn't want for long. Tongue swiped across her dry and cracked lips, freezing as predatory eyes watched her every move.

Her heart pounded as the two of them gazed at each other, neither willing to make the first move.

Heat swirled in his eyes.

Yearning surged within her.

Kaede's snore echoed through the hut, breaking the spell.

Dropping her eyes, Kagome tried to steady her heart. What had happened while she'd been sleeping? In all their interactions, never had Sesshoumaru looked at her that way… Like he was interested in something more.

With a gentle shake of her head, she forced her mind away from… whatever was happening between them. That was something she could unpack later; when she was alone. For now, there were far worse things to worry about.

"My mind's still foggy." She whispered, not wanting to wake the others in the hut. "I was sitting by the well… Inuyasha was complaining…" Head tilting to the side, she closed her eyes, forcing the memories to surface. "Then… Inuyasha started yelling at someone." Her brows furrowed as her brain hurting from trying to remember.

"This one's ward said you were cursed." Opening her eyes, she looked at him. There was a slight tilt to his lips, a subtle frown she had only ever seen in winters when Rin grew ill. Was he concerned for her? Lips parted; a question on the tip of her tongue.

"Kagome-sama?" Rin's voice, rough with sleep, startled her. Head jerking toward the young girl, she smiled.

"Sorry if I worried you, Rin." Bright brown eyes blinked away sleep as the sweet girl lifted her head from Sesshoumaru's arm.

"Rin's just glad you're awake." She shook her head, side pony tail bobbing as a smile spread across her face. "We were really worried." Sapphire flicked to gold, a blush spreading across her face as remnants of her dream came to mind.

"You said I was cursed?" Kagome cleared her throat; fighting the blush as she changed the subject. Sweet Rin didn't bat an eye, unlike some daiyoukai in the room with the raised brow.

"That's was Miroku-sama said." The girl nodded, shifting closer to rest a hand against her forehead. "He said your reiki was purifying it and we only needed to give you time to recover." Tears swam in her chocolate eyes. "But Rin was so scared." The girl threw herself at Kagome, who barely had time to prepare for the impact.

Arms wrapped around the young girl, hands rubbing soothing circles on her back. Resting her cheek against Rin's head, she closed her eyes, hating the pain and worry she caused the child. She just wished that she could remember what happened… who Inuyasha was yelling at before everything went blank.

Eyes widened, Kagome's breath caught in her chest. If whatever joined them in the clearing cursed her, what happened to Inuyasha? "Rin?" She pulled the girl back. "What happened to Inuyasha?"

Rin's face fell.

Kagome's blood turned to ice.

"Miroku-sama's doing everything he can."

Kagome struggled to stand, her weakened body refusing to obey. She had to get to him. She had to see what she could do to help. Small hands pressed against her shoulders, trying to keep her down. Twisting, hair flying in her face, she escaped the hands. Her mind barely registered the thud before she was scrambling from the futon.

She hadn't moved an inch before she was once more pinned to the ground. Silver strands mixed with the raven, blocking her vision. A growl, so close to her ear, sent shivers down her spine. Claws pricked her shoulders, forcing her still.

"You will settle, Miko." The once soothing voice, now filled with anger, did more to calm her than the threat of his claws. It had been so long since he was furious with her; not since she tried shooting him with an arrow during their second encounter.

"I have to find who did this." Her plea did not sway the daiyoukai. She huffed, strands of their hair floating above her face, granting her glimpses of gold lined in red. "Please," she begged. "He wouldn't have been there if it weren't for me."

"That does not give you the right to toss aside those who worry for you." He snarled, shame washing over her, lips pursed, and bile rising in her throat. He was right, of course.

"Either help me or leave me before I hurt you." The venom in her words wasn't for him, but for the disgust she felt in herself. If she had been stronger, more aware, none of this would have happened.

"I am sure Kagome did not mean it that way, Sesshoumaru-sama." Kaede's tired voice flowed around them, doing what it could to keep the peace. Neither said anything, eyes locked through their mixed hair. Red faded moments before the claws pinning her to the floor disappeared. Swiping at her hair, by the time she cleared her vision, Sesshoumaru was gone; whispered words of promise to join her later left in his wake.

Stumbling to her feet, hand pressed against the wall for support, she glanced behind her at the girl sitting dejectedly on the floor. "I'm sorry." She frowned, eyes roving over the girl, searching for any injuries. "Are you okay, Rin?" The girl just nodded, refusing to look at her. After she saw to Inuyasha, and hunted down their attacker, she would come back and make things right with her.

Slowly, Kagome crossed the hut, her aching body protesting with every step. Cool air rushed to great her as she slid past the bamboo curtain. Dark clouds blanketed the sky, blocking the moon's rays; the bite of ozone tickling her nose. First, she would stop to see Inuyasha; then, find the one that did this to them.