After bidding the family farewell and wishing them happiness in their new home, the four settled into the carriage, setting out on their journey back. An hour into the ride, however, Inuyasha's pallor began to concern Scott and Sesshomaru. Lost in the beauty of the passing landscapes, Shippou remained oblivious to the unfolding situation.

"Inuyasha, you're not looking well at all," Scott observed with evident worry.

"It's just an upset stomach, I think," Inuyasha replied weakly, trying to soothe Scott's fears.

But Sesshomaru wasn't convinced. "Your complexion is pale, and you're sweating profusely," he pointed out.

Just as the words left Sesshomaru's mouth, a shocking transformation overtook Inuyasha. His demeanor shifted from gentle and caring to wild and menacing. As Inuyasha lunged at Scott, Sesshomaru intervened, restraining him just in time.

Realizing that talking him down wouldn't work, and for the safety of everyone, Sesshomaru delivered a swift, precise blow to Inuyasha, knocking him out. He then gently placed his unconscious brother on the carriage floor.

Staring in disbelief, Scott stammered, "What just happened? He looked... possessed."

Remaining composed, Sesshomaru replied, "I'll explain, but first we need to take a detour."

Scott simply nodded and informed the valet about the change in their itinerary.

"Understood, sir," the valet responded, adjusting their course.

A couple of hours later, they reached their unplanned stop. Sesshomaru disembarked, stating, "I'll return shortly."

As Sesshomaru disappeared from view, Scott gently cradled Inuyasha, laying him across his lap. With tenderness, Scott began to brush Inuyasha's hair using his fingers, being careful not to scratch him with his claws. The gesture was one of both comfort and hope, praying that his beloved would soon return to his senses.

Scott's worry was palpable, but a momentary relief washed over him when Inuyasha began to emit a purring-like growl, nuzzling affectionately into his hand. This sign of Inuyasha's gentle nature returning brought a smile to Scott's face.

However, the events from earlier lingered in the back of his mind, and he anxiously awaited Sesshomaru's promised explanation.

He noticed Sesshomaru approaching the carriage, a sword clutched firmly in his hand. Scott found this peculiar, but chose not to dwell on it, opening the door to allow Sesshomaru inside. Once settled, Sesshomaru offered Scott a reassuring smile.

"I'm still quite shaken," Scott began, his voice carrying a demanding tone. "Even though Inuyasha seems calmer now, he's still unconscious and I can sense the anger in his pheromones. Can you please explain what happened?"

Sesshomaru nodded slowly, "To fully grasp the situation, I must delve into the history of our kind - both demons and half-demons."

Scott's eyes lit up with interest, eager to finally understand the deep-seated intricacies of the demon species and the events that led to their near-extinction.

Sesshomaru's eyes, usually sharp and impassive, softened with a deep-seated sorrow as he began their shared history. "Around seven centuries ago, werewolves, hunters, and demons lived in a harmonious coexistence in Japan.

But as with any era of peace, it was tainted by whispers - rumors that werewolves planned to overthrow both the human and demon kings."

Scott leaned forward, rapt with attention, absorbing every word. "These insidious whispers were dismissed, especially by our father, Inutashio, the revered Demon King of that time. During his long rule, spanning three millennia, he fathered both Inuyasha and me.

While I am the progeny of two pure-blooded demons, Inuyasha is the union of a profound love between our father and a human maiden, a noble by birth."

Sesshomaru paused momentarily, allowing the weight of their lineage to sink in. "This brave woman, besotted with a demon, was shunned by her own kind. Yet, despite societal discord, a fragile peace endured, with the clans thriving."

"But not for long," he added, his tone hinting at the impending calamity. "Small demon villages, once centers of tranquility, started bearing the scars of violent onslaughts. At first glance, it seemed as though these were the usual skirmishes among demon clans, but the precision of the attacks bore an eerily human hallmark.

Concerned, Inutashio convened with the human monarch. They concluded, albeit wrongly, that these were isolated incidents."

The rhythm of the narrative took a somber note. "One frosty winter night," Sesshomaru's voice grew almost inaudible, "the leader of the humans was found slaughtered. The markings left behind screamed of a werewolf attack.

An urgent parley was called, and the werewolf chieftain was summoned. What was meant to be a diplomatic meeting, however, turned into a deadly ambush. Inutashio was gravely wounded, yet in his last act of defiance, he slew the werewolf leader."

"By the time he returned home, the mansion was aflame," Sesshomaru's voice trembled ever so slightly, a rarity that didn't go unnoticed by Scott. "Inuyasha's mother lay lifeless. And while our father desperately sought Inuyasha amidst the blaze, it was I, having been away at my mother's place during the attack, who found my baby brother."

The narrative continued, punctuated by moments of anguish and peril. "Father's last directive to me, even as he bled profusely, was to protect Inuyasha and escape. We took refuge in the woods bordering human territories.

But upon venturing out briefly for supplies, I returned to a chilling scene: Inuyasha was gone, and the distant howls of werewolves echoed menacingly."

The tale, a melange of bravery, loss, and survival, settled heavily between the two listeners, painting a vivid picture of the brothers' tumultuous past.

"Damn, that's a lot to take in," Scott remarked, running a hand through his hair. The weight of Inuyasha's past seemed to press down on him, adding to his own storied history.

"I've always known that Inuyasha had it rough, but he never went into the details about the extermination. He mentioned something about losing memories from his past."

Sesshomaru looked taken aback, raising an eyebrow in surprise. "He told you what he remembered? That's... unexpected."

Scott nodded. "Yeah, it surprised me too. He did say he was adopted by a warm-hearted couple after leaving a pack of kindly werewolves."

A growl rumbled in Sesshomaru's throat, his disdain evident. "Kindly werewolves? I find that hard to believe, especially if they let him wander off on his own."

Scott held up a hand, trying to reassure the elder demon. "I can vouch for their nature. I sensed no malice or deception when I met them. The alpha of the pack took really good care of Inuyasha and raised him with genuine affection."

Sesshomaru appeared contemplative, mulling over this new information. After a moment, his gaze settled on Scott once again, curiosity evident. "How did you two meet, if I may ask?"

Scott took a deep breath. "It's a story in itself, but I should probably give you some context first. Let me tell you a bit about my own past."

The demon lord leaned back, indicating for Scott to continue. "Very well," he murmured.

Scott's eyes became distant as he recalled his younger years. "Just like Inuyasha, I too faced traumatic experiences early on. When I was about his age, I lost my father to war, while sickness claimed both my brother and my mother. The castle that had once been filled with life and laughter became a mausoleum of memories."

He paused, taking a deep breath to steady himself before continuing. "Over the next few years, grief and loneliness transformed me. I became hard-hearted, selfish, and cruel. Then, on the eve of my eleventh birthday, an old beggar woman sought shelter in our castle. Repulsed by her appearance, I turned her away."

Sesshomaru leaned in, clearly captivated. Scott swallowed before proceeding. "She warned me that beauty was found within, not in appearances. When I dismissed her again, she revealed her true form — a powerful enchantress. Angered by my heartlessness, she cursed me and all those who lived in the castle."

He touched a rose pendant hanging around his neck, a symbol of the enchantress's spell. "She gave me an enchanted rose that would bloom until my twenty-sixth year. If I could learn to love and have my love returned before the last petal fell, the curse would be lifted. Otherwise, I'd remain in my beastly form forever."

A melancholic smile touched his lips. "As time passed, I became despondent, believing no one could ever love a monster like me. But a few months before the rose's final petal was set to fall, destiny intervened."

Scott's eyes twinkled with a mischievous light. "On a stormy evening, Inuyasha stumbled upon my castle. And as they say, the rest is history."

The atmosphere inside the carriage grew heavier as Scott detailed the series of events that led him to meet Inuyasha. A quiet understanding washed over Sesshomaru's face. It was a tale intertwined with fate and circumstance.

A timeless love story, where the universe conspired to bring two souls together from different worlds, to break a curse that bound one of them.

Sesshomaru, taking a moment to gather his thoughts, finally broke the silence. "It seems destiny has a peculiar way of weaving stories. I'm relieved to know the truth of how you two met. My younger brother is indeed fortunate to have found someone like you in his life."

However, his tone shifted, becoming more serious and protective. "But heed my warning, Scott. Should any harm befall Inuyasha due to any negligence or fault of yours, rest assured, you'll rue the day you ever met him."

Scott met Sesshomaru's intense gaze head-on, his voice firm with conviction. "I give you my word. I cherish him, and he means everything to me. I'll guard him with my life and ensure that no harm comes his way."

Nodding, Sesshomaru continued, "On the topic of the detour, you must have noticed the stark contrast between my brother and myself. While I am a pure demon, Inuyasha, being of mixed blood, occasionally struggles with the potent demon blood that courses through his veins.

Normally, after a half-demon finds their mate, this internal battle stabilizes. However, since you two haven't consummated your bond, he's still at risk."

Scott listened intently, trying to grasp the complexity of the situation.

Sesshomaru further elaborated, "Our demon ancestors often crafted objects — weapons or artifacts — that help to keep their more volatile side in check. The sword I fetched is one such artifact, designed to balance his dual nature. It's imperative that he keeps it close. If he doesn't, episodes like earlier might become more frequent."

Suddenly, the valet interrupted, peeking his head inside the carriage. "Gentlemen, the day is waning. We ought to resume our journey before darkness descends."

Scott looked out, noting the fading light, and then back at Sesshomaru. "Let's proceed."

The valet nodded, steering the carriage forward, while the two men sat in contemplative silence, both lost in their thoughts about the road ahead.