Chapter 28:

Before Sesshomaru went to the field Kagura had told them, he immediately told his two companions to wait for him. As usual, Jaken obediently followed. But as for Arisa... she waited for him to go there first before she would follow and take a look of what would happen, again. She was worried that Sesshomaru would endanger himself again.

"Make sure you don't get noticed. Sesshomaru-sama is going to kill me for sure."

"Yes, I will be careful. And he won't kill you. He even saved you, so you should rather be thankful."

"I am forever thankful, for your information…!"

What Kagura said was indeed true. Sesshomaru saw the Tokijin stuck on the ground, its demonic aura strongly emanating; while Inuyasha was there, waiting for the owner.

"Sesshomaru…!? You're the owner of that evil sword?" Inuyasha asked incredulously as soon as he noticed him approaching the sword.

Sesshomaru didn't bother answering him, and took hold of the sword. The demonic aura started bursting, as if trying to attack and consume him. However, it soon dissipated, and he was able to wield it.

Arisa watched in horror, as she cannot take the evil aura coming out from the sword itself. As much as she wanted to go and somehow dissipate the dark energy, she can't. By then, she was relieved that Sesshomaru was able to handle it, and now the sword was his.

Okay…he really is someone you wouldn't want to mess with…

"Well then, how about a duel, Inuyasha?" Sesshomaru pompously asked.

Inuyasha gladly accepted his offer, lifting his sword.

"No problem! I've been waiting to test my newly-formed Tetsusaiga against you anyway!"

Meanwhile, Arisa smacked her face the moment Sesshomaru suggested that.

What in the world is this guy thinking!? He was supposed to leave upon claiming that sword! And this idiotic younger brother let himself get provoked. Gah!

The two began battling furiously, but Sesshomaru proved himself to be too skilled. Moreover, Inuyasha was having a hard time with his sword, putting himself at a great disadvantage.

Even Arisa who was at the sides noticed that Inuyasha wasn't swinging his sword properly.

Uh oh…this means trouble…

He then decided to ditch his sword, and charged at Sesshomaru directly, only to be repelled easily by him. He was thrown hard to the ground, and when the older brother was about to strike back, there was a sudden change in the air.

Sesshomaru saw that Inuyasha's eyes had turned red and his youki became different, already similar to that of a true demon's. For a second, he trembled in fear. Nevertheless, he continued to attack but before he could even reach him, Totosai jumped in and sent blasts of fires in between them, making them escape. Kagome shouted her famous "Sit!" and they all carried him away.

Arisa saw all of that, and she could also tell that something changed within Inuyasha, and it wasn't good. She was somehow thankful for Totosai's interference, so the two brothers didn't have to battle any longer. Seeing Sesshomaru approaching the forest with a twisted expression, she immediately ran back as fast she could.

She was panting as she reached Jaken who was busy tending Ah-un. When she looked back, she was shocked to see that Sesshomaru was drawing near, and so she quickly held her breath as to not let Sesshomaru find out about her sneaky business.

Jaken tried her best to act casual as he greeted him.

"Welcome back, Sesshomaru-sama…!"

Arisa only smiled at him, making him lift an eyebrow at her.

"I knew you were there."

She abruptly let out her breath, and now she was struggling a bit, trying to breathe.

"S-seriously?"

"Hmph."

"At least you got your sword, right…?" she said right away, with a nervous laugh.

Sesshomaru didn't answer, as he was now deep in thought. He was still wondering about the sudden change in Inuyasha's youki earlier, and it angered him that he feared about it for even a second. He clicked his tongue, and it was loud enough to be heard by them. It made Arisa flinch.

"L-look, I'm sorry…!"

"Why are you apologizing?" Sesshomaru asked in a confused tone, much to her surprise.

"You just clicked your tongue…so I thought you were mad at me…"

"Preposterous. I am not mad at you." he said and subsequently walked away.

Arisa and Jaken both sighed in relief as they followed after him.

Behind the scenes, Kagura was there, who witnessed everything.

Hmm…perhaps Sesshomaru might be able to kill Naraku.

She thought as she released her feather hairpin, transforming into a big one. She then rode on it, and she flew away from the area.

Feeling uncomfortable at Sesshomaru's tense atmosphere, Arisa decided to let him open up.

"What happened, Sesshomaru? Don't tell me you are angry about not injuring Inuyasha?"

"No."

"Then what?"

"It does not concern you."

"Excuse me, but it does! Your tension is everywhere and I cannot stand it!"

Sesshomaru's eyes widened in surprise, but his expression was back to being blank as he faced her. Strangely, his mood had been uplifted; knowing that her concern was for him.

"Inuyasha became a full demon."

"Really? But isn't that great...? Who knew he could level up—"

"A half-demon like him can never turn into a full demon." Sesshomaru said in a serious tone, cutting her off.

Arisa bit her lower lip. "What do you mean…?"

"There must be something that had triggered that. But I do not know, yet."

"Oh…"

"And it is very disturbing."

"Wait a minute. Are you telling me that you are somewhat…scared?"

Sesshomaru scowled at her. "Why would I be?"

"I mean, look at you. Usually, you won't even care about anything Inuyasha-related except when it involves the Tetsusaiga."

"Something unusual has occurred, so I am only curious about it."

"Hmm...whatever you say." Arisa said, smiling a little.

I wish this would be the trigger for him to start accepting Inuyasha. Because they are family, and nothing could ever change that.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX