A/N: This is a spin off of the "Jaken Falls Ill" episode picking up from the battle scene between InuYasha and Sesshomaru. I've only seen the English version once and use most of the dialogue from the Japanese one.

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Sympathies of a Stranger

Kagome had to shield her eyes every time sparks flew from the clashing blades.

Sparks. That was the word for what you saw when you stuck a knife in a socket. No, what she was watching was lightening. But then, nothing less could be expected of the Tetsusaiga and Tokijin.

Sesshomaru repulsed InuYasha's blade as though he were swatting a fly. It never looked he feared death by Tetsusaiga; if anything, it seemed like he would die of terminal boredom first.

Seeing the demon effortlessly cut through the Wind Scar, Kagome realized it wasn't the claws, the fur, or even the exotic facial marks that made Sesshomaru inhuman; it was his utter lack of reaction. He didn't cry in pain or laugh in joy. Perhaps it wasn't even blood that flowed through his veins but ice water.

Suddenly, the Fang of Steel was batted away. InuYasha tumbled to the ground, Sesshomaru descended like a hawk.

Not a thought to her own safety, Kagome dashed forward. "Stop, Sesshomaru!"

The daiyokai had his blade pointed at his brother's throat. Casually, he glanced over.

"You want to know where Naraku is? Then go in the direction of the ox-tiger! We heard Naraku's demonic aura went in that direction."

InuYasha snarled for Kagome to shut up, still eyeing the Tokijin

Sesshomaru spoke, "In the direction of the ox-tiger, hm? That's all I need to know." He turned away, withdrawing his blade. "You've survived this one, InuYasha."

With no small amount of relief, Kagome watched the demon stride off. Sesshomaru didn't bother glancing back when he briskly added there was a score to settle with Naraku.

All for that? Kagome was appalled.

How sad, she thought, to be as unmoving as you.

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Sesshomaru let his nose study the air currents, barely trusting what that mortal wench had said.

Yet she was so anxious for the half-breed's safety.

Gentle as the wind's whisper, it occurred to him. These humans thought nothing of immediately acting on their emotions for another. Even if it plunged them headlong into danger. What made them feel that abandon? What made them…feel?

Sesshomaru didn't understand it. He was always in control.

Again in his mind flashed that so-called reincarnated priestess – that mortal girl.

What a pity to be one such as you.