Just Imagine

by cakeiton

Imagination is a door to what could be, what should be, and what potential is within you..

35. Chapter 35

I don't own anything Inuyasha.

A/N: This is FIVE updates in one (and almost 12,000 words to boot). I am anxious for the next arc and I wanted to get these 'in-between years' finished.

It was a ton of work. I hope you like it.

...

Part 3 of 3: The Centuries before the Girl Who Overcame Time.

The kappas were relatives to those who collected souls for the underworld. According to Bakuseno, their ancestry made them a sort of weak link between the two planes, allowing them powers such as commanding human-born demonic spirits. This link was required to fully utilize the Staff that would discern the true tomb of his late father.

Thankfully, finding one had been easy enough.

Approaching the province where the mortal plane's kappa kept to, Sesshoumaru saw they were in the midst of battle. It was not grand, many of the youkai were not skilled, and he could not muster up the curiosity to wonder why they were fighting in the first place. His gait never faltered as he entered their battlefield, eyes focused on the gathering of buildings to the other side. Perhaps, there was a leader of sorts he could find. They were known as a strangely disaffectionate breed, even to their own kind, but he only needed one with enough brains to stay at his side and keep themself alive for his purposes.

The kappa clan were on the losing end, but were not backing down, and their grating cries were irksome. It would do him no good is they all perished before he could find one that could wield the weapon Bokuseno spoke of. A blood-furried, monstrous enemy leader held one kappa tight in its grip, ready to feast on it.

"You are in my way," he said to the large demon. "Move."

Both youkai looked down at him, confused by his sudden presence.

"I said you are in my way," anger and impatience thickened his voice. "Do you not understand?" Sesshoumaru's steps barely slowed as his light whip sprung from his hand, and he walked through the demon and its followers falling to the ground in pieces. The one he had saved commanded his own kind to clear the path and the noise of their little war died down. Satisfied, he sighed, and passed the groveling, toad-like youkai.

He was almost at the other end when he noticed that one was following. The hero-worship rolled off it in waves as it begged to be made a servant. The demon lord took it as a sign of providence and continued forward with barely a glance back. With a slight change in his direction, Sesshoumaru now headed to the hiding place of the Human Head Cane.

Traveling with another was inconveniently slower and Sesshoumaru had to move so it was not left behind, but it gave him time to explain what would be expected of him. With curt words and the briefest explanations, Sesshoumaru let him know about what they would be seeking and why. The kappa's easy allegiance worked in his favor, but its eager energy to please was a new experience. It all came at the expense of his solitude and silence. In his opinion, it was not a fair exchange, but if the small toad could handle the Staff then his continued servitude would be necessary.

However, he would need to think of a faster way to travel that did not require carrying the thing.

When they finally reached the waterfalls, Sesshoumaru reached into the frigid waters without preamble and immediately felt the old, smooth wood of the weapon they sought. Its power seemed inconsiderable, yet the ancient magnolia demon promised it was what he needed.

"Here," Sesshoumaru called towards the imp, tossing the Human Head Cane towards him. "If you can use it, I will entrust it to you."

The green demon flailed about ready to prove himself to his Lord. He was overly enthusiastic, but water shot from the woman's mouth of the cane with ferocity. Sesshoumaru smiled, just slightly, as he felt fate bring him closer to Tetsusaiga.

Then, he heard a sharp noise hidden in the tree line.

His golden eyes hardened. "Kappa, stay behind me."

"It's Jaken, Sesshoumaru-sama," the toad grumbled.

The taiyoukai did not react. The vassal's name did not matter that much at the moment. Ensuring the Staff's protection did.

The roar of the waterfall and groaning from the kappa masked the sound of an enemy approaching, but Sesshoumaru readied himself for a fight.

A large, red paw broke through the shadows of the surrounding forest. The demon that stepped fully into the light was vaguely humanoid, but still had many cat-like characteristics. Its whiskers twitched as it smirked at him, a dangerous purr vibrating in his chest.

"So, you're the Dog Demon's son?" The panther's sharp teeth flashed. "I expected you to be older. Or… rougher." Its feline eyes traveled over his body with condescension. "You're just a pup."

Sesshoumaru's jaw tightened. He could care less what the cat thought of him, but the fact that he was this far into his territory was troublesome. The severity of the war happening in the north was greater than the initial reports had stated and he had less time than previously allotted. A knot tightened in his stomach. Duty seemed to constantly keep him from what he was rightfully owed.

"Hn," he huffed as a dark scowl twisted his lips. Staring down the grinning feline he knew that, sword or not, he would need to return immediately, and resented the knowledge to his core.

Then, flat-footed slaps of water jarred him out of his ire. Glancing down, he watched as the imp walked passed him, an overly confident smirk curling up from his beak like mouth. "Do not concern yourself with weaklings, Sesshoumaru-sama!" the kappa announced, taking a stance in front of his lord. "Jaken will take care of this stray cat for you!"

The panther demon snickered down at their new challenger. "What is this?" he demanded, unsure of what to do about the pest at his feet.

"Face the watery wrath of the great Sesshoumaru-sama!" the small youkai screamed as he impaled the end of Human Head Cane into the muddy bank of the stream.

The inuyoukai arched a brow as he observed the staff. The Man's face, which produced fire, was directed at their enemy.

The Woman's face was aimed only inches away from himself.

"Wait-"

The imp squawked, its grating voice joyous from the power called forth from his new weapon, and Sesshoumaru tensed to dodge the deluge.

Except, the Man's mouth fell open instead and the flames shot forward, consuming the arrogant enemy in its fiery breath.

The vassal's sputtered gasps of surprise and the crashing of the waterfall filled the silence that followed. Sesshoumaru's shoulders dropped a fraction, relieved from the potential embarrassment, and studied the kappa. He was shocked, blinking with wide, wondrous eyes at the corpse of peppered ash and burnt bones. Usually, those under Sesshoumaru's rule demanded he prove himself. This kappa was only eager to prove his own worth.

Finally gaining some wits back, the imp lowered his weapon and stared at it reverently. "Oh, it does fire..."

"Jaken," Sesshoumaru interrupted, his voice even and cold as he used his servant's name for the first time. "Let's go to war."

.

The sun was blood red, obscured by the dense smoke and dust of battle that hung like fog. It left the sky a hazy yellow. Ash fluttered about in the calm before what would be another brutal day. Sesshoumaru stared down from his high hill, assessing the status of enemy and ally, and tried to envision the outcome he wanted.

Rituals were an important element of any warrior. Call it luck, or tempting fate, or gaining the gods' favor, but observing personal routines before any altercation instils you with more confidence, possibly tipping the odds in your favor. Sesshoumaru had always sought solitude before any challenge to do just that. Quietly, he would visualize himself victorious, so secure in the feeling that no other outcome would be possible. There had not been a true fight in so long, and never one where he commanded others as well, so this ritual felt even more important. He had even left the imp behind, ordering him to catch up when he could, so he could get a few moments of blissful isolation.

The soldiers below began to stir and Sesshoumaru tried to imagine them trampling over herds of panthers. Daichi was there, as was Kimiko. He pictured them fighting side by side with him as the Chuujitsu were to do, forcing the Devas Tribe into submission. He had almost solidified the image in his mind when his concentration was shattered. Looking over his shoulder, he saw a large group of demons approaching. The discontent he felt with being interrupted clouded his thoughts, and did not bode well.

The lower level youkai gathered behind him with a large, misshapen wolf at the front. Sesshoumaru could feel their eagerness prickling his skin, irritating whatever calm he had left.

"We'll teach those cats a lesson," one with a large horn shouted. "Battle!" another was chanting frantically. "Battle battle battle!"

The wolf stepped forward, and then Sesshoumaru finally recognized him as Royakan, an ally that did not have a court appointment. The outlands demon stayed mostly to himself, consuming humans who found themselves losts in his woods, but has not been heard from much in centuries.

Sesshoumaru's mouth thinned. "What do you all want?"

The burly demon stood proudly. "We are beholden to your father from the last war," he announced. "This time, we shall assist you, Sesshoumaru-sama." The reverence in his tone was not meant for him. These demons were pledging their allegiance due to his father. It was an ironic contrast to those back in the West who withheld it because of him as well.

Another from the motley group spoke out. "I can't wait! It's been so long since we've fought those cats!"

Before he could respond, a familiar grating voice was calling out to him. "Sesshoumaru-sama!" The demon lord turned towards Jaken, and knew there was no longer hope for any quiet before charging into the fight.

The kappa was running, clearly out of breath, and shouting in gasping squawks. "Terrible news!"

This only frustrated Sesshoumaru more. "What is it?" he bit out.

The imp was suddenly on his knees in front of him, leaning on the staff for support. "I acted on my own and went to get Inuyasha. He may be a hanyou, but he is still your father's son after all."

He bristled upon hearing the mutt's name. "And?" he demanded, malicious baiting leaking into his tone. "Where is he? Is he too cowardly to show himself?" Sesshoumaru felt spiteful, and wanted to demean his father's disgrace in front of any who still held him in high esteem. "Or did he refuse to come to the aid of his brother?"

'And if he had the Fang,' he thought to himself, 'then this battle would be of no consequence.'

Jaken answered, "That worthless Inuyasha is under a seal!"

A cold spike hit his heart. "What?"

"Well," Jaken flustered, "he lost his heart to a mortal priestess and was caught off guard."

-Miko's cheeks were flushed as her bright, vulnerable blue eyes stared up at him-

The unwelcomed memory disoriented him. "Fool..." he claimed, genuinely startled by Jaken's testimony, and he knew he was not just referring to Inuyasha.

"Yes, a total fool," the small youkai agreed, with round, yellow eyes squinting in disgust. Sesshoumaru sneered, feeling a bit of resentment towards Jaken. The spike in his heart turned into a dagger that he suddenly wanted to drive into his vassal for only speaking the truth. "But, what is that?" Jaken asked, unaware of Sesshoumaru's vision of him bleeding out in the dirt.

He blinked, considered the new allies behind him. "The Inu no Taisho saved them in the first battle."

"Then they are allies! How wonderful! I was concerned, but now that your father's allies have come you can go into battle with confidence."

Dust and smoke clung to his silks, and the building anxiety of battle was now reaching them. Thinking about what he had said about the priestess and how he went to find his half-breed brother on his own, Sesshoumaru walked through Jaken. As his foot pressed down on the imp, the sound of his frantic squawks and pleas grew louder. "Let me make myself clear," the inuyoukai said, silencing the flailing imp. "I never want to hear that name again." Jaken's deferential pleas and apologies were cathartic, brightening his own mood just a fraction. He was going to have to remember that.

Without further order, Sesshoumaru focused on the battlefield blossoming down below and leapt down.

.

The fight was not going well.

Everything he had ever read, studied, or had fallen asleep through as a student could not have prepared him for an actual war. True strategy only worked with true soldiers, and most of those fighting with him were banded together with weak bonds of previous alliances. His side fought with formidable power and skill, but were unaccustomed to fighting alongside each other. There was no order. Weak spots littered the front lines and everyone was waiting for a giant show of strength to save them.

His father had been that, and they had become dependent on him for it. By being as strong as he was, the Inu no Taisho had weakened his forces, then left Sesshoumaru neutered without the same power. His hand ached, longing for a sword.

Among the clashes of metal and grinding of armor he could hear allies cry out his name for help in their last breaths. He would strike an enemy down, then instead of focusing forward, he would have to take in his surroundings to assist others. It dragged the fighting to a crawl.

Throughout all his instruction on warfare, his tutors had glorified the victory without teaching him how to handle what came between preparing and winning. They focused on the strategy and outcome, not the visceral thickness of blood in the air and ringing siren songs of the lost. He was aware many died in wars, but was unprepared to be responsible for the sheer amount of death. Sesshoumaru did not know most of the youkai, but every time one fell he felt failure.

The weak spots began to crack. While rushing towards a group of Western oni being cut down, the bulbous wolf demon Royakan noticed him and screamed, "Fall back! Join up with Sesshoumaru-sama!"

Finally, a familiar voice commanded out from the throws. "No, ya idiots!" Daichi screamed, his kusarigama deflecting several panther demons. "You hold this line or I will slice you up myself!" Despite the warning, half still ran away. They were disorganized and looking for a leader; not for courage, but for salvation. Daichi shook his head before taken one off a charging cat.

Frowning, Sesshoumaru slashed out at the demons who were rushing to him.

"You are slowing us down. If you are so inept, leave."

"But," Royakan tried to defend himself, "Sessho-"

The demon lord swung his arm, his light whip cracking the ground separating him from the clearly outmatched allies.

"I said leave."

They were shocked, but Sesshoumaru had already turned his back to them. If they stayed, they would die. If they were smart, they would retreat. He flew through soot and showers of blood, dragging his claws through as many enemy necks as possible.

Finally, he spotted Daichi again and, after taking out an enemy at his back, landed directly behind him.

Not skipping a beat, the Mountain Bear's sickle and chain shot out, hooked itself into multiple foes, then pulled them back with his brutish strength for Sesshoumaru to sink his claws into. The metal jingle of chain and armor were almost melodious as they moved together, clearing the area. The volleys of attackers were decreasing and in the crescendo of their small victory the kuma roared, his triumphant battle cry shaking even Sesshoumaru.

They took a quick breath and Daichi teased, "Only tooth and claw, Dog-sama?"

Sesshoumaru's lip curled. "It has worked well for me in the past," he ridiculed, referring to their one on one battle when he had challenged the alpha house. Daichi's laughter bellowed from him, and the lord found himself pleased to be with friends in the midst of war.

Then, a forewarning energy crackled in the air. Its destructive aura crawled up his arms and the base of his neck. Sesshoumaru reached out to push Daichi from its path, but the stupidly loyal lieutenant was already wrapping his chain around his general's outstretched arm and, with a quick swing, flung him to relative safety. His boots bit into the ground, ready to pounce back to the bear's side, but it was a second too late.

A hailstorm of lightning tore between them, ripping through Daichi's left side. Blinding flashes illuminated the demon's pained, twisted features as he roared out, his eyes shifting to the full black of his true form. His youki unleashed, surrounding him in a sanguine spray, and his thick night-dark fur covered the parts of him that weren't shredded. Sesshoumaru could taste the sharp, iron bite of his blood with each deep, rushed breath as he raced to his side.

Daichi's guttural growl rang with his own pounding heartbeat in his ears. The bear youkai's massive, chipped claws beat against the earth and blood dripped from his maw. Suddenly, Sesshoumaru's vision wavered and Daichi was gone.

And he could smell flowers.

A sharp laugh behind him shifted his attention and he leapt, snapping out the youki whip towards the offender, before landing softly and squaring his shoulders to the new foe.

The panther was a giant, round demon with beady eyes and a shameless, wide smirk that exposed most of his fangs. The chaotic energy collected to him, highlighting the feline features in his mostly humanoid form. From above, a small female youkai delicately covered her mouth behind her kimono sleeve. Her girlish chuckle was more felt then heard, as if it were coming from inside his own head. Flower petals danced around her tiny frame and long, red hair.

The scent of blood and fear faded away. The battle field wavered, muting the cacophony, then appeared empty except for the burly panther in front of him. The overpowering floral scent issuing from the now hidden, giggling demon flooded his senses and Sesshoumaru heard her say, "Take care of this one, Shūran," before her presence disappeared completely.

Blinding bright lightning collected in the massive cat's hands and he charged. Sesshoumaru followed. The ground broke with each thundering footfall and the taiyoukai bounded along the shattered edges until they collided. The Devas cat swung his heavy fist towards his gut, intending to swallow him within the fatal light. Sesshoumaru side-stepped and swept his poisonous claws across the demon Shūran's face. He screamed out but, surprisingly, he did not immediately fall back. In the moment the panther bought himself, he brought his other fist down and struck the inuyoukai.

Ropes of searing, electric pain wrapped around him. Gritting his teeth, Sesshoumaru fought against his buckling knees. Shūran treaded closer, grinning down through the gash in his cheek at the struggling dog demon.

"Hard to believe it was your dad that brought our master to his end. How embarrassing."

Finally, Sesshoumaru felt his youki tether the lightning streaming through him. His golden eyes flashed maliciously and, redirecting the force of the panther's own attack, headbutted Shūran's jaw with a deafening crack.

The feline eyes clouded over as he fell unconscious, his large body collapsing into the weakened ground. Sesshoumaru took a quick moment to relish the rush of current in his veins. It died out without a source, but he felt potential in it. He took a confident step forward to finish the enemy off, when they suddenly disappeared.

Another mocking giggle echoed with a fresh wave of saccharin scented petals. He scowled, whipping his youki lash in a wide crescent aimlessly, yet it only made the laughing grow louder.

A petite, feminine voice mocked, "You silly, blind dog-AAAHHH!"

Sesshoumaru's senses were bombarded once the apparition dropped. Metal rang, youkai screamed, and the world rumbled. The air was once again stifling as disturbed earth and salty bodies assailed his nose. He growled, gaining his bearing once again, and saw her.

Kimiko was standing over the stammering illusion-powered panther, a path of felled enemies behind her. Breathing hard, the ibis stared into him with slight disapproval. "Do not tell me you fell for such a weak illusion, Sesshoumaru."

"Hn," he answered, relieved to see both her and his other Chuujitsu. Daichi, in his true bear youkai form, trampled across the battlefield. He was clearly injured, but was far from being defeated. Sesshoumaru and Kimiko eyes found each other and they shivered. She scowled, realizing something was amiss, and he watched as her next breath came out as a frosty mist.

"Touran!" the small youkai called out from Kimiko's feet. It was enough warning for the ibis youkai to prance away before spears of ice sprang from the ground where she had stood, protecting the wounded Devas woman.

Kimiko landed with a dancer's deftness to his right. Her duo dao blades spun once, clearing the sharp edges of previous kills, and together they glowered at the interrupting foe.

A regal looking panther youkai with light-blue hair and a constant tilt in her lips hovered where her injured companion lay. The frozen spikes receded as she stared at the two blocking her from the lightning-powered youkai. "I must ask you," the newcomer cooed, "to step away from my friend."

Behind them, deep groans called out to the panther leader. The crane youkai kicked dirt his way then pointed one of her blades over Sesshoumaru's shoulder towards their new challenger. "So, you finally decide to come out and play, Touran."

The Devas leader smiled. "I heard the Dog's son decided to show up." Arching a brow, she looked Sesshoumaru over and huffed. "I expected a warrior, not this young, pretty whelp.

Sesshoumaru's jaw ached from the constant abuse of his irritable mood and he spoke to his lieutenant in a low voice. "I tire of being referred to as such."

Her quiet chuckle whispered in his hair. "Let's make it the last thing she ever says then, shall we?"

All three blurred. Kimiko hunched over her center and glided over the destroyed surface of the battlefield. Regardless of all the innate talent and excessive training he possessed, it was impossible to try and match the grace of her bird heritage. Even with the smooth, almost effortless motion of readying his youki, the extra step he had to take to keep up made him feel slightly clumsy. She was not as powerful as he was, but her natural prediclication for movement made her a force to be reckoned with.

Not to mention, of course, her own illusionary power.

The first of her blades struck out and Touran went to counter, but met nothing but air. Kimiko smiled then her real arm followed the mirage and the heated steel sliced across the panther's forearms. Their foe yeowled and tried to jump back to reassess, but Sesshoumaru was already snapping his youki weapon, tripping her at her heels.

They staggered their strikes, Kimiko's dao blades dancing with her lithe movements and Sesshoumaru's whip and claws countering Touran's evasive strikes. The confidence the ice user carried in her earlier taunts melted away as she couldn't do more than shield herself and wait for a mistake.

Hisses from the opponent's side began to sound their retreat and the urgency to finish the fight triggered Kimiko. The chuujitsu woman timed her next strike too quickly, arrogant from their success, and the Western lord had the reel back.

Those who truly knew the ibis knew she mourned. The details of her loss were privy only to herself, but the way she gave all of herself in every fight betrayed the emotions she attempted to hide behind. She was capable and strong, but she also carried a death wish. Now, that wish pushed her to end the panther threat at the cost of everything, and the misstep happened too fast for Sesshoumaru to stop it.

A cat's paw struck towards Kimiko's center and she stepped in, giving up stable footing to twist the short blade in a quick arc and drive it forward. It found purchase in Touran's chest and the crane youkai smiled. She moved to sweep the sword through Touran's skull, but found herself stuck instead. Ice quickly crept along the dao's edge and up the hilt. Before Kimiko could release it, the frigid prison locked her arm within. Taking advantage of the fragment of time, the Devas demon pranced out of reach of Sesshoumaru's next attack.

The ice around Kimiko's arm spread to her shoulder then, as she shrieked out her frustration, it jutted out and pierced through her chest.

Sesshoumaru snarled, reaching his friend in time to help her to the ground, then leveled his gaze on Touran's steel blue eyes. She was panicked, but proud of the hit she had made, and he wanted to claw that look off her face if it was the last thing he ever did.

The outcry of the withdrawing Devas tribe became prominent. When their leader glanced towards her retreating companions and the faded front lines, Sesshoumaru took his opportunity. Anger fueled him, and he moved almost as fast as when Miko had called out to him to dodge during his fight with Osamu. He was on the panther in an instant, parting the clouds of suffocating humidity and upturned earth with the speed of his advance, and lanced his hand into her heart.

She evaded, only barely able to move out of the way of his intended killing blow. Her burning blood flowed up his arm as his hand reached further in. The slick, velvety soft layers of skin and muscle opened up to his corrosive claws, enveloping his hand as she gasped in pain. The cold came next. Her defense was quick and effective, sealing up the open arteries and driving him out lest it trap him as well.

Sesshoumaru curled his fingers to inflict as much damage as possible and tore his hand out of her before leaping back. The scent of her blood distracted him from Kimiko's own. The panther's tears streamed over her high cheeks, freezing over as before they could fall to the ground, and her shaky voice screamed at him. "Do not think this is over, Sesshoumaru!"

His primitive growled betrayed his practiced stoicism. "Finish this now."

She had the audacity to smirk. "I think not, but I promise we will meet again." Her unjustified haughty demeanor broke when Kimiko's sword streaked towards her and she cried out, once again barely feinting from the attack. Upset her final words were interrupted, Touran pursed her lips and leapt away, a bevy of dejected feline mewls following her.

He wanted to chase after the Devas Tribe, but Kimiko had exerted herself greatly when she threw her unfrozen dao blade at their leader. Once again, he was at her side, kneeling down and propping her up.

The stake through her chest was melting rapidly, leaving her to bleed out as the pressure disappeared. She coughed, her vibrant blood joining the other speckles of stains on his silks, and she looked up to her lord.

"I.." she wheezed, "really… hate cats."

Sesshoumaru stared down at the stubborn, faithful friend and felt his anger rise. There was no one to blame, other than himself, and the strength he lacked.

"You look so serious, Sesshoumaru," she calmly teased him. "Relax."

He did not. "You look too resigned. I did not think you were one to quit so easily."

Amused, Kimiko half-heartedly laughed. "That is quite presumptive of you to think you know so much about me."

She looked almost at peace already, and Sesshoumaru hated it. "Have you been lying to me, then?"

Her pale lips quirked. "People are who they show you to be." She paused to gain a couple desperate, wet breaths. "Did I not feel real?" He didn't answer and she smiled, knowingly. "Then it was real, regardless of what the truth is."

His brow knitted together. "The truth matters."

The illusionist smiled the secret smile he had come to know well and never understand. "Truth is in the eye of the beholder. Not everyone will hold the same truths you do... Have more patience, most of us are liars, but only because we do not know the truth yet ourselves."

Sesshoumaru felt her slacken in his hold, then thought of Tenseiga. The heavy, dead weight of it at his hip had barely registered in his awareness until this moment. He reached for it, thinking it would be possible just to try, but Kimiko reached out and grabbed his hand.

"No," she demanded, a small amount of strength returning in her voice. "I won't be beholden to a life and a male I do not want."

Feeling her claw points dig into the back of his hand, he frowned. "Your life is your own."

"And I wish for it…" she began, then her eyes began to roll back.

"To hell with what you wish," he growled and shook her hard. "And to hell with whoever you wish to die for. Quit lying to yourself and stay alive."

Kimiko took in a short, quick breath as her eyes flew open. She opened her mouth to retort, but he narrowed his eyes and looked away to call for aid. His voice carried over the large field of dead and injured, and soon the ibis was being taken away to a healer. Live or die, it was up to her now, and Sesshoumaru detested feeling so impotent.

Daichi staggered to him, clutching his ribs with his good arm while the other hung limp at his side. Sesshoumaru was about to greet him when the kuma released pressure on his wound, reaching to clutch his commander's shoulder. The taiyoukai understood why. The touch had become an honored sentiment between him and the Chuujitsu, reserved only for themselves as a touchstone of loyalty and steadfastness. But witnessing Daichi disregard his own safety just to have emotional reassurance seemed reckless, and seeing the severity of the wound was just another reminder that he had not been enough. So, he recoiled away from his touch.

"Get yourself to a healer as well," Sesshoumaru ordered. "I will not have my leutienants dying."

The pain in Daichi's large, dark eyes deepened, but he did not argue. Instead, he glared for a fraction of a second before turning on his heels, walking away uncharacteristically quiet.

Sesshoumaru ignored it. It was of no consequence that he had angered him. What was important was that they were still breathing. He had felt relief, but the brief, comforting ease of knowing they were alive disappeared as he surveyed the bloodied horizon. He had been there, fighting along with them, and still was not strong enough to be the symbol the West had in the Inu no Taisho. He just was still not enough.

Jaken waddled up to his side, walking proudly and completely oblivious to his lord's sour mood. "There is nothing like victory in war."

"What victory?" Sesshoumaru countered bitterly. "We let them go." All told, it was a draw. As far as those back in the West were concerned, it might as well have been a loss.

The taiyoukai pulled the cold Tenseiga from its sheath, stared down at its flawless, reflective edge, and thought, "I can not use this sword. Tenseiga is a sword of healing. How am I to heal my domain without the strength to fight for it first?"

"Jaken, finish up here. I will meet you back at the stronghold."

"But," the imp mumbled, "I don't know where- Sesshoumaru-sama!"

Ignoring the kappa's response, the taiyoukai was already flying towards Edo. He needed to see Inuyasha, and possibly the trail to Tetsusaiga, sealed away for himself.

.

.

...

.

.

Sesshoumaru scented the smoke and unrest coming from the human village before it came into his view. Even more disconcerting, however, was the incalculably powerful pull from its core.

Thatched huts were sodden and smouldering. The response of the townsfolk to the tragedy that had happened here was evident in the mud and beaten path to the nearby river. Many of the humble buildings had been left for dead, and their remains drifted sorrow and a strong incense in the wind. Char tinged with blood coated the entire area with a heavy forebordance. The humans themselves were covered in mud and ash from their attempts to save what could be. Most of them gathered in front of a shattered building, one that had been destroyed from the inside. High above, Sesshoumaru could see the splintery remains of the humans' shrine blast out from a central point and, at its epicenter, they had built a pyre.

Flying closer, he squinted through the murky smoke as a strong breeze swept through, clearing his vision. There, on top of the funeral pyre, was Miko.

His heart stopped, for just a moment, before he berated himself. The events from the battle and his frustrating search for Tetsusaiga was leaving him foolish. He had heard about the woman who laid dead and in reverence below. This was the woman who must have sealed his dimwitted half-brother. It was her blood he had scented, and her memory the villagers were mourning.

A small girl with a large bandage over one eye sobbed as she approached the dead priestess. In her hand was presumably the torch that would send her to the afterlife. The fire's light reflected off the raven black hair and porcelain skin of the dead woman, and then caught on an object in her hands.

Now that he saw it, he knew this was the source of the power he had felt. The bauble was clutched in the hardened hands of the young woman, beckoning him nearer, promising him what he desired.

Sesshoumaru scoffed. The only power he desired was his own through the possession of Tetsusaiga. He dismissed the call of the jewel to search the area and, as day was beginning to break, the inuyoukai found what he was looking for.

He tried to ignore the priestess's final rights being acknowledged behind him, but the smell of new smoke and burning clothes reached his senses as he landed softly in front of an ancient and powerful tree.

It was not the same as Bokuseno. This was not a demon, but an insentient guardian. The tall branches and thick trunk were a beacon of timelessness imbued with holy power. He glowered at the sentinel and its captive.

Inuyasha unnaturally slept, pinned to the large tree by an arrow. He reeked of incense and spiritual energy, but, oddly enough, not of blood. There was also a winter-storm scent of a human woman hidden deep within, intimately close to the hanyou's own. Sesshoumaru tried to step closer, the gentle crinkle of dried leaves crushing beneath his feet breaking the serenity. When he went to examine the arrow its reiki buffered him back, spiking against his aura with impregnable strength. Shocked, he halted and stared. The emotion behind the sealing Inuyasha was victim to must have been immensely deep.

They had loved each other.

The taiyoukai snorted derisively and narrowed his eyes to disapproving slits. Look where love had led them; his half-breed brother betrayed by a miko...

...He couldn't scent or sense anyone near, yet there had been a small girl with black curls, deep, blue eyes and a painfully cheerful voice with him just a moment ago...

"Hn." Sesshoumaru resented the memory and tried to look away. The peaceful expression on the hanyou's familiar looking face fanned the dying embers of his long repressed grief.

He truly did look like their father.

The sunlight crept away, replaced by the strengthening fire in the village behind him, and Sesshoumaru felt his blood blaze. The mutt had spent his days here, falling in love with a human and trying to find happiness. He could not pinpoint why the thought made him so angry. He wanted to lash out. To strike that calm face. The secret of Tetsusaiga could still lie within him as he rested, leaving behind their troubles for others to deal with. The brat had fallen prey to the priestess he loved, unable to share the burden of their father's enemies. He had left him.

A loud growl resonated from his breast. His youki sparked in response to his anger, imbuing his hair with static and leaching red into his cool, metallic eyes. He raised a poised, graceful hand, a movement he had practiced countless times, and felt his energy gather. The grinding of his teeth creaked in his ears. The flames behind him highlighted his silver locks with gilded light. The markings slashing across his cheeks shattered, growing more jagged as he pushed his sadness further down, replacing it with bitter rage.

An autumn-cool breeze gently danced through the hanyou's white hair, unphased by the danger in front of him.

His father had left him, for this weak reflection of them both.

The taiyoukai curled his fingers tight and, biting back a roar, swung for Inuyasha.

He knew the barrier would hold. The force of it rebounded him, snapping his shoulder away and almost tripping him backwards as the pure, melodic ringing filled the clearing. It only furthered his insistence. He lunged forward, swinging wildly.

It rejected him, once again. The burning from the barrier crawled cathartically up his arm. He did not use his light whip or poison. He needed to feel the rejection in his hands and let its searing pain numb the repressed memories as they traitorously flashed in his mind.

The young, golden eyes looked up at his father, unable to hide their joy. As the Inu no Taisho wrapped the long, white pelt marking his son as successor, he smiled back. The pride in the Alpha's eyes radiated through him, and Sesshoumaru knew he had never been happier in his life than at this moment.

His whole life was built around the foundation his father had laid, and it was not until near the end of his life were the cracks found within it. The instability left behind, that the Dog General fought against when he had originally taken power, was now up to Sesshoumaru to seal.

The crowd was uproarious as he took on each challenger. All were in attendance to see if he would fail, except for the one who should have been there to watch him succeed. The General was sealing the dragon leader and suffering the fatal wounds that would eventually bring him down as Sesshoumaru secured his family's right as rulers.

They had both won their battles, but, in the end, were left holding on to nothing.

The trials should have solidified his status, yet many saw it only as a stepping stone. The centuries of tedious diplomacy that followed only echoed their discontent. He heard their whispers. 'If Sesshoumaru was truly as strong,' they would reason their disloyalty, 'Then why was he not given the Fang?'

For a tryst, his sire had turned his back. For a passing fancy, he had forsaken his mother. For the half-breed bastard sleeping peacefully under a love-gone-bitter spell, he had left him alone. Looking at the consequences, Inuyasha was not worth it.

'Those who survive have lives filled with shame, pain, and rejection. Father told me they are generally useless, even to themselves.'

A pang of jealousy disguised as disgust squeezed his chest as he fought against the feeling of insufficiency he had been trying to overcome his whole life. He would never see his sire again, but the bastard hanyou he had died for would be preserved forever, and Sesshoumaru felt an inadequate ache threaten to swallow him whole.

He had left him. Why had he not been worth staying?

Sesshoumaru hurled another brutish punch. The whomp of the resisting barrier echoed the chaotic pumping of blood in his ears. The image of Inuyasha pristine's face rippled under the unrelenting, waving spiritual energy, and he could imagine his father's face there instead. Locked away, unreachable, and with the secret to moving forward hidden somewhere within him.

His snarl grew stronger with each strike and his mouth tingled with poison ready to leak from elongating fangs. Raising both hands above him, he sucked in much needed air between clenched teeth and made fists so tight the claws bit into his palms. Droplets of blood ran down the length of his arms, mixing the iron smell with the smoke, purity, and residual comparable scent of their father. Then, letting the explosive roar tear from his throat, both fists came crashing down.

It was not his full power. He did not not want to break it. He wanted it to break him, just a little. Just enough for the pain to burn away the wayward thoughts of those who had failed him. He just needed the damn sword. Then, he could cut all those who opposed him out of the way. He could cut down the high esteem he held for his patriarch. It was his. He had earned it. He needed it.

The force of the barrier's rejection sent him reeling back, sliding on his knees away from the damnable, giant tree.

The holy arrow glimmered against the assault, holding its hostage with steadfast strength. Sesshoumaru panted, feeling the cold bite of the breeze against the sweat on his face and in the burning of his lungs. Both father and his bastard son were foolish. How could Inuyasha be stupid enough to love a miko-

'That's what I'll call you.' his clawed hand gently squeezed her false fingers. 'Miko.'

The fight in him died as her memory once again flooded his thoughts, smiling warmly and promising to never leave him alone. Normally, the thought of her would heat his blood further. She had betrayed him, too, with her lies and false comfort. But, it drained him instead. His face twisted as he closed his eyes and tried not to see Inuyasha's fate as history repeating itself. Because she was not history. She was never even real.

In the dawning light of morning after the completion of his trials, the heightening rustling of the castle's inhabitants woke him up far too early. His displeasure rumbled deep in his chest and he rolled over to bring Miko close to his bare body, but was unsuccessful. He reached out again. She was not there. Agitated, he lifted his head and pulled back the covers. Instead of finding her small form curled in protest against the rude awakening, the futon felt cold, as if no one had shared it at all the night before. Even her scent was gone.

His jaw twitched. No. Whatever she had been, Miko had never been real.

'Did I not feel real?' Kimiko had asked, toying with his perceptions, as if she knew he had been attributing her words to his imaginary friend's existence.

He was suddenly so tired. All the rage from a moment ago emptied out into the cavernous part of him that opened when he found himself alone that morning. Now, the visceral weight of his earlier defeat and the lost trail of the Earthly Blade threatened to drag him down into that same pit. He fought against it, concentrating on sealing away the pain others tried to bring him low with. He had to be better than it.

A deep thrumming through the earth broke his trance. Wakening back to the present, Sesshoumaru felt his unbridled energy trailing along his skin start to dissipate and his vision clear. He turned towards the shattered shrine and saw the high, licking flames from the priestess's pyre reach desperately for the sky. It pulsed with a menacing power. Another wave trembled through the ground and he sneered.

Now that his back was facing the sealed hanyou, his mind became resolute. There is nothing Inuyasha could give him now; not in this state. There had to be another way and he would find it. Flicking his hair over his shoulder, Seshsoumaru composed himself and walked towards the broken village once again.

The shrine smoldered. The priestess was burning, her corpse shining bright with the blaze and the brilliance she held gracefully in her hands. He watched as the jewel beat a steady rhythm, not as a death cry, but as a foreboding call. The townsfolk seemed oblivious, except for the small girl with the eyepatch. She was still, deathly white, and unable to do anything but stare.

Suddenly, the jewel collapsed into its holder and they were dragged down. They did not drop, but were drawn into the pyre- passed it- and into the afterlife. A resounding crack emanated from where they hit the earth and a last, large shockwave billowed outwards. Sesshoumaru tensed, ready to spring out of its way, but as he jumped the wave created a dome instead, rushing up to claim him. He braced, cursing his curiosity and the fatigue that plagued his battle-weary muscles.

He expected pain, but there was none. The siren song of energy from the jewel swept over him without any effect that he could tell. It quickly traveled, reaching the edge of the woods, and Sesshoumaru watched as its threshold hit an old, worn looking well.

The wood of the well glowed, swallowing the power that crossed its path with greedy abandon. A blue hazy light began to emanate towards the sky from its open maw and bright, pinpricks of light danced about the stream.

Sesshoumaru landed and took a few tentative steps closer. The ancient well hummed as the power it had consumed began to fade. He waited until the light died completely before glancing over the edge.

There was just darkness and the faint, underlying aura he never would have detected in idle passing. It was deceptively weak. If he had not just witnessed the exchange of power personally he would have assumed it inconsequential. However, now he knew better. It was not innocuous, it was waiting.

His hackles rose before he was fully of another's presence. It was brief, but he suddenly sensed another youkai in the area. Sesshoumaru glanced over his shoulder and scented the air. There was a putrid essence, almost hidden in the smells of burning wood, incense, and the priestess-

- Miko was burning -

He shook the false image from his mind and focused on the youkai intruder. He could not quite place it with the mix of spiritual energy and strong scents surrounding him. Was it a low level demon? A group of them? His nose told him it was a collection, but that was odd.

"Show yourself," he ordered to the unnaturally quiet trees, willing his observer out into the moonlight.

An allusive, low chuckle unfurled out from those dark places. Its sinister, self-righteous levity coated the clearing with malice. Sesshoumaru narrowed his eyes and gathered his youki, but in the next instant, the oppressive aura and disdainful snicker were gone.

.

.

...

.

.

The Western lands were deep into the heart of autumn when he returned. A fiery spectrum of color flowed freely over the forests encompassing the shiro. Leaves gusted along with the chilling winds and cascaded up his legs as he touched down in the bustling courtyard. Immediately, aids and court lords were at his side. Their questions and demands blended together into one irritating headache as he walked across the clearing.

"The Lady wishes to see you with great haste, Sesshoumaru-sama."

"Is the Devas Tribe dealt with?"

"Do you require anything, Sesshoumaru-sama?"

"Tell us already, what were our losses?"

They trailed with him, nipping at his heels for compliance and confirmations. Sesshoumaru stopped just before reaching the entrance and looked around. Most of the ruling demons and their attendants had gathered for his return. They finally quieted once he glared their way.

The demon lord snorted. "I do not answer to you."

The faithless chiefs were visibly stunned, but he couldn't bring himself to worry about what they thought they were owed. He turned again, determined to hide away in a hot bath, when a low voice admonished him under their breath.

"The Inu no Taisho would have never been so blase about war."

"I will warn you once," Sesshoumaru threatened with a snarl. His back was still towards the offender, but he knew that mocking tone. The old Eastern youkai had been a clever, outspoken critic of his since before the Alpha Trials, and the demon lord would not tolerate it any longer. "Any scent of dissent will be met with swift and severe consequences."

The idiot scoffed. "Surely, you do not mean to threaten everyone here? Your father should had taught you-"

There was a flash of light, a loud collective gasp, then someone screamed as the youkai's head hit the smooth stone.

"I am not my father," Sesshoumaru addressed the crowd, his tone so low and dangerous it seemed to freeze the courtyard. "I will not permit weakness and treacherous gossip. I will not tolerate those who choose to not heed my warnings. If you are in my way," he looked down to the beheaded demon, "You will find yourself removed."

The pale faces of skittish servants and dumbstruck expressions of the Western court members fueled him. He felt justified in their fear.

Not waiting for their response, he turned towards the castle's entrance again, and saw Osamu's shell shocked eyes catch his.

Sesshoumaru frowned, but pushed passed him, hoping to find brief solace somewhere within his ancestral home.

.

After a long, much-deserved bath, Sesshoumaru dressed into fresh silks and ordered for his meal to be served to his room instead of joining others in the main hall. He was not hiding from his earlier actions, he just did not want to deal with it right now.

The door slid open to Osamu carrying in a tray of fragrant tea. Sesshoumaru looked at his old friend with cold calculation. "I asked for a meal."

"I am sure it is on its way."

The brown inu set the lacquered tray on the small table. It was not the same one Miko had sat at countless times. He had shattered that one in a quiet bout of rage so long ago he did not remember what had set him off. Osamu settled himself, poured them both a steaming cup, then sat back to stare blankly at the opposing wall.

Sesshoumaru was puzzled, but chose to reach for his own cup and sit in silence with the other inuyoukai. Osamu was not the type to let things go uncontested, yet required time to sort out his words before speaking. It was true that words were not his specialty. Sincerity, however, was, and he deserved patience.

Dinner did arrive, and the nervous attendant delivered it with an overabundant deference that reminded him of Jaken. "Hn," he mused out loud, wondering if the kappa would find his way or if he would have to find him. He did have the Staff, afterall, and their hunt would continue soon. The youkai lord began to daydream about where they would begin their search when the silence finally broke.

"You are in pain, Sesshoumaru-sama," Osamu said, still staring at the delicately painted screen.

The taiyoukai snorted. "That is ridiculous," he said, but then immediately saw flashes of Daichi and Kimiko bleeding, of his father's blood soaking into coastal sands, Miko's silent last words, and of Inuyasha's serene face.

Osamu sighed, shaking his head. "Ignoring it will not benefit you. It will need to be reckoned with."

"It is myself, not my emotions, that are to be reckoned with."

"As that late lord found out today."

Another tense, silent moment passed as their tea cooled in their hands and food went untouched. Finally, the other inu took a sharp breath, as if steeling himself against retribution, and said, "You were right, about not being your father."

Sesshoumaru forced two deep, slow breaths to calm himself. It used to be so easy to remain passive, but that was the problem with allowing others to be close to you. They affected you. Perhaps there were truths in Osamu's concern. There was something that needed to be dealt with, and once he had his hand on the Fang he could put all of this behind him.

Then, his friend continued, "You should stop seeing that as a fault, because it is turning you into something you truly are not."

Sesshoumaru felt ice shoot into his veins, "And what is that?" he demanded.

Osamu slid his eyes towards his lord. "Does it matter exactly what? As long as it is not who you truly are, then it's wrong."

"I am curious," the silver inu challenged, "What is it you think I truly am."

"Honorable," he answered without missing a beat.

He tsked in response. "I am assuming you believe the honorable thing would be to remain here."

That took the Chuujitsu by surprise. "Y-you are supposed to be our leader."

"There is little honor in the conniving conspiracies of court. I am finished with those who demand from me when I should be commanding them." Sesshoumaru met his gaze. "Today was not a mistake. It was freeing."

Osamu's confusion marred his normally straight features. "Sesshoumaru-sama, you don't need-"

"What I do not need, Osamu, is anyone telling me what I need." He waved a clawed hand in the vague direction of the meeting hall. "I have done everything to gain their allegiance except hold Tetsusaiga. As I saw during the Devas battle, their opinion is inconsequential anyhows. Only power matters, and that does not come from their approval." If he would keep failing those that depended on him, then he did not need anyone. Not until he was strong enough. Not until he surpassed his father. "I leave in the morning. The stewardship of the West is in your hands. Once I have the Fang, then I will return."

"But-" Osamu began to argue.

"There will be no further discussion about it, unless you would defy me as well," Sesshoumaru snapped back. There was no dry wit or sarcasm lacing his words.

The threat hung between them. His room felt empty, even though neither had moved, and it was a long moment before Osamu finally reacted. He placed his cooled cup down on the tray gently and reached out between them, resting his hand on Sesshoumaru's shoulder. All the warmth in his tone disappeared. "Do not ever suggest that I might."

Sesshoumaru struggled with maintaining eye contact. In his frustration, he lashed out with his barbed tongue and insulted him. He recognized it had been in defense, though did not fully understand what he was defending, and could not take it back. Suddenly, he was ashamed and did not know how to properly apologize.

"Hn," he said instead with a softer tone.

It seemed to be enough of an atonement. Osamu released his strong hand and rose to leave. "Until you return, Sesshoumaru-sama."

.

The taiyoukai woke early the next morning, not wanting to announce his departure. There might be some confusion following the apprupt visit, but it was Osamu's duty to deal with it. With Daichi in the North and Kimiko, eventually, in the East, they should be able to hang on to this stifling kingdom until his return.

"You certainly caused a stir yesterday," an icy, feminine voice shattered the dawning day's serenity as he was tying the last bits of his armor on.

Ice crept up his neck and Sesshoumaru gritted his teeth. Perhaps, there was one interaction he had been avoiding. The impeccable lady of the West leaned against the open screen's frame, her gold eyes alit with guile. He forced himself not to shrink under her gaze. "As long as they keep their mouths shut in my presence, they can idle about any way they please."

"Is that what you think we do here?" his mother asked, her voice haughty and cold. "Idle about?"

"I tire of pandering to these capricious lords." Sesshoumaru tugged unnecessarily hard on the last knot. It dug into his shoulder, but he was not about to admit any mistake, no matter how small, in front of the Western Lady. "Their expectations are no longer my concern, and neither are yours."

She clicked her tongue and said, "It is not their expectations that trouble you," as her attention moved to his sword.

A whisper of a growl rumbled in his throat as he finished situating Tenseiga. Her words and timing were strategic. She battled well with wits and he was acutely aware that he was outmatched.

She stared at him, knowing he would not be so uncouth as to push past her, and softened. "You have nothing to be ashamed of concerning your father."

It startled him. "I am not."

Light filtered in from his garden windows as the sun began to rise. His mother blinked slowly, her full scrutiny boring into him, and responded, "No? Your pride betrays your words, but it is nothing more than a favorable mask."

Sesshoumaru knew his irritation was getting the better of him, but felt strength in allowing it. "You are one to talk of pride," he snapped accusingly.

She actually smiled a little and countered, "Your pride is familiar," acknowledging her own deep sense of it. "So, who better than I to warn you? This path you seek is unwise."

He glowered. "I am being prudent."

"No," she gloated, "you are being petulant." As her insult hit him, the Western Lady averted her eyes and the cold humor she had greeted him with melted from her expression. "You get your strength from more than one parent. You can choose to let him go."

He answered with a malicious, haughty snort, and the condescending curl in his lips added venom to his voice as he judged her. "Hypocrite."

A resounding crack deafened him and his head was flung to the side. His face was suddenly ablaze in pain. She was fast, impossibly fast. Her open hand, beet red from the impact, stayed raised where it had made contact with his cheek.

She had slapped him. Sesshoumaru felt his whole body awaken to the threat and he righted himself to glare down into his mother's similar eyes, and his retaliation died once he saw something in them he had never seen before.

Fire.

"No one addresses me outside my titles. No one, including you, whelp," she threatened, her commination purring from behind pristine fangs and painted lips. "If you dare attempt to again, I will rip those words out of your throat."

Sesshoumaru never felt as small as he did then, even riding the adrenaline of her assault. The side of his face was still burning, just a hint of the pain she had been carrying- a pain they both carried. Her nose twitched and she spun away from him, storming out of his room and slamming the shoji screen open. It shattered the wall in its wake.

The demon lord did not linger. He had wanted to continue his search as quickly as possible, but now he felt the need to escape as well. Ignoring the occasional odd looks from the castle's inhabitants, Sesshoumaru strode forward without so much as a nod in their direction. The taiyoukai was stoic, remembering every lesson his mother had taught him about the importance of remaining passive. Emotion was a weakness that would eventually be used against you. Unable to shake the image of her wrathful, hurt expression from his mind, he was truly beginning to understand.

As he took his last step beyond the shiro's walls, Sesshoumaru felt the oppressive aura lighten. Billowy clouds streamed across the purple and orange-hued sky. Fresh winds skirted at his heels and the trees ahead swayed, welcoming him back. He filled his lungs with the crisp, light air and let the sense of freedom wash over him.

Then, he heard scurrying coming down the path.

The point of a dark hat came into view, followed quickly by a panting, green demon. It was leaning against the Human Head Staff with every step, practically dragging itself towards the castle, and staring at the ground while he mumbled.

"I can't believe Sesshoumaru-sama would abandon me. He can be so careless, leaving me behind with all those other inconsiderate demons."

"Jaken," Sesshoumaru interrupted the kappa's slightly insulting musings.

His head snapped up, yellow, bulbous eyes wide with disbelief, and he stammered. "Sess-Sess-Sess-Sess…"

The taiyoukai rolled his eyes. "Come, Jaken," he beckoned, then walked past him. He caught just the tiniest bit of dejection in the imp's face before his back was to him completely. Expectantly, it amused him.

Jaken squawked then scrambled to catch up, begging the demon lord to slow down.

.

.

...

.

.

At first, they had pressured his father's old alliances from every corner of the kingdom. Each source only led to old clues and dead ends, but every time Sesshoumaru felt the hope begin to grow in his heart. Some of the false tombs were crude and made to look abandoned. Others were magnificent to look at. Some were even true tombs to other long dead youkai, but none belonged to the Inu no Taisho. Jaken would race ahead, eager to prove his worth, and plant the staff into the cenotaph. Every second they waited for the Cane's reaction took a millenia, and Sesshoumaru would think, 'Perhaps, this time…'

Then, the woman would scream and his hope would flicker out.

Their search continued for fifty years, and the only problem more irritating than the hunt itself were the ningen.

Humans were everywhere, fighting their petty wars and generally being a nuisance. Those that challenged him died quickly. Those that ran he did not bother with, their existence escaping his awareness once they were out of eyesight. However, no matter how many he dealt with, more seemed to take their place as bitter, constant reminders. Each terrified woman was the hime his father died protecting. Each crying babe reminded him of the one he could not bring himself to kill. Quickly, he learned to disregard their faces. Their voices were white noise. Every human became the same human, and did not need his attention lest they remind him of things he'd rather not think about.

Occasionally, Jaken would return to the West to deliver orders and fetch him information from his Chuujitsu, though he barely read the reports. If the West still stood and stood for him, then the details did not seem to matter. A half of a century passed in this manner, but because of the fruitless search time dragged on. Sesshoumaru would often stare out into nothing and imagine holding the sword, keeping up his warrior ritual and securing the inevitability in his mind.

He just needed a way to it.

It was on one of his vassal's trips that Sesshoumaru finally found the most elusive of his father's allies; Totosai.

The inuyoukai flew silently through the wispy clouds, riding against the winds to blow away traces of any scent and sound. A large, black ox demon was just ahead, the swordsmith on its back, oblivious to his approach. Every hunting instinct in Sesshoumaru sang. He clenched his jaw and snapped out his mokomoko pelt, tangling it around the beast's legs.

Both rider and steed shouted in surprise as they tumbled down to the ground. Sesshoumaru followed, ensuring the ox was still trapped until they crashed into a field. The impact sent birds flying off in a panic and the wave of his own imposing youki leveled the tall grass as he landed.

"Totosai," Sesshoumaru calmly called out, reigning in the ancestral pelt back to his side. "You have been avoiding me."

In a comic jumble of angry grunts and curses, the old youkai struggled to right himself. "I've got nothing to say to you!" he gasped out as he rolled out from under the large ox.

"Oh?" the taiyoukai taunted and watched him slowly get to his feet. Then, he cracked his whip above the other demon's head.

Totosai yelped, falling to the ground again. Sesshoumaru watched his face turn red and his large, round eyes narrow. Small flames shot out from his mouth as he screamed, "The path to Tetsusaiga will stay with Inuyasha like it is supposed to!" The old man quickly snapped his mouth shut and cowarded behind his steed, realizing his mistake.

Sesshoumaru frowned and responded, "The mutt knew nothing."

"And neither do you," Totosai screamed, this time with less fire, shielded by his burly ox. "Asshole!"

The inu demon charged, a sneer wrinkling his brow, and felt his hand prickle from the poison collecting at his fingertips. The swordsmith cried out rasping pleas as he was dragged through the broken grass, coming to rest with Sesshoumaru pinning him to the ground.

"I will find the Fang. In the meantime, you may keep your life if you forge This One a useful sword."

Totosai struggled in his grip, "You have a useful sword! Poor Tenseiga… both you faithless sons don't deserve what your father gave you-AH..owowowow!"

Sesshoumaru's claws pushed into the old youkai's neck and his arm shook from restraint. He could not kill him. Not yet. "I will be seeing you again and it would be in your best interest to have what I want."

Then he blurred away, leaving the ancient demon and his steed to collect themselves.

Joining back up with the energetic imp, he reflected on the new information Totosai had let slip. 'The path to Tetsusaiga will stay with Inuyasha…' There was not much he could do to the half-breed directly, but if there was a path, then perhaps they could find another way to it.

It was his, and the Dog General had no right to take it away. He would not only be as strong as his father, but he would surpass him. He will fight his legacy and replace it with his own.

Then, he would let him go.

.

Summer was beginning to trickle into spring. The bright, fresh green and pinks of reawakened forest and fields were deepening to darker, vibrant swaths of living landscape. The sun grew hotter and the cicadas roared louder everyday. The nights remained brisk, however, and were a welcoming reprieve.

Sesshoumaru leaned against a tree, the moss at its base cool and soft, and felt his eyelids droop. They were somewhere south investigating an ancient graveyard that was rumored to hold a secret entrance to the underworld, but had so far come up with nothing. The general consistency of his days blended together and he grew tired more often. With a deep sigh, he looked up through the filtering canopy and hardly noticed when he drifted off to sleep.

He was floating. There was no up or down, but there was a past and present. He was completely submerged in azure light that his movements dragged languidly through. Magic rippled against his skin like liquid, but he did not panic. The armor that normally sat heavy on his shoulders was gone, as was his sword and pelt. Their absence did not shake him. He was free, adrift among brilliant blue fireflies. He smiled, tried to catch one, then noticed how small his hands were. Disquieted, Sesshoumaru reached for his face and felt full cheeks and shortened fangs.

He whimpered, looking about. There was nothing else there. He was all alone. The comforting ebbing of blue mist that encompassed him was suddenly suffocating. Endless, wooden walls blocked him in a narrow passage. He couldn't reach the edge, couldn't claw out. He was drowning in a dry well.

Then, a soft hand reached down. A pink light glowed from the delicate fingers and blunt fingernails. Miko called his name from the unseen expanse. He stared, angry at its presence, but before he could decide whether he was going to grab on or not, he was pulled down into the dark- his hollow scream muted against the ageless wood.

Sesshoumaru awoke with a start, disoriented and panicked. His heart was thrumming with adrenaline beneath his breastplate. Thankfully he did not stir Jaken, who remained snoring soundly at the base of another tree. He tried to calm himself, but the dream puzzled him. He had not actively thought about Miko in many, many years, deliberately pushing her from his mind. Sesshoumaru knew he needed to forget, and to kill off, whatever part of him she had come from, and had been making great strides in ridding himself of her memory as of late.

So why had he dreamt of her now?

.

Hai! My name is Higarashi Kagome!

I'm just your average school kid, but through some strange, weird situation I've ended up here in the Warring States era. I've also become a target for demons- all after a jewel in my body. Now, I have to team up with a half-demon named Inuyasha who wants the jewel's power and intends to keep the fragments for himself.

It feels like a dream, but it's not a dream!

Not like the dreams I've been having since I started traveling through the well…

…

A/N: These interlude chapters were hard to write. Combining Sess's world (that I had to relearn after so many years (my fault)) with the world in the manga/anime was a difficult puzzle. I REALLY hope it didn't feel forced.

Thanks for reading/reviewing! :]