Disclaimer: All characters from the series Inuyasha that appear in this fanfic rightfully belong to Rumiko Takahashi. I do not own anything regarding their creation; I have Rumiko Takahashi to thank for that.

Author's Notes: Sorry about the lateness of this chapter (as both myself and bubu-chibi-chan are quite busy) but we're finally at the beginning of the third arc, the Kako-hen! This chapter wouldn't have made its appearance without the wonderful help from bubu-chibi-chan as well as the supportive feedback from the lovely reviewers.

fabelliot: Thank you for your encouraging and understanding reviews; I'm really glad to have your continuous support. :D

Yes, Sesshomaru's action tells that he indeed does care despite his seemingly cold-hearted attitude and annoyance. Inuyasha ultimately relenting and revealing the secret he and Kikyo shared is a big step for him, considering that he had given his word. Let's hope that he can forgive himself for it.

8579: I'm happy that you liked the last chapter and I'm hoping that this one will also be of your liking. ;)

Littlety: Nope, your notification isn't down. I was just a little late with the last chapter, as I am apologetic for this chapter also.

Haha, Sesshomaru as an otaku… somehow the imagination strikes me as quite hilarious. Him showing care but not making it plain obvious… I guess we can call him a tsundere, though to say it would be the same as painting a big red target on our backs. :P

Your excitement sure is contagious. But before we get into their possible future, I'm going to have to spend this little arc talking about their past first. I do hope that you'll enjoy it.

yami2703: Yep, we're diving right into the past! Enjoy!

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(This chapter was betaread by bubu-chibi-chan).

Chapter 23-Kako-hen: I Am…

If we don't move, we can't start

If we worry, we can't stop

I don't want to be coddled by dreams of this world's limits

-I Am (2nd opening song)

The first time Sesshomaru saw the human woman, he found his gaze lingering on her a millisecond longer than what he would've normally granted. The reason for such an unprecedented occurrence was not due to her plain choice of garment that covered every inch of her skin, nor was it the meek aura that he could sense from within her. It was because she was invited into the Western Lands — his father's domain — to walk alongside the territory lord.

'The human is more powerful than her appearance suggests.' The recognition crossed his mind briefly. Nevertheless, he didn't give her much of an afterthought. Being simply 'strong' didn't mean much to him when he was 'stronger'; his attention would only be bestowed upon those who were 'as strong'. Her aura might be more refined than any mortals he had ever met, thus bringing along the implication that she was spiritually aware. But that was all that could be detected. As trained as she was, she lacked the magnitude of power that those of the strong should possess.

The fact that he had considered her worthy of a glimpse was already more than adequate. A woman, a human woman nonetheless, was far too frail to deserve any of his interest. Not that the next heir of the west felt an unnatural disdain for humankind, but he didn't share his father's penchant to interact with the inferior species. His attitude was that of indifference. That should be all that was to it.

"Father." Sheathing his Bakusaiga, Sesshomaru approached the duo entering the training grounds and gave a greeting. While he did not bow or lower his head, there was a great sense of respect latched onto his usually apathetic tone, which had risen by a faint margin.

The Inu prince, Sesshomaru, was known to have acknowledged few and respected even less. The number of individuals that could capture his interest probably didn't exceed two digits. However, if there was one figure who deserved his utmost admiration, then it would have to be the great Inu no Taisho.

As usual, his father was the epitome of perfection. Not only was he unparalleled in strength, but his appearance also matched his flawless nature. Jagged purple-blue stripes decorated his handsome features, complementing the dazzling countenance that could effortlessly appeal to many females. His amber orbs were sharp with glistening intensity and his lush silver mane was spotted in a high ponytail. Clad in a white kimono with a matching hakama, armored breastplates, and boots, he was dressed in a similar fashion to Sesshomaru. Nevertheless, he emanated a sense of reverence and might that even his son couldn't quite be on par with.

Sesshomaru took the time once more to marvel at his father's supremacy. The Inu no Taisho was a paragon that he had once been inspired to become. However, as time passed and his childish thoughts were replaced with maturity, his ambition sparked and rose. It could even be likened to a rebellious phase. No longer did he seek to merely follow his father's footsteps. He decided that he would surpass the Inu daiyoukai called Touga, who was known to the world as the strongest. He would do it and prove to his father that he was worthy to be the successor of the Inu clan's prestigious bloodline.

"Sesshomaru." Perhaps Touga had sensed his inner thoughts because, at that moment, the demon lord locked sight with his son. Their eyes met in an exchange that promised a challenge. The wind timidly circled their long silver manes as the air grew thick from their crackling youki colliding. To any other, such behavior might've been mistaken for a hostile confrontation. But for Touga and Sesshomaru, it was another one of their familial greetings reserved for the Inu clan. The other means would've been to revert to their true form and tussle with each other. Yet, his father had given up on the affectionate gesture after securing his position as the ruler of the Western Province.

The atmosphere continued to condense for another minute before a pleased smile manifested from Touga's collected expression. He held a hand in the air, the palm facing outward in Sesshomaru's direction. Taking the cue, Sesshomaru withdrew his youki and the surrounding regained the tranquility that it once had.

"Impressive, Sesshomaru. It's been but a mere month since my absence and your power has grown," the almighty demon lord complimented his son in a cool tone. His focus maintained on the younger daiyoukai until the last syllable was articulated, then his eyes slowly slid over to the woman on his left. "But let us continue later, when the time is right. There are other matters I must tend to first."

When Sesshomaru followed his line of sight, the briefest instance of surprise inwardly manifested upon noticing that said guest hadn't moved an inch. She seemed unfazed by the amount of puissant youki that had been radiating from the two daiyoukai in close proximity. Even if he was to factor in the possibility that his father had deliberately minimized her discomfort by shielding her with his body, there was still the bone-chilling tension they had emitted to take into consideration.

Along with the discovery came a new evaluation. Oddly enough, it was then he felt it. The aura that had just been barely detectable flared and spread around her form like a fire burning down a forest. Sparks jolted and her white garment was illuminated in a faint glow of blue.

'She protected her fragile body by enveloping it with purification powers.' Sesshomaru surmised, finding his impression of the woman changing slightly. So she was previously concealing her powers? Was it out of respect for his father? He cast the rare pondering aside, as gathering answers for those inquiries wasn't his main priority. Although the woman was now noticeably stronger, her power still paled in comparison to his. If anything, he supposed he was more intrigued by her audacity.

"What do you think?" Distracted as he might be, he didn't fail to catch his father's question to the woman.

"As you said, Lord Touga. It is impressive," she said. Her voice didn't hold the softness typical for females but was instead laced with a roughness that was unnatural, almost like she had sand scratching her throat.

A transient pause cut deep before the woman added a statement that nearly made Sesshomaru's eyebrows furrow. It was apparent that being meek was never part of her objective. "However, I see no individuality in his aura."

"Yes, and that is why you are here." To amplify Sesshomaru's displeasure, the Inu no Taisho agreed with the woman's pompous observation as his hand made its way toward the two swords secured at the waist. Tenseiga was resting beside Tessaiga when its hilt was wrapped around by its master's steady fingers. "I trust you will fulfill your end of our bargain. Do so and I shall honor our contract."

Sesshomaru's vision instinctively flickered to the last sword of the set, which was strapped onto his father's armored back. Although it was the most powerful blade, it was hardly used and positioned where it wouldn't be the most convenient to pull out.

"I can make no promises… but I will endeavor to meet your expectations." The woman was daring as she tried to assure Touga as if she was on equal grounds with him.

The prince of the Western Lands inwardly huffed, though his face betrayed none of his discontentment. Even supposing he could overlook the woman's insolence, being the outsider in the conversation was starting to wear off his patience. Worse yet was that their random exchange was revolving around him. While he had no complaints about whatever arrangements his father might want to impose in order to test his abilities, it was an assault on his pride to know that a human would meddle in what could be his next sacred trial of succession. At any rate, he felt the incentive to cut in. His wording was acerbic as usual. "Father, if you are here to discuss my next trial, then I don't see why this human woman's opinion would matter."

"That is because she will be your fourth trial, Sesshomaru." Another brief but dazzling smile descended on the Inu no Taisho's features as he turned to Sesshomaru. The second their sight found each other's, the son deciphered the flicker of glee that lit up the father's golden irises. The younger daiyoukai knew that it was intentional. If the Lord of the West had wanted to be unreadable, then Sesshomaru had no doubt that anyone but his mother could pick up on his father's true intention.

"How so?" Sesshomaru kept his emotionless countenance strong, though he had an inkling that he wasn't going to enjoy the direction that this was going. He noticed from the corner of his eyes that the woman ran a gauze-wrapped finger down the string of her longbow, which was hooked onto her shoulder. Was it a sign that she was offended? He didn't bother trying to figure it out, finding neither the desire nor the need.

Having baited Sesshomaru into the conversation, Touga was quick to delve deeper into the topic of his desire. "You are to be my guest's guide. Everyone here will be made aware shortly. My son, I should not have to elaborate on the implications."

"You wish for me to grant this woman protection?" It was a rhetorical question that highlighted his displeasure. However, he made no other objections just as Touga didn't feel the need to reply.

In any case, it was Sesshomaru who had asked his father for five sets of trials that would prove his worth for the throne. No matter what challenges might come, he was confident that he would triumph. There had never been such a great urge to prevail against a set of obstacles. It wasn't even a matter of inheritance. Or to be precise, it no longer was. The rule never existed to begin with, as the prince of the Inu clan would inherit the Western Province by birthright. Nonetheless, the thought of simply taking what would be handed down to him was so dissatisfying. To have his name be remembered in awe because of his father's accomplishments instead of his own merits was a devastating blow to his self-worth.

Thus far, the first three trials had been relatively easy, a mere test of strength, intellect, and agility. So easy in fact, that it seemed the Inu no Taisho had opted to toss a new and unexpected variable onto the field. Sesshomaru was starting to ascertain the reason why his father had agreed with such terms. There was the intent to teach his son morals that he believed were important. But needless to say, learning to protect someone was a lesson Sesshomaru could do without, for being sentimental was the last thing the prestigious daiyoukai wanted.

His jaw lines became more defined and his eyebrows sharpened. It wasn't as if he was threatened or swaddled like some pathetic fool, though the option for refusal wasn't available either. Begrudgingly, he tilted his head towards the woman that would become his liability and took a discreet sniff, intending to engrave her scent into his memory for convenience's sake.

Having been prepared to be dealing with the stench of a human, he was genuinely left puzzled when he caught nothing of the sort. Another subtle whiff, somehow a little more than intended. It hit him this time. It was a prickling scent of smoke that nearly forced a frown on his impassive expression. While it wasn't something that would make him overly uncomfortable — as it was rather faint — he would prefer not to inhale any of it. Recognition arrived along with disgust. 'Did the woman smear the powder of the Youkai Taijiya to interfere with my senses? Hmph, a crafty audacious character.'

Being Sesshomaru, he didn't allow the unexpected to bother him. So instead of showing his surprise, he tonelessly questioned, "What is the duration of her stay?"

"She will be here for an indefinite time, for as long as I require so," Touga replied, sounding thoroughly amused. If Sesshomaru didn't know better, then he might've thought his father was inwardly laughing at him.

For the first time since forever, the Inu prince's eyebrow twitched in a display of annoyance.

The second time Sesshomaru saw the human woman was a day later. In spite of being delegated as her guardian, Touga had Hibiki show the guest around the west. Perchance it was to get the formalities out of the way. Or maybe it was because they needed someone more amiable than Sesshomaru for the tour. Whichever one it was didn't concern him. The less time he would have to spend babysitting someone, the better.

Still, he knew trouble would come to him sooner or later. As bothersome as it was, he was not going to do anything other than confront it straight on. He would neither run nor hide, for his pride forbade such repulsive solutions to even manifest. Any confrontation that wasn't direct would not be tolerated.

As if on cue, the woman stepped into the range of his senses. Her footsteps were unnaturally loud, nothing like the graceful pace yesterday. The contradiction made him all the more aware of her approach and he couldn't help but think that it was deliberate. She was trying to alert him, so as to not create the impression that she was sneaking up behind him.

However, her aura was still withdrawn. How annoyingly dull.

"It seems I may have arrived at a bad time. I see you're preoccupied, young lord." She stopped at a safe distance from his reach and greeted him. The extended range was a wise choice given her choice of weapon, which was the longbow that was slung around her shoulder.

Following his initial plan, Sesshomaru decided that he was going to ignore her, using an attitude that was neither friendly nor hostile. Just simple indifference was supposed to show. After all, the point of his trial was to protect the woman, not become someone who she could socialize with. Nonetheless, the idea was cast aside when he found his interest piqued by a single phase.

"What did you call me?" he demanded, despite having heard her the first time. The young prince continued to brandish his Bakusaiga like it was an extension of his limb. His sword dance was well-rehearsed in a manner that screamed proficiency. There wasn't a single movement that was extraneous or out of place. It was elegant yet dangerous, like a force of nature that would compel all to regard it with awe.

To think that the woman had unknowingly acknowledged his succession by addressing him as 'young lord' instead of 'young master' was admittedly a refreshing change. Whereas everyone else would use the latter title out of respect for his father's reputation, she was viewing him as an independent individual rather than his father's son.

"Young lord… or would you prefer Sesshomaru-sama?" The significance behind the title was lost for her as its meaning was exclusive to Sesshomaru. She almost sounded baffled, as if he had chosen the one line out of all the possible responses she had predicted and revised for.

He didn't expect her to understand given the limited capacity of her kind's brain and so found no reason to supply an answer. In the silence of their surroundings, his sword cut through the air with a gratifying whoosh.

"Tell me, are you considering me as a liability? Am I nothing more than a problematic burden that you must bear?" The quietness he preferred was shattered into pieces when she heaved a soft sigh and spoke in a manner that hinted disappointment. They were words that most would associate with a pout on a woman's countenance; he had witnessed such a display from several female youkai whenever he disregarded them. But while he couldn't see her visage from behind the mask, he had a feeling that the expression would not be something that she would ever wear.

"Are you implying that you can be of some use, however trivial? You are a feeble human, a waste of space and my time," he stated in a monotone, his eyes flickering towards her in an apparent display of boredom. Her lines were well-rehearsed — perhaps it was something his father had scripted earlier — though it didn't feel natural coming from someone like her. Someone who was truly blinded by his charisma and fretful of making a bad impression on him would be coy with their phrasings. That was the complete opposite of how unequivocal she was during their first encounter. His aura had no individuality? He was mimicking his father too much for any self-worth? The recollection brought a sense of displeasure and his next swing was slightly more impetus than the last.

"A feeble human?" she chuckled without any humor and the sound grated his ears like being pricked by a rose's thorn. "You are the demon prince they all say. In your eyes, you see nothing but those with power. Everything is measured by strength. But if so, then I may add some colors to your grey world."

'Is that all it takes for her to drop the act?' Sesshomaru stopped flourishing his blade, his youki discharging without any reserve. His hair fluttered in the wake of his powers as the surrounding air grew timid. "Hmph, it looks like you have yet to be taught how misplaced your arrogance is. You may be more powerful than an average man but you are sorely mistaken if you believe you have captured my interest. I seek nothing more than to battle the most powerful beings alive, which excludes cowards who conceal their aura and use it as an element of surprise."

The woman unmasked her energy in response, refusing to back down as she stood her ground. Her vicinity sizzled with blue statics. "Fine. Then I suppose you would not mind offering me a chance to—"

"As you wish." Sesshomaru didn't let her finish, having predicted what she was going to say. Slamming the harsh evidence into her face was much more efficient than a pointless discussion, where she could continue to throw in baseless claims. As long as he kept her alive, he wouldn't mind if he ended up breaking a few bones in the process. With that thought, he moved faster than greased lightning.

He disappeared from view momentarily, only to reappear right in front of her. A glimpse of the finger tab incorporated into the arm guard told him everything he needed to know in that split second. He struck at her right side with great precision, a test of coordination.

Her right arm came to meet the flat side of Bakusaiga. The blow meant for her ribcage was stopped midway. Sesshomaru resisted the instinct to tilt his sword hand and apply some actual force. Just as he told himself to pull back, she lifted her other arm and fired a blast of spiritual powers from her fingertip. His eyes widened at her swift retaliation. A flash of blue entered his vision, prompting him to dodge with an incline of his head.

The beam of power shot into the sky in an arc of radiance and eventually diminished in the blue heavens. His youki spiked in a reflexive warning, alerting him of the immense magnitude of power that had just barely brushed past him. His body tensed on impulse; so this was the extent of her true power, the strength she had kept hidden underneath her fragile form.

The woman exploited his surprise to withdraw, creating some space between them. Sesshomaru didn't pursue her. As if enchanted, he stood like a statue and observed the few loose strands drift down. His golden pools followed the fine lines of silver until they touched the ground, subsequently breaking the spell that had seemingly captivated him.

Tilting his chin up, he dragged his gaze upward until it was at level with the woman's veil. He studied her with a newfound interest. Although his stoicism never faltered, he was inwardly impressed with what he was presented with. In the west, his power was second only to the great Inu no Taisho. As a result, he was a daiyoukai with high standards. Only those who could prove their strength would be given some thought. Anything less would not capture his attention and the world in his eyes reflected such. Hence, it went without saying that this woman had accomplished a feat exceptional.

"Is this fitting for a demonstration… young lord?" she asked with a tilt of her head. Her voice was as rough as ever, though it carried enough vigor to draw his focus.

The daiyoukai gave a curt nod and sheathed Bakusaiga. Now that her spiritual energy was not reined in, he could feel the tension it exuded as it came into contact with his youki. Somewhat entertained, he discharged a little more power, only to find her doing the same thing. A tiny smirk crept onto his lips before it was gone in a flash.

"Name. I will have the name of the one who is valiant to stand before me and challenge me." In response to her great power, he supposed he ought to regard her seriously instead of being dismissive. She became the first human who he, the great daiyoukai of the west, acknowledged. It was perhaps the greatest honor he had bestowed upon any human. Although, if truth be told, no human he met before was quite like her. In just a manner of one day, her appearance had subverted all of his perceptions of humans.

Nevertheless, there was a part of Sesshomaru that was tempted to reclassify her, to label her as an enigma whose class was greater than mortals. It was an odd thought prompted by a resonance that he could feel between them. Her mannerism and her strength were quite similar to his; this encounter had proven that much. But being the prideful daiyoukai that he was, he soon cast aside the comparison, deeming it as preposterous.

"I am… I am known to many as Hijiri, Saint Hijiri."

The odd pause didn't go unnoticed by him, though he refrained from making it known. Saint Hijiri literally meant 'saint person' in translation. Not even a fool could believe that was her real name. Yet, he allowed it to slide without any repercussion, simply because he wasn't keen on probing. "Very well, Hijiri. Continue to prove me your worth and I shall permit you to address me as simply Sesshomaru."

"As you wish... Sesshomaru," she responded as she threw his earlier words right back at him, along with the nerve to mimic his indifferent monotone.

For the first time since yesterday, the Inu prince's felt the muscle on his eyebrow move. He resisted the urge for a twitch while inwardly admitting that his first impression of her was not as accurate as he would've thought.

Perhaps, he concluded, being her guardian for the duration of her indefinite stay was not going to be such a dreary task after all.

More Author's Notes: Okay, here's the introductory chapter to the Kako-hen. One may ask, 'Why is the chapter shorter than usual?'. That's a good question and I would gladly reply. We can all blame Sesshomaru for the shortened length as this entire chapter was told from his POV. As the daiyoukai who practically doesn't care for many things other than the few that I can list off with one hand — his father, power, etc. — his perspective shouldn't tell us any information that doesn't interest him. That's why you may have noticed how Touga was described with attentive details while Saint Hijiri is merely a human woman clad in white. Well, the descriptions will change as he and Hijiri/Kikyo develop a closer bond, though for now, don't expect too much. After all, this is Sesshomaru we're talking about, whose opinion about Saint Hijiri went from 'I don't give a damn about you' to 'You may become a potential form of entertainment for me'. (^_^; )