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: Whew, finally back with the next installment of this story. I'm sorry about the delay. Given all that was (and is still) going on, less time is getting spent on writing fanfics for me. In particular, it didn't help that this chapter is a pain to write; I had to rewrite some of the scenes four times before I was satisfied. Excuses aside, I'm grateful for all of your support and patience. Also, a very special thank you to Guest, fabelliot, sastra, HinataUchiha, 8579, Tsuyu no Inochi, Guest, Guest, and Freeh for your reviews.

Guest: Thank you and I'm happy that you enjoyed the last chapter and that I was able to convey the strong feeling of their reunion in words. With their one-year separation, Sesshomaru is finally able to realize what St. Hijiri/Kikyo means to him, and he is projecting the newfound feelings with an inner promise. And being him, we know he will give it his all to keep it. Now, if only the plot agreed with him…

fabelliot: Yep, we're getting close to uncovering everything that happened 500 years ago. Well, at least everything from Sesshomaru's POV. There will be some little pieces missing, which I intend on filling in via Kikyo later on.

At last, Sesshy has realized and accepted what his heart wants. You're right, it's like the final piece being slotted in. Of course, Sesshomaru wasn't going to let Asano's insults slide and completely humiliated him in front of his men. But honestly, Asano should've considered himself somewhat fortunate that Sesshomaru was in a good mood and had agreed to refrain from harming humans.

sastra: As mentioned in my newest PM to you, I've left out your review for chapter 33 so that I can respond to it here. Thank you so much for all those reviews; I've enjoyed going through each one and listening to your thoughts. I've always thought that given how complicated and aloof Sesshomaru and Kikyo are as individuals, their way of expressing romance would be rather convoluted. I believe they would seek each other's presence and be able to mutually understand/respect each other without losing their independence. The idea is that they would support and challenge each other (as you said, this is their unique way of romanticism) so that they would both physically and mentally grow as characters. At least, that is the picture I get whenever I think of these two together.

Yes, Sesshomaru will probably never use the word but we all know he's in love. He's finally getting to that realization and even inwardly considered Kikyo as a mother for his future children. Hence, his absolute horror towards her naming preferences, lol.

HinataUchiha: I'm indeed a SessKik fan and am pleased to meet a fellow shipper. It's amazing having you on board with this story. Thank you for your support!

8579: As usual, I'm thankful for your support and it's great to hear that you loved SessKik's characterization. They really do deserve more love.

Tsuyu no Inochi: I'm elated to hear that my story has kept your interest thus far. Kotori is so dense about her feelings that even Inuyasha is more attuned to it. Hence, why he can figure out that something is wrong. Though if we think about it, Sesshomaru's influences run deep in that girl and we all know how detached from his own emotions Sesshy is! ;P

Guest: Thank you for the review and I'm delighted to hear that this story is expanding your newfound love for the pairing. It's always great to find another friend who ships SessKik. Nice to have you with us! While our selection of SessKik fanfics is relatively small, unfortunately, there are quite a few rare gems if you look around. I personally have some great recommendations if you are interested.

Guest: Thanks for the review and support. Hope I'm able to deliver your expectations with this chapter.

Freeh: A new face! It's nice to meet you and thank you for your reviews! I do hope that you'll find this story adequately enjoyable and that you'll reach this chapter and see this feedback. During the earlier chapters, the hostility between Sesshomaru and Kikyo is thick due to their backgrounds but that won't stop them from interacting with each other. Especially in Sesshomaru's case, since he needs her cooperation for his conquest.

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

Chapter 34-Kako-hen: With You

We missed the fragments of the heart

Surely, the time has come to look for them together

Break and pursue them

In that clear sky

Seeking my way

-With You (The Final Act 1st Ending Song)

"Kakuju-obaa-san, Sesshomaru-onii-san and Hijiri-nee-san are still holding hands… Rin is very surprised. Do they like each other?"

Rin's whispered words carried over to Sesshomaru's keen ears. In all honesty, he had expected the question the moment he had decided to grab St. Hijiri's hand. Most likely, the tension that had been circulating back at the castle had made the girl suppress the inquiry. Now that they were a few steps away from the village cottage, she probably felt comfortable voicing her thoughts.

The daiyoukai supposed that to her and anyone else, he and the saint were individuals with great pride and a disinclination for physical contact. While it was true, none could see past their portrayal of stoicism to notice the mutual respect they had for each other. Their unique bond had a nature that no other would ever come to comprehend.

But if he had to confess, he too did not know how to properly describe this bond. It was forged on the knowledge that she was someone who he deemed worthy to be by his side — an equal so to speak. Though instincts told him there was something more, he was just not well versed in sentimental concepts to formulate an explanation. All he knew was the effect that her presence had on him.

She was making him ponder on notions outside the realm of logic and he could not find it in him to loathe it. Quite the opposite in fact, for he appreciated her presence as much as he welcomed the touch she maintained for the duration of their return trip. A year had gone by but the gentle coolness of her skin through the bandages was exactly as he remembered.

"I'm afraid I cannot offer you an answer, young one."

It took the combination of Kakuju's murmured reply and her confused glances directed at his back to pull Sesshomaru's mind back to the present. Years ago, he would've scowled at his inattentiveness. At present, he simply allowed his mind to engage in the more important matters. Yet, he would not be the seasonal warrior he was if he was not at least partially tuned in to his surroundings. He might have permitted himself to be distracted but his senses were unfailing.

"You can't?" At Rin's voice, the white-clad demon lord slid her a discreet look. Her confusion was apparent even without the head tilt, a gesture he suspected she had picked up from St. Hijiri.

The old woman nodded. "You'll have to ask the two involved. But be warned, they may choose to ignore your question. It's a sensitive subject, after all. And you can only find a few who are able to genuinely express what is in their heart."

St. Hijiri stopped, with her timing suggesting that Kakuju's words were the cause. Nonetheless, that was purely coincidental; they had arrived at their destination and Sesshomaru knew that the duo's whispered conversation had not been audible to anyone else but him.

"It appears stable. That's good. I was worried considering what happened but it seems my concern is unnecessary." The comment, while meant for herself, would have felt out of the blue for anyone not familiar with the saint as he was.

Straight away, he realized what she was murmuring about. She had been examining the state of his left arm, and Bakusaiga by extension, while their hands were in contact. As soothing as the gesture was, St. Hijiri was not the type to let distraction rule, to the point she would lose her practicality. Under normal circumstances, there was a rational reason attached to her every conduct. It was no different this time around.

Yet, he had to question the logic of how she absentmindedly moved her free hand toward his chest. Even without looking, he could envision the other two humans' slackened jaws. Frankly, he had not anticipated such boldness either. Despite having warded off countless sharpened steels, his breastplate was not precluding the pleasant tingle that her touch ignited his chest.

"Sesshomaru, I have heard rumors of what transpired." The half-trance his brain was immersed in was suctioned out by her next sentence. Observant as he was, he immediately noticed the additional care in her voice as she articulated her words.

Not a single reply came from him, especially since she had a tendency to pause before plunging into the salient points. The transient interval was probably there to give her the time to determine her phasing, particularly on delicate matters.

"Know that this is not pity. Never shall I harbor such disrespect. For I value your pride, just as you do mine. As far as physical prowess goes, I am aware you are as abled as you always are. But how do you do… in here?" She applied a fleeting pressure on his chest — or what he assumed was so, since the feeling was curtailed by his armor.

As with most things she did, his thoughts were sent swirling like a vigorous tornado. Under normal circumstances, they would not pry into the other's personal matters. So she must have deemed it as necessary then, he realized.

His foremost solution was to stay silent, to dismiss the conversation knowing she would respect his disinclination. But there was also a part of him that gave some serious contemplations. In all honesty, the question itself was a surprise.

What did he feel about the whole tragic incident with his father?

He discovered that he could not conjure an immediate reply. No one in the west — including Hibiki and his mother — had asked him, presumably wary of a negative reaction stemming from his pride. Alas, the saint was never afraid to speak what was on her mind, even when things pertained to the fearsome new Lord of the West.

While he was the last person under the heavens to wear his emotions on his sleeves, it did not mean the tragedy had not affected him. St. Hijiri knew and thus volunteered to be the source of outlet for the mental troubles he had kept buried deep.

"The internal wound I had sustained is far more grievous than predicted," he finally admitted, letting out a slow deep breath. Perhaps it was the knowledge that the saint was going to be a listener and not a judge that enabled Sesshomaru to open up, confessing what was obviously a sign of weakness.

As instinctively vague as his phrasing was, he did not doubt that she would be able to detect the weariness that rested inside his chest. Of all the new responsibilities thrown at him, nothing could come close to devastating his psyche as the emptiness caused by the absences of his father and Hijiri.

"I see… That, unfortunately, is not a scar that will fade soon. The sorrow of parting is never a trifling affliction." Comprehending, she gave him a nod that permeated — not with pity but — with solemn.

"Father's… untimely departure is infelicitous… However," His usual monotone was shifted by the slightest of fluctuation. At first, he could not identify the feeling but slowly, he began to recognize it as it morphed into reinforced willpower with each syllable leaving his throat. "It is also a palpable epoch for changes, where falter is not an option. It never is. I have no time to look back. There is much to arrange. In particular, we shall discuss your new role in the west."

He paused, thinking if he should leave it concluded. Yet, it felt like he was being too brusque and — dare he say — inconsiderate of her current situation. Regardless of whether or not he was curious, he was aware that unfinished personal business left as much of a foul taste in her mouth as it would for him. Thus, he added, "At present, however, I'm willing to cast that aside for your complication, which you have yet to enlighten me of."

"Ah, yes. That's right." She sounded surprised but only for a millisecond before the heaviness in her aura subconsciously returned to press on its surroundings, almost triggering a frown to mar the silver-haired youkai's features. "I've halted my pursuit and returned on Asuka's warnings. She had noticed the approach of the rebel army. Now that the village is safe and the threat is no more, I cannot afford to dawdle. That woman will most likely exploit this time to use against me."

"Your decision to return is not wrong." Kakuju's voice sounded as she invited herself into their conversation. "I appreciate it. Sesshomaru's sudden appearance startled me. I was at a complete loss. In retrospect, I suppose I could have been more tactful. I, too, am aware that Lord Asano harbors a terrifying grudge towards demons and sees them, at most, as tools for his convenience."

Dismounting on the horse, she stroked the animal's mane before taking a step towards the duo. "I'm glad that it is a concern no more, thanks to your punctual intervention."

"I do not regret what must be done, else many more will suffer from the flames of war brewed by the pride of two men," the saint responded with nonchalance but the stoic daiyoukai detected underlying detestation at the talk of war. "Nonetheless, where one duty ends, another remains. I had been close to locating that elusive woman."

"Where?"

Sesshomaru listened and felt a throbbing disappointment when the warmth he had learned to appreciate slipped out of his grasp. Pulling back a step and letting him go, St. Hijiri turned her head upward to gaze into the distance that was to her right.

"Far south, in a place I had not believed she would dare to transverse. The summit of Mt. Hakurei."

"What? Mt. Hakurei, you say? The sacred mountain that wards off all evil… It is not a place for youkai or humans as unholy as she has become. Why there? And how?" Kakuju murmured in disbelief.

Hijiri shook her head. "I do not know. However, I intend to find out. I suspect it is either an act born from sheer desperation or an elaborate trap. Knowing her, I'm inclined to believe it is the latter. Perhaps she has found a means to circumvent the divine barrier."

A weary sigh came from the old woman and she muttered, "I pray she hasn't, for the sake of all things holy."

"When are you leaving?" Sesshomaru cut in, rejoining as an interlocutor as he now had a gist of what needed to be done. Emotionless as his inquiry seemed, he knew she would be able to interpret what he had left unspoken.

"Tomorrow. If I leave now, I won't make it out of the forest by nightfall. Besides, Sesshomaru, we have much to converse." Apparently, she had other ideas about his desire to accompany her. Daringly ignoring the vexed glare he directed at her, she moved over to where Rin was.

"Hijiri-onee-san, are you leaving again? So soon?" the girl asked as the older woman assisted her off the stallion.

The saint crouched down until she was eye-leveled with the child. Her hand ruffled the black hair, which instantly had the effect of replacing the girl's pout with a chuckle. "Rin, I'm sorry. I cannot stay long. But I intend to make your favorites tonight, to celebrate Sesshomaru's arrival."

"We're eating together? Yay! Can Rin help? Rin wants Sesshomaru-onii-san to try the food Rin has learned to make!" she paused briefly, her eyebrows furrowing in the way children did whenever they pondered on something they deemed significant. Whatever it was, a realization settled and she beamed. "That way, you'll have more time to talk to Sesshomaru-onii-san."

"That'll be good. Thank you, Rin. You may start by catching the fish you want. Asuka shall accompany you for your safety. Don't stray too far into the water though."

With the saint here, Asuka was relieved of her duty to maintain the kekkai and was free to roam once more. Nodding once to acknowledge her new order, the shikigami followed Rin as the girl merrily went to grab a hand-weaved basket from the cottage.

Now there was one less spectator to interrupt what was long due between him and the saint. His golden orbs panned over to the old miko with a distant and unblinking look.

Taking the obvious cue, Kakuju faked a cough for attention and was quick to excuse herself. "Ah. Now that's settled, I'll help with the preparations as well. But first, I shall find a suitable place for the stallion to feed. He must have had a long day, carrying you all the way back here."

Her cooperation left Sesshomaru alone with St. Hijiri, who reclaimed her full height and turned around to face him.

"Sessho—"

Not letting her finish, he pulled his brows down by a margin. "You understood my implication. There will be ample time for conversations on the road. Why limit them to now?"

"Do you recall that time, just prior to your battle with Ryukotsusei, when I spoke of the occasional battles that one must brave alone?" When he nodded curtly, she continued, "This is mine. And mine alone. Please understand, Sesshomaru."

"I can. I have no intention of interfering if that is what you desire. However, I see no reason why you must go alone." He mimicked her emphasis and was quick to point out the flaw in her reasoning.

"You cannot accompany me," she stated firmly, with the intent to rip apart any retort.

"Elaborate." The frown that marred his fair features deepened. Had it been someone else other than the saint, then Sesshomaru would have found himself with waned patience. His tolerance was being stretched in ways that his new subjects would never believe were possible. In his long year of governing, he had nearly forgotten what it was like dealing with someone who not only dared to face him but was also equally stubborn.

"You heard Kakuju. Mt. Hakurei has a divine barrier that purifies all that is unholy. Long ago, it served as a sacred refuge, a last resort in a losing conflict against your kind. Fortunately, it was never needed. Though the mountain has lost its original purpose, the barrier created through the sacrifice of fifty monks is still potent against the ravages of time."

"I am not here for history," he uttered, letting his displeasure seep into his deep voice. If he wanted a history class, he would have resorted to the countless scrolls stored in Hibiki's archive. "Do not make me repeat myself. I permit none to halt my advance, least an inanimate object of all."

An exasperated sigh left the saint's lips. "One with your caliber may be able to enter but not without great stress being imposed on your body. Believe me. I do not speak with the intent to undermine your capabilities."

Sesshomaru gave no verbal response. The look he hurled at her revealed his unwavering attitude, which he felt the saint returned at full force unflinchingly.

Tension began to accumulate, compressing them with the crushing power of an avalanche. The similarities in their personalities provided them with the ease of mutual understanding. Nevertheless, when obstinacy was also one of their shared traits, there were bound to be moments when they clashed due to their reluctance to yield.

Still, it could not go on forever.

"I do not have time for this." Eventually, albeit reservedly, St. Hijiri broke the condensed atmosphere with a shake of her head. She was obviously no more thrilled about the stalemate than he was. "You have every intention of going while I am adamant you do not. We will spend the rest of this day engaged in a senseless dispute. At present, time takes precedence over my pride… I shall compromise."

He nodded stiffly as caution weaved into his mind. Seldom would she initiate a negotiation unless she was confident. Verbal tact was her area of expertise, a weapon she wielded better than him and probably only second to her bow and arrows. He had to be careful and ensure that everything would be examined from all angles.

"Mt. Hakurei is a few days' journey from here on horseback. You may follow as you wish but I shall engage the enemy on my own."

Sesshomaru couldn't resist arching his eyebrow. That was shorter and far less complicated than what he had anticipated. In fact, it did not sound like negotiation and more like reluctant acceptance.

'This is unlike her. She feigns insouciance, but in reality, she feels… threatened.' Mulling over her words and behavior, her implied request began to sink into place. "So you desire from me the same as what you have done when I confronted Ryukotsusei."

"Yes, that is correct. Similar to your battle with the dragon, I have a personal agenda to fulfill. The subject of my agitation is the culprit responsible for aiding Utsugi in his obsession. She has strayed far from the path of our late sensei, becoming a kuro miko who is notorious for inflicting curses on the innocent. Her misdeeds must be judged." This time, she did not bother concealing the disgust that rolled off her tongue.

Whereas her brows must have knitted together in a tight frown, his began to relax now that he could comprehend the reason for her fixation. Nonetheless, he was also reminded of his recent inner proclamation.

'I shall forge a path where our separation will not occur again.' Although the upcoming short duration could hardly be called 'separation', she was, coincidentally or not, already creating complications for him.

Typical of her, frankly.

'Consider yourself fortunate that you are worth the trouble.' After an internal sigh that his poker-faced façade kept hidden, he granted her a nod of consent. "That is acceptable. However, I shall come for you the instant I sense the conclusion of your battle."

"And I shall not have it any other way," she said softly, and no visual image was needed to confirm that her frown had been replaced by a gentle smile underneath her veil.

Accompanied by the river of stars, the silvery moonlight filtered through the leaves and cast its radiance. Bathed in its brilliance, the silver-haired daiyoukai resting under the tree felt the light bounce off him, amplifying the sense of majestic splendor he was born with. With his eyes closed, he sat against a tree. His mokomoko was spread out to separate his back from the rough bark. One of his legs was bent up while the other was stretched out, generating the impression that he was relaxed.

And in truth, he was relaxed. He hadn't felt this tranquil in the year he was struck in the west.

The sound of grass crunching shattered his isolation. Revealing his golden orbs to the world, he found his gaze on the newcomer. Her white clothing became prominent, a contrast to the darkness, and somehow reinforced the divinity that her presence generated.

"Hijiri," he greeted. Involuntarily, his features softened by a fraction.

"Sesshomaru, are you certain you do not wish to join us? Our abode may be small but it can accommodate one more," she said, making her way over to him while carrying a bowl. At the same time he noticed the spoon leaning against the wooden rim, an appetizing fragrance drifted into his awareness.

He did not feel like responding to what sounded like a rhetorical question. Instead, he returned the question with one of his own. "It's getting late. Have you not eaten yet?"

"I have," she replied, finding a spot beside him. "This is for you."

"I do not consume human food." His response was quick but half-hearted, for his mind was preoccupied with a notion that had manifested abruptly.

The autumn nights could be chilly, especially with winter approaching. Surely, the saint would have left a misty trail with each exhale if not for the veil she donned. With that rare thought of concern, he gave a mental command to his mokomoko. Slowly, the soft pelt unfurled until he was sharing half of its warmth with her.

"Thank you." Once she overcame her surprise at the moving fur that embraced her, she snuggled up next to him carefully to avoid spilling the broth. Only when she was comfortable and certain that the content inside the bowl was safe did she give the spoon a gentle stir. "Rin helped make this. Despite her small frame, that child is a ravenous eater. She finishes everything we prepare for her, regardless of how it tastes. You can imagine how taken aback I was when she left this small portion untouched and asked me to take it to you."

"A convincing attempt, woman. But you should know by now that I am not easy to coerce."

She stopped the stirring. "I'm well aware. I would never have insisted if not for Rin's sake. I do not wish to see the child's countenance blemished by sorrow if it can be helped."

"You care for the girl even though you share no blood relation," he remarked. That was another aspect of humans that he could not fathom. Adoption was infrequent amongst his kind, simply because it didn't align with nature's rules. There were no advantages to be gained from raising an offspring that did not share one's blood. Even in extreme scenarios, such as his sheltering of Kotori, there was a benefit. It was a different matter with the saint though. His observations revealed that the woman was doing it simply because she sought to reinforce the smile on the child's face.

"She deserves a semblance of a normal life, as do all children." Her answer was short and somehow, it nagged him that she wasn't telling him everything.

"Hm. What is the girl doing at present?" he asked nonchalantly. Mild curiosity urged him to tackle the exchange from another angle instead of dropping it as he usually would have.

"Most likely listening to Kakuju's bedtime story." He felt her lean back, permitting herself to sink deeper into the softness of his pelt. "She'll need to get to bed early for tomorrow. As intimidating as you were towards Lord Asano, that man has foolish pride. Kakuju believes we should exercise caution and find another place to call home before he acts on impulsiveness. We have no more reason to impose on this village any longer, after all."

"Where to?"

"Wherever they will be accepted, I suppose. Regardless of where, there should be no problem so long as they retain their bond. Those two converse as if they were a grandmother and her granddaughter."

"If so, does that make you the mother?"

"Pardon?" She jerked up and whipped her head towards him, somehow managing to keep the broth steady despite the quickness of her movements. Whereas he portrayed an expressionless exterior, he could almost imagine the widened eyes underneath her veil.

"You heard me." His statement was dogmatic but on the inside, he had to resist arching an eyebrow. Odd that the question caught her completely off guard, as if she had never expected to be the parent of any child, let alone Rin.

"This is… unexpected coming from you," she murmured as his words pulled her out of her stupor. There was a shade of sadness he deciphered from her aura before she suppressed it. "No, I don't suppose I've given it much thought… That aside, the food is getting cold."

While she returned to stirring the soupy content, Sesshomaru briefly considered whether or not he should press on the subject. Deciding that he would not be the one to destroy their silently endorsed rule of mutual respect, he left it be and instead said, "If you only require an emptied bowl as proof to the girl, then it matters not who consumes the content."

"I am to assist you in deceiving Rin?" He sensed no genuine incredibility from her, presumably because she had partially anticipated what he might say.

"Yes, a human tongue is more fitting to sample human cuisine than a youkai's. I would also suggest you do so sooner than later, as you are so disinclined about consuming it cold."

"...Fine." Contrary to the expected, she offered no further counters.

He expected her to say something along the lines of having already eaten but there was no such remark. Instead…

"Close your eyes," she murmured.

'So that I cannot see your visage.' It took him a second to fathom the reason and another to oblige. He pulled his eyelids down until darkness overtook his vision. All the while, his other senses remained keen. The first apparent thing was the sweet fragrance of the broth, which he ignored. Simultaneously, his ears picked up on the ruffling of fabric, informing him that she was pulling off her veil.

After a few sips barely audible to his sharp hearing, he heard her speak after a swallow. "I'll ask one last time. Are you sure you do not want some?"

His silence signified his refusal, which she took as a cue to return to her consumption.

"…Stubborn as always." He heard the mumbling before detecting some motions next to him. Since there was the soft sound of the bowl being placed on the ground, he assumed that she was shifting around to find a more comfortable position. Thus, he did not expect her to push most of her weight on his resting form.

Confused, his golden orbs snapped open, only to meet her palm as she placed it over his eyes. Ensuring that he would see nothing but blackness, what she did next was something he had never foreseen.

When her lips enveloped his, all rationale and instincts fled from him.

Sesshomaru's eyes widened. He could still see nothing but his other senses were on overdrive.

He could feel the warmth of her body as they subconsciously found each other's hands and intertwined their fingers.

He could hear an unusual and erratic pounding that originated deep within him, accompanied by a mental conjugation of a husky noise coming from the depths of his desires. It sounded like a mix between a low growl and a contented grunt.

Most significantly, he could taste the distinctive and heavenly flavor that only belonged to her — along with the meat and vegetables that wafted in with the small portion of broth. The food informed him of the initial purpose of her action. But at this point, both were aware the act had evolved into a desire out of their expectations.

He would not mind savoring this moment for all eternity.

Dissatisfaction dropped like bricks when she gingerly pulled back for some air, all the while keeping her palm where it was. She managed to take three deep ones before the primal side of him pushed for the initiative. Having been astounded by the bold intimacy, there was the irresistible urge to even the score. Disinclined to let her escape, he moved to grab the wrist of the hand that was being used as a blindfold and pulled her forward. Closing his eyes for her sake, he swallowed the soupy content and was pleased when he found her lips once more.

From the way she reciprocated, whatever was left of his rationale suspected that she too had little experience with what they were doing. Still, that did not stop her from daringly probing with her tongue, which he responded to the dance.

Aware that his sight was willingly compromised, the hand pressing onto his eyes fell limply to the side and he found the freedom to comfortably rest his behind her head.

His fingers ran through lustrous tresses as he immersed his entire being in the surreal sensation. He felt as though he was back to being a pup, at ease and without a care for what was happening around him. No. That wasn't exactly it. It felt more like the rest of the troubled world no longer existed and he was inside a warm cradle that swayed pleasantly from her benign presence.

As much as he desired this moment to be eternal, it ended when the saint disengaged in favor of getting her needed supply of oxygen. As she disconnected their hands and climbed off him, he found his rationale slotting back into place. With his other senses still recovering from the sensual overload, it took him a few seconds to realize that he wasn't utilizing his sight.

His eyelids fluttered open and he found her with her head turned around. She was preoccupied with donning her mask. Noticing that her lush raven tresses complicated matters, his hand moved on their own accord and he absentmindedly assisted her by gathering them up.

"I appreciate the assistance," she said, her voice a little muffled since she was in the middle of pulling the fabric over her face.

"That was a bold and unorthodox move. Efficient, however." His lips moved on their own and he barely managed to roll off with a monotonous cadence while his mind fought to tame the wild gales of sensation lingering inside him.

"Your logical observation is much valued, Sesshomaru," she remarked dryly, managing to excel him in terms of keeping her composure. If he had less self-discipline, he would have cursed at being bested. Though if truth be told, the fact that she wore a headgear meant that she held an advantage over him. She did not need to endeavor herself to stow away the myriads of emotions that were also currently trying to crack his phlegmatic features.

"Considering the implication behind my action and your… retaliation, perhaps you would like to offer your opinion… What is your verdict on the… taste?" How she managed to sound so unruffled was beyond even him. Her double meaning was as clear as the silver moon in the cloudless sky. But other than the most subtle hint of mischief that he detected, there were no visual cues he could use to decipher her actual feelings.

"It is… transcendent." In his haste to reclaim a semblance of ascendancy in this particular exchange, he would come to begrudgingly rue the very un-Sesshomaru-like stupidity that spilled out. Inwardly scowling, he quickly tried to redirect the conversation. "Your action also transcends my understanding. This is the second time you have resorted to such means. I hope this is no fancy of yours."

"Efficient as it can be, I do not make it a habit." She seemed content leaving it at that, until she tilted her head for some contemplations and then gave an elaboration. "Most patients I have nursed are not fastidious. They accept whatever I offer, no matter how bitter the taste. Seldom do I meet individuals like you, who is so stubborn that he is beyond reasoning."

"You are no different." A derisive scoff exited his lips, one that was generated from habit rather than being a representation of his mood.

"I won't deny that. There are occasions where one's tenacity determines the severity of the contrary response. If you had not asserted yourself in our previous disagreement, would you still have gotten your way? Most likely not. It is why I concur that moderate obstinacy is necessary at times."

"Your definitions do stray from conventional beliefs on occasions," he remarked drily and felt a non-hostile glare aimed at him. He gave a miniature smirk in return. "But I recognize that you have no intention of offending, as I have not."

She nodded before easing the muscles on her arms so that she could learn back on his mokomoko. Once again, the new Lord of the West felt her body temperature spread to him. Even though his demonic energy served to be an efficient insulator, it did not prevent him from enjoying the inexplicable warmth that coursed through him. The reason for so remained unverified by his logical side, though he was aware that she did not have to be pressed up to his body for him to feel it. Just her presence alone had that unfailing effect on him.

St. Hijiri inclined her head to marvel at the stars, unmindful of how Sesshomaru appeared lost in his thoughts. With that, there was a comfortable silence between them for several minutes before she decided to break it.

"You know, Sesshomaru, stubbornness can only endure so far without faith… I'm ashamed to recall the moments of doubt that I had when I thought you were far too engaged in your new responsibilities to remember our promise. To think that such a notion manifested for even a second, it's—"

"—it's nothing." Her atypical lamentation demanded all of his attention and he decided to interrupt her before she could finish. All of a sudden, there was the strongest urge to reveal his opinion on the matter while ensuring there would be no ambiguity, period. "The moments of doubt, as you called them, are of no consequence. You deliberated, you pondered, and you hesitated. But your conviction was not swayed. You remained in the village at your detriment. If I were to vanquish an annoying pest, finding a temporary dwelling would be a more efficient option as opposed to returning to my regular abode. I see no sensible reason to journey the superfluous miles for a comfortable place to rest. To have such a perfunctory attitude would only suggest incompetence. You may as well forget about the undertaking and leave the chase to the determined. It is nonsensical and a waste of time. That is, unless, it is the faith in my words that takes precedence in your mind."

"Sesshomaru… you… Is this your attempt at discursive consolation? I'm astounded…" As surprised as she was, once it wore off, merriment followed in the form of laughter as the discreet melancholy loitering in the edges of her being was lifted. "Yet, your words are — should you choose to — undeniably credible. I should have expected no less from you."

Despite knowing it was temporary, Sesshomaru took in the satisfaction and said nothing. Instead, he inclined his head to behold the stars. The corner of his lips curled upward by a fraction, displaying an expression he couldn't quite define. Needless to say, it was very different from his usual condescending smirks. The realization that he was acting oddly prompted stoicism to return on his external. His interior told a different story, however; indifference would not be a state he could achieve with her around.

But more importantly, he embraced the idea that he had finally heard her openly laugh. As rough as the sound was, there was a magical component that enticed the demon lord into thinking that it was euphonious regardless. Perhaps, he noted, it was because of how free and expressive it was.

For just these few seconds, St. Hijiri was merely an ordinary woman relieved of the heavy baggage named duty. And that was enough to make her appear brighter to him than any of the stars above them.

"…With you, it seems there is never a dull moment, huh?" His murmur was lost to her amidst the joy that she should be rightfully indulging in. Nonetheless, it held the purest truth for the one who had uttered it.

More Author's Notes: Now that the main villain of this arc, the kuro miko Tsubaki, has been properly introduced, I can officially say that we're now getting to the finale. Only about two or more chapters left until we find out the full story of their past from Sesshomaru's POV. By now, I'm sure some of you can already guess what's going to happen but I'll do my best to throw in some foreshadowed but fun elements.

But before that, there are some trivia that I think are worth talking about here:

-First, this one is the most important for this chapter. Chronically, SessKik has just shared their second and third kisses if we count the brief one they had back in chapter 25. I hope I managed to capture Sesshomaru's feelings and thoughts while keeping him in character. But damn, it took him two tries before he finally initiates! Lol, way to keep the girl waiting.

-Recall the presence Sesshomaru sensed in chapter 30 after Utsugi's defeat, which is indeed Tsubaki. Now, we know that she is the one who orchestrated Utsugi's plan to become human and the one that has been keeping Kikyo busy during the year that Sesshomaru is back in the west.

-Pay attention to their talk of family. Notice how even Sesshomaru has given minimal consideration to this topic while the idea seems so farfetched for Kikyo. If you connect their backgrounds and think about their circumstances, you can see why that's the case.

-Okay, about Sesshomaru's long speech on conviction and doubt, I kinda made it longer than it needs to be to prove a point. While writing, I couldn't help but criticize the canon Inuyasha and his group's conduct. While having Kaede's Village as their home base sounds like a great idea, it really is inefficient when their whole quest is all about gathering the Shikon Jewel fragments that have been scattered across the country and defeating a villain who is going around to gather them. It's no wonder why Naraku ended up being the one who collected most of the shards near the end of the series. (；一_一)

Alright! As challenging as this chapter had been, I had a lot of fun imagining and writing out the scenes, and I wish this chapter was as fun for me to write as it was for you to read. Again, feedback, criticisms, and questions are very much welcome.

I'll see you all in the next installment — where their final battleground will be on Mt. Hakurei!