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: The newest update has arrived! I hope everyone will enjoy it. But first, in order to get the most out of it, I recommend quickly looking back at chapters 17, 18, and 19 as a refresher since it's been a long time. The key to Inuyasha's problems shown here lies in that arc.

Thank you for all the feedback and support for the last chapter. In particular, thank you to RedHood001, 8579, Amina0602, fireplume, Guest, and lightpotioon for leaving a review. Moreover, a special thank you to bubu-chibi-chan for proofreading.

RedHood001: Thanks! It always is a joy to hear that my story is satisfying to read. Piecing together everything from the past has been a fun and challenging aspect of this tale. I hope you'll also look forward to seeing the plans for their future.

8579: I'm happy to hear I've kept them both in character. ;)

Amina0602: Lol, Sesshomaru makes everything intense. Glad you liked it. Hope this chapter will give you some insight into where the new arc will be heading.

fireplume: Your review is very much appreciated. Thank you and sorry for the wait with the last chapter. It's reassuring to know that you loved their interactions and that the interjection of their past wasn't a problem. I did wonder if slotting in their past in what seemed to be right after the climax of an arc was a bad idea or not. Thankfully, it all worked out.

Well, Sesshomaru chose the most efficient way possible to prevent additional trouble, which ended up being very intimate. Though I'm sure a part of him loved seeing how flustered the miko was. Also, good to know that you shared Kikyo's anger regarding Sesshomaru restraining her again. Seeing the readers respond to the situations as the characters do is a proud achievement for authors like me since it means I've managed to write entertaining characters and engage you with the story. :D

Guest: I'm flattered. Thank you. Your compliment has made my day.

lightpotioon: Awesome to hear that I've met your expectations and I'm hoping this chapter can do the same. It seems you have a pretty good idea of the drama that Sesshomaru and Kikyo can get into based on your imaginations for the last chapter haha.

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

Chapter 39-Unraveling the Past

"Even a renowned sword is no better than a piece of log if all its owner does is swing it around." -Sesshomaru on swordplay

"I attempted it on one occasion and a certain contemptuous individual made the presumption that I was dancing..." -Kikyo on swordplay

The night was gelid. The wintry breeze frolicked the Western Lands. From a clearing devoid of tall vegetation in the palace's gardens, Sesshomaru could feel the wind toy with his silver tresses and ruffle the white sleeves of his kimono. Unperturbed by its persistent tugging or the cold that it summoned, he brandished his blade in a series of fluid motions that would put the greatest sword masters to shame.

Alas, he was far from being placid.

Five centuries was a long time. He was no longer as acquainted with Bakusaiga as he preferred. Despite being similar in size and shape to his Tenseiga, Bakusaiga had its grip, weight, and properties that made it distinctive. With each swing, he was re-familiarizing himself with the blade's idiosyncrasies.

'I have a gift now. Bakusaiga pulsates with power beyond imagination. Yes, this is it. The power I seek!' Reborn from the combined strength of an almighty daiyoukai's youki and a powerful miko's spiritual powers, the sword had the exclusive unparalleled ability to disintegrate all that its wielder desired. There was no other weapon like it. Even the two swords strapped to his obi felt mediocre. Whereas Tenseiga and So'unga were potent tools destined to be wielded by him, Bakusaiga was an extension of himself and the physical manifestation of Kikyo's connection to him.

Immersed in his practice as he was, negligence was still inexcusable. Inu youkai were territorial and Sesshomaru was no exception. His youki permeated the entire area, serving as sensors for anything that came within range. He was aware of Kotori's demonic energy the moment her boots came into contact with the grass by the edge of the garden. Seeing no reason to halt his exercise, he continued until the demoness reached him.

"You're late. So the woman is disobliging yet again," the daiyoukai remarked, offering a phlegmatic deposition while lowering his sword arm to his side. Although concerned for the miko's wellbeing, his pride held steadfast to his regal reputation. What was between him and Kikyo was their own business. Even his trusted subordinates did not need to know the extent of his concern.

If Kotori had an inkling that there was something else other than apathy, she did not show it. She bowed at her lord as the proper protocol decreed. "No, Sesshomaru-sama. The miko is not to be blamed for my tardiness. It was I who decided to linger after she ate and ingested her medication. Forgive me. I wanted to see if I could console her. For four days she has remained in a state of reticence."

Being left in an extravagant room and offered delicacies while confined to a bed in chains would induce disapprobation from anyone, let alone the obstinate miko. Sesshomaru's method was meant to cease any form of self-harm, though it would not be odd if she had convinced herself that there was a degree of paltry vengeance in his intent. Hence, he had expected anything but inactivity. Was her injury graver than expected? Or was this a part of a complicated plan?

"It's fine," he said to Kotori in a dispassionate tone. "You were merely following your orders. But be aware. The woman is an opportunist. Her compliance, taciturn, and even recalcitrance may well be a charade. Do not forsake vigilance and continue your duties."

"Ah, yes! I understand. My eyes shall remain keen, Sesshomaru-sama," replied the bird demon. Although she perceived nothing but genuine lassitude from Kikyo, she also knew better than to dismiss the Inu lord's warning. The miko could be manipulative and the swordswoman had experienced it firsthand. Suppressing a frown, she made a note to be on guard.

'I want to believe that no schemes are involved but I also don't want to take the chance of Kikyo-sama hurting herself again.' Sometimes, it terrified her to think how little the woman valued her own life if it was for the greater good.

Her lord gave a small flick of his wrist, which she had long since associated with casual dismissal. She would have taken the cue and departed under the normal circumstances but her growing amity with Kikyo simulated concern. Lifting her head, she darted a look at her master's countenance to gauge his mood. She interpreted nothing of value. It was as if Sesshomaru was putting effort into maintaining stoicism. Not even centuries of being around him could help her decipher anything.

Left with no alternative but to wager that he was in the spirit of being magnanimous, she dropped to the ground, with one knee pressed against the hard floor. In general, rulers preferred their subordinates to prostrate before them as a display of servitude. The Lord of the West, on the other hand, favored another gesture. Bowing, he had once clarified, showed adequate reverence without compromising movements in the event of sudden peril. Hence, Kotori seldom went down on her knees in front of her master. She hoped that the posture would highlight her solemnity. "Please, Sesshomaru-sama. If I may be so bold as to inquire."

"What is it?" Her ears jerked when she heard him. Fortunately, it was a tone of curiosity rather than annoyance or indifference that she could detect from him.

"It's about Kikyo-sama's injury. A dagger wound would take time to heal… but I sense peculiarities. There's a dark aura. It's baleful and unnatural. I fear it is not something Masayoshi-sama has a remedy for."

"Is that all? I'm aware that it is beyond Masayoshi's expertise." Sesshomaru cut in sternly, albeit without any harshness attached. When the bird demoness stayed silent, he surprised her by gratifying her with an elaboration. "Your insight has its merits. There is a vile artifact within the woman. Arrangements with Asano Sara have been made to extract it. Prepare yourself, Kotori. We shall depart for her manor in two days. You are delegated as one of her guards, as is Inuyasha."

"Yes, Sesshomaru-sama. I am your faithful blade and will serve in any manner you desire." Her sapphire eyes shimmered when she raised her head, her brain taking in the information with relief. 'I should have known that Sesshomaru-sama would have a plan. Yet, Asano Sara. Where have I heard of her before...? Ah, that's right!'

Whereas Inuyasha would have remembered her as the crazy woman that had tried and failed to steal Tessaiga, Kotori knew her as the contrived miscegenation of a woman and demons. Enamored by the magnificence that was Sesshomaru, Sara had sworn her fidelity to the Lord of the West. Everything she did was in the name of the man she loved. Based on Jaken, who loved to ramble on, she had contributed the concoction that allowed them to capture Kikyo during the battle against the east. 'If she could make a brew to weaken Kikyo-sama, then maybe she could subdue and treat her. Could this be what Sesshomaru-sama is hoping for? And if she doesn't have what Sesshomaru-sama is looking for, she would most likely do everything she can to acquire it.'

The discarded heir of the Tori clan was no expert at discerning people but it was obvious that Sara's conduct was inspired by love. The woman would happily offer everything she had just for a chance of her affection being returned. Alas, what the Lord of the West took into consideration were her talents rather than her feelings. He had permitted her to live in his realm inside a secured castle — one by the outskirts — for that reason, despite her lack of association with the Western Lands. The isolated arrangement not only ensured that Sara would not be bothered by the other inhabitants, but the distance also prevented her attempts at persistently courting him.

'How pathetically sad. To serve yet never be acknowledged in the manner she desired…' There was a fleeting pang of pity for the woman before relief over her own circumstances took over. 'I suppose I'm fortunate that my fealty stems from respect and gratitude rather than love. No romantic love exists between Sesshomaru-sama and me. I know… because Inuyasha-sama taught me what it feels like. Heaven forbid him from finding out though.'

"—nothing useful to say, leave." Her king's monotonous voice dragged her wandering mind back to the present.

"As you wish, Sesshomaru-sama." Mentally scolding herself for being uncharacteristically inattentive, she withheld the lame excuse that her poor performance was due to being an early sleeper. Instead, she hastily made herself scarce.

Sesshomaru perceived her mortification from the way her furry ears twitched as she ran off. Nonetheless, he paid it no heed and resumed his sword dance. Setting back into a series of rhythmic swings with Bakusaiga, he permitted his mind to ease. Aside from practicing, his other objective was to eradicate any turbulent sentiments from his last interaction with Kikyo. Yet, the clarity that the activity typically brought him was not evoked.

'Kikyo.' His brain kept its thoughts centered on the incorrigibly tenacious woman that had captivated him five hundred years ago. While it was undeniable that she possessed breathtaking beauty, he was not the type to be caught by vanity. Being appealing to the eyes alone would not have warranted a glimpse from him. It was the ethereal air surrounding her that drew his attention. Her garment might have covered her from head to toe in plain white, but her character radiated with vivacity. Never had he believed that a woman, a human woman, could leave such an imprint on him.

If truth be told, a sentimental part of him would have preferred seeing Kikyo himself rather than sending Kotori. Yet, his rationale spoke against it. To leap mindlessly into a conflict like the pugnacious Inuyasha would do was asinine. It would only exacerbate the problem. What they required was some time alone. She needed to contemplate and realize that his actions were for her good. Meanwhile, as much as he refused to admit it, he needed a moment to sieve through his labyrinthine thoughts.

'Damn woman.' He was unable to resist the temptation to curse the one responsible for his predicament. The next brandish of his sword produced greater momentum. His ears picked up the satisfying whoosh of the steel slicing through the air, which was unexpectedly overlapped by robust rattles near his waist. Perplexed, he stilled his stance to seek the source.

Dark tendrils of energy coiled around So'unga like vicious vipers.

"So, you have awakened at last," he muttered to seemingly no one in particular. Several days had passed since the sword of hell was contained by whatever means Kikyo utilized. She had stated that the effects were temporary, though it was ostensible that her concept of time differed from the mortals. Given what he now knew, he could comprehend the reason. Time did not flow for her physically as it did for ordinary humans and even demons.

"Ah, Sesshomaru. How demeaning. It is as that hanyou, Naraku, says." Having stirred from its forced slumber, the wicked soul of the dragon inside the blade had somehow gained the audacity to taunt its wielder. "That accursed miko has been spreading her maddening influence. Your thoughts are troubled and lack focus. You are becoming more like your dear father afore his demise. Can you not free your noetic self from her? If you have a shred of a daiyoukai's pride residing within you, you will release my true power. Together, we shall make the pathetic miko squirm in terror. She will come to rue the day she had interfered with your lust for power."

Sesshomaru merely scoffed, no stranger to talking swords that disrespected him. More importantly, its attempt to retaliate against the miko who had humiliated it was abysmal. "I see whatever semblance of capacity you had for coercion has vanished since Naraku laid his filthy hands on you. Cease your inanity. Learn that your endeavors are futile. Your role is to be forever subservient to me, Sesshomaru."

Following that declaration came action. No evil spirit was going to persuade him to do anything; he was the ruler who commanded, not a weakling that submitted to others. He wrapped his left hand around the sword's hilt and imbued his youki into the blade. His power surged and compressed the specter inside until it was nothing more than a lackluster speck at the darkest part of the weapon's interior. As much as he wanted the pest gone, expunging the apparition of the dragon was unviable. He did not wish to be stuck with a mundane weapon so he had learned to preserve his tranquility via this means.

"Bastard! Sesshomaru! You're— I won't— you — regret this — my trial! You will—!" The disembodied voice gave one last dying croak before being snuffed out.

Frankly, its sudden persistence was a frantic venture. Years of failure should have taught it to give up. For some reason, the spirit was extremely motivated. Sesshomaru suspected it might have to do with Naraku. The transient freedom it had tasted with the despicable hanyou must have stimulated its desire to break free from his control. Nonetheless, it should have known better than to tempt the Lord of the West with promises for chaos. 'How utterly pointless. Only the impressionable succumb to the primal instincts that craved senseless destruction. I, Sesshomaru, am not one of those fools.'

"So this is where you've been, Sesshomaru. What's the matter? Why are you sulking here instead of being with Kikyo?" As if on cue, the one that fitted into his classification of said fools made his appearance.

"Inuyasha. What is it?" Ignoring the half-demon's jeers, the daiyoukai hurled his question with a frown blemishing his fair countenance. It piqued him that he had been too preoccupied to notice Inuyasha's approach until he was within earshot. It seemed that every nuisance that he could not terminate wanted to annoy him tonight.

"I'm here for answers and you're going to give them to me!" The brusque demand nearly made its recipient bristle in indignation. Yet, Sesshomaru repressed his emotions. There were, after all, unsolved issues between them that would need to be dealt with sooner or later. He might as well improvise and get something out of this.

"Hmph. You are a fool to assume you can—"

"Yeah, yeah. Don't need to finish that. I know what you're going to say," Inuyasha cut in flippantly, shrugging his shoulders before whipping out his Tessaiga. The blade maintained its dormant state as he passed his half-brother a provocative grin so wide that it revealed one of his pointy fangs. "Just admit it: you and I both know there's a lot to talk about. But standing around and throwing questions, threats, and whatever else at each other ain't my style. Or yours, for that matter. How about this? You want your practice — and probably revenge — and I want answers. We'll spar. You and me! Here and now!"

Inuyasha shifted into his customary fighting stance. Taking in the lack of belligerence in his youki, Sesshomaru could not help but muse how long it took him to prepare the speech. It explained why the hanyou had towed Hibiki away with him yesterday. The lines were well-rehearsed and could have its intended effort so long as Sesshomaru went along — a strategy suggested by the chancellor, no doubt.

"I do not fancy persecuting the injured." Averse to doing things at another's pace, he portrayed a bored look that was palpable to even the least observant of his subjects.

"Hey! I'm fine! I heal fast!" The hanyou's grin flipped into a scowl. "Also, speak for yourself. My memory may be all fuzzy but Kotori filled me in. I know about that arm — didn't do it on purpose, in case you still haven't realized — even if I can't work out what kind of magic trick you pulled to make it grow—"

"Get to the point before I grow tired of your nonsense."

"Keh! You're— Wait… You're giving me a chance to spit it out? Well, ain't someone nice today?" Inuyasha scoffed. It seemed that his frivolous attitude was going to stay. Yet, it was replaced by a look of solemnity. His golden orbs stared unblinkingly at Sesshomaru's new left arm. "The point is, I can't be down if you're up and about after being worse off. I've more than recovered enough of my strength to beat you to a pulp."

"Then I shall remind you of your place in the world." No sooner had the last syllable left his lips did Sesshomaru press his feet against the ground and charged with his sword hoisted.

Already on high alert, Inuyasha transformed Tessaiga to intercept the attack. His opponent's blade pressed against his larger one with a force that generated a firework of crackling sparks.

Inuyasha felt his youkai tingle in a warning. Something was terrifying about the katana-like weapon despite it looking like a twig compared to his sword. He cautiously probed it with his youki and was met with a mass of encompassing energy. His body froze. His lungs felt heavy as most of the oxygen around him seemed to have vanished. He felt akin to the rocks embedded into a cliff edge, powerless to stop the almighty ocean waves from crashing into him. His heart pounded inside his chest, terrified.

'No way! This power! That's Kikyo's spiritual powers… mixed with Sesshomaru's youki! What the hell?!' No wonder his instincts were screaming at him to get away as fast as possible. The two powers that could overwhelm him were a gut-wrenching combination. 'Why and how did the bastard get his hands on a sword like that?!'

Intimidating as it was, Inuyasha was a gallant warrior. He retained caution but kept his instinct to flee contained. To turn tail was the last thing on his to-do list, especially in front of Sesshomaru. Feigning an assertive façade with a smirk, he asked, "I see you got yourself a fancy sword. Did you steal it from some poor soul like you tried to with my Tessaiga?"

Familiar with Inuyasha's jeers, Sesshomaru did not react in anger and was instead somewhat bemused. An individual with lesser control over their facial muscles would have raised an eyebrow. That was what the hanyou thought to say first of all things? Wisely deciding that it was best to overlook how the idiot's brain functioned — if it did at all — he applied more force and watched with satisfaction as his opponent's knees came close to buckling.

"As expected of a fool. You squander my magnanimity," he commented drily.

"You're the real fool here, damn it!" Inuyasha grunted, his muscles working hard to withstand the pressure. "I'll ask what I like. I don't need your damn approval. I want answers! The whole reason we're sparring right now is so you can answer my questions. That's the deal. Are you gonna give them to me or do I have to cut it out of you?"

"Try and you shall fail miserably." The demon lord in white spoke in a monotonous cadence like he was declaring a fact rather than provoking his half-brother to rise to the challenge. As tempting as it was to deny the impertinent half-breed any satisfaction by sending him into oblivion, the daiyoukai did indirectly agree to the arrangements. Aside from treating this session as a workout, he decided to improvise and utilize the opportunity to educate the clueless.

Settling into a less aggressive playstyle but still keeping Inuyasha at bay, he supplied emotionlessly, "The Bakusaiga is the result of a pact between Kikyo and I. It is the quintessence of power. With a single stroke, I can vanquish an army. Be grateful, Inuyasha, that you are spared from such fate tonight."

Inuyasha knew he should be insulted but there were other priorities. He noticed that the pompous demon lord was going easy on him for some mysterious reason, presenting him with a chance for retaliation. He was more than eager to push back with the steel and also words. "You had a deal with Kikyo? Huh, that's strange. Didn't think you two were close enough for that. Or did you force her into it?"

"On the contrary, Inuyasha." Sesshomaru did not feel the contest of strength was necessary any longer. He sidestepped, causing his opponent to trip forward. Bakusaiga hovered above Inuyasha's left shoulder like a gleaming executioner's blade. "The power you sense in this blade — that is born from her innovation. I wield Bakusaiga as a testimony to her success, not failure."

There was a blur of silver as he swung down.

'Crap!' Inuyasha felt the air shift, his ears twitching nervously at the sound. Out of instinct, he followed the momentum of his misstep to roll forward. Clumsy as the dodge was, he had no time to fuss about inelegance. Pressing his palm on the ground, he lashed out behind him with his right foot, hoping to sweep the arrogant bastard off balance.

Sesshomaru leaped, effortlessly clearing the height needed to jump in front of his foe. His graceful landing was a great contrast to his rebellious subordinate's maneuver.

'Show-off.' Annoyed, the red-clad warrior rediscovered his footing, gripped Tessaiga with two hands, and swung with relentless zeal.

"You know, I always thought you and Kikyo hated each other's guts." Accompanying that statement was a fervent fore-swing that went over his foe's head.

"But something doesn't add up after seeing your attitude for the past few days." His sentence was followed by a back-swing that missed by half an arm's length.

"You wouldn't be moping around if you were only using her. Besides giving her freedom, you're treating her like royalty. So what's the secret?" Four more vigorous swipes. They yielded the same futility.

'Damn! Stop dodging! How hard is it to hit the bastard?!' As frustrating as Sesshomaru's perfect evasiveness was, giving up never crossed Inuyasha's brain. If straightforward assaults were not working, then he would need to modify his attack patterns.

"Or maybe I should be asking this: what is your relationship with Kikyo? Don't tell me you've fallen for her?" His daring questions proved to be an effective means of distraction when the edge of his steel looped off a single strand of silver. 'Ha! Gotcha! Not as emotionless as you think you are, huh?'

Sesshomaru's golden orbs flickered to the falling hair. With a visible frown that could be interpreted as petulant, he jumped and landed on the flat side of the Tessaiga before Inuyasha could pull it back.

"What are—?!" The hanyou was so startled that his first reaction was not to relieve his muscles of the extra weight by dropping his sword. Instead, he stood gawking at the daiyoukai who was using his prized Tessaiga as a footstool.

"I am not here to indulge your whimsical questions. Make only pertinent queries. Else discover the horror of facing my wrath," Sesshomaru said coldly. The wielder of Bakusaiga forwent a stab with his weapon, manifesting his green whip with his free hand.

An emerald-colored light exploded in front of Inuyasha's vision. His heart pounded. He would not be able to dodge in time. Not at this range! With reckless desperation, he abandoned his Tessaiga to snatch the phantom-like whip. A grunt escaped his throat, synchronized with the hiss of flesh being sheared and corroded by venom. Blood oozed from the wound and dripped onto the grass.

"Take this!" Putting on an audacious grin, he kept his grip strong and yanked. Hard. The white-clad warrior maintained his balance, as anticipated. However, there was a millisecond of incoordination that Inuyasha exploited, flinging the blood on his hand. "Hijin Kessou!"

Half a dozen of red crescent-shaped blades sailed toward their target. Sesshomaru was forced to step away from the Tessaiga that he had been deliberately standing on. His aureate orbs darted around, calculative and discerning, as he brandished his sword to deflect all incoming projectiles.

Inuyasha snorted. 'Keh! Bastard making it look easy just to piss me off.'

Sesshomaru's movements might appear facile — like he was swatting insects rather than energy blades — but each motion was deadly precise and taunting. Rushing in and punching that smug face became extremely enticing. Inuyasha resisted the urge. Half of the battle would be lost if he gave in to the impulse. Wisely, he chose to retrieve the Tessaiga, only to wince when his injured palm touched the hilt. He felt like cussing. Once again, he was reminded why recklessness was detrimental in a fight against Sesshomaru. 'Damn, if there's ever a next time, I need to come up with a better way. It hurts like hell! I ain't ever catching it again.'

"This is a spar, you bastard, not a talent contest," the red-clad warrior growled, "You think I'm asking the wrong questions? Pah! Get it through that thick skull of yours that what's relevant to your haughty ass means no shit to me!"

"Hmph. Think, Inuyasha. Surely even you are capable of that to a certain extent." Inuyasha wasn't the only one losing his patience. Sesshomaru lunged at him faster than a blink of an eye. Hastily, the wielder of Tessaiga shifted his weight to his left, twisting a ninety-degree to parry.

The Lord of the West was phlegmatic as he substituted the jab for a horizontal swing.

Inuyasha grunted, stepping back and slamming his blade to stop Bakusaiga in its tracks. The weapons clashed again, generating a torrent of force that pushed back their silver manes.

"Feh, back to—" The words got lodged in his throat when it dawned on him. There was a specific pattern that Sesshomaru was following. Depending on if he was waiting for a question or responding to it, he would switch his style. He would settle for a defensive play to grant Inuyasha the time to voice any inquiries. When it was his turn to answer though, the daiyoukai would immediately flip his stance into an onslaught of attacks. 'He's making me work for the answers… Not only that, but he's being very picky on the questions he answers.'

In other words, Sesshomaru was being tediously methodical and simultaneously stingy. In addition, Inuyasha noticed that the daiyoukai was aiming for his left arm, having gained a sudden fancy for the idiom: 'a limb for a limb'. A shiver ran from his appendages down to his fingertips. Just because Sesshomaru had no intention of killing him did not make the aristocratic assassin any less dangerous. It appeared that the insensitive demon lord had deemed it fair game to lose an arm during a sparring match.

At times, it unnerved him to think how little Sesshomaru cared for the lives of those he considered irrelevant. But looking at it optimistically, he held an advantage over those the daiyoukai had classified as disposable. They might have their differences but the Lord of the West wanted him alive. Nevertheless, he would much prefer to come out of his skirmish with all of his four limbs attached.

'Come on, think! What's relevant to me and that bastard? I've got so many questions I don't know where to start and he's being such a jerk! I can't believe I'm related to this idiot…! Wait a sec! That's it!' Amidst the looming peril that was the end of Sesshomaru's patience, an epiphany emerged with the theatrics of a lightning strike.

As little as they had in common, there was an indisputable fact that linked him and Sesshomaru together — The Inu no Taisho. Their father.

It was the previous Lord of the West that was responsible for their conceptions. Yet, Inuyasha never got the opportunity to learn about him besides the superficial mentions from his mother and the elderly residents in the west. Ever since Shishinki unraveled his roots, there was a curious nudge urging him to discover the kind of demon his father was. It was information he was entitled to, even his half-brother couldn't deny it. 'Or maybe that's what he wants us to talk about. Keh! But of course he's too proud to say it without me being the one to beg for it. Fine, Sesshomaru, I'll bite. Just this once.'

"Have it your way, Sesshomaru. I won't ask about your relationship with Kikyo. But you're gonna tell me why you've never told me that my old man is also yours? Don't you think I have the right to know who my, er… our, father is?" Anticipating that his foe would shift into defense, Inuyasha launched into a series of rapid strikes that aimed to have the target parry or pull back.

Not one to withdraw, Sesshomaru opted for the former. His rapid counterattack was swift as he answered, "I am bound by honor to uphold my word, even to an inferior human such as your mother. She begged that I offer you a chance. And it was she who later requested for I to maintain the secrecy of your heritage, for she believed it would protect you from Father's enemies."

Stunned, Inuyasha's jaw opened. It was reflex that saved him when he instinctively moved to dodge, his mind preoccupied with the memory of a heated exchange with Kotori.

"No. I don't know. This is the first time I've heard about this. Believe me… I'm just as surprised as you are. And it's true. I can't claim to know Sesshomaru-sama's every intention. However, please consider the possibility that he is concealing the truth for your sake," Kotori exhaled deeply and continued before Inuyasha could scoff at the sheer absurdity of her comment. "You should understand Sesshomaru-sama's mannerisms. He would've killed you if he wished ill of you. Yet, he permitted your stay in the West."

"Keh! He's not the type to care. And we both know it. He's just a cold bastard who picked us up because he saw our talents," he snorted as he rejected the notion in an instant. "We're nothing but tools to him!"

"The west was never lacking in the talented, Inuyasha-sama. I can even offer you an entire list of names. You should know some of those youkai too. However, Sesshomaru-sama chose us as part of the minority who could have the privilege to stand close to him," Kotori calmly replied, unruffled by the harsh tone. "Regardless of his initial reasons, Sesshomaru-sama cared enough to give us — rejected individuals and victims of prejudice — both a place to belong."

Of all the theories, it turned out the Kotori's was the closest to the mark. Never once did it cross Inuyasha's mind that the iceberg of a demon would have listened to his mother's final request. As apathetic as the Lord of the West might be, the truth was that he had sheltered, fed, trained, and kept the younger hanyou in the limelight. He took the spotlight on his father's throne and made a name for himself, subsequently ensuring that the guard with only half of the Inu bloodline flowing in his veins was left largely unnoticed. Additionally, Sesshomaru must have made some effort to keep his identity concealed. Perhaps he had intervened before the rumors and speculations could escalate beyond their physical resemblances. In his unique way, Sesshomaru had helped him survive past his childhood.

"Keh! That's the best you got, Sesshomaru? Using my mother for your lame excuse? Why? Are you too embarrassed, Lord Sesshomaru, that someone like me is related to you? Isn't that the real reason why you haven't told anyone?" Despite the contempt oozing from him, Inuyasha could not prevent the cordial smile that curled the corner of his lips. It rapidly morphed into his customary grin, lest Sesshomaru saw it. Yet, he could not dispute that the gratitude he felt was not only to his mother. To a certain degree, it had, for a few seconds, included his... half-brother. Still, he would rather be stabbed in the heart than show any appreciation.

"Hmph. You were born ignorant, Inuyasha." Accompanying the displeasure in his voice was a diagonal slash, which Inuyasha barely managed to deflect with his sword. "Ignorance shall consume you if you can neither think nor listen to the truth."

Inuyasha nearly grimaced. If Kotori was here, she would have lectured him about why it was a bad habit to goad the daiyoukai. 'Whatever,' he thought. It was not like he could take it back, nor did his pride permit the idea to loiter. Regardless, he supposed it was time he got back on track. "I'm listening. So let's hear it. About our old man. I want to know everything. What was he like? What did he do? What made him who he was?"

"Very well, little brother. Brace yourself."

The younger Inu sibling could have sworn that his half-brother had smirked ominously, akin to one mocking another for digging his own grave. Then it was gone, replaced by his typical stoicism. There was no time to wonder if it had been a trick of the eye, for Sesshomaru propelled towards him with his sword hoisted.

Inuyasha ducked the first swing and stumbled to evade the rapid follow-up that took off a few strands of his silver hair. Hastily, he pulled some distance between them as a terrible comprehension sunk in. It didn't matter if the storyteller was as concise with words as Sesshomaru was. The life of the great Inu no Taisho was not meant to be uttered in a few sentences. Hence, Inuyasha would have to listen while defending himself from the deluge of strikes.

'Well, too late to back out now.' Priming himself. The youngest son of Touga brandished the Tessaiga in a fierce exchange of blows, determination, and exhilaration burning in his heart.

Boots and bare feet moved nimbly on the grass. Steel slammed into steel, generating resounding clamors that occasionally coincided with Sesshomaru's deep voice.

On that fateful night, Sesshomaru and Inuyasha discovered their unique sibling bond. From an outsider's perspective, the duel was merely a clash between two prideful warriors. But for the combatants, there was the silent acknowledgment that they were tied together by blood. The fact that they were the almighty Touga's sons was incontestable, regardless of how they saw each other.

To Sesshomaru, Touga was a paradigm, a rival, a mentor, a hero, and most importantly, his father. As impassive as he was, his parental figure was one of the few whom he deeply cared for. Thus, Touga's untimely demise had shattered a part of him, leaving a hollowness in his heart. It pained him that his father would never see his glorious rise to power. Yet, the grief had also shaped him into the powerful warrior he was today. Carrying his progenitor's legacy, strength, and responsibilities, the eldest son was proud to walk the path of conquest.

To Inuyasha, Touga was a faceless legend loved by his mother. As uncaring as he had acted about his birthright back when he was a child, there existed an inquisitive part of him that wondered who his father was. Touga's untimely demise had stripped him of the prerogative to be raised by a complete and loving family. Instead, he was left with mere symbols of his late father's affection in the forms of the Robe of the Fire-Rat and Tessaiga. Yet, there was a blissful feeling of contentment knowing that he was loved and protected since his birth. Wearing and carrying his progenitor's love, strength, and compassion, the youngest son was proud to walk the path of protection.

Engrossed in telling and listening to the tales of their father respectively, Sesshomaru and Inuyasha fought with the same pride and passion in the blood inherited from the great Inu no Taisho.

Preview: Next up is Chapter 40-The Angel & Her Devil, The Lord & His Devotee.

Until then!