Author's Notes: To all the readers who have spared a moment to review, all of your feedback is very much valued as they show that you're supporting the progression of this story. As a show of appreciation to you readers, I've decided to upload this chapter earlier than originally planned.

Now that chapters 1-3 are done, we can get into some drama between Sesshomaru and Kikyo now that they are "living together under the same roof". But naturally, their relationship will take time to grow and nurture so don't expect them to be falling head over heels for each other straight away. For now, let's just say that their relationship status is "nemesis"…

As usual, please bear with me if I make any mistakes or errors, especially in terms of the language (spelling, grammar, etc.).

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.

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Chapter 4-Holding the Upper Hand

"While I, Sesshomaru, stand honorably, I shall pursue my path no matter the consequences." -Sesshomaru on life

"To take a life is to condemn yourself to a life of carnage." -Kikyo on life

The fall's winds were haunting and chilling as they swept through the Western Realm, urging darkened clouds to cast over the lustrous moon and concealing its round face from the world. The mist swirled around the castle grounds, like a constant warning that fended off stray demons. Occasionally, there were the footsteps of the demons at nightshifts — the only consistent sound in the night.

Apart from the winds, nature itself was awfully quiet today, having been assigned the role of a spectator. It was again the time for a lunar eclipse, where the demons relished the power bestowed upon them by the blood moon above. The occurrence was supposedly rare in the other realms, tallying up to about four to five total eclipses in a decade. However, the youkai of the west were blessed with more frequent visits from the blood moon. In theory, it was one of the reasons why the Western Realm was considered a haven for demons of many species.

Reverted to his demonic form, Sesshomaru slipped past the barriers of the clouds as he made his way toward the vault of heaven. Penetrating the curtains of fluff, he entered the starlit ether. The breeze stirred his white fur, enlarging his already looming body and endorsing an image of majestic splendor. Since there was no need to rush anything, the giant dog demon took the time to observe the scenery presented to him with his diluted black pupils surrounded by his red sclera.

Emitting a low rumble that resonated from the depth of his throat, Sesshomaru's eyes gradually closed as he drifted closer toward the incandescent moon. The stars around him were lost in his eyes as his youki keyed into the unethical light of the blood moon. He was bathed in its glow, feeling its warmth coursing through his body. His facial markings altered between magenta and crimson as they absorbed the moonlight, and his usual crescent moon adorning his forehead gleamed.

On the night of a lunar eclipse, Sesshomaru would spend hours in the night sky, where his youki became enhanced by nature's powers. It remained a mystery as to why only the pure bloodline of the Inu clan could draw out more demonic energy when exposed to the moonlight. Other species would have their powers temporarily boosted, but never would their youki amplify. Regardless of the reason, Sesshomaru took pleasure in bathing under the moon. It was one of the few things that he enjoyed. With each consecutive lunar eclipse, Sesshomaru would find his strength and youki glow exponentially, as though there were no apparent limits. It would be interesting to see how much stronger he could get with time passing.

His father, the Inu no Taisho, was believed to have been the strongest daiyoukai to ever roamed the lands. The secret to his strength, as Sesshomaru later discovered, was indeed related to the lunar eclipse. For thousands of years, the Inu no Taisho would absorb the power of the blood moon to increase the capacity of his youki. The effect was evident; his demonic form could effortlessly demolish mountains with a single swipe. It was how the Inu no Taisho was known to be the most powerful youkai in existence.

Determined to inherit his legacy, Sesshomaru followed his father's lead and carried out the same ritual for hundreds of years. As a young pup, he was a skeptic, deeming the link between an Inu youkai and the moon a folktale told by his predecessors. But as the years progressed and there was an uncountable increase in his power and youki, Sesshomaru decided to continue the practice. How the blood moon managed to strengthen him was still unfathomable. But as long as it continued doing so, then he felt that questioning the logic behind it was pointless. He could only assume that it was part of his birthright and that the crescent moon adorning his forehead was the link.

With newfound strength coursing through his every muscle, the almighty dog demon bent his gigantic head back and shook his snout. Opening his mouth and exposing his glistening white fangs that could effortlessly chop through the toughest armors as though they were mere butter, he inhaled deeply before letting loose an ear-splitting roar that resonated through the Western Realm.

When many heads simultaneously perked up to marvel at the gigantic figure of Sesshomaru, a dozen or so eel-like youkai realized their opportunity and slithered out from the shadows. Their load, which lit up their long thin snow-like bodies, was a white sphere that they clasped onto with their three pairs of legs. Despite the glowing spheres, they still managed to sneak into the castle grounds without drawing unwanted attention.

They wandered without any sense of direction, partly hoping that they would somehow detect their master's presence. But being the single-minded youkai they were, they were far too slow in sensing the approaching arrows. Not expecting the attack, projectiles pierced the youkai's bodies. They were disintegrated with a sizzling hiss. Their load, now freed from the youkai's hold, sailed up, hovering in a still position momentarily before ascending to the clouds.

A pair of red eyes studied the rising sphere with vigilance on the top of a roof. Their owner's face was phlegmatic as he pulled his right knee toward his chest. Seated with one leg bent and the other straight on the roof's tiles, he placed his enormous bow beside him and assessed what he just saw.

The figure cracked his knuckles together as he briefly wondered if he should report his discovery to Sesshomaru. One look at the clouds had his brows lowered and he dismissed the idea. The Lord of the West was preoccupied; any disruption would only displease him and evoke his wrath. Besides, the tale of puny demons ambling was insignificant. After all, he just shot them all down, didn't he?

'Hmph, of course, I did! I'm the best archer in the west. I won't let any target escape me.' Contented with the thought, he continued to observe the mighty silhouette of the giant dog demon.

A smirk slowly crept on his lips when another space-distorting roar reached his ears. At that moment, he felt convinced that along with the next dawn, the Lord of the West would return stronger than before.

Its power of intangibility allowed it to accomplish a typically impossible feat. Going through the stone walls, the only survivor of the serpent youkai finally found its master. It was fortunate to escape unharmed, so it could now help the unconscious woman seated in the room.

It habitually released the sphere in its possession. Without delay, the globe entered its master's body and became a source of her power. Watching it slowly sink into the woman's shoulder, the youkai flew around in the room, an expression of its happiness. Now that its task was done, it hovered towards her cheeks and brushed its face against her soft skin. It made a silent promise to return with more supplies before it took on its insubstantial form and left soundlessly.

Only minutes after, Kikyo's eyelids fluttered and she roused from her state of unconsciousness. There was a heavy fog clouding her judgment and stupor clung to her pupils. More dazed than confused, she systematically verified her surroundings. She took in the secluded room, receiving clearer images as her eyes slowly adjusted to the darkness. The dungeon that incarcerated her was formulated by rocks of various sizes, arranged in a muddled manner. Everything was in the dark, save for the dim candlelight on an old table in a lonely corner. But apart from that, there wasn't another furnishing, not even a cot. Inhaling what was probably the scent of blood and urine, Kikyo's nose nearly wrinkled in disgust as she finished her scrutiny.

With the numbness still lingering in her temples, she tried messaging them with her fingers. It was at that phase of time she realized her arms were pulled back, tied around a wooden stake firmly lodged into the dirt ground. Having experienced similar situations before, she calmed down and gave her bindings a gentle tug. The cord immediately cut into her skin, refusing to let go. Biting her lips in frustration, she pressed her back against the cold splintered surface of the stake. Judging from the coldness and stiffness of her lower body, she guessed that she had been unconscious for days.

The realization evoked memories before her coma and she recalled how Sesshomaru had caught her off guard and captured her. The last thing she remembered before fainting was his condescending look and alluring whisper.

"Submit yourself to me miko," he said, "and become the key to my conquest."

'I'll rather die than submit to you, arrogant beast! Curse you!' Her teeth gritted and she forced herself to take several steadying breaths. As much as he deserved it, now wasn't the time to condemn the daiyoukai. Kikyo reminded herself to stay composed as she ascertained her situation.

Since she couldn't move, she resolved to inspect her wounds. Checking her tattered miko garbs, she was surprised to find all her injuries covered in gauze coated with a layer of salve. The wounds were bandaged neatly, nothing short of the work of a professional. Out of sheer curiosity, and because there was little else to do, she contemplated who could have helped her. 'Presumably one of Sesshomaru's personal physicians… Although I'm bemused as to why he would have bothered. And more importantly, whoever the physician is, he or she would have seen…'

Mentally admonishing herself for getting side-tracked with her musing, Kikyo closed her eyes and focused on her main concern — namely what Sesshomaru wanted with her. Several possibilities presented themselves to her and she took time to analyze each one. For what purpose did Sesshomaru invade the east? And why take only her as his captive? Only one theory made sense: he needed her powers for his ambition. To what degree she was needed was uncertain, though she felt anger boiling inside her at the mere thought. 'I was a fool beyond compare in believing there was a fragment of mercy in his frozen heart. How dare he slaughter so many innocent people and… those from the east nonetheless!'

While letting her body readjust, Kikyo opted to kill time by entertaining her mind with numerous ways to slaughter the Lord of the West. All the while, her miko powers got to work, prioritizing the task of eradicating the poison from her system.

She wasn't sure how long she stayed in the same position before the sound of footsteps echoing through the corridor outside disrupted her from her musings. Lifting her head, she heard the bolts unlocked and the iron door being pulled open from the other side.

A figure's head peered through the gap of the doorway, incapable of opening the heavy door fully with one arm bandaged. Realizing that their captive had regained her consciousness, the figure slipped in and strolled into the center of the room. Her head tilted at an arrogant angle as she looked down at the bounded miko.

"So you're awake, miko. It would seem you're an early bird. The day has barely begun and you're already awake. How fortunate for you that I won't have to wake you," she commented so casually that if Kikyo didn't know better, she would've thought that the demon was making a conversation with a new friend. However, the miko also detected the slightest hint of disappointment in her sapphire orbs.

A fleeting look was all Kikyo needed to recognize who the demon was. She was the same swordswoman who had dared to face her one-on-one on the battlefield. Wearing an identical outfit, but without the winged vest, she was easily identified because of her strange ears. Briefly, Kikyo mused if the appendages were wings or ears.

'If memory serves, her name is Kotori. I wonder why she seems dissatisfied.' Her gaze trailed down to the demoness' right hand, and she found her answer. Kotori was indeed serious about rousing her. She was carrying a wooden bucket filled to the brim with water and was likely dissatisfied that she had brought it along for nothing. Suddenly, Kikyo felt very relieved that she had regained consciousness during the night. Otherwise, she would've been drenched in cold water. It would not have been pleasant, considering that winter was approaching.

"How long have I been here? And how long will I be kept in here for?" Kikyo asked, deciding that pertinent questions were necessary for her to familiarize herself with the current situation.

"This is your eighth day here, excluding today. You certainly exceed your reputation, miko. You're incredibly rational, remaining composed despite the odds. Normally, any prisoners we keep would express fear and beg for freedom upon realizing their whereabouts." Kotori spoke calmly, a slight hint of perplexion in her tone.

"I don't know where here is. I can only assume that I'm within Sesshomaru's domain."

"You assume correctly, miko. To be precise, you're in the Western Palace's underground dungeons," Kotori responded coolly before her body unconsciously tensed upon sensing a strong youki. That was shortly followed by the soft sound of approaching footsteps. Instinctively, the demoness' ears twitched. Although the Lord of the West had announced that he would personally see the miko, hence why Kotori wanted to wake Kikyo up, the demoness didn't expect the daiyoukai so soon. She was surprised that he came straight after dawn, just after the ritual was completed. Normally, Sesshomaru would've chosen to spend a quiet morning alone.

"Sesshomaru-sama is coming," Kotori informed, bending forward in a bow. She spared a glance at Kikyo and gestured for her to lower her head in respect. Much to her chagrin, the miko stubbornly ignored her and instead lifted her head.

"Show respect," the demoness whispered urgently, irritated that their prisoner would dare to show such insolence.

Kikyo continued to ignore her, all the while trying to detect Sesshomaru's youki. There was nothing, however, nothing to suggest to her that the Lord of the West was indeed nearing. Now that she thought about it, she realized she wasn't sensing any youki from Kotori either. Even if Sesshomaru could fully mask his demonic presence, the miko knew from experience that while capable, Kotori was comparatively less skilled in the ability. A presumption entered her mind as she remembered the wound on her arm, the poison in her bloodstream, and her weakened spiritual powers.

'My aura is weak. I am unable to sense anything… Is it because of his poison?' Just the thought had anger coursing through her. Fuming over Sesshomaru's dastardly means and her own defenseless situation, Kikyo's palms formed fists behind the wooden stake.

Sesshomaru made his grand appearance through the door. His movement was elegant and his steps were so light that he looked like he was fleetingly touching the ground. From the way he carried himself, anyone could see his royal bearings. He entered the cell and without a word, looked at Kikyo as though waiting for her to speak.

"I expect our encounter to be on better terms. Nevertheless, you have surprised me, Sesshomaru." Realizing that the daiyoukai would not be the one to begin, Kikyo started their conversation in a contemptuous tone. Just because she was defeated in battle didn't mean she would willingly submit and act modestly in front of him. Like everyone else, Sesshomaru would have to earn respect from her, though she doubted that would happen anytime soon. Respect would not come from either of them when he remained arrogant and she, enraged by his heartless actions.

Sesshomaru's gaze traveled over to Kotori and gave a silent order with his eyes. Understanding exactly what he wanted, the female warrior left immediately, pausing to shut the door behind her. The iron door closed once again, leaving just two people in the room.

"Are we acquainted, miko?" Sesshomaru inquired, but without any curiosity that usually accompanied a question.

Kikyo uttered a sharp, disdainful huff, and turned her head sharply in a blatant display of her refusal to look at the daiyoukai's inscrutable face any longer. As she spoke, her words were drenched in venom, each insult dripping with a potent hatred for the demon lord. "…No. But I have heard of you. You are a ruthless, despicable, egotistical, cold-hearted, and audacious demon!"

Sesshomaru made no indication that he was offended. He took several steps forward, closing in on the space between them until he was looming right in front of her and enshrouding her. His shadow blocked the candle's flickering light from Kikyo's view, making his form appear all the more imposing.

Despite that, Kikyo still refused to look at him directly, prompting the next set of actions from the daiyoukai. Faster than a heartbeat, he allowed one knee to graze the cold floor as he bent down. Upon reaching her eye level, his pale hand grabbed her chin on a whim. With his fingernails drawing thin invisible lines across her neck, he pulled her face towards his and studied the vengeful flames within her dark pools.

Kikyo narrowed her eyes at the unexpected contact. A person's eyes were the doors to the soul and she would be a fool to let him read her. It was obvious that Sesshomaru was trying to probe into her mind, to see what made her tick. So she promptly shielded her mahogany orbs with her eyelids. When those doors to her soul revealed themselves seconds later, they were tightly shut, preventing even the smallest trace of emotion from slipping past. Already handicapped, Kikyo refused to give him any more advantages.

Seeing that the miko had managed to barricade her emotions from him, Sesshomaru was surprised, though his stoicism remained etched on his features. The miko's eyes were empty; it was somewhat eerie that they could appear so emotionally dead when they were flaring with sentiments just prior.

'Hmph, insufferable wench.' Since there was nothing to gain, Sesshomaru decided it was time to move on. In one look, he took in her striking facial features. There was sacredly noticeable rough skin in certain areas; the effect of the previous battle presumably took the blame for her appearance. It wasn't anything that the time couldn't restore though.

'Beautiful, for a human that is. But why would a human like her choose to stay on the battlefield? How unusual…' His mind could not help but register the contemplation with a glimmer of curiosity. The miko was indeed attractive, nearing perfection from a human's perspective. Even Sesshomaru, who held little interest in mortals, couldn't deny that she was beautiful. Someone like her should have no trouble finding a mate; surely she was of the age to wed. So then, did that imply she rejected all proposals and chose a life of fighting? 'From what I can see, she clearly has no desire to pursue more power. So for what purpose does she fight?'

Pulling out of what he deemed was senseless thinking, Sesshomaru finally released the miko's chin and stood up. In one fluid motion, he whipped So'unga out and pointed the blade toward miko. His sword responded with disapprobation as its tip was suspended an inch away from her heart.

The result was absolutely appalling as the primary emotion the mighty Lord of the West wanted to see failed to surface. Kikyo's lack of fear goaded him. He was so accustomed to seeing others beg on their knees that it bemused him when the miko did not shirk away. Surely with the cold glistening steel next to her breast, the miko — while fully aware of her possible death — would've at least hinted fear. But no, she was completely at ease while her eyes lingered on him.

"Do you have a death wish, miko?" For the first time since entering the dungeon, Sesshomaru allowed a glimpse of his emotion to show. Irritation came and his golden orbs flashed dangerously. But before he could do anything else, the deliberation hit him like a bolt of lightning. It was so palpable that he wondered why he didn't notice it sooner. The miko was prepared for death the moment she chose to charge into the heart of his forces. Perilous was an understatement for her action because had he not intervened, she would've been caught in her own spiritual blast along with a large number of his troops. She had also taken into account Sesshomaru's location beforehand, probably intending to engulf him with her powers. The attack would not have been adequate to take his life but would have left him severely wounded.

"Foolish miko, so your imprudent action was spurred by the intent to perish. Hmph! Even if you desire death, don't think for a moment that I will allow my men to share your fate. Death shall not claim you, even at your behest. Your presence is an integral part of my conquest. Consider yourself fortunate that I have spared your pathetic life," Sesshomaru stated in a stern tone, emphasizing that his choice to spare her was a gesture of mercy that she was undeserving of.

'Spare me? How dare he…?' Kikyo's eyes narrowed into slits, unable to prolong her emotionless façade after hearing Sesshomaru's statement. While not easily angered, the daiyoukai was continuously grating her nerves. An impressive feat, she begrudgingly acknowledged; she knew several that would have dreamed of inciting similar reactions, yet had failed miserably.

"You…! You stole the lives of the innocent to fulfill your selfish desires!?" Kikyo demanded with an outburst of fury. His indifference riled her, to the point she could no longer control her resentment. Paying no heed to the proximity of Sesshomaru's weapon, she struggled to free her wrists. If only she could move them, then he would be made to pay for his misdeeds. "You have no right to toy with their lives!"

"I do not concern myself with mortals. I only need you alive."

"It appears that my life serves a purpose to you. If so, then…" Rather than continuing, Kikyo smirked, daringly expressing her intentions by resting her tongue between her teeth. All she had to do was clump down and Sesshomaru's plans would go down the drain. Given her status and experience as a miko, she understood how to end her life by exsanguination. Naturally, she had no plans of dying here of all places, but the daiyoukai didn't need to know that. It was an act born from desperation, but there was a measure of satisfaction to be won from witnessing the daiyoukai's reaction.

"Do not bother. Even death cannot release you from my hold. My Tenseiga will simply resurrect you," Sesshomaru informed, with a hand on the blade's hilt for emphasis. Unfortunately for the miko, he remained the impassive and coldhearted daiyoukai he was, utterly unaffected by the bluff she attempted to play. "Hmph, you assert that I have no right to rule over the feeble lives of mortals. That is where you are wrong. For I, Sesshomaru, possess the power to control both life and death in my hand."

Kikyo said nothing this time, though her raging aura plainly told him what was left unsaid.

Sesshomaru made a mental note as he analyzed the miko's aura, discovering it intuitively responded to her emotions in a manner similar to his demonic energy. With that newly acquired knowledge, he decided to put his theory to the test. Slowly, he circled the miko, walking counterclockwise until he stood behind her. Like an executioner preparing decapitation, he held So'unga above his head and brought it down.

Sensing the blade coming down toward her neck, Kikyo closed her eyes out of reflex, despite knowing that Sesshomaru couldn't possibly intend to kill her. As expected, he had cut short from cutting her down. There was nothing more than a change in the air current as So'unga released some of its youki. Feeling the bindings on her come loose, her eyes snapped open and she wasted no time in pushing herself onto her feet, carefully evading So'unga's tip. Spinning around and advancing to cover the remaining distance between them, she placed her hands on Sesshomaru's breastplate and fired a jolt of power from her palms.

The daiyoukai merely watched with indifference as nothing more than a tiny spark of violet energy crackled between them. It was utterly useless; he felt no more than a tingle. Perfect, it was exactly as he thought. The youki that So'unga released, which now temporarily contaminated the air around them, was corrosive in nature. Similar to how he had once corroded Inuyasha's Tessaiga, the miko's spiritual power was rendered unusable for some time. Between his poison weakening her aura and So'unga repelling her holy powers, the miko was left utterly defenseless.

Finding no amusement from Kikyo's astounded expression, Sesshomaru sheathed his sword, grabbed her hand, and held it in front of her face. "You cannot hurt me. You do not have the power to accomplish such an infeasible task."

"For one who believes so highly of himself, weakening me to prove a point is pusillanimous!" Kikyo shot back. Her current state of vulnerability only allowed her to fight back with words. She hated it, this feeling of insecurity welling inside her. Being so helpless made her loathe the one responsible, namely Sesshomaru.

With a deep frown, Sesshomaru applied pressure on the miko's hand. His tightened grip made her flinch, though she held back from emitting a sound.

"Do not overextend your limits, miko. Silence your tongue before I sever it," he warned, releasing her. His words exhibited a show of intention, and with them came the assurance to act accordingly. While she was to be kept alive, he certainly could make do without her constant talkbacks. More importantly, getting rid of her waspish tongue would also eliminate one suicidal method she could try. "You are mine, for me to deal with as I desire."

"No, I belong to no other but myself. And it is you who should hold your tongue. You are in need of my assistance, do you not? However, you are far too egotistical to believe that I would provide my aid willingly," Kikyo replied coolly and took a deep breath. Against him, she would need every bit of her intellect in addition to her physical strength. She would have to analyze him while trying to exploit weaknesses. It was easier said than done, for her conscience was screaming for vengeance.

Sesshomaru paid her words no heed as he began another round of inspection. Now that she was standing up, it was easier to get a full view of her. He studied her up and down, his face impassive as usual despite the queries that ran through his mind. It was strange; her resilience and fortitude reminded him vaguely of someone, and he couldn't resist the urge to prove her wrong. "You will assist me. There is no alternative."

"And what action will you take? How—" Kikyo questioned tonelessly, but was cut short when Sesshomaru traced a finger on her collarbone. It wasn't the first time he touched her, yet it made her shiver involuntarily. Staring at where his finger was before he removed it, she noticed a string of rosary beads had magically materialized around her neck, forming a necklace of sorts. To one unfamiliar with sorcery, it would appear to be an accessory neatly made with purple beads and several fang-like ornaments. For a miko like Kikyo however, she knew that the artifact was more than a decoration. Stunned, she grabbed it and desperately tried to wrench it off her neck. Nevertheless, the magic was already in effect. Try as she might, she couldn't remove or break the rosary beads.

"Years ago, I took this from a dark miko who foolishly tried to bind me with it, and failed. I had it modified so that it may be used on her own kind," Sesshomaru explained emotionlessly, "Do you understand now? I have full control over you. It matters not if your mind is unwilling to cooperate, your body will compel."

Hearing that, Kikyo's shoulders slumped and her arms fell back to her side. It went beyond her expectation that someone as proud as Sesshomaru would use a human tool to ensure her collaboration. Being a miko, she had created similar beads on numerous occasions and therefore knew how dangerous they could be when used correctly. All Sesshomaru required was a trigger word and she would follow his instructions to the letter, regardless of her consent. There was nothing she could do about it. She was cornered.

"How long—" she began.

"You will remain here until I am done with you." As if reading her mind, Sesshomaru replied and left, slamming the door shut behind him. With a click, the bolt was fastened once again, imprisoning Kikyo's freedom and hope.

Kikyo lowered her head so that her bangs concealed most of her face. Her whole shook in distress, her jaws tightening and both hands clenched into fists. Was there no way out of this horrifying fate? As one who was usually compliant with whatever fate hurled at her, she never truly questioned why she was its favorite toy. The cruelty of fate was seldom the subject of her contemplations, though this time around, she couldn't help but wonder why it was so dedicated to torturing her.

The last thing she wanted was to help Sesshomaru. But the solution wasn't simply refusing to cooperate. The Beads of Subjugation ensured that she was just a puppet manipulated by the daiyoukai. The only real difference was that she had a mind of her own, though that was irrelevant as long as she was under his control. The sooner she could remove the rosary, the sooner she could kill him. It was the only way. It was her obligation, a promise to Takaharu waiting to be fulfilled. Sesshomaru must be stopped. His lust for power was becoming far too dangerous. He was unwittingly paving the course of destruction to this world and she couldn't allow him to succeed. But for now, she was compelled to assist him. Until she could break free from his spell, she decided she would need to observe his every move and learn whatever weakness he hid behind his aloof front.

'But… why? Why would he…?' Against all odds, the usually strong-willed miko felt weak in the knees. Slumping down onto the ground, she felt the heavy burden resting on her shoulders as she reaffirmed her seemingly unattainable tasks. With a depressed sigh, she welcomed a blessed sleep that would momentarily relieve her of her distress. Despite having been in a coma for days, the exchange she had with Sesshomaru left her completely fatigued. Curling into a ball to suppress the numbing coldness coursing through her, her mind flashed with images that loitered from the effect of touching the Lord of the West. It was metaphoric: two souls were submerged in an ocean of weapons, with one of them caught on fire. Vague as it was, Kikyo began to piece together clues of what she saw.

'Sesshomaru, you may flee from reality as you wish. However, do not believe for a moment that you can escape. Every step we take contributes to our finale. The course has already been set and our feet are heading towards that destined end. While I may not know what would result from our actions, I know for certain that only one of us will live on... Indeed, this is nothing but a sad and twisted tale wove by fate.'

More Author's Notes: Chapter 4 is now complete and is ready for any suggestions, feedback, reviews, and even critics.