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: Hey everyone! It's been about three months since the last update. Sorry that it took this long; I ran into a writer's block where I knew how this chapter would end but did not know how to get there. So thank you for being so patient. Moreover, I would like to thank fabelliot, 8575, sastra, yami2703, Lady Seijuro, and Tsuyu no Inochi for your reviews. Getting more reviews than usual does put a smile on my face, especially when they're detailed and inform me of what parts are enjoyable and what needs improvement.

fabelliot: I'm thankful for your support and patience. Your inputs are very much appreciated too. Yes, I did struggle when it came to the scene with the Inu no Taisho returning. Given that he is extremely powerful, it is unlikely that he would sustain injuries. If that had to occur, I decided that it would not only have to be from an ambush but also from someone who is equally powerful. Thus, I attempted to make Ryukotsusei appear much stronger than his anime counterpart. Whereas the anime Ryukotsusei, though strong, became a sacrificial pawn for Inuyasha to master his technique, this story's Ryukotsusei is at a level — even while wounded — that could dominate over Sesshomaru. So your analogy about this being an adult against a child fight is actually very fitting.

Yes, Kikyo did not leave Sesshomaru and instead followed him. While she foresaw the battle with her ability — thus why she arrived with the proper medical treatment — she chose not to involve herself directly because she took Sesshomaru's pride into consideration. As she stated, it was his battle, not hers. Now if only Sesshomaru could appreciate the fact that she had arrived promptly because she cares for him instead of thinking about how his dignity is lost because she witnessed him in his condition.

8575: Thank you; it's pleasing to know you've enjoyed the chapter.

sastra: No, it is completely fine and you're not the worst. I just hope that you'll find these latest chapters entertaining.

yami2703: I'm really happy to hear that. :D

Lady Seijuro: Hello there! I'm not sure if this story is interesting enough to hold your interest long enough for you to see this, but I'm pleased that you've picked it up and then left some reviews. Thank you for telling me what you like about this story thus far and I hope you'll continue to read it.

Tsuyu no Inochi: Thank you so much. I'm absolutely flattered to receive the compliment of a talented writer of your caliber. Even now, Forbidden remains my favorite SessKik fanfic and is an inspiring masterpiece.

I agree, the zero interaction of SessKik in the series is the greatest let done in the entire anime/manga. I do feel that Takahashi could have done so much more by having these two awesome characters meet and create some sparks. The tale of two complex and intricate characters — one cursed by her fate and the other who conquers his and all of fate — would have been awesome to see/read.

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

Chapter 26-Kako-hen: No More Words

What can I tell you

only being such a small self?

I won't tell you more now

because the words are so weak against time

-No More Words (Movie Theme Song)

After what Touga quoted as 'Sesshomaru's misadventure', the young heir of the Western Lands found himself — dare anyone use the term — grounded for the following week. Praise was given first, though the punishment that followed gave the impression that the Inu no Taisho was more displeased than contented with Sesshomaru's deed. And in truth, the Lord of the West felt conflicted. While having Ryukotsusei incapacitated was meritorious from the stance of a ruler, the fatherly side of him could not help but admonish his son for his recklessness.

Thus, Sesshomaru was given a restriction that made him stay in the Western palace. It shouldn't have bothered him much, considering that the time was meant to be spent on fully recovering from his grievous wounds. Nonetheless, what annoyed him was that it prevented him from joining Touga and Hibiki on their quest to suppress the remnants of the Doragon clan. For his father, who greatly valued peace, to become so aggressive in nature was rare. It was a testimony that he was inwardly outraged by the atrocity that Ryukotsusei committed.

Without their leader, the Doragon clan quickly fell and whatever survivors had to abandon their heritage in favor of scattering into hiding. The news traveled far and wide within the Western realm. It was what every servant would discuss after their working shifts. After centuries of hostility, the Inu clan's top nemesis was no more.

An eventful week passed, and the gossip about the subjugation was still strong. But the repetition of the tales that were often exaggerated was beginning to lose their appeal for some. In particular, the Inu prince found his attention pulled away from the gossip and towards the presence that appeared out of the blue.

Sesshomaru could smell her. The scent was of great familiarity to him, one that he had been enveloped by since his birth. Out of nostalgia for the scent and curiosity, he halted his usual training and chose to trek the hallways. His pacing was moderated as he drew closer to the source of a prevailing aura that made his youki resonate from deep within. He pulled his aura close so that it wouldn't be pronounced. The intention of concealing it was lost to even him. Yet, if one were to speculate, then maybe they would've deemed it was out of the respect a son would give his mother.

After turning another corner at the next corridor, he found himself on a route that he was taking more frequently these days. As Sesshomaru realized he was approaching the guest room that St. Hijiri occupied, something prompted him to fine-tune his hearing. Eavesdropping, he noted sourly, was definitely not his style. But he supposed there was always an exception when it came to dealing with his whimsical mother. One could never be fully prepared when it came to dealing with the anomalous bundle of traits that the Lady of the West was composed of. This, unfortunately, extended to her family members as well; Sesshomaru had learned from countless past experiences that to have an exchange with the Inukimi was a task that would require one's utmost cunning and innovation. In short, he knew never to enter her striking range without prior information — she could easily lure anyone into a false sense of safety with her verbal tact. Once she did, there would be no end to her chatters.

Regardless of the motive, it was because he granted himself the leniency to eavesdrop that he was able to catch snippets of his mother's conversation with the saint.

"My, an intricate potion brewed with these simple herbs. I didn't think it was possible. Hmm, so this is your means of altering your voice. I must say, I am impressed." For the first time in decades, the silvery voice of his maternal parent sounded.

"You flatter me. It is far from flawless. The desired effect takes quite a few hours to begin, so it needs to be ingested early in the morning." Instead of the raucous voice that Sesshomaru had grown accustomed to hearing, the words that carried into his ears were delicate and harmoniously modulated. Mildly surprised, he unconsciously quickened his steps.

"Yet, this is a means not reliant on magical arts. You need not be so humble, guardian girl. The knowledge you shared has been enlightening thus far," the Inukimi hummed, though sounding neutral rather than regaled like she was suggesting.

"You are the lady of this manor. It is only proper I show reverence befitting your prestige."

The Inukimi gave an amused snort. "Rumors depict you as one who cares nothing about stature. Are they wrong then? Hmmm, I wonder. Or could it be you feel shameful about my dearest mate's decision?"

For a minute, there was no reply as the atmosphere took a sudden dip into the winter season. It was at that point Sesshomaru reached the sliding door, with an odd contemplation of whether or not intruding now would be a good idea.

The stalemate was broken when St. Hijiri took a deep breath that felt heavier than the armor the daiyoukai wore around his upper torso. "I cannot say I regret what I've instigated. However, I do wish to—"

She was cut off by a small chuckle that sliced through the thickened stiffness in the air like a knife would do to butter. "There is no need to be apologetic, guardian girl. I do not wish to imbue guilt, nor do I desire pity from another woman. If it were me, I would have endorsed it also. To sacrifice one's future in exchange for a nation's; there is nothing wrong with the sentiment. Is that not why you are here, to devote your entirety to the people of the east? Above and beyond, the Inu no Taisho may be a benevolent ruler but his decisions are his alone. He will not be swayed by another unless, of course, it is what he wants. Isn't that what you and your father do best, Sesshomaru?"

Left in no doubt that his mother was aware of his masked presence from the beginning, Sesshomaru dragged the door to the side. He was greeted by the sight of two women sitting across from each other, separated by a short-legged table. In that rapid moment, the one with her back facing him jumped and made a hasty move to grab the veil she had taken off. All the while, the other woman lifted her chin and graced Sesshomaru with a charming smile.

Two pairs of slanted golden eyes met each other in an appraisal.

Despite not having seen his mother for many years, her appearance was identical to what was in his memory. With unparalleled beauty, she was a daiyoukai with pale skin and a magenta stripe on each side of her face just under her eyes. Her long silver tresses that framed her slender body were secured into two twin tails. Similar to her son, she wore her bangs so that the strands were leveled with the eyebrows and parted to the sides to leave the purple crescent moon on her forehead exposed. From the resemblances she shared with Sesshomaru, there was no denying that the two were indeed blood-related.

Even her attire didn't change at all. Her inner layer consisted of a purple and white kimono adorned with green and yellow butterflies and cloaked by a dark blue outer layer worn loosely from her elbows. Donned on additionally were two furry pelts, one wrapped around her chest and another circling her feet so that they almost constantly touched the ground. Her sole accessory was the light blue necklace with a large amulet, which did nothing to glamorize her. In truth, she wore no cosmetics or jewelry because she did not need them, for she could easily be described as a royal goddess.

"Mother, you did not inform anyone of your return." Since his mother's question came as unexpected as her presence in the west, Sesshomaru chose to ignore it in favor of a nonchalant greeting. Being affectionate was not something he or the Inukimi practiced, though the level of indifference he was portraying was sufficiently less than usual.

"Oh, Sesshomaru! I fear there is no one left who cares to announce my arrival. Your mother is terribly distressed." A random switch was flipped somewhere and the Inukimi's attitude changed drastically from self-possessed to melodramatic. The Lady of the West threw an arm on the table and buried her face in it to give the impression that she was sobbing.

"Hmph. Such hollow words." While the saint sat dazed and unmoving due to the bizarre behavior, Sesshomaru was unfazed as he knew all too well how his mother operated.

"Ah, you do make poor entertainment. I cannot imagine any guest who could enjoy your dull company. How dreadful is it that a mother receives such insouciant reception from her own flesh and blood," the Lady of the West chided as she returned to her original position. There was no sincerity in her flippant tone and the lax attitude that was being amplified by the cheery smile.

"I do not entertain, mother. Surely you must know."

"I know. I know." Unlike her son's stoicism, the Inukimi's words were filled with rich emotions that expressed what she was supposed to be feeling. Exasperation was currently on display and it was reinforced by a wave of the hand and a casual smile. It was done in such a way that neither Sesshomaru nor most people would be able to figure out if she was being candid or deceptive. "This is precisely why the guardian girl has offered much more in the past hour than you have in the entirety of your life."

The strange nickname for the saint was not lost to the Inu prince so he took a second to store it into the back of his mind for later contemplations. Passing a fleeting glance at the woman in question, who still had her back towards him, he returned his gaze to his mother. "I wasn't aware that you could ever find a human remotely remarkable."

"Well, indeed. But this one is no ordinary human. You must agree with me. Right, Sesshomaru?" That prompted Sesshomaru to spare another glance at the woman. He was just in time to notice the saint's shoulders tense fleetingly before she regained her custom composure.

"Whether she is an ordinary human or not is of no interest to me." The aim was to conclude his statement there. Nonetheless, there was something about the saint's subtle behavior that encouraged something other than detachment from him. "Likewise, it should not be of any concern to her what I deem her as. One's identity is forged by their own beliefs alone, and no one else should have the power to dictate who they are."

"Is that so? Quite the interesting philosophy you have." All signs of frivolity disappeared as the Inukimi rose to her feet in an elegant movement and circled the table to get closer to her son. "But surely who she is must have captured your attention. Else your answer would have been a simple yes or no."

"Hmph, I seek nothing more than battling individuals with power. The woman has proven she has the strength worthy of my attention." For some inexplicable reason, Sesshomaru was suddenly overcome with the strangest of all urges to elaborate on why the saint had his approval. Not one to question his whims, as he was one who did as he pleased, and when he pleased, he merely dismissed the matter altogether.

"Oh, finally another exception besides myself and your father. Hmm, very interesting indeed," the Inukimi hummed. The tiny smirk pasted on her fair countenance grew into a large knowing smile. Casting a backward glance at the woman who had remained silent since Sesshomaru's entry, she let out another contemplative hum before lifting her thumb to her child's cheek.

With the gesture being a familiar one, Sesshomaru did nothing as his mother proceeded to trace the magenta strips decorating his features like she had done back when he was a pup. The delicate brush of her cool touch was nostalgic, though he did not dwell on the sensation. Instead, his focus was drawn to the disparity of their height. Although nothing seemed different at first, a lot of time had indeed passed since he last saw her. It became apparent after she stood up. Whereas he was once around her height, he had now surpassed her by more than half a head.

"You have grown, Sesshomaru." Pushing herself onto her toes, the Inukimi whispered near his ear, giving an impression that she was connected to his musings via telepathy. This time, there was no mistaking the genuineness in her voice.

No verbal response was given, with Sesshomaru giving a curt nod instead.

With that, the Inukimi must've decided that their exchange was over for she retracted her arm and took a step towards the exit. As her shoulder brushed past his arm, he kept his line of vision forward and inquired, "Have we exhausted your curiosity?"

"Well now, do you desire my stay? You're too old for coddling — is that not what you decided eons ago? But if I do say so myself, there are times I miss the snuggling puppy I once held in my arms. I've seen and heard all I desire. I shall leave you two at your leisure while I search for your ungrateful father. I'm certain you two have matters to discuss." Her whispered words carried a playfulness that could only have manifested after centuries of boredom. To be frank, it evoked the puzzling thought as to how effective his mother's travels were at alleviating her boredom. But ultimately, he did not linger on the thought, just as he did not question his mother's choice of adjective for his father. There was of course the lurking suspicion that there was a deeper meaning involved when it came to his mother. Nonetheless, it wasn't in his place to meddle with his parents' relationship.

'Let them deal with it as they see fit,' he thought.

Once the occupants of the room were reduced from three to two, a silence that made their breathing completely audible descended upon them. It wasn't uncomfortable by any means. On the contrary, they welcomed it, all the more so from the saint's perspective. Vigilant as the daiyoukai was, all it took was a look at the bowl filled with a greenish paste on the table for some speculations and comprehension.

"You flatter me. It is far from flawless. The desired effect takes quite a few hours to begin, so it needs to be ingested early in the morning." That was what he recalled her saying. If so, that would mean the woman would stay quiet as she was reluctant to use her actual voice. Why, though, remained a fleeting mystery that he did not dwell on, for he was not a prying individual or one who cared for the reasons of others. What tugged at his curiosity, however begrudging as it was to admit it, was the indication that the woman clad entirely in white was actually quite young. She was perhaps no more than twenty judging from the silvery and delicate voice that whispered like wind chimes.

Sesshomaru's golden orbs shifted from the table to the saint as she rotated her body around and tilted her chin. If the daiyoukai had a sense of humor, then maybe he would've smirked at how she didn't dare to whirl around before she had donned her mask. Instead, his facial expression stayed impassive as he spun on his heels and departed. With his hand on the edge of the door, he spared a backward glance and stated, "There is nothing I require from you at the moment. We shall meet as usual once you are capable of speech with that horrendous voice."

Even though he could not see it, he felt almost certain the woman was wearing a relieved smile as he shut the door behind him.

While the event in the morning was unanticipated, they found their afternoon settle back into their routine. Sesshomaru was waiting at the usual spot in the gardens when St. Hijiri's footsteps reached his ears. Pulling his eyes away from the cloudless sky, he fixed them on her and they both nodded simultaneously in greeting.

Sesshomaru turned and began their leisure stroll. St. Hijiri followed, having no problem keeping up with his long limbs. In the time that the daiyoukai met the saint, he had unknowingly begun to moderate his pace to match hers. As his interest in her grew at a snail's pace, so did the rate of these small and unapparent things.

His pair of golden orbs panned over to the right to behold her in her gracefulness. Her veil prevented a direct observation but the position of her head informed him that her sight was locked dead ahead. He was convinced that her features would be pensive. Before, the deduction would've been quite difficult but the months they spent together allowed him to discern her mood from tiny gestures like the low angle that her chin was positioned at.

In an unprecedented twist of wild thoughts, his mind was momentarily left to wonder what her visage would look like underneath the mask. The face that she had shown no one in the west aside from his parents. Perhaps it would be a pleasant surprise, the deepest part of his consciousness remarked. No sooner had the notion manifested did his eyebrows furrow in a barely discernible manner. Where did such absurdity stem from? This question had wormed itself into existence rapidly, only to be vanquished as what had happened in the deep forest came into recollection. The memory was blurry but he knew he had taken a glimpse of her countenance. But he could not remember any details except that the visage had been appealing to the eye. Given his condition back then, as well as his general disinterest towards feminine charms, it was reasonable that he did not retain the image. What was not reasonable, however, was that his mind lingered on the subject. Why would he be drawn to her appearance now if he hadn't cared for her reasons for concealing it in the first place?

'Has something changed?' It was too bad that he didn't get to contemplate further before he was taken back to reality by the gentle fingers curling around the back of his hand. The touch was a reminiscence of the first time her hand came into contact with his and it was a sensation that he had gotten accustomed to whenever she grasped his left hand.

"Sesshomaru, is it causing discomfort?" With the contact established, St. Hijiri was able to examine the flow of youki circulating through his left limb. Whether or not Bakusaiga was having detrimental effects on his body was more apparent to her than it was to even him. Nevertheless, that did not stop her from asking the same question every afternoon, almost as if she was afraid she had made an error with her diagnosis.

"No," he answered coolly.

To that, she gave a soft hum and guided him to the tree where he preferred to meditate. Once seated beneath the relaxing shades, his body settled with the routine for the past week and he pulled down the left side of his kimono, leaving his shoulder and arm bare. St. Hijiri located herself beside him, her bandage-wrapped palm illuminating with a faint glow as she transfused more of her spiritual powers into Bakusaiga.

Ignoring the tingling pulsations from the blade that responded pleasantly to the input, the daiyoukai kept his head straight and his gaze fixed in the direction where he could sense the Inukimi's youki. With the layout of the palace memorized, he figured out that she must be close to the Inu no Taisho's private quarters. It was not an act out of the ordinary considering that she was his mate, though it proved to be an intriguing situation when the subject of her interest was not inside the room.

It was the realization that his mother was actually avoiding his father that made inquisitiveness flare inside of him. Immediately, his thoughts returned to the exchange earlier. "What business did Mother have?"

Another would've been baffled by the suddenness of his question, but St. Hijiri's mind was able to keep up without any problem. "There is no profound reason. Similar to your action at present, she wished to satisfy her curiosity. Apparently, the presence of a human in the west intrigues her."

"The two of you held a conversation."

"There is nothing worth mentioning. She posed questions and I answered."

Perchance that was indeed all there was in the eyes of the commoner. In Sesshomaru's perspective though, their dialogue held more significance than most would know. Snippets of their exchange seemed to comprise details revolving around politics and the prospect of the lands. Not everything was heard but what had informed him that a commotional change was going to occur in the impending future. That much was certain, for that was the true reason behind his mother's abrupt return. Yet, these factors alone wouldn't have warranted his attention. What he was confronted with was the fact that the Lady of the West had felt that it was a relevant topic to discuss with the saint rather than him. There was no way he could dismiss something like this so easily!

"Don't bother hiding it, woman. I know there is an imminent issue that neither of you has informed me," he stated, a sharp edge to his voice. The accusation carried a hefty weight of pressure that threatened to squeeze everything out of those nearby.

St. Hijiri released a sigh that was more from resignation rather than awe. She withdrew her hand, having finished with her task for today. "Your deduction never falters, Sesshomaru. I'm impressed. However, I do not believe I am the person suited to provide the details. I'm sure either your father or mother will tell you when the time comes. It is your right to know, after all."

'So Father will tell me once he deems I am fitted to know. If so, then this must have relevance to his grand scheme.' Her words were left vague, though they were enough for the daiyoukai. Off all the things in the world, there was only one subject that the Lord of the West felt his son was ill-prepared for with his current framework. If Touga was the one behind the secrecy, then it was guaranteed that what they were doing behind his back was related to the well-being of the others.

True to his mother's words, the Lord of the West was a benevolent ruler. Despite possessing a power that could make anyone crumble onto their knees, Touga instead aimed to offer his aid to those in need. The meaning behind his desire to unify the nations for the sake of the weak was lost to his son. Sesshomaru could not understand; it was not rational to fight for something so abstract and without any apparent benefits.

On the deliberation, the saint was also similar in this aspect. She shared his father's dream and was completely invested in it. The irony here was so thick that Sesshomaru could almost taste it. The ones he paid heed to were all placing their endeavor to assist paltry beings that the young prince would never be bothered to lift a finger for.

The faintest of a scowl descended on the young prince's features, the ends of his eyebrows drawing closer to each other by a millimeter. Urged by a foreign sensation that irritated him with its nagging existence, he fixed his attire and stood up with a fluent motion. "Come. I must know your reasons. Enlighten me of the world that you and Father see."

"Oh?" The saint expressed her confusion as he pulled her onto her feet. The abrupt transition from words to action left even someone as astute as her bewildered. Naturally, there was no way for her to have known about the reflections that had taken place inside the daiyoukai's mind. But it was mildly surprising when she hadn't gathered her wits before she found herself locked in an awkward position. Practicality was Sesshomaru's objective so it never crossed his mind how intimate they appeared to others when he had looped his right arm around her waist and had her body secured so that her veiled face would be pressed against his sturdy chest.

"Sesshomaru! What are you doing?" Her breathing accelerated and it became apparent that her muscles were tensing. The signs served as an indication that she would instinctively struggle as soon as her brain caught up with his action.

He did not let that happen as he made a brisk attempt to elaborate. "Fear not, woman. I wish to show you the land I see Father, and later myself, claiming dominion over. I shall take you there, whereupon you shall verify what you and Father see. It will be a short flight. No harm will befall upon you so long as you remain still."

St. Hijiri was quiet as she digested what he had just said. To be frank, it was probably the most words Sesshomaru had said to anyone at once in a long time. But that must not have been alarming for the woman, as moments later, her head perked up and the daiyoukai could sense her gaze on him. There was a strong inkling that she was going to retort before she was suddenly struck with a change of mind. Swallowing down whatever she had planned to say, she instead asked, "Are you not forbidden to leave the palace?"

"Until yesterday I was," he answered, somewhat annoyed about the reminder. His tone suggested that he couldn't care less, though both knew it was a force of habit rather than anything else.

"… I understand. I shall heed your desire." That seemed to convince the woman for she conceded to his arrangements and circled her arms around his body to endorse safety.

Contented that she was cooperating without much of a hassle, Sesshomaru carefully lifted into the air. Intending to keep to his words, he flew at a velocity that no ordinary youkai could possibly reach. He was a streak of white light that stretched across the blue sky and split the clouds below with sound waves, the perfect combination of elegance and might. Knowing that the altitude and high speed were dangerous to the woman in his arms did not change his flight pattern. Instead, he altered the youki surrounding him so that it would capsulate around her as a protective layer.

It did not take long for Sesshomaru to arrive at his destination — the castle walls snaking across the numerous mountains that served as the borderline separating the west and the east. The sentries that saw him fly by recognized him in an instant and saluted, not daring to question his presence.

Lowering them both onto a tower devoid of any youkai, he ensured that the scenery that would enter the woman's vision was the side where the afternoon sun was leaning towards. From their spot, even her human eyes could easily see the vast terrains that seemed to stretch endlessly before them. Various color patches represented different landmarks — the forest that the deer clan resided in, the snowy mountains where the Tori clan nested, the lakes that youkai with scales dwelled in, the plains for the lesser youkai, and much more — were all remarkable to look at. As the focal point of all the wonders, the glamorous castle that belonged to the Lord of the Manor stood. The Inu crest on the banners shimmered in the sunlight and the magnificent structure gave a firm impression of dominance.

"Behold," Sesshomaru announced tonelessly, his arm flourishing out in front of him. "All of the land you see is a part of the Western Lands, the domain of the proud Inu no Taisho."

"It is memorizing," St. Hijiri admitted, absorbing all that the daiyoukai wanted her to see.

"Yes," he replied with a curt nod. "One day, this realm shall be mine to claim. Not through the privilege of inheritance, but with the epitome of power that will far surpass my great and terrible father. That is my conquest."

St. Hijiri's head lowered in that familiar way that was her habit for deep reflections. Slowly, she gave a soft inhalation that he almost did not catch. When she spoke, the softness of her voice couldn't conceal the wisdom she possessed. Once more, the daiyoukai was reminded that this was someone who could hold intellectual conversations with not only him but with his father as well. "I see. The land and its people are nothing more than a symbol of your accomplishments. You are rational and practical, so it is only natural that you cannot see the ideals your father has envisioned for the future of this realm."

'Good,' the Inu prince thought. By now, he was accustomed to the woman's extraordinary astuteness. In truth, he had factored it upon deciding to regard her as an equal. Otherwise, he would never have resorted to verbal communication in the first place if he did not think she was capable of comprehending him without much elaboration. Satisfied that the conversation he permitted on the rare occasion would not be pointless, he shifted his position slightly so his vision would capture not only the woman but also the broad horizon at their rear.

"Behind us lies a realm wasted by the weak. We have no obligation to offer them aid. Yet, you and Father do it willingly. This is what I, Sesshomaru, desire to know. Why protect them? Why miss them? Why love them?" Even as indifference was etched on his countenance the way it usually was, each of the whys was stimulated by the ultimate question that his father had once proposed when he was a mere pup.

"Tell me, Sesshomaru. Have you someone to protect?"

"Protect? The answer is no. I, Sesshomaru, have no need of such."

The heir of the west knew that he must've imagined it, but he was still under the impression that his response had made his father disappointed. The pup had felt an odd sense of guilt stir when the Lord of the West gazed at him. There was a feeble expression that should never be associated with the almighty dog demon, even in one's greatest fancy. The thought he had failed some sort of important test lingered inside the young daiyoukai's mind and the question remained unsolved. Was there even a correct answer? How could it be answered truthfully and correctly when Sesshomaru felt no zeal to protect the weak?

"Why, you ask? Without love, I fear that you will never be able to fathom your father's idealism," St. Hijiri replied, having spun around to take in the view on the eastern side. Even though the region's scenery should be nothing new to her, she seemed as fascinated as someone who was seeing it for the first time. "Depending on the circumstances, that can be a blessing or a bane."

"Love is a foolish sentiment." The capacity to comprehend the conflicting sensation known as love was not beyond Sesshomaru. He knew there could be nothing in this world that he could not process so long as they were within the realm of rationality. To him, the analysis of such a senseless and contradictory concept was nothing more than a waste of time. In addition, love was a sensation that weakened one's resolve and strength, committing even the sanest to deeds that one would never think of doing in the first place.

"I know. It is self-destructive when one becomes overly sentimental. I won't and cannot convince you to believe otherwise. I will, however, say this. Strength is not defined by the lives one has trampled over, nor should it be measured by the number of victories in battle."

"Arithmetic is as objective as one allows it to be. Numbers can be changed, and outcomes can be manipulated by a strong power. That is how power will reveal my way of life, my conquest." Unwittingly, Sesshomaru found his left brow rising slightly. There hadn't been any real need to voice his thoughts out loud for her to hear, but he decided to do it in the spirit of their conversation, on the rare occasion that he was the initiator.

"Certainly. Great feats can be achieved with power. Yet, a great responsibility is born with power and too much can tempt even the most upright of individuals and lead them astray," St. Hijiri paused momentarily, and Sesshomaru was instantly hit with the impression that her eyebrows were knitted together tightly. "I've seen many fall from the pressure or temptation."

"What are you insinuating, woman?" Although Sesshomaru understood that there was a correlation between protection and the meaning of strength — hence the shift in their exchange – he was genuinely puzzled about the direction that this was going.

St. Hijiri rotated around until she faced him. "…Well, you are Sesshomaru. I suppose the concern is unneeded. As long as you don't lose sight of the dream in your heart, you will not fall like the others have. Before long, I'm convinced you'll reach the answers you search for."

"Hmph. It seems there is not a day where you do not make a pointless utterance." His words were accompanied by the faintest trace of a smirk, to which she unexpectedly responded with a light chuckle. Their discussion did not yield as much as he would've liked. Oddly enough, he did not feel the slightest discontentment. Instead, he found himself in a rather good mood as they lingered until the sun retired for the day.

And no more words were needed while they stood side by side spectating the beautiful topography, the fabric of their garments sliding against each other as the soft wind whistled its joyous tune.

More Author's Notes: the next chapter may or may not suffer from a delay as I am currently trying to decide on what to take precedence — plot or relationship (honestly, too many ideas are running inside my head right now and I'm growing indecisive). Hopefully, this will get resolved soon with the help/advice from my betareader. Of course, any suggestions/thoughts are welcomed by all.

I shall see you all next time!