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.

Whew, it looks like my beta-reader and I managed to squeeze in one more chapter before the end of this year. Honestly, I could not have gotten the chapter out without the awesome help of bubu-chibi-chan. Thank you very much!

Additionally, I want to say a big thank you to all the reviewers since this story has bypassed its 200th review! I've gotten a lot of amazing feedback for the last chapter. And there are also quite a few reviews from new readers catching up, which is always good news because it means more people are giving the SessKik pairing a go. So a special thanks to Tsuyu no Inochi, Guest, 8579, Freeh, Guest, sastra, Guest, Yaneth Suarez, and Guest.

Tsuyu no Inochi: It's always fabulous to hear from you and I'm flattered that you like the story thus far. At this point, Sesshomaru considers Kikyo no more than a tool for his conquest and therefore shows little to no concern for her. All that matters is that she remains alive. Yes, it is brutal; not a proper way to treat a lady. But in a way, her continuous defiance provokes him a lot because she reminds him so much of this mysterious woman in his past.

I'm glad you liked how I incorporated the Shikon Jewel into this story. Considering that it played a major role in Kikyo's downfall and is an integral component of the canon's plotline, it should also have an obvious relation here. Besides, I feel the threat that the jewel is meant to bring is somewhat undermined in the series, with Inuyasha's group gallivanting while collecting the shards.

Guest: Haha, I'm a little ashamed here because right after you complimented me on my punctuality, this chapter gets posted later than usual. Sorry about that, but I hope the content here won't disappoint and is worth the wait.

8579: Yes, it's a bold move on Kikyo's part. But then again, she has been shown making the first move in the series with Inuyasha. I do sometimes regret writing this arc all in Sesshomaru's POV since we don't get many clues as to what is going on inside Kikyo's head. For instance, what were her motives and reasons when she decided to initiate the kiss? So I have plans to devote some time for her to reflect on things after this arc.

Freeh: I hope you'll find your way to this chapter because I would like to say thank you for your support by responding to your reviews. Unfortunately, I can't PM you since you're not posting reviews with an account so I've decided to write them down here.

Good to hear that you liked the humor in chapter 11. Humor is never my strong suit but Inuyasha's POV helps. It's one of the reasons why I like changing to his POV once in a while, else I'll be stuck with the serious Sesshomaru, Kikyo, and Kotori lol.

Haha, Hibiki does have strong charisma, right? Several reviewers share similar opinions of him. I guess you have some competition. ;D

Oh yes. I'm also glad I'm not Naraku. He might have a souvenir to take home but he's also got a livid daiyoukai on his doorstep banging the doors and a wary miko who is now aware of his existence.

I was quite hyped when writing chapters 17-19, seeing that the sections are crucial to the overall tale. Here, we delved not only into the three swords' backgrounds but also their significance to Sesshomaru and Inuyasha. Then we also get some complicated relationships like Sesshomaru & Inuyasha, Inuyasha & Kotori, and of course, Sesshomaru & Kikyo being touched on and explored. And on top of all that, we have Naraku plotting in the background. A lot happened in those few chapters but I'm pleased that you were able to have some of your questions answered.

Other readers have also commented on this about Kotori. My intention for her is she is neither Kagome nor Kikyo but has some of the attributes that would make Inuyasha act like, well, fully himself. In canon, I've noticed that Inuyasha's temperament changes from mostly naïve and childish around Kagome to being seriously mature around Kikyo. Since both sides comprise his character, I want to have a character that can interact with him and flesh out all these layers.

Yeah, the arc's end is more like an abrupt stop. It can be frustrating because it leaves us wondering what's going to happen to SessKik's interactions now that they are fully aware of each other again. But I had planned for the Kako-hen to be told from Sesshomaru's flashback and he would be too preoccupied with Kikyo once she wakes to reminiscent.

Yep, Kikyo in the past is all covered up, exactly like St. Hijiri is in the series. In fact, she even takes on that alias. Well yes, Kikyo is just being herself when interacting with Sesshomaru but she does have her initial reasons for getting close to him. Glad to hear that you're excited about their interactions as well as having enjoyed the scene in chapter 25.

Guest: Thanks! Happy to hear that you enjoyed it. And no worries about commenting on the wrong chapter because that's an extra review, lol! XD

sastra: SessKik intimacy is always a treat in any fanfic. I think these moments are especially meaningful to fans since the two are not the type to seek closeness. Personally, I think Sesshomaru took too long to respond. Our favorite daiyoukai's brain can formulate several battle tactics in a matter of seconds but is literally jammed when it comes to romance.

Yep, that's Sesshomaru's first time of a proposal. Too bad he didn't let Kikyo ponder too much on it before he redirected the conversation.

I appreciate your encouragement regarding how I handled this chapter. The hardest thing for me then was to ensure that both are in character. For Sesshy, it's easier to see how the events unfolded for him because we can get immediate explanations from his thought processes. But with Kikyo, we don't get her POV, which makes it more difficult to envision her actions and how they will be perceived. Her dialogues were the ones I had to continuously go over and edit. But I'm overjoyed to hear that you think it turned out well.

Unfortunately, Kikyo's status as an orphan and her immorality make it impossible for her to experience normalcy and to have a family she could call her own.

Guest: I was hoping that people would be surprised by how deep SessKik's relationship runs in the past since the hostility is very thick in the present. The 'before and after' comparison is quite jarring and I'm sure there'll be plenty of things Sesshomaru would want to confront Kikyo with once she wakes up. Great memory/insight on the Beads of Subjugation and Tsubaki; if the present is anything to go by, we know in advance that Sesshomaru's encounters with the beads and the kuro miko are not pleasant. And Kikyo ends up taking the brute of that loathing, though she's not completely acquitted since she made a rosary for him in retaliation. Had it not been used on Inuyasha, then maybe the two could work something out. For example, they could exchange the two rosaries and thereby turn them into a new fashion statement, lol.

Yaneth Suarez: Nice to meet you! Thank you for your review! I hope this story will be gripping enough that I'll see more of your reviews in the future.

Guest: Thanks for your support. Here's the next chapter.

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

Chapter 35-Kako-hen: Every Heart

Round and round in looping time

We live and come to understand things

At times laughing, sometimes crying

We will continue to walk again today

-Every Heart (4th ending song)

While Sesshomaru tended to avoid contact, he cossetted Rin's fancy by lowering himself to her eye level. Similar to what she did with Hijiri, the girl wrapped her arms around Sesshomaru's neck, carefully evading the spikes on his pauldron. Whereas the saint reciprocated, the daiyoukai did nothing as his body instinctively stiffened. If there was any awkwardness, however, Rin either took no notice or pretended obliviousness.

She eventually pulled back, optimism dancing within her eyes as she asked, "Rin knows this is goodbye, Sesshomaru-onii-san. But will Rin see you and Hijiri-onee-san again?"

"It is unlikely that our paths will cross in the near future. Our presences are needed in the west, once Hijiri has concluded her business here." Despite being renowned as a cold-hearted warrior, a semblance of reluctance was wedged into the demon lord. Had they not been adamant that a human child would not be granted a life of normalcy amongst his kind, then he would have likely brought the child along.

Rin bit the bottom of her lip in maudlin acceptance and her crestfallen expression left its imprint. A bitter sensation twisted his interior, refusing to vanish even as he tried to banish it.

'Is this what humans called… guilt? To think that such a reaction could be induced… Yes, the child truly is ordinary in every sense. Yet her chaste sincerity is rare amongst her kind.' Never before meeting Hijiri did he think he was even capable of feeling this type of sentimentality. Nonetheless, his bond with the woman had opened the floodgates to emotions that he did not think he possessed, let alone be subjected to.

'Hmph. Hijiri, you ought to be proud that you have accomplished Father's assignment, for you are the one who ingrained these convoluted and senseless sentiments into me.' While the acknowledgment did not spread joy, it did not upset him either. Just like his father's involuntary abdication, it was a change that he would face and conquer. After all, he was not so weak-willed to let his emotions dominate his rational mind.

Deciding that an attempt to soothe Rin was unfitting for someone of his prestige — and not because an inner voice criticized him that he was an inept consoler — he merely returned to his full height and took his focus elsewhere. His sight aimlessly wandered to the sky for a moment before lowering onto Hijiri, who was talking to Kakuju.

Eavesdropping was not a part of his intention but the words trickled into his acute hearing.

"—flames may have ravaged the village but those who fled have returned. Together with the survivors of the pillage, they intend to rebuild their homes. Before my departure, I've tended the injured and left Kochou there as temporary protection."

An eyebrow arched as he identified the village they were talking about. Annoyance crept into his mind as he sketched the timeline of his journey. Hijiri had visited the village that he had been in. Had he lingered for a little longer after his encounter with Izayoi, then perchance they would have been reunited earlier than they did.

That realization brought the emergence of a question. How did she manage to return so soon? It had not even been long since his arrival and he doubted that her stallion would be able to match his flight speed, especially after having a late start as its master was treating the villagers.

A hypothesis weaved itself into existence. Teleportation — such a technique would have dispersed the incongruities. Yet, it was a skill very few individuals were capable of, for much power and precision were in demand. Even Sesshomaru was a novice in the art and the notion that St. Hijiri might be well-versed in it triggered a mixture of competitiveness and pride. Refused to be outdone, he made a determined note to master teleportation as soon as they returned to the west.

Although distracted by his reflection, his brain was still registering snippets of the women's exchange.

"—tended to the survivors as I am able, including the crippled bandit. At present, he is under Kochou's care. I would appreciate your assistance, though I understand if you are indisposed."

"Yes, naturally I would be reluctant. He is, after all, a vile man responsible for the village's destruction and the slaughtering of many poor souls," Kakuju sighed, her compressed tone suggesting her incredulous state. "Even if the villagers remain oblivious to his identity, I do not believe I have the heart to say nothing. He is the instigator of their misfortune and I can only imagine their wrath should they ever recognize the rotten man beneath the bandages."

"Rotten as his soul may be, death will not undo his transgressions. I am not so naïve to believe that he will repent and redeem his lost soul. But I found him. Grievously wounded and burnt as he was, I cannot neglect him. If someone can be saved, I'll try to save them. That is all I can do," Hijiri paused, shook her head once in resignation, then continued, "However, you are no more obliged to follow my doctrines as I am to yours. If you do not wish to care for him in my absence, then forget what I have said."

"Wait. No, you're right. To abandon someone in need goes against our teachings and I would have learned nothing from Utsugi and my sins if I am to ignore this," the old miko admitted, "I'll care for him and pray that he will discover the heart to feel remorse."

With his boots suspended a few inches off the ground, barely brushing against the tips of the longest strands of grass, Sesshomaru ensured that he remained parallel to the saint's stallion as it galloped.

Save for the two, the road was deserted. Just the way he preferred. Now if only his growing curiosity was not being tugged by the sudden return of a question. Frankly, it was nothing urgent, just the simple desire of wanting to know something. Whenever he speculated on a matter, he loathed not being able to confirm his assumptions.

"Hijiri, how did you return to Rin mere moments after I had? You lingered in the village, tending to the wounded, whereas I had only sojourned. Was it teleportation?" It might have been an inquiry, but his tone lacked the uncertainty found in questions. Instead, it was laced with self-assurance, like he was demanding an endorsement of what he had already suspected was the truth.

"Mm, yes." She supplied him with a short dismissive answer, not bothering to turn her face to look at him. Even with the veil, he was aware that her attention remained on the road in front. Unlike him, her mind was currently weighed down by serious contemplations. If he were to guess, she was most likely either formulating strategies for the upcoming battle or reminiscing the past she shared with the kuro miko.

Feigning disinterest, he abandoned the topic and encouraged the blanket of quiet to descend. All the while, he observed her carriage, taking note of all the subtleties that even she was unaware of. The woman carried herself with her back straight and her shoulders squared. Determination radiated her form like a beacon, captivating his interest like light does to a moth. She portrayed the impression of a seasonal warrior in her stance, poised for battle with the intent of attaining the glory that would surely be hers. Briefly, he wondered if this was what a mirror would have reflected if told to show him his female counterpart. Even the discreet manner of her subconsciously tightening her grip on the reins was a reminder of him wrapping his fingers around his sword's hilt just before an important battle.

Taking the similarity as a hint, he discerned her underlying caginess for her enemy. "Does this foe of yours warrant this exertion of caution?"

"Tsubaki's petty sorcery does not perturb me. However, I am wary of the underhanded means she is willing to employ. In all likelihood, she will resort to persecuting the weak to ascertain her triumph against me."

"Hmph, I should have known," he uttered, more to himself than to her. While his monotonous statement indicated his typical apathy, he was inwardly exasperated that he had not fathomed the cause of her unease earlier. After all, this was a woman who knew no fear concerning her well-being, who would dive headfirst into a burning house on the verge of collapse for the odd chance of saving a little girl.

"Why dawdle then? Teleport and strike her down when she least suspects it." Flexing his claw for emphasis, he found himself wanting to offer her the quickest solution that would settle her restlessness.

She chuckled softly, somehow finding his suggestion to be humorous before accounting for its viability. "I would if I could. Alas, I cannot travel far with teleportation and it is strenuous to the body and mind. Tsubaki is not an enemy who I can have the luxury of fighting while weakened, especially if she is prepared."

For a moment, it seemed that their exchange would end there. There were ten consecutive thuds of the horse's hooves connecting with the dirt ground before the saint spoke in afterthought. "Besides, though I am aware that the road ahead is treacherous, I am graced with your companionship. Egocentric as it may be, I intend to enjoy every second of it and that won't happen if I were to teleport away and leave you behind."

His eyebrows came close to furrowing as he registered the teasing remark, though he figured he would play along. "Why, in your presumptuous mind, would you believe I will fall behind?"

She tilted her head, giving the impression that she was giving his question some serious contemplations. Her gesture looked so authentic that anyone less familiar with her than he was would have fallen for it. "When you spoke of teleportation, I detected a flicker of resolve in your tone. I assume you intend to lock yourself in your chambers to master it upon our return?"

"Hmph. That will have to wait, unfortunately." The daiyoukai mimicked her head gesture, though less for a dramatic effect and more because he was deliberating the direction he wanted to take this conversation. There was a part of him — a peculiar fragment that he was not aware had existed before — inspiring him to listen to his senses rather than his brain. Doing things on a whim had always been one of Sesshomaru's quirks but this felt different; this was him taking his emotions into account. For once, he decided to brush aside the irrationality of it all because he felt that was what he wanted. "My priority now lies in ensuring that you will learn the proper etiquette upon our return. Having the future Lady of the West provoke her lord for the sake of her entertainment just won't do."

Jerking the reins so that her horse came to an abrupt stop, she whipped her head around so fast that he wondered if she had pulled a muscle. With the veil on, he could only envision the shock in her widening eyes and the slackening of her jaws. Whatever retort she was expecting from him, this must have been far from thought. A touch of curiosity prompted him to muse if there was some heat coloring her cheeks. He had to restrain himself from yanking off her mask to reveal the priceless expression that must be hiding underneath.

"Sesshomaru… you… you… I…" For the first time, she was reduced to stuttering as her brain restarted for damage control. He could imagine it frantically working at quadruple its speed in an attempt to assimilate his words.

Since he lacked the experience and knowledge on how to proceed, he merely waited for her to recollect herself. In spite of everything, there was no awkwardness among them; the atmosphere was still pleasant and comforting, even if there was now a touch of foreign uncertainty mixed within.

Fortunately, it did not take too long before the saint freed herself from the revelation and motioned her stallion to continue its gentle gallop.

"I can't believe that your features could remain so neutral after such a bold declaration," she uttered with a toss of her head, shaking off the last of her bewilderment and allowing exasperation to show in her voice. "I do not doubt your integrity but surely you must be aware that in the human language, that was a confession you so deftly proclaimed."

"I am aware." Modulating his pace so that he would keep in line with her, Sesshomaru slid his gaze over to note with contentment that her grip on the reins had loosened a little. "You, on the contrary, appear oblivious to a demon's civility. When a male pronounces his sentiment, it is within a female's courtesy to acknowledge and accept rather than comment on his manner of execution."

"Sentiment, huh?" Soft laughter was heard, one that resonated deeply to touch his heartstrings. It tickled his ears with its sincere mirth and he silently cursed how easily she could tease him, even without the use of words. "I'm glad you've grown to be candid with yourself, Sesshomaru. You are no longer neglecting your heart."

Had anyone — even his father — said that to him before his encounter with Hijiri, he would have given them a scoff of contempt if he was in a good mood or simply ignored them altogether. Now, however, he found himself with no retort—

"Though I do wonder if your heart has augmented your already overbearing attitude. Acknowledge and accept? Are you so confident you did not think to mention the alternative?"

Correction. He did have no intention of retorting until that rhetorical question.

"Don't play coy with me, woman." He threw her his customary glare. Yet, it lacked the hostility that many of his subjects were familiar with — not that it would have any effect on the saint regardless. "If memory serves, you were the instigator of last night's occurrence."

It was when her head rotated away from him and no rejoinder was articulated that Sesshomaru knew he had claimed the ascendancy on this topic. Based on that reaction, he now knew that while she had acted far more unruffled than he had been during last night, she was not as composed as she had first made him believe. Powerful and astute as she was, she could become flustered as any ordinary woman could with the correct provocation.

That perception curled the corners of his mouth into a semblance of a smile.

Sesshomaru was no stranger to scaling elevations with odd geography. However, even he had to admit that Mt. Hakurei was the most bizarre mountain he had ever come across.

There were features associated with the highlands that one would not find elsewhere. First, there was a holy barrier rooted deep into its base, enclosing the entire region in a shroud of pure mist that sapped away his youki. Then there was the fact that the summit was split into a neat half, almost as if his father had cleaved it with the Tessaiga. And last but not least, deep and clear water channels that resembled the scars of a calculated Kaze no Kizu ran from an underground source down the valley before merging into a river. According to Hijiri, he would need to avoid the water as it had been cleansed and blessed with holiness from the constant exposure to the barrier.

If the water was all he had to be cautious of, then the trip would have been tolerable. But no. The barrier was the primary cause of his aggravation, for it was incessantly reminding him of its existence the longer he stayed within its parameters.

"You feel it, do you not? The pressure is insurmountable. This is the power of Mt. Hakurei's sacred barrier. It matters not how powerful you are, no youkai can linger without being affected. That is why I suggest you stay far from its range."

St. Hijiri's reasoning was logical. Nonetheless, it was brushed aside by his persistence. In a stubborn demonstration of strength, he followed her while ignoring the divine resistance that manifested as blue sparks around his body. They devoured his strength little by little, making his climb all the more difficult. Each step proved more strenuous than the last, though it would be the last thing he would admit, especially when the saint stole some exasperated glimpses at him when she had thought he was not paying any attention.

Unexpectedly and annoyingly challenging as the trek was, it eventually came to an end when they arrived at the summit. Hijiri saw no point in being inconspicuous; she presumed they were being watched by a shikigami long before they had even reached the sacred mountain. While that endorsed the kuro miko as a potential threat, he still honored his part of the bargain by letting her venture to the center alone.

He waited, having no intention of disrupting the fight that had begun. He did not need to be a spectator to know that much. A blast of purple light overfilled the vicinity, its force so predominant that sprays of static hit him like a raging hurricane.

Her spiritual aura — with a signature she had once stated was muffled by her specially designed clothes — was one that he had become familiar with. But it was very different right now. No longer the soothing waves of the unrelenting ocean, it had morphed into an unnaturally violent storm that threatened to engulf everything unholy in nature.

He involuntarily narrowed his eyes. It was common knowledge amongst men — be it a demon or human — that a fight between women could escalate into what they commonly referred to as the uncontrollable 'catfight'. He presumed that it was going to be messy. He knew that it was going to be violent. He was even aware that this confrontation would not be dominated by slaps and hair pulls. What he hadn't predicted was the sheer intensity of it, particularly from Hijiri's aura.

'So this is the true extent of her might. Her power of purification is prominent. Even the overbearing divinity of this mountain cannot eclipse it.'

Truly, it was a phenomenal display of power, with enough pressure that his inner self was raising the alarms. He felt his youki stir restlessly, feeling threatened and eager to be unleashed so that it could dominate. He suppressed the urge, discovering that the trick lay in keeping his demonic aura withdrawn. Theoretically, it was only possible for him because he was a daiyoukai; lesser demons would have been overwhelmed by the sheer prowess of purification regardless of what they did.

Another burst of purple manifested alongside a swirl of dark energy and the two powers collided. Light and darkness. Purification and malediction. Cleansing and contaminating. The two forces sought to triumph over the other despite having been born in an equilibrium.

At that comparison, Sesshomaru mulled over how something as dark as Tsubaki's energy would match Hijiri's light while on top of Mt. Hakurei. However, he did not get to dwell on the topic for long. His interest was taken by another tremor that shook the forest. Unlike the previous times, he did not feel the consecutive but smaller discharges that would have followed. The entire forest came to a standstill as if frozen in place. So eerily quiet that his surroundings had become that he could hear his own drawn-out inhales and exhales.

'Has it ended?' He took no immediate action, opting to wait for a sign that would answer his question. When none came, inquisitiveness eventually triggered his drive to investigate. After all, there was no better verification than to ascertain the situation with his own eyes.

With his youki tucked close, he took measured but lagging steps toward the center of the conflict. Caution might have been at the foremost of his mind but he detested how slowly he was going. As the trees became less packed with his every step, the stress that placed invisible burdens on his legs increased exponentially. It was akin to having someone strap weights onto his boots. Had the ground been composed of soft soil instead of dry dirt, then he was certain he would have sunk like one would in quicksand.

He might have expected the resistance but the magnitude of the force went beyond what he thought was possible. St. Hijiri had not been exaggerating. The purity ramming into him made him feel like he was being forced to heave the mountain itself. His strength was rapidly evaporating. Yet, he refused to submit. Ignoring the occasional sparks of statics that ominously surrounded his form, he persisted until he reached the end of the vegetation-covered area.

Concealing his form behind one of the few trees that had been miraculously spared from the fate of having their branches twisted by the spiritual forces, he was able to determine why the clash had ceased.

The kuro miko, Tsubaki, stood close to the cliff. Such a position gave Sesshomaru a clear view of her features. Donned in a black and purple kimono — which, under normal circumstances, would have befitted her title — she was projecting an air of covert regal grace. At current, it was badly torn in several places, showing patches of skin that suffered from scorch-like marks. Her waist-length raven hair was disheveled and the shell-like ornament on her forehead, separating her bangs, was crooked.

Despite her appearance, lips adorned with red cosmetics were stretched into an evil smirk. Exhausted pants accompanied the gleeful expression, which soon morphed into a diabolic laugh. The kuro miko was so heedlessly submerged in her delight that the daiyoukai instantly spotted openings for attack. Nonetheless, he kept himself at bay, his brain easing the restlessness that came from his chest — his heart.

'I will not disgrace her and become involved in her battle. The woman who is my equal in strength will not fall like this.' Now it was a mixture of his honor and a rare sense of faith that was speaking. But his inaction was not solely grounded by blind conviction. There was also logic. St. Hijiri had overcome more hardship than one could count; benign as she tended to be, she was also like a force of nature that refused to be stopped, especially not by the likes of a kuro miko who would lower her guard so easily.

So he continued to observe. The saint appeared physically fine, though her body was bound from shoulders to feet by a large white snake with a pair of horns protruding from its temples. Its red eyes gleamed with cruelty similar to its master as it waited for the command to completely crush its captive. All the while, it rested its head next to the saint's neck tauntingly, its forked tongue slipping out in an attempt to taste fear.

"I cannot stop laughing at the irony. Oh, how the circumstances change," Tsubaki cackled like a madwoman. "Foolish woman, I warned you that your infatuation would weaken your spirit. You are like a completely different person from when we last fought. My, your spiritual powers have become so pitifully weak. Imagine how our dear sensei would weep in the netherworld if she knew."

"Tsubaki, Midoriko-sensei would have been more appalled by your lack of remorse for the atrocities you committed than by this weakness you claim to exist in my heart. Even in her last moments, Sensei believed that you could reach self-salvation. She had much faith. Yet, never once did you stop to reflect upon your deeds, nor did you remember her teachings." St. Hijiri's voice held a layer of eerie quietness, yet no one could mistake the fury that was tucked underneath the fragile surface. "Your greed has completely tainted your heart. You would commit trickery, arson, child abduction, and homicide to lure me into your trap. Moreover, while doing so, you have tarnished Sensei's remains, using her ashes and bones to circumvent the curtailments that should have abstained you. Has the heart that once respected and loved Midoriko-sensei perished? Or can it be salvaged from its self-imposed darkness?"

"Hmph, of course you are the same insane martyr that you were. Still obsessed with the ideal that— what was it again?" With a snort and a clear of her throat, Tsubaki attempted a poor imitation of St. Hijiri's manner of speech. "Ah, yes. If someone can be saved, I'll try to save them, correct? So you presume you can save me? You presume I need saving?"

"You are wrong. Everyone wishes to be saved but some salvation can only be found by the one who seeks it. I never said I have the ability to save you. I can only guide you towards a journey of atonement. It is you who must realize that you have been misguided by evil and fight for your salvation."

"Self-salvation ceased to exist for me the moment she chose you as the guardian and abandoned me to the temple! I regret nothing! I will do anything to assert the designation that should have been mine! You were never worthy of it," the kuro miko sneered, then waved a dismissive hand. "Though I suppose I ought to praise you for your astuteness. I see you have yet to grow senile from all those talks of peace you must have had with the old dog. Too bad that fathoming much of my scheme did nothing to alter the outcome. You were still caught in the ambush I set up here. Truly, it was a stroke of genius that I coated my body with Sensei's remains. Her ever-so-pure spiritual residues shield me from both this mountain and much of your attacks. And I shall use this purity to repress the contaminations of the jewel once I sever your oppressing connection to it."

"I see… so that's how you intend to usurp the duty passed onto me. You have thought far in your devious scheme. But know that I will never surrender the item you seek. It is not yours and it never will be," the saint responded, barely able to mask a pained grunt when Tsubaki signaled her shikigami to tighten its hold.

It was his immense self-control combined with the detection that Hijiri was accumulating her powers that halted Sesshomaru from leaping in. By provoking the kuro miko, the saint was diverting her attention and baiting her to reduce their distance. As frustrating as it was, he would have to wait and see if she would succeed in setting off a close-range detonation.

Whereas Sesshomaru was anything but happy about seeing the saint in pain, Tsubaki was the complete opposite. If she had looked delighted before, then the further curving of her lips revealed the state of pure euphoria. "You know, you should not be difficult with me. As much as I enjoy seeing you suffer, it does not have to be unnecessarily prolonged. You can spare us both time and trouble if you willingly give it to me. I can offer you a swift end instead of hours of misery."

"Tsubaki, I know you fear the impermanence of life. The jewel became your obsession when you realized that selling your soul to demons for eternal youth is not without encumbrance. However, the jewel can grant no blessings. It will only contort desires into curses. You—" Whatever else she was going to say was replaced with a pained grunt when the dark-clothed woman motioned the snake to squeeze. For a split second, it looked as though it was not going to stop until it snapped some bones. However, its master flourished her hand once more and the shikigami loosened its grip a little.

"Enough! I shall be the one to evaluate its significance. I do not need one of your platitudes. Last chance. Tell me where you hid it before I decide to slowly squeeze both the information and life out of you."

"…Around my neck," the saint gritted out, her voice heavy with aversion and interspersed with a hint of defeat.

Greed sparkled in Tsubaki's dark eyes. There was an unmatched fervor in her steps as she drew closer to the saint. Her hand stretched out and it seemed she had every intention of ripping away the fabric around the neck that was concealing the object of her desire.

Suddenly, Tsubaki stopped inches away from acquiring her goal and hastily retreated her footprints.

"Heh, you must think you're so clever," the kuro miko sneered, "Your charade might have worked on others but I have yet to forget the kind of woman you are. Cold. Intrepid. Manipulative. And extremely obstinate. You were planning to lure me in close, weren't you? Hmph, what's wrong? Are long-ranged blasts no longer feasible in your current condition?"

As someone who shared a close history with Hijiri, Tsubaki had managed to discern that something was amiss after her excitement. The woman had given up too easily. Given her steel-like fortitude, no amount of threats and promises of pain could have pressurized her into loosening that waspish tongue of hers.

With a snort of contempt, the kuro miko reached into the secret compartment of her sleeves and made a show of flashing the item so that only the saint could see it.

"…That's! It can't be…"

"Yes, this is a gift I have specially prepared for your puppy lover. I know that he is near... In fact, he is very near." She crooked her head to look over Hijiri's shoulder, prompting the saint to twist hers to see what — who — was behind her.

Sesshomaru noticed her struggle, both from the degree to which she had to rotate her head and from her restraints. Nonetheless, his attention was stolen away from her and involuntarily transferred onto the kuro miko when the latter locked her now glowing red eyes onto his golden ones.

"Sesshomaru! Distance yourself! Hurry!" His ears just managed to register Hijiri's desperate warning before everything happened all at once.

A circle of light danced around him as an accessory consisting of purple beads and several white fang-like ornaments materialized as his new neckwear.

There was a brilliant dazzle as Hijiri tore her bindings free, which Tsubaki backed away from despite being at no risk of getting caught in it. The shikigami was not as fortunate and disintegrated into nothingness.

A blank and numbing interval engulfed his consciousness and his body moved on its own, heading straight into the raging storm of purification light. In an endeavor dominated by an irresistible force, he extended his left arm and pushed against the energy. Agony. Pure agony ripped through his entire appendage. He felt as if it was being sliced off as the purple light devoured it. It shredded his sleeve, bit into his blistering skin, and peeled it away to reveal the smoking flesh. Normally, instincts would have taken over and he would have withdrawn at least his hand. But Sesshomaru was not in control anymore; his body pushed forward without his consent.

He heard an alarmed gasp from Hijiri and then felt her receding her energy like a frightened child realizing she had committed a terrible deed.

His damaged arm lurched for her, penetrating her now non-existent defense.

Blood...

He saw droplets of crimson splattered and pieces of red-dyed fabric flutter onto the ground. A string she had around her neck snapped and a pink jewel that she had been wearing clattered and rolled away before coming to a stop near the edge of the cliff.

Her blood…

"Se-Sesshomaru…" The woman who bled because of him managed to utter weakly, choking as his name left her throat. Dropping her bow, she instinctively grabbed onto the wrist of his offending limb in a futile struggle for air.

He was hurting her…

Her cry for help drilled a hole into his heart and his golden orbs contorted in mental anguish. Yet, for all his willpower and great might, he could not command himself to release her.

She was on the verge of physical death as he choked the life out of her.

The physical pain he had suffered from her purification powers was tremendous. And it could still not compare with the unbearable mental agony that gnawed his insides.

He was on the verge of psychological death as he was being forced to harm the woman he had sworn to protect.

Helplessly…

Feebly…

His aching heart wept and bled.

More Author's Notes: To be continued! One more chapter left until the end of kako-hen! I'm super excited about the conclusion and I hope you will too.

By the way, this has nothing to do with the story but I've watched snippets of the sequel, Yashahime. Truth be told, I was very unimpressed with what the show has to offer in terms of plot and characters. In particular, I feel there is much potential in the twins, Towa and Setsuna, that isn't being fully utilized. However, I will admit that since I have not watched everything and some of my opinions are influenced by the reviews I've been hearing, my outlook may not accurately reflect the entire sequel. Naturally, there's also that biased side of me that may be shaking my head at this new series because I fervently wish that the twins' mother is Kikyo. I mean, Setsuna does have the demeanor and looks to fit the bill and if I may be bold, neither she nor her sister looks too much like Rin or someone we may know from the canon. (Hmm, maybe I can work something out with the twins for this fic…)

Back on topic, here's a quick trivia:

-When it was mentioned that Hijiri's aura was being subdued by her specially designed clothing, it meant that her garment distorted how others perceived her aura. In this story, auras technically cannot change because it originates from the soul. So if Kagome is here in this fic, then Sesshomaru will get confused and mistake her aura for Kikyo's.

-Since I am restricted to only writing in Sesshomaru's POV, some parts of Tsubaki's plan may be vague and I realize this is due to the limited capacity of my story-telling. For ease of understanding, I'll briefly summarize her overarching schemes below:

1. With Kikyo in the west, she used Utsugi to get the Shikon Jewel by lending him some youkai she controls via dark magic in exchange for Kikyo's corpse. At that point, she assumed that Kikyo would keep something that precious as close to her person as possible. And if not, then she would have 'resurrected' Kikyo as her puppet via Soul Infusion, the same method that was used to reborn Utsugi. (Note: however, that last part would have been doomed to failure since she did not know Utsugi was going to devour Kikyo's soul. That's why Utsugi called it mutual exploitation because he was going to fully utilize what he was given).

2. When Utsugi failed, she went back to observing her rival. She began to speculate how close Sesshomaru is to Kikyo. In the year that Sesshomaru is away, she continued to keep Kikyo busy with minor curses like the one placed on Asano Sara. When she noticed that Kikyo had chosen to reside in the village she parted with Sesshomaru, it confirmed her suspicion of their relationship.

3. Once she heard the news of Sesshomaru's arrival, she ensured that Kikyo learned of her whereabouts. She lured them to Mt. Hakurei, hoping to weaken Sesshomaru and have Kikyo lower her guard with the assumption that the holy barrier would reduce the effectiveness of her dark magic. In truth, she was unaffected due to being coated in Midoriko's ashes.

4. She planned on ambushing Kikyo under the pretense of a one-on-one duel and enslaving Sesshomaru at a given opportunity.

That's all I have to say for now. This year has been hectic and I'm hoping that with the approach of 2021, things will begin to look up. Looking forward to writing more about Sesshomaru and Kikyo in the coming year.

Next up is Chapter 36-Kako-hen: A Future without You.

I wish you all a Happy New Year and until next time.