I've been kind of busy lately... but I must confess that regardless of my limited free time, I've also been procrastinating my review about this chapter because I didn't want it to be "the last one" since I already catch up with the story hahaha

He is so crystal clear... with his feelings. Very lovely and I enjoyed reading this chapter much.

There are a couple of sentences that are so relatable that I saved them in my memory:

"It was then that a stronger comprehension arrived:

He wanted her by his side. She was someone who could match him in strength and temperament, fulfilling the roles as his rival and supporter."

- I do not think there is a better ideal for anyone to find in a partner, like the perfect combination of friends and lovers.

"Swiftly, he took the position adjacent to her as satisfaction swelled inside. It pleased him that she was now by his side. This time, he would not take her presence for granted for as naturally as she had entered into his life, she could just as easily leave.

This time, a silent vow took form. 'I shall forge a path where our separation will not occur again.'-"

-This is the level of "romanticism" that I enjoy hahaha

There is so much power in that realisation and that vow, and so much hope. Our boy is so in love!... and I love it, of courseee!

I mean, he even visualized her as a mother... I just can't... 3 3

Right now I'm thinking it is kind of pointless that I wish this was the end and that they lived happily ever after... because evidently they become separated, and all that we already know indeed happened lol but I believe it only makes their actual and future 'happy ending' even more special and precious... yes, happiness tastes better after some sour experiences I guess..

I'll be eagerly waiting for the next chapter, and I hope you're faring well, as well as having fun reading my reviews even if they might be kind of vague hahaha

It might be strange to be thankful because of this, but thank you for being such a good writer and a shipper of sesskik... in a nutshell, thank you for existing.

Happy writing!

Oh yes! It's about to go down!

Loved this chapter; Kotori falling under the spell of the gardens was hilarious. Even Inuyasha was smart enough to recognize what was happening (LOL).

I will read the next chapter later tonight; it sucks but I've gotta go to work now.

This contrast is marvelous:

"It did not feel right when the sky was supposed to be their paradise."

"The sky was theirs. Just the two of them. That was what made it a paradise."

I liked the choices that you made regarding Izayoi, because what I've noticed is that she is portrayed as a damsel in distress in both the manga and anime (and if I remember correctly, even in the movie), and I don't think that is very attractive, at least not for someone like Touga. So the fact that you made of her a strong, intelligent and peace-seaking person is much more appealing... although I'm sure she is incredibly gentle in either way, canon or not.

I loved that he noticed Inuyasha has his father's eyes.

Tenseiga is a wonderful sword, I wish it was more exploited, the power of giving life it's great as it is, but it also carries a lot of important implications, just as this chapter depicts it, a really big responsibility.

I think that if Kikyou had to have a sword, Tensaiga would be the one.

Now that I think about it... his weapons are like an analogy (there is certain parallelism) of his character development, you know, first it was a whip (not given but he developed it most likely), then there was Tensaiga, and the bakusaiga. Interesting...

Now I understand the opening quote/song... after this chapter he was not going to see her in quite a while... /3

This is a very good way to make him realise (or at least consider) the importance of having someone to protect... it does not only makes any battle worth fighting and noble, but it also is a source of strength... really nicely done!

I remember now that I used to think that his character was really thought/designed to be the perfect first son (or stereotype of one) of a great ruler and prestigious clan, and very proud and arrogant about it, so arrogant that he even was given the looks, the smile and mannerisms (in the beginning of the series/manga), and most remarkable: a whip! . I don't think there is a most fitting weapon for such a character...

I'm just so glad of all the learning he's been through, because I think he has a heart of gold, in both, your story and the canon:-)

LOOOLLLL ONCE MORE I WAS TAKEN ABACK BY THE OPENING DIALOGUE INAPOSITIVEWAYOFCOURSE! I do wish that was the case... I guess we all feel the same hahaha even Touga, I'm sure he ships them as well lol

Now that I think about it, it is sad he didn't got to see that...

And throughout this chapter Sesshoumaru's mannerisms, decisions, actions, vows, second thoughts (and the fact he is thinking twice itself!), and so on... it all speaks volumes, he's changed.

*strong youkai-onii-san* dear Lord, Rin's sweetness hits me straight in my heart...

The pinky promise... is this why he refrained from killing Onigumo? Well, besides his very subtle changes

And I enjoyed much the trivia after the end of the chapter! I was not aware of Izayoi's name meaning. And yes, definitely a pinky promise is much more fitting!

And I'm glad she entertained him with the information he wanted... shared secrets and promises can get the right people closer, I consider...

About chapter 25...

"His gaze locked onto the prominent gash that the Inu no Taisho had created near the heart. With the beckoning from his father's mark dictating his action, the Inu daiyoukai failed to notice the white light that had shimmered on his right paw as he thrust his claw into the opening.

There was a howl of pure agony before everything was swallowed up by the darkness."
Being this the way of her aiding in the matter... she's just the best, and the best for him as well3 hahaha

I loved it how you played it like it was fated to happen, I mean the wound, the claw, the enchantment... it was all too much of a coincidence... marvelous!

On the other hand, I always thought that it wouldn't be strange that Sesshoumaru didn't remember much of Kikyou's appearance if his pride was as damaged as it would be after a rejection (even if her looks weren't always covered)... because I think that pride can erase/block some memories, and that is something he would do I guess

"- "You wish for a powerful blade that could rival your father's. I'm here to provide the opportunity. My spiritual powers will strengthen Bakusaiga and keep it dormant within you, so that your youki may nourish it over time. You said that the blade is worthless. If so, then there is nothing to lose. On the contrary, you shall obtain more power if you succeed. It shall be your power."-"

In conclusion... Bakusaiga is their daughter! Lol loves it3

And the part where he tends to her wounded hand is so sweet and funny. Kudos to both of them, but especially to him for being such a sweetheart hahaha

About the 26th...

So Kikyou is indeed very young here... I mean I know she might look always like a 18 y/o, but in these 2 previous chapters she is indeed 20 (tops)... no wonder why even though she is so good at everything, intelligent and mature, she seems kind of innocent and new at many things.

I enjoy very much reading his assumptions/deductions about her possible gestures and feelings, even when her face is covered and all of that, because I feel like it is very significant and also very generous coming from him.

And your interpretation of Sesshoumaru's mom is as great as it could be, because I'm aware she is kind of a complex character, but I'm fascinated by her, I cannot help it... I do like her very much.

This chapter is very much about the divergence and confluence of these two wonderful beings... and I love them just as much for their differences as for their similarities.

Personally I cannot say I bend over one side more than the other, because (as in many other situations) both of them have their reasons to be who they are and how they are... we all are our circumstances, at least till one point I guess...

And I've always thought that because of their personalities Sesshoumaru in their first encounters would be constantly testing her (to see her faults) but eventually (and after getting to know her better) he would be constantly proving himself his conclusions (to ensure himself that she is worthy of his positive gatherings about her persona)... then (and once they get to a more mature relationship) he would just accept her, then value her, and respect her (and their differences) and I love that you have somehow depicted that in this chapter and most likely in the next one..

"[...] the demon lord locked sight with his son. Their eyes met in an exchange that promised a challenge. The wind timidly circled around their long silver manes as the air grew thick from their crackling youki colliding. To any other, such behavior might've been mistaken for a hostile confrontation. But for Touga and Sesshomaru, it was another one of their familial greetings that were reserved for the Inu clan. The other means would've been to revert to their true form and tussle with each other."
This kind of reminded me of that episode in which Sesshoumaru meets his mother in the final act arc...

I'm having such a good time imaging that Touga was indeed having a good time -as well - when bestowing the task of protecting Kikyou upon his son (knowing Sesshoumaru as well as he did).

Wonderful. Loved your characterization of these two. More please!

I believe you are sesskik fans?because if you are I am so happy to find a fellow fans of this ship hehe... and you wrote such an amazing story...please forgive my bad grammars because english is not my mother language but I love this fic already

About chapter 21... So I understand that Hibiki was also in love with Sess mom... that is a real friend, and no wonder his rage.

"I was able to find six in the records. The first is Midoriko, the master of exorcism and the founder of the Youkai Taijiya. She raised two apprentices, Tsubaki and Hijiri. The former grew to become a dark miko who is well-versed in curses. The latter, on the other hand, is renowned as a saint who is apt in the art of sealing. Next is Kakuju, an expert in spiritual craftworks like talismans. Then there's Kikyo, the miko revered for her purification abilities and foresight. The youngest is Hitomiko, who is skilled in kekai generation."

Now I'm thinking Kikyou is all of them but Tsubaki LOL! Because Kikyou is so great3

And I loved this part because it was so ambiguous:

"Sesshomaru felt something odd acting inside of his chest. It was a rush of exhilaration that could be likened to having Tessaiga in his hand. What was previously unobtainable was now within his reach.

Bakusaiga was supposed to be sealed. Only her, the one who had cast the seal, could break it."

Because I cannot tell if he feels in such a way because of the sword or because of the possibility of being -her-

The parallels between he's reaction to realising the truth and hers... so different (one from the other) yet so accurate/cannon... you're such a great writter, not only because you're good at writing, but because all of the effort and analysis you put into it... you don't rain accuracy, you pour it!

And I remember the first time I read this chapter, the cliff hanger in that end is probably one of the meanest I've read! LOL... loved it, nonetheless

On the other hand, about chapter 22, I understand that Inuyasha was not trying to be unfaithful... but it is of good friends to dismiss promises for the sake of the other's welfare/safety, in this case Kikyou's, so im thinking he would have been a good friend had he not spoken up, but because he did he is even better... hahaha I don't think I'm being very good at explaining myself.

And also, -and I'm sure as many others in here- I reaaaally enjoy this side of Sesshoumaru; so caring and expressive in his own and very special way.

I'm eager to get to the chapter in which Kotori will sing to Inuyasha hahaha3

I often find myself saddened by the fact that we never got to know Kikyou's past, like her childhood, training years, and so on (just a glimpse from some chapters but that is pretty much it), so I wish to let you know how much I enjoyed reading her recollections, even if they were probably not so different from what I've always imagined/probably happened...

And I'm thinking that Tsubaki is the piece that is missing in all this mystery... along with Naraku... despicable.