The Beautiful Miko and The Powerful Taiyoukai by MontiK

meeting

Disclaimer:The characters of InuYasha are not mine, they are property of Rumiko Takahashi, Shogakukan, Yomiuri TV, Sunrise, and Viz Media. I do not make any money from the writing of this story.

[Chapter 1]

Sesshomaru had been without his left arm for at least a year now. Being as strong and independant as he was he grew used to it quickly. Being without his arm had enhanced his fighting ability. It made him more cautious, and therefore more wise in his choice during battle. Although his dilema had benefits he felt as though he had reaped all the benefits of this situation. He wished to have the niceties he had before. The things one could only do with two arms.

"Jaken", He barked as he stood, "You will remain here with Ah-un and Rin. I have to leave."

"Oh why? Pray tell Milord. Are you sure I may not accompany you?", the little imp nagged and pleaded. As he looked at his master he knew the face he had seen so many times and simply replied, "Yes Milord", as he sat down with a defeated expression. The poor imp was once again stuck babysitting Rin.

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The old tree Bokseno had known the young Demon Lord would soon seek his counsel. Bokseno had been an advisor to his father and the son felt often came to speak with Bokseno in confidence knowing the old tree would never lead him a stray.

Bokseno smiled, he had gotten word from the trees of a demon with a crescent mark on his forehead and long silver hair coming his way at great speed. The young lord, Sesshomaru, always moved in such haste. 'He should slow down. He has grown so much, yet he still acts as a pup.'

Sesshomaru stopped and walked calmly the last few minutes before he reached Bokseno. 'Bokseno doesn't like it when I dart about' he thought as he remembered the days when he would come with his father and Bokseno remarked on how much his son acted like a pup with the way he couldn't keep still. The thoughts made him inwardly smile and he turned his attention to the tree as he stood before it. He nodded in quiet greeting.

The tree looked down as his thoughts were interupted by the man standing in front of him. "Son of Inu no taisho", the tree smiled, "You come seeking my counsel. You want to know how to restore your arm?"

Sesshomaru nodded, his expression no more or less surprised for the tree's words.

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The tree went on, "A powerful miko may be able to summon your arm back from the netherworld where Soeunga had dropped it so long ago. You may find her and explain this to her. She may not even know she is able to do such." He paused."But Be sure to choose a miko you trust, young lord." The tree warned in an urgent voice, "For if she holds malice towards you and wishes your death she could easily purify you in your open and vulnerable state, rather than blessing you with the return of your arm."

Sesshomaru nodded once again, his own silent thanks to the old Bokseno and the tree watched him turn to leave. 'How his father would be proud' the tree thought. 'But the son would not believe it if he were told by anyone else than Taisho himself'.

Sesshomaru was deep in thought as he walked. The miko he thought of was the one who constantly remained under the protection of his younger hanyou brother. He growled as he thought of the disgrace to his father's name.

He despised his brother but he knew the miko girl had a good heart and she wouldn't sink so low as to kill him in a rare moment of trust. 'Would she?...' His mind argued with him for a while as he walked in the direction of their village. 'He could threaten to kill her... He could strike fear into her and she would do as he wished... But was that really the way to go about this?' He thought constantly while on his journey.

In three days time he reached the outskirts of the village. He would remain there until the perfect time to reach the miko. He didn't want to startle the towns people and ruin any favor he might have with her. He also didn't want Inuyasha to know of his wishes.

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Kagome had said goodbye to her friends back at Kaede's hut and was walking out to the well to leave for the night. She had a test in a few days and wanted the peace and quiet at home so she could study. She was standing outside the bone eater's well when she heard a voice in the distance.

"Miko." The voice said in a sharp tone. Kagome was startled and hit her knees on the wooden side of the well, losing her balance, and began to fall forward. Sesshomaru saw this and jumped forward and caught her, cursing himself mentally for not thinking of her reaction to him. He sat her safely on the ground.

Kagome looked up at him from her sitting place on the ground with a surprised expression. "Sesshomaru...?", was all she managed to say.

[End of Chapter 1]