"See you next time Lord Sesshoumaru"! Rin called after him waving frantically from her post.

"Good-bye Rin-chan"! Jaken cried, fat tears rolling down his green cheeks. Turning after a final wave to the growing girl he ran to catch up with the long-legged lord. "Lord Sesshoumaru, wait for me"!

Sesshoumaru had come to visit Rin, but lingered for Kagome. He sent his retainer off on some menial task that would occupy him for many hours then made his way to the well. She would surely cross his path here, her sent led away meaning she would return on the same route. Stopping to scent and listen to his surroundings he determined there was no immediate threat, so he settled himself at the base of a large tree, propping his elbow on his knee, and waited. Inuyasha's scent no longer lingered in the forest named after him, did the half-breed plan on returning? It mattered not. However Sesshoumaru had noticed a slight increase of demonic activity since his worthless half-brother had departed. Saddling Sesshoumaru with the task of protecting the area lest this town fall to demon attack and tarnish his good name by association. Of course he would have abolished any threat that wandered close to the village housing his ward, regardless of Inuyasha's presence.

The sun moved across the sky dipping lower on the horizon before he caught traces of her scent. It was coated with soap and a sheen of fresh sweat, but not unpleasing. Letting his youkai gather around him in a modest attempt to gain her attention, he waited some more. She came into view shortly, eyes downcast and line of worry etched across her features. Her scent didn't seem distressed, only... concerned? Who was she concerned for? Herself? Her friends? Inuyasha? This new development disquieted his lordship slightly, only to increase tenfold as she walked directly thew his demonic aura. She didn't even bat an eye, too consumed within her own mind to notice his company. He needed to rectify this situation for the girl's sake.

"Miko" he greeted, startling her from her pondering. She visibly stepped back and instantly examined the small clearing for his being. Once located her eyes locked onto his form, drinking in his being as if he were her only salvation. Sesshoumaru did not mind in the least of her enraptured gaze, watching her with equal enthusiasm. She started quickly.

"Lord Sesshoumaru, I didn't even feel you as I approached"! A grin plastered itself on her face, which was very appealing but daunting. What if it had not been He who was occupying this clearing? What if he were a demon of lesser standards who would have their way with this Miko and be off?

"It is... Unwise to let an opponent sneak up on you" He might as well give her a lite reprimand.

"Oh... I didn't know we were opponents. But don't worry, I'll be better next time Lord Sesshoumaru"! Her voice lifting with each word, he could hear her amusement.

"There cannot be a 'next time' if you are dead, priestess". A true enough statement, he shuddered internally.

"Soo... does that mean you're going to try and kill me now"? Mock? She was mocking him... Although the thought her life coming to a halt at his hands repulsed him in an odd manner. "Not this night, priestess".

"Well... Good! I wouldn't want to purify you before Inuyasha returns. He might ask a few questions! Rin wouldn't be too pleased about it either, I know she wants you to attend her wedding, so I wouldn't do that to her" she chimed, sticking her pink tongue out for good measure.

"You could not defeat this Sesshoumaru in battle, Miko" He stole a quick glance at her weapon of choice, a feeble bow with sharp arrows, no doubt laden with her purification formidable yes, for a lower class of demon. Sesshoumaru would catch each and every arrow she fired at him, as if she ever would.

"Don't test me! I've gotten a lot stronger since the last time you saw me". He heard each footfall as she moved closer, her scent growing stronger with every step, soon she was directly in front of the western Lord, inspecting his face for any signs of negative reactions. She would find none. His power danced along the edges of his being, only to be battered back by her own. This game could be dangerous instead it was a mere tease of things yet to happen.

"Hnn" was his only reply. She filled the silence with the soft honeyed voice of hers.

"Are you waiting for something or someone" She inquired, claiming a place next to him. He mulled over his response, he would not divulge to her the exact reasons for being in this clearing at this moment. "My reasons are my own, priestess" his voice equally deep and honeyed.

"I see, you just wanted to be away from the village right? Inuyasha did the same thing, he always said the scents were very strong, he could smell everything! I mean, a demon like you couldn't smell a thing in that village"! This ningen was now teasing his lordship? Kagome's playful banter sparked a mild reaction from him, so he would reciprocate in kind.

"You assume exceedingly well for a human. The half-breed has trained you proficiently".

"Well he had to learn it somewhere, and I'm sure he picked up most of it from his big brother"

Kagome's face radiated enjoyment as she bantered with the Western Lord. Her smile splitting her face and wreaking havoc on his well-place mask of indifference. Her smile would put every star on a dark night to shame, she shone with an innocence untouched by the harsh likes of man. How he wished it would stay that way.

"Nothing to say Lord Sesshoumaru? That's ok, I should get back anyway the sun has already set and my friends will be wondering if I'm ok" she rose from her spot on the ground, dusting herself off before intoning "I'll see you around, ok"?

His mind was decided before she completed her sentence, he would escort her safely back to the village. He rose in one swift, fluid, movement, catching the eye of the woman before him.

"I will return you to your friends" his mask of indifference back in place, as it should be.

"Oh... w-well thank you" she stammered on her thanks, unsure of what theses actions meant. He walked Kagome the entire way to the old Miko's hut, the sun long since set, the stars about. He compared the priestess to the tiny specks of distant light, concluding that she would outlive every one of them. They parted ways with her thanks and well wishes of a good night. His night would indeed be better now, for he had seen her. He had seen the color in his world, the fleeting enjoyment of a human and he was pleased. It pleased the demon to be around one human, and he couldn't place why. She had always animated some form of curiosity within him, no different than a cat, he pursued his interest on a whim. Watching her counter his brother in many situations, putting that dog in his place. He admired her fiery spirit, always in action, never lazing about in an unfavorable manner. She was strong and brave as well, he had seen her take on demons well above her class and fell them with ease, her powers were great and her ability to wield them equally astounding. This Shikon Miko was different, unquestionably so, she was not the timid house wife but the heroic warrior.

That night Sesshoumaru feigned sleep to keep from having to suffer through his retainers insufferable prattle, thinking all the while of the pale-skinned priestess.