[Author's Note:]

This subject came up once in an Inuyasha discussion. I was so tickled by the idea of Kagome having a child by Sesshoumaru, that I felt inclined to write a fanfic about it. Tell me what you guys think about this chapter and I'll try to change the story, as much as possible, accordingly. Anyway, hope you enjoy the first chapter!! Oh, and don't be disappointed if Sesshoumaru is a bit… uncharacteristic. ^_^

The stars were scattered in indigo, infinite in number, unmatchable in beauty. The land that lie beneath the night sky was cool and damp from the late afternoon shower. Kagome stood alone, staring up at the dark heavens. She held her shoulders and shivered slightly from the breeze that carried past, rippling her skirt and her ebon hair. The crescent moon illuminated her bright eyes and bathed her in a soft light. She glanced back at the dying fire, flickering near their camp where the others lie in slumber. But Kagome could not sleep that night. It was not often she could have these moments with herself. She loved her friends, of course, but sometimes she needed time alone. She closed her eyes and let the subtle wind envelop her. She was so lost, she never heard the footsteps of another coming toward her.

Kagome jumped and let out a quiet yelp when she felt the cold hand on her shoulder. She opened her eyes and saw Sesshoumaru standing next to her. He was looking up at the sky, a thin, yet thoughtful smile spread across his mouth.

"They're beautiful, aren't they?" He said, referring to the stars, his gaze not wavering, his voice stiff and emotionless.

"Y…Yes." Kagome answered, a bit taken aback by his pleasantness.

Her heart pace quickened and her breaths became heavier as she felt his grip tighten around her delicate shoulder. She was beginning to feel uncomfortable.

"Why are you here?" She questioned, her voice quivering faintly.

He let out a weak laugh, and was still staring at the heavens. He said matter-of-factly, "Ha. I should think that answer would be fairly obvious-"

The youkai* was interrupted by the rustling of shrubs behind them. Sesshoumaru and Kagome both turned around to see who had intruded. Soon, Miroku's form came into view as he approached the two. In his arms was a small girl who had seen no more than three or four winters. She clung to Miroku's robes and rubbed her dark eyes sleepily. Her long silver hair was tousled and messy from sleep and her demonic ears twitched in the cool night air. She yawned and rested her head in Miroku-sama's chest.

Then the monk spoke. "Well, would you look who it is? We haven't seen you in years. To what do we owe the pleasure? Tell me now, or be prepared to face the shakujou**"

Miroku asked, his rock-hard frown never leaving the demon in front of him. In his right hand he clutched his staff firmer, the left still holding the girl.

Then to everyone's surprise, the youkai suddenly threw back his head and laughed heartily. His laugh was eerie with a tinge of coldness. Miroku cocked an eyebrow, and Kagome scratched her head in confusion.

"My dear Holy Man, why do you think I am always here to cause trouble?" Sesshoumaru said, appearing to be greatly amused.

"Because you always do." Miroku answered, not swayed by Sesshoumaru's act. "Just tell us why you're here. What do you want from us?"

Then the little girl lifted her head up, roused by the vibrations from the talking in Miroku's chest. She looked first at Kagome, then to Sesshoumaru. Her eyes brightened when she saw the demon, and she giggled. She extended her arms out to their full length, reaching for Sesshoumaru, until Miroku set her down. She ran toward Sesshoumaru, her arms outstretched. He bent down and lifted her off the ground and into his arms. Miroku tried to stop him, but was held back by Kagome, her hands wrapped tightly around his arm. She had a strange look in her eyes that he didn't quite understand. He looked at her questionably.

Sesshoumaru embraced the little girl and petted her beautiful silver hair with his coarse hand. He brought his face close to hers and nuzzled her gently as he answered Miroku, his voice barely above a whisper. "…My daughter,"

[Chapter 1 Vocabulary Guide:]

* youkai - a 100% full demon, like Sesshoumaru. Inuyasha is only half demon, making him a hanyou.

** shakujou - the staff Miroku always carries.