YAY. I have finally convinced myself to start writing this fic. The start may be a bit choppy, but it will get better as I go along (I hope).

Summery: An elaborate plot on Naraku's part results in the death of Sesshoumaru. However, problems arise and Sesshoumaru is given another chance at life in order to help restore peace and balance. However, he gets more than he bargains for when he finds himself dealing with hentai houshis, hopeless romantic halfdemon's and an undead miko with commitment issues.

'.......': thoughts

"......": speaking

-......-: telepathy

Disclaimer: I do not own Inuyasha.

Chapter I: Come Hell and High Water

He groaned as the pain filled his body and began tearing it apart. The miko energy, demon energy and miasma swirled around him ripping at his body. Thoughts ran rampant through his head centered around the child he held protectively in his arms. He questioned his actions, as he did most times dealing with the child. He could easily let her die, and be done with it. Yet he felt inclined to protect her, to keep her safe. Around her, he acted on impulse, guided by mismatched feelings he hadn't felt since his child hood. Unlike the murderous, backstabbing race she was part of, Rin was sweet and untainted. Yes, the human race could go to hell as a species, but not this one. Not his Rin.

'Rin'

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He stared at the young child before him, in the open field. She was

bound by some wicked sorcery to a tree. Judging by her slack frame, Sesshoumaru figured her to be knocked out

"So Lord Sesshoumaru, what will you do, I have this child that you so protectively watch. You are at my mercy." He chuckled. Sesshoumaru frowned at Naraku.

"You put a lot of faith in my feelings for the girl." Sesshoumaru stated. He willed himself to leave the field, and the child, but it was as it his mind and his body were two different beings. He was watching, concious of what was going on, but couldn't, or wouldn't, bring himself to leave the child to the mercy of Naraku's sick mind.

"Do I," Naraku grinned wickedly "I can see your conflict Sesshoumaru-sama. You won't leave that child."

Sesshoumaru raised an eyebrow. "Perhaps not. But what is stopping me from killing you and taking her away."

"Kukuku, I was hoping you would notice that. This is one of my more ingenious ideas. See, I won't be doing the killing. But why spoil the surprise, just watch and see."

Sesshoumaru turned quickly as he heard the rustle of robes to the left. Out of the forest came a miko. 'She looks familiar' he thought. Then he remebered, seeing this same miko with his brother 50 years ago. 'She smells of death and decay. She is not but a clay copy, yet the purifying magic within her is still strong.' He was brought out of his musings by said miko's voice.

"Naraku, you coward, this ends today. You have been foolish enough to come out in the open unprotected, and you shall pay for it." Emphisizing her point she drew and arrow and notched it tightly in her bow. The only problem was, the arrow wasn't pointed at Naraku. It was aimed strait for Rin. Sesshoumaru frowned at this, and suddenly it came to his mind.

"Illusions." he said quietly. "This field has been enchanted, and as far as I can tell, only you and I can see what is really going on."

"Clever as always, but wait, it gets better." A sharp, and unfourtunately familiar, scent assailed his nose. 'Inuyasha' he growled.

"Oi, Naraku, you won't be getting away this time. I've come to send your fucking ass all the way to hell." Inuyasha growled and drew Tetsusaiga. Again, the weapon was aimed at Rin. The other members of the group copied him, sliding into battle positions, except......'The miko wench hesitates. She can sense the magic, but does she know what it is?' Sesshoumaru pondered. He was drawn out of his musings once again by Naraku.

"You see Sesshoumaru, while they can't see us, or dear Rin, we can see them quite well. I expected you to be able to deal with just me. You didn't get the position of Taiyoukai by being weak. However, do you believe you can resist the blast of two powerful mikos and the Tetsusaiga. I highly doubt it." He laughed at the anger that was becoming apparent on the hakuyoukai's face.

"You cowardly bastard."

"Ahh, maybe, but I will live. You are presented with a choice. You can leave now, and we will both be the cowards, or you can save the child and die. Quickly now, time is ticking, and the others are getting impatient." Whatever was continuing in their illusioned minds finally reached bloodshed as the undead miko, the living one, and Inuyasha all released their attacks. The hurled towards the child, and the taiyoukai rushed forward. A laughing Naraku released his own miasma attack and the demon lord only had enough time to grab Rin before the energies engulfed him.

---------------Now---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

A whimper reached his ears as he felt the energies begin to eat at Rin. 'NO!' he thought, as a white light enveloped him. 'She will NOT die.'

Kagome watched helplessly as the energies rushed towards where the taiyoukai and a small child stood. As soon as she had seen the demon grab hold of what was at one point 'Naraku', the illusion dispelled revealing the real scene. Her, Kikyou's and Inuyasha's attacks had all been hurled at a defenseless child as Naraku stood there, laughing. She turned to Naraku and glared, drawing an arrow in the process.

"NARAKU" she yelled, and released the first arrow. It became a purple comet, and streaked towards the dark hanyou. He dodge, but it still managed to eat through one of his arms. He glared at her as she moved to draw another arrow, but suddenly a blinding white light filled her vision. As it cleared it revealed the small child she had seen, safe and unharmed. But Sesshoumaru was nowhere to be seen.

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Yay, my first chapter. I don't know if I will start the other one just yet, only because if I do, then I won't remember to update this one. I hope you enjoyed it so far.

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Preview Chapter 1

"You shall be given another chance, a new life. You have been chosen to be one of the elite guardians of the 4 constilattions that create our balance. Your first task is to aid this adventurers," a view of the Inu-tachi group appeared " in their quest to restore the Shikon no Tama. But more importantly, your task is to protect this one." She zoomed in closer and went up to specifically the dark haired figure under the tree. Sesshoumaru narrowed his eyes.

"Very well"

translations

youkai-demon or dark spirit

hanyou- half demon

hakuyoukai- white demon

miko-priestess

Uhh... i think thats it.