This takes place 4 days after Sesshomaru left to go seek an enemy. He took Jaken with him, leaving Rin and Miyoko behind.

Miyoko and the Priestess

Miyoko was cleaning where she and Rin had eaten lunch. Rin was picking grass blades, tearing them apart and repeating the process. Both had very solemn looks on their faces.

He hasn't ever been gone this long, thought Miyoko, It hasn't been the same without him. She quietly whispered, "Sesshomaru."

A familiar voice spoke behind her. "Yes? What of me?"

Sesshomaru's voice startled Miyoko as well as Rin. They both ran to him and hugged him—Miyoko's arms around his waist, and Rin's around his leg. Sesshomaru was a bit surprised Miyoko had shown such affection. After about 2 seconds of embracing him, Miyoko realized what she was doing and pulled away. Jaken glared at her. Without looking, she shoved his head with her foot, making him totter backward.

"We have missed you Lord Sesshomaru-sama," said Rin.

"And I you," he responded.

Jaken looked around. "Are you so stupid that you didn't fix a midday meal?" he said to Miyoko.

Sesshomaru hit Jaken more violently than usual. "Are you not only unable to respect those above you, but also unable to see?" Sesshomaru questioned. "Your food lies over there, but if you speak rudely to Miyoko again, I will wound you so insufferably that you will not be able to consume and food for as long as you live. Do you understand?"

"Yes me Lord." Jaken red face, sweat drop

Rin giggled a little. Miyoko maintain her calm, relaxed face.

It was dusk as they all traveled into a thick forest to rest in.

"We will go fetch wood," said Jaken, meaning him and Miyoko. He had a sly look on his face. Sesshomaru noticed it. Usually Rin helped Miyoko but tonight Rin looked very tired. Sesshomaru noticed this too.

"No. I will accompany her."

Jaken pouted as Miyoko and Sesshomaru headed deeper into the forest, picking up pieces of wood large enough for the fire.

Miyoko and Sesshomaru suddenly sensed something. They saw someone move between the trees. Miyoko immediately recognized the figure. Her palms started to heat as she was filled with hatred. She started to scorch the wood.

"Would you like to handle this?" asked Sesshomaru, noticing her anger. She had been so calm before. Miyoko turned to him a bit startled by his voice.

"Yes," she said sounding perfectly calm.

"Go. I will meet you here in moments when you are done."

She put down her wood and lunged into the air. 'Moments'… she thought. She was surprised at the increase of confidence Sesshomaru had in her. Miyoko spotted the person and landed (about 10 or so feet) in front of them. She pulled out her swords with grace.

"Kikyou," she acknowledged.

Kikyou held up her bow and arrow ready to shoot. For some reason, Miyoko could not get herself to strike at Kikyou. She had told herself "If I ever see Kikyou again, I will slice her in two with no hesitation." But now, despite her remaining hate, her violent intentions had abandoned her.

"Where is Sesshomaru, Eldest Daughter?" Eldest Daughter was another name Miyoko was called as a member of the Family of Elements. "Do not lie to me. I know he is nearby."

"If you know he is nearby, you know where he is," said Miyoko simply. "What is it that you want with him?"

"That is none of your business."

"Any wench seeking Sesshomaru is my business."

Kikyou glared and started to shoot arrows. Miyoko leapt forward, evading the arrows, and pounced on Kikyou with incredible grace. She put away her right hand sword and formed a ball of fire in her right hand.

"Flee," she said to Kikyou, "Or I will burn you to ashes."

"Very well," said Kikyou. Miyoko pinned her harder to the ground. For some reason she hated the fact that Kikyou had responded with those words. "But I shall return."

"Do so, and you will die another death." Kikyou got up and left, quickly. Miyoko stood up and tried to contain her anger.

"You display hatred for that woman," said a voice. It was Sesshomaru.

"Yes. An abundance of it," Miyoko said weakly. Why am I so weak? She thought as she felt a pain in her left shoulder.

Sesshomaru stood there watching her grow weaker by the second. Then Miyoko passed out. Sesshomaru swiftly traveled to her and caught her before she could hit the ground.

Read the next chapter. It is called "Unexpected Things" (hint, hint).