Whatever he expected of the miko, it was not for her to run. However, if she wanted him to give chase, he would. His inner beast was already snarling, urging him to dig his claws into the ground and take off. He wanted to catch her.

And he would.

But not yet.

No, he would let her think she had surprised him. He scoffed. As if that were possible. Humans were, by definition, extremely predictable creatures. The miko, however, seemed intent to prove otherwise.

Sesshōmaru watched her sprint down the hillside, her supplies forgotten as she hurried toward the child. Without an audience, his lips curled, revealing sharp fangs. He couldn't remember the last time someone had amused him so.

She was strange. Her behavior vexed him.

Still, Sesshōmaru had to admit that he was impressed by her candor. Few dared to speak against him. Their fear kept them in line. That was not the case with the miko. She seemed to derive pleasure from being insufferable.

He waited until she was halfway to the hut before he sprang forward. His boots hit the ground, heavy with purpose. They barely hit the earth between steps, propelling him forth. The beast within howled approvingly.

The hunt was on.

And just as quickly as it began, it ended.

He caught up to her in mere seconds. His clawed hand wound around her waist and he hoisted the miko over his shoulder like a spoil of war. She cried out, first from surprise and then from indignation. Her fists beat upon his back. Sesshōmaru chuckled at her flimsy attempts to regain freedom. He would not be deterred.

"Put me down!" she shrieked.

The girl was naive. It was foolish to run from a demon, especially one bred with a pack mentality. Packs protected their young. Packs guarded their territories. Packs did not back down from a challenge.

For such a slight human, she was challenging. Her reiki pressed up against him, aiding in her resistance. It crackled in retaliation, enough to hurt but not enough to leave any lasting damage. He could feel her energy, strong and restless beneath her skin. Yet, the miko appeared unwilling— or unable —to purify him. Sesshōmaru was unclear what to make of that.

"Let me go!" she ordered, kicking her legs against his chest. Her fists continued to pummel his back. Sesshōmaru resisted chuckling. Her fiery spirit was good. She would require it if she was to keep up with his demands.

And he had many.

Sesshōmaru carried her through the village, ignoring the gaping onlookers. He did not care for the opinions of the villagers. Their wary gazes told him they would not attack, at least not until their precious Shikon miko was in danger. Not that it would have mattered. He could eliminate them within minutes. They were not a threat.

"Inuyasha!"

His nostrils flared. He shifted her in his hold, set her down and clamped his only hand over her mouth. "Do not call for my brother again," he commanded.

Her eyes went wide. For a second he suspected she'd scream but then the miko nodded. Cautiously, he removed his hand. She stared up at him, her chest heaving from overexertion.

"Y-You won't hurt her?" She asked, stammering. Whether it was a result of fear or the desperate run here, he didn't care.

"I gain nothing by harming a human child."

"And me?"

"Killing you would ensure Inuyasha comes seeking death. While the prospect is enticing, you are worth more to me alive," Sesshōmaru told her.

"For now," she surmised.

"Indeed."

As the wind blew through, they regarded one another. Gold against blue, silver and white, pale as the moon and sun-kissed— they could not have been more different. Yet, at that moment, Sesshōmaru felt something. It was akin to the stirrings of adrenaline before a battle. The sensation ran deep— deep enough to cause his inner beast to growl appreciatively. He was uncertain what to make of such a thing.

A cry alerted them both to the decision at hand. The miko tore her eyes from his, running to the hut. He followed, albeit at a much slower pace.

When he peeled away the flap, Sesshōmaru saw her kneeling over the child murmuring in a soft voice. The miko spoke to the babe while rubbing her back. "It's alright, Rin. It's alright. You're safe," she repeated over and over again, gently rocking the infant.

The miko possessed a surprising amount of maternal instinct. Though the child continued to bawl, the cries had lessened in intensity. He was grateful. His ears were ringing with the shrillness of the sound. Any ability the miko has to dampen the noise was welcomed.

"Leave this place," a hard voice barked.

Sesshōmaru ignored the one-eyed miko. Her presence had no bearing on his purpose. He heard her draw back the string of her bow. "I will give you one last warning," she advised.

"It's fine, Kaede." Her apprentice's words surprised them both.

The one-eyed miko stared at him as she addressed her pupil. "Kagome, Lord Sesshōmaru is not like his brother. Subjugation beads will not be sufficient in protecting you against his powers."

"I know," the girl said. She rose to her feet while cradling the mewling child.

"What's wrong with it?"

" She is hungry," the miko answered. Her face fell. "No," she wailed mournfully. "I left her formula at the well."

Sesshōmaru recalled the yellow pack she had dropped when she sprinted away. "Your bag contains supplies for the pup?"

"Baby," the miko corrected, "and yes. I went back home to get her food."

"I will retrieve your bag. Be ready to leave when I return."

Before she could object, he was strolling out of the hut and up the hill.

Kaede didn't wait a full minute to question her. "Child, what are you thinking, getting involved with a full-blooded demon like Lord Sesshōmaru?"

"He saved her," Kagome said as if that explained why she was going on with this crazy plan. Truthfully, she had no idea what to do. Raising a child was hard work. Kagome was self-aware enough to know she couldn't do it alone. She hadn't expected Sesshōmaru to readily admit he wasn't up for the task either, but here they were.

"She didn't take to Sayo?"

"No," Kaede answered. "Started crying as soon as she woke and noticed you weren't here."

"I'll feed her as soon as he brings the formula," Kagome decided. "Did you change her?"

Kaede nodded.

"Thank you," Kagome returned. "I brought you more medical supplies and some shampoo for Sayo."

"You needn't bring us offerings. We are merely doing our part."

"I appreciate your help. I didn't want to leave her alone but the only person who has been able to go through the well beside me is Inuyasha," Kagome explained.

"Because of the beads," Kaede revealed. "They are infused with your spiritual power, bonding him to you and allowing him to pass through the portal as you do."

Kagome mulled this tidbit over. Before she could ask, Kaede was handing her a pair of necklaces. "In case you need them," she said, "though they won't offer you much in the way of protection."

"I have my bow."

"You have more than that," Kaede said sagely. "Remember; your power exists within you, not the jewel."

"I can't purify Inuyasha's brother," Kagome argued, picking Rin up and trying to calm her.

"Lord Sesshōmaru is not as kind as Inuyasha. He is not to be trifled with," Kaede warned her.

"Rin's family is gone. Her entire village was annihilated. There is no one else to take her in. Besides, he made her a ward of the Western Lands," Kagome shared.

"Then leave the babe with him and continue your journey," Kaede suggested.

"I will, after I get Rin settled. Besides, Sesshōmaru promised to help us."

Kaede scoffed. "What exactly did he promise you?"

She sighed. "He told me that in return for my services he would help us defeat Naraku and restore the jewel."

Kaede stared at Kagome. "You accepted?"

"I ran," Kagome admitted, too busy rocking Rin on her hip to care about the weighty gaze of her mentor.

The old priestess chuckled. "I can see why he is in such a foul mood. Not many would dare to defy him. He is not known for being merciful."

"Well, I'm not exactly fond of him either," Kagome snapped petulantly. Rin wailed. "Oh, no. Shhhh. Shhhh. It's alright. I won't let the mean dog demon gobble you up."

"Inuyasha will not be pleased when he finds out. His relationship with his brother has always been a source of tension," Kaede warned as Kagome paced the length of the hut, bouncing Rin.

"Too bad," Kagome grumbled.

"Are you two fighting again?" Kaede asked.

"He accused me of being some sort of— of...floozie!" Kagome cried indignantly.

The old woman's brow creased. She shook her head and sighed. "You two will never get along if you do not learn to communicate."

"I communicate just fine. It's him and his stupid pride that keeps him from acting like a reasonable person. He can't even say thank you," Kagome returned angrily.

Kaede didn't respond. She took a seat by her fire, prodding the dying embers to reignite them.

"It's like he thinks because he was born half-demon he is better than the rest of us," Kagome went on. "I would say it's because we are human but Shippo is a full kitsune and Inuyasha still treats him terribly. He's just a big jerk."

"I agree."

Kagome gasped, whirling around as Sesshōmaru reappeared in the doorway. He was holding her yellow backpack in his remaining hand. Her cheeks burned as she realized it was the subject of her conversation that had cost him his left one.

"Thank you," she said, reaching for her backpack.

Sesshōmaru held it out of her reach. Kagome's eyes narrowed.

"We are leaving."

"Rin needs to eat," she protested.

"You can feed the infant once we are out of the village. At the moment, I do not wish to enter a confrontation with my brother."

Well, that made sense. Inuyasha was the type to swing first and ask questions later. He might not even notice Rin. Huh , Kagome thought with a smile as she studied Sesshōmaru. Maybe he has a heart after all.

"Alright," she agreed. "Kaede, can you tell the others that I've gone...," Kagome trailed off. "Sesshōmaru, where do you plan on raising Rin?"

He stared at her as though the answer should be obvious. When she didn't continue, he said, "The Western Palace."

Kagome froze. She knew Sesshōmaru was the lord of the Western Lands but she'd never considered where he lived. His vagabond existence made it difficult to picture him staying in any one location for very long. The image of him sitting upon a throne was comical. She chortled.

He arched an eyebrow.

"Sorry," Kagome muttered. She cleared her throat. "I'll see you soon, Kaede. Thanks for everything."

"Kagome—," her mentor began but Sesshōmaru was already walking away.

"I'll be back in no time," she promised. Clutching Rin to her chest, Kagome hurried after him.

Sesshōmaru moved through the village with effortless poise. Kagome envied his natural grace. She'd always been a bit clumsy. Her lack of confidence had a lot to do with it, something the dog demon clearly had no problem with. He oozed arrogance. Nothing— not even the murmurings of the villagers —seemed to phase him. He strolled past them without pause.

Meanwhile, Kagome was struggling to calm Rin. The little girl hadn't stopped crying.

"I know you're hungry. I promise, as soon as we are safe, I'll feed you. You're gonna love it," Kagome assured her, speaking in a gentle tone.

If what Sesshōmaru had told her about the wolves was true, Rin hadn't eaten in almost a day. It was no wonder the poor thing was making such a fuss.

She tried not to think about Koga's involvement in Rin's fate. He seemed to be the persistent type. Hopefully, he was all talk. Kagome didn't want him to get into an altercation with Sesshōmaru. She knew he wouldn't win.

At the top of the hill, Kagome hesitated. She glanced over her shoulder at Kaede's hut. The old woman was standing just outside, staring directly at her as if she'd known what was on Kagome's mind.

"Miko?"

Kagome's attention snapped to Sesshōmaru. He was several paces ahead of her, waiting expectantly.

"Am I...I mean will we be safe at your palace?" Kagome asked over Rin's cries.

"Yes."

She nodded. "Alright."

They continued through the forest, Sesshōmaru leading them through the trees. He didn't look back to check if she was following. Kagome was sure he could tell. His senses were stronger than hers. If he couldn't smell her, he could definitely hear her. Or more specifically, Rin.

"Ah! What is that sound? Oh, Lord Sesshōmaru, you've returned!"

Kagome scowled. She had forgotten that the demon lord came with an entourage.

A breath of hot air blew her hair across her neck. Rin screamed and Kagome stumbled away from the two-headed dragon peering down at her.

"Uh, hi," Kagome addressed the beast. That was the appropriate way to speak to a creature five times your size, right?

She positioned Rin on her hip and held out her free hand to the beast, the way one did when meeting a new dog. The dragon lowered his first muzzle, then the second, sniffing her overturned palm. He pulled his heads back and let out a snort. Kagome looked to Sesshōmaru for clarification.

"He has accepted you," he answered.

"Does he have a name?" Kagome asked with a grin as she reached up to pet the beast. Both heads vied for her attention. Rin watched with wide eyes, still crying, though softer now that her interest was piqued.

Sesshōmaru observed her before answering, "No."

She frowned. "He should."

"Insolent wench!" Jaken scolded, raising his staff. "You— ah!"

Kagome glanced at the imp, finding him rubbing his bald head. Sesshōmaru stood over Jaken, expression impassive but she knew what he had done all the same.

"If it bothers you, miko, you may name him," the demon lord declared.

"Hmmm," Kagome hummed, studying the beast. His right head nudged her shoulder. Rin made a noise and Kagome beamed. "I think I'll name you A and you," she paused to gesture to his left head, "Un."

In response, the dragon pressed one face into her hand and the other against her side. He appeared to have accepted his naming.

Rin babbled loudly, a brief reprieve from her constant cries. Her hands reached out to the two-headed demon. While the dragon seemed wary of her, he eventually moved his heads around to inspect the child. They stared at each other for a moment, clearly unsure how to react to the other's presence. When Rin playfully batted at the beast, he merely snorted at her. Kagome let out a sigh of relief. Her joy was short-lived, however, when the imp began squawking.

"Lord Sesshōmaru, what is this filthy human doing here?"

"Listen, you," Kagome said, pointing a finger at the imp. "You can say whatever you want about me but leave Rin alone."

"Rin? What is a Rin?"

"The child you abandoned in the woods," Kagome snapped.

"I did as my lord asked of me. I took care of that pesky— Ow! Lord Sesshōmaru?"

"Enough," he said tersely.

While the imp attempted to make amends to his lord, Kagome set Rin down on the grass. A-Un wound his long necks around the child, effectively holding her up while Kagome rifled through her backpack for a container of formula.

"This is what you want, isn't it?" she asked the brown-eyed infant. Rin quieted instantly as if she understood. The dragon's left head peered at Kagome while its right head began sniffing the child.

Kagome prepared a bottle of formula, careful to make sure none spilled out onto the grass. A-Un watched as she maneuvered Rin into her arms. It took several attempts but finally, the little girl accepted the bottle. Light sucking noises filled the clearing. Kagome relaxed, glad her idea worked.

She was too pleased with this development to notice Sesshōmaru staring at her.

There was no reason for him to take responsibility for the child. She was not one of his kind, nor was she his to raise. Yet from the moment he realized she was gone, Sesshōmaru had felt agitated. It was only once he was able to see she was safe that the uneasy sensation subsided.

He had not expected the miko to feel so strongly about the infant. Perhaps, it was her natural instincts taking over, the same way his had when she'd run from him. Sesshōmaru thought that after traveling with his brother, the miko would recognize her mistake.

She hadn't.

Her scurrying down the hillside had spurred him on. His inner beast had required the trip back to the well to calm down. Sesshōmaru knew the miko saw his retrieval of her belongings as a kind gesture. He had no plans to tell her otherwise.

She did not need to know that his first impulse had been to give chase or that he was ingrained with the need to prove himself. Strength, agility, and dominance were key attributes for the role of a true alpha. His father had been a great warrior, even if his sentimentality had greatly flawed him. Sesshōmaru would not make the same mistakes. He recognized the changes going on. He also acknowledged the fact that he'd given the miko his word.

The child, Rin, would be raised as a ward of the Western Lands, protected for the remainder of her days. Her mortality did not change his vow.

His assumptions about her worth as a caregiver were wrong. As loathed as he was to admit that, Sesshōmaru was far more concerned by the primal response he experienced while watching her with the child. The miko's nurturing had his inner beast howling for an entirely different reason than before.

She calmed the infant with the same ease she had approached the dragon. There was an unmistakable fierceness about her. She did not fear the demons around her, rather the woman appeared at ease. Her demeanor set the tone for the child, guiding Rin's instincts. It was peculiar for something so frail to possess such power.

Sesshōmaru needed to remain composed, lest the miko threaten to undo all that he had worked for.

"Would you like to hold her?" she inquired. He stared at the baby. The miko did not wait for him to respond. She straightened up, walking the infant over. "Here," she said, carefully placing the babe into his arm. "Just like this."

No sooner were the words out of the miko's mouth than the child began to bawl. He grimaced. The noise was extremely irritating.

"Sorry," the miko apologized, hastily removing his ward. "I guess Rin is still not used to you."

"Hn."

"It may take a few days before she feels comfortable with you."

"A month," he decided.

Her blue eyes widened. "What?"

"I will permit you one month to teach me how to care for the infant. If you fulfill your duties, I'll eliminate Naraku and assist you on your search for the remaining shards of the jewel."

"And if I don't?" the miko asked, her voice wavering with a nervous edge.

He raised his claws, covered in a green cloud of poisonous vapor. "I suggest you do not fail."