My goodness my hands are sore. Wait… that sounded sort of dirty. Allow me to rephrase that. My hands are sore from typing. There, all cleared up. Geez, I need to take a break from work. Having two jobs is hectic.

Since it took me a while to post the last chapter, I'll give you all a two for one deal to make up for lost time. Okay, are you happy now?

P.S. This is what the disclaimer looks like in Japanese…

Disclaimer: 私はInuyashaを所有していません

General Introductions and Floral Jewelry

After regaining her poise, Kagome stood and brushed herself off, still utterly perplexed as to what had just occurred.

Huffing, she decided she would find Rin. The little girl's childish charms eased her tension.

As she ambled through the halls, determined to find a door that lead to the gardens, or a servant who could show her the way, Kagome recalled what he had said. 'So… he's going to help me find the shards? Well, who am I to complain. The sooner I get this thing done, the sooner I can go home.'

Spying a tall, armor clad demon, Kagome tentatively approached him, uncertain as to how he might react to her. She was, after all, a ningen. "Excuse me, sir?" she called out as she neared him. When he turned his gaze upon her, she couldn't help but gawk. He was extremely good looking, almost as attractive as Sesshomaru.

His jade green eyes shimmered as the light leaking in through the windows reflected from their depths. Hair as golden as the sun itself hung in a neatly done braid down his back. Though he wasn't as tall, he had a wider build than Sesshomaru, one that reminded her of a modern day football player. Perhaps he was a part of the taiyoukai's army. That would explain the armor which happened to bear the insignia of a blue crescent moon on the left breast.

When he made no move to answer her, she huffed and straightened up, refusing to be intimidated by him. "Would you be able to tell me how to get to the gardens?"

The larger male simply stood there for a while, scrutinizing the human female in front of him. She was quite the sight, back straight and chin held high. Not many ningen would be so bold… none of which were female. Her bravery surprised him. She was attractive, and had a peculiar yet pleasing scent. Her fiery spirit only further enhanced her lovely features. After a while, he noticed her dazzling blue orbs narrow, and felt a surge of miko energy snapping around him. His eyes widened in shock. Such power he had never encountered before, at least not from a miko. The level of her power and size of her aura seemed to rival his own.

A flicker of respect welled up in him and he softened his features, allowing a slight grin to grace his lips. She instantly eased up, her own face taking on a calm yet determined look.

Bowing a little in greeting, he inquired, "Are you the miko, Kagome?"

Cerulean eyes shooting open in shock, she mumbled, "Well… yes, but how did you-"

"News travels quickly in the palace. I am pleased to finally make your acquaintance." He laughed when she gasped and blushed before returning the bow. She looked so very charming when she was embarrassed.

"I have heard many a promising thing about you, miko. Your reputation precedes you," he told her with a charming grin.

Blushing yet again, she wrung her hands together and smiled. "Thank you, um… I'm sorry; I haven't gotten your name yet?"

Taking her tiny hand in his, he leaned forward and placed a chaste kiss on her knuckles, while answering in a hushed voice, "I am General Meiyo. Allow me to escort you to the gardens, milady."

Cheeks heating up another degree, Kagome nodded dumbly and allowed him to link arms with her, his large, tanned hand coming to rest on hers. When they came to a large set of mahogany doors, he was even so kind as to open them for her.

'Sesshomaru could learn a thing or two from this guy,' Kagome decided, 'If he had half the charm this man possessed he would be irresistible, but oh no, he had to be an asshole.'

Her musings were put on pause, for the moment she stepped outside, her breath caught in her throat. The vast variety of floral life was staggering, the vibrant shades of purple, pink, orange and yellow meshing together into a single, intricately woven tapestry of life. Clapping her hands in a brief display of child like innocence, Kagome marveled at this beauty of nature, her mood lightening considerably.

"You like the gardens, I take it?"

Turning back to Meiyo, Kagome nodded vigorously and giggled a little.

The tanned male smiled at the sound; so musical, like the soft tinkling of a bell. He no longer wondered why his Lord had brought her to stay at the castle; her mere presence alone seemed to lift one's soul.

"Meiyo."

The stern calling of his name tore his gaze from the pretty, little miko to the one who had spoken the words, his back straightening instantly at the recognition of Sesshomaru's unmistakable baritone. "Yes, milord?"

Strolling to stand beside his General, Sesshomaru turned his eyes on the smiling young miko who accompanied him. "I see you have made the miko's acquaintance."

"Indeed," was all Meiyo said in return, not certain as to what his Lord was getting at.

Nodding slightly, he stated, "Now that you have gotten simple introductions out of the way, I would like for you to accompany me to the dojo. I am in need of a sparring partner."

The golden haired youkai bowed, grimacing at the pain he knew was to come. When his Lord sparred, there was blood. The taiyoukai never held back, even when fighting an ally. He would be sore in the morning. Straightening himself, he turned back to the tiny miko and allowed a half smile to grace his lips. Bowing low to her, he bid her farewell. "Until we meet again, milady."

Sesshomaru wasn't at all happy when he saw the onna smile so openly at his General. The wench was his to conquer, and he certainly hoped that the other male wasn't getting any funny ideas. He would have what he so desired, and nothing would stand in his way.

Watching as the two males strode brusquely away, Kagome returned to gazing at the gardens, intent on finding the small, brunette she knew lingered somewhere within.

After having ventured past a few well pruned hedges, she found the child, who appeared to be making a floral wreath. She approached soundlessly, a mischievous smirk crossing her features. With the grace of a predator, she kept low to the ground, shuffling through the grass to stop directly behind the small child. Lifting her hands, she pressed her palms against the little girl's eyes and quipped, "Guess who."

Rin giggled, her voice taking on a jubilant tone as she tittered, "Kagome-chan, you came to play with Rin!"

Sighing in defeat, Kagome flopped down beside the girl and pouted, crossing her arms across her chest. "Drat, how did you know it was me?"

"Because, you are the only one who sounds like you… plus you smell nice," the little child added with a matter-o-fact nod of her head. Handing the older female some flowers, Rin asked, "Would you like to make flower jewelry with Rin?"

Gently grasping three stems, she began to weave them together into a braided wreath, humming a tune to herself. "What are we going to do with all of these?" she asked the youth as she spied the numerous flowery rings scattered across Rin's lap.

"We give them to Jaken-sama. Sesshomaru-sama tells Rin that they take away from his un-sight-ly appearance," the little brunette answered honestly, sounding out the word her Lord had used.

Kagome couldn't help but chuckle at that. So… the infamous Ice Lord had a softer side after all. Continuing to sew together a floral hoop, she decided that perhaps he wasn't as bad as he seemed. She just needed to crack through his tough exterior. With that goal in mind, she tied the ends of her necklace together and held it up to examine it. Rin's were much nicer.

Sighing, she set it aside and began another one, hoping that, with a little practice, she would get better.

How sweet, play time with Rin. And it seems our young miko has made a new friend… ohhhhhh and he's a hottie! Sesshomaru-sama had better step his game up!

Review, maggots!