A light knock rapped on the wooden door, bringing golden eyes to straight ahead. That was the only thing between him and the mystery woman. Carefully putting his current documents away as he could not be able to focus on it any longer, Sesshomaru purposely dragged on the wait before uttering two simple words.

Come in

The door opened, neither fast yet slow enough to reveal the woman walking in with measured steps. Midnight black hair held together by a ribbon and alabaster skin was the first thing he noticed. A simple white blouse and long red skirt, clothes that weren't from a designer brand should not be something the supposed heiriss would wear. But even without clothes that would cost a fortune to the average people, she made them look elegant and regal just by the way she carries herself

And Sesshomaru know, when calm mahogany eyes Rose to meet his, he knew she had to be real. No one else would be able to hold the same, confident air around her as the once Higurashi Heiriss would have

"Sesshomaru"her voice, never had she spoken his name before, was low in tone yet husky for a woman her age,"It's been a while"

"Kikyo Higurashi"he tested that name on his lips, never had he spoken it either, "As I recall, we never met. But here you are, rumored to be dead, yet alive and breathing in my office

"It's jus'Kikyo",she corrected with sharpness in her tone as soft as the wind. "Many wished for the rumors to be true. Unfortunately for them, I am still here"

Sesshomaru hummed a low rumble from the depths of his throat as he glanced at the chair on the opposite side of the desk,the closest of an invitation he will offer. Kikyo understood the simple gesture and sat down, hands folder over the manila envelope over her lap while holding his gaze calmly. Not many people were able to match his cold stare dfor more than 3 seconds-and not many we're able to return it back with the same keenness like her.

She was here for a reason, Sesshomaru knew it obvious. For someone who was claimed to be deadyet had not made reappearace until now, there was something she wanted from this visit. Maybe it was on a whim for him to allow her the time to remain for the mystery regarding her death sparked only a small flame of curiosity within

For the moment, he said nothing;only watching her with his golden eyes and wondered how much longer she will wilt under his gaze as most others would. But, rather than cowering, Kikyo tilted her chin up in calm confidence and broke the silence

"I would not waste much of your time, I am only here for a proposal

"oh?"

His voice was bore of interest. Everyday, he would hear and read dozens of business proposition and everyday, he would reject nearly all of them. Just before she had arrived, Sesshomaru was doing the exact same thing. Now, what kind of proposal can she offer-when she had nothing to her name?Based on how she had reacted earlier, the Higurashi hat cut ties with her-just like how Kikyo had done to them

"Marry me, Sesshomaru"

The words slipped off her tounge easily as if discussing the weather. There was no change in emotion on her composed face, mahogany eyes still meeting his own without a bit of hesitation. Sesshomaru took a second longer to run the literal proposal over his mind.

Like business, women would flock to him with words of marriage and promises to be the perfect wife if only to be part of Inukai empire. Dating was never Sesshomaru's interest and a 'wife'was far from his goal when he could easily find one off the street

And yet, that was the offer this 'dead'woman wanted to propose to him?

"Now,why would I want to?"He decided to test her out because her proposition was not out of love, he knew

"It may seem trivial, I'm sure, when thousand of other wish to seek the same position. However, I have one thing they, or rather, no one else will have

There was the slightest smile on her pale lips as she spoke. The curve barely visible, as if teasing him with the secret much like her words. Knowing to not stall unnecessary, Kikyo continue

"The Shikon No Tama"

The Shikon no tama, otherwise known as the Shikon jewel, was forged in the Heian period of Japan over a thousand years ago. It was a perfectly circle pink diamonds no bigger than an inch in diameter

It was said, the Higurashi ancestors Midoriko, The priestess, had saved the emperor's life and was bestowed the jewel, sought after even by his concubines, in gratitude. The Higurashi family was protectors of the jewel since then yet many wished to covet the gem but never once succeeding. The diamond simbolizes power and was considered a royal artifact, the value of the gem, priceless. Historian an Jewelers who had the honor of seeing the jewel would give endless praises to it, often wanting to buy it off the Higurashi's hands but to no avail

How such a jewel ended up in Kikyo's possession's. Sesshomaru wondered

"i have no used for jewelry", but unfortunately for her, Sesshomaru was never interested in the Shikon jewel. That was only a symbol of power in the past whereas Sesshomaru strived for power in the present. The Shikon no tama merely a decoration. He didn't need to rely on a gem to prove his power

The slight clenching of her fist was the only give away to Kikyo's current displeasure regarding his rejection. She had still the calm peace on her face, matching his impassive emotion while waiting to see what more she can offer. The Shikon jewel was the biggest bargaining chip she had

"It is more than just jewelry,she corrected but didn't digress,"but i'm sure you would know that. Other than having the one item nearly all of Japan desire, you will have a buffer between marriege proposal and woman throwing them selves at your feet. If you need me to be, I *can be the perfect trophy wife in public and avoid you in private. For matter regarding your company, I have no interest in gaining any portion of it as long as I am provided shelter during our marriage. As for divorce, I am more than willing to discuss those terms. after you agree to the proposal

A woman with no interest in my assets and even agrees to separation...What does she really want

"Then, pray tell,what do you get out of this?"Sesshomaru asked leisurely

"Protection",Kikyo answered without a doubt! I have been compromised

Those who wish for my death have finally found me

" And what better way to hide away than in the spotlight", Sesshomaru caught onto her train of thought,"But if I accept your proposal, you would also. be endangering me

There was a slower curve of her lips again, mahogany eyes staring daringly into Sesshomaru's golden ones. There was no fear on her face, no trust in his words as she let out a small, husky chuckle filled with mockery

"If the multi-billioner, Sesshomaru Inukai does not have the means to protect himself, then maybe I have come to the wrong person",Kikyoused.

His eyes narrowed on her form, sensing the way she was mocking him openly. The nerve of this woman. She was the one seeking help yet was not bothering to show a shred of respect. He could immediately refuse her proposal due to the fact alone but, it was her luck that Sesshomaru was feeling generous today

"Do not forget, woman, you are the one who needs my help", Sesshomaru warned

There was almost a semblance of pride swelling within him at that fact. Sesshomaru was powerful with just his name alone. But, would accepting this woman's proposal be beneficial to him?It would calm down the dozen of old men wanting to throw their daughter his way to secure their daughter his way to secure their hand within the Inukai Corp. It may even halt the scandalous rumor the woman tried to stir up just to see their name along with his on the headline.

In perspective, her proposal of dealing with the woman appealed to him more than some ancient gem

"Here is the information i've written down regarding our contract on what I require from this.... business transaction. I will come back to hear your final answer",Kikyo interrupted his thoughts by placing the Manila envelope over the side of his desk quietly. Folding her hands over the red skirt again like the heiriss she was trained to be, her eyes met his once more in clarity,"You can rest assured I am not doing this due to my 'attraction'to you. I am open to divorce once my threats have been settled

Again, she has brought up the mention of separation with ease. It nearly wounded his pride on how appalling she must find him to reassure him there business contract would not be a lifetime deal

"And how long does that intend to be?"Sesshomaru asked in order to ignore the little voice within his head

"3 years. If lucky, less

"The ones who are after you...Is it due to the Shikon no Tama?"

"Yes"

Sesshomaru hummed,recognizing the subtle anger with her tone regarding the 'jewel'. There was something more she was hiding;the mystery regarding her ' death'was still unknown. For her to be this desperate to come out of hiding to find him must mean she had no other choice but to fight or surrender. And, surrending was something he never show in this woman, holding their first actual conversation

"You may go",he dismissed with a slow blink,"I will have your answer tomorrow

The tension from her shoulder aesed just the slightest;her face realising a previous facade and a rare glimpse of a true smile emerged. It was gone faster than Sesshomaru can process it as Kikyo stood up to smooth out her shirt

"I look forward to your cooperation, Sesshomaru Inukai"

And, as quietly as she came,Kikyo left

Sesshomaru stared at the empty spot she had occupied just moment ago, their conversation running through his mind as he tried to decipher the truth in her words. His eyes slid over to the folder she left on the corner of the desk and picked it up, the other documents on his desk forgotten

For the remainder of this afternoon, Sesshomaru only read the contract she left behind

There was a ball he had to attend, hosted by some wealthy businessmen Sesshomaru would care less for. But, because this was the first party he had been invited to since his return to Japan, many directors with Inukai Corporation heavily recommended him to attend

He sipped the bitter red wine with impassive eyes not necessarily engaging in the conversation many others had attempted to strike him with him. It was always the same questions; how was the study abroad, was he managing the business well, find him or her if he needed help to run his company, or if he just needed someone to spend time with. Sesshomaru could read through their less than subtle way to dip their spimy hands in to his business, he would not give them the satisfaction of manipulating him just because he was their junior

From the corner of his eyes, he saw a cluster of people crowding around someone in the center. His golden eyes lifted to that direction to see a variety of men sorrounding one lone girl. Even with the unfamiliar face with wolfish smiles trying to nip at her weakness, the girl kept a calm facade up with the smallest of smiles, not saying more than what was required

Sesshomaru nearly scoffed at the sight

The girl could not be of age yet, possible one of the youngest at the party in her mid teens,yet the men where slobbering over her like a piece of meat to the slaughter. But, he could remember why she had attracted attention with her midnight dark hair curled up into an elaborate bun while wearing a modest, yet classy red dress to brighten up her porcelein skin

Sesshomaru was not blind, he knew how to appreciate beauty, but more often times he was surrounded by them and considered must bland like many of the women. attending the party here, they had dulled them selves up with the expensive dresses and flashy makeup. It was only her, who kept her attire simple

"That's Kikyo Higurashi",Bokusenou,his late's father advisor,had informed him suddenly,"An established girl if I may say so myself.She. will be attending University this year at age 15.What a shame she was born in the declining Higurashi.Her talent could be appreciated much more than in a family of shrine,maidens

Sesshomaru said nothing to acknowledge Bokusenou's information of each and every one of the attendees here.He cast his eyes elsewhere and the advisor would give brief background of the person he happened to scan over. But a few minutes later, a flash of red caught his attention again as the one knew as 'Kikyo managed to slip away from the men trying to keep her attention. As she made her way to walk past him, mahogany and gold met for one second, before their attention was diverted away

She gave him no smile,no nod, nothing of aknowledgment to show she knew him

"Rin!Slow down,girl!You know your not supposed to be running in here!"Jaken scolded the 8 year old child ahead of him

The girl slid to a stop, smiling sheepishly at the older man inside the brightly lit hall. Rin clasped her hands behind her back smoothed out her yellow dress,waiting for her babysitter to catch up

"Sorry,Jaken,sir!I was just excited to greet master Sesshomaru

Jaken straightened the Navy suit professionally. and reached down the spacious hall. The child's attachment to their master was understandable, but Jaken'S duty was to watch over the girl and if any harm came to harm her,he would fear for his life reporting to his master . He had been following him since young and while he disliked his skills to be used to watch over some child, Jaken was loyal to his bones

"Well,slow down!Master Sesshomaru may be preoccupied with work!"

Realising that,Rin gasped and put her free hand over her mouth, as if attempting to silence her chatter. But before another word could be spoken, the elevator in front of them rang to a stop. The metal door slid open to reveal a young woman walk out,dark eyes glancing down to see the child lookedup at her with wide eyes. She paused,giving Rin a gentle smile in aknowledgment and allowing them to pass before walking down towards the exit*

"It is more than just jewelry,she corrected but didn't digress,"but i'm sure you would know that. Other than having the one item nearly all of Japan desire, you will have a buffer between marriege proposal and woman throwing them selves at your feet. If you need me to be, I *can be the perfect trophy wife in public and avoid you in private. For matter regarding your company, I have no interest in gaining any portion of it as long as I am provided shelter during our marriage. As for divorce, I am more than willing to discuss those terms. after you agree to the proposal

A woman with no interest in my assets and even agrees to separation...What does she really want

"Then, pray tell,what do you get out of this?"Sesshomaru asked leisurely

"Protection",Kikyo answered without a doubt! I have been compromised

Those who wish for my death have finally found me

" And what better way to hide away than in the spotlight", Sesshomaru caught onto her train of thought,"But if I accept your proposal, you would also. be endangering me

There was a slower curve of her lips again, mahogany eyes staring daringly into Sesshomaru's golden ones. There was no fear on her face, no trust in his words as she let out a small, husky chuckle filled with mockery

"If the multi-billioner, Sesshomaru Inukai does not have the means to protect himself, then maybe I have come to the wrong person",Kikyoused.

His eyes narrowed on her form, sensing the way she was mocking him openly. The nerve of this woman. She was the one seeking help yet was not bothering to show a shred of respect. He could immediately refuse her proposal due to the fact alone but, it was her luck that Sesshomaru was feeling generous today

"Do not forget, woman, you are the one who needs my help", Sesshomaru warned

There was almost a semblance of pride swelling within him at that fact. Sesshomaru was powerful with just his name alone. But, would accepting this woman's proposal be beneficial to him?It would calm down the dozen of old men wanting to throw their daughter his way to secure their daughter his way to secure their hand within the Inukai Corp. It may even halt the scandalous rumor the woman tried to stir up just to see their name along with his on the headline.

In perspective, her proposal of dealing with the woman appealed to him more than some ancient gem

"Here is the information i've written down regarding our contract on what I require from this.... business transaction. I will come back to hear your final answer",Kikyo interrupted his thoughts by placing the Manila envelope over the side of his desk quietly. Folding her hands over the red skirt again like the heiriss she was trained to be, her eyes met his once more in clarity,"You can rest assured I am not doing this due to my 'attraction'to you. I am open to divorce once my threats have been settled

Again, she has brought up the mention of separation with ease. It nearly wounded his pride on how appalling she must find him to reassure him there business contract would not be a lifetime deal

"And how long does that intend to be?"Sesshomaru asked in order to ignore the little voice within his head

"3 years. If lucky, less

"The ones who are after you...Is it due to the Shikon no Tama?"

"Yes"

Sesshomaru hummed,recognizing the subtle anger with her tone regarding the 'jewel'. There was something more she was hiding;the mystery regarding her ' death'was still unknown. For her to be this desperate to come out of hiding to find him must mean she had no other choice but to fight or surrender. And, surrending was something he never show in this woman, holding their first actual conversation

"You may go",he dismissed with a slow blink,"I will have your answer tomorrow

The tension from her shoulder aesed just the slightest;her face realising a previous facade and a rare glimpse of a true smile emerged. It was gone faster than Sesshomaru can process it as Kikyo stood up to smooth out her shirt

"I look forward to your cooperation, Sesshomaru Inukai"

And, as quietly as she came,Kikyo left

Sesshomaru stared at the empty spot she had occupied just moment ago, their conversation running through his mind as he tried to decipher the truth in her words. His eyes slid over to the folder she left on the corner of the desk and picked it up, the other documents on his desk forgotten

For the remainder of this afternoon, Sesshomaru only read the contract she left behind

There was a ball he had to attend, hosted by some wealthy businessmen Sesshomaru would care less for. But, because this was the first party he had been invited to since his return to Japan, many directors with Inukai Corporation heavily recommended him to attend

He sipped the bitter red wine with impassive eyes not necessarily engaging in the conversation many others had attempted to strike him with him. It was always the same questions; how was the study abroad, was he managing the business well, find him or her if he needed help to run his company, or if he just needed someone to spend time with. Sesshomaru could read through their less than subtle way to dip their spimy hands in to his business, he would not give them the satisfaction of manipulating him just because he was their junior

From the corner of his eyes, he saw a cluster of people crowding around someone in the center. His golden eyes lifted to that direction to see a variety of men sorrounding one lone girl. Even with the unfamiliar face with wolfish smiles trying to nip at her weakness, the girl kept a calm facade up with the smallest of smiles, not saying more than what was required

Sesshomaru nearly scoffed at the sight

The girl could not be of age yet, possible one of the youngest at the party in her mid teens,yet the men where slobbering over her like a piece of meat to the slaughter. But, he could remember why she had attracted attention with her midnight dark hair curled up into an elaborate bun while wearing a modest, yet classy red dress to brighten up her porcelein skin

Sesshomaru was not blind, he knew how to appreciate beauty, but more often times he was surrounded by them and considered must bland like many of the women. attending the party here, they had dulled them selves up with the expensive dresses and flashy makeup. It was only her, who kept her attire simple

"That's Kikyo Higurashi",Bokusenou,his late's father advisor,had informed him suddenly,"An established girl if I may say so myself.She. will be attending University this year at age 15.What a shame she was born in the declining Higurashi.Her talent could be appreciated much more than in a family of shrine,maidens

Sesshomaru said nothing to acknowledge Bokusenou's information of each and every one of the attendees here.He cast his eyes elsewhere and the advisor would give brief background of the person he happened to scan over. But a few minutes later, a flash of red caught his attention again as the one knew as 'Kikyo managed to slip away from the men trying to keep her attention. As she made her way to walk past him, mahogany and gold met for one second, before their attention was diverted away

She gave him no smile,no nod, nothing of aknowledgment to show she knew him

"Rin!Slow down,girl!You know your not supposed to be running in here!"Jaken scolded the 8 year old child ahead of him

The girl slid to a stop, smiling sheepishly at the older man inside the brightly lit hall. Rin clasped her hands behind her back smoothed out her yellow dress,waiting for her babysitter to catch up

"Sorry,Jaken,sir!I was just excited to greet master Sesshomaru

Jaken straightened the Navy suit professionally. and reached down the spacious hall. The child's attachment to their master was understandable, but Jaken'S duty was to watch over the girl and if any harm came to harm her,he would fear for his life reporting to his master . He had been following him since young and while he disliked his skills to be used to watch over some child, Jaken was loyal to his bones

"Well,slow down!Master Sesshomaru may be preoccupied with work!"

Realising that,Rin gasped and put her free hand over her mouth, as if attempting to silence her chatter. But before another word could be spoken, the elevator in front of them rang to a stop. The metal door slid open to reveal a young woman walk out,dark eyes glancing down to see the child lookedup at her with wide eyes. She paused,giving Rin a gentle smile in aknowledgment and allowing them to pass before walking down towards the exit*