Disclaimer: InuYasha is written by Rumiko Takahashi. I do not own anything mentioned in this fanfic besides the idea of the fanfic.

To Love A Human

Prologue

It was dark, so very dark. The crescent moon was shrouded by a mist of clouds, casting a dim light that proved ineffective with all the obstruction from the lush leaves and the multitude of branches of the forest.

The silhouette of a man adorned in elaborate kimono with a fur pelt draped over his right shoulder stood out from the dark forms of tree trunks and bushes, as a voice nearby quietly acknowledged his arrival.

"Sesshoumaru, you have come again as I hoped."

The demon Lord of the Western lands turned slightly towards the sound of the voice, and looked up just as a face appeared on the trunk of the ancient magnolia hypoleuca tree.

"Bokusenou, I have come to ask you about a certain matter," Sesshoumaru said in reply, sparing no time for idle talk. He didn't like the idea of coming to Bokusenou for information, but his father's old acquaintance was his best bet for answers he needed.

The sound of rustling leaves was heard in the gentle breeze that swept in as Bokusenou responded in a slow and wise drawl, "And what would that be, Sesshoumaru, that is so private that you excused yourself from the presence of your other followers?"

Sesshoumaru hesitated. So the old tree did notice after all. He knew the tree was wise beyond any other creature, and the fact that he came here tonight without Rin or Jaken would already be leading it to some conclusions – none of which Sesshoumaru was in favour of. But at the same time he knew that Bokusenou's wisdom probably would enable it to see through any creature. Can he already see through my purpose in being here?

He treaded with calculated caution. "Is there a way for a human to turn into a youkai?"

As the wind began to pick up its pace, the louder the rustling of leaves became, seemingly prolonging the silence between the two immortals as Sesshoumaru waited for his answer.

Finally, it came to him in an almost inaudible whisper. "Yes…"

Sesshoumaru continued waiting for Bokusenou to elaborate further while his mind focused on the impact of that one word. Yes… yes there is a way…

"Buryuso," said the old tree.

"Buryuso?"

"Yes, Buryuso has the power to do that. He is a youkai who angered the gods long ago, and they put a curse on him. No longer does he smell like a youkai to other youkai, or to those others who are able to detent scents. Buryuso has the scent of a human."

"So he is a human then," Sesshoumaru concluded in a tone of near-disgust.

"No, he isn't human. He just smells like a human so that he is looked down on by those of his rank. He is still a youkai.

"Buryuso's curse ostracises him. Fellow youkai won't interact with him, and humans… Humans fear him because of his ability to make them into demons. Because of this, Buryuso lives in seclusion… to hide from his shame," Bokusenou explained.

"Naruhodo," said Sesshoumaru before asking the one more important question he had on his mind ever since Bokusenou mentioned Buryuso. "Where is he?" [naruhodo: I see]

"Buryuso lives far down south of your kingdom, hiding in the caves of the mountainous area there.

"But be careful…" Bokusenou added, unfinished with a warning. However Sesshoumaru had already taken his leave.

Softly, Bokusenou whispered into the wind, hoping that it would carry word to Sesshoumaru's ear. "The land is cursed with a human plague that could kill the mortal girl of yours…"

Perhaps, thought Bokusenou as he shrunk back into the image of aged tree bark, Sesshoumaru has finally taken a step in the path his father laid out for him.

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Author's Note: I might bring up the rating of the story as it progresses, but for now it's PG13. However, I can also post separate versions of the story, PG and R... I haven't quite decided yet. Does anyone want a lemon? XD I would greatly appreciate it if you can tell me through reviews, whether to post separate versions of this story or to just make it R. ^_^;; arigatou!