Disclaimer: I do not profit from this by using the Inuyasha cast.

The Prologue

Centuries have passed Riko Hiriguashi, with the ease of a breeze. The cycle of bloodshed, hate, betrayal, lust, and love have always played a part in the eras he's walked upon. But, the one constant repetitive which hits him the most is: love. Many of his colleagues whether they were demons or common shepherds have seemed to find their better half, their soulmate. Riko never did quite get the concept of a full grown being never being, "full," but he did comprehend the fire in ones eye when one found their true mate.

The simple gestures between partners and the intricate bonding of the soul, was something he envied. Walking amongst the temporary living grew weary on his companionship. For no matter how distant or cold he tried to become, in the back of his mind he always knew that the laughter and memories he shared would soon be only his recollections. His only comfort was that the spirits of his beloveds would keep him hopeful.

*M*

Currently it is 1993 in Tokyo Japan, where the far traveled and far aged demon, Riko Hiriguashi sits in his study, gazing at the view before him. He was on the top floor of his "Tok Security Firm," watching as the street lights twinkled on for the moon. Thousands of humans, far greater than any demon of his time could imagine, scurried through the streets. Even from the 50th floor he could hear the mumbles and dings of the latest technology: cellphones. In the background the ticks and tocks of the clock reminded him that time was passing by. Nights like this he took a sip of Brandy and mulled over some political grumble. Carrying the title of CEO for the countries top security facility could be very hectic at times, but tonight, Riko was going to ease his load.

*M*

The demon stepped out to the bustle of the street sporting a casual attire versus his combat drab. Riko looked up to pinpoint his direction when his pupils were met with neon lights. His eyes made a short squint at the piercing intensity, his beast reverting from the pain. The lights surrounded the area and were never friendly to his sensitive retinas. Thankfully his aviators were modified for industrial lights or else he would cause quite a stir once humans saw his blood red eyes. He would have much more than just a squint if they were removed. Even with a pair of jeans, dark sunglasses, and a plain t-shirt, nothing was hidden from the imagination. Short cropped black hair glistened in the night air contrasting with his tan skin. Days of war and travel chiseled his muscles, the thin cloth still able to define his physique. His height alone was towering, standing at 6 foot and 6 inches without his slightly heeled Nike's. Women of all age and size whether married, on a date, or homosexual looked at the man with pure admiration as they gazed at his lean legs and riveting charisma. His testosterone seemed to roll off his body and permeate through the air like a slow moving fog. But, obviously the demon didn't partake in their hungry eyes.

After much observation, Riko noticed that many of the women he's come across have never appealed to his inner beast. The creature within has stayed dormant for what seems like millenniums.

'In time I'm sure he'll come around,' Riko thought to himself.

Idle for some minutes, he realized that he couldn't stand in the middle of the street. Random shoulders were nudging and prodding at his middle section, without a care in the world, or even an apology. He stretched his long legs to a more serene environment-Yoko Park. It was a tranquil public park where the fireflies danced and often times lovers came for a nice stroll to end a cordial night. The landscape stayed true to the Japanese culture filled with the essence of Cherry Blossom trees. However tonight was quite off, quite off indeed. He was about to sit in his usual spot when he caught a disturbance.

Riko felt the air charged with energy, it tickled the hairs on his neck. All was silent in the harmonious place. The echo of frenzied feet shot into his ears, and quick gasps of air followed. He could tell by their scents it was a female and two demon males. He could tell by their scents it was a female and two demon males.

That scent...It was that stench of layered decay, of ancient blood and stolen souls. His nose hairs were practically singed down to the bud. The dormant beast within stirred at the sudden assault. Wild fangs elongated into full form, claws crackled alive dripping with mayhem, as his eyes became hell red. Riko was no longer relevant to the world, in place was pure instinct. Before Riko could persist the transformation, he had already back tracked the rambunctious footsteps. His hazed vision was locked on a short haired Japanese woman with flushed cheeks and eyes so green they had the garden beat in the spring time. Her attire was damp clinging to her form from the exasperation of running. She was wearing nothing but a thin pale blue button down and muddied jeans. But, the detail which caught his eyes the most was the trickling fear in those cloud blue orbs. A sight no mate should ever see...

And that's when his burning coals burned for the lizard demons.

Blood. Cries. Flesh. Tears. Guts.

Then all went silent in the park. Nature's melodies returned to the tresses of his ears. Crickets cautiously continued their orchestra as the rest of the insects followed in line. Along with the niche, Riko emerged from his holding cell absorbing his blood spattered clothes and minced flesh bits sprinkled on his digits.

"Since when do I lose control by such small matters?", Riko asked himself, tugging on his scalp on pure confusion. A small spark of miko powers prickled his arm hairs.

Instinctively, the demon flinched at the shaken maidens attempt at closure, but that didn't stop, Sakura. Ordinary humans may have fainted by such a tirade of blood shed, but the Miko was well aware of demonic capabilities. If she were next on his list, her entrails would have been in between the crevices of his claws, just like the idiotic bastards who wanted to kidnap her. Besides there was something in those eyes that just felt right to her. A siren call louder than any speaker or radio was guiding her to this gallant form. So, before he could snap out of his daze she stood up on her tender legs and held out her hand. Even with the bits of gravel digging into her cheeks, burning at the brush of the breeze, she put on her best grin. It was never too late for a proper introduction.

"My name is Sakura Mae, a 6th generation Herbal Miko, and I thank you very much for saving my life Mr...?"

"Hiriguashi," he answered, "but you can call me, Riko."

It only brought a bigger grin to the battered woman's face. She was still awkwardly holding out her hand gradually losing feeling her arm. As if her could her uneasiness his left arm went for the gesture. However, instead of meeting her hand he went for the forearm and puller her towards his massive chest. An electric charge prickled her finger tips the instant they glided his speckled shirt. The sensation made a gasp slip through her cracked lips, and look straight up at the human wall. She was met with such an intensity, such promise, she could look at him for centuries, watching him age and listen to him change, yet her twinkle would never waver.

Sakura took in his scent, the charge of lightening and laid her bobbed hair on his warm chest, hearing it rumble in approval. And by the trips of her earlobes she could make out the word, 'mate.' His, mate sounded like he was waking up from a torturing ache and she was his answer.

Smiling into his chest all she could say was, " That may be my title, Riko, but my name is SA-KU-RA."

A/N: Well that's how Kagome's parents met! Now we know where she gets her sass, lol. In the next chapter, you'll read about Kagome's legacy.