Disclaimer: I do not own Inuyasha or any of its characters. I wrote this for my own entertainment. Hope you enjoy it!
{ Chapter I }
East Kingdom
After healing someone for the hundredth time, the pain is no longer an obstacle.
Or so I assumed, thought a young girl, gritting her teeth as she stared into the hazy eyes of her 101st customer. His comrades had hauled him in just minutes earlier, pleading for her help as they drunkenly told the tale of the knife fight he had participated in outside of Mira's Tavern. Judging by the size of the wound on his torso, he had lost. Not that she cared; business had been slow this week, and people were always willing to pay more for emergencies. This was like a bloody gift sent from the heavens. The man arched his back with a loud groan.
"Hold still," she grumbled, pushing him back down on the table with one hand, the other pressed firmly against his side. The man muttered something incoherently, a name maybe, but his friends were all passed out in the corner of the room. She was midway through the transferring process and sudden movements would hurt them both. Sweat started to collect in tiny beads on her forehead as she prepared herself for the worst part. At least the man no longer struggled, he had passed out from exertion. Suddenly, her body lurched, and she winced as a bright red stain bloomed on the bottom left of her shirt. She looked over at the matching area of skin on the man's torso, no longer showing any traces of damage.
Bracing herself against the table, she moved slowly to the overhead cabinet and pulled out a bottle filled with a modest amount of amber liquid. After chugging its contents, she ripped a piece of cloth from one of the unused blankets and tied it around her waist, soaking up the blood. The wound had started to feel better already.
Her 101st customer stirred, then bolted upright into sitting position, hands flying to his waist. Noticing that he no longer had a raw stab wound there, he stared at the girl, dumfounded. He lifted a finger and pointed to the blood stain at her waist, but she waved him off.
"Don't worry, I'm used to it," she smiled, pulling out a pen and a piece of parchment. "Now for the matter of your payment. Let's see, muscle wound and a dose of Ember...that'll be 2,000 crests*."
The man dug around in his pockets, hands shaking as he pulled out a crumpled note and a few coins. "I-I'm sorry, I only have 500. Spent most of my weekly earnings at the Tavern. Please..."
She rolled her eyes, swiping the coins from his outstretched hand. "I'll let it go this time. Now, get out."
"Yes, thank you!" The man shook his friends awake and they all stumbled out the front door together. She turned the coins over in her hand with a deep sigh before pocketing them.
Come on Kagome, when are you going to stop accepting charity cases? You have mouths to feed.
She flicked the light switch off, locked the door and made her way into town.
{ } { } { } { } { }
The sun had just begun to set as Kagome walked through the quiet cobblestone streets of her village. She felt groggy after taking the Ember and her steps were slightly uneven. She lived in a sector that was mostly comprised of the elderly, with their quaint stone houses that always seemed to radiate the smell of fresh baked goods. She had chosen this area to live in precisely because it had the cheapest rental rate for her shop and the crime rate was almost non-existent. It was the perfect place to take care of her family.
Kagome approached the familiar yellow door to her family's home and jostled the key in the lock. It always took a few tries, the handle was old and almost broken, and she made a mental note to fix it next time she had the money. Inside was dark and a bit cold, the only heat source a small fire pit in the corner of the living room that had begun to deplete, so she threw another hunk of wood onto the flames.
"Sister!" A young boy with raven dark hair dashed over to her, wrapping his arms around her legs.
"Hey Souta," Kagome smiled, patting his head. "How was your day?"
"Alright," he said, looking up at her with round, hazel eyes like her own. "Mother was up for a few hours today, so she made soup. We saved you some." He pointed to the table in the kitchen where a round pot was perched, steam curling out of the top. Kagome's eyes widened in surprise.
"Where is she?" She asked.
"In her room," he answered simply.
Kagome made her way up the staircase, Souta following closely at her heels, and turned to the first door on the left. Inside a woman rested on a plain bed beside a wooden vanity with a single candle lit. Kagome kneeled on the floor next to the bed and gently brushed the woman's bangs from her forehead. The woman stirred, turning her head over to face Kagome. Her eyes were a bit unfocused, but she lit up when she realized who it was.
"Kagome, darling," the woman breathed, placing her hand on Kagome's cheek. "We haven't seen you in days."
Kagome grasped her mother's hand with her own. "I know, I'm sorry. Rent is due next week for the shop so I stayed overnight to take in some extra clients." She didn't mention that her most recent customer has stiffed her by about 1,500 crests.
"Are you staying?" Souta tugged at her sleeve, pouting.
"I have to get some supplies from Mira's, but I should be back tonight," Kagome answered. "I came to check on you both." She shifted her legs and winced, her hand unconsciously moving to her side.
"Are you alright?" Her mother cried, noticing the bloody bandage for the first time. "Oh Kagome..."
"I'm fine," Kagome mumbled, forcing a smile. "This is nothing new to me. Besides, the wound has nearly healed already."
Her mother and Souta exchanged worried glances.
"I'll be alright, really!" Kagome waved them off and reached over to squeeze her mother's hand. "How about you? I heard you were able to stand for a few hours today. That's wonderful."
Her mother stared up at the ceiling, a pained expression on her face. "There are good days and bad days. Today was half and half. At the very least, I was happy to be able to prepare a hot meal for my children for once."
The three of them fell silent, always hesitant to speak about this particular subject. Instead, Souta climbed over the bed and nuzzled into his mother's side. She smiled, wrapping an arm around him and rubbing his back in small circles. Kagome gripped her hand even tighter.
"I'm so sorry..." Kagome whispered, tears running down her cheeks. "The one thing I can't heal..."
"Kagome, stop," her mother pleaded, wiping her tears clean with her thumb. "None of this is your fault. If not for you we wouldn't have a roof over our heads and food on our table. My biggest regret is that my daughter has to use her abilities, endanger herself on a daily basis, to provide what I can't for this family. This sickness is my burden to bear, and I will stay strong through it. Do you understand?"
Kagome nodded.
Her mother sighed and pulled the two siblings into a hug. "I love you both. So much."
Kagome held on tightly, as if letting go would make them disappear.
"Love you too."
{ } { } { } { } { }
A mug of beer sailed across the room, amber liquid spilling from its top as it shattered to pieces against the wall.
Three men cheered, faces flush with intoxication as they locked shoulders and begun to sing a popular folk song out of tune. The entire Tavern was packed to the brim with patrons fresh out of work for the night. Bar maids scurried around the room, setting down various plates of food while refilling empty beer glasses. A band of musicians played lively music in the background, but it was hard to hear anything over the commotion in the dining area.
"Tavern's busy tonight, I see," Kagome commented casually, lowering her hood as she took a seat at the bar. A middle aged woman with auburn hair and pale skin rolled her eyes as she poured beer from a barrel.
"Honey, that's an understatement. You know what the end of the work day means to these fools." She shouted a few colorful threats to the men who had broken the glass, then turned back to Kagome, setting down a glass of ice water for her with a wink. "Honestly though, it keeps me in business."
"This is not your usual clientele, Mira." Kagome sipped the water, giving the woman a patronizing look over the rim of her glass. A young bar maid with blue eyes and a highly exposed cleavage sauntered over to them, grabbing the beer glass from Mira.
"Heard there's a few West Kingdom lackeys here on holiday", the girl remarked. "Got nothin' better to do, what with the crown prince's failed wedding an' all."
Mira threw a rag over her shoulder, hands on her hips. "Seriously, Hana?"
"Would I joke about somethin' like this?" Hana clutched a hand to her chest dramatically. "Alas, a tragic tale of unrequited love! The princess of the North Kingdom engaged to the prince of the West Kingdom since birth, but the prince mysteriously disappears the day of their betrothal. Rumor has it he fled the kingdom in order to escape the engagement. How scandalous!"
Kagome rolled her eyes, finishing her drink quietly, not interested in the gossip of other Kingdoms like most girls in this area were. She wondered if they really had nothing better to do with their time.
"I wonder if he will come here to East Kingdom?" Hana's eyes glittered brightly. "Our dear prince Kouga would be rattled silly."
Kagome almost choked on her water at the mention of his name. It was true, East Kingdom's prince was not very personable when it came to certain matters.
"I doubt it, South Kingdom is closer, and you know those stuck up nobles have never had to rough it in the wilderness. He wouldn't last one day on the trail to East Kingdom." Mira tilted her head to the side, giving Hana a look. "But I'm surprised you found out about this so soon."
"News travels fast," Hana winked before drifting off to one of her tables.
"I bet it does, when you're sleeping with a palace guard," Mira muttered, wiping the counter.
Kagome finished off her drink, setting the glass down with a clunk. "Before I forget, I need some Ember."
Mira frowned, pouring another beer from the barrel. "Don't tell me you used it for that asshole that got into a knife fight outside my bar."
"I did," Kagome stated simply. "Shallow side wound, no big deal. My supply is out now, though."
Mira knelt down behind the counter and opened a tiny compartment, hidden to the naked eye because it blended in with the wood finish. Her workers knew where it was, but Mira was the only one allowed to access it. She pulled out a tray of clear vials, the amber liquid inside sloshing as she moved. To anyone else, it might have looked like plain old beer, but Kagome had used it enough in her life to know that the telltale reddish tint meant that it was Ember.
"I'll take two," Kagome said, holding out her hand.
"That'll be 1,000 crests," Mira replied.
"What!?" Kagome's mouth dropped open. "That's double what I've been paying!"
"I'm sorry honey, the price skyrocketed this past month," Mira frowned as she twisted the vials around in their holders. "This stuff is hard to come by now, what with the palace workers using it for...recreational purposes."
Kagome bit her lip. She had to have the pain serum in order to keep her business running, in order to keep her family alive, but it would completely exhaust her earnings for the week. The image of her mother curled up on the bed with Souta sprang to the front of her mind. She clenched a fist around the change in her pocket.
"Fine, one then," Kagome muttered as she handed Mira the coins and took one vial from its holder. Mira placed the tray back in its secret compartment as Kagome turned the vial around in her hand, staring at the liquid inside. Mira watched her, smiling sadly.
"You're a strong girl, Kagome. Remember that."
"Am I?" She whispered quietly.
{ } { } { } { } { }
The marketplace was a bustle of activity late the next morning.
Compared to the previous night, Kagome had hoped that the marketplace at least would have been a peaceful trip, to no such avail.
It seemed the rumors were true. Workers from the West Kingdom had migrated over to East Kingdom in waves; whether it was to help search for their missing prince or slack off on their duties she couldn't tell. It was strange seeing the royal uniform of another Kingdom everywhere; reds and golds of the West Kingdom mixed in with the native greens and whites of the East Kingdom. Their Kingdom hadn't been this popular in ages. Usually North Kingdom and West Kingdom had attracted the most attention because of the royal wedding. Kagome passed by a few guards dressed in red and gold, but kept her stare forward and minded her own business.
She reached the corner of the market where the stalls of fresh vegetables were sold and picked out a few potatoes, carrots, and herbs for a stew she would make later. The shop owners knew her well, whether because they had been a client of hers at some point or one of their family members, so she always received a discount. Knapsack brimming with fresh ingredients for dinner, she turned to leave...
...And ran straight into someone's chest.
"Oh, I'm very sorry!" She cried.
Two strong hands gripped her arms, steadying her on her feet. She looked up to see who she had bumped into, and her eyes widened. He had beautifully tanned skin, mostly covered by his elegant green and white uniform, with dark locks of hair that were pulled back into a signature ponytail. His animal like eyes bore down at her, and she knew it was impossible for anyone who lived in East Kingdom not to recognize him.
"Prince Kouga," she breathed.
At the mention of his name, the entire marketplace turned to the pair and fell silent, watching.
Kouga didn't speak at first, just stared at Kagome with an unreadable expression. Kagome's skin prickled, noticing the armed guards flanking their prince, ready to intervene. She sucked in a breath, waiting for Kouga to make a move. He leaned forward, and she braced herself for the punishment.
He held her face in both of his hands, tracing his tongue along the line of her neck before biting her ear playfully.
Kagome blushed furiously, frozen in shock.
"Hello, my love." Kouga stepped back, grinning. Her mouth fell open.
"W-What are you doing? How did you find me?" Kagome stuttered, glancing around at their audience. "We're in public. People are staring!"
"So what if they are?" He crossed his arms over his chest, looking proud. "The whole Kingdom must know by now that I want you as my wife."
Kagome sighed, slapping a hand to her face in embarrassment. "Yes, I think you might have mentioned it once or twice."
"If it truly bothers you..." Kouga turned to the crowd with a hand out. "You all! Back to work! Go on now!"
After a few dirty looks and hushed whispers, the marketplace was bustling with people carrying on with their business once again. Kouga nodded in approval, then pulled Kagome out of the way and proceeded to walk down the street with an arm slung around her shoulders. His guards followed close behind. There was a long silence before either of them spoke.
"Have you given any more thought to my proposal?" Kouga chimed in.
Kagome's face turned red again as she glanced at her feet. "I can't say that I have."
"Kagome." He stood in front of her, blocking her path. His hand reached out to cup her chin. "I am promising you a lifetime of comfort, for you and your family. You will be the princess of this land and you will want for nothing as long as I live. Why do you refuse me?"
Again, she stayed silent. The truth was, she had thought about his proposal many times. It kept her awake at night knowing that she could provide a secure life for her mother and brother with this one agreement but that she was too selfish to marry someone she didn't love. A life in the palace meant confinement. They had no idea that the crown prince of East Kingdom was even interested in her, and she hated herself for it.
"Your Highness," she started, fixing him with a steely gaze, "why me?"
His brow furrowed, a low growl emerging from his throat. "Don't call me that. You know you are the only one allowed to call me by name." He took her hand and held it tightly to his chest as he continued, "And to answer your question, it's because you are beautiful. The most beautiful girl in this Kingdom. Since the first time I laid eyes on you, I knew had to have you."
A beautiful, caged bird, she had to bite back from saying aloud.
"And what will the King think of his only heir marrying a commoner?" she said instead.
Kouga threw his head back and let out a hearty laugh. "My father just wants me to pick a bride before I become a shriveled old man like him. Not to mention, with that foolish prince of the West missing, our own wedding will be the talk of the Kingdoms." His gaze was so intense it made her squirm on her feet.
"I'm truly flattered, Kouga," she added for good measure, "but I...I just can't accept your offer right now. I'm sorry. If you'll excuse me," she said, pulling her hand away and ducking past him.
Kagome could feel his fiery gaze on her back as she dashed down the street.
{ } { } { } { } { }
Once she stopped to catch her breath, she noticed that she had ended up in the more destitute side of town. Tattered brick buildings with broken window panes and dark store fronts lined the street for at least a mile. Broken glass and discarded trash cluttered the cobblestone; the only sound a nearby door creaking on its hinges. Kagome pulled her hood up over her head and walked at a brisk pace. She gasped in surprise as a piece of parchment paper gusted from the ground and landed right in her face. Pulling it back, she read the words scribbled in large print:
BOUNTY
SHIKON NO TAMA
WHEREABOUTS: UNKNOWN
THOUGHT TO BE IN POSSESSION OF THE DEMON NARAKU
Her brows furrowed in confusion, having never heard of these terms before. She was about to toss the paper away when the last line caught her eye:
REWARD: 500,000 CRESTS
Kagome's eyes widened and her head shot up, noticing a cluster of similar postings taped to the wall outside a lit store front. It read 'COLLECTIONS' along the window in gold lettering. She lurched the door open, a tiny bell tinkling as she stepped inside. A harsh looking man with a muscular build and shaved head narrowed his eyes at her.
"Can I help you?" he grunted.
"Yes, ah, about this-" Kagome slapped the bounty notice on the table in front of him. "I'd like to sign up for it."
The man stared at her for a long pause, then threw his head back with a deep, bellowing laugh. "Get out of here, kid."
Kagome frowned, crossing her arms over her chest. "I'm serious. Any citizens are eligible to sign up for these, right?"
The man sat back in his chair, watching her with an amused expression. "This one is a Level 5, experienced Hunters only. You got any ID?"
Crap. How could she have forgotten the ID system? Every actively employed person in the Kingdom had one; it was an exclusive card that identified what type of job a person was qualified for. They ranged from skilled jobs like Bounty Hunter and Palace Guard all the way to Cook and Florist. In her case, Healer. There was also a Level system that determined which jobs could be taken. Levels 1 through 3 could be accepted by any citizens of the Kingdom, where as Levels 4 and 5 were reserved for professionals of the trade. This was to ensure that everyone got a fair shot at income.
"No, I...just need the reward money," she mumbled.
"How 'bout this Level 1, more in yer capability." The man slid a different posting in her direction. She picked it up, her expression dropping as she read the details.
"It's only worth 100 crests! How are non-Hunters supposed to live off these?" she groaned.
"They take the lower Levels when they can and leave the rest to the professionals," the man kicked his feet up on the desk, a smug look on his face. "These are all a Hunter can rely on for income. That one you have there? Must've been at least thirty of 'em that tried for the bigger bounty and I ain't heard from a single one of 'em since. There's a high reward price for a reason. You don't know what yer dealin' with. Now get along, little miss, back to the sheltered life you go."
Kagome glared at him, crumpling the piece of paper in her fist. She shoved it in her pocket as she stormed out the door, slamming it behind her. She needed to find a way to sign up for this bounty; that lump sum of money would be the fastest way to keep her small family set for a very long time, without having to accept any royal marriage proposals.
She was so focused on figuring out a plan that she didn't notice the cloaked figure keeping pace a few feet behind.
{ } { } { } { } { }
"Well, well. Look who decided to join the party."
Mira grinned as she plugged the stopper back into the barrel, sliding a beer over to Kagome. The raven haired girl was leaning on the counter, head buried in her arms, but managed to catch the mug in one hand without looking up.
"I'm broke," her voice came out muffled.
"Don't be silly, it's on the house," Mira remarked, standing next to her with her elbows resting on the counter. "What's got you all worked up? Bad day?"
Kagome didn't respond at first, just lifted her head and brought the mug to her lips. She grimaced, wiping her mouth with her sleeve. "You have no idea." She glanced around the seating area of the Tavern, noting the contrast from the previous night. The only patrons here this early in the evening were a group of elderly gentlemen smoking their pipes in the corner. She turned back to Mira with a raised eyebrow. "Looks like this place has lost its popularity."
Mira sighed. "Yes, it seems the West Kingdom boys had to return to duty. Which reminds me," she leaned in close to Kagome, her voice a whisper, "someone reported seeing an unknown individual near Scale Forest. Maybe the prince really has come to East Kingdom."
"Would that be the same forest that is currently occupied by demons? Even Hunters stay clear of that one. I would like to see a sheltered noble last two seconds in those woods, let alone make it through to the other side." The memory of the Collections man was still fresh in her mind, his words leaving a bitter taste in her mouth. He had said the same thing about Kagome, that she was 'sheltered'. She gripped the handle of the mug so tight her knuckles turned white. Who was he to judge her life without knowing of the hardships she had faced?
Mira blinked in surprise at her reaction, then reached over to rub her arm soothingly. "Hey, why are you really here? Do you need more Ember?"
Kagome's mouth twitched into a smile. "Can't I just brood in peace?"
"Not in this bar, you can't," Mira replied.
Kagome sighed heavily. "No, it's not about Ember this time. I was more wondering if there's a way around the ID system."
"You mean take a Level 4 or 5 job that you aren't qualified for?" Mira seemed to ponder over it. "Hmm, can't say that I've tried. I guess the only way would be to have someone with a valid ID accept the job for you?"
Kagome shot up straight in her seat. "You know, that's actually not a bad idea."
Mira's eyes narrowed. "Why the sudden interest? Are you in some kind of troub-"
"Thanks for the drink, Mira!" Kagome called back at her, one foot already out the front door.
{ } { } { } { } { }
Kagome stepped out into the brisk Autumn night, pulling her shawl tight to her chest as she ventured into the alley that was a shortcut to home.
She made it about two feet before she was pinned against the stone wall.
A gloved hand cupped her mouth to muffle the panicked scream that rose from her throat. She fought to tear it away but her vision was rattled after such a sudden movement. Not that she would have been able to identify her attacker anyway; their face was shadowed by a dark cloak. She gripped the person's arms and sunk her teeth into his or her forearm.
"Shit!" shouted a deep voice, lurching back.
Kagome caught her breath in the same instant she pulled a knife from the strap around her thigh. "Get back," she seethed. "I don't have any money on me."
The stranger paused, then shook his head slowly. "I need to talk to you. You're a Healer."
Kagome's eyed widened. "If you're in need of my services, you have a deranged way of making an appointment." He tossed a crumpled piece of parchment at her feet. She eyed him warily, reaching down to retrieve it while her knife stayed pointed in his direction. Once the creases were smoothed out she was able to read the print.
It was the bounty notice for the Shikon no Tama.
Kagome looked up at him, eyes narrowed. "Who are you?"
"The only one who can help you." He stepped forward as he said it, uncomfortably close to her now. "You can put that puny weapon away already. If I wanted you dead, I would have sliced your throat when you had your back turned."
"Oh, that's reassuring."
"Dammit, would you just listen?" his voice almost growled in annoyance.
"On one condition," Kagome said as she gestured the knife at his hood, "remove it."
He hesitated, long enough that her arm tired from being in an upright position. Finally, his hands reached up to his hood and pulled it back. Underneath was a boy unlike any she had seen. He had pale skin and piercing yellow eyes, with pure white hair that reached halfway down his chest. Two furry ears poked out of the top of his head and his front teeth were elongated like a pair of canines. Now that she thought about it, his nails had been sharp like claws, too. His intense, defiant gaze made her skin prickle.
"I'm not in the business of allying myself with demons," she spat.
His eyes gleamed. "Half demon."
"Whatever you are," she retorted, "I don't need your help."
"You need one of these," he said as he flashed a glossy card with a black border. Kagome's eyes widened. A Hunter's ID. "We both want to find that jewel, and I don't think either one of us is stupid enough to do it alone. You can't even accept the job without an ID, and I've been looking for a Healer to join my team."
"You're a Hunter." Kagome's eyes narrowed. "How do you know all these things about me?"
"I've been following you."
She smacked him flat across the cheek. "What the hell, pervert!?"
"Dammit, woman!" He growled, rubbing the red welt on his cheek. "I'm about to take back my offer!"
Kagome tensed, glancing at the crumpled bounty notice on the ground then back up at him. She thought about her mother and Souta, how they had to live day to day on whatever she could scrounge up for earnings. She thought about the bounty reward and how she would never have to worry about money again. Lastly, she thought about the fact that she had never been trained to fight. She would need protection.
Kagome sighed and said slowly, "How do I know if I can trust you?"
The demon boy snorted. "Do you have any other options?"
No. No she didn't.
"Fine, I accept." She extended her hand, eyeing him warily. "I would introduce myself but you probably already know my name. Should I call you Stalker?"
"It's..." he hesitated and after a long paused said, "...Inuyasha."
She lifted a brow, confused at his sudden uncomfort of a simple question. His yellow eyes glared at her defiantly. She couldn't tell if he was sincere or not. Either way, he was part demon so she would have to keep her guard up around him at all times. She turned her back to him and started walking.
"Okay, Inuyasha, let's go arrange that bounty."
{ } { } { } { } { }
Kagome shivered, watching her breath puff out in front of her like a cloud in the cold night. The road was still dark and quiet, various pieces of litter drifting in the breeze. She looked up at the sound of a tiny bell jingling and the door to the Collections house flew open. Inuyasha exited, giving a small nod to her questioning stare. The job had been accepted; they could officially start their search for the Shikon jewel. She swallowed hard against the sudden lump in her throat, reaching out to grab Inuyasha's sleeve.
"Before we go," she breathed, "there's something I have to do."
{ } { } { } { } { }
After the customary fifth try, the lock to her house clicked open.
Since it was midnight, Kagome attempted to keep her footsteps light in the interest of keeping everyone asleep. Inuyasha waited for her outside. She trotted up the stairs and poked her head in Souta's room. He was snoring, arms spread above his head in the same way that she slept. She smiled, brushing his bangs back to plant a kiss on his forehead. She moved to her mother's room, sitting at the edge of the bed while she gripped her mother's hand softly.
It was in that moment that she realized she may never see the two of them again.
The war in her mind raged on. She wondered if marrying Prince Kouga truly was the better option. She would have status and power in East Kingdom, able to secure a good life for the two of them. But it came at the cost of her freedom. They would continue to live here anyway, and she would almost never get to see them.
On the other hand, she could be killed on this dangerous journey. With no fighting experience, she had to rely on a stranger, a demon no less, for protection. Who knew if they would even find the jewel? But this...this was a choice she could decide for herself. She had to try. Even if it meant leaving the two of them behind for now.
"It's for both of your sakes," Kagome whispered, a tear sliding down her cheek. "It always has been."
She stood up, wiping her face with her sleeve and reaching under the bed to pull out a wooden box. Opening the lid, she saw the stash of crests that she had saved up for emergencies. This would last them for a while. She quickly scribbled a note on a piece of parchment paper and left it on the nightstand with the box. She kissed her mother's forehead before descending the steps and headed out the front door. She locked it and took a deep breath, turning to Inuyasha who was waiting for her with his arms crossed.
"Where to now?" she asked.
Inuyasha smirked. "Follow me."
And so the journey begins...
{ End Chapter I }
Thanks for reading! More to come soon. Please review and follow~
*crests = currency