A/N: As mentioned in the story description, this story will take place from the VERY beginning, from when Inuyasha's parents meet. What if Inuyasha's parents didn't die so early? How would this have affected his life? Please let me know if this is worth investing on. Please enjoy the read.

Chapter 1-The Courtyard Meeting

"Izayoi-sama!"

The aforementioned maiden turned on the spot, flashing a warm smile. Her chestnut-coloured eyes twinkled in a playful manner. Alabaster skin complimented by the pale rosy flush of cheeks gave way to a 'celestial' nose, and full lips. Charcoal hair framed her face, before falling far past her shoulders, teasing her lower back.

Izayoi wore her conventional attire, the elegant yet complex twelve layered kimono, known as the Jūni-hitoe.

"Hai?"

"The Daimyō wishes to know where are you headed."

Izayoi paused for several heart beats before she replied. "Please tell Otō-sama not to worry so much. I'll be in the gardens."

The messenger thanked her, bowing and promptly left to report back to her Otō-san. She sighed mentally before slowly making her way to the vast gardens, as she had promised. Sitting under the shelter of a recently pruned sakura tree, her gaze drifted across the array of plants and flowers that adorned the well-cared-for garden. A smile tugged on her lips again, and she inhaled the calming mixture of floral scents surrounding her, relaxing and admiring, relishing in the temporary escape from the hustle and bustle and formality of palace life.

The silvery moon cast a hauntingly beautiful shadow across the gardens, rays of moonlight filtering through the tree above. Having been there for what she judged to be a good while, she made to stand up when a flash of movement caught her attention.

Quirking an eyebrow, she sauntered over to the very far edge of the garden, poorly separated from the outside foliage. Edging to the corner, she found a large inu standing proudly, its pristine, frosty, white fur shining silver in the moonlight.

Her immediate reaction was that of her trademark, heart-warming smile. What a beautiful inu! She guess that he was a male, judging by the imposing way he seemed to stand there, stark still, molten gold eyes surveying her.

But soon, she began to hesitate, her smile wavering, as those intelligent eyes seemed to bore at her with an expression that said, 'why'? Honestly, she wasn't quite sure why she wasn't afraid of the inu at all. Izayoi was most certainly aware of all the various demons in the world, but she felt no harm or ill will from him. Certainly, she could be jus silly, and over thinking things, as there were ordinary inu in the world, but the way the inu seemed to incredulously look at here, put her suspicions at ease. He was most certainly a demon of some sort. Just not malevolent.

Internally, she shook her head. This is why Otō-san is always so worried about you... But regardless, her smile strengthened again, abandoning her worries. Tentatively reaching out, she aimed to ruffle his twitching ears.

"Watashi wa inu ga daisukidesu." Still smiling affectionately, she finally made contact, and marvelled at the silky texture of the fur, inching forward. "And I know, you're probably a yōkai, but it's silly to think that something as cute as you would harm innocent villages. I'm sure there are plenty of yōkai that roam the world, and do not cause destruction. It is narrow-minded to think that way. At least, that is how I see it. I don't understand why some people are so-"

She trailed off mid-sentence as half-way through her ramble, she noticed the inu stiffen momentarily, and its expression softened, the inu beginning to move for the first time. Taking a tentative step forwards, his tail began to wag, and she could swear, a smile was forming on his lips.

Izayoi let a smile giggle loose. "You're probably laughing at me, aren't you." She gently caressed his muzzle, as the inu raised both its paws and placed it on her shoulders.

A melodic laugh escaped her. "You know tricks? Or are you just really friendly?" Leaning forwards to touch their noses together, she was just about to say something else when her eyes widened, as the inu began to glow, and sure enough, grow in size. Something seemed to wrap around her waist, and she felt herself being pulled up, back into a standing position.

As the intensity of the light grew, she closed her eyes tightly, and before she knew it, the light had stopped. And what was this... Feeling?! Her eyes fluttered open, and her jaw nearly dropped to culminate a shocked yelp. Hand strong arms not been gripping her waist, pulling her flush against him, Izayoi would've either collapsed from the shock.

Still standing, nose-to-nose, in place of the inu, was a man. And a handsome man at that.

A/N: I hope you enjoyed the read, and please let me know what you think in a review~