Work continued as though the figure wasn't there. Its gender was unidentifiable, shrouded by shadows unnaturally dark. It waited patiently, humming to itself, as its eyes following the girl on the screen.

The girl was young, no older then fourteen or fifteen, with long black hair streaking behind her as she rushed down a crowded sidewalk. She wore a uniform; similar to several schools in her district; white socks hiked up almost to her knees. A few scraps and bruises showed faintly at the edge of her clothes, evidence of a hard life.

The figure continued to watch until the girl disappeared into a schoolyard and reappeared once more seated in a classroom.

"Kagome Higurashi."

"Excuse me," the figure turned toward the voice. A large balding man in a business suit stood next to it, gazing at the monitor screen with interest.

"That girl is Kagome Higurashi." He said slowly, pausing briefly as he glanced at the figure beside him. "We've been monitoring her for sometime now. She seems to be the newest member to our little club."

"She doesn't look like much. What time frame does she get…nineteen-nineties," There was skepticism in the voice as well as sarcasm. "Why are you showing me this?"

"The girl is more powerful then she looks. With time and training…"he paused again, "under the right teacher she could become one of our most powerful assets."

"And I care why…?"

"She's been traveling to Feudal Japan, somewhere in the fifteenth century; we don't have exact dates yet." The monitor screen switched again. The girl now stood amongst a small group of people: three men, a woman, a furry child and a tiny cat. " She's managed to gather support among the locals. Together they're trying to gather fragments of jewel she accidentally broke."

"Wonderful," the figure turned to leave, " I feel sorry for who ever you convince to baby sit her."

"Well we've already decided who's going to be her trainer."

"Is it Hobart, …the mans been getting on my nerves lately."

"Actually he was one of our top choices but," the monitor went blank and the balding man directed the figure to follow him, "The Heads have decided that a girl with her potential needs someone with a little more experience." The figure didn't respond and he continued, " They'd like for you to train her."

"What reason could they have for that."

"I don't know, I've learned not to question their decisions… its safer that way." They entered a small office. The walls were lined with books but the room was devoid of much furniture, only a desk and easy chair sat in front of the curtained window. "I'm to bring your agreement as soon as possible."

"How's this instead…" the figure began to disburse, spreading into the shadows of the office, "I'll think about it."

***~***

'My first day back and I can't believe I was late.' Kagome thought to herself as she leaned against the chain link fence. It was the middle of PE and she was bored. After battling demons and chasing jewels shards, dodge ball just didn't seem that difficult. She sighed; nothing was the same anymore.

Her friends where having a high time of it, whether it was the game or the boys she didn't know, but whatever it was it had them so distracted they left her by herself on the sidelines. She ran a hand through her hair, murmuring softly, "Its not like I mind that much. I can use this time to think."

"And you do have much to think about." A monotone voice came out from behind her. "Don't bother turning around, your not going to see me."

"Who are you," Kagome asked, trying to act unconcerned. "What do you want?"

"That really doesn't matter Kagome," the voice whispered, " All you need to know is that I will be watching you… Take care."

The voice disappeared as quietly as it had come. Kagome turned hoping to see a disbursing trail to give her some clue as to the owner of the voice but there was nothing unusual.

"I must be hearing things." She told herself.

"Poor Kagome," a boy popped up in front of her, "are you feeling all right? You look a bit distressed."

She looked at the new speaker. She knew who he was and groaned inwardly; "I'm just fine Hojo. Nothing to worry about."

He stood in front of her, worry and concern plastered to his face. He smiled charmingly, offering an arm as the teacher yelled for the students to return to the building. "Allow me."

"I think I can make it on my own." She pulled away from the fence and headed in.

"I wouldn't want you to over exert yourself." He trotted along alongside her, bobbing his head as he spoke. "Your heath is so fragile."

'Take a deep breath and count to ten. One, two, three…oh blast.' She was getting very agitated, "Hojo look…"

Before she could tell him just what was on her mind a call came over the intercom. "Kagome Higurashi please report to the principles' office. Kagome Higurashi to the principles' office please."

'I wasn't that late was I?' She asked herself. She managed to loose Hojo on the way and soon found herself standing in the principles' office. 'I wonder what they want.'

"Go on in, Ms. Higurashi," the secretary said with glancing up, "Mr. Komyoji is expecting you."

She complied and moved into his office. Mr. Komyoji was busy with paperwork when she walk in so she patiently waited for him to acknowledge her. A few minutes passed before he looked up and she discreetly study the room, trying to think of why she would have been called in.

"Ah, Ms. Higurashi," he said when he noticed her. "Have a seat." She complied and he continued, " I'm sure you're wondering why you've been called in." She nodded, "Well let me just get to the point your grades are falling below standard issue and I'm afraid we have to give you an ultimatum."

"I realize that the only reason your falling behind is because of your failing heath thus I'm giving you an option. I've all ready talked with your mother and she had agreed to let you make the final decision."

"You either drop out of school or you get a school approved tutor."

"Are those my only choices," she stuttered out, completely shocked.

"I'm afraid so."

Kagome closed her eyes; she couldn't just abandon her education. "I'll get the tutor."

"Wonderful," he dismissed her easily, "just go back to class and I'll inform your mother of your decision."

***~***

I hope you all enjoyed chapter one. This is my first Inuyasha Fanfic so I hope I didn't do too badly. Feel free to ask any questions or even (gulp ~^_^~) give flamers, constructive criticism would be appreciated. Happy reading.

P.S. I don't own Inuyasha I just wish I did. ^^