Author's Note: I am brand new to writing Inuyasha and I'm not really sure if I've got everyone personalities and characteristics in check. Let me know if anyone is terribly out of character and I'll work on fixing it.
Disclaimer: Inuyasha is of someone else's imaginative thinking. I envy the fact that someone could think up something that good.

Enjoy!

Chapter 1: A Girl of the Past

Inuyasha exhaled noisily in obvious annoyance. Shippou turned to glance at Inuyasha from where he sat perched on Kagome's shoulder.

"What are you staring at, Twerp?" Inuyasha snarled, and Shippou reeled back at the offensive words thrown at him.

"Don't call me a twerp!" he wailed, turning to Kagome with teary eyes. "Kagome! Inuyasha called me a twerp!" he complained.

"That's not very nice. And what are you sighing about? You're the one who wanted to come to the village," Kagome commented.

Inuyasha glared at Kagome.

"Well, if YOU hadn't been so sure you could navigate, we wouldn't be in this mess!" Inuyasha exclaimed.

Kagome spun around, and pointed her finger directly in Inuyasha's face, inches from his nose.

"Don't you DARE blame me, Inuyasha! Why did you want to come here anyway?" Kagome asked and she jabbed her finger toward his nose with each word she spoke.

"I didn't want to come here. I just mentioned about a nearby village but you said, 'Oh, yes, let's go to this village. It sounds so great...' Please, it's your fault!" Inuyasha snapped.

"It is not! And I do not sound like that!" Kagome cried.

"Is too! And do so!" Inuyasha exclaimed.

Kagome glared at him.

"Sit! Sit! Sit, boy!"

Inuyasha fell headfirst to the ground. He grumbled inwardly.

"My, you do look silly down there." A voice commented thoughtfully with a hint of amusement.

Inuyasha pushed himself off the ground.

"I didn't ask you, Ka-"Inuyasha began.

He stopped immediately as he was staring into the ocean blue eyes of a different girl.

"My, he is something. Dog ears and all. A half-breed?" The girl turned to Kagome in question.

"Well, you can say that, I guess. Do you live here in the village?" Kagome questioned.

The girl hesitated before nodding. Inuyasha sat on the ground, staring intently at the girl. He sniffed the air.

"Rae-hona?" He looked up at the girl, waiting for a reaction.

His question caused the girl to nearly drop the jug she had been carrying. Water sloshed around inside.

"I thought I knew that scent. It could belong only to you." Inuyasha continued, looking at her. The girl glared at him.

"I have no idea what you're talking about. What did you say your name was?" She turned her attention back to Kagome, smiling.

"Kagome and this fox demon's name is Shippou." Kagome gestured to the fox child on her shoulder.

"Well, I'm Rae-hona and I invite you to stay with us tonight. You two must be so bored spending your nights outside with someone like him." She gestured to Inuyasha who was still sitting on the ground.

"It really isn't much problem. He isn't so bad." Kagome said in Inuyasha's defense.

"But I'm sure you've been traveling a while." Rae-hona said simply. She straightened her ocean blue colored kimono and adjusted the pale green bow holding her long black hair back.

Kagome saw a flash of jade green color with something pink glowing inside fastened around the girl's neck by a cord of shells.

A jewel shard? I'll have to remember to mention that to Inuyasha later, Kagome thought.

"Well..." Kagome hesitated. "You could get a bath, a warm meal, and a nice rest." Rae-hona offered.

"Wow, you must be kidding! All that and we just met?" Kagome asked gleefully. "Sure, we always have plenty of space." Rae-hona said with a smile.

Kagome cheered. "This will be great. I've been dying for a bath. But I imagine the water's cold?" She asked, her voice losing excitement quickly. "We could heat some water for it if you'd like." Rae-hona suggested.

Kagome grinned widely. "Now you're talking. Let's go!" She exclaimed. Her enthusiasm brought a smile onto Rae-hona's face.

The two girls walked ahead and Inuyasha followed behind, watching Rae-hona closely.

Jeez, she must be ancient. 'Cept she doesn't even look older than Kagome, Inuyasha thought.

"Well, here we are." Rae-hona said as they approached the gates. Kagome's eyes widened slightly.

"You didn't say you lived in a palace, Rae-hona!" Rae-hona blushed slightly at Kagome's comment. "It's nothing really-"

"Lady Rae-hona!" Two voices exclaimed.

"Princess Amaya! Princess Oki! Both of you slow down right this instant!"

The two girls, one younger with black colored hair and bright green eyes, the other was slightly older and taller with long raven colored hair with emerald colored eyes, sprinted towards the gate. An older woman chased after the two young girls.

"Big sister!" The two cried in unison. They rushed to Rae-hona as the trio entered through the gate.

Rae-hona lifted the little one into her arms as she set the jug and pack down.

"Oh, Rae-hona, it is great you have returned home." The youngest one said gleefully.

The older one stood and wrapped her arms tightly around Rae-hona's waist. The younger one kissed Rae-hona's cheek.

"Amaya, Oki, I'm glad to be home. Now, where is my beloved brother?" Rae-hona asked.

A boy with eyes the color of sapphires and hair the color of onyx stood on a small hill, over-looking the entrance to the palace.

Rae-hona looked up.

"Ah, Yasuo, come down and greet your sister." The boy walked slowly down the hill.

As he approached, Kagome noticed the stern sadness in the boy's eyes.

Rae-hona set Oki down and the little girl clung to Amaya's hand. Rae-hona knelt in the dirt.

"Lady Rae-hona, do not get so filthy." The older woman, who had been following after Amaya and Oki, scolded with a frown.

Rae-hona smirked. "You worry too much, Chika. Come, Yasuo."

The boy paused. "You know I'm getting too old. Unlike the young ones who are pleased when you are home, hugging you, I've grown too old for that."

Rae-hona stood slowly, hurt apparent in her eyes. She bowed to him. "Of course, Lord Yasuo. Kagome, meet my brother and sisters, Yasuo is eldest, then Amaya, and finally Oki."

Oki picked up her sister's pack and Amaya picked up the jug. "Follow me."

Kagome hung back to talk to Inuyasha. "We can trust her, right?"

Inuyasha nodded and spoke quietly. "I know we knew each other long ago and we were friends as little kids. She was the first human beside my mother to accept me."

"She also has at least one jewel shard by the way. I saw it glowing in the jade stone she wears as a necklace." Kagome added. Inuyasha nodded in return.

Rae-hona took her bag from Oki and called Chika over. "Chika, take Oki and Amaya in with the jug to the kitchen. Yasuo, would you tell Father I have come home?" Yasuo nodded as he stared intently at Inuyasha.

"No need, Rae-hona, I am here." The man with black hair and green eyes smiled brightly as he kissed his eldest daughter's cheek.

"Father, I've brought news from the village. There's been some demon problems. Really strange for it to be happening."

The man nodded gravely. "I see you also brought guests."

Rae-hona nodded. "Forgive me, Father. Lady Kagome and-"

"Inuyasha, of course I do remember my daughter's play mate." Her father interrupted.

"Yes, King Shigami. It's been awhile." Inuyasha commented.

"Years I know. I'm getting up in age." Shigami said.

Amaya stood silently, re-entering the hall. "Amaya, darling, show Kagome to her room. Yasuo, go and check on Oki and make sure she isn't getting into trouble." Their father ordered.

"Come, Lady Kagome." Kagome followed the young girl obediently.

Yasuo bowed to his father and murmured a good-bye as he headed towards the kitchen. "Now, Inuyasha, come. I'd like to talk with you and-" Inuyasha cut him off.

"I have no use to talk to you. I would prefer to leave now. Rae-hona, I don't know why you insisted we should stay."

Rae-hona glared at Inuyasha intensely. "I thought it would be the polite thing to do. After all, Kagome seemed glad to be resting. You could be at least a tad bit grateful. Then again, you never were the type to be grateful for things you didn't ask for."

Inuyasha folded his arms across his chest.

Rae-hona bowed deeply to her father. She turned to the half-demon. They gazed into each other's eyes for a moment before she kissed his cheek, spun on her heel, and left.

Inuyasha was shocked as his cheeks reddened slightly.

"She still has that effect, doesn't she?"

No reply.

"Well, I have things to attend to. I expect you at dinner." King Shigami turned and headed down the hall, leaving Inuyasha in the hall alone.

"You can come out now, Yasuo." Inuyasha said, not even bothering to look where the boy had been hiding.

The boy stepped out of his hiding place in the shadows. "I didn't think you'd remember me. I barely remembered you when I first saw you. I was so young." Yasuo commented.

"How old is your sister?" Inuyasha asked, ignoring the boy's words.

"Rae-hona is older. As am I. But, her blood and mine keep us from looking our age."

"Your blood?" Inuyasha asked in bewilderment.

"Rae-hona never told you? Our mother is, well, was a demon. We were half-breeds but no one dare insult the king's children to their faces. We only would hear the cruel whispers and taunts as we'd pass by. But, many don't know we have demon blood. Oki and Amaya weren't cursed, being half-breeds. After the death of our mother, my father eventually found another wife. Oki and Amaya are only our half-siblings. Nonetheless, Rae-hona and I look upon them as if they weren't half siblings. Rather, they were our direct family." Yasuo explained.

Inuyasha stared at Yasuo in disbelief.

"Where has Rae-hona gone?" Inuyasha asked.

"To the garden most likely." Yasuo said.

"I didn't see a garden!" Inuyasha exclaimed in annoyance.

"Of course not. It's deep in the forest, the resting place of our mother. Rae-hona and I maintain it but no one has tried to seek it. Not even our mortal father." Yasuo said softly.

"One last question-" Inuyasha began but Yasuo abruptly cut him off.

"Perhaps you should ask all these questions of my sister." Yasuo said as he turned to leave.

Inuyasha nodded as he went outside. He ran silently, eyes searching. He traveled deeper into the forest, searching for the girl. He stopped instantly on the branch of a tree that overlooked the edge of the pool as he heard-well, felt voices around him. He remembered them playing when they were younger.

Come play with me, Yasha...

You are the only one that understands me, Yasha. You're so nice to me...

"Rae-hona, I got this for you."

The girl held up the flower the male child had given her.

"Tis' beautiful, Yasha. I-"

The two children quickly turned to see a woman approaching.

"Inuyasha, it's time to come home."

"Yes, mother, I'm coming. Good-bye, Rae-hona." Inuyasha said softly. Rae-hona kissed his cheek. "Until we meet again, Inuyasha."

"Inuyasha?"

A figure approached him from the water, slowly, surrounded by a strong white aura. "The memories are strong here. Are they not?"

Inuyasha jumped out of the tree and down to the ground to see the girl approach him.

As he squinted into the bright light, he could see crystal tears form in her eyes. "They are stronger. I can feel them like a river flowing here. As if I could reach out and touch them."

"Of course they are stronger. I preserved them this way. To make this place impassable to humans. If you were human, this would be nothing but wide open space."

"Then your brother..." Inuyasha trailed.

"He comes often to pay his respects." Rae-hona replied.

"So, your own father can't see this?" Inuyasha asked.

"No. It wasn't meant for humans to see." Rae-hona had reached him. They stood silently, side by side, staring into the depths of the water.

"I still love you, Yasha." Rae-hona whispered softly.

Inuyasha gave her a sideways glance. "You do?"

Rae-hona nodded, sorrow in her eyes.

Inuyasha shook his head slowly.

"I know you loved me when we were younger. But, Kagome is your love now?" Rae-hona asked.

Inuyasha looked away from the water. "You were reading my heart through my reflection."

Rae-hona laughed.

Inuyasha glared at her. "What's so funny now?"

"I was always able to read you. Your eyes tell all. The way you speak and move also give me some vague idea of what you're feeling."

Inuyasha turned away. "There's no time for childish games. I want you to give me that shard around your neck."

Rae-hona touched the shard around her neck. "That's impossible."

"Why? You ain't using it!" Inuyasha snapped.

"Sentimental value. It protects me. Another protects our land. My brother and two sisters wear a similar one, protecting each of them." Rae-hona explained simply.

"So you have five shards? I'll be willing to take them off your hands." Inuyasha said with a smirk.

Rae-hona brushed past him.

"Why, so you can become full demon? I doubt it, my dear Yasha. You're handsome the way you are. And powerful enough. So, my answer is no. Perhaps you can continue your search elsewhere." Rae-hona walked away from him, the whole forest seemed to quiver slightly.

"What's going on?" Inuyasha asked in surprise.

"It still needs more energy so it won't do that once I leave. Now, come, Kagome is probably awaiting your return."

Inuyasha didn't move. "We haven't finished talking yet."

"Not that it matters to you." Rae-hona mumbled.

Inuyasha walked quickly and caught up with her. He seized her wrist. "I don't like people ignoring me." He said angrily.

"And I would never do such a thing." Rae-hona whispered softly.

"Then what are you doing now?" He snapped in annoyance.

"Not being attentive. Now, you should probably bathe as well. And don't grab my wrist so tightly. Your nails will make my arm bleed."

Inuyasha let go of her wrist. "Sorry."

Rae-hona began walking briskly through the field.

Yasuo stood amongst the tall green grass, his black hair blowing violently in the wind. "Come, dinner is served. And a storm is approaching."

Rae-hona sped up and Inuyasha continued on beside her.

Yasuo went inside the palace. Rae-hona prepared to enter behind him.

"Wait, Rae-hona." Inuyasha hesitated.

She paused but didn't turn around. "Yes, Yasha?"

"Look, things have changed. It's just-" Inuyasha was instantly cut off.

Rae-hona spun to face him. "You're wrong. Things have stayed the same. You've changed. You go off gallivanting, didn't even have the decency to say good-bye, then you come back and tell me to give you the five jewel shards that I fought to get, and you lecture me for offering you help. Don't talk to me, Inuyasha! You're only here cause Kagome's here. You probably forgot I even existed."

Inuyasha sighed hopelessly as Rae-hona stormed inside. Inuyasha prepared to go back to the forest so he wouldn't have to face Rae-hona for awhile when a girl approached him.

"Whaddya want?" He snapped, in an ill-mannered tone.

The girl hesitated. "Sorry, Lord Inuyasha. But, why were you and Rae-hona arguing?"

"Because the two of us are stubborn fools. What's your name again?" Inuyasha asked.

"Amaya." She replied.

"I figured. You're kinda quiet, ain't ya?" He queried.

"Yes, unfortunately. I believe I get it from the habits of my brother, Yasuo. We are alike in many ways. Quiet, sorrowful, and have a deep love for Rae-hona. But we don't always like to show that love. And I know we both hurt her when we are like that." Amaya looked at him with a strange sorrow in her eyes.

A lot like her brother, Inuyasha noted to himself. "Rae-hona always gave her love freely. Like-"

Amaya interrupted him. "She's like the wind. Giving all she has freely until she can't give anymore."

"You're wise, kid." Inuyasha complimented.

"I am. And, I know Rae-hona missed you. She'd often talk about you. Not directly. But in stories of her childhood to Oki. I'm in the room right next to Oki's and I'd listen when she spoke of her beloved play mate. She'd sing sometimes too. It was beautiful beyond imagination. A lullaby, soft and gentle. Like leaves aloft on the breeze as the poetry wound through the section where Oki and I slept." The corners of Amaya's mouth turned up in an attempt at a slight smile.

"I hurt her. W-When I left without saying good-bye that day. I never meant to leave without saying good-bye. Never. I cared too much for her. It was a weakness when I looked back on it after I had left. Loving humans was something I always considered a weakness. But after my mom got sick, I didn't go and see her much. Then, I just moved on." Inuyasha looked out over the grass in an almost wistful way.

"Rae-hona isn't completely human I don't believe. She tried to find you. I heard her tell Yasuo she had tried to find you using the reflection pool, whatever that is."

Inuyasha guessed it was the pool they had been near earlier.

"Well, come in when you're ready." Amaya bowed her head and left silently, her lilac kimono blowing softly in the breeze.

"Um, Lord Inuyasha, what is it about Rae-hona that bothers you?" Inuyasha turned and looked out onto the green meadow.

"Well, if you care, Myouga, she was one of my childhood crushes when we were young. And she doesn't bother me. I just didn't know I caused her so much pain."

"Didn't you hear the voice singing in the forest? When we were there, I mean."

Inuyasha shook his head.

"Perhaps you should go back and listen." The flea suggested.

"It had better not take too long. I suppose I could do it quickly." Inuyasha said as he began sprinting back towards the forest.

"Good, I wanted to hear that beautiful voice again."

* * *

Rae-hona brushed through Kagome's hair with a soft bristled brush with a wooden back, carved beautifully. "Was the water warm enough?"

"Yes, it felt fantastic. And this kimono is pretty. It fits perfectly." Kagome fingered the soft, silky material that was the lightest pink with blossoms of different shades of pink.

"I'm glad. The meal will be ready soon." Rae-hona said softly as she ran the brush through Kagome's hair gently.

"I'm starved. Were you talking with Inuyasha before?" Kagome asked. "Yes. He and I had a bit of a disagreement."

"That's Inuyasha. Always arguing. Even with a great hostess like you." Kagome complimented.

"Thanks." Rae-hona set the brush down and went slowly to the window.

Shippou and Oki were running through the grass. Shippou had transformed into a toy ball and was rolling along as Oki chased after him, giggling.

"Oki's such a sweet girl."

Rae-hona nodded. "It's time for the meal." She opened the window.

"Oki, Shippou, time to come inside. The food is probably served and waiting." Rae-hona called.

"Okay, Rae-hona." Oki said. She came back towards the palace, Shippou running alongside her.

Suddenly, an earthquake shook the ground, throwing Oki and Shippou to the ground.

Rae-hona climbed out the window. A large crack began forming in the earth. "Oki! Hold on, I'm coming!" Rae-hona cried.

Rae-hona ran towards Oki when a brilliant blue light shot from the crack, making Kagome throw her arm over her face.

Kagome squinted as she went to climb out the window. She could see that Shippou and Oki had disappeared.

"Rae-hona, wait up!" Kagome called, one leg swinging over the window's ledge.

Rae-hona paused and looked back at her. "Kagome, grab my mirror. I think there might be some danger. I can't risk going out un-armed. The mirror will lead you to me. Hurry!" Rae-hona turned back around and continued running.

Kagome turned back to the room and saw a circular mirror, with a elegant silver handle on each side. It was about twice as thick as her hand and about as wide as her two hands put together. The mirror glowed as Kagome touched it.

Kagome changed back into her summer school uniform.

"I can run easier in this." Kagome murmured and picked up the mirror.

Amaya burst in the room. "I'm coming with you, Lady Kagome." The girl stated with determination.

"Amaya, it's dangerous." Kagome began.

"Someone will have to look after Oki. I saw something happening outside a few minutes ago. I have two horses waiting for us." Amaya said quickly.

"Do you have a bow and some arrows you can spare?" Kagome asked as they ran down the hall.

"Yes, I have two bows and two sets of arrows waiting. Now, let's go!" Amaya exclaimed.

Kagome followed after Amaya. They mounted the two horses.

"Go, Moonbeam. We have not a moment to lose." Amaya cued her horse and she took off, Kagome's following after it.

Where is Inuyasha now anyway? Kagome wondered.

Author's note: So, what do you think? Only constructive criticism (if any, which you probably will have) is my request. Otherwise, do as you wish. The next couple chapters are done at the moment, so, when I get some feedback on this, I'll post the next chapter. Thanks for reading.