Disclaimer: I do not own Inuyasha or its characters; that right belongs to Rumiko Takahashi. Nor do I own Tokyo Ghoul; that right belongs to Sui Ishida.

A year had come and gone. Kagome was now seven and in the second grade. Her uniform for Meyin Academy - Elementary Division was bright red that could be spotted from anywhere. With a sigh, she trudged down the sidewalk to Anteiku. In her hand was a small scroll that held her final grades for the year. Summer vacation was right around the corner, just a few days away. But that didn't mean squat to her since she would have the same routine as she did now.

As she strolled by a small vegetable shop, a warm voice called out to her. Stopping, she looked up at the aged woman who smiled down at her with kind-looking eyes. Kagome was not fooled at all; this woman was a Ghoul. Lifting a hand, she gave a polite wave before continuing. The heat was beating down on her head as she let her mind slip back to thoughts of why the other gods had sent her down here, telling her to remain impartial. Something was seriously off with those parting words, more so when she had been placed where she was in the path of direct harm of a ghoul. Not that she thought of that at that point and time, all she could do was feel for the Old man that she had adopted as her Gramps.

The Cafe was doing well. It made her heart swell with pride. Most of the customers, or regulars, knew she was a human child that lived there. Under the protection of not just Kuzen, but the others that worked there as well. Generally, they just accepted her, since no Ghoul would harm or even eat a child that was either Human or Ghoul. In fact, that was actually what her sour mood was about. The rumors that had been flying around about a Gourmet Ghoul that had appeared in the 20th ward. It had the fine hairs on her body standing on end. But she had been told expressly not to do anything.

Sighing in a melancholy manner as she reached the steps that would lead her into the home she had. Inside, she could feel all the familiar aurae of those she called friends and family. People she wanted to protect, no matter what. Including her Aunt, who was a somewhat eccentric woman, she had found out. Ryouko was just... well, something else. It made her smile how she did rounds around Koma. Which, in reality, was not a bad thing; the man had a bit of ego where his past was concerned.

Reaching up to open the door, she let out a startled gasp as a large hand reached over her and did it for her. Looking up, she saw the dark eyes of Yomo. A faint smile on his lips as she laughed. The man was still one of the most silent Ghouls around, fitting of his moniker The Raven. And in the few months that he had been coming around after being brought there hurt that one night, he had grown. Already she could see his face starting to shape into his adulthood. He'd have a very chiseled jaw and very rugged features. The bonus was him being the stoic, silent type, not much for conversation, though he always listened.

Yeah, a real heartthrob that left a trail of broken hearts in its wake. At that thought, Kagome started to giggle uncontrollably. Seeing the brief quizzical look before she was propelled before him into the warm, open space that served as the Cafe. All eyes trained on them as they came up the short hall and staircase. Still giggling, Kagome tried to dispel the utterly ridiculous image of Yomo of being a playboy.

Through her giggles died in her throat at the sight of her Aunt sitting at the counter, brown-black eyes looking at her. Bowing her head, Kagome walked over to this world's version of a biological family she had. Climbing up on the tall stool, she slid the report to Ryouko. Who took it and looked it over, eyebrows jumping up on her forehead and groaning, already knowing what was written on it since the staff didn't seem to think that they needed to seal a report card until middle school.

Shrugging her shoulders, Kagome waited until the report card was passed around the room for everyone to see. Well, those that mattered where she was concerned. There were only two regulars in at the moment, playing chess at their regular table. So, with bated breath, she just kept on waiting until the last person, Yomo himself, looked at the report card. When he just raised an eyebrow and looked at her in silent question, she grinned sheepishly.

"What!? If they are wrong, I will correct them. This is my education... you know?" she said, ending it in a question.

She was sure if this were a cartoon, all of them would have a sweatdrop over their head. Her grades were impeccable. There was no fault to be found there. She helped out in class, making the work easier to understand for some of her classmates. But one thing that Kagome didn't like was when something was taught wrong. So, of course, being herself, she spoke up, politely of course, and corrected the teacher.

"Kagome, we all know you smart and have to wait until your a third grader to take an IQ test and then placement test to be moved up. But correcting your teachers, even politely and nicely, is wrong. It undermines them," Ryouko said as several agreeing grunts and coughs followed after her Aunt finished.

Resting her elbows on the countertop, Kagome rested her chin in her hands and looked at them all. Knowing when to fold due to being outvoted, she pouted at them all. Before giving a resigned sigh and nodding her head. It was easier just to agree, but know that they knew that she would not stop doing it. Especially with the looks, they were giving her, all dubious on her agreeing.

Hours passed, and they were getting ready to close the shop when the bell rang as the door opened. Kagome felt her go rigid at the feel of the Ghoul, who was now standing in the opening of the stairwell. Her blue eyes narrowing as she looked at him. Gramps greeted him, politely explaining that they were closing down.

She could see just how well he was put together — the air of gentleman in appearance only. The way the man just smiled disarmingly had her scooting away and pressing up against Miss Ishimi. Who instinctively put her hand around her shoulders. Looking up, she caught the woman's eyes and shook her head and earning a quick widening of her eyes before she was looking back at the man. In the last year, both Koma and Ishimi had learned more about her and had started to take her to the first ward to the shrine.

At first, she had thought they would hate her, demand she leave Anteiku. But instead, they remained calm, of course, Kagome was sure it was gramps influence and asked her for her thoughts. Where she explained that she believed wholeheartedly. Then reminded them of that conversation she had with them last year, how they were all the same. It had earned a lot more trust and respect from them. Because she could have killed them on a whim, they knew she was not like that Kagome had come not to like the CCG at all.

Yeah, everyone who either lived, worked, or came to Anteiku on a regular base knew where she stood. Even if it was a bit odd. But Kagome kept her eyes glued to the new male as he bowed again, introducing himself as Shuu Tsukiyama. Though he was doing what was right for a new Ghoul to the 20th ward, Kagome could see in his aura that he was not as he appeared to be. Something she knew all about, having learned that the hard way while time traveling and adventuring all over Feudal Japan.

So the moment the man straightened himself up, his eyes flashing in innocent merriment as Gramps turned around and made the introductions, Kagome felt a chill run down her spine. There, in his aura, was a clear image of his recent kill. Curling her hands into a fist, she pressed back against Ishimi tighter, slowing her breathing as the urge to lash out at the vile man rose strongly in her. The thing that had been plaguing her thoughts since she had heard of it was right there in the place she called home, her sanctuary — a threat to those she loved.

"Oh... The rumors I had heard... they were real!" he said, his voice smooth as silk as his eyes looked at her.

Putting on a small tight smile that Kagome was sure was barely polite from the quick look that Gramps gave her. She did a little bow using just her head as she watched warily. The way he raised both his eyebrows at her, his eyes gleaming, showing the faint tint of red.

"She is shy. Please forgive her. New people make her a bit cautious. Poor thing has been through a lot," Ishimi spoke up.

Lifting her head, Kagome looked up at her. Noting the small change in her aura as she spoke. Then looking back at the man, she saw his face morph just ever so slightly.

"Still, it is a unique situation. Though it does warm my heart to see it. You all have such kind hearts. But as Mister Yoshimura stated you are closing and it is late, I do not wish to overstay my welcome," Shuu said, giving an extravagant bow at the waist.

But not once did he break his eye contact with her. Sucking in a sharp breath and chewing on her bottom lip, Kagome just tilted her head in acknowledgment once more. The moment he was gone, her view of the stairwell was gone, and she was picked up. Dark eyes were meeting her with a heavy look. Shaking her head, Kagome realized that it was reproving as well. Realizing what was happening, Kagome buried her face in the crook of Gramps' neck, hugging him as she got herself under control.

While her powers had not manifested, they had activated enough that they cleared the air. Hating that she had them, all of them, but being so young and small that her control was pathetic. It frustrated her, making her a liability, which had made everyone in the room angry when she forcefully extracted a promise that if she was ever a threat to them, to end her without hesitation and mercy. Unchecked and unable to control them, she would harm a lot of people she cared about as well as innocent people. Human's included.

After expounding on that one, the shock that had registered on their faces was priceless and hurt. It made them all realize that Kagome was not just unusual or unique, but worse than the CCG.

"Kagome, what about him set you off?" the whisper from Koma. His voice was serious.

"I saw it... I know who he is... As do you, Gramps," she whispered, knowing that Ishimi and Koma had heard.

The way their auras fluctuated was proof enough. And there was nothing any of them could do about that man being in their ward. It would be an act of aggression, violence, and draw the attention of the CCG to their home. A place that thanks to the patrols Gramps, Yomo, and a few others did, was becoming a peaceful place for both humans and Ghouls to co-exist. A place she would protect with her life no matter what.

TBC!