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

Author's Notes: It had been three years since Kagome appeared. So there are still seven years until the start of the main storyline. Remember to the hard-core purist; her being there will severely deviate the storyline. And that the road for this story is done in 3 parts, and none of it will be a walk in the park, smelling the rose with sunshine and rainbows. The world itself is dark and has politics.

Blue bore into blue as Erimi and Enji watched silently. Half of the summer had come and gone. And it had been a while since Kagome had gone on Summer Vacation. The first two weeks had been spent at her Aunt's family house. Though they'd seen Kagome smiling widely, they knew it was forced. Her time spent with her relatives had been miserable after explaining it to them upon returning to Anteiku.

Of course, Ayato and Touka had been petty about her reaction to her family. He was stating that at least she had one. Kagome took it in stride and let it not bother her too much. Touka, over time, accepted and got along with Kagome. Ayato butted heads with Kagome every day and every chance he got. He was spewing insults, slurs, and being a brat in general.

Hence the stare-off taking place. Ayato had asked why Kagome kept vanishing with Yomo or Uta when they randomly showed up, on top of every Sunday. This had put Kagome on the defensive. Both Erimi and Enji knew Ayato had taken to Yomo, not that either child was aware of him being their maternal uncle.

"Well, answer my question, you dumb brat," Ayato hissed.

All eyes focused on Kagome, who had her eyes narrowed. Instincts were a powerful thing. Kagome going from defensive to an aggressive offensive at being called a dumb brat had Enji and Erimi looking at each other. Each ready to interfere without a second's hesitation.

"It's a thing we have long-established. We hang out, play, and then eat," Kagome said, her voice soft.

"Bullshit!" Ayato yelled.

It was clear he didn't believe Kagome. Then again, Kagome stated that her 'training' was 'playing' was disturbing, as was the smile that made her face look cold.

"Frankly, I don't care if you believe it or not," Kagome hissed. "It's none of your business Ayato. You are being nosey and acting like a spoiled brat. Please leave me alone!"

A soft groan escaped Enji at Kagome's throwing Ayato's words back in his face. The tension from Ayato doubled as his hands clenched into fists. Before any more could be said, Erimi stepped between the two children.

"That is enough!" She exclaimed. "Ayato, what Kagome does with either Uta or Renji is their business. And Kagome don't purposefully provoke him further by throwing his words back at him. It's petty. No, go outside and play you two."

It was clear neither child was happy. But Enji watched as they went different ways to do as they were told. Yet he had a feeling as he met Erimi's worried gaze that this wasn't done and would explode sooner than later.

00000

Loud panting echoed in the sewers below Anteiku. Blue eyes flashed darkly as they stared at the person watching them. This sparring match had been sudden and unplanned. It had been pure chance Kagome had encountered Uta, who had easily noticed her sour mood and agitated state of being.

"You feeling better 'Gome?" He asked as his dark eyes stared in concern at the small girl.

Curling her lips, Kagome lifted the sword she held. Her mood had improved quite a bit with the physical workout. As her hands gripped the hilt firmly, Kagome gave a short nod. Now was just her continuing to practice. Her many reincarnations had allowed Kagome to learn swordcraft. S right now, it was honing and training her body. Making her muscles develop, so she was prepared for anything the future held.

"So, you're going to tell me what put you in a pissy mood?" Uta asked as Kagome dashed toward him.

"Ayato," Kagome hissed as she brought the sword up to block one of Uta's six Kagune tails. She had learned fast that he was a Bikaku Kagune user, and it hurt if she was not aware of all six tails. "Wouldn't leave me alone about what I do with Mister Renji and you. I told him we play."

Kagome gave a short bark-like laugh at Uta's facial expression at what she said. Though short-lived, she went to parry another tail only to be swept up and sent flying back. A loud grunt escaped her mouth as the air was forcibly pushed out upon her landing on her ass.

"'Gome, you have quite the mouth on you," Uta said. His Kagunes retracted back into his body. "I know you said that out of spite. But Yomo and I are training you are not playing in any shape or form. If an accident occurs, either you or we are dead."

Kagome knew from his tone he was disappointed, and she hung her head. While he had a flippant, teasing personality, with a touch of being an extreme sadist, Uta was a very caring person. And Kagome felt terrible for upsetting someone she cared about. Kagome knew she was in the wrong.

"I know, Uta," Kagome mumbled.

Kagome heard Uta huff before her chin was listed as she kept her head down. Unable to help herself, Kagome's eyes went wide as she realized he was using one of his Kagune Tails. Excitement coursed through rheas she rolled her eyes to look at it. Kagome felt her lips peel back from her teeth as she smiled. A mischievous idea entered her head as she gave a superstitious peek at Uta.

"Kagome?"

Just as her name rang out on the air, Kagome let her tongue dart out of her mouth and licked Uta's Kagune. At the same time, said man looked stunned, horrified, and utterly embarrassed at the whole situation. At the same time, a choked cough came from the side. When Kagome looked over, she saw Renji, who had called her name along with Touka and Ayato. It was poor timing all-around, and now she had a very bitter taste in her mouth.

00000

He had no words. His mind kept going blank. Then again, Yomo said it was Karam for him, always teasing him about Kagome touching his kagune three years ago. But Uta had not expected the impish brat to suddenly lick his kagune when she used it to raise her head.

With Itori doing a poor job of hiding her amusement, Uta couldn't say a damn thing in his defense. Because Yomo, Touka, and Ayato had all witnessed what had happened. Both of the young ghouls had been curious why he'd been so embarrassed.

This topic was one a parent had with their children when they matured, along with the birds and bees conversation. Since Yomo was technically their guardian (and biological maternal uncle), Uta had to give a detailed explanation. He knew that Yomo would do it, which had them all blushing darkly, while Touka and Ayato cried 'Ewww.'

Kagome's nonplussed 'Ah' had him wondering about the damn girl. She was a complex puzzle. Mature and understanding in ways no child should be capable of. And at other times innocent and naive to an extreme. All coupled with her unique abilities.

"Itori, I think that's enough."

Flicking his eyes to Yomo, Uta gave a silent thanks of gratitude. His buddy was still smug and enjoying how awkward he felt. But Uta accepted it gracefully.

"Kagome is indeed a precocious child," Itori finally said after it took her another few minutes to reign in her laughter. "But how did she react when you finally explained why it was wrong to touch a kagune?"

Giving Itori a blank look, Uta responded in a light tone, "Embarrassed but understanding with a simple, world-wise 'Ah.'

The way Itori's jaw dropped in shock had Uta finally smiling for the first time since earlier that day.

TBC!