A/N: Hey it's me again! Sorry I took so long to update; I sort of had a writer's block and I caught up on some stories and stuff. This chapter is longer than the first two to make it up to you!!! I am not giving up on this story to let you know I now will update faster and sooner. I think this chapter came out okay and you will find out the main reason why Akio hired Inuyasha in the first place. I hope you like it!! Enjoy and please R & R!!!!

Chapter 3: A Special Star

Walking down the ornate hallway of the 2nd floor around 8 am, Inuyasha took medium strides to go see his "Little Iris". Kagome's room was the second to last door on the left; the vibrant azure paint of her door making it clearly obvious.

Inuyasha's P.O.V

It's not as bad as I would've first thought. It has already been a month and I feel that I have been welcomed in as a member of the family. I never would have suspected how...amazing this is turning out so far. And Kagome seems happy and comfortable around me from what I can sense.

The Higurashi house may not be a mansion but it feels like home. A three story house with a magnificent garden you could get lost in and so much more than what I'm used to. Akio-san sure knows how to treat people right. If he was some bastard that only cared for money and power; a lying and filthy scumbag that could care less about anything else except himself; I never would have stayed this long. But he's not like that from what I've seen so far. Aside from him, Kaede, an old hag that can have a wicked temper that can even scare the hell out of a demon; I have come to respect her too; even though she's old and wrinkly. First time I called her that she had this evil glare that scared me half to death. Now I try not to get too harsh with the insults but I still like to tease her; it's funny as hell!

I walked down to Kagome's room and her door's already open. Usually Kaede wakes her up and gets her ready in the mornings and puts her to bed at night; the rest of the day she's with me mostly. That girl has some force over me I don't know; she just has that attitude and that...smile. I love that smile! I peek in and see the old nurse behind her; at her vanity facing the huge ass mirror. I quietly make myself comfortable against the doorframe and just watch and listen.

"My, your hair has grown so long, Young Kagome." Kaede stood behind the girl; who was sitting on a comfy stool; both facing the mirror.

"You think so, Granny Kaede?!" Kagome had on a cute pair of jean shorts and a yellow tank top with white and pink butterflies decorating it. Her black, shiny hair was being brushed by the old nurse behind her.

"I know so!" Kaede always had this joyous grin in Kagome's presence. She set the brush down and gathered the thick but satiny black hair together and pulled it into a ponytail behind her head. "It's so long already; it passes your shoulders when loose." She picked the brush back up and combed the thick ponytail.

"Really, will my hair grow long; like that princess in the story-with the tower and everything?"

At the same moment Kaede and I both chuckled. Luckily, I was quiet so I could sneak up on her later.

"If ye want it to, Young Kagome; I think you would look beautiful with long hair. All done." She placed a single butterfly accessory to her hair so it could match after brushing it again.

Kagome jumped up and squealed happily. She was just happy for no reason; her hair swinging back and forth and her smile never faltering.

"Calm down, young one." Kaede chastised nicely. "Ye don't want to get dizzy and fall down, do ye?" She walked up to her and stopped her spinning. Kagome stopped and panted lightly.

"No Granny Kaede."

Since Kaede was facing me, she immediately looked up to see me. She raised an eyebrow in question and I made the shush notion and nodded my head to the unaware Little Iris. The old hag seemed to catch on and nodded; a grin apparent. So I silently snuck in, hoping that Kagome wouldn't figure it out. Kaede backed away to the side as I came up right behind my Little Iris. I saw her head going back and forth; probably confused as the silence and Kaede's backing away.

Without a further thought, I swooped down and picked her up; which caused her shout in surprise. I settled her on my shoulders and looked up at her face. She was laughing.

"Inya, don't scare me like that!"

"But it's so much fun sneaking up on you."

"No it's not! I thought you were a monster!" That adorable pout appeared again.

"You should know ugly and scary monsters don't come out in the daytime."

"Oh...okay!" That special smile of her returned and held onto my hands which had hers to help support her.

"Alright, let's go eat! The sooner we eat, the faster we go out to the garden!" I knew saying garden would immediately get her going.

"Okay, let's go let's go!!"

Kaede chuckled lightly and proceeded to leave the room with us following after.

As we all waked down the staircase, my thoughts couldn't help but wander again. I was never so at ease with children nor had the patience to deal with them. I wasn't too fond of old people and rich businessmen either. Growing up I had a lot of difficulty expressing myself but people would judge too quickly. So I had to toughen up and not care about what they thought of me; thus creating my sometimes nasty, angry and callous attitude.

We entered the dining room a few minutes later. It wasn't so formal but it created a warm atmosphere. My mother and I used to eat in a small room with nothing but a simple table, chairs, and lights to brighten it. My home in which I grew up in was nothing fancy or elaborate but being in this...completely different setting with a family makes it...calmer, more homey.

We sat down at a long, pine table with thick matching chairs with pillow seating. Akio-san always sits at the head, Kagome always sits beside him on the right and I sit right next to her. The old woman takes the seat across from me. Breakfast is already set and after a single prayer, we all dig in.

After about an hour, after everything being said on what's being done for the day, we all separate. Kagome would always drag me wherever she wants; Kaede would do some chores or something like that and the boss always had crucial business to deal with in his office and wouldn't come out until God knows when; most likely when it was around dinner time.

Since it was getting rather cloudy, we wouldn't be out for very long but Kagome wanted to sit out for as long as possible. I was sitting on the stone bench where I could keep a vigilant eye on her; as she sat on the grass with her drawing stuff. She has a big pad out with so many crayons scattered around her; I wonder what she will draw. She looked very concentrated and focused that I just sat there and watched. Every once in a while, she would look up at me; flash this childish smile and get back to her work. I also saw her peeking at me and back to the paper. She tossed her head back and forth and settled her self in a more comfortable position and continued. No matter what she does or how she does it, this simple little girl somehow always manages to brighten my day. I don't like children; particularly the small annoying ones due to past events but...why does Kagome change all that I've ever come to know?

Kagome seems to be using the red, black and yellow ones the most and she kept looking at me, as if she was drawing me. She kept that grin and covered her drawing with her arms. She was lying on her stomach so it was possible. I looked up to the sky to see that many gray clouds are moving in; thus covering the sun. The wind was picking up too, making it harder for little Iris to draw. Only little patches of blue sky remained as the rain clouds swiftly swept in. I have to get her inside so she wouldn't soak and her catching a cold wouldn't sit well with me; nor would her father.

"Uh, Come on, little Iris we have to move inside." In the distance I could hear the wind picking up and rumbling of thunder; plus I could smell the approaching rain and it was going to be a big storm.

Kagome looked up and her face fell to disappointment. "Aw, do we have to?"

"You don't want to get sick, do you? You wouldn't be able to play outside or anything."

"Okay." She started to gather her crayons together but as soon as I came beside her to help, she folded her drawing so I wouldn't see it. "It's a surprise." She whispered.

I couldn't help but beam and laugh. Oh my God, I can hardly recognize myself anymore. Before I came here, I barely smiled at all; I always had a scowl or something unemotional; never laughing or nothing after I started to live on my own; now look at me: happy, smiling, grinning and chucking all because of a little girl. I couldn't help it now; it became second nature for me when I'm around her.

We picked up and cleaned the area. She had her drawing tucked into her chest while I had the crayons. She was determined to keep it from me. I shook my head and crouched in front of her. She hopped on me and both of us walked into the house and out of the approaching storm.

Inuyasha spent some time with little Kagome in her room; talking nonstop. She continued on her masterpiece; still preventing Inuyasha from seeing any part of it. She was very zealous when it came to drawing and painting; creating works filled with flowers and animals, dogs and cats in particular. She was very good at it too, Inuyasha realized; even for a five year old. The Little Iris talked on; while paying very close attention to her latest work; revealing other hobbies she enjoyed, such as: swimming, picking flowers, and although still very young, cooking. The bodyguard was amazed at how such a young soul like Kagome was so passionate about many things. He laughed at her retelling of stories of messing up many dishes; which the laughing was was lighthearted; in which Kagome pouted her famous yet adorable pout. He had to admit, she looked cute and adorable when either pouting or angry.

It went on that way for a while until a knock sounded at the closed door. Kaede poked her head in to see her young ward on the soft azure blue carpet having her art utensils scattered around her while Inuyasha sat Indian style against the simple yet warm pure white wall beside her bed.

"Hi Granny Kaede!" The girl greeted joyously.

"Why, hello to you, Miss Kagome." The old nurse replied. Her old yet wise russet orbs turned to the hanyou bodyguard. "Inuyasha, Akio-san would like to have a word with ye in private, in his office right away."

Without a word, he stood up. "What is it about, Kaede?"

"He has not said; which I suppose would be for your ears only. Go, I'll watch over Miss Kagome while you're gone."

"Alright then; see you in a while, Little Iris."

"Okey-dookey, Inya! Your drawing is almost done!"

"I can't wait to see it. Thanks Kaede." He nodded to the nurse as he departed out of the room and downstairs to the boss's office.

Akio was pacing in his office. He looked over towards the windows and saw the flashes of lightning and streak across the dark sky and rain pounding against the glass. He sighed and continued to pace nervously around the room. What he wanted to talk about with his head bodyguard was a subject he preferred not to speak or even think about. Shivers ran down his spine when he mentioned the word. He didn't let it show in front of others and always kept a cool façade but he wasn't so sure about today. He remembered the hanyou's expression when he mentioned the use of the weapon and he seemed rather touchy and nervous. He would have to tread lightly when it was time to broach the subject.

Since it was quite hot today he looked quite different from his usual business attire; wearing a simple blue t-shirt with beige colored slacks; his hair now free and not slick and professional looking. He had to have a day off once in a while and today was one of those days.

He heard a knocking and looked over to see his head bodyguard standing there. He took a deep breath and signaled for Inuyasha to come in. Akio crossed his arms and leaned against his desk as the Inu hanyou walked in and silently closed the door.

"You called for me, sir?"

"Yes, I did. It has been a month since you came to work for me and I still need to explain some things." Thunder sounded from behind him, like if trying to slowly announce the eventual and serious topic at hand.

Inuyasha remained silent and stood across from him.

Akio sighed once again and began the conversation. "I have observed you for the past month with my daughter and I have found that you can fully handle and protect her. I can see they way she looks at you; sort of how a sister would look up to an older brother. She relies on you almost all the time. She tells me when I put her to bed at what you two did that day and...She has this gorgeous smile. She sounds so happy and excited. I haven't seen her so...so blithe and lively since her mother-"

Inuyasha noticed the sudden stop and could sense the sadness and regret radiating from Akio. He noticed that the subject of Kagome's mother always made him so sorrowful and always changed the topic and avoids anything else that involved the late Mrs. Higurashi.

Akio held his head down as he used his desk for support. He turned his back as he felt the stinging of tears. He would not cry in front of anyone! He had to be strong for Masako. The loss of her and another being was too much for him and has often kept him awake at night. He took a deep calming breath and straightened himself out and faced his bodyguard once again; the only evidence of his pain was in his eyes.

He cleared his throat. "Sorry about that...I had a little moment."

"No problem sir." Inuyasha has his own loss and pain to deal with internally and understood Akio's reasons for stopping and getting himself together. It seems that they both had pride and chose not to let their weakness show.

"Now...I know that you have experience in martial arts and remarkably sword fighting-which I assume that when you were growing up swords were still in use am I right?"

The hanyou only nodded.

"Well, as much as those attributes help extremely well with your job, I must ask you-"He gulped down and stared right into the hanyou's amber eyes. "If you could possibly handle a...."Damn he hated the word but not as much as saying it out loud. "...A gun."

The room was lit up by the multiple flashes and the booming of thunder was louder than ever. Inuyasha remained still but inside an internal war was waging in him. No one knew of the personal fear and hate he had of the weapon. It still haunted him all these years and would continue to forever. He may be a hanyou- a strong willed and fearless one at that but when this particular subject met his ears, he was a like a child: scared, immobile, and defenseless. How would he answer this one? He shut his raging eyes and bowed his head; his hands balled into fists.

Akio saw how this affected him. So he wasn't the only one with the fright and fear of guns? He didn't want to pry further but he had to ask. "Why do you not answer?"

"Sir...I'm sorry but-"He took a shaky and fearful breath before continuing. "I can't. I won't." His voice was hard but also very shaky.

"Is there a reason you won't handle one?"

"Akio-san you must understand....I have a personal fear of guns and I will NOT handle them under ANY circumstances!!!"

Akio stood there; stunned at how many emotions were racing across the half demon's eyes: fear, sadness, and determination- most likely to not break down completely in front of him. He has not seen Inuyasha like this before. He could understand completely; facing his own personal war within himself. This weapon was what took away what was most precious to him and would pain him for as long as he lived. He turned away once more and began to speak; in a voice never heard before by the half-demon.

"I can understand your pain...Inuyasha." Said boy looked up, not only by the softness of the voice but by having his name said; something that he rarely did.

"How would you know about how I feel?!" He didn't intend to sound so disrespectful and harsh; especially in front of the man that paid him to watch over his daughter but what he experienced wasn't something he figured that others would suffer as well and that his pain was something he only suffered.

"I know, because that same weapon took the life of my wife...and my unborn child." He glided across the carpet and stopped at the window; watching the weather outside boom and flash as he went into a world that he remembered. Inuyasha stopped right there; his eyes wide with surprise and sadness. He listened intently and prepared for something that only Akio could tell.

"You see that picture on my desk? That was taken 4 months before the murder. A month after we found out that we were having another child. I was so happy! Kagome was only two years old so she didn't understand but smiled with us nonetheless." The tone of his voice was soft and warm as he recalled everything. But it would become pain filled and hard as he went further. "I didn't know what was going to happen that day. She wanted to go out and shop; said she didn't want to be cooped up and being 3 months pregnant she could be scary. I told her not to go because she needed her rest. She insisted she'd be fine and fought me. After a while I relented and told her to be careful. She graced me with her beautiful smile as she walked out..."

Inuyasha now saw just how much turmoil he was going though. He backed up and fell upon on one of the couches and continued to listen.

"...I waited anxiously; I paced with worry and got so nervous I couldn't think straight. I checked on Kagome periodically and saw that she was sleeping; with the same smile that reminds me so much of Masako's. It helped me a bit but I still worried. It had been close to two hours and still, no word. She usually called me and since she was pregnant-well naturally my nerves increased ten fold. I turned on the TV to get my mind off it. It was on the news channel and what I saw made my heart stop. The grocery store where Masako was at was surrounded by police tape and ambulances sounded while people were rolled out on stretchers. You could have imagined what I felt when I saw Masako rolled out; bleeding through her chest and her stomach. I never felt so helpless and never hated myself as much as I did then; letting her go that day!"

Akio continued with his story, nothing but pain, regret and hatred going though his words. Inuyasha could sense all that and fell silent. He had a horrible past of his own but Akio's seemed just as terrible. He could also sense the few tears that leaked from his boss but never said a word.

"...She died a few hours later; along with our baby; which we found out earlier that it was a boy. They said that some psycho bastard had a rifle and shot everyone in his way. He wanted to rob the place and who he saw he shot and that included my pregnant wife!! I've hated guns ever since then! I will not even think of one! If I had been more firm with her she would have been alive today; with our son! I couldn't stop her! That bastard...I wanted to kill him myself along with others. Unfortunately, he managed to shoot and kill three other people." He stopped and wiped his eyes free of tears. "Three years have passed and I still hate myself for it. Kagome cried that night for hours while I held her. It took her a long time to get over it but I can still see that it bothers her. I hated seeing her in so much pain!" He growled and pounded the glass in frustration after every sentence.

"I am so sorry sir. I had no idea-"

"Much appreciated son. It still hurts to speak about it but I have to stay strong and work to care for Kagome. I promised Masako that I would not fall and succumb to the pain that I feel. I need not know why you fear guns; knowing it's not any of my business but I will not push you."

Inuyasha nodded in appreciation and concern for his feelings. "Thank you, Akio-san. But I guess that I should tell you why-out of respect of what you told me."

"It's not necessary, Inuyasha. We all have things in our past."

Inside, he deeply appreciated his understanding and sincerity on the matter. Still, the torment of living with his mother's screams and the five gunshots he heard was enough for him to have nightmares. It wasn't even the 20th century yet and he was still just a young pup. Just bandits raiding the small farming town with pistols killing for fun was all he remembered. His mother; whose pale but still lovely face was contorted into fright; pushed him into hiding as they got closer and told him to run. At first he wouldn't do it, he wouldn't leave her but she told him sternly that he must go on living and that she would be with him, always in his dreams. With one final kiss, she pushed him away. He ran with all his might and didn't look back; even when he heard her screams and the gunshots that followed. Tears leaked from his scared amber eyes, blurring his vision but he kept running into the unknown.

It still plagued him but Inuyasha persevered throughout the years; growing and defending himself against the harshness of the ever populating world. He has always kept his mother's face in his dreams; always telling him to be strong and be okay; for much needed strength and courage.

Snapping himself out of his reverie, he looked onto the figure of his boss; who stood patiently, waiting with his arms crossed. Clearing his throat, he spoke once again. "But if you have such a loathing for guns, why would you-?"

"Teach them to my daughter's bodyguard?" Akio finished. Inuyasha nodded apprehensively.

"I'll tell you why." His voice became serious as he stared his mahogany eyes at the waiting half-demon. "Because if anything happened to my one and only daughter; especially something involving a gun, I could never, EVER forgive myself! I've already lost my wife and unborn son to a psycho's stupid rampage with a rifle; I will not loose my only child to that! That's why I sought out a protector for her in the first place! Not only to protect her from the growing rape and murder victims but from those disgusting weapons of death! I will NOT allow her to be hurt by anyone; be it a murderer or even a future boyfriend!"

Inuyasha could plainly see just how protective of Kagome he really was. He truly loved his remaining child and would do anything to see her safe. Of course, he himself wanted his Little Iris safe as well. Hurting such an innocent child like her would definitely put him into a rage. He may not have a tolerance for small children but he wasn't heartless as to let an innocent child suffer.

"I am sorry for allowing myself to let my anger out and taking it out on you. I had no intention of that." Akio apologized.

"No, I think I understand why. I may not know your daughter as well but I would probably get just as angry as you." Inuyasha stood, staring out into the stormy skies as he spoke.

Akio wasn't blind by any means. Being a successful seafood business owner and dealing with many rivals and financial troubles and succeeding; he taught himself to oversee anything. He could easily tell that Inuyasha cared for his daughter; like an older brother would. "Well, seeing as how we both hate guns, I will allow you to defend her in your own way; your martial arts and sword fighting. I am relieved that I will not have such a weapon in this house. I have no doubt that you could protect her well without one."

The half demon was grateful for that. And he was shocked that his boss had such faith in his abilities. The silver haired demon nodded and vowed not to break the trust his boss held for him. In his life there were very few people he could trust completely; but in just a single month, he felt that he could put his assurance in a single businessman. He didn't know why but he didn't question it; he just went with it.

"Look what I drawed!!" Kagome exclaimed as she held up the picture she had worked so hard on all day.

"Wow, baby girl, that's really good! Imagine; my daughter the artist." Akio smiled as he drank from his champagne glass. He was sitting right next to her.

Inuyasha was on the other side of her and stared amazingly at the colored picture. On the white sheet was a somewhat decent drawn picture of him. She drew him in the outfit he currently wore: a black sleeveless shirt with blue jeans. Beside him was her blue Iris patching in the garden and the sky was gray. He was standing with his eyes happy and two small fangs poking out of his smile. She also drew his ears-a little big-but it didn't matter.

"Do you like it Inya?!" Kagome asked as she faced him. Her white-as-a-star smile shining in the room.

"Yes, I do Little Iris. You did a great job and it's pretty." He really meant it. She seemed so passionate about her drawing and couldn't really say anything hurtful or say anything at all; like he used to when he was growing. Why could this tiny girl change him so fast in a short amount of time, he didn't know.

"Thank you. You keep it; it's for you!" She offered the drawing.

He gently took the sheet and grinned.

The rest of the dinner went by with Kagome talking about her day; her tone of voice cheery and her shining brown eyes always sparkling.

Around 8:30; the storm was still brewing outside, it was time for the little child to get to bed. She sighed in disappointment but agreed as she and Kaede walked to her bedroom. After a bath, changing into a blue sparkly nightgown, drying her hair and brushing her teeth, she climbed into the blue sheets and was tucked in by her nursemaid. As always, Kaede sat on the bed edge and told Kagome a story. The Little Iris held her stuffed dog to her as she rested her head; exhausted but listened.

When she gave a big yawn; Kaede stopped and kissed her forehead goodnight and her father came in after that.

"Goodnight baby girl." He whispered as he kissed both her cheeks.

"'Night daddy, don't let the bed bugs bite."

He chuckled lightly as he kissed her a final time and tucked her into her comforter: Blue with white clouds decorating it, and said he would see her in the morning. She saw him until he shut her door.

She turned around and tried to fall asleep with her stuffed animal tucked into her chest. She could hear the pounding of the rain beyond her window; the matching curtains closed. The thunder and lightning had settled so it was just the soothing rain now. Kagome then turned on her back to look at the glow-in-the-dark stars on her ceiling. It was like actually being in space with so many and it lit up her room so it wasn't completely dark.

Even with the soothing rain and the glowing stars that made her fall asleep slowly, she just couldn't. That drawing made her feel good and just giving it to Inya inspired her to draw more. She sighed and scrunched up her face; thinking about something. She has never tried it but has thought about it. Kagome wondered if it would be alright. When she did it with her dad he always welcomed her but what about Inya? Should she? What if he got angry? What if he said no? Closing her eyes, she asked so many questions on the possible outcome.

Finally deciding to give it a shot, she threw her covers off her and with Sasha-her stuffed dog; she ran to her door and carefully opened it. She poked her head out and looked into the hallway to make sure it was clear. She wasn't supposed to be out of her room after bedtime so she had to be stealthy tonight. She closed her door behind her quietly and tip-toed to where Inya's room was. It was across from her father's room about three doors down the long hallway.

*

Inuyasha laid quietly on his bed; the blood red comforter like silk on his bare back. He lay there in only black sweat pants with his hands beneath his head. It took him a while to fall asleep on most nights. Kagome's drawing was right beside him. He sighed and relaxed in his own room; which was custom-decorated after he arrived. He had a plasma TV on the wall in front of him and his own bathroom and had a balcony that overlooked the garden.

After the fiasco in the office today he was worn. His silver hair was falling around him, contrasting the bed spread. He was happy that he wouldn't be handling a gun and that he could watch over and guard the precious bundle that was Kagome Higurashi. Ever since he came here he has made a drastic change to what he was to now. It was quite shocking to how a simple ad for a protector could have turned him into a smiling, laughing, and happy half-demon all because of a simple yet spry little girl. Yet he could turn deadly if someone threatened that happiness and wouldn't hesitate to kick some ass! He laughed silently and thought it would be good to beat the hell out of any asshole who dare hurt little Kagome!

The sounds of footsteps approaching his closed door stirred him from his fantasy. He turned his head and smelt the faint scent of lilac and cherry blossoms and instantly knew who it was. The door opened moments later to reveal a tiny, timid little Kagome; holding a stuffed animal. He sat up on his arms.

"What are you doing up so late, Little Iris? Have a bad dream?"

She shook her head as she looked up at him; his beautiful amber eyes glowing right at her. "Can't sleep... hey Inya, can I ask you something?"

"Sure you can, Kaggie what's up?" He saw a timid smile before she looked back down at the silver carpet.

"Um...is it okay-um...if I-um..."

"Its okay, Kagome...just ask."

She again lifted her head and felt a little braver. "Well, um I sometimes usually sleep with my daddy and it makes me feel safe; when I can't get to sleep...but I was wondering if I could...um..."

"Could stay with me tonight, is that what you're trying to say?" Kagome nodded shyly.

Why would she ask him? He didn't know what her father would think but he did say that she looked up to him as an older brother and he felt that she was like a baby sister; since he didn't have any younger siblings it felt good to watch over someone. Feeling that it couldn't hurt and hoping that he didn't overstep his bounds, he sighed and answered.

"If you want to, I mean I don't mind." It felt strange to say such things but if she wanted to stay with him to feel safer then he would let her.

Kagome looked shocked but then her smile revealed just how relieved and happy she was. She ran hurriedly and with a little effort; climbed onto the bed and crawled over to where Inuyasha was laying. She scooted as close to his side as she could with Sasha and closed her sleep-filled eyes; with her hair fanning all around her as she rested her head on the red pillow.

"Good night, Inya; don't let the bed bugs bite." She yawned really big and finally settled; her body posture lax and her breathing calm and steadily slowing.

"'Night, Kagome." He whispered.

And he just watched her. For the next few hours the only sound was the rain coming down outside and it was calming. Inuyasha very carefully put his arm around her tiny shoulder and she did not stir. He was very close to sleep himself but his head was full of questions. In his lifetime; he wasn't used to getting close to anyone; ever since his mother died so many years ago. He needed to learn how to defend himself and has learned to take no shit from anyone that belittles him. A hanyou was ridiculed way back then but as time and opinion changed; it was a common sight to see hanyous now. He wouldn't kill anyone unless it was absolutely necessary and has taught himself control over his rage and temper.

Looking down on the sleeping girl, he couldn't help but think happy thoughts; something before he came here; he rarely did. Small children were a thorn at his side; when he was small the village kids picked on him because of his ears and even now his ears get a lot of negative attention, but Kagome seems to love them. She thinks they're soft and cute (?) He never saw his trademark as...cute. Well, the girl didn't seem to mind. This was like something his mother told him while she was still alive and he still remembers it very clearly:

'Someday, someone is going to become very special and precious to you; like a shining star in the big midnight sky that you can always see and always find peace.'

Inuyasha remained confused for a long time but as of recently he was beginning to realize that it was true. He always saw Kagome as something precious and always found peace and contentment around her. She was happy and spry; wild and stubborn, yet he saw those as unique qualities about her. She would continue to grow but would never become dull; she would remain shining, like that precious, unique and always special star he looked to.