*Note: I do not own Inuyasha, its characters or storyline. Also, please provide feedback; this is my second attempt at writing and I would appreciate comments.

Chapter 1: Two Hearts, One Mind

The taxi cab made a left turn and headed down the quiet street. It was mid-afternoon and the bright rays of the sun glinted off of the temple shingles to my right. The cab came to a stop and I paid my fare. I was at my new home. It was a drastic change from my old home in the states; maybe the change would be a good thing in the long run.

As I reached the top of the long staircase I saw my little cousin Sota sweeping away at the concrete flooring of the temple. His eyes lit up with joy when he saw me. I heard my name yelled and the thud of the broomstick hitting the floor as I was tackled. He had grown so much since I had last saw him; it was astounding.

He scurried to my side and grabbed the handle to my teal suitcase, dragging it and me to the front door. He announced my arrival as soon as we were in the entryway. Grandpa get up from his seat and came to greet me, and Ms. Higurashi popped her head out of the kitchen to give me a warm smile.

As Sota took my bag upstairs to Kagome's room, I walked into the kitchen to see what Ms. Higurashi was cooking. She asked me how my flight was as I peered over her shoulder at the food. I hadn't eaten on the flight earlier and was now regretting it as I looked longingly at the food. "If I had known you were arriving this early, I would have made another serving. Would you like me to make you something too," Ms. Higurashi asked as she paused her cooking.

"No thank you. It's my own fault for not updating you on my flight schedule," I replied with a large grin. I don't need to inconvenience her because of my negligence. "Where is Kagome," I asked as I looked around the room for her.

"I'm not sure Kasatka. She seems to be having boy troubles. Maybe she's taking the long way home," Ms. Higurashi indulged.

Hmmm. I was told Kagome had been ill and missed a lot of school. I'd make a bet her friends are bugging her about her boy troubles since they haven't seen her in so long. I announced I was going to go and try to find Kagome as I headed out the door. As I walked down the steps I tried thinking of places that would be good for gossip yet close to the school and house. My focus was interrupted by my growling stomach. I headed to the closest Wacdnalds to suffice my inner monster.

…

I pulled the door open to the fast food chain and made my way over to the cash register. I ordered my lunch and was looking for a table when I spotted my favorite cousin in the corner being bombarded by three girls. I approached the table as two of the girls jumped up saying something was psycho.

"What trouble have you gotten yourself into now Kagome," I questioned. Kagome had about the same reaction as Sota had when he saw me. She jumped up from her chair and squealing with joy. My hold on the tray was compromised as Kagome's arms wrapped around me in a tight hug.

She asked her friends if they could put their conversation on hold because she needed to spend some personal time with me. I was a little put off by not being able to sit and eat my lunch, but I could sense the urgency in Kagome's voice. It was obvious she wanted to discuss her current boy dilemma so I got my order to go and we headed out.

…

On the walk home, Kagome was not as outrageously open about the issue as I had hoped. It looked like I would have to probe the information out of her in order to get the full story. "So, what's his name?"

She looked at me and sighed in defeat. I hadn't probed her long, but she knew I wouldn't stop until I got some answers. "His name is Inuyasha."

"Annnnd he's mad at you or are you made at him?"

"Both."

Oh that's so helpful. I sweat-dropped at her vague response. "Okay, I'll specify. Why are you mad at him?"

"Because I tried helping Koga and he completely overreacted. He's such a jerk! He even had the nerve to ask how far Koga and I went!"

I looked at her questioningly as she fumed. I never pegged Kagome as the type of girl to do anything with a guy she just meet. Inuyasha is jealous. "Is it possible Inuyasha is jealous of Koga?"

"I don't know how he could be. He's still hung up over Kikyo."

Great, another variable to add to the equation. "But you just said he was upset when he thought you had feelings for Koga?"

"Yes."

"Which by definition means he at least has feelings for you," I said trying to give her some hope.

"I guess so."

She seemed a little depressed by my conclusion. "So who is this Koga?"

"He's a wolf demon who kidnapped me because I can sense the sacred jewel shards . . ."

"What?!"

…

When I had my outburst we had finally arrived home and Kagome realizing her slip dragged me into her room. When we got there we found Sota sitting in the middle of her room. Kagome asked what he was doing in her room and he said something about a man to man promise and he ran out.

She sat at her desk and I sat on her bed. It was weird trying to wrap my head around what she said. Maybe she does have a mental illness.

"Don't give me that look," Kagome chastised as I was snapped out of my inner thoughts. I hadn't realized I had been starring at her awkwardly.

"Sorry. So let me get this straight, the well in your shrine somehow allows you to travel back in time to the feudal era?"

"Yep."

"And in this feudal era, there are things like demons?"

"Exactly, but there are more than just demons; there are half-demons, priests, priestesses and demon slayers!" I cocked my head to the side as I looked at Kagome confused. Even if what she was saying was the truth, how did she play a role in that world and why could she sense a jewel?

"Why are you able to sense the jewel?"

"Lady Kaede said it's because I'm the reincarnation of Kikyo."

That name again. I decided not to bother with it, Kagome was already having enough troubles and I didn't need to add more kindle to the fire. "Okay. That's cool. So back to the problem, why does Inuyasha think you have feelings for Koga if he kidnapped you?"

"I refused to let Inuyasha fight with Koga after the battle with the Birds of Paradise because he was hurt."

"You defended him even though he kidnapped you?" What the hell? Why would you protect someone who kidnapped you, especially for such superficial, selfish reasons?

"He was hurt! He protected me too," Kagome mumbled and as brow furrowed.

"I know how to fix your problem."

"What, how?!"

"Tell Inuyasha you like him," I mischievously stated with a wolfish grin. Kagome face planted at my "solution" and then started stammering about how she didn't like him, yet her cheeks just kept turning redder and redder the more she talked about him. It was so cute seeing her getting flustered about a boy. I wonder what it felt like, to be so emotionally attached to someone else. My whole life had been focused so around my academics and hobbies that I'd never had time for a boyfriend. I wonder what this Koga looks like.

"Now what are you thinking?"

Subconsciously I answered, "What does Koga look like?"

Now it was Kagome's turn to have an impish look as she asked slyly, "Why do you want to know?"

Embarrassed by my curiosity, I didn't answer her and looked down to avoid eye contact. Though I had never had time for a boyfriend didn't mean I didn't want one.

"I guess it can't hurt to tell you! He's a wolf demon so he has the typical pointed ears of a demon, and I think he has a tail. He also has black hair and blue eyes."

She may have said he wasn't her type, but he sounds attractive.

"Huh, I wouldn't have guessed that demons had human features. What time is it," I asked while yawning.

Kagome looked to her left and shrieked, "It's so late, and I didn't even get any studying done! I guess I'll just wake up early tomorrow."

Seeing Kagome needed to go to bed, I said my goodnights and headed to bed myself. Today and been a long and interesting day.

…

The next day I woke up exceptionally late. Whether it was from staying up late talking to Kagome or the jet leg, I wasn't sure. All I knew was that I had expected to be up by 10am and it was already 4 o'clock in the afternoon. I crawled out from underneath the blanket and made my way to the bathroom to get ready for the rest of the day. When I exited the bathroom, I saw Kagome coming into the house.

"Hey, how was class," I asked nonchalant about the matter.

"Terrible. I'm so far behind in my studies. I don't know if I'll pass," she replied depressingly with her head down and shoulders dropped.

It was hard for me to connect with her situation. I had just graduated from high school in the United States before moving out here and never struggled in my classes no matter how many I missed for my extracurricular activities. I should have been in college right now, but after the accident I declined my acceptance to the university. I needed a break to figure things out.

"At least it's the weekend," I said trying to cheer her up.

"Yeah, you're right. Maybe I'll go back to the feudal era this weekend."

Though as soon as Kagome had finished her statement, her shoulders dropped once again and she looked melancholy. She must be thinking about how things are going to go when she sees Inuyasha again.

"Can I come," I asked enthusiastically. I wanted to see this feudal era for myself. Who knows, it could be fun, right?

"Only Inuyasha and I can pass through the well."

Well, there went my entertainment for the weekend unless…

"What if I can pass through the well, can I go with you then?"

Knowing Kagome, she's going to say yes because I shouldn't be able to pass through the well. Maybe a miracle will happen.

"Yeah, sure! If you can pass through you can come with. That would be kind of cool actually," Kagome said happily. She seemed genuinely happy about me being able to tag along if I could pass through the well.

"Great! I'll go get packed. What's the weather like over there?"

…

It was mid-evening when Kagome and I headed towards the well. She had said the weather was generally pretty nice, but could get cool at night so I packed accordingly. I was dressed in my workout gear which consisted mid-thigh length spandex and a fitted teal tank top. I had an extra set of gear in my bag along with some sweat pants, hoodie and blanket. Kagome had mentioned she acted as the teams said medic so I decided to bring my medical supplies too. I figured working at a veterinary clinic for the past three years at least made me unofficially trained in basic wound treatment. My kit was also better suited for major wounds like lacerations whereas Kagome's was more so superficial things.

I looked down the well. It wouldn't be too far of a drop if I was unable to pass through like Kagome had speculated. Hopefully she was wrong. I swung my legs over the wooden frame and sat on the edge for a moment. Looking to Kagome, I nodded and plunged down anticipating the hard ground.

To my surprise, I was met with a weird bluish glowing fluid similar in texture to water. Soon, the sensation of swimming was gone and I was in the bottom of the well. For a moment I thought it hadn't work, but when I looked up I saw a bright blue sky instead of the cellar roof. I climbed the makeshift ladder with haste and took in my surroundings. The well was centered in a field surrounded by large oak trees.

"Kasatka, are you up there," I heard Kagome yell from the bottom of the well.

Peering over the edge I gave her a huge and giggled, "Remind me again that only you and Inuyasha can pass through the well."

"We're supposed to be. I wonder why you were able to," Kagome said as she reached the top of the well.

"We can worry about that after you talk to Inuyasha," I replied giving her the look.

She nodded knowingly and we headed out to find said half-demon. I trailed behind her a ways though doing a little happy dance because I didn't want their needed conversation to be distracted by my presence. Kagome met with Inuyasha on a hill and I waited to see how things went. I could tell they weren't going well because Kagome had shot up and was making a fist towards Inuyasha. Before I could get up to restrain her, I was beaten to it by a young man and woman. They must be Sango and Miroku.

I could make out only parts of their conversation so I made my way over to the commotion. Inuyasha had leaped up complaining about a lack of privacy and started to chase Sango and Miroku. It was a rather entertaining site. Before I could reach Kagome, an older woman approached her to tell her Inuyasha was just happy she was back. I agreed with her and approached Kagome, nudging her side with my elbow, "At least he's cute."

"Kasatka," she screeched at me while blushing furiously. Her outburst had caught the attention of her friends and they all made their way towards us.

"Hey Kagome, who's the girl," Inuyasha so rudely asked as he made his final leap towards us.

"The name's Kasatka dog-boy," I retorted while rolling my eyes.

Before Inuyasha could throw an insult my way, Miroku appeared before me and grasped my hands. "Will you do me the honor of bearing my children," he asked.

I could see Sango glaring at him from over his shoulder and decided to have a little fun with the situation. "Oh Miroku, of course I'd love to bear your children…NOT," I yelled while yanking my hands from his grasp and simultaneously slapping him. The look on his face was priceless. The rest of the group was laughing at Miroku's suffering and I joined them.

…

Back at the village everyone had gathered in Kaede's hut, a pot of tea beginning to boil over the fireplace. The development of my presence needed to be discussed. It had been made clear a normal human could not pass through the well, yet I was able to. Why was I special? How was I different?

Kaede looked at me quizzically. She too was confused about the situation because from an outsider's perspective I looked just like any other human. Kaede and the group agreed the answer to the question was buried somewhere in my past. She asked me about my family back in the present era. It was hard relaying to them how my parents had passed away in an accident recently, hence my presence in the Higurashi household. Though it was even more awkward having to tell them I didn't know who my real parents were; I had been adopted as a baby.

"So ye no nothing about ye true parents and their heritage," she reiterated.

"Correct Lady Kaede. The only thing I have from them is this bracelet. I've never taken it off," I replied solemnly. The direction of this conversation was starting to put me into a melancholy mood.

Kaede must have seen my grief because she changed the subject by asking, "What do you like to do child? Is there anything you are exceptionally good at?"

"There are a lot of things I like to do. As for things that might be odd, I'm not sure. I excelled in track and field in high school, and was even faster than most of the boys in my events. I also like to hunt game like deer and elk." My answer didn't seem to reveal any answers and I was starting to become frustrated and emotional. I told everyone I was going to take a small walk around the village.

…

The moment Kasatka exited the hut, Kaede looked pointedly at Inuyasha and asked, "She doesn't smell of human does she, Inuyasha?"

"She smells human, but there is another scent mixed with it. It seems to be demon, but I'm not sure," Inuyasha replied.

"Are you serious Inuyasha," Kagome questioned. She had grown up with Kasatka for many years before her family moved to the United States.

"Of course I'm serious," he barked back.

Before an argument could begin between the two teenagers, Kaede asked, "Is it true she never removes that bracelet?"

Kagome answered timidly by saying, "I believe so. She told me it was from her birth mother."

"I see. The arrangement of the beading looks to be of ancient priestess work. I can only assume that it is concealing her true form, but what that is I do not know," Kaede concluded finally.

…

The walk around the village was helping to lift my spirits from the depression of the previous conversation, but the lack of an answer about my status was still weighing heavily on my mind. I reminded myself I had to be positive, maybe this own thing would give me more insight into my past.

I was ripped from my pep talk when I heard a loud, screeching howl in the distance to my left. The villagers around me didn't seem to pay mind to the sound. It seemed very unlikely to me the villagers didn't hear the sound, meaning maybe the noise was a normal occurrence. I chose to ignore it, if the villagers paid no heed to it, then I might as well not too. There is was again! Hearing it a second time allowed me to familiarize it with things I had heard in the present era. It reminded me of a whimpering dog, a sound I was very attuned to after working in a small animal veterinary practice for three years during high school.

I guess that was something I forgot to mention to Lady Kaede when she asked if I had any special talents. I was exceptionally good when it came to working with difficult patients at the clinic, specifically dogs. Anytime a troublesome dog came in I was recruited to be the main veterinary assistant on the case. All dogs seemed to love me or at least submit to my wishes with relative ease, and I never had any problems with training dogs.

Even though it was against my better judgment, my gut was urging me to go investigate the strange sound. I found an exit to the village and sprinted towards the woods, thankful for my choice of sports gear for my attire.