A/N: Still working on getting regular updates. Thanks for bearing with me.

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Magic Words

Like always, Annie didn't wait for introductions. She made them herself.

After hearing their story, the older girl smiled sweetly and said, "My name's Kagome and it seems you've already met Inuyasha."

"Yeah! So can you help us with this message?" She handed the slip with its mysterious haiku up to Kagome, then leaned in to whisper, "I don't think Inuyasha can read."

"Hey, brat!" Inuyasha barked from where he was standing some feet away with Jack. "I can hear that!"

Jack gazed up at Inuyasha's dog ears, wondering if that had to do with his good hearing. "What are you?"

"What's the matter, kid? Never seen a dog-demon before?" He seemed proud when he said it.

"Half-demon," Kagome corrected – the comment made Inuyasha scowl. "Besides," she continued, "You can't expect them to know any better; they're modern kids."

"Oh, I'm sorry, Inuyasha," Annie apologized, speaking in a normal voice now that she knew the half-demon could hear her. "So can you read?"

"Probably not," Jack answered, tilting his head curiously. "I would guess the education in this era isn't very high."

Suddenly, Jack lurched at a swift hit to his head. It made him buck forward, but the pain was quick and settled to a warm throb. It still left him groaning and wishing for home.

"Inuyasha!" Kagome shouted. "That's no way to treat new people who have never even been here before!"

"Well, he asked for –"

Kagome's face turned red like she was about to explode. "SIT!"

Annie looked up just in time to see Inuyasha's beaded necklace flash bright purple. Half a second later, the dog-boy slammed face first into the dirt.

Both she and Jack mouthed a silent "wow."

"So," Kagome turned to them, all smiles again, "let's get you over to the village. I'm sure all the friendly people will be glad to welcome you." She emphasized the last words over Inuyasha. When she saw Annie trailed a bit to see if he was all right, she added, "He'll catch up soon." Inuyasha grumbled around a mouthful of soil as Kagome grabbed her enormous yellow backpack. "Come on, let's go."

Jack and Annie didn't argue. If the canine Inuyasha was strange, then Kagome was definitely no ordinary girl. Maybe she was also an enchantress. It was a good start to their travels, Jack and Annie thought.

When Inuyasha was beside them again he let out a stream of words Jack's father used when he was fixing the car. Annie winced and Kagome ordered sit again. This time the earth shook.

Jack sighed. Definitely an enchantress. Maybe a good start.