A/N: I have to apologize about the lateness of this chapter. Life has gotten busy since my last update. I know that's not an excuse and I'll try to keep the updates studier. On the plus side I have graduated from school with degrees in Graphic design and Digital media. Now, all I have to do is find a job!

I have to say happy birthday to my lovely beta Fuu43.

Timeline:

The Slayers takes place two years after Try. Lina is 19.

Inuyasha takes place while Kagome is 17. She is still dividing her life between her present and the past. The group is still after Naraku.

Disclaimer:

I do not own Inuyasha or The Slayers.

The Lesser Kindred

Chapter 5: A Midday Stroll

Kagome sat on the steps of the front entrance to Mr. Yuki's mansion. They were there because they needed money. Again. It wasn't as if the life of a jewel shard hunter was rich and glamorous; more like poor and dirty. So, they were here doing the same thing they did every time they needed money – letting Miroku earn his pay as a priest- exorcising demons, saving maidens… or whatever it was that Miroku did. Normally, both of those options went hand in hand. This time was no exception. Mr. Yuki's daughter, Mia, was the main reason they were there. Whether it was an actual evil spirit, Kagome didn't know and didn't want to ask. She figured the more she was left in the dark, the better off she was. This way, when they eventually spent the money that Miroku earned, she wouldn't feel guilty. As Miroku always said, the rich just want the assurance that they're safe. If he didn't answer their call, someone else would. The well off don't like being told they're wrong, and if they believe that their place is haunted, then damn it, it is.

Kagome sighed and looked over at Shippo. He was running around in the tall grass chasing butterflies. Oh the joys of childhood. Only his head peeked out of the tall grass and it darted back and forth as he moved. At first, he had constantly tried to get her attention, jumping and waving his hands in a 'notice me' fashion. Soon however, he realized that she was too engrossed into her thoughts to notice. She smiled at the little kitsune though he was too enthralled in his chase to notice. It seemed like so long ago that she had felt that happy. That free. Now, every where she went there seemed to be responsibilities hanging over her head in an almost noose like manner. Kagome let out a small chuckle as Shippou's attention wavered and he scurried into the side of her backpack.

Kagome turned away from him as she noticed someone sit down next to her. She tilted her head to see Inuyasha looking annoyed and disgruntled. There was no doubt in Kagome's mind that it was because of the 'sham' job that they were a part of.

"How's Miroku doing in there?" she asked, knowing he wanted to blow off some steam.

"Hmpf," Inuyasha crossed his arms. "Are the rich always this stupid?"

Kagome laughed.

"I mean for cry'n out loud, no spirit would ever haunt this place. The residents would drive it insane."

Kagome's smile grew wider as Inuyasha continued to rant. He seemed rather annoyed with Miroku's not so honest ways of getting money. Not that he would ever admit to it, but Kagome knew better. She knew that it bothered him to see people being taken advantage of. In the two years that she has known him, she has noticed changes in the hanyo. Sure, he was still gruff, and blunt, and plain out rude, but the hot anger that had burned in him when they first met had faded. She even considered taking the necklace off of him. Kagome trusted him, knowing in her heart that he would not leave her alone in this seemingly never ending task. Yet, even she would admit that it was fun to have something to punish him with. Kagome's grin turned sadistic.

"Yo, Kagome," Inuyasha angrily said to her. "What's that retarded smile for? Are you even listening to me?"

She gave him a glare. "No, as a matter of fact, I wasn't."

"Stupid bitch," he muttered under his breath.

"I heard that."

"Yeah, well I meant it. Anyway, how's that stupid meditation crap going?"

Kagome suppressed a groan. "I don't want to talk about it."

"Jeez Kagome, how fucking hard can it be?"

"You'd be surprised."

"I mean, come on. You're not that stupid. I've seen you do things much more difficult than this. If you can face down Naraku, then you can meditate."

She felt herself tint at the unintended complement. It wasn't often that Inuyasha admitted she was more than just a jewel shard detector that needed to be guarded. Kagome shook herself briefly, and organized her thoughts.

"Meditating is not the problem. I meditate, I calm myself down. I focus on my power but I can't reach it, it's just stuck there!" she hated the frustration that crept into her voice, "Kaede said not to force it because that's dangerous; that I'll figure out how to use it sooner or later. Why does it have to be so difficult? Why can't something just for once be easy?"

"Keh, that's life."

That's life. Only Inuyasha could sum up their extraordinarily difficult circumstances with two words said in a nonchalant voice. She wanted to hit him.

"Stupid life," Kagome snorted. "I just wish Kaede could have been a little more helpful, or at least directed me to someone who could." Kagome sighed, it was time to change the subject. Talking about this was just making her depressed. Inuyasha seemed to sense her mood.

"So woman, when's the next time you're stopping home? I could use more ramen sometime soon."

Kagome shrugged. "Soon, I'm going to have to pick up some homework as well or else I'll never finish school."

Of course every year that passed she could feel her chances of actually graduating slipping away.

"Who the fuck needs school? You're doing fine just the way you are."

"Believe me Inuyasha, where I come from, I need to finish high school or else I'll never get a decent job. And then, I don't even want to think about college. I guess I'll just have to wait a few years until all of the shards are collected to go. On the plus side, once I'm done with high school I can stay here for much longer time periods."

"College? What the hell is that?"

"More school."

"I swear, all you people ever do in the future is learn."

"Well, I guess you could say that knowledge is power. The more you know, the better chance you have of a successful future. Oh, and the better chance you have of becoming rich."

"And then we could get rid of Miroku."

Kagome laughed turned her head back to the scenery. It was rather pretty, really gorgeous day out. Not to mention that the estate was on the top of a bluff, so that there was an excellent view for miles in every direction. It was definitely something she missed when she was home in the future. All the cold concrete and buildings would never compare to a sight like this. As her eyes swept the landscape, they came to a halt on a group of trees to her left.

"I wonder what that is?" Kagome pointed the position out to Inuyasha.

"Hell if I know. Looks big."

And it did look big. She could see the rustling of trees at an alarming height.

"It must be a demon of some kind to stir up so much dust."

"Yeh, not that it's any of our business."

Kagome exhaled, wondering how he always seemed to sound so barbaric. "What if it's hunting down some helpless humans for dinner?"

"And what if it's just going out for a fucking midday stroll?" Inuyasha retorted.

Their argument stopped abruptly as a large explosion came from the area where Kagome was pointing.

"Shit," Inuyasha muttered, running a hand through his hair. The hand at his side clenched then released.

"Should we check it out?" Kagome turned to look at Inuyasha.

"Yeah. That was a pretty big explosion."

"I'll go get the others," Kagome jumped up from her spot and ran into the building. Luckily she knew where they were doing the cleansing ceremony, and she raced through hallways and rooms. Turning the last corner before the room, she ran at full speed right into Sango.

"Ow," they both simultaneously cried out as they tumbled into an untidy heap on the floor. Rubbing her head, Kagome looked up to see Miroku with Mia in his right arm a little further down the hall. Sango was obviously trying to out walk the two of them.

"Are you two okay?" he asked, his attention still mostly focused on the girl his arm rested against.

"Yes," Kagome replied as Sango said "Just fine."

"Well Kagome, you should be pleased to know that the exorcism was a success," Miroku smiled.

"I bet," Kagome snorted as she got back up. "But we have bigger problems now. There's a battle going on outside a few miles from here. A big one. We're going to go check it out."

Kagome didn't even look back to see if they were following as she returned to Inuyasha.

"Well Mi'lady," Miroku said, proceeding afterwards to kiss her hand. "I must be taking my leave. Duty calls. I'll have to come back soon so we can-hey!" Sango yanked him by the arm and began to drag him away.

"Good luck," Mia waved goodbye as she faded from sight. Sango resisted the urge to snarl back at her.

Kagome and Inuyasha didn't have to wait long for the others to join them on the front steps. Sango and Miroku arrived just in time to witness another explosion from the area in question. Without needing to say anything, Kagome jumped onto Inuyasha's back as Kirara transformed allowing Sango and Miroku to climb aboard. Shippo peaked out of Kagome's backpack to look over her shoulder as they took off. Kirara soared through the sky above as Inuyasha sprang through the forest below. It only took minutes for them to reach their destination. Inuyasha perched on a high treetop so they could get a better look at what was going on.

Kagome leaned over his shoulder in an attempt to see past his thick hair. The others stayed in the sky hovering above her, their shadows barely breaking through the tree line. Below Kagome, she could see a demon, an ugly purple ape thing. There were four people fighting it, or losing to it was more like it. Two of the people were thrown to the ground. It looked very painful, and she had been in a few painful situations herself. It was then that Kagome's attention turned to the man still standing, his hands shooting out a bright blue light that struck the creature. The trees shook with the reverberating sound waves caused by its howl, the form collapsing to the ground.

"Holy shit," Inuyasha growled. "What the fuck was that?"

His voice was low enough that it sounded as a rumble in her ear.

"I don't know," Kagome muttered back. She looked towards the sky to see Sango and Miroku staring down at the sight. Sango must have felt eyes on her because she turned her head and looked directly at Kagome. Kagome motioned her hand in a gesture saying to move toward the ground.

"Inuyasha, land so that we can talk with the others quietly."

As his feet met the ground Kirara landed gracefully next to them, her passengers climbing off of her in barely concealed urgency.

"Did you see that?" Sango asked her voice quiet but clear.

"Yeah," Kagome replied. "That was amazing. But, the monster and the girl on the ground are both carrying jewel shards."

"Isn't that just fucking great," muttered Inuyasha.

Sango frowned.

"I would rather not fight something that just took down a demon," Miroku said.

"I agree," Kagome answered, her annoyance showing. "Especially since they did that without using their shard. Imagine what would happen if they used it. I say that we approach as non-threateningly as possible. Then decide on where they stand on the evil scale and how to best get the shard away from them. We did just get paid, if everything else fails we can buy it from them."

"But that's our money for food," Inuyasha pouted, his ears twitching slightly. "Can't we just kick the crap out of them and take it?"

"Diplomatic as ever I see Inuyasha." Kagome rolled her eyes. "We'll do it my way, and maybe you'll get that fight you're itching for."

"Keh, whatever," Inuyasha said, pulling outTetsusaiga and looking away.

"I just said we would approach as non-threatening as possible, didn't I?" Kagome glared at him. She resisted the urge to put her hands on her hips.

"Fine, you stupid wench." Grudgingly, he puts his sword away.

Kagome snorted, his actions were similar to those of a five year old.

"Kirara, transform back please," Sango said to her companion. The cat demon looked up at her, tilting its head to the side with an understanding 'mew.'

With Kirara back in her compact form, they slowly made their way through the trees. The strangers hadn't noticed them earlier and now they did not attempt to hide their approach. As they came nearer to the carcass, Kagome noticed that the jewel shard had already been removed. She sensed that all of the shards had been collected and put in the same place.

"Looks like they finally noticed us," Inuyasha commented as they began to round the dead monster. He was right.

Both groups openly studied each other. The first figure that caught her eye was a strange looking man. He was dressed in a cream colored outfit that included a cap, with wire-like grayish purple hair skin and hair. The skin had an odd pigmentation that appeared to be rough like stone. She thought he might have the look of a demon, or possibly a half demon like Inuyasha. This was the man who had created the pale blue light from earlier . . . the light that had killed the monster. Kagome definitely did not want to fight him. Of if she did, she would truly have to be on point. He stood protectively with his sword out in front of two females on the ground. A blonde haired man stood next to him. His hair was more beautiful than any she had seen before; much prettier than her own. Kagome frowned, how come men from this era always seemed to have such gorgeous hair? Avoiding the urge to look at Inuyasha's fluffy hair, she absently pulled on her own locks and stared at the sword he had drawn out.

Her gaze then shifted toward the two women on the ground. Wait, no, one woman and one girl. The little red haired girl did not look happy. The black haired woman had her hands against the child's right side. As Kagome looked closer, she realized that the pink garment the girl was wearing was stained with blood, most likely her own. It took another moment to realize that the black-haired woman's hands were glowing. Holy shit! The woman was healing the red head! Kagome glanced over at Inuyasha to see if he noticed the magic as well. He didn't appear like it, he seemed to be focused instead on the two men with swords. She watched as his fingers twitched on the hilt of his own sword. Her gaze turned to Miroku. He was staring at the black haired woman with a strange look on his face. It seemed that he noticed her doing magic as well. Kagome's thoughts were interrupted as the two females stood up.

The two groups stared at each other, unsure who should make the first move.

Kagome decided to take the initiative, knowing that letting Inuyasha or Miroku do the talking would be a bad idea. "Uh, hello."

"Can we help you?" the stone demon asked, well… it was more like demanded.

"Keh, yeah," Inuyasha took charge. "Give us your jewel shards!"

"Inuyasha!" Kagome swatted his arm.

"Go to hell!" the blonde replied.

"Gourry!" the red head said hitting him on the back. "Please, forgive his rudeness."

"So," smiled the stoney demon. "You're after the jewel shards."

"Well duh," Inuyasha replied. "So fucking hand them over."

"I don't think so," replied the stone demon. "In fact, why don't you hand over your shards instead."

Kagome responded before Inuyasha could have the chance. "Look, we can't do that."

"Kagome," Inuyasha said. "They obviously aren't going to part with them so we'll just have to take it."

The stone demon snorted, "I'd love to see you try."

"Yeah! Come on and try. We'll-" the black haired woman's eyes widened as she stared at Miroku. "You! What are you doing here!"

Her voice was high and slightly squeaky with indignation.

Miroku looked surprised for a moment and then smiled. "I thought I recognized that luscious maiden."

Sango turned to the monk. "Miroku!"

"I recognize you," the blonde who was called Gourry said. "You're the one that fondled Amelia!"

"Fondled is such a harsh word. It was more like I appreciated her beautiful attributes."

"Attributes my ass," the red head muttered to the stone demon as he let out a sharp laugh.

"Guys! This is not funny!" the black haired woman named Amelia yelled as she glared at her two laughing companions.

"Actually Amelia," said the red head. "It is."

"Shit Miroku," Inuyasha said, sounding honestly annoyed. "Why do you have to go and feel-up every woman in sight?"

"I can't help it that I find the female figure so alluring," he defended.

"Oh, I know!" the red head smiled, the look having a wicked quality to it. "In payment to your offense against Amelia, you should give us your jewel shards."

"I agree," said the stone demon. "It's only fair."

"Fuck that!" Inuyasha yelled. "Like that'll ever happen!"

"What do you want with it?" Kagome questioned deciding to change tactics.

"That's none of your business," responded the demon.

"Well, you can hardly expect us to give our pieces to you if you won't tell us what they're for," Sango decided to add to the conversation.

"It's for a righteous cause," Amelia said. Her eyes seemed to suddenly blaze.

"That's not good enough," Kagome responded. "It's my responsibility to take care of the jewel."

"I've heard of you," Amelia exclaimed. "You're the guardian of the Shikon no Tama."

"Really?" the red head reacted, raising an eyebrow at the demon. Together they shared a look.

"You are the guardian, right?" the stone demon asked.

"Yes, I am," she replied.

"What's she the guardian of?" the blond asked.

The red head exasperatedly thwacked him on the head, which was quite a feat considering the staggering height difference between the two. "Not now Gourry; just try to pretend that you're smart."

The stone demon glanced at Inuyasha, then turned to face Kagome. "Look, perhaps we can make a deal?"

"What kind of deal?"

She was openly curious. Who were these people?

"Look, we don't need to keep the jewel, we just need to use it for something. Once we're finished with our task, you guys can have it back."

"That's not bloody likely," Inuyasha replied. "Why would we ever give the shards to you?"

"Name your price," the red head interjected.

"That's not the point," Inuyasha replied

"Come on," the stone demon said. "Everyone has a price."

"Inuyasha's right, that's not the point," Kagome reaffirmed. "We still do not know your intentions. And even if we did, that means nothing. In fact, we need your shards."

"It looks like this is coming down to a fight," the demon grinned.

"Oh come on," the red head groaned. "You're good guys, and we're mostly good guys. Neither of us want to fight; I'm sure we can work something out."

Inuyasha growled and pulled out Tetsusaiga.

The demon countered by waving him forward.

"Honestly," Amelia stepped in between the two groups. "What if we work together? They're still jewel shards out there that need to be found. It's not like we can do anything without the full jewel anyway. Perhaps with all of us together, we can find it faster?"

"Hell no," Inuyasha cried.

"I don't know," Kagome responded.

"We'll help you gather the rest of the shards, and you let us use the jewel. It will be returned right after we are done."

Kagome sighed and scratched her head. She wanted to say yes, she really did. "I'm still not sure."

"We'll still pay you. Anything you want."

"Look girl," Inuyasha said. "It doesn't matter if we say yes, cause there's nothing you can give us that would be worth it."

"Are you sure about that?" the stone demon asked.

"What are you going to use it for?" Kagome asked again.

The red head looked at the stone demon. He sighed and stared at his hands.

"It's yours to tell," the red head said to him.

"I know," he paused and looked at Kagome. "With the right spell, we can use the jewel to return myself to human."

"Think about it," the red head persueded. "We're using for a good cause. Hell, we'll even pay for it. And, we'll return it when we're done."

Kagome bit her lip and looked at the rest of her group. She needed to talk the rest of them. "Can you give us a moment alone?" She asked the newcomers.

The demon nodded his head. Kagome lead the others back towards where the carcass lay.

"I don't trust them," Inuyasha immediately interjected.

"Well duh," Kagome countered. "You hardly trust anybody."

"Do you believe them?" Sango inquired.

"I think so."

"You only think so?" Miroku asked.

"Look I don't know. I just don't know if I can deny their request if it can help them turn him human."

"But can we really trust other people with the jewel?" Miroku continued.

"No, it's too important. It doesn't matter whether or not they are trustworthy," Kagome answered.

"I still don't think we can trust them," Inuyasha declared.

"I agree with Inuyasha," Miroku stated.

Kagome sighed. "Sango?"

"Geez Kagome, I have no idea."

"I know, it's a hard decision," Kagome thought out loud. "But I think we should seriously consider their proposition."

"I agree with Kagome," Shippo piped in sticking his head over Kagome's shoulder.

"Shut it brat." Inuyasha turned his focus back to her, "Come on Kagome, I know you want to save everybody. But I'm not sure if helping them is worth the risk. They could be lying, or this could be a trick of Naraku's. We just don't know."

"I know," Kagome looked at the ground.

Damn it, why does this have to be so difficult.

"I'll be behind you in whatever you decide," Sango said.

"I need more time to think about this."

"Then tell them that," Miroku replied.

"If they are sincere then they can wait while you think," Sango said.

"Inuyasha?" Kagome asked her favorite hanyo.

"It's your decision. If you need more time, then you can have it. It's not like they can say no. But I still don't trust them. I want everybody to watch their backs. Stay together, don't go wandering off alone. We have to keep an eye on them. They might be behaving now but we have no idea what they are capable of. I don't want to give them an excuse to attack."

Kagome nodded to him in understanding and walked over to where the onlookers were watching from afar.

"I'm not saying no, but I'm not saying yes," she said to them. "I need more time to think about it. Give me a day."

"If you say no, we will fight you for the shards that you have," the demon replied.

"I know."

"Is there anything we can do to help persuade you? Or payment? Believe it or not, but we can probably get you almost anything" Amelia chimed.

"I don't know."

"Tell you what," the red head said. "We'll hang around by your side until you make your decision. It'll give you a chance to figure out our characters. And us a chance to find a payment."

"Even if you pay us, it doesn't mean that we will let you use the jewel," Miroku replied.

"I know, but we'll just have to see," the demon said. "Amelia's right, between the four of us, we can probably get you anything."

Kagome sighed. This was going to be interesting. She didn't know if she could trust these four. Hell, she didn't even know two of their names.

"That's Amelia and Gourry," she pointed at them. "But what are your names?"

"I'm Zelgadis, and this is Lina."

"I'm Kagome, that's Inuyasha and Shippo's in my backpack. The other two are Sango and Miroku."

Amelia giggled and scrunched her hands up in excitement, "What's the adorable little kitty's name?"

"It is not a kitty," Sango harshly defended while Kirara let out a small mew, "It's an ancient powerful demon and her name is Kirara."

"Can I pet it?" Amelia eagerly asked while stretching out her hand.

"You do not pet an ancient demon!" Sango sounded offended at the innocent gesture.

Amelia sheepishly retracted her hand and stared at Kirara longingly.

"Well, now that's done," Inuyasha said. "I'm hungry."