Disclaimer: I do not own InuYasha or its characters; that right belongs to Rumiko Takahashi. Nor do I own Legend of Heroes: Trails of Cold Steel or its characters; that right belongs to Nihon Falcom Corporation.

April Year S.1203

Kagome blinked as she glanced around. Her mind was slowly filled with the information. It was her third life, so the process was becoming familiar.

The sound of voices filtered in on the warm spring air. This world was a mix of many things. The continent she lived in was called Erobonia. And the city she was currently in was named Trista, and it housed an Academy called: 'Thors Military Academy' founded two hundred and fifty years ago by an emperor.

Shaking her head as she learned this world dealt in magic, which was rare and regulated by a Clan of witches called Hexen. Military power was significant and semi-advanced to mechs, tanks, and airships. And that using technology, people could be arts users by using quartz. Then there was the lesser bit, Spirits, though most had vanished in the Erobonian continent. She was unique and special with the talents she naturally had and was born within this world.

"Oh, this spots already taken?"

At the cocky-sounding voice, Kagopme half stumbled as she stood. Her eyes darted to a tall male youth with white, shaggy hair held back by a red and white bandana.

Something in her seemed to resonate as his red eyes looked into her blue.

"Uh, no. I'll leave," Kagome said, feeling a wave of panic wash over her.

The lazy blink the boy gave had Kagome freezing. The smile that pulled his lips upward made her flush.

"Nah, it's okay. It isn't like this is my secret spot," he said. "You a first year as well?"

Her mind went blank as more information flooded her mind.

Swallowing, Kagome looked at him and then passed him. When he looked behind him, Kagome willed herself to 'vanish.' Though she still did not understand everything, she knew he would be a pivotal part of her life here with how he seemed to resonate with her.

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May year S.1203

Crow smiled as he watched Angelica Rogner meet his little classmate for the first time.

He still recalled his first meeting with the exchange student, Kagome Higurashi. She'd resembled a little rabbit with how timid she'd reacted. And when she 'disappeared' the second he looked away, he'd sworn she was a figment of his imagination. Or he would have thought that if he hadn't seen her footprints in the grass where she had stood.

He found out two days later she was the missing person in his class. And in the month since she joined, Kagome had been amusing, to say the least.

However, it was May now, and he'd been doing his best to slack as much as possible. Crow had made a few friends with the other students in the commoner class. Well, the exception was Angelica, who was a Marquis' daughter. And she was not someone you'd associate with the Noble class.

"Crow, how could you hide such a delectable cutie from me?" Angelic pouted. "Look at those large, blue-doe-like eyes. That pretty little mouth made for kissing and the curves she is sporting. She is my type, and you know it, scrooge."

Crow shrugged at Angie as he watched Kagome turn a dark red shade. When her eyes finally met his, he laughed, earning a dark glare before Kagome suddenly smiled. It left him feeling cold and stunned as this smile differed from the one she showed everybody every day.

"Indeed, Mr. Armsbrust had done a disservice to use both," Kagome chirped happily as she pranced (literally) to Angelica's side. "You, too, are a beauty. The mischievous smile on your full lips is alluring. And don't overlook your curves; they are to die for miss. Plus, with your straightforward, honest personality, what more could a person ask for?"

It was as if the world seemed to freeze and turn upside down. Crow found his mind had gone oddly blank, leaving him utterly speechless. And Angie was the same as him since she had yet to respond.

"Welp, I've got to go! I hope I get a chance to talk to you again, Miss Angie," Kagome said.

Crow watched as Kagome left him, Angie, and the rest of their class. Though when she paused at the door, she turned back, and her eyes met his. The flash of smugness in the blue depths as she stuck her tongue at him had Crow realizing she was playing him.

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June Year S.1203

In the humid air of June, Kagome looked away from the old schoolhouse's locked doors.

Ever since she first arrived in this world, on the stone bench in front of the ancient building, she'd felt the need to return time and again as if she was silently being summoned. However, each visit seemed to leave her tired and drained.

Yet as she pulled herself from her thoughts, Kagome smiled at the person who had appeared behind her. In almost three months at Thors Academy, she had gotten to know Crow Armbrust better.

He was more complex than he appeared. Then again, his aura showed so many conflicting colors and images. He was not who he pretended to be.

"You are here again? Man, it's so easy to find you."

Arching an eyebrow, Kagome turned to face him completely.

"Yeah, yeah," Kagome said, waving a hand to dismiss him. "What does the amazingly lazy Crow Armbrust want with me today? To lose another game of blade or poker?"

The sour look she got for poking fun at his gambling hobby had Kagome pressing her lips together to keep from giggling.

"Nah, wanted to see if you wanted to eat at the cafe in town."

His words took her by surprise. However, Kagome moved toward him, punching his arm.

"How about another day? I'll cook for us tonight. I'm a bit tired, Crow. The heat here doesn't seem to agree with me," she muttered as an excuse as she walked by him. "It's so different from the Eastern Lands."

The slight fluctuation from his aura had Kagome smiling. She could feel his concern for her, though she was glad he believed her lie. It was not the heat.

"Sure. It's nice to have a pretty lady cook a meal for me almost every night."

Spinning and walking backward, Kagome kept herself from blushing.

"You know, Crow, one day, when you speak such words so casually, it will bite you in the ass," She said before spinning around and running away from him.

He was a truly shameless person at times.

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July Year S.1203

Crow felt at a loss. It was now the middle of July, and their class had a combat practice with Class One's Nobles.

And when Kagome thoroughly beat Vincent Florald, it started a verbal fight. Towa had run off at the behest of their instructor to get either the Principal or the Vice Principal (he hoped the former was more partial and not biased towards the nobles). Since Kagome was an exchange student from the Eastern lands, relations were already tense.

"You, commoner, have no clue what Noblesse Oblige means. So you have no right to speak like you are," Vincent spat, his face red.

"And you, sir, like quite a few other Erobonia Nobles, have a very warped sense of those words," Kagome snorted as she responded. "But in my homeland, it means that those of Noble lineage must act and show generosity to those under them. To protect those that seek protection from their Liege lords. But here, it is used to put what you deemed as lesser people in their place like they are nothing but slaves!"

Crow choked at what Kagome boldly said. And it only made the tension grow thicker as her words drew a reaction from both Class One and their classmates. However, Crow agreed with her that the Nobles did abuse their power.

"You need to learn to watch your mouth, you Eastern Savage," Vincent yelled. "And I'll teach you. For a while, you're beautiful; you are nothing more than a poisonous viper."

"Then fight me and have your pampered pansy ass kicked again," Kagome spat back. A cold smile appeared on her face. "I'll even give you a handicap by fighting without a weapon."

Shaking his head, Crow started to move to step between them when he saw Towa return with the Vice Principal.

"Cease this childishness right now," The Vice Principal called out.

Crow looked to see Towa with a worried look on her face.

"Miss Herschel has informed me of what this fight is about," Vice Principal Heinrich bellowed. "And if we are to talk about Noble lineage, then Miss Higurashi is above all of you in Class One and Class Two, as she directly relates to the Easter Empires Imperial Family."

Feeling shocked, Crow looked at Kagome to see her face turning white rapidly as her bottom lip trembled, and she shook with what he could only assume was anger.

"So this petty squabble about Noble lineage and what Noble's obligation is unnecessary, as she is considered a princess."

When Kagome took a deep breath and walked forward, Crow felt as if his body seemed to become paralyzed.

"Vice Principal, that was classified information," Kagome said. Her voice was strangely calm and exceptionally polite, showing her anger. "But I'm sure the Erebonian Imperial Majesty would not have an issue with it being divulged. Since it can only make me a target and potentially start a war between our two countries."

Whipping his head around, he saw the Vice Principal open and close his mouth like a fish out of water. Then he looked back at Kagome.

"Though what you mentioned is not the whole truth," Kagome sneered. "My grandfather gave up his title as prince regent and promised his brother, the former Eastern Emperor, he had no designs on the throne. Then, to avoid being seen as a threat or used by the others in the court as an excuse for rebellion, they became a wandering swordmaster and commoner. The wife he took was an orphan who'd been raised as a shrine maiden. As for my mother, she's dead. My father is an enigma. She never talked about making me what all Nobles in any country abhor, a bastard."

Crow cringed at how calmly Kagome had spoken as she walked toward the Vice Principal. Her strange eastern staff jingled each time her arm moved.

"The only thing we do know about my father is my mother swore until her death he was not noble," Kagome said as she stopped.

Then Kagome moved swiftly, turning her strange staff into two pieces, a short rod with the staff on top and the bottom and a short sword with a long handle. And the blade was black and seemed to absorb light.

Crow watched as she slashed the blade, and a large white aura appeared around her. It easily outclassed everyone present except for Instructor Neihardt.

The dust kicked up from the slash settled, revealing that Kagome was gone to a small crevice in the training field. Her aura had vanished, leaving no trace that she'd even been there. However, Crow had a feeling he knew where he'd find her.

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August Year S.1203

Kagome smiled and rolled the small pearl-like stone in her hands. It resembled the Shikon no Tama but was nothing like it.

"Are you ever going to explain your pretty little stone to me?"

Snorting, Kagome looked over at Crow and smiled wider.

"Are you ever going to tell me what you're hiding from Towa, George, Angie, and me?"

The way Crow's brow and nose wrinkled told her the answer was no.

It'd been two weeks since the incident during the combat practical. A part of her secret has been revealed. Kagome had feared people would hate her.

But surprisingly, everyone had tacitly accepted it and moved on. Though she was sure the group of four she'd become close to, along with Principal Vandycke and Instructors, put a heavy lid on the situation.

"Aww, come on, my pretty Kagome, don't be mean," Crow whined playfully. "I am your best friend, right?"

As Kagome stared at Crow, she laughed and pocketed the pearl.

"That mouth of yours, Crow," Kagome muttered. "And it's a two-way street, Crow."

"Miser!"

"Cheat!"

"Petty!"

"Brat!"

Soon Kagome couldn't help herself and started to laugh with Crow and leaned against him. Her whole body filled with peace though she was growing weaker every day.

"Thank you, Crow. I am grateful to have someone like you as a best friend. Even if you're a lazy gambling addict," She said, teasing him.

She glanced up at him and noted the light flush creeping up his neck. She was glad he didn't respond.

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September Year S.1203

Crow looked at Kagome, feeling upset. The night sky and the lights from Trista served as a backdrop for her.

"Crow, please understand," Kagome whispered as she stared back at him. Her eyes glistened with unshed tears.

He did understand. In the past few weeks, he had watched silently as Kagome's health began to fade even more quickly than it had in the past. It was concerning, so the news she had dropped on him wasn't all that surprising.

"I do," He said, unsure of how to proceed.

"A week ago, they'd fought, and he'd made Kagome cry. Crow still felt like a heel. Kagome had always told him his sweet mouth would get him into trouble. Sure enough, Angie and Towa had set up by asking rather pointed and misleading questions.

By the time he'd caught on, his usual flippant attitude had already bitten him in the ass as he spoke without much thought, hurting one of his most precious people. Angie had told him Kagome liked him in that special way. And his response was to dismiss and deny it. Crow knew he could not afford to have a personal relationship once his goals were achieved.

Soon the sky was lit up with fireworks for the festival. The brilliant colors showed Kagomes' face.

"Good, then I have a lucky charm for you," Kagome said, grabbing his hand with both of hers before he could react.

Before he could say anything, Crow saw the tiny pink pearl Kagome always carried with her.

Stunned, he looked at Kagome only to stiffen. She had stood on the tip-toe and was nose to nose with him. In seconds his mind blanked out as she kissed his cheek. Then his hand was let go, and she backed away from him.

"Take care, Crow Armbrust. May we meet in the future," Kagome said while smiling. "Try to be safe in your endeavors that come with your chosen path. And know, Crow, you'll have gains and losses."

The knowing look in Kagome's eyes left him speechless and rooted to where he stood on the school's roof as Kagome left.

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December Year S.1205

Crow looked at Raen as he felt his body grow colder from blood loss. He had said his goodbye.

As he smiled at those in Class VII and the others he'd come to form bonds with, Crow felt a warmth blossom from the right side of his chest. His mind fuzzy recalled that was where the 'lucky charm' he'd been giving was always kept.

As his vision darkened, a bright light seemed to engulf him.

"Oh, that light! This power!" Emma and Celine exclaimed together.

Soon the light seemed to condense and form a familiar silhouette.

"Who is this?" Alisa asked.

"Rather, what?" Machais said.

Then the light vanished, and a face he'd not seen for two years knelt before him. The vivid blue eyes stared at him as a mocking smile curled pouty pink lips.

"Idiot."

That one word had him coughing as he tried to laugh.

"Mr. Armsbrust, I need a yes or a no," the petite raven-haired girl spoke in the ensuing silence. "Do you want to live?"

Crow felt Raen's arms tightening as the others seemed to take a collective breath.

"Yes," he managed to whisper.

Kagome leaned in the moment he replied, her hands cupping his face.

"Good. Then when the time comes, and you recall everything, come to find me where it all began for you, Crow Armbrust."

Shock flooded him as Kagome kissed him. Soon a sense of peace washed over him.

"Spirit magic and not low-level magic either," Celine said. "It's at least lord tier."

"That explains the spirit stone. But the girl feels human," Emma said.

"What's a spirit?" Elliot asked.

"You are both correct. Though half-breed would be the correct term for a bastard child."

Crow felt his eyes grow heavy as he frowned at Kagome's words. He needed clarification. Kagome's words before the kiss were cryptic, and the ones he just spoke, he knew they cost her.

As the darkness began to settle in and his consciousness started to float, Crow knew death had come to claim him. Yet the last thing he saw was Kagome's body began to glow silver as it shrunk and turned back into the tiny pink pearl that slammed painfully into his head.

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September Year S.1207

Kagome laughed happily as Class VII and the others who'd become close to Crow over the years filled the small house. It'd taken a while, but Crow returned to his hometown after regaining his memories.

Then again, those same people were holding out with her grandfather Kai-Fai. And one of them, Raen Schwarzer, was one of the many pupils her grandfather had taken. It was lively, to say the least.

"So, you're a Spirit King?"

"Yes. And I'm here to meet the young man who claimed my daughter without my permission."

Giving a shake of her head as silence descended from the large group. Then again, Crow already ran the gauntlet from her grandfather. The culture clash was extreme between Erobonia and the Eastern Empire.

"Man, Crow took a huge gamble," Toval groused. "Hope he can survive."

Kagome giggled as she felt Crow arrive with the last three people, Angie, George, and Towa.

Turning, Kagome showed her side profile for the first time since they all started to arrive. Their reactions varied from shock to amusement. However, shock was the most prevalent.

Then the door opened to show Crow and caused everyone to look at him.

Crow felt like he was being put under a microscope. Then he looked at his little partner, seeing her six-month belly side profile on display. Instantly he understood why everyone was looking at him like that.

"You, young man, must explain impregnating my daughter before marriage."

Letting a nervous chuckle escape, Crow looked at the tall blond-blue-eyed man who was beauty personified. He knew this had to be Kagome's father, and he'd been informed this man was a true Spirit of the highest caliber. Thus, he was not a human in any shape or form, though he looked the part.

A soft laugh drew his attention.

"Though the situation had unique circumstances, you did the same thing with mother and father," Kagome said in a sweet voice that had Crow shivering.

"That he did, Kagome, my child," her grandfather, Master Kai-Fai, huffed.

The look on Kagome's father's face made him laugh along with everyone else. Everyone was gathered because Kagome and he wanted them there for their wedding in two days' time.

When Kagome's blue eyes met his red ones, he saw the happiness, understanding, and love in them. He had finally found his peace, his home, and the happy ending he'd wanted. And it had started with a strange girl he'd found laying on the stone bench outside the old school house at Thors Academy.

THE END!