Notes: I'm not done with Five Days...Parenting. I've hit a block as to how exactly I want to end it. I'm hoping that by moving on, I'll get hit with inspiration. I hate starting a story while leaving one unfinished, but so it must be.

This is my latest attempt at a novel-length story. It's not supposed to be a romance but naturally there will be some in there. A good deal, probably, because I'm a big sap with no love life of my own, hee hee. Anyway, here we go, I hope you all enjoy it.

Disclaimer: Inuyasha et. al. is the property of Rumiko Takahashi. Just borrowing, thank you.

Chapter One: It Begins

"Enter."

The large mahogany doors swung open to admit an impish little man with beady eyes and perennially pursed lips. He scuffled across the marble floor of his superior's office, coming to a stop before his massive desk. The imposing figure sat formally behind the desk facing the picture window of his thirtieth story office.

"Well?"

"I've found her, Master –"

"SIR," the figure interrupted in a cold but forceful voice, turning to regard his subordinate. "If I have to remind you of that again, you will not make it to see another sunrise."

"Yes, of course, Sir. As I was saying, I found her. She's living in Tokyo, as you suspected."

"How old?"

"Two. Shall I send the men after her?"

"No. You'll go – alone – and keep an eye on her."

"But, Sir, I thought..."

"You thought wrong. Watch over her, and nothing more. We've waited this long, we can wait a little longer. I don't want to risk changing the past."

The small man frowned in confusion. "Isn't that the point? To change the past?"

"Go," the larger man thundered, ignoring his lackey's question. "Watch over her and if you discover the object, report back to me at once."

Without a second word, the imp rushed out the door, bringing it to a close behind him.

"I'm not trying to change the past," the man answered to his empty office. "I'm trying to change the present."

"Dinner!"

Rin glanced up from her spot in the wildflower field, smiling at the thought of a hearty dinner. She leaned down to pluck one last blossom for her bouquet before walking back to camp.

How long had it been since she'd had regular access to normal, human food? Longer than she cared to remember, was the only answer the girl could come up with. Studying her fistful of flowers, Rin began pondering its recipient. Normally she'd foist them on her Lord Sesshoumaru, who would then promptly discard them like trash. His cold demeanor didn't bother Rin, who was thoroughly convinced the demon appreciated her effort all the same.

Still, there were other people to consider now. Jaken was too annoying, that was obvious. Perhaps one of the women? Kagome was sweet, and she seemed to like pretty things, even if she wore odd kimonos. Then there was Sango, who seemed on the verge of tears even when she smiled. Maybe a bouquet would help her feel better?

As she approached the camp, Rin caught the scent of rabbit stew. Her stomach rumbled in anticipation, almost making her forget her bouquet. Shippou? Miroku? Who?

"Inuyasha-sama!"

"What?" Inuyasha stared down at the little human girl who stood beneath the magnolia tree in which he was currently sulking.

Rin held up the bouquet, smiling up at the hanyou cheerfully.

"Don't want it," he replied.

"Inuyasha, stop being a jerk."

With a glare to Kagome, Inuyasha snatched the proffered bouquet, mumbling a half-hearted "thanks" before ascending higher into his tree.

"Rin, go fetch a bowl and come get your dinner." Kagome dipped into the stewpot, pulling up a ladle full of fresh vegetables and rabbit. Smiling kindly at the little girl, she poured the mixture into her bowl, her heart warming at the eager grin in Rin's eyes.

Poor girl probably hasn't had a decent meal in ages, she thought to herself. The young miko served up dinner to Miroku, Sango, and Shippou before turning to Sesshoumaru and Jaken. The demon lord and his companions had spent two days traveling with the Inuyasha-tachi, but she'd yet to see either of the demons eat. As edgy as the inuyoukai made her, she wouldn't be so rude as to ignore him.

"Ano, Sesshoumaru-sama, would you or Jaken-san like some stew?"

"No. Demons hunt for their dinner." Sesshoumaru smirked toward his younger brother, enjoying Inuyasha's indignant growl.

"Suit yourself," Kagome announced, pouring two last bowls of stew and heading toward the tree where she'd last seen Inuyasha lounging. She set his bowl beside herself, knowing he'd join her eventually. Kagome was amused when at last he did, sheepishly handing her the bouquet Rin had gifted him with. "Arigato, Inuyasha."

"Keh." The hanyou began sucking back his dinner at rapid speed. When at last his bowl was empty, he tossed it aside and leaned back against the tree's trunk. "I still don't like this."

Kagome rolled her eyes, finishing her own stew before reclining herself. "The enemy of my enemy is my friend, Inuyasha."

"Huh?"

"Just a silly saying I heard somewhere. If you want Naraku dead, then it only makes sense to gather together as much of his opposition as you can, right?" Inuyasha grunted in reluctant agreement. "So," Kagome continued, "it seems to me that playing nice with your brother isn't too much to ask to reach your goal."

"I could do it myself," Inuayasha stubbornly asserted, folding his arms into his haori. "I don't need him."

"Well, humor the rest of us," Kagome replied with a smile.

The first few stars of the night began appearing in the sky while the two Shikon seekers gazed up at the darkness above. Each was lost in thought as the minutes passed in companionable silence. In the heart of camp, Sesshoumaru and Jaken set out for their nightly hunting, Shippou started up a game of Go Fish with Rin, and Sango studiously avoided the wandering hands of Miroku the Lecher.

"Ne, Inuyasha?" Kagome tore her gaze from the sky and directed it toward the hanyou at her side. "When this is all over, what do you think will happen to everyone?"

"What do you mean?"

She blushed, turning to stare into the distance, avoiding his eyes upon her. "Just that, when we've defeated Naraku, and put the sacred jewel back together... the adventure will be over. Sango and Miroku will get married, and I guess Sesshoumaru will go back to doing whatever it is that he does..."

"So?"

Kami, is he THAT dense? Kagome glanced back at him for a second, and found genuine confusion on his face. She wanted to laugh, but held it in. "So... what about Shippou? You?" and quieter, "me?"

Inuyasha heaved out an annoyed sigh, and looked back up at the starry sky. "Keh, you worry too much. Whatever will happen, will happen."

So that's it, huh? Life goes on. Fighting back the tears that began to sting the corners of her eyes, Kagome pulled her legs up to her chest and hugged them tight. "Yeah, I guess I'll be going home, then. I have a lot of schoolwork to get caught up on, if I want to get into college."

Silence fell between them again, this time heavy with Kagome's disappointment and Inuyasha's frustration. Just as Kagome was releasing her legs to stand, Inuyasha spoke.

"You could stay here, you know."

"Nani?"

The hanyou continued looking up at the sky as though he'd never spoken, yet he continued, "you don't really have to go back, do you? I mean, you've been with us for two years now. I'm sure Shippou would turn into a total brat if you left."

"Maybe I can take him with me," she said lightly, a teasing grin in her eyes.

Missing the joke, Inuyasha turned on her suddenly. "What about Sango? Miroku? They'd miss you too," he argued.

"Would you miss me?" Kagome slapped her hand over her mouth at the words that seemed to fall out of it. Beside her, Inuyasha doubled back a bit, blinking. A pause stretched for eons before he turned away again.

"Of course I'd miss you, Baka." Daring yet another look in her direction, Inuyasha was nervously pleased to find a radiant smile on Kagome's face.

"I guess I could keep visiting," she announced. "I know Kaede is looking for someone to take over her position in the village. What about you, though? Are you still planning on becoming a full demon? Or," Kagome paused, and her smile faded, "are you going to go to hell with Kikyou?"

Inuyasha fidgeted with the fabric of his cloak, not allowing himself to meet her eyes. "I don't know," he finally answered her. "I don't think I want to do either anymore."

This admission surprised the young miko. "Why the change of heart?"

"I guess I just... don't want to be a demon anymore. I'm okay with myself the way I am." He stiffened, and glared at her. "Why, got a problem with that?"

"No," Kagome smiled, "no problem at all."

"KAGOME!!!"

Shippou's sudden wail made the pair painfully aware of just how close they'd been sitting. Quicker than lightning they separated, each looking in opposite directions with embarrassed red faces.

"Kagome!!!"

"What's wrong, Shippou?"

"Miroku and—and Sango th—they—they found..."he took a deep, steadying breath, "they found a hoard of saimyoushou near the camp!"

As one Kagome and Inuyasha jumped up, eyes wide with worry.

"Where are they, Shippou?" Inuyasha questioned the small kitsune, already reaching for Tetsusaiga.

Still winded, Shippou pointed toward the other end of camp. "By the springs," he managed to reply before falling down in exhaustion.

Kagome scooped him up as Inuyasha bolted past her. The hanyou threw a look over his shoulder as he leapt to the rescue. "Kagome, stay behind with Shippou and the little girl."

"But, Inuyasha –"

"STAY," he repeated with force. "Naraku's too cowardly to show himself, and we need you alive for our battle."

At last she nodded, hugging Shippou closer to herself. "Be careful, Inuyasha."