Disclaimer for this story: Young Justice is property of Greg Weisman and Brandon Vietti and InuYasha is property of Rumiko Takahashi. All publicly recognizable characters, settings, etc. are the property of their respective owners. The original characters and plot are the property of the author, punkish furball. The author, punkish furball, is in no way associated with the owners, creators, or producers of any media franchise. The author, punkish furball, makes no profit from this fanfiction. No copyright infringement is intended.

punkish furball – Hello, all! XD

Words to Ponder:

Hi, guys. I know you were expected something else to be updated, but let's be frank. I'm a college senior that wants to graduate on time, maintain my GPA, and get ready for the real world. I scribble down some chapters in between classes and type them when I can. I felt bad for not updating, so I decided to post this new story I've been working on whenever the urge hit me. I hope you enjoy it and won't have to wait long for future updates to existing stories!

This is my Young Justice/InuYasha crossover! XD This takes place after Artemis joins the Team and before Zatanna and Rocket do. I hope you enjoy it; it was really fun to write about all the members of team. Aqualad, Robin, and Kid Flash are my favs!

As for the timeline, the events begin in the same year that the team was started, 2010. However, the formation of the team has been pushed earlier in the year before their official formation on July 4th. InuYasha's timeline has also been adjusted to fit within this timeline. Otherwise, Kagome would be in her twenties…

As always feel free to send me your comments and questions. I'm really interested in knowing if I write everyone in character especially characters from Young Justice.

Prologue

Thursday, May 27, 2010

Kagome Higurashi had known Shippo for a very, very long time. Over the years they shared—in their past and her present—they grew to the point where they could anticipate each other's movements and even their thoughts. Even so, Kagome was unexpectedly stunned when Shippo voiced his inner musings as he walked her home from school, his self-appointed chore.

"Why don't superheroes kill their enemies?" Shippo asked without pausing in his stride.

"Excuse me?" Kagome remarked, blinking owlishly. She wasn't sure if he was being serious or not.

"You know," Shippo elaborated with a slight wave of his hand, "Why don't Superman, Batman, Wonder Woman, and all other those guys just off the Joker or whatever nemesis they have and be done with it?"

Kagome shrugged and tightened her grip on her backpack's straps. "…to keep themselves in business?"

Shippo turned to her and frowned; he was obviously displeased with her reasoning. "Don't you think it would be a more profitable business venture for superheroes to invest in revenge?"

'…he is being serious,' Kagome thought, suppressing a sigh.

"They already invest in revenge," she stated blandly, "After the good guys put the bad guys in jail, the bad guys break out and start plotting their revenge on the good guys. Then the good guys catch the bad guys again, and the whole thing starts over. It's an endless cycle of vengeance."

"I'm not referring to that sort of revenge," Shippo clarified with a scoff, "I mean, fighting the same guy over and over for the rest of your superhero career? No matter how many tricks and traps and world domination schemes he comes up with that gets boring fast, Kaa-san."

Kagome rolled her eyes; Shippo was far too invested in this topic. She blamed it on the kitsune's innate curiosity.

"Consider this," he told her, "Big super bad guy gets killed by big super good dude once and for all. Naturally, after an intense and all inclusive investigation on his demise, it gets reported to the public that big super bad guy was actually everyday Joe Blo from down the street. Poor dead Joe's family, friends, coworkers, old classmates, regular barber, distant admirers, and stalkers all see that broadcast and bam!" Shippo loudly clapped his hands once to emphasis the strength of his notion. "Big super good dude has the opportunity to capitalize on what could potentially be generations upon generations of steady crime fighting action with multiple big super bad guys!"

"I don't think a super villain's relationships would be based on that type of pack mentality," Kagome countered, "Besides, if a super villain's relatives and the like decide to avenge the villain's death, what happens when the superhero can't fight crime like he used to? All that law-breaking will go unchecked."

Great, now she was being serous.

"That's why most heroes have sidekicks!" Shippo exclaimed with a cheeky grin.

"Sidekicks?" Kagome repeated unsurely.

Shippo nodded rapidly. "Someone for them to mentor and teach all their secrets. The Robin to every Batman, the Aqualad to every Aquaman, the Speedy to every Green Arrow, the…small Flash to every…bigger Flash…?"

"The Shippo to every InuYasha," Kagome added with wistful smile. Shippo pouted and looped his arm around the miko's shoulder; pulling her tightly to his side.

"I'd much rather be remembered as your sidekick," he told her, his tone both affectionate and reverent, "You're just as much a hero as he is."

"I'm no hero," Kagome quietly remarked, pointing her gaze to her feet.

Shippo sighed and raked his long fingers through his short auburn hair without relinquishing his hold on the young miko. Such disheartening displays from Kagome were commonplace nowadays, and there wasn't much he could do about it.

The two continued walking in silence to Kagome's new home. She and younger brother, Sota, now lived with Sesshomaru as his current wards in Shizuoka, Japan. When Kagome returned to her own time period after the final battle with the hellish spider construct, Naraku, victorious, Sesshomaru approached her and her family under his modern era persona. Throughout Kagome's travels in the past, she and daiyōkai grew close, much closer than she ever expected.

Sesshomaru and his small entourage began traveling with her companions when Naraku's demise drew closer. When InuYasha wasn't constantly trying to instigate trouble with him, Sesshomaru silently regarded each member of the group, tolerating their presence and nothing more. One night, Kagome boldly approached the silent demon and tried speaking to him. He did and said nothing but allowed her to stay by his side. Of course, he quickly learned that ignoring Kagome was not an option, and his curiosity couldn't help but be aroused by her presence. It wasn't long before Kagome's one-sided conversations evolved into a bonding ritual between both parties. Sesshomaru grew to respect Kagome, and she reciprocated those feelings tenfold. With all the chaotic events she experienced during her travels, Kagome eagerly welcomed her new calm, quiet companion.

Because of the close kinship they developed, Sesshomaru arrived to her shrine with a proposition. He offered her a new home and a place in his pack under his protection. Kagome—and the rest of her family—were stunned. She knew spoke of her fears of the future with him in the past, but she never thought Sesshomaru would take such drastic measures to ease her worries. After much debate, Kagome agreed. Her mother and grandfather were sad to see her go but knew there wasn't anything left for their precious girl here. A place to start afresh was exactly what she needed to move on.

The only opposition came from Kagome's younger brother. Sota was adamant about not letting his sister leave him behind for a second time and stood firm in the face of the powerful yōkai. The young human gave Sesshomaru an ultimatum: allow him to go with Kagome or be prepared for him to try and do so by force. Intrigued and amused by Sota's bravado, Sesshomaru extended an invitation to him as well.

Sesshomaru wasn't the only one from the past Kagome had constant encounters with. Jaken, who continued to faithfully serve his lord without fail, worked as Kagome and Sota's main caretaker much to his chagrin. Of course, he'd never admit out loud how fond he was of the two Higurashi siblings.

Rin, Sesshomaru's former charge, married and mated Shippo and both visited the house often, staying for days at a time. Their children were grown with families of their own, and they didn't foresee having more for some time. Both beings felt entitled to spend as much time as they could with their adoptive parents. Kagome knew that Sesshomaru shamelessly spoiled them over the centuries no matter how much he tried to deny it.

When Kagome and Shippo reached the house, Sesshomaru met them at the door.

"Hello, Sesshomaru," Kagome greeted him warmly. He nodded in response and surveyed her form, checking for anything that was amiss. Kagome fought the urge to giggle; Sesshomaru was as protective as he was indulgent.

"How was school?" he asked once his assessment was done.

Kagome shrugged. "Alright. I'm still getting used to it."

"It's been three months, has it not?" Sesshomaru questioned suspiciously, "Surely you must be adjusted by now." He narrowed his eyes. "Are you being treated fairly by your peers and instructors?"

"It's nothing like that," Kagome insisted, "Everything is fine. I just need a little more time to get used to things." She stepped away from Shippo's grip and adjusted her bag on her shoulders.

"So what's up, chief?" Shippo asked as he placed both his hands on the back of his head, "You usually don't meet us at the door."

"A client of mine is travelling to Japan within the next few days," Sesshomaru stated.

"Who?" Shippo asked.

"Bruce Wayne, owner of Wayne Enterprises," he answered. Shippo whistled long and low at that name.

"I take it this guy's pretty well known," Kagome commented. With the type of business ventures Sesshomaru and Shippo took on, it was rare they were impressed with anyone especially if they were human.

"Definitely," Shippo remarked, "Wayne has some pretty impressive stats—humanity aside."

"What does that have to do with us?" Kagome asked Sesshomaru.

"This particular matter concerns only you," Sesshomaru expounded, "Wayne-san's ward and his friends are accompanying him on this trip. They will need to be entertained and kept out of trouble."

Kagome quietly groaned and rolled her eyes. "So I guess that means I get to play babysitter, right?"

"Those are his words not mine," Sesshomaru remarked, "They are close to your age; add them to your collection if you wish."

Kagome snorted before bypassing the imposing demon heading upstairs to her room.

"I make friends. I do not collect people," she said over her shoulder with a slight huff. Shippo chuckled and quickly followed behind Kagome leaving Sesshomaru behind.

"He does have a point," Shippo commented as he shadowed the priestess, "Your friends aren't exactly normal; they're part of a pretty impressive collection if you ask me."

"Especially since I count you among them," Kagome said with a snicker.

"Hey!" Shippo protested and draped himself over Kagome's back, "I'm your son not a friend! I'm far too special to be counted with everyone else."

"Of course, my silly little kit," Kagome agreed; she reached up and gently ruffled his hair. Shippo purred and nuzzled into her neck. She rolled her eyes but continued coddling him. When they reached the door to her bedroom, Shippo pulled away and opened the door, allowing Kagome to walk in first.

"So are you going to pick up Sota from practice today?" Shippo asked, leaning against the door frame when Kagome took a seat at her desk and set down her backpack.

"I always do," Kagome answered without looking his way. She pulled out one of her textbooks and her notebook from her bag, opening each to the desired page. After that, she retrieved some colored pens and highlighters from her desk drawer.

Shippo shrugged his shoulders before sticking his hands in his pockets. "I could go for you today. You look like you have some heavy duty studying to do, and you could use a little break."

Kagome shook her head as she highlighted a section of her notes. "I'll be fine."

"Are you gonna walk or let Jaken drive you?" Shippo asked, hoping but not expecting for it to be the latter.

"I'll walk," Kagome replied, "Jaken-san doesn't have to go out of his way for that." She giggled as she turned the page of her notebook. "Besides, he'll just complain about it the whole time."

Shippo sighed. "In that case, be back before dinner or Rin will have a fit."

"I promise Sota and I will be back before then. I wouldn't want to put you in the doghouse if we're late," Kagome stated and shot the kit a playful look, "Now let me do my homework in peace."

Shippo grinned before standing up straight and giving his adoptive mother a grand, theatric bow. "Certainly, Kaa-san!"

Kagome rolled her eyes and returned to her studies after Shippo left her room, closing the door behind him. Shippo walked down the hallway, into a separate wing of the large manor, and joined Sesshomaru in his study. The inu was seated at his desk typing away at his laptop.

"Yes, kit?" Sesshomaru acknowledged him without look away from his computer screen. Shippo pouted as he took a seat in front of Sesshomaru's desk. First Kagome, now him. Was he not worth being looked at while being talked to anymore?

"Are you sure you're doing the right thing?" Shippo asked, expecting the dog to know what he was referring to.

Sesshomaru paused and looked at Shippo, lifting one of his slender eyebrows. "Are you not involved in this decision as well?"

"Depends on the outcome," Shippo remarked with smirk.

"The final decision is hers to make," Sesshomaru commented, "I'm merely ensuring that she knows all her available options."

Shippo leaned back in the chair, stretching his long legs out in front of him. "If you say so. I'm sure they'll be pretty persuasive once they see what she can do; I doubt they know the meaning of no when it comes to this type of thing."

"No one will sway her decision for their own benefit," Sesshomaru stated firmly; this provision in the agreement was absolute. "The proper outcome will be for Kagome's wellbeing and her wellbeing alone."

"And screw everyone else in the process?" Shippo commented with a devious grin.

A small smirk snaked its way on Sesshomaru's face before he turned his attention back to his work. "Precisely."

-O0o0O-

"What did you want to see me about?" Aqualad asked as he calmly looked up to the notorious Dark Knight. He visited the Cave and requested to speak with him individually after he delivered his customary mission reports to the rest of the Team. As team leader, Aqualad frequently had one-on-ones with Batman; they were usually reports on the team's performance and the like. He had a feeling this was not the case now.

"We have located a potential new member to add to the Team," Batman stated, maintaining his stoicism.

Aqualad didn't seem too surprised; there were many other young heroes—or sidekicks as they were commonly called—that were trained under members of the Justice League. It seemed natural that these young heroes and heroines would work with or join the Team at one point or another.

"Who is this new recruit?" Aqualad inquired.

Batman answered by handing Aqualad a file that was surprisingly thin. Batman was always efficient in obtaining the most obscure facts and information, and it was odd that he'd present him with such a meager amount of data.

'Interesting,' Aqualad thought before he opened the file and browsed its contents. What immediately caught his attention was a short list of details provided next to the photo of a raven-haired, blue-eyed young woman named Kagome Higurashi. She was seventeen years old and the oldest ward of Sesshomaru Toboso. She currently resided in Shizuoka, the capital city of the Japanese prefecture of the same name in the Chūbu region of Honshu.

Underneath these printed lines was an array of photos. Listed next to each image was the relation of the individual to Kagome. Aqualad quickly flipped through the pages, scanning each one carefully. There was considerably more information on Kagome's mother, grandfather, younger brother, and late father than the girl herself. However, there was only a name and occupation listed next to her current guardian, his daughter and her husband, Rin and Shippo Yoshikuni, and various other individuals regularly associated with the family.

Aqualad returned to Kagome's image on the first page of the file, scrutinizing her bright azure eyes and charming smile. All in all, Kagome Higurashi seemed like an attractive yet ordinary girl.

'Could she truly be a hero?' he thought, perplexed.

"There is no information on her abilities, powers, or experience," Aqualad commented after he closed the file.

"This is all I can supply you with," Batman remarked, "Our recruit's guardian is very thorough at keeping her information low key."

Aqualad was instantly intrigued; there must be more to Toboso than meets the eye if he managed to keep the Dark Knight at bay.

"I see," he replied, "What is the next course of action?"

"As team leader, overseeing and improving team dynamics and operations fall under your responsibilities," Batman briefly explained, "Because we have no information regarding the merits of this potential member, it is your duty to see if she is suitable for this team."

"I understand. How shall I proceed?" As always, Aqualad expected the mission to be covert and employ undercover tactics. Once again, Batman surprised him.

"You, Robin, and Kid Flash will accompany me to Shizuoka. The recruit's guardian arranged for you three to have the opportunity to observe her. You are not to reveal yourselves to her under any circumstances until she is deemed suitable for this team."

"Why doesn't her guardian tell us what we need to know?" Aqualad couldn't stop himself from asking. It was clear Toboso had a hand in the League's consideration of his ward's possible recruitment. If he was willing to go that far for her, he should have been more forthcoming with the information they needed.

"That's just how Toboso operates." Aqualad turned and saw Robin and Kid Flash enter the room to join him and Batman each wearing wide grins.

"Looks like you got briefed on our new mission," Robin quipped, "It's just the three of us. Like when we started out, right?"

Aqualad grinned as he remembered that fateful day. "I suppose."

"Don't be so serious!" Kid Flash exclaimed, casually slinging his arm over Aqualad's shoulders, "We're going to a foreign county in the next few days; think of it as a vacation!"

"Plus, Bats trusts you with our secret IDs," Robin commented with a wide grin.

"Your secret identities?" Aqualad repeated in awe.

"Yep," Robin replied with a shrug of his shoulders. "It was originally supposed to be me and Kid Flash on this mission, but Batman decided we'd need your skills." He comradely nudged Aqualad with his elbow. "You're lucky enough to see what's under the mask!"

Aqualad looked to Batman and he nodded once at the Atlantean teen. Aqualad fought the urge to beam widely; to be trusted with this information meant Batman acknowledged his growth as a hero and deemed he worthy of such knowledge. He truly felt honored.

"Be fully prepared to leave in the next five days," Batman instructed the excited trio, "You may discuss this mission with Superboy, Miss Martian, Artemis, and other League members but be discreet. Do not mention the names of the recruit or any of her relations. You are also not to reveal our exact location." His lips tightened to a thin line. "Under any circumstances is there will be no communication to the remainder of the Team or the League while we are deployed."

The trio of young heroes nodded, eager to get this mission underway. "Understood."

-O0o0O-

punkish furball – I hope you enjoyed that! It was on the short side as prologues are prone to be, but the next chapter is much longer. As always, contact me for your comments, questions, and words of wisdom about this story and any others. L83R, DUD35! (≧∇≦)

(revised 03.20.2013)