Now and Then, Here and There by TrinityLayne

Prologue: Now and then,

Now and Then; Here and There.

By TrinityLayne

Disclaimer: Don't own them, just like to play with them once and a while. (I always put them back, none the worst for wear. EG!) only the plot is mine.

Pairings: Kagome/Sesshomaru, Miroku/Sango, Kouga/???, Shippou/???.

AN: This is my very first fic using the InuYasha 'verse. The Bunny for this has been bounding through my head for almost 2 years now, and I finally had to given in and put it to word. I hope you enjoy.

'thoughts'

"talking"

~~ Ye be warned, there be; death/sadness, language/violence, and some Lemons ahead. ~~

Prologue: Now and Then.

Present Day: Higurashi family Shrine.

The cold breeze caused the leaves in the 'Goshinboku' to rustle gently. Mrs. Higurashi was walking across the courtyard of the shrine compound. She paused in front of the tree and looked up at the indention where she knew InuYasha had been bound to before her daughter had released him from his bonds. She released a heavy sigh that speaks greatly of worry and grief. Kagome, it's been six months, since you've been back. I pray you are well. She knelt down and pulled a weed from the base of one of the five little stone monuments that surrounded the tree.

"A woman as beautiful as you should not be performing such a menial task." A rich baritone voice filled with mirth rose for behind her. Mrs. Higurashi gasped, stood up and spun around to see a tall man with long brown hair and hazel eyes standing a few feet away. He looked young, about twenty or so, wearing a black long sleeve silk shirt, black slacks and black boots; he had a smirk on his face and was just standing there like--well, like he owned the place.

"Baka..." A woman about his age walked up behind him, wearing a sky blue kimono with white sakura blossoms embroidered on it, and smacked him in the back of the head. She had long dark brown hair that fell to just below her knees and warm eyes the color of polished mahogany. "You startled her." She stood next to the now apologetic-looking man, the top of her head barely reaching his chin. She smiled warmly at Mrs. Higurashi and bowed.

"Please forgive my mat... husband's uncouth behavior, Mrs. Higurashi. Sometimes he acts like he was raised by wolves." Her companion broke out in deep laughter. Mrs. Higurashi look at the couple confused, not sure if she should call the police or the funny farm.

"Kitten?" Laughter played on his endearment as he wrapped his arms around her and nuzzled his cheek against the top of her head.

"Yes, dear?" He brought his lips down to her ear level, nipping the lobe gently.

"I was raised by wolves... Oww!" The older woman didn't see any movement, but the strange young man suddenly let go of the girl and jumped back; hopping on his left foot, grabbing hold of the other as if it was in pain. "What did you do that for?" He feigned a look of deep hurt, betrayed only by the wicked gleam in his eyes. The woman just smiled sweetly as she reached up and tucked an arrant tendril of hair behind her ear.

"Honestly, Kouga. Just because something is true, does not mean you have to be an ass about it."

"Wait a minute..." Mrs. Higurashi mind was spinning. Brown hair, full of himself and a wicked sense of humor...Wolves... did she call him... "Kouga? Kagome's Kouga?" She hadn't realized she had spoken aloud.

"Hmmm... Kagome's Kouga? You know, I haven't heard that in a very long time, and the more I think about it..." He smiled wickedly. "The better..." The young woman gave the mischievous Okami a murderous look and growled deep. Kouga placed his hand on his mate's shoulder, squeezing playfully and spoke low enough that only she could hear. "Retract your claws, kitten. I'll behave." He lowered his hand stroking her silky tresses down her back till he reached her rear, he patted it gently. Before she could react he moved towards the older women, and took her hand in his own. Kouga bowed deeply bringing her hand to his lips kissing it gently.

"Mrs. Higurashi, my name is Kouga Ookami, and it is my greatest pleasure to meet the mother of 'my' fair Kagome..."

"Has Kagome arrived yet, Mrs. Higurashi?" The young woman asked, eagerly, interrupting her 'mate'.

"Ka... Kagome is well." The older woman asked, her voice wavering with emotion. Her eyes beginning to tear, as she looked hopefully at the young couple.

"It would appear we have arrived early, kitten." Kouga looked to his mate, than to Mrs. Higurashi. "Maybe it would be best if we moved this gathering in doors, The breeze this morning is quite chilly."

"Mom--Tomoko." Her father and son exclaimed, seeing the pale face and watering eyes of their loved one, as she and two strangers entered the house.

"Father, Souta, we have guests." Tomoko Higurashi motioned for the couple to enter. "Please make yourselves at home. Would you care for some jasmine tea?" They both nodded. She went about making tea fore everyone, after she placed the finish tea on the table, Tomoko turned to her son and father, and quietly said. "They have news of Kagome."

"WHAT" Souta and his grandfather shouted at once.

"Calm down, gentlemen." Kouga pulled out a chair for his mate, and after she was comfortable, he sat as well.

"Well, it would seem that the telling of this tale shall fall to me." Kouga's wife just rolled her eyes and patted his hand, as he settled down in his chair. Pausing to gather his thoughts. "Well Tomoko, it all started, on this very spot, during a rain storm, exactly 500 years ago..."

TBC...

Please R/R...