A/N: Since Study Date is coming to a close, I thought I would write a new story! It just popped into my head a few days ago and I thought I would give it a shot! Read and review and see if it's worth continuing! This chapter is short but then, again the first chapter of all my long stories are always short. So read on and tell me what you think!!!


The Moon & Star

His eyes were the shade of a deep sunset; his long, flowing, silky hair was a pale, stunning, sterling silver. She never knew how much she needed him; all this time he was here; alongside her, watching over and protecting her from danger. Just his presence alone is enough to make her feel safe and his voice was reassuring, rough and trustworthy all at once. He wasn't just her bodyguard; he was her guiding light, her lover....and her moon.

It was a mere chance that Inuyasha came into her life. At the beginning, he was her protector, her guardian against the troubles of the world; like an older brother of sorts. But as time passed and she became a young adult; feelings of love were becoming apparent for the two.

Chapter 1: A New Moon Cycle

"Hmm..." 35 year old Akio Higurashi tapped his pen on his oak desk where tons of papers lay; most of which were profiles on bodyguards. He had read about the increase in rape and murder crimes of women in recent years and that compelled him to find a suitable guardian for his 5 year old daughter, Kagome. He, under no circumstances would send his only daughter without some protection out in the world. Akio was only doing this to protect and keep his precious child away from the cruel world and wouldn't end up in the numbers of rape/murder victims.

The businessman had plenty to sort out; with as much as 50 applicants up for review. He let out an exhausted breath and sat back in his black leather chair with much to contemplate. All the potential protectors seemed qualified but that mattered little. When he would be interviewing, he would have his daughter with him. She would ultimately choose her bodyguard, due to her choosy nature. Kagome might only be 5 years old; but she knew what she wanted when she saw it. His daughter was intelligent; he knew and he could see her able to live happily and feel safe and secure.

Most of the profiles he reviewed were demon bodyguards. They were tough, durable and some were immortal. He had one where one was a half demon and he studied this one carefully. He picked up the profile on top of the papers and looked it over. He wondered if a half demon could get the job done as well as a full blooded one. His deep mahogany eyes then scanned his office; deciding to rest his rapidly stressing brain. Everything from the bookcase to his desk was made of oak. Two tall windows facing the front of his house were open; bringing in sunlight across the room. His life that he made got him here and he was proud of his accomplishments.

Then came three knocks from his solid oak doors; Akio then straightened himself and sat up straight. "Come in." He announced.

The right door opened and in came a small, fragile woman known as Kaede. He liked this woman; because she took care of Kagome when he couldn't. She had one working eye; her right one covered by a black patch. Her long gray hair was tied in a ponytail that reached her butt. She wore a white long sleeved blouse with a long deep blue skirt. Kaede was wise in her old age and had such power as a disciplinarian; though she never had to correct Kagome that much.

"Kaede, what brings you here?" He asked.

She stopped a few feet from his desk. "Sir, it's about time to look for a protector for young Kagome."

He looked down at his wristwatch: 10:52, it read. The interrogation was to begin at 11:00 and would last pretty much the afternoon.

"Oh lord, how time has passed." He smoothed his rich, obsidian hair back and stood up. "Alright, Kaede send them in one at a time but bring Kagome in beforehand. She will have the final say in this."

"Yes Akio-san, right away." And she left the office; closing the door behind her.

Akio smiled at how Kaede was always so formal; even though she was his elder. She was such a big help around his home and he appreciated and respected her services. Ever since Kagome was born, he had hired the nurse to look after her when he wasn't around.

He sat back down and straightened out his work space; ready to conduct a long and hopeful search for the perfect guardian. The man was optimistic that his daughter would choose the right one. 'This is going to be a long day.'


His little angel came running in minutes later. Akio smiled at how happy and naturally spry she was. Her shoulder length, bouncy black hair she inherited from him was flapping and flowing freely. She had her mother's deep, rich cocoa eyes and her gorgeous smile. Kagome always looked for the good in people and with her around, everyone was in better spirits.

"Daddy!!" She squealed as she ran to him and was picked up to sit on his lap.

"Hey baby girl. Are you ready for today?"

The little 5 year old nodded enthusiastically and turned around to face the oak doors; where her potential bodyguard waited.

"Alright Kaede, bring in the first applicant." He stated; sounding professional. The old nurse bowed quickly and went outside to fetch the first.

~#~#~#~#~#~#~#~#~

The next few hours seemed grueling and never-ending. Kagome never showed any interest in any so far; and had her head resting on her arms; seeming bored with every minute that passed. Akio was gradually getting tired and a headache was eating away at him. He rubbed his temples after every applicant. He didn't think it would be this difficult. Even as a businessman with a growing seafood company and many financial wins under his belt, Akio had never guessed something as hiring a protector for his daughter; was back-breaking. Mentioning and thinking was easier than actually looking.

About 35 demon guards had come and gone and both Higurashi parent and child were still hanging in there.

"Daddy, I'm tired." His little girl complained; trying to stifle a big yawn without success.

Akio rubbed her back and kissed the back of her head. She went from excited and enthusiastic to exhausted and bored in under three hours into the interviews. "I know little one but we don't have too many left. Do you think you can stay awake until then?"

Kagome rubbed her sleep-filled eyes and moaned. "I'll try daddy."

He was content with her answer and waited for the next. While he waited, he gazed at a framed picture on the right side of his massive desk. It was when his wife, Masako was still alive. He, she and their then 2 year old daughter were at a picnic. Masako was smiling beautifully while she had Kagome on her lap with peanut butter all over her face. She was also smiling like her mother. He was kneeling behind his wife, hands on her shoulders as he grinned happily. Kaede took the picture and he looked at it everyday. It was lonely without his wonderful wife but he promised her that he would be successful for her. And he was and always would keep that single most important promise.

Kagome twisted around to see what made her father so silent. She looked to where he was and saw that special picture. She was too young to remember the picnic but she did remember her mother. It still made her sad.

"Sir, the next one is ready for you." Kaede said; snapping both out of their own thoughts.

"Thank you, Kaede. How many left do we have?" He pressed his fingers against the pressure gathering at his forehead.

"Around 15 left, sir." She then noticed how her boss was seemingly fighting a massive headache. "Would you like some pain relievers for your pain, sir?"

"Yes, bring three aspirin and a glass of water after this interviewee, please." He pleaded.

"Can I have some apple juice please, Granny Kaede?" Kagome asked.

The nurse smiled at the little girl's name for her and her pleading eyes. "Yes child, I will bring your apple juice and pain killers for the master."

One less headache and two hours later, Akio was starting to feel better that it was almost over but quite concerned because Kagome hasn't took to anyone yet. She slurped her second cup of apple juice; looking too cute and precious. He wanted to see that she remained safe for as long as he lived. If anything happened to her; like with his deceased wife, he would never forgive himself.

The folders of profiles were stacked up on his left and he realized that there was only one more left in front of him.

"Bring in the final person, Kaede." Akio brushed his bangs back and looked happy as to finally complete this daunting task.

Kagome once again rested her head on her bare arms; waiting. The last 49 demon guards didn't impress her. They were either too tough looking, gruff or too scary for her. Besides she wanted one that she could talk to, play with her and not looking mean and/or scary.

The nurse opened the oak door and let through the last applicant and she stepped out; leaving Akio-san to the interviewee.

The little girl's eyes bugged out as she saw the man come in; his face tough yet gentle at the same time. This one immediately caught her attention. She gasped at how unique looking he was.

Akio noticed Kagome's sudden change in body posture. She was looking right at the silver haired demon. 'Maybe this could be the one we've been searching for.'

Little did each of them know that this was the start of a cycle; a lovely moon cycle that would repeat over and over for years to come.