This was inspired by a reoccurring dream and watching Inuyasha for almost ten years :D only to move onto the manga when adult swim ran out of new episodes. I hope you like this!

Disclaimer: I do not own Inuyasha. At least not until my mutant gerbil army is released in Tokyo. Just kidding, Mrs. Takahashi.

Kagome ran through the forest, chasing after a silver-haired figure. Kagome had glanced at the girl and seen what appeared to be a gunshot wound, but that was impossible...wasn't it? The girl had hair strikingly similar to Inuyasha's silver locks. She called out but the girl ran away. Kagome pursued without so much as telling her friends what she was doing but they followed due to the sense of urgency.

Finally the chase came to an end when the girl whipped around on the opposite edge of a field. Kagome stopped at the other side, not wanting to get too close.

"Go away or I'll shoot." The strange girl called, a bow aimed at Kagome. The girl wore a filthy pair of jeans that had been ripped to shreds from the knee down and a raggedy hoodie worn to the point of holes in some places. Her hair was matted with dirt but it was obviously the same figure Kagome had followed. Inuyasha noticed here attire was from Kagome's time. That was also when he noticed her injury. She must be pretty strong to weld a bow with an injury like that. Most humans would be crying in pain.

"This is your final warning, leave or I'll fire."

Inuyasha growled and stepped in front of Kagome. I don't care how strong she is she better not threaten Kagome again! A wind rushed by him and he had to close his eyes against the rush of air. When he opened his eyes an Asian dragon crouched between him and the girl. Miroku and Sango bowed low as Shippo stared up in awe. The dragon's ruby scales sparkled like gems and his horns were those of a stag. Both the human and demon blood in Inuyasha told him to bow before the mythical creature. He grimaced as his defiant streak slowly deserted him.

"If you value your life, do not harm this child. She is under my care and I will punish those who bring misfortune to her."

Inuyasha dared to reply, "Kagome just wants to help her."

Behind the dragon the girl fell to a knee, clutching her arm. Her body begged her to cry out but she clenched her teeth to stifle her scream.

Kagome found the courage to confirm his words, "She needs help."

The dragon held up a claw to Inuyasha and swiveled his head to face Kagome. Kagome was uncomfortable as she felt the dragon gaze into her soul. After what seemed an eternity he nodded and stood aside. Kagome had just approached the girl when she let out the low feral snarl of a beast. The girl looked up and Kagome was shocked to find eyes the same golden shade as the dragon's and Inuyasha's.

The mythical protector sensed her unease and moved beside the girl to allow her to lean on him. His movements were off a bit and he seemed pained as he layed down. Kagome walked forward again, this time without incident, determined to help the silver-haired teen. The girl relaxed against the dragon's side as Kagome tended to her arm.

"How did you get hurt with a dragon protecting you?" Kagome asked calmly.

"I'm sure you still manage to get injured with your mate watching over you," her tone still held a hint of bitterness but she had begun to calm down.

"My mate?"

The girl nodded her head toward the half demon that stared at her curiously. He glanced away for a moment though, when she gestured to him. Kagome noticed the odd way they looked at one another in that second their eyes met. She chose this moment, because the girl was distracted, to use the tip of an arrow to pry out the bullet. The girl flinched hard but stayed quiet. Kagome quickly pocketed the metal projectile.

"Oh, you mean Inuyasha. We're just friends."

The girl huffed. "Keh." Kagome patted her shoulder when she finished. The girl flexed her arm and smiled at Kagome's handy work. "Thank you. My name is Kame."

"I'm Kagome. You're not from here, are you?"

"Where is here? When is here?"

"You're in the feudal era."

"Like the 1800's?"

"I guess. Are you from the continent?"

"Where?"

"China."

"No, I'm from America."

"Oh."

Kame changed the subject, "Will you take a look at Kai? I'm worried about his chest." She rubbed the scales behind her affectionately.

Kagome nodded and stood in front of the magical serpent. "May I look at your injury?" she asked with a respectful voice.

"If you wish." He indicated a patch of scales on his upper body.

"Oh my!"

"What is it Kagome?" Inuyasha had been listening carefully as he watched them.

They stared in shook at the gaping hole in his breast. The edges were ragged and covered in both dried and fresh blood, disguised from afar by his crimson pelt.

"My wound is fatal. I used the most of my strength to transport Kame here. I am afraid my time is near."

Kagome stroked his cheek, no longer afraid but full of pity for this great and kind beast. He nodded once more before turning to his ward.

"I must leave you now, young one." Kame gulped and blinked hard to hold back tears. "Do not fear, for I have left you with a wonderful gift." She hugged him as a single tear broke free and streamed down her face.

"Please, you can't abandon me like everyone else. I need you, Kai."

Kai stepped away and began to take wingless flight. He called from the air, "Look to the stars and know you are never alone." As he soared into heaven his words echoed. "You are never alone..."

After listening to the fading goodbye Kame ran into the forest, running remarkably fast for a mere human. Kagome stepped forward but hesitated for a moment.

"Come on, Kagome," Inuyasha was clearly sympathetic and the others had no idea how close to home the situation hit.

"But..."

"That girl just wants to be left alone. Even if you found her she would just run off again."

The group carried on with solemn expressions. Sometime later they rested for the night around a campfire. The mood was sad and no one spoke. The silence carried Kagome's thoughts back to Kame. She's not even from Japan. Kame must feel so lost and alone. "Please, you can't abandon me like everyone else." She is alone. How sad... I wonder why she had a bullet in her arm.

"You guys need to get some sleep," with that Inuyasha took his outlook position in a branch overlooking his friends. I should have known she didn't smell like that. Why did I assume it was all her blood? He jumped silently down from the tree and made his way across the campsite.

Kagome stirred as he walked by. "Inu...?"

He crouched beside her when she sat up. "Go to sleep Kagome. I'll be back soon."

"What's wrong, is it a demon?" Now she was fully awake.

"Uh, no. Don't worry."

"You're going to check on Kame, aren't you?"

"Yeah."

"I want to come with you."

"No, stay here."

"Are you sure?" She placed a hand on his shoulder; lending support because she guessed how Kame must reminded him of his childhood.

He lightly covered her hand with his own. "I'm sure." He stared into her chocolate eyes then withdrew his hand and walked away. He paused and whispered to her over his shoulder, "I gotta find her, Kagome."

That's all folks! Any theories as to who Kame really is? Is she a sister, reincarnation, bringer of the evil gerbil army? Please tell me what you think.