InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ Between the Wasteland and Sky ❯ Silver Haired Strangers ( Chapter 6 )

Between the Wasteland and Sky

Chapter 6: Silver Haired Strangers

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Kagome and Inuyasha followed the woman to a quaint little clay building closely pressed between two others houses. Kagome caught Inuyasha's eye and knew that he was as curious as she was.

Once inside a small but cozy front room, the woman sat down and motioned for them to do the same. "Well what are your names? You both must be from someplace far away to be wearing those types of clothing."

The girl shook her head at Inuyasha. She didn't want to tell where they came from. Her village has spent so long staying out of the world's affairs; she couldn't risk their exposure. "We've been traveling for some time from a smaller city very far away." Kagome said. "My name is Kagome, and his is Yash."

The lady smiled at them, acting as if she had just seen Kagome for the first time. "Well I'm Sandra, one of the best bakers in this city if I do say so myself. If you have the time stop down by my shop sometime, it's just a few doors down from here if you follow the road."

Sandra was being very kind, but Kagome couldn't help but grow impatient. She was worried about what was wrong here. Was there some sort of plague? Was it dangerous to be here?

"I can see you're impatient Miss Kagome, don't worry I plan on telling you what's going on. The other people here do not approve of strangers and don't like them meddling in our affairs. I see no harm in giving you the basics however."

"This place was never exactly a nice tourist site, but it was once much quieter and kinder than this. Most people did naught but go about their own lives and ignore others. In some cases they ignored people to the extreme. A little homeless girl used to prowl these streets begging for a scrap of food, but no one would help her. I let her come to my bakery and eat there, and she was very happy. Had a nice smile that girl." Sandra trailed off in thought.

"Anyway, once she knew she had a friend, she seemed to open up. She was a born mechanic that girl. I told her she should make use of her skills and help the villagers with fixing little odds and ends; maybe even make some money for it. She went right out and did this, and soon she had more friends than just me! So many people felt in her debt for her help. This city really took to her."

"However, no one knew anything about the girl. We didn't even know her name! The town called her "Rin" on a fancy, and she didn't complain. We loved her like a daughter and she united us."

"But then that all changed. A tall man dressed similarly to you, Yash, came to this town. Actually now that I think about it, he resembled you a lot. He had long silver-white hair and didn't smile very much, if you pardon me saying so. Well anyway he came in here one day, didn't say a word, and disappeared the next. Nothing had been touched in this town, except that Rin was missing. We searched everywhere and found no trace of her. We grieve for her as if she had died, although we know the stranger must have had something to do with it. As you can imagine, this town doesn't like strangers anymore."

Inuyasha's face had turned cloudy when Sandra had described the stranger. Kagome wished she could know what he was thinking, and resolved to ask him about it later.

"Yash" found himself lost in his own memories and thoughts. Was it him? The same one who had wounded him so deeply only a short while ago? His memories flashed to a tall silver-haired man who smiled grimly at him. `Remember the promise Inuyasha…….Never forget it. No matter how things change……'

A tap on the shoulder woke him out of his thoughts. Both Kagome and Sandra were staring at him. He shouldn't let things like that take hold of him so easily. He had to be more careful.

"Sorry. I was just thinking I might have seen someone who looked like the stranger you described, but I don't think it was him." Inuyasha attempted to explain his behavior.

Sandra eyed him suspiciously. "Are you sure it wasn't him? If you have any information, please tell us."

Inuyasha just shook his head. It wasn't him. Couldn't be him. Luckily he was saved from having to say anything else. Sandra got up and stated that she'd fix some tea for the two.

While Sandra was gone, Kagome peered at Inuyasha. "You know something don't you Yash. Something about that girl and the stranger."

Inuyasha looked back at her gravely. "Why do you say that? Well perhaps I do. But I don't want to talk about it and I don't think it matters."

The young shaman sighed. Whenever he got that look on his face she knew she couldn't press him for more. Not right now anyway. She'd have to ask about this again later. If only they could help bring Rin back!

"Tea for three!" Sandra announced happily, coming into the room with three small mugs of tea. Kagome and Inuyasha took one each and the aroma of fresh tea filled the small room.

"Sandra who's that little boy out there? The one sitting on the bench looking sad?" Inuyasha had noticed the boy as he glanced out the window. Near the well was a stone bench with a slouched figure on it.

"Oh that's Shippou. Don't worry about him, he's of no importance. He's another orphan actually. They say he was Rin's playmate when she was a beggar. No one ever took him in though like Rin. I feed him from time to time, but most of the time he's just a nuisance. He enjoys playing tricks on the townsfolk and hinders us from doing our jobs. He'd just as soon bite you as take food from your hand."

Something about the little boy had caught Kagome's interest. She could see that he was very sad, but there was something else on his face. Something hidden so carefully that most people wouldn't recognize it. She had seen that look many a time though when she had been blamed for things and the true culprit was watching. It was a look of guilt.

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Well I certainly didn't expect this chapter to turn out this way. The story is evolving as I go, and I like where it's heading. What do you think? Please send me reviews, I need some motivation for this story. Whether you like it or think it can improved, your opinion is welcome!

Cheers!

Isuki-chan