InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ Different Always Means The Same Thing ❯ An Interesting History Lesson (Part 2) ( Chapter 7 )

MM.org: This is the last chapter posted on ff.net so updates on mediaminer might slow down a bit since you've caught up with them, but don't worry! I usually update at least once a month and with fans waiting patiently on both sights, I have more incentive to stay up late when I really shouldn't to write more.

 

I also post update information for all my fanworks on livejournal, which I've set as my homepage, so if you're ever wondering why I might be taking a while to update, or just see what I'm doing with my life (usually some anime related activity, be it fanart, editing AMV's, or cosplay) feel free to check it out. Enjoy.

 

Disclaimer: Nope, still a poor college student.

 

SPOILER WARNING: I mention the plotlines of two movies in here: “Lone Wolf and Cub: Baby Cart In The Land Of Demons” and “Barefoot Gen” (I know a live-action was made of this, but now its hard to find and I didn't feel like tracking down the anime so I referenced the manga for Gen's lines) if you watch Japanese movies and don't want to be spoiled, you have been warned!

 

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Chapter 7: An Interesting History Lesson (Part 2)

 

By Kenkaya

 

“I see--- so that old, rotten mummy was actually alive this whole time. And to think I thought your grandfather was just being superstitious all these years.”

 

Higurashi-san sat at the kitchen table, sipping a cup of green tea delicately. Across from her, Kagome had settled comfortably in a dining room chair; Inuyasha not far behind, casually leaning against the doorway and not looking at all pleased about being referred to as an “old, rotten mummy.”

 

“Yeah, it was a shock to me too,” Kagome nodded. She had just finished the tale of Inuyasha's awakening, minus a few major details. After all, why worry her mother over the attack last night? She didn't exactly feel it would be smart to relay Inuyasha's attempt on her life either.

 

“So--- after accidentally waking this Inuyasha up, (followed by another scowl from the doorway) you decided to help him adjust to modern times?” the older woman repeated. Kagome nodded an affirmative. “Well, that's a lot to catch up on--- you've quite a task ahead of you. I assume you were going through your Dad's old videos?” Another affirmation. “Well, the history is important so he can see just how we got here--- but don't forget to concentrate on today too. He has to learn how to get around in this time.”

 

“I know--- I just don't want to overwhelm him, Mama.”

 

“I AM in the same room, you know.”

 

“Thanks for informing me,” Kagome responded dryly. Inuyasha simply `fehed' back. Higurashi-san smiled knowingly at their display, leaving both teens more than a little confused.

 

“Well,” the amused woman rose. “Why don't you two prepare the guest room while you come up with a plan. I don't mind Inuyasha staying here, but I'd really feel more comfortable if he didn't sleep in your room.”

 

“Sure,” Kagome dismissed the worry, writing it off as nothing more than motherly instincts.

 

“I suppose you didn't attend school today either,” she added in a stern voice, followed by a guilty look from her daughter. “Well, I suppose I can't blame you--- but I really wish you would have let me in on your plans.”

 

Kagome remained decidedly silent. How did mothers get so good at the `I'm-very-disappointed-in-you' look anyway?

 

“I'll write you a sick note this time, but I want you to go back to school after tomorrow. No ifs, ands, or buts. You have your own future to think about, after all.”

 

“T--- tomorrow?” the teen gasped, never daring to expect such generosity. “Oh, Mama--- thank you soooo much!” Kagome practically leapt out of her chair as she ran to give the woman a bone-crushing hug. “Thankyou! Thankyou! Thankyou!”

 

“There's no need for that, dear,” Higurashi chuckled at her daughter's antics, patting one of the skinny arms encircled around her neck. “I understand why you did what you did. In fact, I think its very kind of you to help Inuyasha-kun like this.”

 

“Kun?!” a gruff voice sputtered from behind the touching scene. The two completely ignored him and he gave no further complaint. Huffing silently, Inuyasha seriously wondered if he should just leave the room. He already felt like a stranger encroaching on this odd, little family and the overt display of affection in front of him hardly helped. A potent wave of jealousy suddenly hit him right then, causing the youth to turn his head away in shame. Kagome may be like him, considered a scourge to humanity, but she received support from a close family unit. Support he barely had. The urge to leave pulsed stronger through intense embarrassment. Inuyasha suppressed a self-defeated sigh; he really was no better than the ignorant humans who ostracized him in childhood. What right did he have to feel envious of this silly girl's fortune?

 

“Well, Inuyasha-kun,” Higurashi sighed, catching the distracted youkai's attention. “What do you say we set up a room for you? Kagome can help you get settled while I start dinner--- and I expect both of you at the table when it's ready. If there's one thing I abide by, it's that we eat dinner as a family. Then maybe afterwards we can pop in one of the old movies to get him started--- what do you say, Kagome?”

 

“Sounds great,” the girl answered. She spun around and flashed Inuyasha a huge grin. “Let's head upstairs, then.”

 

“Un,” Inuyasha agreed automatically as the ecstatic teenager passed him. He followed her, but paused slightly when the elder's voice floated to him from the open kitchen.

 

“Well, this certainly is exciting! I'll have to do some extra grocery shopping tomorrow and--- oh! We'll have to look into getting him some more suitable clothes as well. My, my--- I wonder how we're going to break this to Jiichan.”

 

Pointed ears twitched maddeningly as the youkai boy moved forward, continuing his ascent up the stairway. He was never going to get this family.

 

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“Kagome! Souta! Inuyasha! Dinner!”

 

Both adolescents looked up quickly from their conversation on the bed, the girl glancing back at her white-haired companion soon after. He met her stare, quirking a curious brow as she grinned sheepishly. Caught in the act.

 

“W--- well--- you heard Mama. Food!”

 

“Yeah,” Inuyasha snorted the obvious, watching intently as she leapt up to hide her previous awkwardness. Kagome practically dashed out of the room. He rose in the wake of her flurried footsteps, preparing to follow at a more steady gait. Their earlier discussion still weighed his mind.

 

Kagome had led him out of the kitchen to the door across from her own. The room inside was nice enough, he supposed, though a bit `elegant' for his taste. A large double bed monopolized the center, royal blue comforter folded pristinely on top, square print of oil-painted lotus flowers framed above. Gracing opposite sides of the bed were a dark oak-stained nightstand and matching dresser. Aside from strange contraptions set strategically atop the wooden surfaces, Inuyasha found the space surprisingly empty.

 

His guide wasted no time: she rushed into the room with pointed finger ready, immediately rattling off names of devices, their respective functions, and how to work them. The dog-eared boy was pretty sure he could grasp the concept of a lamp, but when she started on the alarm clock radio he gave it up as a lost cause.

 

“And here's the snooze button--- you'll want to remember that--- its one of the most important functions. See, when the alarm goes off you just hit snooze and it stops--- but it'll go off again in about nine minutes, just in case you decide to---” Kagome paused when peripheral vision caught her audience moving to sit on the bedspread. He perched cross-legged at the edge, burning amber eyes slightly glazed over. She exhaled loudly and set herself down to join him.

 

“Am I boring you, Inuyasha?” the girl asked a bit tentatively. The youkai in question jerked faintly at the sound of his name.

 

“Huh? Oh, yeah--- a little,” he mumbled, ducking behind snowy bangs to avoid her hurt expression. “It's just--- just kinda---”

 

“Over your head?” she supplied helpfully.

 

“Now that makes me sound like an idiot.”

 

“You know I don't think of you like that,” she sighed, wondering how she managed to argue so much with someone she'd technically only known a day and a half. “You've just been ripped from your old life and dropped five hundred years into the future. It's only natural. If I suddenly found myself in your time, I wouldn't know what to do either.”

 

“Really? Aren't those what your history books are for?” he scoffed sarcastically.

 

“Yeah, but they're just facts--- it's not the same as actually living like them,” she tucked her feet up to hug her knees. “You see all these machines you find weird? Well, to me, they're normal. I've never lived a day in my life without electricity or running water. I don't get up naturally with the sun because I've always had an alarm cloak to make sure I do. My skin crawls if I don't take a warm bath everyday. I've never hunted or gathered my own food because corporate farms and grocery stores have made sure I don't have to. If I was spirited back to before these things existed, I wouldn't know how to survive at all. I'd feel--- helpless.”

 

Inuyasha simply nodded, understanding the feeling completely.

 

“So what was it like?” Kagome inquired softly. “Your life, I mean. Where did you live?”

 

“The forest,” he answered bluntly, guard raised. She continued to grill him: did he hunt for his food, where did he sleep, what did he do at night when it got cold; the list went on. Inuyasha gave curt responses along with a fair share of “none of your business” and “butt out's.” He may not have minded the girl (and he certainly sympathized with her), but he had learned the hard way not to trust so easily.

 

Still, he mused while following the energetic figure to the dining room, their talk had been pleasant. Kagome showed genuine interest in the details of his life. Oh, Kikyou seemed curious as well, but the priestess hadn't been nearly so bold. Besides, the mutant girl's aversion to certain topics hadn't gone unnoticed; she steered clear of questions about family, friends, and relationships in general. As if she knew her bounds. Sadly, Inuyasha thought, they might have become friends had he met her a few years younger. Experience now denied him this luxury.

 

“Yeah! Food!” a small blur whooped as it dashed in front of Kagome.

 

“Souta, you pest! I could have tripped and broken my neck!”

 

“Oooo, neechan's sure dramatic today. Why don't you just walk through me then,” Souta grinned. He had changed into a teal turtleneck sweater, all traces of former angst gone. The youkai couldn't help but admire the boy's resilience.

 

“Dramatic?!” came the shrill screech. “Well if you don't care much for drama, let's see how you feel about kung fu!”

 

“Kagome! Souta! Stop fighting and come to the table!” their mother's command broke the choke hold Kagome had on her brother's neck.

 

“Consider yourself lucky, runt,” she warned as Souta fell to the ground in an exaggerated motion. “And by the way, your acting sucks.”

 

“Does not!”

 

“Kids!”

 

“Hai, Mama,” they chorused. Together, the strange trio made their way to the dining room.

 

Dinner appeared a simple affair, with the standard bowl of miso soup and rice. A tray of pickled vegetables, alongside a steaming platter of fish, graced center table.

 

Inuyasha felt an unusual sense of familiarity revolve around the traditional meal. He had eaten only once that day, in early afternoon when he finally set aside pride long enough to inform Kagome he was hungry. The girl had disappeared and returned soon after with a cup of what she called “instant ramen.” While he'd greatly enjoyed the hot noodles, relief filled him at the sight of food he recognized. Kneeling at the old-style, low table as a group, reciting “ikadakimasu,” Inuyasha thought for the first time since waking in this century that perhaps home wasn't so far away after all.

 

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“Souta, put the controller down, Inuyasha's not playing that with you.”

 

“But I wanna kick his butt in Street Fighter,” said boy whined. The youkai in question merely looked on with disinterest, having stopped trying to comprehend the sibling's conversation long ago.

 

“Souta sweetie, perhaps you should wait until Inuyasha-kun's gotten use to the T.V. before you play any video games with him,” Higurashi interrupted the chaos with her voice of reason.

 

“I guess,” the eight year-old pouted while his sister gave a triumphant victory sign. “Can we at least watch one of the `Lone Wolf and Cub' movies?”

 

“Sure, that's fine,” Kagome hummed as she flipped casually through plastic casings.

 

“But sweetheart, that takes place in Edo era, doesn't it?” the older woman interjected. Though she never cared much for the genre, her husband's passion had been a tad contagious, leaving his wife with interspersed knowledge on the subject.

 

“It's fine. I was reading about that today in the book,” Inuyasha finally added his two cents, effectively putting an end to the debate. He zoned out once again as Kagome asked Souta which title he preferred.

 

After dinner, the whole family had gathered in the living room to further Inuyasha's education. He sat on the floor in front of the coffee table (despite Higurashi-san's protests) staring at the mutant girl as she pulled aside the movie she'd been seeking. Behind him, mother and son occupied a cream colored couch, the latter rearranging pillows rather noisily.

 

“How does `Baby Cart in The Land of Demons' sound?” Kagome threw over her shoulder.

 

“Sure. Exaggerated swordfights, a personal vendetta, and inner family strife--- what about that movie isn't cool?” Souta exclaimed with an air of self-induced importance.

 

“Bet you read that somewhere off the internet,” his sister mumbled. The boy merely stuck his tongue at her.

 

“Alright, children,” Higurashi sighed. “That's enough. Let's just pop the movie in and get started.”

 

“Okay, but before we start,” Kagome rounded on Inuyasha. He blinked at their sudden close proximity. “When I press the little button at the bottom, picture and sound are going to appear on the screen of that box right there,” she pointed at the object for emphasize. “Now remember, it's not real. Think of a play, then imagine someone recorded those images and sent the information to this device so even people who aren't present can watch and enjoy the act.”

 

“Yeah--- sure,” the golden-eyed boy shrugged, not having the slightest clue what she was talking about.

 

“So you promise not to destroy the television when I turn it on?”

 

“What?! Do I look like some kind of mindless animal to you?! Of course not!” he fumed. The girl gave a sigh of relief, her warm breath brushing across his cheeks, and finally backed away. Against his will, a barely noticeable pink tinged those same cheeks.

 

“Well,” she deliberated. “Here goes nothing,” a tentative hand reached for the innocent black button.

 

Inuyasha barely had time to register the illuminated picture when a wave of massive decibels nearly knocked him flat on his back.

 

“HE'S GONE UP THE FIRE ESCAPE!”

 

“FIRE!”

 

BANG! BANG! BANG!

 

Immediately, Inuyasha flung himself behind the sofa, digging his claws into the backrest as if using it for a shield. Kagome slammed her index finger down on mute, face twisted in an expression of horror. Higurashi simply grimaced as her son gripped his sides in uncontrollable laughter.

 

“Souta honey, you know I don't like you watching T.V. with the sound on maximum. The least you could do is turn the volume down after you do it without my knowledge.”

 

“S--- sure--- Mama,” Souta gasped, still rolling with glee at the unexpected reaction. Inuyasha briefly wondered if the two women would mind very much if he killed the boy right there. From the murderous look Kagome was giving her brother, he knew at least one wouldn't.

 

“Sou--- ta,” the teenager ground out between clenched teeth. “You. Little. Twit.”

 

“Now, now--- arguing will get us no where. What's done is done,” Higurashi sighed at her bickering children. “And Inuyasha-kun? I understand you were a bit frightened--- but I'd really appreciate it if you didn't leave too many claw marks in my upholstery.”

 

The youkai broke off a low growl and unclenched his tightened fists, leaving behind ten neat little holes in the fabric. Ever wary, he didn't budge an inch from his spot; though that didn't prevent him from delivering a not-so-intelligent comment at what he deemed great offense.

 

“Feh! I wasn't scared--- just--- surprised.”

 

“Of course,” the woman responded absently, shooting a well-placed glare in her hot-headed daughter's direction. The girl (amazingly enough) took her mother's hint. Spinning away with a huff, she removed the object of her wrath from sight. The boy continued to cackle through Higurashi's demands to stop, hardly helping the atmosphere.

 

Kagome released several deep breaths (despite the incessant noise) to calm herself. Finally clear minded, she slapped a hand over her face at the irony of the whole situation. Souta just had to conveniently leave the volume up from his incriminating act. And she just happened to turn on the television during a shootout: smack in the middle of an action-packed police drama. Murphy's Law really REALLY bites, she mentally concluded.

 

Eventually (after several long tirades and less-than-polite exchanges between a certain two adolescents), the family managed to coax Inuyasha out from behind his furniture barricade. He crouched low, a baritone rumble issued from his throat at the now silent images flashing across curved fiberglass.

 

“Oh, for Godssake,” Kagome groaned. “The characters aren't going to jump out and kill you, Inuyasha. Besides, it isn't real, anyway. Those are just actors on a set.”

 

“They're actors?” a single furry ear twitched as part of her earlier explanation finally dawned on him. “Well, why didn't you say so in the first place?!”

 

“How am I suppose to know what you'll get and what you won't?!” she shot back, clearly frustrated.

 

“Please,” Higurashi placated, dismissing the chronic sense of déjà vu that gripped her. “Can't we just watch the movie in peace?”

 

“Sorry, Mama,” the girl lowered her brown eyes slightly at the reprimand. She turned before another pointless argument could take root and slid the video into its respective port. The volume was adjusted to a more reasonable level as opening credits began to roll.

 

The 16th century boy remained cautious of the disembodied stage, but soon found himself scooting closer as the story unfolded. He'd caught glimpses of traveling actors on the road before, and from what he'd seen, nothing they did could possibly compare to--- this. The backgrounds were much more than cleverly painted boards; the characters' expressions had a realistic subtlety only made practical by the camera close-up. This was a magic beyond his comprehension. Inuyasha sat enthralled by the moving pictures. Still, when the swordfights came on, he couldn't help but shatter the quiet.

 

“They expect us to believe he cut a man in half with a swing like that! No human has the strength to pull that off!”

 

“Yes, Inuyasha--- that would be because he isn't really cutting anyone in half,” Kagome responded for what seemed like the hundredth time.

 

“Feh! And that stroke's way too wild! He'd fall flat on his ass if he tried that in a real fight.”

 

“Good thing this isn't a real fight,” the mutant girl deadpanned, realizing that the youkai wasn't paying any attention to her whatsoever. Behind them, Souta giggled.

 

“Those guards are horrible swordsmen! No self-respecting damiyo would hire them--- they're getting killed so easy!”

 

“Do you think you can stop commenting on the obviously fake chorography and just enjoy the movie like the rest on us?” Kagome finally snapped. Inuyasha `fehed' stubbornly before shutting his mouth to watch the rest in silence.

 

Overall, Inuyasha did appreciate the film. He could follow the story easily enough; the idea of a damiyo naming his bastard child heir and other powers within the clan hiring an assassin to “fix” the hierarchy wasn't too far outside his realm. Plus the action sequences (ridiculous as they were to a real fighter) certainly beat the Hell out of that damn book. He almost flinched at the end when Lone Wolf mercilessly killed mother then child, but held steady at the memory of his earlier embarrassment. That one, he thought shaking off the discerning feeling, had hit a little too close to home.

 

The family retired soon afterwards: each individual heading to their own room, though Inuyasha could still hear them moving around. He stepped away from the closed door, glaring daggers at the infamous green book that had mysteriously appeared on his bedspread. Kicking the offending item over the other side, he gave a satisfied grunt as a distinct thud reverberated from the floor. He could tackle more history tomorrow; right now he needed time to absorb everything he learned today. A wide yawn punctuated his decision. He crawled to the end and sat up cross-legged against the headrest. Arms folded securely in his voluminous sleeves, the dog-eared boy nodded off to sleep

 

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Soft padded footsteps halted just outside his door, rousing Inuyasha from a habitually light sleep. The silver-haired entity didn't bother cracking his lids as the brass knob turned slowly, his nose having already informed him of the intruder's identity. A high-pitched giggle followed the creaking door hinges. He didn't so much as flinch when socked feet shuffled further into the room.

 

“You know, that's not how you sleep on a bed.”

 

“What's it matter to you?” he peeked a single amber eye open at the young girl standing before him in pale yellow pajamas. She started at his quick response.

 

“You--- you were awake?”

 

“Of course,” he snorted. “Why wouldn't I be with all the noise you made sneaking in here.”

 

“Right,” Kagome rolled her eyes in a gesture strangely reminiscent of her younger brother. “Well, Souta's at school and Mama said she had some errands to run so it's just you and me today.”

 

“Figured as much,” Inuyasha stretched languidly, completely missing how the teenager in front of him averted her gaze with a rosy blush. “They woke me up earlier with all their running around.”

 

“Yeah, Souta was being a pest this morning. He kept insisting that he needed to stay home too and help you out.”

 

“So I heard.”

 

“From downstairs?” Kagome sent him an incredulous look.

 

“No, these are just for show,” the youkai drawled sarcastically while waving at the furry appendages atop his head.

 

“Sorry,” she flushed, shamefully this time. “I--- I just didn't think.”

 

“Whatever,” he shrugged, brushing the matter off entirely. “So, you got anything in the way of food?”

 

“Thinking with your stomach, eh?” the mutant shook her head wistfully. “Men. No matter the time or place, I guess some things never change.”

 

The duo made their way to the kitchen, where Kagome poured Inuyasha a bowl of cereal. He liked it, but found a need to voice (quite rudely) that he found ramen much more superior in taste. The girl huffed, called him an ingrate, slammed both palms on the table, and threw him a prissy “see if I ever make you anything to eat again” before stomping to the living room.

 

He proceeded to polish off the bran flakes, storming after the irate girl when he finished. He saw her perched cross-legged on the cream couch, remote in hand as brilliant blue light emanated from the television screen, reflecting azure highlights along her raven strands. Inuyasha paused. Pride had brought him here, demanding to have the last word, but the sight of her (sitting in simple elegance) spirited away his scathing words.

 

“Are you ready?”

 

“Huh?” he mentally berated himself for falling into such an evident stupor.

 

“For movie time,” she held up the control and spun around with a beaming smile. Golden eyes narrowed suspiciously as he moved to plop down beside her. Her bipolar mood swings were going to be the death of him.

 

Kagome started him on what she referred to as “a little Kurosawa.” He sat through several hours of “Rashomon” and “Yojimbo.” The latter had a nice, action-oriented plot; and while Inuyasha didn't completely dislike the first one, he found the story a bit hard to grasp at times. Besides, growing up the way he did, he hardly needed a silly film to tell him about the dueling darker natures of humankind. When he explained these misgivings to Kagome, she blew the movie off as “too artsy” for him. The youkai merely blinked at her, unsure whether she had just insulted him or not. He decided to be safe for once and ignored the obnoxious inner voice telling him she was.

 

Around two-thirty, they paused for a meal. Inuyasha rubbed his eyes furiously as they waited on the ramen; already sensitive optic nerves not use to the copious amount of outside stimulation. The mutant girl noticed and took pity on him. After the last noodle had been slurped, she headed upstairs (leaving him sitting at the table puzzled) only to return minutes later with what he dubbed “the book-of-imminent-headaches.”

 

“There's no way in Hell I'm reading that now!” he exclaimed, immediately cursing himself for showing weakness. The amber-eyed boy dropped his chin, shooting his opponent an audacious side glance: daring her to make a snide comment.

 

“Oh, don't worry, I understand. I actually have something else in mind,” the teen grinned. Inuyasha seemed taken aback by her casual demeanor, and rightfully so; they rarely went so many hours without a single disagreement.

 

“Alright, what did you have in mind?” he prompted warily.

 

“Well,” she continued. “You seemed a little tired of everything, so I figured we could just sit here and talk.” A dark eyebrow inched up at this statement. “You know, answer any questions you have--- about anything. The past, now--- I brought down the text in case you asked something I really didn't know the answer to.”

 

“Oh,” he wavered. Kagome's proposal sounded ominously like the odds could go very bad very fast.

 

Which it did.

 

“For the love of--- did you even read any of this!” she exasperated, fifteen minutes later.

 

“Of course I did!” Inuyasha answered defensively. “You can't expect me to remember everything in one day!”

 

“You're hopeless,” the girl sighed with a diminutive shake of her head. “Just hopeless.”

 

“Who do you think you are saying things like that?! You've had your whole life to learn this stuff!”

 

“I suppose,” her lower lip protruded in a definite pout. Inuyasha grunted and rose from his chair, seeming to dismiss her plight in typical jerk fashion.

 

“What are you doing?” she asked glumly, expecting a boorish remark for her presumptuous words.

 

“Going back to the room where those movies are. I'm feeling fine now--- you coming or not?”

 

Kagome blinked, not use to him being the one to defuse their spats. Inuyasha hardly seemed the type to act “responsible adult” in a situation. He stepped through the doorway and disappeared, shoulders squared against her penetrating stare. Disappointment flooded the girl right then, jaw nearly cracking linoleum as a disturbing thought suddenly occurred her. Could she--- possibly--- enjoy her fights with Inuyasha? The very idea baffled her; it made absolutely no sense. Humor soon replaced horror, the full gravity of her predicament finally panning outward. A tight mouth twitched in silent, caustic laughter as the confused teenager moved to follow him. Maybe they were both hopeless after all.

 

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“Wait! My family's caught under our house--- I need your help!”

 

Inuyasha didn't even try to hide the visible flinch that rocked his body at the television's desperate plea. He watched with glazed expression as a young boy ran through broken ruble from a once bustling city, begging for aid only to be turned down again and again. His family had lived outside the mold, been shunned for it, and now (in the face of disaster) were abandoned to fate. A familiar sting prickled along the youkai's lower lids, but he had plenty hard years to practice holding back tears. The situations--- he gulped (swept away by onslaughts of resurfacing memories,) they paralleled so closely.

 

Another shutter racked the distressed youth as Kagome peeked cautiously through ebony bangs, seriously reconsidering her movie choice at his apparent upset. She recalled her genuine delight over finding the old live-action “Barefoot Gen” VHS; not only was it about World War II (a genre outside her dad's preference) but also uncommon. After a brief explanation of the circumstances (and subsequent shouting match) she pressed play, never anticipating the violent reaction she was about to witness. His horrified gaze captivated her, only concern outweighing her curiosity to inquire on his reasons.

 

“Somebody! Somebody help!”

 

A sharp intake of breath escaped Inuyasha. He no longer saw the charred remains of Hiroshima, but a small feudal village: a damiyo's styled mansion looming over the residents from the hill above.

 

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“Wait--- please---”

 

A young boy stumbled up to the old man walking across the courtyard, tiny claw-tipped hand raised for attention. His red hakama had been cinched at the ankles to accommodate his active nature, but even his mother's clever alterations couldn't prevent the child from tripping over his own feet every once in a while.

 

“Doctor!”

 

The elder disregarded the boy's hail completely. He quickened his causal pace, pretending not to notice the snow-white head bobbing toward him.

 

“Doctor! Haha-ue won't stop coughing! Please help her!”

 

----------

 

Gen fumbled through the wreckage on screen, scanning a broken horizon in vain as he continued to call out.

 

“Somebody! Help me rescue my family!”

 

----------

 

He halted abruptly outside the gate when a small fist pulled insistently at the folds of his light blue hakama. With an audible whoosh, the doctor whirled around, striking the child viciously over the head.

 

“Ah!”

 

A light whimper escaped the boy. He clutched at inhuman ears, pounding and ringing from the callous blow.

 

“Don't touch me with your filthy hands, hanyou!”

 

----------

 

“Somebody! Anybody!”

 

Gen's voice echoed lifelessly through silicon speakers. In the distance, the crackle of nearing flames shattered the answering silence.

 

----------

 

Anger flooded little Inuyasha. The doctor stared down his long nose in contempt at him, lips pulled back in a familiar sneer. Amber irises (still a bit too large for his head) narrowed dangerously, but the boy held his ire in check; kneeling instead before the man with a reluctant bow. His mission was far too important.

 

“Please, doctor. My mother is sick--- will you help her?”

 

Wind blew between them, the only sound in an otherwise barren yard. A loud guffaw suddenly snapped the still tension, causing Inuyasha to peer inquisitively up from his submissive position. His face fell at the sight that greeted him.

 

The doctor was laughing at him.

 

“Me? Help her?” the man gasped. “I wouldn't touch a woman who tainted herself with a youkai, let alone cure her! She deserves all the pain she suffers for her foolishness. Besides,” he spun toward the gate, tossing one last commentary over his shoulder. “You're the offspring of a youkai. The two aren't meant to coexist.”

 

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“Inuyasha?” Kagome whispered, no longer trying to cover her worry. His mouth hung open slightly, yellow eyes clouded over, complexion pale enough to match his hair. She scooted closer. A slender hand reached out, poised to yank him from his waking nightmare.

 

----------

 

“You probably poisoned her yourself with your very existence.”

 

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“Inuyasha?”

 

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The child wilted as the doctor strode away without a care. Fat droplets spilled over, coursing down his chubby cheeks. What was he suppose to tell his mother now? And that man--- what if what he said was true? Everyone in the castle called him filthy or tainted. What if he was the reason his mother was ill?

 

“Haha-ue,” the boy murmured sadly. He wiped the tears furiously with crimson sleeves, standing hesitantly as he prepared to return to his mother's side.

 

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“Inuyasha!”

 

The youkai jerked. Instincts alert, he snatched the offensive hand shaking his shoulder. Shocked brown eyes met his scrutiny. Kagome stared back at him, never yielding, matching his resolve blow for blow. Her lips parted, diverting his attention, and uttered four words.

 

“Inuyasha--- you're hurting me.”

 

He flung the limb away like red-hot ofudas against his skin. In a way, her simple comment did burn him. Much to his surprise, the young man found he hated himself right then. Kagome didn't deserve pain anymore than he and his mother did. What had he become?

 

“Inuyasha?”

 

She leaned toward him again, unafraid. He balked; why didn't she fear him or, at the very least, hate him? Everything about this girl stumped him. The distance shortened. He felt cornered. What could he do? What should he say?

 

At a loss for anything else, he fled.

 

“Hey! Wait---”

 

He paid no heed to the mutant's cry. The youkai ran, knowing she would never catch up. Created wind whipped through his long locks, a bitter reminder of his wild days.

 

Inuyasha didn't even realize his destination until he paused before the massive roots of Goshimboku. The holy tree, once free to reign over the forest from its humble clearing, had been encased in a crumbing wooden tomb. Streams of sunlight punched through the depilated roof, surrounding the magical being inside with a golden ambience. He leapt effortlessly over the ancient wooden labyrinth, settling cross-legged against the trunk where bark had been stripped bare by his five-hundred year presence. A sardonic chuckle sounded at the unbelievable irony of where he had come for comfort. He really did have nowhere else to go.

 

“Do you want to talk about it?”

 

Perhaps not so unbelievable, he thought grudgingly. Kagome stood at the base on the viewing platform, no sign of pity in her warm brown pools. Only understanding.

 

“Not really,” Inuyasha sighed. He couldn't bring himself to snap at such an open expression. Still, he wasn't ready to let his walls down for her quite yet. “Just--- stuff--- in the past,” he nodded, pleased with his compromise.

 

“I see,” she breathed, realizing that she would hear no more on the matter. “Well, you know--- I don't mind--- If you wanted to talk about something--- that is.”

 

“Why?”

 

“Eh?” she furrowed dark brows, silently asking him to elaborate.

 

“Why are you doing all this? Why are you being so nice?”

 

“Oh, that,” Kagome blew the bangs off her face with a powerful puff of air. “I don't really know, but I can't just abandon you to a world you don't even know,” she scratched the back of her neck sheepishly. “It's my fault you're awake now. Doing anything else just seemed--- wrong--- I would have done the same for anyone else and--- are you laughing at me?”

 

“No,” Inuyasha choked on another fit. “It's just--- nothing, nothing,” he waved a hand dismissively in front of his face. He wasn't sure exactly what brought on the sudden peals, but his mind seemed to fixate particularly on the girl's unusually pure heart. People innately kind as Kagome were a rare breed in any age. Warmth rose unbidden through his chest, bubbling up like sweet spring water out of his mouth. Even the self-labeled “dangerous” path of his thoughts weren't enough to stifle the boy's immediate joy over finally feeling some small form of acceptance.

 

“Fine, whatever,” she huffed, throwing her arms in the air. “I just don't get you!”

 

Inuyasha was hard-pressed to conceal his mirth as she stomped back toward the house. Funny, how he had been thinking the exact same thing moments ago. Shaking his silver head hopelessly, he jumped down to follow her. They were nearly halfway across the grounds when Kagome stopped suddenly, causing Inuyasha to almost bump her from behind.

 

“Oi! What the Hell was---”

 

“Oh, great.”

 

The pair, stuck out in the open, could only watch as Sango and Miroku stepped through the red arch that marked the temple entrance. Maroon and violet-blue simultaneously widened as their owners slowly processed the strange sight before them.

 

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A/N: The end--- j/k! The next chapter's on it's way, I promise!