InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ Fateful Night ❯ Sunrise Visions ( Chapter 9 )

[ Y - Young Adult: Not suitable for readers under 16 ]

Chapter 9

Disclaimer: I own Inuyasha the same way I'm NOT writing this while I'm at work (ducks under desk as principal walks by) Heheheehehhe it's my free period.

A/N Well not much from me today. Oh I got lost the other day driving in Shirakawa kowa-i o-O. I think I get back to the outline today but no promises. Hey I like being surprised by my fan fic too you know. One more day of sitting for 8 hours at the Board of Education and then I get about a month off for the summer vacation. Yeah! I'll be able to travel around Japan a bit and do some sight seeing. Jumps up and down, and then sweat drops when all the other people in the office start whispering in Japanese about the kyou(crazy) gaijin.

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Chapter 9
Sunrise Visions

Kouga sat near the entrance of Kaede's hut and watched the night sky fade to violet as the stars fought to hold out against the advancing day. Movement caught his eye and he lowered his vision from the havens to watch Inuyasha walk up the path to Kaede's hut.

The inu's head was bowed and Kouga could see nothing of his face hidden beneath his bangs. When he drew level with him Kouga called to his friend.

"Oi, Inuyasha where have you been all night, first you won't let any one even look at Kagome then you abandon her for the night?"

Frowning he watched Inuyasha walk past him and draw the curtain back from the door way of the hut to look inside. He stood there for several minutes then turned and walked away without saying a word. Standing Kouga watched, baffled by the hanyou's actions.

"That was odd."

Turning at the sudden voice beside him Kouga saw Miroku emerge from Kaede's hut. The monk walked down the path a few feet and stared after the retreating Inuyasha.

"Granted he's never been the most articulate of youkai, but his big mouth usually has one comment on the ready at all times."

Raising an eyebrow at the houshi Kouga asked, "He didn't say anything to you either?"

"Not a word. Just looked in, stared at Kagome for a minute and turned and left when I asked him where he had been."

The pair continued to look down the path long after their friend could no longer be seen.

A shuffling noise behind them jarred them out of their thoughts. They turned to watch Kagome step out from behind the door hanging.

She paused near the hut when she saw them and Kouga cringed slightly at the fear that flashed across the woman's face at the sight of him. Miroku walked quickly over to Kagome and maneuvered until he was just blocking her view of Kouga.

He smiled down at Kagome as she looked up at him with a bright smile on her face. "Good morning Kagome. You look much better this morning, how do you feel?"

"I don't hurt as much today." Kagome replied wrapping her arms around her middle and frowning. She couldn't remember anything between the time she fell asleep on Inuyasha's back and when she woke to the story of Inuyasha's past.

"Miroku where are we?" she asked looking back up at the monk.

Taking Kagome gently by the shoulders Miroku noticed she no longer wore Sango's extra kimono. She was dressed in a white kimono with a pair of red hakama over it, wondering why the girl was now dressed as a Miko, Miroku shook his head.

The look of confusion on Kagome's face pulled at his heart and he patted her shoulder in reassurance.

"Kagome this is Kaede's village. Do you remember that Inuyasha was bringing you here to be healed?" At her nod he continued. "When we arrived last night you were very ill and Kaede used her power to heal you wounds."

"Ooh." Came her soft reply. Stepping away from Miroku, Kagome glanced around the area. Seeing the woman frown Kouga took a single step closer to gain her attention.

"Dog face isn't here Kagome. He's being grumpy this morning." Kouga was relived when Kagome didn't flinch away from his voice, but he still saw the quick flicker of fear in her eyes before she repressed it.

"Ooh." She said again saddened by Inuyasha's absence.

"Come let's get some breakfast and then I'll help you find Inuyasha." Kouga suggested hoping to gain Kagome's trust. He did not want her to fear him.

Blinking up at the wolf youkai now walking towards her Kagome took an unconscious step back. At her movement Kouga stopped dead in his tracks. Kagome watched a sad frown cross Kouga's face and felt guilty.

Suppressing her fear Kagome walked towards the wolf prince and bighting her lower lip reached her hand up to rest it lightly on his arm.

"Thank you Kouga but I'm not hungry." She said proud that she could only hear a slight trembling in her voice. "I think I'd like to take a walk, maybe find a spring. Could you tell me which way to go?"

Smiling at her bravery Miroku walked up to the pair and pointed down the path down which Inuyasha had disappeared earlier.

"If you head in that direction you will find a small path just to the left of the well. There is a very nice and secluded spring there. You shouldn't be bothered this early in the morning if you would like to bathe."

Glancing down the path and then back at the houshi Kagome nodded slowly.

At her worried nod Kouga scowled at the monk and placed a hand over her small one where it still rested on his arm.

"Kagome don't worry about bathing in privacy I'll keep a close eye on Miroku here. If he so much looks in the direction of the spring form here I'll sic Sango on him." Releasing her hand when she giggled, he turned to Miroku and forcefully steered the protesting houshi back to the hut.

She waved at the pair when they paused at the door of the hut and then turned to head down the path.

Walking down the packed earth path that sloped down the hill towards the village Kagome could see fields of rice spread out in green squares behind the small thatch roofed huts lining the meandering paths that crisscrossed the small valley.

Stopping to study the view she wondered where exactly she was. She knew she was still in Japan, but not even the small mountain villages she had visited during school trips looked like this one did. Thinking again of the story she had heard last night she realized she must be somewhere in the past. `But how far back am I?' she wondered

There wasn't a single electric pole in sight and she didn't see a car or even the small tractors the farmers usually had parked near their fields. Even the most traditional village had cigarette and drink vending machine, set out to bring in a few extra yen, but as she passed though the village she never caught sight of one of the glowing machines.

Sighing she continued down the path wondering what had happened to her. Kagome slowly walked though the village surprised to see very few people up and about. Glancing to the east she realized the sun was not even up yet.

`No wonder Miroku said I wouldn't be bothered at the spring. It's barely even light out, I wonder why I woke up so early?' she thought to herself as she turned off the main path at the well.

The trail leading to the spring was narrow and she had to fight her way past the encroaching forest as she continued to head for the spring. Finally pushing her way into a small clearing Kagome saw the steam rising from the surface of the spring.

Looking around the area to make sure no one was there Kagome walked over to the rock lined spring. Slipping out of her borrowed clothes Kagome neatly folded them and placed them on top of a nearby rock.

Stepping into the spring she sighed as the water closed around her. Sinking down till only her head remained above water she relaxed letting the mineral rich, hot water sooth her still aching body.

She did feel much better today but the bruises patterning her body were still fresh and painful. Turning to rest her arms on the bank of the spring Kagome noticed footprints right in front of her.

Tilting her head to the side she stared at the prints. They were large and human shaped but she frowned at the deep depressions at the toes. The image of Inuyasha's bare feet flashed before her and she laughed.

Of course the depressions were his claws, she reasoned. Blinking, she quickly ducked lower into the water and glanced around. Sighing, she realized Inuyasha was not still at the spring. `Maybe he came here last night.' She thought, imagining the moonlight shimmering though the trees and steam.

She could see his silver hair shining brightly in the moonlight, the bright locks floating on the water across his shoulders and chest while he relaxed against the spring wall. Shaking her head Kagome leaned her arms against the bank again and traced the foot prints softly as she forcefully thought of nothing.

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Inuyasha stood gazing at the god tree as the light of pre-dawn slowly crept over the small clearing. He had gone back to Kaede's hut to make sure Kagome was OK telling himself that he only wanted to see for himself if she had been healed.

He had pulled back the door covering and was about to step in to resume his guard of Kagome hoping she had not yet noticed his departure when what he saw froze him mid motion.

Kagome lay sleeping on a pile of mats her hair spread around her head like a dark fan. One lock fell haphazardly across her face and his hand twitched longing to brush the silken lock aside.

Guilt raced though him when Kagome shivered against the cool morning covered only by a thin blanket. Reaching for the ties on his haori Inuyasha stopped at the sound of Miroku's voice calling to him. Turning his eyes to the monk Inuyasha frowned at his friend's words.

"Has the gallant knight returned to his fair damsel after a night in contemplative seclusion?" With a low growl for the houshi's flowery words Inuyasha spun on his heel and stalked off down the path noticing from the corner of his eye, Kouga standing outside the hut.

Now as he watched the patterns of leaf shadow change and darken against the rough bark of the god tree with the advancing day, guilt for leaving Kagome alone was warring with irritation over his reaction to the teasing words of his friend.

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He had spent most of the night telling himself to forget about Kikyo and her possible connection to Kagome. He had started back to the hut several times during the night but each time he came within sight of the dwelling sadness and pain would sweep over his heart.

Angry at himself he had finally retreated back into his forest wandering though the shadowy expanse he had eventually found himself standing at the edge of the spring he had envisioned Kagome in earlier that night.

Realizing he was staring at the water waiting for the image of Kagome to appear Inuyasha growled loudly and banished the thoughts of heated silken skin and damp midnight black hair from his mind.

Inuyasha turned to head back to the hut one last time. Taking a step away form the spring Inuyasha cringed when the muscles of his neck and back tightened. Rubbing his sore neck Inuyasha walked back to the waters edge and quickly shucked his clothing before sinking down into the spring.

Leaning his head back he relaxed against the edge of the spring and watched the moon as it moved across the sky in its never ending journey. Long after his muscles had relaxed Inuyasha emerged from the spring and shook himself dry.

Ringing the water out of his silver hair, Inuyasha donned his clothing and headed into the forest. He had spent the rest of the night wandering the dense growth venting his frustration by slashing his way though the brush, and kicking over tufts of moss and fungi.

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Growling Inuyasha leaned towards the god tree and rested his head against its rough bark. Slowly he let the pain and loss he still felt over Kikyo's betrayal and death wash over him.

He had tired to blame Naraku for the totality of the situation that led to Kikyo's death and his long confinement. When he first learned form Kaede what had happened he had sworn his revenge and even now He would make the demon pay for manipulating Kikyo and himself.

Yet still he knew that Naraku wasn't the only one to blame for the past. Kikiyo had betrayed him in the end when she fell in love with Naraku. Inuyasha knew that had her love been as strong as they had pledged, before he left that winter she would not have given up on his return as quickly as she had.

Sighing again Inuyasha wondered how long he would have waited if the situation had been reversed. Banging his fist against the god tree he focused on the bighting pain of the rough bark. He would have waited he knew he would have.

Hearing a rustling behind him Inuyasha swung away from the tree and raised an arm to shield his eyes from the rays of the rising sun. An icy fist constricting around his heart at the sight of the figure entering the clearing

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Kagome finally emerged from the steaming water as the sun cast its first rays of morning into the sky to the east. Pulling her wet hair off her shoulders she wrapped a long white ribbon around the mass hoping to minimize the amount of water that would seep into her clothes.

Glancing at the new set of barrowed clothes Kaede had given her she sighed before redressing. Her outfit was familiar to her from festivals but she had never worn the robes of a Miko.

Feeling very over dressed and a little like she was wearing a costume she turned to head back to the village. Looking around her she realized that there were several trails leading form the spring.

Biting her bottom lip Kagome frowned trying to remember which trail she had come down. Finally deciding on a path she started down the brush filled trail hoping she was heading in the right direction.

Kagome walked for about 10 minutes before she began to think she had chosen the wrong way. Worried about where she was headed she glanced around hoping to find a land mark to get her bearings from.

Up ahead she could see the branches of a tree reaching high above the surrounding forest. `Maybe I can see something from there.' Kagome thought as she fought her way though the last few meters of underbrush.

Panting, Kagome stumbled into the clearing surrounding the giant tree as her foot caught a trailing vine. Straightening up she looked across the clearing to the tree and gasped. Before her the huge tree rose into the sky shining in the early morning light.

Its branches swept out from its massive trunk casting their shadow across the green grass surrounding it. Following the splitting and forking tangle of branches back to their source Kagome trailed her eyes over the rough bark to the tree's trunk.

Mid-way down the curved expanse she could see a smooth scar standing contrast to the rest of the tree. Frowning she took a step closer to the familiar scar. Panic and confusion began to flood her senses as conclusions swam through her mind.

Trying to gain control over her racing mind she began to glance around the clearing looking for any hint of the buildings that should fill the space around the tree. Swinging her eyes around to the base of the tree she noticed a figure standing frozen amongst the roots. `Inuyasha!' her mind cried in relief until she realized he wasn't moving.

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Standing at the edge of the clearing the rising sun casting a glowing halo of golden light around her stood a figure achingly familiar. Her midnight hair was confined in the long white ribbon he had given her for her birthday.

The white of her kimono shone blindingly in the early sun a stark contrast to her hair that swayed in the gentle breeze. Her black tresses hung well past the waist of the red hakama that tied around her trim waist. The pleated red split skirt of the hakama accentuating the length of her long fit legs.

Taking a step closer to the shining figure standing before him Inuyasha ducked his head trying to gain a clear view of her beautiful face still obscured by the morning sun. As the sun rose a slight degree higher in the sky the sharp features of her face swam into view.

His eyes followed her high delicate cheek bones up to the crease of her velvety brown eyes. Thin high brows arched over those soulful eyes. Following the curve of her face, Inuyasha traced the line of Kikyo's features down to her small red lips.

His heart kicked in his chest at the sight of her lips forming their ever present pout. As he watched her lips longing to feel their warmth he noticed the pout pull into a sneer. Eyes wide Inuyasha tore his gaze away from Kikyo's lips as they began to move in angry patterns.

Straining to hear her words he swiveled his ears toward her. A flicker of motion to her right caught his attention drawing his eyes to her hand where he saw a glowing arrow clutched in her white knuckled grip.

Shock filled his mind as he glanced back up at her and watched as she slowly raised the glowing brand of energy to the long dark bow held in her left hand. Struggling to move out of the path he knew the arrow world take Inuyasha yelled to the now raging Miko.

"Kikiyo stop! Tell me! Tell me why?!"

Before he could take a second breath he watched as the beautiful face pulled tightly around a snarl of hatred. Her dark eyes became black as her red lips slid back from her teeth in a feral growl.

Eyes wide Inuyasha staggered back from the hate filled gaze of his long dead love as the blazing shaft of energy flew from her bow. The pain exploded from his chest causing him to whip his head away from Kikyo's gloating face.

There shining from his left shoulder was the still glowing arrow its tattered fletching shuttering from its flight. Raising his hand to grasp at the arrow Inuyasha fell to his knees when his hand passed though the searing shaft.

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Kagome's face fell as she realized Inuyasha was staring blankly at her. Moving toward him she watched as heart rending pain washed over his face. Surprised Kagome flinched back from the look on his face. "Inuyasha?" she called to him softly.

She was met with silence as the look on his face flickered from deep sorrow to soul biting fear. The shining terror in his eyes called to Kagome louder than his strangled scream propelling her forward. As she ran to him she watched Inuyasha fall to his knees clutching his chest.

Fear lanced through her as she dove for him. Banging her knees on the hard ground Kagome grabbed for Inuyasha placing one hand over his heart and gently pulling his face up to look at her with the other.

As she guided his face up to hers she heard him mumble a name with such pain, that it sent an aching chill though her heart.

"Kikyo,why?" He mumbled as the pain surrounding his heart suddenly vanished.

Blinking as the blinding rays of the sun were blocked by a shadow, Inuyasha squinted up at the woman holding his face. He could feel her smooth hand gently cupping the side of his face as she slowly ran her thumb across his cheek bone.

Her blue eyes were stormy gray with worry. Her still wet hair was dangling over her shoulder and across his wrist where it had become tangled in their intertwined fingers still resting against his heart.

He noticed how her cheeks offered a much softer line to those of Kikyo as he reached his hand up to mirror hers. Her full pink lips were down turned in worry before he saw them begin to move.

As her words of concern washed over him a staggering breath burst from his chest and he pulled her close wrapping his arms tightly around her. The smell of her damp hair filled his senses with a musky flowered sent. Concentrating only on that soothing scent he let the pain and anger of the past flow out of him.

Resting her head against Inuyasha's red clad chest Kagome felt something slide into place and realized she had been very edgy since waking up this morning and finding the hanyou missing.

As the wild forestay sent of his haori wrapped around her she sighed and moved her hand from his face to run it though the silken mass of silver hair that trailed down his back.

As she tangled and untangled her hands in his shining hair she noticed that the length was slightly damp. Remembering her earlier image of Inuyasha relaxing in the spring she blushed slightly.

A slight shiver ran though Inuyasha drawing her attention away from her thoughts. Kneeling in his arms Kagome held his face between her hands and looked deep into his golden eyes.

Pain still swam in their glowing amber depths, leaning close she lay her cheek against his and wrapped her arms around his head.

"Inuyasha" at his mummer she continued "Remember even if I am her reincarnation. I am not her. I'm Kagome and no one else."

For a few moments Inuyasha sat motionless still holding her in his arms. Then suddenly his arms stiffened around her. Leaning away form him Kagome looked at him confused.

When he raised his eyes to her she could see the anger reflecting in them. Not understanding his sudden mood swing, Kagome tilted her head to one side and asked. "Inuyasha are you…?" before she could finish she found herself dumped to the ground.

Looking up from her position she watched Inuyasha turn from her eyes hidden beneath his bangs.

Confusion raged with anger as Inuyasha fought his desire to make sure Kagome had not been hurt when he had suddenly stood up. Turning back to her he noticed again how different from Kikyo she was.

Hurt and confusion were plainly written across her face as she looked up at him from the half splayed position she had landed in. He had never been able to clearly read Kikyo's expressions even after a year of being so near her.

As Kagome stood up Inuyasha watched her tug at the disarrayed layers of her clothing. Remembering the always immaculate condition of Kikyo's robes Inuyasha nearly smiled at the rumpled difference Kagome presented.

As he thought about how much more comfortable Kagome's appearance seemed he finally realized what it was she was wearing. The white kimono still glowed softly in the sun now higher in the morning sky.

He watched as she began stuffing the excess material back into the waist of the red hakama she wore. Growling he stalked over to her.

Reaching his hands out to her waist he yelled, "What the hell are you wearing woman? These aren't your clothes! You aren't even a trained Miko."

"You shouldn't be wearing her clothes."

The last was a growled mumble as he grabbed her waist and began to untie the hakama's knot. An outraged squawk rang in his sensitive ears as Kagome began to back away from him battering at his hands.

"What the hell are you doing Inuyasha?" Kagome yelled trying to move away form him.

As she slapped uselessly at his hands she thought franticly fore a way to get away form him.

"Don't you even know how to dress yourself woman?!" he yelled back at her as he finally got the knot at her waist undone. "Who the hell gave you these robes to wear? They should have at least…"

As the ground came racing up to meet him Inuyasha growled and laid his ears down on his head to protect them from the ear splitting SIT. An undignified squawk was the next sound to reach his ears and as the spell holding him dissipated he realized he had taken the hakama he had untied with him to the ground.

Kagome was backing away form him anger shining in her eyes as she scrambled to smooth the fabric of the thin white kimono down over her legs. Grinning Inuyasha stood up holding the red hakama in one hand. Glaring at the girl he moved toward her intent on showing her the proper way of tying a hakama.

"Stay away form me you…you leach!" Kagome shirked as she saw Inuyasha advancing on her again. Clutching her Kimono tightly to her chest she started to back away form him.

"Shut up wench and stand still." He growled.

At his words Kagome turned and ran from the growling hanyou. Surprised by her escape Inuyasha leapt after her grinning at the sight of her running from him. She had hiked up the hem of her Kimono to run reviling her smooth pale legs to the knee.

He saw her turn her head and braced himself as she yelled, "SIT!"

Shaking the tufts of dirt off himself he dashed off after her again as soon and he could rise from the ground. He rounded a corner on the narrow path and saw her race into a second smaller clearing.

Grinning, his fangs gleamed as he leapt high into the air. Inuyasha angled the arc of his flight allowing him to land directly behind her as she neared a well squatting in the center of the clearing.

Kagome squealed spinning around when she felt the air of his landing rush around her. Swinging her hands out in front of her in defense she landed a punch square against Inuyasha's jaw as he caught her other wrist in his clawed hand.

Sharing a quick look of surprise with his captive, Inuyasha grabbed for the offending hand as she dropped in to her side in shock. His jaw throbbed slightly as he pulled her closer to him.

"Why did you hit me?" he asked softly.

"You. You were going to…to take my clothes…" she stumbled, caught in the depth of his shining eyes. Their honey hued depths swirled with flecks of sun gold and dark burning amber.

"Why would I want to see you naked?" he goaded realizing too late that was the wrong thing to say.

Her shirked "WHAT!?" caused him to flinch away from her and cover his ears releasing her hands. Looking back up at her his eyes widened as her open palm connected with the side of his face leaving a stinging welt on the cheek opposite his throbbing jaw.

Before he could react to her attack he watched her spin away from him, as she did the strap of her sandal snapped throwing her off balance.

Inuyasha watched Kagome stumble to the side and fall against the edge of the low sitting well. The rim of the well caught her mid-thigh knocking her legs out from under her.

Rushing forward Inuyasha grabbed for her as Kagome screamed and flailed for a grip at the wooden walls of the well top.

Inuyasha's claws caught the trailing edge of her kimono's sleeve and tore through the fabric as he watched her topple down the mouth of the well.

The darkness quickly swallowed Kagome's frightened form, and Inuyasha leapt into the well after her. A sudden blast of wind and bright light tossed him out of the well sending him sliding across the clearing.

Kagome's piercing scream died suddenly, slashing a burning blade of fear across Inuyasha's mind and heart.

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A/N Don't you just Love Cliffy hangers. Now please review so that I can again become inspired to write. (oh and the a/n from the top was just paste and copy so sorry if it sounds odd to you since it isn't exactly up to date but it corresponds with when I actually wrote the chapter. :P bye