InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ Fractured ❯ Chapter 4

The colors blurred together, the voices mixed. He couldn't make sense of what was going on.

It was always like this when he dreamed now. It was as if he was chasing something unattainable. He wanted to grab onto whatever it was- it seemed incredibly important.

But as soon as he neared it, it slipped through his fingers. It was there, and then it wasn't. It called to him in a familiar way that clenched his chest, and confused him, the emptiness that it left.

He felt less settled in his waking life. Kikyo was dead- dead. How could he possibly forget her death?

How could he forget the miracle of her rebirth?

Clearly a significant amount of time has passed between the day at the docks and now. He couldn't make sense of the changes; things just didn't fit together.

And while he wanted to ask the Miko more about his missing memories, something told him that he was walking on thin ice with her. Had he done something to upset her prior to the blast? Was she tired of the situation, having to constantly explain things to him?

Or was she simply just tired of being in the company of a filthy hanyou?

He wasn't a fool; he knew that he was damned lucky that someone of her caliber was willing to turn a blind eye to his existence, let alone travel with him. Once they pieced together the jewel, he would become human- become worthy of being by her side.

“I like you the way you are.”

He winced, the sound of a sweet voice ringing in his ears.

He had heard that in his dreams. I like you the way you are. Feh.

When had anyone liked him the way he was- fuck, when had anyone liked him period?

No wonder it was a dream.

He had hope though. The fact that he was together with Kikyo…

Maybe it was her?

Maybe that was something she had said. She had to like his personality, or she wouldn't be here.

It didn't feel right.

I like you the way you are.

What a load of crap.

Who would like someone like him?

He closed his eyes tighter, willing himself to find the source.

He wanted to run his claws through her for being such a fucking liar, whoever she was.

~.~

“Thank you so much for your help.” The elderly man said as he feebly sipped a cup of tea. “I don't know what we would have done if it wasn't for you.”

“Think nothing of it.” Miroku said with a kind smile.

They had been on the hunt, chasing the rumors of a crow demon with a shard, when they stumbled upon a village it had recently attacked. They made the decision as a group to help- putting off the chase for a day- and bandage up the survivors as best they could.

Since Inuyasha had left, the group had more of a democracy. The voted on what to do, where to go next. But seeing the state of the village, it was unanimous that they stay and help.

“Truly, we would have been lost without your assistance, and your strange medicine.”

“That is from Kagomes homeland.” Sango said proudly, as if Kagome herself had made aspirin.

“Im just glad it helped.” Kagome smiled as she bandaged a womans arm.

“And you are really on the way to hunt down that beast?” A young man asked. He was handsome, with black hair and piercing brown eyes.

“Of course we are! Who else is going to take it down?” Shippo asked, brining over a box of Band-Aids.

“Just the 4 of you?” He asked skeptically.

“5.” Sango replied.

The young man looked around, recounting.

“Kirara. Shes quite fierce in battle, arn't you Kirara?” Sango said with a proud smile.

The man looked at her as if she were insane.

There was no way that two women, one dressed in her underwear, a monk and a fox kit could take down that crow.

“I will accompany you.” He said sternly.

“Eh?” Kagome looked up from her work.

“You will need all the help you can get. The crow-“

“Really, I think were okay.” Kagome said frantically.

“Yes, Kagome is right. We are more capable than we appear.” Miroku said.

“Please,” The eldely man interjected. “Allow my son Kyou to accompany you.” He begged. “As thanks for your help. He is a strong fighter. He defended our village.”

“Im sure he could be a help, but we-“

“It is not just for you that I will go.” Kyou said. “Its for the honor of my village.”

Kagome looked at the man, determination in his eyes.

“Okay.” She said simply. “Were leaving first thing in the morning.”

Kyou nodded then left the hut.

“Kagome-“ Sango said under her breath. “Why did you say it was okay?”

“Yeah.” Shippo asked. “He might just get in the way.”

“I have to agree with the others. We might focus our attention on keeping him safer rather than fighting the demon.”

“Miroku is right. We know how each other fights. We know our strengths and weaknesses. He may throw us off.”

“Even still, he should come.” Kagome said.

“But-“

“When I looked at him… it was like looking at you Sango, when we first met.”

“Hm?”

“He has the same fight in his eyes. He needs to go and avenge his people.”

“I can certainly understand that.” She said, her voice low.

“Very well.” Miroku agreed.

“Besides, its just for a little while. After we take down the crow demon, he will go home.”

~.~

Inuyasha was about to do something very brave.

Something he had never done before.

He was going to try and hold Kikyos hand.

He had come to the conclusion that he was insane. That he was hearing voices of people that either never existed, or villagers that he had come in contact with along the way.

And the woman- it had to be Kikyo.

Maybe she was upset because their relationship had progressed so far, and now it was so far back?

Maybe she was afraid to approach him?

But all these images… of her… of them together…

If it was her, then holding her hand should be natural. If he reached out, she should smile, just like she had in the vision.

She was sitting down in the grass, her knees bent into her chest. He could tell that she was upset. She was looking up at the stars, unaware she was being watched. He walked over, a gentle breeze blowing his silver hair.

She turned her head, looking his way. Her face was blurred, crude. Her entire being was rough.

Silently, he sat next to her, taking a deep breath.

“I… I didn't mean it.” He blurted out.

“I know.” She said sadly.

“I- it just- fuck. I don't know why I said that.”

“Its fine, Inuyasha. You don't have to justify yourself.” She said.

“No, I think I do, since your sitting here pouting.” He said, an edge in his voice. “They just wont let up. Its embarrassing.”

“So because you are embarrassed, you had to act like that?” She turned to face him. He could feel the blush on his cheeks.

He turned his head away. Inuyasha clenched his fist, before spreading his palm over her small one.

“Feh. You should know by now I don't think that about you.”

She paused a moment, digesting his words. Slowly, she turned her hand over to lace their fingers together.

She had no fear of his claws.

He looked at her, her plump lips that curved into a smile.

They were clear, perfect.

“Really?” She asked, a teasing tone in her voice as she squeezed his hand.

She bit her bottom lip, and it was all he could take.

He leaned in to kiss her, the smile on her lips seductive and welcoming.

He leaned in, and it was over.

Even in his damn dreams he couldn't get close to the miko!

But today, he was going to test it.

Today, he was going to reach out, and hold her hand, just like he had done then.

Kikyo was sitting by the base of a tree. He tried to follow along with his vision. He sat down next to her silently, watching as she fiddled with her bow.

Shakily, he reached out, placing her hand over hers.

It looked different. Her hand, while small and dainty, was not the same as the vision.

“Inuyasha?” the miko questioned, looking up at him. He did his best to smile.

And she returned it!

Kikyo smiled at him!

He looked at her lips. They were different. The others were plump and pink.

Hers were smaller, paler.

Not the same! His demon raged.

He did his best to work it down.

Her smile was encouragement, right? If she truly was the woman from his visions, then she would accept him, just as she had then.

He leaned in quickly, parting his lips slightly. Swiftly, he kissed her.

Before she pushed him away.

“Inuyasha!” She said, raising her hands between them.

He staggered, trying to catch his breath.

“What has come over you?!” She looked him over.

“I- I just thought- you and I-“

“Say it clearly.”

“I thought we were together.”

She took a breath.

“We are. We will be. Once the jewel is whole. Let us save our embraces for then.”

He nodded mutely.

“What gave you the idea to act so boldly?” Her eyes widened slightly. “Have you recovered some of your memories, inuyasha?” She looked at him critically.

He swallowed, knowing in that moment, he couldn't tell her the truth.

She wasn't the woman.

She wasn't the one he had been with.

He shook his head.

“No. Everything is still a blur.”

She visibly relaxed.

“What a shame. When the day does arrive that you remember… even if only bits.. please tell me.” She smiled.

It wasn't the same.

Not the same as hers.

He tried to swallow the lump in his throat.

“Okay.”