InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ Silver Winds ❯ A World Away ( Chapter 7 )

A/n

Hello Peoples. Okay, I know that legally, I should be dead right now, but I have a very good reason for not updating sooner. BTW, I'm sorry!!!

 

Well there's a few different reasons, one being that for a long time, I couldn't even get ON my account because I kept getting spit out at the login screen. It took forever for that to get over with, but anyways…. I've been rather busy lately and I guess I've fell out of the writing Kamis good graces. I've been around the block…the writers block that is, so if it shows in this chapter I'm sorry. I love all my reviewers! You people who take time to comment on my work make such an impact on my day and how fast I write the next chapter! Also, I sometimes feel I'm not writing for anyone, but I won't let that stop me, cause this story is a gift to a beloved friend. Now! ONWARD!!

 

Oh wait. Quickly, a word to some readers. Every Review Counts!!

 

smpnst: Thank you so much ^_^ I will do just that!

 

jaimed1968: Thanks for your support, you have no idea how much I'm dying to see another review every day, and you remind me I'm appreciated. Thank you!

 

unistar: Thanks for keeping interest, I know you look through many fanfics, and I'm glad you think mine is ok. But your periods make it so I can't tell what emotions are in your words…like this…see… but I love you anyways! ^_^

 

angel-up-above-heaven: I know! That's exactly what I said!

 

imanewme: Glad you like the story, and no worries, all questions will be answered in time. In fact, at least one is answered in this chapter!

 

Foxtale3: Thank you Foxy! Support is lovely, as are you

 

Kokoronagomu: Hey! Been with me since the first fic, gotta love you. If you didn't notice, I took your idea about the rock paper scissors and Kikyo playing with them. Can you say, “Fanservice?” or possibly, “Love for my Reviewers?” ^_^

 

LadyCash: So many things I could say…My friend, Reviewer, and personal inspiration. Thanks for the recurring Reviews!

 

Ok, Moving on. Sorry Peoples.

 

 

 

***********

 

 

 

 

The night was everything she wanted it to be. Silent.

 

The candlelight flickered outside the temple, blowing erratically, before briefly regaining its posture. The wind brushed lightly against the flames, hitting the orange stems of light like the morning horizon, nudging it along its course, as if wishing for it to come along.

 

The night sky was dark and foreboding, swirling with some otherworldly presence through the trees and leaves, sparking a melody of fate to the forgotten ears of the world. Unlike most like her, she could hear. The simple chords struck true in her body, tugging her to the back doors of her home.

 

The distant sounds of thunder calmed her; the resilience of its nature stirred an old feeling from within her. She stood outside, amongst the dark nature she was hearing, experiencing it like those long deceased might have. Enjoying the sounds, and smells of everything, she found herself smiling while the storm encroached upon her. She felt the soft patter of rain as it began, spreading out her arms to welcome the feeling for once, the soft frunsh of drizzle displayed on her senses.

 

She could never explain it. She had the feeling she would never be able to either. It just seemed so natural to her. The coming of a storm seemed to call on her, so forcefully, as if by some other will she always responded. It raised feelings she had never known, and those she feared she might never feel again; the feel of the air, as it about to rain, the smell of the storm, smoky and full, yet airy and flattened. The feel of the rain, and the sound of the thunder, the rush of lightning, the crackle of fire in her sky, all never ceased to amaze her.

 

As the storm of another dream passed over her closed eyes, she could only smile and wonder, how her companions in her other world took the storms she found she loved.

 

 

 

***********

 

 

Dear Diary,

 

Kagome didn't want to enter the waking world again. She found herself roused from her sleep by the soft pressure of Buyou pressed against her stomach. The feeling of her cotton pajamas suddenly became apparent, as if she had forgotten the feeling for a moment, and she quickly reveled in the warm cocoon she had made herself amongst the blankets.

 

The down comforter seemed to gently press up against her, and she gripped its inside as to not let go of the remnant of whatever sleep was still there. She clutched to her dream wildly, but found it slipping from her memory as if by fault, and she couldn't help but watch it away until it escaped her sight.

 

I can't help but wonder how the rest of the gang is doing…

 

She gently rubbed the sleep dust at the corner of her eyes, not wanting to open them, but feeling the over looming presence of her mother bustling around her house. If she slept in too late, her mother would take it upon herself to wake her from her bed and ruin whatever good mood she usually possessed in the mornings. Sleep seemed to bring her the most contentment at the moment. At least, now that her real dream was 500 years in the past.

 

She rose slowly from bed, thanking those who listened for a warm room to wake to. Even if it was summer, she found herself lacking warmth at most times during the day. It seemed now, she was always colder.

 

Its not that I even worry anymore…I know that they don't need any help protecting themselves. They're the most capable warriors I've ever met, plus there's Kikyo…

 

She kicked off her blankets and slipped her feet over the edge of her bed. She felt the rushing of blood through out her body, placing her in a state between woozy, dizzy, and tingly. She stood, grabbing her robe, and draping it over her shoulders lazily, not feeling the need to change, especially before breakfast.

 

She trudged down the stairs, nearly tripping once, and laughing it off on her way down. Kagome didn't feel quite up to cereal today, instead, grabbing a quick granola bar from the cupboard. She reached up and prepared to fish it out.

 

“Kagome? Dear?”

 

She could hear her mother's lofty voice coming from the rooms upstairs. The temple yards only went so far, but there home seemed to stretch on forever.

 

She coolly sighed, and collected her voice to speak.

 

“Yes mom, what is it?” she somewhat yelled, partially deafened by the sleep she was just drawn out of.

 

I know I shouldn't worry. I shouldn't miss it. I know because it was my choice to stay out of it…and yet…

 

“Kagome, do you want to go shopping later? Maybe pick up a new pair of shoes?”

 

Kagome hesitated, stopping her reach for the bar and turning her head. She could almost hear the footsteps of her mom as she rushed about, doing all the chores around their temple home. Why would she offer to go shopping if she was so busy? Unless…

 

Kagome wondered.

 

Unless she really seemed so pathetic that her mom offered it out of pity.

 

She winced.

 

It wasn't her fault that she had been staying indoors lately. Without school, or the feudal era…She skipped over that last thought. Well there wasn't much left to do.

 

She resumed her searching for the granola.

 

Time just won't allow me; I can't let them go… and no matter where I turn to…

 

“I'm ok mom. I think I'm just going to the park for some `Kagome Time.'”

 

The cupboard was wooden, just about as much as her enthusiasm that morning, and the endless labels kept her mind from breaking concentration. She spotted the incriminating wrapper and stuck her arm out further to grab it. Almost reaching it, she bumped something out of the cupboard, which in turn came down to thump her on the head.

 

“Umph!”

 

She rubbed her head vigorously, picking up whatever she had managed to drop. She gasped as she went to pick it up.

 

It was ramen.

 

He, is always there.

 

She picked it up tentatively, setting it on the counter, its colorful wrapping almost making it seem hostile. She stared it down, not willing to admit this was coincidence.

 

I can't forget about him. He finds his way into everything I do, even though he isn't here…

 

“I am not going to go, okay?” she yelled, pointing her finger accusingly at the plastic container. She looked to the cupboard and sighed, losing all the zeal she had mustered. She swore her lack of activity was chewing away at her sanity. She could see the headlines now.

 

“Local middle school girl claimed insane! Reported saying that she goes to the past and affiliates with, and hunts down demons! Needless to say, she has been taken to a mental facility to be hospitalized. Having been caught by reporters, her mother had only one thing to say in the girl's defense. `I do not know this woman.'”

 

She grunted, snatching away at her day dreams, and focusing on more important things. Like Granola.

 

She reached up, as if climbing some great mountain. Extending to her fullest, tiptoes included, she grabbed at the bar. She finally achieved her goal, holding up the granola bar as if it were some great award. She jumped at her minor victory.

 

“Success!!”

 

“Ahem.”

 

She stopped her jumping, only to see her mother standing at the doorway, a raised eyebrow as a cue for her to speak.

 

“You know it's just…”

 

She quickly fumbled with the granola, taking a large bite.

 

“Its just so…” She started, ooming for emphasis.

 

“…Chewy.” She said flippantly.

 

The cracks in her façade that morning measured up to that of a 1,000 year old suit of armor, just as rusty and broke down as her resolve to move on with the world. That part of her had disappeared a small while ago.

 

I find myself wondering, if I chose the right path… did I choose what was right for me? For him?

 

Her mother seemed to ignore the gesture, going past the point of her usual directness and looked Kagome straight in the eye.

 

“You sure you don't want me to come along, dear?”

 

Kagome couldn't change her answer in sake of her mother. Its not that she didn't want the company, it was just…well, her mother had real things to do, and Kagome didn't want to waste her time. She could handle being along a while longer. She had managed thus far, hadn't she?

 

She sighed, and made her way upstairs, locking the door before answering

 

“They don't call it `Kagome Time' for nothing mom.”

 

For us?...

 

***

 

She tore apart her room, mostly her closet, eager to pick out something to wear. She couldn't just wear her school uniform all the time, now that she wasn't in feudal…Japan.

 

She hastily opened her drawers and closet, scanning through them all for something fitting to wear. The park wasn't that far away, about a half a block or so, and she doubted she would be there for over thirty minutes, but the prospect of going out in her pajamas didn't sit well with her. She knew that even crossed the uniform gaudiness.

 

She finally settled on a blue sleeveless duster sweater, and some matching arm warmers. She wore a black, finely leveled top under it, with some simple jeans to wear as well. It may have been summer weather, but Kagome always felt cold now.

 

She wore a clearly defined necklace, the one which used to hold the shikon shards, now clutched a charm she had imbued herself, with the help of her grandfathers knowledge of the old and ancient crests. It had the insignia of hope, and shone with a lavender and silver light. She acknowledged the necklace with a smile, lacing her fingers around it, and clutching it with soft desperation.

 

She contemplated the feeling it brought her, a small glimmer of protection, and that hint of her ever-present hope. It gave a ghost of her feeling for when she held Inuyasha's hand. Even the faintest of his smiles brought more hope then her necklace. But then again, she couldn't expect much from something that was not living.

 

She was grateful for even the smallest of comfort it gave her.

 

She threw a look to the journal across the room, and the hilt of her pen just begging to be lifted. She casually strode over and ran her fingers over it, before she walked away, with the pen still in hand. As she walked to the park, unknowing of the eyes that watched her, she could only remember the feel of the pen in her hands, and the force of warning that had given her away.

 

 

 

***********

 

 

No sign…anywhere.

 

 

The hanyou of the tessaiga swiftly pushed his way through the forest, jumping from the tips of his feet from tree to tree. The cold wind about was unnatural for a morning like this; even though the summer was about them now…yet he suspected the only thing cold there, was him.

 

He traced the lines of his memory, pressing all the thin fabric of details to the fore. The day he missed dinner, when his smell vanished, when did the small fox named Shippou get away? Any detail, any time or place, anything he had missed the first time; something that would point them in his direction. Something that would give them a lead…

 

But there was nothing. Nothing that gave way to when he escaped, or why.

 

He had even pressed harder, thinking of anything that he might have done to upset the young kit, or anger him in any way. He had bullied him, but nothing more then the usual bop or two. He had been nice, and even shared his dinner once or twice with the small fox. He had found he was not as hungry any more, at least not since his Kagome had left.

 

The day Inuyasha heard the news, he immediately began his search. Kaede's village was the first natural place to go, though Sango and Miroku had checked all the bases before coming to him, especially about something as serious as this. There was no lead, no trail it seemed, to follow.

 

There was no sign of foul play anywhere, and there was no evidence that he had been taken, nor could they think of anyone who would want to. The vengeful and tactful Naraku had dealings elsewhere, and was presently not even in their vicinity of Japan. Somehow, their search for Naraku had slowed to a halt, and no one but Kikyo seemed to notice.

 

Yes, Kikyo was the first to notice that somewhere along the line, their group had suddenly switched targets, and was turning down new leads for city rumors, those of a sole traveling fox demon, who sought only food in a village before moving on. Apparently many offered him lodging to stay, but he kindly refused and went on his way, set about in some sort of daze, whether some trance or determination was involved, they went out of their way to follow these rumors and find their friend.

 

Kikyo didn't argue or complain like Kagome's custom, should her plans ever be turned around in favor of another's, as it seemed she agreed to continue to help and accompany them. She tried to stay mostly silent, and remained ever vigilant in the face of danger, and saw this opportunity as a ploy to seek more jewel shards. If they went in a different direction then Naraku, rather then directly behind his back, they were bound to catch some more shards before Naraku did.

 

The inner workings of the group were not as fluid as its mask perceived. The campfire lit nights were rather silent, and relationships between them all was sketchy. Kikyo also was not blind. She could see her arrival had set everyone back a few gears and it upset her to know she was partly a cause of the problem.

 

She was also unclear of how the others felt about her at this point.

 

She could feel the distant stares, and the rather cold looks and glances she had first received. It was rather unbecoming, seeing as it was not her fault the other priestess had left. But she endured, and found it worthwhile later.

 

The monk and Taijiya had offered to play a game Kagome had taught them one day; Rock, paper, scissors.

 

At first she laughed quite heartily, and gave a flat and humored, “No”, but the two of them proved persistent.

 

Eventually, she found herself giving in, and letting them teach her one of their silly games. She found them to be quite simple, yet fascinating games which had her engrossed by the first and second rounds.

 

She became loose friends with the monk, and the demon slayer, and the silent nights seemed to slowly draw away, if only a little. The rest of them still seemed to be troubled, and she couldn't blame them either. Now two of their friends were gone, and they worried for their safety.

 

She found good progress with the others, but surprisingly bore no fruit with the hanyou. He had become even more stubborn and tense then usual, always on edge, always wary.

 

His whole demeanor hardened, and he found himself apologizing for the rude remarks and gestures he made, but he couldn't find a way to rid himself of the frustration.

 

He wouldn't even let Kikyo near him, and the whole thing startled her, for she couldn't tell why he was acting this way. She eventually stopped trying to breach the gap, and decided they would be friends on his terms, and whatever solitude he needed to sort his feelings out, she would let him have it.

 

They finally picked a lead on Shippou, and rushed to find its origin, and hopefully for once, its truth.

 

The hanyou of the tessaiga swiftly pushed his way through the forest, jumping from the tips of his feet from tree to tree. The cold wind about was unnatural for a morning like this; even though the summer was about them now…yet he suspected the only thing cold there, was him…

 

 

 

***

 

A slash.

 

Another slash, and another.

 

One by one, the innocent trees of a tranquil forest fell prey to the hanyous claws. A terrible cracking sound emerged from the forest, like millions of tiny fireworks popping one after another in perfect synchronization. The tall groves of wood cracked and landed with a thick thwump sound, leaving unfulfilled stumps, with lines of age echoing their lives cut short.

 

He fumed.

 

He fumed and seethed, and bit, and yelled and finally collapsed on the forest floor, the sight of destroyed land all about him.

 

So he couldn't say his issues were over.

 

Far from it actually, he knew this only proved something wasn't right, that something wasn't working. But he knew already. He knew several things were not working, and somehow his delicate balance of right and wrong had been thrown out of whack once again.

 

He couldn't remember feeling this lost, this confused, but ever so, more lonely… at least, not since his sealing to the tree, and the death of his first love, the supposed betrayal that tainted years of his life. What he couldn't see however, was why this was happening.

 

Inuyasha knew very well he hadn't the best childhood ever, and he still had many things to work out with himself. No, Kikyo hadn't done all this damage, but she certainly had contributed. What was he to do? Pour out his feelings to his friends? Hold all of this in?

 

He'd kiss Kouga twice over before he admitted any of this to his friends. They didn't understand. They never did.

 

He sighed with a false smile, and got up, careful not to let the blood rush to his head.

 

This…all of this….he couldn't explain it. He himself had said that unless he dealt with these issues, he couldn't move on with his life. But he'd managed this far, and honestly he hadn't done much to fix whatever affairs he had.

 

His Kagome and Kikyo predicament…was on his last to do list, though he knew at some point Kikyo might have wished for him to drop dead. Well she was back to her old self…at least for the most part.

 

He jumped to the highest point in a tree, and slowly drifted his way back to camp.

 

He trudged through the small clearing, ignoring his friend's welcomes, and sat alone at the base of a tree. He sat there for a while, how long though he wasn't sure, but he had seen the campfire dim to some degree.

 

He heard a small ruffle of clothing, and felt the vibration of some sitting on the ground.

 

“Inuyasha…”

 

It was Miroku, the meddling, not-so-introverted monk, with the cursed hand. Inuyasha sighed. He could see where this might be going, and he didn't exactly want part of it.

 

“Inuyasha, do you wish to discuss—“

 

“Can it Miroku. I don't need counseling from someone who has a hell of a lot more problems then I do.”

 

He could feel Miroku against the tree, sitting directly opposite of him, on the other side, most likely looking the other way.

 

“Yes…” came the reply. He hesitated. “But at least I am not afraid to share them with my friends.”

 

He could hear the houshi begin to get up, and he caught his breath and swore.

 

“Wait,” he said, before he could stop himself. He withdrew his outreached hand and looked the other way. “Just…make it quick.”

 

He could sense Miroku's small smile, and he felt him plant himself once more on the forest floor. There was a long pause as both males thought of what to say, so as not to bring the wrong idea to the other, and yet not upset them to the point of silence.

 

“It's not how you expected is it.”

 

Inuyasha ears flicked upward, as he saw Miroku smiling down at him, and sat down by his side. He furrowed his brows and searched the skies quickly before responding.

 

“Not exactly.”

 

Miroku shifted a bit, and found a more comfortable position against the bark. The grass under them started several inches away, leaving nice room for there feet to rummage against the soil. Miroku cleared whatever speech he had and focused more on his feelings. The hanyou did not want some long talk, and liked short answers.

 

“Do not get me wrong Inuyasha,” he began. “Lady Kikyo is a very friendly woman, and she seems a most valuable ally. Yet, she does not seem to…fit well with you.” He sighed, turning his head toward the stars.

 

“How did you to fall in together?”

 

Inuyasha didn't rethink on it so much, as he did simply respond.

 

“It wasn't what I'd planned, that's for sure. It just sort of…happened.” He stated obliviously, bringing his hands together.

 

“I understand, at the time, you most likely needed her, and in turn fell in love with her. It is not unnatural to need someone before you love them, but…do you still need her now Inuyasha?”

 

Inuyasha stood abruptly and turned on Miroku, a scowl lighting his face.

 

“I think we've done enough talking for one day, Miroku.”

 

He turned to leave, but Miroku stopped him, only once.

 

“Inuyasha, please tell me this.” He pleaded, bringing his hand out as if to grasp his. “Do you miss Lady Kagome?”

 

Inuyasha stared long and hard at the houshi, until he finally responded with a nod, and leapt away into the night.

 

He hated it.

 

Miroku, for the most part seemed to have read his mind entirely. And that angered him.

 

He finally landed on a branch, watching Miroku return to camp and join the others by the fire for the last of dinner.

 

Miroku was right. This was not how he had pictured it. Not how he had planned it, or wanted it, or even cared to bother with it. Kagome had given him this opportunity. A time to spend with Kikyo on another journey, without any of Kagome's interference.

 

He had expected to have a good time, to reconnect with Kikyo, and refresh himself with her personality for once, rather then the droll expectancies of his friends. Kikyo, to what he had looked at as a good thing, was a mystery. You couldn't read her, and she wasn't so predictable like the rest of his team, with Kagome's sits, and Shippo's taunts, and Miroku's groping, and the return slap from Sango, and their daily grind which he sometimes found himself already knowing what would happen next.

 

But suddenly he missed all of that.

 

The familiarity of it all. Now he wasn't sure how the future would pan out. A teammate was missing, and one had been replaced. And he found himself hating everything. All of it.

 

He was restless, uncertain, and more so, lonely. Lonely. Here he had all his friends and Kikyo and he felt lonely!

 

But, he wasn't just lonely for anyone. He knew he was lonely for, Kagome.

 

She was the one that lifted his heart, that engaged his mind, and motivated him beyond his limits. She was the one that stirred smiles from him, and made him feel more cheerful then he had all his days on this earth. Somehow, Kikyo could never be what Kagome was to him. But he didn't know exactly what that was…

 

Was it her smile? No, Kikyo had the same smile. Her laugh? No, Kikyo had near the same laugh. No, if it had anything to do with outer beauty or representation, then Kikyo could have easily filled that in. Kagome was her reincarnation.

 

He thought on this for the rest of the night, that how among his friends, and first love, he could ever feel so alone.

 

As he looked to the camp for the last time that night, it seemed for once, his heart cried out to sleep alongside his friends, if it would only end this tormenting, inner lonesome.

 

 

 

 

 

***********

 

 

Somewhere far in the future, a girl looked at the calendar, and smiled for once in a long time. There was only one day separating her from the long awaited day of the new moon, and she felt its approach in her veins.

 

At the same time, somewhere apart from the girls time, a young fox dropped to the ground. He was tired, and felt near to the point of exhaustion. He felt his paws could take him no further, yet he pushed himself forward, and pressed on. He could feel he was close, and sensed the same presence in the air. He saw the shimmering wind as he approached the house, its surprised movements, which ended in its leaving the area. He stepped towards the house, and sighed before, with the last of his strength walked through the door and collapsed. He saw the shape of a man walk over to him, as he slurred his words before he closed his eyes.

 

“Who are you, and how do you know Kagome?”