InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ The Keeper ❯ Dreaming of You ( Chapter 2 )

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

Disclaimer: I do not own Inuyasha and Co.

Author's Note: In this story Kagome's hair style will be closer to Kikyou's in that it's straight, but her eyes will remain light-blue.

Oh and I hope you guys enjoy this story, I read and re-read this chapter a dozen of times and re-wrote parts at least three times, lol.



The Keeper




Chapter Two: Dreaming Of You

Fingering the jewel that hung heavily, dutily around her neck she stared off into the starry night sky, trying hard to ignore the young woman that stood by her side. She could tell she was getting eager to leave the balcony and in turn helping her turn in for the night, which honestly she didn't think would be happening soon. Instead of turning and walking back into the room, she stepped forward and rested her hands on the stone railing, looking down into her garden, specifically hand picked by herself.

A small breeze blew causing the hem of her silky nightgown to flitter around her barefeet, and the loose tendrills of hair tickled her nose as they travelled across her face.

"Kaede, you may retire to your bed chamber now if you would like. You seem tired and I don't think I could sleep even if I tried." The hand maid tried to speak but was cut off, "I'm sure I can turn down my own quilt, now go on before you fall asleep standing."

Nodding Kaede muttered, "Thank you, Lady Kikyou." Bowing she excused herself, the beads that hung over the doorway clanking together making a soothing noise as an acknowledgment of her departure.

Kikyou was lost in her thoughts when she heard a soft thump behind her, she ignored it.

"It's a beautiful night, Lady Kikyou." Hearing his voice she turned her head to meet his orbs of amber, silently smiling.

"Lieutenant Inuyasha, what brings you to my balcony so late at night. If anyone knew they would say it was inappropriate to call upon a lady when her quilt is being turned down." Though she knew, no one would know for she had already sent her hand maid on.

"I noticed you sent your tired assistant on her way, so I felt obligated to come and sit with you for protection, at least until you are ready to retire." A poor excuse, for he knew that nobody would be able to make it past the front gates without his brother knowing.

"Very well." She heard his feet shuffle as he backed away to stand in the corner close to the beaded doorway, remaining silent. Her thoughts remaining on the hanyou in question. "Why do you not wish to posses the jewel?" Listening for an answer her brown eyes stayed forward taking in the palace grounds.

"What need for the jewel do I have? I am quite confident of my abilities as they are, it better suits my situation if I protect it from those who desire power." He sounded like the thought had never crossed his mind.

"There is more than just power...surely you want something, even I have desire's. I desire freedom," Kikyou turned to face Inuyasha, "What do you desire, Inuyasha?" She stepped forward and tripped.

In that split second Inuyasha moved from his post and reached out to catch Kikyou, and he did. She landed in his arms, resting with her head against his chest, as if they were in an embrace. Neither one of them moved to break the contact, only seemed to savour the moment, the contact. "I don't need the jewel, if I can't get it on my own then I don't deserve it." He whispered it in her ear before he released her.

Standing straight, brushing off her gown she looked the hanyou in his eyes, "I think it is time for me to retire, thank you for your company." She smiled at Inuyasha, and moved to leave, but she paused and watched as he walked to the railing and jumped over the edge, vanishing from her sight.

Inuyasha's ear twitched as the limp body on his back stirred, her breathing picked up signalling that she was waking. "Just in time, sleepy head, a few more minutes and we'll be outside the market." Once they landed on solid ground he lowered himself closer to the ground, loosining his grip on ther thighs allowing her to slide from his back. She steadied herself and held on for a moment longer, to allow the jello feeling to leave her legs. Once she was sure she could continue standing one her own, she removed her hands from his extra large red over jacket.

The trees had thinned out until there were none and looking forward Kagome saw the beginnings of a small village with huts scattered around, people outside awaiting traveler's, presumably apart of the market he spoke of.

"Where are we?" She had never seen anything like this, well not in person at least. Mostly she saw photo's in her history book of village's like this. In the time's she lived, the world she lived in, people didn't live like this anymore.

"This is the small village of Engeve, if you look around you'll see fields, they harvest and sell product to make their money. Been the most popular place to purchase product for over a hundred years or more." Her eyes scanned the area surrounding the village and took in the fields, many women and men out tending to them.

Inuyasha began to make his way toward the village, planning to book a table in the small establishment that he was sure was still there. Kagome tailed behind him, feeling more out of place than before. As they approached she could feel the eyes that bore into her skin as if she had a second head growing out of her neck. What really got her though was that they paid more attention to her strange attire than to the man with puppy dog ears in front of her.

Everyone was dressed in loose clothing and many had dirt smudges, colors mainly contained to a pale green and khaki. Women were covered pretty well, with bandanas over their hair, protecting their face from the multiple suns rays, while males wore straw hats. Self consciously she covered her front with her arms, her hands resting on her shoulders.

"Just ignore, them. I have money and that is all that matters as long as you stay by my side." She shook her head and relaxed her arms, once she did she could hear whispers start amongst the stalls. Taking Inuyasha's advice she ignore the stare's and the whispers, until they turned and vanished inside an establishment, that seemed to be made out of bamboo. Entering, she could smell food, must be their version of a restaraunt.

Inuyasha guided her onto the nearest empty bench and seated himself on the bench opposite from her resting his arms on the wooden table. His golden eyes studying her, really taking her in, all the while his ears still moved like little detectors. Her skin, it was different also, it held a more olive tone to it. Her eyes are blue too, he especially liked that difference. "Is rice alright?" She nodded, obviously not the talkative type huh Kagome?

As a woman approached from the kitchen, Inuyasha turned towards her, already knowing that she was coming before he even saw her. "We'll both take a bowl of rice, with two water's." She stopped, nodded and then turned on her heel to return to the kitchen. "Now, what's next Kagome?" Her eyes widened when she realized that she didn't know what was next.

What was going to happen to her, she was dumped into an unknown land, with no idea how to get back home. She propped her arms up on their elbows on the top of the table, resting her forehead in her hands, letting out a loud sigh of defeat. "I don't know." Just about choked on a sob after speaking, she felt a claw brush against her hand, meaning to be a sign of condolence. She shook herself out of her stupor though when the woman returned with their rice and water. "Thank you." She smiled at the woman as Inuyasha handed her a couple of coins.

Lifting the wooden spoon that stuck out of the pile of rice, she took a bite. Her stomach thanking her, and her mouth screaming for some water. By the time they both had finished eating and drinking, she was more comfortable, but she also realized that everything had gone quiet. There was no hustle and bustle outside, and no noise from the kitchen really.

Kagome was sure Inuyasha had notice also, as he had cocked his head to the side and both his ears were facing the entrance. "Why is it so quiet?" She looked around and saw nobody, her eyes fell to the floor as she concentrated on finding some noise, something of life around her.

It scared the living hell out of her when the table was toppled over and Inuyasha was on top of her, covering her entire body with his. Peaking out from under his arm she saw the woman that had brought them their food was holding a machette where she had just sat. Her heart raced, the adrenaline filled her veins while fear wafted to Inuyasha's nose.

He lifted her up and tossed her body over his shoulder and took off out the door, though he came to a halt when something scratched his face, and most likely Kagome's leg as she cried out. "What the hell is that?" She stared at the thread that was directly in front of her face, shining with blood, mesmerized that she hadn't seen it before.

"You can't see it?" She asked, hoping that she wasn't going crazy.

"I sure as hell felt it but I didn't see anything besides..." Inuyasha darted away as the woman came at them again with her large butcher knife.

"Watch out! You're gonna slice us to bits before she does!" He stopped and sat her down while he shrugged out of his fire rat over coat, draping it over her head. She held it closed with her small hands while staring at him quizically.

"This will keep you safe, it acts as armor. Now what can you see that I can't?"

Kagome screamed as the woman launched at them once again, the three of them now out in the empty yard. "Strings or thread, maybe even hair. There are lots of strands, they're attached to her. Both sides of her arms!"

Inuyasha reached out and sliced at thin air, but watched as the woman fell limp to the ground, no longer a threat to them. He turned to look at Kagome who seemed just as confused as him. "Is there anymore?" She shook her head.

"They lead back into the forest, should we follow it? Try to figure out where it's coming from." She watched his face, to see if she could figure out what he might be thinking.

"Probably some demon after the Shikon No Tama." He nodded a yes to her, she didn't hear the words he muttered, only began to walk slowly following the strands of hair back into the forest. Being extra careful of course, so as to not let Inuyasha get cut by an inconvenient strand. The further into the forest they got the closer together the strands got to each other.

Inuyasha came to a halt and held his hand out to stop Kagome from moving any further, his ears twitched as he heard the leaves rustle above him. Though he knew it was there, he didn't know exactly where, and did not expect the next move.

Something came crashing out of the trees and a sword penetrated through his back and out the front of his stomach. Kagome screamed out, "Oh my god! Inuyasha!" The blade was pulled back out as Inuyasha's arm moved to cover the wound and stumble forward, but did not fall and managed to turn and face his opponent.

A beautiful sorceress stood before them, with short cropped black hair, wearing an outfit skimpier than the one Kagome wore. Licking her blade, she cackled. "Such tasty blood for a half demon, and your hair...it's quite beautiful."

"Just who the fuck do you think you are?!" The woman feigned hurt, the arm that didn't hold her blade covered her chest.

"You haven't heard of me? Well, I am Yura of the Demon Hair. I have come to take the jewel, with that I'll be unbeatable!" Her blade was now pointing at Kagome who huddled beneath the fire rat, Inuyasha could smell her fear escalating. Holding one clawed hand over the hole in his stomach he moved to stand between Yura and Kagome, shielding the latter from the former. "Hahaha, I'll just kill you and keep your hair then I'll move on to the little girl and take the jewel as my own!"

"Not if I have anything to say about it!" Inuyasha leapt forward extending his left arm while yelling out, "Iron Reaver Soul Stealer!" He sliced the front of her, yet she did not bleed, the cut closing quickly.

Yura cackled, "Silly puppy, I'm immortal you can't kill me."

All the while Kagome was following the strands of hair that protruded from Yura, they led up high in to the canopy of the trees, where they merged and created a large hair ball. Squinting she noticed that there had to be something else up there, something hiding in the ball. Maybe a weakness? "Inuyasha! High in the trees, there is a hairball, maybe if you destroy it you can defeat her."

He didn't hesitate before he launched himself high into the trees where Kagome had pointed. "You insufferable little girl!" She called out when she couldn't stop the hanyou from destroying her nest. "I worked hard to build that! I guess I'll just have to re-build it, starting with your hair!"

Yura launched herself at Kagome with her blade out, yet Kagome jumped out of the way managing to only be knicked in the fire rat as it rustled with the movement. She didn't go far though as skulls clashed to the ground before her, causing her to let out a blood curling scream. The heads of her victims she presumed, and she was distracted just enough to be hit by Yura, a blow that probably would have been fatal if it weren't for the cloak she wore over her, instead though she only fell over conking her head on a nearby rock.

Inuyasha had returned to the ground and placed himself between Kagome and Yura before she could make another attack. "You'll never get the Shikon if I have anything to do with it!" Those were the last words Kagome heard before she fell into unconsciousness while staring at a brilliant red skull, thinking to herself that must be the key.

"A self less wish is the only way to make it disappear forever..." Kikyou's face was emotionless when she said it. Her hand softly touching his arm, as she cocked her head to the side to observe his reaction.

"And if it's not?" His golden irises met her dull brown ones.

"It'll disappear leaving tragedy in it's wake, twisting your wish of greed or desire into a nightmare come true for you." Her head lowered, looking at the jewel in her pale hands. Such a beautiful object, yet the only thing it brought was disaster, death, tragedy to anyone within a ten mile radius. Every day she was followed by at least ten guards from a distance, never allowed to truly be free, and from there her sadness stemmed. "A pure wish, is the only way to win."

The hanyou nodded his head...

Kagome drifted away from another memory, coming back to her own life, her eyes snapping open she once again saw the red skull. Her eyes quickly scanned the area, resting on the demon and sorceress fighting in the clearing, she caught them at the moment Inuyasha was attacking. He swiped at Yura, forcing her to drop her blade.

Kagome's eyes followed it as it clanked against the ground, sliding towards her. It was as if it was calling out to her, Touch me...

It was a strange feeling to be seduced by a sword, she reached out with her human hand to touch a demon blade. Gripping the hilt, she could see a dark aura rise up from the blade, entwining it's self around her arm up to her shoulder. Her sight became hazy, still trying to concentrate on the battle before her, but losing horribly in her own.

Give in, Shikon Keeper...

Something inside of her snapped at that instance, causing the aura to recoil back into the blade with a hissing noise, as if it was in pain. Though she didn't think about it too long as her eyes once again saw the red skull that she was sure held the key to Yura's defeat.

Letting herself take one last glance at the battle between the sorceress and Inuyasha, she raised the blade as she made her way towards the skull. Just when Yura was about deal Inuyasha a blow, she brought the blade down piercing the top of the skull. It cracked and then turned to ash. She could hear Yura screech from behind her, knowing that she had to be dying.

Kagome turned, just in time for Yura to vanish into thin air, a red comb was the only thing that remained, which she realized was hidden in the skull.

"Destroy it Kagome! She will return if you don't!" Her face held a look of confusion, though she guessed she really didn't have time to ask why. Instead of arguing, she quickly stepped on it, causing it to crack but she was not satisfied so she jumped up and down on it until she was sure it was in a thousand little pieces.

Silence surrounded them in that moment, and their eyes met but only for a few split seconds. Looking around the area to assure themselves it was really over they watched as all the remaining skulls cracked and turned to dust just as the red one had. Kagome removed the fire rat robe from her shoulders and walked to Inuyasha with her arm out stretched to return it, and she watched as the hole in his stomach shrank and disappeared.

"It held her soul, that's why it needed to be destroyed, otherwise she would have just regenerated." Inuyasha answered her unspoken question.

So much excitement in one day, during the battle all three suns had set and the large moon was the only planet left in the sky. Kagome ran her hand through her hand while she slowly made her way over to the base of a tree, sitting down she rested her forehead against the top of her knees and let out a loud sigh of exhaustion.

"Why is this happening?" She whispered it and was again surprised when Inuyasha heard her and approached speaking.

"As long as you wear the Shikon No Tama, evil will be after you seeking the power of the four souls." She could feel his body close to hers and lifting her head his face was only a few inches away from hers. No longer able to hold them in, she allowed the tears to escape and run down her face.

Inuyasha was startled when she threw her arms around his neck, burying her face into his shoulder, he could feel her body rattle with the sobs. The only thing he could do was stroke her long black hair, trying to soothe the pain of the burden that had been placed upon her. "The jewel chose you for a reason, so don't give up hope quite yet."

They remained there for a couple more hours, huddled together as the young girl cried, letting out all the pain and desperation that had been haunting her thus far until she fell asleep against his shoulder.

"I'll protect you..." He whispered into her hair before gathering her in his arms and launching them into the trees, taking them far away from Yura's resting place. Apparently the movement woke her from her slumber, for her heart beat had accelerated as they leapt from tree branch to tree branch as he breathed in searching for a familiar scent.

In a voice so small, he almost couldn't hear, she asked the one question she had been dying to have answered since she met him, "Why do I keep dreaming of you, when I close my eyes you're there and when I wake you're there."

His heart skipped a beat or two, "I don't know Kagome, I don't know." He could tell she was slipping back into the great unknown, he pondered the same question to himself. He had protected two Keepers before Kikyou and none of them including Kikyou, had ever mentioned seeing him in their dreams prior to meeting them.

In fact he was curious as to why she had the Shikon in the first place, anytime one of the Keepers had passed on or killed it had disappeared. It usually reappeared a few decades later, in the possession of a relative of the last Keeper, yet it seemed that this woman had no lineage to the prior Keeper besides the fact that she looked a hell of a lot like Kikyou. In fact if the way she responded to the environment it was like the Shikon had gone to another world for this Keeper.

A place where demon's seem to not exist, nor anyone know of the true power of the jewel, so why bring her back here. To a place that was dangerous for it and her, though he couldn't say he wasn't ungrateful to have someone to protect once again.

He had lived one hundred years before he was trapped to that tree, by the man who had killed Kikyou. And every one of those days got lonlier and lonlier as they passed, until he had blocked it all out, as if it hadn't happend. Until he felt her presence at his feet, the jewel calling out to him. It was as if he had been ordered to rise and full fill his duty to the Shikon and it's new Keeper.

And this one is much younger than Kikyou, the jewel is ruining lives before they are even started now. Who had the audacity to forge this thing?

Only his older brother, the Dog General, knew the story that their father had passed on to him shortly before he died, and not once had he thought to ask. It was a forged lifestyle, live in peace until the Shikon returned to them with it's new Keeper. Women whose live's were mostly cut short, by those who wished to satisfy their desire for power, and not all of them were demon's. Inuyasha had even seen one Keeper, killed by her own husband, his greed had led him to court her in the first place. Too bad for him, if only he knew that by spilling her blood the Shikon would seek refuge in abyss where no one could reach it, until it found it another life to ruin.

As he took a big whiff of a scent that he hadn't felt tickle his nose in over one hundred years, he felt Kagome's arms tighten around his neck and nuzzle her head into the back of his neck and his hair. His heart warmed and ached, needing to keep her safe at all costs, changing his directions he vowed to lay his life down for this one.

And you will help me big brother...