InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ Trials of Subsequent Time ❯ The Vanished ( Chapter 1 )

Trials of Subsequent Time

Chapter 1: The Vanished

~*~

"So, let us begin it, dear sister."

"Is it time now? Good, the two are ready."

"Are you sure about them being ready? It is possible that they will not recover from this."

"I know this, but they have endured formidable confrontations in the past. We must have faith that they will do so once again."

"I hope you're right. This IS the future that we are changing."

"Have a little faith sister. Have we ever made miscalculations before?"

"Yes."

"Oh, you're referring to the previous trial. Well, I assure you, these trials will be different.

~*~

A loud "BEEP" filled the frantic household as Kagome bolted out of her chair. The frenzied girl ignored her weariness as she ran to the obstreperous oven. Her mother and Souta had perceptively resolved that the kitchen was not a choice place to be when Kagome decided to cook.

Disregarding the nearby oven mitts, Kagome yanked open the door of the oven, and pulled out the desired dish. In her haste, she affectively burned both hands on the scalding pan. With a loud "Ouch!!" she rushed to the sink, inserting both hands into the icy water. The appetizing brownies that she had attempted to carry had been dropped hastily on the oven top.

Souta risked a peek into the kitchen and gawked when he saw his sister making such a mess. Scattered around the kitchen were dishes of expeditiously made foods; most contained deserts. Frequently, noises would go off, signaling that more dishes were to come. The sink was filled to the brim with stained pots, pans, and plates.

Souta was becoming bored of hiding in the other room, playing his video games. Couldn't Kagome go to the well already? Shouting over all the clatter, he bellowed, "Kagome! You don't need to bring THAT much stuff! Leave some for us!"

At the sound of another human voice, Kagome stopped her bustle. Turning to face her little brother, she yelled back, "Souta, this is a picnic! You're SUPPOSED to have lots of food!" Nevertheless, she turned off the oven and observed the kitchen, noticing for the first time the disaster that had surrounded her. Refusing to acknowledge that Souta had been right, she put herself to work packing all of her previously made foods.

Souta continued to watch, pleased that he had helped. Now, if only his sister would give him some of that delicious looking food. When his sister fumbled with carrying three plates at once, Souta appeared at her side and grabbed the cupcakes that had been threatening to fall. Giving Souta a relieved smile, she continued to pack her enormous yellow bag.

"Arigato Souta. You can have these." Noticing Souta's searching eyes, Kagome graciously gestured to the chocolate cupcakes that were in his arms. All Souta could do was smile blissfully and carry his new prize away from Kagome, in case she changed her mind.

It was funny how Souta could disappear once he received a present, she bemused absently. Finishing her packing, Kagome groaned as she slung the bulky bag over both shoulders. Checking off her list on her fingers, she made sure that she had everything that was necessary. Wouldn't Inuyasha be surprised at this!

About to go out the door, she called out, "Souta, tell Mom I'll be back in a week or so. Arigato and see you later!" Hoping that Souta had heard, she made her way out of the house, mentally berating herself for packing too much. Would she even be able to make it to the well?

Souta relayed her message to his mother who was upstairs sewing. When he went downstairs once again, he let out a pitched moan. Kagome had left him all the dishes! "Kagome, can't you clean up after yourself?" he mumbled dejectedly.

~*~

Appearing in Inuyasha's era, Kagome heaved herself out of the ancient well. As she had hoped, Inuyasha and her friends were waiting for her on the dew-strung grass nearby. Catching Sango's eye, she waved. Sango grinned and whispered to the others, reacting in a very happy kitsune leaping towards her.

"Kagome, why did you leave for so long?" Shippo had bounded into her outstretched arms, snuggling against her chest.

Ignoring the question, Kagome hauled her gear to a waiting hanyou and hentai. Inuyasha growled at her before demanding, "What did you bring back this time wench? More books again? You'll break your back at this rate."

Kagome stuck out her tongue at him and turned to Sango and Miroku. "I brought back a surprise for everyone." Both reactions were well received, so Kagome collapsed on the grass with Shippo still snuggling against her. Pulling the sack in front of her, she nudged open the flap on her bag. First she proceeded to empty her previously packed items. When they were all laid out, she stood up and asked Sango to grab one end of the navy blue blanket she had brought along.

Curious, the others only watched her strange antics as Kagome set down the blanket. She then set each dish in its own spot, leaving room for the group to lounge on the soft fabric. As Kagome finished, she gestured for the others to sit down. Understanding the basic principals of these actions, the gang began to eat.

~*~

"So you dismantled it?"

"Yes, it is gone. Their response will affect their future reactions. I only hope that their reaction is the right one. If not, we must stop this before it gets out of hand."

"Relax sis. You seem to be getting cold feet. Do not pester me; just let me take care of the next part."

~*~

As the noon sun threatened to set, the group felt that they would never eat again. Inuyasha had particularly enjoyed the food that Kagome had prepared. Letting out a loud burp, he leaned back against a nearby tree contently. Miroku and Shippo had already given in to their fatigue and were snoring lightly on the ground. Kagome herself was wishing for a warm bed at that moment as she sat cross-legged on the blanket. Standing up, she removed the cloth and placed it over the shoulders of Miroku and Shippo. Sango sat nearby, half awake.

Sango tapped Kagome on the shoulder and gave her a weak smile. "Arigato Kagome, that was great." Then, in turn, she collapsed a few feet away from the snoring pair.

Kagome only smiled, pleased with their contentment. Expectedly, she looked towards the hanyou who was drifting into sleep himself. "Well Inuyasha, what did you think?"

Inuyasha stirred and looked up at her face with a scowl. All that food had brought fatigue, and the last thing he wanted at that moment was to answer questions. He raised his head slightly and replied in a perturbed voice, "It was good Kagome." Thinking that this would appease her, he repositioned his head against the firm bark.

Kagome fumed. That was all? Didn't he care that she had spent hours making it for him? Upset by this retort, she stomped towards him.

With half closed eyes, Inuyasha regarded Kagome's exasperated face. What had he said this time? He DID like the food. Did she want him to say something else? He braced himself for what he knew was coming next, although he couldn't muster the energy to abandon his tree.

"Inuyasha, osuwari." The unfortunate hanyou plummeted to the ground, scraping his hand on the rough tree bark as he fell. Pleased with herself, Kagome marched towards the general direction of the well. If that hanyou couldn't appreciate her, she shouldn't stay with him!

Climbing the miniature hill, Kagome kept her eyes focused on the ground, fists clenched. When she reached the summit, Kagome became overwhelmed by her astonishment. Her legs refused to hold her up, and she dropped into a kneeling position on the ground, a petrified look in her eyes.

~*~

When Inuyasha's legs agreed to move, he leapt to his feet. The shadowed figure of Kagome could be seen a little ways ahead of him. She seemed to be staring at something, but her figure blocked his sight. Running to her side, he feared only the worst.

At the crest of the hill, Inuyasha stood by Kagome and looked into her aghast eyes. Her mouth was slightly ajar, and she was trembling slightly. Following her anxious gaze, he immediately understood her reaction, and his brain registered the sight. Perplexed, her shook Kagome a little to wake her up out of her stupor.

"Kagome, it will be alright." Waiting patiently for a sign that she would be all right, he firmly gripped her arm.

At last, she responded. "But Inuyasha, it's gone. The well is gone." Her hoarse whisper was barely audible.

~*~

"They will be fine. I have faith in them."

"Do you? This was only the moderate part. I fear that the rest will crush their souls."

"It will not. They will manage, and become stronger after it is over."

"Perhaps. But I have become attached to them, particularly the girl. Besides, you said it yourself; the later parts of this trial will be merciless."

~*~

Shira tsuyu ni

Kaze no fukishiku

Aki no no wa

Tsuranuki tomenu

Tama zo chirikeru.

-Bunya No Asayasu

Translation:

In a gust of wind the white dew

On the Autumn grass

Scatters like a broken necklace