AN: This story isn't exactly an AU, per say, but it does stray from the normal settings of the original story by Rumiko. In this case, the story takes place in modern day Japan, with the rest taking place in an alternate "realm" (i.e. the Feudal Era, though this is never openly stated). Basically,Kagome has never gone to the Fuedal Era, and she's never met Inuyasha (and vice versa).The characters are from Inuyasha, and of course, I own none of them. Thanks and enjoy!

-1-

Dreams

The sky is so clear in my dream world. It's always so blue and bright. The clouds float past in large white masses, their wispy forms looking very much like whipped cream. I reach out to them as I lay on my back in the field, as if to touch their softness.

A voice calls out to me. I sit up and look toward the source of the call. As I gaze across the tall, green grass, I see him.

He has on the same vibrant jacket and pants from before. His hair is the same odd color as well, bright white and grey, with sudden bursts of silver in the sun. It streams behind him in the breeze, making him look even more mysterious and beautiful. I stand up to meet him, and as he nears me, I can make out his features. The same eyes, the color of golden honey.

He smiles, revealing his perfect white teeth. "You've come back."

I nod, smiling as well. "It is so peaceful here." I say.

His eyes grow distant, and the clouds suddenly become thicker, swarming like a mass of locusts.. "Yes…." He murmurs, his tone low and ominous. Thunder rolls across the sky, growing louder as it comes closer. I can see the darkness spreading across the horizon. My heart beats wildly with fear. What is happening?

"You don't understand," he continues, looking out over the valley that had once been bathed in light, an almost sad look in his eyes, "It won't last."

As he says this a streak of lightning strikes hard behind him, casting a strange light across his face. Where a calm, handsome boy had once stood, he was transformed into a snarling beast, with long pointed teeth and wickedly evil eyes. He raises a hand to reveal five deadly claws, ready to strike me down.

I scream, "Don't!"

His eyes grow wide, as if he's just been caught doing something wrong. His eyes swivel toward me and find my own. For a tiny moment, I see an emotion in his eyes, so strong and powerful, that I feel my heart break at the sight of it.

"Please…" I whisper, hoping to calm him.

It doesn't work. His eyes flash in the sudden storm, and I can see they have become the same blood color as before. He snarls with a sinister grin on his lips.

"Stupid wench." He growls, and brings his claw down with a mighty swipe. I close my eyes and brace myself for the pain…

"No!"

My eyes fly open. I see my white ceiling swim into view, and I give a shuddering sigh. I'm in my room. I'm safe. It was only a dream. I sit up, letting the covers fall from my sweat-drenched body.

Why? Why do I keep having these strange dreams? It's the same place every time. Those grassy hills, that wide open valley, with the tall mountains in the distance. And him…I've never met him before. I always feel so happy and calm when I see him, like I know him better than anyone. But this time...something was wrong. He...changed...

Who is he?

I shake my head, hoping to get rid myself of the images from my dream.

I glance at the clock on my bed. It reads half past three. I sigh. Tomorrow I have to wake up and pack my things for Moriki Academy.Moriki is a private academy for girls. I was surprised when my mother made the decision to send me there, for we have little money and certainly no "prestige" or royalty in out lineage, as most girls at Moriki do. Apparently, I got in purely on scholarship. Lucky me.

I fall back onto my pillow with exhaustion. I lay gazing at the ceiling, letting my thoughts wander. College...homesick...dreams...Eventually his face appears in the white space above me. I close my eyes with a moan of despair.

"Go away…" I murmur, hoping to rid myself of the dream man. I open my eyes and sigh loudly.

Tomorrow will certainly be a long day.

-O-

"Kagome, did you remember to pack your toothbrush?"

"Yes, Mama."

"Did you pack all of your books?"

"I think so."

"Did you pack your-

"Mama!" I cry with an exasperated smile, turning away from my luggage to my mother standing nervously in the doorway, "I won't forget anything."

Mrs. Higurashi smiles sadly, holding her hands tightly in front of her. "I know, darling. I just…I want you to be prepared."

I continue to pack my clothes, a small smile of knowing on my face. I know how worried my mother is. She may not show it, but I know that me going off to school is one of the hardest things she's had to face. She was like this when I went to camp that one summer, and when I traveled to Europe with Eri. This time, though, I wouldn't be back for four years...

I pack the last of my shirts, giving it a fond pat. These would be my only ties to home. After giving my luggage a once over, checking to make sure I have everything,I shut the suitcase and flip the locks on either side with a faint click.

"Whew. All packed." I sigh, putting my hands on my hips.

Mama walks in and runs her hand over my suitcase. "Kagome," she says, glancing up at me with a serious lookon her face. I bring my hands down, and return her gaze. I know she's going to tell me something important.

"Just…always know that I love you," she comes forward and wraps her arms around me, squeezing me tight, "And I'll miss you." Her voice shakes, causing my stomach to tighten up with a sudden feeling of loss.

"I'll-I'll miss you too, Mama." I feel the tears welling up in my eyes. I feel so homesick already!

She pulls away and holds me at arms length. She gives a small laugh at the sight of my tear stained face. "You'll do fine, Kagome. I know it."

-O-

The voice comes over the intercom in a loud, overbearing tone. "This is stop 6 C. Please clear the doors. I repeat, this is stop 6 C."

I stand up with my luggage in hand, moving to the sliding doors of the bullet train. I don't have trouble getting out. It's too early for the train to be as crowded as it normally is. I step off thedeserted train and turn to watch it continue on, speeding away in a curving line back toward the city. I look around the station and try to get my bearings.

"Okay, Kagome," I whisper to myself, "Let's do it."

-To Be Continued-

AN: Please, minna, read and review! Thank you!

"Make the most of yourself, for that is all there is of you." -Emerson