My Signs Misread
By Imperfectly-Yours
Disclaimer: I don't own Inuyasha. I just use the characters to fulfill my own sinister desires.
Summary: Kagome always thought Inuyasha was the one boy that would make her life complete. Turns out he wasn't.
Neglected Author's Notes: Please enjoy. Reviews can make a writer's day – why not make mine? :)
Chapter One
Kagome was never good with signs. Except for stop signs, she did in fact know the purpose of its name. And signs in math, even she could tell addition from subtraction, well, most of the time.
But the important signs in life, the ones that told her where to go, who to be, and especially, who to be with – she probably didn't even know they existed. So many times before they had flown past her and rustled her hair, and she only thought it was the breeze.
And so, when another set of signs crept into her life, it was no surprise she paid no attention to them at all –-----
–----- "I sense something up ahead." Kagome announced loudly.
There was a stir in the trees that surrounded the path.
Sango, Miroku, and Shippo turned to her. "You do?" Surprise was etched in their face. Normally Miroku or Inuyasha we're the first to sense trouble in their adventures.
"A jewel shard, Kagome?" Sango asked, but Kagome nodded no quickly, the small bottle that contained only two shards bobbing from around her neck.
Inuyasha, who was walking slightly ahead with the Tetsuiga sheathed on his back, stopped as well.
"Yes, there is something up ahead. In those trees." He commented, nodding at the dense patch of trees not too far ahead of them, from which a flock of black birds took flight, noisily.
And as quick as the breath of wind, the stirring of the trees, the cries of birds, was gone. All sounds seemed to disappear; not even the grass swayed beneath their feet.
The small party seemed to clench up, rigid and tense. Fingers slightly twitched towards trusted weapons, eyes peered around nervously. They all sensed it now; danger was pungent and strong in the air like miasma.
"An ambush?" Sango asked, her voice barely above a whisper.
Inuyasha, who had taken Tetsuiga from its sheath and wielded it with both hands, answered much louder. "No, whoever or whatever it is ain't hiding. It wants to be found."
The small party stood still for a few more moments, just waiting, though half of them believed it was nothing at all –
There was a loud crack in the forests beyond. The tops of trees were shaking violently as more cracks followed, trees being uprooted like weeds and snapped like toothpicks. The earth trembled below feet and leaves fluttered like feathers throughout the sky.
Kilala growled and then flared; Kagome reached to the ground and grabbed her bow and bundle of arrows; Sango held her boomerang at ready; Miroku held his staff out before him, his eyes closed and mouth mumbling prayers; Inuyasha at the lead, the Tetsuiga sharp and gleaming in the sun, thirsty for blood.
(And Shippo was hiding, of course.)
Trees continued to fall, and through the clearing of the falling trees a large brown figure could be seen. Sounds of crunching became louder, and louder, and louder, and louder…
…And then it became completely silent once more…
Suddenly, there was a loud roar, the swiping of a paw, the upturning of a tree, and a large two-headed brown bear stood in their path, the two heads snapping violently at each other.
Kagome almost growled as loud as the bear in frustration. Another battle is not what she needed, especially since she had planned to return home the next morning. More scars and bruises would give her mother just enough reason to prod into her feudal-life, and with all her exams going on that she always seems to miss, plus catching up with friends, dealing with Inuyasha, caring for her brother, and resting – oh how would she even rest? It wasn't easy living both feudal and present times and Kagome was the one person who could really understand that. In fact, she was probably the only person.
And now, she had to deal with a two headed bear.
The beast let out another ferocious roar that startled Kagome and her thoughts, creating terror down to the bones and almost made her topple over in fear. But it appeared she was the only one. Even Shippo sat in his basket, eyes full of determination. They had seen creatures worse than this before, yet she still was scared. Crimson spread across her cheeks, and though as surprising at it seems, she was more afraid her companions had seen her than the terrible beast that stood before them.
There was a slight moment where everyone was frozen, as if both parties were acknowledging each other. Kagome snapped back into concentration when Sango looked back at her, her eyes questioning. Kagome knew. She was sure she had not sensed any jewel shards, though most creatures of this size and strength usually somehow possessed them. Without opposable thumbs, though, she did not know how.
And then Inuyasha's arrogant words rang loud and clear.
"Com'on you ugly beast. You ain't nothin' compared to me!" He swung his Tetsuiga out before him in an exaggerated way, his stance unwavering.
Kagome could only roll her eyes at his "battle cry."
Everything then sprang to action.
Inuyasha leaped forward, his sword gleaming in the light. The bear reacted with a swift paw to the air, almost like a cat to a fly, but missed. Inuyasha gouged his sword into the bear's large shoulder, but it seemed to do little damage. He leaped back with a flip, landing to the ground in a swirl of dust. He then repeated the assault. The bear stood on its massive hind legs, growling with ferocity into the wind and snapping and swiping at Inuyasha, but the youkai was too fast.
In the mean time, Sango, atop the back of Kilala, let forth her giant boomerang, which encircled the beast's heads, narrowly missing an ear. She grunted in disapproval as it flew back to her hands, and she released it once more. This time, it hit the bear's hind leg with such force that the bear toppled over.
Miroku sent prayer cards which lanced the brown body and set the beast in convulsions and paralysis, its body trembling under red and white shockwaves. At the same time, Inuyasha hacked away at it, until finally it was on the floor, its fur matted with blood. It was struggling to move, but with the several powerful beings attacking it at once, it had no choice but to succumb, its limbs lifting into the air but then collapsing to the dirt with a loud thud. Its eyes were full of rage and it quivered with anger.
Kagome acted as the spectator on the sideline, feeling some pity at the animal that dared to step foot in their path. She knew she was not needed in this battle and set aside her arrows. Once more she was drowned in her thoughts. She wondered how exactly she was going to pass the math test at the end of the week, with her grade falling as low as it was. How exactly she would catch up on her homework. How exactly she was going to catch up with her friends, her family, even just help out around the house and the shrine.
Kagome was immediately filled with anger. A part of her dearly wished she was not the chosen one, the reincarnation, the one that must do these jobs, just so that she could live a normal life. She realized it was May and perhaps the Spring Fling Dance was in the next few days. She imagined her friends, dressed up with sausage curls and cat eyes; she winced as if something had hit her. She would never be a part of that, she knew it. Forever she would be stuck within some lonely forest with smelly bears attacking at every angle. She kicked at the dirt.
It wasn't fair. She knew that. And that's all she could think about, day to day, night to night, as she stumbled along these dangerous lands following a certain dog demon who probably didn't even care about her…
These powers are wasted on you, Kagome. She thought to herself. She did not want them, they were a curse, they were a hassle, and she was sick of her obligations. She wanted to return home and forget all about this place, these people, the endless struggle to gain pieces of a jewel she shattered in the first place. It was all her fault.
And Inuyasha! That mangy mutt didn't give a damn about her. He still loved a clay pot for goodness sakes! He was just an unhappy demon, so full of angst, all he did was bicker and complain and criticize her! He treated her as if she was a property, her only purpose to find jewel shards, which was probably the case. And if she were to die, she was sure he wouldn't even mind. Maybe a tear or two dropped from a loss of life, but nothing more than that. Her face contorted with anger, she thought, ooh him and that worthless sword just makes me want to – her hands gestured something being flattened, pounded, and thrown quite a few feet in the distance.
Kagome continued to pace around, emerged in such negative thoughts, a frown creased on her face. She was completely oblivious to the battle just behind her shoulder, where, for some reason unknown, Inuyasha's Wind Scar was not affecting the weak and struggling bear. Neither were Miroku's cards, which lay flat and useless as paper, nor Sango's poison. And physical attacks seem to do no harm either.
It was only a few moments later when "KAGOME!" could be heard across the clearing.
She snapped around, seeing that was Inuyasha calling. Her mind still hazy with anger and negativity, she glared at him, replying with "What do you want?"
He looked slightly taken aback but soon replied. "Well what do you think? We need your arrows!" He yelled back to her, at the same time fighting off a swiping paw.
"Oh, right!" Kagome's mind became bereft of all thoughts and she reached for arrows with almost lightening reflexes.
Pulling an arrow from her bundle, she pulled it back with the string and aimed it at the bear. She squinted in concentration, her fingers quivering.
She continued with her usual thoughts of concentration. Com'on Kagome. Aim and fire. Aim and fire, that's all.
And at the same time, others weasel themselves in.
These powers are wasted on you, Kagome. Why bother? Inuyasha won't be satisfied anyways.
She shook her head quickly, hoping to rid herself of such thoughts. She closed her eyes and opened them once more, finger by finger letting go of the taut bow string.
The arrow glided through the air with great speed, but it was overshot. It flew over the battle and to the trees beyond, at the same time lacking any magical tail. Kagome winced as she heard Inuyasha grunting in disappointment.
"Com'on Kagome! We don't have time for this!"
"I know." She muttered. Closing her eyes and pulling back the bow string once more, she let go without a single thought.
Unfortunately, the arrow soared a few feet just to hit the ground with a flop. Her cheeks turned red from both embarrassment and anger.
I guess I really am useless. Why should I even bother? Kagome thought darkly.
"Kagome, what in hell are you doing? Stop acting stupid and shoot the damn bow! This time more than a few feet would be nice!" Inuyasha yelled.
"I know what to do!" She retorted.
"Then shut up and do it! And none of this 'third time's a charm' crap! Make it happen before we are all killed!"
She grabbed her bow and an arrow with such anger and force the arrow almost snapped in half. She pulled back, getting ready to aim.
"JUST SHOOT THE DAMN BOW!" Inuyasha bellowed as the bear began to push itself up off the ground once more.
"Okay! Okay! OKAY!" without a second thought she released the arrow from the bow, a magical plume erupting from the feathered end and swallowed the arrow whole, lighting up the area with dazzling blues and purples. It landed in the bear's skull with a sickening crunch, and the whole body was eaten up by the magic, tissue dissolving and angry growling fading, the entire area now completely swallowed with her bright blue light.
Soon, it faded. Nothing remained of the bear and the rest of the party stood stunned. Kagome was still in her shooting stance, breathing heavily, her eyes transfixed on the spot where the beast once lay.
"About time!" Inuyasha yelled out, dropping to the ground and sheathing his sword.
"Hey, I got him. That's all that matters." Kagome responded lightly, trying to avoid an argument.
"Yeah after we were all nearly killed! What's gotten in your damn head today?" Inuyasha strolled over to her.
Kagome immediately flushed her anger colors. He was too ignorant and she was too feisty, that much was apparent. She let her temper take control, after all, she did have a bit of stress she could relieve.
"Gee, Inuyasha, I don't know! Maybe living in two worlds and having to deal with problems like you all day long without a single moment of rest might just be enough to turn anyone sour!" Her words sparked and then ignited with fury.
"Now, now you two. Don't let this turn into another fight." Miroku stepped in with calm words.
Both immediately turned to him with glares like daggers, their veins pulsating on their foreheads. He cringed and hid behind Sango. But then it continued, louder than ever.
"Oh boo-hoo Kagome. Should we all just stop every hour so you can take a nappy-nap and escape your problems?" Inuyasha teased cruelly. Kagome let out a loud "hmph!"
"Who said I wanted to escape anything? You really are as stupid and immature and arrogant as I always thought you were. Grow up and stop yelling at me all the time! I'm not always the one to blame for things!" She yelled back, the fire within her kindled to a blaze.
"Yeah, right." He scoffed. "And I am? You're always running back and forth between worlds when things even get a little bad. Just scared. You ain't a priestess. Just some confused girl stuck in something you can't handle." His words lowered in tone, now dripping with bitterness and venom.
She couldn't pretend that one hadn't hurt her. She turned from him, her eyes starting to gloss over with tears. Anger escaped behind mountains, and a flood of sadness drowned her beneath waves.
"You're useless. Why do you we even take you along anyways?" Inuyasha added on, lowly, and Kagome flinched as if something had hit her hard. Tears slipped down her face, dazzling silvers dancing across her skin.
"Inuyasha, how could you say that Kagome? Look how much she has done for us despite what she has to do for herself." Sango tried to calm the situation with nice words, and Kagome's lips turned upward at her effort.
"No, don't even worry about him Sango. He's right. I am useless. Can't even fire a bow without trouble." Kagome said lowly, still turned the opposite direction. Her face was shadowed, and she wiped away her tears.
"You just lack confidence, that's all." Sango comforted.
Inuyasha interrupted. "Oh don't try to make her feel better. She might just be right for the rest time. Let her soak in the moment." Inuyasha turned the other direction as well, beginning to walk away.
For once, everyone was silent. Even Shippo, who had usually interjected to say he was a "Big meanie" or something along those lines, was quiet in his basket, eyes downcast. Sango and Miroku had already backed away, perhaps knowing that things had been said that could never be taken back, that words may never be forgiven.
Melancholy filled the air, drowning everyone in sadness.
Kagome shook her head, wiping away the last of her tears. She gathered her bow and her arrows, standing upright.
"You know guys, I think I'm going to go back to my own time for a bit." She announced, still not facing them. When silence was the only response, she began to walk.
Into the forest she went, and the small party beyond her began to get smaller and smaller.
"Like I said, running back and forth between times just when things get bad! Keep running Kagome, be careful not to trip!" He called after her as the forest swallowed her whole and she could not be seen anymore.
She shook her head at this, biting her lip. Perhaps she was running away as usual, and she did not know when she would return, perhaps never. She stopped for a moment, looking back, having a slight hope that they were chasing after her so that she would not leave again. But there was nothing. Trees were the only figures to meet her sight. She sighed and turned back around, muttering "Stupid bears."
Continuing, Kagome pushed trees and brush out of her way, and felt both so small yet so vast at the same time. She felt like the universe without any stars.
It was a long walk. There were no tears. There were no thoughts about what had happened or what was being put in place. There was only Kagome and the grass, Kagome and her bow, Kagome and the setting sun.
After many hours, the well was in her sight. She reached it within minutes, noticing the dusk setting in around her. Trees were nothing but dark silhouettes in the night, bushes blurred shapes, and she could feel hidden eyes tracing their gaze across the motion of her body. She shivered.
She reached the well, and dropped her bow and arrows to the ground. She traced her finger along the wooden frame, the skin and bones of time, and pulled herself over.
She slid her legs over the opening, dangling there for a second. The infinite of time below her, and all it took was a jump. She sat there for a long while, her hair intertwined with vines, her body a slumped shadow that looked like a broken tree. The wind whispered around her, almost calling her name, touching her cheeks. But she ignored it.
And then she dropped, she was swallowed, the wind left in her wake.
And so, the first signs had been set into place.
Please review! I need some feedback!
It may seem like this story has no plot but trust me it does. First chapters usually are just the same things as prologues. Usually. And the next few chapters will be much longer. So again please tell me what you think and I will update this story soon!
Cheers