Disclaimer: This story is based on "Inuyasha," copyrighted by Rumiko Takahashi. No infringement of copyright intended or implied.
Author's Note:
Welcome to the collection "Solo." This set will be made up of pieces written about Kagome, that take place during her high-school years, when she was separated from her companions in the fuedal era. Most pieces will be inspire by prompts on various LiveJournal communities. Enjoy!
The Night of No-Moon Watch
She tried to make her heavy load of homework use up her time, distract her from memories. For the honor of her family, she must not just pass her high-school classes, but do well.
Once, she had paid no attention to the moon. It was only an occasional light in the sky; it's cultural and scientific particulars of no greater concern to her, than her grandfather's fairy tales.
Now, she could not forget it. Her eyes searched for the moon symbols on every calendar page. Outside at night, she looked for it, whether merest sliver or full circle. And this night, though a major test loomed, she could not stop being aware that it was that night. Her eyes refused to follow the text, seeing only the black circle in the corner of the day.
Restless, edgy, she finally took a break. Wrapping a blanket around her, she tiptoed out of the darkened house. Familiarity and light scattering from the unsleeping city surrounding her made it simple to make her way to the tree. Climbing over the low, protective fence, she leaned against the tree, one hand resting against the bark under the scar.
Inuyasha, she thought. Are you all right? Are you safe? Are you with our friends? She glanced up through the currently-bare limbs of Goshinboku towards the dark sky, knowing, that, no matter how long she watched, that even if she located the handful of stars too brilliant to be obscured by city lights, she would never see the moon. Not this night.
Looking away, she leaned her forehead against the tree. I wish you could tell me, old tree, she thought. Is Inuyasha all right? Is he happy? Will I ever—
She cut the last thought off. This was her world, not the other one. Only this world mattered: must matter. But—
—if only she could know.
The ancient tree's upper branches creaked slightly. For a moment, something warm seemed to wisp past her outstretched fingers, and something, for a brief moment, seemed to wrap around her, as if to embrace.
Safe. Safe. Safe and well.
A shudder shivered through her, dissolving the tension in her neck and shoulders. Kagome breathed in the cold, sharp air, then let it out.
Thank-you, old friend.
She gathered the blanket around her, and returned to her room.
Author's Note: This is the original version of the word-limited version submitted to the "First Tweak" LiveJournal community for the prompt, "Moon Watching," on September 4, 2010. It took first place.