Seeker of Forsaken Souls

I don't own Inuyasha! ;p

The stars were beautiful in the night sky. It was like they were shining their brightest to show off just for me. I rarely get the chance to sprawl out on the cool grass and just gaze at the sky, so today I'm going to appreciate the moonlight. I don't remember anything from my astronomy class, but I think the big dipper is right above the tree that's waving in the horizon. You never really realize how amazing nature is until you slow down and just breathe it all in.

The last thing I imagined happening to me was being thrust into nature. The only forest I was used to was made out of steel and plaster. It took a little time before I saw plants and animal life as beautiful instead of bothersome. I just had to learn to stay clear of the nuances that lurked around every corner, which was a real pain in the ass by the way! Learning which plants could be used for healing and which ones gave nasty rashes was pivotal in my change of mind. Being thrown into the feudal era has made me a much stronger person by making me relate to people instead of computers. I never thought there would be life without internet. But regardless, my spiritual abilities have become very powerful because practicing seems to be the answer to boredom. Some have said that I have reached Midoriko's standing, but I'm not going to give myself that much credit.

A lot has happened since I was first drug against my will down that damn well. I have made quite a few friends and we have all come to rely on each other along our twisted journey. Each one of us has searched to find the missing pieces of ourselves and where we belonged in the savage age of the feudal era. Not everything that people thought happened during our adventures was correctly written in history. Things were changed here and there and some important stories were left out completely. Little facts changed into big lies to make the drama more appealing in some places and some traumatic events were left un-detailed to keep a sense of privacy. I guess historians decided to just keep the basic happenings of our journeys correct and re-write each adventure according to the way they thought it would have happened. Each story changed according to who the story teller was at the moment; adding little quirks to make their version better than the last person.

One important thing that was misconstrued was my age. They said I was fifteen when I was unceremoniously ripped from my time. But they were wrong, I was twenty. I wasn't the young adolescent that didn't know much about love or life. I did, in fact, know a little more than I was given credit for. Because I was a little older, it was harder for me to grasp the impossible. To tell you the truth, I thought I was out of my mind the first week I stumbled into the past. There had to have been something wrong with me, did someone slip some type of drug in my drink at the party the night before? Things like this just don't happen right?

Wrong! This definitely did happen and I wasn't very thrilled about it. You know what else was pretty sorry about the real version of our story? The Well never let me back through. I was never able to visit my family and bring back little knick knacks from the future. Whoever added that into their telling was a real asshole. I can't even explain to you how much I miss my family; there isn't a day that goes by that I don't at least think about them once. There is a barrier over the well that I can't break to get back. It's like I bounce off the bottom like a tennis ball. I have tried to get back to the present era hundreds of times and I usually end up with a twisted ankle and a broken spirit. One day I hope to be strong enough to break the seal that rips my heart out every time I come into contact with it.

The only reason my friends believed I was from the future was because of my school girl uniform, a locket I wore around my neck, and the shoes with rubber soles. Not to mention my way of thinking was very unique and my attitude was quite loud for a woman. It took a little bit of time for them to quit questioning my sanity. It wasn't like I was seeing things or talking to phantoms.

The fact is I questioned my own mind when I came across Goshinkbo. Can you imagine the thoughts that bounced across my brain when I stumbled across a man pinned to my tree with an arrow!? And he was alive!? I couldn't help but touch the strange ears that showed through his mass of white hair. He was one of the most beautiful men I had ever laid eyes on. That was the first time I met Inuyasha. It seems that he was meant to be a huge influence on my new life in the past. I continue to travel with him to this day. He wasn't as crabby as everybody made him out to be. Actually, he just had little mercy for the demons that only wanted to hurt people. His attitude came off as abrasive at times, but he wouldn't be the hanyou we all know and love with out a little bit of attitude. It is true that I fell madly in love with the half demon. I can barely be alone with him without my heart trying to escape from my chest. But the journey to find all the pieces of the Shikon jewel has kept me from becoming as close as I would like with him. I know what your thinking, what about Kikyou right?

Did she make the dramatic return that everybody whispered about? Yes, but it was short lived. The event that almost killed me was downplayed in the books. Kikyou came frighteningly close to disposing of her reincarnation. Yea, I wasn't thrilled about it either. She shot a sacred arrow and my own spiritual abilities, which were quite weak at the time, caused it to barely miss my heart. I won't lie to you; I really thought it was the end for me. Everything that mattered seemed to seep from my very being into nothingness. The last thing that my eyes soaked in before I went unconscious was Inuyasha ripping Kikyou apart and then her body turning into the dust that she was made from. Surprising? Yea, I was pretty shocked too. It didn't seem as monumental as it would have if I wasn't busy with trying not to die though.

When I awoke in Inuyasha's arms I didn't quite know what was going on. Seems kind of silly, but I would go through that all over again just to wake up in an embrace from him. But the strangest thing took place after I peeled my eyelids open; Inuyasha cried and held me all day. Of course, I didn't mind that much!! I was told that he had held me all week just to keep me close to his heart. This event caused an unbreakable bond to form between the two of us, and I knew that I would never be able to leave him again. I was his new Kikyou in a sense. Inuyasha needed me to be his rock. If he only knew how in love I am with him. But to tell him would put unnecessary strain on his heart and my own. There has been so much pain that we have had to overcome together; it's a secret that only he and I understand when I look into his eyes.

Miroku and Sango seem to tone out the sadness that tends to overcome Inuyasha's senses now and again. Miroku was a monk and Sango was a demon slayer. That information was right on the money. And yes, they also fell madly in love. Miroku was a lecher and Sango was his disciplinarian, which made for an interesting couple. I was lucky to have befriended them during our search for the Shikon. Their highs and lows made for a highly entertaining journey. Don't worry, Kirara and Shippo were our companions as well. I hear that many fans of our group have become quite attached to the idea of their existence.

There are a couple of other details that are inaccurate that you might be interested in knowing. Rin was no child when Sesshoumaru pulled her from the afterlife. She was actually in her higher teens. I'm not sure the exact number because she didn't even know, but I'm guessing she was around eighteen or nineteen. Rin was the only human Sesshoumaru ever had feelings for. They had an odd relationship, but anybody could tell he loved her by the light in his eyes. There was no question about the way she felt for him; she loved him unconditionally and would follow him to the ends of the earth if he felt the whim to travel there. I have a feeling that they care very deeply for one another and that Sesshoumaru only genuinely lets loose in private. She will eventually soften him enough to break his stone faГade. But then again I guess you never really know when it comes to youkai.

Anyway, I'm twenty-three now and I still travel with the same group of friends. We have been searching for the last Shikon shard for a solid year now. And to answer your question, NO, Naraku is not the pest who has it in his possession. We actually disposed of him quite awhile ago. He did give us quite a few problems, but he did not cause the amount of grief that the stories boast. The youkai who has been a real pain in the ass is named Sanorai of the Moon. I think it's weird when people are given titles such as 'somebody of the something,' but I guess their reputations exceed themselves. Sanorai has the last jewel shard and we have been searching for him day and sometimes night since that's the main time he comes out of hiding. He is quite an elusive man it seems.

People say that he moves like the wind and you can only see him at night by the light of the moon. I have only seen him once and it was only for second. He had jet black hair pulled back into a low pony tail with a few loose strands that fell over his eyes. When he looked at me, I felt like his crystal blue eyes bore into my very soul. In the middle of his forehead was a small mark with the jewel shard embedded in the center. His facial features were sharp and he was a very attractive man to look upon. A white haori hung from his shoulders tucked into loose white pants. The haori was opened just enough to see his muscular chest. If he wasn't 'the enemy' I wouldn't mind letting him take me out! Needless to say, Inuyasha wasn't very happy when I blushed at the sight of him. You must understand, I'm a sucker for the mysterious bad boy type if you haven't already figured it out.

The only thing that seemed a little odd about our meeting is that he didn't have an evil aura. Most youkai who search for the jewel shards have blood curdling auras. But I seemed to reach a calm state of mind when he stood before me; I would have tried to reach out and touch him if Inuyasha hadn't pulled me away from him. He seemed more sad than angry and I just wanted to tell him that everything would be okay. Just as he appeared before us he vanished again. If only I would have had a chance to talk with him about the jewel shard and how important it was to complete the Shikon no tama, maybe he would have seen reason and given it back. That would be pretty unlikely though. It would be like asking Inuyasha to give up the attitude problem! Ha! Like that would happen in a million years.

So it seems that the only thing we know about him is the way he looks and that he has the last jewel shard. Now we just have to find him. Once I put the jewel completely together, I am going to try and break through the barrier over the well. Maybe one day I will be able to go home! Wouldn't that be bliss?

"Miko?"

Kagome jumped at hearing someone whisper in her ear. She made sure to go to the far side of the clearing to keep Inuyasha from tagging along. Maybe it was just the wind. She was in desperate need of some alone time and Inuyasha had been being a real pest lately.

Looking around her, the only thing visible was darkness. Shrugging, Kagome figured she was just hearing things and making words out of them. She had been deep in thought thinking about all of the adventures she and Inuyasha had been on in the past three years. It was incredible to think that they had survived so many near death experiences, one of which still left a bad taste in her mouth.

Settling back down into the grass, Kagome gazed back at the sky. The moon was bright and it looked incredibly close to the earth. Reaching towards the neon orb, she stretched her fingers out as if she could touch it.

"It is quite beautiful, is it not?"

Jerking her arm back to her side, Kagome knew that her mind didn't make that statement up.

"Who's there? It's rude to sneak up on people!" Kagome glared into darkness.

"Yes, but if you saw me coming, you surely wouldn't have stayed." Gliding into view, a man with crystal blue eyes approached Kagome's tensed form. His skin glowed in the moonlight and his eyes danced over Kagome like he had never seen a woman such as her.Kneeling beside her, he carefully crossed his legs and leaned back to gaze at the moon.

"Sanorai! We have been searching for you. I need the jewel shard in your possession!" Kagome tensed at the thought that their 'so-called enemy' was sitting this close to her. She had brought her bow, but at this point she would never be able to shoot a sacred arrow soon enough to be of any use. But she couldn't let this opportunity slip. If there was anyway she could get the jewel shard without having to fight him, she had to try.

"Ah, so you do know me miko. You are quick to resort to business. This night is so beautiful and I came to enjoy it with you. One such as yourself should never be left alone on such a romantic evening." Catching her eyes with his own, he smiled at seeing the rose color fill her cheeks.

"I am alone because I chose to be. Romance is the last thing on my 'to-do' list right now. I need to complete the Shikon no tama. I have been searching for the shards for three years now and you have the last one. Is there a bargain or something I can exchange for the shard? I am tired of fighting, but I will do whatever it takes to recover the shard." Trying to keep the heat from her face, Kagome gave Sanorai a stern look trying to express that she meant business.

Plucking her hand from her lap, the intriguing man held it up to his face, turning it over and inspecting it like he was a palm reader. Kagome didn't know whether to shriek or keep quiet in case she was in danger. The heat that she battled to keep from her face crept back along her skin coloring her cheeks a bright pink. It was hard to keep her heart from trying to escape her chest when a man with a body like his was caressing her fingers almost like a lover. If only she could breath, but even her air was stuck in a knot in her throat. This was quite an awkward situation to be in. Inuyasha would definitely not be happy.

"Hmmm, you have very soft hands. You appear to be quite delicate, but from what I hear you are the strongest miko alive. Quite beautiful as well."

Nervously laughing Kagome tried to scoot a little away from the youkai who was frighteningly charming.

"I don't give myself that much credit. But I think you keep getting off subject..."

"What is your name? You know mine, but I only know you as miko." Rolling onto his side, he adjusted into a more comfortable position that allowed him to keep eye contact with Kagome.

"I'm Kagome. Sanorai, am I to assume that you will not give up the shard without a fight then?" Kagome was beginning to get perturbed by his constant subject change. Well his subject didn't change, but he refused to answer any questions about the Shikon jewel.

"That's a very nice name. It fits you well."

"Listen here! Why wont you answer my question about the Shikon jewel shard!?" Kagome slammed her fist on the ground wishing her command word 'sit' would work on this youkai. He was completely ignoring her every attempt to talk about the jewel shard.

"Can we not just enjoy each other's company?" Sanorai's eyes fell on Kagome's frazzled features and he scooted close enough to make out every curve and dimple on her face. "Why are you so eager to make this cursed jewel whole?"

"It's personal. But I am the one who shattered it, so it's only right that I put it back together. I would like to destroy it, but first you have to give me the jewel shard."

"I cannot give it to you. But if you would like to come with me and see what I do and why I need it, you are welcome to come. In fact I would love you to come and keep me company for awhile. You could make the jewel whole and you could be my miko and help with what I do." Standing before her Sanorai offered her his hand to help her off the ground. "So you will come with me?"

Nervously giggling, Kagome let her hand go limp in his grasp. "Ummmm, I don't think it's a good idea if I go anywhere with you. I really don't know you except for that you have the jewel shard that I need. And ummm... I think Inuyasha would worry."

"I was not aware that you had relations with another man. I knew you had traveling companions, but all of the rumors seemed to point that you were single." Frowning to himself, he pulled Kagome a little closer to keep her from squirming away from him.

"Well...ummm...it's not like that. I mean I wish...but...he would never. Anyway, it's just not like that. We are friends and he would worry about me is all."

"This Inuyasha doesn't sound very bright. Leave this place with me and I will show you the world. I will show you what it is like to have everything and to always be protected." Sonorai had fallen for this mysterious woman. Nobody knew where she came from; they all say that she just appeared out of nowhere. There must be so much about her that is intriguing and genuine. He had been watching her for a year now, and he knew every curve of her delicate body; the unique way she swerved her hips when she walked. He needed her to be with him and help him with his life long task. Sanorai was even willing to share the fountain of youth with her so that she would be with him forever. Inuyasha was an idiot. Kagome's love for him was obvious, yet he ignored it as if scared. She deserves better than a weakling.

"Haha... I'm flattered really. But I have prior commitments..."

"Where is that damn Kagome!? She knows she shouldn't wander off at night! How many times do I have to tell her that it is dangerous out here!?" Inuyasha clenched his fists as he stomped through camp.

"Relax Inuyasha! Kagome is a big girl and she can take pretty good care of herself. She mentioned earlier that she wanted a little bit of alone time. She probably went to that clearing that I told her about. The trees open up enough to have a clear view of the night sky. Sango, I think you and I should go there sometime at night..."

Whack!

Miroku had a red hand print across his cheek before he had a chance to finish his sentence. "Perv!" Sango glared at Miroku as he nervously scooted away.

"I'm going to find her! Boy when I find her I'm giving her a piece of my mind!"

Stomping through the forest, Inuyasha kicked at random rocks lying on the ground and swatted at leaves hanging too close to his face. He was angry, but he didn't want Kagome to hear him as he came up. The last thing he needed was her to 'sit' him before he got a chance to stick it to her. Man did she make him mad!

As Inuyasha came nearer to the clearing, his ears perked at the sound of not one voice, but two. Who the hell would be with Kagome if everybody they knew were back at camp?

"I'm sorry, I can't go with you." Kagome's voice whispered above the wind.

What the hell!? Kagome better not be going with anybody! Increasing his pace to reach her faster, he barreled through the forest knocking over trees and trying not to trip over renegade bushes. Bursting into the clearing, Inuyasha almost spit fire at the site before him.

"What do you think you're doing asshole!?"

So I decided to write a fanfiction that didn't follow canon. Please obey the button and review! A starving writer needs reviews to feed on! Thank you for reading! ; p