{Last Time}
By stepping through the main tori gate of the shrine started to stir events that would change her life forever in more ways then she could ever imagine.
The winds of change were stirring and even within the Sengoku Jeidai it could be felt. For the shards of a certain tama gave, for the briefest moment, a slight pulse of energy in welcome of its long lost sister.
Chapter Two
Expect the Unexpected
Sengoku Jeidi..
It was late night within the Sengoku Jeidei as the young teen miko left the small hut of Keade seeking the coolness from the stifling heat, and the fresh air from that tainted with sickness. Her legs nearly weak with relief as she staggered stiffly seating herself upon a small handmade bench, wiping the sweat from her face with the sleeve of her school uniform before downing a fresh cool bottle of water soothing her parched throat.
''I take you being out here means my damn brother's charge is on the road to a fully recovery?''
Came gruff voice she knew too well however it did not help when it simply appeared out of nowhere startling the poor miko greatly as she turned her doe brown eyes wide as the hanyou came from his hiding spot within the shadows of the trees. ''Warn someone before you decide to give them a heart attack would you!'' She snarled half heartedly her eyes barring into the hanyou without enough venom to cause the silver dog eared male to shutter as he would have at times. Especially with certain subjugation beads that with a signal word could send him kissing the ground with a hard impact.
Sadly it looked as he knew she did not have the energy to do it as he gave a soft 'Keh' in response before taking up the spot beside her, back lounging against the tree arms crossed as he half scowled up at the twinkling stars above them. A tired sigh resounded from the fatigued teen miko beside him, and he ever hesitantly looked at her from behind silver-white bangs, worry for a brief second flashing in his amber eyes. She looked paler than normal; the dark circles all too clear contrasting with porcelain white skin which normally was a healthier shade of pale. In a pained way she reminded him of Kikyo looking as she did now. Those long hours tending the female charge of his brother had differently taken its toe on her. His mind went back to the resent events two and a half weeks ago that led Kagome to the state she was in now.
It had been midnight much as it was now, the group had just entered Keade's village battered, blood soaked and worn from a resent Shikon Kakkera possessed ryu, dragon, youkai attack which had nearly cost the life of one of their own. A life that even struck a chord in the hanyou himself whom normally found the little companion annoying. Shippo the smallest of the Inuyasha-gumi the one though slightly brave normally hid back behind the rest of the group had at the last moment jumped in front of his self claimed adopted mother Kagome using his Fox Fire to save her from a gruesome death of the very flames of the ryu itself.
Taking on most of the damage before the little guy was thrown mercilessly into a nearby river sinking beneath the waves before Inuyasha had the chance to retrieve him. One angered Black lash wave to finish off the small yet formable ryu the frantic hanyou turned finding Kagome already within the water struggling franticly within the tide as she screamed out the kitsune's name.
He remembered his own heart hammering, a fear he had not felt in so long, expect when beveling Kagome had died, exploding within him as he raised for the river and without a second thought dove into the icy depths. Surfacing five minutes later with the kit babe in his arms, limp and lifeless his small face a vivid blue. His fear grew and he barely had time to acknowledge Sango and Miroku helping Kagome from the icy water as he stood there a moment in the shallows. ''Shippo?'' he heard his voice echo giving the kit a slightly sharp shake, only having the kit's loll to the side in answer freezing his insides. Dog ears instantly flicked forward ridding itself of the pounding sound of the stream and instantly began searching for any shred of life within the small body. Alarmed when he heard nothing before crushing his head to the little guy's chest before an unconscious growl rumbled deep within. Silence, nothing but pure silence.
Panic and instant alarm gripped him as he staggered for a mere moment before his eyes narrowed into a look of fierce determination and anger.'' Oh no you don't! Don't you even dare do this yah here me you little brat!'' he snarled with a hard shake of the small limp forum, ''We did not just go through all of this for you to decide to take a eternal nap here and now you hear me Shippo! It anit happening you little runt! I won't have you dying on us you hear me! So..WAKE UP NOW!'' He turned the kit over ,not even noting that the teen miko was in the water once more wading out to him face pale eyes filled with fearful tears as she called his name faintly, and began smacking him evenly on the small of his back.
Besides a bit of water rolling out, no other response came from the lifeless kit and Inuyasha grew desperate. ''Damn it!' he snarled slamming his hand down harder. ''Breathe Shippo! Damn you kit! You ani't dying while I'm around!''
''Inuyasha! Give him to me NOW!''
The poor panicked hanyou had not heard her calling to him with urgency until she stood before him, arms held out voice demanding attention and obedience that Inuyasha found to his surprise that he obeyed this time without one signal snarl or sarcastic remark.
Inuyasha, with surprising gentleness laid the kit babe in her arms before wrapping another about her waste as he leapt for the shore. No sooner did they touch ground did the miko have Shippo flat on his back tilting his chin back in a fashion that all three other comrade's had learned to be a medical technique from the teen's time. CPR
Gently she breathed into the child's mouth an allotted amount of times before rythmaticly pumping on his chest, repeating the process over and over until she began to grow tired. Then Inuyasha, having now memorized the steps by watching, took over the administration. Mentally screaming for the kit to wake. Thirty minutes past and just as their hope began to dash away the small kitsune finally coughed up the remaining water and took one ragged breath as he half opened a foggy dull emerald jade colored eye. ''Inu…yasha what are you doing….I didn't mean to steal your fish gomen now get off..You're hurting...me''
A weak laugh escaped the hanyou at the kit's incoherent ramblings, never had he been so happy to hear that annoying squeaky voice as he was just then. As the others gathered around, and a sobbing Kagome took little Shippo in her arms embracing him tight Inuyasha looked to his group, his family feeling a tug in his heart as he took each of them in. He had not truly realized how much they all meant to him until these last few months from the terrifying moment he had been certain the oldest three humans were dead.
And now the most annoying one, the one Inuyasha had hardly liked from the begging had left the same impact. For the briefest moment he had felt what it might feel to be a father losing his only child and the feeling was much too horrible for him to bear. Then and there he made a vow, as he had upon Kagome and the others, to be more attentive with the young kit. Kami knows the child would need someone with some bit of youkai blood to teach him how to survive and fight in this world, a world he himself had learned to live in on his own.
Despite his vow to Kikyo he secretly held this group as his pack however just never acknowledged it until recently. Even Kagome in some ways his mate though she would never come to come to know his feelings. She deserved more than a lowly could offer hanyou besides his soul was damned. The guilt of his first loves death causing him to bind his eternal spirit with hers to enter hell whenever she deemed it time.
Anyways enough of the depressing thought back to the main reason for them being chained down like a dog to Keade's village.
As stated, it was late within the twilight hours when the small group returned. Sango and the injured Miroku riding upon Kiara, while Kagome, whom had passed out from the stress and exhaustion, rode upon Inuyasha's back, his arms supporting her while Shippo rested at his chest tied in a make shift sling made up of Inuyasha's own fire-rat horai. Shippo's limp head snuggled securely on his chest with the hanyou's chin resting upon the little guy's fury head.
As always, when it seemed that when trouble had struck, there Keade' stood with a few of her village guards watching the group with a sever looks. Noting the injures Keade was quick to act calling out orders softly as she ran to aid the battered group. Soon all of them were resting within the small hut by the temple the old miko resided in. Inuyasha sitting Indian style .with his sword resting in his arms, next to Kagome and Shippo's futon amber eyes gracing at them protectively.
To his relief his young miko was not out long, for within the next hour Kagome was awake taking on the task of tending the severely injured kitsune herself. With Inuyasha, to everyone's surprise, helping where he could. However it looked like little Shippo would not be the only child to suffer this week alone.
For as the sun began to embrace the sky an all too familiar scent filled the hanyou's nose, calling him with an alert edginess to his demeanor as he left the hut hand near Tetsaiga just in case the blade needed to be drawn. He did not have long to wait as the trio appeared before him. The two headed dragon, the youkai imp looking worried beyond compare and the Taiyoukai himself. What caught Inuyasha off guard however keeping him from speaking was the plain emotion he could read upon the normal emotionless face of the ''Ice Prince himself.''
Worry, fear, self anger.
Echoing clearly within the amber eyes with no care whom saw it or for the reserve of his pride as he walked in a fast yet careful clip toward the village. A tightly wrapped bundle held protectively to his chest. Instantly Inuyasa noted the absence of once companion within the group and there was no lingering doubt whom the quivering bundle which his brother held could be.
Eyes still narrowed Inuyasha removed his hand from Tetsaiga's sheath, the thing would be no good in a situation like this, as he stepped forward arms folded hands hidden within the folds of his sleeves as he looked to his elder brother Sesshomaru as the Taiyoukai paused a mere foot away. ''Where is your woman?''
''Eh!''
The hanyou blinked, taken back the urgency in the Taiyoukai's voice as he innterupped any half hearted rude comment he was about to make
''This Sesshomaru does not have time for you simple mindedness hanyou. I must see your miko at once! Now where where is she?''
Burning anger filling him mixed with a feral protectiveness Inuyasha crossed his arms with a hard huff, ''Why in the hell should I…''
His words were cut short by the pain filled moan from with the tall Taiyoukai's arms, drawing the gaze of both amber eyed brother's and the bugged out ones of the clearly worried imp. Sesshomaru's eyes narrowing into a distance frown mixed with worry and disgust for what he knew what was coming next. ''Jaken fetch the bowl. Now!'' Came the deadly soft order from the Taaiyoukai, tainted with a deadly threat should the imp waste time he would surly meet a quick death.
Jaken 'eeped' not even wasting time to utter his normal 'Right away Sesshomaru-sama!' as he rushed to Ah-Un, the two headed ryu already lowering as its lord's servant quickly dove into the large pack settled upon the beats shoulders withdrawing a rather large porcelain made bowl before rushing back to his master's side wheezing with the effort of his speed.
No sooner had he reached his master's side did the girl began to heave, Sesshomaru, still with an elegant heir of pride, kneeling down lifting his charge up in a sitting position and rubbing her small back while Jaken held the bowl before her lips. All three noses, even that of the Taiyoukai, wrinkling at the scent as the poor child wretched whatever was inside her poor small stomach. Shaking, choking and gasping in pain with the wave of sickness.
''Sesshomaru-sa..'' she whimpered out before another heave took hold, one small weak hand clutching at her small stomach. ''It..hurts…it hurts…''
The Taiyoukai's eyes narrowed even more, that look normally reserved for those whom had dreadfully angered the youkai lord now had a meaning altogether. In was in the hate of whatever was causing the illness within his beloved little charges body. A slight growl rumbling deep within the very core of his being, longing to rip something apart as payment for her pain. However this threat he could fiscally protect her from. All he could do was sit their helplessly rubbing her back and giving what comfort he could. ''HushRin, This Sesshomaru will make sure the pain ends just rest.''
The little girl managed a weak nod despite her sobs and last few heaves before her head lolled to her lord's chest unmoving. For an indent Sesshomaru's eyes widened as he looked down at the unmoving form in his arms, his gut twisting unmercifully. The memory f her second death within the chambers of hell clinging to his heart like a dark fog. His mother's words nearly cutting off his breathing.
'This will be the last time she can be revived…'
His cold heart had melted more than anything that day at the thought of losing something sp precious to him as if born of his own blood. Already he knew that sharp feeling. To lose love…memories he had longed sealed away and swore never to feel again. Only to have his heart awakened by the small girl in his arms.
''Rin?'' he asked in a soft tone, ''Rin awaken. Rin!'' He gave her the gentlest of shake before hearing a sound almost more beautiful than any music. A soft gasp of breath followed by a whimper as the young girl burrowed her head into her lord's chest. His own arms embracing her on instinct, his half brother nearly forgotten until he heard a deep sigh.
Whatever rude comments Inuyasha may have had for his not so favorite sibling had died the moment Rin's attack consumed her. Watching the all evident fear on Sesshomaru's face a painful reminder of the all to close experience he himself suffered a few moments back. 'Shippo.' His heart tightened with its own worry another clear sign of the changes going on within the arrogant somewhat brutal hanyou.
There was no way he could refuse even someone like Sesshomaru right now. Turning his back, not even thinking of the damage he could do to the prideful Taiyoukai's ego at the display of what he once considered weakness, Inuyasha took a step near the village before giving a sharp look to his elder brother. ''Come on Keade's huts near the end of the village I'll let um know they got another patient to look after.'' That said the hanyou bounded off leavening the Taiyouakai, his servants, and their ever precious bundle to follow.
Kagome, despite her surprise, was quick to act in taking the young girl in Sesshomaru following not far behind despite the clear fact that many waited outside while the sick was attended. Ordering his two servants to stay guard at the door as he seated himself a few feet from the futon which would contain his young charge. Watching every move that the teen and older miko made as they treated Rin with a sharp golden intensity.
Not turning away once even as Keade went to bathe her down in fresh cool water Sango was kind enough to retrieve from the local stream. His eyes only straying once to glance at the other occupant, the small kitsune slumbering peacefully in the far corner. His head and chest wrapped tightly. A brief wondering what had happened to the kit babe before his concern turned once more to Rin.
Hours past as the two women worked, getting Rin comfortable bathed and dressed in a light sleeping shift. Placing wet compresses upon her heated brow.
Tea's made of fever reducing herbs, along as herbs for other symptoms the poor child suffered from, followed by broth for nourishment and water to ease the parched throat. Nothing seeming to ease the young girl much at all. ''Tis an illness humans find hard to treat.'' Keade explained to the ever agitated growing Taiyoukai. ''Not all survive it, and the herbs I have need for is some ways away and with the girl in such a critical state I find it not wise to leave.''
''Then you would let her die.'' came a thick growl, amber eyes of Sesshomaru begging to show the faintest hints of crimson. The rushing sound of movement along with several urgent voices sounded. Among them, the warning growl of Inuyasha and the squeaky voice of Jaken as he sought to protect his lord and young charge from those outside.
The young teen miko stiffened gaze going from the growling Taiyoukai and elder miko to her nearby bow leaning up against the wall with its quiver of arrows. The last thing she wished to use with the children so close instead she opened her mouth to speak, mind pulling for ideas.
''Nay,'' Keade's voice interrupted as she wiped her hands clean from the herbs she had been preparing. Face calm hardly affected by Sesshomaru's fierce demeanor. '' I can have Sango and the young hoshi go for me or..'' she looked to Kagome, ''Kagome-chan by chance do any suffer from the same symptoms that possess young Rin in your time.''
A breath caught in the girl's throat, finding herself now the center of attention from both wise miko, and glowering Taiyoukai. Those intense amber eyes causing her to shutter. ''Nani? Well I..Uh'' A look of nervousness came over her as she tried to get her fogged brain to think properly. ''
''Answer nigen.''
She turned, wide doe eyes connecting with fierce amber eyes before looking away in attempt to think. The symptoms were more serious than anything she had seen anyone suffered before. Expect for one thing but she never had seen it strike this hard. However this was the Sengoku Jeidi. A simple cold could lead to a deadly out brake in these times if not treated correctly. ''It almost sounds like the flu but stronger..'' she mumbled to herself before looking at Keade, her eyes lit up. ''Okasan has left over medicine from when my Nissan Souta was sick with a pretty bad case of it. I could bring what is left back here.''
The teen miko did not even have a chance to ponder the thought before Sesshomaru was demanding she depart at once even to her horror ordering the small toad imp to accompany her with the threat if any harm fell upon Kagome or if the miko refused to return and Rin died both their souls would keep the girl company in the afterlife.
So unhappy teen miko, toad imp, and hanyou traveled the centuries through the Bone Eaters well, with much squealing of terror on Jaken's part, to Kagome's time to gather the medicines needed for Rin's health.
It was then Kagome remembered her mother's soon arriving guest and with much regret, that it even made Inuyasha feel ashamed, had to break her promise to her beloved Okasan before returning head lowered to enter back into the Sengoku Jeidi. Both hanyou and miko feeling slight melancholy along with the need to kill a certain annoying imp that complained about everything. From the foul smell of the future air, to the disbelief that Kagome's meds would work.
However only after a few dosages of said medicine plus a few instructions from Kagome's okassan, Rin's health seemed to improve. Her ever dangerous fever even lowering for a time.
The next two days Sesshomaru stayed glued to the little ones side. Hardly moving but to watch those whom moved about the small hut. Stiffening when anyone, expect for Keade and Kagome, neared his charge. Finally duty to his own territory was what pried the stoic lord from Rin's side. Swearing he would return in three more weeks to collect her and his servants. Keade had to leave soon after to tend to another village with wounded from a resent youkai uprising in need of tending leavening Kagome as soul miko to tend to the villages ailing for the first time in the young teen's life.
For days and one week had passed sense then, Kagome kept on the constant from the few allinging within the village along with the ill Rin to attend to. Shippo had recovered rather quickly and attempted to help his 'momma' however he could, when not helping her he kept unusually close to Inuyasha whom for a change did not seem to mind.
Miroku and Sango even , again to everyone's amazement, Inuyasha himself had chipped in helping out however it did not ease that fact at how worn out Kagome had became. Several days with no sleep barely resting could not be good on her body. It had the inu hanyou thinking upon the stress he must have placed upon it back when all that haunted his mind was the Shikon No tama.
''Hellooo! Inuyasha are yah in there?'' The hanyou started out of his reverie to find said miko's very face close to his own, delicate hand waving in franticly in front of it. ''GAH!'' he cried out leaping back in surprise, his face tinted an ever slight pink at the thought of how close her face was to his. Her lips to...
''What the hell were you doing wench!''
Again it was mere thanks to her exegashtion alone that kept Kagome from whispering the one that Inuyasha feared. Only giving him a momentary glare before closing her eyes, hands rubbing at her throbbing, ''I was talking and you were not even paying any attention. '' she put it simply before taking in a breath to repeat the answer she had given a few minutes ago. ''Rin's fever has broke, she was actually alert for the first time this week and was able to eat a little broth and drink some sprite Okassan gave me without any problems. '' A week smile passed over the tired miko's face as she remembered the girls look of surprise at the taste of the soda. ''It seems safe to bet she will make a full recovery with some rest that is.''
Raising her arms upon her legs Kagome rested her head upon them like a pillow; her eyes heavily lidded drawing more concern from her hanyou companion. He stood there silent for time, mixture of irritation and guilt filling him. First the youkai attack and now this. The poor girl needed to rest, and they would eventfully need more supplies not to mention that girl Kagome had promised to keep. Suzu or whatever her name was.
''Where's Sango?'' he asked in his normal gruff tone, having Kagome slightly nod in the direction of another hut. One the villagers had been kind enough to build for her and Miroku as an enticesive for the young engaged couple to stay after they had wed. Nodding slightly Inuyasha stomped off toward the cabin before pausing at the willow screen remembering the last time he simply barged in. Catching the two couple in a very interment moment resulting in a back smashing from Sango he still remembered all too well. This time he politely knocked and waited until Sango, thankfully fully dressed, came to the door.
A brief discussion followed, Inuyasha standing arms folded looking serious while the taijia looked first with surprise at their group leader then to the teen miko sitting half dozing under a nearby tree. The look turning to one of concern before giving a soft nod before taking leave from her hut and headed straight for Keade's while Inuyasha returned to the tree finding the teen miko fast asleep.
''Hey! Hey come on wake up!'' Kagome let out a sleepy mumble mixed half moan as Inuyasha's voice seemed to call to her from a great distance away, snuggling her head deeper into the soft warmth that suddenly seemed to envelop her. Only to have her person jolted ever slightly. ''Hey come on Kagome it's hard to tout you and this yellow bolder of yours both down the well without any accidents so come on wake up!''
'Yellow bolder. Well what's he talking about?'
Moaning softly with a rub her sleep cloud eyes as they fluttered open a soft yawn on her lips as her dazed brown eyes looked about. Confused ,disoriented found herself no longer upon the shabby wooden bench within the village but on Inuyasha's back within the clearing which held The Bone Eater's Well. ''Hnn..Um what are we doing here?'' she asked in a groggy whisper earning a slight look of annoyance from a pair of amber eyes. ''What's it look like? We're going to your time.''
As to make a point he shoved a thumb toward his head, where a red cap recently bought by Suzumi, Kagome's mother, sat hiding his ears. ''Sango's already agreed to take over tending to Rin sense she's getting better, you need rest, besides you did promise Suzumi you would be back in a week didn't you? ''
The young teen miko blinked in shock, now wide awake as she stared back and forth from hanyou to the well. ''Yes..but..Inuyasha why are you coming?'' Inquired the still confused Kagome as she slid off the hanyou's back, the yellow boulder, her bag, taking her place. ''Humph simple, I need to know this girl isn't some kind of youkai in disguise looking to cause trouble or get it's hand on the Shikon with you tending those twerps. Keade gone and Sango helping you I've had to look forward to the disgusting shit Miroku calls cooking. I miss your Okasan's cookin. '' Those were just half reasons covering up for the real ones however the miko did not need to know that, and she seemed to expect them for now.
Kagome let out at least thousandth sigh, giving in easily than normal, a hot bath and soft modern bed actually sounded like heaven to her aching body, however she had one condition. ''She is not a youkai okassan knows Misuzu-chans family rather well to sense if she were bad our not. Alright fine, but I swear if you so much as growl, say something rude or even pee on a tree I am sitting you for a month.'' Giving a half hearted glare Kagome turned on her heal hiding a brief secret smile at Inuyasha actually caring while the hanyou simply muttered under his breath something about. 'Ungrateful women,' before reaching his arm about the teen miko's waste and both jumping straight into the depths of the well. An all too familiar blue light engulfing them as they fell.
Modern Times
12:30 Midnight
Dressed within a new soft pink night gown with little taradactiles printed all over it Misuzu sat upon a soft dinousar shaped window seat of her new room. A small dairy in hand while Sora rested beside her head half tucked under his wing watching her with half opened gold flecked eyes. A soft yawn escaped the blonds lips as she sat down her pin and stretched her arms to relive the cramps within her tired body from a seemingly another long day before looking out her window chin pillowed within her right hand azure eyes looking to the stars.
It was hard to believe a week had already past sense she came to Tokyo. Surprisingly it had not been as bad as Misuzu first felt it would be without momma there. Haruko had left around noon the, very next morning after their arrival. Both mother and daughter shedding a fountain of tears before the red head finally managed to drive off.
Leavening Misuzu to watch for a long time before heading back, feeling empty and like an abandoned seven year old once again. Not even Sora's normal charms could ease her sudden depression as she found a small seat neat the old temple to sit and stare at the sky while the tears rolled down.
No in the end it had been Suzumi herself whom comforted the girl, finding her so distraught the older woman did not hastate to embrace the blond teen. Cuing words of comfort as Misuzu sobbed into her chest soaking the white apron, blue top and brown skirt the woman wore. Once the river had ended and Misuzu was calmer Souta came rushing out carrying his mother's purse and Misuzu's as well in a exciting chatter which even had Misuzu giggling at the child cute innocence of the boy as he grabbed her hand and dragged her toward the garage and the family car.
After that the blond did not even have time to feel much depression, between the long visit to the hospital where she was acquainted with her new doctor thirty year old Samuel Wong a Chinese American whom had made Japan his home several years ago with his own Okasan Otousan and three elder brothers. After meeting Wong-san they stopped by a small café for a nice little lunch. Then to Misuzu's surprise they went to one of the largest malls the young girl ever seen.
Suzumi insisting, despite Misuzu claiming that everything was perfect as it was, for the girl to by a few more add-ons herself to make her room more comfortable.
''Dear I bought those things to make you comfortable but I would like you to by a few select things to personalize it your way. It might make it more comfortable.''
Despite her words it took some urging from mother and even Souta for the young girl, blushing as she did so, to expect. With Souta helping her Misuzu found herself with a new small portable radio along with a few CDs some classical like Misuzu liked and a few Souta insisted she try. They were some of his and Kagome's favorites. One singer in particular struck in Misuzu's mind through, all the unknown names, a few of the girls at her old school gushing about. Gackt.
Next with Suzumi encouraging, Misuzu found herself buying yet a few new articles of clothing, then finally upon Souta's prompting a few posters to cover her wall. Allowing the hyper active boy to help her choose while selecting her normal array of favorite dinosaurs. She was just glancing at a rather life like poster of a T-Rex when something else caught her eye.
Upon a bamboo like scroll of a poster done in the old traditional art of Japan she found herself staring wide eyed at the lovely scene before her.
Sakura blossoms floated down from the trees above, carpeting the grass in soft pink. A couple, a young samurai along with a woman both of otherwolrd beauty stood together dressed in formal kimono as they leaned in as if to share an intimate moment. While farther down stood a girl her own age with dark hair tied in a signal pony tail wearing the same formal kimono. Her eyes staring at the heavens arms outstretched as if begging the gods for something while a signal feather hovered above her raised frame.
It was a lovely peace and something out of the norm for the young girl to pick. However it was not the lovely painting in which caught Misuzu's attention, it was the feeling it gave her. A strong case of Déjà vu then ever she had felt before even when her class had visited the Tsuki temple the legated home of Kannabi Mikoto before the last tenshi ''vanished''.
Before her eyes the scene seemed to come to life, she could smell the sweet scent of the Sakura blooms mixed with other exotic flowers, sweet grass and river water. She could hear the water rolling passed and feel the wind caressing her cheek. Everything stayed the same however the characters changed.
Under the tree now stood a more lovely woman clad in the traditional miko attire, her male companion now with flowing white hair, ears which made Misuzu wonder if he were some kind of elf, along with red markings on his cheeks and clear to see hand which was wrapped about the miko's as he pulled her close to his chest before with one elegant move swept the giggling female in his arms and sat upon the pink carpeted grass snuggling her close.
The young teen her age changed as well, dark hair became black with shimmering blue. Her kimono a simple green peasants. Her hair held with two crimson ribbons as she reached her hands heaven word. The prayer Misuzu felt, more then heard, with a pounding mixed pain and peace within her heart.
'Please,' the girl begged hands reaching to the sky head dipped upward as her sapphire jeweled eyes implored whatever deity that might be listening. ''May it be like this forever. May we always have peace in our lives.'' No answer came, not even the normal feeling of peace the young girl felt with her close bound into the heavens.
Instead an aching sadness and mixed regret that filled her chest making it heavy. The clouds of an untold bad tightens floating in her mind's eye. As the tears came she let loose her wings, a few white feathers cascading from her wings like bound prayers to the heavens…
''Misuzu-san!''
''Gao!''
The blond staggered back with a small squeak as if someone had dilburtly punched her in the f ace. If not for the large shelf behind her she would have surely fell upon the hard and slick tile floor beneath her feet. Gasping for air, holding tight to the shelf for support, Misuzu turned her dazed azure gaze to a worried looking Souta whom stood before her with a large stack of posters in hand. ''Oh crap! Are you ok Misuzu-san!'' the boy asked offering a hand to steadied the startled blond, '' I just wanted to show these cool posters but…are you ok? Crap! Your pale and your hands are clammy.. You've got tears in your eyes! Do you need okassan..do..You need an ambulance are something!'' The boy was frantic and whom could blame him, he had overheard everything that, not only the doctor had said, but what his okasan and Haruko-san had disgust when it came to Misuzu's illness. Her sudden crying spells which led to a full blown attack that left the poor girl to weak to even speak. He had not meant to here however he had while doing his school work at the kitchen table while the adults talked over the phone.
What if she was having one of those attacks now! What if she died right in front of him?
Seeing the panic on the young child's face Misuzu forced a calm smile as she bent down to embrace the frantic boy. '' Souta-chan I'm fine really look see. No harm done calm down you just startled me that's all. Hey I know! Why don't you show me your posters ok then if it's alright with Suzumi-san I will take you for ice cream.''
The boy calmed even managed a small half smile however remained unconvinced as he stared over the lovely blond. As if looking for any sign of sickness she might be hiding. All the while Misuzu simply stood there smiling until the boy seemed convinced the girl child was alright. ''What kind of ice cream do you like?'' the golden haired teen quickly asked hoping to evade any questions or thoughts of what had happened as she reached up ,unnoticed, and grabbed the lovely poster that had haunted her mind a few moments ago. Adding it to the pile of the 'to buy things to consider later in private as she pulled the now chattering boy with her toward the small ice-cream shop not faraway followed later by a smiling Suzumi.
The rest of the week had been equally busy however without another instant like she had experienced at the mall. At least not during the day, however at night her mind was haunted by dreams she had never had before. Far from the opposite of dreaming of flying or the painful one of Kanna's death. These were with the same people that had appeared within her poster.
The silver haired male and the woman she knew only by Oneesan. The images were blurred and unclear and normally left her with a mixture of emotions when she awoke. So tied up the poor girl could never pin point them. At first they scared her, for normally when such dreams that might have to do with her past life came so did her attacks began only a short time later. However after nearly a week and a half she felt the same.
Sliding off the soft plush pink cushion of the window seat Misuzu moved to the small desk nearby, reaching under it for a long brown box before returning settling back upon the seat one knee up to support her head while the other curled comfortably under her. Her lone companion Sora sleepily removing his wing as he hopped to her side, watching closely as his mistress hesitantly pulled the rolled poster for the first time in six days after buying it.
Her breath catching as she once more looked upon the painted scene. It still held the same sway over her as it had before however the vision, to her slight regret, did not resurface. Misuzu continued to stare at it long and hard, azure eyes squinted as she tried to somehow figure out the message between the painted master piece in her hands and her strange dreams. ''It's strange Sora,'' she whispered as the small crow hopped onto her shoulder to view what had caught her interest, ''I feel as if I should know them .Like they're calling but..'' her golden arks of eye brows frowned deeper, ''I do not know why or what to do about it. Do you think it's related to my past…to Kanna-sama?''
The crow leapt a bit farther from Misuzu's shoulder to her arm leaning as close as it could to the poster until its beak nearly grazed it. Misuzu had to bite her lip to keep from giggling at the human way it seemed to wrinkle one eye, she could almost imagine human eye brows bending in a distinct frown of consternation as it studied the picture intently before lifting its head cocking it to the side. ''Caw! Raw Caw!'' it sounded out with a serious under tone which held a message Misuzu , much like her dreams, could not understand. ''I wish you could speak like a human.'' She whispered as she stroked the ebony feathers fondly with a half smile before it faded a look of deep sadness settling into the blue sapphire depths of her eyes. ''I…I wish Yukito-kun were still here..He might know after all his ancestors were the few loyal who served her..'' her lip trembled as the normal saddens the name brought burned in her chest. Sora could only stare at his mistress, the golden eyes filled with a torment and pain no one could read. ''He would know what to do…he always did…that's…that's why…he..'' A sob broke her words as the young girl berried her head into her hands, shoulders shaking quietly as she tried to hide the noise of grieving.
All the while Sora attempted to comfort her in the only ways he could. Snuggling up to her side as he rubbed his satiny head against her cheek .Making rumbling noises deep in his body as he tried to ease the girl out of her sadness. Finally after a few moments Misuzu's tears stopped falling as she struggled for breath, forcing a smile when she met the sad worried eyes of her crow friend and tenderly reassuringly brushed his feathers with her hand. ''I….I am alright Sora don't worry..'' she whispered with a pained breath before rising laying her dairy and poster aside. ''I..I will be right back I think I need a cool drink of water.''
The bird watched her silently as the blond slowly creaked open the door in attempt at not awakening anyone then close it behind her before the creature closed its eyes, a deep human sigh seeming to escape its throat as a signal tear slip closed feathered lids. 'But I am here Misuzu…much closer then you think..'
The young blond sat at the table within Higurashi's kitchen a cup of untouched cool water sitting in her hands as she stared down unseeing at the white table beneath the cup. Yukito, with everything that had been happening she had completely forgotten the anniversary of their meeting, and now it hit her like a painful punch to the gut bringing tears she had kept bottled inside pouring forth unstoppable no matter how she tried. For the next hour she sat there, head pressed into her arms sobbing as the memories of her first love past through her mind, filling as her heart were shattering over and over again.
Finally, eyes swolen and red, Misuzu lifted her head to look at the nearby clock with a loud sigh. 2:03 in the morning around the very same time Yukito-kun would give his life five months past their meeting in effort for her to live. Despite how weak she had been the memory was still too fresh, Along with the kiss he had given her as he faded from this world. Their first kiss and their last.
'I love you Kamio Misuzu..And I swear I will always be with you even if you can't see me so don't you give up. You got it. Keep on living..'
His last words would forever haunt her, bringing on pain as well as the strength to keep fighting. To live out her life as happily as possible. But how did one do it when their heart felt so badly broken? Taking a deep breath Misuzu wiped away her tears on the back of her nightgown sleeve before gulping down the cool water in the cup and sitting it a side. Before she simply sat there practicing one move that had eased her for a while now, the simple act of smiling while her mind chanted the same old mantra over and over.
'Live a full life and be happy
Live a full life and be happy
Live a full life and be happy
As I promised Yukito-kun I would.'
Feeling some reassurance plus a wave of heavy fatigue from her moment of grief Misuzu rouse from her chair. Taking her time to wash out her cup and replace it before she turned ready to head back up the stairs and to bed when a sudden feeling filled her. Like a spark or some current that filled the air, lighting the room with a light unseen by mortal eyes. Azure eyes widening startled yet curious Misuzu followed the path of the twinkling aura, not noticing as her hand reached up and opened the door leading outside as she continued onward seemingly lost in a fuzzy trance as she stepped across the courtyard heading right for the well house when the lights ceased. Leavening a dazed Misuzu standing still, her eyes looking about in confusion when something new caught her attention.
The soft whisper of two voices, one male and one female coming from the well house itself. Blinking startled, Misuzu crept forward hiding within the shadows of the doorway as her mind raised over what could be going on. Intruders? Somehow she had the feeling they weren't but if they knew the Higurashi's why were they in the well house?
''Oswari!''
''Damnit Kagome! What the heck was that for! It's not my fault that it broke. You're the one whom packs all this useless crap!''
Misuzu froze at the familiar name. 'Kagome..As in Higurashi Kagome Suzumi-san's daughter whom had been away camping that's arrival they still were waiting for? What she doing in the well house and who's the boy with her? What was that Earth quaking rumble and why is Kagome-san yelling sit?
''That bag is made to hold allot of wait Inuyasha! It's no thanks to you always trying to claw up my bag for Ramen that made to seam loose do you know how much this cost!''
''Keh. Sounds like someone cheated yah then. I've seen hole ridden kimono's on fat women that hold better this crap.''
Blinking in growing confusion Misuzu eased her way into the well house letting her eyes to adjust as she looked upon the two arguing couple near the well. Higurashi Kagome the blond recinoized right away from the family photo she had carried months before coming here. However in it the girl was wearing her school uniform instead of a pair of dirty blue jeans and a wrinkled blue t-shirt that was a few sizes too big. The boy though she had never seen before and immediately she was struck that there was something off about him.
It was not the fact that he wore the old attire of red kimono and hamaka that drew her. It was the very feeling that pulsated about him that caught her off guard. He had an energy about him that was human mixed with something else. Something that she somehow knew but could not name. A creature humans fear however somehow she knew she never had..
No if anything she had felt protected by the dark presence, even though the one that she seemed to remember was stronger with no hint of human. A soft sound of sniffing interrupted her pondering as she turned. Watching in bewilderment as the strange boy seemed to be tasting the air with his nose before an eerie growl rumbled within him. Alerting the raven haired teen at his side. ''Careful Kagome, we aren't alone anymore.'' Snarled the hanyou as he looked around nearing the raven haired female almost as to protect her.
''What is it Inuyasha?'' Kagome whispered, her own form now stiff seemingly battle ready the fallen contents of her bag forgotten as she looked about the area. Inuyasha would never respond to her family or any human of her time this way so she knew without any doubt something was wrong when he stiffened like that. ''I don't know, the scent is almost human but not quite. Whatever it is..its making my blood uncomfortable..'' he confided as he tested the air again before motioning for silence as he bent down into a crouch, confusing the poor blond even more, within a blink of an eye he seemed to vanish leavening Misuzu to gasp in shock before her head swiveled about looking for where he went. When a large pressure sent her crashing to the ground.
''Who the hell are you! What are you up to sinking around in the shadows like this?" Snarled the silver haired boy, now above her one strong hand pinning her down while another was raised above her. Long talon like nails aimed to skewer her. Leavening Misuzu staring up at him, dumb in shock her voice box unusable in her fright. Then with a sudden pounding of wings and a loud angry 'CAW!' Sora fell upon the strange white haired male. Stabbing his beak into his face aiming for the eyes, the brows and then even locking onto his lip in a vice like grip in effort to save his mistress whom he believed to be under attack.
''Ow! What the hell is this…OW Get off of me!'' He swiped at the bird, however as if sensing the males attack Sora flew out of the way pecking at the threatening hand before locking his talons this time onto Inuyasha's lip before pecking at the sensitive skin of hanyou's nose bringing a howls of intense pain from the attended victim. ''Ow! DAMNIT! GET THIS FUCKIN THING OFF OF ME!''
At Inuyasha's pain filled cry brought a startled Kagome running from the well, ''Inuyasha what is…'' before halting watching the display of hanyou versus bird with wide eyes before breaking into a bought of laughter at the scene. ''This is what you smelled! A bird? Ha-ha there is not even a youkai iyaki around it so why get so worked up.'' Her fit of giggles continued when the bird grabbed hold of the boy's silver bangs to keep the hanyou from ceasing its attack as Inuyasha pulled in attempt to dislodge the beak from his hair.
''It is not a damn bit funny Kagome! Owe owe owe! '' He snarled in between yelps, ''this thing is hurting me! Besides owe it's not the one owe owe I sniffed out it's her OW LET GO ALREADY!''
Blinking slightly confused Kagome turned in the direction the frantic enraged hanyou had pointed, doe eyes widening when she found the a young blond around her age kneeling in the grass a few steps away, her own blue eyes wide and staring without blinking at the struggling hanyou and crow. Panic settled in as she took in the girls face, knowing her instantly from the picture Haruko had sent her okasan several months ago. Kamio Misuzu. Her head swiveled from the struggling hanyou, to the parailzed blond heart nearly stopping. 'Oh no! She was..And we came… Oh No! no no! She must have seen us come through the well and then Inuyasha Oh what do I do? What should I say?''
''Um hi…'' Kagome sweat dropped waving her hand nervously drawing Misuzu's gaze from the furious hanyou to the miko herself however remained silent, wide startling blue eyes fully dumbfounded by what she was seeing. 'Um not good..' Kagome racked her head for an explication trying to remember the excuse grandpa had come up with for absence. 'Oh right camping trip.' ''Gomen if we startled you our bus got back late from the camp grounds and my friend and I were just coming up the steps when he asked to see my well house. '' She winced at her own words; clearly she was too tired if she could not come up with a better fabricated story than that. 'And here I thought I was getting the hang of this..' She thought with mournful mental sag.
''He has a big fascination with anything from the Sengoku Jeidi. Even loves to dress up in the clothes of that era. I have been promising him for weeks now to show the shrine's well to him. Sense he is spending the night I decided to go ahead. Your are Kaimo Misuzu right? I am Higurashi Kagome and this is Inuyasha.'' She nodded to the still dancing about silver haired boy behind her. ''He is not the politest person in the world but he's nicer then he likes to let on.'' The girl still continued to stare at her, as if not even hearing her words and Kagome began to grow slightly worried. Noting for the first time the tear tracks down her cheeks. Instantly she was on her knees in front of the younger teen. ''Hey you ok? Did Inuyasha hurt you?'' She sent a cold glare to the already struggling hanyou when Misuzu finally snapped out of her stupor, blinking a few times before holding out her hands shaking hem rapidly.
''Gao! Oh no! No! He did not hurt me. I was just startled I was not expecting someone else to be out here when…'' she looked down shyly to her hands flushing just the slightest. ''I could not sleep and came out for some fresh air when I heard a sound…I should not have been spying on the two of you..gomen-ne'' taking a breath she let a nod, ''its nice to meet you Kagome-san if you want I can go let Suzumi-san know your home.'' The offer was more of an excuse to escape from this awkward situation however the older girl merely smiled kindly with a wave of her hand ignoring Misuzu's apology as she answered. ''No it is pretty late I would to hate to wake her I will just wait until later in the morning.''
Another bought of awkward silence filled the air before Misuzu's turned once more to the strange boy that accompanied the raven haired teen. Her eyes widening as it seem to hit her for the first time what was going on. Quickly she was up on her feet rushing for the poor silver haired male and his viscous attacker. ''Sora! Sora stop! Its ok Inuyasha-san did not hurt me we both just startled each other. Sora! No stop it!''
With Misuzu's help Inuyasha was finally able to relive himself from the bird's fiery assault however it did not stop the two from glaring at each other and issuing different sorts of growls every now and then. ''Gomen-nasai Gomen Gomen.'' The little blond apologized rapidly with a few small bows to hide her red face while her arms struggled to restrain a very agitated Sora. ''He does not usually attack people like this..He really is very gentle…I promise.'' As if to ad sarcastically to his mistress's claim the little crow growled once more, melting gold eyes glaring threateningly at a certain hanyou.
''Keh.'' Huffed Inuyasha as he wiped the blood from his many punctured wounds and scratches earning an unnoticed glare from an ever growing annoyed Kagome, ''Yeah he's a real sweet heart. I could tell the moment he sank that blade of a beak into my lip!''
''G..Gao,'' Shame darkening her face even more the blond lowered her head, soft golden bangs hiding her face and the tears which ,she had been fighting , which attempted to rise at the male's harsh words. Words Inuyasha instantly found himself regretting it even without the glare which promised a painful round of 'sits' from Kagome.
''Aw just forget it. No use crying over a few scratches.'' He grumbled before turning around leavening both females in shock as he entered the well house once more. Gathering the remains of Kagome's backpack and folding it in such away as he restored all the fallen contents to it before once more heading back out. ''Come on its late Kagome your tired, whatever introducing or yapping there is can wait until everyone else is awake.''
Not waiting for a word he reached out slipping a clawed hand about Kagome's arm, noticing how she was wobbling ever slightly, and led the now faintly blushing teen to the house. Turning just as he got within the kitchen door to look back at Misuzu whom still stood where they had met gawking wide eyed at the couple. Amber eyes narrowed, before he barked. ''You coming in our not.'' Before turning touting the bag off to Kagome's room while said girl rushed to the bathroom robe, towels, and toiletries in hand for a long awaited bath. Misuzu still in a daze by all that had just accrued following in last as she slid the screen door closed. Staring wide eyed from the back door then up to the stares where the other young people now were. 'What just happened back there?' Her spinning mind seemed to ask repeatedly, 'I never expected anything like this to happen…'
It was just like what her birth mother use to say all the time 'Expect the Unexpected.' Nothing is ever as it seemed. When she first came here Misuzu had been sure, at least deep down, she would be absolutely misrable and even more lonely being away from her home town and momma. Now however something strange was stirring, something exciting, and despite her momentary grief at the thought of Yukito and the fear of what her dreams may hold. Misuzu found she was ready to meet whatever it maybe with open arms.
A true smile of happiness crossed her face as she gently embraced the now calm crow within her arms. Closing her eyes to savor the new feeling building up inside of her. ''You know Sora,'' she whispered so only her feathered companion could hear, ''For once in my life I feel things are actually going to turn out right.'' With a soft 'aw' of agreement Sora rubbed his head affectionately against his mistress's cheek earning a soft giggle from Misuzu as she slowly ascended the stairs ''Lets go to bed Sora.'' She yawned as she turned heading for her room.
All the while a cretin amber eyed silver haired hanyou watched the blond with a sharp intent gaze. ''Something is different about that girl.'' He muttered to himself as she closed her bedroom door, ''whatever she is it is not fully human, youkai nor hanyou. What is she?''
AN:
Well here is chapter three allot longer then chapter one. Gomen kind of had an out burst of writing energy anyway I would like to thank the few people whom have actully reviewed such as
MasterSprintersan
And
Carmen
Also (slight spoiler alert) yes Carmen little Sora will be accompanying her into the Snejgoku Jeidi it just would not be Air without him and he also has a speical roll near the very end. However thats all I am giving away.
Well thats all for now I am hoping to have allot more reivews soon. The more Review's the more quickly I will ad chapters. Its just nice to know when your worked is enjoyed.
So please ,even Anon reviwers whom are not members of Fanfic world.
PUSH THE PRETTY BLUE BUTTON THAT SAYS REVIEW.
Fill thee to tell me what you think or give me ideas on what to add to the story to make it more interesting.
Anywas thats all for now
Next Chapter
Chapter 3:
A Trip Down Te Well
Coming soon
Sayanora Mina-sans
{Shikon No Tama Tenshi}
