It was unlike any other dream she remembered.
She was running on all fours through the night, glorying in the feel of the wind in her fur, the smooth flow of muscles as she leapt over the forest floor. She could smell the night, the trees around her, the creatures that dwelt in them. A flickering current of air hinted of distant places and dry earth. She paused for a moment, intrigued by the exotic scent, but it was already dissipating, leaving only a memory and a deep need to travel. There was a world out there, and it cried out to be seen.
Another breeze brought a stench that had her wrinkling her nose and barking. Humans, it had to be. Nothing else smelled that sour, that filthy. How did the disgusting creatures bear the smell she wondered for a moment, before springing once more into motion and leaving the thought and the scent behind.
The moon overhead was nearly full, less than a day from it, and she raised her head to howl with the sheer beauty of it.
It was only at night, when she could run like this, that she felt truly free.
Her daily life was hemmed about with duties and responsibilities that she sometimes thought would strangle her. Her father was ignoring his responsibilities, too wrapped up with the human he had wed and their hanyou brat to tend to the needs of their lands. And so she found herself patrolling their lands in his place. Watching over those who were theirs. Sitting judgment in his place. Planning for their future. Responsibility had come on her far earlier than she had expected, but for tonight she was free.
She ran.
***
Sesshoumaru dreamed.
It was unlike any other dream he remembered.
He was sitting beneath a tree, staring at an old well house. Overhead, a few brave stars struggled to make themselves seen through the orange glow of the city lights.
The well drew him, and it frightened him. On the other side lay freedom and responsibility, love and pain. On this side were family and loneliness, friendship and his future.
Sometimes he wanted to leap through the well and escape the demands of this dual life he was trying to lead, just give up and surrender his attempts to keep his life in this world going. But there were those who would be hurt if he did, and he didn't dare disappoint them more than he already had.
Sometimes he wanted to forget the well existed, just give up and forget the demands of the past, and try to make the best of his present. But there were those who depended on him, and his responsibility to mend that which he had broken.
But he couldn't do either. He had ties binding him to both worlds, the fierce beauty of the past and the civilized peace of the present. He would not betray his friends, he would not hurt his family. Somehow, he would find a way to keep going, to live in both worlds. Somehow, somehow, he would.
But for now he would sit under the ancient branches of the old god tree, letting the night breeze soothe him, taking what small pleasure he could in this small time free of duty, free of demands. The city lights were beautiful after all, and tomorrow would come soon enough.
He sat, and tried not to think.
***
Kagome and Sesshoumaru dreamed.
It was a starless night, the moon barely visible through the clouds that choked the sky. They stood on a desolate beach, watching storm driven waves crash against the earth as though trying to escape their inevitable deaths. They extended their senses, searching for some trace of life, but found nothing but the sounds of wind and waves.
They stood together beside the storm grey water, neither willing to break the silence.
Eventually, Kagome started to shiver. She looked around, hoping to find some shelter, but found nothing but water and sand. She wrapped her arms around herself, trying to block out the intrusive wind. Suddenly, white clad arms wrapped around her from behind, drawing her back against a firm chest. Sesshoumaru's warmth enveloped her, and she leaned into him, filled with sudden happiness. Neither of them spoke. It didn't seem necessary.
They stood together, watching the waves crash against the shore, until the sun rose over the water, chasing the darkness away.