Inu Yasha no Yume

Chapter 11 – Friends

She looped the strands of hair, creating a ring to keep the earring on. She slipped the earring on it and tied it tightly.
Yume whispered a prayer of thanks to Umiko as she placed her lock of hair with her earring attached over the incense stick and clapped twice.
"Thank you so much, Umiko-sama." She whispered and stood.
"Naraku crossed the line this time," Sango whispered angrily. "I can't imagine how scared you must feel."
"When did you figure it out?" Yume locked eyes with Sango.
"When Umiko spoke, we all heard. It took me a moment, but I caught on," She swallowed hard. "I'm so sorry..."
"There's nothing you could've done," Yume forced a smile. "I was being stupid. I'm lucky, though."
"Yes, it would seem the Gods favor you."
Yume looked at Kagome who was sitting on the beach looking distraught. "Are you alright, Kagome-sama?"
"That bastard..." She whispered, staring blankly out over the water's surface, "He...he..."
"It's all right, Kagome-sama."
"No! It's not!" She growled. "What he did to you is inexcusable! He'll pay this time! He has to!" She clenched her skirt, keeping her nails from digging into her flesh. "And we couldn't help..."
"That's right," Yume put an arm around her. "There's nothing that could've been done by you. Then or now."
"You must be so afraid..." Kagome looked at Yume and Yume shook her head.
"No, not really," Sango and Kagome starred. "I feel angry. I'm angry at Naraku for hurting me, but I'm even angrier with myself for not being strong enough," She gritted her teeth, "I'm pathetic. I couldn't even speak..."
"You're not pathetic!" Sango insisted. "Obviously Umiko doesn't think so."
"Even she pities me," Yume laughed. "I suppose I'll just have to get stronger. I'll train my body to be as acute as my senses."
"So, will you stay with us?" Kagome asked.
"I don't know, but we should head back," She stood and smiled. "They'll be worried about us."

( ( O ) )

"Something's bothering Yume, Inu Yasha," Miroku pondered as they walked down the hall.
"Is there?" Inu Yasha asked, unconcerned.
"Yes, and how can you be so heartless?"
"Keh!" Inwardly Inu Yasha hurt for Yume, but wasn't sure what to do about it.
"You know, don't you?" Miroku asked, stopping and grabbing Inu Yasha's arm.
Inu Yasha looked back over his shoulder. "Know what?"
"Whatever it is that's bothering Yume."
"Even if I did, perhaps she doesn't want anyone else to know," Inu Yasha turned away; making it obvious he was blushing. He lowered his voice. "Besides, it's bad enough that I know."
"You mean she'd rather just wallow in her own misery without anyone to know or understand what she's going through?" Miroku said this in such a rush that Inu Yasha was shocked when he chuckled and continued walking.

( ( O ) )

Yume stroked Kirara's soft fur. "I'm glad to have met you, too, Kirara," She smiled and turned to the group. "Thank you, everyone. Sorry I couldn't be of more help."
"You were plenty of help. No one's asking any more from you," Kagome smiled.
"You sure you'll be all right on your own?" Shippou peaked over Kagome's shoulder.
"I'll be fine, really," Yume patted Shippou's head. "I don't need to be a burden to you."
"You're no burden," Sango insisted.
"Yeah, but I'm used to being on my own. Take care of yourselves and my horse, please. Until we meet again."
"We will soon," Inu Yasha stepped forward.
Yume moved forward and gave Inu Yasha an unexpected hug. "Thanks," She whispered. "I appreciate your help."
As she pulled back, he smiled. "Not a problem, Seer."
Yume went about the circle of friends and gave them each a firm hug and a kind word. She came to Miroku and in spite of herself gave him a hug. She cringed, but incredibly he didn't try anything. With a wave, she left her friends. She hoped she could handle this again. But she wasn't willing to change her routine of life so suddenly. After all, she'd see them again.