Disclaimer: If Inuyasha were mine, would I be writing FANfiction?
A/N: Hey! Here's another update, though I didn't get too much feedback on my last chapter (sighs pitifully) Hah, j/k, I'm thankful to all the reviews I get, few or not. And purity-starz, you were right in assuming something big's going on. ;-)
"Lady Sango, I think it may be wise to return to Kaede. She's been acting rather mysterious lately, and I think it'd be in our best interests to keep a careful eye on her. At her age, there's no telling what she may do to... Sango are you even listening to me?" his smooth voice took on a harsh edge of pure annoyance as he tapped his foot impatiently at Sango, who currently stood beside him, mesmerized at the frilly daisies embellishing the leafy bushes before them.
"Have you ever stopped to think about the simplicity of a flower?" Sango mused softly, not paying the slightest bit of heed to Miroku's words. "So harmless, so fragile and delicate, yet so vital to the balance of nature," her voice was laced with pure amazement. "What a beautiful creature...," she trailed off, her piercing violet eyes glazing over in a state of entrancement.
"Sango, flowers do almost NOTHING for the balance of nature. Honestly, we don't have time for this, and I really do think it's time to return to Lady Kaede," he trailed off impatiently, shooting nervous glances in the direction of Kaede's hut. The old village master could be quite temperamental when she wanted to be, not to mention violent, and she'd always placed a strict value on the importance of punctuality.
"Well they feed the bees, don't they? And aren't there other animals that feed on their pollen?" Sango crinkled her nose thoughtfully. "But they're complicated too, have you noticed that every petal has a different pattern?"
"No".
"Well they do," Sango sighed in rebuttal, her voice slightly agitated at Miroku's failure to appreciate such beauty. "And for all we know, they could be different colors too," she sighed wistfully before turning her gaze to the dull gray sky, her eyes crinkled in slight depression.
"But we don't know. And unless Lady Kaede locates Midoriko's choice, we never will know. And for all we know, Lady Kaede has located the said girl, but if we are to find her then we must head back to Lady Kaede. In other words, we really should go," Miroku stated logically, ignoring the rolling eyes of Sango boring into the back of his skull as she snapped up from the, she felt, obviously neglected daisy bushes.
"That is so typical of you males," she placed her hands on her hips in scorn as she leaned forward accusingly. "Honestly, nature means nothing to you".
"Dear Sango," in a flash he had appeared by her side, apparently ready to milk the situation for all it was worth. "You know my poetic side better then anybody. Why just last week I wrote you an astounding masterpiece that, if I do say so myself, brilliantly reflected the deep, undying love I carry within myself for you, yearning to be released out into the open where it will flourish in delight....," he trailed off, his usual calm smile returning itself to his rosy cheeks.
"Miroku, what you wrote me last week was not a poem. If anything, it was an abomination to poets everywhere," she said flatly, rolling her eyes in annoyance. 'Is it just me, or do I do that whenever he's around?' she thought dryly with an irritated sigh, as he turned to her, his face adorning an expression of mock horror.
"Lady Sango, maybe what you read may not have been my best work, but it was surely a beautiful masterpiece, was it not?"
"Honestly Miroku, tell me what this sounds like to you," she steadied herself, the epitome of poise as she prepared herself to recite Miroku's "masterpiece".
"Oh Sango, my love, when I saw you I surmised
That you indubitably enjoy having your eggs fertilized
Whether you'd like it done hath morning, noon, or night
It doesn't much matter to me, anytime's all right," she recited, her voice void of all emotion as she turned to Miroku, who was currently bent over, not having an easy time suppressing his blatantly obvious chuckles.
"A masterpiece, is it?" she raised a dry eyebrow at the man, annoyed at, once again, being the victim of his mirth. "You realize that hath doesn't make even the slightest bit of sense in the context?"
"Surely you aren't doubting me, my dearest," Miroku's eyes appeared stricken as he rushed to Sango's flinching side. "It was not more then a harmless prank, but you must never doubt my feelings for you. Sango, I care for only you," his honest gaze intertwined with her own, as if his very soul were shining through his sparkling crimson gaze.
"Miroku?" Sango sighed breathily.
"Yes, Lady Sango?" his voice was layered with pure, untainted honesty and love, and the sun's white light seemed only to focus on the couple as they continued to stare deep into one another's eyes, drinking in one another's emotions. Or so Miroku thought...
"Get...your...hand... OFF MY ASS!" Sango exploded, slapping Miroku violently across the cheek and he winced slightly, distraught that the spell had finally been broken. No, not broken, snapped in two perhaps. Such a shame, really...
"Honestly, you have no respect," she sighed in disgust, brushing her arms off as if trying to eliminate a dirty poison from her pure skin.
Miroku brought a hand up to cup his throbbing cheek, crooking en eye open at the obviously fuming girl before him. "It was well worth the pain," he muttered softly, glad Sango hadn't heard his mumblings or he'd surely be in more pain then before.
"You try something like that again, and make it so NOBODY will be bearing those perverted children of yours, you understand that?" she glared threateningly at him, and he scoffed at the notion.
"I highly doubt you'd be able to come within ten feet of me, let alone...," he was cut off by a livid Sango, who seemed to be growing more irritated by the moment.
"You know I'm well versed in combat, Miroku, so I wouldn't try it," she crossed her arms smugly before cocking her head in the direction of Kaede's village, listening intently. "You hear that?" she asked shortly, and Miroku nodded quickly, readying himself for combat if the need arose. You never could be too careful.
Soft footsteps could be heard ambling toward the two from a distance, and both Sango and Miroku turned to locate the source of the noise. Their alert gazes lapsed into casual relaxation when they saw the slow paced running could be attributed to none other then Lady Kaede, their village master and closest of friends. Deciding that nightfall would arrive before Kaede finally stood before them, they decided to meet her halfway, and Miroku began the trek toward Kaede's slowly moving form, Sango following directly behind Miroku's retreating figure. They sped up slightly when they noticed that Kaede hadn't stopped to wait for their arrival, but was instead moving toward them at an even faster pace. An important event had obviously occurred, and both Miroku and Sango were itching to find out what it was. Things had been a bit quiet lately, and both were up for a newer, more dangerous challenge then debating over flowers.
"Miroku, Sango!" Kaede's leathery voice bellowed urgently when she was positive the two were within hearing distance. "I have some important news for ye," she panted, slowing to a stop as the two halted in front of her, grabbing her shoulders and steadying her upright as support. She was certainly grateful for friends such as these, but now was no time for pleasantries, and all three knew it.
"We know," Sango interjected shortly, never one to mince words. "So what's up?" she asked hotly, never expecting even for a moment the next words to slip out of Kaede's wrinkled lips.
"She...she's here".
0.0
"Oof," Kagome ground out softly as her body landed unceremoniously on the hardwood floor, her limbs twisting out at odd angles and her soft raven hair cascading down her face and onto her throbbing back like a soft blanket. She allowed herself a few minutes of recuperation, lying idly without twitching even a muscle, and if one didn't know any better they'd have assumed she was unconscious. But of course, things aren't always as they appear.
The idle figure on the floor stirred slightly as it struggled to regain a hold on its consciousness, drawing itself up to shaky knees as it panted heavily, allowing its hands to rest comfortably at its sides. Its eyes, however, remained shut as it shook its head in attempt to clear the uneasy thoughts coursing through its muddled brain.
"When I open my eyes," Kagome began softly, her bangs clouding over her closed eyelids, blocking even the tiniest bit of light from filtering through. "I will be in my room, and Kanna will start pestering me about why I'm talking to myself," she assured herself, her voice shaking in apprehension as her eyes flickered open, dazing a bit as she adjusted herself to the light immersing her in its bright waves.
"What the-," she shut her eyes immediately, attempting in vain to block out the images cluttering themselves in her confused mind. "This is just a dream, Kagome, pull yourself together. Do it on the count of three," despite her displayed confidence, Kagome knew she was internally terrified as conflicting emotions coursed through the confusion, trying to make sense of the unfamiliar situation. "One... Two... Three," her eyes shot open a second time, peering around the room for a moment as if assessing her surroundings.
Forcing her eyes shut a second time; she shook her head in denial of the increasingly hopeless situation. "No! It can't! This has to be a dream!! Come on, Kagome, just snap out of it girl. This is a dream, this is a dream, this is a dream," she repeated in a soothing mantra, trying to keep her body from shaking itself into a frenzy. "Oh gods, please let this be a dream!" she cried out desperately, hugging her mirror against herself, as if trying to cling to the only thing that she knew for a fact existed.
Kanna's words ran idly through her brain, though difficult to process during her panicking frenzy. "When you arrive you'll probably run around saying "This is just a dream" and pinching yourself or whatever else. So for all our sakes, Kagome, don't waste time. It's not a dream, nor will it ever be a dream, and you'd be advised to forget your childish notions and complete the task set".
'That's right," Kagome recalled slowly. 'If this IS real, which I'm not even going to consider a possibility, I'm supposed to complete some sort of task. Well, no matter. This is just a silly dream, right? There's no way that Kanna could be right, right? Oh, help me somebody!' she popped open her eyelids a third time, praying that perhaps the other two times had just been her mind playing tricks on her, and the vision in front of her would be of familiar surroundings. Maybe her room, or Kanna, even that annoying advisor Hojo. ANYTHING would be better then this.
She brought her hand to her arm before pinching herself lightly, then seeing that the desired effects remained absent; she pinched herself once again, slightly harder. "Oh for crying out loud!" she sighed desperately, as tears pricked at the corners of her mind, though they strayed far from her face, which was contorted in an expression of sheer disbelief.
"O.K, so let's say I'm insane, need psychotherapy, and in my mind, this place actually DOES exist. Does that mean I've gone colorblind or something?"
Indeed, it would appear to be an accurate conclusion, for the scenery surrounding Kagome was certainly not what her eyes would consider normal. Oh, the setting itself was normal enough , she was obviously inside a room, a shack to be more precise. Wooden planks sprung up around her like wildfire, connecting to a roof that didn't look as if it would hold much more then a blade of grass, let alone a powerful rainstorm. The planks lined themselves under her feet as well, not supporting much more then herself and a chest of drawers thrown unceremoniously on its side, its drawers wide open, revealing its contents, which on second inspection proved to be absolutely nothing.
It would be nothing out of the ordinary if it weren't for the fact that the entire room was void of any color. The walls, which would ordinarily be a musty brown color in Kagome's opinion, were a dark shade of gray, and floor appeared to be black as night. The light shining through the planks from the outside world was white, a bright white, a brighter white then Kagome had ever seen. The chest of drawers were the same color as the wall, gray, though a different shade, a much lighter, more lilting shade. From the childish flowers adorning its handles, Kagome suspected the drawers had once been pink, though there was no way to tell.
"This can't be happening," Kagome sighed wearily, her eyes widening as they adjusted to the strange settings forcing themselves upon her. "Kanna?" she called out desperately. "Turn off the virtual reality system! I mean it!" she chuckled dryly, though it was a hollow chuckle, caked in worry and apprehension.
A floorboard creaked behind her, and she whirled around expectantly, her breathing become shallow as it lodged itself in her throat. It was only natural, for after all, she had no idea what to expect of this strange new world. "Who's there?" she stammered warily, her eyes widening alertly as she peered around anxiously, attempting to locate the source of the voice. She stared up to see a door, though she hadn't remembered it being there before, but it didn't matter either way. It swung open instantly, revealing a solitary figure, his brilliant black hair swinging maliciously behind his back as his dull gray eyes flashed menacingly at the trembling girl before her, who shrieked in terror and drew back, attempting in vain to hide behind the chest of drawers as she cowered in utter fear, for while she knew not of her location, she could certainly tell the difference between friend and foe.
0.0
The man chuckled, arrogantly flipping his braid behind him as he strode confidently into the musty shack. "Yes, girl, this place certainly is real, and, unfortunately for you, so am I".
"Are you serious?" Miroku's usual calm smile quickly altered into one of pure disbelief as he gaped at the older woman before him, who rolled her eyes at his antics.
"Is it that surprising? It is, after all, the hundredth year to date. I must say I was expecting it," she trailed off thoughtfully as she allowed the memories to pour back into her skin, memories which had long lain dormant and forgotten. "It's hard to accept after so long, but she's definitely here. The mirror disappeared, after all".
"Maybe somebody stole it," Sango pointed out, but Kaede shook her head vigorously at the proposal.
"Nay, I saw it disappear with my own two eyes, oh don't give me that look Miroku," she glowered as said man turned away, reverting back to his usual calm demeanor. "These eyes may be old, but they have not yet begun to play tricks on me, and I'm confident in what I saw. She's definitely here".
"Well what do we do about it?" Sango queried anxiously, obviously earnest about getting on with their job. Miroku noted this sudden change in her demeanor, it seemed she was craving action even more then himself, and that was fairly rare. Something was obviously up, but he knew to wait until less pressing times to question it. For now, he'd concentrate on the task at hand.
"Find her of course," Kaede gestured toward the forest with an impatient hand. "Start in there; I don't care. Just find her! You know how important this is," Sango nodded in agreement, but Miroku, of course, couldn't keep his speculations from escaping his lips.
"Is it wise to just start scouring the lands? She could be anywhere, and it would be much more logical to formulate a plan," he stated sensibly, appearing rather smug when a humbled Sango and Kaede hadn't anything to add.
"Of course," Kaede sighed visibly. "But we have no clues, other then rumors, which are probably faulty. Then again," she began when she saw Miroku's mouth begin its usual course. "It's better then just searching blindly, I suppose. All right, there was a rumor that she'd make her appearance due north, in a tiny clearing of daisies. Same direction you both just came from. Good luck," she nodded with respect, inwardly groaning when Miroku made to speak once again.
"What about Inuyasha?" he gestured back toward the village. "It may take his mind off things," he stared pointedly at Kaede, but wasn't too surprised when Sango interjected.
"Just leave him be, Miroku. You know how he is. Something like this could take ages to get over, especially for him. Maybe longer," she sighed in sympathy for their dear friend. "Though there isn't much we can do for him, it'd be best to let him brood for awhile," she snapped out of her imaginings when she recalled their impending task. "Well, let's go," Miroku nodded, and the two set off, waving good-bye to Kaede in their haste.
"Good luck you two. You'll need it," Kaede rolled her eyes as she saw Miroku's wandering hand find its way to its usual spot and heard Miroku's yelp of pain moments after, though the two were yards ahead of her. "Serves him right...."
0.0
Kagome's footsteps pounded on the wet grass as she raced ahead, throwing nervous glances over her shoulder as she dashed. Droplets of dew parted for the imprints of her dainty feet as she made her way through the musty soil, her breath coming in shallow puffs that formed small clouds before her lips. She spotted a sturdy looking tree towering before her and she ducked behind it instantaneously, hoping that her attacker was too dense to locate her, though she severely doubted it. Still, it was a better option then running blindly through the lands, painfully aware of her lack of skill in that particular area, and the knowledge that hovered above her like an impending cloud: the fact that the situation was, in fact, real.
'Please don't let him find me,' she squeezed her eyes shut tightly as she clawed subconsciously at the uneven bark, absently stroking her raven hair with her other hand, as if attempting to soothe her racing heart. Unfortunately, her attempts were in vain as her pursuer appeared in front of her in mere instants, not even beginning to appear the worse for wear.
"My, you're not half as powerful as so many have made you out to be," he cackled villainously, his laughter tinged with malice and sin. "No matter. I'll rid myself of you either way. Prepare to die, bitch," his hands, which Kagome was almost positive she had seen sport claws, swiped through the air, and she shrieked in terror as she stumbled to the side, exploiting her back to the man, who quickly seized the opportunity to strike, his claws tearing through her blouse like butter, exposing her bare back to the brilliantly hot rays of the sun.
"Leave me alone," she stammered, her once chocolate eyes conveying her obvious fear toward the man who was evidently taking a perverse pleasure in her immense terror. "I think you have the wrong person," her voice shook in utter fright as she ducked another blow from the man, who was growing increasingly irritated with his failures. "You have the wrong girl!" she cried vigorously, tears adorning the corners of her shifting eyes. "PLEASE STOP! SOMEBODY, HELP!" she cried desperately, clinging to the small hope that somebody, anybody was within hearing distance, but sadly, it appeared that her attempts were futile as the man drew back to deliver his final blow.
"This is it," he ground out forcefully. "Time to end this once and for all," he laughed, that same villainous laugh as his claws cut through the air as they hurtled toward her tender cheeks.
"KIKYO!"
A/N: You know what to do.. ;-)... expect an update sometime next week, or maybe the week after if I get extremely busy. SoL has first priority, after all....
A/N: Hey! Here's another update, though I didn't get too much feedback on my last chapter (sighs pitifully) Hah, j/k, I'm thankful to all the reviews I get, few or not. And purity-starz, you were right in assuming something big's going on. ;-)
"Lady Sango, I think it may be wise to return to Kaede. She's been acting rather mysterious lately, and I think it'd be in our best interests to keep a careful eye on her. At her age, there's no telling what she may do to... Sango are you even listening to me?" his smooth voice took on a harsh edge of pure annoyance as he tapped his foot impatiently at Sango, who currently stood beside him, mesmerized at the frilly daisies embellishing the leafy bushes before them.
"Have you ever stopped to think about the simplicity of a flower?" Sango mused softly, not paying the slightest bit of heed to Miroku's words. "So harmless, so fragile and delicate, yet so vital to the balance of nature," her voice was laced with pure amazement. "What a beautiful creature...," she trailed off, her piercing violet eyes glazing over in a state of entrancement.
"Sango, flowers do almost NOTHING for the balance of nature. Honestly, we don't have time for this, and I really do think it's time to return to Lady Kaede," he trailed off impatiently, shooting nervous glances in the direction of Kaede's hut. The old village master could be quite temperamental when she wanted to be, not to mention violent, and she'd always placed a strict value on the importance of punctuality.
"Well they feed the bees, don't they? And aren't there other animals that feed on their pollen?" Sango crinkled her nose thoughtfully. "But they're complicated too, have you noticed that every petal has a different pattern?"
"No".
"Well they do," Sango sighed in rebuttal, her voice slightly agitated at Miroku's failure to appreciate such beauty. "And for all we know, they could be different colors too," she sighed wistfully before turning her gaze to the dull gray sky, her eyes crinkled in slight depression.
"But we don't know. And unless Lady Kaede locates Midoriko's choice, we never will know. And for all we know, Lady Kaede has located the said girl, but if we are to find her then we must head back to Lady Kaede. In other words, we really should go," Miroku stated logically, ignoring the rolling eyes of Sango boring into the back of his skull as she snapped up from the, she felt, obviously neglected daisy bushes.
"That is so typical of you males," she placed her hands on her hips in scorn as she leaned forward accusingly. "Honestly, nature means nothing to you".
"Dear Sango," in a flash he had appeared by her side, apparently ready to milk the situation for all it was worth. "You know my poetic side better then anybody. Why just last week I wrote you an astounding masterpiece that, if I do say so myself, brilliantly reflected the deep, undying love I carry within myself for you, yearning to be released out into the open where it will flourish in delight....," he trailed off, his usual calm smile returning itself to his rosy cheeks.
"Miroku, what you wrote me last week was not a poem. If anything, it was an abomination to poets everywhere," she said flatly, rolling her eyes in annoyance. 'Is it just me, or do I do that whenever he's around?' she thought dryly with an irritated sigh, as he turned to her, his face adorning an expression of mock horror.
"Lady Sango, maybe what you read may not have been my best work, but it was surely a beautiful masterpiece, was it not?"
"Honestly Miroku, tell me what this sounds like to you," she steadied herself, the epitome of poise as she prepared herself to recite Miroku's "masterpiece".
"Oh Sango, my love, when I saw you I surmised
That you indubitably enjoy having your eggs fertilized
Whether you'd like it done hath morning, noon, or night
It doesn't much matter to me, anytime's all right," she recited, her voice void of all emotion as she turned to Miroku, who was currently bent over, not having an easy time suppressing his blatantly obvious chuckles.
"A masterpiece, is it?" she raised a dry eyebrow at the man, annoyed at, once again, being the victim of his mirth. "You realize that hath doesn't make even the slightest bit of sense in the context?"
"Surely you aren't doubting me, my dearest," Miroku's eyes appeared stricken as he rushed to Sango's flinching side. "It was not more then a harmless prank, but you must never doubt my feelings for you. Sango, I care for only you," his honest gaze intertwined with her own, as if his very soul were shining through his sparkling crimson gaze.
"Miroku?" Sango sighed breathily.
"Yes, Lady Sango?" his voice was layered with pure, untainted honesty and love, and the sun's white light seemed only to focus on the couple as they continued to stare deep into one another's eyes, drinking in one another's emotions. Or so Miroku thought...
"Get...your...hand... OFF MY ASS!" Sango exploded, slapping Miroku violently across the cheek and he winced slightly, distraught that the spell had finally been broken. No, not broken, snapped in two perhaps. Such a shame, really...
"Honestly, you have no respect," she sighed in disgust, brushing her arms off as if trying to eliminate a dirty poison from her pure skin.
Miroku brought a hand up to cup his throbbing cheek, crooking en eye open at the obviously fuming girl before him. "It was well worth the pain," he muttered softly, glad Sango hadn't heard his mumblings or he'd surely be in more pain then before.
"You try something like that again, and make it so NOBODY will be bearing those perverted children of yours, you understand that?" she glared threateningly at him, and he scoffed at the notion.
"I highly doubt you'd be able to come within ten feet of me, let alone...," he was cut off by a livid Sango, who seemed to be growing more irritated by the moment.
"You know I'm well versed in combat, Miroku, so I wouldn't try it," she crossed her arms smugly before cocking her head in the direction of Kaede's village, listening intently. "You hear that?" she asked shortly, and Miroku nodded quickly, readying himself for combat if the need arose. You never could be too careful.
Soft footsteps could be heard ambling toward the two from a distance, and both Sango and Miroku turned to locate the source of the noise. Their alert gazes lapsed into casual relaxation when they saw the slow paced running could be attributed to none other then Lady Kaede, their village master and closest of friends. Deciding that nightfall would arrive before Kaede finally stood before them, they decided to meet her halfway, and Miroku began the trek toward Kaede's slowly moving form, Sango following directly behind Miroku's retreating figure. They sped up slightly when they noticed that Kaede hadn't stopped to wait for their arrival, but was instead moving toward them at an even faster pace. An important event had obviously occurred, and both Miroku and Sango were itching to find out what it was. Things had been a bit quiet lately, and both were up for a newer, more dangerous challenge then debating over flowers.
"Miroku, Sango!" Kaede's leathery voice bellowed urgently when she was positive the two were within hearing distance. "I have some important news for ye," she panted, slowing to a stop as the two halted in front of her, grabbing her shoulders and steadying her upright as support. She was certainly grateful for friends such as these, but now was no time for pleasantries, and all three knew it.
"We know," Sango interjected shortly, never one to mince words. "So what's up?" she asked hotly, never expecting even for a moment the next words to slip out of Kaede's wrinkled lips.
"She...she's here".
0.0
"Oof," Kagome ground out softly as her body landed unceremoniously on the hardwood floor, her limbs twisting out at odd angles and her soft raven hair cascading down her face and onto her throbbing back like a soft blanket. She allowed herself a few minutes of recuperation, lying idly without twitching even a muscle, and if one didn't know any better they'd have assumed she was unconscious. But of course, things aren't always as they appear.
The idle figure on the floor stirred slightly as it struggled to regain a hold on its consciousness, drawing itself up to shaky knees as it panted heavily, allowing its hands to rest comfortably at its sides. Its eyes, however, remained shut as it shook its head in attempt to clear the uneasy thoughts coursing through its muddled brain.
"When I open my eyes," Kagome began softly, her bangs clouding over her closed eyelids, blocking even the tiniest bit of light from filtering through. "I will be in my room, and Kanna will start pestering me about why I'm talking to myself," she assured herself, her voice shaking in apprehension as her eyes flickered open, dazing a bit as she adjusted herself to the light immersing her in its bright waves.
"What the-," she shut her eyes immediately, attempting in vain to block out the images cluttering themselves in her confused mind. "This is just a dream, Kagome, pull yourself together. Do it on the count of three," despite her displayed confidence, Kagome knew she was internally terrified as conflicting emotions coursed through the confusion, trying to make sense of the unfamiliar situation. "One... Two... Three," her eyes shot open a second time, peering around the room for a moment as if assessing her surroundings.
Forcing her eyes shut a second time; she shook her head in denial of the increasingly hopeless situation. "No! It can't! This has to be a dream!! Come on, Kagome, just snap out of it girl. This is a dream, this is a dream, this is a dream," she repeated in a soothing mantra, trying to keep her body from shaking itself into a frenzy. "Oh gods, please let this be a dream!" she cried out desperately, hugging her mirror against herself, as if trying to cling to the only thing that she knew for a fact existed.
Kanna's words ran idly through her brain, though difficult to process during her panicking frenzy. "When you arrive you'll probably run around saying "This is just a dream" and pinching yourself or whatever else. So for all our sakes, Kagome, don't waste time. It's not a dream, nor will it ever be a dream, and you'd be advised to forget your childish notions and complete the task set".
'That's right," Kagome recalled slowly. 'If this IS real, which I'm not even going to consider a possibility, I'm supposed to complete some sort of task. Well, no matter. This is just a silly dream, right? There's no way that Kanna could be right, right? Oh, help me somebody!' she popped open her eyelids a third time, praying that perhaps the other two times had just been her mind playing tricks on her, and the vision in front of her would be of familiar surroundings. Maybe her room, or Kanna, even that annoying advisor Hojo. ANYTHING would be better then this.
She brought her hand to her arm before pinching herself lightly, then seeing that the desired effects remained absent; she pinched herself once again, slightly harder. "Oh for crying out loud!" she sighed desperately, as tears pricked at the corners of her mind, though they strayed far from her face, which was contorted in an expression of sheer disbelief.
"O.K, so let's say I'm insane, need psychotherapy, and in my mind, this place actually DOES exist. Does that mean I've gone colorblind or something?"
Indeed, it would appear to be an accurate conclusion, for the scenery surrounding Kagome was certainly not what her eyes would consider normal. Oh, the setting itself was normal enough , she was obviously inside a room, a shack to be more precise. Wooden planks sprung up around her like wildfire, connecting to a roof that didn't look as if it would hold much more then a blade of grass, let alone a powerful rainstorm. The planks lined themselves under her feet as well, not supporting much more then herself and a chest of drawers thrown unceremoniously on its side, its drawers wide open, revealing its contents, which on second inspection proved to be absolutely nothing.
It would be nothing out of the ordinary if it weren't for the fact that the entire room was void of any color. The walls, which would ordinarily be a musty brown color in Kagome's opinion, were a dark shade of gray, and floor appeared to be black as night. The light shining through the planks from the outside world was white, a bright white, a brighter white then Kagome had ever seen. The chest of drawers were the same color as the wall, gray, though a different shade, a much lighter, more lilting shade. From the childish flowers adorning its handles, Kagome suspected the drawers had once been pink, though there was no way to tell.
"This can't be happening," Kagome sighed wearily, her eyes widening as they adjusted to the strange settings forcing themselves upon her. "Kanna?" she called out desperately. "Turn off the virtual reality system! I mean it!" she chuckled dryly, though it was a hollow chuckle, caked in worry and apprehension.
A floorboard creaked behind her, and she whirled around expectantly, her breathing become shallow as it lodged itself in her throat. It was only natural, for after all, she had no idea what to expect of this strange new world. "Who's there?" she stammered warily, her eyes widening alertly as she peered around anxiously, attempting to locate the source of the voice. She stared up to see a door, though she hadn't remembered it being there before, but it didn't matter either way. It swung open instantly, revealing a solitary figure, his brilliant black hair swinging maliciously behind his back as his dull gray eyes flashed menacingly at the trembling girl before her, who shrieked in terror and drew back, attempting in vain to hide behind the chest of drawers as she cowered in utter fear, for while she knew not of her location, she could certainly tell the difference between friend and foe.
0.0
The man chuckled, arrogantly flipping his braid behind him as he strode confidently into the musty shack. "Yes, girl, this place certainly is real, and, unfortunately for you, so am I".
"Are you serious?" Miroku's usual calm smile quickly altered into one of pure disbelief as he gaped at the older woman before him, who rolled her eyes at his antics.
"Is it that surprising? It is, after all, the hundredth year to date. I must say I was expecting it," she trailed off thoughtfully as she allowed the memories to pour back into her skin, memories which had long lain dormant and forgotten. "It's hard to accept after so long, but she's definitely here. The mirror disappeared, after all".
"Maybe somebody stole it," Sango pointed out, but Kaede shook her head vigorously at the proposal.
"Nay, I saw it disappear with my own two eyes, oh don't give me that look Miroku," she glowered as said man turned away, reverting back to his usual calm demeanor. "These eyes may be old, but they have not yet begun to play tricks on me, and I'm confident in what I saw. She's definitely here".
"Well what do we do about it?" Sango queried anxiously, obviously earnest about getting on with their job. Miroku noted this sudden change in her demeanor, it seemed she was craving action even more then himself, and that was fairly rare. Something was obviously up, but he knew to wait until less pressing times to question it. For now, he'd concentrate on the task at hand.
"Find her of course," Kaede gestured toward the forest with an impatient hand. "Start in there; I don't care. Just find her! You know how important this is," Sango nodded in agreement, but Miroku, of course, couldn't keep his speculations from escaping his lips.
"Is it wise to just start scouring the lands? She could be anywhere, and it would be much more logical to formulate a plan," he stated sensibly, appearing rather smug when a humbled Sango and Kaede hadn't anything to add.
"Of course," Kaede sighed visibly. "But we have no clues, other then rumors, which are probably faulty. Then again," she began when she saw Miroku's mouth begin its usual course. "It's better then just searching blindly, I suppose. All right, there was a rumor that she'd make her appearance due north, in a tiny clearing of daisies. Same direction you both just came from. Good luck," she nodded with respect, inwardly groaning when Miroku made to speak once again.
"What about Inuyasha?" he gestured back toward the village. "It may take his mind off things," he stared pointedly at Kaede, but wasn't too surprised when Sango interjected.
"Just leave him be, Miroku. You know how he is. Something like this could take ages to get over, especially for him. Maybe longer," she sighed in sympathy for their dear friend. "Though there isn't much we can do for him, it'd be best to let him brood for awhile," she snapped out of her imaginings when she recalled their impending task. "Well, let's go," Miroku nodded, and the two set off, waving good-bye to Kaede in their haste.
"Good luck you two. You'll need it," Kaede rolled her eyes as she saw Miroku's wandering hand find its way to its usual spot and heard Miroku's yelp of pain moments after, though the two were yards ahead of her. "Serves him right...."
0.0
Kagome's footsteps pounded on the wet grass as she raced ahead, throwing nervous glances over her shoulder as she dashed. Droplets of dew parted for the imprints of her dainty feet as she made her way through the musty soil, her breath coming in shallow puffs that formed small clouds before her lips. She spotted a sturdy looking tree towering before her and she ducked behind it instantaneously, hoping that her attacker was too dense to locate her, though she severely doubted it. Still, it was a better option then running blindly through the lands, painfully aware of her lack of skill in that particular area, and the knowledge that hovered above her like an impending cloud: the fact that the situation was, in fact, real.
'Please don't let him find me,' she squeezed her eyes shut tightly as she clawed subconsciously at the uneven bark, absently stroking her raven hair with her other hand, as if attempting to soothe her racing heart. Unfortunately, her attempts were in vain as her pursuer appeared in front of her in mere instants, not even beginning to appear the worse for wear.
"My, you're not half as powerful as so many have made you out to be," he cackled villainously, his laughter tinged with malice and sin. "No matter. I'll rid myself of you either way. Prepare to die, bitch," his hands, which Kagome was almost positive she had seen sport claws, swiped through the air, and she shrieked in terror as she stumbled to the side, exploiting her back to the man, who quickly seized the opportunity to strike, his claws tearing through her blouse like butter, exposing her bare back to the brilliantly hot rays of the sun.
"Leave me alone," she stammered, her once chocolate eyes conveying her obvious fear toward the man who was evidently taking a perverse pleasure in her immense terror. "I think you have the wrong person," her voice shook in utter fright as she ducked another blow from the man, who was growing increasingly irritated with his failures. "You have the wrong girl!" she cried vigorously, tears adorning the corners of her shifting eyes. "PLEASE STOP! SOMEBODY, HELP!" she cried desperately, clinging to the small hope that somebody, anybody was within hearing distance, but sadly, it appeared that her attempts were futile as the man drew back to deliver his final blow.
"This is it," he ground out forcefully. "Time to end this once and for all," he laughed, that same villainous laugh as his claws cut through the air as they hurtled toward her tender cheeks.
"KIKYO!"
A/N: You know what to do.. ;-)... expect an update sometime next week, or maybe the week after if I get extremely busy. SoL has first priority, after all....