It was not the best idea in the world. He was safe and warm yes, but food and water were issues. He couldn't risk exposure in this outfit and couldn't go home for money. Right now was fragile, as the voice shouted almost every second of the sun and remained hostile. Twice sleep nearly overpowered him and a physical, dual mind-wrestling match occurred, his body spasming as a side effect.
His family didn't need that kind of stress and worry. If he knew how, he would escape to the city temple and beg the priests for release, but they knew the elders. His behavior was too erratic and they would see the intrusion to his soul. He was born with something foreign already, now it reached metaphysical.
Every bit of meditative concentration was harnessed. He rarely allowed thoughts of those he knew to enter his head, as it was a distraction. Thinking of Kalie especially was a catalyst for the intruder and everything started again.
He managed to pass the day to mid-afternoon. Chilly temperatures didn't help his appetite – as shivering only used more energy – but it WAS beautiful outside. He couldn't help but admire it, able to do so while there was a break from the annoying haunt.
There was no real wind, but it was cloudy with promise of rain. Hands stuffed in bulky sleeves wrapped around his legs. Having such a thick mane helped too. If only there was food...
He wasn't going to last long here and eating leaves didn't appeal to him. He couldn't hunt, and even if he did, precious energy would be wasted on trying to start a fire.
Something else he couldn't do.
He was screwed...but pride, stubbornness, and fear kept him from leaving the safety of this well-known place. He knew this forest like the back of his hand and upon finding he was here, pulled the feel of his embedded presence to gain strength.
He sighed, slumping further against bark and shifted to cover his legs with leaves. 'You are SUCH a pain in the ass...'
Fuck you.
'No thanks, I do that enough as it is.' He smirked at embarrassment and sputtering for words. 'Joudan desu. You haven't heard that I guess.'
Keh!
If he wasn't careful, this banter was going to be fun. He did NOT want to befriend such a thing. Brown dully stared at any random spot, ignoring one problem for another. He was still at a loss, the only ideas simple, but risky. He would be okay till nightfall if he kept pulse and temperature in check, but tomorrow was danger zone.
He sighed, finger absently tapping against an arm.
You're pathetic.
'Go away...I can't deal with you right now.'
There was a thread of amusement. You're weak. You can't even take care of yourself.
He glared at the makeshift blanket. 'You're the cause of this! I can't be around my family like this! What do you care – you probably never cared about the way people looked or thought about you.' There was silence, which he found a little odd. Brown suspiciously narrowed at almost subdued persona. 'What's with the changes? Why did you back away?'
...You're not the only one who had the same shit happen.
He blinked, a brow rising. 'Don't tell me you're feeling SORROW...'
Keh! You're too pathetic NOT to feel sorry for. Why the hell can't you hunt?
'Excuse ME for living a life of modern conveniences.' He spat. 'I've never had to stoop to act like an animal to survive.' There was a mental growl which unsettled him a little.
The noise died down and thoughtful silence made him wary. It was quiet a while, but he could sense a small whirlwind of thought. It went on so long he went back to ignoring it and was jolted to attention when emotion shifted.
Alright.
'What?'
Irritation came. Don't make me repeat myself! I'll help this once, but only because I have no intentions of dying from your stupidity.
'Your kindness is SO appreciated.' He sighed, shaking his head and standing. 'So what am I supposed to do?'
Downwind was such an interesting concept. He argued for a moment of how to hide until being forced to accept a level that gave him the know-how to do what was natural without losing control. His nativity irritated the voice until it gave in without bargain.
The rush of knowledge was staggering. Movement and eyesight were easy and so much came to him. It took a little thinking of what was useable nearby and a long time to catch even a middle-sized rabbit. He used borrowed logic to make a fire, wondering if his catch would go bad by the time a spark lit.
It was a strange feeling to do what he did and skin a once live animal. It almost made him sick – especially the feel of blood on his hands – but mirth from his 'teacher' made him grit his teeth. His stomach was rumbling fiercely and smells started to make the carcass appetizing after a beginning roast.
Eating it was another challenge. The taste of blood nearly daunted him, but cooked meat didn't. It was oddly satisfying and he added some twigs to keep the fire going for extra warmth. He sat hunched close and stared just above the flames, watching sparks drift off.
His body was sated, but he wasn't as pleasant. Skills retreated and somberness rose. 'You know...we can't live like this and I can't be you.'
He expected a retort or defensiveness, but darkness matched on the inside. I know this. We're too different now.
He was thoughtful for a while, digging through later memories with little resistance, but definite awareness. 'You know...I wonder how we ended up like this if we're supposed to be the same. How did you and I split?'
I don't know, but I want that answered. It doesn't make sense.
He absently nodded. There were plenty of questions with no one to explain them. The brief peace was nice, but he didn't trust the voice yet. There were too many instances where he was taken by surprise. As much as he longed for home, his family, and Kalie, he couldn't resist them throwing him in the nuthouse. He couldn't stand seeing the look of horror on her face.
His heart clenched. "Kalie..."
You DO realize who that is right?
'That's almost too far-fetched...if you don't count this.'
It IS Kagome! I know it is – she still smells the same and I'll never forget her scent!
He went to breathe in the ever-present vanilla to calm his nerves and was shocked at finding it totally absent. Brown shot wide against her hair. He quietly sniffed, finding the smell of lilacs, shampoos, and...grass?? He knew she had no access to her stuff at the hospital, but every time he was around, vanilla seemed to radiate from her. It was something he associated with her. This, although nice, wasn't the smell he knew and took comfort in.
'Even if it was...how do you expect to tell her? Is it fair to make her be someone you know?' Silence met his questions. Dull brown shifted to the side. 'I don't want you to make me lose the first person I've ever loved. I won't scare her away.'
So what do you expect me to do? Keep me here and watch you fuck my bitch?
He bristled and glared. 'Kalie is NOT a bitch!'
Keh! They said the same damn thing. Mou...none of you understand!
He belayed a retort only through curiosity at such frustration. 'Just call her by her name...you can do that easily enough.' He got a snort for an answer and left the rest alone.
Sleep started creeping up again and he was almost inclined to let it come, if not for the presence. This small peace wasn't that bad, but it still couldn't be trusted. Even resting had disadvantages...mostly because no one could tend to the fire.
It was so tempting to nod off, but even asking for a bit of time was too much. Another fight could take place in the subconscious and he would sooner be killed than give leeway.
I'm not THAT horrible. Don't make me out to be a monster!
'But you are. You even look like it.'
Keh! Shows how much YOU know. There was a thread of silence, then resignation. You can go ahead and sleep – I'll keep watch.
'Do you expect me to believe you after everything you've done and said?? You know I can't trust you!'
Maybe...but like I said before – you're no good to me dead.
He sighed. 'Who will make sure the fire doesn't spread? I'm not going to let you have control just for that...I know I won't get it back again. How are you going to be alert with my eyes closed?'
Ha! Shows how much you know. My name isn't INUyasha for no reason.
He was not really appreciating the sarcasm, but was intrigued. 'So you're a human-looking dog demon. Hisobosan said the fairytales she used to hear said mononoke had human and animal bodies. Can you change form?'
...Kind of... But you should know that without having to ask...you're one of them.
'So you keep saying. So you can't change form then –'
Don't put words in my mouth! I have other forms, but hanyou is who I normally am.
This was catching his attention with its elusiveness and a small peek later would help. Not like he had anything better to do anyway. 'So, back to the original question.'
There was a mental sigh. The ears on my head aren't for show. Neither are my eyes, fangs, or claws. You may be human, but I've always had sharp hearing...even on that one night.
'So you'll keep an ear out?'
Two of them, so long as you don't sleep on your side. I know what an out-of-control fire sounds like. I've got it covered.
He let a few moments of reluctance and doubt pass before allowing himself to be swayed. 'I don't know how to sleep except on my side or stomach.'
You leave yourself open to attack. Lean against a nearby tree and support your head with your legs.
Newness grabbed hold and sheer perverse curiosity made him comply. Brown uneasily eyed the fire, still not sure about this.
Will you stop worrying??
He scowled, drawing legs to his chest and situating feet to keep his knees together. 'You're not giving me just cause to trust you. I'm still ready to fight if I have to.'
Keh! I'm ready whenever you are. But there's no point in fighting when you can't, so go to sleep already.
He snorted and his head plopped down.
Black hair, dark as pitch. Human ears. Brown eyes.
Massive shock.
"What're you staring at, eh?"
"The dog ears have disappeared!"
"What's going on!? You appear to be almost human..."
"Bah! I don't have claws or fangs either."
"For half-youkai, there is a short period during which they lose the magical power of the blood flowing in their bodies. Because that is a matter of life and death, they never reveal that period to other people."
"What about my case!? If I had known about your body, I wouldn't have suggested coming into this youkai's nest. Couldn't you have trusted me either!?"
"I trust nobody! I've been living that way all along. You've no reason to be complaining..."
"I'm sorry... However...you could trust me a bit more..."
-----
Shallow heartbeat. Racing pain. Cold of the void. Fear of death.
Stir of intense power.
The sickening tearing-of-skin and feel of blood oozing over flesh.
"What's the matter Goshinki...weren't my movements supposed to be as plain as day?"
"I don't get it..."
"Inuyasha you bastard...why did you transform?"
"Bah, how would I know that? Instead of worrying about my body, you should be saying your prayers, Goshinki. I'm sending you safely to hell."
"You damn half-youkai!"
The youkai blood flowing through my body is in a different class to your crap!! Goshinki, it was fun knowing you..."
'My blood is boiling throughout my body... What is this feeling?'
-----
"Oohh..."
"It's the first time you've seen this, eh Sango? Half-youkai like Inuyasha lose their powers once a month and come to look human, as you can see. If he was attacked by an enemy at this time, his life will be in danger. Therefore, that Inuyasha loses his youkai-powers on the first day of the month is a critical secret..."
"So it SEEMS... Isn't the number of people who know this secret gradually increasing?"
"It's okay. It means your friends are increasing, doesn't it?"
'Nevertheless...when I take on human form, my unease is unbearable. While I have no claws or fangs, I have to wait until morning comes. I might not even be able to protect the life of a single girl.'
-----
A fight. Massive body with two heads. The need to fix his sword...to surpass his protector.
The loss of his sword. The swell of youki. The damage of his blood.
Chaos within his head.
"You can tell by looking can't you? That Inuyasha, he's fighting it in youkai form."
"Indeed, if we stay here like this... After Ryuukossei, he may come after and attack us. Inuyasha-sama's judgment is getting worse with each transformation! Kagome, you won't be an exception!"
"I understand. Myouga-jicchan, you run away."
"Eh!?"
"Let me down, I'll stay here."
"Kagome, you..."
"I understand your reasons. However...running away, leaving Inuyasha while he's fighting...is not something I can do!"
-----
"Did that happen to you too, Inuyasha?"
"What."
"I mean... Were you bullied and stuff?"
"Bah, you idiot. If that happened to me, I wouldn't keep quiet about it."
"Ah... That's true."
"Because I wasn't either..."
"Eh?"
"I wasn't a youkai. I wasn't human. I couldn't go with either. That's why I thought I could only have a home if I seized it by force... And so I lived like that, and when I realized I was all alone it was the only way that I knew how."
-----
"For Inuyasha-sama and other half-youkai, there is a short period during which they lose the magical power of the blood flowing in their bodies. Because that is a matter of life and death, half-youkai never reveal that period to other people. It's surprising that the time for Inuyasha-sama is tonight...while the moon doesn't come out during the first day of the month..."
-----
"You really have your hands full. You're turning human, then also turning into a monster, aren't you?"
"Don't call me a monster! Even I don't understand why it happens!"
"You don't understand, huh. You're an idiot, you know. I heard it from Myouga that when it looks like you'll die, you transform. Well, by nature half of your blood is youkai after all. Here is my own theory though. Transforming into a youkai isn't real strength. Inuyasha, as I said, Tessaiga's weight is because of your fang's weight. Before Tessaiga broke, it was your oyaji-dono's fang. In short, you were relying on your oyaji-dono to protect you. However, this time Tessaiga isn't like that. You're handling your own fang and protecting yourself. When you can freely swing Tessaiga as it is now...it means you'll have truly become strong."
-----
Darkness swallowed the scenes. He was unsure how to take everything. Common sense said he never had a twin and this was very likely a reincarnation – some twist of nature and magic.
Denial was a powerful thing and he forcefully rejected the viewings. Human features were alike on rare occasions – the physical body definitely the same – but personality couldn't be more reverse. Of course he wasn't bloodthirsty, that was just the era, but being so high-and-mighty and cold wasn't.
'There's no way I can be him! He's my opposite in practically every way! Just because I look like him doesn't mean I AM him!'
Two angled mirrors suddenly appeared, hanyou in one and full youkai in the other. The youkai immediately made to attack, but couldn't get past the glass. It scratched and kicked, finally stopping to give him the wary eye.
He noticed something upon initially trying to move back. He couldn't get far. Hands felt around, feet kicking below. The youkai took this as an attack and tried to get out again.
Will you two shut up and calm down??
'What the hell IS this??'
Mirrors.
To know the hanyou looked more compose made him locate courage to subside for answers. 'Why are we in here?' A thumb jerked to the struggling youkai. 'Is that normal?'
Inuyasha snorted. Unfortunately, yes. A glare looked over. Pipe down will you??
The youkai turned with a growl, teeth and claws bared. It made to swipe at the hanyou, again falling short.
'Since you seem to have answers, mind telling me what the hell we're trapped here for??'
Inuyasha smirked. Your mind, remember? It's trying to show you the fucking truth, if you'd open your damn eyes. A thumb jerked to the growling, hostile youkai. He's part of the blood from oyaji-taiyoukai. A claw pointed in his direction, almost accusing. And you're the half from ofukuro. I'm the result of you two.
Hands gripped his head. 'This is too damn confusing!! I can't be you – I don't even LOOK like you! I don't act like you!'
That's because you got everything I didn't! You got the family, the good upbringing, the safety, the friends, and the capability to show emotion! I had nothing but a life of fear and chase until those idiots changed my life! And now you want me to give it up?!
-----
"Musuko...it's time for lunch."
"Hai okaasan!" Chubby hands released the toy, letting it flop to the ground as a mini stampede sounded over carpet. A loud inhale sounded...an appreciative hum after. "Ah nikumanjuu!"
"Sit musuko and I'll bring your lunch to you."
"Hai!" The tiny body plopped down on his zabuton, shifting to get comfortable and antsy to have his mother's fine cooking. She was the best cook he knew, even if he didn't know anyone that cooked outside his family. Still, obaasan didn't beat his mother and he loved his obaasan just as much.
The eagerness to bite into the gooey covering caused a burnt mouth and hand. It took longer for his fingers to feel the heat, as his tongue was more sensitive. "Atsui yo!"
In mere seconds, a cold glass was against his lips, water poured in. "Keep that there for a second musuko and hold it. It'll help your fingers."
He nodded in his misery, putting his mouth against the rim and sticking his tongue against it. "Arregaou okaahan..." He mumbled.
A kiss went to the top of the raven mop. "Don't stumble over your words honey. And next time be more careful okay?"
He nodded and leaned in as much as possible with the glass still against his face to accept a kiss on the cheek.
-----
"So what does this equal to magomusuko?"
His face scrunched up, feet barely able to swing under his chair without toes brushing carpet. "Ano...ten?"
"Try again magomusuko...you got this last week."
He sighed in utter frustration, hands plunging through lengthy bangs as a physical side effect. "Ojiisan this is just too hard! I'll never get this!"
A pencil tapped against the desk, aged eyes meeting youthful brown. "Inaki...if you want to do well in further school years and get into a good college, you have to know this stuff. Math isn't something you can run away from – I use it everyday at the store you know. You asked for my help for your test and you need to do better."
"Wakarimashita..." His head bowed in chastisement. He knew it was imperative to get this down, but he had a small weakness for numbers. It seemed like they evaded him at times.
"Right then, let's get back to it. Gonbatte ne magomusuko."
He nodded, a smile creeping up.
-----
"Good night ototo-chan."
"Night neechan." He yawned and watched Jayden turn over in her bed. They were finally filling them out and he liked the idea of his feet touching the edge of his futon. It showed he was almost a man in age, if not intellect.
Brown eyed the open doorway, landing on shadows coming from streetlights from some outside source. He stared transfixed, a few childhood fears peeking through. Hands gripped the covers a little before soft breathing grabbed his attention. He snuck a quick peek at Jayden with her back to everything that could come in and smiled.
He followed her example, showing he wasn't afraid of his imagination.
-----
A malicious smile appeared as he headed directly for the cordless phone, taking it into the basement for privacy.
The four musketeers were needed in a mission of this necessity.
Though they really had nothing to do with it, Chass, Kelar, and Robert had no qualms when it came to helping him pull pranks at WHOEVER was the target. He was just as bad too.
It had to be a guy thing...
"Hello? Kelar speaking."
"Yo buddy, you free right now?"
"Not a damn thing going on Inaki. What's up?"
"Chichibuyo Matsuri."
"English...please?"
He snorted. "It's a festival we're kind of celebrating. The neighborhood is over and there's a rather large buffet. Oh and I need you for revenge pranks. Interested?"
"Free food and terrorizing the populace? Always...what's up?"
He grinned and relayed a few thoughts he had, plus the reasons behind them, getting the second musketeer to join his 'cause'. "Call Rob and tell him to come over. I'll get Chass over here and then we can have some fun."
"Can't wait buddy. This is going to be good."
-----
It had been one hell of a month, but it sure was memorable. Of course they hadn't had much time to hang out with her being so busy, but it was the weekends when he had any time to break her 'new' personality in.
He managed to wheedle her to come up with him to his house, mostly because they couldn't really do anything with the staring contests with Sam 'suddenly' popping out of nowhere and making comments about how it was the perfect time for one of them to slip a kiss. The girl was a genius and good sneak, he had to admit, but even with her help and not-so-subtle hints, K was not going to give in like that.
If there was a way to get her to date him, it wouldn't be easy.
His emotions hadn't lessened any during his realization and it was hard to keep them in check. At least playful times like these made it easier to flirt and give an excuse that it was a way to get her to loosen a tad and open up.
-----
'It's not fair to me though! You want me to end my life for your selfish needs!'
White shadowed gold, fists clenching and trembling in frustration. You...are...ME... How many fucking times do I need to say it?! A hand waved at the youkai who misread their emotions and tried to attack. He's the poor bastard our mind can't handle. He's the power I always wanted and can't have because the human mind is too weak to fathom a youkai's power! I can't be him and I won't be you, but I need your blood to keep from going mad! You're as much a part of me as he is – why can't you SEE that??
His knees finally gave out and he slumped to the ground. 'But...I have no need to be you... Like you said, I have the better life...I'm as different as you two are.'
Inuyasha sighed and plopped to sitting position, hands in his sleeves. That may be. Somehow Midoriko fucked up my wish.
Brown looked up, brows furrowed. 'Midoriko?'
-----
"Have any of you, been inside this cave and seen IT?"
"Yeah, those mummified youkai, right?"
"Right; and also countless numbers of youkai merged into one and increased their power. Dragons, ground-spiders, oni, and so on. Just to destroy one single human..."
"Then...this is a human, as I thought...wearing old armor... An ancient general, huh."
"Wrong. That is a woman. Several hundred years ago, she was a miko."
"I see. If youkai are your opponents, then a miko is about as strong as a hundred samurai."
"It was a time when the nobility were still in control of Japan. There were piles of people who had died in war and hunger. As the corpses and exhausted humans were eaten, in no time, the numbers of youkai increased. All sorts of Buddhist priests and generals exterminate the youkai when it appears, but, above all was the miko called Midoriko who used an attack that drove out youkai's souls and purified them. Midoriko faces a group of large youkai, but masses of energy crackled from the end of her sword and stabbed into the youkai. She had enough spiritual power to destroy ten at once."
"Drive out the souls and purify them?"
"The miko called Midoriko exorcised shikon and had much experience in using the spell to transform youkai's power to nothing. That's why the youkai were afraid of Midoriko and started trying to take her life. But even if they attacked her suddenly, they were all exorcised."
"Did this miko beat the youkai, or did she lose?"
"The battle continued to seven days and seven nights. A huge youkai, composed several smaller youkai, had Midoriko in its mouth and one of her arms had been bitten off. Lightning crackled in the background. Finally, Midoriko exhausted her power and her body was eaten. It seems her soul was absorbed. At that moment Midoriko, with the last of her power, seized the youkai's soul and her own was taken in and forced out of her body. There the youkai and Midoriko both died. The cluster of souls remained...that is the Shikon no tama."
-----
Hands gripped his head, eyes squeezing shut. 'Shikon no...tama...'
Aa. That jewel was born in your body. Inuyasha smirked. At least it didn't get ripped from your insides.
'That thing caused some serious talk for YEARS! What the hell was it doing in my lung?!'
Gold rolled. And to think, you got some of her brains this time around... Why the fuck to I always get stuck babysitting everybody?
'Just answer the question!'
I – we – made the wish! Midoriko created it, Kikyou had it last and it appeared in Kagome. She gave it to me to use as I wished before she – White quickly covered gold when the voice cracked. ...So I had it last. Now you were born with it. Does that help clear some shit up? A scowl appeared with a huff. Mou...now I'm sorry for ever giving that bitch so much shit.
He grinned at the utter frustration despite the warning look. 'It's still too unreal to believe. I've always lived a mildly boring life. Why did the gods grace me with you NOW?? Why'd you have to wake?'
I merely slept until you broke through...I've always been here whether you realized it or not.
'Broke through HOW? Why did I do that was so powerful?'
-----
'I'm begging here. If your soul can hear mine, you better listen up! You hear me Kalie?? You're not leaving me! I won't let you. I – I...I love you.'
-----
A hand went to his head. 'Something so simple...it can't be enough to wake something from the past!'
You've never been in love before, but you searched for it. I loved Kikyou, but not the way I do Kagome. Where do you think you got the unknown urge from? We love the same bitch, the same way.
He dumbly stared. Inuyasha was responsible for all of it. Every break-up that had no real reason. Every unfulfilled relationship. He KNEW some of those girls would've made him happy, but that nagging feeling was always there.
A cold fury took hold. 'SON OF A BITCH!' He lunged, forgetting glass and banged his forehead on the invisible barrier. There was a harsh THUNK before he dropped back and clutched his head. 'If EVER there was a reason to get you out of my head, a decade of that shit is enough!'
Quite whining. You're more like me than our face.
'You lie! I'm nothing like you!'
We love the same person.
'So??'
You have a preference for the outdoors, you love trees, and a flair for dangerous stunts.
He glared. 'Point being?'
Gold didn't look amused. On top of that, you hate tight clothes, religious freaks, being told what to do, you practice fighting – though you don't use it, and like to cause trouble. Is that enough, or do you want me to keep going? I have all day to root through YOUR memories.
He slouched and turned to lean against the barrier. 'So what am I supposed to do?'
Don't make me keep repeating myself.
He glared, feeling defeated tears burn. 'I won't give you my life!'
I survived for years without your modern conveniences – I only need Kagome.
'How do you know she's like we are anyway?? IF Kalie is who you say she is, it's still Kalie. How do you expect to wake Kagome - do you even care what happens to Kalie?!'
Kagome's there, you just have to know where to look.
They were at odds. He wasn't about to give up his first love, but Inuyasha wasn't going away. It was a tug-of-war over so much, two of those topics a pair of lives.
This was too confusing. There had to be a solution that everybody would be happy with, but Inuyasha wouldn't take that. There was no compromising.
He was getting really tired of dealing with this...
There was nothing but silence while he delved into his thoughts, but Inuyasha's ears twitched. Dull brown spared a glance when the hanyou abruptly stood. 'What are you doing?'
Someone's here. Sniffing rent the air. Gold widened. It – it's...her! What's she doing here?? Damn it, her footsteps are nearing. Hayaku shite to mezamero!
He looked around. 'I don't hear, smell, or see a thing but you two.'
That's because you're too asleep to notice. You left ME to guard your ass remember? WAKE UP! A claw shot through both mirrors and gripped a shoulder. He yelped and everything turned to black.
She didn't know what to expect. She was off-settled at hearing Inaki couldn't talk. After their confessions and few days apart, she figured he'd jump at the chance. It kind of hurt actually, but she forced herself past it. He gave allowances for her schedule all the time.
The call to her house she mildly expected. It was early – thankfully she was up – and figured maybe he was making up for yesterday.
Quite a shock to find Jayden on the line.
It worried her the second she heard distress combined with asking if Inaki was at her place. Jayden said he was gone all day, didn't say one word to where he went, and no one saw him around the city area. Damned the schedules, she calmed the woman and promised to help search. After all...she was the only one who knew of the place apparently and Inaki mentioned he went there to think. Logic dictated he was there and she felt bad for taking the car, but at least Sam had her bike and they lived close to work.
Now she understood why Inaki said the distance seemed longer when he drove. Together in the car was different...at least they had each other. She was in dire urge to floor it, but a perfect driving record and no real experience kept her from serious trouble.
Her heart pounded through the whole walk. The dim smell of burnt wood gave her hope, but it was too much a coincidence for that one person in the whole city to be Inaki.
She followed her nose, trying to ignore the Inuyasha-like behavior. She was ready to scold, ready to listen, ready to mother, but nothing prepared her for the hunched up ball of red. Her knees gave out and she grasped a tree as support and ended up getting broken skin for the effort. She grimaced and sucked at the wound before gaining the strength to stand.
He looked asleep. She wondered what put him so far into REM that he didn't hear her crunch over leaves. She tried to be quiet, but that was impossible.
She kneeled inches away, hand hovering above shoulder. She wanted answers to so many different questions, wanted to get him home, but had to get her heart to slow first.
If he were in cross-legged position with hands in sleeves she would be at odds with herselves. Right now she was relieved to see a different stance, even if she tried not to freak at the near exact outfit. The magic was gone, and that was another small comfort. She didn't want the other lives blending more than needed.
She sucked up the courage to face him – also bury comparisons and hopeful questions – and touched him. He jerked up with a yelp and she fell with a screech, not expecting such a violent reaction. Incredulous brown met hers before hands covered his face with a moan.
His worst fears got shoved in his face. She had the same wild hair and doe eyes full of emotion, same fallen stance and smell. She was the girl who haunted his dreams – the girl his counterpart wanted. He could tell by the look in those eyes that Kalie was gone. The body language was off, the entire look was off.
'No, no, no...this can't be happening!'
Get over it...you saw who that was. The bitch is mine.
Anger hit at satisfaction and glee. He imagined a smile, cruel and boastful. 'Fuck you. AND her! That's not Kalie!'
No shit. You think that slip of a bitch can hold up to Kagome??
He shot forward and grasped her by the arms, too frantic to see if he was hurting her. "Tell me who you are! Don't lie to me – tell me your REAL name!"
She blinked, heart fluttering and limbs trembling. No matter how much she wanted to say the truth, he didn't look happy and didn't want to know. "Inaki, it's me. Kalie."
He knew by her tone she was lying and something snapped. The presence rushed forward and fought for control. "Bullshit! Don't lie again bitch! You think I can't smell you? That's the one thing I always knew. I could track you down for miles by your fucking shampoos! You tell this weakling just who you are!"
Tears of emotional overload fell. The band keeping everything back broke and she wrenched from his hold to hug him. "It's you! You're awake! I thought so, but didn't want to say something. Gods...Inuyasha..."
Eyes closed and left him in blackness. His counterpart softly whispered her name – that girl's name – and the betrayal of her melting into his embrace shattered everything. 'IYA!!'
He didn't know how, why, or when, but this was NOT Kalie. The girl he knew was lost from the soul taking her body and changing the appearance.
The sheer pain in his heart shoved so violently it threw the presence into untouchable parts of his mind. Now back, he wasted no time – he redirected weight and all but shoved her to the ground.
"Inuyasha! What are you doing?!"
"K – kisama..." Tears stung his eyes, though he tried to stand tall. Bangs quickly hid them before they were noticed. "How DARE you..."
She scrambled up and reached for him, but he backed away and put distance between them. "I – Inaki! Tanum! Listen to me – please! I have to explain this to you...you don't understand!"
"How long were you planning this?? Making me fall in love with you to get to HIM! I'M NOT HIM!" A sleeve wiped over his face in disgust. "Uso...uso deshita..."
"Damn it let me EXPLAIN!" Hands went to hips. "I haven't been playing you for a fool – I just recently found out myself. I went through some of the same things you know! You think you're the only one who suffered??"
Anger didn't bother him, but the recognition to Kagome hit like a sledgehammer. He backed away a few steps, hand clenching over his heart. "I don't know you... You took Kalie from me and now you want me to give up myself too! Get away from me! I hate you! You lied – it was all a lie!"
She flinched at rage and conviction. Emotional pain flooded her. This was what she debated with and tried to keep from happening. "Inaki –"
"Konaide! Leave me along – he's not keeping my life. I refuse!"
"Inaki! Ah – matte! Tanum!!" She took a few steps to give chase, watching as he tore through foliage. Despair came like a weight and she fell against the leaves. Dead eyes stared at multitudes of colors, vaguely recognizing the same dark yellow that reminded her of a certain hanyou's eyes. Tears stung her eyes as brown stared. She could no longer see him and his exit was very faint.
If she thought her case was bad, his was worse. She knew Inuyasha wouldn't give Inaki any slack, but she only helped betrayal by her slip. Inaki's breakdown was as much her fault as it was Inuyasha's.
She promised the Yamois she'd help, that she would try to locate Inaki and talk to him. "Bright idea Higurashi." She bitterly muttered. "You just screwed everything up!"
I am a BEGINNER Japanese learner...so if these are not 100% correct...please let me know if you care to do so. I only have a web page to learn from, a dictionary, and a few months experience to work with.
Translations:Joudan desu-It's a joke/I'm joking Mononoke-Monster Nikumanjuu-Steamed meat buns Atsui yo-It's hot/That's hot (yo makes it empathetic)
Hayaku shite to mezamero!-Hurry up/Be quick and wake (up)! Tanum-I beg (of) you Uso...uso deshita-A lie...it was a lie
..... Time for the sixth commentary. Angst overload anyone? ; I warned everyone that IY would be hell when he came around...and the worse is yet to come, though a livable ending for both IY and Inaki is in sight. Don't hate the canon characters TOO much okay? This commentary will deal with some explanations. Not too many though, but I will answer some that were posted.
1-Inaki has the secret of the Shikon, does he even know what it is?
As of right now, Inaki thinks the shikon is some freak accident and with IY's help, will come to realize it holds all the answers he needs to resolve IY in his head (and explain his existence so very far into the future). GETTING Inaki to cooperate and go back to it is the issue, taking orders from IY at this point is the last thing Inaki wishes to do...though he won't have a whole lot of refusing coming up.
2-Does Inaki have a secret of transformation as well?
I'm doing a spin on the whole hanyou/human side of IY. I'm trying to break out of a LOT of stereotypes when doing a reincarnation fic, and Inaki turning into IY's hanyou form is one of them. I'm doing this real life, and you won't see someone with dog ears on his head - at least not labeled a freak and hidden away in some basement for fear of being attacked...sounds a lot like IY's life ne? ; If IY's hanyou form makes an appearance, it's going to be in dream sequences or mirror images as I've been using. Inaki was born human and that's how his blood is, no matter what his soul is like. I have explanations for that when the two talk to Midoriko.
3-Will Inaki take K back to his house to seek out the wisdom of his family?
This chapter explains this question perfectly. There is a lot of chaos going on in Inaki's head and someone mentioned that he's taking this a lot better than Kalie (as far as believing something spiritual and not a mental disorder is going on in his head), but he will be worse off than Kalie in dealing with it, as you have seen and will see. Kalie is a lot more logical than Inaki is. Inaki's religion is Buddhism, which is accepting of spiritual others from deceased...to know one of his ancestors was trying to communicate with him might be a little less freaky. (Course I haven't studied up on Buddhism lately, so I could be off...)
Now for a couple of my own that might help: 4-What's with the use of eye color instead of using the word 'eyes' with the color?
This has come up a LOT in this story so I suppose I'll redo another explanation for the new readers. This is a different technique I started using with this story. I take out a lot of words that I used to use like: personal pronouns-his/her/etc, that, the, has, have, their, etc. I'm trying to make this as real life as possible and take out a lot of extras that make it seem story-like. The use of 'that' and 'has' can sometimes be too distracting. Also, after a person's characteristics are revealed and established in the reader's mind, they know what I'm talking about when I say 'Brown rolled', instead of 'Inaki rolled his eyes'. Sounds less story-teller style and zooms in on the character without being omniscient.
5-Why use both Japanese and English, and why put translations at the bottom?
My use of multi languages is a personal choice. Some chapters require the use of Japanese...like in chapter 17 when I listed all the clothes Inaki put on for the Halloween party. Finding English equivalents won't cut it. Same with food. Family names of the Yamoi are another thing...it helps distinguish who's who without a lot of explanation - provided you know some Japanese. I also use Japanese for a reason that only mildly to well-versed people would understand. There are two basic ways to speak Japanese - colloquial (conversation style) and polite. Colloquial is used between friends or someone younger than you, among others. For those that watch the subbed IY and know IY's speech mannerisms, you got some clues. Inaki speaks polite most the time and IY doesn't - another hint. The final reason I use Japanese is to add to the story. In chapters 33, 34, 36, 54, 56, and future, Japanese is added to help the mood. A few with Kalie present -like 33 and 34- attest to this.
I've gotten requests to put translations at the top of each chapter, but I feel if I do that then everyone will be looking for the words instead of getting drawn into the story. A well-written chapter is hard to find and one that's IC is even harder - I know this as well as all my readers. I know scrolling is annoying, but if you didn't remember all the vocabulary, you might have to scroll anyway...so you lose your place either way.
6-What's with Kalie seeing images from Kagome's life during orgasm in the beginning?
Kind of perverted of me wasn't it? ; lol In doing a lot of thinking on how to work this story, a lot of my theories expanded into the IY anime/manga. I did a lot of thinking about where Kags/IY were at in their relationship and wondered what it would take to break the barrier between Kalie and Kagome's minds. Being as how I killed Kagome before she and IY ever got it on (like they need to do with all that sexual tension lol), that was the bridge which needed to be gapped. But just because I created that bridge doesn't mean that Kalie's mind was strong or adept enough to handle what she was seeing and take it all in. It had to come gradually...and the more Kagome's memories filtered through Kalie's dreams showed Kagome's awakening into the latest century. As far as IY's barrier...that gets explained above.
The next ten chapters are going to be more whacked than you thought possible. The angst, drama, mystery, and information are going to abound here again. (Just when you thought you'd get a fluff break too...) What happened to IY after Kagome's death gets explained and the Inaki/IY situation resolved (as far as I can see). A lot of small explanations get put in here and I'll make sure they're easy enough to see - especially since a few might affect future chapters down the line...and characters.
Next commentary will deal with more explanations. For those who have questions up to chapter 70 and want more detailed answers than ones I've emailed, email me or put them in reviews. I will compile them and put a bunch in the seventh. Six seems to be enough - and it's the Chinese number for good luck! (Bit of useless info for the day...) I know people are madly confused, so this'll help explain some thought processes I have.
Time to hate IY now? .....