Blurry

Chapter 2: Say my Name

- - -

Her voice died down in her throat, the noise ascending ever so quickly. Her spurt of courage weakened and her mind buzzed in argument over her body's actions. The eyes were brought up, back in range of her own sight. Though afraid, she stared deeply into the sea of red that called out to her. Her faith drove her to believe that everything was going to be all right—but the small voice in the back of her head bid its farewell's. She tried to believe that it wouldn't kill her, but when she felt the cold and sharp prick of its claws against her neck, her functions withered away.

It's clasp on her fragile neck tightened slightly, puncturing the skin. She could feel the sting of the wind breaking past the skin and she bit back a cry of pain. At the back of her eyeballs she could feel her tears gathering, but she would not shed them—she would not appear weak. Her body wouldn't respond and her mind was almost abandoning her. All she had left was her soul—her soul that willed her to live, to survive. She closed her eyes—if only for half a second—and pictures of her loved ones flashed before her eyes. Though she wouldn't admit it, she loved Rin and her parents—a tiny part of her always would. The wrinkled face of her grandfather and the beaming grin of Shippo passed by, giving her more strength.

The demon's head shot up, looking in front of itself as if looking for something. The green pupils rapidly examined over the surrounding area in which the non-audible sound was heard. She didn't know if this was her chance, or if there was another one coming—but she took it. She took almost all of her strength and turned sideways, sending the demon sprawling out of surprise a few feet away from her. It landed on it's feet perfectly, and Kagome's fear stricken face paled as she scrambled up to her knees.

She was no match for this demon.

"W-what do you want from me?" She asked frantically, trying to stay calm. Fear was evident in her voice and the demon couldn't help but chuckle.

"Why are you so afraid of me?" It said in a singsong voice, the malice hanging from every word. "I don't bite—hard." It advanced on her, a pure evil smirk gracing its lips. She dragged herself backwards, the dry sticks cutting her hands as she crawled as fast as she could away from the evil before her. She wasn't aware which direction she was taking herself in, only needing to get away. The back of her head touched the large trunk first as she backed up into the wide tree. Her eyes flashed to both of her sides, looking for a way around the vast tree—but it was impossible. The tree seemed to be larger than any tree thought possible—as was the height of it.

"Trapped like a little mouse." He cackled, cracking his knuckles as he approach her. "Like taking candy from a baby." Kagome pulled herself up, using the tree to support her quivering body. His eyes shone with a lust for blood, the hunger like no other—not even Dracula could fulfill. A clawed hand returned to its place on her throat, finding the previous markings he had caused her. She closed her eyes, praying to god that he would look over her loved ones when she passed onto the afterlife. The dam that she had built up gave way, and when she reopened her crystal orbs, the tears trickled down her face, curving around the creases in her face.

The demon's eyes stared intently into hers—examining the flow of tears that streaked down her face. His clawed hand that grasped her neck did not move another inch, it's mind set on something else. Her lips trembled as the eyes continued to bore into her own crystallized orbs, searching for an unanswered question. Her eyes never left his, not daring to show anymore weakness than she already had. The red eyes twinkled a slight tinge of a deep orange, but it was hard to tell what the actual colour was from the mere second that she had seen it.

"Please…" Kagome choked out. "Please, leave me be." The demon didn't respond, but stayed in his current state. His pupils had slowly transformed to black—the green no longer visible. The purple markings on the side of his face were fading—the marks of a youkai. The claws at her neck felt less threatening in size—but she could still feel it piercing her throat. The red began to drain from his eyes, letting a molten gold soak through. She stood there frozen at the transformation that it had gone through—from a bloodthirsty killer to…this!

It's eyes no longer revealed the lust for blood, the hate, the loath; they reflected sadness, betrayal, and a broken heart. His ragged and raspy breaths were now shallow and soft, flowing through his lungs like silk. His heartbeat didn't rage against his ribcage—it beat rhythmically along with hers in unison. His face glowed in a dim light that made the scene almost woeful. Her body had numbed from the cold, and she couldn't feel the gentle touch of his skin against her own. A longing look in his eyes made Kagome's heart tinge in pain that he might've been feeling. Slowly, he barely breathed out one audible word; a name that made his heart break all over again.

"Kikyou."

His expression remained a façade to her own eyes, hiding anything that he could've been feeling. His face brought sadness to her, and she couldn't help but want to help him. Slowly, and least expecting, his face leaned in towards hers. His cold lips pressed against hers gently, the wind almost whispering goodbye. Her lips tingled at the feel of cold against warm; the opposite's clashing. She felt the sadness in his touch, sending it down her spine. She pictured his life as a gothic fairy tale—losing the life he had once loved. She imagined him as a lost straggler treading the air of the unknown, trying to find a place—a meaning in life.

She pressed back gently, wanting to cure the vast hollow shell that he had become. His mere touch told her what he was like—what he was feeling inside the hollows. It weakened her heart to share his pain, the pain that he had lived with all his life. She raised her hand and brushed his cheek gently with the back of her hand. His skin was icy, just like his lips. Her body shivered as the cool rush spread through her body. The wind danced around them, sending Goosebumps along her pale skin—creating a cocoon around them.

He pulled back and was gone before another word could be uttered. She placed a hand to her lips and watched as the figure darted into the dark. For her, time was frozen and she was just as well still as the rest of the world around her. The moment she had taken in had taken a toll on her emotions that made it a whirlwind of the unknown. She breathed in and out, carefully calming her thundering heart beat. She disregarded the burning sensation that she felt from the petit wounds decorating her neck, feeling nothing but the wind against her pulsing lips.

Kikyou.

She repeated the name to herself inside her head, figuring out whom in fact the name belonged to. It didn't ring a bell, but then again she hadn't exactly been let out. The wicked and blood-thirsty demon who had transformed into an emotion-driven being was still capturing her attention, and she could barely focus on where exactly she was. But she was mildly brought out of her mindless daze when she heard the rustle of quick footsteps on the forest floor. Her eyes whipped around wildly, half-expecting another raging demon to jump her. But she was reassured when a squeak of relief was let out when she saw the darkened ball that was Shippo.

"Kagome!" He squeaked, staring up at her with his large eyes. "I was scared that you didn't make it out—after I set up that diversion and everything…"

"That was you?" She questioned, laughing at herself inside for her stupidity of him prior. He nodded with a large smile imprinted on his face, glowing up through the darkened air.

"Let's hurry, it's not safe in these woods." Shippo said, suddenly switching to a fearful seriousness. "You might get attacked by a rabid demon."

"Yeah…" She said, drifting off into her thoughts once again. She picked up her duffel bag and began her jog once again. The two of them headed into the darkness, in search of their exit from the darkness that enveloped the two.

- - -

A heavy, yet comfortable silence had fallen over the pair as they continued to the end of the forest—the tree line. The sky had lightened and dawn was approaching quickly. The small town loomed along the horizon, only it was closer than the timeless sun. Through her buzzing mind, she couldn't help but feel a tight knot inside her stomach as the thrill of the night set in. She had finally gotten away from what she had grown up in. She barely could finish her venomous thoughts about what her parents would do after her disappearance when Shippo's voice entered her ears.

"I know where we can stay." It was almost a whisper, the minor fear of everything that they went through. She looked down at the kitsune and smiled gently at him.

"Really now?" She said in a kind tone, the tone that she never had a chance to use much. Shippo looked up at her and nodded vigorously.

"It's not what you'd be accustomed to, but it's something."

"It's all right—anything would be fine Shippo." She said, smiling at her friend. "Do you know her name?"

"Yeah!" He said, lightening to mood greatly. "Her name's Lady Kaede! She's real nice, you'd like her."

"I look forward to our meeting then." She said with a smile, before looking back towards the horizon. Shippo examined her features, knowing that she was lucky in a way. If she were as well known as Rin, then there would be no way to run away without people recognizing her. The only thing she had to worry about was her last name—if she kept it under wraps, then everything would be fine.

- - -

"We're here." Shippo said as they came upon a long ground-floored building. It was not a great sturdy one that she would naturally be accustomed to, but it was a new experience for her that she was willing to partake in. Kagome and Shippo passed the large sign that read 'MOTEL' in faded pink letters, heading towards the main entrance. The building was an ashen beige, looking to be older than her grandpa. Windows lined along the side, judging them to be those of the rooms.

As they entered, they were greeted by a musty smell that made Kagome sneeze. She observed the fairly empty room, seeing only a large desk and a few chairs on the opposite side of the room. The mahogany desk stretched over almost the whole side of the wall, hiding a door and keys from the guests. Shippo bounded over towards the desk, where an old woman sat perched in a stiff wooden chair, sleeping. Kagome followed suit, eyeing the woman with interest.

Unlike what she would've expected, the old lady had a patch over her left eye, and she supporting very old robes. She couldn't tell exactly what point in history the clothing was from, but it was far, far back in time. Shippo easily cleared the desk and landed on the woman, startling her.

"Kaede!" Shippo squealed as her eye opened. Kagome was afraid that she would've suffered from a heart attack, but she remained in tact and smiled at the kitsune.

"Shippo, 'tis been a long time since ye have been around here." She said in an old scratchy voice.

"I've been elsewhere—at the castle working you know." He said bashfully. "But we need a place to stay for a while…can you help us?" He motioned over to Kagome, who was observing the cracks in the floor with mild amusement. Kaede gave Kagome the once over, judging her to see if she was worth having Shippo as a friend.

"Of course Shippo, ye may have a room." She said looking back to the eccentric demon. "Ye can have ye favorite room." She placed Shippo on the desk before turning around and opening a box that was nailed to the wall. She picked up a key with the room number on it, then handed it to Shippo with a light smile.

"Nice meeting ye girl." Kaede said nodding at Kagome. She gave a sheepish smile before following the bounding Shippo down the hall. The hallway that she traveled down was dusty, and clearly unsanitary. Though to smooth over those minor cons, very carefully photographed pictures adorned the walls. They were unlike any that she had seen before, many of them holding the pictures of an empty field with a man—or demon—standing in the distance with his long silvery hair floating in the wind.

He reminds me of that demon in the woods.

She turned away from the picture and continued down the hall, feeling a sense of secrecy in the place. She cleared her mind of the current suspicions, wanting to just let her first day of her plan underway. She glanced at Shippo who was bouncing up and down in front of a door, attempting to stick the key in lock. Kagome smiled when he managed to and hung onto the handle until he got it open.

"There we go!" Shippo exclaimed to no one but himself, giving a quiet pant of exhaustion. "So, what do you think?"

"It's…" Kagome thought about what she could say, without alerting the poor kitsune. "It's got a nice homey touch to it all." She looked down with a soft smile gracing her features, and she was thankful when a bright grin spread across his childish face. Kagome examined the dull brown room with mild interest, letting her tired eyes run over the little furniture it possessed. A couch, a small television, and a tiny table—she barely noticed them as she turned towards the nearest door.

Deep violet walls with black trim greeted her as she entered the room. A few more photos were placed on various spots on the walls, all containing the strange being. But she disregarded them all and observed the odd pieces of furniture that were placed in her room. A bed with matching covers, a dark mahogany dresser, and a large wooden chair. She stepped in a little further and placed her bag on the chair, finding the room a little dim and lifeless. If it wasn't for the average-sized window next to the bed, she would've decided to sleep on the couch in the living room. She peered out it to see an alley that most likely went down the side of the building.

Wonderful.

"Kagome!" She heard Shippo cry loudly from outside her room. She turned on her heel and came out to see what had made the kitsune call her name. He was jumping up and down on the couch, a large grin stretching across his young face.

"Come and try this!" He said, letting out a rather feminine giggle. "It's loads of fun!" Kagome laughed at the demon and walked past him towards the next door. She assumed it was a bathroom, since there were no other ones apart from the three she had already been through. And her assumption was right; as soon as she opened the door the one room that didn't depress her greeted her. The bathtub was decent with only a few cracks around the top. A shower curtain hung around the tub and she could distinctly make out a showerhead protruding from the wall.

The matching sink and toilet had an ancient look to them, but they were better than an outhouse. Above the small off-white sink had an oval mirror nailed overtop of the bathroom accessory that stood out among the blue tiles along the walls and floor. She turned away from the room and came back out to see that Shippo still hadn't ceased his jumping.

"Hey Kagome!" He said, slowing his jumps slightly. "Do you want me to show you the town?" He seemed so happy that Kagome couldn't break his mood. She put on a smile and nodded her head.

The things I do for the ones I love.

- - -

Before her mirror she brushed her hair away from her face, making sure it was well kept. The strands were flat today and she decided to wear it down, rather than up as planned. She smelt heavily of strawberries and the scent matched her faded red outfit. She glanced outside to see the sun beginning to rise.

I don't have much time.

She stood up, letting her skirt fall to its full length around her knees. She unconsciously brushed the creases out of her tank top and started for her door with her heels tapping against the floors. She made sure that everyone was still sleeping as she crept out of the castle with little difficulty. As she made her way through the garden and towards the path that had nearly begun to be like her path to freedom, her heart fluttered in her chest.

She was like an addict, and she couldn't get enough. She bit her bottom lip as she went in the dark mass of trees at a fast pace. It wasn't going to stop—she was hooked.

- - -

He could feel the sun on his cold, pale skin—he could see it streaking through his eyelids. He never really liked the day time, with the noise and the bright ball of fire high in the sky. He preferred the silence, the cold chill of the air, the darkness that consumed him—anything that wasn't remotely normal. He breathed in the scents of different people, perfume and cologne being mixed in with the mass of perspiration that floated through the dirty air. He despised humans, but yet he still walked among them. He told himself over and over that he would never be seen in the presence of a human, but to merely walk among them. If only he had actually gone by his oath, then it would've never happened.

She would've never happened.

He winced as the pain shot through his heart and he felt weakened by the sights he saw. He clenched his fists together and closed his eyes tighter, trying to clear his mind from the awful thoughts that plagued him—even in his dreams. But as he tried, his mind's eye caught a hold of something fresh, something discarded, something recent. That mystery girl in the forest, who looked so much like her. He thought it could've been the rage blinding himself from her true features, but he had come out of his state, looking at her, thinking she was Kikyou.

He hung his head and pressed his palms against his eyelids. He couldn't believe how stupid he had become, throwing himself upon a stranger who had a tiny resemblance to her. He pitied the girl that he had laid his kiss of death upon, the kiss of sorrow, to share the pain that had overwhelmed him into his full demon state. He opened his eyes into slits, glaring at each leaf as if they were eavesdropping in his mind. He closed his eyes for a mere second, reaching down into his soul to make the one oath that he could never break, never stray from.

Never again.

- - -

She had watched the small kitsune run ahead of her, jumping at all the familiar sights. The town was a bit lower class, but at the same time the dingy buildings held something else that made her feel like she belonged. But as soon as the thought had come, it had gone and she was left with her bumbling tour guide to lead her along her road. Few people were out and about, but the number was growing by every inch of land that was washed with the sunshine that was steadily rising over the horizon. Not a single thought rolled through her mind as she looked up into the trees, admiring the beauty that the fragile leaves held. But she gave up all her admiration, focusing her attention on the spot where her guide had been.

"Shippo?" Kagome called, her mind nearly freezing over at the thought of being lost in a town that she knew nothing of. She glanced around feverishly, praying that the young kitsune hadn't left her—but 'twas true. She sighed and continued on with her walk, not really knowing where she was headed. She could only hope that she'd come across Shippo along the way.

As she continued on, she strayed unknowingly towards the clumps of trees that waited along the border of the West side of the town.

"Jii-chan!" A little girl cried behind her. Kagome looked towards the innocent being, watching her running towards an old man with a broad smile across his face. Kagome smiled lightly at the two before her thoughts went straight to her own grandfather. She frowned as she thought of him, and wondered if he knew that she had run away.

Would he try to fine me? Or would he leave me be?

She closed her eyes, holding back the tears that were eventually going to fall. She was going to stay strong with her decision, even if it killed her. She leaned against the nearest tree and regained her composure, clearing her mind from all depressing thoughts. She breathed in deeply before carrying on her way.

- - -

He was calmed; he had found serenity in the warm sunlight—that is until a familiar scent filled his nostrils. At first he sniffed it, making sure he wasn't mistaking it from a lack of sleep—but he was sure. His eyes opened lazily, looking around for any sight. He saw an old man a child, but nothing else.

Yet the scent was still strong.

Then he heard a shuffle and a young woman emerged from under the thick branches of the tree he was currently occupying. Her face was turned away from him, and all he could see was her backside. He didn't notice anything familiar about her. Her hair was wavy with a few minor curls scattered throughout her mess of ebony. She dressed rather grungy compared to most women in the village, and he'd have to say that her clothing looked to belong to a man.

But then she turned around.

He swore that his heart began to throb as he stared at the face that was practically identical to his former lover's. The build looked familiar and he could swear that it was Kikyou. His gaze was locked onto her, and throughout his system it felt like ice had settled in. He breathed in shakily and could feel tiny beads of sweat beginning to fall down. But his almost painful daze was interrupted when his sensitive hearing picked up her voice, very different from hers.

"Dear god, where are you?" She whispered in a more feminine tone than Kikyou's had ever been. It sounded a little aggravated, but still held softness and compassion—much unlike Kikyou's, whose had been always cold and low, as if she had an evil plan forming in her own mind.

She began to move forward, and somehow he seemed compelled to this woman. But even though his oath was to forget her, his heart and mind were tied together, leading him every which way.

- - -

Up ahead, more beings dwelled than behind her. She picked up her pace and looked for someone who would have maybe seen the kitsune. As she appeared in the center of the bustle, she looked for someone to perhaps ask—but no one stopped to consult with her. As an average aged woman strolled past her, she reached out for her attention, but only received the cold shoulder.

"Excuse me?" She asked once again to an older male with a long grey beard. He looked at her before continuing on his way, ignoring her pleading attempts.

Useless, absolutely useless.

She was about to head back to her home away from home until a shadow passed over her and she turned around, half hoping to see an old man with many intentions that she'd rather not think about. But on the contrary she came face to face with a fairly handsome individual, who looked no older than 23 tops.

"Good day milady," He asked her in a smooth tone. "To what do I owe this pleasure?" He held his hand out towards her, as if gesturing her to hand over her own. But she had zoned in on what he had addressed her by—milady.

Does he know my secret? Will he turn me in? This has been such a failure, I hope to god that he completely forgets who I am. But how does he know? Maybe he's bluffing! Oh lord I hope he's bluffing, or—or trying to play a prank on me!

"Too stunned by my presence I see." He mumbled just loud enough for her to hear. "But not as stunned as I am by yours beautiful." He smiled at her, as if he spent hours in front of the mirror every morning practicing it. She could feel her face flushing a tint of pink, but she wasn't sure what it was out of.

She looked away from his piercing plum eyes, trying to make the colour disappear from her face. She looked him up and down discreetly, noting that his shorts were quite similar to her own. Her eyes moved back up his body, noticing that he had the taste to wear a violet shirt to accent his eyes.

"Umm…" She said rather impolitely, thinking of something to say. He smiled at her 'cute' action of mental capacity, whilst running a hand through his chestnut hair that had been tied back as masculine as it could get.

"The name's Miroku Houshi, and what enticing name goes along with your lovely features?"

"Kagome," She began to panic in her mind, sorting through what lie to pass by. "Just Kagome." She waited for him to point at her, saying that she was a liar and such, but it never came. He just continued to smile, almost too content for her liking.

"Well Just Kagome, I am very honored to be in your presence." He said, giving a slight chuckle. Kagome gave him the best smile she could without sounding too weary.

"Thanks…" She said a little uneasy, still not sure why he was making her feel a little cautious. But as she dwelled on such thoughts, including the eerie smile that was practically staring at her from only a few feet, she failed to notice the minor things that were seemingly supposed to have been discreet.

Her eyes widened, her muscles tensed, her mouth formed an o…and Miroku had his 'oh so innocent' hand on her left but cheek. Acting on impulse she brought her hand up and slapped him rather forcefully, turning his head to the side.

"Ouch," He said to mostly himself. "I never knew anyone else could hit this hard." He rubbed the red print on his cheek, hoping to reduce the pain that was stinging his cheek.

"Yo—you pervert!" She seethed more shocked than angry as she looked at him. He gave her a nervous smile before she said it a little louder. "You PERVERT!" It seemed to have rang out, and everyone's attention was drawn to the two standing in the center.

Including a scantily clad young woman who was currently stomping over to the two with a scowl etched across her carefully detailed features. With the heels that she wore, it was a wonder how they didn't snap with the force she placed into each step. Her short jet black hair was barely disturbed as she reached the scene, glaring at the man with cold eyes.

"What's going on here?" She demanded, looking both of them in the eyes. Miroku gave a rather sheepish grin while Kagome turned red from embarrassment.

"H-he groped me!" She said, a little red from merely using the word 'grope' in a sentence. But it seemed appropriate for that man. The woman looked from Kagome back to the sheepish pervert.

"I-it's not what it looks like—"

"Not what it looks like eh?" She said putting her hands on her hips. "Just like the last times, it's not what it looks like?"

"I swear Yura! I swear it's not!" He tried to defend himself to the 'Yura' woman. She scoffed at his lame attempts in trying to save his sorry ass.

"Just like you swore all the times before?" She cut him off, as he was about to start again. "This is the last straw Houshi. See you around." She spat on him before stalking off in the direction she had originally came from, leaving the scene.

Kagome and Miroku watched the woman stalk off, but once she was out of sight, the man turned back towards her. Kagome took one look at him and his hands before narrowing her eyes at him.

"Touch me again, and you'll have more than just a hand print on your face." His face paled as he watched her walk away and—just like the one before—out of sight. He shook his head before looking up at the sky.

"Women these days, don't appreciate a little TLC."

- - -

-I cannot live at all, my whole worlds around you, I stumble then I crawl –

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A/U: Okay, here's chapter 2. I added in Miroku, but hopefully next I will stick in Sango. Now I know you're getting a little angry about what the hell Rin is doing and where she's going and such, but I have to wait until a little further into the story to actually get into it all. I mean if I could I would already have it down! If you have any questions, just go ahead and ask. Any comments, or anything, feel free!

- As for Kikyou, I don't think she'll have a big part in this because…well…I don't really like her (no offense to Kikyou fans!). Like I said, some of the characters are a little OOC, so I apologize, but they need to be this way for the story. And just a forewarning, Kikyou is going to be cold and, well, a bitch.

- Anyway, enough of my ranting. Tell me what you think, I appreciate everything: Flames and Reviews!

Crowned King