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Night Vision
PG-13
Romance/Tragedy/Secretive/Angst
Chapter Three
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Disclaimer: I do not own Inuyasha. Sadly, the only thing I do own would be the clothes on my back, and even more tragic: I stole them from an old lady.
Authors Note: Hello all! Im not sure about this chapter. And although my motto is 'Im (Your) the author. If I (you) don't like it, change it.' I think im going to submit it, just for kicks. Just to see what you guys think about it. And if you don't like it, then I'll re-post it. Simple as that right?
Tip for the day: The Top three people you don't want to hear say 'oops': Your surgeon, your dentist, and your cook.
Quote of the Day: I think I should sue Disneyland productions for putting the idea in every little girls mind that there is a prince charming for everyone.
Wake-Robin: Hey girl. Well, as for who fell in the lake, your right. Good job. Some people didn't mention who they thought it was, and I was kind of hoping not EVERYONE would figure it out, but its good to see that you guys are totally absorbing my story. (Sorry, im not trying to sound egotistical...haha)
Koga'sgurl: Hey girl, yes you were right. It was Rin. Don't you feel so delighted now, lol. Well, I love you too! () Im waiting for your own updates, as you are mine, so CHOP CHOP girly! Thanks again, I love hearing from you.
pyrobabe7713: Hey. I love the name. Pyro. I have always loved that. Anyway, I hope this update was good for ya, and that you liked it. But, as always, I left you all a nice cliffhanger at the end. Anyway, thanks so much for the review. Can't wait to find out what you think of this update!
borken hearts, crying tears: Emotional name. I absolutely love it! I swear, the readers that have stuck with me since my first story are probably saying, SHE SAYS THAT A LOT, SHUT UP ALREADY!....but, oh well. If I love it, I love it. And I love it. So anyway, yes, in a way Sesshomaru will find Rin. But I have a lovely little twist at the end, and how it all happens will be a mystery till more chapters are ahead. Can't wait to hear what you think of this update!
Robin's-hope: Your welcome! (about your name) Well, about the time period, its still in the same as the show, but a little bit further in it. I will have some parts in the story that wont fit with the time period, and the technology, but that's what makes it fanfiction. So, I decided, why not put my own little twists.
ShortPoet: Wow. I loved the review you gave me about Sesshomaru and the bad weather. You were so TOTALLY right! Whew. Yes, It was Rin. I was kind of deciding against Rin or Shippo, but I have some plans for both of them that wouldn't work out with it not being Rin that fell in. So its all mapped out in my head, its just a matter of typing it up and arranging it. As you know, I have a totally scattered brain. (You've helped me with that, which Ill be eternally grateful.) As to WHAT Kagome is, you guys should find out soon enough. And if I have left enough clues, and the one that I have in this chapter here, I hope atleast one person will be able to at least get close to an idea of her 'persona' if you will. Thanks for the review! Oh yes, and if you don't mind, im going to post that bit about Sesshomaru from your review in my A/N 'cause it was downright hilarious.
Abstract Emotion: You have a great talent too. And, I have read your stories, (did you get the reviews)? and you have no difficulty keeping the characters, in-character. As a matter of fact, I was admiring your ability to do such. It is difficult for me sometimes, but I am glad you think I can pull it off. Thanks for the review!
Brenda: I have time don't worry. Here is the next update, hope you like. And IM thrilled you like it enough to review! Thanks a bunch!
InSeNa: Considering your blunt, I love your review. You just got down right to the point, basically screaming, 'screw the I like its and what not, just give me another damn update.' Haha, needless to say, you gave me a nice swift kick. Lovin' the review. Thanks a bunch. Oh yes, and what does your user name mean? I had an idea, but its kind of a far-fetched one....
baka: Ha! Love the name! Ah, another nice review to give me a swift kick where I need it. Thanks a lot!! (I swear im not being sarcastic!)
OKAY! I JUST WANT TO LET YOU GUYS READ THIS BECAUSE I FIND IT HILARIOUS! It was a review from the very first person to review my first story and actually stick with it, and to actually read my others. Here it is.
Oh, and my guess is that it's Rin who fell into the lake. And then Sesshomaru will have to go out in the bad weather to find her, and his clothes will get soaked through and clingy...(whoa, what an image that was... I have to go fan myself before I overheat)
ENJOY!
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Once again, this story is dedicated to Mary. For if it wasn't for her, the first chapter would never have been posted, hence the undeniable fact that if that had happened, this wouldn't be an update. It would be an annoying persons rambling. Thank you.
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Kagome cradled the young child in her arms closer to her chest as she made her way down the wooden docks. The child's breathing was labored and quick, causing Kagome to continually glance down at her when it took longer than normal to hear it.
The wind was bitingly cold, the chilly air easily gliding along their wet skin and clothes, brushing across them like Death's whisper. The girl in her arms shuddered violently as a strong gust of frigid air blew past them, almost knocking Kagome down to the ground, but she steeled herself against the wind and shifted her body so she blocked most of it from the unconscious girl.
The grass tickled her bare feet as she headed towards her house, and mud caked her soles. She ignored the protests from her body to sit and rest, but she was too worried about the child's safety. More so, than her own. The jump in the icy water had almost knocked her air out, then the trek trying to get the girl up, onto the deck, well, it all took a toll on her body.
She felt the first inkling of fear creep up her spine as the child's breathing started to slow and become ragged. Was she going into shock?!
"Fluffy....," The girl in her arms whispered and Kagome glanced down at her. Still unconscious.
Fluffy?
She felt relief settle in her heart as her house came into view. She ran, well she walked, as fast as she could with the small burden in her arms and struggled with the door knob.
"Open, you stupid door!"
With a final shove, it flew open and Kagome stumbled inside, barely managing to stay upright. Flicking on a switch, dim light bursted through the room and, shutting the door with her foot, she took the young girl to her bedroom.
Gently, she laid the child down on her bed and slowly stripped her of her wet clothes. She tried to ignore the iciness of the raven-haired girls skin, but she couldn't squelch the fear that hammered in her heart. Quickly, she grabbed a thick blanket from the edge of her bed and wrapped the girl up tight.
"Hey, sweetie, come on, wake up." Kagome gently tried to coax the girl awake, but nothing happened. Catching her bottom lip between her teeth, she worried it. Brushing a few strands of damp hair from the girls forehead, a frown marred Kagome's features. She needed to dry the child's hair, or she could very well go into shock if she hadn't already.
Hesitantly, she left the girls side for a moment and disappeared into the bathroom, only to reappear in seconds, a thick plush towel in her hands. After she dried the young girl's hair she gently slipped her in between the sheets of her queen sized bed, bringing the comforter of her bed up beneath the girls chin, and tucking it around her.
After a couple of minutes, Kagome noticed that the bluish tint had left her lips and the shudders had stopped. When she had convinced herself that she would be fine while Kagome took a shower, she quietly slipped into the bathroom, as not to wake her. Leaving the door cracked in case she woke up, Kagome quickly stripped of her clothes, and turned the water on.
When the temperature was right, she stepped in the shower, letting the scalding hot water needle at her skin. Absently, she began thinking about the girl, wondering who's daughter she was, why she was alone, and why, of all things, was she out at the docks so late at night.
When she started to wash her hair, it became a task all its own, and her thoughts of the girl momentarily slipped away.
After the water had turned cold, she finally shut it off and stepped out, grappling along the wall for her towel. Once found, she wrapped it tightly against her body, ignoring the chill that crept in from the partially open door.
A quick glance at the un-moving mass in her bed, told her the girl hadn't woken, or even stirred since she had been in the shower, and she gratefully slipped into a pair of worn, cotton pj's.
Switching off the light in her room, she left the bathroom light on with the door partially ajar, in case the child woke up. A thin sheen of golden light sliced across the floor from the bathroom, and Kagome smiled softly as she noticed the child turn away from the light. It seemed as if she would be all right.
She stopped at her side of the bed, gazing at the little girls stature. She had a heart-shaped face, rosy lips, and midnight hair that was spread haphazardly against her alabaster satin sheets. Carefully, Kagome unwrapped the thick comforter from the girl and smiled when she turned over.
"Im sure there is someone looking for you," Kagome smiled, then threw the comforter across the edge of the bed.
"Tomorrow, we'll take you home, little one," Kagome whispered, collapsing in between the sheets, next to the child.
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Pristine hair whipped in the breeze, gliding across the owners neck and face. Lord Sesshomaru glanced about the slumbering village close among his castle. Green grass and brown earth stretched for miles and miles, only to be interrupted every now and then for a break in the earth where a river or a hot spring flowed. Trees splayed across the lands, which greedily drank the water from the storm.
His golden gaze swept over the horizon, midnight blues and blacks, and his nose lifted to the air slightly, searching for any sign of Rin's scent. It was still dark, not yet close to mid-morning
A demon of his caliber could catch a scent miles away, day or night. But even the strongest demon had a weakness against the rain if they were searching for a scent. The rain uplifted dirt and moss and the only scents that hung in the air were as such.
The rain had cleared up and moved on to the Southern parts, as if it sensed it needed mourning weather in light of the last events that had occurred there. How could it be, he wondered, that Lord Archinia could have been so easily deceived? And by one of his own to match? The irony of the situation stumped him.
His thoughts were cut off when a squall of wind burst past him and he caught Rin's scent. It was very faint, but fresh, so he knew she was close but most likely not in this village.
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Kagome awoke to harsh shoving and blinked rapidly, her eyes filling with tears. Sitting up, she started coughing violently, and when she stopped she noticed what awoke the child; causing her to wake Kagome.
Flames....
They were licking the walls and door frames, and Kagome could see by the fires illuminating light that the child was every bit as frightened as Kagome was. She was also stark naked. Grabbing the small robe she had hanging on her bed post that her mother had worn when she was a child, she hurriedly dressed the child, wrapping the rope tight against her small waist.
Smoke coated the room like a second skin, and Kagome coughed again, her eyes tearing up with the gas. She could hear the child's coughing beside her and knew that it wouldn't be long until the little girl passed out from the fumes.
"Rin is scared!" She exclaimed in between coughs. The little child grasped Kagome's arm tightly, her eyes wide with fear, her body shaking.
"My name is Kagome, and im going to get you out of here. Its going to be okay, Rin," She said soothingly, guessing that was her name. Holding back a cough of her own she looked around.
"Where is Fluffy-sama?" Rin asked.
"Who? Never mind, Im sorry honey but we have to go, come on." Kagome quickly scrambled out of bed, hoisting the little girl in her arms.
Immediately, Rin buried her face in the crook of Kagome's neck and she felt the warm tears slide down her back. Rin started coughing again and the shaking over her body made Kagome's worry intensify.
By now the flames had started to spread to Kagome's bed, and she backed up against the wall that wasn't covered in the orange passion. Casting her golden swirled eyes about the room, she saw the bathroom adjoined to her room hadn't been engulfed in flames yet and scurried in it. Shutting the door behind her, she yelped in pain as the doorknob seared her palm. Ignoring the pain, she gently placed Rin down and thrust open the window.
"Rin, listen to me," Kagome spoke hurriedly, although trying not to get the girl even more frightened, she was trying to get her to pay attention. "Im going to help you out the window, then I need you to go get somewhere safe."
Rin nodded solemnly, and her frown deepening said, "What about Kagome?"
"I'll be fine, Rin. You just go get somewhere safe okay?"
The window was much to small for Kagome to climb out of it, but Rin could. And once she got the girl out she would look for another escape for herself. But her main goal at the moment was to get Rin to safety, and at the time, it wasn't with her.
"Okay. Rin will find a safe place," Rin said obediently.
"Good. Now, the ground isn't far, you wont get hurt when you hit the ground I promise, just don't buckle your knees."
Raising the girl to the window, Kagome gripped her hands tightly as Rin turned face forward and slowly lowered her to the ground, then let go. She heard the oof as Rin hit the bottom.
"Hurry, Rin! Run!" In a last attempt to hurry the child, Kagome yelled out the window, then turned towards the bathroom door. She grabbed the doorknob, once again ignoring the pain it sliced through her hand and thrust it open.
With the force of a bomb, the fire exploded at the sudden reach for oxygen the window had caused, and Kagome was flung back against the wall, right below the window.
Through cloudy eyes, Kagome saw as the fire licked at the frame of the door like death was slowly taking its sweet time to devour her and revel and the pleasure. Slowly, it started to come in. Her vision swam and a dark mist hung over her consciousness like a black veil.
Her last conscious thought was, she knew who and what started the fire. It wasn't any enemies of hers, for simply, she didn't have any. And it wasn't arson either. It was her. Once again, it had taken over, and once again, she couldn't control it.
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He could smell sulfureous acid before he saw the orange flames light up the midnight sky. The mansion on the outskirts of the village was torched in flames, eagerly licking up the walls.
The sound of crying and little feet pounding the ground made him stop. Then the familiar scent reached his nose and he glanced sharply to the right side of the house. In the shadows, he made out a small silhouette coming closer and closer, until Rin was up against the black gates that sealed her from getting out.
"Sesshomaru-sama!" Rin spotted him the same time he spotted her. Her tear stained face and her charred robe made his anger boil.
Without a thought, Sesshomaru leapt over the black gate, seized Rin, then back over the gate again. Instead of hugging him like he knew she -since she was human- would do, she screamed out, "No! Rin has a friend!"
"What are you saying, Rin?"
"Rin's friend, Kagome is still in there!"
Are you Lord Sesshomaru?
I am, and who are you?
Kagome.... Kagome Higurashi
"Rin, stay here. Do not move from this spot, do you understand?" Sesshomaru asked sharply. At the timid nod of the little girl, he was gone in a blur.
Dashing to the side of the house, he followed where Rin's scent was strongest. Wherever that was, was wherever she got out. Her scent led him to a window that was leaking smoke, and he quickly tore the wall down with his claws.
In the debris from his attack, the fire blazed again and he saw Kagome lying on the floor, flames surrounding her. Although bodily unscathed, the tips of her clothing were beginning to smolder. It seemed as if some invisible force was keeping the flames from touching her person.
Ignoring the thought, he leapt in the burning building and scooped Kagome up in his arms. She was unconscious. Soot covered her cheeks and above her eyes, the tips of her bangs and hair at the knees were slightly chared, but other than that, he didn't see any of her person aflame.
The logical part of his brain was telling him to leave her there. She wasn't worth saving. She was, after all, a human girl. And the likes of such, he had no use for. But the part of his brain that was tied to Rin told him the girl would be heart-broken if anything happened to her.
Then again, he could be lying to himself. He found that he did it often when it came to this girl lying unconscious in his arms.
Springing from the house, those thoughts abandoned, he landed on the grass with a soft swish before he took off towards Rin once again.
TO BE CONTINUED
