Sup, guys! The song in here is called 'Can't I Even Dream?' by Miku Hatsune. There is a cover done by Rockleetist, which I love, and I used some of her lyrics, but this is my own LONGER version. The original has two verses, while mine has three. If you want to hear the original in English, just look it up on YouTube. BUT, if you want to hear mine, I will be posting a video of me singing it on YouTube in a couple of weeks. I'll tell you, though, don't look it up until I say so, just so you won't be disappointed. Thanks! Enjoy!

Yura of the Hair

Darkness is settling fast, too fast for me to make it back to the village before dark.

"Damn." I mutter, shivering against the almost-Spring wind. "Sucks that this winter is lasting so freaking long. Oh, yeah, no global warming here, yet."

I continue to walk towards the village. I glance up and see that I've come across the well. I look into it, staring at the lack of flesh on still white bones.

"The old hag looks a lot less ugly without flesh." I chuckle a fake one. I sit down against the well, feeling the old wood rub my back. My blue choir shirt is sorta suffocating me, despite the cold air of dusk. Honestly, I don't really want to see Yura, because if I did, I would probably either kill her, or die for some odd reason.

My eyes close, and I relax my shoulders, taking a deep, cool breath of air in. If it was any colder, I wouldn't even be able to breathe.

I let out my breath. The feeling of being watched comes over me.

I'm in a world full of deadly demons, ghosts, robbers, and most likely, they're coming after me. This is definitely not paranoia I'm feeling.

I hear footsteps walking toward me, and with my advanced hearing, I can tell they're cool, wide steps, as if someone was striding.

"What do you want, Inuyasha?" I mumble.

I open my eyes and look at his surprised face. He's a good 15 ft. away from me.

"How did you know it was me?" He asks.

"I could tell by the way you were walking." I reply as if he asked, 'Are you a girl or a boy?'.

"B-but-but, I was being really quiet! I was sneaking up on you! How were you able to hear that?" He blabs.

I roll my eyes. "I'm hyper-sensitive, which means that my sense of touch, as in pain or textures, my smell, for scents, my hearing, my taste, my sight, as for my minor case of night-vision and seeing things others cannot, and my sense of other worldly things... Are maximized to a large extent. Larger than the average human, but less than a hanyou or youkai. Good enough answer for you, my friend?"

His face of pure awe changes to absolute confusion. "But, you're a mortal..."

"So? What's your point? That I'm weird? Hon, I've learned that I was a freak LONG ago. There's a reason I'm bullied."

His reply? "Oh."

In a pissed off manner, I spit out, "Let's just head back to the village, alright? I'm tired."

And with that, I walk off.

Next Day

"Ugh, my hair! It's not pretty anymore!" I complain. "Sucks for me that my hair gets greasy so freaking fast."

"Who cares? It's hair. Only reason I take a bath is to get clean from demon blood." Inuyasha smirks.

I glare at him. "That reminds me, it's been fifty years since you've taken a bath. How about you take one now?" I growl.

He looks down at himself innocently. "Well, I see no blood on me, sooo," He looks up and 'smiles' as sweetly as he possibly could. "No bath for me!"

"Sit."

"OOMPH!"

Kaede walks in, shaking her head. "You two bicker so loud, I can hear you from the garden. Quiet down!"

She looks at the submerged dog demon. "I can understand why she punished you."

She walks over to a little chest and brings out a miko's garments. "What's that for?" I ask.

"So you can take a bath. We don't have them, as in we have no reason to, but I can see you are unsettled by the fact. Wear these. I will accompany you."

"Uhm... I don't bathe in front of people. I have a specific fear of showing my body to people..." Dishabiliophobia... I have the fear of undressing or being in front of someone nude or in my underwear...

Inuyasha looks at me weirdly. "What woman doesn't bathe in front of another. Now, it's abnormal for a woman to bathe in front of a man, but the same gender isn't weird."

"I have that fear, okay? I have MANY fears." I feel heat rising in my cheeks. Dang it...

"It's okay. If you like, I won't look at you." Kaede smiles.

I smile back. "Yeah, that'd be okay, Kaede. Thank you."

"Anytime, child."

"Humph, I thought you were strong." Inuyasha grunts and rolls his eyes.

"Shut up! You're strong, VERY strong, and I know every single one of your fears, so zip it." I shoot back. Take that for a burn, smart-ass.

He stiffens up and jumps. "I'm going out for some fresh air, friend." He glares at me and leaves the hut.

I sigh. "Sorry." I mutter... But loud enough so he can hear.

Inuyasha

"How's the field going, Kubomi?"

"Just fine, Takamura! Yours?"

"Fine, thank you!"

"How much is the chicken?"

"5 silver."

"Mama! Mama! Look what I made!"

Shut up. Shut up. Shut up. Shut up!

The villagers' voices fill my ears from around the square, straining them. I run as fast as I can to the small tree near the edge of the village. My one place of peace and quiet.

As I lay back, I sigh.

What is with that girl? She's so... Different. I don't think I'll ever be able to get used to her attitude; especially her power of knowing practically everything. The damn know-it-all... Can't she just shut her damn mouth for once?!

Before my thoughts get the better of me, I lie down against the tree even further, embracing the shade.

About ten minutes go by, and I hear two of the village's men's conversation, when a certain sentence reaches my ears.

"I heard that Kikyo's other self is purifying herself at the river with Kaede-sama."

"Better not go anywhere near there, then!"

So... She's takin' her bath, huh? I'll give her a piece of my mind.

"Eek! The water's freezing!"

SPLASH!

"Then why don't you leave the water child? You could become ill." Kaede confides me.

"Noho way Jose! I am gettin' cleaned if it kills me!" I yell back to her from the waist-deep water.

Kaede sighs. "Alright, if you so wish."

I try covering my body as much as I can. He's here, somewhere...

I dunk my head underwater and start rubbing my hair and body, ridding of the gunk. Ever since I was two, I could swim like a fish, and I've grown to hold my breath for almost a minute and 25 seconds. Not very long, but longer than most people. Good enough for me to get clean in one dunk.

Inuyasha

I'm mesmerized. Now, I'll say she doesn't have the best body. She's barely a bit on the heavy side, but still a nice enough body.

Wait, what the hell am I thinking?! I don't like her! And why am I spying on her in the firs- Oh yeah, the shard. Kaede must have it. I should get it before Moriko comes up for air.

I start to climb down the tree when Moriko comes back up.

Damn.

She stays there, wading in the water, when she takes a breath and stares at Kaede.

"Kaede?"

"Yes, Moriko?"

"Do you mind if I sing?"

SING!? This girl can SING?! Wait, I haven't heard her yet.

I smirk.

Maybe she sounds like a dying mule...

I look at Kaede's registering face.

"Uhm, aye, child. Ye can sing? I haven't heard a song in decades. Please, continue." Kaede looks back at her, smiling.

"Uh, yeah, I love to sing, but I don't think I'm good. Everyone at home tells me I'm a horrible singer." She frowns and hides her face with her dripping, hair. The golden-blonde now a dark brown/black.

"I won't judge. Just sing." Kaede looks back at the tiny fire in front of her.

Ha. If they say she's horrible, she must be horrible. This'll be amusing.

She closes her eyes and takes a breath, finely used to the water, and out bursts her voice.

"Desperate and so lonely, I've looked for you,

And left behind all that I have ever longed for.

Cold winds scream through my ears,

Like a banshee. A freezing chill,

A pain that still will forever haunt me.

Yet, I have made it here!

Running through all the fear!

The sadness in my heart retains the pain!

And if I fall, I've learned,

That I may not return.

None of my love remains.

Yet, I have made it here!

Make this pain disappear,

My one and only prince charming!

And still I wonder, why can't I even dream?"

Her voice... It's beautiful... Light, but strong. I love her voice... What were the people in her world thinking?

With my very strong hearing, I catch every single note, all of the pitches, a smooth curve to a higher or lower note, all in the while enjoying the gorgeous singing below me.

She continues her song with her bird-like voice.

"Tears fall like a rainstorm, I can barely see,

A twisted grin, broken within.

Am I going crazy?

Yet, I have made it here!

Holding this love, my dear!

Bearing the weight of upon my knees!

And if I scream your name,

It's not returned in same.

I beg forget me, please.

Yet I have made it here!

Make this pain disappear,

My one and only prince charming!

And still I wonder, why can't I even- and still I wonder, why can't I even dream?

...(A/N: This is where my verse starts.)

Fears tower above me, like a dark wood.

Where have you gone, and why have you left me all alone?

Days pass by like long years dragging me on.

A twist of fate, returning late.

You've left me, you are gone.

Yet, I have made it here!

Running through all the fear!

The fear inside my soul controls my fate!

And if I fall and die, my poor like and I,

We'll still return, arriving late.

Yet, I have made it here,

Make this pain disappear,

My one and only prince charming!

And still I wonder, why can't I even- and still I wonder! Why can't I even dream!?

She opens her eyes into slits, looking into the water.

"Moriko, that was beautiful! Where on Earth did you learn to sing in such a way?" Kaede praises her.

I would praise her, too, but I can't be seen. I guess I should just go.

"I've taken two years of choir in school. That's a place where children and teens learn." Moriko whispers, blushing. "I know people who can sing a lot better. Like my friend, Hope. She has a gorgeous voice! She's pretty, too, and very kind. We think of each other as sisters." She smiles.

I take a step to leave, still hiding in the bushes, but before I can make an escape... I snap a twig.

Damn... She couldn't have heard that... Right?!

I hear a snap of a twig from up on the cliff.

"AH! INUYASHA YOU PERV!" I shriek. "You'll pay for spying on me!"

Kaede stares at me like I'm a lunatic. "What are you talking about? Did you see him?"

I shake my head, covering my body. "No, I heard him. He probably SAW me and heard me sing. Dang it. Now he has something else to judge me about." I sigh.

"Hmm." Kaede shakes her head in disbelief once again, handing me a miko's garments.

I dress, thinking of all of the possible ways I can smash his big head in. The damn Peeping Tom.

I finish dressing, then I hear someone coming towards us... Loudly.

"I think one of the villagers is coming, Kaede."

"Oh? How do you know?" Kaede asks.

"I can hear them. They're coming from over there." I point to the direction of the village.

"It's most likely Inuyasha."

I shake my head. "No, Inuyasha is quieter, and he walks in strides. This person is very loud and walks in small steps. I think it's a woman."

Just as I finish my sentence, a woman carrying a newborn on her back comes strolling up towards our side of the bank.

"Lady Kaede! Please, a moment?" The woman asks.

I nod towards Kaede's awestruck face. She gains back her composure and greets the woman. "Why, hello, Miori. What is the matter, child?"

"My daughter... She was fine this morning, but she just fainted for no reason at all. No signs of fever, no pain. She-she just dropped!" From the sound of her voice, I can tell she's exasperated.

"No need to worry, Miori. I'll take care of her. Moriko, will you do fine on your own?" Asks Kaede.

"Yes, I'll do fine, thank you." I smile.

As the woman and Kaede start to leave, I hear a rustle behind some bushes on the bank. "Kaede! Let me hold the Jewel shard!"

I run up to her as she hands it to me. I wave as they continue walking, willing myself to not turn around.

"So-"

"No, you're not getting the shard. Sit boy." WHAM!

"I didn't even say anything, bitch!" Inuyasha snaps.

"Sit." WHAM!

"Will ya stop?!" He screeches.

I turn around and glare. "Zip it."

"Uh-!" If this was an anime, I bet he'd be sporting a large sweat-drop. But... It isn't. It's real life. His real face, he's all... Real. Nothing can change this blessing. It's a blessing, no matter what I go through.

"You're not getting the Jewel shard. Got it? Also, SITSITSITSITSIT!"

WHAMWHAMWHAMWHAMWHAM!

"AARRGHH!"

"THAT was for SPYING on me AND listening to me SING!" I scream.

"Despite the fact that your voice is beautiful?!" He screams back. Then his face blushes, as if realizing what he just said. "Uhh, I mean, uh, I-uh-..."

I feel heat rising in my cheeks. "Y-y-you think my voice is beautiful? But I have a horrible voice!"

He stares me down, making me squirm. Why does he make me feel so weak... But powerful at the same time?

"You're wrong, and so are the people in your world. I know this because my ears hear better than any human's. Your voice is gorgeous. Deal with it, will ya?" His face as red as his outfit, he turns around, crossing his arms and legs in his signature pose.

"Oh. Well, thank you." I whisper. I pause, feeling ashamed for the sit commands I gave him. "Uh, sorry, for the, uh, S-I-T commands."

He grunts a "Mmhm" in reply. I let out a sigh, realizing that I have the memory of a goldfish. I forget the most important things! I guess it's because... I'm still in a bit of shock that this is real.

"Inuyasha." He doesn't answer. "Hey, Inuyasha."

"What?"

"There's a demon out here somewhere controlling the villagers. We should get to Kaede real quick and run. The demon is hiding here somewhere." Yura is already here. She's just waiting for me. I need to set a trap.

"What?!" He Inuyasha jumps up and turns in fury. "Where?!"

"How should I know? I just said she's hiding. Now come on. I need to lure her out."

"Then let's go!" He jumps over to me and motions for me to jump on his back. I've always wanted to do this... I want to know his scent.

I hop on his back, still wearing the miko outfit. I put my head forward, closer to his neck, where scents come off stronger. My nose isn't like his, but it's still stronger than an average human's. Heck, every 3/10 people are hyper-sensitive... So, I need to get his scent now, in case this never happens again.

He leaps off the ground... My perfect chance. I sniff right in the crook of his neck.

Oh my God, his scent... It's just like the forest. And I love it! Hence my name, forest child. I love the forest! This makes me love him even more!

Inuyasha runs fast... And I mean fast! His silver mane tangles with my golden waves as he speeds past tree after tree. I'm actually surprised, really. You see, in anime, guys with long hair are, like, extremely sexy, but long hair on guys in the real world is more, like, ew. But THIS, I mean, he makes long hair look infinitely sexy! There's no way to even describe it! Screw cosplay, I'm going for the real thing!

Oh my God... I wonder what Sesshomaru looks like... I try not to drool over the fact that I'm going to be surrounded by super hot guys for many months, but the main fact is, I'm going to be FRIENDS with them!

I giggle. I WILL NEVER BE FOREVER ALONE AGAIN!

Well, technically, I have lots of friends. My main friends are Shawna Love, Hope Kato, who likes to be called either Kato or Neko, Allison Lewis, who we call Falcon, and my guy friend Makoto Otonashi. Makoto has a crush on me, and he's always, kinda, following me everywhere. So, he's pretty much MY version of Hojo.

Inuyasha

This girl's gonna be the death of me...

I run past dozens of trees, heading towards the village.

"So, Moriko!"

"Yeah?"

"What kind of demon is this?" I ask.

"Her name is Yura. She's a hair demon.. And she wants yours. Oh, and our shard."

I sigh. "How can you forget information like that?!"

"Humph! I'm sorry, but I had my mind on the fact that you were watching me bathe!"

I lower my head a bit and mumble. "Maybe Yura isn't the only one who wants the Jewel." I pause.

"Wait a minute. Did you say our shard?" I ask in disbelief.

"Well, duh. It isn't just mine. You're helping me, too." Though I can't see her, I can just feel her roll her eyes in reply.

"Okay okay." Then I remember. "Moriko, you never finished telling me everything."

"About what?"

"About my past."

"Oh," Her voice wavers. "Well, I'll finish when we kill Yura."

"Fine then."

She said it so easily. '... when we kill Yura.' Is she used to death or something? What is up with this girl...

We arrive to the village in only a few minutes.

"Where is everybody?" Inuyasha sets me down.

"Be careful. Everyone is going to be controlled by Yura. Right now, we need to save Kaede." I don't see any hairs... Wait! There's one-! Two, three- where are they coming from?!

"Moriko! Inuyasha!" A pained voice calls out.

"Kaede!" I yell. The old miko crawls out of a bush, her arm covered in blood. "Come on, hurry. Can you stand?"

"I-I think so." I help her up with her good arm, only for her to fall again. "I'm sorry."

Inuyasha crosses his arms. "Thanks a lot, ya old hag."

"I would sit you, but because we could be ambushed any second now, I'm not." I growl.

He gulps. "Fine fine, sorry. Where are they?"

A hair moves. "Behind you!"

He turns and jumps just as one of the village men attempts to hit him with a butcher knife. "You weren't kidding!"

"Course I wasn't! Inuyasha, can you hold Kaede? We have to run and find Yura. She's close by, in one of the trees. I need to follow the hair!"

"Sure." He lands beside me and picks up Kaede. "What about you?"

I shake my head. "Just follow me. I may suck at running, but we'll be slowed down if you carry both of us. Come on!"

I start to jog. Please, body, hold out. Please. I was in X-Country last semester, and I sucked. I either sprint really fast for a short time, or I jog really slow for a long time. There's no in between.

Inuyasha runs up next to me. I speed up. I just need to follow the hairs. They lead to her. Luckily, none of the villagers are following us, thank God. I speed up more. Don't tire. Just run. That's when I see the hair being pulled in. She's collecting the hair! We need to go faster!

Out of breath, I say, "I'm sprinting."

He turns to me. "What?"

Then I run, like 'the Devil's at my heels'.

Inuyasha

"What?"

Then she speeds off. Woah! Faster than I would expect!

I run up to almost full speed to catch up. I hear her breathe in and out in seconds.

"Are we close?" I ask. I look over.

She nods quickly. She's having trouble breathing. I can see the strain in her face. Is she okay?!

She starts slowing down. "What is-"

"Shh!" She goes behind a bush and crouches down.

I follow her and set down Kaede. "Is she there?" I whisper.

"Nearby. We're close to her lair... Damn, I should've gotten a bow and some arrows!"

I raise my head up at the smell of blood. "Hang on. Wait here."

"Lemme guess, the smell of blood. Yura killed some soldiers from the village around a campsite by beheading them. I know that one of the men has a bow and some arrows. I'll wait here. Hurry back."

If she didn't have the jewel, I would rip her head off...

I leap from behind the trees, in case this Yura girl is nearby and spots me.

I land at a small campsite, not too far from the well. Some guys from the village... And their heads...

Their heads are chopped clean off, just like she said. One of them is holding a bow with arrows on his back. Might as well, even if she can't shoot.

I land behind her and hand her the bloodied bow and seven arrows. "Is this good?"

She turns around and smiles. "A long bow! Perfect!" She takes them and tests the string. "Thanks for bringing them."

"No problem. Now, where do we go from here?"

She stops smiling. "I've been scoping the area surrounding her lair, and nothing seems out of the ordinary. One things for sure, she is currently inside of it, and she probably knows we're here. So, be ready to fight."

I give her a curt nod and raise to a crouch, balancing on the balls of my feet. Be ready to fight.

(Will finish chapter tomorrow!)