Love transcends time

Penned by Amara. Indie Kagome Higurashi rp blog. Selective. 15+ years rp experience. Multi-verse/Multi-ship. Para/Multi-para/Novella only. Mun: 30+ OOC Tag: Out of Arrows.

[thesilvermoonrays]

"I'm not gonna worry." Yes he was. "Now I'm--" His words were cut off by a knock at the door, and a familiar woman's voice. Sango. Curious golden eyes glanced towards the main room of the house. "I'll take care of it." There must have been a reason, one likely relevant to Demon Slaying. Inuyasha was back within less than five minutes.

"Change of plans. I'm gonna be comin' with you." Said with nonchalance, as he moved back to the middle the bedroom. Inuyasha was doing his morning exercises once again. "Miroku's too scared t'try watchin' the kids with just me, so she's stayin' home with him." Inuyasha shook his head. "Keh. So much for a morning run." A lace of disappointment. That was such an important part of his morning routine, too.

"She gave me the coins and stuff. All of us know I ain't gonna forget any of the things on her list, she asked if we could do her shopping too." He had a photographic memory, whether he wanted to or not. "...It's better this way." An abrupt statement. Inuyasha had just received an epiphany from his own mind. "Instead of the horse and carriage, I'll get my morning run by gettin' us there. I'm faster than a horse."

If she thought he'd been ignoring, or forgetting her question about food, she would be way off mark. He'd been waiting for the most important time to address it: The moment he was ready to finish speaking.

The thought of candied strawberries...

"Yeah. Lotsa goodies. Like candied strawberries, and..." Movements paused, a hand raised so he could count various treats made with strawberries off on each clawed finger. What could be said? It wasn't a secret how motivating food could be, and Kagome had a special brand of deliciousness when it came to the things she could make.

The only person who knew his sensitive taste better than her was himself.

"Now I'm hungry all over again!" Arms raised in the air for a moment, before audibly landing back at his sides, shoulders slumped. "Are you almost done getting ready?" Curiosity in his frown.

"You worry too much about your looks. You're always pretty, even when your hair's a mess."

[unboundbytime]

The comment about how she looked earned him a kiss, soft and sweet press of her lips to his. One that lingered for a few sweet seconds before she pulled back with a smile for him. Not too long ago, she wasn't sure how he regarded her when it came to her looks after all.

And with someone like Kikyo with her gracefulness and her easy beauty, she couldn't help but feel insecure at times. Especially during the journey, so when he gave her an unexpected compliment like now, she was always quick to reward him for it.

"I want to look my best for my husband," she replied, stroking her thumb over his bottom lip. Her eyes followed the path of her finger before lifting to meet his gaze again. "Besides, with my mate being so handsome, shouldn't I try to be my best too?"

She knew that probably didn't matter to him of course, but she never wanted him to ever start seeing her as lazy or anything when it came to her appearance. Any aspect at all when it came to their lives together actually, but especially not when it came to her appearance. Besides, she'd always been a woman who took her hygiene very seriously.

Speaking of hygiene though, she finally moved back to finish readying herself for the day. Thankfully though, she'd long gotten used to pulling on her kimono for the day and made quick work of it. That and pulling her hair back, more so to show off the mate mark on her neck than anything.

She was a taken woman and always proudly showed off the evidence of it. It never failed to make her smile. Now was no exception as her eyes immediately fell on the mark that was exposed as she pulled her hair back and tied it in place.

"All set now. But are you sure you want to run the whole way? We had the cart so we could bring everything back easier and to carry what we were going to sell. Its a lot to carry alone."

She had no doubt that he could with his strength, but could and should were two different things. Especially when considering he'd - knowing him - want to carry all of that and her too. How much could he handle before it became too heavy for even him?

Either way, she was glad that he'd changed his mind on his own and was coming with her now. She felt a little guilty that she was happy that Sango had also changed her mind and would be staying. But she figured she'd just get her friend an extra treat while they were out to make up for it.

They should probably get going soon though since her love already complained about hunger. A fact which had her softly giggling as she walked over and took his hand on the way out of the room.

"I forget sometimes how fast your metabolism works. Should we take some dried fruits and nuts to take along for the road? We have some salted meats that should be ready as well."

[unboundbytime]

She nodded with the answer given and returned her attention back to her task as the teeth of the comb caught on a tangle in her hair. She must have been a bit more restless in her sleep the night before to cause that, but nothing a bit of persistence didn't fix. Being in an era where shampoo and conditioner weren't something easily obtained didn't do her hair any favors. But she still managed with what she had now.

Maybe she'd be lucky enough to find a merchant selling some this time. "Hair tonic" was what it was called right now and it didn't have the best smell, but at least it would get her hair clean. She was glad that she'd been right about market day as well. The larger villages always had some form of consumerism, but small ones like the neighboring village they had to wait for. With great anticipation on her part.

"We'll be fine," she promised, smiling again as she got the tangle free and returned her attention to him. "We're taking a horse and cart. Plus we're making sure to have our weapons."

With the youkai rampaging less and less, she didn't think such things were necessary. But if it put Inuyasha at ease, she was willing to concede on it. Besides, with the recent heavy winter storm, some youkai may be starving and desperate. So it wasn't a bad idea to be armed just in case.

Still, she wished he'd go along with her. It was nice to spend time with her friend, but she loved spending her time with him more. She understood why he wasn't of course. Between watching the kids and being the unofficial village protector, he probably felt responsible for the village. Too responsible to leave it for too long especially with Keade getting older.

The village needed protection and with Sango and herself both leaving that left the defense up to Keade, Miroku, and Inuyasha himself. But she still wished he'd go with her at least once. It could be something of a date for them.

But he made his decision and she wouldn't try to talk him out of it. Instead she stood and moved to envelope her favorite hanyou in a hug.

"I promise, I'll bring back some mochi and some other goodies. How does dumplings and candied strawberries sound?"

Trade with many other countries was rocky at best right now in this age. And getting the ingredients wasn't easy. But she had learned how to make the dish back in her era anyway and could make flour herself if she had to. Maybe she could surprise him with some home made potato chips or something too.

"Promise me you won't be worrying too much? Its your birthday, try to enjoy yourself today."

cont.

@thesilvermoonrays

[secondtrumphet]

;; Thinking "but this" or "but that" when you've celebrated the murder of someone? NO! Disgusting! You're demonic, a freaking psychopath and sick!!! There is no reason to celebrate a man who was a father and husband losing his life! In front of his WIFE and CHILD! YOU ARE disgusting and demonic and never EVER filth I wanted to ever follow me! PLEASE BLOCK ME! I don't want to see you, I don't want to speak with you, PERIOD! That goes for anyone on either side of the political aisle! Are you even HUMAN?? That's what I want to know, because if you have a single iota of humanity how could you celebrate a life snuffed out forever??!!!!

[secondtrumphet]

PSA

;; If you're the filth that celebrates someone being murdered. UNFOLLOW NOW! I'm just going to say it. If you're one of them, you're disgusting, you're demonic, and you're cruel and I DON'T WANT YOU FOLLOWING! PERIOD!!!

[thesilvermoonraysarchive]

He continued for slightly longer. He allowed his touch to linger, though he did stop. She was right. He wasn't about to miss out on that. She'd come a long, long way when it came to cooking. He wouldn't miss it for the world. Just as he'd come a long way with the whole etiquette thing. At first, it had been really weird. He ate the way he had his entire life. The way he knew how. Ravenously, you never knew when a meal would be your last.

But now he could enjoy taking his time more. Letting flavors swirl around across his sensitive tongue, the bliss that came with something he'd been denied for over a century due to everything being about survival. And yeah, maybe his middle had become curved out in the process. Not small, but not really big. Just moderate. He wore it with pride. It had nothing to do with actual physical appearance at all.

But he could look at himself, and see a physical manifestation of how much he was loved. How far his emotional state had come. That was why he wore it with pride. Had nothing to do with actual appearance at all.

"Tough choice."

He loved so many different things. Things from her era, but things from where they were right now. And over the time they'd spent married, it seemed a lot like she'd learned exactly what level of spices to use to overwhelm his senses with absolute pleasure, rather than overstimulation that made him gag. They had meat last night... and he'd actually been doing some strength training exercises before he'd caught her scent.

Silence. But a silence that was oh, so comfortable. His hold on her didn't loosen, even in such deep thought.

"Vegetables with rice? 'S real good for somethin' like energy, 'n fills ya up real quick. Gonna need it tomorrow. Today was muscle trainin' so tomorrow is runnin'."

It had to be a balance. As someone who had fought essentially all of his life, he knew what exercise did what to the body. Then a light shrug. Running wasn't as intensive as muscle training, and thus, didn't take as long. Which meant...

"Maybe we can go back to y'er time for a bit, so I can take one of those baths that actually have hot water. Guess ya don't know what y'er really missin' out on until ya travel centuries into the future."

He paused, raising an eyebrow.

"But I still ain't gonna use any of that bottled stuff ya talk about so much."

[unboundbytime]

"You know, I have unscented shampoo. It'll get your hair cleaner for you," she replied, knowing immediately what he meant.

But she also understood why he disliked the shampoos that were scented. For his sensitive nose, the smell may come across as overpowering. Beyond that, he may smell the chemicals or preservatives in it as well. Which was exactly why she'd changed up her soap and shampoo combo to one that only brought out her natural scent rather than one that perfumed her.

She noticed since then that her body and hair didn't get dirty or oily as quickly anymore since the switch too. So it wasn't really necessarily a sacrifice for her. Though when it came to food, she started to think more deeply about what she could make for them this time. Vegetables and rice..? That could be a few different things.

Though it could also be something he hadn't tried yet which had her softly smiling to herself. She had found a recipe online recently for something called Mushroom Risotto that sounded pretty good. It was a simple recipe, but sounded delicious and filling on top of that. It was also apparently inspired from another part of the world which made it all the more tempting to try it out.

As for returning to her original time, she didn't see why not. It had been a bit since she last visited. And there was nothing here that required them to use most of their time here. No journey or quest anymore for shards and no Naraku to terrorize this age.

"Mm sounds good. We could spend the night there if you prefer it. Though, I'll have to draw the line on no ramen tonight. Money is tight and I promised everyone to get them some snacks next time we went to my time."

Plus there were some medical supplies from her own era that worked better than the natural herbs here did. Not to mention she heard about a lot of ramen brands recently being recalled when people were getting sick or even dying from it. So this time he'd just have to do without it. Unless she made the noodles and the like herself, which she could always do too she supposed. She knew how much he loved his ramen, so she could do that for him. A little reward for him being so patient and holding her now after she'd been so afraid that she had hurt him before.

"When do you want to go?"

@thesilvermoonrays

[thesilvermoonraysarchive]

"I get it."

Always nagging him about this. But there wasn't any aggression in his tone. Not defeat, just acknowledgement. Because he did know. He knew he wasn't invincible. Just because he didn't age physically anymore, didn't mean he couldn't be killed. A deep injury, suffocation by any means, even now. If she hadn't used that command, he would be dead. That arrow would have pierced him, not only in such a weak spot, but with spiritual energy.

His hold tightened. She wasn't pulling away at all. Every single time, he was so afraid of initiating physical contact. But every single time he did, she returned it almost immediately. And it felt better than good. It felt like two pieces of a puzzle connecting, fitting perfectly together as though it were designed to be this way. Lowering his head, his chin came to rest atop her hair.

"I know."

Even more softly spoken. There's a lot of things he's trying to unlearn, but old habits died hard. Deep wounds didn't go away easily, even after half a year of marriage. His love for her was unyielding. Always would be. Centuries upon centuries could pass, it would only grow stronger with each passing minute. There were still nightmares, he did his best to keep to himself. Nights he woke up with a sharp gasp, in a cold sweat.

His subconscious forcing him to live out the scenario where she was crying. Where she was asserting so fervently how she regretted their marriage, how she wanted to go back to her own era. He couldn't tell her any of it. She'd just get angry with him, wouldn't she? A soft sigh, claws gently running through her hair. By now, he's learned precisely how to use those claws.

Though he was still extra careful with them. He'd pierced her skin once, by accident, a long time ago. Her assurance that she knew he didn't mean it, it really helped him. Just another nagging fear in the back of his mind that it could happen again. These were things that would take time for him to overcome.

But... with Kagome, somehow he felt he would. Like it wasn't an 'if', it was a 'when'. Which was why he chose to speak softly, pressing her closer to the warmth radiating off of him. Make her feel as protected as she made his heart feel. Fearful as the words could be, it didn't matter. Loving someone meant you faced that fear.

"I'll be more careful. Promise."

A promise sealed with a kiss to the top of her head.

[unboundbytime]

Kagome reciprocated his kiss to her head with one of her own to his neck. She wanted him to feel it and that was the closest place she could reach for the moment. So she softly pressed her lips there, lingering for a few seconds before lowering her head again and resting it against his chest.

She was very aware about his reluctance about physical contact. He was so easy to fluster the few times she initiated and took his hand in hers or hugged him. So these days she typically waited for him to make the first move and she'd respond in kind.

Was he still afraid that a touch meant to be gentle and loving could turn violent? Living the life he did before they met, then the way Naraku pinned he and Kikyo against each other, she couldn't say she blamed him for it if that was the case.

But this made two displays of affection from him today in just as many minutes. He was coming around and she knew it. It was a slow process sure, but they had all the time in the world anyway. And when she fell for him, she had already come to know that there would be a lot of personal healing that needed to happen for him. And that couldn't truly, really start until the end of their journey, though he made a lot of progress during it as well.

Over time he came to be more open with her especially and later their group. And now, times like these showed just how far he'd come already. She was proud of him, maybe she'd tell him that soon. Soon, but not yet, she was much too content and warm to say anything else right now. Even speaking felt like too much effort.

So she made a soft humming sound instead as he gave his word to be more careful with his safety. Though her smile truly returned as she gave a single, soft nod against the chest she was resting on. And just when she thought she couldn't melt any further, she felt his fingers in her hair and softly giggled.

"You'll put me to sleep if you mess with my hair for long," she warned, her tone clearly amused.

Combined with his warmth and how loved and safe he made her feel, it was a sure way to have her knocking out against him. No matter how well she slept the night before, all of these things combined were her weakness.

"If you want dinner later, you need me to be awake," she added, finally pulling back just enough to smile at him. "By the way, what would you like for tonight?"

[thesilvermoonraysarchive]

Of course he knew that.

Of course he felt the burn. Half human, yeah, but half demon was still as prevalent. The arrow didn't touch him, but the energy had caused a searing burn on his right cheek. It hurt. A lot. But he knew how she got about these things, so he'd keep it to himself. When it came to Kagome, he had no problems at all with any kind of physical touch. Well, he didn't really have any problems with Sango hugging him, either. He'd long since learned that even kindness like this, he did deserve it sometimes.

Sometimes. He still struggled with nagging self hatred. But it was getting better. She was healing the deep wounds in his heart, she always had a way of doing so when they spent time together. But there was something that stood out even more than that. Most of those wounds scarred, rather than went away. And she was still here.

"You're worrying too much."

This was another thing he still struggled with. But he didn't let that fear hold him back anymore. Terrifying as it felt sometimes, as much as he always braced for her to force herself away from him, he pulled her. A tight embrace, not one strong enough to cause any harm. One that spoke more than his words ever could. If she wanted out, he'd let go at the first hint of any struggle.

Deep rooted feelings, conditioning. Who would want any kind of physical contact with a hanyou?

But this wasn't about him right now. This was about comforting her, and that was what he was going to do, as best he could. His own heart was pounding in his chest, just waiting for her to make an attempt to break from his grip. Rejection. But if there was one thing she'd taught him over all these years, it was how bravery wasn't always about rushing into battle when the odds were against you. It took bravery for something like this, too.

"Pretty close, but it ain't gonna change anything if ya focus on it. All that matters is ya saved me, right? So I got a little burned, so what? We both know I've been through worse than this."

Yes, he is ignoring the searing pain on his face. Not like he doesn't have a high pain tolerance by now.

"Thanks, but you're not goin' anywhere yet. Not until you feel better, then we'll worry about me."

[unboundbytime]

"I think you don't worry enough," she shot back, but it was more a teasing remark than anything. She even managed a very watery giggle now. It was a pitiful sound at best and faded away again same as her smile.

Gods only know how many times through their journey that she'd been terrified that the wounds - fatal on anyone else - would be what finally did him in. Thank goodness for that fast healing ability of his, but even with that power, he was still sometimes down for the count for days at a time. Those times especially was when she was most worried for him.

Not to mention the nights of the new moon. She still had to wonder if Naraku never found out about that night from sheer dumb luck. They hadn't always been able to find an inn to stay in during those nights. Though thankfully she'd been able to convince him a time or two to go to her era during that moon cycle so that he could relax for once.

Thankfully though, that whole journey was over now. Still though she feared at times someone like Naraku or worse would pop out of nowhere and-

She gasped and her eyes grew wider as she was surprised by being pulled into his embrace. But she didn't struggle, she only tensed up for a second as her brain processed what had just happened. But once she did, she only moved enough to wrap her arms around him to return the embrace. This was rare for them even now, so she'd gladly soak it up while she could.

Those troubling thoughts had effectively screeched to a complete stop. And she had to wonder if maybe he did it for that reason, but whatever the case, she was content to relax against him. Her whole body melted like butter as she pressed her cheek against his chest and allowed herself to close her eyes for a moment.

"You're not invincible you know. Just because its harder for you to die doesn't mean its impossible," she added, one last worry before it too was wiped away.

This wasn't going to be the last time this conversation happened. It had been talked about in the past, during the journey. It would be again in the future. She didn't know a person more reckless than him when it came to his safety. Even more so when she or their friends were in some kind of danger. but for now the danger had passed and those thoughts weren't even registered to poison the moment between them.

He was still here, still safe, and that was what mattered.

[thesilvermoonraysarchive]

Of course he was curious as to what she was up to.

Even a smile crossed his lips once her scent crossed his nose. Never a bad time to check out what someone so important to you was doing, was there? So he makes use of that speed of his. He hadn't been too far away to begin with, but he's totally going to try to surprise her. Keyword being try, he knew good and well that she could sense him now if he was close enough.

One minute, you're leaping a short distance out of the bushes, the next, you're about to get an arrow through your skull. He barely even registers it until it's too late, smile gone in an instant, golden eyes widening.

"--!"

A muffled sound. No arrow. Saved by a command he certainly wasn't very fond of. An ear twitched, it did render him momentarily powerless. That was the point, it had been so he wouldn't kill her. What he appreciated more, was how her use of it was next to never. This time, he's pretty damn thankful for it, in fact. If she didn't have that power over him, that would have been it.

It hurt. But better to be in some pain, than be pierced by an arrow charged with spiritual power like that.

He can't even glare at her when he sits up (on all fours) and shakes his head rapidly. The pain was completely gone now. Yeah, he rolled his eyes, but the fact there's a light smile on his face should tell her everything she'd need to know.

"I"m fine! I'm fine."

Okay, maybe a little smirk.

"You ruined my hair though."

Inuyasha knew good and well that both of them were fully aware he didn't care about something like that. But he could remember days she stressed over that kind of thing. He's trying to get her to smile, or laugh.

The same way she's always tried (and nowadays, most of the time succeeded) in doing for him.

[unboundbytime]

Her heart was still hammering with her anxiety as she watched him lift himself back up and shake off the dirt. There was probably a little too much force she put into that sit command for there to now be a small hole where his face met the ground. But she'd been terrified that the arrow would hit him rather than the target she had intended.

She was still concerned that it may have grazed him or something before the command could make it out of her mouth though. He always claimed that he was fine even when he wasn't after all. So she fell to her knees to get a better look for herself even as he cracked a joke to obviously try to stop her fretting.

"That was way too close, Inuyasha.." she said, a noticeable wobble in her voice as her vision began to blur.

As she spoke, her hands went to cup both of his cheeks in her palms and turn his head this way and that to get an even better look. There did indeed seem to be the smallest of red marks. And sure that could be excused as the impact with the ground.. But upon a closer look, it appeared more like a burn that she knew had probably been due to the spiritual power in that arrow.

This could have been so much worse..! Just like she had told him. That arrow... If it had hit him would have done some serious damage or worse! If anything could take him out it would be a priestess or someone with spiritual power. The last thing she ever wanted to happen would be for him to die by her hand, accident or not. And it had almost happened.

He had to know that too right? Even as he was smirking in a very obvious attempt to try to get her to stop worrying. It wasn't going to happen though. They hadn't faced off against many with spiritual power in their journey, but they had enough times for her to see what such a thing would do to a full demon. What would it do to a man who was half? She didn't even want to consider it.. But would it have killed him..?

"I'll make something for that burn for you," she added just a few tears finally fell. That had scared her.. Who wouldn't be scared when the one they loved had been so close to..

As she finally sat back on her knees, one of her hands settled on her lap while the other went to her chest to calm the racing beat of her heart. It was going to take it a little while yet to calm back down and she knew it. Even with the arrow safely embedded in the trunk of the tree and no where near him.

Next time, she'd make sure that she told him before she came out here to practice. Even if she didn't know where he was, she'd wait until she saw him so she could let him know and nothing like this happened again. This time she had managed to say the command on time. Next time they may not be as lucky if she didn't say something to warn him ahead of time.

[unboundbytime]

Kagome stood by herself for the moment, knocking an arrow and aiming at a target. Naraku had been long dead and all of that, but her duties as a priestess were still there. There were still youkai who would rampage here and there and she didn't want her skills getting rusty on her.

That was why she stood here now, taking the right posture and focusing her eyes on her target. She still couldn't easily and accurately fire an arrow while she was moving and that was another reason she was practicing now. Solo for now, but she'd ask Inuyasha to help her with the next part later.

For now, she took a deep breath and slowly released, putting some reiki into it as well before letting it fly. The first shot was a little off the mark which had her sighing as she knocked another and took aim again. This time she felt Inuyasha's youki close by, but didn't think much of it. He was probably coming to find her and see what she was up to anyway.

But then there was a flash of red from her peripheral, his kimono just as she fired the arrow charged with her spiritual power and she did the only thing she could think of.

"Sit!" she yelled, her heart hammering. The resulting slam into the ground and the soft thunk of the arrow finding the target was a relief. But she still ran over all the same, her heart still racing. "I'm sorry, Inuyasha. Are you okay?"

@thesilvermoonrays

[splinter-sister]

Hey fellas.

There's a blog named @/fucktrpc that's putting posts of dead animals in tags used for rpc. I'd recommend blocking that blog asap as they seem to be a troll blog looking to get some sick kicks.

Please feel free to reblog this to spread awareness.

[blossomingbellflower]

🏹 Kikyou was silent, seemingly not willing to respond as they began their journey out of the entrapment. "It was designed specifically for you. Dark magic can be incredibly subtle, particularly if it is from a strong witch, shaman or false priest.", she responded. "You may have unknowingly stepped into it, resulting in this prison and why Inuyasha cannot detect your scent." Kikyou paused, her head turning in the opposite direction for a moment, lips pressed together. After a moment or so, she continued walking. "The longer you remain in here, the more it will can affect your memories and drain you of your essence" It was akin to a spider web.

While they walked, Kikyou kept her senses sharpened. It would only be a matter of time for the sorcerer to realize what she had done.

The question, initially, earned a subtle lowering of her eyelids and a shift of emotion in the depths of her hues.

Pain..suffering..sacrifices..discipline..endurance..training...a fated birth..were some of the things that shaped Kikyou into the terrifying, kind hearted and well known priestess.

From the moment she could walk, her training began. After all, one born with such a strong, opposing spiritual presence had only one duty--to protect the vulnerable. In a world of demons, monsters, witches and beasts, those who are gifted should wield their 'blessings' for the sake of others.

"....In this world, you either live or die. The weak and the vulnerable are the first to perish. I refused to be weak in order to protect those that are", she stated simply.

[unboundbytime]

Kagome almost expected not to get an answer at all from the other woman. In fact, she had just resigned herself to a silence walk back to.. Well where ever it was she was before she was trapped. But she wasn't sour about it, Kikyo didn't have to come lead her out of here at all. How could she allow herself to mad over something as silly as a quiet walk back? Besides, for all she knew there was a reason. Maybe the one who trapped her was lis--

But then the answer came and her head jerked up in surprise. A trap for her specifically? And dark magic at that! No wonder she hadn't been able to sense the youki then. This was a human using some kind of terrible magic on her from what she was understanding. Because of the shards? Or could it be another of Naraku's traps? More than likely the latter. Going by their history with that demon, this was the kind of thing he'd pull.

Then the second answer came and Kagome almost felt guilty for envying the woman walking with her. She may not be able to read her thoughts, but she heard and saw the emotion in her voice and in her features. She may not know the ins and outs of what she had gone through, but she could clearly see the mark it left on her. Kikyo had that same lonely look that she sometimes saw on Inuyasha before he covered it up with his usual gruffness.

"That.. Sounds really lonely.." she replied softly, looking down at her feet as they walked. "That was your life before? Did you have no time for yourself at all?"

And here she was complaining about traveling between two times and missing out on school. In retrospect, she sounded like a spoiled brat compared to what she just heard. She really wasn't anything like her was she? It sounded like a jab, a way to get under her skin when others said it. But now, she realized it for herself.

[thesilvermoonraysarchive]

Standing at crosswalks. Would've been faster if she just rode on his back and he took her home. He knew the way to the Higurashi Shrine from where she went to school. It was okay, though. Something he'd usually find pretty boring, it wasn't so bad when you got to do it with a friend. Walking all slow like this, kind of nice when you had someone to walk with who would actually talk to you.

...And hear you, too. She always listened to what he had to say, and he'd become used to it, to the point where he really did speak openly these days to Kagome. All of it felt as natural as the breeze in his silver hair.

The sound of her laugh, that opened his eyes. Silent as he'd remain, there was no hiding how his ear twitched. He'd grown to really like that sound. Inuyasha was accustomed to laughter being directed at him, at his expense. But Kagome never laughed at him in a way that felt insulting.

...

"...Huh?"

Those words caught him right off guard. What he'd said, it was supposed to tease her. He'd expected words that would try to emphasize the importance of what she did in the present. But she'd taken his teasing, and responded with a very serious, heartfelt comment. No one ever really said that. He knew they were friends, just as he knew he was friends with everyone else.

But no one had explicitly said those words.

I'm really glad we met, Inuyasha.

"Uh..."

Maybe he'd been really insensitive. It was easy to insult what you didn't understand. But was that really the right thing to do? Kagome was the person who made him question it at all. He could feel his chest ache just a little, and it was a mixture of feelings he couldn't say he liked. The idea that anyone would be happy they met him. The last time anyone had said such a thing, it had ended really badly.

And even though that scared him... fear was what lead to Kikyo's death in the first place. He wouldn't let that happen again.

"...Well. I'm glad I met you too. I'm gonna sound really stupid right now, but you were right when you said it's nice not to be alone all the time. Can't say I ever thought I'd even have one friend again. But now I've got more than I've ever had in my entire life."

Inuyasha's voice was more soft than his usual expression. Talking about feelings, it was embarrassing. But he didn't want to let fear hold him back forever. Not that he'd be showing a display like this again anytime soon. He was just a little caught up in the moment, did she realize how much of an impact that sentence had?

Inuyasha wasn't even thinking about walking anymore, just something he was doing alongside her. The thought of using his incredible speed to make this faster, gone.

"I'll keep protectin' all of ya. Guess it is peaceful here, and--"

...

And he's gagging.

"...I'm gonna die."

Street painters. Being this close to chemicals like that, what a way to ruin the moment. Every breath made him more and more lightheaded. Walking had stopped entirely. He'd have probably fell flat on his face.

[unboundbytime]

"That's not stupid at all," she replied, smiling up at him. It was a rare occurrence for him to be so openly honest like this with anyone about his feelings. So she wasn't about to let him think that there was anything remotely stupid or even dumb about it.

Coming to know him as well as she had over time, she knew that sometimes what he said and what he meant somehow became jumbled on its way out. He was rarely ever a jerk just to be a jerk, unless tempers flared up. But that was anyone really, wasn't it? And after what she'd come to understand about his life, she didn't blame him for his defensiveness from time to time.

She remembered what he had told her once about how hanyou were seen and treated shortly after they'd meant Jeninji. It had come out so gruffly, but the pain there in what he told her had been obvious. She knew even before she asked later that he - and probably his mother as well - had gone through much the same thing as that gentle giant and his mom had.

It had opened her eyes and see him in a whole new way. That was when she started to understand that beneath that rough, hot headed exterior was a hurting, defensive, and lonely boy. Who wouldn't have their guard up after the kind of life that he'd had before. So these days, she tried to think before she spoke a little more. She didn't let herself get riled up as quickly by him either if she could help it and tried to see what he was actually trying to say.

There were of course days that she too lost her temper, she was only a human after all. A teenage girl at that, the temper was bound to show itself sometimes. But when those times came, she could at least apologize for her outbursts.

And since then, she's noticed that he was starting to look at things from her point of view a little more as well. Like now when he admitted it was more peaceful here after a reassurance he'd continue to protect her and their friends.

Or at least he started to, but then paused and she paused along with him, concerned when his entire demeanor changed.

"What? Die?" she replied, eyes widening further at the comment. Until she heard the road work up ahead and looked up the road where she spotted a construction truck. That was when she understood and with a gasp, took his hand to go down another street and away from the workers. "I'm sorry, Inuyasha. I didn't know they would be doing this today."

If she had known, she would have let him just carry her home and get there faster. She knew very well how sensitive his nose was to that kind of thing. It was strong even for humans to breathe in and smell, so she could only imagine how bad it must be for him. She could only hope that if they got far enough away, he would be okay again.

"Is this far enough now?" she asked, looking up at him with concern.

[museguided]

Her arm was steady under the strain, signifying her experience. Mika didn't want to disarm her if he didn't have to. Even a normal weapon can deter or distract the horsemen, small youkai, or lesser vampires. But depending on how fast she could fire an arrow and get another one nocked, it was better to eliminate the threat so that he could get a word out.

He could have simply left her alone. They would have to move on eventually, to avoid being tracked down by the army, but the place they found held too much value to leave so soon. Medicinal herbs grew in abundance and wildlife seemed to thrive, which made hunting for cans of food a lower priority than it should have been. Because of that, they were low on supplies needed to travel, and much of the surrounding area had been picked clean over the years. The block he and Yuu happened upon was the first in the while to show any promise. She must have had the same idea.

"You'll regret it, if you do." It was irritating; whatever it was that took over her presence, amplifying and concentrating on the tip of the arrowhead, was meant to repel a being like him. She was more dangerous than she appeared. Yet, Mika refused to take a step back. After dealing with the corruption JIDA had created, he wouldn't back down to a human. "Just listen to me. I won't hurt you over a roll of bandages, but my—" Was he about to say friends? Family? Yuu was rubbing off on him in the worst way.

"—There's a group of humans nearby that could use the help. Once we're done here, I can take you to them to sort this out." They would likely be kind enough to trade or offer what they could, but more importantly, they could clear her suspicion better than he ever could alone.

[unboundbytime]

Same as Mika was observing her, Kagome was doing the same. This vampire hadn't advanced any closer to her, instead he seemed to be putting in deliberate thought into staying perfectly still other than to speak to her. That was the only thing that kept the arrow ready, but not released. One move and she'd fire at him without another thought. Especially with the mutual threats they were both giving one another.

And really it went without saying that she didn't trust what he said right away when he reiterated that there was a group of humans he was looking after. It made no sense to her why one of them would be a care taker for humans. Unless they were the newest group to be kidnapped and taken to a vampire city somewhere. And if that was the case, then that meant that a bunch of kids were piled into a truck somewhere waiting to be shipped off and used like cattle.

But the way he said it.. It didn't sound like kids he was talking about. It sounded more like people of the same age as he looked. Sort it out..? Unless that was a play on words and he was really talking about other vampires that would sort her out specifically. Either way, whether it be kids or other vampires, she couldn't just ignore what he said.

She also took note that there was only one of them here for once. Usually they traveled in pairs, but here this one was alone. And she knew that thanks to the senses that had only grown stronger thanks to her mate sharing his youki with her. Well that, along her with her reiki letting her know he was the only one in the vicinity.

"If you're lying to me or trying to trap me, I don't have to use my bow to fry you and your troop to a crisp," she warned, a bluff. But she finally slackened her hold as she lowered the bow. She made sure to keep her eyes on him the whole time though. Even as she returned her bow to her back and the arrow to its quiver.

True to her word, the reiki that had been conducted into the arrow was instead moved to wrap around her in a dome of pure spiritual energy. She wasn't sure if he could see it or not, but it made little difference to her. It would still electrocute and burn any youkai who touched it or throw back some vampires after a nasty electric charge shot through them. Other vampires, smaller fry ones had tried and evaporated on the spot, she wasn't sure what it would do to a noble though.

And despite her caution, she didn't want to kill this one just as she'd said. That aura of his said a lot on its own, but she also knew that she couldn't always just go off of that. Even if she had a theory that - like youkai and hanyou - not all vampires were just blood thirsty monsters, she still knew to keep her guard up around them.

"How about I meet these humans you spoke of first before any gathering is done? I won't just take you at your word." And if she was right and those humans were kids.. Well, she knew Inuyasha was around here somewhere and all she'd have to do was call out to him. Together they could take down the vampires and save them.

[unboundbytime]

.

[thesilvermoonraysarchive]

"I guess that's exercise. Can't really think of a reason ya can't do exercise wherever ya want."

A light shrug, curious gaze on her as she explained everything. The only thing that really made sense for it all was the whole blood circulation thing. Humans in this time period sat at desks. For a really long time. The very thought came off as excruciatingly boring to him. Inuyasha got restless easily, unless he was actually trying to relax in some way. Sitting with someone to talk, or watching over someone while they slept. Those were things that didn't make him restless, either, but that was because there was something to do.

All she did was look at some book. The last time he tried to read one of her books, it was all just nonsense. Her magazines were more fun, they came with pictures, and if he really wanted to understand an article, he could just ask Kagome to help him read it. What written language comprehension he had now was mostly thanks to her, anyway.

At least he's trying to understand the information she's giving him.

"Don'tcha ever get bored? Ya wake up, sit at a desk all day, guess ya run around and jump for a little bit, ya come home, sit at a desk even more, do nothin' but read, then go to bed and do it all over again."

Hiding the smirk that formed? Impossible.

"Guess ya reaaallllyy needed me, yeah? Otherwise you'd just be bored for the rest of y'er life."

[unboundbytime]

"Hm.."

How could she explain to him that just getting up in class to do exercise wasn't allowed and why? To Inuyasha, it probably wouldn't matter if the teachers were authority figures during the time when she was in school. Even in castles in the feudal age, her companion usually did whatever he pleased there too without a care about the lord of the manor.

Of course, they were usually there as a favor to that lord in the first place and to get their hands on a jewel shard nearby. But the facts still remained facts and had her smiling to herself as she stopped at a crosswalk.

As for his comments about how boring it all seemed, she couldn't deny that. Nor could she be angry at him for it like she once would have been. He wasn't wrong after all and she had to laugh once again. Somehow sitting and doing homework or studying sounded even more tedious and boring when put like that.

Honestly, if school wasn't mandatory and something she could easily go through life without, she probably wouldn't bother with it. But it was about more than just securing a bright future, somehow in their culture, her grades reflected back to her family too. If she wasn't a good student, she and her mom, grandpa, and Sota would all be looked down upon. She'd seen it happen.

"Yeah, I'm really glad we met, Inuyasha," she replied, nothing but honesty in her voice. "I know studying and tests seems meaningless and pointless, but its very important. In a lot of ways, I'm not sure I could fully explain."

A soft sigh and she began walking again when the light showed it was clear to walk across the street.

"I mean, I wish I could go to school like I'm supposed to. But I'm also glad that I've met you and our friends. And that wouldn't have happened if I hadn't met you first."

[thesilvermoonraysarchive]

@unboundbytime from X

"It ain't a competition."

Not with a human, anyway. He'd compete with a full demon any day of the week, but humans couldn't hope to achieve what he could. He wasn't going to fault them for what they were born as. Just how they acted. Even if it did seem... like a really short height to be able to jump.

Really short height. Humans were so limited, and he was reminded of that every new moon.

"What's the point, anyway? Why don'tcha just run down the... uh."

Hold on, what's it called again? Brows furrow in thought, golden eyes glancing upwards. Come on, she told you this once! Something that has to do with walking. It was hard, but it wasn't stone. Some other kind of thing. Oh, right! Not that he's going to use the right word, he's going to change it around a bit. This was about running.

"Siderun? Then you can jump whenever ya want, ain't gotta have those things ta choose for ya."

[unboundbytime]

His curiosity was cute, and she supposed that it wouldn't make much sense to him. But she still hid a giggle behind her hand as she walked the familiar way back home from school. That very sidewalk he was just asking about was what they walked on now.

"Its exercise, a way to make sure we're staying fit, I guess," she replied, though lifted a hand to tap her cheek in thought. "It may also be to give us a break from classes. To keep morale up and get the blood circulating in our legs again too maybe."

She hadn't ever really given a thought as to why before now. But what she said made the most sense to her. Legs could fall asleep or students themselves knock out from sitting and staring at books or the blackboard too long.

Between time traveling back and forth between this age and five hundred years in the past, she knew she'd been guilty of falling asleep in class herself. No wonder her math grades were terrible with the amount of school she regularly missed and then falling asleep during lessons on top of that.

She only just managed to skirt by, by taking the tests when they came up and studied when she could even in the feudal age. It was pure serendipity that she managed to come back to the present before a test every time. Hopefully that luck would hold up going forward too.

"People don't really run on the sidewalks unless they're late or a part of a club," she added. "It would be too easy to run into someone otherwise."

[unboundbytime]

⚡️ "How high can ya jump on y'er own?"

Meme || Accepting

"Definitely not as high as you can," she replied, blinking in surprise at the question. Was this because he saw her and her class running and jumping in her PE class earlier? "It depends on if I have a running start first. I have to build momentum before I can clear even those markers they have us jumping over."