Amethyst Visions

Ok, so there's going to be a mixture of Sess/Kaiya and Inu/Kaiya, especially in later chapters. I want opinions! Who do you want together? I'm going to take a poll and maybe you'll get your wish! ;) When you get to the end of this chapter, you'll realize even more people shall be making appearances, and there's more to Kaiya's background than even she knows. Love plots in the future, angst in the future, near-death experiences, and some deaths, so let me know what you think.

Disclaimer: I own Kaiya and unfortunately Inuyasha and friends and lovely sexy Sesshoumaru do not belong to me or the throng of anime lovers on this board. *le sigh*

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Sitting fully clothed atop a rock overlooking the pond Kaiya sat, staring blankly out over the expanse of the water. Gentle sloshes against the rock lapped at her sanity, trying to soothe her senses and dull her thoughts. Lying on her stomach, her hand dipped into the water, allowing the water to tickle the pads of her fingers. Why had she allowed him to kiss her, to touch her? She knew the answer; she had known it for several days. She wanted Sesshoumaru, her body lit up at his touch. She could feel his presence tickling the edge of her senses, longed to listen to his deep aristocratic voice. At night she slept restlessly, imagining his hands upon her skin, his lips upon her flesh. And for a moment she had that, she had him. But the reality of the situation crashed in upon her. He desired her, but he could never love her. And she wouldn’t let herself become a broken love story like her father.

Sesshoumaru watched her clearly, though he stood behind the protection of the trees. He could smell the salt of her tears, hear the quiver of her breath. He should never have lost control of himself. “Kaiya,” he whispered as if it were a prayer in itself. Her name meant ‘forgiveness’ and at that moment he greatly desired forgiveness for the pain he inflicted upon her. Even more so he desired forgiveness for the traitorous emotions warring within him, the actions he wanted to continue despite how he told himself to leave her alone.

Golden eyes flickered before his stony mask returned upon hearing voices in the distance. With one last look at the graceful figure upon the rock, he turned, slowly walking towards the clearing where he had a fire already blazing. His hair still damp, he sat upon the ground, a perfect picture of indifference as the group approached, arguing as usual.

“I don’t care if that’s how Kikyo did it, I’m not Kikyo!” Kagome protested vehemently as they entered the clearing.

“I’m just saying that if you practice more-” Inuyasha trailed off, anticipating yet another ‘sit’ that he was not interested in receiving. Instead he stopped, his eyes narrowing at the form of his brother. “Where the hell is Kaiya?”

“Well, I was trying to catch your dinner, but apparently those rabbits are crafty buggers,” Kaiya teased from her position leaning against a tree. Upon hearing the voices of her friends, she had slowly made her way towards them, feeling her way along the trees. For the time being, she would throw any thoughts of Sesshoumaru aside. “Fetch!” she called out, tossing a stick she had held for the fire. Sure enough she heard the happy pant as Inuyasha ran after it, followed by laughter, followed by the indignant growl from the hanyou at being embarrassed.

Inuyasha rushed towards her with a fake snarl and picked the princess up in his arms, lifting her into the air as she squealed with laughter. “First, I don’t bathe, then you’re throwing sticks at me!” he called out as he threw her over his shoulder and began stalking in the direction of the pond. “Just to make sure you know I bathe, how about I take you with me?” He began to run as she kicked and wiggled in an attempt to escape his grasp. He merely tightened his hold on the back of her legs as he splashed into the water, the rest of the group running behind to see what he would do. “You say the word, Kagome, and we both drown!” he laughed as he waded deep into the water. With a leap, he dove beneath the water’s surface, taking the protesting princess with him.

As they resurfaced halfway into the pond, both treading water, Kaiya began to splash water in his direction. “Baka! Do you know how heavy a wet kimono is?” she laughed.

But sure enough, Inuyasha had to paddle forward to hold onto her and keep her afloat as the wet material began to drag her down. “Well, you can always take it off,” he grinned lecherously.

“Hentai!” Kaiya laughed, beating at him playfully as he began to drag her through the water and then take her under again sputtering and half-heartedly protesting.

“Ah, yes. A beautiful girl in wet clothing,” Miroku grinned as he watched the pair. “Oh, how I long to-” A smack in the head from both girls sent him sprawling happily to the ground.

The group failed to notice the tall demon lord standing behind them, watching the spectacle with anger flashing in his fierce golden eyes, a low protective and territorial growl in his throat.

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Kaiya rested back on Inuyasha’s chest, his red haori wrapped about her for warmth and coverage while her own kimono lay slowly drying by the fire. Inuyasha was using his claws to comb through her impressive mass of ebony locks to work out any tangles he had inadvertently put in it due to his ‘bath.’ Sesshoumaru was nowhere to be seen, though his presence revealed he was nearby. Kagome was studying by the campfire, trying to ignore the two on the outskirts while Miroku meditated and Sango played with Kirara, alternating between rubbing the youkai kitten’s belly and sharpening her hiraikotsu.

Kagome glanced up from her book, unable to concentrate on calculus and bit her lip as she watched the silver-haired hanyou and porcelain skinned princess. She felt a gnawing in her stomach, a clenching that had increased as the day had worn on. At first she hadn’t wanted to admit it, but she was indeed…a bit jealous. Not at first, but as the impromptu water fight had continued until nearly sunset and the group had dispersed to make dinner, Inuyasha and Kaiya had remained in the water laughing and playing and seemingly unaware of anything else. And the way Inuyasha laughed and joked with the princess was different than his relationship with Kagome and how he was looking at her now….

Kaiya settled herself more comfortably on Inuyasha’s chest, his legs around her hips. Her amethyst eyes drifted shut, his hands playing in her hair bringing her an amount of comfort she hadn’t felt in many years. Simple touch she had been denied so long and here it was given freely. The brush of a hand, a palm upon her back, taking her hand, enveloping her in warmth and care as Inuyasha was doing now. She sighed into his embrace. “My nurse used to brush my hair until I would fall asleep at night.”

Inuyasha smiled down at her, his free arm wrapping around her waist as he breathed in her scent. In a way she was like he had been-lonely, secluded, forever apart from the world for being too different. “When did she leave?”

Kaiya thought back, allowing her memory to drift. She had only been 6 when Hana had left. “I don’t know. Just one morning she wasn’t there anymore.” She had loved Hana, a sweet and kind lady whom she had looked to as a mother. It broke her heart when she realized her ‘mother’ would not be coming back. She frowned at the heartache within her chest at the memory. Changing the subject she said, “So what do they look like tonight? Any dogs biting cats?” she laughed.

“Ha…ha,” Inuyasha faked an exaggerated laugh, though he smiled and squeezed her waist at the jest. “Well…” he glanced up at the stars overhead before they fell on the girl in his arms. The two sat with their backs to the group and from this angle they could see over the mountaintop and had a perfect view. But nature wasn’t what had him captivated. “It’s like someone captured the moonlight,” his voice had become soft and he gently trailed the back of his fingers across her smooth cheek. Her large eyes slowly slid open, her face tilted to look at him. The stars reflected in their sparkling amethyst depths. “The stars have never been brighter.” His face began to lower towards hers, and as if she anticipated what he was doing, her eyes began to drift shut….

A tree loudly crashed in the forest, alerting squawking birds that began to fly about wildly above the camp. Startled, Kaiya jumped in Inuyasha’s arms, and he tightened his hold on her as his hand flew to the Tessaiga at his side, his golden eyes searching the forest for the source. Not sensing any foreign presence, he turned back to the princess, but her face was troubled. “I should get some sleep,” her voice was soft as she pulled out of his arms and stood, the haori revealing long bare legs as she did so.

With a longing sigh, Inuyasha stood as well, his hands taking hers to lead her back to the fire where the others sat in uncomfortable silence, staring out at the forest. They all knew who the source of the noise was, though few of them knew why.

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Golden eyes had watched icily at the affectionate scene his half-brother and princess made. How dare they?! And after such a spectacle as their water frolic today! He was seething as he listened to the idiotic hanyou spouting about the stars, but seeing Inuyasha lean forward with full intent of pressing his lips to the delicate rosebuds Sesshoumaru had tasted earlier-and that she was letting him!-drove an even darker fury through his heart. Eyes bleeding a dangerous red, he turned around and ran, smashing his fist into an unassuming tree in an attempt to release his anger, sending the tree crashing to the forest floor.

It did nothing to help. It only made his desire to smash his fist into his despised brother’s face that much stronger. But he would never be allowed to show such emotion; he had to be in control. With a growl, he took off running, allowing his demon to take over as he sped off into the night. He had not done such a thing since he was child and had never thought to do so again. Yet…he had done many things he had sworn never to do…such as falling for a violet eyed princess.

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To say that the tension amongst the group was palpable was an understatement. Sesshoumaru had disappeared during the night. They could tell he was nearby, but he had kept his whereabouts hidden. Kagome had not spoken all morning, and Sango walked brooding in deep thoughts as she occasionally cast dark glances in the hanyou’s direction. Despite his desire to hold Kaiya as she walked, Inuyasha took on the position of leader, staying ahead of the group to keep alert for any attacks. Miroku-after several threats and a vow to behave-held one of Kaiya’s hands and had his hand behind her back to guide her. The silence was uncomfortable.

Kaiya walked lost in her own dark thoughts, occasionally stumbling as her foot caught a rock or twig to be caught by Miroku and continue as if nothing happened. Why had she allowed Sesshoumaru to kiss her, to touch her? Why had she nearly allowed Inuyasha the same freedom? She cared for both, and as her breath had quickened at Inuyasha’s nearness last night, she realized she desired them both as well. At first she and Inuyasha had just teased and played around, but as his hot breath danced across her skin last night beneath the stars, she had wanted him to kiss her, to feel his mouth move against her, to see if she felt the same thrill she had with Sesshoumaru. Sesshoumaru, who had disappeared, Sesshoumaru who could never love a human. Warmth stung her unseeing eyes.

Miroku noticed the unsteady fall of her chest with her breaths, the too bright sheen in her eyes, but said nothing. Softly he rubbed his hand along her back, hoping to convey his feelings of friendship. His friends were hurting, and he knew this girl hurt more than any, as hard as she tried to hide it.

Sango noticed the movement, Miroku moving just a bit closer to the princess, and misinterpreted it. Clenching her teeth she said softly, though loud enough for all to hear, “You know maybe Naraku is craftier than even we thought.” What better way to destroy their group than from the inside? Earn their trust, drive a wedge between them, divide them and then destroy them.

They all stopped, but the tension in Kaiya was evident as she straightened her back, turning to face the voice. She had listened to the group’s non-stop barrage of insults towards her father, claims of his evil, distrust of her intentions despite how they had insisted she come with them and not the other way around. Now she was blind, confused, hurting and had to listen to a comment she knew was directed at her.

“Sango, just stop it,” Kagome whispered, her first words since last night when she had seen her unrequited love nearly kiss her friend. Inuyasha was also tense, eyeing Sango with a clenched jaw and anger flashing in his eyes. He hated Naraku, but taking it out on Kaiya was unnecessary.

“Why? It’s about time someone said it,” Sango ignored them and continued, her dark eyes angry and resentful.

Something snapped within Kaiya. Her propriety, her politeness, her calm exterior, vanished as anger and anguished warred upon her face. “Let her say it! It’s time for honesty, for all of you to just be honest with me!” She took a deep breath, tears gathering in her eyes. “Do you think I don’t know why you brought me with you? All of you, you just want to use me against my father! You want to hurt him, use me as a tool to get to him, a man who despite his faults has done nothing but love and care for me! And you want to take that love and pervert it into something painful for your own revenge!”

Her anger slipped, revealing the uncertainty she had been fighting the past month. Her voice broke, “Do you think I don’t wonder every day? That I don’t wonder if what you say is right. If my father-if he’s-” her voice left her as the tears fell down her uncertain porcelain face. “I don’t need you to rub it in every chance you get!” The anger returned, “Naraku’s spawn! Evil! That’s what you think when you look at me, isn’t it? It doesn’t matter if I’ll never be good enough because I’m human; I’ll never be good enough because I’m his!” A sob tore through her throat and she turned away from the group, shoving aside Miroku’s hands as he reached for her.

“Kaiya!” Inuyasha yelled taking a step towards her, his hands outstretched as if to pull her in. Turning from him she ran and he chased after her, followed by Kagome.

Miroku swallowed as he watched them run, torn himself between chasing after her and staying beside Sango. She was wrong to have said what she did and as he turned to face her, chastisement in his eyes at her harshness, he realized he needn’t say a word. The guilt and shame upon her face was enough. Wordlessly she turned away, unable to meet his gaze. And he didn’t move to stop her.

Rational thought would have told her it was idiotic for a blind girl to run through a forest, but her rational mind fled in her need to be run from those who hurt her. Those who condemned her for the very blood she was unable to change. With a grunt, her foot caught in a tree root and she fell, her hands breaking her fall painfully. Her foot was twisted beneath her, still caught in the root and throbbing with excruciating precision. Pushing herself to sit up, she tried to turn, only to cry out softly at the movement. She was so pathetic she couldn’t even escape, as futile as the notion had been to begin with. With a sob, she buried her face in her hands at the helplessness of the situation.

Inuyasha hadn’t been quick enough to catch her before she fell, but now he knelt by her side, cautiously raising his hand to her shoulder only to have her flinch at his touch. “Kaiya, don’t be like that, please,” he pleaded, forcing her into his arms until she gave up and merely lay against him as tears soaked his haori. “I don’t feel that way about you; I haven’t for a long time, even if it started out that way. You stopped being ‘Naraku’s daughter’ weeks ago. You’re just Kaiya,” he held her to his chest tightly, afraid she would run if he let go, his words rushed in his attempt to make her understand as his fingers thread through her silken hair. “Please, I couldn’t bear it if you left me, too.”

Kagome stood a few feet away, watching the scene before her. Fighting the stab in her chest at seeing them together, she realized she held no hard feelings for either of them. Kaiya never knew of her feelings for the hanyou, and Inuyasha had mostly been oblivious to them. They found a comfort in one another, a similarity, and she could never be upset at them for it. Slowly she stepped forward, bending down to wrap her own arms around the couple. “In the beginning we had hoped you would be able to help us, but…that’s not why you’re still with us. You’re here because you’ve become one of us because we look at you as much of a friend as anyone; because we want you here. And I could never ask or expect you to go against your father, no matter what he’s done to us. It wouldn’t be right.”

Shaking off her backpack, Kagome eyed Kaiya’s ankle wearily as she began to sort through for her first aid kit. Already she could see the bruise forming around the ankle. “We need to get that fixed.”

Inuyasha pulled back enough to allow Kagome a better look at the injury. Gratitude showed on Kaiya’s face before a wince followed as the miko began prodding at the ankle and loosening it from the root. “It’s twisted pretty badly. It’ll take time to heal.” Setting the foot in a proper position she began to diligently wrap the sprain, trying to be as gentle as possible but also effective. Kaiya squeezed Inuyasha’s hand, trying not to make noise as Kagome finished. Cradling her in his arms, Inuyasha stood, carrying her bridle style as they silently walked back to the others.

“You know, you run pretty fast for a blind wench,” Inuyasha teased in an attempt to lighten the mood.

Kaiya smiled despite the throbbing pain. “Well, if I made it too easy on you, it wouldn’t have been any fun.”

“Well, even if you are a human and Naraku’s child, at least you’re not the poor copy of a dead chick,” Kagome laughed. She wasn’t as bitter about the subject as she once was, especially since Kikyo’s fall into the miasma. The dead miko couldn’t still be living after that, and Kagome had never been one to hold a grudge.

Kaiya felt Inuyasha stiffen beneath her arms. “What do you mean by that?” she asked in confusion. “Who’s poor reincarnation?”

Kikyo was a topic rarely discussed anymore, and Kagome realized they probably had never mentioned the priestess. “Kikyo was a miko fifty years ago, she once was protector of the shikon no tama.” She left out the more complicated history and Kikyo’s demise and resurrection and once again demise. At the moment Kaiya needn’t know her father’s part in it.

Amethyst eyes widened in surprise. “The dark miko?”

Inuyasha scoffed, “She wasn’t a dark priestess.”

Kaiya stared blankly at him, knowing his face was within her sight but unable to see past the all-consuming black abyss of her vision. “The soul stealer? She is in no way a pure miko. No true priestess would ever steal souls, especially not to prolong a corrupt existence.”

Inuyasha eyed her suspiciously and Kagome’s mouth dropped. “How do you know her? She died months ago.”

Kaiya shook her head profusely, her dark locks swishing from side to side as Inuyasha adjusted her in his arms. “Kikyo is not dead. And you certainly are not her reincarnation.”