Wandering Souls was written for and dedicated to Vampcrow. It was a birthday gift from me to her and I hope she enjoys it. Happy Birthday girl!

This was written 5/1/04-5/29/04. Sorry I am just now getting around to posting and updating this. It took a bit to get my courage up to post it here.

(These chapters are being reworked, as of 3-17-06.)

WARNINGS: This is my first fanfiction and it will include violence and major character deaths. This is her story so I kind of wrote it to suit her.

Disclaimer: I do not own anything to do with the Inuyasha anima/manga. They are the sole property of their creator. I'm just borrowing them for the sole purpose of entertaining my friends.

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Chapter 2- Pathetic human

Marie knelt beside the small torn body of a raven-haired child no more then nine years old, beside her lay an equally torn and bleeding toad demon with a dual faced wooden staff gripped tightly in his hand.

"Are they alive?" Lea swallowed hard, carefully approaching her sister. The smell of pending death hung heavily in the air, causing the girl's stomach to lurch heavily.

"Barely," Marie growled as she looked over every inch of the child first then went to check the demon. "Go ahead of us little sister and tell Lady Kaeda that I'll be late."

"What?" Lea's eyes widened. "I can't leave you here alone! What ever done this to them might come back to finish the job."

Marie spun on her sister; a look Lea could not describe yet seemed to be a cross between rage and pleading. Though bigger and stronger then Marie, Lea took a step back, her eyes wide. Never had she seen such a look on her sister before.

"For once, little sister, do not argue with me. Travel to Kaeda's hut and warn her about what has happened here. Then bring back food and other supplies that I may need to help these two." Marie's voice cracked as she fought back the anger that threatened to cloud her vision.

"What about the creature?" Lea asked weakly.

"I'll deal with it if it shows up!" Marie's hand gripped the hilt of the sword at her side tightly and turned back to the task at hand. "Now hurry before something happens to the village."

Lea nodded and raced away. Marie knew it would take Lea at least two full days to reach the village and return. Sighing she set about her work to help the fallen ones.

The task was a difficult one, draining much of Marie's energy, but by nightfall the two were almost completely healed. The toad demon was lying near the small fire that Marie had built with the oncoming night, while she cradled the girl gently in her arms. Marie had just leaned back against an old tree, letting her eyes drift closed when her senses picked up the presence of a demon nearby. Slowly the feeling grew stronger meaning the creature was getting closer to where they were.

Not knowing if she were sensing friend or foe, Marie remained seated with her eyes closed, slowly moving her right hand to grip the hilt of her sword. She had drawn it earlier and rested it beside her on the ground, and placed in such a manner that it appeared she had fallen asleep with it in her hand.

Marie tuned all her senses on the presence and waited for it to make its self know. She did not have long to wait as a giant emerged from the trees to stare in surprise at the trio.

"Well, well, well," a deep gravely voice broke the serenity of the night. "Looks like I've finally found you!"

Marie could hear the malice dripping in the voice as it spoke. An involuntary shiver went down the young woman's spine, but she suppressed it enough to remain still. A slight movement off to her left told her that the demon was coming closer, yet it seemed hesitant.

"W...what?" a second voice, almost high pitched off to her right demanded, telling Marie that the toad demon had finally awoken. "Who..." he was about to ask, when the deeper voice cut him off, startling the little demon.

"Thought you could escape me? Thought your pathetic staff could continue to protect you and that stupid human girl?" it asked.

"Leave now before Lord Sesshomaru founds out what you are about," the toad demanded.

"I fear him not!" laughed the demon. "My master bids me to slay the girl and you will not stop me this time Jaken."

"I'm warning you don't come any closer!" Jaken stammered out, gripping his staff tightly.

Marie had heard enough. Anger blazed in her dark eyes as they flew open to gaze at the two demons before her. The anger was a brief flash that neither demon saw, but soon switched to the emotionless mask she always wore.

While the two argued, with Joken brandishing the staff menacingly toward the demon, Marie carefully laid the child aside and stood. Her sword was gripped loosely in her right hand; it's tip dragging the ground behind her. It gave her the appearance of being weaker then she really was.

"Give me Rin, Jaken and maybe Naraku will deal kindly with you."

"Never! I would never betray Lord Sesshomaru!" spat Jaken in disgust spraying fire at the giant demon.

"I'll rip out your heart for this!" the demon shouted raising a huge clawed arm as if to strike down Jaken. The toad demon quickly moved, causing the demon to growl in frustration.

Marie sized both demons up, assessing the situation and suddenly began to laugh. It was a musical sound yet full of anger and loathing.

Startled, both demons turned to stare wide mouthed at the human woman. The giant towered over her by four feet, his black skin shimmering in the dim firelight. Its disfigured face held a long muzzle with fangs almost as long as Marie's forearm. Glittering red eyes stared at her with rage at her presumed amusement. Black fuzz spread over its contorted body as though mold grew in patches over it. The stench coming off the giant was almost unbearable.

"Don't interfere human," spat the demon, fairly hissing his displeasure at her intrusion. "You'll die soon enough."

"Don't presume!" Marie laughed then her face grew serious as she studied the giant before her. "What is your name friend?"

"What's it to you?" the demon was looking both confused and irritated at her question.

"Because I like to know who I am about to kill," Marie advanced on the giant demon.

"What?" Jaken stammered, "you're nothing but a..."

"Go tend to the child, Lord Jaken," Marie interrupted him quickly her eyes never leaving her enemy. "Allow this lowly human the pleasure of disposing of this pathetic excuse of a demon for you. He is not worthy of your time."

Jaken just barely nodded turning back to watch over Rin. He stood ready watching the curious human closely, ready to spring into battle should the human fail.

"Pathetic demon!" roared the giant, outraged even as Jaken slunk back to the child.

Marie turned cold eyes back toward the giant. Nothing gave away the internal rage that dwelt within her. Glad for once that no one in the Western lands knew who she was, Marie's mind turned to the task at hand.

"Your name!" she demanded. Her waist length, rich brown hair covered the front of her body, hiding the demon mark from her opponent's eyes and she preferred it that way. It made her appear all that more weak. Marie let a slight grin cross her face, one that whispered of the evil to come, yet only those that knew that innocent look would ever know what it truly meant. She dragged the sword around to grasp with both hands, letting it appear as though it were almost too heavy for her to lift.

"Have it your way." Marie replied coldly. Ready for what was to come next. The demon was predictable in his actions.

"I'm going to shred you to pieces slowly human!" the giant roared again. Swiftly, he lunged toward the seemingly helpless woman, his claws raised to strike her down instantly.

Marie spun quickly out of its way, dodging under its upraised arm with such speed that confused the demon before her. Behind him, Marie could see Jaken staring at her wide-eyed in amazement. Wanting to gain more information out of the menacing creature before her, Marie decided to play a game of cat and mouse. At least till she could find out why someone would want an innocent child dead.

"Pathetic, you can attack a small child and an old toad, yet you cannot even faze a human as weak as I!" Marie taunted, her laughter ringing harshly in the giant's ears. "No wonder your master sent you after them."

"I'll crush you for that human!" The demon lunged again, but once more his claws only struck though thin air.

"Should I slow down for you, old man?" Marie asked patiently, never letting any of her emotions seep through into her voice. The giant growled, lunging forward swiftly, only to swing his arms wide in time to feel the bit of his claws into soft flesh. Satisfied, the demon looked to watch the human fall. Only to his surprised, the human was not down, but merely looked at the deep gash along her chest. The strike blew the girl's hair back behind her revealing the old scar.

"What? Has Sesshomaru taken a mate?" The stunned look on the demon's face as he stared at the perfect imprint of fanged teeth along the girl's collarbone spoke of disbelief and anger. Its color and shape having bled to the raised white of an old scar long formed.

"I know not this Sesshomaru." Marie shrugged. Somewhere in the back of her mind she heard that name being repeated over and over by another voice from long again. She could not help but wonder what the Lord of the Western Lands had to do with this nonsense. Letting nothing of her thoughts show, Marie continued to talk to the stunned giant. "My mate died long ago."

"It does not matter," the demon laughed once again. "You will die then I will finish off Sesshomaru's human brat."

The rage inside Marie welled up then, taking the firm control over her self away as swiftly as the wind might carry a leaf away. His words stirred inside her, gripping her stomach tightly as though he'd sliced through her with his claws instead.

"No one hurts a child while I'm still alive!" She screamed at him, her movements becoming a blurred response. She brought the sword up in a one- handed arch and sliced the demon's head from his shoulders before his laughter could die in his throat. The shock shown brightly in his eyes as the grotesque head bounced on the ground, then dimmed as it slowly descended into death. Marie stared at the hulk of its body for a long while, watching for the small death demons that came to claim the souls. She could have killed the demon long ago, but had not wanted to use her already weakened powers. Healing Jaken and the child had taken a lot out of her, but she used them now to watch as they slowly covered what was left of the demon.

They crept stealthily toward the creature, wanting nothing more then to do the job that they had been created for. They glanced at the miko; almost afraid she would chase them away, but kept to their destined task. The moment Marie saw them; she nodded and relaxed her grip on the sword. Taking one last look at the swiftly decaying body, Marie then turned toward Jaken, who still held his defensive position.

"He's gone," Marie stated calmly sheathing Tasuke. "Is the girl alright?" At Jaken's speechless nod, she strode to the fire and grasped one of the burning branches.

"What are you planning on doing with that, human?" demanded Jaken, his tone dripping with hatred and worry toward the woman that just saved his life. He held his staff tightly in his hands, ready to fight her if he had the need to.

"I cannot heal myself as I did for you and the child. My powers are too drained to attempt it anyway." Marie truthfully stated in a monotone voice that told the toad demon nothing.

Jaken watched in astonishment as the miko raised the burning branch toward her chest and slowly pressed it into each of the deep gashes. The sizzling echoed in the small clearing and the stench of burnt flesh drifted plainly into the night air. Never once did Marie cry out in pain, but he caught a quick glimpse of pain reflected in the girl's eyes though it was fleetingly brief.

"Lord Sesshomaru will reward you greatly for protecting what is his." Jaken finally stammered out as Marie bent over the sleeping child. He watched as she checked on the child for any sign of distress. Marie, content that the child was still asleep, carefully swept that small girl up in her arms and settled against the bark of the old tree. She cradled the girl to her, positioning Rin in her lap till they were both comfortable. Marie's eyes fell on Jaken who stood across from her, her face passive yet her eyes told of deep thought in them.

"Does he truly care for this child, Lord Jaken?" Marie suddenly asked surprising the nervous toad. "Does he truly protect her as though she were his own?"

"Y.y.yes," Jaken stammered, he doubted he'd ever get over anyone other then Rin calling him that, nor was he use to the respect this human used toward him. "He even saved her from death." The moment he said it, Jaken felt like hitting himself, once again he'd said way too much but looking at the girl he could not help but feel as if just this once he'd actually said something right for once.

"Good," Marie said softly, "You should rest now so that the healing can still work on you."

"That sounds like a most excellent idea, human." Jaken replied happy that for once no one was there to strike him for his big mouth. Quietly, he settled himself against the same tree that Marie leaned back against and shut his eyes.

Rin moaned softly in her sleep her head thrashing back and forth. Marie soothed the child's hair from her face, a soft greenish glow covering both her hand and Rin's forehead. Softly she spoke to the tormented child," Shh, Sleep peacefully child and when you awaken it will be all right once more."

Sighing contently Rin snuggled closer to Marie and fell back into a peaceful slumber, leaving behind whatever it had been that frightened the child.

"You're a miko!" Jaken's whispered exclamation startled Marie and she looked over at him questioningly for a second before realizing that he must have sensed her powers.

"Yes," was all Marie said as she closed her eyes effectively cutting off any more of the questions the toad demon might come up with.

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Slowly, it sunk in, the deep feeling of being watched, an eerie sort of feeling crept into the young miko as she rested against the tree.

Either I'm lost in sleep or he is more powerful than he seems. Marie thought as she forced her eyes too open. She longed to sleep a while longer, her body weak and tired from over excursion of the previous day.

He stood not more then five feet away from her, his long silver white hair blowing in the gentle breeze. Dark eyes met a golden gaze, yet neither showed any emotion. Marie's arms tightened protectively around the small child she held, but she just sat and stared at him feeling almost lost in those molten depths.

"Jaken tells me I have much to thank you for." To Marie his voice sounded deep, rich yet void of any feeling. Strangely, it reminded her of a warm breeze on a cold day. Mentally, Marie shook herself still holding Rin.

"You must be Lord Sesshomaru." Marie stated with out a doubt in her mind. His noble manners spoke of a highborn lord, his clothing of the rich silk only the richest lords could afford. She kept her voice soft, letting none of the things she felt bleed into it. Marie instantly recognized the demon Lord of the Western Lands from the description Noratu had given her, and now here he was, her old mate's worst enemy, standing right in front of her.

"I am," Sesshomaru replied in a monotone voice that spoke of boredom, yet his golden eyes seemed to drink in her appearance, intently watching every move she made especially those where Rin was concerned.

Marie glanced over him, taking in his full appearance. Her eyes finally coming to rest on the empty left sleeve where it danced in the breeze twisting and turning to its delight. Finally, the miko drug her gaze back up to meet his eyes.

"Why have you not healed?" Her voice held a slight curiousness to it, though her tone seemed to be tinged with the slightest hint of worry.

"Do not question Lord Sesshomaru, human!" Jaken sputtered outraged at her boldness. She should be bowing lowly to the great demon, not standing there defiantly watching his every move.

"Jaken," Sesshomaru said he did not turn to look at his vassal, keeping his eyes on Marie. Already he was feeling the familiar stirrings of curiosity deep with in him.

"B.b.but Lord Sesshomaru!" Jaken protested only to fall silent at the glare Sesshomaru gave him.

When he turned back to look at Marie she felt the depth of that cold gaze on her like a weight. It were almost as if he were judging whether she were worthy of speaking to or not.

"Where is your mate?" He asked in that same expressionless tone. His question startled her, yet she kept the cold mask to hide the emotions that the question stirred up within her.

"Dead," she replied coldly.

"By your hand?"

"No," Marie shifted the girl's weight in her tiring arms slightly and knew the instant Rin woke up.

"Lord Sesshomaru, you have come to help Rin?" The girl cried out, squirming from Marie's arms to run toward her foster father. Happily she hugged the Demon Lord's leg and began telling him all about what had happened to them. The child's angelic face light up with happiness as she talked, the look telling Marie all she needed to know. A kind of forlorn happiness filled inside her thought she hid it well. Silently she wished her mate had been something like the great lord that stood there patiently listening to his ward tell him everything. He showed nothing of the rage, Marie sensed coming from him as Rin explained how the demon had hurt her and Jaken.

"What will you ask of this Sesshomaru in return for this kindness human?" He asked when Rin finally finished her tale and run off to play with Au-Un the two headed dragon that stood behind Sesshomaru. Noticing the dragon for the first time, Marie wondered how she had missed something that large. As she watched the girl hug the dragon, Marie contemplated her answer.

Marie's gaze shifted from the small girl back to the Demon Lord, deep in thought. Then she took a deep breath and spoke in a soft voice the one thing she desired at the moment. "Please, allow me to see your arm."

"Why?" Sesshomaru asked, this time it was his turn to be surprised by the human's request. Never had one made such a simple demand of him before and his eyes narrowed slightly as his instincts told him it might be a trick to get close to him.

"To see if I can heal it for you." Marie readied herself for anything thing, almost expecting him to attack her for her insolence.

"Why would a human miko want to try and give me my arm back?" Every minute he spoke with this strange human she confused him more and more. In the back of his mind an image of his brother's wench came to mind and he mentally shook himself. She's even braver than my half-wit brother's mate or stupider. He thought to himself in slight amusement.

"Simply to allow you the chance to better protect your human ward better." Marie stated calmly, though her inner thoughts seemed to be in turmoil.

Sesshomaru nodded his understanding and pulled the kimono from his shoulder. His eyes fixed on the Miko as she slowly moved forward, he did not trust anyone, yet he was allowing this slender human to look closer at his only weakness.

Marie moved hesitantly toward him with a healer's eyes, closely studying the stump. Its secrets revealed everything, she as a healer, needed to know. Marie saw where it was trying to heal itself, but some sort of magic had sealed his arm not allowing it to heal as quickly as it should.

Carefully, not wanting to make any movements that would anger the great lord, Marie reached out, her hand glowing in a soft gray light that would not harm a demon. She had learned under Noratu's training what she could use on whom, the demon forcing her to use it over and over till she could control it like no other. Now thanks to her old mate, she could heal both humans and demons. This was done to add an advantage to his side during a battle.

The moment her fingers touched his shoulder a soft jolt ran between the two sending a deep tingling sensation through her body. Her fingers trailed gently along the stump letting her powers flow deep into his flesh. His skin felt soft, yet muscles rippled just under the fragile covering of flesh, intriguing the girl. Marie suddenly realized that her head was barely even with the demon's shoulder and she had a perfect view of the rippling muscles that moved in sink with his breathing right before her and she fought back the urge to run her hand down his shoulder and over that carved perfection. To keep her concentration, Marie let her eyes close blocking out the sight of his ivory skin.

"Strange," Sesshomaru breathed watching the young miko. She showed no fear of him, even was attempting to heal him. No other human except Rin had ever truly tried to help him before. A small shiver slid down his spine when her feather light touch moved from spot to spot on his shoulder, touching key areas where the missing one was cut from him by his damnable half brother, Inuyasha. "You have been trained well Miko."

Marie nodded reluctantly drawing her hand away from Sesshomaru, the glow fading as she did so. "You should know by the new moon if it worked or not." Her voice took on a soft quality to it as though weakened by the close contact. Marie turned away to gather her things, keeping her eyes averted from the Demon Lord.

"Lord Sesshomaru?" Jaken asked worriedly, "Are you alright?" The toad wanted to strike at the human for disrespecting his master but dared not say anything to her for fear Sesshomaru would be angry with him.

"Yes," Sesshomaru answered turning his attention back to the miko. He was confused by her and once more asked, "What would you have in return for your services Miko?" There was no doubt in him that her powers would work, he still felt the tingling sensation racing though his blood and felt the stirrings of something tickle at the end of his stub.

"Nothing," Marie replied coldly. She drew her emotions tight into her and used the calmness she'd always relied on to keep any hint of them off her face. Marie did not wish to him to see how tired she'd grown trying to heal him, especially after losing so much blood the night before.

"Humans always want something in return." snorted Jaken. His comment awarded him one of Sesshomaru's swift kicks. He yipped in surprise and pain as he went flying to land in a pile against a tree some feet away.

Rin laughed hugging Au-Un as she saw the toad, struggle to his feet. "Master Jaken did it again!"

Marie took the scene in with silent wonder, and then decided to speak of the slain demon. "He was sent to kill the child, there will be others. If your arm does return it will aid you in protecting her better."

Sesshomaru just looked at her with that empty gaze. Marie understood answering with her own silence. Bravely, she strode past Sesshomaru to where Rin stood chattering away happily to Au-Un. Marie bent down in front of the girl, letting a warm smile emerge.

"Who are you pretty lady?" Rin asked in that innocent child's tone that warmed Marie's heart instantly. It almost caused her to laugh, but feeling the weight of that golden stare on her, Marie swallowed it back before answering the child.

"A friend," Marie replied warmly. "How are you feeling?"

"Better, now that the pretty lady helped Rin!" the girl gave her a tight hug, laughing merrily.

"Good," Marie pulled away, patting the girl on top of her head. "Be good now."

"Rin's always a good girl! Right Sesshomaru-sama?" Rin beamed happily.

Marie slipped her cold mask back on as she turned back to stare once more at Sesshomaru as he nodded silently. "Seek me out if Rin should ever need me again."

Sesshomaru nodded, though he did not show it he was deeply puzzled by the human girl. Why would a human want to help him without wanting anything in return? He stood there watching her tilt her head towards him in a slight bow, then turned and headed deeper into the forest. The thought of punishing her for not showing him the proper respectful fear all the others had for him, but something about her drove the thought away as soon as it formed.

"Come Jaken, Rin." He said turning in the opposite direction, his mind lingering on the sweet yet strange scent of the woman.

Marie followed Lea's scent trail, tracking her sister easily. She knew where Lea had left the ground and how far away she would.

"Thank the gods she listened to me." Marie sighed, heading toward Kaeda's village. Her shoulders ached causing the ground to dip and sway with her every movement. She was glad she did not show this human weakness to Lord Sesshomaru. Her thoughts returned to him time and time again, no matter how hard she tried to stop.

"Glad Lea's not here to see this, she'd probably try getting him to claim me." Marie snorted to herself. Marie sighed again and concentrated on her sister's trail, forcing her mind into the task at hand. Finding her sister before something else found her in this weakened state.
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There will probably be a lot of OOCness in this fic for the different chars.

AN- Sorry if I do not know the Japanese words for some of the things in here such as Sesshomaru's out fit and other things.

Thank you for reading my story!