Ok so I'm pumping out a couple of chapters of this story to keep people appeased, maybe 3
So it's canon in the original series that Kaede and Kikyo live alone with no parents. So it got me questioning their background, so I formed a story for their parents. Which would have made Kikyo 10/11 when their parents died and Kaede an infant due to their ages. So I made it the fuel as to why Kikyo is so protective over Kaede, InuYasha and preserving lives but pessimistic when a situation seems bleak. As well as to why she became a priestess.
Kagewaki paced around the Himura shrine bashfully, harbouring a small trinket in his hands. Kikyo often presented herself as ladylike so perhaps she would appreciate this gift more than others. He just hoped he hadn't embarrassed himself. He knew she had been missing school lately due to fatigue and other health reasons, he hoped she wasn't suffering from problems in her personal life which would cause her stress. He saw nobody on the grounds, wondering if she had gone out shopping or was visiting extended family perhaps. He knew she lived alone aside from her sister, so perhaps she would become lonely. He knew she enjoyed her own company and prefered isolation, but he hoped she would come to trust hima and understand his genuine concern for her. His feelings for her were sincere and he hoped she would understand that in time. "Kikyo-san, where have you gone?" he sighed longingly
Kikyo hoisted herself out of the well with a heavy heave, climbing to the edge of the wooden build and making sure she was secure. She had become competent at the physical labour of climbing through this well as difficult as it could be at times. The exercise often left her achey at times but she had become accustomed to it. Reaching out a hand to pull Kaede from within the well onto the edge to sit alongside her. Travelling to and fro from school and the feudal era had taken up such a vast part of her life, balancing her studies and their quest at the same time. Yet she found it exciting, to witness the past first hand while being able to keep such a magical secret.
"Yokatta! Home again, I can't wait to take a nap in my bed" Kaede beamed excitedly, she had earned it and being able to have time to herself felt amazing. Knowing she wouldn't have to look over her shoulder to find Shippo following after her conspicuously. She knew he meant no harm but it was becoming annoying and she appreciated being able to have this personal space for a while.
Kikyo smiled wearily, after their last battle and her near-death experience, she would indeed need plenty of rest. Their lives had been endangered by the elemental demons whom could have easily taken their lives. She had never thought such demons existed, nor that they would beat them, feeling her power grow stronger than ever before. It had taken a toll on her physically and mentally. The school would understand her to need to skip school for health reasons which were uncommon for her, she carried her satchel upon her back, though she never harboured many belongings with her it was useful to carry them on her person in case.
Kikyo opened the temple doors slowly, sighing in exhaustion, the bright sunshine beaming on her and illuminating her though she was a ghost. The peacefulness of their home without the fear of demons or other supernatural beings plaguing their everyday lives. Knowing they could lower their guards and simply enjoy the normality of their lives. Kikyo peered out of the doors, freezing in surprise as she spotted Kagewaki lingering on the grounds holding something on his person. She felt herself become rigid in shock, gripping the door as she reflected on what she could possibly say to him. What excuse she could muster and what she could do to make him leave. Why was luck taunting them with such a problematic mishap now of all times? Why was he here? Was he snooping around? She couldn't allow him to realize her ability to time travel. This was a guarded secret on their family grounds, to enter would be trespassing.
Kaede stared in awe, there was a guy at the temple? He was sort of handsome she supposed, but Kikyo only had eyes for InuYasha. He certainly looked fancy, meaning he was some rich boy hoping to sweep her older sister off her feet. She scoffed at the idea, he needed to give up now otherwise he would be in for heartbreak. After being gifted with the rouge shell by InuYasha, it was clear their romantic affections had become mutual and accepted. Though not openly revealing they were a couple, it was clear to everyone else. Her sister was glowing after finally being able to convey her affections to the Hanyou, the two of them speaking of their affections and becoming comfortable with showing such gestures openly. This guy would not become a problematic intruder on a relationship her sister deeply deserved.
Hitomi looked up to spot Kikyo peering at him from inside the temple, his eyes widening in surprise, was she playing hide and seek perhaps? Had he frightened her by showing up unannounced? "Himura-san" he responded in surprise. He wondered why she felt so reserved as to hide herself away in his presence, they were not strangers they attended the same school. They could at least share civil conversation with one another couldn't they? Why was she distancing herself from him so suddenly?
"Kagewaki-san" Kikyo responded in surprise abruptly, slowly pushing open the temple doors to reveal her sister hiding behind her leg. She wondered how long she could distract him into leaving before his curiosity grew stronger. She would protect her family's secret with all of her might, these were matters of which he didn't understand. His naivety would undoubtedly put him into danger. She had accepted her duty as Kagome's successor, but it was such a strange and mysterious identity that she couldn't tell anyone. Who in their right mind would believe such a thing? That her soul was the reincarnation of a dead woman from fifty years ago in the feudal era of Japan. She would appear to be some form of madwoman.
Kagewaki approached with a warm smile "I am glad to see you are well, after your avoidance from school I assumed you had become sick. I am relieved to know you are well" he responded politely. He knew she worked hard in her studies, balancing her duties to the temple and raising her sister. Though not many would understand, such responsibilities could be overwhelming, given Kikyo had no other family members around willing to help. He wanted to alleviate some of her burdens as to make sure she remained healthy and happy. He couldn't bear to see her suffer. Kikyo smiled awkwardly, how was she supposed to address him? She felt so confused, they shared no intimate relationship, nor a sense of trust with one another. They were from two completely different worlds. Aside from being classmates, she didn't spend much time with him, she acknowledged him from a distance and shared occasional words with him.
Kagewaki approached her, handing her a stuffed toy, a small stuffed bear with a red bow around its neck "I am aware you live alone in this place, I thought perhaps this may bring you peace" he responded. He knew girls appreciate cute trinkets, though he didn't assume Kikyo enjoyed such things he hoped the gesture would be appreciated. Perhaps even her sister would take comfort in such a thing, making this place feel more homely. Kikyo blinked in surprise, she was never alone as she lived with her sister and enjoyed her company. The only time she ever felt alone was when she was forced to separate from InuYasha to return home. Her heart wandering back to the era in which he resided. He smiled warmly at her "Sayonara Kikyo-san, I will see you at school" he replied politely before departing.
Kikyo sat on a nearby bench overlooking children playing with their parents in blissful innocence, enjoying this brief time of relaxation and escapism from her student life. She had called her school to explain her exhaustion and fatigue from stress in which they had given her time off school to recuperate. She had managed to convince them not to do a home visit to clarify her wellbeing, she didn't need anyone else snooping around. No doubt Tsubaki would be enjoying Kikyo's absence to feed into her own popularity, possibly spreading rumours about her. She had so far been enjoying Kikyo's leave from school hoping to increase her status which made her appear obnoxious. She had always been spiteful of how Kikyo's innate talent overpowered her own. Given her battle against Hiten and Manten, pushing her spiritual powers to frightening levels, then being knocked out by the blast. Though proud of her personal growth and unlocking such formidable power within herself, she needed to be sure to take care of her mind and body. Rest and recovery was something she was very much owed.
Kaede sat beside her happily chewing on a crepe Kikyo had purchased from a nearby truck, filled with banana chocolate and covered in cream and chocolate sprinkles. She peered at her sister with a mischievous smile, she had noticed the subtle changes in her sister as she began to fully embrace her femininity and womanhood. She felt proud that her sister was developing such confidence in herself. "I see you've decided to doll yourself up" Kaede grinned mischievously. Kikyo was adorning a white ruffle chested sleeveless blouse, with a black knee-length skirt to compliment it. Her outfit complemented her pale complexion and made the rouge on her lips stand out, she was wearing black mary jane heels on her feet and a black and white beaded magatama necklace on top of the jewel shard bottle. She looked even more radiant than usual, she guessed that if InuYasha could see her now his heart would jump out of his chest and he would be tripping over words.
Kikyo blushed, gripping her hands into balled fists as she bowed her head reflecting on the past events before their departure to return home. She felt a sense of confidence from it, as though she was discovering a new side of herself, a part of herself she had long since kept locked away out of shame. She had never been one to adorn makeup in the past, but the lipstick reminded her of him, so she used it to keep a part of him close to her. The same rouge colour as his robe, the colour of blood and the colour of camelia's.
Shippo and InuYasha followed Kikyo and Kaede dutifully to the well with great impatience, neither wishing to leave the girls alone to protect them. Shippo still felt responsible for dragging them into his revenge plot and endangering them both. Though he was now a member of their team, he knew he would still have a long way to prove himself. He wanted to show he could be better, that he wouldn't always be a brat, that he could be mature when he needed to.
"Don't go sulking or arguing with InuYasha Onii-chan while I'm gone, he'll tell me and I'll be mad if you do" Kaede warned shippo. She knew he liked to get into trouble and harboured a short temper, but he needed to learn to not sulk as much. He needed to be more respectful of others, instead of playing the victim card so much. InuYasha snorted, biting his lip as he withheld a chuckle, she didn't mince her words and despite their forming friendship, she wasn't allowing him to manipulate her. Shippo pouted but nodded, not wishing to upset Kaede, InuYasha could be just as childish as himself sometimes, but he was never scolded for it. But he knew if he argued now, Kaede would leave in the middle of an argument.
Kikyo approached InuYasha, her lips coloured with the same rouge he had just gifted her, the morning before leaving she had found a mirror and decided to attempt to colour her lips to see if it suited her. The results had worked better than expected, for InuYasha had been blushing all morning at a loss for words. She reached out to squeeze his hand gently "I must go home to recover from my fatigue due to the battle against the thunder brothers. I'll return as soon as I am rested and at optimal health" she promised.
InuYasha blushed, he would miss her but he knew this would be best for her, she belonged in that era and they had the best medicinal abilities to help her recover fully. He'd been so scared she'd died that her recovering and putting her health first relieved him. He remembered how much he would argue with Kagome for her reckless behaviour and endangering her life countless times. "Just…. Come back soon…ok" he muttered, he didn't want to admit he would be sulking while she was absent.
Kikyo smiled "Hai" she agreed she would welcome him fondly upon her return, smothering him in kisses and affection to his hearts content.
InuYasha had desired her, shown blatant attraction to her due to the lipstick she wore, though she supposed it was the happiness that she was wearing the gift he gave her. Men enjoyed seeing women they held affections for accepting a personal gift in which they showed their affections. Showing their mutual emotional bond with one another, it meant their relationship was making a new change. They acknowledged their affections for each other, he had given her a gift, however, in terms of romance and their coupling, they were being patient and not pushing past their comfort zone. Their relationship had been involved for at least two months now, though still a new relationship it was extending. Though they no longer harboured insecurities as when they previously met, they were still shy around each other. The awkwardness of love and adolescence in all its humour and passions, growing together. Kikyo was still shy of her sexuality and her attraction to InuYasha, him being her first love and her first in many other situations. She had never harboured such passionate feelings towards a man, yet felt such a comfort and mutual understanding with another person. It was more than just physical attraction, they shared an emotional bond of silent understanding and mutual respect. Kikyo's self doubt and anxiety crumbled away to reveal the strong willed and loyal woman she was. InuYasha was hesitant due to his past grief of Kagome, but shy of entering a new relationship and understanding Kikyo's difference in comparison. He was able to express a sense of maturity and comfort that he hid away from Kagome, his temper was a balanced and he could speak his mind clearly. All of the mistakes he had made in the past he was able to do over and learn from them. He was learning all over again
"I… to neglect an inheritance of his mothers given to me as a gift, it wouldn't be polite" she stammered shyly. She wondered if Lady Izayoi had felt such shyness when her husband gave her this gift, wearing it for the first time, her heart skipping a beat at the idea of him seeing it. Kaede peered at the children in the playground, trying not to smirk at her sister's embarrassment, she couldn't help but feel a sense of pride. InuYasha was smitten with his sister and it showed, he had imprinted on Kikyo and was deeply protective over her, much like any animal of the human world would. If demons and dogs choose their mate, it was clear he planned on making Kikyo his bride. He always seemed to growl or appear predatory when another male human or demon looked in her direction. She spotted children standing with their mothers playing with sparklers, it was summer and soon the festivals would be starting, thinking of how cool it would be if InuYasha could come too. She couldn't help but feel nostalgic as she reflected on the festivals Kikyo had taken her to as they were growing up. How fun it would be if InuYasha could join them this year.
Suddenly, she felt a shiver run down her spine, so much for their escape from demons. She sensed a demonic aura radiating from a nearby children's climbing area in the playground. Upon focusing she noticed a pair of ghostly eyes peering out from the object "Onee-san" she stammered shakily.
Kikyo's gaze shot upwards, she sensed the demonic aura appear instantly, her gaze focusing and becoming serious. She had hoped to escape her priestess duties for a brief time but she knew better, even when she returned home she was still on the clock. Humans would always need protection from the wickedness of corrupt demons who sought to harm humans. Why couldn't demons behave like InuYasha or Shippo? She could sense a strong negative demonic aura forming from the playground, she abruptly stood, rushing to the playground in a frenzied haze while Kaede followed. "Akuma" she reflected mentally, a demon planned on harming innocent children? But what would they accomplish by doing such a thing?
"NIGERU!" Kaede yelled in a panic, if they lingered here any longer they would be harmed. The children looked at them both in confusion and surprise as did the parents, before a sparkler firework was released from the round-shaped climbing frame. Spinning violently and spitting sparks in every direction, causing the children to scream in fear. Kikyo glared, forming a protective barrier around the children and parents, protecting them from the harm of the sparkler. They would become burned or scarred by the firework up close, who would consider playing such a cruel prank?
"KYAAA!" one of the mothers screamed
"Kowai" one of the children sobbed tearfully
Kikyo peered as a small child wearing a red padded winter coat with bunches climbed out of the frame, was this child doing this out of spite or as a prank? Surely their parents had taught them better than to do something so dangerous? An expression of shock, anger and confusion appearing on her face, wondering if she was dreaming.
"Hahaha! Serves you right!" the girl mocked in amusement
"Kaede stay with them, I'll be right back" Kikyo responded sternly, running after the spectre with a fierce expression, she needed to have a stern word with this girl for her behaviour. She would not accept such actions to be seen as a joke without reprimand, for it would lead to worse matters.
Kikyo chased after the girl, her gaze heated and anger flowing through her, she had no mercy for demons who would attack the innocent out of spite. She had seen all the wickedness demons were capable of, she had become wiser at how to handle such matters. She grabbed the girls sleeve angrily, yanking her to turn her to face her "Hora! You could have hurt those children! What were you thinking messing with fireworks!" she snapped impatiently. She would not release her unless she explained herself, she wouldn't be escaping this without punishment. This was not a mere mistake or not knowing better, she had seen and sensed the malicious intent from this girl. It was all a game to her and nothing more.
The girl winced, she could sense the spiritual power radiating from this woman, just who in the hell was she? "Itai" she yelled in a complaint. How could this woman see her and more so why could she touch her? She had been able to wander through this world unseen getting payback on what had happened to her. So how was it now that someone was able to approach her? She didn't understand how something like this could be possible.
Kikyo's eyes widened, the demonic aura she had sensed had come from this child? The aura flowing from this girl wasn't human but that of a spirit, meaning, this girl was dead? She had never witnessed a spectre before, to do so felt very strange indeed. "You, you are a spectre correct? Then why do you continue to walk on this plane if your time has passed?" Kikyo asked curiously. She needed to understand what bound her to this earth, usually most spirits were able to pass to nirvana peacefully, unless they harboured regrets or had died in a traumatic way. The girl was very young, not that much older than Kaede which saddened her but doing such mean spiteful tricks towards other people wouldn't help her find peace. What tragic fate befell this girl to cause her to haunt the living so violently?
The girl glared, tears spiking her eyes as stared down Kikyo, she could sense this woman meant trouble and she wanted to avoid any other hindrances. "Get lost lady!" she growled angrily, a blast of flames erupted from the ground, encircling Kikyo in a barrier of red hot flame. So realistic she felt as though she had worked into the flames of hell itself. She summoned her spiritual power to encase herself in a barrier to deflect the worst of the attack. When she opened her eyes, she realised the spirit had vanished, escaping her confrontation.
"Kikyo Onee-chan!" Kaede yelled, rushing up to her sister fervently, where had the demon gone? Had it hurt her? Kikyo gazed at her arm to notice a black sooty handprint where she had gripped the girl on the arm, ashes formed on her likened to that of the burning of a log or other object. Giving her suspicion as to how this girl had perished, she had an ominous feeling that came from that girl, this could only mean trouble. Hoping she wouldn't attempt harm towards her now that she had been seen.
InuYasha stared at the sky longingly, watching the wisps of fluffy clouds roll by in the endless stretch of sky. Now that Kikyo was gone, he had to pass the time as best he could until she returned and they continued their mission. Though he had experienced loneliness enough in his life, his brother abandoning him and his mother's passing, since he met Kikyo, he found himself longing for her. An emptiness that followed whenever she was gone, counting down the hours. She had become such a strong, emotional support in his life that completely understood him body and soul. As much as he had loved Kagome he had never loved her as much as Kikyo. Her jealousy, lack of trust and tantrums had often caused rifts in their relationship, becoming frustrated when she would flirt with Kouga and Hojo a local village boy, but then become spiteful when he suspected her or would show kindness to other girls in the village. Kagome had her flaws, she was a teenage girl, but she had still been cruel as much as she had been kind.
Shippo sighed, kicking acorns and chasing leaves, he was sulking. He hated being stuck with InuYasha for hours like this and it would be ages before Kaede came back. He couldn't help but wonder if any boys from her world had an interest in her too. He growled under his breath at the thought of her announcing she had a boyfriend.
InuYasha sighed heavily "Geez, quit sulking brat, Kaede can handle herself" he muttered, he knew Shippo had an innocent crush on Kaede, this was his first love and it was cute to watch. But at the same time he was acting like a spoiled kid at the same time, she had her own life away from them and as much as it hurt he would need to accept it. Fondness made the heart grow stronger after all.
Shippo blushed, clicking his teeth angrily, how come he was acting all mature when he was pining over Kikyo? "Look who's talking Oji-chan, sulking because your girlfriend's gone" he scoffed. He was mooning over Kikyo ever since he gave her that compact shell and accepted her feelings, for a couple they were rather bashful. They acted as childish around girls as he did, so why was he comparing himself? It wasn't fair.
InuYasha blushed, growling under his breath to yank Shippo's cheek "Why don't you go take a nap brat!" he snapped bitterly. He really didn't appreciate Shippo picking fights with him because he missed Kaede, that and she wasn't around to scold him. She told him not to pick fights yet he was doing the exact opposite. Shippo pouted bitterly, why was InuYasha picking on him? InuYasha sniffed the air, his ears pricking as he growled lowly, they had more important things to consider than a petty squabble. Was this an enemy or simply a passerby? He sensed a demonic aura approaching, though he couldn't tell if it was threatening or not. A giant yellow orb with glowing red eyes slightly closed white playing a pipe bobbed past in the distance. Glowing with an orb while playing its pipe as it was followed by ghostly children. Shippo froze, hiding behind InuYasha and whimpering quietly, he had heard of this demon. He hoped to never meet this demon, for he could have done should he have been slain and ended up as a pelt to his enemies. This creature was the enemy of young children slain by famine and war. InuYasha peered at the fox demon, he was trembling like a leaf.
"Tis a soul piper" Myoga responded in shock "It was given life by the souls of deceased children, it plays soothing melodies to the departed souls until they can find peace and pass onto the beyond" he explained. He had heard tale of this creature but never once had he met one in real life.
Kikyo flicked through the pages of a newspaper, hoping to find the answers she seeked so fervently. If there was a ghost of a dead child plaguing the world of the living unable to move on, possible she could discover how they perished. She flicked through the pages until she found what she was looking for, her eyes widening in surprise as she read the headtitle.
flat devastated in a local tragedy
Mother and son survive the fire
Sister is lost
Kikyo's eyes widened as the reality hit her, the pieces were all falling into place, explaining the girls death. The ash handprint on her skin made sense, the fire that child had emanated, the disheveled and burned appearance she wore. She had been burned alive in a fire and for some reason hadn't survived, unless she had been alone but no loving parent would abandon their child to such a fate. It was the innate instinct of any natural parent to protect their progeny with every fibre of their being. To lose their lives so young and be unable to prevent this fate, of course, she would become bitter. She had faced many wicked spirits, but those beings had been innately evil and morally corrupt, this was her first experience with a vengeful spirit.
"Onee-chan, did you find something?" Kaede asked hopefully, she could see the shock on her face, the kind when she realised the truth. There was something her sister wasn't telling her and she knew it meant trouble. Kikyo nodded, lowering the paper to allow Kaede to read it for herself, though she worried the effect it would have on Kaede. Though she raised Kaede with honesty, compassion and morality, she knew when to tell the truth to Kaede and when some matters were better left unsaid. She wanted her sister to be cautious, but she never wanted her to be afraid.
Kaede's eyes skimmed over the newspaper causing them to widen in shock, a look of pain and fear flashed across her features "She…. She was my age…" she muttered quietly. She knew awful things like this happened to children, but it was rarely spoken about, childhood was supposed to be a happy and innocent time in one's life. Yes this girl had been subjected to one of the worst horrors of human life, burning alive. She felt her skin crawl at the mental image of how this girls last moments had formed.
Kikyo's expression softened, placing an arm around her sister protectively, hoping to soothe her spirits "Hai" she agreed. She knew Kaede would feel empathy and sadness for this girl, she was a kind person in that sense. It was what made her a great priestess, the ability to harbour a moral compass and do what needed to be done.
Kaede looked at her sister adamantly, her brown eyes sharp and determined "We have to help her pass on, she can't stay trapped like this" she begged. This girls spirit deserved to find her peace and move on to Nirvana. To remain trapped and bitter would just be too sad, she couldn't keep attacking people for something she hadn't been able to control. Innocent people didn't have to suffer because of her death.
Kikyo nodded, first they would need to find the family as to better understand the spirit of the girl. What was her family life like before this incident occurred, it would give them answers. "We need to find the hospital with her family, we need to help them heal" she agreed. Maybe by understanding the bond she shared with her family, they could appease her bitterness.
Kikyo entered the hospital holding a bouquet, her breath hitched as she stepped into the hospital, memories flooding back into her mind in flashes. One of her many reasons for becoming invested in Herbology and herbal medicines was because she hated hospitals. The trauma based around it made it difficult for her to comfortably be on the premises. She recalled being but a ten-year-old girl while Kaede had been a newborn infant, sitting in a hospital like this one, alone and afraid. Sitting in a room like this as she was told her parents had been killed in a car crash. That her parents had been lost so suddenly despite them always being so cautious, so careful and safe. A drunk driver while raining had collided with the car killing them both instantly. Sobbing and crying as she was told of their demise, feeling alone in the world, begging to know why the people she loved had been taken from her so suddenly. Since then she had harboured an aversion to hospitals, unable to handle being in them alone or for long periods of time.
Kaede gripped her hand tightly, a look of worry on her face, she knew Kikyo harboured an aversion to places like this. Her hand felt clammy and her face had gone pale with fear "Mum and dad…. They…. When they died, they were in a place like this weren't they?" she asked. Kikyo never spoke about their parents, but she knew of them from pictures. She did often feel sad that she had never met them, but she had Kikyo, so she was never lonely. She was the only family she would ever need in her life.
Kikyo's eyes flashed with a glassy reflection as she bit back unshed tears, she refused to cry in front of her sister and make a scene. She smiled sadly at her sister "Hai, but they are still watching over us Kaede" she promised. Their parents would be proud of their personal growth and all they had achieved, taking care of the temple and one another.
Kikyo located a room in which a young boy with freckles, younger than Kaede was laid unconscious in a bed, a mask placed over his face to help him breathe. A woman in her thirties with curly hair tied into a bun with a tired expression sat opposite the bed. The survivors of the terrible fire, healing and tormented from the horrors they would face. Though they were alive and surviving, the memories of the experience would haunt them for the rest of their lives. The human psyche was fragile and such a traumatic experience would be deeply imprinted on their psyche for years to come. Kikyo could sense their sadness, her heart aching for the tragedy they had faced, she watched over the family with a look of concern, understanding how the ghostly girl could harbour such sadness. It was strange and unsettling how ones normal life could be imbalanced by a sudden devastation as a moment like this one, everything you loved torn from you instantly.
"Ohaiyo, have you come to visit?" a nurse asked politely, Mrs Ikeda hadn't mentioned any friends or family coming to visit due to her shock and concern for her son. She had offered to contact other family members but the poor woman had been understandably distracted.
Kikyo blinked, realising how suspicious she must have looked, a stranger unannounced approaching a hospital ward. She shook her head in a panic "iie, my sister and I live at a local shrine in the city, we heard about what happened and came to pay respects" she explained. She couldn't do much to help but she knew the flowers would be appreciated and hopefully she could bring some comfort to the poor woman.
The nurse smiled politely, nodding at Kaede "How sweet, is this your daughter?" she asked. She seemed awfully young to be a mother but she seemed like a kind woman. The child in question was also very well behaved.
Kikyo laughed awkwardly, due to her air of maturity she was often mistaken for a college student or young mother. "This is my sister Kaede, we lost our parents in a car accident when I was a child and Kaede an infant" she explained. Kaede nodded shyly at the nurse, gripping Kikyo's hand tighter and hiding behind her leg awkwardly. Kikyo squeezed her hand and gazed at her sister fondly, she wasn't good around strangers.
The nurse looked shocked and sympathetic "Gomen, I assumed from your maturity. I hope I didn't offend you" she responded
Kikyo flinched, sensing the same demonic aura coming from the bed near the boy as she did in the playground. The spirit had followed them here perhaps? The UV drip connected to the boy's arm was snagging on something, as though it was being pulled. She gazed the bed to see the girl from the playground yanking on it with mischievous glee. The spirit meant to harm her own family? But why? She ran past Kaede frantically, towards the son and mother, she couldn't allow this to continue.
She gripped Satoru's arm, focusing all of her spiritual energy onto the boy, forming purification power around him and his mother to protect him. This was all she could do to keep the spirit at bay and prevent her from further attempting to harm this boy while he was recovering. A pink light emanated from her body surrounding them and purifying the room. The girl glared at Kikyo, why was she getting in the way? "Gomen, your death was tragic and truly heartbreaking, but harming your brother will achieve nothing" Kikyo warned, she didn't want to make an enemy of her, but if she kept up such antics she would have no choice in the matter. The girl glared, the ward around Satoru forcing her out and causing her to hurt from the spiritual aura channeling through her. She vanished from the room, a look of anger on her face
The mother beside her son looked stunned, what was this girl doing? But after she appeared the aura of the room felt calmer and gentle. There was an energy around her son which dispelled the demonic essence that had been plaguing her son. Since the fire at her home, strange things had been occurring for weeks on end, everything was directed at her son for some reason. But this girl had driven it away in an instant protecting them both "Who…. Who are you?" she asked curiously.
Mayu gripped herself angrily, her body still ringing from the woman's power, she had formed a protective barrier around Satoru preventing her from being able to touch him. She didn't understand where this woman had come from and how a priestess with such influence could exist. "Why is she getting in the way? Satoru has to suffer as I did" she growled.
Kikyo sat with a steaming cup of tea, hot chocolate for Kaede and another cup of tea for Satoru's mother. The woman was still shaken but wanted to give her thanks for Kikyo protecting her child. Perhaps she could give answers to why such matters were happening to her family, were they cursed? "You….. you work as a trainee priestess at the Himura shrine" Mrs Ikeda responded. After what she had done, she would happily leave donations and offerings for years to come to support the temple.
Kikyo nodded "Hai, my sister Kaede is also a trainee though she is not as experienced as myself yet due to our age difference" Kikyo explained. She had started when Kaede was but an infant, meaning she had years of experience compared to her sister. But her sister was of age to start her training and what better way than to learn first hand. She would become a powerful priestess under Kikyo's tutelage and she was proving herself to be a fast learner.
Mrs Ikeda shifted, a concerned look on her face "Since… since the fire, strange occurrences have happened. They all seem to be targeted at Satoru, not many will visit for when they do, something seems to attack them" she explained. Satoru was well liked by many of his classmates, many sympathetic to her son's health issues. But since the attacks they had been too scared to visit out of fear of being haunted. Kaede shivered, was this deceased spirit so hateful that she wished suffering upon her brother? She couldn't understand such a feeling
"Your daughter Mayu, she perished in the fire didn't she?" Kikyo responded sympathetically, this woman clearly loved her son and appreciated visitors. She couldn't imagine Mayu coming from a neglectful home. She had a sweet nature and a gentle heart, how could Mayu show such anger to such a doting woman. There had to be some form of mistake.
Mrs Ikeda nodded, gripping her teacup "We had always argued, her brother had frail health and was prone to fevers. Mayu had never appreciated how much extra attention he needed, she would go and sulk at the neighbours until we made up" she explained. Kikyo's expression became pained, their family could have appreciated a medicinal tonic from her family shrine. Maybe with better knowledge and more help, she could have been able to improve her son's health.
Mayu sat curled up in a ball hugging herself, bitter tears streaming down her cheeks as the memories replayed in her mind. Screaming in pain as the flames erupted around her, being trapped and alone in the closet waiting to be found. Her mother never found her, her mother never saved her, she never cared, she only cared about Satoru.
Kikyo approached the flat, her eyes widening in shock as she took in the burned, charred and chaotic appearance of the home. Still burned from the fire, the glass was broken and the house in disarray. She felt a wave of sadness hit over her, of the poor girl trapped inside and the mother who fought to save her son's life. She could sense the demonic aura flowing from the building, the hateful sadness in the air, Mayu's bitterness at her death prevented anyone from entering. A memory to the tragedy of life, how easily such dangerous and formidable dangers could form and take you by surprise. Luckily the family had survived but not everyone had such luck. But in such a wrecked home in which nobody had bothered to clean, of course Mayu would show anger. "You would think they would have the decency to clean it" she muttered, purification salts could have been used on the home to cleanse it, cleaning it to make it safer and less hazardous. Instead of leaving it to stew and the demonic energy to continue to grow. People hadn't even left offerings or memories to the incident, showing they wouldn't forget what happened.
"It feels so sad and angry, kowai" Kaede muttered, just looking at it made her skin crawl, the energy coming from the home was demonic and even paranormal. Pure darkness flowing from it, like something from a nightmare. Everything in her instinct told her to run away as fast as she could and never returned, it didn't seem welcoming in the slightest. She had faced so many dangers until now, but this was the first time she wanted to run away. Kikyo felt a shiver run down her as a demonic aura became stronger, malicious intent. They needed to be on their guards to make sure they weren't taken unaware. She saw a window above begin to tilt, the window becoming loose, she gripped Kaede, wrapping her arms around her and jumping out of the way. Forming a barrier around herself to protect her from further harm, The glass shattered atop the barrier, disintegrating into ash, landing in piles of dust around them. Someone was actively trying to ward them away by scaring them, in hopes they would give up.
Kikyo gazed upwards to see a ghostly form appearing above them, she would have known Mayu would have been watching them. The girl leapt to the ground, landing in front of them with a sulky expression "Baka, why are you following me? I'm dead you can't help me" she snapped. Most normal people would have been scared and left without returning, this woman didn't know when to quit.
Kikyo frowned at her, she would not ignore her sister being endangered, but she empathised with the anger and confusion Mayu must have been feeling. Her mentality was still a child and her emotions were passionate and filled with her youth. "Mayu, Mayu Ikeda? I am correct aren't I? Satoru-san's big sister" she responded shakily. She knew the identity of this girl, which brought her closer to being able to help. Mayu flinched, this girl knew who she was, meaning she had to have met her brother and mother, so she was going to become her enemy after all. "I know how angry you must be, but hurting your family and other people won't bring you peace" Kikyo explained gently.
Mayu glared, this woman didn't understand anything "Satoru has to die, Oka-san hated me, she always favoured Satoru. That's why she abandoned me" she wept. She loved her mother just as much as Satoru did, but she had been abandoned while her brother got to live, it wasn't fair. What had she done to make her mother hate her? Kikyo's expression became one of pure shock, Mrs Ikeda didn't seem like the neglectful parental type, she radiated maternal nature and a kind heart. This had to be some misunderstanding and miscommunication, she had to get to the bottom of this to make Mayu understand.
Mayu's eyes became glassy with unshed tears, her expression warping to one of sadness "Nobody wants me, nobody ever cared" she sobbed. She felt so alone, so unwanted and so isolated. Why did she have to suffer like this while her brother was continually doted on.
Kikyo's eyes widened, still cradling her sister protectively, hoping she could communicate with Mayu "Mayu, I've met your mother, she's a gentle person but she told me you didn't always get along…" she explained. When you were young it was hard to understand the mentality of an adult, it felt like they were unfair or overbearing. But the acts of adults were done out of love and care for their child's wellbeing. Things you didn't understand until you became an adult.
Mayu glared, of course, they argued, because she was ignored in favour of her brother. "Urusai!" Mayu yelled angrily, a pole from one of the balcony barriers snapping free and shooting in the direction of the barrier, though it was deflected. She didn't want to hear any more of this woman's prattle, she was just attempting to distract her from what was important, getting payback on her brother.
Kikyo reached out frantically to grab Mayu "Mayu! Yameru!" she begged in protest, she needed Mayu to see sense and better understand. She then felt a shiver run down her spine, different from the aura that Mayu emanated. Her skin was crawling with goosebumps and a haunting feeling of being watched filled her body. She daren't look behind her, like a child when in a haunted house or watching a scary film.
Kaede peered from her sister's arms, her eyes wide with fear and tears welling in her eyes, this had to be a bad dream. "O…Onee-chan…. B… behind you…" she stammered. She felt so scared she felt her voice dying in her throat, all of her senses frozen. She felt sick with fear, of all the demons she had met, this had to be the scariest she had seen by far. Kikyo turned to acknowledge a giant yellow orb-shaped demon, a scaly tail protruding from it appearing like a tadpole. Two arms held a flute to its neck, watching her with red glowing eyes that remained slightly open through squinted eyes.
Kikyo gripped Kaede tighter, restraining the fear coursing through her "Nani?" she stammered. She had never faced a spirit attached to a demon before, this was new footing for her. She didn't know what to do with herself, at a loss for words and feeling rather dizzy. Wondering if the shock had caused her to form this creature from her own mind. But the demonic energy flowing from the creature reminded her this was reality.
"Until my eyes open, only then…" the creature responded
Kikyo never thought she would be returning so soon but she knew she would need InuYasha's help through this, leaning against the well weakly. Though physically unharmed, using her powers so soon after the battle had weakened her. She needed sleep, she needed a break, but she knew all too well this was her life now. Though she had never had a demon following her through her hometown. Until now she had never met a demon or spirit in tokyo compared to the feudal era. "Tatarimokke, soul piper, that's what it's called" Kikyo responded wearily. She was glad to have Myoga to help answer her questions and alleviate some of her questions. Kaede had fallen asleep after it all from shock, she was currently asleep at home but her room was sealed with wards to keep anyone but Kikyo out. She didn't want Kaede to be put in further danger in case Mayu used her to hurt Kikyo out of spite.
"Is Kaede ok? Was she hurt?" Shippo asked frantically, if this girl could manipulate fire and harboured telekinetic power, who knew what she was capable of. He needed to do all he could to protect her from harm. He hated that they lived in separate worlds at a time like this.
Kikyo smiled, sensing Shippo's concern for her sister "iie, she's fine but she's shaken. She's taking a nap to recover her strength, but she has no physical wounds" she reassured Shippo. She would need a days rest, regain her strength and she would be back to normal in no time. But she would feel safer if she stayed out of this mission.
Myoga nodded, both touched and filled with pride that Kikyo was asking for his guidance "The soul piper is a demon who soothes the souls of children, it plays a calming flute and protects the children until they pass into nirvana…" Myoga explained. It was the protector of child souls until sending them to nirvana to pass onto the next world.
Kikyo sighed heavily. She didn't need him to continue as to understand what he would explain next "I assume that when a spirit cannot find peace in death, the demon no longer acts as a protector" she responded cynically. Spirits who perished from a violent or traumatic death didn't always accept or appreciate suffering such a fate, thus their souls became vengeful at this wrongdoing. Given Mayu's horrific fate and her anger towards her family, she would never be able to find peace if this continued. She needed to do something.
Myoga nodded "If the soul of the child cannot find peace, it will be dragged to hell by the soul piper and converted into an evil spirit" he explained
"Until my eyes open completely, only then…"
Kikyo's expression became saddened, her heart aching with a sense of despair, she knew such things were possible but she had never considered them before. Until now she had been blessed with never meeting such creatures until now. She gazed at InuYasha, knowing the lonely and tragic life he would have endured due to his Hanyou nature. If he hadn't been able to survive his childhood, would he have ended up the same? He had lost so many people, been hated and neglected all of his life, to be consumed by his negativity was all too easy, had she not healed him.
InuYasha sensed her staring and sighed, Kikyo's empathy was probably stronger than Kagome's, the same longing to help those in need. He admired her pure heart and love, her empathy for others and yet strong will to admit defeat and learn from those matters. But this would put her in danger again and it was too soon after the battle against Hiten and Manten. "Don't do something reckless Kikyo, spirits aren't like demons" he warned, he wouldn't lose her again, he wouldn't suffer that same fear as before. Kikyo was proving herself to be a capable and admirable priestess, but her life was never worth risking. He sighed in frustration averting his gaze "Not all spirits can be saved and not all are deserving, don't put yourself at risk for a lost cause" he explained bitterly. It was a harsh fact of life as much as he hated to admit it.
Kikyo bowed her head sadly, she knew he was right and his words weren't out of malice "I cannot ignore this girls pain, I am from a family shrine of historic ancestry and Lady Kagome's successor, I must be able to help somehow" she muttered. She couldn't show apathy to her suffering , she couldn't allow her antics to continue, this needed to end. She needed to believe in her power and her capabilities to win this battle. It was her responsibility as a priestess to condemn all wicked spirits to prevent their influence on the living.
InuYasha sighed, he knew she wasn't going to ignore this no matter what he said "If you endanger Kaede, Shippo is going to freak out and I know you can't ignore those in need. And the last time I took my eyes off you, it got you kidnapped, so I suppose I have to come along too" he sighed. He may as well tag along to give himself and Shippo peace of mind otherwise he would never forgive himself. They were his family now and he had to protect them with every fibre of his being.
Kikyo smiled warmly, what would she do without him? "Arigato InuYasha" she responded gratefully, she would appreciate his help at a time like this.
Mrs Ikeda sat by Satoru's bedside sowing a kimono in reflective silence, thinking back to the day she had lost her child and failed as a mother. Her mind questioning on many what if scenarios that could have changed their fate.
"It's… it's a little girl, we found a child!"
"The poor thing, she didn't stand a chance"
"No…. it can't be, she was supposed to have left, she wasn't supposed to be here!" Mrs Ikeda sobbed
Mrs Ikeda stared quietly into the distance, an expression of sadness and heartache on her face, she wished they hadn't fought. Such a simple trivial matter that would weigh on her mind for the rest of her life, eating away at her soul. If she had known Mayu was hiding there, she would have saved her. Then she wouldn't have to live with this regret.
A spectre peered into the window with a hateful expression, watching her mother nurse over Satoru like always "Tonight, when mama leaves, that's my chance, then I can kill Satoru" she vowed hatefully. The soul pipers eyes began to widen, hate filling its eyes as it sensed the child's darkness
Kikyo paced through the hospital cautiously, she had never felt comfortable in a hospital ever since she was a young girl. Her mind reverting to the memories of her parent's bodies laying there, knowing she couldn't bring them back. She knew rationally she was in the safest place she could be with trained professionals who could help others and herself heal. But her trauma went back to a time where her parents couldn't be saved and she was left an orphan because of it. So long as she distracted herself from allowing these thoughts to consume her she would be safe.
InuYasha watched Kikyo sharply, she'd become more on edge than usual in this place. Something about hospitals made her uncomfortable and her anxiety heightened, there was something connected to her past about a place like this, but he wouldn't push her to find out as of yet. He had his own inner demons which he could respect, she'd helped him come to terms with many memories he kept buried. To know she was as broken as him was soothing, to know both were imperfect in their own way. But he didn't want her to stay here longer than she was comfortable with. "I think she went home already Kikyo, it's getting pretty late" he warned, she would be staying somewhere temporarily at least.
Suddenly, Kikyo caught sight of Mrs Ikeda departing, she appeared more fatigued than usual "Mrs Ikeda, chotto matte kudasai!" she begged impatiently. She understood it was late and Mrs Ikeda needed her rest after all she had endured. But she needed her help now more than ever before. She was the key to understanding all of this mess.
Mrs Ikeda blinked in surprise before smiling warmly "Miss Himura right? You protected my son" she responded. It was lovely to see her again, she was hoping to talk to her about contacts and an offering. She seemed like such a nice girl and had helped them so much even in the smallest way. Protecting her child despite being a complete stranger meant a great deal to her, it showed a lot about her morality.
Kikyo smiled in relief "Hai" she agreed, she was relieved that she had recognised her. Mrs Ikeda averted her gaze to the young man stood beside Kikyo, he was fairly tall, he had unusual hair and golden eyes, his clothes she had never seen before. She wondered what their relationship was, perhaps he was her boyfriend or perhaps brother? Th youths of today did tend to colour their hair. "InuYasha is accompanying me, Mrs Ikeda, I beg of you, please tell me what transpired that day" she pleaded. She didn't have time for Mrs Ikeda to become distracted as it would waste precious time they could use to save Satoru and Mayu.
Mrs Ikeda blinked, this woman had protected her son with a shield that had so far prevented anything strange from happening to her son. Children could visit her son again without feeling threatened of being endangered again. She no longer felt a malicious energy directed at herself and son, she felt safe for the first time in months. She believed her of all the strange happenings that had occurred and being a priestess she would have some understanding on the matter. She bowed her head sadly, an expression of guilt forming on her face.
"Saitei! How could you forget?! You promised me, mama!" Mayu snapped angrily. She had lied to her again about a promise she couldn't keep because her brother took priority. Did anything important to her matter in her mothers eyes? No matter how much she achieved or tried to prove herself?
Mrs Ikeda sighed apologetically "Gomen'nasai Mayu, your brother came down with a fever so I couldn't attend" she explained. She had been ready to go but nobody could babysit Satoru in her place. She couldn't force Satoru from his bed less it worsened his condition either.
"Satoru had always suffered from frail health, he always needed medical attention. Mayu and I argued about favouritism constantly" Mrs Ikeda explained. Having a sick son was never easy to cope with, as well as an adolescent daughter with a temper. She loved both her children equally but Mayu never seemed to understand the weight of her brothers frail health.
"Uso! You always choose him! I hate you both!" Mayu voice snapped bitterly. Her last words spoken before her death.
"I went out to do some shopping while the neighbours checked on Satoru for me. It was ingredients for dinner. When I got back the neighbours had called the fire brigade and were trying to put it out with buckets. In a blind panic I ran back into the house to save Satoru, I thought Mayu had gone to the neighbours but…" Mrs Ikeda trailed off her voice wobbling. She had been gone for barely a minute, making sure the neighbours were able to keep an eye on the house to make sure nothing happened. She had left the house many times before and come home to it being safe and sound. So why? Why that day had everything fallen apart so quickly? If she had just asked the neighbours, asked for more information perhaps things would have gone differently.
Kikyo's expression became pained, squeezing InuYasha's hand in silence. Mayu had ben wrong after all, she had no reason to hate her mother, what had occured was merely unfortunate circumstance and fate. There was nothing that could be done to undo it, leaving regret in its wake. She had risked her own life to save her son, if she had known Mayu was still inside she would have dragged her out too. But her naivety had cost her the life of her child, one simple mistake, but she wasn't to blame, nobody could have predicted what had occurred. To have had the impulsive maternal instinct to have risked her own life for the sake of her child showed her devotion. "Her heart is broken, this poor woman is plagued with guilt weighing on her conscience, there's no way she left Mayu to fend for herself" Kikyo reflected
Mayu had misunderstood deeply, her mother had never abandoned her, she had merely mistaken the situation. Had she known better she would have checked the whole flat in search of her daughter. In a moment of blind panic, she had forgotten to save both her children, which had come at a great cost. Suddenly, Kikyo felt a wave of demonic aura hit her like a wall, her body turning rigid. InuYasha's ears immediately pricked, the ghost was nearby again, "SATORU!" Kikyo yelled abruptly, in a blind panic rushing in the direction of the boy's room.
A nurse laid unconscious on the floor, knocked out by Mayu's telekinetic power preventing her from interfering, not wanting witnesses to remember this moment or interfere with her plans. Now things could go smoothly and she could get what she wanted all along. The aura Kikyo had placed over Satoru as a protection barrier shielding him from Mayu's wrath, but she would still win.
Kikyo slammed open the ward door, her gaze hardened and empathetic "Mayu, enough!" she yelled bitterly. Couldn't she see the pain she was causing, that all of her tantrums, all of her actions were causing more harm and would never bring her happiness. How would attacking others make what happened to her right? She had been loved all along and her mother never neglected her. She had just been so blinded by her rage to see clearly after all. Mayu glared at Kikyo, she had done something to prevent her from touching Satoru, whenever she approached she was repelled. She was smart and had learned from their previous interactions. But she could still pull the bed and throw him out of the window, she just couldn't touch Satoru.
"Uso… Mayu…." Mrs Ikeda stammered in shock, the visual ghost of her daughter was hovering in the room and attempting to attack her brother. She dropped the bag holding Mayu's kimono in shock, why was her child haunting her little brother? More so why was she doing such violent things? She didn't understand any of this whatsoever. So Mayu had been the one keeping people from visiting all this time, hurting people as revenge?
"DON'T TOUCH ME!" Mayu screamed bitterly, propelling another nearby bed towards her mother with her power. She hated that everyone was against her, she hated that everyone blamed her. Why was she the bad person? Why was Satoru always the one doted upon?
InuYasha stood in front of Mrs Ikeda, blocking the bed from attacking her as he shielded her with the robe of the fire rat. The bed cracked immediately in half, bits of metal clattering on the floor loudly. He shot Mayu an ugly look for attempting to harm her own mother. Mayu glared bitterly, she had gotten a new friend to protect herself with, he was strong that was for sure. Kikyo stood her guard, staring down Mayu "Why are you attacking your mother Mayu? Why blame someone innocent? Try to reflect on that night clearly, let your mind wander back". There had to be a reason for all this rage, there had to be a shard of sense still left in her that wasn't corrupted by hatred. Maybe that could save her soul. A look of shock and fear formed on Mayu's face, she was just so scared and angry, all she could think of was the flames.
"I can't feel my fingers, it's so cold" Mayu groaned wearily, she flung her scarf over the heater. She hated the winter due to how cold and miserable it always was. Why couldn't snow be warmer? It was pretty but it was sure chilly outside.
"Mayu, mama says its dangerous to put wet things over the heater" Satoru warned. You were supposed to put the clothing over the radiator or to soak over the tub. Mayu's stubbornness often got her into trouble, as much as she sulked about it. if she listened more maybe she wouldn't get into trouble as much.
"Urusai! You're such a goody-goody Satoru, I want mama to think I went missing, so don't you dare say a word" she warned. Maybe then she would understand how important she was, maybe then she would worry about her. Satoru felt his eyes flicker shut, the exhaustion of his fever dizzying his brain, dulling out his sisters words.
Mayu gripped her face in panic, her eyes wide as her vision became glassy with bitter tears. How had she forgotten what had transpired? Had she blocked it out? The fear overwhelming her memories, her desire to be remembered fueling her anger? She didn't want to believe it, but it was the truth. "Mama wasn't to blame, Satoru wasn't to blame, it was all me. I was the one who destroyed everything" Mayu reflected. She'd destroyed their home, she had caused the fire, she had wrecked everything with one simple mistake because she never listened.
Kikyo stepped forward in a panic, hoping she had eased the girl's soul, she could sense there was still redemption in her soul if she just listened. She didn't want to believe that Mayu was merely an evil spirit. "Mayu-chan" she responded hesitantly, hoping the girl would listen to her voice.
"BUT IT'S NOT FAIR!" Mayu screamed bitterly, it didn't matter what happened, whose fault it had been or what mistakes she had made. Why did she have to lose her life because of it?
Kikyo felt herself being flung against the wall, her body slamming hard into the plaster, her back aching in pain so soon after fighting the thunder brothers. For someone so young Mayu harboured an immense amount of power as a spirit, perhaps her anger and emotions were what fueled it. InuYasha growled, he was done with this kids tantrum regardless of their circumstances, nobody laid a hand on Kikyo. Watching as the boy was flung from the window as the bed flipped, the unconscious boy being dragged as gravity and his sister telekinetic power forced him from the room. He leapt towards the window at inhuman speed, grabbing Satoru by the back of his shirt and yanking him towards his chest protectively. Bringing back memories of his own childhood, he remembered how Sesshoumaru would always mock and bully him. Treat him like a punching bad using the excuse of training, this felt no different. Mayu was being just as spiteful and selfish, regardless of her death attempting to kill her brother out of resentment was a new level of apathy.
Kikyo sighed in relief, knowing Satoru was safe, she knew InuYasha would never let any harm come to the boy. The way he cared for Kaede, he would reflect that same care towards Satoru. He cradled the boy in her arms, making sure he was safe before he would return him to his mother's care. InuYasha walked back towards Kikyo, handing her Satoru to cradle protectively, not once averting her gaze from Mayu. Showing that he wouldn't back down and she was fighting a losing battle.
Mayu glared at them, her body radiating a spiralling whirlpool of energy, her eyes cold and empty, sadness consuming her. "She should have saved me, didn't I matter too? It's not fair that Satoru lived and I didn't".
InuYasha sighed, he hated to admit such a cruel truth but not all souls were capable of redemption, no matter if they were good or evil, the bitterness in their soul consumed them. "No matter how many times you remind her, no matter how many times you try to explain. She's consumed by anger and hatred, her soul is already beyond redemption" InuYasha explained. At this level of demonic energy and evil intent, her fate had been decided and she would be dragged to hell itself. It was never easy to witness and knowing that this child was condemmed to hell made it worse. But she had sealed her fate and there was nothing they could do to alter this.
Kikyo shivered, she could sense the demon approaching, the spectre formed behind Mayu, its glowing red eyes filled with rage and apathy. Sensing her wickedness and torment, she could not be saved, her time had run out and now he would perform his task of dragging her to hell. Mayu froze, turning to face the creature which had followed her everywhere since her death. Something about its gaze seemed ominous and her body began to tremble like a leaf. Chains began to wrap around her arms, binding them together, the ghoulish eye dragging her through the sky helplessly with a supernatural strength. Mayu peered back at Kikyo pleadingly, her brown eyes filled with fear and desperation, silently begging for her help. Kikyo rushed to the window, slamming against the side of the pane as she watched the girl's spirit being dragged through the night sky, her chains clinking in the echoing silence. The wind blew her hair gently, her eyes filled with pain and sadness, she felt so helpless.
"Mama…. Where's my mama and papa?" Kikyo stammered in a pleading tone, they were hiding something from her and she knew it. There was something in their gaze which held secrets, she could always tell when adults were lying to her. What had happened to her parents? The police gazed down at Kikyo pityingly, what had they been thinking of leaving these two girls alone? They were so young and still needed attentive care from their parents, now they had been made orphans due to a drunkard.
Kikyo gripped her hands into balled fists, her eyes bright with unshed tears "What happened to my mama and Papa! They promised they would be home soon" she screamed. They had left with bright smiles and warm hugs, kissing her cheeks before leaving her in charge. Why weren't they here now and why were the police here instead? She didn't understand what was happening.
One of the police knelt to place a hand on Kikyo's trembling shoulder "Your mama and papa were in a nasty accident, but you and your sister will be ok now".
InuYasha approached her solemnly "There's nothing you can do Kikyo, her fate has been sealed" he responded calmly. As much as he wishes this wasn't true and the girl hadn't suffered a fate such as this one. But she had her chance to move on from what had happened to her, instead her hatred had consumed her and led to being dragged to hell by the demon. Kikyo had tried but unfortunately failure was often something that followed the lineage of priestesses, Kagome had faced plenty in her time.
"I've been helpless before, I've seen fate's cruelty. The day my parents died, they went for a long drive, a surprise somewhere. It was a heavy rainstorm, common for the season. There was a landslide caused by loose ground to which my father skidded and attempted to avoid. The car skidded off the road killing them instantly" Kikyo responded coldly. She could remember that day vividly, as though she was walking through a dream. In the end, it turned out they had a surprise planned for Kikyo's eleventh birthday, the year she would begin her priestess training. They were cared for by relatives who stayed at the home until Kikyo was 15 and old enough to care for herself and Kaede. Kikyo then continued her training from home, growing stronger with each passing day. Using her parents memory and her love for her remaining family to grow as a priestess. She could never replace her parents, but she had raised her sister to the best of her abilities and admired whom she was growing up to become.
InuYasha stared at her in awe, though he knew Kikyo harboured deep sadness within her, he had no idea her trauma ran this deep. They had more in common than he had previously realised, himself and Kagome. There was so much connecting them both it was frightening to reflect upon. Kagome had lost her own family massacred by a demon who wore his face as a disguise, Kikyo had lost her family in a car accident when she was younger than Kagome had been in an equally traumatic way. He wondered if that curse had passed down from Kagome's soul by chance. But he would no longer allow to her feel lonely or suffer like that ever again. He reached out to squeeze her hand tightly "We can't undo the past Kikyo, but if saving her will bring you closure, I'll follow. But if things turn nasty, I will drag you out of there" he warned.
Kikyo smiled, she knew he was putting a lot at risk by doing this but he followed her anyway "Arigato InuYasha" she responded.
InuYasha leapt through the night sky, Kikyo gripping onto InuYasha's back tightly as they headed in the direction of the demon. They were getting closer and he could feel it, his skin tingling and his nose like a bloodhound. "We're running out of time, Mayu's soul must find peace and redemption or she'll be swallowed into hell and become a vengeful spirit" Kikyo reflected. InuYasha sniffed the air, he could smell the demon beginning to descend, they were running out of time to help this girl.
Mayu gazed around the empty darkness with a heavy heart, confused as to where she had been brought to and why it was so silent. Where was she and what was going on? Where had the demon taken her? She didn't understand, she saw a crack of light, her eyes filling with innocent curiosity. She approached to open the sliding doors, her heart leaping into her throat as she saw the orange flickers poking out. She screamed frantically as her body was licked by orange flames, chains bound heavily around her arms.
Kikyo and InuYasha landed outside the door of the flat belonging to the Ikeda family, the resting place of Mayu's soul before she perished. The place in which Mayu would be returned to her personal hell by the demon before she was turned into an evil spirit with her tormented soul forever trapped. Kikyo felt her skin shiver, gripping tightly to InuYasha. She could feel the demonic aura hitting her like a wall, the sadness and longing radiating from it in waves. They had to get Mayu out of this place, she didn't belong here, she needed to come back to where she was safe and find the good in herself.
"This place, this forsaken home, it's where Mayu perished" Kikyo muttered. It felt unreal, like something from a ghost story or horror film, but she had seen enough strange things to know otherwise. She removed herself from InuYasha's back, approaching the building, her skin vibrating, her eyes wide, her heart hammering. She couldn't run away no matter the danger or hesitation that lingered inside of her mind. She took a deep breath before opening the door abruptly, immediately immediately met by the burning fires of hell, orangey-red flames tingling her skin.
InuYasha approached with panic, he'd never seen something so horrifying. He'd seen many awful things during his time growing up, knowing this was how his father has passed saving his mother. Sesshoumaru held this against him for years, knowing their father had burned to death to save a mere mortal woman. "Kikyo, did that kid burn to death?" he asked calmly, there was nothing more terrifying than being trapped in a place like this, choking on smoke and flames as the heat consumed you slowly. The pain and fear she endured before she perished must have been inhuman, no wonder she was so angry. "Myoga told me that the soul piper takes the soul back to its moment of death before dragging it to hell" he explained coldly. In order to turn the child's spirt into a wicked demon or vengeful spirit, the ghost was forced to endure its last moments until it was forced to become an evil spirit and plague humanity with the same malevolence.
A look of horror and disbelief flashed across Kikyo's expression as she absorbed this information. She couldn't think of anything more lonely and depressing, to relive your last moments before your soul was sent to purgatory. This place seemed so lonely, so empty and so painful, suddenly, a giant red demonic eye appeared above them. Looming over the pair with a haunting look, taking in Kikyo curiously. Kikyo gripped her hands into balled fists, holding her guard, this was the demon that had warned her about Mayu. Now it was mocking her by reminding her she had lost her chance. But she wouldn't give up now, not when she was so close. Forming a protective shield around her body to prevent the demon from influencing her. Kikyo felt chains wrapping around her wrists, dragging her to hell alongside Mayu, was she to be dragged to the same hell as Kagome? Or perhaps Mayu's hell? Would she see how her soul had perished in a previous life? She couldn't let it end like this, not after all she had done to get here, not after devoting her life to her sister and training. She turned her head frantically, her eyes wide and filled with fear in InuYasha's direction, reaching out her hand to him in panic "InuYasha…" she trailed off desperately.
InuYasha felt his heart leap into his throat, not again, why was someone always trying to tear Kikyo from him? Rob of him of this happiness, he knew this was a bad idea but he couldn't convince her otherwise which made it worse. He reached out his hand to grip Kikyo's instantly, hoping to drag her back and hold her close. "Oh no you don't, NOT HER" he growled, he wasn't going to let this demon play games. Kikyo faded away instantly, as if she too was a ghost. InuYasha left in the darkness of the charred flat, the sound of the echoing silence and Kikyo had disappeared. "She… she's gone…" he stammered in awe, unable to move.
Mrs Ikeda waited patiently in the waiting room as she waited for the results of Satoru's wellbeing after the attack Mayu caused in his hospital room. She had believed she was delusional, that the stress of everything had caused her to hallucinate. But she knew better, she knew it was all too real, the same clothes, the same voice, the burned attire and ash covering her body, that had been the ghost of her dead daughter. Coming back to haunt her mistakes, taunting her for her bitterness at her fate.
"Mrs Ikeda, it's Satoru" a nurse called sternly
Mrs Ikeda raised her head in surprise, was her son harmed? Had he worsened or improved? God she dreaded to think. She ran to her son's bedside, her heart aching with happiness as she felt her eyes stinging with fresh tears. She wondered if Kikyo had blessed her family and managed to bring them luck for once. Her son was coherent, though shaken he was indeed stable. He peered around the hospital room, focusing on his mother with a weary expression "M… mama…" he muttered sleepily.
Mrs Ikeda rushed to her son's bedside, scooping him up in her arms and kissing his face lovingly "Oh Satoru, daijobu, I'm so happy to hear your voice again…" she sobbed in relief. She wouldn't let him out of her sight again, she would be sure to dote on him for every second possible and be sure he grew up happy and healthy.
Satoru peered up at his mother with innocent eyes "Mama, you have to hurry, Mayu is hiding in the closet, you have to save her…" he trailed off. He knew Mayu was just angry but she loved their mama dearly. She would be lonely and scared on her own if she wasn't found. Mrs Ikeda's eyes widened before filling with fresh tears, how could she possibly explain this to him?
Mayu curled up in a ball tightly, cupping her head as her eyes stung with fresh tears, this feeling of loneliness, despair and helplessness, it was all too familiar. She was simply returning to the moment in which she became a ghost and left the world of the living behind. "So hot… but… nobody…. Nobody will come for me…" she trailed off sadly, she closed her eyes allowing the tears to spill down her cheeks. She had screamed until her throat hurt and she didn't have the energy but nobody came "I died because… mama forgot about me…"
"MAYU!" a voice called out loudly
Mayu's eyes widened at the sound of the female voice, was that? Could it be…
Kikyo dashed through the burning building, she knew this wasn't real, the demonic nightmare of the demon's power torturing Mayu's soul. None of this vision was real, as frightening as it would appear to be. On the other side InuYasha was waiting for them both and she would return to him, forming a protective barrier around herself negating the demon's power. She wouldn't rest until Mayu was safe and escaped the demon's wicked scheme for her. "Mayu! Please answer me! You don't need to hide anymore" Kikyo called impatiently, her tone gentle. She knew she had to be hiding somewhere, she then sensed the purity of Mayu's soul, the sliver of her innocence underneath the hatred. Flipping her head to see the girls face peering out from the closet, hiding just within sight but like a shadow. She smiled warmly, kneeling to face Mayu with a warm smile "Yokatta, I found you Mayu" she replied in relief. She knew this place had to be frightening for her, but she didn't have to remain here anymore. She could go home to where it was safe and happy again.
Mayu backed away suspiciously, glaring at Kikyo bitterly, was this some form of trick? Why had she come here? Why had she allowed herself to be dragged to hell? Did she want to die too? Just how did she get here? Didn't her powers protect her from this place? Kikyo sighed heavily "Yare, Yare, you must be so lonely here, come out, you're safe now" she reassured her. She didn't have to hide or feel fear anymore, she would help her soul find peace and leave this awful place.
Mayu glared "What is your deal lady? Are you stupid? I'm dead ok, I don't have a home anymore!" she snapped bitterly. She had been abandoned here and this was where she would stay, she wasn't ever getting out. There was a loud rumble, the ground opening as a large cavernous crack appeared beneath them.
Kikyo felt a shiver of fear running down her spine, the worse Mayu's mood became the closer she got to danger. The chain around Mayu's arm tightened dragging her down, the girls eyes widening in fear. Kikyo immediately ran at the girl, wrapping her arms around Mayu and holding her ground, mustering all of her strength to keep them in place. Refusing to allow her to be dragged to hell, such a fate was too cruel. Mayu's eyes widened as Kikyo enveloped her into an embrace, she could feel the softness of her skin, the warmth of the body, the gentle beat of her heart. "Gomen Mayu, I know how scary it is to feel so alone when I was your age, my mama and papa perished just like you. I was left all alone in the world with only my baby sister. I felt so angry, bitter at why I lost them. I wanted nothing more than to have them back. But then I realised Kaede needed me, how would she survive? What would my parents think if I left her alone?" Kikyo whispered painfully. She had nothing, she came home to an empty house and harbour spitefulness to all those still blessed with their parents. But she had Kaede, her sister, the most precious person in the world and she would never forget that.
Mayu's eyes widened in awe, this woman, she had suffered something so scary? When she was her age? She sensed the sadness flowing from this woman, her pain and her loneliness, it was all real. How could someone who had endured such sadness have such a kind soul? She felt so warm and safe in her arms, her soul easing into a calmness.
"Your mama loves you Mayu, she always has. I know how angry you are, how lonely you are, but do you want to remain in hell hating your mother and regretting that you could never tell her what truly lay in your heart?" she asked. Mayu stiffened, did she hate her mother? To stay in this cold and scary place for eternity? To never be able to say goodbye to her mother? She pulled away from Kikyo's chest briefly to acknowledge her, her eyes widening at what she saw.
For the briefest moment, Kikyo's appearance changed, as if she was another woman. She seemed smaller, less tall, her stature becoming petite, her long silky straight hair became shorter and curlier. Her pale complexion became slightly tanned with rosy cheeks, her feline eyes became rounder and still so warm, she looked younger, like a teenager rather than a young adult. It couldn't be? Was this woman? Was she a reincarnation of a dead priestess? Was this why she was so wise and kind? She wiped her tears bravely, she hesitated to bite her lip as she tried to muster her words "Mama… she won't…" she trailed off. She somehow felt she could trust this woman more than she had before. Kikyo waited patiently, stroking Mayu's hair soothingly as she would towards Kaede when she was upset "She won't… mama won't hate me?" she questioned timidly.
Kikyo smiled softly shaking her head "iie, your mama loves you very much Mayu, she could never hate her children, you mean the world to her" she encouraged. Her mother still missed her and loved her after her passing, wishing more than anything to see her again. Carrying her memories inside of her heart for the rest of her life. She never had to worry about being forgotten or hated by her mother.
Mayu's eyes widened, her gaze becoming glassy with unshed tears which soon spilt over her cheeks in endless pools "I… I want… I WANT TO SEE MY MAMA!" Mayu sobbed tearfully, her cries erupting from her chest in volatile heaves. The chain around Mayu's wrist snapped unbinding her from hell. Kikyo wrapping her arms tighter around the child to pull her onto her lap, stroking her back and hair until she calmed, whispering soothing tones into her ear. She felt relieved to know she had been able to save Mayu's soul despite her hesitation. Knowing Mayu would be happy once she was able to pass on. "All…*sniff* all I ever wanted was… *sniff* to.. to see mama again. I never.. I never wanted to hurt anyone I just… I just wanted her to find me so… so we could say goodbye" she sobbed
Kikyo's gaze became pained as she continued to soothe Mayu, simply listening as the girl vented her accumulated emotions. Wondering how long she had been bottling this up inside of herself. She had been a child, still learning about herself and the world, so full of passionate emotions, her life snuffed out like a candle before her time without her choice. Of course, she would be angry, she had felt so alone and so confused.
Mrs Ikeda wandered through the empty house of her now derelict home, the scent of burning all around her. She and Satoru would need to find a new residence of course, but they could stay with family until then. Saying goodbye to this place felt strange, where she had raised her children and spent a chunk of their life together "Mayu" Mrs Ikeda called softly.
A ghostly vision appeared before her standing in the doorway "Mama…" Mayu trailed off quietly. Her mother looked tired, she could see the injuries caused to her from the fire. She felt so bad for being so angry at her mother when she had been hurting too, but she would be ok now.
Mrs Ikeda staggered towards her daughter in shock, dropping to her knees before the apparition with an expression of awe and happiness. "Mayu… it is you" she stammered, how could this be real? How could this be happening?
Mayu gazed at her mother solemnly "Mama, I have to go now" she trailed off quietly. She didn't want to leave, she didn't want to say goodbye, but it was time. But she would be ok and she wouldn't be alone anymore. She knew her mother and little brother would be ok.
Mrs Ikeda's expression became pained "But… Mayu…" she trailed off, she had only just found her again and to say goodbye felt too cruel. There was so much that needed to be said, but she didn't have the time.
She reached out to cup her mother's face tenderly with a sad smile "Gomen mama, I love you.." she responded before vanishing. She would never forget her mother and she would always love her. Mrs Ikeda's expression slowly changed from shock into despair, tears spilling down her cheeks before she broke into sobs.
Kikyo sat by the balcony in silence, forming a barrier around herself to remain hidden, watching the touching yet the heartbreaking scene of a mother and child bidding farewell. Wishing she could do more to comfort Mrs Ikeda, but she had done all she could and now it was best to take her leave. InuYasha sat nearby with a stern expression, after nearly losing her to a hellish dimension he wasn't going to let her out of his sight. "This was for the best, all Mayu needed was closure to ease her wounded soul. I wish I had gotten this chance with my parents upon their demise" she reflected.
InuYasha blushed awkwardly, wrapping his arm around Kikyo to gently pull her to his chest "I… I'm proud of you for doing the right thing, but… could you stop making a habit of endangering yourself. You could have been dragged to hell and left me and Kaede alone" he muttered bashfully. He wasn't going to be able to sleep at night due to nightmares of her running into danger if he so much as averted his gaze. Kikyo softened, smiling sweetly, nuzzling up to InuYasha's chest in silence.
Kikyo sat reflectively by her bedside desk, her eyes roaming the page of a novel involving the topic of medicinal herbs and drying flowers. After his gift of his mothers rouge shell, she was considering giving InuYasha a dried flower for him to keep on his person at all times. Since it was her namesake and the one that remained outside their temple, the bellflower seemed appropriate. She had become more comfortable with using gifts to show her affections for InuYasha when she couldn't find the words to describe how much he meant to her.
Suddenly, her bedroom door opened and Kaede peered through shyly "InuYasha Nii-chan told me what happened" she responded quietly. She wished she could have done more to help, but the idea of losing her sister like that frightened her. Thinking of how close she had come before, she didn't want to lose Kikyo. Not ever.
Kikyo smiled "Gomen Kaede, are you angry with me?" she apologized, she would understand if Kaede was upset. She would accept any of her harshness or honesty, after all she had selfishly made the decision alone to keep Kaede out of danger. But in doing so had put herself in harm's way for the sake of protecting Kaede.
"Kikyo" a voice called interrupting them both
Kaede stiffened, wondering whom the voice belonged to, was she hearing things or had a demon entered their home again? Kikyo smiled "Daijobu Kaede, come, it's not dangerous" she reassured her. She needn't be afraid, this spirit wouldn't harm them in the slightest. Kaede hesitated before approaching her sister and sensed the spirit watching them. Her eyes widening in awe as she saw the apparition of a girl her age hovering outside the window.
Mayu smiled, acknowledging that this girl must be the sister Kikyo was talking about "Arigato Kikyo, I thought I should visit before I have to say goodbye" she explained. She had been able to make peace with her mother and find comfort in knowing she was loved. She could now move on with no regrets whatsoever.
Kikyo smiled, acknowledging the kimono she was adorning that Mrs Ikeda made "Your yukata is adorable Mayu, it brings out the colour in your eyes" she smiled. She knew Mrs Ikeda had worked hard to make it for Mayu's birthday, now she could wear it forever. Having that memory of her mother to comfort her.
Mayu giggled before turning to Kaede "You sure are lucky to have such a cool big sister" she grinned, she then floated off into the distance, following the call of the soul piper eagerly.
Kikyo placed a hand on Kaede's shoulder gently "You see Kaede, not all demons and spirits are evil, some can be healed, some are merely lost" she soothed
Nigeru-Run
Akuma-Demon
Kowai-scary
Hora-Hey
Itai-Ouch/it hurts
Oji-chan-Grandpa
Urusai-Shut up/noisy
Yameru-Stop
Nani-what
chotto matte kudasai-Please wait a second
Saitei-The worst
Yokatta-That's great/great
Yare Yare-Oh dear