3: The return of Kikyo
The gang had been traveling for days, but came upon a village which Miroku was glad they had stopped. He had been asked a long time ago to come to this village to protect a little girl from a returning demon from stealing her soul.
As they walked through the village a man walked up to them. Standing very short, white hair and wrinkles in his forehead, his blue eyes seemed to shine in the sunlight.
"You must be the Priest named Miroku. Am I correct?" he asked
"Yes sir, I am." replying with a smile
"Please come with me, for I am the one who asked you to come here. You see my granddaughter, Rin has been sick and hasn't been up in days. I was hoping you would be able to banish the demon and cure her sickness."
"We'll do our best sir, but I promise no miracles." Miroku
They finally came to the man's home and as they came inside he lead them into Rin's bedroom. She laid on the floor, her black hair tied back, her skin looked as pale as the moon. Miroku and sat down on the floor, the others followed.
"I'll leave you to work Priest."
"Hey Miroku, a little young for you huh?" Inu Yasha snickered
"Very funny." rolling his eyes
The sun finally set and the moon came out into the black velvet sky. Miroku watched as Rin laid in her bed, not doing anything. Inu Yasha and Kagome also watched, but suddenly a window suddenly opened. A gust of wind flew into the room and a snake like demon with little legs up front took Rin's spirit.
"It's getting away!" Shippo cried
"No, it won't!" Inu Yasha took out the Tetsiga and slashed the demon causing Rin's soul to return to her body.
Suddenly they all noticed that the demon still lived and flew out the window. Inu Yasha began to follow it and he chased after it. It lead him to a river in the middle of the forest, and standing in the water was a very familiar person. The figure turned to see Inu Yasha, it was Kikyo.
"Kikyo?" he asked
"What are you doing here Inu Yasha." she replied
"You servived the fall, but how? You still wonder the earth?"
"I only want to live in peace Inu Yasha. Though my hatred still harbors in my heart for what you did fifty years ago. You must go, leave me to collect souls of women to live."
"You're the one trying to steal Rin's soul!"
"Yes, and here it is."
"Give it back Kikyo."
"Go Inu Yasha, forgive me."
She turned away and began walking, leaving Rin's soul still being held by the demon. Inu Yasha slashed the demon and returned to the village.
"Her spirit is back. Inu Yasha are you ok? You look like you've seen a ghost." Miroku asked
"Kagome come with me." he said
Kagome got to her feet and followed Inu Yasha outside. they walked through the village, though Inu Yasha seemed quiet.
"What did you want me to come with you?" she asked
"I saw her."
"Saw who?"
"Kikyo. She was the one that wanted Rin's soul. She's wondering the Earth, searching for more souls to keep her alive."
"What happened?"
"I brought back Rin's soul, but Kikyo disappeared before I could even ask her another question."
"Inu Yasha, listen to me. She's not the same woman as she was fifty years ago; That evil Ogress Ursuse brought her back from the grave, with no will, but hatred for you."
Inu Yasha looked into Kagome's eyes and they kissed, but then headed back to the village. As they came in Rin was wide wake and her grandfather looked so pleased.
"Rin are you feeling ok?" Kagome asked
Rin nodded and then laid down to go to sleep. Her grandfather lead the group out into a guest room.
"I want to thank you all for saving Rin. She's been through a lot since her parents died, but where is your little companion?" looking around.
"That's right I thought Shippo was right behind me." Kagome commented.
She headed back over to Rin's room and saw Shippo had fallen asleep beside Rin. Rin had her arm around Shippo as if he was a stuffed animal. Kagome smiled and went back to her other companions.
"Looks like Rin found a new stuffed animal to sleep with." she laughed
Miroku laughed and they all decided to turn in for the night.