Disclaimer: I do not own Inuyasha. I don't even own an Inuyasha plushie...though I'd like one.
Author's note:Still a bit angsty here, but I'm past the part I figured had to be absolutely serious. This chapter is dedicated to FireEmber 6 and CrazyGirl3. Thanks for the reviews! ^_^

Guided Souls
By:Dewfire
Chapter 2:Sweet Dreams

Kagome watched sullenly as Sango continued to cry. She'd been doing so for hours, Miroku tried futilely to comfort her. He hadn't groped her once the entire time. Kirara snuggled against her master's side, trying in vain to ease Sango's pain as well. Shippou hadn't said a single word during the whole proceedings. In fact he hadn't moved, he hadn't even blinked, it was starting to worry her. Finally she couldn't take anymore, she had to get out of here, she just couldn't stand to watch this anymore. She floated out the door and into the cool night air. She needed time to think, so she drifted to the Goshinboku, where all her troubles began. She sighed as she tried to touch the spot where she'd first released Inuyasha, only to have her hand pass through the smooth bark of the old tree.
Why'd I have to release that big baka... she mused aloud as she watched the clouds roll over the full moon. She didn't even know why she was still here. From how Kikyou was always talking about dragging Inuyasha to heck she should have either been in the good place or the other place, it didn't make sense for her to still be here...unless, there was still something she had to do, something keeping her here? No matter how hard she tried she couldn't bring herself to hate the hanyou that had betrayed her by ending her life, she'd loved him, and she still did. She was slightly surprised to see Shippou walk into the clearing and sit at the base of the giant tree. she whispered. Kagome had tried several times to communicate with her friends, but they hadn't seemed to be able to sense her presence. She fingered the completed Shikon no Tama longingly. She'd already tried wishing herself back to life as well, but the jewel didn't respond. She guessed dead souls couldn't make wishes.
It is time to depart,' a gentle voice that seemed to float on the breeze called to her. Kagome looked around. Was she leaving this world?
Go west, those alone must walk together,' it sounded again. Kagome was by now thoroughly confused. Why did she have to go west, what did the voice mean by those alone'?
Take the kit, and go west aikan-ko,' the voice whispered softly to her once again.
Why take Shippou, why west, who are you? she questioned quietly, afraid she had lost her life and was now losing her sanity.
Do not worry, I will guide you. Answers will come in due time...' it murmured as it faded away. Kagome was creeped out to say the least, but sorry to know the voice was gone. It had been comforting in the fact it gave her some purpose. She somehow had to contact Shippou, and they had to go west.
How in the world am I supposed to do this! she exclaimed. She'd already tried several times to communicate with Shippou, and it had yet to work. There must be another way... she murmured as she floated above one of the Goshinboku's larger branches in deep thought. Shippou had fallen asleep at the base of the tree and was now snoring lightly, she couldn't help but smile at the sight of him. That was when it came to her, if she couldn't reach him while he was awake, maybe it was possible while he slept.
~*~*~*~*~*Shippou's Dream*~*~*~*~*~
Shippou, where are you! Kagome called. She was in a large green meadow, the sun was shining, the breeze was warm and inviting, and...everything was made of candy. I always figured Shippou's dreams were something like this...' she thought as she gazed at an Inuyasha pinata hanging from a tree. She noticed Shippou was next to it throwing foxfire at it, and walked over to him. I seem to remember teaching you to play this game...but we used a stick last time, she said as she stepped up behind him. Shippou jumped in surprise before bounding into her welcome and waiting arms.
Kagome! I missed you so much! he declared gleefully. Kagome didn't want to tell him this was just a dream, that she wouldn't be there when he woke up, but what other choice was there? You're back! I knew you couldn't be dead, you just couldn't! he stated as he danced around her merrily.
Shippou, we need to talk, Kagome said quietly, but Shippou caught the deep sadness hidden in her voice. He jumped back into her arms.
Don't worry Kagome, I'll protect you from dog-breath! he announced. Kagome smiled.
Shippou, you have to understand. I'm dead, or at least I'm pretty sure I'm dead. This is all a dream, she explained. Shippou shook his head.
No, you can't be, Your scent, it's still here. It hasn't faded away, he retorted. Kagome was now even more confused than before, not that the voice really had cleared much up. Now that she thought about it, the voice had really just told her what to do, it hadn't answered any of her questions...
But if what Shippou says is true, what am I?' she wondered. Shippou tapping her shoulder brought her back to reality...well, the dream at least.
You're staying, right Kagome? he questioned hopefully. Kagome couldn't say no to the look on his face.
We'll see Shippou-chan, we'll see... she murmured as she sat down on the soft grass/cotton candy beneath her. Shippou snuggled into her lap and soon fell fast asleep, and the dream world faded away...
~*~*~*~*~*End Shippou's dream*~*~*~*~*~
Author's Note: Sorry this chapter was so short, I just wasn't feeling inspired. Bleh. XP Hopefully next chapter will be better. That reminds me, the next chapter is titled Destinations'.
Shippou: Hey, what's up with the short chapter!?
Dewfire: Sheesh, sorry...
Shippou: That's not good enough.
Dewfire: What can I do to make it up to you Shippou?
Shippou: Say you're sorry.
Dewfire: O.o But...I already did...
Shippou: Oh. Sorry about that.
Dewfire: *huggles Shippou* Apology accepted kawaii kitsune!
Kurama: I thought that was my title?
Dewfire: Well now you have to share it. ;P

*aikan-ko=A word I made up. Aikan=sadness and joy. Ko=child.