Chapter Two
Around the Fire
Hurriedly, Inuyasha follows, staying near the treetops. He touches down first, startling Miroku.
"Inuyasha! What's that behind you?"
"I'm hoping he'll tell us. Wake Sango and I'll get Kagome and Shippo." He walks over to Kagome, "Wake up, Wench. This is important." He picks up Shippo by the tail and shakes him awake. Behind him, he hears the typical slap and "Damnit, Miroku!" that accompany him touching Sango.
The young kitsune yawns and blinks sleepily, "What's the big deal?"
Inuyasha holds him out so he can see the winged demon, "That." Now, in the firelight, they can all get a good look at him. His long black hair is tied and thrown over his shoulder. His blood red kimono is tied with a black silk ribbon; something appears to be missing from the knot. There is a long-handled battle-axe strapped between his wings. Blades flash at his wrists and legs.
"Well, demon, get talking." Inuyasha says, staying between him and Kagome.
The winged demon smiles and shows the glint of twin fangs. "My name is Seshmir. I come from an island to the south; I've come to you for aid. I know of your quest and the success you have seen in it. A special jewel has been taken from me and I must have it back. I would ask you brother, but we. don't quite get along."
"What does this jewel do?" Kagome asks, stepping to where she can see Seshmir.
"It allows me to become human during the daylight hours. Otherwise, I can only venture forth at night; the suns rays would kill me. I suppose you could call me a vampire, though I'm not exactly."
"Then what are you?" Sango asks, looking him over again.
He sighs, "A soul stealer. As I take blood, I also take the soul. The jewel traps a wicked or corrupt soul, adding to its power. An innocent soul goes on to heaven or returns to the body, depending on the strength of will. A spiteful human stole the jewel and has fled to a monastery, where I cannot follow, and his quarters are sealed with spirit wards."
"Why should we help a soul stealer? Seems to me we should just kill you now," Miroku says, unwrapping the prayer beads from his hand.
None of you shall move. Do you not realize I can still take your souls? I could destroy you all in an instant.
"How can you take our souls? None of us are wicked or corrupt. And you can't hold the m without the jewel." Kagome says.
"I wouldn't be so sure of either point, young one." Seshmir growls.
Around the Fire
Hurriedly, Inuyasha follows, staying near the treetops. He touches down first, startling Miroku.
"Inuyasha! What's that behind you?"
"I'm hoping he'll tell us. Wake Sango and I'll get Kagome and Shippo." He walks over to Kagome, "Wake up, Wench. This is important." He picks up Shippo by the tail and shakes him awake. Behind him, he hears the typical slap and "Damnit, Miroku!" that accompany him touching Sango.
The young kitsune yawns and blinks sleepily, "What's the big deal?"
Inuyasha holds him out so he can see the winged demon, "That." Now, in the firelight, they can all get a good look at him. His long black hair is tied and thrown over his shoulder. His blood red kimono is tied with a black silk ribbon; something appears to be missing from the knot. There is a long-handled battle-axe strapped between his wings. Blades flash at his wrists and legs.
"Well, demon, get talking." Inuyasha says, staying between him and Kagome.
The winged demon smiles and shows the glint of twin fangs. "My name is Seshmir. I come from an island to the south; I've come to you for aid. I know of your quest and the success you have seen in it. A special jewel has been taken from me and I must have it back. I would ask you brother, but we. don't quite get along."
"What does this jewel do?" Kagome asks, stepping to where she can see Seshmir.
"It allows me to become human during the daylight hours. Otherwise, I can only venture forth at night; the suns rays would kill me. I suppose you could call me a vampire, though I'm not exactly."
"Then what are you?" Sango asks, looking him over again.
He sighs, "A soul stealer. As I take blood, I also take the soul. The jewel traps a wicked or corrupt soul, adding to its power. An innocent soul goes on to heaven or returns to the body, depending on the strength of will. A spiteful human stole the jewel and has fled to a monastery, where I cannot follow, and his quarters are sealed with spirit wards."
"Why should we help a soul stealer? Seems to me we should just kill you now," Miroku says, unwrapping the prayer beads from his hand.
None of you shall move. Do you not realize I can still take your souls? I could destroy you all in an instant.
"How can you take our souls? None of us are wicked or corrupt. And you can't hold the m without the jewel." Kagome says.
"I wouldn't be so sure of either point, young one." Seshmir growls.