My worst fear immediately came to mind. 'He must have gotten into the shrine.' Running down the hallway and pushing aside the curtains I saw the immaculate dog sitting on the big red pillow used for ceremonies. I chucked thinking to myself 'It only wanted a place to sleep'. Everything else seemed to be in order. Spicy smelling incense burned on each side of the two statues of Shishi. The windows were covered with crimson cloths creating a sense of mystery with its few lit candles just enough to see the room. Walking closer to the dog an unseen barrier immediately erected itself just before I could reach him.

I touched the invisible wall running my hand over its smooth surface. 'What's happening?' "Are you doing this?" I asked the animal panicked. He turned around and glanced at my shocked stance. Infinite knowledge seemed to be reeling through his dark eyes. Ignoring me he returned to his sacrifice. Yes that's exactly what it was. Great power started flowing in the room circling around and to its ultimate goal, the dog. I didn't understand any of this, this invisible power was new to me and what did it want with that dog? I screamed as the power vibrated through the room and ripped the soul from the animal and rushed in 2 parts to the Shishi. The barrier went down and allowed me to reach the animal. Its poor little body felt cold to my touch. Holding him close as if he was a child to me.

"Kikyo!" A booming voice cried. My eyes searched for the source of the unknown voice. Unfortunately I found it. The two Shishi statues eye's glowed a crimson red and merged into one formation. It stretched out and the grey stone color washed away and transformed into an immaculate white just like the dog. The dragon dog that the priests invoked had finally come to life right in front of me. His mane flowed violently and the figure grew 2 times bigger than I.

A god had just formed in front of me. I wasn't quite sure how to handle this so I quickly bowed low by the fallen dogs in front of Shishi. He started talking to me again.

"Kikyo"

"Yes master?"

"Do you know who I am?"

I was very confused "You are Shishi, master, the almighty protector of the temple spirits and of this village. The one who I have dedicated my life too."

"Is this so?" He responded. Guess he didn't like my answer. Looking intently into my soul, I could feel him down there prying trough my mind. "Your body is here before me but your soul if far away with Onigumo." He stated sternly almost like a disappointed father. This tore at my heart, I was chosen for this position. It was my destiny, was it possible to fail at something you were meant for? "You allowed him to defile your body, one that was for someone else." Someone else! What? "I know that your burden is heavy. He was sent to lighten your load, but now this Onigumo will cause problems."

This is not going well. Onigumo and I have only known each other for a short time but I cared for him. The fates would have never allowed me to have a love; I knew that but it felt so good to have him. Now I might have to give up the man who helps me forget everything else if only for a night. I was intended for someone else? Who? This destiny thing was really starting to bother me. Realizing I was still on my knee's I dared to lift my head and gaze at the god I worshiped.

"You must purify this man and yourself." His voice grew sterner. "Onigumo is evil and will only bring violence and hate to the world if the Shikon were to be in his hands. And you." He had to wait before continuing. "You must purify the evil out of your body that he has instilled. He has been contacting demons Kikyo bargaining with them for power, corrupting his soul. I must leave you now sweet one. Protect our people."

The emmense glow started shifting around the room. I was not ready for him to go.

"Master who is this one you have sent to help me?"

But it was too late, immense power filtered from the god. He groaned in pain from the transformation back into the two statues. Before I could blink the powerful god went back into two cold stone figures. My hands turned warm and wet, it broke my trance. Looking down I saw the white dog standing on my knees happily licking my hands as if nothing happened.