Goodbye Solitaire

Chapter 2

Fear Of Solitude

Kikyo-

I splashed the cold water over my face, my bangs becoming damp. I wiped the water from my mahogany eyes. I pondered the demon Inuyasha. He was a strange one. He did what wanted whenever he wanted, and had some semblances of honor, however twisted they may seem. But one thing held true: He didn't harm innocents or children. That much was proven by the amusing conversation he and my sister had held. I couldn't deny that he was attractive, or that his furry dog ears were just adorable, but I had to face the facts. The arrogant, foul mouthed demon was after the Shikon, and had no problems showing it.

The hairs on the back of my neck rose as I sensed said demon's aura. I also felt another one. Both of which were heading in my direction. A large oni burst through the trees, Inuyasha right behind it.

" Give me the Shikon!" It roared. I grabbed my bow and knocked an arrow, but Inuyasha had attacked.

" Iron Reaver Soul Stealer!" Golden blades of youki left their mark on the oni's back.

" You damn half-breed! I will not let you get the Shikon!"

" Hell no, the Shikon is mine, and you ain't getting it!" Inuyasha growled at the oni, and dodged the oni's claws. He was graceful, strong, and fast. Much faster than he let on.

" I know why you want the Shikon, you filthy mutt. You want to become full demon," The oni spat. My jaw dropped slightly. Inuyasha wasn't a full demon? Inuyasha snarled, and he leapt at the oni. His arm was extended, claws spread from each other in a grabbing motion. His arm went through the oni's chest, and on the otherside, I saw a large heart in his hands. My face lost its color. The oni fell, dead. Inuyasha landed on the ground. He turned to me.

" What? You never seen demons fight?" Inuyasha folded his arms. I noticed his red kimono wasn't covered in blood, but his hands were. 'But those aren't hands…they're claws…'

" You are not a full demon," Inuyasha stiffened.

" The only reason why I killed that oni was because it was going after the Shikon. So don't get any thoughts about me saving you," Inuyasha walked beside me and kneeled in front of the river. He carefully pulled back his sleeves before plunging his crimson claws into the river. He scrubbed his hands continuously, even after the blood had disappeared and his claws become raw red.

" Why do you keep scrubbing? The blood is gone," I inquired. It was an innocent question asked in an indifferent tone. Inuyasha paused, and without looking at me, he answered.

" Because I can still smell it. I smell death and blood on my hands," Inuyasha looked up at me.

" Do you know why demons hate and fear priestesses and priests like you so much?"

" Of course. Because we have the ability to purify demons, or those with youkai blood," Inuyasha chuckled darkly.

" That's only a small reason why. The main reason is because you smell," I took on an offended look.

" How dare you…!" The hanyou cut me off.

" Not like that, stupid. You reek of death. And not just any death. Youkai death. We can smell it every damn time we come near you. It's on your weapons and clothes. It's on you. Young youkai are scared out of their wits when they can smell their own kind on you and the smell of death. Older youkai hate you for it, knowing you have killed so many of their kind, be it in good intentions or not. Just like humans hate youkai for killing them, wrongfully or not. But we can smell the death all around you. The blood may be gone, but the scent is there," Inuyasha said. He stood to his full height, which inwardly intimidated me. I kept my indifferent face on, but inwardly, I was so frightened. He had made me feel so dirty, telling me he could smell youkai death on me. His amber eyes glared into my own mahogany orbs.

" What else can you smell?" I whispered.

" Your fear," Inuyasha replied. My eyes widened, and I clutched my bow tighter. His piercing gaze made me feel weak and naked. Like he could see through my soul. Inuyasha stepped away from me and walked away. Like a human. He wasn't jumping or running with his enhanced powers. He was walking.

Inuyasha's figure had disppeared into the dark forest when I finally spun around. My bow slipped through my weak fingers and I fell to the ground. I was so scared. I tore off my clothes and plunged into the water that still held remnants of blood. I scrubbed and scrubbed myself until my skin turned pink. I grabbed my clothing and washed them over and over again. I finally stopped and slid into the water weakly. His amber eyes haunted me. His words drove me to near insanity. Inuyasha was so dangerous. I had never encountered a inu youkai before, but if he was only half and just his words caused me to feel this weak…I stood with new resolve. I dressed and grabbed my bow and quiver. Inuyasha was very dangerous, half-demon or no.

Inuyasha-

My ears twitched as I heard Kikyo wash herself repeatedly. I looked at my claws. They were powerful tools of destruction. But they weren't powerful enough for me. I watched Kikyo return to the village, and a strange scent wafted through my nose. It was vanilla and herbs. It was very calming. I sat up as I realized what it was. It was Kikyo's scent. She had managed to wash away the death. I sat back and smirked to myself. 'She should bathe more often…she smells good…'

I dashed through the trees after Kikyo, keeping my eyes on her. Finally, Kikyo spun, two arrows flying at me. Once again, I was stuck to a tree. 'I'm really beginning to hate this position.'

" Hey! What'd I do this time! Gemme down from here!" I yelled after her. Kikyo spun around, her eyes sparking with anger.

" You were following me. You were going to try to steal the Shikon again. I was just preventing it," Kikyo turned back around and began her trek back to the village. I growled angrily at the miko's back. I struggled out of the hold of the arrows and leapt off into the forest.

I approached the river and peeled off my clothes. I dived in, my hair silver hair flowing behind me. 'Stupid wench…' I returned the surface and washed myself the best I could without any soaps. 'She can sense me every time…This sucks…' I sunk into the cool waters, pondering the best way to steal the Shikon no Tama from the master archer miko. I growled angrily, my brows furrowing. 'I have to surprise her…but how do I do that? Dammit!' I rose from the water, droplets falling from my body. I dressed quickly, before dashing off into the forest for a hunt. It would do me some good.

A Few Hours Later-

I finished the deer off, quite content. I leaned back, ears twitching. The sun was just beginning to set, and the last warmth of the rays washed over me. I reclined in the tree, watching the sun fade and shadows cast over the village. Villagers were beginning to leave the fields, and smoke rose from the huts as their meals were being fixed by the women. My mind floated back to the conversation I held with Kikyo. 'Why did I tell her that? I didn't need to answer her question. But…why did she clean herself afterward? And why the hell haven't I just killed her yet?' I scowled to myself. 'Damn human half. This is no time for sentiments. I'll get the Shikon no Tama and be on my way.' I stood and stretched before settling down to rest. Tomorrow, I would go after her.

Next Day-

I watched the village carefully, looking for Kikyo. Well, it was quite simple to find the shrine priestess, but I had to wait for her to be alone. Finally, I spotted her leaving the village heading out to a field. I smirked to myself. 'All to easy.'

I ran through the trees silently, following Kikyo. The priestess stopped every now and then, but I was waiting for the perfect moment. She kept her arrows close, and wouldn't put them down. At last, she reached a large clearing with trees with leaves that were already beginning to turn orange, red, and yellow with Indian Summer. I jumped in a large tree and waited, the colorful leaves hiding me. Then, five or six children appeared and Kikyo cautiously put down her bow and quiver. The children smiled widely and began to take Kikyo's hands and spin in circles. Kikyo smiled softly and entertained the village children for awhile. My heart squeezed itself painfully. I couldn't just attack the priestess while she was with those kids.

" Kikyo-oneesama?" One of the children asked.

" Hai?"

" Will you be here to protect us forever?" The same child inquired. Kikyo paused and looked directly at me. To the children, it appeared as if she was pondering her answer. Then, Kikyo spoke.

" I cannot promise I will always be here, but, I'll stay as long as I can. That, I can promise," Kikyo replied softly. I furrowed my brows. I understood honor and promises. And I would help Kikyo keep her promise as long as possible. I looked back into Kikyo's eyes. We held a silent conversation.

" I'll let you keep your promise."

" Why?"

" Because I understand."

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There, second chapter. Be happy, stay happy.