Plea of a Fading Soul

I hope you all like this chapter. See, I had loads of different ideas for fics and then thought – wait, I can just throw them in POAFS. Well, maybe 'throw' isn't the correct term, that sounds too heartless. But I had some ideas that I really liked. I just hope the last chapter was good enough for you all, and that this one will jam (quote Doctor Who: "…a word I have never used and hopefully will never use again!")
Comment please!


Chapter Seven
Stolen Wanderer

Ghostly serpents cut through the air as if they were the wind itself, weaving with their mouths opening and closing in earnest. Their skin was a pale blue, and their heads appeared to be those of fish with fins cupping the side of their 'necks'. There were about five of them drifting through the air around their mistress, their eyes as red as twin rubies.

It was late, the moon a mere slither in the sky. The pale glow illuminated the miko's face, her brown eyes narrowed in almost contempt. Surely she would run into them soon, she had been travelling for days.
"Kouchou. Asuka." Kikyo said softly, not turning from the direction she was facing. The two shikigami appeared as if from nowhere, stepping out from the trees and continuing to walk by her side. "Hai, Kikyo-sama?"

"Go ahead and find them. If the girl is there, leave a trail – I need to speak with her,"
"Hai," the twin girls simultaneously nodded, their expressions too calm to belong to what appeared to be children. An aura enveloped them, and then they were gone. Kikyo didn't even acknowledge their disappearance. She tilted her face heavenward, her eyes sparkling like the stars.

The hairs on the back of her neck suddenly stood on end and she turned east, her senses alert. She frowned once, her eyes ablaze. "Shouki,"


The three were quiet around the campfire, Kirara hopelessly trying to stir the attention of the tajiya, houshi and kitsune. She wasn't succeeding. Mewing softly, she bowed her head. Sango patted her back absently, her eyes distant. She looked up at Miroku before turning to face the fire once more.

Shippo remembered the last time they had sat around a campfire with Inuyasha and Kagome, and cringed. He tried to keep a brave face, picking up a stick and jabbing the fish cooking upright beside the fire. Then, before he could help himself, he broke out in tears. "We're so mean! Leaving Kagome and Inuyasha like that! How could we do that? It's not fair! It's not fair!"

"Shippo, enough!" Miroku snapped suddenly, clutching onto his shakujo tightly. He looked pained and the small fox youkai immediately fell silent, wiping away the tears tracing paths down his cheeks. Sango put a comforting arm around him and pulled him closer to her like a mother would do.

Miroku's eyes shone. "We did what we had to do – for the good of us all! It's what they would have wanted,"
Sango nodded, trying hard to hold a smile on her face. When she succeeded it only appeared weak and sad. Shippo sobbed and buried his face in Sango's side. "I miss them…"

"We do too, Shippo-chan, but it'll all be over soon," Sango soothed, running a hand through his hair. The small demon sniffed and raised his eyes. "R-Really?"
"…Yes," Miroku said almost bitterly, sitting back away from the campfire. He sighed and ran a hand through his hair, shaking. "We'll see them soon enough,"

That was when the light appeared in the clearing, ricocheting around them like penetrating rays of sun. Sango gasped and Shippo glanced fearfully in the direction of the aura, letting out a yelp. Miroku didn't seem surprised. He narrowed his eyes. "Kikyo-sama…" he said softly.

Shippo managed a hoarse 'nani?' in his confusion before hiding away from the appearing shikigami. Sango composed herself, calming. Kirara let out a sound that was almost a growl and her fur stood on end. She didn't convert to her larger form, it seemed she was bluffing.

Two girls appeared beside the campfire, the scarlet flames licking up into the air and causing their faces to contort amongst shadows and unearthly light. Their hair was dark, their eyes distant. Kouchou and Asuka – Kikyo's puppets.
Their arms were folded in their kimonos, and they looked around almost dazed. It took a minute for them to register who was sat around the campfire. They raised their eyes. "Where is Kagome?" Asuka whispered.

Sango clenched her fists. "Why do you want to know?" she snapped, attempting to sit up before realising how tightly Shippo was clinging on to her. She stayed where she was and simply glared at the two girls.
Asuka turned to her, expressionless. "Kikyo-sama wishes to see her,"

"She's not here," Miroku spat, turning away. "She's still in Musashi's domain with your mistress's sister, Kaede."
Kouchu's lips parted yet she said nothing. Asuka turned back to the other girl and they both seemed to incline their head in understanding. Then they were gone.

Shippo blinked away the tears still brimming in his eyes. He sucked in a deep breath. "Are they gone?"
"Yes, Shippo," Sango said, her tone rather steely. Shippo stepped out from behind her, shaking himself down. "Those girls never scared me before – they just got the jump on me is all," he whispered.

Miroku nodded yet said nothing. Is Kikyo-sama wounded? I can see no other reason why she wishes to speak with Kagome-sama. Unless… He shut his eyes, his expression dark. Maybe it's Inuyasha's time to choose…


Kikyo hadn't realised she was being followed. The night was dark around her, compressing her into the forest until she couldn't see anything for the trees. She had originally decided on heading in the direction of the shouki, but now she wasn't sure where it was coming from. It wasn't anything like Naraku's shouki. It was different.

She bowed her head, her pace quickening. She couldn't help but begin to think about Kagome. She had to speak with her; it was so important that it was a necessity now. No, it wasn't anything to do with Inuyasha. It was possibly to do with the shouki she was sensing now.

A few nights ago she had heard a rumour from a human villager that there was a youkai hanging around their village at night. It didn't appear to do any harm, except every night the villagers would have terrible nightmares. One man eventually committed suicide as a result of these "taunting" dreams.
Eventually the youkai had moved on, but had left the villagers insomniacs. They were all afraid of falling asleep. Kikyo had immediately wanted to investigate, especially after also hearing that something had happened to Kagome.

Apparently her reincarnation had taken a turn for the worst. Insane, they said. At least that was what she had overheard after witnessing two wolf demons setting up camp for the night. They'd been discussing catching up with Koga, and then had started talking about Kagome – Kikyo couldn't help but think that at the time they had been crying.

She had to see for herself whether Kagome was really insane and how Inuyasha was affected. She wanted to know whether Kagome had seen this man that had been taunting the human village – she'd gotten a good description of him. Kikyo wasn't normally driven by curiosity, but this hit too close to home. She couldn't help but check it out.

Kikyo tensed suddenly, realising something was wrong. Someone was behind her. Taking a steadying breath, she remained calm and carried on walking at her regular pace, casually drawing her bow and arrow. She didn't get far enough. A strong hand grabbed her wrist before she could move and twisted it so that if she moved it would break. She was only made of clay and she had not taken a soul for a while now. She was weak and her attacker knew it.

"Ha, well if it isn't the clay girl? Just the one I've been looking for," a male voice purred nastily in her ear. Kikyo hissed in pain as he twisted her arm slightly again. She couldn't see him, she was still facing forward.
"Drop your weapon, now. Before I decide to reshape that pretty face of yours."

Kikyo gritted her teeth angrily and let the bow go from her hand. She hadn't had enough time to retrieve an arrow. The shinidamachuu circled into the sky, realising she was in trouble. Either they were off to fetch her new souls, or heading to find someone to save her. She didn't need saving – she could fight this bastard herself.

"What do you want?" she asked, scowling.
The stranger laughed, apparently flattered. He leant in close to her ear, and a strand of dark hair teased her shoulder. Kikyo flinched.
"I need you to come with me."
"Who are you?" Kikyo snapped instead of replying.

He didn't reply for a moment before chuckling softly. "G' night," he said instead. Kikyo opened her mouth to speak… but then the lights went out.


Tears streamed down Kagome's face. She didn't know how long she'd been running; all she knew was that she had to get as far away from Inuyasha as possible. She kept trying to tell herself that it wasn't his fault – that maybe he'd been under some kind of spell as well. The other part of her mind screamed that he had wanted her – it proved he loved her, didn't it?
It was still wrong! He should know me by now! He should know I would never–!

Kagome collapsed to the floor, gasping with the sobs causing her body to tremor. She furiously wiped away the tears, but even when she did this, new ones took their place. "I-Inuyasha–" she whimpered, raising her head and covering her face with her hands.

"Aw, poor baby," a soft voice purred beside her. Kagome didn't leap away in fear. She remained kneeled in the dirt, crying her heart out. A hand snaked around her neck and rested limply on her shoulder, providing false comfort. "That was bad of me, wasn't it?"

Kagome didn't bat her away; she let the stranger's hand stay there. Except she wasn't a stranger. "Meiko…" she gasped out.
"Sh-h, don't cry now, baby…" the girl soothed, pulling Kagome into her arms. "It's all right now, that nasty half-breed's out of your life forever,"

"No!"
"Sh-h…"
Kagome turned to look up at the elder girl, letting her tears carve scars down her cheeks. Twin ruby eyes stared back at her, emotionlessly. Cascades of blonde hair surrounded the girl holding her. She was like an angel. Kagome suddenly felt like everything was going to be okay. Everything was all right now. Inuyasha was gone, Kanuono was nowhere around and Meiko was holding her – she was safe.

"That's right. I'm here, it's okay. They won't hurt you anymore…"
Kagome leant back in the girl's arms, her eyes slowly shutting. "Meiko…"
"Don't talk no more. It'll be all right."
Kagome's eyes were completely shut now. She took a shaky breath and then sighed. "…Hai…" she breathed, and before she knew it, she was fast asleep.


Inuyasha had been searching all night, but there was still no sign of Kagome. It was morning, and Kaede had expressed her concern when she had run into him earlier.
Inuyasha clutched the sides of his face and let out a tangled scream of anger. It was all his fault – Kagome was probably in danger right now, and it was all his fault!

He had to find her… he just had to.
The Shadow Man…
He clenched his fists. If anyone knew where she was it was him. He had to get Kagome back, he had to apologize. And if that meant he had to stand up to Kanuono then that was what he had to do.

Inuyasha didn't know if he could suddenly summon Shadow Man, but maybe if he went looking for trouble then trouble would somehow find him, right?
The sun shone through the canopy of the woods above, casting ladders of light across the leafy carpet of the forest.

Inuyasha started to walk, heading blindly in the direction he found suited him. When I find you 'Shadow Man', this time you're dead.
He thought back to the time Kagome had first been affected by him – that day before she had woken everyone in fear. He remembered her face, the absolute horror on her face…

Kagome was staring at him, her eyes widened and her mouth opening and closing in shock. Inuyasha simply stared back at her, his arms folded. "What?" he shot back at her, looking down at himself. There was nothing wrong with him. Kagome looked like she had just seen a ghost, though.
"Damn it, girl, what is it?" he demanded.
Kagome's eyes filled with tears, before she pitched forward. Inuyasha grabbed her and tilted her face up to his, afraid she was hurt. She appeared unharmed.

"Kagome? Kagome, are you okay?" he said hurriedly, his heart pounding. She didn't reply, she just let out a sob. "How could you…? I thought– I thought we had something spe–" And just like that, she fainted.

He'd be lying if he said he didn't feel guilty about that time. What she had said… it had hit him right to the core. Lowering his eyes, he frowned and folded his arms. He and Kagome needed help, he realised that distantly. He wasn't helping her any, and she wasn't helping him.
Despite how he had thought she was getting better and he was getting worse, Kagome couldn't take much more of Kanuono's taunting or possession. She would shatter and so would his heart.

Inuyasha felt a chill run down his spine, turning the blood in his veins to ice water. He turned, his heart beginning to pound. Without even seeing him, he knew someone was standing within the shelter of the trees – hiding. Shadow Man…?
Straightening, Inuyasha attempted to narrow his eyes. I've found him…

"I've been expecting you, hanyou…" a soft voice whispered behind a trunk of a tree, a clawed, tanned hand the only thing in sight as it slipped down the bark. Inuyasha shrugged off the purring tone. He unfolded his arms and clenched his fists.

"I know who you are – who you really are," he warned, his voice ringing with anger. The silhouette within the mass of trees encircling him laughed. Chuckling pitifully – a predatory sound. Almost sympathising. It was as if he had just won a fight… or knew he was going to win one.

Inuyasha felt his control over the situation slipping already. He hadn't realised that the fear was coming back. "I mean it!" he cried, backing away uncertainly. He still had no idea why he felt so affronted by Shadow Man, but the sound of his voice made him want to turn on his heel and run.

Kanuono began making his way forward, approaching Inuyasha and entering the clearing – setting a challenge.
Inuyasha felt a tremor run up his leg. A muscle jumped – an instinct he was born with. Quit now! Run away! Danger, danger, DANGER! He so wanted to obey his instincts, but Kagome came first.

Still, he felt the world slipping from him.
I'm not afraid… I'm not afraid… He kept trying to tell himself. But his defences were buckling and his expression was one of pure fear. His pupils were tiny, his skin was pale and his lips were trembling in anticipation.

But then, through the blind fear, his mind whispered: say something…

Inuyasha clawed up his fingers and snarled – his last shot at redemption. He had to be brave… he had to be– "I'm not afraid of you!"
The shadowy figure froze for an instant and then softly shook his head, exasperated. And Inuyasha saw his face, then. But he refused to believe it… refused to see
It – It's not possible…

The person who stepped out from the trees… was him. Himself. Kanuono's eyes were narrowed in satisfaction, golden irises glinting in the pale morning sun. His skin was tanned and curtained with long silver hair. He was still wearing the dark kimono, but any sign of his breastplate was gone. He looked like a darker version of Inuyasha, and the hanyou felt bile rise in his throat at the sight of him.

There was one thing different, however. On either side of Kanuono's face was a purple mark, jagged and pointing slightly towards his chin. His eyes flashed menacingly.
Inuyasha gulped and took a step backwards, shaking his head in disbelief.

Kanuono laughed, stepping out into the clearing. "Poor, poor hanyou." He mused. "How can you not fear when I am Fear itself…?"


Dictionary

youkai: demon
hanyou: half-demon
tajiya: demon exterminator
houshi: priest
kitsune: fox demon
miko: priestess or shrine maiden
hai: yes
-sama: honourary suffix, meaning master/mistress lady/lord, e.g. Lady Kikyo
-chan: suffix, for someone younger or someone you grew up with, I think you can use it for somebody cute
shakujo: Miroku's staff
shouki: demonic power or energy, like poison
shinidamachuu: Kikyo's reptile things that hunt for souls
shikigami: familiars, I heard they were. Puppets that aid you and protect you, usually youkai