Disclaimer: I don't own InuYasha or any of its characters. They belong to Rumiko Takahashi. However, this story and created characters are mine.
Chapter 11: Phase Two- Collect the Hairs
Feeling compelled for some fresh air, Kohaku hobbled outside. He scanned the area, hoping to find everyone at separate locations. He first noticed Kagome, huddled next to the riverbank. Finding her alone, Kohaku thought it would be best to cheer her up.
Kagome, sensing the jewel shard, released her knees and looked at Kohaku.
"Shouldn't you be resting?" She smiled with concern. Sango was her friend; she had to make sure that Kohaku healed properly. He shook his head.
"I am better," Kohaku replied, hiding his pain, "Where is InuYasha?"
"Searching for Kikyo." Kagome's voice was mixed with annoyance and sadness.
"Who is Kikyo?" The boy asked, planting himself next to her.
"InuYasha's once love."
"Once?"
"It is a long story." Kagome shifted her eyes to the ground, wanting to forget all about the conversation. Thoughts of InuYasha's happiness with Kikyo plagued her own mind. She will never be with him until he could forget the dead priestess.
The back of her head exposed, Kohaku saw his chance. Quickly, he reached his hand, wrapping a long strand of hair around his index finger. Closing his fist, he pulled tightly, snapping the hair from her head.
"Ooouuu!" she screamed lightly, grabbing the back of her head. Rubbing her head, Kagome looked back at the boy. Anger was seen in her eyebrows.
"Did you just pull my hair?"
The boy, who was staring out at the crystal blue water, turned his attention to the annoyed girl.
"What?" he asked innocently. She saw it in his eyes; he had no idea what she was taking about. Ending her rubbing, she retreated her thoughts back to InuYasha and Kikyo.
"Nevermind."
"I had better rest some more," Kohaku stated as he rose from the ground. Kagome helped him and waved as he headed back to the hut. Hobbling, he was slow going towards his goal. Only a few more steps, a few more minutes, he thought. He looked towards the hut. Coldness and solitude awaited him, just like at the castle. His attention went to his wound. He never felt pain like this since he departed with his family, his sibling. Pausing a moment to breath, he noticed a solemn Miroku standing next to a tree, his fingers intertwined with his stubby ponytail. He scanned the area, making sure no one was near. Seeing his chance, he headed slowly towards the monk.
"Why are you over here alone?" Kohaku asked politely, startling Miroku.
"Kohaku? What are you doing out of bed?" He asked in concern. The monk looked hastily for Sango. She must have gone for some firewood, he thought. Focusing his attention to the boy again, he placed a hand on his shoulder.
"Why don't we get you back to the hut, okay?" Miroku wrapped his arm around the boy's back. Kohaku planted his feet firmly into the ground.
"What are you doing here all alone?" Kohaku stared at the monk innocently, hoping to get an answer.
"I was just thinking." His voice became quiet.
"About what? My sister?"
A smile spread across his face.
"No, but that was a nice thought," he grinned, rubbing the boy's head. His hand retreated as he gathered his original thoughts.
"I was thinking about you, and how you remind me of her." The seriousness in his voice reflected his expression.
"Who?" Kohaku asked innocently to the monk.
"My sister," Miroku replied, eyes to the sky, "Midori."
The boy maintained his calm composure, uncompelled to ask about the girl. He stared at the sky with the monk, wondering what to do next.
"She liked to look at the stars," Miroku sighed, continuing to stare at the sky. He squinted, hoping to find the first star of the night. His eyes danced across the evening sky as he searched for any glimmer of a sparkle. The sun, creating a beautiful sunset of orange, yellow and red, concealed them all. Disappointed, he let his head drop. Then, remembering about Kohaku, he lifted his head quickly and smiled.
"I am glad you have returned Kohaku. It is certainly a joy."
His eyes opened to empty space. He looked around the area. Close by, he saw the boy head towards the hut. Miroku frowned, but stayed by the trees. His thoughts remained on the past and the future. Looking back towards the sky, he smiled at the memories of Midori and the dreams of Sango.
InuYasha ran through the dense forest, following the sleek soul collectors which hovered above his head. His fears grew with each passing step. Kikyo could be anywhere, in any condition. The thought of her death plagued his mind. He blamed himself for the pain she suffered. If they never met, she would have lived a long, prosperous life.
His thoughts shifted as he captured a familiar scent. His eyes squinted. Demon blood. The odor overpowered his nose. He could not smell Kikyo.
The soul collectors ended at a pool of lost souls. InuYasha stopped and scanned the area. The pool was stained with blood, along with the grass that surrounded it. Carcasses of inferior demons littered the place. The defilading of the sacred ground forced the soul collectors to search for another pool to place the departed. They left, leaving InuYasha to investigate.
InuYasha walked slowly around the distinct splatters of blood. His eyes danced on his face, hoping and fearing to catch a glimpse of what might be Kikyo. He was scared to find her dead once more, another failure on his shoulders. He found nothing; no arrow, no bow, not even a fine black hair. Clenching his fist, he turned to head back to the camp. If Kikyo was not here, then he would find her somewhere else. Drifting away from the pool, InuYasha felt eyes peering at him.
"Come out," he stated under his breath, "or else I'll find you."
InuYasha watched as Kohaku emerged from the greenery. He was dressed in full armor, Kusari-gama in hand. His expressionless eyes peered back at the half-demon.
"I'm guessing you're back to serving Naraku," InuYasha stated, revealing his claws, "why am I not surprised." The boy failed to respond verbally, raising his weapon until it shadowed his face. The glazed pupils glared at his target, waiting for the right moment to take action.
"Look, I don't want to fight you, but if you come at me, I will defend myself, so just go home," InuYasha dropped his hands and turned away, headed back to his friends. He feared for Kagome. The soul collectors he pursued ended with fruitless results. They led to a pool where lost souls gathered, hoping to find peace in the afterlife. Depressed at the findings, he headed back to his friends, back to Kagome. Without further recognition, he stepped from the boy.
No sooner had he stepped did a figure fly above his head. InuYasha looked towards the sky, watching the boy soar over his head. Gritting his teeth, InuYasha ducked, letting his hair flow in the wind. Kohaku saw his chance. With a dip of his blade and a shift swipe, he gathered a thin silver strand from the demon's head. InuYasha turned to face Kohaku, who now was on the ground. Gripping the hair, he knew the final task was complete.
"What the hell…" InuYasha began, staring angrily at the boy. His expression, though, ebbed away as he watched the boy fled. The dog demon stood for a second, puzzled.
That was Kohaku, I'm sure of it. But his scent was different at the hut.
The boy gone, InuYasha returned to his original state of mind. He began again, heading towards the girl and his friends he left at the camp.