Roads

[Angel_Arianas]

As Kouga spoke loudly about him, Inuyasha suddenly twitched and almost stumbled to the ground. He kept his hands wrapped around Kagome's calves though and leaped to land ahead of the others to look back at Kouga in surprise. "What they hell..." He didn't even get a chance to finish as conflicting images suddenly rose up in his head. He saw himself as a kid staring up at Sesshomaru and him asking about if he liked being a half breed. Blinking in surprise and forcing it away, he frowned. What the hell was that? A shiver raced down his spine. Hearing Hotaru speak, he grunted. He didn;t show that he outwardly cared much but inside there was a new excitement building. He was getting a new power. It would allow him to become stronger and prove to Sesshomaru that he was strong. Once again he blinked. What the hell was going on in his mind. Mentally, he reached out for the familiar presence of his shadow. Maybe that guy would know what the hell was going on.




Hotaru silently listened to the others. As Kouga spoke however, she paused and a small smile flitted across her lips. Before answering the wolf however, she looked over to Kurama. "That would be good." Looking to the old Kitsune, she spoke softly. "It seems the slayer went after our enemy and may have gotten captured in the process." Picking up her pace, she began to move a bit more quickly. "Shippo, be a dear and confirm the scent for me. It seems that he has begun traveling." She noticed Inuyasha seemed to be lost in thought and whatever he was thinking was not sitting well with him at all. She could feel a faint tremor from her heart but she wasn't exactly sure what it was about just yet. She couldn't very well pause to go into meditation. She only prayed it wasn't too horrible.
 

[Mirai_Raine37]

¤ The Tragic Priestess ~ Kikyo

•Where?: Tracking Naraku's Aura
•Who?: Soul Collectors
•Feeling?: Lonely
•Mine?: Longbow and Arrows - Sacred spells - Shikigami - 3 jewel shards - Soil from Onigumo's cave

"Inuyasha, does that girl mean more to you then me?...Remember this night, and the touch of my lips upon yours. For it was real."

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For a very long period, all she has seen is wilderness in her long persuit of Naraku to take vengence upon the one who ended her life and ruined her chance for love. She'd tracked the aura of Onigumo to the sacred mountain. There she could not go any further as the aura of holliness was so powerful that her soul collectors suffer and the souls she uses to sustain this fake body leave her. She had stayed at the village of that reagion for a time, teaching the young, and tending to the injured. For a time it was pleasant to just be, she enjoyed her time with the children but always, always and forever would she feel a sense of longing. Longing for peace. And what is more she began to think about him again, the longing only grew stronger with envy she felt for that girl. It would have been different if it were not for Naraku's ambition and actions. She would have been able to heal the wounds in his soul...and she would have used the sacred jewel in a way to end its existance and then...she would have become a real woman.

As a priestess she could not indulge in the simple pleasures that other women do, and ever since she became the protector for the sacred jewel, even less so. She had died a vengeful death believing her lover, believing that Inuyasha had betrayed her but it had been Naraku the whole time. A few weeks had passed when she'd felt a shift in the winds, no in the very fabric of reality. It bothered her, haunted her. For moments. just moments. she could almost feel alive again, as if this body of clay had suddenly become a true living body. It is impossible, but she felt the strange shifts. She had also felt the absence of the sacred jewel, she had collected a few of the shards during her hunt for Naraku. Through those shards she knew somehow that he no longer possessed the Sacred Jewel. More oddities began to lead her to believe that something is coming. Something, more then herself. More then Naraku if that is possible. She left the Mountain the day before.

Now she traveled following her instincts, she knew that Onigumo is nearby, perhaps another days ride. She had been given a horse for travel, she didn't need to eat or drink so she traveled most day and night. Her soul collectors hovered always near. As night fell, most would leave their mistress in search of dead souls to gather. Presently she travels a little ways off the road to the east of the company traveling swiftly upon it. She did not move as quickly as they, though she had a far head start on them. They would soon be within range of her. Her soul collectors passing in and out of the trees.

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[OOC]

 

[Angel_Arianas]

Mana was settled in the nearby trees watching the strange priestess. She had been following her ever since she had found the priestess. There was something that pulled at her. The collar had been bugging her for a little bit of time. The darkness within Sayu had been rising, causing the collar to send out jolts of darkness throughout her body. Her attention stared sleepily toward the priestess. She could sense others coming toward them but she didn't really think on it. Finally stretching, she rose to continue her travel. She wouldn't let the priestess leave her behind. Fluttering her wings a little she rose into the air and moved forward to get a head start.  

[Mirai_Raine37]

¤ The Tragic Priestess ~ Kikyo

•Where?: Tracking Naraku's Aura
•Who?: Soul Collectors - Mana
•Feeling?: Idly curious
•Mine?: Longbow and Arrows - Sacred spells - Shikigami - 3 jewel shards - Soil from Onigumo's cave

"Inuyasha, does that girl mean more to you then me?...Remember this night, and the touch of my lips upon yours. For it was real."

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Kikyo is aware of a spirit trailing her though she paid it no immediate mind, she could tell that all though the spirit felt pure, there was something about it that is just as impure. It is likely possible that she would be able to destroy the spirit with one of her sacred arrows should it become a threat. Kikyo's spiritual aura is...deadly powerful. It was so when she lived, and seemed to be more so since her death, the aid of dead souls is certainly a great aid to her spiritual aura. But until then she would not become hostile towards it, in a way its presence made the trip a little easier on her for the sake of company if illusive. But as she sensed it move to follow her once more, often stopping now and then to watch her like a curious bird. She smiled slightly, then spoke aloud, she didn't turn to look at the spirit as she could detect its movements easily. "Spirit, won't you come walk with me? I wish to know why you follow." Her steed walked delicately through the slightly uneven ground, picking his way over roots carefully as she guided him through the trees. Her voice is soft, gentle but at the same time asking.

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[OOC]

 

[Angel_Arianas]

Mana froze as the priestess spoke. The woman had most definitely surprised her. She inched forward a little bit more warily. After all, she could feel the darkness within her soul. Not all of it was hatred and that was what prompted her to follow. As she felt the collar relax its hold on her neck, she gave her head a slight shake of relief. That was better. She didn't wait too long to make her decision dealing with the priestess. Folding her wings against her back, prepared to use them if need be, she daintily stepped forward into view.

Moving next to the other horse, she allowed the horse to nuzzle her in acknowledgement. All of the animals of this world knew exactly what she was. It was the base instinct that provided that. Nuzzling the horse's nose, she turned her attention to the priestess. Mana could only speak in her human form. Thankfully she could direct her emotions toward others. Only an angel or a fallen angel would be able to understand her perfectly.

She gave a soft whicker and directed her emotions of curiosity and warmth toward the priestess. She didn't want her trying to do her in. It would be obvious that the darkness in her was centered around the collar around her neck. She pawed the ground a little and gave a little jump as though to attempt to make Kikyo laugh.  

[Mirai_Raine37]

¤ The Tragic Priestess ~ Kikyo

•Where?: Tracking Naraku's Aura
•Who?: Soul Collectors - Mana
•Feeling?: Idly curious
•Mine?: Longbow and Arrows - Sacred spells - Shikigami - 3 jewel shards - Soil from Onigumo's cave

"Inuyasha, does that girl mean more to you then me?...Remember this night, and the touch of my lips upon yours. For it was real."

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The creature that soon stepped into view is a curious one, the spirit had the shape of a young filly with the wings of a butterfly, strange and at the same time beautiful for a nature spirit. She pulled her steed to a halt as the spirit came to her, observing as her horse greeting the young spirit in kind acknowledgement. Kikyo's eyes are drawn to a frightfully tight barbed collar around the spirits neck, the source of the impurities she sensed from the spirit. Was this spirit enslaved by another? She felt a sense of curiose warmth from the spirit. She did laugh at its antics but then shared some sympathy for its plight, "Is that binding collar hurting you?" she may be able to try to take it off.

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[OOC]

 

[Angel_Arianas]

As the priestess laughed, Mana felt slightly enchanted by her. Leaning against the horse's flanks, she rubbed her horn over the Priestess's leg. A warmth spread from the horn into the priestess, sending away part of the darkness within her. Stepping back, she pawed the ground and bowed her head regally in greeting. As Kikyo spoke of the collar, Mana sighed heavily. Now how was she to explain this collar. Unfortunately Kikyo would be unable to take it off. Only one that was completely pure of heart would be able to combat the dark energy around it. Unfortunately it kept her hidden from angels so that wasn't an option for her. She reflected sadness, pain and hopelessness toward Kikyo in her thoughts. There was no way to describe her plight without being able to speak. Thankfully, her human night would be coming soon. She took a step back and gave a slight nod but stepped so that she couldn't touch the collar. She could feel Kikyo's emotions as they practically bled from her very being.  

[Angel_Arianas]

Inuyasha couldn't stop the growl as he got the faint images his shadow sent him. There wasn't time for this now. He had Naraku to deal with and now apparently there was a younger version of him running around with Sesshomaru. He still remembered all the battles with Sesshomaru as a pup and running from him but this new memory was conflicting him. 'Just keep an eye on things and tell me if something weird happens.' He directed that toward his shadow.

Taking a deep breath, his mind was already on the issue of the flickering he was doing. How the hell was he doing that? Everyone had progressed forward once more. The humans in the group would need to eat soon as it was almost noon. His mind went suddenly blank as a familiar scent wafted through the trees. Kikyo... she was close. She was really close. He felt himself hesitate. He needed to say goodbye to her and tell her that he chose Kagome. Would she accept it though? He would still avenge her death. That was a fact. He wouldn't go to hell with her though. He wanted to stay with Kagome. He would still need to speak to Kikyo though. He only hoped Kagome wouldn't think him turning from her again.

The sudden gust of wind and cry from keita had Inuyasha focusing on the present near him. He let out a loud growl. Kagura! Darting forward, he swiped but missed by a long shot. Taking off with Kouga and the others behind him, he growled. "Don't let her get away Kagome!" Unfortunately after a bit of running, Keita and Kagura had vanished along with their scents. All that remained was the smell of miasma without any visible or scent marks. Swearing softly, Inuyasha growled low. It was then he realized that he was practically next to Kikyo. She'd probably be stepping out next to them soon. He tried not to tense but failed, his hands wrapped closely about Kagome's legs. He wouldn't let her go now. He couldn't.




Hotaru growled as she watched the wind witch take Keita. She took off with the others. Near her, she felt Rusty and Tsuki running as well. A faint smile appeared although it was dark. There was a darkness building in her eyes. This allowed her a lot more control of her powers. Before she could reach out and seize the witch, they vanished completely. Her snarl escaped from her lips loudly and angrily. Her claws clenched dangerously. Suddenly the scent of something clay and ash entered her nose along with a strange scent of purity. What the hell was going on now?
 

[Mirai_Raine37]

¤ The Tragic Priestess ~ Kikyo

•Where?: Tracking Naraku's Aura
•Who?: Soul Collectors - Mana - Inuyasha - Kagome - Hotaru - Kurama
•Feeling?: Longing - Envy - Distant - Neutral
•Mine?: Longbow and Arrows - Sacred spells - Shikigami - 3 jewel shards - Soil from Onigumo's cave

"Inuyasha, does that girl mean more to you then me?...Remember this night, and the touch of my lips upon yours. For it was real."

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Kikyo laughed, a giggle of awed reaction to the spirit's antics, it was cute. Carefree, much like the children of most villages. She touched her knuckles to her mouth in the momentary innocence of the moment. The little filly leaned against her steed and gently rubbed its horn against her leg. She sensed that purity in the creature it flooded into her and left a feeling of warmth and peace. She smiled softly as the spirit implied formal greeting to her. "You are sweet, little one." She inclined her head to the spirit in turn, some people may think her mad talking to an animal as though it were a creature with feelings. But to her she can sense that of this spirit, her senses expanded because she is someone trapped in time, she will never age for she is already dead.

She bespoke about the barbed binding collar about the filly's neck, a feeling of sorrow and helplessness answered her query, it is enough to answer her theory that this spirit is someone's slave. Perhaps she may see what she may do for this spirit in time. Her gentle sympathies for the creature became a sudden tension as she felt the presence of a demon in the immediate vicinity. Somewhere behind her is a feint cry, she reached for her bow as her dark brown eyes narrowed in alertness. Then she felt it, Naraku's presence but not. Her gaze turned skyward in time to see the Wind sorceress, Kagura fly up to high for even one of her arrows to hit. She had a hostage with her as she vanished. What is Naraku planning now? He is close. She could sense the residue of his aura in the vicinity over the horizon.

There is a fresh awareness that gave her a pause, a twittering of branches and twigs as a figure seemingly exploded out of the wilderness nearby, she saw the blue of red and silver and other blurs of swiftly moving people. Her heart skipped a beat when she caught sight of him, Inuyasha. She had not seen him for months as of late. And to her the period seems like a long age. Too long, a part of her wanted to go to him, to feel loved once more, to have his embrace and let herself be vulnerable. It would be bliss, that longing to be normal, a ordinary maiden with her only love to strengthen and encourage her in dark times...But no. She does not get the luxury to be that way. Naraku is close by, her only purpose to stay in this world is to slay the demon who ruined her life and to remove the sacred jewel from this world, forever. She could sense it, that boy who was taken by Kagura had a jewel shard, she could follow its aura clearly in her mind.

She erged her horse forward into a small glade where Inuyasha and his friends had stopped. Her soul collectors proceeding her out of the forest, their long sinuous bodies weaving snake-like through the trees with barely a whisper in their passing, their presence announces her presence to those who know of their connection to her. The hooves of her steed made soft thuds in the ground as she came into view riding a lightly packed darkbrown horse. She doesn't need anything except for her weapons, this animal was lent to her by her request for her services at a village she stayed in a while back. A breeze lifted her hair and ruffled her white and red Priestess's garb as she turned his gaze on those in the group. She has seen the wolf demon called Kouga around. The other wolves she does not know, there are a few demons she doesn't know. Aside from the young fox and Kouga. Then her gaze landed on Inuyasha, that woman riding his back.

"You have...aquired new companions I see, Inuyasha." Her voice carefully neutral and distant, she still felt that intense longing for him, but she pushed that part of her aside. She cannot be a weak women. It is no mystery to her why he is out here with so many at his heel. Should she join them though? Since they seek the same goals...The feeling of not being a part of this world came upon her as she considered it, she is a loner. Has always been so, stubbornly refusing aid from anyone, even Inuyasha despite how much he'd want to protect her. She all but ignored Kagome, the girl is part of her...and not. She is herself, reborn in a new life. It seems to be bad irony that she gets to be with Inuyasha in another life but not in this one. The girl's spiritual powers aren't as strong as her own, though Kagome has her potential suppressed, Kikyo can feel it. It is a laughable situation to be jealous of herself, another version of herself. She ruthlessly shoved aside these ponderings.

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[OOC]

 

[Shimmering_Apocalypse]

Kagome Higurashi

Kagome had been sitting silently upon Inuyasha's back while they were on their way until Kagura had swooped into view but by the time she'd been able to draw her bow Kagura had already disappeared. She let out a small sigh before returning the arrow she'd drawn to her quiver. Kagome looked to the others and then ahead until she sense Kikyo's presence not too far off and in a matter of moments they were standing a few feet away. Kagome could feel Inuyasha tense but she didn't say anything, she was sure that he had been aware of Kikyo before she was even remotely aware. Kagome glanced down to Inuyasha and then looked at Kikyo before asking, "What are you doing here Kikyo?" Kagome wanted to get straight to the point because she wanted to get going and save Sango and the others.

 

[Angel_Arianas]

Mana snorted and moved next to the priestess. She didn't feel the need to stray from her side at the moment. If anything, if they were in trouble, she could help the priestess. As they continued on, she felt a sudden surge of anger. Whirling her head, she shivered. It was that smell again. She knew that smell. It was that demon that Sayu's master had given her to. It was a good thing he had let her wander. She would be able to bond with the priestess before he could claim her.

As they moved forward, she caught the scent of others arriving. Realizing that she was being lax, she began to search out her surroundings. She instantly felt the others. It was sudden when she felt the connection between the Priestess and the girl on the half breed's back. She blinked as she stared at them, moving close to the side of the horse by the priestess. She could feel the longing and the emotions from the priestess. Her horn touched Kikyo's leg once more, healing surging through her once more. Each time the horn touched, it healed small portions. She sent strength toward the priestess to help her ease her emotions. In the meantime, she remain close to her side as the events continued.  

[Angel_Arianas]

As the soul stealers slid out, Inuyasha could feel Kagome shift on his back. His hands clenched a little on her legs. "Kagome..." His voice was nothing more than a soft whisper. His gaze was immediately locked onto the Miko that stepped through. Kikyo looked the same as always. He felt his heart give a skip. She looked as beautiful as the last time he saw her. Blinking, he looked down, his ears flickering back and forth. He wasn't sure what to do. "Kikyo, you look... you look well." His voice sounded off to himself. He wasn't exactly sure how to have an actual conversation that didn't consist of him running after her. Clearing his throat, he glanced at the others. "Yeah, we are looking for Naraku. He's nearby. You could come and help if you want to." He was trying to sound as if this was just a nonchalant meeting. Straightening, he heard Hotaru's whispered words. She was right. "Look, we gotta get going Kikyo. We don't have time for chit chat right now. We have to get going. After... we gotta talk." Turning he leaped after Naraku's scent. His heart thundered in his ears. He couldn't believe he had said that. Speaking for Kagome's ears only, he spoke. "Kagome, I'm not going to leave you. I made my choice." There was pain in his voice. It would be hard but he realized that he wanted to be with Kagome. He needed Kagome's help.




Hotaru watched the interaction between Inuyasha and the priestess. She wasn't fully alive. This was very strange. As she listened, he mentally growled. They were wasting time. Her gaze went to the small, strange horse near the dead priestess. There was something about that horse that seemed off about her. Finally she shook her head and spoke softly. "Inuyasha, we must be on our way. Your friend may be in more danger as long as you stand there like an idiot speaking to that... woman." She didn't want to set him off too much. He seemed to understand though and not too soon later, they were off again. Hotaru gave one last lingering look toward the dead priestess before taking off once more.
 

[Mirai_Raine37]

¤ The Tragic Priestess ~ Kikyo

•Where?: Tracking Naraku's Aura
•Who?: Soul Collectors - Mana
•Feeling?: Longing - Envy - Distant - Neutral
•Mine?: Longbow and Arrows - Sacred spells - Shikigami - 3 jewel shards - Soil from Onigumo's cave

"Inuyasha, does that girl mean more to you then me?...Remember this night, and the touch of my lips upon yours. For it was real."

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For the moment that passed, her eyes had locked onto Inuyasha’s golden eyes. Their eyes met for only a brief few seconds before he looked away and grew obviously nervous as though she had caught him red handed stealing cookies from a cookie jar, his canine-like body language portrayed nervousness as well. ”Kikyo, you look…you look well.” His voice sound evasive as well as she studied him. Part of her wondered why he is so nervous, it isn’t as if they see one another on a daily basis. She heard Kagome’s question but said nothing, Inuyasha awkwardly answered her silent question. ”Yea, we are looking for Naraku. He’s nearby. You could come and help if you want to.” Despite the awkwardness of this encounter, it is obvious to her that they are in a hurry without the demon woman saying so.

”Inuyasha, if there was an emergency then you shouldn’t have stopped at all. Go.” she spoke indifferently, perhaps a bit coldly. He shouldn’t dally if he is in a hurry. They will meet again either on the battle field or another day. But the brief view of him had done nothing but make her long for him like longing for something she cannot have. Because he lives. She let them move on without her, they will no doubt reach Naraku first, she will get there when she gets there, and she would fight alone when she does. Several of his companions gave her a wide berth as they moved on.

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[OOC]