Kochō

and are characters from the manga and anime InuYasha. They are two shikigami in the form of two young girls, appearing to be about Rin's age. They are mainly used as Kikyō's messengers after Kikyō was slain on Mount Hakurei (by Naraku) and became unconscious, bringing her close to her second death. They are also attendants for Kikyō's other shikigami, Saint Hijiri, who is just a puppet and container for Kikyō's soul. Kochō and Asuka are also capable of erecting and maintaining powerful barriers.

The girls are slain by Kohaku when Kikyō sends them to divert Naraku's attention and stop the invading demonic rats. However, Kikyō later summons them again to protect Kohaku (who has become her travelling companion since Kagura's death).

Appearance
They can be distinguished from one another by their appearance. Asuka has two ponytails at the side of her head, and wears a blue kimono. Kochō has a ponytail at the back of her head, like Kikyō, wears a light yellow kimono.

Powers and Abilities
It appears that Kochō and Asuka both contain a vast amount of spiritual power as they lend it from Kikyō's powers, due to the fact that when Kikyō is distracted somewhere else (usually in difficult circumstances), they cover for her in her absence, though their powers seems to be connected to Kikyo's own powers.


 * Flight: Both Kochō and Asuka is shown to have the ability to fly swiftly.


 * Spiritual Barrier: Being Kikyō's shikigami, the two can defend themselves by erecting a powerful spiritual barrier which prevents any attacks from harming them. In various occassions, they are seen erecting a barrier to protect Kikyo during her recovery and while she was incapacitated. They are also seen erecting a barrier to protect Kohaku when Kikyo was caught in Naraku's spiderwebs.