For Kikyou

Dearest. That's what I called you, priestess. No one else shall go by the name that I give to the dearest, softest well-guarded place in my heart. That has not changed, you are still my dearest.

Dearest. The word for you, fragile you. Palest skin, darkest eyes, dearest plump, red lips. The Bell Flower, delicate as the dearest roses, bright and happy as the sun, melancholy and bittersweet as a summer rain.

Dearest. My dearest first love, the one who granted me sweet acceptance and proved to me, a hanyou, that one as dearest as you can find love in me. You will always be the first one to carry my heart with you. That will not change.

Dearest. Dearest were those times with you, tranquil and serene, yet full of so many soft yet passionate emotions, like your dearest, dearest soul. Walks in cherry blossom forests cloud my memory and sing to me softly, Sakura, Sakura.

Dearest. Dearest to you were the ones you helped, wounded soldiers came to you for aid, which was never hesitated on your part. Delighted were you to see the smiles of their loved ones, and of them. Your feathery touch would have made anyone feel safe. Because of your ability to heal the soul, I was your dearest, and followed you anywhere.

Dearest. Dearest were you, Kikyou, priestess, as you were struck down by a hated enemy. Even if your attacker took the form of me, your dearest, you murmured my name as your breath was carried away.

Dearest. Even as you struck me down, years of pain and regret in your eyes, you managed to love me, your dearest, pray that I would find peace, thought of me as you fell in your sister's arms, never to return to the world in that form again. I was on your mind, for you cannot erase your dearest from your memory.

Dearest. Dearest one who was fighting for her life until the very end, residing in a clay body that was not your own, taking the pain of capturing souls to keep yourself alive. You were a good woman, and you knew it was not right. In my heart, you died with honor, and I remember every time we had together.

Dearest. Still, you are my dearest, the one I can never erase. Still, I think of you as you walk through eternity in a cherry blossom forest. Still, I wish for your peace. I loved you more than you will ever know. I would have gone with you, Kikyou, even to my own demise. I would have done anything for you.

Dearest. I never blamed you for pushing me away, but realize that I meant it with everything I had. Do you see now, dearest Kikyou, that I meant it?

Dearest. Every day, I wonder how it would have been, to walk my life with you, to see your children and watch you as you aged. To have grown softer in my heart with each passing day that was my love for you.

Dearest. Even now there is no one who is my dearest, no one but you, who has that place in my heart for my most fragile memories. I treasure them, and they bring me joy and pain as I looked over your life. I am not sorry I have known you, for I love you still.

Dearest. I may have other loves, I will always have people close to me, other women close to me, but you will stay with my soul forever. You have touched my heart, Kikyou, and only you will walk through eternity with me.

Dearest. I will never forget you, Kikyou, my dearest.