Never, even while she had been alive, had Kikyou felt as humble as she did when she admitted to herself that she needed help. As a resurrected miko, she still had some of her abilities, but her ultimate purifying powers would not be contained to a counterfeit body. With a heart heavy with wisdom and defeat, Kikyou set out in search of the only one who would be able to destroy what had once been Onigumo.
It was a warm, sunny summer afternoon in the present day. School had let out the previous day, and Kagome had spent the evening preparing to return to the past. She had bid goodbye to her friends and family earlier since she was not planning on coming home all summer. After saying goodbye to her family, Kagome started out to the well house. She staggered under the weight of her pack. "I hope Inuyasha will carry this thing when I get back," she sighed as she reached the lip of the well. Taking one last look at the shrine, Kagome swung her legs over, hopped into the well and fell with a clunk to the other side. A shadow of someone leaning over the side fell across Kagome's figure; it was presumably the ever-predictable Inuyasha. "Hey, Inuyasha, you think you could help me with this?" Kagome called up.
"Inuyasha is not here," said the voice of Kikyou. Kagome looked up fearfully at the resurrection; one never knew what the miko was up to, but Kikyou then removed her bow and hamaya, setting them aside. It was a gesture of peace.
"Kikyou…" Kagome breathed in awe. "Wh-what do you want?"
The miko offered Kagome a hand up and helped her out of the well. "We have to talk," she replied as Kagome set her pack down. The two sat down facing each other by the well.
A rustling sound in the forest was approaching fast, and Inuyasha, appeared in the clearing. His ears perked up, and his eyes widened as he saw the two women he cared for sitting calmly across from each other. "What the hell…" he muttered to himself and leaped over to them. "What's going on here?" he asked them both.
"Sit down, Inuyasha," said Kikyou resolutely. He looked at each woman and surmised from the look on Kagome's face that this was all Kikyou's doing, and he sat near the girl. Kikyou looked away as the hanyou she had once loved took the hand of her reincarnation. Even though she had resigned herself long ago to the fact that Inuyasha and she would not be able to return to their past, it pained her to actually see him with Kagome. Both Inuyasha and Kagome looked at Kikyou expectantly, so she began.
"I have known for a long time now that only a miko will be able to kill Naraku," she began. "I assumed it would be me, but… thinks are different now. That can only be partially true."
"What are you saying, Kikyou?" Inuyasha asked in a guarded tone. His eyes bored into hers, but Kagome's hand remained in his firm grip.
Kikyou avoided looking at the scene and instead stared at the ground when she spoke. "In this body, I lack the power to ultimately purify Naraku," she explained tonelessly. She looked up at Kagome with a blank look. "Only you have that power now," she said almost enviously.
Kagome gasped softly, "Me? I'm not even a full miko; how could I-"
"You are my reincarnation, therefore you have all the powers I did in life. While I was alive, I could have easily disposed of Naraku. Death, however, has defiled me, and I no longer possess the purifying powers I did once," Kikyou explained. "You, however, under my instruction, have that power and more." She paused, trying her hardest to ignore Inuyasha's arm beginning to snake around Kagome's shoulders. "If either of you ever want to rid the world of Naraku, you must do exactly as I say," she finished.
Inuyasha was silent for a moment before he nodded his head solemnly. "We should get Miroku and Sango," he said with no need for explanation.
Kikyou nodded. Inuyasha swept Kagome on to his back and took off toward the village. As they left, Kikyou mused to herself once again how strange yet natural it was for her own reincarnation to be the woman in Inuyasha's life. It was hard for her to see Kagome softening Inuyasha's heart and unwittingly teaching him to trust and love, but Kikyou tried to keep that from her mind. She would need them all if her plan was to succeed. They were means to an end, and al the personal attachments could wait until later.
It would have felt ominous even if they were merely going on a stroll, little less searching for a demonic megalomaniac. Sango, Miroku and Shippou rode above on Kirara and had a good view of the situation below. Kagome had declined to ride with Inuyasha, taking her bike instead. Kikyou seemed to glide ahead of them all, aided by her shinidama chuu. Inuyasha walked beside Kagome, though one who knew him could tell that he was rather confused by Kikyou's actions. Never had the resurrected miko been so reasonable as to ask for help.
"Inuyasha, just go with her," Kagome whispered. "I can't bear to see that pained look on your face." She avoided his eyes as she spoke, unable to make herself look at him.
The hanyou fixed her with his golden gaze. "I'll come back for you, Kagome," he said to her softly before he caught up to Kikyou. Kagome watched him go, remembering that she would never be able to break the bond between the two even if she thought it was the right thing to do (which she didn't). Kikyou looked to her side and saw Inuyasha; the pained look was still painted across his face. She did not allow herself to be too pleased that he was near her and not her reincarnation.
"Kikyou," Inuyasha began softly. "When you first returned, you said you'd never wanted to leave death… what will you choose when Naraku is gone?" His head was lowered, and his voice was barely audible. "Will you choose a cursed half-life or return to the death you had not wished to leave?"
A shinidama chuu circled Inuyasha and returned to its place flanking Kikyou. "What shall happen will happen," she said after a long pause, and then she added bitterly, "You just want me to die again."
Inuyasha slowed his pace a bit, though he remained within Kikyou's earshot. "If it means you'll finally be at peace, then yes," he sighed. He stood rooted to the spot until Kagome caught up on her bike. She slowed to a halt next to him.
"Hop on, Inuyasha," she said kindly with her warm, inviting smile. Inuyasha smiled back weakly and took his place on the back of Kagome's bike as they set off again.
"How can she put up with that dirty two-timer?" Sango exclaimed to Miroku several feet up. "Kagome-chan is just too tolerant when it comes to that hanyou."
"Inuyasha's such an idiot," Shippou sighed loftily. The little kitsune was sitting happily on Kirara's head.
"Have either of you considered the fate that awaits Kikyou-sama after Naraku is destroyed?" Miroku asked the taijiya and the kitsune. They both looked back at the houshi angrily.
"You're almost as bad as Inuyasha!" exclaimed Shippou as he pointed an accusing finger at Miroku. Sango also gave in an accusing stare.
Miroku sighed and began to explain himself. "Kikyou-sama's powers weakened and allowed Naraku to form because she fell in love with Inuyasha. She must feel a great dishonor; I suspect it is why she had not returned to the world of the dead. Miko Kikyou feels she must destroy Naraku and cleanse her honor before returning to the death she had not wished to leave," he told them.
"Houshi-sama, you don't honestly think Inuyasha is deep enough to grasp that, do you?" Sango asked with a doubting manner to her.
"How stupid d'you take me for?" Inuyasha shouted up at them angrily. Sango and Shippou gasped shortly; they had forgotten about the hanyou's sensitive hearing. Miroku smiled knowingly; he was certain that the thoughts he had voiced had flickered across Inuyasha's mind but had not been pieced together as nicely.
"Either way, we must focus on the task ahead," the houshi said loftily. Sango and Shippou glared daggers at him; they hated it when the lecher was annoyingly right.
The odd group stopped for the night as the sun began to set. Shippou and Kirara fell asleep as soon as they hit the ground. Miroku, Sango, Kagome and Inuyasha set up a small campfire since they all knew that they would be hard pressed to sleep soundly that night, if at all. Kikyou remained slightly isolated (by choice) and even disappeared for a while.
"Where do you think she went?" asked Sango rhetorically as she warmed her hands by the fire.
"Probably to get more souls," Inuyasha reasoned miserably. All could tell that he felt bad enough about the state of his former love as well as the situation at hand, so they did not torment him further. Kagome attempted to lighten her mood and began roasting a marshmallow over the flame. The others watched as the marshmallow turned golden brown and then as Kagome added it to the chocolate and graham cracker. The smore was actually cheering her up when Kikyou returned. Upon reentering the small clearing, she joined the group around the fire, taking a place ever so slightly near Inuyasha. Kagome knew she could not keep quiet much longer, so she blurted out the question she had been aching to ask.
"Kikyou-sama," she began respectfully, "what exactly is you plan for killing Naraku?"
The miko turned to her and regarded her with an undecided look to her. Inuyasha glanced nervously at the women on either side of him- his past and future- as they began a strange and guarded conversation. Miroku and Sango gazed over at the threesome semi-objectively. "I suppose I should tell you," Kikyou sighed. "Naraku only has two detachments left, the rest being dead or reabsorbed. Kagura and Kanna must be killed so that no part of Naraku remains." She directed her next statement to Miroku, Sango and Inuyasha. "You three must take care of this while Kagome and I purify Naraku. It is the only way," she added after seeing the looks on their faces. "You will all be able to avenge those you wish."
Miroku and Sango nodded decidedly, and Inuyasha bowed his head, resigning himself to his task. He had so wished to be the one to kill Naraku, but taking Kagura's head would have to suffice. Kagome, though rather frightened at the imperative role in the plot, also nodded in acceptance.
They did not have to wait long the next day before Naraku found them. Ever since he had expelled Onigumo's heart, he had been itching to finally kill Kikyou. Kagura had killed an entire village out of sheer boredom, and Kikyou was annoyingly always in the way, so the miko was at the top of Naraku's proverbial hit list. She had not been at the village she had adopted, ad her scent joined that of Inuyasha and his friends'. This did not appear to affect Naraku; "I can kill them all at once," he thought indifferently.
Kikyou was the first to sense Naraku approaching since she never slept. A moment later, Inuyasha was on his feet and facing the direction from which Naraku's youki was coming. Kikyou's eyes narrowed for a nano-second as she saw how near he had slept to Kagome's sleeping bag. Miroku and Sango began to stir and woke up Shippou and Kirara. With a short fleeting glance at Kikyou, Inuyasha knelt down beside Kagome and eased her awake.
Once everyone was up and functioning, no one spoke. An unspoken agreement seemed to exist that everything could wait until Naraku was dead. Miroku, Sango, Shippou and Kirara stood together, Hiraikotsu, shakujou, Katana, Kazanna, teeth, claws, and kitsune-magic all at hand. Inuyasha stood nearby with Kikyou on one side, Kagome on the other.
A sharp wind suddenly took hold of the clearing accompanied by a cry of "Ryuuja no mai!" Tornado like winds ripped directly at the tight groups forcing them to dive apart. Sango, Miroku, Shippou and Kirara found themselves on the very edge of the clearing with a small girl dressed all in white holding a mirror.
"Give me… your souls…" she whispered barely audibly.
"I'm not falling for this again!" cried Shippou; "Kitsune bi!" He shot blue flame at Kanna, but she reflected it. Kirara pulled Shippou from harm's way just in time.
"Back me up, Houshi-sama!" and Sango, "Hiraikotsu!" The boomerang flew past Kanna about five feet from her form.
"Your aim is poor," the incarnation said objectively- just as the weapon came from behind and flew through the mirror. Silver lights flew out in all directions- souls returning to their rightful owners.
"Well done, Sango!" said Miroku as she caught her weapon.
"Finish her, Houshi-sama," replied Sango.
Miroku nodded and opened the void in his hand. "Kazanna!" he cried, and Kanna was sucked into his hand.
"We did it!" exclaimed Shippou excitedly. Miroku and Sango suddenly realized that they had hugged each other in the moment of celebration, and Sango slapped Miroku's hand away from her rear.
"But where are Kagome-chan and Inuyasha?" she asked.
Inuyasha found himself alone on the other edge of the clearing. Kagome and Kikyou were nowhere to be seen, and a dangerous female laugh filled the air.
"It's about time for you to finally die, Inuyasha," said Kagura as she appeared in front of him. "Fuujin no mai!" she cried, and she sent the daggers of air at him with a sweep of her fan.
Inuyasha had drawn Tessaiga in seconds and blocked her attack. "I'm getting really sick of you," he growled dangerously, raising Tessaiga and poised to attack.
"Baka!" Kagura cried triumphantly. "I am the wind! You think a sword with wind powers can defeat me?"
Inuyasha smirked. "Fine, then," he spat. "Attack me, if you're so confident!"
Kagura made a sound of rage. She knew perfectly well that Inuyasha was capable of killing her now that he had mastered the Kaze no Kiza, and she also knew he had no qualms about take her head. This did not surprise her; it was just aggravating. "Ryuuja no mai!" she shouted fiercely and sent several twisters straight at the hanyou.
"Thanks, Kagura," said Inuyasha evilly. "Bakuryuuha!!"
Tessaiga cut through the air menacingly in a way the Wind Witch had not seen. Before she knew it, the twisters were headed back at her; no, they were upon her! Just as she began to scream, Inuyasha swung the sword again to aid in her destruction, shouting "Kaze no Kiza!" and Kagura was no more.
"Inuyasha!" called Miroku from the other side of the clearing. Sango, Shippou and Kirara were there as well, but…
"Where is Kagome-chan?" asked Sango as Inuyasha leaped over to them.
"She must be with Kikyou-sama," Shippou reasoned. It was then that they say a barrier on the edge of the woods; Naraku's barrier.
I have to find them, though Inuyasha. He turned to the strong demon barrier and set to work with the red Tessaiga.
"Where are we?" asked Kagome. She and Kikyou were shrouded in mist, but remained together.
"Notch a hamaya," Kikyou commanded, and Kagome obeyed. A maniacal laugh came from further in the mist, and Naraku revealed himself.
"So, Kikyou, you're not strong enough to take me on alone? You need the help of your reincarnation?" he taunted. "Really, Kikyou, I thought you had more pride than that."
"You're one to talk, always using your incarnations and golems and never doing anything yourself!" Kagome fired back.
"At least I have my honor," replied Kikyou acidly as she notched her own hamaya. "One such as you who hides behind sorcery is a mere coward."
Naraku's face spasmed for a split second. Things were bad enough with just one of these two, but facing both? It was as though he was seeing double; the stances were identical… Had none of his tricks to make enemies of the two worked?
Aim for where his heart should be, Kikyou's voice sounded in Kagome's head. She nodded to show she had understood.
"Onigumo is gone from me; I can do with you what I please!" Naraku announced, a hint of panic in his voice.
"NOW!" said Kikyou, and the two bodies of the same pure soul fired their hamaya at the incarnation of evil. Naraku became enveloped in a circle of purple white light and was lifted off the ground a few feet. He cried out as his body began to disintegrate from the torso down. He had to escape… but his barrier would not let him through.
"Do not think I will allow you to get away," said Kikyou calmly. Her hands were clasped in prayer, and Kagome saw that the miko was holding her own barrier to keep the hanyou from leaving. Kikyou turned her eyes to Kagome and gave her a final instruction. "Take the killing blow and purify him."
Kagome nodded and notched the last hamaya. "It's over, Naraku!" she shouted and let the hamaya fly. Her aim was true. The hamaya hit him in the neck and the Shikon no Tama fell out of him. The form of Naraku- or what was left of it- fell to ashes at Kagome's feet. She pocketed the jewel, and began to ask, "Who should take the jewel?" when she stopped suddenly at the sight of Kikyou. The battle had taken most of her strength, and, starved for souls, she was unable to move. Kagome reached out to touch the barrier, but a strong electric shock made her pull her hand back. Naraku's barrier seemed to have merged with the miko's.
"I… can't bring it down, …" gasped Kikyou weakly as her form went rigid.
"Kekkaigiri!" Inuyasha cried as he broke through the combined barrier. He landed and quickly took in the scene.
"Inuyasha!" yelled Kagome. "Get Kikyou out of here!"
Inuyasha stared at her strangely for a moment. "Where's Naraku?" he asked slowly.
"GONE! Now take Kikyou and get here away from this. I'll take care of this mess. GO! " Kagome instructed fiercely. Miroku, Sango, Shippou and Kirara caught up to Inuyasha then, so, knowing that Kagome would be safe, he scooped Kikyou into his arms.
"I'll return," he said quickly and took off into the trees. The rest watched him go.
"Kagome! What happened?" everyone asked as Inuyasha disappeared.
"I just did what she told me," explained Kagome. "Our arrows purified him." The others nodded and congratulated her, and then they set to cleaning up the mess and sealing Naraku for good.
Inuyasha landed at last about a mile away. Kikyou seemed to be unconscious as he set her down against a tree. Her eyes opened slightly, though, as he backed away just a little bit.
"Kikyou, are you ok?" the hanyou asked stupidly. She stared at him.
"Baka, I'm dead," she reminded him bitterly. She softened a bit before asking slowly, "Where is Naraku?"
Inuyasha's ears twitched as he heard himself asking Kagome the same thing minutes earlier. "He's gone, Kikyou," he said serenely. Kikyou could not help noticing the loon on Inuyasha's face and the general manner about him. He was sitting back on his haunches in his dog-like way, head hung in hopelessness.
"You are repulsed by me," she spat at him heartlessly.
The hanyou looked up at her sadly. Everything about his stance had hardened in hurt, but his eyes remained dry. "Yes, Kikyou," he said forcefully. "I'm repulsed by seeing you in this constant pain! When will this misery be over for you?"
Kikyou let out a gasp as a soul escaped her flesh. She looked down at herself and saw the dead souls oozing out of her imitation body. "It will end soon," she whispered resolutely. Inuyasha's eyes widened. Kikyou felt the hate that had driven her to stay in the world of the living phase out of her; her duty was complete. For the first time since her resurrection, the miko saw Inuyasha. He would never leave her as long as she still needed him; his honor would not let him even if he was no longer in love with her. Kikyou decided that it was time to set things right. "I'm so very sorry, Inuyasha," she whispered. "All this time I've treated you horribly. My hatred would let me think only of Naraku's demise. It was my fault that he formed because I allowed you to distract me. That is why I continued to despise you. Now that Naraku is gone, my hatred has left me, and my vision is no longer tainted."
Inuyasha took her hand in concern. "I'm losing you again, aren't I," he said. It was not a question. "Just like last time…"
Kikyou returned his look. "Inuyasha, you're not in love with me anymore, are you," Kikyou replied. It was also not a question. Inuyasha's eyes darted away from hers, confirming the statement.
"I want you to be at peace, Kikyou," he sighed. "If it means I have to go with you to hell, I'll gladly leap in after-"
"STOP IT!" Kikyou yelled, and Inuyasha dropped her hand. "I want you to be happy. You have the chance to live again after dying unnecessarily at my hand. If you want me to be at peace, live."
Inuyasha stared at Kikyou in disbelief. Her hatred gone, she was the Kikyou he had known and loved ("had" being the operative word). As a final goodbye, he bulled her into a tight hug; it was not between lovers anymore, but close friends. "Arigato, Kikyou," he said softly in her ear.
"There is one thing, though," Kikyou said as they broke apart. She knew her time was expiring. "Stay with Kagome," she choked out as her voice failed. One small soul was left, and as it escaped, Kikyou's voice echoed around Inuyasha; "You need each other more than you know."
Inuyasha looked at where Kikyou had been and saw only dirt and clay. She was gone. He stood up, brushed his clothes off, and set off to join the others cleaning up after Naraku.