Kikyo was dead there was no doubt about that. They had seen her struck down and they had seen the remainder of the soul return to its proper body. Yes, she was dead, but the one person in their group they all thought would be secretly happy about her death seemed to be almost more sad than the one whom they all knew would be the most upset.
They had become friends, and made a vow to not let anyone know of it, lest they interfere with their new friendship. They never talked about him (the man they both loved) nor did they wish to. Kikyo taught her how to use her powers more effectively and more fully. That was how their friendship began. She had gone to asked for help as she knew only Kikyo could give, for they shared their powers. All the same, hers only seemed weaker due to lack of practice and lack of a teacher.
The could only meet after he went to see her. Once he had left she would arrive and they would practice. They practiced until such a time when the pupil surpassed the teacher. Yet she continued to come. At first they practiced a little, then they started talking. Then they didn't practice at all.
They talked of normal girl things, it was the only time Kikyo allowed herself to be a girl. They would talk and giggle and have fun. She would bring her new things, things Kikyo couldn't even imagine could possibly exist. A few times after she had become stronger and could sense when Kikyo was nearby they would meet and he wouldn't come and find them. He never met with Kikyo anymore.
One night she brought a magazine and as Kikyo read it she became curious about some of the things she read. She asked her friend what it was and was pleasantly surprised by the answer she got. Not an answer in words but a sweet kiss, just as it was described. Soon they became the ones sneaking around finding hidden kisses.
They had finally experienced the purest form of love and joy together on the night that Kikyo died. They had separated after cleaning up and then Kikyo found herself in danger. Her new lover felt the danger for her and made her company run to Kikyo's aid without telling them who they were helping. No one knew of their relationship.
They arrived in time to see Kikyo struck down. They brought her remains back to her grave and her lover went home. They all assumed that her leaving was for the benefit of the man who had also lost his first love, but it was not so. It was so she could finally cry. She could not do that around them and still keep her vow to Kikyo.
She stayed secluded for the weekend in her room then returned to the man who she also loved. But he didn't matter at the moment, for this is the story of the friendship and love of Kikyo, the Priestess who died twice, and the girl from the future who shared her soul.