Disclaimer: I do NOT own Inuyasha
Chapter 1:
I knew it would happen; I knew; yet it still tears me apart. I had seen them you see, I had seen him mark her as his mate, and he didn't even know that I was there. He was happy though, and that has always been what I wanted, if nothing else, I wanted him to be happy. If she could give him that, then I knew what I would have to do. "It is time", I said to my silent audience of trees and shrubs. Or so I had thought, until suddenly a voice spoke in response saying, "For what, and where is my idiotic Half-Brother", causing me to jump – what was he doing here? For he was none other than our long time enemy, recently turned ally for a short period of time. I finally registered what he had asked me, but I did not want to answer. Yet I knew he deserved at least part of an answer so I responded, "Your brother is with his mate".
Guy's POV
I was watching her from my place in a tree above her, and I could see the emotions flowing across her face, ranging from sadness, to anger, to acceptance, and finally to determination, when she spoke the three words that invoked my innately curious nature, which I am usually very good at suppressing. I had to know what caused her to say those three words that sounded both resigned and determined at the same time, so breaking from my resting place I jumped down and prepared to ask my question, she was, of course, in her grief, still oblivious to my presence, though she should pay more attention to her surroundings in these dangerous times. Suddenly sniffing the air I realized that my brother was not around, why was that? Wasn't she his woman? Wasn't he supposed to be protecting her? With these thoughts running through my head I asked her, "For what, and where is my idiotic Half-Brother". When I heard her soft reply that he was with his mate I was confused, an emotion I am most certainly not accustomed to. It seems around this young miko that has gained my respect, not an easy thing for anyone, especially a human to do. My tainted brother had mated with another when he had this jewel of a miko beside him already? This confirmed in my mind what had already seemed so obvious: that my half-brother had no brain what so ever.
Narrator's POV
Almost involuntarily he uttered the six words that would change their path from that point on: "My brother really is an idiot". This statement confused the young miko; for the demon in front of her was not one to let the issue of his brother, for whom he had no regard to begin with, affect his opinion so much that he felt the need to voice his thoughts. As he had broken the rules of the universe and hell must have frozen over, she might as well talk to the demon in front of her. If only to find out the reason he had become so vocal, so she responded, "Why … why do you say that?" With a sigh, a show of emotion so out of character for him, he sat down and resigned himself to the conversation. "You have gained my respect as only one other human ever has. I have seen the loyalty you show my brother, despite his unworthiness. I have seen your courage in battle as you dared to fire at me. And lastly, I have seen your power, during your dawn trainings, while you attempt to hide it from the world. It is for these things that I respect you, and if my half-brother was stupid enough to turn your loyalty away for another than he really is a completely hopeless idiot". This revelation empowered her, for at least there was someone who saw beyond her facade. It made it both harder and easier to do what she had to, easier because it would give her a chance to say goodbye, harder because it meant there was someone out there who would miss her. At the same time, she knew her path could not be changed. Her decision was already made, and to change it now would be going against her very personality; he would understand. Finally she said, "Thank you Sesshoumaru, thank you and goodbye, could you pass that on to the others? It is time for me to use the jewel. Shikon no Tama please allow Kikyo to live again, and be happy with Inuyasha". With this said she started to fade, her soul leaving, being taken back to Kikyo in order to give her life. She turned to Sesshoumaru and whispered a final "goodbye". In his shock Sesshoumaru stood frozen for a minute until hearing her final goodbye, when he reached out for her departing spirit shouting her name, "KAGOME!"
