Two blurs of red and white mingled underneath the looming tree that has been referred to as the Sacred Tree. This was where their journey began, ended, and now picking up. Kikyo was startled as Inuyasha suddenly came from behind her, whirled her around, and touched her lips with his. She debated refusing his kiss, but as time wore on, she found she could not. Her arms wove around his neck and once he felt her response, closed the space between them. His heart, which previously was pounding wildly in his chest, calmed into a steady cresecendo. All his worries evaporated into nothingness. There was nothing that could take this moment away from them. This second chance to rekindle the embers of a once passionate fire, and perhaps burn it even brighter.

Too see you happy. That's what Kikyo said. The ultimate reason why Kagome revived his dead lover. He considered Kagome, in her ailing state and how he dreaded her leaving him. Then, Kikyo broke into his remorseful reverie with her sorrowful words. Was Kagome mistaken? Am I really your happiness Inuyasha?

The hoplessness that laced with her voice. The sudden sadness that encased her. Those eyes which were so stoic now darkened as to desperately shield her inner motions. A wave of lassitude claimed her, arms limp at her sides and her legs appearing to collapse. He couldn't stand it. The first woman to ever accept him as he is, the one who stole his first kiss, his heart, was upset and beckoning him to console her. He knew only one way, and that was to bring her into his arms. However, once his golden orbs locked with hers he couldn't resist the temptation and he brushed his lips against hers.

Now, here they were, professing their love for each other as a man and a woman should. They each pulled closer, determined to show each other what they missed in all those years apart. Inuyasha's ear twitched as he suddenly heard movements in the woods, then a familiar gasp. It sounded so much like… that boy… Kohaku! He tore his lips from Kikyo, who grazed her mouth with her hand. She looked up at the half demon, watching him survey the surroundings as though there were a demon nearby.

"Inuyasha? What is the matter?"

"Thought I heard something. Guess not. I don't see anybody."

Kikyo took his hand, prompting him to look at her. "Maybe… we better check on Kagome."

Kagome! He thought with a sudden panic. He didn't let his emotions show until Kikyo turned her back on him. Only then, did he allow the guilt to consume him. Oh, how upset Kagome would be if she knew of his trechery behind her back. Her ailing back to be frank.

_ _ _

Kumiko watched with a puzzled frown as Kohaku slipped to the forest floor. She approached him, inquiring him, but he only indicated to two silhouttes shadowed by the branches of trees. She shifted to give herself a better view and peeked at a half demon wrapping his arms around a woman's waist.

Kohaku rose to his feet and gasped as the pair locked lips. He bolted from the forest, shaking his head to ban all those disturbing thoughts. According to Sango, Kagome is in love with Inuyasha and now, while she is so ill, he's showering Kikyo with affections. Now, he wasn't so sure about what to do with this unwanted information. Both choices were equally deterring, only resulting into chaos. Kagome… the poor grirl.

"Was that Inuaysha with Kikyo?" Kumiko asked as she tore her eyes from the direction they saw the couple.

"Yeah. I feel bad for Kagome. I wonder if I should tell her about this?"

Kumiko shrugged. "I don't know. For one thing, she is very ill. But she also deserves to know the truth."

"I guess. I'll talk to my sister Sango and we'll see what she does with it."

"Well then, let's go find her."

Kumiko clasped Kohaku's hand with hers and together they scoured the vicinity for a certain monk and demon slayer.

_ _ _

Kikyo departed from Inuyasha's side to speak with her sister who was gathering herbs by the river. Inuyasha chose to see Kagome. His heart was heavy in his chest as his lips stung with a bittersweet memory. There wasn't any doubt anymore. He was close to Kagome yes, but there was something that Kikyo possesses that pulls him to her. He couldn't escape both girls and his desire to be with them.

Sighing, he parted the bamboo curtain barricading Kagome. He stepped in, but then halted abruptly. He examined the tiny figure curled contently against Kagome's stomach, who snored softly. Then, he inhaled that pungent scent of wolf. A bulky silhoutte spooned Kagome from behind and then it dawned on him. Koga was sleeping with Kagome!

His throat vibrated as he let out a feral growl. His knuckles cracked when he clenched his fists together. Red. Only red. The color of blood. Blood of a wolf. He snarled as he took a step closer. His mind could only process one thought and that was his insatiable thirst for Koga's life essence.

Then, a cold hand grasped his shoulder. He turned to see Kikyo, who wasn't looking at him but the pair that sparked his ire. Inuyasha's rage vanished, even the despair and jealousy over Kagome dissipated. Kikyo's eyes were distant and because of her restored life, her emotions showed through her barrier.

"Why are you so mad Inuyasha?"

"I ain't mad!" He shot a final glare at Koga then strode out of the hut. "He can have her! I don't need her!"

Kikyo wordlessly followed the distressed half demon outside. She noticed him falling to the ground and approached him. "Your anger is evident."

"Whatever. I really don't care anymore!"

"So you say. What you almost did in there speaks volumes. It's clear your love for Kagome has not ceased, but rather, intwined with your feelings for me."

"And just what the hell do you know Kikyo!"

His outburst astounded her. He never used that tone with her, he was usually calm and surrendering towards her. His voice always was laced with guilt. Now… Has the sight of Kagome and Koga set him off the edge? Did he really want Kagome to himself and push her out into the bitter world? Was it too late for her to make amends and patch up their past wounds?

"I never realized how one little event could change a situation so drastically."

"What do you mean?"

"She really is the key to your happiness."

Inuyasha scoffed and turned his back to her. Kikyo stared at his backside, observing his river of hair shimmering beneath the light of the moon. She was so transfixed on his ethereal form that her mind sunk in memories. Memories of their love, broken promises, all that were ruined too soon.

"It really is too late."

Inuyasha looked at her. "Huh? Too late for what?"

She met his dominant stare and spoke with solemn. "Us. It's too late for us to rekindle what was lost."

Inuyasha sighed. No, what's too late is admitting my feelings for Kagome. "It's ok Kikyo. We can still be together."

"But… you love Kagome do you not?"

"It's too late for that. I realize Kagome should be happy, and so should you. But Kikyo, I'm willing to be with you if that's your wish."

"You are going to bless Kagome and Koga?"

"Of course I ain't gonna bless em! But… whatever makes Kagome happy. Even if it is with that scrawny wolf."

"Oh. I see. Your only wish is to see Kagome happy, but don't you think she is happy with you?"

"Hmph! Yeah right. I always make her cry, always put her in danger, left her unprotected so many damn times. She would be happier with someone else. And… I'll be happy with you Kikyo."

Kikyo approached him and melted her body against his. "I'll be happy with you too Inuyasha."

Inuyasha froze as Kikyo's arms looped around his waist. With a silent whisper of her name, he embraced her.

_ _ _

He and his new friend, Kumiko, ran and ran until finally they spotted the crunched figure of Sango near the river. Her hands toying with a blossoming flower, plucking off each petal. As the petals sprinkled the ground, Sango suddenly noticed her little brother as well as Kumiko. She stood and walked over to them, her heart dropping at the anxious expression on Kohaku's face.

"Kohaku?" Sango questioned, drawing her brother into a protective embrace. "What's wrong?"

"I wonder… if I should tell Miss Kagome."

"Kagome? What do you need to tell her?"

Kohaku withdrew to look at his sister. "I saw Inuyasha and Kikyo together."

Sango breathed in sharply. "What were they doing?"

"They talked for a bit, then they hugged, and kissed."

"Why that two-timing, selfish jerk!" Sango screeched, making Kohaku and Kumiko back away from the fuming woman.

Sango unleahed her fury through foul language just as Miroku stepped in from behind the foliage, carrying a bundle of wood. "Sango? What's wrong? What did I do!"

"It's not you. I saw Inuyasha with Kikyo… kissing."

Rather than anger, understanding shone in Miroku's eyes. He set down the wood and strode over to Sango. He halted her flailing fists and brought her into his arms. Kumiko and Kohaku resorted to taking the wood to its needed place rather than stay to watch the couple interact.

Miroku released Sango when her energy diminished. He could tell, by the darkening of her eyes she was still enraged. Therefore, he kept his hands to himself and waited until it was safe for him to speak, which would be after Sango's rant.

"I can't believe him! Kagome is laying in there dying and he's with another woman! I don't think I've ever seen him in the room with her! Does he not care about her at all!"

"Sango, listen. Inuyasha and Kikyo were together long before Kagome was involved. Their love was torn because of Naraku, it was never a clean break. There's no doubt Inuyasha still has feelings for Kikyo, and she him. They can't help how they feel, and now that they have a chance to be together, I think it's their decision if they seize it or not."

"But Kagome will be so heartbroken!"

Miroku smiled. "No, she won't."

"Why not?"

Miroku's smile widened. "Because all she ever wanted… was to see Inuyasha happy."

"But what about her happiness? Doesn't he care about hers?"

"I'm afraid to say right now… Kagome's eternal serenity will soon come."

Sango withdrew to face the wise man with a scared look. Miroku interpreted her fright through her vivid expression and held her. She didn't even need to hear his words to know what he was thinking. A dam inside of her broke and the tears cascaded her face. Her heart bled for Kagome, who was going to lose her only chance of being with the man her body yearned for.

And of course, her heart bled as she thought about the impending loss that would soon come.