.o.O.o.

The young woman of the future laid on the ground with two large, gaping holes in her chest and abdomen. A pale, transparent ghost of Midoriko appeared before the group crowding around Kagome.

Cold, stiff, dead Kagome.

She would not smile any longer, spreading her joy no more.

Warm, grieving, angry Kikyo.

She was alive, but at what cost?

"No," she said, shocking the anguished inutachi, "I will not accept this."

Rising, Kikyo drew her bow and pointed it at Midoriko. She knew it would not hurt her, but she would try anyway.

"Bring her back. Bring Kagome Higurashi back."

.o.O.o.