DISCLAIMER:  I don't own Inuyasha.  Never have, never will L.\

Self- Sacrifice

By PuRpLeDiRt

Chapter 3:

            Kagome stood in the middle of Inuyasha's Forest, thinking how hard it had been to tell Sango goodbye and to swear her to secrecy.   Kagome concentrated as hard as she could, trying to feel the familiar presence.  As a result of desperation, she began to scream.

            "Kikyou, where are you!  We need to talk!  You can finally seek your revenge, on ME!  I know you're here, somewhere!"  As the words left her mouth, Kikyou's insect youkai came floating silently out of the trees and began to lead her to Kikyou.

            "What is this you talk of, you foolish girl?"  Kikyou asked in a cool tone.

            Staring into the eyes of the one she was the reincarnate of, Kagome began to speak.  "I have an offer to make, one you most assuredly will enjoy.  I will give you the soul that we share, so you can finally walk the earth, as a human again."  Kagome stated, her eyes never leaving Kikyou's cold face.

            "And what would you get in return?"  Kikyou eyes her closely.

            "I would get to release all of my pain, and you get Inuyasha, and what does it matter?  I'm the one doing you the favor here."  Kagome had gathered all her courage, her eyes locked with Kikyou's.

            "Ah… so that's what this is all about, you finally come to realize that Inuyasha has and will always love me, and there is no room for you and your worthless life.  As I have said before, you're just a poor copy of me."  Kikyou's coldhearted tone sent a shiver down Kagome's spine.  "Foolish girl, I will accept your offer.  Meet me here tomorrow at dawn, and all will be ready for the soul transfer."

            With a whoosh, Kikyou and the insect youkai disappeared.  Kagome released a sigh and headed back towards camp to inform Sango.

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            As she returned, Kagome was quite solemn the rest of the day.  Miroku and Inuyasha asked if she was ok, and she responded with a "fine!  I just don't feel good, ok?"

            "You don't smell sick to me."  Inuyasha replied grumpily.

            "I said I didn't feel good, that doesn't mean I'm sick!"  Kagome snapped.  Sango and Miroku gaped at her.  Inuyasha's face registered with shock at her attitude.

            "I just want to be alone…"  Kagome mumbled.  Sango was not about to agree with this.  She had wondered what had happened since Kagome had come back to the camp after saying goodbye.  With that said, Sango grabbed Kagome by the arm and pulled her aside.

            "What happened?  Did you not find Kikyou?  Because I know she would never reject your offer!"  Sango rushed out.  Kagome stood there, looking at her feet.

            "No, she didn't reject my offer.  She said to meet her tomorrow at dawn because she had to get everything prepared for the soul transfer.  Why does she have to prolong my agony?  I bet she is getting a kick out of this."  Grumbled Kagome.

            They rejoined the group with Sango and Kagome trailing along as Inuyasha led the way back to the Kaede's village.

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            As the night slowly took over the day, the group decided to leave the fire and turn in for the night.  They split up, Kagome, Sango, and Shippou (A/N Sorry I haven't mentioned him much.  I just decided not to really write him in.  Sorry if it offends any of you.) went to their hut, Miroku to his, and Inuyasha to a tree.  Sango laid down and mouthed the word 'goodbye' to Kagome and closed her eyes.  Kagome caught what she had said and crawled into her sleeping bag, only not to get much sleep.  Shippou curled up on her stomach, but she gently placed him next to her so not to disturb him when she got up.  Kagome closed her eyes and mentally prepared herself for the morning.

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            As Inuyasha fell asleep in his tree, another dream came to him.  He could see Kikyou attacking Kagome.  It seemed all too real and something about it didn't seem quite right.  Inuyasha woke, panting, trying to sort out what he had just seen.  He came to one conclusion:  Kagome was in danger.

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            Meanwhile, dawn had come and Kagome woke from her semi-sleep.  She quietly snuck out of the hut and into Inuyasha's Forest.  She finally came to the meeting spot and stood there.  And as if on cue, Kikyou appeared.

"You're here.  Personally, I'm a bit surprised.  I thought you weak and that you would regret your decision and I would have to come look for you."  Kikyou smirked. 

"So, how do you plan to do this?"  Kagome asked shakily.

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OK, third chapter, I think there is only going to be one more..... R/R