Disclaimer: I don't own Inuyasha….though I do own a large amount of Inuyasha merchandise if that counts for much…..

Chapter Three: Goodbye

 SEQ CHAPTER \h \r 1"Inuyasha I just made the decision for you." Kikyo took Kagomes hand. She closed her eyes briefly and then reopened them with surprising beauty. "I know you love me, and that we love each other, but even you can't ignore the fact that she COMPLETES you. What we have is great, and it will never fade, but she is your 'meant to be', your heart, your other half, not me. No matter how much we love each other, you two are soul mates. I don't know if you have even realized that yet." She smiled and a small blush trailed across her face. "I guess in a way we too are soul mates since she and I share the same soul. Its ok Inu...don't you see that its ok? That this is the way it needs to be?"

"Yeah...no! I don't know Kikyo..." Inuyasha blinked away tears. "I guess you are right. But that doesn't mean I want to...lose you. It's..."his chest rose and fell with a heavy sigh.

"You wont lose me Inuyasha." Kikyo pressed her hand to Kagomes chest. "I will always be here. With her. And," she pressed her hand softly against his chest. Feeling the tightened muscles beneath gave her a twinge of jealousy for a feeling she will never get again. She smiled sweetly."I will always be here as well. Never forget me Inuyasha." Tears boiled over and threatened to fall, but they were kept at bay by her desire to make things easier on him. "I owe him this because of how much he loves me..." she realized.

"I wont ever forget you, Kikyo." They stared into each other's eyes for a small eternity. The world around them and even the thickening smell of evil seemed to pause to allow them this one moment. Inuyasha suddenly leaned forward and pressed his warm lips against Kikyos colder ones. Their lips moved across each other's in a sad dance that stopped before it had even begun. Kikyo giggled and kissed the tip of his nose.

"I always wanted to do that." She smiled and grabbed Kagomes hand. Closing her eyes, a bright white light surrounded her and seemed to almost illuminate the area surrounding them. She reached out to take Inuyasha's hand, which he gave without hesitation. She gripped it tighter, wary of showing her hidden fear, but still needing the comfort of his touch. Suddenly Kagomes body jerked and her back arched. Her mouth gasped open.

"No! No!" she screamed. "No Kikyo! Don't!" She opened her eyes and tried to pull her hand away from Kikyo, but the priests's grip was too strong." I don't want your soul! It's yours! No! Please! Inuyasha loves you! Don't do this!" She struggled again, tears streaming down her face. "He'll hate me!" her mind screamed. "He'll hate me for taking you away! Please! He'll blame me!" Inuyashas arm wrapped tighter around Kagome, both in restraint and in comfort. His eyes were locked onto Kikyos glowing figure, blurry in his teared vision. "No...." Kagomes repeated softly as she choked back a sob. She stared at the grief-stricken expression on Inuyashas face.

"I know he loves me, its ok Kagome!" The bright light around her began to fade quickly and Kikyo's grip on there two hands loosened. "Its...ok...thank you K..Kagome. For making me realize myself....""And he wont hate you" Kikyos voice suddenly filled Kagomes thoughts. " You will be amazed at how much he is capable of loving. And that is all because of you Kagome...don't feel sad ever. You...have a wonderful gift...appreciate it and live it...for me..." She laid down on the ground next to the couple. Her breath slowed as Inuyasha set Kagome on the ground without taking his eyes off the priestess. He crawled to Kikyo and picked her up in his arms carefully, cradling her and whispering in her ear. Kagome turned away.

"I love you Kikyo. Thank you.." He rocked her back and forth as her breath slowed to a stop. He silently buried his head into her raven hair.

"I love you too...Inuyasha." Kikyo breathed outward and Didn't draw in another breath. Inuyasha hugged her tighter and let his tears fall freely and softly. Kagome sat away, wiping away silent tears and petting Kirara in her lap. She looked ahead at the gloomy castle. The smell of evil was obviously thickening, but she knew he needed this moment to say goodbye. Finally he set Kikyo down and kissed her forehead gently. Miroku walked next to the couple and began to bless the body. Inuyasha turned away and looked at Kagome. His eyes were red and blood shot, but they still held a volume of words to say to her. They pleaded for comfort, a place where he could be safe.

"I've....I've never seen him so grief stricken....and its all my fault" Kagome stared back, and then suddenly walked over to him. "Im...Im sorry...I Didn't want her soul. I...."

"I know Kagome" he said harshly, quietly. His eyes turned to the castle. "Let's not let her sacrifice be in vain."

"Of course..." Kagome stood and grabbed her bow and arrows that lay beside her. They began walking, side by side but a distance from each other, towards their fate. Seemingly fearless, but both feeling the pain of loss, and uncomfortable anticipation of the moments ahead. Shippo and Kirara rode on the shoulders of Miroku and Sango, who walked silently behind the couple.

Overhead the sky was black, only lightly colored by thin grey clouds.........