Life's Menagerie

A/N- A note; the funeral ceremonies here do not follow traditional Buddhist, but stray more into the realm of Shinto, with a hint of Christianity, and a pinch of artistic liberty.

Thanks be to all those who inspire me- Niamh, the Xenocide, LilacRose23 all of my dear friends and all of the people who drive me crazy. Only LilacRose could do a cursory beta, so we're going to have to hope you can understand the bare workings of my mind. Luck…

As its doubtful I'll have time to get the next installation out before the end of December, what with all the things that are happening, here's an early holiday greeting- May you find Inuyasha wrapped up with a big bow on his head, sulking under a Christmas tree, a menorah, or whatever you have for Kwanzaa! Happy Holidays!

Disclaimer- Roses are red, violets are blue, I don't own him, and neither do you.

Chapter Five- The Road Without a Path

What is life made of but choices?

Wind rushed through the well-house, whistling and howling like a tormented beast. Inuyasha bowed awkwardly, but a touch of formality towards the assembled family of Kagome. The genuflection was made difficult as Kagome's slight form was nestled in his strong arms. He still managed it while maintaining some modicum of grace. Turning, he slowly entered the darkened interior of the small building.

Kagome's family had arranged themselves in various positions of farewell behind him. Souta waved tearfully, while Mrs. Higurashi stood serenely, her hands folded demurely and a pleasant smile illuminating her face. Grandpa stood sullenly by, and whenever he had managed to catch Inuyasha's eye, he would threateningly reveal a demon-ward. It was a surprisingly inconspicuous farewell, considering they would never again see Inuyasha… And more importantly, Kagome.

As Inuyasha balanced on the edge of the sturdy well, he glanced back over his shoulder. The tableau of faces, filled with emotions as different as the sun from the moon, spread before him with a strange finality. It signified a farewell, one he was loath to make. Almost as though walking away from these people who had become such an subtle part of his life was equivalent to leaving behind his desire to survive.

Bracing himself, he turned and nodded solemnly in farewell. An answering wave came from Souta, along with frantic shouts not to forget them, and to say goodbye to Kagome. Mrs. Higurashi's smile increased until she beamed down at him, and he even received a glowering, barely noticeable nod from her father. With that final glance, he dropped backwards into the well.

In the eternity that is the flow of time he brooded. Kagome lay as still as ever in his arms. During the Higurashi's ceremony, he had contemplated her still form, and had come to the conclusion that she no longer felt like Kagome. He knew from much experience that the body did not define the soul, and her soul was no longer contained within. It was no more than a beautiful shell, a facsimile of who Kagome was. Or did the physical form define the soul?

Where did the line between a person's soul and their body end? Kikyou and Kagome shared a soul and a nearly identical body. Yet could two women be more different? He didn't know. What if he loved the exact same woman, just with a different personality? A shiver passed down his spine. A sudden thought had hit him, one that discomforted him more than any before. 'Kagome. Where is your soul now? Is it within Kikyo? What will happen…?' So many things that he did not understand, so many things he could do nothing about. He felt ineffectual, worthless.

Sending his morbid thoughts away into the depths of his mind, he felt the end of the interminable passage through time approach. Slowly, his snowy hair hovering about him, Inuyasha touched one foot down, then the other. Kagome, dressed now in a white ceremonial kimono, seemed a ethereal vision in his arms. She floated placidly in the sparkling lavender glow, skin pale and translucent.

As the blinding glow faded, Inuyasha gazed upwards out of the old wooden well. The bright sky, framed by those self-same walls of wood, seemed to laugh at him.

'Look how life goes on… Look how life doesn't pause, just for your tiny, insignificant sorrow.'

Inuyasha sighed at his melancholy imaginings. 'It's just the sky. Nothing mocking about it.' He shifted Kagome so that she was settled tightly against him and leaped to the rim of the well in one easy bound. For a moment he closed his eyes, simply enjoying the feel of his muscles bunching and stretching. Using the brief physical exertion to distract himself from his problems, he balanced expertly on the edge. He stretched his senses, drawing the peace of the forest into himself… But what he scented in the air was neither peaceful nor of the forest. It was the harsh and bitter taste of the high mountains, and it gave him only a second's warning.

Golden eyes snapped open, pupils dilating instantaneously until his irises were but a thin line of copper wire surrounding dark gemstones. Muscles involuntarily contracting, he fell into a snarling crouch as an attack passed but an inch above his head. The wind of its passage ruffled his bangs, and in that instant of stillness, Inuyasha's sharp nose recognized who this mysterious threat was.

'Kouga.'

That instant of assessment nearly cost him his head, as another sweeping round-kick whipped through the space where he had crouched just seconds ago. The fur-clad foot hit nothing but air, and an disappointed growl came from the angry wolf-demon.

"Come back here and face me, coward!"

Inuyasha finished his backward roll, then immediately threw himself into a flip, somersaulting over the head of the startled demon prince. Landing before Kouga, he snarled once, then turned and launched himself in the direction of the village. The stunned prince stood blinking for a moment, watching the red-clad form race further and further away from him. Then with an infuriated roar, he leapt after his rival.

Inuyasha ran. He ran as though hell's fiery furnaces were blasting heat upon his thinly clad back. The trees whipped past him, and he bent his head to protect his precious bundle from their fierce limbs and tearing twigs. He almost stumbled several times, but his need to get Kagome to the village before he faced that idiot of a wolf pushed him onward. Inuyasha would have made it, if not for a wayward branch. While he distractedly listened for signs of Kouga, it caught him high in the jaw.

The wood cracked with the contact, breaking and falling to the soft loam beneath. It was not alone in its headlong tumble for the ground. The collision had thrown Inuyasha off-balance, and he barely kept himself from crashing violently to the ground. His head swam from the blow, spots of white light dancing across his vision.

Shaking his head, he regained his feet unsteadily, just in time for Kouga to arrive. He landed a solid blow to Inuyasha's lower back, sending him flying. Inuyasha tucked himself into a ball to protect Kagome's delicate form, anticipating the harsh landing. As he crashed against an ancient oak, his spine took the brunt of the impact.

A strangled howl escaped from his clenched teeth, stars exploding into his field of vision, and Kouga's loud, arrogant laughter rang in his ears. Sliding to the ground, still clutching Kagome, he bowed his head against the pain. Struggling mightily to keep back the encroaching numbness, Inuyasha barely heard Kouga's demand through his fog of agony.

"Why don't you get up off your ass, dog-shit, and take me to Kagome. I came to see how my love is faring." Kouga settled one hand on his hip and smirked scornfully. "I wouldn't have left her with you if it hadn't been for the fact my pack still needed tending. Good thing you have those women to attend to her, or else I would have been worried. The gods only know what would have happened had you been left to care for her."

The smirk faded slightly as no response came from the silent, pain-wracked figure of Inuyasha. "Hey, inu-koro, c'mon! I'm in a hurry!" Still Inuyasha did not respond; not even a hint of his expression peeked through the concealing curtain of his hair. Kouga, growing impatient, strode forward, making as if to lift Inuyasha up by the scruff of his shirt. Suddenly, one of Inuyasha's hands shot out and seized his wrist, stopping the hand mid-motion.

"You dumb fuck," Inuyasha ground out. "Enough of your damn excuses! You were never there when she needed you. Keh, those high n' mighty demon senses should have found her already!" An amber eye became visible, glinting with fierce anger and what looked to be… Disgust? Pity? Sorrow?

Confused, Kouga pulled forcefully out of Inuyasha's strong grip. Raising his head, he delicately scented the air. Almost immediately, his sleepy blue eyes flew open, and his mouth gaped wide. Stumbling, he moved away from Inuyasha, who watched him with a certain grim satisfaction.

The horrified Prince of the Wolf-demon tribe fell to his knees. "No… Kagome! But she- No!" Inuyasha shifted painfully, and in doing so, revealed the pale, still face of Kagome. Kouga's shining cerulean eyes filled with tears, and his mouth worked soundlessly. One breathless refusal slipped out. "No…"

"Oh yes," Inuyasha said quietly. "She died while you were tending to your long-suffering pack." He spit, glaring caustically, then winced as he righted himself. There was something wrong with his back, but his demon blood was quickly healing the damage. As he straightened, vertebrae snapped back into place with an audible crack. The sharp sound of bones resetting was lost on the blindly staring Kouga.

Inuyasha looked at his rival. Kouga sat, felled by the worst injury he had ever suffered. This sad sight created the strangest swell of pity within him. At least he, Inuyasha, had Kagome's final declaration of love to comfort himself with. Kouga had nothing, his bright future swept away in one violent instant.

A stifled cry rose in Kouga's chest, and he fell forward onto his hands. Tears trickled down his chin, a cascade of pure torment. Suddenly, he slammed his fist into the soft soil, howling in rage and anguish. He shook his head in wild denial, his long hair sticking to his tear-stained face. Inuyasha turned from the sight of Kouga's grief, and spoke quietly, cradling Kagome closer.

"Kagome asked to be buried beneath the Goshinboku. We'll do it tonight, once the grave is dug. Come if you want." He received not response, but he didn't expect one. The wolf-demon needed time to grieve, and Inuyasha would not begrudge him the peace of the forest. With those parting words, he started in the direction of the village. He displayed a grim countenance to the world, hiding his immense pain behind his well-known facade.

Behind Inuyasha, Kouga finally gave voice to his anguish. It was the full-throated cry of a wolf that has lost its mate. The eerie baying echoed into the surrounding woods, sending flocks of cawing birds spiraling upwards. The howl throbbed in the air, echoing and answering itself. In the village, a small sad group gathered in Kaede's hut exchanged knowing glances.

o-

Miroku flung dirt steadily over his shoulder, robes tied back for greater freedom of movement. The scarlet sunlight painting bloody designs on his dark robes, reflecting off of his grief-filled eyes. Beside him, Inuyasha excavated furiously, almost too fast for the eye to follow. The hole that was fast emerging was wide and deep, a hungry maw begging to be fed.

Wiping beads of sweat from his brow, Miroku straightened. He stretched, wincing, then spoke softly. "I believe that this is a suitable grave for our lady. No need to send her into the clutches of the earth dragons." Inuyasha paused, then gently laid his shovel aside.

"The only dragons that could ever touch Kagome are those of the sky…But she'll be flying too fast to be caught." Miroku eyed his companion, squinting in the light of the dying sun. Quizzically, he wondered at his friends thoughts.

"Rather melancholy, don't you think? Pondering what her afterlife will be like? Surely a soul as pure as Lady Kagome's will be reincarnated into a wondrous being, far from any pain and suffering." Inuyasha smiled at that, but it was an empty one. It never reached his eyes, and after a moment it faltered and disappeared. Miroku sighed and hefted himself out of the hollow. Inuyasha followed after him, moving slowly, as though his limbs were made entirely of lead. It seemed as if the manic energy which had fueled him earlier had drained away in an instant.

Inuyasha had lost himself in the work, forcing himself not to think, just to move. To simply exist, to simply be. It had been a momentary release, and a welcome one. But now he had to come back to reality and face the monumental task of living… Without Kagome. His prospects seemed to dim before his eyes and as time went on, the future before him became increasingly bleak. If Kikyou had asked him in that very instant to return to hell with her, he would have gladly gone.

He broke from his trance when Miroku threw one of the shovels to him. It smacked into his chest, and he hurriedly scrambled to catch it. Miroku said nothing, and began to walk off briskly. Glancing back, he called to Inuyasha, who was still standing by the hole, distractedly clutching the shovel.

"Let's be going. Kaede's instructions were to return as soon as the grave-site was prepared so that she could sanctify the ground. We would not want to keep her waiting." With that, he swung around and continued on deliberately, leaving Inuyasha to his thoughts.

Inuyasha watched the tall figure of the young houshi disappear into the dense surrounding foliage. Shaking his head, he growled to himself. 'That man just can't seem to stop being so damn optimistic He's gonna get the shit beat out of him someday…'

Intentionally avoiding the grave-site, he walked to the Goshinboku's side. Reaching up, he laid a dirty, clawed hand to the bark-less patch on the giant tree. For a moment, all was still; he stood there, a motionless statue poised on the brink of some monumental discovery. Then the moment passed and hesitantly he withdrew, stepping away.

Inuyasha regarded the Goshinboku for another second, his tawny eyes distant. He blinked, and took another step. Another brief time passed, before he came to his senses again. Shaking his head violently, he turned and shot off in the direction of the village, leaving the forest as still and empty.

The clearing was silent, the final rays of dying sunlight bursting through the dense foliage, smearing everything with crimson light. The foliage on the surrounding trees seemed to bleed, and the massive Goshinboku was a pillar of scarlet. A breeze ruffled the ruby drops that masqueraded as leaves; the tranquility was tinged with a vague feeling of sorrow.

"Even the gorgeous royal chariots wear out; and indeed this body too wears out. But the teaching of goodness does not age; and so Goodness makes that known to the good ones." Miroku completed his chant, bowing his head, and the lapse was barely noticeable as Kaede resumed her prayers.

A slow and sorrowful procession made its winding way through the dark woods. In the front was Kaede, constantly chanting benedictions. Immediately behind her came Inuyasha; in his arms lay Kagome, arranged in a position of peaceful repose. Miroku strode along behind him, his staff jangling, and a hand raised in prayer. Shippou rode doggedly on his shoulder, eyes red from numerous tears. Sango followed, leading Kohaku, and bringing up the rear of the funeral procession were two figures.

Kikyou's tranquil gaze rested fixedly on Inuyasha's unyielding back, and to her right Kouga produced a incessant growl. It provided an underlying noise to the crunch of breaking sticks and crushed leaves. Other than the labored breathing and occasional harsh sobs from Shippou, these were the only sounds in the nearly utter silence.

Everyone but Inuyasha and Miroku carried armloads of yellow and white chrysanthemums. The flowers had been gathered by the villagers, in respect of their miko. They had stripped the plants bare of flowers for miles around; there had to be a thousand blooms, and their fragrance was powerful. To the small group, the sweet perfume seemed cloying, like an attempt to hide the scent of death. The canines in particular seemed averse to it; Shippou and Kouga both carried far less blossoms than any of the others.

All were sunk in deep reflection, but their emotions differed greatly. Inuyasha seemed distant, as though this were an unreal scene, while Kouga seethed quietly, his low growl rumbling continuously. Sango was withdrawn and remarkably fragile. The loss of her closest female friend had staggered her greatly, and she clutched her brother close, as though he might slip away from her just as unexpectedly. Kohaku was quiet and sober, more out of respect for his sister and the lose of such a close friend than any real attachment to Kagome.

All of these reactions were normal, even expected. But Kikyou was a enigma. After her mysterious disappearance, she had returned, somehow changed. No longer was she cold and aloof; a sense of dignified, wistful suffering hovered about her. Even now, as she trudged after her long-standing rival and reincarnation, the sensation of welling tears made her squint. It went unnoticed by her companions.

They came to a gradual halt as their destination appeared before them. Just enough of the remaining sunlight filtered into the glade, mixing on an intangible palette with the descending darkness. The clearing filled with dark burgundy half-light, creating a dismal effect. There was a moment's hesitation in the cadence of Kaede's chant. She stepped forward, motioning the others to arrange themselves in a semi-circle about the grave. Laying her flowers down, she moved with Miroku to the head of the grave, and arranged herself on her knees, continuing her chant all the while. She was soon joined by Miroku, whose smooth baritone blended with her gravelly old tone to create a powerful, throbbing hymn.

Not wishing to prolong the misery for the traditionally longer period of mourning, Kaede and Miroku had decided on a quick burial. So with haste, the villagers had scrabbled about in preparation, gathering together a fine burial cloth to enshroud their lady. A yellowed, fragile cloth had been shyly donated by a young mother, with tear-filled eyes and breathless condolences.

This silk cloth, treasured for generations and handled with such loving care, would lay with Kagome, her only protection against the harsh hands of time. Strands of white hair drifted across the aged silk as Inuyasha bent his head. Drawing deeply on his reserves, he held back his tears. Enough crying had been done, and more would come. The men had to be strong, strong for their loved ones. He cast a glance from beneath his bangs towards Kikyou.

She stared into the yawning pit, contemplating deeply. He noted that a palpable air of sorrow hung heavy on her shoulders; unexpected, as she had always regarded Kagome as an inept child. Wincing, he turned his face away, closing his eyes tightly. There were decisions looming, choices he did not want to make… He wished with all his heart that this was all a dream. Any moment, he would awaken to Shippou's teasing and Kagome's sweet laughter.

Holy power grew in the clearing with a tangible hum. Demon skin tingled as the power reached out, testing the worthiness of these intruding presences. Kaede and Miroku remained in deep concentration. Their chanting droned on, fading in and out as a stiff breeze rushed through the clearing. The mourners bowed their heads as the two blessed the grave, mingling their powers as they had done to sustain Kagome.

The holy powers grew to monumental proportions; the demons shifted uncomfortably as purifying magic rippled across their skins. Miroku and Kaede's chant strengthened, taking on an almost spectral tone. Speaking as one, they cast a surprising incantation, one that gained odd looks from those who did not know the formal rites, and astonished ones from those who did.

"Henceforth, all who would cause harm shall be cast from this place. No man or demon with violence in their hearts towards those held dear to this departed one may enter, or their souls shall be weighed, judged, and sentenced. Bind from those strengths and arbitrate from such weaknesses as found within ourselves." Their powers reached their peak, causing a strange shimmering, as though the air itself boiled. It saturated everything, and left a feeling as though every sin, every peccadillo of the heart was thoroughly examined, then erased, leaving a pure being behind.

Slowly, the powers eased. The mourners were left breathless, struggling as though they had just fought a battle for their lives. A final whispered benediction ghosted across the grave.

"Walk upon the path of light…"

The moment was shattered when Kouga, his blue eyes bugging out, coughed out an expletive. He gazed accusingly at the two sages. "Wh-what the hell did you just do to us?" Kaede raised her gray head and gazed with tired eyes upon the stunned youkai.

"We have insured that no person bearing malice in their hearts will ever disturb this grave." Levering herself up from where she knelt, Kaede sighed. "It is the duty of the living to care for the remains of the dead; I have failed once in this, and I shall not fail again." Not one person glanced towards Kikyou, but suddenly all attention was focused solely on her. She did not look up, but merely knelt beside the grave, flinging her flowers into its depths. They carpeted the bare earth, creating a sweet byre for Kagome to lie upon.

Sango followed her example, kneeling and gently casting her armload of chrysanthemums on top of Kikyou's. Kohaku glanced at his sister for direction, and at her slight nod, reverently threw down his as well. Kaede followed suit, and Miroku borrowed a flower off of Shippou. By now the grave was filled a third of the way by the flowers, and Inuyasha stepped forward. His slight motion seemed an earthquake, shaking the mourners to their core.

Moving to the side of the grave, he gently lowered his precious burden into the pile of soft petals. Gently re-covering Kagome's porcelain face with the burial shroud, he arranged her so that she reclined comfortably in the bed of flowers. Straightening, Inuyasha stepped back and borrowed another flower from Shippou. Closing his eyes, his lips moved in silent prayer. Then with a sad smile, he placed the blossom over Kagome heart. One final, lingering caress of his razor claws across the smooth slope of her cheek…And he turned away in a flurry of crimson cloth.

Kouga came forward now, laying his flowers carefully so that they created a thick blanket over Kagome's still form. Tears gathered in his eyes, but he did not cry. Returning to his place, he steadily regarded the gorgeous covering of flowers. Shippou sniffled as he tottered over to the grave. Deep hiccupping sobs shaking his small frame, he tossed his meager armful in. The flowers scattered wide; not a scrap of cloth could be seen. Kagome had sunk so deeply into the depths of the cradling blossoms that she was no longer visible; it was as though Nature wanted her to rest entombed in sweetness.

Kaede voiced one final prayer, then bowed. "Farewell, my child. May your journey be gentle and kind."

Glancing towards the mourners, she nodded. Turning away, she began to walk with the slow deliberation of age toward the village, leaving them to grieve in private. Kouga gazed after her, then turned his attention back to his intent study of the grave. A shuddering sigh worked its way out of him, and he knelt on one knee. Hair falling forward over his shoulder, he bent forward and whispered to the grave.

"My devotion will not be dimmed by death. I swear, be it in this life or the next, I will always care for you." He cast one final sorrow-filled gaze toward the grave, then turned and disappeared in a whirlwind of displaced air. The clearing rustled and clothing whipped about from the violence of his passing, but no one seemed to take notice.

Clambering up from where he sat sobbing, Shippou stumbled through the haze of tears, making his way to Inuyasha. He did not leap up, but instead tugged timidly on his pant leg. Inuyasha gazed down, his eyes softening at the sight of the bedraggled, grief-stricken kit. Leaning over, he picked up the wailing child and settled him against his chest, rubbed a clawed in comforting circles around the child's quivering shoulders. His golden eyes focused inward, unseeing, as he whispered soothing nonsense into Shippou's hair.

Sango, sending a fleeting look towards Inuyasha's remote expression, slipped down the hill a ways while ushering her brother along. Miroku followed, wrapping a solicitous arm around her shoulders. She leaned into him, seeming to draw strength. Closing her eyes, she clutched a hand in his robes; against her will, hot salty tears slipped down her cheeks. He held her close as they moved away to a respectable distance, allowing Inuyasha and Shippou to mourn in peace.

There was one other who stood with them, oblivious.

Kikyou continued to contemplate the grave, standing quiet and detached. She slipped on pale hand into her haori, directly over her heart. Withdrawing it, she gradually opened her clenched palm, revealing a sparkling orb. The Shikon no tama glittered in her hand, the source of so much sorrow, but also a gateway to happiness. Peeking through her bangs at Inuyasha, her brows knit in consternation.

Squaring her shoulders, she gathered her resolve. 'I am no cowardly little girl. I have faced the flames before. For happiness... For us… I can and will do this.'

Kikyou stepped forward. Inuyasha looked up at her, surprised; she had not spoken to him since Kagome had fallen upon the battle-field, and he could not fathom what she would want with him now.

All he had was an impression. Long swaying hair and wistful grey eyes filled his vision as she moved gracefully to his side. Laying a cool hand on his sleeve, she stood upon her tiptoes and laid a gentle kiss upon his lips. It was full of bitter-sweet longing. As the others looked on astonished, the kiss lingered, lips clinging together.

Kikyou pulled back slowly, reluctant to leave the haven of Inuyasha's presence. He opened his eyes, bewildered, and gazed into her china-doll face. She gave a smile, so full of love that his breath caught in his throat. Releasing his arm she stepped away.

He stared, bewildered, as she walked sedately to the head of Kagome's grave. Casting a remorseful glance back at him, she opened her palm. Cradled within it sat the glittering jewel. Sango gasped, and Miroku made an inarticulate noise of surprise. Inuyasha was too stunned to do more than drag in a rasping breath, while Shippou merely watched, his large, startled eyes taking in everything.

Raising the jewel overhead, Kikyou closed her eyes and summoned her powers. They swirled up her arm, lighting the jewel until it shown nearly incandescent. She then addressed it, eyes still closed in concentration.

"The truest wish of my soul begs for fulfillment. My heart and my intentions are pure. Grant me this boon to correct the suffering wrought with this jewel."

The radiance of the jewel filled the clearing, lighting it so brightly that the group had to shield their eyes from its brilliant rays. A pulsing filled the air, and the observers stumbled back from the incredible power. Kikyou was glowing just as strongly as the jewel; the pulsing increased until it sounded with the intensity of festival drums. Turning a face that shown like a supernova towards Inuyasha, she offered up a sad smile.

"I will set right all that has gone so wrong. I pray for your happiness. Farewell, Inuyasha."

With those final words, the Shikon no tama gave an incredible pulse of energy, throwing the observers off their feet. Then the white light, which had built to an eye-watering intensity, exploded outward. Inuyasha pressed himself to the ground, sheltering Shippou; Miroku did the same for Kohaku and Sango. The brilliant detonation pressed them down, and erased all thought, all sensation.

Birds twittered in their trees, disturbed from their late-night roosts by the strange occurrences in the clearing. Wind whistled through the trees, a quiet vibration in the air. Miroku slowly regained conscious, awareness of the soft body beneath his filtering in. Opening his eyes, he gazed into the slack face of his beloved. Beside them, Kohaku stirred, muttering as he moved towards wakefulness.

Pulling his body laboriously off of Sango, he heaved himself up with the help of his staff. With a groan, Sango came to. Pressing a trembling hand to her forehead, she winced as she found a noticeable lump; she had cracked her head off a branch when she had fallen.

Miroku circled an arm around her waist, levering her up. Once he raised her, they teetered gracelessly, nearly toppling over again. Planting his feet, the monk steadied them. Sango looked to him, an anxious inquiry on her lips, but it died when she saw the expression on his face. His gaze was directed towards the Goshinboku, mouth drawn in a worried frown.

Following his worried gaze, her eyes lit upon Inuyasha. He stood before the grave, lifeless, staring. Shippou sat where the pair had fallen, dazedly shaking his head. It was obvious Inuyasha had come to before any of the rest had begun to stir. But was even more obvious was his despair. His golden eyes were dead and flat; they stared unseeing at the spot where Kikyou had summoned the power of the sacred jewel.

A stone spire that was twice Shippou's height had grown out of the ground. It was bare except for where the Shikon no tama's soft light shown from its peak. The sacred jewel was embedded deeply in the stone. It was as though the jewel had fused with the stone. There seemed to be no definite line between the two substances. There was no sign of Kikyou…

With a soft sob, Inuyasha crumpled to the ground. Shippou ventured hesitantly forward, sidling up to Inuyasha with a worried look. Gently, he patted Inuyasha's shaking shoulders, offering what little comfort his slight body could.

"M-Miroku," Shippou called over his shoulder, "what should I do?"

Shippou's childish call for assistance broke the spell that had held the incredulous exterminator and monk motionless. Though still somewhat unsteady, they hurried up the incline. Together, they managed to pull Inuyasha up. Grunting, Miroku pulled an arm around his shoulder; Inuyasha was dead weight, hanging limp as tears stamped lines of misery on his face. Sango hurried to lift Inuyasha's other side, nearly stumbling under his weight.

Jerking his head at Sango, he spoke quietly over his insensible friend's head. "We need to get him back to the village. Loosing both Kagome and Kikyou has sent him into a state of shock, but when he comes out of it, he could be totally irrational. There has to be a guard over him night and day; he might do something rash if we leave him alone." Sango nodded, and he gifted her with a gentle smile.

Shifting his attention to Shippou, he eyed the little boy gravely. "Can you help Sango with Inuyasha when we get back? I will need to explain to Lady Kaede what has happened, and you seem to calm him down. We need someone who can't be tricked to watch over him." Shippou puffed up a little with pride at the compliment, but his face was serious.

"Yeah… Inuyasha can be pretty dumb sometimes. I'll keep an eye on him." Miroku nodded, casting a last glance back at the glowing jewel. Indigo eyes narrowed; he had been led to believe that when the power of the Shikon no tama was used to grant a wish, it would cease to be. So if Kikyou had received her wish, then why did the jewel still exist?

With that troubling thought lingering in his mind, Miroku settled Inuyasha more securely on his shoulder. Sango motioned to him, and they set off towards the village, with Shippou anxiously watching Inuyasha for signs of awareness.

Darkness had long since fallen upon the clearing of the Goshinboku. Illuminated by the bright light of the moon, the Shikon no tama glowed like bright jewelry set into dull metal. The grave, filled in so recently by solemn village men, was covered by wildflowers, left there by village women and children as a sign of respect to their fallen priestess. Several bunches were propped against the large stone, a bowl filled with incense petering out. Kikyou's disappearance and the arrival of the incapacitated Inuyasha had the villagers drawing many conclusions; the flowers on the stone were from those few who had correctly interpreted the series of events.

The night was bright, lit by the moon, but the heavy boughs of the trees produced deep shadows. From one such shadow a figure slowly detached itself. A delicate woman dressed in a gorgeous cherry and white striped kimono moved into the clearing. She was cautious, and closer inspection revealed that her kimono was torn and smudged and that she moved with a slight limp.

Her fine features were bruised and beaten, and her black hair was mussed and unkempt. Following her closely was a young girl, dressed in pure, unsullied white. She shined with an eerie, unearthly radiance, as luminescent as the moon. The gloom receded slightly before her glowing form. Docilely, the younger girl moved to the elder's side, studying her with unfeeling eyes.

The older woman regarded her with a raised eyebrow, then offered a small, triumphant smile. She held out her hand to the wraithlike girl. The little girl studied it for a moment, then carefully took the proffered appendage. Her dark, barren gaze seemed to gain an infinitesimal glint of light as she copied the smile. Together the strange pair moved towards the freshly-covered grave. The younger seeming to float across the ground, the older carrying herself with an air of elegance and grace, despite her injury.

Stopping before the slight mound of soil, the older woman withdrew a single downy feather from her hair. The child pulled a shard of a shattered mirror from the sleeve of her kimono. The injured woman knelt, and the girl followed her example. Together, they raised their offerings above the grave, and closed their eyes. The silence returned, as though it had never been disturbed. Long minutes passed, during which time nothing happened. But slowly, the moon's brilliant glare dimmed; it's light muted by a slowly circling swirl of blue and white energy.

This galaxy of energy encased the two kneeling figures, but they did not move. Their clothes and hair floated, as though ruffled by a gentle breeze, unflinching in the maelstrom of power. The energy continued to build, surging around their still forms in an ever increasing whirlwind.

Abruptly, the energy froze. At some unspoken signal, both girls opened their eyes, and released the now glowing objects into the air. They floated briefly. Then, with a sudden sucking motion, the energy spiraled backwards into the hovering items. The girl raised their joined hands, and motioned towards the grave. The two items burst apart, showering glowing particles onto the raised mound.

The specks glowed momentarily, winking as their light faded. Nothing seemed to have changed in the clearing, and it was as though the powerful magic of the past moment had never been. The older woman collapsed, and was barely supported by the younger girl. Struggling to her feet, she passed a weary hand across her eyes.

She spoke dryly, addressing the grave. "My final debt has been paid. I'm free." She paused, and the younger girl gazed up at her. She smiled softly in response, raising her eyes to the sky. "It may be little in the way of comfort, but your sacrifice has given me the chance I've dreamed of. Consider this my repayment." She smirked, but it there was no malice in her smile.

"As for you, Kikyou, that jewel seems to have exacted a heavy price. I hope you have gained whatever you wish was…" Exhaling slowly, she stepped away from the support of the younger girl. Bowing somewhat unsteadily in the direction of the grave, she motioned the child to do so as well. Solemnly, she again addressed the grave.

"Thank you, Miko Kagome, Miko Kikyou. May our gifts serve you well. Farewell." She straightened, and once again offered her hand to the younger girl. The small, white hand nestled into hers, and she started off into the woods. She did not look back, but the child did.

The older woman was brought to a stop by a tugging on her hand. The young girl had come to a complete stop, and now gazed back in the direction of the grave, her mouth forming inaudible words. A moment passed, and she cocked her head to the side as though listening. Then a smile -a dazzling, joyous grin- curved those porcelain cheeks, and she began to laugh.

Elegant, refined Kagura watched in amazement as her sister Kanna burst into gales of pealing laughter. Her laugh was that of bells; huge brazen bells, tiny silver bells, bells of every type. The sound continued on, hanging in the still air. Even after her laughter had ceased, tinkling echoes flew through the woods.

Bending down, Kagura studied Kanna intently. All that met her gaze was the child's normal impassive expression, but a hint of humor seemed to lurk beneath that detached appearance. Leaning in, she questioned her sister. "Kanna?"

Kanna merely gazed up at her. "They will be most grateful for the gifts," drifted upwards in that familiar sibilant whisper. With that, Kanna turned and began to drift into the dark depths of the woods. Kagura followed, bemused. As they disappeared into the dense foliage, one tart comment from Kagura lingered.

"They simply have to be dramatic…"

A/N- (includes MAJOR SPOILER)

I realize that Kagura dies prematurely in the series. However, this chapter was written well before that beatific death scene. Kagura and Kanna's brief appearance is an integral plot device, so for the sake of the story they remain. Besides, one can never have enough of Kagura's witticisms.