Disclaimer: The characters of Inuyasha are owned by Rumiko Takahashi, but this story belongs to me.

Chapter Four: Kikyo

September 23rd

Kikyo woke up with a gasp. Her arm tingled down to her fingers. I touched her. That has not happened before. She rubbed her hand gently, then rolled onto her side and pulled out her necklace. Gazing at the jewel she noticed it glowing pink, though the glow was fading slowly. The girl, Kagome, she affected the jewel. How very strange.

With a sigh she sat up. It is all so strange. I do not understand any of it. Perhaps I should seek council from Kaede.

Hiding the jewel once more, Kikyo prepared for her journey. It had been over fifty years since she last saw her sister, Kaede, though she kept in touch through other means. She sent scrolls and gifts to her sister through a reliable acquaintance, but Kikyo could not face her. The day she left was the very same day that she pinned Inuyasha to the God Tree with her enchanted arrow.

Closing her eyes she could picture the half-demon vividly. He had long silver hair and golden eyes. He was handsome in a wild sort of way. If it wasn't for those canine ears on the top of his head, they might have been able to become friends, perhaps even more. But a miko can not have a relationship with a demon. Relationships outside of a simple friendship were strongly discouraged for priestesses and were completely unheard of with a demon.

She shook her head sadly. If only he hadn't attempted to steal the jewel from her, then she wouldn't have had to shoot him. It was her affection for the half-demon, however, that kept her from killing him. She had left him there, pinned to the tree, as she turned her back on him and went back to the village. It had saddened her to leave him there, for she had once considered him a friend.

If only he was human.

It had crossed her mind to use the jewel's power to turn him human, but Inuyasha wanted to use the power to become a full demon. It was one more reason why their relationship could never be.

As Kikyo began her journey back to her home village, she could feel a pair of eyes on her. He is here.

"Cease following me, Inuyasha."

The hanyou was indeed free from his long enchanted sleep skewered onto the God Tree. The enchantment lasted only fifty years. Several months ago he woke up and was free. It hadn't taken him long to hunt her down. So far he had made no move to speak to her. It was only through the miko's powers that she could sense the half demon. Twice last week she caught sight of his red fire rat robes as he disappeared into the trees.

They were no longer friends. Yet, they were still not enemies. What are we?

Kikyo thought about the girl she saw in her dreams. She wondered if she had similar problems of her own. As she walked along the dusty road she allowed herself the rare luxury of daydreaming. She thought about the kind looking girl, Kagome, and the life she most likely lead.

She ignored the golden eyes upon her, and continued her long journey.

The sound of rustling leaves and brush followed Kikyo's path. She would take deep, calming breaths and pretend she did not feel the presence of Inuyasha. By nightfall she was reciting prayers to keep her temper in check. A miko is always calm and serene. Nothing bothers her… not even annoying dog demons. Calm, collected, and in control.

No emotions. Be at peace. Be calm… serene… she told herself with a clenched jaw. She relaxed the death grip she had on her bow and concentrated on clearing her mind. Focusing her thoughts on the girl she had seen in her dream and the jewels odd reaction to her she managed to think about something other than Inuyasha. Only once before had she seen the jewel glow, and that was that day that the jewel chose her as its protector.

The shadows grew longer and the sky grew dark. Kikyo found a clearing and set down her belongings. She gathered some sticks and twigs and quickly had a fire burning, with a little help from her miko powers.

Thoughts of Inuyasha disappeared as Kikyo gazed at the hot spring that was barely visible between the trees.

I wonder if she will be there tonight. Once again Kikyo allowed herself the luxury of daydreaming. For the past several nights she and the girl named Kagome had seen each other in their dreams. Once the girl had caught sight of Inuyasha and had asked about him. All Kikyo would reveal was his name. She was much more interested in finding out more about Kagome's time. It sounded wonderful.

The girl seemed to always be on the edge of laughter and joy. She looked innocent and sweet. She looked happy.

"I wish I could be her."

The jewel began to glow.