Disclaimer: I don't own Inuyasha. There I said it! Are you happy now!

I'm not really sure where I came up with this and I never really spent much time trying to structure it so the end result most likely won't be all that good. No worries, though, I'll revise it later.

Decided to go for a one-shot. Actually…it will most likely turn out to be a min-fanfic. No longer than a few chapters. I'm an absolute Inuyasha and Kagome fan, but Kikyo fascinates me. She used to be so kind and I like to explore how the relationship she once had with Inuyasha changed and affected him.

"speech"

'thought'

thought or remembering someone else's words

Guilt, Love and Acceptance

Once the red string of fate has been cut,

It can never be mended.

We can never return to the lives we once led.

She was late.

Inuyasha stared at the stone well, impatiently toying with the worn leather handle of Tetsusaiga. Raking his claws over the end, he glanced once again at the time portal in case she had returned. No, the only movement around the well was the flight of the fireflies, dotting the air with their yellow blinks.

Night had thrown her cloak over feudal Tokyo, and the air was still and cool. The crescent moon shone in sharp contrast, a slice of pure light against the black sky. The silence was deafening in Inuyasha's ears. It was too calm.

"Stupid girl. What the hell is taking her so long, anyways?" he barked gruffly, attempting to break the quiet.

Restlessness tapped at Inuyasha's skull like a persistent child. He couldn't stand it much longer. Cool, calm, silent and unfathomable. It was too much like her.

Pushing himself abruptly to his feet, Inuyasha turned away from the well. Kagome probably had decided to stay in her time for the night. He might as well leave. What was the point of waiting? The slightly frozen grass crunching lightly under his bare feet, Inuyasha made his way into the forest, toward the village. Trees rose around him, their branches swaying every so gently. Eyes trained on the ground, Inuyasha's stride shortened and slowed.

A soft sound made its way easily to Inuyasha. Raising his eyes, Inuyasha sucked in his breath. Like strips of glowing cloth, Kikyo's Soul Stealers were weaving through the broad trees, a low whistle coming every so often from one. Detangling themselves from one another, they moved smoothly toward him, emitting soft silver light.

Were they here for him?

As if to answer his question, the demons almost lazily made their way around his back, their bodies pushing him forward. On the guard, Inuyasha allowed them to push and pull him along, where ever they were taking him.

If they were leading him to Kikyo, he wouldn't resist.

After a minute he found himself in a small clearing in the forest, with one single tree in the center of the grassy circle.

The Soul Stealers slipped away from him having completed their task Bringing a faint light to the otherwise dark patch of grass, they flew to the tree in the middle. Inuyasha's eyes half closed in sadness when he saw the figure resting against the trunk.

Kikyo…

Her deathly pale skin glowed slightly in the light of her servants. She almost looked peaceful with her sad smile upon her perfect white face. Inuyasha stepped forward, almost without realizing it. He made his way to her. Every step felt as if his feet were made of boulders.

'Are you sleeping, Kikyo?'

Stopping just before her, Inuyasha gazed at her, his eyes almost overflowing with regret.

'Do you sleep anymore?'

He hadn't spoken or made a sound, but Kikyo heard. Opening her eyes, she met his gaze.

"So you came." Cold, detached, simple.

Not breaking her flat stare, Kikyo raised herself to her feet, her movement sending her inky hair flowing straight over her shoulder. Satisfaction hidden behind her flint gray eyes, Kikyo watched him take another step toward her. She knew. She knew that if she called, he'd come running. Always.

oo

'Inuyasha's going to kill me…"

Swinging one leg over the side of the well, Kagome shivered when her flesh hit the cold, smooth stone. Grabbing a vine, she hauled herself over, grunting at the effort of pulling overstuffed yellow pack over the side without letting go. Dropping the heavy bag on the grass, Kagome glanced about. Kagome sighed quietly in disappointment. He wasn't here.

Without meaning to, Kagome found herself gazing at the tall, proud tree straight ahead of her. The God Tree, the Tree of Ages…A tiny smile pulled the ends of her lips upward. It seemed to have been so long ago…that day when she'd first met Inuyasha and released him.

The smile slipped away just as it had come. He had looked at her and seen Kikyo. Even then she'd had to fight to make herself known as Kagome, not just a reincarnation of Kikyo. Even then, he'd had room in his heart only for the woman that had pierced it- in more ways than one.

Her movements deliberately slow, Kagome moved to the God Tree. It was strange. All of the other tree's leaves were shifting to brown, but the God Tree remained as lush and green as the day she'd seem it. Carefully stepping onto the roots protruding from the earth, Kagome moved closer to the spot where she'd met him that day with no idea of what would follow. Kagome pressed a hand against the coarse bark of the God Tree, her eyes widening slightly, surprised at the touch. The tree was warm.

Her slender hand traveled to the small indent in the tree where the arrow had been lodged. She traced the puncture with her index finger, outlining the smooth edges and her vision became blurred slightly by tears. Trying to steady her breathing, Kagome rested her forehead against the warm bark. Closing her eyes, she willed the tears to disappear. Countless occasions of practicing had paid off.

Turning around, Kagome leaned her back against the trunk, sliding down to a sitting position. There was nothing that she could. If Kikyo called Inuyasha, he would leave her without a second glance. The tears rushed up again.

That day when she'd found them, Inuyasha had taken Kikyo in his arms, swearing to protect her, that he wouldn't let Naraku have her…that day she had hated Kikyo. She was ashamed to admit it, but it was true. She had hated Kikyo. But, more than that, she had envied her.

Because Inuyasha loved Kikyo.

Pushing herself off the tree, Kagome rubbed her eyes dry, and with a certain amount of strain, managed to throw her backpack over her shoulder.

There was no use worrying about it now. Setting out for the village, Kagome decided on taking the long way, through the forest. The grass crunched beneath her shoes and she stared at the ground as she walked. It was rather slowly that she realized that there were tracks other than hers on the ground. Slightly larger than hers, they were made by someone walking barefoot. They had been made recently. Since no villagers dared to come in the forest at night, she was sure that it was Inuyasha.

Maybe he had been waiting for her. Turning her head back and forth, she scanned the dark forest, hoping to catch a glimpse of that silver hair. Silver she saw, but it wasn't the hanyou she had been searching for.

It was Kikyo's Soul Stealers. Snaking their way through the trees, they pulsed with a soft light, whistling to her.

Kikyo was nearby. Kagome's heart tightened. That meant that Inuyasha was more than likely with her…

She was suddenly worried. Was Kikyo trying to take Inuyasha to hell again? Kagome tried to rid her mind of such thoughts, but she became almost frantic.

Sensing her change in aura, the insect demon moved away, certain that she would follow them.

Sad golden eyes stared at cold gray for a stretch of time, time that wouldn't stop even for the undead.

Kikyo could sense it. Her reincarnation was nearing. Good.

Inuyasha watched as Kikyo took a step toward him, her movements graceful. Then, she stumbled, falling toward him. Catching her in his arms, he held her close; afraid this shell of a body would crumble to pieces. She was cold…

"Kikyo! What's wrong?"

Setting her hands on Inuyasha's chest, she steadied herself. She spoke in a voice that was both a whisper and an echo, looking Inuyasha in the eyes.

"This pathetic shell I reside in is weak, Inuyasha. I need the soul of dead maidens to keep it from turning to ash, for I only have a small piece of my soul with me. My soul has another form now."

Inuyasha diverted his eyes slightly. Kagome…

"You've gained another jewel shard, have you not?" Kikyo asked flatly.

Thankful for the change in subject, Inuyasha nodded. "Yeah. The jewel is almost complete, Kikyo. Before this is all over, I promise you that I'll have the jewel completed."

Nearly snorting, Kikyo said, "The jewel is of no importance to me anymore. I am no longer its protector. That is a title that I no longer bear." Shaking her head, Kikyo added, "Is it not ironic that this was what I had wanted…"

Unsure, Inuyasha asked, "Kikyo?"

"Do you not remember? Before I died I was a servant to the Shikon no Tama. It was my duty to protect it until I died, or until it disappeared." Looking at him in the eyes she continued, "That is why I had wanted you to use it to become a human, so that I could be free to live a normal life."

"I-I remember."

Kikyo let her eye wander ever so slightly…Kikyo could sense the girl.

She was here.

Kikyo turned her attention back to Inuyasha, fully aware that they had an audience.

"I suppose that it was a foolish wish, to live a normal life with you. Look where my stupidity has brought us. If I hadn't offered to give you the jewel, if I had just killed you like I should have, we would not be standing here, now would we?" Kikyo's voice didn't reflect any emotion.

Shaking his head violently, Inuyasha cried, "No! None of this was your fault! We were both tricked by Naraku!" Quieting, he whispered, "I should have trusted you, Kikyo. If I had just trusted you…" Grabbing Kikyo's shoulders he said firmly, "I will kill that bastard! I will avenge you Kikyo!"

Cocking a delicate eyebrow, Kikyo questioned, almost amused, "Avenge me?" Sighing she said, "How little you understand. I do not need avenging."

"W-What?' Inuyasha really didn't understand.

"Do as you wish Inuyasha. Go and kill Naraku. Just do not allow him to kill you." Kikyo's cold eyes hardened, "You're life belongs to me, Inuyasha. Do not forget that."

Confusion turning into hurt, Inuyasha breathed, "Kikyo…"

Pushing him away, Kikyo commanded, "Go now, Inuyasha, I am tired."

Reluctant, Inuyasha stepped forward, "But-"

"I said to go. I will call for you again."

Unwilling to leave Kikyo when she was so weak, Inuyasha hesitated for a moment, and then back away. "Stay safe, Kikyo!" Then he turned and ran

With the disappearance of Inuyasha, the clearing was silent and still for a while.

Making a sound of impatience, Kikyo called quietly, "Come out, unless you plan to continue hiding behind that tree."

There was a moment of silence, as if Kagome was holding her breath. Then, there was a shuffling from the edge of the clearing before Kagome stepped out from behind a tree, her entire posture like a weary sigh.

Kikyo simply glared at her for a moment. Kagome's eyes flashed with unspoken emotions as she walked toward Kikyo, who had once again knelt down and was leaning again the tree. Stopping before her, Kagome looked down at the undead miko.

Swallowing painfully, Kagome whispered, "Why do you do this to him, Kikyo?"

"I do not force him to do anything that he does not willingly allow. There is no magic spell that makes him come to me. He comes of his own free will," Kikyo corrected.

Kagome's breath caught for a moment. There was something in Kikyo's eyes…distaste, annoyance, but there was something else. Sadness?

"Kikyo…he doesn't deserve this," Kagome tried again.

"He has changed. Fifty years ago he would not have hesitated to kill anyone, human or demon. You have taught him to trust."

Suddenly, Kagome realized what it was twisting in Kikyo's flat eyes. Envy. It was hard to comprehend. Kikyo, envying her?

"You, my reincarnation, have done what I would have done if it had not been for Naraku." Kikyo glared again, and then rested her head against the tree.

"We were both caught in Naraku's trap. I sealed Inuyasha to the God Tree where he would have slept forever if you had not freed him. And I…I followed him to the world of the dead, where I would have stayed if you had not come to this world. We should have never had to meet again. It should have ended there." Suddenly, Kikyo seemed extremely tired.

Kagome knelt by Kikyo and asked, "But aren't you grateful to know the truth? Aren't you happy to know that Inuyasha didn't betray you?"

"Knowing the truth changes nothing," scolded Kikyo. Shooting another cold look at Kagome she added. "You should never have come here. It is because you came that Inuyasha awoke and I was resurrected."

Kagome sat back on her heels and whispered, "So you blame me."

"Perhaps I do."

Shaking her head, Kagome cried, "But what about Inuyasha?"

Kikyo frowned at Kagome's outburst. "It is just as I told him. His life is mine. He has accepted this. When this is all over, I will take him to hell with me. Who are you to tell me to leave him be?"

Leaning back in disbelief, Kagome thought of Inuyasha's guilt flooded eyes. "He feels responsible for your death…"

"And you do not think he is?"

"No! It was Naraku's fault! You were both tricked! Inuyasha shouldn't have to pay for the evil of another! Kikyo, you said it yourself. He's changed."

"You can not control Inuyasha's fate, nor mine. I am the undead, Kagome. I no longer linger on what could, what would have been. I walk among the living in this body of earth and clay, fueled by the souls of dead women. I no longer have a future or past. I simply wander, and when my business in this world is over, I will leave willingly. Inuyasha and I are connected by death and blood. What makes you think that you could sever that connection?

"I don't. I know the bond between you and Inuyasha is one that even death couldn't break. I would never try to come between the two of you." Smiling sadly, Kagome looked away. "I can't compete with you. After all…I'm alive, while you died for him. "

"And because he doesn't love you?"

Kagome squeezed her eyes shut to try and block out the pain those words caused her. Her fingernails pushed into her palm as she clenched her hands.

"And because he loves you," she whispered.

Steadying herself, Kagome took a slow, deep breath. "Kikyo, don't keep him from moving forward…don't tie him to the past. He's suffered too much," she pleaded. "He has a new life…let him live it."

Kikyo narrowed her eyes. She wasn't too keen on being told that she just something in the past. "I suppose that you believe you are a part of this new life?"

Taken back, Kagome blinked. "I guess it would be nice to be a part of his life…but that is only if he wants me."

"Tell me Kagome, what do you know about Inuyasha? Do you know his hunger for power… do you know how foolish he is? Do you even know how powerful his enemies are?"

Shaking her head Kagome sighed. "No. No, I don't. But I know things about him that you don't."

Ice running through her features, Kikyo raised an eyebrow. "Is that so? What would those be?" Her voice was edged with anger, something not displayed often by the cool miko.

Smiling slightly in memory, Kagome said softly, "I know how Inuyasha smiles, I know how he laughs and cries…I know how kind he is and I know that nobody had ever cried for him other his mother and me. Kikyo, I love him with all my heart. What about you? Do you still love him?"

With all my heart…

"My love is not at all like yours," Kikyo replied.

"He might be hurting, but I feel the pain. He might be shot through the chest, but I'm the one left with a scar." Tears rimming her eyes, Kagome whispered. "I love him, regardless of whether or not my feelings are returned."

Kikyo curled her white hand into a fist. "What exactly do you want from him?"

The silver tears running down her cheeks, Kagome cried, "I want him to be happy! I want to see him laugh and smile! And if being with you is the only way to make him happy, then so be it!" Her eyes burned with resolve as she practically choked on her tears. "But I REFUSE to let you take him to hell to punish him for a crime that he didn't commit!"

Kikyo frown deepened as she realized the depth of Kagome's emotions. Emotions that she could no longer feel.

"I want him to be happy, Kikyo. And if you love him, you would want him to be happy, too."

Inuyasha throat felt thick with guilt. Kikyo was the way she was because of him. It was his fault. The anger snapped and spinning on his heel, Inuyasha slammed his fist into the trunk of a tree, snarls accenting each punch. He owed her his life.

Your life belongs to me, Inuyasha. Do not forget that.

It was what haunted him ever day. It was what made his chest hurt every time he looked at Kagome. It was what kept him from returning Kagome's feelings and kept him for showing just how much he loved her. Sucking in deep breaths, Inuyasha tried to calm down. The air swirled into him and it slowly registered with him.

Sniffing the air, Inuyasha realized that Kagome's scent was in the air. She had passed this way. But that meant that…

Guilt forgotten, Inuyasha turned to face the direction he had come from, the direction that Kagome had gone.

She was with Kikyo…

Kagome and Kikyo stared at each other in silence. Kagome's eyes were still shiny with tears and Kikyo expressionless face was tight with something that didn't have a name.

The stare-down ended abruptly as Kikyo stood and waved her hand slightly, calling her insect demon to her. The long demons snaked their bodies around her, lifting her into the air.

Scrambling to her feet, Kagome watched as Kikyo rose into the air. Looking down at her, Kikyo called, "Our paths are destined to cross again, Kagome. Fate can not be altered or changed by any of us. We can only accept it."

Then, she was gone, leaving Kagome to stare at the empty sky.

The sound of running feet could be heard from behind her and Kagome stiffened, knowing that swift pattering belonged to the one that had broken her heart.

Continuing to gaze at the sky, she felt the tears well up again. Did he know how much he hurt her? How her heart shattered every time she remembered that he loved Kikyo? The rhythm was broken, and the sound of his bare feet skidding across the frozen grass was deafeningly loud in the midst of the silence.

"Kagome…"

His voice was surprising near. He was walking toward her. She didn't need to look to see.

Every moment that it took for him to reach her side was like an eternity to Kagome. Every single second that passed bore down on her heart with a vengeance.

Then…he was there- the object of her joy and sorrow.

"Kagome…were you with Kikyo?" There was a hint of worry in his voice. "Where is she? Is she okay?"

The tears formed anew and fell. She whispered, her voice clouded, "Don't you see me?"

Inuyasha stepped in front of her, but she wasn't looking at him. She was still staring at the sky, the tears falling down her face.

"Kagome! What the hell are you crying about?"

She let out a hollow laugh and wiped her eyes. "Yes, Inuyasha I was with Kikyo and yes she's fine."

He visibly relaxed, but was still nervously searching her face.

"I saw you with her…" Kagome whispered.

Not giving him a chance to speak, she looked him in the eyes. Just her expression nearly knocked Inuyasha over. He had never such sorrow in her eyes before.

"She told me that I had no power over your fate, that you had accepted that fact that she was going to take you to hell. Have you really?"

Inuyasha looked away, like he always did. "Yes. I owe her that."

"Bull."

Inuyasha's head snapped back to stare at her in shock. Never had she ever said something like that to him before. The sorrow in her eyes was still there, but now there was also frustration and anger.

"Inuyasha! Why do you feel that you owe her your life! You didn't kill her!"

"I should have trusted her, Kagome! It's because of me that she's like this!"

Kagome shook her head and cried, "No! Why don't you see? She didn't trust you either! She didn't believe in you back then!"

Inuyasha's mouth snapped shut. Always thinking about his mistake, he had never seen that Kikyo hadn't….she hadn't trusted him, either.

"Do you want to know the truth, Inuyasha? I envy Kikyo! I'm jealous and I hate her, too!"

Inuyasha gulped. 'Kagome…don't…'

She softly said, "You would leave me in an instant to die by her side when I've done all I can to make you happy. You would sacrifice me to be with a woman that wants to drag you to hell. Have you thought about what would happen to me if you left? Have you ever thought about how I would feel?"

Inuyasha clenched his fists and looked away. "Kagome, I need you to understand…"

"Inuyasha, you know I love you."

She heard Inuyasha suck in his breath. "Kagome…I…I can't. Not…before Kikyo is at peace."

Kagome smiled an empty smile. "I just want to make you happy…I'm jealous of Kikyo because I can't do that for you."

Inuyasha shook his head vigorously. "Stupid. You…you've given me a life, Kagome. You've taught me to trust again."

Looking at him she whispered, "Do you think you could ever love me, Inuyasha?"

Inuyasha swallowed. 'I do love you, Kagome…with all my heart, but I can't be happy knowing that Kikyo is wandering this earth alone. If it is my punishment to go to hell with her…then I accept that. But if not, I promise you that…you will know just how much I care. But not before I know Kikyo is at rest.'

Inuyasha sighed, "Kagome...I don't know."

Of course…

Kagome smiled. She had known that he couldn't- wouldn't leave Kikyo. But that didn't change the fact that she cared about him. "I promise, Inuyasha, that Kikyo will be at rest before this is over."

Kagome…his kind, sweet Kagome.

"Thank you"

Taking one of his fists in her hand, Kagome brushed her lips against his knuckles in a ghost of a kiss. "You've given her your heart Inuyasha. If that's not enough, then there is nothing more you can do."

'Just as I have given you mine…'

His heart?

He had given Kikyo his love. But, that was something she could no longer give back. All she wanted from him at this point was his life. He looked at Kagome's tear-streaked face. What did Kagome want? Did she want his life? No, she had said it herself. She wanted him to be happy.

"Inuyasha, your fate isn't a set thing. You build your fate from the actions you take now. I know what you think you have to do, but what is it that you want to do?"

'What do I want?' Inuyasha looked down at Kagome face. 'I want…to be happy.'

End of chapter one. I know I should focus on one story at a time, but I couldn't help myself. Hope you enjoyed