Word length: 337
Rating: PG
Squicks: Mentions of Kikyou/killing of demons/gratuitous use of "onee-sama"
Pairing: N/A
Weapon: Kikyou's bow/Kaede's bow(s)
Summary: The bond between sisters never dies.
Two bows were set against the wall. The only noticeable difference was the height. Kaede's eyes drifted towards the longer of the two weapons, memories beginning to flood her mind.
At one time, Kikyou-onee-sama had carried the longer bow. For a short time, she herself had been able to put it to use. As a young child, she had once asked her onee-sama how she had acquired the bow. It had seemed so magical to her in those days. With a flick of her wrist, Kikyou-onee-sama used the bow to stop the attacks of demons that threatened the village. In the blink of an eye, the threats had vanished.
Onee-sama had smiled at her question, unerringly patient with her curiosity. A simple vendor from a nearby town had crafted the weapon. The hardwood and bamboo were just that. Ordinary wood shaped into a weapon. The magic came from the miko who held it within her hands.
The day came when she was taught to hold her own bow; to use the simple weapon to defend herself and others. It had been crafted with her in mind and Kaede had treasured the gift far after she had outgrown it. Excitement had coursed through her veins at the prospect of being like her onee-sama. She could remember laughter, smiles, and most of all, the patience with which she was taught.
After Kikyou-onee-sama had passed away, she had promised herself that one day she would be able to use the bow that had been left behind. For the short time she had been able to use the long bow, she was content that a part of her onee-sama would always be with her. When she had been forced to use a smaller bow because of her age, a part of her had accepted the fact that some things were not meant to last forever.
A new bow had been fashioned for her, more appropriate for her height, but she would always treasure the one left behind. Onee-sama would have understood.