A/N: This chapter is dedicated to Kikyou. I took my time writing this weekend because I wanted to see the new manga. I knew this would be the last we saw of Kikyou and I wanted to see how her death was handled. I admit, I used to be a Kikyou hater when she first came to be, but lately, her change of heart has won me over. She risked her life to save Miroku, Kohaku, and Kouga. Naraku wanted her to die with him before Inuyasha arrived. But he did arrive and she died in his arms. Their last kiss and Inuyasha's tears tore me up. Farewell, Kikyou.

Chapter 59

The pair arrived into the deep forest and saw Kikyou sitting against a tree. Inuyasha knew immediately something was wrong. As they came closer to Kikyou, she said,

"Inuyasha. Kagome. You've come."

"Of course we've come. Why wouldn't we?", Inuyasha huffed.

"Kikyou, what's the matter?", asked Kagome, concern in her voice.

"It's Naraku. He's returned.", Kikyou said as Inuyasha gasped. Kagome just looked worried. She was afraid that her time travel wouldn't eliminate Naraku's threat.

Kikyou opened her hitoe enough for Inuyasha and Kagome could see the old wound where Naraku had sliced her years ago. It was open and leaking shouki. Immediately, Kagome knelt down and placed her hands over the wound, trying to purify it. Kikyou started to push her away.

"There is nothing you can do. His jyaki is too strong. I didn't recognize Naraku. He was disguised as Kohaku. He attacked the other villagers and then me. All the children and elderly of the village are dead."

Kagome started crying. She was upset that she could do nothing. She had long since give up the rivalry she had assumed existed between her and Kikyou. She had realized that while Kikyou shared a bond with Inuyasha, so did she. It was a bond that transcended time and space. Kagome had come to realize, that in Inuyasha's heart and eyes, there was no rivalry. He loved them both, equally. Strongly. Desperately. Because she knew this, she wasn't upset with his next request. Even though they were married. No. She trusted him.

"Kagome.", he said quietly, "May we be alone?"

"Of course.", Kagome said as she walked away.

Inuyasha picked up Kikyou bridal style because she was so weak. Going to a clearing, he sat down, with Kikyou in his arms and on his lap. The two started talking.

"I'm sorry, Kikyou. I'm sorry I wasn't here to save you. I did a terrible job of protecting you."

"Don't worry about it. At least you came. That was enough. Inuyasha, I know you are married to Kagome. But, do you remember all those years ago, before Naraku tore us apart ...

flashback

Kikyou: Inuyasha. Wouldn't you use the shikon jewel and become human?

Inuyasha: But if I become human, what would happen to you, Kikyou?

Kikyou: I'm the one who protects the jewel. If it no longer existed ... I'd be an ordinary woman

end flashback

"Yeah. Would I forget that?", Inuyasha said, quietly, "Back then, I was going to become human and live together with you.", he said as he hugged her to him.

Kikyou smiled at the memory, "Finally. I would be an ordinary woman."

"Kikyou, you were the first woman that I ever loved. But, I couldn't do anything for you.", Inuyasha said, on the verge of tears.

Kikyou looked at Inuyasha softly, "This is first time ... I've ever seen you cry, Inuyasha."

"Kikyou, I...I couldn't save you.", Inuyasha said as tears fell from his eyes.

"It's ok. You came for me. I can accept that.", Kikyou said, smiling.

"Kikyou,", Inuyasha breathed, with tears falling. Gently, he kissed her as he hugged her close.

Kikyou whispered his name softly, "Inuyasha." and with that said, she disappeared into numerous balls of light that her soul collectors carried away, up into the sky.

Kagome watched from a distance, as the lights and soul collectors did a sort of dance around Inuyasha. As she came closer, the soul collectors did the same to her. She knew Kikyou was saying goodbye. Coming closer to Inuyasha, she softly spoke his name,

"Inuyasha."

Inuyasha turned around and Kagome could see the red rims of his eyes. She wanted to cry with him. For him. He came to her and hugged her close as he whispered in her ear.

"Thank you, Kagome."

"For what?", she asked surprised.

"Because of you, and only because of you, I am able to feel my pain. My loss. Never leave me, Kagome. Never. I love you. I couldn't live without you."

Inuyasha kissed his mate. Unlike the kiss he shared with Kikyou, this was full of passion and desire. He picked up Kagome and carried her to a secluded area. Setting her down, he took off his hitoe and placed it on the ground. Pulling Kagome into his arms again, he whispered,

"Make love to me. Here. I need to be in your arms. I need to be inside you. I ... I just need you. Desperately, Kagome. I need you to show me that you need me too.", Inuyasha said, tears filling his eyes again.

The two laid on the hitoe and made love. Kagome had felt Inuyasha's simple gentleness before, but something about this time was different. Was he making love to Kikyou she wondered. Her questions were answered when Inuyasha breathed her name over and over,

"I love you, Kagome. I need you, Kagome.", he repeated softly, breathlessly. After they finished, Inuyasha rolled onto his back, pulling Kagome on top of him. He pulled his hitoe off the ground and covered Kagome's naked body with it, leaving him open and vulnerable. He stared up at the moon and stars as he felt Kagome fall asleep, safe and protected in his arms. As he stared at the sky, he thought just one thought,

'Farewell, Kikyou.'