Chapter 3 - Two for One

Kikyo glazed through the shadows at the half demon she loves mourning over her dead reincarnation. In some ways she felt sorry for him. But on the other hand, this was the opportunity she had been waiting for. Inuyasha, you are finally mine to have and mine to have only. He didn't even seem to know she was there, lurking in the shadows waiting for the right time. It wasn't until she held out her hand and allowed him to catch her scent when Inuyasha stopped shaking and perked up his ears.

Kagome? Wait, that's not Kagomes scent. It's Kikyo! Inuyasha brought himself to his feet and Kikyo stepped out from behind the trees. He kept his face hidden beneath his bangs. He dared not look at her. The tears would have said it all.

"Kikyo, what are you doing here? Have you been watching the entire time?" Inuyasha stuttered.

Kikyo stepped forth and gently touched Inuyashas cheeks studying his emotions, "How tragic, to loose the one you love so. It's like we've gone back in time to that same instant. Do you intend on carrying out her wish and staying a half demon forever?"

Inuyasha understood. She's referring to how she felt about me. He ripped his body away from her grasp, "Sorry Kikyo, not now. Maybe later."

Inuyasha headed off to Kaedes village to see Kagome one more time leaving Kikyo staring after him.

From the bushes, Inuyasha listened to the voices of villagers at Kaedes village.

"Did you hear, the priestess name Kagome is dead," one said, "Wasn't she the one they called Kikyos reincarnation?"

"Yes, I remember. She was a kind one. Too bad she must follow Kikyos tragic path."

"Exactly like Kikyos path. Inuyashas the one that killed her too and now her body is being cremated."

That sentence hit Inuyasha. Cremated? But that means she'll never be brought back to life again! Inuyasha gritted his teeth. It became clear to him what he must do. Inuyasha snuck his ways from cabin to cabin searching for Kagomes body. He spotted Sango and Miroku exiting a small hut, still crying. That must be the one. Inuyasha cringed at the purity barrier but force himself to continue inside.

Kagomes body lay lifeless of the straw mats. The wound on her right shoulder had been tended to and her clothing had been changed to those of Kikyos. She looked to peaceful and calm as if only resting. Inuyasha didn't want to disturb her had what had to be doe had to be done. He stared at her for a brief moment before scooping her limp body into his arms. She looked so pale.

Then the problem hit him. How am I supposed to carry her out of here without being seen?