Four days.

Four days had passed since the group had battled the fire demons.

Four days since Kikyo gave her life to save Kagome.

Four days since Kagome had said no more than two words.

Kikyo had jumped in front the younger girl just as the fire had hit. Even though a normal person would have burst into flames, because of Kikyo's clay body, the fire slowly chipped her away.

Despite her attempts, fire sprung onto both Kagome's arms, burning them.

Inuyasha was finally able to vanquish the three with his Kaze-no-Kizu.

By that time, Kikyo was gone.

Indeed, she had simply turned to dust.

Kagome dropped to her knees, then burst into tears.

The group had trudged back to Kaede's, for a proper resting place for the priestess.

And Kagome hadn't spoken at all.

And they were all worried about her.

She kept her head down, and didn't make eye contact at anyone.

At night, Inuyasha heard her cry.

He too, was upset. Not only was Kikyo gone forever, Kagome was sad.

And he hated when Kagome was sad.

Kagome silently stirred the ramen, then she spooned out portions.

Shippo looked a her worriedly. "Kagome, are you okay?"

Kagome nodded and bit her lip. "I'm fine, Shippo. Really."

That night, Kagome walked off to the river.

Dipping her hands in the water, she repeated the ritual she had done for four days now.

Oddly, when she did it, she felt as if she was in a trance.

Wash the blood. Wash it away...Damn blood. Leave..

She jerked herself out of the self-hypnotism and back to reality.

There wasn't any blood to begin with. But the burning embers and heat of the battle that day made Kagome feel as if her hands were dripping with blood.

Kikyo's blood.

Staring at her wet hands, she felt the tears come back to her eyes.

Why did Kikyo have to die? Why couldn't it just be me? Inuyasha still loved..loves her, no matter what.

"It's all my fault." She whispered.

Inuyasha had been awfully quiet as well, which added to Kagome's guilt.

Both of her ams were wrapped in gauze, to her, it was an awful reminder.

"Kikyo, forgive me.." Kagome let the tears roll down her cheeks.

Kagome sat on the riverbank and cried.

Inuyasha quickly followed after Kagome.

He saw her dip her hands into the water.

What is she doing?

He heard her cries.

And he went to comfort her.

Kagome couldn't bring herself to look at Inuyasha as he sat next to her.

He leaned closer to her.

"What's the matter with you?"

Kagome's lip quivered. "I...I feel..so guilty."

Inuyasha stared at her.

"Why?"

Kagome looked away.

"Kikyo died to save me...You didn't even get to say goodbye." Her voice cracked.

Inuyasha pulled the girl closer to him.

"You're wrong."

"What?"

"I did get to say goodbye."

Kagome gaped at him. "When?"

"The night before..."

Kagome's face was full of confusement.

"I told her I love her.."

Kagome's heart sank.

"..But that I'm in love with you."

Kagome tried to wipe the tears away, but new ones continued to fall.

"She's gone, Inuyasha. Forever."

The hanyou sighed. "..Sometimes, I try to remember Kikyo..the way she was."

"What?"

He gazed at her.

"Before Kikyo died..fifty years ago..her eyes were..different..like yours."

Kagome stared at him, dumbfounded.

Inuyasha continued. "Her eyes used to be full of..expression..and love."

"But once she died, they were dull and lifeless."

"Kagome, that wasn't the same Kikyo I fell in love with fifty years ago."

Their eyes met, and he pulled her into a kiss.

"Never leave me, ok?"

Kagome, through her tears, nodded.

He pulled back, and gazing at her.

"Kikyo told me to be happy..But I can't be happyif you're not. Okay?"

Kagome nodded and kissed him again.

"I'll be happy again,Inuyasha. I promise."

Ya...I mean this was kinda angsty. I'm just not that good at writing sad scenes! i'm such a happy person..lol

I must give credit. The part where Kagome is washing her hands was kinda..borrowed..from Shakesperes(sp?) Macbeth

I am sooooooo tired. review!

oh yea, is this chapter long enough:D