Disclaimer: I do not own the anime series or any of its content and affiliations. This is devoted to my favorite character: Kikyo. Pairings: Kikyo/Sess/Kurama/Inu?

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There is one common understanding shared by all members of the feudal society, one unspoken, unwritten rule that mostly resides in the abstract realm of intuition, passed on from one generation to the next and reaffirmed by each through experience. This rule proclaims the underlying concepts of survival; and central to every aphorism and algorithm that is designed to prolong one's existence in this cold world is power.

But not just the power to conquer and kill, for, however fulfilling that is, it is nowhere close to being a necessity. The power spoken of here is rather the power to control, not others, but one's self, and conversely, the power to parry the controls of others. The grandest fear of all powerful beings, humans and demons alike, is not to loose their powers, but to loose control of them, to be powerless as their every action defies their wills while adhering to that of someone else.

Yes, this is an unspoken and unwritten rule known by all. Once in a while, however, it slips the minds of those who are too preoccupied with something, or someone else. Eventually, it all comes back to them, louder and clearer. But when this happens, it is all too late; because when the realization finally occurs, it hits with a force that is double the accumulation of past ignorance, foolish disregard for what should be kept in mind at all times…even as one is falling in love…

Such was the single thought that repeatedly passed through Kikyo's mind as she aimless wanders through the dense forest that seems to stretch on to infinity. Sadly this is the only place in which she can find strength enough to control the rage and hurt in her heart, or what's left of it. The night has gradually dawned upon the forest and has now completely draped everything in a cloak of darkness, except for spots here and there that are illuminated by columns of moonlight extending all the way through the canopy.

She wouldn't go back to him because he'll never return her feelings, at least not when that counterfeit is still around. She couldn't go back to him because her pride would not allow her to be reduced to pitifully begging for the love that should have been hers, and only hers, all along.

So she walks on…sparkling emerald eyes looking blankly straight ahead, but focused upon the pain that's within. What she did not see was a pair of equally sad emerald eyes gazing upon her, piercing through her supposedly cold exterior and into the sea of tears on which pieces of her broken heart keeps buoyant.

'She's thinking about him again. Even after all that he has put her through, she still can't forget her love for him…'

The latter stepped out from the tree behind which he was hiding. But before his first step could land, Kikyo immediately snapped out of her thoughts and in the speed of light, she shot an arrow into the shadow, straight at the hidden figure's heart.

Luckily, this was only meant to be a warning shot and none of her miko power was attached, so the figure in the dark was able to jump out of the way and land only a few feet in front of her.

"Kurama"

Kikyo gasped in surprise. She has not seen him for so long, not since the time that she crossed over to the modern world to defeat a demon in exchange for her life back…

"Kikyo."

Kurama's voice was just as she had remembered: deep, soft, weighed down with the same love and pain; love for her and pain because her love belonged to someone. His handsome features have enhanced greatly, not that every girl wasn't already swooning over him before.

Surprising Kikyo again, Kurama closed the distance between them and pulled her in to a tight embrace.

"Forget about him Kikyo, just for one night, forget about him and stay with me."

Kurama whispered him her ear.

The warmth of his embrace, of his breath gliding over her ear and neck, and the feeling of his heart pounding right over hers aroused all the emotions that Kikyo has suppressed up to that moment. She can feel her tears blurring her vision, threatening to escape the parameters of her eyes at any moment. Afraid to break down any more than she already has, Kikyo tightly closed her eyes and buried her face in Kurama's shoulder, returning his embrace…

'I'll stay with you for tonight…for one night, I'll try and forget everything…even him.'

Next chapter, Kurama and Kikyo's past revealed.

Well, that was the first chapter. I drew inspiration from some of my favorite authors: Jazz7, Sweet Ruby Moon, and others that I can't name at this point. By the way, this is also my first story, so please feel free to comment and make suggestions.