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Chapter 9:

Serendipity

Kagome awoke bleary-eyed and sanguine, feeling refreshed, as the dawn broke across the horizon in all her resplendent glory. Crawling out of her sleeping
bag, she set about gathering her things for the hot springs, quietly so as not to disturb the others Kagome slipped out of Keade's hut. She really did not feel

like talking to anyone and wanted to mull over last night's events without a parade of tiresome questions. Meandering her way towards the Goshinboku, she

felt it that nigh unnoticeable twinging sensation, a tug as her soul lurched and suddenly the sky became filled with the eerie glow of Shinidamachū.

Gliding gracefully in the air the sinuous creatures danced in the early morning light twining about the branches of the sacred god tree; and all Kagome could think was, "Oh Crap."

The hair on her arms prickled standing straight up was her only warning as the barrier shimmered and crackled to life passing over Kagome's skin leaving
goosebumps in its wake. There were moments in Kagome's life where she understood exactly why people frequently used profanity, this happened to be

one of them. Inside her mind however, a small voice that sounded suspiciously like Inuyasha was swearing a blue streak that would have made the hanyou

stop and take notes. Resignedly she mentally squashed the voice, which responded with a small, "Feh." Resisting the overwhelming temptation to smack her

forehead in frustration, she groaned aloud she'd been spending way too much time around Inuyasha, if her conscience was beginning to sound like him; and

the very last thing she needed was a mini dog hanyou inside her skull.

The distortion of light and air caught her attention, as Kikyo floated into view bedecked in the glow of souls and her Shinidamachū. She watched wary of the

dead woman that glided to the forest floor, landing a few feet away from her close enough that Kagome could almost reach out and touch her. Kagome

stared into Kikyo's eyes as they narrowed and her lips parted to speak a single word, "You."

Fumbling for a response but all she could manage in her shock was a strangled, "Kikyo…"

Keeping her face neutral, Kikyo began to speak, "Reincarnation of mine we have much to discuss, you and I." She gestured to the barrier, "Inuyasha

shall not interfere, relax child I will not harm the one he has forsaken me for."

Kagome's body released the tense breath that she unknowing had held, but her sense of unease and nausea did not depart. Indignant she spat back,

"Inuyasha would never forsake anyone he loves!"

A grim smile appeared briefly on Kikyo's face, "Good, your devotion to him is sincere. He deserves nothing less, your love will stand firm in the face

of those who will punish you for loving a hanyou."

Kagome knew her mouth was gaping slightly but she could not seem to close it as Kikyo continued, "You must be strong to love him as he is, far

stronger than ever was or will be. For that, I envy you; I envy you for the things that you will give him and the life that you will share with him."

Tears streamed down Kagome's face, as hope warred with sadness for Inuyasha's lost love; Kikyo was giving them her blessing was something she had

never even dared dream of. Stepping closer, Kikyo raised her hand and gently wiped the tears from Kagome's face, "Take care of him, Kagome. He will

need you more than ever; I am not long for this world. Love him, as I was not able to, blinded by dreams of living a normal life. It does not exist I

can see that now."

Trembling Kagome asked, "What will you do now?"

A vengeful look crossed Kikyo normally stoic face, "I shall finish what Onigumo started so foolishly more than fifty years ago."

Understanding flashed through Kagome's brain, "But you'll die..."

Kikyo laughed, "I am already dead. All that remains is an echo of who I was. This half-life cannot continue, eventually it will destroy us both; and I

am merely choosing to end what should have never been. You feel it don't you the hollow spot where I was, the pull on the pieces of our soul?"

Kagome nodded, "What of Inuyasha? He will not like this."

Kikyo's face was resolute, "Perhaps, but the alternative would destroy him; and this I cannot allow. Naraku will be dead and Inuyasha will have

you, it will have to be enough."

Her eyes watering Kagome smiled bittersweetly, "Yes, I suppose it will be."

Kikyo turned away from her, "Farewell, Kagome make him happy; it's all I ever really wanted."

Kagome called out softly to the departing woman, "I will, I swear it; I know."

As she watched the barrier and Kikyo fade into nothingness, she whispered quietly, "Perhaps we are not so different after all."

Feeling a tingle at the base of her spine, she turned around and her breath hitched as she stared into brilliant golden eyes, "Inuyasha…"