A Love That Transcends Time: Book I

~*~ Life isn't making it easier on m. Grr! I don't mean to cut this chapter; it's supposed to be a long one. But as I happen to be writing and updating using my nintendo 3ds, I have no choice but to divide this chapter into parts. So I hope you'll bear with me guys. Thanx again. ~*~

~Bittersweet Symphony Part I ~*~

"Use your sword, brother. Together we'll blast through their defenses,"

Sesshomaru commanded Inuyasha and they both prepare to fight.

"We'll join you too. We won't stand here and do nothing. This is for Kagome-chan,"

Sango said as she and Miroku quickly went over to the brothers and got ready for battle. Kikyou, now recovered, was slowly shaking her head and was laughing almost hysterically.

"Do you see them, Midoriko-sama? They think they can take us on! The two great mikos of all time,"

She scathingly said as she too went ready to do battle. Still shaking hands were readying to notch a bow to her arrow. She knew it was all or nothing now. But with her new ally, she knew nothing--and no one--could harm her.

"Fools, each and every one of you. You never gave a thought to what would happen after the jewel was complete. But I knew, and I patiently waited. Midoriko-sama is right: I DID give my whole life for the Shikon no Tama. I took my role as guardian seriously. I devoted everything towards my responsibility. I even died for the stupid jewel! And even after death, I put all of my efforts into completing it. Me! And that's why she's beside me now. That's my payment for a job well done. Isn't it, Midoriko-sama?"

Midoriko only stared at her, silence her only answer.

"Yes, everything was thanks to me. If not for me, all efforts would've been wasted. If not for me, the jewel would still be incomplete. Not because of that stupid, annoying pest of a copycat you're all so fond of! Compared to me, she's nothing! And yet you all love her,"

Unknown to Kikyou tears now streamed down her face as she continued her tirade.

"And the biggest fool of all is you, Inuyasha. I LOVED YOU!!! More than she ever will. Don't you remember? You loved me more than anything too, enough to give up your dream of becoming a full youkai and become a human instead to be with me. We dreamed together, didn't we? And you could still make that dream come true. Just wish on the Shikon no Tama,"

"Keh! Screw you, bitch! Take this! Kaze no Kizu!"

The raging devastation of Inuyasha's attack impacted solidly at the barrier, making it waver but still not enough to shatter it.

"Let's attack simultaneously,"

"Then you leave me no choice. I'll make you remember your promises and your love for me if it's the last thing I do. And if it means killing off everyone you hold dear, then so be it,"

Kikyou vowed as she prepared to fire three arrows at the same time. She didn't notice the other miko coming close to her.

"Enough, Kikyou. I'm not here to protect you. I'm here to make sure you get the justice you deserve,"

In the blink of an eye, the barrier was no more. Kikyou watched, horrified at its' disappearance. Inuyasha's group could kill her any time now! She went to flee, but Midoriko never gave quarter. She drew her own sword as she blocked Kikyou's escape.

"Don't worry, you weren't meant to be killed by their hands. It was up to me all this time. This is the reward you so richly deserve: for all the horrible crimes you have committed, for all the evil pact and schemes you've made with Naraku. And most of all, for claiming an innocent and valiant life. I hereby divest you of your title as Guardian and cast your soul out of your borrowed body, where you shall dwell in Hell for all eternity,"

"Noo! Inuyasha, stop her! Help me!"

Kikyou screeched as she felt her fake body crumbling. Midoriko then opened a portal to Hell, where evil spirits and demons maniacally laugh and patiently wait for Kikyou's soul so they could devour her.

"Please help me. Don't make me go there,"

Kikyou whimpered desperately, willing for anyone to help her. But they all just watched her, stoic faces devoid of any compassion. She cried now in torrents, resigned to her fate. As she felt her soul slowly slipping out of her shell, she called out to the only man she loved. The source of her liberation and destruction. The hanyou she loved too much and too well she destroyed herself in the process.

"Inuyasha, please don't let me die alone,"

She held out her hand to him, hoping against hope he would take it. Something flickered in his amber eyes, regret maybe and some measure of compassion as well. He started walking towards her.

"Are you crazy??? Inuyasha, get back here! Don't listen to that lying bitch. She'll just drag you into Hell with her!"

Sango screamed angrily at Inuyasha, but he won't be deterred. Somehow he knew, deep in his heart that Kikyou only wanted to say goodbye. He finally reached her and took her outstretched hand.

"I'm here, Kikyou. I won't let you die alone,"