InuKik

InuKik is the term used to refer to the romantic relationship between Inuyasha and Kikyō.

## Their Relationship

### Inuyasha

**The Girl Who Overcame Time... and the Boy Who Was Just Overcome**

The hanyō Inuyasha is in the middle of stealing the Shikon Jewel from a village in feudal era Japan. The villagers yell that Inuyasha is here and try to trap him with a net but easily breaks free as he smirks. The villagers tried to trap Inuyasha again with arrows and ropes but he dodges them. Inuyasha breaks into the temple from the roof and sees the Sacred Jewel but covers his nose to not smell the smoked purification salt for a moment before he goes towards it and grabs it. The villagers enter the temple from the doors and attempt to prevent Inuyasha from taking the Sacred Jewel by throwing arrows at him but accidently knocks over some of the torches holding the smoked purification salts, but they were unsuccessful. Inuyasha dodges and escapes the temple through the roof with the Sacred Jewel as an explosion happens. Inuyasha says to himself that'll teach them and with the Sacred Jewel in his possession he can become a real demon at last.

As Inuyasha is escaping the village, a fatally wounded Kikyō calls out to him before shooting him with her Sacred Arrow pinning him to the Sacred Tree. Inuyasha reaches out for the Sacred Jewel as it slipped from his hand and falls on the ground. Inuyasha is surprised as he calls out to Kikyō and asks how could she and he thought before he peacefully falls asleep. Kikyō slowly walks towards the Sacred Jewel before she drops her bow and kneels down. Kaede runs towards Kikyō and kneels down next to her as she calls out to her. The villagers surround Kikyō as they call out to her. One of the villagers says Kikyō is badly wounded. Kaede asks Kikyō how did she get hurt. Kikyō says it was her cowardliness has resulted in the Sacred Jewel before she picks it up and says it was all for the Jewel of the 4 Souls then aches in pain. Kaede tries to comfort Kikyō and tells her they must tend to her injury. Kikyō says to Kaede she is beyond saving and to listen to her and take the Sacred Jewel and burn it with her body as it must never get into the hands of evil-doers. Kikyō aches in pain before she dies. Kaede sadly calls out to her older sister Kikyō as her corpse falls to the ground. Kikyō's corpse holds the Sacred Jewel as she thinks the Sacred Jewel and she will take it with her to the other world as she fades away.

Kagome runs into a river and says Mistress Centipede is pursuing her. Kaede questions Kagome and wonders how can an ordinary girl see the foul vapors that rise from the forest. The villagers calls out to Kaede and prepare to follow Kagome on horses. Kagome runs towards the well to try and get it away from the village. While Kagome is running from the demon she calls for help. When she does this, the spell on Inuyasha breaks and he wakes up saying he smells the blood of the woman who 'killed' him, Kikyō and it's approaching. Inuyasha tries to pull out the sacred arrow pinned to his chest but couldn't as he curses. Mistress Centipede attacks Kagome and she lands in front of the Sacred Tree. Inuyasha calls Kagome 'Kikyō' and asks her why she was wasting her time with Mistress Centipede. Kagome looks up to see Inuyasha awake and thinks to herself did she just hear him talking and asks him if he's alive. Inuyasha tells Kagome to kill Mistress Centipede in one strike and calls her 'Kikyō' again and just like the time she killed him. Inuyasha becomes confused and tells Kagome to not look so dumb and asks if she's lost her mind already before calling her 'Kikyō'. Kagome stands up and asks Inuyasha who is 'Kikyō' and tells him to listen to her as her name is but is cut off. Inuyasha tells Kagome that Mistress Centipede is coming. Mistress Centipede comes out of the Sacred Tree and tries to go after Kagome but is stopped by the villagers. Kagome tells herself she is saved. Inuyasha tells Kagome that she is hopeless and calls her 'Kikyō' again. Kagome tells Inuyasha to not mistake her as she isn't 'Kikyō'. Inuyasha tells Kagome to shut up as who else would give off a scent like her and becomes confused as he sniffs her then realizes she isn't Kikyō. Kagome tells Inuyasha her name is Kagome. Inuyasha tells Kagome that Kikyō seemed smarter and was a beauty. Kagome becomes annoyed. While she is distracted, Mistress Centipede grabs her.

**Seekers of the Sacred Jewel**

Kaede says Inuyasha is only a hanyo. Inuyasha punches the wooden floor and calls Kaede 'an old hag' and asks her who does she think she is and don't talk as if she knows all about him. Kaede asks Inuyasha doesn't he understand and guesses it can't be helped and explains that she is Kikyō's younger sister, the one who put the spell on you and her name. Inuyasha recognizes Kaede as that kid. Kaede also informs Inuyasha that 50 years have passed since he was sealed to the Sacred Tree and she has grown old. Inuyasha makes a remark about Kikyō must be really old now too and humans age so easily as that's the way it goes. Kaede informs Inuyasha that older sister Kikyō died. Inuyasha becomes interested. Kaede tells Inuyasha shortly on the same day that Kikyo shot the spellbound arrow at him. Inuyasha smirks as he says so that's how it went and she kicked the bucket and what a relief. Kaede says to Inuyasha it is too early to breathe a sigh of relief.

Afterwards, Inuyasha is sitting in a tree and still taking in the fact Kikyō is dead and he never knew. Kagome invites Inuyasha for a meal. During the meal, Inuyasha bluntly tells Kagome that she's up to something and he knows it. Kagome tells Inuyasha she's not and wonders does he hate her. Inuyasha tells Kagome that she has no idea how much. Kagome tells Inuyasha the one he hates is not her but this lady named Kikyō. Inuyasha becomes annoyed as he jumps into a tree. Kagome tells Inuyasha that she's 'Kagome' and not 'Kikyō' and wonders won't he be a little nicer to her. Inuyasha asks Kagome was she stupid or what as he doesn't care who she is and in order to get the Sacred Jewel he has to be merciless.

Kagome rides on Inuyasha's back. Inuyasha says the demon crow is not getting away. Inuyasha asks Kagome what was she doing and to hurry up and shoot the demon crow down. Kagome asks Inuyasha was he crazy as she's never used a bow and arrow in her life. Inuyasha tells Kagome the Corpse Crow survives by eating human flesh and with the Sacred Jewel it might transform. The Corpse Crow swallowed the Sacred Jewel. Kagome tells Inuyasha the Corpse Crow swallowed the Sacred Jewel and she'll try it. Inuyasha thinks to himself that once the crow is shot down he won't need a girl like Kagome. Kagome prepares to shoot. Inuyasha tells Kagome to make one shot as Kikyo was a master archer. Kagome tells Inuyasha she's 'Kagome'. Kagome thinks to herself if it's okay Kikyo to please lend her power. Kagome attempts to shoot the crow down but fails. Inuyasha falls to the ground. Kagome asks Inuyasha that he's not lying about Kikyo being a master archer. Inuyasha tells Kagome that Kikyo was then she must be a klutz. The Corpse Crow starts to transform as Inuyasha and Kagome continue to chase after it. Inuyasha tells Kagome the Corpse Crow is getting bigger and to aim. Kagome attempts to shoot the crow down again but fails. Inuyasha stops and drops Kagome from his back. Kagome groans in pain. Inuyasha tells Kagome that he now gets it as there's no way she's Kikyo incarnated and now he knows not to expect nothing before leaves to chase the Corpse Crow. Kagome calls out to Inuyasha as she follows him.

**Down the Rabbit Hole and Back Again**

Inuyasha complains about working with Kagome, who asks he really dislike her that much. Kagome comes out dressed in the traditional clothes of a miko. Inuyasha looks at Kagome dressed as a priestess then suddenly thinks of Kikyō in interest. Kaede asks Inuyasha what's that expression on his face. Inuyasha doesn't seem pleased about this for some reason.

A woman comes from the village and says she needs help as her daughter has gotten sick, whereupon Kaede makes her way to the village and leaves Inuyasha and Kagome. Inuyasha tells Kagome to "undress", for which she gets a rock on his head, although he actually meant that she should change back into her school girl clothes. Kagome assumes it's because she looks like Kikyō which Inuyasha denies. Kagome then tells Inuyasha that if he keeps being so mean, there is no way that they will be able to work together. Inuyasha doesn't care because he thinks he can find the Sacred Jewel shards on his own.

**Aristocratic Assassin, Sesshomaru**

**Kikyo's Stolen Ashes**

Inuyasha is running through the forest until someone calls his voice and he turns around and a sacred arrow strikes him and pins him to the Sacred Tree. Inuyasha thinks to himself who has it and thinks its Kagome and realizes it isn't her, but it is Kikyō standing there, the one who bound him to the Sacred Tree. Inuyasha then wakes up from a tree and realizes it was just a dream and looks down to find Kagome and Shippō sleeping soundly by a fire. He decides to sit by Kagome and stares at her thinking how she is almost identical in appearance to Kikyō and wonders if that is the reason why he had the dream. Kagome suddenly wakes up and slaps him in the face. She then asks him if he wanted to talk about something while yawning. Inuyasha then abruptly tells her that she doesn't look anything like Kikyō, confusing Kagome. He then sees Urasue carrying the scent of graveyard soil and Kaede's blood.

The groups returns to village and find Kaede injured. Inuyasha tells Kaede that she's still alive and guess not even a flesh wound will keep her down. Everyone walks up the steps. Kaede tells Inuyasha that he has caught the scent of her blood on the demon. Inuyasha says to Kaede to think of her age and take it easy. Kagome realizes Inuyasha wanted to return because he was worried about Kaede. They reached Kikyō's destroyed gravesite. Kagome asks Kaede what is this. Kaede tells Kagome that this used to be her older sister Kikyō's gravesite. Kagome questions that it was a grave. Kaede tells them that she wasn't strong enough to stop Urasue and Kikyō had unusually strong powers even for a priestess and if her ashes get into the hands of some demon who knows for what evil purpose they will be used. Inuyasha turns away. Kaede calls out to Inuyasha. Inuyasha tells to Kaede to forget it as he and Kikyō were enemies and asks has she forgotten who shot an arrow into his chest. Kaede tells Inuyasha he's right. Inuyasha continues to walk away. Kagome thinks to herself that she heard it happened 50 years ago but to Inuyasha his memories are fresh. The flashback shows the event where Inuyasha stealing the jewel and Kikyō pinned him to the sacred tree. Kagome thinks to herself that Inuyasha the hanyo wanted to take the Sacred Jewel and become a full-fledged demon and when he came to the village to take the Sacred Jewel the priestess Kikyō shot a sacred arrow which held him to the Sacred Tree but in that battle Kikyō would lose her life.

Inuyasha is then sitting by a tree thinking of not the only the scent of Kikyō's ashes but also graveyard soil that Urasue took and wonders what is she up to. Kagome goes to Inuyasha and tells him they have to go. Inuyasha asks Kagome where as he looks away. Kagome sits next to Inuyasha and asks him doesn't he feel sorry for Kikyō that her grave has been violated and forget that they were once bitter enemies and Kikyō died long ago. Inuyasha looks at Kagome for a moment before looking away again. Kagome becomes annoyed and grabs Inuyasha's hair to make him turn to her. Inuyasha questions Kagome, who demands to know why since yesterday he's been avoiding looking at her. Inuyasha looks at Kagome for a moment before looking away again and says it's nothing. Kagome then believes that its because she looks like Kikyō and the reason he doesn't like her. Inuyasha looks at Kagome and grabs her hand that was grabbing his hair and insists it's not like that with a glimpsed look on his face and attempts to lean in to kiss her. Kagome becomes shocked and thinks to herself what is Inuyasha doing and asks what is it before she shoves him away. Kagome thinks to herself what was that just now and finds it hard to believe Inuyasha tried to kiss her. Inuyasha climbs back up and angrily asks Kagome what was she doing. Kagome tells Inuyasha that he was the one. Inuyasha asks Kagome what did he do. Inuyasha and Kagome look to see Kaede coming towards them with a horse. Kaede says she's also a priestess and will take back her older sister Kikyō's ashes with her own hands and asks Inuyasha at least tell her in which direction Urasue is headed. Inuyasha asks Kaede does she wants to die. Kagome calls out to Inuyasha. Kaede says she will have to go find out. Kagome tells Kaede she mustn't as she's in no condition. Inuyasha tells Kagome it's useless to stop Kaede and that's why he hates dealing with old people before watching him walk away and the robe on the horse then says he'll get Kikyō's ashes back and he'll be sure to bring home her bones too and walks away with the horse. Kaede tells Inuyasha thank you. Kagome asks Kaede if she can come along and runs after Inuyasha. Kaede calls out to Kagome, who thinks to herself that Inuyasha's eyes just now and he wasn't seeing her. Inuyasha leads the directions of the scent of the ashes. Kagome thinks to herself Inuyasha was seeing Kikyō inside her.

That night Kagome lets Kaede sleep in her sleeping bag. Kagome tells Inuyasha that Kaede is asleep. Inuyasha tells Kagome she'd better get some sleep and they'll attack tomorrow. Kagome asks Inuyasha so soon. Inuyasha says to Kagome he can smell it and Urasue isn't far before he falls asleep. Kagome calls out to Inuyasha but he doesn't respond and realizes he's asleep. Kagome thinks to herself when she saw Inuyasha that he was sleeping as well but actually he was bound to the Sacred Tree but to her he looked like he was sleeping peacefully and thought he hated Kikyō. Think back to when Inuyasha nearly kissed her, Kagome realizes that the look on his face to her weren't the eyes of hatred and her heart is still pounding. Kagome wonders if Inuyasha was actually in love with Kikyō. The following morning Kaede tells them they must retrieve Kikyō's ashes as soon as possible and she has a dreadful feeling about this. Inuyasha tells Kaede that it's too late now and if she didn't want the ashes stolen why didn't she just scatter the ashes into the river and she stayed sentimental and kept hanging on to them and see what happened. Kaede asks Inuyasha how does he feel about a grave and a grave isn't simply a place to bury a body or ashes as it necessary for the hearts of ones who are left behind. Inuyasha questions about Kaede about this. Kaede says to Inuyasha that Kikyō was born a priestess and she used her special powers for the good of the villagers and kept demons away from the village and battled illness and famine countless times encouraging the people around and even after her demise the villagers haven't weakened they are resolved to live, however, man is weak, danger and uncertainty can weaken his heart and the grave was a place of reassurance and a place where hearts could find peace. Kagome thinks to herself just like that time Inuyasha is thinking of Kikyō and he was in love with her but she shot an arrow into him and he was bound for 50 years and she feels really sorry for him. Inuyasha turns around and becomes confused to see Kagome looking at him. Kagome thinks to herself that it was unrequited love. Inuyasha starts to become more confused. Kagome thinks to herself Kikyō didn't love Inuyasha in return as her eyes filled with tears.

**Return of the Tragic Priestess, Kikyo**

Kaede walks to where the defeated clay soldiers were and sees souls rise from them, making her confused. Inuyasha asks Kaede what's going on. Kaede says human souls were being used to move the clay soldiers and discovers that bones have been baked into them, confusing Inuyasha. Kaede says Urasue uses bones and souls and stolen her older sister Kikyō's remains and Kagome before she starts to walk towards Urasue's location but she still is in pain. Inuyasha tells Kaede to not strain herself as he'll recover Kikyō's remains for her. Kaede replies she fears they don't have much time as they may well be meeting with Kikyō soon. Inuyasha becomes surprised at the possibly meeting of Kikyō. Kaede says if Urasue uses her tricks to reincarnate Kikyō then she will become a formidable foe and have to stop her.

As Urasue gets close, the light bursts becomes a large barrier. Urasue suspects is this the power of the Sacred Jewel and realizes that the soul is very angry as Kikyō's soul is mad with anger. Kagome says she feels sick and going to going to throw up. Urasue says it is a powerful grudge and suspects something tremendous must surely have happened to Kikyō in her previous life. Kikyō is sitting and notices Inuyasha and Kaede coming towards them. Inuyasha and Kaede immediately notice Kikyō sitting down. Kaede calls out to Kikyō. Kagome weakly calls out to Inuyasha. Urasue becomes surprised that Inuyasha, Shippō, and Kaede survived the fall. Inuyasha continues to look at Kikyō in shock. Kikyō doesn't want her name to be called. Inuyasha says that she's Kikyō.

With that one action the soul explodes and Kagome can no longer resist the herbal potion. Urasue says the soul is leaving Kagome's body. Inuyasha calls out to Kagome. Urasue says to Inuyasha the second he said Kikyō's name, Kagome's heart skipped a beat and Kikyō's soul sprang forth. The soul begins to enter Kikyō's body as she is in the air. As the resurrection was completed, Kikyō descends from the air in a bright light and when she reaches the ground she touches her face. Inuyasha says Kagome's soul has entered Kikyō's body. Shippō goes to Kagome's body and begs her to wake up. Urasue says Kagome is an empty shell now and she'll pickle her later for her dinner. Kaede tells Urasue to listen and how dare she use her older sister Kikyō's remains. Kikyō stops glowing and takes her hands off her face. Urasue confirms it as she used her powers to turn Kikyō's remains into flesh and blood and they could say she is her birth mother and she will do anything she ask of her. Kikyō slowly walks towards Urasue, who tells Kikyō to use her powers to rid them of Inuyasha and the others. Kikyō kneels before Urasue, confusing her, and puts her hands on Urasue's shoulders and uses her spiritual powers on her. Urasue backs away before she spins around in circles and fall to the ground, her whole body burnt to a crisp in blue flames. Inuyasha looks at Urasue before he looks back at Kikyō.

Kikyō asks Inuyasha why he's still alive as she knows she sealed him to the Sacred Tree with her Sacred Arrow. Inuyasha prepares to be attacked by Kikyo and tells her she did and it took him about 50 years to get out but he's fine as she can see. Kikyō lifts her head up and looks at Inuyasha angrily with tears in her eyes and says he's hateful. Kikyō stands up and starts to walk towards Inuyasha and says she hates him. Suddenly, a red light seeps through Kikyō's right shoulder and Kikyō clutches her it with her hand. Inuyasha asks Kikyō what's the matter. The red light disappears and it is revealed to be blood. Kikyō takes her hand off of her right shoulder and angrily yells at Inuyasha why did he betray her. Inuyasha becomes curious of the blood on Kikyō. Kaede asks Inuyasha isn't that the fatal wound he inflicted on Kikyō. Inuyasha becomes confused and questioned Kaede was she really saying he killed Kikyō. Kaede confirms it as that's how her older sister Kikyō died. A pool of blood appeared beneath Kikyō. Inuyasha tells Kaede he didn't kill Kikyō and doesn't remember doing any such a thing. Kaede tells Inuyasha can he be certain and questions he didn't inflict the wound that killed Kikyō then asks what's going on. Kikyō says to Inuyasha she never thought and expected to hear such excuses and tells him to stop it as it's unbecoming and repeated it to him to stop it. Kikyō asks Inuyasha if he remembers that he wished to become human. Kaede tells Kikyō that Inuyasha wanted to be a full demon. Kikyō says to Inuyasha he would become a human and she believed him and took the Sacred Jewel to you that day.

The flashback shows of Kikyō holding the Sacred Jewel in the fields. All of a sudden a rustle sneaks up behind Kikyō and injures her. When Kikyō landed on the ground, she tries to get the Sacred Jewel but 'Inuyasha' steps on her hands. 'Inuyasha' calls Kikyō a fool and tells her he has absolutely no desire to become a human, shocking Kikyō. 'Inuyasha' takes it from Kikyō and says he will take the Sacred Jewel none the less and he sure appreciate this and it needs to absorb more bitterness and ill will and he will kill all of the villagers and leaves. Kikyō angrily tells Inuyasha that she hates him. End of the flashback, Kaede questions if Inuyasha could have done such a thing.

Inuyasha angrily asks Kikyō if she's saying that he was the one that betrayed her. Kikyō confirms it and tells Inuyasha that's why she gathered up the last of her strength and bounded him to the tree with her sacred arrow before she walked over to him. Inuyasha growls at Kikyō. Kikyō softly calls out to Inuyasha. Inuyasha calls out to Kikyō. Kikyō stops in front of Inuyasha and they stared at each other for a moment. Kikyō places her hands on Inuyasha's Robe of the Fire-Rat and says to him they were fated never to meet again before she grabs it and uses her spiritual powers to injure him as it sent him flying back. Kaede walks up to Kikyō and pleads her to stop. Kikyō asks Kaede who is she. Kaede tells Kikyō that she is her younger sister and she has lived 50 years since her death. Kikyō asks Kaede why does she protect Inuyasha. Kikyō tells Kaede to let her have her bow and arrow as she grabs them, pushing her out of the way, and shoots an arrow at Inuyasha who can only just avoid it, causing an explosion.

Shippō gets Kagome out of the herbal tub. Kikyō looks at Kaede as she calls out to her. Kaede tells Kikyō she mustn't as Inuyasha is not the enemy. Kikyō asks Kaede what does she mean and has she been taken in by Inuyasha and calls him a 'hanyō'. Kaede tells Kikyō she is mistaken. Kikyō tells Kaede to give her the arrow, Kaede refuses. Kikyō asks Kaede who was she and don't they share the same blood and does she refuse to follow her older sister's command before she takes Kaede's arrows. Kaede tries to stop Kikyō as she calls out to her but Kikyō tells her to move and pushes her out of the way. Inuyasha stands up again. Kikyō tells Inuyasha he told her that he wanted to become a human then drops the arrows then says to become human and live with her as she prepares to shoot an arrow at Inuyasha again. Inuyasha becomes serious. Shippō asks Kaede what will happen to Kagome. Kaede says so long as Kikyō holds on to hatred her soul will not grow still and so long as her soul does not return to Kagome she will continue to slumber. Shippo becomes worried and says that's awful. Inuyasha says to Kikyō that he really wanted to become human and he truly loved her. Kikyō tells Inuyasha to silence as she was a fool for wishing, even for a second, to live together with him and she died hating him and her spirit cannot shed that hatred and so long as he lives, she cannot be saved.

Kaede tells Inuyasha she wants him to destroy Kikyō's body as her rebirth is a sham and he must release her soul from within. Kikyō says it's no use and so long as the hatred is not erased this soul will not return to Kagome's body and tells Inuyasha all it takes is his death before she shoots an arrow at him. Inuyasha draws his Tessaiga but the arrow purified it and it transforms back into its normal form. Kaede says Kikyō's arrow has overcome the Tessaiga and yells at Inuyasha to run. The arrow starts to enter into the same spot where Kikyō pierced Inuyasha's chest as he begins to scream. The voice of Inuyasha's scream wakes Kagome up. Kikyō notices something is wrong before the soul starts to escape from her body as tries to prevent it from escaping. Kaede says it's Kagome as she's trying to take back her soul. Kikyō doesn't want this to end as she still hasn't fulfilled her revenge. Shippō and Kaede are pushed away from Kagome as her soul is returning to her body. The arrow in Inuyasha dissolves as the soul returns to Kagome's body. Inuyasha kneels as he looks for Kikyō and wonders where she is until he sees her walking away. Inuyasha calls out to Kikyō and realizes she still has a small piece of soul in her. Urasue still alive, but just barely, tells Inuyasha all that's keeping Kikyō going now is her deeply held hatred as it seems most of the soul has returned to Kagome and looks like Kikyō's pent up hatred have been absorbed well into the bones and graveyard soil and the once pure maiden is now a demon filled with hatred and asked isn't that lovely. Urasue laughed as she disappears in the dust. Inuyasha stands up and runs after Kikyō. Kaede calls out to Inuyasha.

Kikyō thinks to herself if she remains near Kagome as she'll take the rest of her soul and she has to get away but on her way she overlooks a cliff and starts to fall. Inuyasha grabs Kikyō's arm to prevent her from falling. Kikyō looks up and sees Inuyasha and she calls out to him. Inuyasha tells Kikyō she can't go on like this and she must return to Kagome's body. Kikyō asks Inuyasha if he's telling her to die, shocking Inuyasha. Kikyō says to Inuyasha that if she returns to Kagome's body that means she will no longer exist forever and asks him if that is what he wants then says she'll never die before using spiritual powers on him. Kikyō asks Inuyasha didn't she tell him when she dies he's coming with her. Inuyasha tells Kikyō to stop this but he also starts to slip on the cliff but manages to hold on to the cliff. Inuyasha tries to hold on to Kikyō but she slips from his grasp. Inuyasha calls out to Kikyō as she falls of the cliff and disappears in the mist. Inuyasha thinks to himself why did this happen and angrily made a fist.

In the flashback, Inuyasha tells the story of Kikyō. Inuyasha says Kikyō used her spiritual powers to protect the Sacred Jewel from demons and he needed the Sacred Jewel too in order to become a full fledged demon. Inuyasha is struck to the tree by many arrows by Kikyō, but she only hit his clothes. Inuyasha prepares to be killed by Kikyō, who is aiming an arrow at him, but decides not to kill him and starts to leave. Inuyasha tells Kikyō to wait a minute and asks why does she never finish him off. Kikyō tells Inuyasha to quit bothering her as she doesn't want to waste any more arrows. Inuyasha says if he could just get his hands on the Sacred Jewel as he had no intention of killing Kikyō and she would never kill him either. Kikyō is bathing near a waterfall and Inuyasha is watching her from afar in interest.

Kikyō is sitting down on clear field and tells Inuyasha she knows he was watching her and asks won't he join her. Inuyasha comes out of a tree and sits next to Kikyō but is suspicious. Kikyō says to Inuyasha that they've never talked like this before. Inuyasha tells Kikyo so what. Kikyō asks Inuyasha how does she look and does she look human. Inuyasha asks Kikyō what was she talking about. Kikyō tells Inuyasha that she never showed anyone her weakness and must never waver otherwise some demon will get the better of her and she's a human but she mustn't be human. Kikyō tells Inuyasha they have things in common as they're both outsiders since he is a hanyo and that's why she couldn't kill him. Inuyasha stands up and says to Kikyō she was complaining and it's not like her at all before starts to walk away but turns to see her sad expression. Kikyō tells Inuyasha that she guesses it's unlike her. Inuyasha thinks to himself looking at Kikyō's sad face for the first time in his life he felt like he'd done something wrong and after that day all he could think about was Kikyō as she was always near him and he was always with her.

Inuyasha questions Kikyō about being a human. Kikyō tells Inuyasha he can be a human since he is half human after all and if the Sacred Jewel fell into the hands of a true demon its powers would greatly increase but if it was used to turn him into a human the Sacred Jewel would be purified and would probably cease to exist. Inuyasha asks Kikyō what would happen to her. Kikyō says her duty is to protect the Sacred Jewel and without it she'd become an ordinary woman. Inuyasha and Kikyō were riding on a boat and when she gets off the boat she accidentally trips and he manages to catch her. Inuyasha and Kikyō stare at each other for a moment before they hugged one another. Inuyasha says he had no second thoughts as he believed he could live as a human with Kikyō and he wanted that life but that day. Inuyasha was standing by the Sacred Tree when he was attacked by arrows from 'Kikyō', surprising him. 'Kikyō' tells Inuyasha to die. Inuyasha says it was he who was betrayed and when he let down his guard Kikyō tried to kill him and he managed to dodge her arrows then attacked the village to steal the Sacred Jewel then she pinned him to the Sacred Tree. A scene comes back to Kikyō asking Inuyasha why did he betray her. The flashback ends as Inuyasha is walking back injured. Inuyasha thinks to himself why did they come to this before painfully lays on the ground. Inuyasha asks himself why and what in the world is going on.

**Mystical Hand of the Amorous Monk, Miroku**

The episode begins with Kagome getting a drink of water, and Shippō asks her if she's sure she is alright, after the events that took place prior involving Urasue. Kagome says she is fine, but the only thing that's changed is that Inuyasha after his run-in with Kikyō as he spends more time staring into the distance. Inuyasha is away from Shippō and Kagome as he stares into the sky. Inuyasha thinks to himself he doesn't know anymore and he gathers up all the fragments of the Sacred Jewel and becomes a full-fledged demon then what and even if he becomes a demon will he become stronger inside and can he forget about Kikyō and will his heart not be swayed by anyone else.

Miroku continues telling the others about Naraku, saying that he is sure that Naraku has begun gathering shards of the Shikon Jewel to order to strengthen his power as it is said that he nearly got the Sacred Jewel 50 years ago after killing the priestess protecting it. This bit of information catches Inuyasha's attention. Inuyasha asks Miroku did he say Naraku killed the priestess. Miroku tells Inuyasha 'yes'. Inuyasha thinks to himself that Naraku was the one who took his form and wounded Kikyō as there's no doubt about it. Inuyasha grabs Miroku and asks him since he said Naraku takes different forms and wonders what does he look like now. Miroku tells Inuyasha if he knew that he'd found him long ago and slain him. Inuyasha thinks to himself that Naraku had laid a trap for Kikyō and himself, and made them hate each other and the one who killed her is still alive and is after the Sacred Jewel. Inuyasha says he will find Kikyō's killer and avenge her death.

**Go Home To Your Own Time, Kagome!**

Hachiemon gives Miroku, Kagome, Shippō and Inuyasha a ride home; Miroku is recovering, but Inuyasha is nearly unconscious from his injuries. Kagome and Shippō discuss the battle, particularly how Sesshōmaru gained the Saimyōshō hive from Naraku; it seems the one that both Inuyasha and Miroku are hunting, is hunting *them* as well. Unknown to Kagome, Inuyasha overhears the conversation. Inuyasha thinks to himself that Naraku is near and the one who disguised himself as him and killed Kikyō and he's hidden himself again and is near. Inuyasha repeated to himself that it wasn't him and says Naraku will appear where the Sacred Jewel can be found. Inuyasha feels both rage and worry that his enemy is hiding so closeby.

**Despicable Villain! The Mystery of Onigumo!**

Miroku says these things must be taken in order and asks Inuyasha he said he fell into Naraku's trap 50 years ago in this village. Inuyasha confirms it. Miroku asks Inuyasha he's met Naraku. Inuyasha says not exactly.

In the flashback, Kikyō tells Inuyasha he can become a human if he uses the Sacred Jewel right here tomorrow at dawn she'll bring the Sacred Jewel. Inuyasha was standing by the Sacred Tree when he was attacked by arrows from 'Kikyō', surprising him. 'Kikyō' tells Inuyasha to die. Inuyasha tells Miroku that even if he met Naraku he was disguised as Kikyō and he doesn't know what he looks like. Miroku says that's the strange part that Inuyasha doesn't know Naraku yet he disguised himself as Kikyō and shot an arrow at him and asks did he do something that embittered him. Inuyasha says he's never seen Naraku's face and asks how would he know. Miroku says in any case Kikyō was a priestess and it could be that Naraku had something to do with her rather than him. Inuyasha questions about Kikyō and Naraku and thinks about Kikyō.

Kaede says to Inuyasha with that kind of energy he may recover quickly and she has been thinking ever since her older sister Kikyō was resurrected by Urasue. Miroku became curious. Kaede says to Inuyasha her older sister Kikyō said that her Sacred Jewel was stolen by him and doesn't he think it's strange that the man who disguised himself as him and why he could have made his escape with the Sacred Jewel yet he tricked him into terrorizing the village and going after the Sacred Jewel and then Kikyō sealed you to the Sacred Tree and asks did he want to make them despise each other or was he trying to fill Kikyō's heart with hate and bitterness. Inuyasha becomes confused. Kaede says in Kikyō's possession the Sacred Jewel remained pure but when her heart became unclean and hateful the Sacred Jewel also became unclean and filled with evil strength and at that time, only one person would have hoped for that. Inuyasha and Miroku became curious. Kaede asks if Inuyasha and Miroku if she wants to go there where this man lived. In the fields, Kaede says Kikyō had decided so. Inuyasha questioned that Kikyō had harbored a thief. Kaede says Kikyō did because he was unable to move at all. When they arrived at a cave, Kaede says the thief called himself Onigumo and he had terrible burn scars over his entire body and his face, especially, was badly burned and probably fell from a cliff both his legs were broken and still he lived and was unable to move but slowly healed and was able to speak however his true self emerged.

**Naraku's True Identity Unveiled**

Inuyasha tells Naraku he knew he was nearby and says he's Naraku. Miroku arrives. Inuyasha says to Naraku he's got him now. Miroku thinks to himself that Naraku is in front of him. Shippo, Kaede, and Kagome arrive to see Naraku. Inuyasha tells Naraku before he kills him, he must ask him one thing: what grudge does he have against him. Naraku questions Inuyasha about a grudge and he guess he can't die in peace not knowing why someone hates him so much. Kaede starts to ask Naraku who he is. Kagome becomes confused. Naraku realizes it's Kaede and says how old she has grown. Kaede asks Naraku does he know her and says she knew it that he is Onigumo. Naraku questions the name 'Onigumo' as it such a nostalgic name and says he is Naraku and not Onigumo but it is true that 50 years ago he was borne out of Onigumo. Naraku says Onigumo was a foolish man that began to desire the kind-hearted young priestess who nursed him and he succumbed to his weakness and called forth the demons.

In a flashback, when Kikyo left Onigumo's Cave carrying a jar, countless demons went to Onigumo that he summoned. Onigumo says even his rotting soul is worth something and asks the demons if they want a taste of him and hungry for him and he wants a body that moved freely in order to possess the Sacred Jewel and the lovely maiden Kikyo. Onigumo tells the demons to devour him and in return give him power. Thus Onigumo and the countless demons were bound together to create Naraku. End of the flashback, Naraku says that is how many demons become one into Naraku and creating his body took countless demons and because the priestess Kikyo had been reduced to a powerless girl this regions teemed with demons all because the priestess Kikyo had fallen in love with a worthless hanyo. In a flashback, Inuyasha and Kikyō were riding on a boat and when she gets off the boat she accidentally trips and he manages to catch her. Inuyasha and Kikyō stare at each other for a moment before they hugged one another. Naraku says Kikyo gave into childish desires and tried to use the power of the Sacred Jewel and was punished and tells Inuyasha he experienced the punishment yourself. In a flashback, Inuyasha was standing by the Sacred Tree when he was attacked by arrows from Naraku disguised as 'Kikyō', surprising him. Naraku tells Inuyasha to die. Kikyō holding the Sacred Jewel in the fields. All of a sudden a rustle sneaks up behind Kikyō and injures her. When Kikyō landed on the ground, she tries to get the Sacred Jewel but Naraku disguised as 'Inuyasha' steps on her hands. Naraku calls Kikyō a fool and tells her he has absolutely no desire to become a human, shocking Kikyō. Naraku takes it from Kikyō and says he will take the Sacred Jewel none the less and leaves. Inuyasha becomes angry and tells Naraku how dare he tricked them as he deceived Kikyo and him into trying to kill each other.

Naraku asks Inuyasha why was the trust he had in each other so easy to destroy. Inuyasha asks Naraku what was he saying. Naraku tells Inuyasha the truth is that anger and bitter anger set him against each other and that is the true legacy of the trust he had for each other and Kikyo couldn't understand as instead of choosing death she should have clung on to her life and used the Sacred Jewel and had she pleaded for her life her pathetic wretched wish would have been easily granted and she would have understood the ultimate truth of darkness and she was such a foolish woman as the Sacred Jewel grows even more beautiful when it is tainted. Inuyasha asks Kagome how many fragments does she see inside Naraku. Kagome says ten then twenty but there are much more. Inuyasha tells Naraku he'll show what tainted is and he will make that tainted blood of his flow then runs to him.

Inuyasha thinks to himself that Kikyo didn't even consider using the power of the Sacred Jewel to live. Kagome thinks to herself that Kikyo chose death as she chose to follow Inuyasha. Inuyasha looks to see Kagome staring at him.

**A Wicked Smile; Kikyo's Wandering Soul**

Kagome looks to see Inuyasha sitting in a tree. Inuyasha thinks to himself that Kikyō didn't even consider using the power of the Sacred Jewel to live. Kagome thinks to herself that Kikyō chose death as she chose to follow Inuyasha. Inuyasha looks to see Kagome staring at him.

Inuyasha saves Sayo, who is laying on the ground. Inuyasha is drying his clothes. Miroku says Sayo is just unconscious. Kagome says he's waking up. Sayo opens his eyes and sees Kagome before he gets scared and screams, which also scares Kagome, who hides behind Inuyasha. Miroku asks Sayo why is he scared of Kagome. Inuyasha questions Sayo about a demon. Sayo confirms this. Miroku asks Sayo that Kagome looks like that demon. Sayo says the demon was in human form but in actuality a frightening demon and a priestess. Inuyasha and Kagome become interested. Kagome thinks to herself that it's a priestess who resembles her. Sayo says the demon was able to deflect his master's immense spiritual powers and remembers her name was Kikyō. Inuyasha becomes angry and grabs Sayo then tells him if he's lying he'll really pay. Sayo tells Inuyasha he's not lying as the woman lured away lonely souls of dead women. Inuyasha tells Sayo never mind that as it's her name and how does he know her name was Kikyō. Sayo says the village children addressed her so and he's not mistaken that they called her Kikyō. Kagome questions the stolen souls were being accumulated by Kikyō. Inuyasha releases Sayo as falls to the ground. Inuyasha thinks to himself is Kikyō really still in this world and didn't she died on that day and if she's still alive and if she walks this earth. Inuyasha decides to quickly go after Kikyō alone. Inuyasha thinks to himself that he wants to save Kikyō. Sayo leaves.

**Kagome's Voice and Kikyo's Kiss**

Inuyasha arrives at a lake and questions if it's the place Sayo spoke of then notices something near the lake and goes over to it. Inuyasha picks it up and realizes it's a hair cord. A flashback of Kikyō taking off her hair cord at night. Inuyasha asks himself if Kikyō is really still alive. In a flashback, Kikyō uses her spiritual powers on Inuyasha and asks him didn't she tell him when she dies he's coming with her. Inuyasha tells Kikyō to stop this but he also starts to slip on the cliff but manages to hold on to the cliff. Inuyasha tries to hold on to Kikyō but she slips from his grasp. Inuyasha calls out to Kikyō as she falls of the cliff and disappears in the mist. Inuyasha thinks to himself why did this happen and angrily made a fist. Kikyō says she died hating Inuyasha and at that moment her soul became immobile and as long as he live she cannot be saved.

Kagome walks over to where Kikyō is sleeping in a tree and stands near her. Kagome thinks to herself is Kikyō asleep and looks closer to Kikyō move a little bit. Kagome thinks to herself that Kikyō seems a bit sad. Kikyō wakes up to see Kagome staring at her and asks was she able to break through her barrier. Kagome questions about a barrier as she didn't notice anything like that than she sees the Soul Collectors carrying souls of the dead women. Kagome asks Kikyō is she the one who has been luring women's souls away and if so tells her to let them return. Kikyō ignores Kagome's words and asks her isn't Inuyasha with her. Kagome tells Kikyō that Inuyasha set out to find her and thinks to herself that he's trying to come here. Kikyō asks Kagome what was she to Inuyasha. Kagome becomes confused. Kikyō uses her spiritual powers as she touches Kagome's forehead lightly with her fingers, making her glow. Kagome thinks to herself that she can't move her body. Kikyō tells Kagome she's in the way. As Inuyasha is running he notices Soul Collectors with souls going into a barrier but couldn't go in and thinks to himself that Kikyō is behind it and is it really her. Kikyō immobilizes Kagome more by tying her to a tree with her Soul Collectors. Kagome thinks to herself that she can't move. A Soul Collector brings a soul to Kikyō and she announces to Kagome that Inuyasha is here before she absorbs the soul. Inuyasha notices the barrier has opened. Kikyō tells Kagome that Inuyasha is not here to save her and he's here to see her and she won't allow any interference. Kagome questions about interference and asks Kikyō she doesn't still mean to kill Inuyasha and says someone purposely set her and Inuyasha against each other and it wasn't Inuyasha who killed her.

Kikyō tells Kagome she looks as though she expects her to be happy. Kagome becomes confused. Kikyō tells Kagome the one who caused her premature death and asks if that person dies will she be resurrected. Kagome say she guess not. Kikyō tells Kagome the dead wish for one thing to live once more and it's a wish that cannot come true, however, the dead can wish for one thing which can come true and she wants to steal his heart from the one she will never forgive if he dares to forget her. Kagome questions Kikyō about never forgive he forgets her and does she mean Inuyasha. Kikyō says to Kagome that Inuyasha wishes for her death and that is good because that means he has regrets about their fights and regret all he wants and she shall never let him forget about her as time will not go forward then she can exist is the time that is frozen and she will be able to continue living in his heart. Kagome tells Kikyō even now Inuyasha thinks about her and isn't that enough as he loves her and he always has asks isn't that enough. Kagome watches as a Soul Collector pass by before focusing on Kikyō again. Kikyō tells Kagome that she and Inuyasha parted despising each other and the love she speaks of is but a shallow emotion which only served to deepen the hatred and nothing is stronger in the strengthening resolve than bitterness and if Inuyasha must love then love her consuming hatred and as her she will love his heart which is about to fall into deep despair. Kagome tells Kikyō her hatred is pointless and it makes no sense.

Kikyō and Kagome notice that Inuyasha, who is surprised, has arrived. Kagome calls out to Inuyasha and tells him to talk to Kikyō about how Naraku deceived them. Inuyasha walks over to Kikyō. Kagome calls out to Inuyasha in confusion. Inuyasha calls out Kikyō's name. Kikyō moves a little bit. Kagome thinks to herself that Inuyasha can't see her. Inuyasha says to Kikyō it is her who's been gathering the souls of the dead women. Kikyō turns to Inuyasha and tells him that her new body is molded from the earth and bones at her gravesite and needs to be nourished with human souls or else she cannot move. Inuyasha remains silent. Kikyō tells Inuyasha that he must despise her as driven by her hatred towards him and she has gathered the souls of the dead to remain in this world. Inuyasha tells Kikyō how stupid as she may hate him but never a day went by without my thinking about her. Kikyō becomes touched by this. Kagome thinks to herself that she thought so as Inuyasha has never forgotten Kikyō but she feels a bit sad as he's been taken from her and asks what is she saying as Inuyasha's not her boyfriend or anything. Kikyō turns away from Inuyasha. Inuyasha tells Kikyō that no matter what her appearance he would never hate her or think less of her. Kikyō asks Inuyasha is that's true before she turns to him. Kikyō caresses Inuyasha's face and asks him even if she were to kill him with these hands then leans forward and kissed him, surprising Inuyasha. Kagome becomes shocked at Kikyō kissing Inuyasha. Kikyō hugs Inuyasha and calls out to him and she says after meeting him she stopped being a priestess and she became a mere woman and this is what she longed for when she was alive. Inuyasha embraces Kikyō in his arms in return. Kagome calls out to Inuyasha and tells him he's going to accept Kikyō and she guesses it's only to be expected and asks herself what was she doing here anyway as she was such a fool. Kagome begins to cry and questions herself why was she starting to cry.

Inuyasha thinks to himself that the familiar scent of Kikyō is just like back then and the only difference is that she has no warmth as her body died and it's cold, sad, and lonely. Kikyō tells Inuyasha that they cannot return to that time and she wants to stay like this a little longer. Inuyasha says to Kikyō he can't save her and if he cannot do anything for her but to stay like this and how he wishes time would stop. Kikyō asks Inuyasha is that all right if time would stop. Inuyasha closes his eyes and tells Kikyō 'yes' and he doesn't care if as he's with her before becoming unconscious. Kagome says she can't watch the scene of Inuyasha and Kikyō anymore and she won't interfere and wants to be released and she'll go far away then asks if they are listening. Kagome notices Kikyō opening up a portal to hell with Inuyasha. Kikyō calls out to Inuyasha and tells him she'll never let him go and come with her to hell. Kagome realizes Inuyasha is being dragged in. The Soul Collectors and Souls were being sucked in. Kagome calls out to Inuyasha and asks what was he doing as he must get away but realizes he's unconscious. Kagome calls out to Kikyō as she knows she can hear her and says she's a coward as Inuyasha said he wants to be with her but he never said he wanted to die with her and unlike her he must go after Naraku who tricked him and her 50 years ago and more than anything he wants to live to fight and is determined to avenge her death as well. Kikyō stares at Kagome. Kagome questions if Kikyō understands. Kikyō becomes annoyed and raises her hand to use the spiritual power from her finger to smash the tree, intimidating Kagome. Kagome sits down and calls out to Kikyō. Kikyō asks Kagome will getting revenge bring her body back to life before turning back to Inuyasha. Kikyō calls to Inuyasha and tells him rather than live with her memory and come with her as she and him have the same wish as she embraces him. Inuyasha and Kikyō are dragged further down to hell. Kagome tells Kikyō how dare she and if Inuyasha were conscious he would never follow her and to get away from him and to not touch him. Kikyō senses the souls pulsing within her and she clutches her jacket before some of her souls leave her body. Kikyō thinks to herself that Kagome's taking her souls once again and before her body is completely emptied before she embraces Inuyasha once again. Kikyō calls out to Inuyasha and tells him to come with her. Kagome tells Inuyasha to wake up and repeatedly calls out to him. Inuyasha wakes up and thinks to himself that he's heard Kagome's voice and questions if she's here then looks to see her tied to the broken tree by Soul Collectors.

Inuyasha left Kikyō to free Kagome as he calls out to her. Kikyō sadly watches Inuyasha leave. Inuyasha uses his Iron Reaver Soul Stealer to kill the Soul Collectors to free Kagome and kneels in front of her. Inuyasha calls out to Kagome and asks her what was she doing here. Kagome asks Inuyasha what about him. Inuyasha becomes nervous and can't answer the question. Inuyasha and Kagome notice the Soul Collectors and Souls before they look at Kikyō again. Kikyō closes the portal to hell. Inuyasha calls out to Kikyō. Kikyō becomes heartbroken and stands up then asks Inuyasha is Kagome more dear to her. Inuyasha and Kagome become confused before they avoid they nervously avoid eye contact with one another then they see Kikyō flying away on her Soul Collectors, who are carrying souls. Inuyasha moves forward as he tells Kikyō to wait and to listen to him. Kikyō tells Inuyasha not to forget her feelings when her lips were against his was real. Kagome becomes sad. Kikyō tells Inuyasha not to forget before disappears with the Soul Collectors and Souls in the sky. Inuyasha calls out to Kikyō. After witnessing Kikyō leave, Kagome stands up and walks away. Inuyasha notices Kagome leaving before he decides to follow her. Kagome stops and tells Inuyasha to not come. Inuyasha asks Kagome what was she so mad about. Kagome asks Inuyasha if he can find the Sacred Jewel fragments alone as she doesn't think she can help him anymore. Inuyasha asks Kagome what was she saying as she was the only one who can see the Sacred Jewel shards and she has to help. Kagome asks Inuyasha if that's all he needs her for before she tells him to forget she said that as maybe it's because she's alone in this strange world and she's feeling lonely. Inuyasha tells Kagome that he's here. Kagome tells Inuyasha that she gets it as he couldn't see her. Inuyasha becomes confused. Kagome says to Inuyasha that she's sorry as she did see it all between him and Kikyō. Inuyasha becomes surprised and moves forward a little bit as he asks her that she saw it all. Kagome tells Inuyasha from the start to finish and to leave her alone for awhile before she continues to walk away. Inuyasha asks Kagome what was this about and start to finish and calls out to her as he asks what did he do then he wonders to himself. Inuyasha follows after Kagome again and calls out to her as he wants her to tell him. Kagome stops walking before she angrily tells Inuyasha to "SIT", causing him to implanted in the ground. Kagome tells Inuyasha that start to finish means everything and she saw everything from a front row seat and she's leaving before she continues to walk away again.

Meanwhile, in the village, Kikyō approaches Kaede's hut. Kaede, who was sleeping, wakes up and becomes surprised to see Kikyō at the doorway. Kaede calls out to Kikyō as sits up. Kikyō asks Kaede what's the matter and was she afraid of her own sister. Kaede tells Kikyō 'no' because since that day she fell from the cliff she thought she didn't survive. Kikyō says to Kaede 'yes' as she is a dead woman but she guess she still longed for this world. Kaede asks Kikyō does she still seek Inuyasha's life. Kikyō reveals to Kaede that she just met Inuyasha moments ago and she barely missed killing him and asks her to tell her everything she knows about Naraku as she sits down. Kaede explains to Kikyō that everything started from the evil designs of Onigumo as he called forth the demons and was eaten by them thus was born the demon Naraku. Kikyō realizes that it was Onigumo the bandit. Kaede confirms this as Onigumo used to say that the Sacred Jewel grows in beauty when it is tainted with malice. Kikyō thinks to herself that Naraku caused hatred between herself and Inuyasha then stole the Sacred Jewel that had been tainted in the process. Kaede tells Kikyō that Inuyasha was seriously wounded by Naraku again. Kikyō stands up and prepares to leave as she tells Kaede that she has heard enough as she just thought she should know the circumstances of her death and notices that Inuyasha has changed as his face had a softness as back then he trusted no one and his eyes were cold. Kaede says that Kagome is a strange child as she has been able to slowly heal Inuyasha's heart. Kikyō says it's Kagome again as she's the one who changed Inuyasha and if she had lived she would have been the one to heal his heart. Kaede asks Kikyō is she not able to break away from the past and move on. Kikyō tells Kaede they shall meet again before she leaves. Kaede asks herself how long will Kikyō linger. Kikyō rides on a boat as her Soul Collectors that are carrying souls follow her.

The next day, Kagome travels all the way back to the Bone Eater's Well to return to the modern era as Inuyasha, Miroku, and Shippō watch. Miroku says Kagome is gone. Miroku says to Inuyasha that Kagome wasn't her usual self and asks what happened between him and Kikyō. Inuyasha tells Miroku what he always does with women. Miroku becomes surprised and asks Inuyasha if he participated in such an act in front of Kagome. Inuyasha asks Miroku what does he usually does. Miroku doesn't answer the question. Shippō asks will Kagome ever come back as she seemed to be quite troubled. Inuyasha starts to remember what he said to Kikyō about never a day went by without him thinking about her and thinks to himself that he spoke the truth then remembers Kikyō telling him her feeling when her lips were against his was real then thinks to himself that his words were real. Inuyasha remembers Kikyō asks him if Kagome is more dear to him than she does. Miroku and Shippō meanwhile accost Inuyasha about who he wants to be with, Kagome or Kikyō. Kagome returns to the Feudal Era as she forgot her belongs and secretly listens to their conversation. Inuyasha asks if he can't just be with them both, much to Shippō's annoyance. Miroku tells Inuyasha that Kagome must never find out about this. Kagome tells Inuyasha to "SIT" and Miroku and Shippō looked to see him imbedded agroof in the ground again. Shippō says karma includes bad thoughts.

**Enter Sango, the Demon Slayer**

The next morning, Inuyasha and the group encounter people from the nearby village and discover that a woman had not only defeated a demon, but had retrieved a Sacred Jewel fragment. Miroku asks Inuyasha if he knew about this. Inuyasha says 'no' as when he first came across the Sacred Jewel it was already in Kikyō's possession and he never even thought about how the Sacred Jewel was made or where it came from.

**Secret of the Jewel of Four Souls Revealed**

**Tetsusaiga is Stolen! Showdown at Naraku's Castle!**

**Kikyo and Inuyasha, Into the Miasma**

Kagome tells Sango they should get away from here since it's bad for her health before she notices Kikyō. Kikyō suspects Inuyasha is inside the cave before she goes in as she passes in front of Kagome, Sango, Shippō, and Kirara without so much as acknowledging them.

Miroku thinks that this bad unless the spell cast is broken Inuyasha will die before he notices Kikyō appearing behind him. Inuyasha becomes surprised as he notices Kikyō and calls out to her. Suddenly, in the the dead souls that are keeping Kikyō were beginning to leave her body and enter the demon's body. Kikyō now knows the miasma is from Kodoku before she starts to fall. Inuyasha thinks why. Kagome thinks that Kikyō is here somewhere. Kikyō collapsing on the cave floor. As Naraku is surrounded by Saimyōshō outside, he thinks to himself that will soon come out with his spell he sealed countless demons in the cave will kill each other until only one remain victorious and that one will become his new body. Inuyasha runs to help the unconscious Kikyō, but the Kodoku hits him with his hand, making him fall to the ground. Inuyasha says Kikyō's name.

Miroku notices that the miasma is absorbing Kikyō's souls of the dead and is getting thicker. Kagome and Kirara arrive to see the fight. Kagome asks Miroku if he is alright since he is coughing. Kirara wants to jump into the cave for the fight as each demon is forced to fight by a spell but is stopped by Miroku. Kagome asks Miroku what's going on. Miroku replies the cave is under a Fuko spell and unless they stop Inuyasha, he will become fused with the demon. Kagome becomes confused as she sensed the presence of the Sacred Jewel and wonders if it's a trap then. Miroku says the strength of the miasma must mean that Naraku is involved.

Kodoku notices that Kikyō, who isn't human, and moves to absorb her. Inuyasha, enraged, tells Kodoku to not touch Kikyō before slicing his arm off with his Tessaiga. Kodoku makes a new arm and pushes Inuyasha away from going towards Kikyō. Miroku tells Inuyasha to stay calm, but he doesn't want to stay calm as he wants to protect the now unconscious Kikyō. Inuyasha notices Kagome before he goes back to protect Kikyō. Miroku asks Kagome what is she doing as she goes into the cave. Kagome says she going to pull Kikyō up and thinks that if she doesn't Inuyasha will continue to fight for Kikyō's sake as he would never stand by and watch her get slaughtered which makes her a bit jealous. As Kagome reaches Kikyō, she grabs her and asks if she can stand. Kikyō says Kagome is foolish as by coming here, Inuyasha will lose her forever before she stands up on her own. Kagome asks Kikyō what is she saying as Inuyasha is trying so hard to save her.

Miroku tells Inuyasha to not kill Koduku, who ignores him. Inuyasha is about to kill the demon when he notices Kikyō shooting an arrow at Tessaiga, turning it back, knowing that if Inuyasha wins the fight, he'll have problems with Naraku. Suddenly the Kodoku is sucked out of the mountain. Miroku says that the spell is broken and the miasma is disintegrating. Inuyasha grabs onto Kagome and asks if she is okay. Kagome says yes but wonders about Kikyō, who is unconscious again. Inuyasha and Kagome notice Naraku. Kodoku attacks Naraku, who is sitting on the top of the mountain, but the attack is absorbed and Naraku absorbs the power of the demon, which could have happened to Inuyasha, had Kikyō not shot the arrow. Inuyasha says since Kagome has destroyed Naraku's body, he needed a new body for himself so that's why he used the Fuko spell.

Naraku says the mountain miasma lured Inuyasha and he entered the cave upon which he had cast his spell then said he could've fused into his body too. Naraku then noticed Kikyō lying unconscious on the ground questions if she is the woman who broke the spell and says thanks to her, he was able to possess a new body. Kagome tells Naraku to not be stupid as the spell was broken so that Kikyō could save Inuyasha. Naraku picks up Kikyō and says it looks like she is the one who followed you in death 50 years ago.

Inuyasha tells Naraku to not touch Kikyō with his filthy hands before he charges at him with his Tessaiga and tries to strike him but Naraku pushes with his barrier before disappearing with her in cloud of miasma. Kagome runs over to Inuyasha concerned. Inuyasha is angry that Naraku took off with Kikyō as he couldn't stop him. Naraku thinks to himself as he didn't understand if Kikyō wanted to save Inuyasha instead of breaking the spell then why didn't she aim the arrow at the demon Kodoku instead she broke the spell and enabled him to possess a new body. Kikyō opens her eyes in Naraku's arms as she is taken away from Inuyasha.

**Kikyo, Captured by Naraku**

Sango feels that Inuyasha is acting strangely since Kikyō has been abducted, which is confirmed by his indolence. When Kagome asks Inuyasha to save Kikyō and destroy Naraku, he wants to do it alone. However, Miroku intervenes and says that he also wants to take revenge on Naraku and the others agree with him. Then they see the Soul Collectors flying in the distance as they realize Kikyō is close by and follow them. On the way, Inuyasha and Miroku are running while Shippo, Sango, and Kagome ride on Kirara. Sango asks Kagome why wasn't she hitching onto Inuyasha's back like usual. Kagome nervously doesn't answer Sango's questions. Kagome thinks to herself that Inuyasha's mind is full of Kikyō right now and wonders why did she always go onto his back when he wasn't even her boyfriend then becomes surprised when she feels so embarrassed. Shippō asks Sango what's the matter with Kagome. Sango says she doesn't know. Inuyasha thinks to himself that Kikyō died because of Naraku and he will not let him have her as he remembers Naraku kidnapping Kikyō.

Inuyasha and the group notice something weird about the Soul Collectors before Sango smashes one of the Soul Collectors, but it does not dissolve as normal, but its remains are those of a Saimyōshō, so it's a trap of Naraku they fell into. They all become separated. Inuyasha sees a light and thinks to himself what's that before jumps then finds himself back in the village 50 years into the past with it on fire and wonders where he is. The villagers yell that Inuyasha's the one who attacked the village. Inuyasha wonders where he is then notices he has the Completed Sacred Jewel in his hand. A voice calls out to Inuyasha. Inuyasha turns towards the voice before he is hit by a sacred arrow, letting the Sacred Jewel go as he falls to the ground. Inuyasha calls out Kikyō as he sees her. Inuyasha says he knows as this is 50 years ago in the village on this day Kikyō killed him as he attacked the village in order to steal the Sacred Jewel. Inuyasha calls out to Kikyō and tells her this is a trap and to wait. Kikyō prepares to shoot Inuyasha with another sacred arrow. Inuyasha calls out for Kikyō to wait and wonders if it's a dream.

Inuyasha is almost shot in his illusion when Kikyō sinks to the ground due to her sudden injuries. Inuyasha calls out to Kikyō as he notices she covered in blood and her archery set is on fire. Inuyasha and Kikyō hug each other as he thinks to himself that Kikyō came to him in her pain and has been suffering all alone. Inuyasha tells Kikyō that he will never allow her to be alone again and rest assured as he will always protect her. Inuyasha sees a light appear and questions if there's another he must protect. An image of Kagome appears. Inuyasha calls out Kagome's name. Kikyō looks at Inuyasha. Inuyasha realizes that and wonders what happened to Kagome. Inuyasha asks Kikyō where's Kagome. Kikyō calls out to Inuyasha asks him is Kagome more precious to him than she is as she turns into vines and releases fire. Inuyasha realizes that it was all an illusion before he uses his Tessaiga to free himself from the illusion.

Upon Inuyasha and Kagome going out of the abyss, Kagome becomes shocked. Inuyasha notices Kikyō as he calls out to her and sees that she has Kagome's Sacred Jewel shards then he calls out to Kagome as he sees that she is scared. Inuyasha angrily calls out to Kikyō and asks what did she do to Kagome. Kikyō asks Inuyasha what's the matter and wasn't he going to rejoice that she is well. Inuyasha tells Kikyō to answer him and asks what did she do to Kagome. Kikyō asks Inuyasha if she tells him that she tried to kill Kagome what will he do then and will he kill her. Inuyasha growls angrily at Kikyō. Kikyō asks Inuyasha what captured his heart when he was under Naraku's illusionary spell. In the flashback, Inuyasha tells Kikyō to rest assured and promises he will always protect her. Kikyō laughs at Inuyasha's indecision and says she doubts he can kill her before she leaves on her Soul Collectors with Kagome's shards, saying she will be waiting for the day when she and Inuyasha can embrace death together. Inuyasha asks Kagome what happened with Kikyō. Kagome says Kikyō took her Sacred Jewel shards and she's sorry. Inuyasha tells Kagome he wasn't asking that but did Kikyō really tried to kill her. Kagome angrily tells Inuyasha to not ask her, concerning Inuyasha. Kagome thinks to herself that it's not right as it's like telling on Kikyō. Miroku arrives with the others and asks Inuyasha and Kagome are they finished talking. Kagome thinks to herself that her life is meaningless to Kikyō and that she and her friends had been finally put to the test by the pain and confusion in their hearts and she had a small glimpse into her own heart where she saw her illusion of Inuyasha and Kikyō were together and kissing, in love with each other, which hurt her very much.

Kikyō thinks to herself that Naraku should go and gather the fragments of the Sacred Jewel and when he has the completed Sacred Jewel then she will send him to Hell and she's free to hate as her soul is much more free than it was back then and free to hate and free to love as she thinks of Inuyasha.

**Tetsusaiga and Tenseiga**

On the road, Kagome blames herself for the fact that Kikyō stole the shards of the Sacred Jewel from her so easily. In a flashback, Kikyō takes Kagome's Sacred Jewel fragments from her. Inuyasha tells Kagome to not worry about it as it wasn't all there is of the Sacred Jewel and they'll just start collecting them one by one again. Sango asks Miroku why is Inuyasha being so understanding as it is so unlike him. Miroku says that the one who stole the Sacred Jewel fragments was Kikyō. Shippō says it was a crime committed by the woman Inuyasha is in love with. Inuyasha becomes annoyed and asks are they implying that he's trying to defend Kikyō then looks at Kagome and questions does she thinks that too. Kagome moves away from Inuyasha. Inuyasha asks Kagome if she has any complaints then speak up.

**The Deadly Trap of Kagura the Wind Sorceress!**

**Kagura's Dance and Kanna's Mirror**

**The Wind Scar Fails**

Naraku says to Miroku that he mentioned earlier that he doesn't dirty his own hands, however, even at the top there's someone higher up as there is a woman who used him in order to kill Inuyasha for her. Miroku becomes shocked as Naraku doesn't mean that woman. Naraku mentions that it was Kikyō. Inuyasha wake up in surprise and hurt as he thinks of Kikyō. Shippō becomes concerned about Inuyasha. Naraku tells them that Kikyō personally handed the shards of the Sacred Jewel to him of her own free will before putting the fragments away. Inuyasha thinks about Kikyō as he feels more pain. Kagura says that Kikyō is eager to see Inuyasha's dead face then uses her Dance of Blades to try to kill them. Miroku tells Shippō to stay down as he tries to fend them off at first but couldn't as he is defeated.

Kagome crawls to Inuyasha as she tells him that she is so glad that he is alive and thinks to herself how did this happen and how did Naraku get a hold of that Sacred Jewel fragment as it's the very one that Kikyō stole away from her and it must have been Kikyō who gave Naraku the fragments which they have worked so hard to collect, however, even after Kikyō did a dastardly thing, Inuyasha still loves her and even after being so badly wounded he can't forget about Kikyō. Naraku tells Kagome to give this message to Inuyasha and that if he must hate then hate Kikyō as her wish is Inuyasha's death. Kagome says she tired of listening to Naraku and pulls out her bow and arrow.

Meanwhile, Kagome has taken care of Inuyasha and his condition is slowly improving. Shippō and Kirara go to get more herbs for Inuyasha with Kagome. Inuyasha thinks to himself that Kikyō handed Naraku the Sacred Jewel fragments, who had died once and who arose again with a body made of clay, who hates him and tried to kill Kagome and wonders where is his Kikyō as he thinks of her.

**Tetsusaiga Breaks**

While Kikyō cares for wounded soldiers in the war at the temple, when she suddenly senses Naraku's presence before she stands up and walks a bit into the forest. Kikyō stops and tells Naraku to come out as she's known he was there for some time now. Naraku appears and says to Kikyō that Inuyasha is bitter about her and he's half dead thanks to the power he has gained since she handed over her Sacred Jewel to him before he disappears. Kikyō becomes serious.

Inuyasha lays wounded as he remembers what Naraku said to him that just a while longer the Sacred Jewel will become whole one again and Kikyō personally handed the shards of the Sacred Jewel to him of her own free will. Inuyasha thinks to himself why Kikyō did this as with the Sacred Jewel she gave Naraku has increased his evil powers and wonders what was she thinking and does she still hate him so much then calls out to Kikyō before he wakes up from his thoughts as he's in pain.

The Soul Collectors appear as Shippō does not notice them. The Soul Collectors passed through the wooden walls of the hut to go towards Inuyasha. Inuyasha wakes up and notices the Soul Collectors as he calls out to them. The Soul Collectors pass through the wooden walls again. Inuyasha questions if Kikyō is nearby before he immediately stands up with his sword to find her, despite his injuries. Kirara hisses at the Soul Collectors. Shippō is tied up by the Soul Collectors as he tells them to let go of him then he notices Inuyasha leaving as he calls out to him. Inuyasha calls out Kikyō's name as he continues to follow the Soul Collectors. Shippō tells Inuyasha to not go as he'll be killed by Kikyō before he repeatedly calls out to him. Inuyasha continues to follow the Soul Collectors as he ignores Shippō.

Inuyasha thinks to himself that he must see Kikyō before he accidentally trips and falls to the ground shortly. The Soul Collectors fly above Inuyasha before they go towards the branch of a tree and summon Kikyō then leave. Kikyō sees Inuyasha on the ground and repeatedly calls out to him. Inuyasha hears Kikyō's voice before he looks up and sees her then calls out to her. Kikyō tells Inuyasha that he's still alive and she's glad. Inuyasha becomes annoyed and asks Kikyō what was she up to and did she really hand over the shards of the Sacred Jewel shards to Naraku. Kikyō tells Inuyasha that she did in order to cast Naraku into oblivion. Inuyasha asks Kikyō what does she mean as Naraku is increasing his powers now and he's already created 2 more incarnations out of his own body, Kagura of the Wind and Kanna of the Void.

Kagura secretly hides behind a tree and overhears everything then thinks to herself that Inuyasha and Kikyō know each other. In a flashback, Naraku orders Kagura to follow Kikyō and find out what she's up to as she can't be trusted. Inuyasha sits down and tells Kikyō that she wanted to kill him and wonders isn't that why she gave Naraku her shards of the Sacred Jewel. Kikyō tells Inuyasha as if she would let the likes of Naraku take his life and to not forget that he is their bitterest enemy. Kagura thinks to herself that it's no fun just spying on Inuyasha and Kikyō as Inuyasha is half-dead and he hasn't even picked up on her scent before she decides that she'll kill both him and Kikyō. Kikyō senses Kagura's presence. Kagura prepares to attack when Kikyō stands up on the tree branch and immediately and shoots her arrow near her head, surprising Kagura. Inuyasha notices Kagura before calls out her name. Kikyō prepares to attack again with her bow and arrow and tells Kagura that next is her head. Kagura realizes that she has no chance against Kikyō and quickly uses one of her feather ornaments in her hair to flee into the sky. Kikyō says that Kagura escaped and tells Inuyasha that Naraku will only grow stronger and stronger. Inuyasha looks at Kikyō. Kikyō tells Inuyasha to not let Naraku kill him and until she's able to cast both Naraku and the Sacred Jewel out of this world and his life belongs to her and no one else will have him. Kikyō ends her conversation with Inuyasha then vanishes with her Soul Collectors. Inuyasha thinks of Kikyō.

Miroku, Shippo, and Kagome run towards Inuyasha's location. Kagome asks Shippo was he sure. Miroku asks Shippo did Kikyō's Soul Collectors really appear. Shippo says Inuyasha was lured out by the Soul Collectors. Kagome thinks to herself did Inuyasha go to see Kikyō. Inuyasha makes his way back to his friends, leaning on Tessaiga and notices Kagome as he calls out to her then sits down. Kagome calls out to Inuyasha and kneels in front of him. Inuyasha avoids looking at Kagome. Kagome asks Inuyasha if he's alright. Inuyasha says 'yes' as he stills avoids eye contact with Kagome. Kagome pulls on Inuyasha's hair before releasing them and saying 'sorry'. Inuyasha looks at Kagome. Kagome tells Inuyasha that he saw Kikyō as it's written all over his face. Inuyasha avoids eye contact with Kagome again. Miroku and Shippo arrive. Kagome says to Inuyasha he can't even look her in the eyes as he's always like that. Inuyasha looks at Kagome and tells her that it wasn't a rendezvous or anything like that. Kagome thinks to herself that Inuyasha did see Kikyō and tells Inuyasha she knows that and calls him 'stupid'. Miroku thinks to himself that he can understand Inuyasha's hesitancy before he asks Inuyasha what did he find out. Inuyasha looks at Miroku. Miroku asks Inuyasha did Kikyō really give Naraku shards of the Sacred Jewel. Inuyasha says 'yes' as he looks away. Miroku says in other words Kikyō has joined forces with Naraku. Inuyasha looks at Miroku and quickly says 'No'. Miroku and Kagome are surprised. Inuyasha says he doesn't know what Kikyō intends to do before he, Miroku, and Shippo notice Kagome walking away. Inuyasha asks what's wrong with Kagome. Miroku hits Inuyasha on the head with his shakujō. Inuyasha becomes annoyed and angrily asks Miroku what was he doing. Miroku says poor Kagome. Shippo climbs onto Miroku's shoulder and agrees as Kagome's been so worried about Inuyasha. Miroku and Shippo look at Inuyasha annoyed. Inuyasha looks away. Kagome thinks to herself that Inuyasha was hurt so badly all because of Kikyō gave Naraku the Sacred Jewel yet he stills defends her and calls him a 'fool' as she continues to walk away.

**Onigumo's Heart Still Beats Within Naraku**

Just as he is so lost in thought, Inuyasha smells a demon and becomes surprised to see a giant Soul Collector flying in the air and looks to see Kikyō and her Soul Collectors coming out of the forest, who walks less than stumbles. Kikyō calls out to Inuyasha before she finally falls to the ground. Inuyasha runs towards Kikyō worried and takes her in his arms and realizes she's injured then asks her what happened. Inuyasha sees Naraku's Saimyōshō and wonders to himself if this is another one of his tricks. Kikyō weakly asks Inuyasha where was the giant Soul Collector. Inuyasha realizes that Naraku is trying to get of Kikyō and he wasn't going to allow him harm her before he runs away with her, while avoiding attacks from the giant Soul Collector. Inuyasha leans Kikyō against the Sacred Tree and tells her he'll take care of the giant Soul Collector right away and rest before he turns to fight. When the giant Soul Collector wants to kill Inuyasha, he hits it with his Tessaiga in the throat and then cuts him in half so that the souls of the dead can escape again. The Soul Collectors appear and started collecting souls for Kikyō. Inuyasha sees the dead souls and realizes Kikyō can't move without them. When Inuyasha approaches Kikyō, he calls out her name. Kikyō is slowly waking up and asks Inuyasha what was he doing here. Inuyasha tells Kikyō he was going ask her the same thing and tells her why was she here. Kikyō explains to Inuyasha that the Giant Soul Collector was chasing her. Inuyasha says to Kikyō that she came here knowing that he would rescue her. Kikyō tells Inuyasha to not be a fool and says that she kept running desperately and found herself here, much to Inuyasha's hurt and sadness.

At night in the Feudal Era, Inuyasha looks up and realizes that he had leaned Kikyō against the Sacred Tree where he slept for 50 years. Kikyō asks Inuyasha what was he thinking. Inuyasha tells Kikyō they haven't changed at all since 50 years ago. Kikyō says to Inuyasha those are silly words as she has changed a lot since she has long ago sealed him against the Sacred Tree. Inuyasha tells Kikyō that because of Naraku's deception they hated each other and he was sealed to the Sacred Tree for 50 years and she died. Inuyasha asked Kikyō to tell him if he's changed. Kikyō looks silently at Inuyasha. Inuyasha tells Kikyō before he knew of Naraku's existence he did resent her but she told him that his life belongs to her and says her life belongs to him. Kikyō became shocked for a moment and tells Inuyasha that he's not so different from Naraku after all. Inuyasha becomes hurt and asks Kikyō is he really the same as Naraku. Kikyō tells Inuyasha that deep within Naraku Onigumo's heart still beats, confusing Inuyasha. Kikyō says Onigumo desired her and wanted her to kill Inuyasha with her own hands was something that the jealous heart of Onigumo schemed for. Inuyasha questions Kikyo that Onigumo was jealous over something so ridiculous. Kikyō confirms it with Inuyasha as that is what humans are. Inuyasha asks Kikyō does Naraku have feelings for her since he has Onigumo's heart. Kikyō tells Inuyasha that Naraku doesn't want to acknowledge it but he has a lingering feeling for her and he's trying to erase that feeling by getting rid of her. Inuyasha becomes angry. The Soul Collectors have finished replenishing Kikyō with dead souls. Kikyō stands up and tells Inuyasha their conversation is over as she has replenished herself with lost souls. Inuyasha questions Kikyō that she isn't planning to destroy Naraku by herself as she isn't strong enough and couldn't believe Naraku was in love with Kikyō and can't stand the thought.

Meanwhile, a yellow backpack comes out of the well and immediately afterwards Kagome, she felt it's so late and guess Inuyasha's probably had enough time to himself now. When Kagome sees strange lights in the forest and follows after them as she arrived near the sacred tree and quickly hides behind another tree as she sees Inuyasha and Kikyō standing together. Kagome asks herself what was going on and what happened in her absence. As Inuyasha walks towards Kikyō, he tells her that he doesn't care how she feels about him now but he promises that he won't let Naraku have her either and only he can protect her from him before then hugs her against her will. Kagome becomes surprised. Kikyō tells Inuyasha was he crazy and let her go as she tries to pull away from before she slowly hugs him back of her own free will. Inuyasha and Kikyō silently hug each other. Kagome sadly retreats back behind a nearby tree. Inuyasha promises Kikyō that he will be the one to slay Naraku so she doesn't have to fight anymore and he will protect her. A few Soul Collectors fly nearby. Kikyō calls out to Inuyasha. Inuyasha calls out to Kikyō. Although initially Kikyō seems to reciprocate the hug to Inuyasha, she secretly pulls out a knife from her sleeve and wields it to his neck, confusing Inuyasha. Kikyō tells Inuyasha that all men are such fools and they believe that as long as they embrace a woman she belongs to them. Inuyasha calls out to Kikyō but she tells him to not move. Kikyō says to Inuyasha after watching him she realizes that so well and as long as Onigumo's heart exists inside Naraku there will be an opportunity and she will use that chance to purify him and totally destroy him, upsetting Inuyasha. Kikyō then moves away from Inuyasha with her Soul Collectors into the air. Inuyasha is left shouting Kikyō's name as he tells her to not go but she leaves anyway and leaves him alone. Kikyō thinks to herself that once the thread of fate is tangled it cannot be undone. Inuyasha continues to call out to Kikyō as she disappears.

**Return to the Place Where We First Met**

Miroku and Sango are at the Bone-Eater's Well. Sango tells Miroku that Kagome seemed very depressed. Miroku says to Sango he can guess why Kagome's feeling that way as remembers the lights above the forest from last night. Miroku and Sango notice Inuyasha walking out of the forest. Sango calls out to Inuyasha. Miroku stands up. Inuyasha stops as he notices Miroku and Sango. Miroku tells Inuyasha that Kagome went back to her home again. Inuyasha says he sees. Miroku asks Inuyasha if he was seeing Kikyō. Sango becomes confused. Miroku tells Inuyasha that Kagome saw him and Kikyō together. Inuyasha says isn't that so and confirms Kagome saw him and Kikyō. Sango angrily asks Inuyasha how could he sneak around like that. Miroku becomes surprised and walks forward a little bit to be in front of Inuyasha to look at him closely as he says to him his face looks like the Buddha and asks why was his face looking so calm and divine. Inuyasha doesn't answer before he walks away as Miroku and Sango watch.

Back in the Modern Era, Kagome sits in her room on her bed. Kagome thinks to herself that after Kikyō left Inuyasha didn't try to avert his eyes from her and he tried to tell her something but she was afraid to listen and ran away and he had already decided. In a flashback, a fatally wounded Kikyō calls out to him before shooting him with her Sacred Arrow pinning him to the Sacred Tree. Inuyasha reaches out for the Sacred Jewel as it slipped from his hand and falls on the ground. Kagome thinks to herself that Inuyasha and Kikyō hated each other because of Naraku's deception and Kikyō followed Inuyasha and died and Naraku who separated them is now after Kikyō again. In a flashback, Inuyasha hugs Kikyō as he tells her that he doesn't care how she feels about him now but he won't let Naraku have her either and only he can protect her from Naraku. Kagome thinks to herself there's no place for her between Inuyasha and Kikyō. In the Feudal Era, at sunset Inuyasha is standing in a field. Inuyasha thinks to himself that he's tried but can't forget about Kikyō after all so he has decided that he can't see Kagome anymore as he mustn't. In the Modern Era, Kagome thinks to herself that Kikyō gave her very life for Inuyasha's sake and she can't compete with that and she can't return to Inuyasha.

Back in the Feudal Era, in a hut Sango is taking care of Miroku's wounds. Shippō angrily asks Inuyasha how could he as he was so upset because Kagome got friendly with Kōga yet now he wants to think only about Kikyō. Sango tells Inuyasha how shallow his feelings are. Miroku tells Inuyasha to go see Kagome. Inuyasha says to stop it as he's decided not to see Kagome again. Miroku stands up and puts his foot on Inuyasha's head, annoying him. Miroku tells Inuyasha to stop misunderstanding him as takes his foot off of him and kneels down and says Kagome took the Sacred Jewel fragments with her and for him to go get them as only he can pass through the well. Inuyasha becomes surprised. Sango questions just the Sacred Jewel fragments. Shippō asks Miroku doesn't he care about Kagome. Miroku stands up and says it can't be helped as Inuyasha picked Kikyō and it's cruel to ask Kagome to come back.

Later, Inuyasha is sitting on a fence as Kaede is picking herbs. Kaede calls out to Inuyasha as she asks is he really sure about this. Inuyasha asks Kaede not her too. Kaede tells Inuyasha that the present Kikyō is made from earth and bones and she's not of this world. Inuyasha thinks to himself that Kikyō's body maybe different but her spirit still remains. Kaede asks Inuyasha does he understand as he and Kikyō can never be together in this world as her older sister's wish is for the 2 of them to die together. Inuyasha says that's fine as he is prepared to leap into hell with Kikyō if that is her wish. Inuyasha looks up into the sky as he thinks to himself if that's his destiny with Kikyō then he'll embrace it without a second thought.

Back in the Modern Era, in the wellhouse Kagome is in front of the well and holding the jar with the Sacred Jewel fragments. Kagome thinks to herself she must go to return the Sacred Jewel fragments and prepares to leave but stops as she doesn't want to as she's afraid as once she gives them back she won't be able to see Inuyasha again. In Kagome's mind, Inuyasha tells her 'sorry' as he decided to go with Kikyō. Kagome becomes angry as she thinks to herself for Inuyasha to not tell her that she remembers Inuyasha and Kikyō hugging then she wishes Kikyō would just disappear then becomes surprised. Kagome thinks to herself has she turned into such a horrible woman then leaves the well house then thinks she probably have a horrible look on her face right now and she can't see Inuyasha looking like this.

When Inuyasha later goes to the well to tell Kagome that she can no longer stay with him, but when he arrives at the clearing, he is surprised to see Kagome already sitting on the edge of the well. Kagome stands up and tells Inuyasha that she has thought a lot and also says that she can understand Inuyasha well and that she came to the conclusion that she shouldn't stay in the Feudal Era. Inuyasha says first of all that Kagome was the first he could trust and that she was always loyal to his side, which he values ​​very much and he likes her very much. But he also says that he will never be happy because he has to bear the burden of Kikyō's death. Kagome says that Kikyō's sacrifice is probably above all her achievements for Inuyasha, but she is not undead after all. The only resemblance she sees between herself and Kikyō is that they both love Inuyasha and that this has given her the courage to walk through the well again.

**The Stone Flower and Shippo's First Love**

**The 50 Year-Old Curse of the Dark Priestess**

When an arrow hits the wood right next to him, Inuyasha turns around and Kagome stands there with her bow, because her body is now finally under Tsubaki's control. A shocked Inuyasha of course remembers a very similar situation 50 years ago with 'Kikyō'. In a flashback, Inuyasha was standing by the Sacred Tree when he was attacked by arrows from 'Kikyō', surprising him. 'Kikyō' tells Inuyasha to die.

**Kikyo and the Dark Priestess**

In a flashback, at a shrine young Tsubaki is admiring her youth hand beauty in a mirror and thinks to herself that someday she will lose them and wonders if that's the fate of one who isn't a God and if she can get a hold of the Sacred Jewel that Kikyo guards her beauty will be eternal. Inuyasha questions Kikyō about being a human. Kikyō tells Inuyasha he can be a human since he is half human after all and if the Sacred Jewel fell into the hands of a true demon its powers would greatly increase but if it was used to turn him into a human the Sacred Jewel would be purified and would probably cease to exist. Inuyasha asks Kikyō what would happen to her. Kikyō says her duty is to protect the Sacred Jewel and without it she'd become an ordinary woman. Inuyasha and Kikyō were riding on a boat and when she gets off the boat she accidentally trips and he manages to catch her. Inuyasha and Kikyō stare at each other for a moment before they hugged one another.

Tsubaki thinks to herself that if she can defeat Kikyō now while she is infatuated with a hanyō.

Tsubaki becomes surprised that the Sacred Jewel is being purified and asks Kikyō if this is the work of Kagome. Kikyō says to Tsubaki she told her that a curse by the likes of her won't work on Kagome. Tsubaki tells Kikyō to be quiet and she was to blame for appearing when unwanted. Kagome brings the barrier down with her sacred arrow as Miroku and Sango watch in amazement. The energy from the collapsing barrier draws Tsubaki's attention to the door and she looks outside to see Inuyasha with Kagome, annoyed that she missed. Kikyō becomes suspicious before shoots arrows at Tsubaki from behind, one parting strands of Tsubaki's hair and the other pinning her sleeve to the doorway. Tsubaki turns to Kikyō and asks her what was she doing.

Kikyō asks Tsubaki what did she just say that she tried to have Inuyasha killed by Kagome's arrow. Tsubaki smirks at Kikyō and asks what's the matter and wonders if it was some unpleasant memories maybe and confirms she made Kagome shoot the arrow. Kikyō lowers her bow as she becomes angry. Tsubaki says to Kikyō in just the same way she killed Inuyasha back then. Kikyō angrily stomps up on Naraku's broken puppet, confusing Tsubaki. Kikyō walks up to Tsubaki from behind and snatches her up by her hair and says that she has no intention of interfering with whatever she does to Kagome but if she ever harms Inuyasha she will personally kill her. Outraged and indignant at Kikyō's attempt to intimidate her, Tsubaki jerks free and tries to hit the miko with an arrow she pulls from the doorway, Kikyō jumps nimbly away. Tsubaki says to Kikyō as if she would fear her. Kikyō tells Tsubaki to heed her warnings as it is no idle threat before she fades away into nothing.

The shrine doors then open and Tsubaki steps out with her snake shikigami draped comfortably around her shoulders. Inuyasha asks Tsubaki if she was the dark priestess. Tsubaki confirms it and asks Inuyasha if he's "Kikyō's lover". Inuyasha becomes surprised. Having earlier seen her enter Tsubaki's barrier, Miroku and Sango demand to know where Kikyō is, confusing Inuyasha. Tsubaki laughs and says that Kikyō was only there to beg for Inuyasha's life to be spared, interesting Inuyasha. Kagome realizes Kikyō still has feelings for Inuyasha. Tsubaki says to Inuyasha that Kikyō borrows her body from dead souls and she cannot come to terms with death because of her love for a man. Inuyasha tells Miroku and Sango to look after Kagome as he places her down. Inuyasha steps forward and says he can tell just by the way Tsubaki made Kagome try to kill him that Naraku is behind everything. Tsubaki casually admits that Naraku is working with her.

**Tsubaki's Unrelenting Evil Spell**

The woman that looks like Kikyō asks Kagome if she wants to try. Kagome becomes confused. The woman that looks like Kikyō asks Kagome isn't that why she's here as she offers her a bow. Kagome accepts the bow. The woman that looks like Kikyō points towards one of the targets and tells Kagome that target. Kagome stands near a target as she prepares to shoot. The woman that looks like Kikyō tells Kagome to aim well. Kagome tells the woman that looks like Kikyō tells 'okay'. The woman that looks like Kikyō tells Kagome that her line is well. Kagome thinks to herself to hit the mark before shoots the arrow at the target but she misses the center. The woman that looks like Kikyō tells Kagome that she has much to learn and her concentration is lacking as she walks away then stops. Kagome tries to ask to the woman that looks like Kikyō who was she. The woman that looks like Kikyō asks Kagome who was she. Kagome becomes confused. The woman that looks like Kikyō asks Kagome who was she again. Kagome says 'I'. The woman that looks like Kikyō asks Kagome was she her and as it is she'll end up killing Inuyasha yet again. Kagome becomes as she asks the woman that looks like Kikyō about Inuyasha then feels a pain in her neck as she kneels to the ground.

**The Red and White Priestesses**

At Kaede's village, Kagome wakes up during the night and everyone else wakes up and asks if she is okay. Now they tell Kaede the story with Tsubaki and she remembers a priestess with this name a long time ago, when Kagome senses the Shikon no Tama and they want to go to get the jewel and even Kaede comes with them, even if Inuyasha is suspicious. Kagome wakes up during the night and everyone else wakes up and asks if she is okay. Now they tell Kaede the story with Tsubaki and she remembers a priestess with this name a long time ago with Kikyō, when Kagome senses the Shikon no Tama and they want to go to get the jewel and even Kaede comes with them, even if Inuyasha is suspicious.

**Giant Ogre of the Forbidden Tower**

Inuyasha and the others have already arrived at the tower and Kaede realizes that Tsubaki was in rivalry with Kikyō at the time. Since she was awarded the Shikon no Tama, Tsubaki became angry and over time turned into a black priestess. Then suddenly they are facing Kagura, who does not want to fight, but just wants to watch how the gigantic Shikigami who appears now to destroy Inuyasha.

Meanwhile, Tsubaki is able to open the pagoda doors after destroying seal after seal, but there were other seals placed down below. When she finally broke the last seal on the ogre, it was furious that he had been sealed and threatened to kill Tsubaki for it. She tempted the ogre with the promise of power from the Shikon no Tama that was in her possession. As it came at Tsubaki for the sacred jewel, she absorbed him with her right eye and recognizes its tremendous power, which makes her almost crazy with power. Inuyasha, Kagome, Sango, and Kaede then showed up to confront Tsubaki as they want the sacred jewel back. Kagome realizes that the jewel is in Tsubaki's right eye. Tsubaki expressed how much demon power was flowing through her and only if she had the sacred jewel 50 years ago. Curious, Kaede asks Tsubaki what happened between her and Kikyō 50 years ago. Now Tsubaki tells the story of how she had to deal with Kikyō before she insulted her. Inuyasha angrily tells Tsubaki to not talk badly of Kikyō in his presence. Tsubaki tells Inuyasha to be silent before she attacked him with wind. Tsubaki begins her transformation into a large, red demon.

Momiji and Botan apologized to Inuyasha and the others for all the trouble they caused. Kagome told them that it wasn't their fault. They two priestesses saw Inuyasha's group off as they left the shrine. Momiji was seen waving to them as they left. When they leave, Inuyasha hears a rustling in a bush and stops and turns around. Kagome asks Inuyasha what's the matter. Inuyasha says it's nothing as it's just his imagination before he continues to leave. Inuyasha was secretly being watched by Kikyō, who is hiding behind a tree. Kikyō peeks out from behind the tree as she thinks to herself that Tsubaki was so obsessed with the Sacred Jewel but there was no way she would win and questions herself who was she to talk about obsessed then leaves into the forest.

**Terror of the Faceless Man**

**Onigumo's Memory Restored**

Musō says he remembers everything now, that he used to be a bandit and he once stayed in the cave with Kikyō. Inuyasha asks Musō what he was talking about. Kaede tells Inuyasha that Musō is Onigumo, confusing Inuyasha. Musō confirmed that he is Onigumo. Miroku suspects that's why Musō kept stealing people's faces because Onigumo's body even his face was badly burned. Inuyasha questions that Onigumo's heart came out of Naraku's body. Musō said he remembered everything and Kikyō died back then. Inuyasha angrily tells Musō that killed Kikyō. Musō denies this as he said that entire reason he sold his soul was so he would have the Sacred Jewel and a working body to be able to take Kikyō for himself and leave the cave but once he had his new body, nothing went his way as the first thing he did when he left the cave was rip apart the body of the woman he sold his soul for. Kagome suspects that when Naraku was born, Onigumo still had some will. Kaede says that Naraku was created from the hundreds of demons and they had one desire, the death of her sister Kikyō, the shrine priestess.

Musō said the result of that was Kikyō followed Inuyasha in death and the Sacred Jewel burned away along with her corpse then at that moment someone locked him up within a "deep, dark place". Inuyasha tells Musō that was Naraku. Musō falls from the cave and says he doesn't know long he had been asleep but when he awoke, he had been thrown back into the outside world. Miroku thinks to himself that Musō didn't remember anything not even about Naraku before going closer to Musō then asking him if he's been given any orders by Naraku. Musō replies he doesn't take orders from anyone and kills everyone he hates, then burn them away. He insists that he will start with Inuyasha and questions why is he still alive when Kikyō is dead. Inuyasha tells Musō to speak for himself as he was annoyed with him being alive again. Musō says after he kills Inuyasha he will kill Kagome next, shocking Kagome. Inuyasha moves in front of Kagome and tells Musō to not dare touch her and he'll take him on.

As Musō prepares to fight Inuyasha, everyone notices the Saimyōshō suddenly appear. Miroku tells Kaede and Kagome to stay back, which they complied. Inuyasha tells Musō he doesn't know why Naraku let him out but him and Naraku are one and the same before pulling out Tessaiga then says he'll avenge Kikyō right now.

**Three-Sided Battle to the Death**

Inuyasha thinks to himself that Naraku tried to rid of Onigumo's heart because still has feelings for Kikyō then he would try to destroy her dead spirit as for Naraku, Onigumo was a liability and wonders if that's why he he casted Onigumo out of his body.

Kikyō walks with her Shinidamachū as she thinks to herself that she understands now as she is 'Kikyō' and yet not 'Kikyō' and that's why she resisted and asks herself why does her heart yearn so much as she stops and looks at the sky. Kikyō says Inuyasha. Inuyasha and Kagome are talking. Kikyō asks herself which does her heart wish for.

**Sesshomaru and the Abducted Rin**

**Vanishing Point; Naraku Disappears**

**Gap Between the Ages**

**Target: Sesshomaru and Inuyasha**

Inuyasha learns from Myōga, then Jaken, the story of how his father and his allies battled and defeated the panthers eons ago, then how Sesshōmaru did the same fifty years ago (though at a huge cost of lives), while Inuyasha was under the spell of Kikyō, thus explaining the hatred of the panthers for his blood, and part of Sesshōmaru's despise for his brother, who had failed to come to his aid the one time he needed it.

**Kikyo's Lonely Journey**

Kikyō finds an old man named Rasetsu who tries to rob her, but suddenly collapses due to a pain in the chest, Kikyō takes him to a cabin. He tells her his tragic story, that he was a bad man in his youth and responsible for Onigumo's injuries.

Fifty years ago, Rasetsu was lured by Onigumo, into attacking Kikyō to possess the Sacred Jewel by trying to kill her with an arrow to steal her shikon jewel but Inuyasha arrived in time to save her. He did not even realize this. He now seeks redemption, although he believes he will never find it, he has a fragment of Shikon, when they are talking they are attacked by a monster that wants to steal the fragment Kikyō finally eliminates the monster, he gives his fragment to Kikyō, the tells Kikyō that he wants to save his soul, he tells him about a sacred place where he can do it, He hands her a lock of hair to take him to that place and then he dies.

**Plot of the Walking Dead**

Elsewhere, Inuyasha's group sleeps around a small campfire. A scent catches Inuyasha's nose, and he sniffs it in. Miroku asks if something's wrong, and Inuyasha announces that he smells the medicinal herbs that were used by the demon sorceress Urasue. The smell is similar to Kikyō, but it is not her. He runs off alone, telling the others to stay and wait, but they follow nonetheless. Kagome expresses her confusion and recounts that Urasue was supposed to have died, so the fact that there's something out there that may have come from her is troubling.

Some distance away, Inuyasha and Miroku have backtracked on the girl's trail, bringing them to the place where Kikyō found her. Of course, Inuyasha picks up her scent, but the two are clueless as to what that means.

**Kikyo and Kagome: Alone in the Cave**

**Inuyasha Shows His Tears For The First Time**

**The Secret of the Pure Light**

The village is attacked by 3 of the Band of Seven and Kikyō runs to confront them, Suikotsu also comes to Kikyō's side, who finds it strange that Suikotsu does not really recognize any of the attackers, at that time Inuyasha and his friends they arrive. Inuyasha is surprised to see the presence of Kikyō, they begin to fight against the evil beings, who attack Kikyō and leave her unconscious, Inuyasha tries to protect her but can not reach her because the monsters prevent her. Ginkotsu decides to attack Kikyō again, Inuyasha tries to reach her but Suikotsu who has already become an evil being does not stop attacking, Ginkotsu is about to kill Kikyō but Miroku arrives in time to save her.

**Hidden in the Mist: Onward to Mt. Hakurei!**

Suikotsu proceeds to fight Inuyasha in close quarters after Renkotsu tosses Suikotsu his Wolverine-like claws. Just as Suikotsu gets the upper hand on Inuyasha by slashing his stomach, the children from the village shout for him to stop, which causes the split personalities of Suikotsu to visibly battle for control. Upon seeing that the evil Suikotsu has not entirely taken over, Renkotsu orders Ginkotsu to attack the unconscious Kikyō. Because Suikotsu is preventing Inuyasha from rescuing her, Miroku decides to take action to save Kikyō and, with some aid from Sango's Hiraikotsu and Kirara, successfully saves her. Then, Renkotsu admits that they were purposefully distracting them so they could kill the children from the village and sever the final link the "do-gooder" Doctor has to the world, which would allow the evil Suikotsu to establish permanent control.

Then the now 4 of the Band of Seven decide to withdraw from the battle. Kikyō is still unconscious, Inuyasha and the others approach her and realize that the soul collectors can not cross the barrier that covers the village, so they decide to take her away from there, Miroku offers to do it but Kagome says that It's something Inuyasha has to do, so he takes Kikyō in his arms and drives her away from the village. Out of the field of energy, Kikyō regains consciousness because her soul collectors have already fed her with souls, Inuyasha is at her side, she asks what happened to Suikotsu and he decides that they left the battle, along with Suikotsu. Kikyō talks to Kagome about how Suikotsu originally had the pure fragment and then it was already corrupted. She tells them about Mount Hakurei that it does not allow malign presence inside. They decide that they should go to the mountain, Inuyasha asks Kikyō what she is going to do, Kikyō notices that Kagome feels uncomfortable with the situation of her and Inuyasha, so she decides to stay in the village since the children were alone, even though she would like she can not get close to the mountain of the animals, Inuyasha and Kikyō remain silent looking at each other tenderly while Kagome is affected by that, wondering sadly if he still has feelings for Kikyō.

The next day, clueless Inuyasha asks Miroku why Kagome is ignoring and avoiding him, who tells him that it's because she's feeling emotionally betrayed and suggests he give Kagome some space. But Inuyasha relentlessly pursues the topic, at which Kagome eventually painfully responds that although she knows Inuyasha and Kikyō have a bond together and it hurts her, she will continue to stand by Inuyasha because that is what she must do.

**Farewell Kikyo, My Beloved**

Slashing through the debris, Inuyasha sees the way out, but in the portal he sees a brief, disturbing vision of Kikyō.

Meanwhile, Kagome waits for Inuyasha’s safe return and is relieved when she senses Koga’s jewel shards on their way up. Leaping to safety, Inuyasha has another vision of Kikyō.

Falling, Kikyō’s thoughts turn to Inuyasha and she calls his name. At that moment, Inuyasha is seized by a dreadful feeling and he races off abandoning a bewildered Kagome.

Bad timing delivers Inuyasha into his older brother’s company. Sesshomaru tells Inuyasha about Kikyō as he spots the poignant remains of Kikyō’s broken bow on the ground near the fissure. Peering into the chasm, Inuyasha’s desperate denial is replaced by profound sorrow as he watches a lone soul skimmer chase the tatters of Kikyō’s sleeve into the miasma, vaporizing itself. Tortured by guilt, Inuyasha blames himself for failing to protect Kikyō. He lashes out angrily at Sesshomaru, accusing him of allowing Kikyō to be killed. Sesshomaru’s icy response is that Naraku killed Kikyō' “and the one who wasn’t able to save her was you, Inuyasha. If you have the time to snarl at me, you would do better to spend it chasing Naraku.”

Sesshomaru turns and walks away leaving Inuyasha alone and heartbroken. He falls to his knees, unable to bear his grief. When Kagome and the others arrive, Inuyasha composes himself enough to tell them Naraku achieved his goal; taking Kikyo’s life. Kagome is shocked and feels for Inuyasha.

**The Darkness in Kagome's Heart**

Inuyasha is destroyed by Kikyō's death, he then goes in search of Kikyō's body, downstream but does not get results, he regrets that he could not save her and that she did not wait for him to help her, feeling that it might have been a lie.

**Transform Heartache into Courage**

During this, Inuyasha is unable to find Kikyō unaware it was actually a trap to ensure Kagome's capture and begins to suspect Kikyō's sighting was a lie.

Inuyasha, meanwhile, is rushing to the castle to save Kagome and realizes how he is "making the same mistake again." With this being he had lost Kikyō and assumed he was the only one hurting and acted selfishly and now is going to lose someone else who is important to him.

Back in Kaede's village, Kaede insists that Kikyō's soul can rest now and that she won't suffer any longer and neither should Inuyasha who is upset Kikyō was killed twice by Naraku.

**The Tragic Love Song of Destiny (Part 1)**

On the evening of the new moon, Inuyasha runs to the forest to prepare when he sensed large amounts of spiritual powers and something reeking of blood. After a strenuous battle to protect the Jewel, Kikyō became exhausted. Inuyasha watched in surprised of Kikyō and thought that a mere woman defeated the demons. Inuyasha felt he was turning into a human. Kikyō asks the black haired Inuyasha how long does he intended to hide from her in the tree and if he heard of the Sacred Jewel, which he says he's never heard of it. Kikyō tells Inuyasha to stay away from her if he valued his life then walked away.

Inuyasha notices Kikyō pass out from exhaustion and went closer to her examine her. When Inuyasha heard villagers voices calling Kikyō's name, he ran away. Kikyō was aided by Kaede and several villagers in the rain. She was pleased and surprised that Inuyasha, who remained unseen, did not kill her.

Eventually, Inuyasha made himself known to Kikyō, who immediately notices him from the night before, and tells her to shut up and attempted to steal the Shikon Jewel, but was quickly subdued by 2 of her arrows. Kikyō sensed that Inuyasha was just a half-demon, she realizes that he wants to have the Shikon Jewel to transform from a hanyō to a full-fledged, full-blooded yōkai. Inuyasha tells Kikyō to shut up and he wants to become the strongest demon then he wants to kill her, who says that's never going to happen and will purify the Jewel. Inuyasha noted Kikyō reeked of the stench of demon blood and smirks, asking if he made her angry. Kikyō ultimately decided to spare Inuyasha's life. Inuyasha mentioned that Kikyō will be easy to find with the smell of demon blood on her, before they parted company.

After Kikyō defeated a fish demon with Kaede nearby and was going to return to the village, she notices Inuyasha, who makes an second attempt on the Sacred Jewel and Kikyō easily subdued him again, but not before learning his name and why he spared her life that day. Kaede tells how Kikyō at this time began paying more attention to her appearance by bathing herself everyday when she met Inuyasha.

During their first non-violent encounter following Mistress Centipede's demise, Kikyō thanked Inuyasha for saving Kaede's life and confided in him her personal feelings of loneliness and similarities towards Inuyasha, who sympathized with her and asked Kikyō to meet him again the next day to receive a gift, who says she was going to give him a gift as well. Inuyasha wonders if it's the Sacred Jewel and Kikyō denies, much to his disappointment.

That night, Kaede notices Kikyō enchanting beads to help her subjugate Inuyasha to her whims and prevent him from doing any more wrong.

They next day, Inuyasha gifted Kikyō with his deceased mother's Beni, who became surprised to know his mother was a human. Inuyasha says he was only received the Robe of the Fire-Rat she had received from his father, as well as a container of rouge when she died. Kikyō apologizes to Inuyasha for shooting so many arrows at his Robe of the Fire-Rat, who says not to worry and asks if she has his gift. At last minute, Kikyō decided against placing the subjugation necklace on Inuyasha, who lies and says she's forgotten it, much to Inuyasha's dismay. Kikyō asks Inuyasha if she really can keep the Beni, who says 'yes'. At night while Inuyasha is sleeping on a tree, a small spider demon watches him and wonder him and Kikyō.

After this, Kikyō became more human, showing more emotions and playing with children, she asks Inuyasha to join them but he refuses and still watches them. While practicing her archery on the Sacred Tree, Kaede notices Kikyō with supplies and was going to ask her a question but changed her mind, who later walks away. Kaede thinks to herself that she admires her older sister that she thought that she was the only one to have that about her. While sleeping, Inuyasha notices Kikyō walking by.

**The Tragic Love Song of Destiny (Part 2)**

Kaede resumes Kikyō's story when Kikyō was secretly caring for a bandit named Onigumo, who had been burned and was, immobilized, inside a cave, was hostile to her and tried to dissuade her from keeping him alive and to not come back. Out of pity, Kikyo fed and cared for him. Believing Inuyasha would overreact from jealousy, Kikyō asked Kaede to not tell him about treating the wounded Onigumo, confusing her.

During the season of spring, Tsubaki later confronted Kikyō in a forest and sensed Kikyō's spiritual powers waning after she fell in love with Inuyasha. Tsubaki offered to purify the Sacred Jewel in her place, only for Kikyō to refuse. Tsubaki attempted to cast a curse on Kikyō using her Shikigami and then taking the Sacred Jewel for herself, thinking Kikyō's powers would be weakened after hearing of her infatuation with a half-demon. However, Kikyō used her bow to reflect the curse and sent it flying back at Tsubaki, which gave her a scar on her right eye. Kikyō then spared a humiliated Tsubaki's life.

While Kikyō helps Kaede work on her sacred arrows, the village is attacked by a horde of demons sent by Naraku to retrieve the Sacred Jewel. With her spiritual powers weakened, Kikyō didn't sense the collective demon's aura.

Inuyasha helps the villagers fight off the demons when Kikyō arrives with Kaede a little late. Kaede had tried to shoot a demon that was about to attack Kikyō, but missed a few times before hitting it. The demon then went to attack Kaede, but Kikyō shot it in time. The arrow failed to purify the demon's jaki, resulting in an explosion that rendered Kaede permanently blind in the right eye.

After the battle, Kikyō is alone and Inuyasha arrives by her side, asking how is Kaede's eye, she feels guilty for what happened but Inuyasha reassures her.

Eventually, Kikyō suggested using the Shikon Jewel to turn Inuyasha into a full human since he was half human, he could become a full human instead of a demon, that way the Sacred Jewel would be purified, an offer he is unsure of at first. If this plan had in fact worked, it might have been possible for Kikyō to carry on the life of an ordinary woman alongside Inuyasha, and for him to finally feel like he belonged somewhere as a human. The idea of ​​leading a normal life together appealed to both of them.

    One afternoon Inuyasha and Kikyō traveled by canoe and, when disembarking at the dock, Kikyō stumbled, Inuyasha holds her and being so close he cannot help it and hugs her and at that moment he tells her that he is determined and that he wants to use the Sacred Jewel to become human and be able to live with it. She gives him a tender kiss, which Inuyasha reciprocates and thus they agree to meet the next day at dawn to wear the Jewel and fulfill their wishes.

Naraku overhears their plans, and impersonates Inuyasha. Naraku (disguised as Inuyasha) asks Kikyō to meet him earlier than planned.

The next morning, Kikyō ran to the Sacred Tree where they would meet but Inuyasha had not arrived, she had the makeup Beni that he had given her and was going to start putting on makeup but Naraku with the form of Inuyasha attacked her from behind making a wound mortal on his right shoulder. Naraku broke the Beni mocking her and took the Sacred Jewel, he told her that the pearl needed more blood to be darker and that he was going to attack the village. Kikyō was devastated when she saw that she had been betrayed by the person she loved, then Naraku went to the village and placed the pearl in her hate-filled shrine and transformed into Kikyō to deceive Inuyasha, Naraku arrives where Inuyasha is waiting for Kikyō and shoots an arrow at him, he taunts Inuyasha saying half demon, Kikyō had previously promised never to call him that way again after he told her his name, Inuyasha dodges her and flees devastated by the supposed betrayal of his beloved Kikyō. Inuyasha, feeling cheated, attacked the village and took the Shikon No Tama, when he was escaping with the Jewel in his possession, a badly wounded Kikyō arrives and shoots him with one of his sealing arrows, that arrow sealed him in the Sacred Tree, Inuyasha slowly falls in a deep sleep. Inuyasha wonders if he's going to die like this and guess it's okay then thinks even though things ended this way he still loves Kikyō, before falling in a deep slumber. Later, Kikyō asked her sister Kaede to be burned with the Jewel after she fell dead from the wound caused by Naraku. Fulfilling Kikyō's last will, her body is burned along with the Shikon Jewel. As her body is burned, her soul states that she will take the Sacred Jewel to the netherworld in order to keep it away from those who would abuse its power. As Kaede tells herself the story she wonders why Kikyō chose the arrow of sealing over the sacred arrow, and why Inuyasha had a peaceful look on his face.

**The Single Arrow of Chaos**

After quite some time Inuyasha is fighting against Hakudoshi, other of Naraku's creations, Hakudoshi is being protected by a very powerful barrier of energy that neither Inuyasha's sword is able to pierce, in a moment someone shoots a powerful arrow that destroys the barrier, this power only has a person who is Kikyō, thanks to this Inuyasha wins the battle, but Hakudoshi, manages to escape, when Inuyasha gets close to the arrow that this shot person says it can not be Kikyō since it does not have its same essence, that person disappears in the distance, the villagers speak to Inuyasha's group about the Santo Hijiri that is always accompanied by two Shikigami, she is a very powerful person who has been helping the villagers without revealing their true identity.

**The Mysterious Light that Guides the Saint**

Inuyasha, Kagome, Sango and Miroku look at the arrow that broke Hakudōshi's barrier. They all wonder if it was shot by Kikyō, but Inuyasha tells them that it does not have Kikyō's scent on it. The villagers with them suggest that the Holy One they seek may have shot the arrow.

Inuyasha and companions arrive just after the Holy One has left to pursue Princess Abi. They consider whether they should follow the Holy One.

Inuyasha and his friends follow the Holy One's path to the Forbidden Mountain, and along the way they see a lot of demons also seeking the elusive saint.

Inuyasha sends the rest on while he stops to battle the demons behind them. When he finishes, he runs into the Holy One and her helpers, and demands to know who she is.

Inuyasha approaches the Holy One, only to find that it is a puppet. When it disperses, Kagura is overhead. She tells Inuyasha that Naraku thinks Kikyō is still alive, and that the arrow that broke Hakudōshi's barrier was smeared with dirt from Onigumo's cave.

**Kagome's Instinctive Choice**

Meanwhile, Sango, Miroku and Shippō finally manage to destroy the remaining demons and meet up with Inuyasha who finds them. Inuyasha, realizing Kagome was not with them, asks where Kagome is. They then tell him how Kagome followed soul collectors and how she passed through a barrier and hasn't been seen or heard from since. Inuyasha, realizing the soul collectors are Kikyō's, demands to be taken to the barrier.

Suddenly, as Kagome struggles to save Kikyō, she then sees the last day of Kikyō's life when Naraku tricked Kikyō and Inuyasha into believing they had betrayed one another. As she watches the vision, her helpers fear she will not make it in time as Kikyō's soul is already beginning to fade away.

Kagome struggles to purify Kikyō and silently chants for her to hang on as Inuyasha "really wants to see her [Kikyō] again, so just hang in there." Kikyō then begins to awaken and Kagome then silently thinks, "You want to see Inuyasha too. You do, right?" Finally Kagome fully purifies the miasma from Kikyō's body and saves her soul. Physically exhausted however, Kagome passes out as Kikyō fully awakens.

Kagome asks where she was going and Kikyō explains that Inuyasha was going to be there soon and he will be looking for her (Kagome). She then adds on that she will go into hiding for a little while in order to restore her strength and she leaves, going into the woods. Kagome then yells after her asking about Inuyasha and if she will even bother to see him, but Kikyō leaves. Kagome then stares after her thinking how Inuyasha has thought about no one but Kikyō since realizing she might be alive and then admits that Kikyō is the one Inuyasha wants, and chooses, to be with.

Inuyasha then sniffs around clearly looking for Kikyō's scent. Kagome bluntly states Kikyō has already left and then says she tried to get her to stay to see him, surprising Inuyasha. Kagome then sadly realizes Inuyasha is happy about Kikyō and urges him to go after her; silently making the others uncomfortable for her.

During this conversation, Kagome is guilt-ridden for snapping at Inuyasha and fears he must hate her. When she looks up Inuyasha is there and he asks if she is still mad at him and Kagome asks him if he was going after Kikyō. This causes him to talk about how he found out how "The Holy one" was really Kikyō's puppet and that the real Kikyō was overcome by Naraku's miasma and her life was nearing its end; he then asks how Kikyō was when she was with her. Kagome then explains how Kikyō was before telling him that she purified the miasma and it seems that she will be fine. Inuyasha is stunned that Kagome saved Kikyō's life.

Kagome encourages him to follow Kikyō again, but this time Inuyasha flat out refuses to because Kagome had saved her life, verifying she must be fine, and won't go after her.

**The Cruel Reunion of Fate**

While the others sleep, Inuyasha wakes to the scent of the bird demons. Kikyō's helpers appear and tell Inuyasha that Kikyō waits for him.

**The Demon Linked with the Netherworld**

Kikyō's helpers fly off after telling Inuyasha that Kikyō waits for him and wishes to see him. Inuyasha follows them into a forest, where he finds Kikyō who is resting with her soul collectors. Miroku sees him leave. Inuyasha follows them to a forest, where he finds Kikyō resting with her soul collectors. Kikyō looks at Inuyasha tenderly, he is relieved to see Kikyō alive. Inuyasha asks Kikyō how she is, she tells him that Kagome purified the miasma but Inuyasha notices that she has not fully recovered yet.

Inuyasha and Kikyō discuss Naraku's plans to get to the borderland between this world and the afterlife. Miroku soon tells Kagome that he saw Inuyasha leave with two young children and Kagome realizes he has gone to see Kikyō.

Meanwhile, Kikyō asks Inuyasha if he and his friends intend to go to the borderland and Inuyasha says they are since the last fragment of the sacred jewel is there. Kikyō then warns Inuyasha not to take Kagome to the borderland, confusing Inuyasha. Kikyō tells him that Naraku removed the barrier around Princess Abi's nest for a reason; Naraku is after Kagome's eyes, her ability to see the fragments of the jewel. Kikyō tells Inuyasha that she is almost certain that Naraku wants to attract Inuyasha and everyone to the border between the 2 worlds and then use Kagome to locate the last fragment.

Kikyō tries to go out and hunt Naraku, but she is clearly unable to do so. Inuyasha begs Kikyō to stay where she is and heal, insisting that she is too weak to do anything so dangerous and also Naraku wants her to die. Kikyō sadly asks Inuyasha if she is a burden to him, but he desperately tells her that it is for her own good. When noticing that Inuyasha is only concerned about her safety, Kikyō decides to give Inuyasha an arrow, she tells him to give to Kagome saying that only she will know when to use it, this arrow has concentrated the power of Kikyō with earth from the tomb of Onigumo, Inuyasha later does what Kikyō asks and gives the arrow to Kagome.

The next day, Miroku, Sango, Shippō, and Kagome continue to wait for Inuyasha. Inuyasha comes back and talks with Kagome. He then flat out says he went to see Kikyō and when Kagome asks, "What about it?" he then gives her the arrow that has been rubbed with dirt from Onigumo's cave saying Kikyō wanted him to give it to her. He then further tells her that it should work on Naraku. He asks if she is upset, to which Kagome replies "Not really. I trust you, Inuyasha." But then adds on that she wants him to honestly tell her what happened between him and Kikyō; causing him to realize she doesn't believe and is also angry.

Inuyasha and his companions race towards the demon bird nest, and Inuyasha picks up Naraku's scent near the nest. Inuyasha recalls Kikyō telling him that Naraku wants Kagome, needing her power to see the sacred jewel shards to locate the last remaining one.

**Stampede of the Countless Demon Rats**

Meanwhile, Inuyasha separates from Kagome, Shippō, Miroku, Sango, and Kirara then goes to look for Kikyō where he saw her for the last time but she is no longer there, this leaves Inuyasha sad because he wanted to see her and wanted know how she was doing. Inuyasha returns without having found Kikyō, but despite explaining what happened, only makes Kagome very furious and said "sit" at him.

Kikyō's assistant returns with a branch of Okatama. Kikyō plants the branch and it becomes a huge tree. Suddenly, all the rat demons begin to swarm in a new direction. Miroku says that someone must have thrown a mayose, and they realize that Kikyō cast the spell. Inuyasha, Shippō and Kagome are heading towards Kikyō while Sango and Miroku are head toward the toward the source of the rats. Hakudoshi orders Kohaku to protect the sanctuary while heading toward Kikyō.

Kagome and Inuyasha come to the tree Kikyō planted, which the rats are climbing.

**Kohaku's Decision and Sango's Heart**

Inuyasha races to attack Hakudōshi while Kagome shoots the slugs with her arrows. Inuyasha hits Hakudōshi with his Wind Scar, but the pieces of Hakudōshi's flesh flee, leaving a warning behind: so long as Kikyō keeps running, Naraku will continue to attack.

Inuyasha arrives when the rats are about to kill Sango and Kohaku, Kikyō manages to destroy with one of her arrows the barrier that protects the nest of the rats so that after Inuyasha finishes destroying it, Inuyasha stares at Kikyō, who is standing nearby, but she leaves without say a word with her helpers.

**The Lucky but Two-Timing Scoundrel!**

Inuyasha talks to Kaede back in the Feudal Era, informing her that Kikyō is still alive and that Kagome had saved her by purifying Naraku's shōki. She is not surprised, stating she suspected as much when she saw two shikigami (Kochō and Asuka) collecting dirt from her sister's grave.

Back home, Kagome rests up with modern comforts (running water, a bed) and thinks about Kikyō's reappearance. She comes to the conclusion that she's still second fiddle and that Kikyō will always come first to Inuyasha.

In the past, Inuyasha complains to Miroku and Sango about Kagome leaving without telling him. Sango chastises him, saying they don't need his permission for everything; Miroku says Kagome left that way because she didn't want to interrupt him and Kaede about Kikyō. When he continues to gripe about it, Sango tells him to sit, but it fails, much to everyone's surprise (though Inuyasha tries to play it off as a given).

After reaming him for damaging her bike, she walks to school and meets with her friends. Mentioning the reappearance of her boyfriend's first love, Kagome talks to them about the love triangle between herself, Inuyasha and Kikyō. As usual, they start arguing about Inuyasha's bad qualities, until Kagome mentions better ones he has, letting it slip that he came to her house that morning. This makes her friends eager to meet him, much to her displeasure; how would they react to finding out she's in love with someone who isn't really human?

**The Ultimate Key to Defeating Naraku**

Kikyō holds an arrow pointing at Naraku, but trembling. She worries because she can not feel his aura. She shoots the sacred arrow and separates Naraku without killing him. Kikyō is trapped inside a cage of Naraku's bones. Naraku orders Kohaku to kill Kikyō, while he advances to do her, Inuyasha and his friends arrive to save her, Naraku and Kohaku disappear.

Later, Inuyasha and Kikyō talk apart from the group, Kikyō tells Inuyasha that Naraku should be trying to hide his heart, that if they want to finish him they should find him, then she leaves Inuyasha with his group.

### Inuyasha The Final Act

**Kagura's Wind**

Approaching Midoriko's remains, they see what appears to be a chrysalis within the hole in her chest. Miroku tries to approach for a closer look, but is stopped by a barrier. Inuyasha notes they should keep an eye on the cave as he detects a scent.

Back in the Demon Slayer Village, Miroku, Kagome, Myōga and Shippō discuss Inuyasha's eagerness to guard the cave alone; Miroku noticed the barrier was not evil, but pure instead. Kagome begins to suspect Kikyō may up to something. Inuyasha is watching the tomb of Midoriko since he is presenting abnormalities and he believes that Kikyō has something to do, inside the statue, the chrysalis opens and a soul collector hatches.

Inuyasha follows it, realizing that it was Kikyō's scent that he detected earlier. Elsewhere, Kikyō is purifying herself under a waterfall and remembers when she was wounded in Mount Hakurei. Inuyasha comes to where Kikyō is, he asks why she wants Midoriko's soul and Kikyō reveals that Kagome was unable to completely purify the miasma that Naraku used against her; the wound is reopening.

Kikyō explains that Midoriko shares a death similar to her own, after being killed by a demon; she absorbs Midoriko's soul, but the tension of the absorption causes her to collapse in the waterfall. Inuyasha rushes to Kikyō and carefully pulls her up, and sees the wound on her right shoulder heal. Later Kikyō, apparently healed, gathers her bow and arrows; she asks Inuyasha about his fights with Naraku.

Kikyō explains that ever since Naraku rebuilt himself as on Mount Hakurei, no matter how many times he has been destroyed, his body continues to regenerate. Kikyō then explains to Inuyasha that this is because Naraku does not have real flesh, since he is nothing more than a conglomeration of demons that clung to the vile soul of Onigumo. Therefore, Naraku can not be killed by simplistic means like a sword.

Kikyō explains to Inuyasha (with Kohaku listening in) that the only way to defeat Naraku is to purify the Shikon Jewel while absorbing it in his body, which will destroy the soul of Onigumo. Surrounded by light and her soul collectors, Kikyō flies into the sky. She tells Inuyasha that they can not hesitate to do what it takes. Once Kikyō leaves, Inuyasha thinks about how this will kill Kohaku; who emerges from the shadows, surprising Inuyasha since he did not detect his scent. Kohaku races after Kikyō. When Inuyasha tries to follow them, he is blocked by a barrier; Kohaku explains that he is not going to die, but to kill Naraku.

**Meidō Zangetsuha**

**The End of Mōryōmaru**

Kikyō and Kohaku approach where the battle is happening, Kikyō sees how the fragments of Moryomaru unite with the Shikon Jewel of Naraku; now only needs three more fragments to complete, they advance but are stopped by Sango and Kagome, Sango is upset by the plan that Kikyō and Kohaku have to use the fragment of him to kill Naraku, as this would mean his death, Kikyō tries to explain that this is the only way but Sango does not agree to let her brother die to persuade that Kohaku agrees with this, Kagome tells Kikyō to give Inuyasha time to find another way to finish with Naraku, she tells Sango to stay with Kikyō and Kohaku, she leaves for the battle with Kirara. At the end of the battle Miroku has been very bad to absorb too much poison. Kikyō examines Miroku, seeing that Naraku's miasma has left Miroku with scars ranging from his wind tunnel to the center of his chest; The wound looks similar to the spider legs. If the Wind Tunnel had remained open for longer, Miroku would not be among the living at this time. Kikyō says she will try to purify Miroku from the miasma he absorbed. However, Kikyō also warns that a body like Miroku's, which has absorbed so much miasma, will never be able to fully recover as before.

**Mausoleum of Mount Azusa**

Kōga decides to stay with Inuyasha's group, thanking Kagome for treating his injuries. Inuyasha tells Kōga to give up his shards, making Kōga retort that he sounds just like Kikyō; he guesses it's because they used to be together. Inuyasha draws Tessaiga and Kōga blocks it with his hands. Shippō notes how things are different with Kōga around; he doesn't like it. Kikyō works on healing Miroku, explaining to Sango that she is taking the miasma he sucked into the Wind Tunnel into herself to be purified. However, Kohaku knows that Kikyō is lying; she is already being consumed from within by Naraku's miasma, and taking in the miasma killing Miroku will only make Kikyō's condition worse.

Kikyō departs with Kohaku after Inuyasha make her promise to look after him. Kagome wakes up and notices Inuyasha deep in thought and a spider web.

Kagome notices the webbing falling the sky (how can that be if Naraku is usually on the ground somewhere?) while in mid-travel, something only she and Kikyō can see, due to their immense spiritual powers. Everyone else is left confused by this since they cannot see the webs. They come across the child Kikyō saved and her mother, who explain that Kikyō suddenly looked ill afterwards and took off. Inuyasha runs off in search of Kikyō without waiting for the group, making Kōga comment about how he abandons Kagome to after his old love. Miroku and Shippō advise Kōga not to mention it around Inuyasha, hoping to change the subject.

Kikyō separates from Kohaku to protect him and hides in a cabin; she sees that Naraku prevents her from purifying the networks and showing her the separation between her and Inuyasha 50 years ago; this only serves to make her increase his hatred towards him, wondering why he would dare to do it. Inuyasha arrives, causing Kikyō to yell at him to leave. However, when she warns him, the wound she received on Mount Hakurei reopens. Inuyasha grabs her, getting tangled in the nets. Now that they are touching it, Inuyasha can also see the networks. He attempts to cut the nets with Tessaiga, but new threads simply envelope Tessaiga to keep Inuyasha still.

Kagome and the others arrive at the hut, where she fires arrows at the webs to purify them. Everyone is confused by this, given they cannot see the webs; however, Shippō guesses Kagome is trying to destroy the webs. Inside, Kikyō wonders what's going on as the arrows are causing rumbles every time they hit the spider webs; Inuyasha explains Kagome can see the webs as well. Kikyō wonders why Kagome can see the webs as well, but then immediately realizes the answer. Kagome walks over to the hut, hoping to purify the webs inside; however, the moment Kikyō yells for her not to touch the webs, the webs grab Kagome and pull her inside. Kōga attempts to follow, but Naraku erects a barrier to keep everyone else out.

Kagome finds herself waking up at night, with fires burning all around her. She looks up to see Inuyasha running away with the Shikon Jewel, saying that he can become a full demon at last with its magic. Kikyō fires an arrow at him, pinning Inuyasha to the Sacred Tree. Kagome then realizes that this is vision of what happened fifty years ago on the day Kikyō died and Inuyasha was placed under the seal she broke. She watches as Kikyō holds onto Inuyasha, realizing that she feels something - it's Kikyō's pain. However, this isn't the only thing that Kagome feels, there's something else; it's Kikyō's love for Inuyasha, and it's just as deep as her grief. Kagome then wakes up, seeing that the spider webs are no longer in the hut. Kikyō explains that since all three of them have been gathered, the webs no longer serve a purpose. Kagome then notices that Kikyō's wound has reopened. Kikyō explains that her wound got worse the moment Naraku's webs touched her; the webs defile anything they touch. Kagome offers to purify the miasma from within Kikyō again. Kikyō explains that to do so, Kagome needs borrow her bow; however, when Kagome touches the bow, the string breaks.

Kagome finds herself waking up at night, with fires burning all around her. She looks up to see Inuyasha running away with the Shikon Jewel, saying that he can become a full demon at last with its magic. Kikyō fires an arrow at him, pinning Inuyasha to the Sacred Tree. Kagome then realizes that this is vision of what happened fifty years ago on the day Kikyō died and Inuyasha was placed under the seal she broke. She watches as Kikyō holds onto Inuyasha, realizing that she feels something - it's Kikyō's pain. However, this isn't the only thing that Kagome feels, there's something else; it's Kikyō's love for Inuyasha, and it's just as deep as her grief. Kagome then wakes up, seeing that the spider webs are no longer in the hut. Kikyō explains that since all three of them have been gathered, the webs no longer serve a purpose. Kagome then notices that Kikyō's wound has reopened. Kikyō explains that her wound got worse the moment Naraku's webs touched her; the webs defile anything they touch. Kagome offers to purify the miasma from within Kikyō again. Kikyō explains that to do so, Kagome needs borrow her bow; however, when Kagome touches the bow, the string breaks. Kikyō confirms that Kagome has been contaminated as well; the reason Naraku showed Kagome that vision of the parting between herself and Inuyasha was to plant negative emotions in her heart and make her unable to purify the miasma.

Kikyō explains that the only way to restore her bow is to retrieve a bowstring kept in the nearby mausoleum of Mount Azusa, which is ten leagues east of their current location; however Kikyō warns Kagome that she must truly want to save her in order to get the bowstring. The barrier breaks outside and Kagome and Inuyasha exit the hut. Shippō's guess is Inuyasha got chewed out like usual. Everyone wonders what happened, and after the explanation, Kōga offers to take Kagome to Mount Azusa. However, this only earns Inuyasha's anger until Kagome tells him it's better than he stays with Kikyō. When he protests, Kagome flatly says she doesn't want to see his face at the moment. Catching herself saying this, Kagome then wonders if the webs have truly contaminated her. However, Inuyasha thinks to himself that she's always like this. However, Jaken has already been bitten; he pleads for Sesshōmaru to save him. Inuyasha and Kikyō arrive later to find Kohaku gone; he went with Sesshōmaru.

Elsewhere, Kikyō tells Inuyasha that the guardian spirit of the mountain acquires a form that is a reflection of the heart of the one who sees it. The faceless spirit takes the form of Kikyo, which brings the Kagome to a sanctuary. The spirit gives Kagome an arc with the rope necessary to purify the miasma in Kikyō. Kagome leaves with the bow, hurrying down the steps. However, Kagome discovers that it is like when she tried to climb the mountain; the road is a road without end. Kagome hears Inuyasha calling her and rushes into the trees looking for him. She eventually comes across what appears to be him carrying Kikyō; however, neither of them seems able to see Kagome. Kikyō says that Mount Azusa has likely swallowed Kagome because she truly doesn't want to save her. Inuyasha asks what they should do then. A shocked Kagome yells at Kikyō, asking if she really sees her like that, prompting Kikyō to look in her direction; she had been able to see her the whole time and was purposely saying those things to anger Kagome. At that moment, the ground beneath Kagome shatters and she falls into darkness.

In another place, the true Kikyō is carried to Mount Azusa by Inuyasha. Her bow explodes, which leads Inuyasha to wonder what happened. Kikyō feels that something has happened to Kagome, since the guardian spirit will use illusions to test the hearts of those who visit Mount Azusa. On Mount Azusa, Kagome has a confrontation with an illusion of Kikyō, when Inuyasha and Kikyō arrive where the others are, Kikyō tells Inuyasha to leave her there in order to go in search of Kagome, Inuyasha in his mind apologizes to Kikyō for leaving her there and going in search of Kagome.

**Among the Twinkling Stars**

Elsewhere, Kagome explains to Inuyasha about the illusion of Kikyō she faced on Mount Azusa; it was the version of Kikyō right after her resurrection, being hateful and trying to kill them. Inuyasha tells Kagome that Kikyō isn't like that anymore; however, Kagome says that somewhere in her heart, she must still see Kikyō as that scary person. Inuyasha tells Kagome that her heart is pure by her desire to save Kikyō; Kagome can only hope he's right. He then adds that he is starting to get worried about Kōga. The rush towards dark clouds in the horizon caused by Naraku's demonic presence.

Naraku captures Koga, just as Kikyō planned; she thinks to herself that she will not die in his arms. The moment Naraku touches the fragments of Koga, they will purify him and her, since they are connected by their networks. When thinking about Inuyasha, Kikyō observes how the tentacles of Naraku try to eliminate the fragments of Koga, but the purity of the fragments destroys them. Naraku then keeps Kikyō away from himself, saying that his networks allow him to feel his emotions. Naraku once again mocks her, saying that she will die in his arms instead of Inuyasha's. At the mere mention of Inuyasha, his voice is heard, he arrives in a spectacular attempt to cut the arm that holds Kikyō. Despite having the strength of his jump behind him, the Tetsusaiga can not break Naraku's arm or even damage it noticeably.

Kagome is a short distance away, noticing she only has one arrow left. Remembering Kikyō said the bow is the only thing that can purify Naraku's contamination, Kagome prepares to fire. However, Kikyō telepathically tells Kagome not to fire. This confuses Kagome, who is reunited with everyone else. Kagome then notices Kōga's shards have been purified. Naraku taunts Kikyō, saying Inuyasha made it in time to watch her die.

Enraged, Inuyasha changes tactics, using Dragonscale Tessaiga to bifurcate one of Naraku's demon vortexes. The adamant spike on Naraku's right shoulder splinters as a result. However, Naraku rapidly regenerates, taunting Inuyasha by declaring that he cannot be harmed by the Tessaiga. Nonetheless, immediately following his boast, the newly-reconstituted adamant spike explodes, revealing his underlying flesh and the Shikon jewel. When Inuyasha is about to end Naraku's heart with the Shikon Jewel, to keep Inuyasha away until he can heal, Naraku drops Kikyō. Inuyasha manages to catch Kikyō in his arms just as Naraku begins to close his wound. Inuyasha tries to awaken Kikyō in despair, she wakes up and seeing that Koga is about to be absorbed by Naraku asks Inuyasha to save him, he accepts by telling Kikyō that he will come back for her. Kagome tries to find the jewel, asking Kikyō where she is; but she finds it inside Kikyō. Kikyō's soul collectors gatherers arrive, pouring more souls into it and telepathically glances at Kagome to shoot an arrow at her to purify the jewel. The soul collectors save Kagome when Naraku pulls her from a cliff, and hits Kikyō successfully with her arrow. Kikyō, instead of retaining the purified jewel, shoot the arrow to Naraku with the pure jewel at its tip.

Realizing that Kikyō intends to purify him with the jewel, Naraku attempts to corrupt the jewel again by releasing a cloud of miasma. Despite being slightly stained by the miasma, the jewel remains largely intact and pierces his heart, sinking into a wave of purified energy. Naraku screams in agony when Kikyō's powers begin to destroy him, and his body begins to disintegrate. Inuyasha and Kōga flee from the shattered quill, but Naraku takes out Koga's fragments at the last second. Destroyed by pain and wallowing in a sea of ​​spiritual power, Naraku is free. Ultimately, Naraku triumphs, though heavily wounded, recovering the contaminated jewel. Kikyō tells Kagome to protect Kohaku and the final fragment; This confuses Kagome since Kikyō should have been saved by the arrow that shot her. Naraku tries to take Kikyō again, saying he has won; however, Kikyō thinks Naraku will know if he lost when he dies. Inuyasha cuts Naraku's arm, only to be mocked by Naraku; Only one fragment remains and no one can protect it. Saying that Kikyō has lost with him, Naraku flees. Kagome calls Inuyasha to Kikyō, who is getting worse.

Elsewhere, Kaede is walking home with children helping her carry herbs. She notices the sunset is as red as blood, an ominous omen.

As the sun continues to set, Inuyasha holds Kikyō; he asks to be alone with her. Kagome cries, feeling helpless for being unable to save Kikyō. However, Kikyō thanks Kagome for saving her soul; she will be able to die in peace. Night time, Kaede sees Kikyō's soul collectors fly by. An image of Kikyō appears before Kaede (who takes her childhood form), apologizing to for causing her suffering due to dying young. Kikyō apologizes again and vanishes, Kaede is left crying.

While Inuyasha and Kikyō are alone, the others regret not having done anything to save her. Kikyō asks Inuyasha if he remembers the happy days they spent together, before Naraku separated them. He says that how he would forget something like that, since he was willing to become human just to be with her and that she could be a normal woman. Kikyō says that she is now a normal woman. Inuyasha tells her that she was the first woman he loved and still could not save her. Kikyō notices that Inuyasha is crying, saying that it is something she never saw before.

Inuyasha begins to cry desperately, saying that it is her fault for having come too late to save her. However, Kikyō tells him that it's okay; The fact that he came to save her is enough. She smiles. A shooting star passes and Inuyasha kisses Kikyō; they cry while they kiss each one thinking the name of the other. Their lips part and Kikyō dies, she falls backwards becoming a luminous light. Soul collectors get the soul of Kikyō; everyone feels that Kikyō is saying goodbye to them. The soul collectors then ascend with the Kikyō soul to heaven. Kagome goes to Inuyasha, who says Kikyō doesn't want them mourning her; he wanted to protect her forever.

**Sesshomaru in the Underworld**

Since Kikyō's death, Inuyasha's group has been sorting out their feelings and figuring out what they should do next.

**Flowers Drenched in Sadness**

Later, on a sunny forest path, Inuyasha and friends are walking, as usual, quarreling, as they enter a small village full of beautiful flowers. Kagome, Sango, and Miroku find the scent of the flowers soothing, while Inuyasha find it sickening; Shippō and Kirara feel the same. The villagers invited them to stay the night. Inuyasha is against the idea, but everyone is all for it; majority vote wins. The villagers give them a house they have for travelers, to sleep in for the night. Inuyasha finds it suspicious since the village doesn't look that well-off for something like this. Annoyed by Inuyasha's poor attitude, Sango asks Kagome to make Inuyasha "Sit!"; however, she just rhetorically asks what the point would be. Thinking, Kagome knows Inuyasha hasn't gotten over Kikyō's death yet, and it's going to take him some time to move on from it.

Back in the traveler's house, everyone but Inuyasha has fallen asleep. He notices that the scent of the flowers is getting stronger and all the more sickening. Shippō and Kirara are getting much more ill as the night goes on. Kagome wakes, asking if he can't sleep. However, Inuyasha says that while he can, he doesn't want to; if he did sleep, all that he'd dream about is Kikyō.

Inuyasha and Kagome arrive at the Flower Prince's castle. He doesn't bear a grudge towards Inuyasha for the previous attack on him; he wasn't wounded by the Wind Scar, making the blood an invitation to his home. As the flowers turn red, the Flower Prince reads Inuyasha's heart and sees how much Kikyō's death has wounded him, saying he'd be willing to follow her into death and beyond. Inuyasha begins sinking beneath the flowers like they were made of water as Kagome tries helping him. However, Inuyasha is gone and the Flower Prince has also vanished. Remembering the Flower Prince's words about what's causing Inuyasha pain, Kagome realizes the reason she still feels pain and sorrow is because she is wearing the prayer beads of protection Miroku gave to her.

Meanwhile, inside the castle, Inuyasha is having artificial dreams about Kikyō as he too, cries tears of blood; this illusion of Kikyō offers Inuyasha the chance to go with her to the afterlife. The Flower Prince watches happily as Inuyasha lets all his sorrow out, but is shocked by a sudden rumble. Outside, it's revealed the rumbling is being caused by Kagome's arrows bouncing off the barrier surrounding the Flower Prince's castle. Remembering his words about how Inuyasha would follow Kikyō to the afterlife, Kagome desperately continues firing arrows, calling out to him. Her pleas finally awaken Inuyasha, who punches the Flower Prince's face in a fit of rage, Confused, he asks why Inuyasha would refuse the chance to be at peace; Inuyasha punches through his gut in response. However, the Flower Prince transforms, revealing himself to be a mass of vines and a wooden face. He pierces Inuyasha's chest, declaring her will eat his heart.

All the remaining flowers disappear along with the Flower Prince, leaving Shippō and Kirara feeling better as they sit in the traveler's house with Sango and Miroku. Inuyasha and Kagome stand together in the open field. Inuyasha explains his dream about Kikyō. Kagome wonders if he really wanted to go with her, but Inuyasha only says she woke him before he could give an answer. Kagome sees through this, knowing that he's purposely avoiding giving her a direct answer, meaning Inuyasha most likely would have accepted. Inuyasha explains he never realized that he was so focused on his own suffering that he couldn't see hers. Kagome explains that Kikyō's death was hard on everyone. Inuyasha wonders how Kagome can be so strong, but she retorts in anger that she is only being kind. Inuyasha cowers in fear, as usual when he says something wrong, saying Kagome's right. Still mad, Kagome looks up to sky, happy things are back to normal.

**Magatsuhi's Evil Will**

Inuyasha's group returns to Kaede's village, where he's finished telling her of Kikyō's death. Kaede is saddened by the news, but is happy that her sister has been released by her continued agony; she then believes they have to focus on Kagome now, as she is the only who can finish what Kikyō started. However, Inuyasha informs her that Hitomiko revealed something is sealing Kagome's true spiritual power; she originally believed Kikyō was responsible, but Kaede says the idea is preposterous as Kikyō even left her bow to Kagome and thus it wouldn't make sense for her to seal Kagome's powers. Inuyasha is left confused, until Kaede guesses that it was Naohi, the good will the Shikon Jewel, and Magatsuhi, the evil will of Shikon Jewel; it may have feared Kagome's enormously strong spiritual powers enough to seal them.

**The Day of Days**

Inuyasha looks at the Sacred Tree, thinking to himself how horrible it would be to lose Kagome the way he lost Kikyō; he believes it may be best if Kagome stays in her own era until Naraku is defeated.

**Kohaku's Shard**

**When the Jewel is Whole**

**Inside Naraku**

**Naraku: Trap of Darkness**

Meanwhile, Inuyasha wanders aimlessly, remembering his parting with Kikyō fifty years ago; he promised he would protect her this time, but failed when Naraku succeeded in killing her a second time. This snaps Inuyasha out of his demonic mind-set, then smells Kagome's blood on his hand. Naraku taunts Inuyasha, saying that he has done it again; Inuyasha killed the woman he loved, just like before. Inuyasha begins convulsing in pain as Naraku says he will grant salvation by removing the human heart in Inuyasha, which is what the Shikon jewel desires for him.

**Naraku's Uncertain Wish**

**Thoughts Fall Short**

**Toward Tomorrow**

The moment the jewel says this, Kagome remembers it was Kikyō's wish to see Inuyasha again. And even Naraku, his wish was most likely a modest one too; Onigumo, only ever wanted to have Kikyo as his love.

### Hanyo no Yashahime

**Inuyasha: Since Then**

The villagers take Inuyasha and Miroku to where the yōkai was originally sealed. Miroku says this is quite bad and looked further and picks up a familiar arrow. Inuyasha becomes surprised as he realizes it's Kikyō's arrow. Miroku asks Inuyasha if he would know anything about this. Inuyasha tells Miroku he doesn't know as he looks away. Miroku tells Inuyasha that they should head back and ask Kaede.

In Kaede's hut, Inuyasha and Miroku are speaking with Kaede about the arrow. Kaede examines the arrow as she says there's no doubt it's Kikyō's Arrow of Sealing. Inuyasha questions Kikyō's Arrow of Sealing before thinks of her. Kaede tells Inuyasha and Miroku that Root Head is a demon Kikyō sealed shortly before meeting Inuyasha. Miroku asks Kaede why didn't Kikyō purge the demon with the Sacred Arrow instead. Kaede says who knows as at the time Kikyō had been dealing with demons of all sorts but she thinks she was growing tired of having to kill them and was also around the time when she helped the bandit Onigumo who eventually became Naraku. A flashback of Kikyō helping Onigumo is seen. Kaede tells Inuyasha that Root Head was after Kikyō's Sacred Jewel much like how he was. Miroku looks at Inuyasha. Inuyasha questions Kaede about who cares about him.

Sango and Kagome look to see Root Head on the ground. Inuyasha and Miroku arrive. Miroku calls out to Sango while Inuyasha calls out to Kagome. Root Head goes underground. Inuyasha tells Root Head he won't let him get away this time before he tried hit it with his Tessaiga, but it escaped underground again. Miroku questions that Root Head has made it this far. Sango confirms it. Inuyasha asks Kagome was she okay. Kagome tells Inuyasha 'yes' and Root Head called her 'Kikyō'.

Inuyasha asks Kagome what. 'Kagome' asks Inuyasha what was he hiding from her. Inuyasha nervously tells 'Kagome' he wasn't trying to. Inuyasha realizes that he wasn't talking to Kagome but to Shippo when he saw her standing next to him before he hits him, annoyed. Miroku tells Inuyasha that Kagome is being targeted and he thinks they'd best tell her. Kagome asks Miroku to tell her what. Sango says Root Head told them to hand over the Sacred Jewel. Shippō says even though the Sacred Jewel's already been destroyed. Miroku says since Root Head had been sealed away by Kikyō's arrow it didn't know about the Sacred Jewel's demise as the demon is called Root Head and its roots burrow underground and absorbs nutrients from humans. Kagome questions it's not just her and wonders if the local villagers are in danger. Miroku tells Kagome that's correct and they must eradicate Root Head from all 6 villages surrounding the Sacred Tree. Kagome tells Inuyasha let's go. Inuyasha nervously agrees. Inuyasha leaves with Kagome on his back. Inuyasha wonders why Kagome's not mad at him. Kagome thinks to herself that Inuyasha didn't need to hide it.

Kagome tells Inuyasha to let her down. Inuyasha asks Kagome what and to not be ridiculous as she's the target. Kagome tells Inuyasha that's exactly why as all the roots here must lead to Root Head's main body and she'll become a decoy. Inuyasha tells Kagome like he'd let her throw herself into danger like that before he continues to strike Root Head. Kagome tells Inuyasha she bet he'd say 'yes' if this were Kikyō. Inuyasha becomes nervous. Kagome tells Inuyasha that she knew it. Inuyasha and Kagome suddenly saw a flash of moving forward. Kagome questions the light. Inuyasha says no way. Inuyasha and Kagome realizes that it's Kikyō's arrow. Inuyasha thinks of Kikyō. Kaede shot the arrow that Kikyō used to seal Root Head. Shippō asks Kaede that she shot the arrow. Kaede thinks to herself that she just shot the very same arrow Kikyō had used to seal Root Head as that should draw it out as it will definitely respond. Kikyō's arrow lands on the ground before Root Head starts appearing. Kagome calls out to Inuyasha as she points to where Root Head is appearing. Inuyasha agrees as he goes towards Root Head's location.

When Kagome arrived to the arrow's location, Root Head tried to devour her as it emerged from underground. Inuyasha calls out to Kagome before he went to save her. Inuyasha asks Kagome if she was okay. Kagome tells Inuyasha yes. Sango asks Miroku what's that. Miroku tells Sango it must be Root Head's main body. Inuyasha says Root Head's shown itself. Root Head says Kikyō's name and tells Kagome it'll eat her whole, Sacred Jewel, and all. Kagome tells Root Head that her name is Kagome was not Kikyō and the Shikon no Tama no longer existed. Inuyasha tells Root Head other thing is that the Sacred Jewel no longer exist in this world as he calls it an 'idiot'. Inuyasha uses his Wind Scar while Kagome shoots her Sacred Arrow at Root Head.

Inuyasha lands on the ground before Kagome gets off his back. Miroku and Sango appear on Kirara. Inuyasha sighs in relief then becomes annoyed at Kagome. Kagome asks Inuyasha what is it. Inuyasha tells Kagome she almost got eaten by Root Head. Kagome tells Inuyasha 'yes' but she also knew he'd save her. Inuyasha tells Kagome of course he'd save her as he calls her an 'idiot'. Kagome tells Inuyasha she trust him as he didn't have to hide the whole Kikyō thing from her either. Inuyasha walks away. Kagome calls out to Inuyasha. Inuyasha stops asks Kagome if she's upset at all. Kagome tells Inuyasha she's not upset at all as it's just before she says 'Sit'. Inuyasha falls to the ground. Kagome tells Inuyasha to have a bit more faith in her. Miroku tells Sango this is somewhat nostalgic.

**The Gateway to the Past**

A flashback of Kikyō pinning Inuyasha to the sacred tree with a sacred arrow, putting him into a deep sleep, is revealed.

**Farewell Under the Lunar Eclipse**

Hōsenki II mentions of Inuyasha giving Kikyō his late mother's Beni as a gift but it was destroyed by Naraku and somehow its shattered fragments were eventually recovered and reassembled into a new rogue albeit with difficulty by Hosenki II.

## Manga

**The Accursed Youth**

**Inuyasha Resurrected**

**A New Foe**

**The Dancing Dead**

**Yura of the Hair**

**Half Breed**

**Earth and Bones**

**Empty Shell**

**Resistance**

**Betrayal**

**Hatred Unspent**

**A Soul Asunder**

**Monk on the Make**

**The Cursed Hand**

**Separate Ways**

**The Spider's Lair**

**The Shadow of Evil**

**Reunion**

**Naraku**

**The Mark**

**Young Souls**

**The Soul Past Saving**

**Kikyo's Shield**

**The Smell of Death**

**Kagome's Voice**

**A Gentle Scent**

**The Soul of a Demon**

**Strategies**

**Sango's Betrayal**

**Purification**

**The Cave of Evil**

**Fulfillment**

**Poison**

**Kikyo's Arrow**

**Where is the Imp?**

**Kikyō Captured**

**Death by Illusion**

**Death Wish**

**Naraku's True Form**

**Tōtōsai**

**Dueling Emotions**

**The Light of the Shikon**

**The Arrow Released**

**Kikyō's Plan**

**The Third Demon**

**Pulverized**

**Kikyō's Crisis**

**Onigumo's Heart**

**Jealousy**

**The Soil Shield**

**Where They First Met**

**Kagome's Heart**

**The Castle's Ghost**

**The Crushing Stream**

**Tsubaki, the Black Priestess**

**The Curse**

**The Arrow's Mark**

**Tsubaki's Shrine**

**The Shikigami**

**The Curse Reflected**

**The Stone Flower**

**The Man Without a Face**

**Peerless**

**Onigumo's Memories**

**Onigumo and Muso**

**The Heart**

**Naraku the Half-Demon**

**Abandoned Castle**

**Intermission**

**Lost Scent**

**The Burial Mound**

**The Unsullied Light**

**Suikotsu**

**The Two Souls**

**The Shield of Mount Hakurei**

**The Living Mummy**

**Suikotsu's Village**

**The Tainted Gleam**

**Suikotsu's Memory**

**The Mountain Changes**

**The Pulse**

**The Sanctuary Destroyed**

**Maelstrom of Evil**

**His True Purpose**

**The New Body**

**Kikyō's Life**

**Inuyasha's True Feelings**

**Darkness in the Heart**

**Suggestion**

**The Discarded Heart**

**Mimisenri**

**The Village of the Holy Woman**

**An Abandoned Arrow**

**The Village Shield**

**The Forbidden Mountain**

**The Waterfall Basin**

**The Choice**

**The Angry Heart**

**The Scent of the Nest**

**The Arrow Passes On**

**The Arrow that Fell Short**

**Kongōsōha**

**The Way Home**

**Zushinezumi**

**The Demon Lure**

**Tree Blight**

**A Human Heart**

**Small Pleasures**

**The Perfect Host**

**The Mountain Man**

**The Nulling Stone**

**Harvesting Souls**

**Prototypes**

**Using the Shard**

**The Evil Presence**

**The Hole In Her Chest**

**The Same Soul**

**Destinies**

Kikyō stares at the moon with longing, and Inuyasha asks the priestess if she's alright. Kikyō says she's fine now that her wound has closed once again; it's the power of Midoriko's soul. Inuyasha asks if that means the wound will never open up again. Kikyō says she isn't sure, which is why she needs to leave now in case it returns: she has no time to waste. Inuyasha grabs Kikyō before she can leave and tells her not to go and to just let him kill Naraku himself. Kikyō then reveals something else: *"Naraku cannot be defeated with a blade. Hear me Inuyasha. In order to get rid of Naraku once and for all, we must exterminate his soul."* When Inuyasha asks Kikyō what she means, she explains that even *if* Naraku's heart were returned to him, he still would not die no matter how many times his body was struck. *"Naraku was formed from the horde of demons converging on the corrupt soul of the brigand Onigumo. He does not have true flesh."* She goes on to say that the only thing with the power to destroy Naraku's soul is the Shikon Jewel itself. Kikyō explains her plan: Naraku must finish gathering the jewel shards as soon as possible. *"We will have only one chance to strike. The moment Naraku takes the entire Shikon jewel in his grasp, his evil aura will taint it, and it will begin to merge with him. If I strike in that instant, I can exorcise both Naraku and the jewel together, purging them from this world forever."* Inuyasha is about to express his concerns that restoring the jewel completely means Kohaku's death, but Kikyō interrupts him before he can finish his notions, stating that that having Naraku complete the Shikon no Tama is the only possible option for victory at this point. Kikyō then floats away on Midoriko's soul, with her soul-collectors leading her away. Once she's left, Inuyasha thinks to himself that Kikyō would never endanger Kohaku's life just to kill Naraku... would she?

**Orochi Nest**

**The Burial Ground of the Wolves**

**The Stolen Kongōsōha**

**Moryomaru's Transformation**

**Rivalry**

**Wrath**

**Sesshomaru's Peril**

**Flight**

**Division**

**Meido Zangetsuha**

**The Kind One**

**Youmeiju's Power**

**Confrontation**

**Absorption**

**Naraku Terminated**

**Desperate Battle**

**Divine Protection**

**Scars of Miasma**

**Yama-arashi**

**The Group**

**Spider Thread**

**Entwining Thread**

**Beyond the Threads**

**Snapped Bowstring**

**Azusa Mountain**

**The Spirit of Azusa Mountain**

**Illusions of Kikyō**

**Captured Friends**

**Flowing Heart**

**Opened Body**

**The Jewel's Whereabouts**

**Purifying Arrow**

**Sunset**

**Light**

**Parting Thoughts**

**Meidou**

**A Merciful Heart**

**Kaō**

**Tears of Blood**

**Wounded Heart**

**The Mirror**

**Bones**

**Inside the Jar**

**The Two Worlds**

**Trick**

**Reborn Hiraikotsu**

**Fragment of the Monster**

**The Bow's Spiritual Power**

**Kagome's Spiritual Power**

**The Right Wish**

**Magatushi's Shadow**

**An Important Event in Life**

**Possession**

**Awakening**

**Release**

**From Now On**

**The Jewel Completed**

**Graduation**

**Cloud of Evil**

**Naraku's Darkness**

**Naraku's Death**

**Destiny**

**Since Then**

## Movies

### **InuYasha the Movie: Affections Touching Across Time**

Kikyō is walking and comes with her soul collectors to the sacred tree, she feels an imminent danger and senses that something terrible is about to happen, a butterfly appears just where she left Inuyasha sealed, she wonders if that danger goes after Inuyasha, Kikyō thinks nostalgically of Inuyasha but then Kagome arrives and seeing Kikyō she hides, Kikyō feels her presence and leaves. Inuyasha from afar sees the soul collectors of Kikyō and runs to look for her, Kagome approaches the tree and becomes sad when she begins to remember the relationship that Kikyō has with Inuyasha, since she knows that they are still attracted, when Inuyasha arrives at the tree only meet with Kagome.

After being kidnapped, Kagome is manipulated to kill Inuyasha in the same way that Kikyō did 50 years ago, the fight is taken to the tree where Inuyasha was sealed and ironically she dressed as a priestess, Kagome gives a last attack identical to the that Kikyō gave him, Inuyasha and Kagome fainting from the pain he felt when doing that, manages to get out of Menōmaru's control and runs to hug Inuyasha.

Kikyō arrives at that moment, she says it's ironic, the clothes, the place, she tells Kagome that she is her reincarnation, Kikyō takes the fragment that Kagome had on her forehead and tells Kagome to take it back at the time, Kagome refuses and Kikyō claims that she never belonged to that time, Kagome says that she can not leave Inuyasha like that and hugs him more strongly, Kikyō tells Kagome to return to her era before that happens, Kagome continues to worry about Inuyasha, Kikyō insists she leave and shouts that she and Inuyasha should never have met, at that moment the force of Kikyō's scream pushes Kagome who falls into the well being trapped.

### **InuYasha the Movie: The Castle Beyond the Looking Glass**

Later, Inuyasha is trying to rescue Kagome who has been kidnapped, he is fighting a multi-headed dragon, it is becoming very difficult to defeat him, by launching an attack Kikyō arrives and from a distance shoots one of his arrows that joins With the attack of Inuyasha and thus can defeat the dragon, Inuyasha wonders where that arrow came from, Kikyō says to herself that the rest is already up to him and leaves without talking to Inuyasha.

### **InuYasha the Movie: Fire on the Mystic Island**

On Hōraijima Island, six hanyō children observe a green orbit, inside there is a woman who appears to be the priestess Kikyo, who is naked, then appears in front of the children a Cauldron of Resonance that seems to be coming to life. After Ai, one of those 6 children escapes and is rescued by Inuyasha and his group, she calls him brother, everyone is confused but then Inuyasha remembers that he met that girl 50 years ago when he was with Kikyō. Inuyasha explains to his group the mystery of Houraijima Island, he tells them that he knew about that island thanks to Kikyō, it is an island that appears every 50 years. He remembers that when he traveled with Kikyō to the island they met the children who were there, among those was Ai.

They were attacked by the four war gods of the island, in that attack one of the gods attacked Kikyō and began to absorb her blood, Inuyasha saves her but he was later attacked from the back, after the island disappeared, they say that on that island is the elixir of life, they decide to go to the island to investigate. The island reappears in the eyes of all the people and everyone panics, because when that island appears, demons and monsters come with it.

Inuyasha keeps thinking that she is not the real one but can not raise a hand against her just to be equal to Kikyō, when she finally manages to disarm the copy, he raises his sword but does not have the courage to finish it, this she takes advantage and hugs him confusing him even more, she is about to bite Inuyasha's neck but Kikyō attacks her with one of her arrows and destroys her immediately. Kikyō walks away and Inuyasha calls her, she annoyingly tells him that he was deceived by a soulless body, that that is painful, Inuyasha embarrassed looks down without saying a word, Kikyō when pulling away throws her bow on the side of the road.

Later the fireflies guide the children to the bow to be delivered to Kagome and thus win the battle along with Inuyasha. After Kikyō sees from afar that the battle is over and goes.

## Evidence

* Whenever Kikyō was in trouble, Inuyasha instinctively went to save her, saying that he was the only one Kikyō had.
* When Inuyasha found out the connection between Naraku and Onigumo's heart for Kikyō, he expressed both rage and jealousy toward him, promising Kikyō that he'd never let Naraku hurt her.
* During a conversation with Kaede, Inuyasha even stated that he'd give up his own life for Kikyō if that was their destiny together and if that's what Kikyō really wanted because he felt responsible for her initial death.
* Inuyasha met Kikyō 50 years before his awakening when he tried to steal the Sacred Jewel from her.
* Kikyō sensed a different aura about Inuyasha, stating that they were similar because they were both outsiders.
* On many occasions, Inuyasha unintentionally hurt Kagome's feelings by ignoring her whenever he ran after Kikyō, or by asking her to leave the two of them together for just a moment, causing Kagome to moan in pain and jealousy.
* Kagome often felt heartbroken because she felt she could not compete with Kikyō for Inuyasha's love since she was alive while Kikyō died by Inuyasha’s side.
* Before Kikyō died for the second and final time, Inuyasha shed tears over his inability to save her since she was the first woman he has ever loved. He bid her farewell with a final kiss, stating that he didn't want Kikyō to endure any more sorrow and that he wanted to protect her forever.
* Even after Kikyō's death, Inuyasha suffered severely.
* Inuyasha soon realized he still loved Kikyō, stating in Chapter 76/Episode 23 that there hadn't been a single day where he'd forgotten about her.
* One of the main reasons Inuyasha wants to kill Naraku is to avenge Kikyō's death.
* In the manga, Kikyō is much more loving and gentle to Inuyasha once she realizes that Naraku was responsible for her death.
* After Inuyasha mentioned that she smelled of blood, Kikyō began to bathe every day, and he would watch her from afar.
* Inuyasha is very overprotective of Kikyō and he does not allow anyone to talk badly of her in his presence.
* Kikyō was Inuyasha's first great love and the first person who truly valued him for who he was and not for what both human and demon said about him.
* After that point, Inuyasha and Kikyō spent most of their time with each other, slowly they eventually fell deeply in love, finding a place in the world by each other's sides.
* Inuyasha came to understand Kikyō's sacrifices and duty as a priestess while Kikyō came to understand Inuyasha's loneliness from being a half-demon.
* Kikyō saw Inuyasha’s pain as a hanyō and Kikyō besides Inuyasha’s mother Izayoi, was the only human accepting Inuyasha as a hanyō.
* Inuyasha and Kikyō developed an unbreakable bond in loneliness, compassion and love.
* Kikyō also created a subjugation necklace for Inuyasha, and intended the keyword to be "beloved." But Kikyō later chose not to use it after Inuyasha gave Kikyō his mother's compact lipstick.
* After Kaede ended up losing an eye in battle, Kikyō asked Inuyasha to use the Sacred Jewel to make Inuyasha a full human, and to have the Sacred Jewel disappear making both Kikyō and Inuyasha normal ordinary human beings. Inuyasha agreed and both of them would live together as humans.
* Inuyasha later tried to refrain from seeing Kikyō, in part due to Kagome's feelings of jealousy.
* Inuyasha never forgot Kikyō for the entirety of the series, and he became much more serious whenever Kikyō was in danger or involved in something or with Naraku.
* Inuyasha even had issues in which Kikyō seemed to be guilty, such as when Kikyō gave Naraku a large portion of the Sacred Jewel after stealing it from Kagome in episode 33, which Inuyasha covered for Kikyō.
* Inuyasha even made clear in some cases that he would pick Kikyō.
* Inuyasha compliments Kikyō as being a master archer.
* Inuyasha suffered a heartbroken depression of losing Kikyō, as he wanted to protect her forever; he suffered from self-inflicted insomnia for some time because he did not want to constantly see Kikyo in his dreams, which he found too painful.
* Naraku's actions intensely destroyed and damaged Kikyō and Inuyasha's long-standing meaningful relationship and love.
* Although scorned by a resurrected Kikyō in the beginning, feelings of romantic affection and remorse resurfaced inside of him over time.

## Quotes

* Inuyasha to Kagome: "*You're right; Kikyō was cuter, much cuter.*" ―Inuyasha.[src]
* Inuyasha's thoughts about Kikyō: "*When I saw Kikyō's sad and lonely expression, I felt guilty, for the very first time in my life. After that, I couldn't get her out of my mind. She was always by my side and I by hers.*"―Inuyasha[s]
* Inuyasha to Kagome: "*Kagome... before I met you, I never trusted a living soul. But you've cried for my sake. You've always stayed by my side. When I'm with you, I feel so peaceful and happy. But I'm not supposed to be all ease and cheerful. Kikyō...Kikyō came after me and lost her life. So it's only fair that I repay her with my own life.*"―Inuyasha.[src]
* "*I'm surprised you allowed yourself to be distracted by that abomination. How pathetic.*"―Kikyō[src]
* Kikyo to Inuyasha: "*I must show my weaknesses to no one. I must never have doubts or demons would overtake me. I am human yet I cannot be human. We are quite alike, you and I. You half-demon... That is why I could not kill you.*"―Kikyō.
* *It's possible. It's true that you are half-demon, but you are also half-human. If the Sacred Jewel of the Four Souls fell into the hands of a demon, their powers would undoubtedly increase. However, if it were used to turn you into a human, it would be purified. The Jewel of the Four Souls would probably cease to exist.*"―Kikyō[src]
* Kikyō to Inuyasha:" *Liar! I was a fool beyond compare in believing your farfetched tales and wishing to live together with you. I despise you with my last breath. My spirit cannot forget that all-consuming hatred. So as long as you live, my spirit cannot be freed.*"―Kikyō.
* *Inuyasha, after meeting you I renounced my position as a shrine priestess. I became an ordinary woman. I longed to embrace you like this when I was alive. We are unable to turn back the hands of time. So please, allow me to embrace you a little longer.*"―Kikyō[s]
* "*Inuyasha, never forget. Remember the feel of my lips against yours, for it was real. Never forget.*"―Kikyō[src]
* "*This is the second time you've asked me to die, Inuyasha. So then why do you look so sad? Is it because you feel the heat from my hand? The heat of anger? The flames of vengeance?*"―Kikyō[src]
* "*Inuyasha, Naraku will only grow stronger and stronger. You mustn't allow him to kill you. Until I am able to cast both Naraku and the Shikon Jewel from this world, your life belongs to me. No one else will have you.*"―Kikyō[src]
* *"Tsubaki, do as you please with Kagome, I have no intention of interfering. But if you should ever do any harm to Inuyasha, I will personally see to your demise!*"―Kikyō[src]
* *"I choose to stay here. I want to stay close to those children for a while. Besides, even if I wish to, I cannot go. Inuyasha, you saw them. You saw my soul collectors being repelled by the aura of this land. It took everything I had, just to stand at the base of the mountain.*―Kikyō.[src]
* *"You are saying you wish for me to die, is that it? For if my soul were to return to the girl, then I would cease to exist forever. You must know that. Is that what you desire, Inuyasha? I refuse to die. My spirit cannot rest in peace until I see you dead!*"―Kikyō[src]
* *(After each were unknowingly deceived by Naraku.)* Kikyō**:** *I believed in you! I trusted you.* Inuyasha**:** *I never doubted you. Not even for a minute. But you deceived me!*
* *(Dying from Kikyō's arrow.)* Inuyasha**:** "*Am I going to die like this? I guess that’s ok. Kikyō, even though it ended like this. I still lo-."*
* *Kikyō had used her spiritual powers to protect the sacred Shikon Jewel from demons. I merely wanted the jewel for myself. I had intention of killing Kikyō. It became clear that Kikyō did not intend to kill me either. I had no seconds thoughts. I knew I could live with Kikyō as a human. I've longed for such a life. But the day she was to bring me the Jewel...She betrayed me! Kikyō betrayed me! As soon as I let my guard down, she tried to slay me! I managed to dodge the arrows and came to the village to steal the Jewel. And that's when she bound me to the tree."―Inuyasha.*
* "*I just don't know anymore. So I gather up all the Jewel shards and a full-fledged demon. And then what? Even if I do become a full-fledged demon, will that make me stronger inside? Can I ever truly forget Kikyō?"―Inuyasha.*
* "*Naraku laid a trap for Kikyō and me! He made us believe we deceived each other. The demon who killed Kikyō is still alive, and is after the Sacred Jewel fragments. I will hunt down Kikyō's killer and avenge her death!!"―Inuyasha.*
* "*Naraku... He's close at hand. Naraku, the cursed demon who disguised himself as me, to get close enough to end Kikyō's life! And now he's returned, and is hiding nearby. (a flashback of the disguised Naraku mortally wounding Kikyō is shown) It wasn't me. It wasn't me! I didn't betray you, Kikyō! He shows up when there's a shard of the Shikon Jewel to be found. He's near."―Inuyasha.*
* "*You bastard!! You are to blame for everything that happened!! You deceived Kikyō and I!! You tricked us into trying to kill one another!!"―Inuyasha.*
* "*Kikyō didn't use the power of the Sacred Jewel to save herself*."*―Inuyasha.*
* *"This body is molded from the earth and ashes of my grave site. It must be sustained with human souls if I am to remain here. Inuyasha, you must despise me. I have drawn in the souls of the dead, and it is my hatred of you that fuels my actions.―Kikyō.*
* *"That's just ludicrous! You many very well despise me but the feeling's not mutual. Kikyō... I never stop thinking of you! Not even for an instant!! I could never hate you or think less of you. It's your spirit I care about, not your appearance."―Inuyasha.*
* *"Truly, Inuyasha, you wouldn't? You wouldn't despise me if I used these hands to steal the life from you?"―Kikyō.*
* "*Inuyasha, after meeting you, I renounced my position as a shrine priestess. I became an ordinary woman. I've longed to embrace you like this when I was alive."―Kikyō.*
* "K*ikyo's scent is so familiar. Her fragrance is just as it used to be. The only difference is that she has no warmth. Her body is cold from death. And she's sad and lonely."―Inuyasha.*
* "*Inuyasha, never forget the feel of my lips against yours. For it was real. Never forget."―Kikyō.*
* *"No!! I will not stay calm!! I am gonna protect Kikyo!!"―Inuyasha.*
* *"Kikyō handed over the sacred Jewel shard to Naraku. Kikyō, who had*died*once, then rose again, with a body of clay. Kikyō, who*despises*me- who tried to*murder*Kagome. (*pause*) Where are you... my Kikyō?"―Inuyasha.*
* "*Why Kikyō? By giving Naraku the Sacred Jewel his evil powers have grown stronger. Kikyō, do you hate me that much? Kikyō. Kikyō."―Inuyasha.*
* *"She escaped. Inuyasha, Naraku will only grow stronger and stronger. You mustn't allow him to kill you. Until I am able to cast both Naraku, and the Shikon Jewel from this world. Your life belongs to me. No one else will have you."―Kikyō.*

## Trivia

* Fifty years before his awakening, Inuyasha met Kikyō and began to develop intensely pure romantic feelings for her. By meeting Kikyō, he learned the warmth of the human heart and became romantically attracted to her.
* In Chapter 47, Inuyasha stated that *"once he saw Kikyō's sad and lonely expression, for the first time in his life he felt compassion"*.
* Kikyo asks Inuyasha if he remembers the times they spent together long before Naraku torn them both apart as Inuyasha says on how can he forget other times they spent together and back then Inuyasha wanted to become human and live and marry Kikyo together.
* Inuyasha finally confessed that Kikyo was the first woman he had ever loved and cared for.
* In the manga, Inuyasha deflected the arrow and destroyed Kikyō's bow but discarded Tessaiga to talk her out of her hatred, having been unable to kill her as he still loved her.
* In the manga, Inuyasha was able to deduce a third party disguised as Kikyō and himself to make them think they betrayed each other. In the anime, he was pondering how did this happen the way they did, not realizing a third party was involved.
* After Kikyō regains consciousness, she addresses Kagome as an equal (as a Miko). Later, when Inuyasha asks Kikyō what she plans to do, she mentally notes that Kagome feels awkward with her around, and realizes that going with them would make things even more uncomfortable for Kagome, as well.
* The part with Inuyasha seeing a soul collector follow piece of Kikyō's clothing into the river of miasma is anime only, he only looked at the broken bow in the manga.
* When Inuyasha first learns of Kikyō's death, Sotsugyō ~Sayonara wa Ashita no Tame ni~ plays in the background.
* In episode 147 and episode 148, called The Tragic Love Song of Destiny is Kaede telling a more in-depth story behind Inuyasha and Kikyō's relationship ending with Kikyō's violent death and Inuyasha being sealed to the Goshinboku.
* 50 years later is Inuyasha woken up by Kagome, Kikyō's reincarnation, as Kikyō still wanted to see Inuyasha again.
* Kagome saw a similar illusion of Inuyasha and Kikyō back in *Kikyo, Captured by Naraku*.
* The instrumental version of *"Dearest"* can be heard in the background in the scene of the first kiss and also in the last kiss of Inuyasha and Kikyo.
* Inuyasha regrets that his heart was weak enough for Naraku to tear Kikyō and him apart 50 years ago. And that he wasn't strong enough to protect Kikyō against Naraku this time too.
* This was shown bluntly during his confrontation with Kaō in Chapter 473; when Kaō read Inuyasha's pain, he described Kikyō as "the woman Inuyasha had loved most in all the world."
* Inuyasha and Kikyō's reunion plays out quite a bit differently between the two mediums. In the manga, the two share a brief moment of tenderness before Kikyō draws close to Inuyasha to attack. In the anime, however, the two are immediately hostile towards one another, and the wound inflicted on her by "Inuyasha" reappears. Likewise, in the manga, Inuyasha deflected the arrow and destroyed Kikyō's bow but discarded Tessaiga to talk her out of her hatred, having been unable to kill her as he still loved her.
* Before going to save Kagome, Inuyasha relays his history with Kikyō to Kaede, who is able to deduce that Inuyasha actually loved Kikyō. The anime includes the story, but in a later scene.
* In Hanyo no Yashahime episode 15, Izayoi's rouge first appear in Episode 147 in flashbacks of young Kaede about her sister Kikyō; Inuyasha gave it to Kikyō as a gift but it was destroyed by Naraku in Episode 148. Hōsenki II somehow had its fragments recovered and reassembled albeit with difficulty.
* Before meeting, another priestess called Tsubaki casted a curse on Kikyō, meaning when Kikyō as a priestess begins to accepts human emotions and naturally will fall in love, she is going to end up with a violent death. Kikyō knew about Tsubaki's curse but ended up ignoring it since she thought there was no way she'd fall in love, but after meeting Inuyasha, Kikyō eventually fell in love and she began to weaken as a priestess.
* A hanyō named Naraku, born from the body of a wounded bandit named Onigumo who was secretly in love with Kikyō manipulated both of them into betraying each other out of jealousy and hatred towards Inuyasha. Kikyō lost her life after being attacked by Naraku disguised as Inuyasha. Kikyō ended up sealing Inuyasha into a 50 year slumber in The Sacred Tree, called Goshinboku.
* Naraku's actions intensely destroyed and damaged Kikyō and Inuyasha's long-standing meaningful relationship and love.
* What she eventually later realizes is that she ends up understanding some of Inuyasha's side more than Kikyō ever could, likewise, where Kikyō understood other sides of Inuyasha more than Kagome ever could.
* Rumiko Takahashi explores in Inuyasha and Kikyo's tragic relationship the male and female roles in a society with few social changes; an education that imposed very specific roles. For example, the love of Inuyasha and Kikyo is, however beautiful, impossible, a representation of everything that is difficult in a relationship between a man and a woman. They are opposite physically (hanyo and priestess: historical enemies) and psychologically (Inuyasha is still very childish while Kikyo (busty) is a mature woman, confident of herself and her role in society).