Disclaimer: Rumiko Takahashi sama.

What She Is.

By Icka! M. Chif

Kagome once asked me if I hated her because she reminded me of Kikyo.

I told her she had it wrong.

She has no idea just how wrong she was.

Yes, she does look like Kikyo, even acts like her on occasion, but that's not who she reminds me of.

She reminds me of myself.

I would have changed who I was, my way of life for Kikyo. For Kagome, I have risked my life.

There is a difference there, a big one.

What if Naraku hadn't interfered on that fateful day over 50 years ago?

I would be dead by now, or withered and old like Kaede-baba. I'd be just another mortal human, living in fear of what I once was, surrounded by my children and grand children.

Perhaps a daughter like Kagome.

While Kagome and Kikyo may share the same form and powers, Kagome has something that Kikyo doesn't.

A certain fire.

The same fire I have.

Kikyo had fire in her too, but it was closely coiled within her, restrained. Like the smoldering embers of a fire.

Kagome has a blaze.

It shows in what she does.

Kikyo faced down and battled youkai and oni to protect a holy relic, it was her duty.

Kagome faces down youkai to protect her friends, the ones she cares about, even if she can't fight them.

I used to be the same, a long time ago. Before my heart hardened. Before my Okasan died.

I used my fire to protect myself, to hide from the world and myself.

Kagome uses her fire to protect those around her, to welcome the world.

I pray she never has to hide from herself.

Maybe that's the difference. It's harder to hide from yourself when you've got people you care about to protect. It gives you a purpose.

What is my purpose? Before I met Kikyo, it was merely to survive. The reason I wanted the Shikon No Tama was to become stronger, so I wouldn't be killed by the full blooded humans and youkai around me.

Now my purpose is to protect the very jewel I tried to steal. And in doing so, protecting those around. Like Kagome, the current Shikon no Miko.

And to a lesser degree, Shippou, Miroku, Sango and Kaede-baba. Not that I will ever admit it. Out loud.

So I watch over Kagome like a father, protect her like a brother and care for her as a friend.

All without letting her get too close to me.

For if she ever got to close to me, like Kikyo did, I might lose one of the most precious of things anyone could have.

My family.

Fin.