Title: Don't be Foolish
Rating: PG
Pairings: Implied past InuYasha/Kikyou, implied Kagome/InuYasha
Notes: The second half of the drabble takes place during manga chapter seventy-eight- "A Gentle Scent."

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They were polar opposites at times.

Confident, stoic, and guarded described the guardian of the shikon no tama quite well.

Perhaps, these characteristics were reasons she was given the duty of protecting it.

But Kaede was a child. Sheltered and naïve of the perils her older sister faced on a day-to-day basis.

Often nights when her sister returned and fell asleep in the hut they shared, Kaede would contemplate the less-than-ordinary life her sister led.

"Kikyou-onee-sama should just wish the jewel away…" She whispered under her breath one night.

A shift snapped her from her musings and she felt her sister's hand upon hers.

"Kaede, don't be so foolish. This is my duty; I can't abandon it for selfish reasons."

Kaede didn't understand. Kikyou hoped someday she would.

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The years had taken their toll on the current Miko of the village. Age had crept upon her, and for all purposes, Kaede was no longer the younger sister.

Wise, compassionate, and stubborn described the elderly Miko. Although she was along in her years, her heart was no worse for wear.

One evening, her sister returned to the hut she'd once called home. She spoke to Kaede of Naraku, her bizarre reincarnation, and her desire to take the boy she'd sealed into death with her.

"Have you cut off... your lingering feelings?" Kaede had asked.

Kikyou smiled, her expression surprising the other woman. Turning to depart, she spoke, not answering the inquiry.

"We'll meet again..."

Onee-sama... How long are you going to wander for...?

Watching her younger-but-elder sister disappear, she shook her head in opposition of her sister's actions.

Don't be foolish, Onee-sama. Your duty in this world and to that boy ended fifty-years ago. Now the girl you call reincarnation continues it…

Kikyou didn't understand. Kaede hoped someday she would.