Ran's cruel accusation was not lost on Kikyo. For one fleeting moment, there was a trace of something vulnerable within the hollows of his eyes, but it was gone in an instant. Kikyo's fingers curled tightly around the handle of his teacup.

How to love, and how to hate. Kikyo had taught him both of these things. And even in the last moment of his life, he could not be certain which of these had prevailed. Though facing Ran now, he could take a better guess. He met those accusing eyes with his own, speaking bitter words with a smile.

"Ah...and so I did..." His voice trailed off for a moment as he fixed his eyes upon his face, older and more jaded but still pretty. Ran was so young back then. Didn't Kikyo know he would leave an impression?