There was a time when Ran used to believe everything Kikyo told him. It seemed like those days were long gone. The ironic thing was, nothing Kikyo ever told him was a lie. He only lied to him in omission.

Ran really had changed. Was it all Kikyo's doing? And if it was, there was almost a sick satisfaction in his heart, knowing deep down that it was he who marked him. He left these invisible scars upon him with irrevocable deeds that could never be forgiven or forgotten.

If Ran wanted to banish him from his life, then Kikyo would hold on to him in the only way he knew how.

He took a slow sip from his tea, lips curled into a cruel smile.

"Not so trusting anymore, I see," he purred.