Headcanon Time
Subjugation Beads
The only reason Kikyou had created the beads was to protect her people and Inuyasha. Even so, that is not to say there wasn’t turmoil in her heart at the prospect of giving it to him and someday using them. There was a significant amount and it was a decision she did not take lightly. I am certain she hoped she never have to use them--but at the expense of his life and others--she couldn’t take the risk.
And I know the use of ‘beloved’ as the trigger word is confusing--but upon thinking about it--it is a demonstration of love. As stated, the beads were for the sake of him and the villagers. She loved him by the time of its creation. The easiest word that came to her mind for Inuyasha, was ‘beloved’. Something quite easy to recall..perhaps a bit dangerous if she used it too frequently..But nonetheless, it shows how much she loved him. How her thoughts were filled with pure adoration, even if she ultimately had to give him a spell bound beads to wear.
If Kikyou had to use it to snap Inuyasha out of his demonic state during those early days, it would have hurt her significantly to use it. However, preventing him from harming others and himself is important. Imagine her using ‘beloved..stop.” and Inuyasha is yanked to the ground, successfully snapped out of it..Kikyou would be at his side in an instant to ensure he was okay..And knowing her, apologize for using it while checking him over.
In the end, she didn’t give it to him. She had opted to believe in his abilities--to trust that he will not harm another or betray her by trying to steal the shikon jewel.
Kikyou is the embodiment of love. The beads were forged from love and meant to use with love--which unfortunately gets abused and becomes the opposite of what they were meant for.
