Disclaimer: I do not own any of the characters from Inuyasha. They belong to Rumiko Takahashi. However, the story and its original characters are mine.

A/N: Anytime you see italics, it is a flashback or a character's thoughts. There may be times when italics are used for emphasis as well.

Chapter 1: Unwavering Retreat

"Dreams. It's all I live for now. The dreams that bring Kagome back to me. Yes, I know it's strange, for I never confessed my true feelings. But now I fear I will never again have her in my life. So, I tell you. Everything.

It began over fifty years ago when Kikyo pinned me to that tree. I had no idea that fifty years later I would be released from the spell put on me. Then again, you know all that. Everyone seems to know all that. But it was strange. This new girl was so familiar. I could smell Kikyo, but it was not her at all. Kagome was… well…"

"Will you be able to continue?"

"Yes, I have to Miroku. I need to tell you."

"But why me, Inuyasha? What about me makes you want to talk about it?"

"You are the only one who stayed…"

Inuyasha turned his head slightly, to avoid the gaze of Miroku. It had been a year since Kagome last entered the well and disappeared into her own time. Inuyasha was left with questions and not enough answers. The well was his only solace. He returned there as often as he could, for his quest for the jewel shards had been interrupted.

Miroku glanced around the area once again. The well had not been cared for, therefore weeds seemed to seal the entrance. The air was still and quiet. Ever since the defeat of Naraku, things had been quite uneventful. The jewel was almost complete, but Inuyasha was still missing a few. Yet, they had returned to this place once again. It was as if Inuyasha no longer desired the jewel.

Sango and Kirara had left six months previously when it was clear that Naraku would not return. Miroku hated to see them go, but he chose to stay back with Inuyasha to make sure he was going to be okay. Shippo followed them for a while longer, but soon he continued on his way. Myoga the Flea, Miroku noticed, had disappeared for a while as well, maybe believing that his duty to Inuyasha and the others was finished. Whatever their reason, everyone had left, including Kagome.

Miroku stared at the well once again. Kagome's well. It had acted as a portal between her world and theirs. Miroku thought back to the day Kagome left…

"You don't understand Inuyasha! You never did!" Kagome screamed.

"What do you mean I don't understand?"

"Ugh… All you care about are those stupid jewel shards!"

"Of course that's what I care about!" Inuyasha yelled back. "I thought you knew that by now! I'm going to use the jewel to become a full-fledged demon!"

"Yes, so you keep saying," Miroku mumbled to no one in particular.

"You stay out of this!" Inuyasha turned his attention towards the monk. "It has nothing to do with you!"

Kagome, furious with the half-demon, began walking away. "Hey, wait! Where are you going? Get back here! I'm not through with you!" Inuyasha yelled after her.

"SIT!" Kagome fired back causing Inuyasha to crash into the ground. Kagome made her way to his level form and leaned in close so that only he could hear. "Don't ever follow me, got that? Stay where you are and let me go home. I never want to see you again. I'm going home. I HATE YOU!" she finished screaming in his ear.

Inuyasha remained pinned to the ground as Kagome made her way back to the well.

Miroku sighed as he went to sit next to Inuyasha. "Okay. Tell me what you need to tell me."

Inuyasha slowly raised his head to look into Miroku's eyes. "You know something? I never told her. I never once told her. And I know that's why she left." Inuyasha chuckled a little as his gaze fell once again. "I would do anything to have her back…"

A/N: Although it may seem like it is about Inuyasha and Kagome the whole way, Sesshomaru comes into play a little later. Don't worry :o) I am not trying to mislead you in any way.