1Disclaimer: I do not own Inuyasha, but I do own this story. Deal with it.

A/N: I got my inspiration from a bunch of FF I am currently reading.

Second Destiny

By: Inulover 1

Chapter 1: Before I Let Go...

"Inuyasha do you love me?" Kagome asked quietly, as she held the completed Shikon Jewel. They had defeated Naraku and complete it. Now it was time for her to make one selfless wish; to dispel the jewel forever. However, before could make her wish, she needed to know his answer. Of course when she looked at him, his ears flattened against his head, downed turned lips, and sad eyes, she knew.

Inuyasha had chosen Kikyo, and yet, the masochist, she had to here him say it. (A/N: For those of you who don't know what a masochist is, it's a person who likes to inflict pain on themselves)

It broke his heart in two to have to choose. To finally be out of excuses to protect his best friend's heart. But what else could he do; he couldn't lie to her anymore. Inuyasha loved Kagome, with all his heart, but he was not in love with her. His soul belonged with Kikyo. She was the first person to truly ever look at him with nothing but love and adoration in her eyes.

The hanyou opened his mouth and the words came out low and tortured. "Kagome," he said. The miko waited. "I do love you," and for the slightest moment Kagome didn't hear the sadness in his voice; his hesitation didn't register. She let herself hope that Inuyasha could be hers. "...but Kikyo is my soul mate," he finished.

Kagome's heart, even though she had mentally prepared for his answer, shattered into a million pieces. The despair that rolled off of her made Inuyasha flinch. The guilt he felt was so great that he wanted to weep for her. She, however, never let the emotion show on her face. One thing she learned, from her years of fighting demons, was that you never let your true feelings show. Instead she gave a stoic, but heart twisting, "I know."

Ths miko turned to the elderly priestess, Kaede. "I'm almost ready to make my wish," she said. "There's just one more thing that I need to do."

"Take your time child." Kaede watched as the girl turned to have another word with Inuyasha, and she couldn't help but think of her sister, more than fifty years ago. They were so much a like; in life and in their destinies that one could easily get the two confused. But for those who knew them, really knew them, and knew where to look, could see the differences. Kikyo, had a quiet power about her, always there, just below the surface, and a sacred arrow away when needed. But Kagome, precious Kagome, her power raged like a brilliant fire, so beautiful as it licked at the edges of the house that contained it.

Both Kikyo and Kagome were the guardians of the Sacred Jewel, and both honored their destinies until the brink of destruction. Truely, there was only one major difference between the two: Kagome had an escape, but she never took it. The girl was the epitome of selflessness, in the Kaede's eyes. Kikyo had taken her job seriously, yet begrudgingly; always wanting out, but never having one. Until finally, Inuyasha, the love of her life and her way out came along. Yes there was no doubt in Kaede's mind, Kagome's wish would be the end of the Sacred Jewel, they would all finally be able to rest.

Kagome turned to Inuyasha and looked him tenderly in his amber eyes. My brash and beautiful hanyou, she thought. I can't keep you forever. A solitary tear slid down her cheek but she made no move to wipe it away. All eyes were on her as she placed her hands on Inuyasha's subjugation beads and whispered to him, "This was long overdue. I'm sorry I made you wait." She removed the beads from his neck and they disappeared. As if they were never there.

Inuyasha was elated. He was finally free of those torturous beads, and the constant worry that Kagome's temper would get the best of him. He never knew how heavy the rosary was until Kagome removed it. He felt so light without them and yet their weight still burdened his heart. It was guilt, he knew, tainted with remorse, for that last part of Kagome he could never have again.

Kagome squared her shoulders and took a deep breath. The time had come when her destiny would be fulfilled, and all it took was one wish. In retrospect she should be happy, but she wasn't. How could she go back now? After four years of forsaking her present for the past, how would she catch up? Every second she spent in feudal Japan, the further she fell down that well. Away from the present. Kagome was sure that once she made this wish, once she fulfilled her destiny, she would go back to being plain old Kagome.

A/N: Okay, I know I'm evil for doing that, but it had to be done. There is nothing better than a cliff hanger to get you guys reviewing. Even if it is short. So here's the deal. My other story(s) have been put on hold, indefinitely. I can't seem to finish it. I want at least 5 reviews before I update. No worries though, I probably will within the week anyways.