Chapter 1- Fool of a Hanyou

Summary: Inuyasha has been making nightly visits to see Kikyou, but little does he know Kagome already knows about it. Kikyou tells him sooner or later he will have to choose, but what does that really mean? Kagome learns startling information about her family and her father in particular. Only three shards of the Shikon Jewel are left, all of which are in Naraku's possession. The time is coming for Sesshoumaru to fulfill the requirements allotted to every lord in order to keep the western lands. How is all of this connected?

Even the coldest of hearts can be softened. Or that is what I had always thought…until now. Yet this chain of events has led me to believe it is possible that the coldest hearts are simply cold because it is the only way to lock away the excruciating pain-caused by what should be the deepest joy-Love.'

"Kagome?" Sango asked softly.

Sango began to worry once again when Kagome did not respond for the second time. She had become increasingly distant the last two months. Sango continued to watch the raven haired woman stare into space.

"Kagome!" Sango spoke again, loudly. The girl's eyes fluttered and she finally focused on Sango.

"Sorry Sango…" Kagome said embarrassed.

Sango wanted so badly to ask Kagome how she was doing, but she bit it back knowing Kagome would talk to her when she was ready. Instead of bringing up the one thing on both their minds, Sango began to smirk.

"Is the heat getting to you Kagome? Do we need to start bathing in lakes instead of hot springs?"

"How dare you suggest such a thing! Besides…bathing in a big lake would mean we would never keep Miroku from spying!!" Kagome gave an appalled look.

"That is true. We barely keep him at bay as it is."

"Well I suppose we need to be leaving." Kagome said with a sigh, stepping out of the hot spring.

As the girls came into view, Inuyasha stopped pacing and walked toward them.

"It's about damn time!" He said impatiently.

"Shut up and let's go then." Kagome stated.

"Don't tell me to shut up wench!"

"Sit boy!"

Inuyasha crashed to the ground yelling a muffled, "What was that for?!"

Everyone simply walked ahead knowing their hanyou friend would catch up easily. Things had been quiet lately. Naraku was lying low, and Kagome now had all the jewel shards but three. After walking for about three hours they saw a beautiful cherry blossom tree up ahead and decided it was the perfect time for lunch.

"So what's for lunch today, Kagome?" Shippo beamed at her.

"I cooked chicken and white rice, and I also made brownies." Kagome answered while setting out containers of food.

The gleam in Shippo's eyes was unmistakable. Brownies were a favorite.

"Dig in guys!" Kagome said.

All but Inuyasha picked up their chopsticks. Inuyasha pulled Kagome's still hideous backpack to him and began rummaging through it. Not finding what he was searching for, he tossed it aside.

"You forgot my potato chips." He pouted.

Kagome's eyebrow twitched which did not go unnoticed.

"I'd take that back Inuyasha while you still have the chance. Just apologize to Lady Kagome now. I, for one, think this is delicious as always." Miroku said.

"Feh. She owes me the apology."

"You could try being grateful for once you baka. If you were you might get what you want more often." Kagome snapped.

"Feh."

"Inuyasha just apologize. Kagome cooked this just for us." Sango chimed in.

"I have nothing to be grateful for." Inuyasha stated.

Kagome began to gather up her belongings.

"What are you doing Kagome?" Shippo asked.

"Going home. Sorry guys."

"Aww but Kagome you just got back a few days ago!"

"Sorry Shippo."

"Oh don't worry Shippo, Kagome isn't going anywhere." Inuyasha said.

"Yes, I am Inuyasha. I'll come back when you decide to be in a better mood. You have been rude all day."

"You're not going, that's final." Inuyasha stated.

"That's it. Sit."

Kagome took off back towards the village infuriated. With a little luck she could be back home by dinner. Inuyasha, however, was already catching up.

"Kagome get back here!"

"Sit. Sit! Sit!! SIT!!"

With that, Kagome heard the tell-tale thud of Inuyasha eating dirt. She had almost reached the village when he caught up again.

"Kagome we need to keep searching for Naraku!"

"Not right now."

"Why not now? We only need three shards! Then you can do whatever the hell you want!"

"Why not?! I'll tell you why not! I have been coming here for THREE YEARS Inuyasha. I am almost 19 years old, and I can do whatever I please. I spend more time in this era than I do my own. Do you ever think maybe I miss MY life? Do NOT order me around! You will get your precious jewel shards but not today!" Kagome shrieked now standing in front of the bone eaters well.

Inuyasha met her chocolate eyes as he grabbed her wrist. They glowed in the coming dusk with rage, and Inuyasha knew he was losing. Kagome was trying to wrench free but his grip was strong.

"Kagome just listen for one minute!"

Suddenly Kagome stilled leaving Inuyasha shocked with her sudden compliance. Then he saw them- Kikyou's soul stealers. Inuyasha opened his mouth to speak and released Kagome.

"You'd better go." Kagome said beating him to it.

"Kagome I…."

"You what Inuyasha? We both know you are going to go to her."

"Feh. Don't make up my mind for me wench."

"Just go Inuyasha…" Kagome said now facing away from him.

"You just want me to leave so you can go home."

"Baka." Kagome whispered.

She finally turned to face him again with tears in her eyes and continued.

"Inuyasha, I am not stupid. I know every night for the last two months you have been going to Kikyou. So go. Leave me alone. Don't follow me. I will come back when I am damn well ready to."

With that, Kagome let the blue light engulf her. Inuyasha stood dumbfounded. He had thought he had been rather sneaky in regards to his nightly visits. Inuyasha knew he should go after Kagome, but what could he say? Before he could think on it more, Kikyou entered the clearing.

"Inuyasha." Kikyou smiled.

Inuyasha embraced the priestess. "Kikyou."

"Why didn't you tell my reincarnation we are together?"

"So you heard the fight huh? It…she already knows. I didn't tell her because I still need her. I couldn't risk it."

"Hmm…"

"Kikyou, I love you. You know that."

"As for my reincarnation…?"

"I care for Kagome as a companion, a friend."

"I suppose this arrangement is fine for now. You will have to choose in the end however."

"I already have chosen."

"We shall see Inuyasha. You do not know the entirety of what that means."

"I should go for now, love." Inuyasha said.

Kikyou touched her lips to his. "Very well. See you tonight."

Inuyasha took off to return to Sango, Miroku, and Shippo. Upon arrival he found three sets of eyes, all with murderous glares.