((A/N: Hehe. I must admit. v_v I don't own InuYasha or any other anime. Though I wish I DID!! *sigh* InuYasha.I'm just a fangirl who likes to write stories! This is also my first fanfic, *winces* so please go easy on me. Read/Review please! ^_^))

~Pains of the Heart~

-prologue-Dreams- ~The Shikkon No Tama was finally complete. Once Naraku had been defeated after a terrible and long battle, gathering the remaining shards had been easily done. The gang was scattered. Kikyo had finally been put to rest, Kaede was now the protecting priestess over the Jewel, Miroku and Sango had resided together in a small village where they were raising their new-born son, and Shippou had managed to locate a foster family that loved him dearly. After much difficulty and sorrowed fare-wells, he too had left the team. Now, all who remained were Kagome and InuYasha.

Kagome is finally in her last year of high school, and although her time with InuYasha has been decreasing these days, she has managed to become Victorian of her class. Ever since her studies became her top priority again (it has taken a lot of effort to just catch up with her fellow peers, so, now that she is on top of her work, she intends to stay that way), it has left very little time for visits. However, not all of her free time has been spent with just InuYasha. Hojo has managed to become a major part of Kagome's life.

At first, Kagome can't stand to be around him. Like many others, Hojo gets very nervous around people that he likes, ((A/N: this IS my story ^_^)) so naturally, he's a klutz around her. He trips, spills things, and even causes large objects to crash down on her. But after being with Hojo many times, Kagome begins to see his true personality, and the two become extremely close.

One day, Kagome decides it's time to reveal the news to InuYasha about her new relationship. They're laying on top of an open field on a warm sunny afternoon. The breeze is blowing caressingly, making the clouds drift by. Kagome's sitting on a large rock as InuYasha lies on the soft grass with his eyes closed, listening to the sounds of the world around him.~

"InuYasha, there's something I need to talk to you about. Will you listen to me for a few minutes?" *he put his hands behind his head* "Feh. Sure. What is it now? Having guy problems again?" *a cricket hopped onto his nose as he spoke.* "Heh. Well, sort of. You know that boy I was telling you about, Hojo? From my own time?" *InuYasha smirked, swatting the cricket away* "The one you said you wanted to pound into oblivion?" *she blushed, then pulled her knees in tighter* "Um, heh.yes..that one." *InuYasha opened one eye* "Well, what about him?"

*As she spoke, Kagome looked down at an imaginary picture of Hojo in the grass* "He's.he's not as bad as I thought, actually. He's warm, and sweet,..and gentle.and kind..caring, and- *she pauses and closes her eyes, (sighing happily) remembering one of the recent dates they had been on. He had arranged the meeting all by himself, and on top of that, he had treated her like a princess the whole time. Kagome's sweet flashback was interrupted by InuYasha's snicker. He turned his head and closed his eyes again* "Hmph! Sounds like just another puny weakling human to me."

*She stood up angry and crushed.* "-And altogether a better person than you'll EVER be!" *Her voice was like stinging ice to his half demon ears. She had meant every word. That-was more than he could take. InuYasha got up and turned to her. He clenched his fist tightly with a low growl* "Well, tell me then. How many times has this, Hojo guy gone out against his own will looking for the shard fragments? Hmmmm? How many times has he had to deal with monsters, and beasts, and demons, and Worst of all: tag-a-long brats?" *he got directly into her face and stared deeply into her eyes* "And tell me..how many times has Hojo saved your sorry @ss from certain death?!"

*Kagome's eyes began to water. Never in her whole experience being near him, had she seen InuYasha act this way. There was no way she was going to let him see her tears. She turned around and began running towards the well, but not before saying the words "sit boy". InuYasha fell to the ground face forward. He struggled to get up, and with very much difficulty, he finally did.* "WAIT! GAH! KAGOME!! D@mn it!" *he cursed himself as he ran after her.*

*Following quickly, InuYasha finally reached the well. But as he arrived, he found that he was much too late. Kagome had already gone through to the other era. He paused for a moment, then jumped into the dark abyss. Once he had traveled into her time, InuYasha began to climb up and look around for her.*

*Kagome had passed through the well. When she climbed up, she ran out of the shrine towards her home with dripping eyes and a shattered heart. All she had wanted was to tell InuYasha about Hojo. Had she expected too much by thinking he'd welcome her with open and understanding arms? Arms that she yearned to be in right now more than anything. Instead, she was running in the opposite direction. He had chewed her up and spit her out like a spoiled piece of bad meet. He just couldn't see how much she loved him. She cried even harder until her vision was so blurred, she wasn't able to see anything, including the tall, handsome young man in front of her.*

"Uph!!!" *she said knocking into him, falling back. She landed hard on her head and went out for several minutes.* "Kagome? Kagome, are you alright? Can you hear me?...please, say something!" *She slowly opened her eyes. Hojo smiled happily, although Kagome could still see the worried look in his eyes.* "Oh thank goodness you're ok." *she blinked several times* "Ho-Hojo? Is that you?" *he hugged her tightly, overjoyed to hear her able to speak* "Yes it's me." *she sat up and put her face into his chest, beginning to cry again* "Oh, Hojo! I went to see InuYasha through the well a few moments ago. We started talking, and he was so mean to me, and I when yelled back this time, he got into my face and started yelling at me for no reason! The big dumb jerk!" *she blurted, crying harder with each breath*

"There, there. It's ok.."*he kissed her head*"..it's ok. I'm here. You don't have to worry. I think you just hit your head a little too hard and had a bad dream. Don't worry." *Kagome smiled* "Thank you Hojo." *she said gently* "You always make me feel better." *InuYasha looked at the two in terrified disbelief, especially at Kagome's behavior. He closed his eyes and swallowed hard. Slowly and trembling, he climbed back down the well.*

*A few months later, InuYasha lies on the same field. It had been a very, very long time since Kagome's last visit. He looked up at the clouds passing by in the evening's breeze, then he sighed and closed his eyes. Suddenly, a huge black shadow hovered over his form. He opened one eye once he noticed the block from the sun, rose to his feet, and then stared in shock. His eyes were wide, but his face remained a blank.* "Hello InuYasha." *Kagome smiled at his shocked face. He nearly ran up to her, but then quickly remembered her last visit. He turned around and crossed his arms* "So, you finally decided to show your face again, have ya? Well, I'll only speak to you after you apologize!" *Kagome looked at him in anger* "Don't you ever forgive, you cold hearted rock? Besides," *she said turning around and folding her own arms* "if ANYONE here should have to apologize, it should be YOU!" *he snickered, then sat down on the grass.*

*She turned around. After a brief pause, her ferocity tuned down and, she sighed.* "Look, I didn't come here to bring up old quarrels." *InuYasha gazed at her curiously. She took in a deep breath, then closed her eyes, and opened them again.* "I came here to tell you that I'm getting married." *he jumped back* "MARRIED?!"

*Kagome just couldn't help it. He looked so cute that it made her smile * "Yes." *she seemed almost saddened at the fact* "I'm getting married in two days. And I..I just wanted to tell you InuYasha." *he scowled at her, then turned in the other direction* "The NERVE!" *he mumbled loudly* "InuYasha.?" *she said beginning to sniffle. She had promised herself that she wouldn't cry no matter what, but when his body didn't flinch, she forced all of her emotions out.* "Aren't you going to say ANYTHING? InuYasha, this is MARRIGE!!..."*she cringed at his silence. Looking to the side, she brought up a new topic.*

"Ho-hojo....has told me that I shouldn't come back to the well anymore." *InuYasha snapped his head back* "WHAT!?" *she sniffled louder* "He, he says that it's not good for me to talk to imaginary people all the time." *he stood up, even angrier. Kagome's eyes poured as she barely choked out the words that were hard to find.* "Especially at my age." *Finally, InuYasha had had enough. He wanted to strangle Hojo with his bare hands, but even more than that, he wanted to make Kagome pay for all the pain she was causing him right then.* "To he!l with Hojo." *he spat coldly* "And to he!l with you!" *turning around, he began to walk away* "Imaginary MY FUR!!!!"

*Kagome lowered her head as a single, final tear rolled off her check.* "Guess this is g'bye then." *she whispered softly. She hated to leave. The feeling of loss and grief was almost too much to bear. Slowly, she turned around and, once more, went towards the well.*

*InuYasha turned around when his ears twitched. It was the sound of her feet going away. He looked at her in horror. Ever since her last leave, he had been plagued by a same nightmare night after night. They were in a black land surrounded in total darkness. The only things visible to him were Kagome and the well. She would always walk towards the well with a speed shorter than that of a snail. And every time, he would chase after her screaming and yelling for her to look back. To no avail. In the end, she would always pass through before he could reach her. Then he'd wake up in a cold sweat.*

"Not this time. I can't handle it again!" *he said running after her. Unlike the dream, he was able to grab her hand in half a second. She turned around and looked at him with a smile.* "Yes?" *she asked hopefully. InuYasha stared into her eyes.* "I, um." *he replied sheepishly* "What?" *Kagome looked deeply into his eyes with the sweet smile. It not only made him feel very uncomfortable, but it also made him extremely nervous. Without thinking he started to reply.* "I.I..just wanted to wish you a happy marriage."

"OH INUYASHA!!!" *Kagome screamed. She turned back around and ran as fast as possible towards the well. InuYasha just stood there in a numb silence, both of his feet felt as if they were broken. He couldn't believe what he had just said. He watched her as she finally got to the well's entrance, but somehow, it didn't seem real. Kagome would return. She always did.*

*Kagome climbed upon the well's side, prepared to jump in, and waited. She knew that InuYasha cared for her dearly, and this was the last time to prove it. Should he not take this opportunity, he would not be getting a second chance. She was tired of waiting for something that wouldn't love her back. Especially when she knew that Hojo would. He would give all his love to her and more. He would give her the whole world, something that InuYasha would never do.*

*She waited for his touch on her shoulder, for him to beg her not to leave, and for him to say that he loved her and refused to let her be claimed by another man. When the feeling of his hand never arrived, she looked back. He was still there with that blank face. She studied his expression so carefully, scrutinizing every last detail. She wanted to remember that face, remember all of his few smiles and grins, remember the good times and his laughter. Maybe Hojo had been right. Maybe this WAS all a dream., but she had enjoyed every breath- taking moment of it. She smiled one last time, then jumped down into the well knowing that she would never go back.*

"No." *he said dropping to his knees* "NO!!" *he placed his hands over his head* "Noooooooooo!!!!!" *he screamed to the top of his lungs, letting the whole world know his loss. Long after his breath ran out, his echo still carried on over the horizon. Every single person within a mile radius heard his loud cry. He fell completely onto the ground and breathed heavily* "This isn't happening. Kagome's still here. She- she can't be.gone.." *he said to himself. Quickly getting to his feet, he looked in the direction of the well and ran.* *When he reached the dark hole in the ground, he suddenly stopped. He peered down the side. It was the same well, in the same spot, yet somehow it was different. He bit his lip hopefully.* "I have to stop Kagome. Maybe if I hurry, I can stop the wedding as well." *he looked down*

*Just as he was about to jump, Myoga desperately hopped onto the brim.* "Wait, Master InuYasha! Do not go in!" *InuYasha looked at him angrily* Myoga! You stupid-! How dare you just show! AH! Why am I even listening to you! *the flea stepped closer to him* Because, my Lord, I know something that you do not." "And what might that be?" *he picked the tiny flea up with his thumb and index finger, squeezing his small head.* "I didn't see you hear a minute ago!"

"Master! MASTER! *Myoga said gasping* "I tell you no lie. I have some very useful information! The well's ability to transport you has been deactivated!" *InuYasha's heart skipped a beat, and he let go of his hold.* "WHAT?!" *he said once more surprised. Myoga coughed and sputtered, dusted himself off, and sighed.* "Lord InuYasha, because Lady Kagome has chosen never to return-"

*InuYasha repeated his words in a whisper* "Never..to..return." *Myoga put his arms behind his back* "E-yes Master. As I was saying, she has chosen to put our time behind her, and because she was the only remaining link between our time and hers, the portal in the well is shut down for good." *he closed his eyes* "The door has been closed, along with the key. So, you see, it would be foolish to jump into the well now, and" *he opened his eyes again to see InuYasha's crying face.* ".I'm sorry Master."

*Finally, InuYasha looked at him stubbornly* "I don't believe you." *he said with tears still coming from his eyes. Myoga winced* "Er- what?" *He stood up and gazed into the well once more.* "I said I DON'T believe you. I know Kagome like the back of my sword. She's a part of me," *he said closing his eyes, beginning to lean forward* "and I know she wouldn't just abandon me like this. I'm going in after her." *Myoga reached out to him* "Lord InuYasha! No! Wait! I told you, the well is.." *But it was too late. He had already dropped into the well.*

*Unlike the last time he had gone through, this time, InuYasha wasn't able to pass. He fell to the bottom with a hard thud* "Ahhhh!" *he said slowly rising to his feet* "What the He!l's wrong with this thing?!" *he screamed, pounding the bottom with his hand. A hole formed where he hit. Myoga shouted from the top* "I tried to warn you me Lord! Lady Kagome has sealed the portal!"

*InuYasha looked around wildly* "NOOOOOO!!! KA-GO-ME!!!!" *he dropped to his knees and placed his head in his hands. He wept silently again, then looked up.* "Kagome," *he spoke to himself* "how could you do this to me? You know that in my heart I loved you. I still do. It's just that,.by God, I just don't know how to show it. How could you leave me? First I lose Kikyo," *he cried, making a noise that sounded like a whimpering puppy.* "and now you? How much pain must I endure before this nightmare is over?"

*he fell to the ground once more and laid there limply.* "Is this punishment for all the wrongs I have committed? Maybe-maybe I can start all over. Should Kagome ever return, I want her to see a new me. The me she could have had..." *his body glows, and his hair begins to 'melt' away its white color. Myoga yelled from the top* "MASTER? WHAT ARE YOU DOING?!?" *his claws disappear, and his fangs vanish. The only difference between himself and a human that was noticeable was his now black dog ears.*".I SHALL NEVER BE DEMON AGAIN!!!" *It was a hard thing to do, getting rid of his demon half side, and it took a lot of energy and strength. Soon, InuYasha faded into a deep slumber. His dream of Kagome leaving to the well was over.*

((A/N: So, whatcha think? ^_^ Pretty cool for the first part huh? Well, there're more chapters to come soon! Thanks for reading the story!))