A/N: I have been working on this story for a long time (very long) before I decided to put it up and see what people think of it. I am open to critique and comments. It is going to be a Kagome and Sesshomaru story, but it's going to be a bit before they actually get together. I am going to build their relationship over time; Sesshomaru doesn't let people just waltz into his life now does he? Please let me know what you think, this is sort of my baby, and I really want to know what you think about it. Now, enjoy. :]

Chapter One:
It Begins

The sound of shattering was silent and could only be felt by the one it had happened to; disbelief was the primary emotion at the moment followed closely by betrayal and anger. She wanted to hate, but her kind soul did not allow her to and she cursed herself for it.

Blindly, she had followed him, thinking that maybe one day he would love her, but what she had seen destroyed her hopes, her dreams, and her heart. Smiling bitterly to herself she knew that she couldn't run, she had too many responsibilities here, and too many people to just leave behind. So she decided to save her heart for ones she knew would never turn against her and with that promise solid in her mind, she walked back to camp, her head held high, and her eyes cold.

Seeing that everyone was asleep and knowing she wouldn't be able to, she gathered up her kit, and her sleeping bag and moved away from the cheerfully crackling fire. She settled Shippou in her lap and pulled the sleeping bag around her shoulders and over her lap. Absently she stroked Shippous hair and sought out the moon for comfort. Her eyes were dry and aching from not shedding the tears she wanted, needed to shed, but she wouldn't let them fall. She promised herself that she would be strong and that meant no more crying over someone she knew would never, truly love her back.

Sighing she promised herself to become stronger, not just mentally, but also spiritually, and physically. She contemplated on how to get Sango and Miroku to teach her and then decided that was the least of her worries.

Inuyasha

She knew that he would take it as a hit to his pride seeing as she didn't want him to protect her anymore; she was determined to learn to keep herself alive and not lean on him to save her anymore; she was better than that. Laughing quietly to herself, she decided that she didn't give a damn what he thought it was, a hit to his pride or something more. Her heart ached at the thought of him, but she refused to dwell on his betrayal and the hole he had dug himself. She pushed all those thoughts of him away and decided that tomorrow was going to be the start of a new Kagome, and she smiled slightly at that before turning to other things.

Hours she sat and thought about everything that had happened to her over the years and things yet to come. She sighed to herself as she felt Inuyasha return and start to approach her; at that moment her anger returned and just below the surface her miko powers waited.

"Kagome?' He whispered cautiously aware of the slight tingle her power always gave him when active. He was confused when they didn't back down when she was alerted to who it was, but instead get stronger. Dread filled him and made him circle slowly around her for fear of startling her into attacking. He tried to pinpoint what she was feeling and what he found confused him: Anger and Determination.

Finally he came to stand in front of her and saw that she was cradling Shippou and that her head was bowed, her bangs shielding her face.

"Kagome?" He whispered again hoping that whatever it was didn't deal with him, though the longer he stood there the more the knot in his stomach tightened.

"Inuyasha," she said scathingly, lifting her head, and meeting his gaze head on.

Immediately guilt settled over him and his hope died once he saw the look in her eyes. At that moment he knew nothing would ever be the same between them and he only had himself to blame.

"Kagome, I'm..." his words died in his throat as her eyes narrowed before she grabbed Shippou and her sleeping bag and left him where he was standing.

Shock overcame him at that point and he never heard or smelled the single tear that rolled down her cheek as she turned her back on him. She locked her love for him away and vowed that no male; human, hanyou, or demon would ever gain her heart.

She settled Shippou in the warm bag before she began working the fire back up to start breakfast. She worked by the light of the dawning sun and never looked at the figure that was frozen in place upon the hill.

Soon the smell of food awoke her companions and they all recieved a cheerful smile from her; at first nothing seemed amiss, but soon they noticed that their hanyou companion hadn't joined them and Kagome hadn't seemed to notice. When the end of breakfast came and Inuyasha still hadn't shown up, Miroku turned to ask Kagome.

When he did, he was surprised that she just pointed to the figure on the hill and that was all, there was no worry or anger or anything, she didn't seem to care at all and that bothered her friends.

"Is everything okay Kagome?" Miroku asked becoming worried at her expression, or lack there-of, he was only slightly reassured when her regular happy smile returned.

"Never better Miroku, thanks for asking." She ignored the looks Miroku and Sango casted at each other and continued to gather her stuff up to get ready to head out.

Miroku headed to where Inuyasha stood standing and rested a hand on his shoulder; he jerked seemingly because he hadn't seen or heard the monk approaching.

"Are you alright Inuyasha?"

"I fucked up everything, Miroku, everything," and that was all he said as he turned and headed towards camp. Miroku sighed and followed him silently, wondering what his friend could have done now.

It was midday and everyone could see the change that had come over Kagome, she was her usual happy self except when Inuyasha was around. Then she would withdraw and become someone they had never seen before; no longer was she her happy little self, no, she was quiet and anger bubbled in her eyes turning them dark and dangerous. Seeing this, Inuyasha kept himself far ahead of the group so that the others wouldn't be worried about her. He cursed himself for what he caused to happen and knew that he had fucked up royally this time.

"Are you sure you're okay Kagome," Sango asked as they walked together.

"I'm fine Sango; really, you don't have to keep asking me."

"We're just worried Kagome, you've been acting differently these past few days."

Sighing because she knew that Sango wouldn't drop it anytime soon, she decided that she would tell her what caused the change.

"Later," was all she said as she went back to playing with Shippou.

As they stopped for the night, Inuyasha disappeared into the forest unaware of the cold eyes that followed him. She almost shook with anger as she watched him go, but held herself in check. Sighing deeply, she let the anger fade away before she turned to take stock of what they had to eat.

She smiled at the banter between Sango and Miroku, and wondered to herself when they were going to get together. Her thoughts followed that train of thought as she wondered what their children would look like; laughing to herself softly she shook her head to clear those thoughts away before starting to shift through her bag. Twenty minutes later her bag was restocked and everyone was content having had their fill of ramen.

Kagome relaxed against a tree and pondered on how to ask to be trained; she knew they would, but she couldn't figure out how to phrase it so they wouldn't get suspicious of the reason she wanted to be trained.

She decided that being blunt and honest was the best way.

"Sango, Miroku, can I ask a favor of you two?"

"Why of course Kagome, what do you need of me?" Miroku asked a glint in his eyes.

"Not that Miroku," She laughed before turning serious, "I've been thinking of my position in the group and how I contribute. I want to be able to protect myself if need be and was wondering if you guys could start training me. I would really appreciate it!" She finished quickly and waited for their answer.

She watched as they traded looks that she knew dealt with her attitude recently while around Inuyasha.

"Of course Kagome! I would love to train you!" Sango said suddenly, her excitement almost tangible.

"I would love to train you as well," Miroku added a wide smile on his face.

"Thank you so much guys, you don't know how much this means to me!" She yelled excitedly as she enveloped them both in a bear hug.

"Can we start tonight?"

"Why have you decided now, just out of curiosity?" Miroku asked, getting to the heart of the matter.

"Like I said, I want to be able to protect myself." That's all she would say about the matter, her eyes as gray as steel. Sango stepped in then to diffuse the rising tension and told Kagome that she would start teaching her some steps tonight.

"Thank you Sango." She got up and followed her friend into a clearer area and attentively paid attention to all that Sango told her. They all had some good laughs at Kagome's choice of clothing and came to an agreement, much to Miroku's displeasure, to get her some clothing more appropriate for fighting.

Flushed, but happy at what she had learned, she and Sango gathered their bathing things and headed to the stream that was nearby.

"Kilala, watch Miroku for me please."

"Meow."

Laughing at the put-out look on Mirokus face, they headed away from camp before disappearing into the trees. It didn't take but a few minutes to reach the stream and once they did they set their things on the bank before undressing and sinking into the cool water. Sighing at the feel of cold water on their flushed skin, they relaxed into a comfortable silence, broken by an occasional splash from Shippou. Kagome allowed her eyes to close and her mind to wander over the events of the past couple of days; she knew that she had to tell Sango what had caused her behavior to change; in the end Sango would tell Miroku. Sighing, she figured she would just tell the both of them what had happened and get the whole thing over with at once.

"Sango, I'll tell you and Miroku what happened, for right now I want to enjoy my bath."

"If you're sure Kagome."

"I'm positive, thanks," she smiled warmly before beginning to wash herself of all the grime she had collected. They stayed for a while longer before they got out and dressed heading back to camp. Kagome carried Shippou back to camp, for the poor thing was almost asleep on his feet, sitting down by the fire she made him comfortable in her lap and watched as he fell asleep almost immediately. She closed her eyes to gather her thoughts while thinking of how to explain what had caused the change in her attitude, sighing, she opened them with the intention of just telling them exactly what happened, no running around the matter.

"I woke up late at night a few nights back; I sat up and looked around wondering what had woke me up," She paused for a moment ignoring the sting of the memories, "I heard a noise to my right and turned in time to see Inuyasha disappear into the trees. Of course I got up quickly then and quietly followed after him. I knew the moment he left camp where he was going, but I had this insane notion that I would protect him if it came to it or to see if he went to renounce his promises to her." Laughing bitterly at the memory of her thoughts she was unaware of the tears that had started to fall freely down her cheeks.

"I eventually lost him, but kept moving in a straight path like he had been doing. I felt a pull on my soul that told me that Kikyou was near; I almost turned back then, but something compelled me forward; now I wish it hadn't.

"I stayed behind a tree as I heard them approach each other,"

"'Kikyou,'" he had whispered.

"'Inuyasha,'" she had answered. I stayed quiet, frozen as I watched, though I knew that Kikyou was aware of my presence.

'What are you doing here Inuyasha?'

'I wanted to see how you were.'

'Really, Inuyasha, how do you think the living dead does?' She laughed bitterly to herself.

'Don't be like that Kikyou; you know I care about you.'

'Me now or how we were before?'

'I love you as you are now and as how you were; there is no difference to me.'

'What about my reincarnation?'

'Kagome? She's a shard detector, she's useful in cooking and healing us, but when it comes to a fight, she's useless and weak. I love you Kikyou and only you, you know that.'

'So you wish nothing to do with the girl?'

'No, I only want to be with you.'

"I had looked around the tree by then and saw the grin that Kikyou held; those words were hurtful, yes, but his actions were far worse than anything before.

"I saw them, TOGETHER, enjoying their 'undying love' for each other. He was happy, joyful even, as he called out her name over and over. I left, I couldn't take it anymore." She paused for a moment once again, trying to control the erratic beating of her heart and the speed of her breathing.

"I have no love left to give to someone who has so thoroughly rejected mine; that is what has caused me to change; I blame him." She finished her tale and finally looked up into the disbelieving eyes of her friends. Soon enough Sango rushed over to her and enveloped her in a comforting hug.

"I'm so sorry Kagome, so sorry." She whispered over and over again as she held on to the girl, woman, she saw as a comrade and a sister she had never had.

Kagome wanted to break down and cry in the arms of her best friend, but she held back the flood of tears that wanted to escape and wiped away the ones that had leaked out during the story. She allowed herself to be held for a while longer before she extracted herself from Sango and moving herself and Shippou over to her sleeping bag.

"I'm tired, sorry guys; I'm going to go to sleep now alright?"

"Go ahead Kagome; we'll see you in the morning." Sango said quietly as she herself moved closer to the fire.

"Thanks, night guys."

"Night Kagome."

"Sleep well."

She smiled at them before she made herself comfortable and tried to block out the voices of her companions. They talked about her and worried about her change around Inuyasha; Sango was almost ready to go out and search for the hanyou, but Miroku stopped her with some soothing words she couldn't quite hear. Sighing quietly, she resigned herself to being her normal happy go lucky self around Inuyasha so as not to endanger the group. She promised that nothing he did would stop her from learning to fight though, that wouldn't change at all. Content with those thoughts for the moment she allowed sleep to come and claim her.

Morning came quickly for her as the light warmed her dragging her from the deep and peaceful sleep she had been in. Stretching, she looked around camp before her eyes met those of Inuyashas; she froze, but remembered her promise and made herself relax in his presence.

"Morning," was all she said to him as she went about making breakfast for everyone before they set out for the day. She heard him jump down from his tree and come closer to her and she hoped that he wouldn't try to explain to her or everything she was trying to hide would break her barriers.

"Kagome?" his voice held a question.

Holding her hand up she silenced him before looking over her shoulder at him; she cocked her head to the side and gave him a smile that hurt her heart in its fakeness.

"What do you want for breakfast?"

He looked at her before smiling slightly as well and telling her that he wanted Ramen of course. She laughed slightly, wincing to herself at how hollow it sounded as she held tightly to the sorrow that she felt would break out at any moment. As she made breakfast the rest of her companions awoke and packed their things before everyone sat and enjoyed their breakfast.

After everyone had their fill Kagome packed up what was left as Miroku put out the fire while the rest made it seem that there was never a camp there. Once done they headed back to Kaede's village needing a break and since no new rumors of shards had come up they figured now was a good time to do so.

As they walked Miroku talked to Kagome about her spiritual powers and how to focus on them. She practiced this as they continued their trek back and found that she could indeed focus them and bring them to the surface. As the day progressed she noticed that she didn't have to concentrate as hard each time she wanted to bring them up. This change caused her to forget about her anger at the inu-hanyou and let her sorrows melt away and the girl that she had been before came back. Everyone breathed a sigh of relief at her change in attitude while Sango and Miroku shared a look saying that they were happy to have agreed to train her as that is what she had needed. Sango knew that it would be the outlet to her anger that she would have held in otherwise.

They made it back to Kaede's hut the next day, a breath of relief leaving all of them as they were welcomed back warmly. A warm meal and some hot tea later they all settled down for the night and slept deeply feeling safe and secure in the only place they all could call their home.

Kagome gathered her things together and prepared to leave when a gruff voice stopped her in her tracks.

"Where do you think you're going wench?"

Anger made her blood boil as she turned stiffly to the grinning dog-eared boy that stood behind her. Her senses were on high alert and suddenly everything seemed too clear, too bright. The sun blinded her while warming her to an uncomfortable temperature and the noises of the villagers were too loud, hurting her ears.

"Well?" he quipped, worried slightly by the wide-eyed look she had to her.

Her glazed eyes snapped to his and he almost cowered in fear at the wild look that they held. She tilted her head to the side as though confused to what he had asked until a slow, menacing smile spread across her lips chilling him to the bone.

"Why Inuyasha, I will go where I damn well please."

"Hell no you won't bitch!" He yelled forgetting the warning in her smile. A cruel laugh left her mouth as she gazed at the hanyou before her.

"Why Inuyasha, I'm not your bitch anymore am I? You've finally chosen and it wasn't me."

The rest of the group had heard Inuyasha's yelling and had come out to see what was going on. Sango and Miroku were alarmed by the gleam they could see in Kagome's eyes that Inuyasha seemed unable to comprehend.

"You don't know anything!" He yelled back at her trying to protect himself from her words.

"Of course Inuyasha, keep fooling yourself. I didn't hear you say to Kikyou that I was useless and weak. That they only use I had was to cook, heal, and find the shards. And yet I know nothing; believe what you will Inuyasha, but don't tell me what I do or do not know." With that warning she started to walk towards the well when she felt a clawed hand grab her arm and hold her back.

"I would recommend that you let go of me right now."

"I didn't tell you that you could go home."

Everyone held dead still as they watched the drama play out in front of them; Sango and Miroku glanced at each other and nodded: they would intervene if it got bad.

"Let me go," Kagome whispered quietly, venom coating her words as she was barely able to leash the anger she felt towards him.

"No bitch, you're staying here until I LET you go home!" He yelled at her as his grip tightened on her arm.

Kagome took a deep breath before laying her other hand on top of his and slowly let her power build in that hand. Yelping, Inuyasha struggled to get free of the burning pain, but he couldn't escape the hold that she had on him. Agony coursed through his body as she continued to purify him slowly; as soon as it started though, it stopped and a soothing sensation settled through him.

Kagome let his hand go and started to walk towards the well once more, completely satisfied with what she had just done. Soon enough she disappeared through the trees and was gone from sight. Everyone stood stock still at what had occurred before Sango and Miroku looked at each other and started to giggle at the look on Inuyasha's face.

He was standing there staring at his hand in disbelief before glaring at his friends and telling them to shut the fuck up.

"Why Inuyasha, I believe she just put you in your place." Miroku got out around his laughter as he completely ignored Inuyasha's statement.

"I believe you're right Miroku," Sango agreed as she started to laugh harder.

Glaring at them Inuyasha stared at the woods and wondered if he could catch up to her and if it would even be worth it.

"Bitch needs a fucking leash."

"OSUWARI!"

*BAM*

All who had witnessed the event were now on the ground laughing at Inuyasha's misfortune and the fact that he just didn't seem to learn.

"You really are an idiot Inuyasha." Shippou got out between laughing fits; Inuyasha glared at him before stomping away to brood in a tree somewhere. The laughter died down after a while and everyone went back to what they were doing before Inuyasha made a jackass of himself.

Kagome sighed to herself knowing that it was time to go back; she had a duty to uphold and staying home wasn't going to cut it. Dragging herself out of bed she gathered her bathing supplies and headed to take a shower. A while later she emerged from the bathroom before heading to her room to get dressed and packed to leave. Taking one last look around her room for forgotten items she headed out into the hallway and down the stairs heading into the kitchen to talk to her mom.

"Bye Mom, tell everyone I said I love them and I'll be back soon." She gave her mother a kiss on the cheek before heading to the back door.

"Be safe Kagome; I love you."

"Of course Mom, I love you too."

When Kagome was gone her mother sat on a kitchen chair and allowed herself to shed a few tears at her daughters leaving. She had a feeling that it would be a long while before she saw her daughter again; it was similar to the feeling the day she lost her husband. She feared for Kagome and what she had yet to face and prayed that all would be well and that she was wrong with what she felt.

Hearing the front door open she wiped her eyes clear of the tears she had shed and put a smile on her face as Souta walked in.

Sighing again, Kagome lifted herself out of the well and began the trek along the path that led to Kaede's. She was excited to be back, she had missed everyone while she had been gone, well with the exception of Inuyasha; she was still pissed at him. She smiled to herself at the memory of sitting Inuyasha before she had been completely out of earshot and at her friend's laughter because of it.

'Serves him right.'

Snickering at that thought she let her thoughts trail to the training that she couldn't wait to get back into and wondered how much more she had to learn. Shrugging to herself she decided she didn't care to know how much more she had, she was just excited to learn.

A tingling sensation shot up her spine causing her to pause mid-step; warily she looked around trying to pinpoint where it was coming from. A sound of snapping branches came from behind her causing her to freeze in place as she felt a demonic aura gather closer to her. She turned just in time to see the clawed hand shooting out to strike her; dodging she dropped her bag and took a fighting stance.

Her heart hammered in her chest as her cheeks flushed with excitement for the fight ahead. She studied her opponent, a bear youkai, who she knew was after her jewel shards as all demons were.

"Give me the shards girl, and I won't kill you."

Sighing as she was proved right for the thousandth time she smiled at the youkai as she solidified her stance.

"No chance in hell!" She laughed in his face and wondered where her confidence had come from; deciding she didn't care she waited for him to attack.

"Then you will die!" He screamed as he rushed her.

She ducked to avoid his claws and stepped to the side as she stuck a leg out to trip him; he stumbled, but did not fall before he turned back to her snarling. Kagome smirked and waited for the next attack. He charged her again but just before she tripped him once more, he jumped over her and raked his claws down her back.

A small scream escaped her lips as she fell to her knees in front of him; she heard him laughing and she fought back fear at the sound as she gathered her purifying energy to her.

"Do you wish to give me the jewel now little girl, I may yet allow you to live."

"Never," she whispered as she felt claws close around her neck. Quickly, she laid her hands over his and forced as much energy into him as she could. She ignored the burning in her hands as she poured energy through them that she wasn't used to and before she knew it, it was over. A breath of relief passed her lips before she winced at the sticky feeling on her back as well as the burning her hands were feeling. Gasping, she managed to get to her feet before painfully grabbing her bag and moving slowly to the village. The entire way to the village a smile of pure triumph never left her face despite the pain she was in.

Shippou stopped in his play and raised his nose to the air before he took off to the hut. Looking around he spotted Sango and Kilala and ran over to them as quickly as his little legs would let him.

"Sango!"

"What is it Shippou?" She asked already half up at the look on his face.

"Kagome's back and she's hurt; I can smell it!"

Sango immediately was up and gathering what she needed before heading outside and waiting for Shippou to tell her which way.

He pointed towards the well and watched as Kilala shifted into her large form telling them to get on and that she would bear them there. They traveled quickly, but didn't get too far before they saw the slow moving figure approaching them from the trees.

"Kagome!" Shippou yelled as he jumped off the landing Kilala and ran towards her. She smiled sleepily at her kit as she held her arms out to him; he snuggled into them and was almost overwhelmed by the smell of blood and sweat.

"What happened Kagome?" Sango asked as she helped her lean against Kilala.

"I was attacked, Sango; the demon wanted my jewel shards, but I won! Sango, I won a hand to hand fight with a demon!"

Sango smiled indulgently at her 'pupil' while looking at the mess that was Kagome's back.

"Looks like I still have some things to teach you," she smiled at the embarrassed look on Kagomes face before helping her onto Kilala.

"Yes Master Sango," Kagome laughed softly before Sango joined in.

"Alright, let's head to the hot spring and get you cleaned up."

Kagome nodded and they were on their way, it didn't take long to reach it and it was there that Sango removed the tattered remains of Kagome's shirt. After that was done she helped lower Kagome into the spring while Shippou took out the first aid kit. When all the blood was cleared away Sango saw how bad it really was and it gave her pause for a moment.

"You're a mess Kagome."

"Sorry Sango," Kagome stated though she sounded smug and proud of herself.

Sango just shook her head and began to clean the wounds while ignoring Kagome's twitches of pain here and there. Soon enough she was done bandaging and dressing the wounds and helped Kagome put a regular t-shirt on. They made their way back to Kaede's slowly, talking all the while; Kagome asking what she could have done differently and Sango explaining different moves and situations to her. They were smiling when they reached the hut before Sango helped her down from Kilala's back.

"Thanks guys, I mean it," she moved gently into the hut the others following.

"No problem Kagome, just try not to get injured again, at least until you're done healing." Sango chuckled as she helped lower Kagome onto her sleeping bag that Shippou had laid out for her.

"My child, what happened?" Kaede worried as she went to look at the binding of her wounds. Kagome retold the story as she let Kaede raise her shirt so she could take a look.

At that moment Miroku decided to walk in and stopped dead in his tracks, his eyes trained on Kagome's bound breasts.

"HENTAI!"

*SMACK*
*THUD*

Miroku dropped like a stone before Sango drug him out.

Kagome sighed at Miroku's 'curse' before once more concentrating on Kaede's small noises of approval for Sango's treatment.

"Ye took a beating child, good thing Sango and Shippou were there for ye." Kagome nodded as she pulled her shirt back on before yawning widely bringing tears to her eyes. Her eyes roamed the room for the one that she had yet to see and wasn't really surprised to not find him. Still, disappointment filled her as well as anger at him for not knowing she had been in danger.

'He doesn't care, he's chosen Kikyou; I have to be strong.' She tried to push away the sadness that threatened to overtake her but she could no longer.

Her eyes started to burn with bitter tears but she did not shed them until Kaede left telling her to rest and take it easy. She heard Sango and Shippou ask if she was okay and if they could see her.

"She is fine, but let her rest for a while before ye go in there and see her." She heard Kaede say before she sighed in relief and let her tears go.

It felt good to cry away some of her pain as she lay on her sleeping bag utterly exhausted and drained. Tears still leaked out but she was unaware as she stared into space and let her consciousness of everything around her go. She didn't notice when Sango and the rest came in or when they tried to gain her attention. All she knew was that she hurt and the tears made it easier to bear as well as just spacing out. Eventually she drifted to sleep and her tears finally stopped causing everyone to relax and calm down.

Sango paced restlessly outside of the hut silently daring Inuyasha to come back and try to get past her. She ignored it as Miroku came out of the hut and sat by the door watching her; her hand twitched on the handle to her boomerang before she forced herself to relax. It was no use getting worked up if he didn't show, cause if he didn't she would be so angry at that point that she would go out and hunt him.

She knew that Kagome was trying to be strong, but the hopelessness that she had seen on her face had brought her to tears. She was proud that Kagome could now defend herself better, but for Inuyasha not to have smelled her blood was something else entirely. She vowed to herself to protect Kagome as much as she could from him.

A flash of silver drew her attention before turning to Miroku.

"Seal the hut."

"Now Sango," but his argument stopped in its tracks from the deadly gaze that settled on him.

He called out to Kaede about what he was going to do before placing a sutra on either side of the door frame.

"Stop where you are Inuyasha," Sango stated her voice as cold as ice.

Frozen buy the tone of voice he had never heard directed at him from her he wondered to himself what could have happened. Before he had a chance to ask what had occurred in his absence she spoke again.

"Where have you been Inuyasha?" her voice was soft, but laced with danger.

"None of your business Sango; now get out of my way." He stated growing irritated by her flat gaze.

"My business? Ha, my business is Kagome and when you weren't there for her it becomes my business. So I repeat: Where have you been?" Her eyes grew colder as the tension mounted, she heard Miroku shift closer to her but ignored it as she continued to focus on Inuyasha.

He grew uncomfortable with her gaze before the words fully sunk into his brain.

"What happened to Kagome?" He demanded; Miroku's sutras making it hard to determine if she was in there and if she was alright.

"She was attacked and almost killed; she managed to defeat the demon and walk most of the way back to the hut; Shippou smelled her blood and we went and found her. You weren't there to help her, save her, or carry her back to get treated. You abandoned her Inuyasha, yet she's stayed strong until a little while ago. I don't think you truly know what this is doing to her! You are destroying her from the inside out!

"It's killing me to watch her smile while she hides everything inside and she does this to prove that she is strong and capable of taking care of herself. And it's all because of every horrible thing you've ever said to her has been building up whether she's forgiven you or not! You've been destroying her slowly for years!" As she took another breath to continue a soft hand stopped her in her tracks as she turned to find pleading eyes focused on her.

"Everything Sango has said is true Inuyasha, but I won't let you destroy me any longer." She rubbed the sleep from her eyes as she had just woken up to Sango yelling at Inuyasha, and though she appreciated it, she was the one that was supposed to tell him.

"It's been hard for me to accept that you have chosen Kikyou; I have let it eat at me for weeks, but not any longer," taking a deep breath she paused to gather her courage. "I release you of all your promises that you've made to me. I still want you to be my friend, but you hold no responsibility over my health or actions. You are free to do whatever you want Inuyasha, but I'm still here to be your friend."

With that said she gave him a weak smile and went back into the hut to get some more rest.

Inuyasha watched her walk inside his ears flat against his head; he could see now the stains on her shirt from where her wounds had bled through. He didn't know what to do now, she said she still wanted to be friends, but he didn't want to hurt her anymore.

"You're still welcome here Inuyasha," Miroku stated as he laid a hand on his shoulder before moving back towards the hut. Sango had already gone inside and was chastising Kagome for moving while her wounds were still fresh.

"Sorry Sango," he heard Kagome whisper though she didn't sound too sorry; it brought a small smile to his face.

He sat outside the hut thinking over everything that they all had been through and wondered how he could have dismissed her love so easily.

A/N: Well here is the first part of my story, I hope you guys enjoyed it. I have the second chapter ready and I'm debating on putting it up now or when I get some reviews... hmmm... decisions decisions... Please Review!