Disclaimer: I wish I owned Inuyasha (or at least his ears!) but, sadly, I don't. T.T

"words" talking ^words^ thoughts words dreams

Chapter 1: The Beginning of the End

Inuyasha, Kagome, Sango, Miroku, Shippo, and Kilala

wandered through the forest, making their way to Kaede's small

hut. Naraku had finally been destroyed, and everyone was

overcome with Joy.all except Inuyasha. He had done the

unthinkable during his fight. He had slain Kikyo. His once love

had now fallen by his own hands. Kagome could sense the grief

surrounding him, but she said nothing. She didn't think there

was anything she could say. Besides, she had her own problems to

worry about. Now that Naraku was destroyed, she had no more

reason to stay in the futile era. The Shikon Jewel had been

completed, so she wasn't really needed anymore. She looked sadly

up at Inuyasha. ^Would he even care if I left?^ She wondered

inside her head. She then scolded herself. ^OF course he

wouldn't! Why would he care about a stupid girl like you? He's

too worried about Kikyo.^ Her thoughts were interrupted when he

caught her staring at him. "You gotta problem?" He growled at

her. "I'm.sorry." She muttered before moving back to walk with

Sango and the others. This left Inuyasha to walk by himself at

the front of the small group. They walked in silence through the

forest, each busy with their own thoughts of what they would do

now that Naraku was dead. Nightfall came before they could reach

the small village. "I suggest we make camp." Miroku announced.

Inuyasha immediately jumped into the nearest tree and perched

there. With everyone except Inuyasha helping to set up camp, the

job was done in no time. "Do you want some dinner, Kagome?"

Sango asked the younger girl. "I'm not really hungry, I think

I'll just go to sleep." Kagome mumbled sadly. Sango thought she

caught a tear in her friend's eye, but she kept quiet. Kagome

began setting up her sleeping bag next to the fire. Shippo

bounced over to her, landing pertly on her sleeping bag. "What's

wrong, Kagome?" He asked. Kagome stared down at the sweet

kitsune. She put on her best happy face and replied. "Nothing's

wrong. It's just been a long day." "Okay." Shippo said slowly,

moving out of the way. Kagome curled up in her sleeping bag and

closed her eyes, knowing full well that she wouldn't able to get

to sleep. Inuyasha watched this odd behavior the whole time from

his branch. He totally ignored Miroku, Sango, and Shippo. Their

joy was getting on his nerves.but that was just because he didn't

share their glee. ^Why is she acting so strange? Everyone else

is so happy, but she seems upset about something.^ He thought.

^Could it be.? No, she couldn't possibly be upset about Kikyo.

What could she possibly be thinking about?^ Inuyasha continued

to wonder this long after everyone else had fallen asleep. He

soon found himself falling into a deep sleep.a rare occasion for

him.

~~~~~ Well, that's it for chapter 1! Hope you enjoyed it! What was going through Kagome's mind? How will Inuyasha get inside her mind to find out? What's going to happen to the IY gang next!? Read on to find out.don't forget to R&R!!!