Hello everyone! I finally finished this story! Here is the next to last chapter. I hope you like it. Read & Review!

Disclaimer: I don't own the songs used in this chapter.

Day Three

The sun was just beginning to rise and Inuyasha was sitting by the well. He had been there all night waiting for Kagome to come back, but she never did. She had probably decided to stay in her time and cool off.

I've really done it this time. Kagome's going to leave once the wish is made and I'll never see her again.

He didn't know if Shippo and Sango had been told the situation, but he had assumed the answer was no because Sango hadn't come for his head yet. He had been contemplating going to get Kagome, but he thought it would only exacerbate the problem. Still, if he didn't do something, he was going to lose her regardless.

Naraku is dead now, so I have no choice but to kill Kikyou. I've avenged her death and now she needs to be put to rest. It's going to be hard, but Kikyou will finally be free afterwards and I refuse to lose Kagome!

Inuyasha got up and turned to see Sango and Shippo walking toward him. Kirara was on Sango's shoulder. Looking at their faces, he didn't see any reason to be afraid as they didn't look angry, but he was still on guard.

"Hey guys," he said nervously.

"You can relax Inuyasha, we're not going to attack you, although the thought did cross my mind," Sango said narrowing her eyes.

"But we do want to tell you that you need to go and talk to Kagome instead of waiting for her to come to you," Shippo said.

"She's just gonna tell me to leave her alone. She won't listen," Inuyasha said.

"Then explain the situation to her and for kami's sake, tell her how you feel before she leaves forever," Sango said.

"I know I need to, but I can't yet. There's something I have to take care of first."

"What could be so important that you need to delay making things right with Kagome?"

"I have to…kill Kikyou."

The two gasped in surprise. "Why do you need to kill her?" Shippo asked.

"Kaede said that it was the only way for her soul to be free. Besides, as long as she's around, I can't move on."

"You're not just doing this for yourself, are you?" Sango asked.

"No," he answered simply.

"Well, do whatever you think is right Inuyasha."

"Thank you both."

"There's just one problem. Where are you going to find her?" Shippo asked.

The hanyou sighed. "Good question."

"And I think I just found your answer," Sango said pointing toward the village. Soul stealers were heading to Kaede's hut.

"Why would Kikyou be in the village?" Shippo asked.

Sango narrowed her eyes. "Only one reason." She turned to Shippo and Inuyasha. "Come on! We've gotta get there fast!"

They nodded. Inuyasha raced off and Sango and Shippo got on Kirara and followed. Upon arriving, they saw Kikyou surrounded by her soul collectors with the jewel in hand.

"HIRAIKOTSU!"

Kikyou saw the weapon coming at her and closed her eyes. A transparent wall appeared and blocked it. The boomerang ricocheted and returned to Sango.

"Kikyou, what do you want with the jewel?" Sango demanded.

"I'm simply here to take what is rightfully mine. I was the original guardian of the Sacred Jewel before the girl game along."

"We spent over three years gathering all those shards and putting the jewel back together and I'm not allowing you to take it!" Inuyasha said glaring at the priestess. Closing his eyes, he concentrated and the Tetsusaiga glowed red.

"Now, Wind Scar!" The energy attack rushed at Kikyou and shattered her barrier. However, before she was completely enveloped, her soul collectors levitated her to safety. In her surprise, she dropped the jewel. Inuyasha dashed and picked up the small sphere.

"Sango, here!" He threw the jewel toward her and she caught it. "Take it inside. I'll deal with Kikyou."

"Right."

"Well Inuyasha, if you intend to take this away from me too, then why don't we settle this once and for all?"

"My thoughts exactly, but not here. Let's go into the forest. That way it'll be one on one."

"Fine."

Standing on opposite sides of a clearing, Inuyasha looked at Kikyou with determination while Kikyou gave him a look of malice.

"Do you intend to kill me, Inuyasha?" she asked.

"…Yes," he said with conviction.

"Why the sudden change of heart? You swore to protect me not long ago."

"I also swore to avenge your death. Naraku is dead so my promise is fulfilled. There's no longer a need to protect you."

"Yes, and now that Naraku is out of the way, there's no longer a need for you to be alive!" Kikyou drew her bow and aimed an arrow at Inuyasha's heart. "Your life belongs to me!" She let the arrow fly.

Inuyasha leaped up and landed behind Kikyou. Before she could make a move, he grabbed her bow. "Iron Reaver!" His claws slashed the bow into pieces.

"Sorry Kikyou, but I've realized a couple things since you've been resurrected. You're not the same woman I loved 50 years ago. You're nothing but an artificial body whose soul is filled with hatred. I've also realized that my life is my own and I chose to live it the best I can, whether you like it or not!"

"You will come to Hell with me!" she shouted furiously.

She grabbed Inuyasha's arm and focused her spiritual power. Inuyasha felt a painful shock throughout his body. She released her grip a few seconds later and Inuyasha was sent flying back. Kikyou walked up to him with a look of absolute hatred in her eyes.

"Now you will die Inuyasha," she said coldly.

"Not yet." Inuyasha smirked and slashed his left arm.

Kikyou looked at the hanyou in surprise. "So you would rather die by your own hand than mine?"

The smirk never left Inuyasha's face. "I don't intend to die today." He dug into the cut and once his claws were saturated in blood, he turned to Kikyou and shouted, "Blades of Blood!"

Red blades cut through a shocked Kikyou and spilled her blood. Inuyasha rose and looked at Kikyou apologetically. He took his Tetsusaiga and transformed it.

"I'll do this quickly so you won't suffer," he said softly.

"You dare to patronize me? You're the one who will suffer Inuyasha!"

She thrust out her right hand and fired a pink blast of energy, knocking Inuyasha to the ground. She was about to blast him again, but he leaped away and into a tree.

Alright, I'm ending this right now! Inuyasha readied his sword. "Wind Scar!"

The attack curved down and headed straight for the priestess. Kikyou simply closed her eyes and a blue dome surrounded her. The Wind Scar passed right over the dome and dissipated.

Guess I'll have to use the Red Tetsusaiga again.

However, he noticed something just before unleashing another Wind Scar. Kikyou's barrier had come down and she was on her knees apparently drained from expelling so much energy.

"Now's my chance! Wind Scar!"

This time, the Wind Scar connected and engulfed Kikyou. For a few moments, all Inuyasha could see was the Wind Scar. When the attack was finally finished, all that was left of Kikyou were ashes, just like before she was resurrected. Inuyasha jumped down and walked over to her remains.

"Well Kikyou, you can finally be at peace."

Thank you Inuyasha

Inuyasha looked around. He could've sworn that he just heard Kikyou's voice. He then looked up and was shocked. He saw Kikyou's spirit floating above her ashes. She was in her priestess garb and had a calming smile on her face.

Because of you, my soul is finally at rest. I'm free from all the bitterness and hatred that plagued me while I walked the earth.

"You're welcome Kikyou," he said, still a little awed by what he was seeing.

Inuyasha, I know that you love Kagome and I want you to know that you were always free to let her into your heart. She loves you Inuyasha and needs to know that you feel the same. Go to her.

He smiled and nodded. "Thank you."

Her form began to fade and that smile never left her features. Goodbye Inuyasha…

"Goodbye Kikyou…" he said softly.

Inuyasha had taken the ashes to Kaede who reburied them and put a protective seal around the site so that her ashes couldn't be stolen again. Now he was back at the well and was trying to figure what course of action to take.

"Since I don't know when she's coming back, I guess I could wait at the shrine. When she gets home, I'll tell her what happened and hopefully, she'll listen."

With that, he jumped into the magical well.

Kagome was in the choir room along with (to her slight dismay) her three friends. They had insisted on coming to see her rehearse since it was the last time before the contest.

The choir teacher smiled at the class. "Let's try something different today. Kagome, since you're the one entering the contest, you'll be first. Instead of practicing the song for the competition, sing something that goes with how you're feeling right now, at this moment."

"But this is the date of the contest. Don't you I think I should be perfecting the song?

"We'll work on the song after this exercise. Now, what song do you wanna do? How do you feel?"

Kagome thought for a few moments, and then said, "Don't Play That Song."

"Bold today huh? Ayumi, Eri, Yuki, how about you three do the background vocals?"

The trio squealed in delight and Kagome sighed in exasperation at their childishness. True, there was a time when she was just like them, but fighting demons practically every day made her grow up fast.

Kagome went over and put in a CD. The track started It was the music only so she would basically be doing Karaoke. After taking a breath, she began.

Don't play that song for me
'Cause it brings back memories
Of days that I once knew
Those days that I spent with you

Oh no! Don't let him play it! (Oh no)
'Cause it fills up my heart with pain
So please stop it right away
'Cause I remember just what he said

He said darling (Darling, I love you)
But I know that he lied (Darling I need you)
I know that you lied (Darling I love you)
Darling you lied, (you lied) lied (you lied), you lied! (to me)

Hey mister, don't play no more! Oh
Don't play it…no more! I can't stand it!
Don't play it no more! No more…

I remember on our first date
He kissed me and he walked away
I was only seventeen
I never dreamed he'd be so mean

He told me darling (Darling I love you)
But baby, baby you lied! (Darling I need you)
Ooh… woo… you lied (Darling I love you)
Darling you lied, lied, you lied! (to me)

Mmmmmmm…yeah
Oh yeah, yeah

But oh…you lied! (Darling I love you)
You know that you lied (Darling I need you)
Hey baby, I know that you lied (Darling I love you)
Darling you lied, lied
You lied, go on and hurt me, you lied!

Don't play it no more, no baby!
Don't play it no more, don't do it!
Don't play it no more!
'Cause I can't stand it no more!

Her friends clapped and the teacher smiled.

"Well, you certainly put emotion into it. Then again, you do that every time you sing, which is one of the reasons I think you'll do great."

"You got loud on some of the parts of the song too, but in a good way," Yuki said.

"That's what's called belting, and it's hitting high notes in full voice with power. Done healthily, it adds a different dimension to your voice and allows great projection," the teacher said.

"How come you chose that song Kagome?" Yuki asked.

"Isn't it obvious?" Eri said. "She's taking a swipe at that deadbeat boyfriend of hers!"

Normally, Kagome would've defended Inuyasha, but right now, she was too frustrated to care.

"Well, good luck tonight Kagome," Yuki said.

"Thanks guys."

Kagome sat outside the door of the shrine to rest. She was tired from practice and wanted to catch her breath before going inside. She heard the door open behind her and her mother sat down next to her.

"Did you have a good rehearsal Kagome?" she asked.

"Yes. I've got the song memorized perfectly."

"What's the song about?"

"Well, I don't want to give too much away, but the theme is communication in a relationship."

Mrs. Higurashi looked at the Goshinboku and then back at Kagome and asked, "Does the song by any chance have to do with Inuyasha?"

Kagome blushed and looked at the ground. "Is it that obvious?" she asked sheepishly.

Mrs. Higurashi laughed and patted her daughter's head. "Kagome, I know you love him, and I know he cares just as much for you."

"How would you know that?" she asked dryly, her eyes still focused on the ground.

"If he didn't, he wouldn't have come over here and waited for you to return."

Kagome's head snapped up and she looked at her mother with wide eyes. "You mean he's been waiting here the whole time?"

"That's right. He's in your room right now."

Turning away from her mother once again, Kagome sighed and then stood up. "I'm going to go get ready for the competition," she said as she walked into the house.

Mrs. Higurashi let out a small giggle once her daughter was out of sight. "It's only a matter of time now."

Kagome went upstairs, deliberately ignoring her younger brother's presence. She came to her bedroom door and hesitated. She was unsure of what to say to Inuyasha.

Just tell him you aren't interested in talking to him. Put your foot down.

She took a deep breath and entered her room. As expected, Inuyasha was there on her bed. What surprised her was that he was asleep. Kagome allowed herself a small smile as she watched him. He always looked at peace when he was sleeping.

She went into the bathroom adjacent to her room, being careful not to disturb Inuyasha. Knowing that the shower would probably wake him up, she decided to make it as short as possible.

Five minutes later, Kagome was out and had a towel wrapped around her chest and hair. She knew Inuyasha was awake because she had heard him exit her room. Going into her closet, Kagome changed into a simple blue ankle-length dress, and after combing her hair, she put in moon earrings and black heel shoes (not stilettos though, they were murder on her feet). Looking herself over one more time, she smiled at her reflection.

"Well, I'd better get downstairs if I'm gonna make it back to school in time," she said to her reflection.

Inuyasha was on the floor playing with Buyo when he heard footsteps coming down the stairs. He looked over and saw Kagome coming down. He stared, mesmerized, as she walked past him and out the door. Once he snapped out of his stupor, Inuyasha got up and went to the well because he knew she was going to the contest. He jumped through, hoping he would make it back in time to see Kagome.

Mrs. Higurashi pulled up to the school and gave Kagome a supportive smile.

"Good luck Kagome."

Kagome smiled back. "Thanks mom."

The two stepped out of the car and made went to the auditorium. After signing her name at the contestant sign-up sheet, Kagome went backstage. Her mother signed on the sheet for visitors and went to find a seat.

While waiting, Kagome decided to warmher voice so she'd be ready when it was her turn to go on.

She softly hummed the melody of her song, making sure she hit every note and repeated the exercise to work out the kinks. Satisfied with her warm-up, Kagome proceeded to let her mind drift.

I wonder what the other contestants will sing. Hopefully, they picked songs that are actually singable and not ones they can use just to show off. It almost never sounds good.

She had picked her song to send a specific message to a specific person. It meant something to her. As for winning, it would've been nice, but she didn't really care whether she won or lost. Kagome had entered this contest for two reasons. First to make the music teacher proud as it was only because of her encouragement that Kagome was here to begin with. Secondly, she wanted Inuyasha to know just what her feelings were regarding their relationship.

I wonder if Inuyasha will find a way to bring the others over here. I really would like them to be here. Now that I think of it, if they do manage to get through the well, how will they get to the school? Inuyasha could probably show them the way, but he can't carry them all. I suppose Kirara would carry Sango, Miroku and Shippo. I just hope no one sees them. It would not bode well if news got out of a flaming two-tailed cat flying over the neighborhood.

Kagome smiled at the image of Kirara flying over her town. It would look pretty cool. She was brought out of her reverie by Ayumi who was tapping her shoulder.

"What is it?" Kagome asked.

"You're on third Kagome." She said.

"Alright, thanks."

"Good luck," she said, smiling."

Kagome nodded her thanks and Ayumi left.

Inuyasha and the others were sitting at the well trying to figure out how to get them all to Kagome's time. They'd found out that Inuyasha couldn't take anyone with him as they'd tried with Shippo. None of them could go on their own other than the Hanyou.

"Inuyasha, how does Kagome go through the well?" Miroku asked.

"She always has the jewel shards with her," Inuyasha answered.

"Then how was she able to go through the well now that the jewel is complete?" Sango asked.

"I don't know. Maybe her job here isn't finished until a wish is made."

"Well, whatever the case, if it worked for Kagome, it might work for us," Miroku said.

"But if we take the jewel over to her time, demons might come after it. We'd be putting Kagome's world in danger," Shippo said.

"True, but all of us would be there in case that does happen. We could stop them," Sango said.

"So I guess I'll ask Kaede for the jewel," Inuyasha said as he got up.

Kagome was about to go on. Looking over her appearance one more time, she walked on the stage and was shocked to see Inuyasha and the others in the audience. She smiled at them. Her choir teacher, the judge of the competition, smiled up at her.

"So Kagome, tell the audience what song you'll be singing tonight," she said.

"It's called, 'It's All Up to You'," Kagome said.

Kagome closed her eyes and took a deep breath. When the music started, Kagome looked directly at Inuyasha, making sure he knew who she was singing to.

Every time we talk about the future,
You run away
Why do you always see the danger?
You're so afraid.

I'm not the one you should fear
Cause I'll always be here
Show me how much you care
And we can make it anywhere

How will I know what's on your mind this time?
How will I know your love can be forever?
Am I the only one that you want?
Half a heart will just not do
Now it's all up to you

Baby, when I feel we're getting closer
You turn around
Saying all the things we're not supposed to
You let me down

I'm not the one you should fear
Cause I'll always be here
Show me how much you care
And we can make it anywhere

How will I know what's on your mind this time?
How will I know your love can be forever?
Am I the only one that you want?
Half a heart will just not do
Now it's all up to you

Kagome looked at Inuyasha with pleading eyes as she sang the next part.

I wanna know what's going on
I have been waiting for so long
Tell me the reason why you make me cry
When all I want is you
Do you remember days of joy?
Can we bring back what we've destroyed?
Tell me the reason why you make me cry…

As she finished, Kagome repeated the last syllable on "cry" three times, belting them out as the key changed.

How will I know what's on your mind this time?
How will I know your love can be forever?
Am I the only one that you want?
Half a heart will just not do
Now it's all up to you

Half a heart will just not do
Now it's all up to you…

Kagome was on the verge of tears when the music faded. The audience erupted into applause, including her family and her friends from the past. She looked over at her teacher, who was beaming.

"Well Kagome, that was a wonderful performance. Your vocals were on point and you built up to the climax wonderfully. I see you're close to tears, so obviously, there was a lot of emotion tied to the song."

"Thanks," Kagome said softly.

"I can't say who will win this competition, but I think you stand a good chance."

Kagome nodded and walked back stage. Sango, Miroku and Shippo were all looking at Inuyasha expectantly.

"Do you get it now?" Sango asked. Inuyasha nodded.

"Kagome has never really told you her true feelings about the nature of your relationship," Miroku said. "Now that she has, I hope you do the right thing."

"Hey, where is Kagome?" Shippo asked.

"Oh she's probably going to the car," Mrs. Higurashi said.

The group got out of their seats and went outside. They saw Kagome standing by the car. Her mother went over and hugged her.

"You did outstanding, sweetheart," she said.

"Thanks mom."

Her friends nodded their agreement. Kagome was getting into the car, when Inuyasha spoke up.

"Would you mind if I rode in there too?" he asked.

"Of course not," Mrs. Higurashi said.

As they rode back to the shrine, there was an awkward silence between Inuyasha and Kagome.

"Kagome, there's something important I have to tell you," Inuyasha said. "But not right now. Meet me on the other side of the well at the Goshinboku."

Kagome looked at him confused. "Alright Inuyasha," she said.

"Oh and…you look really pretty in that dress," he added, blushing.

She smiled at the hanyou. "Thank you," she said, a slight blush on her cheeks as well.

Kagome climbed out of the well and saw Inuyasha leaning on the Goshinboku. She walked over to him and looked in his eyes, trying to see what he was feeling.

"So, what did you want to tell me?" she asked.

"Kagome, I'm sorry," he said.

"Sorry for what?"

"For always hurting you, especially when it came to Kikyou."

Her inquisitive expression didn't change. "Well, it's nice to know you finally realized how this whole thing has been affecting me, but I can't really blame you. As I said, I know she's first in your heart and I have no right to come between the two of you. Who you choose to be with is your decision. Like the song said, it's all up to you."

"That's just it. I've made my choice. Kagome, Kikyou is gone."

"What do you mean, she's gone?"

"I mean that…she's dead. Her spirit is at rest."

Kagome audibly gasped at this information. "Inuyasha, I'm sorry-"

"No, it's okay. I was the one who killed her."

"What? Why?"

"She had tried to steal the Jewel, so I figured it was only way to stop her."

"Oh…"

"That and Kaede said that it was the only way to get Kikyou's soul to go into the afterlife."

"I see. At least she can rest in peace now."

"Kagome, my choice is you. You're first in my heart. I love you."

Kagome smiled, tears of joy filling her eyes. "I love you too, Inuyasha."

"I need you Kagome. Will you stay with me?" he asked, a desperate look in his eyes.

"Of course I will. I made a vow and I intend to keep it."

"My promise to Kikyou is fulfilled, so now I'll do my best to keep my promise to you. I'll always protect you."

Inuyasha smiled and then scooped Kagome up in his arms, bridal style. Before she could say anything, he kissed her. Kagome closed her eyes and responded eagerly.

When they pulled away, Inuyasha was beaming. "Thank you."

"For what?" she asked.

"Accepting me as I am. Besides my mother, you're the only one who has loved me for who I am."

"Well, you're very welcome, but you're not completely right. Sango, Miroku, Shippo, Kirara, mama, and Souta all love you just as you are."

His smile widened, if possible. "You're right, but it was only because of you that I was able to meet everyone and have so many friends."

Kagome giggled. "Inuyasha, you give me too much credit."

"No, I think you give yourself too little credit," he said. "You are literally the best thing that's ever happened to me. I could never thank you enough for all you've done."

He leaned in to kiss her again, but Kagome put her finger on his lips to stop him. "There's something we still need to take care of. The wish hasn't been made yet."

"Oh yeah. Well, we could make it now."

"Don't you think we should do it with the others here?"

"Whatever you want," he said.