A/N: Konnichiwa! I told you I would get this up ASAP, and I did! So, how do you all like it so far. It is very difficult for me to be writing a story like this, cause I honestly believe that Inuyasha should stay with Kagome, cause they make a perfect couple. I really don't like Kikyo that much, but this idea sort of popped into my head, and I decided to do something a little different. However, because I feel that Inuyasha should be with Kagome, expect a sequel. ^_^;; I can't help it!

Well, I also want to say thank you for the great reviews. If I had only gotten one for this story, I would still be happy. That would tell me that at least one person out there enjoys reading what I write. When I get more than one, I think I get too excited, but hey, I just love them. You guys make being an author worth while. Alright, I bet you're all thinking that I should be quiet so you could read the story. I'll hush now. I hope you enjoy it, and don't forget to review!

Chapter 3: The Heartache of Goodbye

Kikyo stood behind Inuyasha, gazing ahead at the pained maiden. At first, she would've felt nothing but joy and elation. But for some reason, emotions of sorrow were coursing through her. She could see that behind Kagome's mask was nothing but pain and devastation. She felt a stabbing pain in her heart as Kagome began to approach them.

"Inu-Inuyasha....." Her hands were still held in a ball at her chest. She tried desperately to force on a smile, but it was weak. She moved closer to him, taking step by step. She slowly felt her arms began to shake, along with her legs. Shock from what was going on was taking over her body. Her chest started to move in a heavy, unsteady rhythm as it took so much courage just to move.

Right then and there, Inuyasha would've dropped to the ground and cried a million tears for seeing such agony in her expression. He just wished that she didn't have to find out like that. If he could've told her himself, which would've shattered his heart just as much, it might've caused her less pain. Hearing something that big and that devastating like that is something the heart cannot bear.

'He chose her, that means he still loves her. How could I have been so stupid- thinking he could love me when he still had Kikyo? Now, all I have is a broken heart because I believed someone like him could possibly love me. I honestly thought he would, but I was wrong.' She tightened her hands as she stood right before Inuyasha. Her eyes glanced up and locked dead even with his. Both of their eyes were somewhat glazed with tears, yet barely noticeable.

"Inu-Inuyasha, I just wanted to come and say-" She was cut off before she could finish. "Kagome, I-I'm sorry that you had to hear that. Look, it's not that I don't care for you, I have grown very strong feelings towards you. It's just-" "I'm not good enough for you." "NO! Don't say stupid stuff like that! You know its not true, so quit filling your head with ridiculous thoughts!" He leaned back as anger filled his eyes. Why would she think such mortifying thoughts? She knew he cared about her, but she also knew about Kikyo and his tragic past with her. "Kagome, you're perfect, in every way. It's just, I feel the need to repent for Kikyo's death. I still feel guilty, and going with her is one way." "Wasn't killing Naraku enough to repent for her death? You know it wasn't your fault, so why do you keep telling yourself that it was?!" His eyes filled with shock at her question. "I-I don't know. Maybe it's because my heart still hasn't completely let her go."

She knew the answer, so why did she bother asking? She knew that he still had feelings for the half dead priestess. She could see now though that she had more life in her. Inuyasha was giving her that life.

Kikyo watched in sheer shock at their deep conversation. She didn't know what to make of it. Was disposing of Naraku enough to repent for her death? No, she wanted more. She wanted Inuyasha to be with her, even though it would crush Kagome. She felt a little bad for causing so much pain towards her reincarnation; but she knew that Kagome didn't belong here, and that she needed to go back to her own era, where she belonged.

"Kagome, please, I hope you understand me?" He watched as many more emotions flushed over her face, making her expression unreadable. 'He still does love her, that's why I had no chance. I guess, this is goodbye then. I'll go back to my own era, and live a normal life, if that's even possible.' She tried to hold back the tears that were dying to come out. She then took another step forward and placed her hands upon his shoulders, gazing deeply into his eyes. As she watched his amber orbs, she could see many images of their journey's playing in them.

"I guess that this is goodbye. Since you have her, there's no need for me to stay around and get in your way. Heh, it won't be easy forgetting about all of this. Who know's, maybe I'll wake up and find it was all just a dream, one long, wonderful dream?" She smiled weakly and leaned forward on her toes, whispering in his ear so only he could hear. "I know I won't forget you, but I want you to forget me. If you think about me, it'll only cause pain. After I leave, I want you to forget everything that ever happened between us....." She felt tears come to her eyes as she choked out these wretched words. "Just know this, I'll never forget you." With that said, she laid a passionate kiss upon his lips, the warm feeling causing desire to burn in her heart.

Inuyasha watched in shock, and listened in pain as she spoke. 'How could I ever forget you? I never will, no matter what. I-" His thoughts were cut off when he felt the kiss. His eyes widened as the sweet touch of her tender lips met his. He didn't know how to react. What was he suppose to do? Kissing her back would only bring more pain to all of them. A single tear rolled down his cheek as she moved away, gazing once more into his golden eyes.

"I'll never forget you. I hope you're happy with your decision, and take care of her." She took a step back and glanced towards Kikyo, giving a weak smile. "Take care of him, he deserves the very best." She looked back at the hanyou, smiling one last time towards him. "I'll miss you. Goodbye, Inuyasha......" Her eyes quickly shut as they filled with tears and streamed down her cheeks. She slightly waved as she turned away, racing away from this spot. Her body gradually vanished in the distance, leaving behind the one person who had changed her life.

"Inuyasha?" Kikyo slowly moved forward and placed her hand upon his shoulder, trying to give comfort. "You did the right thing. She doesn't belong here; this isn't her era. Her life will only be in danger if she stays here." His head lowered and his eyes watched the ground, gazing at the dying leaves. "How is it that love can die so quickly? Is it like Mother Nature? It seems to flourish at times, and then so quickly it just dies. It's like a poisonous flower, so beautiful, yet deadly. And then again, its like a sweet rose, both beautiful and passionate." He slowly turned around and gazed into her eyes. A few tears trickled down his cheeks as he gazed into her milky, pale face. She tenderly raised her hand and dried the tears, showing compassion. "Always remember, that even the sweetest of flowers can turn out to be deadly, and the deadliest can end up sweet. Let's go. We should get some rest after going through this today. I hope you understand that is was for the best." Her hand had moved down to his, encompassing it in hers. She watched as his eyes slightly softened, yet they still had sorrow in them. No matter what she did, he would always feel a little pain from losing Kagome. But still, she would do her best to make up for his loss. This could be her way of repenting for his sorrow.

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A/N: So, how was it? Geeze, poor Kagome! I started crying as I typed it! I can't wait to get the sequel up, that'll make me feel much, MUCH better! Uh, I think I'm kinda giving out what the sequel is gonna be about. I'll be quiet about that for now. ^_^;;

Anyway, I really hope you guys liked this chapter! The next one, which is the last one, yes, the last one is going to be called, "I'll Never Forget You." Sound good? I hope so, cause I'm gonna make it good! This is the chapter with the song in it. You'll just have to wait and see what song it is, and to read the chapter. With that said, I'll close this little note with saying goodbye, and don't forget to review! Ja ne! ^_^

(Bokura wa onaji sekai wo oyogi- tsutsukeru tagaii no negai e todoku hai made minna onaji fuan kakaeate sasaeaeru...... sorry, I'm listening to "Change the World" right now! ^_^;;)