Thanks to all who reviewed!!!!
Disclaimer: You know, what's the point? It's a fanfiction site, one would assume we don't own the show. Fine! I do not own Inu-Yasha or any of the characters, although the story is mine. Grrr.
Ch 4- Acceptance
Smiling, Kagome made her way home from school with Hojo. (A/N: I know, I know. Stop yelling at me!!! Here, this next thing ought to make you happy) She was starting to get a little annoyed at his rambling on about their trip. She had a killer headache and he just wouldn't shut up!
"Hojo, I think I need to go to the library to study for my test tomorrow. I'll see you later, okay?" she asked, willing to do anything right then to make him go away.
"Oh, do you want me to come with you? I could help you study," he asked eagerly.
"No, no. I think netter by myself. I'll see you tomorrow," she said, trying really hard not to punch him.
"Okay, see you later, Kagome!" he cried as he walked his own direction home.
Kagome sighed.
*He's so annoying sometimes. At least he isn't a jerk like Inu-Yasha. I should tell them
I'm leaving. I mean I only have a month. Still, I'd rather not go back just yet* She sighed.
"Who am I kidding? I'm afraid to go back and tell them I won't ever come back. I know I have to, but it's hard. I need to face them, and tell them I can't do it anymore. I just can't stay with Inu-Yasha anymore."
Blinking away the tears she had sworn she'd never shed again, she continued home, planning what she would say to her friends.
~Friday evening~ "C'mon stop being a wimp Kagome. You can do this. You have to."
Clenching her fists around the straps of her (surprisingly light) backpack, she jumped through the well to the other side, for the final time. Inu-Yasha (who had been sulking non- stop ever since Friday) was beginning to wonder if Kagome was ever coming back.
*She's been gone a week. She's never been gone that long before*
Of course, he would've gone after her by now, but he wouldn't admit to himself that he was still upset about what he had seen Friday night.
"Stupid wench, I don't care if she never comes back." "Come now, Inu-Yasha," came a voice from below. Inu-Yasha was so surprised to find he wasn't alone that he fell out of the tree to the ground at Miroku's feet. Lifting his head from the crater he had created, Inu-Yasha shouted,
"What the hell did you do that for, monk?"
"Inu-Yasha, you know as well as I that you want nothing more than for Kagome to come back. You've been sulking all week. Tell me, did something happen to make you come back without her?"
Miroku knelt down so he could look Inu-Yasha in the eye.
"Feh" Inu-Yasha growled, looking away and rearranging himself in his sitting position.
"It's none of your business!" he shouted, still avoiding the knowing look in Miroku's eyes. "I just felt like coming back without her this time."
"Then why go after her at all? I think something happened, otherwise she'd have come back with you." Miroku stated matter-of-factly.
"You just can't butt out, can you, monk? I just went after her to please Sango. I mean, wouldn't you, if you were having her hiraikotsu flung into your head? I was just doing it to make her happy." He stated simply
"You would've gone after her even if Sango hadn't attacked you. Since when do you care how she feels? Why you've been so delayed in bringing Lady Kagome back is the question."
Miroku glanced at him quizzically.
"Shut it, monk." He growled, getting up to leave.
*Wait..*
He sniffed the air.
*That's.. Kagome's scent*
Suddenly he turned towards the direction of the well and took off running. Smiling knowingly, Miroku stood and began walking back to the hut.
Inu-Yasha ran through the woods as fast as he could, breaking into the clearing just in time to see Kagome swinging her bag over her shoulders and setting off toward the village.
"Kagome!" Inu-Yasha cried as he began walking toward her.
She turned to face him.
"Inu-Yasha" she said coldly and continued walking.
"Kagome, I" he started
"Save it," she said, still walking away
"Kagome." he murmured after her.
He felt as though his heart was collapsing on itself. She'd never been so cold to him before.
*I didn't want to see him right away. I want to see him last. I'll be ready by then*
She stopped in front of Kaede's hut and put on a smile before stepping inside.
"Hello everyone!" she called as she pushed the mat back.
"Kagome" squealed our young kitsune as he flew into her arms.
Kagome was caught off balance by the sudden attack and fell backwards.
"Oof. Nice to see you too, Shippou," she said.
"Oh, Kagome, I'm so sorry," he cried, leaping off of her.
Sango helped Kagome up and embraced her.
"Kagome," she said when they pulled away and began walking toward the fireplace where Miroku and Kaede sat, "what took you so long? We've missed you."
"Well, I was going to come back the day after I left, but. I had some thinking to do." She said, avoiding everyone's eyes. "Thinking? About what child?" Kaede asked in her grandmotherly way.
"Well, I guess I might as well tell all of you. I.. I'm leaving," She whispered at last.
"Leaving? Where? Why, Kagome?" Shippou asked, grasping her knees.
"See, I was selected by my school to go live in another country for a year. I can even stay there longer, if I choose. And, I decided to go. I will only be back home for holidays." She explained.
"But you'll come back, right? To visit us?" Shippou asked pleadingly.
"I'm afraid not, darling. If I leave, then it'll be months before I come back for a visit. And I can't expect you to wait here for me in between. And I may not ever come back home for good. That's unfair to you guys. I decided to leave my jewel shards with you." She said
"But without the jewel shards, how can we ever see you again if you do come back?" Shippou asked
"I'm not coming back here Shippou. Ever. I don't want to anymore," she whispered.
A look of hurt crossed everyone's faces.
"Wait, I didn't mean it like that. I love every last one of you like family, but I just. can't anymore. I think I'm becoming a burden. What with school and everything, my time traveling is just becoming an inconvenience. Besides that, there's Inu-Yasha. I just can't be around him anymore." She explained in a pained tone.
They knew this decision was hard on her.
"Lady Kagome, I understand what you're saying. You deserve to broaden your horizons, and we can't ask you to stay when you get hurt by one of us." Miroku said
Kagome smiled a little
"Thanks Miroku. I want you all to know, I'll miss all of you. I. I don't plan on coming back after this. This is my good-bye. I have a few things for you, and then I have to- "
She choked, tears forming in her eyes.
"Oh, Kagome" Sango whispered, and moved to wrap the girl who had become her sister in her arms.
Kagome returned the embrace.
"I'll miss you all" she sobbed
"We know, Kagome. We know" Sango whispered
Kagome finally pulled herself together and pulled away.
"Shippou, please bring me my bag." She sniffed and wiped her eyes.
Shippou ran to the door and dragged her backpack to her. Kagome opened it and began rummaging through the contents.
"Shippou," she said, pulling out a small blue backpack, "this is for you. It's got crayons, paper, and coloring books inside, since I know how much you like those, as well as a yo-yo and some toy cars. You can take this backpack with you wherever you go, because it's not very heavy, and it's waterproof." She explained.
"Kagome!" cried the young kitsune as he wrapped his tiny arms around her neck. "I wish you didn't have to go! Why do you have to leave us? If Inu- Yasha said he was sorry, would you stay?" he blubbered.
"Shippou-Chan, get a hold of yourself." Kagome whispered as she pried him off so she could look at him, "If he did apologize, which is unlikely, we'd just be back where we started. I need to do this, for me. I only ask that you understand. " She whispered, holding Shippou close.
"I'll never forget you, mama" Shippou said, for her ears alone.
"I'll never forget you either, Shippou." She whispered back, kissing him on the cheek. (A/N: *SOB* is that a tearjerker or what?) Setting the young fox child down, she began to root through the bag once more.
"Kaede, I thought you'd like this. It's a book of remedies for less common diseases. Some of it you might not understand, but it should help you in the future." Kagome explained.
"Thank you, child. I'm sure it will be of great help. But, the greatest gift ye have given me is yourself. Ye have done an old woman proud, Kagome. I only wish I had a way to remember your smiling face" she sighed wistfully.
"That's why I brought this" Kagome exclaimed, pulling out a camera.
"What the hell is that thing?" Miroku asked
"It's called a camera. Watch." She instructed. "Shippou, look at the camera and smile."
Confused, Shippou did as he was told. A bright flash filled the room, along with a click and a whir. The camera spit out a square piece of paper, which Kagome began waving in the air.
"Kagome, what was that?" Sango asked, barely able to suppress her laughter, for Shippou was stumbling around dizzily.
"See for your self" Kagome said, passing the paper to her.
"It's Shippou!" she cried excitedly.
"Let me see" Miroku demanded.
He studied it, raised an eyebrow, and passed it to Kaede.
"I wanna see it" Shippou cried, hopping on Kaede's shoulder.
"Kagome, how did you do this?" Kaede questioned.
"Well see, it's just like drawing a picture, only it's an exact image. The camera basically draws a picture of you. Does that make any sense?" she asked.
Everyone nodded.
"I think it's cool! Can I try it?" Shippou pleaded.
"Sure, Shippou. Come here, and let me show you how it works. You look through this little window, called the viewfinder, and focus on what you want to take a picture of. Make sure you hold the camera straight. Then you reach up with one of your fingers, and press this button."
A bright flash lit the room again, and the camera spit out a developing photo of Kirara.
"Wow! Can I take a picture of you, Kagome! " Shippou cried.
"Sure. Back up a few steps so it's a good shot." Kagome instructed.
"Smile, Kagome!" Shippou said, and took the photo.
A few minutes later, the photo had developed.
"Shippou, you're pretty good. Go give the photo to Kaede." Kagome said.
"Thank you, Kagome." Kagome moved to sot next to the old lady. "You've been like a granddaughter to me. I'll miss you, child.." Kagome let her tears flow as she hugged Kaede.
"Miroku, I have these herbal remedies for you. I trust you to take care of everybody in my place, " she said, tossing him a bag.
"Here, Miroku. These are for you as well" she said, holding out a small blue silk bag, containing a set of intricately carved rosewood prayer beads, depicting the Japanese countryside, villages, markets, and festivals.
"Lady Kagome, these are beautiful," he cried as he gazed at them.
"I've never seen anything like it. I'll think of you every time I use them, " he whispered as he drew her into an embrace.
Sango eyed him to make sure he didn't try anything.
When he pulled away, tears were swimming in his eyes. He quickly turned his head to hide them. Sango put a hand on his shoulder. He turned to see the tears in her eyes too, and he placed his hand over hers.
Kagome was fighting tears as well, and quickly began searching for Sango's present. She pulled out a small, long cardboard box and handed it to Sango. She opened it and gasped.
"Kagome, its beautiful. " she breathed, pulling out a gold locket with cherry blossoms engraved on the front.
"Open it" Kagome whispered.
Sango did as she was told, and had to put her hand to her mouth to stifle a sob. On the inside of the locket were two small photographs. One was of Kagome and Sango together, smiling as they played with Shippou, and the other was just Kagome secretly smiling at something. Sango clenched the locket tightly and in doing so, noticed one more thing.
"What's this?" she asked as she turned the locket over to the back. Engraved on it was the symbol "friends". Tears spilled over as she hugged the only family she had left.
Kagome was the first to pull away. She smiled through her tears.
"I guess I'd better find Inu-Yasha and give him his gift." She stated, slinging her backpack on as she stood up.
"Do you want us to come with you?" Miroku asked as everyone stood and walked her to the door.
"No, I need to say goodbye to him alone. Goodbye, you guys" she whispered as she hugged each person for the last time. "I'll miss you always. I'll never forget you. Take care" she waved as she started off.
Sango waited until Kagome was out of earshot before breaking down into tears. Miroku took her into his arms and rocked her.
Kagome headed for the well, the last place she had seen Inu-Yasha. She knew he probably hadn't gone far.
"Inu-Yasha, I know you're here somewhere. I need to talk to you. Now!" she called into the forest.
Silence greeted her.
"Stupid dog" she muttered to herself. "SIT!"
A yell and a crash sounded from behind her. Kagome quickly made her way to the "crash site".
"What do you want now, wench? I thought you were mad at me. " He yelled, crossing his arms and turning away. He sniffed the air and turned back. "Have you been crying?" he asked, somewhat concern showing in his voice.
"Why do you care? I just came to say goodbye." Kagome said simply.
"Feh. Another of these 'tests' I assume? How long will you be gone this time?"
"Forever"
"What?"
He felt himself start to panic. She couldn't leave him, not now..
"I'm not coming back, Inu-Yasha. I just wanted to give you your goodbye gift."
She stepped up to him and he gulped. She reached up and touched the rosary. Immediately, it disappeared. To stunned to say anything, Inu-Yasha watched as Kagome reached into her pocket and pulled out a leather pouch on a string. She handed it to him.
"I'm not controlling you anymore. I don't want to. And I thought you'd like to be the one I gave these to" she said, indicating the pouch.
Inu-Yasha knew from the feel of it what was inside.
"The Shikon shards?" he asked, amazed. "But, I don't understand. Why are you leaving? Why are you giving these to me?"
"Because, you wanted them. That's what this was all about. The rosary, me, everything. It all revolved around those shards. I have no need to control you anymore, and you have no reason not to have the shards and do what you want with them. Everything will be where it belongs now." she said coldly.
"But, you belong here." Inu-Yasha tried.
"No, I don't. You're always telling me to go home, that I don't belong here. I finally realized you're right. You'd all be better off without me."
"Why did you give me the shards? You can't come back without them."
"I don't want to come back. I'm finished. Goodbye, Inu-Yasha" she said as she turned and walked away.
"Kagome, wait!" he grabbed her arm.
"Leave me alone!" she cried, wrenching away from him and running for the well. She made it to the edge before he caught her again. She whirled to glare at him.
"Let me go, Inu-Yasha" she demanded sternly.
"No."
"I don't want to stay here anymore. I'm nothing to you, remember? You'll be better without me."
"But.." "Just let me go! Then I'm not a burden anymore! I just want to leave! Can't you understand that?!" she yelled, struggling to break free.
"I can't let you go, Kagome. We need you here, I n.." he started softly.
"You don't need me! I'm just a half-wit! I'm useless! Let me go!" she screamed, slapping him across the face and breaking free once again.
"Kagome!"
She started over the well.
"DON'T GO KAGOME, I LOVE YOU!!!!"
Dun-dun-duuuuuun!!! What will happen next? Or will I just leave it off here? Reveiws decide, people.
Disclaimer: You know, what's the point? It's a fanfiction site, one would assume we don't own the show. Fine! I do not own Inu-Yasha or any of the characters, although the story is mine. Grrr.
Ch 4- Acceptance
Smiling, Kagome made her way home from school with Hojo. (A/N: I know, I know. Stop yelling at me!!! Here, this next thing ought to make you happy) She was starting to get a little annoyed at his rambling on about their trip. She had a killer headache and he just wouldn't shut up!
"Hojo, I think I need to go to the library to study for my test tomorrow. I'll see you later, okay?" she asked, willing to do anything right then to make him go away.
"Oh, do you want me to come with you? I could help you study," he asked eagerly.
"No, no. I think netter by myself. I'll see you tomorrow," she said, trying really hard not to punch him.
"Okay, see you later, Kagome!" he cried as he walked his own direction home.
Kagome sighed.
*He's so annoying sometimes. At least he isn't a jerk like Inu-Yasha. I should tell them
I'm leaving. I mean I only have a month. Still, I'd rather not go back just yet* She sighed.
"Who am I kidding? I'm afraid to go back and tell them I won't ever come back. I know I have to, but it's hard. I need to face them, and tell them I can't do it anymore. I just can't stay with Inu-Yasha anymore."
Blinking away the tears she had sworn she'd never shed again, she continued home, planning what she would say to her friends.
~Friday evening~ "C'mon stop being a wimp Kagome. You can do this. You have to."
Clenching her fists around the straps of her (surprisingly light) backpack, she jumped through the well to the other side, for the final time. Inu-Yasha (who had been sulking non- stop ever since Friday) was beginning to wonder if Kagome was ever coming back.
*She's been gone a week. She's never been gone that long before*
Of course, he would've gone after her by now, but he wouldn't admit to himself that he was still upset about what he had seen Friday night.
"Stupid wench, I don't care if she never comes back." "Come now, Inu-Yasha," came a voice from below. Inu-Yasha was so surprised to find he wasn't alone that he fell out of the tree to the ground at Miroku's feet. Lifting his head from the crater he had created, Inu-Yasha shouted,
"What the hell did you do that for, monk?"
"Inu-Yasha, you know as well as I that you want nothing more than for Kagome to come back. You've been sulking all week. Tell me, did something happen to make you come back without her?"
Miroku knelt down so he could look Inu-Yasha in the eye.
"Feh" Inu-Yasha growled, looking away and rearranging himself in his sitting position.
"It's none of your business!" he shouted, still avoiding the knowing look in Miroku's eyes. "I just felt like coming back without her this time."
"Then why go after her at all? I think something happened, otherwise she'd have come back with you." Miroku stated matter-of-factly.
"You just can't butt out, can you, monk? I just went after her to please Sango. I mean, wouldn't you, if you were having her hiraikotsu flung into your head? I was just doing it to make her happy." He stated simply
"You would've gone after her even if Sango hadn't attacked you. Since when do you care how she feels? Why you've been so delayed in bringing Lady Kagome back is the question."
Miroku glanced at him quizzically.
"Shut it, monk." He growled, getting up to leave.
*Wait..*
He sniffed the air.
*That's.. Kagome's scent*
Suddenly he turned towards the direction of the well and took off running. Smiling knowingly, Miroku stood and began walking back to the hut.
Inu-Yasha ran through the woods as fast as he could, breaking into the clearing just in time to see Kagome swinging her bag over her shoulders and setting off toward the village.
"Kagome!" Inu-Yasha cried as he began walking toward her.
She turned to face him.
"Inu-Yasha" she said coldly and continued walking.
"Kagome, I" he started
"Save it," she said, still walking away
"Kagome." he murmured after her.
He felt as though his heart was collapsing on itself. She'd never been so cold to him before.
*I didn't want to see him right away. I want to see him last. I'll be ready by then*
She stopped in front of Kaede's hut and put on a smile before stepping inside.
"Hello everyone!" she called as she pushed the mat back.
"Kagome" squealed our young kitsune as he flew into her arms.
Kagome was caught off balance by the sudden attack and fell backwards.
"Oof. Nice to see you too, Shippou," she said.
"Oh, Kagome, I'm so sorry," he cried, leaping off of her.
Sango helped Kagome up and embraced her.
"Kagome," she said when they pulled away and began walking toward the fireplace where Miroku and Kaede sat, "what took you so long? We've missed you."
"Well, I was going to come back the day after I left, but. I had some thinking to do." She said, avoiding everyone's eyes. "Thinking? About what child?" Kaede asked in her grandmotherly way.
"Well, I guess I might as well tell all of you. I.. I'm leaving," She whispered at last.
"Leaving? Where? Why, Kagome?" Shippou asked, grasping her knees.
"See, I was selected by my school to go live in another country for a year. I can even stay there longer, if I choose. And, I decided to go. I will only be back home for holidays." She explained.
"But you'll come back, right? To visit us?" Shippou asked pleadingly.
"I'm afraid not, darling. If I leave, then it'll be months before I come back for a visit. And I can't expect you to wait here for me in between. And I may not ever come back home for good. That's unfair to you guys. I decided to leave my jewel shards with you." She said
"But without the jewel shards, how can we ever see you again if you do come back?" Shippou asked
"I'm not coming back here Shippou. Ever. I don't want to anymore," she whispered.
A look of hurt crossed everyone's faces.
"Wait, I didn't mean it like that. I love every last one of you like family, but I just. can't anymore. I think I'm becoming a burden. What with school and everything, my time traveling is just becoming an inconvenience. Besides that, there's Inu-Yasha. I just can't be around him anymore." She explained in a pained tone.
They knew this decision was hard on her.
"Lady Kagome, I understand what you're saying. You deserve to broaden your horizons, and we can't ask you to stay when you get hurt by one of us." Miroku said
Kagome smiled a little
"Thanks Miroku. I want you all to know, I'll miss all of you. I. I don't plan on coming back after this. This is my good-bye. I have a few things for you, and then I have to- "
She choked, tears forming in her eyes.
"Oh, Kagome" Sango whispered, and moved to wrap the girl who had become her sister in her arms.
Kagome returned the embrace.
"I'll miss you all" she sobbed
"We know, Kagome. We know" Sango whispered
Kagome finally pulled herself together and pulled away.
"Shippou, please bring me my bag." She sniffed and wiped her eyes.
Shippou ran to the door and dragged her backpack to her. Kagome opened it and began rummaging through the contents.
"Shippou," she said, pulling out a small blue backpack, "this is for you. It's got crayons, paper, and coloring books inside, since I know how much you like those, as well as a yo-yo and some toy cars. You can take this backpack with you wherever you go, because it's not very heavy, and it's waterproof." She explained.
"Kagome!" cried the young kitsune as he wrapped his tiny arms around her neck. "I wish you didn't have to go! Why do you have to leave us? If Inu- Yasha said he was sorry, would you stay?" he blubbered.
"Shippou-Chan, get a hold of yourself." Kagome whispered as she pried him off so she could look at him, "If he did apologize, which is unlikely, we'd just be back where we started. I need to do this, for me. I only ask that you understand. " She whispered, holding Shippou close.
"I'll never forget you, mama" Shippou said, for her ears alone.
"I'll never forget you either, Shippou." She whispered back, kissing him on the cheek. (A/N: *SOB* is that a tearjerker or what?) Setting the young fox child down, she began to root through the bag once more.
"Kaede, I thought you'd like this. It's a book of remedies for less common diseases. Some of it you might not understand, but it should help you in the future." Kagome explained.
"Thank you, child. I'm sure it will be of great help. But, the greatest gift ye have given me is yourself. Ye have done an old woman proud, Kagome. I only wish I had a way to remember your smiling face" she sighed wistfully.
"That's why I brought this" Kagome exclaimed, pulling out a camera.
"What the hell is that thing?" Miroku asked
"It's called a camera. Watch." She instructed. "Shippou, look at the camera and smile."
Confused, Shippou did as he was told. A bright flash filled the room, along with a click and a whir. The camera spit out a square piece of paper, which Kagome began waving in the air.
"Kagome, what was that?" Sango asked, barely able to suppress her laughter, for Shippou was stumbling around dizzily.
"See for your self" Kagome said, passing the paper to her.
"It's Shippou!" she cried excitedly.
"Let me see" Miroku demanded.
He studied it, raised an eyebrow, and passed it to Kaede.
"I wanna see it" Shippou cried, hopping on Kaede's shoulder.
"Kagome, how did you do this?" Kaede questioned.
"Well see, it's just like drawing a picture, only it's an exact image. The camera basically draws a picture of you. Does that make any sense?" she asked.
Everyone nodded.
"I think it's cool! Can I try it?" Shippou pleaded.
"Sure, Shippou. Come here, and let me show you how it works. You look through this little window, called the viewfinder, and focus on what you want to take a picture of. Make sure you hold the camera straight. Then you reach up with one of your fingers, and press this button."
A bright flash lit the room again, and the camera spit out a developing photo of Kirara.
"Wow! Can I take a picture of you, Kagome! " Shippou cried.
"Sure. Back up a few steps so it's a good shot." Kagome instructed.
"Smile, Kagome!" Shippou said, and took the photo.
A few minutes later, the photo had developed.
"Shippou, you're pretty good. Go give the photo to Kaede." Kagome said.
"Thank you, Kagome." Kagome moved to sot next to the old lady. "You've been like a granddaughter to me. I'll miss you, child.." Kagome let her tears flow as she hugged Kaede.
"Miroku, I have these herbal remedies for you. I trust you to take care of everybody in my place, " she said, tossing him a bag.
"Here, Miroku. These are for you as well" she said, holding out a small blue silk bag, containing a set of intricately carved rosewood prayer beads, depicting the Japanese countryside, villages, markets, and festivals.
"Lady Kagome, these are beautiful," he cried as he gazed at them.
"I've never seen anything like it. I'll think of you every time I use them, " he whispered as he drew her into an embrace.
Sango eyed him to make sure he didn't try anything.
When he pulled away, tears were swimming in his eyes. He quickly turned his head to hide them. Sango put a hand on his shoulder. He turned to see the tears in her eyes too, and he placed his hand over hers.
Kagome was fighting tears as well, and quickly began searching for Sango's present. She pulled out a small, long cardboard box and handed it to Sango. She opened it and gasped.
"Kagome, its beautiful. " she breathed, pulling out a gold locket with cherry blossoms engraved on the front.
"Open it" Kagome whispered.
Sango did as she was told, and had to put her hand to her mouth to stifle a sob. On the inside of the locket were two small photographs. One was of Kagome and Sango together, smiling as they played with Shippou, and the other was just Kagome secretly smiling at something. Sango clenched the locket tightly and in doing so, noticed one more thing.
"What's this?" she asked as she turned the locket over to the back. Engraved on it was the symbol "friends". Tears spilled over as she hugged the only family she had left.
Kagome was the first to pull away. She smiled through her tears.
"I guess I'd better find Inu-Yasha and give him his gift." She stated, slinging her backpack on as she stood up.
"Do you want us to come with you?" Miroku asked as everyone stood and walked her to the door.
"No, I need to say goodbye to him alone. Goodbye, you guys" she whispered as she hugged each person for the last time. "I'll miss you always. I'll never forget you. Take care" she waved as she started off.
Sango waited until Kagome was out of earshot before breaking down into tears. Miroku took her into his arms and rocked her.
Kagome headed for the well, the last place she had seen Inu-Yasha. She knew he probably hadn't gone far.
"Inu-Yasha, I know you're here somewhere. I need to talk to you. Now!" she called into the forest.
Silence greeted her.
"Stupid dog" she muttered to herself. "SIT!"
A yell and a crash sounded from behind her. Kagome quickly made her way to the "crash site".
"What do you want now, wench? I thought you were mad at me. " He yelled, crossing his arms and turning away. He sniffed the air and turned back. "Have you been crying?" he asked, somewhat concern showing in his voice.
"Why do you care? I just came to say goodbye." Kagome said simply.
"Feh. Another of these 'tests' I assume? How long will you be gone this time?"
"Forever"
"What?"
He felt himself start to panic. She couldn't leave him, not now..
"I'm not coming back, Inu-Yasha. I just wanted to give you your goodbye gift."
She stepped up to him and he gulped. She reached up and touched the rosary. Immediately, it disappeared. To stunned to say anything, Inu-Yasha watched as Kagome reached into her pocket and pulled out a leather pouch on a string. She handed it to him.
"I'm not controlling you anymore. I don't want to. And I thought you'd like to be the one I gave these to" she said, indicating the pouch.
Inu-Yasha knew from the feel of it what was inside.
"The Shikon shards?" he asked, amazed. "But, I don't understand. Why are you leaving? Why are you giving these to me?"
"Because, you wanted them. That's what this was all about. The rosary, me, everything. It all revolved around those shards. I have no need to control you anymore, and you have no reason not to have the shards and do what you want with them. Everything will be where it belongs now." she said coldly.
"But, you belong here." Inu-Yasha tried.
"No, I don't. You're always telling me to go home, that I don't belong here. I finally realized you're right. You'd all be better off without me."
"Why did you give me the shards? You can't come back without them."
"I don't want to come back. I'm finished. Goodbye, Inu-Yasha" she said as she turned and walked away.
"Kagome, wait!" he grabbed her arm.
"Leave me alone!" she cried, wrenching away from him and running for the well. She made it to the edge before he caught her again. She whirled to glare at him.
"Let me go, Inu-Yasha" she demanded sternly.
"No."
"I don't want to stay here anymore. I'm nothing to you, remember? You'll be better without me."
"But.." "Just let me go! Then I'm not a burden anymore! I just want to leave! Can't you understand that?!" she yelled, struggling to break free.
"I can't let you go, Kagome. We need you here, I n.." he started softly.
"You don't need me! I'm just a half-wit! I'm useless! Let me go!" she screamed, slapping him across the face and breaking free once again.
"Kagome!"
She started over the well.
"DON'T GO KAGOME, I LOVE YOU!!!!"
Dun-dun-duuuuuun!!! What will happen next? Or will I just leave it off here? Reveiws decide, people.