Chapter One: Realizations

Kagome woke to a dreary morning. Her uniform was soaked and muddy, even torn in some places.

She stood up slowly and let out a groan. Her back was sore and she had a splitting headache.

"This is what I get for sleeping on the ground." She almost laughed.

Then the events from the day before hit her full force.

She fell to her knees on the verge of tears. 'No, I can't let him get to me. If he hates me...'

"Then he hates me..." She whispered sadly.

Kagome got up again and steadied herself with a nearby tree.

She walked slowly through the forest, her destination unclear.

'He-He hates me doesn't he? All along...he's...hated...me...' Kagome let out a whimper.

'I don't care about anything anymore...all I want is the pain to go away.'

Kagome stumbled, biting her lip as she fell. The metallic, warm taste of blood filled her mouth.

She spat at the ground, cursing halfheartedly under her breathe at her own clumsiness.

She got up and continued to walk, her mind still exploding with pain from her headache.

As she neared the village she put on a fake smile and stood up straighter.

Her pain and her emotions hidden away behind a mask of cheerfulness.

"Kagome! You're back!" Shippou greeted her with a warm hug and idle chatter.

Kagome smiled and nodded, her thoughts focused on a more pressing matter. 'Inuyasha.'

"Feh, welcome back. Ka-go-me." He said it mockingly from his perch on the Goshinboku , as if she was about as pleasant to have around as his half brother, Sesshomaru.

She willed herself to smile and continued to walk towards Kaede's hut.

When she entered she was greeted warmly by Miroku and Sango.

She walked over to Kaede and sat down with a sigh.

"How have ye been child?"

Kagome opened her mouth to speak but no sound came out at first. She finally managed to choke out an unconvincing "fine."

Kaede nodded and tended to the fire instead of pressing further.

"Hentai!" and several loud thuds soon broke the silence.

Kagome stood up suddenly, her mind made up with what she was going to do.

'It's not like he needs me. I'll go home and forget everything, including Inuyasha.' She grabbed her yellow bag, slung it over her shoulder and walked out.

Leaving them stunned by her abrupt departure.

"Did I miss something?" asked a confused Miroku. "I dunno..." replied Sango.

Kagome walked towards the well, a determined look on her face.

'I know he hates me, he's made that clear. I'll just seal up the well and move on with my life.'

"Hey bitch where you going without my permission?"

Kagome whirled around to come face to face with a very pissed off Inuyasha.

"I'm going home."

"No you're not."

"Yes I am."

"I said no you're not bitch!"

"Why the hell should I listen to you! It's not like you give a shit!"

"Ya well guess what wench! You're right! I don't give a shit! Once I have the jewel I can make my wish and get on with my life!" Inuyasha roared.

Then Kagome just lost it. "Admit it." She said coldy.

Inuyasha was slightly taken back by her bitter tone.

Miroku and Sango heard yelling and ran towards the well, dreading what they'd find.

When they arrived they heard Kagome yell, "JUST ADMIT IT! YOU HATE ME DON'T YOU! YOU ALWAYS HAVE, YOU NEVER LOVED ME EVEN THOUGH YOU SAID SO! ALL ALONG YOU'VE LOVED THAT DEAD CLAY BITCH KIKYOU! WELL GUESS WHAT I DON'T HAVE TO TAKE IT ANYMORE! I'M LEAVING AND I'M NEVER COMING BACK! KEEP THE FUCKING JEWEL I DON'T GIVE A SHIT!"

Kagome ripped the jewel from the chain around her neck and threw it on the ground.

With a final glare at a very stunned Inuyasha she jumped over the side of the well.

After the shock wore off Inuyasha picked up the jewel and found a single shard missing.

Sango and Miroku just stood there, too shocked to move.

Inuyasha's eyes turned red with anger. "OH HELL NO SHE IS NOT LEAVING LIKE THIS! I NEED THE WHOLE JEWEL TO MAKE MY WISH!"

Sango and Miroku stared at him disbelief. He really didn't care if she left except that she has a shard of the jewel.

Kagome climbed out of the well in her era and burst into tears. She slumped down to the ground whispering, "I hate you Inuyasha."