Chapter 5

"...and there you have it! That is how you calculate the sin of an angle. Any questions?" Of course I have questions, I haven't been here in so long! Kagome sighed. She wasn't sure if school was really all that important anymore. She missed fighting demons, mothering Shippou, helping to heal the sick, and most of all, she missed Inuyasha protecting her. She sighed again and looked out the window. I miss him so much. Somehow, I don't think Kikyo told him what I asked her to... no matter, really. It's not like i'll be able to hear what he has to say. Not that i'd want to- he'd just brush me off and leave me behind again. Kagome didn't think she could hold back her tears.

"Mr. Yamato?" she asked, tears threatening to spill. The teacher acknowledged her.

"Yes, Higurashi?"

"I... Can I go to the lavatory?" she asked.

"Yes, Higurashi. Take the hall pass." Kagome jumped up and took the piece of paper labelled "Hall Pass" and left the room. As soon as she exited the classroom, she headed for the roof of the school. Once she arrived, she sat down on the floor and cried. This was where they had shared lunch together once, after Inuyasha had brought her to school when she was going to be late. The tears didn't seem to have any end in sight. She cried and cried until she had nothing left, and that was when she slumped into a laying position on the ground, curling her knees up to her chest. Why did it have to be this way? Why can't I seem to get over him? It has been almost 2 weeks since i've left him behind, but the hurt is still there, stabbing my heart every second of every day. Her thoughts were interrupted by the P.A system blaring.

"Could Higurashi, Kagome please report to the office. I repeat, could Higurashi, Kagome please report to the office." Kagome sighed and looked at her watch. She'd been gone from class for thirty minutes. Now the office wanted to know where she was. She wiped away the last of her tears and made her way to the office.

"And just where have you been? You are supposed to be in Mr. Yamato's class, but he said you left for the lavatory 30 minutes ago. They sent someone to see if you were alright, but you weren't there. Care to explain yourself, Higurashi?" the principal spat. Kagome sighed. She knew she had to think of some sort of logical explanation.

"Sir, I went to the lavatory, where I was really sick. I know I should have asked, but I went to a payphone near here and asked my mother to bring some special medicine that I have for my illnesses. She just dropped it off, and I was waiting for it to start working. I was so dizzy and disoriented I forgot about class. I'm so sorry, sir. It won't happen again- i'll be sure to carry my medicines with me at all times from now on." Kagome looked up at the principal. He had to believe it, or else she'd be suspended- something she couldn't afford. His face softened.

"I understand, Higurashi. No harm done. Please return to your class now." he said. Kagome knew she had to make him really believe her or else her plan would fail, so she stumbled her way out of his office, grabbing chairs for support. Once back in class, she handed a note to her teacher and apologized.

Stupid Inuyasha. Everything would be fine if it weren't for you. There's only 2 more months left of the school year- I have to pass! I can't afford not to! Kagome scolded herself for letting Inuyasha take over her life. This isn't his fault- it's mine! I was stupid for loving him! I still am stupid for loving him! Why can't I just let go...

"Higurashi!" Mr. Yamato scolded. "Pay attention!" Kagome sighed. She really wasn't going to get through this, was she?

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"Hmph. It's been two weeks! We still haven't found Naraku!" Inuyasha cried. Kikyo looked at him.

"Weeks?" she asked.

"Yeah, weeks. In Kagome's time, a week is what they call seven days. It's been about 14 days since you and me have started travelling together, and still... nothing." Inuyasha sighed. Kikyo stopped to face him.

"You really can't get over her, can you? Not even when i'm here!" Kikyo retorted. Inuyasha blinked at her. "All you talk about is her, your pathetic group, or Naraku! Inuyasha, it's time you said goodbye!"

"Ki-Kikyo..." Inuyasha stammered, hurt. Couldn't she understand that he had friends? Other people besides herself that accepted him? "Kikyo, they're my friends- they accept me like you do. Why do you hate them? They're nice to me... most of the time." Inuyasha said, trying to understand the basis of her bitterness. Maybe he could help! Kikyo just looked at him blankly.

"They did not accept as I have, Inuyasha. You fail to see the truth, yet again! Once, fifty years ago you failed to see the truth and killed me- and now you again deny the truth! Those people, those 'friends' do not want you, they use you to get to Naraku! They have no chance without the power of a demon, or in this case, a half-demon. They want the jewel for themselves, and they all bear a grudge against Naraku- so they ally themselves with you." Kikyo spat bitterly. Inuyasha couldn't believe what he was hearing.

"Kikyo! It was NOT me who killed you! It was Naraku! Why can't you see the truth? Oh, and yes! They DID accept me, Kikyo! They were there for me! If they were only using me, why did they lay their lives on the line for me? Do you know how many times Kagome almost died for me? Do you know how many times she cried for me?" Inuyasha replied, panicking. He didn't think Kikyo could be so cold! Why couldn't she be happy? He thought he made her happy...

"Cried, Inuyasha? For you? She's weak! She lays her life on the line selfishly, assuming you will save her every time. She uses you the worst of them all. She is not the girl you think she is, Inuyasha! How could you do this to me? After all we've been through together! After all the love that we've shared! How can you be so... so cold?" Kikyo cried. Inuyasha didn't know what to do. I love her, don't I? Why am I hurting her by talking this way? Inuyasha wasn't used to the whole love thing. He walked over to Kikyo and simply held her.

"I'm sorry, Kikyo. Forgive me." he begged.

"Promise me you will forget her. Promise me." Kikyo said desperately.

"..."

"Promise me!" Kikyo repeated.

"... I... I promise." Inuyasha stammered. His mind was racing. Can I keep this promise? What if I can't forget Kagome? She means so much to me... she was the first person since my mother to cry for me... to accept me without wanting something in return. Even Kikyo wanted something in return- she wanted me to purify the jewel so her duties as priestess would be relieved... but she loved me, right? She'd love me if he stayed hanyou, right? Inuyasha's thoughts were interrupted by Kikyo pulling herself away from him embrace.

"Good." Kikyo stated simply as she began walking again. Inuyasha was stunned. Not even a thank you? Man, now I know how Kagome felt everytime she'd do something for me and I wouldn't thank her. His ears dropped flat to his head as he followed behind her. I won't be able to forget Kagome, but I can't let Kikyo know that. I have to hide it. Inuyasha told himself.

After a few hours of travelling, Kikyo turned to Inuyasha. "Inuyasha. When we find the jewel... what will you do? Kill me again?" she asked without a hint emotion.

"I did not kill you the first time, and no, I will not kill you for it, Kikyo. You are its guardian, correct? I suppose you choose what to do with it." Inuyasha sighed, hoping he could live with the choice she made.

"I was thinking... I... nevermind. I'm not sure yet." Kikyo stammered. She knew exactly what she wanted to do with the jewel, and Inuyasha had to stay out of it.

Kagome, dear. Kikyo thought. You're going to die soon, and return that soul to me.