Author's note: I'm so happy! I got reviews! Even only two people reviewed! I'm sooooo happy! (wipes tear). Also other characters will show up in the next chapters so don't think I introduced all people in the fic yet.

Shout-outs:

356: Thanks! Hope you will continue to read my story!

Aubrin Xerva: Glad you liked it! I'll update as soon as I can.

Chapter 4: Separation

The freshmen of Tokyo University were very exited and full of energy. In just eight days, school would be starting and they will begin a new period of their lives. However, the same cannot be said for some.

After Aya's confession, Kagome had locked herself in her room and had not come in two days. She hardly ate or slept. Her mother and brother were getting really worried; despite their pleas, Kagome did not answer her door. She didn't make any signs to come out either.

With Kagome…

I feel nothing at all. I lay against the side of my bed as a gazed into space. Grief. Sorrow. Agony. I felt all of this after Aya told me what was really going on. Canada is halfway around the world. We would only get to see each other, at most, once a year. I thought we would always be together, side by side. Why did it have to result to this? And for some reason I can't cry, despite all the emotions weighing down on me. I closed my eyes as another realization entered my mind. I guess it's because I made a vow to myself to stay strong for Aya. But now, what will become of me without her? She is a part of me. A piece of who I am. Even if Miroku and Sango are there, who will I protect and rely on? Miroku and Sango have each other. When Aya leaves, who will I have? What will my reason to remain strong? Will it be the same as before? Man, I'm such a wreck…

As for Aya, she made herself solitude in her room as well. She didn't stop crying since the day she broke the news to Kagome. Her family too, was starting to worry about her. She did eat a little; but that didn't mean she ate properly. Her mind was always somewhere else, even is someone did try to comfort her.

With Aya…

Why? Why? It's so vexing! I have to stay with Kagome or else. She will change herself. I just know it. She won't be the strong, brave and cheerful Kagome I know. For the past years I've come to see what I am to her. I've been her strength and someone who she can depend on. Even if she has her family, I noticed how much she relies on me. Why did it have to be now? She needs me when she attends Tokyo University as well. For sure, something bad will happen since Kikyo's attending the same university. And besides, I need her with me too. She inspires me to persevere and stay strong. She is and has always been by my side. If I move, I might end up all alone. No one can replace Kagome even if I do gain new friends.

Later that day…

Mrs. Mikage decided to talk to Aya. They settled themselves in the living room.

"Aya you do understand why we're moving, right?"

"Hai, okaa-san."

"So, I want you to snap out of it. You need to act normal again or your health will go bad." Her mother said strictly.

"…."

"Also you can't stay depressed forever. It's not that you'll be separated from Kagome for the rest of your life. The distance is far, yes, but the friendship you two share is too strong to be ended just because of that."

"….." Aya did not reply but still paid attention to what her mother told her.

"Aya!"

"It doesn't matter. It's not the same. We were together through everything. Because of the distance, we have to deal with the fact we won't always be there for each other." Aya said.

Aki then rushed in the room. He was panting heavily so that meant we ran as fast as he could.

"Aki! How is she?" Mrs. Mikage asked.

"Not good. If this keeps up things might turn to the worst."

Aya was heard them and stood up.

"She? Do you mean Kagome?" She questioned, worry evident in her voice.

Aki nods his head sadly. "She still hasn't come out of her room and hasn't eaten much for two days straight, so she might…"

Aya then rushed out of the house. 'Kagome, you better be alright.'

"Aya! Where are you going?"

"Aki, leave her. Those two need to talk."

Aya ran to the other side of the block. She dashed through the crowds and climbed up the shrine steps. She calmed herself a bit before ringing the doorbell. The door opened revealing Kagome's mom. Mrs. Higurashi looked stressed and had a face of surprise when she saw Aya at the door.

"Mrs. Higurashi, may I please see Kagome?"

She smiled at Aya. "Of course. She's in her room."

She watched as Aya went up the stairs in a rush. 'I hope Aya will be able to help Kagome.'

With Kagome…

Pounding on the door again? Why won't they leave me alone? Let me drown in the depths of my misery. Then a familiar voice reached my ears. Is that Aya? Aya-chan? What is she doing here?

I stood up, ignoring the migraine I had and the heaviness of my body as I moved to open the door.

With Aya…

"Kagome! Kagome!" I shouted as I pounded on her door.

"Kagome, please open the door."

I waited a few seconds before the door finally opened revealing Kagome.

I was shocked. She was pale and thin. Her whole appearance was a mess. Her hair was in tangles, her clothes were very wrinkled, and she only wore a very big loose white shirt and a pair of blue shorts, which was mostly covered by the shirt. And she had circles under her eyes and had a tired appearance. Her room was a mess as well.

Then I couldn't take it. Seeing my best friend like this was so painful. I couldn't help but cry.

Kagome's point of view…

"Hey." I said as a closed the door and lead her towards my bed for us to sit down. She just continued to cry after a few minutes.

I decided to speak again, "Aya, come on. You know I don't like seeing you cry."

"Kagome, sob what have you sob done to yourself?"

"….." I looked straight ahead and didn't reply.

"Doing this to yourself :sob: won't change the fact sob that I'm moving."

"….." I stiffened.

"Please. Don't' kill yourself over this! I don't like the idea of me moving either, so put an end to this preposterous act."

"Even if we may be able to email each other or call from time to time :pause: it's not the same."

"I know."

"So is this a trial or something."

"I guess so. So, we'll just have to deal with it and…."

I cut her off before she continued. "But I need you when I go to the university!" I held a desperate tone as I looked at her.

"Look, you'll do fine. You're stronger than you think you are. Just to try ignore Kikyo."

'She believes in me that much?' "But..."

"But nothing. There's nothing we can't do. And as your best friend, I will not to put your future in stake just coz you refuse to go to college without me."

"…" I did not reply.

"Kagome, promise me this. You will do your best in your studies and you will not let Kikyo ruin anything for you."

"WHAT!"

"Please." Aya looked serious.

I paused for a while and answered. "Fine, but the latter one will be really really difficult."

"Well, just don't fight or injure her. You can't afford to have problems, ok? You could get expelled."

"Fine. I promise."

"Now, clean yourself up, not to mention your room, too."

"Why? You're not my mother." I crossed my arms in front of my chest.

"Just do it!"

"Later."

"NOW!"

"NO!"

"YES!"

"NO!"

"YES!"

"NO!"

"YES, and that's final!" Then Aya pushed me in the bathroom.

"Whatever!" I replied from the inside.

"And while you start taking a bath, I'll start cleaning this pigsty of yours."

A 'Whatever!' can be heard from the bathroom.

'But…' Both thought at the same time.

'Things won't be the same without Kagome/Aya' Kagome and Aya thought respectively.

The two recovered from the previous antics but were still sad about the whole situation. Their families were relieved that they talked everything out but they knew the separation would still be hard for both them. Three days passed and the dreaded day arrived. Kagome's family had said their goodbyes when they brought the Mikage family to the airport. Kagome stayed behind with Miroku and Sango to accompany Aya and her family while they waited for their flight.

A few hours later, it was boarding time. Kagome said goodbye to Mrs. Mikage and Aki first while Miroku and Sango said goodbye to Aya.

With Kagome…

"Bye Mrs. Mikage, Bye Aki. I'll miss you."

"We'll miss you too dear." Mrs. Mikage said as she hugged me.

"Kagome, thanks for watching over my sister."

"It was my pleasure. Take care of her."

"Of course."

I shook Aki's hand.

With Aya…

"Aya, we'll really miss you." Sango said.

"I'll miss you two a lot as well."

"It will be weird that from a five-some where going be a three-some when you and Aki are gone."

"Don't worry, Miroku. You'll manage. Could you guys take care of Kagome while I'm gone?"

"Sure."

"No problem."

They exchanged hugs. "I'll miss you guys."

"By the way Aya, since you'll be away from us for a long time I would like to ask you something." Miroku said.

"What is it?"

Miroku held Aya's hands and said, "Will you do the honor of bearing my children?"

Aya sweat drops as Sango whacks Miroku with her giant boomerang.

Then Miroku and Sango went to say goodbye to Mrs. Mikage as Kagome went to say farewell to her best friend.

With the two best friends…

"Aya, I would like to give you this." It was a silver necklace where a single charm hung.

"What's this?"

"A necklace. Look! I also have the same one!" She put the necklace on her bestfriend. Than showed Aya her own necklace. The charm was a beautiful cherry blossom and it sparkled whenever it hit the sun's rays. Kagome opened the charm and there were to pictures in it. On the left was a picture of the two of them with Aki, Sango and Miroku when they went to the amusement park last year. On the left was a picture of just the two of them during their graduation party.

"I promise I'll come back someday."

Both had tears in their eyes.

"Aya-chan, I'll miss you so much!"

"I'll miss you just as much Kagome."

They exchanged hugs.

As the plane left, Kagome thought, 'Aya, I'll keep my promise but…I just hope that things won't get too difficult without you here with me.'