This Chapter goes out to TiffanyM, who was the first person to review on my story! YAY, BIG HUG!

And if you are looking for a really awesome story, check out 'Moonlight' by Teensie-sama. Trust me on this one, YOU WILL NOT BE DISAPPOINTED! I truly envy her writing abilities!

And go bumble for getting up two chapters in two days! Wooott!

Disclaimer: I do not own Inuyasha.

--Chapter Four--

It was about dinnertime when they came across another village. The group was hungry and wanted to sleep in warm beds tonight. Miroku sensed his chance and walked up to the most expensive looking hut and performed his normal monk duties, telling the family they had an evil spirit in their house.

Sango smiled as she helped herself to more rice not one hour later. "You know, I really don't like it when he tricks people into doing this, but it sure is nice to be under a roof and I'm just excited thinking about that bed waiting for me after this meal!" She giggled, stuffing her face.

Kagome nodded, her mouth full. The family was almost too gullible; even though this region had been free of demons for almost three months, they believed the monk when he told them they had a spirit living in their house and he could put it to rest. After his work, the family all too easily asked for the group to spend the night and have dinner for his services. Now, Shippo, Inuyasha, Kagome, Sango, and Miroku were all gathered around a rectangular table filled with food. Kirara was not far off, curled up near Sango, her stomach contently full. Her purr was heard throughout the whole room.

"This food is so good!" Shippo stated, mouth half full. Green eyes swept the table before settling on Kagome and widening in alarm. "But not better than Kagome's cooking!" He quickly amended his mistake.

Kagome smiled at the small kitsune. "It's okay Shippo. Besides, this meal is really good!"

Inuyasha wolfed down the pile of food on his plate before leaning forwards for seconds. All stomach's churned when Inuyasha piled another mountain of food on his plate. Within seconds he was already half way through it.

"Geez, Inuyasha, you don't stop eating do you?" Kagome asked, laughing a little.

"You guys just don't stop talking," He answered, not bothering to swallow first. Sango winced when she saw his meal being grinded into pieces in his wide-open mouth. Stomach doing a little flip, she placed her plate back on the table. Inuyasha gave her a weird look.

"Finished already?" He asked incredulously, dumping the rest of the food on his plate into his mouth.

At Sango's nod, he reached forward and took her plate. Sango watched with wide eyes as the hanyou finished off her meal. Miroku paled a little.

"Yeah, I'm done too," Miroku stated, putting his plate on the table too. When Inuyasha reached for his full plate Miroku commented, "You sure know how to make people loose their appetites."

Inuyasha only shrugged.

"I'm going to get a head start on sleep tonight. I'll see you all in the morning," Sango said, standing up. She gently picked up her furry comrade in her arms and cradled Kirara in her arms.

"I'll walk you to your room." Miroku stood up too, guiding Sango to the door. He only smiled as he lead a suspicious Sango from the room and shut the door behind them.

Kagome only smiled as Inuyasha finished Sango's plate and placed it on top of the already empty plates. The hanyou leaned back, stretching. Letting out a huge yawn, he cracked his knuckles. Turning his attention to the door where the two others had just left through, he let an amused smile show.

"Three… two… one…" Inuyasha counted, and right on time a loud smack and the distinct word 'pervert' was heard through the night. The hanyou let out a sharp bark of laughter.

"That Miroku. I bet he snuck a small caress to Sango's bottom!" Shippo snickered.

Kagome shook her head, a small smile on her lips, placing her plate on top of Inuyasha's pile. Standing up, she picked up Shippo and turned to look at Inuyasha. "See you in the morning, Inuyasha."

"Yeah, sure. Night, Kagome." He watched her form until she shut the door and only her footsteps were heard.

Heaving a great sigh, he slowly stood up. After hearing the door to Kagome's room shut with his ears, he let himself out of the room. Closing the door behind him, he welcomed the cool brisk air with closed eyes. His mind was blank, his expression calm.

Opening molten amber eyes to the dark night, he stared at the bright moon in the sky. Many emotions came over him, but they were not overwhelming. The vision of Kagome in the moonlight ran through his mind. He found himself remembering last night. She looked so beautiful. But her expression was what stopped me from telling her… telling her that I have to leave her. Kikyo will come for me tomorrow and I need to tell Kagome beforehand. But when? I don't want to… I want both girls. But Kikyo… she died for me. Oh Kagome, why did you have to come into my life and be so kind and gentle and understanding?

He took another breath, trying to control his buzzing mind. The thoughts of Kagome were now confused with thoughts of this new jewel; the Jewel Of Crystallized Tears. He knew they need it to get it and fast, but Kikyo was coming for him. He would have to leave this mission up to the rest of them, as much as he hated to.

Cradling his head in his hands, he moaned out loud.

"Thinking about Kikyo?" Inuyasha's head snapped up and he glared at an approaching Miroku.

"No," He snapped in response.

"You know, Inuyasha, I feel as if there is something you need to tell Kagome. Am I right?" Miroku asked, coming to a halt beside Inuyasha. Miroku didn't look at the hanyou at his side but kept his eyes on the bright moon in the dark sky.

Inuyasha sighed, anger dissipating. "Yeah… how did you know?" He asked, curiosity getting the better of him.

"The way you've been looking at Kagome for the past two days… well it's like you're trying to say goodbye with your eyes."

Inuyasha looked down at his hands. "Yeah… the other night Kikyo came for me… and I finally realized that I was meant to be with her… I finally saw that even though Kagome is the one who mended my torn heart and made me believe and trust… my debt to Kikyo is greater. And so, tomorrow Kikyo will come for me. I will leave with her."

Miroku nodded numbly, understanding. So this is what Kagome saw. No wonder she was so heartbroken. Inuyasha has finally chosen, and that left her behind. And now he's too afraid to tell her himself that he's chosen Kikyo. "And what about the jewel?"

"Which one?"

"Both."

Inuyasha shrugged. "I will continue to hunt for shards of the sacred jewel with Kikyo… and eventually have my long-awaited battle with Naraku. As for this new one, I guess that will be left with you guys to deal with."

"I see. And what are you going to do after that? That is if you survive this battle with Naraku," Miroku asked.

Inuyasha's eyes hardened. "I will take that bastard down even if it costs me my own life. And if I survive… I guess I'll be planning my suicide with Kikyo into the next World."

"And the sacred jewel?" Miroku quickly asked, not liking the idea of Inuyasha dying.

"I guess try to find a way to destroy it. It's caused enough problems," Inuyasha answered softly.

"And Kagome…?" Miroku's eyes left the moon's shape and focused on Inuyasha's face.

"I…" Inuyasha closed his eyes, willing back emotions. "I don't know."

"I'll help you out. I will tell Sango and Shippo your plans, but you have to tell Kagome yourself," Miroku offered, a slightly hard edge to his voice.

Inuyasha nodded. "Thank you."

"How are you planning to break it to her?" Miroku hoped Inuyasha at least had a plan.

"I haven't thought that far," He whispered, leaning into his hand.

"I'm not going to tell you what to say. Just be gentle on the girl and speak the words from your heart. That's the only way she will understand." The monk took his departure, leaving the hanyou in deep thought. Inuyasha sighed again, letting his shoulders droop a little before raising burning emotional eyes to the dark night filled with sparkling stars. Kikyo, are you looking at the same night sky right now too?

/----------

The group awoke to a bright morning sun, and hot breakfast waiting for them. They left the village as soon as possible, eager to get on the road. The faster and more they travelled, the quicker they would reach the Jewel Of Crystallized Tears. They also had to change direction, heading east instead of north.

Miroku had offered to walk behind with Sango on the road, leaving Kagome and Shippo to walk with the unusually calm hanyou. This gave him the best chance to tell Sango about Inuyasha's plans. He quickly repeated the half-demon's words, keeping to a low voice; he was positive he didn't want Kagome to overhear.

Sango sighed when the monk was finished. "I guess everything has been leading up to that. He was either going to choose Kagome or Kikyo, and it seems he chose the dead priestess," She commented bitterly.

"I also need to mention that Kikyo's coming tonight to get Inuyasha," Miroku told her.

Sango's eyes went wide. "WHAT! He can't-" She stopped her high-pitched yelling when Miroku's wide eyes left her and travelled up to ahead of them, where both priestess and hanyou were staring back at them, questioning looks on their faces.

Sango's eyes grew larger in embarrassment. "Uhh, we were just discussing… uh… the-"

"The possibility that Naraku wants the jewel to himself," Miroku calmly said, interrupting Sango. "But Sango here was just arguing against my proposal that Naraku could take out his heart and rule the jewel that way, since the jewel is rumored to only work for beings with the kindest hearts and if he didn't have a heart, then it wouldn't have a reason not to work for him."

"It wouldn't be able to detect his evil," Kagome finished, finger on her chin. Inuyasha only shrugged, turning back around.

When Kagome turned her attention on the little demon fox beside her, Sango turned to Miroku. "Sorry about that," she apologized, dropping her voice. "But what about the jewels?!" Her voice turned into a violent hiss.

"Inuyasha said he's going to continue looking for the sacred jewel with Kikyo. As for the Jewel Of Crystallized Tears…" Miroku shrugged. "He would leave it up to us."

Sango's eyes narrowed dangerously at the said half-demon. "He wouldn't dare."

"He's already made up his mind, Sango. There's nothing we can do about that," Miroku gently told her.

Sango shook her head, anger replaced by sorrow. "Oh, poor Kagome," She softly whispered.

/----------

I need to tell her! Just blurt it out! Inuyasha gritted his teeth, scared to open his mouth. He didn't want to tell Kagome now. Later, he promised himself. Later I will tell her. Just not now. Sneaking a peek to the cheerful girl to his right, he felt a pain of regret. Is what I'm doing something I really want? Do I really want to be with Kikyo? He shook his head sharply, violently pushing those doubts away. Kikyo died for you! Of course you want to be with her. She's meant to be with you. Be grateful for that, a little voice in his head screamed defiantly. Inuyasha closed his eyes against the voice. He didn't want to have doubts! He wanted to be sure of everything; of where Naraku was, of what Naraku was planning, of his future, and of the girl he loved. His destiny was laid down on two roads. On one side was Kikyo, her almost black eyes aflame with his promise to always protect her and be there for her. On the other side was Kagome, smiling and waving at him. Being with Kagome meant always seeing bright skies and living a full life. But with Kikyo… he would die. They were not meant to be together in this world, which meant he would meet her in the After Life. Grinding his teeth harder together, he willed his thoughts away, begging for a clear, thoughtless mind.

Kagome saw Inuyasha's horrid expression. "Inuyasha, are you okay?" Her clear voice broke through the barrier he had in his mind. Confused, he looked up.

"Yeah… sorry, I was just thinking." He looked away from her soft chocolate eyes that were filled with worry for him. Keeping his eyes on the ground, he kept instep with Kagome.

"About tortured puppies?" Kagome asked, stunned.

Inuyasha snorted. "Why would I think about tortured puppies?" He demanded.

"The look on your face…" Inuyasha looked up when her voice because soft. "Anyways," Kagome went on, her voice returning to normal. "Do you know when we will reach the border of the Eastern Lands?"

"There should be a river dividing the Lands. We will get there before nightfall," Inuyasha answered, absentminded. That's where we will part for the last time, Kagome…

Kagome fell silent. Is that where we will say goodbye for the last time, Inuyasha? And I wonder if you will have the courage to tell me before you leave… Oh, I hope you do.

Shippo, sensing the tension, turned to Kirara. "Hey, Kirara, wanna transform and then we can fly ahead of everyone? I sure am sick of this!" The little fox demon whispered into her little ear.

Kirara only meowed before transforming. Shippo jumped onto her back in a second, and the demon cat took off. Shippo waved to the group, smiling widely. "Me and Kirara are going to go ahead!" He shouted back at them. At Kagome's smile and nod, Shippo turned around, willing Kirara to go faster. Geez, those two really know how to make other people outside their conversation feel awkward! Thank god Kirara wanted to get away too… I'm too young to deal with that kinda stuff!

Inuyasha felt the awkward silence drag on. Now that Shippo and Kirara were gone, it was all too apparent for him. He crossed his arms, willing some strength into his words. Kagome and him were alone; maybe now was the best time to tell her.

"Uh… Kagome?" He tried, choking out the words.

She turned to him. "Yes, Inuyasha?"

Don't look at her, don't look at her! But it was too late – he glanced up and was caught by chocolate brown eyes. Tongue-tied, he struggled for words. "I-I… want you to be careful," He finished lamely.

Kagome frowned. "I always try to be."

"I-I know th-that. I just mean… I mean… Kagome…" He couldn't get out what he wanted to say. I can't see you anymore! Kikyo is the one for me! She's coming for me tonight, and I'm leaving with her, forever!

"What's wrong?" Her voice became softer.

"Nothing… Agh, why can't I say what I want to say?!" He half shouted, angry with himself for not telling her outright they weren't made to be together.

Kagome's frown deepened. "You can tell me anything you have on your mind. I don't mind."

Inuyasha broke eye contact, staring down at his feet. SAY IT! SAY IT! SAY IT! JUST SAY IT! "Kagome… I-"

Kagome reached out, touching his arm in comfort, causing the hanyou to stop talking and meet her soft gaze. "Take your time. I'll always be here."

'I'll always be here...' Her sentence bounced around in his head. His mind twirled in turmoil, confused by what he should do. You picked Kikyo. Now deal with it, a harsh voice commanded. But Kagome… He weakly protested. Will understand, the voice finished for him. Stop her suffering and tell her you've picked Kikyo!

"But… I don't know if I will be…" He weakly voiced out, hoping she would understand. I can't do anything for you Kagome… not anything compared to what you did for me…

"We can't think that way. I just want you to be happy," She told him, grabbing his hand. Pulling out a wide smile, she sent sunshine in his direction.

Kagome… thank you. He smiled back at her, his hand tightening around hers. He didn't know when he was going to tell her, but he hoped it would be easier. Feeling the sunshine on his face and the sound of Kagome's laughter in his ears, he let himself have this little ounce of happiness. For the time being, anyway…

/----------

The sun was just sitting on the horizon when they reached the river. Kagome's good mood had disappeared at the first sight of the end of the day. Inuyasha still hasn't told me yet… And yet the sun still sets.

She quickly made dinner as the rest of the group made camp beside the river in the last rays of the sun. Her eyes hidden by her bangs, Kagome kept her gaze down on her hands, avoiding Inuyasha's form entirely. It seemed he was doing the same thing too.

Dinner was spent in silence, everyone caught up in their own thoughts. Kagome ate slowly, letting everyone give their empty dishes to her before she had finished. When she was done, she cleaned the dishes and replaced them in her bag.

Miroku yawned. "Thank you for gracing us with another meal, Lady Kagome."

Sango and Shippo nodded in unison. "It's the least I can do," Kagome answered. She pulled out her sleeping bag and laid it out beside the fire.

As Sango sat down and leaned against Kirara in her giant form, she watched the young priestess move to get into her sleeping bag with the young kitsune. I wonder if Inuyasha has told her yet…?

"Night everyone," Kagome called out, stifling a huge yawn. She hugged Shippo to her chest and closed her eyes.

"Night," Miroku mumbled, leaning against a strong tree and closing his eyes too.

"Goodnight…" Inuyasha whispered to her silent form, watching her breathing come slowly. Looking around, he saw that both the demon slayer and the monk were fast asleep too.

"And goodbye…" He whispered as he turned around. But I didn't get a chance to tell her… Thinking of a plan, he crouched down low next to her and began to write a short explanation in the dirt. Standing back and examining his work, he nodded, satisfied.

I'm sorry I'm not the right person for you, Kagome. He turned his back on the sleeping group and stared out into the starless night, waiting for his destiny to come and claim him.

I'm going to stop here. It's 12:41 AM here in Switzerland and I've been writing all night! I hope this chapter's okay... I am nearly half asleep =P

Happy New Years Everyone!

xxx. bumble.