AN: Rated for language. Hope you enjoy!

Things were different now. She was positive that she wasn't the only who noticed either. The monk and demon slayer would speak almost in whispers and mostly to themselves. Shippou hardly piped up and if he did, his words consisted of simple questions, "how come.." or
"why not.." Somehow, among a group of four other people, Kagome had never felt lonelier.

Since that night, when the Shinidamachu took Kikyou's spirit far beyond the stars, Inuyasha appeared to be floating somewhere up there with her, among those same stars. His tough exterior diminished, as did everything else that made Inuyasha none other than the Inuyasha.

How did this happen? How did this group of united, charismatic, and outgoing individuals suddenly become so sad and distant?

It broke Kagome's heart. It was easy to talk to Miroku and Sango, but only when Inuyasha was out of sight. However, even then, despite the comforting words they'd offer her, her energy continued to diminish. Ultimately, no one could reach the devastated Hanyou, not even Kagome.