So, here's chapter two. I'm still not sure how well this story is being received, so any feedback is appreciated.

Inuyasha, we need to go back to that village." Kagome said, sounding concerned and frustrated.

"Why? I thought you said you hated being there?" Inuyasha couldn't fathom why she'd possibly want to return.

"I think they stole from us. I'm missing bandages, herbs, and that salve Kaede made." She told him as she checked the supplies she carried again.

"Damn. They'd better not have taken any of our food. Are you sure you didn't leave it back at our campsite?

"I'm sure. You'd better check the food. It's still the nearest village, so we have to go back."

"What're you gonna do, demand they give it back?" Inuyasha asked skeptically.

"Of course not. I'll barter for some more. We at least need more bandages in case one of us gets hurt on the way back."

"Those bastards stole nearly half our food!"

"We can hunt and gather more."

"Fine. We'll go back, but we ain't staying any longer than we have to. That place gives me the creeps."

"I agree."

The village wasn't particularly large or wealthy, but it had so far been untouched by war, so it appeared quite peaceful. However, there was a sinister undercurrent that only certain kinds of people could sense. It was clear to those who had seen true suffering that something wasn't right. They heard an all-too familiar disturbance off in the distance. "I think we should check it out." Kagome suggested, unsurprisingly.

"It's none of our business. Besides, I thought you wanted more supplies?"

"I do, but something tells me this is important. Don't you trust me?"

"You know I do." Inuyasha's face had softened lightly, so Kagome knew she won. She had to practically drag Inuyasha along as she ran towards the commotion.

"Get outta here, you filthy half-breed!" One villager shouted as he began to throw rocks.

"Yeah! Dirty thief! No one wants ya here!" More stones were thrown.

"Mutt!" They continued to shout and assault the half-demon before them until they noticed Kagome. "Priestess! Thank goodness! Please, rid us of this monster."

Kagome was livid. She wanted to scream. She wanted to cry. She wanted to stomp her foot and throw things at these cruel, heartless men. But she couldn't. As a priestess and a grown woman, she would save the temper tantrum for later, when she was alone. For now, she simply looked around at the men, and down at the half-demon on the ground. The first thing she noticed was the ears. Two triangular dog ears, much like Inuyasha's, but these were dark. Equally dark hair, slightly tanned skin, and the amber eyes that appeared standard for all dog demons. She then noticed that she was looking at a young woman. "What's your name?" Kagome asked her quietly.

"Kiwako" The younger woman whispered back.

"Hurry, priestess! Before the beast gets away!" Kiwako flinched, expecting to get hit again.

"What do you expect me to do?" Kagome asked the villages, still struggling to remain calm.

"Kill it" They all nodded in unison.

"Kill her? Why? What has she done?"

"She's a thief!" Someone shouted.

"Kiwako, have you stolen from this village?" She asked gently.

"N-no. All I did was collect water from the river outside the village."

"Have you hurt anyone here? Or tried to hurt them?"

"No. Never. Please, I must get back."

"It seems my services are not needed here. Now, I suggest you all go home."

"But, Priestess…"

"Go. Home." Kagome squashed the urge to yell and lecture them. She wanted more than anything to tell them how foolish they were for hating someone just because they were a half-demon, just because they were different. This poor girl seems like she wouldn't hurt a fly. How old is she? She looks like a teenager, not that that means much with a half-demon. She could be 17, 70, or 170. Despite her warning, none of the men had left. If anything, they looked angrier. Just great.

"We demand you eliminate this threat to our village!"

"You-" She was interrupted when a new, wealthier looking man appeared.

"Save your breath. This so-called priestess is nothing more than a demon loving whore. She's no better than this worthless half-bree-"

Before the newcomer could finish his tirade, Inuyasha jumped in front of Kagome, seeming to come from nowhere. Deep growls and snarls erupted from his throat. Before he could say a word, the village men ran away. "Cowards" Inuyasha angrily proclaimed. "Let's go, Kagome."

"Wait, Inuyasha. We need to make sure she's okay."

"We gotta get out of here before the villagers come back with more men." Inuyasha wasn't too worried about actually getting hurt by those men. He could protect himself and Kagome, no problem. The trouble was, he hated fighting humans. It was frustrating having to hold back so he wouldn't hurt them too bad, or worse. Besides, the girl would be fine. She was a half-demon, she just needed to earn their respect and learn to stand up for herself. "This is something she needs to handle on her own. A half-demon's gotta learn to stand up for themselves. No one'll respect her if she keeps cowering in fear like a pup."

"It's not just Kiwako. Something else isn't right here."

"I know. That's why we should get out of here."

"If you want to leave, then fine. But I'm going to go talk to Kiwako." Kagome knew she'd never find her on her own, but she also knew there was no way Inuyasha would let her go off without him.

"Wench, where do you think you're going?" Inuyasha asked irritably as Kagome meandered calmly in the direction they'd seen Kiwako leave. She was quite assured of her success, and did not doubt he'd soon follow. It was a lesson Kagome had learned soon after returning to the Feudal Era; she didn't have to fight with Inuyasha to get her way. They still fought, they were both too pigheaded not to, but not when she really needed something. If he realized there was no stopping her, Inuyasha simply went along with whatever Kagome wanted. Neither had acknowledged this, and she was careful to never abuse this power she held over him. She had done that enough with the beads, and she'd nearly lost him over it. Soon she heard him grumbling under his breath from behind her.

"Get back, would ya? I'll have to sniff her out for you." He groused. And I wanna make sure you're safe, in case something happens. He thought, still clinging to his surly facade, and unwilling to say it outloud.

Kiwako breathed a sigh of relief as she entered her home. That was close. She thought. I'm not sure how much longer we'll be able to safely stay here.

"Kiwako, you're back!" The oldest of her young wards welcomed her, the others not far behind. "You're hurt." The young girl

observed, touching her bruised cheek gently. The child, Iwa, was a sensitive soul. She couldn't understand why anyone would harm

her sweet caretaker. Please, never lose that innocence. Kiwako pleaded silently, but she knew it was pointless. Iwa, like all the others

that had come through her home, like herself, would eventually become tainted by bitterness. It was the fate of all half-demons.

I promise, I'll address Miroku's health and Kagome's aging soon, and next chapter we'll see exactly what's going on with Kiwako and the children she's taking care of. Also, I know next to nothing about Japanese names, so any that I come up with I get from baby name websites. It says that Kiwako means border child, and Iwa is supposed to mean rock. I have no idea how accurate they are. Hope you enjoyed the chapter :)