I'm going to cry! No one reviewed the first chapter!!! I need reviews, people, or I'll go insane! And I'll lose my motivation…if it wasn't for Luna Silvereyes, this second chapter would never have been started. Where have my faithful readers gone too?

Disclaimer: We interrupt Kinkatia's hysterical bawling to inform you that the only things that she owns are Kishitaro, his siblings, this plot, and a lovely warm and very colorful jacket. Now, back to the chapter.

Kagome walked slowly down the street, letting her thoughts wander. For the first time since that terrible incident, her mind wasn't clouded by fear and guilt. Everything would be okay now. Now that Kishitaro had come. She wondered where he had come from, and why he was so inclined to help InuYasha recover. It was just so odd, a perfect stranger barging into their lives, and becoming their only beacon of hope.

She tilted her head to the sky, soaking in the sun's warmth. She was lighthearted, happy to be alive on this beautiful day. If only InuYasha were well enough to share it with her.

"Hey, Kagome."

She jumped; he had approached so silently, she hadn't known he was there. She smiled at him, taken once more by that uncanny familiarity. "Hey, Kishitaro." He definitely reminded her of someone, but she couldn't place it in her mind.

They walked together, Kishitaro matching her easy pace. "I wouldn't think you'd wander around in the open like this," Kagome said quietly, eyes upturned again. She wasn't worried about walking into anything, or anyone. She knew the way by heart, and she was going so slowly, people would simply go around her.

"Why? Because I'm a demon?" he asked pleasantly, laughter in his voice. "You forget; I'm telepathic. The general public sees a mere human, and promptly forgets about me."

"Other demons must be envious," she remarked. "Being able to go unnoticed whenever you wish."

She glanced at him, only to see his face darken. "My gifts are far from envious in the demon world," he said slowly, ominously.

"Kagome! Hey, Kagome!" Yuka ran up to them, preventing Kagome from making any further comment. "Hey, who's this good-looking guy? Have you finally come to your senses and left your abusive boyfriend?"

"He's not abusive," Kagome objected. "He's sick. And Kishitaro," she nodded her head in his direction, "Is helping him recover. InuYasha will finally be himself again." She whispered that last part, lowering her head. She knew there was a chance he wouldn't be himself again, but she had to hope.

Yuka eyed Kishitaro. "So," she started. "What's with your hair? Do you dye it or something?"

"No," he answered easily, apparently used to such questions. "It's perfectly natural."

"Really?" She continued to look him over, a sly grin working its way onto her face. "Are you seeing anyone?"

He flashed her a charming smile. "As a matter of fact, yes."

"Oh." Yuka was obviously crestfallen. "Alright then. See ya', Kagome, I've got some errands to run!" She waved goodbye with a cheerful smile as she turned the corner.

"Poor Yuka," Kagome laughed. "She always seems to be interested in guys that aren't single."

"Not this time," Kishitaro admitted.

"So you're not seeing anyone?"

"No. I'm just not interested in girls whose first question is about my hair." His sincere bluntness made Kagome laugh. And it also served as a reminder that he seemed so familiar, as if she'd met him, or someone like him, before.

"Have you got any family?" she asked suddenly, catching him off guard.

Once again, his expression became dark. Quietly, hesitantly, he answered, "No." It was clearly a lie, one he didn't like to tell. But there had to be a reason for his telling it. She wouldn't push the matter.

From high above, they were watched by a dark figure. He sat upon a giant black feather which was invisible to those passing below. The skill had long benefited him, allowing him to fly freely. His long dark hair flowed in the breeze as he smirked wickedly. "At long last, I have found you," he whispered to the wind. "It won't be long now. Not long at all."

That evening, Kishitaro brought InuYasha back again. This time, the half-demon was unrestrained, though only for the brief amount of time he'd been back the first time around. After that, the dark part of his mind could take over, and they couldn't risk having to fight him.

Kagome smiled happily, joy filling her heart. "InuYasha," she whispered, stepping into his embrace, allowing her tears to flow freely.

InuYasha's smile was far less joyful. He was happy, unbelievably so, but…things would never be the same between them again. What he had done was so terrible, it had caused a rift between them. It had pulled them apart. His guilt, coupled with her fear, would never allow them to be together once he had recovered. And there was nothing anyone could do about it. The past could not be changed.

Okay, I'm cutting it off here. And I've accepted the fact that my chapters are short. So I'm happy! Please review this time! Please?