This is the sequel to my story "The People We Have Become". For those of you who haven't read it, you will not have the special knowledge you need to understand this highly intellectual story. Just Kidding! But seriously, go read "The People We Have Become". It's what started this whole story.

This is the edited first chapter (all the chapters are in the process of being edited). I'd also like to announce that Kimi4Life is the co-writer of this story now. Thanks for all the ideas and help you provide, Kimi!

Disclaimer: (You'll only catch me saying it straight once) The Inuyasha world belongs solely to Rumiko Takashi-sensei. I do not claim to own or have created Inuyasha. I do, however, own Kiki and Kenai. The twins and Tai, although their images were created by Takahashi-sensei, are my characters as well, due to the fact that I slapped some personality into them, and aged them about 15-and-some-odd years.

She's sitting up in the tree again, the God Tree. She only does that when she's really upset about something. But I didn't have to pry the reason out of her this time. I already knew what was wrong.

Sighing, I walked over to the base of the tree, and looked up. "Hey." I called to her softly, "Kiki, are you okay up there?"

"M fine," a muffled reply came. It was when a drop of water fell onto my cheek that I realized she was crying.

"Do you want me to leave you alone?" I ask her cautiously, hoping she wouldn't push me away again. She had been doing it so much lately.

"No." she chokes out, "I'm coming down." I sighed in relief.

Kiki climbs down from the huge tree, instead a jumping like usual, and looks at me forlornly. The despair written on her face tugs at my heart; so much that my heart skips. I gently pull her into my arms and hold her.

She breaks down again and I squeeze her a little tighter as she cries into me, "They're… they're g…gone Tai…" She hiccups. I feel like crying too, but I know I have to be strong… for her… at least.

"I know, Kiki, but we WILL find them. I promise."

Okay, maybe I should back up. I bet you're pretty confused, huh. I'll start at the beginning. I'll explain who we are, why Kiki is crying, and, most of all, who we have to find.

I'll explain everything.