A/N: I have finals the 9th, 10th, and 11th and I really have to study. I have chapter 14 already written and I will most likely type and update it tomorrow, but I might not because I have NYSSMA (if you don't know it's a thing were you go to sing in front of a judge and sight read and they give you a grade) on Saturday, I need to practice for it as well.

Chapter 13: Swept Away

Ai awoke feeling cold and tired, when she opened her eyes she realized the room she was lying in was not her own, or any other room in the palace. As she stood up to look around, a truly sinister voice stopped her from further investigation; "There's no need to look around." When she turned around Ai saw the owner of the voice, which was a rather pale man with long black hair and red eyes. "I guess I didn't properly introduce myself, I'm Naraku, you must be Ai." Ai had heard about him before and knew that she should probably try and run away, but that wasn't her main concern right now, her main concern was Rin, since they must've been taken when Ai went to the village to buy herself a knew kimono. Thinking about the young girl's safety, she walked up to Naraku and began demanding him for Rin, "Where's Rin!" There was no answer; this only made her more upset than she already was "Where is she! I'm not leaving until you tell me where she is!" This time he responded, making a mental note that this human woman did not know her place among demons. "Silly human woman, thinking that you could threaten me, this little human brat that you hold such high regard for is laying on the other side of the room, yet you didn't even seem to notice her."

At that point Rin awoke from her slumber, most likely due to all the shouting that had taken place, she looked ahead of her and the small girl started to become scared and confused "Inoru-san?" Ai walked past Naraku and went over to Rin, explaining to her that they had been kidnapped. Rin understood what was going on but she still had one question "Will Sesshoumaru-sama come and save us?" Ai looked at her, how could she answer Rin's question if she herself wasn't sure of the answer. She knew Rin was scared and decided to answer the child's question in order to calm her fears "Yes Rin he'll come and save us". Ai kneeled down and like a child going to her mother Rin went over to her and Ai held her close. "But until he comes, I promise I'll protect you".

Naraku looked at the two, slightly nauseous from their exchange of affection. "I'm hoping he comes, that way I can explain to him what happens when demons take in humans." Ai rose to her foot and looked at him with Rin no longer in his arms and Naraku spoke once more, "He's only a half an hour away but I want a surprise for him when he gets here. I think I'll get rid of the girl first and then when he comes I'll let him watch me destroy this human he loves." Without hesitation he attacked, sending it straight towards Rin, but before it could hit her Ai moved in front of the girl and took the attack for her. Naraku was somewhat annoyed by that action, but didn't let it break his cool demeanor "I guess there's been a change of plans". He began to attack harder but Ai was absolutely determined to protect Rin, she gave her instructions, wanting her to get out safely "Rin get out of her and run as fast as you can". Rin could sense the serious tone in her voice and the small girl ran as fast and as far as her legs could carry her. As he continued attacking, Ai used what little energy she had left to escape and run to a large field. She still continued to run as far as she could until she came to a large tree and her legs collapsed beneath her. Determined to go father she dragged herself deeper into the field until she came to a well. Then everything went black.