Sorry I haven't updated lately, but I've been really busy. Oh, and I'm going to do something drastic this chapter, but I promise you, everything will turn out all right.

Into the Night

"Hmm, what?" Kagome started, jerking up off of Inuyasha's chest.

Inuyasha stirred groggily, "Kagome?"

"Oh, nothing, I thought I heard something, that's all."

It was still the dead of night and Kagome could not tell how long they had been in the forest. No doubt Miroku and Sango wondered where they were, but she didn't care. As long as she was with Inuyasha, she was happy.

She began to relax again against Inuyasha's chest, but right as she relaxed strong arms clamped down around her mouth. They were not the loving, tender arms of Inuyasha, but the harsh, cruel arms of an attacker.

She tried to scream for Inuyasha, but her attacker's hands were pressed to tightly against her mouth. Still, she kicked, bit, and hit, but to no avail. Her attempts to break away were futile.

Before she could do anything, she was bound and gagged. She lay there naked on the grass, which such a short time ago had seemed to friendly to her. She was helpless, and Inuyasha was still in a deep sleep.

Horrified, Kagome saw her assailant approach Inuyasha. She saw him draw back his sword and thrust it towards Inuyasha heart. She closed her eyes tightly, but still heard the horrible crack of Inuyasha's ribs breaking. Silently, tears cascaded down Kagome's face.

I just found his love, and now it has been taken from me. Inuyasha is dead, my greatest fear has been realized.

She longed to cry out, to wail and strike and her lover's killer, but she could do none of that. Instead, she had to let tears stream down her face in silence, and pretend that the loss of her true love didn't hurt.

Coming back over to her, the bandit slung her over his shoulder effortlessly, and ran into the night. How long they ran Kagome never knew, she was too distraught to think of anything.

Eventually, they arrived at a great estate. Her kidnapper confidently walked through the gate and into the castle. He took Kagome up to a great room and dropped carelessly her on the bed.

As he turned to go, Kagome finally caught a view of the man's face. It was Sesshoumaru. Cold shock filled her, she had not thought that anything could shock her, but that did. Not believing what she saw, she rubbed her tear-swollen eyes and looked again. It was still Sesshoumaru.

How could Inuyasha's brother murder him? Kagome thought, as she retreated into happy unconsciousness.

Kagome awoke to see unwanted light streaming in her window, and she also noticed that she had been dressed. She felt dead inside, and simply closed her eyes, wishing she could be unconscious again. At least in that state she didn't feel the throbbing pain of Inuyasha's death.

She lay in the state for a long time, unable to sleep, but also unable to do anything but wallow in her grief. Eventually, she heard the door open, and she forced herself to sit up. Happily, it was not Sesshoumaru who enter the room, but Rin.

"Kagome?" The high, timid voice called.

She heard herself moan in response. It was as if she didn't have any control over her body.

"I brought you some food. You should eat."

"Why?" She forced herself to ask, but when she did, her voice cracked.

"It will make you feel better."

"Nothing can make me feel better. I want to die." She groaned, and tears began to fall again.

"We figured as much. That's why there are no curtains, no sheets; there are even no kimonos in the room."

For the first time, Kagome looked around the barren room. It was just like Rin had said, nothing that she could hurt herself on. After her quick glance, Kagome fixed her eyes on the twelve year old girl.

"Rin, why?"

"We needed the Shikon no Tama and my lord's lord just wanted Inuyasha dead."

At this, Kagome began to laugh hysterically. "I don't have the gem! I don't have it! I hope they bury it with Inuyasha!"

"You don't have it?" Rin asked, bewildered.

"No!" Kagome yelled, before breaking down into wild sobs.

Her laughter mixed with the sobs, and soon Kagome was reduced to hiccupping. After awhile, the fit passed, and Kagome was left with tears running down her face. She was a complete mess, and could control none of her actions.

She grasped at Rin's kimono, looking for someone to comfort her. Rin graciously sat down, and put her arms around the older girl. Kagome leaned her head against her shoulder and wept quietly.

Eventually, Kagome was too exhausted to continue weeping, and she fell asleep. Rin eased Kagome's head back against a pillow. She left the food on the dresser, and silently exited the room, locking the door behind her.

Walking down the hall, Rin heard Lord Sesshoumaru's master shouting. Not wanting to be caught, but still as curious as any child, Rin crept up next to the door.

"Baka!" She heard The Master yell, "The hanyou is still alive!"

"I'm sorry Master, I thought I killed him." She heard Lord Sesshoumaru's voice, which was defensive.

"Are you sure you just didn't have the guts to kill your brother?"

"Half-brother," Lord Sesshoumaru growled.

"And, you don't even have the Shikon no Tama!" The Master continued ranting.

"Yes Master, I know. I promise to get it."

"Promises, promises! Well, at least you brought me the girl. That is a start."

"Yes Master, and I will bring the other part of your plan soon."

"No, actually Sesshoumaru, let it come to us. Then I will have the joy of seeing Inuyasha dead." The Master laughed manically.

"Yes, yes, of course Master."

"You are dismissed." The Master said coldly.

"Thank you for your clemency Master. I will not disappoint you again."

Hearing Lord Sesshoumaru's footsteps, Rin hurried away from the door. She dared not be caught by Lord Sesshoumaru or The Master.

See, Inuyasha is alive. Thanks for continuing reading. I'll update soon.