AN: Hey y'all! I'm finally back with a real chapter to this story. It's gonna be kinda short (but then again, all my chapters are), but at least it will break the writer's block I've been having. I'll probably edit this chapter later, but for right now here it is!!!

Kidnapping

"Kagome! Wait up!"

The young miko laughed and spun around, swinging her backpack up on her shoulder. "Come on, guys, we're gonna be late for school!" she chided gently. Another look at their attire stopped her cold; Inuyasha had Tetsusaiga strapped to his back, and Sesshoumaru was carrying Tokijin. In the hands of the older brother was Tenseiga, the sword Taisho bestowed upon Kagome. She gave them both an odd look. "I guess this means we're not going to school."

"You are." Inuyasha said calmly. "We're not. We need to talk with Totosai, and it's not safe for you to come."

Kagome's eyes narrowed. "Not safe for me, but safe for you?"

Sesshoumaru shrugged. "More or less. Totosai is an acquaintance of Dad's, so I doubt he'll harm us, but he won't stop at hurting you. He absolutely hates humans, and hanyou barely rank above them. If I thought it would do any good, I'd tell Inuyasha to stay here."

"But Totosai knows me." Inuyasha said with a pointed glare at his brother. "In either case, we need Totosai's knowledge. He's an encyclopedia on youkai myths and legends. If Naraku's up to something, then he'll be able to tell us what."

"But why can't I come?" Kagome demanded. "I'm not totally helpless, you know!"

"We know." Kagome turned around to see Taisho standing behind her. "But it is safer for you if you stay here." There was a slight glimmer in the youkai's golden eyes, but Kagome hadn't the faintest idea what it meant. She fought back the feeling of being rejected once again. She would not behave like an upset child just because her brothers wouldn't let her tag along. They were only doing it because they cared.

Still, fifteen years of pain and rejection are hard to erase with a few good weeks. "I still want to come. I want to know what's going on too! Maybe I can help stop him."

Taisho chuckled. "I have no doubt. But you are needed here, in case Naraku decides to proceed with his plans ahead of time."

Sesshoumaru walked up behind her and strapped Tenseiga to her back. "But we are giving you this." he said soothingly. "Keep it on you all day, until you get home. It will protect you and alert us if you get in trouble."

Inuyasha nodded assent, but didn't say anything. If he had his way, he would be taking Kagome with them. Totosai he could handle, but leaving her in the hands of Naraku wasn't sitting well with him, or Sesshoumaru. The brothers were not known for leaving their friends in danger.

Kagome bit her lip, but nodded. "Fine. But if you two get hurt, I'll dig you up, bring you back to life and kill you again."

Inuyasha chuckled. "Of that I have no doubt." he said dryly. "Don't worry."

OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO

It felt odd to go through the school day with only a part of the Inu Gang with her. She hopped that the brothers had gotten some good information out of their source, something to make it worth the feeling of having a target painted on her back.

To her surprise, no one questioned her about the sword, not even Sango, Miroku, Shippou, or Rin. Apparently those involved in youkai affairs were not questioned about this sort of thing. It made her feel more secure, knowing the sword was connecting her to the Takahashi brothers.

The final bell rang, relieving her from her fear, and she raced down the steps of the school. A hand latched on to her arm, and she was pulled to an abrupt stop. "Hey, watch it!" she snapped.

There was a cold chuckle behind her, and her blood froze. "Such a feisty one, even though the brothers have abandoned you?" Naraku said teasingly. "I'll have to find a way to kill that spirit. They have left you, and they won't come in time."

Kagome twisted around and glared daggers at him. "You wait!" she growled. "I don't need the brothers to defend myself!" She lashed out at him, landing a few good punches, but he laughed and shoved her backward – into Kouga.

"Take care of her." Naraku said lazily. "And when you're done bring her to the altar."

Kouga grinned and raised his fist. "This time you are all mine."

Kagome flinched back, but couldn't do anything. Tenseiga pulsed against her back, reassuring her that everything would be fine. As the blows landed, Kagome prayed, dear kami, send them soon!!

----/

AN: So, whaddya think? Worth the long wait? (not likely, but thought I'd ask) Review, please!!