To those I couldn't reply to:

KagomeInuyasha: It seems that quite a few people wished it was Inuyasha behind her instead of Kouga. But thats not how my imagination works. Don't worry, after this chapter, InuKag will once again rein supreme. So look forward to that. Thanks so much for the review. Its much appreciated.

Somewhere Beyond This

Chapter 14: Deadly Intrusion

Two-hundred forty-three. Two-hundred forty-four. Two-hundred forty-five. Or was that two-hundred forty-six?

I squinted my eyes against the blackness of the sky, trying to figure out if I had messed up the numbers or not. When my gaze swept over the small group of stars, I had already lost my place. I shook my head with a groan and started from the beginning. One. Two. Three.

For the last hour or so, I had been sitting on the edge of the beach. The ocean brushed against my bare feet and a cool wind swept around me. Everyone else sat around the fire talking quietly amongst themselves. Their eyes were grave and it seemed no one had the energy to keep a smile. Not since Kentaro's incident anyways. Thinking of the business man, I sighed and gave up on trying to count the number of twinkling diamonds in the sky. It was a lost cause.

Instead, I stood up and brushed the sand off the bottom of my shorts before trekking back to camp. "Mr. Wantanabe?" I called quietly as I approached his bedding. His face was pinched with sleep and sweat graced his brow. A nightmare was probably the cause. Deciding to let the middle-aged man sleep, I turned around to be met with Sango's soft gaze. She looked up at me from her place beside Miroku, who was sound asleep. It was a good thing, too, because when he's asleep, he doesn't feel the pain as much. "How's he doing?" I asked, crouching beside her.

"He's been better," she replied with a sigh, glancing at his sleeping form. "I just hope we get out of here soon."

"Yeah," I agreed, resting my chin on my hand. "I think we all do."

"You know," she continued, a ghost of a smile blessing her lips. "I've always had a spot in my heart for the pervert."

"Really? I always thought you hated him."

She shook her head with a soft giggle. "No, not at all. I just didn't like how he went after all the girls."

"I saw you guys at Yura's party," I confessed, my eyes watching her face intently for any signs of acknowledgment.

"To be perfectly honest," she replied. "I don't recall half of that night. Last thing I remember was watching Rin and Ayame play Twister."

We looked at each other for a minute before breaking out into a soft bought of laughter. Our two bubbly friends were quite the nuisance at times, but overall they could always lighten your spirit. "I wonder how Ayame's doing back home," I suddenly said, my gaze finding the night sky once more.

Sango sighed beside me. "She's probably worried sick about us. They must have received news by now of the crash. Ayame's the one to go into hysterics."

"My mom's the same way, I bet. Besides, Souta, Kohaku, and Shippo are missing as well. I wonder if our parents even know they snuck into the luggage."

She snorted. "Little brats, putting everyone through so much grief. But I bet my dad has figured it out by now."

I nodded in response and gazed at the flames intently. The conversation dropped and we were quiet for a few moments. I didn't mind, really. Over the past couple of days, the silence seemed to be the only thing that calmed me down. It was strange, considering I came from the bustling city of Tokyo that always held noise. I mentally shrugged. Must be the change in environment.

My eyes brushed across the other survivors, taking note of which ones had fallen asleep and which ones were still awake. It appeared as if almost everyone had dozed off, even Kouga. I bit my lip, memories of our earlier encounter still fresh in my mind. How had I not realized how much of a jerk he was before? Was I too caught up in his boyish charms and smooth words that I had dismissed his rough edges? Staring at him now, I realized I felt no joy or love whenever I was near him.

I shook my head. Although I wanted to ponder on our relationship and figure out the feelings I had, this was not the time nor the place. Once I was back, safe and sound in my college dorm, then I would talk to Sango, Ayame, and Rin about it. They would know what to do.

With an ache in my chest, I peered over at the bubbly girl who had been my friend since high school. Rin was asleep, curled up against Sesshomaru. His eyes were closed and his arm rested on one knee, but I knew he wasn't sleeping. He was always alert. I learned that quite a few times over the years, and it had led to quite a few embarrassing situations.

I turned away and stood, preparing to find my own place to bed down for the night. My eyes caught a small figure inching its way toward the fire and only when the warmth of the flames lit his face did I realize who it was." Souta?" I whispered, silently stepping over to him while trying to avoid the many bodies in my path. "What are you doing? Shouldn't you be asleep?"

He sighed and sat down in the sand. "Not tired," he replied simply.

Well, being the older sister I am, I had a feeling that his words weren't the entire reason behind his attitude. I sat down and bent my knees, nudging him slightly with my shoulder. "Care to tell me what's going on?"

Souta stole a glance over his shoulder. His gaze fell on the group of children huddled around a smaller fire. Shippo was making funny faces at Hitomi, who only laughed with enjoyment. I think I even saw Kohaku crack a smile. "I just wish I could do more for Hitomi. She's lost everything," he confessed, a blush dusting his cheeks. "I mean, Shippo can make her laugh and Kohaku can talk to her about anything. But what can I do?"

I gave him a comforting gaze. It was so sweet. My younger brother was trying to help another in need. When had he grown up? "You can't make the pain go away," I replied quietly, recalling my mother's heartbreaking sobs when my father died. "You can't stop the hurt and you can't stop the grief." Souta was only a baby when our dad died. He never even knew him. "The only thing you cando is be there for her. Make her smile through the tears and hold her close when she wants to cry." I had been so young and yet, I was given such a burden. With my mother a wreck and my grandfather closing himself up, it fell on my shoulders to keep things moving. I could still remember the nights in which I would silently cry myself to sleep, not wanting my family to hear. "She'll be okay, Souta," I said, laying a hand on his knee. "It'll take time, but she'll be okay."

He nodded slowly and smiled up at me. "Thanks, sis," he said, genuine gratitude shining through his eyes.

"Anytime." He stood up and made his way back to where his friends sat. He took a seat beside the girl and immediately joined into the conversation. He looked on as Shippo made her laugh and Kohaku would broach serious issues (at least, serious to a child) that were happening around the world. I sat there for a long time, watching as the two boys dozed off. But my little brother stayed up. Hitomi and Souta's words turned into whispers and the smiles dropped. I could barely make out the faint tears trailing down her cheeks. It wasn't long until he enveloped her into a hug.

I smiled at his sincerity and stood up to find my own place to bed down. Everyone else was asleep except for Inuyasha, who stood at the ocean's edge, still staring out toward the horizon. I hesitated, thinking that he just wanted to be alone. But sometimes, what you want and what you need are two different things. With a deep breath, I changed course and headed to where he stood.

His eyes sparkled from the moon's reflection on the water. His brows were furrowed and his arms were crossed over his chest. "Inuyasha," I called timidly, standing beside him. He didn't glance at me, but I assumed he was listening. "Inuyasha, look, I'm really sorry about Kikyo. I'm sure she's okay-"

"Shut up." His voice was dark and soft, dangerous almost.

My forehead creased with confusion. "I'm only trying to help."

"Save it," he bit back, a frown deepening on his visage. "I don't need your help."

"I just thought you might need someone to talk to," I replied, clenching my hands into fists. "Everyone does."

"Not me," he answered simply. He had yet to look at me.

The wind touched my bare skin and I shivered. I had thought our conversation would go a little differently, but apparently, he had other ides. With a sigh, I was about to turn around and return to the warmth of the fire for some much needed rest, but for some reason, I just couldn't let the matter go. "I'm probably not Kikyo's favorite person, or yours for that matter," I said, looking at him fiercely. "But I will always be here when you want to talk."

He stood still, his eyes never leaving the ocean. I didn't know if he heard me or not, but I shook my head all the same and prepared to retreat to the depths of sleep. "She's still alive, ya know."

I turned at the sound of his voice. "Inuyasha, what are you talking about?" I asked wearily, wrapping my arms around myself. I was quite tired of his relentless attitude.

Finally, he looked at me. "Kikyo isn't dead."

"I never said she was," I replied quietly, knowing I was treading on a thin line. I peered at him closely, his gruff demeanor never waning. "Why do you have to do that?"

"Do what?" he asked.

"Why do you always have to get defensive when all I'm trying to do is help?"

Inuyasha turned to me, his stance strained. "I don't get all defensive," he retaliated.

"You just did!" My voice was rising, that much I knew. It was probably the reason why we never heard our attacker coming.

"No, I didn't!" His words were just as loud and for the first time since that night so many years ago, his eyes once again resembled those amber pools, swirling with the infuriating depths of hate. It seemed I was drawn into a trance and suddenly, I was back in his apartment, back in the doorway, and I could even smell the alcohol on his breath.

"Inu ... yasha," I whispered hoarsely, suddenly feeling the sting of tears. I wanted to return to the day of our departure and take back those hurtful words. I wanted to wipe the slate clean, to rid myself of those painful memories.

But before I had a chance, a growl interrupted our trance-like state. My past dissipated and I was once again on the island. I turned around, and found a pair of yellow eyes staring at me through the bushes a few yards away.

Inuyasha must have noticed them too, for I felt him tense up and take a step in front of me, as if in protection. "Inuyasha?" I mumbled again, this time with urgency.

"We're going to move slowly over to the others," he directed. I nodded and placed my hand on his back, letting him know I understood.

One stop at a time, I kept chanting to myself. Left. Right. Left. Right. We had only gotten about six steps before the growling increased ten-fold. This time, it woke up a few of the survivors. "What was that?" Yuka asked, sitting up and glancing around with a dazed look.

Ayumi sat up beside her, rubbing her eyes wearily. "Huh? Wha're you talkin' 'bout?"

Sesshomaru's eyes snapped open as they searched the forest area to his left, where the growling continued to rise from. I could already hear Rin whimpering, her gaze fearful as her hand clutched at her protector's chest. Even as my own terror rose within me, I couldn't help but gaze at my brother. His arms were wrapped around Hitomi and the creases in his forehead spoke of determination. Whatever lay dormant within the surrounding brush, he would protect her from harm. Shippo, on the other hand, was hiding behind them. His tearful green eyes searched the landscape desperately. However, with only the glow from the moon lighting our way, it was hard to make out what crouched in the shadows.

I strained my ears to listen to the slight murmurs that flew about and my eyes fervently begged our collective group to keep still and quiet. If anyone made a sudden movement as to startle the ferocious animal, it could very well be the death of us. Sarah silently knelt next to Kentaro. Tears streamed down her face, born of fear and anxiety. Whatever had come over her to stand by the wretched man who insulted us was beyond me.

My eyes sought those of my boyfriend. His piercing blue gaze was looking outward into the forest and he stood, clenching his hands into fists. Inuyasha and I were too far away to listen to the fearful gasps and terrified words. I closed my hand over the cloth under my palm, feeling the tense muscles beneath it. We were in danger, that was for sure.

The growls increased in volume, drawing closer to our position. "What should we do?" I whispered, unsure if Inuyasha had heard me or not. He didn't reply, keeping his gaze trained in the direction in which the predator would emerge.

Not knowing what lay ahead had my heart hammering in my chest. I could feel the sweat dripping down my neck and my breaths became heavy with fear. My mouth felt like cotton and I tried to swallow pass the lump in my throat. I tore my gaze from the darkness of the trees and sought those of my best friend. She was crouched near Miroku, already slinging his arm over her shoulder. His brows were furrowed with nervous hesitation, contemplating the odds of defeating an island creature.

Movement caught my gaze. A black form crept through the shadows, its yellow eyes boring into my very soul. It opened its mouth, revealing sharp white fangs, and a growl echoed through the night. A panther, was the first thing that came to mind. I recalled pictures of it from a report I had done in school a few years back. I had chosen to give a speech on the black panther, not native to Japan. It could tear apart its prey in seconds and sever the life of someone instantly. It was faster than any human. I swallowed.

I watched as it crouched low and began its way toward us, its black tail flickering behind it. I was terrified to look away, but I willed my eyes to meet that of Sango's, who's expression read pure fear. A message passed between us and she nodded. Run.

As if on cue, the panther lunged from the bushes, causing screams to erupt. Chaos ensued as everyone took off in opposite directions. Helpless to save himself, Kentaro needed Sarah's support to slowly struggle away from the predator. Miroku hopped along on one leg as Sango practically dragged him into the forest and out of sight.

In all the confusion, I hadn't realized that I, too, was running. I glanced ahead of me to see Inuyasha's back and his hand grasped firmly around my wrist. He was heading toward the forest. Although I was glad he had taken action while I was still dumbfounded, I could not help but look behind me to see the fate of our friends. My eyes widened with fear. "Inuyasha!" I screamed above the wind, hoping he had heard me. I managed to rip my hand out of his and took off running in the opposite direction.

"Fool!" I heard him yell from behind me. But I couldn't listen to his insistent pleas. My brother, Shippo, and Kohaku were in danger. While everyone had scattered, the children had been left paralyzed with fear. The black animal circled them, choosing its next meal, and licking its chops with a malicious glimmer in its eyes.

Before I had a chance to react, I was thrown to the ground. Sand flew into my face and I spit up small grains, trying desperately to remove them from my tongue. My eyes stung with the foreign objects, but I merely wiped the back of my hand across them before turning around to look at who had shoved me. Inuyasha was running full speed toward the panther, but on an angle, as to try and distract him. He waved his arms drastically and whistled a few times. "Hey, ya old cat. How 'bout pickin' on someone your own size?"

The tatic seemed to work. Making one last turn around the children, the panther began to slowly inch its way toward my ex, a menacing growl echoing through the area. Quickly, I pushed myself to my feet and began sprinting toward Souta. My heart pounded furiously with fear and I could have sworn my breath had long since stopped. "Souta!" I yelled as soon as I got within hearing range. "Are you alright?"

"We're fine," he confirmed. Shippo was wailing with tears pouring down his face while Kohaku tried desperately to keep an indifferent expression.

"Kagome," a man spoke. I turned around to see Kouga standing there with a wild and startled look in his eyes. "We need to get out of here."

I pointed toward the direction Sango and Miroku had taken off in. "Head into the forest and don't come back until daylight."

He nodded. There was no room for argument. "What are you going to do?"

I set my lips in a determined line. "I have to make sure everyone else is safe."

Kouga stood there for a moment, contemplating my decisions, concern flashing in his eyes. "Be careful," he demanded, touching my arm gently.

"Yeah." Without another word, he grasped Shippo in his arms and directed the children into the cover of the trees. Now that my main concern was safely tucked away with protection, I could focus on the other problems. Luckily everyone seemed to have escaped okay. Yuka and Eri had just disappeared into the forest. Due to his heavy weight and poisoned veins, Kentaro hadn't made it very far, neither had Sarah. Instead, they had taken cover behind a large rock just on the edge of the forest.

However, Inuyasha had my heart clenching in pain. He was near the edge of the forest on the opposite side of the beach. I ran as fast as my legs would allow, circling toward the ocean before approaching the scene from a different angle. Once I was close enough, I could make out more details.

Inuyasha was pressed against the trunk of a large tree, his gaze never leaving the stalking panther before him. I realized with a start that the man who still held my heart, was cornered. Before my very eyes, the panther attacked. Inuyasha quickly rolled to the side, but not before a grunt erupted from his lips and a spray of red flew through the air.

"Inuyasha!" I shouted, sprinting toward his form. Long, claw-like wounds stretched from his shoulder to his torso, ripping his shirt into pieces. Blood poured down his stomach, staining his clothes red.

He struggled to sit up, but immediately flashed his golden eyes at me. "Stay back, Kagome," he warned, only worrying about my safety.

However, there was no time to ponder his words or take caution. The predator was already circling around for another strike. And this time, death was at the tip of his claws. One false move ... that's all it would take. So I did the only thing that came to mind.

I brought my fingers to my lips and I whistled.

It was loud and clear, ear-splitting, to the point in which even Inuyasha cringed. The panther shook his head and growled at me, its malicious yellow eyes boring into my very soul. I had its attention alright. I didn't even make sure it was following before I took off toward the forest, running with all my might. A thump of paws in the sand behind me indicated that the predator was closing in fast. I only had to make it to the tree line and I would be able to put space between us. At least, that's what I hoped.

My heart raced to the point in which I felt as if it would burst right out of my chest. Pain coursed through my legs with each step I took. I knew I couldn't stop, though. If I did, my life would be over. I was too afraid to close my eyes, so instead I pushed myself to run faster. My lungs begged for oxygen and my throat ached with irregular breaths. But I continued on.

Just as I was sure my life was beginning to flash before my eyes, the air suddenly got cooler and darkness enveloped my vision. I peered through the blackness of the forest, careful not to trip over any roots, while desperately flailing my arms to keep the branches of the trees from smacking me in the face.

I didn't know how long I ran, or if I was still being chased. I could only concentrated on the untamed path before me. I ran until my chest hurt and my legs gave out. Unwillingly, I collapsed at the base of a tree, holding a hand to my heart to try and get my breathing under control. I knew I had to keep moving, otherwise a cruel fate would befall me. But I couldn't seem to find the strength.

Instead, I listened to the sounds around me. It had fallen eerily silent. The forest critters were quiet and not even the leaves rustled on their branches. I could hear the blood pounding in my ears as I swiveled my gaze about. I would estimate about five minutes had passed, maybe longer, before I finally let lose a sigh of relief. Perhaps I was safe.

I crawled over to press my back against the tree and fold my knees to my chest. I rested my head against the trunk and looked up, closing my eyes against the sky. So easily I could slip into a deep slumber, and with each moment that passed, I found it so much more inviting. I had almost dozed off when a rustling of bushes startled me awake.

My gaze quickly turned to the left as my breath halted in my throat. Fear had paralyzed my body. Before I could scream, a figure had jumped from the brush and landed in front of me. "Stupid girl," a voice said angrily. "What are you doing? We have to keep moving." Inuyasha pulled me to my feet before I could respond. He crouched down in front of me and lowered his hands, palms up, so they were parallel with his knees. "Get on." It was an order and I paused in my reply.

Was I really going to believe in him? The same man that had broken my heart over and over again so long ago. The same man who had chosen another woman over me, who seemed to move on so easily. The same man who taunted me every day of my miserable life.

The same man who had saved me from an untimely death.

I didn't hear the growl behind us or the crunch of leaves. My head swarmed with memories as thunder echoed over head. Without another word, I took up his offer and fitted myself comfortably on his back. Instantly, he took off running and I shielded my head against his back, trying to keep the splatter of rain at bay as it poured from the heavens. His hands tightened around my thighs as I wove my hands deeper into his shirt.

I trust you.

A/N: Phew! Another long wait for an update, I know, but a longer chapter as well. I rather like this one and the chapter you've all been waiting for should be just around the corner. I hope the next update won't take as long, but who am I to predict the future? I'll probably be updating KS next. We'll just have to see I suppose. By the way, did anyone catch the new love triangle/square that formed? Anyways, I hope you enjoyed and please review. It keeps me going.

Side note: If you haven't already, please take my poll. I'm trying to plan a schedule in which new stories will be coming out and I need your help in order to do that. Thanks.