To those I couldn't respond to:

WoodShop (and) Vampiregirl1337: I was unable to message you, but I just wanted to say thanks for adding this story to your alert list. I'm so glad you're enjoying it so far.

inu-girl162: I was unable to message you, but I just wanted to say thanks for adding this story to your favorites list. I'm glad you're enjoying it so far.

Casiosiris: I know, I know! But having all of the main Inuyasha characters survive would be unrealistic. Besides, it was either Shippo, Souta, or Kohaku. Take your pick. Anyways, I'm glad you're liking it so far. At least I think you are ... This chapter is a bit lighter, so enjoy.

m: Ugh, you don't know how hard it was to read your advice, because I actually took it into consideration. Want to see the outcome? Start reading. Thanks for the review and your thoughts involving poor Shippo. Hope you don't hate me too much.

Somewhere Beyond This

Chapter 17: Then There Were Ten

It was so easy.

Forcing my mind to go blank. Thinking of nothing. Letting consciousness slip from my grasp. There was no need to consume food or water, no need to speak to those around me. There was only the darkness, wrapping me in a warm blanket, and allowing me to forget. Most times, nothing came while I slept. But there were moments in which memories would come to mind; images of a red-haired boy as he played. His laughter echoed in my ears and his emerald eyes haunted my every thought. That's why it was easier to forget. I didn't feel the pain.

I recalled awakening to soft voices nearby. My eyes stayed closed, but I could tell it was day time. If night had fallen, I never knew. I woke up a few times to feel Sango running her fingers gently through my hair, or Inuyasha, simply sitting close to me in order to give what little comfort he could bring. Kouga didn't make an appearance, and my heart ached at the thought. A small voice in the back of my mind told me I should be comforting him, that falling to this point of despair was unacceptable. Everyone needed me to be strong. Once I was safe at home, in the comfort of my own bedroom, then it would be time to break down and lose myself in a sea of misery. But not now. I had to keep it together, just a little while longer.

With these thoughts in mind, I slowly allowed the dull throb of heartache to beat once more as I opened my eyes. No one was with me this time, but I knew someone was awake. I could hear their voices behind me. I sat up and looked around, almost in a daze. Sunshine sparkled off the vibrant blue of the ocean as a cool breeze swept over the beach. Judging by the position of the sun, it had to be around five o'clock.

"Kagome, you're awake," I heard Sango call and glanced over.

I gave her a soft smile and curled my knees to my chest. "How long was I out?" I asked, watching as she stood up and took a seat beside me.

She shrugged. "Since daybreak."

I nodded absentmindedly and fought to keep my eyes on my hands, refusing to look at the place where Shippo took his last breath. "Where is everyone?" I mumbled, trying to keep my mind occupied.

"Inuyasha and Kohaku went to gather food. Souta and Hitomi are over there with Miroku," she said, gesturing toward them. "Sesshomaru is with Rin, and Yuka brought Ayumi to find firewood."

Twelve. Is that what our count had dwindled to? Eleven were people I knew. Nine were from our class. At least three people were missing or dead. The dreadful calculation churned my stomach with nausea. Shaking my head to clear the thoughts, I stood up and dusted off my pants. My throat suddenly ached with thirst and I fervently looked around for some kind of water. There didn't seem to be any, and I found my eyes staring at the lone figure by the water's edge. "How long as he been sitting there?"

Sango crossed her arms as she stood. "Since last night," she replied solemnly. "Won't eat or drink. Poor guy, he's really taking it hard."

"It wasn't his fault."

"I know, but he won't listen to reason." A sigh escaped her lips as she shook her head with disappointment. "No one can get through to him."

I didn't know what he was feeling right now or what thoughts ran through his head. After all, he blamed himself entirely for Shippo's death. It had just been a freak accident that could have killed any one of us. I shuddered, thinking of how close Souta had been to being torn to pieces. But damn it all! Kouga was a total ego-maniac who didn't let anything get him down. He always managed to keep a positive light on everything. Not to mention he was always there. I bit my lip, recalling how many times he had tried to set things right or comfort me and I had just pushed him away.

I furrowed my brows with determination. I refused to let him fall into a depression to the point in which the surface was out of reach. Strengthening my resolve, I slowly walked over to where he sat. "Kouga," I spoke softly, placing a hand on his shoulder. He didn't even look at me. I knelt down, letting a small smile adorn my lips. "Kouga," I repeated. "We're out of water and I'm really thirsty. Can you come with me?"

Silence was my only answer. I took a few deep breaths. It would do no good to get angry. "Come on, Kouga," I urged, standing up and wrapping my arm around his, desperately trying to pull him up.

"Leave me alone, Kagome." His voice was low and dangerously calm. It sent a shiver to my very core. Never had I heard him speak in such a tone.

Concern washed over me. "Let's just go to the stream. You'll feel better, I promise."

He sighed and pulled his arm out of my grasp, continuing to gaze at the horizon. Frustrated, I huffed and knelt down in front of him, gaining his full attention. Those dull gray eyes of his scared me and I longed for the blue depth I knew so well. "Please, Kouga." I was whispering now, tenderly pleading with him to grant me this one request.

We sat in silence for a moment before he mutely agreed, simply standing as a response. I smiled softly at him and linked my hand through his, guiding him toward the forest. Picking up a few empty bottles from the campsite and a somewhat-clean shirt (which was piled with the clothes that drifted to shore from the crash), I gestured to Sango where we were going. I listened to our footsteps as they quietly hit the sand, feeling the cool shade of the trees overcome me. I shivered and clung to Kouga for warmth. He didn't react in any way, instead remaining impassive. Almost like Sesshomaru.

After a few moments, we happened upon our source of water and I kneeled down on the bank. Taking each of the three bottles individually, I began to slowly fill them up, aware of the fact that Kouga had silently taken a seat beside me. "It's my fault, you know," he whispered, startling me.

I peered at him out of the corner of my eyes, taking note of his bowed head and desolate eyes. "No its not," I assured with determination. "You have to stop beating yourself up over it. There was nothing you could have done. Besides-" I screwed the cap on one of the water bottles and sent a small smile his way. "-If it weren't for you, Souta would probably be dead."

He made no move that he heard me, instead keeping his eyes on the flow of water from the stream. I sighed, curled my knees to my chest, leaning my head against his shoulder. There was no way I could take away his heartache, and no way to bring back the fiery red-headed boy, but I could offer my presence and words of comfort.

Kouga shifted beside me and I glanced up, taking in his cerulean gaze darkened with guilt. "Kagome," he spoke softly. His hand cupped the back of my neck while his thumb lightly brushed against my cheek. I leaned into his touch, thankful for the tenderness he always held with me. I closed my eyes, relishing in the soft breeze around us and the sounds of the forest animals as they scurried about. Come to think of it, if we weren't stranded in the middle of nowhere and our lives weren't in danger, this place was kind of peaceful.

Without warning, I felt lips press against my own and I snapped my eyes open. Kouga's eyes were closed and his brows were furrowed. The kiss was anything but gentle. It felt needed and passionate, as if he would die without the intimate contact. There were no sparks initiated, and although it was a bit awkward, I closed my eyes and returned the loving gesture. If this would make him feel better, then so be it. I would sacrifice a small piece of my happiness for him, as long as his cocky personality returned.

He shifted toward me, pressing his flesh upon my own and I found it harder to keep my balance. My fingers clung at the grass in an attempt to stay sitting upright, but it was of no use. I hit the ground a moment later, my hands digging into the soft soil, as he knelt on all fours over me. "Kouga," I wheezed out as soon as his lips left mine and trailed over my jaw and toward my neck. I twisted a hand into his hair. "We can't do this."

Making no move he heard me, my boyfriend continued his sweet torture and I almost lost myself to the surreal passion, even though it was more for him than me. But when an image of Inuyasha – scowl and all – flashed through my mind, I immediately pushed against Kouga, shoving him off of me. I sat up, breathing heavily, and avoided his hurtful gaze. "Kagome," he mumbled, sound confused at my sudden withdrawal.

I shook my head and allowed a moment to pass so I could regain my composure and allow my mind to clear. "I'm sorry," I replied in a hushed tone. I peered up at him. "I just can't do this right now."

Kouga looked away and clenched his hands into fists. "Yeah, I know."

I gave him a quizzical look. "What's that supposed to mean?"

He merely shook his head and regained his post by the stream, letting his eyes roam over the surrounding forest. "Nothing, just forget it."

I bit my lip. Wanting to console him was tearing me apart, but I knew when to let matters drop. There was no telling what he'd do if I continued to press him for details. A sigh escaped my lips as I straightened out my tangled and grimy hair as best as I could before returning to my task of retrieving water. Come to think of it, maybe there was a chance that some sort of pool or hot springs was nearby. Kami knew that we all needed some sort of bath.

Screwing the cap on the last bottle, I set the water aside and placed the shirt in the stream, letting the cold liquid soak into the fabric. "What are you doing?" I glanced over to see Kouga watching me curiously, a single brow raised.

"Inuyasha's shirt was covered in blood from Shippo's injuries," I mumbled softly, forcing down the lump in my throat after saying the kid's name. "I don't think he'd be willing to wear it now." I scrubbed the fabric of the shirt together, washing away the dirt, grime, and salt from the ocean.

Kouga scoffed beside me. "You really care about the mutt, don't you?"

I sent him a dumb-founded look, noticing how he had averted his gaze once more. "Well, of course," I replied. "I mean, I used to date the guy."

"Do you love him?"

My breath caught in my throat as I stopped my movements, watching the shirt flow with the water. I didn't dare meet my boyfriend's gaze, knowing he would be staring at me with the intensity of a rejected lover. I wouldn't be able to face him; whether it be truth or lie. My mouth felt like cotton when I swallowed and my throat closed up with each intake of breath. "I'm not sure, Kouga," I said, hoping it would suffice for now.

He stood up beside me. "It's alright, Kagome," he assured, flashing me a smile. But his eyes … they spoke of hurt and betrayal that I had inflicted upon him.

"Kouga-" Without another word, he squeezed my shoulder affectionately, and made his way back toward camp.

I stared at the place in the woods where he disappeared, long after he was gone. Did I still love Inuyasha? Of course, I knew I held feelings for the guy, and I even admitted it before I fell asleep in the cave. After all, five years ago I believed him to be my soul-mate. But would I go so far as to deem it love? How did I know it was just a strong infatuation created my jealousy and old feelings? I wasn't entirely sure. I wasn't really sure of anything anymore. I had a loving boyfriend who treated me right, was there when I needed him, and had my back no matter what. So why would I mix myself up in something that would never happen? After all, Inuyasha was pining after Kikyo, who could be dead or alive. No matter how much I despised the girl, in her own twisted way, she made him happy. That's all that mattered.

Closing my eyes and sitting in silence for a moment, I concentrated on the sounds around me, hoping to quell my inner turmoil. Being stuck on an island with a bunch of delinquents who lived to cause drama … not exactly good for the mental state. I released a humorless chuckle at the thought and quickly finished my task, grabbing the bottles and shirt before following after my boyfriend.

I appeared at camp a few minutes later, only to find everyone in some sort of frenzy. Sesshomaru and Rin stood near the far side of the beach, surrounded by Inuyasha, Sango, and Kouga. Ayumi, Yuka, Miroku, and the children sat nearby, listening into the conversation and voicing their thoughts every so often.

"You're a fucking moron!" I heard Inuyasha yell as I came within hearing distance, quickly setting down the water bottles and throwing the shirt over a tree branch.

Sango had her hands clenched into fists and a look in her eyes that could kill. "You can't be serious!"

"What's going on?" I asked, pushing my way into the small group and furrowing my brows in confusion. Rin hid behind Sesshomaru's tall frame as he merely glared at all of us.

Kouga crossed his arms and turned away. "The mutt's brother is leaving," he bit out.

"What?" I turned my eyes to the stoic man, questioning his intentions. "Where are you going?"

"We've been stranded for approximately three days," he replied slowly, as if we had a hard time comprehending what he said. "Rescue isn't coming."

"How do you know that?" Sango retaliated, taking a step forward. "We drifted farther from the crash site than you think. Besides, what if the pilot when off course before hand? There's a lot of ocean to cover."

He turned his steely eyes upon her. "Do you honestly believe that?" he murmured. "We have been left to die. It is futile to think otherwise."

"So, what do you propose, Sesshomaru?" Miroku called. I glanced over to see him standing on one leg and balancing his weight with a nearby tree.

"We have yet to explore the island," he replied. "Perhaps it is time to do so." Without another word, he turned around and began his walk toward the forest.

I ran up to him and grabbed his arm. He immediately stopped in his tracks and peered at me out of the corner of his eye. "This is insane!" I persuaded. "It's better if we all stick together and on the beach where a rescue team could see us."

"Hn," was his only reply. Without effort, he pulled free from my grasp and disappeared into the trees.

I clenched my hands into fists, watching the silver fade to darkness, and then he was gone. "Wait for me, Sesshomaru!" a childish voice called.

I quickly glanced over to see Rin running after him. "Rin!" I called, standing in front of her before she could go any further. "What are you doing?"

She flashed me a toothy grin. "I'm going to follow, Sesshomaru."

"No, you're not," I said slowly. "You should stay here with us.

The smile lessened. "Don't worry," she mumbled quietly, her eyes sending encouragement. "Sesshomaru will protect me."

Before I could open my mouth to reply, she had already run around me and followed him into the forest, where dangers lurked around every corner. Rin and Sesshomaru had taken it upon themselves to split up from the rest of us and journey on their own. My heart beat in rhythm with the fear flowing through my veins as I thought of Rin and how fragile her mental state was right now. Her life solely depended on Sesshomaru, and being the cold-hearted man he appeared to be, it put Rin at risk.

I didn't know what they would find on the remainder of the island, or if they would even come back alive. I swallowed back the lump in my throat and closed my eyes to ward of the tears. Grasping a hold of my emotions, I turned around to peer at the remainder of my companions, seeing them all looking to me for guidance.

And then there were ten.

A/N: I know, a bit on the short side, but the next chapter will be longer, promise! Hope you all enjoyed this one, as it was a bit lighter than the last chapter. I'm thinking about ten or so chapters left, depending on my muse. I've got the remainder of the story outlined, so it shouldn't take too long. Hopefully, it will be complete by the end of the semester, which is around the beginning of May. To meet that quota, I'll try to update again soon. But I'm not promising anything.