A/N: Just to let everyone know, I have finished rewriting the previous chapters. If you're new to the story, then you'll have no problem. However, for those of you who have been reading it for a while now, I haven't made many changes. You can go back and reread it if you like, but its not necessary. The only things you really need to know is: I've clarified the feudal era ties (demons); Naraku's gaze lingers on Kagome longer then necessary; I've rewritten Kikyo so she wasn't so OOC. That's really it, no big deal. Now, on with the story!

Disclaimer: I do not own the Inuyasha characters, etc. No copyright infringement is intended.

Through Blood and Tears

Chapter 9: Regrouping

Damn that bastard! Kagura thought with a frown. Who the hell does he think he is? Going off with Kikyo and leaving me stranded like that. I'll show him! Her hands balled into fists at her sides as she ambled towards the gym.

Kikyo, Naraku, and she had been traveling down a hallway when they spotted a door leading to a different wing of the school. The vile bastard had taken Kikyo's hand and told Kagura to finish checking the rest of their designated hallway. When she was done, her companions were nowhere to be found.

The clock above her head read 9:31 p.m. as she pushed the doors open to the gymnasium. Her crimson eyes widened slightly. Everything had been thrust into silent chaos. Kouga stood with the red head, trying to calm the woman down. Sesshomaru's emotionless demeanor slightly wavered as Rin huddled close to him. The wind sorceress glanced across the room to the opposite door as it opened.

Inuyasha shuffled in with Kagome cradled in his arms. Sango and Miroku followed close behind. All eyes shifted to them as the remaining students met up in the middle of the room.

"What the hell happened?" Kouga yelled as he took in Kagome's fragile state. Her savior gently set her down so she could stand; her eyes holding fear and red from crying. Inuyasha kept a hand protectively around her waist.

"Kouga, please, not now," the dark haired teen whispered. She didn't think she could handle a brawl between the guys in her current state. Her breathing was ragged as she stole a glance at those present. "Where is everyone?" Kagome asked.

The wolf demons exchanged a glance before Ayame answered. "Well, Hakkaku and Ginta split up from us and when we went back to get them, they were gone. We just assumed they had come here." Her expression was innocent enough, but Kagome's eyes darkened and her mouth formed in a worried line.

"Hojo got scared and ran off," Rin piped up, her usual loud voice now quiet with concern. "We haven't seen him since." Kagome wrapped her arms around her shaking frame, trying to calm her nerves. Then all eyes turned to Kagura.

"Kikyo and Naraku left me behind," she stated simply, crossing her arms in the process. Kagome's knees felt weak as Inuyasha held her up for support, giving her worried glances. Her breathing became irregular as she tried to catch her breath.

"Kags, what's wrong?" Kouga asked, taking a step closer. The frightened girl only managed to shake her head in response. She turned her face into the half-demon's chest and silently sobbed.

Inuyasha heaved a shaky breath. "We have to get out of here. Does anyone have a phone?" His golden orbs shifted around the small group and met confusing stares.

"Yash, tell us what happened," Miroku said, laying a hand on the silver haired male's shoulder. The students looked at him expectantly.

"We found the teacher." Everyone's eyes filled with relief for a moment before they were quickly dashed. "What was left of her anyways," came Inuyasha's next words.

"What the fuck are you talking about? Spit it out already!" Kouga yelled. A sick feeling formed in the pit of his stomach as he searched his rival's eyes for an answer.

"She's dead, you guys. Ms. Kimiko is dead." The half-demon paused for a moment, allowing this deadly information to sink in. "Her body was ripped apart. It was unreal, something I had never even imagined ..." His grip tightened around the slender woman's waist, bringing her closer.

Everyone stood in shocked awe at what had transpired. Kouga was the first to regain his bearings. A million thoughts raced threw his head, but he could only managed to speak out one. "Wha ... what do we do now?" He glanced around at the few people remaining of their initial group.

"We have to get out of here," Miroku stated, taking a step forward. His voice was calm and collected, but his violet spheres were wild with fear. "Does anyone know a way out?" Sango gave him a surprised look. How can he be so calm? None the less, she was grateful someone took control and tightened her hand around his.

"All the doors we tried were locked," the male demon said, glad to have something to focus on. Rin nodded her head in agreement. They were locked in their school with some murderous ... monster.

Suddenly, Ayame screamed and gripped Kouga's arms as one of the gym doors swung open; slamming into the wall behind it. Everyone took on a guarded stance as they looked over to see who had graced their presence.

"What's the matter with you?" a cold voice questioned that Kagome knew so well. She released her grip around Inuyasha and ran towards the figure, relief washing over her. With tears streaming down her face, the dark haired teen wrapped the person in an embrace. "Release me," the new arrival said in a surprised tone.

Kagome let go of the woman before her. "I'm so glad you're safe, Kikyo."

"And why wouldn't I be?" Although Kikyo's face was emotionless, she was still in shock over the fact her arch nemesis had given her a hug. Desolation erupted onto Kagome's expression as she took a step back. In a quiet voice she repeated to Kikyo what had occured moments earlier.

"Well, it seems were in a bit of trouble," a dark masculine voice spoke up. Naraku came up behind Kikyo, his face absent of a smile. His hands dipped into his jean pockets and his mouth was drawn in a firm line.

Everyone glared at the two newcomers, but when Kagome turned around, their gazes softened. The expression on the young woman's face said it all; they should be thankful Kikyo and Naraku hadn't fallen victim to the killer like the Ms. Kimiko had.

"Does anyone have a phone?" Rin asked, ignoring the exchange of glances going throughout the group. A few people took out their cell phones, holding it high above their heads.

"No signal," Sango stated as she sighed, closing her phone and pocketing it.

"Me neither," Ayame replied, her face crestfallen. The others with phones shook their heads in response.

"No one has a signal?" Kouga yelled, his voice echoing off the high ceilings. "Well this is great, just great. We're stuck inside the school with no way out and no way to contact anyone outside. Can this get any worse?" He spoke too soon as the lights suddenly flickered and went out.

Ayame, Rin, and Kagome screamed as Inuyasha rushed to Kagome's side. Suddenly, a beam of light trailed across the gym floor. The source of it pointed it upwards, revealing his identity.

Miroku gave everyone a stern look. "Sango and I found a flashlight in one of the classrooms; didn't know it would be so useful." Inuyasha shot him a thankful glance, but it couldn't be seen through the darkness.

"Now what?" the female wolf demon asked, still holding onto her beloved's arm. Silence enshrouded them as the group tried to gather their thoughts about their next move.

"We need a phone," a masculine voice floated through the darkness. "I suggest we get to a classroom, since they each carry one." Sesshomaru had stayed silent during the event, so hearing his stotic voice was a surprise.

"He's right. Let's find a phone and get the hell out of here," Inuyasha commanded. He felt Kagome shift beside him as she stole a glance at his face. The two brothers never agreed on anything. Then again, it was for a good reason considering their lives were at stake.

"What about the others?" Kikyo asked, taking a step forward in the semi darkness. "We can't just leave them." All eyes turned to her as the beam of light rested on her stomach; giving her face a soft glow.

"If we find them along the way, then great, but the important thing to do right now is to find a phone and call for help." Miroku waved the beam of light over the group after he spoke, getting nods in reply.

"We should stick together. Who knows what this guy is capable of?" Kagome stated, though her voice was heavy with sorrow. Inuyasha looked down at her. We already know what he can do, he thought, images of Ms. Kimiko's corpse flashing through his mind.

"Should we all head back to room 1304? We know that one definitely isn't locked," Ayame said, crossing her arms.

"Yeah, let's go," the half-demon dictated, holding Kagome close. Kouga grunted in discontent as the light waved over the contiguity Kagome and Inuyasha shared. Nonetheless, the couple heard a shuffling of feet behind them as the rest of their friends followed. Miroku made his way to the front with the flashlight; Sango holding onto his hand for dear life.

A/N: Shoot! Lots of reviews for the last chapter! You guys are amazing! I'm so glad you guys like it so far. Don't worry, many more twists and turns before this story is over. Sorry for not updating sooner. You're lucky I was able to sneak a quick chapter in this weekend. I've been non-stop running for days now. lol. Hope you enjoy and please review!