Thanks to a few reviews from certain people I have made a few beneficial future changes to this fan fiction. One of the biggest idea changes being to not sexualise the characters. After thinking about it, I realised the impact this decision would be. After all, I want this story to be romantic. And there is a difference, my friends, between love and lust.

Chapter Ten

They disappeared into the new dawn, the last slither of silver vanishing as the morning sun rose. Kagome dropped her bow and fell to her knees. Her brother was gone. Less than a day after arriving he had been kidnapped. She was supposed to kill Kikyo. This is not what was meant to happen.

'Kagome, are you hurt?' Miroku was crouched down beside her.

'This is wrong,' she mumbled to herself. 'Sota, he-he wasn't meant to be... I shouldn't have brought him.'

With the loud noises of fighting gone, and the morning sun turning the sky a beautiful blue, the villagers began emerging from the forest. Some went straight back to their huts and some wondered around the steam, checking out the damage. A few even asked Kagome is she needed any help.

Sango and Inuyasha ran over to them. Inuyasha was back to his normal self; silver hair and golden eyes, with fangs and sharp claws. Miroku chastised Sango for running whilst pregnant but she shooed him away. Kaede was the last to join them, picking up every broken arrow along the way. Her face was grim.

Inuyasha stepped in front of Kagome. 'What happened?'

Miroku stood to face him. 'I think you should give Kagome some time.'

'No.' Kagome slowly stood. 'It's fine.'

Everyone circled her. Sango grabbed Kagome's hand and squeezed tight.

Taking a breath, Kagome said, 'Sota was taken by Kikyo.' Her eyes met Inuyasha's. 'She said if I had taken something important to her, then she would take something important to me, as compensation.'

His golden eyes widened a fraction. 'Kagome, I didn't want any of this to happen.'

'I know. Kikyo also told me what you did to try to save me...' A single tear fell down her face as she stared into the golden eyes of the boy she loved. 'But it was also because you couldn't let me go that this has happened. So don't think that this changes anything. I am going to get my brother back, and hopefully kill Kikyo. I don't trust that you can help me. And I don't want your help.'

Sango pulled Kagome a step away, addressing Inuyasha. 'She needs some rest. I'll look after her. I promise.'

Inuyasha nodded, never taking his eyes off of Kagome. They looked sad, and pained. Kagome knew her eyes would be betraying her as well, but she didn't care. Even if she loved him, her brother meant more. Her resolve was strong.

Kagome allowed Sango to walk her back to the hut along with Kaede. They poured her some water, let her drink, and then settled her onto one of the thin mattresses on the floor.

Sota POV

It was cold. There were no windows to let in the light. Sota wondered around the dark room until his eyes adjusted, and deciphered what his fears held most; a four wall room with a single locked door. No way out and no source of light. He was glad to have gotten over his fear of the dark when he was twelve.

Footsteps sounded down the hall and Sota stood against the back wall, trying to make himself as invisible as possible. The echo stopped outside his door. A few thuds and clicking sounds made him think there was more than one lock before the door finally swung inwards.

It was the same woman who knocked him unconscious. Kikyo was the sole reason why all of this was happening. Her resemblance to his sister was frightening until he spotted a difference in their traits. Kikyo's eyes, while the same deep chocolate colour, were empty. They had no depth. Kagome's where bright and deep and full of love even when she was staring off into space.

The woman slowly walked into the cell, an orange flickering light outside the door casting a grotesque shadow on the floor.

'I don't believe we have been fully acquainted.'

Sota remained silent.

Kikyo sighed. 'There is no need to panic. I can't hurt you. Why would I cause harm to the only bargaining chip I have?'

'Bargaining chip?'

'Your sister. Kagome.' Her voice dripped with venom upon saying that dreadful name. 'You know her better than anyone. Her little brother is captured with the threat of death. Now, there are two options for her to take. Either she lets you die, or she pleads to take your place. Which one do you think she will choose?'

His heart began beating rapidly. 'It won't work. She's smarter than that.'

'Believe me, she isn't.'

Kikyo turned to leave.

The boy took a step closer, causing her to turn and stare into his eyes. 'Well then believe me when I tell you this; my sister has everything you don't. I can tell by your eyes what type of a person you are. You will never match Kagome.'

She continued to stare long after he had finished. Was he serious? But she couldn't mistake the certainty in his face, or the promise in his voice. This boy believed his sister to be strong and powerful. Nowhere in his eyes did Kikyo see a fault; not even one ounce of fear for his own wellbeing, because he genuinely believed in his sister's capabilities to rescue him.

And what was that stuff about him being able to see what kind of a person she was? He was just a child. And yet, Kikyo thought, he didn't sound or acts like one. This boy had come to this conclusion after watching Kikyo for only one minute. His quick judgement -and confidence-through her off for a few seconds.

For the first time since being resurrected Kikyo was unsure.