Chapter 2-The Arrival
Kagome was wide-eyed staring out the open window of the cab. Never before had she seen such pristine scenery. It seemed as if the island was uninhabited by the looks of the roads and beaches. Her eyes failed to locate even the smallest bit of litter. She thought back to one of the very first laws that she had read; it was something or other about the destruction of the islands' habitat being punishable by permanent eviction from the islands themselves. The obedience of the rule was obviously taken very seriously from the looks of it.
As she sat back, and she smiled as an ocean breeze floated in through the open window. It smelled fresh and inviting, already having decided that the beach would be one of the first places she would go, now she could barely wait. The rest of the ride was quiet, the demon in the front of the cab quietly singing along to some rock song. Kagome was positive that she had seen shock on his face when she had first gotten in, but now as she caught the driver's unmistakable glance in the mirror, she was sure. As the cab rolled to a halt in front of the grandest hotel she had ever seen Kagome reached into her purse to pay the demon in the front. He turned and looked her over, causing her to shift uncomfortably in her seat.
"Keep the change." She said as she slid to the door.
"One moment miss and I'll unload the trunk." The driver exited and pulled her bags from the back of the car. As Kagome waited on the sidewalk the demon spoke from behind the raised back of the car. "Pretty girl like you should be careful, traveling here on your own could be dangerous." It sounded like a friendly warning, but it caught her off guard. The journalist in her couldn't resist asking why.
"Is there a lot of crime here?" Kagome asked.
"No, but there is demon law." He stated flatly.
Kagome scrunched her nose. She knew that, but having only made it through the first few pages of the manual she had gotten was proving her unprepared already. A writer should be prepared to discuss these things, and she wasn't. Her lack of knowledge embarrassing her into silence. She simply thanked the demon and left.
As Kagome turned to enter the hotel she noticed that demons and humans mixed openly. There were far more demons here than there were in Tokyo. There they were a minority, a small population amidst the millions of humans. She had found that she preferred to interview them, and had been fascinated by their history and knowledge since she was a teen. The interviews with demons, and her articles on them had been what had gained her a large following. She was one of the few authors that was read by both humans and demons, and had drawn quite a lot of attention to the small paper she wrote for, pushing its sales higher with each article. There were plenty of people, humans mostly, that despised her work. They claimed that she was taking the wrong side, mixing up the facts about a history in which humans were glorious and demons were the evil ones. Kagome had even gotten a letter from a teacher telling her that her articles had caused quite a lot of confusion among her students, and that the teacher didn't appreciate her views on demon and human history. How was she supposed to teach her students that their ancestors, not demons, had destroyed the natural beauty of their homeland and started war after war, and lost on top of it?
Kagome and her friends had laughed for nearly a half hour, joking about giving the teacher instructions on how to open a paper and find her article, how to make copies and pass them out. Finally Kagome had answered simply: You just tell them the truth. She had smiled as she wrote the reply. She didn't share most people's opinions of demons, or their fear of them either. She had never met a demon that was anything less than polite. She was sure that they were out there somewhere, but until she found one she was going the keep on writing whatever she wanted. It was because of that decision that she was standing outside the most beautiful hotel that she had ever seen.
A small imp rushed over with a large blue demon, that resembled a troll. "Miss Higurashi, the Inu hotel is pleased to welcome you. My name is Jaken, and I have been instructed to show you to your room, as well as answer any questions that you may have. I also have a new key for you."
Kagome smiled at the imp. "Thank you very much. Is there something wrong with the other one?" Kagome questioned turning the card over in her hand.
"No, not at all. There has simply been a change of rooms. Please follow me." The imp turned to enter the hotel with Kagome at his heels, and the demon with her baggage following close behind. Kagome couldn't believe the lobby of the hotel. The beautiful fountains filled with large coy towered over here. There were fireplaces surrounded by the most luxurious furniture she had ever seen. Staff scurried about tending to the every need of the guests. Kagome walked past the large main elevator and was escorted onto an elevator that was marked VIP. The imp had waved her new key in front of the keypad to get the door to enter.
"You will need your key in order to get to your floor, if you should loose it let the front desk know right away so that we can deactivate the old one for your safety." The imp advised.
"I don't plan on loosing it, but it's a good thing to know." She said smiling down at him. The imp fidgeted nervously with his staff as the door opened to a beautiful hallway. There was only four rooms on the floor, but the hallway went on seemingly forever and opened out onto two large observation decks.
"The decks are used for private affairs on some evenings, they can be reserved if you would like one. When they are not reserved they are used as a lounge, with an excellent view." The imp looked up as the girl stared in awe down the hall. He was nervous, and trying desperately to hide it. Lord Sesshomaru's instructions regarding this human were etched in stone, along with the threat on his life that had been made if he failed to make her feel at home. For some reason, undisclosed to him by his Lord, this human was special. The imp had wanted to ask why this journalist was different from past ones, but had thought better of it. Rarely were journalists and writers allowed to come to the island, it often caused trouble for the demons in the long run. Turning their way of life into some sort of side show. For that reason alone Lord Sesshomaru had hand picked those allowed to come to the paradise, he was meticulous about filtering out the parasites of the human race as he called them.
Kagome followed as Jaken waved the card in front of her door and opened it for her. It was beautiful. done with marble floors, sheer shades, and designer furniture. The couches were wide enough to be beds, the carpets softer than clouds, and art was of the most expensive taste. Kagome turned to the kitchen with its state of the art appliances and cutlery that even the best chef would envy.
"The kitchen is stocked with anything you like, and your private chef is on call twenty-four hours." The imp explained as he guided her through the room. "Your guest bathroom is over here as well as your guest bedroom." Kagome poked her head in to the guest bedroom which was gorgeous to say the least. "Down the hall here is the master suite and master bath. There is a sauna and hot tub, and spa treatments can be done in room." He said.
"I don't think that I could afford those, but what a great idea." Kagome looked around astound at how even the slightest whim of the guests here had been anticipated. What luxury. I wish I could afford to live here in the hotel. Kagome couldn't help but think to herself.
The imp didn't respond to the comment, content with the fact that she seemed to be enjoying herself. "Your private balcony is here and there is a larger balcony off the kitchen with a Jacuzzi on the deck." Kagome went wide eyed at the view, the miles of turquoise blue water and the white sandy beaches were enough to take her breath away. She reluctantly turned to follow the imp to the other end of the suite. "There is a billiards room to your left and gym on the right equipped for both humans and demons. Finally there is an office here at the end." By the time that the imp had completed the tour Kagome's head was reeling. She had expected a bed and a desk, maybe a kitchenette, but this was too much.
"I hope that you find your accommodations suitable, and if there is anything that you need we have staff on call 24 hours. Should anything arise you can feel free to have the staff contact me." The imp parted and Kagome looked down the hallway. She couldn't help herself and she took off running and landed with a bounce on her new king size bed.
I have heard of getting perks because you are a writer, but this is something else. She thought to herself as she rolled over onto her stomach. She looked out onto the balcony at the rolling sea. There was so much to see, she felt like she had just tumbled down the rabbit hole into a world of luxury.
Sesshomaru looked up at his brother who was tapping his claw on the glass table, he hovered over. "Must you make that incessant noise?" Sesshomaru growled. He had been waiting for almost an hour for his assistant to return with news of what the journalist thought.
InuYasha stopped mid tap and his head spun to look at his brother. His collected demeanor seemed to be falling apart at the seams. "Is there something wrong? Could it be that you are thinking about that journalist girl?" InuYasha said raising a mocking eyebrow.
"I could not." Sesshomaru said pulling himself together. He didn't have a clue why he this one guest had him so uptight. "Why don't you just finish the invoices so that we can turn in the numbers for the demographics team, and allow me to work. I don't desire to be here all night." Sesshomaru stated flatly.
"Why do you have a date with that writer?" InuYasha couldn't help himself. Teasing his older brother had become second nature since they had been forced to work together. They weren't the best of friends, but the long felt hatred between them had waned to a dull annoyance. InuYasha had learned that even Sesshomaru had his fun moments, and he had to admire the respect that his brother demanded from the world. There were few, demon or human that didn't know of the two brothers, but it was Sesshomaru that they bowed to before all else. It was elder of the two that remained the untouchable enigma to the world. He was only accessible by his closest of friends and family. InuYasha looked at the brother that held the world in his hands and didn't seem to know what to do with it.
Sesshomaru raised his eyes to look at his younger brother. InuYasha couldn't help but take the opportunity to banter with him, and Sesshomaru had grown weary of the game early in the afternoon. "InuYasha, I do not have a date with the journalist. I simply would like to spend more than a few hours out of the office this week." He said closing the file that he had been pouring over.
"Well if you don't want to take her out I think that I might just have to go ask her to dinner. She did want to learn about demons and who better than a demon." No sooner did the suggestion escape InuYasha's lips and Sesshomaru was on his feet stalking towards his brother.
"Listen hanyou, you will do no such thing. I have something better for you to do with her?" Sesshomaru baited his brother, InuYasha could be so predictable sometimes.
"Oh and what is that almighty ruler?" InuYasha kicked his feet up onto the glass table.
"Protect her. She'll need an escort, someone to watch over her and protect her from others like yourself." Sesshomaru had toiled over the idea of letting the girl find her own way through the island, but thanks to the recent activities involving Kouga he realized that it may not be such a good idea. He hated to admit it but he could think of no one better equipped to keep the trash away than his brother.
"What?! I am not going to give up my life to escort some girl around that I can't even lay hands on." InuYasha jumped to his feet to square off with his brother. This was too much. Not only did he have to spend his days working in the hotel, but now his nights would be eaten up as well playing chauffer and bodyguard.
"Yes, you are InuYasha! This is not an argument you are going to win, little brother. Might I remind you of your place." Sesshomaru cast a look down at his brother that could have burned through steel. He rarely brought up his status to his younger brother. It had been ages since he demanded formalities. The kneeling and the bowing, the demand of instant and constant obedience, all of the things that he could have forced upon those closest to him, but didn't. Sesshomaru knew that his word was law regardless of whether someone was on their knees or not. If he wanted someone on their knees he could put them there himself. So he saved the formalities for formal affairs, but now InuYasha was grinding on his very last nerve and he wasn't prepared to argue with him.
InuYasha backed away, snorting in disgust. He didn't have a leg to stand on when it came to what Sesshomaru said. He had long since stopped calling his father to complain tired of the same old lecture about Sesshomaru being in charge of the tribe now, and that InuYasha would do well to learn a little responsibility from his brother.
"Fine, but is she hits on me, all bets are off." It was the only insult InuYasha could muster in his moment of anger.
"I doubt that it will be a concern." Sesshomaru shot back as he went to his desk and looked at the clock again. Where was that imp? Just as Sesshomaru was about to call down to have Jaken located he burst through the door with the monk following.
"Hello Lord Sesshomaru." Miroku said in his politest voice.
"Good evening." Sesshomaru answered before being cut short by the imp.
"Lord Sesshomaru, she is here. I think that she likes everything, how could she not of course. I showed her the room and told her of the amenities; although, she said something about not being able to afford them, I think that she was as impressed as any human would be." Jaken spat out nervously.
Miroku looked at InuYasha raising an eyebrow in question. InuYasha shook his head and rolled his eyes. He would share his suspicions with his friend later, but for now he was busy putting away the last of the invoices and tossing them on his brother's desk.
"That's fine Jaken. You can go." Sesshomaru dismissed his assistant with a wave of his hand.
"Why don't you come to dinner with us?" Miroku asked the taiyoukai. He was anxious to hear about this new girl that seemed so important.
"I have some things to go over before I leave, but I am sure that InuYasha will be able to find someone to accompany you. Penthouse 3 InuYasha. No bars and keep her out of the city. One of the hotel restaurants would be best unless she wants otherwise." Sesshomaru instructed behind clenched teeth, he was irritated that he couldn't go, but there was so much to be done before tomorrow's meeting. The two turned to leave and Sesshomaru called after them. "And InuYasha, what I said about you, goes double for the monk." The ferocity in his tone caused the monk to shudder.
"What is he talking about InuYasha?" Miroku questioned as they entered the private elevator.
"Sesshomaru has got some human reporter here and he wants me to be her private bodyguard." InuYasha's tone was annoyed at best.
"Why does she need to be protected?" The monk asked as InuYasha poked the number to the penthouse floor.
"Wait until you see her." InuYasha said smirking. "If she looks anything like her picture, tonight might just be your biggest test of self restraint ever." The monk looked embarrassed that his reputation had preceded him, but managed a sly smile at his friend. The two stepped off the elevator and made their way down to her room. InuYasha lifted his hand and knocked loudly. In moments the most beautiful girl that he ever laid eyes on was standing in the doorway.
Kagome closed the cover of the manual and raced off the balcony to answer the door. She flung it open and looked out at the demon and the monk. "Is there something that I can help you with?" She asked looking at the two gaping faces.
InuYasha gathered himself together before the monk could spit out some inappropriate comment. "Hello, I am InuYasha, and this is Miroku. We have been assigned to escort you around."
"You're InuYasha?" She knew the name. If Sesshomaru was the king of the islands then that pretty much rendered InuYasha the prince. He was famous, or rather infamous for his temper. Kagome squinted she knew the face of the monk as well. The two had often made tabloids when they appeared at clubs and parties. They had a reputation of being both lovers and fighters.
InuYasha smiled at the monk realizing that she recognized them. "Yes, I am."
"It's nice to meet you Miss…" The monk was cut short by Kagome.
"Kagome, no miss, just Kagome." She smiled. "And it's nice to meet you too. Come on in. I was just reading through some of the laws on the island. It's quite a list I have to say. I haven't gotten far, honestly so I was a little worried about going out."
"There isn't anything to worry about, I can show you everything that you need to know." Miroku couldn't help himself as he positioned himself on the couch. InuYasha's eyes met with the monk, warning him that this was not the time for his jokes.
"I bet you could. From what I understand you have lived on this island since you were born. You are one of the only native humans here aren't you?" Kagome asked as she opened the doors to the balcony.
"That's right. Miroku has been here, taking up space on this island since he was born." InuYasha said.
Kagome laughed. "So how long do I have the two of you to show me around?" She asked trying to remain focused. If she only had them for a few hours she would have to rush to question them, and rely on their suggestions for places that she needed to see.
"Apparently for the duration of your stay." Miroku answered.
Kagome looked confused. "I am a new resident here. That's is an awful long tour, don't you think?"
"Resident?" Miroku couldn't help his surprise. Since when did Sesshomaru approved residency for a human, let alone a woman without a husband. That was just asking for trouble.
"Did I forget to mention that Miroku?" InuYasha smiled, enjoying the look of shock on his friend's face.
"Yes InuYasha, you did." Miroku answered. How was he ever going to keep his hands off this girl, for that long. "Oh well, now you know." InuYasha disregarded his friend's look of disapproval and turned to the girl that was now standing in front of him. She smelled divine, pure as the driven snow. Somewhere between lilacs and roses. "So have you eaten since you have been here?" He asked her.
"No actually I was just thinking that I was starting to get hungry. Where can I go for a cheap bite?" She asked. "I am on a tight budget until I can turn out some more articles."
"Lord Sesshomaru requested that you try one of the restaurants in the hotel, complimentary of course." InuYasha said mocking his brother with his tone. The girl giggled, he couldn't help but like her. She was just too nice, no wonder Sesshomaru had wanted her guarded. A girl like this would be swept away in a moment's notice.
"Well in that case, I am in." She said and they were off.
I have to give all the credit in the world to my wonderful beta reader beta-girl-friday Angelicatt. She's the best!