I own nothing.
Heh, gomen nasai! I'm sorry I took so long to update! But this chapter is a lot longer than usual, so I hope it'll make up for it. Of course, it might not since the chapter's pretty crappy...
And for those Kuukamu fans out there, some of you might know that I have a new story up for the pairing. It's a series of oneshots based on the summary. Feel free to leave suggestions for it!
Anyways, I hope you like it!
The kiss was kept friendly and remained so, both of them not knowing each other long enough for there to be any amount of passion. Of course, it wasn't as though Kagome could contribute. She was shocked stiff.
Neither of them noticed the flash of light and loud guffaws coming from Shippou, followed by loud steps and a slamming of a door. It was only when there was an affronted gasp that they pulled away from each other, looking at a furious blonde girl. She would have been beautiful, if not for the death glare she was aiming at Kagome.
"Ikuto!" cried the teenager. "You don't want to be in a relationship with me, and yet you'd rather suck face with a little brat like her!?"
He opened his mouth to retort when Kagome interrupted him. "Who the hell are you?" she rudely queried, miffed at being called a brat.
Lavender eyes narrowed at the miko.
"She's Tsukiyomi Utau," Ikuto said, tiredly. "My sister. Unfortunately." He muttered the last part, meant only for the ears of Kagome.
She giggled softly before muttering to him, "I'm sorry. I know how you feel."
Ikuto rolled his eyes. "Please, Kagome. Is your brother in love with you?" he retorted, completely forgetting Utau's presence.
Kagome's mouth formed a small 'O' before flashing him a sympathetic look.
Utau let out an enraged huff. "Ikuto!" she shrieked. He merely cleaned out his left ear with his pinky. She stomped her foot. Letting out a shrill cry, she launched on him, attaching herself to Ikuto's person. "You big baka! Baka, baka, baka, baka! Ikuto no baka!" Utau threw a tantrum, pounding her fists on his chest. "Can't you see I have feelings for you!? And then you go make out with HER!?" Tears were forming in her amethyst eyes.
"We're siblings!" Ikuto roared. "It is impossible for me to have any romantic love for you!"
Despite the childish acts of the teenager in front of her, Kagome's heart went out to Utau. She knew what it was like to have her love unrequited.
"But Ikuto!" Utau protested. "Please! Give me a chance! I'll do anything for you! I've been trying to make your dream come true!"
"I never asked for that," Ikuto snapped, untangling himself from Utau's limbs. "And I already have Kagome."
His sister immediately sobered. "Kagome," she snarled. "You choose this kid over me?" Letting out a bitter laugh, Utaucontinued, "I see my efforts count for nothing." She turned her intense mauve gaze onto Kagome. "I will not lose Ikuto to you. Just wait and see." Utau exited quickly after executing the threat, making a mad dash for the door. "Ja ne, Ikuto!" was heard echoing in the hallway accompanied by clattering steps from her high heels.
Kagome stared at the previous spot Utau had been standing. "That was…" the miko trailed off, unsure of a word suitable for the meeting.
"Fucked up," Ikuto supplied.
"You shouldn't talk about your sister like that," she chided gently.
He let out a derisive snort. "You saw what just happened, did you not?"
"Okay, so it was kind of fucked up," Kagome agreed, chuckling softly. An awkward silence followed soon afterwards. Several minutes later, Shippou, who's presence had been previously forgotten, began chortling loudly, pointing a long finger at the two blue-eyed teens.
"What?" Ikuto demanded. Neither of them were in the mood for teasing.
Shippou continued laughing for several more seconds before his chuckles began to quiet. Wiping away tears of mirth, he turned to Kagome. "How was sucking face with the cat, 'kaa-chan?"
She flushed. "I was not sucking face with Ikuto!" Kagome protested. "I didn't even respond!"
Ikuto pulled Kagome into his arms. "And that hurt me," he whined, pouting slightly. The pout faded and a smirk replaced its presence. "But you didn't pull away, either."
In an incredible display of strength (and willpower), Kagome wrenched herself from Ikuto's embrace. Stupid idiot, Kagome thought violently. He doesn't know what he's talking about! Glaring at him, she responded, "Because it took me by surprise. At least you had the decency to keep the kiss friendly."
He merely raised a fine blue eyebrow. Ikuto walked up behind her. "Oh? Would you like me to make it hotter next time?" he whispered huskily into her ear. "More passionate? Raunchier?"
Suppressing a shiver, Kagome jabbed an elbow into his abdomen. "Shut up," she hissed. "You're such a pervert."
Said pervert sighed, nursing his aching abdomen. "I know, Kagome. That fact was established several times in our last meetings."
Chuckling, Shippou put a hand on Kagome's shoulder. "I'd love to stay and watch you two exchange your sexual banters," –Kagome opened her mouth to protest – "but Sesshomaru needs to see you." He turned his emerald gaze to Ikuto. "You should come too. Seeing as you've made a partnership with 'kaa-chan, I bet Fluffy's going to want to talk to you too."
"Damn," was the only word that left Ikuto's mouth upon arriving at the Taisho estate.
"Nya, Ikuto. It's really big!" Yoru commented, his golden eyes wide with amazement. He had come along some time earlier, meeting his owner at the school entrance, stuffed full with tempura.
Giggling, Kagome replied, "Big, isn't it?" Ikuto nodded dumbly in response. "Come on. Sesshomaru doesn't like waiting."
The trio walked through the Taisho mansion calmly, ignoring the odd stares Ikuto received. When they arrived at the large oak doors, Shippou turned to Ikuto. "It's best of you wait here until we call you in.
He merely nodded in response.
"You can wait over there until I come get you." Kagome told him softly, gesturing towards the small living room towards the right of them.
Ikuto nodded once more. "Alright. I'll be here when you need me."
Nodding, Kagome turned to follow Shippou into the large room.
When she entered the conference room, a livid Sesshomaru came into sight. "What the fuck were you thinking, dragging that ningen into all of this!?" he demanded, tawny eyes narrowing at the miko.
Shippou gently shut the door before replying, "She had no choice. Supposedly, that boy was the only one who could help us."
"How is a weak brat like him going to help us find the Embryo and eliminate the Shikon no Tama?" Kouga asked brusquely.
"Because he knows of ways to locate the Embryo." Kagome stated confidently. She sure hoped Ikuto knew what she said he did.
Leaning back into his seat, Sesshomaru sighed and rubbed his temples tiredly. "If you are sure about this, imouto. Then he will help us."
Shippou snickered. "Oh, he'll help alright. In more ways than one."
Sapphire eyes glared at the kitsune. "What's that supposed to mean?"
"It means that this Ikuto kid is going to help release your suppressed sexual desires," he stated breezily.
"Shippou, you brat!" could be heard by everyonewithin a five mile radius.
Ikuto let out a low chuckle when he heard Kagome shriek indignantly at something. It felt nice to hear her yell at someone other than him.
He walked around the room slowly, examining several books located on the shelf before looking around once more with his sharp indigo eyes. They landed on a portrait on the wall opposite him. It was of a raven-haired girl and a silver-haired man.
Walking closer to the portrait he noticed that the woman resembled Kagomea great deal. Familiar sapphire eyes stared happily, the portrait catching its merry sparkle. Pale skin, plump lips, a heart-shaped face framed by a waterfall of midnight hair made her very attractive, her gorgeous curves accentuated by usually unflattering miko garbs.
And then he realized that the woman he was looking at was the teenage Kagome. Ikuto knew that she had been beautiful in her previous state, but he hadn't expected her to be absolutely stunning.
He continued to stare openly at Kagome's portrait as though in a trance. He was brought out of it when Yoru remarked, "She's so pretty."
The word, "pretty" doesn't do her justice, Ikuto thought. She's absolutely gorgeous.
"Ikuto?" a sweet voice called. "You can come in now." He turned to see Kagome, motioning for him to enter the room. As he neared her, Kagome whispered to him, "Watch out for Sesshomaru. He's somewhat pissed right now." Nodding in understanding, Ikuto entered the conference room, preparing himself for what was to be thrown at him next.
As Ikuto entered the room, Kagome couldn't help but feel nervous about the situation. Sesshomaru, who had the stick up his ass a bit further up than usual, seemed particularly hostile today, no doubt disapproving her choice to partner up with a Miroku-wannabe.
When he sat down, Sesshomaru began, "Ningen, why is it have you searched for a partnership with my imouto?"
Ikuto stared at Sesshomaru confidently. "Because I believe that Kagome is my last hope for help, and I am hers."
"A lowly brat like you has no right to address her so informally."
Whether Ikuto registered the insult or not, Kagome didn't know. He merely shrugged and stated he didn't know her last name. Sesshomaru asked, somewhat pointedly, if Ikuto knew any information on the whereabouts of the Embryo. She resisted the urge to bite her fingernails nervously as they awaited his answer.
"I have no idea where it is." Her face fell. "But I have methods of tracking it and locating it." Kagome's expression brightened considerably. "However the Embryo comes and goes as it pleases, but there are ways of finding it. Whenever there is a mass X egg break out, someone from the Guardians goes to purify it. When they do, usually, the Embryo can be found among the purified eggs. If they don't succeed, then we'll just have to purify them ourselves."
"What are your methods of drawing out the X eggs?" Kouga queried.
Ikuto licked his dry lips before continuing. "I am merely the janitor that comes after the show. It was Nikaidou and Utau who actually drew out the eggs. There is a possibility that I can get Nikaidou's assistance, however he has decided to retire from Easter."
"And Utau might not be so willing to help us," Kagome pointed out.
Chuckling, Ikuto replied, "Oh, she would. In case you've forgotten, Ka-go-me, she has a brother complex."
"Oh, yeah..."
"Who's Easter?" Shippou piped.
Ikuto's expression turned somber. "The company that targets the Embryo for their own selfish desires. It is, regrettably, those who employ me."
"Then why are you here?" Sesshomaru snapped.
"Because I am bound to the company under a contract. One that I cannot relinquish," the boy said. "And there is nothing I want more than to be free ofhis hold."
The miko felt a pang of pity in her heart. She knew what it was like to be part of something she didn't want to be in. Hopefully, both of them could be done with their jobs if this meeting could go well and they gained Sesshomaru as an ally. Ikuto seemed to be doing well--respectful speech always left a good impression on Sesshomaru. Amazing conversation skills were on full power as Ikuto continued his negotiating.
"Have you any idea what you're getting into, boy," Kouga asked, "when getting involved with us?"
Shaking his head, Ikuto replied, "I don't. However, I highly doubt that your intention is any bit as dark or selfish as Easter's."
"As though your motives aren't?" Sesshomaru retorted.
"I realize his motives are selfish," Kagome interjected. "But I highly doubt his motives are any darker than ours. He just wants to be free of the life he was forced to lead."
Sesshomaru let out a suffering sigh and rubbed his temples. "Alright," he relented. "But it's best if you explain to him what he's going to be involved in." He sent her a look that clearly said, "Don't tell him everything."
Kagome nodded and turned to Ikuto. "Come with me. We need to discuss a few vital matters in our mission.
She pushed open the oak doors once more and led him into the small common room. After closing the door shut, Kagome sat down on the couch and patted the section next to her, gesturing for him to sit beside her. "Ikuto," she began, "what do you know of the legend of the Shikon no Tama?"
"The what?"
Kagome sighed and stated, "It's a magical jewel that grants wishes – somewhat like the Embryo. Unfortunately, to make an impure wish would taint the jewel, corrupting it into a mass power of evil. Should it fall into the wrong hands," – Kagome shuddered – "then our world could cease to exist. The only way to destroy it is to make a pure and unselfish wish. But to accomplish that feat is impossible."
"And what does the Embryo have to do with all this?" Ikuto asked pointedly.
Kagome sighed. "As the Shikon cannot be destroyed by anything other than an unselfish wish, there is the possibility that wishing it away with the Embryo would help."
Nodding, he replied, "It's a possibility. But whether the Embryo grants just one or multiple wishes is unknown. And what will you do about your current state?"
"I don't know." Kagome inhaled deeply before continuing, "I honestly don't know. But I have to destroy the jewel first before anything else. I know that much." The miko stared intently at the wall, a nostalgic expression on her face. Out of the corner of her eye, she could see Ikuto staring at her intently.
"Kagome," She turned to face him, "why is it that you didn't join the Kiddy King?"
She shrugged. "I can't work with them. They'd never understand what I was going through. Amu-chan's really nice, and Nadeshiko's very pleasant. But I could never collaborate with them. Not in a dire situation such as this." Kagome took a jewel from under her haori. "The jewel's aura is masked, but the power is immense. My ki won't disguise it for long. It'll be revealed to demons everywhere soon, and the youkai will be drawn here, creating chaos and calamity for everyone."
Ikuto's eyes widened in shock. "Yes, Ikuto. Demons exist." She sighed before continuing, "We must find the Embryo quickly or suffer the loss of everyone in Japan." Sighing, Kagome finished, "Demons are ruthless. They'll do anything they can to get their grubby hands on the power of the Shikon. And it'll be one hell of a battle if they find it."
"So why are you involved in all this?"
Kagomelet out a bitter laugh. "I'm like you. I was forced to live the life I currently. All because of this stupid trinket," she spat. "As the Guardian of the jewel, it is my duty to protect it at all costs. I want nothing more than to destroy it, for all the pain and suffering it has caused my friends and me."
Propping his elbows on his knees and resting his chin in his hand, Ikuto remarked, "I see we have found common ground. Both of us were forced into the being something we want no part of." He let out a wistful sigh, stretching onto the couch. "And we only want to get out of it."
"Damn straight," the miko muttered. "Anyways, Ikuto, is there anything else you want to know about our mission?"
He shook his head.
"Alright," Kagome said, smiling softly. "Then let's go. You can go home now."
The cat got up, standing slowly, his legs somewhat stiff from sitting such a long period of time. Kagome stood, brushing off invisible dirt from her hakamas. Heading to leave, Kagome's foot caught on the table leg, sending her flying downwards. In a move to catch her, Ikuto tripped as well, both of them landing in a rather… compromising situation.
Ikuto looked down at her from an arms length away. Her raven hair sprawled out under her, cheeks flushed slightly from the shock, cobalt eyes wide, creating an adorable doe-eyed angel image. He stared into her eyes intensely, not noticing that he was inching forward slightly.
If possible, Kagome's eyes grew wider as she realized his intention. But surprisingly, she didn't care. Inching up slightly, their lips were a mere few centimeters away from each other. Her eyes began closing, gazing up into Ikuto's own half-lidded stare.
His irises were fully revealed as a loud rap reached their ears.
"'Kaa-chan! You done sucking face again yet!?" Shippou called loudly. At his words, the two teenagers instantly scrambled away from each other, a slight blush on their faces.
Yanking the door open, Kagome glared at the kitsune. "We are not sucking face!" she snapped.
Backing up several steps, Shippouheld up his hands, palms facing out in a defensive position. "Sorry, 'kaa-chan. I guess I interrupted more than a make out session."
Ikuto suddenly appeared at the doorway standing behind Kagome. Although he was shorter than Shippou, his glare could be intimidating. Glowering at him, Ikuto replied coldly, "You imply that I would attempt to have a sex life with Kagome?" Despite his words, Kagome couldn't help but notice a small perverse glint in his eyes. Her son didn't seem to notice.
"Yes. You've already made out twice. What's going a little further going to hurt?"
She glared at Ikuto. "You've barely known him for a few hours, yet you've already corrupted him!?"
"I did not!" he defended.
"Actually," Shippou piped, "it wasn't the brat. He wasn't the one who sire fifty-seven kids. Blame the ookami."
"For your information, twenty of them were twins!" called Kouga through the closed oak doors of the conference room.
Unfortunately, Sesshomaru heard a completely different set of words. He came raging down the hall, his eyes slowly turning red. "You made out with this brat!?" he ground out.
She gaped at him, her mouth slightly ajar. "Uh…" Shooting a quick glance at Ikuto, Kagome grabbed his arm tightly and taking off like a bullet, Ikuto keeping up with her pace with surprising ease.
"Why are we running?" he asked her lazily, his breathing easy and calm.
Her breathing slightly labored, Kagome answered, "Unless you want to get castrated, I suggest we run."
Ikuto paled visibly.
Heh, I hope that wasn't too disappointing. I probably dragged it out a bit too much...
And so Ikuto is introduced to the Shikon Mission... thingy. Heh, he wasn't as perverted this chapter, but of course, anyone would be quieter and more polite than normal with Sesshomaru.
Reviews are greatly appreciated!