Thanks to Naraku's Servant for supporting me and bet'ing.

Lately I've been mixed emotions about this story. I can't decided if I wanted to change it to help the readers with understanding because of the severe lack of information so far, meet in the middle, or just continue my way. So far I am still hanging between ideas, but I am beginning to realize that I shouldn't change this plotline simply because a dozen people don't enjoy suspense. So I am making this warning one more time. This style is something new that I wanted to work with. I want to create the idea that the reader learns about a character through the other characters. I might still continue this idea a bit, but I will let a few things go without this sort of idea.

I must also warn you. I do not respond to PM's or reviews with simple 'lame' 'horrible' or 'needs work' unless further information is giving about what is lame, horrible and needs work. This is something I have been experiencing with multiple story's, though this one has been given the most and though such comments don't upset me I feel that when recieving such comments I should improve, but no detail about what I should improve is given.

Sorry about the long author's note. Please enjoy this chapter!

Disclaimer: Inuyasha doesn't belong to me and I make no profit from this story.

Letter Ten: Her History

Dishes of fine porcelain set the table for five. Kaede took the time to ask Rin for assistance. The small girl excitedly bounced around the table setting up the silverware. The question of Kagome's whereabouts came up, the elderly woman couldn't lie, not that there was much to lie about. It was explained that Kagome had gone out. When the topic of her father came up Kaede was at a loss for words. It wasn't something she was certain of and stated so. The older woman was also not very helpful about the visitor that was coming for dinner. So, instead, Rin remained silent, hoping her patient obedience would be paid off.

A soft humming came from the girl as she danced in circles. Kaede couldn't help but watch the youngster with a smile in her old eyes. Rin didn't notice she was being watched. Just as she finished the short melody she repeated it.

"Rin," she heard the old woman call out, "Where did ye learn that song?"

"Kagome taught it to me. She says it was a song she remembers from long ago," the young girl answered with a smile.

Kaede furrowed her brows, there was something that was familiar about the tune, but she couldn't quite place it. The woman ignored the nag and completed her task. Just before seven there was a knock on the door. Kaede made her way down the hall, and turned into the entranceway. Rin followed cautiously. The instant the door was open the young child rushed from behind the old woman.

"Daisuke," she happily cried, completely forgetting the pitch of her screech. She leaped almost gracefully into the man's arms. Neither of the beings questioned the inhuman distance the child bounced.

"Hello little one," he chuckled, catching the leaping form with ease. "How are you?"

"Great! Daddy got me a new nanny. She's lots of fun," Rin bubbled over with excitement. "But he didn't say you were coming for dinner. Does daddy know you're here?"

"Perhaps he wanted my visit to be a surprise," he grinned, "I brought you a present."

"What is it?" she asked.

"You can open it later," Daisuke told her firmly. "Where's your father?"

"He had to go out," Rin mumbled. "Dinner's almost ready though."

"Why don't you go wash up," Kaede interrupted.

The young girl sighed but nodded and let Daisuke put her on her feet. She happily made her way up the stairs to change out of her casual clothing for suitable dinner wear, leaving the two adults alone.

"Kaede, it has been a while," the male greeted with a small smile.

"Indeed," the elder turned her back and began to head back to the kitchen. "Why are you here, Daisuke?"

"I can't discuss that with you," he mumbled. "When will Sesshomaru return?"

"I'm not sure," she answered, "He didn't say much before he left."

"Where did he go?"

"Even if I knew that I probably wouldn't tell you. You're well aware that he likes his privacy."

"So he hasn't changed."

Kaede was silent. Though Sesshomaru's personality seemed warmer, she wasn't sure if he would show this with another person around. So she said nothing, allowing the male to think what he would. Yet the presence of the youkai made her uneasy.

"Why are you here Daisuke?"

"You won't be persuading me this time Kaede."

"I swear if you disturb the peace that has come to this house after so long I will call upon the powers I gave up all those years ago."

The serious intent in the brown hues startled the youkai, and he watched it fade only when the young girl of the house presented herself.

xXx

Sapphire eyes watched another of the black cars pull up. Her attention was undivided on the male before her, fearful that one glance would mean giving him the chance to close in. Another familiar voiced forced her concentration to the second being now standing before her. Dom stood a few feet away from the man who had caused her to hate her past.

"What?" she whispered.

"Cupcake," the male took a step forward, "Dom was the one to assist me in finding you. He has asked me to allow him the pleasure of having your hand in marriage."

Suddenly angry at the thought of letting the male run the life she had tried so hard to make hers, she spat out her thoughts. "You have no right to choose who I marry. You're no part of my life anymore."

An alleyway to her right proved to be just wide enough for her to slip through. She took the chance to dart between the brick walls and scurry sideways. The large framed men were unable to glide as easily as the woman. At the end she broke into a run down the street, all the while she began reaching for her phone. She hit speed dial, the ring repeated twice before she heard the sing song voice of the elder.

"Hello?"

"Kaede… please I need… help..."

"Kagome what's the matter? You sound out of breath. Sesshomaru-sama has left already, he's looking for you." The elder woman heard the click of the line before the annoying beep filling the void of the disconnected line.

Kagome meanwhile screamed, pushing her hands in front of her as the figure of Dom came out of nowhere. Instantly the male screamed. Her chest rose violently as tears filled her eyes. Unable to see clearly she ran towards another alley, but midway down the path her way was blocked. Wide eyes watched as the male came closer. He had a smirk on his face, the same smirk that usually meant pain.

"You ran away cupcake and I couldn't find you. I never would have thought you would change your name to your biological father's family name. Higurashi, it has a nice ring to it. But your game of cat and mouse is over. It's time to come home, where you belong. Your mother misses you."

Kagome shook her head from side to side, as she felt her back press against the cold stone of the wall. She slid down and whimpered. Thoughts of wanting to be safe, hidden away, protected filled her mind and suddenly she noticed the man stopped moving.

"What is this?" he snapped dangerously.

Kagome curled her arms around her knees and didn't move. Her eyes watching the male as he pushed his hands against air. He didn't see the pink in her aura expand and form a bubble around her form. Dom came to assist the other male. She could feel an inkling and her strength seemed to waver. But the woman didn't stop thinking of her safe bubble, since the very thought of it seemed to power it into existence. A sudden growl reached her ears and she could almost taste the irritation.

"She's a miko," the red eye youkai snapped. "You didn't tell me."

The shorter of the two males looked to the other. "I didn't think she possessed any power. She's never shown it."

"We have to leave… we have a visitor," Dom replied annoyed leading the other man out of the alley.

Relief washed through her as the figures vanished from sight. But she still didn't move. Her mind fed off of her fear and apprehension, putting her in a state of shock and disbelief. With her head lowered in her lap she didn't see the newest being walking towards her. Vaguely she registered a familiar voice before the tears broke loose and she cried, ignoring whoever spoke to her out of reflex of her body's need.

It had been years since she had shed a tear. Kagome genuinely believed they were a weakness. The act of weeping was for children or those who were too weak to face their sorrows. However, her philosophy was washed down the drain as she let her body run its own course of action without verification from her frantic mind.

When warmth engulfed her she settled enough to look around. She was no longer sitting on the ground, and she was heading toward the entrance to the alley. Confusion overrode her other emotions. Sapphire eyes shifted, and she was certain she was dreaming… or she was in for one heck of an explanation after everything that had occurred.

xXx

Sesshomaru followed the streets of the map. A steady red light that had moved stopped before suddenly taking off into another direction. Something was up, causing him to let his foot press the gas. A few moments later the red spot stilled and remained stationary. He was only blocks away and he was thankful the miko had chosen a place closer to the mansion for her random night out rather than half way across town.

He skidded through a stop sign, turning right at the intersection in the process. His hand grasped the clutch and shifted upwards. It was only a matter of feet before he reached his destination. The closer he drew the steadier he felt an increasing power and an angry wave of jyaki. It angered him for some reason. It was a strange feeling. But then again he had claimed the miko as part of his pack when she began work. He had yet to release her from her contract, therefore she was technically still his and his beast didn't agree with the attack of his property.

In the distance he saw two black vehicles, a familiar face smirked as the door slapped shut and they took off in the opposite direction. Pulling up to the now vacant spot before the alley, Sesshomaru stopped the car and proceeded to exit with caution and haste.

A flicker of the previous aura he had felt brought him to the entrance of a dark alleyway. His golden eyes fell upon the huddled form of the emotional female he'd been searching for. As he neared, he was certain the woman would sense him and perhaps flare against him, since he was unsure if she would recognise his aura as friendly. However, nothing happened as he closed the distance between the barrier.

Mere centimetres from her protective shield he called out to her, softly at first but then a bit louder, "Kagome."

The woman showed no reaction or realization to his presence. In hopes of gaining her attention he reached out to graze his hand covered in his jyaki. He was shock to feel no tension between the polar opposites. There was no reaction between the clashing powers; instead he was able to press forward until he was fully enclosed in the bubble. A quick look about was the only attention he paid the occurrence, choosing that it would be best to think about strange phenomenon at a more appropriate time.

"Kagome," he called out once more.

Once again there was no response so he wasted no time picking the woman up, and holding her tightly to his chest. No longer exposed to the cold ground, Sesshomaru could feel her chilled body warm against him as he headed back to the car. But he noticed the woman becoming more alert to her surroundings.

Confusion laced the deep sea tones that focused on him. The emotions seemed to dart around before settling on worry and hesitation. By the time they reached the car the shocked woman appeared to have found her voice.

"Mr. Taisho," she whispered slowly, "I'm sorry. I…"

"We will talk about this at a later time," he interrupted, "Can you stand?"

The two stood by the passenger side door as she nodded slowly. Sesshomaru helped her sit, before finding his position behind the wheel. With the woman now safely at his side he vowed to ensure she understood that and future stunts would not be pulled.

"You will remain within the compound at all times unless accompanied by myself or someone of my choosing. All visits outside the parameters will go through me and that includes any visitors coming from the outside."

"You're not going to fire me?" His ears could pick up on her shock in her voice.

"It would be a bother to find another nanny my daughter feels comfortable around," he stated confidently, "However, the events of your past must come to the table."

Eyes shifted from his form to the images whizzing past them. A faint sigh reflected the woman's submission. He hadn't expected such an easy defeat, but it was apparent that human's always reacted strangely in traumatizing events. Though Kagome was usually strong willed and determined she had been through a lot over the past couple of days. Things were beginning to take their toll and the catch up and drain of power recently used was making her into the perfect obedient pet for the moment.

xXx

Dinner was a quiet event. Three pairs of eyes were shocked as Sesshomaru guided Kagome to the elegant table. The inu took the high seat of the table while Kagome sat beside Rin since her seat was occupied by Sesshomaru's guest. Beside the male, Kaede sat observing the new arrivals carefully. The young woman looked exhausted. Her hair looked like a messy quick fix. Her sweater she had left with was missing and nowhere in sight. The silence of the usually lively woman was uncanny and seemed to affect those around her since Rin's bubbly personality calmed and reflect Kagome's mood.

Sesshomaru causally greeted Daisuke but the conversation was minimal, however, this displayed the male's usual attitude. Rin's attention averted from her plate to Kagome every once in a while. Kaede followed the movement, taking notice that the young woman wasn't eating very much.

"Milord shall I prepare Rin for bed?" Kaede posed once the meal was finished.

"I'll do it," Kagome cut in. "Come on Rin, bed time."

The young child smiled, which was returned with a bright smile. Everyone in the room could see the effort Kagome put in the smile to make it appear real.

"Kagome," Sesshomaru called out in a low voice, "Come to my office after."

She nodded while Kaede tried to allow the soft scene before her to adjust in her mind. Cooing tenderly was not something her lord was capable of. Yet he spoke kindly to the woman.

xXx

A quick hesitant knock vibrated through the door. Kagome had sent Rin to bed after helping her dress and ensuring the child brushed her teeth. Making her way upstairs, the miko walked to the set of double doors leading into the office of her boss. She still felt numb, the same unsettling lack of feeling she had felt when she was in the alley.

"Enter," she heard from the other side of the door.

Pushing open the door Kagome found the room, help one other occupant. The strange male from dinner sat within one of the chairs before Sesshomaru's desk, from which the inu sat behind.

"Ah, you must be Ms. Higurashi. My old friend here has told me much about you," he lied, knowing full well that any information he had on the woman was gathered by him.

"Kagome take a seat," Sesshomaru offered with a quick wave gesturing to the chair.

Barely a second past before she collapsed in the comfortable chair and waited for whatever it was Sesshomaru had to say.

"Well where shall we begin," the stranger started slowly, "My name is Daisuke, young one. I have the ability of sight and can use such a gift to gathering information for my clients. However, as I was telling Sesshomaru here, I was unable to see anything with you. It is a strange, rare occurrence that usually means the person in question has taken measures to block out unwanted guest from the mind so it is impossible to read the mind. This way one would be able to get away with a certain task."

Kagome furrowed her brows, "Did you come here to accuse me with these allegations with any proof?"

"Not only can I see nothing of you but there is little about your past anywhere. It is as if you were are not part of society and were created mere years ago. Nothing at all can be found on you Ms. Higurashi, if that is even your birth name."

Seething, the woman narrowed her eyes, "I assure you that my name is legally mine. Higurashi is the family name of my father and my grandfather. My mother remarried and her name changed and she changed ours as well."

"We?" Daisuke posed.

"My younger brother Souta. Three years younger than I am."

"Tell me about your mother," he pressed.

"What are you a shrink?"

"No, but I might be able to see something if you continue to tell me more about your family. I wish to read what your intentions are."

"There's not much to tell. She cheated on my father with my step-father and I hated her for it," Kagome stated in a shrug like matter.

"Are you in contact with your mother?"

"Haven't seen her in years," the woman glared at the male who sat comfortably and assertively.

"What about your step-father?"

"I'd rather not speak about him."

"Why not?"

"I don't get along with him."

"Is there a reason?"

"What does it matter if there is a reason?"

"It is not logical to hate a person without a reason."

"I really don't give a damn."

"Then perhaps this is all a misunderstanding."

"That's impossible," she growled.

"You are not perfect, therefore you cannot always be in the right."

Both males could see that Daisuke had hit a nerve as she stood and angrily raised her voice. Her emotions wildly coursing through her veins at an all time high. Overloaded she took out her anger and exhaustion out in words, not really realizing what was pouring through her mouth.

"What would you know? You weren't there. You didn't see what I did. You never had to experience what I was forced to. You sit there like you know everything, as if you are all mighty, but you know nothing about me or my past and you have no right to judge what my brother and I had to face day after day because our mother was too lazy to help us. We had to hide our marks because he threatened us with worse if we dared to tell. Every day in my house was hell to go through. I wasn't granted freedom with him in the house. Our nights were sleepless for we feared he would come kill us in our sleep for something we might have done wrong. No one could please him ever. Once you live in a house where your mother could care less about you and your step father is an abusive bastard then you can come back to me and tell you I misunderstood him. Until then you can go to hell with your accusations."

Her rant left her with no energy and Sesshomaru quickly moved to catch the falling miko. Golden eyes landed on the male already questioning his methods.

"Well at least you know that she is innocent."

Sesshomaru snarled and turned to leave the office without another word. His path, the most direct passageway to his rooms. He had every intention of watching over the miko to ensure she didn't flare out and kill half his household. Not to mention he worried her trust in him diminished now that she knew he had hired someone to look into her past.

Was it worth it? He thought while looking to the woman. He had pondered it a couple of times as he spoke with Daisuke.

There was an uncertainty that established itself in his heart when he thought about handing over the miko's trust in order to find out her past in what she could consider a brutal way. In the car it had sounded like she had agreed to tell him of her past without taking the precautions Daisuke suggested, but he was reminded immediately of the belief all humans were liars and couldn't be trusted. So he had gone along with the youkai, thinking it was for the best and the only way to bring about the truth. But 'is it worth it' happened to pop up even with his choice made. Yet he ignored his instinct and went about his decision like he frequently did when it came to most human.

No… but it's too late now.

Ja ne
Angelic Memories
© 2009