DarkShadow At Midnight

Disclaimer: I don't own Inuyasha!

A/N (PLEASE READ!!!) : I made a few changes. Inuyasha now has a daughter, name Raiko. 'Cause when I wrote how "Akemi" would act at school, it seemed more girlish then boyish. SO! Akemi is now Raiko…… and "he" is now "
she"

Title: Signs In Ink

Chapter Twenty: The Letter and Akemi

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Kagome huffed in front of the huge building,

"Sheesh, talk about a long walk."

She walked into the build, and up to the woman at the desk. A phone was held to her; she was smacking on gum, and doing her nails. Kagome tapped the silver bell to get her attention. The woman looked up at Kagome with neko green eyes, and frowned. Her badge read, Sakuna.

The red head glared at Kagome with disgust, and hissed,

"What do you want, girl?"

"I came to see Sesshomaru Takahashi." replied Kagome, giving her an emotionless face.

Sakuna smiled sourly, "In a conference."

"I can tell you're lying, yah know." muttered Kagome, threw gritted teeth.

Sakuna huffed, "Right this way, girl."

She stood and led Kagome to the elevator. Sakuna glared,

"Third floor, room A1."

Kagome nodded, and left.

Third Floor

Kagome knocked on the door, and after a loud crash inside. She winced when she heard irritated growling, then giggling. A lot of shuffling went about inside. Finally, the door opened. In the doorway stood an absurd Rin.

Kagome blinked and smelt arousal all on Rin. Her hair was everywhere, her face was red, and clothing slightly ragged. Kagome asked,

"Did I disturb something?"

"Yes." came Sesshomaru's cool, yet slightly annoyed voice.

Rin smiled, "Come in."

Kagome hesitantly stepped inside. Sesshomaru was straightening himself. His hair was also a complete mess. Kagome smiled,

"I didn't mean to interrupt your…. Ahem…. Session."

Surprisingly, both of them became red. This made Kagome laugh. Rin sat on the white couch, and avoided everyone's eyes. Her face became a bit pale, and she seemed to be thinking of something seriously. Kagome's laughing died, and she cleared her throat.

When Kagome looked back at Sesshomaru, he'd turned from Rin and sighed quietly. He straightened his back, and looked at Kagome,

"I'm glad you're here."

"Uh, I just came to see you two. I didn't mean-

Sesshomaru cut her off harshly, "Forget it, take this."

She grabbed it, and opened the envelope. Kagome took out the picture, and gasped at the girl in the picture. She had long silver hair, dog ears, and hazel/ grayish eyes. She looked so much like Inuyasha. Kagome took out the letter, and read it:

Dear Takahashi,

I've got Inuyasha's daughter, Raiko. Do not panic, she's in good hands. I'm Bankotsu Shichi. I am a supposed ally of Naraku. He's planning something, but obviously didn't trust me enough to tell me. He killed my family, and I'll have my revenge. Starting with making his pan backfire.

I live in the Alleyway Hotel, Apartment D, and room 25. If you come, better be careful. Naraku's minions are around every corner. Probably watching me.

From your ally, Bankotsu Shichi.

P.S.: I'll meet you at your office (with Raiko.) at dawn, Friday. If you have any questions call me. 321-8973. (I have no clue whose number that is, I made it up, so don't call it. If you do, that's just stupid of you.)

Kagome looked at the picture, Raiko had sad eyes. She looked so lost. Those eyes were of her past. She looked up with determined eyes,

"I'm going to go get her!"

"You will do no such thing." whispered Sesshomaru, not wanting any demon employees to hear the conversation. "I've made an arrangement with him. Tomorrow at dawn. Now, I believe you know something I don't."

Kagome looked up, "You're going to have to ask your brother, if that's all, I'm going to that apartment."

"You stupid girl," glared Sesshomaru. "They all will recognize you."

Kagome smirked, "Don't underestimate me."

She closed her eyes, and she pulsed. Kagome's black hair became blood red, and when she opened her eyes they were a dark brown. Kagome took bow from her pocket, and in a low ponytail. Rin blinked in surprise,

"Why didn't you do this when you went to school?"

"What was the use, when I was born? I was on the news. Everyone was devastated a Dust Miko was born. So everyone knows Kagome Mihana/Higurashi is a Dust Miko, but I could never change my name. Thanks to my mother." explained Kagome. "If Inuyasha calls, tell him not to worry. Whatever you do, don't tell him where I am. I'll see you guys later."

Kagome left the room, and took a taxi to the Alleyway apartments.

Back At the House

Inuyasha looked everywhere for Kagome, but she was nowhere to be found. He made Souta pause his game, and asked,

"Have you seen Kagome?"

"She went for a walk; I think she went to see your brother. L" yawned Souta, realizing it was 4: 02 PM.

Inuyasha snatched up the phone, and called the office.

"Your call was expected, little brother." came Sesshomaru's cool voice.

Inuyasha growled, "Where's Kagome, is she there?"

"She just left, matter of fact, she's on her way back."

He spat, "You're lying."

"I have a meeting in five minutes, Inuyasha." started Sesshomaru, cold this time. "I don't have time for your interrogations."

Next thing Inuyasha heard was the dial tone, the front door opened, Sango and Miroku came in. Inuyasha huffed,

"Damn it all."

The Alleyway Apartment

Kagome walked down the alley, the cold night air playing with her now blood red hair. A group of gang members watched her pass, with lustful eyes. They sent cat-calls their way,

"What's up baby?"

"Try it and I'll pull out my pistol."

She hurried up the stairs of the appointment, and stopped in front of room 25D. Kagome knocked on the door. The group of men come around, eyeing Kagome hungrily. After a while the door opened, and she stepped inside. She closed the door, and turned to Bankotsu. Bankotsu pinned Kagome's hands to the door, and glared into her eyes,

"Who are you, and why are you here? If you're an ally of Naraku, I'll kill you."

"No, I came to see Raiko, I'm Inuyasha's girlfriend." whispered Kagome, feeling his panting breath on her nose.

Bankotsu asked, "If you are, who did I send that le-

"Sesshomaru Takahashi, at his office, today." whispered Kagome, changing back into herself.

He blinked, and pulled away. Raiko stood behind the couch, staring at Kagome with sad eyes. Kagome rubbed her wrist, and sighed,

"I came to see Raiko."

"You're my Dad's girlfriend?" asked Raiko, walking up to Kagome with unreadable eyes.

She nodded, "I'm Kagome Mihana."

Kagome knelt down to her as she spoke,

"I want to be with him, I don't want to go back to my mother. She's mean, sometimes she hits me, and I'm not allowed to call her mom. I have to call her Kikyo."

Kagome's hand clenched, she felt so infuriated, but took a calming breath. She smiled softly to Raiko,

"It'll be okay, Raiko, nothing's ever going to happen to you again."

Raiko nodded, "Okay."

Raiko hugged Kagome, but with hesitance. Kagome knew how she felt, and never wanted her to go threw it ever again. Raiko whispered,

"Are you going to take me to my Dad?"

"Not today," whispered Kagome, pulling away. "You'll see him tomorrow."

Her eyes sparkled with tears, "Are you leaving."

"I have to or else your dad will get worried."

Raiko opened her mouth as if to say something, but then she closed it slowly. She wiped her tears, and didn't say anything. Kagome smiled,

"I promise we'll see each other Friday."

Raiko nodded, and hesitantly she hugged her. Kagome whispered to her,

"You don't have to be afraid, you can trust me Raiko, and I'll never hurt you. Never. I know it may be hard to believe now, but I just want you to know."

Raiko nodded in her arms, and soon pulled away. She went back down the hall, but looking back as she went. Soon as she turned, Kagome returned to the other features. Long red hair and dark brown eyes. She turned to Bankotsu, and asked,

"Friday?"

"Yeah."

He opened the door for her, and she walked out. The men looked at her in disappointment. As if they knew something. She, luckily, got away safely.

Back At Home

Kagome closed the door quietly, not believing it was already eight. Soon as her features returned, and walked into the kitchen. Everyone just looked at her, Sesshomaru and Rin weren't there quite yet.

"Heh," laughed Kagome, nervously, "what's up guys?"

Sango asked, "Where have you been, I was so worried Kagome!"

"I can't exactly tell you all. First I went to Sesshomaru's job-

Inuyasha growled, "You have the scent of another man!"

"Don't go jumping to conclusions Inuyasha!" yelled Kagome, seeing fire in his eyes.

He left the kitchen, went upstairs, and slammed the door. Everyone jumped. Sango blinked,

"Did you have s-

"No!" spat Kagome, she turned on her heel, and ran up the stairs.

Kagome tried to get into the room, but it was locked. So she picked it with her claw, and walked in. When she walked in, Inuyasha was sitting on his bed, looking at the ceiling. She sighed,

"Inuyasha, would you just listen to me?"

"Unless you tell me where you been, I don't want to hear about it." came his gruff voice.

Kagome sighed, "Just read this, and I'll tell you."

She handed him the envelope, but kept the picture. Inuyasha sat up and took it. He glared at the letter, but as he read his facial expression changed. Inuyasha's eyes widened and he looked up in complete shock. Kagome sighed, took off her jacket, say beside him, and gave him the picture.

Inuyasha studied the picture with a soft face, it got softer and softer. His eyes seemed to cloud over. Kagome asked concerned,

"Inuyasha?"

"You saw her…" he started quietly, "….in person?"

Kagome nodded, "Yes."

"Was she alright?" asked Inuyasha, looking up at Kagome with worried eyes.

She smiled softly, "Other than wanting to see you, and me staying. She was fine."

"Do I get to see her Friday?" asked Inuyasha.

Kagome nodded, "Yeah, I made sure to tell her so that she wouldn't worry so much. I was so worried that I almost-

Before she could finish Inuyasha captured Kagome's lips into a surprising kiss. It was so sweet, slow, and warm, that Kagome didn't think she was kissing Inuyasha. She'd never been kissed by him like this before. His left hand rested under her chin. Once he pulled away, she felt very woozy.

She finally managed to let out,

"Inuyasha, why did you-

"Thank you, Kagome." whispered Inuyasha.

Kagome looked at him, "For what?"

"For going to checking on her, for reassuring her. I love you so much Kagome." whispered Inuyasha, looking at her as if she was an angel.

Kagome laughed nervously, "You're welcome… I guess."

He pulled her into a firm hug, and she relaxes in his arms. Kagome wrapped her arms around his neck, and buried her face in his chest. Inuyasha whispered into her ears,

"I love you, and I'll never let you go."

"I love you too, and ditto." sighed Kagome, feeling exhausted all the sudden.

Inuyasha smirked, and pulled her into his arms more. They both soon fell asleep in each others arms.

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