Chapter Seven: Four corners. . .
(Sunday morning)
Shippo slowly cracked his teal eye open as he looked at the clock on his wall in his room. He groaned as he rubbed his head idly, feeling like Inu Yasha himself punched him, as he held his forehead tenderly. "Oh man," he grunted as he slowly sat up with half opened eyes. "I shouldn't have gone clubbing last night." He mumbled as he remembered last night in bits and pieces. After leaving some restaurant he decided to make a pit-stop with his young friend Sota last night to his club to work on some papers, instead he ended up drinking and dancing the night away -
He rolled over falling out of his tall king sized bed with a loud thump as he sputtered into the ground. "Ahw -," he groaned. "Maybe a shot and a chaser of beer will help this hangover." He slowly pushed himself up as he reached for his pajama pants as he pulled them over his boxers. He yawned and walked out of his room sluggishly. "Damn it, it's to bright and early." He cursed as he walked into the better-lit areas of his apartment. He walked passed the kitchen going down the hallway to Kira's room as he cracked opened the door to see Sota face down in the bed. He walked over sitting on the bed as he opened Kira's nightstand drawer pulling out a pack of cigarettes as he placed one between his lips.
He found his son's lighter shortly afterward. "If Karuna knew my boy smoked ever now and again, she'd kick his pale ass." He mentioned to himself. He took a long contemplative drag as he stared at the back of the Higurashi's head. He picked up his hand holding it above. Next he brought down his open palm as flesh slapped flesh.
"OUCH!!" A now woken Sota yelped as he held the back of his head tenderly. Then he glared at the smoking man. "What the hell did you do that for?!"
"I shook you and you didn't wake up," he lied convincingly as the boy believed him. "Besides I thought you had that sixth sense shit when it came to danger, priest boy."
"Damnit, I ain't that well trained fox-boy! Huh, you have a tail?" He noticed as it poked out from Shippo's backside as teal eyes looked behind himself half-heartedly.
"Oh yeah, that thing." The brunette shrugged his shoulders as Sota reached out lightly touching the fluffy appendage as a tremor ran through Shippo as his eyes became half-lidded as his head lulled to the side. A small soft blush covered the older one's face. A type of purring escaped the older one's throat as that caused Sota to stop petting the soft tail.
"Okay that was disturbing, I need coffee now." He gingerly got up as he left in a hurry towards the kitchen while the kitsune tried to rid himself of the soft caresses' lingering touch. "OH DAMN! I'M SO FREAKIN' LATE FOR TRAINING!!!" He heard the boy yell at the top of his lungs as he rolled his eyes leaving his son's room.
"Teenagers are so stupid." He mumbled as he shook his head sadly. "Forget about the priest training, you're spending the day with me." He said from within the hallway.
"Fine whatever, but if they call Kagome's, it's my ass. Then I'll do something to you that's really cruel, to make myself feel better."
The man entered the kitchen. Shippo went about instantly making coffee as the hangover was gone and already forgotten. "Hey can you cook?"
"Like no one's business, dude." Sota told him matter-of-factly as he went about helping the tenant of the apartment making breakfast. Soon breakfast was ready for the two -. "Aren't you going to eat?"
"A bit, I get queasy when I eat too much in the mornings. Besides I got coffee and that usually holds me over till lunch." He got up walking to his door finding the newspaper on the floor in front of his front door. He bent down looking at the paper as he took it under his arm as he came back into the kitchen sitting back down taking the plastic off of it and unrolling it. He opened it reading the news with lack of interest until his eyes landed on that day's date. "Awe, shit!" He cursed as he got up placing the newspaper down on the table. "I have a meeting today with the others -. Okay I need you ready in like ten minutes, can you do that for me?"
Sota looked up suddenly as he held the chopsticks in front of his opened mouth. "Yeah sure."
"Good, I gonna get ready. Excuse me." The small man got up and scurried to his room to dress himself as Sota finished eating breakfast. After he was done eating he went to Kira's room to raid his closet of clothing -
The Higurashi was done dressing before the brunette was. Sota stood in some blue slacks as he wore a black shirt with a white skull on it and he wore a trucker hat, as it was black and white. He wore some of Kira's oversized shoes that were mostly blue with black and white trimming. "Kira's got an Americanized style going on!"
"It's because he shops from American websites! Besides every now and again I ship him over to America so he can vacation and shop!"
The priest in training withheld his laughter as he asked skeptically. "Your son likes to shop?!"
"Yeah! He used to live in America with his mother and aunt before they kicked him out. Okay here I come." Shippo came out in low-rise boot cut jeans and a sheer see-through turquoise colored button up shirt with a black muscle shirt on underneath and sunglasses. He wore his light brown hair down again -
"I glad I'm not wearing his clothes again." Sota mumbled.
"What was that?"
"Nothing lets go. Are you always going to dress so - colorful?" What I meant to say was gay, but I'll be nice to the fox. With that the two left the apartment.
"Yeah, and. You got a problem with my style." He said heatedly as he closed and locked the door behind him -
(The Sugi household)
A casual dressed Inu Yasha wore slightly baggy blue jeans and a white muscle shirt with a black over-shirt as he made his way to his motorcycle. He straddled the bike putting on his helmet as he clicked his remote control to the garage as he started the red, black, silver and white Suzuki motorcycle. His long mane of hair was tied back into a low ponytail as it spilled from the helmet, and then he turned the bike as he sped out of his garage as it closed slowly behind him as he disappeared down the street in a blur -
(Kagome's Apartment)
Before he knew it he stood outside of Kagome's door as he touched it lightly as the door slowly opened. He poked his head in looking around, as he saw nothing at first. "Kagome?" He questioned as he walked deeper into her small apartment. Once he passed the right adjacent wall next to him, he dropped his helmet to the floor as he saw Kagome and Sekijuro sleeping in the bed together. One the thick plastic hit the floor Seki sat up alert.
The son's eyes fell on his father's as he looked at the half-clothed woman sleeping beside him. The boy held a pleading finger to his lips as he slowly watched his father's visage twist to different expressions. The last expression was jealousy and anger. "What the hell is going on?!" He roared as Kagome sat up instantly as she gasped covering herself with a pillow.
"WHAT ARE YOU DOING IN MY APARTMENT, INU YASHA!?!" Kagome almost shrieked as Seki held his hands over his ears as the Higurashi glared at the half- breed before her.
"WHAT IS HE DOING HERE?!" He pointed at his son as he raged.
"He came to check up on me and that was very considerate of him, more then what you ever did. Then he got sick last night so I took care of him." She answered.
"I bet you did 'take care' of him," he implied an underlying meaning as he narrowed his eyes and folded his arms.
"What was that?! You rude arrogant jerk!" She climbed out of her bed and started poking the dog demon in the chest with her nail. "I know what you were implying you pervert! For that you should sit!" A glow emanated from under Inu Yasha's shirt as his face planted into her hard wood floors instantly. "So you still have the spell on you, huh?"
Sekijuro blinked as he now climbed out of the small bed. "What the hell just happened?" A groan was heard from the older man.
"Whenever I say the word 'sit' -,"
"OUCH!"
"He falls from wherever he is when I say the word and crashes face first into the ground. Your Aunt Kaeda placed this spell on him when he tried to kill me the first time we met." She told him as the man pulled his face from the slight dent that his face created in the wood.
"He deserves it and beside you never told me you tried to kill Kagome-chan before." Seki breathed with slight irritation.
The man stood up quickly as he glared at the younger adults. "I came here to talk to Kagome, but instead I find you in bed with her. You didn't do it, did you?" He asked quietly as he blushed as he fidgeted with his fingers.
Sekijuro blushed as he looked down at his feet before he met his dad's retreating eyes. "Of course not!" The black haired man whined. Kagome got what they were referring to as she turned bright red.
"SIT! SIT! SIT! SIT!!" She repeated over and over as she flushed brightly. "You perverted son of a - SIT! How could you ask such a question?! AND BESIDES WHAT ARE YOU DOING IN MY APARTMENT, INU YASHA!?!" She restated the question again as he groaned in pain as Sekijuro blinked.
"Your door was opened and unlocked," he croaked from the floor, as the hanyou was teary eyed. "I wanted to talk to you about everything Kagome." He groaned in pain as he held his cheek tenderly.
"Fine make it quick." She said as she folded her arms glaring at him.
"This conversation that has been way overdue will be longer than a quick moment. Besides Kagome I think you and my son need to find some clothes first off." He mentioned as she looked down at herself, as she blushed with big blinking eyes.
"Umm - yeah your right!" She squeaked franticly, as she scurried off to her bathroom, slamming the door behind her.
Inu Yasha leaned over towards his son. "Hey did you really sleep with Kagome or not? You can answer since she's out of the room." He whispered.
"DAD!!!" Sekijuro turned redder than a beet.
"SIT BOY!" Kagome boomed from within the bathroom.
(Shippo's Porsche)
Shippo stepped out of his car slowly as Sota stepped out of the other side as Shippo handed his keys over to the valet attendant as he walked up the staircase with the young boy in toe. He looked up at the manor as he removed his reflective sunglasses. He sighed as he ran his hands through his hair shaggy light brown hair as the drafty wind ruffled it. "Keep close to me." He told Sota over his shoulder as he put one hand into his jean's pocket.
A servant stood at the front door of the manor as he opened the door bowing to the kitsune. "Welcome Shippo-dono and his assistant." He greeted contentedly. The said man only waved as he took out a cigarette placing it between his lips.
"I hate these damn meetings, they're so pointless." He groaned as Sota now walked beside him as he lit his new smoke.
"What sort of meetings are these?" The high school boy asked.
"I am actually descendant of noble birth and I have inherited a vast amount of region. I am lord of the northern lands. Funny, huh?" He asked as he blew out smoke. "I brought you here as a sort of an assistant, but I doubt anything new will happen though. Also I fired my last servant two months ago, would you like to be my new one? I'll pay you well and then will be able to see each other more often."
"Oh," was all Sota said as they walked to, two double doors as the servants standing there opened the doors for the both of them as they were let into a vast conference room full of velvet curtains. The décor of the room was gaudy and darkly colored as they walked into the room as one man sat at the head of the conference table with his hands folded in front of his chin as he looked indifferent as he noticed the two with one good eye. His short assistant stood next to him with his arms folded behind his back.
"Shippo-sama." He breathed as he stood up. "Welcome, if you need a drink you can help yourself to the bar. You know how things work here in my home." The tall man gestured with a wave of his hand.
"How very kind of you Sesshomaru-sama. I think I will." The kitsune said tightly with a fake smile as he walked over with his guest following in toe. The doors were then opened again as two dark haired men walked in. "Watch out for those two, they're hot heads." Shippo whispered to the Higurashi. "The one with the long hair that is down his name is Koga he's the lord of the Southern lands and that's his son Nashoa with the pony- tail. I know Koga from way back when he used to claim Kagome as his, only to piss off Inu Yasha every time they met." Shippo educated the boy standing beside him as he mixed a drink for himself.
Koga walked in with his chest stuck out arrogantly and his son walking behind him looking just as proud as he entered the room taking a seat at the table as he rested his hands on the polished wood before him. "What business do we have to address Sesshomaru, I am pressed for time and these usual meeting yield no new information for me." Nashoa stood beside his sitting father as he tucked his hands behind his back.
"Patients Lord Koga," he raised his hands as he took a seat again as he placed his maniacal on brushing his bangs from his face. Shippo took a seat across from the irritated wolf-demon. "We have to wait, for our new member to show."
"NEW MEMBER?!" Koga bellowed loudly.
Shippo almost spat all of his Bloody Mary onto Sota; instead he choked on the liquid as he held a napkin to his mouth. "What the -?" He sputtered finally as they looked at Sesshomaru as if he had grown a second head.
"What happened to Seijimaru, Lord Sesshomaru?" Nashoa spoke quietly, as that was the burning question on all of the other lords' minds. Koga looked over his shoulder with a cutting glance towards his son.
Assistance/ personal servants weren't suppose to be heard during the meetings -
"He died two nights ago and since he had no family to carry on the Eastern lands he has passed it to his most trusted servant." The stoic man answered.
"Laguna." Shippo finished as he took a drink from the tomato liquor.
"Also Lagunanosai has also inherited Enix Pharmaceutical from the late Seijimaru, so he has come into power and we will show him the same amount of respect like his predecessor to maintain understanding in the four regions. He should have been here by now."
The doors opened to reveal a woman in a black pinstriped business suite as she wore round glasses. "I am so sorry to keep you waiting gentlemen, but my lord is not able to make it to this month's meeting because he's still getting things in order from the sudden death of his originator. I am his personal servant Elyte." She pushed her short blonde hair from her face. She held a small palm pilot in her hands as she sat down.
"So you will be representing the young lord will you Elyte-san." Sesshomaru breathed quietly.
"That is correct." She adjusted her glasses.
"Tell your young master Lagunanosai, that he will be needed here next time, or else we will all take offense." Koga almost growled.
"For you maybe, but not I." Shippo said curtly. A glare was shot in the kitsune's direction from the wolf-demons.
"I will relay the message to Laguna-dono, as requested Koga-sama."
"Shall we get to it?" Shippo uttered as he kicked his feet up onto the table leaning back as he placed his hands behind his head. "I ain't getting' any younger." He mentioned disrespectfully, as Koga growled.
"You sure could have fooled me since your running around with kids, besides you look like one fox." The wolf-demon said arrogantly as Shippo lip curled angrily as he bared his fangs. Sota glared at the demon of the southern lands.
"Gentlemen we have business to discuss, please act accordingly." Sesshomaru told them as he folded his hand onto the table. "There is much to organize and converse about." Both men glared at each other but kept quiet as the one in charge pressed on. "Now -,"
(At a café)
Kagome found herself at a small little café with Sekijuro and Inu Yasha as the father treated the young adults. "Will you ever find it in your heart to forgive me Kagome for all the shit I've dragged you through?" He asked with pleading gold eyes, and for a split moment Kagome felt a section of her heart melt looking at the pleading face.
"I don't know," she whispered quietly as she looked out the window she sat by. She looked at her hand as Sekijuro took it into his. He smiled softly as he nodded his head towards her giving it a small squeeze.
"It's a start." The white haired man breathed as he rested his head on his folded arms. "What I wanted to talk to you about is - I wish for us to remain friends at least. I mean you're with my son kinda and I don't want to put a strain between you two because we share a past. You both should have a chance."
Higurashi, Kagome was blown away by Inu Yasha's heart-felt words, as she realized that this version of the man she used to know was grown up and had seen far to much then the hanyou she knew five years back had. She looked into his eyes as he looked down at the table seeing how his golden eyes weren't a brilliant gold like they used to be the one's that gave her comfort all those years ago.
How much have Kikyo and him experience in their five hundred years together? She thought. Wait how did Kikyo survive for that long. I've never really thought about it until now. "Inu Yasha?" He looked up at her, but not saying anything. "How was Kikyo able to live so long?"
The man sat up looking out the window as he rested his hands in his lap. "Well it has to do with the Shikon no Tama. After you had left we tried making a wish for Kikyo to be alive again, but the wish was not granted as simple as the wish was. I still can't figure out why till this day, but anyways we came up with the idea of implanting it into her body and since the jewel means four souls and she was a soul collector. It worked out to where she didn't have to take any other person's soul to maintain her half- life. After that it was normal, and then we wed and the rest is history. The Shikon no Tama was strong, stronger than what we expected."
Kagome smiled as Inu Yasha's look turned grim. Slowly her smile faded -
"But - I thought she was to remain with me always. Of course things happen differently than expected, so the jewel could not keep her sustained forever. She became weak and sickly years before she gave birth to Sekijuro. Kikyo was dying slowly as the years passed and we figured out why. Her body was sucking up all of the energies of the Shikon jewel and once it ran out of juice that was when she became her weakest and the jewel turned to a solid stone within her body. It was removed and she began to deteriorate at an accelerated rate since she was pretty much empty. Since before we wed she had made a vow to never take another person's soul, and so she stuck by her decision and that's what finally killed her. No souls to nourish herself on -. Karuna was seven while Sekijuro was eleven years old when she died -," He whispered as he looked down at the small golden band around his pinky. "This was Kikyo's wedding band."
"How come you never told me the real reason why my mother died?" Seki quietly asked as his bangs covered his eyes. "You told Karuna and I it was cancer that killed her."
"I lied because you were to young to understand the truth at the time. Besides your mother pleaded with me not to tell you until, I felt you were ready. Karuna already knows the truth, but I wanted to wait longer with you since you were more attached to Kikyo that Karuna. If you're mad I understand Seki." He said.
"I am not mad, but upset father. You know me, but yet I know nothing about you, my own father because you rather remain a mystery to me than a confidant. Excuse me I need some air." He got up. "Can I even trust you or should I suspect that all the important things you say to me to be a fabricated lie?" Then he began walking out of the café as Kagome watched him disappear out the door. Inu Yasha just sat there, not moving or blinking.
"Aren't you going to talk to him?"
"No, like he stated I do know him well, too well if you ask me. By following him would only provoke him more. He needs to process this and deal with it on his own terms. Besides he has always been a momma's boy and we don't have the picture perfect relationship. He always liked Kikyo better than me, when she died he said nothing for almost two years. He was completely mute until Karuna broke into his emotional wall." He smirked ruefully as he reached over taking a sip from his coffee. "My son is more complex than what he puts out for the world to see, Kagome. He's a handful, so be prepared for it." He instructed, as he leaned over the table as he held himself up with elbows.
(Kazuo twins' house)
Makalani knocked on the door as he heard his sister weeping on the other side. "Tama please come out and eat something. You've been in there for two days now. C'mon it's not the end of the world." He told her as Malachi stepped up beside his twin.
"Mom and dad called asking when you're coming home baby sis'." He called to her.
"When I'm fucking ready to go home!" She shouted. "You two don't know how I feel. I love him so much, but he doesn't see it, only treating me like a kid sister. He's so stupid!"
Malachi rested his hand on the door. "I know sis, but you have to buck up and be strong. What I mean is your just going to have to grin and bear it besides it doesn't mean he's going to be with Kagome forever and anyway they're not even together, it just might be a phase for Seki."
Makalani looked surprised at his younger brother, wow Malachi actually said something smart -
"All I wanted to do was tell him how I felt." She sounded closer to the door as she slowly opened the door peering out. "And I didn't expect anything from him, I didn't expect him to be already liking some girl and already bending over backwards for this woman he barely knows. I just wanted him to know so badly so he could stop treating me like a baby sister."
"Well from what Malachi told me, he discussed it with Sekijuro that night to some extent. So he has some sort of clue." Makalani said absently as the younger twin paled while the ebony haired girl shook violently.
"What?" She inquired quietly as she grabbed her older brother by his green shirt hoisting him up above her head as angry tears spilled from her dark blue eyes. "Damnit Chi I was supposed to tell him, not you!! I told you this in confidence and you go blabbing it to the one person who wasn't suppose know from anyone else!" She reached back slamming his back against the wall, as she still held him over her head. "Why?!"
"I did it to protect you." He told her calmly as Makalani tried in vain to pry her off, as she enforced her hold on her elevated brother.
"Good job that did." She suddenly dropped her dark brunette haired brother as a thought hit her. "He knew before he chased after that girl. He doesn't find me important enough to consider. I'll never be more in his eyes." Tama took her face into her hands as she began to sob again.
Malachi sat down holding his neck, as Makalani placed a tender hand on his little sister's shoulder. "It'll be okay, Tama."
"I am so sorry baby sis'." The short haired man said as he hung his head.
"You're always sorry Malachi, and you know what you are sorry and worthless! I can't even trust you anymore! Don't talk to me!!" She wiped her tears away angrily as she went into her room as Makalani was about to follow her, but the door slammed shut in his face. "Leave me alone, both of you! I'll come out when I'm damned ready!" She chocked out in mid-sob.
"I told him to be gentle about it, damnit Seki you've made a mess as always. Dashing off after Kagome like that in concern right when Tama was about to confess. Real smooth, bro." He conversed as if his bestfriend was there as his long haired twin held out his hand to him.
"Idiot." Makalani's soothing voice breathed. "You know you're at fault more so than Seki ever could be."
"Yeah I know." The green-eyed and darker skinned twin said.
"Also Inu Yasha is at fault also, so you three are in the same boat together. C'mon Chi, we need to call Seki up anyway and have him talk with Tama." The older, blue-eyed twin said.
"Yeah I know, but it doesn't take twins to make a phone call. I'll see you later, dude." He turned waving over his shoulders as he hung his head and his shoulders slumped unhappily. "I'm going for a drive."
"He's depressed, Tama really stung him with her words." Makalani said to himself as he turned and walked the opposite way towards the phone. "I feel so powerless with this whole situation. Such drama -."
(End of Chapter Seven)
Kyoji K. here!
Sorry no Kagome and Seki moments in this one, but there will be more in future chapters though. Also I thought it would be so cool to add Koga in there somewhere since I'm a fan of him. I think Inu has it tough right now since he's pressed in between a rock and a hard place. (Seki being the rock and Kagome the hard place.) ^_^ More to be revealed in the next chapter, until then -
Lay o_O
(Sunday morning)
Shippo slowly cracked his teal eye open as he looked at the clock on his wall in his room. He groaned as he rubbed his head idly, feeling like Inu Yasha himself punched him, as he held his forehead tenderly. "Oh man," he grunted as he slowly sat up with half opened eyes. "I shouldn't have gone clubbing last night." He mumbled as he remembered last night in bits and pieces. After leaving some restaurant he decided to make a pit-stop with his young friend Sota last night to his club to work on some papers, instead he ended up drinking and dancing the night away -
He rolled over falling out of his tall king sized bed with a loud thump as he sputtered into the ground. "Ahw -," he groaned. "Maybe a shot and a chaser of beer will help this hangover." He slowly pushed himself up as he reached for his pajama pants as he pulled them over his boxers. He yawned and walked out of his room sluggishly. "Damn it, it's to bright and early." He cursed as he walked into the better-lit areas of his apartment. He walked passed the kitchen going down the hallway to Kira's room as he cracked opened the door to see Sota face down in the bed. He walked over sitting on the bed as he opened Kira's nightstand drawer pulling out a pack of cigarettes as he placed one between his lips.
He found his son's lighter shortly afterward. "If Karuna knew my boy smoked ever now and again, she'd kick his pale ass." He mentioned to himself. He took a long contemplative drag as he stared at the back of the Higurashi's head. He picked up his hand holding it above. Next he brought down his open palm as flesh slapped flesh.
"OUCH!!" A now woken Sota yelped as he held the back of his head tenderly. Then he glared at the smoking man. "What the hell did you do that for?!"
"I shook you and you didn't wake up," he lied convincingly as the boy believed him. "Besides I thought you had that sixth sense shit when it came to danger, priest boy."
"Damnit, I ain't that well trained fox-boy! Huh, you have a tail?" He noticed as it poked out from Shippo's backside as teal eyes looked behind himself half-heartedly.
"Oh yeah, that thing." The brunette shrugged his shoulders as Sota reached out lightly touching the fluffy appendage as a tremor ran through Shippo as his eyes became half-lidded as his head lulled to the side. A small soft blush covered the older one's face. A type of purring escaped the older one's throat as that caused Sota to stop petting the soft tail.
"Okay that was disturbing, I need coffee now." He gingerly got up as he left in a hurry towards the kitchen while the kitsune tried to rid himself of the soft caresses' lingering touch. "OH DAMN! I'M SO FREAKIN' LATE FOR TRAINING!!!" He heard the boy yell at the top of his lungs as he rolled his eyes leaving his son's room.
"Teenagers are so stupid." He mumbled as he shook his head sadly. "Forget about the priest training, you're spending the day with me." He said from within the hallway.
"Fine whatever, but if they call Kagome's, it's my ass. Then I'll do something to you that's really cruel, to make myself feel better."
The man entered the kitchen. Shippo went about instantly making coffee as the hangover was gone and already forgotten. "Hey can you cook?"
"Like no one's business, dude." Sota told him matter-of-factly as he went about helping the tenant of the apartment making breakfast. Soon breakfast was ready for the two -. "Aren't you going to eat?"
"A bit, I get queasy when I eat too much in the mornings. Besides I got coffee and that usually holds me over till lunch." He got up walking to his door finding the newspaper on the floor in front of his front door. He bent down looking at the paper as he took it under his arm as he came back into the kitchen sitting back down taking the plastic off of it and unrolling it. He opened it reading the news with lack of interest until his eyes landed on that day's date. "Awe, shit!" He cursed as he got up placing the newspaper down on the table. "I have a meeting today with the others -. Okay I need you ready in like ten minutes, can you do that for me?"
Sota looked up suddenly as he held the chopsticks in front of his opened mouth. "Yeah sure."
"Good, I gonna get ready. Excuse me." The small man got up and scurried to his room to dress himself as Sota finished eating breakfast. After he was done eating he went to Kira's room to raid his closet of clothing -
The Higurashi was done dressing before the brunette was. Sota stood in some blue slacks as he wore a black shirt with a white skull on it and he wore a trucker hat, as it was black and white. He wore some of Kira's oversized shoes that were mostly blue with black and white trimming. "Kira's got an Americanized style going on!"
"It's because he shops from American websites! Besides every now and again I ship him over to America so he can vacation and shop!"
The priest in training withheld his laughter as he asked skeptically. "Your son likes to shop?!"
"Yeah! He used to live in America with his mother and aunt before they kicked him out. Okay here I come." Shippo came out in low-rise boot cut jeans and a sheer see-through turquoise colored button up shirt with a black muscle shirt on underneath and sunglasses. He wore his light brown hair down again -
"I glad I'm not wearing his clothes again." Sota mumbled.
"What was that?"
"Nothing lets go. Are you always going to dress so - colorful?" What I meant to say was gay, but I'll be nice to the fox. With that the two left the apartment.
"Yeah, and. You got a problem with my style." He said heatedly as he closed and locked the door behind him -
(The Sugi household)
A casual dressed Inu Yasha wore slightly baggy blue jeans and a white muscle shirt with a black over-shirt as he made his way to his motorcycle. He straddled the bike putting on his helmet as he clicked his remote control to the garage as he started the red, black, silver and white Suzuki motorcycle. His long mane of hair was tied back into a low ponytail as it spilled from the helmet, and then he turned the bike as he sped out of his garage as it closed slowly behind him as he disappeared down the street in a blur -
(Kagome's Apartment)
Before he knew it he stood outside of Kagome's door as he touched it lightly as the door slowly opened. He poked his head in looking around, as he saw nothing at first. "Kagome?" He questioned as he walked deeper into her small apartment. Once he passed the right adjacent wall next to him, he dropped his helmet to the floor as he saw Kagome and Sekijuro sleeping in the bed together. One the thick plastic hit the floor Seki sat up alert.
The son's eyes fell on his father's as he looked at the half-clothed woman sleeping beside him. The boy held a pleading finger to his lips as he slowly watched his father's visage twist to different expressions. The last expression was jealousy and anger. "What the hell is going on?!" He roared as Kagome sat up instantly as she gasped covering herself with a pillow.
"WHAT ARE YOU DOING IN MY APARTMENT, INU YASHA!?!" Kagome almost shrieked as Seki held his hands over his ears as the Higurashi glared at the half- breed before her.
"WHAT IS HE DOING HERE?!" He pointed at his son as he raged.
"He came to check up on me and that was very considerate of him, more then what you ever did. Then he got sick last night so I took care of him." She answered.
"I bet you did 'take care' of him," he implied an underlying meaning as he narrowed his eyes and folded his arms.
"What was that?! You rude arrogant jerk!" She climbed out of her bed and started poking the dog demon in the chest with her nail. "I know what you were implying you pervert! For that you should sit!" A glow emanated from under Inu Yasha's shirt as his face planted into her hard wood floors instantly. "So you still have the spell on you, huh?"
Sekijuro blinked as he now climbed out of the small bed. "What the hell just happened?" A groan was heard from the older man.
"Whenever I say the word 'sit' -,"
"OUCH!"
"He falls from wherever he is when I say the word and crashes face first into the ground. Your Aunt Kaeda placed this spell on him when he tried to kill me the first time we met." She told him as the man pulled his face from the slight dent that his face created in the wood.
"He deserves it and beside you never told me you tried to kill Kagome-chan before." Seki breathed with slight irritation.
The man stood up quickly as he glared at the younger adults. "I came here to talk to Kagome, but instead I find you in bed with her. You didn't do it, did you?" He asked quietly as he blushed as he fidgeted with his fingers.
Sekijuro blushed as he looked down at his feet before he met his dad's retreating eyes. "Of course not!" The black haired man whined. Kagome got what they were referring to as she turned bright red.
"SIT! SIT! SIT! SIT!!" She repeated over and over as she flushed brightly. "You perverted son of a - SIT! How could you ask such a question?! AND BESIDES WHAT ARE YOU DOING IN MY APARTMENT, INU YASHA!?!" She restated the question again as he groaned in pain as Sekijuro blinked.
"Your door was opened and unlocked," he croaked from the floor, as the hanyou was teary eyed. "I wanted to talk to you about everything Kagome." He groaned in pain as he held his cheek tenderly.
"Fine make it quick." She said as she folded her arms glaring at him.
"This conversation that has been way overdue will be longer than a quick moment. Besides Kagome I think you and my son need to find some clothes first off." He mentioned as she looked down at herself, as she blushed with big blinking eyes.
"Umm - yeah your right!" She squeaked franticly, as she scurried off to her bathroom, slamming the door behind her.
Inu Yasha leaned over towards his son. "Hey did you really sleep with Kagome or not? You can answer since she's out of the room." He whispered.
"DAD!!!" Sekijuro turned redder than a beet.
"SIT BOY!" Kagome boomed from within the bathroom.
(Shippo's Porsche)
Shippo stepped out of his car slowly as Sota stepped out of the other side as Shippo handed his keys over to the valet attendant as he walked up the staircase with the young boy in toe. He looked up at the manor as he removed his reflective sunglasses. He sighed as he ran his hands through his hair shaggy light brown hair as the drafty wind ruffled it. "Keep close to me." He told Sota over his shoulder as he put one hand into his jean's pocket.
A servant stood at the front door of the manor as he opened the door bowing to the kitsune. "Welcome Shippo-dono and his assistant." He greeted contentedly. The said man only waved as he took out a cigarette placing it between his lips.
"I hate these damn meetings, they're so pointless." He groaned as Sota now walked beside him as he lit his new smoke.
"What sort of meetings are these?" The high school boy asked.
"I am actually descendant of noble birth and I have inherited a vast amount of region. I am lord of the northern lands. Funny, huh?" He asked as he blew out smoke. "I brought you here as a sort of an assistant, but I doubt anything new will happen though. Also I fired my last servant two months ago, would you like to be my new one? I'll pay you well and then will be able to see each other more often."
"Oh," was all Sota said as they walked to, two double doors as the servants standing there opened the doors for the both of them as they were let into a vast conference room full of velvet curtains. The décor of the room was gaudy and darkly colored as they walked into the room as one man sat at the head of the conference table with his hands folded in front of his chin as he looked indifferent as he noticed the two with one good eye. His short assistant stood next to him with his arms folded behind his back.
"Shippo-sama." He breathed as he stood up. "Welcome, if you need a drink you can help yourself to the bar. You know how things work here in my home." The tall man gestured with a wave of his hand.
"How very kind of you Sesshomaru-sama. I think I will." The kitsune said tightly with a fake smile as he walked over with his guest following in toe. The doors were then opened again as two dark haired men walked in. "Watch out for those two, they're hot heads." Shippo whispered to the Higurashi. "The one with the long hair that is down his name is Koga he's the lord of the Southern lands and that's his son Nashoa with the pony- tail. I know Koga from way back when he used to claim Kagome as his, only to piss off Inu Yasha every time they met." Shippo educated the boy standing beside him as he mixed a drink for himself.
Koga walked in with his chest stuck out arrogantly and his son walking behind him looking just as proud as he entered the room taking a seat at the table as he rested his hands on the polished wood before him. "What business do we have to address Sesshomaru, I am pressed for time and these usual meeting yield no new information for me." Nashoa stood beside his sitting father as he tucked his hands behind his back.
"Patients Lord Koga," he raised his hands as he took a seat again as he placed his maniacal on brushing his bangs from his face. Shippo took a seat across from the irritated wolf-demon. "We have to wait, for our new member to show."
"NEW MEMBER?!" Koga bellowed loudly.
Shippo almost spat all of his Bloody Mary onto Sota; instead he choked on the liquid as he held a napkin to his mouth. "What the -?" He sputtered finally as they looked at Sesshomaru as if he had grown a second head.
"What happened to Seijimaru, Lord Sesshomaru?" Nashoa spoke quietly, as that was the burning question on all of the other lords' minds. Koga looked over his shoulder with a cutting glance towards his son.
Assistance/ personal servants weren't suppose to be heard during the meetings -
"He died two nights ago and since he had no family to carry on the Eastern lands he has passed it to his most trusted servant." The stoic man answered.
"Laguna." Shippo finished as he took a drink from the tomato liquor.
"Also Lagunanosai has also inherited Enix Pharmaceutical from the late Seijimaru, so he has come into power and we will show him the same amount of respect like his predecessor to maintain understanding in the four regions. He should have been here by now."
The doors opened to reveal a woman in a black pinstriped business suite as she wore round glasses. "I am so sorry to keep you waiting gentlemen, but my lord is not able to make it to this month's meeting because he's still getting things in order from the sudden death of his originator. I am his personal servant Elyte." She pushed her short blonde hair from her face. She held a small palm pilot in her hands as she sat down.
"So you will be representing the young lord will you Elyte-san." Sesshomaru breathed quietly.
"That is correct." She adjusted her glasses.
"Tell your young master Lagunanosai, that he will be needed here next time, or else we will all take offense." Koga almost growled.
"For you maybe, but not I." Shippo said curtly. A glare was shot in the kitsune's direction from the wolf-demons.
"I will relay the message to Laguna-dono, as requested Koga-sama."
"Shall we get to it?" Shippo uttered as he kicked his feet up onto the table leaning back as he placed his hands behind his head. "I ain't getting' any younger." He mentioned disrespectfully, as Koga growled.
"You sure could have fooled me since your running around with kids, besides you look like one fox." The wolf-demon said arrogantly as Shippo lip curled angrily as he bared his fangs. Sota glared at the demon of the southern lands.
"Gentlemen we have business to discuss, please act accordingly." Sesshomaru told them as he folded his hand onto the table. "There is much to organize and converse about." Both men glared at each other but kept quiet as the one in charge pressed on. "Now -,"
(At a café)
Kagome found herself at a small little café with Sekijuro and Inu Yasha as the father treated the young adults. "Will you ever find it in your heart to forgive me Kagome for all the shit I've dragged you through?" He asked with pleading gold eyes, and for a split moment Kagome felt a section of her heart melt looking at the pleading face.
"I don't know," she whispered quietly as she looked out the window she sat by. She looked at her hand as Sekijuro took it into his. He smiled softly as he nodded his head towards her giving it a small squeeze.
"It's a start." The white haired man breathed as he rested his head on his folded arms. "What I wanted to talk to you about is - I wish for us to remain friends at least. I mean you're with my son kinda and I don't want to put a strain between you two because we share a past. You both should have a chance."
Higurashi, Kagome was blown away by Inu Yasha's heart-felt words, as she realized that this version of the man she used to know was grown up and had seen far to much then the hanyou she knew five years back had. She looked into his eyes as he looked down at the table seeing how his golden eyes weren't a brilliant gold like they used to be the one's that gave her comfort all those years ago.
How much have Kikyo and him experience in their five hundred years together? She thought. Wait how did Kikyo survive for that long. I've never really thought about it until now. "Inu Yasha?" He looked up at her, but not saying anything. "How was Kikyo able to live so long?"
The man sat up looking out the window as he rested his hands in his lap. "Well it has to do with the Shikon no Tama. After you had left we tried making a wish for Kikyo to be alive again, but the wish was not granted as simple as the wish was. I still can't figure out why till this day, but anyways we came up with the idea of implanting it into her body and since the jewel means four souls and she was a soul collector. It worked out to where she didn't have to take any other person's soul to maintain her half- life. After that it was normal, and then we wed and the rest is history. The Shikon no Tama was strong, stronger than what we expected."
Kagome smiled as Inu Yasha's look turned grim. Slowly her smile faded -
"But - I thought she was to remain with me always. Of course things happen differently than expected, so the jewel could not keep her sustained forever. She became weak and sickly years before she gave birth to Sekijuro. Kikyo was dying slowly as the years passed and we figured out why. Her body was sucking up all of the energies of the Shikon jewel and once it ran out of juice that was when she became her weakest and the jewel turned to a solid stone within her body. It was removed and she began to deteriorate at an accelerated rate since she was pretty much empty. Since before we wed she had made a vow to never take another person's soul, and so she stuck by her decision and that's what finally killed her. No souls to nourish herself on -. Karuna was seven while Sekijuro was eleven years old when she died -," He whispered as he looked down at the small golden band around his pinky. "This was Kikyo's wedding band."
"How come you never told me the real reason why my mother died?" Seki quietly asked as his bangs covered his eyes. "You told Karuna and I it was cancer that killed her."
"I lied because you were to young to understand the truth at the time. Besides your mother pleaded with me not to tell you until, I felt you were ready. Karuna already knows the truth, but I wanted to wait longer with you since you were more attached to Kikyo that Karuna. If you're mad I understand Seki." He said.
"I am not mad, but upset father. You know me, but yet I know nothing about you, my own father because you rather remain a mystery to me than a confidant. Excuse me I need some air." He got up. "Can I even trust you or should I suspect that all the important things you say to me to be a fabricated lie?" Then he began walking out of the café as Kagome watched him disappear out the door. Inu Yasha just sat there, not moving or blinking.
"Aren't you going to talk to him?"
"No, like he stated I do know him well, too well if you ask me. By following him would only provoke him more. He needs to process this and deal with it on his own terms. Besides he has always been a momma's boy and we don't have the picture perfect relationship. He always liked Kikyo better than me, when she died he said nothing for almost two years. He was completely mute until Karuna broke into his emotional wall." He smirked ruefully as he reached over taking a sip from his coffee. "My son is more complex than what he puts out for the world to see, Kagome. He's a handful, so be prepared for it." He instructed, as he leaned over the table as he held himself up with elbows.
(Kazuo twins' house)
Makalani knocked on the door as he heard his sister weeping on the other side. "Tama please come out and eat something. You've been in there for two days now. C'mon it's not the end of the world." He told her as Malachi stepped up beside his twin.
"Mom and dad called asking when you're coming home baby sis'." He called to her.
"When I'm fucking ready to go home!" She shouted. "You two don't know how I feel. I love him so much, but he doesn't see it, only treating me like a kid sister. He's so stupid!"
Malachi rested his hand on the door. "I know sis, but you have to buck up and be strong. What I mean is your just going to have to grin and bear it besides it doesn't mean he's going to be with Kagome forever and anyway they're not even together, it just might be a phase for Seki."
Makalani looked surprised at his younger brother, wow Malachi actually said something smart -
"All I wanted to do was tell him how I felt." She sounded closer to the door as she slowly opened the door peering out. "And I didn't expect anything from him, I didn't expect him to be already liking some girl and already bending over backwards for this woman he barely knows. I just wanted him to know so badly so he could stop treating me like a baby sister."
"Well from what Malachi told me, he discussed it with Sekijuro that night to some extent. So he has some sort of clue." Makalani said absently as the younger twin paled while the ebony haired girl shook violently.
"What?" She inquired quietly as she grabbed her older brother by his green shirt hoisting him up above her head as angry tears spilled from her dark blue eyes. "Damnit Chi I was supposed to tell him, not you!! I told you this in confidence and you go blabbing it to the one person who wasn't suppose know from anyone else!" She reached back slamming his back against the wall, as she still held him over her head. "Why?!"
"I did it to protect you." He told her calmly as Makalani tried in vain to pry her off, as she enforced her hold on her elevated brother.
"Good job that did." She suddenly dropped her dark brunette haired brother as a thought hit her. "He knew before he chased after that girl. He doesn't find me important enough to consider. I'll never be more in his eyes." Tama took her face into her hands as she began to sob again.
Malachi sat down holding his neck, as Makalani placed a tender hand on his little sister's shoulder. "It'll be okay, Tama."
"I am so sorry baby sis'." The short haired man said as he hung his head.
"You're always sorry Malachi, and you know what you are sorry and worthless! I can't even trust you anymore! Don't talk to me!!" She wiped her tears away angrily as she went into her room as Makalani was about to follow her, but the door slammed shut in his face. "Leave me alone, both of you! I'll come out when I'm damned ready!" She chocked out in mid-sob.
"I told him to be gentle about it, damnit Seki you've made a mess as always. Dashing off after Kagome like that in concern right when Tama was about to confess. Real smooth, bro." He conversed as if his bestfriend was there as his long haired twin held out his hand to him.
"Idiot." Makalani's soothing voice breathed. "You know you're at fault more so than Seki ever could be."
"Yeah I know." The green-eyed and darker skinned twin said.
"Also Inu Yasha is at fault also, so you three are in the same boat together. C'mon Chi, we need to call Seki up anyway and have him talk with Tama." The older, blue-eyed twin said.
"Yeah I know, but it doesn't take twins to make a phone call. I'll see you later, dude." He turned waving over his shoulders as he hung his head and his shoulders slumped unhappily. "I'm going for a drive."
"He's depressed, Tama really stung him with her words." Makalani said to himself as he turned and walked the opposite way towards the phone. "I feel so powerless with this whole situation. Such drama -."
(End of Chapter Seven)
Kyoji K. here!
Sorry no Kagome and Seki moments in this one, but there will be more in future chapters though. Also I thought it would be so cool to add Koga in there somewhere since I'm a fan of him. I think Inu has it tough right now since he's pressed in between a rock and a hard place. (Seki being the rock and Kagome the hard place.) ^_^ More to be revealed in the next chapter, until then -
Lay o_O