Thank you for the generous reviews! I really love you guys, you know that? I never imagined that I would get so many reviews for my story! THANK YOU!
IMPORTANT NOTE-Thanks for your support, and I want you all to understand something quickly. I love Rin and Sesshomaru. They are some of my favorite characters on the show. They just fit this way into my story. I know that some of you don't really like the way I've portrayed Rin, but I do appreciate you not completely hating me for it. I apologize for her total OOCness in the story, but that's the way I have it set up. Any other fanfiction's I write in the future will probably have those loving characters a lot less OOC, so please forgive me for now!
Another note-I'm nearing the end of this story **sob**, but if you would like me to have a sequel then let me know. What I will do is for every review that gives me their email, I will send you a preview for it, and then you can tell me on the last chapter whether or not I should continue it. Remember, you have to TELL me that you want the preview, and I MUST have your email, as well. If I get enough people thinking that I should continue it, I'll post it and everything. We'll just see how that goes!
Disclaimer-I may wish all I want, but apparently I will never own him. I'll only be able to use him for my pleasure in my fanfiction stories!
Chapter 22-Preparation
"That has got to be the most ridiculous thing I have ever heard, Houshi!" Screamed Sango from the living room. Inuyasha snapped out of his sleep at hearing this and groaned, but bit back anything terribly vocal in hope that Kagome would stay asleep for a little while longer.
"Eat your lunch without complaining for once!"
"I HAVE NEVER HEARD SUCH A LOAD OF BULLSHIT!"
"Well you apparently don't listen because I know a few people who make plenty of FARFETCHED COMMENTS!"
"You're so full of shit! You blame this all on me when it's really your fault!"
"MY fault? What in the seven hells are you talking about! You're the one who told him! He nearly killed me!"
"It was your fault! He can tell when we lie, monk, I wasn't going to lie to him!"
"Well leaving out a part doesn't count as lying!"
Something smashed and Sango snorted loudly. "YOU'RE NOT PINNING IT ON ME! I'm not the ONLY one to blame, and if you can't see that then you're dumber than you look!"
"I'm not the stupid one, I KNOW WHEN TO KEEP MY MOUTH SHUT!"
She snorted again in laughter. "Yea right, and pigs fly. You don't know when to quit when it comes to women AND arguing with Inuyasha! I can't believe you're still alive!"
Kagome moaned and grabbed the nearest pillow, holding it tightly over her head to muffle the sounds of the arguing couple. Inuyasha groaned inwardly. He didn't want to move, but his ears were starting to hurt and Kagome was in distress.
And naturally, the instinct was that while she's healing and tired, others WILL let her sleep or else.
He pulled carefully away from Kagome and slipped his pants on, then burst open the door to find Sango poking Miroku in the chest and him snarling back at her, one of her hands wrapped up in his larger one above their heads. He also noticed Shippo and Kira, sitting in the corner reading maps and information sheets with what appeared to be earmuffs over their ears. They were perfectly content because they couldn't hear a thing, minding their own business as they continued to read.
Inuyasha rumbled loudly, drawing the arguers' attention away from each other to him. "Look, I don't know what's more important to you, a stupid argument or a very pissed off me, but I'm warning you right now. If you don't shut the hell up and let us sleep some more, I'll bury you both alive. It's barely four in the afternoon, and I intend on sleeping a few more hours. Do you understand me?"
They seemed hesitant to answer, but both nodded once in response. Inuyasha's attention gathered that Sango was close enough to strangle Miroku if necessary, and she had done that on purpose. The monk would never hurt Sango, no matter what (it was in his blood, after all), but Sango had always been a very violent person. She took the hard way out of everything and enjoyed showing that she wasn't some weak submissive female that couldn't even pick out her own clothing.
Inuyasha stormed back into the room and slammed the door, locking it again and seeming to wipe his face free of emotion. What the hell was up with those two? I have seen them at it before, but they were never out for each other's throats!
There was a bang on the floor from the other side, but before Inuyasha could go back out Shippo took care of it. "HEY! If I have to get up and physically restrain you, woman, you're going outside on a leash!"
"You're not the boss of me, Shippo! I'm higher in the ranks than you, meaning I can bring you down!"
Kira spoke next. "But against both of us, you will not win, so clam up. Inuyasha's trying to let Kagome rest."
With that, it grew silent on the other side of the wall other than the shuffling of footsteps, all retreating in different directions. The one that stomped he guessed was Sango, as that soon followed with a vicious slam of the door in the master bedroom. The other headed into the kitchen, madly rummaging through the cabinets in search of something to take his mind off the events that had happened. More than likely something that could drown out his sorrows.
Inuyasha didn't have to warn the monk not to get drunk today; he knew better. This would be the biggest heist Inuyasha had ever had anything to do with. Probably the biggest in gangster history. As far as he could remember, there had never been a face-off with two major gangsters, fighting to the death for the title of lead gangster in the state of New York. Human gangs fought all the time, but it would never be over something as big as this.
It was so big in fact, that he wanted everyone involved. Lately he had to think the truth anyway; the cold fact of the matter was it took everyone to complete this job. How, he wasn't quite sure of yet, but he knew that it wouldn't work without everyone having some major part in it. It was back to endangering everyone's lives to get his way, just like it was before Kagome came along.
And it would all start with her.
She would cut the wire that would get the club of humans riled up. After taking down any and all humans in the darkness (because of their increased night vision as a major advantage), they'd proceed to wait for her to back out of the system and join them on the ground. The next section would prove to be trickier.
They had to get Rin before she was anywhere near Fluffy. If she caught wind of them and ran off to join Sesshomaru, their chances of being beat would decrease and they would definitely loose. Fluffy's secret of power, much like Inuyasha's in a sense, was his mate. Separated they could be destroyed easily, but together they were impenetrable. Once he was in contact with his mate, nothing would go through them.
That was the Youkai law. However, Inuyasha didn't know what the chances were with two Youkai pairs after each other.
He realized that that was probably one reason why Kagome never left his side. Despite the fact that he wanted her safe at all costs, he had always known of a certain power that had to do with her being near him. It was probably the bond in a sense, too, but that didn't matter to him.
He snorted. That and her Miko abilities. I don't think I've even heard of a Miko stronger than her.
Inuyasha shook his head, realizing that he had been standing near the door while Kagome still rested in bed. She was still a little tired, so a few more hours of sleep was a good idea. However, he would not allow her to sleep in that bed without him with her for another moment. Not when he had the choice to be with her.
Yawning and stretching, Inuyasha climbed into the other side of the bed. He watched Kagome go from clutching her pillow tightly to turning immediately back into his warmth. Smiling, he kissed her temple and wrapped himself around her as much as possible, nuzzling his cheek into her hair. He felt himself relax with her returning heat and scent, and it wasn't shortly after that he dozed back into sleep.
*~*~*^_^*~*~*
Sesshomaru stood, pacing for the first time in years in his office. He was furious, anxious, and worst of all…nervous. Things were not going as he had planned…Inuyasha and his bitch had avoided him AGAIN and it pissed him off to no end. Somehow, that bastard had taken down the one tool he thought could bring Kagome Higurashi back to her so-called "senses". The police forces were supposed to know how to deal with her, how to hold her somewhere safe until he could have broken in and killed her. He wouldn't have waited long, either, because the minute he hit word of what she was going to be doing he was eager to finish her off.
Of course, that never happened, and all his future planning had been so blown out of proportion there was no way that it could ever be fixed.
What really boiled his blood was the fact that nobody knew where they had escaped off to. No one even knew whether the six major people in that gang were still in the city. Hell, for all he knew currently about his half brother, Inuyasha could have been gay and was just using Kagome as a cover-up.
He shook his head and mused silently to himself. For once, someone's homosexuality could have proved useful to him. If only his brother was never interested in women in the first place...then Kagome would have never been a problem to him. He could have killed her off when she least expected it.
He shuddered, shaking his head violently with those thoughts. He leaned on the desk and sighed deeply. "Just wait until I capture that little mongrel. I have stooped to my ultimate low just letting him live." Shaking his head violently, he started the pacing again. What to do, what to do…
Rin walked into his office, her same expressionless face not giving any signs of news. She shut the door behind her and made her way over to the desk, standing motionless in front of it. She waited for him to stop pacing before making eye contact with her mate.
Sesshomaru turned, sighing carefully so he didn't loose his cool. "Well? What news?"
She inhaled and answered in all honesty. "Nothing is heard, Sesshomaru. Inuyasha has escaped us, for now, and so has his Miko wench."
"Do not underestimate that bitch, Rin. Never make that same mistake I did."
"Sesshomaru…"
He pounded the desk, panic clearly evident in his eyes as his mask slipped. "That fucking WENCH is messing everything up! Her and that stupid Hanyou brother of mine!"
Rin shook her head, now staring directly at a spot on his chest as worry spread over her features. "Sesshomaru, please. You had no idea that she would be like this. It's not your fault."
"It's like Kami is walking behind her, step for step. Nothing will KILL that girl."
"Why not worry more about Inuyasha?"
His snort of amused laughter made her relax. It was always good to see him show emotion of pleasantry. "Once Inuyasha looses the key to his sanity, then anything could happen to him. He'd no longer have control of his life and he would be easy to destroy. Kagome Higurashi, however, is a force to be reckoned with all on her own, in more ways than one." He tapped his chin impatiently and then smiled at his mate. "No matter how much I despise her I have to admire her for getting out of all of my plots so well. But that's where you'll step in, Rin. You'll be her greatest challenge yet."
Rin grinned and clapped her hands together like a little schoolgirl. "You mean I get to take her down all by myself? Awe, Sessy, you shouldn't have."
"You're right, I probably shouldn't. But I'm confident in you. When the time comes, you'll take her down, and I'll deal with her stubborn Hanyou."
She ran around the desk and hugged him tightly, an evil grin still on her features. "I can't wait for the challenge!"
He patted her back and smirked. "Just remember what I told you." He let the emotion fly on his face. When it was just he and she, neither would hold back their feelings behind their blank mask. He had taught her to do it because emotions had always been the key in getting killed. If one showed pain or happiness, it could be their weakness and somehow used against him. It's what Sesshomaru's father had taught him, and he found it to be quite truthful in all the battles he had been in. He was still alive, wasn't he?
When he had found Rin, she had been a pleasant schoolgirl that he despised. How she eventually grew on him back then, he would never know, but the day they became mates he began teaching her everything he knew. Rin could probably be a gang leader all on her own, and a rather vengeful side had sprouted from her in the growth. For being the mate to a rather devious gangster, that was a skill that he wanted her to keep hidden away, to store until it was truly needed.
A time like the current would suffice nicely.
Rin backed away and smiled joyfully at him. "Would you like anything to drink? I'm in a really good mood, now, and we should celebrate."
He chuckled softly and looked down. "A bottle of wine would be lovely."
She nodded and walked away, putting her mask back on before she left the room so the rest of the club wouldn't ask questions. Sesshomaru continued to smirk after her. If anyone could stop Kagome Higurashi, it would be Rin. She would have fun doing what she did best; frightening people and stunning them beyond belief.
She couldn't fail him.
*~*~*^_^*~*~*
Finally up and about, Kagome was sitting in the master bedroom while Miroku gathered objects out of his closet. After a few more hours of sleep, she finally felt well enough to get started, and with good timing, too. It was getting dark, and if they wanted to strike they would do it at night. It was the only way to get out of this mess.
Miroku pulled out a suitcase from the top shelf and plopped it down on the bed, opening it to reveal many different tools stashed in separate little foam holders. The first one he pulled out was a long piece of metal, much like a needle in appearance. He rose it and showed it to Kagome with a twist of his hand. "This is a very useful one, you'll be able to get screws undone with them, and you can pick locks very easily. The trick of using it is not to stab yourself, though, so be careful." He laid it down over a cloth on the bed and continued rummaging through the case.
Kagome sat back and watched him with amusement. So, the monk doesn't fight like that with his beloved often, does he? Look at him, he's fidgeting.
The next tool he pulled out Kagome recognized. "Ah, clippers."
"To cut the wires." After setting that down, he pulled out silky looking elbow and knee pads. "These will help you move through the ventilation system easier. That way, we won't have to grease you up or anything and you won't give off a strange scent."
"Grease me up?"
"It's an expression, nothing more I assure you."
"Ok."
Miroku grinned as he held up what appeared to be three black golf balls. "Ah, these I have fun with. Just hit the button on top and throw them, and the demon's senses will screw up so badly in the smoke they won't know what planet they're on."
"How am I going to carry all this stuff?"
"In a small pack over your back. You can't climb if your busy holding something, and there's no room on your belt to house all these necessities. Your coat will make too much noise, no one will be wearing theirs, so hiding this stuff in your pocket is out."
Kagome stared at him in bewilderment. Either he was a good actor, or he wasn't nervous at all about this. "Miroku, aren't you a teensy bit worried that we are all going to die?"
Miroku could only smirk. "I'm terrified. It's always like that. However, I'm confident in the group. I don't think we will lose this one."
"What about Sango?"
His expression turned unreadable and he gazed back down at the case. "What about her? She's a big girl, she can handle herself."
"You're worried for her."
"Of course I am, do you really consider me shallow in that way, Kagome? I love her with all my being, just because we're not speaking to each other doesn't mean a thing when it comes to that."
Kagome smiled warmly. That had to have been the sweetest thing she had ever heard escape from his mouth. "So you're not on speaking terms, then?"
"Well…not exactly…we do talk, but it consists of yelling and screaming and violence on her part. We'll get it worked out, but right now I have to prepare you like I was told." He proceeded to grab wireless microphones and handed one to her. "I'll give you better instructions through these. Its volume is turned down low, so you'll have to really pay attention."
"Do you think I can do this Miroku?"
"You've been waiting forever for a chance to prove yourself, right? Now you get the chance and you get cold feet?"
She sighed. "That's not it at all…I want to do this, I'm just not sure if I can."
"I'm confident in you as well as the rest of the group. Besides, I'll be helping you. Inuyasha wouldn't know what wires went where when it comes to this sort of thing, so he'll be busy killing people. He'll have to entrust your life with me." He looked down in grateful thought. "Actually, I should be very honored by that. He doesn't like me very much right now, I'm surprised."
"I'm not. Other than me you're his best bud, despite your many flaws."
"That's very amusing, Kagome-chan. Now hold still…" He slipped a metal bracelet over her wrist and removed a scanning device from the pack, running it directly over the bracelet and listening to it beep. Then he put it away and checked a handheld device, nodding in satisfaction as he watched the screen.
Kagome sighed. "Let me guess…a tracking device?"
"Kagome, Inuyasha had nothing to do with this, this is all my doing. Fluffy's club is a puzzle of mazes, and it's a very large area. Inuyasha didn't think about this, but in order to make sure that you're still well and nearby, I'll use this device. Don't worry, everyone will get one."
"Even Sango?"
"If she'll let me, yes."
"Don't you want to talk to her?"
"Why are you worried about us, Kagome? You should focus on the mission, not on our personal lives."
Kagome stood, trying the weight of her bracelet as she moved her arm around. "I am, Miroku. Think of it this way; when we defeat our Fluffy-sama in all his glory, it would be a shame for you two to still be feuding. It would ruin the moment."
Miroku looked straight at her, almost surprised that she thought of the well being of the club. "That's a good point, Kagome. I'll think about it."
"Well, it's better than nothing."
He grabbed Kagome's shoulders lightly and looked her directly in the eyes. "Now, for the sake of mine and Inuyasha's sanity, you have to promise me that you'll be careful, and if you're unsure about anything you will ask. Please?"
"Wait, why for your sanity?"
He shook his head, rolling his eyes as far up as they go. "Must you do everything the hard way? I don't want to be responsible for something happening to you, a good friend of mine, and my best friend's mate for life. I know Inuyasha wouldn't take it well, and that'd end up pulling me into insanity, too." Miroku glanced down and raised his eyebrows. "That's a path I don't want to go down again…sometimes us mystical people have problems with their sanity. I'm sure you know what I mean."
Kagome patted his head like a little child. "I promise, Miroku, now take your hands off me before Inuyasha sees you."
"Oh, good point." Ripping his hands back quickly, he stood. "That should take care of the basics. Anything else you need besides your weapons I'll be holding."
"Thanks." She stood and stretched, grabbing the pack that Miroku had stuffed all the things into and lifting it experimentally in one hand. It wasn't heavy, so she'd be able to get around quickly without having that as a possible hazard.
That was good, she'd hate to have a problem while a demon was trying to kill her.
Kagome shook her head. She had no idea that her life would end up this exciting. Now that she had finally been given the chance to be a true gangster, she was nervous. Nervous of messing up, nervous for her life, and nervous for the lives of her friends.
Looking at Miroku, she could sense that his new aura felt the same way. He had a heavy burden on his shoulders, as Inuyasha had made sure that Miroku would always be there to help out when he was preoccupied with something else. Even though Kagome was second in command, Miroku was the technology freak. In this day and age, everything had to do with technology. The only thing that Inuyasha couldn't do that Miroku could is control the electricity in a building. Of course, the only reason that's the way it is was because Inuyasha never took the time to learn.
And, sadly, Inuyasha couldn't be everywhere at once, and Kagome was right about being kept on a leash all the time. He couldn't keep her in his safe arms forever; she had to do things for herself sometimes…or with a mere human's help.
Only Kagome didn't know if Miroku could be considered human anymore, and Sango too, for that matter. If she was considered a human before, she definitely wasn't now. If they have a longer life span like they do now, she didn't think that they were considered it anymore.
And the fact that they lost their humanity didn't bother her in the least.
Now they could stay with them forever, and as long as they took care of this final obstacle then everything would be fine. If destiny put her with Inuyasha, then nothing should be able to separate them. They would always be stronger together than apart, fighting side by side, taking down any and all threats to their pack. Kagome was rather looking forward to that.
But she had to test herself, first. If she wasn't able to do this mission then she couldn't help Inuyasha maintain a club. Hell, she'd be pretty useless. She planned on proving that this world didn't have what it took to separate them, or to even think about it. They were destined to kick rebellion ass.
A pounding came at the door and Kagome prepared to yell at Inuyasha. She was shocked at who beat her to it. "Sango, we'll be out in a minute! Get away from my door!"
"Houshi, don't make me come in there! Inuyasha wants Kagome, NOW!"
"I SAID WE'RE COMING!"
Sango stomped away grumbling, shaking her head. She couldn't BELIEVE the nerve of that monk…first informing her that even though HE was the one to do wrong, it was all her fault, and then insisting that she get away from his door? She was higher in the ranks than him…just who the hell did he think he is? Kagome rolled her eyes. "That's it, Miroku, if you don't talk to her, I will. And how'd you know it was her, anyway?"
Miroku seemed stunned, staring through the door in wonder. "I don't know…I just knew it was her. I'm not exactly sure how."
"Miroku, GET YOUR ASS OUT HERE!" Inuyasha shouted from the other side of the room. "And bring Kagome with you!"
Miroku chuckled to himself. "Alright, Inuyasha, we're coming." He turned and started to pack away his supplies, but spoke sternly while he worked. "Inuyasha's getting impatient. I suggest you brace yourself for the lecture of your life, because I think he wants to get going."
Kagome nodded, absently rubbing her arms. It would feel good to be near him for a little while. It would soothe her nerves.
She exited the room, nearly walking into her mate as he stood in the doorway with his arms crossed and eyebrows quirked. "Well, bout time. Let's go." Before letting her respond, he gripped her arm and pulled her around, back into the guest bedroom, and after shutting and locking the door he pulled her into a kiss.
Although Kagome was stunned she responded quickly, securing a tight grip around him. She processed that he was wearing only his sleeveless shirt right now, similar to the outfit that Miroku had convinced her to wear.
She decided then that she didn't mind not having a coat on. Inuyasha's hands were still tightly clutching her to him, skimming over her waist line to her hip. He seemed to be drawing something from her, but Kagome couldn't put her finger on it. She decided she didn't care, anyway.
He pulled back gently, pulling both his hands up to her shoulders and leaning his forehead against hers. He was quiet for a moment before closing his eyes. "You ready?"
Kagome held him tighter. "Yea."
He paused. "You smell scared."
"I'm nervous, that's all. I don't plan on backing out. I want to do this."
He sighed. "I know."
Kagome could feel him shiver when he exhaled, almost wondering if it was more of a tremble than it was a shiver.
"Please be very careful, Kagome. This is the first time you'll have to act your position like you're supposed to. It's also the first time that you'll probably be no where near me until the final part."
Kagome smirked, deciding to lighten the mood. "So you're scared, then?"
"I don't think that quite covers it." He shivered again and brought his hand around to the back of her head, pulling her into his chest. Her hold just tightened around his waist, and like a booming speaker she could feel his heart beating against his ribcage.
"I'll be fine, Inuyasha. Miroku gave me the instructions, the tools, and he will have ways to keep in contact with me at all times. I think I've got it somewhat covered."
"What if you run into Rin or Fluffy before the rest of us can get to him?"
"I'll use my gas bomb thingy and escape."
He laughed softly at her choice of words, rubbing his thumbs over the edge of her shoulders. "You're hilarious. Even in times like this, you're optimistic."
"If I don't do that, I'll go insane."
"Well then, I can't argue with you, now can I?" He kissed her forehead lightly and smiled down at her, actually looking into her eyes as she backed a little away from him. "If you pull this off, you could be watching the club for me while I run off on business trips."
She snorted, glaring up at him playfully. "Inuyasha, you know damn well if you leave this town I'm going to go with you. Your demon couldn't stand to be away from me that long."
He chuckled, running his fingers through the base of her hair. "I suppose that is true, but I'm saying that you'll be put right up there in the best of second in commands there ever was."
Kagome nodded and looked at her feet. "I love you, Inuyasha."
"Well thanks, I love you too, but don't start thinking that there's a chance we'll fail or we will. That's the first rule of a heist like this one."
"Noted."
He pulled completely out of her grip and reached into a bag that Kagome didn't notice him carrying. "Well, now you're going to get the same lecture you just got from the monk." He made a strange face. "Did he touch you?" He asked casually.
"He did. Just to make me promise to listen to him."
"How does touching you make you promise something? It doesn't work with me!" He pouted, almost like a little kid, and Kagome had to fight the urge of laughing at him.
"You don't do it with desperation in your eyes. Now, about that lecture?"
Inuyasha nodded once, forgetting the argument, and reached into his bag again. He pulled out something that Kagome had never seen before; a little black cube with a button on the top. "This I shall entrust to you."
"You sound like the monk."
"I'm not finished, shut up."
Kagome scoffed and sat down on the bed, crossing all her limbs as he continued.
"Ok, now, this is a bomb. You push the button it'll wait for three minutes before blowing everything to kingdom come. After we finish taking down Fluffy, you'll be the one to place it. And you will give the orders and we won't question you."
"We're going to blow Fluffy's entire club area?"
"Hell ya. It's trademark. There will be no chance of us leaving evidence."
"Well what's your reason for letting me drop the bomb?"
He looked at her carefully, leaning against the wall to see her reaction. "Tonight everything will be based on you. You will start and finish this mission. It's only right if you be the one to destroy his home, too."
Kagome stood slowly, gripping her chin in thought as she walked in front of him. "I know I start it, but how exactly will I finish it?"
"Well, deary, everyone else thinks that the only way to bring him down is to use your energy, magnified by us demons."
"See, I don't remember being involved in that conversation."
"You weren't, and I wasn't either. They did it after I went to sleep last night, because the monk and Sango were at it this morning and probably wouldn't cooperate if their lives depended on it. I was informed of it when you were getting lectured by Miroku."
"And you're ok with this?" She almost acted enraged. "If I use all my power destroying him, I won't be able to leave awake!"
"Yes you will. You will save some energy for yourself because you will have our help. Kira and Shippo are going to help, as well, no one will pass out afterwards."
Kagome shook her head. "I don't think I can do that…"
"Yes you can." Inuyasha stated. "You will beat them, you remember saving energy when you helped me? You can do that again."
"Oh god, Inuyasha…"
"Look…" He reached forward and grabbed her shoulder. "This whole mission is about doing things you didn't think possible. It's new to all of us. I mean look at how generous I'm being! I'm letting you do everything that everyone else believes only you can do." He blew his bangs out of his eyes. "I want you to at least try to do that, but if you can't I'll carry you out, alright?"
She sighed. "I'll do it, you shouldn't have to carry me. But if I get to be second in command for real from now on, I'm going to kill people that don't put me in the conversations that involve me."
"Thata girl, Kagome. Show them who's boss." He handed her the bomb and smiled toothily, showing off his lovely canine fangs that probably made most people who haven't heard of him think he's a vampire.
Kagome stuffed the bomb into a private pocket in the bag and sighed deeply. It was time to get going, and she was as ready as she would ever be. It looked like Inuyasha was, too. Hell, he was even smiling, although she could tell it was forced.
He ruffled her hair playfully like a little child. "Don't worry, Kagome, I think you'll do fine. Just as long as you listen to me and the monk, you'll do good."
"The monk is lower in the ranks, I shouldn't have to listen to him."
"He knows technology well, after you learn the ropes you can boss him around." He opened the door and nudged her out so they could join the group gathered around the coffee table on their knees, discussing quietly the plan of the evening.
Inuyasha and Kagome stood above them, both staring intently at the maps that had been laid out. Shippo glanced up at them and smirked. "Inuyasha, there's just one thing that we've changed."
"Well?"
"In order to get into this building without much problem, we need to go in separately. That means gathering from separate ends of the building. The only way to do that correctly would be to ride separate motorcycles so that a small group of us would not be spotted."
Sango broke in. "After riding the motorcycles, Miroku and Kagome will go tend to the power and the rest of us will hide. When the power is taken out, we will kill and destroy all humans in our way."
"After the humans are taken care of and Kagome and I return…" Miroku stood and pointed to a square that represented a room on the graph. "…we'll all meet up in this room and search for Fluffy or Rin, hoping only to hit them apart and not together. Together it will be too hard to dispose of them, so it must be one or the other."
"And we can't guarantee that there's no cameras that will be watching us, but even if there are we won't have time to take care of them. We'll just have to go on without any worries." Kira finished, adding the final touches to her braid as she pulled her hair out of her face.
Inuyasha sighed and glanced at them. "Well, it's good that you know exactly what you're doing, but when you said separate motorcycles, you mean that each of us drive a separate one?"
"Kira can't because she doesn't know how, but otherwise we each have our own." Miroku's explanation made Inuyasha nervous.
"Even Kagome?"
"She knows how to, Inuyasha, she did fine when she eluded us that one time."
Kagome smirked. "Oh goodie, I get to ride the BIG machine, daddy!"
"Are you sure you can?" Inuyasha turned to face her full on, watching her carefully for her reaction.
"Of course I can, it's like riding a bike. Once you learn, you never truly forget."
He shook his head and sighed. "Fine, fine…"
"Inuyasha…" Kira stood and crossed her arms, twitching her pointed ears with the sound of Shippo's uncharacteristic snort. "We're all about as ready as we can get tonight, but I think that you know nothing will go exactly as planned. We have to plan on getting hurt, and we have to plan on loosing track of time and everything."
"I know, Kira…"
"I know you know, that's clearly plastered on your face. You need to accept that fact before we go anywhere."
He glared at her. "I'm the boss, I should be telling you what to do not vise-versa."
"Well you're the one with the most at risk, here."
Kagome growled, almost inhumanly. "Shut up, Kira, we know that already."
"Very well." She marched away into the kitchen, grabbing a bottle of beer off the counter for one last drink before the mission.
Miroku clapped his hands together in optimism, shrugging carelessly as he stared at Inuyasha. "Well, Inuyasha, I have nothing to do at the moment. We are short three motorcycles, so I volunteer to get one. If I take two people on mine and you take one on yours, we can get three more and bring them back so we can go."
Shippo glanced at Kira while she still browsed in the kitchen. "Meaning since you can't drive one, you'll be waiting here. Can you handle it?"
"Shippo, I am a Kitsune that has spent most of her life alone, what makes you think I can't handle a few moments by myself?"
"Just checking, dear."
She scowled at him, continuing her search for some beer while muttering something about her dating an imbecile.
"Shippo's bigger, Monk, he'll ride with you. As long as Kagome has to ride with someone, she's riding with me, and Sango doesn't get along with you right now so she'll be with me, too."
"Very well, Inuyasha." He didn't sound impressed or disappointed, and Kagome's guess was that they still haven't talked to each other. Pity…I really hoped they would talk and stop being such sticks in the mud. "Come on, I want to get this over with." Inuyasha slipped his coat on and glanced at his four companions. "Everyone wear coats. We have to watch our ass's tonight over near our club. Chances are people are still looking for us." He opened the door and out he went, leaving it wide open as the rest followed him.
Kagome walked along side Sango and nudged her carefully. "Sango, do you think we're still being searched for?"
"It's been one day completely, they'll still be looking but not nearly as hard. We should be safe for a while."
Kagome watched as her feet kicked a rock in front of her. "Sango…what are you and Miroku arguing about?"
"Kagome, I don't want to talk about it."
"I'm not asking you to tell me, I'm telling you."
"Boy, aren't you starting to take your position seriously…" She rubbed her eyes and glanced ahead, making sure that Miroku was out of earshot. He was talking to Inuyasha as they headed towards the storage sheds, apparently asking him something ridiculous by the look of impatience on his face. "Miroku's the one who did something wrong, I just accidentally said something about it. If we lied, Inuyasha would have known it, so I don't see his problem. He started yelling at me this morning for mentioning it and I informed him that it was just as much his fault as my own. He doesn't believe me, but it's true."
"I think you should talk about it with him."
"I don't think that's possible, our talking sessions make my ears hurt."
"Sango, don't make me make you talk to him. If you two are still fighting when we win, it'll spoil the moment."
Sango shook her head. "I'm not the one who has to do the talking, it's him."
"Inuyasha…"
"Not now, Shippo."
"Inuyasha."
"NOT now."
"But Inuyasha…"
"FUCK! WHAT!"
"People, over there, if we don't hurry they'll see us and report us."
"Awe shit…everyone break into a jog. Kagome, you can jog, right?"
She scowled and broke into a run, racing in front of everyone else and sticking her tongue out at him on the way. He rolled his eyes and used demon speed to beat them all to the shed, leaning on the correct door and waiting for a few moments before Kagome showed up.
She glared at him upon arrival from the four-block run. "I hate you." She panted, reaching over to help control her breathing.
"Ah, but you proved you could jog."
"I still hate you."
"Inuyasha, open the shed, we need to get moving." Miroku stated upon arriving into the area. Shippo and Sango had been chatting happily while they jogged, making their arrival all the more aggravating to Inuyasha.
"Well, it's good you guys had time to chat, now let's get going and do what we came here to do." He pushed open the door and mounted a motorcycle, scooting up as far as he could while still having control of the bike. "Get on girls, let's go."
Kagome climbed on behind him and Sango behind her, holding on as tightly as possible. Miroku and Shippo got on their bike, and were right behind Inuyasha when he started his up and took off.
Kagome leaned her head against Inuyasha's back, letting the fingers that were holding him around the waist explore the muscles on his chest. She couldn't see it, but he smirked almost arrogantly and purred in response, resisting any urge to let go of the bike and touch her hands. Her smile grew at feeling his purr, and she turned her face more so that her cheek rested on his back.
She really hoped that she could prove herself. Today was the test of all tests. It was either do this, or die…she hoped it wasn't die…
*~*~*^_^*~*~*
"Alright, everyone follow me!" Inuyasha revved his motorcycle and took off, slowly at first so that those who weren't used to riding could get used to it again. Kagome was right behind him, and after the slow start off she managed to get the hang of it. After all, she had only driven a motorcycle once in the past five years, and at that time her own sanity had been questionable. She had thought for certain that she would crash, or so she thought until she rode the bike again. Hey, maybe I can do this after all…
The group followed Inuyasha single file, each wearing their own helmet in hopes of not being recognized so easily. Inuyasha tested them to make sure that each of his comrades could hear him. "Oi, can everyone hear me? Speak if you can."
Receiving a "Hai." from each person, Inuyasha nodded once in response. "Ok, listen up. After we pick up Kira, we're going to discuss our plans on the way up. Miroku, you and Kagome will be together for the most part, right?"
"Hai, Inuyasha. In order for her to cut the electricity, I must assist her."
"Good, Kagome, you've never been to Fluffy's club. I want you to follow Miroku when I tell you to, ok?"
"No problem."
"As soon as we get there, if you're missing something you better remember it now because you won't have time to come back for it. I'll give everyone two minutes when we get there to make sure. Is that clear?"
"Crystal." Kagome stated, looking around herself. "What about the case of cops tailing us, Inuyasha?"
"If we catch cops following us, the person who sees them will scream "break" and we'll all take off. I ain't gonna let some stupid cops ruin it for us. This is a once in a lifetime chance, if we screw up this time then Sesshomaru would know what to do next time. We'd have to come up with something else, and I don't want to waste my time doing that."
Miroku cleared his throat routinely. "I have the rest of our club waiting for our return to give us medical aide, Inuyasha. We will no doubt need it after tonight's assignment."
"Yea, yea, Miroku, they don't know what we're doing though, right?"
"Right. I just told them that I would need assistance after a short mission and to be prepared. They're all a little restless cause they haven't been in any good missions for a while."
"They'll get plenty if we make it out ok." Inuyasha turned down the street to the cabin and pulled to a stop out front, waiting briefly as everyone slowed and followed suit.
Kagome surprised herself by stopping without any problems. There was just one thing she wanted to grab before they left…"I shall return, Inuyasha."
"Don't take too long. Remember, two minutes."
Nodding, she ran inside, seeing Kira typing ferociously on her laptop. "Hey! What are you doing on my computer!"
"My apologies, oh wise one, but I wanted to do something very quickly. I haven't meddled in anything of yours." Turning off the laptop, she rose and strapped a belt full of tools and weapons around her slender waist. "I'm ready."
"Go out there, then. I have to grab something." As soon as Kira had left her, Kagome retreated over to the pile of discarded clothing on the floor. Out of Inuyasha's old coat (she guessed he was now wearing one of Miroku's), she pulled out a hand-held device that should allow her to program certain things into the electricity. If she remembered correctly, her father was even the one to help design this baby.
It would prove very useful.
A voice in her head woke her from her thoughts. Move it, Kagome, you're running late!
I'm coming, Inuyasha, keep your pants on.
Oh, fine, if you insist. Just hurry your ass out here!
Hai, my dearest.
Stuffing the device into her front pocket, Kagome strode out of the home, mentally preparing herself for the experience of a lifetime. It all depended on her and her abilities; the ultimate test on her self-worth. She had to be able to do it without many problems, or it would be the end for all six of them.
Kagome had never been more nervous in her life. She was about to embark upon a journey that would either make or break Inuyasha's gang forever.
- *~*~*^_^*~*~*
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