A/N: Yay! More reviews! I thrive on these, guys. ^_^; Well, here's the next chappy, and hopefully, it'll be a good one!
Goaku: The Five Deadly Sins of Buddhism
By Aiko
Shi- Oh, What a Tangled Web We Weave
~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Kagome rolled over in her bed until she faced the small pink alarm clock. Its cheery rose-tinted hands indicated that it was just turning 8 a.m. The sun poured into her room through her thin white curtains, warming her very soul. She could hear the coffee percolating, and the pan crackling. The smell of bacon permeated the air, as the sound of soft footsteps padded ever closer to her bedroom.
"Kagome," a soft voice sang, "it's time to get up, sweetie."
The girl smiled and stretched as she sat up in her bed. Her mom left her doorway and headed downstairs. The sun, the food, the love, ahhh, life was great!
Yeah right.
Kagome lay still on the cold hard mattress, staring at the plain concrete wall. She sighed and blinked away the tiredness that lingered. She sat up and glanced around her bare room. The sun didn't even shine in there, for there was a building obstructing its path.
You see, ever since "the Incident", as she, Sota, and her grandfather euphemistically referred to it, Kagome's life had taken a turn for the worst. Because living at the shrine was too hard for them, they were forced to move out. This complicated things because, since her grandfather made virtually no money, they had to move into a small condo on the bad side of town. And on top of that, her grandfather had fallen into a deep depression, and had taken to drinking, so each time she came home, she found him in a drunken stupor. To support them, she had to take a job as a waitress, working late hours to get little more than minimum wage.
And to top it all off, she was still bent on revenge for her mother. Above all else, she wanted to find her killer. That's why, as she got out of bed, and pulled on her clothes, she was set upon seeing Inu-Yasha, to see if any new information had been found, and if she could help with anything.
She pushed her door open, which took some force since it always seemed to stick, and walked to the coat closet. She opened it up and pulled out her jacket.
"Kagome, my sweet granddaughter..." a voice slurred behind her, "You've always been such a good girl..."
Kagome spun around, only to see her grandfather leaning back into the couch with a sake bottle pressed to his lips. She sighed. "Grandpa," she had a hurt look in her eyes, "I thought you said you wouldn't drink today."
He shrugged and tried to suppress a drunken grin. "I forgot?" He giggled like a little child.
Kagome felt tears burning the back of her eyes. 'Why am I crying,' she asked herself, 'I know he can't change, so why?' Suddenly, she heard a rustling behind her.
Souta rubbed his eyes and yawned. He was about thirteen and his hair was a mess. He never seemed to keep up with his appearance anymore, ever since "it" happened.
Kagome walked up to the sleepy adolescent and knelt by him, whispering into his ear. "Souta, listen closely. I want you to go to your friend's house, and don't you even TRY to come home before I come pick you up. He's in one of his slumps again. Do you understand?" Her voice was strict, but not demanding or intimidating.
The boy nodded tiredly and stretched. "See ya later, sis."
Kagome smiled. "See ya later, Souta." She quickly hugged him and walked out of the house, her heels clicking softly against the floor. She shut the flimsy wooden door behind her, entered her car, and drove off with one destination in mind.
******************************
Inu-Yasha turned the corner, and the position of the sun was a little less than favorable. He pulled down the visor and looked to the passenger.
Shippou shifted in the seat and looked up at Inu-Yasha, scowling slightly. "What're you looking at?"
The detective shrugged and smiled slightly. "Oh nothing, nothing. I was just wondering about something..."
The little delinquent now grew curious. "'Bout what?" He adjusted the raggedy green bandana on his forehead.
Inu-Yasha looked to him. "Well, I was just wondering why you and Kouga don't-I mean didn't look that much alike. And about the killer, things like that."
Shippou's face became serious. "Well, Kouga and I weren't REALLY related. I was kinda his...adopted brother. After two of his gang's members, Hiten and Manten, killed my parents, he took me under his wing and I became his brother of sorts," the child's eyes glazed over and he assumed a far-off look, "Kouga was the leader of the Okami Gang, and he was honored and respected by all the members of his gang, and of all the other gangs in the area. Being his "brother", nothing could touch me. If news got to Kouga that I was even so much as accidentally glanced at, man, you may as well have made your funeral reservations." Shippou paused for a moment, and let out a wavering sigh.
Inu-Yasha's heart went out to the kid. Sure, he was a brat, but did he really deserve all this tragedy? "You don't have to tell me anymore if you don't want to, Shippou."
The jaded child shook his head, determined to finish his story. "No. I can do it." He ran his finger through his fiery hair. "Well, that night, Kouga and I went into the house like we always did. We had just come back from a mugging, and it's safe to say that we were pretty happy with ourselves. Anyway, as we headed into the living room, Kouga stopped in his tracks and looked to me. His voice was very, very low; I could barely hear him. He said to me, "Shippou, I think I heard somethin'... Get into the closet, now!" So I did. I heard him shout curses and threats to an invisible person. He was obviously trying to get him to come out. But then, I didn't hear him anymore. He had stopped mid-curse, so I cracked open the door of the cabinet open a little. I saw Kouga sitting in a chair, and a man was hovering over his face. I could hear a disgusting scraping and ripping noise. Then, when the man pulled away, I saw Kouga's face. I mean... Well, you know. I had to bite my hand to make sure I didn't scream. After five minutes, I didn't see the guy, and was about to leave the closet, when he came back and passed right by me. He looked like he was carrying some buckets full of something, and some towels and paintbrushes. Then, he painted the walls with it. It was blood. And I...I..." The little child could no longer contain it. His body was wracked with sobs.
Inu-Yasha, not usually one to be considered the "sensitive" type, uncomfortably reached his hand out and patted Shippou's shoulder. "We're here, kid," he said quietly, as he parked the car.
******************************
"No." Sango had her usual irritated expression spread across her face as she flipped through the papers and headed down the hall, her heels resounding through the narrow passageway.
Miroku followed close behind her, his head peering over her shoulder. "Please?" he begged.
The woman kept her cool, and said nonchalantly, "No." She continued down to the door as if nothing had been said.
The lecher stayed steadily behind her. He then jogged slightly to walk beside her. "Please?"
She finally reached her destination by Inu-Yasha's door and leaned against the wall to wait for him. "No."
Miroku stopped as well, leaning beside her as his arm snuck across her shoulders. "Please?"
Sango was fed up with it by now. "ARGH! NO! NO! I will NOT bear your child!" As soon as she had had her outburst, Inu-Yasha had reached his partners.
He unlocked the door, chuckling to himself. He pulled it open, allowing a huffy Sango to enter first. "Always a ladies man, eh Miroku?"
Miroku shrugged. "She loves me, she just doesn't know it yet." He winked and followed the woman in.
Inu-Yasha said under his breath, "You're something else, Miroku. Just haven't figured out what..." He went in, Shippou close behind him.
Sango was sitting on the corner of Inu-Yasha's desk, her arms folded across her chest. "So, you find out anything new?"
Inu-Yasha nodded, lowering into his seat behind the metal desk. "A few things. Shippou here says that the man was about my height, maybe a little taller," he counted off the things on a checklist in his head, "He was wearing a jacket and it had a little symbol on it. Shippou, would you mind drawing it for us?" He pushed a pen and some blank paper toward the kid.
Shippou nodded and took the supplies, busying himself with remembering the things he so longed to forget. He began to scribble heatedly.
The detective continued. "He says that the killer wore a mask. The mask was some sort of animal, but it was dark, so he couldn't see it very well. That's all he told me so far."
"There was another person with him." Shippou still concentrated on his paper, not even looking up.
All three of the adults looked to him, their eyes wide with interest and surprise. "What?!" Inu-Yasha said.
The delinquent looked up. "Yeah. There was another guy with him."
Miroku stepped toward the kid. "W-what did he look like?"
Shippou put the blunt end of the pen to his chin in thought. "Well, he was about sixteen or so. He wore a mask too, so I couldn't really tell you about his face. He was a little shorter than Sango, I'd say. And he had...black hair, I think. Maybe dark brown, I dunno. But it was up in a ponytail." He punctuated with a nod.
Sango lifted from her spot. "So, there was an accomplice? That's interesting," she mused, "I think I'll go re-check the crime scene...ALONE." As she said the last word, she shot a death glare at Miroku.
Suddenly, there was a timid knock on the door. Sango gently pulled it open to reveal Kagome.
"K-Kagome?" Inu-Yasha stuttered. "Uh, what brings you here?"
Kagome smiled slightly as she entered the room. "I just wanted come down here to see if there was anything I can help with. Am I intruding?"
Inu-Yasha shook his head. "No, no, not at all. We do have some new information on the case though, thanks to the new anthropologist, Sango Yuushin." He pointed to the woman who had opened to door.
Sango smiled. "I was just on my way out. Just so you know, I'm doing everything in my power to help solve this case. I'll see you later." And with that, she exited the room, waving a little.
"See you later, my love!" Miroku called after her.
Sango yelled back, "Shut up, you moron!" and continued to leave.
Inu-Yasha rolled his eyes, and Shippou jumped up. "I'm done, Inu-Yasha." He handed him the finished rendering.
Kagome peeked at the picture and looked as if she recognized it. "Oh yeah, I know that symbol. It's the Boujo Dojo logo. They exterminated at my house before..." she trailed off.
Inu-Yasha thought for a moment. "Miroku, can you go check up on this 'Boujo Dojo' place?"
Miroku nodded. "Sure thing, boss," he said sarcastically, "What was the exterminator's name, Kagome?"
Kagome shook her head. "I...don't remember. Sorry. It was something with an 'n'. I don't really recall..."
Miroku shrugged. "It's okay. I'll figure it out." And on that note, he left.
"Huh," Inu-Yasha said, amused, "I'm surprised he didn't hit on you again, Kagome." He laughed and walked over to her.
She laughed as well. "Yeah...damn!" She laughed again, indicating she was kidding, and settling Inu-Yasha's nerves.
******************************
Sango, meanwhile, was just entering her car. She reached over and buckled her seat belt. When she looked up, she saw Miroku sitting in the passenger seat, grinning moronically, and his presence in HER car nearly gave her a heart attack. She jumped back a little.
"Oh my Kami, Miroku!" she was frightened beyond belief. She slapped his shoulder and scowled at him.
"What?" he asked innocently. "I need a ride to the 'Boujo Dojo' and, since it's on the way to Kouga's house, I figured you'd give me a ride...unless you don't want to, that is." He gave her a sad and dejected look.
"Fine! I'll give you a ride," she said, defeated. "I suppose that means I have to pick you up?" She began to pull out of her parking spot. And then they were off.
After five minutes of complete silence, Miroku was the first to speak. "Sooo, Sango my dear, tell me a little about yourself."
Sango kept her eyes on the road. "Why would I want to do that? And don't call me 'your dear'."
"Aw, c'mon!" Miroku begged, "Just to fill the dead air?" He smiled broadly at her.
Sango side-glanced at him and gave in. "Oh fine. What do you want to know?" She tugged the steering wheel to the right, turning the corner.
Miroku waved his hand in the air. "You know, the basics. Your family history, how your life is, etcetera."
The woman sighed and thought for a moment. "Well, let's see...I'm twenty-one years old, I have a cat named Kirara, and I live alone."
The lecher raised his eyebrows in implication. "That can be remedied."
"Shut up." Sango said, almost pleadingly. "Anyway, I when I turned 18, I was accepted into S.J. University."
Miroku sounded mildly intrigued. "Oh really? There's a lot of competition to get into there."
Sango nodded. "Yeah. I dropped out." She looked to him, and held her hand up to wave off any questions. "I'm sure you're wondering why. I guess I'll have to tell you, won't I? Well, it was on my nineteenth birthday. I was coming home for the first time in a couple of months, and I was actually pretty excited to finally see my family. But when I came, my brother Kohaku and I got into a fight. I...don't quite remember what it was about. I think it was about some gang he had joined or something like that. He had changed so much in that year I was gone. He nearly sickened me," she shook the thought out of her head, "A-anyway, I stormed out of the house and stayed out for a few hours to get my thoughts straight, clear my head, you know, that sort of thing. And when I came home, I pulled open the door and..." She bit her lip, trying to forget the pain.
"It's okay, Sango, you don't have to tell me," the man beside her said, barely above a whisper.
The woman shook her head. "No, it's fine. What I saw was...was...something not too different from the two crime scenes we visited. They were dead...both of my parents. But Kohaku was nowhere to be seen. He hadn't even left a trace. When I went to his room, all of his clothes were gone. It was as if...he had never existed. And I haven't seen him since. From that day forward, I vowed to devote my life to justice and helping solve murders and the like. I just hope that one day, I can find my parents' killer..." She finished on an almost heroic note, as the car slowed to a stop.
Sympathy filled Miroku's eyes as he rested his hand on Sango's shoulder. "I...I'm sorry, Sango. I had no idea."
Sango tried to seem as stoic as possible. 'He couldn't possibly care,' she thought to herself, 'He's just trying to get into my pants.' She didn't pull it of very well, but she came across slightly nonchalant. "Here you are: Boujo Dojo. I'll come pick you up when I'm done at the crime scene."
Miroku got out of the car and stood by Sango's window, leaning in. "All right, I suppose I'll be seeing you later." He grinned roguishly and as he stepped away from the car. He began to head toward the looming building. "Oh, and by the way," he commented as he came to a halt, his back still toward her, "I really do care." He looked over his shoulder as Sango drove away quickly, causing his hair to blow wildly into his face.
******************************
Sango drove away just in time for her partner to miss the tear rolling down her cheek. She sighed inwardly as she drew ever closer to the crime scene. "I will find you one day, Kohaku."
When she reached her destination, her heart beat faster, as if she expected something. What, she didn't know. She slowly stepped through the beaded doorway and proceeded at a slow crawl through the whole crime scene, examining every little detail for some sign. She checked every inch of every room, with thorough and meticulous scrutiny. Nothing.
Kouga's body still hadn't been removed, for it had only been one day, and the team hadn't come. She shuddered as she neared it, dreading the sight. Sango closed her eyes tightly and held her breath as she passed the decaying corpse. When she finally opened her eyes, something glinted in the light, momentarily blinding her. "Huh?" she mouthed to herself. She knelt on the ground, trying to find the source of the shimmering.
Ah! There it was again! She slid her hands across the floor, groping like a blind man in the dark. Finally, her hand met something smooth and cool. She pulled it up to her line of vision and studied it. It looked like an ordinary pocketknife, the kind you could buy at any novelty store, and yet it looked strangely familiar. There was some kind of lettering on it, but the blood on it was covering it up. This had obviously been the knife that was used to scrape the faces off the victims.
Sango walked over to the kitchen sink and rinsed the blood from the curvy golden letters. When it was sufficiently cleaned, she couldn't believe her eyes.
"No," she said aloud, "it can't be..."
The letters read: K.Y.
"K-Kohaku?!"
A/N: Oooo! Cliffie! ^^; I hope you liked this chappy. Not too much action, but hey, all action and no substance would become boring, wouldn't it? Okay, well, anyway, please R&R, and I'll love you forever!!!
Goaku: The Five Deadly Sins of Buddhism
By Aiko
Shi- Oh, What a Tangled Web We Weave
~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Kagome rolled over in her bed until she faced the small pink alarm clock. Its cheery rose-tinted hands indicated that it was just turning 8 a.m. The sun poured into her room through her thin white curtains, warming her very soul. She could hear the coffee percolating, and the pan crackling. The smell of bacon permeated the air, as the sound of soft footsteps padded ever closer to her bedroom.
"Kagome," a soft voice sang, "it's time to get up, sweetie."
The girl smiled and stretched as she sat up in her bed. Her mom left her doorway and headed downstairs. The sun, the food, the love, ahhh, life was great!
Yeah right.
Kagome lay still on the cold hard mattress, staring at the plain concrete wall. She sighed and blinked away the tiredness that lingered. She sat up and glanced around her bare room. The sun didn't even shine in there, for there was a building obstructing its path.
You see, ever since "the Incident", as she, Sota, and her grandfather euphemistically referred to it, Kagome's life had taken a turn for the worst. Because living at the shrine was too hard for them, they were forced to move out. This complicated things because, since her grandfather made virtually no money, they had to move into a small condo on the bad side of town. And on top of that, her grandfather had fallen into a deep depression, and had taken to drinking, so each time she came home, she found him in a drunken stupor. To support them, she had to take a job as a waitress, working late hours to get little more than minimum wage.
And to top it all off, she was still bent on revenge for her mother. Above all else, she wanted to find her killer. That's why, as she got out of bed, and pulled on her clothes, she was set upon seeing Inu-Yasha, to see if any new information had been found, and if she could help with anything.
She pushed her door open, which took some force since it always seemed to stick, and walked to the coat closet. She opened it up and pulled out her jacket.
"Kagome, my sweet granddaughter..." a voice slurred behind her, "You've always been such a good girl..."
Kagome spun around, only to see her grandfather leaning back into the couch with a sake bottle pressed to his lips. She sighed. "Grandpa," she had a hurt look in her eyes, "I thought you said you wouldn't drink today."
He shrugged and tried to suppress a drunken grin. "I forgot?" He giggled like a little child.
Kagome felt tears burning the back of her eyes. 'Why am I crying,' she asked herself, 'I know he can't change, so why?' Suddenly, she heard a rustling behind her.
Souta rubbed his eyes and yawned. He was about thirteen and his hair was a mess. He never seemed to keep up with his appearance anymore, ever since "it" happened.
Kagome walked up to the sleepy adolescent and knelt by him, whispering into his ear. "Souta, listen closely. I want you to go to your friend's house, and don't you even TRY to come home before I come pick you up. He's in one of his slumps again. Do you understand?" Her voice was strict, but not demanding or intimidating.
The boy nodded tiredly and stretched. "See ya later, sis."
Kagome smiled. "See ya later, Souta." She quickly hugged him and walked out of the house, her heels clicking softly against the floor. She shut the flimsy wooden door behind her, entered her car, and drove off with one destination in mind.
******************************
Inu-Yasha turned the corner, and the position of the sun was a little less than favorable. He pulled down the visor and looked to the passenger.
Shippou shifted in the seat and looked up at Inu-Yasha, scowling slightly. "What're you looking at?"
The detective shrugged and smiled slightly. "Oh nothing, nothing. I was just wondering about something..."
The little delinquent now grew curious. "'Bout what?" He adjusted the raggedy green bandana on his forehead.
Inu-Yasha looked to him. "Well, I was just wondering why you and Kouga don't-I mean didn't look that much alike. And about the killer, things like that."
Shippou's face became serious. "Well, Kouga and I weren't REALLY related. I was kinda his...adopted brother. After two of his gang's members, Hiten and Manten, killed my parents, he took me under his wing and I became his brother of sorts," the child's eyes glazed over and he assumed a far-off look, "Kouga was the leader of the Okami Gang, and he was honored and respected by all the members of his gang, and of all the other gangs in the area. Being his "brother", nothing could touch me. If news got to Kouga that I was even so much as accidentally glanced at, man, you may as well have made your funeral reservations." Shippou paused for a moment, and let out a wavering sigh.
Inu-Yasha's heart went out to the kid. Sure, he was a brat, but did he really deserve all this tragedy? "You don't have to tell me anymore if you don't want to, Shippou."
The jaded child shook his head, determined to finish his story. "No. I can do it." He ran his finger through his fiery hair. "Well, that night, Kouga and I went into the house like we always did. We had just come back from a mugging, and it's safe to say that we were pretty happy with ourselves. Anyway, as we headed into the living room, Kouga stopped in his tracks and looked to me. His voice was very, very low; I could barely hear him. He said to me, "Shippou, I think I heard somethin'... Get into the closet, now!" So I did. I heard him shout curses and threats to an invisible person. He was obviously trying to get him to come out. But then, I didn't hear him anymore. He had stopped mid-curse, so I cracked open the door of the cabinet open a little. I saw Kouga sitting in a chair, and a man was hovering over his face. I could hear a disgusting scraping and ripping noise. Then, when the man pulled away, I saw Kouga's face. I mean... Well, you know. I had to bite my hand to make sure I didn't scream. After five minutes, I didn't see the guy, and was about to leave the closet, when he came back and passed right by me. He looked like he was carrying some buckets full of something, and some towels and paintbrushes. Then, he painted the walls with it. It was blood. And I...I..." The little child could no longer contain it. His body was wracked with sobs.
Inu-Yasha, not usually one to be considered the "sensitive" type, uncomfortably reached his hand out and patted Shippou's shoulder. "We're here, kid," he said quietly, as he parked the car.
******************************
"No." Sango had her usual irritated expression spread across her face as she flipped through the papers and headed down the hall, her heels resounding through the narrow passageway.
Miroku followed close behind her, his head peering over her shoulder. "Please?" he begged.
The woman kept her cool, and said nonchalantly, "No." She continued down to the door as if nothing had been said.
The lecher stayed steadily behind her. He then jogged slightly to walk beside her. "Please?"
She finally reached her destination by Inu-Yasha's door and leaned against the wall to wait for him. "No."
Miroku stopped as well, leaning beside her as his arm snuck across her shoulders. "Please?"
Sango was fed up with it by now. "ARGH! NO! NO! I will NOT bear your child!" As soon as she had had her outburst, Inu-Yasha had reached his partners.
He unlocked the door, chuckling to himself. He pulled it open, allowing a huffy Sango to enter first. "Always a ladies man, eh Miroku?"
Miroku shrugged. "She loves me, she just doesn't know it yet." He winked and followed the woman in.
Inu-Yasha said under his breath, "You're something else, Miroku. Just haven't figured out what..." He went in, Shippou close behind him.
Sango was sitting on the corner of Inu-Yasha's desk, her arms folded across her chest. "So, you find out anything new?"
Inu-Yasha nodded, lowering into his seat behind the metal desk. "A few things. Shippou here says that the man was about my height, maybe a little taller," he counted off the things on a checklist in his head, "He was wearing a jacket and it had a little symbol on it. Shippou, would you mind drawing it for us?" He pushed a pen and some blank paper toward the kid.
Shippou nodded and took the supplies, busying himself with remembering the things he so longed to forget. He began to scribble heatedly.
The detective continued. "He says that the killer wore a mask. The mask was some sort of animal, but it was dark, so he couldn't see it very well. That's all he told me so far."
"There was another person with him." Shippou still concentrated on his paper, not even looking up.
All three of the adults looked to him, their eyes wide with interest and surprise. "What?!" Inu-Yasha said.
The delinquent looked up. "Yeah. There was another guy with him."
Miroku stepped toward the kid. "W-what did he look like?"
Shippou put the blunt end of the pen to his chin in thought. "Well, he was about sixteen or so. He wore a mask too, so I couldn't really tell you about his face. He was a little shorter than Sango, I'd say. And he had...black hair, I think. Maybe dark brown, I dunno. But it was up in a ponytail." He punctuated with a nod.
Sango lifted from her spot. "So, there was an accomplice? That's interesting," she mused, "I think I'll go re-check the crime scene...ALONE." As she said the last word, she shot a death glare at Miroku.
Suddenly, there was a timid knock on the door. Sango gently pulled it open to reveal Kagome.
"K-Kagome?" Inu-Yasha stuttered. "Uh, what brings you here?"
Kagome smiled slightly as she entered the room. "I just wanted come down here to see if there was anything I can help with. Am I intruding?"
Inu-Yasha shook his head. "No, no, not at all. We do have some new information on the case though, thanks to the new anthropologist, Sango Yuushin." He pointed to the woman who had opened to door.
Sango smiled. "I was just on my way out. Just so you know, I'm doing everything in my power to help solve this case. I'll see you later." And with that, she exited the room, waving a little.
"See you later, my love!" Miroku called after her.
Sango yelled back, "Shut up, you moron!" and continued to leave.
Inu-Yasha rolled his eyes, and Shippou jumped up. "I'm done, Inu-Yasha." He handed him the finished rendering.
Kagome peeked at the picture and looked as if she recognized it. "Oh yeah, I know that symbol. It's the Boujo Dojo logo. They exterminated at my house before..." she trailed off.
Inu-Yasha thought for a moment. "Miroku, can you go check up on this 'Boujo Dojo' place?"
Miroku nodded. "Sure thing, boss," he said sarcastically, "What was the exterminator's name, Kagome?"
Kagome shook her head. "I...don't remember. Sorry. It was something with an 'n'. I don't really recall..."
Miroku shrugged. "It's okay. I'll figure it out." And on that note, he left.
"Huh," Inu-Yasha said, amused, "I'm surprised he didn't hit on you again, Kagome." He laughed and walked over to her.
She laughed as well. "Yeah...damn!" She laughed again, indicating she was kidding, and settling Inu-Yasha's nerves.
******************************
Sango, meanwhile, was just entering her car. She reached over and buckled her seat belt. When she looked up, she saw Miroku sitting in the passenger seat, grinning moronically, and his presence in HER car nearly gave her a heart attack. She jumped back a little.
"Oh my Kami, Miroku!" she was frightened beyond belief. She slapped his shoulder and scowled at him.
"What?" he asked innocently. "I need a ride to the 'Boujo Dojo' and, since it's on the way to Kouga's house, I figured you'd give me a ride...unless you don't want to, that is." He gave her a sad and dejected look.
"Fine! I'll give you a ride," she said, defeated. "I suppose that means I have to pick you up?" She began to pull out of her parking spot. And then they were off.
After five minutes of complete silence, Miroku was the first to speak. "Sooo, Sango my dear, tell me a little about yourself."
Sango kept her eyes on the road. "Why would I want to do that? And don't call me 'your dear'."
"Aw, c'mon!" Miroku begged, "Just to fill the dead air?" He smiled broadly at her.
Sango side-glanced at him and gave in. "Oh fine. What do you want to know?" She tugged the steering wheel to the right, turning the corner.
Miroku waved his hand in the air. "You know, the basics. Your family history, how your life is, etcetera."
The woman sighed and thought for a moment. "Well, let's see...I'm twenty-one years old, I have a cat named Kirara, and I live alone."
The lecher raised his eyebrows in implication. "That can be remedied."
"Shut up." Sango said, almost pleadingly. "Anyway, I when I turned 18, I was accepted into S.J. University."
Miroku sounded mildly intrigued. "Oh really? There's a lot of competition to get into there."
Sango nodded. "Yeah. I dropped out." She looked to him, and held her hand up to wave off any questions. "I'm sure you're wondering why. I guess I'll have to tell you, won't I? Well, it was on my nineteenth birthday. I was coming home for the first time in a couple of months, and I was actually pretty excited to finally see my family. But when I came, my brother Kohaku and I got into a fight. I...don't quite remember what it was about. I think it was about some gang he had joined or something like that. He had changed so much in that year I was gone. He nearly sickened me," she shook the thought out of her head, "A-anyway, I stormed out of the house and stayed out for a few hours to get my thoughts straight, clear my head, you know, that sort of thing. And when I came home, I pulled open the door and..." She bit her lip, trying to forget the pain.
"It's okay, Sango, you don't have to tell me," the man beside her said, barely above a whisper.
The woman shook her head. "No, it's fine. What I saw was...was...something not too different from the two crime scenes we visited. They were dead...both of my parents. But Kohaku was nowhere to be seen. He hadn't even left a trace. When I went to his room, all of his clothes were gone. It was as if...he had never existed. And I haven't seen him since. From that day forward, I vowed to devote my life to justice and helping solve murders and the like. I just hope that one day, I can find my parents' killer..." She finished on an almost heroic note, as the car slowed to a stop.
Sympathy filled Miroku's eyes as he rested his hand on Sango's shoulder. "I...I'm sorry, Sango. I had no idea."
Sango tried to seem as stoic as possible. 'He couldn't possibly care,' she thought to herself, 'He's just trying to get into my pants.' She didn't pull it of very well, but she came across slightly nonchalant. "Here you are: Boujo Dojo. I'll come pick you up when I'm done at the crime scene."
Miroku got out of the car and stood by Sango's window, leaning in. "All right, I suppose I'll be seeing you later." He grinned roguishly and as he stepped away from the car. He began to head toward the looming building. "Oh, and by the way," he commented as he came to a halt, his back still toward her, "I really do care." He looked over his shoulder as Sango drove away quickly, causing his hair to blow wildly into his face.
******************************
Sango drove away just in time for her partner to miss the tear rolling down her cheek. She sighed inwardly as she drew ever closer to the crime scene. "I will find you one day, Kohaku."
When she reached her destination, her heart beat faster, as if she expected something. What, she didn't know. She slowly stepped through the beaded doorway and proceeded at a slow crawl through the whole crime scene, examining every little detail for some sign. She checked every inch of every room, with thorough and meticulous scrutiny. Nothing.
Kouga's body still hadn't been removed, for it had only been one day, and the team hadn't come. She shuddered as she neared it, dreading the sight. Sango closed her eyes tightly and held her breath as she passed the decaying corpse. When she finally opened her eyes, something glinted in the light, momentarily blinding her. "Huh?" she mouthed to herself. She knelt on the ground, trying to find the source of the shimmering.
Ah! There it was again! She slid her hands across the floor, groping like a blind man in the dark. Finally, her hand met something smooth and cool. She pulled it up to her line of vision and studied it. It looked like an ordinary pocketknife, the kind you could buy at any novelty store, and yet it looked strangely familiar. There was some kind of lettering on it, but the blood on it was covering it up. This had obviously been the knife that was used to scrape the faces off the victims.
Sango walked over to the kitchen sink and rinsed the blood from the curvy golden letters. When it was sufficiently cleaned, she couldn't believe her eyes.
"No," she said aloud, "it can't be..."
The letters read: K.Y.
"K-Kohaku?!"
A/N: Oooo! Cliffie! ^^; I hope you liked this chappy. Not too much action, but hey, all action and no substance would become boring, wouldn't it? Okay, well, anyway, please R&R, and I'll love you forever!!!