Most Important Mission - Chapter 17 By: Sakura Katsana

Author's Note: Hey to all my terrific reviewers! How are you? Well, you can say how you are in your reviews, because I do care. Anyway, I made a one shot in Souta's PoV and I would like to get some feedback, if you don't mind. ^_^; I hate asking but I'm curious. I don't have much to say except that this chapter will be long, probably around 25 pages or so, so it'll be the longest one.

Also, one quick thing for all Sleepover fans: I added more to chapter 2, so go reread if you want. I don't really care, won't hurt me none.

Responses:

1) When's the Inu/Kag fluffiness gonna start?

The fluffiness began back at the club, but very mild, this chapter however . . .

Be prepared.

There will be a lot of fluff, but rest assured that they will still be their old, lovable characters, no OOC. As for the coupling:

When I started writing MIM I was thinking about having a sequel where Inu/Kag get together, and then in MIM San/Mir get together. . . I'm confused on which I should do:

- Combine the two (MIM & Sequel) to form this one story. It'd be the same, only that three months would have passed somewhere in the story, (not that bad) as it would have been the start of the sequel.

- Have the sequel and hope you guys keep reading.

If you want to help out by voting, you can, it'd be HIGHLY appreciated.

2) Is this Sess/Kagura?

I thought that when Kagura had the flashback that it was obvious that they did fall in love, but that's ok. Today's been a good day, so I'm happy to repeat that: Yes, it's now safe to say that it's Sess/Kagura.

3) Storm-Maker: Sango and Miroku sitting by Inuyasha's car... Are they kissing, YES they are!

^_^ I love your cute little rhyme, lol! I know, I'm insane, but I prefer to be called 'special'.

Um yeah, ^_^;

Arigatou to: NewGirl.0, Miko Sakura-sama Fan, Jingles&Sammy, Alexis of the Westlands, sacredmist, Lugia-mew, Storm-Maker, Yun Fei, WhenImoveyoumove, Jingles, GoldenWings, InuShemeeko, and Silver Moon Megami.

***

Chapter 17: Seven, Tomorrow Morning

"Inuyasha?" Kagome rushed towards the sounds of gunshots. "Inuyasha!"

"Kagome?" Inuyasha punched another man causing him to go out of consciousness instantly. 'I thought I told her not to come back!'

Didn't Master Myouga teach her that you should follow orders at a time like this?

Guess not.

"Kagome, get out of here now!" Inuyasha growled, oblivious to the new horde of men advancing.

"You took too long! We were worried about you, you jerk!" Kagome growled rushing past him to slam her fist into a man's face.

Inuyasha whipped around now conscious of the new threat. "D***."

"Well, well, well," a young white-clad woman walked through the parted group of men, making her way to Inuyasha. "Never thought I'd see you again," she placed her dagger underneath the hanyou's chin.

Kagome, who had wisely hid behind a crate full of ammo, checked Inuyasha's gun. 'I haven't used but one, there should be enough to get this girl off our backs.'

"So, you thought you'd play the hero and come kill off half Naraku's people, eh?" She winked at Inuyasha, enjoying him staring daggers at her. "You don't remember me do you? I'm hurt."

"I never forget a sickening wretch when I see one, Nazuna," Inuyasha snarled, jerking his head out of her dagger's range.

"Well then, I'm flattered," she smirked, "Not only will you remember me, but your soul will remember me as the one who killed you."

"I wouldn't count on it," Kagome stuck the dart gun in between Nazuna's shoulder blades.

"And who would you be?" Nazuna turned, confident she wouldn't be this agent's target, "His new . . . Little . . . Girlfriend?" Her voice trailed off. "You."

Kagome's eyes widened. 'What?'

***

"Kagura?" the hidden door slid open allowing Kanna to enter. "Kagura?"

"What?" Kagura's response came from the behind Kanna. "What are you doing out?" Kanna whispered, tugging at her younger sister's sleeve.

"I wasn't going to stay in there forever, plus, you know he'll be coming any time now, ne?" Kagura pulled out her fan and laced the tips with poison. "Yura does come in handy . . ."

Kanna cocked her head, "Kagura-"

"Look, she's turning eleven tomorrow and he said he'd be coming a day early. Even though he's not coming for me, I'm not letting him go without saying something." Kagura sighed whipping her fan back into a spot inside her shirt.

"That's not what I mean," Kanna spoke slow, hinting she was annoyed of being ignored, "There's a problem."

"What do you mean?"

"I mean Inuyasha and the others are here, and Nazuna is-"

"Nazuna?! That b-"

"I wasn't done." Kanna growled.

This was definitely unlike her.

Kinda scary.

Kagura became quiet.

"Like I was saying," her unflustered voice back, "Her and her horde of men will probably draw out our father, which means he won't have a safe way of getting in the building."

Kagura stayed silent.

"You can talk now . . ." Kanna drawled.

"How am I supposed to control that . . ." Kagura's voice trailed off, "I have to go."

The young yasha hurried down the hall turning the corner as she pulled out her poisoned fan. 'I don't care what happens to me, as long as him and Rin are safe.'

"Juuroumaru," Kanna spoke into the white flower on her head, "Make sure Naraku doesn't leave his office for a while."

There was a grunt showing Kageroumaru was in control, which meant Naraku was near by.

"I'll take care of Yura."

Kanna walked towards the living corridor.

"For you, little sister."

***

"Naraku's been looking for you," Nazuna grinned triumphantly. "I can only imagine my prize for bringing you back to him."

Both agents only glared at the woman, neither giving her enough importance to speak.

"Silence?" Nazuna's brows furrowed, "So you think you're better than me?"

No response.

"Nazuna!" Kagura growled, reaching her destination. "What in all the hells do you think you're doing here?!"

Kagome and Inuyasha glanced at one another.

"What do you think I'm doing?" Nazuna waved her dagger in the yasha's face, "I'm bringing her," Nazuna pointed her dagger at Kagome, "to Naraku, and this hanyou brat I'm going to kill."

"You've been away in China for six months and you come back thinking you have any business here? And even if you did . . . In the hallway?" Kagura growled at the men behind her, "I see you brought your little boy toys to back you up, huh?"

"Who do you think you are acting like your father, you're no leader!" Nazuna shoved Kagura aside. "I have business to attend to."

Kagura ignored Nazuna's last comment, turning around to face the 'boy toys', "If you would like to keep your jobs, you'd better get the h*** out of here!" She hissed, turning back to face the ningen in front of her.

"You can't do that Kagura," Nazuna growled, the bubbly-ness gone from her persona. "You have no right, I found them and I can do as I wish with them."

"I think I have more of a hold on these two than you do," Kagura held her fan to the assassin's throat, "You weren't recently poisoned by one of them were you?"

Nazuna slowly shook her head.

"Well, you see, I was."

Nazuna's eyes darted to the agents behind her.

"And unless you do wish to be poisoned you can get out of my way . . ." Kagura smirked, "Understand?"

Nazuna growled, but nodded in defeat before whipping around and heading down the hall with as much dignity as she could muster.

"Well now, I think you should go." Kagura spoke coolly, "Unless you want to get killed."

Kagome eyed Kagura with distrust before turning to Inuyasha.

"We can go, Kagome," Inuyasha grunted, putting his gun away.

"But-"

"We're. Going." Inuyasha confirmed, more as an order than a request.

Kagome gave one last look at the yasha before hurriedly leaving after Inuyasha.

'The coast is clear Sesshoumaru.' Kagura turned around and headed back for her room, now satisfied with her days work.

***

"Inuyasha?" Kagome breathed as they reached the exit.

"What?" He barked, a little harsher than he'd wanted.

"You knew them."

"What of it?" Inuyasha growled, refilling his gun with a new round of bullets.

"How?" Kagome's voice held a accusing tone.

'He isn't one of them is he?

Or wasn't one of them?'

"Why do you care?" Inuyasha growled, annoyed.

"Why are you not telling me?" Kagome snapped.

"It's complicated," Inuyasha whispered, "So forget it."

"Tell me one thing, Inuyasha, you've never worked with-"

"Listen Kagome, you need to believe me when I tell you I never worked for Naraku . . . Or Kikyo. Leave it at that."

***

Yura leaned back in bed, clutching her favorite dagger to her chest. 'Let's see him try and 'punish' me again.'

There was a knock at the door.

"Gods!" Yura growled, slamming her hand onto the bed. "Will there ever be a day wh-"

"Yura?" A familiar voice came from the hallway.

Yura treaded over to the door for the third time that day, "Kanna, what is it?" She allowed the older yasha to enter before closing and locking the door.

"Your room is bugged." Kanna said simply, looking at Yura's boom box.

"What?!" Yura growled looking at Kanna is disbelief. "What do you mean bugged?"

"Shh," Kanna walked over to the accused item and opened up the left speaker. As she did so, a small black cube fell and toppled over itself a few times before resting on the floor.

Yura scowled as she stomped on the small device until no one would have been able to identify it. "Arigatou Kanna, but how did you know?"

"Naraku used to make her do them," Kanna looked up at Yura's now-distant eyes. "You didn't know?"

"So he made her . . ."

Kanna nodded, "He made her bug you."

Yura shook her head, clearing her mind, "Learn something new everyday here, ne?" She gave a light chuckle before collapsing onto her bed. "What did you come here for Kanna?"

"Kagura said he would be coming a day early to make the preparations," Kanna shifted her position by the window, "She went to get rid of the agents that I suppose you released, not to mention that pathetic, giddy, Nazuna."

Yura's eyes turned to slits as Nazuna's name was mentioned. "What did she do?"

"Nothing my sister can't handle," Kanna gave a faint smile, "She would have caused it to be insecure for him to come here. Naraku wouldn't be happy seeing him around."

"No, he wouldn't," Yura agreed. "So I'll see her today?"

"No, only him, he needs to make a plan with you." Kanna looked at the moon outside, "He should be here any moment."

Yura nodded.

"Kanna," Kanna turned, "Have you heard from him, at all? Do you know how she's doing?"

"No, neither has Kagura, she'll probably be bringing him here for you." Kanna nodded before closing the door behind her.

The yasha's footsteps became lighter and lighter until they had gone.

"Arigatou Sesshoumaru-sama, for watching over her for this long . . ."

*

Sesshoumaru entered the same way he always had; Kagura's balcony.

Old habits die hard.

He entered the room nonchalantly looking around.

She wasn't there.

The youkai sighed before looking at the digital clock on her bedside table.

It was 7:15 PM, right on time.

The door knob turned and a young woman entered, her crimson eyes oblivious to the other presence inches away from her.

Her sixth sense, however, noticed this.

"I had a feeling you'd be coming through there," she closed the door behind her.

"Yura?" Sesshoumaru looked through the dark, able to make out the figure of none other than Yura.

"Fluffy," Yura giggled flicking on the light.

"I thought I told you I hated that," Sesshoumaru's growled out of pure annoyance.

"And I thought I could say it once, it has been four years."

Sesshoumaru sighed in defeat walking over to the assassin. "I thought you might want this," he handed her a small photo packet.

Yura's eyes brightened, "Arigatou!"

"Don't mention it," Sesshoumaru sighed leaning up against his favorite wall of Kagura's room.

Yura skimmed through the pictures until the first one resurfaced, "She's here then? In Tokyo?"

"Do you actually think I'd leave her in America?" Sesshoumaru drawled.

"No, I just can't believe I can see her, finally, after all this time." Yura smiled, tears forming at the corners of her eyes.

"Don't get so emotional, save it for tomorrow," Sesshoumaru looked away uncomfortably.

He hated it when women cried.

It made him feel so useless and pathetic.

Not the kind of thing he'd ever admit though.

"Where should we meet?" Yura whispered looking around the room cautiously. 'I guess there's no need to worry, Kanna would have told her if there was spy ware in here.'

"So you're going through with it then?" Sesshoumaru looked back at her seriously. "You're moving to America?"

"I've done enough jobs here to get enough to keep her comfortable for a long time, it's not like I won't be working." Yura nodded, "So yes, I will be leaving."

"Then meet me here," Sesshoumaru held out a slip of paper, "The number's on the back incase."

"What time?" Yura looked the paper over, memorizing it so she could burn it later.

She would d***ed before she would allow Naraku to do anything to interfere.

"Seven, we'll be leaving in the morning." Sesshoumaru looked at Kagura's laptop screen.

Yura's eyes narrowed in concentration before following the youkais gaze. "She's missed you Sesshoumaru," Yura admitted, "She wasn't the same for two reasons; one Kanna told me that Naraku brainwashed her," Yura glanced nervously up at Sesshoumaru to see his face in a scowl, "and because she missed you."

". . . Brainwashed?" Sesshoumaru growled.

"Don't worry, your brother helped her out of it, in a sense . . ." Yura trailed off, knowing she was confusing the youkai, even though he would never show it.

"*Half* brother," Sesshoumaru corrected.

"Once again, arigatou Sesshoumaru, Kagura's nearby, I'll send her in," Yura kissed Sesshoumaru's cheek before leaving the room.

Sesshoumaru frowned, the girl had been a flirt since the day he'd met her, even though it was out of graciousness . . .

It was *still* disturbing.

*

"Kagura-chan," Yura tapped the girl's shoulder, "You deserve some time with him, ne?"

Kagura's eyes widened, "He's in there?"

Yura nodded, "Now go," Yura winked.

Kagura to some extent nodded as she nervously walked towards her room.

She turned the knob, entering her room to find Sesshoumaru looking out from her secluded balcony. She gave a faint smile before walking towards him, "I've missed you, koibito*."

Sesshoumaru stiffened, turning around, "Kagura."

It was as if time had stopped.

In a matter of seconds Kagura's legs unfroze allowing her to run towards the ex-assassin in front of her.

"Sesshoumaru," Kagura tightly wrapped her arms around the youkai.

After a few silent moments Sesshoumaru wrapped his arms around Kagura's waist.

"You don't know how much I've wanted to see you, talk to you . . ." Kagura whispered.

"I know," Sesshoumaru whispered, his voice no longer void of all emotion. "I felt . . . the same way."

***

6:45 PM

"Sango," Miroku reluctantly removed his lips from hers, "When I met you I thought you were the most beautiful woman on Earth," Miroku paused, basking in Sango's shy smile, "but I realized I was wrong, beautiful isn't strong enough."

"Miroku . . ." Sango didn't know what to say.

"I know you think I'm a pervert, but even perverts can love . . ." He paused when he saw the look in Sango's eyes. "And this pervert has, thanks to you. I love you Sango."

'Miroku . . .' Sango's eyes sparkled but she couldn't express her happiness with words.

So she expressed them the only other way she could.

She kissed him.

Finally she regained her ability to speak and whispered, "I love you too," before closing the gap between them yet again.

"Fang's over here!" Kagome called over to the provoked hanyou following her.

Inuyasha muttered something incomprehensible before digging around in his pockets. As he pulled out keys he sighed, "You'd think such a big crime lord would tell his 'help' to take the keys away from their hostages."

"Well at least it worked out for us," Kagome reasoned.

Inuyasha nodded as he approached the crates, "Yeah."

"You agreed with me?" Kagome smiled, "So things *do* change."

"Are you keeping track of what I do and don't do for your own personal enjoyment?" Inuyasha grumbled pushing a button on the key chain so Fang became visible.

"They're coming," Sango breathed looking up into her love's eyes.

"So what?" Miroku chuckled before kissing her nose.

Sango giggled before turning around to notice an audience of two staring at them in surprise.

"Oh, hey! You made it out ok then?" Sango put on her best innocent act.

But at this moment it didn't look that innocent.

Silence filled the area as Miroku turned to look at the two agents as well.

"Oh . . . My . . . God!" Kagome squealed running to Sango, grabbing her hands in her own and jumping up and down. "I thought this would never happen!"

Both men stared at each other, eyebrows raised.

"Calm down Kag-chan!" Sango blushed redder as she tried to control her own giddiness.

"I was beginning to think you two would never get together," Kagome whispered into her friend's ear. "I'm just so glad it did!"

Miroku slowly walked towards Inuyasha, eyes still locked on the two rambling girls.

As Miroku was about speak Inuyasha held up his hand and shook his head, "Don't ask."

***

"I've got to go," Sesshoumaru admitted looking down at the yasha still in his arms.

"I'll . . . Be coming with you . . ." Kagura whispered into his shirt.

Sesshoumaru's eyes widened before his calm exterior hid it again, "Are you sure?"

"I'm not staying in this crooked place. It was fun while it lasted but," Kagura sighed looking above at the moon, "I have something more important."

Sesshoumaru nodded, "Get the details from Yura then, you can leave together."

Kagura nodded, "Wait until you see our signal," Kagura waved over her shoulder before leaving the room as casual as possible.

"Come on Yura," Kagura called over her shoulder to the young woman who had been waiting outside the door, as usual.

"So, you were in there a long time . . ." Yura snickered.

"Shut up, nothing happened and you know it," Kagura rolled her eyes as they both walked to the entrance, passing Goshinki as they went.

"Where are you-" He growled.

"Shut up, just because you're oldest doesn't mean anything, you're just a suck up." Kagura waved her hand dismissively before beginning to 'argue' with Yura.

Kagura opened the door and walked towards the side of the building, her fan already by her side.

Yura sighed, rolling her eyes as Kagura had done minutes before, and followed. "Why did you interfere with my job?!" Yura growled, pulling out her dagger.

"I didn't interfere with anyone's job, Naraku gave it to me!"

Sesshoumaru picked up the 'fight' below signaling it was safe for him to leave. A small smirk played at the corner of his lips as he jumped down from the balcony, landing inches away from Kagura and Yura's 'argument'.

"You think because your father is the boss that you can pick and choose what you do around here?" Yura hissed.

"No, I'm not a hotheaded ningen, am I?" Kagura smirked as she noticed Sesshoumaru leaving through the trees. "Whatever, we'll split the yen."

Yura sighed, putting her dagger away. "You should really think up a new 'signal' girl."

"I was fifteen!" Kagura growled, "I wasn't that *creative*."

"This coming from the yasha that made a very *nice* 'collage' of dead Japanese agents when they tried to arrest you," Yura smirked.

"It doesn't make a difference, he had me under his control then." Kagura sighed looking up at the red sky. "I have my own heart back now."

***

"Come on! We have to go before they notice we're gone!" Inuyasha resisted the temptation to honk Fang's horn.

"Gods Inuyasha, calm down," Kagome rolled her eyes as she slid into the front passengers seat and stared directly out the window, a smile plastered on her face.

"Why are you sitting up here?" Inuyasha growled.

"To give them some alone time . . ." Kagome looked over at the hanyou and winked.

"We're still here you know," Sango said dryly, "It's not like we're in a lip lock."

"Not *yet*," Miroku corrected, earning a slap to the head.

***

"Why did you make us spend the whole night out here?" Kouga growled, yawning.

"Because this is where she's meeting us," Joe drawled.

"What d'you mean by 'us'? She's your boss," Kouga reloaded his gun, the hilt of his sword sticking out from underneath his jacket.

"She said she needed to talk to you before she headed for your base," Joe shrugged, "Don't ask why."

"But-" Kouga was interrupted by a black car pulling up by his own.

"Well speak of the devil," Joe smirked, "Wow, my phone's ringing . . . Guess I gotta go." Joe smirked before walking towards his car.

"Hey boss," he smiled at the yasha emerging from the car before grabbing up his phone.

"Hey," she smiled, jumping up onto the roof of Kouga's car. "Where's-" she stopped, her eyes focusing on the youkai by the tree. "Hey Kouga."

Kouga ignored her, his full attention on the star-filled sky.

"Don't you have anything to say?" Ayame sighed jumping off the car, "After all this time."

"What of it?" Kouga snarled, avoiding her eyes.

Ayame walked over to him, "Look, don't flatter yourself, I'm not here to see you, I have people over here in need of some answers."

"Then why aren't you out looking for the incompetent fool and that Sango girl?" Kouga turned, still avoiding her gaze.

"Coming to see you was only a perk," Ayame shrugged it off, diffidently smiling up at him.

"Well, what d'you want then?" Kouga mumbled looking down at her with uncertainty, staring at her hair more than her green eyes.

Those green eyes . . .

'Baka!' Kouga growled to himself.

"I want to know what happened between us," Ayame stated simply, "That's all."

Kouga sniffed the air, pointing his gun out over the slope, "Then you're asking the wrong person."

"What the do you mean 'I'm asking the wrong person'?!" Ayame growled, "You should know better than anyone, since you're the one that . . . broke it off."

She spoke the last three words with a hint of sadness, catching Kouga off guard.

Kouga quickly shook off the feeling of guilt, "I had my reasons, would you just drop it already?"

"Why should I?" Ayame rebuked, "If I can shoot off a round into that stump," Ayame eyed the distracted youkai before rolling her eyes, "Then we'll be talking again after I take care of business."

He shrugged so she considered it a take on the bet.

Grabbing his gun away she aimed for the 'bulls eye' before shooting off a round of bullets, all hitting the stump head on. Kouga's face hardened.

"Talk to you later." She smirked heading for her car.

***

"Hey . . ." Kagome looked back in the direction of the hideout, "where's my car?"

Everyone's faces faulted.

"Inu-"

"No."

"But-"

"No."

"Please Inuyasha!" Kagome pleaded.

"No!" Inuyasha growled turning down another road in a sense of confusion, "what makes you think that they stole *your* car?" He glanced over at the agent, annoyed.

"What do you mean *my* car?" Kagome fumed.

"Well how much could yours really be worth in the black market anyway?" Inuyasha smirked.

"Here they go," Miroku sighed, but smiled when Sango rested her head on his shoulder, face slack with sleep.

"And what is *that* supposed to mean?" Kagome growled slamming her hand on Fang's dashboard.

"Hey, hey, hey! Watch it!" Inuyasha scolded, knocking her hand off the dashboard before putting his eyes back on the road.

Kagome sighed, "I need to find my car!"

"We'll find it later," Inuyasha sighed pulling over to the side of the road. "We have to stay here for the night," Inuyasha admitted, yawning.

"What do you mean?" Kagome's eyes widened as she surveyed her surroundings.

Tree.

REAL dark forest.

Rock.

. . .

Yeah, *real* safe.

"I mean just what it sounded like," Inuyasha killed the engine, "We have to stay here for the night."

"Why?" Kagome whined, looking at the back seat where Sango was already curled up, resting her head on Miroku's shoulder as a pillow. The other agent was nodding off as well.

"Because," Inuyasha laid back in his seat, "It's too far back to the base from what I can tell."

"Isn't their HQ close to our base? Ramen Co?" Kagome turned back to look into the hanyou.

"It extends over a lot underground," Inuyasha shrugged, looking at her. "Around thirty miles I think."

"How can their hideout be that big without being noticed?"

"Power." Inuyasha lowered his voice, respectful of the sleeping Sango and Miroku.

Kagome nodded, "I'm worried about my car."

"Would you let it go wench? I'll find it for you later."

"You will?" Kagome's eyes became hopeful.

"Yeah, yeah, now get comfortable and go to sleep," Inuyasha growled leaning back into his seat and closing his eyes.

"Arigatou," Kagome murmured before falling into a deep sleep.

"Dou itashi mashite*," Inuyasha sighed, his eyes still closed.

Minutes later he rolled onto his back, asleep as well.

***

Inuyasha groaned before unconsciously wrapped his arm around whatever was snuggled up against him.

Wait.

What *was* snuggling up against him?

Inuyasha's eyes snapped open to see Kagome cuddled up against his shoulder in content. "Kagome?" He whispered, more to himself than anyone else. After a moment he yawned, his tongue curling out as he did so.

Sighing, Inuyasha reluctantly transferred the girl's head from it's comfy position on his shoulder to the driver's seat, making sure to leave his hoodie, which he had had in Fang already, as a makeshift pillow.

Walking to the back of the car he silently pulled his sword from the trunk with it's equally-ancient scabbard. He could use it better than any gun he had ever held.

He groggily closed Fang's trunk before taking a whiff of fresh air into his nostrils.

Not very many things to be smelled in the middle of nowhere. 'This should be easy.'

***

Kagome stirred slightly, gripping at the air that was once a source of heat. "Nnhh," she groaned as her arm fell through the emptiness onto the unoccupied driver's seat. "Huh?" She sat up abruptly, fearing they had been discovered.

Looking out the window she could see nothing but the dark early morning sky. Glancing at her watch she noted it was only three thirty in the morning.

'Where is he?' Kagome's heart began pounding fiercely in her chest. 'Did he go out and they find him?'

As the terrible thoughts filled Kagome's mind she quickly felt around underneath the seat, fumbling around in hopes of finding nothing. Instead, she found his gun. 'Oh Kami-sama, he left it.'

"Sango . . ." Miroku moaned in his sleep, "I didn't mean it . . . Honest!"

Kagome rolled her eyes, laying back in thought. Then she looked at what had slid onto Inuyasha's seat when she had sat up; it was a hoodie.

Inuyasha's hoodie.

Kagome allowed herself to smile despite her worry and pick up the black piece of clothing. 'Inuyasha . . . Come back safely.' She sniffed at the hoodie, taking in the scent of Inuyasha before falling back into unwilling sleep.

***

Inuyasha sighed, kneading his temples as he walked back to Fang.

That had been an unnervingly long night.

First he had been searching for Kagome's scent somewhere other than there in hopes of it leading to her car. Then he finally traced it back to the base, where it had been hidden in a garage. After bashing in the heads of two annoyingly stupid thugs he had been able to hotwire it before anyone else could have found out and driven it back to their little 'camping spot'.

It had been a tiring night too.

And now it was almost morning and he wouldn't be able to sleep for another 17 hours.

Oh joy.

The exhausted hanyou, though he would never admit to being that, treaded back to his car but stopped at the window.

There, cuddled up against his hoodie, was Kagome. Her face etched with tiredness, sleeping with innocence, murmuring, brows furrowing, and fingers twitching every few minutes.

For some unexplainable reason Inuyasha stood there, watching her for a few moments, head tilted slightly to the side.

Quickly realizing how stupid he was acting, Inuyasha opened Fang's door and slid in.

"Inu . . ." Kagome murmured, rolling over onto his leg and sighing in content.

Inuyasha froze, his cheeks burning.

Well this was awkward.

Although he didn't really seem to mind.

Inuyasha sighed, his cheeks still burning crimson. 'She's had a long day, I guess I can let the wench sleep.' Sleep claimed him the second his eyes closed.

***

Kagome's eyes fluttered open.

That hoodie was really warm and soft, unlike last night . . .

Hold it.

Kagome jumped off the agent's leg in shock. 'Oh my god!' Kagome filled with embarrassment not to mention odd relief that he was back safe.

"Kagome?" In her frantic display she had failed to notice Inuyasha awaken.

Kagome blushed a deep shade of red before looking out at the sky. The sun was coming up. "Y-yeah?"

Inuyasha looked out the windshield as well, avoiding eye contact at all costs. "I . . . Um . . . I found your car."

Kagome's face involuntarily turned to look at the hanyou, "Thanks."

"Yeah, well, I couldn't sleep and there was nothing better to do."

Kagome rolled her eyes at his reserve, "Whatever."

"Feh." Inuyasha opened his car door, glancing at the back seat where the couple still slept, and walked behind Fang.

Deciding this was a sign to follow, Kagome left Fang herself. Behind Fang, unharmed, sat her sleek, black sports car. "How'd you get it here?" She sputtered.

"Hot wired it."

"You hot wire?" Her eyes widened in shock.

"When I have to."

Kagome smiled, "Thank you for going and getting it."

Silence.

Just before Kagome was about to give up hope of him responding she faintly heard him mutter something under his breath. "What?"

"You were right."

"About what?" the agent tilted her head to the side.

"They did take your car back with them." Inuyasha spoke harsher than he had wished.

Kagome flinched at his harsh tone, "Oh."

"Sleep good?"

The question caught Kagome off guard, "Uh, yeah, I guess." She paused, "A little worried when I woke up and you weren't there, but other than that, good."

"You were worried about me?"

"No, I was having a party," Kagome said wryly, "Of course I was worried."

Inuyasha eyed her for a moment, "We'd better get going, we need to get some supplies."

"Oh, right," Kagome walked towards Fang with Inuyasha and slid in. "Miroku!"

No response.

"Miroku!"

Nothing.

Kagome sighed.

"D*** it Miroku, you hentai, wake up!" Inuyasha growled.

"Miroku, bikini model."

"Where?" Miroku's eyes snapped open.

"You are pathetic." Kagome slumped back into her seat.

"Seriously, where is she?"

. . .

. . .

"You're such a hentai," Sango grumbled.

"What?" Miroku whined, "It's not my fault! I was asleep!"

Sango muttered something under her breath before closing looking up front, "Morning."

"Morning," Kagome and Inuyasha said in unison.

"Miroku, are you going to the base with Sango and Inuyasha or with me?"

"What do you mean?" Miroku sat up, "He found your car?"

"Yeah," Kagome rubbed her head, "Before we go back, we need some stuff."

***

"Ayame!" the man quickly hung up the phone and turned to the young yasha in front of his desk. "Nice to see you."

"It's nice to see you, Sir," Ayame smiled, "Any word on our two missing agents?"

"No, Joe hasn't been able to track them since he got here," Sir looked at his computer screen, "Higurashi and Ayushima haven't been heard from either."

"That's because they're all working together," Ayame explained, sitting down as she pulled out a silver laptop. "Look," she spun the laptop so the screen faced Sir.

"That's-"

"Inuyasha and Higurashi," Ayame nodded, confirming his thoughts. "Shippou has reason to believe that since their missions are linked that they've joined forces in hopes of tracking down and capturing the crime lords faster."

"When was the last you heard of them?" Sir looked up from the laptop to Ayame.

"Same time Higurashi and Ayushima left for their missions, Sir," Ayame pulled the laptop back over to her, "Last time the tracker logged their whereabouts was around the time this picture was taken. Two days ago."

"Are you going back out on the field?"

"I'm sure as h*** not going to sit around about this, their after the top crime lords in the world, I would usually just have faith, but this time I can't sit back."

"You're not going alone," Sir picked up the phone, waiting for it to ring. "Kouga, report to my office now."

Silence passed between the two men while Ayame sat back, listening intently to the conversation.

"Yes now." Sir grunted hanging up the phone. "Ayame, Kouga will be coming with you."

Ayame nodded, personal feelings pushed aside.

"What is it Si-" Kouga paled at the sight of the agent sitting across from his boss. 'No . . .'

Ayame ignored him, instead closing her laptop, standing up, and walking to the door. "Meet me in the garage when you're done speaking with your boss," Ayame grunted before leaving the office.

"Sir, what the he-"

"Kouga, she's your old partner," Sir lectured, "you're best fit for watching out for her. Two of her agents are missing, along with Higurashi and Ayushima. I know you and Ayushima have had problems in the past but hopefully you're both mature enough to overlook it. Ayame shouldn't go alone."

"She can take care of herself," Kouga growled, "I'm not going with her in search for that pathetic half-breed, even if Higurashi's involved."

"What happened between you two before you left America?"

"Nothing that concerns you," Kouga snapped, "I'll go, but only because and I have a family to support."

"How are your brothers and sisters by the way?"

"Enough small talk," Kouga snarled, pulling out his gun to reload it after a recent aiming game, "I'll go, and they're fine." With that said, the youkai stormed from the room towards the garage where his downfall was waiting.

"Sir?" A brown around Kouga's age entered the room seconds after Kouga's departure.

"Yes Hojo?"

"The latest reports about where Kikyo resides are in," Hojo stepped into the office, a folder in his hand.

"Thanks," Sir took the folder. "I'll send it off to the analyzers."

"Where was Kouga going? All peeved like that?"

"Went off with Ayame to find some of her agents," Sir looked down at the folder.

"Poor guy has a lot on his plate, risking his life to feed all his siblings like that."

"How's his mother doing, do you know?"

"Last time I heard she was still in the hospital in that coma," Hojo shook his head. "I've got to go Sir, but tell me of any updates."

"Yeah," Sir pulled out a drawer, pulling out a picture frame, two young girls in the snow in the frame.

***

"Get in," Kouga grunted as he slid into his car.

"Sure," Ayame sighed, closing the car door behind her.

"Where are we going?" He let out a deep breath.

"To the last place they were spotted," Ayame burred.

"And that would be . . . Where?" Kouga gritted his teeth to keep from storming from the car.

"The Scorpion."

"Alright," Kouga turned his key, starting the ignition, and pulled out of the garage towards the club.

***

"Why?" Kagome whined, crossing her arms in a defiant nature.

"Because I want to ride with Sango," Miroku answered, grabbing the young American agent by the waist as she walked by. "Plus we don't want you riding alone."

"Why not I ride with you guys?" Kagome reasoned, desperate for any alternative.

Miroku eyed Kagome with annoyance.

"Alright, alright," Kagome threw up her hands in defeat, "I'll leave you two loves birds to whatever love birds . . . do." Kagome crossed her arms looking back at Fang with dread.

This was going to be awkward.

"What exactly are you implying?" Sango raised an eyebrow.

"Nothing, forget I said anything," Kagome rolled her eyes and headed for Inuyasha's car, where he could be found leaning on it, unnecessarily wearing sunglasses.

Probably to cover his closed eyes since he was sleeping.

They all knew he was although his ego was too big to admit it.

"Inuyasha?"

"What?"

Kagome decided to ignore the fact that at the mention of his name he had slightly jumped. "Come on, we're going."

"Finally," he got into Fang, waiting for Kagome to get in as well. "Well?"

"You locked the door," she drawled, pulling at the handle as a demonstration.

"Oh," he flicked a button on the steering wheel and the lock popped up.

Kagome slid in, staring off into space. "So."

Inuyasha pulled onto the road, ignoring the words she'd uttered.

"How are you?"

"Just spiffy."

Kagome broke into laughter.

"What?" he growled.

"I never thought I'd hear you say that," she managed to choke out before the fits of laughter took over.

Inuyasha glared for a moment before he couldn't help but let out laughter of his own.

"Miroku?"

"Mhm," he glanced at Sango out of the corner of his eye.

"Did you mean it?" Sango spoke, almost inaudible to the world.

"Mean what?"

"That you loved me."

Miroku smiled, "Of course! What would make you think I didn't?"

"Never mind, it was a stupid question," Sango allowed herself to chuckle.

"I love you, Sango, remember that and don't ever doubt it." Miroku changed lanes as Fang did. "Ever."

Sango smiled as she looked down at the ring on her finger. "I love you too," in one swift movement the only ring she'd worn in years no longer resided on her finger, but on the paved road.

***

Well that's this chapter. I don't think it's a cliffy, but I promise that the next chapter will be longer (This is 21 pages), have more answers, and also will come closer and closer to the truth about why Kikyo wants to meet Kagome. ^_~

*I thought you could learn a new romanji word, so that's why 'Dou itashi mashite' is there. What does it mean? It means 'Don't mention it'. ^_^

R&R!