AN: Mostly just plot connection. It's just about Sessh's plan and Miroku's re-adjusting to society. A lot of set up.

Chapter 17: Troubled

I loved the beach. It was tranquil and serene on most days, and, even when it wasn't anything resembling peaceful, the water was beautiful. I always loved watching the waves, since they seemed to calm me and improve my mood. Sitting on one of the dilapidated benches that dotted the concrete boardwalks surrounding the beach, I pulled my jacket tighter around my shoulders. Reaching up with my free hand, I smoothed down my hair. I had been letting my hair grow since the beginning of my year in the institution and now it reached a little bit passed my shoulders when I let it loose. However, I didn't really like it down. It wasn't that I thought that it was un-masculine; I just didn't like it.

Actually, come to think of it, most of the guys in the institution failed to cut their hair or keep it short in any manner. I'd never really though about that.

Letting out a sigh, I tried to sort through a few of the issues that were running around my mind.

Firstly, I had to get a job. I was terribly bored and the rent on my apartment was horrific. This, naturally, led to another problem. I had no money. Not only did I have no money, but also I had no family from whom I could borrow any money. I was almost entirely up the creek without a paddle, and in a few more weeks I would be completely screwed. There was also my surprising uncomfortableness in dealing with others. My life at the asylum had been very limited and now, after a year, I was being sent out into the world with only a year-old memory of how life actually worked. This problem, I suspected, would get better with practice, but until then I was double-checking each and every breath I took. And, of course, there was Sango. I wasn't quite sure where I stood with her. I knew that I loved her, and I knew she had feelings for me in return. But after that I was lost like a boat without a sail or a map.

Musing over my analogy, I looked out at the ocean and tried to see if any boats were out, but I knew there wouldn't be. No one in his or her right mind would go sailing this close to evening.

"No one goes sailing this late, Mr. Genkaku."

"I know." I replied, not bothering to look over at the man whom was now sitting on the other side of the bench. Suddenly, it dawned on me. That man had known my name. Turning quickly, I looked over at the tall figure of the man who had sat down next to me. His face struck a cord and I realized I had met him at the institute.

'He's Inuyasha's brother, right?' I wondered.

"We met at the asylum." The man replied, perhaps sensing my uncertainty.

"I remember."

"Good. I need you to work for me."

"I'm sorry? I don't think I quite understand."

"I'm offering you a job. I need someone who can see past illusions."

"But why?"

"My line of work is about to explode. In a big way. I need someone to help me fight."

"I can't…"

"Fight. I know. I've looked into your past and, while it is unfortunate that you can not use any weapon, I have decided that you will help more than you will hinder. I'm looking into a bodyguard for you."

"A bodyguard?"

"Why not? It's perfectly reasonable. Will you accept my offer?"

"What's the pay?" I asked, wondering if this was the answer to my various problems.

"I will cover the cost of you apartment and utilities and you'll receive benefits like any other employee for my company. Other than that, there will be a bonus for every job. Naturally, the bonus will be decided based on the job itself."

"Interesting. What would I need to do?"

"Just be available every hour of every day—I do suggest you buying a cell phone, since I doubt you'd wish to sit at home forever—and when I do call on you, all I'd need from you is for you to comply with my commands. Mostly, I think, the jobs will only be for you to come to meetings with me and telling me if you see anything strange."

"I'm… interested." I nodded after a moments thought. I mean… HELL! I didn't have a job or money! It wasn't like I could do much worse. "When do I start?"

"As soon as I can employ a bodyguard for you. Here, keep this pin on you." Sesshomaru told me, as he handed me a small golden pin, which I attached to my coat. "There's a tracking device in it, so I'll know where to send the bodyguard when they're hired."

"Thank you." I nodded, but Sesshomaru was already gone. Standing up, I brushed the paint chips from the bench off my coat and I quickly looked around. The man, and all other human life, had truly vanished. Well, at least most of my problems had been solved. Looking out at the water, I decided that being around it really did improve my mood.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

"Right. I'm clocking out." I heard Sango mutter as she walked past the front desk and punched a couple of buttons on a number pad by the front door. I looked up and quickly stood up so she wouldn't see me sitting on her car.

"Ms. Sango Ryoshi, correct?" I asked as she approached her door.

"Who are you?"

"I am Inuyasha Kotaishi's older half-brother."

"Should that mean something to me?"

"I'd like to make a proposition. Quit your job here and work for me."

"Funny. Is there a camera crew around here somewhere?"

"I'm serious."

"Okay, let's pretend you are. What would I have to do?"

"I know you are aware of the existence of demons. You were attacked by a demon two weeks ago and I know you saw a few others. I also know that your father raised you and your brother in a small communal village in the mountains. There you were to fight and kill demons like the ones you encountered a fortnight ago."

"Sure, but until fourteen days ago, I thought my mom had the right idea, divorcing my father. I felt that he and the rest of the community was nuts. Besides, that was ten years ago, so what's the point?"

"An employee of mine cannot defend himself at all, but he is extremely useful."

"Who is he?"

"Miroku Genkaku. I believe he used to be a patient of yours, is that right?" I asked blandly. Kohaku had informed me of Sango's small crush, and while the feelings of attachment might affect her judgement, I didn't think the problem would be too severe.

"Miroku? Are you serious?"

"I don't joke." I replied, looking at her with mild annoyance.

"But why me?"

"You're a human." I admitted. "Allowing a demon to protect my human employee might make one, or both, of the parties involved uncomfortable. You also have many skills, even if they are a tad rusty. I know that you hid a few pieces of your demon extermination gear and took it with you when you left."

"I have my gun, Hiraikotsu, but that's all."

"That's all you'll need, I'm sure." There was a moment of silence, and I could see her turning the idea over in her mind.

"What's in it for me?"

"I'll pay you exactly what you earn here along with benefits and all traveling expenses."

"Why should I leave then? There's obviously nothing I can gain from working for you." Sango shrugged, as she moved to pass me. I stepped away from her car and turn to look at her back.

"You have a brother."

"Had. He's dead; has been for two years now." Sango replied as she turned to face me.

"I know about him."

"You have information about him?! Is he alive? Where is he? Where has he been for two years?" Sango asked, taking a step towards me.

"You work for me for at least a year and I'll tell you everything I know about your brother."

"A year?" Sango whispered, before she bit her lip. "That's not so long."

"Do we have a deal?"

"Just tell me, is he alive?"

"What do you think?"

"I… I don't know."

"Then, I suppose, you'll just have to wait a year. Unless, you'd rather not know… ever."

"I do. I do want to know. When do I start?"

"Tonight. Here; this is the receiver to a tracking device." I replied, handing her a thin plastic box, the size of her hand. "Miroku is the blue dot. Press this button to get a road map and this button to locate him, in case his location moves off the screen."

"Al-alright." Sango nodded. I left her alone with her thoughts and went over to where Jaken was waiting in my car. I got in and nodded for him to drive.

'Well, I've assembled my army. The next move will be Naraku's. But will I be able to contend with the power of the factions? There are so many, and not all of them are human.'

"My Lord Sesshomaru?" Jaken asked, and I nodded to show I had heard him. "Where should I go?"

"There is nothing left for me to do just now. Drive to the hospital. I will spend the night with Rin."