I'm so-so-so sorry that I haven't been updating!! I had to go to my grandmother's funeral and laziness. It's alot better to let your writing flow than forcing it out. If you read a really good fic, it will rub off on you and you'll probably be able to write fluidly. Anyway's thanks for reviewing!
Disclaimer:
I don't own Inuyasha...
I don't own a cow...(er...yes I do, no seriously!)
I don't own anything!
(-Oh well, poetry can go screw itself for all I care! hmph! Sorry but this poor mental person can't write poetry, as you've noticed. ;)
I'm going to start developing Naraku's character. He might seem a bit OC, but as time goes along, the man will go... insane and eventually fit into his IC suit. Sort of the same with Kagura's character. I'm making her the troublesome adopted daughter of Naraku. So sorry if it bothers you right now, that's just how it looks to me. For some odd reason, I like writing in his- I guess it would be 3rd point of view. Oh and someone will be appearing at the end of the chapter.
-And one last thing, I'm changing the way Kagome and Sota address their father to . And I realize my mistake from the last chapter. Jii-chan will be called Jii-chan by the family members. Enjoy the fic!
Dedication: To my Grandmother who was a strong-willed woman in her life. May her soul rest in peace.
Chapter 4-The Youkai Tracker
miikochan
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Naraku-sama. There's a call on line four. They say it's important. the dark haired man's crimson eyes glared at the pager. It was the third time at this insane hour, at which the exact time was 6:30 a.m. Damn... It better not have been another damn tele marketer. The last two had been some stupid idiot rambling about how Ravioli made you lose a inch off the waist or how sniffing a rat's ass would clear up acne. Despite his annoyed thoughts at the callers, he picked up the phone with his twitching fingers.
Moshi moshi, Naraku speaking. He managed to say without malice.
Are you depressed? Came a female's familiar voice, heavy with drunkenness. Do people often look at you with repulse?
The CEO stared at the speaker. Of course he knew who it was. He was just going to listen to their pathetic advertising. With an omnesiant smirk on his lips he answered. Oh yes, Miss. I must know the secret of how to become happy.
Then eat a Twinkie!! Listen to our past customers-hic!
A idiotic male voice slurred dumbly. T-winkie!!! Where!! Twinkies make your life snort so much hic better!!
The familiar voice resumed. That was Wallus of...something. He doesn't have a last hic name. So buy a twi-hic-nkie today at your neighborhood store today!! Sorry no-hic returning. Our company has a polic-something against puke. And no guarantee it will work, people will still look at you with repulse. The voice slurred and then proudly stated. Our product is the only and best on the market!!
Naraku's eyebrows furrowed in irritation. Your business skills stink, Kagura. And besides that, you're drunk with some idiot following you around, isn't that right?
Her voice changed from stupid to obnoxious. hic Naraku, do you think that I care about staying locked in that damn hell hole with you and that empty shell of a sister? hic!
I'm your father. And I know what's best for you. He answered monotonously. She had the nerve to say that to him?
Adoptive... father. Kagura's slur became more insolent by the second. Naraku could imagine the 18 year old flip her hair over her shoulder mockingly.
I'll send a limo to where you're at.
Don't bother, O-tou. Kagura spat spitefully. You wouldn't know where I'm at anyway.
Hmph! This Naraku always knows where you're at, he always knows. The phone went dead on the line Kagura was on.
Damn that daughter of his. Always being a pompous brat! Why couldn't she be as well mannered as his other adopted child, Kanna? Kanna was quiet, listened and followed his directions unlike his other problem child. If Kagura just stayed in the house like she was ordered to-
An insistant buzzing from the pager on his desk broke through his musing. After tapping a button with finger, his secretary said. You have another call, Naraku-sama. On line-
It had better be important this time Akira! If you don't do your job and don't keep those damned tele marketers off my ass, you'll be jobless!
Gomen nasai, Naraku-sama!! This one is important!
You said that last time.
Yes, b-but it really is important! H-higurashi-san on line 2. Akira's voice came shakily through the receiver.
You're off the hook now, but if you screw up again, you're fired. He then added cooly. And send a limo to the Ao Line bar in downtown to pick Kagura.
Akira didn't bother to ask questions. H-hai, Naraku-sama.
Naraku rubbed his temples in a circular motion. He was starting to get a headache, but whatever the Higurashi had to say had to be important this early. Picking up the phone, he answered. Moshi moshi.
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You guys just stay in here. Kagome said to Inuyasha and Shippou. Earlier, at an insane hour in the morning (while it was still dark), she (with a overly large backpack that burst at the seams) and the two youkai skulked out of the house to the old well house. It was a good deal away from the house and other small shrine houses on their property. She estimated about a half mile at least.
The wooden frames of the well house were pretty much rotted and termite infested, but it still stood tall and proud to itself. After spending a good two minutes trying to pry the moldy stuck together sliding doors (which she couldn't), Inuyasha finally got impatient and drug a claw through the parting.
Kagome was pretty amazed at how strong he was, though it was simple. He didn't even put any muscle into it. Shippou just scoffed and said that he was putting muscle into it earning him a large, smoking bump on the head.
When they entered the well house, it overflowed with stale air, dust, and a few dead animals that probably hadn't seen the light of day for a good half century or so.
Inuyasha gave the schoolgirl a disbelieving look. You expect me to stay in here?! That's crazy, woman!
Even Shippou mirrored the look. Even I have to agree with the idiot. Isn't there a better place?
Kagome just irked a smile. I brought few snacks and some blankets to make this place a little more livable.
Shippou's big eyes widened. Snacks? Does that mean you brought chocolate?
Iie, Gomen ne, Shippou-chan. You ate all the chocolate I had. Shippou had a small frown on his face. Don't worry! I'm sure you'll like this stuff better. Opening the bright yellow bag, she pulled out a lollipop and handed it to Shippou. He licked it.
Wait Shippou.
Inuyasha watched as the schoolgirl demonstrated how to remove the lollipop wrapper without damaging the lollipop with his sharp little (saying that instead of baby so she wouldn't offend the kid) claws. He sniffled. The damn dusty air was giving his sensitive nose hell. Little treats and shit like that wasn't going to make this dirt hole any more .
He listened to excited squeals the young kitsune gave. This is some good stuff! Inuyasha rolled his eyes.
After lecturing Shippou, Kagome dug through the backpack and handed Inuyasha a bag of potato chips.
Just open the bag. She instructed patiently.
Glaring at her, Inuyasha raised a few sharp claws to strike the bag.
No! Don't that! It was too late. Chips exploded everywhere a few smacking her in the face.
Kagome's back was turned to him. Her voice was shaky.
What do you want, woman?
She turned around with the look of DOOM on her face. Inuyasha looked just a little nerved while Shippou squirmed behind the large backpack. Never mind. Can't he at least be kinder? I'm helping him live free. The idea of sending him back to her parents sounded very appealing. But she declined her conscious' idea.
Keh! Stupid woman. Probably forgot what she was going to say. Shippou was waving his hands around in warning, but was ignored. That's what you get for being stupid. He grumbled with a shrug of his shoulders and sneezed. The damn dust was getting on his nerves.
The jab was pretty harsh on Kagome. Baring her teeth and curling her hands into tight fists, she prepared to round onto Inuyasha. On second thought, she took back the idea of telling her parents.
Inuyasha felt a small tug on his pant leg. It was Shippou looking like he was going to piss in his pants. Fear was present on his young face. What do you want, runt? He asked holding the young kitsune by the tail so they were both at his eye level.
The kitsune was shaking his head like there was no tomorrow. And for a certain hanyou there might not be any.
What? Speak up runt! Stop acting like some dumb girl! The kitsune was too busy trying to squirm out of his hold.
You want me to let go? Fine! He punted the kitsune into the old well. Lucky him. Shippou was just about to be punished along with Inuyasha.
Inuyasha felt a sharp tap on his shoulder. Glaring, he turned around to face the offender. It was Kagome with a very pissed off look.
She ground out.
The hanyou felt the air around him raise about twenty degrees. Backing away from the pissed off woman, he managed to keep a undaunted look. Truthfully the look she was giving him scared him.
Kagome sighed. She was letting him get the better of her by getting angry. Inuyasha just stared at her and she stared right back. Shippou stared at the two from behind the backpack.
I'm going to school. she finally said.
Is that all? Inuyasha wondered aloud.
What do you mean? Kagome questioned, her eyes blinking innocently. It was a lightning quick change from just a couple seconds ago.
Inuyasha also blinked. He wondered how someone could go from having a murderous glint in her eyes to blinking innocent like a baby rabbit. Females! They were confusing!
Kagome slung her school backpack over a shoulder and hid a triumphant smirk. Anyway's. Be good. That means... she sent a warning glare in Inuyasha's direction. No trashing the place. Be quiet, though this place is a good distance away from my home and no one comes here anymore, it'll look suspicious. Don't hurt each other. She paused as she slid open the doors. And most importantly, do not leave. Got it? Giving Shippou a quick pat on the head and Inuyasha another glare, she left, shutting the sliding doors shut.
Mou... Females are so... confusing! Shippou complained, holding his head in both hands and toppling to the ground.
Just what I thought, runt. Inuyasha agreed with the kitsune mentally.
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Kagome! Chotto matte! The girl stopped in her tracks. It was her father.
Yes, O-tou? she wondered what her dad wanted. She hoped that it had nothing to do with Inuyasha and Shippou's disappearance.
His face looked mildly worried. I know you have to go to school right now, but did you happen to see anything strange last night?
Oh yes, O-tou. I saw two youkai that you and Mama created without me knowing and were probably not for the rest of my life. Last night they rampaged through my room and now their living in our well house! Why do you ask? She thought sarcastically. No, not a thing.
He gave her a brief, wary smile and went back into the house. Have a nice day at school!
Kagome laughed nervously. I will! Had Sota said anything about the weird looking ? If he did, it wouldn't matter all that much. She hadn't told him where they went. Not giving the problem at hand anymore thought, she started her way to school.
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Naraku's thin eyes widened at the bit of news he received. What? Did I just hear you right?
Gomen nasai, Naraku-sama. Inuyasha and #00029kit are missing. Jun Higurashi's voice filtered through the receiver.
What was he going to do? How could they do the tournament without the inu-hanyou? The kitsune didn't matter to him that much, but the prized youkai needed to be there. And the tournament was today. Higurashi, what are we going to do about this? How did it happen?!
Jun winced at her boss's tone of voice. She answered just as stressful. It seems that when we were attending the banquet yesterday, that the youkai were let out of their pods. Who knows where they are now!
Naraku furrowed his eyebrows. Then I'll send the youkai tracker over there to investigate. We only have a few hours left until the tournament starts. She'll be there in a few minutes. He dropped the phone into its cradle briefly before picking it up and pressing Hiko's number on speed dial.
...Hello Hiko-san. Please go to the Higurashis'. I need you to find their youkai...Thank you. He hung up the phone once again. If anyone could find a youkai it would be Hiko.
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Higurashi Shrine: 10 minutes later...
A sleek black Corvette pulled into the driveway of the Higurashi shrine. The driver door opened and a tall slender woman, clad in a leather jacket and tight jeans stepped out. Her long ebony hair was pulled into a tight pony-tail leaving only a few short tresses to frame her face. Sunglasses sat on the ridge of her nose. She appeared to be in her late teens, around eighteen or nineteen. She walked up to the house and rung the door bell.
Higurashi Kenji opened the door. Why hello there. Are you looking for a certain charm? We have a wide selection-perhaps you're looking for a steady boyfriend charm or a fertility charm?
The woman flushed. No Jii-san. I'm here to-
Jii-chan! You're not supposed to scare the poor woman away. Higurashi Jun pulled her father-in-law away from the door. She looked down at the woman's name tag. Hiko Sango, I presume?
The woman nodded. Yeah. You probably know why I'm here then.
Yes. Please come this way. Jun led the woman to her kitchen, stopping to talk to Sota who was at the table playing his gameboy. You're going to be late for school.
The boy grabbed his backpack and skittered out of house.
It's down this way, Hiko-san. She directed Hiko.
The woman flushed again in embarrassment. No need for honorifics, Okaa-san. Just call me Sango.
Jun smiled softly. Okay then Sango. Downstairs. She led Sango down the staircase.
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Inuyasha sneezed for what may have been the fiftieth time since Kagome left.
Inuyasha glanced at the kitsune that was settled on the wooden railing.
Oi, gaki! What are you counting?
Shippou suddenly had a huge sardonic grin on his face, who thought on a kid it would be possible? Your sneezes. And is supposed to be my new pet name? How pathetic. And you are already too pathetic. Maybe you're running low on your pathetic reserves, ne?
That earned him a bop on the head. Feeling the familiar tickling in his nose, he raised his hand from the kitsune's head and sneezed, bopping the kitsune on the head once again.
What was that for?! Shippou shouted angrily. He rubbed the tender bumps on his head.
For being a moron. The hanyou retorted, sneezing again. Damn this fucking dust!
Shippou stifled a snigger only to have the hanyou glare at him warningly. Shut it, short stuff.
The kitsune just snickered, not really holding his laughter back this time. Another pet name? That was lamer than the first one! Ha ha! Try again, dumb ass!
Inuyasha snorted as he went up to the sliding doors. Shippou wondered what he was doing until the hanyou pried the doors open and stepped out. Oi! Kagome said not to go outside!
Taking a deep breath, letting the air circulate through his lungs fully, he thought. Fuck what Kagome says. I'm going outside. Being stuck in here an entire day is just like being in a pod and forced into battles just so some greedy human gets money. Besides...who's gonna stop me? No one! He smirked at his self encouraging.
Oi, Shippou.
The kitsune stared at him, confused. What are you doing now?
Hand me that weird thingy that goes over your head.
Don't ask why! Just hand it over! the hanyou growled impatiently.
Fine, fine... Is this it? It was hat. A baseball cap was what Kagome had named it. After Inuyasha confirmed it was, he tossed it to the hanyou who promptly slapped it on his head. He placed a hand on the doorjamb. I'll be back in an hour. If don't come back by then. The hand tightened on the wood. I'm either far away from here or... back in the pod.
Matte yo! Come back, you- He's gone.
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Did you find something, Sango? Jun asked, bending down to see if the woman had found any clues.
Sango nodded. Just as you said, someone let them out. the tracker traced a finger on the green puddle of liquid on the floor and wiping it off on her jeans. She examined the control panel. Everything was going all right according to the panel. It seemed to think that the youkai were still in their pods. After a good five minutes, Sango finally said. Whoever opened these, opened them manually.
The Higurashi asked. And who?
Sango inspected the way the switch that released the door on one pod. It was twisted in the wrong direction. They didn't know how to use the controls. See? She showed the older woman the twisted metal. Okaa-san, do you know if anyone had access to this basement yesterday?
My kids and Tonya-baasan could've, but my kids know not to go down here. They haven't been down here, ever. Nor do they know that youkai are real. I'm not so sure of Tonya-baasan. I remember her leaving shortly before we left to the banquet last night. She doesn't know youkai are real either. She could have came back to get something, but neither Kagome or Sota remember if she came last night.
Sango rubbed her chin, in thought. Maybe you can ask her to come over here? I need to ask her a few questions before I start making assumptions.
Jun nodded and motioned the tracker to follow her up the stairs.
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That ungrateful moron. Kagome thought, lamely remembering the stupid argument she had with Inuyasha. This had to be the first time in her life she'd ever met someone that could get on her nerves so easily. She'd just met him yesterday and she already knew most of his characteristics. Rude, arrogant, obnoxious, ungrateful... And the list went on...
She turned to find her friends Yuka, Ayumi, and Eri.
Kagome greeted them with the enthusiasm of a clam.
Is something wrong? Yuka the short haired girl asked.
You have rings under your eyes. Observed Eri. She had shoulder length hair with a band that kept her hair in place.
Are you tired? Ayumi had curly shoulder length hair.
Kagome smiled nervously. Nah. I'm okay. I guess I was running too hard to get here.
Yuka grinned slyly. Guess what!
Eri also had a sly face on. Don't tell me you don't notice...
Ayumi looked as blank as Kagome did. What did she not notice?
Yuka sighed. Ayumi was the most clueless in the group when it came to gossips and crushes, but she was one of the smartest girls in the school. Ayumi-chan. Don't tell me you haven't noticed either.
Eri shook her head at the two clueless girls. Hojou-kun from class C likes you!
Kagome and Ayumi both blinked at the same time.
Smiling coyly again, Yuka said. And so does Kouga-kun. Isn't that cool?
Ayumi looked like she suddenly figured out something in her brain. You mean Kagome-chan's in a love triangle?
Kagome backed away nervously from her friends who beamed happily. Mou...it seemed that even Ayumi read those corny romance novels.
She's so lucky!
Yeah! Both of the most popular boys in school like her!
I'm so jealous! No really!
Kagome sweat dropped at the three excited girls who were shouting that Kagome was in a love triangle with Hojou and Kouga. Great... now everyone in school would think that she liked them. In truth, she only liked the boys as friends. Kouga was the soccer team captain known for his loyalty and be able to charm girls with just a wink, but was possessive. Hojou was the math club's top pupil, a shy, timid boy, but sweet. She couldn't help but wonder if Inuyasha's characteristics had those traits on the list.
What's wrong, Kagome-chan? The three girls stopped their cheering to stare at Kagome with concern.
Nothing, I-
Kagome saw a boy with a brown mop of hair on his head, running towards her with something tucked underneath an arm.
Her friends were giggling and grinning ear to ear. She sighed. Why did her friends have to be giggly, boy crazy schoolgirls, with her being the only normal one?
Something wrong? Hojou's eyes suddenly filled with concern.
I-iie! I'm fine. Just tired. she rubbed her eye to rub an imaginary grain of sleep away.
Oh. Then you can use this. The brunette hand her bag of Starbucks special blended coffee beans. (a/n: mmm! I love Starbucks!)
Smiling, she accepted the gift.
I was wondering if you...ano...go out with me to the Shogun Sushi Bar at 7 today.
Okay! See ya there! The four girls watched as the boy happily skipped to his first class. Great, she just made his day.
Hi, Kouga-kun. She glared at her friends who were smiling innocently. They were totally enjoying this.
The tall upper-classman had his unruly charcoal colored hair pulled into a ponytail leaving only a few strands out of place. He had a soccer ball tucked underneath an arm while the other handed Kagome a box of chocolates.
No need to thank me, you are my woman after all. Do you want to go with me to the Shogun Sushi Bar? At 7?
Great! I'll see ya there! Kouga dropped the soccer ball and dribbled it to the soccer fields.
Kagome was left in a daze, wondering what the heck just happened.
Oh my God! Kagome-chan was just asked on date to the same place at the same time!! Ayumi announced happily.
Yuka gave Ayumi a dead-panned look. Must you state the obvious? You're so lucky... I wish I had luck with boys like you... The girl went in to a daze.
Eri slapped her confused friend on the back. God, girl! I'm so jealous!! But now you have to decide which one to dump.
Which is not going to be easy. Yuka stated. The three girls got in her face and chanted. Decide! Decide!
Kagome felt overwhelmed. What a nice setup. I didn't even-
Aw, Kagome-chan! You don't know what you talking about. Just dump one! You'll still have the other! One of Kagome's eyes twitched in annoyance. She hadn't even agreed to going out with either of them in the first place. She glanced at the huge clock on a column. Never mind that! I figure it out later. We're going to be late! The friends dashed off to their classes.
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So you didn't see anything strange, Tonya-baasan? Sango interrogated the old maid.
Nothing. But I did see this weird boy coming from around here. Tonya answered in her heavy accent.
What did he look like?
He had long white hair, if I recall.
Can you remember anything else? the tracker probed.
No. Can't say I do. the old woman replied.
You can leave now.
See you tomorrow, Higurashi-san. Tonya waved to Jun from her car and drove off.
A boy with long white hair?
Isn't that the youkai, Inuyasha's hair color? Sango asked the older woman.
Yes. She must've seen Inuyasha. But she didn't mention anything about #00029kit. He must be around here someplace.
Sango stared at a small building a good distance from the house. Why don't you check that place over there. She pointed it out to Jun. And I'll go after this Inuyasha.
TBC...
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Whew!! That was a long chapter! If it's not too much to ask, I need 10 reviews for the next chapter. 10's the number. Please? And here's the japanese words used in this chapter. You should know most of these words since alot of fanfics use them. Next chapter- Inuyasha bound and the Decision
Moshi moshi- Hello (on the phone)
Ano- Um, Uh
Hai- Yes
iie- no
gaki-brat
Chotto Matte- Wait a moment
Matte yo- Wait
(I didn't use baka since moron or idiot emphasis the meaning. Or makes it sound better.)