This was co-written with Violet Goddess. If you feel this fic is worthy please review away, if not we will dispose of it as we see fit. We need encouragement damn it!
Violet Goddess' website : www.angelfire.com/anime5/violetgoddess/main.html
yes I know it's an annoyingly long web address but go check it out anyway and have fun.
Deception
kelly_dono/ Violet Goddess
Chapter 1
"Sir, we need an answer." The voice echoed slightly off the walls of the empty hall. Motoko Murai raced after his lord, his short black hair shining beneath the flourescent lights. When his lord's stride didn't slow, he became desperate. "The troops grow restless, lord. You've been promising them victory for months!" The sound of boots clicking against tile ceased as the young lord abruptly stopped. Motoko took several hesitant steps backward from the body nearly vibrating with rage. Even as raw violence seemed to smother the air around him, the voice that spoke was cool and calm and chilled him to the bone.
"Motoko, do you think I am unaware of the mutinous nature of my men?" Motoko felt his mouth his go dry at the menace lacing those seemingly harmless words. "Well?" The young lord purred as he swung to face a white-faced Motoko, his black officer's uniform emanating authority and severity as much as his arrogant bearing. Silver hair, held by a sliver of black leather, glowed enticingly and provided the perfect frame for face made only more fascinating by the red markings on either side of his face. But it was the dark aura that swam about him that truly held one's attention, that drew you to him against will or judgement.
"N-no, lord." The lord smiled mockingly at Motoko's unsteady voice and the fear that was nearly soaking in. His senses were filled with the other man's terror and so he turned and continued on down the plain walkway, signaling absently for Motoko to follow.
"Our foe is simply proving to be more difficult to anticipate than we previously thought, it changes nothing."
"But sir, he is your brother." Motoko rushed out, aware he was pushing his luck and his lord's paitence.
"By birth alone." A monotone response wouldn't change that fact but at least it would help to subdue its reality.
"Lord InuYasha, shouldn't your shared blood give us an edge?" Motoko froze as he realized what he had done, he had referred to his lord by name. Even the use of the honorific 'Lord' could not excuse his actions and with a sense of dread he looked up and met the blazing stare of his lord.
Red eyes met his horrified ones as without a word, InuYasha's stared down Motoko as anger and insult boiled within him. InuYasha was a youkai, a demon who animal instincts ran close to the surface, angering him was to risk one's life. However, Inu Yasha would not tolerate weakness and so Motoko held his ground with shaky determination even as InuYasha fluidly flew forward bearing his claws to Motoko's neck.
"Care to elaborate?" The anger in his voice was unmistakable.
"Sir," he croaked, careful not to make the same mistake twice, "the men grow more restless with each passing day." At the slight tightening of the fingers encircling his throat Motoko knew his lord was losing patience. "We have served you faithfully for months, but many are beginning to question whether victory is within grasp. With a foe like your brother, a powerful youkai from a long line of lords, his forces are bound to be formidable."
Inu Yasha, mildly impressed by his young aid's courage, let the man's comments hang heavily for a few moments. Suddenly a wicked smile spread across his sensually full lips as, with an barely audible sigh, he slowly removed hands from around Motoko's tender flesh. He lifted one razor-tipped finger at a time, nearly laughing at Motoko's pained expression of suspense.
"If it's a victory my men want, its victory they shall have." He looked pointedly at his claws for a moment and then back to Motoko's ashen face that was now staring at him intently. "However, I believe that I've been going at this war the wrong way."
"Sir?" His smile suddenly expanded to reveal his white fangs at Motoko's comical expression of confusion.
"Ah, Motoko, we've been marching endlessly along with the ideals of a feudal era that died long ago. Guerrilla tactics and barely concealed warfare are really too base for someone of my bloodlines." Motoko opened his mouth in question but quickly closed it as Inu Yasha continued on. "However, subterfuge and intrigue are things I have yet to fully explore. All youkai have been trained extensively in the art of fighting, every style known to man, even the American gun slinging." Inu Yasha allowed for a small laugh to escape, he'd always found guns as useless as they were dishonorable. "So obviously physical attacks wont work on a youkai like Sesshomaru because he can mirror ever attack we throw at him."
"Gun slinging?" Motoko asked, temporarily distracted.
"Yes, gun slinging." Inu Yasha said with a laugh. "Though it seems useless now, it was still an art to learn, like swords or hand-to-hand." Motoko couldn't hide his respect that his leader was so well versed in the fighting arts and so lethal. Even his training with guns spoke of skill, for guns had been outlawed for decades. Once man realized that they were futile against youkai and all too effective against humans themselves, governments had decided to halt all further use of them. Motoko remembered that dark era of transition to a weaponless world all too well. Wars had been fought over those weapons. He shivered as recalled his constant fear but shook off his memories and returned his thoughts to his leader.
"Sir you spoke of subterfuge, how are you going to ensnare Sesshomaru? He knows of your plans to add his lands to your own." Motoko couldn't keep out the hint of censure that laced his words. Inu Yasha knew that he thought that their plans should have remained secretively, that they should have worked from the shadows but something in Inu Yasha's very nature went against it. He wanted his enemies to know he was out there, to know he was coming. Yes it was true that Inu Yasha was lord of the Northern lands a land that supplied him with suitable wealth, if not the power he craved, he had always wanted more. But more than that he wanted revenge for those wounds dealt him so long ago.
Revenge and power.
Motoko's only answer was a dark smile.
************
'Rebels Found in Western Japan'
Foolish.
Folding his newspaper, Sesshomaru looked outside at the vast forest that stretched endlessly throughout his land. His silver eyes narrowed in irritation.
He's too consumed with ambition. He will never defeat me with such a weak spirit.
With an a sigh he thought back to the article he had just read, something handed to him this morning by one of his aids. He had scowled at the look of dread on the young man's face, had known then that nothing good was coming from this morning's news.
"Three hundred men, led by a mysterious, youkai leader, were sighted yesterday by the local residents of the Shimane prefecture in western Japan. Though their intentions were unclear and no reported violence occurred, many believe that this force is working in relation with the small faction of rebels who seek to overthrow the Lord of the Western Lands. While there haven't been open hostilities between the Rebels and the Western army, the Japanese government is remaining cautionary about the situation. 'If the Lord of the Western Lands wishes aid from the government he needs merely to ask. Until then we are conserving our resources.' Stated the Minister of Internal Affairs early this morning. Although the government remains calm, the people who have seen the Rebel forces have their doubts. 'Their leader is a youkai and a strong looking one at that. One youkai that is able to command three hundred men, all of which have faithfully pledged their lives to him.' Rumors continue to abound as to the Rebels' true purpose and to whom exactly their leader is."
Humans. Morons. Never able to accept their inferior breed. So easily tricked. Rumors as usual.
Sesshomaru, annoyed with the world in general, tossed the paper aside absently as he surveyed his surroundings. The room was dark but plush like the rest of the house that had been his home since childhood. Elegant and expansive, it had been his father's base to rule his lands and had been left to him along with the Western lands when the old man had finally been killed in battle. His father had left Inu Yasha only the northern lands, something Sesshomaru thought was mainly out of misplaced guilt, but a decision that Inu Yasha took as a direct insult.
Turning thoughts of his brother over in his mind, Sesshomaru walked past walls lined with priceless art and rooms furnished with fine leather sofas and hand carved tables. His soft leather soles made no noise as he walked down halls stretched that in eternity, even he hadn't explored them all.
Why must he be so damn difficult. Inu Yasha has all any human could ask for, but no, he never accepted that side of himself.
Opening one of the many oak doors, Sesshomaru entered the master bedroom, his sanctuary. While the rest of his house unashamedly displayed his wealth, this one was spartan in comparison, lacking any frivolous luxuries. He never liked prancing around with his head held high, covered in jewels as he was expected to do. He much preferred the bare minimum. A modest bed flush with the wall, plain wood table, and a small closet was all he needed. Pleased he had all he'd ever need and not burdened with all that he didn't, Sesshomaru just couldn't understand Inu Yasha's incessant desire for more. Always more.
Baka.
**********
'Rebels Found in Western Japan'
Rebels? Hmmm.. this could prove interesting.
Scanning the article further Kagome noted with amusement the near awe that was quickly starting to surround the "mysterious youkai leader." People were so easily misled by a few flashy displays, never thinking that a true leader would not let his men be discovered. Ah well let them find out the hard way like everybody else, she sure as hell wasn't going to clue them in. Tossing the worn and rumpled paper aside, she turned her attention to the empty shot glass sitting in front of her.
"Hedeki!" The shout echoed strangely in the nearly vacant bar as Kagome slammed the empty glass against the scarred surface of the oak bar. A smile on her face she tossed the glass to the young man coming toward her, shaking his head as he smiled at her antics.
"Another, Kagome?"
"Of course." Kagome's easy reply didn't shock Hedeki, he was well aware of how well she could hold her liquor. But even though she drank she never exceeded her limits, she always seemed in total control, even when she was indulging. It was an odd combination of vice and restraint. Sighing softly Hedeki poured another vodka, straight as Kagome preferred her liquor.
"Thanks." She murmured absently as the glass was placed in front of her, but her attention was, as it had been for most of the night, on the door.
"Waiting for someone?" Hedeki joked as he wiped the counter, pushing peanut shells and spilled liquor indiscriminately on to the floor for later clean up.
"Something like that." She said vaguely, as she drank her shot quickly and then slammed the glass back down.
"I have to admit Kagome," Hedeki said he filled her glass, "I still find it hard to believe that someone like you would be found in a bar ordering vodka." Kagome smiled pleasantly at then, her eyes sparkling with mischief.
"Well looks can be deceiving, can't they?" If they weren't I'd be out of a job she thought mockingly as she let out a low laugh and she took her shot of vodka. She awaited the inevitable burning sensation but sighed as her whole body warmed from the drink.
"Another?" Kagome shook her head slowly, she needed her mind relatively clear for the rest of the night. She was still wary of this meeting, though Miroku's proposal had been intriguing and throughly tempting if vague. Always vague until you agreed to meet him, it was his way of "keeping it interesting." The loud slamming of the bar door shook her out of her thoughts. Turning quickly, she attempted to see who is was that was being so damn noisy, but the dim light made it impossible to see more than the faint outline of a man. It was late, nearly two a.m. and only the last few regulars still clung to the beer soaked tables at the corners of the room. She watched them absently as they nursed their drinks and talked of faded glory.
It was the sound of an all too familiar voice ordering a cosmopolitan that caused her to freeze in her seat. No one else but Miroku would order a cosmo at a place like this. Turning slowly she met the wide grin of that black haired man, his eyes twinkling with laughter as he sipped the frothy pink drink.
"Only you would order that here." Miroku only raised one brow, as if to ask if she was questioning his masculinity. Not that she could. Somehow, even sipping a pink girlie drink, Miroku managed to look completely in his element and as lecherous as always.
"Well you don't look exactly inconspicious either, darling.."
"What makes you say that?" She shot back, only slightly offended at his comment.
"Well that school uniform you're wearing, for one." Miroku practically purred with smug satisfaction. Damn, she'd forgotten she was still wearing that stupid outfit. Kagome checked the urge to smack Miroku as he began to stare at Kagome's amply displayed legs. Dear Lord, he was lustful enough on a normal basis, let alone with her dressed like some school girl.
"You know damn well it was for a job. I had to look innocent." Upon Miroku's skeptical glance at her comment on looking innocent Kagome gritted out, "Speaking of jobs, what information do you have for me?" Kagome tried in vain to pull down her skirt but quickly realized nothing was going deter Miroku's prying eyes.
"Inu Yasha is growing ever more ambitious." Said abruptly, his demeanor suddenly all business. "He's wised up to the fact that brute strength wont get him anywhere. He's requested my 'services.'" Miroku eyed Kagome with a seriousness that was rarely visible on the fallen government official's face.
The effects of Kagome's vodka subsided with new found interest. She had to admit for all his downfalls Miroku sure had a flare for drawing his audience. This was going to be fun.
*********
"Sir!" Motoko squeaked, his face having gone white at his leader's words. "Send the troops home so suddenly and with no explanation?" Surely they were not giving up the fight?
"My plans have changed as well as their involvement in theml. They are in no position to demand explanations." Inu Yasha spoke casually as he sat behind the large, heavy desk that dominated the spacious room. Plush carpets and lavish fabrics flowed easily through the room. Propping one booted foot atop the polished desk he eyed his aid in amusement.
"They will follow my orders as they have been trained to." He held up his hand to silent the objections he knew Motoko would make. It was instinctive on the young man's part, he could not image warfare without an army but that was exactly what Inu Yasha was planning. "Tell them to go and revive their spirits, I will require their services again." Motoko stared blankly ahead for a few moments, indecision clearly written on his face. But indecision was something Inu Yasha could not tolerate even if he could understand it.
"Leave, now." His voice was soft but the threat was clear. Motoko turned to leave but Inu Yasha's next words stopped him. "Once you have given my orders you too will leave."
"Lord?!" Motoko felt panic racing through him. Had he displeased his lord to be so punished?
"No, Motoko." Replied Inu Yasha as if he could read the young man's thoughts. "To Tokyo, there's something I want you to acquire for me."
"Yes sir." Motoko knew he was lucky to get any form of an explanation and so grasp at the little he was presented with open appreciation as his lord laid out his assignment.
Inu Yasha watched Motoko retreat from his sight, off to faithfully follow his orders. Follow the workings of a plan he didn't even fully understand, a plan that even Lord Inu Yasha hadn't completely realized, but Motoko did as he was told. Listening to Motoko's retreating steps, Inu Yasha was aware of only one thought...
These men are not what I need; I need a woman!
**********
"Are you sure that you want to do this Kagome?" It was the first time Miroku had shown any apprehension, it unnerved her slightly but Kagome merely squared her shoulders and forged ahead.
"Yes, Miroku. I know the risks and I'm prepared to take them." Kagome held her look of determination as they continued to drive towards some as of yet unknown destination. It was that look that had first drawn Miroku to her. Face of an angel he'd said, with a will like steel. It was this type of situation that had always served her well.
"Alright Kagome but don't say I didn't warn you. You'll be dealing with the two most powerful lords in Japan." Kagome looked at him speculatively, watching the streetlights play across the dark cloth of his suit. He'd made sure she knew what she was getting into and yet Kagome never had any thoughts to reject his offer.
"Look, despite my outfit," she said with a disgusted wave at her uniform, " I'm not some naive school girl. I can take care of myself." Kagome knew she was tempting fate but that was nothing new, it was how she lived everyday.
"Just take me to Inu Yasha." Miroku sighed, there was no backing out now.
**********
Pacing back and forth Inu Yasha couldn't stop questioning his motives. Why couldn't he ever settle for what he had? A desire inside drove him, a thirst he couldn't quench. His life wasn't so empty in his youth, what had changed? It made him wonder if he would ever be satisfied?
"Inu Yasha?" Only one person had the audacity to refer to him by name.
"Miroku." He growled but the man merely waved the threat off, he knew he was too valuable to be killed over something so trifle as proper titles. "You took too long." Stifling his inner turmoil, Inu Yasha's voice remained emotionless and monotone. One did not expose weakness to others.
"Yea, sorry about that." Miroku replied though he didn't seem the least bit apologetic. He was one of the few individuals who never showed fear around Inu Yasha. For although Miroku was human and Inu Yasha a youkai, Inu Yasha treated him as an equal, or as close as his pride would allow him. It was the least he could do after causing the man's fall from the Japanese government.
Before another of Miroku's verbal quips could be made, a young woman peered into the room. Inu Yasha's golden eyes stared intently, taking note of her long black hair, fair skin, and brown eyes with pleasure.
Perfect
"You must be Kagome. Enter."
* * *
We tried to correct any grammer or spelling mistakes but we're only human so take any errors with a pinch of salt and just enjoy the story.
Review people. review!
Violet Goddess' website : www.angelfire.com/anime5/violetgoddess/main.html
yes I know it's an annoyingly long web address but go check it out anyway and have fun.
Deception
kelly_dono/ Violet Goddess
Chapter 1
"Sir, we need an answer." The voice echoed slightly off the walls of the empty hall. Motoko Murai raced after his lord, his short black hair shining beneath the flourescent lights. When his lord's stride didn't slow, he became desperate. "The troops grow restless, lord. You've been promising them victory for months!" The sound of boots clicking against tile ceased as the young lord abruptly stopped. Motoko took several hesitant steps backward from the body nearly vibrating with rage. Even as raw violence seemed to smother the air around him, the voice that spoke was cool and calm and chilled him to the bone.
"Motoko, do you think I am unaware of the mutinous nature of my men?" Motoko felt his mouth his go dry at the menace lacing those seemingly harmless words. "Well?" The young lord purred as he swung to face a white-faced Motoko, his black officer's uniform emanating authority and severity as much as his arrogant bearing. Silver hair, held by a sliver of black leather, glowed enticingly and provided the perfect frame for face made only more fascinating by the red markings on either side of his face. But it was the dark aura that swam about him that truly held one's attention, that drew you to him against will or judgement.
"N-no, lord." The lord smiled mockingly at Motoko's unsteady voice and the fear that was nearly soaking in. His senses were filled with the other man's terror and so he turned and continued on down the plain walkway, signaling absently for Motoko to follow.
"Our foe is simply proving to be more difficult to anticipate than we previously thought, it changes nothing."
"But sir, he is your brother." Motoko rushed out, aware he was pushing his luck and his lord's paitence.
"By birth alone." A monotone response wouldn't change that fact but at least it would help to subdue its reality.
"Lord InuYasha, shouldn't your shared blood give us an edge?" Motoko froze as he realized what he had done, he had referred to his lord by name. Even the use of the honorific 'Lord' could not excuse his actions and with a sense of dread he looked up and met the blazing stare of his lord.
Red eyes met his horrified ones as without a word, InuYasha's stared down Motoko as anger and insult boiled within him. InuYasha was a youkai, a demon who animal instincts ran close to the surface, angering him was to risk one's life. However, Inu Yasha would not tolerate weakness and so Motoko held his ground with shaky determination even as InuYasha fluidly flew forward bearing his claws to Motoko's neck.
"Care to elaborate?" The anger in his voice was unmistakable.
"Sir," he croaked, careful not to make the same mistake twice, "the men grow more restless with each passing day." At the slight tightening of the fingers encircling his throat Motoko knew his lord was losing patience. "We have served you faithfully for months, but many are beginning to question whether victory is within grasp. With a foe like your brother, a powerful youkai from a long line of lords, his forces are bound to be formidable."
Inu Yasha, mildly impressed by his young aid's courage, let the man's comments hang heavily for a few moments. Suddenly a wicked smile spread across his sensually full lips as, with an barely audible sigh, he slowly removed hands from around Motoko's tender flesh. He lifted one razor-tipped finger at a time, nearly laughing at Motoko's pained expression of suspense.
"If it's a victory my men want, its victory they shall have." He looked pointedly at his claws for a moment and then back to Motoko's ashen face that was now staring at him intently. "However, I believe that I've been going at this war the wrong way."
"Sir?" His smile suddenly expanded to reveal his white fangs at Motoko's comical expression of confusion.
"Ah, Motoko, we've been marching endlessly along with the ideals of a feudal era that died long ago. Guerrilla tactics and barely concealed warfare are really too base for someone of my bloodlines." Motoko opened his mouth in question but quickly closed it as Inu Yasha continued on. "However, subterfuge and intrigue are things I have yet to fully explore. All youkai have been trained extensively in the art of fighting, every style known to man, even the American gun slinging." Inu Yasha allowed for a small laugh to escape, he'd always found guns as useless as they were dishonorable. "So obviously physical attacks wont work on a youkai like Sesshomaru because he can mirror ever attack we throw at him."
"Gun slinging?" Motoko asked, temporarily distracted.
"Yes, gun slinging." Inu Yasha said with a laugh. "Though it seems useless now, it was still an art to learn, like swords or hand-to-hand." Motoko couldn't hide his respect that his leader was so well versed in the fighting arts and so lethal. Even his training with guns spoke of skill, for guns had been outlawed for decades. Once man realized that they were futile against youkai and all too effective against humans themselves, governments had decided to halt all further use of them. Motoko remembered that dark era of transition to a weaponless world all too well. Wars had been fought over those weapons. He shivered as recalled his constant fear but shook off his memories and returned his thoughts to his leader.
"Sir you spoke of subterfuge, how are you going to ensnare Sesshomaru? He knows of your plans to add his lands to your own." Motoko couldn't keep out the hint of censure that laced his words. Inu Yasha knew that he thought that their plans should have remained secretively, that they should have worked from the shadows but something in Inu Yasha's very nature went against it. He wanted his enemies to know he was out there, to know he was coming. Yes it was true that Inu Yasha was lord of the Northern lands a land that supplied him with suitable wealth, if not the power he craved, he had always wanted more. But more than that he wanted revenge for those wounds dealt him so long ago.
Revenge and power.
Motoko's only answer was a dark smile.
************
'Rebels Found in Western Japan'
Foolish.
Folding his newspaper, Sesshomaru looked outside at the vast forest that stretched endlessly throughout his land. His silver eyes narrowed in irritation.
He's too consumed with ambition. He will never defeat me with such a weak spirit.
With an a sigh he thought back to the article he had just read, something handed to him this morning by one of his aids. He had scowled at the look of dread on the young man's face, had known then that nothing good was coming from this morning's news.
"Three hundred men, led by a mysterious, youkai leader, were sighted yesterday by the local residents of the Shimane prefecture in western Japan. Though their intentions were unclear and no reported violence occurred, many believe that this force is working in relation with the small faction of rebels who seek to overthrow the Lord of the Western Lands. While there haven't been open hostilities between the Rebels and the Western army, the Japanese government is remaining cautionary about the situation. 'If the Lord of the Western Lands wishes aid from the government he needs merely to ask. Until then we are conserving our resources.' Stated the Minister of Internal Affairs early this morning. Although the government remains calm, the people who have seen the Rebel forces have their doubts. 'Their leader is a youkai and a strong looking one at that. One youkai that is able to command three hundred men, all of which have faithfully pledged their lives to him.' Rumors continue to abound as to the Rebels' true purpose and to whom exactly their leader is."
Humans. Morons. Never able to accept their inferior breed. So easily tricked. Rumors as usual.
Sesshomaru, annoyed with the world in general, tossed the paper aside absently as he surveyed his surroundings. The room was dark but plush like the rest of the house that had been his home since childhood. Elegant and expansive, it had been his father's base to rule his lands and had been left to him along with the Western lands when the old man had finally been killed in battle. His father had left Inu Yasha only the northern lands, something Sesshomaru thought was mainly out of misplaced guilt, but a decision that Inu Yasha took as a direct insult.
Turning thoughts of his brother over in his mind, Sesshomaru walked past walls lined with priceless art and rooms furnished with fine leather sofas and hand carved tables. His soft leather soles made no noise as he walked down halls stretched that in eternity, even he hadn't explored them all.
Why must he be so damn difficult. Inu Yasha has all any human could ask for, but no, he never accepted that side of himself.
Opening one of the many oak doors, Sesshomaru entered the master bedroom, his sanctuary. While the rest of his house unashamedly displayed his wealth, this one was spartan in comparison, lacking any frivolous luxuries. He never liked prancing around with his head held high, covered in jewels as he was expected to do. He much preferred the bare minimum. A modest bed flush with the wall, plain wood table, and a small closet was all he needed. Pleased he had all he'd ever need and not burdened with all that he didn't, Sesshomaru just couldn't understand Inu Yasha's incessant desire for more. Always more.
Baka.
**********
'Rebels Found in Western Japan'
Rebels? Hmmm.. this could prove interesting.
Scanning the article further Kagome noted with amusement the near awe that was quickly starting to surround the "mysterious youkai leader." People were so easily misled by a few flashy displays, never thinking that a true leader would not let his men be discovered. Ah well let them find out the hard way like everybody else, she sure as hell wasn't going to clue them in. Tossing the worn and rumpled paper aside, she turned her attention to the empty shot glass sitting in front of her.
"Hedeki!" The shout echoed strangely in the nearly vacant bar as Kagome slammed the empty glass against the scarred surface of the oak bar. A smile on her face she tossed the glass to the young man coming toward her, shaking his head as he smiled at her antics.
"Another, Kagome?"
"Of course." Kagome's easy reply didn't shock Hedeki, he was well aware of how well she could hold her liquor. But even though she drank she never exceeded her limits, she always seemed in total control, even when she was indulging. It was an odd combination of vice and restraint. Sighing softly Hedeki poured another vodka, straight as Kagome preferred her liquor.
"Thanks." She murmured absently as the glass was placed in front of her, but her attention was, as it had been for most of the night, on the door.
"Waiting for someone?" Hedeki joked as he wiped the counter, pushing peanut shells and spilled liquor indiscriminately on to the floor for later clean up.
"Something like that." She said vaguely, as she drank her shot quickly and then slammed the glass back down.
"I have to admit Kagome," Hedeki said he filled her glass, "I still find it hard to believe that someone like you would be found in a bar ordering vodka." Kagome smiled pleasantly at then, her eyes sparkling with mischief.
"Well looks can be deceiving, can't they?" If they weren't I'd be out of a job she thought mockingly as she let out a low laugh and she took her shot of vodka. She awaited the inevitable burning sensation but sighed as her whole body warmed from the drink.
"Another?" Kagome shook her head slowly, she needed her mind relatively clear for the rest of the night. She was still wary of this meeting, though Miroku's proposal had been intriguing and throughly tempting if vague. Always vague until you agreed to meet him, it was his way of "keeping it interesting." The loud slamming of the bar door shook her out of her thoughts. Turning quickly, she attempted to see who is was that was being so damn noisy, but the dim light made it impossible to see more than the faint outline of a man. It was late, nearly two a.m. and only the last few regulars still clung to the beer soaked tables at the corners of the room. She watched them absently as they nursed their drinks and talked of faded glory.
It was the sound of an all too familiar voice ordering a cosmopolitan that caused her to freeze in her seat. No one else but Miroku would order a cosmo at a place like this. Turning slowly she met the wide grin of that black haired man, his eyes twinkling with laughter as he sipped the frothy pink drink.
"Only you would order that here." Miroku only raised one brow, as if to ask if she was questioning his masculinity. Not that she could. Somehow, even sipping a pink girlie drink, Miroku managed to look completely in his element and as lecherous as always.
"Well you don't look exactly inconspicious either, darling.."
"What makes you say that?" She shot back, only slightly offended at his comment.
"Well that school uniform you're wearing, for one." Miroku practically purred with smug satisfaction. Damn, she'd forgotten she was still wearing that stupid outfit. Kagome checked the urge to smack Miroku as he began to stare at Kagome's amply displayed legs. Dear Lord, he was lustful enough on a normal basis, let alone with her dressed like some school girl.
"You know damn well it was for a job. I had to look innocent." Upon Miroku's skeptical glance at her comment on looking innocent Kagome gritted out, "Speaking of jobs, what information do you have for me?" Kagome tried in vain to pull down her skirt but quickly realized nothing was going deter Miroku's prying eyes.
"Inu Yasha is growing ever more ambitious." Said abruptly, his demeanor suddenly all business. "He's wised up to the fact that brute strength wont get him anywhere. He's requested my 'services.'" Miroku eyed Kagome with a seriousness that was rarely visible on the fallen government official's face.
The effects of Kagome's vodka subsided with new found interest. She had to admit for all his downfalls Miroku sure had a flare for drawing his audience. This was going to be fun.
*********
"Sir!" Motoko squeaked, his face having gone white at his leader's words. "Send the troops home so suddenly and with no explanation?" Surely they were not giving up the fight?
"My plans have changed as well as their involvement in theml. They are in no position to demand explanations." Inu Yasha spoke casually as he sat behind the large, heavy desk that dominated the spacious room. Plush carpets and lavish fabrics flowed easily through the room. Propping one booted foot atop the polished desk he eyed his aid in amusement.
"They will follow my orders as they have been trained to." He held up his hand to silent the objections he knew Motoko would make. It was instinctive on the young man's part, he could not image warfare without an army but that was exactly what Inu Yasha was planning. "Tell them to go and revive their spirits, I will require their services again." Motoko stared blankly ahead for a few moments, indecision clearly written on his face. But indecision was something Inu Yasha could not tolerate even if he could understand it.
"Leave, now." His voice was soft but the threat was clear. Motoko turned to leave but Inu Yasha's next words stopped him. "Once you have given my orders you too will leave."
"Lord?!" Motoko felt panic racing through him. Had he displeased his lord to be so punished?
"No, Motoko." Replied Inu Yasha as if he could read the young man's thoughts. "To Tokyo, there's something I want you to acquire for me."
"Yes sir." Motoko knew he was lucky to get any form of an explanation and so grasp at the little he was presented with open appreciation as his lord laid out his assignment.
Inu Yasha watched Motoko retreat from his sight, off to faithfully follow his orders. Follow the workings of a plan he didn't even fully understand, a plan that even Lord Inu Yasha hadn't completely realized, but Motoko did as he was told. Listening to Motoko's retreating steps, Inu Yasha was aware of only one thought...
These men are not what I need; I need a woman!
**********
"Are you sure that you want to do this Kagome?" It was the first time Miroku had shown any apprehension, it unnerved her slightly but Kagome merely squared her shoulders and forged ahead.
"Yes, Miroku. I know the risks and I'm prepared to take them." Kagome held her look of determination as they continued to drive towards some as of yet unknown destination. It was that look that had first drawn Miroku to her. Face of an angel he'd said, with a will like steel. It was this type of situation that had always served her well.
"Alright Kagome but don't say I didn't warn you. You'll be dealing with the two most powerful lords in Japan." Kagome looked at him speculatively, watching the streetlights play across the dark cloth of his suit. He'd made sure she knew what she was getting into and yet Kagome never had any thoughts to reject his offer.
"Look, despite my outfit," she said with a disgusted wave at her uniform, " I'm not some naive school girl. I can take care of myself." Kagome knew she was tempting fate but that was nothing new, it was how she lived everyday.
"Just take me to Inu Yasha." Miroku sighed, there was no backing out now.
**********
Pacing back and forth Inu Yasha couldn't stop questioning his motives. Why couldn't he ever settle for what he had? A desire inside drove him, a thirst he couldn't quench. His life wasn't so empty in his youth, what had changed? It made him wonder if he would ever be satisfied?
"Inu Yasha?" Only one person had the audacity to refer to him by name.
"Miroku." He growled but the man merely waved the threat off, he knew he was too valuable to be killed over something so trifle as proper titles. "You took too long." Stifling his inner turmoil, Inu Yasha's voice remained emotionless and monotone. One did not expose weakness to others.
"Yea, sorry about that." Miroku replied though he didn't seem the least bit apologetic. He was one of the few individuals who never showed fear around Inu Yasha. For although Miroku was human and Inu Yasha a youkai, Inu Yasha treated him as an equal, or as close as his pride would allow him. It was the least he could do after causing the man's fall from the Japanese government.
Before another of Miroku's verbal quips could be made, a young woman peered into the room. Inu Yasha's golden eyes stared intently, taking note of her long black hair, fair skin, and brown eyes with pleasure.
Perfect
"You must be Kagome. Enter."
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