Chapter 9
Finally! The Legend of the Hinun Mingan!
[Two girls, one with brown hair and one with blonde hair, are walking down the sidewalk.]
Blonde hair girl: You should forget about Nick, and all his trouble. Don't you know, thinking you can change a man
is nothing but an urban legend.
Brown-haired girl: [She snickers regarding her comment.] Yeah, you're probably right.
Blonde-haired girl: So, what do you think of the new kid?
Brown-haired girl: [Blushes to herself.] Inuko? I think he's pretty cute...
Blonde: [She giggles.] Don't tell me you like him already?!
Brown: I didn't say that!! [Lets out a sigh.] I have more important things to worry about. I need 25 bucks to get into that party this weekend and I totally blew all my money on that jacket. I don't even have 50 cents to my name, Mom won't give me a penny, and Dad just stares at me like he doesn't understand English!
Blonde: Well, if you had a date, maybe he could pay for you?
Brown: I wouldn't be so sure... like I would get a date anyway [The two walk off.]
[Inuko, who was following secretly behind, watches the girls walk off and then turns toward his own home. He unlocks the door and opens it. Kagome, Sango, Miroku, Lee and Shane are sitting down… talking about something.]
Kagome: Hi hun.
Inuko: Yeah... is Dad around?
Kagome: Not yet, what is it that you need?
Inuko: 25 dollars.
Kagome: [She narrows her eyes.] What for?
Inuko: Something important, okay?
Kagome: I'm going to need to know to decide whether you get it or not.
Inuko: [He mumbles to himself.] That's why I wanted dad; he's too stupid to ask.
Kagome: What was that?
Inuko: Nothing, I said that I wanted the cash. [He plops down on the couch.]
Miroku: Well, alright ... now, what was it you were saying Kagome?
Kagome: Not much really, just that I'm getting more and more worried about Inu-Yasha. He insists that he's weaker now, and it's making him really irritable. All he ever does these days is sit around and watch Nick@Nite.
[Inu-Yasha now enters from the front door, seemingly from training.]
Everyone but Kagome: Norm!
Inu-Yasha: Huh?
Kagome: [She sweatdrops.]
Inu-Yasha: Feh... looks like I'm not the only one around here with any social life
Kagome: Sorry Inu-Yasha, but you've just been so moody lately. Are you doing okay?
Inu-Yasha: What do you think?
Kagome: [She grits her teeth.] I was jus- [She's interrupted herself by a glance from Lee.]
Miroku: I don't feel right just sitting around with all that's going on. It seems the attacks by those creatures have slowed down some, but us waiting for it to stop isn't going to help things.
Kagome: I know, Miroku, but this isn't the feudal era! As much as I would like to go and hunt these things down and find their leader, you have to realize we are in the middle of the city, and people just don't see demons running around every day.
Sango: [She nods.] You're right, that does make things difficult.
Inu-Yasha: [He punches his palms together] I just want that woman who made a fool of me before. I bet once I get her all these attacks will stop.
Shane: I've noticed that Inu-Yasha only started complaining about lack of power after that woman attacked him at the campgrounds. Also, these attacks started but a few days afterward. If we figure out what their purpose is for launching those attacks, also, what that woman was looking at in the campgrounds, we should be able to zero in on our true enemy.
[Everyone blinks and stares at Shane.]
Sango: He speaks... [Dramatic music.]
Lee: Yeah, every once in a while something worth while comes out of him.
Shane: Whatever.
Lee: But...he's right, and I..[Her cell phone rings, she answers.] Hello...Yes. Yes, I can be there then. Thank you very much. [She hangs up her phone.] I have to get going. Work calls, and hopefully when I get back I might have some promising news.
[Lee grabs her jacket and leaves.]
Inu-Yasha: So...where's my beer?
-------------------
[Outside of the hotel, the Radisson of Norfolk, Sesshomaru is walking down the sidewalk. He gets into his limo, and the limo driver takes off. There are two men already in the limo, hands folded on their laps.]
Sesshomaru: What have you found out?
Man1: Not much, Mr. Sho. There have been a few random spottings, but nothing concrete.
Sesshomaru: And you haven't sent anyone to follow them?
Man1: We were supposed to follow them?
[Sesshomaru just looks at him.]
Man2: Yes sir.
Sesshomaru: The original artifact is still missing. I want it found by tomorrow.
Man1: We have an idea who it might be. We think it is the – [He is silenced by Sesshomaru's hand.]
Sesshomaru: The fool...thinking he can so easily slip through. I cancel that order; I'll take care of this myself.
-------
[People are seen walking around a hotel lobby. Natsuko's sister, who had given her the orb earlier, walks in and talks to the guy at the desk. She nods to him and goes to the elevator. Riding it up to the 3rd floor, she walks down a couple feet and... walks through the door. Natsuko is watching TV in her hotel room. When her sister appears behind her, Natsuko doesn't even look her way.]
Natsuko: What is it that you want now, Natsumi?
Natsumi: Well, making you miserable is reason enough, but Mistress doesn't seem to believe you are doing your job?
Natsuko: [She turns to face Natsumi] I released the shadow beast they are gathering energy as she speaks... [Natsuko picks up the orb from her desk and it shocks her hands.] Stupid thing... as you can see its working...
Natsumi: But you forgot the other task. You are to prepare the demons Inu-Yasha and Inuko for Mistress' arrival. We cannot have them causing any trouble when she arrives.
Natsuko: Oh please! Why am I given this stupid assignment? And just what are you and Nori doing? Playing DDR at Greenbrier?
Natsumi: [She rolls her eyes.] No, we are not you. Nori and I are doing what we need to do. Hopefully, once we gain the shaman's power, we won't have a need for these low level beasts and our mistress will be free. Then we will be granted power beyond all existence!
Natsuko: Yeah yeah yeah, if you ask me, the Mistress is whacked.
Natsumi: I'll pretend you didn't say that...
Natsuko: Whatever. But, tell me, where do these shadow... things come from anyway. I know how to control them, but how did Mistress get her hands on such a power…
Natsumi: [She sits down in a chair.] Well, lets see. I sent a higher level shadow to try to get the information on the shaman from Sesshomaru. Those are more intelligent beings that can masquerade in any form. The ones we gave you do the same, but they are not nearly as sophisticated and resilliant as the ones Nori and I control. To be honest, I was going to send a shadow to attack Inu-Yasha instead of you, but.... [She looks up.]
Natsuko: What?
Natsumi: Nori thought you needed something to do...you are incredibly lazy and beginning to get fat!
Natsuko: WHAT! Why YOU!! [She slams her hand down on the desk.] You make me sick Natsumi! The only reason that you do anything for Nori is because you have a crush on him, and that's stupid because you know Nori is hopelessly in love with Mistress.
Natsumi: Watch yourself, young one!
Natsuko: Mistress' orders make no sense...attack here...attack there...We haven't stolen a blessed thing from Inu-Yasha or his family! Can I at least get some credit cards?? [She pauses and looks at her TV.] Hehe… look its that Quiznos' commercial...
Natsumi: Really? [She also looks and they both laugh. Noticed of a short attention span.]
Natsuko: I love that commercial...
Natsumi: Me too...
[They both snap out of it.]
Natsumi: Anyway, I'll take over things as far as Inu-Yasha is concerned. Make sure the beasts gather sufficient energy and that Mistress is comforted, even you could do that…
Natsuko: Well it must be someone's time of the month...
Natsumi: [Extends her claws, but then retracts them.] Though that does give me an idea… [She opens the door and walks out. Natsuko doesnt say anything , just watches her leave and slumps.]
------
[A man is working in his office, but his eyes keep glancing back to a set of papers on the side of his desk. He seems nervous, jittery almost, but takes a deep breath and tries to shake it all off. After taking a long sip of coffee, he seems a lot better. There is a knock at the door.]
Man: Ah! [He almost spills his coffee.]
Sesshomaru: Has the artifact I gave you been translated yet?
Man: No sir, it will be just a little longer before I can get it to you.
Sesshomaru: [He lowers his head.] Is that so?
Man: Yes ...sir [The man egins to feel nervous.]
Sesshomaru: Then how come it was reported to me that everything had been completed?
Man: I never sent out that report.
Sesshomaru: I know you didn't. Since you had such a ...high level project on your hands, I took it upon myself to have a few people watch over you.
Man: I don't know what you are talking about!
Sesshomaru: [Looks over his desk calmly, then pulls out a drawer where the tablet lies… under those is the translation.] I'll be taking this. You weren't really considering going against my orders, were you, Mr. Yamamoto?
Man: I won't let you take it...Everything is not for you to decide!
Sesshomaru: I pity the foo' that I give less respect than my brother.
[Cut to outside of the door, you hear the man scream. Rin walks by and blinks, just as Sesshomaru steps out of the office and shuts the door.]
Sesshomaru: Alert the faculty that Mr. Yamamoto is no longer with us. Give my condolences to his family.
------
Lee: [She is driving in her car when she gets a phone call.] Hello?
Sesshomaru: [Heard on the other end.] Ms. Higurashi I have pleasant news
Lee: You got it back?
Sesshomaru: Yes. I now know what your "friends" are after, but little else at this time. After a quick check by my specialists I should be able to give you a name and address.
Lee: What are you getting at?
Sesshomaru: The "Power of the Shaman" that my men have heard the others call it, is supposedly the algonquin legend of the Hinun Mingan. The only information that this artifact gives, however, is that a direct descendant of this man, the youngest at that, is the only person who can seek it out.
Lee: I'm glad to finally know something, but there is still one thing that bothers me. Our enemy practically let us have this information, and that makes me nervous.
Sesshomaru: That is because it's all a game, Miss Higurashi, a gamble of life and death.
------------------------------------------------------------------
[Inu-Yasha is watching TV, looking like he doesn't want to be disturbed, and Inuko walks in. Inu-Yasha however pays no attention to Inuko.]
Inuko: Dad?
=Kagome watches this from the side, out of sight.]
Inu-Yasha: What [He's not looking away from the TV.] Why they hell does every one want to bother me when I'm doing something? [Silence ensued.]
Inu-Yasha: Well? [Still looking at T.V] Why can't you ask your mother?
Inuko: but I didn't want to talk to her... I wanted to ask you a question.
Inu-Yasha: Bloody Hell come out with it boy! [Inuko stares at Inu-Yasha then walks over to the T.V and has Pirates of the Caribbean on.]
Inuko: You've been watching this movie way too much... anyways I wanted to ask you if I could have 25 bucks....
[Kagome crosses her arms, as she watches.]
Inu-Yasha: [He finally looks away from the T.V.] Why the hell for?
[Kagome smiles at this.]
Inuko: well um...it's for… [Mumbles lowly.]
Inu-Yasha: [Inu-Yasha stares at Inuko some more.] What the hell did you say?
Inuko: … for a ticket. [He says it louder.]
Inu-Yasha: For a ticket? 25 bucks for that? GOOD LORD that's a lot of money! [Pulls out some money from his pocket, random bills.] Here! [He gives it to Inuko, Inuko counts the money and it's one hundred and a twenty.] Go away so I can watch my movie!
[Kagome shakes her head annoyed, but remains silent.]
Inuko: Thanks dad!!!! [He runs out the room fast.]
Inu-Yasha: Bloody Kids!!!! [Looks at the movie again.]
[Kagome walks out and smacks Inu-Yasha in the back of the head.]
Inu-Yasha: Ow!! What the Hell was that for? [He rubs his head.]
Kagome: That was it? You just gave him the money!
Inu-Yasha: Yeah so he would leave me alone if I didn't give it to him he would be bugging me all day!
Kagome: Sit...
Inu-Yasha: [Falls down on the chair, through the cushion.] OW!! Damnit Kagome!!
Kagome: He said a ticket, right? Ticket for what? When? Did you even care?!?
Inu-Yasha : [Gets of the floor.] Why? The kid would never do ...wait … he's been around Miroku all day today ... Damn …
Kagome: [Clenches her fists.] You can be so dense sometimes!
Inu-Yasha: [He looks inside his wallet.] I didn't give him much I ...What THE HELL !!!!!I GAVE THE BRAT!!!!! MY $100 BILL!!! INUKO!!!! [He runs out the room.]
Kagome: [Covers her face with her hands.] He'll never find him now.
Finally! The Legend of the Hinun Mingan!
[Two girls, one with brown hair and one with blonde hair, are walking down the sidewalk.]
Blonde hair girl: You should forget about Nick, and all his trouble. Don't you know, thinking you can change a man
is nothing but an urban legend.
Brown-haired girl: [She snickers regarding her comment.] Yeah, you're probably right.
Blonde-haired girl: So, what do you think of the new kid?
Brown-haired girl: [Blushes to herself.] Inuko? I think he's pretty cute...
Blonde: [She giggles.] Don't tell me you like him already?!
Brown: I didn't say that!! [Lets out a sigh.] I have more important things to worry about. I need 25 bucks to get into that party this weekend and I totally blew all my money on that jacket. I don't even have 50 cents to my name, Mom won't give me a penny, and Dad just stares at me like he doesn't understand English!
Blonde: Well, if you had a date, maybe he could pay for you?
Brown: I wouldn't be so sure... like I would get a date anyway [The two walk off.]
[Inuko, who was following secretly behind, watches the girls walk off and then turns toward his own home. He unlocks the door and opens it. Kagome, Sango, Miroku, Lee and Shane are sitting down… talking about something.]
Kagome: Hi hun.
Inuko: Yeah... is Dad around?
Kagome: Not yet, what is it that you need?
Inuko: 25 dollars.
Kagome: [She narrows her eyes.] What for?
Inuko: Something important, okay?
Kagome: I'm going to need to know to decide whether you get it or not.
Inuko: [He mumbles to himself.] That's why I wanted dad; he's too stupid to ask.
Kagome: What was that?
Inuko: Nothing, I said that I wanted the cash. [He plops down on the couch.]
Miroku: Well, alright ... now, what was it you were saying Kagome?
Kagome: Not much really, just that I'm getting more and more worried about Inu-Yasha. He insists that he's weaker now, and it's making him really irritable. All he ever does these days is sit around and watch Nick@Nite.
[Inu-Yasha now enters from the front door, seemingly from training.]
Everyone but Kagome: Norm!
Inu-Yasha: Huh?
Kagome: [She sweatdrops.]
Inu-Yasha: Feh... looks like I'm not the only one around here with any social life
Kagome: Sorry Inu-Yasha, but you've just been so moody lately. Are you doing okay?
Inu-Yasha: What do you think?
Kagome: [She grits her teeth.] I was jus- [She's interrupted herself by a glance from Lee.]
Miroku: I don't feel right just sitting around with all that's going on. It seems the attacks by those creatures have slowed down some, but us waiting for it to stop isn't going to help things.
Kagome: I know, Miroku, but this isn't the feudal era! As much as I would like to go and hunt these things down and find their leader, you have to realize we are in the middle of the city, and people just don't see demons running around every day.
Sango: [She nods.] You're right, that does make things difficult.
Inu-Yasha: [He punches his palms together] I just want that woman who made a fool of me before. I bet once I get her all these attacks will stop.
Shane: I've noticed that Inu-Yasha only started complaining about lack of power after that woman attacked him at the campgrounds. Also, these attacks started but a few days afterward. If we figure out what their purpose is for launching those attacks, also, what that woman was looking at in the campgrounds, we should be able to zero in on our true enemy.
[Everyone blinks and stares at Shane.]
Sango: He speaks... [Dramatic music.]
Lee: Yeah, every once in a while something worth while comes out of him.
Shane: Whatever.
Lee: But...he's right, and I..[Her cell phone rings, she answers.] Hello...Yes. Yes, I can be there then. Thank you very much. [She hangs up her phone.] I have to get going. Work calls, and hopefully when I get back I might have some promising news.
[Lee grabs her jacket and leaves.]
Inu-Yasha: So...where's my beer?
-------------------
[Outside of the hotel, the Radisson of Norfolk, Sesshomaru is walking down the sidewalk. He gets into his limo, and the limo driver takes off. There are two men already in the limo, hands folded on their laps.]
Sesshomaru: What have you found out?
Man1: Not much, Mr. Sho. There have been a few random spottings, but nothing concrete.
Sesshomaru: And you haven't sent anyone to follow them?
Man1: We were supposed to follow them?
[Sesshomaru just looks at him.]
Man2: Yes sir.
Sesshomaru: The original artifact is still missing. I want it found by tomorrow.
Man1: We have an idea who it might be. We think it is the – [He is silenced by Sesshomaru's hand.]
Sesshomaru: The fool...thinking he can so easily slip through. I cancel that order; I'll take care of this myself.
-------
[People are seen walking around a hotel lobby. Natsuko's sister, who had given her the orb earlier, walks in and talks to the guy at the desk. She nods to him and goes to the elevator. Riding it up to the 3rd floor, she walks down a couple feet and... walks through the door. Natsuko is watching TV in her hotel room. When her sister appears behind her, Natsuko doesn't even look her way.]
Natsuko: What is it that you want now, Natsumi?
Natsumi: Well, making you miserable is reason enough, but Mistress doesn't seem to believe you are doing your job?
Natsuko: [She turns to face Natsumi] I released the shadow beast they are gathering energy as she speaks... [Natsuko picks up the orb from her desk and it shocks her hands.] Stupid thing... as you can see its working...
Natsumi: But you forgot the other task. You are to prepare the demons Inu-Yasha and Inuko for Mistress' arrival. We cannot have them causing any trouble when she arrives.
Natsuko: Oh please! Why am I given this stupid assignment? And just what are you and Nori doing? Playing DDR at Greenbrier?
Natsumi: [She rolls her eyes.] No, we are not you. Nori and I are doing what we need to do. Hopefully, once we gain the shaman's power, we won't have a need for these low level beasts and our mistress will be free. Then we will be granted power beyond all existence!
Natsuko: Yeah yeah yeah, if you ask me, the Mistress is whacked.
Natsumi: I'll pretend you didn't say that...
Natsuko: Whatever. But, tell me, where do these shadow... things come from anyway. I know how to control them, but how did Mistress get her hands on such a power…
Natsumi: [She sits down in a chair.] Well, lets see. I sent a higher level shadow to try to get the information on the shaman from Sesshomaru. Those are more intelligent beings that can masquerade in any form. The ones we gave you do the same, but they are not nearly as sophisticated and resilliant as the ones Nori and I control. To be honest, I was going to send a shadow to attack Inu-Yasha instead of you, but.... [She looks up.]
Natsuko: What?
Natsumi: Nori thought you needed something to do...you are incredibly lazy and beginning to get fat!
Natsuko: WHAT! Why YOU!! [She slams her hand down on the desk.] You make me sick Natsumi! The only reason that you do anything for Nori is because you have a crush on him, and that's stupid because you know Nori is hopelessly in love with Mistress.
Natsumi: Watch yourself, young one!
Natsuko: Mistress' orders make no sense...attack here...attack there...We haven't stolen a blessed thing from Inu-Yasha or his family! Can I at least get some credit cards?? [She pauses and looks at her TV.] Hehe… look its that Quiznos' commercial...
Natsumi: Really? [She also looks and they both laugh. Noticed of a short attention span.]
Natsuko: I love that commercial...
Natsumi: Me too...
[They both snap out of it.]
Natsumi: Anyway, I'll take over things as far as Inu-Yasha is concerned. Make sure the beasts gather sufficient energy and that Mistress is comforted, even you could do that…
Natsuko: Well it must be someone's time of the month...
Natsumi: [Extends her claws, but then retracts them.] Though that does give me an idea… [She opens the door and walks out. Natsuko doesnt say anything , just watches her leave and slumps.]
------
[A man is working in his office, but his eyes keep glancing back to a set of papers on the side of his desk. He seems nervous, jittery almost, but takes a deep breath and tries to shake it all off. After taking a long sip of coffee, he seems a lot better. There is a knock at the door.]
Man: Ah! [He almost spills his coffee.]
Sesshomaru: Has the artifact I gave you been translated yet?
Man: No sir, it will be just a little longer before I can get it to you.
Sesshomaru: [He lowers his head.] Is that so?
Man: Yes ...sir [The man egins to feel nervous.]
Sesshomaru: Then how come it was reported to me that everything had been completed?
Man: I never sent out that report.
Sesshomaru: I know you didn't. Since you had such a ...high level project on your hands, I took it upon myself to have a few people watch over you.
Man: I don't know what you are talking about!
Sesshomaru: [Looks over his desk calmly, then pulls out a drawer where the tablet lies… under those is the translation.] I'll be taking this. You weren't really considering going against my orders, were you, Mr. Yamamoto?
Man: I won't let you take it...Everything is not for you to decide!
Sesshomaru: I pity the foo' that I give less respect than my brother.
[Cut to outside of the door, you hear the man scream. Rin walks by and blinks, just as Sesshomaru steps out of the office and shuts the door.]
Sesshomaru: Alert the faculty that Mr. Yamamoto is no longer with us. Give my condolences to his family.
------
Lee: [She is driving in her car when she gets a phone call.] Hello?
Sesshomaru: [Heard on the other end.] Ms. Higurashi I have pleasant news
Lee: You got it back?
Sesshomaru: Yes. I now know what your "friends" are after, but little else at this time. After a quick check by my specialists I should be able to give you a name and address.
Lee: What are you getting at?
Sesshomaru: The "Power of the Shaman" that my men have heard the others call it, is supposedly the algonquin legend of the Hinun Mingan. The only information that this artifact gives, however, is that a direct descendant of this man, the youngest at that, is the only person who can seek it out.
Lee: I'm glad to finally know something, but there is still one thing that bothers me. Our enemy practically let us have this information, and that makes me nervous.
Sesshomaru: That is because it's all a game, Miss Higurashi, a gamble of life and death.
------------------------------------------------------------------
[Inu-Yasha is watching TV, looking like he doesn't want to be disturbed, and Inuko walks in. Inu-Yasha however pays no attention to Inuko.]
Inuko: Dad?
=Kagome watches this from the side, out of sight.]
Inu-Yasha: What [He's not looking away from the TV.] Why they hell does every one want to bother me when I'm doing something? [Silence ensued.]
Inu-Yasha: Well? [Still looking at T.V] Why can't you ask your mother?
Inuko: but I didn't want to talk to her... I wanted to ask you a question.
Inu-Yasha: Bloody Hell come out with it boy! [Inuko stares at Inu-Yasha then walks over to the T.V and has Pirates of the Caribbean on.]
Inuko: You've been watching this movie way too much... anyways I wanted to ask you if I could have 25 bucks....
[Kagome crosses her arms, as she watches.]
Inu-Yasha: [He finally looks away from the T.V.] Why the hell for?
[Kagome smiles at this.]
Inuko: well um...it's for… [Mumbles lowly.]
Inu-Yasha: [Inu-Yasha stares at Inuko some more.] What the hell did you say?
Inuko: … for a ticket. [He says it louder.]
Inu-Yasha: For a ticket? 25 bucks for that? GOOD LORD that's a lot of money! [Pulls out some money from his pocket, random bills.] Here! [He gives it to Inuko, Inuko counts the money and it's one hundred and a twenty.] Go away so I can watch my movie!
[Kagome shakes her head annoyed, but remains silent.]
Inuko: Thanks dad!!!! [He runs out the room fast.]
Inu-Yasha: Bloody Kids!!!! [Looks at the movie again.]
[Kagome walks out and smacks Inu-Yasha in the back of the head.]
Inu-Yasha: Ow!! What the Hell was that for? [He rubs his head.]
Kagome: That was it? You just gave him the money!
Inu-Yasha: Yeah so he would leave me alone if I didn't give it to him he would be bugging me all day!
Kagome: Sit...
Inu-Yasha: [Falls down on the chair, through the cushion.] OW!! Damnit Kagome!!
Kagome: He said a ticket, right? Ticket for what? When? Did you even care?!?
Inu-Yasha : [Gets of the floor.] Why? The kid would never do ...wait … he's been around Miroku all day today ... Damn …
Kagome: [Clenches her fists.] You can be so dense sometimes!
Inu-Yasha: [He looks inside his wallet.] I didn't give him much I ...What THE HELL !!!!!I GAVE THE BRAT!!!!! MY $100 BILL!!! INUKO!!!! [He runs out the room.]
Kagome: [Covers her face with her hands.] He'll never find him now.