A/N: YAAY! I finally got back on track with this one ^_^ _^_^ I'll be working on this one until it gets caught up with my other two. Then I'll figure out what to do @_@

Sorry for the late updates -.-;;; I've been having major writers block. I couldn't even think of anything for my original stories! I have about five of them… Neways, I'm planning to delete Shadow Scar. Now, before you go and scream at me, I'm just gonna rewrite it (damn my writing then…) and it will be reposted. I have two ideas for stories that will go up in its place. One is Fallen, and another is called Across the Distant Stars, and I'll post one as soon as I finish at least one and a half of the chapters. Each of them should have 8-11 pages on MW. So, while I'm working on those, enjoy this chapter. Oh, I also found a few neat things… here's a third movie summery, for those of you who are dieing to know what happens ^-^ and some info that's also in my bio.
http:  //  www.   tsukiyama-  sama.   net/ Inu-Summary-3Movie   .htm

NEWS: Okay, I've found quite a few interesting things.

**SPOILERS AHEAD**

1. There's gonna be a forth Inuyasha movie, coming out this December. Some people are saying that it's the end of the series, and yes, sadly Inuyasha is almost over ;_; The manga is wrapping up soon, and all of the Shikon fragments have been found. The only one's left are Kouga's and Kohaku's.

2. Some good news for the dubbed fans. New Inuyasha episodes will be airing April 29 at 11PM every Thursday on Adult Swim. If you don't beleive me, check out the Adult Swim message board. Currently, the Adult Swim people are trying to win back Saturdays from Cartoon Network, and may they win at all costs! There will be 52 new epi's starting at epi 43. That means the series will be up to episode 94 in English!! I can't wait ^-^ ::has seen up to epi 142 in Japanese:: Also, the first movie should be released sometime this year as well... I think sometime in the fall, so keep a lookout! Someone said that it will be airing on the Cartoon Networks Cartoon Theater O.o;;; We'll just have to wait and see...

EXTRA: If you haven't checked out the "Web cam" Feature on Adult Swim, CHECK IT OUT!! There's some pretty funny things there... I like the owl ^-^

3. The new Inuyasha PS2 game, Juuso no Kamen, is scedualed to be released in America around June or July this year ^-^ I really want this game, because it's a roleplaying game. I LOVE those! T think the battles are like they are in Final Fantasy ^___^ I can't wait!!

Disclaimer:.......................................

Chapter 4 The Job

Inuyasha walked down the sidewalk, staring at a sheet of paper with a few quick messages scribbled here and there. He looked thoughtful, his free hand gripping the band to his backpack, which hung from his shoulder. As he passed a stop sign, he glanced up, narrowly missing a car. Quickly he backed up to the sidewalk and glared at all the passing cars. Sometimes the city of Tokyo Japan really made him long for the trees of the isolated country where he used to live.

Sighing he pocketed the sheet of paper and leaned against a nearby brick wall, waiting for his turn to cross the street. He'd never been to a shrine before, nor had he ever been in this part of Tokyo. This neighborhood was a lot better that the one he currently inhabited, but there was still the average freaky looking club hopper. It was early December, but today happened to be one, very rare, nice day where the weather wasn't too cold, nor too warm (Which wasn't a possibility). You didn't need a coat, and he didn't even notice the weather until just now.

Shrugging off the weather he turned his attention back to the street, noticing the cars had stopped. He quickly jogged to the other side of the road, and continued his way to the shrine. "For once I'm grateful to that old woman. She saved my butt this time." He thought with a smirk. Kaede was a wise old woman, and had always tried to help him and his brother. When his mother had died, she was the one who stayed with him because his father was to busy wallowing in his own misery.

Sesshoumaru didn't show that he was sad when she had died. But, he never really showed much other than… well nothing. But, there was a distinct change in the lords' personality. He was much colder to others, and was angered way too easily. After a while, they had both gotten mostly over it, except for his father. Inutaisho didn't eat much, nor was he ever truly himself again. That must have been when he nearly lost his mind to grief. Inuyasha sighed and looked at the slip of paper once more.

"So the shrine should be right about… here." He stopped and looked up, his eyes widening when he set them upon a long set of stairs. He grunted and pulled his backpack more securely over his shoulder, then he began the trek up the shrine steps. Once he got to the top, he looked around in curiosity. Suddenly, he heard the sound of a door being opened, and turned his gaze to the ancient looking well house on the side of the main shrine building.

Curious, Inuyasha hiked up his backpack once more and walked over, sniffing and listening intently for anything suspicious. Once he made it to the door, he set his bag on the ground near the structure, leaning his fake human ear against the door. There were voices inside.

"Nee-san, Kaede ba-ba told us not to come in here! Buyo can live without his ball for one day!" The voice of a young boy whispered down to another person. He sounded nervous.

"Souta, you know how that blob always annoys us when he can't find the darn thing. He'll roll over and whine until we give it to him." This voice was extremely familiar. It was a distinct female. He was so wrapped up in trying to recognize the voice that when a hand touched his shoulder, he let out a yelp in surprise and spun around, ready to rip anything in his way to pieces.

"It's not wise to eavesdrop Inuyasha." Kaede's haggard voice rang out. He growled and crossed his arms with a snort. Suddenly there was shuffling in the small shrine, and his name was repeated softly, that the human ear wouldn't be able to hear it. Then there were loud stomping steps coming up what sounded like stairs. The door slid open and a surprised Kagome stood there, wearing a Miko's robes, her hair tied back with a white ribbon.

"I-Inuyasha?" She asked uneasily. He looked just as surprised as she was. Kaede smiled behind him.

"Ah, I see you two have met already. Inuyasha, this is the girl I wanted you to meet when you dropped by today." The wise old lady chuckled softly, then began to eye the pack on Inuyasha's shoulder. "Did you bring those signed papers boy? I wouldn't want you to go into poverty because of expensive apartment fees." She chuckled again as the boy spun around and nodded quickly, looking extremely confused.

"Uh… yeah…" He muttered softly, pulling the pack from his shoulder and dropping it to the floor. Kneeling down beside it, he dug through the contents, pulling out a manila folder. "Here… I had to jeopardize my safety with Sesshoumaru to get out of the house for these." He added, standing up and throwing the pack over his shoulder once more.

"Well, I think he'll be grateful for it. You know, you should get a job as well Inuyasha. It would help you're brother greatly." She told him. He sighed and glanced at Kagome, who had been listening to them speak quietly.

"I have been looking for one. But, let's face it, no one really wants to hire a fifteen year old bankrupt boy." He explained, a tired look upon his face. Kaede gave him a reassuring smile.

"I would give you a job if I could, but Kagome has already taken the remaining job that I had. And I don't think you would want to be a priestess Inuyasha." She chuckled as Inuyasha blanched and shook his head violently. Kagome giggled and stepped out of the well house.

"Kagome is my granddaughter, and the shy little boy hiding behind the door there is Souta, my grandson." She looked over to the door. Hiding behind the wooden structure was a small black haired boy, clutching a fat cat in his arms. Kagome smiled and walked over, grabbing his hand and pulling him into the open.

"Say hi to Inuyasha Souta. He may seem scary at first but he's interesting." She cocked her head to the side and giggled. Souta looked up at him with innocent childish eyes. His eyes wandered to the bag the boy was clutching, and he noticed a stick like thing protruding from the top.

"What's that thing in you're bag?" He asked pointing. Inuyasha's gaze traveled to the slender bar, then back to the kid. He raised a hand and pointed to it.

"This?" He asked. The boy nodded. Setting the bag down once more, he pulled out a polished black scabbard. On the end were two red strips. On the top, protruded the hilt of a sword, in a simple pattern but made of a gold-like substance. The main part of the hilt was wrapped in old looking cloth, worn and dirtied with sweat. "It's a present from my dad. A sword called Tetsusaiga," He pulled it out. The blade was rusted and chipped, and it looked very old. "This is why I joined kendo, so that I could brush up on my swordplay." He put the scabbard on the ground and flipped the sword into the air, catching it by the hilt. "Here, you check it out."

He handed the sword to the boy, who looked at it in awe. Grabbing the hilt, he lifted it above his head, gazing at it with admiration. "Careful with it though. It's still pretty sharp."

"Whoa… this things so cool." He grinned. The boy turned around and showed his sister. "It's cool isn't it Nee-chan?" He showed her the sword proudly. Kagome grinned and nodded.

"Yes, it is Souta. Now, you better give it back to Inuyasha before you hurt yourself." She told him. Souta nodded and turned around, handing the sword back to Inuyasha. Instead of sheathing it, the silver haired boy stood up and pointed it at Kagome. His eyes were narrowed and his face serious.

"Watch this." He smirked and swiped upwards, the force of it blowing into Kagome's face. She blinked at him. Her mouth fell open as a piece of cloth floated into his hand. He'd taken the rag from the front of her blouse!

"Wow! I wanna do that too!" Souta was grinning like an idiot. Kagome still had yet to close her mouth.

"You know Kagome, if you stare like that people will start to wonder…" He grinned and motioned to a pair of girls that were giggling and making there way to the exit, pointing at her expression. Quickly closing her mouth the girl composed herself.

"That was… pretty cool." She admitted. He smirked and picked the scabbard back up, sheathing the sword and returning it to its place in his pack.

"What are you doing here anyway? I thought you were rich enough not to have a job." He asked, pulling his pack over his shoulder again. Kaede began to hobble away, folder in hand and Souta speaking fifteen miles an hour as he followed her.

"I never really liked to sit around, and I was bored, so I got this job." she smiled. "I really like this place. It's peaceful," she said, looking at the small gardens and trees that littered the shrine. She pointed to a huge tree a little further away from the shrine, it was huge, and looked very old. "That's the God tree, Goshinboku. It's thousands of years old, maybe older. It's got this calming air around it, so I go there when I'm stressed out over something." she told him, wiping some dirt from her white blouse.

"This place seems interesting… but I have to go. Sess is gonna be angry for what I did to him earlier, and the faster I get punishment, the sooner it's over." he said, repositioning his bag. Kagome giggled.

"Well, I hope you get a job soon. See you at school tomorrow Inu." she grinned as he sent her a sour look.

"Don't call me Inu…" he growled, turning around with a backhanded wave. She smiled as he descended the shrine stairs. I really hope he gets a job…

*~^~*

He smirked to himself. So, the boy was looking for a job, eh? He looked pretty tough, for such a skinny body. He motioned to the boy by his side, his hair was black with died red mixed in. Pointing to the silver haired boy he smirked again.

"He's looking for a job. Why don't you go offer one?" He asked in a hushed voice. The other boy glanced up, his silver eyes taking in the boy descending the shrine steps.

"I think we have enough on our side for now. Naraku's the one who let's us get people, not you." His silver gaze never left the boy. The black haired boy beside him sneered.

"Naraku told me to invite any tough looking guy, and that's what we're doing. Now get you're ass out there and get him in." He spat on the ground, his eyes angry. He knew better than to go up against one of these guys. Without much of a flinch, he jogged towards the silver haired boy.

"Hey! Wait a sec!" His whole demeanor had changed, from dead serious to light and airy. Inuyasha half turned to glance at a reddish-black haired boy, who waved him down and began walking beside him. He was a head shorter than him, yet looked to be about fifteen. "I heard that you're looking for a job. A friend of mine wanted to offer you one, down at the wear-house a few blocks from here." He explained. He tried to explain through his eyes the danger. Inuyasha looked at him.

"You mean that place that was on the news for theft of heroin?" He asked, raising a suspicious eyebrow. He waved it off.

"Well… yeah. But we get good pay, perfect if you're looking for money." His eyes pleaded with him to deny it. The silver haired boy snorted.

"I don't think so. I may be desperate for a job, but not that desperate." His eyes were closed in annoyance and his gaze was diverted down the street. He breathed a silent sigh of relief.

"Oh well. If you ever want to change you're mind, go here and ask for Hitori." He said, handing the annoyed boy a sheet of paper with a few words scribbled on. It was a part of the convincing act. Nothing he wanted to do.

"Sure, whatever." He grumbled, taking the sheet from his hand and stuffing it into the pocket of his jeans. "Now, get lost will ya shorty?" His gaze was amused as the boys face changed to annoyance. He crossed his arms over his chest and pouted.

"I'm not short…" He muttered as he turned around and headed in a different direction. Inuyasha laughed. Shaking his head, he continued on his way back home.

It didn't take him long to reach the shabby apartments, and he walked up the stairs, yawning and stretching. Upon reaching the door, he didn't bother to knock, stepping inside without a word. He was surprised by his older brothers anger filled voice from the kitchen. He walked over to the wall connecting the two and leaned against it, listening.

"What do you mean it's gone? You said the last time I called that we had at least twenty-thousand!" Sesshoumaru's usually calm voice was rimmed with poisonous venom, assuring the person on the other line a horribly painful death. "Where did it all go?" There was a long silence. Inuyasha strained his ears to catch what the person was saying on the other line. "YOU WHAT?!" He heard the wood of the table cracking, and it broke loudly. "YOU'RE FIRED YOU BASTARD!" Sesshoumaru threw the phone at the wall in pure fury, breaking it to pieces. Inuyasha came out from behind the wall to see his older brother, a hand on his face and a snarl on his lips.

"Sesshoumaru… what happened?" He asked, his voice slightly nervous. He'd never seen his brother this angry before. Sesshoumaru stood up, his eyes flashing from red back to gold again. His calm composure returned, yet the fury was still there.

"Our other secretary just used up our bank account to buy his new wife a ring." He cut straight to the point. Inuyasha's eyes widened, his anger growing as well.

"Isn't that illegal? He can't do that!!" He protested, throwing his bag into the corner of the kitchen. Sesshoumaru sneered.

"He can when he has rights to the account." He growled. Inuyasha stared at him in disbelief.

"Who fucking gave him rights to the account?!" He shouted angrily. Sesshoumaru growled again.

"I thought he was trustworthy enough. I will never make that mistake again." Sesshoumaru watched as Inuyasha exploded. He knew the boy would get angry.

"I told you to never trust anyone when we barely have any money! But nooooo, the great demon Sesshoumaru doesn't want to take advice from his little brother. How the fuck are we gonna survive now you bastard?! Now we need a new phone and a new fucking table!" He was on a roll now. "Now it's even more important that I get a job, but No one seems to want to hire a bankrupt fifteen year old HIGHSCHOOLER!!" With one final snarl directed towards his brother, the silver haired teen ferociously grabbed his backpack. "I have homework to do…" He growled angrily on his way to the room.

Sesshoumaru sighed, a hand rising to rub his temples as he too exited the kitchen. This was too much for one man to take.

*~^~*

Inuyasha sighed as he closed his math book. Life hated him didn't it? He still had a report to work on for Social Studies, a test to do in science, and still half a math worksheet to do, and all in the first day. He glanced at the clock, groaning when he noticed how late it was.

Leaning forward in the desk he dropped his face into his hands, rubbing his eyes as he unconsciously reached for his science book. Taking out his homework schedule he glanced down the list. Ok… page fifty-four through sixty read and do chapter review… what is this crap?  He grunted and slammed the book shut, resting his head on his upturned palm.

If school wasn't enough he now had to find a job more desperately. If he didn't find one soon, they would be evicted, even with the low fees. Sesshoumaru needed a job as well, and he didn't want to go into how much money they actually had left.

"Which one of you guys hate me?" He growled, glaring up at the heavens. As if to answer his question, the sound of thunder invaded his hearing, and the clapping sound of rain on the roof a-joined it. Sighing once more, he stuffed his hands into his pockets, his brow furrowing as his fingers felt the rough edge of a rolled up piece of paper. He pulled it out, giving it a strange look before unraveling it.

On the front there was an address, not too far from here it seemed. His eyes widened in recognization and he glanced out the window as a bolt of lightning lit up the dreary night.

"Oh well. If you ever want to change you're mind, go here and ask for Hitori…" He sighed, raising the sheet in front of him.

"Well… desperate times call for desperate measures…" He muttered, standing up and grabbing his windbreaker. "Better get this over with fast." He grabbed the house keys on his way to the door as he slipped on the windbreaker. Unlocking it quietly as to not wake Sesshoumaru, he slipped silently from the house, closing the door gently behind him and locking it once more.

Putting the keys in his jean pocket, he quickly set foot down stairs and into the lobby.

*~^~*

Hitori yawned, stretching his pent up muscles as he fell down into his bed. He was so tired tonight, though he didn't know why. It could have been those three days he spent working on the last shipment. Oh well, at least he was home. He curled up under the covers, sighing contentedly as the warmth flooded him. Just as he was about to drift off, a knock sounded at the front door.

Growling he grabbed a jacket from his desk and got up from bed. "Who the fuck would come here at twelve at night…" He murmured rubbing his eyes as he slowly shuffled his way over to the door.

Once he reached it, he looked through the side window, his eyes widening in surprise when he set them upon the silver haired boy from before, standing outside and soaked to the bone. He shivered slightly as he clutched the soaked windbreaker to his frozen body.

Quickly unhooking the chain and unlocking the door, Hitori opened it wide, staring out with disbelieving eyes.

"What the hell are you doing here at night?" He demanded, gesturing outside. " And in the middle of a fucking thunderstorm?!"

Inuyasha handed him the piece of paper that held his address, his eyes cold and serious. He glanced at it, his eyes widening in disbelief as he read it over. Please no…

"I came for the job…" He was still catching his breath, and he gulped as he shivered once more. "And I'm not leaving until I get it…" His voice was determined.

Hitori's expression changed for an instant, so fast that the silver-haired boy nearly missed it. What he saw frightened him slightly, yet made him ever more curious.

Hitori's expression had changed to udder pain and sorrow for an instant.

And he knew then, that if he took this job, he might not be able to get out of it.

"A-are you sure?" The boy asked, his eyes hoping that this wasn't real. Inuyasha nodded. His face set into determination.

"Yes. I'm positive."

*~^~*