Chapter Five: Attempted Trust, and brothers
Inu Yasha stomped into the kitchen, glancing over at Miroku who was sitting at the table quietly.
"What?" the demon snapped. Miroku looked up calmly and frowned.
"You know, I can hear you all the way down here."
"So?"
"What is your problem, Inu Yasha? You always seem to be yelling at the girl. No wonder she would want to warn Kouga. Of course, killing her boyfriend is terrible for her in itself, I'm sure. Have you explained your reasons?"
"Yes! I told her about Kikyo, and she just doesn't seem to care!"
"Well, she seems like the type of girl who doesn't like violence or killing. Maybe you should find some other way to get back at Kouga." At this, Miroku grinned wickedly. Inu Yasha ignored him, saying,
"If she doesn't like violence, why was she the girlfriend of a gangster?"
"Didn't you say Kouga was holding her against her will?"
"I...yeah but...oh." Inu Yasha sighed heavily, sitting down and frowning. "So Miroku, what message did my stupid arrogant brother leave me?"
"He basically said that members of his gang had found out about your plan and he wants you to come see him, bringing Kagome with you. Otherwise he might have to take her. For his own plans." Miroku shrugged, "I have no idea what that means. But I would suggest you listen to him."
"I know that Miroku. Which is why, as soon as the wench is ready; we'll go see that bastard."
"Perhaps you shouldn't refer to her as 'wench'." said Miroku, standing and going to the fridge to get a beer.
"Perhaps I can call her what I want, Miroku! Hey, toss me one, will you?" His manager rolled his eyes before flipping Inu Yasha a beer.
"None of this is really her fault. Did you think of that? She's been forced into many things since she's gotten involved with gangsters. Maybe you should try to be nice. Then she'll come to trust you."
"Trust me?"
"Yes. More than any other gangster at least."
"I'm not a gangster. But you have a point...trust me more than Kouga?"
"Possibly."
"That's a good plan. Then she won't try to warn the bastard and I can kill him easily."
"Um...I wasn't thinking of it like that." said Miroku, opening his beer and taking a sip.
"Thanks Miroku!" said Inu Yasha cheerfully, getting up and slapping him on the back good-heartedly.
"Yeah..." muttered Miroku, gazing up at the staircase. Kagome was descending slowly, wearing a little dark blue jeans shorts and a pale tan halter-top. Her freshly brushed hair cascaded around her back and shoulder, liquid black silk. Miroku's eyes widened as Inu Yasha turned to see what he was looking at.
"Whoa..." muttered the half-demon in awe. Kagome reached the bottom and tilted her head.
"Is something wrong? We are going somewhere, right? It's pretty hot outside so I thought I should wear this..." She looked unsure, "Is that alright?"
"Of course!" supplied Miroku quickly, grinning, "You're fine! Right Inu Yasha?"
"Mm hm..." he murmured as Kagome turned slightly pink.
"So...are we going to leave?" asked the young woman. The white haired man blinked a couple times, nodding his head.
"Um, yeah. We're going to meet my brother."
"What?" said Kagome, her tone fearful, "You mean...Sesshomaru?"
"Yes." said Inu Yasha, trying to contain his annoyance. Get her to trust me. Be nice. Then Kouga will be an easy target.
Once they got outside, Inu Yasha glanced at Miroku's car, frowning.
"Okay, change of plans. Kagome, you come with me. Miroku, you follow us. Okay?" Miroku sighed and nodded, heading to his car as Kagome looked at Inu Yasha with terror.
"What?"
"We're going on my motorcycle. Too crammed in Miroku's car. Come on." He turned, going into the garage and pulling a tarp off a sleek black motorcycle, causing Kagome to gasp. "I uh...don't have any helmets. With me being a demon, I don't really have need of them. Are...you going to be alright with that? I promise you won't get hurt. I'm a decent driver." He winked causing Kagome to stare at him in surprise.
"Um...okay." They both got on and Inu Yasha started it quickly, pulling out of the garage sharply, which cause Kagome to yelp and grab him around the waist, clinging tightly. Inu Yasha smiled to himself as he drove towards his brother's house as quickly as he could without getting pulled over. He wasn't eager to see Sesshomaru, but Kagome clutching him around the waist wasn't so bad.
Miroku knew exactly what Inu Yasha was doing and shook his head, rolling his eyes. They reached a large mansion in no time and Inu Yasha pulled into the driveway, Miroku right behind him. Turning off the motorcycle, the half-demon turned to Kagome.
"Are you okay?" She disentangled herself from him, nodding and blushing.
"Uh huh. Sorry...I've never ridden a motorcycle before."
"That's okay. Come on." He helped her down as Miroku walked over, frowning.
"I've noticed a shocking number of guards Inu Yasha. I hope Sesshomaru isn't expecting us to try and get through them as some sort of stupid test."
"Keh. I'll kill them if they try to get in my way." He glanced at Kagome who was walking next to him, looking at the mansion.
"It's...bigger than Kouga's..."
"Yeah. Sesshomaru tends to be more extravagant than Kouga. But the wolf demon makes up for it in number. He has a bigger gang than my brother. But Sesshomaru's are better trained. Probably better dressed too."
"Oh."
They reached the front entrance where fours members of the Nishi gang greeted them.
"Inu Yasha." they nodded politely, before opening the door. The white haired demon ignored them, guiding Kagome through the door and into a large hallway. Miroku slipped in behind them, coughing slightly. Inu Yasha glanced back at him to see a finger being pointed up at the stairs. He turned to see Sesshomaru at the top of a huge grand staircase. Kagome stared at the regal demon.
He wore a long white kimono with red embroidery at the top, along with a black leather tunic-like shirt over it tied up with a long yellow scarf. On his shoulders and over his chest was a piece with spikes that attached to the leather shirt and he had a fluffy white boa over one shoulder. There was also a sword in a sheath at his side. He was more demon looking than Inu Yasha and Kouga, with deep purple stripes on his face and a crescent moon shape on his forehead. His hair was long, and white, like Inu Yasha's, only silkier and fine. He also had startling eyes, but they were more of a dark yellow than Inu Yasha's golden ones.
"Welcome." He said in a smooth majestic voice, coming down the stairs leisurely. Once he reached the bottom he gave Kagome a smile that seemed quite snake-like "You must be Kagome Higurashi. I am Sesshomaru Tanryoku. No doubt you have heard of me from your...dear Kouga." Kagome lowered her head slightly in greeting, muttering,
"Pleased to meet you Mr. Tanryoku. Yes, Kouga has mentioned you. You are leader of the Nishi gang."
"Very good. Yes I am. How has Inu Yasha been treating you? I'm sure you have been surviving on cans of beer and fast food."
"Um...I don't drink."
"Really? Well, I prefer wine myself. I don't touch beer as it's too...crude." He glanced pointedly at his brother causing Inu Yasha's lips to curl into a snarl. "Would you like to join me in the sitting room, Miss Higurashi?" Though he was very polite and seemed nice, Kagome detected something sinister beneath the surface.
Though he had asked her, he started walking into another room and Kagome got the impression that she didn't have an option. "How about you join us Inu Yasha? Your friend, Mr. Chikan, may come also." Kagome started to follow Sesshomaru and noted, with pleasure, how quickly Inu Yasha hurried to stay at her side, Miroku following behind.
They reached the large, excessively furnished room, and Sesshomaru sat down in a plush lounge chair and offered a large couch to his guests. Kagome sat down in the center, liking the security of having two men sitting on either side of her.
"How is my brother treating you, Miss Higurashi?" asked Sesshomaru serenely as a servant set a glass of wine down next to him. "By the way, would you like anything to drink?"
"I could go for a beer," said Inu Yasha gruffly.
"I did not ask you, dear brother." Sesshomaru sniffed, trying to remain composed.
"I'm good, thanks." said Kagome, embarrassed as Sesshomaru turned to his servant.
"Get me a beer please and..." he looked at Miroku expectantly who coughed and said.
"Um, scotch and soda. Thanks." The servant disappeared as the tranquil demon turned back to Kagome, saying.
"I do not drink beer of course, but my dear brother is lucky that I keep it in the house for business associates who rather enjoy it. It's bottled of course, not in an atrocious aluminum can. I am also sure that it is a much better brand that this crude half-demon is used to." Inu Yasha growled softly, but Sesshomaru ignored him continuing, "So Miss Higurashi, I understand that my brother is keeping you as...a guest for the purpose of killing Kouga."
"Yes." Kagome replied through clenched teeth. Inu Yasha suddenly felt bad, for some reason he could not comprehend.
"How terrible. Has he informed you of his reasoning on this idea?" At this point, two servants brought out Inu Yasha and Miroku's drinks, handing them to their owners, and then departing silently.
"You mean Kikyo?" questioned Kagome, causing Inu Yasha to wince at the name before sipping the already opened beer. Miroku also started on his scotch and soda. "Yes, he told me about the assassin and everything. I still think it's ridiculous. And very gangster-like for all the times he swears he isn't." A slight chuckle came from Sesshomaru.
"Yes, yes. That sounds like Inu Yasha. I believe you have no reason to fear for your life though. Not with your startling resemblance to Kikyo."
"Huh?"
"Inu Yasha did not tell you? The fact that you look very much like his dead love interest?"
"No..." she glanced over at Inu Yasha who was glaring at his brother.
"That's my business Sesshomaru! Keep your haughty nose out of it!"
"I shall. Anyway Kagome, are your living quarters to your liking? Because if they do not meet your standards, I can offer you one here." the smooth voice went on, as Kagome looked back at its owner hesitantly.
"And you'd no doubt take over Kouga's murder!" Inu Yasha cut in sharply, "Hell no! This killing is mine Sesshomaru!"
"Fine. Miss Higurashi? Mr. Chikan? Would you two excuse my brother and I? You are free to wander the mansion as you please. I need to speak with him alone." Kagome glanced at Inu Yasha for reassurance, but he was still in the process of burning holes in his brother's head. Miroku had already rose and offered Kagome his arm. She smiled slightly and took it as Inu Yasha tore his gaze away from Sesshomaru long enough to give Miroku a warning look.