Disclaimer: I do not own Inuyasha...
A/N: Hiya! New story, yet again! I hope you all like this, but the first story will be a bit of prologue, since only some of you know the story behind this... If you've read my story 'You!', then most of this chapter will be review, but NOT all of it! Well, actually... This isn't since it's mostly in Sesshomaru's point of view.
Gomen minna,(sorry everyone,) but I have gotten used to using Japanese words in this story (You!), so I continued on this one. I'm posting the necessary vocabulary translations here, before the chapters, okay? If you have any problem with that, please tell me so and I will do what I can to help fix it! Translations for this chapter are as follows:
Hai: Yes
Iie: No
Sugoi: Wow
Nani: What
Onegai: Please
Arigatou: Thank you
Name Translations:
Sasayaku: Whisper (Sasayaku is Ayame's last name. Her name means Iris, so in my story, her name is Iris Whisper, see? ^_^)
Himitsu: Secret
I think that's all for now...
Anyway, I hope you all enjoy this story! Please R+R! Especially R! ^_^
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Title: Come With Me
Chapter 1: Let's Start From the Beginning, Shall we?
Author: Sakura-chan88
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A teenage boy walked through the large revolving glass doors, his silver hair casting off the bright afternoon sunlight. He wore his navy blue business suit and carried his black leather briefcase underneath his left arm while he read the 'Daily News' and took a sip from his water bottle. He detested the smell of coffee, and his keen nose couldn't take the scent of tea, either.
As soon as his shoes echoed on the marble tiled floor, a short, waddling old man appeared behind him. His squeaking, high pitched voice cut into the boys thoughts.
"Sesshomaru-sama! Sesshomaru-sama!"
"What is it Jaken?" the teen asked, obviously annoyed by the continuous calling of his name.
"Mr. Zaisan wishes to speak with you," he replied, following the boy to the elevators. "You're now vice president of Musei Inc."
Sesshomaru mentally sighed. Thirteen years old and he almost owned the company.
******
"Inuyasha, we're late," Sesshomaru stated irritably. "And why are we late?"
"Because you're too young to drive and mom's sick," his six year old half brother responded arrogantly.
He looked over to his brother- halfbrother- and held back the urge to swat him. "Start practicing. We're almost there."
Inuyasha's golden eyes widened in disbelief. "I am not singing in the middle of the street. Everyone will think I'm weird."
"You are weird, Inuyasha, so start singing," Sesshomaru ordered, approaching the building they should have been at over an hour ago. "If you lose, we won't be able to help your mother. I hardly earn enough to keep the roof over you and feed you- and now with the new baby on the way and dad gone..."
The sentence trailed off, leaving the end open for Inuyasha's mind to run through all of the possibilities. By this time, they had reached their destination. Inuyasha growled.
"This isn't fair."
"Well, you are going to do this weather you want to or not," Sesshomaru stated, walking into the building. "And since we're late, I won't be able to pinpoint any real threats to you immediately... And that does not make me very happy, dear brother."
Inuyasha flinched at the insulting tone, then pushed past the teen. "Don't worry. I'll win."
Sesshomaru listened carefully to the girl singing in the middle of the room, a table of judges over to his right and a line of contestants to his left. An audition for the last spot in a children's band was being held, and with Inuyasha's voice, Sesshomaru knew it was his best chance to bring some much needed money into the family bank account. Fathers funeral had chewed up the money faster than one could say 'money be gone!'
Silently, he made his way to a shadowed corner near the judges table and took a seat, listening and watching for any threat. However, with them being so late, Inuyasha was last to go and the next person in line to sing. Oh, he was mad!
The judges liked him, each nodding their approval as Inuyasha left the stage. The singers were split up into groups of five and sent to a room, one group at a time, with the judges. Now, the judges would pick out two of the five to stay and send the other three packing.
Inuyasha had gone in with a group of four girls- all of whom seemed confident- and walked out with three crying girls and a smiling, raven haired, five year old girl. Inuyasha smirked. He'd made it through another round.
After waiting for the next groups of singing children to be picked apart, the third round was held. Now it was time for Sesshomaru to pay attention. But, as one after another, after another failed to impress him, he sighed, rubbing his temples. Maybe he shouldn't worry so much-
And there it was. A voice that would surely cause a problem for Inuyasha. Sesshomaru looked up to find the same raven haired girl that had walked out with his brother standing on the small audition stage. Well, the threat needed to be disposed of...
Inuyasha smirked as he finished, jumping off of the stage. Sesshomaru scowled, but called him over, whispering to him and shoving a bottle into his hand.
"Coke?"
"We have a problem," he hissed. "That girl," he began, pointing as a small girl spoke to her father, wrapping herself in his jacket, "give her this."
Inuyasha frowned, but nodded. "Sure."
Sesshomaru went back to watching from the sidelines as his brother approached the girl when her dad left. She smiled as they talked, and took the drink without a single hint of suspicion. When Inuyasha snorted and walked away, she frowned, but drank happily from her soda.
The finally audition was coming to an end as the girl was called into a separate room to sing and be judged.
"Good luck!" another competitor cheered for her. The girl took another long drink from the bottle.
"Say it!" he hissed, jabbing Inuyasha in the side. He knew his brother would understand.
"Yeah, you'll need it," Inuyasha snorted arrogantly.
She looked at him questioningly over her shoulder as she disappeared through the doorway.
"What was in that bottle, Sesshomaru?" Inuyasha asked curiously as he stood to retrieve the abandoned bottle.
"Let's just say... She'll have a good day's rest."
"You bastard..."
******
"Do any of you know a young lady by the name of Ayame Sasayaku?" he asked scanning the room. His gaze landed on a lady with long, jet black hair. He frowned in disapprovement."What are you doing here, Ki-"
"I'm not Kikyo," the woman told him calmly.
He nodded. "I see."
"This is Ayame, sir," she said politely, pointing to a sleeping girl who had attached herself to Kouga.
"Of course. Would you mind waking her?" Sesshomaru asked. "I have some important news that she will want to hear, I believe."
"Hai." The woman shook Ayame's shoulders, trying to get the girl to wake up. Kouga edged away, unsure of something. "Aya-chan, wake up. Someone wants to speak with you."
"Lefmlone," she mumbled.
"Come on! Wake up."
"Go away!"
Sesshomru looked at his brother as the Kikyo look-alike woman explained that 'Demonic' was in the same room as them, and Ayame bolted awake.
"Honto!? Kami-sama, I'm dreaming," she exclaimed, blinking rapidly and looking around.
Sesshomaru sighed, it would take a while to get the girl to calm down, now. So much for a pleasant night. Ayame 'eep'd, drawing Sesshomau's attention back to the scene in front of him as she attached herself to Kouga. She was looking at Miroku with wide eyes.
"What did you to Ms. Sasayaku, houshi?" Sesshomaru asked, not really caring.
"Oh, yeah... Ayame?" the black-haired girl turned back to the girl after getting her to let go of Kouga. "This man wished to speak to you."
"Oh..." She walked over to the man and bowed. "I'm Ayame Sasayaku, sir. What can I do for you?"
'They change tunes so fast,' he mused, metally shaking the thought away. "You're grandfather, Mr. Zaisan, as you already know, was the owner of Meisei incorporated. About a month before he passed way, he requested that this concert beheld the day after you're nineteenth birthday. He also requested that you, two of your friends, and the band spend some time together. I, being his best friend and manager of the group, gave the tickets to your mother and arranged some time for you and your friends to stay with the group. Approximately one week."
Ayame was shocked, as was the girl with Miroku, Miroku himself, and Kouga. Inuyasha was furious and the other woman seemed a bit confused.
"Na-NANI!?!" Inuyasha shouted. "Sesshomaru, you jerk! We don't have time to babysit some fan girl!"
"Two fan girls and their friend," the Kikyo look-alike. Sesshomaru was most definately curious about this girl- she was the only one to talk to his brother that way AND she looked like Kikyo... "I'm not really a fan of yours at all. Don't flatter yourself." Everyone just starred at her.
Looking back over to Inuyasha and glaring, Sesshomaru hissed, "You're going to, and you will be considerate and kind. Especially toward Ms. Sasayaku!" He turned back to Ayame, handed her a letter, bowed, and left with Jaken waddling after him.
He felt sorry to stick them with his brother for the week, but he had made a promise after all.
******
"Think 14 years back," Inuyasha hissed over the phone. It had been four days since band had joined Ms. Sasayaku and her friends at that cabin out in the middle of nowhere. "You remember that girl from the audition?"
Sesshomaru's brow shot up. He'd thought Inuyasha had forgotten all that, but obviously not. "Yeah."
"So, you remember the reason I'm now one of the most famous singers in the world today?"
"... Don't let it get to your head, dear brother."
Sesshomaru read his newspaper boredly. Nothing real special today. Stock market steady... What was the owner of the most wealthy company in all of Japan, the owner of the most well known band- and about every other well known thing known to man-, to do?
"Kagome... she fainted this morning..."
"And?" Sesshomaru asked, noting the concern in his voice. Kagome, the Kikyo look-alike seemed to have caught his brothers eyes. "What does that have to do with 14 years ago?"
"..."
"..."
"..."
"... You can't be serious..." Sesshomaru muttered, his eyes widening a fraction. "Kagome Higurashi? She's..."
"Hai, she's the girl you drugged 14 years ago," he stated. "We're at the hospital Rin's at right now, if you were wondering..."
"... Is Rin awake?"
"Iie."
Sesshomaru sighed as he turned his cell phone off and shoved it into his pocket, standing abruptly. Grabbing his keys and throwing his jacket over his shoulder, he left his office and Jaken appeared by his side immediately.
"Sessho-"
"Shut up, Jaken. I'm leaving."
"Sesshomaru-sama-"
"Jaken," Sesshomaru hissed in a threatening tone, walking to a side exit.
"But, Se-"
He threw the door open forcefully, hitting Jaken square in the face, and leaving the man twitching on the floor.
'So, Kagome's the girl... I wonder what happened for him to remember his... forgotten past...'
******
"- Since we only have a few more hours that we are stuck together- and I'm sure Inuyasha will be dragging us off once the clock strikes twelve- after all, he wouldn't want you to see him in his clothing of rags and us as the little mice- I thought it would be nice to do something," Miroku said.
"That was very thoughtful of you, houshi," Sesshomaru stated as he joined the group, "but I have already made plans for you all so that you can enjoy the last night. I set up a dinner for you on a cruiser's diner. I hear they have very nice sea food."
"That sounds great," said Kagome, smiling. "Arigato, Sesshomaru." He looked at her for a moment in wonder.
"Are you sure she's the same girl?" he asked Inuyasha.
"Hai... Why?"
"I didn't expect a 'thank you' from someone I drugged..."
"I forgave you a long time ago- before I even knew it was you. I am more forgiving than most, but I won't forgive it again," she threatened. He snorted.
"There is no benefit to me, therefore I will not be drugging you," he stated. He saw her smile warmly, her eyes dancing in a foriegn look of friendship. He could see why his brother felt for the woman.
******
"Hai, Inuyasha," Sesshomaru repeated. "I have scheduled a concert for you tonight. When you arrive at the dock, I'll give you the details. For now, all you need to know is a jet is waiting for the girls after the concert is over. Say your farewells before then."
He knew it was wrong, and he could hear the hurt in his brothers enraged snarl. A loud whistling came from the other end of the line, then a some sizzling and crackling as the cell phone plunged into the ocean water, he assumed.
"Gomen, bother, but... you only know half of the story," Sesshomaru stated, setting the phone down with a heavy hearted sigh.
******
"Why do you do this to your own brother?"
He didn't know what to think of the girl sitting beside him. She changed tunes too often for his comfort, and she had even made him laugh.... That was unsettling.
Flashback
"Inuyasha here will file a lawsuit against you," she had stated, nodding knowledgably. Inuyasha nodded too.
"On what grounds?" Sesshomaru had asked
Inuyasha stopped shaking his head, thoughtful for a second. "Yeah, what grounds?"
"For animal cruelty," she replied.
Inuyasha nodded vigorously. "Yeah! For animal cru-" he paused, then looked at her and growled. "Bitch."
"That is no way to talk to a lady," she huffed, pouting.
Miroku laughed, hugging Kagome to his side for a moment. "You are the strangest of the bunch, ne?"
Sesshomaru was having a hard time not laughing. Of all the years of solemness, she had brought up a feeling of humor... He laughed, then he turned away.
End of flashback
She sighed. He sat beside her, looking at his fallen co-worker. "Inuyasha wouldn't stop singing, even if I let him," Sesshomaru said. "No matter what he says. He loves the attention- and it helps him keep his mind blank."
Flashback
"Where's Sesshomaru?" asked Kagome.
Sesshomaru watched from the shadows as the band arrived at the concert hall. Jaken was being his annoying self, Kagome was forced to listen.
"That's Sesshomaru-sama to you, you disrespectful little witch," he sneered.
'That was harsh' thought Sesshomaru... Since Jaken was annoying him any way...
"Nani!?" she screeched, glaring daggers at the man. "What did you just call me?!"
"A disrespectful little wi-" was all he said before falling to the ground, unconscious.
Sesshomaru stood behind his fallen employee, shaking his head slowly. "He doesn't know when to shut up, does he?"
End flashback
"So he isn't always thinking about his problems," she mumbled, nodding in acception.
"I do this to help, if you can understand that."
A few minutes later, Kagome had spoken to her friends, Sango and Ayame. They would leave to let the band rehearse. Sango was first to leave.
On her way out, she tripped over the unconscious Jaken and went stumbling straight into Sesshomaru. He caught her, steadied her, then brushed himself off thinking 'Great, wrinkle my newly pressed $3000 dollar suit...' The whole time Sango mumbled apologies. When he disregarded them, Sango huffed, kicked Jaken for making her look like a fool, then left.
Ayame smiled and waved the boys goodbye and followed Sango. Then Kagome turned to leave. On her way she stoped to wisper some advise to him.
"Push him too hard and he'll lose his only way out."
He nodded, still straightening out his clothes.
'They'll never be fixed!'
Sighing, Kagome left with a sad smile on her face....
"Inuyasha," Sesshomaru called, walking up to the stage as his brother strummed his guitar, Miroku and Kouga in the background followed suit. "I have an idea..."
"The concert's tomorrow instead?" He asked hopefully. "The girls stay for another week?"
"A month-" Miroku interrupted.
"A year?" Kouga asked.
Sesshomaru remained quiet for a while. It really was a mistake to keep the girls with the band for that... cruise... He sighed. 'Gomen...'
"Iie," he stated emotionlessly. "I was thinking... How good is Kagome? Is she stage material?"
Inuyasha looked at him suspiciously. "Hai."
"Find away to get her on stage tonight. She'll be performing for the audience..." Sesshomaru couldn't help the small smirk that found its way past his mask.
"Nani?"
"Let's just say, it's a test," he whispered mysteriously, digging into his inner coat pocket for his palm pilot only to find it missing. "Nani...? Where is my palm pilot?" He patted himself down, checking for the allusive electronic. "Where'd I put it?"
******
"Hai, Kaede," Sesshomaru spoke. "Kagome will be performing, and iie, she doesn't know. I need to make sure she gets on stage, though. I want you to make certain that she arrives here before-"
"Sesshomaru! Thank Kami-sama I found you."
Kagome came running, huffing and puffing, from the closest door. She stopped in front of him, doubled over to catch her breath.
"Is something wrong?" he asked.
"Iie," she stated, as he drank from his bottle of water. "It's just that I found this," she said, holding up a silvery, metallic object. "It's yours, right? I don't know anyone else who would be scheduled for a meeting with both Kaede-bachan and Myouga-jiisan."
"Nani? Where'd you get that from?" he asked, grabbing it from her rather rudely. "I was looking all over for it."
"It was on the ground at the dock," she said. "We went back to get my cell phone. Sango left it in her room and we had to go to the souvenir shop. I had four messages, can you believe that! Four!"
His eyebrows rose skeptically, but he said nothing, checking over his schedule. "Oh, I forgot that... and that, too..."
"Anyway, my mother was calling to say that they were going out to eat at some diner and would be back on the shopping spree, spending everything- to the last penny," she mumbled, lowly. "She wants to be paid for baby sitting your sister."
"Nani?" he asked, looking up from his life. "I never asked her to-"
"I know," she said, shrugging her shoulders. "Oh! Shoot! I forgot! Where's Inuyasha? I have a message for him."
"Third door on the right, but he's going on stage in..."
"Four minutes," Kaede interrupted.
"Kya! I have to hurry then!" she shouted, pushing passed Sesshomaru. He caught a hold of her arm. She started slightly.
"What do you need to tell him so badly?" he implored, narrowing his eyes. He didn't like the way she was so jumpy.
She sighed and answered, "Kikyo's here," before running to the room Inuyasha was currently occupying. Sesshomaru watched the girls retreating form, taking a sip from his bottle. She slipped through the door and out of sight. Sesshomaru looked back to Kaede and Myouga.
"She has arrived," Kaede spoke. She smiled and walked away slowly.
"Myouga," Sesshomaru called to the man, swirling his drink around distractedly. "Recheck the jet. However, first inform Yura that I wish to see her immediately after the boys leave. She's to go ahead of us to the next concert hall to tend to preparations."
The said man bowed, then walked away. Sesshomaru turned his attention back to the small electronic schedule. "Great. I forgot to send the report to Dell. I hate owning everything."
He looked down at the man by his side. "Jaken, go with Myouga to the jet. Tell Jen I want the jet to leave A.S.A.P."
Jaken waddled away, responding in delight and being given a job, "Hai, Sesshomaru-sama!"
He walked to the temporary office he had chosen, watching as one of the hall lights flickered. Shaking his head lightly, he opened the door, threw on the light, and took a seat in the only available chair. He drank what was left of his water before picking up his latest news paper.
The door creaked open to reveal a scantily clad woman with short hair, holding a brush in one hand and a phone in the other. She had an unusual aura about her, but not enough to make him wonder. She smirked.
"You rang?"
"Yura, you will be making your way to the concert-" Sesshomaru began, pausing slightly to recompose himself as his head began to spin and his eyelids grew heavy "- hall in... in..."
"Sir?" she asked, walking over to the man. "Nara. The next concert is going to be held in Nara."
"Hai..." He looked at her, then grabbed his head, thinking to himself.
'What... is going on?'
"Sir," Yura spoke. "Yes, I need to arrange a jet for Mr. Himitsu. Sesshomaru Himitsu."
Sesshomaru looked up to find the girl talking into her phone. "Y-Yura?" he stuttered in complete shock. "What-"
"...Hai... Hai, hai. The number is 83-"
His head drooped and his vision blurred. What was going on? Yura was getting a jet? For him? Why?
"Arigatou," she mumbled, then flipped the phone off. "Sesshomaru, it's time. Let's say this is payback. For 14 years ago."
"K-Kagome...! She did... did... this?"
'That's why she was jumpy... A taste of my own medicine, huh?'
"..." He was speechless, though even if he had something to say, he was sure he won't have been able to since, in the next few seconds, his world went black.
******
Kagura hushed with the rest of the crowd, watching as a young woman walked onto the stage with another lady behind her. Inuyasha, the band's lead vocalist, had announced a special change had been made in schedule.
"Hey, how you feeling? Excited!?" The crowed roared, hands pounding the air for emphasis. "Great! Tonight, we are holding a slight competition for 5 sharp minded, intelligent ladies. Prizes are spectacular- and the grand prize is... A one-on-one expense free vacation with manager Sesshomaru Himitsu! Yes, one week at any location you want with the man behind the scenes!"
The woman on stage, introduced as Kagome Higurashi by Inuyasha, paused as the crowed squealed and hooted, going absolutely insane.
"Now, this is open to any lady who feels confident enough to come onto this stage and answer questions against the other competitors. Take a few moments of self evaluation, onegai. We don't want anyone feeling out of place up here. When your confident, raise a hand. Five of you will be chosen by Demonic, Yura, and myself... Remember, a sharp mind and confidence will get you a place on this stage!"
Yura snatched the mic at this time. "Before you raise those eager hands of yours... Since Mr. Himitsu was unable to show tonight, arranging for the perfect vacation as we speak, a short description is in order." The girl went on and on about the mans 'flawless' good looks and... silver hair. Oh! Golden eyes, too!
Kagura smirked to herself. A free trip with an obviously gorgeous man to anywhere you wanted to go? Sounded like a dream come true, especially since she could use it to her advantage.
"And let the game begin!" Kagome shouted, grabbing the mic from Yura.
Her hand shot up with the rest of the girls'. However, instead of jumping around aimlessly, she slowly moved to the front of the line, making her way toward Inuyasha. He would be the most sensible, since he was the brother of the manager, Mr. Himitsu.
She found herself face to face with Inuyasha, who instantly grabbed her wrist and led her up to the stage. She hadn't even rested her feet. 'Sugoi... What luck. He must want to be out of this crowd.' She didn't blame him.
******
'Finally!' her mind yelled as the last contestant made her way to the stage with that Yura woman. 'My feet are killing me!'
"Alright, here we are," Kagome announced, once again standing at the microphone. "Please state our name and age," she spoke, turning to look at contestants. (A/N: Gomen 'You!' readers, but I am adding the little 'contest' in here. If you want, you can skip ahead slightly, but there has been a couple changes- as in Kagura's thoughts are added...)
"Mayu Wakuzi, 27."
"Shiro Aouki, 25."
"Kagura Gumo, 26."
"Kiekki Luna, 26."
"Mimiri Mai, 27."
"Mayu, Shiro, Kagura, Kiekki, and Mimiri," she repeated, turning to each girl in unison. When I ask a question, you have 2 seconds to answer, so stay on your toes. Mayu, please give everyone's name in alphabetical order."
"Kagura, Kiekki, Mayu, Mimiri, Shiro."
She smiled encouragingly. "Shiro, list five of the twelve constellations."
"Libra, Leo, Aquarius, Pisces, and... umm... Scorpio!"
Kagome nodded. "Kagura, name 5 of the 50 U.S. states."
'Oh, for crying out loud! Something a little more difficult, onegai!' her mind said sarcastically. "Missouri, Mississippi, Massachusetts, Montana, and Michigan."
She nodded, smirking slightly. "Kiekki, give me 5 of the contenents."
"Asia, Australia, Africa, Antarctica, and Europe."
"Mimiri, name 5 planets, other than Earth."
She smiled to herself. "Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter, and Saturn."
"Great! Now, for the second round. Math is our subject ladies, so think numbers. Mimiri, lets start with you. What is the result of multiplication?"
"...a product...?"
Kagome nodded, again. Mimiri let out a sigh of relief, silently of course. "Kiekki, what is 4 to the 3rd power?"
"16?"
She shook her head. Kagura wanted to laugh, seeing the girl fake as much sadness as possible. "64." Reaching into her pocket, she handed the girl a backstage pass and was hugged in return. She left smiling.
Kagome moved on to the next in line- Kagura. "Kagura, give me to factors of 28."
"4 and 7," was her instant reply. She already went through all eight years of college that she had needed. Simple math didn't pose any threat.
"Shiro, what is the result of division called?" Kagome asked, moving to the girl beside her.
"A... product?"
Again, the girl with the mic shook my head. "A quotient." Miroku handed Shiro a backstage pass and a 'Demonic' CD. He was also hugged for it.
"Mayu," Kagome continued, placing a smile on her face as Shiro left the stage. "What is 12x12+4?"
"148."
"Alright, now for a more difficult catagory. History."
"Kagura, you'll begin." She nodded. It was like taking candy from a baby. "What year did Columbus first set sail for 'the new world'?"
"1492."
"Mimiri, who is the father of evolution?"
"Charles Darwin."
"Mayu, what famine devastated Ireland?"
"...I... don't know," she said defeatedly.
"The Great Potato Famine."
"Ah, of course," she mumbled, smiling at her own stupidity.
Inuyasha tapped her on the shoulder, handed her a CD, an autographed photo of the band, and a backstage pass. She didn't hug him, to Kagura's and, from the look on her face, Kagome's surprise, but held out her hand in a friendly parting handshake.
"Okay. This round is a tad bit different," she said, speaking into the microphone after Mayu had left the stage. "This is a psychological test."
'You have got to be joking,' Kagura thought, laughing inside at her own great luck. Everything was falling straight into her lap!
"I will ask a series of questions and you will have to answer immediately, but listen carefully. For instance... Inuyasha."
He looked at Kagome, frowning in confusion. "Nani?"
"Will you demonstrate this for me?"
"...Hai."
"Good. Now spell top."
"T-O-P."
"Spell mop."
"M-O-P."
"Spell crop."
"C-R-O-P."
"What do you do at a green light?"
"Stop."
'Wrong answer, kiddo,' Kagura thought, smirking to herself.
Kagome grinned. "At a green light?" She looked around the crowd of fans, shaking her head. "Well, I'm not letting you drive me anywhere."
He thought about that a second, then slapped himself. "Go, I mean! Go!" he yelled frantically, trying to build his image back up after that answer.
Her grin widened. "Kagura, you ready?"
"Hai."
"Spell most."
"M-O-S-T."
"Spell boast."
"B-O-A-S-T."
"Spell coast."
"C-O-A-S-T."
"What do you put in a toaster?"
"Bread."
She was shocked- that was clear as day. She obviously didn't expect anyone to get it straight away. "Great job... Um... Mimiri! Spell pin."
"P-I-N."
"Spell sin."
"S-I-N."
"Spell grin."
"G-R-I-N."
"What is a pop can made out of?"
"Tin."
"Aluminum," Kagome sighed. "Kagura, in order to win, since it is down to you two, you must answer the next question correctly or Mimiri is back in the game. Understand?"
"Understood."
"What is 1+1?"
"2"
"3-1?"
"2"
"2-0?"
"2"
"How many animals of each kind did Moses take on the ark?"
"None. Noah took them on the ark, not Moses," she explained. 'And with that, I take the candy.' (A/N: Sorry, I had to say that! Long story, but to say it in short, my hyper- as usual- brother shouted that a few hours ago and I had to add it! ^_^;)
"Kagura is the winner!" She shouted, grabbing Kagura's arm and holding it in the air, telling the deaf she won... Why the deaf would be at a concert, you ask? ^-^ for the boys, of course! (and I had to keep that in the story. Gomen -_-;)
Kouga handed Mimiri a CD, autographed photograph, backstage pass, and 2 tickets for any concert of her choice. She hugged him tightly, kissed his cheek, then skipped off stage.
"Congratulations, Kagura," She cheered, smiling. "Yura will escort you to the private jet. No need to pack anything. Money will be given to you for clothing, so please enjoy your stay at-"
She placed the microphone near Kagura's mouth. "Hawaii," she said, smiling a smile that reached her eyes partially.
"Hawaii it is!"
The crowd went wild, cheering for Kagura as she mentally patted her own back. Yura pulled on her sleeve lightly, steering her off the stage. Kagura followed the woman to the backstage area, silent as a mouse. Yura didn't speak to her until they had reached the exit at the back of the concert hall.
"Gomen, about the detour, but we didn't want anyone jumping you," she explained, waving to a limo. "Sesshomaru, Mr. Himitsu, is on the jet already. I believe he is sleeping, though. I apologize for that, but he had a rough day and I ordered a masseuse for him."
"Ah," she muttered, nodding. "Very thoughtful of you."
"Arigatou. Now, you are going to Hawaii, as promised. You don't need to take anything, but if you wish to, just tell the chauffeur to take you to wherever it is you need to go to," Yura said. "Also, if Sesshomaru gives you any kind of problems, call me from this-" she handed Kagura a cell phone "-on speed dial 1, okay?"
Kagura nodded, taking the phone and placing it in her purse. "Will you be going to the jet with me...?"
"Iie, I'm going separately," she answered, looking to the limo behind her, then to a red corvette behind that. "I have an errand to run first. I'll meet up with you there and check to make sure everything is set and ready to go."
Kagura nodded, watching as the young, brunette chauffeur opened the door nearest her. She climbed in, thanking Yura, and sat back as the door closed. A smirk played on her lips as she thought of the way she had just killed two birds with one stone.
Well, more like a dozen. Things were definitely looking up for her.
~+~+~+~+~+~+~+~+~+~
A/N: I hope you enjoyed this first chapter. I know some of you will be most certainly confused, but I will add some scenes of Kagome and Inuyasha to better clear things up, however, you will not see much of them. This is a SIDE STORY to their story, okay? If you want the full story on Kag and Inu, then you'll have to read 'You!' Gomen...
Anyway, how was it? Good, bad, could be better? Comments, questions, suggestions, anything goes! Creative criticism is appreciated!
Ja ne minna! (Until then, everyone!)
~Sakura-chan88
A/N: Hiya! New story, yet again! I hope you all like this, but the first story will be a bit of prologue, since only some of you know the story behind this... If you've read my story 'You!', then most of this chapter will be review, but NOT all of it! Well, actually... This isn't since it's mostly in Sesshomaru's point of view.
Gomen minna,(sorry everyone,) but I have gotten used to using Japanese words in this story (You!), so I continued on this one. I'm posting the necessary vocabulary translations here, before the chapters, okay? If you have any problem with that, please tell me so and I will do what I can to help fix it! Translations for this chapter are as follows:
Hai: Yes
Iie: No
Sugoi: Wow
Nani: What
Onegai: Please
Arigatou: Thank you
Name Translations:
Sasayaku: Whisper (Sasayaku is Ayame's last name. Her name means Iris, so in my story, her name is Iris Whisper, see? ^_^)
Himitsu: Secret
I think that's all for now...
Anyway, I hope you all enjoy this story! Please R+R! Especially R! ^_^
Title: Come With Me
Chapter 1: Let's Start From the Beginning, Shall we?
Author: Sakura-chan88
~+~+~+~+~+~+~+~+~+~+~+~+~
A teenage boy walked through the large revolving glass doors, his silver hair casting off the bright afternoon sunlight. He wore his navy blue business suit and carried his black leather briefcase underneath his left arm while he read the 'Daily News' and took a sip from his water bottle. He detested the smell of coffee, and his keen nose couldn't take the scent of tea, either.
As soon as his shoes echoed on the marble tiled floor, a short, waddling old man appeared behind him. His squeaking, high pitched voice cut into the boys thoughts.
"Sesshomaru-sama! Sesshomaru-sama!"
"What is it Jaken?" the teen asked, obviously annoyed by the continuous calling of his name.
"Mr. Zaisan wishes to speak with you," he replied, following the boy to the elevators. "You're now vice president of Musei Inc."
Sesshomaru mentally sighed. Thirteen years old and he almost owned the company.
******
"Inuyasha, we're late," Sesshomaru stated irritably. "And why are we late?"
"Because you're too young to drive and mom's sick," his six year old half brother responded arrogantly.
He looked over to his brother- halfbrother- and held back the urge to swat him. "Start practicing. We're almost there."
Inuyasha's golden eyes widened in disbelief. "I am not singing in the middle of the street. Everyone will think I'm weird."
"You are weird, Inuyasha, so start singing," Sesshomaru ordered, approaching the building they should have been at over an hour ago. "If you lose, we won't be able to help your mother. I hardly earn enough to keep the roof over you and feed you- and now with the new baby on the way and dad gone..."
The sentence trailed off, leaving the end open for Inuyasha's mind to run through all of the possibilities. By this time, they had reached their destination. Inuyasha growled.
"This isn't fair."
"Well, you are going to do this weather you want to or not," Sesshomaru stated, walking into the building. "And since we're late, I won't be able to pinpoint any real threats to you immediately... And that does not make me very happy, dear brother."
Inuyasha flinched at the insulting tone, then pushed past the teen. "Don't worry. I'll win."
Sesshomaru listened carefully to the girl singing in the middle of the room, a table of judges over to his right and a line of contestants to his left. An audition for the last spot in a children's band was being held, and with Inuyasha's voice, Sesshomaru knew it was his best chance to bring some much needed money into the family bank account. Fathers funeral had chewed up the money faster than one could say 'money be gone!'
Silently, he made his way to a shadowed corner near the judges table and took a seat, listening and watching for any threat. However, with them being so late, Inuyasha was last to go and the next person in line to sing. Oh, he was mad!
The judges liked him, each nodding their approval as Inuyasha left the stage. The singers were split up into groups of five and sent to a room, one group at a time, with the judges. Now, the judges would pick out two of the five to stay and send the other three packing.
Inuyasha had gone in with a group of four girls- all of whom seemed confident- and walked out with three crying girls and a smiling, raven haired, five year old girl. Inuyasha smirked. He'd made it through another round.
After waiting for the next groups of singing children to be picked apart, the third round was held. Now it was time for Sesshomaru to pay attention. But, as one after another, after another failed to impress him, he sighed, rubbing his temples. Maybe he shouldn't worry so much-
And there it was. A voice that would surely cause a problem for Inuyasha. Sesshomaru looked up to find the same raven haired girl that had walked out with his brother standing on the small audition stage. Well, the threat needed to be disposed of...
Inuyasha smirked as he finished, jumping off of the stage. Sesshomaru scowled, but called him over, whispering to him and shoving a bottle into his hand.
"Coke?"
"We have a problem," he hissed. "That girl," he began, pointing as a small girl spoke to her father, wrapping herself in his jacket, "give her this."
Inuyasha frowned, but nodded. "Sure."
Sesshomaru went back to watching from the sidelines as his brother approached the girl when her dad left. She smiled as they talked, and took the drink without a single hint of suspicion. When Inuyasha snorted and walked away, she frowned, but drank happily from her soda.
The finally audition was coming to an end as the girl was called into a separate room to sing and be judged.
"Good luck!" another competitor cheered for her. The girl took another long drink from the bottle.
"Say it!" he hissed, jabbing Inuyasha in the side. He knew his brother would understand.
"Yeah, you'll need it," Inuyasha snorted arrogantly.
She looked at him questioningly over her shoulder as she disappeared through the doorway.
"What was in that bottle, Sesshomaru?" Inuyasha asked curiously as he stood to retrieve the abandoned bottle.
"Let's just say... She'll have a good day's rest."
"You bastard..."
******
"Do any of you know a young lady by the name of Ayame Sasayaku?" he asked scanning the room. His gaze landed on a lady with long, jet black hair. He frowned in disapprovement."What are you doing here, Ki-"
"I'm not Kikyo," the woman told him calmly.
He nodded. "I see."
"This is Ayame, sir," she said politely, pointing to a sleeping girl who had attached herself to Kouga.
"Of course. Would you mind waking her?" Sesshomaru asked. "I have some important news that she will want to hear, I believe."
"Hai." The woman shook Ayame's shoulders, trying to get the girl to wake up. Kouga edged away, unsure of something. "Aya-chan, wake up. Someone wants to speak with you."
"Lefmlone," she mumbled.
"Come on! Wake up."
"Go away!"
Sesshomru looked at his brother as the Kikyo look-alike woman explained that 'Demonic' was in the same room as them, and Ayame bolted awake.
"Honto!? Kami-sama, I'm dreaming," she exclaimed, blinking rapidly and looking around.
Sesshomaru sighed, it would take a while to get the girl to calm down, now. So much for a pleasant night. Ayame 'eep'd, drawing Sesshomau's attention back to the scene in front of him as she attached herself to Kouga. She was looking at Miroku with wide eyes.
"What did you to Ms. Sasayaku, houshi?" Sesshomaru asked, not really caring.
"Oh, yeah... Ayame?" the black-haired girl turned back to the girl after getting her to let go of Kouga. "This man wished to speak to you."
"Oh..." She walked over to the man and bowed. "I'm Ayame Sasayaku, sir. What can I do for you?"
'They change tunes so fast,' he mused, metally shaking the thought away. "You're grandfather, Mr. Zaisan, as you already know, was the owner of Meisei incorporated. About a month before he passed way, he requested that this concert beheld the day after you're nineteenth birthday. He also requested that you, two of your friends, and the band spend some time together. I, being his best friend and manager of the group, gave the tickets to your mother and arranged some time for you and your friends to stay with the group. Approximately one week."
Ayame was shocked, as was the girl with Miroku, Miroku himself, and Kouga. Inuyasha was furious and the other woman seemed a bit confused.
"Na-NANI!?!" Inuyasha shouted. "Sesshomaru, you jerk! We don't have time to babysit some fan girl!"
"Two fan girls and their friend," the Kikyo look-alike. Sesshomaru was most definately curious about this girl- she was the only one to talk to his brother that way AND she looked like Kikyo... "I'm not really a fan of yours at all. Don't flatter yourself." Everyone just starred at her.
Looking back over to Inuyasha and glaring, Sesshomaru hissed, "You're going to, and you will be considerate and kind. Especially toward Ms. Sasayaku!" He turned back to Ayame, handed her a letter, bowed, and left with Jaken waddling after him.
He felt sorry to stick them with his brother for the week, but he had made a promise after all.
******
"Think 14 years back," Inuyasha hissed over the phone. It had been four days since band had joined Ms. Sasayaku and her friends at that cabin out in the middle of nowhere. "You remember that girl from the audition?"
Sesshomaru's brow shot up. He'd thought Inuyasha had forgotten all that, but obviously not. "Yeah."
"So, you remember the reason I'm now one of the most famous singers in the world today?"
"... Don't let it get to your head, dear brother."
Sesshomaru read his newspaper boredly. Nothing real special today. Stock market steady... What was the owner of the most wealthy company in all of Japan, the owner of the most well known band- and about every other well known thing known to man-, to do?
"Kagome... she fainted this morning..."
"And?" Sesshomaru asked, noting the concern in his voice. Kagome, the Kikyo look-alike seemed to have caught his brothers eyes. "What does that have to do with 14 years ago?"
"..."
"..."
"..."
"... You can't be serious..." Sesshomaru muttered, his eyes widening a fraction. "Kagome Higurashi? She's..."
"Hai, she's the girl you drugged 14 years ago," he stated. "We're at the hospital Rin's at right now, if you were wondering..."
"... Is Rin awake?"
"Iie."
Sesshomaru sighed as he turned his cell phone off and shoved it into his pocket, standing abruptly. Grabbing his keys and throwing his jacket over his shoulder, he left his office and Jaken appeared by his side immediately.
"Sessho-"
"Shut up, Jaken. I'm leaving."
"Sesshomaru-sama-"
"Jaken," Sesshomaru hissed in a threatening tone, walking to a side exit.
"But, Se-"
He threw the door open forcefully, hitting Jaken square in the face, and leaving the man twitching on the floor.
'So, Kagome's the girl... I wonder what happened for him to remember his... forgotten past...'
******
"- Since we only have a few more hours that we are stuck together- and I'm sure Inuyasha will be dragging us off once the clock strikes twelve- after all, he wouldn't want you to see him in his clothing of rags and us as the little mice- I thought it would be nice to do something," Miroku said.
"That was very thoughtful of you, houshi," Sesshomaru stated as he joined the group, "but I have already made plans for you all so that you can enjoy the last night. I set up a dinner for you on a cruiser's diner. I hear they have very nice sea food."
"That sounds great," said Kagome, smiling. "Arigato, Sesshomaru." He looked at her for a moment in wonder.
"Are you sure she's the same girl?" he asked Inuyasha.
"Hai... Why?"
"I didn't expect a 'thank you' from someone I drugged..."
"I forgave you a long time ago- before I even knew it was you. I am more forgiving than most, but I won't forgive it again," she threatened. He snorted.
"There is no benefit to me, therefore I will not be drugging you," he stated. He saw her smile warmly, her eyes dancing in a foriegn look of friendship. He could see why his brother felt for the woman.
******
"Hai, Inuyasha," Sesshomaru repeated. "I have scheduled a concert for you tonight. When you arrive at the dock, I'll give you the details. For now, all you need to know is a jet is waiting for the girls after the concert is over. Say your farewells before then."
He knew it was wrong, and he could hear the hurt in his brothers enraged snarl. A loud whistling came from the other end of the line, then a some sizzling and crackling as the cell phone plunged into the ocean water, he assumed.
"Gomen, bother, but... you only know half of the story," Sesshomaru stated, setting the phone down with a heavy hearted sigh.
******
"Why do you do this to your own brother?"
He didn't know what to think of the girl sitting beside him. She changed tunes too often for his comfort, and she had even made him laugh.... That was unsettling.
Flashback
"Inuyasha here will file a lawsuit against you," she had stated, nodding knowledgably. Inuyasha nodded too.
"On what grounds?" Sesshomaru had asked
Inuyasha stopped shaking his head, thoughtful for a second. "Yeah, what grounds?"
"For animal cruelty," she replied.
Inuyasha nodded vigorously. "Yeah! For animal cru-" he paused, then looked at her and growled. "Bitch."
"That is no way to talk to a lady," she huffed, pouting.
Miroku laughed, hugging Kagome to his side for a moment. "You are the strangest of the bunch, ne?"
Sesshomaru was having a hard time not laughing. Of all the years of solemness, she had brought up a feeling of humor... He laughed, then he turned away.
End of flashback
She sighed. He sat beside her, looking at his fallen co-worker. "Inuyasha wouldn't stop singing, even if I let him," Sesshomaru said. "No matter what he says. He loves the attention- and it helps him keep his mind blank."
Flashback
"Where's Sesshomaru?" asked Kagome.
Sesshomaru watched from the shadows as the band arrived at the concert hall. Jaken was being his annoying self, Kagome was forced to listen.
"That's Sesshomaru-sama to you, you disrespectful little witch," he sneered.
'That was harsh' thought Sesshomaru... Since Jaken was annoying him any way...
"Nani!?" she screeched, glaring daggers at the man. "What did you just call me?!"
"A disrespectful little wi-" was all he said before falling to the ground, unconscious.
Sesshomaru stood behind his fallen employee, shaking his head slowly. "He doesn't know when to shut up, does he?"
End flashback
"So he isn't always thinking about his problems," she mumbled, nodding in acception.
"I do this to help, if you can understand that."
A few minutes later, Kagome had spoken to her friends, Sango and Ayame. They would leave to let the band rehearse. Sango was first to leave.
On her way out, she tripped over the unconscious Jaken and went stumbling straight into Sesshomaru. He caught her, steadied her, then brushed himself off thinking 'Great, wrinkle my newly pressed $3000 dollar suit...' The whole time Sango mumbled apologies. When he disregarded them, Sango huffed, kicked Jaken for making her look like a fool, then left.
Ayame smiled and waved the boys goodbye and followed Sango. Then Kagome turned to leave. On her way she stoped to wisper some advise to him.
"Push him too hard and he'll lose his only way out."
He nodded, still straightening out his clothes.
'They'll never be fixed!'
Sighing, Kagome left with a sad smile on her face....
"Inuyasha," Sesshomaru called, walking up to the stage as his brother strummed his guitar, Miroku and Kouga in the background followed suit. "I have an idea..."
"The concert's tomorrow instead?" He asked hopefully. "The girls stay for another week?"
"A month-" Miroku interrupted.
"A year?" Kouga asked.
Sesshomaru remained quiet for a while. It really was a mistake to keep the girls with the band for that... cruise... He sighed. 'Gomen...'
"Iie," he stated emotionlessly. "I was thinking... How good is Kagome? Is she stage material?"
Inuyasha looked at him suspiciously. "Hai."
"Find away to get her on stage tonight. She'll be performing for the audience..." Sesshomaru couldn't help the small smirk that found its way past his mask.
"Nani?"
"Let's just say, it's a test," he whispered mysteriously, digging into his inner coat pocket for his palm pilot only to find it missing. "Nani...? Where is my palm pilot?" He patted himself down, checking for the allusive electronic. "Where'd I put it?"
******
"Hai, Kaede," Sesshomaru spoke. "Kagome will be performing, and iie, she doesn't know. I need to make sure she gets on stage, though. I want you to make certain that she arrives here before-"
"Sesshomaru! Thank Kami-sama I found you."
Kagome came running, huffing and puffing, from the closest door. She stopped in front of him, doubled over to catch her breath.
"Is something wrong?" he asked.
"Iie," she stated, as he drank from his bottle of water. "It's just that I found this," she said, holding up a silvery, metallic object. "It's yours, right? I don't know anyone else who would be scheduled for a meeting with both Kaede-bachan and Myouga-jiisan."
"Nani? Where'd you get that from?" he asked, grabbing it from her rather rudely. "I was looking all over for it."
"It was on the ground at the dock," she said. "We went back to get my cell phone. Sango left it in her room and we had to go to the souvenir shop. I had four messages, can you believe that! Four!"
His eyebrows rose skeptically, but he said nothing, checking over his schedule. "Oh, I forgot that... and that, too..."
"Anyway, my mother was calling to say that they were going out to eat at some diner and would be back on the shopping spree, spending everything- to the last penny," she mumbled, lowly. "She wants to be paid for baby sitting your sister."
"Nani?" he asked, looking up from his life. "I never asked her to-"
"I know," she said, shrugging her shoulders. "Oh! Shoot! I forgot! Where's Inuyasha? I have a message for him."
"Third door on the right, but he's going on stage in..."
"Four minutes," Kaede interrupted.
"Kya! I have to hurry then!" she shouted, pushing passed Sesshomaru. He caught a hold of her arm. She started slightly.
"What do you need to tell him so badly?" he implored, narrowing his eyes. He didn't like the way she was so jumpy.
She sighed and answered, "Kikyo's here," before running to the room Inuyasha was currently occupying. Sesshomaru watched the girls retreating form, taking a sip from his bottle. She slipped through the door and out of sight. Sesshomaru looked back to Kaede and Myouga.
"She has arrived," Kaede spoke. She smiled and walked away slowly.
"Myouga," Sesshomaru called to the man, swirling his drink around distractedly. "Recheck the jet. However, first inform Yura that I wish to see her immediately after the boys leave. She's to go ahead of us to the next concert hall to tend to preparations."
The said man bowed, then walked away. Sesshomaru turned his attention back to the small electronic schedule. "Great. I forgot to send the report to Dell. I hate owning everything."
He looked down at the man by his side. "Jaken, go with Myouga to the jet. Tell Jen I want the jet to leave A.S.A.P."
Jaken waddled away, responding in delight and being given a job, "Hai, Sesshomaru-sama!"
He walked to the temporary office he had chosen, watching as one of the hall lights flickered. Shaking his head lightly, he opened the door, threw on the light, and took a seat in the only available chair. He drank what was left of his water before picking up his latest news paper.
The door creaked open to reveal a scantily clad woman with short hair, holding a brush in one hand and a phone in the other. She had an unusual aura about her, but not enough to make him wonder. She smirked.
"You rang?"
"Yura, you will be making your way to the concert-" Sesshomaru began, pausing slightly to recompose himself as his head began to spin and his eyelids grew heavy "- hall in... in..."
"Sir?" she asked, walking over to the man. "Nara. The next concert is going to be held in Nara."
"Hai..." He looked at her, then grabbed his head, thinking to himself.
'What... is going on?'
"Sir," Yura spoke. "Yes, I need to arrange a jet for Mr. Himitsu. Sesshomaru Himitsu."
Sesshomaru looked up to find the girl talking into her phone. "Y-Yura?" he stuttered in complete shock. "What-"
"...Hai... Hai, hai. The number is 83-"
His head drooped and his vision blurred. What was going on? Yura was getting a jet? For him? Why?
"Arigatou," she mumbled, then flipped the phone off. "Sesshomaru, it's time. Let's say this is payback. For 14 years ago."
"K-Kagome...! She did... did... this?"
'That's why she was jumpy... A taste of my own medicine, huh?'
"..." He was speechless, though even if he had something to say, he was sure he won't have been able to since, in the next few seconds, his world went black.
******
Kagura hushed with the rest of the crowd, watching as a young woman walked onto the stage with another lady behind her. Inuyasha, the band's lead vocalist, had announced a special change had been made in schedule.
"Hey, how you feeling? Excited!?" The crowed roared, hands pounding the air for emphasis. "Great! Tonight, we are holding a slight competition for 5 sharp minded, intelligent ladies. Prizes are spectacular- and the grand prize is... A one-on-one expense free vacation with manager Sesshomaru Himitsu! Yes, one week at any location you want with the man behind the scenes!"
The woman on stage, introduced as Kagome Higurashi by Inuyasha, paused as the crowed squealed and hooted, going absolutely insane.
"Now, this is open to any lady who feels confident enough to come onto this stage and answer questions against the other competitors. Take a few moments of self evaluation, onegai. We don't want anyone feeling out of place up here. When your confident, raise a hand. Five of you will be chosen by Demonic, Yura, and myself... Remember, a sharp mind and confidence will get you a place on this stage!"
Yura snatched the mic at this time. "Before you raise those eager hands of yours... Since Mr. Himitsu was unable to show tonight, arranging for the perfect vacation as we speak, a short description is in order." The girl went on and on about the mans 'flawless' good looks and... silver hair. Oh! Golden eyes, too!
Kagura smirked to herself. A free trip with an obviously gorgeous man to anywhere you wanted to go? Sounded like a dream come true, especially since she could use it to her advantage.
"And let the game begin!" Kagome shouted, grabbing the mic from Yura.
Her hand shot up with the rest of the girls'. However, instead of jumping around aimlessly, she slowly moved to the front of the line, making her way toward Inuyasha. He would be the most sensible, since he was the brother of the manager, Mr. Himitsu.
She found herself face to face with Inuyasha, who instantly grabbed her wrist and led her up to the stage. She hadn't even rested her feet. 'Sugoi... What luck. He must want to be out of this crowd.' She didn't blame him.
******
'Finally!' her mind yelled as the last contestant made her way to the stage with that Yura woman. 'My feet are killing me!'
"Alright, here we are," Kagome announced, once again standing at the microphone. "Please state our name and age," she spoke, turning to look at contestants. (A/N: Gomen 'You!' readers, but I am adding the little 'contest' in here. If you want, you can skip ahead slightly, but there has been a couple changes- as in Kagura's thoughts are added...)
"Mayu Wakuzi, 27."
"Shiro Aouki, 25."
"Kagura Gumo, 26."
"Kiekki Luna, 26."
"Mimiri Mai, 27."
"Mayu, Shiro, Kagura, Kiekki, and Mimiri," she repeated, turning to each girl in unison. When I ask a question, you have 2 seconds to answer, so stay on your toes. Mayu, please give everyone's name in alphabetical order."
"Kagura, Kiekki, Mayu, Mimiri, Shiro."
She smiled encouragingly. "Shiro, list five of the twelve constellations."
"Libra, Leo, Aquarius, Pisces, and... umm... Scorpio!"
Kagome nodded. "Kagura, name 5 of the 50 U.S. states."
'Oh, for crying out loud! Something a little more difficult, onegai!' her mind said sarcastically. "Missouri, Mississippi, Massachusetts, Montana, and Michigan."
She nodded, smirking slightly. "Kiekki, give me 5 of the contenents."
"Asia, Australia, Africa, Antarctica, and Europe."
"Mimiri, name 5 planets, other than Earth."
She smiled to herself. "Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter, and Saturn."
"Great! Now, for the second round. Math is our subject ladies, so think numbers. Mimiri, lets start with you. What is the result of multiplication?"
"...a product...?"
Kagome nodded, again. Mimiri let out a sigh of relief, silently of course. "Kiekki, what is 4 to the 3rd power?"
"16?"
She shook her head. Kagura wanted to laugh, seeing the girl fake as much sadness as possible. "64." Reaching into her pocket, she handed the girl a backstage pass and was hugged in return. She left smiling.
Kagome moved on to the next in line- Kagura. "Kagura, give me to factors of 28."
"4 and 7," was her instant reply. She already went through all eight years of college that she had needed. Simple math didn't pose any threat.
"Shiro, what is the result of division called?" Kagome asked, moving to the girl beside her.
"A... product?"
Again, the girl with the mic shook my head. "A quotient." Miroku handed Shiro a backstage pass and a 'Demonic' CD. He was also hugged for it.
"Mayu," Kagome continued, placing a smile on her face as Shiro left the stage. "What is 12x12+4?"
"148."
"Alright, now for a more difficult catagory. History."
"Kagura, you'll begin." She nodded. It was like taking candy from a baby. "What year did Columbus first set sail for 'the new world'?"
"1492."
"Mimiri, who is the father of evolution?"
"Charles Darwin."
"Mayu, what famine devastated Ireland?"
"...I... don't know," she said defeatedly.
"The Great Potato Famine."
"Ah, of course," she mumbled, smiling at her own stupidity.
Inuyasha tapped her on the shoulder, handed her a CD, an autographed photo of the band, and a backstage pass. She didn't hug him, to Kagura's and, from the look on her face, Kagome's surprise, but held out her hand in a friendly parting handshake.
"Okay. This round is a tad bit different," she said, speaking into the microphone after Mayu had left the stage. "This is a psychological test."
'You have got to be joking,' Kagura thought, laughing inside at her own great luck. Everything was falling straight into her lap!
"I will ask a series of questions and you will have to answer immediately, but listen carefully. For instance... Inuyasha."
He looked at Kagome, frowning in confusion. "Nani?"
"Will you demonstrate this for me?"
"...Hai."
"Good. Now spell top."
"T-O-P."
"Spell mop."
"M-O-P."
"Spell crop."
"C-R-O-P."
"What do you do at a green light?"
"Stop."
'Wrong answer, kiddo,' Kagura thought, smirking to herself.
Kagome grinned. "At a green light?" She looked around the crowd of fans, shaking her head. "Well, I'm not letting you drive me anywhere."
He thought about that a second, then slapped himself. "Go, I mean! Go!" he yelled frantically, trying to build his image back up after that answer.
Her grin widened. "Kagura, you ready?"
"Hai."
"Spell most."
"M-O-S-T."
"Spell boast."
"B-O-A-S-T."
"Spell coast."
"C-O-A-S-T."
"What do you put in a toaster?"
"Bread."
She was shocked- that was clear as day. She obviously didn't expect anyone to get it straight away. "Great job... Um... Mimiri! Spell pin."
"P-I-N."
"Spell sin."
"S-I-N."
"Spell grin."
"G-R-I-N."
"What is a pop can made out of?"
"Tin."
"Aluminum," Kagome sighed. "Kagura, in order to win, since it is down to you two, you must answer the next question correctly or Mimiri is back in the game. Understand?"
"Understood."
"What is 1+1?"
"2"
"3-1?"
"2"
"2-0?"
"2"
"How many animals of each kind did Moses take on the ark?"
"None. Noah took them on the ark, not Moses," she explained. 'And with that, I take the candy.' (A/N: Sorry, I had to say that! Long story, but to say it in short, my hyper- as usual- brother shouted that a few hours ago and I had to add it! ^_^;)
"Kagura is the winner!" She shouted, grabbing Kagura's arm and holding it in the air, telling the deaf she won... Why the deaf would be at a concert, you ask? ^-^ for the boys, of course! (and I had to keep that in the story. Gomen -_-;)
Kouga handed Mimiri a CD, autographed photograph, backstage pass, and 2 tickets for any concert of her choice. She hugged him tightly, kissed his cheek, then skipped off stage.
"Congratulations, Kagura," She cheered, smiling. "Yura will escort you to the private jet. No need to pack anything. Money will be given to you for clothing, so please enjoy your stay at-"
She placed the microphone near Kagura's mouth. "Hawaii," she said, smiling a smile that reached her eyes partially.
"Hawaii it is!"
The crowd went wild, cheering for Kagura as she mentally patted her own back. Yura pulled on her sleeve lightly, steering her off the stage. Kagura followed the woman to the backstage area, silent as a mouse. Yura didn't speak to her until they had reached the exit at the back of the concert hall.
"Gomen, about the detour, but we didn't want anyone jumping you," she explained, waving to a limo. "Sesshomaru, Mr. Himitsu, is on the jet already. I believe he is sleeping, though. I apologize for that, but he had a rough day and I ordered a masseuse for him."
"Ah," she muttered, nodding. "Very thoughtful of you."
"Arigatou. Now, you are going to Hawaii, as promised. You don't need to take anything, but if you wish to, just tell the chauffeur to take you to wherever it is you need to go to," Yura said. "Also, if Sesshomaru gives you any kind of problems, call me from this-" she handed Kagura a cell phone "-on speed dial 1, okay?"
Kagura nodded, taking the phone and placing it in her purse. "Will you be going to the jet with me...?"
"Iie, I'm going separately," she answered, looking to the limo behind her, then to a red corvette behind that. "I have an errand to run first. I'll meet up with you there and check to make sure everything is set and ready to go."
Kagura nodded, watching as the young, brunette chauffeur opened the door nearest her. She climbed in, thanking Yura, and sat back as the door closed. A smirk played on her lips as she thought of the way she had just killed two birds with one stone.
Well, more like a dozen. Things were definitely looking up for her.
~+~+~+~+~+~+~+~+~+~
A/N: I hope you enjoyed this first chapter. I know some of you will be most certainly confused, but I will add some scenes of Kagome and Inuyasha to better clear things up, however, you will not see much of them. This is a SIDE STORY to their story, okay? If you want the full story on Kag and Inu, then you'll have to read 'You!' Gomen...
Anyway, how was it? Good, bad, could be better? Comments, questions, suggestions, anything goes! Creative criticism is appreciated!
Ja ne minna! (Until then, everyone!)
~Sakura-chan88