Sins of a Father


Gomen, minna-san! I know you've been waiting so patiently for this chapter…so I hope you enjoy it! Thanks to everyone who reviewed!

Review response:

Sakura Nights: You're wishful thinking is almost correct…something does happen…but I'm not letting the cat out of the bag just yet. I guess all the rest I can say is: wait for chapter 11! Yes, and Kenshin is just a name I picked out, nothing related to Rurouni Kenshin…gomen. Well, thanks for your review!

Disclaimer: Nope…not me…I wouldn't dare even kidnapping! (whistles over banging from closet door)


Chapter Eight: From New Perspectives

(Sesshomaru P.O.V.)

I've only known one man by the name of Kenshin, could it be the same man Inuyasha said Naraku had spoken to? I should have paid attention to that call…I could have found out who he spoke to. I'm positive Naraku only knows one Kenshin, just as I…I'll never forget the day I met Naraku, the shady figure he is…

I was twenty and already top agent of the CIA. My latest assignment was to deal with the President. It was his second term in office, and I was assigned to exploit a crime supposedly in plot…that one night I was supposed to meet the President and his family it was cancelled due to unexpected circumstances. Therefore I had a brief conference with Naraku, the President's personal assistant/advisor.

I knew from the start Naraku was a suspicious figure. He was planning something, but I had no evidence to back my theory. Though I had been multi-promoted for my gut instincts and acting upon them, I couldn't turn in an assistant to politics, the press would have had a field day. Also, what if I was wrong about him? I'd be stripped of my titles and be completely humiliated.

A few weeks later, I was finally set to have a formal meeting with the First family. I had already met the President on several occasions, but not in formality. The dinner was lavish in the large dining hall of the House. Though there were only five of us dining, we were seated at a large rectangular dining table. The President, sans Naraku, sat at the head, I was across from his wife, next to their twelve-year-old daughter who was seated across from her five-year-old nii-san. Later I found the children's names were Kagome and Sota…

Those children, so young, yes, I was but eight years older than Kagome, but she was still young in my eyes. It seemed to me they were being neglected by their parents, so on my breaks I would spend time with them. I would have liked to have brought my own nii-san, who was the same age as Kagome, but I didn't dare mix business and family. Bringing Inuyasha with me to work would be immature and unprofessional, and I was sure he had eyes on other things than spending time with the First children.

Months went by and nothing had surfaced. No plot, scheme, or anything that bore evidence of crime. I had another theory, those who were scheming worked on the inside. They knew who I was and what I worked for. They had ties with the President…I wanted to pull out of the case and send in an undercover, but the agency revoked my offer. They told me that I was to remain, stay on stand-by, keep poised, do anything but drop the case.

A year had now past. Nothing out of the ordinary had come. I started coming to the House less often seeing as there was nothing for me to do really. I had grown to know the family on a personal level, especially Kagome. She had become like a nee-chan to me. She was soon to be fourteen and the only gift she wanted was to have her family together for once. She was never a selfish girl. Her personality and qualities stood tall in comparison to other rich daughters I had worked with…

I'll never forget that day…I had taken the day off in confidence that nothing would occur. It was later in the evening when I received an urgent phone call. Something had happened at the House. I needed to be in attendance…I knew the call only meant the worst…

I could have prevented it from happening. Higurashi-sama was dead, he had been brutally assassinated, and I felt responsible…Higurashi-san said it was no one's fault this happened except for the one who carried it out, but I still felt guilty. It was now my duty to find and prosecute the assassins, more than likely the damage done to Higurashi-sama was caused by more than one. Though the main questions remained: who and why?

I spend days in the lab with a technician performing autopsies and an analogy on the corpse and its garments. We were able to produce which knife, gun, bullet and what sizes and types the murder weapons had been. Though, the weapon types were so common that anyone could have pulled off the assassination.

The Higurashi's were glad to have some closure and decided to move to America. Apparently Japan held too many memories for them to overtake and the media had field days when they were out in public.

When they left it felt as if my own kin was departing. I had grown so close to them, especially Kagome…It had been a tearful goodbye after I dropped them off at the airport…I would have promised to keep in touch with Kagome and the rest of the family, but with the assassins still at large, it was best I didn't.

I kept on with the investigation, I still felt as if it was my obligation to find the assassins. Months went on endlessly and as I thought I found new leads, they were actually just dead ends. I nearly drove myself over the edge in my attempts to gather new evidence. Though I had few near-death experiences, my determination never let up. I vowed to bring Higurashi-sama's killers down before they could commit another act.

Unfortunately, the agency decided to assign me a new case. I was appalled at what they had given me. The case was worthless and would obviously be a waste of time. Apparently I was set to investigate numerous amounts of break-ins at various jewelry boutiques – that were suspected to be linked. It seemed nothing was stolen but the break-ins were carried out in similar procedures. This led me to believe that the crooks were after something specific, but what that was, was unclear. Before I knew it, the Higurashi case was the last thing on my mind. Though, little did I know it then, but that case would resurface soon…all because of Inuyasha…

On my way home one evening I found Inuyasha conversing with the last person I ever would have imagined, Naraku. Thankfully the street was still abuzz with civilians, so I ducked back behind the corner I had just rounded and cast out my youkai senses. I will never forget that conversation…Naraku had offered Inuyasha, just freshly turned fourteen, a job at 'The Syndicate'. I had no doubt that this Syndicate was an 'underground' organization set up by Naraku. I also had no doubts that he was recruiting Inuyasha to leak information I had as I was still with the CIA and in my prime as one of the heads. There was no phrase Naraku had spoken, but it was so low, even I couldn't pick it up, though I was sure it was a threat for Inuyasha to accept and keep their chat scarce or face a consequence.

Later that night I asked Inuyasha if he wished to become a junior recruitment for the agency under my instruction. To make his acceptance more likely, I had even already recruited his two best friends: Sango Taijiya, and Miroku Houshi. My suspicions were correct I had ensured his becoming a junior. I told him if anything happened with or among someone who I needed to keep surveillance on, from the past or present; he needed to, and was obliged to inform me. That cracked him, immediately he released what he and Naraku had said to one another…how he accepted the offer at the Syndicate and the threat Naraku had played him with.

'Vows' were made, a deal was struck, and a 'contract was signed. Inuyasha was sworn to secrecy about his 'double agent' status. He was also called to leak false information from myself to Naraku, but the truth from the Syndicate to me. I knew it was wrong placing my youngest and only half-brother in the cross-fire, and a 'hot seat' position, but he was willing and able.

Soon I knew who was conducting the numerous break-ins, though nothing came of the 'what' and 'why?' I could have gone after Naraku and his Syndicate, but I had no evidence, nor a reason to explain my being. I couldn't tell the agency that Inuyasha had given me the information. He wasn't a legal member of the CIA, though it wasn't illegal by any means either. Alas, it was back to square one yet again.

A year soon past. Nothing out of the ordinary had come up from the Syndicate. The break-ins and everything seemed to have returned to normal, so to speak. One afternoon Inuyasha came barging into my home office. His aura and expressions completely described his panic and distress. His mumbling was incoherent and inaudible. Whatever had happened in his presence was indefinitely nerve-wracking. Moments later, he had calmed down and was able to absolve his thoughts.

Naraku was plotting on assassinating the rest of the Higurashi family, except for Kagome. Apparently, Kagome had something of importance…but what? She was just an average teenager, give or take a few points from her past…could if have something to do with his multiple break-ins? What was the key Kagome held?

Immediately, I contacted the Higurashi's. Leaving out a few minor details, I told them to split up. Go to different countries where I had bases set up for them. Send Kagome back to Japan so I could keep surveillance on her. Make sure that they weren't being followed constantly by suspicious of identifiable people. Keep to one of their aliases that Naraku hadn't known about…

One of the few minor details I had left out was the fact that it was Inuyasha who was being sent to kidnap Kagome…they needn't know my kin was working for Naraku, undercover or not.

I told Higurashi-san that I would contact her when it was low-risk…I did contact her and gave her the blue to write a letter to Kagome. Phone calls were still out of the question…Naraku might have still had a tap on the phone lines. I told her not to put a return address as another precaution and to address the letter to Mei Hirashi. No doubt there were questions in Higurashi-san's mind about the new name…but I couldn't reveal too much information for the family's safety.

Today's earlier conversation with Kagome hadn't really surprised me. I knew there would be kinks…and now they were confirmed. Naraku had something to do with Kagome not hearing from her mother. With that thought under the radar, I couldn't risk sending a letter to Higurashi-san. Though, one question still irked me…how did Naraku know who Kagome's alias as Mei was? No one but her guardian, Kaede, and myself knew the alter identity's true form and person. I didn't dare let anyone know…and I had full confidence that Kaede hadn't either…


(Normal P.O.V.)

Sesshomaru leaned back in his chair. If only he could get more information from Naraku via Inuyasha, the case would be so much easier…but who said easy came with dealing with Naraku?

The ringing of the doorbell interrupted his thoughts. He rose up from his chair and went over to his surveillance wall. Inuyasha was the one to open the door…and incidentally Naraku was the one at the door. Sesshomaru watched him enter the home and follow Inuyasha into the living room.

To what 'honor' required Naraku making a house call to one of his employees? This was the first time he had 'blessed' Inuyasha with his presence in his 'personal' vicinity. What had brought up this unexpected visit? Did it have anything to do with the new activities the Syndicate was initiating? Or was Naraku ordering Inuyasha to go after Kagome?

Sesshomaru felt the familiar vibration of his cell phone against his thigh and pulled it out of his pocket. The caller ID read: Unknown Number; but he answered the call anyway, "Takahashi,"

"You said I could always call this number whenever I needed to talk to someone…I know it's been two years since I last used it…but I need to find the answers to some things and soon,"

"Kagome?"

The other end sounded dead silent as Sesshomaru realized his mistake, "Mei?"

"Hai…I was wondering if you could help me,"

"Of course…I'll be right over-"

"Why can't we talk over the phone?

"There's a chance my phone's been tapped into recently,"

"Okay…why can't I go over there?"

"My home may be bugged,"

"Fine then…how fast can you get here?"

"Ten minutes tops,"

"Okay,"

Sesshomaru heard the phone click off and folded up his own and returned it to his pocket. He hadn't wanted to lie about why they couldn't talk over the phone, or here, in his office, but how would he explain Naraku's being?

He strode to the door and pulled on his suit jacket which had been lying on one of the seats around the surveillance center. He opened a small latch on the door and punched in the security code before opening the actual door and stepping out. His youkai senses caught onto Naraku's scent and voice whole heartedly. He wanted to listen in on the conversation but he had to attend to Kagome. He was one of his top priorities as of the present so he had to oblige.

Since it was only three blocks down Sesshomaru opted for walking to his destination. As he passed Naraku's Beamer he peered in casually through the tinted windows. Nothing seemed to be out of order, nor was anything suspicious looking. Naraku's presence would irk him forever. Never had anyone gotten so under his skin like that man. There was just something completely menacing and untrustworthy about him…but who didn't realize that, even at first acquaint?

The crisp night air blew in small gusts, only barely disturbing the leaves on the trees and dirt-strewn roads. Sesshomaru asked himself about what answers Kagome was seeking…her questions were inevitable to him…would she ask about Naraku, her father, or everything that's happened to her?

Soon he had reached the home Kagome took refuge in with Kaede. A simple knock on the door brought Kaede to answer immediately. With a quaint greeting she allowed him in, escorted him up to Kagome's room, and left with a brief, "She's awaiting ye,"

No sooner that his fist raised to tap on the door, Kagome opened it. With the exception of a black baggy sweater, she was still clad in her clothes from school. Her make-up had been smudged in various places - tell tale signs of her crying; and her face looked more gaunt and dark because of the ruined make-up. Without saying anything, she turned and walked over to her desk and sat down.

Sesshomaru followed her and stood across from her.

Kagome uttered a stiff "You can sit down," and motioned to one of the other chairs.

"I'll just stand for now,"

"Whatever rocks your boat?"

"So why did you call?"

Kagome gave him a look as if seeing him for the first time.

"Right…what did you need to know then?"

"You and Inuyasha; the one who attends school with me. He's your younger half-brother is he not?"

"Hai, thought wouldn't you have known?"

"I should have…I just didn't realize your last names were the same until now…and Inuyasha managed to pull the wool over my eyes by saying that you were only employed by his father at one point."

"I guess you could say we're not that close," That was Sesshomaru's reply but inside he knew he was fairly close to his nii-san.

"What's his connection to Naraku? Earlier Naraku slipped him a piece of paper as we passed each other in the hall at school, so don't try to lie yourself out of this one."

Sesshomaru was surprised that Naraku had actually approached his recruitment in broad daylight. In one swift motion he pulled up a chair and sat down, all the while keeping his stoic stature. "Inuyasha is working for Naraku undercover. He reports Naraku's movements and plots are to me. As for that paper, Inuyasha has yet to inform me about its message."

"What happened to your keeping business and family separate?"

"I couldn't anymore…especially because it was Naraku who recruited Inuyasha first…I had no choice but to put him undercover,"

"Is it all right for me to know about Naraku's plans then?"

"Hai…what do you want to know?"

"Was he involved with my father's assassination, and the plot to assassinate the rest of my family and kidnap me? What has he put Inuyasha up to?"

"I have reason to believe that he was indeed involved in your father's death. Yes, he was plotting on your kidnapping and more murders…and Inuyasha was the one sent to kidnap you,"

"So that's why I never saw him there at G.V. High…he was using G.V. as cover-up for his year's absence…so that means because Kanna knows Inuyasha, she was involved too…but they didn't do anything,"

"They stalled as long as they could. They didn't want to do anything to harm you, or put you in harm's way."

"Okay…well, mind telling me why you haven't brought Naraku into custody yet?"

"No proof except for Inuyasha's word…I can't have the agency know that I've had help from the outside without consent."

"So you're just going to wait for Naraku to do something to me, or for him to come clean on his own accord? I really wouldn't bet on the latter,"

"Kagome,"

"How many times will it take for all of you to get my name right? I am no longer Kagome, nor do I wish to be. My name is Mei, got it?"

"Gomen, it's just hard getting used to calling you that…"

A moment's silence took over. Kagome was desperately trying to control her raging emotions. Sesshomaru just sat still and kept his usual composure.

"May I ask where the rest of my family is?"

"Your mother and Sota are in Russia, and your grandfather is in another part of Japan, I do believe,"

"And why haven't I heard from any of them?"

"I don't know, but I'm working on finding out,"

"How did Naraku find out who I am?"

"I'm not sure about that either,"

Kagome couldn't keep her emotions inept, and broke down in tears. Her sobs caused her to shake violently in a silent fit. Sesshomaru, feeling his 'nee-chan's' pain, stood and comforted her. There, at her side, he stayed until she fell asleep…


A/N: There you have it, chapter eight…I hope you enjoyed it. Sorry if Sesshomaru seems a bit OOC...but it's so hard writing in his P.O.V. Gomen again for not updating in a while…but I promise I will try to update once a week and make the chapters about this long, so until next time! Please, I need reviews, so five to ten will get you next chapter…if I'm generous…well ja ne!

Claire