Fatum

by: Enchanted Kagome

Chapter Two--Too Familiar for Comfort

Seiko wandered into Kagome's office some time before 8:00, clutching her manila folder like it was the Holy Grail. Kagome took one look at Seiko's closed eyes and started to joke with her friend.

"Sleeping walking again, Seiko-chan?" Seiko stifled a yawn as she opened her eyes.

"All done," she said, thrusting out the folder to Kagome. "'Course, when Mr. I Will Not Concede sees this today, we'll be through Hell and back."

"Huh?" Kagome asked. "Uh…and where does that put us?"

"You in front of another department's employee list, deciding which ones to lay-off and me back in my computer chair, fixing more portions of the merging contract," Seiko sat down in one of the spare chairs facing Kagome's desk before promptly deciding to use her co-owner's desk as a pillow.

"I see this Mr. InuTaisho is exceedingly stubborn," Kagome commented, smirking at her friend's posture.

"And arrogant," Seiko raise her head a little to look at Kagome, "always been like that rolls her eyes. I'm used to it." Again, her head plunked down on the table. "Wake me up in ten minutes, Kagome-chan."

"Hai," Kagome replied, turning back to her own computer screen as she began checking up the profiles of each member of the researching department. Hm…Saikotsu, Hana : 23, often late to work…but a great background…then, LeGlaise, Jacques : 27, not very fluent in Japanese…but never been late to work and 'always a positive influence'…darn it…Kagome rubbed her temple…laying off employees never was easy, especially when she wasn't someone who decides to lay off people because she doesn't like their name, or hair color. This was what happens when she's picky in interviews, the hired ones have nearly nothing to pick about. Kugo, Kageto : 30, been with company one year, has—

"SHIT!" Seiko said, sitting up again and glaring at the manila folder and then letting out another long string of curse words.

"Seiko-chan?" Kagome asked worriedly.

"Forgot it…forgot that part…urg…" Seiko hit her head with a closed fist several times before resorting to banging her head on the table instead.

"What?"

"The portion about us keeping our company name, damn it," she said, fully awoken now. Grabbing the folder, she took a look at Kagome's desk clock. "Seven minutes to see what I'm made of. Bye, Kagome-chan. Come get me when it's 8:10." With that, she rushed out of the room.

"Ok…Seiko-chan." The other girl had not waited for her to finish. For a moment, Kagome's mind went back to what she'd read that very morning in the elevator. 'Kazaana Entertainment'…could the name be a coincidence? Were they…reincarnated? She wanted, so badly, to know what had happened after…no. It doesn't matter any more. Still, she could not keep her mind off the subject. It slowly wandered to InuYasha again. If he had gone to Hell with Kikyou, then wouldn't he be reincarnated again? Like Kikyou was reincarnated into herself, Kagome? And what wish did they make on the jewel? Would she ever see them again? If she does…will any of them know her? Remember her? And InuYasha—

"Yes!" Seiko's triumphant shout echoed across the hall, as she bursted into Kagome's office. Kagome glanced at her clock. 8:09. "20 seconds left." The folder was put on Kagome's desk as Seiko sat down again.

"Great," Kagome said, masking her previous sadness with a smile. Seiko looked at Kagome sharply, as if sensing something wrong. Kagome refused to meet her friend's eye. Seiko picked up the folder and stood up.

"I'm going to get…some coffee, you want anything?" she offered.

"A cup would be great…thanks," Kagome said, meaningfully. Seiko gave a small nod and left. That's what was great about her. She could sense when your dejected or sad and she knew when to push and when to just give people some time by themselves.

"Um…Yumeno-sama," Kohana knocked on the open door of Seiko's office to get her attention. Seiko briefly looked up from the merging contracts to show that she was listening before going back to scrutinizing the document…yet again. "Um…InuTaisho-sama…and the other Taisho Corp. members…are here." Seiko, unlike Kohana, was not fazed by the name 'InuTaisho.' Without even looking up, she ordered Kohana to show the group to the Conference Room.

"After that, please go inform Higurashi-san," Seiko named her co-owner, "and tell them that we will be there shortly." Giving one last glance at the contract to make sure that nothing was too bad, she snapped the folder closed and headed for the Conference Room.

"Yumeno-san," Kagome said in acknowledgement as she met up with Seiko on the way to the Conference Room. They'd decided to keep a semi-formal façade at work when they started Kakera, to show that they were professionals and nobody had better mess with them.

"Hai, Higurashi-san," Seiko said.

"You're not as sleepy as you were before," Kagome whispered.

"You know me. Besides, if you show any remote sign of 'weakness'," Seiko scowled, "he'll trample you and treat you like trash. Then no way in Hell are we getting those two departments back."

"OK…I'll just stand by and follow your lead," Kagome said. If there's one thing she's learned about Seiko it's to always trust her on deals. If it weren't for her skills and ability to 'push the right buttons' Kakera would still be one of those upstart companies that no one would consider serious competition.

Kohana opened the door and Seiko walked in first, her eyes sweeping across all those that were present to get an idea of exactly how much she was going to be able to get and how far she could possibly push, without destroying this deal completely—both depending mostly on InuTaisho's mood. Kagome followed, a bit apprehensive, though she knew not why. Her view was at first blocked partially by Seiko and the door. She heard people stand up and clear, crisp voice cut through the air.

"Ms. Yumeno." A familiar voice. Very familiar. Or rather…too familiar.

"Mr. InuTaisho. Allow me to introduce my colleague, co-owner and co-founder of Kakera Corporation, Ms. Higurashi," Seiko stated calmly, stepping aside to allow everyone clear and unhindered view of Kagome, who was still silent from shock.

So, how'd you guys like that chapter? I know it's kinda short, but the next one will be longer! I swear! I'm almost done with the next one...kinda... it's longer than the first chapter! I'm up to 6 pages!

Please review!

Enchanted Kagome