Disclaimer: I own nothing
Title: Fighting Back
A/N: Hey everybody. My computer sux and it won't show italics. So everything that is supposed to be in italics will just be capitalized.
Chapter Two: The Party
Kag's Pov
'Oh shit, oh shit. 4:47! Oh shit!! If I'm late he'll kill me!' Kagome thought during her run to her car, dress in hand, and fumbling with her keys. 'It would be his fault if I was late anyway,' she huffed. If he had told her about this business party a day earlier Kagome could have already bought a new dress, one that would cover her fading bruises from her fathers BRUTAL beating few weeks back.
'But noooooo. He had to tell me three HOURS before I had to be completely ready.' It had taken Kagome (in her opinion) forever to find a dress that would be elegant enough to satisfy her controlling father. 'He just wants to see me stressed' Kagome thought grumpily.
By now Kagome was almost home. She pulled into the garage and grabbed her dress, making a mad dash toward her room. Kagome was convinced that she had made a national shower time record, when she had finished.
After spending almost all of her remaining time in the bathroom, primping and preparing, she was ready to be inspected by her father. Grabbing her purse she walked down the stairs where her father was waiting.
Giving her a quick look over his heart clenched. He knew she was beautiful, 'like her mother' he thought. But to Onigumo, she would always be the little baby that killed her mother, and he found himself getting angry all over again. 'Well now is not the time,' he told himself. He would just have to wait till later.
"Presentable" he stated in a monotone voice. Kagome noted how it seemed like EVERY time he spoke to her, he did it either emotionlessly, or angrily. He walked out the front door, not looking back to see if she would follow. She reluctantly did and soon they were on their way in their black stretch limo.
Shortly after she had climbed in, her father began one of his ritualistic speeches that in the end turned out to be threats that had been cleverly disguise.
"As you know Inu Tashio, head of Shikon Corporation and I, are in a middle of a huge deal that will end our rivaling, and cause a partnership between our companies." 'Moron' Of course she knew about his 'huge deal'. Kagome was the one who was drawing up the contract.
Her father and Inu Tashio were finally putting an end to their rivaling, and were actually combining their two companies. "So," he continued, "you will be meeting him and his sons." His voice became deadly and he leaned forward. "And you will do nothing to screw this up. Understood?"
"Yes" Kagome said staring straight into his eyes unwavering. She wasn't stupid. She knew that this deal would do wonders for both companies. By combining the two top manufacturing companies of electronics, no other company would stand a chance against them.
"Good," he said leaning back into his leather seat. 'Someday, he will get what's coming to him.' Kagome vowed. Someday her father's word would not be her law. 'One day it will be different'
Kagome wanted nothing more than to go home and crawl into her warm bed. Not sit around and listen to housewives gossip. That was all this party was for and she knew it. That and for their husbands to discuss business there rather than at the office.
This would be the first party that she was actually being ALLOWED to go to. Today was the day her father was being forced to let her become known. Inu Tashio wanted to meet EVERYONE that was important to his company, and he knew, as well as Kagome did, that she was the reason that his company could compete with Inu Tashio's.
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~The Party~ Sess's Pov
He inwardly sighed, with his stotic(sp?) mask still in place. There was only so much one person could do at a party like this. Sesshoumaru had done the mingling and the fake pleasantries, and everything that duty required him to. But he knew that if he had to take much more of this, his diner would projectile from its current residence in his stomach, and out onto the ballroom floor.
He tried to busy himself taking sips of champagne and ignoring the looks from some nearby drooling women. They were all the same. Some women were like sharks, predators by nature. The others were all neurotic twits that couldn't think an intelligent thought even if it bit them in the ass. Each of these groups had no qualms about throwing themselves at his feet.
To pass the time Sesshoumaru decided to see what his half-brother was up to. His gaze swept the room till he found the familiar silver head of hair. Inuyasha stood gaping with his jaw slightly open and eyes wide at the entrance to the grand ballroom. He quirked an eyebrow at his brother's odd behavior and scanned the ballroom. Apparently whatever had caught his brother's attention had attracted the attention of every guest at the party. 'What could be that interesting' he wondered. Curiosity getting the better of him, Sesshoumaru looked in the direction of the object of interest.
It certainly wasn't as much an object, as she was a person. Standing behind Onigumo, a former competitor of his father's, was a vibrant young woman. She walked down the steps with her head held high. It almost seemed as if she was floating on air the way she glided down those steps. 'Wow.'
Her raven black tresses had been pulled up into French Twist with wisps of hair framing her face. She had on a long black dress that fell delicately to the floor, with two slits that ran up to her knees, giving you a glimpse of her creamy legs from time to time. The fabric appeared to slither up her arms and a small train followed her wake as she proceeded to saunter the grand ballroom.
Sesshoumaru narrowed his eyes, angry at himself for being so captivated by one woman. 'She is nothing special' he told himself. 'She is just another female.' Even though he told himself these things, Sesshoumaru couldn't bring himself to look away, and he conveniently decided to over look that little fact.
'Is she his daughter?' he questioned. Onigumo had never mentioned anything about having family, though Sesshoumaru did know that he had had a wife at one time, but she died a long time ago. Onigumo had been very touchy when the subject had been brought up, so it was left alone. 'Why hadn't Onigumo ever spoken of her if she was his daughter?'
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Author's Pov
"Onigumo!" Inu Tashio said shaking the other man's hand as soon as everyone in the room started to chat again. Except this time all everyone could talk about was the young mystery woman that Onigumo had arrived with. "It's so good to see you! And who might this lovely lady be?" He asked curiously, turning to Kagome. Her cheeks turned pink at his compliment. She wasn't use to people saying things like that to her. Inu Tashio saw this and smiled at her innocence.
"This is my. daughter. Kagome this is Mr. Takamada, head of Shikon corporation." He said devoid of emotion. 'Trying to hide is disgust' Kagome thought bitterly.
"It's nice to finally meet you Mr. Takamada. I've heard a lot of wonderful things about you" She smiled warmly at the friendly looking gentleman. It was true Kagome had heard many great things about the man Mr. Takamada was, and even her father had to admit he was a good business man.
"Onigumo I didn't know you had a daughter!" Inutashio exclaimed. Onigumo said nothing in response. 'Why am I not surprised' Kagome thought and resisted the urge to roll her eyes.
"Well it's a pleasure to meet you Kagome," he said. A waiter suddenly came up to Onigumo with a cell phone that had been placed on a tray.
"Mr. Higurashi, you have a phone call." Onigumo frowned and picked up the black cell and after a few moments of conversation his frown deepened.
"What?! *growl* Yes, yes. I'll be right there." Putting down the phone he looked over to Inutashio, completely ignoring Kagome. "It appears there has been a slight malfunction with one of the main computers, so Kagome and I shall be coming back later this evening. Rebooting the computer shouldn't take more than a half an hour."
'Wow a half an hour?' Rebooting computers was known to be a tricky, not to mention time consuming, job. "Alright, but would you mind if your daughter stays though? I would like to talk to her some and get to know her a little." 'Damn. Without Kagome it will take longer than I expected.'
"Of course not, I will see you in a bit," he ground out while smiling falsely. He bowed to Inu Tashio and left without as much as a goodbye to Kagome. After Onigumo's departure Kagome spoke up before Inu Tashio had the chance.
"He will take more than a half an hour," she stated taking her gaze off her father's retreating form and looking directly into his eyes.
"How do you know?" Right after the question escaped his mouth he heard a ringing coming from Kagome's purse. She pulled out a cell phone and glanced into the caller ID. A tiny smile played at her lips as her eyes looked back up at him as she answered her phone.
"The security code is 566094731," and she hung up. No hello, no goodbye, just that one statement said it all. Inu Tashio then realized that she was the reason Onigumo would have been able to come back so soon, and his face broke out into a broad grin.
"Do you work for your father?" he asked chuckling
"Not technically," she answered lightly. 'Though I may as be for everything I do around there.'
"'Not technically?'" Inu Tashio looked at her in disbelief. "You know security codes and you're not technically working for him?" She smiled without giving him a reply.
"So how old are you? You must be heading off to college soon."
"Yes, I'll be going to college this fall. I would really like to go to Tokyo University, but I am going to one a little closer to home."
"That is a very hard school to be accepted into," he stated grimly. Kagome knew he was essentially implying that maybe she wasn't intelligent enough to get accepted, but Kagome just shook her head, with a knowing smile.
"I was offered a scholarship." Inu Tashio couldn't have stopped the small gasp that escaped his lips if he had wanted to. Only the best of the best were allowed to attend, and receiving a scholarship on academics only was practically unheard of. Even his Sesshoumaru had to work very hard to get Tokyo University to give him a scholarship. Kagome found herself blushing again underneath his intense gaze
"One of my sons will be starting there this fall, and the other will be going back for his third year. Why aren't you going there, especially if you received a scholarship?" Kagome allowed a soft sigh pass her lips.
"My father wants me to stay close to home, and then after college I will be working for his company." She tilted her head to the side and added, "Well, I suppose it will be your company by then too." He gave her a small forced smile at her effort to keep the mood light. After that confession he was quiet for a while. He couldn't help wishing that there was something he could do for her.
Before long a stout elderly woman came walking up to them with a mischievous grin placed on her features, while her eyes danced with a hidden secret. Recognizing the women Inu Tashio broke the silence.
"Ah Kaede there is someone I'd like you to meet." At hearing Kaede's name her head snapped up to look at the woman in question. Kagome's eyes visibly widened.
"Did you say Kaede?" she asked never taking her eyes off the woman. Kaede chuckled and spread her arms open. Kagome was found in her arms within the second. Ignoring the pain she felt as Kaede brushed along a few tender bruises Kagome just enjoyed her time being in the older woman's embrace. Finally they reluctantly pulled apart.
"I have been to every one of these blasted parties, waiting for the day your father had enough sense to bring you," Kaede said affectionately.
"I take it you two know each other?" Inu Tashio asked amusedly after being temporarily forgotten.
"Kaede had been my nanny until I was 7 years old," Kagome explained. Inu Tashio listed to the two chatting ladies as they talked about what they had been doing over the years.
"I always knew Kagome would one day conquer the business world" Kaede told Inu Tashio proudly, after Kagome informed her about going off to college and majoring in the business field. He noticed how Kaede appeared prouder of Kagome than her own father did; in fact he had never even mentioned her before. Out of the corner of his eye Inu Tashio spotted another of his guests entering.
"Kagome," Inu Tashio interrupted. Kaede and Kagome both looked at him questioningly. "I am sorry, but Kaede and I have to go greet another guest. Do you think you will be alright by yourself?"
"I'm sure I'll be fine Mr. Takamada." Kagome and Kaede exchanged one more hug before they prepared to leave.
"Oh and Kagome"
"Yes"
"Call me Inu Tashio," Kagome nodded, happy that she was on friendly terms with the gentleman.
After the two had bid their farewell, Kagome took a good look at the ballroom. It was huge. She could easily tell that there were about 500 guests here all ready, with lots of room to fit more. Off to the side, delicious looking food was ready for consumption. Tables scattered themselves here and there, while a great chandelier was in the center of it all. The room gleamed with a golden tone shone from the light. And an orchestra was playing softly, while couples danced on the floor.
Near the French double doors that led to the pavilion, Kagome spotted a little girl. Her eyes flickered every which way but her body stood perfectly still, with her hands clasped in front of her. Curious, Kagome made her way across the ballroom towards the little girl.
"Hello?" Kagome asked. She was a little surprised when the girl moved her head towards her when she had spoken.
"Hi." The little girl spoke rather shyly.
"I'm Kagome, what's your name?"
"I'm Rin. Rin was told to stay out of trouble. Sesshoumaru-sama would be mad if Rin didn't." Rin made a funny face that Kagome found absolutely adorable, and she couldn't get over how she referred to herself in a third person.
"Who's Sesshoumaru?" she asked, indulging the little girl.
"Who is Sesshoumaru!? Sesshoumaru is Rin's big brother! He takes VERY good care of Rin," she stated while nodding her head without doubt.
"How could I have not known?" Kagome said smiling.
"Rin wants to walk around. Will Kagome walk with Rin?"
"I would love to." The two set off, hand in hand, to walk around the ballroom. Kagome just listened as Rin chatted away, marveling at how she could talk so much. Every now and then Kagome would nod her head, and put in her two cents when the time was right.
"Oooooo, Kagome!" Rin squealed as she started dragging Kagome to an unknown destination. They finally stopped in front of a couple of young men that Kagome guessed to be around her age. "Kagome-chan, this is Sesshoumaru-sama and Inuyasha, Rin's big brothers.
The younger of the two was shorter and came up to about 5'10" Kagome guessed. He looked as if he was uncomfortable in the tux he was wearing and had his arms crossed over his chest. 'The scowl on his face looks permanent' she thought. Her lips curled upwards slightly and she had to stifle a giggle. He was certainly not bad looking in Kagome's opinion; he just looked. rough around the edges. And his eyes were a shade of amber where his hair was white silver that went to his waist. 'How unique.'
The older brother was the most beautiful man she had ever seen. His eyes looked as if they knew your deepest darkest secrets. Kagome suddenly feel very self conscious, and had to restrain herself from fidgeting. He had the same hair color as his brother, but it draped down to just above his knees. It looked so soft; Kagome had to resist the fleeting urge to run her fingers through it. His eyes, though closely related to his brothers held a more golden tone, and showed nothing about what he felt. And he was practically towering over Kagome at about 6'3". His skin looked so smooth that Kagome was sure that would feel velvety to touch. He stood in front of her now with a regal air and icy manor.
Kagome stepped forward and bowed politely. "It is a pleasure to meet the two of you," she said pleasantly. "I've been hearing a lot about you both." Inuyasha grumbled a hello and bowed back. Sesshoumaru merely nodded his head in acknowledgment, and looked down upon her with a slight repulsion. 'Of all the.' Kagome's thoughts were cut short by a woman coming up to them.
"Ah, you must be Kagome, Onigumo's daughter," she said. 'So I was right' thought Sesshoumaru. 'She is just a little princess, whose father lavishes her with gifts, and she receives anything her little heart desires' he thought, now thoroughly disgusted.' "I am Kiya, Inu Tashio's wife, and I am afraid that it is time for Rin here to go to bed." She gave a pointed look in the little girl's direction. "But I'm sure that my sons would be more than glad to keep you company," Kiya said gesturing towards the boys. "Be nice," she warned to the boys in question, before leaving with Rin trailing behind. Rin stopped after a few short feet, and ran up to Kagome, throwing her arms around her legs. Kagome knelt down, so she could give Rin a proper hug.
"Goodnight Kagome-chan," she whispered.
"Goodnight Rin."
Kagome was reminded of how much she had been like Rin when she was younger, as she waved to her retreating form. She had been so carefree, and untroubled. Times were good. Kagome glanced over to the brothers, letting go of the thoughts that would soon lead to dark ones if she let them. 'So I've got babysitters eh?'
"Why has your father not spoken of you before?" Sesshoumaru asked bluntly. 'May as well not beat around the bush.' The sudden question took Kagome off guard and her cheerful facade slipped for just a second. With her smile back in place, she grabbed a glass of champagne from a passing waiter before answering.
"I haven't the slightest notion," 'He's ashamed of me, and is sickened by my very existence.' Sesshoumaru's eyebrows furrowed together slightly. He couldn't tell if she was lying or not. Her face didn't betray that she was lying, but it didn't inform that she was telling the truth either.
Then it dawned on him. She had a perfect mask. Somewhat like his own, but his own was a mask of indifference where as her mask gave a plethora of emotions, each one fitting for the occasion, but never showing her true feelings. But the question that has not yet been answered is, 'what is she hiding?'
"One could only assume that he cares nothing for you," Sesshoumaru said, intending to irritate her as much as he could. He wanted to see her rant and rave about all of the jewelry, and money her father gives her, meaning that money was how he showed his love, not proudly announcing it to the world. And he wanted to see her for what she was, not the mask that she hid behind.
But the rant he had been waiting for never came. He focused his gaze intently upon her. She didn't appear angry or sad, or anything at all. 'What the hell?' 'If you're waiting for me to create a scene, it's not going to happen,' she mentally challenged, knowing exactly what he was trying to do. 'I won't get overworked by something that's so utterly. true.'
She gave a meaningless shrug, appearing as if she had not cared in the least. Although inside she was astounded as to how he could have known exactly how Kagome's father felt about her.
"Why is it, you think you know how my father feels about me?" Sesshoumaru was just about to answer when his brother decided to answer for him.
"Listen wench. Why don't you take your prissy ass back home and go cry to your daddy, because honestly we don't want to deal with your bullshit." As soon as the words had left Inu Yasha's mouth there was a resounding crack throughout the hall. She had slapped him.
"How DARE you presume such things! You have not been in my presence much more than a minute, and already you insult me! From where I stand you seem like a sulky, hot headed, foul mouthed swine!" 'Boy, does she have him pegged.' Sesshoumaru noted.
It wasn't because of the insults thrown at her. No she was too use to those. It wasn't because he had come off as a jerk. It was because he had the audacity to assume that she would need to cry to her father. She had not cried at all since her seventh birthday. The day her father had came home.
The mere thought of Kagome going to her father for comfort was beyond ridiculous. The whole hall went quiet and stared at the scene folding out before them. Kagome was about to turn around and walk out of the door, when she felt a hand clench her shoulder. Kagome instantly knew exactly who it was. Her father was back. and there would be hell to pay.
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Sess's Pov
Her features had hardened, and her face showed nothing, but her eyes told of her fury. 'Was she that upset over my brother's stupid comment?' he questioned himself. 'Why would she care about my brother's statement and not mine?' He had to stop himself from rubbing his temples. This was all to confusing and it was beginning to give him a headache.
He could tell his brother was shocked. Inuyasha just sat there with his hand touching the reddening handprint on his cheek. At that moment Sesshoumaru saw her father and followed him with his eyes till he was just behind Kagome. He looked like he was ready to kill when he placed a hand on his daughter's shoulder, and Kagome's jaw tightened.
"I see that my daughter has not been acting properly. I am deeply sorry for my daughter's behavior," Onigumo stated grimly to the brothers. "Kagome?" he asked harshly, tightening his grip. She then stepped forward, out of her father's reach and bowed. Her face was completely void of emotion, not even her eyes showed anything.
"I am very sorry for acting disrespectful to you both." To everyone else she sounded sincere. There were very few people that noticed how hard she had to work to grind out that sentence. He did.
"You are forgiven." Kagome's eye's snapped up to meet his, and he could practically hear her thoughts. 'You arrogant prick.' Even his brother was looking at him skeptically. Inuyasha knew it was his fault that they were in this mess to begin with. If only he had kept his mouth shut.
"Thank you." Kagome would not look away, even though she was sorely tempted to. Sesshoumaru was slightly taken back. He knew she was insincere about the whole thing, but the one thing that puzzled him was where the defiant girl who had just moments before slapped his brother, had gone to.
"Now leave," her father bellowed, in a tone that said their discussion was over for now but would be continued later on. Kagome turned and handed her father back the champagne glass to wait for him. Before she left she glared at her father and wished he could hear her thoughts right then. 'I hate you'
"Mr. Higurashi," Inuyasha started. "It was my fault. I said some nasty things to her. I probably got what I deserved." Inuyasha felt guilty about what he said. He honestly didn't know anything about her and he didn't have the right to insult her like that without even knowing her. Obviously it had struck a nerve. Onigumo smiled gently and patted him on the shoulder, even though he was seething underneath.
"You do not need to protect her. Kagome needs to learn to remember her place." 'What happened to the man that looked murderous a second ago?' Sesshoumaru noted. Inuyasha felt no more at ease after Onigumo's attempt to comfort him. He had a feeling Kagome would be in a lot of trouble, and it was because of him.
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AN: Some of you aren't very happy about the revisal. Soooo Sorry. So what did you all think about this chapter? Sorry if it seems a little . blah, but I'm just trying not to rush into the plot. Let me know what you think. Please Review! Tell me if you liked the chapter or not. Did you like it better than the first one? Again, PLEASE REVIEW! And thank you to all of you that did Review. Bye! The more reviews I get the faster I'll update. I'll need 13 more reviews before I will update again!!!!!!!!
Miss*Shay
REVIEW RESPONSES:
Kagome takes over the wor: I DEFINATLEY will!
Shanaka: Thanks, I like it better to. Plus, I love your word, Niftylicious! Its soooo cute!
Flare2: I hope this is soon enough for you! I like updating weekly, but over Christmas break I think it MIGHT be sooner than that. Keep an eye out!
Drea-chan: Guess again! I'm glad you like this version better. I think everyone who has read the other one and reviewed this one, like this one better!
Ellie: What kind of story, would this be if he didn't!?
Atashi-wa-Yume: Long Review. I know what you mean. I re-wrote this because I found myself contradicting myself a few times, and I want this story to be the best that it can be. Please keep an eye out for this fic. I think I might update more than once a week with Christmas break. The more Reviews I get the more I'll write. So REVIEW AGAIN PLEASE!
Carmen: The reason it didn't was because, as you can see, I skipped a whole bunch of time. There will be more cliff hangers when I get more into the plot for sure.
Silverspun: I loved your guess, but alas it isn't going to unleash hell. although that would be fun to write.
Crimson: You are kinda close with your guess about the box. Here is the beloved Sesshoumaru you were waiting for. I think I write about him better in later chapters.
Myinuyasha04: Good!
AshleyNicole: I think you might have been right about the title. I'll just live with it now though. I think I can make the story so this title fits better.
Thundergirl: Yeah I know sorry about that. I'll try to get this up to that point as soon as possible.
Kelly: Thanks for reviewing! I did change it.
Valkyrie Nienna Helyanwe: Sorry. This will have to do instead of NOW. *giggle*
Title: Fighting Back
A/N: Hey everybody. My computer sux and it won't show italics. So everything that is supposed to be in italics will just be capitalized.
Chapter Two: The Party
Kag's Pov
'Oh shit, oh shit. 4:47! Oh shit!! If I'm late he'll kill me!' Kagome thought during her run to her car, dress in hand, and fumbling with her keys. 'It would be his fault if I was late anyway,' she huffed. If he had told her about this business party a day earlier Kagome could have already bought a new dress, one that would cover her fading bruises from her fathers BRUTAL beating few weeks back.
'But noooooo. He had to tell me three HOURS before I had to be completely ready.' It had taken Kagome (in her opinion) forever to find a dress that would be elegant enough to satisfy her controlling father. 'He just wants to see me stressed' Kagome thought grumpily.
By now Kagome was almost home. She pulled into the garage and grabbed her dress, making a mad dash toward her room. Kagome was convinced that she had made a national shower time record, when she had finished.
After spending almost all of her remaining time in the bathroom, primping and preparing, she was ready to be inspected by her father. Grabbing her purse she walked down the stairs where her father was waiting.
Giving her a quick look over his heart clenched. He knew she was beautiful, 'like her mother' he thought. But to Onigumo, she would always be the little baby that killed her mother, and he found himself getting angry all over again. 'Well now is not the time,' he told himself. He would just have to wait till later.
"Presentable" he stated in a monotone voice. Kagome noted how it seemed like EVERY time he spoke to her, he did it either emotionlessly, or angrily. He walked out the front door, not looking back to see if she would follow. She reluctantly did and soon they were on their way in their black stretch limo.
Shortly after she had climbed in, her father began one of his ritualistic speeches that in the end turned out to be threats that had been cleverly disguise.
"As you know Inu Tashio, head of Shikon Corporation and I, are in a middle of a huge deal that will end our rivaling, and cause a partnership between our companies." 'Moron' Of course she knew about his 'huge deal'. Kagome was the one who was drawing up the contract.
Her father and Inu Tashio were finally putting an end to their rivaling, and were actually combining their two companies. "So," he continued, "you will be meeting him and his sons." His voice became deadly and he leaned forward. "And you will do nothing to screw this up. Understood?"
"Yes" Kagome said staring straight into his eyes unwavering. She wasn't stupid. She knew that this deal would do wonders for both companies. By combining the two top manufacturing companies of electronics, no other company would stand a chance against them.
"Good," he said leaning back into his leather seat. 'Someday, he will get what's coming to him.' Kagome vowed. Someday her father's word would not be her law. 'One day it will be different'
Kagome wanted nothing more than to go home and crawl into her warm bed. Not sit around and listen to housewives gossip. That was all this party was for and she knew it. That and for their husbands to discuss business there rather than at the office.
This would be the first party that she was actually being ALLOWED to go to. Today was the day her father was being forced to let her become known. Inu Tashio wanted to meet EVERYONE that was important to his company, and he knew, as well as Kagome did, that she was the reason that his company could compete with Inu Tashio's.
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~The Party~ Sess's Pov
He inwardly sighed, with his stotic(sp?) mask still in place. There was only so much one person could do at a party like this. Sesshoumaru had done the mingling and the fake pleasantries, and everything that duty required him to. But he knew that if he had to take much more of this, his diner would projectile from its current residence in his stomach, and out onto the ballroom floor.
He tried to busy himself taking sips of champagne and ignoring the looks from some nearby drooling women. They were all the same. Some women were like sharks, predators by nature. The others were all neurotic twits that couldn't think an intelligent thought even if it bit them in the ass. Each of these groups had no qualms about throwing themselves at his feet.
To pass the time Sesshoumaru decided to see what his half-brother was up to. His gaze swept the room till he found the familiar silver head of hair. Inuyasha stood gaping with his jaw slightly open and eyes wide at the entrance to the grand ballroom. He quirked an eyebrow at his brother's odd behavior and scanned the ballroom. Apparently whatever had caught his brother's attention had attracted the attention of every guest at the party. 'What could be that interesting' he wondered. Curiosity getting the better of him, Sesshoumaru looked in the direction of the object of interest.
It certainly wasn't as much an object, as she was a person. Standing behind Onigumo, a former competitor of his father's, was a vibrant young woman. She walked down the steps with her head held high. It almost seemed as if she was floating on air the way she glided down those steps. 'Wow.'
Her raven black tresses had been pulled up into French Twist with wisps of hair framing her face. She had on a long black dress that fell delicately to the floor, with two slits that ran up to her knees, giving you a glimpse of her creamy legs from time to time. The fabric appeared to slither up her arms and a small train followed her wake as she proceeded to saunter the grand ballroom.
Sesshoumaru narrowed his eyes, angry at himself for being so captivated by one woman. 'She is nothing special' he told himself. 'She is just another female.' Even though he told himself these things, Sesshoumaru couldn't bring himself to look away, and he conveniently decided to over look that little fact.
'Is she his daughter?' he questioned. Onigumo had never mentioned anything about having family, though Sesshoumaru did know that he had had a wife at one time, but she died a long time ago. Onigumo had been very touchy when the subject had been brought up, so it was left alone. 'Why hadn't Onigumo ever spoken of her if she was his daughter?'
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Author's Pov
"Onigumo!" Inu Tashio said shaking the other man's hand as soon as everyone in the room started to chat again. Except this time all everyone could talk about was the young mystery woman that Onigumo had arrived with. "It's so good to see you! And who might this lovely lady be?" He asked curiously, turning to Kagome. Her cheeks turned pink at his compliment. She wasn't use to people saying things like that to her. Inu Tashio saw this and smiled at her innocence.
"This is my. daughter. Kagome this is Mr. Takamada, head of Shikon corporation." He said devoid of emotion. 'Trying to hide is disgust' Kagome thought bitterly.
"It's nice to finally meet you Mr. Takamada. I've heard a lot of wonderful things about you" She smiled warmly at the friendly looking gentleman. It was true Kagome had heard many great things about the man Mr. Takamada was, and even her father had to admit he was a good business man.
"Onigumo I didn't know you had a daughter!" Inutashio exclaimed. Onigumo said nothing in response. 'Why am I not surprised' Kagome thought and resisted the urge to roll her eyes.
"Well it's a pleasure to meet you Kagome," he said. A waiter suddenly came up to Onigumo with a cell phone that had been placed on a tray.
"Mr. Higurashi, you have a phone call." Onigumo frowned and picked up the black cell and after a few moments of conversation his frown deepened.
"What?! *growl* Yes, yes. I'll be right there." Putting down the phone he looked over to Inutashio, completely ignoring Kagome. "It appears there has been a slight malfunction with one of the main computers, so Kagome and I shall be coming back later this evening. Rebooting the computer shouldn't take more than a half an hour."
'Wow a half an hour?' Rebooting computers was known to be a tricky, not to mention time consuming, job. "Alright, but would you mind if your daughter stays though? I would like to talk to her some and get to know her a little." 'Damn. Without Kagome it will take longer than I expected.'
"Of course not, I will see you in a bit," he ground out while smiling falsely. He bowed to Inu Tashio and left without as much as a goodbye to Kagome. After Onigumo's departure Kagome spoke up before Inu Tashio had the chance.
"He will take more than a half an hour," she stated taking her gaze off her father's retreating form and looking directly into his eyes.
"How do you know?" Right after the question escaped his mouth he heard a ringing coming from Kagome's purse. She pulled out a cell phone and glanced into the caller ID. A tiny smile played at her lips as her eyes looked back up at him as she answered her phone.
"The security code is 566094731," and she hung up. No hello, no goodbye, just that one statement said it all. Inu Tashio then realized that she was the reason Onigumo would have been able to come back so soon, and his face broke out into a broad grin.
"Do you work for your father?" he asked chuckling
"Not technically," she answered lightly. 'Though I may as be for everything I do around there.'
"'Not technically?'" Inu Tashio looked at her in disbelief. "You know security codes and you're not technically working for him?" She smiled without giving him a reply.
"So how old are you? You must be heading off to college soon."
"Yes, I'll be going to college this fall. I would really like to go to Tokyo University, but I am going to one a little closer to home."
"That is a very hard school to be accepted into," he stated grimly. Kagome knew he was essentially implying that maybe she wasn't intelligent enough to get accepted, but Kagome just shook her head, with a knowing smile.
"I was offered a scholarship." Inu Tashio couldn't have stopped the small gasp that escaped his lips if he had wanted to. Only the best of the best were allowed to attend, and receiving a scholarship on academics only was practically unheard of. Even his Sesshoumaru had to work very hard to get Tokyo University to give him a scholarship. Kagome found herself blushing again underneath his intense gaze
"One of my sons will be starting there this fall, and the other will be going back for his third year. Why aren't you going there, especially if you received a scholarship?" Kagome allowed a soft sigh pass her lips.
"My father wants me to stay close to home, and then after college I will be working for his company." She tilted her head to the side and added, "Well, I suppose it will be your company by then too." He gave her a small forced smile at her effort to keep the mood light. After that confession he was quiet for a while. He couldn't help wishing that there was something he could do for her.
Before long a stout elderly woman came walking up to them with a mischievous grin placed on her features, while her eyes danced with a hidden secret. Recognizing the women Inu Tashio broke the silence.
"Ah Kaede there is someone I'd like you to meet." At hearing Kaede's name her head snapped up to look at the woman in question. Kagome's eyes visibly widened.
"Did you say Kaede?" she asked never taking her eyes off the woman. Kaede chuckled and spread her arms open. Kagome was found in her arms within the second. Ignoring the pain she felt as Kaede brushed along a few tender bruises Kagome just enjoyed her time being in the older woman's embrace. Finally they reluctantly pulled apart.
"I have been to every one of these blasted parties, waiting for the day your father had enough sense to bring you," Kaede said affectionately.
"I take it you two know each other?" Inu Tashio asked amusedly after being temporarily forgotten.
"Kaede had been my nanny until I was 7 years old," Kagome explained. Inu Tashio listed to the two chatting ladies as they talked about what they had been doing over the years.
"I always knew Kagome would one day conquer the business world" Kaede told Inu Tashio proudly, after Kagome informed her about going off to college and majoring in the business field. He noticed how Kaede appeared prouder of Kagome than her own father did; in fact he had never even mentioned her before. Out of the corner of his eye Inu Tashio spotted another of his guests entering.
"Kagome," Inu Tashio interrupted. Kaede and Kagome both looked at him questioningly. "I am sorry, but Kaede and I have to go greet another guest. Do you think you will be alright by yourself?"
"I'm sure I'll be fine Mr. Takamada." Kagome and Kaede exchanged one more hug before they prepared to leave.
"Oh and Kagome"
"Yes"
"Call me Inu Tashio," Kagome nodded, happy that she was on friendly terms with the gentleman.
After the two had bid their farewell, Kagome took a good look at the ballroom. It was huge. She could easily tell that there were about 500 guests here all ready, with lots of room to fit more. Off to the side, delicious looking food was ready for consumption. Tables scattered themselves here and there, while a great chandelier was in the center of it all. The room gleamed with a golden tone shone from the light. And an orchestra was playing softly, while couples danced on the floor.
Near the French double doors that led to the pavilion, Kagome spotted a little girl. Her eyes flickered every which way but her body stood perfectly still, with her hands clasped in front of her. Curious, Kagome made her way across the ballroom towards the little girl.
"Hello?" Kagome asked. She was a little surprised when the girl moved her head towards her when she had spoken.
"Hi." The little girl spoke rather shyly.
"I'm Kagome, what's your name?"
"I'm Rin. Rin was told to stay out of trouble. Sesshoumaru-sama would be mad if Rin didn't." Rin made a funny face that Kagome found absolutely adorable, and she couldn't get over how she referred to herself in a third person.
"Who's Sesshoumaru?" she asked, indulging the little girl.
"Who is Sesshoumaru!? Sesshoumaru is Rin's big brother! He takes VERY good care of Rin," she stated while nodding her head without doubt.
"How could I have not known?" Kagome said smiling.
"Rin wants to walk around. Will Kagome walk with Rin?"
"I would love to." The two set off, hand in hand, to walk around the ballroom. Kagome just listened as Rin chatted away, marveling at how she could talk so much. Every now and then Kagome would nod her head, and put in her two cents when the time was right.
"Oooooo, Kagome!" Rin squealed as she started dragging Kagome to an unknown destination. They finally stopped in front of a couple of young men that Kagome guessed to be around her age. "Kagome-chan, this is Sesshoumaru-sama and Inuyasha, Rin's big brothers.
The younger of the two was shorter and came up to about 5'10" Kagome guessed. He looked as if he was uncomfortable in the tux he was wearing and had his arms crossed over his chest. 'The scowl on his face looks permanent' she thought. Her lips curled upwards slightly and she had to stifle a giggle. He was certainly not bad looking in Kagome's opinion; he just looked. rough around the edges. And his eyes were a shade of amber where his hair was white silver that went to his waist. 'How unique.'
The older brother was the most beautiful man she had ever seen. His eyes looked as if they knew your deepest darkest secrets. Kagome suddenly feel very self conscious, and had to restrain herself from fidgeting. He had the same hair color as his brother, but it draped down to just above his knees. It looked so soft; Kagome had to resist the fleeting urge to run her fingers through it. His eyes, though closely related to his brothers held a more golden tone, and showed nothing about what he felt. And he was practically towering over Kagome at about 6'3". His skin looked so smooth that Kagome was sure that would feel velvety to touch. He stood in front of her now with a regal air and icy manor.
Kagome stepped forward and bowed politely. "It is a pleasure to meet the two of you," she said pleasantly. "I've been hearing a lot about you both." Inuyasha grumbled a hello and bowed back. Sesshoumaru merely nodded his head in acknowledgment, and looked down upon her with a slight repulsion. 'Of all the.' Kagome's thoughts were cut short by a woman coming up to them.
"Ah, you must be Kagome, Onigumo's daughter," she said. 'So I was right' thought Sesshoumaru. 'She is just a little princess, whose father lavishes her with gifts, and she receives anything her little heart desires' he thought, now thoroughly disgusted.' "I am Kiya, Inu Tashio's wife, and I am afraid that it is time for Rin here to go to bed." She gave a pointed look in the little girl's direction. "But I'm sure that my sons would be more than glad to keep you company," Kiya said gesturing towards the boys. "Be nice," she warned to the boys in question, before leaving with Rin trailing behind. Rin stopped after a few short feet, and ran up to Kagome, throwing her arms around her legs. Kagome knelt down, so she could give Rin a proper hug.
"Goodnight Kagome-chan," she whispered.
"Goodnight Rin."
Kagome was reminded of how much she had been like Rin when she was younger, as she waved to her retreating form. She had been so carefree, and untroubled. Times were good. Kagome glanced over to the brothers, letting go of the thoughts that would soon lead to dark ones if she let them. 'So I've got babysitters eh?'
"Why has your father not spoken of you before?" Sesshoumaru asked bluntly. 'May as well not beat around the bush.' The sudden question took Kagome off guard and her cheerful facade slipped for just a second. With her smile back in place, she grabbed a glass of champagne from a passing waiter before answering.
"I haven't the slightest notion," 'He's ashamed of me, and is sickened by my very existence.' Sesshoumaru's eyebrows furrowed together slightly. He couldn't tell if she was lying or not. Her face didn't betray that she was lying, but it didn't inform that she was telling the truth either.
Then it dawned on him. She had a perfect mask. Somewhat like his own, but his own was a mask of indifference where as her mask gave a plethora of emotions, each one fitting for the occasion, but never showing her true feelings. But the question that has not yet been answered is, 'what is she hiding?'
"One could only assume that he cares nothing for you," Sesshoumaru said, intending to irritate her as much as he could. He wanted to see her rant and rave about all of the jewelry, and money her father gives her, meaning that money was how he showed his love, not proudly announcing it to the world. And he wanted to see her for what she was, not the mask that she hid behind.
But the rant he had been waiting for never came. He focused his gaze intently upon her. She didn't appear angry or sad, or anything at all. 'What the hell?' 'If you're waiting for me to create a scene, it's not going to happen,' she mentally challenged, knowing exactly what he was trying to do. 'I won't get overworked by something that's so utterly. true.'
She gave a meaningless shrug, appearing as if she had not cared in the least. Although inside she was astounded as to how he could have known exactly how Kagome's father felt about her.
"Why is it, you think you know how my father feels about me?" Sesshoumaru was just about to answer when his brother decided to answer for him.
"Listen wench. Why don't you take your prissy ass back home and go cry to your daddy, because honestly we don't want to deal with your bullshit." As soon as the words had left Inu Yasha's mouth there was a resounding crack throughout the hall. She had slapped him.
"How DARE you presume such things! You have not been in my presence much more than a minute, and already you insult me! From where I stand you seem like a sulky, hot headed, foul mouthed swine!" 'Boy, does she have him pegged.' Sesshoumaru noted.
It wasn't because of the insults thrown at her. No she was too use to those. It wasn't because he had come off as a jerk. It was because he had the audacity to assume that she would need to cry to her father. She had not cried at all since her seventh birthday. The day her father had came home.
The mere thought of Kagome going to her father for comfort was beyond ridiculous. The whole hall went quiet and stared at the scene folding out before them. Kagome was about to turn around and walk out of the door, when she felt a hand clench her shoulder. Kagome instantly knew exactly who it was. Her father was back. and there would be hell to pay.
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Sess's Pov
Her features had hardened, and her face showed nothing, but her eyes told of her fury. 'Was she that upset over my brother's stupid comment?' he questioned himself. 'Why would she care about my brother's statement and not mine?' He had to stop himself from rubbing his temples. This was all to confusing and it was beginning to give him a headache.
He could tell his brother was shocked. Inuyasha just sat there with his hand touching the reddening handprint on his cheek. At that moment Sesshoumaru saw her father and followed him with his eyes till he was just behind Kagome. He looked like he was ready to kill when he placed a hand on his daughter's shoulder, and Kagome's jaw tightened.
"I see that my daughter has not been acting properly. I am deeply sorry for my daughter's behavior," Onigumo stated grimly to the brothers. "Kagome?" he asked harshly, tightening his grip. She then stepped forward, out of her father's reach and bowed. Her face was completely void of emotion, not even her eyes showed anything.
"I am very sorry for acting disrespectful to you both." To everyone else she sounded sincere. There were very few people that noticed how hard she had to work to grind out that sentence. He did.
"You are forgiven." Kagome's eye's snapped up to meet his, and he could practically hear her thoughts. 'You arrogant prick.' Even his brother was looking at him skeptically. Inuyasha knew it was his fault that they were in this mess to begin with. If only he had kept his mouth shut.
"Thank you." Kagome would not look away, even though she was sorely tempted to. Sesshoumaru was slightly taken back. He knew she was insincere about the whole thing, but the one thing that puzzled him was where the defiant girl who had just moments before slapped his brother, had gone to.
"Now leave," her father bellowed, in a tone that said their discussion was over for now but would be continued later on. Kagome turned and handed her father back the champagne glass to wait for him. Before she left she glared at her father and wished he could hear her thoughts right then. 'I hate you'
"Mr. Higurashi," Inuyasha started. "It was my fault. I said some nasty things to her. I probably got what I deserved." Inuyasha felt guilty about what he said. He honestly didn't know anything about her and he didn't have the right to insult her like that without even knowing her. Obviously it had struck a nerve. Onigumo smiled gently and patted him on the shoulder, even though he was seething underneath.
"You do not need to protect her. Kagome needs to learn to remember her place." 'What happened to the man that looked murderous a second ago?' Sesshoumaru noted. Inuyasha felt no more at ease after Onigumo's attempt to comfort him. He had a feeling Kagome would be in a lot of trouble, and it was because of him.
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AN: Some of you aren't very happy about the revisal. Soooo Sorry. So what did you all think about this chapter? Sorry if it seems a little . blah, but I'm just trying not to rush into the plot. Let me know what you think. Please Review! Tell me if you liked the chapter or not. Did you like it better than the first one? Again, PLEASE REVIEW! And thank you to all of you that did Review. Bye! The more reviews I get the faster I'll update. I'll need 13 more reviews before I will update again!!!!!!!!
Miss*Shay
REVIEW RESPONSES:
Kagome takes over the wor: I DEFINATLEY will!
Shanaka: Thanks, I like it better to. Plus, I love your word, Niftylicious! Its soooo cute!
Flare2: I hope this is soon enough for you! I like updating weekly, but over Christmas break I think it MIGHT be sooner than that. Keep an eye out!
Drea-chan: Guess again! I'm glad you like this version better. I think everyone who has read the other one and reviewed this one, like this one better!
Ellie: What kind of story, would this be if he didn't!?
Atashi-wa-Yume: Long Review. I know what you mean. I re-wrote this because I found myself contradicting myself a few times, and I want this story to be the best that it can be. Please keep an eye out for this fic. I think I might update more than once a week with Christmas break. The more Reviews I get the more I'll write. So REVIEW AGAIN PLEASE!
Carmen: The reason it didn't was because, as you can see, I skipped a whole bunch of time. There will be more cliff hangers when I get more into the plot for sure.
Silverspun: I loved your guess, but alas it isn't going to unleash hell. although that would be fun to write.
Crimson: You are kinda close with your guess about the box. Here is the beloved Sesshoumaru you were waiting for. I think I write about him better in later chapters.
Myinuyasha04: Good!
AshleyNicole: I think you might have been right about the title. I'll just live with it now though. I think I can make the story so this title fits better.
Thundergirl: Yeah I know sorry about that. I'll try to get this up to that point as soon as possible.
Kelly: Thanks for reviewing! I did change it.
Valkyrie Nienna Helyanwe: Sorry. This will have to do instead of NOW. *giggle*