Disclaimer: I do not own Inuyasha...
A/N: Sorry for the lack in updating...
PLEASE READ THE END AUTHOR'S NOTE!!
Author: Sakura-chan88
Title: Mistaken Mark
Chapter 5: The 'Maid's' Affect
"Well, you should start cooking lunch for everyone, I guess," Shippo said uncertainly, his brows furrowing. "I was supposed to start it a while ago, but I noticed inventory needed rechecking, again... Hmmm..."
He trailed off, looking at the ground in thought. Kagome took a look around the kitchen, noting its uncomfortably small space between the island in the middle of the room and the stove. The room was dark, the only lighting a vent-like window.
"What about light?" Kagome asked, still looking about the dim room.
"The wiring's messed up and the light bulb explodes every time you flip the switch," the boy answered, looking back at her. "I tried to fix it, but I messed up last time and I haven't had the chance since then to try again... I have to set up the equipment, now. Lunch is Ramen- always Ramen, and enough for thirty two people."
"Thirty two!?"
"You're lucky, that's less than half the number usual, but a lot of people decided to steer clear of Inuyasha today," Shippo said, leaving through a door to the left. "He's a real grouch when things go wrong!" he shouted back to her, his voice fading. "I'm surprised you're still alive with the way he stormed out of his room this morning."
Kagome sighed as she searched through the pantry to gather the appointed lunch. "Ramen?" she whispered, scrunching up her nose. 'What else could they eat?' she thought. 'Ramen's all that's in here!'
"The boss is a scary man, most times. You gotta do things his way or you'll find yourself with a whole through your stomach." Shippo's voice floated into the room, followed closely by the boy himself. "It didn't surprise me as much as Miroku that he hit you."
Kagome stopped her search through the cabinets to turn wide eyes to the boy. He hadn't just said...
"You were there?"
The boy dropped the microchips in his hands, yelping as they hit the floor. "No! I wasn't!"
"Why didn't you warn him when I attacked him?"
"What are you talking about- I wasn't there- you attacked him?" Shippo stuttered, scrambling to pick up the electronical mess. "I don't see why you'd think I was there- I heard it from Nazuna- said you had bruises."
Kagome grinned, advancing on the boy. Grabbing his shoulders so he looked up into her eyes, she smiled. "Why?"
"... I don't know what you're talking about-"
"Come on, Shippo," she ordered. "Tell me- I won't tell anyone. Why should I? You probably saved my life..." Kagome paused. "I owe you one, kid."
"... That's Master Shippo to you!" he roared, trying to sound intimidating.
"Stop trying to detour me, Master Shippo- I'll get my answers one way or another," Kagome stated determinedly.
Shippo remained silent for a while, biting his lip before her replied to her question. "... I guess... you remind me of my mom," he admitted, looking at the ground. "She always was stubborn and she was the only one that really stood up against Inuyasha's father when he still led the gang, from what I hear."
Kagome smiled softly, and tweaked the boy's nose. It kinda broke her heart, in a way, to hear such a small boy speak of his mother in the past tense... She wondered, 'What happened to her?'
"I think we'll get to be good friends..."
'If you survive tonight,' a small voice reminded her. Her face fell. "... Do you think the others will protest me staying alive? Inuyasha said that if anyone does..."
Shippo looked away, sighing. "It's likely. Most people think our leader needs to be totally ruthless. A lot of them think Sesshomaru should be here, not Inuyasha."
"Sesshomaru?"
"Inuyasha's half brother," Shippo said, checking each piece of electronical work to make sure they were still functional before moving to set them up. "He doesn't work with us anymore, but he was getting restless, so he led the sniper team last night."
'That guy with silver hair was Inuyasha's brother?' she thought, blinking. 'That makes sense.'
Kagome returned to searching for a clean pot to start the Ramen... After not finding any, she sighed in defeat and asked Shippo.
"Eheheh," he laughed nervously. "I... couldn't get around to them..."
"So...?"
A small finger pointed to an area behind her. Curiosity made Kagome spin on her heel and stare at the pile of rags on the kitchen floor... with flies swarming around... and a single pot handle protruding from the bundle.
"Ewww..." she hissed, taking a convulsive step back. "I shouldn't have asked."
"Sorry," he mumbled. "I would have done it myself, but I haven't had time. I never have any time anymore. I mean, first with the security systems wirings, the satellite link-ups, then the blueprint mappings and consulting everything with Miroku or the Boss, and now with this junk and the inventory- Ah inventory! I need to get to the store!"
Kagome swiveled back to the boy, watching as he fled from the room and returned. Quickly getting his clipboard with the inventory check on it, he left once again. "I'm watching you- okay? Just talk and I'll hear, too."
Kagome blinked, looking to the electronic heap on the counter top. It buzzed and crackled, screeching at her, setting her already frazzled nerves on end.
'Oh, boy... It's going to be a long day...'
Kagome sighed heavily, wiping the sweat from her brows. It was hard to do all of that cleaning on top of cooking- cooking while she was ridding the bowls and utensils of grime. She had only one thing to say. Men were gross!
She shuttered at the way the flies, who were now deprived of their food and home, buzzed about the room, trying with desperation to land on the nearest clean bowl filled with steaming Ramen. However, she new from the growling just inches behind her that now wasn't the time to just stand around and watch the little pests' circus.
"Serve it now or you'll be face to face with my men," Inuyasha warned, grabbing a bowl while he spoke.
Kagome watched as he scrutinized the cleaned holder, running a finger around its edge to hear a distinct whine from the ceramic-like material. An appreciative eyebrow rose while he left the girl to scramble after with platters in hand, holding five bowls each and wobbling unsteadily.
Entering the dining room, where she had previously been told to call Shippo 'master', Kagome found Miroku looking over Inuyasha's bowl as well, whistling.
"I can even see myself!" he exclaimed. "Look!"
Inuyasha did as he was told. "That's new."
"And an improvement, I dare say."
"Hurry up, wench!" Inuyasha blared, finally realizing Kagome's pause. "Get everything out here- they aren't to see you until tonight, understand?" Kagome hurriedly placed the items out, shaking her head. Inuyasha sighed. "All of my men will be here then. Right now, a lot are missing. You'll be sentenced with everyone present."
"So my chances of death are higher," Kagome hissed. "How thoughtful of you."
Inuyasha snorted and waved off the statements carelessly. "It's to better your chances of living, so you better damn well appreciate it."
Kagome sneered, leaving the room to gather the rest of the bowls... well, half of the rest of the bowls... She sighed. Today was most definitely going to be a long day.
"Now, I suggest you start cleaning up that kitchen or something," Inuyasha stated, taking his spot at the head of the table as Kagome set the remainder of the Ramen in the table's center. "And don't make too much noise. Shippo is very quiet and they'll get suspicious and I won't be lying to my men to save your hide. Understand?"
"Yes."
"... I think I deserve a proper title, maid."
'Why you- how about pompous, good-for-nothing, lowlife, back-stabbing, second-rate yakuza leading prick!?' she thought, disgust coating her tongue. "Yes, m'lord."
"Lord?" Inuyasha raised a quizzical eyebrow. "I like it."
Kagome sneered again, watching as he played absently with the fork in his hand. Miroku sat stiff as a board, watching the scene with widened eyes.
"Well, seeing as how my master works under you, m'lord, it is only proper," she spat. "And as soon as they say I can live, I'll be making you regret giving me a chance."
Before he could reply, she had slipped through the kitchen door and into the shadows as silent as any assassin. She contained a satisfied smirk only by the intervention of a startled jump brought about by the electronic com unit's shrill cry that was followed by a sizzling sound.
Maybe she would have to brush up on technology and help the boy, and herself by fixing the kitchen's lighting... It seemed he was getting a bit rusty if the praise Inuyasha gave him counted for anything.
Kagome sighed and began her search for a fly swatter, again interrupted by a chirping microchip... For some reason, she had a funny feeling that thing was out to get her...
Inuyasha leaned back in his chair at the dinning table, watching as the present half of his crew admired their utensils and bowls, whistling low at the sudden cleanliness or hooting at the memories of mothers it somehow gave...
For the first time in years, Inuyasha missed his mother... That was in the past, though. She didn't have to feel pain anymore, and that was all that mattered.
Miroku nudged his boss, his eyes darting to the kitchen door. Inuyasha followed the subtle gaze to find Shippo watching him with wide eyes. He frowned. Casting a long sideways glance to the table's occupants, Inuyasha stood and excused himself and Miroku, giving a quirky comment that had the room chuckling in self-embarrassment at their childish behaviour of being dumbfounded by seeing their reflection in what they ate off of.
He took a long way to the kitchen, going through several other rooms so that nobody saw him enter, Miroku right behind him. "What is it, Shippo?" Inuyasha grumbled as he entered the room... "Good God! What the hell happened?" he hissed.
"I cleaned- like you told me to, m'lord," a whisper tugged at his hearing, turning his eyes to the ceiling.
Kagome was on her hands and knees, upside-down, as she yanked at the wires behind the light bulb. This, of course, was the work of a 'spy' gadget called the 'SSW'- Super Suspense Wire- thin, durable, and could hold a great weight.
"Oi, do you know what you're doing?" Inuyasha questioned, completely taken aback by finding his 'maid' suspended in thin air - in an odd sort of way - while strategically operating a bunch of electrical wires.
"Master Shippo was kind enough to get me a book from the storage room about wiring and such, m'lord," Kagome replied. "I know a few things about disarming an alarm system so I figured this wouldn't be much of a problem... and I was right."
"Now?" Shippo asked.
"Yeah, give it a try."
Inuyasha watched as the boy flipped the light switch 'on' and the light bulb buzzed to life. Kagome gave a soft yip of excitement causing all three males to smile at the display, much to Inuyasha's vexation.
"Okay, turn it off again," said Kagome. "I need to put everything back in place."
"It's only been a half an hour, Boss," Miroku whispered, awe lacing his voice. "I mean, she just got back in here..."
Inuyasha had no problem understanding his astonishment. The room was spotless; the dishes were all clean, with the exception of those being in current use; the half-window was clear to allow an actual bar of sunbeams enter the kitchen to spotlight the sink; the floor was its true glossy marble; the cabinets, countertops, stove, sink, and newly packed pantry looked clean enough to eat off of with no doubt about obtaining food poisoning or any such harmful bacterium; and to top it all off, beside the basket of freshly washed and folded assorted rags, the light bulb was now working...
... and all in half an hour...
Well, half in half an hour. The dishes had already been done by the time lunch was ready and the laundered linens were obviously previously loaded into the washer in the adjoining storage room.
Still he couldn't hold back his own mind at betraying him as it silently gasped, 'wow.'
"Well, I think you have a better chance crying 'maid' to stay alive," Inuyasha told her, knowing she'd understand. After all, most guess would like their 'plaything' to have uncalloused hands, and cleaning like that... Kagome most definitely had rougher hands than Kikyo...
Kikyo...
Naraku...
... He didn't need to be reminded of them. Not now... Not so soon after... that... After yesterday and last night when he had almost murdered an innocent, carefree songbird-like creature who now stood - crouched, more like, on the ceiling - very much alive.
"Hmph!" Kagome huffed, unlatching the clasp around her waist to land nearly soundlessly on the counter below her. "How many times must I tell you, m'lord, that I will not be your or any other mangy White Hound's-" she cut off abruptly, casting a quick glance to the small boy watching her with innocent eyes.
"Bitch?"
"You!" she hissed. "Don't swear in front of Master Shippo!"
"Keep your voice down, wench," he growled. "And I'd suggest you don't lecture me again."
He smirked at the defiant glint in her eyes behind the anger. Her hands clenched to form fists that planted themselves firmly on her hips, her legs sliding a fraction apart to stabilize her stubborn stance.
Fire.
That one word described her at the moment - fiery and unyielding under his now-formed glare.
Ice.
Kikyo.
Opposites.
All his thoughts seemed disconnected yet sensible and comprehendible.
There was just so much that differed the two, yet held them together like two-halves; two pieces of a puzzle, identical in an oddly unique shape with different pictures upon them- one with petals of a flower, the other with thorns of a rose.
The petals were enjoyable to the sight, yet sported on a cunning stem sprouting from innocent roots.
The thorns were a hindrance that pricked any who tried to enjoy a blood red or pure white blossom, stabbing out from a deceivingly loving stem with life sucking roots.
'Flowers?' Inuyasha thought, disgusted with the analogy forming in his mind. 'Maybe I have lost my edge...'
Swords- one a dagger, another double-bladed.
Daggers were short range weapons for upfront battle that held no tricks but a subtle punch or kick from its yielder and was no true threat in itself.
Double-bladed broad swords were a close range weapon for battle that could seem at first glance to pose no challenge, yet the next spin to strike a fatal blow with its sharper side...
'That's not any better,' he scowled. If anything, it sounded even worse to him. After all, how do you put a dagger with a double-bladed broad sword together logically? Only categorically were they similar, not two pieces of a puzzle...
"- even listening to me, you big oaf?" a voice cut in, slicing through his thoughts like the proverbial dagger.
"Wha- excuse me- did you just call me an idiot?" Inuyasha snarled.
"I called you a 'big oaf'," Kagome corrected. "I've been standing here, asking a thousand different questions, and you aren't even listening!"
"... And?"
Kagome's eyes bulged with indignation. "You-!"
"Sh!" Miroku hushed, pointing to the doorway leading to the dinning area. "You're getting a bit loud again, Lady Kagome."
Inuyasha sputtered at the same moment Kagome did, both losing their will to argue with each other at the sudden title. Kagome sent Miroku a horrified glance.
"I'm going to pretend I didn't hear that," Inuyasha growled. "She's a maid, Miroku, not your peer."
"Excuse me!" Kagome shrieked, shaking with anger. "I'm not going to be treated like some dog just because you think you're better than me!"
"Girl, everyone here is a dog. You're more like a flea."
Teeth ground together, the angered teen turned her back with a huff. "You're such a-"
"Boss?" Shippo's hesitant whisper filled the air.
"What?"
"I was wondering... if..."
"If?" Inuyasha prompted with an irritated expression.
"If Kagome could go to the store with me tomorrow... if the guys don't..." The boy shifted nervously, eyes downcast as he mumbled. "... I want something else to eat."
"What's wrong with Ramen?"
"That's all we ever eat."
"A change would be nice," commented Miroku, a finger tapping his chin thoughtfully. "I'm sure... she... could prepare a wonderful feast tomorrow in celebration."
"Celebration for what?" Inuyasha asked, eyes narrowing as he fully faced his employee.
"For locating and discarding a certain money-draining rat."
Inuyasha clamped his mouth shut. Another reminder of Kikyo. What was the point of trying to forget her when everyone insisted on reminding him? "Only if someone reliable goes with you, also. I don't want her running away and confronting the police."
"For starters," Kagome snapped, swiveling on her heel to look at him once more, eyes flashing in resentment, "I don't like being spoken of as if I'm not here; secondly, I already told you I won't be running to the police for anything if you'd just let me go- you already now where I live and just about every thing else about me; thirdly..."
Her eyes fell to the ground, her mouth opening and closing without a sound. Finally, she settled for huffing again and stalking away to sit in the corner, staring at the tiles in front of her.
Shippo looked to her, then to Inuyasha (causing his boss to raise an inquisitive eyebrow), then back to Kagome. Taking a deep breath, he regarded his employer with a steady gaze, "I have another option... It'll make it impossible for her to go anywhere that you can't find her."
A quiet sob came from the bundle in the corner, drawing Inuyasha's gaze back to the spoken-about girl. Her arms lifted from her sides as her knees were drawn up to her chest. Carefully hugging the knees as close to herself as possible and burying her head in the small space they made, Kagome created the complete picture of helplessness.
'What the hell is she crying about?' Inuyasha's mind grumbled even as he felt a tug at his core. Really, he never could stand to see a girl cry, but with his job...
"See, I was thinking about the way we monitor the security guards and an idea came to me," Shippo said, lowering his gaze. "I talked to Kagome about it... She said she would if it meant a bit of freedom and I pointed out the irony in that, but she still said fine... I was thinking about," he paused uncertainly. "About using a micro-tracking device..."
"Micro-tracking device...?" Inuyasha and Miroku repeated in unison. "As in the same thing we did with Musou?" Inuyasha added.
Musou was part of Naraku's gang until he was captured and interrogated a few months ago. When he told them everything he said he knew, they knocked him unconscious, planted a chip at the base of his skull, dropped him off in a nearby park, and left him with a note of mercy ("Let Naraku know we're on our way"). Of course, Musou unknowingly led them to the actual hide out before Naraku murdered him and fled for safety...
But using the tracker on Kagome...
"Yes," Shippo answered quietly.
"But that's... inhumane," Miroku exclaimed, blinking owlishly at Inuyasha. "You can't do that- it's wrong."
"... If it keeps me alive," an almost non-existent voice murmured, "then I don't mind... If I can leave to get fresh air, or shop with Shippo... If it helps gain... some kind of trust with everyone and makes them more comfortable just knowing I'd agree to it..." Her voice trailed off as small sniffles started.
Inuyasha jerked his head toward the door, signaling Miroku and Shippo to leave. Both looked hesitant, but left when he refused to respond to their inquiring looks.
'She won't be tainted in order to leave, but she'd have her freedom completely smothered... What is it about her that makes me want to believe her?' Inuyasha mused, moving quietly to stand near the girl. 'She argues and complains about being treated so lowly, then volunteers to be under constant surveillance... No privacy... No hope for escape...'
"I just want to be able to see my family again - even if it does take days, or weeks, or years..." she continued to sob into her knees. "I just want them to know I'm okay..."
'And she'd be so patient just to see them- she'd endure everything I've warned her about - my men, the Cloister of Shadows, the degradation... that she yells at me about...' He could almost laugh about it. She was willing to put up with him and his snide comments and snapping attitude she seemed to hate with a passion.
What a flower. Or dagger.
What a girl.
"Oi..."
Kagome sniffed, wiping her face on her sleeve before looking at him, eyes puffy and red. "Hm?"
"I don't see why you'd cry about this if you aren't thinking about running," Inuyasha stated. Somehow, her tear stained face looked all the more appealing.
"Of course I'm thinking about running," Kagome spoke. "I always will..."
He nodded, a grin forming. "If you live through tonight," he purred, leaning closer to her, "then I may just have to change your mind."
She leaned away with a suspicious look. "What makes you think you can?"
Her eye ticked in annoyance at the arrogance shinning in his eyes as he leaned closer, a smirk replacing the grin on his lips.
Kagome glowered, shoving him away. "Stop it."
Inuyasha shrugged and stood to leave, casting a quick parting statement over his shoulder as he disappeared through the door from which he entered.
"I have my ways, maid."
Her eyes narrowed, an unnoticed smile slowly creeping into her features '...
'...
'... I'm sure you do...'
A/n: EEEEYAAAA! It's done! Chapter 6 is finally compleeeeete!
Note- I GOT MY FIRST FLAME EVER!!!!!! YEAH!
Following flame sent in by Crazy Ball of Fire:
This sucks. Kagome is so OOC. Could she get anymore crybaby-ishl. I mean, come on! And Sango leaving Kagome to go after a cat?! Are you freakin' nuts?! When you actually watch and pay attention to the show, then get back to us. Until then, please refrain from filling up Fanfiction.net with your crap
Firstly: this is an AU meaning it is my story and is merely based on my views of what the characters would be like if they did exist in this situation, so I find your flame base point completely irrelevent.
Secondly: She is NOT a crybaby in this story- I don't know how you got that impression... Yes, she cried in this chapter and the last, but she had a reason- how would you feel if you had no way out of a situation like hers?- and after you hear about her situation at home, you may understand (or not, depending on just how comprehending that mind of yours it) that stress and a dose of shock are not the best of friends on a frazzled girls nerves. And Sango... Do you honestly think Kirara means so little to her? IT'S HER ONLY FAMILY FUCKING LEFT IN THE SERIES, YOU ---- (feel free to add anything there). And forget Kohaku- she was willing to kill him... I happen to have strong problems with that- no matter why she was doing it, she should have looked for another way.
Thirdly: ... Have you even read any of my other stories? Are you basing this on just THIS story because this is the only one of mine you have read, or were the other ones good to you and you just have been having an awful day? Looks at other readers Seriously, my other stories have her acting pretty out of character too, but still manage to accumulate over 15 reviews per chapter (bar Lost in the Spotlight and a few other earlier posted stories such as Remembering you)...
Fourthly: What stories have you wrote? Honestly, I want to know how you're doing with yours if you've wrote any. Obviously yours aren't going so well if you have the time to browse half-ass through stories just to find an actually half-ass popular story to create a brainless and completely unfounded flame with no constructive criticism attached (Thanks for TRYING to help better the story- note sarcasm).
Fifthly: If you're reading this, flamer, you're a complete moron. I thought you didn't like this story. (Caught you.)
Sixth (if you're actually continuing to read something you find pointless and horribly written): you have given me an unexpected flare of inspiration, so thank you. I just wish I had seen this months ago (my absence from writing was due to WB and no internet beside the NO EMAIL at school ones... Horrid I tell you!) I have now succeeded in bursting through the sickness called Writer's Block. Everyone else is most likely thankful to you also. -The belated posting was due to technical and formatting problems since this was written in the end of May. Everyone, I apologize for that.-
Crazy Ball of Fire, thanks for the reverse-psychology you just pulled. I'm in the mood to write some more.
Have a good day everyone and check back a week from now for the next update!
Next Chapter: The Forgotten One
Ja ne!
A/N: Sorry for the lack in updating...
PLEASE READ THE END AUTHOR'S NOTE!!
Author: Sakura-chan88
Title: Mistaken Mark
Chapter 5: The 'Maid's' Affect
"Well, you should start cooking lunch for everyone, I guess," Shippo said uncertainly, his brows furrowing. "I was supposed to start it a while ago, but I noticed inventory needed rechecking, again... Hmmm..."
He trailed off, looking at the ground in thought. Kagome took a look around the kitchen, noting its uncomfortably small space between the island in the middle of the room and the stove. The room was dark, the only lighting a vent-like window.
"What about light?" Kagome asked, still looking about the dim room.
"The wiring's messed up and the light bulb explodes every time you flip the switch," the boy answered, looking back at her. "I tried to fix it, but I messed up last time and I haven't had the chance since then to try again... I have to set up the equipment, now. Lunch is Ramen- always Ramen, and enough for thirty two people."
"Thirty two!?"
"You're lucky, that's less than half the number usual, but a lot of people decided to steer clear of Inuyasha today," Shippo said, leaving through a door to the left. "He's a real grouch when things go wrong!" he shouted back to her, his voice fading. "I'm surprised you're still alive with the way he stormed out of his room this morning."
Kagome sighed as she searched through the pantry to gather the appointed lunch. "Ramen?" she whispered, scrunching up her nose. 'What else could they eat?' she thought. 'Ramen's all that's in here!'
"The boss is a scary man, most times. You gotta do things his way or you'll find yourself with a whole through your stomach." Shippo's voice floated into the room, followed closely by the boy himself. "It didn't surprise me as much as Miroku that he hit you."
Kagome stopped her search through the cabinets to turn wide eyes to the boy. He hadn't just said...
"You were there?"
The boy dropped the microchips in his hands, yelping as they hit the floor. "No! I wasn't!"
"Why didn't you warn him when I attacked him?"
"What are you talking about- I wasn't there- you attacked him?" Shippo stuttered, scrambling to pick up the electronical mess. "I don't see why you'd think I was there- I heard it from Nazuna- said you had bruises."
Kagome grinned, advancing on the boy. Grabbing his shoulders so he looked up into her eyes, she smiled. "Why?"
"... I don't know what you're talking about-"
"Come on, Shippo," she ordered. "Tell me- I won't tell anyone. Why should I? You probably saved my life..." Kagome paused. "I owe you one, kid."
"... That's Master Shippo to you!" he roared, trying to sound intimidating.
"Stop trying to detour me, Master Shippo- I'll get my answers one way or another," Kagome stated determinedly.
Shippo remained silent for a while, biting his lip before her replied to her question. "... I guess... you remind me of my mom," he admitted, looking at the ground. "She always was stubborn and she was the only one that really stood up against Inuyasha's father when he still led the gang, from what I hear."
Kagome smiled softly, and tweaked the boy's nose. It kinda broke her heart, in a way, to hear such a small boy speak of his mother in the past tense... She wondered, 'What happened to her?'
"I think we'll get to be good friends..."
'If you survive tonight,' a small voice reminded her. Her face fell. "... Do you think the others will protest me staying alive? Inuyasha said that if anyone does..."
Shippo looked away, sighing. "It's likely. Most people think our leader needs to be totally ruthless. A lot of them think Sesshomaru should be here, not Inuyasha."
"Sesshomaru?"
"Inuyasha's half brother," Shippo said, checking each piece of electronical work to make sure they were still functional before moving to set them up. "He doesn't work with us anymore, but he was getting restless, so he led the sniper team last night."
'That guy with silver hair was Inuyasha's brother?' she thought, blinking. 'That makes sense.'
Kagome returned to searching for a clean pot to start the Ramen... After not finding any, she sighed in defeat and asked Shippo.
"Eheheh," he laughed nervously. "I... couldn't get around to them..."
"So...?"
A small finger pointed to an area behind her. Curiosity made Kagome spin on her heel and stare at the pile of rags on the kitchen floor... with flies swarming around... and a single pot handle protruding from the bundle.
"Ewww..." she hissed, taking a convulsive step back. "I shouldn't have asked."
"Sorry," he mumbled. "I would have done it myself, but I haven't had time. I never have any time anymore. I mean, first with the security systems wirings, the satellite link-ups, then the blueprint mappings and consulting everything with Miroku or the Boss, and now with this junk and the inventory- Ah inventory! I need to get to the store!"
Kagome swiveled back to the boy, watching as he fled from the room and returned. Quickly getting his clipboard with the inventory check on it, he left once again. "I'm watching you- okay? Just talk and I'll hear, too."
Kagome blinked, looking to the electronic heap on the counter top. It buzzed and crackled, screeching at her, setting her already frazzled nerves on end.
'Oh, boy... It's going to be a long day...'
Kagome sighed heavily, wiping the sweat from her brows. It was hard to do all of that cleaning on top of cooking- cooking while she was ridding the bowls and utensils of grime. She had only one thing to say. Men were gross!
She shuttered at the way the flies, who were now deprived of their food and home, buzzed about the room, trying with desperation to land on the nearest clean bowl filled with steaming Ramen. However, she new from the growling just inches behind her that now wasn't the time to just stand around and watch the little pests' circus.
"Serve it now or you'll be face to face with my men," Inuyasha warned, grabbing a bowl while he spoke.
Kagome watched as he scrutinized the cleaned holder, running a finger around its edge to hear a distinct whine from the ceramic-like material. An appreciative eyebrow rose while he left the girl to scramble after with platters in hand, holding five bowls each and wobbling unsteadily.
Entering the dining room, where she had previously been told to call Shippo 'master', Kagome found Miroku looking over Inuyasha's bowl as well, whistling.
"I can even see myself!" he exclaimed. "Look!"
Inuyasha did as he was told. "That's new."
"And an improvement, I dare say."
"Hurry up, wench!" Inuyasha blared, finally realizing Kagome's pause. "Get everything out here- they aren't to see you until tonight, understand?" Kagome hurriedly placed the items out, shaking her head. Inuyasha sighed. "All of my men will be here then. Right now, a lot are missing. You'll be sentenced with everyone present."
"So my chances of death are higher," Kagome hissed. "How thoughtful of you."
Inuyasha snorted and waved off the statements carelessly. "It's to better your chances of living, so you better damn well appreciate it."
Kagome sneered, leaving the room to gather the rest of the bowls... well, half of the rest of the bowls... She sighed. Today was most definitely going to be a long day.
"Now, I suggest you start cleaning up that kitchen or something," Inuyasha stated, taking his spot at the head of the table as Kagome set the remainder of the Ramen in the table's center. "And don't make too much noise. Shippo is very quiet and they'll get suspicious and I won't be lying to my men to save your hide. Understand?"
"Yes."
"... I think I deserve a proper title, maid."
'Why you- how about pompous, good-for-nothing, lowlife, back-stabbing, second-rate yakuza leading prick!?' she thought, disgust coating her tongue. "Yes, m'lord."
"Lord?" Inuyasha raised a quizzical eyebrow. "I like it."
Kagome sneered again, watching as he played absently with the fork in his hand. Miroku sat stiff as a board, watching the scene with widened eyes.
"Well, seeing as how my master works under you, m'lord, it is only proper," she spat. "And as soon as they say I can live, I'll be making you regret giving me a chance."
Before he could reply, she had slipped through the kitchen door and into the shadows as silent as any assassin. She contained a satisfied smirk only by the intervention of a startled jump brought about by the electronic com unit's shrill cry that was followed by a sizzling sound.
Maybe she would have to brush up on technology and help the boy, and herself by fixing the kitchen's lighting... It seemed he was getting a bit rusty if the praise Inuyasha gave him counted for anything.
Kagome sighed and began her search for a fly swatter, again interrupted by a chirping microchip... For some reason, she had a funny feeling that thing was out to get her...
Inuyasha leaned back in his chair at the dinning table, watching as the present half of his crew admired their utensils and bowls, whistling low at the sudden cleanliness or hooting at the memories of mothers it somehow gave...
For the first time in years, Inuyasha missed his mother... That was in the past, though. She didn't have to feel pain anymore, and that was all that mattered.
Miroku nudged his boss, his eyes darting to the kitchen door. Inuyasha followed the subtle gaze to find Shippo watching him with wide eyes. He frowned. Casting a long sideways glance to the table's occupants, Inuyasha stood and excused himself and Miroku, giving a quirky comment that had the room chuckling in self-embarrassment at their childish behaviour of being dumbfounded by seeing their reflection in what they ate off of.
He took a long way to the kitchen, going through several other rooms so that nobody saw him enter, Miroku right behind him. "What is it, Shippo?" Inuyasha grumbled as he entered the room... "Good God! What the hell happened?" he hissed.
"I cleaned- like you told me to, m'lord," a whisper tugged at his hearing, turning his eyes to the ceiling.
Kagome was on her hands and knees, upside-down, as she yanked at the wires behind the light bulb. This, of course, was the work of a 'spy' gadget called the 'SSW'- Super Suspense Wire- thin, durable, and could hold a great weight.
"Oi, do you know what you're doing?" Inuyasha questioned, completely taken aback by finding his 'maid' suspended in thin air - in an odd sort of way - while strategically operating a bunch of electrical wires.
"Master Shippo was kind enough to get me a book from the storage room about wiring and such, m'lord," Kagome replied. "I know a few things about disarming an alarm system so I figured this wouldn't be much of a problem... and I was right."
"Now?" Shippo asked.
"Yeah, give it a try."
Inuyasha watched as the boy flipped the light switch 'on' and the light bulb buzzed to life. Kagome gave a soft yip of excitement causing all three males to smile at the display, much to Inuyasha's vexation.
"Okay, turn it off again," said Kagome. "I need to put everything back in place."
"It's only been a half an hour, Boss," Miroku whispered, awe lacing his voice. "I mean, she just got back in here..."
Inuyasha had no problem understanding his astonishment. The room was spotless; the dishes were all clean, with the exception of those being in current use; the half-window was clear to allow an actual bar of sunbeams enter the kitchen to spotlight the sink; the floor was its true glossy marble; the cabinets, countertops, stove, sink, and newly packed pantry looked clean enough to eat off of with no doubt about obtaining food poisoning or any such harmful bacterium; and to top it all off, beside the basket of freshly washed and folded assorted rags, the light bulb was now working...
... and all in half an hour...
Well, half in half an hour. The dishes had already been done by the time lunch was ready and the laundered linens were obviously previously loaded into the washer in the adjoining storage room.
Still he couldn't hold back his own mind at betraying him as it silently gasped, 'wow.'
"Well, I think you have a better chance crying 'maid' to stay alive," Inuyasha told her, knowing she'd understand. After all, most guess would like their 'plaything' to have uncalloused hands, and cleaning like that... Kagome most definitely had rougher hands than Kikyo...
Kikyo...
Naraku...
... He didn't need to be reminded of them. Not now... Not so soon after... that... After yesterday and last night when he had almost murdered an innocent, carefree songbird-like creature who now stood - crouched, more like, on the ceiling - very much alive.
"Hmph!" Kagome huffed, unlatching the clasp around her waist to land nearly soundlessly on the counter below her. "How many times must I tell you, m'lord, that I will not be your or any other mangy White Hound's-" she cut off abruptly, casting a quick glance to the small boy watching her with innocent eyes.
"Bitch?"
"You!" she hissed. "Don't swear in front of Master Shippo!"
"Keep your voice down, wench," he growled. "And I'd suggest you don't lecture me again."
He smirked at the defiant glint in her eyes behind the anger. Her hands clenched to form fists that planted themselves firmly on her hips, her legs sliding a fraction apart to stabilize her stubborn stance.
Fire.
That one word described her at the moment - fiery and unyielding under his now-formed glare.
Ice.
Kikyo.
Opposites.
All his thoughts seemed disconnected yet sensible and comprehendible.
There was just so much that differed the two, yet held them together like two-halves; two pieces of a puzzle, identical in an oddly unique shape with different pictures upon them- one with petals of a flower, the other with thorns of a rose.
The petals were enjoyable to the sight, yet sported on a cunning stem sprouting from innocent roots.
The thorns were a hindrance that pricked any who tried to enjoy a blood red or pure white blossom, stabbing out from a deceivingly loving stem with life sucking roots.
'Flowers?' Inuyasha thought, disgusted with the analogy forming in his mind. 'Maybe I have lost my edge...'
Swords- one a dagger, another double-bladed.
Daggers were short range weapons for upfront battle that held no tricks but a subtle punch or kick from its yielder and was no true threat in itself.
Double-bladed broad swords were a close range weapon for battle that could seem at first glance to pose no challenge, yet the next spin to strike a fatal blow with its sharper side...
'That's not any better,' he scowled. If anything, it sounded even worse to him. After all, how do you put a dagger with a double-bladed broad sword together logically? Only categorically were they similar, not two pieces of a puzzle...
"- even listening to me, you big oaf?" a voice cut in, slicing through his thoughts like the proverbial dagger.
"Wha- excuse me- did you just call me an idiot?" Inuyasha snarled.
"I called you a 'big oaf'," Kagome corrected. "I've been standing here, asking a thousand different questions, and you aren't even listening!"
"... And?"
Kagome's eyes bulged with indignation. "You-!"
"Sh!" Miroku hushed, pointing to the doorway leading to the dinning area. "You're getting a bit loud again, Lady Kagome."
Inuyasha sputtered at the same moment Kagome did, both losing their will to argue with each other at the sudden title. Kagome sent Miroku a horrified glance.
"I'm going to pretend I didn't hear that," Inuyasha growled. "She's a maid, Miroku, not your peer."
"Excuse me!" Kagome shrieked, shaking with anger. "I'm not going to be treated like some dog just because you think you're better than me!"
"Girl, everyone here is a dog. You're more like a flea."
Teeth ground together, the angered teen turned her back with a huff. "You're such a-"
"Boss?" Shippo's hesitant whisper filled the air.
"What?"
"I was wondering... if..."
"If?" Inuyasha prompted with an irritated expression.
"If Kagome could go to the store with me tomorrow... if the guys don't..." The boy shifted nervously, eyes downcast as he mumbled. "... I want something else to eat."
"What's wrong with Ramen?"
"That's all we ever eat."
"A change would be nice," commented Miroku, a finger tapping his chin thoughtfully. "I'm sure... she... could prepare a wonderful feast tomorrow in celebration."
"Celebration for what?" Inuyasha asked, eyes narrowing as he fully faced his employee.
"For locating and discarding a certain money-draining rat."
Inuyasha clamped his mouth shut. Another reminder of Kikyo. What was the point of trying to forget her when everyone insisted on reminding him? "Only if someone reliable goes with you, also. I don't want her running away and confronting the police."
"For starters," Kagome snapped, swiveling on her heel to look at him once more, eyes flashing in resentment, "I don't like being spoken of as if I'm not here; secondly, I already told you I won't be running to the police for anything if you'd just let me go- you already now where I live and just about every thing else about me; thirdly..."
Her eyes fell to the ground, her mouth opening and closing without a sound. Finally, she settled for huffing again and stalking away to sit in the corner, staring at the tiles in front of her.
Shippo looked to her, then to Inuyasha (causing his boss to raise an inquisitive eyebrow), then back to Kagome. Taking a deep breath, he regarded his employer with a steady gaze, "I have another option... It'll make it impossible for her to go anywhere that you can't find her."
A quiet sob came from the bundle in the corner, drawing Inuyasha's gaze back to the spoken-about girl. Her arms lifted from her sides as her knees were drawn up to her chest. Carefully hugging the knees as close to herself as possible and burying her head in the small space they made, Kagome created the complete picture of helplessness.
'What the hell is she crying about?' Inuyasha's mind grumbled even as he felt a tug at his core. Really, he never could stand to see a girl cry, but with his job...
"See, I was thinking about the way we monitor the security guards and an idea came to me," Shippo said, lowering his gaze. "I talked to Kagome about it... She said she would if it meant a bit of freedom and I pointed out the irony in that, but she still said fine... I was thinking about," he paused uncertainly. "About using a micro-tracking device..."
"Micro-tracking device...?" Inuyasha and Miroku repeated in unison. "As in the same thing we did with Musou?" Inuyasha added.
Musou was part of Naraku's gang until he was captured and interrogated a few months ago. When he told them everything he said he knew, they knocked him unconscious, planted a chip at the base of his skull, dropped him off in a nearby park, and left him with a note of mercy ("Let Naraku know we're on our way"). Of course, Musou unknowingly led them to the actual hide out before Naraku murdered him and fled for safety...
But using the tracker on Kagome...
"Yes," Shippo answered quietly.
"But that's... inhumane," Miroku exclaimed, blinking owlishly at Inuyasha. "You can't do that- it's wrong."
"... If it keeps me alive," an almost non-existent voice murmured, "then I don't mind... If I can leave to get fresh air, or shop with Shippo... If it helps gain... some kind of trust with everyone and makes them more comfortable just knowing I'd agree to it..." Her voice trailed off as small sniffles started.
Inuyasha jerked his head toward the door, signaling Miroku and Shippo to leave. Both looked hesitant, but left when he refused to respond to their inquiring looks.
'She won't be tainted in order to leave, but she'd have her freedom completely smothered... What is it about her that makes me want to believe her?' Inuyasha mused, moving quietly to stand near the girl. 'She argues and complains about being treated so lowly, then volunteers to be under constant surveillance... No privacy... No hope for escape...'
"I just want to be able to see my family again - even if it does take days, or weeks, or years..." she continued to sob into her knees. "I just want them to know I'm okay..."
'And she'd be so patient just to see them- she'd endure everything I've warned her about - my men, the Cloister of Shadows, the degradation... that she yells at me about...' He could almost laugh about it. She was willing to put up with him and his snide comments and snapping attitude she seemed to hate with a passion.
What a flower. Or dagger.
What a girl.
"Oi..."
Kagome sniffed, wiping her face on her sleeve before looking at him, eyes puffy and red. "Hm?"
"I don't see why you'd cry about this if you aren't thinking about running," Inuyasha stated. Somehow, her tear stained face looked all the more appealing.
"Of course I'm thinking about running," Kagome spoke. "I always will..."
He nodded, a grin forming. "If you live through tonight," he purred, leaning closer to her, "then I may just have to change your mind."
She leaned away with a suspicious look. "What makes you think you can?"
Her eye ticked in annoyance at the arrogance shinning in his eyes as he leaned closer, a smirk replacing the grin on his lips.
Kagome glowered, shoving him away. "Stop it."
Inuyasha shrugged and stood to leave, casting a quick parting statement over his shoulder as he disappeared through the door from which he entered.
"I have my ways, maid."
Her eyes narrowed, an unnoticed smile slowly creeping into her features '...
'...
'... I'm sure you do...'
A/n: EEEEYAAAA! It's done! Chapter 6 is finally compleeeeete!
Note- I GOT MY FIRST FLAME EVER!!!!!! YEAH!
Following flame sent in by Crazy Ball of Fire:
This sucks. Kagome is so OOC. Could she get anymore crybaby-ishl. I mean, come on! And Sango leaving Kagome to go after a cat?! Are you freakin' nuts?! When you actually watch and pay attention to the show, then get back to us. Until then, please refrain from filling up Fanfiction.net with your crap
Firstly: this is an AU meaning it is my story and is merely based on my views of what the characters would be like if they did exist in this situation, so I find your flame base point completely irrelevent.
Secondly: She is NOT a crybaby in this story- I don't know how you got that impression... Yes, she cried in this chapter and the last, but she had a reason- how would you feel if you had no way out of a situation like hers?- and after you hear about her situation at home, you may understand (or not, depending on just how comprehending that mind of yours it) that stress and a dose of shock are not the best of friends on a frazzled girls nerves. And Sango... Do you honestly think Kirara means so little to her? IT'S HER ONLY FAMILY FUCKING LEFT IN THE SERIES, YOU ---- (feel free to add anything there). And forget Kohaku- she was willing to kill him... I happen to have strong problems with that- no matter why she was doing it, she should have looked for another way.
Thirdly: ... Have you even read any of my other stories? Are you basing this on just THIS story because this is the only one of mine you have read, or were the other ones good to you and you just have been having an awful day? Looks at other readers Seriously, my other stories have her acting pretty out of character too, but still manage to accumulate over 15 reviews per chapter (bar Lost in the Spotlight and a few other earlier posted stories such as Remembering you)...
Fourthly: What stories have you wrote? Honestly, I want to know how you're doing with yours if you've wrote any. Obviously yours aren't going so well if you have the time to browse half-ass through stories just to find an actually half-ass popular story to create a brainless and completely unfounded flame with no constructive criticism attached (Thanks for TRYING to help better the story- note sarcasm).
Fifthly: If you're reading this, flamer, you're a complete moron. I thought you didn't like this story. (Caught you.)
Sixth (if you're actually continuing to read something you find pointless and horribly written): you have given me an unexpected flare of inspiration, so thank you. I just wish I had seen this months ago (my absence from writing was due to WB and no internet beside the NO EMAIL at school ones... Horrid I tell you!) I have now succeeded in bursting through the sickness called Writer's Block. Everyone else is most likely thankful to you also. -The belated posting was due to technical and formatting problems since this was written in the end of May. Everyone, I apologize for that.-
Crazy Ball of Fire, thanks for the reverse-psychology you just pulled. I'm in the mood to write some more.
Have a good day everyone and check back a week from now for the next update!
Next Chapter: The Forgotten One
Ja ne!