A/N: Heeerrreee's chapter 4! LOL. Anyway, I can't think of anything new to say here, so, uh, enjoy!

Disclaimer: I do not own Inuyasha, or the X-Men. Only the children and guards and most of the servants, etc. Now that that's been cleared up…

Chance Encounters II: the Hand v the Fang

Chapter 4:

Jubilee followed Ami into the oversized kitchen and fought the urge to whistle despite the circumstances. This kitchen is bigger than Charley's…and that kitchen's pretty big. She silenced her mental ramblings when she saw Ami stiffen in front of her.

"Ami?" She asked, peering around the petite woman. It didn't take her long to spot the reason for Ami's discomfort. There was a man, about five foot six, dressed head-to-toe in black, spinning a Chinese throwing star around his fingers. It's Gambit-the-Ninja. She thought absently.

"Wh-who are you?" Ami stuttered.

The man's eyes conveyed his hidden sneer. "A messenger for Lady Viper." Ami's eyes rolled into her head and she collapsed, out cold, on the kitchen floor. The eyes glinted maliciously. "Demons used to be made of sterner stuff, no?"

Jubilee's eyes narrowed angrily. "You've got a message from Viper?"

The man paused, then pushed off from the counter he was leaning against. "I do. And I intend to deliver it."

"So deliver it."

She could see the smirk in his eyes as a second throwing star joined the first. "Oh, I shall. I shall deliver it with your corpse, mutant."

Knowing that was all the warning this guy was likely to give, Jubilee decided to beat him to the proverbial punch. She flicked her wrists in his direction, sending a torrent of bright, multi-colored plasma balls toward the assassin. She managed to catch him unawares, and he slammed into the counter. Hard.

The group in the living room had been more or less silent, each lost in their own thoughts. From his vantage point, Logan was the first to see the flash of neon pink, blue and green in the kitchen. He launched out of his chair with a speed born from years of combat. "Jubilee!" Sesshoumaru, Inuyasha, Kagome, and Tai were right behind him. Matt and Chikara opted to stay behind with Rin.

Wolverine made it in first, claws extended in preparation. He saw Jubilee dodge a throwing star, and he shot his fist out, slicing the star to pieces. Suddenly, Sesshoumaru had the assassin pinned against the kitchen wall, one clawed hand wrapped around his throat, the other hovering just over the assassin's heart, outlined in poisonous green.

"Who are you and what is your purpose here?" He growled, his voice roughed by anger.

"Viper instructed me to deliver a message. Your son is safe, for the moment. He is with her."

"Why did you take him!" Sesshoumaru demanded, his anger not dissipating.

The assassin showed no fear. "She ordered his capture because you are helping her enemy. If you withdraw your support for these mutants, she will return your son unharmed."

Jubilee cut a glance to Wolverine, her eyes asking her question for her. Are we really to blame? D'you think Viper'd give him back if we left? Logan shook his head, shifting his gaze back to the assassin. He was about to tell Sesshoumaru that the ninja was lying when Inuyasha broke in. His voice was as close to feral as Sesshoumaru's.

"Quit lying, you bastard! Viper may have him, but she has no intention to release him if we stop helping them."

The assassin's eyes shifted to Inuyasha's. "I cannot say what she'll do for certain. I can only deliver the message, half-breed."

"Where is my son?" Sesshoumaru growled, once again grasping the intruder's attention.

"With Viper. That is all I'm permitted to tell you. Oh, and Wolverine: Friday at midnight." And then, in a cloud of green smoke, the assassin was gone.

Sesshoumaru straightened and clenched his fists angrily. Slowly, the green outline faded, and his fists relaxed. There was a distinct snakt of Logan's claws returning to their housings in his forearms. As Sesshoumaru turned around, Logan looked up at him. "I apologize for this. Viper may've only used us as an excuse, but we're still the reason she stooped like that."

"Nonsense. The Fang have been enemies with the Hand for decades. And I have the distinct feeling that your assistance will be crucial in this battle." Then Sesshoumaru walked past them, out of the kitchen. Inuyasha, Kagome, and Tai followed quietly. Kagome slipped her hand into Inuyasha's and squeezed reassuringly. He returned the gesture before releasing her hand and slipping his arm around her instead.

Logan turned to Jubilee and met her gaze. "You ok?" He asked softly. She smiled at him.

"Yeah, I'm ok. Ami passed out, though." Then she knelt beside the maid, who was just starting to stir. "Ami? You ok?"

Ami moaned a bit, slowly blinking her eyes into focus. Then she replied, "I believe so. What happened?"

"We dealt with the ninja, and now he's gone."

"Oh. Is Lord Sesshoumaru angry with me?"

Jubilee shook her head. "I highly doubt it. He was pretty pissed at the assassin, though." She paused, watching Ami rub her head absently as she stood. "Maybe you should go and get some sleep. I don't think anyone's thirsty anymore."

Ami looked over at her, then nodded. "Perhaps you are correct."

"Well, of course I am." Jubilee teased. Ami smiled a bit, then turned and slowly walked out of a side door. Then Jubilee followed Logan out of the kitchen, and back into the living room.

It wasn't too much after that that the group decided it was too late to do anymore that evening. So they all turned in for the night. Sesshoumaru guided Rin to their room silently, holding the door open for her as she slipped past and pulled her nightgown out of their dresser. He shut and locked the door behind him before he peeled his own shirt over his head.

Soon they were both dressed for bed, and Sesshoumaru slid in beside his mate, not at all surprised when she curled against him. He could still detect traces of salt in the air, and knew she was still trying not to cry. Though he didn't blame her.

Wrapping his arms around her, he lifted her onto his lap, where she snuggled into him and he rested his chin on the crown of her head. He held her tightly, inwardly cursing Viper every word he could think of for causing his mate such pain, and for kidnapping his youngest son. She will not get away with this. It is unforgivable. She poses a direct threat to my family, and as soon as my son is out of her grasp, I will end that threat. Permanently. And anyone who attempts to stop me will feel my wrath.

Rin's voice cut through his murderous thoughts with ease. "Sesshoumaru…we will find him, won't we?"

"Yes, beloved. We will find him. And we will rescue him."

"Are you planning to kill Viper?"

"Yes."

Rin was silent a moment, and when she finally spoke again, her voice was even softer. If not for his demonic hearing, he wouldn't have heard her. "Good."

"He will be alright, my love. That I swear."

"I know. I know you are right, and that our son will be fine, but I can't…I can't avoid worrying. He's so young. And she's…she's crazy. She's always frightened me."

"I am aware of this. And I understand." He rolled them both over then, pinning her beneath his body. She looked up at him, tears still lining her very red eyes, and at that moment, he would have slain a thousand demons to keep that look from entering her eyes.

Instinctively, he dipped his head down and captured her lips with his own, running his tongue over them in the instant before she parted them for him. Their tongues danced for a moment before he delved deeper, exploring all the familiar crevices in her mouth. Again, their tongues met and danced a bit before he forced himself to pull back. Rin's breath came ragged beneath him, and he smiled down at her. "Always remember, Rin, I love you. And I will not allow any harm to come to you or a member of our family."

Rin nodded, finally allowing a smile to cross her delicate face. "And I love you." He leaned down and kissed her passionately again for a moment before rolling back onto his back, taking her with him. As she tucked her head under his chin, she murmured, "Thank you, Sesshoumaru."

Jubilee decided to indulge in a shower to cheer herself up. It didn't work as much as she'd hoped. The shower took a record twenty minutes, and then she changed into her pajama pants and shirt before exiting the bathroom. She wasn't surprised to see Logan sitting on the couch, wide awake. He was leaning forward, elbows on knees, his chin supported by his thumbs while his fingers were laced in front of him.

With a soft sigh, she changed course and plopped down beside him. Without hesitation, she leaned her head on his shoulder and wrapped her arms around him, holding on tight. After a moment, she felt the tension in his muscles ease and he leaned back, looping an arm around her in return.

"It'll work out, Wolvie. We'll find Viper and save Yukio and Karu, you'll see."

"Wish I had yer confidence, Jubes. But I've got a real bad feelin' about this one."

Jubilee was silent a moment, and then she said softly, "I know, me too. But confidence is the key, right?"

Logan chuckled, though the humor was mostly forced. "Yeah, confidence is pretty useful." He paused, as if searching for something, then spoke again. "Jubilee?"

"Yeah?"

"…Thanks for comin' with me on this, darlin'."

Jubilee was silent, caught off-guard by his statement. Then she said, "You're welcome, Logan." Not knowing what else to say, she remained silent and held tightly to him. He didn't seem to mind, however, as he tightened his own grip on her small waist.

They stayed like that for while, and eventually Jubilee began to drift to sleep, despite her best efforts not to. Logan noticed her breathing becoming slow and even, and he waited only long enough to be sure that she was soundly asleep. Then he scooped her effortlessly into his arms and carried her to the king sized bed and deposited her gently onto it. Then he pulled the thick comforter up and tucked it around her shoulders. She murmured something incoherent and rolled onto her side, facing him. She was still sound asleep.

Logan stepped back and then retraced his steps to the couch, lying down at angle where he could see Jubilee without having to crane his neck uncomfortably. He grabbed the blanket that was thrown over the back of the couch and shifted slightly until he was comfortable. Something told him it was going to be a long night.

Wednesday morning found the group in the kitchen, silently eating breakfast, when Jaken ran inside, breathing heavily. Everyone looked up, but only Sesshoumaru spoke. "What is it, Jaken?"

"Milord, the scouts have returned. They are awaiting you in the conference room."

Sesshoumaru, Inuyasha, and Wolverine stood simultaneously. Rin, Kagome, and Jubilee followed them out of the room, their breakfast completely forgotten. As soon as they were out of the kitchen, two maids swept in and cleaned up the remains of the meal.

Jaken lead the way to the conference room, which was located on the second floor. When he reached the large door, the guard stationed there automatically held the door open for them. Jaken shuffled to the side, allowing the others to pass. He barely managed to slip inside the room before the guard pulled the door shut again.

The scouts were assembled on the far right side of the rectangular table, patiently awaiting their boss and his guests. When Sesshoumaru and the others strode into the room, they all snapped to attention, resembling the soldiers that they were no doubt trained to be.

Logan and Jubilee stepped to the back, understanding that it wasn't their place to interrogate the demons. Kagome stepped up beside Inuyasha, looping an arm through his, while he crossed his arms across his chest. Rin, too, stepped up beside her husband, but she stood slightly behind him with her hands clasped in front of her gracefully.

Sesshoumaru broke the brief silence. "Those of you who found nothing are free to leave. If you found something, however small, remain here." There was a slight outbreak of shuffling at his words, and seven of the ten scouts silently filed out of the room. Only Hiryu, Amara, and a wolf demon named Kenichi (who also happened to be a nephew of Kouga's) remained. Sesshoumaru shifted his gaze to Kenichi first. "What did you find?"

"I searched Viper's Northern residence thoroughly, Lord Sesshoumaru. At first, it seemed as though there was nothing to indicate her current location, however I found a message that had been torn apart and tossed into the garbage. On it were coordinates and the words 'it's ready.' When I was done in the house, I decided to investigate the location. It was a building that the city has condemned, and Viper's scent was fresh. However, she was gone. But I was also able to detect the scent of Wolverine's friend, Yukio. She'd been there, as well. From what I was able to tell, they'd been there as early as yesterday morning." When he was done, Kenichi stood still, waiting for further instructions.

Inuyasha spoke. "She must've called here from there, then scraped the place afterwards."

"Agreed. Have you anything else, Kenichi?" Sesshoumaru asked. The young wolf demon shook his head.

"No, my lord."

"Very well, then. Amara."

Amara's voice was hard when she spoke, and Jubilee got the distinct impression that she wasn't a woman (or demon) who often showed emotion. Amara met her lord's gaze solidly. "I found no trail from the woman's home apartment, however I was able to pick up a trail about twenty miles south of the city. It led me to a building that is often rented by Hand members throughout the year. I encountered two agents, and from what I was able to get out of them, it seems only the most important and influential members were privy to Viper's scheme. I acquired the location of one of these members and paid a visit to his home, however I was too late. He had already been slain. The scents in the room verified that it had been someone close to Viper herself, for her scent was faint. Too faint to have been there herself, but I believe that she keeps the assassin with her most times, and therefore her scent lingers on the man. I followed his scent two hours North, however the trail was a dead end. I believe my moves were anticipated. But, from what I gleaned, there is only one other man alive that knows of her exact location."

"Did you get this other guy's name, or his address?" Inuyasha growled.

Amara's gaze shifted briefly to him and she shook her head. "No, Master Inuyasha, I was unable to acquire that information."

"I assume that is all you have to contribute?" Sesshoumaru interrupted. Amara inclined her head respectfully.

"Yes, my lord."

Sesshoumaru nodded curtly and once again shifted his gaze. "Hiryu, tell me what it is you've acquired."

The teleporting demon allowed a small, self-satisfied smirk to grace his lips, one fang slipping into view. "Lord Sesshoumaru, all I have to say is this: I found Viper."

At this news, Logan stepped forward abruptly until he was standing beside Sesshoumaru. "Where?" He demanded.

"She is on a small island to the East. It is approximately two hours -on boat- from the mainland. She is unaware that I know her location. And, milord, both the lady Yukio and young Master Karu are well. For obvious purposes, I did not allow Master Karu to see me. I studied the building intently, and I believe I know what the weaknesses of her 'security' system are." The grin widened a bit. "And they are many."

Sesshoumaru nodded. "Thank you, Hiryu. I want you to prepare. You shall accompany us on this mission. Amara, Kenichi, I will leave you and most of the other guards here to protect my family in my absence. Should anything happen to them, I will hold the two of you personally responsible. Are we clear?"

Both former assassins nodded sharply before all three bowed politely and let themselves out. The moment they were gone, Rin stepped closer to Sesshoumaru and slumped against him. All three men could smell the salt in the air. Sesshoumaru brought up one hand and gently rubbed her back as she sobbed softly.

"Please, hurry and save our son. And be careful." Then she took a deep, slightly shaky breath, and stepped back to look into his face. He nodded, his eyes softening as he gazed at her, and dipped his head to steal a kiss. A moment later, they separated, and he released her.

Looking over at his half brother, Sesshoumaru said, "Inuyasha, will you be joining us?"

"Keh. You know I'm comin'. It's about time someone put that witch outta her misery."

"Since Viper's not known for employing demons, I think it'd be best if I stayed here. I can put up a barrier around the house if I have to. Just in case she attacks while you're all away." Kagome stated from beside Inuyasha.

Inuyasha shifted his attention to his other side and locked eyes with her. "Hell no. If it comes down to it, you'll take Rin and the pups into a room on the ground floor and put a barrier around that. No way in Hell are you puttin' one around the entire house. You'd knock yourself out with the strain."

"But-"

"'But' nothing. Anyone else is capable o' takin' care of themselves. I won't have you sacrificing yourself for a bunch o' demon-bodyguards!"

"He's right, Kagome. Besides, I highly doubt it'll come to that, anyway. We'll probably be perfectly fine here." Rin stated, interrupting the argument. Both Inuyasha and Kagome looked over at her.

Kagome sighed. "I know." Then she turned to her husband and smiled apologetically. "I'm sorry, Inuyasha. Rin's right, we'll be fine here. You go and eliminate Viper."

"Damned straight I will." Was all he said before he planted his hands firmly on her waist and lifted her up to his lips. She grasped his shoulders tightly as she returned it with equal fervor. After a moment, he set her down gently. Then he looked over to his brother again, a smirk on his face. "Guess we'd better get ready to go kick some ass again."

Ten minutes later Hiryu, Sesshoumaru, Inuyasha, Wolverine, and Jubilee were ready to go. Rin, Kagome, Chikara, Tai, Matt, and Jaken had gathered to send them off. They were all standing out in the front yard.

Rin kissed Sesshoumaru on the cheek, whispering "Good luck," in his ear before stepping backwards. Tai and Matt came up on either side of her and nodded at their father and uncle. They would be acting as "Lords of the house" in their absence.

Chikara hugged her father briefly, then smiled at her uncle before she, too, stepped back to stand beside her younger cousin. Kagome reached up and tweaked one of his ears gently, and he hauled her against him, claiming her mouth demandingly in a passionate kiss. "Come back to me," She whispered. He smirked and nodded, releasing her.

Kagome turned her attention to her other friends and smiled at them. "You'd better come back, too, alright? And good luck."

"Hey, don't worry about us. We're X-Men; we never stay dead long, anyway." Jubilee joked, returning the smile.

"That's Jean's job, Jubes." Logan added.

"If we are all ready to go, then let us depart. Hiryu, we shall meet you there." Sesshoumaru stated decisively. Hiryu nodded and then vanished from sight. Sesshoumaru shifted his glance sideways, towards his companions. "Behind me, please."

Inuyasha was already in place behind his brother when Logan and Jubilee followed suit. Then they all collectively lifted off the ground on what resembled a cloud. A moment later, as Sesshoumaru directed the cloud eastward, it and everyone on it was consumed by what resembled a ball of light. And then they were gone.

Hiryu was at the island first by about ten seconds, and he crouched, hidden behind a line of bushes on the edge of the island. He didn't show any signs of surprise when Sesshoumaru and the others suddenly landed beside him. Inuyasha quickly leapt into a tree overhead to get a better view of the perimeter. He counted five guards out front, and he figured the back had the same. He could just make out two figures to the southern side of the building, so he estimated a total of fourteen guards outside of the building. Without ever taking his eyes off of the entrance to the building, he whispered, "I'd say we've got 14 outside."

Sesshoumaru's eyes cut over to Hiryu. Inuyasha's voice floated down to them again. "Five out front, means prob'ly five out back, too. Two on either side." Hiryu nodded to Sesshoumaru.

"I'll deal with the back, then."

"Go. We shall meet inside." Then Sesshoumaru returned his gaze outward, though he spoke to his brother. "Allow me, Inuyasha."

"Go for it." Was all the half-demon said. On the ground, Hiryu disappeared again and Sesshoumaru stood, calling upon his demonic speed to take the assassins by surprise. He lifted one clawed hand, which was suddenly glowing green again, and whipped it from his right to his left. A green whip made of poison snapped out and sliced effectively through the five unfortunate Hand agents.

Sounds of footsteps pounding the earth were coming closer from either direction, and Wolverine jumped out of the bushes and ran full-tilt towards one side while Sesshoumaru dashed to the other. Sesshoumaru removed the man's head as Wolverine punctured his own target's heart. Both bodies slumped simultaneously. Behind them, Inuyasha landed gracefully on the ground and Jubilee walked out from behind the bushes calmly.

Sesshoumaru stepped aside and allowed Wolverine to unlock the front door. Wolverine, in turn, slashed his adamantium claws through the brass doorknob with ease. Then he kicked it open and sheathed his claws as he walked inside. Jubilee, Sesshoumaru, and Inuyasha fell into step behind him.

They hadn't walked five feet into the entry way when the guys stiffened and simultaneously sniffed the air. Having spent many years as Wolverine's sidekick, Jubilee knew this to be a sign of impending danger…which meant a bloody battle was about to ensue. Gee, now why doesn't that surprise me? She thought as she crouched down into a battle-ready crouch that Logan had taught her.

A few seconds later, twenty armed assassins swarmed them, swords, daggers and various other weapons spinning in their able hands. One stepped forward, a makeshift leader, and raised his bo-staff in a silent statement. And then, suddenly, his eyes went wide and his grip slackened. The staff fell, clattering on the ground, and then the man followed. All eyes turned to see Hiryu standing in the entrance to the hallway, one index finger extended. Hiryu met his boss's gaze and said, a grin on his face, "Shall we begin?"

To Be Continued…

A/N: Can that be considered a cliff-hanger? I don't really think so, but, hey, that's my opinion. Either way, let me know what you thought, and then read on!