A/N: For the 'Grow' theme on Dokuga's LJ comm - 300 words, no more no less. Originally posted on January 24, 2011.
An 'uppercut' is a punch that comes from below - it bursts up and hits the opposing fighter, preferably, on the underside of the chin. It's devastating, and because it comes from such a close range, it can often be a complete surprise.
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Uppercut
Shut into a windowless, basement room, Koga laid out the National Police Agency's case against Naraku. "Most of this can't be proven to satisfy a judge or jury," he explained to Kagome, Miroku and their captain, "but what we have is disturbing enough. He's not just a criminal power in Tokyo, but one of the largest drug distributors in Japan. And his influence grows every time he kills one of his competitors."
"You didn't think this would be pertinent information to share?" growled Kaede.
Koga averted his eyes. "That wasn't my decision," he said.
"Hold on," Kagome said as she held up a forensic report. "We've had DOAs with this in their blood, but the techs said it was a new steroid."
"Its street name is Shikon no Tama," Koga replied. "It's literally made of concentrated, demonic power, but we don't know how or where."
Miroku let out a low whistle. "That must send humans on the highest flight they've ever been on."
"Weaker demons too," Koga added. "Half steroid, half stimulant and entirely psychotic. It gives you your greatest wish, they say. Of course, it can kill you or send you on a murderous rampage in uncontrolled amounts."
"If it's made of demonic power, then youkai are producing it," Kagome said.
"Like Sesshoumaru Taisho," the wolf demon said.
"No, not him," insisted Kagome.
"As you said, strong demons are a part of this," Koga murmured. "Imagine what the public would say, Detective, when they find out that youkai are making a lethal, addictive drug. Not everyone is as accepting as you are. Give this to the media and scare the public? Human-demon relations will be sent back a hundred years."
"So, what do we do?"
Koga looked at her. "Go back in and use the connections we've already created."
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