A/N: As always it is a pleasure and an honor to have you all read my story! Sorry for the long wait, but the long chapter I hope will make up for it.

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Little25victor

Maria-Reynne

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Sesshomaru4Prez (Thank you for reading this and my other fics. Sess/Kagu is my OTP as well. Just love their dynamic, it's so fun to write)

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Disclaimer: No matter how much I wish for it, I unfortunately own nothing except my plot, and a few OC's here and there.

Even though I had expected Naraku's call to come ever since he had sent me away, it was still a shock. Considering how I had promised Sesshoumaru to help him in his quest to bring about justice for his father, it did not even occur to me to refuse Naraku's summon.

The evening before, I had been surprised to receive more texts from Naraku asking me to meet him at his office this afternoon, and not at home. I of course did not dare complain; although, I did have a bad feeling. The few times he had asked me to meet him in his place of business, had left me either bruised or bleeding.

"My dear daughter. Marriage seems to do you well, you look radiant." His oily smile made me want to puke. I followed his cue and sat across from him.

In the span of two days, he was the second Lord of the underground I sat across of. Wasn't I a lucky girl? While I had bared my soul during my meeting with Sesshoumaru, I kept my poker face on this time around. I did not know what Naraku had planned, but I knew it would be bad, and I knew it would hurt. I needed to be ready for it.

"What do you want Naraku?"

"Always so impatient." He seemed displeased I was trying to cut this interview short. I did not care. I did not feel safe, and wanted out of there as quickly as possible. I could feel the walls closing in on me. Naraku's smile was too bright, too happy, he had something really bad up his sleeve.

His long pale fingers suddenly deposited an item I knew all too well on his desk. The sad broken remains of my old fan, covered in my blood. The same remains who had been forgotten by the Factory while we stole back Sesshoumaru' shipment. This was bad. I was surely in for another punishment. I slipped my hand inside my coat pocket, and gripped my new fan. Better be safe than sorry. In the blink of an eye one of Naraku's disgusting tentacles rushed at me, and pressed itself over my healed wound right where there used to be a whole only a few days ago. That's when I realized he knew everything that had happened that evening on the docks.

"Such a good daughter you are." He pressed his warm slimy tentacle firmly again my skin. I was secretly glad the wound has closed off otherwise I would be howling in pain by Naraku's treatment of me. "I orchestrated it, you know. Zankoku was not supposed to die, but well he was stupid enough to disregard orders and pick a fight with the Tashio brothers. While his death is annoying, mindless brutes like him are easily replaceable."

His tentacle dug deeper, tearing my shirt, piercing my skin, and digging inside me in the process. I could feel a thin trail of blood mingled with sweat run in between my breasts. While I found surprising the carelessness with which he spoke about the death of one of his most loyal soldiers, I was mostly shocked by his assertion that he had been the mastermind behind it all.

"Sesshoumaru is shrewd, but I am better than him. I anticipated your actions, and watched all of you make fools out of yourselves."

After one last push over the site of my injury, Naraku retracted the smelly disgusting tentacle that he loved using. He brought the tip to his lips, and gently licked a pearl of my blood off of his appendage. He chuckled as he smacked his lips in appreciation. Gods I hated that man, and could not wait to see him dead.

"I knew getting you two married would be a great way to force a bond between you, but then I also knew that infernal dog to be exceedingly careful. I wondered what would be the best way to guarantee Sesshoumaru would trust you, and figured seeing you bleeding all over his feet would tug at his heartstrings. No matter how ruthless he wants to come across at, he's still a weak puppy, just like his father."

Naraku bringing up Touga Tashio was unusual, but not surprising. Everyone knew the romantic love story between the mobster and the human heiress. Izayoi, Inuyasha's late mother had abandoned all the wealth and good name of her family for an inu youkai. It had rocked the town. No good human girl should think about dating a youkai, let alone an infamous one such as Touga. From what I had heard the two of them had loved and lived happily together until she passed just days after giving birth to Inuyasha. Not every human woman can survive giving birth to a hanyou. The youki of the child is often too draining, and end up killing them. I recalled my conversation with Kagome just days before. Despite myself, I could not help a stab of worry. I just knew Inuyasha's constant worry for Kagome had to do with his own mother's experience.

"Ku ku ku just like his father, the Lord of the West does love surrounding himself with strays, especially the human kind." Naraku, clearly amused by his own joke started chuckling to himself.

I briefly wondered if he knew about Rin, but pushed the idea away. If he knew he would have used it to his advantage by now. I had found out early on that getting Naraku to boast was a sure way to improve his mood, and frankly I was not in the mood for a beating, so a way to distract him would be welcome.

"Father." I almost gagged, but forced myself to form the word he loved hearing me use. Sick bastard. "There was something I am curious about. How did you manage to fool Sesshoumaru so well? He is a dog demon, he would have sensed you if you had been close by."

Instead of answering, he flicked his fingers and a buzzing insect came to sit on the outstretched palm of his hand. After a few seconds, the nasty insect flew out the window probably getting back to its spying duties.

"Saimyoushou." Fucking disgusting spying insects. I had not thought to pay attention to them that night on the dock, but I would be sure to do so from now on.

"Don't look so pained dear daughter of mine. There won't be any punishment for you today." His words did not reassure me, but I decided to please him, and gave him a bright smile.

"You did exactly as I wanted. You managed to ingratiate yourself to your husband, and show yourself as useful. You even bled for him. You almost have him in the palm of your hand… Unfortunately you have yet to seduce him."

Naraku's words stopped me cold. Pieces of the puzzle were starting to click into place. His plan all along was indeed to whore me out to Sesshoumaru. All he wanted was for me to seduce the dog demon. The thought of being used so carelessly disgusted me. A tiny part of me that I had tried my best to kill did show a bit of interest at the idea of becoming Sesshoumaru's lover. I stuffed it down and away. No time for foolish thoughts

"While it's a pity you don't seem to have tumbled in Sesshoumaru's bed… yet, you not only carry his scent but even his youki, of that I am very pleased. I am reassured you will be able to ensnare that foolish dog soon. Once you become his lover, the next phase of my plan may begin."

I paid no attention to Naraku's foolish words. Only one information stuck with me. While living in Sesshoumaru's house would make me drenched in his scent, very few things short of becoming his mate or carrying his child could have made his youki rub off on me. That was when it hit me. It was Sesshoumaru! The youki signature embedded in my fan, giving it strength was Sesshoumaru's own. I had only seen him rely on his youkai powers a few times, which explained why I could not seem to have been able to identify his youki signature right away. At this precise moment I wanted to run away from Naraku and lock myself in an empty room so I could test if my theory was right.

The more I thought about it, the more I was convinced Sesshoumaru was indeed the youkai who had donated a part of him so that my new fan could be made. I was willing to bet that if I looked at the base of my fan I would see one of his fangs hidden behind the skeleton of my weapon. I was amazed and humbled by his gift. One of his many businesses that I knew of was an arms dealing operations. He even specialized in youkai weapons. He could have easily procured a fan but he hadn't just bought this fan; he had had it made especially for me with a part of his own power.

He came from a long line of powerful taiyoukai, and people would pay an absolute fortune to have one of his fangs. That he would share such a precious gift with me almost brought tears of gratitude to my eyes. I had not had the chance to practice much with my new fan, but I could tell it was an extremely powerful weapon. I would need years of training to fully master it, but not only did I feel up to the task, I could not wait to try. Having been mocked my entire life for being a weaker strand of youkai, it felt nice to know that Sesshoumaru had enough faith in me to believe I could handle a weapon of this caliber. Then again he had told me to my face he considered me "not weak", high praise where he was concerned. All the feelings I had ever felt for him during my silent infatuation days were back with a vengeance. Maybe… just maybe he could really come to care for me. A small self-satisfied smile stretched my lips. I pushed all my feelings away, now was not the time to give in to them. For now I had to make it through this meeting alive so I could confront Sesshoumaru. Why would he not tell me about how special his gift was?

"Don't be so proud of yourself." Naraku must have noticed my happy smile, and unfortunately it seemed to have pissed him of. "You are a failure. Do not be mistaken about that. Considering his long held attraction to you, I expected you to be Sesshoumaru's lover by now, but I should not have expected so much of you. You have been a constant disappointment to me. I had hoped that by now the stupid mutt would be so busy between your legs that he would not pay attention to his affairs." Naraku paused to send me a glare.

"Long held attraction?" I repeated on a shaky voice. I had a hard time believing Sesshoumaru would feel that way about me, and a harder time believing if that was the case that Naraku would be the one to know about it.

"You foolish girl. Of all the women in my employ why would I have had picked you to marry off to the dog? You are a disloyal, incompetent bitch."

That last statement was accompanied with a smack to the face by one of his tentacles. The appendage had appeared so quickly I had not had time to dodge. The force of the blow almost dislodged me from my seat. My cheek hurt, my ear was ringing, my eye felt blurry, and I could taste blood in my mouth… but I did not dare react, my punishment would only be worse if I did. I only hoped I would not get a black eye, and that my bruise would fade before I made it home. Otherwise I would have to lock myself in my room. No way was going to let Rin and Shippou see me like this. I had many scars, especially a nasty burn mark on my back, but I had made it a point to keep all traces of my abuse from being seen in public. Sesshoumaru and Inuyasha had managed despite the violent world they lived in to keep the children protected in a loving bubble, no way was I going to be the one to bring them ugliness.

"Normally you would be punished for failing so miserably, but I shall give you one last chance. Sesshoumaru has been interested in you for years, it should not take you much longer to make the stupid inu fall in lust with you. Once you do, you will be able to extort any information I may need. Sex is such an easy way to entangle people."

I knew then that he was talking about Yura, but I did not care. My mind raced with a million questions. What did Naraku mean by saying Sesshoumaru had been interested with me for years?

"Only one last chance dear daughter. You wouldn't want me to be angry, or to punish your poor mother while you are unavailable."

That made me jump back to reality real quick. I knew I needed to buy some time. To do just that, I would have to agree to anything Naraku wanted unless I wanted him to hurt me or mom. I needed to buy just enough time to allow Sesshoumaru to fulfill his plan. As soon as he did, mom and I could skip town.

"Don't worry Nara… father." I quickly corrected myself. I knew how much he loved for me to call him that. "I will do as you ask."

The forced smile on my lips made the smarting side of my face hurt more. It was time to move things along with Sesshoumaru, we had a murderer to catch.

I was slightly shocked that Naraku had let me leave his lair unharmed. Shaken, bruised, but not greatly harmed. Well since he wanted me to seduce Sesshoumaru maybe he figured being broken and battered would diminish my value. Damn my heart! While I should be hatching a plan to help Sesshoumaru prove Naraku had murdered his father, so we could get rid of the spider hanyou, I could not help but think about what Naraku had told me about Sesshoumaru and his interest in me; not to mention the origin of the strength of my fan. I reached inside my pocket to run my finger along the smooth surface of my new weapon. I still had a hard time believing Sesshoumaru had given me such an important part of himself. My, wasn't I a special girl!

I knocked on the front door, and was quickly let in by one of the maids who always seemed to be around. It was only once I stepped into the warm foyer of Sesshoumaru's mansion that I felt the tension ease out of me. It was only then that I realized that a part of me was still expecting for Naraku to attack me any time soon. However as crazy as the spider hanyou was, he would not dare attack me in Sesshoumaru's own home.

"Kagura-sama!" A beaming Rin launched herself at me in a hug. She might be a teenager, but her infectious good humor made her look younger. I wondered idly if I had ever been this carefree. Maybe before Naraku entered my life. I eagerly returned Rin's hug. She was such a sweetheart.

"What happened to your face?!" Rin seemed horrified at seeing my bruised cheek. Damn I had forgotten about that. When I was her age I had become used to seeing my mother beaten black and blue, and had been subjected to the same treatment many times over. Bruises and cuts had become part of my daily life.

"I accidently ran into a door. No big deal, it will be healed by dinner time." Or so I hoped. Being a wind youkai, my healing powers were not as developed as the ones of inu youkai.

"Even if youkai can get hurt easily, you should be more careful." Rin scolded me. I was astonished she had bought that excuse. It was still amazing to see such naivety still existed. It warmed my heart. "Shippou is still at school, and I've been bored out of my mind. I'm so glad you're here."

Rin's antics amused me. It was nice to be able to communicate with someone without fear and hurt.

"Come on Kagura-sama, take off your coat and let's settle in the living room. I've just got to tell you about what happened in physics class today." As much as Rin's stories sucked, she seemed to have so much fun telling them that I could not tell her no. "I'll make us some hot chocolate, and grab some of those butter cookies you like so much."

"Kagura, come to my office." A deep voice said behind us. Well his summoning me was quickly becoming a usual invitation. I was surprised Sesshoumaru was home. He usually came back later… not to say I was paying much attention to his comings and goings. Okay, who was I kidding, I've been acting like an obsessed fangirl.

"We will not be long, she will join you soon Rin." Sesshoumaru added, on a soft voice he never used with me, after seeing his daughter's pout. Without paying attention to whether I was following him, he headed straight to his office.

"I'll go heat up milk for our drinks then." The teenager sent me one huge smile before heading towards the kitchen.

I dragged my feet to Sesshoumaru's office… Ugh, I was getting tired of having the Lords questioning me. Sucked to be a pawn in their great chess game… no sorry, I was a tool to Sesshoumaru, not a pawn.

The master of the house and I settled in our usual seats. My butt had barely reached the soft cushion that the dog demon started questioning me.

"You went to see your father?"

Damn his spies were good. How else would he know? I had faked a relapse to justify cutting our meeting short yesterday and went back to my room where I stayed locked up for the rest of the day. I had snuck out earlier today as I knew he would not be too happy about me meeting up with Naraku.

"Is Naraku what happened to your face?"

I wondered if that question would become recurrent until the bruise faded away. Somehow I guessed he would not buy the door excuse as his daughter did, so I decided to be honest.

Without waiting for my answer, he stood up and headed to the side bar next to the massive shelf that adorned an entire wall of his office. I guess seeing me get beaten up by my father inspired him to drink… I was so busy rolling my eyes I failed to see him coming to stand behind me. He pressed a refreshingly ice cold compress to my burning cheek. It smelled like him, so I could tell he had used his own handkerchief, and wrapped ice in it. I took the wonderful compress and held it to the side of my face. Hum how odd to see the Ice King being nice and caring…might I even say affectionate. By the time he sat back behind his desk, I had wiped all traces of my bewilderment from my face.

"He found out about me being responsible for you getting your shipment back, and he was not too happy. I took my punishment, so it's all good now."

Sesshoumaru's eyes softened, or at least I thought they did. Maybe after what Naraku had told me I was too eager to see some affection for me in his golden eyes. Talking about affection there was something I wanted to clear up. I dug into my pocket, and retrieved my new fan before placing it on the desk.

"Were you ever going to tell me you donated your fang to make my new fan?"

He coked an eyebrow. Maybe he thought I would not have noticed. Too bad for him, his little secret was out.

"Yes. I did have the blacksmith use one of my fangs. Your previous sorry excuse of a weapon was destroyed protecting my pack. You even spilled your blood for them. I was honor bound to repay you in some way."

So he wanted to gloss over the fact that he had given me such a momentous gift… okay fine then. No matter how much I tried to ignore a gnawing feeling growing inside me, I had to admit I was deflated. I had foolishly thought his decision might have been born from feelings he had for me, bummer!

Then something occurred to me. Sesshoumaru had such a poker face. Speaking outwardly about feelings would be one of the most painful things to him. For someone as closed off as him to have given me such an obvious gift, it had to mean something. For as long as I kept the fan, his youki would be entwined with mine. Anyone who knew about both our auras would be able to easily realize our link. That he would let the whole world know about such a connection between us was proof enough he cared for me.

"Whatever you are thinking about, stop."

I guess my feelings must have been showing on my face because despite speaking words of denial, Sesshoumaru did not seem so very convinced. His words were all the evidence I needed to let me know I was on to something, and there was indeed more to his gift.

My heart felt full. Why had I tried to put a stop to my feelings for Sesshoumaru? Clearly he was closer to the man I had fantasized on, and built up in my head. When we had first met, the day of our 'wedding he clearly had been on the defensive, purposely being mean to me, but who could blame him? For all he knew I had been in cohorts with Naraku, aiming to take him down. As I got to go him, and he me, we both came to share more about our true selves. I now knew that despite his frosty cold exterior, Sesshoumaru was a kind and caring man.

He fiercely looked after his family and people and had taken me in without too many questions. He had come to trust me, and I now knew, care for me too. Why else would he have possibly gotten me a fan? Not just any weapon but one infused with his own power. I decided then and there that I would stop putting the brakes. I would let myself tumble in love, and see where things would go. Maybe Sesshoumaru really did return my feelings, and once we got rid of Naraku, we might be able to have a real life together. Work to protect the family together. Realize our dreams together. Raise Rin together. Have more kids together. The thought of it brought a happy flush to my face. I recalled what Naraku had told me, maybe all was not lost. That might just be my opening. I gathered my courage, and dared to ask.

"Naraku told me something quite interesting." I reluctantly put down the cold compress, what I planned next was difficult enough to say out loud without having to look ridiculous while doing it. I then picked up my fan, and with a flick opened it before covering the bottom half of my face. Just because I wanted an answer did not mean I was not embarrassed for wanting to have it.

"He got the idea of his perverse little scheme about our marriage from the fact that once upon a time… you expressed an interest in me."

He leaned back in his chair, clearly uncomfortable. I bet he had never expected for me to find out about that, and fling it in his face.

"When I was younger, I did, and thought foolish and unreasonable things." He finally said after taking a long pause.

"You being foolish and unreasonable? I have a hard time believing that." I said with a chuckle. I could tell he was still trying to deflect. Little did he know how persistent I could be.

"Needless to say this was a long time ago, and I am a different man." The dismissive hand gesture he accompanied his words with only made my heart pinch a bit. I chose to ignore the pain.

"Well I am surprised you even knew of my existence before we met the night of our so called wedding." I tried to play it off as cool. "When did you first see me?"

He kept his cool steady golden gaze trained on me for so long that I feared he would not even answer my question. After what felt like a century, he finally opened his mouth.

"I was but a foolish child. I had accompanied my father at a meeting with Naraku. Father wanted to groom me as his successor, so he took me along, hoping I would soak in all the knowledge I could."

The words triggered a memory. I remembered the day as clearly as if it had been yesterday. Even though we had grown up in the same city, evolved in the same circles, and were of similar age, Sesshoumaru and I had never interacted before the night of 'our wedding' at Naraku's strip club. I had however kept an eye on the dog demon since I had first seen him by chance.

Touga Tashio had come to our house to sign some documents, and had brought along his son and heir. Naraku had me locked in my room. I was a teenager; I was finally experimenting with my youkai abilities, and plotting to run away. He had not wanted anything to ruin his play date, so he had kept me locked up. I had managed to break out, and sneak into the hallway to see our guests before one of Naraku's goons had caught me and returned me to my cell/bedroom before my father even noticed. The brief minutes of spying had been enough. I had been able to catch a glimpse of a beautiful face that still haunted me more than a decade later. So had begun my infatuation with the handsome silver haired amber-eyed son of my father's greatest enemy. I would spend the next years trying to find out as much as I could about the teenage boy. If only at that time I could have guessed that I would end up sort of married with that man, and sharing a roof with him.

"Naraku took advantage of the occasion to show me a picture of his 15-year-old daughter that was hanging on a wall. I made some appreciative comments. Thankfully father was quick to remind me of the folly of my actions."

"So if your father had not interfered, would you have asked me out?" I lowered my fan, and stared straight in his eyes. My crimson red clashed orbs with his golden amber. He put on his bored mask once again, and looked away from me. Hum, I must be the only person alive able to tell the tale of winning a staring contest against the Ice King.

He cleared his throat. "Stop musing about such ridiculous notions wind witch. Did you use your meeting with your father to accomplish something actually productive?"

So I guessed the sharing session was over. Well I couldn't be too greedy. I had already found out quite a lot about Sesshoumaru during our little exchange, more than I could have ever hoped for, no point in expecting more.

"Not really, Naraku is not one to share his inner thoughts with me." I thought it best not to mention Naraku's boasts about manipulating us. "Anyways, if you told me what you were looking for as proof, it would make any poking I intend to do easier… I mean, how do you know Naraku is responsible for your father's death, and not the Panther King as rumor has it."

He seemed to mull over that one for a bit, but in the end decided to speak.

"I believe it is time for this Sesshoumaru to tell you more about my father's murder." He stood up and went to stand by the window, staring outside at the sleeping garden behind his mansion. It was winter so the trees were bare and the flower bed asleep, but I was sure the grounds of his home must be quite a beautiful sight come spring. I hoped I would still be around to see it. Maybe my flirtatious ways with the master of the house would make it so I could become a fixture in the family.

"My father was murdered in this very room. It was his study before I turned it into my own office. Inuyasha was out with friends, I had come home early from visiting my mother, and had come looking for father. I found him lying on the ground, in a pool of his own blood… His own sword plunged in his back." He formed a fist with his hands; anger pouring out of him. "Now only four people know of that last detail. Three of them are still alive, me, you and father's killer. I never even told Inuyasha about it. He was still so young at the time."

My heart broke for Sesshoumaru and his young self. I could not imagine seeing such a traumatizing scene. I could tell talking about this was hard for him. He stayed facing the windows of his office, so I could only see the back of him, but I could see his clenched fists, hear his shaking voice, feel the tension radiating from him, and that was enough for me to tell how upset he was. To the untrained eye he seemed composed and detached, but I could read him and see his emotions without having to see his face. Little did I know his next confession would break my heart even more. I wanted to go to him and give him a comforting hug. Too bad I knew he would not accept it...maybe some time soon.

"I removed father's sword from his body with my own bare hands. He never would have wanted for people to find out about the way he had been killed. He was an honorable man who deserved the utmost respect. I followed the wishes spelled out in his will, and had his sword divided in two fangs, a sword for Inuyasha, and one for myself. While I recovered father's fang, the scabbard of the sword was found missing form his study. He would never have separated the two willingly. A sword must go with its sheath." He spared a glance at the two swords neatly hung on the wall of his office, safely tucked in their respective scabbards. "The sheath of father's sword… I am sure the murderer took it as a trophy. The coward who attacked him from behind with his own weapon surely wanted something to remind him of the horror he had committed."

He clenched his fist in anger a few times before resuming his tale. "I had detected trace amounts of Naraku's scent at the murder scene, but this is not acceptable proof. If the scabbard of my father's sword was found in his possession, now that would be acceptable proof… Enough proof to justify me killing him to avenge father."

I was at a loss for words. My heart ached for Sesshoumaru. He had clearly admired his father, and losing him in such a horrific way must have been deeply troubling. I couldn't even imagine how it would feel like, having to see his own beloved father in such a state, having to remove the murder weapon himself, and keep the secret of his father's death for so many years. Having to deal at such a young age with his father's murder… As if becoming the youngest of the Four Lords, and having to hold one territory all by himself at such a precautions age was not difficult enough.

"I am sorry you had to go through something so traumatizing. I can't even imagine…" I paused looking for words of comfort to give him that he would accept. Sesshoumaru was a proud man, he would not like for me to speak so freely about feelings and emotions around him, so I stayed my tongue. "I promise to do everything I can to help you find the proof you are looking for."

He let out an uncharacteristically loud sigh before turning away from the windows to stand in front of me. His lips twitched as if he was about to say something, but suddenly changed his mind.

"You are dismissed." He told me dryly, after sitting back behind his desk. I could tell this conversation had been more emotionally draining than he would have ever wanted it to be, and he was now shutting down. I had tormented him enough for today; it was time to take my leave. We had made enough strides for today, besides I had a human teenager and a delicious cup of hot chocolate waiting for me.

"Do get yourself cleaned up before you join Rin." He briefly picked up one of the many files littering his desk.

I followed his gaze, and looked down to see my blood stained torn shirt courtesy of Naraku's tentacle. While I could not do anything about the bruise on my face, this I could cover up.

Without sparing me another look, he opened up one of the many folders stacked on his desk, and I took my leave, my head filled with all the information I had found out that day.

Rin had proved to be a nice distraction as usual. After gossiping about her school while sipping our hot drinks, we had gone down to dinner with the rest of the family. Sesshoumaru, Inuyasha and Miroku had been conspicuously absent. I briefly wondered if our earlier talk and me revealing what Naraku knew had something to do with their absence.

The rest of the evening proved uneventful, except from having to play the role of judge in the fight between Rin and Shippou about who would get to pick our entertainment for the evening. I had of course sided with Rin, the kid had promised to keep me supplied in delicious hot chocolate. After many laughs, I had finally retired to bed, only to find it almost impossible to fall asleep.

The moon was still high in the sky, but dawn was only hours away, yet I tossed and turned, still wide-awake. The pain in my cheek and the scratch on my chest were not the ones preventing me from sleeping. I was used to pain. It was rather the revelations made by Naraku and Sesshoumaru that kept me awake. Especially the latter. For some reason the mention of a sheath for a missing katana blade seemed so familiar to me, I however I could not figure out nor remember why it did.

Then it hit me. Hakudoushi's apartment! My dear older brother used a penthouse downtown when he felt like escaping from the stifling mansion where we had grown up. I also knew Naraku sometimes used the place to entertain. He had asked me to go oversee the clean up of the place one day before he was to lend it to some precious foreign client who did not want to stay in a hotel. I had used that opportunity to go snooping around in the apartment, and had seen an empty scabbard hanging on the wall of an empty spare bedroom. I remember how odd I had thought the display, but not knowing its significance, I had almost completely forgotten about it.

Before I knew it, I jumped out of bed, got dressed, and picket up my fan and feathers. It was Tuesday, Hakudoushi would be too busy at the club to go back to his little hideout. It was the perfect chance for me to go and do some reconnaissance work. I wondered if I should wait for Sesshoumaru to come home before I set on my expedition, then thought better of it. In case I found nothing, I did not want him to be disappointed.

I quietly slipped out of my room, and ran down the staircase. In the blink of an eye, I was outside in the cold night air. It did not matter, I had evidence to gather, and a murderer to catch.

To be continued…

A/N: Kagura is going in deeper and deeper, but is she taking things too far? We shall see… The next chapter will be an explosive one, it will be named Unforeseen Developments.