A/N Thanks to all who have reviewed this story. I want to thank Sesshomaru's Dokkaso for editing this one for me. Her comments and quick eye caught several missed words, and spelling mistakes. If anyone would like shorter chapters, just let me know and I will do so. I just get caught up with writting I tend to forget to stop. LOL, the action will start soon. In the next chapter or two, we will meet little Rin, and possibly find out who the mysterious caller is. Swords of Fate will be updated by the weekend. Cheers.

Chapter Four: Fear and Determination.

Sesshoumaru walked out of the building with a rather large smile plastered on his face. Inuyasha leaned on his crutches and heaved another big sigh, as he had done for the past hour since his brother had entered the driving bureau. Finally, Inuyasha lifted his head and saw his brother exit the building with a smile, and anxiously the hanyou inched forward slightly.

"Well? I take it that it went well?" Inuyasha felt his own smile grow as his brother approached.

"Hai. I am now licensed." Sesshoumaru nodded, the smile still on his face.

Inuyasha mocked terror on his face and turned his head. "Everyone run for your lives, my brother is licensed! Stay off the roads!"

Sesshoumaru growled playfully and swiped at his brother's shoulder, chuckling. "Mutt!"

Inuyasha grinned, and also laughed. "So, does this mean you get to buy a car now?"

Sesshoumaru frowned slightly. "I don't know about purchasing a car yet, Inuyasha. I'll think on it."

"So what now?" Inuyasha asked, making his way over to the car where Myoga waited behind the drivers seat. They had woken that morning to find Jaken and Myoga once again in their company, and when the two adopted uncles had walked into the kitchen after Sesshoumaru's threatening phone call, both brother's had practically jumped out of their skin.

Inuyasha had told them both off for leaving without informing them where they had gone to, and both Myoga and Jaken had apologized saying that they had business to attend to that had been urgent.

Once in the car, Sesshoumaru leaned forward and told Myoga where their next destination was, and Inuyasha groaned at the mention of school.

Myoga nodded silently, and Sesshoumaru rested against the leather back of the seat grinning. "I heard it's a good school, Inuyasha."

"I don't understand why we can't just go to a public school? Why must it be private?" The hanyou grumbled.

"What, don't want to wear the uniforms?" Sesshoumaru teased.

"It's not that, actually I find the girl's uniforms to be rather pleasing." Inuyasha smirked.

"Oh? I'm sure the skirts meet your approval?" Sesshoumaru snorted, and rolled his eyes.

Inuyasha threw his brother a wicked smile, and tilted his head. "What, and you don't?"

Sesshoumaru snorted again. "I have a girl remember?"

Inuyasha frowned and nodded slowly. "I did too."

Sesshoumaru flinched and mentally slapped himself. He had forgotten about Kikyo being with them when the accident had taken place. "I'm sorry, Inuyasha. I forgot. But you and Kikyo had just started going out. I have been with Kagura for a long time."

"So?" Inuyasha scowled, turning his head away and looking out the window. "I still cared for her."

Sesshoumaru nodded. "Yeah, I know. Can we get off topic now?"

Inuyasha nodded. "Are you going to go see her?"

Sesshoumaru turned his head and stared at his brother long and hard, before replying. "I was thinking of doing that later today, if they allow me to, that is."

"Why wouldn't they?" Inuyasha asked, frowning.

"We both know how stubborn her step father is. Hell, I wouldn't be surprised if he had me arrested, and slapped me with a harassment charge, for just asking about her." Sesshoumaru shook his head.

Inuyasha chuckled. "I remember how much of a pain in the ass it was for you to take her out to dinner, half the time. I'm surprised he didn't have a personal escort for you."

Sesshoumaru snorted. "I wouldn't be surprised if he had us followed just to make sure we behaved ourselves."

Inuyasha grinned. "Did you?"

"Did I what?"

"Behave yourselves?"

"That is none of your concern. If we didn't don't you think I would be dead and six feet under?" Sesshoumaru retorted. However a small sly smile drifted across his face.

"Oh ho!" Inuyasha declared. "I know how it is." He nodded, and glanced out the car window. They were pulling up to a large building and he released a groan when the car pulled up. "Shit. Do we really have to do this today?" Inuyasha whined, looking back to his brother.

Sesshoumaru nodded. "Unfortunately we do, half breed." The car stopped near the entrance, and both brothers piled out of the car. They glanced around and noticed that no one was around, which signaled that school must be in session.

Inuyasha arranged his crutches, and hobbled after his brother who led the way to the entrance of the building, at a slow and steady pace. Pulling the door open, Sesshoumaru allowed Inuyasha to go in first, and he glanced around that the long wide halls of the private school. "Well, I guess there's no turning back now." He mumbled.

Sesshoumaru released the door and smirked as he caught sight of the office ahead of them. "Come, Inuyasha. Let's get this over with, so we can make our escape."

Inuyasha scowled, and snorted. "Hnn. If you insist."

The entered the office, and were scrutinized instantly. As they approached the desk, where a lady was seated, typing away on her computer, Inuyasha glanced around, and noticed several kids seated, with notes in their hands.

Smirking, Inuyasha remembered being in the same situation several times, having to explain his actions to the principal why he had done what he did, or behaved the way he had. Most occasions, he had been able to talk his way out of detention, or a phone call to his parents.

Sesshoumaru smirked, remembering having to help his brother out of detention many times, and now, he glanced over at the secretary who had said something, which he didn't catch.

"I'm sorry, I didn't quite get that." Sesshoumaru apologized.

"How can I help you?" She repeated, taking in the duel stripes on his cheeks, and crescent moon on his forehead.

"I was told to give you these for registration." Sesshoumaru said softly, handing over an envelope.

While his brother was dealing with the secretary, Inuyasha suppressed a growl of warning to the kids seated by the wall waiting for the principal. They had leaned over and started talking, regarding the two youkai.

"Can you believe it, even this school is converting to allow youkai here."

"Wait until my parents hear about this."

"Well its just like that stupid hanyou girl who started coming here a month ago, remember?'

"How many does that make it now?"

"Thirteen, I think. But we still out number them."

Inuyasha turned his head, indicating to the kids, that he had heard their whispered words, perfectly well, and they almost gasped.

Smirking, Inuyasha turned his head back towards his brother, and he gritted his teeth.

"Do you think he heard us?"

"Of course he did. Didn't you see the look in his eyes?"

"Stupid youkai. I hate them. I hate the fact that the schools are allowing them in here."

Inuyasha turned immediately and growled low, soft enough for them to hear, but not loud enough for anyone else. "If you plan on talking about others, make sure they can't hear you to retort a comment back. Pathetic humans."

He turned around, and came face to chest with his brother. Uttering a gasp of surprise, he scowled. "Let's go." Sesshoumaru snarled. Throwing a glare at the humans on the bench, Sesshoumaru yanked open the door and almost shoved his brother through it. "I would suggest keeping your comments to yourself, half-breed."

"Keh! Whatever." Inuyasha snapped. "You didn't hear what they said."

"I don't care what they said. Nor should you." Sesshoumaru stalked down the halls, calmly, but inside he was rather annoyed with his brother. He was also annoyed with the humans, but they got that everywhere. Youkai and humans were never meant to intermix with one another, but fate had thrown them this twist, and so they had to coexist, whether or not they wanted to.

They left the school, and climbed back into the car, where Myoga sat waiting, and Sesshoumaru snapped a command to head to the restaurant. Myoga lifted a brow at the angry youkai, but did as he commanded. Inuyasha scowled in his seat, refusing to look at his brother, and Sesshoumaru sat seething quietly.

"Is something amiss?" Myoga asked.

"No!" Both brothers snapped at the same time, and they threw one another a glare.

"Keh!" Inuyasha huffed, as Sesshoumaru snorted.

Myoga rolled his eyes, and pulled away from the curb, driving in the direction of the restaurant, and when they pulled up, Inuyasha practically ran from the car. His anger had subsided a little, but it still raged inside him, tightening his stomach. Taking in deep breaths, he sighed. Turning around, he waited for Sesshoumaru to coolly walk up to him and Inuyasha hung his head. "Gomen. Sess."

Sesshoumaru stopped and glanced at his brother for a moment, before uttering his comment. "Don't let them get to you. We will always come across humans who despise youkai, and youkai who despise humans. It is something that we all have to live with. There is nothing we can do to change this fact."

Inuyasha nodded. "I know, but it still makes me mad. They don't hear me talking about them."

"No, but perhaps they have been the target of other youkai. There is good and bad in all of us. I am not considered a perfect youkai, nor was father. We do what we can to survive in this world, and some must deal with the consequences." Sesshoumaru said calmly.

Inuyasha nodded, and finally allowed a small smile to come to his lips. "You sounded just like father."

Sesshoumaru snorted. "Indeed, I trust it comes with being under his tutelage for so many years, Inuyasha."

Inuyasha opened the gates leading to the restaurant, and he approved of the iron that replaced the small stone gates. "I like this idea." He grinned. Sesshoumaru nodded, approving as well.

They walked up the new cobble stone brick way, and Inuyasha paused at the new pond that housed the koi. It was larger, and now held a waterfall. As he passed the pond, he looked to his left and saw the new patio, and grinned excitedly. There were two steps leading up to it, and a cart, which housed the items used to clean tables, and set them. The patio was larger then the old one, and the foliage, that surrounded the space, was newly planted, and placed, allowing a garden type wall that kept outside walkers from glancing in.

They both continued on, and finally walked in through the doors and almost gasped at the new place of business. The difference that a week had done to the place left both brothers breathless. The entrance was very different. The large waiting area held two benches on either side, allowing for customers to sit if they had to wait for a table.

On the left, in front stood a hostess desk, and the new brass plate on the front said, 'Please wait to be seated'. Beside the stand, stood a new computer, and a desk with papers and a debit machine. On the right side of the entrance stood a bamboo shade that held images of sakura trees, and blossoms. The shade sat behind one of the benches, and Inuyasha grinned.

He walked more, and peeked behind the bamboo shade, and grinned at the outstanding bar. Directly behind the shade, stood shelves with glasses and cups. On the second shelf were the condiments for coffee and tea preparation, and on the shelf above that stood wine decanters, fresh cream containers, and various odds and ends. Across from that, sat two new coffee machines, housed perfectly on a counter, with cupboards under it. Turning to his left, Inuyasha saw the high bar, with pop pumps, and an ice bin out of customers views, and several trays that would house the fruits and vegetables that accompanied the harder drinks. Set behind the bar, where the counter rounded, one end reaching the coffee area, and the other housing the drinks, Inuyasha noticed a beer tab, and he nodded.

Going around the other side of the bar, more to his left, Inuyasha saw the glass shelves lined with alcohol, and the counter held all the glasses one would need for all the drinks one could think of. At the end was an icemaker, and several fridges, and Inuyasha quickly walked out, hoping the rest of the place looked as good.

Exiting the bar, Inuyasha walked up to his brother, who stood at the stairs leading up to the main eating area, which was located directly behind the hostess stand, and he looked up. Two steps lead up, and Inuyasha wasted no time, climbing them. Several tables and booths lined the area, and he walked to the windows that overlooked the patio outside. To his left sat another bussing area, where the servers would grab cutlery, or napkins, and he approved of the convenience. There were booths lined against all the windows, and along the back wall, and tables lined the center of the area. The place was enormous. Shaking his head, he followed the tables and booths and saw a large bamboo plant, hiding something behind it. As he approached the area, he realized that if he turned his head to his right, he could see the stairs, and he grinned at his brother, nodding his head.

Sesshoumaru still stood rooted to the spot, looking up the stairs, his face blank. Inuyasha shrugged his shoulders, and continued on towards the bamboo plant. Behind it, sat another bussing station and Inuyasha glanced to his right. Housed into the wall were a counter, and a computer. To his left was a wire rack that held more glasses, coffee cups, and more cutleries. Grinning even wider now, he walked through the small space, and came out on the other side of the built in wall. Blinking in surprise, on this side were more booths and tables, and another set of stairs leading back down to the main floor. Frowning, curiously now, he followed the stairs and glanced to his right, and saw the stairs to the loft, and he shuddered. Descending the two steps, he glanced to his left and noticed two shoji doors leading out into another patio, and he walked through it. This area was covered and had patio doors leading outside. Both areas had more tables. Shaking his head, he walked back through the shoji, and back into the main area, and he smirked, still seeing his brother standing at the first set of stairs leading to the eating area.

Shaking his head, he glanced to his left, and there was a buffet stand, and the main entrance to the kitchen. The food prep area was well placed, and still in the open, giving the servers no real reason to hide in the back and he smirked. It had been one thing that had irked him while working there. Whenever his mother was never around, several of her servers would hide out in the back talking and fooling around. Now they had no excuse to do so, unless they were taking dirty dishes to the back. Walking through the swinging doors, Inuyasha saw the dessert fridge located on his left, and another fridge on his right. Directly in front of him was the dish pit, and around that sat the large kitchen. Turning his head to his right, Inuyasha noticed another set of swinging doors, and he walked through it. It led back out to the main entrance, and now he stood facing the entire bar tables and stools, and another area with two sets of stairs, that sat on the opposite side of the bar. Frowning, he walked up it and gasped at the lounge area, and sucked in his breath at the large fireplace.

Blinking, Inuyasha realized that he was going to have to hire more servers, to keep track of all the tables in the joint. It was still somewhat fancy, but held an exotic aura that would satisfy any crowd.

Turning around, and descending the two steps, he found a small doorway and walked through it. There were the washrooms and he saw another set of stairs leading downward, and a set leading upward.

"Shit!" He muttered. Refusing to inspect anymore, he walked back to where he last saw his brother and chuckled. Sesshoumaru was still standing rooted in place, and the hanyou called out for him. "Hey Sessho, you should see this place. It's enormous."

Sesshoumaru seemed to jump slightly and he turned around blinking blankly. "Right!" Then he began his own inspection and Inuyasha laughed.

"It's awesome. I love it." Inuyasha muttered, knowing his brother would hear him.

After his brother finished his own inspection, he came up to the hanyou shaking his head. "This you can't do on your own. You will need to hire a manager to aid you."

"Well what about you?"

"I have my own business to tend to. But I will help you when I can." Sesshoumaru stated. "Go through the resumes again, and we will look for an appropriate manager to help you out also." Sesshoumaru glanced around again. "This place, alone would take up all of your time. You would be here day and night."

Inuyasha nodded. "But it's nice, isn't it?"

Sesshoumaru smiled and nodded. "I approve."

"There are so many doors and hidden areas, I love it. It's like an old castle setting."

"Did you notice the kitchen? There was a back entrance there, where there are stacks of dishes, and alcohol, plus an area where you would allow the vendors entrance."

Inuyasha shook his head. "Didn't see that. But then I didn't go right through the kitchen either." The hanyou paused for a moment, before asking his question. "What were you thinking about?"

Sesshoumaru frowned slightly. "When?"

"While I was looking at the place. I mean you just stood there for like fifteen straight minutes, not moving. You looked lost or something."

Sesshoumaru's frown deepened, and he shook his head. "Gomen, I was thinking about everything that has happened up until now."

Inuyasha narrowed his eyes. There was more to what Sesshoumaru was thinking then he let on. Pursing his lips, he thought about what it could have been. "You were thinking about that phone call this morning, weren't you?"

Sesshoumaru stiffened, and he released a soft growl in warning. "Leave it Inuyasha. The call does not concern you."

Inuyasha almost grinned; he had hit the right line of questioning. 'So that is what he was thinking about.' "It does concern me, if you are so distracted over it. Come on Sess, let me help."

"Leave it!" Sesshoumaru snapped. Turning, and walking towards the bar, Sesshoumaru inspected it, and took count of the alcohol. "You need to order more liquor."

Inuyasha almost blinked stupefied. "What?" He was still hung up on what his brother had been thinking about, and Sesshoumaru was giving him the cold shoulder.

"You heard me." Sesshoumaru took one more look around and finally waved his brother towards the entrance. "Come on. We have more still to do today."

"What more do I need to order?" Inuyasha asked, hobbling after his brother, who stood by the doors.

"We will make a list later."

Inuyasha scowled. 'Damn Sesshoumaru and his photographic memory.' His brother could glance at a page for only a minute and remember every single word that was printed on the page. Snorting, he wished he had that gift. Following his brother back to the car, they climbed in and the hanyou was somewhat surprised when his brother gave the order to return home. "I thought you wanted to go visit with Kagura."

"I do. However, I highly doubt her step father would allow it, and I do not wish to face him just yet."

Inuyasha rolled his eyes. "Scared?"

"Not likely, otouto." Sesshoumaru snorted. "I do not wish to face him yet, only for the fact that he threatened to sue us, when this incident had nothing to do with us."

Inuyasha smirked. "I would love to face him, and set his record straight."

Sesshoumaru shook his head. "Trust me, little brother, for this fact alone, that is one reason why you will not come face to face with this pretend hanyou."

"Pretend hanyou?" Inuyasha frowned, his attention on his brother fully.

"What, have you not noticed? He began as a human, but called forth weaker youkai and he absorbed them so he could be more powerful, and thus now takes on the image of a hanyou."

"Is that even possible?" Inuyasha gaped stupidly.

Sesshoumaru shrugged. "Obviously, if he managed to do this."

"But how? I mean, how did you find out about this, and how did he manage to do that?" Inuyasha blinked.

"Father sensed it immediately. He told me about it, and as to how he accomplished this, I don't know." Sesshoumaru turned his head and stared out the window. "It doesn't matter, he was still below the scale then father was, in regards to the rivaling businesses, and he will not gain access to mine. I trust he thinks that now father is dead, he can uproot the company from under my feet."

"Isn't that why he gave permission for you to date Kagura in the first place?" Inuyasha frowned even more. This conversation was sending an uncomfortable shudder coursing through his veins. He never did like the man. It had always left him feeling cold, and somewhat powerless in his company.

Sesshoumaru shrugged. "I trust he wished for an alliance between the two houses. Father still out ranked him, and Naraku is still a coward. He has others do his bidding, and keeps his hands clean. I know all about Naraku's insidious plots."

Inuyasha shivered, and quickly rubbed his arms. "Can he still, you know…absorb weaker youkai?"

"He won't lay a hand on you, Inuyasha. Nor will he gain access to the company. Father had no wish to even give Naraku a portion of the business." Sesshoumaru snarled. A sudden thought hit him however. Had that phone call been something that even Naraku would lower himself to? Was it something to frighten the inuyoukai off instead of facing the challenges of running a competitive business? He smirked, if that were the case, then Sesshoumaru would find out soon.

Whoever had made the call would be found out sooner or later, and Sesshoumaru made mental plans to find out exactly who it was sooner, rather then later.

Inuyasha noticed the smirk on his brother's face and he shuddered. Just as he had witnessed that morning, the smirk was definitely a first for him also. Sure he had seen others similar on his brother's face before, but nothing as cold and sinister as this one before. Sucking in his breath sharply, Inuyasha furrowed his brows, what had gotten into his brother? Normally things didn't get to him as much, but since that morning, his brother had seemed almost bitterly cold at times, but his normal self at others. The hanyou found he didn't like this change, and he wanted to help Sesshoumaru. Gulping, he whispered. "Sess?"

Sesshoumaru glanced over at his brother sharply, and then saw the worried look on the hanyou's face. "What? What's wrong?"

"You, that's what's wrong. What's gotten into you?" Inuyasha accused, blurting everything out in the open.

Sesshoumaru frowned, and stared at his brother. "What are you talking about half-breed?"

"I mean ever since this morning, it seems like you aren't yourself. You got a call this morning, which almost sent you transforming into your true form, which is only permitted when you are licensed to do so. Next you are smiling as though you are plotting someone's demise." Inuyasha gulped and saw Sesshoumaru's eyes widen in shock. "I mean, it…it…scares me. It's like you are loosing yourself."

Sesshoumaru felt his mouth turn downward into a frown. He remained silent and sighed. Had all of this really happened? Did he almost transform this morning? Why did he not remember? Blinking and looking away, Sesshoumaru wondered exactly what was happening to him. What ever it was, he needed to sort through them quickly, before he did something that he would regret. The last thing he wanted to do was to chase Inuyasha away.

The car pulled up to the house, and both brother's walked inside silently. Sesshoumaru turned and glanced at his brother who walked slowly into the family room. He looked lost and forlorn and he sighed again. "Inuyasha?"

"Hai?"

"If I do that again, will you tell me?"

Inuyasha glanced at him shocked. "Are you telling me you don't remember?"

Sesshoumaru shook his head slowly. "I remember the phone call, and getting really angry over it, but…I don't remember what happened after that. I do recall seeing you cowering by the stairs, but I thought it had only been because of my anger."

Inuyasha shook his head frantically. "No, I mean, yes. Your aura was like it was out of control, but I saw you almost transform. Your eyes were red and your face was changing." The hanyou shuddered remembering the jyaki that had filled the air, and his brother's enraged face.

Sesshoumaru nodded. "Naruhodo." Turning away, he climbed the stairs and went directly to his room. Flopping onto the bed, he closed his eyes tightly. Was this happening because their father was dead? Was he really changing? His youthful state in youkai years was nearly ended, and he would be considered a full adult youkai male by the next snowfall. So how could he change his form now? He shouldn't be able to do that until he was well into his adult years. Would his other youkai abilities also make themselves known before hand? If that were the case, he would need to sit down with Bokusenou and talk to him about this.

Rolling onto his back, he stared at the ceiling quietly. If he were changing, and this was his full youkai blood surfacing, then he would need training as soon as possible, so that he would be able to control it. The last thing he wanted to do was to loose control around his brother. Shaking his head, and finally closing his eyes, he knew that Bokusenou would be at the opening of the restaurant in the morning, so he could take the youkai into the back and talk to him privately. If he needed to, he would use the loft and ask the Daiyoukai what he needed to know.

Falling into sleep almost instantly, Sesshoumaru felt his whole body begin to relax, and he finally succumbed to a peaceful sleep, that he had not had since the accident.

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Inuyasha sighed, after watching his brother vanish up the stairs. Lately, his brother had been sleeping lots, but he wasn't sure if that was normal, especially after the accident, or due to something else. He needed to find answers, but his first task was to go through the resumes and find more servers. There was no need to worry about having enough money to pay the employees, so having too many was better then not having enough.

Sorting through the bad résumés, and placing the better ones to the side, he picked up the cordless, and began making his phone calls. His brother had made the first few calls, and interviews, while Inuyasha had watched, so he was confident that he could now perform the task without his brother's aid. Perhaps his brother would approve of his taking control, and Inuyasha smiled. To him, Sesshoumaru was strong, and growing more powerful by the day, and one day he hoped to be a worthy brother to his full youkai sibling.

Inuyasha knew that Sesshoumaru had at first been uncertain about having a mixed blood in the house, after his father had married Izayoi, his mother. But after years of growing up together, he and Sesshoumaru had grown very close. Perhaps he could prove to his brother how useful he was, rather then a pathetic half-breed. Maybe one day his brother would loose the nickname, and give him something that signaled the fact that Sesshoumaru had fully accepted him as family.

True, they were still close, and the mixed blood didn't bother Sesshoumaru anymore, but Inuyasha still felt slightly inadequate compared to his full youkai sibling. Sometimes, Inuyasha felt powerless, and weak around his brother, and somewhat ashamed when his brother had to rescue him when he was being bullied, or picked on. Maybe one day, Inuyasha would be able to fend for himself and have his brother be proud of him.

Inuyasha dialed the phone, and began his tasks of setting up interviews immediately. The servers they had already hired had been trained on the computer system, so Inuyasha held confidence that they could place orders without any troubles. He would have to have the new ones he hired, trained on them as soon as possible.

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Finally, placing the phone down on the coffee table, Inuyasha groaned, and leaned his head back against the couch. He had only been able to set up three interviews, in an hour, and he quickly got up and headed to his room. He had set the interviews half an hour apart, starting in an hour, and he needed time to prepare. After dressing appropriately, and writing a quick note to Sesshoumaru, Inuyasha exited the house locking it up, and he made his way to the local coffee shop that was just down the road, where he and Sesshoumaru had held the other interviews.

He sat himself down, with the resumes handy, at the back in a quiet corner, and waited until he saw the first girl walk in, glancing around. Looking down at the resume, he saw the girl's name. 'Ayame Yamamoto.' He lifted his gaze and caught her eye waving her over. To his approval, he realized that she was a youkai. A wolf youkai and he grunted.

The girl walked over and held out her hand shaking his hand. "Hi, you called for the interview right?" She asked.

Inuyasha nodded, and waved for her to take a seat. "I'm Inuyasha. You're Ayame?"

She nodded, and smiled brightly. She was young, but respectful looking. Her green eyes were bright and alert, and her hair was tidy, but slightly girlish in her pigtails. Almost laughing, but choosing to ignore the small trait, he instead glanced at her dressed appearance. Sesshoumaru had informed him, that anyone willing to ready themselves for an interview, and dress appropriately for just talking, then they were worth looking at harder. Those who dressed in jeans and a t-shirt, or slightly raggedy, were ones to turn away, for the fact that if they couldn't prepare themselves for an interview, then what would they accomplish at work.

Ayame was dressed in a pair of black slacks, and a well-pressed blouse, and Inuyasha nodded, and began his interview. After twenty minutes of rather impressive conversation, Inuyasha came to the decision of hiring her immediately, and asked if she was available for the following evening.

"I'm hired?" The girl exclaimed excitedly.

Inuyasha nodded, smiling. "Yes."

"What time tomorrow? There is no school, I can work anytime."

"Would tomorrow at five suit you?"

Ayame nodded. "Absolutely."

With that done, Inuyasha saw her off, and waited for his next interview to arrive, and he glanced at his watch after twenty minutes. Still no show. Snorting, he remembered his brother's words on that one also. If the person cannot make an interview on time, then they would be late most occasions for work or be unreliable and call in sick. Filter out those who cannot make an interview on time, and cannot dress well. Remember the five rules of impression. The first impression is the resume, the second is their promptness, the third, is their dress, fourth is their attention during the interview, and the fifth is how the present themselves to you. Do they try and sell you their capabilities? Or do they try to end the interview as quickly as possible?

Placing that resume to the side, Inuyasha glanced at the name and tried to place it into his memory. Yura Matsushita. Shaking his head, he now waited for his third and final interview, and he sipped his coffee. Ten minutes early and the door opened revealing an older boy. He was well groomed, and eager. The hair was neat and tidy, and he was also a youkai. Inuyasha noticed immediately that he was also a wolf youkai. Glancing at the resume quickly, he read the name. Ginta Suzuki. The boy walked over and saw the resume on the table and he quickly introduced himself.

Inuyasha finally finished the interview, and hired the other wolf youkai, as a prep cook. The boy had no prior experience with serving, but his experience in the kitchen was impressive. The letters of recommendation from his other employers had given their approval of Ginta's work habits, promptness and teamwork.

Once he was finished, Inuyasha walked back home and noticed it was getting late. He wondered if Sesshoumaru had woken yet, and he was eager to share his experience with the interviews with his brother. Unlocking the door, he found it eerily silent, and he made to head up stairs to check on his brother. Inuyasha almost jumped out of his skin when the phone rang.

Hesitantly, he picked it up and greeted the party on the end. "Hello?"

"Ah, hello, Inuyasha. Good to hear your voice."

Inuyasha pulled the phone away from his ear and stared at it. The voice was warbled, like it was raised higher in octave then it should have been. Frowning, he placed the phone back to his ear. "Who is this?"

"Yes, perhaps soon you will discover that. Watch where you go alone, Inuyasha Souske. Without your brother's protection, you are weak and useless."

Blinking for a moment, Inuyasha felt anger bubble inside his chest. "Who you calling weak, asshole?"

The voice on the end chuckled menacingly.

"Was it you who called this morning?" Inuyasha snarled softly.

"Hai, and I will continue to call, until you and your brother heed these warnings." The voice hissed.

Inuyasha tried to register the hissing sound and it almost sounded like a snake. But also a spider. Frowning deeper, he snarled again. "You coward! You think you can threaten on the phone, where you are completely safe? Yet you are too chicken to come face my brother or me? Are you so afraid of us that you have to phone in order for your threats to attempt to have us groveling in fear? Stop being a coward and come face us!" Inuyasha slammed the phone down and grinned.

So that was what had his brother so worked up over. He was about to turn away when the phone rang again.

Picking it up, Inuyasha didn't even grace the caller with a greeting.

"You will be the first to go half-breed. I know your mortal night, and I will come for you when you least expect it. It could be on the next new moon, or the one after that. You will never know, and you will always be looking over your shoulder in fear. Know this, I will watch your blood seep into the cracks of my floor, and your brother will watch without being able to do anything. Your life belongs to me."

Inuyasha felt his blood freeze. No one other then his family knew of which night was his human night. Who the hell was this? "You bastard, you think you frighten me? Do you honestly think that threatening my life, when I'm weakened will have me cowering in fear? You of all people will not best me!" He slammed the phone down onto the cradle and quickly ascended the stairs. The last call had rattled him. There was no one else, besides his mother, father and brother who knew of his mortal night. There was the exception of Myoga and Jaken who were told all the details from the lawyers, who also knew. But they held that information in strict confidence. They had sworn an oath to his father that they would never reveal that information.

The oath had been one bound in blood and was unbreakable. If it were ever broken, or considered to be broken, the youkai would loose their life painfully before being able to utter a word, so he knew instantly it wasn't them. His mother and father were both dead, so that ruled them out. That left his brother. Shaking his head, and pausing at his brother's door, he raised his hand to knock and stopped. Sesshoumaru would never reveal that to anyone, would he?

He refused to believe it. But that left who? Rapping on the door to his brother's room, he then shoved it open and saw his brother sit up slowly, rubbing his eyes.

"What do you want?" Sesshoumaru groaned.

"Who did you tell?" He demanded.

"Huh?"

"Who did you tell about my mortal night?" Inuyasha seethed.

Sesshoumaru blinked stupidly for a moment until it registered. His eyes widened surprised. "No one you baka!"

"Someone knows what night I loose my demonic powers! They know that my mortal night is that of the new moon!" Inuyasha panicked.

Sesshoumaru was awake instantly. Pushing himself out of his bed, he walked up to his brother, and placed his hand on his shoulder. "Calm down. What happened?"

Inuyasha clenched his fists tightly, his crutches falling to the ground uselessly. "Dammit, Sesshoumaru! Someone knows when I turn mortal. No one is supposed to know!" He was quivering from head to toe in terror.

"Relax Inuyasha. No one is going to lay a finger on you, period." Sesshoumaru growled softly, trying to push through his brother's fear. "I'll make sure of that."

Inuyasha growled loudly. "You can't protect me forever!" He snapped.

Sesshoumaru frowned. "No one is saying that. One day you will be able to protect yourself, however until that time, you are under my protection, and I will do so even at the cost of my own life."

Inuyasha nodded slowly. "I hate being so weak." He muttered.

"No one is saying you are weak." Sesshoumaru frowned.

"I'm nothing more then a useless half-breed." Inuyasha flopped down into a chair that was lying against the wall, beside his brother's door.

"Now you are feeling sorry for yourself." Sesshoumaru smirked. He turned away from his brother, and worked his shirt off, and took out another to replace it. "Inuyasha, regardless of your blood, you are not weak. You have proven yourself time and time again, with your bloody stubbornness. You have determination, where I usually give up."

Inuyasha sighed. "What are we going to do? The new moon is in less then a week, and this guy said that he could attack anytime, without either of us realizing it, until it was too late."

"Guy?" Sesshoumaru raised his brows. "How do you know it was a guy?"

Inuyasha shrugged. "A hunch. The voice was high, but I would think that a females voice would be higher, even disguised. It was also weird sounding, like hissing."

Sesshoumaru felt his frown deepen. "Perhaps you might be more useful then you think, little brother."

"Keh. It sounded like a snake hiss or a spider hiss. You know when they get mad. You and I growl and snarl, but this wasn't an Inu."

Sesshoumaru nodded agreeing. "I didn't hear any hissing this morning. Tomorrow I'm going to talk with Bokusenou and Toutousai about a few things."

"Like a security system I hope. I don't need any spider or snake youkai slipping into my room in the middle of the night." Inuyasha shuddered.

Sesshoumaru cocked a brow. "Afraid of those weak pathetic beings?"

"Well who ever it is, they seem to like to throw threats around. Like it gives them pleasure or something." Inuyasha rolled his eyes.

"Someone who likes to play games, and toy with peoples emotions." Sesshoumaru mused, leaning against his dresser, deep in thought.

"Do we know anyone like that?" Inuyasha asked, sitting up.

Sesshoumaru shook his head slowly the move was barely detectable. "I am certain that whoever it is, will eventually make a mistake. The Inuyoukai are one of the stronger youkai in this world. Whoever this person is, is either very foolish to attempt to threaten an Inuyoukai, or has no idea just how powerful we are."

Inuyasha sighed.

"If we stick together, Inuyasha, we can over come this. Together we house more power then if we were to fight separately." Sesshoumaru said, turning around and facing his younger hanyou brother.

"Even though I am not a full youkai?" Inuyasha sniffed.

"Even though you are not a full youkai." Sesshoumaru nodded. "You have something I don't. The determination to get through things, regardless of how impossible it seems. You have dedication to those you care about. You have a human heart that allows you to feel and to see things that I can't."

"Keh! You and I may be different in certain area's, but we are alike in ways too." The hanyou scoffed, struggling to stand up. "When does this bloody cast come off anyway? It should be well healed by now."

Sesshoumaru shook his head, rolling his eyes upward. "Next week. You have an appointment."

"Good." Inuyasha finally got to his feet, and hopped a bit until he had his full balance. "So what now?"

"Dinner. I'm famished." Sesshoumaru chuckled.

As they headed downstairs, Inuyasha told his brother of the interviews, and Sesshoumaru nodded in approval. They made a quick meal of ramen noodles, and toast, and wandered into the living room. Both brothers sat there until the early parts of the morning, devising plans to catch this mysterious phone caller, and preparing for their first day at the restaurant. Neither brother started school until after spring break, so they had a few weeks before they had to start thinking about attending school.

Sesshoumaru also planned on visiting his father's business before the end of the week. Finally they headed to bed for a few hours of sleep before they had to be up and at the restaurant for five am.