Disclaimer: I do not own any of the series from TV to OVA to Manga of Black Jack nor do I own Inuyasha. They belong to their rightful creators- Osamu-sensei and Rumiko-sensei as well as the distributors. I also don't own any songs that may appear in the story.

AN: I felt the urge to update this even though I don't know how to continue the story. Yeah, I'm a bad authoress. –gives herself a light slap on the cheek- Bad Bishi. LOL, Okay, now you know that I've watched "The Emperor's New Groove" way too many times when it first came out and still remember most of the lines in the movie.

I'd like to add, for future reference of the fic, I'll add medical terms, diseases, and other things concerning modern medicine but most of the info may not be accurate since I'm not in med school or anything.

Anyways, despite my writer's block for this, here's the next chapter to Shinsatsu no Támashī.

xoxoxoxox

"I can save a life just as easy as I can take it… as a warrior… and a healer of ancient and modern medicine." Quoted by Kagome in future chapter.

xoxoxoxox

Chapter Five

"Thank you." Pinoko muttered, still trying to be polite at least so the Doc wouldn't scold her like he did earlier. But she really didn't like this Kagome woman.

Not one bit.

This woman was everything that the small brunette child wasn't.

Kagome was older, maybe close to Black Jack's age. She was smart, Pinoko concluded if she was a head surgeon at one of the most famous hospitals in Tokyo, while Pinoko was an assistant to Black Jack.

Not to mention, the female surgeon was also very beautiful with long raven hair that reached the small of her back, looking longer now with her hair being wet after freshening us. Deep blue eyes that were a rarity among Asians, maybe inherited from a foreign ancestor. Lightly sun-kissed skin that showed she was an outdoor person despite her occupation of being a surgeon, and the figure of a petite model.

This woman… she had caught Black Jack's attention, Pinoko could tell. But there was no way she was going to lose against her when it came to the infamous doctor. Pinoko would prove that she was better than this Kagome, or she wasn't Black Jack's 'wife'.

Breakfast carried on in comfortable silence between Kagome and Black Jack. The latter would look toward Kagome in the corner of his eye, watching her eat before she would look to him when she felt his eyes on her. When she caught him, she just smiled at him after she took a bit out of her omelet. The scarred doctor felt his cheeks warm before returning the smile, not exactly understanding why he was acting this way- acting like he was back in high school with a crush.

There was just something about this woman that attracted him; just seem to catch his eye.

Yes, she had a petite beauty with this wise yet innocent light in her eyes that made her endearing to him. Not to mention this calming air about her that seemed to make him feel at ease.

Pinoko caught the exchanges of glances and couldn't help but feel annoyed and angry. Not able to stand being so close to the older woman, Pinoko shoveled the last of her breakfast in her mouth before excusing to start washing the dished and get the laundry which also contained Kagome's bikini, sleeveless hoodie and shorts.

"Whoa… she's sure crossed…" Kagome muttered after Pinoko was out of sight.

Black Jack looked at her curiously before she gave him a rueful smile and answered, "It's obvious that she wants to keep your attentions all to her self. Not to mention it looks like she sees me as competition for your attentions."

The scarred doctor couldn't help the soft smile creep on his face before agreeing. Every time he had a woman who was attractive come to him for either an appointment or for a consultation on behalf of the hospital she worked at or a patient her superiors gave up on, Pinoko would switch modes, from energetic and sweet to overprotective and hostile.

But that was one of the things that he found amusing when it came to Pinoko. At other times though, despite her being an eighteen year old with the speech and mind of a kindergartener, the small brunette with pink bows was very keen when reading him to the point where he can't seemed to hide anything from her.

Then again, there were other times when he could outsmart her when she tries to keep him in the house or from meeting with someone who was female.

'Yet in return, I end up being locked out of the house with only the window to climb back in.' Black Jack thought with a slight sweatdrop while still amused.

Pushing those thoughts aside, he remembered the call he received last night from Kagome's cell phone, and spoke to change the subject, "ah, I almost forgot. Last night, someone called on your cell phone…" He gained a surprised look.

Kagome was surprised that someone would call her cell. A part of her doubted it was one of her friends from Hojo's boat since they saw her go overboard in that storm.

"Did you get the name of who it was?" If it wasn't one of her friends she was with, then it might be one of her family or Taisho Memorial calling about something concerning one of her patients.

"It was a woman by the name of Ayumi, from what your caller ID read."

She gave a soft smile at the answer before saying mostly to her self, "She remembered that I still had my phone in my bag when I was toss overboard. Quite a leap of faith she took when most would give up on one's survival so early." A part of Kagome felt touched that her friend Ayumi would still have hope that she was alive when the currents were too strong for the miko to swim in.

Sure, she was a strong swimmer but not that strong to be able to swim in a storm.

Black Jack could hear the truth in what she had said and the sound of her voice… it sounded like she was quite touched by the thought of someone caring so much and going by a small leap of faith and hoping she was still alive.

The miko surgeon then said lightly, "I'd rather get a call from her than one of those three or I'd never hear the end of the exaggerated concerns and such." Kagome saw his curious expression and clarified, "I have two other friends- girls I've been friends with since grade school. I was with Ayumi and them along with a guy I've known since high school.

"Eri and Yuka, my two friends always butt their noses into my business, including my own personal life- setting me up with guys I have zero interest in and aren't interesting in the least. Especially with my job now as Head Surgeon that makes it hard for me to have any me time. And the guy, Hojo… he's been trying to get me to go out with him since we were in high school."

"If he's waited for you that long and trying to get your attention, don't you think you could give him a chance?" Black Jack was curious about this woman now with her friends who sounded like they really cared about her and worry about her, especially this Hojo fellow if he's been trying to win her favor since high school.

Kagome gave a laugh, "I would… if I was still ignorant to the fact that he doesn't spark anything in me; no excitement or anything. I've already gone out with him countless times during my last year of high school, as well as during Medical School… and every one of our dates ended either with me falling asleep from sheer boredom or he keeps smothering me about my health and I just call it a night not wanting to hear it.

At Black Jack's raised brow, Kagome a"Don't get me wrong, he sweet, caring, and everything- almost every girl's dream guy…" Kagome then gave what sounded like a growl of frustration before resting her forehead on the table and continued, "He's just too NICE! Not to mention he's so gullible. Give him a lie with a straight face and he'll believe it with a smile. He's also too much of a health nut for my tastes."

The man she was talking with chuckled a bit before saying, "Let me guess, he is still an intern?"

"No. He's an assistant for a fellow physician at Taisho Memorial…" Kagome frown. "He's still a bit of a newbie, recently came out of being an intern and can't really do much of anything except a simple diagnostic for common illnesses like the flu, common cold, and other such curable diseases. He told me twice, when I graduated high school and Med. School- on my may to working at a hospital I was assigned to, that he would work his hardest to become an expert in Internal Medicine so that he could work with me. Fat chance…"

"Why's that?"

"He's got a bad case of Hemaphobia, as well as Aichmaphobia." The Miko gave a rueful smirk, finding it ironic that the guy, who became a doctor because he wanted to 'cure' her, was wheezy at the sight of blood and freezes at the sight of needles directed at him.

Black Jack blinked, "he has a fear of blood and fear of needles?"

He found it strange for someone studying medicine to be afraid of what's surely to be expected in the medical field.

"Fear of sharp objects. He can't really gather enough courage to pick up a scalpel. I don't think he even had the heart to dissect a frog or large earthworm in biology. And I think I remember word in Medical school that he couldn't go through with cutting a cadaver." While Kagome wasn't the least bit bothered by blood, having seen it almost all the time during her trips to the Sengoku era, but needles, though they scared her too, she wasn't bothered by as long as they didn't stick them in her.

Her rueful smirk widened after lifting her head and sat up, giving her opinion, "I think he was better off working as a pharmacist or at least continue his family business in herbal medicine rather than become a physician in Internal Medicine."

"Sometimes there are those who want to go into the medical field because they want to do what they can to help those they care about." Black Jack pointed out, remembering old Dr. Koma building a clinic when he had little to no surgical experience and was unlicensed yet he continued to treat those who use to have to take a three-hour bus trip to the nearest hospital.

Although she knew that was how Hojo was going about in trying to win her over, Kagome couldn't help but agree with the unlicensed doctor.

Before too long, breakfast was finished with Pinoko taking the rest of the dishes to get washed but Kagome and Black Jack's conversation didn't stop.

As the uncertified doctor continued to make conversation with Kagome, he found himself liking the female surgeon more and more. She had a great personality, was smart, and valued life and her loved ones more than anything in the world. And her being physically attractive was a plus. Combine that with her career, and she would be one of the prime examples of a young woman with Beauty and Brains.

He could tell that Kagome loved her job as a surgeon and enjoyed the simpler things in life. When their conversation turned to technology development, especially when it brought everything from prosthetic limbs to machines programmed to do surgery, Kagome voiced her strong suggestion against machines doing the job that surgeons and doctors were taught and trained to do.

"I take it that you're not a fan of Dr. Shirabyoshi… or Dr. White, then?" He asked, knowing well of the doctor of cutting edge medical technology that was a talented surgeon and the most recommended by the Japan Medical Association with his machines that were be named revolutionary technology in the medical field.

But the man never considered what would happen if something when wrong with the machines he used, like malfunctioned or glitch that would put the patient in danger.

And also despite his talents and knowledge, he was also uncompromised and stubborn; sometimes never looking into a patient's charts and symptoms close enough. Not to mention he was sometimes so ready to give up when a situation turns bad.

'And he always seems like he's out to get me because I'm unlicensed…' Black Jack thought, somewhat annoyed.

"Hmph, the man depends too much on his machines when they could so easily be broken or easily quit on him during an operation. Using the methods we've been taught and trained in medical school to use are sometimes the best to save lives. And because machines and robots to perform surgery through programming from a computer, I just don't trust them when it's a surgeon's job and responsibility to handle surgical tools. I wouldn't let any of that man's toys anywhere near me if I have to go under the knife."

And what Kagome said was also true, thinking ahead and considering the consequences in order to save a life.

Of course there were times where she would have to use an electrical scalpel and such to perform a surgery but she would prefer her own hand and skill for the best interest of the patient she was treating and to make certain that she doesn't make a fatal mistake.

Although impressed by Kagome's reasoning, Black Jack never took notice of Pinoko returning from the kitchen and off to handling the rest of the laundry in a stubborn huff.

After a while, Kagome asked, "Excuse me, Sensei. Can you show me where my belongings are? I would like to try calling Ayumi back to tell her I'm all right." Not to mention she wanted her to tell her family that she was still alive, in case Eri, Yuka, or Hojo called her family and Sesshoumaru about her being thrown overboard during the recent storm.

The miko could only imagine how worried they were, especially her mother and Shippó, and most especially Sesshoumaru.

"Ah, they're in my office. Just follow me." The good doctor answered as he stood before adding, "We can also get you some shoes to wear so you won't have to walk barefoot outside."

As he was leading her to his office, Pinoko became almost more furious then before. 'How are all these women finding they're way to Doc! They have no right! I'm his wife!' she thought as she started to fold the clothes that were finished from the dryer.

In Black Jack's office, the scarred doctor handed Kagome her bag after lifting it from its place beside his desk.

Saying her thanks, Kagome dug through it and found her cell phone. She was somewhat surprised to hear from Black Jack that she got a call after it had been submerged in seawater since she forgot to pack it and some other things in plastic bags. And now to find that it wasn't soaked like her wallet and other belongings in the bag…

Then again, she thought back on what Sesshoumaru told her when he bought it for her with its phone plan.

"Considering I know how clumsy you can get outside the hospital premises, I'll be taking the liberty of putting a seal that Mugai created to keep it from getting wet or damaged in any way. Consider it a bonus that will help the phone last longer until it needs to be upgraded because it's outdated."

'Sure beats getting insurance for damages.' Kagome thought ruefully as she flipped it open and pressed Ayumi's number on her speed dial.

After ringing for a while, she heard Ayumi's familiar voice sounding hopeful that it was her and not someone else.

With a smile, Kagome answered, "Hey, Ayumi-chan. How are the others holding up? None of them told my family that I was dead right?"

On the other end, Kagome heard Ayumi gave a laugh of relief before answering, "Yeah, they're fine but pretty worried. But sadly, it was Hojo who called your family and explained what had happened. Hehe, you should've heard your grandfather over the phone. He sounded like a more frightening male version of Baba Yaga, ready to put a hex on Hojo and also sounded ready to make the trip here to hurt Hojo-kun. And Shippó-kun sounded ready to kill him. I just find it a godsend that he doesn't know Taisho-sama's number. Lord knows what he would've done if her heard that Hojo was the one who lost you at sea."

Kagome started laughing at that. "I see. Well, Jí-chan acts more like a father to me than a grandfather on many levels, so I don't blame him for wanting to put Hojo in the hospital as a patient. As for Shippó-chan… he's still my son, so he's protective of me. And yeah, I can only imagine what Taisho-sama would have in store for Hojo… and none of the results guarantee he'll survive." Kagome paused before adding, "let alone be guaranteed to the ability to procreate afterward."

The miko could imagine her Jí-chan become frightening, considering it happened once when she was little and claimed she had a boyfriend. And Shippó… she was his mother. Sons were supposed to be protective of their mothers.

Now Sesshoumaru…

Kagome shuddered at what torture he would put Hojo through if the Daiyoukai turned billionaire of the medical industry found out what happened to her when he was responsible for her wellbeing.

Pushing those frightening thoughts to the back of her mind, Kagome asked, "So where are you guys now?"

Black Jack overheard a bit of the conversation and had to hold back a surprised sound when he over heard Kagome's friend mentioning something about her grandfather putting someone in the hospital. But then again, he had to hold back a laugh, picturing an old man trying his hardest to do bodily harm to a young man.

But he became even more shocked to hear Kagome say something about there being no guarantee of someone surviving by her boss's wrath.

On the other end of Kagome's cell phone, Ayumi answered the miko's question, "We're at a motel, not far from the marina we docked and are getting ready to sail back to Tokyo Bay's marina. I managed to get away from the others to take your call. Yuka and Eri are starting to feel guilty for not following your lead in gathering their stuff in case something bad happened and regret listening to Hojo about the storm."

"I see." Kagome said softly, wondering what course of action she should take next before hearing Ayumi ask, "You want me to tell them you're okay?"

Although it was pretty certain that her friend probably didn't want that, Ayumi still wanted to ask. Sometimes it gave her the chance to allow the three in question to squirm a bit and would be the only way she would have any time to herself that allowed her to relax before having to go back to work.

There was a pause at Kagome's end of the line before she answered in a calm and firm voice, "No. Let this be a lesson to Hojo that not even he knows everything about the world and its forms of life. And Yuka and Eri… they need to learn that just because the guy has good looks and can be sweet, it doesn't mean their smarts are as bright as the whites of their teeth."

Kagome's voice then turned soft as she continued, "But please do tell my family that I'm okay as well as any search parties Hojo asked for help from. And also tell the head of Taisho Memorial, Taisho-sama. I'm sure that they're worried enough as it is. Also tell Taisho-sama that I'll still be taking my vacationing time and will return for a day to check on my patients and take up any emergency surgeries before I head out again to finish my vacationing time."

After another short pause, she spoke again, "On second thought… go ahead and tell Hojo and the girls that I'm okay too. I'm just not going to tell them where I am spending the rest of my vacation without them. And also if they try to call me, I'll just ignore their calls and I'll speak to them once I get back."

"All right, I'll do that… despite not telling them where you are, is kind of cruel, even for you… especially if you're going to ignore their calls if they try to contact you."

"Well… you can thank our boss for rubbing his 'evilness' on me. Besides, I wanted to use my vacation for real relaxation and spending time with my son and my family from the beginning. Not go on a boat ride and party out at sea with a chance of me getting drunk and sleeping with Hojo, like Eri and Yuka may have hoped for." Kagome's last line made her smirk as she heard Black Jack almost choke.

"Yeah, I remember you saying that when we were shopping for new swimsuits. By the way, you still need to teach me how to predict the change in weather. It's better than turning the TV on for a weather report that's not even accurate."

Kagome laughed, "Yes, yes. I know. I'll teach you at our next vacationing time."

Deciding to let her friend go before Eri, Yuka, or Hojo catch her on talking to her, Kagome spoke, "Well, I'm gonna let you go before you're caught red-handed talking to me… but thanks for everything Ayumi-chan. Remember; you can tell the others I'm okay but if they're gonna try calling me to find out where I am or ask if I'm okay, I'm not going to take their calls until I'm back in Tokyo. I plan on spending the rest of my vacation alone to relax and party-free."

With a laugh, Ayumi agreed before both said their goodbyes and hung up.

Putting her phone back in her bag, she looked to Black Jack and noticed he had a surprised, almost shocked expression on his face. She smiled, asking with a laugh, "What?"

"N-nothing. I'm just shocked to hear what would've most likely happened if you hadn't gone overboard in the storm…" To say that Black Jack was shocked was an understatement. Although he wasn't ignorant to what usually happened between two people after being intoxicated, he was still speechless at how Kagome had phrased her words about what two of her own friends were hoping to happen.

He heard her speak before replying, "Like I had said. They have been trying to get me to hook up with Hojo since high school. I'm just… appalled that Hojo would tell my family what happened soon after docking on the closest Marina before he could even start trying to find me."

"Sounds like he's confused as to what to do… and taking full responsibility for what happened." Black Jack deducted before asking, "So you're really not going to take the call of any of your friends while you stay in town?"

"Yeah, but just Yuka, Eri, and Hojo 'cause I know they will not let me be at all. But I will take the calls of my family, my boss, and any colleagues in case of emergency."

After a bit of silence passed between them before Kagome asked, "So… shall we look for any makeshift shoes in my size?"

DONE! Sorry it took so long. I got the internet back and finished watching the entire series of Black Jack 21- another Black Jack series that gives fans a look into Black Jack's past and the reasons why his mother died and such. It's really awesome, I know that many will enjoy it.

Anyways, please review. They're most appreciated. Suggestions and ideas are welcome but Flamers with their flames can hit the road.

xoxox

Medical References

Hemaphobia – Fear of Blood

Aichmaphobia – Fear of needles and/or sharp objects