Bankotsu's POV
"Okay, I'm back! Tell me what you got!" I say as I storm into Sesshomaru and Kagome's living room, tossing my car keys onto my coffee table. Dear god, her scent is stale in here! We met up two days ago, and agreed to split up and search all of Tokyo. Now, we're sharing information.
"Calm down. Have a seat." Inutaisho pushes me down onto a chair, whispering, "The women are already in tears. Don't need you hyperventilating."
Taking a few breaths, I ask, "So, what do we know?"
Inuyasha sighs, slumping into his chair. "Well, Kagome's been missing for about six, seven days." He begins ticking them off on his fingers. "For some reason, the fucking police ain't doin' shit! And, Sesshomaru knows the rest. He did some deep spy work or something."
As if on cue, Sesshomaru stalks into the living room, looking like shit. He holds up a file and tells us what he knows. "Kagome has been seen on Tamai Drive this past week. She has, otherwise, not been spotted."
"Fantastic." I grunt. "All we know is that she went downtown. We don't know where she's staying; who she's with, if she's eating. And this goddamn city is so polluted; I couldn't pick her smell out if she was right next door."
"Calm down, Bankotsu. We'll find her." I tap my foot in annoyance, glaring at my father. The nerve of him! 'We'll find her!' When?! We don't even fucking know where she is! She could be in Paris with Jak, or with Naraku or…Naraku!
"Bankotsu!"
I look up to find everyone glaring at me and roll my eyes. "What?"
Inuyasha growls. "Why the hell were you doing that annoying humming?"
"It's what I do when I think." I beam. "And I hum louder when I have an idea!"
"That sick smile is freaking me out, man."
Sending him a glare, I hop up from my seat. "You all sit here. I'm going to follow my hunch and find my baby sister. I've got the perfect idea." I snatch up my keys and sprint out. 'I'm coming, Kagome!'
Kagome's POV
I hold my queasy stomach as I read the aisle labels in the drugstore. 'Canned goods, candy, snacks, toys, trinkets, school supplies, tampons! Yes, it should be on the tampons aisle!' Rushing onto the aisle, I glance on both sides, looking for what I need. The small boxes are sitting next to a few boxes of depends. I grab two of the most expensive ones and read them over. After deciding on the second box, I go to the counter and sit it down.
The perky cashier squeals. "Wow, you're buying-"
"Shh!" I hush her. Thank god I'm disguised as a red headed American. "I want." I gesture toward the box in broken Japanese. "I want box."
She nods. "Lucky you. I wish I could need one."
"Yes, sure."
She scans it. "Okay, there you are."
Paying for it, I bow a few times too many, "Thank you very much," and I hurry from the store. Once at the hotel, I eye the box, toss it aside, and go to the bathroom.
Naraku's POV
I glare at his telephone. Four days and she hasn't called. How fucking long does it take to check into a hotel and call?! I pace back and forth, trying to determine whether or not to call her. I was an idiot for kicking her out. I should have taken what she had to offer, but noooo. I made her leave in the middle of the night! Can I be any more of an idiot?! I'll call her cell! Shit, no. Obviously, she would ignore my call. Perhaps if I- I frown when I hear a knock. Perhaps it is Kagome. Racing down the stairs, I pause at the door, run my fingers through my hair, and open it…only to reveal my love's asshole of a half brother.
"Why, hello there, Bankotsu. Is there something I can do for you?"
"Where is my sister?" My, straight to the point, isn't he?
Crossing my arms, I block the doorway as he tries to enter. "Not here. In fact, I have not seen sweet, succulent Kagome in quite some time."
He snorts. "Can the fucking bull! Kags told me everything, all about your relationship."
"So you know how many times I've fucked your sister's back out?" I mentally curse. Why can I never handle things calmly? It is as if I enjoy damning myself.
"You bastard!" He lunges at me, knocking me to the floor with a punch to his face. Scowling, I return the favor with two swift punches to the gut and chest. "Tell me where she is! I smell her!"
Snarling as I feel his fist crash into my chin, causing my head to snap back, I flip him onto his back. "If you can smell her, then you should know that she has not been here for at least three days!"
"Well she hasn't been home in a week, so where is she?!" He asks angrily, sitting up and clenching his fists at his sides.
"I have no idea, you pathetic fool." I rise to a standing point, and reply. "I told her to check into a hotel, then call me. She has not done such, and I do not know where she is."
Grunting, he stands and brushes himself off, heading to the door, "Hey, lemme ask you a question? Do you really fuck my sister? Or…do you make love to her."
"I make love to your sister."
"Smart answer, Onigumo." He leaves, closing the door.
'Onigumo?' He can't possibly know that! It's goddamn impossible! All files have been hidden! He obviously said something else. Many names sound alike. Perhaps he cursed me or something, but he did not call me by my name.
Kagome's POV
'We go home soon?'
'I suppose we have to, huh?'
'Yes.'
'I'm afraid to.'
'Afraid?'
'I know if I keep Sesshomaru in a relationship he doesn't want to be in, he'll come to hate me. I don't want him to hate me.'
'Stay gone, and he still be in relationship.'
'Yeah…Let me get dinner. It's late, and I'm starving. After I eat, I'll go back, okay.'
'Kay.'
I look into the mirror. 'What do I want to look like tonight? Ohh, a blond…with emerald eyes.' Imagining myself that way, I allow my aura to blaze around me, and once it has retracted, there I am. After pulling on a hat and a pair of shades just to be safe, I slide on a jacket and leave the hotel, catching a cab.
'What do you think he will do when we arrive?'
'Master?'
'Yes, Sesshomaru.'
'Master greet. He yell for leaving. He ignore again in days.'
'Yeh. You're right.'
I get out of the cab at an ATM, waving the driver off then pulling out my wallet. I slide my bank card into the machine and wait. 'How much money? 4,000 yen ought to be good.' After extracting the needed cash, I turn to leave and am met face to face with a masked man. I back away, but he grabs my arm.
A sick smirk appears on his exposed mouth and he drags me into an alley, covering my mouth. "I want that money, bitch."
Shakily, I hand the human my money. If he were youkai, I could purify the hell out of him, but he's human. I'm defenseless.
"What the hell?!" He slaps me to the ground. "This is bullshit! I got kids at home, waiting for daddy to bring them back some groceries! What the hell will this buy me when there's 10 mouths to feed?!"
"I-I didn't get more."
He curses, kicking me in my side and causing me to sputter up a little blood. "Fine. I'll just take this!" He rips my purse off my arm, then the bracelet from my arm. His eyes shine when he sees my wedding ring. "Ooh, look at the carats on that!"
"No." I whimper, trying to pull my hand back. "Anything but this!" This is my only signs that Sesshomaru once loved me are my ring and bracelet. I cry out as he sends another quick, but strong kick to my back and punches me in the eyes.
"Shut up. "He covers my mouth. "Scream and I'll slit your throat!" He pulls a knife from his pocket and flashes it at me. "Understand?" When I nod, he pulls his hand back and grabs mine. Sliding the ring from my finger, he chuckles. "Nice. I can get lots off of this."
"My wedding ring, my bracelet," I whisper, cringing when he places the sword against my neck instantly. My neck is warm with the blood that covers it in no time. When I nod at his silent warning, he slaps me one last time and leaves. "He could have killed me. I could have been dead."
I pull myself up, covering my neck with my hand. Stumbling out of the alley, I read the street sign. 'Konoi…I'm not too far from home.' I resume my true form and run, despite the pain in my side, to my home, the only things on my mind are my wedding ring, my bracelet, Amaimaru, and Sesshomaru.
Normal POV
"Sesshomaru," Kenji said tiredly, "please help me to understand. I'm tired. I'm worried. I'm sad. It's the middle of the night. I need to know. If Kagome hasn't been taken, why would she just run off?"
So there it was. The question that meant he had to bare all. But could he? Could he bring himself to confess his sins to the very people who could take his mate away from him? Was he ready to do it?
"Sesshomaru?"
The daiyoukai inhaled. He had no choice. Perhaps it could help them to find Kagome. "Kenji, Kagome left because-"
"Sesshomaru!" Kagome's voice! "Sesshomaru!" The family turned to face the door when the servants helped to bring in a dirty, wounded, ragged, tired Kagome. "Sesshomaru!" She ran into his arms, crying in relief and left over fear.
"Kagome." He embraced her tightly, loosening his grip slightly when she winced. "Kagome, where have you been? Why are you wounded?" He held her at arms length, pushed her head back, and eyed the cut on her neck. It wasn't too deep.
"I was robbed." She whimpered, showing him her hand. "And he took my wedding ring! And the bracelet you gave to me for the mating!"
"Oh, Kagome." He held her to him again. Whoever had done this would pay. They'd harmed his mate. They'd taken the ring he'd given her. They'd even taken the bracelet that his mother had told him to give to the woman he would love for eternity. They were dead.
Bankotsu grabbed the one, dialing 119, "Yes. I need you to send someone over to the Tokyo Mansion immediately. Lady Kagome Taisho has been robbed and wounded. Yes. Thank you." Hanging up the phone, he sighed, "Kagome, stop crying, please."
She shook her head against Sesshomaru's chest. "I thought he was going to kill me, that I'd never see any of you aga-a-ainn!"
"Okay, Taisho-sama," The officer bowed, "three men are about to enter that room." He pointed to the two way mirror. "And we'll have them step forward, say their lines, and step back so you can recognize him. Do you think you can handle that, Lady?"
Kagome nodded, staring through the mirror as three masked men of nearly the same height stepped into the room. "You can start."
"First, I need you to tell me something he said, so that you can recognize his voice."
"He said…He said…" But she could not remember much that he had said. All she remembered was, "Scream, and I'll slit your throat." She whispered lowly. She felt Sesshomaru squeeze her hand in comfort.
"Okay," He pressed a small intercom button, "Number one, step forward and read the lines on the teleprompter," He ordered after typing in the phrase.
The first male stepped forward, crossed his arms, and barked, "Scream, and I'll slit your throat."
When the officer turned to Kagome, she shook her head and he screamed, "Next!"
The second man stepped forward and huffed, muttering, "Scream, and I'll slit your throat."
Again, Kagome shook her head, and the officer said, "Third one, step up."
The third guy shakily moved forward and read, "Scream, and I'll slit your throat."
"Again! Like you mean it!"
"Scream and I'll slit your throat!" He snarled.
Kagome jumped back into Sesshomaru, a hand over her chest. It was him. "That one, Sesshomaru."
The Daiyoukai's eyes hardened as he gazed upon the jittering human. Looking to the officer, he spoke, "She says that it is the fool standing there, shaking."
"The rest of you head back out to Officer Takada. Number three, you stay."
"I swear, I didn't know she was the Lady of the west! She had blond hair last night, and green eyes! She didn't look like the lady! Milord, I would never purposely harm your mate." His eyes rolled over the mirror. He couldn't see through it, so he threw himself at the glass, crying and pleading. "Milord!"
Kagome felt a shock run through her heart when he hit the glass, he she turned, burying her face in Sesshomaru's shoulder. She didn't know why she was so terrified of a mere human, but just looking at him sent chills up her spine. She couldn't help but remember what he'd done, how he'd done it, the fear that had coursed through her and paralyzed her.
Sesshomaru growled. "Human, stop your groveling." He caressed Kagome's back gently. "Takashi," he said to the officer, "I want him delivered to my office tomorrow. He will pay."
"D-don't kill him, Sesshomaru. Just let him go to jail." Kagome whimpered. "Don't hurt him."
"He harmed and frightened you."
"Don't hurt him." She said again.
The officer cleared his throat. "Um, perhaps you would like to go get your things, Lady Kagome?" He was partially stunned when she nodded and grabbed his hand, latching on to him as they left the room. "He cannot hurt you anymore, milady. Especially not with Lord Sesshomaru here."
"I know." Kagome walked with him behind a counter, to where her purse, bracelet, money, and ring sat. A smile came to her face as she slid the ring onto her finger. She handed the officer the bracelet. "Would you mind putting this on for me?"
"Of course, milady." Carefully, he placed the bracelet around her raw wrist, jumping when she winced. "I'm sorry. Did I hurt you?"
"No." She eyed her wrist. "That man did when he ripped the bracelet off. He nearly broke it, it's so old. Maybe I should have it reinforced."
Officer Takashi nodded. "Perhaps you should." He waited as she slid her money into her purse. "I have some business to handle. Can you make it back on your own?"
Kagome nodded. "I think I'm better now." Sliding her purse onto her shoulder, she left the room. Once she rounded the corner, she leaned against the wall, unzipped her purse, and withdrew the small white stick that was wrapped in toilet paper.
Sesshomaru's POV
"Kagome, you have been quiet ever since we left the police station." I reach to grab her hand, frowning when she moves it. "Is something wrong?"
"No. It's nothing you need to worry about. I'm okay." She lies. Her scent reeked of a lie and something he couldn't quite gage.
"Are you sure? You have nothing to fear. That male will be dealt with."
Kagome nods slowly as I pull into the driveway. "Of course. My mate will keep me safe. He does love me, after all." Unbuckling her seatbelt, she climbs out of the car, slams her door, and rushes up the stairs to the door.
Confused, I hurry after her as she searches her purse for her keys. "What do you mean by that, miko?"
"Nothing, Sesshomaru. I just know you'll keep me secure and safe." She pushes the door open, going inside.
Calmly, I lean against a while as she rushes into her father's open arms. 'What could she possibly mean by that? Has she begun doubting my love again?'
'Cannot blame. Wench make us ignore mate. That why mate run off.'
'I cannot help it. Would you rather have her leave us forever, or for a short period of time?'
'If she be happy gone…let mate leave.'
My eyes widen slightly in surprise. 'You can't possibly mean that. I asked the very same question merely months ago, and you decided that you wanted her here.'
'But look at mate. Mate depressed.'
I glance at her, taking in her appearance. She does look rather down. 'Hn.'
'No hurt more.'
'I cannot let her go. It is impossible. I love her, and she will simply have to figure that out.' That decided, I ignore all else my beast has to say.
Kagome continues to hug the members of our family, finishing off with her friend Sango. "Sango, may I talk to you…in private?"
"Private?"
"Yes."
"Okay. Um, let's go upstairs then."
Normal POV
"Sango," Kagome said, closing the door to her library, "you're my best friend. Can I tell you something, and you want judge me?"
"Kagome, I'm your best friend. That's guaranteed." 'She's finally going to tell me about that dark fellow from the club.'
"Okay, do you remember that guy, from the club?"
Sango nodded to show her understanding. "Yeah. The one with the dark hair and red eyes."
"Okay." Kagome inhaled deeply. "His name is Naraku Kuro, and I've been sleeping with him for a few months now…And I'm pregnant, but I don't know whether the father is Sesshomaru or him."
'Pregnant? Kagome's pregnant?! And she doesn't know who the father is?!' Her understanding expression quickly melted to one of utter rage. She lifted her hand, crushing her fist into Kagome's jaw, warranting a scream from the unsuspecting woman.
The miko lifted a hand to her cheek, cupping it. "You hit me."
"You bitch! How the hell could you?!" 'I can't have children, and she goes and gets pregnant! Then she doesn't know who the father is, when Sesshomaru loves her without a doubt!'
"You wench!" Kagome lunged at her friend, causing her to fall to the floor and hit her head on the wall.
*Downstairs*
"You guys hear yelling?" Bankotsu asked, and the question was followed by a loud shriek and a crash. Sesshomaru was the first out of the room, followed by the rest.
Sesshomaru pushed open the door to his office, shocked to see his mate punching her friend in the face. The others filtered in behind him, mouths gaping. Miroku tapped his chin, trying to decide whether or not to break it up.
"You're an idiot!" Kagome punched her again.
Sango kicked her in the stomach, forcing her off. "And you're a slut."
"Watch what you say. I'm demon now, Sango. Those could be your last words." She lunged again, only to find Sesshomaru's arms circling her waist. "Let me go! I'll kill her!"
"Kill me?" Sango laughed. "Demon or not, you're just as pathetic and weak as you ever were." She giggled in amusement when Kagome struggled against him. "You're a weak excuse of a woman."
"Well, at least I'm woman enough to have had a child." Kagome sneered.
The smile instantly wiped from the other woman's face. "Bitch!" She cried, running at her, only to be grabbed by her husband.
"What's wrong with you two? What happened?" Miroku asked as he fought to maintain his grip on his wife.
"Kagome, I thought you were smarter than that! I thought you were kind, selfless, forgiving."
Kagome calmed in the arms of her mate. "And I thought you were my friend, someone who was on my side for a change, who I could talk too. I thought I could tell you that without you punching me in the fist. I guess we were both wrong. Get out of my house. You're no longer welcome. Sesshomaru, let me down so I can attend to my new wound." She said, covering the cut on her forehead from Sango's wedding ring. Once released, she left the room.
Sango licked her bloodied lip and scowled. "I could fucking care less. I got the first and last hit, bitch! Miroku, let's go." Breaking from his grip, she stormed out of the room.
"I'm sorry about Sango, Sesshomaru. I don't know what's been getting to her lately. She overreacts to everything."
"Miroku!"
"Coming dearest!" Crossing his arms, he sighed. "Call me to let me know if Kagome's okay."
Sesshomaru watched the male leave, before leaving to check on his mate. He found her lying on the bed, a band-aid on her forehead, and an icepack on her lip. "Miko,"
Kagome sighed, "Don't give me that look. She hit me first." Rolling over, she sniffed back her tears, "Or are you going to be like her, and choose any other side but mine." 'What have I gotten myself into?' She curled up into a ball, and sobbed, "Just go away, Sesshomaru."
He frowned, but left nonetheless, returning to his library.
"So, how is she?" Inuyasha asked.
"In tears, curled into the fetal position." He replied.
"And you left her?" Sota cried.
"She wished to be alone." Sesshomaru replied, looking around his trashed library. 'My mate was robbed, then attacked by her bestfriend…Damnit.'
