Declaimer: I don't own Inuyasha or any of the characters there own by Rumiko Takahashi (bows)

Note: This Chapter has been beta read by RiaChan a well deserved thank you to her for putting up with my crazy imagination (bows) Enjoy CloudsLover

Summary: Kagome Higurashi had made a knot to something she didn't want to attach herself too and prosecutor Sesshomaru Taisho was that very string that held both their destinies together…

'Thoughts'

"Mouths moving"

Flash backs or a dream

Marrying the Mafia

By: CloudsLover

Chapter Nine

Ties

Sesshomaru watched her taxi drive off not before memorizing the cabs registration number '347B2' he would be sure to check the cabs final destination in the morning for Miss. Kagome Shinto had sparked his curiosity, there was something about her that seemed to call out to him 'an enigma' could easily describe the seventeen year old girl. His current thoughts were cut off when his cell phone began to ring "Ginta" he guessed as he answered seeing as how said man called him just moments before and smirked at being right.

"Every single time…" Ginta voiced on the other side as he shivered never getting used to Sesshomaru knowing it was him, he had sometimes wondered if Sesshomaru had his number under a different ringtone "Did you even check the number this time" Ginta asked out of the blue causing Sesshomaru to wonder if Ginta need some time off before sending him undercover "Don't answer that… We need you to come to the office, its important" without waiting for his response Ginta hung up; a few seconds later his phone rang once more, this time he did glance at the number before answering

"I'm on my way, Sango" and hung up wondering when his team would stop testing out his picture perfect memory, they were far too predictable. Making his way back towards his apartment he contemplated if he should just leave his phone out to ease their curiosity. He smiled, since a few months ago it had become somewhat like his secret past time 'no, messing with them was still amusing' he told himself as he finally reached his apartment, which Inuyasha seemed to be waiting for him in alarm

"Did she make it home alright" Was the first thing that came out of his brothers mouth, the confusion on his face told Inuyasha enough that he had no idea of what he was talking about "There's been a murder close to here with Kagome's description… we thought… I mean Eri thinks it might have been Kagome" that's when he noticed said girl crying in the arms of Hojo who was trying and failing to show that he was not panicking along with her "What the hell is going on Sesshomaru" that moment his phone rang

"Speak" he answered rather harshly for it wasn't the time to be messing around. There was a pause at the other end of the line as Ginta's voice was clearly heard among all of the commotion "speak louder"

"They found a body…" Ginta shouted above all of the noise "it's bad Sesshomaru, if it wasn't for the girls school Identification Card we wouldn't even know her name… Sango thinks it maybe involve with the tempted kidnapping from earlier today" Sesshomaru glared towards the Television as he watched his men on live TV try to manage the situation. Because it seemed the media got there approximately the same time as his men did "I ordered some men to push back the news media but they can only hold them off for so long, they need you there… Sango and I will be there shortly"

"You're not needed" Sesshomaru grabbed his coat and keys not before adding "the media is present we need your faces kept secret from the public… all eyes are watching" He glanced towards his brother who continued to frown as he easily kept up with his passé

"We can't do that, Sesshomaru" Ginta had stated bluntly to his head chief "You are short handed as it is… you need us there" Sango's cursing was soon heard in the background as she voiced her own opining on the matter at hand "I'm not repeating that" Ginta quickly shouted back before continuing "Look, you might be my ranking officer but like hell are you going to make me and Sango sit this one out" Sesshomaru frowned at Sango's very un-lady like manner continued on in the background

"Hide your features, meet you there in ten" has he reached his car he turned fully to meet his brother head on "look, this is work I can't tell you what's going on… but rest assure that Miss. Shinto was sent safely home" Inuyasha relaxed somewhat as if a heavy burned was just lifted off of his shoulders "I'll call you later, I might not be home tonight so don't wait up… when your friends leave call a taxi, there's some emergency money hidden behind my dresser" he rested his hand on his brothers shoulders and gave it a gentle squeeze "just enough to send them home"

"I understand" Inuyasha watched his older brother get into his car and drive off and hoped that his brothers' guarding angel was at his best tonight for it seemed his brother was headed into battle.

Kagome sat in silence, because the man she just left behind was a cop and in the division of organized crime 'his job is to track us down' she always been aware that law enforcement were in away looking for her. And as future leader of one of the most powerful gangs in the region; she had been close on giving her identity away and that was unacceptable 'Sesshomaru… no, Prosecutor Sesshomaru Taisho' she remained herself as she quickly came up with a plan "you heard him, he gave me fifty" she voiced catching the driver off guard

"Excuse me" the man called back confused, since she had yet to give her distension

"I'll give you double if you drop me off a few more blocks from here and forget you ever saw me" it was easy money how could he refuse.

Kagome smiled as the driver did as she asked without question; exiting the cab she handed over the cash and slammed the door shut "Hey you sure you don't want me to…" she shook her head causing him to shrug and drove off not even looking back not that she noticed for she had far much more to worry about.

Kagome glanced around her surrounding and began to strategies as she debated her next move 'I really can't do anything while dressed like this" she glanced down at her uniform, she had no choose but to contact Miroku; walking towards a pay phone she searched for some change in her bag to make the necessary call, after a couple of rings he answered with

"Miroku, what's your pleasure" it wasn't so surprising that he would answer his phone in that way for she had more than once heard him open with a much worse greeting.

"Hoshi, I need my fighting gear" without giving him time to ask questions she continued soon after with her location "meet me here in fifteen minutes and Hoshi I do mean now" she expected retaliation but all she got was

"Be there soon" and a dead tone soon after, she stared at the handset

"He hung up…" she chuckled for only Miroku would dare to do such a thing, hanging up the handset she leaned against the cool booth door as she waited for his arrival. "It has gotten complicated…" she told herself which only caused her to sigh, she could only wonder if Miroku would ever truly understand her 'perhaps not…' she thought for just a year ago he had been a total stranger that was pulled into her world, a world she and her brother had always known since children and understood to well the dangers that laid within "I'll tell him… soon" she whispered to herself knowing the reason why she was delaying the unavoidable for she had lost both her parents at a young age and she would be damned if she lost anyone else that she held so dear.

She could still recall her bothers screams as he awoke from yet another nightmare "Mommy…" even thou she had been young; she had quickly become aware about how quickly things could easily change "Mommy… mommy… I want my mommy" he had been three when their mother had died "sis…" what could a five year old girl say when she too was grieving the loss of a parent.

As far as she could remember it had always been just the three of them. Their father had died a few months after Souta's birth "I'm your grandfather… I'm here to take you home" they always seemed to be on the run from a man her mother always seemed to have resented "You can hate me all you want… but that doesn't change the fact that I'm all you got" He was wrong she had told herself; because her brother was standing beside her shacking "I lost your mother… I won't lose you or your brother…"

Footsteps were quickly approaching causing her to focus away from the past "Kagome" Miroku's voice was heard as he quickly walked towards her "what's going on" he asked after handing over the things she had asked for "Did something happened" taking the bag she motioned for him to turn his back so she could change, using the phone booth as a changing room she answered

"I need to track some punks down" she called back for his ears only as she quickly changed out of her uniform and into her usual fighting gear, walking outside of the phone booth she began to gather her hair into a high ponytail not before tossing Miroku both her bags and smiling because she was up for a fight "it seems they wanted a piece of me and I'm never one to disappoint"

"What do you mean" Miroku asked as they made their way down towards Tokyo's Main street leaving behind his car he had used to drive there "you were almost jumped… where, when… by who" to these Kagome grew serious as did Miroku after every single inquiry.

"It seems that some of the members of the band are currently active… I only want to verify it once more with my own eyes" Miroku nodded as they continued down the street knowing to well that she meant her fist will be confirming that for them. They didn't go far for Miroku's cell phone rang once before answering, which he started to wonder why Kagome didn't carry one with her "Who is it, Souta" he nodded as he remained silent "What does he want" they slowly came to a stop ignoring her all together as he finally spoke

"Yes, I'm with her now… don't worry we'll be back soon" without saying anything else he grabbed Kagome's hand and began to make their way back towards his car "We need to head back"

"What, why… didn't you hear me say, that the band tired to jump me" she didn't fight him even thou she could have easily released herself from his grip "they deserve an ass kicking Miroku and it's my duty to be the one to hand it to them" everything froze as Miroku whispered

"A body, a body was found… close to clan territory" she could now easily figure out Miroku's current distress and why her brother had called.

"They thought that poor girl was me, didn't they" she looked away unable to meet Miroku's eyes for she was growing frustrated at his serious state "They didn't have to worry…"

"Says who" Miroku shot back pulling her hand has he drew her towards him bring down his face to be inches away from her own "you: almighty clan leader…" she clenched her hands into fist as he continued with "fine, I'll be the first to admit: you're an excellent fighter and can easily take care of yourself, but that doesn't mean we can't worry about you"

"That's not what I meant" she fired back as he held open the passenger door after she pulled her hand away from his hold "I refuse do go back…" not after he practically lectured her like a small child "with you"

"You were the one that called me here, you have no other excuses" she glared at him as he tossed her bags behind the passenger seat "get in" he ordered once more, she was being childish she was well aware of that fact; but it was that freedom that she had with Miroku and only him that she had ever felt at ease in doing so "get in the car" she continued to glare

"I should kick your ass" Miroku smiled as she reluctantly sat inside the front passenger seat, since now she was done making a fool of herself

"You know I would love to see you try… especially when you wear does tight…" she interrupted him when she practically shouted

"Close the door" Miroku's laughter was easily heard from outside of the car causing her to smile in return 'that flirt' she was thankful that they seemed to be back as to how they used to be "Miroku" they remained quiet for a few seconds more after he sat behind the driver's seat and started up the car "I'm getting married" was past her lips before she even had the time to stop them, they had begun to grow further apart and last night's events was the small pebble that had started it all "This, what we have… won't last" she whispered, which only caused him to grip the steering wheel as he answered back sadly

"I know…" in a way they both knew it was an early goodbye and it was heartbreaking "When" was all he asked because as much as her men believed him to be a part of the clan, Miroku himself had never truly seen himself as one and in a way it was the best. He might just one day choose to disappear again; leaving them, leaving her as if he had never existed.

'You foolish flirt' they were unaware that she was destined to lose so much more "By the end of the year" she finally answered 'won't you stay with me awhile longer'

"I see" he said nothing more. Because there was nothing for them to say; they were both very much aware that by that time he was gone Kagome Shinto was good as dead.

Sesshomaru stared at the brief report before him as he tried to figure out what he was going to say to the media "You sure it isn't a serial killer" because all current victims were of the same description "by the looks of this report all female victims could easily be related" Sango nodded as she took off the face mask she had been wearing during their inspection of the crime scene.

"It would seem our unknown suspect has a thing for brunettes…" Sango shutter as she recalled the bloody scene from moments before, cause of death was easily confirmed "late teens … brown eyes and very pretty… your typical girl next door" she sighed, there were many possible victims if their suspect was escalating to becoming a serial killer "We have four attempted kidnapping… in the last ten hours" Sesshomaru glanced at his watch and noticed it was past nine "this has to be a group effort" it was all speculation seeing as this one ended in murder "this seems slightly personal"

"Or mistaken identity" Sango looked up from her report to his pondering and quickly added her input

"As if this group or person is in search for a particular someone" it made sense seeing as how many girls were targeted "for all report indicate as well as our dead victim that nothing was stolen" this wasn't just a robbery gone wrong and that's what caused them to worry "the question now is if this is the girl they were looking for" the damage that their victims face obtain was leading him to believe only one thing and that answer was

"No… that might be the reason why they or he killed her" whoever they were looking for Sesshomaru had a feeling that she was far more important alive than dead "When did they say they would send us the CCTV around the area" they had yet established the time of death, which would only explain if their murdered victim was the first kidnapping attempt or last, he looked up and noticed that Sango held up two fingers "that better be two minutes"

"Twenty" Sango practically spit out as she finally closed her report and put on her face mask "I'll send Ginta, it might be best if he transfers all footage than that moron that stood behind the counter" Sesshomaru voiced nothing as Sango exited the van.

Sesshomaru gather all the pictures with that of their murdered victim and frowned "Shinto" quickly came to mind, because Shinto could easily fit the criteria of their victims "could she possible been one of their targets" since he didn't want to admit it. not yet that his brothers' friend could have possible been the fifth victim "mistaken identity" if he had not been present at the time would he now been looking at her picture along with the rest that now laid before him.

"Sesshomaru" He looked up away from one of the reports "the reporters are getting restless…"

"I understand…" Sesshomaru stood from his seat and left the privacy of the van and walked out to the public eye as flashes of cameras began to set off the moment he stood before reporters "We are aware that you have questions… and I will answer them as best I can without hindering our on going investigation"

"Have you identified the victim's killer?" Sesshomaru grow serious as question after question came at him "do you have any leads on finding the killer" "has her family been inform of her murder" "is it true there has been more victims" "will more girls show up dead"

"One at a time, your questions will be answered" Sesshomaru voiced as the reports began to calm down giving him the need time to respond "We are currently looking into leads and have already notified the victims family… which their identity and that of the victims will be unknown until this investigation is closed, please give them the privacy they deserve seeing as to how their daughter has been victimized in this heinous crime" there were murmurs among the small crowd "as I speak my men are looking into the attempted kidnappings from this afternoon to determent if they are even connected to this crime" it was going to be a hell of a night and he hoped that no more victims would appear "seeing as our suspect is still at large I would like to ask the public to remain in groups if they need to venture out at night seeing as our suspect likes to attack those who are alone… that is all" and walked away without another word.

"Sesshomaru… we got the footage" a masked Ginta ran up to him as he quickly lead him back to the van where Sango wait with the surveillance footage.

"Have you heard anything from the medical examiner" Sesshomaru asked as they made their way into the van, not even waiting for a response he continued on with "is his report ready" Ginta nodded as he handed over the brief report.

"Time and cause of death have been confirmed, indicating that we are looking at our first victim…" Sesshomaru frowned, it would be far more difficult for them to connect. Since those kidnappings had not ended with more victims dying "we might just be looking at a different case all together"

"Let's take a look at the footage before making our final decision" he still remembered the group of men that had tried to attack his brothers' friend.

"I understand" Ginta voiced as he sat beside Sango who was currently connecting the surveillance footage to the monitors before them "Sango, is it ready"

"Of course" her smile didn't last long as the footage before her began to run its course "a group" Sesshomaru's eyes narrowed as he easily recognized one of the men who had been present in Shinto's attack "Sesshomaru, sir…"

"Send this footage to headquarters, as of now Yuri and Shika will replace you both" Ginta and Sango were just about to protest "you are here by suspended" he sent them an unspoken order 'it starts tonight' Ginta and Sango where now to be his shadow.

"We understand" Ginta and Sango glanced towards each other "I'll see you on the other side" she was nervous and it showed

"Don't get yourselves killed… that's an order" Sango's resolve hardened as well as Ginta who playfully smiled and sent him a serious

"Yes, Sir" with that being said both of his coworkers were gone.

Sesshomaru stared at the footage before him and frowned for he counted six men present and he was certain that this same group only had five when he had encountered them just a few hours ago "one has gone missing" that's when he noticed her, a slim figure holding onto a bloody weapon "Seven" there had been seven, was this the person who was behind the crimes that occurred that day, all visual was soon lost for his mystery girl had destroyed the camera with said weapon. His cell phone soon rang "Sesshomaru speaking"

"Sir" Shika's voice shook for it was the first time he had ever called the man who was well known to be the tyrant of sector 305 "we have gotten hold of the CCTV footage… what are your orders"

"Identify all individuals present on that footage, Yuri and yourself will now be part of my team" in away Shika and Yuri reminded Sesshomaru of Ginta and Sango back in their academy days "you will now answer directly to me, understand"

"Yes, sir" both Shika and Yuri's voices were heard. Sesshomaru hoped that they were ready because it was far darker on the filed than behind a desk. And since both Shika and Yuri had yet to have any work experience outside of the field, Sesshomaru felt as if he was tossing them into deep water without the proper equipment for an excavation "we'll get straight to work" they sounded confidant which would have to do for the time being and with that being said Sesshomaru hung up.

"There had been seven… but only five were present" He paused the recording once the female individual appeared whose features were covered by her hooded jacked "Why kill this girl and not the others… what changed" that question of course would not be answered so easily it seemed, he would have to wait for Shika and Yuri's report and the one thing Sesshomaru Taisho hated the most was waiting.

He could still recall the chill that had caused him to shiver in that dark damp room he had been held in, those few hours that somehow felt like days he would never forget them for they had found him 'those bastards' how they had managed was still unknown to him because he had intended to regroup; but to no avail he had been found before he could gather what was left of his men 'Those worthless traitors' the marking on his body had yet to heal as he recalled the night he escaped.

He flinched as the rope began to rub against his wrists "Damn them…" his voice was hoarse, which he didn't even recognize as his own 'Water' he couldn't help but lick his lips at the thought of the pure tasting water sliding down his throat easing his thirst for the time being; he shuddered once more for half of his body was very much exposed to the dampness of the room. The painful position he was currently in was of no help as he was currently kneeling with his hands behind his back 'How the mighty have fallen' had quickly come to his mind; he would have laughed at the irony but it would only cause unnecessary pain.

"Naraku is not pleased" voices could be heard from above indicating that they were paying him yet another visit "Killed him on site… the fool believe he would still live after giving him the bad news" the other companion chuckled

"The poor fool" laughter was heard as if speaking about their fallen comrade was somehow related to the weather "what of the rest… is it true they were captured"

"Who cares about them" the man smirked "their good as dead" another chuckle caused their prisoner to shiver which had nothing to do with the chill in the room not that they were aware because they had yet to enter, his thoughts faded slightly for a second as their voices became mumbled "that's more than enough, Naraku is known to kill for less" it was a fact they themselves feared the most

"Fools" the door finally burst opened letting some light from above, the room he was held in had no windows "and yet we have another one here in our hands" the stairs cricked as they descended down towards him "How long until we kill him" another annoying chuckle very much enjoying the pain he was inflicting on his prisoner.

"Not long my friend, that's if he last the night" the light above them was finally turned on casting of the shadows towards the walls "witness the mighty leader of the band of seven at our feet"

Bankotsu remained silence as he kept his head bowed as his eyes slowly adjusted to the light trying to buy his time hoping that it was enough for him to escape "To think that the band of seven was being lead by a puny brat" waiting for the perfect opening.

'You'll soon regret those words' Bankotsu glared at them or attempted what he believed to be a glare, his left eye was still closed.

"Ah… he's awake" the man with the foulest breath crouched before him "still has some spirit in yah do yah… we can quickly change that" the man with the irritating chuckle stepped beside him blocking the light from above "I guess it's time… for another round of fun"

"I'll start" Bankotsu attacked with his head literally landing a blow to the foul man's face; as he finally set his wrist free from their binding "your good as dead" if they didn't die by his hands he was certain that Naraku was sure to kill them himself but that didn't matter 'my turn' all he wanted at the moment was his freedom and he was very much willing to fight for it.

"Boss" one of his men called out stopping his footsteps from echoed on the black payment as he made his way towards his current destination, causing him to forget about his ordeal for the time being as an old rundown warehouse a few miles away from Tokyo's main district come into view "there's trouble"

"Trouble" making his way inside the rundown warehouse he came face to face with chaos "I've had enough of trouble" slowly walking past a table of empty bottles he easily grabbed one on his way towards his group of men that continued to fight amongst themselves still unaware of his arrival "that's enough" the empty bottle that their leader held soon left his hands and easily shattered passing one of his men's head and colliding against the beam beside the shocked group of men "What's this I hear about there being trouble" his question went unanswered as the warehouse doors burst open as a slim hooded figure came into view

"It seems unnecessary blood was spilled tonight" a sweet voice echoed in the cold warehouse and she motioned her head towards her left as two other figures tossed a very much dead man before her feet "yours"

"By the looks of it, not anymore" Bankotsu easily recognized the fat unattractive man that once went by Mukotsu lay before him unmoving "reason" his men remained silent some already preparing themselves for an attack

"Unable to follow orders" which only caused Bankotsu to smirk as he watched her step over the dead man's body "Kagome… did you fine her" his smirk become a smile that had become all the validation she need for all he got was "good, now let's talk business"

Unable to help herself she sneezed into her bare hand "use a tissue" Miroku voiced in disgust "don't you know that's how germs are easily spread" Kagome was still amazed at how anal Miroku was about certain things

"Really coming from you" because she had seen him wipe blood off of his hands as if it was nothing "there are far more important things to worry about" she watched him lean towards her aiming for the grove compartment "and germs at this moments isn't one of them" he of course ignored her as he pulled out a package of hand sanitizer wipes

"Here, use these" since he didn't know what else to do "I was thinking" he finally admitted "if you being Shinto was even necessary" they were soon approaching clan headquarters, the place Kagome had known since the age of five, the place he thought he was somehow saving her from "is it just a waste…" he didn't finishing because she quickly interrupted him

"You didn't waste your time, Miroku… being Shinto isn't" she voiced sadly "a waste of time" the car slowly came to stop "You once told me that you were grateful that I saved your life" of course he remembered that was the day they had come up with the plan about her living a normal teenage life, his only regret it seemed that that was short lived.

"That hasn't changed…" taking the keys out of the ignition he frowned, she only smiled

"Loyalty, Miroku" he froze as he watched her, truly starting to see her for she wasn't that sixteen year old that found him beaten in the street a year ago "it isn't forced, but given and mine has always been to this clan" she sighed as she rested her head back onto the seat "be it shown by blood, sweat or tears… everyone has something to give" she was truly fit to be a leader even back then she was preparing herself

"Everyone has something to give Miroku…" she grow serious as she stared down at her beaten hands "be it blood, sweat or tears… there is always something"

He was just to blinded to see that until now for he had witnessed many a time Kagome lead her men into danger and coming out unscratched with all her men proud to have followed her into battle 'how can a girl her size hold so much power' then he knew, that's when he understood 'Kagome Higurashi was always going to be underestimated' and that would be opponents down fall. She cleared her trout catching his attention once more

"Just because I don't agree" her voice deepened as she tried to mimic his voice "doesn't mean I'll stop being loyal" he couldn't help but blush for he could have sworn that she hadn't heard him "I'll stay by your side as long as you let me" her smile widened "won't you stay with me awhile longer" he smiled back at her, slowly leaning towards her with a playful look in his eyes

"Who am I to deny" she didn't move as he lifted his right hand towards her left cheek as her smile never wavered promising some well deserve pain if he even dared to continue "such a pretty girls request" with clenched teeth Kagome slowly shot back

"Do you want to die" Miroku smiled, he was only messing with her as he continued to lean forward but was stopped by the sound of two hands slamming onto the car's hood.

"Kagome" Higurashi senior was fuming as he stared down the occupants of said car, both looking as if they were a deer caught in head lights "are these the so called arrangements you mentioned this morning Kagome" it was the first time Kagome ever left like dying, glancing towards Miroku she couldn't easily see that he felt the same

'How embarrassing' because they looked the part of secret lovers that they had perfected the last few months to fool Kouga and some of her men, but this of course was different since her grandfather wasn't easily to fool 'oh boy' or so she thought feeling sorry for Miroku who was breaking into a cold sweat "I'll explain it to him don't worry" she whispered ignoring her grandfathers glare

"You better, I would very much like my…" He began to whisper back but didn't get to finish and for that Kagome was thankful

"Out of the car now" the authority in her grandfathers' voice easily showed her that even in his old age he was a man that could easily cause fear into his enemies.

"Now, grandpa…" she sweetly voiced trying to calm him down as they finally stepped out of the car "calm down" he was starting to cause a scene in front of the house getting the attention of some of their men who began to gather "I can explain…"

"I will speak with you later" Kagome stood there shocked at some of her men began to whisper for it had been years since they saw Higurashi senior yell at his granddaughter; in a calmer voice he added "go inside child" she was about to protest but her grandfather silenced her with a stare, one she hadn't seen since she was a small child "Inside" one final look towards Miroku she made her way towards her room "Miroku, I'll speak with you now" causing some to wonder if the man they known as Miroku would ever see the light of day.

Sesshomaru stared at the white board ahead of him with all the information they have currently gather as he looked for a connection 'what else do these girls have in common other than their looks' his coworkers would call it overtime; but those who knew him best would know he never rested especially at the start of an investigation where it was at its most crucial.

"Sesshomaru, sir" came Yuri's siren voice as she poked her head in between his now parted office door "It's getting late" he saw her glance at the clock it was getting past midnight and they were still at work "would you like some more coffee" he had lost count on how many cups he had forced down his trout that day of the strong liquid Shika had called coffee, it was far stronger an tasteless than Sango's normal batch and that was really saying something seeing as how his second in command was such a caffeine fanatic.

"No" he tried to keep his voice as level as he could for half of the tar substance Shika dared refer to coffee still remained in his cup "that isn't necessary, you and Shika should head home and rest, be here early for work tomorrow" a few seconds more she remained standing there deviating something within herself it seemed "is there something else you wish to say" which only caused to her to smile

"Where Sango and Ginta abducted by aliens…" Sesshomaru remained calm as the woman before him continued to stare him down, for it seemed that Ginta's and Sango's absence would indeed cause rumors to spread around the work place "sir" it was unlike him, he knew but couldn't help himself as he seriously stated the following

"Sadly that only happened to Jaken…" Yuri's eyes widened at the realization that said man was indeed never found "Ginta and Sango…" after whispering to herself an

"I knew it" she looked up once more paying attention as she looked at him with hopeful eyes "Ginta and Sango, sir"

"Are on leave and will not return until further notice" the disappointment was clearly written on his poor colleagues face, he looked back towards the white board and finally sent the girl home but not before saying "remind Shika to have the rest of the report done by tomorrow ready and on by desk by the time I arrive" he too would soon head home 'after another hour' he quickly told himself

"Will do sir, goodnight" and he was once more left with his own thoughts. It seemed that he was surrounded by mysterious women as of late

"The woman at the bar…" he paused as he glanced at the said photo on his desk then at the picture taped to the board in front of him "and this one on the surveillance footage" both had somehow caught his attention one for her beauty while the other for her on unlawful conduct, but that wasn't the only female to have somehow caught him curiosity for one more could easily fit that criteria "Shinto" his brother's friend was a puzzle he was determined to solve. Glancing at his clock one final time he picked up his office phone and began to dial and a few rings later a female voice was soon heard

"Tokyo Transports, Nazuna speaking… How can I help you" a clicking sound was soon heard for it seemed Nazuna was chewing gum while on the job

"I would like some information about one of your taxis today" the clicking sound continued causing him to frown because it was very unprofessional

"I'm afraid that's against company policy sir" Sesshomaru frown depend as she dared to continue with "all transports are to remain anonymous to best serve our clients"

"I am a client" he was close to losing his patients "I called for a taxi earlier today around 7 p.m. and I am in need of some information" she dared to interrupt him with a sigh

"Then it seems you are in need of customer assistance, would you like for me to transfer you to one of our representatives" it was the second time in his life that he felt like killing someone over the phone for she didn't even wait for his answer "please wait while I transfer your call" a soft jazzy melody soon reached his hear before hanging up; not wasting time he redialed the number once more, again after a few rings to his misfortune the same female voice was soon heard

"Tokyo Transports, Nazuna speaking…" this time he was prepared and would obtain the information he was after before finally heading home "how can I help you"

"This is prosecutor Taisho from sector 305 and I'm in need of some assistance involving one of your transports" the clicking sounded stopped causing him to smile.

Her heart beat resembled the beat of footsteps running down the corridor of high stacked crates 'How did this happen' the sound of siren's echoed just outside from what use to be abandoned warehouse 'how did she get here' she maneuvered her way down the corridor, further away from the entrances and closer to the exit 'must hurry' she felt at ease even in her current predicament because it seemed that her men were nowhere near 'a traitor' soon came to mind; whoever was chasing her knew that she was there

"She's here" a voice she seemed to recognize was heard in the distance "find her" a voice she knew too well seemed to echo behind her causing her to stop "capture her alive" a shiver ran down her spine as her eyes widened, their footsteps continued to coming closer to where she was "Kagome" her heart continued to race

'Trapped' she came to a dead end, all that she could see before her was a small broken window that let in the moonlight from outside, teasing her with unobtainable freedom "Damn it" her heart echoed in her ear as her breath become erratic 'is this how it's going to end' her hands clenched into fist for she had no other way out, that's when she saw him step out of the shadows

"Kagome…" her breath caught in her trout "Kagome Shinto..." she blinked at the flash of his badge hit her eyes "Higurashi" his breath brushed agents her cheek as golden eyes burning into the depth of her soul "I won't let you go…" and that seemed to scare her the most.

"Sis" Kagome had always prided herself at never being caught off guard "come quick" there still dressed in his pajamas was her brother looking as if Christmas had come early, ignoring the visible burse on his left shoulder she tossed her blankets aside as her bare feet met the cold hard wooden floor

"What happened" He was far too excited to answer as he motioned for her to just follow "What's going on" she asked as she saw some of their men gather in front of her grandfathers study whispering amongst each other 'what has gotten into them' they began to move aside so she could easily make her way inside, she stopped before entering 'this is…' never in her seventeen years did she ever picture the following: In the mist of bottles of sake laid her grandfather and so-called fake boyfriend passed out from a night of drinking "unbelievable" her brother smiled from ear to ear as he turned to face her

"Who do you think won" by the looks of it, it was an easy guess that her grandfather had been the better man for there before Miroku was a half empty shot of sake "should we take a picture" both men began to wake; her grandfather being the first to speak

"Kagome… I refuse to accept him" he held his head before continuing "as my future grandson in law" Kagome kept quite as Miroku began to stand as he held his head with both hands "he is far too weak to be your husband"

"She can choose her own husband" Miroku murmured to no one in particular "that's beside the point… didn't I explain last night that your granddaughter and I" Kagome was pretty certain that her grandfather didn't quite remember any of last night's conversation

"That's enough, Miroku" Kagome smiled as she silently told him to leave the room, which he did closing the door behind him as he pushed some of the men aside "Grandfather… it's about time we talk" and she hoped he was ready including headache and all "why didn't my mother marry" that had caught him by surprised because he had not been expecting that question for a few more months soon it was replaced by a sad expression "was that the reason why she left" she could still remember the day she had first spoken to the man that had declared himself her grandfather

"I'm your grandfather… I'm here to take you home" in the eyes of a child he resembled a giant ready to tear down a village

"We are home…" it was the one they had always known "and you're not welcome here" she had shouted to the man she had gotten a glimpse from time to time always arguing with her mother "so go away" she stood in front of her crying brother who was scared and confused; their mother had gone missing for what now seemed hours

"You are my blood and there for bonded to me" she had once heard him say that before as he had ordered their mother to pack their bags and return home; she of course had refused "you can't stay here, child… your mother isn't coming" he voiced sadly as if he was aware of something they weren't

"She'll be here" her grandfathers eyes had flashed with what she would later determine to have been guilt, guilt that to this day he had yet to clarify "She'll come back" and how wrong they had been for just a few days later they had held her memorial.

"Who did you hear that from… about your mother leaving" he already had a felling as to who she must have heard it from, because his sister was still living with him when he had finally taken them in "Kaede" Kagome flinched before hiding once more behind her mask

"Does it matter" she grew serious because over the years she had heard some of the older clan members speak about her mother as if she had done something that had shamed the clan, and her great aunt Kaede had been her torment "all I have are rumors… rumors that can easily be nothing but lies" she held her hand before her face as if somehow she held the answer

"Your mother… was much like you are now: Strong and very much determined" He sighed as he frowned knowing that he had to continue "I… ignored her gender" Kagome kept silent for her grandfather had never really spoken about her mother until now "and trained her" his mood shifted into anger "all her life she was aware of the responsibly that awaited her… a responsibility unlike you, she had cast aside" that anger was soon won out by guilt

"Why" she found herself whispering. She could still remember the conversation they had just a few months ago 'he had made a promise…' she frowned for it was becoming far more complicated "Why did she refuse" it hurt to think her own mother had refused the road she was willing on taking.

"She had fallen in love with your father" her grandfather chuckled "and had become pregnant…" anger hit her like a ton of bricks, as he sat there unfazed after what he was about to just say for he had been over ruled "and was cast out"

"You turned your back on her" she voiced in disbelieve and he in return stood up in anger at her accusation

"She turned her back on me" and yet he had made a promise; a promise it seems he was determined to keep "it was her choose" he had loved his daughter and had always regretted his decision as much as she never regretted her own:

"I won't leave" He glared at his daughter who was heavily pregnant holding onto his granddaughters' hand that was silently looked up at him without fear in her eyes, unlike his daughter who only seemed to have hatred "They are my responsibility… not yours or the clans" all because his daughter believe he was involved with the death of the man that she would always love: who had been an owner of a small book store his daughter had always seemed to frequent burning her free time. A store he had obtained after his own father's death along with the debt he owed, a debt his daughter had been unaware of: one that would haunt her the next few years, a debt she had paid with her life for he had been unable to protect her.

"You killed her… murder" That had been the first and final time he had ever laid a hand on her "I hate you…" his granddaughters eyes resembled that of her mother's as her tears refuse to fall as her little brother stood beside her shaking

"You can hate me all you want… but that doesn't change the fact that I'm all you got"

"Grandfather" he had been to lost in his thought to have heard her "I asked you a question" she had come to understand and respect the man she had thought to have been her enemy for he had saved her and her brother from her reckless foolishness and believed that he cared for them; for they were all he had "Did you refuse my father because he was an outsider" she had begun to wonder if that was the reason for his refusal of Miroku.

"Yes…" he once more grew serious as he contemplated his next sentence "I won't deny that your parents loved each other, but by doing so your mother gave up the protection of this clan" she couldn't help but frown "by refusing leadership… she had casted herself out and into the hands of danger by choosing your father"

"I don't understand… my parents died because they loved each other" it was a ridiculous thought she knew but couldn't help but voice out loud "did my father not know that my mother was the daughter of a gangster"

"He did know…" that's when she understood, her grandfather resentment "he knew…" his sadness and all of that guilt that seemed to have built in side "and yet he believed he would be able to protect her from her past" her father had been a foolish man; a fool in love "a fools love is a dangerous thing Kagome" he smiled sadly since he was only trying to warn her "one I hope you will be cautious of… Miroku, like your father are considered good men in the eyes of normal society" she knew what he was going to say and didn't blame him because in a way she too felt the same "but in our world… a good man can easily be taken down" there was a knock on the door, it slowly opened as her brother stuck his head in with caution

"Sis" worry clearly heard in his voice "we're going to be late" she glanced at the clock "are we not going" he asked, as much are he enjoyed that mornings display he and the rest of the clans men felt something shift "sis"

"Of course we're going" she beamed at him in response to his question and he was unable to hold back his own smile in return as he left his sister and grandfather alone once more. She grew serious once more as she turned to face her grandfather after her brothers' departure "I will lead this clan…"

"Tell me, truthfully… are you in love with Miroku" she smiled as she easily answered

"No" he sighed felling somewhat relieved by her response "you don't have to worry about Miroku" they were unaware that that wasn't the good man he was suppose to fear "we will talk more about this later, I have to get ready for school" because the man that would put his granddaughter in danger held the law in his hands.

To Be Continue!