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 Eleven

Tainted

The trees outside of Sector 305 began to gain their golden tint not that Sesshomaru and his team had the time to admire them. If they had, they made no remark of its current beauty for their far too occupied by the subject before them. Yuri and Shika were currently all smiles. Failing to hide their current excitement "it's a match, sir" it seemed that their existing case for the seventeen-year-old girl was soon ending "They are certain that this man is the culprit we've been looking for" Shika confidently voiced as he continued to smile

"Are you?" Sesshomaru asked as he looked throughout the file with a keen eye causing Shika's smile to falter. Yuri and Shika had only been working under his direct orders for a few days now and as much as he liked, working with Sango and Ginta; Shika and Yuri seemed to be working twice as hard to fill in where those two had left off. 'Excellent' and by the looks of the report before him, he was very pleased with their effort; it showed him that they were serious and up for the job "is the evidence strong enough to conclude he is guilty?" they had to be certain; they were condemning a dead man, a man who was unable to defend himself.

"Traces of her blood were found on the suspects' body, sir" the percentage of him being the killer now was a given too Shika or anyone else who looked at the files before them "not to mention he was spotted in the CCTV footage tying him to the scene in questioned" the down side was he had been also recorded within a group.

"Continue" Sesshomaru voiced having no other choose but to trust his team on their decision.

"Mukotsu, thirty-two years old was found dead in Tokyo's Southern District by a construction worker in Keihin." Shika paused as he displayed the photos taken. Easily showing the damage done to Mukotsu's body "The body was found in perfect condition..." they had been fortunate that the weather had been mild the past few days. It had rained the night before the crime had taken place. In result, the body had little damage "we were fortunate that his body didn't roll into Tokyo Bay"

'Mukotsu' by the looks of it had become a hindrance to the group 'it seems that killing wasn't part of the groups agenda' seeing as Mukotsu's body had been easily disposed soon after their own victims death 'which only meant they were truly just searching for someone in particular' this only frustrating Sesshomaru for it only left him with more questions than answers "What's his criminal history?"

"Drugs, Pedi thief, and was known for his violent nature: last filed incident was a domestic disturbance… then girlfriend had filed a restraining order against him" Yuri closed her file slightly disgusted with what she just heard

"It's very apparent he had an anger management problem" it had taken a full team to arrest Mukotsu from his ex-girlfriend's apartment: where drugs and other goods had been found; not the necessary amount by the looks of it to put him away for a significant among of time "How long did he serve before being released" Yuri asked as she tried to snack on a cracker, far too hungry to pay any attention to the report file that she had closed just moments before 'hope this settles my stomach' where her current thoughts. She was worried her stomach would make an embarrassing appearance; she had skipped her lunch once more since she had started to work with Sesshomaru 'why wouldn't it…' she though as she struggled to rip open the small package

"Give me that" Shika mumbled as he opened the package for her in frustration as he continued with "less than a month" Yuri crushed her crackers in disbelief just moments after Shika had handed them over to her

"Why… How… the damage alone he caused her is at least a years' worth or more" sometimes she wondered why the judicial system was so weak in keeping these type of jerks in prison

"Easy… he made bail, he was currently under probation" Shika held his hand up to silence the rant Yuri was sure make "the man didn't look it but he had his charm… just not with the ladies" Yuri's anger flared

"The man was a: drug dealing, woman beating a…" Sesshomaru cleared his throat for Yuri was just wasting her words on a man that was already dead; glancing at the crumbs that now landed on his office floor, he spoke

"Cause of death" Sesshomaru asked wanting to get back on track before Yuri decided to make even a bigger mess than she already had

"The medical examiner concluded that the cause of death had been a fatal blow to the head, time of death is close to our own victims" Shika answered sending Yuri a worried glance every now and then

"Any traces of him on our victim" Sesshomaru asked as he noticed the band of seven tattooed on Mukotsu's body, easily association him to the gang; conforming their suspicious that the gang were once more active and to his own displeasure regrouping.

"Traces of his hair and skin cells match those that were found under our victims' finger nails confirming he had been present… the blood that was found doesn't measure up to the damage he took indicating that he might have bleed out elsewhere" Sesshomaru gave a rare seen sigh as Shika continued with "I have filed a request for any CCTV footage in the area that his body was found in" Sesshomaru nodded seeing as Mukotsu's death still needed to be explained even if the low life had no immediate family.

"Good work" Shika smiled at the compliment his boss was giving him so openly

"Thank you, sir" Shika's smile quickly faded for it seemed there was no rest for his group; not until all loose ends where nice and tight, causing him to wonder if he would be getting anything close to a goodnights sleep anytime soon "Should I order in, sir?" Sesshomaru didn't answer for he had something far more important on his mind than his stomach

"Yuri, tell me what you discovered?" Yuri frowned, for she had been looking forward to diner. There was this a great little stand that sell the best okonomiyaki. "Well?" Sesshomaru interrupted her thoughts that had been thinking of mouthwatering pancakes "You did investigate the kidnapping attempts of the four remaining girls as I ordered you to" he hoped that what information she had obtain would set his mind at ease

"Of course I did, sir" Yuri answered as she stood and went over her findings "All girls live or are connected to this district" tapping a few keys on the keyboard a map of Tokyo's Northern district was soon visible on the whiteboard before them; she then began to mark down the areas showing where the girls began to overlap each other "It took a while… for them to open up" a few uncaring words later all girls began to spill information her way.

"Was that really necessary, they're just teenager girls" Shika voiced at he looked at each profile; they were all around the same age as their victim and some resemblances to each other, the only difference he could pin point was that they all had slightly different social backgrounds.

"Teenage girls… who were up to no good" Yuka spit back. She had made it her goal to scare them straight; and to think that they were the same age as her little sister "It was a joke… a girl's life was suddenly nothing" she had to be fair not all reacted the same way but there was one that still lingered on her mind

"We all die…" Yuri had slammed her hands on to the table in anger as the girl before her spoke of death in such an easy manner "I don't see… what has you all worked up" Yuri sat back down on her chair trying to repress her growing anger

"A girl just about your age was found dead today…" Yuri knew she was going a little head of herself for they were still unsure if both crimes where even related "and we believe the group that had attacked you might be her killers"

"You think… you mean you don't know…" laughter echoed within the small room.

"Yuri…" Sesshomaru called out to her, breaking her train of thoughts once more; pulling herself together she began to give her report

"I have gather all the places they had visited that day and also the places they like to frequent" Sesshomaru frown grew as he noticed a few hangouts not suitable for teenage girls or any respectable adult for that matter

"What of our murdered victim?" Sesshomaru continued to stare at the map before him as he easily spotting the park by his apartment where his brothers' friend: Kagome, had almost been attacked 'could she be involved?' he pushed that question aside as he asked one of his own "Did her family offer any information regarding, what their daughter could have been doing that day?" Yuri sighed as she answered

"That's the sad part" Yuri voiced as she added their victims data to the rest of the map "the only places her family knew she frequented was school… she was a nice quite girl didn't have many friends, and the ones they did know about are the clean cut type… I looked into it myself" Shika shook his head as Yuri continued "they all said the same thing… she pretty much kept to herself" she paused not sure if she should continue, thinking it best they knew she added, "They informed me that her funeral has been set for this weekend"

"Where?" Sesshomaru heard Shika ask for he couldn't utter the words himself already dreading the answer; he couldn't take his eyes away from the screen. The possibility that Kagome Shinto was somehow involved continued to rise

"Her school… Shikon High" Sesshomaru closed his eyes feeling the signs of a headache developing "her family thought it would be best for the community and her school to be involved" he was fighting the urge to track the rest of the men down and kill each one of them with his bare hands. He shook his head tossing away such thoughts for he had taken an oath. He was not killer "sir" they had watch him silently unsure what their boss was currently thinking

"Yuri, contact all the girls and see if they recognize Mukotsu within the mug shots of those we identified in the CCTV footage" finally closing the file before him, he stood "Shika, petition a warrant for the arrest of those identified in the CCTV footage" because they might be the only witnesses to both crimes.

"I'll get right on it, sir" Yuri voiced noticing the urgency in Sesshomaru's step as he made his way towards his office door "but what will you be doing?" she couldn't help but ask causing him to pause

"There is something I must see too first" He had to check for himself, it was time to stop second guessing himself "It won't take long…" he paused by his door before continuing "Shika after the warrant is granted gather a team together" his gaze hardened as he then added "I want them in our custody as soon as possible"

"Right away, sir" Shika and Yuri watched Sesshomaru leave not sure what to make of their team leaders current change in mood "I guess we will be eating rather late again" Yuri's stomach began to protested.

There was an eerie type of silence within the halls of Shikon High many of the students unaware on how to react to the news they had just received that very morning "How could this have happened" disbelieve was one of many emotions because it seemed that one of their classmate had been murdered in cold blood "I just thought… I thought… she was home sick"

"She sat behind me" there was a touch of sadness that many were yet to fully comprehend "she was…"

"Her name was Saya, don't talk about her… as if… as if she was just some… thing" came a shout that had quickly turned into overwhelming sobs leaving many to surprise and upset to speak. Saya Takahashi had been just like one of them a few days ago; but now: she was dead. In an instant she was gone.

Eri and Yuka just looked at each other as they made their own way towards their classroom, having come across such a scene rendered them silent. Shikon High had been unprepared. How do you prepare for such news? Such things we never meant to happen to those so young "come on Eri, it's not polite to just stand here" Yuka pulled Eri's arm as they continued to make their way down the hall

"But…" Eri started to say which was soon stopped by Yuka's disapproval

"There's nothing we can do" for they were not close to Saya or any of her friends. 'It didn't feel right' she thought as they made their way down the hall "all we can offer is space…"

"Everyone from room 3-B is in complete disbelief" voice one of their classmates' as they both entered the room "I mean we all saw it on the news… who would have thought…"

"That's the thing, no one did… her name was never mentioned" the room went silent once more. Both girls made their way towards an equally silent Kagome who looked to be mesmerized by the book before her; they noticed how their friend tried to ignore the voices around her.

Eri sent Yuka a concern look sensing something was wrong with their friend "Kagome" Kagome looked up knowing that if she didn't they would only worry "you okay" she knew she failed in giving them a genuine smile for she had a lot on her mind "you seem a little out of it today" but weren't they all

"I'll be fine" Kagome voiced unsure on how she should respond. Guilt had begun to eat at her slowly as Miroku's words had come back to haunt her since that morning announcement

"Has it occurred to you that that could have been you… or that she died because they thought she was you?"

'It can't be' it only confused her for it never crossed her mind that she could have been involved 'that's not possible' but in reality she should have, it should have been as clear as day 'Where they truly involved with Saya's murder' she recalled the band of sevens seal that had been visible on one of her attackers 'was Miroku right? Had the attack been misdirected' but what seemed to confuse her most was that the band of seven were never known for their love of spilling blood.

"I heard that there were other attacks" one girl behind Kagome began to whisper to one of her friends who was quick add to the rumors that were quickly spreading all over the halls of Shikon High

"I heard that all the girls looked like Saya" a shiver ran down Kagome's spine as the pair continued to whisper rather loudly liking that their fellow classmates had their uninvited attention as they continued to speak her anger seemed to build

'There had been more attacks' Kagome thought as Eri and Yuka continued to listen to what their other classmates had to say easily showing their uneasiness

"They all had dark long hair…" as they continued more eyes began to turn to Kagome as similarities became very apparent causing her to close her eyes as she remembered how freaked out Eri had been at the news

"We were so worried… We just had to see you for ourselves… I mean that just awful about those girls that were attacked last night… you weren't attack were you… oh my god you could have been killed"

She was becoming torn with a mixture of emotions: one being that she had been happy to know that her new friends cared for her safety and the other was guilt 'had Saya's friends waited' her hands griped the book she held causing her knuckles to whiten as she felt the need to defend herself 'it's for their own safety' because she was lying to them regarding her true identity 'I just have to' for the first time in her life she was being selfish, she wanted, no need to be Shinto for a little while longer 'just until I graduate… just for a little while longer' but it seemed time was running out

"Have I meet you before?" remembering him caused her to frown for she was certain that was the first time she had seen him. "I have a feeling will meet again, Ka-go-me" she closed her book unable to focus. She stood startling her classmates as she did so because the classroom had fallen back into that eerie silence from moments before.

"I need some air" to her relief the lunch bell rang indicating that self study had ended "I'll meet you two later" she voiced without waiting for a reply. She needed time; time to gather her own thoughts. However, as she walked past class 3-B she couldn't help but stop and look at Saya's desk. Noticing a few pieces of notes that laid on top, notes: notes that had been written by her fellow classmates in attempts of finding some type of peace 'How…' it was hard for her to take that step for she could still remember the burst of confidence she had felt that night they had failed to ambush her.

"Look what we have here" a broken chuckle was soon heard from up a head indicating that more men had gathered "an intruder… a very cute intruder"

'She must have been petrified' she looked away unable to hold her gaze on the vacant spot

The small group of men had begun to trail behind her "I'm just trying to get home" Kagome voice was calm "if you could just let me pass" she doubted that Saya's voice had been as calm as hers had been, she ignored the glances her fellow classmate's sent her way as she remained standing there lost in her own thoughts of what had happened that night

"Baby, baby… you know that's not that magic word" she recalled smirking at his words knowing that they were in over their heads, but her actions had been unnecessary seeing as Inuyasha's older brother had stepped in to her help, help that Saya herself didn't have. Her heart ached as she tried to control her emotions "get lost, bud… this had nothing to do with you" she need air, she quickly moved away as far as she could get from classroom 3-B. Making her way towards the front of the school

'Stay calm' she told herself which didn't help in her current situation: a situation that seemed to be becoming far more complicated 'great, just great' he had been waiting

"Shinto" and that smile on his face showed her he was more than happy to see her; an emotion she herself was not feeling at the moment for he was sure to have questions. Questions she wasn't willing to truly answer.

News seemed to be traveling quickly because by the time that Miroku had reached the Blue Raven it was well known who had killed that poor girl a few nights ago "Mukotsu" his name was spat like the trash that it was "was found dead" many rejoicing at the news "hope he rots in hell" while others mourned for what truly matter "that poor girl… may her soul rest in peace" it was a double edge sword. Which he couldn't help but to recall how hard he had been on Kagome a few nights ago, practically blaming her for something she had no control over

"Miroku" Akimi called out his name looking a little out of sorts and so early in the day "oh Miroku, I'm so glad you decided to come in early" the panic in her eyes made him quicken his steps

"What's going on… is something wrong" She shook her head causing him to relax a little as he waited for her to explain her current situation

"I need your help" she voiced as she waved her hand forward towards the back on the building "he was snooping in our trash bins…" this only confused Miroku even more as he silently followed "I think I hit him a little too hard" Miroku caught himself for she had voiced it in such a sweet matter

"You knocked him out just because he was snooping in our trash bins" he only wanted to verify if what he just heard was true. Akimi just nodded her head as she opened the door that lead towards the alleyway "why?"

"He might have been the one who broke into the office… the police have yet to update us in the matter… I just thought that he came back snooping for more" Miroku looked at the man passed out before him and paled

"Don't worry I'll handle this…" Akimi still looked worried so he added "I'm sure he isn't the one were looking for"

"How do you know" Akimi question caused him to sigh for he had no chose but to answer

"Because I know him" before his very eyes his past had finally caught up to him 'Hachi Tanuky' had finally found him

"You sure… he was snooping and…" Akimi watched Hachi with caution regardless of what Miroku said moments before "mumbling to himself" Miroku gave her his best please-do-as-I-say smile "alright…" with a sigh she easily gave into his request "I'll be inside if you need me"

"Thanks, I'll take care of this… it won't take long" shrugging she left him alone with a passed out man who had begun to awaken "long time no see" he voiced as he offered no assistance

"Oh, my head" Hachi groaned in despair "what happened…" this question was asked to no one in particular for he was still unaware that he had company. "One moment I'm searching… then" Hachi looked up startled as he recognized his old friends voice "Miroku" a bright smile lit his face, showing how very pleased he was to see him. "It's you… it's really you" laughter filled the alley as Hachi began to dust himself in disbelief "come here you son of…" Hachi made a move to greet Miroku with a hug, which Miroku abruptly stopped with his extended arm

"Stay…" Miroku voiced in all seriousness "My cloths… unlike yours are clean" Hachi looked at himself and frowned

"It's not like I planned this…" Miroku sighed wondering why his friend was even searching the blue raven's trash bins in the first place "aren't you going to offer me a drink" Hachi bashfully asked wanting to quench his growing thirst

"No" was Miroku's quick response for in reality he wasn't prepared to deal with his past at the moment but here it was directly before him calling for his uninvited attention "How did you find me" it wasn't a question that should be asked in the middle of the alley

"Perhaps this is better discussed over a few drinks…" Hachi sighed seeing, as Miroku wasn't in the mood for dillydallying "a buddy of mine who works for Sector 305 noticed some movements with your missing file…"

"Missing…" Miroku didn't think that they cared enough to even file one seeing as he had resigned his post 'Why would they…' his eyes hardened into a glare 'protocol' seeing as he had no living relatives "you requested…"

"Are you in some kind of trouble" for what other reasons would cause his friend to disappear without a trace "is that the reason…"

"Did you or didn't you" Miroku asked carelessly brushing is friends' concern aside

"I asked our unit supervisor to report you missing after you didn't show up at camp" Hachi had found Miroku's apartment vacant of his friends presents leaving only Miroku's belongings untouched. It had been a couple a days after he summoned up the courage to ask their unit supervisor to file the report. He had always believed that Miroku would come back to his post "I also took the liberty and asked your landlord to leave your place untouched until you returned" this only caused Miroku to frown "everything is waiting…"

"What makes you think I want to go back" Hachi flinched at his friends' harsh words "while we're at it what makes you think I'm in some sort of trouble"

"Some of your old records where looked into" by the looks of things it seemed they would have to move their current conversation to a more private location "I'm serious Miroku, what the hell does the department of organized crime what with you" that was a question Miroku was now asking himself.

"Miroku" both men turned to face a flustered Akimi, dread filled the pit of Miroku's stomach as he wondered how much Akimi had heard

"Something wrong" Miroku asked pushing Hachi away as his friend tried to get a better look at said waitress "did you need something" and felt relieved when she voiced the following

"Someone… is here to see you" Miroku sighed, it seemed he was very popular and so early in the afternoon "he said it was urgent" by the look that Akimi was currently sending him, he easily sensed her uneasiness

"Alright… let them know that I'll be there in a few" since he still had unfinished business of his own to deal with. Akimi nodded as she turned to leave. He turned to face Hachi once more easily finding a pen and paper nearby "Meet me at this address… I don't want to see your face close to here again understand…" Hachi was about to protest but stopped as Miroku glared and continued with "do as I say… and meet me there" Hachi reluctantly did as he watched his friend close the door in his face

"Where's that son of a…" Miroku easily recognized that voice, which only verified that news had finally reached Kouga's ears.

Miroku couldn't help but smirk as Kouga came closer. "Come to verify?" he playfully voiced as he remained where he stood because he knew the anger that Kouga held within those fist were very much justified. "Had that coming, didn't I?" as much as his yaw was hurting he tried not to show it. "Now…" after wiping the small trace of blood from his chin, he straighten himself up and asked, "you care for a drink? Or are you going to take another swing at me?" Miroku's gaze harden as he then added "this time I will be defending myself" catching the other man by surprise as he made his way pass the bar "two beers" Miroku called out to the barkeep that was just finishing his daily routine of setting up.

Kouga continued to trailed behind him "Are you out of your mind" he couldn't help himself but ask as he then added "I should kill you where you stand" Miroku nodded in agreement for he and Kagome had played him for a fool, not that he was going to let Kouga kill him so easily "How can you just toss Kagome aside like that… after all the things she did for you" this time it was Miroku's turn to be surprise as he took a seat at one of the tables far from view and hearing distance giving them both privacy from unwanted ears

"What the hell are you talking about" because in reality Kagome was tossing him aside not that he was going to hold a grudge against her for they both knew their relationship wasn't going to last long "I'm not tossing Kagome aside" Kouga smirked not believing him whatsoever

"Like hell you're not…" Kouga took his own seat before Miroku leaning in for good measure as he stated the following surprising Miroku at the news his so called enemy was willing to share with him for it seemed Kouga's earlier display of anger was towards something he himself was unaware of "the consul has hinted some interest in you…" Kouga frowned "and don't act like you didn't know"

'The council' Miroku frowned because what Kouga was hinting at was clearly treason "are you point blank asking me if I'm thinking of betraying Kagome" Kouga didn't blink as he stated

"Aren't you" Miroku tossed his head back and burst into laughter because in reality it was such a ridiculous thought; this only caught Kouga yet again off guard which quickly turned into anger "I won't let you just destroy what…" Miroku interrupted Kouga's statement as his laughter softened

"It has never crossed my mind…" Miroku then smiled "my loyalty is with Kagome and Kagome alone… I could care less what the council thinks" they fell into silence as both their beers had finally arrived. They reached for their own and took a long drink setting the bottle before them contemplating what do say next. Miroku was the first to speak seeing as Kouga wasn't truly aware of the current situation "I'm guessing the council didn't tell you they are pushing for Kagome to marry by the end of the year" his smile widened; if anyone saw him just then they would think he had sinister intensions in mind "I'm not really the marrying type…" he paused as he slowly moved towards Kouga "are you?" by the pale expression on Kouga's face Miroku easily figured out that answer.

Sesshomaru had easily made his way towards Shikon High 'this involves work… nothing more' of course he was lying to himself for underneath that excuse was an obvious hint of concern towards a girl he had only meet a couple of times "I can't just march in there…" which he was very much tempted on doing "that would just embarrass…" he trailed of not sure who it might end up embarrassing, her, him or both "Inuyasha…" he stopped and frown slightly irritated with himself for even thinking about using his brother. He leaned towards the school front gate in defeat 'it's not suppose to be this difficult…' the sound of the lunch bell rang bringing his attention back towards the school wishing that she would just appear before him 'not going to happened' he told himself as he finally pushed himself away from the gate he had been leaning for the past fifteen minutes but soon paused in disbelief as both doors opened before him 'it's her' easily recognizing her "Shinto" her shocked expression caused him to smile as he effortlessly made his way towards her, noticing how tired she looked in that instant.

Kagome looked around unsure as to where she could go because the last thing she remembered from their last encounter she hadn't been very polite. "You think that showing us a few moves in a gym will be enough to keep us safe" the more she thought about that day the less confident she became in speaking with him; especially now when her emotions where being pulled at every direction. 'Why is he here?' The closer he got the more her heart rate began to increase "Sessho…" she blushed as her voice had failed her, clearing her throat she tried to sound less nervous. "I mean Prosecutor Taisho…" she stood straighter as she reminded herself who he really was "what brings you here" they weren't friends or even close to being friends.

"I was hoping we could talk" how it sounded so strange coming out of his mouth; it had yet to register how foolish his current actions were

"Talk…" Kagome glance around seeing as many students had yet forgotten that Inuyasha's older brother had been one of the prosecutors' that had lectured their school about self-defense. "About what" she couldn't help but question as she made her way towards a more secluded spot; it wouldn't do her any good to attract any more unwanted attention from her classmates. Thankfully, he followed silently as she asked, "What is there to talk about" she was becoming defensive

"What I mean is that I have a few questions I would like for you to answer" she had been right to assume that he indeed had questions for her but she had hid that well as she looked on with a confused expression letting him know that he was making no sense "regarding that night you were almost attacked" he reached into his coat pocket "Do you recognize this man" her eyes slowly glanced towards the picture he now held in front of her

Kagome knew right away that the man in the picture was the one responsible for Saya's death 'he killed her' her pulse was increasing as her hands became fist as she grasped the hem of her school uniform.

Sesshomaru watched her carefully as he waited for her response "Do you know him?" he was unaware that her world was slowly closing in "Kagome… have you seen this man before" she shook her head causing him to sigh in relieve but that was shortly lived as tears began to make their way down her face catching them both by surprise

"I'm…" she wasn't sure what she was: was she sorry or scared "She…" her tears quickly turned to panic as Miroku's words came back to her at full force knocking the wind from her lungs causing her to become uneasy, her hands began to shake

"She died because they thought she was you" she quickly realized that people were after her, but hadn't she always known that someone was out to get her "has it occurred to you that that could have been you…" weren't they all after her for one reason or another; that shouldn't be of any surprise

'But in a way it was' she told herself as she stared at the picture he held in his hand. 'They want blood… my blood' Saya's death was proof enough 'they thought that poor girl was me…' both her worlds right before her eyes had collided as tears continued to trail down her face, guilt she felt uncontrollable guilt 'I… how… why'

"Kagome" he placed both his hands on her shoulders as she began to shake her head unable to respond for she was at the point of completely breaking "Are you sure you don't know him" again she shook her head as she tried to stop her body from shacking, she turned cold, her blood had run cold at the thought "okay, it's okay… every things is going to be alright" she felt like hiding

'No' she told herself. If she was going to be honest with herself, she felt like running away 'I can't' which was quickly pushed aside. The last time she felt that way, blood had been spilled 'I won't' Sesshomaru felt her being to relax within his arms and yet he continued to hold her, not wanting to let her go. Unaware that she was currently lost in her own thoughts: thoughts that involved a foolish mistake from long ago

The weather had been hot, so hot that even the slightest breeze was of no comfort "Souta, we are leaving this dump" causing her younger brother to giggle "if he thinks he can hold me here…" her anger towards the man who called himself her grandfather had yet to decrease for it had only been a few days after their mothers funeral; the same amount that he had raised his hand towards her, striking her for the lack of respect that she had showed towards him in front of his men. The mark on her cheek and cut of her lip were just begging to fade "We don't belong here"

"Home" Souta's eyes lighten up, where else could they belong but home, a small place they lived with their mother "Home with mommy" he missed his bed but most of all he missed his mother

"Mommy's gone!" she yelled, quickly regretting her words. "She's gone, Souta" her voice broke just above a whisper; it had been the fifth time that morning that she had to remind her brother that their mother would never return. "She's gone to heaven… remember heaven" her five year old mind tried to explain it as best she could to her three year old brother "remember… where daddy lives" still somewhat confused he nodded because his mother had once told him that

"Heaven… that's where daddy lives" he repeated to himself, showing his sister that he was indeed paying attention "Are we going to heaven" hopeful eyes light up at the thought of seeing his father for the first time "I go…"

"That's stupid… we can't go to heaven" tears began to form on both their faces "once you go to heaven you can't come back" that was what her mother had once told her and her mother had never lied. "We are going home" she packed both their things within her small book bag "I got us food" she smiled as she showed him the two bags of chips and an apple she had been able to gather "we should be fine until we get there"

"I have money…" a young Souta stood up and raced towards his bed tossing his pillow aside and ran back as quickly as he could "see… lots of money" with a hand full of coins he smiled proudly

"Good… everything is going to be alright"

"Everything is going to be alright" he voiced in relief as he held her within his arms 'it's going to be alright' he held her close far more relieved than he had thought he would be "it's okay" he whispered causing her to tense within his arms bringing them both back to reality

"You can let go…" her tears had stopped, her moment of weakness had gone 'I shouldn't have let him' he reluctantly released her as they both took a step back becoming very aware of the lack of warmth between them "I'm sorry… it just… his… his Saya's killer isn't he"

'Of course she would have connected the two' he looked at her eyes noticing that they had turned slightly red from her previous crying "He is" he didn't feel like hiding the truth from her, it would be in the news soon enough "were you a friend of Saya" it was the first time he had called her by her name rather than referring her as the victim, wondering if Kagome's close relationship with her had been why she had reacted so strongly to the picture

"No…" had been her response which only confused him even more as she continued on with "Saya was killed that night you saved me in the park wasn't she"

"Your attack might not even be connected" he was trying to reassure himself unaware she was beginning to accept that the clean life she tried to live as Shinto had ended up being tainted; after a few moments she whispered

"He wasn't among the group" Sesshomaru had already been aware of that seeing as Mukotsu had already been dead by the time at she had been attacked "and I don't remember the others… isn't that the reason you're here" in an instant he felt her become distant, gone was the girl he moments ago held in his arms

"What if I told you it wasn't…" he noticed her hesitation unsure of his meaning "look I..." he couldn't help but take a step forward causing her to take one back keeping the distance between them

"I better head back to class" she voiced knowing that her friends were sure to be looking for her "I'm sorry… I can't be of any help" she voiced knowing to well that she wasn't sorry at all, it would be unacceptable that he caught them before she did

"I'm here if you need me" Sesshomaru voiced in all seriousness catching her by surprise.

Golden eyes burning into the depth of her soul…

She ignored it; pushing it away from her thoughts 'it was only a dream' she told herself as she began to retreat unaware that two sets of eyes were currently watching her

'She's safe' he told himself, ignorant of how wrong he was because the life that she led was far from it. His phone rang causing him to look away from Kagome's retrieving figure "Sesshomaru, speaking" he didn't wait long as a voice on the order end spoke

"Son, I wish to speak with you… it is important" Sesshomaru was caught off guard for he had failed to notice the retrieving figure of a young Higurashi.

Souta had quickly made his way towards his friends 'she let him…' seemed to be the only thing on his mind 'he hugged her' and he was old enough to know it looked like the both of them didn't want to let go 'she..' he didn't know what to think

"Souta" Shippo called out gaining his attention "where you been?"

"Bathroom" Souta wasn't about to tell his friends he had been spying on his older sister; as much as it had been accidental "that bean bread… didn't sit well…" all but Shippo seemed to buy his story as ridiculous at it sounded

"What the hell is going on, man" Shippo whispered as Souta neared "I ate the same thing as you and I feel just fine" Souta smirked as he easily answered

"I don't eat as much junk as you do… my stomach unlike yours isn't use to it" still Shippo frowned as his friend brushed him off "so what's the plan" Souta asked the group "we going" they smiled

"Hell yeah we are" Shippo answered for the group as he rapped an arm around his friends neck easily locking him in place "it's a two for one deal… and I'm not missing that" he smirked as he continued "not even if your stomach is blowing up beans"

"After school then" Souta voiced as he elbowed his way out of the headlock Shippo had trapped him in moments before, ignoring the jab Shippo sent his way "meet at the front gate of school" rubbing his now sore rips Shippo looked at his friend a bit in surprised

"Aren't you going to ask your sister" Shippo was the only one aware of who: Kagome Shinto truly was, it was the merits he had on being Souta's best friend "I mean, Ayame would have a cow if I didn't report it to her" he tried to cover his tracks

"She has her own problems to worry about…" Souta paused as he remembered the shock on her face "I can take care of myself" all boys but Shippo smiled "were on then" Shippo wasn't so sure if what Souta was doing was the right thing "Shippo"

"Yeah, I'm game…" Souta smiled "someone has to watch your back" Shippo added as he smiled in return pushing his current worries aside unaware that he should have followed his instincts

'A few games… no big deal' Souta told himself unaware of the dangers he was putting his friends in; because he was a Higurashi and a Higurashi was always a big deal.

To Be Continue!