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 Twelve
Eliminate
The feeling of embarrassment and regret began to seep into the pit of his stomach as each step he took brought him farther from her. The comfort of her presents was now fading, like clouds after the rain. "What's wrong with me..." never in his plus twenty years had he ever felt this torn, 'I shouldn't even be here' he passed his hands down his face willing the blush to fade for it was clear he had developed a schoolboys crush. It was 'unacceptable' he foolishly let his mind become clouded just as the clouds up above passed the sun so easily.
"A word of advice… don't get so involved" he recalled his father's words from a few days ago.
"Is this what father was referring too" Sesshomaru doubted that, but it wasn't unusual for an officer to become emotionally involved of course his situation was a different matter. Which only caused him distress "I better just keep my distance," it was for his best interest that he do so as he had a job to do and acting as he had been doing so was out of the question. Again, his stomach did a nauseating twist as he recalled his unprofessionalism 'all right, time to snap out of this… whatever this is' straightening his shoulders he walked away. He wasn't about to ruin his promising career, Kagome Shinto wasn't going to be his downfall. He drove silently down the congested streets of Tokyo as he thought of his next move. Which was quickly interrupted by his ringing cellphone; he glanced at the number before answering the call on speaker "Yuri, what news do you have for me" there was a pause at the other end of the line "Yuri" he smiled as Yuri answered back in amazement
"How did you know it would be me?" Shika answered for him
"It's called caller ID" Yuri of course choose to ignore this all together "aren't you going to report your findings" Sesshomaru smiled at Shika's growing frustration with their fellow teammate
"I was just about too" Yuri shot back in annoyance "Sesshomaru, sir all girls failed to identified our killer…" Sesshomaru felt at ease at the news as he easily maneuvered through the traffic "but the best news is some easily recalled the other men's faces" Sesshomaru only hoped that Shika had more to add
"We currently have all five men in our custody, sir" Sesshomaru smiled, their kidnapping case was finally starting to gain some progress "I've sent you an email with their updated profiles" just as Shika said this Sesshomaru's cellphone rang with his email notification.
"Good work, you two" Sesshomaru voiced as he parked his car at his new destination "Shika, I'll need you to contact Mukotsu's ex-girlfriend" Yuri was the first to respond
"Sir, is that really necessary?" Sesshomaru knew that Yuri was only worrying for the girl's ease of mind but it was their only link to the people Mukotsu had connections with "she's…"
"She is our only lead to Mukotsu's known acquaintances" of course Yuri was aware of that. Seeing, as the men they had in custody would just deny any association with Mukotsu now that he was dead.
"I understand, sir… I'll be sure to set up a meeting with her as soon as possible" Shika voiced as Yuri remained silent "she might be expecting us, Mukotsu's death and involvement in Saya's murder has been released to the public"
"Let's just hope that's the case…" Sesshomaru voiced as he stepped out of his car. They were all well aware that there was a slight possibility that she could decide to make a run for it. "I'll be there in an hour or so, I have other matters to attend to before heading back to the office"
"Yes, Sir" Sesshomaru quickly hung up as his footsteps seemed to be cared by the light breeze slowly making his way towards his father's home 'nothing has changed' a warm feeling began to develop as the smell of baked cookies reached his nose, ignoring it as much as he could he rang the doorbell.
Kagome's heart had yet to settle itself as she made her way towards where Eri and Yuka would be waiting. Glancing at her wristwatch, she noticed half her lunch break had passed
Golden eyes burning into the depth of her soul…
She had ignored it, pushed it away from her thoughts 'such nonsense' she told herself as she began to retreat unaware that two sets of eyes were currently watching her every move.
Golden eyes…
Then there was a flutter of nerves as they sent tingles down towards her fingertips 'What… what is this?' she raised her hands in front of her face and she noticed as they began to tremble before her 'I'm...' she gasped 'No...' she pressed her palms onto her face hoping their coldness would help her blush to fade away. 'I am not blushing... it is an allergic reaction' she took a step back faltering slightly knowing how ridiculous she sounded.
Burning into the depth of her soul…
This only seemed to remind her of what she was trying to ignore from moments before 'I let him hug me' she had let her guard down. Sesshomaru Taisho had had his arms wrapped around her. She blushed at the mere thought 'he hugged me' not like she's been hugged before. Miroku had done so on occasion 'hasn't he?' she frowned as she tried to recall if indeed that had happened. But no memory seemed to come to mind causing her to sigh in frustration 'it never happened' she told herself very much determined to bury the incident deep within her mind
"Kagome..." he shyly called for her, forcing a smile she turned to face her classmate "are you alright?" the genuine concern in his eyes caused her to look away.
"I'm fine... just a little tired" Inuyasha wasn't sure how to continue, for she didn't look alright to him "were you looking for me?" Kagome tried to change the subject "well? Were you?" Inuyasha only sighed as he had already guessed that she wasn't going to be honest with him about what was really bothering her.
"No... I wasn't really" she couldn't help but smirk at his blunt attempted on a lie "so... are you going to tell me..." she wasn't sure what he even wanted to hear "you know..."
"I know... what exactly?" this only seemed to frustrate him even more, which of course only seemed to amuse her
"You know..." Inuyasha rubbed the back of his neck with his hand, a nervous tick she hadn't fail to notice, "what happened between my brother and you... that?" there was a flutter of nerves as they sent tingles down towards her finger tips once again
'Did he just see us' she closed both her hands into fist willing the sensation to stop 'he couldn't possible...' this only caused Inuyasha to frown at her lack of response "your brother..."
"He saved you... that night of those attacks; he saved you... didn't he?" Inuyasha waited as Kagome stared blankly at him "Kagome"
"Kagome" Yuka called her over as both girls quickly made their way towards them. By the look on Eri's face, they had something in mind other than the coffee she currently held and yet Kagome couldn't help but feel thankful for their sudden appearance.
"Where have you been?" asked Eri as Kagome accepted the drink Yuka giving her, Kagome relaxed as both girls shared glanced between Inuyasha and herself "not alone by the looks of it"
"It's not what it looks like" Inuyasha was the first to respond causing Kagome to look at him a bit in wonder, "we weren't doing anything"
"Were we supposed to be… doing something" Kagome couldn't help but ask, which only caused her to remember Inuyasha's older brothers warm embrace 'great' she felt her face warm anew she was blushing once more at the mere thought of what had happened 'just great' she thought as both girls send her a knowing smile "what?"
"Nothing" both girls voiced in union then Eri easily continued with "so... you two still need to talk… you know" she paused for a dramatic affect and finished with a hint of sass "alone"
"NO…" Both Kagome and Inuyasha answered startling each other at the same time
"I… we can always just talk later" Inuyasha voiced showing Kagome that he was not going to let the situation pass so easily the next time. Which she hoped that by then she would be well prepared with a response. All three friends remained silent, content on just hearing the leaves ruffled by the passing breeze as they watched Inuyasha departure.
Kagome's eyes slowly closed as the warmth of her coffee she just sipped slid down her throat to the pit of her stomach 'this is it' she thought as a light breeze ruffled her hair causing her to smile but that smile did not last long
"So... Inuyasha..." Eri's had begun to say but was interrupted by two of their fellow classmates
"It's alright to cry… Saya was your friend" the small group watched as two of their fellow students passed them by "it isn't your fault" Kagome willed herself to remain where she was
"Saya and I always walk home together… if only… if only it wasn't my turn to write down the class schedule… if only she had waited" Kagome's hands tightened as both girls just continued on their way "If only…"
"You didn't do anything…" Yuka shouted causing both girls to glance at her in shock and disbelief. Eri surprised by the outburst of her longtime friend was the first to recover
"I'm sorry, it's none of our business" grabbing onto her friends arm and tried to pull her away "Yuka, what's the matter with you" Eri asked in disbelief. Kagome watched her friend in silence
"You can't control someone else's actions… it's against human nature" Yuka flinched at her own words "I'm sorry..." Yuka quickly voiced, "I'm sorry... I just," did she not tell Eri earlier that day that they shouldn't meddle.
"I know..." Eri stepped beside their friend as she placed a hand on Yuka's shoulder trying to calm her down "as much as we want to change something…" Yuka turned away causing Kagome to wonder a little about her new friends "we can't… and tormenting yourself with ifs isn't going to either" Eri smiled sadly "was that what you were trying to say" Yuka nodded in embarrassment
"But it's so hard to believe…" the wind grew strong as the girl before them spoke with tears in her eyes "Saya was my best friend"
"No one said it was going to be easy…" Kagome stood from where she sat; "whoever told you that is an idiot" she frowned at their disbelief. "A false promise... that you would soon forget this pain… this heart ache" she felt like she had no right to give advice "I'm sorry" and yet her voice tightened slightly as she continued, "you'll always remember, the ache will always remain"
"Why…" asked the girl who had previously told her friend that it was all right to cry, "Why do you guys even care?"
"Because..." Kagome voiced sadly "Saya was her best friend" both her friends silently watched her as her voice became confident as she continued to speak 'this is all I can do' she told herself. "I know that we aren't friends, and that even after this we might never be" both girls cast their eyes down unsure what she was trying to tell them. "But, what you are feeling… this loneliness... that others might not understand what you're going thru… isn't entirely true" she looked away "it's not going to be easy... but at least you're not alone"
"Saya… Saya is really gone isn't she" Kagome closed her eyes as one of the girls broke down before her "our friend is truly gone"
"I'm sorry…" Kagome voiced as she stared at both girls before her. They stared back and for the first time noticing how much Saya and her looked like each other, Kagome continued "that you lost your friend" both girls startled her with a hug, which only caused both Eri and Yuka to smile
"Everything is going to be alright… it doesn't seem like it now, but in time it will" Eri voiced as she hugged one of the girls.
"Everything is going to be alright" Kagome remembered Inuyasha's brother telling her and she was starting to believe that he and Eri might be right
"Thank you" both girls voiced shyly was they walked away feeling slightly better after their encounter with the small group
"Sometimes… all you really need is a hug…" Eri voiced as she watched them go "Kagome" Eri looked at her blushing friend "are you feeling alright" and once again, Kagome thought of Sesshomaru's embrace
"I'm fine," Kagome, voiced with a hint of a nervous laughter "just a little embarrassed is all" Eri and Yuka smiled not knowing that that was really half the truth "what?"
"I'm glad we're friends" Eri voiced "isn't that right, Yuka" Yuka only smiled in response
"And friends stick together... that's rule one isn't?" Eri beamed at Kagome's words.
"Of course it is" Eri continued to smile ignoring the warning bell indicating that their lunch hour had just ended "come on, let's go or we will be late" her friends helped to reassure her that what she was doing was the right thing.
'Just for a little while' she thought as they gather their trash 'until I graduate… this will be enough' she was still unaware how hard it was going to be to say goodbye. That one day Eri and Yuka would feel what those two girls are currently feeling. Because their friend who went by Kagome Shinto would someday fade away 'everything is going to be alright' one day their friend will be gone.
Miroku and his old army pal slowly made their way towards his apartment. It was close enough for him to travel to and from work. In all reality, Miroku rarely stayed there, since he preferred spending most of his time at headquarters just like the other clan members. "This way" he had no chose but to meet Hachi here, seeing as this was the best place for discretion. Leaving work had been easy enough things were changing, and he might see himself home more often after yesterdays' insistent. However, that wasn't as important now. He currently had many questions on his mind: one being "How did you find me" Hachi Tanuky looked away has he choose not to answer. Miroku noticed this as he unlocked his apartment door "it isn't much…" Miroku offered as the look of dismay appeared on Hachi's face as they continued into the slightly rundown building "but its home"
"How the mighty have fallen" Hachi couldn't help but whisper to himself as he continued to follow Miroku into the small living space "you left your old life for this…" Miroku glared and quickly responded with
"Did I ask you to find me" Miroku tried to hold back his anger but knew he was fighting a lost cause "look Hachi… I'm fine… I'm adjusting" Hachi gave him that look that silently told him that he thought otherwise "mind the mess" Miroku voiced as he made his way into the small kitchen "I had no idea I was going to have company" after finding and rising the only two cups he owned, he was able to offer his guest some water. Hachi reluctantly excepted as he glanced around his friends home, noticing the obvious
"You don't stay here much do you" Miroku glanced at his tiny apartment and frowned "there is nothing here..."
"What are you now... a profiler" Miroku voiced as he placed his own cup down "when did you change professions?"
"That's not it and you know I'm right" Hachi looked around nervously "this place is nothing compared to your old place" Miroku smirked at his friend statement
"My old place..." his voice hardened as he looked away "I was breaking... no" it was time that he face his problems head on, "I was broken" his hands tighten into fists
"You were recovering" anger began to rice as both men stood from where they had been sitting just moments before, causing both cups of water to spill onto the floor
"Was I..." Miroku voiced stopping his friend in his tracks "is that what you would call it" Miroku had never been a foolish man not then and not now "that place you speak of was just a lie" it had been a pretty picture to cover whatever demons he had been denying.
"And what would you call this" Hachi voiced glancing around Miroku's rundown apartment
"Living..." Hachi sat in defeat "like you said: I don't stay here much... but I'm here" Miroku smiled for the first time since he entered his apartment "dust and all... I'am here" Hachi could only shake his head at his friends' strange words "and I can't go back... not yet"
"Who needs you" Hachi asked in surprise, having a feeling that it was a person keeping his friend from returning, not just himself
"I think that I need her more... then she needs me" Hachi sighed "it's not like that, Hachi... this girl has become my family" Miroku knew that his friend would never understand "and I don't think that I can let go of that" he had lost so much already "but I'll have to..."
"Have to, What?" Miroku frowned causing Hachi's curiosity to spark "Miroku"
"All things end, Hachi... and when that happens I have to be there" Hachi voiced nothing as he watch his friend become lost in his own thoughts. Whoever she was, Hachi was sure she was very important at least to Miroku and he was hoping that he would someday get to meet her.
There was excitement in the air as the small group made their way down the busy streets of Tokyo. It was the first time that he youngest Higurashi ventured out on his own "fun, isn't" Shippo voiced loudly next to him easily reading his friends thoughts.
"It's different" it was a separate world; he could easily see why his sister wanted her time away from the clan. The Higurashi walls would always be home, they would never turn their backs to the clan. Nevertheless, the freedom to do as you please just for a moment was uplifting "very different"
"You can do anything you want" Shippo told him. In a way his friend was right, he had no limitations like those of his sister: who already had decided long ago to be future clan leader. "Be anything you want to be... travel... leave everything behind" there was hope in Shippo's voice mixed with envy.
"Leave" Souta voiced, that had never closed his mind. To leave his sister, to move away from the clan. There were his family; Kagome was all he had, could he really leave her.
"It seems it is time for you to choose your own... but be warn" Souta recalled his grandfather's words from a few nights ago "for choosing one path will ultimately eliminate the other"
"Souta" Shippo practically shouted in his ear "man, you've been standing there looking like an idiot for the past five minutes" Shippo smirked "not that it really made any difference" Souta playfully punched his friends arm too embarrassed to say anything.
"Whatever... that's one to know one," Shippo only laughed as they both made their way into the arcade. The arcade was full, every game machine was taken it seemed but Shippo easily noticed two men that looked around their sisters' age they seemed out of place to him, as if they didn't belong there. They looked around as if what they were about to say was some type of secret
"We wouldn't want to scare our new recruits away..." Shippo decided in that moment that they were of no importance; it was Wolf territory after all, what could possibly go wrong.
"These punks couldn't even hurt a fly..." Bonkotsu spat watching each target carefully "There a bunch off..."
"Well..." Jokutsu interrupted breaking into a smile "in the words of Mulan..."
"Can it" Bonkotsu knew his friend was going to be of no assistance "if you even..." Jokutsu held up his hands as a signal of truce
"Where's your Disney spirit?" Jokutsu voiced causing his leader to sigh
"Alright princess" this caused the reaction Bonkotsu was looking for, the smile that had once been on Jokutsu's face was now clearly gone "I have..." he paused as he made his way towards the back exit "far more important things to do"
"Wasn't the plan to wait for her signal... what if she comes back and you're not here" Bonkotsu frowned as he glanced at the small group they were currently watching
"She left orders... she seems to like those a lot..." since the entire gang had seen Mukotsu's dead body the night before some of the men rightfully feared her
"Our group out numbers hers" Bonkotsu wasn't stupid; he knew that her men were only loyal to her.
"Still don't like it" Jokutsu continued with, "I really want to punch one in the face" this only caused Bonkotsu to laugh as Jokutsu shouted "their breathing alone is starting to annoy me" Souta looked up from the game he and Shippo were currently playing, becoming aware of the two men that moved a few machines away
"Not yet, Jokutsu, not yet" Bonkotsu smiled as his target got easily distracted by his friend "But soon" Jokutsu licked his lips at the thought of blood.
The wind began to gain its frosty bite as the sun slowly settled, diming down its bright colors for a solemn dark blues of the night. His drive to the office had gone uneventful. Even Kasumi seemed to be having a slow day her segment about celebrity gossip had been mild and somewhat boring, not that Sesshomaru cared about such silly things "Sesshomaru, sir" Yuri called out as she ran towards him with a file in hand "Shika awaits your order for those who already been interviewed"
"Excellent, I was just on my way over" Yuri smiled widen as she offered him the file she had been holding "I looked at the files and noticed two out of the bunch that might have some answers" Yuri nodded as he continued "their rap sheet is similar to that of Mukotsu's"
"Kyokotsu and Ginkotsu have already been separated to two different holding cells" Sesshomaru nodded with approval, liking that his team was already one step ahead of him "for the time being they both have been quite" Yuri voiced not really concerned over Ginkotsu's and Kyokotsu's current silence
"And what of Miss. Takemori" Sesshomaru noticed Yuri shift in mood as it became more subdued at the mention of Mukotsu's ex-girlfriend "any news"
"As soon as she arrives we will be informed" Sesshomaru patted her shoulder with his hand reassuring her that it was all going to work out "Sesshomaru, sir... won't this hinder her progress... she's been doing so well"
"Don't forget that she did that all on her own... Mukotsu connection to her is past tense, her future is only for her to decide" in a way Yuri somewhat reminded him of Sango who looked at the person and not the case. Not that he saw that as a weakness 'it will only make it harder' he thought as he watched Yuri walk alongside him lost in her own thoughts "she'll be find..." Yuri smiled at his words; he could only hold back a sigh at his own sentimentality 'I've grown soft' he thought as Yuri continued to smile
"Of course..." Sesshomaru gave her a sideways glance noticing Yuri normal personality shine "how about some coffee" not even waiting for his response, he watched her go
"I use to be feared..." Sesshomaru mumbled to himself as he made his way down towards the interrogation room with a frown
"Sesshomaru, sir" Shika called out with a hint of tension noticing his team leaders current mood "There's only two interviews left" this only seemed to send Shika into a panic as Sesshomaru's mood had yet so shift to a positive one "not that they were being confined... that is against the law..." Sesshomaru didn't understand his colleagues' long-winded rant; since he had been somewhat lost in his own thoughts, "I mean to say... No person shall be deprived of life or liberty, nor shall any other penalty be imposed, expect according to the procedures established by law" as Sesshomaru watched Shika recite article 31 of their constitution he smiled not helping Shika panic state as the said man paled slightly "it's only been a couple of hours"
"You applied for the maximum 72 hours didn't you?" Sesshomaru questioned as Shika nodded his response "then we should be fine... don't worry so much, Shika if need be we will just have to apply for warrant of detention" Sesshomaru voiced somewhat happy at Shika's show of fear "We will interview them before that is even necessary"
"Sesshomaru, sir..." Yuri called out from down the hall as she neared with a cup of coffee in her hands "Miss. Takemori is on her way to the mortuary as we speak" handing him his hot cup of coffee she continued with "the main office took it upon themselves to send her there... I was too late to interfere"
"Shika, call Bokusenō head medical examiner of Sector 305 Mortuary... inform him that Yuri and I are on our way over to speak with Miss. Takemori" Sesshomaru and Yuri wasted no time as they heard Shika call out behind them
"Will do, sir" and quickly made his way towards a phone not wanting to disappoint his team leader or Yuri for that matter, since he knew how upset she was about the current mix-up. Sector 305 had been in total disarray since that morning announcement. Their former chief and some of the staff members had resigned leaving many of their departments in a disorganized state. "Hopefully with the new chief things will soon improve" Shika sighed, he never thought that work was going to be this difficult "how did Ginta and Sango pull this off" how he wished they would return to their post soon as much as he liked his new position he really did miss his old post of filing report. Life had been so much easier then, "connect me with Dr. Bokusenō head of the morgue department" 'yes, those had been easier times' he sighed as his call was quickly transferred.
"How could they send her there on her own... not even companied by staff... I'll be sure to give them an earful..." Sesshomaru remained silent as Yuri continued her rant. He had hoped that would stop once they neared the Mortuary entrance but was wrong as she continued with, "They'll be in tears by the time I'm done with them..." Yuri mumbled to herself as Sesshomaru opened the door, leading them both inside. The smell of cleaning solution was the first thing you noticed, then the coldness of the room which made Yuri close her coat around her body a little closer "tears..." she whispered "tears..."
"Miss. Takemori" Sesshomaru watched as Mukotsu's ex-girlfriend paced back and forth.
Chieko Takemori looked exhausted; it was obvious that she didn't want to be here in the first place. Since she had better things to do in her spare time then identifying the body of her former abusive boyfriend. "Miss Takemori..." he held back a sigh, he didn't blame her reluctance in being there "thank you for your cooperation..." she looked up at him startled at his sincerity. "Please forgive the intrusion but you are the only one that can assist us" she nodded as she moved closer to the door that lead them inside
"Let's get this over with" her voice was soft and gentle as if she spoke any louder Mukotsu might just wake up from where he currently laid
Sesshomaru stepped forward towards the corpse, "Take you're..." as he began to uncover Mukotsu's face and noticed her nervous expression "time"
"It's him...," she voiced with far more confidence than before
"He was found a few hours ago... we are looking into who might have killed him..." Yuri voiced placing her hand on Chieko's shaking shoulders
"Alright" she quick sighed in relief and smiled as she continued with "his truly dead" and broke into soft giggles; causing her shoulders to shake as she slowly slide to the floor in tears, losing the strength in her legs "his gone" Yuri looked up towards Sesshomaru unsure on how to proceed "his gone..."
"If we would ask you a few questions?" Yuri asked politely as she help Chieko up off the cold floor
"Everyone who ever meet him wanted to kill him" Chieko bitterly laughed as she glanced one final time towards Mukotsu's cold lifeless body "Including me..." wiping her tears away she smiled or tried to smile Sesshomaru noted as he watched her silently "I never thought that that would ever happen..." she shook at her own words "his gone..." Chieko repeated for the third time since she entered the room, as if she had to remind herself that Mukotsu was truly dead
"We currently have some in custody that might be associated with Mukotsu... if you could identify any of them that might have been close to him it would be... it would really be of some help" Chieko nodded not sure if she would be of any use seeing as Mukotsu didn't have many friends she knew of
"All try my best" that was all they truly need her to do. Yuri smiled as she lead Chieko out of the room and offered her a warm cup of coffee, Chieko gladly accepted Yuri's kindness.
Sesshomaru followed them silently as he couldn't help but wonder how Sango and Ginta were doing; he had hoped that Sango and Ginta would report soon. But that was only his wishful thinking as they had only gone undercover a few nights ago; it would take some time for them to settle into their new identities, however his mind was currently set at ease since 'no news was good news' Sesshomaru sighed 'whoever thought up that phase was full of...'
"Sesshomaru, sir" Shika called out "What are your orders" sighing for what he hoped would be for the last time he voiced the following
"Prepare a line up..." since their current case was soon closing and for that, he was thankful.
The night had grown cold… The breath of her men could be seen mere inches away from their faces. "Boss" the one to her left whispered, he tried to gaining her attention once more "Can we trust this man" the man he spoke of was none other than Miroku; who just a few weeks ago she had meet and he had already gained her complete trust, which only seemed to frustrate her grandfather
'Miroku... don't fail me' she glared towards the direction they had last seen him; she finally answered his question "I trust him with my life" and that's when they heard it; causing her to smile "that's the signal!" she voiced out loud as she motioned her men to take their places. They stepping out into the open "boys" tonight was to be her initiating "let's have some fun" her smile turned into a smirk. The group of men she was leading into that night's battle were only a few years older and very much eager to prove themselves. "Move on out" because it was only the beginning, it was the first step of many she would need to take, to show the council and her grandfather that she had the ability to lead the clan
"Boss" the night had grown cold, "we have arrived" voiced her current driver as her other bodyguard stepped out of the car to open her passenger door. It felt strange, it was the first time she would meet Kouga without Miroku to accompany her "I'll park the car and wait for you" since one would have to remain with her at all times
"They are to be your shadows" her grandfather's new orders, what little freedom she had had was slowly fading within those shadows he was now placing around her "for your protection" he had told her. However, they both were very much aware that he was now trying to control her
"Very well..." she had nothing else to say, it wasn't their fault that her grandfather was being vigilant on who she now surrounded herself with.
"It won't take long" she smiled at them both as she exited the car and made her was towards the Den's front entrance ignoring the stares of those who waited patiently in line as she just step into the popular dance club.
The Den was as loud and lively as its owner 'I can see why he likes this place so much' she thought with a smile. Ignoring her bodyguard as he quickly stated that he would let one of Kouga's men know of her arrival. Not that it need to be done seeing as her appearance alone had done that for her 'speak of the devil' she thought as she watched Kouga make his way towards her, she easily noticing the smile on his face knowing to well it would only bring her unwanted trouble
"Kagome" he voiced as he stopped in front of her quickly noticing her lack of companion "flying solo" his smile widen into a mischievous one which had faded rather quickly "Who the hell is this…" causing Kagome to laugh at his disappointment
"New…" Kagome voiced with a smile as she watched something within Kouga's mind shift putting her slightly on edge "company"
"Finally... you tired of that loser boyfriend of yours?" she didn't show it. Since the hard gaze that he was gracing her with was enough to unnerve any normal man; but Kagome wasn't a man and easily took it with stride as Kouga's playful nature returned, "you're prettiest girl here, do you know that?" causing her to smile at his attempt in charming her
"Are you going to make me just stand around" Kouga only shook his head as he stepped towards her ignoring the presents of Kagome's new appointed bodyguard
"I was only showing you off to the crowd…" Kouga wasn't such a foolish man and knew that their meeting would need to be private as possible "Where are my manners…" placing his arm around her shoulder he led her towards his own V.I.P section that was located on the second floor of the club distancing themselves from the crowd. "I believe... I like this new bodyguard…" he playfully stated trying to lighten the mood "his presents still makes it a little… inconvenient"
"If you don't remove your hand you'll feel something far worst," Kagome offered sweetly as she took a seat causing Kouga to chuckle at her straight out warning
"Such hostility" he voiced as he trailed his fingers down her laced covered shoulder. "Someone getting on your nerves…" he asked as he sat in the seat beside of her separating them was a small coffee table as he motioned for one of his men. "Sake" Kagome remained silent, noticing as Kouga ordered for the both of them "a lie is very hard to keep to one's self…" he looked at her in all seriousness "is it not" slightly letting her know that he was somewhat informed
"Your own experience…" she easily evaded his question with "aren't some lies tainted with a hint of truth"
"This isn't a game…" Kouga frowned showing that he was very much serious "this involves business... and business is a serious matter" she turned towards her guard and voiced
"Leave us" because of what Kouga and she had to speak off didn't need to reach her grandfather's ears or that of the council
"Aren't we family…" Kouga voiced with such hostility it caused Kagome's men to hesitate but did so at the wave of her hand "close to family that is…" since the both of them had known each other for a long time now, and those being slightly darker times
"So you heard the news…" she didn't flitch as he slammed his hand on the table knowing his anger was very much justified
"I've heard lots of things…" Kouga's tone wasn't as friendly as it should have been considering that she was future leader of the Higurashi clan and his current business partner "when were you planning on telling me" he smirked as he recalled his meeting with Miroku earlier that day "I had to hear it from that loser"
"The council..." she voiced in annoyance "have been pestering my grandfather" Kouga was starting to believe what Miroku had told him earlier that day was true
"On choosing a husband" it had not surprised her that he already knew "they have hinted their approval on Miroku" Kouga smiled at her blank stare having a feeling that behind that mask was a confused expression
"Hinted…" she wasn't liking where this was going, because it sounded like the council was making unnecessary moves "you have meet with the council" she asked as Hakkaku, Kouga's right hand man brought both their drinks
"I have" she frowned for the council had no business with the wolf tribe. It was true that the Higurashi Clan were allies with the Tribe but that had always been strictly territorial. It was not but in the past year that she and Kouga had become business partners. "By the looks of it you were unaware?" her mask had slipped back into place as he continued with "as for this business arrangement we currently have…" his smile had slowly turned into a serious frown "it seems like it's starting to wither" as much as he liked her and come to value her friendship, business was still business
"It seems like…" she finally placed the clutch purse she had been holding on to the table flashing her ring that held her clan's symbol as her expression grew serious. "You are starting to question my abilities on keeping our arrangements?" it appeared to her that they all were beginning to doubt her. "The last time I checked Crescent's has doubled your monthly profits by twenty percent" Kouga couldn't help but laugh at her straight out boldness , it was true that his profit had doubled that month from the gambling hall they both co-owned
"I don't like those old fossils sniffing into my business" His laughter stopped as quickly as it had erupted "and you Kagome, my dear, dear Kagome… are my business" as much as she hated his wording he was right
"I've had my suspicions…" Kagome had begun to say but stopped as his eyes slightly shifted letting her know that they were no longer alone as Kouga decided to pour each of them a glass
"She's not…" her bodyguard began to protest; since he had received strict orders of his own "allowed" Kagome frowned as Kouga gleefully repeated
"Allowed" Kouga joyful voice was full of sarcasm "Kagome…" it had been a test to see if her men trusted her own judgment and they had failed in Kouga's eyes "are you allowed?"
"We are guests here, who am I to refuse such hospitality" her bodyguard blushed in embarrassment as he took a step back causing Kouga to smirk in satisfaction "my men… tend to worry" she tried to justify her bodyguards' actions, but in reality he had just humiliated them both
"You still have far more to prove than I thought…" Kagome hide her annoyance well since what he said was true, he moved a bit closer "not that I'm blaming you" he whispered in her ear, sitting back once more he poured himself another glass and smiled as if nothing had happened
"Thank you" Kagome narrowed her gaze as she accepted her drink to the clear annoyance of her bodyguard and she was sure her grandfather would become aware of the situation at hand "now, speak clearly" without another word she dismissed her bodyguard as she had done moments before, leaving her alone with Kouga for the time being
"All I'm trying to say is that… change my dear is hard" he took a drink and smiled, "and the things you have accomplish so far..." the anger she had felt earlier had faded with his choose of words "makes the council look like the fools we know them to be" which caused her to smile. It sounded as if he was encouraging her "fallen for me yet" her laughter echoed breaking whatever spell he had been attempting to cast
"No…" she voiced after settling down "not yet" lifting her own glass towards her lips, she slowly emptied her cup and settled it back down with a light tap as she felt the liquid run down her throat as it settle at the pit of her stomach. She smiled 'Not ever' she thought, she was starting to see him in a different light but she knew she could never come to love him, they both knew how dark they could be
"As for the council..." Kouga began to question as he ordered something far stronger than the water he had served them moments ago.
"As for the council…" she smirked, it was time to show them she wasn't so easily pushed aside as they thought "I'll take care of them myself" it was time she made moves of her own, but for the time being it was back to business "how long until we go public?"
"If things go as plan..." Kouga smiled as he leaned in closer "by the end of the year, we will be the talk of the town" Kagome relaxed into her chair at the news. She knew that he was taking a big risk, they both were. Rumors of their partnership alone had caused the council to worry; enough that they took drastic measures in obtain any type of information. The security breach of the Blue Raven was proof enough, not that they were aware of her knowing of their involvement.
"Boss" She waited for him to continue, "It's time to go" Kouga laughed out loud, which only caused Kagome to sigh in frustration
"It is a school night" Kouga teased her "Go, we are done here anyways" Kagome stood at least thankful that he understood her predicament.
"Thanks, Kouga... I will keep in touch" with that said, she turned to leave but had to pause as Kouga couldn't help but call out
"Is that a promise" Kagome just laughed at the look of annoyance on her bodyguards' face, very aware that her grandfather will be definitely be hearing about her encounter with Kouga of the wolf tribe.
Miroku stood at his post as the other members kept their distance unsure on how they were to interact with him 'they act as if I'm the plague' for it seemed some members have become suspicious of his presents
"The council has hinted some interest in you…" he recalled Kouga's words
'Perhaps…' he frowned 'perhaps they also think I'm after leadership' it was starting to become clear 'they are starting to doubt me' his thoughts were soon interrupted by a voice he had become too familiar with the past year
"Miroku" she slowly made her way towards him, his smile became a frown as he saw two men trail behind her "let my grandfather know I would like to speak with him" they reluctantly did as she said leaving them both alone "how was your day"
"Better now…" he broke out into a smile "a lot better" Kagome never failed to calm him "How was yours" his smile faded somewhat at her frown as she removed her heels
"Complicated… things are starting to become… very complicated" if Miroku didn't know her as well as he did he would have just missed the slight distress in her voice
"How so" he was ready to listen, which was one of the reasons Kagome confided in him as much as she did "what has happened?" she only shock her head in response as she made her way inside
"It is something I will have to figure out myself" as she passed by the formal living room Kagome glanced at the clock "Souta" thinking of her brother her smile quickly returned, "where is he?"
"Last I hear he had yet to return from school" Miroku answered truthfully for it seemed Souta had yet to report home "some of the clans men are starting to worry" Kagome nodded for it had been one of the rules their grandfather had set upon them going to public school "did he tell you anything?"
"Only that he and Shippo were heading over to an arcade after school" all the boys in her class really seemed to like it there "It's getting late thou" she sat and watched as the clocks hand ticked, her anxiety began to rise "I'll contact Kouga in a few if he doesn't show up in the next five minutes"
"Kouga" Miroku watched Kagome try to relax as she calculated her next move "is that even safe… I mean to say"
"I know what you mean, Miroku" Kagome voiced with a smile as she continued on with "we had a long conversation today… about my pending marriage, and future arrangements" she closed her eyes looking far more tired than the last time he had seen her. It seemed the last few hours had taken a toll on the future Higurashi leader "and by the looks of it, Kouga will support whatever decision I make" her smile faded at the sound of disturbance coming from the main entrance
"Kagome" she stood wasting no time in putting her heels back on "Kagome" their new guest continued to scream her name "let go… Kagome, help me" Miroku ran alongside her "let go" the desperation in the boys' voice caused her to stumble
"You have no right here," shouted one of her men knocking the boy down onto his knees "leave at once" but the red headed boy shook where he kneeled
"I most speak with Kagome" refusing to give in as Kagome pushed her men aside freezing at who she saw before him "you don't understand…"
"Shippo" her heart skipped a beat at the site before her. Shippo her brother's best friend kneeled before her, his school uniform tainted with his own blood "where… where is my brother?" her voice almost broke, causing some of her men to step back for it had lowered to a deadly extent "where is Souta?" Shippo lifted his chin slightly, whimpering as he answered
"I… I don't know" she stepped towards him causing him to flinch; but she was stopped by Miroku's hand
"Where is my brother?" the look of distress in Shippo's eyes was not what she wanted to see "who… who took him" her eyes became hard as she waited for his answer 'Souta' she thought as she watched Shippo shake before her
"Jokutsu..." a cold shiver ran down Miroku's spine for he recalled where he had heard that name before. Miroku's earlier thoughts from that morning where coming back to him
'War… a war was soon approaching' he shook his head 'no, it was already here' he watched Kagome start to make plans to find her missing brother, and for all their sake, he hoped that he was alive and well.
To Be Continue!