Hellsing Fan Fiction / InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ Love, like Justice, is Blind ❯ The Set-Up ( Chapter 2 )

Disclaimer: * woman steps up to a podium overflowing with microphones * Ahem…I have called this press conference to read an official statement. I do not have any rights to Hellsing and its character as they belong to Kouta Hirano nor do I have any rights Inuyasha and its characters as they are owned by Rumiko Takahashi. I wish I did, but sadly I don't. Raven Luminare also does not belong to me. She belongs to EvilLilVixen, who has given me permission to use her. Serene Takeuchi is my own character, and I decided to let her loose in a fanfiction for once.

 

 

 

 

Chapter Two: The Set-Up

 

Within a towering skyscraper, a lone figure sat hunched over a simple yellow legal pad and surrounded by a pile of both open and unopened textbooks. The male leaned back in the leather chair and sighed as he pushed his gold-rimmed reading glasses up the bridge of his nose. Picking up a coffee mug, he took a sip of the dark drink only to groan and grimace. It was cold. Standing up, the man walked into adjourning room where a sink, microwave, and a coffee pot could be found. Dumping out the cold coffee, the man poured some fresh hot coffee into the empty mug. It had been brewed a few hours ago so it would be strong, but he didn't care. He needed the extra caffeine. After sprinkling some Irish cream and sugar into the mug, he took the mug back into his office and sat down. The man took one more sip before returning to his notes on an insider trading case he had been working on. As he was about to reacquaint himself with federal case law, his cell phone rang. He reached over and flipped it open. Placing it to his ear, he heard a woman's voice on the other end.

 

“It's been a long time…Sesshoumaru.”

 

Golden eyes widened in recognition as soon as the caller spoke.

 

“It has…Serenitis.”

 

There was a small chuckle from the other end of the line. “I knew you would be up. Let me guess, working on a big case and drinking a cup of coffee with a dash of cream and sugar.”

 

Sesshoumaru picked up his mug with said ingredients and took a sip. “You know me too well.”

 

“Of course I do.”

 

Taking another sip of his coffee, he asked, “Why are you calling me after all this time? And at this hour?”

 

A sigh. “I need your help.”

Sesshoumaru released a chuckle. “You can't be serious Serenitis. Woman, that's what you went to college for. I know what you are capable of.”

 

He heard another dejected sigh; she was getting irritated.

 

“And I you. However, I need your services.”

 

He was interested now. Setting the half-empty mug down on an open space on his desk, Sesshoumaru sat up in his chair.

 

“Really now?”

 

“Indeed. I have a friend that's in a bit of trouble.”

 

“How deep?”

 

“The IA* is involved.”

 

Sesshoumaru growled. “Bastards.”

 

“So will you be able to help out?”

 

Sesshoumaru grabbed a sheet of paper from the notepad and took down a few notes.

 

He spoke into the receiver, “I will call you in the morning.”

 

Hanging up, Sesshoumaru tossed the cell phone on the desk and stood. He walked up to large bay window and looked out on the city. Many of the neighboring buildings were dark, with the exception of a few offices being cleaned by the night staff. He sighed; he never expected to hear from her again. It has been a year since they have spoken and it seems like nothing has changed. She still has the same calm, comforting voice and he still pulled all-nighters for his clients. Now, after the phone call, he suspected that a reunion wouldn't be too far off. Returning to his desk and sitting his chair, he looked down at the notes he was writing before Serene had called. His eyes then shifted to the clock upon his desk. It was one. He took his glasses off and set them on the notepad. Rubbing his eyes, he decided it would be best if he turned in for the night. Standing up, he grabbed his cell phone and jacket, and walked out of the office, turning the light off as he left.

 

=====================================================

 

“Graduated Magna Kum Lade…went to work at the prestigious Marrier, Jonson, and Tyler Law Firm directly after graduating…left the firm suddenly after four years of service…had a ninety percent win rate…”

 

Alucard leaned back in his chair. So far his search into Serenitis Takeuchi's life yielded no results. She was a model citizen, a college graduate with honors, a lawyer that had been featured in countless magazines…something was not checking out. No one is that perfect. All humans are flawed creatures. Seras should know something about Serene. After all, Serene gave him the impression that Seras and herself were more than just casual acquaintances.

 

The front door of the small business opened, and the familiar sound of downtown traffic greeted his ears.

 

“Good morning Walter!” a female voice called out.

 

Alucard smirked. Just the person he needed to see.

 

He called from his office, “Seras!”

 

Seras turned in the direction of the voice. It was so distracting that she missed the greeting directed towards her.

 

“What was that, Walter?”

 

The aged man looked up at her from his desk. “I said `Good Morning, Miss Victoria.'”

 

She smiled back. “Thanks Walter. I bet Alucard is still mad at me for leaving him with my last pickup for the night.”

 

Walter nodded in understanding. “In good faith I hope?”

 

Seras smiled. “Of course!”

 

She walked over to the break table and placed a box of fresh doughnuts down. She walked over to Alucard's office and knocked on the door.

 

“You call me, sir?”

 

Alucard looked up from his computer. “Get in here.”

 

Seras walked into the office and sat in the chair across from Alucard.

 

“I want some answers. Now.”

 

Seras smiled nervously as she babbled, “If it's about the my last pickup…I can explain! You see, I was going to go get them when I got the call that the guy I was chasing had come home so I decided to ambush him there while his guard was down and I didn't wa—”

“Enough!” Alucard roared, “I don't care about that! I want to know about your pickup last night.”

 

“Ohhh!” Seras nodded in understanding. “You mean Serene! Well, I actually don't know that much about her.”

 

“What?”

 

“Don't be mad, sir. She's not the type of person to tell people about her past. I can tell you that she was engaged. I believe it was to another lawyer or something.”

 

Alucard asked, “Name?”

 

Before Seras could answer, Walter stepped into the office and said, “Excuse me Alucard, but Miss Hellsing would like to speak to Seras about last night's apprehension.”

 

“Alright,” she stated as she began to walk out of the door but stopped right before the threshold and added, “It shouldn't be too hard to find whom.”

 

As Seras left to talk with the director, Alucard looked at his computer screen. The background information about Serenitis Takeuchi was still there. He sighed and decided that maybe it was time to read between the lines and see where it got him.

 

=====================================================

 

Serene was in the kitchen cooking breakfast by the time Raven dragged herself down the stairs. By the way her friend looked, Serene surmised that her friend had more than just “a drink” last night, but it pleased her that Raven decided to grace the world with her presence…again. She just smiled at her friend and placed a cup of cappuccino down in front of Raven. Serene watched as Raven took a sip and sighed.

 

“Perfect as always Serene.”

 

Serene just smiled and returned to the kitchen to continue slicing tomatoes. She decided to cheer Raven up by cooking her favorite breakfast.

 

As she cracked the awaiting eggs on the counter into a glass bowl, she asked, “Did you check your messages today?”

 

Raven took another sip from the cup and replied, “Yeah. They not only left me a message on the machine about my suspension, but they also sent an email as well. Can you believe that? I bet someone didn't read the memo before they wrote that email. Assholes.”

 

Serene laughed as she heated the pan and began to scramble the eggs. After the eggs were thoroughly mixed, she sprayed the pan with butter and poured the yellow substance. When the mixture was solid enough, Serene tossed the chopped tomato in and folded the egg.

 

Raven set her cup down on the dining room table and asked, “Hey Serene?”

 

Without looking up, Serene replied, “What?”

 

Raven smirked evilly. “How many tiles are there on the kitchen counter?”

 

Serene flipped the omelet over and answered, “1,569 tiles…dammit Raven!”

 

Raven laughed. “So predictable.”

 

Serene put the omelet on a plate and set it in front of Raven. Raven's mouth watered as she gazed upon the fluffy egg meal. Serene returned to give her a fork and knife. As soon as the fork was in her hand, Raven dug in. Serene sat down across from her friend and watched her eat.

 

“I got a few messages this morning on the machine.”

 

“Really?” Raven answered around a forkful of egg and tomato.

 

Serene smiled. “Indeed my friend. I received a message about the charges against me. They were dropped this morning. As for you, I got you a lawyer last night. He has agreed to represent you, on a discount of course.”

 

“Sweet.”

 

Serene continued, “Yes, we have dinner arrangements with him this evening at Crystalline…”

 

“No way! That place is flippin' expensive and full of stuffed shirts!”

 

Serene sighed. “If you think that is bad, then you won't like this. You have to wear dress tonight.”

 

Raven dropped her fork and her mouth hung wide open.

 

“What!”

 

Serene nodded. “You heard me. Now finish getting yourself ready! We've got a lot to do today! Busy, busy, busy!” She clapped her hands for emphasis.

 

Raven shook her head at her friend's antics. Serene could be a handful sometimes, but Raven wouldn't have her any other way. She got up from the table and went upstairs to retrieve the proper clothing for social outings.

 

====================================================

 

Sesshoumaru just finished having a meeting with the client from the insider-trading case when his office phone rang. He picked it up after the third ring.

 

“Sesshoumaru.”

 

A voice he didn't recognize answered back. “Ah yes, just the person I was looking for.”

 

Sesshoumaru asked, “Who is this?”

 

“Alucard. I'm a private investigator and a bondsman. I was the one who bailed Serenitis Takeuchi and Raven Luminare out last evening.”

 

Sesshoumaru seemed unfazed. “Well Alucard, as you know, I cannot legally divulge any information to you about my clients. You're wasting your time and mine by calling.”

 

Alucard laughed. “As of this morning, this lady is not your client. I want to speak to you about Miss Takeuchi.”

 

“What do you want with Serene?”

 

The investigator responded, “Ah. The information must be correct then. For a minute I thought it was wrong.”

 

Sesshoumaru felt himself getting irritated. “What are you talking about?”

 

“I'm talking about your ex-fiancé. I didn't think that law firms allow couples to partner up…unless of course, you never told the partners that you two were together. That's a serious offense, fraternizing with your subordinates. Of course, I can keep it quiet if you answer a few of my questions…”

 

Sesshoumaru replied, “I can sue you for blackmail. Your allegations are invalid.”

 

“Regardless, the accusation alone will mar you record.”

 

Sesshoumaru sighed. He knew that sometimes giving in was easier than fighting it. Now he had to turn this situation around so that it was in his favor.

 

“What information do you need?”

Alucard replied nonchalantly, “Just background into Miss Takeuchi's younger life.”

 

Sesshoumaru felt uncomfortable with the request. “Why would you want that?”

 

“I have my reasons.”

 

“This is what I can do,” Sesshoumaru offered up, putting his negotiating skills to the test, “I can set up a meeting for you with her.”

 

Alucard thought about it for a moment and replied, “That will be acceptable.”

 

“Meet me at Crystalline tonight at seven-thirty.”

 

After that, Sesshoumaru hung up the phone. He leaned back in his chair and sighed. He was in a tight situation, and in the end, he decided that Serene could handle herself against the private investigator. He pressed the call button on his phone, and told his secretary to send in his next appointment. Despite stepping into the past, Sesshoumaru knew that life went on in the present.

 

===================================================

 

After Raven got dressed, the ladies departed from their shared home to go into the city. It was noon, and the ladies got caught in lunchtime traffic, much to Raven's annoyance. Serene could only watch from the driver's seat as her friend flipped off cars and cussed out their drivers. They pulled up next to a red sedan.

 

“What the hell?” Raven shouted.

 

Serene, who was stuck in the standstill of exit ramp traffic, looked over at her friend.

 

“What's wrong, Raven?” she asked, and then Serene saw the cause for Raven's outburst.

 

“Oh.” was all Serene could reply.

 

A male voice shouted back at Raven, “What the hell is right!”

 

“Dammit! As if this day couldn't any worse. First, I'm stuck in rush hour traffic in eighty-degree weather and then to top it off, whom do I get stuck next to in the car? None other than Inuyasha himself!”

 

Inuyasha yelled back, “I could say the same to you, Raven!”

 

“You're so fucking predictable Inuyasha!”

 

Serene just watched as her friend and neighbor got into one of their daily arguments. She shook her head; Serene recently found out how her confrontational neighbor felt about her headstrong housemate over an afternoon cup of tea. However, her brief respite was ruined when the red sedan Inuyasha was driving cut in front of her and sped off.

 

“Damn you Inuyasha! I'm not finished with you yet!” Raven screamed out the window while giving the shrinking sedan the middle finger.

 

Serene put her car in gear and drove down the clearing ramp. It wasn't much longer until the two ladies entered the downtown sector. Tall glass-faced towers not only scraped the sky, they ripped right through it. Yellow taxis sped by, trying to get their clients to their destination on time and earn a hefty tip. Raven put on her shades and bobbed to the music on radio. Serene tapped her fingers in time with the catchy radio tune. She pulled out of the main traffic flow and managed to parallel-park in front of a business.

 

“I've got a quick errand to run.”

 

Raven waved her off as she sang to the new tune on the radio. The taller woman stepped out of the car and entered the business.

 

=====================================================

 

Seras was leaving the director's office when Serene walked through the door. She approached her friend.

 

“You missed dinner last night.”

 

Serene sighed. “I know. I'm going to explain myself after my meeting tonight.”

 

Seras smiled and patted on the back. “You know where I'll be if you need me to give you a hand.”

 

Serene nodded in understanding as she walked over to where Walter was sitting. As the Serene was discussing something with Walter, Seras returned to her office. She hoped that Serene got the hidden message in that conversation. Seras always hated talking in code, but it came with the job, the gun, and the badge. She sat down at her desk and began typing up the apprehension report. As she typed, her mind kept wandering back to the conversation she had with her mentor this morning. Why in the world would he want to know about Serene? Seras could only hope that Serene covered her tracks extremely well.

 

=====================================================

 

Serene returned to the car to find Raven jamming to the tunes on the radio. As her shorter friend began to sing, Serene started up the car and re-entered downtown traffic. At a red light, Serene told Raven of her plans for the day.

 

“Well Raven, we spend the rest of the day picking out the perfect dress for tonight. Like my mother always said, `First impressions are everything.'”

 

Raven shook her head. “Serene, you know I don't like to wear dresses! You're going to have to fight to get me into one.”

 

Serene smirked as the light turned green. “You know me…I always like a good challenge.”

 

The two women spent the better half of the afternoon store-hopping and arguing. It seemed to Serene that no matter how pretty the dress looked on Raven, the shorter girl refused to wear it. Serene sighed; she was becoming more stressed as the day went on, but no matter how thin her patience wore, Serene knew that she would eventually be victorious.

 

Raven, on the other hand, was not having a nice day. She hated dresses with a passion; the way they move, the way they look on her…everything. She couldn't kick someone's ass if she was wearing a dress. `Well', she thought, `I could but I would never hear the end of it from Serene.' Social etiquette was one of Serene's major pet peeves, and Raven made sure on a daily basis to try and break her of that.

 

The dress-battle was finally concluded when Raven “I will never wear a dress” Luminare finally broke down and bought a dress. She saw a smug smile on Serene's face and sighed. She knew that sometimes you had to sacrifice your pride to get good help.

 

The return to their shared home was quiet as neither of the two ladies tried to start a conversation with the other. Serene felt pretty good at the moment; she had won another battle in the endless war with Raven. At least this battle was a lot more pleasant than some of the other battles she has participated in. As the car pulled into the parking space outside the townhouse, Raven sighed. This was going to be a long night.

 

 

 

 

 

A/N: Getting interesting, ne? Sorry about the ending, my hands were getting tired…and so were my eyes. Don't worry; the next chapter will answer the question of why the two ladies were in jail. Reviews are still appreciated and welcome.

 

*IA: Internal Affairs