InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ Beautiful Miscommunications ❯ In Today's News ( Chapter 14 )

Chapter 14

In Today's News…

 

Inu Yasha dragged his feet up the eight flights of stairs. His limbs were heavy. He wished he could stop, but stopping would mean breaking his last connection to reality: The pain from his soar body was the only reminder that he was awake and alive. It may have been one long day, but his battered back was willing to bet it had been at least a decade.

First, he became the day's hot rumor, followed by the incident in the office, which led to the confrontation in the bank. He took a deep breath remembering Kagome's tear-stained face. Things at the shrine had been intense, but not as intense as the events in the bar. He didn't know which had been more effective in frying his nerves: opening up to her, or having his bar almost blown to smithereens.

He sighed as he reached his destination. He headed through the steel door towards the only place he could fathom being tonight. Dinner with his brother had held some entertainment value, or at least it had until that bitch had landed on his cheeseburger. They had finally gotten it right: medium rare, American cheese, lettuce, tomatoes and no fancy sauces. The stench of vanilla pudding and ink toner had sickened him, but there was a slight edge to her scent that seemed familiar. Though, right now, he hated her. She was somehow responsible for what had happened to Kagura.

He may abhor her father, but he didn't have anything against Kagura... Well, at least nothing personal. He did detest her lineage, but Inu Yasha had learned long ago that you can't choose your blood. It's what you do with it that matters, and as far as he knew, she had used it to help his father's legacy grow. She didn't deserve to be gun down in an alley like some common punk.

Sighing, he reached the door he had engraved into memory not long ago. It was a large effort, but he managed to knock. “Forgot your keys?” A female voice asked from the apartment as she opened the door. “Inu Yasha?” Her shock and surprise were intensified as he threw his arms around her and pulled her into a tight and warm embrace. Jasmine, embers, and a touch of holiness edged with vanilla were the scents that brought some peace to his troubled soul. Her hair was damped from the shower, and her oversized tee shirt was soft and warm. She fit so perfectly in his arms that it was hard to imagine there was ever a time she didn't belong there.

“Inu Yasha, is something wrong?” She questioned with a voice laced with worry. He growled, too tired to make a coherent response. She held him tightly for a bit, enjoying his warmth, before pulling him into the apartment. She led him into the living room, where she made quick work of getting him out of his work boots. She covered him with a deep purple cashmere throw before giving him the cup of green tea she had been sipping moments earlier.

“Kagome…” he whispered as she curled up next to him.

“What happened?” She pressed, knowing the hanyou would only talk when he was ready. He stared at the blank television with an equally bare expression as he spoke,

“They shot Kagura.”

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Naraku's slick black limousine raced through the darken streets of Tokyo. Its owner had a late night meeting in the “bad” side of town. He sat by the window drinking his twenty-one year old whiskey, while eyeing his son's throw-a-way cell phone. “Akago,” he spoke softly, knowing his anger was still in check.

“Yes father.” The young boy sat across from him, enjoying the view. It wasn't every day they made a personal visit to this side of town. Tonight was different. Someone had shot his sister, and Akago would make that someone's death very painful.

“Did you order the hit on Kagura?” His father asked as if he were speaking of spilt milk.

“Yes father.”

“Why?”

“She challenged me.” Before Akago realized it, his fathers arm had ripped through his chest. The young boy looked at his father too surprised to feel the searing pain flooding his entire body.

“May this be the first and last time you attack one of my detachments without my permission. I gave you life, and only I can take it away.” Naraku's voice was cold and calculating as he looked into the demon boy's frightened eyes. Akago nodded in response.

Slowly, Naraku removed his arm, so that Akago may begin to heal, though he would always have a scar to remember this lesson by. Akago turned away, unaware of the pair of eyes intently watching him. Kanna shifted in her seat, knowing neither of her companions was paying any attention to her. She eyed her brother with disdain. He had dared to order her sister's death. No, he would not do. She shifted her gaze to Naraku, knowing she could hide her thoughts from both of them. She would not allow Akago to walk away with just a scar. He would pay for what he had done to their sister. But, she would have to be cautious. Naraku was protective of him, more than he would ever be of Kagura.

“She was right, though.” She spoke softly, so that only Akago would hear her.

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“What do you mean she's been shot? What happened? Is she alright? What hospital did they take her to?” Kagome asked frantically as she stood up unsure of what to do. Pacing seemed like a good idea. “I have to go see her.”

“Relax, Kagome.” Inu Yasha stood up eyeing her suspiciously. “I didn't know you were friendly with her.”

“I'm not…I mean her father would never stand for it, but I've interviewed her on countless occasions. She is my contact whenever Full Moon throws a giant charity event. She seems like a really nice person, though a bit stubborn. God, how did she get shot?” Inu Yasha had gotten her to sit down, not sure what to make of what she was saying. She wasn't lying, but she wasn't being completely honest. There was something more to this.

“Why would a reporter lie about knowing someone?” He asked himself, realizing the answer.

“Kagura was the one that told you about Naraku abusing his children. She was your source.” He accused.

“My sources are completely confidential.” She protested, though it was as good as any yes to him. “What happened?” She asked softly. “Is she ok?”

Inu Yasha closed his eyes as he relived the experience…

They had rushed across the street. The bullets had come from that general direction, though the acoustic properties of the alleyway might be throwing them off. Sango was the first to arrive.

She was momentarily paralyzed as she looked at the young VP sprawled on the floor. Her winter coat had never been buttoned; her open pocket book was discarded few feet away. Her hair had broken free from its confining bun, and it was fanned out in waves around her.

Sango rushed to Kagura's side, ignoring the scuffed knees the wind demon had. Noticing the blood, Sango, quickly took of her jacket and placed it above the wound. She wasn't stupid. She knew that if not all three, at least one of the bullets had gone through Kagura's heart. Nothing was as effective in killing a demon.

Inu Yasha stared at the scene before him. He looked in disbelieve, not seeing the blood Sango was covering. He saw how disheveled the fallen girl was and jumped to the wrong conclusion. She had struggled with an attacker and shot him, but where was the attacker? The stench of blood was undeniable as he saw his brother's eyes bleed red. Kagura wasn't hurt; she couldn't be hurt. She was a demon. Demons didn't get hurt. Sudden memories of his father's dead body rushed to him. He had been a demon, too.

“She's dead.” Sango declared turning around towards them. Naraku's black limo turned the corner and passed by them. Inu Yasha could see Akago's smiling face through the tinted glass. That bastard!

“Inu Yasha,” his brother's calm voice reached him before the hanyou had a chance to chase the limo down, “she deserved better.”

Sesshomaru was right. Right now, Kagura deserved better than to be lying on the cold dirty floor of a two bit alley. She deserved better than three nameless bullets. She deserved better than to have been born…detached into that family. But, we all play the cards that we're dealt. He would kill the runt at a more appropriate time. “We should move her.” He suggested.

“The police are going to want to see her like this.” Sango warned as she sent two of the guards that had followed her out for a stretcher. The other two were ordered to get a camera. No sense in losing all the evidence.

Sesshomaru's eyes never left the girl's body. Inu Yasha wasn't surprised to find them calculating. He was always plotting away, but there was a slight tinge of sadness in them: Something he had never seen in the elder demon's eyes. “I'm sorry, Kagura.” Sango spoke softly. “I should have been here to protect you.”

Suddenly, Kagura broke into violent coughs as she rolled over and gasped for breath. “I thought you said she was dead.” Inu Yasha protested as Sesshomaru's eyebrow lifted.

“She had no pulse!” Sango complained as she tried to stop Kagura from standing.

“I'm fine.” Kagura complained: a bit unsteady on her own legs.

“Your heart took three bullets.. You can't be fine after that! No one would.” Sango complained as she tried to find her pulse. Damn it. Was this why she had first thought Kagura was dead?

“No, I didn't.”

“I'm not stupid. I know where you're heart is.”

“You know where my heart is supposed to be…if I had one.” Kagura finished as she pulled free. She stumbled a few steps, and would have fallen if it hadn't been for Sesshomaru's quick hands.

“Everyone has a heart.” Sango protested as Inu Yasha eyed the wind demon cautiously.

“I did, but it was stolen.” She mumbled in a sing-song voice. She started to giggle and point at sky screaming, “There it goes…no, now it's there, or maybe it's that one. Hearts are flying! Where is that Cupid? He's such a disobedient child.”

“She's lost a lot of blood. She's delirious.” Sango protested.

“More like crazy.” Inu Yasha corrected.

“We need to take her to a hospital.” Sango insisted.

“No hospital.” Kagura screamed. “He'll find me there! He'll come back for me!”

“Who will? Your attacker? Do you know who attacked you?” Sango pressed.

“He'll get you, too. He doesn't like women…not since that miko.” Kagura warned with slurred words. She was quickly loosing consciousness.

“Enough.” Sesshomaru's voice was firm. “I'll take care of this.”

“Inu Yasha,” Kagome spoke softly. His face was buried in his hands as she rubbed his back.

“My brother has her…He'll make sure she gets better.” He explained.

“Do you know who or why?” She asked as she slipped his hand in between hers.

“I have no proof.”

“Proof is for journalists and law enforcement officers.” He smirked at her joke.

“Off the record?” He asked, her aura soothing him.

“I'm always off the record with you.” She confessed.

“Akago.”

Kagome paled slightly before nodding in agreement. Now, to get that pesky proof.

“What time is it?” Inu Yasha suddenly asked.

“Four thirty.”

“Aren't you supposed to be at work?”

“I called in sick. I didn't think I would be up for it after yesterday. I'm exhausted.”

“Yet, you're not in bed.” He complained as he got up. He should let her rest. It was wrong to burden her.

“I was waiting up for Miroku…He had a date with Sango.”

“Keh, I doubt he got to it. Sango has been running around containing the break-in for hours.”

“Break-in? What break-in?” Kagome's voice was curious, but not surprised.

“There was a break-in at the company tonight.” Inu Yasha explained as he started to put his shoes on.

“Do you think Akago staged it?” Inu Yasha looked up before pulling out his cell phone. Using his claws, he quickly sent a text message.

“I should be going. You need your sleep.” He said as he began to tie his laces.

“Stay.” Kagome said firmly. “It's late, and you're tired. You shouldn't drive like that.”

“You know someone will notice my bike at your door.”

“No one knows I live here.” She protested. “Come on, I have a big bed.”

Inu Yasha quirked an eyebrow. “You're offering me your bed.”

She shrugged, “We both know you can be trusted.”

“I'm not sure…”

“I have hot water in the morning.” Kagome interrupted. One look in her honest blue eyes, and he knew that's where he needed to be. He sighed and let her lead him to the back room.

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Sango was half asleep as the elevator quickly took her towards her apartment. She had just enough time for a quick hot shower, a fifteen minute nap, which she probably would take standing up in the shower to conserve time, and a cup of coffee. It had been a horrible night. Too many things had gone wrong, and it was only Wednesday. Well, she looked at her watch. It was Thursday morning.

The elevator stopped on the fifteenth floor. She yawned as she made her way toward her apartment. She rubbed her eyes as she swore she saw a trash bag by her door. The bag moved, and she realized it was a man, a Buddhist monk to be precise. “Miroku? What are you doing here?” She demanded.

“We had a date, remember?” He yawed as she paled. She had forgotten to call him.

“I'm sorry…A few emergencies popped up…Have you been waiting here all night?”

“I wouldn't have been so worried if you hadn't shown up to the restaurant, but you weren't home. I didn't know where to call.” Miroku shrugged. “Are you ok?”

“Yeah…we had an emergency at work…a break-in. I'm only here for a shower and a change of clothes. I have a meeting in an hour with the heads.”

“Then, I won't keep you.” She was surprised when he gently kissed her forehead. “I'll call you later to reschedule.” With that he was gone. She stood in front of her door looking at his retreating figure in confusion. Was he too tired to try to grope her, or had he just been too worried.

“Hey!” She yelled after him, but he was gone. “How did you get in here?” She asked the space he had once occupied.

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Sango's shower was shorter than she would have liked, but she had not choice. If she stayed there any longer, she would fall asleep under the hot watery blanket. Oh, how she wanted to quit! Retire to a nice Caribbean island that had never heard the words International Business Security. She would lounge around all day doing nothing, while drinking fresh Margaritas. But, the best part…the sweetest part, would be the rest. She would sleep. The first night, she planned to sleep at least forty-eight uninterrupted hours. Then, she would wake up, eat something, and go back to sleep.

Sango sighed as she dressed. It would never work. It wasn't that she couldn't afford it. She owned enough Full Moon Enterprise stock to secure three lifetime retirements, and she had been independently wealthy before that. Her family consisted of the best exterminators money could buy. She had received several small fortunes from dead relatives, and stood to inherit at least $2.5 million when her father died. She also had acquired a quarter of that amount during her freelance days. No, Sango didn't have money problems, or at least not the kind most people have. She would hate it because she hated inactivity.

Yes, at first, living out a prolonged vacation and maybe a few romances with the local heart throbs would seem like heaven to the young woman, but then, reality would set in. She would try to satiate her thirst by taking up extreme sports. She might even compete at a profession level to give herself a healthy level of stress. But, that would not be enough. Sango loved her chosen career. She may not have grown up thinking I want to be a security guard, but being the head of security of all of Full Moon Enterprises gave her a sense of pride. It was difficult, and it required intelligence, stealth, discretion, and strength. All were qualities youkai exterminators held in high regards.

No, retiring wasn't the answer, but a vacation was definitely what the doctor ordered. As soon as things died down, she would be on a plane to Puerto Rico or Aruba. She laughed at herself. It didn't matter either way. Sango had accrued about three months of vacation time while working for Sesshomaru. Things never died down enough to take a break.

She was tying her hair when her doorbell buzzed. She looked at her clock. It was barely five in the morning. Who would call on her at this hour? She looked through the peephole, and was surprise to see a paper bag from the local coffee shop. “I come bearing gifts.” A familiar voice said.

“Miroku?” She questioned as she opened the door. “How did you get in here?”

“Same as last night…the nice old American lady from the third floor thought it was sweet that I would wait for my girlfriend in `the frigid cold.' Those were her words.” He assured as he walked through the hallway, past the living room into the nice square kitchen and deposited two paper bags on the kitchen table.

The First thing Miroku noticed was that the entire apartment seemed to be painted white. The second thing was there were pictures of her family everywhere. Her apartment was homely and welcoming, though it seemed slightly empty: There was no mess, as if no one was ever there to make one.

“I'll remember to tell Mrs. Chapman that you're not my boyfriend. Now, what are you doing here?”

“Sango, you wound me.” He made a melodramatic pained face before smiling sweetly at her. “You said you had a meeting in…” he looked at his watch, “forty-five minutes.”

“And…”

“I just wanted to make sure you got a good dose of caffeine and some breakfast first.” He pulled two extra large cups from one of the bags. “Now, I have an extra sweet hazelnut and vanilla blend with cream, for me.”

She raised an eyebrow.

“I'm a tea man…coffee needs to be really sweet for me to enjoy, but you, Sango, I'm willing to bet, are a Columbian blend with two sugars, no dairy.”

She raised both eyebrows. “I'm impressed.”

Miroku smiled happily as she took the cup from him. He then pulled two fresh cream cheese sesame bagels from the other bag.

“I know that you are usually the jelly-doughnut-kind-of-girl, but I thought you needed something more filling for today.”

“How did you…”

“You had a jelly stain on your shirt the day we met.” He explained as he took a bite from his bagel. “People think me strange, but I like to eat my bagels like a sandwich.” He explained with a serious pose, as if he were talking about the newest astrophysical theory.

Sango smiled softly as she took a sip of her delicious coffee, “So do I.”

“There, we have something in common. Now, we can get married and have kids.”

She replied with an annoyed glare. He shrugged a “Worth a try,” before stating,

“If you hurry, I can drive you back. That's a fifteen minute nap you can take, and if you're nice. I'll take the long way…that would be a full twenty minutes.” He wiggled his eyebrows suggestively, and Sango could not help but laugh.

“Fine, you win, but the first sign that you're going to take advantage of the situation, I will knock you into the next world.” She replied with a smile as she picked up her bagel.

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Sesshomaru's keen eyes watched his guest cautiously. Her breathing was deep and labored as she slept deeply. Recovery wouldn't be long. She would most likely be ready to return to her duties at the office tomorrow, but he wasn't prepared to let her go. The gods had provided him with an unprecedented opportunity to claim the wind demon for himself, and he wasn't going to ignore it. She would be a great asset to his large and exclusive arsenal.

The heavy navy blue curtains kept the room in shadows as the sun began to rise, though his demonic eyes could see the antique iron bed perfectly. He had placed her purse on the oak nightstand closest to her sleeping form, and now, he was depositing her freshly dry cleaned coat on a rocking chair by the entrance. Her cloths were still being cleaned and mended, so he had ordered one of his maids to fill the walk-in dressing area with a few items that would be to the young executive's taste.

Kagura moaned and turned in her trouble sleep. Sesshomaru had always assumed her hair was straight, and was surprised to see the wavy curls upon the Egyptian cotton sheets. Even though they resembled Naraku's, they did not hinder her dark beauty. He walked passed the vanity, towards the bed. Pulling the navy blue comforter above her, he covered her body completely.

“Soon.” He promised before taking his leave. He would have his revenge, and she would be the key.