InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ Beautiful Miscommunications ❯ No News is Good News ( Chapter 16 )

[ X - Adult: No readers under 18. Contains Graphic Adult Themes/Extreme violence. ]

Chapter 16:

No News is Good News

“Honey, I'm home.” The chirpy voiced muffled into the dark room. It was undeniably happy and male. Why on Earth would a man be calling him honey? The warmth resting on his chest moaned an incoherent response. Inu Yasha relaxed. The voice wasn't talking to him; it was talking to the sleeping girl…

Why was a man calling his woman honey? It wasn't the anger as much as the suddenness of the thought that stunned him. His woman? Who was he to say that? But, somehow that sounded right. Had they…? Had she…? Would she…? He tried to remember but it was foggy… He had had a dream. A nice dream…a very nice dream… OK, one of those dreams that confirms the existence of heaven.

She had kissed him back. She had allowed him to tuck her securely in his arms and protect her. She had gasped his name in the darkness…trusting him. Had it been a dream, or was he dreaming now?

The man's voice was getting closer. Inu Yasha growled a warning that went unabated. “Don't tell me you're still asleep! It's almost eight a.m.: Time to rejoin the living! It's going to be a busy day for the both of us!”

Inu Yasha felt the urge to kill him simply for being so happy at this inhumane hour. Rejoin the living? Even the dead were opposed to that! Not at eight o'clock in the morning.

“Come on sleepy head! I want to catch some Z's before we leave. I need to make sure you make it into the shower. I know you. You won't get up for God.”

Like hell he was going to see Kagome into the shower. Dream or no dream, only Inu Yasha was allowed to throw her in there. The hanyou flexed his claws, preparing for an attack.

“Kagome?” The man asked as he entered the room and turned the lights on. Inu Yasha growled in pain as the sudden flash blinded him. Kagome moaned in discomfort, and a very surprised taxi driver rushed out of the room. “Sorry sis; I didn't know you had company…”

It took him a few minutes to grasp the situation. Kagome was in bed with a man. That was a first. The man happened to be the story she was chasing. That was an infraction of ethics. Another first. By the looks of things, the young miko had greatly enjoyed the company of the hanyou. Three firsts in one night… This was a sure sign that the apocalypse was a foot.

“I hate when he does that!” Kagome complained as she rubbed her eyes. “One of these days, I'm going to dump a bucket of ice water on him. That should wake him up nicely.

Inu Yasha nearly grumbled as he got his bearings straight. He now wished to kill Miroku for different reasons. The thought stopped him. He had been jealous. That wasn't a new feeling. He'd been jealous of everything and everyone for most of his life. But, to be jealous about Kagome… He shook his head. He knew he was screwed.

“What the fuck!” His words were more effective in waking Kagome up than Miroku's turning on the lights.

“What's the matter?” She asked turning towards him, and quickly realized why he was upset. “It never did that before.” They both stared at the mural quietly. The hanyou stood before them, pinned to the tree. He had somehow become the focal point of the mural as he stayed there with a bowed head. Silver locks framed his soft features. He had to be a boy of seventeen or so, but with his eyes closed softly, his face seemed younger.

“Miroku!” Kagome called, “Come in here!”

“I don't want to see any more surprises. And for your sake, I hope you used a condom.”

“Get your mind out of the gutter and get your skinny butt in here!” Kagome called trying to hide her embarrassment. Luckily, Inu Yasha didn't seem too preoccupied with her brother's words.

“What?” Miroku asked as he entered the room. He knew she only called his butt skinny when she was mad. She pointed at the mural, and he jumped back. “So you covered up a perfectly good mural with his face…granted a bit younger…”

“It did that by itself.” Kagome complained as Inu Yasha placed a hand above the paint. Slowly, he touched it, almost as if he were afraid of damaging it.

“The paint is dry.” He commented.

“How does a mural repaint itself?” Kagome demanded

“It doest…and it didn't.” Miroku quickly added. “It just zoomed in on itself.”

“How?” Inu Yasha questioned.

“Well, the paintbrushes were owned by a painter believed to be possessed by the Shikon no Tama…Kotatsu1; as a result, everything he drew came to life. Perhaps, the story contains some truth.”

“But it did not come to life.” Inu Yasha protested.

“No, but it developed a life of its own. It decided to change, grow, expand…”

“Why now? It's been dormant for three years.” Kagome protested, interrupting her brother.

“Perhaps, Inu Yasha's youki provoked it. What really did go on last night?” Miroku pressed.

“Nothing improper.” Kagome answered curtly. She didn't appreciate the monk's tone.

“Well, whatever it was…it woke up this painting. Inu Yasha,” Miroku turned to the hanyou, “do I need to take you outside and beat you up for dishonoring my sister?”

“Keh!” Inu Yasha pushed past him. The room felt too small.

“You should be nicer to the man whose pants you're wearing.” Miroku shouted back.

“I'm taking a shower.” Kagome announced.

524663

They were loud. The sounds of the lawyers, bankers and politicians relaxing with a few of the worlds finest filled the brothel. It didn't surprise Madam Centipede that most of them were here for a little S & M. How could anyone enjoy being tied up and punished, she would never understand. But, it funded her escapades, and the Agency hadn't made a move to stop her. She had only been in business for a few hours, and she had more demand than she could satiate, proving that her reputation still held some power in this town. She had started reasonably, 100 thousand yen2 for half an hour with one of her girls. The demand shot up so high, her current customers were paying 520 thousand yen2, and the ones that had booked for this afternoon had already agreed to what would become her basic rate: one million yen2.

But, it was neither the sounds of her business hard at work, or the cash register filling up that was keeping her awake. She had felt its rush. She had had the privilege of touching the Shikon no Tama before it was lost…it may have been a previous life, but she remembered its distinct energy signature. Not even Naraku had that advantage. It was how she knew where it was. It was how she knew it would reemerge soon. It was how she knew that someone had stirred it. The pieces were falling into place. The priestess and the hanyou were going to play out their parts. Their love will bloom, taint and force the Shikon to reappear.

The line between love and hate is hazy at best. Love would soon turn to hate, and end the purification of the jewel. Only she knew when and where that would take place. She laughed evilly. She had made the mistake of being rash and quick in the past. This time, she would take her time. She approached the mirror and smiled, “The jewel will be mine. The world will be mine. He will be mine.”

524663

Naraku stared into the street, his keen eyes focusing on the direction he knew Kagura was. Even he was unable to see that far, but it comforted to know he could still sense her aura. She was recuperating quickly. She would be ready to return to work soon. She knew better than to try and hide behind Sesshomaru. She knew the truth. Only he could kill them. Only he knew were their hearts were. He had taken Akago's and Kanna's for protection. He didn't want them killed. They were too valuable. He had taken Kagura's to keep her in check.

Though she wasn't as informed as Kanna, Kagura was smart and inquisitive. Besides, when you fell into her target range, you were as good as dead. He had only survived her wrath because he controlled her heart. She knew that the moment he suspected she had turned on him, he would squeeze the last bit of life from her heart. Although, the prospect of keeping her there as a mole did whet his appetite, he knew it wasn't worth the risk. No, Kagura needed to be back by his side as soon as possible. The situation between Kanna and Akago was tense enough as it was. He knew his eldest had directed her rage at his youngest. Normally, that would concern him, but she was too loyal to disobey.

Somehow, the delicate balance of powers had been shifted. He was certain that nothing good would come out of Kagura's fall. Somehow, he knew that it would bring an end. To what, it was too soon to tell. Sesshomaru was too interested in her to ignore. He might try to use her to break their partnership agreement. Naraku would have Kanna review the original contract. Then, there would be the tension between Kagura and Akago. She would refuse to be his mother now. This would complicate things since the boy wanted her. What for? None of them had had mothers, and they had turned out just fine. The curious question that was left, what would happen if Kanna and Kagura joined forces? What would they do? Kanna had always kept Kagura grounded, but in her current state…they might dare to do away with Akago. That he wouldn't permit, but somehow, they would gain his permission for it.

He was now left with a choice: His son, or his daughters.

524663

Kagome was busying herself with breakfast when Inu Yasha got out of the shower. She heard him wake up her brother. By the sound of how hard Miroku had hit the floor, the hanyou had gained his revenge. She heard his quiet footsteps bring him to the kitchen as she chopped tomatoes and peppers. The large knife felt heavy and uneasy in her hand. “Do you like mushrooms in your eggs?” She asked when she felt his eyes on her back. She was directly across from him, on the other end of the rectangular room.

There was no response.

“Silence implies consent.” She warned as she added the chopped peppers and tomatoes to the hot skillet.

He moved towards her.

“If you don't say otherwise, you'll get mushrooms.

Again, he remained silent.

“Fine, mushrooms it is.” She replied slightly annoyed as she opened a cabinet above her head. A hand stopped her. She felt her heartbeat quicken. Something wasn't right about this. His other hand reached around to box her in. She was caught tightly between the counter and his body. Talk about a hard spot!

His voice was hot and wet as he ask softly, “Is that what happened last night? Consent?”

“You make it sound like we had sex.” She replied uneasily, removing her hand from the door. She couldn't see his eyes and it bothered her. They could be crimson, and if they were, she wasn't sure what had provoked him. Also, she couldn't see his reaction. His eyes were so telling. She would have to pray that his voice would be a little more revealing than usual. “I'm not stupid Inu Yasha. I know sometimes a kiss is just a kiss, and last night…”

He didn't help her finish her sentence.

“We were both under so much stress, and after what happened at the Shrine, and at the bar…it seemed natural. I don't regret it if that's what you're wondering.” She replied, hating that he now knew more than she.

“Why did you ask me to stay?” His voice was husky and demanding, though Kagome had a feeling that his proximity was making her judgment hazy.

“It was late…I didn't want you get into an accident.”

“You're lying.”

“I hate when you do that!” She protested as she forced him to let her turn. The smell of the tomatoes and peppers beginning to burn filled the kitchen. “It's not fair.”

“I can't turn off my nose, you know!” He growled as his golden eyes flashed. “Why did you ask me to stay?”

“Because I didn't want to be alone!” She yelled back. “And, I knew you didn't want to either.” She finished quietly before breaking through his confinement. Taking a wooden spoon from a nearby drawer, she began stirring the vegetables.

He stood in silence watching her as she cooked. He had spent his shower trying to choose how to handle the situation, and finally decided to let her. Had it been just a kiss, or something more? She would let him know, or at least that had been the plan.

He had been certain that she would not hesitate to inform him her feelings. He had been wrong. Then the thought crossed his head. What if she doesn't want to decide? What if she walks away? Inu Yasha tensed up. He could still taste her on his lips, smell her on his skin and feel her aura around his. He had to do something, but communicating had never been his strong point.

“You're right. I don't want to be alone.” He finally spoke gruffly, hoping she would get the insinuation. She tensed. He could smell her doubt. There was no gain without risk. He approached her softly. He would show her. She couldn't misinterpret that. He took a step closer. She looked at him in confusion as he leaned down. Her heartbeat accelerated at the rate of a car at the Daytona 500. He brushed a few wet strands from her face. Hadn't she washed it last night as well?

He ignored the thought as the smell of jasmine, embers and holiness flooded him. He moistened his lips, and she parted hers in response. Her eyes were heavy as he refused to break eye contact. She wasn't pulling away. She wasn't saying no. Silence implies consent, she had said. Was she consenting?

He was ready: no more teasing. He moved in for the kill. “Hey something smells great! Save me some!” A voice broke their trance as the bathroom door slammed shut. Inu Yasha growled and moved away as Kagome quickly recovered her bearings.

“You're playing a dangerous game, Inu Yasha.” Her warning fell on deaf ears. He had already left the apartment.

524663

It was mid afternoon when the curtains in Kagura's room fluttered in the wind. The movement brought her out of her deep recuperative sleep. She looked around. The child was gone. Rin had said something about school. Kagura sat up and looked at the open window warily. None of them had been open this morning. Then, there was that scent…

“Show yourself!”

Onnanoko moved from the dark corner and removed her mask.

“What are you doing here?”

“I'm sorry. It's my fault. I was supposed to protect you.”

Kagura laughed softly, “You can't watch over me every second of day. It was bound to happen sooner or later.”

Onnanoko walked up to the bed and saw the purse on the nightstand. She picked it up and looked inside. Removing a white package from it she continued, “You weren't even able to use the weapon I gave you.”

“The time was not right to reveal myself.” Kagura assured. Before her stood the only person she could trust blindly.

“This isn't right. You have served the Agency for far too long. Naraku would have succeeded long ago if it hadn't been for your leaks.”

“And because guys worked them so well that he wasn't able to see that there was a leak.” Kagura assured. “Though, I'm not sure how more use I'll be. He tried to kill me…I don't understand why he hired a hit man. The only thing I can come up with is that he wanted to frame someone for my death. I always knew the day would come when I would be more valuable to him dead than alive. I had always hoped to be strong enough to kill him by then.”

“We believe Akago planned the hit.”

“That would explain why I'm still alive.” Kagura sighed, half in relief and half in resignation. “Then, it was just a lesson. But, I don't know what I could have done that would warrant Naraku allowing the secret of our hearts to be revealed.

“He might not have sanctioned it. We always knew the day would come that he would be unable to control Akago.” Kagura nodded.

“I should be able to return to the apartment sometime tonight.”

“No.”

“What?” Kagura asked surprise.

“I can't protect you there…” Onnanoko looked at the door cautiously before continuing. “You held up your end of the bargain. Old Miko has consented. You are going to be relocated to an obscure place with a new identity immediately after we free your heart.”

“You can't risk another break in so soon. It has only been a few weeks since the last one. They will be expecting you.”

“Actually, I was in the building yesterday.”

“I know; I saw you.”

“No, in the evening. We needed to get Kanna's files.”

“Then there is no other way into the building left. Those were the only two flaws to the design.” Kagura protested.

“Don't worry; my brother will find a way. That is why, as soon as we have your heart, you need to be able to move. By this time next month, you'll be in that tropical island you wanted. I promise.”

Kagura's eyes turned towards the door as the knob turned. She was muted as Sesshomaru entered the room. She paled as she turned towards Onnanoko, but she was gone. The only trace of her was a slight edge to the air of her scent. “Haven't you ever heard of knocking?” She demanded. Had she had a heart in her chest, she was sure it would have skipped a few beats.

He raised an eyebrow and sniffed the air. “Who was the miko in here?”

“The only one I remember was your ward. Who came in or out while I was unconscious, I cannot say.”

“Rin was here?” He questioned as he walked over to the open window. He pulled the curtains open before looking outside. Finding nothing, he closed it.

“Don't…I like the breeze.” She protested. He nodded.

“How are you feeling?”

“Better. Don't worry. I can be out of your house by this evening.”

“There is no rush.” He assured quietly. “I'm quite enjoying teasing your father.”

She rolled her eyes in annoyance. Men.

“My offer still stands. I could help you better here.”

“I explained it to you already.”

“He can't hurt you here.” Sesshomaru pressed.

“He doesn't have to be here…He has my heart.”

Sesshomaru raised an eyebrow.

“He wouldn't dare while you were under my roof.”

She knew he was right…at least not at first. Besides, she could work something out to convince her father to let her stay. But, she couldn't willingly consent. Onnanoko had told her not to return to her father. Her only option was to stay here. Remembering something she had seen human women do over the centuries, she decided to try it.

She looked at him with worried eyes. She didn't speak, but looked away, worrying her lower lip. She could tell by the steps he took towards her that it was working.

“Kagura…” His voice was soft, but as stoic as always.

“What if you're wrong?” She demanded. Sesshomaru sat by her side, already knowing he had won the battle.

“I'm not. Do you know where he keeps your heart?”

She nodded. “He keeps them in three separate places. His and Akago's, no one knows where…Kanna's is at the Bank Vault, and mine he likes to keep handy. It would either be in his desk, or in the Building's Vault…the back safe. Only he can open it.”

It would be hard, but not impossible to retrieve it.

“Call your father. Tell him you're staying.” He walked towards the door.

“Stay.” He turned in surprise. “I want you to hear this.” He nodded. She pulled out her cell phone and dialed the familiar number. “Kanna, I need to speak with Naraku…Naraku? Yes, I should be able to leave here by this evening… Though, it would be a shame…Nothing like that! I meant his private office is just a floor below me. It would be a shame to be this close to it and not take a look…I would, but his limo just pulled in. I would like to stay a few days. I'm sure I can convince the doctor that I'm not healthy enough to be moved…It was three bullets after all.

“Look, I'm not stupid. You're not going to set me free until you get the Shikon no Tama. And then, my freedom will most likely be death, but if I manage to upset years of your dislike by finding a clue to the Tama's whereabouts in the famous Takahashi scrolls, I might be able to persuade you to do differently…Well, why else would you give Akago permission to use me for target practice.” A long pause followed.

“I presume that the individual has been properly disposed off. You can't have hit men thinking it's alright to target us. Then, what is the problem?

“What are you rambling about? I'm always sensible…Well, that would be because usually I storm right into your office and express my feelings. This time, I had time to think it over; besides, a taste of death is all I want.” This final response seemed to appease the hanyou. She hung up the phone and said, “Three days.”

“You're a good liar.”

“How else would I have gotten to be VP of Public Relations?” Sesshomaru turned to leave, but stopped at the doorway.

“Why did you say Akago used you for target practice?”

“He ordered the hit; didn't he?”

“We can't prove that.”

“Luckily for me, I don't need to. I know the brat. He's been itching to push my buttons for some time.” The wind demon watched her companion leave. She wondered how much of it he had bought.

It had been five thirty when someone knocked on Sango's office door. It had been five forty-five when Miroku dragged her out of the building. She owed him a date, and he was determined to get it. It had been six o'clock when she slapped him for the first time that night.

After that, they had dinner and a surprisingly enjoyable conversation. Miroku was quite social, and for the exception of the pouting females that kept trying to distract him, she loved the restaurant he had picked. The little Italian bistro was cozy and casual. Many of the cliental were in jeans sitting around round tables laughing. But, most importantly, the food was delicious.

“How's your sister doing?” She dared to ask as they finished their dessert.

“She's been better. The 19th is always a hard day for her. Inu Yasha has been helping her though…I think they may be getting close.” He answered flatly.

“You don't like him for her?”

“He was her story. Ethically, it's going to tear her apart.”

“He's a great guy.” Sango protested.

“And she's a great girl.” He smiled. “But, I'm still her brother, and I do worry.”

“You have given up a lot for her… What would you be doing if you were still in the States?”

Miroku shrugged. “I hated it.”

“Hated what?”

“I worked for NASA.”

“Space Agency NASA?”

“Is there another one?” Miroku replied sarcastically. He enjoyed the look of surprise on her face.

“Doing what?” She demanded.

“Programming satellites…global positioning units…that sort of thing.” When she gave him an incredulous look, he continued, “I did go to school. I graduated form MIT top of my class.”

“What are you doing driving a cab?”

“I like it.” He shrugged. “There is a hell of a lot less pressure when you are not working with machinery that costs billions of dollars. And then the Department of Defense is so picky…”

“Defense?” She questioned in confusion.

“When we were programming their satellite…you know, we always need to know where that oil is.” He laughed. “From what you know of me, do you think I would survive in a high pressure government job for long?”

“No,” Sango agreed. “I didn't figure you for the programmer type either.”

“I left my pocket protector in the States.” Miroku joked. Sango laughed, trying to read this new side of him. “Come on, let's go for a walk.” He offered as he asked for the check. She offered to pay, but he refused.

They were on the street by seven fifteen. They walked side by side for a few minutes telling jokes and laughing, but soon they quicken their step. For the past block, a black car had been following them. “Miroku…” Sango tried to warn.

“The alley…” He ushered her to run. The car stopped and two figures chased after them.

“It's a dead end.” Sango realized slightly too late. They were trapped.

“Keep going!” Miroku ordered as he turned to face their attackers. The men raised their machine guns and aim.

“This is a warning.” The first one said as Miroku raised his gloved hand.

They opened fire. Sango screamed his name as he pulled his prayer beads away. The air void he had been hiding opened, sucking the bullets in. The men emptied their weapons before retreating. Miroku closed his Kazanna before turning towards Sango. She looked at him it total shock. Looking at his hand, she remembered something else. The mural in his room wasn't of a demon attacking a priest. It was a priest sucking a demon into the hole in his hand!

524663

……..

The evil painter that appeared in the episode after the introduction of Miroku.

100 thousand yen approximately $1000; 520,000 ~ $5,000; 1 mill~$10,000