InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ Egypt Bound ❯ Al--Layl fil Qahira part 1 ( Chapter 12 )

Chp. 12

Al-Layl fil Qahira Part I

" O fer Christ's sake, do we have to meet that awful stuff-shirt at the train station?" Inuyasha whined as he heard the muezzin's call from the surrounding mosques in his neighborhood of Ismailia at the convenient hour of 5 o'clock AM. He had been dreading this day since Sesshomaru had sent him a telegram announcing his arrival in the country a few days prior. Normally he didn't mind hearing the Adan (call to worship), and rather preferred it to the awfully annoying Swiss cuckoo clock Miroku had. As he heard the undulating voices of the muezzins he often reflected on what he had to accomplish for the day, which usually consisted of going over tomb etchings, plans, and maps of the excavation area. He always had his men survey the area and draw up a detailed map, so that he could refer to it when the excavation began and ended-because if he didn't find anything that season, someone in the future undoubtedly would.

Inuyasha rose and opened the elaborate wooden screens on his bedroom window, allowing the cool morning breeze in. The dawn had broken into streams of orange, pink, and grey as the incarnation of Ra, Kheper, rolled the sun into existence over the sleepy Cairo metropolis. He looked down from his window and saw a man on a donkey cart clip-clopping through the alleyway, an abaya-clad mother and her two children carrying baskets of mulukhiyya greens and fuul beans for a future meal, two cats lazing around the dusty doorway of a coffee house while a fakir laid out his prayer rug and prostrated towards the holy city of Mecca outside of the coffee house. Inuyasha sighed and turned away from the picturesque sight outside his window, his Turkish kaftan billowing slightly from the breeze. He loved his life, aside from Sesshomaru and the nosy expatriate English population in Cairo, and wouldn't trade it for anything. He only went back to cold, rainy England when he had to present something at Oxford or the Royal Archaeological Society; oh yes, and at the British Museum, which he detested with a passion. It wasn't so much the museum as the dolt who ran it, E.Wallis Budge, notorious for his erroneous attempts at hieroglyphic translation and generally screwing things up all around in the way the British bureaucracy had been infamous for. Inuyasha started downstairs to the kitchen for his breakfast of toast, marmalade, and Turkish coffee, or as his cook Gamal called it, gahwa mazbuut. The strong, murky beverage tasted like a mix of dark chocolate, pepper (only slightly) and Italian espresso, and was served in small brass demitasse cups. Miroku constantly teased Inuyasha for drinking gahwa mazbuut, saying that he would turn his teeth black from the grounds, and that he was "going native". But currently, Miroku was not at the table. The lazy oaf is probably still sleeping off that ouzo he had last night, stupid git. Yes, Miroku loved to associate with a bunch of Greeks and Armenians who lived a few doors down and owned a small glass shop in one of the neighborhood suqs. Inuyasha joined him on a few occasions and often found himself to be Miroku's crutch as the two of them stumbled home, blazed from what they jokingly referred to as "Greek fire". If it wasn't for the Greeks and Armenians who shared their feelings toward living in a foreign land, they would be lonely in their little alley in Ismailia, save for some kind-hearted neighbors and fellow Europeans. Inuyasha felt most at home when he stayed overnight in Selim's village at the `lab' and close to his site.

While Inuyasha was sipping his gahwa, he heard the sleep-laden thumping of Miroku's feet as he descended from his `wing' of the house. Since Egyptian houses tend to be arranged according to gender, Miroku took the living quarters that would have belonged to a husband on the left side of the house, and Inuyasha resided in the more private harim quarters which were historically supposed to be reserved for the women in the family. This is not to say that Inuyasha considered himself effeminate, no that wasn't the case-he just liked the quiet solace the rooms offered-perfect when he had to study artifacts or mull over papers and research. Miroku slumped into the chair beside him, his eyes bloodshot.

"Looks like someone had a wild night, " Inuyasha teased.

"Pissss off you! At least I won a few pounds at cards!" Miroku retaliated, hung over.

"I'm sure they just funneled that Greek fire down your throat, eh? Don't you remember what day it is?" Inuyasha said sarcastically.

"My birthday?" Miroku asked, eyebrow raised.

"Nope."

"Your birthday?"

"Nope. Wrong again my drunken friend."

"Well, what the hell day is it?"

"The day Sesshomaru's train gets in to Cairo, dumbshit."

"Oh! That day! I almost forgot! Damn! What time are we supposed to meet him at the station?"

"Ten o'clock," Inuyasha informed his half-witted companion.

"Oh good! I can go back to sleep!" Miroku exclaimed in mock joy.

"The hell you are! You're helping me update those site reports until we leave!" Inuyasha retorted. Miroku's blinked in disbelief and nearly face-faulted on the wooden floor. Inuyasha poured a demitasse of Turkish coffee and pushed it toward Miroku. "Here, drink this, it'll sober ya up in no time---and we haven't got time to waste, " he offered. Miroku, who was adverse to this beverage, took it and sucked the sludge down like a trooper, contorting his face into a grimace as the taste set in.

"Ugh! For the life of me, I will never understand why you drink this god-awful sludge every morning Inuyasha! Horrible!" Miroku spat.

"It does the job doesn't it?" Inuyasha reasoned. Miroku held his tongue out in disgust and mumbled something about his teeth turning black as he made his way to his bathroom. Inuyasha finished the rest of his breakfast and rung the bell for Gamal to come. When the manservant arrived, Inuyasha asked if they had received any mail. Gamal went to fetch it, and a minute later he returned with invitations and a telegram. He glanced over the invitations, which were nothing more than the uppity English traveling set's attempt to get him to give tours of his sites in the guise of a friendly meal. He picked the telegram from the small pile and started to read it. It said:

Inuyasha---Dine with me tonight at Shepheard's on terrace---formal attire---bring your assistant. Will get to site report over dinner. Have important news.

---Sesshomaru.

"Hmm…this looks interesting. Wonder what the ole bugger has to say that's so important---better be good news for once, " Inuyasha muttered to himself as he picked up the small piece of paper and headed back to his room.

A few hours later…about 8:30 AM…

Kagome had spent the night dreaming about the unexpected kiss; she didn't tell Sango about it, of course, but she had informed her friend that they had an ally for their cause. Sango seemed pleased at this new development, but Kagome could sense that she had some lingering doubts about the matter. She rolled over and scanned the room for Sango's presence, only to find that Sango wasn't there. She was aware that they would be arriving in Cairo in less than two hours, but she wasn't sure if that was two hours English time or Egyptian time, as the Egyptians tended to be a bit on the tardy side, according to some of the well-seasoned travelers on the tour. She decided to get up anyhow and wash her face, maybe pack a few things while she decided what to wear for the day. A few minutes later, she decided on a smart little "day frock" with ruffled three-quarter length sleeves. Her mother designed the quaint little number from a Paris catalogue, and even managed to find the slate blue and crème-striped fabric that the catalogue featured. Kagome rang the bell for assistance and moments later a young Egyptian man knocked at the door. She told him that she needed her maid and the young man was happy to oblige---for a bit of baksheesh. Kagome slipped him some coins and he left with the assurance that he would send Sango. It was not five minutes later when Sango returned with a tray of coffee and croissants.

"Where've you been Sango?"

"Oh, just getting breakfast, checking the hotel arrangements…you know someone made a change in our room reservations? When I went to check the tour agenda, that was changed too… looks like Sesshomaru works fast, huh? I guess we're staying at Shepheard's and not accompanying the rest of the group on the way down to Luxor," Sango remarked questioningly.

"Aren't we going on the same steamer to Luxor?"

"Nope. It says that we are booked on a private vessel. A da-ha-bee-yah, whatever that is, " Sango replied.

"Surely, he doesn't expect that we'll be living on the same vessel-two single women and a bachelor on a vessel all alone-if my mother ever found out-no, if word got around my reputation would be ruined! That's a scandal waiting to happen!" Kagome exclaimed.

"Apparently, when he asked you to trust him on the arrangements, he didn't consider the possibility of rumors."

"I guess not. Well, hopefully I'll get to discuss this matter with him over dinner tonight. Oh, yeah, you'll be at my side during the whole affair so Naraku won't have the opportunity to harass you anymore," Kagome said. Sango sighed. She knew that Naraku would not just shy away because of Sesshomaru's influence; she was convinced that he would find a loophole in their plan, and when he did, God help them.

"So it appears that good ol' Sesshomaru has taken them under his wing, has he?"

"Yes my lord, it does, " the young brunette replied.

"We'll just have to try harder. Now its time for you to prove you're worth your salt, sweetheart…you have your orders." He calculated as he rubbed his palms together.

"But what if…" she started and was promptly interrupted.

"There are no what-ifs. You do it or you're terminated, understand? You fucking find a way. I know you girl, you're creative, " he interjected harshly. Clearly, this was not a run-of-the-mill job.

"You promise you'll hold up your end of the bargain if I finish the job?" she asked, her voice lilting.

"Not if, but when. You'll get what's coming to you, make no mistake about that." He smirked devilishly as she turned and left.

10:05 am Cairo

The train hissed and moaned as it pulled up to the crowded platform at Cairo station. It was quite a sight to behold; galabiyya-clad vendors hawking their wares, groups of darkly veiled women trilling and waving colored handkerchiefs, children jumping up and down in anticipation, porters waiting with carriages, and the police and army trying in vain to keep the whole situation from escalating to chaos. In the midst of this sea of bodies were Inuyasha and Miroku, sitting atop their dusty black Daimler motorcar. Miroku held up a pair of brass opera glasses in order to view the platform.

"You look pretty damn ridiculous with those opera glasses you know, " Inuyasha remarked.

"Well, how else will we be able to identify Mr. High-and-Mighty, hmm genius?" Miroku queried as he scanned the stream of passengers exiting the train.

"Well, last time I checked, he had the same snowy locks as yours truly-I think he'll stand out like a sore thumb in this crowd, " Inuyasha replied sarcastically. Miroku hummed as he continued to scan the crowd, and Inuyasha sank down onto the front seat with a sigh.

"Hmm, hmm, hmmm…."

"Anything worth checking out up there?" Inuyasha looked up at his friend.

"No…not yet, just your regular old fuddy-duddies…. oh! Waitaminute! I think we've got something here…hey Inu look at this one! She's a doll!" Inuyasha scrambled up on top of the seat and snatched the opera glasses for himself.

"Which one? The one in the white and black or the one with the parasol?"

"You mean there's two?"

"Are you blind as well as daft? Of course there's two of `em!" Inuyasha shouted back over the din of the crowd.

"Lemme see that again!" Miroku snatched the glasses back. Sure enough, there were two ladies standing on the platform. "Holy smokes, they look alike! You think they're twins?"

"Hell no you fool! Can't you see that the one in the black skirt is walking behind the other one?" Inuyasha observed. "You've had enough time with those damn glasses, fork `em over you lecher!" Miroku sighed and yielded the glasses.

"As you wish, effendi, " he smirked. Inuyasha furrowed his brows in annoyance.

"Dammit! First Selim and now you! Hey, the one with the parasol is talking to…Sesshomaru? Hey, go get the signal so he knows we're here!"

"Aye aye Cap'n!" Miroku saluted as he dropped over the back seat and pulled out a broom handle with a red scarf attached. He stood up on the car seat and started waving it. "Does he see it yet?"

"Nah, not yet…. oh hold on…yeah his little lackey just pointed us out to him…they're getting the old jackboots to clear a way…. Holy shit!" Inuyasha exclaimed colorfully.

"What?"

"Those dames…they're followin' him over here…damn! Those are some big trunks!Hope the suffragis we hired will be able to mount those on the cart, " Inuyasha observed.

"He never said anything about bringin' dames with `im, you sure that's him?"

" Does a bear-"

"Okay, I believe you…but there's one problem…how are we going to fit all those people in the motorcar?" Miroku wondered. Inuyasha hadn't though about that.

"Can we flip up that extra seat in the back? If we could, someone could fit back there…" he trailed off as Sesshomaru approached.

"I see you received my telegram, Inuyasha, " Sesshomaru quipped.

"Yeah…But I had no idea you'd be bringing guests," Inuyasha replied as he stared at one "guest" in particular.

"Oh how incredibly rude of me!" Sesshomaru turned to Kagome and Sango. "Kagome, Sango, this is my head archaeologist, Inuyasha Tomuri [Inuyasha tips his bowler hat], and his research assistant, Miroku Hendsler, " Sesshomaru said. Miroku hopped off of the vehicle and took Kagome's hand and kissed it. Inuyasha's hairs bristled on the back of his neck. He knew Miroku was a bonafide ladies' man, but did he have to kiss her hand?

"Enchante mademoiselle, bienvenue a Egypte," he said huskily. Kagome giggled at his horridly overaccented French. He took Sango's hand and allowed his lips to linger just a bit longer, which thoroughly annoyed the hand's owner. "Enchante, mademoiselle, " Miroku said dreamily. There was a brief pause as the two locked eyes.

"I'd like my hand back, monsieur." Sango said in a not-so-impressed tone.

"Oh, of course!" Miroku exclaimed, a bit disappointed that his wiles were not welcomed so readily.

"Inuyasha, Miroku, This is Miss Kagome Higurashi and her companion Sango Forth…and of course you know my ward Rin," Sesshomaru gestured toward the women. Kagome caught Inuyasha's gaze on her and felt the color rise to her cheeks. Of course, this small exchange did not go unnoticed by the other three; Miroku coughed a bit to get their attention.

"Ahem! So, your lordship, where is everyone to sit?" he asked to break the momentary silence.

"Did you hire a porter for the luggage, Inuyasha?" Sesshomaru inquired.

"Uh.. yeah. The suffragi has a cart just over there," Inuyasha pointed to a donkey-drawn cart headed by his reis Selim and his cousins Hamza and Daoud, who were currently making their way toward the motorcar. They waved to Inuyasha, who waved back.

"Asalaam aleikum Akhu el Afreet wa'l Meeruku effendi! Fayn al shonaat min al `a3tr? ( Peace be upon you [hello] Brother of Demons and Mr. Miroku! Where is the luggage from the train?)" Selim asked.

"Kul-li shay huna, ya Selim. (It's all here, Selim.) Yakhud hathahi ila al funduq Shepheard's lil Sesshomaru Bey wa'l Sitt, min fadluk? (Take this to Shepheard's Hotel for Lord Sesshomaru and the Lady, please?)"

" Hathahi Sitt gameela, Akhu el Afreet. Hal zowjatuhu el Bey? (This lady is beautiful, Brother of Demons. Is she the Lord's wife?)" Selim asked in his normal inquisitive manner. Inuyasha stole a quick glance at the two people in question. Kagome wasn't standing too close to Sesshomaru, and didn't appear to be making eyes at him, so Inuyasha quietly ruled out that possibility.

"Ma' taqdish Selim. Netkalim ba'adayn, okay? ( I don't think so Selim. We'll talk later, okay?)" Inuyasha ended their conversation before Sesshomaru caught wind of what they were discussing. He noticed the odd stares he was receiving from the three women. Selim nodded in agreement and whistled for Daoud and Hamza to load the luggage onto the cart. Miroku opened the door to the vehicle, " Ladies first, " he held his hand out and Rin grabbed it as she hoisted herself into the first row.

"Rin, " Sesshomaru addressed her sternly, "shouldn't you accompany Miss Kagome and Miss Sango in the back seat?" Rin looked at her adoptive father and made a pouting face.

"But I want to see Miroku drive the motorcar! I've never been to Egypt and I never get to sit in the front! Pleeease!" She whined.

"Now see here Rin, " Sesshomaru countered. Kagome, who could never say no to a pouting child, spoke up. "Lord Sesshomaru, I'm sure she won't be too spoiled if you allow her this one indulgence…"

" Look at her! She's the very image of a spoiled brat! Don't encourage her Miss Kagome!" he exclaimed. Rin made her very best puppy eyes.

"I believe Sango and I will survive if a man sits with us, my lord. Please? For her sake? Obviously this is important to her, " Kagome pleaded on Rin's behalf.

"You two are as thick as thieves! Fine, Rin. You may sit in the front with Miroku and myself." Sesshomaru huffed.

"Thank you Sesshomaru!" Rin clasped her hands together in delight. Kagome inched her way across the back seat towards Inuyasha, who had taken the liberty of sitting near the opposite door. As she scooted in to make room for Sango and her valise, Inuyasha noticed that their thighs were touching. A light blush rose to his cheeks as he felt her brush against him. Not knowing what to do with his arms, and not wishing to be crushed, he kept one hand on his knee, and allowed his elbow to extend over the car door.

"Everyone situated?" Miroku hollered. He received a unanimous reply. With that, he put on his driving goggles and started the engine. The crowd that was milling past and around them stepped away slightly as the police escorts cleared a path. Miroku backed up the Daimler and eventually reached the main thoroughfare, Sharia Clot Bey.

In truth, Kagome was silently hoping that Rin would sit in the front, so she could get a better look at this Inuyasha character. What she didn't know is that she shared the same hope as the man beside her. She decided to be bold, for once in her life. "If I may be so intrusive Mr. Tomuri, what language were you speaking back there?" He turned his head to face Kagome. Again, she was entranced by his golden eyes.

"Oh, just Arabic." He replied nonchalantly, as if everyone should know how to speak Arabic.

"I see. Is that the only language spoken around here?"

"That and English. And some French and German depending on where you are and who you deal with."

"How do you speak it so well?" Kagome inquired, amazed at the concept of bilingualism.

"Well, I'm with native speakers practically everyday. I just pick it up as I go along. You learn a language rather fast when you need it to survive, " he said as he gazed at the scenery around him.

"Uh, how long have you been in Egypt Mr. Tomuri?" Kagome sensed that he wasn't much of a talker.

"This will be my seventh season, " he replied.

"So that's almost two years, am I correct?"

"No, that's about three and a half years altogether-nearly four, Miss Higurashi. Most excavation seasons last from about September until March or April. Only fools dig in the summer months."

"Why is that?" she asked innocently. He turned to face her once more. He couldn't conceive of a stupider question if he tried.

"Because, they would die from the extreme heat and sandstorms. That's why, " he replied matter-of-factly. Kagome didn't notice the slight irritation in his demeanor.

"Oh."

"Any more questions?" He asked, staring at her down his nose.

"Umm, what was it you said to the porter?"

"Nothing of consequence."

"I see," she said softly as she broke her gaze. `How awfully rude he is! How was I supposed to know about the bloody language and how long a season was?At least that Miroku chap was much nicer,' she thought to herself. Miroku suddenly swerved to miss a donkey cart and threw everyone off guard.

"Oy Miroku! What are ya trying to do? Kill us?" Inuyasha shouted towards the front. Unfortunately, Kagome's ears were ringing.

"Mr. Tomuri? Could you not shout directly into my ears? That hurt!" Kagome complained. Inuyasha scoffed.

"Keh! Your precious ears weren't my target, lady!"

"I beg your pardon? You could have shouted your obscenities in another direction! That was very rude!" Kagome retorted.

"There was no other way, unless you'd like me to lean on your lap!" he argued.

"I hardly think that would've been necessary! You still owe me an apology!"

" Keh! I didn't do a bloody thing wrong! Your head just happened to be in the way, that's all!"

"Well,excuse me! The three of us are in close quarters back here and you could have been a bit more considerate!" Kagome exclaimed haughtily.

"I didn't do a goddamn thing wrong! You're the one making a grand event of it!"

"You shouldn't curse in front of a lady!"

"Who the hell said you're a lady? Ladies don't scream like friggin' banshees!"

"Well, I never! People like you should be locked up! Of all the---"

"Locked up? You're the one who's goin' nuts over here! Not me!"

"Will both of you just shut up! Thank God we're at the hotel!" Miroku shouted.

"Inuyasha!" Sesshomaru said sternly.

"What?" he shot back.

"Apologize to Miss Kagome. You did shout in her ear. I know because my ears are ringing as well!"

"Nothin' doin'! I'm not apologizing for a damn thing!" Inuyasha crossed his arms indignantly.

"You will apologize sans profanity, or I will see that your concession is taken by someone else!" Sesshomaru threatened. Inuyasha mulled that thought over.

"Ugh, fine! Miss Higurashi, I'm sorry for yelling in your ear. " He said unenthusiastically. Kagome wasn't impressed.

"And if I don't accept your apology?" she asked, her eybrow raised.

" You better damn well accept it `cause it's the only one you're gonna get!" Inuyasha was furious. Kagome chuckled.

"What're you laughin' at?" She continued to laugh harder.

"You! You look so funny when you're livid!"

"So are you accepting the apology or what?" He put his hands on his knees, his arms bent.

"Fine, for the sake of argument, I'll accept your little apology, although a real gentleman would've apologized on the spot. " She decided to pull his chain a little more.

"Dammit! Sesshomaru let me out of this car now!" Inuyasha insisted vehemently.

" Fine! Just don't forget to join us for supper! We have some important business to discuss!" Sesshomaru ordered.

"Us? You mean…" he said with disbelief.

"Yes, everyone. Including the ladies."

"Oh Christ!" And with that, Inuyasha opened the door and jumped out as soon as the sputtering vehicle came to a halt. He left the door open and Kagome and Sango filed out onto the sidewalk in front of the legendary Shepheard's Hotel, their mouths agape with awe. Inuyasha made a beeline for the one spot he could find solace-the hotel bar.

A Whiskey and Soda later…

"Inuyasha, you could've handled that a bit better," Miroku advised as he knocked back a gin and tonic.

"Keh."

"No, I'm serious, first impressions are lasting and you just blew it big time." Inuyasha sighed as he cradled his head in his hands on the dark wooden surface of the bar. He was on whiskey and soda number two and it wasn't even supper yet. Not too many things unnerved him the way Kagome had on the ride to the hotel; oh sure he was quick to put up his dukes or spit out a sarcastic remark, but only when something really pissed him off. Although she had just asked him innocent questions, there was some weird undercurrent in the way she spoke, like the diction was forced and unnatural. He wondered if she really was as uptight as she portrayed herself to be. In that case, she'd be perfect for Sesshomaru- but that's what she was here for wasn't it? Why would Sesshomaru bring a woman that wasn't his to dine with them? He took another slug of his whiskey and soda and looked around the bar. He'd been here before, for a few dinners and drinks with colleagues and thought the bar was a bit too opulent for his taste; he preferred the Greek hole-in-the-wall down the street. Brass Islamic-style lanterns hung about the room, their glass casting geometric shapes over the walls and dark wood floor. Behind the bar was a large mirror, which reflected the myriad of bottles on display. There were tan leather couches amid the potted fichus and bromeliads. Pictures of hunting and cricket scenes dotted the cream-colored walls, and an oil painting of Prince Albert and Queen Victoria hung above the fireplace mantle. Miroku finally spoke, " You know, all this excessive talking of yours has to stop. I just can't take it anymore!" Inuyasha turned

"I'm not talking! You are! I'm just thinking to myself here," he shot back.

"Come on Inuyasha, she can't have been that bad," Miroku needled. The target in question knocked back the rest of the whiskey and soda, grimacing at the alcohol's kick.

"I could stand her if she just wasn't so damn annoying," he replied.

"How was she annoying? Did she talk to you?" Miroku asked. Inuyasha let out a tired sigh. "Yeah, she kept asking me questions…stupid ones."

"Well maybe they weren't stupid to her. Think about it, she probably knows nothing about Egypt at all, and I don't think that you gave her a very nice introduction either," Miroku explained, trying to draw some of Inuyasha's conscience out. Inuyasha let out a "keh" and started absentmindedly turning his glass around on the bar. Maybe he had been a bit harsh the first time around, but Inuyasha did not believe that ignorance was an excuse.

"Okay, so maybe she was a bit ignorant, but what am I supposed to do? Give her Egyptology 101? This isn't Oxford or Cambridge for chrissakes!" He had no clue about how to talk to a woman-unless it was for everyday common stuff like cooking or laundry, or for an RSVP. The fact that most of his colleagues were men didn't help matters either.

"Are you trying to say that you were nervous talking to Miss Kagome?" Miroku insinuated, an eyebrow raised. A light flush came into Inuyasha's cheeks.

"Hell no! Come on, let's look at these reports before supper and see if we can come up with anything about this Huy guy." Miroku rolled his eyes as Inuyasha abandoned his barstool for one of the leather couches

"Hiding behind work again, are we?" Miroku jeered.

"That line of reasoning would make sense if we had our notes in front of us," Inuyasha added.

"Absolutely," Miroku agreed.

"By the way, where are those blasted things? You did remember to bring them, didn't you?" Inuyasha's eyes narrowed in on Miroku, who was looking guiltier by the minute.

"Well, I say, it is quite warm this time of year, isn't it?" Miroku started airing out the collar of his shirt as Inuyasha approached him, his arms akimbo.

"Tell me you brought the fucking things and I won't have to kill you," Inuyasha stared him down like an attack dog on his target. Miroku gulped.

"It's only a half hour to Ismailia," Miroku squeaked as Inuyasha's calloused hand was inching closer to his windpipe.

"Get the car goddammit. Why the hell did I have to be burdened with a dumbass for an assistant?" Inuyasha smacked himself in the forehead.

"Because my résumé was good?" Miroku offered. Inuyasha pointed toward the doorway. "Just get the bloody car and let's go!" he snarled. And with that, they left.

The young brunette opened the door, the little bell above it tinkled, announcing her arrival. She made her way to the telegrapher's desk. The older man looked up from his paperwork and smiled at her. "What can I do for you madam?" he asked cheerfully.

"I have to send a message, " she stated coolly.

"What do want it to say?"

"Have reached destination---please send correspondence information ASAP. KdL." She finished sharply.

"Ah-madam we must put down the sender and receiver's name-you know, to make sure it gets to the right person," the older man informed her as he pushed his glasses back up on the bridge of his nose. She glanced around the room, not seeing anyone who looked like they would know of whom she was addressing the telegram to. She took in a shallow breath and continued, "Address it to Naraku Hamilton, sent by Kikyo duLoncre. He's at the Semiramis Hotel."

"All right, that'll do. It'll be one pound six pence, please." She forked over the paltry sum, having been suitably compensated for her work.

"Can you have it sent on the half hour? It's rather urgent, " Kikyo said hurriedly.

"Will do."

"Thank you sir, " she replied. She was out the door before he could say, "you're welcome".

"Sesshomaru old boy! I haven't seen you in ages! What the devil have you been up to in foggy old England for so long?" Sesshomaru shook hands with his old cricket partner, Joseph "Bimbashi" MacPherson.

"I should like to ask the same of you, MacPherson, what is it I hear now, that you've gotten out of the Ministry of Public Instruction and started fighting crime?" Sesshomaru smiled heartily.

"Why yes, I was recently transferred to the underground police operations, how did you know?" MacPherson sounded a bit surprised that Sesshomaru was so up-to-date on the new position appointments. "So, what brings you to the Turf Club? Did you just get into town?" Sesshomaru stared at the luscious emerald lawn dotted with palm trees and tropical flowers.

"I have a couple of hours to kill before I meet with my chief archaeologist over supper, and I thought I'd come down to see if the old crew was still in top form," Sesshomaru answered nonchalantly. MacPherson didn't seem to be so convinced. He tweaked the end of his moustache and let out a chuckle.

"You can't fool me old boy, the Sesshomaru I know has never been one to casually drop in on anyone-so why did you want to see me again?" The two men walked over to a wicker table and chairs and sat down, MacPherson stretched his legs. A handsome young man in a tarboosh came over and Sesshomaru ordered two scotch and sodas. The young Egyptian walked briskly away to carry out the order, stopping briefly to pick up some empty glasses left on a nearby table. Sesshomaru waited until he was gone before answering MacPherson's question.

Sesshomaru? Did you hear me?" MacPherson asked, afraid that he'd been dismissed.

"Yes, I heard you. I was waiting for the waiter to leave-never underestimate the lingual capacities of the natives-they sometimes know English better than we think they do, and news travels faster in Arab circles," Sesshomaru said cautiously.

"Hmm, interesting observation. Are you implying that this isn't a safe zone?" MacPherson said in a low voice as he leaned in closer.

"Yes, the gossip around here is horrible, and it's even worse among those who work here. The reason I came looking for you is that I need a favor, a big one."

"My services are yours, old friend. What do you need?"

" I need a help with an investigation. You know I worked for a time with the Antiquities Service, and I am having a problem with some of the digs that I'm financing…" he stopped just as the young Egyptian waiter set down their drinks. Sesshomaru slipped the kid some baksheesh and he walked back to the club-slowly.

"Do go on," MacPherson insisted.

"It seems as if the sites have already been robbed and set up to look as if the robbery was done in antiquity, or at least a long time ago. I've been sent reports on several sites in Beni Hassan, Saqqara, Aswan, Dra Abu el Naga, and all of them follow the same pattern! I think the thugs are being instructed by someone in Parliament, I believe you know of whom I speak. I need a background check on him and a few who have been associated with him in the past." Sesshomaru explained seriously.

"Who do you need investigated, besides the obvious?"

" A man named Daniel Forth who was murdered in his home around 1890; a toady-looking fellow named Smith, who's in Hamilton's employ; and a woman named Kikyo du Loncre-I have a feeling that this is her alias. I need to know of any forgeries the British Museum and the Egyptian Museum have received from anonymous sources between 1890 and the present, any sites Hamilton has requested firmans for, and check out any local Egyptian contacts dealing in antikas in the Khan el Kahili." MacPherson had pulled out a note pad and was writing fervently.

"So what's so important about the Forth chap?"

"He was a master forger for Hamilton…his wife was Hamilton's old mistress and courier. Hamilton is after their daughter, Sango. Apparently, Forth was trying to leave Hamilton's employ and tried to indict his employer by selling two original pieces to the British Museum and requesting amnesty. Hamilton thinks Sango has a valuable burial mask and has threatened not only her life, but another lady's life in the process. I'm keeping the two under my protection until my chief archaeologist is able to ascertain the value of the artifact Sango carries."

"That is a tall order indeed, old boy. You've sparked my interest. Seems that the antiquity trade has been flourishing in the Cairo underground in recent years, since the Khedive has loosened restrictions on the foreign community. I'll check with my people and get back to you on it. Where can I get a hold of you?" MacPherson replied, knocking back the last of his drink. He wiped his forehead with a handkerchief.

"As of the moment I'm staying at Shepheard's, but I shall be in my property in Ismailia by the end of the week." Sesshomaru answered. "You don't know how much I appreciate this, MacPherson."

"You've always had a soft spot for old things, Sessh old boy. I heard about your proposed legislation in Parliament-it's brilliant. Antiquities will rejoice if it gets passed! Speaking of which, have you spoken with Weigall yet? You know he's been working with Petrie lately? There's talk that he'll replace Howard Carter in Upper Egypt." MacPherson never failed to get the all of the Anglo-Egyptian community's inside dirt.

"Really? I should talk to Arthur and see how his stomach's faring-I heard Petrie forgets that tinned food expires [both men start to laugh]…I'll look up Carter and see what he's been up to in Luxor-Thebes. I'm sure he's having more trouble than I am what with some of the King's Valley tombs being opened and all…" Sesshomaru let his voice trail as he noticed their waiter returning for their glasses. He pulled out his pocket watch and checked the time-it was getting close. He took his leave from MacPherson and left for Shepheard's.

A/N: Whew! What a long chapter! Inuyasha and Kagome have finally met! Ok, there's a whole bunch of explaining to do for the words (and some historical figures and places) in this chapter. I think this is the longest one I've written in a while! Hope you enjoyed it! If you did, push that lil button right down there and leave a review!

TERMS

** antikas-antiquities, or reproductions of more famous antiquities.

**baksheesh-tip, or gratuity.

**firman-a legal concession required before a dig takes place.

**tarboosh-a fez.

**reis-A word that refers to a captain of a ship, foreman of a work crew; the word is now used to refer to presidents.

**suffragi- a servant or laborer in the employ of a hotel or a person.

**Sitt-honored lady

**dahabiyah- a houseboat; a favored means of travel on the Nile by 19th & early 20th century [wealthy] travelers & officials. Some dahabiyahs were more elegant than others, depending on the owner.

** gahwa/ gahwa mazbuut-originally "kahwa mazbuut" but the Egyptians don't pronounce the K. It's basically Turkish coffee.

** fakir-an Islamic holy man, an ascetic and beggar.

** muezzin-The person who chants the prayers from the minaret of a mosque. Nowadays, the muezzins use loudspeakers to amplify their voice's reach.

**abaya-A loose, long robe. Much like a burqa or a shadoor.

PLACES

** Sharia Clot Bey-- The principle street of the northwest corner of Cairo, which starts at the central train station.

** Shepheard's Hotel-Famous Cairo Hotel. It was built in the 1840s and was the most favored by English and American tourists and the Anglo-Egyptian community. Was one of the first hotels to have electric lights installed & was famous for its Moorish Hall, the life-sized statues of Nubian maidens, as well as its terrace, which was a popular meeting place. Unfortunately, Egyptian Nationalists protesting British rule burned down Shepheard's in the 1950s on `Black Saturday'. It was rebuilt, however, but not in the same place.

**Ismailia-An area of Cairo, built by the Khedive Ismail, in an attempt to rival the elegant districts of Paris. Much of the city's fashionable hotels and businesses were in this quarter.

** Khan el Kahili- The medieval bazaar of Cairo, which began as a trading center and later expanded to include cafés, hundreds of shops, mosques, fountains, and living quarters for the merchants. This place is massive! If you ever go, plan to spend a whole day here, and remember which way you came in because you will probably get lost! I almost did!

** Beni Hassan- Approximately 170 miles south of Cairo on the east bank. Noted for the rock-cut tombs of the princes of the Middle Kingdom, which display vivid painted reliefs depicting scenes of daily life.

** Dra Abu el Naga-- Part of the cliffs extending from the temple of Hatshepsut to the road leading to the Valley of the Kings. It's the site of many tombs of 17th dynasty royalty and nobles.

**The Turf Club-Another popular establishment of the Anglo-Egyptian community. Was located not far from Shepheard's Hotel and the adjoining Ezebekieh Gardens.

PEOPLE

** Arthur Weigall-- Worked with Egyptologist William Flinders Petrie; joined the Antiquities Service in 1905 and replaced Howard Carter (discoverer of Tut's tomb) as inspector for Upper Egypt. Made Valley of the Kings more accessible to tourists and protected the tombs. Wrote a number of popular books after retiring from Egyptology.

**Joseph "Bimbashi" MacPherson-Head of secret police in Cairo (1902) after teaching in the Ministry of Public Instruction for a few years.