InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ Hanshu ❯ The plot thickens ( Chapter 2 )

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

I love coffee. The heady scent of an earthy Hawaiian roast drifted to my nose as I made my way through traffic to the TA. Another sip soothed the edge of stupid drivers and glitching traffic signals and the music on the radio seemed to put me in my own world for the time being. My contact at the Tajiya Agency already knew I was coming so my hope was everything would be ready when I got there. Most times I waited a half hour in the lobby for someone to notice me.

The building itself was an old warehouse that was reconstructed for offices and training facilities. It was three stories of square concrete on an acre and seemed to stretch for an eternity outside. The lobby was roomy with all three stories with windows on one side and balconies overlooking the open area. There was a large curved desk counter and behind it was a small oasis with trees and water feature bigger than my apartment. It seems the Tajiya are backed by some wealthy donors.

I had to park a ways from the main doors and the air was hot in mid-July. I tried to dress smart for both my job and the weather with a skirt and simple low heels. The dress jacket was a must to cover the shoulder holster my gun was in. Id rather be hot than unarmed and I wasn’t a fan of most other holsters. My frame was too small to wear them well. The suit itself was a dark grey but a pale pink silk blouse set it off well. It was one of the nicest outfits I owned give or take a few blouses. It made my grey eyes pop but my inexperience with makeup left me with just mascara and lip gloss to enhance them.

The lobby was blessedly cool and I pushed the rotating door aside. My relief was short lived as I noticed who was working the desk today. Hojo was friendly enough but he constantly asked me out on dates. I’m not sure why I never said yes. He was nice enough looking with blue eyes and sandy hair that said he had European heritage in the family and good height to match. Something just didn’t hit the right buttons for me. Maybe he was too soft; I doubted he had ever done hard physical work in his life with his callous free hands and pale skin that said he didn’t see much sun.

I tried for polite but distant as I approached the desk. His sandy brown hair all I could see as he worked on something. “Hey, Hojo, is Iwa on her way?”

His head popped up like an absurd version of whack-a-mole and his blue eyes were wide with surprise.

“Hig… Higurashi! Sorry, you caught me off guard. Iwa is on her way over, but she was a ways away a few minutes ago so… it may be a little bit. How have you been this morning?” He was so interested in my very existence I was uncomfortable just standing there but sighed, trying to keep the polite tone I started with.

“It’s been a good morning. Traffic was normal, but not too bad. I just have a job to turn in. Im hoping there is another I can take on.”

Hojo nodded with enthusiasm. “So, ah, there is this new movie coming out. I was wondering if you might want to…. If you free… that is not busy… if you-” The stammering invitation was cut off by the phone ringing, hiding my cringe. “Sorry, Excuse me a moment.” He held his hand up and answered the phone.

I took the opportunity to wander over to the ‘garden’ which was filled with what looked like tropical plants. Palm trees soared high above, reaching at least the height of the third floor balcony before opening wide green leaves that draped casually. Brightly colored flowers littered every open space in the carefully placed wood chips. There was a small bridge of sorts that went over the tiny river that was part of the water feature. A two story high rock poured water down one side creating a ‘waterfall’ which landed in a small pool. The pool fed the small river and disappeared into the brush to cycle through the system again. It was a stark contrast to the very modern lobby but I enjoyed the soft sound of water flowing.

I stood on the bridge and watched the tiny koi in the water flit about and thought about the young man still on the phone a ways behind me. Maybe I was being too hard on him. I never had a conversation with him longer than five minutes, seeing as he always stopped it with an invitation to some event or another at which point I would decline and run away as soon as possible. One date couldn’t be that bad. Could it? I never really dated. Mostly just talking to men was as far as it got. I wasn’t sure what I was expecting when it came to men, but I obviously hadn’t found it yet.

Strands of hair were starting to fall from my usual topknot and my fingers drifted to play with them. The soft ding of the elevator registered and the sound of heels clicking on the stone tile floor began to come my way. She always knew where to find me. I turned to face the tall woman coming toward me. Her long brown hair fell straight from its high ponytail and the smooth cream suit fit perfectly on her firm curves. Sango Iwa was an active Tajiya I knew, but she cleaned up so well you would never know. I waved at her and she gave a tight smile back. I was never too sure of Sango, she seemed so cold and closed off. But so was I, so we were a matched pair. Her cinnamon eyes told stories though and they seemed haggard today.

“Higurashi. I am sorry to keep you waiting.”

I reached out to shake her hand she shook my head. “No trouble. I wasn’t here long. Just bringing you the proof of the demon from downtown.” I pulled out my phone to get the picture up. “I was hoping you may have more work for me. I have rent due.” I added with a laugh.

Sango’s reply was cool but friendly. “We always have work.” She took the phone from my offered hand and looked over the photos. “A goat?” She murmured as she flipped through.

“You seem tense today, Iwa, is there something big going down?” I probed. I always wanted in on the big action, but it was a fight to be included. Her eyes never strayed from the screen as she responded.

“There is a case… but it’s been hard to get info.” A terse nod at the phone and she handed it back, turning the force of her gaze to mine. “In fact…” She looked me over and I felt a jolt of excitement. Maybe I could get a piece of this after all.

Sango considered me a long moment before reaching into her pocket to hand me a prewritten check. She trusted my work. “There is a rumor of unrest with the Tokyo Hanshu. Problem is no one is talking. With the rise of the Tajiya in an official standing we are finding it hard to get informants. If you think you can dig up any information, I can arrange payment.”

I nodded, trying not to appear too enthusiastic. It was only the information, not any real action but it was a start. “I’ll see what I can dig up. Am I looking for anything in particular?” Anything to go on would be useful, but Sango could be a wall sometimes.

A beat of silence stood between us before she responded carefully. I watched her eyes, noting the tension but nothing other than that showed through. “We have reports of missing youkai in the city. Some say the Hanshu is responsible. Since the missing are all homeless or destitute it’s hard to confirm if they really are missing. No signs of attack and no bodies have surfaced. Any information on this would be useful. We are working to establish a middle group of informants not directly connected to the TA but it will take time.”

My eyes widened. No one but the TA would take notice of missing homeless demons. It was strange activity though, and I wondered at the meaning. “Ill see what I can dig up. On the down low of course.” I crossed my arms over my chest, tilting my head in thought. Sango’s eyes flicked to my hidden holster and my approval of her went higher at her discrete recognition.

“You have my number; call me anytime if you get a lead. This case is mine for the time being. Ill consider your driving accommodations and hours spent with your payment. Have a good day, Higurashi.” With that she gave a brisk nod before swiftly returning to the elevator. I watched her go, noticing the odd line in her own suit jacket. She was carrying too. I wonder what she uses.

I made my way back to my car, avoiding Hojo despite my earlier considerations. Phone in hand I dug through my contacts to find one of my on and off co-workers. Despite his flippant attitude he was one of the most deadly clerics I knew and a real charmer. If anyone had some insights it was Miroku Noroi. His record with most demon bounties was only ahead of mine in Tokyo due to an ironic twist fate. His grandfather was cursed by some demon to carry a black hole in one hand until it killed him or he passed it on to his own son. While Miroku kept it well maintained with spiritual energy and well placed beads it threatened to take his life too if he didn’t find the demon who cursed his family.

The curse was horrible and terrified me, but Miroku turned it to a gift by using it as a weapon against the demons we both sought. It was very effective but left little evidence of his kills so I think the TA just trusted his word when he turned in a bounty. My only hesitation was Miroku was a flirt, and I never knew what to do with his attention. While he respected my distance, he never stopped tossing out bad lines and worse suggestions. My sarcasm was the only way I could keep up.

I was sitting in my car with the AC on when the other line picked up. “Kagome! How wonderful to hear from a lovely lady such as yourself this fine day. What may I ask is the reason for this pleasurable if unexpected phone call?”

I rolled my eyes even if he couldn’t see it. “Cut it Miroku, I have a job and was wondering if you knew anything about some youkai disappearances? Not, like, elite youkai. Homeless ones. The kind most people don’t miss?”

I could almost hear his facial expression as he considered my question. I could even picture the tap of his thumb against his chin in an unconscious gesture. “Hmm… that is interesting. I did hear about one girl on Sogo a couple weeks back. Word was she was out behind some bar digging for food in the trash when the owner chased her off. That was the last anyone saw her. She was a young thing too. Mayu I think her name was? Probably no longer among the living, but maybe she is one of the missing youkai you speak of?”

“A bar on Sogo? Was it Horaijima by chance?” It seemed like such a nice place too.

“I think that was the very one. You sound familiar with it?” It was impossible to miss the curiosity in his tone. He knew I wasn’t much of a bar hopper but that wasn’t all of it. He just had an insatiable need to know everything.

“I was there just last night to pick up a friend. I wouldn’t expect seedy behavior there, it was nice enough.” Well lit and in a decent neighborhood, it seemed so normal. Not an underbelly of possible kidnappings.

“Alas some of the worst business happens in very nice establishments, Kagome. Knowingly or unknowingly by those who frequent there. Perhaps that is the best place to start looking. Are you going to go there and poke around? Do you need me to act as a date for a ruse? Im sure I can be quite convincing, especially with a lovely lady like you to tempt my-“

I cut him off quickly. “No. Im good… er… thanks. I think I can handle it. Ill call if I do need backup though.”

Miroku chuckled; his voice was quite nice to listen to even if he was a perv. “As you wish. I have other fish to pursue. On a side note, what would a girl like you find worthy for an excursion? Not that I am asking you personally, it is for another sporting young woman. Though if you are ever interested…”

I sighed dramatically at that comment but thought about what he asked. “If she is into action like me, try a gun range. Free ammo is the way to a real woman’s heart.” Better than flowers for me anyway. He seemed to take me seriously though.

“Excellent advice, Kagome. Call me if you need anything, and do keep me posted about this case. I’d love to know what could make these youkai disappear if it’s not us.” With that we hung up and I made my way back to my apartment to change, No way was I going to a bar dressed like this.

At home, I put on my traditional leathers and put my hair in a somewhat tidy French braid to keep it up. I added wrist sheaths for small engraved blades as well as and ankle sheath in my boot. One green tank top and my leather jacket later and I was ready to go. I scrounged up food in my kitchen before leaving; giving Buyo extra ear rubs for leaving him alone so much and left. The bow had to stay home for now, I figured between the knives and the Walther I would be set for just some questions.

Horaijima looked a bit different in daylight, darker which was odd. Must be from not being able to see through the windows. I walked the building first, examining the back alley where the dumpsters were. It was dark and hidden with about three ways in or out. The only camera looked straight down at the steps for the back door. I wondered if it picked up anything. Without a badge or a warrant I couldn’t guarantee access to the video, but maybe charm would work. If I have any. I strode back through the front door and sat at the nearly empty bar. The bartender was a round man, definitely Japanese and human if the energy coming from him was a good indicator. Most disguising charms don’t work with me.

He gruffly asked what I wanted. I smiled and asked what his favorite thing to serve was. With a snort he gestured to the taps. “Beer.” I crinkled my nose at that, and asked for a screwdriver. It was the only thing I knew of. The bartender, whose name I learned was Doji, laughed at me but made it in a jiff. I handed him a twenty and waved away the change, after that he seemed friendlier. I asked about the girl in back and he said it wasn’t on his shift so he really didn’t know.

“What about a camera. Do you have one that could see anything back there?” I hoped I seemed charming but he started to shut down real quick after that.

“I don’t know about that. You a cop?”

I shook my head. “No, no… Im not cop. Im a-“ I was cut off by a familiar voice at my side. I nearly jumped through the roof but managed to contain myself in time.

“A friend, Doji. She’s good. We are all worried about Mayu.” Kin said. His green eyes twinkled at me in conspiratorial glee. Doji seemed to relax again. “Look…” He glanced around the bar as if checking for eavesdroppers. “I can take you back, but you got five minutes, got it? If Jak finds out, Ill get my ass handed to me.”

I was ecstatic! I don’t care if Kin was a demon; I really was starting to like him. We were led behind the bar to a short hallway with three doors. One was open to an office area and another was closed but the last was a room with a couple monitors and recording equipment. Doji scanned a screen and double clicked on a date I couldn’t read from the door.

“Five minutes.” And with that Doji was gone. I turned to Kin and threw my hands up.
“Where did you come from?! Do you know the bartender?”

He laughed and nabbed the desk chair, scooting up to the monitor and hitting a floating play button.
“I’d been behind you for a minute, listening to you fail pretty hard at convincing Doji. I decided I’d help. I’m here a lot so all the bartenders know me.” He didn’t look at me while he answered, focusing instead on the very boring video feed and skipping ahead in time. It didn’t have a good view but you could see some of the alley and a dumpster.

“Well thanks; I suck at this whole charming thing. Were you here the night she disappeared?”
I watched his face in the light of the monitor as he frowned, not a wrinkle in sight. I wondered at his age since youkai tend not to look old for centuries. “No, I wish I was. I might have been able to track her down. No one has seen her since and after the others….”

“Others?” I asked, hoping this meant there really were disappearances.

Kin avoided the subject, looking a bit apprehensive, but pointed at the screen. “This is about the time she should have been here.”

We watched with baited breath and the sped up video showed flicks of movement at the edges when suddenly a blurry bulk appeared digging in the dumpster. Kin slowed the speed down with a click of the mouse and we watched Mayu dig in the dumpster. I leaned over his shoulder forgetting again how close I was to a youkai. Another blur appeared at the other side of the screen, but it stayed frustratingly just out of sight. Mayu turned toward it and it seemed like a conversation was happening.

“Is there audio?” I doubted, but one could hope.

“No.”

The scene continued and it seemed the conversation turned into an argument. Mayu seemed to tense and stomped her foot. She looked so young, nine maybe. Suddenly there was a zip across the screen and Mayu was yanked out of the shot. It was so startling that we both stared for a few seconds before Kin rewound the footage and tried to slow it down.

“Did…whoever that is just nab her?”

The kitsune was looking at the video frame by frame.

“Seems that way.”

I noticed something in one frame and tapped Kin’s shoulder. “Wait go back! Just a few frames. There,” I pointed at the still shot of the blur that zipped across the screen, “See it? It looks like a wheel…. Like on their shoe or something. But more like a chariot…” It did, it had spokes that looked like it was made of metal or wood, so was the wheel. There was no rubber or coating on it. What the heck was that thing? I almost didn’t notice Kin get very tense below me. If I hadn’t put my hand on his shoulder, I probably wouldn’t have. “Kin? Do you know what that is?”

All my attention was on the kitsune as he considered his answer. He looked at me for a long moment and it seemed like he was weighing something, me perhaps. I hoped the judgment was good because he finally answered. “I might… I can’t be sure.” He turned back to the screen and pressed a few keys. A moment later another machine started making a racket making me jump. He printed it! Smart man! I mean youkai!

“If it is what I think it is, this is very dangerous. I’m not sure you should be involved.” Kin seemed apologetic at that. My eyes widened and I realized he was trying to protect me. Ha! He must not know.

“Kin… I’m a cleric.” As soon as the words sunk in he stared at me in shock. I know what he must be thinking. Some cute little girl in leather is a cleric? I wouldn’t believe it either. He started to seem really nervous and glanced at my jacket where my gun rested. It was weird, feeling like I needed to reassure a youkai I wouldn’t kill him! This day was stranger by the minute. I raised my hands in a placating way.

“I’m not going to just shoot you Kin, I only mean I can take care of myself. Don’t worry about me.”

We stared for a full minute when the door burst open scaring the liver out of us both.

“Five minutes is up. Out, guys, before we all get creamed.” Doji said from the door before turning back the way he came. I glanced at Kin, who seemed normal again. If I could even gauge his normal. He nabbed the paper the printer spit out and looked at me. “I wouldn’t have guessed. You seem too nice to be cleric.”

I blinked. I never thought about it from the other side of the coin before. “Bad attitude is a hazard of the job?” I offered with a chagrinned expression.

He laughed. ‘You’re all right Kags.” He imitated Yuka from the night before. “Let’s go before Doji has an aneurism.” I followed him down the hall, once again watching his three tails twitch in amusement. Seriously, how did I miss those things again!?