InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ Impoverished Heir ❯ Safeguarding the Troops ( Chapter 28 )

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

Hello again to all! Wow it's been a long and strange journey! I think this tale has more in it than I could have possibly hoped for, and life has been busy. My lovely and I just recently bought all of our furniture for our new home, been working hard at fulltime 12 hour shift jobs, and putting away for christmas and the house fund. This february or march will see us at relatives in California, so we'll be getting a much needed vacation. Aren't we the workaholics? Better than being the alcoholics (sips a barcadi-mojito, then hides the bottle). Heheh. For all who have been supportive, to all who have lent a kind word, my dragon knit cap goes off to you. You are all appreciated more than you know!! Over a hundred favorite story alerts.... just awesome!
As always the biggest thanks goes to my lover, my number one inu, my fiancee, my hawt woman. Skye, I love you, I am lucky we found each other and gave it a shot. And we went past the sunset with it! Dreams CAN come true, people. It comes with a hella lot of work, but it can be yours.
To my number two inu, INUGRRRL!!!!! The grrrl is the best Inu writer I have ever read, and it's HER WORKS (read one today, shameless plug for the Ki-ster) that inspired this long a/u saga. I hated the whole concept of a/u until I read her work! Now it's an interesting way to tell a story. Much luv to the grrrl! REVIEW MI CHICA!!! Please? :( :P
SHAMELESS PLUG here, for my lovely! My fiancee does alot of video editing, and music videos. Mainly Inuyasha ones, and she began her next AMV Yash series, the Inu 80's Series! Here's a link to her channel on youtube, and check out "Born to be my Inu". Inuyasha character song AMV to bon Jovi, check it out!! (go to youtube and type in user/inuskyevideos)
I decided to suck it up, and spend some time to actually THANK each person in the old Honored Place for Reviewers. Yes, I stopped being lazy, and found alittle extra time before posting to make this as good as I possibly could. Here we go!
The Honored Place for Reviewers:
(Fanfiction.net) :
Thanks to Katie b 16, Robine, taztothetop, Crazi4uBabeyBoo, Misslover and Kagome.is.better, ahad! To Miss Kagome.is.better: I intended the yaoi story to be a complete one-shot! Who knows how it could spawn after I said that though.... (recalls how I told my fiancee Impoverished Heir would be "a five or six chapter story." PFFFSSTTT)
Inugoddess715! OMFG! You're still here!! This one has been reviewing since my first saga ("Intended Mate" by Penpaninu, read it today!! ) Yesh, I had to write how he was naked in that scene. I thought it would dull the fright for Kagome! (wink) Glad you're reading. Hope to see another review from ya!
O-mega Lead! I admit, this story spawned much farther than the InuKag factor that I intended it to be only about. I think this story COULD go on for ten more chapters since originally, I thought it might only be five more from this point (snicker) It seems to run away from my demands, but I read somewhere once thats where the true writing comes from. The characters take a life of their own and dictate what THEY want! As for your comment on my writing (BLUSH) it's greatly appreciated! I have more self-confidance thanks to my fiancee and my good job-job, but each little thing helps. It's every writers curse that they think their work sucks and no one will understand it. BUT my writing is how my fiancee and I met, so.... (grins) That's gotta say something right there, right? We have been involved 15 months, and living together 13 months. So there you go! She always pushes me to write write write, so believe you will see more!
My favorite Fushigi Yuugi writer, Miss Kitty Lynne! (HUGS) You have been a huge inspiration for me, more than you think! Your writing is wonderfully realistic and adult, and it's how I develope my own writing in due time. I now completely understand, having gained my own family, how long it takes to get to the writing and posting! Real life gets in the way, but its not unwanted. If you live attached to the computer, the computer is your only friend and lover. I prefer warm hands and a hot body! (lol) I'm glad you're liking my Yasha tale.
Sesshomari! I love the name btw (wink) Since my lovely calls me her Sesshi. What's up with Naraku's daughter, and Kanna? How delecious you would write both linked together like that (evil grin) More to find out in this chapter of course! Thanks for reviewing!!
Mediaminer.org:
Thansk to Tetsuya Yamatashi, unistar, redevil820 (hope you like the rest of the saga!!), alexus, cjflutterbye, thanks for the words! Hope to see you soon.
silverwolf halfbeast: you've been around quite awhile, hope you stay tuned!
Again, Inugrrrrl!!! Hi on the media side!
Wow I get more comments on fanfiction dot net. O_O And it shows! On to the official credits... and then we'll begin.

Disclaimer: Penpaninu does not claim to own the likeness of Inuyasha in any way, shape or form. Does have own hanyou spouse though....woohoo!!!! (GRIN) A live-in engagement is suiting us just fine, and we're taking slow steps to the altar. We have to plan it, for one! And we both work too much.

Impoverished Heir: chapter twenty-eight "Safeguarding the Troops"

Inuyasha watched the countryside zip past through the tinted window. He was seated in a comfortable SUV, with the backseat all to himself and Kagome at his side. Two more of the black vehicles were in the entourage, the one holding his brother and Rin in the lead, Miroku and Sango riding in the one bringing up the rear. The hour was well past witching, in the dead of night where blackness reigned before dawn's break. The entire group had just been at Miroku's family shrine where Inuyasha could only reflect he had spent one of the more frustrainingt nights of his life.
First, it took four hours to REACH the Hoshi shrine from Tokyo, and it had been already tense to must means stay completely awake the entire time. And then there was the fact Kagome was next to him, and a sheet of tinted glass seperating the pair from the driver and his bodyguard partner. In fact, all three cars held two bodyguards, one at the driving, and another in the passenger's seat. All held bulges in their suit jackets that Inuyasha could only guess meant they were armed with hand revolvers. They all seemed professional enough, but Inuyasha just wanted the whole trip to be done. It had taken far too long, he felt, for Hoshi Senior and Miroku to make and charge the wards. And then Mrs. Hoshi had to spend quality time with Sango, and THEN Hoshi Senior had to take the women aside alone to bless.
Inuyasha had truly seethed at that point. His only consolation was that his brother was as irate as HE was since Rin was included in that seperate group. Finally after an agonizing hour, Hoshi Senior had slid open the shrine's double doors and gestured the others inside. And then it was kneeling on the hardwood plank flooring that had seemed two or three hours, but really lasted only forty minutes. Hoshi Senior had chanted, prayed, and moved around the kneeling young adults until everyone's eyes almost blurred from exhaustion and lack of proper lighting. Numerous candles flickered and wavered, almost guttering out with the flares of Hoshi-san's robes. The almost plunge into darkness had made Inuyasha want to fall to sleep already.
But no, he had to stay awake. It had been commended by the monk.
"Stay up until dawn's light, my butt! That's easy for him to say," Inuyasha thought. Kagome shifted at his side and cuddled close. Inuyasha's eyes widened from half-slit and he smiled in the darkness. It felt good to have his woman press up so hard against him, but then again, she was giving hiim some bad ideas. Well, more like some very good ones...
"How are you doing?" Kagome softly whispered. Inuyasha cupped her chin with two fingers and kissed her eyelid gently. He could feel Kagome's lips stretch into a smile against his face.
"I'm surviving. It's only a few more hours, isn't it?" Inuyasha asked. Kagome checked her watch, tapping the button to light up the digits.
"Less than two, my darling. You can do it," she urged. Inuyasha smiled, but his face almost split from the yawn that opened his mouth.
"Myah! Damn Naraku! If it didn't happen to me, I'd say Myoga was jumping at shadows," Inuyasha complained. Kagome tucked her legs under her stocking feet, her skirt riding up slightly. She had kicked her shoes off hours ago, and so had Inuyasha. He flexed his own toes encased in black dress socks appreciatively as his arm strayed around his love. Kagome hummed softly as his fingers splayed against the roundness of her hip and massaged gently.
"Is this your idea of staying awake?" she whispered softly into his round ear. Inuyasha shivered as her tongue gently massaged the lobe delicately, his spine tingling with electricity.
"Hmm, maybe... That's a rather kinky thought," Inuyasha murmured lowly. He glanced up at the tinted window. Both guards were focused on the road ahead. Kagome's hand ran up his thigh, her fingertips agonizingly close to his groin. When she finally traced the outline of his balls through his (rather soft) dress slacks, Inuyasha sucked in his breathe. His length stood stock still and stiffened as she grew more aggressive. Kagome cupped and squeezed him through his clothing.
"Kagome.....they'll see!" Inuyasha gasped. Kagome tugged his face close with her free hand and parted his lips with her tongue. The one breast she had pressed against him pressed closer. Inuyasha's mind went blank as he felt the tell-tale hardening of her nipple.
"I've been watching that glass, Yasha... I think it's too dark," Kagome breathed. Inuyasha's hand darted inward and parted her thighs, riding up her skirt. Kagome bit her lip to stifle a moan as two of his fingers carressed her wet lips through the silk of her panties.
"But they'll notice if I give it to you," Inuyasha made out. Kagome's fingers teased up and traced the outline of his stiffening member through his pants. Soon he was as erect as he could be inside his slacks.
"Then we won't give them cause to wonder," Kagome breathed. She knelt up on the seat just slightly, so she could ride the sensations Inuyasha's fingers were giving her. Inuyasha was suddenly so glad that it was still pitch black outside. The two held their breathe as she worked on pulling his zipper down without impaling him. The pull of the zipper seemed as loud as thunder to the both of them. Inuyasha contemplated looking up to see if the two bodyguards were noticing, but trusted in Kagome's analysis. When the zipper was low and she gently tugged his penis out through the slit of his boxers, he found he didn't care.
Inuyasha sank his finger up into Kagome's creamy slit as her hand fisted him. He tried to keep a steady pace as her fist moved up and down but he couldn't keep from bucking up into her fingers. He wnated nothing more than to pull her up and encase his swollen penis with the velvety grip he adored. But Kagome didn't want the bodyguards to know what they were doing with a shift of position, so he let himself ride the sensation of being stroked. It had been awhile since he had to be content with a handjob, but the whole crude juvenile reality of the situation only turned him on more. It was arousing to touch and tease once in awhile instead of sinkin inside every time.... but he wouldn't let her get away with this next time.
"Yasha...." Kagome breathed into his ear. Inuyasha's balls began to tighten and he kissed his lover frantically to hopefully silence his panting breaths. Kagome swallowed his moans as he shuddered again and again, straining to come.
"Ah!" he yelped when his index finger pushed up inside to join his middle digit. Inuyasha could only watch, his mind fuzzy as Kagome leaned on her knees on the seat and proceeded to shag his fingers. Her only pull and clench made his penis twitch and it was enough to send him over the edge.
"Uhm!" he grunted rather loudly and Kagome panted against his neck, close to her end. Her fingers gently carressed him, coated with sticky white cream. One of the bodyguards in the front seat watched the rearview mirror casually. He grinned and tapped his partner to glance through the mirror also to check out what they were doing. The guard driving could just make out the couple kissing intensely. Their hands were in each other's laps though and he didn't have to guess what their frantic arm movements meant they were doing.
"Bossman's brother really is a freak," one of them muttered. The driver nodded, blushing.
"A lucky freak," he amended. Inuyasha-san had apparently finished, and was busy squeezing one of his girlfriend's round breasts as he frigged her with his other hand. Even through her blouse, the driver could tell Higurashi-san had huge tits. The two pretended not to notice as Kagome came with a graceful arch that made blood pool to their balls.

*****

Sesshomaru yawned as the SUVs finally pulled up in the front of the Takahashi Enterprise building. The sun was just starting to peek up from an unseen horizon and peel away the grey sky. Rin smoothed her clothing out and came out yawning, but graceful. She made exhausted look an art. Her dark eyes shone even as she yawned, looking up into her lover's face as he helped her step from the tall vehicle. Sesshomaru was beat too, but you would never tell from his nearly pristine appearance. His white hair was neatly pulled back into a ponytail, every hair in place. If he had lines under his eyes they only enhanced his exotic visage. His suit only had a few wrinkles unlike Inuyasha's. Sesshomaru reflected that his brother could wear out any outfit just by stretching once, as he clambered out of the side of the SUV with Kagome in tow.
The two looked somewhat rumpled but happy and Sesshomaru caught a whiff of his brother's scent and knew why. He hadn't had any alone time with Rin, but he wasn't going to resort to a romp in the backseat.
"Are we done yet?" Inuyasha asked belligerently. Sango and Miroku shuffled up behind them, leaning against each other. They hadn't any of the natural vitality Sesshomaru and Inuyasha did, and all but wilted on the pavement. Sesshomaru nodded as Rin spoke softly to Kagome. He was only glad his lover hadn't his enhanced sense of smell or she would have noticed that Kagome made his brother come with her left hand. The elder Takahashi shuddered.
"Hmm, we are. My thanks to your father for the protection," Sesshomaru spoke to Miroku. He wearily gave a thumbs up; his dragon tail stuck straight out and his eyes were rimmed puffy red.
"Our pleasure. We shouldn't have those sharp nightmares now," he vowed. Sesshomaru nodded to the bodyguards and all six flanked them as they moved to enter the lobby of the building.
"May I suggest we all stay the day at the Enterprises? I only want to ensure the safety of everyone here," Sesshomaru went on. Miroku and Sango looked at each other and shrugged.
"Where can we stay?" Sango asked.
"And can we finally sleep?" Miroku wanted to know. Sesshomaru smiled. He let Rin take his arm and the morning cleaners all but jumped as their employer arrived before the morning shift of buy and demand.
"Takahashi-san! Takahashi-san!" they all called and Sesshomaru nodded in return. Inuyasha tried not to roll his eyes as they approached the elevators, and Sango punched the up button with her thumb.
"The Room of Supreme Contemplation should be safe," Sesshomaru mused. "Not many people here know where it is, even."
Sango and Miroku wearily smiled but Inuyasha frowned. He smelled a trap and wanted to know what it was.
"What about the stock meeting for this meeting?" he wanted to know. Sesshomaru grinned widely and Inuyasha felt the prickles of panic knowing he was right.
"Why, we're still going to that, Inuyasha. And secure the rest of our paperwork, too."
"Damn it, man!" Inuyasha proceeded to cuss out his brother with a litany of choice phrases. Myoga magically appeared on the floor of Sesshomaru's office, and came up behind Sango and Miroku.
"I'll have runners bring any personal effects you should require from your home," Sesshomaru offered before they were whisked away. Inuyasha watched the two of them in longing when he felt a tug on his sleeve.
"It's just a few more hours, love. And I'll be waiting for you upstairs," Kagome smiled softly. Inuyasha sighed but made himself smile for his love's sake. It wasn't HER fault his brother was a slave driver.
"I'll be okay, 'Gome. I'll have to be," he said sheepishly. Kagome stood on tiptoe to kiss his lips and his arms encircled her.
"Are you coming, Sesshomaru?" Inuyasha barked. Sesshomaru stood aloof; his jaw was clenched because he was yawning without even opening his damn mouth.
"You go on ahead; I would like to speak to Kagome-san for a moment," was his mellifous response. Inuyasha threw his hands up into the air.
"Fine, go on ahead, I'll be working before you do," he groused. Kagome sighed as her lover flounced off towards his office.
"He really just is tired," she offered. Sesshomaru chuckled warmly, surprising her.
"He was always this way," he said and the barest smile darted across his lips. Rin giggled and squeezed his arm.
"I'll be in your office, dearest," she suggested. Sesshomaru tried not to look TOO excited at those words in front of his brother's girlfriend. He nodded and laid a gentle kiss on her forehead. Kagome had to cough deliberately to get his attention again when his eyes followed Rin's hips as she walked away.
"So what's this about, Sesshomaru-san?" she asked inquisitively. Sesshomaru straightened his tie and then fished for his cell phone in his breast pocket. A slide of his long nails clicked the device open evenly.
"I received the most irritating phone call from Kaze-san," he said gruffly. Kagome could tell Sesshomaru just didn't like Kaze Kagura at ALL.
"She has requested a visit to your family's shrine this morning, if you would."
Kagome sighed and tried not to be irritated. It looked like she was in the same boat as her lover after all. "I'd be glad to. When are we going, exactly?"
"Right now," a sultry voice called out and Kagome didn't need to be surprised to see the elegantly dressed woman limp her way towards them. The ever present knapsack clanked against her shoulders.
"Need that I remind you that you need a visitor's pass to enter past the lobby?" Sesshomaru asked dryly. Kagura tapped her long handfan against her cheek and winked.
"A woman does not reveal her secrets," she said smugly. Kagome pointed to her hands and leg.
"But your secrets could get you into even worse trouble. Couldn't you use some friends for backup?" she asked seriously. Kagura's eyes softened and her smirk almost faded. She nodded once.
"I'd like to count you and the Lady Rin as friends. However, I can't afford to trust anyone. You'll have to understand," she said. Sesshomaru barked a laugh.
"So the lone ranger has a heart after all."
"Watch it, Takahashi, or you're next," Kagura mocked, tapping her fan against his broad chest. Sesshomaru sighed.
"Very well, go on then."
Kagome swept her gaze down the hall. "What about Inuyasha?"
Sesshomaru smiled. "Do not worry. I'll be sending bodyguards of course." He punched in a number into his cell and raised the device to his pointed ear. "Inuyasha would never forgive me if anything happened to my sister-in-law."
"Myuh wuh huh?" Kagome asked. Sesshomaru connected with someone on the other line and didn't deign to answer.
"Do you need anything, Kagome-san?" Kagura asked politely. Kagome massaged her temples and smiled through her blush. To be Inuyasha's bride... Kagome hadn't felt as giddy as a schoolgirl since her freshman year at college, but she was close to swooning now.
"Just some more stimulant in a cup," she suggested. The two women went off together.

*****

Kouga tightened his tie and fingered one edge of his crisply starched collar. An assistant murmured in acquesion to him and pressed a cup of steaming coffee into his hand. Kouga's clawtips tightened around the styrofoam cup and he had to look down and rotate the warm cup before his lips could locate the sippy hole, as he liked to call it. Hot java stained his lip and burned his teeth as the lawyer heir sipped and then savored the flavor. A sigh escaped his throat; extra muscles flexed easily and he felt his upper torso almost stretch as if to boast of their enhancements.
That witch Kikyou might have brought his inner 'ability' out, but the Elder Council were good to bring Ayame to tutor him. She was of his heritage, and knew how to handle the power and the claws. He never thought he'd say it, but he had found his equal. Kouga put one hand into his suit pocket, his long nails carressing fabric that felt silkier than the rough cotton he had worn in the forest with his beloved. Ayame had wanted him to learn humility at the behest of their Elders wishes, so all luxury had been cancelled. At first Kouga had hated it. He hated wearing one dead color, he hated going barefoot in the woods and in the hot sand, he hated not having regular access to showering facilities or a razor. Fine dark stubble had dotted his jaw for days on end before Ayame would let him shave with a simple Bic over a bucket of salt water. But now that he was back here.... he wished he had it back.
His colleagues and the women who worked for them all fawned over him again with a slight hesitation that was apparent to him even if it wasn't to them. The Old Him would have expected it; now he found it insincere. It was only his name and position they fawned over, and the power he once wielded without control. Any woman was his, and they knew it as well as he did. The only woman who had dared defy him was Higurashi Kagome. Kouga felt a kick inside his ribs when the mere thought of her came up, and it was an internal struggle he knew he had to resolve one day. He had a lover now; and they courted each other on the boundary of a new betrothal. He knew he would marry her one day; and she had to know it too. Ayame was anything if slow of wit. He knew how to treat women now, but Higurashi Kagome....
Kouga sighed and sipped his coffee quickly, burning his tongue. He would have to find Higurashi Kagome one day, and apologize... or something. She had a protective man with as much pride as he did, so that process would be very hard to accomplish. Maybe Dad could help him arrange a meeting... he used to be tight with the deceased Takahashi Senior awhile back. The wolf and dog used to play together, didn't they?
"Ookami-san!" a red-haired young woman ran up and bowed low. Kouga raised an eyebrow at the height she displayed once she straightened, or failed to display. She was just so short!
"Yes, my dear, what can I do for you?" he asked politely. The woman giggled and tucked a lock of red hair back into her messy bun. She seemed nice enough, but Kouga had to wonder what she was doing in his father's law firm. She looked like she would have been more comfortable in a farm orchard.
"Your father is asking for you, sir! He asked if you'll be ready for the joint meeting tomorrow," she blushed when Kouga nodded in response.
"Of course, the joint meeting...." While technically incarcerated at the woods on the beach, he had almost forgotten. "Well, we gotta get it together, don't we?"
"The Old Wolf does not like to be kept waiting," the woman agreed so seriously, that Kouga wasn't sure if she had been giggling moments earlier. His golden eyes took in the slanted pupils she had and the sharp teeth pulling at the corner of her lips. Red hair could have meant she was only part japanese, but then again... the more he was learning of his family's origins could only mean there were other family clans similar to his. That dog shit had golden eyes and partially white hair, didn't he?
"No, he wouldn't...." Kouga stopped the woman and peered down into her golden slanted eyes. "What is your surname, my dear?"
"Kitsune, sir. Kitsune Nabiki," she said proudly. Kouga inhaled longly and nodded slightly.
"Fox Clan," he murmured. "Of course. Would you tell my father I'm headed to my office in fifeteen? I need to see my girlfriend."
Quick as that, Kitsune Nabiki straightened and grinned cheekily. "Yes, sir!" Along the way, Kouga saw her stop and pass a word to another red-haired japanese, this one a young man of equally short stature. They ran off like a pair of bandits.
He sighed and knocked at the office door next to him. "Come in!" a familar voice called out.
Kouga smiled and opened the heavy door, a smile pulling at his lip. Ayame was seated behind her desk, a phone headset over one ear as she typed furiously. Her light hair was pulled back into a high ponytail and she had taken her suit jacket off. Her shirt sleeves were rolled up, displaying thin but well toned arms. Kouga knew the strength she held in those slim arms and his gut tightened, remembering blows in their beach sparring. Her smile was warm as she set her headset down. Right on top of three open ledgers; Kouga was growing more and more impressed with his lover by the day.
"You were told about the joint meeting, honey?" Ayame asked. Kouga smiled and set his coffee down. He made his way around the desk and made to kiss her cheek. She intercepted his face and gave him a good, long kiss instead.
"I am, even though I just heard about it," he admitted wryly. "I was so long out of work, you know."
Ayame hummed nonchalantly as she adjusted his tie and collar. "You'll do fine. Your father just needs you by his side and your strength where it's needed."
"Who's coming in, then?" Kouga suddenly wanted to know. His wolf instinct told him it wasn't going to be ordinary. Then again, he and his girl, his dad and the Elders were anything BUT.
"Well, we have Kitsune family delegations arriving," Ayame began pleasantly.
Kouga laughed. "I know, I met one already."
"Annnd... Myoga-san from Takahashi Enterprises," Ayame began when Kouga raised an eyebrow.
"Who's that?" he wanted to know.
"Takahashi Senior's right hand man. Now he's Sesshomaru's right hand man," Ayame informed. Kouga took in the information and nodded. He felt something tickle his instinct and he didn't know why.
"Takahashi Sesshomaru, that's right. He seems to be on the up and up," Kouga acknowledged. Ayame rolled her sleeves down and collected her jacket.
"He won't be available at the meeting, which is why Myoga-san is coming in his stead," she went on. "There are some... men coming from Onigumo Inc. as well."
Kouga felt a chill squeeze his heart. The extra chambers in the organ flexed and he chucked the bad feeling aside.
"Why?" he wanted to know. His tone sounded ornately childish to the rather calm conversation they had been having.
"I do not know," Ayame confessed sweetly. "Your father and the Elders are agitated, though. Darling, this could be bad."
"Things can ever be," he said. "Are you coming with us?"
Ayame nodded, her golden eyes twinkling. "Of course. I'm not missing this for anything. Besides, you'll need me in a pinch, and you know it."
"You know I will," Kouga grinned. As his lover took his arm and went with him to meet his father, he couldn't help but wonder what could possibly go wrong.

* * * * * *
Inuyasha was lucky he was so hellishly early his secretary hadn't arrived yet, because he was in a foul mood. After unlocking his workspace and pushing past the family crest painted across the door, the first thing he did was toss his keys at the ledgers already delivered, stacked neatly on his wide desk.
"Sonuva bitch," he cussed before tightening his tie and throwing himself into his swivel chair. Since nobody was there yet, Inuyasha hooked one knee to his chin as he went over the details. He only stirred when he heard other partners and their secretaries arriving at their offices down the hallway. Inuyasha made sure his shirt was buttoned and his tie knotted all the way taut. He fingercombed his long salt and pepper hair and was just tying it back when Shiori rapped at his door and poked in for a moment.
"Good morning, Inuyasha-san!" she chirped. Inuyasha made himself smile and nod, although he almost leaned to the side when he did.
"Morning, Shiori-kun," he called.
"Ready for another day of kicking butt?" she asked. Inuyasha gathered his ledgers and stood up.
"I'm gonna hafta be," he admitted. Noting the bags under his eyes, Shiori passed by her desk outside of his office and made a slow path to the breakroom.
"Java, extra jive, you got it," she called over her shoulder. Inuyasha thanked her and looked over his appearance once more. He reported to the stock broker's meeting where Sesshomaru made an apperance and led the debate. Inuyasha was glad; he was angry at the mere sight of him for suggesting a day's work on top of last night, but at least he was there working too.
The morning passed by agonizingly slow. Shiori helped as best as she could but Inuyasha could only fuel himself with coffee in the vain attempts to remain remotely awake. One instance he blinked and he was back at the trough. Or maybe he never left it. Shiori was chattering at his side and Inuyasha shook his head. He felt like his face was peeling off.
"Can you pass me a cup?" Inuyasha asked. He smiled when Shiori held out a small styrofoam cup. He held the teeny cup delicately between long, sharp fingernails and pressed down on the tab to the break room's coffee maker. A steady stream of scalding liquid dripped into the paper cup and Inuyasha yawned as Shiori babbled at his side. She bent her head, her white hair shielding her smile. Inuyasha blinked hard and struggled to follow her words.
"I'm sorry, whassat, Shiori-kun?" he slurred.
Shiori shook her head ruefully.
"I WAS asking if I could leave early seeing as you're doped to the gills on SOMETHING. I guess that's okay then, since you didn't answer," she teased. Inuyasha yawned, his mouth stretching impossibly wide.
"MYAH! Sorry, didn't get much sleep," he admitted ruefully. Shiori made to give a joke when Inuyasha yawned again, almost pouring coffee over the brim of his cup.
"Inuyasha, watch out!"
"Ulp!" Inuyasha pulled the cup back just in time. "Thanks for the save."
"You really are tired, arencha? And here I thought that Kagome kept you up or something," Shiori said, adding sugar to her own cup.
Inuyasha laughed and reached for the creamer. His fingers trembled before grasping onto the long bottle.
"I wish it were really that enjoyable," Inuyasha murmured. His eyes felt gummy and he had to blink hard again to keep them open. "You wouldn't believe the nightmares I've been having..."
"Nightmares, Inuyasha? Can't you just go back to sleep? They won't hurt you, you know," Shiori took a careful sip of her steaming coffee then coughed, sticking her tongue out. "Ouch!"
Inuyasha took a smaller, more careful sip taking her example. "Thanks again for the save."
Shiori glared at him and made small annoyed grunts as she stuck her tongue out. "Tha hwat! But why were you up all night?"
Inuyasha pinched the bridge of his nose. "Me an' Kagome an'.... my friends," as well as one older brother and future sister-in-law, "had to go visit the Hoshi shrine and it's a few hours away."
"Hoshi Shrine? Isn't that the shrine that specializes in charms and wards?" Shiori glanced at her cup of coffee as if it were pure evil, and tried a small, very deliberate sip. She relaxed noticeably, and took a longer sip.
"Yeah, it is. My friend Miroku used to live there," Inuyasha said. He took a gulp of coffee. A small bell tingled at his wrist beneath his shirt sleeve. Shiori raised an eyebrow.
"Soooo, what kind of charm did you get? Safe childbirth?" she teased. Inuyasha shook his head.
"To sleep better.... that is all," he murmured. He was exhausted from an all-night of caffeine, prayer and travel. His knees still ached from kneeling for hours on end in the wee hours of the night while Hoshi Senior waved a staff around him and his friends. The old man's chants still rang in his ears and half-waking thoughts as shadows seemed to dance with the old monk and candle flames flickered...
"Inuyasha-san, really, you know all you need do is go to sleep. Just close your eyes. I'll be your lookout if Sesshomaru-san arrives," Shiori offered. Inuyasha nodded.
"Maybe if it's in a safe room.... I'm gonna go meet Kagome, kay?"
"She's here?" Shiori asked, interested. "I always wanted to meet your girlfriend. Bet she's real cute!"
"She's more than cute. She's the best woman on the earth," Inuyasha sipped more coffee to stifle a yawn. "But enough about my future wife..."
"Future wife?? WOW, you are crazy about her!" Shiori gasped prettily. She giggled and picked up a danish from a pastry box on the counter.
Inuyasha tapped a fist against his head. He didn't mean to let THAT one slide. He was more tired than he thought to let his most desired thoughts known. "....my brother needs to see me again."
"Okay then, see you later, boss! Oh, shoot," Shiori cursed. The filling of her danish had leaked out and made its way down the front of her blouse. As she frantically hunted down napkins to dab the purple splotch away, the youngest Takahashi shambled on, giving a lazy wave with his free hand. His suit looked half-pressed for a business day and his long salt-and-pepper hair was partially tangled from a few finger-combings throughout the night. Several businessmen bowed as he swept down the hallway and Inuyasha blurrily nodded to each one. He STILL wasn't used to the special treatment, and he wasn't sure if his father ever was. His old pop had raised him with every advantage, but he always made sure to teach him humility.
"Remember, son, men and women may fawn over you, or kowtow to you... or even try to curry favor from you. But it is our responsibility as business owners to ensure their livelihood as well as our own. Never forget, it is THEM who make us; not just us," Takahashi Inutaisho entoned deep in Inuyasha's memory. The young man rubbed a fist against one black-rimmed eye and nodded.
"I know, old man, I know..."
"Ah, Inuyasha-san! I trust you had a safe journey last night?" Myoga popped up almost out of nowhere, startling the second Takahashi. It had to be his exhaustion, but he really hadn't noticed the old businessman approach him. Inuyasha's eyes bulged before they sleepily half-closed again.
"It was.... safe.... yeah," Inuyasha responded. He yawned again and again. Myoga plucked at Inuyasha's shirt sleeve and seemed to be satisfied with what he felt. Even though the charm hadn't jangled, Inuyasha knew he felt a ward upon his skin.
"You should be safe to rest, young master. Why don't you head to your father's special place? You'll find your friends waiting for you," Myoga's eyes crinkled.
Inuyasha's eyes opened alittle bit further. "Where's Kagome? She's not here? You said it was safe here," he whined.
Myoga ignored the young man's accusatory tone. "Ms. Kaze-san went with her to her family's shrine. The Higurashi shrine is as safe a location as you can find."
"Oh....." Inuyasha felt his momentary heart attack slide away. "GOOD. But why Kagura-san? Didn't Sango go with her??" If there was anyone he trusted with his lover, it was his oldest friend.
"No, young master. She is sleeping within," Myoga gestured towards the Room of Supreme Contemplation. "You'll be safe enough in there."
"Yeah, I heard you the first time," Inuyasha mumbled. He crumbled his empty coffee cup and tossed it into a nearby waste basket as he neared the double sliding doors to his father's special room.
Inside, he found Sango curled up on the tatami mats, one hand curled protectively around the sheathe of her mother's blade. It was made of a mysterious bone that her mother could never explain, and sharper than sin, and twice as old to boot. The Taijiya's never could trace anthropologically HOW old this family heirloom was, but they were content to know it safeguarded many generations of women.
Inuyasha was pleased to see her face relaxed in repose. Another Hoshi shrine charm was wrapped around her slender wrist, and jangled quietly as she shifted."Hmm..." Inuyasha hoped she was having good dreams. Instantly, he felt at peace. It was the tranquility of the room; it made him want to forget his troubles. Looking further, Inuyasha found the Hoshi heir watching the rice scrolls upon the far wall. The Staff of Hoshi was clenched in one hand, the rod leaning against him from an angle. Inuyasha stepped out of his dress shoes and tiptoed around Sango. Coming alongside his school friend, he coughed.
"How's it going, Miro?"
"It's all so strange," was Miroku's response. Inuyasha rubbed his fist against his eye again.
"Come again?" he asked. He just wanted to join Sango on the floor and go to sleep in a curled up fetal ball; and Miroku just had to go cryptic on him.
"It's.... when I'm holding this staff, this ancient relic," Miroku murmured as his fist gripped his family artifact tightly, "I can hear everything in the land..... all spirits, all people."
"Hear any Americans on Iwo Jima?" Inuyasha tried to joke. "Or is it only Japanese?"
"I know you're tired, Yasha, but hear me out. This staff is a bridge between the spirit world and this world. And, there's been something else whispering too... And it loves me not," Miroku made out unhappily. Inuyasha stared blurrily at the young monk.
"So oni's aren't a myth?" he asked seriously. Miroku nodded. His dragon's tail bobbed.
"This staff has touched more strange things than I can imagine, and it tells me of these things. I don't know, Yasha..... am I too tired, or does this make any sense?" When Miroku turned to his friend, Inuyasha noticed the black lines circling his eyes.
"I'm tired, too. Come on, Sango's got the right idea. Why don't you go on to sleep?"
Miroku leaned his father's artifact against the wall and shambled over, yawning. He pulled the tails of his dress shirt out of his slacks and stretched out on the floor.
"Wait, aren't you going to sleep, too? You're walking sideways, already," Miroku said. He leaned his head on one arm and leaned close to Sango. She curled closer to his warmth.
Inuyasha shook his head. "Gotta stay awake and wait for 'Gome. I don't want anything to happen to her...."
"You know your brother wants her taken care of. She's got some of his burly bodyguards with her and Kagura-san...." A large yawn took the rest of Miroku's words and he closed his eyes. Inuyasha slid down the wall and crossed his arms.
"Then she should be fine."
He hoped. Without his meaning to, sleep stole him gently.
**** *

Kagome tucked a lock of hair behind her ear and looked around up at the trees at her family's shrine. Leaves gently fell with the swaying breeze and listening to her brother running around tiring himself out silly was a comfort to say the least. It had been a VERY long night, and all she wanted to do was curl up with Inuyasha and take a nap.
"Ahhmmm hmmm," Kagura was humming to herself as she carefully dug a hole at the base of the Goshinboku. A very DEEP hole, Kagome reflected. She had been at it for quite some time now. As to the whole analogy of the tree being an icon of time, Kagome had to admit; it was such a lazy afternoon, that time seemed to almost stand still. Even the two burly bookend bodyguards relaxed their stances, looking around the grounds with a lazy, but professional eye. Her family's shrine stood as it had since she remembered it, stolid, secure....safe. Ever since she was little, Kagome knew when she bounded up the top of the steps to the courtyard, that she was alright beneath the enormous branches of the Goshinboku. Her grandfather may be an eccentric when it came to Shinto, but even he garbled over the energy emenating from the ancient tree, and paid homage to it.
"This will do....this will do quite nicely," Kagura was saying to herself. She checked the stoppered lid of the jar and seemed satisfied. Soon, she was covering the jar with freshly dug dirt from around the Goshiboku. Kagome sighed.
"Are you almost done, Kagura-san?" she asked politely. The injured woman nodded and slowly rose to her feet, brushing dirt off on her pantlegs. She leaned ackwardly on her uninjured leg.
"Yes, my dear. I must thank you for your assistance; your shrine is quite wonderful," Kagura smiled. Kagome found herself smiling, and held out her hand. Kagura accepted it gratefully, and used the Higurashi miko's slight strength to make her way over a few of the Goshiboku's protruding roots. Kagome felt the tiniest 'thrum' from the ground as Kagura gently evaded the raw strength of the ancient tree. Its roots were long and stretched deep, and even surrounded by concrete of the city around the shrine grounds, they still maintained their livelihood.
"You know, I've always felt at peace here. This was a good side trip," Kagome commented. Kagura nodded, her eyes stealing to the side. The leaves seemed to stop in midair and the wind held still. The dirt of Onigumo would be safe. Time was on their side, if it was standing still, wasn't it?
"Yeah, it's nicer than the shrine at my neighborhood," one of the bodyguards gruffly said. His partner stared at him until he shrugged. "What? It IS nicer." Kagome giggled politely as Kagura sighed.
"Well, Fujiyoshi-san, I appreciate the gesture. You can come visit anytime if you wish," she offered. The burly man smiled, and glanced across the courtyard. Kagome's mother leaned against the open frame of the kitchen door and met his gaze. Kagome glanced between them, and her smile deepened.
"Would you like to come in for tea? My mother makes an excellent cup," Kagome suggested. Kagura smiled knowingly as well.
"That sounds like an excellent idea, Kagome-san. Let's all take a break," she said. The other bodyguard stretched.
"Well, why not? This was the easiest job I've had in awhile. And with such good company, too."
As Kagome followed the men and Kagura into her family's kitchen, she glanced out at the shrine. The Goshinboku stood, limbs outstretched wide as if to embrace her family from harm. The ancient tree stood tall, waiting. For what? Kagome shrugged off the feeling of foreboding and entered the warm scene of camraderie as her mother served her guests. She already knew how strange things could get.

*****

Hakudoshi stood in the corner of the smithy and watched the blacksmith hard at work on his sword. The vile, crusty little man hefted the slightly curved metal as easily as if it were a toy, the red metal held aloft with tongs and one hand as he picked up a large hammer with the other. Lean muscles bulged as he beat the iron again and again. The steel sang and sparks showered the air around him but the blacksmith paid no mind. He hummed as he worked, bringing the hammer down again and again in a fiery crash of noise.
Hakudoshi stood far to the side away as he could without being in the next room altogether. He had removed his jacket and rolled up his shirt sleeves as the heat was monstrous, but he would have worn the thickest protective wear if he was any closer to the anvil.
"Finest fakking glow, isn't she?A fine, curved woman this is, small tits an' all," the blacksmith cursed. He grinned. Hakudoshi recoiled at his crooked, yellow teeth.
"Oh yeah, that's a real fine woman alright," he said scarcastically in response. The blacksmith shrugged thin but strongly muscled shoulders and went back to beating the steel.
"At least you get to be using this curvy lady. Me, the only joy I get is to makin' her."
Hakudoshi frowned as the blacksmith leered and wriggled his hips lewdly to match his words.
"Just 'make her' right. I'm out of here." The blacksmith shrugged and kept working.
"My finest work ever and the kid won't stay to watch."
"Not if you're going to jerk off all over it," Hakudoshi gave back. He slammed the smithy door for good measure, the dirty little man's raucous laughter ringing in his ears. His shoulders were knotted and tensed, his neck on fire.
Whatever Naraku had done to him had such a fine hold on him that he couldn't relax for an instant. There were dirty dealings, and then there was this weird shit he had gotten mixed up in and now couldn't get out of. The blacksmith was right about one thing. The katana WAS different from all other blades, and it didn't bode well for his safety or welfare.
Small specks of black flecked deep inside the worked iron, and they matched the traces in the nail pricks left by Kitsune Shippou. His boss had left leaking lines of oily black in the scratchmarks, and they were identical to the ones in the metal. Hakudoshi hated them equally, but every time he couldn't look at his body in the mirror, he hated the ones in his neck even more. It wasn't like any chick was going to think it was attractive. Hakudoshi cursed and swept down the hallway in a foul mood. His long steps almost slammed him into Kanna and he jumped back as if stung.
"Watch where you're going!" he snarled. Kanna's soul-less eyes peered into his and he flinched. "That is.... hi. Nice of you to take that stinkin' heart out of me."
Kanna's mouth stretched wide. It could have resembled a smile. "It burns," she whispered. She clutched her Mirror close to her bosom.
Hakudoshi backed away, his hands held up. "I've had enough of it, you can have all of it."
His heart was no where near enough his as it was thanks to that horrific ordeal. Hakudoshi backpedaled away and ran down the hall. He needed as much alone time as he could get.

****

"Thank you for the help!" Kagome waved to the two men. Fujiyoshi smiled and waved back while his partner tried to look more aloof.
"I'm glad that's done with" Kagura said with a note of grim satisfaction. Kagome fisted one eye and stared at her. Why were there three of her? Focusing on the Kagura in the middle, Kagome did her best to agree.
"I'm glad I got to see Mama, Souta and Jii-chan. But what was that really about?" Kagome wondered.
"The soil is very important."
"But you buried dirt under dirt," Kagome yawned. Nothing seemed any sense without sleep. Kagura shook her arm.
"Kagome-san, snap out of it!"
Kagome whipped her head to the side, staring widely. "I'm fine!"
"It's apparent you're not," Kagura linked her elbow with Kagome's to steady her. "Come on, collect your boyfriend and go home."
"That's a good idea," Kagome nodded. Kagura walked her the whole way to the elevators, up the stories, all the way to the Room of Supreme Contemplation. Inside, Kagome saw her lover curled up in a ball against the far wall sound asleep. She smiled and stepped out of her shoes, stockings crinkling on the tatami mats.
She waved to Sango and Miorku who were awake and lightly bending their bodies in silent katas. Sesshomaru sat cross-legged on the mats, his suit jacket unbuttoned and his tie loose around his neck. He was looking over a ledger, one end held open by his only hand and propped up against his knee. Rin was at his side, combing his long unbound hair. Kagome giggled at the sight and Sesshomaru's golden eyes flicked up. His pointed ears twitched.
"I trust your errand is finished?" he asked. Kagura nodded.
"My thanks for the help of a miko, Takahashi," she said. Sesshomaru frowned at the familar way she used his last name.
"But I didn't do anything," Kagome insisted. Kagura turned, her red lips pulling back in a smile.
"You've done more than you think," she promised.
Kagome's gaze swept to her sleeping lover and her eyes softened. "Glad to hear it."
"Are you alright, Kagome-san?" Sesshomaru asked, his voice deep in concern.
"Just so tired. Are we truly done for the day?" she wanted to know. Sesshomaru nodded, dropping his ledger and putting his arm around Rin.
"We are at that. The wards enabled deep and unobtrusive sleep, so don't fear that happening again," he said. Rin cuddled close.
"I can atest to that," she chimed in brightly. Kagome nodded even though her brain was that close to taking a long walk off a short pier.
"Are we meeting again soon, Sesshomaru-san?" Sango called out. She and Miroku finished and clasped hands. Sesshomaru stood up, Rin giggling as he lifted her easily with one arm.
"That's what I wanted to talk to you about," he began as Kagura let go of Kagome's arm and she bent down to crawl over to Inuyasha's side. Her pale lover was lost in sleep, his hands tucked up under his chin. His grey hair lay scattered around his head, unbound, and his face was so relaxed he resembled a shining, white cherub. Kagome smiled and smoothed his bangs back from his face. She bent low to brush her lips across his. Like a fairy tale ending, Inuyasha's eyes fluttered open and his lips pooched out in response.
"Gome?" he croacked. Kagome leaned down and hugged his shoulder.
"I'm here, love."
"Are we going home now?" he asked. Kagome helped him to sit up.
"Yes, love, we are," she promised.
"....So we'll meet back up here tomorrow," Miroku was saying. He and Sesshomaru shook hands. Inuyasha was just too tired to figure anything out. He leaned on Kagome's shoulder as Sesshomaru had more bodyguards report to drive them all home. Miroku and Sango sure looked happy for some reason.
The bodyguards walked the couple to their shared apartment, as the armed driver sat waiting in the SUV with Inuyasha and Kagome. Once they were secured at their home, the two bookshevles returned and climbed into the car. Kagome resisted the help from one who had ridden to the shrine with them last night.
"No, it's okay, I got him!" she insisted as she fiddled with the house keys. Inuyasha half dozed on her shoulder. The guard waited until she had the door open before leaving. He winked oddly at her. Kagome shrugged and closed the door. She fumbled with the lights and Inuyasha came to, yawning.
"I'm sorry, 'Gome. I know you're more tired than I am," he apologized. Kagome nodded blearily.
"It's okay, darling. I just want a shower and then bed."
Inuyasha nodded, counting sex off the list. He had gotten a nap so he was better off, but Kagome was starting to talk to the left of him. she had been up all day. So he carefully helped Kagome slip out of her shoes after kicking his own off. Inuyasha picked her up without any protest, and carried her into the bathroom. He undressed them both and let Kagome lean against him underneath the hot spray of water. He had tied their hair up on top of their heads, and Inuyasha lathered up, taking the task of washing them both.
Once they were out and dried, Inuyasha carried her to bed. He laid his precious cargo down in and took a moment to look down upon her prone form. Kagome was a few years older, but she aged very gracefully. Her breasts were soft and round, her belly flat, her hips flared. Long smooth legs lay spread before him and Inuyasha glanced up at the apex between her thighs. He had pleasured her earlier there with his hand alone and her lips peeked out just barely, the whole surface freshly shaved.
Inuyasha partially stiffened and for an instant, he was very tempted. After all, they were alone in their bed and home, not in a car. But Kagome was dead out. Inuyasha swallowed the momentary decision and pulled the comforter up over both of them. She needed sleep and so did he. Laying an arm protectively over his lover, Inuyasha finally turned off the lamp on the bedside table and succumbed to sweet repose. The charm on his wrist jangled as he settled his head on one arm.

*****

Sango had been laying in bed waiting on Miroku for a good while now. They had both showered in record time, but suddenly he was still in the bathroom, primping for God knows what reason. So she was on her back on top of the covers, naked as the day she was born, the remote in one hand.
"Sango, do you have a minute?" Miroku called from the bathroom. Sango flipped another station and sighed.
"I guess so. Aren't you coming to bed? We both have an early day tomorrow," she called. Her long black hair lay over one shoulder. Idly, she sat up to braid it.
"But we should take the time to celebrate, lover."
Sango smiled to nobody. "A job at Takahashi Enterprises merely because of all the strangeness going on. We can only thank our lucky stars."
"Not only are we not going to have horribly long hours, but we'll be well paid off. that alone is reason enough to be celebrated," Miroku called out. Sango sighed and thumped the mattress audibly.
"Then get in here so we can get some rest!"
"Oh, you'll need rest alright, my darling Sango." Miroku's tone sounded downright evil.
"What are you going to do?" Sango mused. She eyed the Staff of Hoshi and her bone blade propped up in a corner of the room. The two looked mismatched, but happy. Kind of like the two of them.
"Oh, just an idea I've had since we had our nap," Miroku called. He waltzed out in his bathrobe, plucked the remote from Sango and turned off the tv.
"What are you doing?" she protested. Miroku took a moment to look her over and licked his lip.
"Perfect attire, my sweet. We ARE on the same wavelength."
"I WAS trying to relax," Sango retorted, leaning back against the headboard. Miroku wagged his finger.
"You can relax afterwards." Sango giggled as he began to sway his hips.
"Why do I get the feeling I'm going to get a visit from Party Boy?" Sango lamented. Her eyes followed his hip movements.
"Because it IS time for a party!" Miroku crowed and ripped off his bathrobe. Sango's eyes bugged out then she burst out laughing. Taking that for encouragement, Miroku began to gyrate and dance for all he was worth. He was almost naked except for a thong holding his privates in place. The back of the undergarment barely seperated his ass cheeks.
Sango clapped her hands as Miroku turned on the clock radio to a catchy hiphop station. "Where did you get that?" she demanded as Miroku mimed grabbing a dollar bill from her hand.
"Online," he grinned. He flexed his pelvis where 'worship here' stretched over his penis.
"Wow, you really CAN get anything from the internet," Sango was saying as she trailed a hand down Miroku's chest and concaving flat stomach. He bucked his hips, flicking her hand off before it got too low and turned around on his knees to shake the rest of the goods for her. Sango smacked his ass. Finally, she pushed her boyfriend on his back and licked down his navel.
"You're popping out as it is, love," Sango gave a 'task' of approval. Miroku looked down at his lap. Thehead of his penis was showing over the top of thong.
"I don't know how male strippers do this and don't show it all," he commented. Sango tugged the thong down with her teeth and licked him up and down. Miroku held his breathe.
"Maybe they just get tipped more," she teased, lifting her eyes sexily. Her lips sucked on the very edge of his tip slowly. Miroku cupped her head and pulled her up close.
"I only care what you do, not what they do," Miroku crooned. His hands eagerly helped Sango hop on top of him. Sango curled her legs around his waist from a seated position like she was straddling a chair. He grunted and pushed up, unable to prolong any more foreplay for the inevitable conclusion.
"Hmm..... hmm...." Sango tucked her knees up against his sides sharply and rode him harshly, her moans reaching jagged heights.
Miroku held on to her sides as he came, his eyes squeezed shut against her breast. Sango milked him for all he was worth and at the last spurt, she screamed and pushed down as far as she could take him without hurting anything. Her legs trembled and held his hips limply.
Miroku glanced down between them and then up into his huntress' panting face. She never looked more beautiful. "It hasn't been like that in awhile," he confessed. Not since before the baby had been lost....
Sango held his face and kissed him tenderly. Their loins throbbed together, held in place.

End for now
Wow three months between posting.... (cringes) Is anyone still reading this? I hope so! I can only hope someone reviews this or still reads.... we've got more chapters to go as it is! I do want to finish this, rest assured. My goal is actually, to post again before New Year's! We're established in our new place now. Now I just need to set aside time to write more often! ^_^;;; Did ya like it? Please review! They help aid the process.
Penpaninu 11/19/07