InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ Living The Promise ❯ More Revelations ( Chapter 24 )

Chapter 24: More Revelations

 

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“Damn it! I don't like the fact that Kikyo is behind this,” Inuyasha ranted as he paced the floor of Sesshomaru's kitchen.

 

Sesshomaru had called for some of his people to pick up Muso and take him into custody. Now the three were back at his manor; Kagome and Inuyasha were in the kitchen while Sesshomaru finalized Muso's arrangements from his den.

 

Kagome sighed and set down the tea cup she'd been holding. Getting up, she walked over and wrapped her arms around Inuyasha, effectively halting his agitated pacing. “I don't like it either, but it is a fact that we must deal with.” She laid her head on his shoulder and sighed again.

 

Inuyasha wrapped her in his arms and tenderly kissed the top of her head. “I know, but instead of just being in danger because of the story, you and I are also in danger from a personal vendetta.”

 

Sesshomaru walked into the kitchen, having heard the last part on Inuyasha's statement. “Personal vendetta? Is this the same Kikyo you two had problems with in college? The one with Naraku?” At Inuyasha's assent, Sesshomaru nodded. “I see. That does add some problems, doesn't it?” He poured himself a cup of the tea that Kagome had made and leaned against the counter.

 

“Muso has been safely transferred to the safe house. Seeing as it is almost 2 in the morning, I suggest we all get some rest and deal with the information later in the morning. I will be going out with the bomb squad to verify the truth of what Muso had told us. I assume that you, Kagome, will accompany me.”

 

Kagome nodded while Inuyasha scowled. “I will not be able to join you. Classes start up again next week, and I must get my classroom and lessons prepared.” He tightened his hold on Kagome, who could feel the fear and concern he was trying to hide through the soul bond. Oddly enough, Sesshomaru could also feel the emotions being sent through his newly awakened bond.

 

“Don't worry, Inuyasha. I will stay with Kagome as we finish out this investigation. Those times that I cannot be with her, I will have one of my trusted men accompany her. I will also set up a shadow for yourself as well.” Sesshomaru watched as his brother started to sputter in indignation. Hiding a smirk, Sesshomaru raised the tea cup to his lips and took a sip, not noticing Kagome's gasp when she realized what he had. He took a sip of tea, only to grimace at the taste.

 

“What is this? It tastes as if someone steeped it from lawn clippings.”

 

Kagome smiled while Inuyasha laughed at his brother's horrified expression. “I'm sorry Sess, I should have warned you. That tea is a blend that Kaede made for me when I was having trouble with morning sickness. I have found that it actually isn't that bad if you add some honey and milk. I have found it to be quite soothing when I get stressed.”

 

Sesshomaru carefully set his cup on the counter. “I do not think I will give myself the opportunity to test your claim.”

 

Inuyasha smirked and was about to make a sarcastic remark, but Kagome stomped on his foot, causing him to give a startled yelp instead.

 

“We'll see you later then, Sesshomaru. Good night.” Kagome grabbed Inuyasha and forcibly dragged him out of the kitchen. Sesshomaru chuckled softly to himself as he rinsed out the tea cups before heading off to bed.

 

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That afternoon found Kagome, Sesshomaru, and Hojo standing at a safe distance from the nearly finished children's shelter while the police had the bomb sniffing dogs out in force. They watched as the head of the bomb squad talked on his radio a few times, making notations on the plans he had spread out on the trunk of a squad car. After a few more tense minutes, he waved the group over.

 

“Well, the charges are exactly where your source said they'd be. My men are deactivating the last one as we speak.”

 

Hojo paled and swayed slightly on his feet. Kagome saw this and put a hand on his arm. “Are you okay?” she asked softly. He gulped once and nodded his head.

 

“Yeah, I just have a hard time believing that someone would want to do this to me, much less to the shelter.” Kagome looked over at Sesshomaru, who only raised a finely arched eyebrow in response. She sighed and tucked a strand of hair behind her ear.

 

Leading Hojo a little ways away, Kagome studied him for a moment. “We haven't told you everything, Hojo, but you have a right to know what is going on. Who knows, you may even be able to help us out some.”

 

Hojo looked at his friend, concern and curiosity evident in his face. “What haven't you told me?”

 

“We recently found out that someone was purchasing all of the property in this area; we are not exactly sure why at this point. Those who did not wish to sell were killed.” Kagome paused as Hojo paled once again and quickly sat on the sidewalk. He gestured her to continue.

 

“We received information last night about the planned attack here at the shelter. That much has been verified. With our informant's trust worthiness now established, we can proceed with bringing the culprits to justice.” Kagome sat down beside Hojo as she finished.

 

He was silent for a long time, staring off into the distance. Kagome was getting concerned.

 

“Oh cousin, what have you done?” Hojo whispered softly, not aware that Kagome had caught his words.

 

“Cousin? What do you mean by that?” she asked him.

 

Hojo shook himself from his thoughts. “A while back, not long after the earthquake, I received a letter from my cousin inviting me to meet with her. I hadn't heard from her in years and eagerly took her up on the invitation. To make a long story short, she offered me money and a very nice piece of property on which to build a new children's shelter. I refused, as work had already begun here and I didn't want to move locations.”

 

Kagome was staring at him in surprise. “Hojo, what is your cousin's name?” Kagome held back a shiver of apprehension; she was positive she already knew the answer.

 

“Her name is Kikyo. I am sure I told you about her when we were in school.”

 

Kagome nodded. “Now that you mention it, I do remember you saying something about her.” She hesitated telling him that his cousin was involved, but looking into his pained eyes, she knew that he had already made the connection. “I am sorry Hojo, but Kikyo is the head of the company that has been buying up the properties. I am not sure, but I would not be surprised if she somehow diverted the state funds from the shelter and the other state funded agencies in the area.”

 

Silence fell between the two friends. Kagome watched as members of the bomb squad started packing away their gear.

 

“Hojo, have you found anything…unusual…in the area?”

 

“Unusual in what way?” Kagome pulled out the prayer beads and handed them to Hojo.

 

“These were found nearby, half buried. Have you found anything like this?”

 

“Not exactly like this, but I have found some old pieces of pottery and some scroll fragments.” He reached into a pocket and pulled out a small jade Buddha. “I found this last fall when the children had me dig a grave for a stray dog that had been hit in front of the center. I carry it as a good luck charm.”

 

Kagome asked to examine the small statuette. Trying hard to contain her excitement, she asked, “Can I borrow this and show it to some people? If possible, I would like to have them examine the rest of your collection as well.”

 

“Uh, sure, I guess.” Hojo looked at her in confusion. “I can bring the rest of it to you tomorrow.” Kagome gave him a quick peck on the cheek.

 

“Thanks Hojo! I will see you later then.” She leapt to her feet and hurried over to where Sesshomaru waited beside his car.

 

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Goshinki paused outside the door to Kikyo's office. He could hear raised voices inside and he was not eager to be the bearer of this particular piece of news. Taking a deep breath, Goshinki knocked rapidly on the door, waiting for permission to enter. He heard the voices stop and the sound of someone coming to the door.

 

The door was flung open, revealing an irate Kikyo and a seemingly calm Mr. Neitzel. “What is it,” Kikyo hissed.

 

Goshinki shifted nervously. “Umm, I just came to tell you that Muso is missing.” Kikyo paled before her face turned red with fury.

 

“What do you mean, he's missing? How long has he been gone?”

 

“Uh…he was at the house last night, but he was gone when I woke up this morning. I was able to track him to an old, abandoned warehouse down by the river, but lost his trail from there.” He had watched as Kikyo flew into a rage and started to throw whatever came to hand; not noticing when Mr. Neitzel approached him.

 

“Calm down, my dear woman.” Mr. Neitzel drew Goshinki into the office and shut the door behind him. “Have a seat, Goshinki. After all, I can tell that you are quite disturbed by your partner's absence.” Goshinki sat in the indicated chair, shaking slightly at the fury that flashed briefly in the blond man's eyes.

 

“Calm down? How can you say that? You know as well as I do where he went! That is the only explanation for the bomb squad at the shelter today! Who knows what else that asshole has told them!” Kikyo's voice had taken a hysterical pitch by this time.

 

Mr. Neitzel slapped Kikyo, stopping her hysterical ranting. “I am well aware of this, but someone here knows what he is telling the police.” He signaled to the shadows; Bull stepped forth and grabbed Goshinki in a painful grip, preventing the now terrified man from moving.

 

“I…I don't…I don't understand, sir,” Goshinki stammered.

 

“It is very simple, my friend. You and this Muso were partners in everything, correct?” Mr. Neitzel glanced at a silently watching Kikyo, who nodded. “Since you two did everything together, it is logical that what he knows about the organization and us, you know, and visa versa.” He drew out a slender knife and toyed with it. “Therefore, my unfortunate man, you will tell us everything you know so we can evaluate the threat to the operation.”

 

Goshinki started to struggle in the burly man's grasp, eyes widening in fear as Mr. Neitzel smiled and approached him with the knife held in a relaxed grip.

 

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TBC

 

A/N: This story still has a little ways to go before it is finished. Got to love those cliffies!

 

I just wanted to take a moment and give a great big thank-you to everyone who has reviewed my story to date. This story is rapidly reaching the 100 review mark on FF alone - you guys are awesome and my inspiration. Will this be my first story to reach 200 or more reviews in total? Review and you can make it happen.

 

As always, Read, Enjoy, and Review!