InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ Special delivery ❯ The price to pay ( Chapter 40 )

Chapter 40: The price to pay

 

 

A/N: Wow 40 chapters already, and this one's a long one. Happy new year to all!!! Hopefully it will be a good one, and that you'll manage to fulfill your resolutions… I already broke one of mine, but I'll try to do better with the others :P

 

Thank you to my amazing reviewers:

 

Sychotic

Little25victor

Soojinyeh

Foxfire7

Kiari 13

Hellina-Bertinelli

Sesshkagufan13

 

90s gurl (Nice to hear from you again. Ah a reconciliation? Hum we'll see about that lol)

 

 

On MediaMiner.org

 

Zetsuii (Ah no need to wonder much longer about the meeting of Sesshy and Naraku. Here it is!)

 

 

Disclaimer: If I owned Inuyasha, Sesshy and Kagura would be happily mated and working on silver haired baby number three by now…

 

 

“Talking”

`Thoughts'

 

 

Grinding his teeth, the Sesshoumaru gave in and sat down opposite Naraku. When he saw the pretty waitress walking towards him, the dog demon shook his head indicating her he had no intention to order anything. His eyes then fell back on the man opposite him.

 

“Now in that case Sesshoumaru-sama, I believe it is time for some business.” Naraku said, a smirk on his lips.

 

The hanyou sipped some of his expensive liquor as his eyes scanned the stiff dog demon sitting across from him.

 

“I am true to my word. Here is what you want.” The half spider demon took from inside his pocket a small black leather bound notebook and placed it on the table.

 

Sesshoumaru's golden eyes thinned when he locked them on the offending notebook, it was the only indication of his great anger. Remembering its content, he took a deep breath and repressed a growl from escaping his throat.

 

'As I thought the disgusting stench is the same. He is the one who has been sending these ridiculous letters. I am also willing to bet that he has been the one following Kagura. Inuyasha better keep a close eye on her and Kanna as I instructed him to do.'

 

Despite the fact that he did not let his expression betray his feelings, Sesshoumaru was extremely worried about Kagura and Kanna. Considering the situation he would have wanted them to stay locked inside his safe penthouse, but since the wind sorceress had decided to leave him, there was nothing he could do.

 

“Is something the matter? You seem upset my dear son in law. Is something the matter with Kagura or Kanna?” Naraku asked faking concern, a smirk on his lips. By his words he intended to unnerve Sesshoumaru as much as possible, seeing the cold and composed dog demon get unnerved was just too much fun for him.

 

“Do not dare call me like this.” Sesshoumaru retorted.

 

“Ah my apologies Sesshoumaru-sama. I did not mean to offend you in anyway. It is just that I consider you family… I wanted to send a letter to both my dear daughter and my adorable granddaughter, and inquire about their well being, but I was not sure if that would be much appreciated. I trust you are taking good care of them.” Naraku asked before downing more of his drink.

 

“Do not speak of either of them.” Sesshoumaru warned him.

 

“No time for chit chat huh? Then since you also show no desire of talking about our shared relatives, why don't we start talking business. Now Sesshoumaru-sama, the lack of bulge in your expensive designer suit makes me think that you do not have the money I asked for. Although I do refuse to come to a hasty conclusion, I am looking forward to your excuse. I am after all sure you would want to put your fingers on this.” Naraku remarked on a mocking tone, his fingers tapping the leather covering of his 'little black book,' which was still resting on the pristine cloth covering the table between them.

 

“You are not mistaken. I indeed have not brought the money.”

 

“Ah so you were unable to meet the deadline. I am disappointed. I was after all convinced that you Sesshoumaru-sama of all people would be able to accomplish such a little thing.” Naraku answered shaking his head in disapproval.

 

“You are once more mistaken. I would easily have been able to gather the money you asked for, but rather refused to do it.” Sesshoumaru corrected.

 

“Is that so? And I thought that you cared enough for Kagura and Kanna to sacrifice a million dollars for them. Not to mention that it might cause problems for your agency. As I am sure I mentioned before, Youkai Daily would be delighted to get some information on your link to Kagura, or rather the prostitute Kaze. This surely would make for a great article; having the private life of one of the city's most prominent man. Sesshoumaru Takahashi involved with a high end prostitute. Maybe I could even hint to the fact that Kagura is not the only one of my girl's you were involved with.”

 

“You are mistaken on this point as well. It is rather your 'business' that is going to encounter some trouble.” Sesshoumaru said the cruel smile he had been repressing all this time finally finding a way on his lips.

 

“What do you mean?” Naraku asked without blinking. Despite the threatening tone in the dog demon's voice, the spider demon was not worried at all, even actually a little amused.

 

“Shall you decide to continue opposing this Sesshoumaru, you will soon find it hard to conduct your 'business'. Very hard indeed.” Sesshoumaru smirked. To add to his enigmatic explanation the dog demon fished into his pocket for a small black object.

 

Naraku's eyes widened in surprise when he noticed that the object now in his 'opponent's' clawed hand was none other than a tape recorder.

 

Not leaving the half demon a chance to speak, Sesshoumaru rewinded the tape slightly then pressed play. Out of the recorder came Naraku's words from earlier.

 

“...Youkai Daily would be delighted to get some information on your link to Kagura. This surely would make for a great article; having the private life of one of the city's most prominent man. Sesshoumaru Takahashi involved with a high end prostitute...”

 

“You...” Naraku started, his red eyes glowing with anger and hatred. He suddenly could feel the balance of power change between them change, and the idea of being beaten at his own blackmailing game angered him beyond words.

 

“It appears this Sesshoumaru has forgotten to mention that our conversation was being recorded. My apologies.” He smiled lightly. Seeing Naraku's face contorted with pure hatred and made his awful day seem a little bit brighter.

 

“Maybe we can come to an understanding. What exactly do you want from me Sesshoumaru-sama?” Naraku asked doing his best to keep his anger in. He had no desire to bargain with Sesshoumaru, but rather intended to gain some time while he thought of a new, better plan.

 

“For starters I will take your book.” The dog demon answered at the same time that he with a quick move of his hand took the small notebook resting on the table.

 

“I see. Then I guess that we are done here.” The spider half demon said quickly getting to his feet. The apparent loss of his little black book did not affect him that much. He knew all of his clients' names by heart, and was very close to his girls.

 

“Not quite Naraku. Sit back down; remember that our business is supposed to stay as inconspicuous as possible.” Sesshoumaru said echoing the words Naraku had told him only a few minutes earlier. Reluctantly, and suppressing an annoyed groan, the dark hanyou complied.

 

“You may be wondering about what I intend to do with this recording, well it is quite simple. I want you to stay away from Kagura and Kanna. If you ever come close to them, or talk to them, I will destroy you. Do you see the man with the long ponytail sitting at the bar?... The wolf demon.” Sesshoumaru asked pointing over his shoulder to a young man sitting with a beer in front of him.

 

“His name is Kouga Ookami. Lieutenant Ookami. He is not only a good friend of mine, but also an esteemed member of the city's police forces. He also happens to be married to the daughter of the police commissioner. In case you do not believe me, you can research more on him later on.”

 

The dog demon paused and after taking the time to carefully place back the tape recorder and notebook inside his pocket added. “In the event that you betray our understanding, and would be foolish to go against this Sesshoumaru's orders, the tape I have just made you listen to will end up on the desk of my friend Kouga, as well as the little black book containing all the names of your clients.” He said gently tapping the pocket where he had hidden the said notebook.

 

“This would result in you being arrested for your illegal activities...” Sesshoumaru continued.

 

“These accusations will never stick. I too have friends in high places.” Naraku interrupted him.

 

“Is that so?” Sesshoumaru smirked. “Well it seems this Sesshoumaru has failed to add that I also have another option. I was on the phone with my lawyer a few hours ago, and he assured me that with a tape recording I would have enough evidence to sue you for attempted extortion, which would also result in your arrest. Now pray tell, what would all your rich and famous clients think when they will see your face plastered over all the newspapers of the country. Or when they will see their names printed in Youkai Daily along with the accusation of being frequent visitors of your brothel? Even if you manage to have the charges against you dropped, which I doubt, you would still lose your business. That I would make sure of ...” After explaining the depths of the plan he had come up with, Sesshoumaru leaned back in his chair, a smile on his lips, basking in his complete victory.

 

To the inu youkai's surprise, Naraku suddenly started clapping. “Congratulations Mr. Takahashi, it seems that I may have underestimated you. For the life of me I really do not see why you are giving yourself so much trouble for my slut of a daughter...”

 

“Do not call her names.” Sesshoumaru growled.

 

“Oh but it is what Kagura is. A back stabbing slut, who was lucky enough to meet you. I however really do not see why you are working so hard to protect her. It certainly must be a knight in shining armor complex. Or maybe you simply enjoy playing house. Do you like pretending to be their protector? Taking care of a woman who has nothing to do with you? Caring for a kid that is not yours? Both Kagura and Kanna are my daughters, mine, not yours. Sure you can try to be the perfect man for them, and protect and provide for them, but I am their family and will always be.” Naraku grinned as he looked at an expression of pure hatred burn stronger in Sesshoumaru's eyes.

 

What hurt the dog demon the most was the fact that Naraku's words hit right where it hurt. 'It is true that for being able to leave my side like this Kagura may not have felt as deeply for me as I had first thought, but it does not change my vow to do my best to protect her and her daughter.'

 

“You are quite lucky we are in a public space, or I would make you swallow back every disrespectful word you have said about Kagura. Now this Sesshoumaru has had enough of you Naraku. Neither Kagura nor Kanna belong to you. You know nothing about them if not only how to hurt them.”

 

'There is no way he could ever know that Kanna never goes to bed before admiring her pictures, or how she enjoys playing with her food. Nor could he ever know how curious she is, and the way her eyes shine with happiness when she finds out something new. And Kagura... for him to torture and abuse her in such horrible ways Naraku must have never realized how wonderful she is.'

 

“Seeing how she has you fight her battles, it seems to me that maybe Kagura has learned more from me than I thought, notably how to use people. Good for her.” Naraku chuckled. “Fine Sesshoumaru-sama, I will not get involved with Kagura anymore, nor will I come in contact with you. You beat me and I admit defeat.” The dog demon was not reassured one bit by the smile etched on Naraku's face. He simply could not shake the feeling that despite his apparent surrender the spider demon had a few more tricks up his sleeve.

 

'He can try whatever he wants; I will always be able to outsmart him. Kagura and Kanna have nothing to worry about as long as I will be here to protect them.' Sesshoumaru thought confidently, unconcerned about the fact that the wind sorceress and he had taken a break, and that she had left him.

 

Without another word, the spider half demon stood up and left, not bothering to leave some money behind to pay for his drinks. Even as he walked towards the door, Sesshoumaru's smoldering amber eyes never left him.

 

Ignoring the dog demon, as he exited the bar, Naraku thought to himself 'This is far from over. For opposing me like this, I will make sure to destroy you Sesshoumaru Takahashi. I will take down Kagura as well for thinking that she would be able to get away from me. Ku ku ku I believe it is now time to add one last pawn on my chessboard.'

 

Sesshoumaru sighed in relief after he saw Naraku leave. Things had gone on better than he had first expected. Not that he had not been confident he would be able to thwart Naraku's plan. After all Sesshoumaru was not one to give into any type of blackmail.

 

A confident smile on his lips, he stood up and fished his wallet to leave a few bills on the table. It was enough to cover Naraku's drinks and leave a generous tip to their beautiful waitress. Once he was done Sesshoumaru headed towards the bar where Kouga was still seated.

 

“Ah there you are. When Inuyasha said you wanted to have a drink with me, I was quite stunned. I'm surprised you wanted to meet here and so late. Anyways what's this all about?” The wolf demon asked before taking a gulp of his bottled beer. When he had walked into the bar, Sesshoumaru had paid great attention not to let his brother's friend see him. Even during his power play with Naraku he had tried hard not to have Kouga get a hold of his scent.

 

'It is a good thing the senses of modern demons are not as sharp as they used to be.' Sesshoumaru thought to himself fully knowing that one of Kouga's wolf demon ancestors would have had no trouble detecting his scent and powerful demonic aura despite the smells of cigar smoke, alcohol, and sweaty bodies of some of the lusty men who were eagerly entertaining some much younger and prettier women at a table not far from the two demons.

 

“My apologies for being late.” The dog demon said, not even feeling bad for using one of his brother's best friends. “Do not worry about it Kouga. Could we postpone our drink to later on? My secretary just called me, and it seems that I have to go back to the office.”

 

“Yeah fine Mr. Workaholic. We can catch up some other day, though I don't really see why dog shit's big brother would want to talk to me. Ever since we were kids you always did your best to ignore Miroku, Inuyasha and me. Oh well I shouldn't complain too much. You at least gave me an excuse to be out of the house for an hour. Ever since Ayame became pregnant she is more clingy than ever. Considering that her old man is my boss it's not like I can stay at the office after hours to get some rest like any other man... “Kouga complained even if his deep blue eyes shinned in happiness. Despite the fact that he liked complaining about his mate, everyone could tell that Kouga deeply loved Ayame. That of course did not help Inuyasha from feeling threatened by his good friend considering that before he had started dating his secretary Kagome, the wolf demon had a crush on her.

 

“I will pay for your drink to thank you for your presence.” The dog demon said giving the bartender a large bill

 

“Considering my salary I sure as hell am not going to complain. Then 'til next time!” Kouga said as he too left the dark bar, eager to join his wife home. He left behind an envious and thoughtful Sesshoumaru, who too wished he had someone to go home to.

 

Now that he had taken care of Naraku, the silver haired youkai realized that he now had no more thoughts to distract him from the fact that Kagura had left him. Even though she had promised to come back, she had not given him any time frame, which worried him. Sighing he too left the bar and decided to go back to his empty penthouse.

 

 

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The wind sorceress sighed deeply, as much as she tried she could not help but think about Sesshoumaru. They had only parted a few hours ago and she missed him, his deep voice, his comforting arms, his warm kisses... She groaned at her line of thought. Her crimson eyes then traveled from the window of Kagome's car to the rear view mirror. Kagura frowned when she noticed the closed off expression on Kanna's face. The little girl was safely strapped into her car seat, her face looking as expressionless as it used before they moved in with Sesshoumaru.

 

'I'm such an idiot. I had always promised I'd put Kanna first, but this time I didn't. I made her suffer because of MY love life. Ugh hopefully she'll be okay... I'll try not to make her suffer anymore.'

 

“We're here!” Kagome exclaimed as she finished parking her car, waking Kagura out of her thoughts.

 

“Great, no Kanna-chan?” The wind sorceress tried to fake some enthusiasm for her daughter's sake.

 

The little girl did not answer, but her dark eyes shifted to the car's window, a small flicker of interest in them. She still did not speak a word when her mother took her out of the car seat, and that together they went up the long stairs leading towards the shrine grounds.

 

“Ha now you'll experience how I manage to keep tone legs. Who needs a gym membership when you have to go up and down those stairs everyday?!” Kagome huffed as she dragged Kagura's suitcase up the stone steps. The wind sorceress followed her in silence, tightening her hold on her daughter.

 

The two young women walked up the rest of the flight of stairs in silence. As soon as they reached the top, Kagura's eyes opened wide in surprise. When Kagome had told her she lived in an ancient shrine, the wind sorceress had not expected it to look so large.

 

“You've got a big place.” The demoness said in appreciation.

 

“Not really. It's late, and the darkness makes it look differently. It's bigger on the outside. Besides the building over there” Kagome let go of Kagura's suitcase to point to her left. “It's a well house, and next to it is a storage room.”

 

“I see...” Kagura started, but was interrupted by a happy shout.

 

“Oh they are here! Here Souta go help your sister.” An older brown haired woman standing on the porch said as she nudged a long limbed and slightly awkward looking teenager in front of her.

 

“Here give it to me sis'.” Souta exclaimed as he pried Kagura's heavy bag from his sister's hand.

 

“Oh welcome to our home, please come in. It may be early summer, but the nights are still quite chilly.” Mrs. Higurashi said with a warm smile as she walked towards Kagura. “She is such a beautiful child.” She then exclaimed her warm brown eyes resting on Kanna. The little girl had buried her face into her mother's creamy white neck, only observing the new people in front of her with one half opened eye.

 

“Though she seems a little shy.” Kagome's mother, Hana added thoughtfully.

 

“That's because you're letting the poor kid outside to freeze. Everyone inside.” The old man who had just exited the house said.

 

“Oh ji-chan is right. Come inside Kagura.” Without letting the wind witch answer, Mrs. Higurashi took her hand and led her inside the inviting warmth of the shrine.

 

“What the hell did I get myself into?” Kagura muttered to herself as she looked back to Kagome's grinning face before being shoved inside the Higurashi house. 'And what did I put Kanna into?' She thought looking back at the frightened child in her arms. 'I hope Kanna won't have to pay for my life decisions.'

 

 

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Despite how reticent he was to do so, the dog demon finally got back home to his penthouse. He sighed deeply when he opened the door and was greeted by silence and emptiness. A few months ago this would not have been an uncommon occurrence, but now that he had gotten used to having Kagura and Kanna with him all the time, being alone felt strange to him.

 

Eager to distract his mind, Sesshoumaru walked past the living room where the three of them had spent such pleasant times, not even daring to lay his golden gaze on the remains of Kanna's now mostly empty playpen. Sesshoumaru flinched when he passed by his dining table and noticed that Kagura had left behind the company credit card he had given her. He then headed for the kitchen and sad smile appeared on his lips when he noticed that the wind sorceress had taken the time to clean it as well as fold and put away Kanna's high chair. What really struck Sesshoumaru was when he saw that Kagura had left behind a dinner plate for him.

 

'I guess she took the time to try out that Italian recipe she wanted to make tonight. She had after all let the meat marinate for the whole day...' He smiled to himself remembering Kagura's eagerness at trying out the recipe she had seen on television a few days before.

 

His smile turned sour when he realized that it had been a meal they intended to have together, the three of them, just like a family. Sighing, he decided to skip dinner, but placed the carefully wrapped plate in the fridge, which contrary to months before was now filled with leftovers courtesy of the wind sorceress. He then went directly to his bedroom. He immediately regretted his decision because the air in the room was saturated with Kagura's scent combined with his; especially the heady scent of their lovemaking. Repressing a groan, and cursing his sensitive nose, the dog demon walked over to his windows and opened it as wide as possible.

 

While waiting for fresh night air to circulate enough in his room to chase away the now unwelcomed scent, Sesshoumaru went back in the living room. He settled on the couch and was surprised when he felt an odd shaped bump under him. Sesshoumaru was even more shocked to realize that the bump was none other than Kuma-chan the white teddy bear he had given Kanna weeks ago, and that the little girl was inseparable from.

 

'Has Kanna too decided she would be better off without me?' He wondered with a frown as he placed Kuma-chan on the coffee table of his living room. He then lay back on his expensive couch, taking a hold of the warm wool material thrown over his leather couch. After kicking off his shoes and getting rid of his jacket he settled in, covering his long body with the blanket Kagura had knitted for him. A slight smile appeared on his lips when he recalled that after seeing him with it, with sparkling dark eyes, Kanna had enthusiastically exclaimed that with the white blanket thrown over his shoulder Sesshoumaru reminded her of an ancient dog demon and his mokomoko fur, just like the images she had admired in Kagome's book during their beach trip.

 

'No Kanna wouldn't reject me; just like Kagura she will too want to come back… or I hope they will.' The dog demon thought confidently, closing his amber eyes, and letting sleep take him.

 

 

To be continued...

 

 

A/N: Sesshoumaru got rid of Naraku, or did he? Kagura is moving on in her life, and when will she go back to Sesshoumaru? Stay tuned to see! The next chapter will be named New horizons. In which we'll see how our two fave demons go on with their lives.

 

Once again if you haven't done so, please check out my story The step daughter.

 

Here's the summary: AU Kagura was sure she would easily charm and befriend the protective teenage daughter of her boyfriend Sesshoumaru. If only she knew… Sessh/Kagura fanfic rated M for language and lime.