InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ Special delivery ❯ Counterattack ( Chapter 64 )

Chapter 64: Counterattack

 

 

A/N: Yes finally an update! I hope you will forgive me for my sporadic updating.

 

Thank you to my dear reviewers

 

Syzhale

Sesshkagufan13

Little25victor

Idontwannapopuponsearchengines

Roguereader (Teehee it seems their spats are becoming shorter, no? We shall see how long this one will last lol.)

XelaKitsune

 

 

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

 

 

 

“Talking”

`Thoughts'

 

 

As if a switch was suddenly flicked inside of the young demoness, she suddenly took on a more professional attitude. She swiftly fished a thick folder out of her large purse, and placed it in front of her employer. “I am sorry to have taken so long to get back to you, but here is compiled all the information I could gather on Naraku Onigumo's business. It may not seem like it at first glance, but it is quite a neat and organized operation he is running. I had quite a hard time finding people willing to betray him. Seems like his employees are quite loyal; the ones that are not are apparently disposed off. Unfortunately I was unable to find any tangible proof of that.”

 

To prove her point, Touran opened the folder, and placed a few papers under Sesshoumaru's nose. He could feel a thin cruel smile appear on his lips at seeing the name of Yamashita and Kanzaki appear several times in the summary of the financial branch of Naraku's operation. However when he felt Kagura, whose hand was still firmly placed in his, shiver, Sesshoumaru turned towards her, and was surprised by how wide her crimson eyes were. While he was looking for a connection between Naraku, Kanzaki and Yamashita, in Touran's papers, Kagura's eyes were stuck on her own name in print.

 

“What is this? You had my past researched?! How could you do that without telling me first? I told you all about what I used to do. I thought you trusted me.” Kagura spat accusingly, her face suddenly pale, and tears of anger and frustration pooling in her crimson eyes. She quickly broke the hold, he had on her hand.

 

Kagura's crimson eyes moved from Sesshoumaru to the demoness seating across from them. She could feel her anger grow then. The wind sorceress really felt like slapping away the self-satisfied smile displayed on Touran's lips.

 

“Yeah yeah get over it, we all know about your past. A quite colorful one it is. I must admit that from seeing you no one would ever be able to guess the kind of things you used to do…” Touran remarked, a small haughty smile on her lips.

 

“Touran.” The tone of voice used by Sesshoumaru let his employee know that if she was to speak one more word, he would make her regret it.

 

“I see…” Kagura breathed out coldly, her mind still struggling to wrap around what had just transpired. “Well if you'll excuse me, I'll leave you two to your work.” She let out through clenched teeth, her cheeks red in anger and embarrassment.

 

She stood up from the table as the last thing she wanted was to lose control, and start arguing with Sesshoumaru, or even better pounce on the other demoness since the prospect of beating up Touran was becoming more appealing by the second.

 

Sesshoumaru was surprised and worried by the sudden fury he could feel coming from his girlfriend. Not caring one bit about the audience made up of the patrons of the bar, he too took to his feet, and grabbed Kagura's arm before she could slip away from him one more time.

 

“Kagura it seems you are mistaken. I do trust you, and I did not have Touran research your past, but rather Naraku's operation. It is unfortunate that you name came up.”

When he noticed a little doubt enter the beloved crimson eyes of Kagura, he felt relief, and quickly added, eager to lay all her doubts to rest. “I had a suspicion Naraku was in league with Sousuke Yamashita and Kichiro Kanzaki, and his failed attempt at acquiring shares of my company has definitely confirmed all my suspicions. You know me; I would never set out to deliberately hurt you.” He was aware how his actions might look, but he truly had never meant to anger the woman he loved, or even more to embarrass and hurt her.

 

`Knowing Kagura, I should have anticipated such a thing happening. I should have known she would react this way, and I really should have explained the nature of our visit beforehand. Bringing her might have been a bad idea, for once maybe I should have listened to Inuyasha's advice' He cursed himself. Sesshoumaru knew that his younger brother's advice not to bring Kagura to his meeting with Touran was due to his past involvement with the panther demoness, but because of the special circumstances of his relationship with the wind youkai, it was still a piece of advice he wished he had listened to.

 

Sesshoumaru decided to cut his meeting short, lest his girlfriend became more upset; assuring Kagura's well being, and avoiding another argument with her was paramount on his mind. However before he got to say anything, Touran got involved.

 

“If you two lovebirds could refrain from fighting here, it would be much appreciated.” The panther youkai huffed before adding, reluctance clear in her voice. “Fine I'll say it, I'm sorry Kagura. My earlier remark was… kind of mean and uncalled for I guess. I shouldn't have said that, after all based on what I've read on your father, things mustn't have been easy for you…”

 

“Was that an apology?” Kagura asked sourly, her eyes moving from Sesshoumaru to Touran. She really hated the fact that the woman across from her knew everything she had tried so hard to hide from the world for so long. It had taken all her love and trust in Sesshoumaru to admit her secrets to him, but to have a complete stranger, who also happened to have an eye on the dog demon know about her former occupation angered and sickened her.

 

“Hey, don't ask too much of me. In any case you don't have to like me for us to work together.” The panther demoness remarked with a casual shrug of her shoulders. Her remark picked Kagura's attention, who put aside her anger, and showed surprise.

 

“Why in the hell would I want to work with you?!” The wind sorceress did not bother hiding her open disgust at the idea. Her reaction caused Touran to dissolve in laughter.

 

“Shall I remind you we are supposed to get rid of that offending Naraku Onigumo? Based on the information I have gathered.” Touran interrupted herself to tap a well manicured finger on the thick folder still splayed on the table. “I am sure no one would want to terminate your father's operation more than you. Am I wrong Kagura? I may even have the perfect way for you to do so” Touran took a small sip of her drink, and waited for Kagura and Sesshoumaru to react.

 

The dog demon listened in silence, his amber eyes going back and forth between the two women. Just as he was about to ask Touran to expand on her idea, Kagura intervened.

 

“What do you mean?” Kagura asked. She was eager to hear more about the other woman's possible plan as the best way Kagura could think of making Naraku suffer would be shutting down his businesses. The prospects of not only ensuring that Naraku would never be able to use her to hurt Sesshoumaru, but also her need of revenge against the man she had thought to be her father could make her consider partnering up with the distasteful Touran. `I would do anything to crush Naraku.' Kagura thought to herself.

 

“Well I'd love to tell you more, but the two of you are attracting quite a crowd. What I plan to tell you deserves some privacy…” The panther demoness then took the time to refill her glass with the bottle placed on their table, and took a quick sip of the alcoholic beverage.

 

Instead of bothering to answer his employee, Sesshoumaru pushed Kagura back in her chair, before taking back his seat as well. He was glad to see that Kagura had not protested, but he knew that his beloved would not let him off the hook so easily.

 

“Explain.” He then told his former lover.

 

“Well I happen to have a good, very good friend at one of the major newspapers in the country. He would be delighted to report on a story involving such prominent and supposedly upstanding citizens as Kichiro Kanzaki and Sousuke Yamashita. I bet you didn't know that your father's former associate is quite well known for his charitable work.” The distaste present in Touran's voice reminded Sesshoumaru of the fact that she revered his father, and could not stand having anyone tarnish his memory. This included former collaborators of him getting involved with monsters such as Naraku Onigumo.

 

“Moreover Yamashita and his wife are very good friends with some very powerful people in the government. In other words, the media would have a great time destroying them. Kanzaki and Yamashita would definitely stand to lose their privileged status as soon as people find out that they are involved with the financing of Naraku's illegal activities and his brothel.” The panther demoness stopped talking, and took another sip of her drink.

 

“The fact that Kanzaki attempted to sell his shares to Naraku does prove they are involved. I still have the papers proving that on my desk.” Sesshoumaru remarked thoughtfully.

 

“So boss,” Touran pronounced the last word on a mocking tone, causing Kagura to glare at her openly. `Quite protective of Sesshoumaru, isn't she?' The panther youkai thought to herself before adding aloud “Based on your remark, I take it you want me to pass on the information to my friend from the newspaper?” Touran asked.

 

“No.” Sesshoumaru's answer made both of the female demons look at him in surprise.

 

“What why not? I've done so much work, and research. You can't let my efforts go to waste. Not to mention that it is the perfect opportunity for you to get rid of your three enemies at the same time!” Touran pointed out. “If word gets out that Yamashita and Kanzaki are involved with Naraku, they will lose their privileged positions, and Naraku will lose their financial support. Moreover his clients, which happen to be prominent men themselves will stop dealing with him. This would surely ruin Naraku and destroy his operations!” The panther demoness exclaimed outrage clear in her voice.

 

“If we were to go public with this, Kagura's relationship to Naraku and his business would be revealed as well.” This was the only explanation Sesshoumaru was willing to give.

 

“Oh I get it. You want to protect your girlfriend… Well if I were you, I wouldn't worry. Remember the CEO of Kiseki enterprises? He married a stripper he met in Las Vegas on a business trip. Sure people made fun of him, and shunned them for a little while, but they recovered, and everyone acknowledges them as a couple now. Plus the two of them are insanely happy together, and have been for nearly a decade.” Touran retorted. She might not like Kagura, and she might be a little jealous to see Sesshoumaru so clearly in love with another woman when all he had been willing to give her was his body, and only for limited periods of time, but Touran was above all a professional. Not to mention that she was devoted to the Takahashi family. And if her job meant she had to do her best reassure Sesshoumaru, and protect his relationship, she would do it.

 

`Sesshoumaru doesn't want to get revenge because of me? I shouldn't really be surprised. It would be embarrassing for him if people were to find out about my past.' Kagura thought, her heart aching, and her previous feeling of shame back in full force. She clenched her fists in frustration, and did not even wince when she felt her nails dig in the soft skin of her palms.

 

Sesshoumaru easily recognized the look of pain and disappointment on Kagura's face, and could not stand to see her hurting. “Do not misunderstand. I am not worried about my reputation. No one would dare say anything about this Sesshoumaru. However I see no reason to see Kagura suffer from my quest for revenge. Find another way Touran.” Just as the words left the dog demon's lips, he snaked his hand over Kagura's, then gently relaxed her fist, to lace their fingers together; he wanted to reassure her about his feelings as much as he could.

 

His sudden declaration produced quite different reaction in the two women. Touran made faint gagging noises, clearly disgusted at seeing how the Sesshoumaru she knew and adored was wrapped around Kagura's little finger. The Sesshoumaru she knew was a ruthless man, who would do anything to get what it wanted.

 

`It is truly sickening to see how she managed to change him in such a short period of time…. And if I were honest, I'd add that it's also quite impressive.' Touran mused, her eyes resting on the younger demoness who had managed to make the almighty Sesshoumaru Takahashi fall to his knees.

 

On the other hand, when it came to the wind sorceress, she was slightly surprised by Sesshoumaru's words, but glad as well.

 

“I don't want that.” Kagura suddenly exclaimed, moving her eyes from the gentle hold Sesshoumaru had on her hand, to look up into his brilliant amber gaze.

 

“I don't want to hide behind you forever, always worried about someone finding out about my secrets. If Touran's plan is our best chance to get rid of Naraku and his friends forever, then I think we should go for it. They will not let you be until you get revenge, and teach them a lesson; of that I am sure. Especially now that you thwarted their plan, and that Naraku does not have the shares of your company anymore… If we don't do something, they will.” The wind sorceress declared, doing her best to sound confident and convincing.

 

“Kagura… you do realize what the consequences could entail. Naraku already warned me that if I ever attempted such a thing, he would make sure people would find out about your past… I just don't want you to suffer.” He gently told her, trying to dissuade her. However he knew it was a lost cause when he noticed the resolve now burning in Kagura's eyes.

 

“Of course I do. Don't worry I'm not made of glass; I won't shatter the second I hear some rumor about me floating around. Besides I've known Naraku all my life, and if there's one thing I know it's that he cannot be trusted. At the moment he might already be telling people about his link to me, and if not then he'll try to blackmail you again.” She did her best to look brave in front of him, even if inside she was downright terrified. She was now more than ever convinced of Sesshoumaru's feelings for her, but it did not prevent her past fears and insecurities to come back to the surface. She was not entirely sure if the dog demon would be so adamant in his love for her when he would become the butt of jokes about dating a former prostitute.

 

She felt a sense of panic overcome her, but squashed it down. `I was right before. If we don't share the information with the media, Naraku will be sure to do it. It'd be better if we could decide when and how the information spreads; it will give us power. Besides Sesshoumaru said it himself, he isn't one to care about what other people think about him; that's something I really admire in him, and probably should emulate. We love each other too much to be broken apart by a few nasty rumors.' Comforted in her choice, Kagura sent a dazzling and reassuring smile to her boyfriend, who himself still had doubts about the plan Touran had came up with.

 

Only a few inches away, someone else was deep into thoughts.

 

`Even if I hate to admit it, Kagura is right. Naraku, Yamashita and Kanzaki need to be taught a lesson, and unlike Sakura Fujibayashi's husband, I am not willing to be used by that bastard of Naraku as a personal ATM. I guess I will just have to do my best to protect her and Kanna. Although it seems the witch does not need my protection as much as before…' He thought bittersweetly, recalling how Kagura had stood up to Naraku to defend him.

 

“Fine you have heard what Kagura said. Proceed with your plan.” The dog demon instructed his employees. “And Touran, this time do a better job at keeping me informed about the progression of your task.” Without bidding the demoness farewell, Sesshoumaru stood up, and without relinquishing his hold on Kagura's hand gently lead her towards the exit of the bar.

 

The two of them had been walking in silence for a little while when Kagura suddenly said. “Sessh… I'm sorry about earlier. I shouldn't have screamed at you, that was wrong of me. It's just that as soon as Naraku is involved I get crazy or something. I guess I couldn't bear the idea that you would want to know more about what he made me do, or even that you would tell someone else about my past… especially her of all people.

I see the way she looks at you, as if you were a dessert fit for her taking, and it pisses me off.” Kagura said, a deep frown now on her lovely face.

 

“I guess I am supposed to be flattered.” He answered lightly. When he noticed his girlfriend was not amused, he quickly added “Apology accepted. Besides I owe you an apology as well.”

 

“No you don't, I am the one…” Sesshoumaru quickly interrupted her with a shake of the head.

 

“I should have told you beforehand that I had Touran research Naraku, and his different businesses. I had honestly not thought about how it might hurt you.” Her trained eyes easily noticed how he clenched his free fist in anger at the idea of the pain he had involuntarily caused her.

 

“Sesshoumaru, don't worry about it. It's really okay. As you said, I know you never meant to hurt me. Apology accepted.” She smiled at him sweetly.

 

“Let us just go fetch Kanna, and go home. We could all use a day off.” He suggested just as they reached his car in the parking lot. He was eager to place behind them their previous altercation. Even though to his surprise it had not ended in a full blown argument as it would have a few weeks ago.

 

`I guess Kagura and I did mature enough in our feelings not to doubt our relationship the first chance we gat as we used to. We can even manage a conflict without breaking up.' He thought a mix of happiness and relief spreading through him.

 

“I am quite tempted, but have you forgotten that I have class tonight?” Kagura smiled as she settled in the passenger seat of his car.

 

“Hum I will write you a note excusing you from class. You can give it to your instructor at the next class meeting.” After a shrug of his shoulders, he started his car.

 

“What reason will you cite? `Dear Pr. Kayano, Kagura could not make it to class tonight because I chained her in my bed, and thoroughly enjoyed her presence there. She was therefore too tired to make it to class'.” Her teasing words brought a genuine smile to his lips.

 

“As appealing as the idea sounds, I was thinking of rather spending a quiet afternoon at home. We could stop at the video store to grab some insipid family friendly movie, then have some of Kanna's favorite Chinese food delivered.” He suggested.

 

“That sounds wonderful. I guess skipping class for one evening wouldn't be too bad. Besides I am a college student, so I am entitled to be a little reckless.” She laughed whole heartedly not only at her own joke, but also because she felt truly free in that moment. She was not only assured of Sesshoumaru's love for her, but she also had started fighting back against Naraku and the influence he had on her.

 

`I will not let him hurt me or my loved ones anymore. It is time to fight back.' Kagura thought, resolve burning deep in her crimson eyes.

 

“Not to mention that we need to get you and Kanna settled back home.” He remarked on a fake casual tone.

 

“You never give up, do you?” She chuckled gently before adding “Oh alright. I guess it wouldn't hurt to start packing. I must admit I find myself quite missing the bed of the penthouse…”

 

“Is it only the bed you miss?” He asked on a mocking tone, cocking an eyebrow.

 

“You horny dog.” His teasing words brought about a big grin to Kagura's lips.

 

After her comment the two of them stayed in silence, happy and comforted in each other's presence. They knew that hard times were ahead of them, but for the time being, they decided to simply enjoy each other's presence as long as possible.

 

 

 

To be continued…

 

 

 

A/N: Next time we will get a little more insight into Sesshoumaru's feelings, and his relationship with his father. The chapter will be named Family Matters.