InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ Special delivery ❯ Unfolding Plan ( Chapter 74 )
[ Y - Young Adult: Not suitable for readers under 16 ]
By: saphira404 
The format is still not well. Sorry! ;_;
Anime/Manga: InuYasha Fan Fiction | Genre(s): Romance / Hentai / Drama / Comedy | Type: Alternate Universe | Uploaded On: 03.07.2011 | Updated On: 03.07.2011 | Pages: 3 | Words: 4.2K | Visits: 243 | Status: Work In Progress
The format is still not well. Sorry! ;_;
Anime/Manga: InuYasha Fan Fiction | Genre(s): Romance / Hentai / Drama / Comedy | Type: Alternate Universe | Uploaded On: 03.07.2011 | Updated On: 03.07.2011 | Pages: 3 | Words: 4.2K | Visits: 243 | Status: Work In Progress
Chapter 74: Unfolding plan
A/N: Let’s do this. Onwards to the End! To think that the story is almost two years old O.O Thanks guys for bearing with me so long!
A special thanks to the people who have been reading this behemoth of a story
Disclaimer: If I owned Inuyasha, Sesshy and Kagura would be happily mated and working on silver haired baby number three by now…
“Talking”
‘Thoughts’ ;
Kagura Onigumo, soon to be Takahashi, walked eagerly down the corridors of the History department. Now that she was finally and officially done with the history class she was taking that semester, the one thing she wanted the most was to celebrate with her loved ones.
“How did it go?” A male voice suddenly asked behind her. She turned around and saw none other than Yoshi, a young male student who had been enrolled in the history class she had been taking. Just as she had she knew that the young man had struggled with their class. Only he, unlike her had not had the help of Sesshoumaru.
“Well better than expected.” She answered his question and smiled. She was happy to see that the intense studying session she had had the night before with her fiancé had been helpful after all.
“Ugh lucky you. It will be a miracle if I manage to get a D in that class...” He sighed then added. “At least now we have a break before classes start again. I’m going away with my girl, so at least that’s something to look forward to.”
“Good for you.” She answered meekly, slightly surprised. During the entire semester, she had been witness to his lecherous ways as he had not failed to ask every cute woman in the class, including Kagura, out on a date.
“Enjoy your break!” He waved to her before walking away in the opposite direction.
“I will.” She answered this time in a more convincing way. She this time around was telling the truth after all. No one would be gladder than her to be able to enjoy some much deserved free time with her family.Just as the idea struck her, she quickly fished out her cell phone from her purse, and made quick use of the speed dial, before patiently waiting for him to pick up the phone.“Kagura.” Just as she heard his deep voice say her name, she could not prevent a pleased smile from gracing her lips.
“Hello Sesshoumaru. A good afternoon to you too.” She mocked his usual lack of a proper greeting. “I just have something to ask you. What are you doing... and before your mind starts wandering, this is not a dirty phone call.”
“Working.” He answered succinctly, causing her to roll her eyes. She did wonder if she had not heard disappointment in his voice due to her earlier precision.
“I figured you’d day that. The thing is that I finished taking my final, and I’m sure you will be glad to know that all went well.”
“I sure hope so considering the amount of time we have spent studying it as of late.” He remarked.
“For which I am very grateful honey. Now I just want to go celebrate and have fun. Why don’t I go pick up Kanna at the day care, then we join you at the office before going out for ice cream. I miss that ice cream parlor down the block. I used to go there every week when I still worked at the agency.” She remembered fondly.
“As appealing as this may sound, I am about to have a meeting with a new client.”
“Oh that’s right. You mentioned that yesterday during our cramming session... Kozue I think you said his name was.”
“As sharp as ever my dear. Why don’t you take Kanna out for ice cream, and I will see if I can join you later on. If not I will see you at home.”
“Okay... too bad you’re going to miss out on delicious strawberry ice cream with caramel sauce, you workaholic.” She gently teased him. She was more than aware that the man he was now would rather go have a sweet snack with his family than spend time with his clients.
“You can tell me all about it tonight.” He did his best not to voice his distaste at her choice of frozen treat. Even if Kagura had helped broaden his taste in food, he was still not that into sweet food... unless they had been made by his fiancée of course.
“Don’t doubt that I will. Talk to you later.” She hung up the phone, and headed straight out of the building and towards the bus stop.
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The wind sorceress walked on the paved street tightening her red woolen scarf around her neck. The weather was quite windy and a little chilly, and she therefore thought about reconsidering her choice of a snack.
‘Well I guess our ice cream break will be followed by a nice warm bath as soon as we go home. I wouldn’t want Kanna to catch a cold...’ She thought, glad of her decision even as she reached the gates of the small daycare.
She may have not been the one who usually dropped off and picked up Kanna, but she had been the one who had enrolled the little girl in the facility. She therefore knew where to go. She even remembered Sesshoumaru mentioning a side entrance on the left side of the building, which was where parents could pick up their children early, or drop them when they were late.
She knocked on the bright red door, and waited for someone to answer.
“How may I help you?” A gray haired woman with a bright comforting smile on her face asked even as she opened the door.
“I’m just here to pick up my daughter. I know it is earlier than usual, but I’m sure that it won’t be a problem.” The wind sorceress smiled back.
“No of course not. May I ask the name of your little angel?”
“Kanna Onigumo.” Even as the words left her lips, Kagura could not help but think that one thing she was really looking forward to when she and Sesshoumau would get married was changing her and their daughter’s last name. ‘Kanna Takahashi’ just sounded better to her ear.
“Oh so you are the lucky lady married with the handsome silver haired man. Every time I see your husband I wish I was thirty years younger.” The older day care owner let out a small girlish giggle that grated on the younger woman’s nerves.
Kagura forced a stiff smile on her lips before answering “Yes I am indeed lucky. Can I see my daughter now?”
The smile fell off the older woman’s face; she had not liked the frosty and annoyed tone of Kagura’s voice. “I am afraid that is not possible.” She replied stiffly in turn.
“What do you mean?” Kagura snapped. She was close to losing her temper, but did her best to keep it all in check.
“Someone already came to pick her up.”
“Someone?” Kagura echoed. “Was it Sesshoumaru? The man who usually picks up Kanna?” She asked even if she was sure it was not the case. Other than the fact that the dog demon had affirmed her he was too busy to go out for a snack with them, she knew that he would tell her if he was going to pick up their daughter.
‘The again lately he’s been into surprises and stuff, so it might just be a plan of his...’ She thought remembering with a smile the setup he had put together for his proposal.
“No it was a woman. She said she was related to you.”
“And you just believed her?!” The wind sorceress groaned angrily. She did not have that many relatives, and on the paperwork she had filed with the day care had not cited anyone other than she herself, Sesshoumaru, and reluctantly Jaken as being allowed to pick up Kanna.
“You demons all look alike to me, plus she had pale hair just like your daughter, and carried a mirror with her as well...”
The older woman’s words both infuriated Kagura, but also let her guess that it was her mother, Sakura Fujibayashi, who had picked up Kanna.
‘I don’t know why she would do that, but for all I know it could be all part of some of Sessh’s plans...’ Without even taking the time to say goodbye to the old woman, the wind sorceress turned on her heels, and headed back towards the bus stop. Her new found family members lived ways away from downtown, and she did not want to waste any more time.
“What a rude little brat. I wonder what that handsome young man sees in her.” The day care owner scoffed under her breath as her sharp eyes looked at Kagura’s form moving away quickly.
“I would not know myself.” A deep silky voice said behind her. The old woman turned around and was not surprised to see none other than her latest employee standing behind her, a broom in his hands. Ever since she had hired him, it was not uncommon for the younger half demon to trail behind her, which of course flattered her.
“Young women these days you know...” He trailed off, his crimson eyes bright with mirth.
“I sure hope that you have taught your daughter better.”
“Of course I did. Say, would it be alright if I left early today? I have some errands to do. It is almost my granddaughter’s birthday, and I would like to get her a nice present.”
“It would be just fine with me. Get the little girl something nice.” She smiled even as she walked past him, and went back to the playroom where the children were happily playing. As she turned her back to him, she missed the broad smile which adorned his pale thin lips.
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“Where have I put my glasses?” Morio grumbled. He hated having to wear them, but really needed them to read, and could not find the damned things.
“Old man. Stop grumbling and look under the couch, this is where they were last time.” His wife pointed out. The two demons were settled inside the comfortable library in their opulent mansion. They had been about to settle down to spend some time reading while cuddling, but the illusion demon had been unable to find his reading aids.
“Who are you calling an old man?” He retorted even as he followed his better half’s advice and crouched to look for the thin silver glasses under the large red couch.
Just as Sakura was about to chuckle after seeing her husband emerge from under the piece of furniture with his lost glasses clutched in his hand, the sound of their doorbell chiming resonated through the house.
“Oh blast, who could it be?” Morio grumbled as he got to his feet.
“Blast?” She echoed a teasing smile on her lips. “Only elderly people use this expression. Now why don’t you go deal with whoever it is while I turn on the fireplace? You would think that the one day I am able to keep you home with me and away from your office we would at least get some peace, but no!”
Morio smiled and left his wife at her ranting. He decided to quickly go see to their impromptu visitor before joining Sakura.
He ran down the stairs, and in no time opened the door. He was surprised when Kagura bolted inside past him.
“Kagura? What a surprise. Your mother did not mention you would be stopping by.” He grinned broadly at the sight of his step daughter. “I’ll go call Sakura, she’s upstairs, then ask cook to bring some tea in the living room.”
“No need to trouble yourself. I just stopped by to pick up Kanna. We’ll be out of your way in no time. I’m sure you’ve had enough of her for one day.” Kagura said even as her crimson eyes rested on the staircase. Usually when Kagura came to pick up her daughter at the Fujibayashi household, as soon as she sensed her mother’s presence, Kanna would rush down the stairs to greet her.
“Although it is always a pleasure to look after Kanna, we didn’t get her today.”
“What?!” The wind sorceress gasped in incomprehension.
“Morio I heard voices, who is it?” Sakura asked as she came down the stairs as well. Her worried expression changed to a warm smile when she saw none other than her daughter standing next to her husband “Kagura, honey what a delightful surprise.” The older demoness said as she joined her other two family members.
Sakura enveloped her daughter in a tight hug before giving her the chance to even speak. Then as she let Kagura go, the older woman noticed the worry present in the crimson eyes which mirrored hers perfectly.
“Honey what’s the matter?”
“Kagura came looking for Kanna. She thought she might be here.” Her husband supplied, still a little confused.
“I do not have a session with her today... Were we supposed to go fetch her for you?” Sakura asked, with furrowed brows. She was sure that neither she nor her husband would ever forget such a request from Kagura. Sakura had worked hard to gain her daughter’s trust, and would not jeopardize it for anything in the world.
“No... I...” Kagura started, unable to string words together in a proper sentence. A feeling of unease crept inside her. The second she had left the day care, she had known something was wrong, and now she felt her fears were confirmed.
“Honey, talk to me please. You’re worrying me.” Hearing her mother’s pleading and worry etched voice caused Kagura to push away her thoughts, and answer.
“I went to pick up Kanna at her daycare, but I was told someone already got her. They said it was a female youkai with long pale hair, and that she carried a mirror.”
“So you thought it was me.” Sakura completed her daughter’s thought. She too was starting to feel very worried.
“I don’t understand what happened. Who was that woman, and what has she done with my baby?” Even as Kagura asked, her mother took her in a tight comforting hug.
“Let’s not exaggerate, I am sure it was all a misunderstanding. There is no need to get upset right now....” Sakura lied. She knew that something was wrong, but did not want to distress her daughter. She was already surprised enough to have Kagura rely on her so openly for comfort and guidance. She sent her husband a look, and he immediately knew what was asked of him. Without Kagura noticing, Morio silently slipped away from the vestibule, and headed towards the living room in search of a phone.
“Now why don’t you call the daycare, and ask to talk to the owner. The employee you talked to might have made some sort of mistake.”
“You’re right. No need to worry before taking into consideration all the possibilities.” Kagura reluctantly stepped out of her mother’s warm arms, and fished her cell phone out of her purse.
‘Hopefully he gets here fast. I am sure he will agree with my suspicions, and will know what to do.’ Sakura thought confidently as her crimsons eyes watched Kagura punch in the digits of the phone number on her phone.
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Sesshoumaru Takahashi was a man who prided himself in his keen mind when it came to business. He had taken his father’s advertisement agency, and had turned it into one of the most profitable one in this side of the world, and his ambition was far from being satiated. It therefore came to a surprise to everyone seating in the newly remodeled meeting room of his agency to see the usually cold and reserved Sesshoumaru Takahashi excuse himself from such an important meeting. His sudden and unexpected departure from a meeting with a crucial new client had been preceded by his secretary leaning to whisper something in his ear. Without a word of excuse, the dog demon had bolted out of the room.
“Mr. Takahashi has just received some distressing news about one of his family members. He begs for your forgiveness, and asks for the meeting to be rescheduled at your convenience.” Kiriko could have snorted at her use of the verb ‘beg’ when it came to her employer. She knew firsthand that the proud inu youkai never begged. Even when he had enlisted her help in decorating the hotel suite he was going to propose to his girlfriend in, he had simply ordered Kiriko to offer her assistance.
“Well I guess it cannot be helped, we are all at some point affected by family issues. You can tell Mr. Takahashi that we shall reschedule.” Kozue, Sesshoumaru’s latest client said as he stood up from the plush leather seat he occupied. His entourage wasted no time doing the same, and in a matter of seconds, Kiriko was left alone in the room.
‘Let’s just hope that everything goes well...’ The young dog demoness told herself. Since Sesshoumaru had turned his phone off, she had been the one who had answered Morio’s worrisome phone call, and had wasted no time repaying the message to her employer. She may not have been a big fan of kids, but she quite liked Kanna and her cute young mother. 000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000
As he pressed his clawed finger against the doorbell, Sesshoumaru realized he had never driven this fast in his entire life. Even when years ago Jaken had called him to tell him about his father’s accident, he had driven more carefully to join Izayoi and Inuyasha at the hospital.
He was about to ring once more when the large front door cracked opened, and Morio’s strained face appeared in the opening.
“Where is she? What is going on?” Without sparing a glance at the older illusion demon, Sesshoumaru using his sensitive nose walked towards where his fiancée was. The loud screams coming from the closed were indication of the whereabouts of Kagura. The dog demon silently opened the door, and stepped inside.
“Why the fuck won’t she even answer her phone anymore?” Kagura punched the ‘end call’ button again angrily, and hardly resisted the urge to smash her cell phone against the wall.
“I don’t care what the old bat says, I’m going back there right now. For all I know Kanna might still actually be there. It wouldn’t surprise me if that old hag made a mistake.” Even as the words left her red lip, Kagura got ready to run back to the bus stop.
“Honey, I don’t think that would be the best course of action. Why don’t you calm down first, and wait for a little bit before doing anything rash.” Her mother gently tried to calm her down. Before the void demoness had spoken, Sesshoumaru had not even noticed her presence.
“Wait for what? I have a feeling you’ve been trying to keep me here, what’s going on?” Kagura asked, annoyance clear in her voice.
“I presume it is for my benefit.” The wind sorceress was startled by the voice that suddenly spoke behind her.
“Sesshoumaru!” She exclaimed after turning around. “What are you doing here?”
“Morio called and apprised me of the situation, but I would rather hear it from you. What exactly happened?” He purposely left out the part where his fiancée’s stepfather had told him that Kagura was frantic, and that both he and Sakura were very worried about not only Kanna, but Kagura as well. He had easily identified as relief the look in Sakura’s eyes at seeing him.
“I’m not sure myself. I went to pick up Kanna, but the old woman told me she wasn’t there; however, I am not sure I believe her.” The wind sorceress said. “I was about to go back and check though…” She was suddenly interrupted by a loud vibrating noise.
“Hold that thought.” Sesshoumaru instructed as he fished his vibrating phone out of his pocket, and answered his phone.
Kagura, Morio and Sakura could not make out what the person on the other line was saying, but the way Sesshoumaru’s eyes suddenly thinned let them all know that he was not happy.
“Contact Kouga, and let me know how the situation develops.” The dog demon said through clenched teeth, then closed his phone before slipping it back inside his pocket. Even though the wolf demon was a police officer, and a rash person, Sesshoumaru knew that he could count on his discretion.
“What’s wrong?” Kagura asked her fiancé.
“It seems that the day care owner was telling the truth. I sent Jaken to check on things, and Kanna is not at the daycare as of now. Someone has picked her up.”
“Why in the hell would someone do that? How did that even happen?!” Kagura asked. Up to that instant she had been holding on to the mad hope that all that had happened had been some kind of joke, or a part of one of Sesshoumaru’s elaborate surprises, but seeing the look of worry displayed in the dog demon’s eyes, she knew firsthand that something had indeed happened to their daughter.
“It is something this Sesshoumaru intends to find out.” He let out the wheels in his head already turning actively. After so many trials and tribulation Sesshoumaru had finally managed to get his precious family back together, and he was not willing to let anyone destroy that.
Just as the words left Sesshoumaru’s mouth, Kagura’s phone started ringing. She made a sound of exasperation in the back of her throat, but still decided to answer. After all she did not know who was calling, and hoped it might be the day care owner letting her know that whoever had picked up Kanna had returned her. She trusted her Sesshoumaru completely, but said trust did not extend to his faithful retainer. Kagura had never liked Jaken, and would not put it past him to mess a task as simple as checking Kanna’s whereabouts at the daycare.
The wind sorceress quickly placed the phone against her ear. Her eager greeting was only met with conspicuous silence. Just as she was about to end the call after letting out a string of expletives, an all too familiar chuckle resonated on the other end of the line. Kagura’s face rapidly turned pasty white and suddenly deep down inside of her she knew exactly what had happened.
“Naraku.” She hissed vehemently.
“Hello my dear ungrateful daughter.”
To be continued…
A/N: Dun dun dun. I am sure most of you have figured out what happened. We’ll just have to see what the aftermath will be. The next chapter is going to be named… Actually I’d rather not tell you yet. Let’s just say it will be intense :P
‘Til next time dear readers!
~Saphira.
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A/N: Let’s do this. Onwards to the End! To think that the story is almost two years old O.O Thanks guys for bearing with me so long!
A special thanks to the people who have been reading this behemoth of a story
Disclaimer: If I owned Inuyasha, Sesshy and Kagura would be happily mated and working on silver haired baby number three by now…
“Talking”
‘Thoughts’ ;
Kagura Onigumo, soon to be Takahashi, walked eagerly down the corridors of the History department. Now that she was finally and officially done with the history class she was taking that semester, the one thing she wanted the most was to celebrate with her loved ones.
“How did it go?” A male voice suddenly asked behind her. She turned around and saw none other than Yoshi, a young male student who had been enrolled in the history class she had been taking. Just as she had she knew that the young man had struggled with their class. Only he, unlike her had not had the help of Sesshoumaru.
“Well better than expected.” She answered his question and smiled. She was happy to see that the intense studying session she had had the night before with her fiancé had been helpful after all.
“Ugh lucky you. It will be a miracle if I manage to get a D in that class...” He sighed then added. “At least now we have a break before classes start again. I’m going away with my girl, so at least that’s something to look forward to.”
“Good for you.” She answered meekly, slightly surprised. During the entire semester, she had been witness to his lecherous ways as he had not failed to ask every cute woman in the class, including Kagura, out on a date.
“Enjoy your break!” He waved to her before walking away in the opposite direction.
“I will.” She answered this time in a more convincing way. She this time around was telling the truth after all. No one would be gladder than her to be able to enjoy some much deserved free time with her family.Just as the idea struck her, she quickly fished out her cell phone from her purse, and made quick use of the speed dial, before patiently waiting for him to pick up the phone.“Kagura.” Just as she heard his deep voice say her name, she could not prevent a pleased smile from gracing her lips.
“Hello Sesshoumaru. A good afternoon to you too.” She mocked his usual lack of a proper greeting. “I just have something to ask you. What are you doing... and before your mind starts wandering, this is not a dirty phone call.”
“Working.” He answered succinctly, causing her to roll her eyes. She did wonder if she had not heard disappointment in his voice due to her earlier precision.
“I figured you’d day that. The thing is that I finished taking my final, and I’m sure you will be glad to know that all went well.”
“I sure hope so considering the amount of time we have spent studying it as of late.” He remarked.
“For which I am very grateful honey. Now I just want to go celebrate and have fun. Why don’t I go pick up Kanna at the day care, then we join you at the office before going out for ice cream. I miss that ice cream parlor down the block. I used to go there every week when I still worked at the agency.” She remembered fondly.
“As appealing as this may sound, I am about to have a meeting with a new client.”
“Oh that’s right. You mentioned that yesterday during our cramming session... Kozue I think you said his name was.”
“As sharp as ever my dear. Why don’t you take Kanna out for ice cream, and I will see if I can join you later on. If not I will see you at home.”
“Okay... too bad you’re going to miss out on delicious strawberry ice cream with caramel sauce, you workaholic.” She gently teased him. She was more than aware that the man he was now would rather go have a sweet snack with his family than spend time with his clients.
“You can tell me all about it tonight.” He did his best not to voice his distaste at her choice of frozen treat. Even if Kagura had helped broaden his taste in food, he was still not that into sweet food... unless they had been made by his fiancée of course.
“Don’t doubt that I will. Talk to you later.” She hung up the phone, and headed straight out of the building and towards the bus stop.
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The wind sorceress walked on the paved street tightening her red woolen scarf around her neck. The weather was quite windy and a little chilly, and she therefore thought about reconsidering her choice of a snack.
‘Well I guess our ice cream break will be followed by a nice warm bath as soon as we go home. I wouldn’t want Kanna to catch a cold...’ She thought, glad of her decision even as she reached the gates of the small daycare.
She may have not been the one who usually dropped off and picked up Kanna, but she had been the one who had enrolled the little girl in the facility. She therefore knew where to go. She even remembered Sesshoumaru mentioning a side entrance on the left side of the building, which was where parents could pick up their children early, or drop them when they were late.
She knocked on the bright red door, and waited for someone to answer.
“How may I help you?” A gray haired woman with a bright comforting smile on her face asked even as she opened the door.
“I’m just here to pick up my daughter. I know it is earlier than usual, but I’m sure that it won’t be a problem.” The wind sorceress smiled back.
“No of course not. May I ask the name of your little angel?”
“Kanna Onigumo.” Even as the words left her lips, Kagura could not help but think that one thing she was really looking forward to when she and Sesshoumau would get married was changing her and their daughter’s last name. ‘Kanna Takahashi’ just sounded better to her ear.
“Oh so you are the lucky lady married with the handsome silver haired man. Every time I see your husband I wish I was thirty years younger.” The older day care owner let out a small girlish giggle that grated on the younger woman’s nerves.
Kagura forced a stiff smile on her lips before answering “Yes I am indeed lucky. Can I see my daughter now?”
The smile fell off the older woman’s face; she had not liked the frosty and annoyed tone of Kagura’s voice. “I am afraid that is not possible.” She replied stiffly in turn.
“What do you mean?” Kagura snapped. She was close to losing her temper, but did her best to keep it all in check.
“Someone already came to pick her up.”
“Someone?” Kagura echoed. “Was it Sesshoumaru? The man who usually picks up Kanna?” She asked even if she was sure it was not the case. Other than the fact that the dog demon had affirmed her he was too busy to go out for a snack with them, she knew that he would tell her if he was going to pick up their daughter.
‘The again lately he’s been into surprises and stuff, so it might just be a plan of his...’ She thought remembering with a smile the setup he had put together for his proposal.
“No it was a woman. She said she was related to you.”
“And you just believed her?!” The wind sorceress groaned angrily. She did not have that many relatives, and on the paperwork she had filed with the day care had not cited anyone other than she herself, Sesshoumaru, and reluctantly Jaken as being allowed to pick up Kanna.
“You demons all look alike to me, plus she had pale hair just like your daughter, and carried a mirror with her as well...”
The older woman’s words both infuriated Kagura, but also let her guess that it was her mother, Sakura Fujibayashi, who had picked up Kanna.
‘I don’t know why she would do that, but for all I know it could be all part of some of Sessh’s plans...’ Without even taking the time to say goodbye to the old woman, the wind sorceress turned on her heels, and headed back towards the bus stop. Her new found family members lived ways away from downtown, and she did not want to waste any more time.
“What a rude little brat. I wonder what that handsome young man sees in her.” The day care owner scoffed under her breath as her sharp eyes looked at Kagura’s form moving away quickly.
“I would not know myself.” A deep silky voice said behind her. The old woman turned around and was not surprised to see none other than her latest employee standing behind her, a broom in his hands. Ever since she had hired him, it was not uncommon for the younger half demon to trail behind her, which of course flattered her.
“Young women these days you know...” He trailed off, his crimson eyes bright with mirth.
“I sure hope that you have taught your daughter better.”
“Of course I did. Say, would it be alright if I left early today? I have some errands to do. It is almost my granddaughter’s birthday, and I would like to get her a nice present.”
“It would be just fine with me. Get the little girl something nice.” She smiled even as she walked past him, and went back to the playroom where the children were happily playing. As she turned her back to him, she missed the broad smile which adorned his pale thin lips.
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“Where have I put my glasses?” Morio grumbled. He hated having to wear them, but really needed them to read, and could not find the damned things.
“Old man. Stop grumbling and look under the couch, this is where they were last time.” His wife pointed out. The two demons were settled inside the comfortable library in their opulent mansion. They had been about to settle down to spend some time reading while cuddling, but the illusion demon had been unable to find his reading aids.
“Who are you calling an old man?” He retorted even as he followed his better half’s advice and crouched to look for the thin silver glasses under the large red couch.
Just as Sakura was about to chuckle after seeing her husband emerge from under the piece of furniture with his lost glasses clutched in his hand, the sound of their doorbell chiming resonated through the house.
“Oh blast, who could it be?” Morio grumbled as he got to his feet.
“Blast?” She echoed a teasing smile on her lips. “Only elderly people use this expression. Now why don’t you go deal with whoever it is while I turn on the fireplace? You would think that the one day I am able to keep you home with me and away from your office we would at least get some peace, but no!”
Morio smiled and left his wife at her ranting. He decided to quickly go see to their impromptu visitor before joining Sakura.
He ran down the stairs, and in no time opened the door. He was surprised when Kagura bolted inside past him.
“Kagura? What a surprise. Your mother did not mention you would be stopping by.” He grinned broadly at the sight of his step daughter. “I’ll go call Sakura, she’s upstairs, then ask cook to bring some tea in the living room.”
“No need to trouble yourself. I just stopped by to pick up Kanna. We’ll be out of your way in no time. I’m sure you’ve had enough of her for one day.” Kagura said even as her crimson eyes rested on the staircase. Usually when Kagura came to pick up her daughter at the Fujibayashi household, as soon as she sensed her mother’s presence, Kanna would rush down the stairs to greet her.
“Although it is always a pleasure to look after Kanna, we didn’t get her today.”
“What?!” The wind sorceress gasped in incomprehension.
“Morio I heard voices, who is it?” Sakura asked as she came down the stairs as well. Her worried expression changed to a warm smile when she saw none other than her daughter standing next to her husband “Kagura, honey what a delightful surprise.” The older demoness said as she joined her other two family members.
Sakura enveloped her daughter in a tight hug before giving her the chance to even speak. Then as she let Kagura go, the older woman noticed the worry present in the crimson eyes which mirrored hers perfectly.
“Honey what’s the matter?”
“Kagura came looking for Kanna. She thought she might be here.” Her husband supplied, still a little confused.
“I do not have a session with her today... Were we supposed to go fetch her for you?” Sakura asked, with furrowed brows. She was sure that neither she nor her husband would ever forget such a request from Kagura. Sakura had worked hard to gain her daughter’s trust, and would not jeopardize it for anything in the world.
“No... I...” Kagura started, unable to string words together in a proper sentence. A feeling of unease crept inside her. The second she had left the day care, she had known something was wrong, and now she felt her fears were confirmed.
“Honey, talk to me please. You’re worrying me.” Hearing her mother’s pleading and worry etched voice caused Kagura to push away her thoughts, and answer.
“I went to pick up Kanna at her daycare, but I was told someone already got her. They said it was a female youkai with long pale hair, and that she carried a mirror.”
“So you thought it was me.” Sakura completed her daughter’s thought. She too was starting to feel very worried.
“I don’t understand what happened. Who was that woman, and what has she done with my baby?” Even as Kagura asked, her mother took her in a tight comforting hug.
“Let’s not exaggerate, I am sure it was all a misunderstanding. There is no need to get upset right now....” Sakura lied. She knew that something was wrong, but did not want to distress her daughter. She was already surprised enough to have Kagura rely on her so openly for comfort and guidance. She sent her husband a look, and he immediately knew what was asked of him. Without Kagura noticing, Morio silently slipped away from the vestibule, and headed towards the living room in search of a phone.
“Now why don’t you call the daycare, and ask to talk to the owner. The employee you talked to might have made some sort of mistake.”
“You’re right. No need to worry before taking into consideration all the possibilities.” Kagura reluctantly stepped out of her mother’s warm arms, and fished her cell phone out of her purse.
‘Hopefully he gets here fast. I am sure he will agree with my suspicions, and will know what to do.’ Sakura thought confidently as her crimsons eyes watched Kagura punch in the digits of the phone number on her phone.
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Sesshoumaru Takahashi was a man who prided himself in his keen mind when it came to business. He had taken his father’s advertisement agency, and had turned it into one of the most profitable one in this side of the world, and his ambition was far from being satiated. It therefore came to a surprise to everyone seating in the newly remodeled meeting room of his agency to see the usually cold and reserved Sesshoumaru Takahashi excuse himself from such an important meeting. His sudden and unexpected departure from a meeting with a crucial new client had been preceded by his secretary leaning to whisper something in his ear. Without a word of excuse, the dog demon had bolted out of the room.
“Mr. Takahashi has just received some distressing news about one of his family members. He begs for your forgiveness, and asks for the meeting to be rescheduled at your convenience.” Kiriko could have snorted at her use of the verb ‘beg’ when it came to her employer. She knew firsthand that the proud inu youkai never begged. Even when he had enlisted her help in decorating the hotel suite he was going to propose to his girlfriend in, he had simply ordered Kiriko to offer her assistance.
“Well I guess it cannot be helped, we are all at some point affected by family issues. You can tell Mr. Takahashi that we shall reschedule.” Kozue, Sesshoumaru’s latest client said as he stood up from the plush leather seat he occupied. His entourage wasted no time doing the same, and in a matter of seconds, Kiriko was left alone in the room.
‘Let’s just hope that everything goes well...’ The young dog demoness told herself. Since Sesshoumaru had turned his phone off, she had been the one who had answered Morio’s worrisome phone call, and had wasted no time repaying the message to her employer. She may not have been a big fan of kids, but she quite liked Kanna and her cute young mother. 000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000
As he pressed his clawed finger against the doorbell, Sesshoumaru realized he had never driven this fast in his entire life. Even when years ago Jaken had called him to tell him about his father’s accident, he had driven more carefully to join Izayoi and Inuyasha at the hospital.
He was about to ring once more when the large front door cracked opened, and Morio’s strained face appeared in the opening.
“Where is she? What is going on?” Without sparing a glance at the older illusion demon, Sesshoumaru using his sensitive nose walked towards where his fiancée was. The loud screams coming from the closed were indication of the whereabouts of Kagura. The dog demon silently opened the door, and stepped inside.
“Why the fuck won’t she even answer her phone anymore?” Kagura punched the ‘end call’ button again angrily, and hardly resisted the urge to smash her cell phone against the wall.
“I don’t care what the old bat says, I’m going back there right now. For all I know Kanna might still actually be there. It wouldn’t surprise me if that old hag made a mistake.” Even as the words left her red lip, Kagura got ready to run back to the bus stop.
“Honey, I don’t think that would be the best course of action. Why don’t you calm down first, and wait for a little bit before doing anything rash.” Her mother gently tried to calm her down. Before the void demoness had spoken, Sesshoumaru had not even noticed her presence.
“Wait for what? I have a feeling you’ve been trying to keep me here, what’s going on?” Kagura asked, annoyance clear in her voice.
“I presume it is for my benefit.” The wind sorceress was startled by the voice that suddenly spoke behind her.
“Sesshoumaru!” She exclaimed after turning around. “What are you doing here?”
“Morio called and apprised me of the situation, but I would rather hear it from you. What exactly happened?” He purposely left out the part where his fiancée’s stepfather had told him that Kagura was frantic, and that both he and Sakura were very worried about not only Kanna, but Kagura as well. He had easily identified as relief the look in Sakura’s eyes at seeing him.
“I’m not sure myself. I went to pick up Kanna, but the old woman told me she wasn’t there; however, I am not sure I believe her.” The wind sorceress said. “I was about to go back and check though…” She was suddenly interrupted by a loud vibrating noise.
“Hold that thought.” Sesshoumaru instructed as he fished his vibrating phone out of his pocket, and answered his phone.
Kagura, Morio and Sakura could not make out what the person on the other line was saying, but the way Sesshoumaru’s eyes suddenly thinned let them all know that he was not happy.
“Contact Kouga, and let me know how the situation develops.” The dog demon said through clenched teeth, then closed his phone before slipping it back inside his pocket. Even though the wolf demon was a police officer, and a rash person, Sesshoumaru knew that he could count on his discretion.
“What’s wrong?” Kagura asked her fiancé.
“It seems that the day care owner was telling the truth. I sent Jaken to check on things, and Kanna is not at the daycare as of now. Someone has picked her up.”
“Why in the hell would someone do that? How did that even happen?!” Kagura asked. Up to that instant she had been holding on to the mad hope that all that had happened had been some kind of joke, or a part of one of Sesshoumaru’s elaborate surprises, but seeing the look of worry displayed in the dog demon’s eyes, she knew firsthand that something had indeed happened to their daughter.
“It is something this Sesshoumaru intends to find out.” He let out the wheels in his head already turning actively. After so many trials and tribulation Sesshoumaru had finally managed to get his precious family back together, and he was not willing to let anyone destroy that.
Just as the words left Sesshoumaru’s mouth, Kagura’s phone started ringing. She made a sound of exasperation in the back of her throat, but still decided to answer. After all she did not know who was calling, and hoped it might be the day care owner letting her know that whoever had picked up Kanna had returned her. She trusted her Sesshoumaru completely, but said trust did not extend to his faithful retainer. Kagura had never liked Jaken, and would not put it past him to mess a task as simple as checking Kanna’s whereabouts at the daycare.
The wind sorceress quickly placed the phone against her ear. Her eager greeting was only met with conspicuous silence. Just as she was about to end the call after letting out a string of expletives, an all too familiar chuckle resonated on the other end of the line. Kagura’s face rapidly turned pasty white and suddenly deep down inside of her she knew exactly what had happened.
“Naraku.” She hissed vehemently.
“Hello my dear ungrateful daughter.”
To be continued…
A/N: Dun dun dun. I am sure most of you have figured out what happened. We’ll just have to see what the aftermath will be. The next chapter is going to be named… Actually I’d rather not tell you yet. Let’s just say it will be intense :P
‘Til next time dear readers!
~Saphira.
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