InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ Special delivery ❯ Betrayal ( Chapter 80 )
[ Y - Young Adult: Not suitable for readers under 16 ]
By: saphira404 
Anime/Manga: InuYasha Fan Fiction | Genre(s): Romance / Hentai / Drama / Comedy | Type: Alternate Universe | Uploaded On: 06.22.2011 | Pages: 5 | Words: 8.6K | Visits: 234 | Status: Work In Progress
Anime/Manga: InuYasha Fan Fiction | Genre(s): Romance / Hentai / Drama / Comedy | Type: Alternate Universe | Uploaded On: 06.22.2011 | Pages: 5 | Words: 8.6K | Visits: 234 | Status: Work In Progress
Chapter 80: Betrayal
A/N: Woot! Woot! 80 chapters, what a milestone! Also I am so happy to say that my story was nominated by readers of the Feudal Association. Such an honor, that really pleased little old me. Now onto our chapter.
Still no reviews, so I’m guessing you guys may be getting bored by the lack of action. Not to worry, this chapter will be the last one before things accelerate. In fact there will be quite a major surprise in this one. Hopefully you guys won’t be too mad at me lol.
Thank you so much to you guys for the review.
Disclaimer: If I owned Inuyasha, Sesshy and Kagura would be happily mated and working on silver haired baby number three by now…
“Talking”
‘Thinking’
Reluctantly Mayumi picked up her cell phone, and decided to check if Naraku was the one calling. She was surprised to see that she did not know the number displayed on the screen of her phone. She decided to answer and was shocked to hear her mother’s voice.
“Mayumi.” The older demoness said in a shaky voice.
“Mom? Why are you calling?... I told you I was working.” The younger demoness said, nervously twirling a long strand of her pale colored hair around her finger. The last thing she wanted was to have her mother find out about her involvement with Naraku; she would be too ashamed.
“Mayumi honey… I don’t know what they’re talking about… they told me that you did something so awful… I just can’t believe it! I told them you weren’t like that… but they won’t believe me.”
“Who’s they mom?” Mayumi asked, a sinking feeling in her chest.
“I don’t know… listen. They have a gun… and they say that you have a child with you. Oh honey what have you done?” The older demoness broke into uncontrollable sobs again.
“Mom I can explain…” Mayumi started as she felt a prickling sensation spread through her face, and tears pool into her eyes.
“Hush honey. I am sure that anything you did, you did it because of me.” As much as it broke her heart, the older woman was sure that it was so.
“Oh mom. I did something so horrible; you will never be able to forgive me.” Mayumi choked out in a sob.
However her mother never had the chance to respond. Mayumi heard a shuffling sound, and the shaky voice of the older demoness was replaced by the one of a young man.
“Dear Mayumi, you have taken something, or rather someone really important to me, and I want to get her back.”
“I will do whatever you want, but please do not hurt my mom.” She sobbed. All she had ever done for Naraku had been to ensure her mother would be provided for and unharmed.
“Sounds like we’ll get along just fine then.” The man grinned cruelly. “Now let’s get to the bottom of things. Where exactly are you?”
“I… we are in an office owned by Naraku… but he also uses it as a bedroom… I mean there’s a bed and a bathroom…” The young demoness stammered. She wanted to please the mysterious men who were threatening her mother, deciding to ignore the threat Naraku would represent to her if he was to find out that she was betraying him.
“Where is it?” Jakotsu asked impatient. He did not care much if Naraku was hiding away in a closet or in a luxurious hotel suite, all he wanted to know was where the spider was hiding away.
“Well we’re on the outskirts of town… but Naraku said we will be moving soon.” Then anticipating the irritated man’s next question, she added. “I do not know yet where we will be relocating.”
“But you will be sure to let me know, yes?”
“Yes of course… I told you I will do whatever you want me to as long as you do not hurt my mom.” She then paused wondering if she should go forward with the request she wanted to make. Her concern for her mother forced her to follow her heart. She took a deep breath and licked her lower lips, wishing that she would have enough strength to get through the difficult situation she and her mother had suddenly found themselves in. “I want to talk to her.”
“And what makes you think you are in any position to make demands?” Jakotsu chuckled, he was slightly startled when his lover tugged on his hair calling for him to avert his attention from his phone conversation to Bankotsu.
“Unlike you, I don’t get off on pointing guns at old women, so if you could speed things up…” The longer haired young human flicked his ponytail over his shoulder as he slightly lowered the shiny gun he was still holding in the general direction of Mayumi’s mother. The older woman was still sobbing, fat tears escaping her eyes. However because Jakotsu had earlier barked at her to keep quiet, she was firmly holding her two whitened hands clasped over her mouth.
“Yeah yeah.” Jakotsu scoffed even if he did as told. “So do we have an agreement?” This time he addressed himself again to Mayumi over the phone.
“Please let me talk to my mom, I just want to make sure she is okay.” She could only hope that the man on the other end of the line would give into her plea.
“Hum well I do love to hear people beg… maybe I will give into your request.. although you should know that your dear old mom might not be in any shape to talk to you.” His words caused Mayumi to let out a fearful whimper.
“I am begging you. I just want to make sure she is okay. If you let me talk to her, I swear I will do whatever I can to help you get Kanna back.” Mayumi said licking her lips once more to calm her nerves.
“I hope for your mother’s sake that you are telling the truth.” Jakotsu said before extending the cell phone to his lover. “Here hand over the phone to her mother.”
“I never thought I’d see you soften up that much; seems to me like Kanna has done a number on you.” Bankotsu grinned. He took the small device then not letting go of the gun crouched next to the older woman, who had crumbled to the ground earlier in pure shock. He placed the phone against the face of the shivering woman only giving her the words “Your daughter” as an explanation.
“Mayumi honey…” She started tentatively.
“Oh mom, are you hurt?” Her daughter sighed, truly relieved.
“No. I’m alright. Just do…” The older woman had barely started speaking that Jakotsu plucked the phone away from her.
“Enough with the touching reunion!” Jakotsu turned his attention back to Mayumi. “I fulfilled my end of the bargain, now it is your time to do yours.”
Before Mayumi had a chance to vow her help to the men threatening her mother, she heard voices coming from the corridor leading to the room where Naraku had left her and Kanna alone to share a meal.
“Naraku is coming! I will call you back the second he leaves again to let you know where we will relocate. He always leaves us alone after he moves us.”
“How can I be assured that this isn’t a trick?”
“You will have to trust me just as I have to trust you with my mother’s life. However unlike you I’m not holding a gun to Kanna’s head, she’s doing fine.” Mayumi pointed out. She could not help but steal a glance towards the main door leading to the corridor. The last she would want would be to have Naraku come upon her revealing his plans to one of his enemies.
“I really have to hang up now. I promise to call you, but please leave my mother unharmed. In exchange I will make sure that you will have Kanna back.”
“We have an agreement.” Jakotsu agreed. He then altered his tone of voice, wanting Mayumi to really understand that he was not someone to play with. “However if I do not hear from you by midnight, your mother will suffer. I will not kill her, but I cannot guarantee that when you two are reunited she will be… complete.” He left his threat pending, letting the young woman fill in whatever horror her mind could conjure. Jakotsu knew from past experiences that this was a most effective technique.
He heard her gasp in a mix of shock and fear, but when Mayumi opened her mouth to speak, it was on an unwavering voice. “I will do as you ask.”
Jakotsu cut off the connection then as he placed his cell phone back in his pocket muttered to himself. “Hum I actually like that girl, she does have a backbone.”
“You? Liking another woman? And I thought Kagura was just the one exception, should I be worried?” Bankotsu grinned.
“Do not be ridiculous. As long as you stay fit and handsome, you have nothing to worry about.” Jakotsu beamed back at him, his answer causing his boyfriend to frown.
“You mean you’re only with me for my looks?”
“Ugh Bankotsu! Please let’s not explore this subject in front of an audience.” The taller of the two pointed towards Mayumi’s mother who was now looking at them with wide terrified eyes. “Now what are we going to do with her?” He gently tapped two fingers against his soft lips as he thought about a solution to their problem.
“Why don’t we bring her over to the center? It’s pretty isolated, and no one could ever imagine we have an old lady tied up in the basement.” Jakotsu smiled at his boyfriend’s suggestion.
“Brilliant idea! There you go honey, I knew there had to have been a reason other than your body and great hair I fell in love with you.” Jakotsu walked towards the woman, really regretting his lack of foresight. ‘I really should have thought about bringing ropes. What an oversight.’ He lamented. “I am sorry we have nothing to tie you with, guess we’ll just have to do without.”
Jakotsu tugged her arm upwards, forcing the older woman to come to a standing position. Bankotsu then communicated to her a few rules.
“We’re going for a ride. As long as you stay nice and quiet, we won’t have an issue, if you don’t then… I can’t guarantee your safety.” In order to emphasize his point, he removed the safety on his gun and pointed it to her head.
“I will do whatever you want.” She echoed her daughter’s earlier words as she allowed the two young humans to tug her towards the front door of her apartment. The idea of using her demonic powers did not even occur to her. Ever since she had gotten sick, she had seen her youki dwindling, and was not sure she would be able to put together a strong enough demonic wave to get rid of both of the two strong human males. Ruling out the possibility of escape the old woman simply swore to herself to do whatever they asked as she could see it would be the only way to ensure her daughter’s safety.
‘Oh Mayumi, I don’t know what you did, but please stay safe.’ The older demoness prayed silently.
Hakudoushi Fujibayashi knew he was acting selfishly towards his newly found sister. As much as he wanted to get to know his half sibling, and be a loving and supportive younger brother, with a tendency to be snarky, as he usually was with Byakuya, he felt blocked. He hated the fact that he had only been told about Kagura’s existence less than a day ago while Byakuya had been told of the situation early on. His brother had even been able to meet the wind sorceress.
As much as he tried to refrain himself, Hakudoushi also hated the fact that his mother had changed his game room into a bedroom for Kagura.
‘What if I decided to move back home…’ He pouted. Despite the fact that his mother had put his pool table, wide screen television and all of his video games in one of the smaller guestrooms downstairs, he still hated the fact that he had been ousted from his lair.
Sakura had urged him to spend some time with Kagura, but unlike Byakuya, he had failed to do so. He had taken refuge in his new game room, preferring the comfort of his video games over his unknown sister.
“Say lil’ brother when will you quit sulking like a baby?” Hakudoushi groaned when his brother dared trespass in his private playing space.
“I didn’t invite you in.” The younger sibling spat as he paused his video game, and turned around to face his brother. Byakuya was leaning against the pool table while rolling a small red ball in his hand. His usual cocky grin was on his red lips.
“Is that anyway to thank your dear big brother? I did drive all the way to your campus to pick you up. Besides now that you’re living in the dorms, this isn’t your house anymore. You’re a guest here, just like me… and just like Kagura.” Byakuya’s perceptive crimson eyes did not miss the fact that his brother frowned when he mentioned the name of their half-sister.
“What the hell are you talking about? This will always be my home.”
“Ah and we get to the bottom of the issue.” Byakuya threw the ball back on the table then moved towards his scowling younger brother. He sat next to him on the leather couch then resumed speaking. “You know shorty…”
“Don’t call me that you jerk.” Hakudoushi cut him. Ever since they had been children, the much taller Byakuya had made fun of his younger sibling because of his diminutive height.
“Just kidding, sorry, sorry.” The dark haired demon chuckled; he just loved getting under his brother’s skin. “Just because we have a new sister our parents aren’t gonna love us any less.”
“Please spare me your psychological bullshit. I’m not one of your stupid clients to who you’re trying to sell a damn house.” Hakudoushi averted his lavender eyes from his brother to his wide TV. He turned it on, and picked up the control stick he had discarded earlier.
“At the time Kagura was conceived, mother was a prostitute and a drug addict.” Byakuya’s sudden admission caused Hakudoushi to not only pause his game, but also turn off his television. “Dad rescued her from her past life, and they fell in love. Unfortunately Naraku took Kagura away, and mom was only recently able to get her back.”
“You’re lying…” Even as he spoke the words, the young college student knew his brother was telling the truth.
“The man who took Kanna away is named Naraku, he is the one who got mom into the business in the first place. He raised Kagura then forced her to prostitute herself as well. She was rescued by her fiancé.”
“That bastard of Naraku! Where is he? We need to destroy him, and get our niece back.” Suddenly feeling the fire of resolve burning through him, the youth jumped to his feet. “Who knows what that asshole might do to Kanna?”
“Hold it! Shut your potty mouth for one sec’, and listen to what I have to say. Besides none of us have any idea where that damned spider is hiding.” Byakuya tugged him back down on the couch, and despite his reluctance, Hakudoushi did as told. “Naraku is a dangerous bastard, and everything is done to track him down.”
“So we’re just supposed to stay home while he can harm her?
“Why are you so protective of Kanna? Did mom show you a picture of her, and you realized she’s as pale and translucent as you are?” As soon as the words left the older demon’s lips, his brother sent him a punch. Ever since they had been kids, they had engaged in mock fights, so Byakuya easily stopped the incoming onslaught.
As they wrestled on the couch, they heard the loud ring of the doorbell. At first they ignored it, but as the noise kept going on and on, they had no choice but to give up their little wrestling match.
“Why is there never anyone to answer the door? I have told mother and father so many times that they should invest in a butler.”
“Oh Haku stop being a little whiner; being a snob is bad enough. Mom and dad are out, and I doubt our guests will want to get the door, so we should go get it.” Byakuya stood up, and put his clothes to right before walking towards the front door, his younger brother trailing behind him.
The two brothers reached the door quickly, and once opening it were surprised by the sight that greeted them. Two young human men were standing on their front step.
“Hello hello.” The eager male voice of one of the two newcomers started, then upon seeing Byakuya, he added “Now what a pleasant surprise!”
“Oh you’re that guy from the center, Kagura’s boss.” Byakuya recognized the pretty man smiling broadly at him.
Bankotsu, not liking one bit the way his dear Jakotsu was looking at Kagura’s brother, decided to intervene. “We have some important information, and need to speak to Kagura immediately.”
“How the hell do you know she is here?” Hakudoushi, ever suspicious of strangers, barked.
“I know the address of this place because Kagura once asked me to drop off Kanna for one of her sessions with Sakura when one of her classes ran late. Since she wasn’t at Sesshoumaru’s penthouse, we figured she might be here. What did you think we put a GPS tracker on her clothes or something?” Jakotsu chuckled. “Now kiddo, as cute as you are, I didn’t come here to look at you. I need to see Kagura right now.”
“You have the audacity to barge into our home, and ask to see my sister? What do you want from her?” The youngest of the four asked a scowl on his pale face. Even though Bankotsu was shorter than his companion, Hakudoushi was still more than a foot full shorter than him, which annoyed the pale skinned demon. “Anyways what makes you think we will let you see our sister, you didn’t not even introduce yourself, which is a serious lack of manners.”
“We know where Kanna is.”
That simple sentence uttered in a groan by Bankotsu was enough to do something amazing: shut Hakudoushi Fujibayashi’s mouth.
“Where?” Sesshoumaru asked the two young humans looking out of place while seating on one of the plush seats in the large formal living room of the massive Fujibayashi mansion. He had never liked any of Kagura’s employers, and the fact that they had been the ones to locate his daughter, something he had been unable to do, annoyed him more than anything. As much as he knew he should be glad to know that soon his child would be in her mother’s arms, he could not help but be jealous.
“Aw aren’t you even burning with curiosity wanting to find out how we managed to get the info?” Jakotsu asked coyly. His question caused Sesshoumaru to send him a sharp glare.
“Jakotsu I would advise you not to test their patience.” The young human’s boyfriend reprimanded him. Bankotsu was not afraid of Sesshoumaru, who was standing across from them, hoping to intimidate the two humans by hovering over them, but decided that if he could prevent a fight from happening he would. The fact that Kagura was visibly upset also impacted his decision to be a peace keeper.
“Jakotsu if you have any idea where my baby is, you would do well to tell me now, or I can assure you that Sesshoumaru won’t be the one you should be afraid of.” Kagura leveled her friend and employer with a hard chilly glare of her own.
After her brothers had admitted Bankotsu and Jakotsu in the house, everyone had quickly gathered in the living room. With one phone call, Inuyasha was able to do what Kagura had failed to do all day: get Sesshoumaru home. The dog demon had rushed back to the Fujibayashi mansion the second he had been apprised of the situation. Soon enough Kouga, Sango and Miroku, and to Kagura’s surprise Touran, had come back as well to hear what Kagura’s employers had to say. The other occupants of the luxurious large living room were Morio, Inuyasha and his fiancée Kagome. The only person missing was Sakura, who had volunteered to look after Rin while the ‘grown-ups’ had a talk.
“We’ll talk. The only thing that we want is to be a part of the rescue operation. You know how much Kanna means to us, and it would really please us to help you get her back.” The wind sorceress’s friend informed her.
“Deal, now Jakotsu you better talk.” Instead of Kagura, or even Sesshoumaru it was Kouga who spoke. The wolf demon had had a crappy day trampling around the seediest parts of town following the list of places and people to check out Sesshoumaru had given him. He could not help but wonder where exactly his friend had gotten the names, which was an information the dog demon had refused to volunteer.
“We are in contact with Naraku’s accomplice, the young woman who has taken Kanna away from the day care. Her name is Mayumi, and she will call us later on to let us know where they will be spending the night.” Jakotsu responded a sheepish expression on his face.
“I thought you knew where Kanna was?” Inuyasha frowned. If Jakotsu and Bankotsu got his brother and future sister in-law’s hopes up for nothing, he would make sure to make them pay.
“Naraku has them change places every few hours. She told us they would be spending the night in a particular spot though.” Bankotsu supplied. “You have no need to worry, Mayumi will come through… let’s just say we have not really left her with any other choice.”
The cruel smile dancing on his lips caused a shiver of unease to run down Kagome’s spine. She did not know the young human, but something told her that he was not only to be messed with.
“Did she tell you if Kanna is unharmed?” Kagura asked. She still remembered the state of the bedroom they had found in the Kurobara, and how worried she was for her daughter’s safety.
“Yes she’s fine. You’ll get her back soon enough.” Jakotsu tried reassuring his friend.
“When is this Mayumi expected to call you?” Sesshoumaru asked. As much as he was annoyed with the two young humans, there was nothing he wanted more than getting his daughter back. He therefore decided to push back his annoyance with them in favor of retrieving his child.
“Soon I guess. She said she would call the second Naraku would leave them as he usually does after bringing them to a new place.” Bankotsu shrugged. He made himself more comfortable in the plush couch, and placed an arm around his boyfriend’s shoulders as he decided to ignore the glares everyone in the room was sending in their direction.
“So while we wait for that phone call, I propose we all get better acquainted.” Jakotsu exclaimed gleefully. Before even Bankotsu had a chance to stop him, the young human sauntered over to the couch Kagome and her fiancé were sharing. He leaned towards the hanyou, and quickly took hold of one of his furry ears.
“These are so adorable!” Jakotsu cooed as he rubbed the furry silver appendage.
Inuyasha may have been too stunned to realize, but Kagome was not. She was not about to let anyone other than her enjoy any bodily part of her husband to be without her protesting. The fact that her pregnancy hormones had been making her more belligerent than ever of course affected her decision.
“Back off.” She slapped Jakotsu’s hand away, a scowl present on her face.
“Tst tst fiery! Just my kind of woman.” The human grinned towards the young pregnant woman. This time it was Inuyasha’s turn to growl. It was bad enough that he had had to suffer Kouga’s presence lately, but some unknown human daring talk about his Kagome was more than he could bear.
“Leave them alone Jak. Damn I can’t take you anywhere anymore!” Hearing Bankotsu’s reprimand, his boyfriend did as told, and sat back on the couch he had just vacated.
“You never let me have any fun anymore.” Jakotsu pouted even if he did allow his lover to envelop his shoulders with his arm. Unlike Jakotsu who earlier had perform the same action as a public display of affection, Bankotsu was doing it to make sure his boyfriend would stay in place, even if he had to physically restrain him.
“Please spare us the couple’s therapy…” Hakudoushi snorted. His comment caused his brother to chuckle slightly.
“Hakudoushi! Remember your manners; they are guests in our house.” His father, Morio scolded him even as he sent a chilly glare towards his oldest son. Byakuya responded by shrugging his shoulders.
Sesshoumaru gently massaged his temple with two slender fingers, wishing his migraine away. He was quickly getting annoyed with the occupants of the room, and even if he hated the idea of it, could use some sleep. He had not gotten any rest ever since Kanna had been kidnapped, and if they were to go through another rescue mission that evening, he sure could use some sleep. The last thing he wanted was not to operate at his highest potential; retrieving his daughter was the most important thing to him at the moment, and something told him that they would not be getting many more opportunities to rescue her. The fact that Naraku had not requested for a ransom led the dog demon to believe that the spider hanyou might be planning to do with Kanna the same thing he had done with Kagura: take her away and raise her while dangling morsels of information about her in front of her parents in exchange of money.
‘However if that wretched spider was to do that, I would never give up until I secured Kanna.’ Sesshoumaru thought to himself, inwardly shaking with rage. He looked away from his clenched fists to look at his fiancée. As she had done so ever since he had come back to the Fujibayashi mansion, Kagura was silently looking at him. The second he had stepped inside the house, he had felt her crimson gaze on him, but to his shock she had not even tried to talk to him.
‘This is just as well. I do not wish to talk to her.’ He thought to himself. He could still see how much pain and worry were gnawing at Kagura, and did not want to have to deal with her feelings. ‘All I have to do is get Kanna back, and make sure Kagura comes to no harm; it will be the only way to atone for my shortcomings.’
He gently patted his pocket where what he had picked up earlier from Suikotsu’s office was located. He had planned to use it in case he would need to neutralize Kagura. After all, the last thing he wanted was to have to divert his attention from the search for Kanna to her young mother. In fact when they had barged into the Kurobara, the inu youkai knew that he had only been able to give his full attention to his quest only after Kagura had left the premises.
‘Such a thing will not be permitted to happen tonight.’ He thought to himself as he looked away from Kagura’s deep crimson eyes, which appeared to be silently asking him for something.
He could not stand to have her looking at him like that. The dog demon was about to excuse himself from everyone in order to take a short respite, but before he could do so, the sound of a ringtone resonated throughout the room.
He noticed that instead of looking at Jakotsu’s hand where the young human was brandishing a ringing cell phone, Kagura was still looking at him, hope and fear in her eyes. He refused to respond to her gaze, and decided to address Jakotsu.
“Answer the phone.”
As soon as Naraku left her and Kanna in their new location, Mayumi picked up her phone. She was usually more cautions, and knew she should be more careful, and wait a little bit before calling the men who were threatening her mother, but decided not to. Nothing was more important to her than keeping her mother safe.
Usually when Naraku drove them to a new location as he did every few hours, Mayumi blanked out during the car ride; however, this time around she paid great attention to the route they had taken as the last thing she wanted to not be able to let Bankotsu and Jakotsu know where Naraku had taken them.
Mayumi carefully dialed the number of the two men who had threatened her mother, and waited for them to answer.
“Hello Mayumi. You better have some good information for me.” Jakotsu said in a sing-song voice, which caused a shiver of fright to go down the young woman’s spine.
“What have you done to my mother? I tried calling her, but she isn’t answering her phone.”
“Give me the info I asked, and I can assure you your mother will be just fine.” Of course Jakotsu was not about to tell Mayumi that her mother was safely tied down in the basement of their young mother center. She would remain unharmed as long as her daughter did as told.
“Okay…” She took a deep breath, and gathered her strength before speaking. “Naraku has an… acquaintance who owns a shipping company named Magokoro…”
“Sincerity? Pfft! How fitting.” Jakotsu scoffed, interrupting her.
“Yes… well we will be spending the night in one of his warehouses near the train station. I saw the number 33 printed on the side of the one we walked into.”
“Is that the number of the warehouse?” Jakotsu asked for clarification purposes. The young human knew exactly where the warehouses were located as before he, Bankotsu and the other members of the Shichinintai had retired from their life of crime, the warehouses in that part of town were one of the places they would use to regroup their various merchandises before shipping them.
“Yes I believe so… I have done as you ask, so please let my mother go. She is old and sick and needs to take her medicine.” She was sure that the two men had taken her as the older demoness had not answered to her daughter’s many phone calls.
“Don’t worry, we’ll respect our end of the bargain. Your dear old mom will be just fine. Besides we’ll get to meet really soon. Remember Mayumi-chan, not a word of this to the old spider.” With these last words of caution, Jakotsu hung up the phone. Even though he had spoken on a light voice, she could not mistake his parting words for anything other than a threat.
Mayumi had barely put her cell phone inside her pocket that to her surprise the rusty gate of the warehouse was slid opened. None other than Naraku walked towards them, and unpleased expression on his face.
“What are you doing looking at me like that? Were you having silly notions about running away?” Naraku smiled cruelly as his eyes rested on his ‘employee’. The young woman lowered her gaze in a respectful way.
“Oh you wish not to answer?” Naraku grinned as he walked past this shivering young woman. She was so grateful that he had not caught her while she was on the phone, but something told her that she was not safe just yet. As if hearing her thoughts, Naraku walked over to the lumpy couch where Kanna was seated, her deep dark gaze staring out towards the darkening sky.
“Kanna-chan I am sure you will be honest with Grandpa. Did that stupid woman do something I would not like?” He asked on a syrupy sweet voice. He leaned towards her small frame. His cold hand rose to gently smooth Kanna’s white hair back. The young child did her best not to flinch; it would not do to let the evil half demon know how much she hated his touch.
Mayumi’s face suddenly went white. While she had informed Jakotsu of their location, she had not for one minute thought that Kanna may betray her plan. She silently hoped that the little girl would not breathe a word to Naraku as the consequences would be disastrous.
“No.” The child just answered, not even bothering to look at her ‘grandfather’. She was not entirely sure who Mayumi had been talking on the phone with for the second time that day, but Kanna would rather side with the young demoness than with Naraku. Even if she was working with Naraku, and had taken her away from the day care, something told Kanna that Mayumi could be trusted… at least more than the spider hanyou could.
“Good. It seems that yesterday’s beating was useful after all.” Naraku grinned evilly, blood red orbs glancing at a faint bruise still adorning Mayumi’s cheek. “As I used to tell my daughter all the time, nothing is better than a little bit of discipline.” The hanyou placed the plastic bag he had been carrying on a large wooden crate placed in front of the old beaten couch as a makeshift coffee table. He then sat next to Kanna, who still refused to pay him any attention.
It was only when he fished inside the bag to retrieve a sandwich for himself that Mayumi allowed herself to take a relieved deep breath. She did jump when he turned his attention away from his dinner and towards her.
“If you do not eat and gather your strength do not expect me to carry you tomorrow during our little trip.” He then grinned before adding. “You know me well enough to know that I would rather leave you behind than be slowed down by you.”
“I am sorry Master. I will do as you wish.” The young demoness wasted no time picking up a sandwich for Kanna. She was relieved to see that the child took the food and started nibbling on it. Mayumi could not help but wonder if Kanna’s sudden cooperative mood was due to the tensions clear in the room. The young woman then fed herself as well. She only wished that the hanyou would not notice her shaking hand, and that if he did he would think it was due to his presence, and would not suspect her betrayal.
‘I hope these men will keep their promise of keeping mom safe… and if they can also save that poor little girl as well… it wouldn’t be too bad.’ Mayumi thought to herself as her eyes rested on the little girl. Just as she did Kanna looked up at her with her deep dark eyes. ‘Yeah I do hope they can bring that poor child back to her mother.’
“I know what you’re going to say, and it’s no use. Whether you like it or not, I am coming.” Kagura stated as she walked inside the library, which she thought to herself was quickly becoming the only room in which they were interacting. The second their meeting had been over, her fiancé had gone there in order to think. It was the first time the wind sorceress had talked to him that day as he had done his best to ignore her, but she was not about to let herself be intimidated or deviated from her goal.
“You do not know this Sesshoumaru as well as you would believe.” He retorted dryly. “I am aware that you are worried for our daughter.” He said, not even reacting to the anger present in her voice. He was calm, a little too calm even in her opinion. She felt that she should be suspicious, but decided against it; unlike the man who had raised her, Sesshoumaru was a man of integrity, and not a sly coward who would assure her of one thing, and do another as Naraku tended to.
“So you’re not going to forbid me to come?” Kagura asked truly surprised; she had expected to have to plead her case; especially after the debacle of the Kurobara. “Not that I would have listened to you.” She quickly added.
“I am aware of that.” A brief enigmatic smile graced his lips. “Here, let’s have a celebratory drink before leaving.” He said even as he handed her a snifter filled with brandy. She saw that he held another one for him.
‘Never imagined I would see the day that arrogant man would readily let me do as I please.’ She smiled to herself before speaking aloud. “Are you sure drinking would be wise?”
“I do not know about you wind witch, but I could use a drink to settle my nerves.” Once he finished speaking, he gulped down the burning alcohol quickly.
Pacified and impressed that he had actually readily admitted his shortcomings and anxiety, which was unusual, she did as told. With a shrug, Kagura took the offered glass from his hand, and mirroring his action drained the snifter as well in one gulp. She instantaneously felt a warmth course through her, which she had to admit was not all that unpleasant.
“So we need to work the logistics. That wolf friend of yours was just bossing everyone around the second you left the room.” Kagura informed her fiancé as she rolled her eyes in annoyance. She did not know why, but there was just something about Kouga she could not stand. Just as she finished speaking, she suddenly felt a surprising pressure appear in her head, she decided to ignore it, and did her best to focus on Sesshoumaru.
“Kouga knows what he is doing.” Sesshoumaru retorted as he closed the bottle he had served them from then placed his snifter on a nearby table. He then quickly turned around, looking intently at his fiancée. Kagura was about to retort something snarky, but could not find the words. Her mouth felt dry, her tongue tied, and the pressure in her head had now changed into an uncanny numbness.
“Sessshhh something doesn’t feel right.” She slurred her words even as her body suddenly felt heavy. She tried walking towards her lover, but found her legs to be wobbly, and the room to spin around her. Her visions deemed, and the comforting presence of her Sesshoumaru was suddenly looking blurry.
“The sleeping drug has acted faster than I had anticipated.” He lightly commented as he took her glass from her hand, and placed it next to his on the side table even as he used his other arm to help support her. He could only hope that he had calculated the dosage right. Ever since Suikotsu prepared the potent drug for him, he had never used it. After all he was too proud to rely on drugs in order to find sleep. He would rather spend the night driving around, or better yet working. The fact that he was exhausted the next day was just an unfortunate thing. It was therefore a very surprised Suikotsu who welcomed him at the clinic when the dog demon had demanded to be given the blend of sleeping herbs.
Despite the fact that he had never tried the herbs mix, he knew that it was strong. After all in order to knock a demon as strong as he was, a descendant of famous taiyoukai, would require a potent drug. As he saw his lover struggle to stay awake, straining against the effects of the drug, Sesshoumaru was amazed that only a few sprinkles of dried herbs in a glass of alcohol had been able to take down the strong demoness in such a little amount of time.
“Sleeping…” She echoed finding her eyelids closing without her command. “You drugged me you basssstard.”
Without paying her any attention, Sesshoumaru scooped his fiancée in his arms, and gently laid her on the couch; the same one they had embraced on the night before. She blinked up to look at him with fuzzy eyes, but could not conjure up the words to say what she had wanted to say. Nor to her disappointment could she summon the strength to punch him as she truly wanted.
“Do not fight it, let sleep take over you. When you next wake, I will be home, and Kanna will be aback by your side.” He leaned to press a tender kiss on her lips.
The dog demon was surprised when he heard Sakura speak behind him. “She will be mad.”
“She will get over it.” He responded as he turned to face his would be mother in law. “Where is Rin?” He inquired about his older daughter.
“She is having dinner in the kitchen downstairs. That toad of yours is keeping her company.” The void demoness walked towards the couch where her daughter lay slumbering. Her breathing had already evened out, proving that she was already deeply asleep.
Sesshoumaru briefly wondered if he should let Sakura know that Jaken was actually an imp, but decided against it; he had more important things to do than defend his retainer’s honor.
“What did you give her?” Sakura asked as she tenderly brushed some of Kagura’s bangs out of her closed eyes. She was aware that Sesshoumaru loved her daughter too much to cause her any harm, but was still a little worried at how quickly Kagura had fallen asleep.
“I sprinkled some sleeping herbs in her drink. You have no need to worry. My doctor assured me it would do the job without causing any pain or undesirable side effects.” He replied even as he turned around not wanting to face his beloved.
“If she wakes before I have returned, tell her I will be back soon enough.” Without leaving Sakura with any polite parting words, he headed for the door. His steps briefly faltered as the same feeling of foreboding which had manifested itself in him several times in the past few weeks came back even stronger than before.
‘Since when is this Sesshoumaru superstitious?’ He asked himself, utterly disgusted by his own behavior. He then walked away from the library to regroup with the rescue party.
Little did he know that his plan would fail, and that he should have paid his instincts a little more attention as he would not be coming back to his beloved wind sorceress that evening.
Naraku looked down at the many shiny objects he was rolling in between his fingers. He had run around town for the better part of the day searching for this.
‘Now all I have to do is let that stupid dog come to me.’ He thought to himself. The spider hanyou was not stupid; he knew that Sesshoumaru would be coming after him, and soon. After all many of his friends had let him know that a bunch of people had paid them a visit, asking about his whereabouts. Naraku was just glad that he had not trusted anyone enough to let them know where he was hiding. He had called in favors from different ‘friends’ ensuring that he had several possible hiding places. This allowed him to move around without having to fear getting caught. After all none of his ‘so called friends’ knew exactly where he was at the moment, and he paid attention to move every few hours.
‘Even if Kagura’s dog was to find me, with this I will be just fine.’ He grinned as he brought the small bullet closer to his eyes. Acquiring it had caused him quite a bit of money, and had required for him to coerce a monk, but he knew it was all worth it. After all how else was he to obtain an enchanted bullet strong enough to cause permanent damage to a powerful demon?
Naraku took his handful of bullets, and loaded his gun with them. He may not have had the means to buy a lot of them, but he knew what he had would be more than enough to hurt Sesshoumaru badly.
Satisfied with his work, Naraku then headed towards the main room where he had left Mayumi and Kanna. He was glad that the warehouse where they were presently hiding allowed him some privacy. He was sure that his young female accomplice would not have appreciated seeing him with a gun. He was certain that Mayumi would jump out of her skin if she saw that he was armed. He had noticed the young demoness was acting suspiciously enough already. He was pretty sure that she wanted to do something to get herself out of his crutches, but feared retributions. He had been informed by one of his henchmen that two men had taken Mayumi’s mother away, and the hanyou was pretty sure that Mayumi had something to do with it.
‘Too bad the idiot did not even think about following them to find out where the men took the bitch’s mother.’ Even though this was an unforeseen event, Naraku decided not to think let it upset him. ‘After all I was planning on getting rid of both that useless Mayumi and her mother very soon. That useless bitch of Mayumi is not only of no use to me anymore, but does not posses any sexual appeal anymore…’
An evil smirk still dancing on his lips, the dark hanyou safely tucked his gun in the belt of his pants, and joined Kanna and Mayumi. The two females were looking tensed and pale, albeit for different reasons. The older feared Naraku would uncover her betrayal, and Kanna was afraid her parents would not come find her as she had hoped.
“Why are you guys looking so down? Why don’t you give me a little smile?” Mayumi wasted no time following his order, and forced herself to smile, which ended up looking more like a grimace than a smile, but was enough to appease Naraku. On the other hand, Kanna did not even bother; she knew Naraku well enough to know that whether she did as he wanted or not would probably not affect the probability of him hitting her. If he wanted to hurt her, she knew he would.
Deciding to ignore the two females, Naraku made his way over to the couch. He sat down heavily next to Kanna, and closed his eyes, trying to get some rest.
“Just stay quiet and let me sleep. Oh and Mayumi don’t you even think about trying to escape… I will know.” The spider hanyou opened one crimson eye and rested it on Mayumi who was standing against the wall furthest from the couch, hugging her arms to herself.
“I will not master Naraku.” She said even as she thought to herself. ‘I hope these two men will do as they promised.’
To be continued…
A/N: Mayumi betrayed Naraku and Kagura will probably rip out Sesshoumaru’s eyes if she got the opportunity. In the next one Sesshy finally gets his daughter back… but at what price? We shall see next time. The chapter will be named Bargaining.
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A/N: Woot! Woot! 80 chapters, what a milestone! Also I am so happy to say that my story was nominated by readers of the Feudal Association. Such an honor, that really pleased little old me. Now onto our chapter.
Still no reviews, so I’m guessing you guys may be getting bored by the lack of action. Not to worry, this chapter will be the last one before things accelerate. In fact there will be quite a major surprise in this one. Hopefully you guys won’t be too mad at me lol.
Thank you so much to you guys for the review.
Disclaimer: If I owned Inuyasha, Sesshy and Kagura would be happily mated and working on silver haired baby number three by now…
“Talking”
‘Thinking’
Reluctantly Mayumi picked up her cell phone, and decided to check if Naraku was the one calling. She was surprised to see that she did not know the number displayed on the screen of her phone. She decided to answer and was shocked to hear her mother’s voice.
“Mayumi.” The older demoness said in a shaky voice.
“Mom? Why are you calling?... I told you I was working.” The younger demoness said, nervously twirling a long strand of her pale colored hair around her finger. The last thing she wanted was to have her mother find out about her involvement with Naraku; she would be too ashamed.
“Mayumi honey… I don’t know what they’re talking about… they told me that you did something so awful… I just can’t believe it! I told them you weren’t like that… but they won’t believe me.”
“Who’s they mom?” Mayumi asked, a sinking feeling in her chest.
“I don’t know… listen. They have a gun… and they say that you have a child with you. Oh honey what have you done?” The older demoness broke into uncontrollable sobs again.
“Mom I can explain…” Mayumi started as she felt a prickling sensation spread through her face, and tears pool into her eyes.
“Hush honey. I am sure that anything you did, you did it because of me.” As much as it broke her heart, the older woman was sure that it was so.
“Oh mom. I did something so horrible; you will never be able to forgive me.” Mayumi choked out in a sob.
However her mother never had the chance to respond. Mayumi heard a shuffling sound, and the shaky voice of the older demoness was replaced by the one of a young man.
“Dear Mayumi, you have taken something, or rather someone really important to me, and I want to get her back.”
“I will do whatever you want, but please do not hurt my mom.” She sobbed. All she had ever done for Naraku had been to ensure her mother would be provided for and unharmed.
“Sounds like we’ll get along just fine then.” The man grinned cruelly. “Now let’s get to the bottom of things. Where exactly are you?”
“I… we are in an office owned by Naraku… but he also uses it as a bedroom… I mean there’s a bed and a bathroom…” The young demoness stammered. She wanted to please the mysterious men who were threatening her mother, deciding to ignore the threat Naraku would represent to her if he was to find out that she was betraying him.
“Where is it?” Jakotsu asked impatient. He did not care much if Naraku was hiding away in a closet or in a luxurious hotel suite, all he wanted to know was where the spider was hiding away.
“Well we’re on the outskirts of town… but Naraku said we will be moving soon.” Then anticipating the irritated man’s next question, she added. “I do not know yet where we will be relocating.”
“But you will be sure to let me know, yes?”
“Yes of course… I told you I will do whatever you want me to as long as you do not hurt my mom.” She then paused wondering if she should go forward with the request she wanted to make. Her concern for her mother forced her to follow her heart. She took a deep breath and licked her lower lips, wishing that she would have enough strength to get through the difficult situation she and her mother had suddenly found themselves in. “I want to talk to her.”
“And what makes you think you are in any position to make demands?” Jakotsu chuckled, he was slightly startled when his lover tugged on his hair calling for him to avert his attention from his phone conversation to Bankotsu.
“Unlike you, I don’t get off on pointing guns at old women, so if you could speed things up…” The longer haired young human flicked his ponytail over his shoulder as he slightly lowered the shiny gun he was still holding in the general direction of Mayumi’s mother. The older woman was still sobbing, fat tears escaping her eyes. However because Jakotsu had earlier barked at her to keep quiet, she was firmly holding her two whitened hands clasped over her mouth.
“Yeah yeah.” Jakotsu scoffed even if he did as told. “So do we have an agreement?” This time he addressed himself again to Mayumi over the phone.
“Please let me talk to my mom, I just want to make sure she is okay.” She could only hope that the man on the other end of the line would give into her plea.
“Hum well I do love to hear people beg… maybe I will give into your request.. although you should know that your dear old mom might not be in any shape to talk to you.” His words caused Mayumi to let out a fearful whimper.
“I am begging you. I just want to make sure she is okay. If you let me talk to her, I swear I will do whatever I can to help you get Kanna back.” Mayumi said licking her lips once more to calm her nerves.
“I hope for your mother’s sake that you are telling the truth.” Jakotsu said before extending the cell phone to his lover. “Here hand over the phone to her mother.”
“I never thought I’d see you soften up that much; seems to me like Kanna has done a number on you.” Bankotsu grinned. He took the small device then not letting go of the gun crouched next to the older woman, who had crumbled to the ground earlier in pure shock. He placed the phone against the face of the shivering woman only giving her the words “Your daughter” as an explanation.
“Mayumi honey…” She started tentatively.
“Oh mom, are you hurt?” Her daughter sighed, truly relieved.
“No. I’m alright. Just do…” The older woman had barely started speaking that Jakotsu plucked the phone away from her.
“Enough with the touching reunion!” Jakotsu turned his attention back to Mayumi. “I fulfilled my end of the bargain, now it is your time to do yours.”
Before Mayumi had a chance to vow her help to the men threatening her mother, she heard voices coming from the corridor leading to the room where Naraku had left her and Kanna alone to share a meal.
“Naraku is coming! I will call you back the second he leaves again to let you know where we will relocate. He always leaves us alone after he moves us.”
“How can I be assured that this isn’t a trick?”
“You will have to trust me just as I have to trust you with my mother’s life. However unlike you I’m not holding a gun to Kanna’s head, she’s doing fine.” Mayumi pointed out. She could not help but steal a glance towards the main door leading to the corridor. The last she would want would be to have Naraku come upon her revealing his plans to one of his enemies.
“I really have to hang up now. I promise to call you, but please leave my mother unharmed. In exchange I will make sure that you will have Kanna back.”
“We have an agreement.” Jakotsu agreed. He then altered his tone of voice, wanting Mayumi to really understand that he was not someone to play with. “However if I do not hear from you by midnight, your mother will suffer. I will not kill her, but I cannot guarantee that when you two are reunited she will be… complete.” He left his threat pending, letting the young woman fill in whatever horror her mind could conjure. Jakotsu knew from past experiences that this was a most effective technique.
He heard her gasp in a mix of shock and fear, but when Mayumi opened her mouth to speak, it was on an unwavering voice. “I will do as you ask.”
Jakotsu cut off the connection then as he placed his cell phone back in his pocket muttered to himself. “Hum I actually like that girl, she does have a backbone.”
“You? Liking another woman? And I thought Kagura was just the one exception, should I be worried?” Bankotsu grinned.
“Do not be ridiculous. As long as you stay fit and handsome, you have nothing to worry about.” Jakotsu beamed back at him, his answer causing his boyfriend to frown.
“You mean you’re only with me for my looks?”
“Ugh Bankotsu! Please let’s not explore this subject in front of an audience.” The taller of the two pointed towards Mayumi’s mother who was now looking at them with wide terrified eyes. “Now what are we going to do with her?” He gently tapped two fingers against his soft lips as he thought about a solution to their problem.
“Why don’t we bring her over to the center? It’s pretty isolated, and no one could ever imagine we have an old lady tied up in the basement.” Jakotsu smiled at his boyfriend’s suggestion.
“Brilliant idea! There you go honey, I knew there had to have been a reason other than your body and great hair I fell in love with you.” Jakotsu walked towards the woman, really regretting his lack of foresight. ‘I really should have thought about bringing ropes. What an oversight.’ He lamented. “I am sorry we have nothing to tie you with, guess we’ll just have to do without.”
Jakotsu tugged her arm upwards, forcing the older woman to come to a standing position. Bankotsu then communicated to her a few rules.
“We’re going for a ride. As long as you stay nice and quiet, we won’t have an issue, if you don’t then… I can’t guarantee your safety.” In order to emphasize his point, he removed the safety on his gun and pointed it to her head.
“I will do whatever you want.” She echoed her daughter’s earlier words as she allowed the two young humans to tug her towards the front door of her apartment. The idea of using her demonic powers did not even occur to her. Ever since she had gotten sick, she had seen her youki dwindling, and was not sure she would be able to put together a strong enough demonic wave to get rid of both of the two strong human males. Ruling out the possibility of escape the old woman simply swore to herself to do whatever they asked as she could see it would be the only way to ensure her daughter’s safety.
‘Oh Mayumi, I don’t know what you did, but please stay safe.’ The older demoness prayed silently.
Hakudoushi Fujibayashi knew he was acting selfishly towards his newly found sister. As much as he wanted to get to know his half sibling, and be a loving and supportive younger brother, with a tendency to be snarky, as he usually was with Byakuya, he felt blocked. He hated the fact that he had only been told about Kagura’s existence less than a day ago while Byakuya had been told of the situation early on. His brother had even been able to meet the wind sorceress.
As much as he tried to refrain himself, Hakudoushi also hated the fact that his mother had changed his game room into a bedroom for Kagura.
‘What if I decided to move back home…’ He pouted. Despite the fact that his mother had put his pool table, wide screen television and all of his video games in one of the smaller guestrooms downstairs, he still hated the fact that he had been ousted from his lair.
Sakura had urged him to spend some time with Kagura, but unlike Byakuya, he had failed to do so. He had taken refuge in his new game room, preferring the comfort of his video games over his unknown sister.
“Say lil’ brother when will you quit sulking like a baby?” Hakudoushi groaned when his brother dared trespass in his private playing space.
“I didn’t invite you in.” The younger sibling spat as he paused his video game, and turned around to face his brother. Byakuya was leaning against the pool table while rolling a small red ball in his hand. His usual cocky grin was on his red lips.
“Is that anyway to thank your dear big brother? I did drive all the way to your campus to pick you up. Besides now that you’re living in the dorms, this isn’t your house anymore. You’re a guest here, just like me… and just like Kagura.” Byakuya’s perceptive crimson eyes did not miss the fact that his brother frowned when he mentioned the name of their half-sister.
“What the hell are you talking about? This will always be my home.”
“Ah and we get to the bottom of the issue.” Byakuya threw the ball back on the table then moved towards his scowling younger brother. He sat next to him on the leather couch then resumed speaking. “You know shorty…”
“Don’t call me that you jerk.” Hakudoushi cut him. Ever since they had been children, the much taller Byakuya had made fun of his younger sibling because of his diminutive height.
“Just kidding, sorry, sorry.” The dark haired demon chuckled; he just loved getting under his brother’s skin. “Just because we have a new sister our parents aren’t gonna love us any less.”
“Please spare me your psychological bullshit. I’m not one of your stupid clients to who you’re trying to sell a damn house.” Hakudoushi averted his lavender eyes from his brother to his wide TV. He turned it on, and picked up the control stick he had discarded earlier.
“At the time Kagura was conceived, mother was a prostitute and a drug addict.” Byakuya’s sudden admission caused Hakudoushi to not only pause his game, but also turn off his television. “Dad rescued her from her past life, and they fell in love. Unfortunately Naraku took Kagura away, and mom was only recently able to get her back.”
“You’re lying…” Even as he spoke the words, the young college student knew his brother was telling the truth.
“The man who took Kanna away is named Naraku, he is the one who got mom into the business in the first place. He raised Kagura then forced her to prostitute herself as well. She was rescued by her fiancé.”
“That bastard of Naraku! Where is he? We need to destroy him, and get our niece back.” Suddenly feeling the fire of resolve burning through him, the youth jumped to his feet. “Who knows what that asshole might do to Kanna?”
“Hold it! Shut your potty mouth for one sec’, and listen to what I have to say. Besides none of us have any idea where that damned spider is hiding.” Byakuya tugged him back down on the couch, and despite his reluctance, Hakudoushi did as told. “Naraku is a dangerous bastard, and everything is done to track him down.”
“So we’re just supposed to stay home while he can harm her?
“Why are you so protective of Kanna? Did mom show you a picture of her, and you realized she’s as pale and translucent as you are?” As soon as the words left the older demon’s lips, his brother sent him a punch. Ever since they had been kids, they had engaged in mock fights, so Byakuya easily stopped the incoming onslaught.
As they wrestled on the couch, they heard the loud ring of the doorbell. At first they ignored it, but as the noise kept going on and on, they had no choice but to give up their little wrestling match.
“Why is there never anyone to answer the door? I have told mother and father so many times that they should invest in a butler.”
“Oh Haku stop being a little whiner; being a snob is bad enough. Mom and dad are out, and I doubt our guests will want to get the door, so we should go get it.” Byakuya stood up, and put his clothes to right before walking towards the front door, his younger brother trailing behind him.
The two brothers reached the door quickly, and once opening it were surprised by the sight that greeted them. Two young human men were standing on their front step.
“Hello hello.” The eager male voice of one of the two newcomers started, then upon seeing Byakuya, he added “Now what a pleasant surprise!”
“Oh you’re that guy from the center, Kagura’s boss.” Byakuya recognized the pretty man smiling broadly at him.
Bankotsu, not liking one bit the way his dear Jakotsu was looking at Kagura’s brother, decided to intervene. “We have some important information, and need to speak to Kagura immediately.”
“How the hell do you know she is here?” Hakudoushi, ever suspicious of strangers, barked.
“I know the address of this place because Kagura once asked me to drop off Kanna for one of her sessions with Sakura when one of her classes ran late. Since she wasn’t at Sesshoumaru’s penthouse, we figured she might be here. What did you think we put a GPS tracker on her clothes or something?” Jakotsu chuckled. “Now kiddo, as cute as you are, I didn’t come here to look at you. I need to see Kagura right now.”
“You have the audacity to barge into our home, and ask to see my sister? What do you want from her?” The youngest of the four asked a scowl on his pale face. Even though Bankotsu was shorter than his companion, Hakudoushi was still more than a foot full shorter than him, which annoyed the pale skinned demon. “Anyways what makes you think we will let you see our sister, you didn’t not even introduce yourself, which is a serious lack of manners.”
“We know where Kanna is.”
That simple sentence uttered in a groan by Bankotsu was enough to do something amazing: shut Hakudoushi Fujibayashi’s mouth.
“Where?” Sesshoumaru asked the two young humans looking out of place while seating on one of the plush seats in the large formal living room of the massive Fujibayashi mansion. He had never liked any of Kagura’s employers, and the fact that they had been the ones to locate his daughter, something he had been unable to do, annoyed him more than anything. As much as he knew he should be glad to know that soon his child would be in her mother’s arms, he could not help but be jealous.
“Aw aren’t you even burning with curiosity wanting to find out how we managed to get the info?” Jakotsu asked coyly. His question caused Sesshoumaru to send him a sharp glare.
“Jakotsu I would advise you not to test their patience.” The young human’s boyfriend reprimanded him. Bankotsu was not afraid of Sesshoumaru, who was standing across from them, hoping to intimidate the two humans by hovering over them, but decided that if he could prevent a fight from happening he would. The fact that Kagura was visibly upset also impacted his decision to be a peace keeper.
“Jakotsu if you have any idea where my baby is, you would do well to tell me now, or I can assure you that Sesshoumaru won’t be the one you should be afraid of.” Kagura leveled her friend and employer with a hard chilly glare of her own.
After her brothers had admitted Bankotsu and Jakotsu in the house, everyone had quickly gathered in the living room. With one phone call, Inuyasha was able to do what Kagura had failed to do all day: get Sesshoumaru home. The dog demon had rushed back to the Fujibayashi mansion the second he had been apprised of the situation. Soon enough Kouga, Sango and Miroku, and to Kagura’s surprise Touran, had come back as well to hear what Kagura’s employers had to say. The other occupants of the luxurious large living room were Morio, Inuyasha and his fiancée Kagome. The only person missing was Sakura, who had volunteered to look after Rin while the ‘grown-ups’ had a talk.
“We’ll talk. The only thing that we want is to be a part of the rescue operation. You know how much Kanna means to us, and it would really please us to help you get her back.” The wind sorceress’s friend informed her.
“Deal, now Jakotsu you better talk.” Instead of Kagura, or even Sesshoumaru it was Kouga who spoke. The wolf demon had had a crappy day trampling around the seediest parts of town following the list of places and people to check out Sesshoumaru had given him. He could not help but wonder where exactly his friend had gotten the names, which was an information the dog demon had refused to volunteer.
“We are in contact with Naraku’s accomplice, the young woman who has taken Kanna away from the day care. Her name is Mayumi, and she will call us later on to let us know where they will be spending the night.” Jakotsu responded a sheepish expression on his face.
“I thought you knew where Kanna was?” Inuyasha frowned. If Jakotsu and Bankotsu got his brother and future sister in-law’s hopes up for nothing, he would make sure to make them pay.
“Naraku has them change places every few hours. She told us they would be spending the night in a particular spot though.” Bankotsu supplied. “You have no need to worry, Mayumi will come through… let’s just say we have not really left her with any other choice.”
The cruel smile dancing on his lips caused a shiver of unease to run down Kagome’s spine. She did not know the young human, but something told her that he was not only to be messed with.
“Did she tell you if Kanna is unharmed?” Kagura asked. She still remembered the state of the bedroom they had found in the Kurobara, and how worried she was for her daughter’s safety.
“Yes she’s fine. You’ll get her back soon enough.” Jakotsu tried reassuring his friend.
“When is this Mayumi expected to call you?” Sesshoumaru asked. As much as he was annoyed with the two young humans, there was nothing he wanted more than getting his daughter back. He therefore decided to push back his annoyance with them in favor of retrieving his child.
“Soon I guess. She said she would call the second Naraku would leave them as he usually does after bringing them to a new place.” Bankotsu shrugged. He made himself more comfortable in the plush couch, and placed an arm around his boyfriend’s shoulders as he decided to ignore the glares everyone in the room was sending in their direction.
“So while we wait for that phone call, I propose we all get better acquainted.” Jakotsu exclaimed gleefully. Before even Bankotsu had a chance to stop him, the young human sauntered over to the couch Kagome and her fiancé were sharing. He leaned towards the hanyou, and quickly took hold of one of his furry ears.
“These are so adorable!” Jakotsu cooed as he rubbed the furry silver appendage.
Inuyasha may have been too stunned to realize, but Kagome was not. She was not about to let anyone other than her enjoy any bodily part of her husband to be without her protesting. The fact that her pregnancy hormones had been making her more belligerent than ever of course affected her decision.
“Back off.” She slapped Jakotsu’s hand away, a scowl present on her face.
“Tst tst fiery! Just my kind of woman.” The human grinned towards the young pregnant woman. This time it was Inuyasha’s turn to growl. It was bad enough that he had had to suffer Kouga’s presence lately, but some unknown human daring talk about his Kagome was more than he could bear.
“Leave them alone Jak. Damn I can’t take you anywhere anymore!” Hearing Bankotsu’s reprimand, his boyfriend did as told, and sat back on the couch he had just vacated.
“You never let me have any fun anymore.” Jakotsu pouted even if he did allow his lover to envelop his shoulders with his arm. Unlike Jakotsu who earlier had perform the same action as a public display of affection, Bankotsu was doing it to make sure his boyfriend would stay in place, even if he had to physically restrain him.
“Please spare us the couple’s therapy…” Hakudoushi snorted. His comment caused his brother to chuckle slightly.
“Hakudoushi! Remember your manners; they are guests in our house.” His father, Morio scolded him even as he sent a chilly glare towards his oldest son. Byakuya responded by shrugging his shoulders.
Sesshoumaru gently massaged his temple with two slender fingers, wishing his migraine away. He was quickly getting annoyed with the occupants of the room, and even if he hated the idea of it, could use some sleep. He had not gotten any rest ever since Kanna had been kidnapped, and if they were to go through another rescue mission that evening, he sure could use some sleep. The last thing he wanted was not to operate at his highest potential; retrieving his daughter was the most important thing to him at the moment, and something told him that they would not be getting many more opportunities to rescue her. The fact that Naraku had not requested for a ransom led the dog demon to believe that the spider hanyou might be planning to do with Kanna the same thing he had done with Kagura: take her away and raise her while dangling morsels of information about her in front of her parents in exchange of money.
‘However if that wretched spider was to do that, I would never give up until I secured Kanna.’ Sesshoumaru thought to himself, inwardly shaking with rage. He looked away from his clenched fists to look at his fiancée. As she had done so ever since he had come back to the Fujibayashi mansion, Kagura was silently looking at him. The second he had stepped inside the house, he had felt her crimson gaze on him, but to his shock she had not even tried to talk to him.
‘This is just as well. I do not wish to talk to her.’ He thought to himself. He could still see how much pain and worry were gnawing at Kagura, and did not want to have to deal with her feelings. ‘All I have to do is get Kanna back, and make sure Kagura comes to no harm; it will be the only way to atone for my shortcomings.’
He gently patted his pocket where what he had picked up earlier from Suikotsu’s office was located. He had planned to use it in case he would need to neutralize Kagura. After all, the last thing he wanted was to have to divert his attention from the search for Kanna to her young mother. In fact when they had barged into the Kurobara, the inu youkai knew that he had only been able to give his full attention to his quest only after Kagura had left the premises.
‘Such a thing will not be permitted to happen tonight.’ He thought to himself as he looked away from Kagura’s deep crimson eyes, which appeared to be silently asking him for something.
He could not stand to have her looking at him like that. The dog demon was about to excuse himself from everyone in order to take a short respite, but before he could do so, the sound of a ringtone resonated throughout the room.
He noticed that instead of looking at Jakotsu’s hand where the young human was brandishing a ringing cell phone, Kagura was still looking at him, hope and fear in her eyes. He refused to respond to her gaze, and decided to address Jakotsu.
“Answer the phone.”
As soon as Naraku left her and Kanna in their new location, Mayumi picked up her phone. She was usually more cautions, and knew she should be more careful, and wait a little bit before calling the men who were threatening her mother, but decided not to. Nothing was more important to her than keeping her mother safe.
Usually when Naraku drove them to a new location as he did every few hours, Mayumi blanked out during the car ride; however, this time around she paid great attention to the route they had taken as the last thing she wanted to not be able to let Bankotsu and Jakotsu know where Naraku had taken them.
Mayumi carefully dialed the number of the two men who had threatened her mother, and waited for them to answer.
“Hello Mayumi. You better have some good information for me.” Jakotsu said in a sing-song voice, which caused a shiver of fright to go down the young woman’s spine.
“What have you done to my mother? I tried calling her, but she isn’t answering her phone.”
“Give me the info I asked, and I can assure you your mother will be just fine.” Of course Jakotsu was not about to tell Mayumi that her mother was safely tied down in the basement of their young mother center. She would remain unharmed as long as her daughter did as told.
“Okay…” She took a deep breath, and gathered her strength before speaking. “Naraku has an… acquaintance who owns a shipping company named Magokoro…”
“Sincerity? Pfft! How fitting.” Jakotsu scoffed, interrupting her.
“Yes… well we will be spending the night in one of his warehouses near the train station. I saw the number 33 printed on the side of the one we walked into.”
“Is that the number of the warehouse?” Jakotsu asked for clarification purposes. The young human knew exactly where the warehouses were located as before he, Bankotsu and the other members of the Shichinintai had retired from their life of crime, the warehouses in that part of town were one of the places they would use to regroup their various merchandises before shipping them.
“Yes I believe so… I have done as you ask, so please let my mother go. She is old and sick and needs to take her medicine.” She was sure that the two men had taken her as the older demoness had not answered to her daughter’s many phone calls.
“Don’t worry, we’ll respect our end of the bargain. Your dear old mom will be just fine. Besides we’ll get to meet really soon. Remember Mayumi-chan, not a word of this to the old spider.” With these last words of caution, Jakotsu hung up the phone. Even though he had spoken on a light voice, she could not mistake his parting words for anything other than a threat.
Mayumi had barely put her cell phone inside her pocket that to her surprise the rusty gate of the warehouse was slid opened. None other than Naraku walked towards them, and unpleased expression on his face.
“What are you doing looking at me like that? Were you having silly notions about running away?” Naraku smiled cruelly as his eyes rested on his ‘employee’. The young woman lowered her gaze in a respectful way.
“Oh you wish not to answer?” Naraku grinned as he walked past this shivering young woman. She was so grateful that he had not caught her while she was on the phone, but something told her that she was not safe just yet. As if hearing her thoughts, Naraku walked over to the lumpy couch where Kanna was seated, her deep dark gaze staring out towards the darkening sky.
“Kanna-chan I am sure you will be honest with Grandpa. Did that stupid woman do something I would not like?” He asked on a syrupy sweet voice. He leaned towards her small frame. His cold hand rose to gently smooth Kanna’s white hair back. The young child did her best not to flinch; it would not do to let the evil half demon know how much she hated his touch.
Mayumi’s face suddenly went white. While she had informed Jakotsu of their location, she had not for one minute thought that Kanna may betray her plan. She silently hoped that the little girl would not breathe a word to Naraku as the consequences would be disastrous.
“No.” The child just answered, not even bothering to look at her ‘grandfather’. She was not entirely sure who Mayumi had been talking on the phone with for the second time that day, but Kanna would rather side with the young demoness than with Naraku. Even if she was working with Naraku, and had taken her away from the day care, something told Kanna that Mayumi could be trusted… at least more than the spider hanyou could.
“Good. It seems that yesterday’s beating was useful after all.” Naraku grinned evilly, blood red orbs glancing at a faint bruise still adorning Mayumi’s cheek. “As I used to tell my daughter all the time, nothing is better than a little bit of discipline.” The hanyou placed the plastic bag he had been carrying on a large wooden crate placed in front of the old beaten couch as a makeshift coffee table. He then sat next to Kanna, who still refused to pay him any attention.
It was only when he fished inside the bag to retrieve a sandwich for himself that Mayumi allowed herself to take a relieved deep breath. She did jump when he turned his attention away from his dinner and towards her.
“If you do not eat and gather your strength do not expect me to carry you tomorrow during our little trip.” He then grinned before adding. “You know me well enough to know that I would rather leave you behind than be slowed down by you.”
“I am sorry Master. I will do as you wish.” The young demoness wasted no time picking up a sandwich for Kanna. She was relieved to see that the child took the food and started nibbling on it. Mayumi could not help but wonder if Kanna’s sudden cooperative mood was due to the tensions clear in the room. The young woman then fed herself as well. She only wished that the hanyou would not notice her shaking hand, and that if he did he would think it was due to his presence, and would not suspect her betrayal.
‘I hope these men will keep their promise of keeping mom safe… and if they can also save that poor little girl as well… it wouldn’t be too bad.’ Mayumi thought to herself as her eyes rested on the little girl. Just as she did Kanna looked up at her with her deep dark eyes. ‘Yeah I do hope they can bring that poor child back to her mother.’
“I know what you’re going to say, and it’s no use. Whether you like it or not, I am coming.” Kagura stated as she walked inside the library, which she thought to herself was quickly becoming the only room in which they were interacting. The second their meeting had been over, her fiancé had gone there in order to think. It was the first time the wind sorceress had talked to him that day as he had done his best to ignore her, but she was not about to let herself be intimidated or deviated from her goal.
“You do not know this Sesshoumaru as well as you would believe.” He retorted dryly. “I am aware that you are worried for our daughter.” He said, not even reacting to the anger present in her voice. He was calm, a little too calm even in her opinion. She felt that she should be suspicious, but decided against it; unlike the man who had raised her, Sesshoumaru was a man of integrity, and not a sly coward who would assure her of one thing, and do another as Naraku tended to.
“So you’re not going to forbid me to come?” Kagura asked truly surprised; she had expected to have to plead her case; especially after the debacle of the Kurobara. “Not that I would have listened to you.” She quickly added.
“I am aware of that.” A brief enigmatic smile graced his lips. “Here, let’s have a celebratory drink before leaving.” He said even as he handed her a snifter filled with brandy. She saw that he held another one for him.
‘Never imagined I would see the day that arrogant man would readily let me do as I please.’ She smiled to herself before speaking aloud. “Are you sure drinking would be wise?”
“I do not know about you wind witch, but I could use a drink to settle my nerves.” Once he finished speaking, he gulped down the burning alcohol quickly.
Pacified and impressed that he had actually readily admitted his shortcomings and anxiety, which was unusual, she did as told. With a shrug, Kagura took the offered glass from his hand, and mirroring his action drained the snifter as well in one gulp. She instantaneously felt a warmth course through her, which she had to admit was not all that unpleasant.
“So we need to work the logistics. That wolf friend of yours was just bossing everyone around the second you left the room.” Kagura informed her fiancé as she rolled her eyes in annoyance. She did not know why, but there was just something about Kouga she could not stand. Just as she finished speaking, she suddenly felt a surprising pressure appear in her head, she decided to ignore it, and did her best to focus on Sesshoumaru.
“Kouga knows what he is doing.” Sesshoumaru retorted as he closed the bottle he had served them from then placed his snifter on a nearby table. He then quickly turned around, looking intently at his fiancée. Kagura was about to retort something snarky, but could not find the words. Her mouth felt dry, her tongue tied, and the pressure in her head had now changed into an uncanny numbness.
“Sessshhh something doesn’t feel right.” She slurred her words even as her body suddenly felt heavy. She tried walking towards her lover, but found her legs to be wobbly, and the room to spin around her. Her visions deemed, and the comforting presence of her Sesshoumaru was suddenly looking blurry.
“The sleeping drug has acted faster than I had anticipated.” He lightly commented as he took her glass from her hand, and placed it next to his on the side table even as he used his other arm to help support her. He could only hope that he had calculated the dosage right. Ever since Suikotsu prepared the potent drug for him, he had never used it. After all he was too proud to rely on drugs in order to find sleep. He would rather spend the night driving around, or better yet working. The fact that he was exhausted the next day was just an unfortunate thing. It was therefore a very surprised Suikotsu who welcomed him at the clinic when the dog demon had demanded to be given the blend of sleeping herbs.
Despite the fact that he had never tried the herbs mix, he knew that it was strong. After all in order to knock a demon as strong as he was, a descendant of famous taiyoukai, would require a potent drug. As he saw his lover struggle to stay awake, straining against the effects of the drug, Sesshoumaru was amazed that only a few sprinkles of dried herbs in a glass of alcohol had been able to take down the strong demoness in such a little amount of time.
“Sleeping…” She echoed finding her eyelids closing without her command. “You drugged me you basssstard.”
Without paying her any attention, Sesshoumaru scooped his fiancée in his arms, and gently laid her on the couch; the same one they had embraced on the night before. She blinked up to look at him with fuzzy eyes, but could not conjure up the words to say what she had wanted to say. Nor to her disappointment could she summon the strength to punch him as she truly wanted.
“Do not fight it, let sleep take over you. When you next wake, I will be home, and Kanna will be aback by your side.” He leaned to press a tender kiss on her lips.
The dog demon was surprised when he heard Sakura speak behind him. “She will be mad.”
“She will get over it.” He responded as he turned to face his would be mother in law. “Where is Rin?” He inquired about his older daughter.
“She is having dinner in the kitchen downstairs. That toad of yours is keeping her company.” The void demoness walked towards the couch where her daughter lay slumbering. Her breathing had already evened out, proving that she was already deeply asleep.
Sesshoumaru briefly wondered if he should let Sakura know that Jaken was actually an imp, but decided against it; he had more important things to do than defend his retainer’s honor.
“What did you give her?” Sakura asked as she tenderly brushed some of Kagura’s bangs out of her closed eyes. She was aware that Sesshoumaru loved her daughter too much to cause her any harm, but was still a little worried at how quickly Kagura had fallen asleep.
“I sprinkled some sleeping herbs in her drink. You have no need to worry. My doctor assured me it would do the job without causing any pain or undesirable side effects.” He replied even as he turned around not wanting to face his beloved.
“If she wakes before I have returned, tell her I will be back soon enough.” Without leaving Sakura with any polite parting words, he headed for the door. His steps briefly faltered as the same feeling of foreboding which had manifested itself in him several times in the past few weeks came back even stronger than before.
‘Since when is this Sesshoumaru superstitious?’ He asked himself, utterly disgusted by his own behavior. He then walked away from the library to regroup with the rescue party.
Little did he know that his plan would fail, and that he should have paid his instincts a little more attention as he would not be coming back to his beloved wind sorceress that evening.
Naraku looked down at the many shiny objects he was rolling in between his fingers. He had run around town for the better part of the day searching for this.
‘Now all I have to do is let that stupid dog come to me.’ He thought to himself. The spider hanyou was not stupid; he knew that Sesshoumaru would be coming after him, and soon. After all many of his friends had let him know that a bunch of people had paid them a visit, asking about his whereabouts. Naraku was just glad that he had not trusted anyone enough to let them know where he was hiding. He had called in favors from different ‘friends’ ensuring that he had several possible hiding places. This allowed him to move around without having to fear getting caught. After all none of his ‘so called friends’ knew exactly where he was at the moment, and he paid attention to move every few hours.
‘Even if Kagura’s dog was to find me, with this I will be just fine.’ He grinned as he brought the small bullet closer to his eyes. Acquiring it had caused him quite a bit of money, and had required for him to coerce a monk, but he knew it was all worth it. After all how else was he to obtain an enchanted bullet strong enough to cause permanent damage to a powerful demon?
Naraku took his handful of bullets, and loaded his gun with them. He may not have had the means to buy a lot of them, but he knew what he had would be more than enough to hurt Sesshoumaru badly.
Satisfied with his work, Naraku then headed towards the main room where he had left Mayumi and Kanna. He was glad that the warehouse where they were presently hiding allowed him some privacy. He was sure that his young female accomplice would not have appreciated seeing him with a gun. He was certain that Mayumi would jump out of her skin if she saw that he was armed. He had noticed the young demoness was acting suspiciously enough already. He was pretty sure that she wanted to do something to get herself out of his crutches, but feared retributions. He had been informed by one of his henchmen that two men had taken Mayumi’s mother away, and the hanyou was pretty sure that Mayumi had something to do with it.
‘Too bad the idiot did not even think about following them to find out where the men took the bitch’s mother.’ Even though this was an unforeseen event, Naraku decided not to think let it upset him. ‘After all I was planning on getting rid of both that useless Mayumi and her mother very soon. That useless bitch of Mayumi is not only of no use to me anymore, but does not posses any sexual appeal anymore…’
An evil smirk still dancing on his lips, the dark hanyou safely tucked his gun in the belt of his pants, and joined Kanna and Mayumi. The two females were looking tensed and pale, albeit for different reasons. The older feared Naraku would uncover her betrayal, and Kanna was afraid her parents would not come find her as she had hoped.
“Why are you guys looking so down? Why don’t you give me a little smile?” Mayumi wasted no time following his order, and forced herself to smile, which ended up looking more like a grimace than a smile, but was enough to appease Naraku. On the other hand, Kanna did not even bother; she knew Naraku well enough to know that whether she did as he wanted or not would probably not affect the probability of him hitting her. If he wanted to hurt her, she knew he would.
Deciding to ignore the two females, Naraku made his way over to the couch. He sat down heavily next to Kanna, and closed his eyes, trying to get some rest.
“Just stay quiet and let me sleep. Oh and Mayumi don’t you even think about trying to escape… I will know.” The spider hanyou opened one crimson eye and rested it on Mayumi who was standing against the wall furthest from the couch, hugging her arms to herself.
“I will not master Naraku.” She said even as she thought to herself. ‘I hope these two men will do as they promised.’
To be continued…
A/N: Mayumi betrayed Naraku and Kagura will probably rip out Sesshoumaru’s eyes if she got the opportunity. In the next one Sesshy finally gets his daughter back… but at what price? We shall see next time. The chapter will be named Bargaining.
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