InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ The Archangel ❯ The Calm Before The Storm ( Chapter 3 )

[ X - Adult: No readers under 18. Contains Graphic Adult Themes/Extreme violence. ]

The Archangel

By; Undecidedly Certain

Chapter 3

The Calm Before the Storm

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New York City; 37 East 64th ST.

Hotel Athenee Plaza, Room 346

Saturday June 18th, 6:37 pm Eastern Pacific Time

The mark was set, the check point was designated, the players were in position, and the game was on. Sesshoumaru waited with the others at the check point, the Hotel Athenee Plaza, Room 364, as the time approached for them to begin the operation. Shippo was calling it Operation Fallen Angel.

The charity ball at the Onigumo Grand Hotel and Suites was set to begin at seven pm. Shippo was staying at the checkpoint to watch the cameras, both the security camera's he'd tapped into from the Hotel and the concealed cameras the operatives themselves would be wearing.

Miroku was already in position as nameless security lackey number 22. Koga and Ayami were set to move in as soon as the party begins under the surname Perkins. Sango and himself were to arrive at precisely 7:20 as Dr. And Mrs. Michael Himura.

It wasn't a total lie, technically he did have a doctorate, just not in medicine.

He was fully outfitted tonight. He wore a chameleon suit or `invisibility suit' as Shippo liked to call it under his custom tailored Armani tuxedo. The suit was an ingenious design with micro fibers completely fitted with special fiber optics that changed color to blend seamlessly with what ever back round it is in contact with.

The regulator chip firmly implanted at the back of his neck worked both as a untraceable locator and suppressor for his Youki and scent. Shippo, being the technical genius that he was, altered theirs so that it could create changes in appearance as well, sort of a glamour effect if you will. That particular invention made it possible for Youkai to work for the agency, making them nearly undetectable, untraceable, and unidentifiable.

Unfortunately it worked on both sides.

As Dr. Himura, Sesshoumaru had black hair in place of the distinctive silvery white and blue eyes in place of amber. His markings had been permanently repressed when he joined the agency, a fact his father was not at all pleased about, but they made it too easy to identify him.

He had gotten the `you're forsaking your heritage' speech for that one. Heritage, yes it was definitely something to be proud of, but in today's society heritage doesn't have as much pull as it did in `the old days'. A man who comes from a line of kings can be deemed just as worthy as a man who comes from nothing.

Looking out upon the New York sky line at night was always something he found calming. It gave a feeling of detachment from the hustle and bustle of life below, people racing through the streets, rushing through their lives forgetting to stop and look at what they're really doing. Such a menial rat race, one day you wake up and life is almost over and you realize that nothing you've accomplished in life really mattered in the grander scheme of things.

He saw Shippo's approach in the dark reflective surface of the window. The red head had a look of nervous excitement dancing in his forest green eyes and a small black case in his hands. The young man fidgeted, shifting his weight back and forth before pushing his shaggy bangs out of his face in a nervous gesture.

As many times as they ran operations together the boy still seemed nervous to approach him at times. Just as well, Sesshoumaru found his nervousness amusing.

"Um, Sesshoumaru…" Shippo said quietly, not wanting to interrupt his preparation. Lots of agents used the time before an operation to prepare themselves mentally. Not only did they have to test the limits of their mental and physical capacities, but also their acting abilities. If they were discovered the whole operation was blown.

"Yes." He answered, not bothering to turn from his position.

"I have some things for you." Shippo said holding up the box, knowing he was being watched through the reflection.

Sesshoumaru turned silently toward him, waiting for him to pull out the technical implements. This really was his favorite part of the job. Shippo always did come up with the most interesting gadgets.

A wide grin broke out on the young mans face as he opened the black case. It was obviously something good, he was acting like a giddy young school girl.

"Just wait till you see what I've got for you." He said setting the box down on a nearby table and removing several items, the majority of them no larger than a dime in size. The first thing he handed him was a set of cufflinks. Sesshoumaru took them graciously, replacing the ones he already wore. "These are filled with a harmless yet powerful sleeping gas. Just press the little diamond in the middle and it will release."

"And just how am I supposed to complete the mission if I am knocked out?" Sesshoumaru queried blandly while straightening the cuffs of his shirt.

"Oh, not a problem." Shippo piped cheerily pulling a syringe from the case and squirting out a bit and flicking the end of the needle. "This will make you immune to the gas for the next twenty-four hours."

Sesshoumaru grimaced, but took the syringe regardless, administering the shot in his upper arm. While he was straightening his jacket Shippo began pulling out more 'goodies'.

"Ok, this is your camera." He said pulling out a small white case. Inside was a clear contact lens. Sesshoumaru took it out, silently marveling at the technology that could fit a camera on a film of plastic just fractions of a millimeter thick.

"Pretty cool huh?!" Shippo asked excitedly. Sesshoumaru fixed him with a bored look while popping the camera into his eye. He knew he shouldn't be giving the poor kid such a hard time, but just couldn't bring himself to be excited by any of this anymore.

"uh, yeah…well here." Shippo handed him a small piece of metal that looked remarkably like a piece of dental work.

Sesshoumaru took the piece, immediately recognizing it as a crown fitting. Most likely his microphone.

"That's our audio." Shippo explained as Sesshoumaru fit the piece over one of his molars, adjusting it with his tongue until it felt secure. "Here's your check book Dr. Himura." He handed him a black leather case with all of `Dr. Himura's' identification, credit cards, auto insurance, and, of course, checks.

"These are really cool." Shippo said flipping to the back of the book of checks. At the very back of the book were two checks in a different color than the others. "These are your plastic explosives. Very simple to activate, just fold the check in half and stick it to what ever you want to blow, but be careful they are very potent and very loud. Not the best choice for digression."

Sesshoumaru nodded, tucking the check book into his jacket pocket. Shippo then handed him a pen. "Let me guess," Sesshoumaru balked at the unoriginality, "this is my fire arm?"

"No." Shippo retorted, "This is your pen. This is your gun." He pulled out a small black 9mm. "It's completely made of plastic, undetectable in scans and equipped with miko tipped bullets strong enough to take out a Tai."

Miko tipped bullets were a difficult commodity to come across, even for the CIA. They were dangerous for a Youkai to even handle, but once they were in the gun they were moderately safe. Of course there was always the risk of the Youki in the air getting too thick and activating one of the purifying projectiles.

"Very nice." Sesshoumaru commented, making the young mans chest puff up with pride.

"Ok," Shippo said confidently, "last but not least." He pulled out a cell phone, a sleek, silver, flip style. "This is your all in one lock pick, combination decipherer, and security code by passer." He demonstrated how to open the compartment on the back and release the cord that could plug into any electronic lock or security system. " You just plug this into the panel and I can by pass it from here. And if you pull the antenna out completely it doubles as a lock pick. Very primitive, but its better to be safe than sorry."

Sesshoumaru nodded stiffly and turned back toward the window. With cameras, mic's and fire power in place all that was left to do was wait.

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New York City, 500 East 62nd Street

Bentley Hotel, Lobby

Saturday, June 18th 4:55 pm

"Bentley Hotel, Kagome Higurashi speaking how can I help you?….Yes, hold please."

Kagome tiredly drummed her nails against the marbled counter top of the front desk, her eyes continually being drawn to the ring on her left hand. It was truly the most beautiful thing she had ever seen. She knew Sesshou had good taste, but this was truly immedicable.

"Quit your daydreaming wench!" The gruff voice startled her out of her day dreaming. She smiled at the young man leaning casually against the counter giving her a playful scowl. He looked so much like his brother, just a little more rag-tag and rough around the edges.

"Hey Inuyasha."

"What's got your head in the clouds today?" His voice was gruff and would sound irritated to the untrained ear, but Kagome knew better.

"Hm? Oh nothing much. Your brother just proposed to me this morning." She said it as if she were talking about drinking a particularly good cup of coffee, waiting with baited breath for the outburst that was sure to come.

"HE WHAT?!"

"You heard me." She commented again, this time barely able to contain her smile.

He reached across the counter, snatching up her hand and looking at the ring with an almost awed expression. "I never thought I'd see the day…" he commented to himself. "That bastard better not hurt you." He said with a smile. Kagome figured that was about as close to a blessing as she was going to get with Inuyasha. He never was one for cordialities.

"WHAT DID I JUST HEAR?" Came the shrill shriek of the harpy, other wise known as Kagome's friend Eri.

Inuyasha shuddered and tried to quietly flee before Eri could get her talons into him, but Kagome grabbed his sleeve effectively preventing his escape and earning herself a glare. Eri had a bit of a crush on Inuyasha and she was a little extreme in her attentions. Kagome couldn't help but laugh at his discomfort.

"Oh, it was nothing really…" Kagome started, not ready to spread the good news quite yet. She liked Eri and all, but she hadn't even told her mother yet.

Inuyasha saw the opportunity for retribution and greedily grabbed at it shamelessly, a cocky `I'll teach you' smirk firmly in place. "Don't be so modest Kagome, why she was just telling my about how my bastard…"

"He's not a bastard Inuyasha." Kagome interjected with a heavy sigh.

"…brother proposed to her this morning." Triumph was written all over his face in smug proportions while painful death was promised in her eyes.

"Oh my GOD!" Eri squealed making Kagome cringe and Inuyasha's ears flatten against his head. He took the opportunity to extricate himself from Kagome's death grip and back away from the vapid, squealing female while her attention was still trained elsewhere.

Kagome sent him a nasty glare and mouthed `Thanks a lot' to which he promptly returned with `anytime' before he turned the corner and disappeared like hell itself was nipping at his heels.

"Is that your ring? Oh its GORGEOUS! How did he ask you? Did he get on one knee? Where were you? Did he take you out to dinner first? Was it romantic? Oh, I bet it was. He is so hot Kagome, you are so lucky! We have to go out and celebrate tonight!"

"I don't know Eri." Kagome started apologetically, she vaguely wondered how the poor girl didn`t pass out from lack of oxygen after that. "I'm supposed to leave for my mom's as soon as I get off."

"Oh come on. How long has it been since you've gone out with just us girls? I'll call Yuka and Ami, it'll be just like old times!"

Kagome still looked hesitant, so in a last ditch effort Eri threw all her cards out on the table. "Look, we'll go early. At six or so then you can still leave for your moms before too late."

Kagome felt the strong urge to decline. Sesshoumaru had been very specific in wanting her to leave as early as possible, and even though it was a strange request he had been so earnest about it. He wouldn't have asked something like that of her if it weren't important.

Of course one look at Eri's sad puppy eyes and all of her resolution flew right out the window.

"Ok."

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New York City, 43 East 64th Street

Onigumo Grand Hotel and Suites

Saturday, June 18th , 7:21 pm Eastern Pacific Time

"Dr. and Mrs. Himura." Sesshoumaru told the man at the door who in turn checked the guest list, pausing when he found the names.

"Enjoy your evening Dr. Himura, Mrs. Himura." He said with a polite bow of his head.

He strode in casually, with an air of confidence found only in the extremely rich and powerful. Sango held lightly to his arm, her fingers twitching a bit though her face showed non of her discomfort. For all the world to see she was the beautiful smiling wife of a rich doctor from Chicago. On the inside she was a nervous wreck.

Sesshoumaru gave her a plastic smile and a pat on the hand as he expertly guided them through the throng of mingling socialites, grabbing a crystal goblet of champagne here only to set it right back down on the next passing tray. They introduced themselves to several people, mostly politicians, making menial conversation before moving on.

As they approached an older gentleman and his wife Shippo spoke in his ear piece. "That's Charles Tinsley, Republican hopeful for the senate and Onigumo's major competitor for City council.

"Ah, Mr. Tinsley." Sesshoumaru's velvet tones rang out like church bells, soothing and seductive even to the most seasoned of celebrities. "Just the man I was looking to meet."

"Why hello, and you are?" Mr. Tinsley extended his hand in greeting after switching his goblet to his left hand.

"Michael Himura, Dr. Michael Himura and my wife Christina." He said shaking the mans hand. Tinsley had a good hand shake, strong grip but not over compensating, brief but not rude. You can tell a lot about a person by their hand shake. "I have heard good things about you sir."

"Well thank-you. It's always nice to hear the good things, especially when all the press seems to be interested in these days is the doom and gloom."

"I fully agree." A new voice joined the exchange, this one lacking the warmth of the previous two.

"Ah, Dr. Himura. Have you met Onigumo Hashinuba?" Mr. Tinsley introduced.

"No, I don't believe I've had the pleasure." Sesshoumaru said smoothly, his even demeanor never once slipping even though his instincts were telling him to rip the slimy bastards throat out. If they could prove that he had a chem. Lab in the sub basement of his hotel they could finally put him away.

Onigumo stared at Sesshoumaru with intense interest before turning to Sango. "And who is this beautiful young lady? I do hope she is available."

"My wife, Christina."

"What a shame." Onigumo tsked raking Sango's body with his eyes slowly. "Well, if you will excuse me." He said before taking his leaves. During the entire exchange Sango's fingers were tightening around his arm to an almost painful force.

"What a creep." Shippo's voice sounded in the earpiece.

"When this is over, I get to take him out." Miroku's voice came across the mic. He did not sound happy.

Sesshoumaru simply nodded and patted Sango's hand lightly before moving into position. "Let's get this over with."

"Right." Shippo said. "Ok, make your way to the back entrance, from there you can cut through the kitchens to the cargo elevator. Your best bet is going to be getting into the elevator shaft and going down from there."

Getting through the kitchens was easy enough, despite the fact that it was crawling with workers. They all seemed so focused on what they were doing that they didn't even notice them passing through.

The hallway leading past the freight elevator was dark and deserted, almost making it too easy.

"You've got incoming. One guard, looks like he's just making rounds though." Shippo's warning came not a moment too soon.

Sesshoumaru quickly grabbed Sango and sunk back behind a crate in a shadowy recess making them all but invisible. The guard passed quickly, not even looking their direction. Sesshoumaru decided now was as good a time as ever to shed his Armani skin.

He stripped down to his Chameleon suit, storing his Armani behind the crate. Sango stopped him before he left for the elevator.

"Don't fail." She said simply.

He nodded smartly and when Shippo gave the all clear on the security cameras he moved out. He pulled the mask over his face as the Chameleon Suit sprung to life, adequately living up to its name and blending seamless with the wall he was trailing his hand along.

The elevator had an electronic key pad for secured entrance. Sesshoumaru quickly pulled out the cell phone Shippo had given him and popped the cover on the key pad, attaching the wire so Shippo could over ride the system.

It only took a matter of seconds for the doors to open, the kid was definitely good at what he did.

Sesshoumaru quickly replaced the cover and tucked the phone away before entering the elevator. The doors closed behind him with a soft ding. Soft music filtered down to his sensitive ears from a speaker in the wall.

Operation Fallen Angel was a go.

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AN: Well, bet you guys are mad about me stopping there huh? Well, too bad! Mwahahahaha! Ok, maniacal laughter aside. The next chapter will be a biggie. We will have Operation Fallen Angel and you will learn how Kagome gets dragged into the melee. Good fun, lots of good action packed fun so stay tuned and don't forget to review!

U.C.