InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ The Centre ❯ The Big Picture ( Chapter 20 )

Chapter 19: The Big Picture

"A hanyou army?" Sango said with a sharp intake of air.

"Naraku has been doing this for over a hundred years. We have no idea how many successful matings he has had," Kagome said, her face serious.

"Just what we need, more filthy half-breeds," Sesshoumaru said, nose in the air. "And he thought I would just crank them out."

"Sess, darling, light of my life," Rin said in an overly sweet voice. "We are all well aware of your prejudices. Can we keep them out of this and focus at the task at hand?" Everyone looked between her and the tall dog demon who was looking down his nose like he'd just found out he'd stepped in something stinky. He did not answer, but he did not protest either.

"Why hanyous?" Miroku asked. "Why not just an army of controlled youkai? We saw what Kagura can do with that fan of hers and weaker youkai are easily manipulated using the collar."

"But Naraku wants a functional army, one that follows orders and has officers that can think for themselves," Kagome said. "Kagura's fan does not control separately. Also, Naraku doesn't want to just pop up with this army and take over the world. His idea is to present the army to the council."

"And he'll probably use it to usurp them and place himself at the head. A graceful coup."

"Man, this sounds like Star Wars," Souta said. All eyes turned to him in surprise. He was sitting there watching them all discuss a possible overthrow of the government and upset of the balance of power in the world, while eating popcorn. "Keep going, this is just starting to get good!"

"I assume that Sesshoumaru was not the only male youkai being used to produce offspring. If so….that's one nonexistent army," Miroku said.

"Keh, you know as well as I do he had hundreds of youkai, male and female," Inuyasha said.

"Yes, but males can father more children than females," Sango said with a frown. "And since the facility we came from wasn't the only one we can safely assume he probably already has a fairly substantial army."

"Then why was I so important?" Sesshoumaru asked.

"Every army needs a good leader. Inu youkai are known for excellent leadership skills and amazing strength," Kagome said.

"Naraku thinks an abomination like Inuyasha would make a good leader? And to think I was worried," Sesshoumaru scoffed.

"Wait, let's not take that so lightly," Rin said. "If he had Inuyasha from childhood he could have molded him into what he wanted. Inu youkai are extremely impressionable from age 1-5, especially by parental figures."

"No wonder you are so weak," Sesshoumaru said, looking down at his brother. "The only parental figure you had was your mother."

Kagome and Miroku desperately pressed down the angry Hanyou who began to rise. In the meantime Rin took a fistful of Sesshoumaru's hair and yanked him down to meet her eyelevel.

"That. Is. Enough," Rin said in a deadly voice. "This is too serious for you to bring in a stupid sibling squabble."

"Wow, this is just like Jerry Springer," Souta said as Shippou plopped right next to him.

"Jerry Springer?" the cub asked, wide eyes blinking in confusion.

"Yeah, over here you got the injured party with an unacknowledged love, some sort of hate/love relationship between the hot rich chick and the ex-monk, and lastly we have the fight for dominance with the most unlikely of couples, demon and human. This is ten times better than anything on tv." Shippou reached over and took a pawful of popcorn, still confused.

"So now what do we do?" Sango asked once the two brothers had calmed down.

"Well trying to find which one of the hundreds of facilities Naraku is using as the base could take months," Kagome said.

"The Centre still exists," Rin said with a shiver.

"It still exists and we have no idea where," Kagome said.

<Somewhere else….if I told you it would ruin the surprise>

"The wolf princess is secure as you requested," Kanna said to the shadowed man above her.

"Perfect. And the others?" he asked softly.

"The hanyous are in the training pens," Kagura reported, whipping a scratch she'd gotten from getting said hanyous in their place.

"Excellent. Only one thing left to do." Kagura frowned, confused. Kanna picked up her mirror and held it up so Naraku could see. He bent forward from the shadow, a small sinister smile upon his face. Kagura looked into the mirror. The corner of her lip lifted into a sneer of disgust.

The small girl who had vowed to make Kagura into a rug was in the mirror.

"Bring me the boy, Kohaku," Naraku said. Kanna lowered the mirror and nodded, leaving the room.

"What do you need him for?" Kagura asked.

"To bring me the only female that dog demon will touch," he said with a dark chuckle.

<Kagome's place>

Sango helped Kagome carry the injured hanyou into her bedroom…again. Kagome resolved to sleep on the floor. Her brother had the couch. No way was she sharing a bed with Inuyasha again. Her neck was still killing her!

Rin and Sesshoumaru made a wordless departure, obvious tension between the two. Whether it was from the fighting before hand or sexual tension….Kagome didn't want to know. The sexual ease of her friends was somewhat embarrassing. What was worse was that she didn't know if she was embarrassed because they were so open about it, so obvious about it, or if it was because she had no experience. Hell, she hadn't even read a romance novel….in years. Ok, she knew basically what went on, but beyond kissing with past boyfriends…and Inuyasha, she was as naïve as a newborn puppy. She felt…inadequate, but at the same time had little desire to get rid of her ignorance.

"Houshi," Sango said with a dark tone that meant business. Kagome looked up in wonder as Miroku was purposefully moving around the counter so it was between him and the approaching woman.

"Yes my sweet?"

"You," she said, her voice dropping an octave. "You're coming with me." Kagome caught the brief look of pure terror on his face as Sango grabbed his collar and hauled him after her out of the apartment.

"What was that all about?" Kagome asked.

"There's definitely something going on between those two," Souta commented. Kagome looked at her brother like he'd grown horns on his head. Something between Sango and Miroku? Right. And Sesshoumaru was sensitive. She went into the bathroom, intent on cleaning up the mess in there.

"Souta! This is the wrong brand!" she screamed. Souta laughed, figuring that would be the last time she'd have HIM buy sanitary napkins.

"Sango, love, darling," Miroku said as she dragged him into the apartment building. "Can we talk about this? They have cameras everywhere. Someone would definitely see you murder me."

"Miss Taijya, Mr. Houshi," the desk person said with a smile. Sango gave him a glare as she dragged Miroku toward the elevator. Suddenly she stopped, her face slightly paling and turned, heading for the stairs.

She didn't stop until they were in her apartment and the door was closed. Then she whirled around, her hand grabbing him by the collar and nearly lifting him off the ground.

"What the fucking HELL do you think you are doing?" she demanded, fire blazing in her eyes. If she hadn't been so mad at him he would have loved to stare at her all day like this, the flush from her cheeks and determined glare so god damned sexy. He was getting turned on already.

"Blackmailing you," he answered. Shocked, she dropped him, a stunned look upon her face. She looked hurt and confused.

"Blackmail? What have I ever done to you to deserve this?"

"Will you allow me to take you on a date?"

"NEVER!" she snarled. "We are from two different worlds, Houshi. No woman in her right mind would date a pervert like you. You don't even know what personal space is if it has breasts and a vagina!"

"Hey, elevator discluded, who have I groped in the last week?" he asked. Her mouth opened, but since she had no answer she quickly shut it. "Now, since you wouldn't date me under normal circumstances due to previously formulated prejudices, I found it necessary to devise another means of getting you to take me seriously."

"So you blackmail me," she retorted, crossing her arms. "So what do you want? Money? Dinner every night? Sex? Something kinky? Whipped cream bikini?" He smiled a bit at that last one, but shook his head in reply. Sango threw her arms up in aggravation, only to find he grabbed onto them, pulling her close.

"Much as I wouldn't mind the bikini, I don't sleep with women unless they are completely and utterly willing. YOU initiated what happened in the elevator and while I was more than happy to comply, you cannot think I am just someone you can fuck once and drop like a stone. I know you are a spoiled little princess with a nasty right hook, but there's a lot more to you than that. Let's drop the act, shall we? I've known you far too long. Now," he soothed, pushing her against the wall, arms pinned above her head. He leaned close, his breath tickling her ear and the side of her face in a gentle caress. "All I want is a chance as your boyfriend, like any other man….and a place to crash."

"Oh, so you can do perverted stuff while I'm sleeping too?" Sango asked, turning to face him, her lips in a thin line.

"Last I checked you had a three bedroom apartment," he said with a smirk.

"Are you kidding? My father will be furious!"

"Yes…but what would make him more mad? That or the disc?"

"You are sick," Sango said, but he could see the defeat in her eyes. He gave her a gentle kiss on the lips.

"Three months. If after three months you still hate me I will remove myself from your presence entirely."

"Three months? And the disc?"

"The original and all its copies will be in your possession to do with as you please."

"By the way…security doesn't still have-"

"A copy? No, I removed that. They have two 7-8pm instead. No worries."

"What the hell am I going to tell my father?" Sango said with a sigh. Then she heard the unmistakable jingle of keys in her door. Before either of them could react the door swung open and a man stepped in, just as stunned as they were at the sight before him. After all, it wasn't everyday a man came to see his daughter and found her pinned to the wall by an unknown man.

"Father!" Sango gasped.

<Kagome's>

"He asleep?" Souta asked from the doorway of her bedroom, looking at the Hanyou on the bed. Kagome was wiping up the bloodstains on the floor.

"Shh," came her reply.

"Kagome," Shippou said, bounding up. "There's a wolf at the door demanding you see him. I don't like him, he stinks."

"A wolf?" Kagome said absently. She made her way around the mess in the living room and opened the door. Her hands were suddenly grabbed and a slight tug pulled her into the hallway.

"Kagome, you smell divine," Kouga said with a sniff, kissing her hands before putting an arm around her waist. "The moon is full, the night is young, let's go out."

"Kouga, I'm really tired and Inuyasha's injured again-"

"I won't take no for an answer," Kouga said. "If I kill that Inu koro then you won't have to take care of him," he suggested. Kagome sighed. She was in no mood to try and outsmart the demon before her. Besides, if he really tried anything she could purify him, seal him or something. And by gods did she feel the need for a drink.

"Ok, let me change and we can go."

Ten minutes later Kagome was ready to go, hair up and left her cell number with her brother. Souta did not seem to approve her choice of dates, but didn't say anything.

"Just a few drinks, ok?" Kagome said.

"Of course!" Kouga agreed all too happily.

<Sango's>

"Father!"

"Sango," he said, an unusual smile crossing his face. "And this must be the boy I've been hearing about all day! Pleasure to meet you Mr. Houshi," he said, extending his hand to the stunned Miroku.

"Likewise, Mr. Taijya," he managed, a lump in his throat. Here was one of the scariest men in the world shaking his hand like they were best pals.

"When I heard my little girl here was already bringing a man home I rushed over to meet him!" the man said with a twinkle in his eye. "Always did follow instructions quickly!" The blood in Sango's face drained completely to her toes. Her father had dibs with security. They had informed him of her visitor.

"Aw, honey, and you were nervous about me meeting your dad," Miroku cooed. Sango shot him a dirty look as he released her to face her father. "I apologize for not coming to your office and setting up an appointment to meet with you formally." Sango's jaw dropped. Was he saying what she thought he was?

"No need, my boy! You two have better things to do! Hahaha!" Miroku joined in nervously as Sango covered her face with a hand. "So how serious are you?" the old man asked him. Sango gave Miroku a pleading look. Anything but that.

"Well I've been trying to get my little dove here to accept me formally, but she's a little reluctant. I am a patient man, though, I'll give her all the time in the world." Sango nearly groaned. Her father was not going to take that the way it was intended.

"Reluctant? My girl? Sango, what's wrong with this young man that you won't accept his proposal?" Miroku visibly gulped. Proposal? Shit, the old man thought he meant marriage, not dating! Sango was going to be pissed!!

"Well, father, if you must know I was a little worried….about where we stand," she said, a small smile on her face. "After all, he doesn't have the money for a ring or anything. I guess I was a little afraid he was just after the money…."

If Miroku could have given an award for acting Sango would have gotten it. The edge of her voice twinged ever so slightly like a female on the tip of uncertainty over a life changing decision. Now he looked like the bad guy. A very bad guy. The grin from her father's face fell and a more serious look began to form. It was not the look Miroku wanted to deal with.

"Sweetheart," Miroku said, taking her hands in his, throwing all the passion and seriousness he could think of from soap operas he'd seen lately. "Why didn't you say something? I'll sign any prenup you want. All I want is you."

Sango had the burning desire to castrate him right then and there.

"There, you see? All fine and dandy. Now, I have work to get back to so you two love birds work this out," he said with a wink. "I want grandchildren!" Miroku visibly paled, looking at Sango who shook her head vigorously. So the old man didn't know she was infertile? Oh shit. "Oh, and son….you don't mind if I call you son do you?" Miroku shook his head, unable to speak. "Come to my office on Monday. I think we can fix that lack of a ring thing. Just because you're poor doesn't mean you shouldn't be able to dazzle my kitten with a rock."

"Of course….father," Miroku said, voice strained. The door closed behind the old man and both of them let out a sigh of relief.

"Great…just great!" Sango said, beginning to pace. "Not only does my father think I am sleeping with you, but now we're engaged and supposed to produce kids! Oh, my life is a living hell…" Suddenly all the frustration and emotional rollercoaster caught up with her. Sango dropped to her knees, holding back a choked sob. Without a word Miroku wrapped his arms around her, drawing her to his chest, silently promising her he would do all in his power to straighten things out. Somehow.

<The Bar>

"What number is this?" Kagome asked, barely holding herself up against the bar.

"Sorry, I haven't been keeping count," Kouga responded, catching her when she began to sway. "Maybe we should get you home….of course, you can stay at my place if you don't want to see Dog-turd."

"No, I wanna go home. I have to take care of my little brother. He'll want pancakes in the morning," Kagome said absently. "Where's the floor?"

"Here, lean on me," Kouga said, holding her up with easy strength. She flung an arm around his shoulder to keep herself steady as they walked out and began down the street.

"So how come you don't have a girlfriend?" Kagome asked, yawning a bit.

"I do have one, silly. You."

"No, no, no, I am no one's girlfriend. Too little time."

"Yes you are, you are my woman. I already lay claim to you."

"Claim? You mean like marking? Sesshoumaru marked Rin. Rin wasn't happy. Sesshoumaru was less happy when we purified it." Kouga chuckled at her short sentences, so childlike. At least she was a happy drunk.

"I'd like to mark you," Kouga said with a gleam in his eye.

"Why? Rin didn't like it…why should I?" she asked. Kouga stopped and cupped her chin.

"Because it is extremely pleasurable, like a kiss," he said, his warm lips brushing hers. Kagome didn't move, her brain barely registering what was going on. Kouga got wrapped up in her scent, the teasing smell that filled his nose. She let out a little moan and he pulled away.

"How do you mark someone?" Kagome asked, clueless that she'd just been kissed.

"Shall I show you?" he suggested, running a claw back to pull her hair from her neck. Kagome tilted her head trying to figure out what he was saying which he interpreted as an affirmative response.

<Kagome's apartment>

"Oi, kid, where's Kagome," Inuyasha asked from the doorway. Souta looked up. The hanyou looked a little worse for wear, but wasn't bleeding all over the place anymore.

"She went on a date with some guy named Kouga." Souta and Shippou watched in wonder as the half sleepy hanyou was suddenly very awake, his left eye twitching furiously.

"She WHAT?"

Just then the door opened and Kagome stumbled in, giggling somewhat. She managed to make it to the couch before falling, her head resting on a cushion. She looked up at her brother and grinned.

"Hi Souta. I came home so I can make you pancakes in the morning," she announced.

"Uh, great….sis, are you drunk?" Inuyasha was sniffing the air, a furious look upon his face.

"She's drunk alright. And that's not all!" He crossed the room, fists clenched in rage. Kagome gasped when he picked her up by the armpits, holding her up, and sniffed her neck. His eyes flickered between red and gold, a low growl in his throat.

"Whoa, what happened?" Souta asked Shippou.

"Dog demons are very territorial," Shippou commented.

"What the HELL is THIS?!" Inuyasha demanded, pulling the collar of Kagome's jacket down, causing Souta and Shippou to gasp.

On her shoulder, still raw from the bite was a mark upon Kagome's shoulder.

"Whuzz what?" Kagome asked stupidly, her eyes rolling in the back of her head as she passed out.