InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ The Dark Hour ❯ One Mysterious Project and One Bad Trip ( Chapter 10 )

Ch. 10

One Mysterious Project and One Bad Trip….

Kagome checked her watch, her brow furrowing in irritation when she realized how long she'd been waiting. She sighed and rose to leave, but the sight of a familiar face stopped her.

"Sango, it's about damn time!" She huffed, rising to greet her friend. Sango waved her words aside and threw her arms around Kagome's neck, literally choking the life out of her. Kagome sputtered in surprise, trying to loosen the death grip on her neck.

"Can't…breath." She gasped. Sango immediately slackened her grip, glaring at the red-faced woman before her.

"You're one to complain after not calling your supposed best friend for a week!" She hissed, taking a seat across from Kagome. Kagome rolled her eyes and took a sip of water. She waved the waiter over then turned her attention to Sango.

"I'm sorry, but things have been really hectic and I haven't really had time to do anything." Kagome shrugged. Sango stared at her, her expression one of disbelief. "What's so important that you can't even pick up a phone and let someone know that you're ok? I've been calling your apartment for days leaving messages for you to call me back."

Kagome momentarily gave her attention to the waiter that was waiting patiently for their orders. Once he'd taken them down, Kagome glanced at Sango. "Well, for starters, I was busy trying not to get killed by Naraku Iakouy, fighting off a fever, trying to find someone I'm not even sure exists, and, let's see…" She tapped her chin in mock thoughtfulness. "Oh! How about trying to keep a low profile because the mob is after me?"

Sango was quiet for a few moments, studying her friend. Finally, she said, "Alright, alright. I get the picture." She fiddled with the napkin holder in the middle of the table. "I was just worried about you, is all." She said quietly. Kagome smiled. "I know, Sango. I probably should have called, but with all the things that were going on, I just wasn't thinking."

Sango sighed, her expression turning serious. "This whole thing is starting to get serious, Kagome." Kagome looked away, not needing the reminder. Naraku breaking into her apartment and trying to kill her was reminder enough.

"I know, but…" She trailed off, not knowing what to say. What could she say? Who in their right mind would allow themselves to be placed in danger? Kagome knew the answer to that, but she didn't dare admit it to herself, let alone out loud.

"I guess it's the reporter in me, you know? I just can't ignore the story that's buried under all this danger and intrigue." She finished, knowing this was only half true. The other half had to do with a certain member of the Iakouy family.

Sango crossed her arms. "Kagome, is some story worth your life?" She questioned. Kagome averted her gaze from her friend's concerned, worried one. She felt bad for making Sango worry about her like this, but she just couldn't turn her back on Sesshomaru.

"Guess who I talked to?" Kagome said suddenly, quickly changing topics. Sango opened her mouth to protest, but Kagome quickly answered her own question.

"Miroku." She chirped, watching in amusement at the conflicting emotions that ran across Sango's face. She snorted, rolling her eyes.

"Really? What's that pervert up to?" Sango asked, trying to hide her interest. Kagome eyed her knowingly. "I didn't get a chance to do a lot of catching up. I actually needed him for a favor." She explained. "What kind of favor?" Sango questioned.

"Well, it's kind of a long story, but it has to do with the Iakouy's." She said simply. She really didn't feel like explaining the rather complicated history that went along with the Iakouy family. "But anyway, Miroku says hi. I got the feeling he wanted to know more about how you were. I think he really misses you."

Sango glared at Kagome, but Kagome knew Sango was touched by this. However much she might protest about her feelings for Miroku, Kagome knew the truth.

"The only thing that jackass misses is groping my breasts!" Sango huffed, giving in to the smile that tugged at her lips. Kagome laughed, amused at her friend's reaction. Kagome was about to comment but her attention was diverted by the ringing of her cell phone.

"Hello?"

"Kag, baby! Got some interesting news."

Kagome glanced at Sango, who had a questioning look on her face. "Miroku, I didn't expect to hear from you so soon." Kagome responded, her curiosity piqued.

"Well, I really didn't think there was anything to this Onigumo story, but I made few calls and found out something that might be of interest." Miroku said, his voice all business. Kagome felt a tingle of excitement shoot up her spine, something that always happened when she got a lead on a story.

"What is it?" Kagome asked, drumming her fingers impatiently on the tabletop. Sango was watching her with both amusement and curiosity, knowing there was something going on.

"Now don't get your hopes up, but after doing a little research, I came across a privately owned and operated mental institution called Tranquil Springs that not many people know about. Quite a lot of time and effort went into finding out exactly who owned the institution, but I managed to do it. Can you guess who the mystery owner is?" Kagome could tell that Miroku was just as excited as she was about the sudden development in the story.

"Naraku?" Kagome was more than a little surprised by this. She thought she'd known about all of Naraku's investments, both in the states and overseas, but she'd never heard of him owning a mental institution.

"Bingo." Miroku said. "What would a businessman and alleged mob boss want or need with a mental institution?" He questioned. Kagome had no answer. She was just as confused by this bit of information as he was.

"That's not all, Kag baby," Miroku continued. "Again, I don't want to get your hopes up, but I sense there's a connection somewhere in all this and hopefully you can figure it out."

Kagome nodded her head impatiently, wanting to know everything he had to tell her without all the don't-want-to-get-your-hopes-up speeches. "Out with it, Miroku."

"Well, here's the kicker: Tranquil Springs was built in 1990, the same year that Onigumo Iakouy supposedly died."

Kagome blew out a breath of air, shocked by what Miroku had just told her. Was it a coincidence that Naraku had decided to have a mental institution built the same year that his father died? Kagome didn't think so.

"So you believe there's a chance Onigumo is still alive?" Kagome asked. There was a slight pause before Miroku answered. "I do, however slight it might be. So what are you going to do?"

Kagome looked at Sango with a mischievous smile. Sango looked at her warily, knowing she wasn't going to like what Kagome's next words would be.

"The only natural thing to do," She responded, her mind already made up. "Come to Japan."

~~~~~~

Sesshomaru rifled through the papers spread out on the table before him. He sighed in frustration. He'd been through most of the papers already and still didn't have any useful information about Onigumo Iakouy.

A thought suddenly occurred to him. What if Kikyo had double-crossed him and given him a bunch of phony documents? He quickly dismissed that idea. She knew better than to cross him, no matter how much she believed she was under Inuyasha's protection.

Sesshomaru knew there had to be something of interest in these papers. He remembered his father being holed up in his study practically night and day after Onigumo had died. There had to be a reason behind it.

Diving back into the documents spread around him, his eyes scanned the words quickly. He stopped when he spotted something of interest.

"Tokyo acquisition confirmed. Approximate cost value set at $180,000." Sesshomaru read the words aloud, his brow furrowing in confusion. This was news to him. He'd never heard of any new acquisitions in Tokyo. He read on a little further.

"Project Y will proceed as planned under the guise of a mental institution. Government officials know nothing of Project Y, only that it is a privately owned mental institution aptly named Tranquil Springs." Sesshomaru scanned the rest of the document, but there was no more mention of Project Y or Tranquil Springs, which apparently was the same thing.

Sesshomaru sat back and folded his hands on top of the table. Now he was even more confused. What was Project Y and why did it need to be covered up? Sesshomaru didn't want to believe it, but his father seemed to have been involved somehow. They were his documents, after all.

He was very interested to know more about this Project Y.

"I think a trip to Tokyo might be in order."

~~~~~~

Kagome thanked the ticket agent and hung up the phone. She'd gotten the plane tickets out of the way and all she needed to do now was tell Sesshomaru, something she didn't particularly feel up to doing. She sighed as she returned to packing her suitcase.

She didn't know why, but lately Sesshomaru had been more distant than usual with her. She remembered the day she'd woken up after she'd been sick and thanking Sesshomaru for his help and the way he'd seemed to push her aside, as if she'd done something to him. And him telling her that he'd helped her only to stick it to Naraku hurt her more than she cared to admit.

"Can't figure that guy out," Kagome muttered to herself. It irritated her to no end that every time it looked as if Sesshomaru's guard lowered just a little, he was quick to raise it. It was as if he despised the thought of anyone seeing his real emotions.

Once Kagome's bags were packed, she went in search of Buyo. She felt guilty that she'd left him for so long without food or water.

"Buyo, here boy!" She called out, looking through the closets. She finally found him curled up under the bed in the guest room. He opened one eye lazily at her, silently accusing her of leaving him alone.

"I'm sorry, baby," She cooed as he stretched and made his way slowly to her. Kagome smiled as she picked him up and nuzzled his neck, earning herself a deep purr. "I didn't mean to leave you all alone."

Kagome carried him to the kitchen and set him down next to his food and water bowls while she prepared his meal. She watched in amusement as he hungrily gobbled up the food. "I promise that this time I have someone to come over and feed you, Buyo." He looked up at her for a moment before returning to his food.

"Mrs. Pritchard from down the hall will make sure that you have plenty of food and water while I'm gone." Kagome said as she went into her bedroom to gather her things. Something crunched under her heel and she looked down, afraid she'd crushed a piece of jewelry.

She bent down and picked up a fragment of something that appeared to be made of wood. She frowned at the small pile of wood fragments and thick strands of hair. "What the hell is this?" She mumbled, trying to think of anything she owned that resembled the mess before her. Her mind drew a blank.

"Hmm…whatever it was, it's trash now." She said as she grabbed the broom and dustpan from the hall closet. After she'd cleaned up the mess, she grabbed her things and walked to the front door. Buyo rubbed against her legs, his tail curling around her lower leg. Kagome bent down to give him a quick pat on the head.

"I'll be back in a few weeks, Buyo. Be good for Mrs. Pritchard." She said as she opened the door. She made sure to leave the spare key in the light fixture beside the door. She gave Buyo a little wave before locking the door behind her.

That was one male in her life she'd managed to satisfy. If only it were that easy with the one she seemed to have the most trouble with.

~~~~~~

Sesshomaru made sure he had everything he would need while he was away. Once he was satisfied he had everything necessary, he called his bank to make sure all of his accounts were in order.

"Hello! Anyone here?"

Sesshomaru looked up, surprised to see Kagome back so soon. She'd said she'd be out for most of the day and not to expect her back until later that night. He'd been hoping he wouldn't have to face her before he left.

Kagome gave him a bright smile, instantly making Sesshomaru suspicious. For the past week, he'd managed to keep Kagome at arm's length and she'd seemed eager to keep her distance. Once he was satisfied that all of his affairs were in order, he hung up the phone and turned to her, his face a blank.

Kagome twisted her hands nervously. She wished he'd look at her with something other than a blank face. It always made her feel insignificant.

"Well, I've got some news." Kagome started off. Sesshomaru didn't even bat an eye. Kagome sighed and continued. "A friend of mine in Japan says he's found a mental institution owned by Naraku called Tranquil Springs that was built in 1990, the same year as Onigumo's death."

Sesshomaru didn't let on that he also knew about the mental institution. "So?" He said gruffly. Kagome glared at him, getting tired of the same old routine. "Damnit, Sesshomaru, this could be a big lead as to where Onigumo is if he's even alive!" She snapped. Sesshomaru felt a fleeting sense of guilt at treating her so badly, but it was quickly swept aside.

"Kagome, I don't have time for farfetched ideas. What I need is solid proof." He stated. Kagome's eyes widened with barely suppressed rage. "Farfetched ideas? You have a hell of a lot of nerve when someone who knows absolutely nothing about you besides the fact that you're an arrogant, cold-hearted jackass and trouble seems to follow you like a fucking shadow tries to help you!"

Sesshomaru knew she was beyond angry by the way her chest was heaving and the murderous look she was giving him. Everything she'd just said was correct; he wouldn't deny it. He was only trying to protect her. If his concerns about Project Y were correct, than he'd only be dragging her down with him.

"Are you through?" He asked, no emotion in his voice. Kagome closed her eyes, trying to calm her emotions. He was beyond infuriating and he seemed to know exactly what to do to push her buttons.

"Regardless of what you think, I'm going to follow up on this tip. Hell, maybe I'll finally get a story out of this whole mess." She muttered the last part, taking a verbal jab at Sesshomaru. Sesshomaru raised an eyebrow at this, feeling a slight irritation. No matter how much he tried to dissuade her from her trip, she wasn't going to listen.

"I already know about the mental institution." He said with a shrug of his shoulders. Kagome glanced at him, surprise clearly written on her face. "Why didn't you say something?" She demanded.

"I just found out about it today and by the looks of it, this mental institution is only going to lead to more trouble." He said. Kagome felt her anger towards him slowly melt away. So he was concerned about her safety. This thought made her feel a little warm, and she felt a slight blush heat her cheeks.

Sesshomaru noticed the blush and wondered what brought it on. "I was just on my way to the airport now to buy a ticket to Tokyo." Sesshomaru explained. He reached for his bag but Kagome quickly grabbed his arm, stopping him.

"That's what I was going to tell you," She said, a small smile on her face. "I already booked two first class tickets to Tokyo."

Sesshomaru inwardly groaned. Here he was trying to keep her out of trouble and she was jumping headfirst into it. He shook his head. "You can't go."

Kagome gave him an offended look. "I'm a very big girl, in case you haven't noticed." She pointed out. Sesshomaru rolled his eyes, not amused by her sarcastic remarks. "This is not some picnic in the park, Kagome. This is serious."

Kagome squeezed his arm gently. "I'm a reporter, remember. I live for this." Kagome looked into his golden depths, trying to make him understand that she wasn't going to leave him alone in this. Sesshomaru could see the emotion swirling in Kagome's misty gray eyes. She was so much more than she knew.

"I just don't want you to do something-"

"I'm not doing anything I don't want to do, Sesshomaru." Kagome whispered. She found herself drifting closer to him, her eyes locked with his molten gaze. She was mere inches from his lips when Sesshomaru turned his head away.

"When does the flight leave?" He asked. Although his voice was as calm as ever, it was taking everything in him to resist the temptation to give into his desire. Kagome blinked, startled out of her trance. She quickly stepped away from him and cleared her throat.

"Umm, it leaves at 12, so we'd better get going. My bags are already packed down in my car." She said, avoiding his gaze. Sesshomaru nodded curtly and grabbed his bag. He'd already called Kagura to let her know he'd be gone for a while.

"There's just one more thing," Kagome said. Sesshomaru started towards the front door, anxious to be on his way. "What?" He asked over his shoulder. Kagome quickly walked past him to the elevator doors, rapidly pushing the down button.

"My best friend, Sango, is coming with us. She's going to meet us at the airport." Kagome said quickly. She stepped into the elevator, looking expectantly at Sesshomaru, who was staring at her in disbelief.

"Don't just stand there, Sesshomaru. We've got a plane to catch."

Kagome looked over at Sesshomaru for what seemed like the hundredth time. They'd been riding in the car for at least 20 minutes and Sesshomaru still hadn't said anything. She knew he was upset about Sango coming with them.

"Sesshomaru, please understand that Sango is my friend and she cares about my well being. She didn't feel right with me going off to Japan with a near stranger so she insisted she come with me." Kagome explained.

Sesshomaru understood her friend's concern, but the more people that got involved with this, the more uncomfortable he was. He shrugged, indicating he didn't care. Kagome sighed and decided to leave it alone. If he didn't want to talk, she wasn't going to force him. Besides, they were almost there and she'd have Sango to keep her company.

Once they arrived at the airport, they immediately checked their bags and waited at their designated gate. Kagome quickly scanned the seats for Sango's familiar face. She spotted her sitting by the window and hurried over to her, a smile on her face.

"Hey, girl!" Sango greeted, giving her a quick squeeze. Kagome looked over her shoulder, noticing Sesshomaru standing by himself. He was looking at the people around him, probably checking for any suspicious characters.

"Listen up, Sango. Sesshomaru is not at all happy with you coming because I think he's a little wary of bringing others into this situation so please be polite. I know you don't really like him because you don't know him but he has saved my life on two separate occasions so a degree of respect is necessary." Kagome said. Sango gave her an incredulous look.

"Me, not polite? Are you kidding?" She joked. Kagome gave her a warning look. Sango sighed and nodded her head. "Alright, fine. I promise I won't attack him." Kagome couldn't help smiling. She led Sango to Sesshomaru.

"Sesshomaru, this is Sango, my best friend." She announced. Sesshomaru glanced at her, a look of disinterest on his face. "Hello." He said briskly. Sango bristled at his chilly greeting.

"Pleased to make your acquaintance, jerk." She snapped before turning on her heel and returning to her seat. Sesshomaru looked after her, his expression one of boredom. "Your friend needs to learn to control her attitude." He stated. Kagome sighed. It was going to be a very long trip.

a/n: i'm sooooooooooooooooooooooo sorry for the delay!! :( classes started back up and i've been busy trying to run around and get books and keep up with my reading and homework…i'm really trying to manage my time more wisely. i'm going to try to make the updates quicker, hopefully things will calm down and i'll have more time to work on the story….but anyway, hope you like it and as always, please keep reviewing! thanks for waiting and see ya next chap! : )