InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ The Dark Hour ❯ Not-So Tranquil Springs ( Chapter 11 )

Ch. 11

Not-So Tranquil Springs...

Sesshomaru rubbed his temples, exhausted both by the extremely long flight and the incessant chattering of the two females sitting in the seats across from him. He slid his gaze towards Kagome, studying her.

She was laughing at some inane joke Sango had just told her and her head was tilted back slightly, her jet-black hair cascading down her back in gentle waves. Sesshomaru couldn't help but marvel at the soft tinkling of her laughter. The sound seemed to float around them and settle in the air like a pleasant breeze.

He let out a groan and directed his gaze to the scenery outside. 'Why does this woman get to me the way she does?' He wondered to himself. No matter how much he tried to keep his mind off of her, the simplest thing like the sound of her laughter knocked down his resolve.

'At least I get a break from my nightly transformation,' He thought with a smirk on his face. Because of the time differences, his body would need at least a night to adjust, reliving him of his demon form temporarily. He yawned and stretched his arms. His entire body ached despite the luxury and comfort of first class. He couldn't wait until they touched down in Tokyo and could rest.

Sesshomaru was startled from his thoughts when someone flopped down in the seat next to him.

"Aren't you just loving this flight?" Kagome squealed excitedly. Sesshomaru eyed her, his expression clearly one of annoyance. "Why yes. I just love 16-hour flights with two chattering hens." He replied dryly. Kagome gave him a pout, crossing her arms over her chest. The pose reminded him of a child not happy with the way they were being treated.

"Gosh, Sesshomaru, I thought you would at least lighten up traveling to another country, but I guess I was wrong." She said with a shrug of her shoulders. Sesshomaru sighed. "Sorry to disappoint." He said, his tone dripping with sarcasm. He looked past her. "Where's your partner in crime?" He asked, not entirely caring where she'd gone. "She had to use the bathroom." Kagome replied. She looked out the window and gasped.

"It's so beautiful out there!" She breathed, leaning closer towards Sesshomaru in order to get a better view. Sesshomaru could feel his entire body tense when he felt her place her hand on his thigh. He knew she hadn't done it voluntarily and she probably didn't even realize what she was doing, but that simple touch made his senses race.

"I've never seen anything like it, not even that one time I flew to England, probably because it was cloudy but still..." Kagome let the words drift off, gazing in awe at the scene before her. The sunlight glinted off her face, make it appear as if a heavenly glow emanated from within her. Sesshomaru wanted badly to reach out and touch her flawless skin just to make sure she was real. Kagome blinked and turned her gaze to Sesshomaru's, her smile faltering when she realized how close they were. Her hand was on his thigh and once again she found herself dangerously close to Sesshomaru's lips.

Kagome quickly pulled her hand from his thigh and stood up without a word. She walked back to her own seat and sat down, her gaze directed away from Sesshomaru. He closed his eyes and took a deep breath. Not only did he need rest but also he also desperately needed a cold shower.

~~~~~~

"As much as I enjoyed the flight, I have to admit it feels a hell of a lot better to be back on solid ground!" Sango exclaimed as she made a grab for the last of her suitcases. Kagome giggled as Sango nearly tripped over an old man trying in vain to retrieve his own suitcases. Sesshomaru, waiting rather impatiently for the two women to hurry up, gave a small sigh of disgust.

"Ready!" Sango said, triumphantly clutching her last suitcase. "Hurray!" Kagome said with another giggle. Sesshomaru rolled his eyes and turned on his heel. "I'm going to get us a cab." He said briskly over his shoulder. Kagome watched him disappear outside.

"Wow, what a class A jerk!" Sango huffed. Kagome gave her a jab in the side. He's really not all that bad...he actually has seconds where he resembles a human being." She joked. Sango laughed. "I do have to admit, though, he's definitely the most gorgeous creature I've ever laid eyes on." Sango said, one eyebrow raised.

"Yeah, well he sure thinks he's god!" Kagome said, a little bitterness seeping into her tone. Sango glanced at her. "Hmm... sounds like somebody might have a bit of a crush." She said, her tone only half-teasing. Kagome looked at her incredulously. "Me have a crush on him?" She exclaimed. "Oh please!"

Sango tapped her chin thoughtfully. "I don't know, Kagome. Sounds like a classic crush if I've ever heard one." Kagome rolled her eyes as the two walked outside and joined Sesshomaru, who was standing by a cab.

"It's about time." Sesshomaru snapped, climbing into the front seat. "And when are you going to take that giant stick out of your ass?" Sango asked sarcastically as she slid into the back seat. Kagome thanked the cab driver for helping them with their bags and slid in next to Sango.

Sesshomaru turned to the driver, speaking perfectly fluent Japanese. Sango and Kagome exchanged surprised looks. The driver answered him with a nod and in a matter of minutes they were off. Kagome leaned forward. "Where are we going?" She asked.

Sesshomaru continued staring straight ahead. "While you two were talking your heads off on the plane, I took the liberty of getting us hotel reservations." He replied coolly. Kagome chose to ignore the insult. "I didn't know you spoke Japanese." She said, interested to know more about where and how he learned to speak it. "There's a lot you don't know about me." He said impassively.

Kagome leaned back in her seat. "Not for lack of trying." She mumbled under her breath. Sango covered a barely suppressed giggle, earning a glare from Kagome. Sesshomaru either didn't hear the comment or chose to ignore it.

The rest of the ride was spent in silence. By now, jet lag had taken over the three travelers. After what seemed like hours to Kagome, the cab slowed to a stop in front of a very impressive and expensive looking building. The driver announced in English that they were at the Crowne Plaza.

"Wow, pretty swanky." Sango said with an impressed whistle. Kagome agreed. The hotel was definitely for the high rollers. A bellboy immediately appeared and gave them a short bow. Sesshomaru told him something in Japanese and pointed towards the back of the cab. He gestured for Sango and Kagome to follow him.

Kagome let out a low gasp when they entered the lobby of the hotel. The polished marble floor gleamed under the bright lights of the crystal chandeliers adorning the gold painted ceilings.

"A girl could get used to this," Sango said, looking around. Sesshomaru led them to the front desk where a petite, meticulously dressed woman was standing.

"Good evening." The woman said, flashing them a pearly white smile. "Good evening," Sesshomaru responded. "I have reservations under Iakouy." He explained. The woman nodded and quickly typed in the name in the computer.

"I see it's been a while since you're last visit, Mr. Iakouy." The woman said as she gestured for the bellboy. Sesshomaru nodded impatiently, not in the mood for small talk. The woman seemed to pick up on his mood and handed the bellboy two small keys.

"Enjoy your stay and if there's anything we can do for you, please don't hesitate to call the front desk." She said. Kagome gave her a smile and trailed after Sesshomaru, who was already following the bellboy into a waiting elevator. Sango and Kagome hopped in just as the doors were closing.

"It's nice to see you again, Mr. Iakouy." The bellboy said hesitantly, afraid that he was overstepping his boundaries. Sesshomaru glanced at the bellboy with a look of mild surprise. He tried to remember if he knew the gangly young man. He gave up after a couple of minutes. "I'm sorry, I don't recall meeting you..." Sesshomaru shrugged. The young man glanced down at the floor. "Well, it's been about a year, but I was on duty the last time you stayed here at the Crowne Plaza and I..." The young man fidgeted in embarrassment. Sesshomaru looked at him, trying to hide his irritation.

"And what?" Sesshomaru asked, his voice a tad more abrupt than he'd meant for. "Well, I accidentally got your luggage stolen." Kagome and Sango instantly burst into laughter upon hearing this. Sesshomaru, on the other hand, frowned, remembering the disastrous incident.

"Oh, yes. The bumbling idiot." Sesshomaru said, his irritation growing by the minute. The young man looked so embarrassed and pitiful that Kagome felt sorry for laughing.

"I'm sure that sort of thing happens all the time." She told the young man comfortingly. He looked up and gave her a small smile. Sesshomaru snorted. "I'm sure there are others out there that lose over a thousand dollars worth of luggage every day." He said sarcastically. Kagome glared at him. "No, they just tend to lose assholes' luggage." Sango quipped. Sesshomaru ignored the comment.

"Why aren't you fired?" He demanded. The bellboy opened and closed his mouth, at a loss for words. Kagome couldn't help smiling at the image of the young man working his mouth like a fish. Before the bellboy could formulate a response, the elevator doors opened with a soft ding.

The young man scurried out of the elevator with their luggage and hurried down the hall. Sango tagged along beside him, chatting with him amiably. Kagome glared at Sesshomaru.

"You don't have to be so mean all the time." She snapped. Sesshomaru waved a hand dismissively. "He's an incompetent. That's not my fault." He strode after Sango and the bellboy, leaving Kagome to stare after him in astonishment. She really didn't know how one person could be such an ass. She shook her head and caught up with Sango.

"This is your room," The young man said, handing one key to Sango. "And this," He said, casting his gaze downward. "Is your key, Mr. Iakouy."

"We've got separate rooms?" Kagome asked. Sesshomaru glanced at her. "I figured you and your friend would want some privacy." Kagome nodded, surprised that he'd thought of their comfort.

Sesshomaru grabbed his bags from the luggage cart. "Help the women with their bags." He ordered, handing the bellboy a handful of neatly folded bills. The young man's eyes widened when he realized how much money he'd been given. "Thank you, Mr. Iakouy!" He exclaimed. Sesshomaru nodded and disappeared inside his room, closing the door behind him.

After their luggage was safely inside the room, Kagome thanked the bellboy and shut the door. She let out a huge sigh and wearily collapsed on one of the two full-sized beds.

"I'm so tired!" Kagome said, covering a yawn. Sango flopped back on her own bed and nodded in agreement. "My body feels like it's made of lead."

Kagome let out a feeble laugh and closed her eyes. She drifted off to sleep with visions of clouds and a white-haired angel flitting through her head.

~~~~~~

Kagome opened her eyes slowly, groaning at the stream of sunlight that was hitting her square in the face. Sango looked up from the chair she was sitting in and grinned.

"Good morning, sleepyhead." She teased. She held up a cup of coffee. "Ordered room service."

Kagome sat up and stretched. She felt a lot more energized and found herself excited to be facing what looked to be a beautiful day in Tokyo. She sat down next to Sango and plucked a delicious looking pastry from a platter.

"What time is it?" She asked. Sango took a sip of her coffee. "Well past ten," She said. "I woke up at eight." Kagome chewed the pastry slowly, thinking about what they should do for the day.

Sango rose from her seat. "I'm gonna go take a shower." She said as she rummaged a suitcase. "Don't take forever, Sango." She warned, knowing how her friend was when it came to showering. "I'm sure the first thing Sesshomaru's going to want to do is get started researching this mental institution."

Sango made a face. "You can never rush beauty, my dear." She said in mock haughtiness as she sauntered into the bathroom. Kagome rolled her eyes and finished her pastry. She made her way to the balcony doors and threw them open. The view was absolutely breathtaking and Kagome couldn't help but smile. She stepped up to the rail and looked down. The room was pretty high up, but Kagome didn't mind. She actually liked being up so high. It was like she was on top of the world looking down.

"If you lean any further over, you're going to find yourself falling a long way down."

Kagome looked up in surprise. Sesshomaru was standing on the balcony next to hers, an amused look on his face. She gave him a sheepish grin. "Just admiring the view." She said. Sesshomaru nodded and looked out at the city.

"It is quite a view." Sesshomaru commented. Kagome watched as the morning breeze blew gently through his silver strands. He looked like some Greek god standing there, with his flawless features and commanding stature. Kagome shook her head to clear her thoughts.

"So what's on the agenda for today, boss?" Kagome asked with a half smile. Sesshomaru turned to look at her. "I'm going to Tranquil Springs." He replied. Kagome noticed he didn't include her. "You mean we're going to Tranquil Springs." She corrected.

Sesshomaru shook his head. "Look, you insisted on following me here and I relented but the mental institution is another thing." Kagome crossed her arms and stamped her foot, knowing she was acting like a spoiled child, but she didn't care. After all, Sesshomaru was treating her like a child.

"Sesshomaru, if you think for one moment I'm going to stay here while you go off to the mental institution alone, you've got another thing coming!" Kagome said pointedly. "I didn't come all the way to Tokyo to stay cooped up in some hotel room!"

Sesshomaru gazed at her, one eyebrow raised. Kagome was really starting to hate that eyebrow. "I don't expect you to stay cooped up in the hotel room. By all means, go explore the city with that friend of yours." He said calmly. "While here, you can do anything your heart desires." Kagome opened her mouth to respond. "Anything but accompany me to the mental institution." Sesshomaru said quietly before returning inside his room.

Kagome let out a short cry of frustration and stomped into the room, slamming the balcony doors closed. Sango peeped her head out of the bathroom. "What's all the commotion?" She inquired.

Kagome rummaged through her purse, throwing random items onto the floor. "That...that asshole thinks he's lord and ruler of the world!" She sputtered, finally finding what she was looking for. Sango looked at her with a look of confusion. "Come again?"

"Sesshomaru fucking Iakouy!" Kagome exclaimed, clutching her cell phone tightly. Sango flinched, not used to seeing Kagome so upset. She ducked back inside the bathroom, figuring Kagome needed a little alone time. Kagome sat down on the edge of the bed, taking a deep, calming breath. If Sesshomaru thought he could tell her what to do, she'd show him differently.

~~~~~~

"Agrigatou." Sesshomaru said as he climbed out of the taxi. He handed the driver some money and walked towards the entrance of the building. The building itself wasn't anything special, just a run-of-the-mill gray stone building. The only thing Sesshomaru found odd about the building was its lack of windows. Mental institutions were supposed to promote a happy, serene environment. This building definitely seemed to do the opposite.

Sesshomaru made his way up the long gravel walkway that led to a heavy gray metal door. Sesshomaru opened the door and found himself in a dim lobby with a few rather uncomfortable looking chairs strewn about. He spotted a middle-aged woman sitting behind a desk, busy typing something in a computer.

He approached the woman and cleared his throat to get her attention. She looked up at him expectantly. "Konnichiwa," Sesshomaru began, his voice smooth and pleasant. "Hajimemashite?"

The woman gave him a smile that lacked any warmth. Her eyes held no emotion whatsoever, making Sesshomaru a little uneasy. The woman responded in Japanese, her voice monotone, giving away nothing.

"I'm fine, sir. How may I help you?" Sesshomaru suppressed the urge to shiver and gave her a small smile. "My name is Fujio Hamada and I'm interested to know a little more about your facility."

The woman nodded. "Well, Mr. Hamada, Tranquil Springs is a privately owned institution, employing about 200 employees." She handed him a brochure. "We take..." The woman paused, searching for the right words. "The most special cases, offering the best in care and comfort."

Sesshomaru was sure the woman had memorized the facts she was spewing forth. He nodded and feigned interest, keeping up his facade.

"May I ask what your circumstances are for looking into our facility?" The woman asked, looking at him questioningly. Sesshomaru tried his best to look saddened.

"My brother has always been mentally unstable, ever since we were kids," Sesshomaru explained. "Over the years, however, he's gotten steadily worse and now he's totally gone over the edge. He no longer knows what's real and lives in his own little world where no one can reach him." Sesshomaru gave a little sigh for emphasis. "I have a family of my own and no longer have the time to care for him like he needs."

The woman nodded, jotting down something on a pad. She looked up at Sesshomaru with what was supposed to be sympathy but came across as boredom.

"I'm sorry to hear about your brother, Mr. Hamada. Fortunately, Tranquil Springs is perfect for someone in your brother's position." She picked up the receiver of the phone positioned next to the computer. "To better convince you of Tranquil Springs' benefits, I'll let you speak to the head doctor." Sesshomaru nodded as the woman pressed a button and spoke quietly into the receiver. After a few moments, she hung up the phone and pointed to a chair nearest the desk.

"Please have a seat. The doctor will be with you shortly."

Sesshomaru sat down and waited for the doctor. Every now and then, he would cast glances at the strange receptionist. He couldn't quite figure this place out. The environment and the people didn't seem to fit with the mental institution, unless, of course, said institution wasn't really a mental institution at all.

Sesshomaru snapped to attention when he spotted a tall woman with long, bone straight black hair wearing a white lab coat walking up to the desk. She spoke with the receptionist briefly before turning in Sesshomaru's direction.

"Mr. Hamada?" She asked, extending her hand. Sesshomaru stood and took the offered hand, giving it a gentle shake. "I'm Dr. Fujiwara, head of the staff here at Tranquil Springs." Even though the woman was smiling, Sesshomaru noticed again how the smile held not a single trace of emotion.

"I'm told you're interested in having a family member put in our care." Dr. Fujiwara said, gesturing for Sesshomaru to follow her. They walked down a short corridor that led into a large hall. "Yes, my brother, actually." Sesshomaru responded. Dr. Fujiwara nodded. She led him to a door on the left and motioned him inside. Sesshomaru took a seat in one of the black vinyl chairs while the doctor sat behind her desk.

"Can you tell me a little more about your brother?" Dr. Fujiwara asked. Sesshomaru nodded, once again slipping into his act. He once again explained his brother's "condition".

"Are you very close with your brother?" Dr. Fujiwara asked, her face displaying no emotion. Sesshomaru was a little taken aback by the question. "Excuse me?" He said with a confused smile. The doctor clasped her hands together. "Well, Mr. Hamada, we just like to get a feel of what the family situation is like. Most of our patients here don't have close ties to any of their family members, leaving them totally isolated."

Sesshomaru found this a little strange, but kept his feelings hidden. "Well, actually Dr. Fujiwara, me and my brother haven't been close for quite some time." The doctor nodded, seeming pleased with this. She stood quickly. "If you'll excuse me for just a moment, Mr. Hamada." She said. Sesshomaru nodded politely and watched as she left the office. The moment the door shut behind her, Sesshomaru's natural instincts quickly took over.

He walked behind the desk and searched carefully through the drawers, looking for anything that might be of interest. When his search turned up nothing useful, he searched the desk for secret compartments. He smirked when he heard a soft click come from underneath one of the drawers. Places like these always had secret compartments.

Sesshomaru took the object out of its hiding place and studied it, realizing what it was after a couple of seconds. It was Dr. Fujiwara's spare key card. Now that he had something useful, he was anxious to get back to the hotel and formulate a plan to get into the institution after hours. Just as he was about to leave the office, Dr. Fujiwara came back in.

"Are you leaving already, Mr. Hamada?" The doctor asked. Sesshomaru nodded. "I just got a business call and it's an emergency." He shook her hand. "Thank you for taking the time to see me, Dr. Fujiwara." He turned to leave the office, but the doctor put a hand on his arm.

"Mr. Hamada, it's highly recommended that you get your brother here as soon as possible." Sesshomaru turned to Dr. Fujiwara, his eyes narrowing slightly. She squeezed his arm, barely but just enough to make Sesshomaru even more suspicious. "For your brother's sake, of course."

Sesshomaru smiled coldly, brushing her hand away. "Of course." He said, his voice low. "I'll be in touch." Sesshomaru left the doctor staring after him and made his way back down the corridor to the front lobby. He stopped when he heard a familiar voice.

"Do you speak English?" The voice asked. He heard the receptionist reply that she didn't understand in Japanese. There were two other voices arguing, a man and a woman, and then the voice said, "Tell her I'm an American reporter and I have a few questions to ask."

Sesshomaru growled low in his throat and clenched his fists. That damned woman was more trouble than she was worth. Taking a deep breath and pasting on a smile, Sesshomaru walked into the lobby.

"Get the hell out now!" He commanded between clenched teeth. He ignored the surprised looks from Kagome, Sango, and a man he didn't know and turned to the receptionist. He explained that the three were family members whom he was thinking about committing to the hospital also and bid her a good day.

"Move!" He ordered, giving Kagome a small shove towards the exit. Sango and the unknown man quickly followed them outside, seeing the murderous gleam in Sesshomaru's eye.

Once they were safely outside, Sesshomaru unleashed his rage. "What in the hell do you think you were doing back there?!" He asked, his voice low and angry. Kagome looked at him, wide-eyed. She'd never witnessed Sesshomaru so upset and being on the receiving end of his wrath was more than a little scary.

"I-I--"

"You what?" Sesshomaru hissed. He was so angry with her that he swore he could strangle her with his bare hands. He made a sound of disgust and turned away from her, abruptly leaving the three to stand there looking stunned.

After a few moments of silence, Sango piped up, "Gee, do you think he's mad?"

a/n: gosh, it's taking me longer to update than I'd hoped....but don't worry, it's not gonna take this long all the time...i kno i said that before, but it seems like things keep happening like my comp hard drive completely wiping out or surprise projects needing to be done for school...anyways, hope u like the chap and as always, please continue to read and review...thanks! = )