InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ The Hunt ❯ The Meeting ( Chapter 2 )

Disclaimer: I don't own Inuyasha or its characters. I'm just borrowing them.

A/N: I love my reviewers! They totally rock.

Chapter 2 - The Meeting

In a dark alleyway…

"So, these Shikon shards… this Naraku's willing to pay a cool million for them?" the treasure hunter known only as Inuyasha inquired. His amber-gold eyes shone in the moonlight. His handsome face was doubtful, and he reached up to tighten the red bandanna around his forehead. He unconsciously tugged them back, as if he were worried about hiding something on his head.

"Yes, there are four pieces. For every piece you bring him, he will pay you $250,000." The syrupy, undoubtedly female voice replied. Inuyasha's eyes glinted. This woman was unusually suspicious. In a flash, he drew his katana and swiped at her. She blocked his attack with remarkable speed, drawing a battle fan and catching his sword. Inuyasha looked at her curiously, pulling back his blade and returning it to its sheath.

"You blocked Tetsusaiga… with… a battle fan? I've only seen those in museums." Inuyasha said, his puzzlement obvious.

"Heh. They weren't meant for museums." The woman replied. She stepped out from the shadows. Inuyasha's eyes narrowed when he saw her face. It was a pretty face, but he knew all too well that pretty faces usually meant dangerous hearts. Her red irises were a dead giveaway that she surely was not human. She whipped the fan in a rapid motion. Inuyasha barely caught it before the sharp blade cut into his face.

"They were made for battle." The woman said simply.

"What is your name, youkai woman? And how exactly are you connected to this Naraku?" Inuyasha asked quietly.

"Ah, so you're not as stupid as you seem, hanyou. I am a wind-using youkai, by the name of Kagura. I've served Naraku for years." Kagura replied. Inuyasha caught the tinge of bitterness at the end of her sentence, but chose not to say anything. He realized what she had called him and bared his teeth. His two canines were slightly longer and much sharper than an ordinary human's. He flexed his hands, and pointed claws suddenly appeared.

"So you're also sharper than I thought. What gave it away, wench?" Inuyasha growled.

"Naraku makes it a point to thoroughly investigate anyone he'd like to hire. Going through your records, I already knew that you are the son of an inu-youkai and a human. So I don't suggest trying anything funny, hanyou. You'd be surprised at how much he knows about you." Kagura said. "So. Are we in business, or not?"

Inuyasha eyed this woman carefully. He didn't really need the money. He was infamous for his hunts, and his successes brought him more than enough to survive in this modern world. But a million dollars was nothing to sneeze at, either. And it's been a while since he's enjoyed a real treasure hunt. He wasn't stupid, and he knew it. This Naraku character didn't seem to be anything to worrying about. Sure, Naraku seemed suspicious, and Inuyasha didn't trust him or this woman for anything. But the challenge called to him. He couldn't resist.

"Yeah. We're in business." Inuyasha said. Kagura nodded and smiled slightly as she walked away, disappearing into the darkness.

"You'll meet us tonight at Mr. Onigumo's mansion. There you'll meet the other hunters." She said, her voice growing fainter as she walked away.

'Other hunters?' Inuyasha thought, bewildered. He turned to call out to the woman, but she was gone.

'Sesshoumaru's gonna think I'm such an idiot…' he thought as he looked up at the sky.

.-*****-.-*****-.-*****-.

Kagome rummaged through her closet. She had to look decent if she was going to meet this Naraku guy. Sango, Miroku, and Shippou sat waiting in her living room. Shippou lazily swapped channels, searching for something interesting. She turned, holding up a dark blue blouse and a black skirt.

"Sango, how's this?" Kagome asked. Sango looked up from her conversation with Miroku.

"That's nice. Pretty and professional." Sango said, nodding her head in approval.

"Miroku?" Kagome pressed.

"Its fine, Kagome." Miroku said. "Why are you asking me, anyway?"

"I don't know! Nervous, I guess. Usually, when I go on a hunt, it's for the university, or something. It's been a while since I've been hired for a job." Kagome said. She sighed, and walked over to Miroku and Sango. They moved over, and Kagome plopped down on the couch.

"Why is this so stressful?" Kagome said, laying her head on the back of the couch.

"Because you're making it so." Miroku stated simply. Kagome looked at him, and popped back up.

"You're right! Let's go and get it over with, already!" Kagome said with renewed vigor. She ran to her room, shutting the door so she could change. Her friends merely exhaled a long breath.

"Some things never change…" Sango said softly.

.-*****-.-*****-.-*****-.

"Baka! You know nothing about this Naraku. How could you agree to this?" a very pissed Sesshoumaru barked.

"Shut up for a second and I'll tell you! Besides, it's not like I jumped at the chance. I still gotta meet this guy." Inuyasha snapped.

"You're still a baka, hanyou. And what makes you think I'll let you use my resources this time? Worthless half-breed." Sesshoumaru said icily, glaring at his half-brother.

"Because you will." Inuyasha replied. "If you don't… I'll see to it that you do!" Inuyasha said, drawing his sword and holding it so that the tip was mere millimeters from Sesshoumaru's neck with blinding speed.

"Fool. Like you could beat me, Sesshoumaru. Unlike you, my blood is pure." Sesshoumaru said, brushing the sword away. Tetsusaiga sizzled upon contact with Sesshoumaru's skin.

"Chikuso!" Sesshoumaru growled.

"Keh. Forgot about that, didn't you?" Inuyasha smirked. His sword had been specially made for him, the one time he actually appreciated his hanyou blood.

"Shut up. Fine, I'll see what I can do. Don't draw attention, though. I won't save your ass anymore, Inuyasha." Sesshoumaru said in a deadly tone. One look at his brother and Inuyasha knew he was serious.

They had a bitter rivalry, Sesshoumaru and Inuyasha. Sesshoumaru was a successful and powerful business lord; a high influence in all of Japan, though no one but his family and close friends (a/n: does he even have friends?) knew he was really a youkai. Inuyasha lacked the drive and motivation Sesshoumaru had, and Sesshoumaru despised him for it. He also held a wicked grudge against the fact that his powerful father had stooped to mating with a Inuyasha's mother, a human. At one point, he was insanely jealous of their final gifts from their father. Inuyasha was granted the powerful Tetsusaiga, a sword with enormous destructive power. Although Sesshoumaru had been granted most of his father's lands, wealth, and a sword of his own (Tenseiga - the healing sword), he was furious at the fact that Inuyasha received what Sesshoumaru thought a gift too high for such a lowlife. However, Sesshoumaru felt a weak form of obligation to his younger half brother, knowing it was his father's wish that they somehow get along. Inuyasha knew this, of course. His brother had so many chances of killing him but never could. Inuyasha raised an eyebrow.

"Thanks." He said coolly as he walked out of his brother's mansion.

.-*****-.-*****-.-*****-.

Kagome, Sango, and Miroku stood outside the lavish manor. Their mouths formed into a silent "O" as they stared at the sheer vastness of the house. Kagome was the first to speak.

"Well… should we… knock?" Kagome said. Suddenly the door opened, and a young girl with black eyes and shimmering white hair opened.

"He's expecting you." She said detachedly. She turned, motioning for them to follow her. Miroku looked at her curiously. He frowned as his monk senses alerted him that this girl was a nihility.

'This girl… she has no life force… it's almost as if… she's empty… nothing…' Miroku thought. He nudged Kagome and Sango simultaneously.

"Be on your guard." He whispered.

"Oi!" a rough voice called from behind them. They turned to see a young man walking toward them. Despite it being the 21st century, he was dressed in a red hakama and haori, made of a strange material. The only modern thing about his outfit was a red bandanna around his head, covering the crown. The young girl leading them turned slightly.

"You're late." She said softly. She turned back and continued walking. Inuyasha eyed the two young women and the young man suspiciously; they, in return, eyed him curiously. He shrugged and walked up to them and followed the young girl.

A few moments later, Kagome decided to break the uncomfortable silence. "Ano… who are you?" She asked the silver haired young man. He was silent. Kagome's eyes narrowed.

"Forget it. I was just asking." She said quietly, her irritation evident. He glanced at her, inadvertently catching her eye. Kagome hadn't really taken a good look at him, but found herself awestruck by his handsome features. She felt the heat of a blush rising to her face, and cursed herself for it.

"Inuyasha." The man said quietly. Kagome snapped back to reality.

"What?" She asked, confused.

"My name is Inuyasha. I'm taking a job for this guy." Inuyasha said edgily. The realization of his words hit.

"A job? You wouldn't happen to be taking the job of the hunt for the shards of the Shikon no Tama, would you?" Kagome said, eyeing him squarely.

"And if I am?" Inuyasha replied, tipping his head to the side. This girl was annoying. 'She is pretty, though' he mused. Underneath her exterior, he also sensed an inner strength. He wondered if she knew about it. He smirked, waiting for her answer.

"What?! This guy has some nerve! He calls for us, but doesn't tell us about this other guy we'll be working with?" Kagome fumed.

"Whoa, wait a minute. I don't work with anybody. I work alone." Inuyasha said defensively.

"What?" Kagome said. Miroku and Sango stared, completely at loss for words to say. Suddenly Inuyasha laid a hand on the hilt of his sword.

"That's right." A chillingly low voice said. A man with long, thick hair stepped out of the shadows. He was dressed elegantly in black and deep blue robes, and had an overwhelming presence.

"Kanna, you may leave." The man said detachedly, waving the little girl off. She obeyed and walked out of the room.

"Naraku, I presume." Inuyasha said coolly. He relaxed slightly, but left his hand on the sword's handle.

"Ah. The treasure hunter Inuyasha. I called you because I like your style. You're focused and you get what you need and use it or sell it, whatever befits you." Naraku said. Kagome whirled to face the young man.

"So that's what you are. The very kind of person I despise the most! Historical artifacts are meant to be preserved, protected! Studied! They aren't trinkets one can toss about!" She snapped. Naraku's laugh interrupted her.

"Ah, the famed Dr. Higurashi. I called on you and your team because your research and work is beyond comparison." Naraku said. 'Doctor?!' Inuyasha thought incredulously, staring at the young woman. Miroku eyed Naraku warily.

"So it seems you know a lot about us. Now tell us, what do we know about you? Why should we do this job for you?" Miroku stated. He fingered the prayer beads around his wrist. Sango watched him out of the corner of her eye.

"Well, first of all, I am merely a collector. I admit, I have had an obsession with the rumors of the Shikon no Tama and am convinced in entirety that it exists and is waiting to be found. Second, I am disgustingly rich, and being that I have no skill of my own, was hoping that I could hire those who had the skill to find this artifact that I so truly desire." Naraku said. Kagome blinked furiously.

"So what, you have some money and you want this artifact. Or should I say, artifacts. Why should we do it?" Kagome said, her pretty voice showing its temperament.

"My dear, I am fully willing to have you thoroughly research the Shikon jewel and present its information to your university. Isn't that what you do?" Naraku said. 'Damn, this guy's tricky.' Kagome thought. She straightened.

"It is what I do. And I'll ask no further questions. I'll do it." Kagome stated. Miroku and Sango looked at her questioningly. Kagome smiled slightly. 'I'll do it. But I'll find out what's really going on, Naraku." She thought.

"Keh! What are you talking about? You called me here, dammit. I'll be the one to find all four of your precious Shikon shards." Inuyasha broke in.

"It… might be better for you all to combine your knowledge and skills." Naraku said slowly. Everyone turned to him.

"It's why I called you all here." He finished. He turned and walked into an adjacent room. "Decide for yourself, though." Naraku called back before disappearing into the dark room.

Kagome and Inuyasha glared daggers at each other. Finally Kagome huffed and walked out, not bothering to wait for Miroku and Sango. Inuyasha stared at her before following them out.

'Keh! Like I'd ever work with a stuck up bitch like her!' Inuyasha thought furiously.

'As if I'd work with an arrogant jerk like that!' Kagome thought simultaneously. Miroku and Sango merely sweatdropped, wondering how this was all going to work out.

** Yay! This chapter's done. I'll try to update soon. Read and Review, please! Don't flame me, ok? [Puts on Inuyasha's fire-resistant kimono]. Hehe! Until next time, Ja! **