InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ The Street Musician ❯ Further Instruction ( Chapter 20 )

I do not own Inuyasha & Co.

 

 

Hello, everyone! Well, I have come across some scenes, which have inspired me to continue finally. So, just sit back and enjoy the next installment of Street Musician, and feel free to leave comments if ya like. And, once again, thank you very much for your patience in waiting for this update.

 

 

Chapter 20: Further Instruction

 

 

The next morning found the musicians in the studio bright and early to meet with the vocal coaches, as well as the composer assigned by the company. Inuyasha couldn't help but smile mischievously at the man in question as he set his briefcase on the table in the booth.

 

Kagome saw the look, and nudged his shoulder, gaining a `Shhh' from him and a wink. She giggled for a moment, and then paid attention as the composer began to speak of new developments in the music.

 

“Actually, can I add to your compositions?” Inuyasha spoke sarcastically as he raised his hand.

 

“Add? You have something to add to my work?” the man asked as he eyed the youth with a look of annoyance.

 

“Yes, something that could help you do a better job at composing the music from my creations,” Inuyasha replied curtly.

 

“Inuyasha…” Kagome whispered beside him in concern.

 

“No, its okay, Kagome. Well, wanna see what I have?” Inuyasha challenged.

 

“I'll take a look at it,” the man reluctantly held out his hand, nerves setting in as he tried to hide it.

 

Inuyasha proudly handed the papers over with a chuckle under his breath, hoping deep down to give him a clue of what HE expects of HIS music.

 

As the band waited quietly, the composer sat down and thumbed through the pockmarked paper, and eyed it all carefully more than once through. A few minutes and a couple confident elbow nudges to Kagome, Inuyasha's eyes were the first to catch the attention of the composer once he was finished.

 

“This is interesting. This is the first time I've had a musician hand me his work, and try to help me; a veteran composer write music. Let me tell you something, boy. I have worked in this line of music for over a decade, and I assure you, you have potential, but this is not what the general populace is looking to buy at this time,” the man stated simply as he slid the papers across the table.

 

Kagome looked to the man beside her and saw his cheek muscles tighten and his eyes harden at the comment. `Uh oh…And after all that work he and I did last night…All for nothing?'

 

“You've got to be kidding. You mean, you don't want pointers for MY work? Let's get one thing straight here, jerk, I have been playing THAT music for years in the frickin subway, and those fans are the reason I am here right now! And you have the gall to tell me I have nothing but POTENTIAL?” Inuyasha exclaimed fiercely.

 

“That is exactly what I am telling you, boy. You may have a few bumpkins back home that would support you no matter what sounds you make. However, here in the real world of the music industry, if you don't know what you're doing, or how strenuous this industry can be, then you have no place here, and you'd might as well go back to where you're music is enjoyed. Critics in the business can make or break you. It's up to you if you wanna get yourself noticed, or if you choose to drown at the beginning of it all,” the composer explained with indifference.

 

Inuyasha seemed to lunge forward as his fists clenched tightly. Kagome held him back as he replied with, “You prick. You have talent? Why the fuck does the music you're turning mine into sounds like everyone else's? Huh? You want us to sound as if we're copying everyone and have no originality?”

 

“Originality at the start can bring you down if it's not liked by the general populace, boy. That is a gamble we are not willing to afford when it comes to wetbacks such as all of you.” He shot Inuyasha and the rest of the members a harsh look as he continued with, “None of you have what it takes just yet. That is why this is called a `project'. To see if you're able to follow instruction, no matter what the circumstance. If you can't accept that, then go home.”

 

Silence filled the room, save for the grinding of Inuyasha's teeth. Kagome's eyes grew cold at the composer's arrogance, and how he famed his skills as the best chance they had. In her opinion, the man lacked tact, and obviously meant to goad Inuyasha rather than help him understand reason.

 

Inuyasha's eyes closed as his anger began to consume him, and he wanted to plant his fist in the man's head to make him understand what `pissed off' meant, but he decided to shrug Kagome from his arm and turned to walk out. Kagome gasped at the action and watched as he slammed the door against the wall on his way into the studio.

 

“Inuyasha…” Kagome said as she followed him from the booth to try to console him.

 

“You are a real jerk, you know that?” Koga spat at the composer, and the other band members agreed and followed Kagome and Inuyasha.

 

“Damn…” the producer said aloud as he turned in his chair to face the man at the table, who was not happy in the least.

 

“What? I know what I'm talking about. Take a look at this!” the composer handed the sheets of music Inuyasha handed him.

 

The producer looked the music over and replied with, “I think it sounds good. Even the lyrics are inspiring. What's wrong with it?” the producer asked as he handed the paperwork back.

 

“His arrogance is what's wrong with it. He obviously does not know what he signed in that office. Now, I didn't say that I wouldn't give his work a chance, but he needs to learn who is boss here, and that he need not interfere since he knows nothing of what he's talking about, or doing. He's moving too fast, and thinks he knows everything. I can not let him continue this way, otherwise no one in authority would be able to get through to him,” the composer explained.

 

“Okay…I see your point, but you didn't have to be such an asshole about it. I mean, you may be his composer, but you're not in any more authority over him than I am. And I think you lack tact, dude…” the producer stated as he turned his back on the man.

 

“Fine…I guess we'll postpone the practice until we've all calmed down,” the composer suggested as he gathered the notes from Inuyasha and slipped them into his briefcase for later viewing and contemplation.

 

@*@

 

 

“Sir! You're not allowed to go in there! Sesshomaru's in a meeting!” the secretary exclaimed as she tried to hold Inuyasha back.

 

“You think I care?” Inuyasha spat at the woman as Kagome reached for his hand stopping him.

 

“Inuyasha, please…So the guy's a jerk, so what! Honestly, don't ruin your chances with your brother. Think this over with me, okay?” Kagome tried as hard as she could to regain his sanity through pleading eye contact.

 

“Kagome…I am aware he is scum. However, I don't need scum ruining our chances of success,” Inuyasha ground out through clenched teeth.

 

“I'm not taking his side here, Inu. I'm just worried your bursting into that office could ruin everything,” Kagome replied in concern, causing his resolve to finally taper. “Please, let's go grab a bite to eat or something…I'm sure Sesshomaru will call your cell if anything happens.”

 

“Kagome…” Inuyasha sighed as he turned to look upon her. “All right, we'll go. Being here is making me sick…”

 

As Inuyasha walked past her, Kagome thanked the Gods that her pleading worked to calm that fire. She apologized for his actions to the secretary and then raced after him.

 

 

@*@

 

 

“All right, next on the agenda, are new recruits and policies. Now, I think we should be able to give full account to their needs and what's happening behind the scenes,” Sesshomaru suggested.

 

“As in what needs, sir?” the vice president asked.

 

“As in rights to their growth in the industry. I think, for instance, if music is not working out in a project, to allow the musicians to add some of their own flare into the project. You know, the let them be themselves, however, continue to guide them and give them tips along the way,” Sesshomaru explained.

 

“I don't like it,” the public relations advisor stated.

 

“And why not?” The owner inquired.

 

“Simply this: that would cause us to have to be more diligent in our seeking of talent. Isn't our role in the industry not only to help give talented youth the chance and guide them, but to train them to accept the hardships of life in the industry? Giving the wetbacks too many rights at the start would cause us to become passive in our jobs and cause our company to falter because once word gets out how soft we've become, the losses would be great for the company,” the advisor explained.

 

“A worthy answer. Anyone else have an opinion?” Sesshomaru asked the lot of them.

 

“What brought up this question?” another advisor asked.

 

“Simply this, I have received complaints in regards to music being composed without acknowledgement of the talent we've hired, and I want to see if there is a way we could settle this in such a way where everyone comes out on top,” the owner mentioned to a table surrounded by silent figures.

 

“I just see our current methods as hindering, not encouraging to the youth we hire nowadays. Sure, some may prove to be hooligans, however, that leads us to be tougher on our search and judge of character, don't you agree? If the musicians we give our time to do not truly have talent we are looking for, then we'll continue looking.”

 

“Arrogance is what we're trying to snuff, sir. Without proper training, we may never gain the upper hand with our choices in musicians,” the Vice President offered.

 

“I fully understand that. But remember, my men, these are just thoughts to see how you'd all take changes in our midst. Need I remind you that even if you object, I can still decide for you at this point?” Sesshomaru stated simply.

 

“Yes, sir,” the men before him bowed their heads.

 

“Good. For now, we will work with what policies we have. However, if anything should go wrong, change is inevitable. You're dismissed,” Sesshomaru commanded and the men all filed out of his office.

 

Just as the crowd of men filed through the door, the secretary stepped in quietly. “Sir, I wanted to make you aware of a disturbance earlier.”

 

“Yes, what is it?” the man asked as he took his seat behind the giant mahogany desk.

 

“It was Inuyasha, sir. He was very upset and almost barged into your meeting until Kagome held him back. However, he turned away and walked out into the hall, and more than likely out of the building,” the secretary recounted.

 

“So, he was upset yet again…” the owner said aloud as he began to shuffle through the papers on his desk.

 

“Yes. He was very distraught and angry over the composer again. What would you like to do?” the woman asked politely.

 

“You did well by holding him back. Now, is he still here?” Sesshomaru asked.

 

“I don't think so. Kagome did mention taking him out for some fresh air,” she recalled.

 

“Good, he needs a bit of rest. Thank you, you may go,” Sesshomaru stated, and the secretary closed the door, leaving him to his own devices in his silent office.

 

 

@*@

 

 

“Inuyasha, wait up!” Kagome hollered after her love as he slammed the door open to the front courtyard of the building.

 

“Sorry, I just…” Inuyasha stuttered as he found a bench and sat down, as Kagome sat down beside him.

 

“It's okay…I just was afraid you'd keep going and not stop, leaving me behind,” Kagome expressed as she laid her hand on his left thigh.

 

“I just…feel as if I have no voice, and that we can't do anything to stop this insanity…the music just plain sucks, and I can't stand the arrogance of that composer. His music is so standard and way behind the times. Its shit that would make us sound lame, and uninteresting. I mean, how the hell are we supposed to gain fame if our music is so familiar?” Inuyasha griped.

 

“I feel the same way. Inuyasha, how he treated you was very unfairly. However, I have something to say. Please don't take this the wrong way, but wasn't how you approached it kinda like you smacked him over the head?” Kagome mentioned.

 

“How so?” the young man asked, looking at her over his shoulder.

 

“Well, you do have a point, and I agree with you 100% on the taste of music he has, but with how the situation turned out, maybe we should have approached Sesshomaru about it first…” Kagome thought aloud.

 

“Tsch…We already did, and he gave me the same arrogance. Let's just face it…It's come down to either we become toadies, or we take a stand and take matters into our own hands,” Inuyasha suggested.

 

“But, what about the help you may receive if you just try and see where their skills will lead us?” Kagome wondered.

 

“With shit like that? Hell no! That guy has no style! People are sick of the same old things. They need something new! And when I try to hand these people that new spark, they douse it…” Inuyasha shook his head.

 

Kagome sighed in frustration, and stared ahead at the ground as the breeze blew freshly cut grass clippings along the pavement. There was no moving Inuyasha from his determination. His conviction seemed to cause his ego to grow each minute. Obviously untrained in respect, Inuyasha was insufferable. What worried Kagome the most was whether his ego would cost him his dreams, and what he would do if that happened. `Oh, Inuyasha…I know why you fight…But is this the right course of action?'

 

“Kagome, answer something for me, please.” Kagome looked to him. “You are on my side on this, aren't you? You feel the same way, don't you?”

 

“Inuyasha, I do support you, of course. It's just, I don't know much about the music business, save for what has happened to the souls devoured by the pressures that come with the territory. I'm just worried about taking things too literal, or too lightly. I know nothing about where we're headed, and these people have been in this business for years. Maybe, if you were civil in your case, they might be more adjusting to your kind of style.

 

“You see, when you spoke to both of them, they gave the same speech, `You must learn your place in the business and work your way to the top.' There must be a way that we can work this out, but be cautious about our choices. I'm afraid they might reject us, and ruin our chances altogether,” Kagome explained plainly.

 

Inuyasha did not speak after those words. `She has a point…But how do I calm myself? Do I accept the position they want me in?'

 

*Rrrringggg* “Who's that?” Kagome asked as Inuyasha reached into his pocket to answer his cell phone. 

 

“Miroku,” Inuyasha replied as he opened the phone and set it to his ear.  “Hey!  What's going on?” 

 

“Hey, Inu!  Been a while since you've called.  So, how's `work' going?” the voice asked loudly enough for Kagome to overhear. 

 

“Could be better, actually.  We've run into a major snag…,” the musician said with a sigh. 

 

“What snag?  What's wrong?” the voice asked. 

 

“Well, the composer they hired to help get the music going for our band is a complete jerk with no talent or tact…” Inuyasha explained. 

 

“Dang…What are you gonna do?” 

 

“Well, we're figuring that out as we speak.  I'm just out getting some fresh air with Kagome,” Inuyasha replied as he looked at his nails. 

 

“Oh, Kagome's there?  Tell her Sango misses her something terrible!” Miroku exclaimed. 

 

Inuyasha leaned towards Kagome and said, “Sango misses you.”  

 

Kagome gave her acknowledgement with a smile as she said, “I miss Sangy too!” 

 

Inuyasha chuckled and continued with the conversation for a bit, then hung up when the conversation ended.  “Man, it's been a while since we've had lunch with those two.   It's been almost a month. I wonder how they're doing now that they're by themselves…” 

 

“I know.  I feel as if I have already graduated from college, rather than just put it all on hold.  I'm glad I did though,” Kagome mentioned. 

 

“You mean you don't miss your classes?” Inuyasha asked. 

 

“No.  I get to be with you.  That's much more important to me now that we're actually getting this going,” Kagome replied as she gazed out into the garden. 

 

“I see.  So then you…really have given it all up for me…haven't you,” Inuyasha stated sullenly.  “And I keep screwing this up.” 

 

“No, it's not you, Inu.  You're a passionate artist, and I feel that you have a right to complain…I just…” 

 

“It's okay.  I know this isn't just for me, and I'm sorry I caused you fear over all this.  I just…I have to be true to what I do, ya know?  Is it wrong to take what I do seriously?” Inuyasha asked. 

 

“No.  There's nothing wrong with how you feel.  You just need to learn to control your emotions, Inuyasha,” Kagome consoled. 

 

Inuyasha nodded at her answer and took a deep breath as he closed his eyes and exhaled for a long moment.  “Do you think we should go back in there?” 

 

“Are you ready to?” Kagome asked as she gently squeezed his thigh. 

 

“I think so.  Thank you, Kagome.  You always know how to calm my anger,” he voiced as he leaned over and touched his forehead to hers with a smile. 

 

“You're welcome, my love,” Kagome replied, doing the same.  The two of them remained for a few moments, kissed a few times, stood and then walked hand in hand back into the building to give it another go. 
 

@*@ 

 

Looking at the terminals at her desk, Sesshomaru's secretary followed the path of the artists, and upon seeing them enter the studio, she buzzed her boss to tell him about the new development. Sesshomaru thanked her and headed down to the studio to assess the situation first hand.

 

With the arrival of Kagome and Inuyasha into the studio, the rest of the band decided to practice the music they'd been given and try to make the best of the situation. As they began playing the music composed for them, the owner took his place up in the booth to listen in without them knowing.
 

The musicians played the music to their abilities, as the poker-faced businessman watched on in silence, while the producer recorded the sounds and mixed the vocals.

 

`The vocals are lacking. The sound is dead, and there is no emotion in the music. It seems rushed somehow, as if they're just trying to get through it. No effort is being put into this practice. This will not do during times of actual performances. I believe I shall have a word with this composer assigned to my brother's band…'

 

@*@

 

The composer slapped his briefcase onto his desk in his office and planted himself into his chair, while letting air out of the proverbial bubble of frustration building in his belly.  “That kid has no respect for his elders, or those with wisdom to help guide him.  He'll fail if he refuses my help.” 

 

Suddenly he felt eyes on him, and his gaze shot to the door to his side to see the owner of the company standing casually in the doorway.  “Kimata…” the mogul addressed the man as his gaze ground through the composer's very being. 

 

“Sesshomaru-sama, is there something you need of me?” the composer asked respectfully. 

 

“Indeed, there is.  I have received word that there have been difficulties with a certain artist and his group.  Care to explain just what has gone on there?” the elder of the two men inquired as he stepped forward and took the nearest chair before the composer. 

 

“Oh, you mean with Inuyasha Tai, sir?”  A nod of acknowledgement was the answer.  “Well, he has been most difficult to work with sir.” 

 

“How so?” the owner asked. 

 

“His music, sir…lacks so much, there is no way he knows how to compose music for a group.  The fact of the matter is, you assigned that the music for that project to be performed by a group, not by a duo, sir.  I am doing as you asked, and the kid just is not cooperating,” the composer explained. 

 

“What all has happened?  Have you worked one on one with him on the music?” The owner scrutinized the composer as he leaned forward, placing his elbows on his thighs. 

 

“No, sir,” the composer stated simply, then tried to swallow a lump in his throat. 

 

“I see.  And how long have you worked for this company?” Sesshomaru asked. 

 

“Twelve years, sir.” 

 

“I see,” the owner replied as he sat up, grabbed a pen, and jotted some words down silently.  “How did you get into this line of business?” 

 

“I majored in music at a music university in England, and I worked as a composer for many play writes, as well as composing jingles for the local radio station commercials. It took me fifteen years to get to this point, and I believe I know what I'm doing, and what sells,” the composer relayed proudly. 

 

“Commercials, play writes, radio sales…nothing with music on a genre level?” Sesshomaru asked as he settled back comfortably in his chair. 

 

“Well, I dabbled in music of my own, thought it never really appealed to anyone on the level of what we're working on right now.  Sir, if all do respect, you may think me incompetent, but I assure you, I do know what I'm doing,” Kimata stated as he leaned forward, clasping his hands in a subtle manner of pleading. 

 

“Never appealed to anyone, eh?  Who was it that hired you in the position to take genre artists such as Inuyasha Tai under your wing?” Sesshomaru asked bluntly. 

 

“Keta, sir.” 

 

“Keta, eh?  Well, last time I checked, he was fired for hiring people involved in some shady business.  Do you know of what kind of business?” Kimata shook his head and raised his shoulders.  “His associates sold drugs to the minors who would become hopefuls, saying they'd go far with creativity if they used drugs.” 

 

Kimata's eyes widened at the news.  “So, since he hired you a while back, and being clean cut and anal retentive, we let you slide by without being punished along with his other cronies.  However, this time, I believe I understand why he hired you.” 

 

“Why?” Kimata asked. 

 

“Because you were his cover.  As long as he had someone who had a slight idea of what they were doing under his list of hires in this department, he would not be questioned for his motives and beliefs.  You see, you were his hundred thousand Yen piece, Kimata.  He hired you to save face, nothing more.  Not only that, but knowing you from back when you started, recording your own compositions of a genre nature, he figured you were sucker if you felt your music was worth something,” Sesshomaru explained plainly. 

 

“What?!” Kimata asked in shock. 

 

“You heard me.  I don't feel that you have what it takes to be in this position,” Sesshomaru clearly stated. 

 

“Then, if not in this position, where do you feel I belong?” Kimata asked. 

 

“In theater, conducting and composing as you had before.  From what I've been told, your musical interests do not match what we want from our talented musicians.  I just came from listening in on the practice going on right now with Inuyasha Tai. Now the conclusion I have come to, since this company mainly deals with raising musicians interested in rock, and the like, I feel you don't belong here.  I will give you the rest of the afternoon to get your affairs in order, clean out your desk, and end your day with us,” the owner stated as he stood, and left the office as he'd entered, cool as rain. 

 

@*@ 

 

Wow…Well, I feel this chapter wraps up one hurdle so far, and I hope the length makes up for the long wait...

 

Now, for anyone who is interested, there have been some new developments in regards to this story, and if you would like to get a glimpse of who the true Inuyasha and Kagome are, feel free to visit our web site dedicated to our duo band called, you guessed it, Street Musician at:

http : // profile. myspace. com/ index. cfm? fuseaction= user. Viewprofile &friendid= 267046890& MyToken= 29378fcd- daec- 4d68- 8ad0- a68fe5b086b2

And, of course, paste this into your browser without the spaces, and you're golden!