InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ To Bear Witness ❯ Rin’s Plans of Negotiation… ( Chapter 22 )

Disclaimer: Now really, If I owned Inuyasha, I'd be living mega phat in a 10 room mansion with a white lapso-apso named Chilly. However, I live in a pink townhouse with a 19-year old brother named Stupid. Do you still want to sue? Hell, why not donate to the cause?!

SF: Oh, and just this weekend I was surfing the Sesshoumaru: The Killing Perfection site and I found another wonderful artist. Her/His (no, I'm not sure. Sue me.) name is Sefier-sama and they're truly great pics!

Chapter Twenty-Two: Rin's Plans of Negotiation…

*Tuesday, 7:04 pm Boston Mass.*

>Whirrrrrrrrrrrrrr!<

Sesshoumaru blinked, then looked around him. 'What on earth was that?' He looked around for a couple of minutes more, then returned to his finance reports.

>Whirrrrrrrrrrrrrr!<

>Poof!<

>Shriek! (giggle)<

Sesshoumaru, his curiosity piqued, finally left the report and his study. He followed the giggles to the kitchen, where he found Rin and Kagome covered in flour. They were both trying to put the lid back on the blender, which was spinning its contents out to the room around it.

"Ah! Kagome, make it stop!"

"I'm trying, but I can't see!"

>Whirrrrrrrr!<

Sesshoumaru watched the madness around him, a genuine smile spreading across his face as he watched the two of them. He reached over and unplugged it, then leaned against the counter and waited for them to notice him.

Kagome stumbled to him, her eyes closed as her hands searched for something to wipe the flour off her face. Rin managed to grasp a paper towel from a rack behind her, and was offering Kagome one when Sesshoumaru intervened.

"And just what are you two doing?" he asked as he pulled Kagome to him. She followed compliantly, her eyes still closed as a sheepish smile graced her features.

"I wanted to make you something," Kagome began as Sesshoumaru wrapped an arm around her waist. "So I decided to make some cookies. Rin stopped by," Rin smiled as Sesshoumaru gently wiped Kagome's face clean, a knowing smile on his face. "And told me that you were allergic to chocolate."

"I am?"

"Sure you are Sesshoumaru-sama," Rin chirped, waving to get his attention. "Remember your condition?"

"Condition?"

Kagome blinked, then glanced up at him. "Rin said you were allergic. Something about chocolate being the same as rat poison."

Rin silently barked behind her, then pointed at Sesshoumaru. Sesshoumaru nodded in realization. "Yes. I am. Thank you Rin."

"No problem Sesshoumaru-sama."

"Anyway, she said white chocolate would be fine, so that's what we were trying to do when the blender exploded."

"I see." Sesshoumaru nodded, observing the floury mess the two managed to make of his once immaculate kitchen. Black granite counters where now covered with a dusty film, and he could trace his name in the flour covering the cabinet doors. He shook his head at the two of them. "Though the gesture is appreciated, it was unnecessary."

"No it wasn't," Kagome told him as she stepped out of his arms. "I told you I would give you something."

"You have. A giant mess."

Kagome huffed irritably. "Then show me where the broom is and I'll clean it up."

"Now now," Sesshoumaru cajoled as he pulled her back to him. "No need to be testy. I was merely joking."

"Hm! Whatever! I still plan to clean this up!"

Rin smiled as she watched the two of them, silently agreeing with Inuyasha. 'Uncle Yasha's right. They do love each other. But he never said how dumb they were in realizing it. They do need help.' "Sesshoumaru-sama?"

"Yes Rin?" Sesshoumaru finally let go of Kagome's waist, watching her as she started to wipe off the cabinets.

"I'm not here on a cordial visit."

"Really?" Kagome said over her shoulder. "I didn't mean to get in the way of business."

"No problem. I needed you to hear this too."

"Alright then." Kagome set the towel down and sat at the bar across from Rin. "Shoot."

"There's this costume ball set for this Friday. It's a fundraiser for leukemia research and therapy."

"I know of this. We have already donated."

"I know Sesshoumaru-sama, but there is a slight catch."

"What's that?" Kagome asked.

"Those who donate must attend, and since the donation is under your name Sesshoumaru-sama-"

"That means you have to go," Kagome concluded, frowning at his displeasure. "What's wrong?"

"I do not desire to attend this. When did you receive this information?"

Rin shrugged. "Just a couple of days ago. I thought for sure you'd want to go."

"I do not."

"What about you Kagome?"

Kagome thought a moment, then shrugged. "I don't know. I think a costume party would be fun."

Sesshoumaru huffed irritably, folding his arms as he leaned against the counter beside Kagome. "I don't."

"Why not?" Kagome asked. "Don't tell me you're afraid of crowds."

"I fear nothing. I just don't like being around so many people."

****

SF: Isn't that the same thing?

Sesshou: What was that half breed?

SF: You keep that crap up and I'm going to let Silver Fox drown you! {::running offstage::} DN-C! He's starting again!

****

"But it's for a good cause." Kagome turned pleading eyes to him, her hand resting on his arm. "Please? I think you'd have fun."

"Me too Sesshoumaru-sama," Rin agreed, resting her hand on the other arm. "Why not?"

Sesshoumaru glanced from one female to the other, then relented. "Fine. I will go, but what of a costume?"

"We can get one of those tomorrow!" Kagome chirped. "Besides, if all fails we could try to find some clothes in the attic."

"That is not necessary," Sesshoumaru replied as Ah and Un came into the room. They glanced around wide eyed, then smiled knowingly at Rin and Kagome.

"Lady Rin, when did you arrive?" Ah asked as he and Un enfolded her in a hug. (A ryuu sandwich with Rin meat! Muhahahaha!) Rin giggled between them. "You two always give the best hugs. I got here earlier."

"Are you and Lady Kagome-"

"Ahem!"

"Kagome," Ah corrected himself "responsible for this?"

Rin nodded guiltily. "Yeah, this is us. We'll clean it up."

"No such thing," Un said as he pulled the broom out of a corner. "Never mind this. Ah and I will handle it."

"That's right," Ah said as he escorted Rin, Kagome and Sesshoumaru out of the kitchen. "We will have this clean in a jiff, and see about the blender while we're at it. You'll be able to try your cookies again in a few minutes Kagome."

"Thanks you guys," Rin said before they walked to the front door. "Aren't they great? Hey Kagome, would you walk me to my car? There's some things I need to brief you on for the ball."

"Sure." Kagome waited for Rin to bid Sesshoumaru goodbye, then followed her to her car. "Wow, that's nice!" she commented as Rin tossed her purse inside the red sports car. "What's its model?"

"It's a '98 Civic. I love those cars! Uncle Yasha gave me this as a birthday present."

"How nice of him!"

"Yeah, Uncle Yasha's like that. Can I talk to you for a moment?"

Kagome watched as Rin opened the passenger side door, then took a seat as Rin slid over to the driver's seat. Rin sighed as she closed her door, then turned and looked at Kagome.

"I'm protective of my Sesshoumaru-sama, did you know that?"

"Huh?" Kagome stammered. "What do you mean?"

"Since I've known him, every woman in his company has tried to fool him into marrying her by pretending to be something they aren't." She leaned back as Kagome stared at her. "I've seen a lot of giggly, silly, over-painted women, but you-" Rin smiled, then shook her head. "I can't figure you out."

"There's nothing to figure out. I just want to protect him."

Rin quirked a brow and nodded. "Sure. That's what you hide behind. That's what he hides behind. But I know different. You want to hear how we met?"

Kagome blinked, surprised by the change of subject. "Yeah, I guess so…"

Rin sighed, closing her eyes again as she recounted her life. "Well, I don't remember a lot about my parents. All I remember is the orphanage outside of New York. It was run by a group of nuns. The sisters were nice and all, but I didn't want to be there. I wanted real parents. I would always run away. It drove them nuts, but they always searched for me.

"Well, one day I ran completely away. I somehow found myself in the middle of Manhattan. I still don't know what led me there. I want to call it divine intervention but you're a miko. Is that possible?"

Kagome shrugged. "I don't know. It depends."

Rin looked at her, her brown eyes shining and bright before she turned away. "Anyway, I walked down somewhere I shouldn't and ended up surrounded by some group of thugs. I couldn't scream, I couldn't do anything but watch as they cornered me in this alley. They beat me up pretty good.

"I remember the leader standing over me as the others kicked me. 'You die today little girl,' he said. He pulled a switchblade out of his pocket and picked me up. I knew no one would see in time, that no one would stop him. I could hear his buddies laughing their heads off, like it was some kind of joke at the matinee or something. I remember feeling helpless, but I still couldn't say anything. I closed my eyes because I didn't want to give him the satisfaction of seeing me cry.

"I knew right then that I was going to die."

Rin smiled then, a single tear streaking down her face as she looked toward the driveway. "Then the guy just drops me like that. I could hear grunts, growls and all kinds of noise. I didn't know what was going on, so I kept my eyes closed and curled up into a ball.

"Then it stopped, and all went quiet. I heard footsteps coming toward me, and instead of stepping over me like I thought they would they stopped beside me. I opened my eyes to an angel.

Kagome watched as another tear fell, wanting to reach over and comfort her but feeling as if she wasn't wanted. "So what does a little kid do when they see an angel for the first time?" Rin laughed at herself, shaking her head as she wiped a tear away. "All I could do was stare. I know I looked stupid, but that's all I could do. He reached out for me, and I remember staring at his hands. They were so clean, and I'd been on the street for at least a good week. I was filthy, plus I had blood all over me. I didn't want to mess him up, you know?"

Kagome nodded with a smile, which Rin returned.

"But he insisted, stooping down to pick me up. He sat there in that alley with me, holding me when I started to cry." Rin grinned then, giving a small snort of laughter. "I totally ruined his suit, just like I thought I would. He didn't care though. He just picked me up and walked out of the alley. He never said a word, but to the hospital staff. I was so scared he wouldn't be there when I woke up. I had a screaming fit, calling for him as I tried to get away from the nurses. They finally brought him in, and it was then he said 'You belong to me now. I won't let another harm you.' Can you imagine how mind blowing that was, to be claimed by an angel as beautiful as he was?"

Kagome started to laugh, finally figuring out who Rin was speaking of. Rin nudged her playfully, but continued. "It took a while to realize he wasn't an angel, but that'll always be how I think of him. That's why I'm so protective of him. However," she sighed deeply, as if she were tired for some reason. "I want you to be with him."

"Huh?!!!"

"Don't pretend you don't know what I'm talking about. I can tell that he cares about you, and that you genuinely care about him. I won't be able to protect him forever…" She grinned and opened Kagome's door, shoving her out before closing it. "But you would. Take care of my Sesshoumaru-sama Kagome-nee-chan! And don't worry about your costume, I'll bring it to you!" With that she sped off, leaving Kagome to wonder what just happened. She shrugged and went back inside, but couldn't get what Rin said out of her mind.

'So she thinks he cares for me huh?' Kagome shook her head, dismissing the idea. 'Nah, that's impossible. Besides, there's too much to think about right now. I don't have time to consider it.' Kagome nodded in agreement, passing the rec room door as she made her way to the kitchen. 'I need to just forget this. A little baking should help.'

*Wednesday, 3:53 Kagome's Room*

"We're going shopping! We're going shopping!" Kagome sang as she stripped out of her work clothes. She jumped into a pair of hip huggers and a baby t-shirt with the words 'Guardian Angel' printed on the front, grabbed a brown leather bomber out of the closet and bolted out of the room and down the stairs.

Sesshoumaru stood beside the door, shrugging into a black leather trench coat as she skidded to a stop beside him. "Ready to go I see," he quirked as she jerked her attaché from a hook on the wall.

"I sure am-are you dressed in another suit?" she accused, surveying his attire. Sesshoumaru nodded, pulling a pair of keys out of a cubby near Kagome and walking outside. "Why do you always have to dress in suits? Don't you own jeans or something?"

"I do not." He walked off the front porch to the garage and opened a side door. "Wait up there."

"Yes, your highness," Kagome grumbled as she sat down on the steps. "Do this, do that. Just who does this guy think he is, Emperor of Japan or something?"

A horn beeped moments later. Kagome lifted her head as Sesshoumaru pulled out of the garage in a black Mazda RX-7.

****

SF: I want one! I'm going to trade my Bug for one!

Inu-chan: But SF…

SF: {::sigh::} What now?

Inu-chan: You can't drive a stick.

SF: {::sits there, then::} I can't, can I? WAAAAAA!!!!!

****

"Ready?"

"It's not like I didn't have to wait forever," Kagome grumbled as she got in. "What made you decide to drive today?"

Sesshoumaru shrugged. "Limos attract too much attention. This doesn't."

"Oh." Kagome looked out the window as the gates closed behind them, then tuned back to Sesshoumaru. "Can I drive?"

"No."

"Hm!" Kagome pouted a moment, then "Can I at least listen to a cd?"

Sesshoumaru gestured to the stereo. "Do as you like."

"Cool!"

Sesshoumaru mentally groaned as Kagome dug around her attaché. He could hear cd's being clicked against each other before she pulled one out.

"Here we go!" she chirped, pushing the cd into the drive. There was nothing but music for a full minute, then someone started to sing.

"I-I-I-I-I-I-I-want…-you-you-you-you-you-you-you-you-oh&hel lip;-I-I-I-I-I-I-I-want…-you-you-you-"

"Is this all there is?" Sesshoumaru asked irritably, his hands tapping the steering wheel. Kagome shook her head.

"Nope. There's something after this."

"How long is this song?"

"I don't know. I've never heard the end of it."

Sesshoumaru turned to her, his eyebrow quirked curiously. "How much have you heard?"

"About 9 minutes."

Sesshoumaru quickly pushed the fast forward button, a tick developing in his right eye. "Hey!" Kagome squealed, swatting his hands away. "If you wanted me to change it, just ask."

Sesshoumaru grumbled something rude as Kagome searched for something else. "Ooo! This is good! You'll like this one."

Sesshoumaru glared at her a moment, then relaxed as a piano solo fluttered from the speakers. Kagome smiled. "See, you're already loving it." She closed her eyes, leaned against the seat and started to sing.

"Everything you are…everything you'll be…touches the current of love so deep in me. Every sigh in the night…every tear that you cry seduces me."

Violins accompanied the piano as both the singer and Kagome took a breath.

"All that I am, all that I'll be means nothing at all if you can't be with me. Your most innocent kiss or your sweetest caress seduces me."

Sesshoumaru glanced over to his passenger, marveling at the purity and passion in her voice as she continued unaware. "I don't care about tomorrow. I've given up on yesterday. Here and now is all that matters. Right here with you is where I'll stay….

"Everything in this world, every voice in the night, every little thing of beauty comes shining thru in your eyes. And all that is you becomes part of me too 'cause all you do seduces me."

Sesshoumaru found himself enthralled, watching Kagome as she truly became the song. It seemed as if every breath, every word was for him and him alone.

"And If I should die tomorrow I'd go down with a smile on my face. I thank God I've ever known you. I fall down on my knees for all the love we've made.

"Every sigh in the night, every tear that you cry seduces me, seduces-" She opened her eyes suddenly and gasped. "Jesus Christ Sesshoumaru! Look out!"

Sesshoumaru blinked, then swerved out of the path of an oncoming truck. The car skidded to a stop in the middle of the road, both Kagome and Sesshoumaru struggling to control their racing hearts.

"That was close," Kagome panted. "Maybe we should drive without the music."

"Maybe we should," Sesshoumaru agreed, pulling back into the right lane as Kagome pulled out the cd. 'Or else we'll never get to the mall.'

*6:30, The Mall*

Kagome knocked on the dressing room door, then leaned against it. 'Perhaps it wasn't the best idea to try American Eagle,' she thought. "Sesshoumaru, are you alright in there?"

Kagome smiled as grumbling came from under the door. She could have sworn she heard something akin to 'wench' in the mist of it, but she brushed it off. "Good. Try one of these on!"

She tossed a pack of white tank tops over the door, a twack and an ow coming moment later.

"Watch what you throw Kagome!"

"So-rry!" Kagome replied, holding her hand over her mouth to muffle her giggles.

"Whatever…"

"What a grouch," Kagome whispered as a saleswoman that reminded her of Sutaasafaia walked up to her.

"Can I help you with something?" she asked as she pulled her hair back. Kagome nodded. "Yeah, I need a pair of black jeans. Hey Sesshou!"

"Sesshoumaru!"

"grumble-grumble," Kagome mocked, then "Sesshoumaru! What size pants do you wear?"

"34 waist."

Kagome shook her head. "In a 36. And if you have it, see if you can find a black waist-length jacket with white fur trim."

"Right away." The saleswoman walked away and came back with a pair of pants. "Will these do?"

"Sure will!" Kagome tossed them over the door, earning another ow for her trouble. "Um, I need a pair of hiking boots with this too. What size shoe do you wear?"

"Tennis shoes?"

Kagome shrugged. "That'll work."

"12"

"Jeez he's got big feet," (~.^) Kagome whispered as she turned to the saleswoman. "What he said, and black."

"Alright. This will just take a moment."

Kagome nodded, then reached for the belt rack beside her. 'This will do nicely,' she thought as she tossed one of the leather belts over the door.

"Damn it Kagome!"

"Sorry!" Kagome giggled. "I'm not trying to hurt you on purpose!" She dug around inside Sesshoumaru's coat, which was with her since she left her coat in the car, for a red leather strap. "Here! Put this on over your pants!"

"What is it?" Sesshoumaru asked when it hit the floor.

'Damn! I just knew that would hit him!' Kagome snapped her fingers dismally, then answered his question. "It's a waist harness. Just step into it and strap it to your waist."

"With the belt?"

"With the belt."

"Fine…" A couple of jingles, some new grumbling and what Kagome knew was a 'wench' later the salesperson came back with the jacket in her hands as Sesshoumaru knocked on the door.

"Will this do?" she asked. Kagome nodded. "Yes Sesshoumaru?"

"Are you through yet?"

"Yeah, we have the last piece out here."

Sesshoumaru sighed. "So you're saying that I have to walk out of here with this ridiculous stuff on?"

"Yup. Come on out here Sesshoumaru."

Kagome moved to stand beside the saleswoman as Sesshoumaru came out.

>Clink! Clink!<

"What's that?" the saleswoman asked. "Oh, that's just the harness I gave him," Kagome answered. "The pull must be knocking against the belt loop or something."

"Well," Sesshoumaru sighed as he shut the door behind him. "Tell me how idiotic I look."

Kagome gaped, as did the salesperson as they stared at him. 'I got the wrong size tank tops,' was Kagome's only coherent thought as she gawked at the cotton stretched across Sesshoumaru's well built chest, her eyes flowing from the well-fitting pants to his chest and back again.

"Wow," the saleswoman gasped, breaking Kagome's adore. Kagome shook her head, physically trying to shake free the turn her thoughts had taken as Sesshoumaru glared at them.

"Are you going to say anything?"

Kagome nodded. "I think I got the wrong size tank top. Let me go see if I can fin-"

"No!" the saleswoman gasped, grabbing Kagome's arm. She blushed under their curious stares, her eyes trained to the floor as she said "No, that's the way they're wearing them now."

"Ok then" Kagome said slowly, eyeing the woman nervously. "Here!" She tossed Sesshoumaru the jacket, which he caught one handed and put on. "Perfect! Don't you agree?" she asked the saleswoman. She took one look at him and said

"Hey, you're supposed to be Squall right?"

"Who?" Sesshoumaru asked as Kagome covered her eyes with her hand and groaned. The saleswoman nodded. "Yeah, I see it now. All you need is this," she draped a silver chain around his neck and turned him toward a three way mirror. "And you're all set!"

"Who is Squall?"

"That Final Fantasy game. You know, the one all the girls are going 'gaa!' over."

Sesshoumaru glared at Kagome's mirror image. "Yes, I've heard of him. Kagome, you do realize that a lot of business associates are going to be at this banquet, right?"

"Uh-huh…"

"Yet you dress me like a video game character…"

"I think it fits your personality," Kagome reasoned.

"And that would be…?"

"Tall, strong, and silent," the saleswoman replied wistfully. Kagome groaned. "Silent. I wish…"

"I heard that," Sesshoumaru remarked. Kagome scowled. "Good. I wanted you to." She pointed to the pants, watching him as he glanced over the costume in the mirror. "How are they?"

"Not bad," he quipped. "Not bad at all."

"See! And you run around in suits all day! You didn't know what you were missing!" Kagome clapped her hands suddenly, a brilliant idea coming to mind. "Hey! Let's shop for you!"

"What?" Sesshoumaru stammered as she and the saleswoman shoved him back into the dressing room. Kagome smiled. "Yeah! I've always wanted to see what you'd look like dressed down! Why not?" They closed the door in his face, then evilly grinned at each other. "This is what I need!"

"Uh-huh…"

"I need another tank top, this one a little looser that the last, and a pair of blue jeans. Same size."

"Got ya!" The saleswoman scampered away as Kagome knocked on the dressing room door. "Hey Sesshoumaru!"

"What now?"

"Get undressed."

A pause, then "Why Marshal Higurashi, are you planning a strip search?" Kagome blushed and kicked him in the shin from under the door. "OW!"

"That's what you get, you bloody pervert! Now do like I said. Leave the tank top on and throw the rest over the door." A few minutes later Sesshoumaru did as she asked, tossing the clothes over the door and onto her head in one big pile.

"SESSHOUMARU!!!"

"I only did as you said. You can't arrest me for that."

"Jackass," Kagome grumbled, folding the pants as the saleswoman came up with what she ordered. "Is this right?" she asked. Kagome set aside the folded pants and nodded. "Yup. Toss 'em over."

She did so, apparently nailing Sesshoumaru over the head. "OW! Kagome!"

"You'll be fine," Kagome muttered as she folded the jacket and handed them both to the woman. "Here, he's going to buy these. We should be at the counter shortly."

"Alright then."

Kagome glanced around, trying to find one more thing before Sesshoumaru came out. 'I think,' she thought as she looked at the casual button-up shirts around her 'that…' she grabbed a red jewel tone shirt and a black bomber jacket. 'this will do nicely.' "Here you go Sesshoumaru!"

"You missed, midget."

Kagome growled and grabbed the doorknob with every intention of breaking his skull. "Why you low down, dirty rotten-"

"If you come in here, you're not coming out until the store closes…"

Kagome blushed, releasing the door quickly. "Pervert…"

Sesshoumaru chuckled darkly. "But you like me this way."

"Yeah, like I like a hole in my head. Come out."

Sesshoumaru stepped out, dressed in what she tossed over the door. "So, now what?"

Kagome nodded as she looked him over. "Not bad," she said as she tugged on his ponytail. The jeans fit well, just like the ones from earlier, with the shirt and jacket coming to mid thigh.

"Can we go now?" Sesshoumaru grumbled. Kagome nodded. "Yes Sesshoumaru. Go up front while I gather your suit."

A few moments later they were out of the store and heading to the parking lot. "That wasn't as bad as I thought it would be," Sesshoumaru told her as he put his wallet into his new jacket. Kagome rolled her eyes irritably. "I told you it wouldn't be."

"But you have a tendency to be wrong."

Kagome growled something rude, then tossed all three bags into the back of the car. "You're a jerk."

"As you keep telling me."

"Come on," Kagome said as she tossed on his jacket, which was at least four times bigger than she was. Sesshoumaru bit back a chuckle. "What's with you and wearing my clothes?"

"Huh?"

"You sleep in my shirts, and now you're wearing my coat. Why?"

Kagome blushed, then grabbed his arm and dragged him toward a food court. "I'm ignoring you for the rest of the-" She slumped over suddenly, whatever she was saying forgotten as she kneeled with her hand to her stomach. Sesshoumaru kneeled beside her, rubbing her back comfortingly as he looked around.

"I don't see anything Kagome."

Kagome looked around, searching with her mind's eye. "But they're here." She stood up and backed Sesshoumaru out of the nearest exit. Kagome peered through the door as Sesshoumaru stood behind her, watching as four men approached the door.

"Come on," Kagome said as she grabbed Sesshoumaru and pulled him down the sidewalk. "Kagome, what's going on," Sesshoumaru asked as she pulled him into a nearby alley.

"Pay attention because I'm only going to say this once: When I say run, run back to the car and get it started."

"I'm not leaving you here," Sesshoumaru disagreed, grabbing a fist full of coat and holding her close to him. "What if they hurt you?"

"Are you serious?" Kagome huffed. "Nothing can hurt me, remember?"

"Whatever Wonder Woman. I don't see a golden lasso on you."

"But I have my daggers. Just do as I say."

"No."

Kagome rolled her eyes in frustration, shoving him toward the other side of the alley. "We don't have time for your games Sesshoumaru!" Sesshoumaru turned around and grabbed her by her wrist.

"Who said this was a game?"

Kagome grimaced, her Spider-sense getting stronger with every second. "Ok then. Remember that parking garage we passed on the way here?"

"The one with the construction site beside it?"

"Yeah. I'll meet you there." She disentangled herself from him, then pushed him out to the sidewalk. "Now get!" Sesshoumaru cast a doubtful look her way, staying right where he was. "Now Sesshoumaru! Go!"

Sesshoumaru finally did as she asked, throwing one last look over his shoulder before disappearing in the crowd. Kagome sighed, then tensed, waiting for whatever to come down the alleyway. 'It'll be harder to spot him now that he looks like everyone else,' Kagome thought as two thugs leered at her from the top of the alley. 'I'm rather grateful for that little bit of foresight. Now what to do about Larry and Moe…'

"Hey Kitten!" one cooed as they came toward her. "Where's your boss?"

'Oh great," Kagome groaned as she leaned against the wall. 'These two aren't the ones I'm sensing. That means the worst is yet to come. But I need to get rid of these two first.'

"I don't know," Kagome lied as she gazed wide-eyed at them. "He just took off and left me here."

"Well we won't leave you here," the other man replied as the first one snickered. "Man, Naraku's right. You are a fox."

'Yeah, I'm sure he thinks so.' "You guys won't hurt me, will you?"

"Nah, we won't hurt you," the first one said as he reached out for her. "But he did say we could have a little fun with you first."

"Really?" Kagome traced a finger along his shirt collar as the other looked on. "So you promise you won't hurt me?"

"Not unless you misbehave. Now you wouldn't do that, would you?" They started to laugh as Kagome flashed them a pretty smile. "I don't know fellas. You see-" She head butted the first man, then tossed him into the second rendering them both unconscious. "I have a real hard head."

"Well, now that that's over-" She stopped, the butterflies fluttering intently before disappearing. Kagome turned her gaze from the two humans to the pack of human-disguised youkai at the end of the alley. 'Oh great,' she groaned as they stalked toward her. 'This is just what I need.'

They surrounded her quickly, wasting no time as the first attacked her. She backhanded it easily, then kicked another in the ribs. They stumbled away as two more tried their luck, again being kicked or hit back to their positions.

"Well, it seems we have a fighter on our hands," the ringleader smirked. She was taller than the rest, with pale lavender eyes despite her human features. "But you're in for a surprise. You see…" she and the others around her dropped their sealing spells, revealing youkai of various species. "We're not human."

Kagome smiled back, dropping into her well used boxer's stance. "That's funny. You see…" Her aura flashed a dark purple, then surrounded her as she began to glow. "I'm not a normal human. Come get purified bitch."

The leader screamed in outrage, ordering her minions forward. Kagome punched the first one, instantly purifying it into gray dust before back-kicking the next one. A right hook to a bear youkai and a spinning kick to a kitsune and two more were rendered useless. Kagome turned to the leader next, grabbing her by the hair and bending her backward. She quickly jabbed one of her daggers into her throat, leaving her to bleed to death on the gravel below. The rest of the youkai stopped, watching as their leader turned a ghastly white before crumbling before them.

Kagome backed into the wall slowly, desperately trying to figure out a way of escape when she heard a clang from above. She looked up quickly, giving a sigh of relief at the ladder a foot above her head. 'That must be some sort of fire escape!' she reasoned as she reached out for it. A quick burst of her power levitated her toward it, her hand wrapping around the last rung as she dangled above the youkai unnoticed. She scrambled up to the roof quickly, dashing across it as the first howl of outrage and sorrow came from the alley below.

****

SF: I'm just loving Kagome's fight scenes. They remind me a lot of Neo's on 'The Matrix: Reloaded'. Just a thought…

****

Sesshoumaru quickly rounded the corner, remembering to walk toward the parking garage per Kagome's instructions. 'Why didn't I stay with her?' he berated himself as he hustled past other pedestrians. 'I'm no coward. I should have stayed!' He sighed to himself, ignoring the strange looks from the others around him. 'No, Kagome said to go to the garage. If I know her, she's probably already there, and pissed off because I'm not.' He smirked, then stilled as the presence of a youkai made itself known from behind him.

Sesshoumaru turned and sure enough, a ryuu youkai was smiling back at him. Sesshoumaru continued to walk, figuring it to be nothing more than mere coincidence until the ryuu's steps quickened with his. He turned another corner, surprised to find another youkai blocking his way.

"Lord Sesshoumaru!" he greeted with an evil grin on his face. "How long has it been?"

"Too long," Sesshoumaru muttered as he turned around. The ryuu youkai from earlier was right behind him, and he suddenly found himself sandwiched between the two as they pushed him down the sidewalk.

"The guy asked you a question my lord. It's rude not to answer," the ryuu jeered as the other laughed. Sesshoumaru stopped, shoving the two aside and continuing along his way.

"Why Lord Sesshoumaru! How mean! I'm sure you're assistant is much nicer…"

Sesshoumaru jerked him forward instantly, grasping his collar as he snarled "What have you done to her?"

The youkai shrugged as his companion stood by. "I haven't done a thing. It's what the other two are doing that you should be worried about. She's pretty too. I wonder what she tastes like."

"Yeah," the ryuu agreed. "I bet she's like honey in the sack, right Sessho-"

Sesshoumaru grasped them both, shook them and dropped them back to the sidewalk without another word.

"Oooo…" the ryuu cooed. "I think we touched a nerve."

"But Lord Sesshoumaru," the other youkai jeered, jumping over Sesshoumaru's head and landing in front of him. "We just want a friendly spar."

"We are not friends."

"Hm," the ryuu shrugged. "He's right. Let's just beat the brakes off him!"

Sesshoumaru ducked the ryuu's wild swing, then landed a swift blow to his ribs. He quickly grasped the other youkai by the collar, slinging him forcefully into a nearby wall. He elbowed the ryuu in the back, then tossed him into his friend before turning his gaze to the street.

As far as Sesshoumaru could tell, no one witnessed that little exchange. Sesshoumaru did see something that interested him however...

"Hey!" a human squeaked as Sesshoumaru grabbed the front of the motorcycle, grasped the human by the back of his neck and dropped him onto the sidewalk. "What are you doing? That's my bike!"

"How much?"

The human blinked. "My bike? You want to buy my bike?"

Sesshoumaru resisted the urge to roll his eyes. 'Imagine. A human more annoying than Kagome.' "Yes, I do. Now how much?"

"Um…" The two youkai behind the human were beginning to stir, so Sesshoumaru fished out his wallet in annoyance.

"Here!" He pulled out his credit cards and id, then threw the wallet to the human. "That should be more than enough." He straddled the bike, revved the engine and sped off, glancing over his shoulder at the youkai and the astonished human behind him.

'There, now that that's taken care of-'

"Yow!"

"Ahhh!"

Sesshoumaru looked behind him again, his eyes narrowing as the two youkai raced toward him with bikes of their own.

*

Kagome stopped on the ledge of the other side of the rooftop, gazing at the next one in dismay. 'Oh man! There's no way I can make that! It's at least 8 feet!'

She turned toward the snarling behind her, watching in round-eyed horror as the youkai from the alley poured onto the roof en mass. 'Ohcrapohcrapohcrapohcrap!' Their eyes were blood-shot, a sure sign that their bloodlust was in control. 'I've got to get over this alleyway!'

She shook her head and smiled, giving herself a light tap on the head as she backed away from the ledge. 'I'm a miko! Duh!' She ran forward again and leaped over the expanse, using her ki to levitate herself to the next roof.

She rolled to a stop on the rooftop, turning around and smiling at the pissed off youkai behind her. 'Well, that was easy. Now comes the har-' Kagome yelped as someone jerked her from behind, swinging her around viciously before throwing her through the glass sunroof and into the building below.

*

Sesshoumaru glanced behind him again, weaving through traffic as the other youkai struggled to catch up. 'This is an inconvenience that I don't have time for,' he griped as he passed a Buick on his left. The driver flicked him off, but he paid it no attention as he pulled into his lane and sped forward.

"Hey Sesshoumaru!"

Sesshoumaru glared to the left, then growled as the ryuu youkai smiled at him from his place on his motorcycle. "Hey! What's the matter?"

"Are you scared of us?" the other youkai said, a scraggly red tail trailing along behind him as his motorcycle pulled up to Sesshoumaru's left. They both withdrew swords from their sides. "I bet you're really scared now!"

Sesshoumaru released the handles and leaned backward as the youkai swiped at him, missing him by mere millimeters. He sat back up instantly, grabbing both youkai by the back of the head and slamming their foreheads into their handlebars.

"Disrespectful idiots," Sesshoumaru grumbled as he darted ahead, leaving the disorientated youkai behind once again.

*

'Oh God! I'm going to die!' Kagome panicked as she fell. 'I'm going to die, and Sesshoumaru will never know how I fe-'

>Boing!<

'Boing?' Kagome glanced around wildly as she rose back up, half listening the rustling of Sesshoumaru's coat as it flared around her. "What the hell?"

Kagome looked down and laughed in relief. 'A trampoline.' She fell once again, bouncing on the enormous store display with glee. 'Thank God for small fav-'

Kagome looked up as a snarl descended to her. 'Oh great…'

The youkai fell down around her, bouncing on the trampoline as they surrounded her once again. Kagome readied herself, steadying slightly as she slowed to a stop. The first youkai bounced toward her, tearing the ponytail holder out of her hair as it attempted to jerk her backward. Kagome kicked the blade of her foot into its chin, watching the blood sputter from its mouth as its head snapped back with a click.

She ducked a punch from another one, grabbing its arm and throwing it over her shoulder from the trampoline to the floor below. A cheetah youkai pounced, but Kagome high kicked it in the chest, it too spiraling to the floor. A bear youkai grabbed her from behind, attempting to crush her in its vice-like grasp. Kagome jumped up, using the momentum from the trampoline to hit it in the chin with the top of her head. It yelped, dropping her instantly and holding its cracked jaw.

"Did that hurt?" Kagome asked as she kicked another in the back of the head. The bear nodded, missing the set-up entirely.

"Then I hope this does too!" Kagome punched him in the groin, then kicked him off the trampoline. She right hooked an inu youkai, then used one of her daggers to stab it in the arm. It yowled angrily as it died, Kagome's ki flowing through its veins and purifying everything it touched.

Kagome glanced around her finally, taking the time to survey her surroundings as she looked at the litter of youkai ashes around her. 'Man, I hate it for whoever opens tomorrow,' she mused as she stared to bounce. A few well placed jumps was all it took for Kagome to gain enough thrust to reach the rooftop. She landed on the other side of the shattered sunroof and continued her sprint toward the ledge and the next roof.

*

Sesshoumaru pulled into the construction site, stopping the bike and turning off the engine. 'I'm tired of running from those two,' he growled as he picked up a pair of lead pipes. 'It's time to make them pay for their insults.'

"Hey Sesshoumaru!" the ryuu called as he and the other youkai circled around Sesshoumaru. "You stopped for us! Thanks a lot!"

"Yeah! Now it'll be much easier to kill you!" The youkai smiled, it's tail twitching slightly behind him. "Naraku said that if we do a real good job, he'll let us have a go at your pretty assistant! Isn't he the best?"

Sesshoumaru twirled the pole in his left hand, a silent bid for them to do their worst.

"Alright then," the ryuu sighed. "You asked for it." He raised his sword and swiped at Sesshoumaru, squawking in surprise when Sesshoumaru caught it between both poles. Sesshoumaru growled, shirking off his sealing spell and fully allowing his youkai features to take over his body. He gave a predatory grin, the look of the devil darkening his face as the crescent moon burned brightly on his forehead.

"You were saying…" he snarled, smirking as the ryuu paled in front of him. Sesshoumaru released the sword in a flash, swinging the left pole across the ryuu's chest as the right smashed into his forehead. He fell from the bike, his eyes open and unseeing as Sesshoumaru turned toward the other youkai.

"Um," it stuttered, reaching for his sword. "I…uh.."

Sesshoumaru swung the right pole into the back of his head, then implanted the left one into his chest when he fell to the ground. Sesshoumaru smirked down at them, flicking what little of their blood off his coat before mounting his bike and driving into the parking garage.

*

'The garage!' Kagome cheered as she ran across the last rooftop. 'Thank God! Where's Sesshoumaru?' She leaped over the last alley to it, only to shriek when another youkai appeared ahead of her.

"Going somewhere!" he snarled as he tossed her back to the rooftop and in the mist of another pack of youkai. Kagome used her power to land safely among them, wrapping Sesshoumaru's coat around her like a cape. She glared at them as they circled around her, realizing that her power was almost exhausted.

'I can't let them get to Sesshoumaru,' she concluded as she stood her ground. 'No matter what happens to me, they can't get to him.'

Kagome blocked the first punch, then dodged a second as the youkai around her attacked.

*

'Where is she?' Sesshoumaru questioned as he glanced around the top of the parking garage. He sniffed, remembering to revive the sealing spell at the last moment as he searched for her.

"Kagome, where are you?"

Sesshoumaru turned as her shriek pierced his ears, finally spotting her on the adjacent rooftop. She was kneeling by the feet of one youkai, staring another in the eye as it raised it's claws.

"Where is Takamada?" it demanded, it's claws at Kagome's throat. Kagome spit in its eye. "Go to Hell."

It snarled, raising its claws to slit her throat when the back wheel of Sesshoumaru's motorcycle hit him in the back of the head. Sesshoumaru balanced the tire back to the ground, then reached over and tossed the youkai holding Kagome over the side of the building.

"Hello gorgeous! Need a ride?"

"Man am I glad to see you!" Kagome chirped as she jumped on behind him. Sesshoumaru jumped back to the parking lot and drove down the ramp to the street below. "How did you know where to find me?" Kagome asked as she shook her hair. Sesshoumaru shrugged indifferently. "I saw you from the parking lot. It looks like you needed me after all."

"Yeah yeah," Kagome grumbled, resting her head against his back and giving him a gentle squeeze. "I'm glad you're alright Sesshoumaru," she whispered softly, her eyes closed as she snuggled against him. Sesshoumaru glanced over his shoulder at her, giving her an unseen smile before glancing at the road behind them and groaning.

"Just great."

"What?" Kagome sat up and looked behind them as Sesshoumaru changed gears and sped up. Kagome groaned miserably as a black BMW raced toward them, the youkai inside the car grinning as the windows rolled down. "Sesshoumaru, hold on."

"What-"

Sesshoumaru started when he and the bike began to glow pink, then hit the brakes as his front door appeared before him. "What on earth…" Sesshoumaru swerved to a stop, barely missing the marble steps before turning off the ignition and climbing off the motorcycle.

"How did you-"

"Instant transmission," Kagome answered wearily. "It's something I've been working on." She groaned as she climbed off, her hand to her forehead as she asked "What about your clothes?"

"Ah and Un will get them," Sesshoumaru assured her as he gently grasped her waist. "Are you alright Kagome?"

"Yeah," Kagome replied stubbornly as she batted his hands away. "I'm fine. Never…" Sesshoumaru caught her before she could fall, shaking his head at her as she slept away unaware.

"Fine huh?" Sesshoumaru teased as he carried her into the front door. "I'm sure you are my little miko. I'm sure you are…"

----

SF: Ack! I'm such a bad girl! I said 'Jesus Chist' in a fic! Shame on me! I need to do at least 50 Hail Mary's. Where are those rosaries?

Silver Fox: {::shaking his head::} To make it worse, she's not even Catholic.

SF: Shut up! Anyway, the songs in the fic are Erika Badu's #4 (No, I don't know the name, but it's on the 'World Wide Underground' cd.) and Celine Dion's "Seduces Me".

Inu-chan: You listen to Celine Dion?

SF: Sometimes. Why?

Inu-chan: You just lost some hella cool points.

SF: How would you know? You don't have any cool points. Anyway, isn't instant transmission cool? I love it when Goku does that, so I kinda-

Kagome: Gave it to me. I like it too!

SF: See, birds of a feather and all that rot! Oh, and the preview and the responses are below.

Chapter Twenty-Three: Rin's Plan In Action

'Not him,' Sesshoumaru groaned as he stopped and turned around. 'Anyone but him…' … 'Equivalence of five? Why would he say it like that?' … 'You are playing with fire Sesshoumaru.' … "We're going to end up in a lot of trouble, aren't we?" "If all goes the way Lady Rin planned, then yes. We are."

Silver Fox: By the way, did the twit tell you that she started another fic? It's on media miner, and it's called 'A Kiss For a Prince'. If enough people like it, she might update.

Responses:

LadyTaiyoukai: I'm coming with more next week. (Hopefully, if these guys will let me study!)

Silver Mystic: Yup, Rin's going to be more of a constant. Or at least that's what I think. I could be wrong. The muse is a trip. I'm coming with another chapter soon.

Tessa3: {::trying not to laugh::} You tried really hard to keep your mind out of the gutter, so I guess I'll give you some props for that. I'm proud of you. If Silver behaves himself, he might get to come over there. Might being the key word here. He has to at least start on a lemon, or the fic he hit me with.

Cryxxy-chan: {::blushes::} I believe you have. Thanks so much. Glad to see you back!

Kikitravel: That's not an irrelevant question, actually. Sesshou's been wondering the same thing. You, and he, will get your answer soon. But as for Sesshou's original gi, he had it destroyed.

REDWOLF: Believe you me, by the time Sesshou gets through he'll realize that too.

LadyoftheDragons1: Have the line. I tell my buddies that all the time. It's how they know it's me and not Moms. {::sits on the floor and sniffs::} Waaaaaaaa!! No more cookies!!!

Tranador: Thanks so much!

MoonliteCrescendo: I finally finished that chapter! Yay! I'm so glad! Now I can get on with the rest of the bleeding story.

Blue-Saiyan-Angel: You know, Kagome's never really thought to ask his name. She did in the beginning, but after never getting an answer she finally quit. Don't worry though. She's going to put two and two together real soon.

Hinoke: Yeah, yeah, yeah. I agree with you though. This isn't the last time you see Rin in this story. She gets her own fight scene, plus one with her Uncle Yasha.

Nankinmai: I'm so sorry about that. I promise I won't leave you in the dark for long. I know it sucks, but if I give any clues someone's bound to guess and ruin the story. My brother likes Crown. That's where it came from. I'm more of a mudslide person myself. Nothing too hard, or I might wake up somewhere I shouldn't.

BelleDayNight: I know! When I saw them, thought, it was like 'Eureka!' and all that jazz. They fit well, ne? And Jeremy Irons was a trip too. (shudder) Oh, anyway, more fluff and stuff to come! I think I'm going to call Sesshou that from now on...

Kayrin: Rin is very interesting in this story, because of her attitude and not being so helpless. She's a pretty good fighter, and I'll show that soon.

Niamha: Yup, it was me. I'll try, but with finals coming and such...and my teacher threatening fabrication as 30% of the grade...{::sigh::} And just in case you don't know, fabrication is cleaning meats, fish, shellfish and other such great stuff. {::gags::} Think of the science project where you had to dissect a frog.

Reality: Nope, Kagome doesn't really become angry with him until a couple of chapters ahead of this one. Trust me, she'll have good reason to.

Laina Inverse: Why are you dressed like a neko-youkai? Oh, anyway, I'm glad you liked the 'Toro' thing. Inu-chan is still laughing and I think Sesshou's starting to get a tad tired of it.

Tsuki no Tennyo: Holy crap! Get her off him, I still need him! {::helps pry Kagome off Sesshou::} {::shakes Kagome::} What is your deal? Kagome: He's a pervert! SF: Miroku is too, but I don't see you choking him! Good grief! Just calm down. I promise to make him behave, how does that sound? Kagome: You promise? SF: {::fingers crossed behind her back::} I promise...

ForsetSprite: Thanks a lot! Rin has a couple of things, but she'll do them all from afar and let her co-conspirators do the work.

HellzAznGrl: I know. I apologize. But at least the chapters are longer.

NoLabel: I'm glad you liked it, because there will be more fluff to come. I plan on developing their relationship a little before the proverbial sh*t hits the fan.

Familia-Ficz: I know, but it was just so funny! I had to do it! I'm so sorry about that. I'm going to be (duh) a youkai for Halloween. I wouldn't want Sesshou coming to school with me either. He might hurt someone. However, he could take me to school. That would save on gas. I would give you my muse, but I don't know which one. Tessa3 already wants Silver, and the Little Muse might not make the best pet. She's, how you say, a fire hazard.

Anastassia: Thanks! I'm coming with more soon! And the next chapter is all fluff!

mei: SSDD is from 'Dreamcatcher', the book and the movie. It means 'Same shit, different day.'

Strawberry Shortcake: {::looks through the chapter outline for story::} Um, I'd say in about 7 or 8 chapters.

Jazzylady: Inu-chan's still on the floor. {::Nudges him with her foot::} I wonder when he's planning on gettin up.

Sukuri: I'm so sorry about that! I honestly didn't mean to hurt your feelings! I don't know what happened. Thanks for the bio page love! I was hyped up on candy corn. Never eat an entire bag in one sitting. Totally not good for you.

Raine84: But of course! I'm coming with more soon

Nymph Demon: You teach dance? Cool. I wanted to teach music, but I don't believe the students would have learned anything useful. It would have been fun though. Thanks for the candy doll!

Sukera: Thanks so much. {::bows::} I'm so glad you're enjoying this! I'll coming with another chapter soon.

Tenshi no Yami: You know what? I'm glad you stopped him. I don't want to know what else you could do with a cake either. I'd never look at them the same.

Angelike Riddle: Even Moms appreciated my bio page. She's looked at me strangely since then, but at least she got a laugh. I don't mind you haunting my computer, as long as you keep the stupid thing from freezing in the middle of a chapter.

StoicStella: I'm so sorry for the lack of fluff. Don't worry though, because I'm working on that as we speak.

Animeturtle: How cute! I've never been reviewed by a turtle before! I'm glad you like the story!

Kagome: Did you say you couldn't see chapter 20? Then I'm going to send it to you myself. I don't know why FF is acting so weird lately. And as for Sesshou and some sense, I wish I could but he's stronger than I. I'm only faster, but he's patient.

Lanenkar: Not a problem. One of my fav authors just updated, and I think I've scared the Little Muse into therapy with all the cheering and such.

sesshy1316: 'How to Train a Taiyoukai', or 'HtTT' for short, was continued with 'Chosen: The Tosusaiga's True Master' and 'Trial of the Century'. Sorry I didn't make that entirely clear. I'm planning on reposting those chapters one week at a time, starting with 'HtTT'.

Aya-chan: Sesshou: Why didn't you stop her from yelling at me like that? SF: Are you nuts? And get yelled at too? Nope. What happened to 'I don't need a weak female to assist me?' Sesshou: You know exactly- SF: Anyway, I don't see why you're complaining. She's right.

AnImEfReAk81: My pleasure, I assure you.