InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ To Bear Witness ❯ The Sheep in Wolves' Clothing and The Truth Behind the Necklace ( Chapter 29 )

Disclaimer: I haven't been here for a full week. If I owned it, there'd be a lot more people pissed off at me at the moment.

SF: Hey, does anyone recognize this chapter title?

Inu-cast: No.

SF: Oh come on. Don't you guys pay attention?

Inu-cast: {::guesses are being passed from one another, then::} No.

SF: For heaven's sake. Part of this chapter title was already said, but where in the story?

Sango/Kagome: {::huddle up and whisper to each other, then::} Chapter Two!

SF: {::clapping::} Very good! Where was it?

Sango: It was in Kagome's horoscope.

SF: What was the horoscope exactly?

Kagome: The man of your dreams may be an angel in disguise. Even the sheep can wear wolves' clothing.

SF: Very good. From here on out, the horoscopes and Kagome's dream are going to come into play, so be on the look out.

Chapter Twenty-Nine: The Sheep in Wolves' Clothing and The Truth Behind the Necklace

*Friday, Feb. 6; 11:30 PM, Jacksonville Fla.*

"The new moon," Inuyasha sighed despondently, gazing up at the cloudless sky. 'I'm so glad this is almost over. It feels as if the entire world shut off and didn't tell me."

"Inuyasha…"

He turned, a gentle smile gracing his lips as Katrina watched him from the doorway of the back porch. "Yea?"

"Are you alright?"

"I'm fine."

Katrina reached for his hand, smiling as she began to pull him back inside. "Are you sure?" she asked when he stood directly in front of her. Inuyasha nodded and kissed the top of her head. "I'm sure. You worry too much."

"That's what you say. Now come on, Sango and Miroku already have the movie started."

"Alright then."

Inuyasha allowed her to lead him to the couch and the living room, where Sango and Miroku were waiting for them. "What's on the list tonight?"

"The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen," Sango chirped, leaning over to pop the DVD into the player. "I just love Sean Connery, don't you Kats?"

"Sure do," Katrina agreed. "He's so sophisticated!"

"That old goat," Miroku teased, grazing his hand against Sango's backside as he passed her on his way to the couch. "That's so perverse."

"You would know, pervert!" Sango said as she lightly smacked his arm. Katrina giggled as Miroku dodged the rest of Sango's 'assault' before they both stopped to figure out the DVD player. They fiddled with it a few moments longer as Inuyasha and Katrina settled down onto the couch.

Inuyasha tucked Katrina underneath his arm, she propping herself up on the couch arm other side as Sango and Miroku began to argue.

"You're doing it wrong," Sango said as Miroku began to push random buttons. "And how would you know that?" he asked her. Sango responded by shoving him out of the way. "Because I know dummy."

Inuyasha watched them argue for a moment longer, then looked down at Katrina's sigh. 'I'm not the only one distracted tonight,' he determined as a shadow passed over her face. 'But she doesn't seem like anything but her normal self.' "Are you alright?"

Katrina blinked, then smiled and looked up at him. "I'm fine. I'm just thinking about my father."

"Is he alright?" Her eyes clouded over as she nodded. "Yes, or at least I hope so."

"What do you mean by-"

"There we go!" Sango chirped as the DVD player came to life. "I told you I could do it!"

"I never said you couldn't, Butterfly," Miroku replied as Sango disappeared into the kitchen. She came out moments later with two bowls of popcorn. "Then what were you trying to say?" she asked, passing Inuyasha one of the bowls.

"That a man could have done it faster."

Sango thought a moment, then slammed the remaining bowl on top of his head. "There," she said, dusting off her hands as Inuyasha and Katrina laughed at them. "That's what I think of that."

Inuyasha shook his head, momentarily forgetting his question as a knock sounded from the front door.

"Who could that be at this time of night," Miroku wondered as he and Sango exchanged glances. Sango shrugged and walked toward the door. "It must be the FBI. I'll go get it."

She disappeared from the room and down the hallway. "Can I help you-OH!" A thump and a crash a few seconds later, then Sango rolled into the room with a handful of men dressed in black behind her.

"Sango, are you alright!" Miroku exclaimed as he kneeled down to check her over. She nodded groggily, holding the side of her head as she glared at the men in front of them. "Yeah, but they cheat."

"What do you want?" Inuyasha demanded, he and Katrina rising to their feet. "Whatever it is, take it and go."

"Then this will be easy then," the leader sneered. "We want you. If you come quietly, we won't bust up you're friends."

"Yeah right," Inuyasha growled, pushing Katrina behind him. "Get out before I throw you out."

"Nope, not part of the orders," the man replied as the others behind him began the circle the little group. "But since you want to be difficult…" He lunged out first, his fist flying toward Inuyasha's face. Sango stepped between the two at the last moment, caught the man by the wrist and shoved him back toward his group as Inuyasha pushed Miroku and Katrina behind the couch.

"Protect her," he growled, not stopping to wait for a reply as he jumped over the couch and into the fight head first. Miroku sighed, then punched a man who came too close to his liking.

"Are you alright Kats?" he asked, noticing her ashen features. Katrina nodded silently, then pointed to the fight. Miroku turned just in time to see Sango take a blow to the chin. She stumbled to her knees, but recovered quickly.

Inuyasha seemed to be taking the worst of the battle, with at least five men trying to grab him from all sides. Katrina watched all this quietly, her mind spinning as to what to do.

'If I help them, then I can forget Naraku's promise,' she thought to herself as Sango took another blow. 'But if I don't, then Sango and Miroku could get seriously hurt. I don't want that, but what do I do?

'You do what I tell you to do…' a voice beaconed in her head. 'That is, if you ever wish to see our father free again…'

Katrina shook violently, grasping the sides of her head as she attempted not to cry out. 'But they're my friends!'

'You have no friends,' it mocked her, laughing when a single tear slipped from her closed eyes. 'Especially when they find out that you're not Miss Goody-Goody after all. I can't wait for that day…Now do not make us wait! Bring the hanyou!'

She winced from the volume, then sighed in relief as the voice left her. 'He's right. If only for Father.' She opened her eyes and scanned the room. Inuyasha was still fighting, thought his strength seemed to be leaving him, but Sango was unconscious, taking blows from the men around her. 'And I have to stop this.' She slammed her fist into the back of Miroku's head, smiling sadly as he fell to the floor. 'Sorry Miroku. Just think of it as payback for all the times you groped me and I didn't say anything.' Katrina reached inside her pocket, pulled out a silver dart blower and aimed for the back of Inuyasha's neck.

A second later the dart was fired. Inuyasha gripped his shoulder as the tip sank in and delivered its poison. He turned to look at her, surprise darkening his face as he attempted to fight off the dart's affects. Katrina watched as he finally closed his eyes and let sleep overcome him, slumping forward into the arms of one of the men around him.

"What do we do now?" one of the men asked Katrina as she put the dart blower back into her pocket.

"Take him to the car outside and prepare to leave."

"What of the others?"

Katrina looked around her sadly, already missing the friendship she just threw away. "Leave them here. Unharmed."

The men nodded and dragged Inuyasha toward the door as something caught Katrina's attention. The men who were fighting Sango seemed obvious to her order, as they continued to kick and punch her unconscious form.

"I said stop," Katrina commanded as she walked toward them. They ignored her, grinning and laughing as one landed a nasty punch to Sango's stomach. "I said-" she grabbed one by the throat, her claws extending into it as volts of electric current surged through her fingers. "To stop. Are you hard of hearing?"

"No," the others said around her, watching in horror as she continued to shock the poor man in her grasp. Katrina turned to look at the others around her as smoke began to trail from the man's ears. "From now on, this is what happens to whoever doesn't listen to me. Understood?"

She released the man slowly, smirking with satisfaction as the others watched his lifeless body fall to the floor. They nodded in understanding moments later.

"Good. Go prepare to leave."

They left the room quickly, some spying back warily as Katrina kneeled at Sango's side. "I'm so sorry Sango," she whispered when she was sure the others were gone. "It wasn't supposed to be this way. I know that doesn't help, but it is the truth." She brushed back some of Sango's hair, wincing at the black eye on the right side of her face. "Let me see if I can fix this."

Katrina touched Sango's forehead and closed her eyes, deeply meditating as they both began to glow a fiery red. They glowed steadily for a few moments, then Katrina opened her eyes and sighed.

"That's the best I can do," she said as the glow faded and the room returned to normal. Katrina sighed once again, then left the room.

*Saturday, 1:02 AM; Boston Mass.*

"Girl I know!" Rin exclaimed as she walked up her walkway to her front door. "I can't believe Talim did that! She's such a trip!" She giggled ecstatically, unlocking the door and stepping inside.

"That dance? Believe it or not, I learned it from Sesshoumaru-sama's new girlfriend!" She frowned at her phone suddenly, then shook her head as she walked into the kitchen. "He's too old for you anyway. Besides, I think they're perfect together. She's so cute! And she can dance too!"

She walked past the kitchen door to the refrigerator, opening it and grabbing a can of Vanilla Pepsi. "Yeah, well, I don't know what to tell you. Sesshoumaru-sama's different than anyone you've ever-"

>Crunch!<

Rin stopped as something broke underneath her feet. She stepped back and bent down, spying a broken circle of glass. She picked up a splinter, then glanced at the kitchen door beside her. "Hey Xianguia, I'm going to have to call you back," she said, hanging up the phone before her friend had a chance to answer. She stood up and held back the small curtain covering the window of the kitchen door, fingering a small hole big enough to fit her hand through.

'That's just great,' Rin thought to herself as she opened the door. She looked in all directions, flicking on the porch light as she did so. 'Nope, nothing out here. It must have been a smash and grab, but the window looks like it was cut.'

She stepped back to close the door when someone suddenly grabbed her from behind and slammed it shut. Rin spun around, her eyes widening impossibly as two men leered at her.

"Well, if it isn't Sesshoumaru's pet human," one said as the other began to laugh. Rin frowned, biting back panic as she leaned against the door.

"If you know him, and know that I know him, then you know you're in deep shit right now; right?" she asked as she mentally tried to figure out what to do. The one directly in front of her was clearly youkai, with almond-shaped silver eyes and black hair brushing the tips of his elfin ears. The one further away from her seemed to be human but a male as well. The youkai smirked indifferently.

"We follow a different boss," he said as his partner agreed. "And he wants you to come with us like a good girl."

"I don't think so," Rin growled, kicking the youkai in the groin as hard as she could with the heel of her stilettos digging into the flesh of his crouch. He howled in agony, too stunned to breathe as Rin ran past him toward the living room.

The other stood in her way, smirking as Rin came closer to him. She reached up toward the hanging pan rack, grabbed a cast iron skillet, and swung as hard as she could toward his head. It hit with a satisfying thoingggggg, leaving the thug to lean against the counter as Rin ran out of the kitchen and toward the living room door.

'If I can just get to the door, the FBI guys will hear me and they'll come stop the-' The youkai grabbed her from behind, blinking owlishly as Rin brought the skillet crashing down on top of his head. 'And Sesshoumaru-sama said that teaching me how to fight would be a waste of time,' she commented to herself as she reached out for the doorknob.

She was grabbed from behind once again, this time with an arm wrapped around her waist with a hand covering her mouth. "Hurry up!" he grunted as the youkai stood back up. "I can't hold her much longer! She's squirming!"

The youkai brushed himself off, then smirked; his fangs flashing dangerously as he grasped Rin's chin. "You're pretty smart, for a human."

"Hey! What about me?" the male exclaimed from behind her. The youkai snorted. "Present company included. But you've had your fun. Now," he pressed a handkerchief to her nose, Rin instantly struggling to get away from it as he held it tighter. "Go to sleep."

Rin struggles became more violent, she kicking the human behind her in the shin before the sedative finally took its effect. She glared at them angrily as she passed out, her eyelids finally sliding closed as she relaxed in the human's arms.

"Holy fuck," he exclaimed as the youkai removed the handkerchief and put it back inside his pocket. "I don't get paid enough for this! Naraku didn't say a damned thing about her being so-"

"Spirited," the youkai finished for him, grabbing Rin's coat and draping it around her before picking her up and out of the human's arms. "Yes, I wasn't expecting that either." He laughed then, a short, dark sound that sent chills up the human's spine. "But then again, I like them spirited. " He motioned for the human to open the door, him stepping outside as the human walked past him to a car parked nearby; out of the sight of the car with the bodies of the FBI agents inside.

"Hey Shu!" he called as he started the car. "Come on!"

"I don't think I'll be joining you," Shu answered as black wings sprouted from his back. "I think we'll travel alone for a while." He took to the air without a second thought, leaving the human to shrug and go about his own devices.

"I bet you and I will have fun together," he whispered darkly to Rin as she slept unaware. "Yes. I can't wait to see what that goody Katrina does when she sees you." His eyes flashed dark crimson for a moment, then returned to their bright silver as he flew into the horizon.

*6:49 AM*

Sesshoumaru sat on the edge of his bed, listening to the whirl of activity on the other side of the door. Kagome seemed to have just sprang to life at the sound of her alarm, frantically stumbling around as Sesshoumaru listened nearby.

'I wonder what the rush is,' he said as a wooden thunk sounded from the room. "Ow!" Kagome gasped, then started to giggle. "Here they are! I wonder how they got here."

'Such a strange creature,' Sesshoumaru thought as the water turned on in her bathroom. 'But what is her rush?' He heard Ah come into the room moments later, and shook his head at Kagome's surprised gasp.

"What's going on in here?" he heard Ah ask.

"Sesshoumaru's going to be late because of me!"

'Huh?' Sesshoumaru tapped his chin thoughtfully, trying to remember exactly what she meant as Ah asked "Late for what?"

"For work of course!"

Ah started to laugh, along with Sesshoumaru's short chuckle. "But Kagome-chan, today is Saturday."

"It is?" Sesshoumaru could see her face, the perfect confusion as she undoubtedly tried to remember what day it was. "It is, isn't it?"

"It sure is Kagome-chan."

"Then get out."

"What?" Ah asked as Sesshoumaru blinked in surprise. "Why?"

"Because I'm going back to bed."

Sesshoumaru shook his head as Ah excused himself, the ryuu youkai no doubt as amused as he as the door clicked closed. Sesshoumaru waited a few minutes, then crept into her room, softly closing the door behind him. He walked to the foot of her bed, then snaked beneath the covers and slowly crawled over the length of her body to the head of the bed.

Sesshoumaru's head appeared above Kagome's moments later, him looking down on her with a sort of fondness shining in his eyes. 'She looks so innocent when she sleeps,' he thought to himself. He positioned himself between her legs, moving her hands so that they were on either side of her head. 'And she sleeps like the dead. That's not good.' He lowered his ear to her nose, listening to her slow and steady breaths for a moment before nodding.

'No, she's not injured. Just a deep sleeper. Hmmm…' Sesshoumaru grinned evilly, his eyes glowing a deep amber as he sat up. He held the blanket up around them, smiling to himself as he shook his head at her attire.

'She sleeps in the strangest things sometimes,' he said to himself, his eyes roving over the carolina blue tank top and pants. There was orange piping down the legs and on the straps, with an orange cat on the front of the tank top. The words 'Garfield' were stamped down one leg, with another smaller picture of the cat on the helm of the same leg. 'I'm going to have to buy her better things to sleep in, ones she won't ignore. Would it kill her once to sleep nude?'

The very idea widened his smirk, his imagination working overtime as Kagome shifted underneath him. 'You know, that's not a bad idea. I'm so close to completely having her to myself. I only have one more threshold to go over, then she'll be completely mine.'

Sesshoumaru leaned over her, tracing small lines and circles and lines along her neck with his nose as he inhaled her scent. The smell of water still hung around her, along with the apple blossom shower gel she used. The thunderstorms underneath attracted him, intoxicating him like no drug could.

Kagome smiled in her sleep, shifting once again as her right hand crept beneath her pillow. Sesshoumaru settled himself over her, a hand sliding down her side to her hip as he nosed her ear. She turned toward him, her cheek brushing against his before turning back to face away from him.

'I could take advantage of you,' he thought as his fingers lingered around the waistband of her pants. 'I could, and you could not stop me. I could finally have you, and all while you sleep unaware.' He frowned at his sudden dark thoughts, wondering for a moment where they came from before shaking his head. 'No, I could never do that. It would be against my honor. But why-'

Kagome sighed suddenly, her head turning so that she faced the ceiling. Sesshoumaru smiled down at her, a truly rare one without the normal taint of cynicism behind it. 'So innocent…I couldn't taint that. But I can wait-' he kissed the base of her throat 'As long as it takes-' he kissed behind her ear, smiling at her soft moan 'to have-' he kissed her jaw line, then her chin 'what I want.'

Sesshoumaru paused a moment, rubbing the tip of his nose against hers before brushing his lips against hers. Kagome shifted again, but Sesshoumaru held her still as he traced bottom lip with his tongue…

Only to stop as cold steel pressed against his throat.

He opened his eyes, his lips never moving as he stared down into amused blue ones. "To what do I owe the pleasure?" Kagome asked sleepily, the dagger still at his throat as she looked around the room. "And what are you doing?"

"Biding you good morning, or so I thought," Sesshoumaru replied, noticing the playful glint in her eyes.

"There are better ways to do that," Kagome told him. "Ways that do not end like this."

"Then where would the fun be?"

Kagome sighed, shaking her head as her legs hooked around his. She flipped their positions before Sesshoumaru could protest, her hair cascading over her right shoulder to pool beside his head. "You have a weird idea of fun, Sesshoumaru."

Sesshoumaru smirked indifferently, it widening when the dagger pressed deeper into his neck. "I could say the same about you, with our current situation."

"Well, you could have said something before you started to feel me up," Kagome protested, ignoring Sesshoumaru's tail as it crept around her waist.

"Would it make things better?" he asked, a plan already surging into action. Kagome shrugged. "I don't know. You haven't tried i-"

"Good morning Kagome," he whispered seconds before he pulled her head towards him and kissed her again. She gasped in surprise, the dagger forgotten as Sesshoumaru's other arm draped across her back. His left hand was firmly clasped in her hair, holding her in place as he ravenged her mouth. He purred lightly when she didn't shove him away, her compliance to his attentions increasing ten fold when his tongue encircled hers.

Kagome moaned in protest after a few minutes, her need to breathe outweighing her urge to continue. Sesshoumaru released her reluctantly, his eyes teasing as Kagome collapsed on his chest. "God," she puffed as she tried to catch her breath. "That's a way to wake up in the morning."

"Humans," Sesshoumaru teased, catching her hand when she reached up to smack him. "So fragile. How do you stand yourselves?"

"How do I stand you is the real question," Kagome muttered, sitting up and straddling his waist. "Now what do you want?"

"Is that a serious question?" Sesshoumaru asked, his hands on her waist as a mischievous gleam shone in his eyes. "Because if you're taking requests…"

"Get your hands off me, you pervert," Kagome groaned, attempting to crawl away from him to the other side of the bed. Sesshoumaru grabbed her, hauling her back to her previous position as he moved the dagger to the nightstand. "Don't you have some taiyoukai business to attend to?"

"No."

"Company business."

"I make it a point not to work on the weekends."

"Sometimes I wonder if you make it a point not to work at all." She squeaked when Sesshoumaru squeezed her backside, whacking him in the arm as he laughed at her. "Pervert! And I thought Miroku was bad!"

"You would mention another man's name while in bed with me?" Sesshoumaru pouted, feigning hurt. Kagome huffed in annoyance. "When you act like him I do."

"Well, allow me to make you forget about him." Kagome yelped when he shoved her backward, watching as he pounced on her and started to tickle her.

"Ack! Sesshoumaru!" she giggled, struggling to get away from her 'attacker'. "Stop it! I can't-hahah!- I can't breathe!"

>Ring!<

Kagome glanced up at the phone, nudging Sesshoumaru's side with her knee. "The phone's ringing."

"I know. I hear it."

"Don't you think you should answer it?"

>Ring!<

"Ah or Un will get it," Sesshoumaru told her as he kissed the corner of her mouth. "Besides, I don't want to get it."

"But what if it's for me?"

"Don't Sango and Miroku normally call you on your cell?" he asked, smirking when she nodded.

>Ring!<

"But what if it's for you?"

Sesshoumaru snorted lightly, his breath dancing on Kagome's neck. "Then I definitely don't want to answer it."

"Sesshoumaru!"

>Ri-!<

"See," he said as the phone stopped ringing. "Ah or Un have it, like I said. Now, what were we doin-"

"Sesshoumaru-sama," Ah called over the p.a. system. Sesshoumaru groaned as Kagome started to giggle, his head collapsing into the crook of her shoulder. "Sesshoumaru-sama. There's an important call for you."

"See, I told you," Kagome replied as Sesshoumaru reached for the p. a. system button. Sesshoumaru scowled. "Are you supposed to be psychic now?"

"Nope, that's you Miss Cleo."

Sesshoumaru reached for her again, ready for another tickle fight when Ah's voice called over the intercom again. "Sesshoumaru-sama?"

"I'm here Ah," Sesshoumaru finally replied, casting a cool glance at Kagome. She merely brushed it aside, laughing merrily at his distress. "Who is it?"

"He didn't say," Ah replied. "He only said that he was a new business partner."

'I don't have a new partner,' Sesshoumaru said to himself, immediately becoming suspicious as he reached for the phone. "I have it Ah," he said before picking up the receiver and pushing the flashing red button. "Hello?"

"Hello Sesshoumaru-sama," a familiar voice cackled on the other end. "How long has it been since our last discussion?"

"Naraku…" Sesshoumaru growled, turning away from Kagome to sit on the other side of her bed. She turned to him upon mention of Naraku's name, trying to read his body language as he continued his conversation. "What do you want?"

"Merely to see how you are," Naraku reasoned happily. "I take it the New Year rang in well for you? Oh yes, that is right. You've had a burglary recently, haven't you?"

"What do you want?" Sesshoumaru growled again, ignoring Naraku's attempt at an ice breaker. Naraku sighed sadly.

"I'm just calling to say that I've given up on your company. I don't want it anymore."

"Hm." Sesshoumaru blinked, surprised. 'This is not like the hanyou,' he reasoned with himself. 'There is something up his sleeve.' "So you called me to tell me that?"

"That and that I want something else from you now."

'Should have guessed…' "What is it, halfbreed?"

"I want…oh, I'd say about $9 million. I'm sure you can spare it."

Sesshoumaru snorted angrily, barely aware of Kagome's hand on his shoulder. "And you expect me to just give it to you, just like that?"

"Of course not!" Naraku laughed. "What kind of fool do you take me for? It'll be an exchange."

"Exchange?"

"Exactly," Naraku replied. "You give me the money, and I'll give you back someone important to you."

Sesshoumaru rolled his eyes, his ears twitching at the sound of Kagome's cell phone ringing. "If you think kidnapping Inuyasha is going to motivate me, it's not. You'll give him back for free after a week."

"We have him, but I'm not exactly talking about him," Naraku said mysteriously. "There's someone else you cherish…here, I'll give you a hint." The other end was silent for a moment, then

"You guys are fucked when Sesshoumaru-sama gets here!" he heard Rin shout, her voice ringing out among what sounded like a scuffle. "And I can't wait to see it!"

>Smack!<

"Get your hands off me, pervert!"

Naraku returned to the line moments later, laughing at Sesshoumaru's snarl. "They won't hurt her…for now. But I will give her, and Inuyasha, to you. All you have to do is pay the money."

"When?" Sesshoumaru growled, it rumbling through the air like ocean currents against a sandy beach.

"Sometime today. I'll have to call you back. You can scrape that much money together, can't you?"

"Do not concern yourself," Sesshoumaru replied cooly. "You just make sure that a hair isn't missing from her head. If so…"

"Yes, yes. They'll be Hell to pay. I know Sesshoumaru-sama." Naraku chuckled one last time, bid Sesshoumaru farewell and hung up the phone. Sesshoumaru replaced the receiver as well, glaring at it as his poison seeped from his fingers. The plastic menace didn't have a chance against the corrosive toxin, as it turned into a vanilla-colored goo right before his eyes.

"Yes, I understand. Thank you." Sesshoumaru glanced over his shoulder, remembering Kagome for the first time since the phone call. She stood on the other side of the room, her cell phone in her hands as she hung it up. She glanced toward him, and it was then that the scent of tears assaulted the air around them.

"Naraku attacked Rin and Inuyasha last night," Kagome whispered, unaware that Sesshoumaru already knew. "His men killed three FBI agents outside Rin's apartment and four outside Inuyasha's townhouse. Miroku has a concussion-"

"Which I'm sure he's used to, dealing with Sango," Sesshoumaru said gently, noticing how frail she seemed to look now. She held her head down, a single tear streaking down her face as he watched her. "Kagome, what's wrong?"

"Naraku took both Inuyasha and Katrina-"

'What?' Sesshoumaru started at Katrina's name. 'Naraku said nothing about her.'

"And Sango-" Kagome sniffed, another tear following its leader as she hugged herself. "Sango's in a coma."

His eyes widened, finding it hard to imagine the marshal in such a state as Kagome continued. "Apparently she took the worst of the attack. Three of her ribs are broken, a black eye, a lot of bruises and something called a brain contusion. I don't even know what that is."

She sat down on the floor, curling into a ball with her forehead resting on her knees. She sniffed again, the choked back a sob as Sesshoumaru sat beside her.

"The doctor's says that she shouldn't be breathing after the beating she received. They say it's a miracle. I should have been there." Sesshoumaru put his arms around her, soothing her as she crumpled against him. "She might die Sesshoumaru! She's my friend and I wasn't there to help her!"

"But you were here helping me," Sesshoumaru reminded her. "So I'm sure she understands. Besides," with this he tipped her face up to his, a gentle smile on his face as he whispered "I'm sure she'll be fine. That bitch has steel for blood, remember?"

Kagome blinked, not entirely sure what to make of what he said before falling into watery laughter. "Thanks Sesshoumaru," she said as Sesshoumaru dried her face. "I needed that."

"I know. I'm sure she'll be fine. I'll make sure of it."

"You will?" Sesshoumaru nodded, helping her to stand as he did so. "I will. I'll make some calls today. The best doctors money can buy will be at her side in a few hours."

"Alright. There's one more thing." Sesshoumaru waited for her to continue, wondering what else could have been said in such a short time. "We're to report to the Atlanta base as soon as possible."

"We are?"

"Yes. They know about Naraku's plan to ransom Inuyasha and the others off. We should get dressed."

Sesshoumaru nodded in agreement, exiting Kagome's room so she could have a moment alone. As he showered and changed, only one thought filtered through his mind.

'Why wouldn't Naraku ransom Katrina along with the others? What does the hanyou want with a human girl?'

*10:23 AM, Marshal Headquarters, Atlanta GA*

Sesshoumaru stood in the elevator beside Kagome, frowning at the scent of human lingering on the metal lift. He focused on Kagome's scent after a while, noting the simple black skirt and white blouse she wore for the trip.

"Why are you dressed like that?" he asked her, used to seeing her like this only for the office.

"There's a strategy meeting as well, and you're to attend half of it." She glanced at him then, and then motioned for him to bend down. He did so, glancing down at Kagome as she straightened his tie. He wore another suit, this one the same black as her shirt with a cobalt blue shirt and tie. "So try to be on your best behavior."

"I'm always on my best behavior," Sesshoumaru growled playfully, taking a moment to 'accidentally' brush his hand against her thigh.

"Sesshoumaru! Stop it! I'm serious."

"I know. You take the fun out of the day, you know that?"

"I will make it up to you," Kagome promised as the doors opened. "But for now, behave."

Sesshoumaru nodded, wondering to himself how she planned to pay him back as she led him out of the elevator and down the hall to a set of double doors. They opened instantly, revealing a large conference room with a single rectangular table. There were already marshals seated, including one he knew to be Kagome's boss as he and Kagome sat down on the far end of the table.

"Sorry for being so late," Kagome apologized. "Has the meeting started?"

"Not yet," Kaede told her as Shippou sat down beside her. "But you're just in time."

"Good morning everyone," a man said as he came into the room. "I'm Marshal Jason Toutousai. I take it this-" he gestured to Sesshoumaru "is Sesshoumaru Takamada?"

"Yes," Kagome said with a nod. "This is he."

"Then welcome to our meeting Mr. Takamada. I must say, you're a lucky man to have one of our best officers protecting you. She has yet to fail a mission."

"The pleasure is mine, I assure you," Sesshoumaru replied, noticing the embarrassment that tinged Kagome's scent. "She has been a great help."

"I'm sure she has," Marshal Toutousai replied, smiling in Kagome's direction before continuing. "As we all know, there have been recent threats to both Mr. Takamada and the now missing Mr. Hitame's life. Last night, between the hours of 11 o' clock and 1 o' clock this morning, both Mr. Hitame and Miss Juku were taken from their homes. There's a missing Katrina Messenger as well. Has there been any progress?"

"Yes," Sesshoumaru spoke up, his mind still whirling around Katrina's disappearance. "Naraku called me himself just a few hours ago, requesting a ransom for both Inuyasha and Rin in exchange for their safety."

"I see," Marshal Toutousai replied. "That is news to us. What else was said?"

"That he would call me later today to schedule the drop off."

"Wonderful," Marshal Toutousai replied. "Then we'll have to bug you're phone, if you don't mind."

"I do not," Sesshoumaru answered, handing his phone to Shippou, who immediately retrieved a small device and began inserting it into the phone.

"Good. You're cooperation is appreciated Mr. Takamada. When you receive the phone call, please don't hesitate to alert us first."

"I won't," Sesshoumaru replied as Shippou handed him back the phone. "It is the least I can do."

"Well we still appreciate it. Marshal Higurashi, do you mind escorting Mr. Takamada to a nearby waiting room so we may continue the rest of the meeting?"

"Of course." Kagome walked Sesshoumaru out of the room and to a small conference room next door. "Now stay here Sesshoumaru," Kagome said. "If you need anything, just holler. Someone will hear you and come running."

"Or I could just whistle," Sesshoumaru joked. Kagome rolled her eyes and shut the door behind her, returning to the meeting just as Marshal Toutousai began to speak.

"Now the CIA has sent someone to help us along with this case. Agent Hitorame-"

'Hitorame?' Kagome wondered to herself. 'It can't be who I think it is, can it?'

"She's been undercover for six months, working inside the WCT as an assistant for Mr. Kouga Tarintino-"

"No way," Kagome whispered to herself, ignoring Shippou's curious look as Marshal Toutousai opened a nearby door. "Marshal Higurashi, I believe you know her."

Sutaasafaia walked into the room moments later, shooting apologetic looks to Shippou and Kagome before taking her place at the head of the table. "Thank you all for taking the time to be here." She pulled a couple of packets out of her briefcase, passing them down the table as she opened a small folder. "As you all are aware, I've spent some time inside the WCT corporation, investigating rumors of a super weapon being produced by the company."

'A what?' Kagome's mind stammered as she accepted a stack of packets, took one and passed the extra around. 'What is she talking about?'

"This super weapon was thought to be biological, which would be logical for someone like Naraku Jinuse to want. On the contrary, it's nothing like what the rumors suggest. If you'll take out page one of your packet-" she stopped as the rustling of paper sounded throughout the room, Kagome and the others pulling out a picture of a satellite in orbit.

"This, ladies and gentlemen, is the Tetsusaiga," Sutaasafaia explained. "On the outside, it's nothing more than a sophisticated weather satellite, with internet capabilities. To the military, who contracted WCT to assist in building this piece of technology, it's an infrared camera, used to locate terrorists hiding in desolate lands like Afghanistan and Sudan."

"The part that the CIA is concerned with is on the second page of your packet." She waited once again as everyone pulled out the correct page, each glancing at a picture of what looked like a cannon of sorts. "That is the Dark Star, a photon weapon launched by the military for the extraction of said terrorists. It can punch a hole 100 meters below the earth's surface, with both a basic and an intricate targeting system. In the wrong hands, this thing could become a virtual Doomsday Device.

"This morning, after the kidnapping of both Mr. Hitame and Miss Juku, the master Tenseiga was stolen from the WCT headquarters in Boston. Also, operation and launch codes for the Dark Star were stolen from the Pentagon. This leads us to believe that the kidnappings and the thefts are related."

'I know nothing of this,' Kagome realized as she flipped through the packet. Copies of signed checks, documents and ordered parts, all with Sesshoumaru's signature on them screamed that something wasn't right. 'Why didn't he tell me?'

"The military has attempted to keep this a secret from the public, keeping in mind that WCT is mostly a medical and educational facility. Somehow this information has been leaked into the black market, even before the CIA knew of the Dark Star's existence. We believe that Naraku is trying to assemble the parts for the Dark Star."

"I don't understand," Shippou commented. "I thought the Dark Star was only one piece."

"It is," Sutaasafaia answered. "The Dark Star itself is one piece, but the remote control is not. We're not entirely sure how many pieces there are, but we do know that they include the master Tenseiga and obviously the codes from Washington."

"And if Naraku gets all the parts?" Kaede asked. Sutaasafaia shook her head. "Then he pretty much owns the world."

"Thank you Agent Hitomre," Marshal Toutousai stated, standing up and opening the door. "This meeting is adjourned until further notice. Please be on alert. Mr. Takamada could receive a phone call at any time."

Everyone but Kagome and Sutaasafaia shuffled out, Kagome's confusion and anger radiating in waves as she glared at the inu youkai in front of her. "Well, I guess you forgot to tell me this too," Kagome replied. Sutaasafaia sighed and sat back down.

"Don't be mad at me," she asked quietly. "I was undercover. Even Kouga had no idea that I was CIA."

"I'm sure. Now explain in detail about this Dark Star."

Sutaasafaia shrugged. "I told you all we know. The only person that knows more is Takamada himself."

"Good point," Kagome said after a moment. "I think I'll go ask him."

"But Kagome-" Sutaasafaia sighed as Kagome disappeared, guessing it to be one of the many wondrous moves of the miko marshal.

"I just hope things don't get any worse," she groaned to herself, then began to gather her papers and return them to her briefcase.

*

Sesshoumaru hung up his cell phone, a slight frown gracing his normally passive face. 'The Tenseiga's missing as well,' he thought to himself. 'Thank the gods I still have the last piec-'

Kagome appeared beside him moments later, startling him into forgetting his train of thought. "Well," Sesshoumaru said after a moment. "Is the meeting over?"

"What's the Dark Star?"

Sesshoumaru blinked, unsure as to how to answer her question. "Why ask me?"

"You had it built. It says so in here." She tossed the packet into his lap, watching him as he picked it up and leafed through it.

"And?" Sesshoumaru said, his cool façade back in place.

"And what the hell is it?" Kagome asked again, this time holding a picture of the weapon in his face. "The reports say it's a weapon, one that would cause a lot of problems if Naraku got his hands on it. Why didn't you tell me about this?"

"There was nothing to tell. Besides, I swore to secrecy."

"This is the kind of stuff you don't keep from someone protecting you!" Kagome countered aggressively. "This is the kind of stuff that can get you killed! This is what Naraku's been after, isn't it?"

"Hai," Sesshoumaru answered. "It is."

"And when were you going to tell me?"

"Again, I was sworn to sec-"

"Yeah yeah," Kagome interrupted, turning her back to him as she read the report in her hands. "Naraku has the launch codes for this baby, and the master Tenseiga. What's he missing Sesshoumaru? Why does he have Rin and Inuyasha?"

Sessshoumaru sighed heavily, something he'd done at least twice this hour. "He's looking for the final piece."

"Of the remote?"

Sesshoumaru nodded. "Correct. The remote for the Dark Star consists of three parts; the launch codes, the master Tenseiga, and a key."

"A key?"

"The master Tenseiga serves as the remote, with the codes controlling the targeting mechanism and the coordinates for the satellite itself."

"Then why does it have two targeting systems?"

"Two?" Sesshoumaru shook his head. 'There should not be two. I told Kelson to take the second one off.' "I do not know, Kagome."

"Of course you don't," Kagome said, a little too quickly for his tastes. "I thought you would, since you did build it."

"Kagome-"

"Where's the key?"

Sesshoumaru stopped. 'The one question I hoped she wouldn't ask.' "It is safe."

"What is it then?"

"The key activates the remote itself, re-routing the power used to fuel the surgical lasers to control of the satellite itself."

"I meant, what does it look like?"

'This just keeps getting worse,' Sesshoumaru thought as he rubbed the side of his forehead. 'Oh well, may as well go ahead.' "It's a holographic crystal of a sort, with a microscopic computer chip inside it."

"A holographic crystal?" Kagome repeated, her mind whirling around the possibilities. Sesshoumaru nodded. "It's small, unnoticeable even to someone looking for it. I had it disguised when I met you, making it harder still to detect and steal."

"I don't understand," Kagome said, moving to stand at Sesshoumaru's side. "How are you hiding it?"

"By not hiding it."

'Huh?' Kagome sat down slowly, Sesshoumaru's riddle talking grating on her nerves. 'What is he talking about, he's not hiding it? Is he saying that he's….' "Do you have it?"

"I do not."

"Then who does?"

Sesshoumaru looked over her head toward the door, readying himself for the shouting match that would follow. "You do."

"Huh!" Kagome stammered. "What do you mean, I have it?!"

"You've always had it. As far as I know of, you've only taken it off once, and that was Christmas."

'What in the hell is he talking about?' Kagome wondered, her memories of Christmas quickly flashing behind her eyes. 'How can a key be a piece of clo-'

"Open it and see," he said mysteriously.

"Oh Sesshoumaru, I can't take this," Kagome gasped, staring at the small omega necklace inside. Sesshoumaru unclasped the pink crystal around her neck, placing it inside the box and lifting out the platinum chain.

"Dear God," Kagome gasped softly, lifting the innocent-looking necklace to her face. "This, this tiny thing is the key?"

Sesshoumaru nodded. "It was meant to be a lapel pin, but it came back as a necklace. I knew you would protect it, even if you had no idea you were doing so. You've done well."

"I've done well!" Kagome stood up, glaring at the taiyoukai as he turned his back on her. "I've done well!! You mean to tell me that all this time, you never thought to tell me that I have the key to the end of the free world around my neck!"

"Now you're being overdramatic," Sesshoumaru said over his shoulder, returning his gaze to the window and the world outside.

"Don't you think I deserved to know?" Kagome shouted, uncaring of whether anyone outside could hear her or not. "Don't you think I might have cared that there was a possibility that someone would want to whack off my head to get this thing?"

"That's never happened."

"But it could have happened! I can't believe you Sesshoumaru!" Kagome huffed angrily, her temper rising the longer he kept his back to her. "Why didn't you tell me?"

"It wasn't your concern."

"So all this time, instead of chasing you because of the company, they've been chasing me?! And you didn't think it was my concern?!!! You arrogant, pig-headed jackass!"

"Now wait just one moment-"

"You know what Sesshoumaru; you'll never change! I can't believe this! I trusted you again and again you screw me over! What is it going to take for me to learn my lesson; you to drop me into a vat of crocodiles!"

"You will control yourself, ningen," he growled, his eyes already shifting to their golden hue. "And you will refrain from the name-calling."

"Unbe-fucking-liveable," Kagome grumbled, wondering to herself if she should rip the necklace from around her neck and leave it with him. 'No, he is right about one thing. It has been safe with me. But…God! He didn't even care that I could have been killed behind this!' Her eyes widened as a sudden realization struck her. 'That's strike three…'

"You're right Mr. Takamada," she whispered softly, regaining his attention. "You're right. It is my duty to just do as you ask until the end of the mission. I apologize for my rudeness."

Sesshoumaru turned toward her, the calmness in her voice creating an uneasy feeling in the pit of his stomach. "Kagome?"

"I'll leave you to yourself," she said as she stood up and walked toward the door. "And we'll alert you to any changes in our plans."

"Kagome wai-"

>Ding-Ding-Dong<

They stopped, each locked inside the others gaze as Sesshoumaru's cell phone began to ring. "You're phone Mr. Takamada," Kagome whispered, motioning to his side pocket. Sesshoumaru nodded, withdrawing the phone and picking it up. "Hello?"

"Hello old chap!" Naraku chirped from the other side. "And how are you?"

"I'd be better if you hadn't stolen my things from me," he replied, watching as Kagome opened the door and waved Sutaasafaia and Marshal Toutousai into the room. "But that is not important."

"You're right as always Sesshoumaru-sama," Naraku said wistfully. "Come to Yankee Stadium."

"In New York?"

"Of course! Where else would Yankee Stadium be? Be there in, um-" he paused, then "four hours. Can you do that?"

"I suppose I can," Sesshoumaru answered.

"With my money?"

"With your money," Sesshoumaru said in disgust. Naraku sighed happily. "Good. Oh, and Sesshoumaru?"

"Yes?"

"Bring that lovely assistant with you. You know, the fiery one that moonlights as a U. S. Marshal. Is she there?"

"Yes, she's here," Sesshoumaru answered warily, glancing at Kagome. He didn't particularly like the idea of Naraku knowing who she was, though now it was too late to correct it. "Why?"

"May I speak to her?"

"No, you may not."

Naraku chuckled darkly. "Fine then. Be selfish if you must. I thought for a moment that we could share."

"You wish," Sesshoumaru growled, forgetting the human in the room. "Now is there anything else?"

"No, there's nothing. Just make sure she's with you. I'm sure she'll love seeing the look on you're face when you see me."

"I'm sure she will too." Sesshoumaru hung up, then handed the phone to Marshal Toutousai. "We are expected in Yankee Stadium."

"You can't be serious," Sutaasafaia objected as Kagome nodded and gathered her things. "When?"

"In four hours."

"So we're to gather $9 million in four hours?" she questioned as she, Kagome, Sesshoumaru and Marshal Toutousai boarded the elevator. Sesshoumaru nodded, his thoughts not on the agent but the unusually quiet marshal beside him. 'I wonder what she's thinking,' he asked himself as he stared down at the top of Kagome's head. 'She's been so quiet. It's not like her.'

'I'm finished,' Kagome thought to herself as the lift took them to the lobby. 'He said that he wouldn't hurt me, yet he puts a virtual bulls eye around my neck and thinks it's fine. Once this mission is over, so are we. I'll forget all about Sesshoumaru Takamada, Great Taiyoukai of the West and move on with normal life.'

*1:30 PM*

Inuyasha awoke to unfamiliar surroundings, spread eagle and chained to wall behind him. His ears itched something terrible, and he flicked one in a last attempt to alleviate the irritation. 'Wait a minute…' he flicked his ear again, realizing that they no longer resided at the sides of his head. "What the hell?"

"Are you wondering about your sealing spell, pup?"

Inuyasha glared ahead, focusing on the figure that leaned against the threshold of his prison. "Who are you? And what do you know of my sealing spell?"

"Oh, I know a lot," the figure said as he stepped closer. Inuyasha recognized his face, thought he was used to it being on a girl. "Katrina?"

"No," he said with a laugh, silver eyes sparkling in amusement. "I'm her big brother Shu. Surely she's told you about me." He sighed at Inuyasha's indifference. "I guess she hasn't. We don't get along as well as we used to. "

"Where is she?" Inuyasha demanded, his concern growing for her. "What have you done to her, you liar!"

"Liar?" Shu stood back a moment, then laughed again. "Oh, you mean about the whole brother/sister thing. I assure you, I'm her brother."

"But Katrina's human."

"You're mistaken hanyou. Katrina," he called toward the door. "Come here. There's someone who wants to see you."

Katrina stepped into the room, her head lowered at Inuyasha's shocked gasp. Her clasped fingers ended in claws, with her once shoulder-length hair cascading down her back, brushing past her khaki skirt to touch the back of her thighs. She looked up at him once, with his reflection shining off silvery gray eyes as Shu shoved her closer to him.

"Awww…is there trouble in Loveland?" Shu teased, ignoring Inuyasha's growl as he jerked Katrina's head back by her hair. "You don't have long Little Sister. Make it quick."

"Where are you going?" she asked softly, watching him go with a wary look. Shu grinned back, his fangs glinting in the sparse light.

"I'm going to visit the other person here. You're fiery niece. That is, if you don't mind Inuyasha." Inuyasha growled in response, the sound promising a painful and slow death should he ever get free. Shu merely laughed, reaching up to roughly squeeze a nearby ear before walking out the door. Inuyasha turned accusing eyes to Katrina as she stared at the door.

"I won't let him hurt-"

"And when were you going to tell me?"

Katrina hung her head again, this time placing her fingers behind her back. "I…don't know."

"You don't know?! WHAT KIND OF SHIT IS THAT?!!! You lied to me! You lied to Sango and Miroku! You've been working for Naraku this entire time!!!!!"

"But I swear I wasn't trying to hurt you!" Katrina countered back. "I only did what I was told!"

"Which includes drugging me and bringing me here?! My niece is here too! What the fuck is wrong with you?!" He frowned when she started to cry, her collapsing to her knees in front of him with her hands over her face. He always hated to see a woman cry. "Look," he said softly, though his anger still rang out in his voice. "Don't cry. I'm sure there's a nice warm spot in Hell just waiting on you-"

"I'm so sorry Inuyasha!" she cried, her face still covered as the scent of her tears tickled his nose. "I was just trying to help my father! I didn't know Naraku would do this until the last minute!"

"But you knew! You could have warned someone!"

"Naraku would have killed my father if I had!" She sniffed softly, then whispered "I'm a prisoner here too, just like you."

"But you're not the one in chains."

"They don't need chains for me."

Inuyasha sighed, remembering her saying something about her father. "What about you're dad?"

"He's here," she answered. "Naraku promised to free him if I helped him."

"Help me out here Kats," Inuyasha asked. "I'm having some trouble understanding. What's your father doing here? Hell, what's your brother doing here? What's going on?"

Katrina sighed heavily, then stood up and closed the door to their room. "About 600 years ago, we all lived in Egypt with my older sister Artemis. Shu and Artemis were twins, with me being the youngest. We all looked after each other, and Shu was the perfect older brother.

"How old are you Kats?"

Katrina blushed slightly, glancing away from him before looking at him again. "I'm 612."

"Cool."

"Cool?"

Inuyasha nodded. "You're older than me by one year. I've always wanted to date an older woman. Go ahead though."

Katrina nodded, her eyes trained to the floor. "About 500 years ago, Shu began to change. It was like something possessing him, and we couldn't figure out what it was. He became quiet, distant, and violent. Days that were once spent helping the local villagers with oni problems were replaced with Father protecting us from Shu.

"Shu challenged Father one afternoon, and the resulting fight lasted for days. When it was over, Shu left, leaving Artemis and myself to heal Father's wounds. 100 years past, and he still wasn't fully recovered. That's when he disappeared."

"Where's your sister now?" Inuyasha asked, feeling a twinge of sympathy for the girl. After all, he wanted to know above all else what happened to his father, but Sesshoumaru never told him.

"She's dead. She was killed…protecting me from Shu." Inuyasha winced, watching as the tears began anew. "We tracked him to a church in France 200 years ago. He cornered us, he and Naraku's men, and trapped us in the church's congregation hall. Artemis hid me inside ventilation shaft, placing a sealing spell over it before Shu and the others came into the room.

"He killed her," she choked out, her tears falling faster with the confession. "He killed her and I watched. I couldn't do anything. He ripped her to shreds right in front of me." She touched her wrists, Inuyasha noticing for the first time the silver bracelets on each one. The one on her right held a red bloodstone, with the one on the left holding a white diamond. "This," Katrina whispered, her finger tracing the red stone lovingly "Is all I have of my sister."

"I'm sorry," Inuyasha whispered. "I...don't know what to say."

"There is nothing to say," Katrina stated, attempting to dry her face with her hands. "I finally tracked them, by myself, here."

"Where is here?"

"Naraku's stronghold. He keeps my father in a regeneration machine, where it sucks the youki from him. The machine transfers the stolen youki to Naraku, giving him what would seem like eternal life. Meanwhile, it siphons the life from my father. He's a weakened shell of himself. I'm sorry for deceiving you Inuyasha, but I had no choice. I can't leave my father like this." She threw her arms around his neck suddenly, holding him for all she was worth as she desperately cried. "I'm so sorry! I won't let them hurt you though! I promise!"

Inuyasha blinked for a moment, his mind slowly processing the information as he attempted to quiet her. "Shh…it's ok Katrina. I understand."

"You…{sniff} you do?"

Inuyasha nodded. "You're just trying to free your Pops. I understand that. But I do have a question?"

"Yes?"

"Is that why you ran from me when I showed you my youkai form? Because you didn't want to hurt me?"

Katrina nodded.

"And did you ever really love me?"

"Of course I did!" Katrina gasped quickly. "I still do!"

"Good. Then I think I can forgive you-"

"Thank you so much Inuyasha!" Katrina cried as she hugged him again. "I don't know what I would have done if you hadn't!"

"Am I interrupting something?" Shu asked from the doorway, stepping inside as Katrina quickly stepped between him and Inuyasha. "Rather protective of the pup, I see."

"Leave him alone Shu," Katrina growled. Shu merely shook his head in amusement. "Or you'll do what? Scratch me with you're claws." He fisted his hand in her hair and jerked her forward, snarling in her face as Inuyasha jerked against the chains. "I might enjoy that a little too much. Perhaps you should save that kind of foreplay for Naraku."

"What are you talking about?" Katrina gasped, wincing when Shu's hold on her hair tightened.

"Oh, you don't know. Well let me tell you then." He merrily slung her across the room, grinning when she collided with the cold concrete and slid to the floor below. "Naraku agreed that, in exchange for keeping the human woman as a pet, he gets to mate you."

"He WHAT?!" Inuyasha growled, his struggling increasing with each second. Shu nodded happily. "That's right. Katrina gets to mate Naraku. Aren't you happy sister dear?"

"I'll never allow it!" she spat vehemently. "Over my dead body!"

"That can be arranged." He jerked her up and forward by her arm, frowning at Inuyasha's protests and attempts to get free. "You best control you're pet, Katrina dear, or Naraku'll have him put to sleep." He shoved her out of the room, waving back to Inuyasha and missing Katrina slip a small piece of plastic behind her ear.

*2:59 PM, Yankee Stadium New York*

"There's nothing here but dust," Sutaasafaia complained as she kicked home plate. "No Naraku, no henchmen, hell, not even a fart to foul up the air."

Kagome quirked a brow, as did Sesshoumaru as Sutaasafaia shrugged. "I'm frustrated, ok?"

"That's understandable," Sesshoumaru commented offhandedly, his real focus still trained on Kagome. 'She hasn't said a word to me since we left Atlanta,' he commented to himself as she glanced around. "A penny for your thoughts," he whispered, watching as Sutaasafaia walked away from them to check the dugouts.

"I'm attempting to scan the area for anything unusual. I can't pick up anything."

"Because there is nothing there."

"Be that as it may, we must be sure of your safety Mr. Takamada."

"What's with the Mr. Takamada stuff lately?" he asked irritably. "Are you angry about the necklace?"

"Why should I be?" Kagome growled angrily. "After all, you basically told me that a threat to my life was none of my business."

"That's not how I meant it."

"But that's what you said. You should say what you mean next time."

Sesshoumaru sighed heavily, rubbing his fingertips against his temple as the scent of sulfur blindsided his nose. "He's here," he growled, his claws already extended and flexed around the handle of his briefcase. Kagome nodded, as did Sutaasafaia as she approached the mound.

Naraku appeared by first base minutes later, glaring at Sutaasafaia rudely. "Who is she?" he demanded, frowning when Sesshoumaru took his time answering.

"She is a friend of ours," he answered dryly. "So she is here."

"No matter," Naraku said with a shrug. A black SUV drove onto the field moments later, it parking behind Naraku as he gestured toward Sesshoumaru's suitcase. "Is that the money?"

"Is that Inuyasha and Rin?"

"Perhaps," Naraku said. "Money first."

Sesshoumaru started to hand over the briefcase, then stopped at Kagome's gasp. "What is it?"

"They're not here."

Sesshoumaru turned golden eyes to Naraku, the whites swiftly becoming red as he glared at the hanyou. "Where are they? You promised they're return."

"Did I?" Naraku grinned evilly, the grin widening impossibly as the SUV doors opened and youkai streamed onto the field from all sides. "I lied. Kill them, but bring the taiyoukai unharmed."

Sutaasafaia and Kagome positioned Sesshoumaru between them, withdrew their weapons and began shooting. Youkai shuddered under the assault, but they still pressed on until Kagome called for an idea.

"Use you're power!" Sutaasafaia shouted, one bullet from her chamber flaming bright red as it careened toward the nearest youkai. "We've held back for too long! They're not even trying to hide they're youki!"

"You're right!" Kagome agreed over her shoulder. She shot one purified bullet after another, watching as the youkai around her either burst into flames or turned to ash around her. She smiled, watching as the youkai around the began to retreat when Sutaasafaia and Sesshoumaru dropped to their knees, their hands over their ears as they whimpered and growled in agony.

"Sutaasafaia! Sesshoumaru! What's happenin-" she fell to the ground heavily, wincing as the weight that knocked her down dug into her spine. The youkai around her grinned, as did Naraku from above her.

"We have got to stop meeting like this," he teased, grinding his heel into her back as the other youkai approached them, grabbing Sesshoumaru and carrying him to the SUV. He struggled momentarily, but stopped soon afterward, his hands once again covering his ears.

"What's wrong with them?" she demanded, watching as tears began to stream from Sutaasafaia's eyes. "What are you doing to them?!"

"Do you honestly think I came unprepared?" Naraku laughed, reaching down to jerk her head up. He stared deep into her eyes, watching as her whites blazed purple.

"Don't try it!" He smacked her, the side of her face reddening as Naraku brought her attention to him once again. "I'll kill everyone here miko, including you. To answer your question, the best way to fight inu youkai is to take away one of their senses. Surely you remember your training."

'Yeah, but what does that have to do with…' It hit her then, and she suddenly felt sorry for the two. "You're using sound waves, aren't you?"

"Bingo, my dear! You're quite clever." He grinned down at her lecherously. "But then again, that is one of the reasons Sesshoumaru keeps you around, isn't it?"

"Go straight to Hell Naraku."

Naraku chuckled, then shook his head. "You have a filthy mouth miko. Let me fix that for you." He shoved her face first into the grass, laughing when he jerked her back up. "You're lovely, even covered in dirt. Quite a hard feat, I assure you."

"Get off of me," she gasped, coughing on bits of grass that managed to get down her windpipe. "I can't breathe."

"Oh, I'm going to get off of you," Naraku assured her. "I just want you to see one last thing." He pointed forward, just as Sesshoumaru was being loaded into the back of the SUV. One of the youkai grabbed a spear from the back, stabbing it into Sesshoumaru's chest before helping the others throw him inside.

"He's dead Marshal, and you've failed to do your job."

"No…" Kagome whispered, already feeling the tears begin to well in her eyes. "No…he can't be."

"Oh, but he can." He struck her in the back of the head, smiling pleasantly as she passed out. "But I lied again. I need the taiyoukai alive for a while. But at least you won't try to find him. Goodbye pretty miko." He walked away from her and Sutaasafaia, climbed in the back of the SUV and waved to them as it sped off.

Sutaasafaia sat up groggily, holding the side of her head as a splitting headache pounded in her ears. "Oh man, who got the license plate of that truck?" she groaned miserably, then looked around. Other than Kagome, no one else was present on the field. She nudged Kagome gently, then a little harder when she didn't respond. "Kagome?" she called, nudging Kagome again. "Kagome? Wake up. It's me, Sutaasafaia. Are you ok?" She turned Kagome over, gasping at the blood that trickled from the back of her head and around her neck. "Holy shit!" She grabbed her radio, flipping the buttons quickly before contacting dispatch.

"Hello, 911? I need an ambulance dispatched to Yankee Stadium ASAP. We have an officer down!"

-----

SF: Here I am! I'm back! Sorry to stay away for so long! Well folks, that's what the necklace is, in a nutshell.

Inu-chan: You need a life, you know that?

SF: Perhaps I do, but until then I'll torture you.

Inu-chan: {::dryly::} Someone help me, I'm shaking.

SF: You will be. Anyway, this chapter was looonnngggg. I'm so proud of myself. See, when I disappear I try to come back with something good!

Sesshou: That's good. Or else someone would fry your incompetent feather-brained ass.

Shippou: {::singing with the Little Muse and Rin::} Sesshoumaru-sama said ass! Sesshoumaru-sama said ass!

SF: Thank you very much Sesshou! Now we're all in for it. The preview and the responses are below.

Chapter Thirty: An Ace Up Our Sleeves

Someone wakes, someone breaks, someone proves her metal and a new player gives a new solution to an old problem.

Responses:

CurlsofSerenity: Thanks so much! I was kinda worried about how well other people would take to Kagome forgiving him so easily. I wanted to make sure that everyone understood that Sesshou was only telling her what she wanted to hear, like always, so she could forgive him. Don't worry though, he's going to get some time to think about it in the future.

Hinoke: I'm so sorry if you feel like I'm 'Screwing' you, for lack of a better- Miroku: {::peering onstage::} Screw? Who wants to screw? {::scratches his head::} What's a screw? SF: {::shoves him back offstage::} Ignore the hentai. Too much partying for the new year. Anyway, the end is in sight. I think it's about 6 or 7 more chapters.

Kagome: You poor dear...not! Shoot, let Sesshou grab me and drag me off somewhere! I'd go willing! Miroku: And you guys say I'm the perv. Kagome: Only because you can't keep your hands to yourself! {::glares at Miroku's outstretched hand::} And don't even think about it! Miroku: {::snaps his fingers::} Darn! SF: Anyway, you still did a great job. I'll be sure to contract you for any in the future. Oh, and I hope you're New Year was great. Mine was alright but-{::stops as a hand covers her mouth::} Sesshou: You said that if I did this, you would come willingly, correct? {::SF nods, then starts to protest::} No matter. This review is cut short for other...important matters.

Animegirl11: When you asked that question, I went to my disks and tried to find it. Guess what? I found it...in two pieces. {::sigh::} So I don't know if I'm going to write it or what. But thanks for the love, and I'll certainly try.

Jmccall93: I've never heard that song. Thanks for the love, and (if you're a girl) Beware the Miroku signs. If' they're flashing, take cover.

PTBear: Thanks a lot! Welcome to the archives!

Heikaru: Um, you're the first person to call Sesshou that. Congrats on your part for keeping your head! As for the rest of it, you lost me. I'd appreciate it if you sent in the translation. I'm planning on buying a LeapPad and a Japanese book to learn the language, so one day the translation won't be needed.

Akuma-River: Thanks a lot! I hope the 'What to Do' explanation helped.

Niamaha: I don't remember what you said either, but that's ok. My memories shot to hell anyway. Since you love angst so much (I do too!), then you'll be happy to know that more's on it's way. Only 7 or 8 chapters to go, then we can start on another story!

Celine Frost: Thanks a lot!

Laina Inverse: Exactly. Sesshoumaru's a real trip. I tell him that all the time but he doesn't listen to me. All he thinks about is him-him-him. But that'll bite him in the butt soon, I promise you that.

MoonliteCrescndo: I know! I love it too! I miss you too, especially after this weekend. Have you ever tried going to work with a hangover? If you haven't, don't. It's not good for you. I wasn't trying to. I was supposed to have the day off, and ended up working anyway. Sesshou doesn't get his just yet. Give me a little more time to do it. I promise you won't be sorry. And I told him what you said about the dry humor. He just snorted and went on about his day. {::rolls her eyes::} Oh, and HAPPY NEW YEAR to you too!

Nankinmai: You're not annoying. That's just Inu-chan being a putz. You can't act like you hear him, or he'll eat at you like a virus. Inu-chan: Hey! I resent that! SF: You should. Anyway, I love questions. Just ask Strawberry Shortcake. She always asks me something that makes me think. So sorry for the wait for this story. Last weekend was rough.

Angeltiger: Hello new muse! How are you? Well I hope. Like I said, it won't last. Sesshou's famous for putting his aristocratic foot in his mouth, but that's not coming until later. I don't normally read K/K stories, but I will give yours a go since you asked so nicely.

AkxTp: Oh yea, the story idea. Nope, I don't think I should do that. I had an idea, but I don't think I should do it. I'll be more than happy to post it as a challenge, if you think anyone will want to do it. I don't own my own shop yet, but that is the plan. For right now I'm working and baking at home. It's not exactly hard to become a chef, but it is if it isn't what you want to do. I wanted to be a designer too, but I can't draw a stick. Then I wanted to be a biochemist, but my guidance councilor said my temper was too bad. So it was this or hair and I chose this. You should do what will make you happy, no matter what it is. Or you could do both. Sounds good to me! Oh, and you're up in the next chapter.

Reality: Um...As you can see from the above chapter, the necklace isn't the Tama. I'm glad you don't think that chapter was rushed, because I know you'd tell me. You're the first to review! Congrats!

HellzAznGrl: Um, unfortunately, I'm not entirely through with this couple yet. Sesshoumaru still has a lot he hasn't said, and that plan of his is a problem too. I thought the whole nearly nude Inu-chan was funny too, but he didn't think so.

Jazzylady: The sword is still with Sesshoumaru because Kagome was pissed off at Sesshoumaru. He hasn't broken her heart, so he gets to keep it. But the story is still young, and there's no telling what he'll do next. Oh, and Happy New Year to you too!

BelleDayNight: Glad you like it. I didn't want it to seem as if it was too rushed, but I wanted Sesshou's devious side to show through as well. I hope that it did. I didn't take either of the classes you're taking in high school. I took Ancient War Strategy instead. Hurrah For your good grades and Happy New Year!!!

Thesta: Then you have good instincts, because he is. Oh, and Welcome to the Archives!

Clover X: Thanks a lot! I love candy canes too! Happy New Year to you too!

Sukera: Thanks! You know, it might be a bad sign to repeat yourself. I do that all the time, so I should know. But that's ok! We can wear matching hot pink straight jackets when they cart us to the funny farm!

Nymph Demon: Tell Lucus hello darlin'! I bet he's cute, isn't he? Um, as for the lemon, it's not exactly ready yet. Silver's being slow with it. Silver Fox: You're being slow in telling me how you want it! I've never had this problem with a girl before! SF: I know I don't want to know what you're talking about. As you can see, he and I are fighting, so it might be a while.

InsanexPsycho: Yeah, isn't it wild? A lot of people are missing though. My brother got pissed at me and deleted the file where I keep the reviews. I hate that little twirp. Oh, anyway, thankies for the love and have a great New Year!

Baka_Juju2000: You know what I do when Inu-chan pisses me off? Sesshou: Fry him? SF: Ignore him. Then when that doesn't work, fry him. Works like a charm. As a matter of fact, I think I'm going to have to do that first in the new year.

Tsuki Yume: You started on Chapter 26? What is chapter 26? Kagome: Here it is SF. {::hands SF the script::} See? SF: {::reads the script::} Oh yeah. 'Going Under Part I'. I like that chapter myself. You did read the rest of the story before this chapter, right? Of course you did. You're nothing like me, who'll be lost until she finally does read the rest of a story. Anyway, I agree with you about the trust thing, but Kagome's character is to be trusting. It's not the healthiest thing of her to do, but that's Kagome for you. I'm rather hoping for a happy ending myself.

KoroshiyanoChibiBuddha: You know, he didn't think of the name until he saw a fight I was in once. See, Silver's always had his name, which is Silver-Tongued Fox (Trust me, he lives up to it too!), and my brother's Fighting Bear (Again, he lives up to his), but mine didn't come until I had to crack this girl upside the head for bothering my brother and my cousin. The men in my family are taught not to hit a girl, not because they're weak but because it's just plain wrong, so when this girl tried to bother them when we were kids they couldn't do anything but let her. I got mad, and I only punched her once, but Grandpee saw it and dubbed me Little Striking Falcon. Great, huh? Anyway, no, Sesshou hasn't learned his lesson yet. He's taking a long swim in Denial. I'm ready to just hurt him to be honest, but he seems to be doing a fine job of that himself. Hope you liked the new chapter!

Rured: Good instincts, because there is as you can see. Um, Sesshou's not after the Shikon, he just wants Kagome. See, he remembers the mikos from the Feudal Era, and none of them were as powerful as Kagome is. Since Sesshou's always been attracted to power, he wants that power for himself before anyone else can have it. He doesn't realize how he feels for her just yet, but he will soon. Um, I think there are {::counts on her fingers::} 7 chapters left.

Badgerwolf: An and Un are special. They're like conjoined twins in youkai form, but a spell allows them to have separate bodies with a telepathic link when in human form. It's a tangled idea spawned from when AkxTp suggested they be here. Thanks for the confidence boost. I was worried about Kagome's reaction to Sesshoumaru's manipulation, but I wasn't sure if it was real. You're right, there is one more thing in the future that Sesshoumaru has to tell her, and it's a real doozy.

RED DAY: You're right, he is. As you can see from this chapter, sometimes that's a bad thing, and sometimes that's a good thing. You still remember Katrina huh? Very cool indeed. Sesshou is still hiding things and being a regular prick instead of the industrial sized one he wants to be. Don't worry, things will fix themselves shortly.

NoLabel: Not a problem, even thought the patch isn't permanent. And you used my words! How cool indeed! Oh, um, the nookie thing...well...how to explain this on Fanfiction without getting booted off...There is a lemon chapter in store- Silver Fox: There are two lemon chapters in store, but they won't be here. SF: Duh on a stick Silver! Blessed...{::grumble grumble::} I'll try really hard not to make you cry, but you just might anyway. Thanks a lot for the review and Happy New Year!

Silver Mystic: Me too! They're so cute! {::grabs Sesshou's tail and starts to pet it::} Sesshou: Woman, what are you-{::stops and starts to purr, sinking into the nearby couch::} SF: How CUTE!!!! I just love it! Anyway, thanks for the love! There's more to come, so stick around!

White-Crystal: The necklace is very important, as you can see from the above chapter! Shame on Sesshou for not telling her earlier. And Silver is a bad boy! Very naughty indeed. I tell him that all the time. Yeah, he's real funny too...like a hole in the head. Another update, coming up!

Ali B: I'm working on the Kagome beating Sesshou thing as we speak, though it won't be a physical beating. You'll see what I'm talking about in a few. Oh and if you bitch slap Sesshou please, please let me know so I can get a camera. I would post that on my wall and rub his face in it!

Talaroh: Thanks a lot! I hope you're digging the rest of the plot!

Tessa3: {::bows::} Thanks bunches! I know I done good if you like it! (Woah, where did the college education go?) What's next is going to be great. Do you remember me saying something about sh*t hitting the fan? Well, give it about three chapters, then go to MM for the real thing.

Stargirl: Nope, it's not finished yet. I think there are at least six chapters left until the end. Naraku's still screwing around, as I'm sure you can see from the above chapter, and Katrina...well, let's just say that she's complicated. She wants to do the right thing, but sometimes it's hard when you feel like you're all by yourself with your enemies surrounding you.

Divided_Angel: Thanks so much! I'm really sorry for pulling a poof last week. I'll try really hard not to let it happen again!

Teru04: Really?! I'm so honored! Thanks a lot!

Shinigami Clara: Thanks so much for the love! I'm thinking about zapping Sesshou, but not yet. See, his being stubborn for once is helping me. Who would've thunk it?

Di: I will! Thanks a lot!

Rosie: So sorry about the lack of updates! I got caught up at work, and had to let the story slip. I'm so sorry about that. I'm going to try to do better, I promise!

Mediaminer:

Fireash: I hope so too, but knowing Sesshoumaru, he's more likely to act like a jackass.

AWSM: You like long fics? Good, because 'A Kiss' promises to be at least thirty chapters! Oh, but on to this story. Sesshoumaru is a P. R. I. C. K.; and it's hard to tell them something that's good for them. He'll learn someday.

Fluffy'slova4life: Goodness. I've never had that happen before. Thanks so much for thinking of me before your brain fried out.

Sessieluv2, Inuchan182: Thanks a lot! I'm coming with more soon!

IsisTheEgyptianGoddess: {::blushing furiously::} Thanks so much! It's hard to think of Inuyasha with a brain, but I think he has one. He's done some very smart things in his day, though none come to me at the moment. More of Inuyasha's infinate wisdome is yet to come. He even has his own chapter title.

Whit: Thanks for the 10! They make me smile!

Blue_Saiyan_Angel: I found the story! It's called 'Fallen and Abandoned' by Poncita or something like that. I'm so bad with names. Anyway, I'll try Captive Soul and see what's up. As I'm sure you can see from the above chapter, it becomes one lie too many for Kagome. Don't worry, things aren't over just yet. {::nose twitches happily::} I still have so much to do, and so little time to do it in!

Marie: You haven't reviewed, I haven't updated. We're bad girls. No, I'm just teasing. Don't fret about the reviews. I'm just glad you like it enough to return. Naraku isn't dead yet, as I'm sure you can see from the above chapter. I know, it sucks and he needs to dragged into the street and shot, but where would the fun be? Second Chance is going to be updated Sunday, along with a few previews.

Kitsune_Bi: I bet you're pissed at me now. Don't be, because this rocky relationship is far from over. I still have so much I want to do!

Lady Sesshoumaru: {::glomp::} Where have you been? I've missed you. Um, why is you're face turning blue? Silver Fox: Because she can't breath, twit! SF: Oh. {::lets go::} Sorry about that. Yeah, Sesshou is very mean, but he gets worse before he gets better. You and I both want to see him fried, but the others want him and Kagome to live happily ever after. I wonder if we can both have what we want...

S1Cherry: It never snows here either. I used to wish for snow in school, that way I could stay in my bed and sleep the whole day. What can I say? I was a lazy child. Enjoy the snow!

Fenikkusu Ice: Sesshoumaru's plan is to get Kagome to fall in love with him so she won't leave him. The problem with that plan is Kagome's a free spirit, and won't accept being locked in a cage like some pretty bird. Maybe he'll learn that before everything goes to hell.

White Tiger Princess: Thanks for the love! I'm shocked you're still up! I try to be in the bed by then, but sometimes I update at that time!

Vampire Miyu: Sesshoumaru is a real trip, as this chapter indicates. Shame on him! Thanks for the review and sorry you had to wait so long!

The Black Kat: Maybe she finds out, maybe she lives a blissful life devoid of that knowledge. I can't tell you. You'll have to see. {::nose wiggles impishly::} I know, I'm evil. Let me put it to you this way; for once Inuyasha is going to have the right idea about some things and I'm not just talking about Katrina.

Reed: Of course Kagome loves him! She wouldn't be so pissed off if she didn't! Has your mother ever told you that? Mine tells me that every time I fight with my brother. I'm going to be on time with the next update!