Crazy Paradise by QuietSerenade

Of Thugs & Deals

Disclaimer: I do not only Inuyasha or it's characters. I have also based the plot loosely from the manga, Tokyo Crazy Paradise.

It was 2010 when they decided to rise up. The youkai had decided come out from hiding and began to dominate the world. Wars and massacres riddled the planet and death and blood were a common sight. It wasn't until the Great Sacrifice that peace was sough. In order to maintain peace, an elite council was formed and began keeping stability on the planet. That was fifty years ago. Though time has passed, the world is still feeling the aftershocks of the youkai revolution.

Due to violence, the population of women is scarce and is no longer safe alone, but have to travel in groups. Most schools are no longer coed due to this unfortunate fact. Crime syndicates seem to rule most of the nations due to the power and money that was obtained through the wars. To ensure the safety of pedestrians, curfews are enforced because the dangers of the streets at night.

The sad truth is that the police now have to rely on law breakers in order to preserve the law. The world is still in turmoil.

This is the future.

+++

Life wasn't fair. It wasn't as if she had chosen to live like this, but life had dealt her these cards and now she was forced to play.

'Oh well, might as well have some fun.'

"Oh God! Please someone, help me!" a female voice shouted from one of the many darkened alleys. Dark chuckles followed the pitiful plea.

"Hold still, sweetie. I'm just going to show you a good time." A small chorus of "Me too!" followed the greasy voice. The woman whimpered pitifully and struggled against the rough hands that held her. Seeing that the men were too busy enjoying their prize for the night, Kagome tugged her cap down farther on her head as she took in her chances.

Eight to one. That seemed fair to her.

"Wow! Is this the only way you can get laid? How pathetic!" Kagome stated loudly to grab their attention. The cluster of thugs turned and stared down her boyish form. It was apparent from the shocked, dopey looks on their faces that they just realized that they had company.

"Look here, punk! If you want to live, then I suggest that you back off!" the leader of the moronic group shouted back. His face twisted angrily as he clenched his fist. This kid was really asking for it.

Kagome gave a small smirk and glared back.

"No way."

The girl that the group had once surrounded gave a small sniffle and tried to hold together the tattered remains of her blouse. Kagome gave a small glance in her direction before focusing on the advancing group in front of her. The girl seemed alright and it seemed like the thugs hadn’t gotten too far. 

Several of the thugs in front of her began to get out various weapons, ranging from chains to knives. The leader of the group kept the small frightened girl in his grasp, giving her a fanged smile. "Don't worry sweetie, we'll get to our fun in just a moment."

‘This is going to be fun.' Kagome thought sarcastically as she fell into a defensive stance.

"Let's take care of this jerk. Then we can have some fun!" One of the thugs shouted as he ran towards his target. His knife gleamed threateningly as he lifted the blade.

Kagome crouched low as the thug’s blade descended. Swiftly, she brought up her leg underneath the assailant’s arm and made a direct contact with his chin. That’s all it took. The thug’s body flew up and back into a nearby wall, the impact knocking him out immediately.

Now it was obvious, though Kagome’s body was small it packed an unbelievable amount of force.

Noticing the shocked faces of the thug’s comrades, Kagome began advancing towards them at a swift rate. They never knew what hit them. With her light feet and trained reflexes, Kagome made quick of the rest group without them even knowing. One minute the men were standing and the next minute chains and knives clattered to the floor as they fell unconscious.

The leader stood in shock. Surely this punk didn’t just take out his gang?

"What the... You jerk!" The youkai shouted as he tossed the girl away from him. As his anger grew so did his fangs and claws and soon his more animalistic traits made themselves known. It was time to show this kid who was boss.

Resisting the urge to yawn, Kagome watched the transformation with boredom. Why were youkai so unreasonably dramatic? Seriously, it wasn’t like he was the only guy out there that could do that.

"Fear me, human! I am the powerful Manten!" The beast shouted with rage. He bared his fangs menacingly and his beady eyes narrowed. The girl from before yelped and ran behind some garbage cans to escape danger, obviously she wasn’t used to this kind of thing.

Kagome rested her hand lightly on her hip as the youkai's skin glowed pale and oily. Well, might as well get this over with, she thought calmly. Without giving the youkai a glance, she gave a bored sigh and uninterestingly said, "Yeah, yeah. That's good and all, but I'll give you a second chance. Renounce your evil ways and I will spare your life."

With a dark, confident chuckle the youkai growled out, "Never, boy. Now enjoy your death for it will be a slow one."

Kagome sighed and relaxed her form. "Alright, if that’s how you want it."

The lizard-man ran at her small form, dashing from left to right. His deadly claws were extended and ready to spill her blood. A blood-thirsty grin adored his monstrous face and he could practically taste the kid’s tender meat.

Kagome's arms moved up and above her head in a graceful ascent. Her luminous eyes closed in concentration and the air around her pulsed with energy. The wind picked up and the youkai stopped in his tracks, his form rigid. Suddenly, fear began to show in his eyes. This was NOT good.

"What in the world..."

Kagome's eyes shot open, her blue orbs faintly glowing with power. Her hands flew down in front of her in the shape of a gun. Looking past her hands that were pulsing with blue power, she stared her opponent down. This youkai would no longer bring pain and death into this world.

Quietly she whispered, "Bang."

The blue light that surrounded on her hands shot forth like an arrow. It’s speed too fast for the youkai to beat. It shot directly the dark youkai and his eyes widened with pain.

"How did you?" He whispered in wonder as his body disintegrated into ashes.

The girl glanced from behind the trash cans as a calming light lit up the alleyway. "What happened?"

Kagome slowly walked towards the girl, a small comforting smile on her face. "It's ok. The bad guys are gone."

The battered girl inched away from the trash cans and shyly looked up at her savior. 'What a pretty boy,' she thought as she gave him small smile.

"Thank you so much.”

"No problem. A chick like you shouldn't be out alone." Kagome stated roughly as she helped the girl stand.

"I know. I was heading home when they got me. I only live a block away,” she quietly stated as she remembered the quick attack.

Kagome nodded and placed a comforting hand on the girl’s shoulder. The girl gave her a grateful look and then looked towards the exit of the alley. “I think I would like to go home now.”

Dropping her hand, Kagome adjusted her cap and then extended her elbow. "Alright, well I'll escort you home, but you have to promise me to get home earlier next time."

"Alright. What's your name?" the girl asked quickly as she placed her hand in the crook of Kagome’s arm.

"Kage. Now let's get out of here." Kagome said jovially as she gave a large smile.

+++

"WHERE'S KAGOME!" a male voice bellowed angrily.

"Miroku! Not so loud! I'm sure Kagome will be home soon,” Shippo calmly responded as he watched his older brother pace back and forth in front of their front door. Miroku’s normally tranquil features were contorted with worry and his arms were crossed in front of his tense body.

'You think he would be used to it by now.' Shippo thought as he rolled his eyes. It was the same thing every night. Shippo and his brother Souta would get home from their part-time jobs, greet Miroku, cook dinner, watch Miroku shout and pace as he waited for Kagome to get home, and then...

"I'm home!" shouted a triumphant voice as the front door busted open. Kagome flew through the door with a gigantic smile on her face. Her eyes were shining with victory as she threw off her cap letting her long raven locks free. Then she gave her brothers a thumbs up.

"Saved another one! Kage, the protector, has been victorious again!" she happily declared as she launched herself into a superhero pose. Souta and Shippo stared at their mentally-challenged sister. Did she not even realize what she hit with the door?

Ignoring their pale looks, Kagome quickly put her twin brothers in a headlock and energetically wrestled them onto the ground. "I've done it again, dear brothers! Another damsel in distress was successfully rescued!"

"Gah! Kagome, get off!" Shippo yelled as he struggled to get out of Kagome's grasp. Souta just relaxed and accepted the hold; there was no point in fighting it. She had the grip of a boa constrictor. Suddenly a dark ominous cloud grew over the three wrestling youngsters and a threatening shadow hovered over the unsuspecting family. "Kagome..." growled a small, but powerful voice.

The growl stilled the happy fight and Kagome's once hyper attitude halted in apparition. "Oh crap."

"'Oh crap' is right, Kagome."

Kagome quickly dropped her siblings and slowly turned around. Maybe if she didn't make any sudden movements she would live.

"Ha ha,” she laughed nervously, “Hello, Miroku. How was work today?" Kagome scratched the back of her head innocently and slowly began to back up.

"It was good, but it would have been better if," Miroku paused to quickly grab his retreating sister's cheeks in a painful pinch, "I had come home to the smiling face of my darling little sister!"

Miroku pulled his sister's cheeks to form the said smile. Kagome’s hands flailed uselessly as the twins watched in fright. That looked REALLY painful.

"Owwwww!” Kagome howled. “Jeez, Miroku! Let go!" Kagome exclaimed as she tried to pull away. Miroku let go of her cheeks as tears of pain began to form in her eyes.

"I've told you a thousand times! Get home before it gets too dark! How many times am I going to have to repeat this?" he lectured angrily. Miroku crossed his arms and gave her The Look. You know the one that parents give to their child who just ate all the cookies and then blamed it on the dog kind of look.

Kagome gave a sheepish smile as she rubbed her abused cheeks. "Oh come on, Miroku. You don't have to worry so much! Everyone thinks I'm a boy anyways. Not to mention, Mom and Dad have trained me to take care of myself. And considering they were the best cops in town, I think I'll be ok!"

Miroku gave a tired sigh and then looked at his sister. There was no use trying to get through to that thick skull. "Whatever, just try to get home earlier next time."

It was clear that the discussion was over.

"Wow, you got off easy this time, Kagome." Souta stated as he headed into the kitchen. "So you say!" Kagome yelled as she pitifully caressed her cheeks. "He didn't have to pull so hard."

"Yeah, yeah” Shippo muttered unsympathetically, “Come on, let's go eat." Shippo dashed off to the kitchen and Kagome popped her head up in excitement.

"Yeah! Food!” She yelled happily, the pain forgotten.  

“Is it oden?"

+++

"Kagome, it's almost been a year since Mom and Dad's death."

Kagome stared at her younger brothers, both asleep in their own futons. The peace that settled over the room was a rarity, but one that Miroku and Kagome often sought.

"Yeah, I know,” she mumbled sadly as she watched Miroku walk over to the two sleeping forms and tuck the blankets around the brothers. A small sad smile played across his lips.

"Even with me working here full-time and the boys having part-time jobs, we are having trouble meeting ends meet. At this rate, we will have to sell the shrine."

Kagome looked up in shock. "But I thought that Mom and Dad's life insurance...”

"Would help. I know, but apparently it's not enough,” Miroku had tried his best to provide for the family, even to the point where he quit school to complete his priest training to run the shrine. Yet it seemed that no one needed help from God these days, because all they needed to do was to pray to the yakuza.

Kagome and Miroku quietly exited their brothers' rooms and headed downstairs. The silence between them was solemn, but relaxed.

"I could get a job, you know." Kagome offered quietly.

"No. I want you to concentrate on your studies. You're almost out of school and that means entrance exams." Miroku stated firmly as he straightened the living room.

Kagome watched her brother carefully, noting his tired eyes and wary movements. Ever since their parents passed away, Miroku had tried to be the leader of their pack. He was the one who kept up with the bills and budgets. It was him who kept everyone safe and together. It wasn't fair that he had to deal with this burden alone.

Tired of the hopeless air that seemed to permeate the room, Kagome decided to retire for the night. "Miroku, I'm going to bed. You do the same, ok?"

Miroku turned to his sister and gave her one of his trademark comfort hugs. "Don't worry about me, Kagome. Just get some rest."

Kagome turned to head up the stairs to her own room, but paused for a moment. "Miroku, one day I'll take care of you, like you've taken care of me. I promise."

Miroku turned to his sister, his calm, wise eyes looking straight into her.

"Sure, Kagome," he replied disbelievingly.

Kagome continued up the stairs and headed into her bedroom. Once there she took off her school uniform and combed out her hair. She undid her chest protector and the tape that helped hide her curvaceous form. Pausing for a moment, Kagome glanced at the feminine face in the mirror, 'That's no dream, Miroku. I will find a way.'

+++

Kagome, or Kage at school, was frustrated beyond belief!

She kept gnawing at the end of her pencil, staring at the blank pages before her. She needed ideas. She needed to think! How was she going earn money when her brother said she couldn't even get a job!

She mentally growled with frustration. Well, that's impossible. I'm just going to have to get a job! She thought resolutely.  Kagome knew that she would have to disobey her brother. But for heaven’s sake, that boy needed a break. Now I just have to figure out jobs that pay really good, but need no background experience.

Kagome stared at the white pages looking for an answer.

‘Speak to me.’

Nothing.

‘Speak to me!’

Once again the paper ignored her order. She swore that it was smirking at her.

“Curse you!” Kagome yelled angrily as she ripped the paper to shreds. No way was some piece of wood was going to mock her!

An awkward cough drew Kagome back to reality. With an embarrassed smile, Kagome tried to disappear from view of her classmates eyes. They knew she was crazy and after all their time together you would think they would be used to her outbursts by now.

Kagome sighed and let her head fall to the table. What was she going to do!

"What are you doing, Kage?" Hojo asked curiously. Kagome looked at the gentle, brown-eyed boy in desperate hopelessness. Oddly, the look reminded Hojo of a kicked puppy.

 "Nothing. Just trying to find a job.”

"What's this? Kage's trying to get a job?" a loud obnoxious voice shouted from a herd of boys.

Oh no… why him? Why did he have to hear out of all people?  Really, if only her parents' hadn't chosen Rokuominami as her school. Then she wouldn’t have to deal with moronic, idiotic, Yakuza-loving, perverted boys like...

"Hey, Inuyasha." Kagome finished lamely.

Inuyasha smiled smugly as he made his way to his favorite form of fun. "Oi, Kage! So you need some money, huh?” he asked cockily as he circled Kage like a vulture.

“You know if you need a job I can help you out!” he offered helpfully. Of course the word help had a different meaning in Inuyasha’s book. A very bad meaning.

“You see, I could always use my own personal slave. Oh! I could even use someone to carry my books for me. Or” Inuyasha leaned in arrogantly, “I get you to be my own personal punching bag!" Inuyasha taunted his body invading Kagome’s bubble.

"Inuyasha, I don't think it's a good idea to taunt him." Hojo warned intelligently. Kage was already turning red and Hojo could swear he could see steam coming from his ears. This wasn’t looking good.

"Or..." Inuyasha placed his arm on Kage’s shoulders, leaning all his weight on the smaller body, "I could pay you to lick my shoes.” Inuyasha ignored the throbbing vein above Kage’s eye and happily placed his foot on top of Kage’s desk.“How about that? Would you like to lick my shoes, Kage?” he offered conceitedly.

"Lick your shoes, huh?" Kagome mumbled quietly.

Inuyasha smirked haughtily and gave a laugh, "Yeah! They could always use a good spit-shine!"

"Spit-shine this, you idiot!" Kagome yelled as she turned and firmly planted her foot into Inuyasha's normally handsome face.

Inuyasha shoved the foot away from newly bruised face and roared, “Kya! Curse you, Kage! You better watch out!" as he launched himself.

Kagome laughed confidently and dodged the hanyou’s claws, "Yeah right, you loser!" she yelled back.

And so started the daily battle between Kage and Inuyasha. Scheduled to happen every day between classes, the fights would begin when one would insult the other then the other would take it a step too far, thus leading to another pummeling session, which Kage usually won.

"HA! Take that, ya jerk!" Kage shouted with triumph as she sat Inuyasha’s back, holding his arms in a strong grip.

Point made.

"Yeah, yeah,” Inuyasha mumbled as Kage let him go. “You just caught me off guard that's all." Inuyasha stated as picked himself and slung his arm over Kage's shoulder.  "I guess I owe you lunch then."

"That's right, pal!" Kage excitedly yelled as she punched into the air. The duo headed off to the lunch stand, ignoring figure that stared at them in appalled wonder.

Hojo watched as the strange pair walked off. He had been forgotten long ago, way before the fight, but that didn’t bother him or even matter. All that really mattered was how scary it was that those two were best friends.

+++

Inuyasha watched disgustedly as his friend inhaled his food. It was amazing how skinny Kage was considering how much the boy ate. His food intake could probably rival that of a pig’s. Ignoring the flying rice from Typhoon Kage, Inuyasha began to worry about his buddy. Why did he need a job? Was it money?

"You know, Kage. If you do need any money you can come to me, right?" Inuyasha offered seriously. Sure he maybe a jerk, but he was a loyal jerk. Kagome looked up at him with a large mouth full of rice. "Pfft! Yeah right."

Inuyasha wiped the rice off his face and glared at his friend. Sometimes, Kage was too stubborn-and gross-for his own good.

"What do you mean, 'yeah right'!” Inuyasha retorted. So this is what being nice got you? A face covered in ABC rice! (ABC- Already Been Chewed) Feh, this being nice sucked.

"You heard me!" Kagome yelled back with another mouth full of rice. Her aim was precise and revoltingly accurate.

"Stop talking with your mouth full!" Inuyasha yelled as he wiped his face off again. It was a huge chore to get the white rice out of his long WHITE hair.

Seeing her friend’s irritation, Kagome swallowed the large portion of food with some difficulty, but gave a sheepish smile when it was finally down. "Sorry,” she said innocently. Inuyasha sighed. He just had to have an idiot for a friend.

"You know I can lend you the money," Inuyasha began again.

"I know that, but I'm not stupid. I have no intention of borrowing money from the Yakuza." Kagome interrupted before loading her large mouth full of rice once again.

"Feh,” Inuyasha knew that there was no point arguing with the stubborn mule. “Whatever. Anyway, Sesshoumaru wants to speak with you after school today. He said to come by the place at 4:30,” he stated grumpily. He hated playing messenger boy, but Sesshoumaru threatened to destroy his ramen supply if he didn’t comply. And sad thing was Inuyasha knew he could do it too.

Kagome stopped shoveling food as soon as she heard the name Sesshoumaru. Inuyasha’s half-brother, Sesshoumaru, was the top-dog of the underworld. He was the youngest Yakuza head ever known to rule without a dispute between the clan’s leaders, not to mention the most ruthless. In fact, Sesshoumaru had conquered almost all of the clans and gangs on the Western side of Japan, earning him the nickname "Lord of the West." What in the world could he want with her?

"Wha? Why?" Kagome asked confusedly as she cocked her head to the side and a few pieces of rice fell from her face. Ignoring the fact that Kage’s mentality reminded him of a five year old, Inuyasha gave a shrug and replied, "I don't know, the jerk doesn't tell me anything."

Inuyasha sat still for a moment looking out the windows as if he was lost in a dream. Why did his brother want to talk to his pal? It wasn’t as if the kid was impressive in anything. He glanced quickly at the rice covered Kage. Yeah, definitely not impressive.

"I don't know what he wants with you, Kage. But I suggest you go and I would be early if I were you." Inuyasha advised. Kagome swallowed the rest of her lunch and gave a small nod.

"Yeah, okay."

+++

"Crap! I'm going to be late!"

Kagome raced around pedestrians as she kept looking for the building Inuyasha had described. Why did she have to stop and save that cursed cat?

Kagome glanced down at her watch. 4:29.

She only had one more minute!

She sped up her pace, and watched the rows of houses for the particular one she needed to find. All the houses seemed to look the same after a few moments and Kagome could feel frustration on the edge of her mind. Where could the bloody house be?

Kagome stopped and searched the area with her eyes. Surely a mansion couldn't be that hard to find. Kagome searched the horizon quickly and her eyes caught the sight of a traditional Japanese roof.

There! It was just past the hill that she was on! She was so close!

Kagome raced down the hill, as she flew down towards the mansion she kept a hand on her cap to keep it in place. She was going so fast that people had to hold onto to their skirts and papers or else they would be blow about in the world-wind known as Kagome.

Kagome looked at her watch once more. 4:30.

With a triumphant smirk, Kagome launched herself forward, letting her finger graze the doorbell. She had made it!

"Ah, you must be the 4:30 appointment. Come on in, I've open the gate," said a mysterious squawking voice from a nearby speaker. Nodding to the bodiless voice, Kagome warily pushed the gate open, checking for any traps. 'You can never trust the Yakuza.’

After she deemed it safe-worthy she hurriedly made her way inside the giant mansion. At the front door, a large muscular man with a rugged scar across his left eye answered and escorted Kagome to Sesshoumaru’s office area.

The first room she entered was a large spacious formal living room. Plush, white carpet covered the floors, while a large white cushiony couch begged to be sat upon. A crystal chandler hung above a clear glass table top and the room, whose theme was apparently blinding white, was decorated with random works of art. The art was the only thing that brought color to the room.

Kagome sat in awe of the finery that surrounded her. This place was immaculate and unbelievably rich. So distracted by the room around her Kagome never even noticed the figure emerging from the door across the room.

"You are late."

Kagome's wondering eyes halted in surprise as the cold, calculated voice caressed her ears. She couldn’t ignore the shivers that were sent down her spine from the statement. Whether they were good shivers or bad shivers, Kagome would never know, but one thing she did know was that she didn’t understand a single word that the voice had said.

"I'm sorry. What was that?" Kagome asked confusedly. She was proud that her voice didn't falter as she looked toward the example of perfection, whose long legs were covered in designer slacks and rose into a trim waist with narrow hips. The “example” also wore a black dress shirt which only seemed emphasize the broad shoulders and firm chest. Her eyes continued upward to the elegant neck that held his cold, beautiful face. A well defined jaw, high cheekbones with magenta markings, a slender nose, and stoic amber eyes was beautifully arranged on the example’s face and was outlined by a curtain of white silk. A blue crescent moon boldly located on his forehead stated his royal demonic heritage, and the set of claws that adored his hands promised pain. He was beautiful and obviously very deadly.

‘This must be Inuyasha’s brother.’ Kagome thought as she studied the handsome man, who glared at her unhappily. The eyes and hair were a dead giveaway.

Ignoring the boy’s obvious studying of his person Sesshoumaru decided to humor the boy and repeat himself, “I said you were late.”

Seeing the boy’s confused look, Sesshoumaru realized he was discussing with an idiot, so he decided to elaborate." I told you to arrive here at 4:30 or was Inuyasha to much of an imbecile to even handle that task." He stated as he began walking towards Kage.

Kagome resisted the urge to gulp as Sesshoumaru began approaching her. 'God, even his walk seems intimidating.'

Sesshoumaru's steps were sure, even, and creepily quiet. It was if he was closing in on his prey and Kagome had a feeling that the prey wasn’t some unfortunate wildlife. Ignoring her slight fear of the threat in front of her, Kagome began to correct the Taiyoukai on his assumption that she was late.

"No, Inuyasha managed to tell me the right time and I was here by 4:30 like you said." Kagome stated as she pointed to her watch. Sesshoumaru barely spared it a glance before giving her a look of superiority.

"Your watch is five minutes slow. Don't let it happen again. Now follow me."

Kagome looked at her old once-trusty watch. ‘Stupid piece of crap.’

Kagome looked up just in time to see that he had turned from her and was beginning to walk back into his office as if he expected her to follow his word without question. Arrogant jerk, she thought bitterly. She jammed her hands into her pockets and reluctantly followed the inuyoukai. He led her to his private office before sitting down at a large mahogany desk and motioned for her to sit in one of the crimson chairs located in front of his desk. As tempting as the cushy leather chairs seemed she quickly denied it. Something didn't feel right about this situation.

"What do you want, Sesshoumaru?” Kagome started off. The aura of the room gave her the creeps and the sooner the meeting was over with the better. Sesshoumaru barely spared her a glance before opening a manila file and reading through some of its contents. Not being one for patience, Kagome quickly began to repeat, "I said what..."

"Do I want.” Sesshoumaru interrupted stoically, “I know this. No need to repeat yourself." Sesshoumaru glared irratibly at her over the manila folder. Kagome glared angrily back, but didn't say anything. No need to upset the homicidal jerk.

"It seems that you and I are connected, Higurashi,” Sesshoumaru simply stated.

Kagome gave him a blank stare. Her mind froze at the statement. Wha?

“Yeah right. As if I would have anything in common with you!” Kagome shot back quickly as she defiantly placed a fist on her hip. What in the world was he talking about? As if she had a connection with the Yakuza. She'd rather die the painful death of seppuku! This jerk was obviously lying.

Sesshoumaru ignored the strangely feminine stance and explained, "Your parents were murdered by the same syndicate that murdered my father. I need any information regarding your parents’ death."

Oh, yeah, Kagome thought as her mind wondered back a few years when Sesshoumaru’s father had been assassinated. At the time Sesshoumaru had been too busy with establishing his rule within his clan to search for his father’s killer. Apparently, he had time now.

Kagome gave a small smirk. "You have all the information that you need in that folder. That is my parents' file isn't it? I figured you would know more that I would."

Sesshoumaru raised an elegant eyebrow in surprise. That was a very astute observation for a supposed idiot. Perhaps there was more to this simpleton than met the eye.

Sesshoumaru laid the folder on his desk and continued, "It seems some of the data in your parents' is missing. I suspect that you would know some of the facts that seemed to have been misplaced."

"Well, isn't that a shame." Kagome said sarcastically. "Too bad, I don't help Yakuza. I guess you are going to have to find another guy to help you out, Sesshoumaru." Kagome happily stated as she began to walk away. There was no way she was helping the Yakuza dig up dirt on her family.

Anticipating this maneuver, Sesshoumaru calmly took out another document as Kage headed out the door.

"Wait, Higurashi. I have something that you might find interesting.” While his voice was as cold as ever Kagome could practically feel the temptation in the statement. Being curious had its plusses, but right now it was really sucking. Kagome froze and she slowly turned around. It seemed that Sesshoumaru had sometime of parchment in his hand. An awfully familiar parchment.

"What's that?" she asked suspiciously. Kagome inched closer to take a small look. Why was that so familiar?

Sesshoumaru gave a slight smirk of victory, "This, Kage, is the deed to your precious shrine. It seems that your brother was having more financial trouble than he let on."

Kagome took a step back in disbelief as she studied the document meticulously. No way, Miroku wouldn’t let it get that bad. He would tell us first! He would have let us help! He would have...

Kagome started at the document intently. It looked legit.

Well, I guess it doesn't matter what he would have. Kagome looked closer at the document within Sesshoumaru's grasp. It seemed that he had the real deal and that Miroku had indeed sold the shrine to the Yakuza.

Ooohh, was she going to have a talk with that boy when she got home!

"What do you want from me?" Kagome had no choice. She had to get the shrine back.

"I need your cooperation in a deal that is taking place tomorrow. I know that you were there at scene of your parents’ death. So you may be able to recognize any faces from the syndicate that might have had to do with my father's death. After you fulfill your duties at the meeting you may have this piece of paper back."

Kagome looked back and forth between the parchment and Sesshoumaru's cold amber eyes. It seemed as if she only had one choice, but she wasn’t going in blind.

"What's the catch?"

Sesshoumaru lifted an eyebrow in a small display of surprise. This Kage was more than he seemed.

"This is not the time to worry about catches. Either you take the deal or not. I'm fine with keeping the shrine and turning it into my own personal spa. It's up to you. Take it or leave it." Sesshoumaru said with finality.

Kagome knew it was meant to be a serious ultimatum, but she couldn’t concentrate. A personal spa? Kagome swiftly batted out the images of Sesshoumaru taking a mud bath with a green face mask and cucumber slices for eyes. This was a serious decision, no time for joking.

"Ha! Ha!" Kagome laughed hysterically before she tried to cover it up with a small hand. Even so, you could still hear her muffled chuckles.

"What is it, boy?" Sesshoumaru asked. He was confused and irritated as he stared at the laughing buffoon. Perhaps it was wrong to call on Inuyasha's friend. He should have figured that Inuyasha would make friends with an unstable lunatic.

"Nothing, nothing." Kagome mumbled as she wiped the tears from her eyes. "I'm in. I'll help you in your little deal thingy, but I can't promise anything."

"Done." Sesshoumaru stated as he quickly grabbed Kage by the hand in a sign of agreement. Kage had responded just has Sesshoumaru thought he would -besides the laughing part- and it seemed that everything would go smoothly. The deal was set and in motion. The only thing Sesshoumaru didn't expect was how much he enjoyed holding Kage's hand.