The Crack Of Doom by Jin no Miko

Back Home

Disclaimer:We donot own Inuyasha or any of its characters.

The sky was bathed in the golden hue of the setting sun. The air was crisp and cool. A slight wind caused the dry leaves of a young cherry tree to descend to the ground. Winter would soon cover the earth under its white blanket of snow.

He watched the steam from his tea rise and disappear into the air. He sighed and took the ceramic cup into his hands, feeling the warmth against his palms. He sipped his tea and closed his eyes enjoying the slight tingle as the tea slowly trickled down his throat.

Sesshoumaru finished his tea and hoisted himself from the couch. He pulled a jacket over himself and smoothly strolled out of his apartment.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

" Yumi, are you ready yet? They'd be here any minute now." Kagome called out.

" In a minute Kagome." Yumi called back from her room.

Kagome sighed and walked to the balcony of Yumi's apartment. She glanced at the setting sun. It was beautiful, just like always, yet each sunset was different from the other. A gentle breeze caressed her face and dark tresses. She closed her eyes and let a small smile touch her lips.

Today was her last day in Kobe. She'd go home for winter and then... she shrugged, time would reveal the future. She'd have to wait patiently to see what fate had to offer her. For now she had to say goodbye to her four friends whom she had met during her high school years. Would they ever cross her path, this she was not sure, but they had a special place in her heart. Never would she ever forget the three years she had spent with them.

Kagome opened her eyes when she heard a knock at the door.

"Yumi they're here. Are you ready yet?" She called out as she walked to the door.

" Be there in a minute Kagome. I can't get this bun right." Yumi's voice was heard from behind the oak door.

Kagome smiled as she reached for the door.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

" Mom I'm home" A silver haired youth announced as he entered the huge living room of his abode, only to be disappointed to be greeted by a servant.

" I'm sorry Inuyasha - sama, but Izayoi - sama is not home. She'll be here soon though. Taisho - sama expects you to meet him in his study in an hour. Is there anything I can do for you in the meantime?"

" Have someone take care of my luggage and I want something to eat. Have someone bring it to my room" He walked past Myoga but paused before adding, " Is my know - it -all bro home?"

" No Inuyasha - sama, Sesshoumaru - sama will arrive tomorrow." He answered as he bowed.

Inuyasha nodded and made his way into the long passage that led to his room.

Wonder what's keeping him. Mom said he'd come today.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Sesshoumaru parked his car in front of a small restaurant. He entered the restaurant and took his usual seat by the window. He looked out of the window and gazed at the starlit sky.

So far everything in the University was rather uneventful. Nothing was out of the usual, he had topped the whole University, he was a favorite among the teachers, there ware hundreds of annoying, pathetic girls who fell at his feet and he had won the kendo tournament. None of these were new to him. It had been like this since.... First grade?

" Sesshoumaru?" an elderly voice snapped him out of his reverie.

" Yes I'll have my usual order." He said not bothering to look up.

She nodded and left for the kitchen to bring his order.

Taking and deep breath he took in the warm aroma of the Japanese traditional cooking. He sighed inwardly. This was one of the few places where he felt peaceful. Everything about this place was special. Not many people came here and most of those who did were old and withered. Here, no one cared for him, no one noticed him, just the way he liked it. Here, he would be away from the mindless chatter of the pathetic girls who found him 'cute'. It irked him. It certainly did. There were times when he believed that that his charm was much of a curse than a boon.

The spicy aroma of ginger tea brought him back to reality. In front of him lay his order, a bowl of miso soup, norimaki and ginger tea. He gingerly sipped his ginger tea while his thoughts wandered home. He looked forward to going home tomorrow and meeting her, as it had been almost a year since they had seen each other. He hated to admit, even to himself, but he missed her. But he would not have to worry about that anymore since she would soon come to live with him. But his younger sibling on the other hand was a completely different story altogether. Though it had been a long while since they had met his ever - annoying, hot headed, idiotic brother, he was not keen to meet him. Why? They hated each other but the reason... he never pondered over that, or so he told himself.

A glance at his watch made him realize the amount of time he had spent in the restaurant. He quickly finished his dinner and after placing a few yen on the table, he quietly left

The night was crisp. He pulled his jacket tightly around him. A slight frown marred his features. He would have been home by now had it not been his father, who urged him to take a look at a new house his father wanted to buy.

He got into his car and drove down the streets of Kyoto.

Ten minutes later, he parked his car in front of a huge house. He checked the address his father had given him earlier.

The house looked beautiful under the pale moonlight. It was traditional yet modern at the same time. A broad gravel path with bonsai trees on either side, led to a sizable car park. The path then split in two, one leading to a koi pond and the other to the front porch of the house. On the porch stood an old man, who leaned against one of the pillars, staring at the moon.

Sesshoumaru warily walked up to the man and stood beside him. The old man had not noticed him or so Sesshoumaru thought.

" I'm Sesshoumaru Taisho. My father, Ashitaka Taisho had -"

" Yes I know. I have been waiting you for the past hour and 2 minutes." The old man turned to face him, anger and annoyance clearly etched on his face. "Do you know the meaning of the word punctuality? Don't you ever keep your word? You call me and tell me you'll be here at 8:00. Do you know the time now? Its 9:02. What were you doing? Dating? In the disco?"

Sesshoumaru watched the man with great interest. How dare he accuse this Sesshoumaru of deeds I never did. " I did not call you to fix an appointment with you. Do not make allegations against this -"

" Now you lie to me? The young men these days, all the same. All they care about is girls. No respect for elders, no -"

"I have had it with your senseless chatter. You will not compare me with any worthless perverts. I came here because my father me to and I will not stand here and let you accuse me and compare me with any worthless idiotic mortals. I am here to see if this house is worth my standards. So get to the point and stop bickering. I Sesshoumaru do not have time for the likes of you." Sesshoumaru spoke, his voice devoid of any emotion, his face as blank as a wall and eyes piercing; quiet opposite to what he really felt. He smirked as he pictured himself strangling the old man who stood in front of him. The only thing that stopped him form doing so was the fact that this man was his father's friend and his father would not appreciate it if he 'behaved badly' towards his friend.

His eyes slightly widened when he heard the old man suddenly break into fits of laughter. "Sorry son. I had to make sure you were Ashitaka's son. There is no doubt that you are; just like Ashitaka. He always held himself high in the air where no one could reach him." He chuckled before continuing. "Come in"

He led a very startled Sesshoumaru into a well - furnished living room.

"Take a seat," he said as he sat on one of the cushions placed around a low table near the hearth. Sesshoumaru sat across the man and looked around the room.

On the left side, from where he was seated stood a grand TV stand. In the center of the room stood a round glass table with two couches on both side and a sofa between the couches. Beautiful paintings decorated the pure white walls.

Sesshoumaru turned to the man who stared at him.

"I'm Totousai," he said and bowed his head. Sesshoumaru returned the bow.

"Ashitaka had called me this morning to tell me that you would come. Since I have never seen you before, I had to make sure you were his son. Ashitaka had mentioned that his first son was like him, aloof and impassive. A young man came to me this morning calling himself Ashitaka's son but I had a doubt. It turned out that he was a pawn sent by him." Sesshoumaru raised his elegant eyebrow slightly in question. Totousai laced his fingers and leaned forward before continuing. " Since Taisho and Higurashi merged their companies together, 16 years ago, there was one person who has been plotting to break them apart. He will do anything in his power to regain his father's title as the World's No.1 businessman, a title his father lost all those years ago, since the two companies merged. And soon his plans will be put into action and you and the Higurashis are in danger." Totousai sat back.

" And who may I ask is this person plotting against us?" Sesshoumaru asked curiously.

" Ah, that my son only time will reveal. It is not in my power to tell you that. I can only warn you." Totousai replied, his voice as calm as ever. "Did you have your dinner?" He offered, turning the conversation in a 180 degree.

" How did you know about him?" Sesshoumaru asked ignoring his last offer.

" I have my sources. Now tell me, did you have dinner?" He completely brushed the subject aside.

"Yes" Sesshoumaru replied as he watched the fire in the hearth.

"Would you like something to drink then? Maybe some sake?"

"No, I believe it's past your bedtime. So I suggest you finish this deal soon." His voice was cold and his face was impassive.

" Yes. Please follow me. I'll show you around."

Totousai stood up and motioned Sesshoumaru to follow him. He slid a shoji screen that led into a dining room. There stood a dining table with 10 chairs around it in the center of the room.

A large cupboard with china plates and cups stood against a wall. Next to it stood a cupboard with ceramic bowls and dishes. More paintings adorned the opposite wall. A large window opened to give a beautiful view of the garden. Two steps from the dining room led them to a well-arranged, neat kitchen. A small door from the kitchen led them into the back garden.

They walked back to the living room and Totousai led Sesshoumaru through a passage opposite the dining room. On either side of the passage were six large identical bedrooms with attached baths. Each room had a queen size bed, a bedside table, a bookshelf, a writing table, a dresser and a spacious wardrobe. What does dad want Rin and I to do in such a big house? Sesshoumaru wondered as he inspected the room. At the end of the passageway was a common bath.

" So do you find this humble abode 'worth your standards'?" Totousai asked in a mocking tone as they walked back to the living room. Sesshoumaru said nothing

" I'll take the silence as a yes. I'll tell Ashitaka that you liked the house." Totousai sat on one of the cushions and gestured Sesshoumaru to sit down as well.

" You will not interpret my actions. I did not give you any indications that I like this place." Sesshoumaru said not bothering to sit down. He needed to leave. It had been a long day.

" Well shall I tell him that you did not like the place then?" Totousai asked, innocence etched on his face. But Sesshoumaru could see that he was actually enjoying all this.

He closed his eyes to keep his anger in check before answering. "You will not call father. I will personally speak with him and let you know our decision tomorrow"

With this Sesshoumaru left.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Kagome opened the door and greeted Eri, Ayumi and Hojo with a warm smile.

"You look great Kagome" Hojo commented as he entered.

"Thanks Hojo-kun" Kagome said a slight blush threatening to creep in to her cheeks.

They made themselves comfortable on the couches.

"So what are we going to do tonight?" Eri asked, her voice low and sounded as if she would cry any minute.

"Any thing you guys want to" Kagome answered trying to sound cheerful. Hell she'd miss them.

Yumi choose to enter the living room then. Her eyes were red and swollen, yet no one said anything. The whole group sat in silence, each lost in their own thought.

"Any ideas you guys?" Kagome asked trying to cheer the solemn group up.

Eri, Yumi and Ayumi stared at the floor while Hojo chose to stare at her face.

"Okay that's it!" Kagome said throwing her hands up in exasperation. "This might be our last night together and you guys want to be all gloomy and do nothing?"

"Kagome is right." Hojo said standing up. "I'll say let's go to the movies. Is that okay?"

The three girls nodded while Kagome flashed a grateful smile at Hojo. Flushing in embarrassment, Hojo followed the girls out of the apartment.

The moonlit sky was spared of any clouds. The stars twinkled and the breeze gently whispered in their ears. The five teenagers walked to Hojo's dark blue sedan and got in. The car smoothly sailed down the streets of Kobe with five very quiet passengers. The driver of the car broke the thick silence. " Cheer up you guys. Is this how you want to remember our last night together?"

"He does have a point there" Eri commented

There was a short pause, which was broken by a low grumble. All eyes turned to the driver of the sedan whose face was turning slightly pink. Fits of laughter were followed after another low grumble.

"Maybe we should grab something to eat before we do anything else." Ayumi said eyeing Hojo's red face. The others agreed and Hojo drove to a restaurant close by.

"You guys go in. I'll be there in a minute." Hojo said as they got out of the car.

The girls nodded and walked in to the traditional restaurant. The warm fragrance of herbs and spices greeted them as they entered the restaurant. The floor was covered with tatami mats and on the cream walls hung a variety of pictures and haiku. They scanned the restaurant and found an empty spot near one of the tokonama, which stood, next to an open window. The girls walked and sat down on the silk cushions placed around a low round table. Kagome glanced around the dimly lit restaurant. Her eyes fell on a haiku that adorned the wall.

"Listen to the atmosphere; its singing

Life is young and beautiful

Each moment is benevolent

Each second is joy This carven has found its destination of Love."

She softly whispered to herself. She averted her gaze back to the table where her friends were looking at menu.

A young waitress in a kimono came up to them and bowed. " Konbanwa would you like something to drink?" She asked formally.

" A friend of ours has to join us. We'll order after he comes, if that's okay." Ayumi replied.

"Hai" she bowed before leaving them to themselves.

"What movie are we going to?" Yumi asked

"What about Kung Fu Panda? It's playing at the Mots."

" Great! I wanted to go to that movie!" Kagome said, excitement etched in her tone.

" Umm... Kagome? Do you know that cute guy sitting behind you? He's been watching you since we came in." Eri said in a half whisper.

Kagome cautiously eyed the young man who sat on the table behind her. His long black hair cascaded down his back and pooled behind him. He wore black jeans and matching turtleneck pull over that brought out his well-toned person. He let a small smile touch his lips when Kagome's blue gray eyes met his turquoise colored ones, which greatly contrasted with his tanned skin. Kagome, flushed with embarrassment, turned to her friends who eagerly watched her.

He gracefully stood up and walked out of the restaurant.

"Who is that kawaii guy Kagome?" Eri, Yumi and Ayumi chorused together.

Before she could answer, Hojo walked in and sat beside her. "Which guy?" He asked curiously as he watched Kagome's flushed face.

"Hey, Hojo-kun What took you so long?" Kagome asked sweetly trying to change the subject.

"Never mind that! Who were you talking about?" Hojo inquired.

"A really cute guy -" Eri started

"With nice long hair -"Yumi joined in.

"Who was really tall and well built -" Ayumi continued.

"And just smiled at Kagome" Together they finished.

"Why didn't you introduce us Kagome?" Yumi asked.

"Let's see...." She thoughtfully taped her pointer on her chin "Probably because I DON'T know the guy."

"You what! But the guy smi -" Yumi was interrupted by the waitress.

"Ano would you like to order something?" She asked after a quick bow.

"I'll have some miso soup with rice crackers and some tea please. And what about you girls?"

"We'll have plain tea, udon and sushi."

"Is that all?"

"Yes for now."

The waitress nodded to Hojo, bowed and left.

Kagome turned to Hojo "We thought we could go to Kung Fu Pnada. Is that okay?"

"Sure Kagome that's a good movie." Hojo smiled

"So Kagome you really don't -" Eri was interrupted by Kagome's cell-phone.

Kagome took her phone from her pocket and answered.

"Oh, hi dad."

Pause.

"I am fine. How are you?"

Pause.

"Yes, I am coming tomorrow. Is everything okay?"

Pause.

"What! Really!"

Pause.

"That's great!"

Pause.

"Yes I'll be home by lunch"

Pause.

"Good night dad. Love you."

"I got accepted into Kyoto University!" Kagome said as soon as she hung up.

"Congrats Kagome! That's so cool!" Yumi exclaimed. "At least you'll be in Japan and not all the way in England like me" Yumi's voice was etched with sadness.

"Aw Yumi, look at the bright side. You get to study abroad. Look at me and Hojo, we're stuck in Kobe" Eri said trying to cheer her friend up. "And you'll get to meet your dad after all these years."

"Guess you're right." Yumi said a sad smile appeared on her features.

"Hey and its not like we'll never hear from each other or anything. That's what technology is for. You from England, Hojo and Eri from here, Kagome from Kyoto and I from Yokohama can always keep in touch." Ayumi said trying to sound happy.

Yumi simply nodded and sighed. Their food soon arrived and they silently ate it.

"The movie!" Yumi shouted all of a sudden.

The restaurant suddenly became quiet and all eyes fell on them. Yumi looked around, her face glowed with embarrassment.

"We forgot about the movie. It must have started half an hour ago," She continued lowering her voice, when the restaurant went back to normal.

" Oh well why don't you guys come to my house and we could do something." Hojo suggested.

They all agreed and finished their food.

Half an hour later, Hojo parked his car in front of his house. They entered the house and sat on the couches.

"Mom's not home. Do you guys want to watch Kill Bill 2?" Hojo asked.

" Sure" Eri replied.

TWO HOURS LATER

"Thank Hojo-kun. I think we should leave now." Kagome stood up and stretched. Having her feet squished between a cushion and Yumi's back wasn't a good thing.

"Yeah" Eri yawned.

The five teens soon found themselves in Hojo's sedan. He dropped Ayumi, Eri and Yumi before parking his car in Kagome's house. They got out of the car, unknown to them a pair turquoise eyes followed them.

"Thank you so much Hojo-kun." Kagome said unlocking the door.

"Umm... Kagome? I've something for you.' Hojo said, as he nervously scratched the back of his neck. He took a little package out of his pocket and handed it to Kagome.

" Is this why you took so long to 'park your car'?" Kagome asked suspiciously.

"Well yeah." Hojo answered, a slight blush creeping into his cheeks.

Kagome smiled as she opened the package. Inside she found a small velvet box that contained a silver bracelet with a pale pink stone that glowed brilliantly.

"Its beautiful." Kagome breathed out." You shouldn't have.

Hojo blushed." I'll pick you up tomorrow at 7:00"

Kagome nodded and waved goodbye to Hojo. She waited at the door until his car went out of sight. She looked at the bracelet and smiled before going into her house.

The owner of the pair of turquoise orbs soundlessly emerged from the shadows. He and strode to his motorbike parked a few paces away and drove off into the darkness.

* * *

The morning sunlight reflected out of the blue-grey eyes of Kagome Higurashi as she waved goodbye to her friends who waved back as the train slowly pulled out of the station. Her eyes welled up with tears as she saw her friends cry. Holding back her tears she sighed as the four figures disappeared.

A tall figure with long black hair walked past her and settled himself behind her.

Good-bye Kobe... Kagome thought as the train sped away from the city...

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Inuyasha was about to open his room when he heard her familiar voice call out to him. "Inuyasha-sama, Inuyasha-sama, did you know that Rin is going with Sesshoumaru-sama to Kyoto next month. And Taisho-sama said you would be coming too. A pretty lady is coming with us and she is bringing someone to play with Rin."

" WHAT! This can't be true!" Inuyasha exclaimed.

"Yes it is, Rin doesn't lie. Sesshoumaru-sama doesn't like Rin lying" Rin said as a matter of fact, looking at a very stunned Inuyasha. "Does Inuyasha-sama want to help make a welcome home greeting card for Sesshoumaru-sama?"

". .Umm.... maybe later Rin"

"Ok, Inuyasha-sama" Rin said skipping off into her room

Inuyasha stood still for a moment digesting the information before dashing of into his father's study.

* * *

"... Yes Ryu. Please join us for dinner tomorrow. And make sure you bring your family. Don't be la-"

"FATHER, is it true that you plan to put me and Sesshoumaru under the same roof!" Inuyasha exclaimed interrupting the telephone conversion between the two and business partners: Ashitaka Taisho and Ryu Higurashi.

"Excuse me Ryu" Taisho placed his hand over the receiver and calmly looked at Inuyasha.

"Good afternoon son. Glad to see you are back. I will get back to you soon" Taisho said his voice dangerously calm.

Inuyasha stared blankly at Taisho. He shrugged and leaned against the wall. He closed his eyes and crossed his arms over his chest, listening to his father continue the telephone conversation.

"Sorry about the interruption. That was my second son, Inuyasha. Sesshoumaru will be back tomorrow. I assigned him to take a look at Totosai's house." There was long pause.

"Yes Ryu I am hoping that their stay together would bring our families more closer". Taisho continued with a low chuckle

Inuyasha cracked an eye open and saw Taisho looking at him with a twinkle in his eye.

After a few silent moments Taisho finally spoke. "We'll plan the rest at dinner, tomorrow." He placed the receiver back on the phone and took a deep breath and faced Inuyasha the twinkle in his eye disappeared and was replaced by annoyance.

"Inuyasha sit" Taisho commanded his voice spared of any emotion.

Inuyasha clumsily walked up and sat on a chair in front of his father's desk. "Father what are you thinking put-" Inuyasha was cut off by a stern look from Taisho.

"Inuyasha, I did not send you to school to learn to act like an uncivilized caveman. Don't you know better than to barge into my study!" Taisho said while taking an envelope from his drawer.

"But dad-"

"Do not interrupt me Inuyasha" Taisho warned before continuing, "You got selected into Kyoto University and you will live with your brother. Rin will be accompanying you as well. You and Sesshoumaru will act civil to each other and not bring the roof down as Ryu's daughter will be living with you."

This is the pretty lady Rin mentioned?

"Are you paying attention to what I am saying Inuyasha?" Taisho's voice interrupted Inuyasha's thoughts.

"Umm...yes of course dad"

"Then, I presume that you do not have any problems with the arrangements, son?" Taisho questioned his voice alarmingly reckless.

"... No problem at all dad" Inuyasha replied nervously, not liking the tone of his father's voice.

"Good, well did you meet your mom?" Taisho asked warming up.

"Not yet" Inuyasha said getting up from the chair "Oh, dad what was that plan you mentioned earlier?"

Taisho smirked "Patience Inuyasha, time would reveal everything."

Inuyasha eyed Taisho suspiciously before exiting the study and walking to his room.

"Inuyasha-sama" Yushiko walked up to him. "Takara-sama requires your presence in the dining room."

" Dinning room? Great! Inuyasha said grinning wildly and following Yushiko to the dining room.

* * *

"Yushiko, please bring Inuyasha and I our diners" A lady in her forties commanded. She had long black hair and pale skin that illuminated her emerald(?) eyes.(What colour eyes does Izayoi have?)

"Hey mom" Inuyasha greeted her. He took a seat on the large table on the other side of his mother.

"Oh, hi honey, how are you? You look so thin! Before you go to Kyoto, I'm going to make you as fat as- "

"Mom, You're embarrassing me." Inuyasha whispered as he watched the amused face of Yushiko who placed the dinner on the table.

"Speaking of embarrassments, you better not do anything embarrassing at dinner tomorrow. Ryu-san and family are coming."

"Me? Embarrass? You know I wouldn't do that!" Inuyasha said with a mouthful of ramen.

"Inuyasha, don't talk with your mouthful!" She shouted angrily, her face flushing red.

"Calm down mother." Inuyasha said bursting into fits of laughter. "It's been so long since I irked you."

"Hhn." She stood up and lifted her chin in a defined angle and started to walk away.

"Mom, I didn't mean to do that. I am sorry." Inuyasha pleaded.

Izayoi turned around and said in a mocking tone " I knew that. I was just having my share of fun." Izayoi laughed at a very annoyed Inuyasha before adding "Good night Inuyasha. I have to put Rin to sleep." She left the room, leaving Inuyasha to finish his dinner.

* * *

Fifteen minutes later, Inuyasha entered his room. The room was very tidy unlike how he had left it. As he looked around his room, his eyes fell on the picture on the nightstand. He walked up to the nightstand and took the picture. "Kikyo where are you?" He whispered as he lay down on his bed.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------

Authors fall in exhaustion.

2 hrs later

Miko:(Yawns) We still haven't told them to R&R

Silver: (Snaps fingers) Oh yeah! Let's do it then.

S&M : pls R&R Thanx.