City of Flames by LM Bluejay
Fiery Beginnings
Fiery Beginnings
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Sesshomaru knows from the first time he sees her that Kagome Higurashi is going to be a problem. Now staring at a line-up shot of the tousled female giving the finger, he was more convinced than ever that she would only bring him trouble. In the ten long years that he’s served on the force, never had he chanced upon quite a profile like hers. Placing the police photos under the stack in the folder, he went back to the introductory page. A brief synopsis described her as an ardent woman; known all over the brass country for her cryptic connection to Defiance.
Flipping the next sheet, he continued to read more.
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The year 2056 around 11 pm on June 3rd, every major news station in Minkan Densho had traveled to Defiance. The hot topic was Higurashi’s uncanny involvement with the now deceased Red Spider leader, M. Onigumo. The story instantly made her legendary overnight. The infamous district had been under the tyranny of the Onigumo family long since Minkan Densho first established itself as a country. What really made Defiance unique from all of the other known districts is that actual law enforcement was all but a fuzzy dream. Thanks to the dark family’s deep roots within the country’s foundation, a surplus of money and advent policing, crime was assumably ‘legalized’ leaving MD’s central government with little room to interfere. Even the slightest hint of a peace avocation demanded persecution on the spot. Many of Defiance’s citizens lived in fear and poverty, but the true tragedy lay in the thousands souls were lost.
The district’s first taste of bittersweet freedom in two hundred fifty years was only recently ignited when Onigumo’s massive skyscraper came burning down.
An amazing shot captured of the blazing tower circulated the web and newspapers for years. It remarkably portrayed the ominous allusion of the heart of Defiance being engulfed by hell’s very own flames.
Silk Palace, the name of the once five billion dollar steel structure, now sits at ground zero in a giant heap of black ash, undiscovered bodies, and burned tiers. The site is so unnerving that to this day no one wishes to go near. Rumors of a curse had eventually spread. ‘Anyone within two kilometers of that ill-fated area [openly staring] will suffer the phantasm of their skin’s engulfment by very flames that brought the tower down.’
Resident Kaede Wakahisa warns that the district’s troubles are far from over, while the rest of Defiance continues celebrating its newfound liberty. A new police precinct was established to tone crime rates down. Many citizens reacted positively to the new law enforcement’s steady progress.
Even though there’s been much speculation, the actual cause of the fire remains unknown.
Officials believed M’s body to have been seared beyond recognition. And despite the seventy nine fatalities, Ms. Higurashi was the only one to live. Most noteworthy was her denial for medical attention, choosing instead to disappear and nurse her wounds on her own. Still, as the only living survivor of the fiery disaster, Higurashi’s avoidance with social contact sparked the media’s zealous urge to know her more. Unable to locate her or find any connecting links, reporters resorted to amateur research work pinning claims on loosely baked facts.
An actual background check shows that while her origin is unknown, she was generally raised in Defiance from the time that she was an infant. Brought up by struggling single mother Sakura Higurashi and her aging father Saito, Kagome started out life as the average modern day civilian. However, since Defiance’s harsh culture back then could turn the sweetest pup into the most rabid dog, Kagome Higurashi proved to be no exception. By the end of her last middle school year she had somehow managed to keep about fifteen delinquents under her thumb. And during the second year of her high school career Higurashi was running a low profiled gang all her own.
Eventually recognized in police reports as Pearl Solstice; it was said to be around one hundred loyal members who followed her till its end. Higurashi was often described to be a formidable advent leader. Other than her guise as a terrorist, not much else is given. Criminal experts have only uncovered that her main objective at some point geared towards wrestling control for Defiance. And she might have actually succeeded had she had the money and resources to battle Onigumo out.
In an odd twist of fate post graduating high school, she ended up personally working under the notorious mafia gang leader himself. Their relationship unknown, many reports have profusely documented her as M’s most favored escort, prized drug dealer, and in some cases more or less business partner. However, since Ms. Higurashi refused to relinquish any information, nothing has been confirmed to date.
Six years have passed since the Defiance case. Few know Ms. Higurashi’s face allowing her to remain hidden within plain sight.
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Flipping through the rest of the thirty-eight page profile, Sesshomaru Yukimura tossed the manila folder back on the dark mahogany desk. Reclining back in the hard wood seat, he firmly crossed his arms; the barest hint of a frown giving his displeasure away. The neatly trimmed frost-like hair on his head contrasted deeply with hardened pools of ochroid. And the slight flicker of red that flashed in his eyes promised a swift exit that only an angel of death could deliver. Well-toned biceps tensed against black cotton fabric as he waited dispassionately for Chief Kagura Murasaki to make her move.
A perfectly manicured hand brushed gently through sable shoulder-length hair. Elbows propped on the desk, her chin rested lightly on intertwined fingers. Black cherry lips pursed, she met Sesshomaru with unwavering ruby eyes. Having known the male longer than anyone besides his brother, she could already guess what was running through his mind. Still, like him, she too had a job to do; but from the looks of things it was proving to be more problematic than originally thought. Very few assignments have ever came up where the male would toss all preexisting charm out the door. If he didn’t like the job he didn’t do it; end of story. It was just her luck that he felt that notion towards this particular one as well.
Her mind attempted rushing through various scenarios to bait him. Releasing a frustrated sigh, she unwillingly caved in. “Just tell me why you won’t do it.”
“She’s appears unsensible.”
“And Inuyasha isn’t?”
Sesshomaru haughtily lifted his chin. “Nothing reported about her is tangible. For all we know she could be an indomitable psychopath…Inuyasha, on the other hand, is a known temperamental twit.”
Bringing her hands down to her desk, Kagura cleared her throat. “Unfortunately, this assignment wasn’t my call. And as much as I’d like to reallocate your position, the big guys upstairs have already spoken. So! You’re just going to have to buckle down and bear with it whether you like it or not.” He raised a challenging brow that she acknowledged with an imperious tone. “Is that understood, Detective?”
For a few moments they silently squared off, until the office’s glass stained door slammed open knocking over a black can. Another silver haired male suddenly burst into the room. “Sorry I’m late Chief!” Foot catching the wastebasket, he clumsily tumbled and hit her desk. The file of papers that rested on it scattered all across the floor.
Sesshomaru growled lowly at Kagura’s light amusement. “I wish to alter the objective of my complaint.”
“Our dear client asked for the Yukimura brothers specifically. Again, I apologize. There’s nothing I can do.”
Glaring down at the officer as he crudely snatched up each fallen sheet, Sesshomaru could already taste the eminent failure of their task. And I’m to work with this. Whoever this client is must be senseless if not downright manic.
Briefly skimming a random page, Inuyasha’s eyes bulged. He jumped up. “Oi, I’ve heard of this wench! Ain’t she that Defiance broad who played with fire?”
“That’s…somewhat correct, Second Lieutenant, but yes. You and Detective Yukimura are to apprehend Ms. Higurashi and bring her in. Once that’s done, the three of you will be briefed on a special assignment.”
“Woahwoahwoah!” Inuyasha violently waved his hands. “Now let me get this straight. You’re sayin’ we actually got a definite location of where this broad is, gotta go get ‘er, AND you want me to work with him?”
“My sentiments exactly. His incompetence would only slow me down.”
“Well excuse the fuck outta me!”
“You’ve been nothing but an excuse, little brother.”
“How about you just chill the fuck out!?”
Watching the foreseen disaster unfold, Kagura steadily massaged her temples. After about a minute, she recollected herself and cleared her throat. “Listen up you two, because I’m only going to say this once. Of all the available districts, MD’s Secret Services charged our very own Severance with this very important task, and I’ll be damned if I let a couple of ornery dogs screw this up! You were both chosen for a reason, so whatever contempt you two hold for each other, you need to take that shit and bury it. Go get the girl. Bring her here.” She finished with a loud bark, “Do I make myself clear?”
“S-sir, yes, sir!” Inuyasha shakily saluted.
Papers flying from his hand, she watched him race right out the door. Her gaze returned to the elder brother who continued to stand before her; his igneous glare matching her own. “Detective that was an order.” Swinging her chair around in dismissal, she picked up her cellphone and made a call.
Sesshomaru stalked out the room without another word. Snubbing his colleagues’ poorly hidden glances, he briskly strode into his office and slammed the door.
The first thing he spotted resting on his classic cherrywood desk was a black folder labeled ‘Kagome Higurashi’. Deliberately ignoring it, he flopped in his chair and picked up the phone. Dialing the number came second nature. It was the wait that left him in anticipation. Golden eyes narrowed when the voice mail played. Immediately dialing the number again he was met with the same result. He paused for a minute before trying again. The other line picked up by the second ring.
“Sorry,” she immediately cried. “I couldn’t find the phone!”
“Are you well?”
“Yep! I just finished my chores. How was work?”
Sesshomaru breathed more easily. “More or less ordinary. Tonight I’m coming home late, so go ahead and order out.”
“Kay! Can I get something from that new restaurant, Tunnels? Everyone at school says it’s the best!”
“Do as you will.” The slightest grin formed when he heard her brimming smile. “Before you hang up, put the phone on speaker.” When she did so, he continued. “Jaken, keep watch after Rin. I’ll see you both when I get home.” Not at all surprised by the low whine accompanied by Rin’s giggles, exhaling in content Sesshomaru ended the call.
Placing a hand on his forehead, he contemplated the folder on his desk. Kagome Higurashi. What do you have that caught SS’s sight? Peeking at the coal watch on his left arm, he snatched up the file and grabbed his coat.
On his way to revisit the Chief he heard her blasting throughout the precinct’s halls. Being the only one brave enough to set foot in her office, he found her seething behind her desk over the phone.
“Yes…yes…of course I understand, but…yes sir…alright.” When the call ended she slammed the phone on its receiver. Still breathing ragged she grumbled loosely under her breath. “That cheeky bastard!”
“I’m assuming that was the Superintendent.”
Jerking her head up surprised, her rage lingered on. “What the hell are you still doing here? I thought I gave you a job to do.”
“Easier said than done when the address remains unknown.” Sure that the door was closed, he advanced towards her and cupped her chin. His eyes softened and voice flowed like silk. “Now tell me. What’s wrong?” A rosy hue stained her cheeks. Scant glitters of anguish and insecurity danced in her eyes.
Using more force than necessary she turned away from him grasping her arms. “I ah..i-it was just a mishap…everything’s fine.”
Both stood awkwardly in the room wondering to which occurrence she was referring.
She slowly turned back to face him.
He shifted slightly forward.
Saving them both the embarrassment of speaking first, the office phone suddenly rang.
An inaudible apology left trembling lips. Scurrying towards the phone, she yanked it. “Chief Murasaki speaking. How may I…what? Wait! Just slow down! …what? Are you sure? …Ok. Ok. …No! Wait for…do not attempt to engage. Stand down now! …Yukimura!” The other line went dead. Kagura’s fist pounded the wall. “Dammit.” Quickly turning back around, she found Sesshomaru had already gone. She let out a frustrated cry, “Could this day get any worse?”
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Two minutes later, a black Chevy Camaro roared out of the lot. Flicking the obnoxious siren on, the car did a hard right into oncoming traffic. Raging red lights flashed as the sleek car sped. Using quick hands to maneuver, he just barely avoided a T-bone collision. Brakes screeched as cars parted out of his way. Stomping on the gas, Sesshomaru flew down the four-lane street.
The side of his belt buzzed. Whipping the mobile out, he answered. “Talk.”
Kagura roared through the speaker. “Mind explaining this blind hunt your doing!?”
“There was trail that leads west.”
She let out a loud sigh. “We’ll talk about this later. But keep heading in that direction. The place you’re looking for is an abandoned warehouse off of East Lexington and Clarksville road. Inuyasha somehow…”
“Ten-four. I’m on my way.” Swiping his thumb over ‘End’, he discarded the phone in the passenger seat. When I see that bastard I’m going to kill him. Flipping on black shades, he rode off towards the setting sun.
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The car creaked over the pebbled road until it led him to the front of the lot. Not far away resting under an old Maple was a navy Ford Interceptor Utility. Sticking out the front door was a loose sheet of paper. Underneath the truck lay a small pool of green liquid. That’s definitely Inuyasha’s. Now where’d he run off?
Parking near the abandoned vehicle, Sesshomaru checked the surrounding location. The only things standing tall within five miles were old withered trees and the steel building before him. Overall, the area appeared uninhabited.
Or so he thought.
Loud sounds of pounding fists and hoarse shout suddenly echoed. Briskly looking around, he found the source stemmed from within the warehouse. He brought out his pistol, but left the safety on. Stealthily, he made his way to the ragged building’s entrance. Back secured against the wall, he cautiously peered inside.
Eyes scoping through the dark interior, he vaguely spotted rough movement further in. He got ready to move forward when a sharp yelp met his ears. Looking down he found Inuyasha leaning against the wall right by the door. His foot instantly moved off the male’s hand.
Heavy footsteps along with boisterous grunts loomed near. Minutely battling on whether to stand his ground, he hoisted Inuyasha over his shoulder and fled.
Sesshomaru kneeled to set the semi-conscious male down against the hub of his car. Before he could get back up there was a tug at his arm. He was met by yellow clouded eyes. “Dat…beach…ish cray…” Inuyasha passed out.
Hesitant on leaving the comatose male, the heavy thud of something hitting the earth tore his attention back towards the warehouse. Startled at finding a burly man sprawled on the ground, his mind didn’t have enough time to process as three more came soaring out. A total of four thugs lay in a tangled heap, wriggling in pain while spouting curses.
On his way to confront the men, he gave pause when another figure emerged.
A small woman slowly sauntered out the building. Hands together; knuckles cracked. She wore a long white coat on top of skimpy clothing. Her body was decorated with small scratches and bruises that reached from head to toe. The cocksure look she displayed brought his recognition of her home.
Kagome Higurashi.
The slippery woman who stayed out of sight for years now stood less than twenty feet away.
Frozen in place, he watched her work amazed.
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She edged towards her prey nonchalantly. Loftily towering over them, she punched a fist into a glove. “Now then. Where’s the ringleader I wonder?” She mused aloud. Cinnamon orbs narrowed when one of the men smirked.
Kagome didn’t need to turn around to figure out he was fast approaching. The growing disfigured shadow on the ground told her all that she needed to know. Waiting for the right moment, she side-stepped to the left. The momentum of his careless attack sent the male crashing to floor. An aluminum bat was grasped within his hand. Stomping hard on his wrist he released it. Kagome kicked it away. Stepping off to give them space, she watched him achingly rise up to his feet.
He spat out a wad of blood. “Fucking cunt. You’ve made the worst mistake of your life messin’ with the Tonkryp Crew.”
“If you really want to know about mistakes you should go talk to your parents.”
He suddenly charged her. “I’m fucking tired of hearing your bullshit!” Bulky fists raised, he swung.
Kagome didn’t bat an eye. Parrying each jab with a block methodically, she caught his exposed arm and sent him back to the floor. Despite her small size, she held his body down. With one arm imprisoned under him, she jerked the other up and bent it till it strained. “Where’s my money?”
“I-I dunno what money y-yer talkin about!” the male cried.
She gave a bored sigh. “Do I really have to explain this, again? Look! I’m a little low in funds right now. So while I’m in area I’m gonna be charging you guys a tax. So just shut up and pay up. If you’re good I might pay you back.”
“Y-you c-can’t do that! W-we’re the Tonkryp C-crew!”
“I don’t give a flying fuck!” Twisting his arm till it cracked, she power drove her boot’s heel down his spine. In lieu of the male’s beastly howl, her stony face adopted a cruel smile. She released his arm and punted him hard enough to flip him over. Squatting down in front of him she snatched up his collar bringing them face-to-face. The male trembled. Kagome smirked. Then in the iciest tone she sneered. “If I catch your sorry ass again without my money I’ll blow your fucking teeth in with that fucking bat, string that shit around your tiny ass dick till it falls off, and then I’ll shove that shit down your fucking throat so you can smell just how much piss comes outta your mouth every time you fucking talk! Got it?!”
The thug fainted. She released him. Standing up, she faced the trembling group of men. “Same goes for you guys, as well. All opposed?” They each hastily shook their head.
One of them raised a hand. “Erm…b-boss lady, h-how much is tax?”
Kagome thought for a moment. “I’ll tell you next time I see you. Till then, get outta my sight.”
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Her attention occupied by the retreating men, Sesshomaru snuck in from behind. A small gush of wind blew between them. Reaching out to grab her, he missed her arm. A heavy boot suddenly nicked his left cheek. And before he knew it, his fist had scraped her mouth. A small trickle of blood began flowing from her lip.
His cold eyes bore at her while she faced him with a heated glare. They silently stood there sizing each other up until the small piece of metal on him caught her attention.
Her body slightly relaxed. “Wait…you’re a cop?”
“And you’re a crook.” He unlatched the cuffs from his belt. “You have the right to remain silent. Anything you say can be used against in the court of law.”
Kagome silently growled as he made his way behind her. “What are the charges?”
“Other than being wanted? Creating a civil disturbance, assaulting an officer.” He brought both their hands to the small of her back. “…and indecent clothing.”
“Geez, Snowy. Fondle my ass why don’t you.”
He retaliated with a vicious snarl. “You’re delirious, if you think this one would willingly want to touch you.”
Kagome feigned a pout. “Well your little friend seems to think otherwise.” He stood rigid as she snuggled closer. “Oh, where’re my manners? He’s not little at all!”
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Author's Note: So I've discovered that chapies are WAY harder than drabbles! Lol Here's to hoping I did well. Anyway, this story was made for Aubrey's 50 First Line Challenge. It's backbone taken from the fanart 'Ten-Four' I did not too long ago.
Theme: Synesthesia
Prompts: Benediction, Sear, Zeal, & Freedom
Words: 3455