The Mysterious Stranger

Disclaimer: I do not own Inuyasha or the characters. Nor do I profit from this fanfiction.
Disclaimer: I do not own Get Backers or the characters. Nor do I profit from this fanfiction.

Title: The Sacrifice Part Two

Author: Kimisan/Aoshis_toy

Community: 30_Breathtakes

Theme: #16 Pretty In Pink

Warnings: None really


Kagome put money in the meter before heading into the small café. She was starving and tired of searching. Her mother would be expecting a call soon and she had no news yet. The bloody address didn’t seem to exist. She’d asked a few people but had been rudely brushed off. More than ready to call it a night, food was her next plan of attack. It was just her first day here, no need to rush things.


This place looked friendly, the cheerful waitress greeted her as she walked in. Kagome noticed that it was empty except a blonde sitting in the far corner drinking coffee. The woman was about ready to burst out of her bodice. The miko went for a stool deciding this place would do for a quick bite to eat. Maybe these people would help her find the place. It was supposed to be a business. Had it been demolished recently or something? “Coffee please.”


Natsumi handed the girl a menu. Paul was staring at the young lady as she glanced over the menu. Even he was a pervert if he didn’t want to admit it. Hopefully the others would get back soon. Havn was trying to wait patiently in the corner. The client had stepped into the bathroom waiting for them to return. Four of them had been hired to track down the man’s antique. Ban, Ginji, Akabane and Shido were all working together or they hoped. If they came back successfully then the man would pay them. Which would be nice since their tab was once again running up. “Do you know what you’d like to eat?”


“Um, I’ll take a salad. Anything more would be a waste. I’m hungry but my appetite has been off recently.” Kagome put the menu down and dug through her purse for the slip of paper and map. She had it sectioned where the place should be but it eluded her like a good hair day. The café had a homey feeling to it. Her eyes snapped as a man came out of the restroom. Blue orbs narrowed as she took in sight of the man. It wasn’t often that she saw one of his kind around. The man’s bald head snapped towards her as he sat down in front of the blonde. “Who am I kidding, I need a stiff drink.”


She didn’t fail to notice how the youkai’s eyes remained on her while she ate. Would he attack in public or wait? The hostility couldn’t be ignored as he bid his time. What was he doing here? Just her luck, all she wanted was some food. There were several auras in the city but she’d failed to notice his. Perhaps because he was excellent at hiding it and she hadn’t been looking. Whatever the case she’d have a problem on her hand upon leaving. Might as well enjoy her food while she was here. “Hey, I’m trying to find an address. I drove around for hours searching and it’s not on my map either.”


“Really, maybe I can help.” Paul walked over to the girl’s map. The slim fingers passed the torn paper across the counter. His eyes narrowed knowing the address. That explained things, as far as most of the city was concerned Infinite Castle didn’t exist. It wouldn’t have an actual address any longer or show up on any map. What did this girl want with the place? She didn’t know where it was so hadn’t been there yet. “I know the place.”


“Can you tell me how to get there? I don’t understand why I can’t find it. I’m looking for someone and this is the only address I have on them. Directions would be wonderful right about now.” Kagome saw the tense way he looked out the window. What was he looking at? Whatever had crawled into his britches wasn’t her problem. If he could tell her how to get there then it would all be worth it. There was little chance of him still being there but it was better than nothing. A hint on where he’d gone or has been. “What can you tell me?”


“Well before I tell you how to get there, I’ll have to tell you that it’s not the nicest of places. If you really want to go there I know someone that can help you out. He’s from around that area and might know whomever you are looking for. I suggest you talk to him before heading there. He should be back soon, if not you can leave your name and number. That way I can give it to him.” Paul saw the remarkable smile light up as she quickly dug through her purse to retrieve a pen. She hastily scribbled on a napkin and handed it to him. “Kagome Higurashi, that’s a pretty name. So who are you looking for, a friend?”


“That’s great, I was starting to despair.” Kagome chirped and almost clapped her hands. There was no guarantee her sperm donor would be there but it was a start. It’s all she had to go on besides a name. There hadn’t been any pictures, so she had no idea what the man looked like except a vague description. Thighs so thick you could squeeze them like melons didn’t help her search. Nor was eyes so vibrant you could fall into them. The chime sounded on the door before the man could tell her where it was. Loud screaming filled the air as several people came inside. The first was a blonde that was chipper and cute, but he went running across the room to the other woman. The next was a brunette, with purple shades on, also nice. The third was tall but reminded her of an animal, not bad but sounded obnoxious. The fourth caught her eyes and she couldn’t help but blush. It was the slender man in the trench coat from earlier. His eyes caught her as he walked past. Was this one of the people he was referring to? Her mother had said he’d have blonde hair and he’d be an older gentleman, these were all too young to be him.


“Look, I’m going to find a place to bed down for the night. I’ve been driving for hours.” Kagome spoke to the waitress since the nice man had walked over to the surrounded table. The noise was getting high as an argument began. The man with glasses was bickering with the youkai. Time for her to make like a leaf. “Here this should cover it I think. Have a good evening.”


Natsumi took the money, her eyes widening. Hell it was more than enough. Had Paul made that good of an impression? He’d went over to talk to the guys. They should be getting their pay if they’d finished the job. The girl walked out of the door without looking back. She rang her out and pocketed the change. The salad was only half gone but ended up in the trash. The plate was scraped off and loaded into the washer. Wanting to keep busy, she started to clean the area. She eyed the napkin with the girl’s name and number on it. That was stashed into her apron as she kept cleaning.


“I don’t care what your reasons were, you sent us on a theft. You lied to us in order to gain something that wasn’t yours. Of course we didn’t bring it back with us. We aren’t amused by your tactics.” Ban sighed when the man looked pissed that they’d came back empty handed. Akabane was even a tad upset over the wasted time. Not only had it been theft but from a church of all places. It was rundown and old but still a holy place. “We are not petty thieves but professionals.”


Akabane watched the girl leave. She looked even better up close. What was she doing in town? The tags on her car where not from around here. He’d recognized the vehicle before they’d stepped inside. He’d been hoping to find her singing once more. The deep blue eyes had noticed him as well. What had she been talking to the other man about? The soft pink dress made her look extremely young and fresh, bringing out the softness in her eyes.


Ginji groaned when his stomach growled. They weren’t getting paid again, they really didn’t have any luck with money. The client got up after screaming at Ban, then went out the door. It had been a waste of time for them. He wasn’t going to steal for someone. “Oiu, I’m hungry. Havn, think you could spare something.”


“Ask Natsumi to give you the rest of that girl’s food. She barely touched it, I’m sure there was some left.” Havn laughed as the man’s stomach rumbled loud enough for them to hear. Well, that was one busted case and no money had been made. She wasn’t a charity case! “So, Paul what did the girl want to know about Infinite Castle? That’s what she was referring to right?”


“Ah, yeah. Seems she already left. I was going to have Ginji talk to her. But I got her number.” A big smile crossed his face. He wondered how long she’d be in town. The glare being directed at him by the blonde made him cringe. Well she couldn’t blame him the girl had been cute. “Ginji, she was wanting to know how to get there, said she was looking for someone. I told her you might be able to help her. Someone like her doesn’t need to be wandering in there alone. Natsumi did you grab that napkin.”


“Yes, master. I have it right here.” She placed the rag into the sink and dried her hands. It was a good thing she had. Crossing the small room, she dug it out of her apron. His hand went for it but she moved around him. Ginji thanked her and took the paper.


Ginji first noticed the neat handwriting, then scanned over the number. It had to be a cellular phone from the digits, it wasn’t a local number. His eyes opened in astonishment, eyeing the family name. The girl had been sitting there as he walked in. He scrambled out of the seat shoving Shido out the way. It had to be her, she’d been young. The door was thrown open as he ran out into the impeding darkness. The car was gone along with the girl. “Ban, I need to talk to Masaki. Find the girl please, she will be in danger if she heads into Infinite Castle.”


Kagome took a bite of the sandwich as the cell began to ring. Quickly swallowing, her hand dug through her purse. It wasn’t a number she recognized but that didn’t mean anything. A voice came over the line as she answered. “Hello.”


“Higurashi Kagome? I am a friend of Paul’s he gave me the number. You were asking about information on Infinite Castle?” Ban’s voice was stressed as he drove down the street. He’d just dropped Ginji off at the large building. The man had filled him in on the way. The story had been rushed but he’d gotten the most important details. The girl could be in danger if she went inside looking for the man. Ginji went to go tell him while he was to collect the girl.


“Um, I asked him about an address. He said he’d have someone talk to me about the place. Is that what’s it called?” Kagome wiped her mouth with the napkin. She wasn’t busy now so he could come tell her and she’d be able to ask about her father. “I’m staying at a little inn off of Fourth Street. I’m wanting to go by there and see if anyone can help me locate someone. Unless you know him.”


“Aye, I know exactly who you are looking for. Ginji went to go find him as we speak. Is there somewhere I can pick you up? I don’t have much time to go into details but you’ve put yourself into danger by coming here. If you go into Infinite Castle it could go bad, for you and him.”


They knew who she was looking for but how? She hadn’t told the man, she’d only released her name and number. Did they know about her and what trouble? There was nothing here that would frighten her. “You know my father? What’s going on?” Kagome asked him to hold when knocking echoed through the room. She’d called down to room service to get some more towels about an hour ago. The service sucked her apparently if it took them this long. If they knew her father then her search might be over. She had no idea what to expect but she wasn’t one to run away from the unknown.


“Coming!” Kagome rolled her eyes as the person banged harder. She slid the chain in before undoing the lock. The white frame slowly opened so she could peer out. Adrenaline rushed seeing the bald youkai standing outside her door, fists up ready to pound again. Red eyes clashed with blue as she swore. It had taken him long enough. Feet quickly moved her back as his booted foot slammed into the frail wood. A scream escaped her throat as it came crashing down. The phone was knocked out of her hand before she could react.


“Dammit!” A palm connected with her jaw making her stagger backwards. The pain caused tears to well in her eyes. Was he going to try and kill her? The clawed hand wrapped into her unbound hair. With a quick jerk, she was tossed over the bed to land on the pink carpet. The small of her back hit the little table reserved for the coffee pot. The glass shattered as the hit the wall under the impact. She groaned when a harsh foot collided with her ribs. Now she was getting angry. Her eyes sought out anything to use as a weapon. Blood filled her mouth as she bit down in time with the next kick. It connected with her entire side knocking her back. A small writing pad had been placed on the table along with a pencil. It was neat parchment with blue trim and the hotel’s logo in the right hand corner. Fingers wrapped around the wooden writing tool.


A scream tore through her mouth as he yanked her up by the hair. He didn’t realize anything was wrong until it was too late. She focused on the pencil like she would an arrow. It tore through his eye socket in a blaze of pink energy. Silence filled the room as his head turned to ash. What was left of his form fell to the floor in a heap, only to slowly evaporate in seconds.


Kagome leaned against the wall trying to catch her breath. The door was laying on the floor, the hinges torn. Great, they’d most likely make her pay for the repairs. She could taste the blood from her busted lip. The copper taste lingered as she refused to move from the spot. There would be nothing but bruises to attest to the rough treatment but her mind was in a daze. Is this the trouble they’d been talking about? No, she’d seen the lust in his eyes. The youkai had been after the jewel. That was her curse, no one else’s. Like she needed more trouble when she usually brought her own in by the truckloads.


Damn her side ached from the hard kick. The bastard had been trying to bust her ribs. Whatever happened to ‘Give me the Jewel’? She guessed youkai in this city didn’t believe in wasting time by asking for stupid favors. As the saying went, “Asking, ain’t getting.” She got up slowly needing to see how bad she’d be green tomorrow. No one had come yet to see about her busted in door. Was good to see she had such compassionate neighbors.


Pulling the shirt over her head in a fluid motion she hissed in pain. The entire left area starting at her bra down to her waist was already starting to change color. Flinching she ran her fingers along the skin. There were tears all down, in small treks. What kind of shoes had he been wearing? Had he been trying to go mountain climbing after killing her? Some of the skin was bleeding in droplets as she probed. It shouldn’t leave any scars but was annoying to see just how hard he’d kicked her.


The sound of a car skidding to a halt got her attention. Maybe someone had called the authorities. Too chickenshit to come and make sure she was still breathing themselves. Getting up she walked into the small bathroom and got her ONE rag, wetting it under the faucet. A small bruise was already forming on the side of her jaw. Nice, she’d look real sweet in the morning. Leaning over she scooped some water into her mouth. Spitting back into the sink, most of the blood was rinsed out. A small slit was visible on her bottom lip, her own fault.


“Higurashi!” Ban stepped over the door and entered the room. The girl was nowhere in sight but Akabane came into view as he strolled on in. He still wasn’t sure why the man had insisted on tagging along. Being nosey most likely.


“Yeah! Oh, it’s you.” Kagome was expecting to see the police. So, the others in the inn were deaf, was nice to know. The man’s jaw dropped as she walked out into the room. A blush was threatening as she walked out in her bra. She didn’t have time for modesty and she showed more in her blue bikini. However the blood rushed to her face when she noticed they had company. The man politely averted his eyes after grinning. Well at least he wasn’t gawking. Walking over to the bed, she took a seat.


“What happened in here? Did you get attacked?” Ban looked around the room but didn’t see anyone there. Yet there was evidence of a fight or struggle. Had the man ran off hearing them pull up?


“No, I usually tear down the doors in every place I stay. A little decorating to make myself feel at home.” The sarcasm couldn’t be missed in her voice. She winced as she wiped the blood from her side. The tiny holes were still bleeding just smearing it across her waist. This wasn’t going to be good. A bruise she could deal with but bleeding like a stuck pig wasn’t. Some of the skin moved freely around the holes. The force had torn the meat in several places. She was going to have to heal herself or ruin some clothes.


Closing her eyes she ignored the man’s next question. No, she wasn’t okay. All movement stopped as her aura spiked. A gasp was heard from who she wasn’t sure. Her mind went on healing the entire side. The stinging sensation started to dissipate the longer she concentrated. She was just thankful Kaede had managed to teach her a few things before leaving. Next time on her to do list was hire Mr. Banks to come give her a few pointers. That way she’d have something waiting for the next person rude enough to kick down her door.


Akabane watched the holes close as the light surrounded her. The energy swirled in a bright mist, it was awe inspiring. His eyes kept away from the amount of cleavage she was exposing. He was more aware of the power coming from the girl. What was she? Besides that man’s child. Bright blue eyes turned to him when she was finished. A blush crept in her face seeing he was watching. “May I ask where he went?”


“Oh, if you look hard enough you might fight some of him in the carpet. At least until the maid comes in to vacuum. Can one of you try and fix the door? My mom will kill me if she gets a large hotel bill.” Kagome reached for her bag to pull out another shirt. It was a white t-shirt with Tinkerbell on the front, hands on large hips. Below the picture had writing of, “I know what boys want.”


“I’m afraid the door is a lost cause. I’ll go take care of it while Midou fills you in.” Akabane nodded in the girl’s direction. They’d be leaving soon anyways. Ginji had already called twice on the borrowed cell phone. He had Masaki with him waiting at the café.


Kagome watched him go and turned to the other man. It was definitely one of them from earlier. How could he help her? He’d said someone was going to fetch her father. Did that mean she was about to meet the man? Was she ready for this? Would they ask why she’d been attacked? “So you want to fill me in? How do you know who I’m looking for?”


“Ginji recognized your name when Paul told him the message. Seems Masaki has spoken of you before. Your father has recently angered some powerful people. We aren’t willing to take any chances of them trying to use you against him or us. Ginji has him waiting at the diner for you. If you’d like to speak to him then I can take you.”


“Okay, fair enough. But I’ll drive myself. That way I can leave whenever I want.” Kagome reached for her bag and stuffed the bloody shirt inside the trash. The jeans had a few speckles over the hip but she’d try to wash that out later. They were one of her favorite pairs, she didn’t want to get rid of them yet. His hand suddenly went to her face touching the bruised area.


“Why didn’t you heal this as well?” Ban fingered the swelling spot. She’d gotten rid of the other wounds, why stop at just that? It was rare to find someone with the ability to heal that well. What else could she do? He wasn’t surprised considering who her father was.


“Because, my reasons are my own.” Kagome moved away from the touch. She wasn’t about to go into explaining her reasons. How to begin to explain that her powers were now tied to that of the jewel. A relic that many would kill to get their hands on. The more and longer she used the power, the more attention she’d attract. She’d only resorted to closing the wounds. Her side would still be slightly bruised, she could live with that. “Shall we go?”

Next Chapter: The reunion and more problems. Please read and review...

A/N: Oh I don't own Billy Banks either. But the man does look good in them tight shorts.