The Night I Met Her

London, England, March 1792

Miroku, dressed in his fine evening wear, finished grooming himself. He intended to catch a play tonight and meet with one of the acting companies he had inherited from his father. Miroku's father had died 6 months ago at sea on his way home from France. Though the circumstances of his father's death weren't completely known, he assumed that his boat hit something because he was told his father's boat had sunk somewhere in between. He still mourned for his father, but he was beginning to get over it.

Hmm. Let's take a look at what I'll be seeing tonight. He glanced over a pamphlet. Woman's struggle...tyranny of the aristocracy...blah, blah, blah... Hmph. Bloodthirsty revolutionaries... Sango Saint Tajiya...beautiful, seasoned Parisian actress. Well, for a beautiful actress, I can deal with it!

Miroku was a pacifist at heart and simply detested this Reign of Terror that had all of France in an uproar. Also, despite his English heritage, he had good friends who were French aristocrats and feared they would soon lose their lives. His father had hated the whole nasty ordeal, as well. He vowed to uphold his father's convictions and continue his mission, to end this useless loss of life. It seemed he'd had no choice but to take action. After his father's death, he vowed he would not stand idly by. He gathered a group of trusted friends, and they took on secret identities, embarking on rescue missions, breaking prisoners who awaited the guillotine out of confinement. And he was indeed a natural at it. He and his friends became experts at the art of disguise and stealth. The French guards were left baffled by their actions more than a few times.

Miroku sighed. "I need a night of relaxation, I do believe. I think an evening out meeting beautiful actresses will be just the thing." He looked in the mirror one last time, adjusted his collar and gave a grin. "Beautiful ladies, here I come." Miroku was certainly brave and honorable, but at the same time, he was something of a womanizer. It was just another portion of the legacy his dear father left him.

Miroku sat in his carriage, thinking deeply, as he was driven to the play. He would only be in England for a short time before he needed to get back to France. The situation was becoming more heightened with each passing day, and he felt they might need to take measures to prevent suspicions. All of his men were currently there, aside from his closest and most loyal friend, Inuyasha. Inuyasha would be joining him at the play tonight. He said his reasoning was to watch Miroku's back for him, but Miroku suspected he had other reasons, like a certain actress by the name of Kagome, who might be gracing the stage.

Throne Room of the King of England, Lord Sesshomaru:

"Rin." Lord Sesshomaru called. The King of England had long white hair and amber-colored eyes. He wore white, with a cloak draped across his right shoulder, that could only be described as a 'fluffy thing.'

"Yes, father?" The young girl called, as she rushed to where her father sat. The girl was about 17, with long, dark black hair, which had been pulled up into a bun. Although, she still retained a tiny ponytail on the side of her head. It was something of a Rin trademark, and she hadn't allowed her maid to touch it. She wore a long yellow dress with an orange bow at the neckline. Rin curtsied, adoringly, to her honorable, yet insanely protective father.

Sesshomaru glanced over her, critiquing her completely.

"Maid, come in here!" Rin's maid, Ayame hurried in and made a low curtsy before the king. Without meeting his eyes, she asked, "What is it, my lord?"

"The hair looks awful." Lord Sesshomaru stated, as though it were the most obvious thing in the world. "Only my little girl could still remain beautiful with a hairstyle like that...fix it."

"Right away, your highness!" Ayame quickly rose and beckoned Rin to follow her. She curtsied once again and whisked Rin out of the room.

"Bye, Daddy!" Rin called, waving.

"Bye, Princess. Hurry back now, or we'll be late to the play."

Miroku arrived at the play a half hour early, for he was to meet the acting company before the performance began. He knocked on the door of Mushin's office, an old friend of his father's. When there was no answer, he pushed open the slightly ajar door and walked in, only to find Mushin sleeping in his chair, a bottle of wine in his lap. Mushin was the manager of the acting company that was performing tonight. He was like a second father to Miroku.

"Mushin! Wake up, you old drunkard!" Miroku shook him, and the old man groggily opened his eyes.

"Ah, Miroku, my boy! Is that you?" Mushin asked.

"Yes, it's me. How much did you have to drink?"

"Still some left in the bottle..." He held it out toward Miroku.

Miroku put a hand to his head.

"Why do I even bother trying to change those habits of yours? So, where are these actors you are so proud of? I want to see what my father and I are funding."

"Ohh, yes, Miroku, you're going to love them!"

"I already hate the plot."

Mushin blinked. "But, it's better than it sounds!"

"Let's hope so. Anyway, we should go so that I can introduce myself. I'm sure they'll want to make last minute preparations for their performance."

Mushin directed Miroku to the backstage area, where the actors were busily saying lines and putting on makeup. Miroku glanced around until his focus settled on a beautiful young woman with dark brown hair pulled up into a ponytail. Though she was in the attire of a peasant, she looked magnificent. He noticed that she wasn't bustling around like the others, but instead appeared in silent thought or prayer, her eyes closed and hands clasped on her lap.

Mushin broke Miroku away from his daydreaming. "Now everyone, line up! I would like you all to meet the man who makes this all possible. I am pleased to present..." He stumbled slightly, and Miroku steadied him. Sango caught Miroku's eye, as he noticed her try to suppress a smile. What an enchanting creature! He thought. He gave her a smile, and she looked down, slightly embarrassed. Mushin began his introduction once more, this time with Miroku holding onto his arm to keep him on his feet. "I am pleased to present Sir Miroku Houshi, our fine patron." The men bowed and the ladies curtsied. Mushin began down the line, introducing Miroku to each actor of the company but began having some difficulty. He stumbled over to Sango and whispered in her ear. "I've forgotten some of the names. Could you help me out?" Sango sighed and whispered back, "Of course."

Sango walked up to Miroku and curtsied before him, smiling. "Sir, we are greatly indebted to you for your patronage. I am Sango Saint Tajiya of France. It is a pleasure to make your acquaintance."

He took her hand in his and placed a kiss upon it, never allowing his eyes to leave hers. "The pleasure is entirely all mine."

Sango was sure she was blushing but hoped that he didn't notice. She smiled. "Thank you."

She then noticed a strange sensation and realized that the man before her held her hand in one of his, while the other hand was preoccupied stroking her butt! Her eyes flashed pure white-hot anger, and she yanked her hand away and proceeded to strike him across the cheek. "How dare you touch me like that!" Her father had taught her a thing or two, such as, it was improper for a man to touch her like that unless he was her husband. And, he hadn't failed to give her an arsenal against it, either. Since she was young, her father had trained her physically like he would a boy. Though that was uncommon, Sango's father was a great military man and wanted his daughter to be strong and able to protect herself. She never hesitated to use the training, either, when she deemed it necessary. Needless to say, a great deal of men were afraid of her. She smiled at the thought.

All present were in shock, including Miroku, who held a hand to his cheek. Wow, what a woman! He thought. Miroku was somewhat of a glutton for punishment.

Sango stormed off, completely forgetting she was to introduce the others. They could introduce themselves to the pervert! She went to her dressing room and attempted to calm down before her performance.

End of Chapter

AN: Sorry guys, I decided this chapter was becoming too long, so it doesn't contain all the events that I indicated were to come. Those events ARE coming up, but just not in this chapter! Please, let me know what you think! Arrigato!