A.N. Mikazuki Tsuki here and I have unfortunately come to a starling realization. I have lost a huge portion of my love for Inuyasha. Last year, I would have thought it basically impossible, but that was unfortunately last year. I just don't have the same enthusiasm that I used to when it comes down to it, thus the reason for last chapters, and a tad off character speech and such. I have no doubt in my mind though that much of the reason for my 'obsession' being cooled off can be pinned on my younger brother. He has a knack for doing those things much to my utter annoyance. I am trying to make up for my sloppiness with longer chapters. But I am not dropping this story. I've gotten to far to. Thank you readers and (especially the reviewers) and your support.
Reviewer Responses: See Bottom for more info
Disclaimer: I do not own this anime
Summary: Who knew that all you had to do to become famous was drown?
Delightfully Disastrous
Chapter 15
:Truth or Dare Part One
(Tsuki)
Kagura stared angrily at the darkened skies. She laid a top the slanted tiled roof of the villa, seemingly uncaring to her surroundings. She did not care for the fact that she was just about soaked to the bone, nor did she care for the murderous looks that were thrown at her by her sitting companion Juromaru.
"Lovely weather, isn't it, dear brother?"
He just bared his teeth at her, his pale lips, thinning, "This is no time to joke, Kagura and you know that."
Kagura looked at his angrily, "Don't even think to take that tone with me. I've been working my ass off all month and what have you done? You just fool around with those moronic, do good detectives, acting like you are one of them and you're pulling your weight."
Juromaru narrowed his eyes and drawled, "Yes, sister, while you slave away I'm off playing dress up."
Kagura was livid, "Just get to the point of the visit." Naraku truly was something sick. His plans were too twisted and complicated for her likings. The wind demoness liked things simple and frank. This was too mush work and she was getting nothing at all out of the situation.
This was anything but basic. 'Spur of the moment visits have to be thought out weeks in advanced and planned to a 'T'' She sighed bitterly and adjusted the sopping mass of a wine red blouse and rubbed her clammy skin.
Why her idiot brother had to pick the outside to have this little heart to heart was beyond her. It was pouring for heaven's sake!
A flash of lightning accented her point as she threw her soaked hair out of her face. It was coming out of her refined bun.
Juromaru suddenly laughed, "You look like a drowned rat, you know."
Kagura surprised him by giving a small chuckle, "Mascara running eyes, pale clammy skin, drenched to the bone— the reformed wind witch must be making quite a site." She snorted.
Juromaru looked out into the dark grey of the storm, flashes of light sparking every now and then to illuminate the night. A smile that lacked in humor broke out on his face. Up until awhile ago, Juromaru was another Kanna only difference— he was quite the sadist while the white haired girl seemingly had no intention of doing bad.
But now with realization that life was indeed quite short, he changed. Juromaru was somewhat bitter and angry and a bit loud.
"Naraku wanted me to check up on you. He wants to make sure you're still alive, after all the stunts you pull." He paused, and the wry smile fell, "You have been cutting things a bit too close, and I would think Sesshoumaru is getting suspicious."
Kagura just shook her head, "With the Higurashi girl, that half brother of Sesshoumaru's and that troupe of the hanyou's friends around? They are keeping his mind quite occupied...Sesshoumaru is losing his edge. I can tell."
Juromaru shrugged, his face a screen of indifference, "If you say so, just be careful. Kageromaru is coming soon." He added slowly, as he changed the subject.
Kagura shuddered, at the name of the Juromaru's 'other' part. He was possibly even more deranged then her master. He lived for the spilling of blood, the feel of carnage, the taste of death. He dwelled in Juromaru unless the incarnate decided to let him out on his whim or Naraku's.
If Kageromaru was being put in their plans- then that meant something very significant. That also happened to concern her. Naraku had something else planned for her.
Juromaru chuckled, the deep sound, dry without laughter, "In two days, we're as good as dead."
Kagura cherry lips turned upward into a genuine smile, as she lay down on the roof the droplets of rain pounding down unrelenting, "At least we'll finally be free." That was all she wanted; all she dreamed of. Freedom. Her body ached for it. To be released.
Her brother returned her sad smile and the two returned their gaze to the dreary surroundings.
The incarnates of Naraku. There were seven incarnates in all; scattered about with different vocations and positions in society. Now they had to throw away such accomplished status or what ever dreams they had formed, in two days...
They were as good as dead.
Goshinki glowered at the hanyou in front of him, his teeth having captured and pierced his leathery flesh, that formed what could possibly his lips. Blood spilled down his chin, the color deep emerald, almost black in the dimly lit room they were located in.
He was a mind reader.
That's what made him an asset to the group, but what good was reading minds when the one you wanted to read had an impenetrable mental block? What was Naraku thinking? It angered him that he could be so calm, when they had lost something so huge. Security.
Seven different figures stood around him, their anger easily felt and poured off in heavy waves, though in some it was far easier to detect. Their thoughts swirled in his mind almost overwhelmingly.
It was the one named Kageromaru who spoke.
"Well, Naraku..."he drawled venomously through clenched teeth his voice a high wheeze, "Any plans that might actually work? Inu-Taisho is surely out for our heads. Your scent taints us all." Juromaru looked up at his other form with blank eyes.
The look, despite of its lack in emotion, could be easily translated as, 'are you crazy? Shut up,' but Kageromaru paid no heed, and continued to openly show his hatred.
Naraku needed every single one of them. He could kill not a one. He knew that and would milk it for all it's worth.
Naraku just looked at him from a seated position on the wooden floor of a castle they had fled to. The deadly miasma he emitted already doing in those living inside. Corpses once living maidens and men and servants filled every corner. All clutched either their stomachs or throats in pain because they deadly poison had taken over.
It reeked of death and fear.
A muscle by the hanyou's jaw twitched as crimson eyes pierced through every person in the room. He closed his eyes and smirked. His attitude was stiffly mocking. "You should do well to hold your tongue, incarnate. I am well aware of what took place this night and I am aware of what should occur for the time being."
The gathered, looked at him expectantly.
"We will go into hiding. Inu-Taisho will relinquish jewel, he or his son- if the case be- soon enough." His smooth voice was clipped as he reluctantly called forth a dark priestess. White hair and hardened eyes met their gaze. She gave a smirk and bowed.
"The dark miko Tsubaki will make sure that my scent is unrecognizable since that bitch, Amaii decided she was more afraid of Inu-Taisho than me. She has nothing to fear now." He gave a short chuckle, and Muso, a faceless incarnate shuddered.
One could only imagine what he did to the miko.
Kagura looked around her 'siblings'. They were by no means what you could call close, but they got the job done without killing each other off. Hakudoshi, Muso, Goshinki, Juromaru, Kageromaru, Kanna, and herself composed their group. They committed faceless crimes with what ever was at their disposal their special 'talents' of course could take much of the credit for that, though they had the village convinced that they had no youkai abilities what so ever.
The commanded the wind and stole souls and faces. They invaded your mind and homes and stole as they pleased. They killed and ate of their fill. All under the noses of the villagers and the village head. Ironically, they were a much respected bunch and had their village wrapped around their fingers. Kagura sighed, "How long will we be in hiding?"
"For as long as I see fit. But do not think that by any means you all are free. I will always own every single one of you in one way or another." His eyes narrowed and with that he left the incarnates to their thoughts.
Decades had gone by since the fateful night of Naraku's defeated plots, and names had been made for a few incarnates, as they spread out, before Naraku decided that they would once again attempt again at coming into possession of the jewel. Kagura was placed in the Taisho household, and Juromaru was in the local area as a detective, so both could keep an eye out.
It had been months give or take in their watchful positions before Naraku felt he had some lee-way to the jewel.
That's were they were now.
All of them would be used in this ploy of Naraku's and no one was guaranteed anything, not even Sesshoumaru...
It would be the final attempt at the jewel, they all knew, and they all knew that there was a great chance they would all die.
Kagura rubbed the seemingly endless goose bumps that were forming along the length of her elbow down.
Yes, she smiled against the unending rain, something big was about to happen and in two days, it would all begin...
(TSUKI)
Rin looked up with bright expectant brown eyes, "Is that a fun game, Sango-sama? Could Rin play too?"
Sango smiled gently, "It is quite fun Rin, 'if you play it right' (she thought, sniggering)! And of course you can play! I don't think it would be fair if we leave you out of the fun." A noticeable emphasis was placed on the word 'fun.' Kagome and Sesshoumaru unknowingly narrowed their eyes in question simultaneously.
Something was definitely up and Sango was the possible ringleader. That was in no way good.
Rin smiled shyly seemingly unaware of any questionable motives in mind, and fingered a dollar in her pocket. Inuyasha gave the young girl a fond smile, "Glad you're so eager, kiddo."
Kikyou ruffled her boyfriend's hair, "So I am guessing everyone in this room will be partaking in our fun?"
Eyes drifted toward the reading position of Sesshoumaru. He paused in his perusing to give them a cool glance.
"You have guessed wrong."
Mirouku leaned back with an exasperated, "Come on Sesshoumaru! It'll be fun! Live a little!"
Dark brows rose in a perverted manner, a perverted grin accenting the look.
Sesshoumaru frowned, "Lothario."
Mirouku put a hand to his heart, "You wound me! And to think I actually considered you a friend..." Inuyasha scoffed and drawled, his thick brows twitching "I seem to recall you saying that once before."
Sango giggled, "It was so easy to lose topic with you guys. So who is in for sure?" Inuyasha's lips curled upward in a lopsided smirk, "Well it sounds like fun and there's nothing else to do. I'm in... Mirouku?"
Mirouku shrugged, "Why not? It might prove interesting." Inuyasha gave a sly glance to Kikyou, "How about it Kik-chan?"
The dark haired woman laughed softly, "Funny how you only use that nickname when you want me to do something for you, Inu-chan."
Inuyasha pouted, "Come on Kikyou! Don't be a Sesshoumaru!"
A pillow flew across the room and hit the hanyou square in the back of his head. The hanyou just grinned harder, and after another minute of bribery, and goading, Kikyou consented.
The group turned to Kagome three of them in the small gathering seemed to look at her as if she were a slab of meat and they a hungry pack of wild carnivores.
Beads of sweat formed on her forehead, "Uh, why is everyone staring at me."
Sango smiled –one that was completely too friendly and completely freaking her out- and just shrug with a nonchalant air, "Oh, no reason Kagome-chan," her voice was too sweet and airy for Kagome's liking, "I'm just wondering if you would like to join the fun."
Insert cracking thunder and an overdramatic evil cackle from Inuyasha.
Sesshoumaru shook his head frowning with disgust, "There is no way we share the same blood..." Inuyasha glared at his older half brother and took on a haughty poise, "Yeah, I mean by looking at you, you'd think that you were a circus reject or something. I on the other hand am a sexy beast that women wish to ravage senseless."
There was complete silence before snickers, then out right laughter sounded through out the room. Sango giggled, "Okay why don't we just begin this game, before we get even farther off track. Everyone in this room is playing, yes, even you Sesshoumaru."
Rin suddenly joined the conversation quietly, "Rin would like for Sesshoumaru-sama to join the game, Sango-sama said."
Reluctantly the book was brought down from the youkai's face and placed down. Rin smiled happily and Inuyasha snorted, "Dude! She's so got you whipped!"
Kagome choked with laughter on her cocoa. She had been silent through out everything, while she stuffed her face with cookies.
They were pretty darn good...
'Addictive even,' she thought suspiciously, and so she had been stuffing while contemplating the odds of the food having some drug in it. Snickers sounded out through the room at Inuyasha's statement.
A book flew across the room and hit Inuyasha square in the head.
Inuyasha growled, "You ass!"
Kagome quickly covered Rin's ears, "Idiot! Please keep it G!" Inuyasha stuck his tongue at her as Kagome went back to her addictive cookies hurriedly. Sango grinned, "Alright everyone. T or D time. Let's begin with Inuyasha since he seems to want to talk."
Kikyou stuffed a cookie in the hanyou's mouth so as he would not make a retort. Sango laughed, "Truth or Dare, Inuyasha?"
The hanyou swallowed what was in his mouth, "Dare. I'm no woman- I think I can handle any thing that you throw at me."
Kagome humph'ed, "Well then you haven't played with professionals like us! Sango-chan, I think I have his dare." Sango grinned excitedly as Kagome whispered something to Rin who squealed with laughter. The raven haired young woman then waved the older girl over then whispered what she had told Rin in her ear.
The brunette's eyes lit up with laughter, before pulling Kikyou over. After telling her Kagome's dare, the four of them shared a private laugh.
They calmly returned to their spots, and Inuyasha had a bad feeling in the pit of his stomach. 'This can't be good.' His eyes shifted to every female who had their hands covering their mouths to keep the giggles from spilling out...
There was no doubt in his mind that he was in a room...filled with still-not-that-drunk-but-drunk-enough-that-it's-scary-enough-that-I'm-practically-pissing-myself-because-I-stupidly-agreed-to-play-truth-or-dare-with-the-women... women...
That he had so stupidly agreed to play truth or dare with!
And they were looking at him as if he were a slab of meat...
He shuddered.
"Since you seem to make sexist comments about woman, Inuyasha," Sango began, drawling out what she had to say, slowly, menacingly even. "We ladies decided that we dare you to spend the rest of the night ...as a woman."
No one had ever thought it possible for anyone's eyes to pop out that far or a jaw to drop any lower, or a person to get that pale... or Mirouku to laugh so hard.
He stammered, "Y-you can't!" He searched around for an excuse, "You..." he smirked abruptly gaining some gusto, "You don't have anything to play 'dress up' with."
'Oh yeah, I was soo good. Inuyasha rrrruuuuullllleeesss.' He did a mental victory dance.
Sesshoumaru surprised the group by stating, "I would be happy, dear brother, to retrieve a few items for such a ...wonderful cause."
Sango smiled, "Great! I'm sure Shouga would be very happy to supply a few of her dresses and some make up. But be sure to hurry back. You can't escape getting a turn at embarrassment."
"I would not dream of missing out."
Kagome rolled her eyes, "Sarcasm, does not speed up Inuyasha's make over, ya know."
Kikyou grinned, "While Sesshoumaru-sama does that, how about a dare for our favorite manager? I wonder what demeaning thing we could ask or dare him?"
Sango took on the You-are-a-slab-of-meat-and-I'm-ravenous look. "Truth or Dare Manager?"
Mirouku instantly quieted, he whimpered, "I'd feel safer with Truth... I do not want to spend the rest of the night in Inuyasha's shoes." He tried to look confident, "So ladies what have you got for me?"
The four huddled up.
Kikyou took on a look so perverted it would make Mirouku proud had he and Inuyasha not been cowering away.
"I say, Sango, we ask him if he harbors any feelings for you..."
Sango blushed, and she stuttered, "Be serious, Kikyou!"
Kagome laughed, "I say we ask him how in the world he hasn't seen sued for sexual harassment."
Sango snorted, "Anything's better than the first suggestion."
Kagome and Kikyou shared a look before Kikyou asked, "Any suggestions Rin-chan?" Rin looked up shyly, and whispered something in her adoptive mother's ear. The older woman chuckled darkly, and smiled at the group before repeating what the child had supplied.
Sango smirked, "This kid has a good head on her. Hear that boys? Rin is one of the girls now." Rin beamed as Inuyasha and Mirouku sputtered and groaned out, "Rin! Not you too!"
The girls went to move back into their seats but the two opposite them scooted away, "Might as well stay where you are. Guys versus Girls, and if you work as a team ...so do we."
Inuyasha had gained some bravado, with a bit of help from his mantra, 'They're only girls. They are only girls. They are ONLY girls! For the love of God, please tell me they're all girl!' Mirouku was considerably pale, and he sighed, "Just ask your question."
Kagome smiled, "Okay, Rin-chan do you want the honors?"
The girl's head bobbed happily, "Mirouku-sama, my question is... How did you become so perverted? ...Please use a," she looked at Kagome who thumbs up' ed her, "'G-rated explanation, there are children present.'"
Mirouku let out a sigh of relief, "Is that all? Heh, I got off easy. You see, father married a beautiful woman who was from France. Lovely woman they have there... So when she passed father and I decided to stay in France for a bit. Check out the city of love, so to speak." He grinned, "Mother happened to be quite wealthy so we stayed in the home she had inherited from her parents. You would not believe the women there, you know so pretty... So we stayed there."
Sango was beginning to develop a tic on her brow as Mirouku continued, "The house was filled to the brim with women. Maids of course... Beautiful women, well except for Helga. She was a hideous old bat..." He tsked, "And there were a shatter of men—but they were not important.
"So to make a long story quick, I had my own personal maid, Juenivive. Gorgeous I might say, so to get her attention, I pretended to trip and skinned my knee. She picked me up because I did this whole crying act and then my hand slipped and landed somewhere. She didn't do anything so I was like, 'Man this is some nice stuff I have going here,' and I've been that way ever since."
Kikyou looked at him disgustedly, "And exactly how old were you?"
Mirouku shrugged, "Five or Six, give or take. Why?"
Sango looked ready to blow. Mirouku held up his hands, "I'm just kidding! It's a little thing called temptation, people. Urges! But father and I did visit France for a bit..."
Sango sniffed disdainfully, "That's no fair. You lied during Truth or Dare so you have to take a dare."
Mirouku paled, "But I was merely kidding! Saaaannggooo! Noo!" He wailed when he saw that the girl was completely serious. She dragged him to the pot of cocoa. "I dare you to drink five cups of that. BUT! Each cup must be filled half way with ketchup and pickles."
Mirouku turned green, "That's sick!"
Kagome cringed, "Ew, ew, ew! That's so gross."
Inuyasha went over to the kitchen, "I'll gladly help with that!" Ten minutes later found Mirouku greener than any one ever thought humanly possible. He rubbed his stomach, "I think I may just die..."
They had also found out that Inuyasha was afraid of spiders with in that time.
Kikyou had grinned, "Hey Inuyasha Truth or Dare, since none of the others guys are here."
Inuyasha crossed his arms, "I'm never, ever picking Dare. Ever. So truth." Rin grinned, "what is Inuyasha-papa's biggest fear?"
Inuyasha blushed beet red, "Rin I thought you were on my side!" Kagome hugged the child's shoulders and stuck out her tongue, "Answer the question, Inuyasha."
"I'mdeadafraidofspiders."
Sango grinned, "What was that Inuyasha?"
"I'm deadafraidofspiders"
Kikyou nudged him, "Inuyasha... do you want a dare like Mirouku-sama's?"
"I'm afraid of spiders okay. Just don't make me drink that stuff!" The laughter had started again and Inuyasha glared at the first person he saw, "Well Sango why don't you tell us about you and Mirouku?"
Thankfully for Sango, Sesshoumaru stepped into the room at that moment, before they could find out exactly what her feelings were for Mirouku.
Inuyasha paled, "Guys are suppose to stick together! And isn't blood thicker than some...thing or another?" he whined pitifully as Sesshoumaru placed down a gaudy, bright, sleeveless, yellow and red polka dot dress that had frills cover just about ever inch of the loud fabric. There were bright cherry pumps and white stockings put down next.
Nail polish and make up were included along with hair accessories. "What is all this shit, Sesshoumaru!" Inuyasha roared, "I can't wear this."
Inuyasha's eye twitched at the gaily colored items. Sesshoumaru smirked, "Shouga and some of the workers were quite generous, when she heard the cause."
Kikyou laughed heartily, "I say we start on Inuyasha while you guys come up with a dare for one of us."
Mirouku and Sesshoumaru ignored the pitiful yelps of Inuyasha as they sat discussing— or rather Mirouku sat whispering to Sesshoumaru that they should take out the leader. Sesshoumaru gave a curt nod not really caring.
They would go all out on Sango. She was obviously the unspoken leader.
Mirouku shook his head at Inuyasha who was howling with anguish as he was striped down to his red boxers and shoved into a blinding yellow dress and pumps, by Sango and Kikyou.
Kagome applied a gleaming coat of bright red lip stick, coat upon coat of mascara, blush and different shades of eyeliner, and eye shadow.
Rin had the honor of doing his hair and nails.
Bows and scrunches were placed haphazardly in his hair piling it pony tails and buns and braiding ribbons in it; nails were painted an outrageous glittered gold.
To finish it all off the stockings were placed on his muscular legs and Sango placed a small throw pillow in the dress, "There," she giggled "you've got yourself a C ...or maybe a small D cup."
It was...
Truly, truly horrifying...
They had finished in exactly three minutes flat. Sesshoumaru cringed and Mirouku snickered, "You look beautiful honey!"
Inuyasha flipped him off, "Fill in the blanks: Go ---- yourself you ------- queer."
Kagome giggled, "Inuyasha! That is not lady like at all!" Sango grinned, "Of course not! She's no lady; she's more like a hooker," Inuyasha glared, "Would you two like your own 'fill in the blanks' sentences to solve?"
Sesshoumaru cleared his throat, "The game we are currently playing shall suffice. There is no need for your childish suggestion. And I believe Sango-san we have a question for you..."
Sango shrugged, "Shoot."
Mirouku grinned, "Truth or Dare?"
Sango looked at the other three girls who were laughing over their creation. "I'll be bold. Dare." Mirouku smirked and nudged Inuyasha, "See told you she would choose dare."
Sango blushed prettily at her sudden predictability, "Just tell me the dare, manager."
"French kiss me."
Sango choked, "You can't be serious!"
Kikyou and Kagome laughed, and started singing, "Mirouku and Sango sitting in a tree, K-I-S-S-I-N-G, first comes love, then comes marriage, then comes junior in a baby carriage!" Rin gave a loud "OoOh"
Mirouku chuckled, "I was kidding. The real dare is much more fun..."
Five minutes later, Sango was standing above the bowl of cream and cinnamon. She started slowly, "Um, I think I'd rather kiss the manager. Is that still an option?"
Mirouku pouted, "I wish."
Inuyasha smirked, "Take it like a man, Sango..."
Sango looked over at the girls who cheered her on, "Come on Sango, you can do it!"
"I heard dairy is good can be good for the hair."
Inuyasha snorted, "Yeah and cinnamon doesn't hurt either..."
Sango shot them all dirty looks before taking the bowl in her hands. Inhaling roughly, she turned the bowl over on her head and put the down as if it were a simply hat.
As far a she was concerned, Truth or Dare sucked...
Sucked big time.
Globs of cream dripped down her head and the bowl made a sucking noise as it was taken off. The sight met howling laughter. Sango huffed, "You guys suck..."
She wiped a bit of cream off her nose, '...At least it tastes good...' she put the glob of cream in her mouth with a pout. Mirouku wiped off some excess cream off her face and mimicked her actions, "Not mad, Love."
Sango hit him, "Idiot!" Sesshoumaru smirked, "Girl has guts..."
Kagome laughed, gasping for air, Kikyou moved her adopted daughter to her lap, "So who goes next?"
Inuyasha smirked, "How about you Kik-chan?"
The black haired woman waved her hands dismissively and insisted, "No, no I think I can wait another turn...maybe three even! In fact... why should I even go at all?"
Inuyasha tapped his golden claws on the floor, "What should we do to our beloved Kikyou..."
Mirouku nudged the hanyou, "I say we get Kagome-sama... She's been quite the little ...nuisance..."
Kagome hid behind Kikyou, "No I haven't!"
Sango laughed, "Well who ever you 'get' should have something equal to or better than what I got." Kagome decided to break out the puppy dog look, "Pu-pu-pu-pwease don't truth or dare me."
Mirouku grinned, "Sorry Kagome-sama, I've become immune to such face." Inuyasha smirked and nodded his agreement, "Never works on me either, wench, so don't even try it."
Kikyou reluctantly nodded, "It's true... Kami knows how many times I've tried it with those two." Kagome laughed nervously, muttering a curse, "So what do we do? Flip a coin?" She asked sarcastically. Mirouku rubbed his chin in thought.
"Hmm... You know, that could work... Does anyone have a quarter with them?"
Sesshoumaru threw a coin at the back of the manager's head.
Mirouku pouted, "Uncalled for Sess."
The youkai cringed. "You will do well to refrain from calling me that. Ever again." Mirouku smirked, "If you say so...Sesshy." He chuckled as the youkai flinched.
Kagome laughed, "Aww...poor Sesshy... Such abuse of his person." She grinned as Sesshoumaru sent a chilling glare her way.
Sesshoumaru kept his cool gaze as Mirouku flipped a coin, "Heads- Kagome, Tails- Kikyou."
Kagome and Kikyou looked on with baited breath as the coin fell.
A cheer and a groan sounded throughout the room, as the coin clanked down. Sango looked on sympathetically, "Tough luck kid."
The victim glared.
Mirouku smirked, "So, Truth or Dare?" The victim sighed, looking around the room, 'Well I don't see anything they can use to dare me to do anything embarrassing. And I suppose saying 'truth' could make things extremely awkward...'
She came to a conclusion. With a determined tilt to her chin she replied, "Dare."
(TSUKI)
Rain splashed roughly against the alley floor, making loud high pitched thuds against the garbage cans. It was slowly soaking the residing trash in the cans and in a sense cleansing some of the grime from the dirtied area and out onto the streets, before washing into the sewers.
A low giggle was drowned out by the sound of the rain. A small girl danced under the heavy down pour, in the deserted streets.
She had no care for the fact that she was being soaked to the bone, no care that she would probably get sick afterwards; that she had no one who could or wanted to care of her in that sickness.
She had only now.
Grime covered black hair that was haphazardly kept in an off pony tail and tangled without end, and a dirt smudged face kept your eyes off how pretty a young girl she was.
She wore a simple dress was made from a faded and worn orange checkered material that was down to its last threads.
Her name was Rin- she was one of the many children stricken into poverty because of the evil deeds of others.
Her family had been slaughtered unjustly just because they had woken up in the middle of a robbery by a faceless man. She had luckily- or unluckily depending on how it was seen- survived, and she now lived a life of a mendicant, a beggar.
She had nothing, yet she still had everything.
Rin smiled and continued her dance. It did not matter that she was cold, or soaked, nor did it matter that she was already becoming ill. She knew she had here and now. She could worry about later when it came.
She heard foot steps even above the sound of pattering rain. They were seemed to stagger to her. Her brown eyes that normally shown with total and utter contentment- happiness- mirth and smiles, widened as a sneering blue haired man- no it was a youkai, stepped in front of her. No human could look that cold. Her breath caught in her throat.
She had no clue as to what kind of youkai it was, but he had the coldest blue eyes she had ever seen, despite their beauty. She stopped her twirling as he called out to her, "Don't you know it's dangerous for little human girls like you to play in the streets alone?"
Rin back away, feeling a bit scared. She however said nothing.
He smirked, talking to her with a mock cajoling tone "Aren't you going to say anything, you little bitch?"
His voice was like smooth ice, freezing, but coaxing.
Rin continued to back away, and he chuckled, "You don't want me to hurt you, now do you, so you had better speak when you're spoken to." Rin bit her bottom lip.
She did not speak, she could not. After she had witnessed to the death of her parents, she had stopped speaking. She just could not and had not had the desire to attempt to. It was as if the ability had been lost to her.
The youkai scowled, "Still not speaking, eh? Well maybe I have to punish you for such defiance, hmm?" Rin's eyes widened as he approached her.
With each step he took, his eyes narrowed. He had not even come with in three feet of her, when she realized, that he was drunk. He stunk so strongly of alcohol. She flinched from the horrible stench and tried to run, but a hand with bruising strength was placed upon her arm.
He swung her around and coo-ed sarcastically, "Why do you run, bitch? It's impolite to turn your back to an elder who is talking to you." He struck the small child across the face angered that she did not cry out or flinch, despite the fact that she was now sporting a smarting, swelling, red cheek.
The pain was red hot as her vision blurred. Her jaw felt as if it were broken, but she did not cry out.
"Still giving me the silent treatment I see."
He was about to strike her again when someone grabbed his arm with alarming strength, He growled, "What the hell?"
"You are utterly disgusting."
And before she passed out from the pain- her malnutrition, she saw the face of an angel.
He had pristine white hair and beautiful amber eyes.
She oddly remembered herself whispering contently albeit a bit hoarsely, "Rin's Tenshi."
(TSUKI)
Kagome sent a look at Sesshoumaru, and stuck her tongue out at her unwilling companion. "I hate you... Why'd you give Mirouku that stupid quarter?" she was whispering fiercely as she rubbed her arms from the cold.
Sesshoumaru rolled his narrowed eyes as he sniffed, "You chose dare..."
The raven haired girl flushed, "I didn't think I'd be doing anything like this! Ugh! Just shut it." She sulked, "At least I'm not in my boxers." She blushed with realization and squeaked, "You're in your boxers!"
Sesshoumaru rolled his eyes, "Are you are in your undergarments. I think we've come to that realization already."
Kagome tried to cover herself more, "This is so embarrassing!"
Sesshoumaru just shrugged coolly, "Just keep walking."
Kagome blushed the reality of the situation making her face turn red. She poked Sesshoumaru in his shoulder. She felt flawless skin on the pad of her index finger.
She blushed more, "What kind of sick dare is this!"
Mirouku smirked, "Heads it is. Well, well, well. Kagome, I think I have the perfect dare for you."
Kagome bit her lower lip already feeling sick to her stomach after having chosen dare. If Mirouku came up with it then it would undoubtedly be bad.
'Why? Why? Why? Damn my bravado!'
The manager cracked his knuckles, "I dare you, Kagome-sama to strip down to you underwear and wander all the halls of this villa... in your underwear."
Kagome paled before color came flaming rapidly to her cheeks, "N-no way!" She laughed anxiously, "Good one... What's the real dare, Mirouku-sama?"
Sango lifted a surprised vow, "That's a terrible joke, Mirouku. Be serious for once."
"Who said I was joking?"
How she ended up in thankfully a plain black bra that she had bought that came with out frills and her matching underwear with Sesshoumaru in the same predicament as her, you ask?
Inuyasha narrowed his eyes, "How do we know she'll do it? If it was me, I'd run into one of the empty room and stay there." Kagome hit him across the head. "Thanks a lot, buddy. You're so much help."
Inuyasha grinned, "Any time, Kags."
Kagome frowned, "Well since we're using these nicknames, you will be Inu-baka and Mirouku is Pervy." Sango laughed, and munched on a cookie, before tapping her cheek in thought. "I say we have one of the boys go with Kagome."
Kagome blushed, "I'm not wandering the halls basically naked with a guy!"
Everyone ignored her. Kikyou mused, "Well Sesshoumaru has yet to be given a dare or anything." Sesshoumaru scoffed, "Have you forgotten that there is also the option of Truth?"
Sango clapped her hands, "So it's decided! Sesshoumaru will accompany Kagome in her wanderings."
Rin surprised everyone by stating innocently, "It wouldn't be fair if Kagome-chan was in her undies and Sesshoumaru-sama was not..."
Expressions were either a mix of: iniquity, laughter, utter embarrassment, surprise, indifference, or the ever favorite breathless from laughter look.
Kagome sighed, "Those guys can truly be scary when they have their mind on something, and all that honor talk they gave—I still can't believe you're bond to all that mumbo jumbo! Humph! And Rin is such a traitor!" she sighed, "I thought she was on my side."
But still she always had a grin when she spoke of the young girl.
Sesshoumaru kept his gaze ahead of them as they wander their first hall. He almost let out a sigh of relief. That was the servant's hall and the last thing he need was someone coming out and seeing him in such undress.
When they started on the next hall, picking up their quiet pace, because the hallway was dead of life. They were in a hall that Kagome had yet to see. Sesshoumaru had said it was the recreational hall. A back way to reach the pool that was filled with rooms for the recreational devices.
Sesshoumaru unexpectedly stated, "Rin likes you." Kagome blinked at the random statement, then she smiled, "I'm glad. I love her to death even though I haven't spent that much time with her lately." She paused "And I believe I can say the same to you, too. She adores you I believe..."
Sesshoumaru let a small smile grace his lips. She did, and he could not have it any other way. He was finally able to admit that to himself.
He had taken care of the small girl and once she was well he had Inuyasha adopt her to improve image and build an orphanage.
He would have done so himself, but at certain times of the year, he was expected to patrol the eastern lands on pretense on book signings and important grand openings and visit with the taiyoukai of that land to comb it for Naraku's incarnates and spies. Though the reign of youkai was not understood nor known, it was alive and well and known by most youkai.
As Inu Taisho's heir, it was his duty and always would be his duty to protect and ensure Naraku stayed crushed beneath society until the hanyou's death. He had made a promise.
And Sesshoumaru always stuck by his promises.
(TSUKI)
Sango had long since washed her hair in the kitchen sink and smelled of cherry blossom liquid soap. She was sitting by the fireplace with Rin. She wrapped an arm around the girl and whispered, "By the way, good job back there, kiddo!"
So she bribed a little girl with a dollar to help her play matchmaker? She knew there was something going on between Kagome and Sesshoumaru. And she- being the good friend and wonderful, but nosy employee that she was-was set to push all feelings along. Was that a crime? Well maybe bribery of a minor- 'Oh my...' Sango paled. Was that a crime! She breathed, "No... I'm being silly. They won't ever find out."
She leaned back against the sofa ignoring the weird looks everyone was sending her. Inuyasha rapped gently against the side of her head, "Oi, Sango? You still with us? I asked if you had any 3s."
Sango swatted his hand away but did not blow up like expected. With an air of preoccupancy, she shook her head, "Go fish." When she did in fact have three threes.
Inuyasha grumbled but picked up a card. Grinning like the Cheshire cat only when he put down a pair of fives. He held up his last card as with glee. "Now all I need is that damn three."
Rin started to giggle. She was teamed up with Sango and was having a wonderful time with the scheming woman. Also, she had made three dollars that day. Speaking of which, it was time to earn her last payment.
Rin let out a gigantic yawn and Kikyou inconspicuously winked, before putting her wonderful acting skills to use, "Rin dear, you look tired. Are you okay?"
Rin shook her head sleepily and rubbed her eyes. Yup— they were a family of actors. "Rin -yawn- is not sleepy, Kikyou-mama. I'm fine."
Kikyou smiled softly, "Nonsense, come on, me and Inuyasha will put you up to bed. You've had a long day." So she had given Rin a dollar to play along with her little ruse? As the good but prying best friend's girlfriend she was, she knew there was something going on between Mirouku and Sango and damn it all if she would not help push it along. They would not have done anything themselves, so was that a crime?
"Not at all! I'm just being concerned!"
Inuyasha blinked, "Yo Kikyou? You feeling alright? You're talking to yourself." Kikyou shook her head, "I was just saying that I feel a bit sick. Probably from all that stuff I guzzled this afternoon. I was never too good with liquor," she quickly fibbed, "Could you please help me and Rin upstairs?"
Inuyasha cast worried eyes at Kikyou, "Okay I'll stay with you just incase, too." Kikyou felt guilty for getting Inuyasha so worried though, but if it helped some, her stomach was churning a bit uneasily. She had a feeling something was going to happen though she did not know exactly what.
"Come on Kiddo." Inuyasha picked up a yawning Rin who was doing her darnedest not to laugh as she was squished against Inuyasha's pillow breasts in his poor attempt to pick her up. Everyone said their good nights, trying to stifle their laughs.
Mirouku looked at Rin once she was safely in Inuyasha's hold (the hanyou had angrily thrown away the pillow stuffed from his dress to be able to hold her properly), and smiled brightly at her. He mouthed, "Good work today! Sleep well dear apprentice." He was so proud of her, and if she played her cards right, she could end up a mini version of him, only she'd grope and feel up men.
He felt a tear come to his eye; he had definite plans for her.
Rin flashed him a sly grin when Inuyasha was not looking, and gave him the thumbs up sign and waved a dollar. So Mirouku had paid off an eight year old –'Well at least I think she's eight...' (He'd worry about her age later)- To convince Sesshoumaru to play some game? Was that a crime? I mean it was totally worth it to see Sesshoumaru play truth or dare. The youkai whose face you could see under the definition of refined was wandering the halls for God's sake –in his boxers of all things with a similarly naked woman... 'The lucky bastard.'
If only he could have video taped it! It'd sell for millions.
Sango suddenly came out of her thoughts, "Do you want to keep playing cards or just, I don't talk or something? We don't have to do anything, but..."
Mirouku smiled, "Tell me a bit about yourself..."
(TSUKI)
Sesshoumaru pushed Kagome into what he knew to be an empty room. Damn his sense of honor! Damn it to hell. He put a hand over the woman's mouth to quiet her indignant huffs. He gave her a quieting look, and foot steps could be heard outside the door.
Someone who sounded oddly like Mr. Totoki 'hmm'ed, "I could have sworn I heard noises in here. Darned old age! My hearing's not what it used to be..."
Totousai continued to mumble about his old age and Sesshoumaru rolled his golden eyes. Kagome suddenly blushed realizing how close he was pressed to her against the wall. His hand was against her mouth and she could feel his warm breath on her neck.
Sesshoumaru suddenly turned his gaze from the door, and back to her. He took his hand away from her mouth, and Kagome bit her bottom lip nervously, "We still have about an hour or so until we're expected back... Do we really have to keep walking?"
Sesshoumaru put some space between the two, confused by the strange warmth that filled him with the contact, "No."
Kagome grinned, trying to cover up her disappointment. He had been so close that if had moved down an inch, he would have been able to kiss her. She shook her head at the ridiculous thought.
Her kissing someone like Sesshoumaru! As if, he'd never would do that. Something in her heart seemed to ache. "Good, cause, I'd hate to have anyone see me in my underwear."
Sesshoumaru's grimace was enough to tell her that he agreed. A roar of thunder clapped in the background and the lights flickered. Kagome jumped and fell into Sesshoumaru who caught her with ease. The girl shook like a leaf. She hated thunder.
Another deafening clap followed and Kagome wrapped small fingers in a death grip around Sesshoumaru's arm. Said youkai sniffed gently and was overcome by the strong sense of her fear. He sighed ad gently eased the two into a sitting position with her in her lap.
Rin too was afraid of thunder storms for it had been thundering when she lost her family. So for the month or so that she was in his care recovering the vile blue hair youkai's assault on her, anything during a thunderstorm she would always ask to talk. It kept her mind off the storm.
Kagome bit her bottom lip. He definitely thought her infantile now. No doubt about it. She sighed and shuddered, feeling suddenly cold. Sesshoumaru adjust his hold on her, "So, truth or dare?"
A small game would be a very good way to make her forget about the current weather conditions.
(TSUKI)
There you have it part one to the truth or dare chapter. Rin has herself a business, we have a few prying matchmakers, we found out why Sesshoumaru was so idolized by Rin-chan, the incarnates are getting ready for something big, Sesshoumaru and Kagome are in their undies and are running about the villa in the dark. (Together... alone... –nudges readers and grins perverted-ly-) Sango and Mirouku are also alone having a heart to heart (another perverted grin), Naraku's a jerk, and dear Inuyasha is clueless... and dressed as a woman.
Sorry for the OOC-ness and REVIEW... its only fair –is kidding-
Reviewer Responses: (I'm not sure about what the rules say or not about these, but emails and such are going around... So just incase, I'm putting reviewer responses on my LiveJournal. My penname there I believe is MikazukixTsuki so check there for thank you's and my infinite wisdom.)