A/N: Thank you for the review and for taking the time to read. I did change the title of the story along with the plot. The story will still be taking place in the 19th century only with a different plot. Sorry for the confusion, but this idea seemed better then the other one.
Disclaimer: I don't own Inuyasha. Rumiko Takahashi, VIZ, and Sunrise are the owners of Inuyasha. I'm only writing for my own amusement.
Chapter 5: Cabaret & Dance
For a moment both Kagome and Inuyasha said nothing, words were not needed at this point for their eyes said all that needed to be spoken. The young miko stepped out from under the pool of light the street lamp cast upon her. With her long ebony tresses cascading down her back and a tight red dress that showed off her curves, she resembled an angel with an unruly side.
Tears slide down her rosy cheeks as she stared at him with a warm smile, Inuyasha was dumbstruck he couldn't believe the woman in front of him was actually alive. She closed the remaining space between them and threw her arms around his neck.
Inuyasha held her close to him; he stroked her hair and indulged in her rich lavender scent that hadn't changed. She buried her face in his chest and wept quietly. They remained like that for a few more minutes before Inuyasha shattered the silence.
He pulled her away and cupped her chin into his hand and asked calmly, "Kagome, can it really be you? I…I thought you were dead." The miko smile grew and she wiped away her tears.
"I'm very much alive Inuyasha as is Sango." Kagome said as she gestured into the shadows of the alleyway were both Sango and Sesshomaru stepped out. Sango smiled and said, "Inuyasha, it's nice to see you again." Inuyasha released Kagome and stared at both women who he had thought to be long ago dead.
He scanned both girls then locked eyes with his brother, Inuyasha sought guidance from his brother about this situation, but to his surprise Sesshomaru looked away from him. The hanyou blinked and thought he's still mad at me? Shit, if it isn't dealing with Kagome, it's dealing with Sesshomaru. Why can't he get over it…well I guess I would be pissed off if he left me for Rin…
"Inuyasha, why are the two of you here in London?" Sango asked as she watched his pensive features dissolve as he realized she was asking him something. Inuyasha stared at her and answered dumbly, "I could ask you both the same question."
Kagome and Sango exchanged a look then faced them both. Inuyasha stared at his brother and said flatly, "Are they real or are they a mirage Sesshomaru?" the hanyou still did not believe the two women from his past were really there standing in front of him. What more proof did the baka require? Had he not enough proof when the miko embraced him in such a loving way?
"You require further proof Inuyasha? Did she not feel real enough to you? At times you can really prove to be dense half breed." Sesshomaru said coldly. Just by his tone of voice, Inuyasha could tell he was annoyed. Inuyasha sighed and mutter so only his brother could hear, "You're being an asinine you bastard, I just hugged her and you're making it seem as if I just-"
"Inuyasha why are you talking to yourself?" asked Kagome who was concerned that the hanyou hadn't said anything for the past two minutes. Sesshomaru smirked when he saw Inuyasha's pale cheeks come to life with small amounts of florid pigment appeared on his cheeks.
"I uh never mind you wouldn't understand. So just how the hell did the two of you get here anyways? And where are the others if the two of you really are alive and I'm not nuts." Inuyasha said as he folded his arms across his chest. The hanyou would never change…well he would change. He would become more stubborn then he already was at the moment.
"Sango and I have been here in London for nearly a year. Miroku, Shippou and Rin came a year ahead of us. The last time we heard from them they were running a cabaret at the bas-de-Montmartre in Pillage, the red-light district in Paris, France." Sesshomaru and Inuyasha gawked at both women with wide eyes then stared at each other. At that moment only Sesshomaru showed his emotions to Inuyasha. Whenever someone mentioned Rin Sesshomaru became protective of the little girl.
The former demon lord growled and hissed dangerously, "And what is Rin doing with the lecherous monk in Paris running a damn brothel?" both girls frowned and Kagome said bravely, "It's not like she had much of a choice to not go with Miroku to Paris. You abandon her so she had to leave with him. We would have gladly taken her with us, but it was already too late for us to do anything."
Sesshomaru frowned; he had never abandoned the little girl. She had left with Shippou and after that he had never heard from her again. What the miko and taijiya said made sense as to why she never returned.
"I didn't abandon her miko, she left with the kitsune and that was the last I heard from her. But as for me abandoning her, I would never commit such a thing to her." Sesshomaru said dryly, just for that comment, the demon lord wanted to tear the miko apart, that reason and also because she had embraced his brother in such in intimate fashion.
Inuyasha growled and said, "Okay look it doesn't matter Rin will tell us the truth once we catch up with her and the others in Paris. Instead of biting each other's heads off we should be heading to France right now." But another question came to the hanyou's mind. If Sesshomaru had found Naraku's saimyosho in that grave, then where the bloody hell was that damn hanyou?
Before Inuyasha could ask Kagome or Sango, Sesshomaru beat him to it.
"Since you both seem to be well informed of events around here, you wouldn't happen to know where that bastard of Naraku is would you?" Sesshomaru asked simply. He expected a thorough and short answer, nothing long. He only wanted a "yes" or "no", nothing else. The expressions both girls wore told him that they didn't know.
That was to be expected, but Sango surprised him. The young taijiya frowned and said, "As a matter of fact we do know where Naraku is hiding. He's in Romania in the city of Transylvania. It's not that hard to locate him, I hear he's resigning himself in one of Romania's most prestige castles."
Kagome laughed and implied, "Can't Naraku ever get modernized, I mean a castle? Why not a damn cabaret or maybe a damn opera house, but a bloody castle, I swear the next thing you're going to tell me we're going to have to dance." Sango stared at her friend and answered reassuringly, "As a matter of fact Kagome I think we are going to have to dance the night away until we locate Miroku, Shippou and Rin."
Sesshomaru and Inuyasha stood stun, there was no way Inuyasha planned on dancing. He hardly knew how to dance back then, than was no way in hell he had improved his dancing skills. If they did have to dance, then it would surely be a disaster. Sesshomaru wasn't pleased with hearing it was most likely they would have to take to the dance floor and waltz around.
"There's no damn way you're going to make me dance! I'm not going to humiliate myself in front of a bunch of humans and get laughed at, I get that enough from all of you. The least thing I need is to be ridiculed by humans." Inuyasha folded his arms across his chest and refused to partake in such an event that he knew he would fail in miserably.
"Oh Inuyasha, you're being dramatic, besides if what you say is true, you can be my dance partner and you can follow my lead." Kagome implied with her charming smile. Inuyasha gaped at her and found that his cheeks had turned a cherry red. He averted his gaze from her and muttered, "Whatever, it's not like I have much of a choice anyways."
Sango looked at the former demon lord and said seriously, "Well I guess you and me are going to be dance partners for a night Sesshomaru. Can you dance?" Sesshomaru stared at the girl with narrowed eyes and answered impassively, "Yes I can dance, can you?" Sango smirked and said, "Of course I can, when you've been living in this city you're bound to learn both good and bad things."
"Alright already, let's just get the hell out of here and head for Paris then we'll head for Transylvania to hunt down Naraku. Sango is Kirara still with you?" asked Inuyasha who was still red from embarrassment. Sango nodded her head and replied, "Yes she's still with me. Kirara you can come out now."
At her owners command, the immense fire neko stepped out of the alleyway opposite them in her true form. Seeing Kirara gave Inuyasha an idea that made him smile close to malice. Sesshomaru saw his brother's expression and asked telepathically grimly, what is that stupid mind of yours thinking of doing Inuyasha. Nothing good I can tell by that grin of yours.
Inuyasha continued to smirk and said telepathically to his nii-san, Kirara just gave me an idea. Why don't you use your true form to get us to Paris? Image it Sesshomaru flying through the night sky just like how we got here-
No. I am not a public transformation service that teleports ungrateful dogs such as yourself half breed. Ride with your wench and the taijiya, I plan to run-
The hanyou growled in the confinements of his mind and snapped, no you're not! If you haven't forgotten, Kagome hasn't mentioned anything about my promise to her so in other words we're still stuck with each other until she says- Sesshomaru laughed darkly, the half breed shivered and took a step back from his brother.
The ex-demon lord scarcely laughed and when he did, it was not a good sign. For a mere moment Sesshomaru's lips formed a virulent smile that was directed to only the hanyou as he hissed back. I don't take orders from you Inuyasha. I don't care if you are my damn mate for the moment, you will not bring disgrace to our father's legacy by running away from your promise to the miko understood you inept fool.
Inuyasha's features softened, he looked away and said in a hurt fashion, has my promise to Kagome caused you to become so hostile towards me Sesshomaru? I know I shouldn't have made such a promise to her, but I was young as was she. We thought we were in love, but it was never her I had fallen for…I can only now comprehend it was you who I cared for so deeply, so passionately, but if you really do want to rid of me and act like an ass, fine I wouldn't bother you. I'll go with Kagome and Sango.
Kagome drummed her fingers on her arm as she watched both inu youkais glare at each other and sighed. Neither Sango or she knew what was going on with Inuyasha and Sesshomaru, they just suspected that they were having a staring contest or something, but not talking to each other through the use of their minds that their mating bound had produced.
Not able to stand the eerie silence and hostile glares both brothers were directing towards one another, Kagome cleared her throat and said irked, "Are you two finished with your puerile staring contest because if you are, we have to get going. You can both kill each other when we get to Paris, but for now put asides your hostilities and get over it."
The miko's words shattered the ardor mental conversation Inuyasha and Sesshomaru were having without either of the girls knowing. Inuyasha turned his back to his brother and muttered dryly, "Yeah let's go." Just as Inuyasha was about to get onto Kirara's back, Sesshomaru interjected and stated firmly, "The half breed will come will me while the two of you ride on the neko. Things will progress faster if the neko is not carrying excessive weight while she flies."
Inuyasha leisurely turned his attention to his brother and hissed, "Don't concern yourself Sesshomaru it's not like-" before he finished Kagome pushed Inuyasha off Kirara and replied, "Go with Sesshomaru he's right we can travel faster if only Sango and I ride on Kirara." Sango agreed with her friend, but by the way Inuyasha had answered his brother and how Sesshomaru had taken Inuyasha's irked response baffled her.
Usually Sesshomaru and Inuyasha would kill each other if either one decided to offend the other without mercy, but their display of hostility at the moment was different then from the past arguments that Sango was the only one who had noticed. All she could tell was that there was something deeper, darker and mysterious about their actions towards each other; she could only wonder what had occurred between the two of them during their absences.
With a heavy sigh, Inuyasha collected himself from the ground and half dreaded and half anticipated returning to his brother's side. His head was bowed as waited for Sesshomaru to do something, to say anything, at this point Inuyasha was desperate enough to receive a slap across his face if it came from the impassive sibling he cared for. Sango and Kagome saw what was occurring and could only wonder what was going on between them.
Only Sango could guess that Inuyasha and Sesshomaru's relationship was no longer that of a rivalry brother bound, but something stronger and more desiring, but of course she was prudent enough to keep silent about it. There was no means as to embarrass them or ignite Kagome's short temper with her seemingly illogical testimonials. Inuyasha looked up and muttered, "Well how the hell are we supposed to travel?"
To his surprise and to both girls, Sesshomaru produced a weak smile and said, "We're going to fly of course. Did you actually think I was going to carry while running? That would take far too long a time and at the moment, time for us is a scarce thing and because we're going to cross the sea." Before Sesshomaru transformed into his true form, he directed his attention to both women.
With a dry tone, he addressed them all firmly. "We are all to rendezvous at the Seine River in front of Notre Dame Cathedral from there we will have to figure out a way to collect a decent amount of franc to get into the red light district."
Sango smiled placidly and said, "Leave collecting the money to me, I've been meaning to put my pick pocketing skills to the test." But she thought about this and asked, "Neither of the two of you would happen to know a thing or two to assist me? I mean I could do it on my own, but like you said Sesshomaru with time being an obstacle, I will need some help if I'm to put together a fair amount of franc to get us in the red light district and the cabarets."
Kagome frowned and questioned, "Can't we just rob a bank or something? I mean pick pocketing will require a longer time and if we just rob a bank we could-" Inuyasha shook his head and implied, "No Kagome pick pocketing seems to be our only choice. Robbing a bank would alert the authorities and ruin our agenda. We have to do this all with the up most care."
With a sigh, Kagome nodded her head understanding. Besides robbing a bank with their limited time would be a foolish move for them to commit. Kagome had never fancied stealing, but if it was required then she had no other choice but to tolerate it. Although she and Sango had been traveling together for nearly a year, she had never showed any interest in learning the trade of pick pocketing and she was deeply glad she hadn't succumbed to such a thing.
The miko preferred to use her spiritual powers and diplomacy of illusions rather then do things that require to break morals and to degrade one self. She shook her head and said sincerely, "Count me out Sango, I wouldn't partake in any pick pocketing seeing as I don't have the skills required and because it goes against my morals."
The taijiya chuckled warmly and smiled at her sister-like friend. "It's perfectly fine Kagome-chan I would never ask you to do anything you didn't want to do. Besides with two stubborn brothers here, one at least is bound to know how to pick pocket right?" her voice held a hint of worriment, if neither Inuyasha nor Sesshomaru didn't know how to perform the art of stealing, than they were doomed.
Kagome and Sango were expecting Inuyasha to know how to pick pocket and when they faced him, he simply glared at them and snapped, "Don't look at me, I don't know how the hell to pick pocket! You guys always have to think the worst of me don't you?" they ignored Inuyasha's ranting and sighed in despair.
Inuyasha had been their last hope, if he couldn't do something as simple as that then there really was no way that Sesshomaru a well respected, royal, imperious demon would know how to pick pocket.
Sesshomaru cocked a brow when neither girl asked him if he could perform the task. He was annoyed with their lack of assumptions. Although he wasn't pleased with what he was about to inform them, he had no other choice but to tell them since so much could be at stake if he refused to say anything.
His stoic features return to conceal his emotions and said baldly, "You humans are all bias; you all assume that just because I'm a demon lord that I would not know how to perform such a ponderous task as to pick someone's pocket while they have their back to you, happens to be the most simplistic thing anyone can be taught." By the way he said it, there was no doubt that what he had said was the truth, but how was it even possible that Sesshomaru knew something like this? But Sesshomaru was Sesshomaru; he would always remain a mystery.
Inuyasha was the first to speak his shock. His eyes clearly announced his annoyance mixed with the current sadness he felt. "Just how the bloody hell do you know how to pick someone's pocket you jackass? I thought it went against everything the old man doctrine in his perfect son? Don't make us laugh Sesshomaru; you're just as useless as Tensaiga."
The half breed really was a master mind when it came to irking his older brother. His defamatory against the older inu youkai was becoming outrageous and if Sesshomaru really did want to cancel their bound, he would make good if he killed the hanyou for his offensive words.
Sesshomaru sighed inwardly if he did say something to Inuyasha for his insult then they would both be playing a foolish game that would have no end to it seeing as even Sesshomaru recognized that he could be stubborn just like his brother at times.
Proving the hanyou and others immoral was tempting, but it was best to just remain silent and demonstrate that he could indeed perform the task perfectly when they arrived to their set destination.
With a grim sigh, he shrugged and said aloofly, "If you choose not to believe me, then that is fine. I could care less." Which was indeed true, Sesshomaru would never care what a human or a half breed thought (which in some ways categorize Inuyasha at times when Sesshomaru was in a foul mood), time would not even change that. It was something that was embedded in his blood; it came close to even being considered a curse and possibly his demise if he was not careful.
With that settled Kagome and Sango sighed and the taijiya said, "Alright then, the Seine River across Norte Dame is our rendezvous, we can deal with picking up the money once we get there. But there's only one more thing before we head off." Inuyasha drummed his fingernails on his forearm and whined, "What the hell is it now damn it? Can't we just get going?" Kagome shot Inuyasha a stern look making him flinch back.
"What exactly are we going to do once we do manage to recruit Rin, Shippou and Miroku and head off to search for Naraku? I know he's a threat, but he hasn't done anything that proves otherwise so why go harassing him now?" Sango's question could only be answered by one person only and at the moment, he didn't feeling like answering it.
Only Inuyasha, Naraku and he needed to worry about it, no one else needed to get involved…yet. With a grunt, Inuyasha read his brother's mind and hissed back at the older inu through the connection that had formed, just what am I supposed to tell them if you haven't even filled me in as to why we're looking for Naraku Sesshomaru? Do I tell them that-
Tell them whatever you wish Inuyasha. I'll tell you later as to why it's important to find Naraku when we're alone and have some privacy to converse. I can trust you to conjure something up to buy us some time correct? Sesshomaru's melodious voice was edged with some discomfort; he needed for the half breed to think something up that would be believable. Anything was welcomed if only to conceal the truth for a while longer before it was brought to the light.
Inuyasha remained silent, his featured were pensive and after a long break of stillness he sighed and thought, alright I'll just tell them that it's a personal matter that we have to resolve. Is that to your liking Sesshomaru because I have nothing else besides that?
Hn. The half breed shouldn't have expected a longer response from his impassive sibling. He could tell Sesshomaru was just inching to get the hell out of there to go see Rin, his little girl. Rin was the only person who had remained loyal to him after all those years of hell, but she had left him at the worst possible timing. Her joyous innocent smile never left his mind; he missed her dearly (in a fatherly manner).
A frown appeared on the hanyou's lips, he could read his brother's thoughts clearly as if he were saying them out loud. Sesshomaru had failed to guard his thoughts from his sibling making him an open book to read freely.
Inuyasha noticed how Sesshomaru's golden eyes gleamed with a small amount of content. So he really did miss Rin did he? As he stared deeper into his brother's eyes, Sesshomaru looked away and muttered, "You make the wrong assumption." Had he as well read his mind to say something like that?
Get the wrong assumption? Was Inuyasha just supposed to buy that? The half breed snorted and said quietly, "Is that what you call it, the wrong assumption? That's just a bunch of-" Kagome was becoming impatient, she wanted to leave now and they were making it difficult to get a move on considering they looked about ready to jump on each other.
Forgetting the question Sango had asked Kagome's frustration reached its limits. "Oh just shut up and argue once we get to Paris! It's almost dawn and we haven't even begun." Kagome snapped at their lack of focus and aloofness. Inuyasha swallowed in anxiety and thank kami that he no longer wore the rosary around his neck. But he couldn't recall when the cursed rosary was removed from his person.
He could only go so far back in his mind to the last time he had worn it was when he had went to see Sesshomaru for the first time in years. He had been wearing it when they had been playing their game, but then when he had woken up the necklace had been ripped and was scattered across the marble floor. Had his damn brother relieved him of that malevolent rosary that night?
Now wasn't the time to ponder about something like that, Inuyasha cleared his mind from the distant thought. Both inu youkai grumbled and averted the gaze; they really did look like a bunch of overly grown puppies that were cranky.
The miko and taijiya giggled at their puerile stubbornness, but stopped when both brothers shot them a cold stare threatening them to shut up with the use of their claws. Once all was under some control, they left for the city of lights. Just for this once did Sesshomaru transform into his true form with Inuyasha riding on his back.
They crossed the ocean to arrive in the country of France; the trip to the city of Paris was shorter than what they had anticipated. It was a mere three days that were traveled during the night to keep their present from the humans at a minimal and nothing bad had happened, well except Inuyasha fell off Sesshomaru and splashed into the body of salt water for lack of carefulness. They had told him not to fall asleep, but he hadn't listened so he could only blame himself.
Paris, France
June 6, 1854
In front of Notre Dame…
"Just where the hell are they? They've been gone for far too long and we still have to find the red light district!" Inuyasha was pacing back and forth under the entrance way of the gothic cathedral worried sick; Sesshomaru and Sango had been gone for far too long that was necessary.
He feared that they had possibly been arrested (arrested? Is he dumb or something? This is Sango and Sesshomaru he's talking about. As if they'd get caught) or they had faced something momentous. Kagome sighed and smiled at the man she held feelings for ever since she had released him from his bounds to the Goshinki tree centuries ago.
A small amount of red pigment crept to her cheeks as she stared deep into his golden gems and assured him all was fine. "Inuyasha all is well; they just have to be careful in selecting the right people that have tons of money on them to steal from. Besides the night's still young, we can it easy." Kagome was always looking on the bright side; she never troubled herself over the possibility that things could turn for the wrong.
Inuyasha had never met anyone like Kagome; she was something special to him. Something he could almost say he need like an addiction that could not be easily tamed with small amounts. Kagome was someone he knew he could trust with his life, she had never betrayed him, although it was he who had deceived her countless times with Kikyou (who's six feet under), and yet she was still loyal to him.
He could understand why he had promised her to take her as his mate. But sadly he was taken and he couldn't bring himself to shatter his bound with his brother even if at times Sesshomaru proved to be a pain in the ass, but Inuyasha would tolerate it since…just because he had to.
Mating…but wasn't the bound of two people supposed to be something special, something mesmerizing that would never decay after the long years the couple shared together? Was his and Sesshomaru's bound able to withstand time itself and all the obstacles life would throw at them? Was that even the threat, maybe the real threat of their bound decomposing was them selves.
It was highly likely that neither life nor death had anything to do with the immense chance that Inuyasha and Sesshomaru's bound would survive from destruction. The grim thought made Inuyasha's heart nearly rip through his chest.
No, it couldn't be possible that they would separate from one another; he loved his brother with all that he was. He would kill to keep him besides him and do whatever he could to satisfy his brother's impeccable needs if that would save their relationship from the pits of hell and torment.
Kagome must have sensed Inuyasha's discomfort because she looked concerned. Inuyasha hadn't said anything and the eerie part was that his eyes seemed almost void gold. Whatever he was mediating about must have been grave because he looked to be close to tears.
With caution Kagome placed her hand on Inuyasha's trembling shoulder and gave it a gentle squeeze. At once Inuyasha jerked out of his thoughts and stared blankly into Kagome's doe brown eyes. He cocked his head to the side allowing his silver locks to cascade over his shoulders and brush against his pale face. His eyes frightened Kagome; she had never witnessed Inuyasha like this. Inuyasha noticed her fear and knew she was anxious from the way his eyes held no emotions.
Inuyasha blinked away the impassiveness and remorse his eyes bared and said in a low voice, "I'm sorry about that Kagome, I was thinking about something important. Were you saying something?" even his voice was vacillating, all that could be concluded by the miko was that Inuyasha had been thinking about something disturbing to cause this sort effect upon his mind.
"I was just asking if you were alright. You sort of spaced out on me when I told you maybe we should go change our clothes seeing as we have to look our best for tonight." Kagome smiled, but there was no sincerity emitting from it. Her eyes twinkled startled. The hanyou frowned and muttered numbly, "Yeah I'm fine I was just thinking about something but it's nothing that important. I guess we should go change since Sango and Sesshomaru haven't returned-"
A laugh ruined the silence of the night and out from the shadows of a deserted cobblestone street emerged Sango and Sesshomaru both holding an item in their slender hands. Kagome smiled brightly and ran towards Sango who hugged her. Inuyasha inclined his head respectfully to his nii-san and said, "It's good to see you came back unharmed." Sesshomaru flashed Inuyasha an ephemeral smirk and replied, "We were a bit occupied searching for the right people to steal from Inuyasha."
Inuyasha chuckled lightly and joked, "Picky even when it comes to robbing, eh? So how much did this heist earn us for the night anyways?" Sango released Kagome and smiled placidly, she stood besides Sesshomaru and they both showed them what was inside their objects.
Sesshomaru held a silk black top hat that was filled to the brim with gold and silver coins along with fifty, one hundred and two hundred franc note (paper money). Sango as well was successful in not only stealing paper money, silver and gold coins, but also jewels, two gold pocket watches, and a diamond choker that shimmered under the crescent moon and stars.
Never in all their lives had Sango, Kagome or Inuyasha seen so much luxurious items in their grasp before. It seemed almost too good to be true. But now that they had the money that they needed, it was time to change their clothing and head out to find Rin, Miroku and Shippou in the multiple cabarets that gave fame to Paris during the night.
Luckily Kagome and Sango had been prudent enough to pack a spare change of clothes, but Sango had to break into a tailor's shop to steal two outfits that Inuyasha and Sesshomaru could wear for the evening. When she returned she held two black frocks complete with a white dress shirt, black silk tie and a cashmere vest.
With only one look at the outfit Inuyasha backed away slowly and shook his head. He refused to be caught wearing such in outfit in public. Before he took another step back, Sesshomaru snatched his wrist in his clawed hand and held him in place. He struggled to set himself free, but it was no use.
"There's no fucking way I'm wearing that! I'd rather be thrown into the sea then wear that. What the hell's wrong with what I'm wearing?" Inuyasha was over reacting, there was nothing wrong with the clothes Sango had stolen for them. It was just that Inuyasha feared change. Kagome took Inuyasha's outfit from Sango's hold and faced Inuyasha.
"Inuyasha please just give it a shot, it's only for one night. Besides I think you'll look racy wearing all black; it'll bring out your eyes." Kagome winked, and held out the set of clothes she was begging Inuyasha to wear. Inuyasha's cheeks colored and he hesitated. Knowing he was defeated and with no other choice, he took the outfit from Kagome.
Sango handed Sesshomaru his outfit and was surprised to notice that he seemed ponderous about everything, but he wasn't protesting. Maybe he didn't care what he had to wear just as long as he got to see Rin again. Sango smiled, she really did have to admit that although Sesshomaru was what she could say an ice prince, Rin always managed to find a way to dissolve some of the ice around his heart.
Their hands brushed against each other causing Sango to turn a soft pink that didn't go unnoticed by Sesshomaru. He gave her an indifferent look and asked, "Why do you blush?" the color on the taijiya's cheeks burned as she stared at the impassive demon lord she had never understood.
Sango laughed nervously and took back her warm hand from his. Sesshomaru could tell she was anxious, but he couldn't understand why. He hadn't said or done anything to cause her discomfort, but her eyes told him otherwise. Instead of trying to figure her out, he shrugged and said placidly, "Hn, all you humans are strange."
Not wanting say anything else to her, he minutely inclined his head thanking her silently and turned his back to her. The corners of Sango's lips twitched and threatened to form a smile, now that she and the stoic demon lord had had a chance to converse and do something together, she realized he really was handsome; especially his eyes and markings were so cryptic to his ice cold personality.
Whilst Sesshomaru and Sango were flirting (or not), Kagome was arguing with Inuyasha who still refused to change. At this rate if Inuyasha continued to make such a fuss they would be getting no where. Now feed up with the half breed, Sesshomaru snatched Inuyasha's wrist and half dragged and half carried the hanyou away.
Kagome and Sango watched in awe as the two inu youkais walked off. Sighing, they grabbed their things with Kirara following them, the four of them snuck into an alleyway and dressed. Once they were donning their outfits for the evening, they stepped out looking sharp and ready to enjoy themselves. They left their belonging in a safe spot inside the French Theatre where it would be easy to grab and go.
The red light district was not difficult to locate. Inuyasha and Sesshomaru could smell the strong stench of liquor that was in the atmosphere lingering about causing disturbance to their sensitive sense of smelling. At once when they stepped into the vivid district, there were women selling themselves to any person who was willing to buy night of fun. There were men drunk and fighting each other like rabid beasts.
This was going to be a night neither of them was going to forget so easily. They all scanned the thronged street of Montmartre trying to decided which cabaret to look in first with so many plaguing the street. Kagome and Sango had never been to Paris, the night life of Paris was immensely different from that of London. Things back in England where what you could say a bit less unruly, but here in Paris it was utter chaos at night.
Being this their first time in such a hectic place like the current one, they decided to randomly choose a cabaret, search for their friends, and if they didn't locate them they would pick another until they were either out of money or located them. Kagome took Inuyasha's hand into her and lead him into a cabaret that seemed to be the most crowded from the rest.
Sango walked besides Sesshomaru as he followed after his bastard brother (who was a deep shade of red since Kagome was so close to him). He showed no signs that he was annoyed with Inuyasha openly, but inside he was cursing him to the fiery pits of hell for flirting with the miko. Sango stared at him with doe brown eyes and asked quietly so only he could hear, "Sesshomaru is something disturbing you? You keep on staring at Inuyasha and Kagome hostility."
Sesshomaru looked away from his sibling and miko and glared at the taijiya slightly confused. Could she perhaps see that what felt was something related to jealously? Was she even that smart to determine something like that? Was that even possible, if memory served Sesshomaru, he had never experienced such a weak emotion…but what nearly startled him was that she was watching him so closely with curiosity and worriment.
Not wishing to give a detailed explanation, he averted his gaze from her and replied blandly, "Alls well taijiya." Sango blinked and wanted to press the subject any further, but Sesshomaru growled and knew she wanted to keep on pestering him if he was fine so rather then yell at her, he wrapped his arm around her slender waist and waltzed them to the dance floor besides Kagome and Inuyasha.
Sesshomaru's claws fingers entangled with Sango's as she was pressed to his chest and they danced to the music. Besides them Sesshomaru could hear Inuyasha's hoarse growl and he smirked at his brother. Inuyasha wanted to yell something at his smug brother, but Kagome lead him to the left.
Damn, Inuyasha would have to think of a way to teach his brother a lesson, but for now they had to look for their friends. Deciding he had had enough of tormenting the half breed, Sesshomaru lead Sango to the edge of the stage and whispered into her ear (since the music was tremendously loud and the laughter of the people made it nearly impossible to be heard), "Look for them Sango, I can sense they're here amongst the crowd."
Nodding her head, she looked amongst the crowd for their friends. All she could see was a sea of fast paced movements, but not what she was looking for. But that was when she saw a familiar orange tail. Shippou! And he was with Rin heading for the backstage of the stage. Sango tugged on Sesshomaru's hair and yelled over the loud music, "There! They're heading for the stage, can you see them?" Sango pointed where she had seen them and Sesshomaru caught them.
He released the taijiya and said, "Come let's get them before-" Sesshomaru was silenced and all movement on the dance floor died down when the lights dimmed and a man dressed in a racy maroon and black outfit appeared on the stage.
Inuyasha and Kagome where on the opposite side from where Sango and Sesshomaru where; but at the moment Inuyasha and Sesshomaru were not looking at each other, their attention was to the person on the stage. The person holding a silver wolf headed cane turned out to be Miroku. Shippou appeared on stage, but was out of sight from the audience.
Miroku smiled at the thronged dance floor and said in a booming voice so all could here. "Welcome to Salón Rouge, Paris most prestige cabaret for those who seek a good time. Tonight for our audience's enjoyment I am proud to announce that the star of Salón Rouge will perform for you all! Now give a roaring applause for the most beautiful woman in all France: Rin, The Queen of Hearts!"
All in the audience applauded and roared their approval except for Sesshomaru, Inuyasha, Kagome and Sango. Sesshomaru balled his hands into fists, his claws pierced through the palm of his hands and blood dripped to the marble floor. He was trembling from ire, without looking away from the stage, he hissed dangerously to Sango, "Have you and the houshi mated yet taijiya?"
Sango shook her head and replied cautiously, "No Sesshomaru he and-" Sesshomaru silent her with a threatening growl and said darkly, "Good then you won't have to be a widow once I get through with him." just then all the lights were directed to the descending archangel that was seated on a swing with her long legs crossed and her attention fixed to the crowd. All were in awe; the swing hovered a mere three inches from the stage allowing the archangel-like beauty to step off from the swing and stepped gracefully to the stage.
Her breath taking doe chestnut eyes shimmered against the red painted walls of the cabaret. Sesshomaru's heart ached but not from lust or anything of desire, but because he was witnessing his little girl, his Rin dressed in such a racy revealing dress that showed off too much of her chest and her legs. Her long brown hair was piled high on top of her head and she was smiling.
Inuyasha was stun, his eyes traveled across the room where he saw Sesshomaru hurt from what he was seeing. Their bound allowed for him to feel what his brother felt. Turmoil, hate, disgust, sadness, revenge, relief, and content were the more overpowering emotions his brother felt.
Not wanting to risk Sesshomaru loosing control, Inuyasha grabbed Kagome's hand and was about to run to his brother's side when the music sounded again causing the crowd to become unruly yet again. Rin was beginning to perform her act. Shippou rushed to her side and both did their act together.
Sesshomaru's eyes were trained on the cavorting Rin he had raised and care for. Inuyasha still holding Kagome's wrist somehow made their way through the packed danced floor and arrived to Sango and Sesshomaru's side. Inuyasha released Kagome's wrist and said to his nii-san, "You're not going to do anything stupid are you Sesshomaru? Don't even think about killing Miroku, there would be too many witnesses and the least thing we need it a damn commotion."
The demon lord stared at his mate with narrowed crimson brimmed eyes, his fangs were bared just waiting to sink them into Miroku's flesh and tear him apart for making his Rin do something so hideous.
"Sesshomaru calm down. Don't let your ire get the best of you. Image what Rin would think if she saw you snap in public." Inuyasha was getting nervous, the least thing he wanted to do was tame a pissed off demon lord that had all the right to be irked. Trying to make Sesshomaru see sense in his state of overwhelming anger had to be the fastest way to ensure your death if you didn't know how to tame him.
Seeing that Sango and Kagome were trained on Rin and Shippou on the stage, Inuyasha stepped in front of his brother and leaned closely so their noses were brushing against one another. Both their noses were moist indicating they were healthy. With such close interaction, Sesshomaru was forced to subdue his anger. Inuyasha closed the remaining space between their lips and kissed the older inu youkai hoping it would calm him down.
No one saw as their lips locked and as their claws fingers entangled through their silk like mane. Inuyasha tugged on his nii-san's tresses roughly begging him to give into the kiss instead of the desire to kill Miroku. Somehow it had worked; Sesshomaru gave into the kiss and his anxiety left him. A smile spread across Inuyasha's blood stained lips, Sesshomaru licked the blood he had caused from biting on them away.
Inuyasha and Sesshomaru pulled their hands from each other's hair and Inuyasha chuckled softly and said, "If I knew you were easily subdued with a mere kiss, than I wouldn't have to do anything drastic to calm you." Sesshomaru gave the hanyou a baffled look before he replied, "Subdued? Do you honestly think-"
"Sesshomaru-sama!" A thrilled voice rang through the entire cabaret cutting off Sesshomaru. Inuyasha and Sesshomaru reflectively released each other and turned to face a crying Rin who was shocked beyond words and was staring directly into her lord's golden gems of utter authority.
Sesshomaru's eyes softened noticeably only for her and Inuyasha to see. He minutely inclined his head almost in a travesty manner. His lips were pressed in a grim frown that still wore slight pigment of Inuyasha's blood, but there wasn't time to wipe it away.
Rin stepped closer to the edge of the stage with Shippo standing a few feet away from her. The kitsune's eyes grew wide in horror when he saw Sesshomaru's flashing his white fangs that looked promising enough to kill. Rin wasn't at all fazed with the demon lord's dangerous stance; on the contrary she was overwhelmed with ecstasy. She took another daring step whilst tears slid down her rosy cheeks.
Without warning, she threw herself off the stage and nearly flew through air to reach her father. Sesshomaru rushed to her and caught her in midair. All gasped as the two seemed to dance on air. Sesshomaru held Rin in his arms and spun her around once causing her short dress to whirl around them. He stopped spinning and set her down gently to the ground.
Rin threw her arms around her lord's neck and cried into his chest. Sesshomaru held her close without any effects besides that of a father. Inuyasha watched as he noticed Sesshomaru seemed almost relieved to have his little girl back. Miroku had seen everything and was now praying to any kami who would be willing to spare his life from ending by the demon lord's hand.
The demon lord released her; he composed himself and said to her apathetically, "Rin, you've grown." That was all he could say to her. Rin could only laugh at her lord's simplistic terms and replied, "Yes I guess I did grow quiet a bit didn't I Lord Sesshomaru? What are you, Inuyasha-sama, Kagome-chan and Sango-chan doing here in Paris?"
Before he could answer, the entire cabaret went into an uproar from the cancellation of their paid entertainment. Miroku regained his composed and addressed the crowd. If he didn't refund their money, they would be no doubt that this night would not end well. He took to the stage and said loudly, "Please settle down. I'm afraid tonight's show in cancelled, but I assure you all that you will all be refunded your money back."
But before he did refund their money, Miroku planned to be far, far away from the cabaret escaping with the others. Shooting Inuyasha, Kagome, Shippou, Sesshomaru and, Rin a stern look indicating them to use the back door behind the stage to escape from the unruly commotion whilst he dealt with the crowd. Not wasting anytime to argue, they all pushed their way through the crowd and followed after Rin and Shippou who lead them to the emergency exit door of the cabaret.
Moments later Miroku came running after them whilst carrying three bags filled with money. Sango and the others were waiting for him and they all fled into the night running from the crowd. After escaping from the chaotic tavern, they returned to the French Theatre to pick up their belonging.
Once their things were back in their possession, Miroku lead them to the location where he, Rin and Shippou had been staying during their time in Paris. It was an immense two story mansion located across the Seine River. The first thing everyone need when they arrived to the mansion was change their clothes. Inuyasha thanked god he was no longer trapped wearing such a silly outfit and was back in his red haori and hakamas.
Now that everyone was comfortable, they all conjugated in the living room and took a seat. Sesshomaru was still inching to kill Miroku for making Rin perform such a degrading thing as he had had her do, but Inuyasha shot him a look warning him to stay placid.
Getting straight to the point to avoid a commotion from the irked demon lord, Inuyasha said, "Okay now that we're all back together, we-" Miroku crossed his legs and interrupted Inuyasha. "Inuyasha why did you have to stroll into my cabaret in the midst of a damn show like you did? And what are you all doing here in Paris?" a muscle on Sesshomaru's face twitched. Patience, he had to have patience if he wanted to get through this night without killing anyone namely a houshi who was sitting across from him.
Sighing annoyed, Inuyasha stressed, "Miroku your damn cabaret is the least of my concerns at the moment. We need to go to Transylvania and look for Naraku-" Miroku frowned and crossed his arms across his chest. He seemed disturbed by hearing the wicked name of Naraku spoken.
His next choice of words was pensive. "Just what business do you now have with Naraku Inuyasha? I thought the Shikon no Tama was no longer resigning in this world for Naraku to get? If you seek him, then your quest to find him must indeed be grave considering the new threats in this world." New threat, what was he talking about?
Kagome blinked and asked, "What do you mean new threats Miroku?" the houshi grinned and stood up from his seat walking to the vast glass window displaying a wonderful view of the Seine River outside. Without looking at them, he told them exactly what he meant, and his words were directed towards Sesshomaru specifically.
"What I meant was since youkais no longer roam the face of the earth and are good as dead, what do you think has replaced them…Sesshomaru? You, Inuyasha, Shippou, Kirara and Naraku are the only ones that remain from the once glorious ages of when youkais ruled the earth, but now your population has been diminished into nearly nothing." Miroku still faced the scenery outside the window.
Miroku wasn't finished just yet. He still had a few more things to say before he allowed Sesshomaru to say anything.
"Naraku has changed during these last five centuries, he had allied himself with the new rulers of the world that humans do not see, but know they are there amongst the shadows during the night. If we were once ignorant to think that youkais were vile and heartless creatures, we were damn wrong. These new atrocities that have replaced the demons are far more malevolent then what we could have ever imagined. Do you know why?" his question hung in the tense atmosphere of the room.
Inuyasha didn't like how Miroku was almost accusing his brother, he didn't know what the hell Miroku was talking about, but he wasn't going to allow anyone to accuse his sibling. Leaping to his feet in protest, Inuyasha glared at Miroku and snarled, "Just what the hell are you trying to say Miroku? Spit it out and tell us what you know! What has replaced the youkai blood damn it!"
Sesshomaru uncrossed his legs and stood besides Inuyasha holding him back whilst staring at the houshi with an impassive expression. He wouldn't allow the houshi to faze him; he was too smart to allow a human to screw with his mind.
"Silence Inuyasha, what the houshi says holds meaning." Sesshomaru didn't release Inuyasha's wrist just in case he wanted to leap towards Miroku. Sango and Kagome were the only ones lost; Rin and Shippou knew perfectly well what Miroku was talking about considering they had witnessed these new threats with their own eyes. Miroku turned around and smirked.
"Of course what I'm saying holds meaning Sesshomaru; I'm not as dumb as I look. Tell me why you and Inuyasha are searching for Naraku." Why was Miroku screwing with their minds, Inuyasha was confused, although he didn't know what their business was in Transylvania, he knew Sesshomaru probably had a good reason to head there and look for Naraku. The demon lord never took a step forward if it was not beneficial for him.
Sesshomaru dropped Inuyasha's wrist and answered unceremoniously, "Naraku holds the secret to brining back the youkai blood to the world and I plan to retrieve it from him at any costs." At any costs…Sesshomaru would never guess what those words would really mean until they came true.
Miroku burst into a fit of uncontrollable laughter. He hunched forward grasping his stomach whilst tears streamed down his face. As the houshi laughed like a mad man, everyone was shocked. Inuyasha was wide eyed and gaped at his brother with astonishment. It couldn't be possible that Naraku, a mere vile hanyou bared the secret to resurrecting the youkai blood…could he?
A/N: I hope you all liked this chapter and I'm sorry Sesshoaru was a bit out of character when he was dancing with Sango and holding Rin. Thank you for reading and review if you will. And I'm really sorry for the confusion because of the changing title and plot.