Hello! I have been absolutely dying to write a Kagome/Sesshomaru fiction of this nature. This is my first ever Kagome Sesshomaru fanfiction, and I am proud to begin with this first chapter. Its smaller, I know, but they will get longer as we go.
Disclaimer: I don't own Inuyasha, it's a sad, sad day.
Welcome to my world of wonder!
Unsavory Business
Chapter 1: The First
It began the way it always began, with a dark layer of mud spread thickly across her leather shoes. Water ferociously splashed up her ankles and soaked the ends of her dress as she sloshed through the only main road of the meager town of Leones. Why her father had chosen this unsavory country was beyond the young woman, it was absolutely depressing. The land was thick with moisture and greenery, the constant rains providing lush foliage and prosperous crops for the town's people. The melancholy landscape served as a wonderful place for farmers, but not for the lone daughter of a Noble. She desperately missed the bright warmth and welcoming air of the Mediterranean.
Kagome pulled her shawl tightly around her chin, shivering as the wind licked mercilessly at her cheeks. Her hands curled tighter around her basket as she treaded angrily through the muck, wishing, not for the first time, that she could return to the comforts of England.
"Lady Kagome, how nice to see you on this fine day!" She turned to meet the toothy grin of the towns resident jokester. He joined her side, catching her pace and matching it precisely.
Kagome snorted indignantly, sweeping her eyes over the devilish young man who sported black ashes and grime from the blacksmiths shop. He was covered in a thin layer of ash and dirt, coating his poorly made cotton pants and shirt. Despite his dirty appearance, his face remained clean of any smudging, showing off the handsome set of his jawline.
"It's alright, I suppose. Have you sold any swords today?"
A grin split his face as he chuckled and replied "Why my dear, I've sold not a single one and it shall remain so. Swords are as useful in this place as the local tavern."
Despite her earlier annoyance, Kagome's mood eased as he stepped in time with her, the comforting presence of her only friend a welcome distraction from the days of tedious and mundane repetition. A soft smile graced her pale face, her ocean blue eyes reflecting a tender kindness often lost in the harsh terrain of Virgina. She slowed her steps, dragging out the most enjoyable part of her day.
"Which I hear is pretty useful, if your name is George McGrover." She pointed across the way to a man with his face buried in the slimy sludge, his fingers still clasped around an ale cup.
The pair shared a soft laugh, the wet droplets becoming less of a nuisance in the presence of such a sweet and tender man. "Where are you off to, Lady Kagome?"
"The market." The corners of her mouth turned down slightly. "My father asked me to get a few vegetables for dinner this evening, we are having company. He also requested that I find some tea that, what did he say? Oh, tea that wasn't 'a disgraceful pile of slosh.' Ha!" She changed the pitch of her tone to do a poor imitation of her father, garnering an ear splitting grin and a raucous laughter. "What about you, , what has called your attention on this… tolerable day?"
"A beautiful woman."
She shot him a discouraging look, her eyes knotting up in disapproval. He remained unaffected, his smile still softly on his lips. "I'm heading to the mail house." He amended quickly. "I need to write a request for supplies. I have some coin and need to hire a sailor to travel for a few...items." He said loosely.
"How borning."
"I should say so. It seems we've arrived at the market."
Kagome nodded, her face gaining a far away haze as she contemplated, once more, how much happier she would be in any place but this one. Mr. Sullivan bowed expectantly to her, and without seeing she curtised clumsily in response, returning her attention to the local blacksmith. "Thank you for the escort, your company is always welcome." She smiled sincerely, and he beamed at her in satisfaction.
"Any time, My Lady. I shall eagerly look forward to our next encounter."
He slipped carefully away, disappearing into the mail house and out of Kagome's sight, A discontented sigh escaped her rich lips as she continued to the market. She felt out of her element buying food and finding tea, which were tasks usually left for Martha, their slave. Martha had been busy preparing the house for the arrival of their guests, prepping meals and hurriedly cleaning. Kagome's father had simply shifted the work onto his daughter. Shaking her head and clearing her thoughts, she angeled herself and moved quickly, wanting nothing more then to escape the overcast sky and squishing putty under her feet .
How unfortunate for me.
Sesshomaru was positioned at the helm of the deck, his hands relaxed on the wheel as his eyes swept over the crew while they worked in chaotic swiftness. His long silver hair tied back in a single large braid and swayed gently in the coaxing of the wind. He refused to wear the large, cumbersome hat often associated with Pirate Captains, it was a useless material. The sails of The Kireina bellowed wistfully against the pleasant breeze, the clouds gathering in the distance a minor concern for the taiyoukai. His amber eyes skimmed across the lapping waves, the steadiness of the ocean a welcomed break from the vast storms that often plagued their voyages.
"Captain!" The voice of his navigator traveled over the bustle of the crew, and a young man with violet eyes and a gentle face emerged from the stairwell onto the upper deck.
"Miroku." He acknowledge with a slight incline if his head, and the human nodded back in turn.
"Captain, we've found a port where we can stock and resupply. It's on the tip of Virgina, Leones, and its small enough to be discreet, but," He paused and shifted uncomfortably, already anticipating Sesshomaru's reaction to this bit of displeasing news, "It's around the slave ports run by John Sullivan, there is rumor he's taken up residency there and is moving the trade in secret."
"Can we make port anywhere else?" He inquired, his eyes alight with a silent, bubbling hatred.
"Not with the small amount of rations we have left. We don't have any choice, unless we want to starve to death or worse. Our best bet is to get what we need and get the hell out of there."
Sesshomaru nodded, his anger simmering under the surface, one of the Traders right underneath his nose and he was out resourced. He clenched his claws tightly around the splintered wood, a plan formulation in his mind promising death. John Sullivan's crimes against demon kind were numerous in account, blood binding demons, outright abuse of the slaves, and starving them to the brink of death were a few he had recounted. He would sink his claws into the human for the out right violation of youkai females, often producing hanyou children, and then slaughtering the infants while their mothers screamed for mercy.
"How long until we make port?"
"Before sunset if the tides are good."
Yes, his death would be long and incredibly sweet.
"We will resupply, and I will kill him." There was no argument to be had, Miroku knew the twisted look on his Captains face, and he crossed his arms over his chest and relaxed against the ship side.
"I suppose you have a plan, then."
"Hn. Our heading, Miroku."
"Four notches south, between the whale tail and the lions main."
Sesshomaru adjusted the wheel, and began shouting commands across the ship. The crew fell into step immediately, tying ropes and adjusting sails according to the Captains demands. It took only minutes for the ship to get on course, and as the flurry of men calmed and were hovering at their stations, he tied the wheel and headed below deck. As he made his way down the narrow stair way, he caught sight of his brother propped up against the siding of his cabin, awaiting orders. Words were not exchanged, and as Sesshomaru entered into the Captain's Cabin Inuyasha followed him inside.
"Are we going after Sullivan?" The half-demons ears swiveled forward, his lighter amber eyes taking in Sesshomaru's rigid shoulders. A soft growl answered him, and he cracked his knuckles anxiously. "About damn time."
"Retrieve Bankotsu and Myouga. We have plans to discuss."
The brothers nodded once to each other, a sign of respect on their ship and Inuyasha headed out onto the deck. Sesshomaru moved to stand at the window, looking out over the constant torrent of waves that carried his freedom. He clasped the hilt of Tensaiga, one of two swords strapped securely to his hip. His eyes gleamed, his inner demon restless as it called for a blood payment. Sharp claws drummed absentmindedly on the hilt of the healing sword, his father's legacy to the eldest brother. He would be paid, in full. They would all pay, be it by his claws, the metal of his blade, or his brother's.
The door clicked open, and the Pirate Captain turned to greet his crewmen, and without hesitation the demons set to work crafting a plan to end the hell that Sullivan himself was.
How unfortunate for me.
A/N: Well, I hope you like it! There will be more!