Disclaimer: I do not own Inuyasha.

Chapter 1- Rumors

Kagura frowned worriedly as she held up her mistress' hair. This was the fifth time she threw up and honestly there really wasn't much to throw up anymore. Her mistress wasn't really sea friendly, not at all. She just hoped the young woman wouldn't get sick before she met her suitor or she would make a fool of herself. The servant sighed and wondered what he would be like. Would he be a spoiled, fat brat? Or a handsome, strong and valiant nobleman?

She snapped out of her musings as her mistress retched again and she couldn't resist the urge to roll her eyes. As much as she dreamed she was just a mere servant who was destined to clean this woman's messes. If it weren't for her worthless father she could have had a much better life. She gritted her teeth as she remembered how her father used her to simply pay off a debt. Not even a last glance or farewell, just orders. She had had no idea where she was going or to who she was to serve. She was lucky that the Matsumae family treated her kindly and made sure that she had all her basic necessities attended. But what if she hadn't had that luck? What if she was to serve a kidnapper, a molester or a murderer? She sniffed back her tears for she had long adjusted to the fact that her father had never really cared for her and might as well had sent her to her death.

She noticed that her mistress seemed to calm down but was rather pale. The young woman panted with the effort and Kagura handed her a handkerchief to clean her mouth. Her mistress took it gracefully and straightened up.

That was one of the things she admired in Kagome. No matter what, the girl would always face her difficulties with her head high up. She knew her mistress struggled everyday with the rules that come in being a part of an influential and rich family such as hers. Kagura sometimes wondered how she could stay sane. Being the only child, Kagome had much pressure and responsibility in such a young age. Strived in her studies and now she was going to get married. She was a fine example of female strength indeed and Kagura looked up at her at all times.

Her mistress patted her shoulder and Kagura took the handkerchief from her to clean it later. Kagome gave her a bright smile and giggled a bit, giving her a less sickly appearance.

-Look at me, Kagura. I can't even stay still for five minutes without retching. This sea life clearly isn't for me and thank the Kami that our trip will end at earth.

The servant allowed herself to smile at Kagome's words and was startled when she once more spoke.

-You can talk freely.

She then winked, much to Kagura's amusement.

-My father isn't here to hover on you anymore.

The servant laughed well heartedly. She could sympathize with what her mistress had just said. Sara too, no doubt, for she caught a small smirk on her lips as she cleaned the ship's floors.

Sara's past was a quite tragic and yet interesting one. The girl was a born mute but that didn't stop her from getting a good husband and family. She had married very young actually. At fifteen, as Kagura was told. But it was a good marriage and a loved one. Sara had told her in gestures and writing that he had been the love of her life. A captain, to be precise. He would sail the seas and perform trades in the name of his lord and was paid well. She was accustomed to the sea already and seemed to enjoy it very much. She had explained to her once that it reminded her of the times when her husband would take her with him on his journeys. But only when pirates were not roaming around. With eyes twinkling, Sara had written to her that he had said one time that he would never put his precious pearl in danger. As long as he was breathing, no filthy rebel would lay his paws on her.

Tears had stung her eyes as Sara then explained how he had valiantly given his life to protect her from those same bandits. It had been a surprise attack because the sea had been considered safe at that time. They appeared from nowhere and in a killing spree destroyed everything. She was saved by the Matsumae family when their mercenaries showed up to recover part of the merchandise they had that was trusted to her deceased husband and found her barely alive, malnourished and wounded. The good captain had hidden her in a secret, tiny room in the ship. From that day forth she owned a life debt to the Matsumae and still did but she didn't seem to mind. She was, as Kagura, well treated and couldn't ask for a better job.

She heard her mistress sigh and saw her lean towards the edge to view the sights. Kagura smirked and couldn't help but say.

-Enjoying the sights, mistress?

Kagome smiled and turned towards her servant.

-Though it makes me nauseous, the ocean is breathtaking. I can't believe I spent so long without it.

Kagura opened her mouth to comment on that but just then they heard heavy footsteps heading towards them and they both turned to see the captain of the ship smiling cordially.

Remembering etiquette, Kagome covered her face with her fan and extended her hand for him to kiss. He gave her a strange look before doing the formal greeting. Kagura didn't miss the faint blush that tinted her mistress' cheeks. She couldn't say she blamed her, after all Captain Bankotsu was a very attractive man. His long hair was braided neatly and his deep dark eyes glinted mischievously. He was dressed in a simple green hakama and haori with a yellow obi and normal sandals. Her eyes widened as she noted the huge weapon he had attached to his back and wondered how he could ever wield that thing. He caught the direction of her gaze and displayed a toothy grin as he unsheathed the enormous polearm. Kagome's eyes widened as she too was admired with the easiness he raised the thing.

Banktosu caressed the blade and decided to ease their curiosity.

-This beauty here is Banryuu. I had it forged from a far away land called England. Pretty expensive but totally worth it.

Seeing their still inquisitive glances he made an effort not to chuckle.

-You are wondering why it is so easy for me to lift something two times bigger than me.

They nodded slowly.

-This weapon is not made from steel. It is made from another metal called titanium. That metal is lighter than steel and much more resistant to the elements. Of course, it is very hard to work with thus the ridiculous amount of gold I had to pay for it. Even if it is lighter than any other normal weapon it took me years of intensive training to wield it correctly and effectively.

His grin widened at their awed expressions.

-I hope I have answered your questions.

Kagome smiled and nodded in gratitude. The captain walked until he was beside her to then continue.

-But enough about my weapon. I am sure such a subject is boring you. I presume our journey is being to your liking, Lady Kagome?

The young woman's mood brightened considerably for she was having an actual normal conversation. Though the formality was still there, it was nice. Her silky voice washed over the charming captain.

-I couldn't have asked for a better crew…or captain. I'm enjoying myself very much.

Bankotsu sighed and rested his muscular arms on the ship's rim, much like Kagome. They stayed silent for a few minutes, unaware they were being the targets of curious glances from the busy crew and Kagura. Sara was smiling as she hummed, doing her chores obediently for her mistress' comfort. She had just finished helping cleaning the floors and was now going to wash some clothes.

Kagome closed her eyes as the ship made a slow turn. The lovely sea breeze caressed her face and waved her layers. She inhaled and smiled widely. She could get used to this.

Bankotsu was lost in his thoughts until he heard the unforgettable sound of a tummy rumbling. He frowned and looked to his side to find a blushing Kagome. He couldn't help but chuckle and extended his hand for her to take.

-Come. Let's get you something to eat, milady.

She clutched his hand firmly and hoped that the food was half way decent but if not she would just have to get used to it.

His eyes opened to greet the morning sun and he sneered, covering his face with his hand. He felt a bit dizzy from not getting enough sleep but at the same time felt fresher than ever. He looked around the simple room and remembered that he was still at the inn from the night before.

Suddenly, he felt a shifting on the covers by his side and he froze. He took a deep breath and muttered to himself.

-Oh Kami, please don't tell me I fucked her…

With pained slowness, he turned his head to the side but sighed in relief when he noticed that it had been only the breeze coming from the open window that moved the covers. Not very eager, he stood up and dressed. He donned a simple white shirt and put on leather pants followed by his leather boots. He smiled proudly at his leather long coat that had a few specks of dirt on it and was looking a bit old already but he knew he would never have the courage to replace something that held so much sentimental value to him.

He equipped his harness and holsters and shifted a bit the knife hidden in his boot so the hilt wouldn't hurt him. He grabbed his black ribbon in the bedside table and pulled his waist length silver hair in his usual ponytail. He huffed; the warm air from his mouth waved his overgrown, wild bangs over beautiful amber orbs. He grabbed his coin purse resting on a table along with a worn map and compass and guarded them in his coat pockets. Feeling the right amount of weight on his person he decided that nothing was missing and got out of the messy inn as soon as he could.

As he walked towards the docks, he tried to ignore the suspicious glances of the merchants. They eyed the way he dressed and the cutlasses by his side, no doubt judging their worth. One was even bold enough to approach him.

-Hey, buddy, how much for those swords?

He simple raised an eyebrow and continued walking, blatantly ignoring the man. Enraged with being dismissed so indifferently, the merchant followed the silver haired stranger and tried to bluff.

-Your face looks familiar…

At that, Sesshomaru stopped and sent him a glare so cold that it could freeze Hell. His jaw clenched noticeably and his fists tightened. The skinny merchant could see the stranger's muscles flex under his clothes with restrained tension. Maybe this wasn't the best man to mess with. Plus, his neck was getting sore from looking up. For a Japanese, this man was ridiculously tall! With a defeated sigh, he tried to apologize but the stranger was already walking away once more. He didn't lie when he said that his face looked familiar. He was sure he had seen it somewhere but he just couldn't remember where.

Sesshomaru instantly calmed down when he caught sight of his beloved and magnificent ship. His loyal crew was already loading the shipments of supplies and preparing for departing. He smirked and made his way through the crowd. People started whispering as they gazed upon the unfamiliar ship.

-I've never seen this one before…

-Who do you think is the captain?

-Corsairs perhaps?

-The banner is not up…

One of his men saw him and with a playful smile started to remove the plank connecting the docks to the ship while shouting orders to the others. Sesshomaru grinned and sprinted. He dodged the shocked persons and lifted many kimonos with the wind he created as he passed. Some maidens giggled while others shouted insults to him even though they sported deep blushes. He reached his destination and in one graceful jump, landed neatly in the already parting ship. He gave a playful punch on the lad who pulled that stunt on him and shouted at the others to move on.

Sesshomaru couldn't help but let out a chuckle as he heard the horrified screams and gasps of the people as his well known banner was proudly displayed.

He was ready for some action today.

The ambient was warm and inviting. The day had been rather uneventful; the ocean was calm and free of crime. Now the moon could be seen high in sky and the ship was anchored for they wouldn't dare to sail in the night. Kagome sat at the table along with her two servants and the crew. They laughed and shared stories of their youth, even Captain Bankotsu had joined. She stayed politely silent; the epitome of elegance. She couldn't help herself sometimes and would let out a chuckle every time someone said or did something funny.

The mood turned suddenly very serious as Bankotsu displayed a large map on the table and pointed at the area they were located. He marked it.

-This is us.

He then took a wavering breath and Kagome thought to herself that he seemed nervous. Dare she say…afraid? He pointed at an area not so far away from them near North Korea. He marked that area too.

-This…is The Howler.

She watched as the crew gasped and their eyes widened. She knew that whatever was happening couldn't be good and she prayed to Kami that her journey went peacefully. Surprisingly, it was Kagura who voiced her question.

-Excuse me, captain but…what is this Howler?

Bankotsu's lips were pressed in a thin line as he spat disdainfully.

-It's a pirate ship.

She saw Sara stiffen and her form was wrecked with shivers. Kagome feared that she would have some breakdown or something judging by the terrified look on her eyes. Kagura got up from her seat and tried her best to comfort the poor woman and led her to a lighter place. The environment was heavy with apprehension. Her head snapped towards Bankotsu as he said quietly.

-It is coming this way.

Kagome got up too, gaining the attention of everyone. She asked worriedly.

-Is there nothing we can do? There must be some way we could avoid conflict.

Bankotsu looked thoughtful for a moment before he shook his head dejectedly.

-We could change our route though I fear that would only lead us to unknown waters and risk being lost forever. Unless the rumors are not true or they change direction we are bound to inevitable confront.

Kagome frowned.

-With all due respect but…you are saying this based on rumors? Isn't that a bit rash?

Bankotsu smiled sadly.

-I would doubt them either but I have known these pirates for quite some time. They often roam this area so it isn't a surprise they are doing it again.

Her frown turned from concerned to angered.

-How come the authorities do nothing about this?

Bankotsu laughed bitterly and rubbed his temples.

-Their captain is quite the clever and shady fellow. I've had the displeasure of encountering him in one of my trades and let's just say that it was a day I'd rather forget.

He parted his haori to show a bare chest and she gasped horrified at the ugly, huge scar that marred it. She could see that the wound had been deep and probably life threatening. He adjusted the haori back on and grunted. He was still ashamed to let himself fall so easily to a no good pirate.

-Managed to punch a tooth out of him and deal a gash on his left arm but he got away with all my shipment and gold. He killed my comrades and spat on my ship. I was lucky to have survived.

Kagome gulped. She really didn't want to ever live a situation like that and her respect for the captain grew immensely. She could see he was a man of honor.

Seeing the look on her face, he tried to reassure her.

-Do not worry, Lady Kagome. Me and my crew will protect you with our lives. No pirate shall have you.

She didn't know why, but that only made her more nervous.

He arched an eyebrow as he let the information sink in.

Inuyasha's bride…?

His eyes narrowed devilishly as he formed a plan in his mind. He could get some benefit from this. Scratch that…he could get filthy rich with this! Never again would he have to indulge in crime. He could get out of here and start over again. He could finally be the kind of man his mother would be pride of.

He fingered the report on his hand as her name rolled off his tongue.

-Kagome…

He shivered and licked his lips. He crumbled the paper on his hand and grinned, showing a golden fang replacing a lost canine. Besides that only flaw, his teeth were perfect and the artificial fang only gave him a more feral and terrifying appearance. He turned towards the sea; his eyes shined with anticipation. His deep, smooth voice uttered and the words were lost in the wind.

-I'm coming for ya…

Author's Note: Urgh, this one was a bit difficult. And I have barely started! Writer's block is ought to get me x.x

I hope you liked the chapter and stay alert for more updates! Happy New Year! ^^