Hello! Not your average pirate AU ;) I hope you enjoy!
*had to repost because format was messed up at first*
Disclaimer: I don't own Inuyasha or its characters. All rights to Rumiko Takahashi.
Chapter 1: Destiny Begins
After the War:
In the days before the Great Human-Youkai War, humans and youkai lived in relative peace. The two populations seldom interacted, but it was not out of fear or malice. Humans had stopped fearing youkai long ago, ever since youkai had stopped hunting humans for food. The change had come slowly, but humans were grateful for it.
Then everything changed.
There was a rogue youkai that attacked a prominent human village. It was the first youkai attack on humans in one-hundred years, and its results were tragic. It was a surprise attack that allowed no time for preparation, so the entire village was slaughtered.
On that day, the fear of youkai that had long been dispelled immediately came back.
Due to the advancements of human technology and weapons along with the eventual return of practicing miko, it was much easier for humans to attack and kill youkai. The altercation turned into an all-out war of which humans were successful.
From the end of the war on, youkai were hunted, killed, or sold off for sport and parts to make weapons.
Eventually, the number of youkai in the world diminished, and they were forced into hiding.
In the present day, pirates were the ones most known for hunting youkai, and they reigned as masters of the sea and masters of killing.
Although no one knew it yet, the world was on the brink of changing again, and fate rested in the hands of two unlikely allies.
This is their story.
O.o.O.o.O
Waves crashed in the open sea and salt water permeated the air. The overwhelmingly pleasant sight brought a smile to the captain's face.
This is home…
"Captain Higurashi, we're close to port."
Captain Higurashi nodded. "Thank you, Miroku. Prepare the crew."
The crewman bowed. "Yes, sir."
The captain turned back to gaze at the waves.
I'm coming for you, silver-haired hanyo. I will find you.
O.o.O.o.O
Inuyasha huddled in a dark, dirty alleyway. Glancing around, he made sure no one had followed him.
He pulled out the loaf of bread he'd just stolen; he felt guilty about it, but he had to eat and it was his only option.
After he'd devoured his first bite of food in nearly two days, he peered around again before jumping up onto the roof of the closest building.
His hanyo legs propelled him up as he bounced from rooftop to rooftop, making sure he wasn't seen.
He was a legend in his own right.
He was the second son of the great Inu no Taisho, whose death was still mourned in the underground youkai community even four-hundred years after he'd passed.
It was his father's strength running in his blood that kept Inuyasha alive.
He was the last known hanyo still alive. After the human victory during the Great Human-Youkai War, youkai had been dying off slowly. Human weapons had become too advanced, and with the right skill and big enough number, almost any youkai was more than likely to be destroyed. In the fifty years since the war, weapons had continued their advancements, so there were very few youkai left.
Youkai had become rare; they were considered an engendered species. The Great War had made sure of that.
Because of their rarity, they were often captured and sold in black markets.
Inuyasha knew that youkai bones and skin were used to enhance weapons, which is why youkai had become such a valued good.
Inuyasha scoffed. Youkai are goods...luxuries...what has this world come to?
Somehow, Inuyasha had found a way to survive. He lived an underground life, with the bare minimum of any contact with anyone unless it was absolutely necessary. It was too dangerous for youkai to travel or gather together, and humans were too dangerous to be around. If they didn't attack a youkai with their weapons, they would try to sell them to a pirate.
Very rarely, his brother found a way to contact him to see if he was still alive.
Occasionally, Inuyasha would pretend it was because his brother was concerned for his well-being, but he knew that it was just to get a population number. Since his father died, his older brother, Sesshomaru, had taken over as the Inu no Taisho. Since the youkai community was so small and Sesshomaru was so powerful, he had taken over as the ruler of all youkai.
Despite Sesshomaru's cold reputation, he was good at what he did. Inuyasha knew it was his way of ruling that had kept the few living youkai alive. Sesshomaru was calculating and strong. He knew how to survive and he knew how to help other youkai survive...if he got to them in time.
Inuyasha and Sesshomaru were the last surviving members of the inu-youkai clan.
The dogs had died off over the years. Inuyasha's kind was seen as especially valuable, so they'd been the first ones targeted once youkai hunting had become a well-paying sport.
Inuyasha perched on the top of a tall building. He gazed out into the ocean, wishing there was some way to escape the horrors.
No. Not escape.
Fight.
He'd just found out about the last inu-youkai that had been captured and killed.
It had come down to the wire between the two most notorious pirates of the decade.
In the end, Captain Naraku had been victorious. He was known for torturing demons to the point that even if they were captured alive, they were presumed dead as soon as they were taken onto the ship.
Inuyasha clenched his hands into fists.
I'll kill him someday…
Despite his hatred for Captain Naraku, there was a different pirate he hated the most.
This pirate was known as the most dangerous, vilest, and cruelest pirate that currently sailed the seas.
Captain Higurashi.
No one knew Higurashi's first name. No one knew what he looked like. His signature was a handkerchief covering his face during any and all raids. The only way anyone could recognize Captain Higurashi was by the bright, piercing blue eyes that would glare over the handkerchief.
Inuyasha hated him. The hanyo wasn't one to back down from a fight, but even Higurashi made him uneasy. He had seen painted portraits of the captain and the sight of those blue eyes haunted him. There was a rumor that Higurashi was some kind of wizard or sorcerer, but Inuyasha didn't believe that for a second. He was just evil.
He hated himself for not fighting Higurashi every time he got word of the most recent place his ship had ported.
Instead, he ran like a coward. But what else was there to do? Die? Allow himself to be killed?
He couldn't. He wouldn't let himself off that easily.
So he lived his life on the run.
He sighed and lay back on the roof of the building as the sun began to set.
At least I'm alive…
O.o.O.o.O
Captain Higurashi prepared himself for the trip into a small village on the coast. As usual, he docked the ship on a vacant beach to remain inconspicuous during their brief stop.
Higurashi never stayed longer than one night in a village, but he'd heard word that there might be a youkai in this village.
From what Higurashi had heard, it was the one he had been looking for since day one.
Inuyasha.
The silver-haired, golden-eyed inu-youkai was a prize to find during those days. Almost all pirates were youkai-enslavers, so the population of youkai had diminished significantly in the last fifty years since the sport began.
Higurashi frowned as he dressed to go out into the village. He had a mission, and he needed to stay focused.
Once Higurashi was dressed in his usual undercover attire, he called for his two most trusted comrades.
Sango and Miroku were also dressed for the excursion, so they set off shortly after.
The captain smiled as they made their way to the village.
See you soon, Inuyasha.
O.o.O.o.O
Inuyasha woke up the next morning in a bad mood. I already know today is gonna suck and today hasn't even started yet, he grumbled to himself.
He huffed and sat up, stretching his limbs and wincing at the tightness in his body.
Sleeping on roofs of tall buildings was fine and all for a little while, but it eventually got pretty old.
As usual, he tied his long, silver hair back and put on his cloak. He tossed the hood up and peered down to see if anyone was milling around at the bottom of the building.
It was still early, so the street was fairly vacant.
Hopping down silently, he began to make his way to the edge of town. He'd been in this village for nearly two weeks, which was the longest he'd ever stayed in one place.
As much as he hated to admit it, he actually liked this place. It was a massive hub, so it was easy to blend into the crowd. Vendors were everywhere, so it was easy to steal food he needed. He never took more than was absolutely necessary for survival; he was a youkai, not a monster.
But the time had come for him to leave. He adjusted his hood once more and then began to walk toward the edge of the town.
A thick, lush forest sat right up against the very edge of the town. It was how Inuyasha had entered, and it was how he would leave.
As soon as he passed the tree line, he cautiously flared his yoki to find the small house he knew was nearby.
When he found the responding surge of power, he ran on silent feet toward the source. Once he'd approached the location of the second aura, he looked around before entering the barrier.
Totosai was the only youkai aside from himself around these parts. It wasn't safe to have more than two youkai in one place, but Totosai was old and powerful. No human, or even miko, would be able to find Totosai's hidden house.
"Totosai?" Inuyasha called as he approached the revealed house. "You here, old man?"
The front door opened and an elderly man appeared. "There you are, my boy. I was expecting you to come. There's something ominous on the wind today."
Totosai held the door open so Inuyasha could enter the house. Inuyasha gave Totosai's cow a quick pat on the head before going inside.
"What do you mean?" the hanyo asked.
Totosai shook his head. "I don't know."
Inuyasha scoffed. "Keh, are you losing your mind in your old age?"
The old man chuckled. "Perhaps I am."
Totosai was one of the oldest existing demons. He'd forged the sword Inuyasha carried, as well as the two Sesshomaru carried. Totosai had been a comrade of Inuyasha's father before his death, so he was more like an old, weird, extended uncle.
It was part of why he'd stayed in this village for so long, but it was also why he was leaving that day. He didn't want to put Totosai in any greater danger than he already was.
Inuyasha suddenly felt a pinch on his neck. He reacted immediately by slapping the skin.
A weak moan of pain was his response. Inuyasha rolled his eyes as the flea-youkai began falling.
The hanyo caught him in his hand and glared.
"Myoga," he growled. "What have I told you about sucking my blood?" He gave the flea a warning squeeze.
"Master Inuyasha!" Myoga cried. "Would you squish one such as I?"
Inuyasha pretended to consider it. "Ya know, maybe I would."
Totosai cut in. "Stop, you two. I swear you both act like children."
Inuyasha chuckled and relinquished his hold on Myoga. The old flea took in a relieved breath of air before addressing Inuyasha again.
"Your blood just tastes so delicious," Myoga explained. "So much like your father's…"
Inuyasha grimaced. "Just quit doing that. Why are you even here? Weren't you supposed to be doing a census for Sessho?" Myoga rolled his eyes.
"You know your brother dislikes that nickname," Myoga scolded. "You need to treat him with more respect, boy."
Inuyasha smirked. "I know he hates it. Why else would I do it?"
He dropped Myoga to the floor and went to sit down at Totosai's table.
"What brings you here, my boy?" Totosai asked as he joined him at the table.
Inuyasha hesitated. "I'm leaving today."
Totosai frowned. "Why? This village is so safe." Myoga, obviously having recovered from Inuyasha's rough treatment, jumped up to join the two at the table.
"Why do you refuse to stay here with Totosai?" Myoga asked. "You would be more than safe."
Inuyasha looked away. "You know every pirate is after me. I can't put anyone in danger. I need to keep moving."
Totosai heaved a heavy sigh. "Where will you go?"
Inuyasha shrugged. "I'll probably stay in the forest awhile. I might go to Malinia. It's another big city that's about a four day run from here. It's an even longer walk for humans. No one would follow me."
Totosai didn't say anything for a moment. Maintaining his silence, he stood up and grabbed a cloth bag and began filling it with food and other items.
"Fine," Totosai said curtly. "But you'll be taking things with you." Inuyasha tried to argue, but Totosai cut him off. "Don't fight me on this, boy!"
Inuyasha slumped back in his chair as Totosai continued to fill the bag. Once the task was complete, the old man handed it to Inuyasha.
"You better stay alive, my boy," Totosai chided. "No dying allowed, you hear?"
Inuyasha nodded, his desire to argue gone. This was just the way it had to be. No point in fighting it.
"Thank you, Totosai," Inuyasha said sincerely. "I appreciate it."
Totosai smiled. "I would say to come and visit soon, but that's the opposite of what you should do. We will meet again one day, Inuyasha. Of that, I am certain."
Inuyasha bowed to the old man and rose from the table.
Myoga hopped up on Inuyasha's nose. The hanyo was surprised that he didn't feel a pinch or the sensation of having his blood sucked.
Instead, Myoga patted his nose. "Your father would be proud of you, Master Inuyasha. Of that, I am certain."
Inuyasha blushed. "Don't go getting all sappy on me, you old flea." Myoga snuck in one last suck of blood. Inuyasha rolled his eyes and flicked him off.
He made his way to the door and turned back to Totosai. "Thanks for everything, Totosai. I...I'll see you someday."
Inuyasha quickly left the house, suddenly finding it incredibly hard to leave. It had to be done, though. There was no use in dragging out the inevitable.
After giving Totosai's cow a parting pat on the head, Inuyasha set off.
Once he'd made sure no one was on the other side of the barrier, he stepped out.
Glancing back one more time at Totosai's now invisible house, he shook his head and escaped into the forest.
He'd only been walking for a few minutes when he heard a snapping branch and a scream.
His ears perked up under his hood as he froze. He peered around, recognizing the scream as a woman's, before hopping up into the nearest tree.
He silently jumped from tree to tree as he approached the source of the noise.
After just a moment, he found a woman sitting on the ground, her hands clutching her ankle and the smell of tears marring her scent.
Inuyasha could only stare at her for a moment. Her back was to him, so all he could see was her cloaked back and a few strands of black hair escaping from the hood. Her body shook slightly with quiet sobs.
Guilt and hesitation hit him all at once. He was inclined to help her, but he didn't want to risk being caught.
It's too dangerous, he resolved. I'm sure she'll be fine. It's close enough to the town that someone is bound to find her eventually.
Before he could move to jump away, a face flashed in his mind.
Mother…
His mother was human, and try as he might, he just couldn't bring himself to hate humans. He would never admit it, but he had a touch of a soft spot for them. He was part human, even though he wasn't a full one.
His mother was a human, just like this girl.
Why do I feel like I'm gonna regret this?
Inuyasha adjusted the hood over his hair and ears one more time before silently jumping down from the tree. He paused for a moment, not wanting her to realize he had just dropped down from an alarming height.
Finally, he moved out from behind the tree and toward the woman.
She wasn't sobbing anymore; it had died down to sniffling and a trace scent of tears.
"Oi, are you injured?" he called.
The woman jumped and whipped her head around to stare at him.
He tried to keep the hood over his head enough to create a shadow over his eyes. Golden eyes weren't common in humans, but it was better than his hair being seen.
Silver hair on a twenty-something looking man wasn't gonna sell it in the event of an emergency.
"Don't come closer," the woman said, her voice shaky, "I...I have a knife!"
Inuyasha had to resist the urge to roll his eyes. "I'll stay right here. I just wanted to make sure you were alright."
The woman frowned at him and looked away. "I just hurt my ankle a bit. I'm fine."
Inuyasha eyed her wince as she jostled her ankle as she tried to stand up. Her ankle gave out on her immediately, and she crumpled to the ground with a cry of pain.
Inuyasha did roll his eyes that time.
"Let me help you, woman. No use letting your pride harm you anymore than you already are."
The woman finally nodded. "Okay," she relented.
Inuyasha approached her further in order to help her to her feet.
She reached out her hand to him, and when their fingers touched, Inuyasha was roughly thrown back against a tree several meters away.
The wind was knocked out of him, and when he hit the ground, he found that he couldn't move.
He growled and willed his limbs to move, but nothing happened.
"What did you do?" he bellowed as he heard her stand up. "Are you some kind of witch?"
A light chuckle invaded his senses. "Aren't you kind? I appreciate you helping me in my time of need." His eyes widened when he heard no indication of a limp from her "injured" ankle.
She was lying!
Her footsteps came closer as she stared down at him with a smile on her face.
"Inuyasha," she said. "I've finally found you."
She bent down next to him and pulled her hood down. Thick, black hair cascaded down her shoulders as she revealed her face.
When she met Inuyasha's gaze, his heart stopped.
No, no, no, no!
He'd never seen the eyes of the feared Captain Higurashi, but as he gaped into the crystal clear blue eyes of the woman, he knew there was no mistake. Her aura hit him all at once, and he was amazed that someone had the power to suppress themselves like that.
Captain Higurashi was more dangerous than Inuyasha could have ever imagined.
"Allow me to introduce myself," the woman said as she noticed his recognition. "I'm Captain Higurashi. You're going to be of great use to me."
Inuyasha wasn't one to let fear win, but at the moment, it felt like he was losing.
"How are you...what's going on?" he stuttered. "You're a girl?"
Captain Higurashi laughed. "I'm a woman."
And then everything went black.
O.o.O.o.O
Higurashi examined the unconscious hanyou below her. After removing his hood, she saw the silver hair that symbolized his heritage.
She smiled. Finally...it took ten years, but I somehow found him.
Once she made sure he was completely incapacitated, she put up a quick barrier to shield his body from any passing humans while she went off to find Miroku and Sango.
As she made her way to the meeting point, she had to resist the urge to twirl in her floor-length dress. That was one thing that was good about traipsing around as a man; she could use her usual looks when she needed to be undercover or just needed a break from the ship.
The only way she could have respect as a pirate and captain was to keep up her disguise as a man. The only people that knew she was a woman were Miroku and Sango. Not even the rest of her crew knew.
She twirled a lock of her long hair and sighed. I really miss being able to wear my hair down like this, but I certainly do have priorities that are much more important than my hair.
Higurashi smiled and began to move quicker. She could hardly believe that it had been so easy to capture Inuyasha.
There was a twinge of guilt, but what else could she have done? She needed the legendary hanyo. That's just the way it was.
When she finally met up with Miroku and Sango, her bright smile revealed that the mission had been successful.
"Excellent!" Miroku said. "Way to go, Captain!"
Higurashi laughed. "You know it's okay to actually call me by name when the crew isn't around."
Sango rolled her eyes. "He knows. He's just being stupid."
Miroku chuckled before addressing Higurashi again. "Of course, Kagome. Now, shall we go and gather up the prize?"
Kagome frowned. "Don't call him that. You know better."
She began walking, not waiting for the others to follow.
Miroku and Sango quickly caught up. "You're right," Miroku admitted. "I apologize. I get so used to the pirate talk that I sometimes forget...you know."
Kagome sighed. She did know. They all did.
The young captain smiled again. "I know. Let's go get him."
They hurried off.
o.O.o
Later that afternoon, Higurashi had donned her usual captain's attire. It had taken a few minutes to adjust to her trousers after the freedom her dress had offered, but she acclimated quickly. She pinned her hair up and hid it under her usual captain's hat and threw on her oversized jacket to hide her figure.
She'd used a cloaking barrier to hide the presence of herself, her crewmen, and Inuyasha as they hurried back to the ship. They'd had to pause a little ways off from the ship so Kagome could change back into her captain clothing.
Once she was dressed, they brought Inuyasha onto the ship and got him settled in Kagome's quarters. Her room was the largest, so there was plenty of room. They got him settled on an extra cot she'd bought specifically for this purpose.
Kagome kept her paralysis charm on Inuyasha as she went about tidying up. She knew he would try to fight the charm when he woke up, and Kagome didn't want to risk him breaking it. He was a son of the old Inu no Taisho. Kagome respected him and knew that he wasn't someone to be underestimated.
Kagome instructed Miroku and Sango to inform the crew that they'd captured Inuyasha and to prepare to set sail that night. She didn't want to risk it and stay any longer than they needed to.
Knowing it would be awhile before he woke up, Kagome exited her chambers and made her way to Sango's room, hoping she'd already returned from her instructions.
To Kagome's relief, a moment after she knocked on the door, Sango opened it. Sango nodded in greeting. "Captain."
In customary greeting, Kagome returned the gesture. "May I come in, Sango?"
Sango opened the door all the way in invitation. Kagome entered quickly and plopped down onto her back on her best friend's bed.
She sighed and closed her eyes. She heard the bed creak a bit as Sango sat down next to her.
"We're one step closer," Sango commented. "Why do you seem upset?" Kagome opened her eyes and looked at her.
"I'm not upset, per say," she explained. "I guess I'm just...overwhelmed." She sat up and ran a hand down her face.
Sango nodded her understanding. "We've been searching for him for years. It's understandable to be a little uncertain of how to react."
Kagome leaned back on her hands and took a deep breath. "Now it means we have to convince him to help us. We're one step closer to putting our plan in action. I guess I'm just...a little scared."
Sango frowned. "The great Captain Higurashi is scared?" she said lightly, trying to lighten Kagome's spirits. "The ten year pirate veteran is afraid? No way."
That got a smile from Kagome. "You know, right now I still feel like the little fifteen-year-old girl that somehow got a crew behind her and became a pirate. I really couldn't have done it without you and Miroku."
Sango smiled. "Remember when it was just the three of us? All we had was that little dinghy boat until we somehow managed to take over that pirate ship."
Kagome laughed. "Remember how shocked they were when we just showed up? You were swinging Hiraikotsu around and Miroku and I were blasting power left and right." She giggled. "I'll never forget the looks on their faces."
Sango laughed along with her. "I think fear is what made them start trusting us. Lucky for us it changed along the way."
Sango sighed. "I don't know how we did it, honestly. Just a few kids trying to escape…"
Kagome set a comforting hand on Sango's knee. "Who would have thought we'd make it here."
A moment later, Kagome felt a twinge of power at the edge of her senses. She rose immediately and began to make her way to the door.
"Inuyasha is stirring," she announced quickly. "I have to get in there. I'll let you know what happens."
Sango nodded. "Good luck!" she called as Kagome headed to her quarters.
O.o.O.o.O
Hours later, Inuyasha finally felt himself regaining consciousness. Upon feeling that he was still unable to move, he growled.
He tried to fight the charm, but it was too strong. He closed his eyes and focused on the power.
This feels like spiritual power...could Higurashi be a priest...er, miko? He shook his head. I know there's always been a rumor about sorcery, but this is crazy. How did I let this happen?
He looked around as much as he could and saw his sword and Totosai's bag on the other side of the room. He groaned and cursed Higurashi.
He heard footsteps outside the room and tried once again to escape before the captain entered. Of course, it was pointless. He kept his guard up as she entered the room.
When Higurashi entered, he was surprised...the captain was dressed as a man again. "You're awake. Good."
Inuyasha growled. "What are you planning?" he bellowed. "Why am I here? Let me go!"
"Alright, enough!" the captain shouted when his yelling continued to get louder. "I get it! You're mad. Let me explain!"
Inuyasha growled. "Why do you look different? You were a woman before. Are you a shapeshifter?"
The captain sighed and took off the hat. Inuyasha stared as Higurashi pulled the pin from a big pile of hair and let the long locks fall down her back.
"I am a woman," she explained as she sat down on her bed across from the cot. "I live my life as a man so I can maintain my reputation as a pirate. It's a screwed-up situation and a messed-up society, but that's just the way it is. You are one of three people in this world that know, so I ask for your discretion."
Inuyasha glared at her. "Why are you telling me this? And why am I still alive? I know what you pirates have as your goal, especially you. You should have killed me or dismembered me long before now. Why haven't you?"
Higurashi smiled. "I don't plan on killing you, Inuyasha. You're too important to my mission."
Inuyasha's eyes widened in surprise before the surprise gave way to suspicion. "What kind of mission? What could I possibly have to do with it? Alive?"
The young captain gathered up her hair and pinned it back up before returning the hat to her head. "All will be explained in due time. Rest assured, no one on this ship will harm you. I trust them all."
The hanyo rolled his eyes. "Sounds you don't trust them that much, seeing as they don't even know you're a girl."
Higurashi huffed. "I already told you. I'm a woman. I've been captain of this ship for ten years. My crew know me as a man. There would be no difference if I revealed the truth, so I don't have a need to."
Silence fell over them as Inuyasha took in all of the information he'd been presented.
The captain rose from the bed and readjusted her hat and jacket. "I know it's a lot, but there's a reason for everything. I just need you to trust me."
Inuyasha scoffed. "Trust you? I would never! You murder and sell youkai like it's a game! I know what you pirates are all about!"
Higurashi didn't answer for a moment. Finally, with sad eyes, she met his gaze. "You probably won't believe it, but you're wrong about me. Everyone is wrong about me. I'm not like other pirates."
Inuyasha's eyes widened. "What does that mean?"
Higurashi smiled, her blue eyes were kind. There was no trace of malicious intent in them. "All in due time," she repeated as she headed to the door. "I'm going to get you something to eat. I'm sorry to leave you in the paralysis charm, but I can't let you get away yet. There's too much riding on this."
She left and closed the door softly behind her.
When she was gone, Inuyasha growled again and resumed his attempts to break the charm. It was pointless, and he finally just relaxed on the cot.
His head was spinning. It was all too much.
Captain Higurashi was a woman. She said she's not like other pirates. It was obvious she has powers akin to miko powers, but she didn't say what they were.
So if she wasn't like other pirates, how did she get such a reputation? For ten years, she'd had a notorious reputation, and yet she's nothing like he pictured. She was a woman, first of all, but her blue eyes were warm instead of harsh like he'd always pictured. When he was finally able to feel her aura, it was genuine.
Auras don't lie, and Inuyasha had mastered the skill of reading auras since he'd been on the run. It was how he'd learned when he could trust or distrust people with whom he had to come into contact. But he couldn't bring himself to trust her. It was too dangerous.
He sighed and slumped on the cot. The charm still hadn't worn off, not even a little, and his body was starting to ache from being in one spot for so long.
If I get bed sores from this, I'm gonna fight someone.
A few minutes later, Higurashi reentered the room.
She was carrying a bowl of something that smelled amazing. Inuyasha didn't realize how hungry he was until she brought the bowl closer and set it on a small table near the cot.
Higurashi resumed her perch on the bed across from him.
It was a stare-down for a moment before she finally broke the silence. "I know you're hungry, so I'm going to relinquish part of the charm."
Higurashi raised her hand over him. She closed her eyes, and after a moment, Inuyasha found he could move the upper half of his body. His legs were still immobile, but he didn't care. He didn't need legs to eat.
Higurashi got up and handed him the bowl. He took it and prepared to dive in, but something stopped him. He frowned. Accepting food from her would be like accepting a peace offering...I can't let my guard down. I can't let her think I would ever help her.
As much as it killed him, he gave the bowl back to her. "I don't want your food. I want you to release me...or at least tell me what the heck you're going to do with me if you're 'not like other pirates.'"
Higurashi looked at him a moment, obviously displeased, but Inuyasha knew she very well couldn't force him to eat. Inuyasha had gone days without food before, once it was almost a week, so he knew he would be fine without eating.
"I'm not telling you anything until you settle down and stop fighting me," she explained with a frown on her face. "Eat the food and maybe I'll start to consider it."
Inuyasha frowned right back at her. "No."
Higurashi shrugged. "Suit yourself." She set the bowl on the table next to the cot and stood up from the bed. "I have a feeling you'll change your mind."
Without looking back, she left the room.
Who does she think she is? Inuyasha mused silently. She's ridiculous. As if I would be so quick to believe anything she says.
He flopped back on the cot and stared at the ceiling, wishing the answers to all of his questions could be written there.
Inuyasha glanced at the food on the table next to him, but didn't allow himself to eat it. He couldn't. He wasn't about to admit any sort of defeat.
Shortly after, he felt his exhaustion overcome him, and he fell into a deep slumber.
O.o.O.o.O
Captain Higurashi felt ridiculously guilty.
Kagome could feel that his suspicions were intense, but she desperately needed him to trust her, to fight next to her. She just needed to figure out how she was supposed to do that. Keeping him paralyzed wasn't the way, but she couldn't risk him escaping. At this point, it seemed like it would be impossible for him to come around to trusting her without a proper explanation, but she couldn't risk divulging any information just yet.
She needed her plan to be more concrete, more solid. There was absolutely no room for error. They had one shot at this, and Kagome knew she couldn't let anything slip through the cracks.
She would err on the side of caution for now and ignore the guilt that came with kidnapping Inuyasha and essentially holding him hostage.
She winced at the word hostage, but that was pretty much what he was. She just had no intention of using him as such.
Kagome went back to Sango's room to fill her in on Inuyasha's status. She instructed a passing crew member to send Miroku to Sango's room as well so they could figure out what their next step should be.
Once the three of them were gathered, Kagome told them about what had happened.
"Well, at least he didn't try to attack you when his arms were freed," Miroku mentioned. "That's...something?"
Kagome grimaced. "I'm pretty sure he was just distracted by the food I was holding, but he didn't even eat it! What are we supposed to do?"
Sango and Miroku exchanged a glance. "Maybe you should tell him the plan," Sango suggested.
Kagome shook her head. "At this point, I don't even think he would believe me if I told him."
The three fell into a disappointed silence.
Kagome groaned and dropped her head into her hands. "I don't know what to do!"
Miroku set a comforting hand on her shoulder. "Well, at least he doesn't suspect anything about you. You'd think he would considering he's hanyo, but you do hide it well. It might be a good idea to tell him since he won't be able to figure it out on his own."
He was right. Maybe that could be the first step to getting him to trust her…
"I'll think about it," Kagome conceded. "If he doesn't start to come around within the next few days, I'll tell him about my father."
Miroku and Sango agreed with the plan.
Kagome prayed it would work as she headed back to her quarters a little while later.
Upon entering, she found Inuyasha dead to the world on the cot. Guilt came over her again, but she tried to keep the goal in mind.
As she got dressed for bed, she willed him to trust her. She needed him, that much was certain. Once he was on her side, she knew she would have enough power with her to fully reach her goal. It was now that her destiny begins.
Just as she was drifting off, she went over the plan one more time.
I'm coming for you, Naraku. Just you wait.
To be continued…
I hope you enjoyed this new story! I have most of it planned out, so updates should be pretty frequent. Let me know what you think!
Much love.