Drifting Desires
-@--@-
Disclaimer: Inuyasha and co belong to Lady Rumiko, not me..`sigh`
lostdreams: Quick chapters! The exciting part is yet to happen, so I might have another quick update after this one. In a week I`ll have two weeks of great computer time so all of my stories should be getting their updates frequently. Anyway, I hope you guys are liking this. I am..^_^
-@--@-
Chapter 2
-@--@-
Kagome woke early gently lulled awake by the soft sound of the waves lapping against the side of the ship. Smiling, she stared out her window for a moment, taking in the streaming sunlight and the cool blue ocean. It was a little slice of heaven. Sighing she swung her feet to the cold floor and padded to her wardrobe. Shifting disdainfully through the dresses and corsets, Kagome grunted in disgust. That was one thing about attending school in England. You had to dress like the English. Granted Japanese finery could scarcely be described as comfortable with the layers and layers of stifling kimonos, but at least one could breath properly. Now these corset things were a gift straight from hell. Designed to be tied as tightly as possible so as to reduce one`s waist size and prop up one`s chest.
[I hate corsets. I hate fancy dresses. I want to wear what the sailors wear. So much more sensible.] Kagome thought irritably as she began to tug on her corset. If she were lucky, she`d be done and dressed before Kikyo came in. If not, Kikyo would insist on tying her strings and Kagome wouldn`t be able to breathe at all.
Unfortunately the gods of all things that Kagome didn`t want wasn`t listening, as Kikyo walked into Kagome`s compartment demanding help with her own corset. Rolling her eyes and cursing her luck, Kagome plastered on a fake smile and began to tighten Kikyo`s strings.
``Can`t you do any better than that?`` Kikyo grumbled, trying to pull on her strings herself. ``Honestly, I`ll never be able to fit into my clothes like this.`` Kagome wanted to laugh. Kikyo`s waist couldn`t be more than 15 in` around and that was too big for her. Not to mention Kagome had pulled the strings to within an inch of their existence and no amount of tugging would make and further difference at all. If only to appease her sister, Kagome went through the motions of yanking on the strings again, not that it did anything. When she was done, Kikyo looked to the mirror and examined her appearance.
``I suppose that`ll have to do,`` she said finally, sounding slightly disdainful, sizing her hips and waist with her hands. ``Your turn,`` she said curtly motioning Kagome to turn around. Kagome held up her hands.
``I`m already done and ready thanks,`` Kagome said quickly, backing away. Kikyo frowned and didn`t back down.
``Honestly Kagome, you look disgraceful. Now stop being such a baby and let me adjust your strings,`` Kikyo ordered. With a groan, Kagome obeyed. Bracing herself against the wardrobe door, Kagome waited for the worst. It was surprising how much strength Kikyo could put into pulling those strings. She was so petite and twiggy that it was surprising that she could pull the strings at all.
As far as appearances went, the two girls were very similar. They had the same facial structure, same eyes, and same hair. Kikyo`s hair was longer, but the color and the texture was the same. There were the same height as well, but their body similarities ended there. Kagome had a full and curvaceous figure, very easy on the eyes. Kikyo`s was more subdued, smaller breasts, smaller hips, definitely more bird-like. Both girls were considered exquisite in their own ways. Kagome`s personality helped her out greatly, as the thinner frame and daintier look of Kikyo seemed to be more desirable than her own rounded look.
``Ow!`` Kagome gasped as Kikyo`s tug almost pulled her off her feet. ``That`s good enough,`` she groaned trying to expand her chest to reduce the tightness.
``Oh stop whining,`` Kikyo grumbled, giving a final pull and tying a hard knot. ``There. That`s a little better,`` she mused looking Kagome over. ``At least now you`re decent. Not great, but decent.`` With a turn of her heel she walked out of the room. ``I`ll be in to do your hair in a few minutes,`` she called behind her, leaving Kagome with a sinking feeling in her stomach.
``Great, can`t wait,`` Kagome muttered sarcastically. She pulled out a full- skirted dress and pulled it over her head. The fabric was heavy and a tad itchy. Kagome grimaced and fastened up the back. Observing herself in the mirror, Kagome felt like a porcelain doll. All dressed and pressed for display. Examining herself further, Kagome winced when Kikyo appeared at her door again.
``Sit.`` Kagome sat, and Kikyo picked up her brush.
[Oh here we go..] Kagome thought irritably, wanting the morning ritual to be over as soon as possible.
-@--@-
Inuyasha walked steadily through the busy streets. There were shops carts everywhere and people bustling about to by things they didn`t need with money they didn`t have. Pathetic.
Having left Myouga at the inn, Inuyasha had headed off to find Miroku by himself. He needed a crew to go after Naraku and Miroku was the best place to start. The monk had several contacts and a smooth way of dealing with people. Not to mention he was loyal, and that was all that really mattered to Inuyasha. Presently he came up on a worn down tavern. The sign above the door deemed it The Shrine, but the place was far from that. Broken windows, rattling shutters, the inn was in dire need of repair. Taking no mind of its appearance, Inuyasha took a quick glance around before slipping inside the dilapidated structure. The place was empty, save a few drunks who hadn`t made it home the night before. There were one or two barmaids cleaning things up. No one seemed to notice the violet-eyed stranger that had entered their world.
Walking straight to the counter Inuyasha brought his hand down with a loud thump on the ratty wood. The barmaids looked up startled and gasped at the sight of the roguish man in their midst. A handsome young face popped up from behind the counter and looked at the stranger placidly. The bartender had black hair that ended in a short ponytail at the nape of his neck. His blue eyes were merry and he looked very pleasant.
``I`m sorry sir, we`re not serving right now,`` he said lightly, giving Inuyasha a once over. Inuyasha only stared back at the man.
``Come on Miroku, I know it hasn`t been that long,`` he said coolly, his voice barely above a whisper. Eyes widening slowly, Miroku stared hard at Inuyasha till his face lit up with recognition.
``I-Inuyasha?`` he asked softly, as though the name were foreign to him. Resting his arms on the counter, Miroku looked thoughtfully at the man before him. ``Wow,`` he said finally. ``I`ve heard rumors that you were dead.`` Inuyasha scoffed and gave a cocky smirk.
``Well clearly I`m not,`` Inuyasha said almost haughtily.
``Clearly,`` Miroku echoed dazed. ``But didn`t you..``
``Yea.``
``And then you..``
``Yea.``
``But how did you..``
``Can we talk about this later? I do have some business to discuss with you,`` Inuyasha cut him off a third time, scowling slightly. Miroku nodded quickly, his eyes full of a newfound respect for his visitor.
``Sure, sure. I`ve got a room in back, we can talk there,`` Miroku said quietly. Grabbing a bottle of sake and two glasses, Miroku lead Inuyasha into a tiny room attached to the back of the bar. There was a small cot in the corner and a table with two chairs in the other. A small wood-burning stove radiated a gentle warmth adding a little comfort to the bare room. Sitting down across from each other, Miroku quickly offered Inuyasha a glass of sake, who accepted it readily. Silence ensued the two men, one lost in thought, the other dazed and confused.
``So first, I have to know, did you really lose a crew to mutiny?`` Miroku asked finally, setting his glass down. Inuyasha looked distant for a moment, before nodding slowly.
``Yea. I was captaining a no luck treasure hunt. There was nothing out there to find. Crew got mad and marooned me,`` he said softly in reply, his voice sounding strangely strangled.
``How did you escape?`` Miroku asked, entrapped by the story.
``Didn`t have the smartest crew. They didn`t leave me on a deserted island,`` Inuyasha said with a nonchalant smirk. ``Walked around for three days and came across a fishing town. Stole a small boat and was back in business in no time.``
``And you don`t call yourself a pirate,`` Miroku laughed with a shake of his head. Inuyasha scowled.
``I don`t plunder,`` he said softly. Miroku nodded quickly. He had forgotten how touchy Inuyasha was about the whole pirate thing.
``Fine, a rogue then, it suits you better anyway. Sort of a jack of all trades,`` Miroku offered with a laugh. ``Wow Inuyasha, it`s been a long time..`` Miroku mused after a moment of silence.
``Yea,`` Inuyasha agreed. ``Almost six years since we sailed off after that jewel thing.``
``The Shikon Jewel, yea, that was some fun stuff..``
``Fun? We never found anything,`` Inuyasha pointed out.
``Yea, but it was still fun..``
``Whatever..`` The two friends lapsed into silence, both regressing on the information the other had invoked.
``So, about this new job..`` Miroku baited finally. Even though he knew very little about Inuyasha`s past, he did know that it would take something serious to get him back in town. ``What do you need and how can I help?`` Inuyasha smiled at him, he knew he could count on Miroku.
``I need a fast ship and a strong crew,`` Inuyasha said drumming his fingers lightly on the table.
``Treasure hunt?``
``Something like that.`` Inuyasha didn`t offer any more information and Miroku began to get confused.
```Something like that?` Is it or is it not a treasure hunt?`` Miroku asked again. Why did Inuyasha always have to be so damn vague?
``Technically no, but it`s not like we won`t collect off of it anyway.`` Miroku looked lost by Inuyasha`s answer. Not to mention he was beginning to get suspicious.
``Inuyasha, give it to me straight. What are we doing?`` Miroku asked trying not to sound too exasperated.
``I found out who killed my father,`` Inuyasha admitted softly, not looking at Miroku. Miroku`s breath caught in his throat and slowly he looked down as well.
``I see. Can I ask who?``
``Naraku. He`s a pirate, sails a ship called the `Onigumo` or something..`` Inuyasha answered looking back up. Miroku`s face had paled visibly and it almost looked like the monk was shaking. ``What?``
``That`s the name of the ship that brought down both my grandfather`s and my father`s vessels,`` Miroku said quietly. ``You know where to find him?`` Miroku`s voice was full of conviction, as now he wanted to take out this bastard Naraku as much as Inuyasha.
``Toutousai gave me this map, but I`m under the impression that the best way to get to the bastard is to have something he wants.`` Inuyasha handed Miroku the map. ``He didn`t know about the credibility of this thing, but it`s a start.``
``Where did he get this?`` Miroku asked, examining the scroll.
``Drew it himself, I don`t know,`` Inuyasha frowned. Why did where the map come from make a difference?
``I doubt it, this is a really old map Inuyasha. Really old.`` Miroku whistled softly under his breath and handed the map back. ``Well I hope the old man is right. I`d like to take a piece out of that rotten pirate.``
``Get in line,`` Inuyasha said dryly, putting the map back in his pouch. ``How soon?``
``Give me one day. We`ll be ready to sail at noon tomorrow.``
-@--@-
``How much further till we over take the `Hime`?`` Naraku bellowed over the deck. Several pirates ran frantically around to get an answer. Finally an unlucky sailor approached the ruthless captain.
``Due to the cross wind sir, we have lost sometime. We should over take them sometime the day after tomorrow, most likely late afternoon.`` Naraku looked furious.
``Who made the mistake that put us so far behind?`` he roared.
``It was unavoidable sir. There was now way we could have predicted the wind change,`` the young sailor tried to explain, but Naraku would have none of it. Grabbing the boy by the front of the shirt, the grizzled man threw him overboard. The boy`s cries were heard as he called for help from his fellow mates. No one moved. One look at the captain and they all knew if they tried to help the drowning boy they would soon be swimming with him.
``What are you all standing around for?! Get back to work you lazy scum! We`re behind schedule and I want those girls now!`` The ship leapt into action, pirates running back and forth to appease Naraku`s wrath. Turning away from his crew he meandered to the edge of helm. ``Enjoy your last day ladies. You may be safe yet tomorrow, but then it will all be over,`` he told the wind quietly. Taking pleasure in that thought, he released a sinister chuckle that developed into an evil laugh, so cold it would have frozen seawater. Far away, standing on the sunny bow of the `Hime`, Kagome Higurashi shivered.
-@--@-
The icy chill sped down Kagome`s spine, cooling her very core and causing her to shiver violently. It lasted only a moment, but it left Kagome in a cold sweat. Frozen until the feeling had passed Kagome looked around for a cause of such a icy feeling. Rubbing her arms in an effort to warm herself, a feeling of dread began creeping over Kagome. Something was terribly wrong.
``Miss Kagome are you alright?`` the cabin boy, Shippo, approached the stricken girl. He had noticed her sudden shiver and now the girl was very pale and to the point of trembling. ``Miss?`` he sounded rather alarmed at the girl`s change in demeanor. Kagome looked at Shippo, her eyes wide with an indistinguishable fear. Almost gasping for breath, Kagome tried to calm her shaken nerves.
``No.. I mean yes.. I`m fine,`` Kagome panted, her hand over her heart. ``I just need to lay down. I think I`ve been standing a bit too long,`` she muttered, walking toward her cabin. Shippo walked with her, steadying her as they went. After making sure Kagome was resting comfortably in her cabin, he ran to report to the captain.
``Is she ill? Did you have the ship`s physician look at her yet?`` Yoshiro asked concernedly after the boy had told him the news.
``I`ve informed him sir, but she hasn`t been seen yet. It was strange sir, she was fine one moment and then the next..`` Shippo trailed off.
``What happened to her?`` the captain baited. There was something the cabin boy was leaving out.
``Well sir, it`s almost like..like she was afraid sir,`` Shippo answered, confusion evident in his voice. ``Just all of a sudden she was frightened out of her mind.`` Yoshiro frowned.
``Was there anything off the bow that would have caused such a reaction?``
``No sir.`` Yoshiro sighed heavily. He hoped that Miss Kagome wasn`t ill, he would miss her pleasantries on the deck.
``Keep and eye on her and inform me immediately if her condition worsens.``
``Aye Aye Captain,`` Shippo said proudly with a small salute. Turning on his heel, he hurried back below deck to check on the girl.
-@--@-
Kagome sat up in her bed gazing out the window. The intense cold had completely left her system, but a chill ran through her every time she remembered it. It was now late in the afternoon. Judging by the light reflecting off the surface of the ocean, Kagome deemed that the sun was now setting. The ship`s doctor, the cabin boy, Shippo, and the captain had been checking in with her regularly. Kikyo had stayed with her all afternoon and only recently went to the dining room to get something to eat. She had encouraged Kagome to come and eat, but the younger girl politely refused. The knot in her stomach wouldn`t have allowed her to eat anyway.
[What`s the matter with me?] Kagome racked her brain for answers. She was scarcely ever afraid of anything. That was Kikyo`s job, but now.. Something had frightened her and no matter how hard she tried she couldn`t shake the feeling of dread that now weighed her down.
``Are you feeling better yet?`` Kikyo walked cautiously back into Kagome`s room. She carried a tray of food with her. ``I know you said you weren`t hungry but I brought this just in case,`` she said with a concerned smile. It was funny, as much as Kikyo would ridicule her for being so different and unladylike, there were times that the two were very close. They had a special understanding that was only found between siblings even if they chose to ignore it most of the time.
``Thanks,`` Kagome said, offering back a weak smile. She wasn`t going to be hungry, but it was the thought that count.
``Do you want to talk?`` Kagome almost fell over. Kikyo almost never wanted to have a real conversation with her, she was too childish. Just because of the rare moment, Kagome wished that she did want to talk, but even thinking about discussing the feeling made her throat run dry.
``No, but thank you. I think I`ll just go to bed. I`m sure I`ll feel fine in the morning,`` Kagome said, laying back down. Kikyo nodded.
``Yes, it`s probably for the best,`` she admitted backing out of the door. ``Sleep well little sister. I hope you feel well again soon.`` With that Kikyo closed the door with a quiet click. Kagome heard her footsteps pad softly towards her own cabin. Sighing Kagome sat back up, and stared out the window again.
``I wish I knew why I got that feeling. Something bad is going to happen, I just don`t know what and when..`` she told herself firmly. ``I just hope it isn`t too bad..``
-@--@-
lostdreams: Okay, these first two chapters are more like prologues. Everything will start coming together in the next one and the real plot will ensue. I haven`t really determined how long this one will be yet, but it`s looking to be pretty short. Oh well, too soon to tell really. I hope everyone enjoys it so far. Please read and review! Thanks!
-@--@-
Disclaimer: Inuyasha and co belong to Lady Rumiko, not me..`sigh`
lostdreams: Quick chapters! The exciting part is yet to happen, so I might have another quick update after this one. In a week I`ll have two weeks of great computer time so all of my stories should be getting their updates frequently. Anyway, I hope you guys are liking this. I am..^_^
-@--@-
Chapter 2
-@--@-
Kagome woke early gently lulled awake by the soft sound of the waves lapping against the side of the ship. Smiling, she stared out her window for a moment, taking in the streaming sunlight and the cool blue ocean. It was a little slice of heaven. Sighing she swung her feet to the cold floor and padded to her wardrobe. Shifting disdainfully through the dresses and corsets, Kagome grunted in disgust. That was one thing about attending school in England. You had to dress like the English. Granted Japanese finery could scarcely be described as comfortable with the layers and layers of stifling kimonos, but at least one could breath properly. Now these corset things were a gift straight from hell. Designed to be tied as tightly as possible so as to reduce one`s waist size and prop up one`s chest.
[I hate corsets. I hate fancy dresses. I want to wear what the sailors wear. So much more sensible.] Kagome thought irritably as she began to tug on her corset. If she were lucky, she`d be done and dressed before Kikyo came in. If not, Kikyo would insist on tying her strings and Kagome wouldn`t be able to breathe at all.
Unfortunately the gods of all things that Kagome didn`t want wasn`t listening, as Kikyo walked into Kagome`s compartment demanding help with her own corset. Rolling her eyes and cursing her luck, Kagome plastered on a fake smile and began to tighten Kikyo`s strings.
``Can`t you do any better than that?`` Kikyo grumbled, trying to pull on her strings herself. ``Honestly, I`ll never be able to fit into my clothes like this.`` Kagome wanted to laugh. Kikyo`s waist couldn`t be more than 15 in` around and that was too big for her. Not to mention Kagome had pulled the strings to within an inch of their existence and no amount of tugging would make and further difference at all. If only to appease her sister, Kagome went through the motions of yanking on the strings again, not that it did anything. When she was done, Kikyo looked to the mirror and examined her appearance.
``I suppose that`ll have to do,`` she said finally, sounding slightly disdainful, sizing her hips and waist with her hands. ``Your turn,`` she said curtly motioning Kagome to turn around. Kagome held up her hands.
``I`m already done and ready thanks,`` Kagome said quickly, backing away. Kikyo frowned and didn`t back down.
``Honestly Kagome, you look disgraceful. Now stop being such a baby and let me adjust your strings,`` Kikyo ordered. With a groan, Kagome obeyed. Bracing herself against the wardrobe door, Kagome waited for the worst. It was surprising how much strength Kikyo could put into pulling those strings. She was so petite and twiggy that it was surprising that she could pull the strings at all.
As far as appearances went, the two girls were very similar. They had the same facial structure, same eyes, and same hair. Kikyo`s hair was longer, but the color and the texture was the same. There were the same height as well, but their body similarities ended there. Kagome had a full and curvaceous figure, very easy on the eyes. Kikyo`s was more subdued, smaller breasts, smaller hips, definitely more bird-like. Both girls were considered exquisite in their own ways. Kagome`s personality helped her out greatly, as the thinner frame and daintier look of Kikyo seemed to be more desirable than her own rounded look.
``Ow!`` Kagome gasped as Kikyo`s tug almost pulled her off her feet. ``That`s good enough,`` she groaned trying to expand her chest to reduce the tightness.
``Oh stop whining,`` Kikyo grumbled, giving a final pull and tying a hard knot. ``There. That`s a little better,`` she mused looking Kagome over. ``At least now you`re decent. Not great, but decent.`` With a turn of her heel she walked out of the room. ``I`ll be in to do your hair in a few minutes,`` she called behind her, leaving Kagome with a sinking feeling in her stomach.
``Great, can`t wait,`` Kagome muttered sarcastically. She pulled out a full- skirted dress and pulled it over her head. The fabric was heavy and a tad itchy. Kagome grimaced and fastened up the back. Observing herself in the mirror, Kagome felt like a porcelain doll. All dressed and pressed for display. Examining herself further, Kagome winced when Kikyo appeared at her door again.
``Sit.`` Kagome sat, and Kikyo picked up her brush.
[Oh here we go..] Kagome thought irritably, wanting the morning ritual to be over as soon as possible.
-@--@-
Inuyasha walked steadily through the busy streets. There were shops carts everywhere and people bustling about to by things they didn`t need with money they didn`t have. Pathetic.
Having left Myouga at the inn, Inuyasha had headed off to find Miroku by himself. He needed a crew to go after Naraku and Miroku was the best place to start. The monk had several contacts and a smooth way of dealing with people. Not to mention he was loyal, and that was all that really mattered to Inuyasha. Presently he came up on a worn down tavern. The sign above the door deemed it The Shrine, but the place was far from that. Broken windows, rattling shutters, the inn was in dire need of repair. Taking no mind of its appearance, Inuyasha took a quick glance around before slipping inside the dilapidated structure. The place was empty, save a few drunks who hadn`t made it home the night before. There were one or two barmaids cleaning things up. No one seemed to notice the violet-eyed stranger that had entered their world.
Walking straight to the counter Inuyasha brought his hand down with a loud thump on the ratty wood. The barmaids looked up startled and gasped at the sight of the roguish man in their midst. A handsome young face popped up from behind the counter and looked at the stranger placidly. The bartender had black hair that ended in a short ponytail at the nape of his neck. His blue eyes were merry and he looked very pleasant.
``I`m sorry sir, we`re not serving right now,`` he said lightly, giving Inuyasha a once over. Inuyasha only stared back at the man.
``Come on Miroku, I know it hasn`t been that long,`` he said coolly, his voice barely above a whisper. Eyes widening slowly, Miroku stared hard at Inuyasha till his face lit up with recognition.
``I-Inuyasha?`` he asked softly, as though the name were foreign to him. Resting his arms on the counter, Miroku looked thoughtfully at the man before him. ``Wow,`` he said finally. ``I`ve heard rumors that you were dead.`` Inuyasha scoffed and gave a cocky smirk.
``Well clearly I`m not,`` Inuyasha said almost haughtily.
``Clearly,`` Miroku echoed dazed. ``But didn`t you..``
``Yea.``
``And then you..``
``Yea.``
``But how did you..``
``Can we talk about this later? I do have some business to discuss with you,`` Inuyasha cut him off a third time, scowling slightly. Miroku nodded quickly, his eyes full of a newfound respect for his visitor.
``Sure, sure. I`ve got a room in back, we can talk there,`` Miroku said quietly. Grabbing a bottle of sake and two glasses, Miroku lead Inuyasha into a tiny room attached to the back of the bar. There was a small cot in the corner and a table with two chairs in the other. A small wood-burning stove radiated a gentle warmth adding a little comfort to the bare room. Sitting down across from each other, Miroku quickly offered Inuyasha a glass of sake, who accepted it readily. Silence ensued the two men, one lost in thought, the other dazed and confused.
``So first, I have to know, did you really lose a crew to mutiny?`` Miroku asked finally, setting his glass down. Inuyasha looked distant for a moment, before nodding slowly.
``Yea. I was captaining a no luck treasure hunt. There was nothing out there to find. Crew got mad and marooned me,`` he said softly in reply, his voice sounding strangely strangled.
``How did you escape?`` Miroku asked, entrapped by the story.
``Didn`t have the smartest crew. They didn`t leave me on a deserted island,`` Inuyasha said with a nonchalant smirk. ``Walked around for three days and came across a fishing town. Stole a small boat and was back in business in no time.``
``And you don`t call yourself a pirate,`` Miroku laughed with a shake of his head. Inuyasha scowled.
``I don`t plunder,`` he said softly. Miroku nodded quickly. He had forgotten how touchy Inuyasha was about the whole pirate thing.
``Fine, a rogue then, it suits you better anyway. Sort of a jack of all trades,`` Miroku offered with a laugh. ``Wow Inuyasha, it`s been a long time..`` Miroku mused after a moment of silence.
``Yea,`` Inuyasha agreed. ``Almost six years since we sailed off after that jewel thing.``
``The Shikon Jewel, yea, that was some fun stuff..``
``Fun? We never found anything,`` Inuyasha pointed out.
``Yea, but it was still fun..``
``Whatever..`` The two friends lapsed into silence, both regressing on the information the other had invoked.
``So, about this new job..`` Miroku baited finally. Even though he knew very little about Inuyasha`s past, he did know that it would take something serious to get him back in town. ``What do you need and how can I help?`` Inuyasha smiled at him, he knew he could count on Miroku.
``I need a fast ship and a strong crew,`` Inuyasha said drumming his fingers lightly on the table.
``Treasure hunt?``
``Something like that.`` Inuyasha didn`t offer any more information and Miroku began to get confused.
```Something like that?` Is it or is it not a treasure hunt?`` Miroku asked again. Why did Inuyasha always have to be so damn vague?
``Technically no, but it`s not like we won`t collect off of it anyway.`` Miroku looked lost by Inuyasha`s answer. Not to mention he was beginning to get suspicious.
``Inuyasha, give it to me straight. What are we doing?`` Miroku asked trying not to sound too exasperated.
``I found out who killed my father,`` Inuyasha admitted softly, not looking at Miroku. Miroku`s breath caught in his throat and slowly he looked down as well.
``I see. Can I ask who?``
``Naraku. He`s a pirate, sails a ship called the `Onigumo` or something..`` Inuyasha answered looking back up. Miroku`s face had paled visibly and it almost looked like the monk was shaking. ``What?``
``That`s the name of the ship that brought down both my grandfather`s and my father`s vessels,`` Miroku said quietly. ``You know where to find him?`` Miroku`s voice was full of conviction, as now he wanted to take out this bastard Naraku as much as Inuyasha.
``Toutousai gave me this map, but I`m under the impression that the best way to get to the bastard is to have something he wants.`` Inuyasha handed Miroku the map. ``He didn`t know about the credibility of this thing, but it`s a start.``
``Where did he get this?`` Miroku asked, examining the scroll.
``Drew it himself, I don`t know,`` Inuyasha frowned. Why did where the map come from make a difference?
``I doubt it, this is a really old map Inuyasha. Really old.`` Miroku whistled softly under his breath and handed the map back. ``Well I hope the old man is right. I`d like to take a piece out of that rotten pirate.``
``Get in line,`` Inuyasha said dryly, putting the map back in his pouch. ``How soon?``
``Give me one day. We`ll be ready to sail at noon tomorrow.``
-@--@-
``How much further till we over take the `Hime`?`` Naraku bellowed over the deck. Several pirates ran frantically around to get an answer. Finally an unlucky sailor approached the ruthless captain.
``Due to the cross wind sir, we have lost sometime. We should over take them sometime the day after tomorrow, most likely late afternoon.`` Naraku looked furious.
``Who made the mistake that put us so far behind?`` he roared.
``It was unavoidable sir. There was now way we could have predicted the wind change,`` the young sailor tried to explain, but Naraku would have none of it. Grabbing the boy by the front of the shirt, the grizzled man threw him overboard. The boy`s cries were heard as he called for help from his fellow mates. No one moved. One look at the captain and they all knew if they tried to help the drowning boy they would soon be swimming with him.
``What are you all standing around for?! Get back to work you lazy scum! We`re behind schedule and I want those girls now!`` The ship leapt into action, pirates running back and forth to appease Naraku`s wrath. Turning away from his crew he meandered to the edge of helm. ``Enjoy your last day ladies. You may be safe yet tomorrow, but then it will all be over,`` he told the wind quietly. Taking pleasure in that thought, he released a sinister chuckle that developed into an evil laugh, so cold it would have frozen seawater. Far away, standing on the sunny bow of the `Hime`, Kagome Higurashi shivered.
-@--@-
The icy chill sped down Kagome`s spine, cooling her very core and causing her to shiver violently. It lasted only a moment, but it left Kagome in a cold sweat. Frozen until the feeling had passed Kagome looked around for a cause of such a icy feeling. Rubbing her arms in an effort to warm herself, a feeling of dread began creeping over Kagome. Something was terribly wrong.
``Miss Kagome are you alright?`` the cabin boy, Shippo, approached the stricken girl. He had noticed her sudden shiver and now the girl was very pale and to the point of trembling. ``Miss?`` he sounded rather alarmed at the girl`s change in demeanor. Kagome looked at Shippo, her eyes wide with an indistinguishable fear. Almost gasping for breath, Kagome tried to calm her shaken nerves.
``No.. I mean yes.. I`m fine,`` Kagome panted, her hand over her heart. ``I just need to lay down. I think I`ve been standing a bit too long,`` she muttered, walking toward her cabin. Shippo walked with her, steadying her as they went. After making sure Kagome was resting comfortably in her cabin, he ran to report to the captain.
``Is she ill? Did you have the ship`s physician look at her yet?`` Yoshiro asked concernedly after the boy had told him the news.
``I`ve informed him sir, but she hasn`t been seen yet. It was strange sir, she was fine one moment and then the next..`` Shippo trailed off.
``What happened to her?`` the captain baited. There was something the cabin boy was leaving out.
``Well sir, it`s almost like..like she was afraid sir,`` Shippo answered, confusion evident in his voice. ``Just all of a sudden she was frightened out of her mind.`` Yoshiro frowned.
``Was there anything off the bow that would have caused such a reaction?``
``No sir.`` Yoshiro sighed heavily. He hoped that Miss Kagome wasn`t ill, he would miss her pleasantries on the deck.
``Keep and eye on her and inform me immediately if her condition worsens.``
``Aye Aye Captain,`` Shippo said proudly with a small salute. Turning on his heel, he hurried back below deck to check on the girl.
-@--@-
Kagome sat up in her bed gazing out the window. The intense cold had completely left her system, but a chill ran through her every time she remembered it. It was now late in the afternoon. Judging by the light reflecting off the surface of the ocean, Kagome deemed that the sun was now setting. The ship`s doctor, the cabin boy, Shippo, and the captain had been checking in with her regularly. Kikyo had stayed with her all afternoon and only recently went to the dining room to get something to eat. She had encouraged Kagome to come and eat, but the younger girl politely refused. The knot in her stomach wouldn`t have allowed her to eat anyway.
[What`s the matter with me?] Kagome racked her brain for answers. She was scarcely ever afraid of anything. That was Kikyo`s job, but now.. Something had frightened her and no matter how hard she tried she couldn`t shake the feeling of dread that now weighed her down.
``Are you feeling better yet?`` Kikyo walked cautiously back into Kagome`s room. She carried a tray of food with her. ``I know you said you weren`t hungry but I brought this just in case,`` she said with a concerned smile. It was funny, as much as Kikyo would ridicule her for being so different and unladylike, there were times that the two were very close. They had a special understanding that was only found between siblings even if they chose to ignore it most of the time.
``Thanks,`` Kagome said, offering back a weak smile. She wasn`t going to be hungry, but it was the thought that count.
``Do you want to talk?`` Kagome almost fell over. Kikyo almost never wanted to have a real conversation with her, she was too childish. Just because of the rare moment, Kagome wished that she did want to talk, but even thinking about discussing the feeling made her throat run dry.
``No, but thank you. I think I`ll just go to bed. I`m sure I`ll feel fine in the morning,`` Kagome said, laying back down. Kikyo nodded.
``Yes, it`s probably for the best,`` she admitted backing out of the door. ``Sleep well little sister. I hope you feel well again soon.`` With that Kikyo closed the door with a quiet click. Kagome heard her footsteps pad softly towards her own cabin. Sighing Kagome sat back up, and stared out the window again.
``I wish I knew why I got that feeling. Something bad is going to happen, I just don`t know what and when..`` she told herself firmly. ``I just hope it isn`t too bad..``
-@--@-
lostdreams: Okay, these first two chapters are more like prologues. Everything will start coming together in the next one and the real plot will ensue. I haven`t really determined how long this one will be yet, but it`s looking to be pretty short. Oh well, too soon to tell really. I hope everyone enjoys it so far. Please read and review! Thanks!