Drifting Desires
-@--@-
Disclaimer: This is so pointless. I highly doubt anyone here thinks that someone like me would own someone like Inuyasha, but just for propriety`s sake, I`ll say again anyway.
Inuyasha is not mine.
lostdreams: Okay, I don`t know what was up with the last chapter and all the apostrophe`s and quotation mark becoming funky symbols. I didn`t do it on purpose, it happened while it was loading on to fanfiction. I did upload a better-looking chapter that I hope is easier for everyone to read. (Though it still kind of torks me that it didn`t work the first time.)
Anyway..I want to thank everyone for the reviews! There are a few things I guess I should cover now that I`m sure that I`m going to keep going with this. As I mentioned in the first chapter, in this fic everyone is human (which is sort of ooc for me to do). Kikyo is a bit out of character given the fact that she actually has real feelings other than hatred and whatever..reminded she was human once too, pretend this is now ^_^! And I`d also like to reiterate that yes it was Pirates of the Caribbean that drove me to write a pirate fic, but I don`t intend on following that story line at all (Yes there are some similarities, but that`s all..)
And finally..Yes vegito044, Johnny Depp is a totally stud and the reason I`ve seen that movie twice already. (I`m up for a third time if anyone wants to come..^_~)
Okay..I`m done now..
-@--@-
Chapter 3
-@--@-
Kagome woke before the sun the next day. Unable to sleep another moment, she got dressed and headed topside. A night chill lingered in the air requiring the sun`s light to chase it away. Looking out at the inky black water, Kagome felt the same feeling of foreboding wash over her again. The air was heavy, almost to thick to see through, and a soft haze clouded her vision.
[It`s coming..] her mind told her darkly. [It`ll be here soon..] Kagome agreed. That much was obvious. If only she knew what..
``Miss Kagome? What are you doing up so early?`` a childish voice asked. Kagome whirled in surprise to see the cabin boy had joined her.
``Oh, I just couldn`t sleep, that`s all,`` Kagome said with a small smile, forcing her voice to sound airy. ``What about you?`` she asked politely.
``Oh I`m up this early every morning. I help the cook with breakfast,`` Shippo answered proudly. Even though he was probably ten or eleven, the boy looked about six. He was small and skinny with sandy brown hair and bright blue/green eyes, simply adorable to any girl who laid eyes on him.
``I see,`` Kagome said with a laugh. ``Well it`s good you can help out so much,`` she told him. Shippo puffed up even more.
``Yea, Captain Yoshiro was really nice to let me come along. He used to be friends of my parents and took me in after they died.`` Kagome started.
``You`re parents are dead?`` she echoed in shock. Shippo had said it so casually that Kagome wasn`t sure she had heard him right.
``Yea,`` he said softly, his eye darting around for anyone listening. ``They were killed by pirates,`` he added after he was sure no one else would hear him. Kagome`s heart froze in her chest. She was just teasing Kikyo about pirates the day before and now here was someone who had actually been affected by them.
``You poor thing. That must have been horrible..`` Kagome said softly.
``It`s okay. It happened a long time ago,`` he retorted uncomfortably. It was apparent to Kagome that no matter what kind of front the child was putting up, the incident still hurt him.
``Well if you ever want to talk, you can always come find me,`` Kagome said kindly, giving the child a hug. Shippo`s eyes grew wide and grateful.
``Thank you,`` he said happily. ``Well I`ve gotta go help the cook some more. Good-bye Miss Higurashi,`` he called as he tottered off again.
``Bye! And call me Kagome,`` she called after him. Shippo gave a wave to acknowledge he heard her and disappeared below deck. A light pink was beginning to materialize on the horizon, announcing that the sun would soon be making its grand entrance. Lost in thought, Kagome made her way back to her cabin for a time. Shippo`s story consumed her and she felt her heart reach out to the boy, but even with the distraction she couldn`t shake the feeling that had been gnawing at her stomach since yesterday. It was making her antsy. Unable to sit a moment longer, Kagome began pacing her room.
``Oh come on already..`` she muttered irritably. ``How long are we going to have to wait for this.
-@--@-
``Okay, so the crew is a little smaller than I had anticipated, but it`s no matter. We can run the ship on two people if really necessary,`` Miroku explained as he led Inuyasha to the ship. Myouga followed as well, taking in the sights of the docks, only half paying attention to the conversation between the two younger men in front of them. ``I`ve already explained that you are the captain as you have had the most sailing experience by far out of everyone. Other than that I`ve assigned jobs to everyone aboard.`` Inuyasha nodded approvingly. Miroku didn`t leave much for him to do.
``How many are there?`` he asked nonchalantly. Privately Inuyasha was hoping for a small crew, less chance of a mutiny. After being put through all that betrayal once, he was not about to let it happen again. As of now, Miroku was the only person he trusted.
``Well counting you, Myouga, and me there are nine. Ten if you count the cat,`` Miroku said, thinking a moment. ``Two women, two young men, one boy, and one old man, not including us..`` he said softly, unsure if Inuyasha would approve.
``Two women eh? Is one of them Sango?`` Inuyasha asked giving a sideways glance at the monk. Miroku went the slightest twinge of pink.
``Yes, Sango nearly jumped at the chance to sail with you again. Her brother younger brother Kohaku also joined up,`` Miroku answered after clearing his throat. Inuyasha nodded the smallest of smiles on his lips. He had worked with Sango before and knew her to be a trustworthy seafarer and great person at that.
``Who are the others?``
``Well there is Nazuna. I hired her on as a cook. Jinenji is the muscle and not all that smart, but he`s a good guy and really strong. Mushin was brought aboard as a sort of physician. He`s been on a few voyages so he knows his way around a ship. Tanuki is a personal friend of mine, helps me out at the tavern every now and again. He`s never sailed before but he`s a willing worker and rather enthusiastic.``
``You mentioned something about a cat..``
``Yea, I would have said no animals, but Kilala belongs to Sango and she really wasn`t keen on leaving it behind. Don`t worry, I`ve met it. It`s a decent cat,`` Miroku said earnestly. Inuyasha cracked a grin.
``Do they know the reason for the voyage?``
``Ummm.. sort of,`` Miroku said hesitantly.
``What do you mean, `sort of`?`` Inuyasha stopped and looked hard at the monk.
``Well Sango, Tanuki, Mushin, and maybe Kohaku know, but the others well..I feigned treasure hunt,`` Miroku explained quickly, moving out of Inuyasha`s reach.
``What?!`` Inuyasha growled. Myouga, who had still been following the two, cringed behind Inuyasha.
``Relax, once we`re underway things will be clearer. Just let me take care of it,`` Miroku soothed. ``You can trust me Inuyasha. You know that.`` Inuyasha still fumed quietly, but then nodded slowly. Miroku was right. Inuyasha would just have to trust him.
``Okay, we`ll do it your way,`` Inuyasha conceded.
``Great. I won`t let you down,`` Miroku promised earnestly. Walking aways further, Miroku stopped and pointed a specific boat. ``There she is. The `Youkai`.`` A good size ship slowly rose up before them. Inuyasha looked over the vessel appreciatively.
``Nice, where did you get it?`` Inuyasha asked as he admired the boat from a distance.
``That`s not important,`` Miroku said with a wave of his hand letting Inuyasha know that his means of coming about the `Youkai` were less than honest.
``Welcome back sir! Most of the preparations have been made to your specifications,`` a stout young man announced. He had an almost racoonish look to him, with dark eyes and dark hair.
``Thank you Tanuki, I was..``
``INUYASHA!`` A figure with a streaming ponytail tackled the poor guy before he realized someone was coming at him.
``S-Sango?`` he asked looking up at the young woman. She was wearing a loose jerkin, a light pink color, and black breeches, her long black hair pulled in a high ponytail. Miroku looked surprised by her actions as well.
``So you are alive. I`ve been hearing tales. Mutiny, marooning, and that`s just the start..`` she teased offering him a hand up which he accepted gratefully.
``Actually that just about sums it up,`` he muttered standing back up.
``Are you serious? All that really happened?`` Sango asked incredulously. ``I heard that it was a bigger blunder as a treasure hunt than when we went after the Shikon.``
``It was..``
``And you`re crew turned mutinous and marooned you on a fishing island, though they didn`t know it was a fishing island.``
``Yep and yep,`` Inuyasha admitted. Miroku had that proud look in his eye again.
``And you made it back to civilization and paid your crew back tenfold for turning against you..
``Well..almost..`` Inuyasha mused, thinking a moment. ``It might have only been threefold.``
``Wow,`` Sango`s eyes were full of a strange adoration. Either way, both of their looks were making him uncomfortable.
``It`s no big deal really,`` Inuyasha said, backing away slightly. ``This trip could turn out to be the biggest blunder of them all,`` he added seriously. Miroku and Sango sobered immediately while Myouga and Tanuki strained to hear.
``Miroku only told me we were going after a pirate. Didn`t give me any names or anything,`` Sango said quietly. Inuyasha raised an eyebrow.
``Well his name is Naraku and he sails a ship called the `Onigumo`,`` Inuyasha answered. He was surprised to see Sango stiffen.
``That bastard is still alive?`` she seethed quietly. Inuyasha shot a surprised look at Miroku who shrugged his shoulders. Neither man had any idea that Sango knew who Naraku was.
``You`ve had a run in with him too?`` Miroku asked a little incredulously. This Naraku sure got around when it came to dealing out misery.
``He destroyed our village, killing everyone except for Kohaku and myself,`` Sango admitted turning away. ``I guess there was a rumor of some treasure in our small town..`` Inuyasha was stunned. At this rate everyone had a reason to kill Naraku. Miroku reached forward and placed an arm around Sango.
``Don`t worry my dear, we will be sure to destroy Naraku,`` he said gently, rubbing Sango`s back.
*BAM*
``Don`t think I haven`t forgotten about you lecher!`` Sango growled leaving a swirly-eyed Miroku on the ground. After she had stomped back off to the ship, Inuyasha pulled Miroku to his feet.
``She hasn`t changed a bit,`` he chuckled, dusting the poor monk off.
``No, not at all,`` Miroku agreed, his voice a little strained. ``Sango, the only girl with a better right hook than you..`` Inuyasha laughed out loud.
``It`s a good thing she`s on our side.``
``Tell me about it. Alright, I suppose it`s time to see the rest of your ship..let`s go.`` Miroku stretched his arms a bit and lead Inuyasha in a tour of the ship, Tanuki close at hand giving all sorts of trivial and mindless information. After a good hour of looking the `Youkai` over, Inuyasha deemed it seaworthy.
``Alright, are we ready?`` he asked as he looked around the helm one last time.
``The last box of supplies was loaded while we were showing you around..Captain,`` Miroku said with a smile. Inuyasha grinned. As serious of a nature as this new `mission` was, he couldn`t help but feel excited. The sea had always called to him, and every time he took to the waves he felt complete. This was where he belonged.
``Good. Tanuki call the crew, we`ll be setting off shortly,`` Inuyasha ordered. The racoonish man looked positively ecstatic that Inuyasha had addressed him personally.
``Aye aye sir!`` Tanuki answered, nearly tripping over himself in his haste. Inuyasha shot a questioning look to Miroku behind the other man`s back. Miroku merely shrugged.
``I told you he was enthusiastic,`` he said loftily after Tanuki was gone.
``Right,`` Inuyasha said slowly, still unsure about the stability of Miroku`s friend. Suddenly in an afterthought he pulled out the map Toutousai had given him. ``Here,`` he said softly, handing the decrepit scroll to Miroku. ``You`re in charge of navigation. You know how good I am at reading maps.`` Miroku took the scroll hesitantly, looking greatly surprised by Inuyasha`s sudden act of liberality.
``Are you sure?`` Miroku asked apprehensively.
``Yes. I need someone to read that horrid writing because I don`t really want to deal with it,`` Inuyasha answered dismissively, as though it were no big deal. In reality Miroku knew more about wind and ocean currents than anyone else. With Miroku behind routing, they could easily be the fastest ship in the entire ocean..not that Inuyasha would ever tell him that.
``Aye aye sir,`` Miroku answered respectfully. ``You can count on me Inuyasha,`` he added humbly. Inuyasha only nodded.
``Everyone`s on deck sir,`` Tanuki rushed up, panting slightly. Inuyasha looked over his crew. He immediately saw Sango and the boy he took to be her little brother. There was a girl with short black hair who had to be the cook, Nazuna. A large and rather unsightly fellow had to be Jinenji. His appearance was less than appealing but Inuyasha could see the goodness in his eyes. The final newcomer that Inuyasha had left to meet was the old man Mushin. Even from a distance, Inuyasha could tell this man liked his sake. At any rate he seemed merry enough.. Through all of Inuyasha`s silence, he didn`t realize that everyone was looking at him expectantly. Feeling the stares of his mates on him, Inuyasha suddenly became irritated.
``What are you all staring at! Let`s go! Weigh anchor! Hoist the sails. Let`s get this tub in the water! We don`t have all day!`` he growled. The newcomers who did not receive a forewarning of Inuyasha`s demeanor looked stunned, but Sango and Miroku smiled and went about the business of setting off. Within two minutes the ship was bustling. Within ten, they were already underway. Staring out at the ocean from behind the wheel, Inuyasha breathed deep.
``Now it starts,`` he muttered softly, sobering just a little. ``I will avenge your death father. I promise you that..``
-@--@--
Kagome stood with Kikyo and the Captain on the bridge of the `Hime`. The sky was darkening steadily, even though they had a couple hours of daylight left. The clouds that were rolling in did not look friendly and slashes of lightening could be seen charging sporadically across the sky.
``It looks as though a storm is head our way ladies. It would probably be best for you both to stay below deck until this passes,`` Captain Yoshiro looked grimly at the two girls. Kagome nodded weekly, but Kikyo looked very upset.
``How far are we from Japan?`` she asked shrilly, her voice edged in fear.
``Another day or so milady,`` the captain returned. ``This will slow us down a little, but I believe that we should still have the two of you back by dusk tomorrow. For the time being we are going to drop anchor and ride this weather out. Don`t want to get knocked off course and end up further out.`` Kikyo`s face paled visibly.
``This ship can stay afloat through this sort of weather right?`` she asked urgently, sounding a tad rude. Kagome had half a mind to call her on it, but she remained silent, numb to the feeling of anxiety that was slowly eating her.
``I assure you Miss Higurashi, the `Hime` has been through worse squalls than this. We will be fine,`` Yoshiro assured her. ``But it is best that the two of you stay inside where it is warm. It`ll start raining soon..`` he added with another glance at the sky. Kikyo nodded and grabbed Kagome`s hand and dragged her back to the cabin area.
``Well this is just terrible,`` Kikyo muttered angrily. ``Just when I thought we were going to get off this godforsaken boat..`` Kagome wasn`t listening to Kikyo`s ravings. Her eyes and thoughts were glued to the window and the impending storm.
``It`s not bad enough,`` she whispered. ``The worst is yet to come..`` Kikyo halted in her tracks.
``What did you say?`` she asked Kagome in a fearful tone.
``This isn`t it,`` Kagome continued, not really talking to Kikyo, her eyes glazed over. ``The storm isn`t bad enough. Something worse is coming..``
``Kagome stop it..`` Kikyo warned, but Kagome didn`t hear her. The girl had slowly begun rocking back and forth.
``It`s coming and we won`t be able to stop it..this is the `Hime`s` last voyage..`` Kagome`s voice rose with each word of her dismal prediction. Kikyo took an angry hold of her sister`s shoulders.
``Shut up Kagome! Don`t say another word!`` she ordered harshly, giving Kagome a hard shake. Kagome`s eyes cleared and she looked up at Kikyo, tears glistening in her eyes.
``I`m sorry,`` she murmured as she fled the room, leaving a very confused and frightened Kikyo in her wake.
``What the..`` Kikyo was frozen in shock. Kagome had been in a trance or something, reciting words that weren`t hers. Something was terribly wrong and was going to get worse. ``Oh Kagome, what`s going on?`` Kikyo asked, letting her fear consume her. She had never been an emotional person, but she couldn`t stop the single tear that escaped from her eye.
``Miss Kikyo?`` Shippo the cabin boy poked his head in the room. ``Dinner is ready if you are hungry,`` he announced shyly. Composing instantly, Kikyo nodded.
``Thank you. Will you make sure my sister knows as well?`` she asked a bit pompously.
``I`ve already spoken with Kago..Miss Kagome. She claims she isn`t feeling well again.``
``I suppose not,`` Kikyo acknowledged. ``Oh well, thank you,`` she said, implying with her tone that Shippo should leave. Not taking the hint, the boy remained a second longer.
``Don`t worry Miss Kikyo. As I told Kagome, everyone is looking out for you. Nothing bad will happen,`` he assured her as he scooted out of the door. Kikyo felt her mood lighten a little by his words, but she sombered again almost instantly as she remembered Kagome`s face.
``Tell that to my sister,`` she muttered inaudibly as she headed to the dining room. The waves were rocking the boat a bit, making it difficult to walk but not impossible. ``Oh I cannot wait to get off of this blasted ship,`` she cried, as the boat lurched again nearly throwing her into a wall. ``From now on I ride in carriages. No more boats! Ever!``
-@--@-
Kagome could hear Kikyo cursing from her room. Smiling a little, the girl stared out at the storm that was now overtaking them. She wasn`t afraid. The wind may be howling and the waves might be high, but the `Hime` was seaworthy and was not about to crack under the pressure of the gale. It was what lay after the storm that worried her. Laying down, Kagome continued to stare out the window.
``What is it? Why do I keep feeling this way?`` she questioned herself harshly. She didn`t like being so pessimistic, it went totally against her nature. It was Kikyo`s job in fact. Kagome was always the optimist; she never had a cloud without a silver lining.
[Until now..]
-@--@-
``Don`t you think we should drop the sails Captain? This sort of strain isn`t good for them,`` a worried sailor called over the sounds of the storm. Naraku ignored the man and continued the ship on its course.
``You`ll do what I say when I say it!`` he growled, not relenting a bit. The wind whipped at his dark tangles and the lightening illuminated his features giving him a demonic look. ``We are going to keep on task. The sooner we have the Higurashi girls, the sooner we`ll have the jewel,`` he said with a wicked grin. ``No doubt the `Hime` has stopped for the storm meaning we`re now gaining on them.`` Two pirates that were nearby looked at captain as though he had gone crazy, but said nothing as they struggled to keep the ship in running order through the tempest.
-@--@-
``Inuyasha!`` Sango screamed as she clung desperately to the main sail rope. She was soaked to the core and the sail was threatening to be ripped away. Inuyasha put Miroku on the wheel and leapt down to help Sango.
``Just ease her down. We need to keep the sails in tact!`` he yelled. They were only a couple feet from each other, but one could barely hear over the din of the storm.
``Well duh!`` Sango said with a tight grin. Slowly the two off them managed to get the sail down. Jinenji was working on the other smaller one by himself. After a few minutes all the sails were secured and the boat drifted with the will of the waves. Commanding that everyone head below deck, Inuyasha remained on the helm with nothing but a thin coat to shield him from the storm. He fought to keep the `Youkai` upright, a tough job against the mountainous waves.
``Inuyasha!`` Miroku called as he pushed his way to the helm.
``What are you doing stupid? Get back inside with the others!`` Inuyasha yelled, wrenching the wheel back upright.
``Inuyasha, we`re blowing way off course!`` Miroku said, finally reaching him.
``I know that smart one, you didn`t have to risk your life coming to restate the obvious,`` Inuyasha growled still fighting with the rudder.
``As of now I have no idea where we are,`` Miroku admitted sheepishly. ``There`s no telling how far we gone since the start of the storm.``
``Why are we discussing this now?`` Inuyasha yelled. His voice was becoming hoarse from having to speak over the crashing ocean.
``Because we could be being blown to shore! We don`t need to sink this voyage before we start!`` Miroku said, getting blown off balance by the lurching ship and relentless wind.
``I`ve got it covered! Get back inside!`` Inuyasha ordered, leaving no room for argument. Miroku looked hesitant for another moment, but soon did as Inuyasha had commanded. Feeling better that Miroku was now safe again, Inuyasha braced himself to face the brunt of the storm alone.
-@--@-
Kagome woke with a start as a deafening clap of thunder caused the ship to shudder. It was still rocking more than usual, but it was clear the storm itself had subsided.
[How did I sleep through all that?] she wondered in confusion. Getting up she walked to the window. It still very dark, but she could see the clouds beginning to lighten in what she took to be the east. Bits of moonlight were straining to be seen through the overcast. Quite unsure of the time, Kagome pulled a robe about her and crept topside. Straight above the ship the sky was clear, a few stars lay twinkling in the dull blue of night. She could still see the lightning in the distance, but it was now heading away from them. The `Hime` looked very wet, but no worse for wear. Walking slowly to the railing Kagome looked over the still rather choppy seas. Smiling a little, she began kicking the fish that had been thrown on deck by the waves back into the ocean. Once she had felt she got them all, she heaved another sigh of contentment and pushed the feelings from before out of her mind. The storm was over..what else could possible happen? But as soon as the good feeling came it was gone. Looking out over the dark water she could see a ship headed in their direction.
``Who could that..`` she started when suddenly a bright bolt of lightening illuminated the entire seen. A very large black ship was headed straight for them, but it wasn`t the boat that made her heart stop. A large black flag, still heavy with rain had flaunted its image for a brief moment. The skull and cross bones etched in her brain, and it was all Kagome could do to keep from fainting. Running blindly she headed back down to the cabin area, pounding on every door she came to.
``Pirates! There are pirates coming! Get up! Hurry!`` she yelled as she ran down the hall. Captain Yoshiro was the first to hear Kagome`s call and ran topside to discern her story was true. Feeling a twinge of pain in his own heart he too acknowledged the pirate ship. Looking up desperately he knew there was no time to re-hoist the sails and make a break for it.
``Captain?`` Yoshiro turned to see his entire crew gathered along with the to girls he had taken custody over. Kagome looked grim, but resigned. Kikyo on the other hand was sputtering incoherently.
``Hold down your weapons. We have no means to fight them. Perhaps if they realize we can do them no harm they will take what they want and leave,`` Yoshiro ordered, sounding more confident than he really felt. Kagome felt the same inky chill slide over her again, this time much stronger than it was the last time. Fear crept into every fiber of her body, but she strained to push it down. ``I don`t think so,`` she whispered inaudibly as she watched the black flag sail closer. Hearing a soft whimper, Kagome looked around before she spotted Shippo crouched in a corner. He was rocking slowly, large alligator tears streaming down his face. Kagome wanted to comfort him, but her feet were locked in one spot. She wasn`t the only one. The entire crew looked as though they were set in stone as they grimly awaited their fate.
-@--@-
lostdreams: Alright, I`m evil, I admit it. I didn`t plan on leaving a cliffhanger like this, but yea..it just happened to work out best this way. I`ll try and update soon, but I can`t promise it will be before Monday. I have family reunions this weekend and I`m getting irritated just thinking about them. Grrr. Okay, till next time!
-@--@-
Disclaimer: This is so pointless. I highly doubt anyone here thinks that someone like me would own someone like Inuyasha, but just for propriety`s sake, I`ll say again anyway.
Inuyasha is not mine.
lostdreams: Okay, I don`t know what was up with the last chapter and all the apostrophe`s and quotation mark becoming funky symbols. I didn`t do it on purpose, it happened while it was loading on to fanfiction. I did upload a better-looking chapter that I hope is easier for everyone to read. (Though it still kind of torks me that it didn`t work the first time.)
Anyway..I want to thank everyone for the reviews! There are a few things I guess I should cover now that I`m sure that I`m going to keep going with this. As I mentioned in the first chapter, in this fic everyone is human (which is sort of ooc for me to do). Kikyo is a bit out of character given the fact that she actually has real feelings other than hatred and whatever..reminded she was human once too, pretend this is now ^_^! And I`d also like to reiterate that yes it was Pirates of the Caribbean that drove me to write a pirate fic, but I don`t intend on following that story line at all (Yes there are some similarities, but that`s all..)
And finally..Yes vegito044, Johnny Depp is a totally stud and the reason I`ve seen that movie twice already. (I`m up for a third time if anyone wants to come..^_~)
Okay..I`m done now..
-@--@-
Chapter 3
-@--@-
Kagome woke before the sun the next day. Unable to sleep another moment, she got dressed and headed topside. A night chill lingered in the air requiring the sun`s light to chase it away. Looking out at the inky black water, Kagome felt the same feeling of foreboding wash over her again. The air was heavy, almost to thick to see through, and a soft haze clouded her vision.
[It`s coming..] her mind told her darkly. [It`ll be here soon..] Kagome agreed. That much was obvious. If only she knew what..
``Miss Kagome? What are you doing up so early?`` a childish voice asked. Kagome whirled in surprise to see the cabin boy had joined her.
``Oh, I just couldn`t sleep, that`s all,`` Kagome said with a small smile, forcing her voice to sound airy. ``What about you?`` she asked politely.
``Oh I`m up this early every morning. I help the cook with breakfast,`` Shippo answered proudly. Even though he was probably ten or eleven, the boy looked about six. He was small and skinny with sandy brown hair and bright blue/green eyes, simply adorable to any girl who laid eyes on him.
``I see,`` Kagome said with a laugh. ``Well it`s good you can help out so much,`` she told him. Shippo puffed up even more.
``Yea, Captain Yoshiro was really nice to let me come along. He used to be friends of my parents and took me in after they died.`` Kagome started.
``You`re parents are dead?`` she echoed in shock. Shippo had said it so casually that Kagome wasn`t sure she had heard him right.
``Yea,`` he said softly, his eye darting around for anyone listening. ``They were killed by pirates,`` he added after he was sure no one else would hear him. Kagome`s heart froze in her chest. She was just teasing Kikyo about pirates the day before and now here was someone who had actually been affected by them.
``You poor thing. That must have been horrible..`` Kagome said softly.
``It`s okay. It happened a long time ago,`` he retorted uncomfortably. It was apparent to Kagome that no matter what kind of front the child was putting up, the incident still hurt him.
``Well if you ever want to talk, you can always come find me,`` Kagome said kindly, giving the child a hug. Shippo`s eyes grew wide and grateful.
``Thank you,`` he said happily. ``Well I`ve gotta go help the cook some more. Good-bye Miss Higurashi,`` he called as he tottered off again.
``Bye! And call me Kagome,`` she called after him. Shippo gave a wave to acknowledge he heard her and disappeared below deck. A light pink was beginning to materialize on the horizon, announcing that the sun would soon be making its grand entrance. Lost in thought, Kagome made her way back to her cabin for a time. Shippo`s story consumed her and she felt her heart reach out to the boy, but even with the distraction she couldn`t shake the feeling that had been gnawing at her stomach since yesterday. It was making her antsy. Unable to sit a moment longer, Kagome began pacing her room.
``Oh come on already..`` she muttered irritably. ``How long are we going to have to wait for this.
-@--@-
``Okay, so the crew is a little smaller than I had anticipated, but it`s no matter. We can run the ship on two people if really necessary,`` Miroku explained as he led Inuyasha to the ship. Myouga followed as well, taking in the sights of the docks, only half paying attention to the conversation between the two younger men in front of them. ``I`ve already explained that you are the captain as you have had the most sailing experience by far out of everyone. Other than that I`ve assigned jobs to everyone aboard.`` Inuyasha nodded approvingly. Miroku didn`t leave much for him to do.
``How many are there?`` he asked nonchalantly. Privately Inuyasha was hoping for a small crew, less chance of a mutiny. After being put through all that betrayal once, he was not about to let it happen again. As of now, Miroku was the only person he trusted.
``Well counting you, Myouga, and me there are nine. Ten if you count the cat,`` Miroku said, thinking a moment. ``Two women, two young men, one boy, and one old man, not including us..`` he said softly, unsure if Inuyasha would approve.
``Two women eh? Is one of them Sango?`` Inuyasha asked giving a sideways glance at the monk. Miroku went the slightest twinge of pink.
``Yes, Sango nearly jumped at the chance to sail with you again. Her brother younger brother Kohaku also joined up,`` Miroku answered after clearing his throat. Inuyasha nodded the smallest of smiles on his lips. He had worked with Sango before and knew her to be a trustworthy seafarer and great person at that.
``Who are the others?``
``Well there is Nazuna. I hired her on as a cook. Jinenji is the muscle and not all that smart, but he`s a good guy and really strong. Mushin was brought aboard as a sort of physician. He`s been on a few voyages so he knows his way around a ship. Tanuki is a personal friend of mine, helps me out at the tavern every now and again. He`s never sailed before but he`s a willing worker and rather enthusiastic.``
``You mentioned something about a cat..``
``Yea, I would have said no animals, but Kilala belongs to Sango and she really wasn`t keen on leaving it behind. Don`t worry, I`ve met it. It`s a decent cat,`` Miroku said earnestly. Inuyasha cracked a grin.
``Do they know the reason for the voyage?``
``Ummm.. sort of,`` Miroku said hesitantly.
``What do you mean, `sort of`?`` Inuyasha stopped and looked hard at the monk.
``Well Sango, Tanuki, Mushin, and maybe Kohaku know, but the others well..I feigned treasure hunt,`` Miroku explained quickly, moving out of Inuyasha`s reach.
``What?!`` Inuyasha growled. Myouga, who had still been following the two, cringed behind Inuyasha.
``Relax, once we`re underway things will be clearer. Just let me take care of it,`` Miroku soothed. ``You can trust me Inuyasha. You know that.`` Inuyasha still fumed quietly, but then nodded slowly. Miroku was right. Inuyasha would just have to trust him.
``Okay, we`ll do it your way,`` Inuyasha conceded.
``Great. I won`t let you down,`` Miroku promised earnestly. Walking aways further, Miroku stopped and pointed a specific boat. ``There she is. The `Youkai`.`` A good size ship slowly rose up before them. Inuyasha looked over the vessel appreciatively.
``Nice, where did you get it?`` Inuyasha asked as he admired the boat from a distance.
``That`s not important,`` Miroku said with a wave of his hand letting Inuyasha know that his means of coming about the `Youkai` were less than honest.
``Welcome back sir! Most of the preparations have been made to your specifications,`` a stout young man announced. He had an almost racoonish look to him, with dark eyes and dark hair.
``Thank you Tanuki, I was..``
``INUYASHA!`` A figure with a streaming ponytail tackled the poor guy before he realized someone was coming at him.
``S-Sango?`` he asked looking up at the young woman. She was wearing a loose jerkin, a light pink color, and black breeches, her long black hair pulled in a high ponytail. Miroku looked surprised by her actions as well.
``So you are alive. I`ve been hearing tales. Mutiny, marooning, and that`s just the start..`` she teased offering him a hand up which he accepted gratefully.
``Actually that just about sums it up,`` he muttered standing back up.
``Are you serious? All that really happened?`` Sango asked incredulously. ``I heard that it was a bigger blunder as a treasure hunt than when we went after the Shikon.``
``It was..``
``And you`re crew turned mutinous and marooned you on a fishing island, though they didn`t know it was a fishing island.``
``Yep and yep,`` Inuyasha admitted. Miroku had that proud look in his eye again.
``And you made it back to civilization and paid your crew back tenfold for turning against you..
``Well..almost..`` Inuyasha mused, thinking a moment. ``It might have only been threefold.``
``Wow,`` Sango`s eyes were full of a strange adoration. Either way, both of their looks were making him uncomfortable.
``It`s no big deal really,`` Inuyasha said, backing away slightly. ``This trip could turn out to be the biggest blunder of them all,`` he added seriously. Miroku and Sango sobered immediately while Myouga and Tanuki strained to hear.
``Miroku only told me we were going after a pirate. Didn`t give me any names or anything,`` Sango said quietly. Inuyasha raised an eyebrow.
``Well his name is Naraku and he sails a ship called the `Onigumo`,`` Inuyasha answered. He was surprised to see Sango stiffen.
``That bastard is still alive?`` she seethed quietly. Inuyasha shot a surprised look at Miroku who shrugged his shoulders. Neither man had any idea that Sango knew who Naraku was.
``You`ve had a run in with him too?`` Miroku asked a little incredulously. This Naraku sure got around when it came to dealing out misery.
``He destroyed our village, killing everyone except for Kohaku and myself,`` Sango admitted turning away. ``I guess there was a rumor of some treasure in our small town..`` Inuyasha was stunned. At this rate everyone had a reason to kill Naraku. Miroku reached forward and placed an arm around Sango.
``Don`t worry my dear, we will be sure to destroy Naraku,`` he said gently, rubbing Sango`s back.
*BAM*
``Don`t think I haven`t forgotten about you lecher!`` Sango growled leaving a swirly-eyed Miroku on the ground. After she had stomped back off to the ship, Inuyasha pulled Miroku to his feet.
``She hasn`t changed a bit,`` he chuckled, dusting the poor monk off.
``No, not at all,`` Miroku agreed, his voice a little strained. ``Sango, the only girl with a better right hook than you..`` Inuyasha laughed out loud.
``It`s a good thing she`s on our side.``
``Tell me about it. Alright, I suppose it`s time to see the rest of your ship..let`s go.`` Miroku stretched his arms a bit and lead Inuyasha in a tour of the ship, Tanuki close at hand giving all sorts of trivial and mindless information. After a good hour of looking the `Youkai` over, Inuyasha deemed it seaworthy.
``Alright, are we ready?`` he asked as he looked around the helm one last time.
``The last box of supplies was loaded while we were showing you around..Captain,`` Miroku said with a smile. Inuyasha grinned. As serious of a nature as this new `mission` was, he couldn`t help but feel excited. The sea had always called to him, and every time he took to the waves he felt complete. This was where he belonged.
``Good. Tanuki call the crew, we`ll be setting off shortly,`` Inuyasha ordered. The racoonish man looked positively ecstatic that Inuyasha had addressed him personally.
``Aye aye sir!`` Tanuki answered, nearly tripping over himself in his haste. Inuyasha shot a questioning look to Miroku behind the other man`s back. Miroku merely shrugged.
``I told you he was enthusiastic,`` he said loftily after Tanuki was gone.
``Right,`` Inuyasha said slowly, still unsure about the stability of Miroku`s friend. Suddenly in an afterthought he pulled out the map Toutousai had given him. ``Here,`` he said softly, handing the decrepit scroll to Miroku. ``You`re in charge of navigation. You know how good I am at reading maps.`` Miroku took the scroll hesitantly, looking greatly surprised by Inuyasha`s sudden act of liberality.
``Are you sure?`` Miroku asked apprehensively.
``Yes. I need someone to read that horrid writing because I don`t really want to deal with it,`` Inuyasha answered dismissively, as though it were no big deal. In reality Miroku knew more about wind and ocean currents than anyone else. With Miroku behind routing, they could easily be the fastest ship in the entire ocean..not that Inuyasha would ever tell him that.
``Aye aye sir,`` Miroku answered respectfully. ``You can count on me Inuyasha,`` he added humbly. Inuyasha only nodded.
``Everyone`s on deck sir,`` Tanuki rushed up, panting slightly. Inuyasha looked over his crew. He immediately saw Sango and the boy he took to be her little brother. There was a girl with short black hair who had to be the cook, Nazuna. A large and rather unsightly fellow had to be Jinenji. His appearance was less than appealing but Inuyasha could see the goodness in his eyes. The final newcomer that Inuyasha had left to meet was the old man Mushin. Even from a distance, Inuyasha could tell this man liked his sake. At any rate he seemed merry enough.. Through all of Inuyasha`s silence, he didn`t realize that everyone was looking at him expectantly. Feeling the stares of his mates on him, Inuyasha suddenly became irritated.
``What are you all staring at! Let`s go! Weigh anchor! Hoist the sails. Let`s get this tub in the water! We don`t have all day!`` he growled. The newcomers who did not receive a forewarning of Inuyasha`s demeanor looked stunned, but Sango and Miroku smiled and went about the business of setting off. Within two minutes the ship was bustling. Within ten, they were already underway. Staring out at the ocean from behind the wheel, Inuyasha breathed deep.
``Now it starts,`` he muttered softly, sobering just a little. ``I will avenge your death father. I promise you that..``
-@--@--
Kagome stood with Kikyo and the Captain on the bridge of the `Hime`. The sky was darkening steadily, even though they had a couple hours of daylight left. The clouds that were rolling in did not look friendly and slashes of lightening could be seen charging sporadically across the sky.
``It looks as though a storm is head our way ladies. It would probably be best for you both to stay below deck until this passes,`` Captain Yoshiro looked grimly at the two girls. Kagome nodded weekly, but Kikyo looked very upset.
``How far are we from Japan?`` she asked shrilly, her voice edged in fear.
``Another day or so milady,`` the captain returned. ``This will slow us down a little, but I believe that we should still have the two of you back by dusk tomorrow. For the time being we are going to drop anchor and ride this weather out. Don`t want to get knocked off course and end up further out.`` Kikyo`s face paled visibly.
``This ship can stay afloat through this sort of weather right?`` she asked urgently, sounding a tad rude. Kagome had half a mind to call her on it, but she remained silent, numb to the feeling of anxiety that was slowly eating her.
``I assure you Miss Higurashi, the `Hime` has been through worse squalls than this. We will be fine,`` Yoshiro assured her. ``But it is best that the two of you stay inside where it is warm. It`ll start raining soon..`` he added with another glance at the sky. Kikyo nodded and grabbed Kagome`s hand and dragged her back to the cabin area.
``Well this is just terrible,`` Kikyo muttered angrily. ``Just when I thought we were going to get off this godforsaken boat..`` Kagome wasn`t listening to Kikyo`s ravings. Her eyes and thoughts were glued to the window and the impending storm.
``It`s not bad enough,`` she whispered. ``The worst is yet to come..`` Kikyo halted in her tracks.
``What did you say?`` she asked Kagome in a fearful tone.
``This isn`t it,`` Kagome continued, not really talking to Kikyo, her eyes glazed over. ``The storm isn`t bad enough. Something worse is coming..``
``Kagome stop it..`` Kikyo warned, but Kagome didn`t hear her. The girl had slowly begun rocking back and forth.
``It`s coming and we won`t be able to stop it..this is the `Hime`s` last voyage..`` Kagome`s voice rose with each word of her dismal prediction. Kikyo took an angry hold of her sister`s shoulders.
``Shut up Kagome! Don`t say another word!`` she ordered harshly, giving Kagome a hard shake. Kagome`s eyes cleared and she looked up at Kikyo, tears glistening in her eyes.
``I`m sorry,`` she murmured as she fled the room, leaving a very confused and frightened Kikyo in her wake.
``What the..`` Kikyo was frozen in shock. Kagome had been in a trance or something, reciting words that weren`t hers. Something was terribly wrong and was going to get worse. ``Oh Kagome, what`s going on?`` Kikyo asked, letting her fear consume her. She had never been an emotional person, but she couldn`t stop the single tear that escaped from her eye.
``Miss Kikyo?`` Shippo the cabin boy poked his head in the room. ``Dinner is ready if you are hungry,`` he announced shyly. Composing instantly, Kikyo nodded.
``Thank you. Will you make sure my sister knows as well?`` she asked a bit pompously.
``I`ve already spoken with Kago..Miss Kagome. She claims she isn`t feeling well again.``
``I suppose not,`` Kikyo acknowledged. ``Oh well, thank you,`` she said, implying with her tone that Shippo should leave. Not taking the hint, the boy remained a second longer.
``Don`t worry Miss Kikyo. As I told Kagome, everyone is looking out for you. Nothing bad will happen,`` he assured her as he scooted out of the door. Kikyo felt her mood lighten a little by his words, but she sombered again almost instantly as she remembered Kagome`s face.
``Tell that to my sister,`` she muttered inaudibly as she headed to the dining room. The waves were rocking the boat a bit, making it difficult to walk but not impossible. ``Oh I cannot wait to get off of this blasted ship,`` she cried, as the boat lurched again nearly throwing her into a wall. ``From now on I ride in carriages. No more boats! Ever!``
-@--@-
Kagome could hear Kikyo cursing from her room. Smiling a little, the girl stared out at the storm that was now overtaking them. She wasn`t afraid. The wind may be howling and the waves might be high, but the `Hime` was seaworthy and was not about to crack under the pressure of the gale. It was what lay after the storm that worried her. Laying down, Kagome continued to stare out the window.
``What is it? Why do I keep feeling this way?`` she questioned herself harshly. She didn`t like being so pessimistic, it went totally against her nature. It was Kikyo`s job in fact. Kagome was always the optimist; she never had a cloud without a silver lining.
[Until now..]
-@--@-
``Don`t you think we should drop the sails Captain? This sort of strain isn`t good for them,`` a worried sailor called over the sounds of the storm. Naraku ignored the man and continued the ship on its course.
``You`ll do what I say when I say it!`` he growled, not relenting a bit. The wind whipped at his dark tangles and the lightening illuminated his features giving him a demonic look. ``We are going to keep on task. The sooner we have the Higurashi girls, the sooner we`ll have the jewel,`` he said with a wicked grin. ``No doubt the `Hime` has stopped for the storm meaning we`re now gaining on them.`` Two pirates that were nearby looked at captain as though he had gone crazy, but said nothing as they struggled to keep the ship in running order through the tempest.
-@--@-
``Inuyasha!`` Sango screamed as she clung desperately to the main sail rope. She was soaked to the core and the sail was threatening to be ripped away. Inuyasha put Miroku on the wheel and leapt down to help Sango.
``Just ease her down. We need to keep the sails in tact!`` he yelled. They were only a couple feet from each other, but one could barely hear over the din of the storm.
``Well duh!`` Sango said with a tight grin. Slowly the two off them managed to get the sail down. Jinenji was working on the other smaller one by himself. After a few minutes all the sails were secured and the boat drifted with the will of the waves. Commanding that everyone head below deck, Inuyasha remained on the helm with nothing but a thin coat to shield him from the storm. He fought to keep the `Youkai` upright, a tough job against the mountainous waves.
``Inuyasha!`` Miroku called as he pushed his way to the helm.
``What are you doing stupid? Get back inside with the others!`` Inuyasha yelled, wrenching the wheel back upright.
``Inuyasha, we`re blowing way off course!`` Miroku said, finally reaching him.
``I know that smart one, you didn`t have to risk your life coming to restate the obvious,`` Inuyasha growled still fighting with the rudder.
``As of now I have no idea where we are,`` Miroku admitted sheepishly. ``There`s no telling how far we gone since the start of the storm.``
``Why are we discussing this now?`` Inuyasha yelled. His voice was becoming hoarse from having to speak over the crashing ocean.
``Because we could be being blown to shore! We don`t need to sink this voyage before we start!`` Miroku said, getting blown off balance by the lurching ship and relentless wind.
``I`ve got it covered! Get back inside!`` Inuyasha ordered, leaving no room for argument. Miroku looked hesitant for another moment, but soon did as Inuyasha had commanded. Feeling better that Miroku was now safe again, Inuyasha braced himself to face the brunt of the storm alone.
-@--@-
Kagome woke with a start as a deafening clap of thunder caused the ship to shudder. It was still rocking more than usual, but it was clear the storm itself had subsided.
[How did I sleep through all that?] she wondered in confusion. Getting up she walked to the window. It still very dark, but she could see the clouds beginning to lighten in what she took to be the east. Bits of moonlight were straining to be seen through the overcast. Quite unsure of the time, Kagome pulled a robe about her and crept topside. Straight above the ship the sky was clear, a few stars lay twinkling in the dull blue of night. She could still see the lightning in the distance, but it was now heading away from them. The `Hime` looked very wet, but no worse for wear. Walking slowly to the railing Kagome looked over the still rather choppy seas. Smiling a little, she began kicking the fish that had been thrown on deck by the waves back into the ocean. Once she had felt she got them all, she heaved another sigh of contentment and pushed the feelings from before out of her mind. The storm was over..what else could possible happen? But as soon as the good feeling came it was gone. Looking out over the dark water she could see a ship headed in their direction.
``Who could that..`` she started when suddenly a bright bolt of lightening illuminated the entire seen. A very large black ship was headed straight for them, but it wasn`t the boat that made her heart stop. A large black flag, still heavy with rain had flaunted its image for a brief moment. The skull and cross bones etched in her brain, and it was all Kagome could do to keep from fainting. Running blindly she headed back down to the cabin area, pounding on every door she came to.
``Pirates! There are pirates coming! Get up! Hurry!`` she yelled as she ran down the hall. Captain Yoshiro was the first to hear Kagome`s call and ran topside to discern her story was true. Feeling a twinge of pain in his own heart he too acknowledged the pirate ship. Looking up desperately he knew there was no time to re-hoist the sails and make a break for it.
``Captain?`` Yoshiro turned to see his entire crew gathered along with the to girls he had taken custody over. Kagome looked grim, but resigned. Kikyo on the other hand was sputtering incoherently.
``Hold down your weapons. We have no means to fight them. Perhaps if they realize we can do them no harm they will take what they want and leave,`` Yoshiro ordered, sounding more confident than he really felt. Kagome felt the same inky chill slide over her again, this time much stronger than it was the last time. Fear crept into every fiber of her body, but she strained to push it down. ``I don`t think so,`` she whispered inaudibly as she watched the black flag sail closer. Hearing a soft whimper, Kagome looked around before she spotted Shippo crouched in a corner. He was rocking slowly, large alligator tears streaming down his face. Kagome wanted to comfort him, but her feet were locked in one spot. She wasn`t the only one. The entire crew looked as though they were set in stone as they grimly awaited their fate.
-@--@-
lostdreams: Alright, I`m evil, I admit it. I didn`t plan on leaving a cliffhanger like this, but yea..it just happened to work out best this way. I`ll try and update soon, but I can`t promise it will be before Monday. I have family reunions this weekend and I`m getting irritated just thinking about them. Grrr. Okay, till next time!