Drifting Desires
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Disclaimer: I don't own Inuyasha
lostdreams: Okay..really long chapter with this one, and it'll be the last one till probably Monday. (Remember family reunion..) So yea..not a lot to say here, I think the chapter is long enough without me yakking.
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Chapter 4
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The crew watched in morbid fascination as the pirate ship drew closer. From her vantage point, Kagome could barely make out the name of the ship, painted in dark letters across the hull. 'Onigumo'. Just the sound of it made Kagome shudder. Kikyo had calmed down some and was now silently watching the ship.
"What's going to happen to us?" she whispered to Kagome. Ignoring the sinking feeling in her chest, Kagome turned and gave Kikyo a tight smile.
"Hopefully they'll just take what they want and leave," she whispered back. Kikyo eyes were still fearful, but she nodded barely returning Kagome's smile.
As the 'Onigumo' continued to draw closer, Captain Yoshiro ordered a white flag be waved in order to ensure that the pirates knew they surrendered and violence was not called for.
"Do you think they'll acknowledge our surrender Captain?" Kagome asked quietly, sidling up to the older man. Yoshiro turned his dark eyes on Kagome and she was shocked to see them full of despair.
"Kagome, you and Kikyo should go back down to the cabin area. It might be safer," he said unconvincingly. Kagome's heart sank like a rock. It had been one thing when she was the only dismal one, but now that she understood that Captain Yoshiro had lost hope, Kagome felt the burden of her fear hit her like a steam train.
"We won't live through this, will we sir?" Kagome asked in a voice so low that only Yoshiro could hear. This time the old captain didn't look to the girl. Instead he straightened up to his full height and looked proudly over his ship.
"The fates have already decided what's in store for us my child. It is best not to question things before they happen. You never know how things could turn out." Kagome looked quietly at the other ship. It was looming so closely that she could almost make out whom she assumed to be the captain of the vessel. Black hair in messy tangles blowing about wildly in the wind, the captain looked about as wild as the sea itself. Shivering as a chill crept down her spine, Kagome knew this was what she had been dreading the past two days. This was it..
-@--@-
"The 'Hime' straight ahead! Call the captain!" a lookout called down from atop the main mast. Sailing straight through the storm had brought them upon the 'Hime' just as dawn was breaking. Running down to the captain's quarters, the young pirate knocked on Naraku's door.
"Captain! Captain! We've overtaken the 'Hime'!" he announced. There were some muffled bumps and bangs, but soon Naraku stood at the door his black eyes grinning maliciously at the messenger.
"So soon?" he asked with a laugh. Pulling on his coat he rushed to the bridge. Grabbing his telescope from a mate he glanced over the dark water to the deck of the 'Hime'. Mumbling incoherently, Naraku took in all of the other ship, surprised to find a young girl on the deck. "Well well well, could this be one of the Higurashi daughters?" he asked gleefully, taking in the long black hair and the smooth curves of the girl. "So the rumors are true.." Naraku muttered. Several others tried squinting across the water to see what the captain was looking at, but came up with nothing. Still watching the girl, he noticed her look up. She was staring straight at them though it seemed as though she couldn't see him. Naraku took the opportunity to take in all the features of the young woman's face, well all that he could see in the dim light. She was truly exquisite. He wanted her, more than just as a piece of leverage. Suddenly a stray bolt of lightening lit up the entire area. Startled by the strike, Naraku let the telescope fall from his eye. Looking up at the sky he realized almost too late that that strike had made everything completely visible, including them. Wrenching the telescope back to his eye, he saw the girl back away and run down to the cabin area.
"Well me lads, we've been spotted," he said with mock fear. "What are we to do?"
"Ready the cannons!" one mate called out, earning several cheers.
"Board and conquer!" another mate yelled, earning even more cheers.
"That's right me boys! We'll be sinking their ship presently, but only after the girls be ours!" Naraku yelled earning the loudest cheer yet. "Set the sails to the wind and full speed ahead. There be no escape for you now Yoshiro," he muttered with a smile looking back over to the 'Hime'. He wasn't surprised to see Captain Yoshiro gazing at them, nor to see the rest of the crew fall in behind him. He smiled wickedly when he caught sight of not one, but two black haired women. The girl from before now had her sister with her. The other girl was just as pretty as the first, but her figure was much more delicate looking. Judging by their reactions and features, he took the thinner one to be the older sister.
"So she's my leverage," he muttered happily, taking in all of Kikyo's frightened form before turning back to Kagome. "And she's just mine."
"Captain sir," the same messenger from before called as he approached the helm. "They have raise a flag in surrender," he announced almost sadly. Naraku frowned and looked to where the boy was pointing.
"I see, well it seems that Yoshiro has lost his nerve in his old age," Naraku grumbled. He looked thoughtful for a moment, feeling the eyes of his crew on him, awaiting his decision. Smiling cruelly, he looked back at the messenger. "White flag? I don't see any white flag," he said softly, the reality of his words sinking in slowly. Nodding, the messenger adorned the same sort of smile and ran to tell the crew of the news. "I want two cannon blasts. Let those bastards know that we're color blind.." Naraku yelled, not taking his eyes off of the 'Hime's' occupants. "Take care not to harm the ladies. We'll still be needing them remember."
"Yes sir!"
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"Why aren't they stopping? Don't they see the flag? Won't they leave us alone?" Kikyo rushed, clinging to Kagome's arm.
"First of all they are here to rob us at the very least so either way they are going to board the ship," Kagome told her a little harshly. Kikyo looked even more upset.
"What if they kidnap us? What if they hold us for ransom?" she gasped. Kagome rolled her eyes.
"I don't think they know who we are so they won't think to hold us for ransom," Kagome muttered. She wished she had a telescope. She could see movement on the deck but from the distance she couldn't see details.
"I wish it were more light out.." Kikyo muttered realizing that Kagome really wasn't paying her any attention.
"Me too," Kagome whispered. The sun was just barely rising on the horizon providing almost nothing for light. Suddenly a loud boom echoed over the water. Kagome flinched and ducked at the sound, while Kikyo let out a shriek. It wasn't until they heard the wood splintering that girls realized what was happening.
"They're firing on us!" Kikyo cried, beginning to panic. The rest of the ship sprang into action.
"Get the girls downstairs now!" the captain ordered. "Man the guns! We tried for peace, but clearly they have different intentions. We will not go down without a fight!" The crew looked proudly at Yoshiro and began carrying out his orders quickly. There was another loud bang as a cannon ball came careening towards the 'Hime' crashing high against her hull. Shippo and another sailor lead Kagome and Kikyo to the Captain's quarters deeming it the safest place on the ship, furthest from the cannon fire.
"Stay with them Shippo," the sailor told the boy in a quiet voice that Kagome and Kikyo could not hear. "Don't leave their sides." Shippo had nodded eagerly and put on a brave face for the sake of the girls. Kagome was comforting Kikyo who was just not doing well under the pressure.
"Don't worry ladies. Captain Yoshiro and the others are doing all they can," Shippo tried to comfort them. Kagome gave him a tight thankful smile, but Kikyo's eyes were glazed as she was beginning to resign to the fact that their chances were not looking good.
"We're going to die," Kikyo whispered finally as another cannon shot ripped through the defenseless ship. Kagome hugged Kikyo tightly and shook her head.
"Of course not. We'll be fine. We could always jump overboard you know," she joked half-heartedly. Kikyo gave a dry laugh and composed herself. "
"We should be doing something to help," Kikyo said softly. "I feel a little guilty sitting down here not knowing what's going on." Kagome nodded, feeling the same way.
"It's best that we stay out of they way. They don't need us to worry about," Kagome said quietly. They were so far into the cabin area that they couldn't hear any noises from the outside fight, aside from the occasional cannon fire. Suddenly they heard loud voices and heavy footsteps come down the cabin area. There were occasional crashes when a door was broken down letting everyone in the quarter know that it wasn't the crew coming down.
"Come on out girlies. We ain't gonna hurt you just yet," a rough voice called in a singsong manner.
"That's right my pretties. We only want to talk with yous.." a second voice called.
"We lost," Kagome whispered. Kikyo nodded, her face held in tight composure, though her eyes were sad and anxious. Kagome didn't need a mirror to know she looked the same. Shippo cowered behind Kagome's skirt, unsure of what to do now that he was no longer able to provide hope.
"We should hide," Kikyo whispered as the pirates came closer, but Kagome shook her head.
"There's nowhere too hide," Kagome said resignedly as the door burst open.
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Naraku continued cannon fire on the 'Hime' until they were close enough to board. The battle was short but bloody. The pirates didn't leave a single crewmember alive. Dead bodies were scattered among the deck.
"Find the girls me lads! We didn't come here for nothing." The pirates nodded and moved among the dead down into the cabin area. Within minutes they brought up the two struggling girls. "Ah there they are, my beauties.." Naraku cooed with an evil smirk. The sisters were being held against the chests of their captors, one arm around their waist, pinning their arms and one over their mouths. Naraku walked forward and placed a hand on each of their cheeks. Kikyo tried to pull away in distaste, while Kagome snarled in anger. "Gentlemen, is this anyway to treat our guests? I'm sure they wish their freedom." Smile the two men pushed the girls to the ground, releasing them in the process. Groaning softly Kagome and Kikyo tried to get to their feet but stopped as they saw the carnage around them.
"You killed them all," Kikyo whispered getting to her feet. Kagome remained on her knees staring at the fallen form of Captain Yoshiro. A cold anger filled her along with a hatred she had never known.
"You bastard!" Kagome screeched scrambling to her feet. "How dare you!" Reaching forward she tried to slap Naraku across the cheek, but the man caught her hand. Twisting her around by the arm, Naraku soon had the girl pressed tightly against him. Nuzzling her neck suggestively, Naraku smelled her hair and moved his other hand down her body. Kikyo tried to rush forward and help, but was caught by one of the other pirates.
"Oh my darling, none of that now," Naraku whispered huskily. The rest of the crew laughed. Snarling in rage, Kagome brought her foot down hard on Naraku's and wrenched her elbow into his stomach forcing him to let her go. Dodging the grasping hands Kagome made it to the railing, only to be stopped by the sight of the swirling ocean below. Trapped Kagome spun around to Naraku and several other pirates grinning wickedly. Backing hard against the barrier, Kagome gave a cry as she felt it give way. Unable to maintain her balance, Kagome tumbled over the side, plunging into the cold water. Sinking almost instantly, Kagome tried to struggle back to the surface. She was vaguely aware of another, much smaller body entering the water and a small hand grasping at her wrist. Unable to breathe, Kagome felt her mind slip into a sweet oblivion.
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"Kagome!" Kikyo struggled furiously against her captor. Her sister, her only littler sister had just fallen over the side. "Save her! Save her now!" she screamed. Naraku had cursed greatly when the girl had fallen, and rushed to the spot where Kagome fell. From what he saw, the girl never resurfaced.
"Such a shame," he said in mock sadness. "It is a pity to lose such a beauty.." With a grandeur gesture, he pulled his hat from his head and placed over his heart. "May the wench rest in peace," he said, drawing a laugh out of his crew. Kikyo felt she was going to be sick.
"Save her! She's still alive! You have to rescue her!" she kept yelling, not stopping her struggle. Rolling his eyes in irritation, Naraku stalked forward slapping her sharply across the face.
"Oh shut up. The stupid girl went straight down and I'm not risking any of my men to save her clumsy soul. Besides, I really only need one of you anyway.." Naraku said running a finger down her cheek. Kikyo pulled back as far as she could, trying to get away from his cold touch.
"You monster!" Kikyo growled. "What did you want with us anyway?" Naraku gave an impish grin.
"That's for me to know and you to find out," he answered in a singsong voice. Turning around he addressed the rest of his crew. "Take what you want, salvage what you can and then sink the hunk of junk." Laughing, Naraku turned back to Kikyo. Grasping her wrist tightly he pulled her toward him. "And I will take Miss Higurashi back to the ship," he told her with a sadistic laugh. "After you my lady." Bowing in a mocking manner, Naraku half pulled half dragged Kikyo back to the 'Onigumo'. Locking her in a small cabin, he left without a word to check on the progress of his crew. Finally alone, Kikyo wept bitterly, lamenting the loss of Kagome. As despair set in, Kikyo curled into a ball, her thoughts dismal and bleak. There was no way out of this one..and now there was no Kagome to tell her that things would get better. Feeling truly alone Kikyo fought anguish and discovered a sense of determination and anger. She would survive, for Kagome's memory if nothing else.
"Just you wait Naraku," she seethed quietly. "I will destroy you for what you have done. Even if I have to take you to hell myself."
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"Where the hell are we Miroku?" Inuyasha growled setting the bearing straight. The storm had passed and the 'Youkai' was no worse for wear, other than being a little water logged. Inuyasha had been up all night with the storm keeping the ship from capsizing. He was cold, soaked, sore and really tired and that always made him cranky.
"I'm trying to figure that out Inuyasha if you'll just give me a minute.." Miroku muttered as he was pouring over the maps. They had been blown off course for sure, but they needed to know how far and in what direction.
"If you don't figure it out sometime soon I'm gonna.."
"Hey! What's that?" Sango interrupted. She had been standing by the rail looking to see if there wasn't some sort of landmark that might help pinpoint their location, or at least give them a ballpark, when she had seen dark clouds rising up off of the horizon. Not taking her eyes off the occurrence, she pointed towards it, motioning Inuyasha and Miroku over. Hurrying over, both men stared at the spot Sango was pointing too. Pulling out his telescope Inuyasha stared hard at the spot before rushing over to wheel. Turing it hard, he began sailing in the direction of the spectacle. Confused by his reaction, Miroku pulled up his own telescope and scanned the area. Grimacing, he put it back down.
"What is it?" Sango asked, still confused.
"Smoke," Miroku said softly. Sango's face dropped in realization.
"Why are we bothering?" she asked crestfallen.
"To check for survivors," Inuyasha answered grimly.
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Shippo struggled to maintain a hold of Kagome's wrist. He had hidden when the pirates entered and they had been to absorbed in finding the girls to notice him. Sneaking out of the cabin, he had seen the disaster left on the deck. He watched helplessly as Kagome and Kikyo struggled against their captors. He had watched in horror as Kagome had tried to strike the pirate captain and ended up tumbling over the side with a broken railing. Without thinking, Shippo had darted through the gap in the pirates and jumped over the edge to try and save Kagome. He had found her quickly, but was scarcely able to pull her up. Fighting madly he finally managed to pull her to the surface. Due to the excessive cannon fire there were several large pieces of debris floating in the water. With strength he didn't know he had, Shippo miraculously managed to get Kagome floating stably on a piece of the hull that had been ripped away. After making sure that Kagome was still alive and breathing, Shippo clambered on his own makeshift raft and lay down exhausted. He refused to sleep in order to make sure that the unconscious Kagome didn't slip, but keeping his eyes open grew laborious. From the water he could here the sounds of the pirates looting through the ship. Being careful to stay close enough to the ship to be out of sight, Shippo waited tensely for the pirates to leave. His plan was to wait until the pirates abandoned the 'Hime' and then try and get him and Kagome back on board. Even in her condition, the ship should be able to make it back to Japan..well hopefully. It wasn't until he heard a strange crackling sound that all of Shippo's hopes went up in smoke, literally. The pirates had set fire to the 'Hime' as a last act of destruction. They sailed away leaving nothing but a burning wreckage and a broken hearted Shippo.
"Don't worry Kagome," Shippo told her, sounding more confident than he felt. Not that Kagome could hear him anyway. She still hadn't woken up, which was beginning to worry Shippo, though he put it out of his mind. "I'm sure something will come along. We'll be rescued. Everything will be okay." A slight breeze picked up, chilling the poor boy to the bone. Soaked, hopeless and thoroughly exhausted, Shippo curled in a ball and tried to rest, still trying to keep half an eye on the sleeping Kagome. The 'Hime' sat burning only a couple feet away. The wind changed again blowing the stifling heat in their direction. Glad for the warmth Shippo could no long fight off sleep. Closing his eyes, he soon became dead to the world missing the white sails headed in their direction.
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The entire crew of the 'Youkai' gaped with horror at the sight of the ship before them. It had been burning for quite sometime, but the evidence of bodies was still remnant on the deck.
"It was a massacre," Sango whispered. No one disagreed. His blood boiling, Inuyasha set the rudder and looked over the edge as well. The members of this ship had never stood a chance.
"Hey, there's something in the water!" Jinenji called out pointing downward. All eyes turned to what appeared to be a boy and a girl floating on debris near the burning ship.
"Are those two insane? There could be gun powder on that ship!" Inuyasha muttered pulling out his telescope. Looking down he saw a boy curled up on a piece of floating wood. To Inuyasha he appeared to be asleep. Frowning he switched his gaze to the girl and almost dropped his telescope. The girl was gorgeous. Long black hair lay tangled around her pale face, her body draped precariously over a piece of wood. To Inuyasha it looked as though one good wave would knock her off completely.
"Captain? Do we dare approach the ship?" Tanuki asked, not tearing his eyes from the burning vessel. Not answering, Inuyasha studied the ship carefully. It was burning almost all the way through. If it was going to explode it should have done so by now.
"We need to save them Inuyasha, or at least try," Sango said lightly.
"Man a rowboat. I need only two to come with me," Inuyasha ordered putting his telescope away. Everyone offered to come, making Inuyasha roll his eyes but smirk all the same. "Sango, Miroku let's go," he ordered as Jinenji manned the hoist to lower the boat. Within minutes Inuyasha, Miroku and Sango were already halfway to the 'Hime'. "Be careful of the girl. She didn't appear to be awake and she's not very stable on that raft." Sango and Miroku nodded regarding the looming 'Hime' with apprehension.
"Are we sure there's no gun powder on this ship?" Miroku asked nervously. They could already feel the heat from the fire and they were still almost ten yards away from the drifting victims.
"No, that's why I left the 'Youkai out of range," Inuyasha admitted without so much as a bat of an eye. Sango and Miroku exchanged a worried glance but said nothing. By the time they reached the closest victim, the young boy, the heat from the fire was almost unbearable.
"Do you have him Miroku?" Sango asked, trying to help the best she could with out off balancing the boat. Miroku pulled on the driftwood bringing the boy within range. Slipping his hands under the child's arms, Miroku heaved him onto the boat. Immediately Sango took to looking him over. "He's breathing normally..I think he's just asleep.." she said quietly.
"Good..now.." Inuyasha was interrupted by a thunderous crash that rocked the little boat with fervor. Looking up at the ship there was now a large gaping hole in one side, water rushing in. Burning debris began raining down on the rescuers. The 'Hime' was going down fast and taking anything in her wake down with her in a swirling whirlpool. Looking up in horror, Inuyasha saw the young woman slipping. There wasn't much time. Jumping up, he looked down at Sango and Miroku. "Row back to the 'Youkai'," he ordered firmly. "This ship is going down fast and if you're in the vicinity, she'll take you down with her."
"But what about.." Sango started but was silenced by a glare from Inuyasha.
"Go now!" he commanded diving into the choppy water. With long strokes he struck out toward the drifting girl. Unable to disobey, Miroku began heading steadily back to the 'Youkai'. Sango sat at the bow of the boat watching helplessly as Inuyasha tried to reach the other victim. A low groan pulled her sight away from Inuyasha and back to the boy in the boat with them. Sitting up slowly the boy looked around slowly at first and then becoming frantic.
"Kagome! Where's Kagome?" he yelled, standing up quickly. Sango looked confused but figured that Kagome must be the young woman.
"Inuyasha's going after her," Sango soothed. The boy needed to sit back down; he was making their small craft rock dangerously. Shippo stared past Sango, his eyes widening in panic at the sight of the sinking 'Hime'. He could barely make out Kagome on her raft through the thick smoke. Staring hard, he saw a black haired man nearing his unconscious friend. Sango too took her watch back up, and even Miroku stopped rowing to observe. Tension filled the air and a feeling of foreboding set down on them. Just as Inuyasha reached Kagome another, deafening explosion was heard. What was left of the 'Hime' went to pieces and debris rained down as far away as the 'Youkai'.
"NO! INUYASHA!" Sango screamed, unable to see through the thick smoke of the wreckage. Shippo too looked about to cry, but his voice couldn't form the words to express his emotions. Miroku whipped out his telescope and scanned the area searching for some sort of sign, be it good or bad, of the fate of his friend. The seconds ticked by, slowly fading into minutes. The initial smoke cleared, leaving them with partial visibility. Looking around wildly, neither Sango, Miroku nor Shippo could find any sign of them. There was nothing left of the once majestic ship, save a few pieces of wood no larger than splinter.
"They didn't make it," Sango whispered, and Miroku slowly shook his head. Shippo looked between the two people with him, realization hitting the boy full force. The tears that had been threatening to fall, burst out in full wails. Sango and Miroku were left in complete shock, totally unable to console the child.. Just like that..gone.. They were so out of it they didn't notice that Myouga had commandeered the 'Youkai' right up next to them.
"Myouga..Inuyasha.." Miroku called up, unable to form a complete sentence. Myouga only nodded and sent down the harness for the boats. With heavy hearts the remaining crewmembers pulled up the rescue party minus their leader and one victim. Once they were back on deck, Sango was unable to hold back her own tears a moment longer. Hearing her sobs, Miroku gently took the girl in his arms, no lecherous thoughts in mind. Nazuna had took to trying to calm Shippo, who was still wailing loudly as ever. Myouga tried hard to remain composed, but it was clear that losing Inuyasha had been like losing a son to the old man. Trying unsuccessfully to get things back in order Mushin tried to examine Miroku, Sango and the boy for any sort of wounds, burns and such from the 'Hime', but nothing helped. Sango only pushed him away, claiming that she deserved anything she got for not helping sooner. Miroku and Shippo acted the same way.
"Will someone shut that kid up and throw down a rope?" a harsh, but tired sounding voice called. It sounded far away and a little muffled, but everyone heard it all the same. Even Shippo stopped crying.
"I swear I'm hearing things," Sango said finally. "I would have sworn I just heard Inuyasha.."
"You did! Now throw down the goddamn rope!" Everyone could only gape at each other. Rushing to the side of the ship, they could see a very wet and grimy Inuyasha holding onto a very wet and grimy Kagome.
"It's Inuyasha! And he has the girl!" Sango squealed, sending the rest of the ship into cheers. Inuyasha rolled his eyes.
"Sango! Hello! Rope! Now!" he tried again. He was getting very tired of treading water and the girl he was holding was getting heavy in her water logged dress.
"Oh sorry!" Sango apologized her head disappearing back over the rail. Within seconds the rope ladder was thrown over the side. Not having the energy to climb, Inuyasha waited for the crew to pull him up. Keeping a tight hold on the girl, Inuyasha flopped over on the deck, laying Kagome gently on her back.
Inuyasha how did you.." Miroku began but was silenced by a groan from the girl.
Rolling on to her stomach, Kagome coughed up a bit of seawater and looked groggily about her.
"Sure, now she wakes up," Inuyasha muttered, sitting up as well. His comment captured Kagome's attention and she stared at him with narrowed eyes. Standing up shakily, Kagome glared down at her rescuer.
"What have you done with my sister?" she asked, looking around at the crew around her. Sango tried to step forward. It was clear the girl was confused.
"Look.." she started, reaching for Kagome, but the other woman whipped out reach before Sango could lay a hand on her.
"Don't touch me! I want to know where my sister is and then I demand to be taken to my father immediately," she said angrily.
"And just who do you think you are demanding all this from us?" Inuyasha asked irritably. He didn't like rescuing people that showed no gratitude. Kagome swayed slightly but glared down at Inuyasha all the same.
"Where is the captain? Why isn't he still around?" she asked in the same cold voice. A hush fell over the rest of the crew as Inuyasha stood up wide- eyed unbelieving of the nerve of the girl in front of him.
"I am the captain," he said cantankerously. Kagome only rolled her eyes.
"I'll never forget his face, and I can assure you you're not him. Now where the hell is Naraku!" That did it. No one moved, except for Kagome, who was still swaying dangerously.
"I think you're a tad confused my dear," Myouga spoke up gently. Kagome looked at the older man, a flicker of confusion flashing over her face.
[She's not going to last much longer,] Sango thought, watching Kagome breathing heavily and totter in one spot. [I don't know how she can even stand now.]
"Kagome it's okay. These guys aren't Naraku. He's gone," Shippo said, running forward. Kagome stared at the boy, a faint sign of recognition on her face.
"Shippo?" she asked. Suddenly everything washed over Kagome like a tidal wave. Falling off the ship, almost drowning..but how had she gotten here? Emotionally, physically and mentally fried, Inuyasha barely had time to catch Kagome before she hit the ground.
"Naraku attacked your ship?" Inuyasha asked Shippo, after he had picked Kagome up bridal style. The girl had passed out again, and no doubt just needed some serious rest.
"Yes, he was looking for Kagome and her sister, but I don't know why he wanted them," Shippo answered looking nervously at Kagome. "Will she be okay?" he asked, hopping from one foot to the other.
"She'll be fine I'm sure. Come on Inuyasha let's get you both out of the wet clothes. Miroku, figure out where we are and then drop anchor so we don't drift anymore. Nazuna will you make up some broth? Come on people let's move! Mushin I want you to take a look at Kagome," Sango shouted out the orders like a pro. Inuyasha looked slightly perturbed.
"You know I am the captain," he said stiffly. Sango gave him a dry look.
"Deal with it. Now below deck, go!" Sango ordered. Grumbling, Inuyasha carried Kagome to the captain's quarter and laid her on the bed. She looked so peaceful now in contrast to the wench she had been only minutes before. Sango raised an eyebrow as to the location that Inuyasha picked, but said nothing. Instead she handed Inuyasha a change of clothes and ushered him out so she could attend to the girl. Too tired to argue, Inuyasha changed and headed back topside to find Miroku talking to the boy.
"So she's the daughter of the Emperor's advisor?" Miroku was asking quietly.
"Yep, both Lady Kikyo and Kagome were at school in England and we were taking them back to Japan," Shippo answered earnestly. Inuyasha stopped a little ways away pretending not to listen to the conversation.
"And do you know why the pirates attacked you?"
"They were looking for Kagome and her sister."
"Why?"
"I don't know. I got off the ship when Kagome fell overboard."
"What happened to the other sister?"
"I don't know..."
"Inuyasha?" Inuyasha was startled out of eavesdropping by Sango and Mushin who had emerged from the cabins. "It seems Kagome has a nasty bump on the head, but other than that it's just exhaustion. I can't imagine what she's been through."
"Hell and back again. It was Naraku that took out her ship," Inuyasha said quietly.
"The kid say that?"
"Yea, I guess the bastard was after the girl and her sister," Inuyasha said, unable to suppress a yawn.
"Why?"
"No clue. We'll ask the girl when she wakes up." Inuyasha dismissed the issue with another yawn.
"Why don't you go rest? You've been up all night with the storm and now this. We can't sail anywhere right now anyway, not till Miroku knows where we are," Sango suggested. Inuyasha nodded, and turned to head back down.
"Oh and Inuyasha.."
"What?"
"Remember she's in your room.." Inuyasha grumbled some incoherent response and headed down. Once below, Inuyasha headed straight to where the girl was sleeping. Not entering the room any further than the doorway, Inuyasha lost himself to his thoughts. He had so many questions for her, but they would have to wait until she was awake.
[Sleep well my lady, because when you wake up, you're gonna tell me all about Naraku..]
-@--@-
lostdreams: Ah ha! And they meet finally! I really don't have too much else to say other than thanks for the faith Josie! Oh and just so everyone knows..I love my family, I really do, but when there are a hundred and fifty people telling you they remember when you were knee high to a grasshopper and you have no clue who the hell they are you get a little weirded out. Thank goodness I have a lot of cousins my age so I won't be totally alone..tee hee. Oh and one last thing..I'm taking my cousin's to see Pirates of the Caribbean again this weekend! YEA! More Johnny Depp! ^_^
Okay, I'll shut up now..Later all!
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Disclaimer: I don't own Inuyasha
lostdreams: Okay..really long chapter with this one, and it'll be the last one till probably Monday. (Remember family reunion..) So yea..not a lot to say here, I think the chapter is long enough without me yakking.
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Chapter 4
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The crew watched in morbid fascination as the pirate ship drew closer. From her vantage point, Kagome could barely make out the name of the ship, painted in dark letters across the hull. 'Onigumo'. Just the sound of it made Kagome shudder. Kikyo had calmed down some and was now silently watching the ship.
"What's going to happen to us?" she whispered to Kagome. Ignoring the sinking feeling in her chest, Kagome turned and gave Kikyo a tight smile.
"Hopefully they'll just take what they want and leave," she whispered back. Kikyo eyes were still fearful, but she nodded barely returning Kagome's smile.
As the 'Onigumo' continued to draw closer, Captain Yoshiro ordered a white flag be waved in order to ensure that the pirates knew they surrendered and violence was not called for.
"Do you think they'll acknowledge our surrender Captain?" Kagome asked quietly, sidling up to the older man. Yoshiro turned his dark eyes on Kagome and she was shocked to see them full of despair.
"Kagome, you and Kikyo should go back down to the cabin area. It might be safer," he said unconvincingly. Kagome's heart sank like a rock. It had been one thing when she was the only dismal one, but now that she understood that Captain Yoshiro had lost hope, Kagome felt the burden of her fear hit her like a steam train.
"We won't live through this, will we sir?" Kagome asked in a voice so low that only Yoshiro could hear. This time the old captain didn't look to the girl. Instead he straightened up to his full height and looked proudly over his ship.
"The fates have already decided what's in store for us my child. It is best not to question things before they happen. You never know how things could turn out." Kagome looked quietly at the other ship. It was looming so closely that she could almost make out whom she assumed to be the captain of the vessel. Black hair in messy tangles blowing about wildly in the wind, the captain looked about as wild as the sea itself. Shivering as a chill crept down her spine, Kagome knew this was what she had been dreading the past two days. This was it..
-@--@-
"The 'Hime' straight ahead! Call the captain!" a lookout called down from atop the main mast. Sailing straight through the storm had brought them upon the 'Hime' just as dawn was breaking. Running down to the captain's quarters, the young pirate knocked on Naraku's door.
"Captain! Captain! We've overtaken the 'Hime'!" he announced. There were some muffled bumps and bangs, but soon Naraku stood at the door his black eyes grinning maliciously at the messenger.
"So soon?" he asked with a laugh. Pulling on his coat he rushed to the bridge. Grabbing his telescope from a mate he glanced over the dark water to the deck of the 'Hime'. Mumbling incoherently, Naraku took in all of the other ship, surprised to find a young girl on the deck. "Well well well, could this be one of the Higurashi daughters?" he asked gleefully, taking in the long black hair and the smooth curves of the girl. "So the rumors are true.." Naraku muttered. Several others tried squinting across the water to see what the captain was looking at, but came up with nothing. Still watching the girl, he noticed her look up. She was staring straight at them though it seemed as though she couldn't see him. Naraku took the opportunity to take in all the features of the young woman's face, well all that he could see in the dim light. She was truly exquisite. He wanted her, more than just as a piece of leverage. Suddenly a stray bolt of lightening lit up the entire area. Startled by the strike, Naraku let the telescope fall from his eye. Looking up at the sky he realized almost too late that that strike had made everything completely visible, including them. Wrenching the telescope back to his eye, he saw the girl back away and run down to the cabin area.
"Well me lads, we've been spotted," he said with mock fear. "What are we to do?"
"Ready the cannons!" one mate called out, earning several cheers.
"Board and conquer!" another mate yelled, earning even more cheers.
"That's right me boys! We'll be sinking their ship presently, but only after the girls be ours!" Naraku yelled earning the loudest cheer yet. "Set the sails to the wind and full speed ahead. There be no escape for you now Yoshiro," he muttered with a smile looking back over to the 'Hime'. He wasn't surprised to see Captain Yoshiro gazing at them, nor to see the rest of the crew fall in behind him. He smiled wickedly when he caught sight of not one, but two black haired women. The girl from before now had her sister with her. The other girl was just as pretty as the first, but her figure was much more delicate looking. Judging by their reactions and features, he took the thinner one to be the older sister.
"So she's my leverage," he muttered happily, taking in all of Kikyo's frightened form before turning back to Kagome. "And she's just mine."
"Captain sir," the same messenger from before called as he approached the helm. "They have raise a flag in surrender," he announced almost sadly. Naraku frowned and looked to where the boy was pointing.
"I see, well it seems that Yoshiro has lost his nerve in his old age," Naraku grumbled. He looked thoughtful for a moment, feeling the eyes of his crew on him, awaiting his decision. Smiling cruelly, he looked back at the messenger. "White flag? I don't see any white flag," he said softly, the reality of his words sinking in slowly. Nodding, the messenger adorned the same sort of smile and ran to tell the crew of the news. "I want two cannon blasts. Let those bastards know that we're color blind.." Naraku yelled, not taking his eyes off of the 'Hime's' occupants. "Take care not to harm the ladies. We'll still be needing them remember."
"Yes sir!"
-@--@-
"Why aren't they stopping? Don't they see the flag? Won't they leave us alone?" Kikyo rushed, clinging to Kagome's arm.
"First of all they are here to rob us at the very least so either way they are going to board the ship," Kagome told her a little harshly. Kikyo looked even more upset.
"What if they kidnap us? What if they hold us for ransom?" she gasped. Kagome rolled her eyes.
"I don't think they know who we are so they won't think to hold us for ransom," Kagome muttered. She wished she had a telescope. She could see movement on the deck but from the distance she couldn't see details.
"I wish it were more light out.." Kikyo muttered realizing that Kagome really wasn't paying her any attention.
"Me too," Kagome whispered. The sun was just barely rising on the horizon providing almost nothing for light. Suddenly a loud boom echoed over the water. Kagome flinched and ducked at the sound, while Kikyo let out a shriek. It wasn't until they heard the wood splintering that girls realized what was happening.
"They're firing on us!" Kikyo cried, beginning to panic. The rest of the ship sprang into action.
"Get the girls downstairs now!" the captain ordered. "Man the guns! We tried for peace, but clearly they have different intentions. We will not go down without a fight!" The crew looked proudly at Yoshiro and began carrying out his orders quickly. There was another loud bang as a cannon ball came careening towards the 'Hime' crashing high against her hull. Shippo and another sailor lead Kagome and Kikyo to the Captain's quarters deeming it the safest place on the ship, furthest from the cannon fire.
"Stay with them Shippo," the sailor told the boy in a quiet voice that Kagome and Kikyo could not hear. "Don't leave their sides." Shippo had nodded eagerly and put on a brave face for the sake of the girls. Kagome was comforting Kikyo who was just not doing well under the pressure.
"Don't worry ladies. Captain Yoshiro and the others are doing all they can," Shippo tried to comfort them. Kagome gave him a tight thankful smile, but Kikyo's eyes were glazed as she was beginning to resign to the fact that their chances were not looking good.
"We're going to die," Kikyo whispered finally as another cannon shot ripped through the defenseless ship. Kagome hugged Kikyo tightly and shook her head.
"Of course not. We'll be fine. We could always jump overboard you know," she joked half-heartedly. Kikyo gave a dry laugh and composed herself. "
"We should be doing something to help," Kikyo said softly. "I feel a little guilty sitting down here not knowing what's going on." Kagome nodded, feeling the same way.
"It's best that we stay out of they way. They don't need us to worry about," Kagome said quietly. They were so far into the cabin area that they couldn't hear any noises from the outside fight, aside from the occasional cannon fire. Suddenly they heard loud voices and heavy footsteps come down the cabin area. There were occasional crashes when a door was broken down letting everyone in the quarter know that it wasn't the crew coming down.
"Come on out girlies. We ain't gonna hurt you just yet," a rough voice called in a singsong manner.
"That's right my pretties. We only want to talk with yous.." a second voice called.
"We lost," Kagome whispered. Kikyo nodded, her face held in tight composure, though her eyes were sad and anxious. Kagome didn't need a mirror to know she looked the same. Shippo cowered behind Kagome's skirt, unsure of what to do now that he was no longer able to provide hope.
"We should hide," Kikyo whispered as the pirates came closer, but Kagome shook her head.
"There's nowhere too hide," Kagome said resignedly as the door burst open.
-@--@-
Naraku continued cannon fire on the 'Hime' until they were close enough to board. The battle was short but bloody. The pirates didn't leave a single crewmember alive. Dead bodies were scattered among the deck.
"Find the girls me lads! We didn't come here for nothing." The pirates nodded and moved among the dead down into the cabin area. Within minutes they brought up the two struggling girls. "Ah there they are, my beauties.." Naraku cooed with an evil smirk. The sisters were being held against the chests of their captors, one arm around their waist, pinning their arms and one over their mouths. Naraku walked forward and placed a hand on each of their cheeks. Kikyo tried to pull away in distaste, while Kagome snarled in anger. "Gentlemen, is this anyway to treat our guests? I'm sure they wish their freedom." Smile the two men pushed the girls to the ground, releasing them in the process. Groaning softly Kagome and Kikyo tried to get to their feet but stopped as they saw the carnage around them.
"You killed them all," Kikyo whispered getting to her feet. Kagome remained on her knees staring at the fallen form of Captain Yoshiro. A cold anger filled her along with a hatred she had never known.
"You bastard!" Kagome screeched scrambling to her feet. "How dare you!" Reaching forward she tried to slap Naraku across the cheek, but the man caught her hand. Twisting her around by the arm, Naraku soon had the girl pressed tightly against him. Nuzzling her neck suggestively, Naraku smelled her hair and moved his other hand down her body. Kikyo tried to rush forward and help, but was caught by one of the other pirates.
"Oh my darling, none of that now," Naraku whispered huskily. The rest of the crew laughed. Snarling in rage, Kagome brought her foot down hard on Naraku's and wrenched her elbow into his stomach forcing him to let her go. Dodging the grasping hands Kagome made it to the railing, only to be stopped by the sight of the swirling ocean below. Trapped Kagome spun around to Naraku and several other pirates grinning wickedly. Backing hard against the barrier, Kagome gave a cry as she felt it give way. Unable to maintain her balance, Kagome tumbled over the side, plunging into the cold water. Sinking almost instantly, Kagome tried to struggle back to the surface. She was vaguely aware of another, much smaller body entering the water and a small hand grasping at her wrist. Unable to breathe, Kagome felt her mind slip into a sweet oblivion.
-@--@-
"Kagome!" Kikyo struggled furiously against her captor. Her sister, her only littler sister had just fallen over the side. "Save her! Save her now!" she screamed. Naraku had cursed greatly when the girl had fallen, and rushed to the spot where Kagome fell. From what he saw, the girl never resurfaced.
"Such a shame," he said in mock sadness. "It is a pity to lose such a beauty.." With a grandeur gesture, he pulled his hat from his head and placed over his heart. "May the wench rest in peace," he said, drawing a laugh out of his crew. Kikyo felt she was going to be sick.
"Save her! She's still alive! You have to rescue her!" she kept yelling, not stopping her struggle. Rolling his eyes in irritation, Naraku stalked forward slapping her sharply across the face.
"Oh shut up. The stupid girl went straight down and I'm not risking any of my men to save her clumsy soul. Besides, I really only need one of you anyway.." Naraku said running a finger down her cheek. Kikyo pulled back as far as she could, trying to get away from his cold touch.
"You monster!" Kikyo growled. "What did you want with us anyway?" Naraku gave an impish grin.
"That's for me to know and you to find out," he answered in a singsong voice. Turning around he addressed the rest of his crew. "Take what you want, salvage what you can and then sink the hunk of junk." Laughing, Naraku turned back to Kikyo. Grasping her wrist tightly he pulled her toward him. "And I will take Miss Higurashi back to the ship," he told her with a sadistic laugh. "After you my lady." Bowing in a mocking manner, Naraku half pulled half dragged Kikyo back to the 'Onigumo'. Locking her in a small cabin, he left without a word to check on the progress of his crew. Finally alone, Kikyo wept bitterly, lamenting the loss of Kagome. As despair set in, Kikyo curled into a ball, her thoughts dismal and bleak. There was no way out of this one..and now there was no Kagome to tell her that things would get better. Feeling truly alone Kikyo fought anguish and discovered a sense of determination and anger. She would survive, for Kagome's memory if nothing else.
"Just you wait Naraku," she seethed quietly. "I will destroy you for what you have done. Even if I have to take you to hell myself."
-@--@-
"Where the hell are we Miroku?" Inuyasha growled setting the bearing straight. The storm had passed and the 'Youkai' was no worse for wear, other than being a little water logged. Inuyasha had been up all night with the storm keeping the ship from capsizing. He was cold, soaked, sore and really tired and that always made him cranky.
"I'm trying to figure that out Inuyasha if you'll just give me a minute.." Miroku muttered as he was pouring over the maps. They had been blown off course for sure, but they needed to know how far and in what direction.
"If you don't figure it out sometime soon I'm gonna.."
"Hey! What's that?" Sango interrupted. She had been standing by the rail looking to see if there wasn't some sort of landmark that might help pinpoint their location, or at least give them a ballpark, when she had seen dark clouds rising up off of the horizon. Not taking her eyes off the occurrence, she pointed towards it, motioning Inuyasha and Miroku over. Hurrying over, both men stared at the spot Sango was pointing too. Pulling out his telescope Inuyasha stared hard at the spot before rushing over to wheel. Turing it hard, he began sailing in the direction of the spectacle. Confused by his reaction, Miroku pulled up his own telescope and scanned the area. Grimacing, he put it back down.
"What is it?" Sango asked, still confused.
"Smoke," Miroku said softly. Sango's face dropped in realization.
"Why are we bothering?" she asked crestfallen.
"To check for survivors," Inuyasha answered grimly.
-@--@-
Shippo struggled to maintain a hold of Kagome's wrist. He had hidden when the pirates entered and they had been to absorbed in finding the girls to notice him. Sneaking out of the cabin, he had seen the disaster left on the deck. He watched helplessly as Kagome and Kikyo struggled against their captors. He had watched in horror as Kagome had tried to strike the pirate captain and ended up tumbling over the side with a broken railing. Without thinking, Shippo had darted through the gap in the pirates and jumped over the edge to try and save Kagome. He had found her quickly, but was scarcely able to pull her up. Fighting madly he finally managed to pull her to the surface. Due to the excessive cannon fire there were several large pieces of debris floating in the water. With strength he didn't know he had, Shippo miraculously managed to get Kagome floating stably on a piece of the hull that had been ripped away. After making sure that Kagome was still alive and breathing, Shippo clambered on his own makeshift raft and lay down exhausted. He refused to sleep in order to make sure that the unconscious Kagome didn't slip, but keeping his eyes open grew laborious. From the water he could here the sounds of the pirates looting through the ship. Being careful to stay close enough to the ship to be out of sight, Shippo waited tensely for the pirates to leave. His plan was to wait until the pirates abandoned the 'Hime' and then try and get him and Kagome back on board. Even in her condition, the ship should be able to make it back to Japan..well hopefully. It wasn't until he heard a strange crackling sound that all of Shippo's hopes went up in smoke, literally. The pirates had set fire to the 'Hime' as a last act of destruction. They sailed away leaving nothing but a burning wreckage and a broken hearted Shippo.
"Don't worry Kagome," Shippo told her, sounding more confident than he felt. Not that Kagome could hear him anyway. She still hadn't woken up, which was beginning to worry Shippo, though he put it out of his mind. "I'm sure something will come along. We'll be rescued. Everything will be okay." A slight breeze picked up, chilling the poor boy to the bone. Soaked, hopeless and thoroughly exhausted, Shippo curled in a ball and tried to rest, still trying to keep half an eye on the sleeping Kagome. The 'Hime' sat burning only a couple feet away. The wind changed again blowing the stifling heat in their direction. Glad for the warmth Shippo could no long fight off sleep. Closing his eyes, he soon became dead to the world missing the white sails headed in their direction.
-@--@-
The entire crew of the 'Youkai' gaped with horror at the sight of the ship before them. It had been burning for quite sometime, but the evidence of bodies was still remnant on the deck.
"It was a massacre," Sango whispered. No one disagreed. His blood boiling, Inuyasha set the rudder and looked over the edge as well. The members of this ship had never stood a chance.
"Hey, there's something in the water!" Jinenji called out pointing downward. All eyes turned to what appeared to be a boy and a girl floating on debris near the burning ship.
"Are those two insane? There could be gun powder on that ship!" Inuyasha muttered pulling out his telescope. Looking down he saw a boy curled up on a piece of floating wood. To Inuyasha he appeared to be asleep. Frowning he switched his gaze to the girl and almost dropped his telescope. The girl was gorgeous. Long black hair lay tangled around her pale face, her body draped precariously over a piece of wood. To Inuyasha it looked as though one good wave would knock her off completely.
"Captain? Do we dare approach the ship?" Tanuki asked, not tearing his eyes from the burning vessel. Not answering, Inuyasha studied the ship carefully. It was burning almost all the way through. If it was going to explode it should have done so by now.
"We need to save them Inuyasha, or at least try," Sango said lightly.
"Man a rowboat. I need only two to come with me," Inuyasha ordered putting his telescope away. Everyone offered to come, making Inuyasha roll his eyes but smirk all the same. "Sango, Miroku let's go," he ordered as Jinenji manned the hoist to lower the boat. Within minutes Inuyasha, Miroku and Sango were already halfway to the 'Hime'. "Be careful of the girl. She didn't appear to be awake and she's not very stable on that raft." Sango and Miroku nodded regarding the looming 'Hime' with apprehension.
"Are we sure there's no gun powder on this ship?" Miroku asked nervously. They could already feel the heat from the fire and they were still almost ten yards away from the drifting victims.
"No, that's why I left the 'Youkai out of range," Inuyasha admitted without so much as a bat of an eye. Sango and Miroku exchanged a worried glance but said nothing. By the time they reached the closest victim, the young boy, the heat from the fire was almost unbearable.
"Do you have him Miroku?" Sango asked, trying to help the best she could with out off balancing the boat. Miroku pulled on the driftwood bringing the boy within range. Slipping his hands under the child's arms, Miroku heaved him onto the boat. Immediately Sango took to looking him over. "He's breathing normally..I think he's just asleep.." she said quietly.
"Good..now.." Inuyasha was interrupted by a thunderous crash that rocked the little boat with fervor. Looking up at the ship there was now a large gaping hole in one side, water rushing in. Burning debris began raining down on the rescuers. The 'Hime' was going down fast and taking anything in her wake down with her in a swirling whirlpool. Looking up in horror, Inuyasha saw the young woman slipping. There wasn't much time. Jumping up, he looked down at Sango and Miroku. "Row back to the 'Youkai'," he ordered firmly. "This ship is going down fast and if you're in the vicinity, she'll take you down with her."
"But what about.." Sango started but was silenced by a glare from Inuyasha.
"Go now!" he commanded diving into the choppy water. With long strokes he struck out toward the drifting girl. Unable to disobey, Miroku began heading steadily back to the 'Youkai'. Sango sat at the bow of the boat watching helplessly as Inuyasha tried to reach the other victim. A low groan pulled her sight away from Inuyasha and back to the boy in the boat with them. Sitting up slowly the boy looked around slowly at first and then becoming frantic.
"Kagome! Where's Kagome?" he yelled, standing up quickly. Sango looked confused but figured that Kagome must be the young woman.
"Inuyasha's going after her," Sango soothed. The boy needed to sit back down; he was making their small craft rock dangerously. Shippo stared past Sango, his eyes widening in panic at the sight of the sinking 'Hime'. He could barely make out Kagome on her raft through the thick smoke. Staring hard, he saw a black haired man nearing his unconscious friend. Sango too took her watch back up, and even Miroku stopped rowing to observe. Tension filled the air and a feeling of foreboding set down on them. Just as Inuyasha reached Kagome another, deafening explosion was heard. What was left of the 'Hime' went to pieces and debris rained down as far away as the 'Youkai'.
"NO! INUYASHA!" Sango screamed, unable to see through the thick smoke of the wreckage. Shippo too looked about to cry, but his voice couldn't form the words to express his emotions. Miroku whipped out his telescope and scanned the area searching for some sort of sign, be it good or bad, of the fate of his friend. The seconds ticked by, slowly fading into minutes. The initial smoke cleared, leaving them with partial visibility. Looking around wildly, neither Sango, Miroku nor Shippo could find any sign of them. There was nothing left of the once majestic ship, save a few pieces of wood no larger than splinter.
"They didn't make it," Sango whispered, and Miroku slowly shook his head. Shippo looked between the two people with him, realization hitting the boy full force. The tears that had been threatening to fall, burst out in full wails. Sango and Miroku were left in complete shock, totally unable to console the child.. Just like that..gone.. They were so out of it they didn't notice that Myouga had commandeered the 'Youkai' right up next to them.
"Myouga..Inuyasha.." Miroku called up, unable to form a complete sentence. Myouga only nodded and sent down the harness for the boats. With heavy hearts the remaining crewmembers pulled up the rescue party minus their leader and one victim. Once they were back on deck, Sango was unable to hold back her own tears a moment longer. Hearing her sobs, Miroku gently took the girl in his arms, no lecherous thoughts in mind. Nazuna had took to trying to calm Shippo, who was still wailing loudly as ever. Myouga tried hard to remain composed, but it was clear that losing Inuyasha had been like losing a son to the old man. Trying unsuccessfully to get things back in order Mushin tried to examine Miroku, Sango and the boy for any sort of wounds, burns and such from the 'Hime', but nothing helped. Sango only pushed him away, claiming that she deserved anything she got for not helping sooner. Miroku and Shippo acted the same way.
"Will someone shut that kid up and throw down a rope?" a harsh, but tired sounding voice called. It sounded far away and a little muffled, but everyone heard it all the same. Even Shippo stopped crying.
"I swear I'm hearing things," Sango said finally. "I would have sworn I just heard Inuyasha.."
"You did! Now throw down the goddamn rope!" Everyone could only gape at each other. Rushing to the side of the ship, they could see a very wet and grimy Inuyasha holding onto a very wet and grimy Kagome.
"It's Inuyasha! And he has the girl!" Sango squealed, sending the rest of the ship into cheers. Inuyasha rolled his eyes.
"Sango! Hello! Rope! Now!" he tried again. He was getting very tired of treading water and the girl he was holding was getting heavy in her water logged dress.
"Oh sorry!" Sango apologized her head disappearing back over the rail. Within seconds the rope ladder was thrown over the side. Not having the energy to climb, Inuyasha waited for the crew to pull him up. Keeping a tight hold on the girl, Inuyasha flopped over on the deck, laying Kagome gently on her back.
Inuyasha how did you.." Miroku began but was silenced by a groan from the girl.
Rolling on to her stomach, Kagome coughed up a bit of seawater and looked groggily about her.
"Sure, now she wakes up," Inuyasha muttered, sitting up as well. His comment captured Kagome's attention and she stared at him with narrowed eyes. Standing up shakily, Kagome glared down at her rescuer.
"What have you done with my sister?" she asked, looking around at the crew around her. Sango tried to step forward. It was clear the girl was confused.
"Look.." she started, reaching for Kagome, but the other woman whipped out reach before Sango could lay a hand on her.
"Don't touch me! I want to know where my sister is and then I demand to be taken to my father immediately," she said angrily.
"And just who do you think you are demanding all this from us?" Inuyasha asked irritably. He didn't like rescuing people that showed no gratitude. Kagome swayed slightly but glared down at Inuyasha all the same.
"Where is the captain? Why isn't he still around?" she asked in the same cold voice. A hush fell over the rest of the crew as Inuyasha stood up wide- eyed unbelieving of the nerve of the girl in front of him.
"I am the captain," he said cantankerously. Kagome only rolled her eyes.
"I'll never forget his face, and I can assure you you're not him. Now where the hell is Naraku!" That did it. No one moved, except for Kagome, who was still swaying dangerously.
"I think you're a tad confused my dear," Myouga spoke up gently. Kagome looked at the older man, a flicker of confusion flashing over her face.
[She's not going to last much longer,] Sango thought, watching Kagome breathing heavily and totter in one spot. [I don't know how she can even stand now.]
"Kagome it's okay. These guys aren't Naraku. He's gone," Shippo said, running forward. Kagome stared at the boy, a faint sign of recognition on her face.
"Shippo?" she asked. Suddenly everything washed over Kagome like a tidal wave. Falling off the ship, almost drowning..but how had she gotten here? Emotionally, physically and mentally fried, Inuyasha barely had time to catch Kagome before she hit the ground.
"Naraku attacked your ship?" Inuyasha asked Shippo, after he had picked Kagome up bridal style. The girl had passed out again, and no doubt just needed some serious rest.
"Yes, he was looking for Kagome and her sister, but I don't know why he wanted them," Shippo answered looking nervously at Kagome. "Will she be okay?" he asked, hopping from one foot to the other.
"She'll be fine I'm sure. Come on Inuyasha let's get you both out of the wet clothes. Miroku, figure out where we are and then drop anchor so we don't drift anymore. Nazuna will you make up some broth? Come on people let's move! Mushin I want you to take a look at Kagome," Sango shouted out the orders like a pro. Inuyasha looked slightly perturbed.
"You know I am the captain," he said stiffly. Sango gave him a dry look.
"Deal with it. Now below deck, go!" Sango ordered. Grumbling, Inuyasha carried Kagome to the captain's quarter and laid her on the bed. She looked so peaceful now in contrast to the wench she had been only minutes before. Sango raised an eyebrow as to the location that Inuyasha picked, but said nothing. Instead she handed Inuyasha a change of clothes and ushered him out so she could attend to the girl. Too tired to argue, Inuyasha changed and headed back topside to find Miroku talking to the boy.
"So she's the daughter of the Emperor's advisor?" Miroku was asking quietly.
"Yep, both Lady Kikyo and Kagome were at school in England and we were taking them back to Japan," Shippo answered earnestly. Inuyasha stopped a little ways away pretending not to listen to the conversation.
"And do you know why the pirates attacked you?"
"They were looking for Kagome and her sister."
"Why?"
"I don't know. I got off the ship when Kagome fell overboard."
"What happened to the other sister?"
"I don't know..."
"Inuyasha?" Inuyasha was startled out of eavesdropping by Sango and Mushin who had emerged from the cabins. "It seems Kagome has a nasty bump on the head, but other than that it's just exhaustion. I can't imagine what she's been through."
"Hell and back again. It was Naraku that took out her ship," Inuyasha said quietly.
"The kid say that?"
"Yea, I guess the bastard was after the girl and her sister," Inuyasha said, unable to suppress a yawn.
"Why?"
"No clue. We'll ask the girl when she wakes up." Inuyasha dismissed the issue with another yawn.
"Why don't you go rest? You've been up all night with the storm and now this. We can't sail anywhere right now anyway, not till Miroku knows where we are," Sango suggested. Inuyasha nodded, and turned to head back down.
"Oh and Inuyasha.."
"What?"
"Remember she's in your room.." Inuyasha grumbled some incoherent response and headed down. Once below, Inuyasha headed straight to where the girl was sleeping. Not entering the room any further than the doorway, Inuyasha lost himself to his thoughts. He had so many questions for her, but they would have to wait until she was awake.
[Sleep well my lady, because when you wake up, you're gonna tell me all about Naraku..]
-@--@-
lostdreams: Ah ha! And they meet finally! I really don't have too much else to say other than thanks for the faith Josie! Oh and just so everyone knows..I love my family, I really do, but when there are a hundred and fifty people telling you they remember when you were knee high to a grasshopper and you have no clue who the hell they are you get a little weirded out. Thank goodness I have a lot of cousins my age so I won't be totally alone..tee hee. Oh and one last thing..I'm taking my cousin's to see Pirates of the Caribbean again this weekend! YEA! More Johnny Depp! ^_^
Okay, I'll shut up now..Later all!