While reading: Listen to "Davy Jones (Music Box Version) Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End" on YouTube. When you see this symbol (***) start to play specific piece when written. When you see this symbol (xxx) stop playing the music. This is not my channel nor do I have rights to the soundtracks/movie but I think it adds a great atmosphere while reading. Enjoy!
The Heart of the Nile: Guardian of the Wishing Stone
Feeling the pull again in his chest he began to descend from the ledge over looking the cavern. As Sesshomaru walked he could see his men bellow investigating the lost treasure they had been searching for well over two decades. He noticed the boat holding the treasure had cracked open on the rocks when it sank. The massive hole caused its contents to spill out upon the shallow shoreline. As the men climbed over mounds of treasure they opened the various chests and trunks strewn out on the beach. Inside they discovered them to be over flowing with even more gold, jewels and priceless artifacts.
When Sesshomaru reached the beach he saw that the boat was crafted in a design he'd never seen before. It was plated with gold, was three stories tall and had three towering masts. The hull was painted a dark blue with a golden water nymph on the front. The sails and flags on the boat were the same dark blue but had a golden horse sewn onto it. The horse had wings and a single horn upon its forehead. There was also strange lettering painted along the hull and along its back. Sesshomaru guested this was probably the name of the ship or the name of the country it which it had come from.
Climbing inside the ship through the hull he made his way up to the deck. Hearing the whispering again he followed it towards the captains quarters. When he pushed against the creaking wooden door he looked around inside to see a skeleton sitting in a large golden chair at the center of the room. It was dressed in kingly garbs that were tattered with age and was clasping a small black box in its bony hands. As he grew closer he noticed the box was painted with a blue moon and a pink lotus flower. When the whispering noises came again he discovered they were coming from the box. He didn't understand what this feminine voice was saying but he felt called to take it. In a trance he grasped the hand holding the box and attempted to remove it.
Being lost for many years the skeleton quickly turned to ash and crumpled onto the floor. As Sesshomaru carefully clutched the box to his chest the whispering suddenly stopped. At last it had found its new master. Still in his trance Sesshomaru turned around and left the room. It was only when he stepped outside the room that he came to his senses. Looking down into his hands he sees the little box making his eyes widen in surprise. Was this it? Did this little box hold the stone? Seeing lady Kaede sitting on some rocks up ahead he made his way down to the beach. When Kaede noticed what he was holding her eyes grew large in surprise.
"Is that what thee think it be thy Lord?" Kaede asked in disbelief.
"This one does not know... he has yet to open it," Sesshomaru said as he sat beside her. He tried pulling the box lid open but no matter how hard he tried the lid wouldn't budge.
"May thee see it thy Lord? Perhaps we are missing something?" Kaede asked. Handing the box over to her she begins to inspect it. When she turned it over she found on the bottom of the box a golden circle with dark brown stains imbedded into it.
"The circle! These stains... thy wonder?" Kaede thought in her head. "Do ye trust thee thy Lord?" After Sesshomaru shook his head yes she said, "Give thee ye hand. Thy wish to try something."
Sesshomaru narrowed his eyes in question but eventually gave her his right hand. As she clutched his hand she quickly sliced a small cut into his thumb with a small dagger. When she placing his thumb on the box she dragged it around the golden circle. Just as she suspected his blood soaked into the box and a soft click was heard. As the lid opened soft music began to play.
(*** Davy Jones Music ***)
Letting go of his hand she then handed the box back to Sesshomaru. He opened the lid wider to see a round pink stone nestled in blue silk.
"A blood contract was needed to open it. Now ye be the guardian of the wishing stone. It would not have opened if ye were not destined to have it." Kaede explained.
Sesshomaru stared at the stone in awe before closing the lid. He didn't want to alert her men and risk them trying to steal it from him. Them being greedy over the other treasure was enough. When he locked the lid back into place it caused the music to stop. Needing to hide it he quickly placed it into his leather bag to keep it safe. He would not risk someone making a foolish wish and condemning them all.
(xxx stop music xxx)
"Such a sad song for such a powerful box. I wonder why that is?" he thought to himself.
"What must this one do now that he has it?" Sesshomaru asked. "This one does not wish to suffer the same fate as its pervious master."
"Only time will tell thy Lord. Follow the guidelines and be careful for what ye wish for. If you don't let anyone take it away from ye thee be sure ye will do well." Kaede reassured.
[8 Days later]
It took five days to load up all the treasure from the hidden cave into their boat and another three to finish all the repairs. Now they were ready to set sail and head to the palace of the Nile river, home of the King's of Egypt. Sesshomaru's men were beginning to prepare the ship to leave when he walked over to Kaede and the camp she had made for herself. Taking hold of her elderly hands in his he looked down at her wrinkled face and old wise eyes.
"Are you sure you will not come with us? You have already given honor and prayers to your kin. You do not have to die alone in this place," Sesshomaru asked.
"Alas, thy am already beginning to feel the warmth from thee hands and feet leaving thee. Thy would not make it back to ye's home before thy time has come. Thee think ye for blessing thee in the chance to send prayers for my family. It has been an honor to serve ye my Lord," Kaede said as she smiled sadly.
"Be at peace my friend, this one looks forward to the day we meet again in the afterlife. This one gives you his blessing and gratitude in helping in this journey to find the lost treasure. He will be sure to have your name written down in history as not only as my translator but also as a friend to the royal family. May the gods smile upon you," Sesshomaru said before kissing her forehead and turning to the boat.
As the boat set sail the men aboard waved goodbye to the elder woman on the beach. Her pepper-gray ponytail softly blew in the wind behind her as she waved back. Before long the sails caught a strong breeze and they were on their way home. The ship was heavy with gold and would take a few more days than normal to get back. If all went well they would be home in 10 days with smooth sailing. And 10 days it was. The top of the ship was seen from the port and news spread quickly of Pharaoh's return home.
[At the Palace]
"Prince Inuhotep! Prince Inuhotep, you must wake up Sir! Our Lord Pharaoh's ship has been spotted near the harbor! We must get you to the port platform at once to greet him!" shouted the servant Jaken as he ran into his bedroom pulling the curtains away from the window.
Inuyasha grunted as he sat up on the bed. Struggling to wake up he rubbed his face with his hands before running them over the top of his head and through his white hair. Kikyo was curled up along his side still in deep sleep. She had not been feeling well the past few days and he had been reluctant to leave her side. As the Prince of Egypt and Head of the Guard however, it would be very bad news for him if he were not present to welcome his half-brother home. Pulling himself out of bed he got ready for the day before kissing his sleeping wife on the cheek. When he reached the main chambers of the palace Jaken handed him an apple for breakfast before escorting him to the chariot at the main gates.
Once at the port Inuyasha climbed to the top of the platform and sat in his chair to await the boat to take harbor. From the distance it was at he can tell it was going to be at least another 30 to 40 minuets before docking. He quirked an eyebrow when he took in the state of their boat. Whatever happened there was no hiding that they went through hell. Were they returning to get another ship? This one looked like… well shit. The wood was all different colors and textures from being patched up. Ropes and strouds were running all over the deck keeping the masts poles secured. The mast's sails were normally a red and yellow-stripped material. Now there were patched with blue fabric that had a strange horse on it with a horn on its head.
He could see strange claw marks scattered about the hull of the boat as well. He wondered what beast could have done such damage? Whatever happened he was sure Musa and his men would tell him about it if his brother didn't. When it finally docked the slaves lowered the plank. The crowd that had gathered was cheering loudly for the return of their king. They were waving streamers and ribbons in the air. Some people were even dancing in the crowds and music was playing with drums and horns. When Pharaoh appeared at the plank everyone bowed and gasped in surprise as they watched him descend from the boat.
Parading behind him were the ship mates carrying chests and sacks filled with treasure. All of it was to be loaded to the palace where it would then be dispersed for greater wealth around Egypt. After seeing the treasure continue to pour out of the boat the people erupted into an even louder cheer in support of their success in finally finding the lost treasure. Their former Pharaoh's dream at last was fulfilled. Making his way to the platform Sesshomaru was encouraged by his people's response. They had worked so hard in achieving this moment and after seeing his half-brothers face with his mouth hung open he knew he did his Father proud.
"You, you… you found it!" Inuyasha stammered out still in shock. His eyes were as big as saucepans. "The lost treasure has been found!" he shouted with a huge grin.
"Indeed." Sesshomaru said with a smug look on his face.
"Well, what the hell happened? Your ship looks like shit!" Inuyasha barked as he pointed to the disaster in question.
"This one will tell you tonight over dinner. First, you have much to inform this one on what has occurred over the time he was gone. Come, let us return to the palace little brother." Sesshomaru said.
They climbed aboard the chariot and made their way back to the palace along with the treasure and the small black box still hidden in his bag. That night Sesshomaru accompanied by Musa shared of their journey and the trials they went through. They shared about the mighty storm, the whirlpool, the birds of paradise, and the hidden gate which led to the treasure. They also made mention of lady Kaede and her sacrifice along with the men who lost their lives getting them there. The treasure was now a part of Egypt where it would make its new home.
Sesshomaru however did not make mention of the little black box sitting in his bag against his hip. Only he and Kaede knew that he had found it. As the new guardian he was still unsure of the dangers it might bring or what he was supposed to do with it now that he had it. He knew he was to grant a wish but what could it be? He did not want for misfortune to fall upon his people. For now it would remain a secret and wait to make his wish.
[End of Chapter 6]
Authors Note:
The scene where Sesshomaru is overlooking the ship floating in the lagoon was inspired by the movie the Goonies and the scene where Sesshomaru is inside the ship was inspired by the Pirates of the Caribbean 4 where Jack and Barbossa are fighting in Ponce de Leon's ship. I hope you enjoyed this chapter and will continue reading this story. More chapters to come. Thank you for your support.
