Chapter 4: Stormy Nights

Well, I hope you guys are enjoying this fic! I really appreciate all the reviews. I'm gonna try to update regularly, which won't be that hard unless something comes up because I like writing this, so hopefully I won't keep anyone waiting.

I reluctantly spent the night with Ayame. Though it took every fiber of my being to not yell at her for being completely unreasonable, I didn't. We didn't talk much though. She talked to Kouga about me staying there and he agreed to sleep elsewhere, but I came in after she already fell asleep and settled myself in so I wouldn't have to go through any awkward conversations.

At the crack of dawn, I woke up and snuck out. There was no reason for me to stay in with her. She stays couped up in there all day probably freaking out over how adorable Kouga is or something.

"Dear, you look sleepy." Jakotsu appeared behind me wearing a silly (creepy) grin.

I jumped back, a little caught off guard. Something about Jakotsu made me feel at home and uncomfortable at the same time, "I didn't sleep much..."

"Well, I could have guessed that much." He giggled, "Is it homesickness? You'll learn to like it here. Trust me, when Bank and I came on this ship, I wanted to puke. But then, after seeing all the men with no shirts, I felt at home."

I highly doubted that all these shirtless men would ease my troubled and lonely mind, but I was hopeful something along the way would.

"So..." He continued, "What do you even do on this ship?"

I shrugged my shoulders, "I don't know what to do. I was just planning on walking around, I guess. Cry probably."

"Ooo don't do that! Your face will get red and gross." He commented, shaking his head in disapproval, "Besides, are you not a princess? Princesses are calm in all situations."

"If I was a princess, I'd be in a castle." I muttered, "I'm wearing rags in a ship." Kouga had given me some clothes to wear that were in fact just a tight cream top and a brown vest over it, along with tight dark pants and black boots that came up right below my knee. Definitely not a gown.

"Well, dear, you look like the queen of this ship." He mused, grinning, "I'd stay on the down low unless you want all the adorable, shirtless pirates all over you." He winked, then ventured up to the deck.

I looked down at my strange attire, and it struck me odd that anyone would find pants on a woman more attractive than the gown I wore before, even if it was plain. At least the gown ostentatiously showed my royal blood, whereas now, I look like a dirty pirate.

Wandering around, I found stairs to a lower area of this huge pirate ship. I didn't what I was expecting when I walked down, but when I found a cellar full of rum, I sat in the corner and cried. Was it the initial smell of alcohol mixed with molasses that brought out every hopeless thought I harbored in my mind? Or was I just still tired? I wasn't even thinking about what made me cry while I was crying. I didn't have to. My body knew enough to melt down without me telling it so. There was no direct reminiscence of what happened. No context in my tears. But still, I stayed on my knees, and cried.

"I just need sleep." I whimpered, drying my eyes and mentally reminding myself why exactly I broke down. Of course, internally, I knew that it was fear and loneliness that brought upon my breakdown, but I had fallen before I got a chance to think about it.

Standing, I wiped the dirt off of my pants and observed the room before heading back up, considering my journey to be a pointless one.

It was then that I realized that I really had nowhere to go. I wanted to rest but I wouldn't go back in Ayame's room while she was there and I sure as hell wouldn't sleep on the ground somewhere. If I had a map of the ship, maybe I could find a nice, empty sitting area somewhere at the least.

"Inuyasha..." I concluded, knowing he could help me.

Back to his cabin my legs carried me, now waiting for my fist to raise itself and knock.

Knock Knock Knock

In under five seconds, the door swung open.

"Who the hell-" He fumed, but proceeded to let out a sigh, "Listen, Kagome, I'm too busy for you to keep barging in here all the time!"

"I'm tired." I confessed, yawning as proof.

"Thought you had Kouga's room." He crossed his arms, "Or are you still upset at the friend you risked everything for."

I didn't like him teasing me like this, "Listen, this would go a lot faster if you just gave me somewhere to sleep."

He shook his head, "Unless you wanna lay down in one of the men's sweaty beds, I suggest you head back to Ayame's."

I waved my hands to stop him from closing the door on me, "There's gotta be some place. I'm gonna faint of exhaustion."

He placed the palm of his head on his forehand in frustration, "If you can stay mute in here, you can rest in my bed. Haven't used it in a while anyways."

"Your bed? As in your bed?" I didn't expect him to offer me this. I didn't even know if I felt comfortable sleeping in his bed.

"Yes my bed, idiot. Ya want it or not?"Leaned up against the wall, he stared at me in annoyance.

"...Yeah..." I hesitated, "Yes, please." I corrected, remembering my manners.

He got out of the way and lead me to the back of his cabin, where a rather normal looking bed resided, looking seemingly untouched. It must be true that he rarely uses it. I can't imagine this busy man taking the time every morning to make his bed.

"When you wake up, if I'm not here, let yourself out." He walked back to his desk, where on a map, he marked X's on various locations and read through several documents.

I settled in in his bed, taking in the faint scent of the earth and ocean mist which for some reason, relaxed me. I sunk into the mattress, bathing in his previous presences. I wasn't sure whether or not I was comfortable laying here, but I closed my eyes anyways and fell asleep.

"Princess, how's it going?"

My snapped open to see a man hovering over my body.

"H-Huh?" I sat up while my vision cleared.

"Now, what are you doing curled up in the captain's bed?" He leaned closer.

"Bankotsu, was it?" I remembered the purple star on his forehead, and my vision finally returned to normal.

He grinned, "Ya remembered me? Heh, not surprised."

I nodded and looked around the room for Inuyasha, but when I didn't see him, I got a little nervous. Bankotsu, although not a demon, was still extremely intimidating.

"So, Princess, your directions were right. Got the scroll. No one got hurt." The smirk on his face grew, "Now, our mission can move along a bit easier. Maybe that's why Inuyasha ain't letting nothing happen to you."

"Huh? He's protecting me because I got you guys the scroll?" I scratched my head.

"I dunno. But I wouldn't doubt it." He began walking away, "And get outta his bed before you look suspicious, Princess."

I blushed, happy that him and Inuyasha were pleased with me. I didn't want to imagine what my life would be if they weren't. But also a bit embarrassed that someone saw me in here. I didn't want anyone getting the wrong idea about why I was in his bed. I just wanted to take a nap.

"Might as well get out before more guests welcome themselves..." I thought in a sour tone. Besides, I wasn't really that tired anymore. I was actually pretty hungry.

Thanks to my familiarity with big and confusing places (like my castle), remembering where everything was wasn't a problem and I was able to find my way to the the kitchen, where the chef (a jolly demon) chopped up some fruits and vegetables and made me a nice breakfast. I thanked him, bowed, and decided I would take a walk on deck. By now, everyone on the ship should know I'm here and should also know that they'd get in trouble for touching me. I felt kinda safe.

So I strutted up and enjoyed the suns rays piercing my pale skin. Tan skin wasn't very desirable because it was a sign that someone worked a lowly, outside job, but I liked the look of it. Reminded me of caramel. Of course, I knew the consequences of getting too dark (my mom would be so mad), but one day without a rice hat wouldn't burn me.

"Hey, girl, you better watch out." I heard a growl coming from the side of me, "Mess up any of my shit, I'll kill you. Don't care about our damned captain. You'll do well to watch your step on this ship."

Turning my head, I saw his arms crossed as he scowled, a bald man with a vertical purple stripe going through both eyes and a strange purple tattoo on his forehead.

"You see this?" He lifted his arm to reveal a gourd attached to his wrist. He then proceeded to drink whatever was in there and, looking at me, spit it out, creating flames. I jumped back, startled and a little frightened even though it hadn't come close enough to burning me.

"I make weapons on this ship. Interrupt my work, and I'll burn you alive." He grinned.

"Ren, what the hell are you up to?" I let out a sigh as I saw Jakotsu running up to us, "Inuyasha and Bankotsu will kick your weak ass if you hurt her. And so will I."

The man stood, and if looks could kill, Jakotsu would be dead, "Shut the fuck up, Jakotsu. Just make sure this girl stays out of everyone's way because I don't mind getting killed by those two, but I'll kill her first. She will not stomp around this ship because of some royal blood she's got in her veins. I'll be damned."

"Hey!" I demanded, making sure to stay close and somewhat behind Jakotsu, "You can't assume things about people without knowing them! I'm not some proud princess who makes messes of other people's lives without concern!"

The scary man was now somewhat baffled, but he was still obviously upset that I dared to raise my voice at him.

"C'mon Kagome." Jakostu interrupted, "Let's go."

We walked away, Jakotsu towering over me.

"Who was that?" I asked, looking behind me to find that he was still looking at me, menacingly.

"That's my brother, Renkotsu." He explained, "He's kind of a stone-cold bitch. So, stay away from him."

I nodded in agreement.

We walked together for quite some time, just talking about life on this ship. Jakotsu revealed to me that he never really had anyone he could talk to other than Bankotsu, and he was grateful to have someone like me on board. Ayame stays couped up in her room, but he said I gave him good company.

I felt the same way. Jakotsu made me feel relaxed. He was a lot like Ayame except he didn't treat me like I was on a high pedestal. He talked to me like a real person, and I enjoyed that about him.

After a while, though, he had to return to do some work, and I wandered about the deck, ignoring all the stares I received.

"Oh, Princess Kagome!" Myoga called, jumping around, "How have you been?"

I smiled, "I've been well, Myoga, other than that Renkotsu."

"Renkotsu? Has he been giving you trouble?" He asked, hopping onto my shoulder.

I shrugged, "A little, but Jakotsu straightened him out. It was nothing really."

"Hm...okay." He nodded his head, "Well, I wanted to tell you that it looks as though we might be met with a storm later. I suggest that, after dinner, you remain indoors."

"How about, after I eat, you tell some cool stuff about this ship!" I suggested.

The little bug demon glowed with joy, "Ooo that's a great idea!" I could tell that he had a lot of stories to share and not many people who wanted to listen. "Well, Princess, it'll be a daily thing that I let you in for dinner early so you don't get hounded. Be there in 10 minutes and I'll have the chef serve you!"

I smiled and nodded while the insect hopped off my shoulder and outta sight.

The next 10 minutes I spent watched the waves. It was amazing how they rushed to collide with the ship. It reminded me of close friends bumping into each other in town, rushing to say hello. The relationship between this ship and the sea was visible in the way we swayed with it. The deck rocked like a baby being put to sleep like it's mother. Right now, all was well on board.

"Ooo." I remembered the time, "I bet it's been 10 minutes, and I can't be late for dinner!"

I sped to the dining hall and took a seat. Myoga greeted me there and the chef brought out today's meal. I ate it with delight, giving my compliments.

"All done!" I rubbed my stomach. As if on command, the chef came out and retrieved my plate and hustled back to the kitchen.

"So, where shall we go?" I asked, getting out of my seat. The flea led me out of the dining hall and down many stairs until we met a small room, with only one lit lantern.

"This is my room." He smiled, "I live rather humbly."

"I'd say compared to your size, you're living quite impressively." To him, I knew this room was probably huge.

"Well, it already began to rain a bit, just as I predicted. It will only get worse." He sighed, "But, all is well. Shall I tell you a story?"

"Yes, please!" I was excited.

"I shall tell you the story of this ship." He exclaimed, "This ship is named the Goshinboku. It was Inuyasha's father, InuTaisho's ship. He'd given it to Inuyasha's mother, Izayoi, as a gift from one lover to another. Thrilled, she hid it in the cave where the two had first met. I was the only one who knew of its whereabouts because, as her sailing mentor, I helped her to sail it to the cave, where I promised not to tell anyone of where he hid it until her son, who she was still pregnant with at the time, was old enough. It would be a gift to him."

"Well, that's touching." I put my hand over my heart, as I felt compassionate for the Goshinboku myself, "So, what happened?"

"Well..." He continued, "When Izayoi was in labor, a fire was started right outside her room and began to spread quickly. InuTaisho was on the other side of the kingdom, handling some business, because it was forbidden that a man be in the room while a woman is giving birth. By the time he arrived, the fire had spread so much that the only way to his lover and newborn child, was to run through the fire, so he did."

"Really?!" I leaned in close.

"Yes, and he carried them both out through the flames as well." He stated, "But, he was badly burned and weak. Normally, these wounds would have healed in a day or two, but there were people who didn't like the idea of their king being with a human woman, so, during his time of weakness, he was killed, protecting his family. Izayoi took Inuyasha away, to a little cabin in the woods, where he was raised until, at a very young age, she, too, died in a fire."

"That's terrible...I can't imagine losing my mother like that." I pictured Inuyasha's face in mind.

"Inuyasha went to the castle, looking for someone to take him in, but his brother, Sesshomaru, not only hated him because he was a half-demon, he blamed him for the death of his father. So, he was banished. For 10 years, he had to learn to survive on his own and was constantly travelling. I lived in this ship, but also watched over him, and, when he was 14, I told him about the Goshinboku."

I found myself taken back by the history of this vessel.

"He snuck back into the land of his father where he found the Goshinboku deep in the cave and, with my help of course, sailed it out. Unfortunately, he did get himself into a little trouble when sailing out, but it was nothing he couldn't handle. Sesshomaru found it a waste of time to chase him, so, he let him go. This ship was been under his command ever since."

I was speechless. I knew of Inuyasha's hard life, but knowing it and hearing it like this was so different. My heart sympathized with him. And the walls on this craft seemed to be alive now.

"Did you like it, Princess Kagome?" Myoga asked me.

"I'm at an awe. Such a hard life Inuyasha lived." I sighed, "I feel bad for him."

"He's grown now. He would not accept words like that." He chuckled, "But, unfortunately, it is getting late. And I must retire until morning. I enjoyed your company tonight."

"Thank you Myoga. I enjoyed yours as well." I headed out and found my way back to Ayame's door. I put my ear to it, and heard Ayame's soft humming. I wouldn't go in until she was asleep. So, I paced.

Myoga had been correct about the rain getting worse. It was so heavy now, like giant footprints against the deck. The Goshinboku trembled now, as if she was scared.

I sat down by the door, and slowly, as the moon rose, I found myself surrounded by thick darkness.

"Maybe I should go inside now..." I had a bad feeling about tonight.

I slowly stood and looked around. This place was in one piece. Thank God.

With hesitation, I watched Ayame's door, hoping that by now, she was fast asleep.

"Is that her?" I could faintly hear a whisper coming from the same hallway, but as I checked to see who it belonged to, I saw nothing but blackness. I could only my hands in front of me, but, beyond that, was nothing but a giant shadow.

"Who...who is that?" I questioned, backing up.

Suddenly, I felt a hand cover my mouth and take me into Jakotsu's room. Still, with my mouth covered, I saw a disfigured man in front of me who more resembled a frog with red surrounding his abnormally large eyes.

"She is a pretty girl." He grinned.

The hand uncovered my mouth and I heard a laugh, "She's a princess."

Renkotsu was behind me. Even without seeing him, I recognized that cold voice.

"What are you doing!" I shouted. But a cloth was wrapped around my face, covering my mouth so I could do nothing but make muffled noises. I was then thrown into the arms of the strange man, who tied my hands behind my back.

"Renkotsu, Mukotsu!" A shocked Jakotsu rose up from his bed, astounded by the sight in front of him, "What the fuck are you two doing to the princess.

In horror, I watched as Renkotsu made his way towards Jakotsu, who stood his ground, and ripped a long knife from his belt, stabbing it into Jakotsu's chest.

"What we are doing is handling business, foolish brother." He smirked at his bleeding brother who fell to the floor, choking as the blood began to flow out from his mouth. I couldn't believe it. I cried as my eyes realized the crimson sadness that leaked on the floor.

"Now, can I have her?" Mukotsu asked, licking his lips as he threw me onto Jakotsu's bed. My eyes still witnessed the stillness of Jakotsu's empty body. Could it be?

"Yes, brother." Was Renkotsu's only response, as he basked in his bloody mess.

Now, the man turned to me, "You may find this hard to believe, but... many women don't find me attractive...Butt, sweet princess, let's make some nice memories before you die, so that you may see me differently."

His hand reached out to my neck, as my muffled screamed barely made their way to Renkotsu's ears. Slowly, the moved it down to my collar bone, which he rubbed and admired.

"Your skin is beautiful." He whispered. To my horror, he lowered it even more to my breast, which he stopped to grab and massage with his fingers.

Stop it. I don't want this! Won't someone help me!

He leaned over and kissed my wet cheek and then stuffed his face into my chest, kissing the thin layers of clothes that shielded me. His other hand gripped my thigh as he spread my legs and made his way inbetween them.

I felt helpless and alone. I never had been with a man. I didn't want to be with him. I'd rather he just kill me now with my dignity, with my innocence.

"Oh my, you are perfect." He began caressing up and down my leg, but stopped and moved away from me. For a moment, I thought he had changed his mind and was going to leave me, but he only stared at my body and reached out to unbutton my vest. He shoved his face into my neck, now, kissing me and breathing heavily as his hand reached inside my pants and rubbed. I tried so hard to scream loud, but it was nothing anyone would hear. My body began reacting, and I kicked desperately to get him off of my. I was humiliated.

"Be still, bitch." He growled, "Or I will fucking-"

The door busted open. "Dirty fucking bastards..." The cracking of knuckles is the sound that calmed my bouncing heart. I knew that someone had come for me.

"C-Captain?" Mukostu stuttered in disbelief and moved away from me.

"In the flesh." He muttered.

Bankotsu ran in, and, at the sight of his dead brother, his face grew red, "Traitor!"

Renkotsu, surprisingly didn't seem scared at all, "It's unfortunate really. I was hoping to have blown his legs off."

"You really are a worthless piece of shit." Inuyasha growled, then looked over at me.

"Kagome..." He breathed out and lunged at Mukostu who ran to the corner and released poison from a little jar he had.

"Come at me." He hissed.

Inuyasha, still running towards him, laughed, "I'm not some human. Your poison is nothing." With that, he dug his claws into his throat and the man collapsed onto the floor.

"Keh, idiot." I heard Inuyasha say.

Bankostu and Renkotsu were having their own fight, Renkotsu lunging at Bankostu with his sword and Bankostu attacked with his halberd. The swords clashed, creating such a sound that in itself, could pierce through skin.

Inuyasha untied my hand and uncovered my mouth and lifted me in his arms, nodding at Bankotsu that he may leave this battle to him. Bankotsu nodded back and, right as we left the room, I saw Bankostu cut off his head.

"Master Inuyasha!" Myoga's voice echoed through my burning headache. I must've passed out.

"Master Inuyasha! The storm! It's getting bad!" He pleaded, but I heard no answer from the hanyou.

"The waved are so large, we cannot even see in front of us! Master Inuyasha, it's terrible!" Myoga continued to beg for his attention, "I fear for the sake of everyone on board."

My eyes opened fully now as all my senses regained consciousness. I was in Inuyasha's bed. The moon was still high in the sky as I could see from a window. But Myoga was right. The storm looked dangerous.

"Who's sailing!?" He demanded.

"I-" Myoga paused, "I haven't been up on deck since right after dinner."

All of what had happened came back to me in sections, but if there was thing I remembered clearly, was blood everywhere.

"Ja-Jakotsu..." I whimpered, while the vision of his lifeless body appeared in the back of my mind. My eyes watered for the loss of my new friend. Though I had only just met him, his friendship comforted me, and the idea of spending my afternoons talking with him brought me solace. Such a sour ending, to be killed by your own brother...

My body curled up in a small ball under the blankets and the rest of the night flooded back to me. Mukotsu... I immediately felt a sting of pain rush through my body. I had never been touched the way he touched me. I had never been abused in such a way and, though he had taken control of my body for that short time, I felt the pain more in my heart.

But Inuyasha killed him. He saved me before anything else happened. And Bankotsu had avenged Jakotsu's death. But still, I couldn't stop the overflow of emptiness, no matter how much logic I used to convince myself that it's okay now.

With all my emotions running crazy, I hadn't even noticed the hanyou who had knelt beside the bed.

"Kagome, are you alright?" He asked.

I turned my body to face him, feeling his stare against my being. "I-" I choked on my uncertainty, "I don't understand anything..."

He nodded in understanding, "From now on, you're staying with me, ya got that?" He muttered. His angry tone suggested that he was upset at someone, but the way his eyes turned away to look beside him made me think it was with himself whom he was not on good terms.

I agreed with him though. I never wanted to leave this bed that shielded me.

"If you'll excuse me, but Master! There will not be a "from now on" if this ship falls apart!" Myoga butted in, jumping in front of my rested face.

"Who was sailing right after dinner?" The hanyou questioned, standing upright, "Better not be some idiot."

"It was... I believe Toukajin..." Myoga stuttered, looking down.

"..." Inuyasha raised up a fist, "Shit... I gotta-"

The Goshinboku quaked and trembled, causing me to fall of the bed and land face first on the floor. The pressure that knocked into my forehead blurred my vision again, and all I saw my my body lift up.

"C'mon, Kagome!" His voice rang in my ears and he swung me over his shoulders so I was comfortably on his back. I could feel water drops falling on my body. It must be leaking through the ceiling, which was not a good sign.

Swiftly, Inuyasha and Myoga darted out of the room and onto the deck. I squinted and could see many men struggling to not get taken away. Waved crashed and stole some of the crew into the unknown. I gripped onto the hanyou's shoulders in fear. I didn't want to be separated from him.

"Dammit..." He bellowed and leaped up towards a chubby and quite dumb looking man who was fighting with the wheel to keep control.

"C-Captain..." The man huffed, "I'm trying but...I can't control it!"

"Idiot! Toukajin, why the hell would you take the wheel during a storm!" Inuyasha raged, "Keh, you already killed a few of my men, but this ends now."

He reached for the wheel, basically shoving Toukajin out of the way, but as his fingers met the wood, a wave crashed right over our heads. I hadn't even realized it had consumed the three of us until we were all rising from the deck. I shut my eyes tight, preparing to die.

The wave retreated back to the ocean and stole our bodies with it. I didn't let go of him, though. I held on with all my might. Though I was almost certain I wouldn't live, I wouldn't just let myself die either.

"Inuyasha..." I thought to myself, "Inu...Yasha..."

Well that's how the story ends...they all just die!
Just kidding. It wasn't a funny joke but I had to. Sorry it took so long to update but I had a lot of homework. Still, I hope this chapter made you happy. I know, there's a lot of stuff going on, but don't you worry! It gets better from here.

And if you're worried about our other beloved characters, they will arrive shortly. One by one.

And if you were wondering, yes, I did take most of those intense scenes from the manga and anime. I thought it'd be a cute thing to do I guess. Gotta keep the connection alive between the fic and the real thing alive.

Suggestions? PM me!

Comments? Review Review Review. I really truly appreciate it!