Pirating Hearts
Disclaimer: I do not own Inuyasha, Yu Yu Hakusho, X-men: Evolution or Bleach.
Chapter 5
"So, what's the plan mon ami?" Gambit asked whilst shuffling some cards. The crew had already started to gather after saying goodbye to their families. They packed necessary items and weapons and loaded them onto the ship. Touya and Jin checked to make sure if there's enough gunpowder, swords, bullets, and medical supplies on the ship.
"I've heard rumors about Captain Naraku. He likes to stay hidden from his enemies while he's busy with his captives. He sends his men out instead to face his opponents. There have been sightings of the Death Spider around this Island called Black Woods" Kurama replied, while writing the locations on a map and calculating the time it would take to get there.
"So, we know where he probably is, but what if he isn't there by the time we arrive?" Kagome asked. Sango pondered at something in her mind.
"We'll take over the island, and lure him there. While we confront him, some of our other men will be swimming towards the ship discreetly, creating a hole underneath"
"They'll notice," Sango said.
"Do you know something?" Hiei asked, realizing he never asked her for more details about her encounter with Naraku.
"Naraku's crew are made up by his children and other lowly scums who share his principles. Regardless, some of his men are prominent fighters and won't be fooled by a simple trick" Sango rubbed her arms, remembering a certain fight a few days ago.
"We're strong too, chere" Gambit stopped shuffling his cards and looked at her with furrowed brows. Sango raised her hands up in defense.
"I meant no insult to your abilities. I'm just telling you guys from what I've gathered from my fight with them", Gambit sighed and backed off while giving her an apologetic smile. He didn't mean any harm, he just didn't like his abilities being questioned.
"I got a question", Everyone turned to look at Grimmjow who asked, "Why did Naraku target the Fangs in the first place? Did you have anything valuable on your ship that he wanted?"
Kagome looked at Sango but the latter kept her eyes on Grimmjow, contemplating the right choice. The action didn't go unnoticed by Kurama and the other three men.
"Remember, pirate crews are usually not on friendly terms with each other. It's not common. We fight each other and the winner gets to live one more day. We are greedy and we steal from each other as much as we steal from merchant ships or the passengers' ones." Grimmjow pointed at Sango, before he continued. "You need to tell us everything or this alliance won't work." Grimmjow didn't flinch when Hiei held his sword against his neck. The others minus Gambit eyes widen at Hiei's actions.
"He's right Hiei. If we're going up against Naraku to save another pirate crew out of the goodness of our heart. We need full cooperation" Gambit said in Grimmjow's defense. Hiei growled and sheathed his sword. Sango knew she had to intervene now before things get any worse.
"I don't want you guys to fight each other. I know I'm asking much of your captain and yourselves, but I'm thankful that you are willing to help me rescue my father. And you're right, it is better to not hold onto any secrets that may jeopardize the rescue" Sango said, not wanting to cause trouble for Hiei and his friends.
"Yes, there is something that Naraku is after. A treasure we have in our possession for years but fortunately, he didn't get his filthy hands on it. Do you know the legend of the Shikon Jewel?"
"The legend of the infamous jewel said to grant any wish. A jewel desired by all. Be it pirates, thieves or kings. A priestess was given the task by the sea goddess to protect the jewel from falling into the hands of the wrong people. Many sought for the guardian but she was never found. Years passed and the jewel was considered lost and protected forever", Kurama told the legend to the others.
"You're lying. You have the Shikon Jewel?" Gambits interest was piqued. Obtaining the jewel was a thief's dream. The challenge and the satisfaction of stealing the precious jewel from its guardian excite him.
"The Shikon Jewel exists and its safe. Still being guarded by its protector", Sango said. Kagome's body stiffened as the jewel was being discussed. She hoped the others wouldn't take notice of her body language.
"The Shikon Jewel is a fine payment for rescuing your père and the others" Gambit bargained.
"I agree", Grimmjow nodded.
"No deal, the jewel must not fall into the hands of anyone but the guardian. It's cursed and will only bring misfortunate in the end" Sango argued, her patience wearing thin.
"The men are almost done with the preparations. We'll talk about the jewel another time. Kurama, how long will it take us to get to Black Woods?", Hiei spoke for the first time after a long.
"Two days", Hiei nodded, his demeanor commanding. He cast Sango a glance before turning to walk towards the ship. Grimmjow and Gambit followed him, leaving Kurama with the women still standing at the spot.
"He's angry with me", Sango stated.
"He has a lot on his mind, don't worry. What you've revealed a few moments ago has brought back an old dream of theirs. Grimmjow and Gambit are good men, it will take some time for them to warm up to you two", Kurama said. Kagome grabbed his arm to make him look at her.
"Please understand, we-"
"It's all right, Kagome. I'll wait until you two trust us enough to tell us. Now let's head to the ship as well, shall we?" Kurama interrupted Kagome and motioned for them head towards the ship. Sango and Kagome gave each other a look before following Kurama.
Naraku's hideout
"Your strength knows no bounds, Sesshomaru. I've tortured countless men and women, you see, and you're the first one that still isn't breaking. I wonder, have I lost my touch, Kagura?", Naraku regarded his daughter as he gazes at the bloody Captain of the Fangs. Cold amber eyes glared back at him from behind the cell bars.
"I don't believe so, captain," Kagura said, her gaze to the ground. She didn't want her father's wrath to be aimed at her.
"You would know, don't you Kagura?" Kagura couldn't help but flinched as she felt his hand on her head. Naraku smirked, loving the scared look on his daughter's face.
"You are the lowliest scum, Naraku. To even harm your own daughter and for her to be feared by you", Naraku turned to face his current toy, a frown forming on his face.
"Her duty in life is to serve me. I can do whatever I want to her as she is my property. She owes me her life" Sesshomaru furrowed his brows, disgusted by Naraku.
"If I remember correctly, you have a daughter as well. I think I'll go and find your precious daughter and bring her here. So I can see your face when I let my men rape her until she begs for me to kill her. And you will have a front-row seat" Sesshomaru lunged forward but the chains around his neck and arms held him in place. Naraku chuckled at his attempt.
"When I get out of these chains, you'll regret having angered me" Sesshomaru threatened.
"Bold words coming from someone who's at the mercy of his tormentor. Kagura, tell Byakuya and Goshinki to search for the dog's daughter and to bring her here alive"
"Captain, the woman, and her friend managed to escape from us after the ambush. They could be anywhere or even de-" Naraku slapped her. Kagura fell on her knees, her hand touched her cheek where he'd hit her.
"Are you questioning my orders? Do you need me to remind you your place?", Kagura shook her head, anger filling her body but she managed to hide her hateful thoughts from this monster. It was a skill she needed to master or she'd be dead right now.
"No captain. I'll inform them right away" She turned and walked away to inform her brothers. Before closing the door, she took one last peek at the proud captain of the Fangs chained to the wall.
"Big brother, I still don't understand why you let those two women go", Jakotsu asked, still confused by his brother's action two days ago.
"Keep your voice down, Jakotsu. You want Naraku to hear you?" The man reprimanded in a harsh whisper as the duo trudge on the rocky terrain of the island. He was a handsome tan skin young man with long black hair tied in a braid. He has stunning cobalt blue eyes with a purple four-pointed star tattooed on his forehead. His halberd was on his shoulder.
"He's busy with Inuyasha's brother. He won't hear me" Jakotsu swooned a bit when he said Inuyasha's name.
"She held up against me and my halberd. It had been a while since my blood got so pumped up. She's a formidable opponent and someone who'd I want to fight repeatedly. Didn't want Naraku to kill her" The young man answered his brother's question.
"Bankotsu, don't tell me you fancy her!"
"She is beautiful, I have to admit. Too bad, I won't get daddy's approval since I'm the enemy" The handsome man now revealed to be Bankotsu replied. He stared at the sea as he remembered the last time he saw the daughter of captain Sesshomaru.
"I prefer her handsome uncle, he's quite delicious" Jakotsu shrugged, not caring for the opposite sex.
"You still think she's still alive out there? Maybe she drowned along with her friend" Jakotsu looked towards the open sea.
"She's alive, all right. That one's a fighter. The other girl might also be alive. And sooner or later they'll come looking for their captured crewmembers and free them to get their revenge" Bankotsu smirked, remembering the fire burning in those beautiful brown eyes.
"Byakuya and Goshinki are preparing to set sail. Heard Kagura informing them of Naraku's orders to find the women and bring them back alive" Jakotsu informed his brother of what he'd heard recently.
"I see. Let's go back then. I'd like to join their hunt before they leave", With that said the duo made their way back to the hideout.
Skitty365: It has been a VERY long time since I've updated my stories. I didn't know that there are still a few people out there who are still interested in this story and to its completion. There might be a few grammar mistakes and sentences that don't make any sense at all. I'd like to thank the ones who messaged me and into convincing me to continue this story. Thank you very much!