InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ A Captain's Prize ❯ A calm before the storm ( Chapter 17 )

Disclaimer: I don't own Inuyasha or any other characters in the story.

 

Chapter 17

 

Koga headed into the seaport he could still see the ships ported from the almost setting sun. He could also see Naraku's vessel and frowned when he saw them facing north, if he were to go along side them he would not be able to help Inuyasha, who would probably be battling on the beach. Looking around the haven, he would have to come in diagonally, only to strike the head of the bow, but would have to get close enough, for his cannon balls to do some real damage; leaving him with no escape route. He rubbed his head with the new dilemma. “Any way I go about this I look suspicious.” He growled aloud. He rethought his strategy. “ He would have to send two men to intercept Inuyasha.” With a smile, he told his men to anchor alongside the enemy's vessel. He headed back to his quarters to warn his ally.

 

 

Inuyasha made camp, him and Shippo decided to go hunting. Miroku started a fire, with the dry twigs surrounding the area that now dissipated into the hungry flames. With the blaze illuminating the surrounding area, the girls made no haste to find fallen palm branches. “Look Sango these would make a nice mats.” Kagome said observing the forest floor. Sango agreed and the carried as many back to there warm surroundings.

 

 

Nighttime came quickly over the campsite. A medium size boar that Inuyasha caught roasted over the nice size fire, the overwhelming aroma of the cooking pig, left their nostrils lusting over their soon to be dinner. Finally, after seemingly waiting an eternity their patience paid off, and at last filled their empty stomachs with the juicy pork.

 

 

Koga could hear the men across from their vessel dance, sing and continued to imbibe on their rum. Stoically he gave two of his men the note he wrote previously. The tall trimmed man tucked it into his slacks. They armed the men each with a pistol and some gunpowder, which filled their black satchels. Long sabers tied around their waste, and small daggers now rested just above their boots. Koga placed each of his arms onto their shoulders. “ Men god speed, and come back safely. When you head into town stop at one of the Taverns, order some rum, watch out for a man named Naraku, find out any other information you can hear or dig up. Be alert, he will be dangerous and probably very suspicious. Follow the trail that I have instructed for you, I'm sure they are halfway; Captain Inuyasha will know who sent you just by your scent.” He ordered. The two men headed towards the already winched rowboat.

 

The short demon wolf stopped and looked at his captain. “Captain sir, forgive me for asking?” He gulped. “What should we do if something happened and the letter found its way into wrong hands?”

 

Koga saw red; in the blink of an eye, he grabbed the wolf by his throat, and squeezed and dug his claws into his tender skin, enough not to draw out any blood. “ Do not fail me! Otherwise, I will hunt you down myself and kill you slowly. Do you understand me?” He yelled, still squeezing his neck tighter.

 

“Yes sir.” He tried to answer, under the constricting hand. Koga heard his answer and dropped him. He did not look at them and retreated to his quarters to cool off, before he was going to kill someone.

 

 

Inuyasha rested against a fallen log, while his mate lay in his lap asleep. He thought back to a time where he once was a feared pirate, he knew that the vixen laying before him softened his heart, but the thought of facing his crew once more he would have to be that ruthless tyrant again. He could not afford a mutiny, and the crew with him now would pledge to secrecy. He smiled looking down on his love. “Sleep well my little vixen.” He whispered in the night air, and then allowed himself for the darkness to take over.

 

 

The two men made it to the beach pulling the boat securely on land they headed for the nearest tavern. Walking inside they headed towards the bar to order each a glass of rum, looking around they could see many different types of sailors; pirates, redcoats, and merchants, who were all too intoxicated; not having a care in the world. Courtesans adorned the inside of the tavern, making their rounds around the small pub. The two wolf pirates sat on the tall wooden stool, slowly drinking, watching two beautiful women approaching them. “Kaito, we do not have time for them, we need to find Naraku and get the hell out of here.” The shorter man said, hoping that time here was soon ending.

 

“Yes Hara, I think its time we head on out of here and find who we are looking for.” Kaito said above a whisper. They both finished their glasses and left some schillings with the barkeeper. They left the Pub unsuccessful.

 

Outside they headed toward the direction of the fallen palm and a large chunk of coral lay on the white sandy beach; stranded there for the reason that of a prior hurricane. Veering off to the right was the trail; they grabbed a couple of torches left by the tavern and headed in the direction of Captain Inuyasha.

 

Naraku's bandits sat up in the tree with their eyes closed, hearing the other pirates enter they looked at each other; with a silent nod they let the two wolves pass unharmed. Hara and Kaito stopped their noses raised in the air, to smell any unwanted company. Hara relaxed not tracing any harm and continued on his task. Kaito followed behind him, with his hand on his sword ready to draw, if need be.

 

 

It was nearly dawn before the two wolves smelt a warming scent. Running with what little energy, they could muster. They approached the camp inaudibly.

 

Shippo was perched on top of a bolder, hiding behind a mass of trees. He could smell the approaching demons and stood guard. Sensing them approaching quickly he assessed the situation and jumped out before they approached any further. “Where is that you two seem to be heading.” Shippo growled drawing out his sword. He looked over at the two wolves and then they looked at each other. Drawing out their swords, they faced the fox single handily

 

Inuyasha woke up the minute he heard Shippo growl, carefully moving Kagome's head off of his lap he stretched and grabbed his sword, only too defend his friend and to find out who was intruding.

 

Shippo was going to make the first move. A quick hand grabbed onto his shoulder, stopping his soon to be assault. “Shippo, these men are with Koga.” Inuyasha stated with a smirk on his face. Shippo nodded and sheathed his sword and turned around heading back to his post. “ Forgive my mate, he is very protective.” Inuyasha said trying to ease the now tense situation. The two wary men looked at each other and then looked over at the half demon before them.

 

Kaito approached, and bowed. “You must be Captain Inuyasha, my name is Kaito and my shipmate's name is Hara, we are at your service sir.”

 

Inuyasha was puzzled. “Why would Koga's men travel to find me?” Looking over at the two again he asked, “ Is everything ok with Koga. Why aren't you two with your crew?” He queried.

 

Kaito reached into his back of his pants, pulled out a folded piece of parchment, and handed the paper to Inuyasha. “Please forgive me Captain, Captain Koga has sent us to give you this letter and too follow your upcoming mission to find Naraku. We were at a tavern but we did not hear of that name mentioned so I'm sorry I have no further information for you.” Kaito said humbly.

 

Taking the folded parchment, he tucked it into his white shirt. “Come to our camp and get some rest, dawn is approaching and we need to leave soon.” He ordered, then returned to his camp, and resumed his position next to his mate. He reached in, pulled out the note, and read it. “Damn!” He swore aloud, then crumpled up the piece of paper, and threw it into the residing flame.

 

Kagome stirred below him, she opened her eyes looking up at her lovers scowl face. Grabbing his hands, which he nicely rested on her waist, she entwined her fingers through his. “ What is the matter?” She asked softly, letting a yawn creep in.

 

Inuyasha looked down at his mate with loving eyes. He wanted to tell her that Koga would not be there to protect him the way they had intended. He frowned at the thought that if he lost the battle, then Naraku would be able to claim her for his own sick pleasures. The very thought of that made him tense up and growl. Residing his inner turmoil he gave his best smile and said. “There is nothing wrong love, I always get tensed up before going up against a big battle.”

 

Grabbing his hands tighter, she unwrapped his arms from around her waist. Sitting up, she faced him, cupping her hand on his smooth face, she looked at him reassuringly that everything was going to be ok. Even thought she knew that he had just lied to her, she understood why and did not want to take the matter into a regretful situation. She knew the risk and she would yell at him later. “Promise me love, promise me you will come back for me, I do not know what I would do without you.” She said full heartedly; trying not to shed tears, she would stay strong for him.

 

Inuyasha looked at her with loving eyes. “I'm glad you are by my side love, even when you were my captive. Fate has changed again and now you have captured me; my heart.” He said lovingly, then leaned in, and kissed her. He kissed her with fervor, his heart pouring every inch of emotion into the kiss. He feared that it would be the last time his mouth tasted hers. That scared him even more and he had taken the kiss further, bringing around her, he pushed her body closer to his, never wanting to leave her embrace. However, time was not on their side as darkness around them faded, and birds began their morning songs. “Love, it is time.”

 

 

After everyone awakened, and had some left over pig, they mounted their horses. Inuyasha rode next to Kagome, and Shippo and Jeff let the two wolves ride with them. With a hard ride before the rising of the sun, they would make it to their destination with in little time.

 

 

Koga did not sleep at all during the night he kept a sturdy watch over the enemy's vessel. He only hoped that his two-crew members delivered his important message.

 

The now black ocean shimmered with golden colors as the arising sun warm her rays, through the chilled air. Koga stood up and stretched, he noticed that the other sailors aboard the other ship seemed to be sleeping on deck from the previous party. A smile crept on his handsome arrogant face. “Naraku, your own men have just created your downfall.” He mumbled. He headed down to the main deck. He could hear movements below him as his crew was waking and preparing for the long day ahead of them.

 

 

Mukotsu was the first to wake, he had heard the horses half a mile away, and they were approaching fast. “Bankotsu, wake up we have company.” He said loudly enough for him to hear but not for his approaching enemies.

 

Bankotsu, stirred in his sleep, lying uncomfortably against the rough bark of the palm tree. He could hear, Mukotsu calling him, giving a stretch. “What company I do not hear anything.” He yawned, desperately trying to go back to sleep.

 

“Did you forget so easily that I'm a demon and have better hearing than you and not to mention I can smell the fox that travel's with Inuyasha? Now if you do not want me to kill you right here I suggest you get your lazy ass up!” Mukotsu said angrily drawing out his pistol and aiming at the annoying human.

 

Bankotsu opened his eyes, and sat up. “Well why didn't you say so.” He said with an arrogant smirk. He stretched one last time and hoisted out his pistol. “Did you let Musou know yet?”

 

 

Mukotsu looked over on to the ground to see a still sleeping Musou; without hesitation, he grabbed a coconut off the palm and threw it next to him. Musou woke instantly at the sound of a cannon landing next to him. The hard skin of the coconut hit the tree with incredible force; nearly missing his face, then with a thud hit the dry palms on the tropical floor. “Musou it is time, go warn Naraku, hurry they will arrive shortly.” Mukotsu said. Musou nodded his acknowledgment and ran towards the direction of the town.

 

 

Naraku paced his room, in anticipation. He knew and felt Inuyasha's presence approaching. It would just be a matter of time, before he would be able to have his sexy captive back into his awaiting arms. A sudden knock on his door broke his trance. He growled, then walked over to the door, and opened hit. He found himself face to face with Musou.

 

Musou panted for air. He calmed himself when the door opened suddenly. “ Captain sir, I have come to inform you that Inuyasha and the others are approaching.” He said with a mirth look on his face. He too anticipated the upcoming battle.

 

 

Naraku smiled. “Gather some of my men and I will meet you downstairs.”

 

 

 

Inuyasha rode ahead leaving Shippo and Jeff to take care of their women ridding behind them. Inuyasha stopped sniffing the air, feeling somewhat awry. Everything in his body was telling him to stop, not to go any further. However, he continued, ignoring his own instinct. Coming to the end of their long track, he could see the town. A smile grazed his face. His smile stopped short when he heard two men jump behind them.

 

Shippo growled while his horse reared up, almost knocking Shippo to the ground, unlike his ridding partner. Mukotsu and Bankotsu had their guns pointed at the party.

 

Inuyasha turned his horse, to see the commotion. He growled then kicked his horse into a full gallop to charge the men who dared attack them. Shippo on the other hand drew out his sword. A gunshot rang through the forest. Jeff fell off his horse growling in pain, he reached for the angry wound that was on his shoulder, trying to stop the blood that seeped through his wound. Inuyasha stopped his horse abruptly, seeing one of his crewmates wounded he growled. “Miroku get the girls out of here now! Shippo and I will deal with these two.” Inuyasha demanded drawing his rapier.

 

Shippo took advantage of the quick distraction from his captain, the two men were trying to shoot again, Shippo with his inhuman speed, jumped off his horse and landed in front of the two bandits blocking their shots that now aimed for the two women.

 

Hara pointed his gun at Bankotsu; he had a clear shot and took it. He shot Bankotsu in the head. “One down, one to go.” He chuckled.

 

Mukotsu being the coward that he was knew that he would not likely survive this battle. His only other option was to retreat. Throwing his weapons down on the ground, he ran into the forest only to run into the other wolf demon. Kaito grabbed Mukotsu by his shirt and growled. “Where do you think you are running too? You swine.”

 

 

Naraku heard the sounds of shots in the distance; walking outside he also could see a party of three as they galloped past him. He followed them quickly, leading to a small white manor house. He took advantage of the houses that where built side by side; there were many hiding places for him to observe the present situation.

 

Miroku dismounted his horse and helped the ladies dismount as well. “Miroku we have to go back, I need to know if Inuyasha is ok.” She pleaded, tears streaming down her face.

 

“I assure you that he will be fine, please we must go inside quickly. Being caught will not help Inuyasha.” Miroku said soothingly. In addition, he led the girls into the house.

 

 

Naraku chuckled, his little play toy was here, and he could not wait until he was able to touch her, smell her, and feel her fear. Bested, he felt an inner rage; Inuyasha had marked her as his own. Shaking the disturbing thought. “That in time will soon be remedied as soon as I kill Inuyasha.” He laughed, turning around he headed back to meet Musou.