InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ A Captain's Prize ❯ Choices ( Chapter 22 )

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

 

 

Chapter 22

 

 

With the shift of the wind, it was now time to make their move. The men scurried hearing their captain's orders. Running amiably around deck they quickly untied the massive ropes, switching the position of the mighty sails, and then tightly securing them. Wind filled the white sheets once again, as the sails, desperately tried to escape their enslaved hold on the tall, thick wooden poles. The ropes reassured their tight grasp.

 

Koga turned the helm firmly swinging the vessel left; he held the shaky wheel forcefully as the boat crashed against the white-capped waves with great vigor. Koga growled, approvingly, smiling he leaned with the tilting vessel. Adrenaline rushed through his body, his very being alive with a fierce fire; his eyes narrowed, lost, transfixed on his oceanic highway; tightening his grip, he needed to maintain his hold, one false slip could send them all to their watery grave.

 

Inuyasha's claws dug firmly into the strong wooden rail, as he felt the off balance of the turning ship. It would almost seem that they would overturn, yet was pleased that Koga was indeed handling his schooner well. Still observing the other ship, he didn't need to use the telescope for the adversary was close enough. Leaning into the sharp turn, his golden eyes narrowed at the enemy's vessel. He arrogantly laughed as he watched the men on the other boat, trying to do the same, however it was effortless, he smirked, by the time they would be able to turn their large craft Koga would've already fired upon them, ` A flawless plan indeed.'

 

Kagome laid in bed deep in slumber and was unaware of the sudden swing in the boat. Her body slid off the divan along with the white sheets, rolling onto the wooden floor with a sounding thump. Startled she awoke and found herself wrapped up in the soft mass of material. Books surrounded her, scattered, `What in the hell happened,' she thought as she untangled herself, but had to catch her balance, when trying to stand. She could feel the craft maintain its rightful steadiness. Kagome felt a stinging sensation in her upper thigh on her left leg. Investigating the annoyance, she could see where the force of the impact left a red welt. Kagome frowned this would definitely leave a nice sized bruise. She could just hear her mate now and slightly chuckled, thinking the worst. She knew Inuyasha would just probably jump to conclusions and end up loosing his temper. `He'd probably blame Koga's men,' she sighed.

 

Kneeling down she began picking up Koga's books placing them in their rightful positions on his desk. Wrapping herself back in the long white sheet, Kagome was, confused at the sudden turn; she cautiously approached the casement, gazing out the window, she noticed that they were coming across another ship. Her eyes widened in fear as she drew near the porthole only to see a British flag. The sight soon became violent when she heard a large boom, and a then the breaking of wood. Startled she immediately covered her ears at the offending noise of the cannons; loosing her attire, and flushed, she suddenly backed away from the pending danger. Vigilant incase they would retaliate, if so she was defiantly not safe in this room.

 

Koga gave the commanding order, “Fire!” He yelled, pleased Inuyasha's plan was successful, they were a safe distance away from the offending ship and no matter how much of the enemy's craft would waist their precious ammunition it would be effortless. However, the one shot that the Captain ordered hit accurately at the side of the boat, he watched with glee as the wood splintered away leaving a nice sized abrasion. His men's aim deadly and accurate as the small black cannonball tore another devastating wound, towards his prey, opening her up for the oceans to be her new grave. He smiled, it was now over, and they would be able to continue their course towards, Inuyasha's ship. He growled slightly at the thought, they where behind schedule, due to his friends run in with the British. With the entire noise they made, he was surprised and grateful that the whole Queen's navy was not tailing them. “Hara! Take the wheel,” he commanded, leaving the helm to Hara, he went to watch the horizon.

 

Black smoke now surrounded the rival ship as Inuyasha stood there with a smirk grin, he didn't need to watch anymore and was eager to get back with his mate. When he turned to head towards the room he was face to face with Miroku. “What is it?” Inuyasha asked looking at his second in command. He watched his friend's welcoming eyes gazing back at him.

 

“Well done Captain.”

 

Inuyasha smiled, “It was Koga who made it happen I just suggested it.” He needed to go and talk to him, he was wrong for throwing Kagome in his friends face. Placing his hands on Miroku's shoulders, “Go my friend and have fun with your woman, I'm sure she is concerned.”

 

Miroku smiled then let Inuyasha by; he now adorned a lecherous grin and went to find his fiancé. `It has been a while my dear Sango.'

 

He could see the other captain with his arms crossed behind his back as he just stared at the land in the distance, he was deep in thought. He coughed alerting the other male.

 

 

Koga turned, his head acknowledging his presence. His tone was rough, “What do you want! Are you here to goad some more.”

 

His tone was sincere, “No, I'm not and I'm sorry I did.”

 

Koga just chuckled, it was very unlike Inuyasha to apologize and wouldn't waist the moment, “ You know I never stop thinking about her.”

 

 

Inuyasha did not know what to say, he remembered hearing about Koga's mate however; she had indeed died many years ago. He never considered that against the wolf. Yet, one woman caught his attention, and that woman happens to be his mate. He was definitely not into sharing her with him. Bringing his hand to his chin, he cupped the firm flesh deep in thought. “Maybe there will be someone for you when we arrive, and my mate said that her father was having a ball,” he voiced, giving his comrade hope.

 

Koga smiled, his fangs peeked over his sporting grin, “Thanks, I think I can manage on my own though.”

 

“Yeah and look where that has landed you?” Inuyasha smirked.

 

Koga's eyes narrowed as he turned his head at the cocky captain, “No thanks to you on my ass! Damn mutt-face you have a nasty right hook!” He stated, and then began rubbing his cheek emphasizing his statement.

 

Inuyasha crossed his arms over his now huffed chest, “Well if you weren't looking at what didn't belong to you maybe, I would have spared your face!” He growled annoyed that this conversation was resurfacing again.

 

Koga noticed it too; he did not want to start fighting again. Therefore, he decided to redirect the matter. “Inuyasha if you don't mind me asking,” he paused, wanting to find a safe subject to ask. He gulped, “ What did you do to win such a fair ones heart?” The question was simple and hoped that he didn't offend his ally, and prayed that another fight wasn't brewing in his temperamental friend.

 

 

Kagome rushed into Koga's closet once more she had found a black pair of pants and a dark matching top, as it clung nicely around her slender form. The cuffed ruffles hung down past her wrist. She was grateful that the loose thread wouldn't effect her hands. Finding a belt, she tightened the loose pants. Pulling a nice pair of black knee high boots out from under the hanging clothes, she was pleased that the shoes had a comfortable heel; slightly altering her height.

 

Rummaging through his wardrobe, she had found a crimson sash; she frowned suddenly thinking about her mate. `What we're those two thinking?' she fumed. Her sapphire eyes lessened, ` How could he just put me to bed and then not warn me.' She growled as best as she could, that would even impress her mate. She still could feel the tenderness as it pulsated on her the side of her thigh, and angered her further. She took a deep breath, and was ready to make her stand as she turned and headed out onto the deck.

 

She could see the bright blue sky and the vivid green land to her right. The waters were smooth as she silently strode her way to the unsuspecting males. Lucky for her she was upwind from the males, so they didn't even smell her approach. Kagome folded her arms, she scowled at the two men; she was grumpy plus still shocked over the large explosion. She knew the pending danger that followed so close to them, yet seeing it first hand was another matter. She stopped and considered her actions. Should she just start yelling or handle them civil. She couldn't decide so she did the what came natural, “Just what in the hell were you two thinking, firing upon that ship? Do you realize that we could of been killed? Or do you even care?” she questioned yelling while she crossed her arms over her chest.

 

 

The two men stopped their conversation. Inuyasha turned his head to see a rather upset mate, his ears automatically folded, blending with his long silver strands. Koga also felt like he was in front of the firing squad and couldn't help but comment, “ I think we better run, or we might not live to see tomorrow.”

 

“I'd say I have to agree with you.”

 

“Don't be ridiculous,” she scolded, “ Do you two realize the danger I was just faced with, what if they hit your ship… I mean if you have, a death wish bye all means fulfill it elsewhere. But drop me off first!” She wouldn't give the men time to state their plea as she quickly paced back into the room slamming the door behind her.

 

Inuyasha could smell the fear and anger radiating off his mate and scolded himself for not checking in on her immediately. His chest rumbled, `another fight', he mused. Yet, this time it was his fault. He shook his head, trying to figure out a way to make this up to her. His ears perked when he heard the smashing of glass. “I better go check on her.”

 

Koga growled when he could hear his fallen object, he feared the worst with his items. He recalled the day back at the inn and wondered if she was doing the same downstairs in his cabin. Yet no other noise came from the room, he arched his brow and looked at Inuyasha. He couldn't help but smirk at the pale face captain standing next to him. Never in all his years has he ever encountered such a passionate woman. He frowned not even his mate held the fire that this woman on his ship did. He also didn't want anymore of his possessions broken, either he would talk to her or let Inuyasha handle his mate, he was already on his good side he didn't want to upset his friend further. He was pleased when he watched Inuyasha depart, and turned to continue gazing at the soothing environment.

 

 

Kagome was pleased the large clamor the door had made, still she felt infuriated. She needed to vent some more, as she cursed, her unfamiliarity of being on a pirate ship. Feeling naive, she scolded herself, thinking that she would be able to live a life as a bandit. She never imagined she would feel so much fear. She loved Inuyasha with all her heart, and wanted to follow him wherever, yet they would be always on the run considered outlaws and probably would be pillaging which she was thankful that she hadn't witnessed that yet. Confusion sunk in and she felt like she was being torn in two different directions.

 

She wasn't dense when it came to war ships and seeing the three mast and the British flag, she knew they were a part of the Royal fleet, the Queens navy. She continued towards the window, when she turned suddenly knocking over the now cleaned hand basin. The pitcher crashed on the floor shattering the fine porcelain into small fragments. She frowned as tears began welling up in her eyes, she didn't mean to break such a fine piece of china, and was sure Koga would be angry with her. Kagome reached for the fallen sheet from earlier using it as a sweeper, then scooted the small fragments as they scraped along the floorboards. Little pieces began to go into the narrow crevices of the plank wood flooring. `Shit!' She scolded herself, just her luck, now she will never be able to get all the shavings of broken glass off the ground. Deciding to leave the smaller pieces, she decided to go after the bigger chunks. Already aggravated, her nerves were weighing out on her ladylike behavior, as she so desperately wanted to scream every obscenity she could think of, yet held her tongue.

 

 

Finally, she managed to pick up the larger pieces and placed them inside the basin, when she maladroitly placed her hand onto the floor managing to gain a couple slivers of glass in her hand, she gasped at the now annoying pain as she turned her palm over to inspect the damage. She sighed, as she began picking at her hand, removing the nuisance. Little holes where left by the sharp jagged edges, as small spots of red appeared. After making sure that all the small pieces were removed, she went over and grabbed a towel that sat next to the expensive décor. Wrapping the towel around her hand she sighed defeated and returned to her place of rest. Plopping on the soft goose down mattress, pulling the pillow closer to her face as she just wanted to close her eyes and wake up feeling like the latter of the day didn't happen, that she didn't see the demise of their enemy's vessel or yelling at the two demon's; or even breaking the china. She was not aware of her mate's presence as she continued to gaze numbingly at the scenery through the large window.

 

Unawareness plagued him on what she would actually do to him, when he entered. He shook his head his, while his ears twitched to the slightest noise. He could no longer hear anything coming from the room, and was cautious not to step on any broken glass. He could smell the fresh salt of her tears and the slight tinge of copper. Avoiding the area, he continued, watching as his mate was still unaware of his presence. “Kagome?”

 

Kagome sat up when hearing her mate in the room, “What is it?” She questioned sternly, wiping away the tears; she was already having a bad day, and didn't want to escalate with fighting with Inuyasha again. She watched him slowly approach her and sat at the end of the bed. She could not help her actions when seeing the sullen face of her love. Her tone changed when she addressed her mate, “ I have been thinking Inuyasha,” she paused, then slowly stood from her resting spot and walked in front of her love, kneeling down she took his hands in hers. “Maybe… ”

 

His eyes widened in fear what she would say, `was she leaving him!' “No!” He shouted, as he placed a finger on her supple lips, his head held firm, as he could see the glossy haze cover her beautiful orbs, “I love you please don't leave me, you cant.”

 

She removed his finger, kissing the inside of his palm as she placed it on the side of her face, as the tears trickled down her features. “ Inuyasha, I never planned on leaving you,” she was glad to see the sudden change in his aurora. “ I'm just confused, I don't know what to expect when being on a ship… a pirate ship for that matter.”

 

“Then what were you going to say?”

 

She smiled slightly, “I was going to suggest if we can come to some kind of understanding. I really don't want to raise my family on the open seas, where danger is lurking all the time, always worried about…” she closed her eyes, “ dying.”

 

He understood surprisingly, how could he be so selfish to think that she would stay with him on the open waters, traveling. No she was land bound, formal a lady of stature. She didn't deserve to be cooped up for long travels, sometimes not being near land for days, maybe months; however long their stock lasted. Not to mention she was far off at pending danger, it was everywhere, from Queen Victoria and any other country that outlawed Piracy. Not to mention protecting themselves through other enemies trying to steal their loot or sudden squalls that would leave you sick for days, from the tossing of the violent waves and strong gales. Although this was his life, well respected, and feared, this was his home to be on the seas, yes one day he would settle down, yet he was still so young. He contemplated his face long and sad his eyes closed as he could feel the warmth of her breathe caressing his face as her forehead now rested upon his. He was scared and he didn't want to lose her. His voice shaky, “Kagome, I agree. You deserve better than what I can ever offer you. Your life should be at home and not on the seas where you aren't safe. I cannot live with myself if something where to go amiss. I'm sorry for all the wrong I've caused, and I'm sorry for keeping you away from your home.” Tears spilled from his eyes as he continued to apologize, “ and for letting Naraku hurt you.” He confessed, Inuyasha wanted to hold her, just embrace her, but fought against it. Weakened, he stood, pushing his mate aside, not bothering to look upon her now redden face, as her tears fell freely from her swollen eyes. He couldn't face her right now and needed to be alone.

 

“Inuyasha…” she gasped as she watched him leave her, “Please, I only want to be with you!” she screamed as she ran towards him wrapping her small frame against his tensed back. “Don't leave me, please.” She begged again.

 

He pulled her away, “Kagome, the seas are my home,” he growled. “Here I'm not a freak or an outcast, here I'm me. I couldn't bare to watch my mate get ridiculed because she is mated to a half-demon and not a human, as should be.”

 

She wanted to smack his stupidity away, “Is that what you think?”

 

“It's what I know!” He growled, as he turned to face his mate, with sinister eyes. “Could you honestly walk down the street with me and be seen with me in your hometown, how would you feel being called a whore, when being approached, or how about our children?”

 

“I have, Inuyasha, and I don't care what they say, all I know is that I need you, I love you, that is all that matters.”

 

A slight smile escaped his stoic face, he caressed her cheek, soothing his distressed mate, “Love it would be selfish of me to keep you confined, and watch you slowly wither away, like a dying rose, I love you to much to see that happen to you.” He needed to escape or he would lose his argument. Turning away, he approached the closed door, as he listened to Kagome's sobs.

 

“Is that it? You're walking away.”

 

Her voice was cold and angry he closed his eyes regretting every word he spat! Yet he knew best, this is what she wanted, right to be on land not on the seas. He couldn't answer her, lowering his head he left the room.

 

Kagome wanted to run after him, begging him that she chooses to live on the ocean plains, instead with her family. She growled thinking about it. Exhausted, heartbroken and feeling utterly defeated. She retreated towards the grand bed and curled up under the blankets, she cried into the pillow. Her sobs soon silenced as sleep overcame her tired form.