InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ A Pirate's Life ❯ Tortuga ( Chapter 1 )

Chapter 1: Tortuga

 

“YAY!” Kagome screamed as she ran off her ship after docking. She inhaled crisp sea air deeply only to cough violently afterwards, “I'm ok!” she wheezed, “You didn't see or hear that.” She looked around frantically making sure no one was around. Satisfied that no one was there, she smiled to herself and skipped to a near by pub.

 

“Kagome! Wait for me!” yelled Sango as she too, ran off the ship with her pet Kirara at her heels.

 

The pub they entered was in the very center of the busy streets in the harbor. It was a small red building in between two blue ones with a rotting wooden sign reading “Marauder's Alley” in fancy bold, yet peeling, black letters. The two walked to the counter, making all activity stop, but the loud voices of the occupants did not diminish. All eyes were on them.

 

The men howled and whistled offering to buy their drinks. The women glared at them when the attention of their men left them. Two young male pirates walked up to the girls and smiled. One had an eyebrow ring and had bright red hair. The other one was a dirty blonde and had a patch over one of his pale blue eyes.

 

“May we buy you drinks, m'ladies? Scotch or rum? Or how about the finest wine `ere?” the one with the eyebrow ring asked.

 

“No need to buy us drinks boys. We're big girls with our own money.” Kagome said with a grin.

 

“Well, may I ask what your names are? I am Ascot and my friend is Rune,” the red head said, “We've ain't never seen you `ere in this island. Are ye lovely ladies actually pirates?”

 

“Yes, stupid. Or else why would we even be here?” snorted Sango, “I am Sango and my companion is my captain, Kagome, Queen of Sirens. Now leave us or I'll have Kirara after you.” As if on cue, her pet went from cute cuddly feline to mega scary kitty cat. “We are the Sirens… may we cross swords on sea, gentlemen.” Sango held up her gun and Kagome banged hers against with a sluggish `Amen'.

 

Both men gulped and backed away. Everyone else in the bar seemed to be unfazed by it, well half of them anyways. Kagome and Sango often came to Tortuga and they also grew up there for a while a long time ago. Plus they were also well respected and feared female pirates with many death counts under their belts. They were force not to be reckoned with.

 

Both of the girls giggle and sat down. Kirara went back to cute kitty cat form and hopped onto Sango's shoulder with a soft meow as she licked her mistress's left cheek.

 

“'ello ladies, long time no see, eh? Well lemme guess, two mugs of me finest rum?” said an elderly man wearing a black swashbuckler shirt and baggy brown linen pants with black boots.

 

“Why yes Louis. Wow, after so many years you still remember!” Kagome beamed, “I thought you'd lose your memory old man. It's been what? Three years?”

 

“Why of course Kag. You me finest costumer on this here island! I won't lose me memory that soon, little girl.” Louis said as he handed Kagome and Sango their drinks with a small chuckle. He laughed louder when Kagome cringed at his left hand where his pinky should have been. “So many a years ya have seen people get killed and loose limbs like Keade loses hair and yet ya still cain't get use to me missin' finger.”

 

“Old man…” Kagome said in a warning tone, “Of course I still get all fidgety with it. You lost it when I was inheriting the Ship from Dola. I saw it with my own eyes for Christ sakes, just because Calico was drunk. You're like the father I never had.”

 

Louis was an elderly pirate that retired nearly 10 years ago when he nearly had his leg severed off by his own crewmates on the acts of false treason. He was in his mid sixties, his hair mostly grey with black streaks of hair on either side of his head. His eyes were once a vibrant green that had dulled over the years. A crooked smile graced his crooked face on his crooked body. His nose had been broken a dozen times in his youth and didn't heal properly. He limped at times, making his right shoulder look higher than the left.

 

“Ah yes… I remember. Enough of the past. What brings you lovely lasses back to Tortuga?”

 

“We seek Keade, Louis. I have something I need to confirm with her, and I know she at least has an idea of what this thing can be worth.” Kagome said as she took a gulp from her mug. “That's if it is real, or just some silly fairy tale.”

 

“And what, may this old fool ask, can that be?”

 

“The Shikon no Tama.” Sango said as she swirled her rum inside the glass, not bothering to look up at him as she turned her back to them, “Kagome heard rumors about it back when we were just off the coast of Spain raiding a merchant ship that just set sail. We don't know what it is, but it seems important to Kagome.”

 

“And it is…” came the voice on an old woman as she stepped out from behind Louis. She resembled a raisin and had grey hair pulled back into a low pony tail. She had a patch on her right eye and wore a white shirt and baggy red silk pants. He boots went just below her knee and in her left hand was a bottle of Scotch. “What do ye wish to know of such an old thing?” her eyes narrowed as she wondered to herself, `That thing should have never been heard from again. What has happened on the main land these past 50 years?'

 

“Everything Keade, everything. I'll pay you handsomely too.” Kagome threw a pouch full of coins onto the round bar as she shifted on her stool, “That's only down payment Hag. I'll give you more later. The only thing I know is that it's been roaming around with someone for he past six years.” Kagome knew Keade was a sucker for money but when Keade hesitated, she knew something was wrong, but she did not press the matter and kept her poker face on.

 

Keade sighed and took the money, “Ask away child. I'll answer to the best of my knowledge. But the Shikon is a very rare thing that not many people have laid their eyes on.” `Nor should it have been discovered! What on earth has happened to the current guardians? Six years… I should have heard something sooner!'

 

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“ARGH! Where is that hotel!?” Miroku whined.

 

“You promised Inu Yasha that you could get us a decent hotel here, monk. If we don't find one now, I'm sleeping on the ship. No way am I staying in a rat infested Inn at the harbor,” Evarina said.

 

She wore a deep navy blue dress that fell a few inches above her knees with a light lavender hem, showing her white stockings with blue bows on them that stopped an inch above her knee. The chest part of the dress was creamy velvet like material that had golden leaves twisting and turning in circular motions from the waist up, contrasting with the deep blue. The blue color of the bell sleeves stopped right above her elbow then flared out in a same lavender color at the hem of her dress. They went down to her wrists where she wore snowy white gloves and a thin gold bracelet with rubies on her right hand: a gift from Inu Yasha on her fourth birthday. The skirt puffed out at the waist, giving her a more, feminine look for the six year old. She tapped her foot and her black slip on shoes made loud tapping noises. Her hair was up in a high braid with a navy blue bow keeping it together at the end. She narrowed her honey gold eyes at Miroku and pouted.

 

“No I did not! Besides, our ship is infested!” Miroku said as he flung his arms into the air. The sleeves of his purple shirt bunched at his shoulders, giving ladies an eye full of his strong biceps. The beads on his gloved hand rattled against one another and jingled along with the rings of his staff. He let out a big breath and placed his left arm on his red sash that rested on his hips, and then dropped it along side his black pant leg before he tugged up his black boot.

 

“Koga killed them all last week after they ate through his favorite, and only, shirt! Why else hasn't he worn one?” She turned sharply, her hair lashing out at Miroku's thigh like a whip, making him jump at the contact. “Look, there's the hotel those men told us! Lotus Petals.” she ran past him and into a small two story inn.

 

The building was no bigger than a small mansion. It was white with light blue roof surrounded by trees, making the inn look like the manors in the plantations on the main land or America. It was the only thing that really didn't belong on the island that was over run by pirates, but mostly captains and whores resided in the hotel. It was expensive too; since there were no rats lurking about and the slaves working inside did their service well.

 

Miroku sighed and followed her, `you owe me Inu Yasha! I'm paying for this just because I lost a stupid bet on crabs! Note to self: Never ever put a crab on your nose again.' Miroku thought to himself as he rubbed his slightly red nose. “I feel like Rudolf!”

 

Inside, Evarina marveled at the marble pillars that that supported the inn. The paintings that hung on the wall displayed important pirates such as Black beard, Calico Jack and Captain Kid looking fierce some with their vulture like gaze and sinister grins. A shudder slithered up and down her spine, thanking the heavens that her beloved father, commonly known as Inu Yasha, never crossed swords with the ruthless beings. Even if he was a King, and a young one at that, everyone knew that they held much more honor and recognition then he, but then again, they were kings of the Caribbean and the English channels and fought the navy far more than Inu Yasha ever did, even if his brother was part of the British Navy. Inu Yasha didn't kill for fun all the time, nor did he ever rape or kill a woman, much to her relief that her captain was more civilized.

 

Someone bumped into Evarina, sending the poor girl crashing onto the cold marbled floor. Evarina winced in pain as the person on top of her gasped and scrambled to get off her.

 

“Good Gracious, pardon me! I was in a rush to get here, hoping to get a few rooms, I didn't see you. Are you ok?” the person extended her arm out toward the girl who thankfully took it. “What's your name?”

 

“It's Evarina ma'am.” Evarina said and did a curtsy when she finally got up.

 

“My, what a courteous little girl you are, my name is Rin. Where is your guardian?” Rin asked. Just then Miroku appeared behind her and rubbed her bottom.

 

“Right here!” he said in a sly voice and she stiffened. She got up and turned around to face him. Her face was red with fury. She raised her fisted hand and punched Miroku in the nose. He stumbled a bit and held his abused nose but he still had a smile on his lips. Then he got on one knee and took her hand, “Will you bear my child?” before Rin could answer, Evarina smacked his head.

 

“Miroku! Why do you always have to do that you big fat perverted pooh-pooh head! Now, let's pay for the rooms and we can head back to the ship,” Evarina commanded.

 

Miroku sighed and left the fuming Rin. They paid for the rooms and left the inn into the hectic streets of Tortuga. They still many more tasks to complete before the day was over.

 

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Back on the Black Twilight, Inu Yasha was damning everything into hell.

 

“Where the bloody hell are my maps! SHIPPO!” Inu yelled. The doors to his chamber open and before him stood the cabin boy Shippo. Shippo shook in fear from his captain's tone.

 

“You called Cap'n?” his voice trembled.

 

“Shippo, where are my maps? Why are they not in my room! Or in my personal files! Where are they?” Inu hissed through clenched teeth.

 

“Um, I believe Miroku has them. I'll go search his room if you want.”

 

“Yes, go do that. I'll be on deck when you've found them. Find them quickly, too!” Inu said as he stormed away.

 

Shippo quickly left his room scurried on deck and entered another doorway, which lead to the mess hall. On the farthest end of the room, was yet another entry, which lead to a small flight of stairs which goes into a corridor. The doors on either side where the men's lodgings. He went to the closest one to his left, which was near the food storeroom, and hastily unfastened the padlock. He gasped and a blush crept on his cheeks.

 

Miroku's room was covered in paintings of nude women in unusual poses. Several even had lesbians on it kissing and touching each other. His shelves were covered with odd things and books of maps, religion and even porno books that they had back then, which were more of ancient sex guides then porn.

 

“Argh! Why me!?” Shippo whined. He grabbed the maps that were lying on Miroku's bed and rushed off to the deck.

 

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“So the Shikon no Tama is also known as the Devil's Pearl? Now that's interesting… Tell me more of this… Naraku fellow. How does he take part in a position in this myth and acquire such a precious stone?” Kagome said as she leaned in closer to Keade, giving the woman her full awareness.

 

“No one knows where he had appeared from, but they declare he is the devil himself, which is why he had such a jewel. They say his men were demons from Hell. But one day, fifty years ago, six of the supreme priests and priestesses sealed away Naraku and his men, and separated him from the Shikon. I do not know the fine points child… this is all that I know.” Keade said with a sigh, `and it's all I can say with out breaking the oath. Kagome… I pray ye do not go after it. Ye may be a descendant of the head priestess of the Great War, but ye do not know of thy ancestry! To get the shikon will be sentencing ye to fatality!'

 

Kagome was quiet for while, despite the fact that her mind screamed for such an awaited adventure, letting the news sink in. `A jewel that can annihilate the human race. A man that can control Hell's army. I fancy to study more of this Naraku chap and the crystal…' “Thank you Keade… here is the rest of your pay.” Kagome threw a petite purse at Keade who caught it in her left hand.

 

The door to the Marauder's Alley flew open, with Yura standing in the doorway panting and scanning the place. Once her eyes connected with Kagome's her eyes brighten and she began to move towards her.

 

“Cap'n! Everyone is waiting for you two so we may have dinner!” Yura said as she rushed to her captain's side, “Kikyo is on that you know and she's driving us all berserk with her ranting and hunger!”

 

“Oh, it's that late? Well, bye Keade bye Louis. T'was pleasant seeing you two again!” Kagome hopped off her stool and embraced the elderly people before walking away.

 

Keade looked at Louis with a distressing gaze, “The moment has arrive, I'm afraid. Be it right of me to lie to her all these years? Should I have educated her further suitably and told her of her line?”

 

“Ye said what ye required to utter. Kagome ain't not prepared to become its new keeper. Who'd a thought a bandit would turn out to be a protector of such a powerful jewel? It has to be my blunder however… I was the one to capture her in the first place. It's ironic really, thinkin' she make a fine ol' slave lass and not a first rate pirate. And if the shikon resurface… Naraku's seal must be broken. Dear God…”

 

“Aye and six years at that… He'll be searching for it. Countless will die. What happened to the guardians on the main lands? Why haven't they kept a better eye on things? Worse… what about the key?”

 

“I ain't have the slightest idea… the key to hell's gates must have been born. I pity the unfortunate soul. Naraku will be after them, to unleash despair on the world.”

 

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Sango and Kagome followed Yura to the diner they were eating at, Mermaid Lagoon. It was another pub that fancied French cuisine, much to Kagome's distress. The structure was a dull yellow color with a white timber roof and boarded windows. Outside the place a little girl crashed into Kagome. They both fell and tumbled.

 

“Oh, pardon me! I was in a rush to get back to my Cap'n I wasn't looking where I was going!” the little child said.

 

Kagome grumbled and looked up. Her eyes amplified and she gasped. Brown eyes clashed with gold. An abrupt jolt of protection shot through Kagome as looked at her. `Why do I have feeling I must protect her? And this sensation… its immense magic, but I don't know if it is good or malevolence…' she didn't care however when the girl's ears twitched.

 

“HOW CUTE!” she cooed. `Little dog ears!'

 

“Huh?” Evarina tilted her head to the side, causing Kagome to swoon at the tiny, adorable jester.

 

“EVARINA! Say sorry to the young lady so we may get back our ship. The Captain won't be pleased if we're late for dinner.” Miroku said as he caught up to her.

 

“I'm sorry ma'am…” Evarina got up, captured Miroku's hand and together they marched away into the busy throng of people.

 

“What a cute little girl! Her mane, did you see its color? It was silver! And her eyes were an amber color!” Kagome squealed, forgetting about the feeling she had.

 

“Her hair looked soft. I want to add it to my assortment!” Yura squealed.

 

“Come on you guys! Let's go, before Kikyo gets even crazier. Today is her very last day on that and you know how she gets.” Sango said. She looked into the crowd and caught a glimpse of Miroku. `What a cute guy,' she thought to herself.

 

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*sigh* I do hope this turns out better than my last `edition' of A Pirate's Life. Well… I'm on to work on chapter 3. Let's hope I don't screw this up…