InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ A Pirate's Life ❯ Arrangements, Traitors, and a Ball ( Chapter 12 )

Chapter 12: Arrangements, Traitors, and a Ball

 

Sango strolled amid Kohaku and Miroku as they wandered along the wharf on the warm Spring night. She gazed at the dancing stars and tenderly held Kohaku's hand. Kohaku clutched hers and smiled up at his older sister. Miroku walked just a few paces after them and admired Sango from behind. His staff wasn't with him tonight. He thought it would have been too much hassle and he knew he and the others would be safe tonight.

 

`A pirate she is; however she's a delicate woman. A fighting rose on the aquatic region covered in thorns, but on land she's just like a rare moonflower. Most female pirates are daunting and aggressive like an Amazon warrior with a body resembling a man. Wenches are revolting and most likely bear more disease then a rat. Look at her… showing so much love to Kohaku…' he thought as he stared at their linked hands. `If things could have been different. My fighting flower that sends my heart a flutter with your skills, devotion, and beauty. How can one woman be so independent, so strong and still be lovely like the rare flower? Not even Mary or Anne has this beauty…'

 

“Are you hungry Monk?” asked Sango as she stopped and stood in front of him, “Do you want to eat before we start back? I hear there is a lovely café somewhere here.” She smiled up at him kindly, making his heart tremble.

 

“Why yes, Lady Sango, I would very much like to eat. And such an honor it is to be graced with your presence.” He smiled charmingly, bowing slightly. Sango blushed faintly at the praise. She coughed slightly and began to walk. “But my lady, why do you call me `monk' now when you had at first did not believe of my past position?”

 

Sango froze, “I…”Her mind began to whirl with her mortification and remorse. `I ought to tell him,' her shoulders slumped as she cautiously turned about. “I…I've been meaning to ask for forgiveness for my disapproval. Inu Yasha enlighten me, a little, of why you are the way you are. I am sorry.” She did a curtsy as low as she could with her injury, “I pray you accept my humble apology?”

 

Miroku smiled, “I accept, Lady Sango, no matter what. Although, please, I desire you would merely call me `Miroku'. I am no longer a priest, nor have I been for practically ten years.” Kohaku stared at the duo and began to wonder. How did their initial meeting end? Perhaps later on he would inquire, but at present was not the moment for his stomach began to rumble in protest to the lack of food. He hadn't eaten since that very morning.

 

Sango laughed softly as she stood, “I'm sorry Kohaku. Come, let us find that place to feast tonight.”

 

“We must do as the beautiful and elegant lady Sango says.” Miroku piped, now feeling rejuvenated, `so she doesn't hate me. That's a relief.'

 

“Enough of your flattery.” Sango jeered half-heartedly, a small smile on her features. “Come, I think it is this way.” She said as she pointed down a dimly lighted alleyway, “The place is small, and a bit intimidating, I'm afraid, but an ideal location to avoid any dilemma from the sentinels roaming about the city.”

 

“Quit chatting and let's go! I'm starving sis!” snapped Kohaku as he tugged on her arm. The two laughed and raced each other, “Last one there is a bilge rat and has to pay for dinner!” called Kohaku as he darted, no longer caring for his injuries he received. Most found on his arm and torso.

 

“Hey! No fair! You guys cheated!” cried Miroku as he tried to catch up. Their laughter was heard all around as they raced one another through the small alley. Sango pulled up her dress and bolted down the street in record-breaking time. Once arriving at the entrance jolt of pain coursed through her body and she gasped, however, damning herself for forgetting Tsubaki's warnings. She tried to relax her face as much as possible when she spotted the boys head her way.

 

`They shouldn't worry…'

 

“I prevail!” she giggled as she bit her cheeks from the inside just as she entered a tiny pub. The structure was made out of red bricks and had large white pillars. A sign reading “Blood Wine” was hung over the entry. Inside, candles scattered about lighted the room and a dark wooden bar was in front of them and round tables with chairs and few occupants. A grand piano rested to the far left corner, a lonely candle warding off the dark as a man played a light yet sorrowful tune.

 

“You run fast Sango… I thought it wasn't even achievable to run in a dress!” wheezed Kohaku as he slid adjacent to his sister who sat in a table on the opposite side of the piano, “Oh well… Looks like you're a loser Miroku and you're to indulgence us.”

 

“But you cheated!” he whined as he sat the other side of Sango, “Surely you two jest! You guys just took off without letting me know until it was too late! Plus I'm not wearing my usual garments.” He spread his arms out and made a face, tapping his leather shoe on the pavement. “I do not fancy blue pants with patches at the knees! I am not a beggar.”

 

Sango giggled, “Quit whining like a baby. Are you not a man?” she shifted uncomfortably, a small whimper escaping her lips.

 

“Sango? Are you alright?” a worried Miroku asked as she placed a hand on her right shoulder, “Is it your back? You shouldn't have ran… we'll eat and I'm taking you directly to Renkotsu.”

 

Kohaku cursed, “Shit! I fail to remember she was injured.” He looked at his sister with shame, “I'm so sorry Sango…”

 

Sango shook her head, “No, I'm the one that is sorry. I do not need your sympathy boys, I brought this on myself. Please, do not fret, it just sore. I'll be all right.”

 

After much reassurance that Sango as in fact going to live, the boys settled own. “I just realized… have you asked her to bare your child?” Kohaku inquired, “The last woman you asked kicked you in the balls so hard, you thought you'd never have kids.”

 

“No way!” said Sango in disbelief, “That's too comical!”

 

“I'm glad you see that my pain brings you joy,” scoffed Miroku in mocking bliss.

 

A young man with sandy auburn hair, lilac eyes, pointed ears and a cat's tail wearing an ashen linen top and black slacks and boots with a dirty apron approached them and set down a plate of biscuits, “Today's special is horse meat with a side of potatoes and rice and pickled eggs. We also have shark and fish today and cabbage soup or would any of you fancy escargot and caviar?” he made a face and narrowed his cat eyes, “Don't see how anyone could fancy that though, even if I am a cat.”

 

Sango giggled, “Only the French. I think I'll have the house special, but no eggs please.” The waiter nodded and got the orders of the other two. “Oh, and please bring two glasses of your finest wine and pumpkin juice for the lad beside me.”

 

“You trying to make me broke?” Miroku whimpered, hiding behind his gloved hand, “Thy beauty is most heavenly, yet evil. Do thou not be loved by thee?” Sango kicked him under the table. “Ayah… Sango….”

 

The door to the pub burst open and walked in someone in a cloak. None of the three could tell if it was a man or woman, but it was obvious they were a bit tipsy as the stumbled across the room to the bar. A few moments the person chatted with a man dressed in blue pants and a blue vest over his white lined shirt with its sleeved rolled up. The man pointed to a door beside him and the unknown person walked in.

 

“What was that about?” Kohaku asked, playing with the hem of his shirt.

 

“I don't know,” Miroku said, “But not to worry. Here come our drinks!”

 

After the trio drank a little, Sango began to get curious, “I hope it's no trouble but… What was Evarina like? I by no means truly got to be familiar with her, but I know she meant a lot to you all and was like Inu Yasha's daughter. Am I correct?”

 

Miroku and Kohaku exchanged glances and sighed. Miroku spoke softly, “Evarina was like everyone's daughter, but she always looked up to Inu Yasha as her father. Let's just say she was the light in our life, a purpose for us, what we had to support, even as bandits.”

 

“Cut throat pirates we were, ruthless in battle, Take no prisoner, but once she came we took care of her. She changed us all” Kohaku said as he slumped in his place, “Evarina was like a little sister to me and the other boys. I guess you can say we grew up with her.”

 

Sango looked at her wineglass, slowly rotating it so the contents wouldn't spill, “So she was that important? I'm sorry that this has happened to you all. May she be with God and watch over you.” All three said a silent prayer and sat in stillness for a moment or two.

 

“Pish posh, that was in the past. We need to focus on the issue before hand. Naraku…” Kohaku growled, “We have to avenge everyone who died.” The adults agreed and smiled

 

“Your food,” the young demon waiter said as he carefully set their trays down. “Please, enjoy. I will be back to get the money. That will be fourteen gold coins.”

 

. The food was delicious and they quietly ate, laughing here and there when the other made a comment at the other occupants in the room. The doors of the bar once again opened and walked in two figures, again none could tell if there were men or women. They went straight to the room in the back and closed it with a loud bang that startled everyone.

 

“Let's go. I'm full…” Kohaku said. The waiter seemed to have heard him and came to collect the money. With a bow and a smile, he left the three and continued to do his job and serve the other tables.

 

Kohaku let out a big yawn, “I'm tired Sango. Let's go back to the hotel and go to bed. We have a long and busy day ahead of us.”

 

“That's right. We need supplies and new attire for the girls and myself. We should get back.” Sango said as she too yawned. “And I don't think I will need to see the doctors. I feel better. I just need to make sure I don't over strain myself again.”

 

“That is wise. Come on; let's go before the fog comes in. It gets dangerous when that happens.” Miroku mused, as he looked toward the ocean, the tide high and the fog rolling in leisurely.

 

The three quickly walked back to their hotel. The stars were beginning to disappear behind the clouds and the fog from the sea began to cover the beaches and piers at a lethargic pace. The shops were closing all around them and the fire lamps flickered with the chilly wind, some turning off.

 

Miroku draped his coat over Sango when she shivered. And in turn she smiled in gratitude and held it close to her body. They made it to the hotel and slowly ascended the stairs. They walked in silence through the maze of corridors and finally approached their respected rooms. All three became extremely tired and sluggishly opened the doors.

 

“This is where I bid you good night, Lady Sango. May you sleep and have pleasant dreams.” Miroku yawned as he covered his mouth with his right hand. “Ooh, my hand is cold!” he chuckled.

 

“Good night Miroku. Thank you for paying for dinner.” Sango smiled sheepishly, “I'm glad we have started over and become friends. I can see that you are all not that bad.”

 

“The honor is all mine. I would have paid regardless who was the loser. And yes, it is delightful.” He smiled and took a hold of her hand and kissed her knuckles making her blush and gasp. “Till tomorrow, lovely Sango.” A smirk graced his lips as he opened his door.

 

They all entered their rooms and began to get ready for bed. Sango giggled when she saw Kagome asleep with half her body on the couch. She had already slipped into her nightshirt and red slacks and took her hair out of its bun. Sango hauled the upper part of her body back up onto the couch and draped the blanket over her that was resting on the couch's arm.

 

“Hell no am I caring you to bed missy.” She said as she stuck out her tongue. “Pleasant dreams Captain.” She carefully placed a chaste kiss on Kagome's lips.

 

Sango went to the restroom and began to slip into her lavender cotton nightgown. She gazed at herself in the full body mirror and sighed when she looked at the bindings still wrapped tightly around her. She then noticed she still had Miroku's coat and she sighed lightly again.

 

`I'll give it back in the morning.' She thought as she hung it up on a rack. `I'm far too sleepy to walk to his room, regardless of its close proximity. He can survive one night without it. And he may as well be asleep now.”

 

She walked out and went to the bedroom to her left where Kohaku had slipped into bed already. Shippo and Sota had one bed and she slithered in the other with her brother. She scooped him into an embrace and lightly kissed his left shoulder.

 

“Good night Kohaku.” She whispered so she wouldn't disturb the two other dwellers.

 

“Good night Sango. I had fun tonight. I thought it would be hard to get used to the fact that I had a sister, but it seems I was mistaken.” He whispered back and burrowed deeper into his sister's embrace and let out one more immense yawn.

 

“I'm glad. So very glad…”

 

She yawned again and closed her eyes. In just a few moments, she and Kohaku were slumbering.

 

------------------------

 

“Hey, Inu Yasha.” Called Miroku as he walked into their room, a silly grin on his face, “how was your night?” His friend was sitting on a chair beside a table and was absently looking at the paints on the wall, a few candles lightening the dark room. Inu Yasha jolted out of his stupor and gazed at Miroku with a drowsy expression.

 

“Meh, s'ok. I didn't do much. Just talked to Kagome for a bit and ordered some food from the kitchen. She went to sleep early so I came here and just been sitting around and thinking.” He yawned, “I was gonna sleep soon anyways.”

 

“Thinking about what?” Miroku said as he removed his shirt, “Oh crap… where's my jacket?” he yelped as he searched for it until he remembered, “Oh wait, it's with Sango. I'll get it in the morning so I don't disturb her.”

 

“You now, just thinking. We've lost a lot of men and Kagome has lost practically her whole crew. A few died on the way here from blood loss, which dds more to the causalities of our men. That Kagura person said it was Naraku, and I plan to get my revenge for my men, Kagome's women, and for Evarina. Especially, Evarina.” He said as he glared at a painting of a meadow before him.

 

“Has that Rin girl come back?” Miroku asked as he took off his shoes and socks. Throwing the blankets back, he rested on his bed and folded his arms behind his head.

 

“No, but a messenger came saying she will be here around midnight. The poor girl was attacked today in the alley however. I should have known better and had one of our men watch over her until Sessho-Maru showed up.” He rubbed his eyes, “We won't know how far she's gotten until the morning. We are to met in the conference room for breakfast.”

 

“Are we going to hold a ceremony for the dead soon?” Miroku thought out loud, “I mean, the ones we weren't able to send to Davy Jones' locker?”

 

“I don't know. Perhaps if there is time.” Inu Yasha stood up and began to remove most of his clothes, just like Miroku had done, “I just hope I have enough time to see Mother.”

 

“Ah. I hope you do my friend. It's been awhile. Well, I bid you goodnight.” Miroku yawned, “Night Inu Yasha.”

 

“Night Miroku.” Inu Yasha said as he turned off the candles.

 

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Back at “Blood Wine” in a dark room, three silhouettes whispered to one another. One of the figures was Kikyo, who was leaning against the window facing the alley. The other two were unrecognizable but obvious one was a child and the other a woman.

 

“You said you could help me get Inu Yasha.” Kikyo said in a slurred voice, “How?”

 

The eldest of the two entities with no face cackled lightly and motioned for the young one to step forward. The child raised a small mirror to Kikyo and it shined a bright light, blinding Kikyo for a moment. Once the light faded, an image of Inu Yasha's sword appeared.

 

“My sister and I are leaving tonight, but in order for us to get you the man you desire, we require you to steal this sword. Not now, but soon. We will send you a message.” The tall figure said from behind her cloak.

 

“Why? What's so special?” Kikyo inquired as she examined the image, “He has that with him always.”

 

“Kikyo… this sword is vital to the true awakening of my master. Your other shipmates were unwise to believe such a feeble story as the one they heard on Tortuga. I am unable to touch this sword, but you can. Once my master is revived, Kagome will be taken care of and Inu Yasha will be there for your taking.”

 

“Really?” Kikyo said in disbelief, “Who is this master of yours anyways?”

 

“Naraku…” the young one said in an emotionless voice, “He is no legend… he is but what the stories have said: a man with phenomenal powers. Inu Yasha is as good as yours.”

 

Kikyo smirked, “Do you take me for a fool? Naraku isn't real…” the mirror flashed and a reflection of Naraku appeared. The image then zoomed out and his ship was there in its waking.

 

“That is his ship. When you see it on the horizon, take Inu Yasha's sword.”

 

“Fine,” Kikyo said with a wicked smile, “Easy enough…”

 

--------------

 

Rin was nervous. The blue pompadour dress she wore with lavender ribbons and floral design was all foreign. Her hair was down, only a few lochs braided and held at the back of her head and a several wisps loose over her face, framing her somewhat childlike face. Her white gloved were beginning to feel damp as she sweated with anxiety.

 

She clutched Sessho-Maru's arms tighter as she gazed at the dance floor, intimidated by the beautiful young Nobel women gracefully gliding around the dance floor like swans.

 

Getting in was such a hassle. Rin had tripped twice on her dress, and fell into Sessho-Maru's arms when exiting the coach they rode in. The guards collecting their invitations at first did not want to permit her in until Sessho-Maru persuaded the man. All the women she came across would swoon over the man beside her, and glare at her with hate and envy.

 

“It's the commodore!” some would whisper, “But who is that commoner beside him? I have never seen her around.”

 

“Surely you jest! The commodore does not have a mistress.”

 

“She is but a child…”

 

“A peasant?”

 

“Who is she?”

 

Rin whimpered and stood close to Sessho-Maru's body, her head barely reaching his lower chest. The stoic man looked down at her in question, wondering why she was so nervous. `Why does she reek of fear? Surely this is not her first time at a ball.' Dismissing some men he was talking to, he turned to Rin and raised a delicate eyebrow.

 

“Is this your first?” he said with no emotion in his voice.

 

Rin jumped, not expecting him to speak. All he did was drag her around and talked to some old men and in turn they would comment his cute company. Rin blushed and began to stutter.

 

“I… I um, I mean to say that uh…” her face began to burn and she sheepishly smile, “Yes, sir. I… this is… m-my first time at a royal ball.” To her, it seemed the corners of Sessho-Maru's mouth curved into a small smile. `Is he making fun of me?!'

 

Sessho-Maru spoke softly, a small amount of amusement mixed in his voice, “I'm sorry to hear that Miss Rin. Perhaps a dance will calm your fears? Do you know how to?”

 

“Dancing… you means the waltz?” she puckered her lips, `Whoops! Slip of the tongue! Thar be hell to pay if me don rid me pirate grammar.' She mentally giggled.

 

“Precisely.”

 

“Not quite. Will you lead?” she pleaded with her eyes.

 

Sessho-Maru grabbed a hold over her right hand and waist and placed her left arm at his waist. He swayed back and forth, until Rin nodded in understand. From there the Commodore began to glide Rin around the room.

 

`This feels so nice,' Sessho-Maru thought in disbelief. `No one has been this enjoyable of company as she. Who exactly is she?'

 

Rin giggled, feeling happier than ever. This was all so new and so fun. But suddenly she remembered her mission and she nearly froze. Her mind began to race as she thought of how she was suppose to touch the issues without him thinking she was she was a pirate, bounty hunter or some weirdo. She had to act like a Nobel.

 

The two danced through a few more songs and talked to other people before they decided to leave. Rin was tired and breathless once they entered the coach. Sessho-Maru watched her from the corner of his eye.

 

“Miss Rin?” he asked, just a cold as he addressed other people at he ball, “Are you busy tomorrow?”

 

“No. Nothing I can think of that will occupy my time. Why?” she blushed.

 

“Care to join me for tea tomorrow? I very much enjoyed your company tonight.”

 

“T-Thank you, milord.”

 

“No, thank you. And please, call me Sessho-Maru.”

 

Rin gawked at him. When the carriage stopped, the coachman helped her out and she waved goodbye to the departing Sessho-Maru before she went inside and found her room. She let out a great big yawn and toed off her shoes and slipped out of her dress to slip on her nightgown and cap.

 

She giggled as she crawled into a bed with one of the girls in her crew and mouthed out his name, not wanting the demon next to her to hear. `Sessho-Maru…'