InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ Tender Love ❯ Chapter 2
[ Y - Young Adult: Not suitable for readers under 16 ]
By: Princess Sin 
Anime/Manga: InuYasha Fan Fiction | Genre(s): Romance | Type: Alternate Universe | Uploaded On: 10.23.2006 | Pages: 3 | Words: 6.2K | Visits: 185 | Status: Work In Progress
Anime/Manga: InuYasha Fan Fiction | Genre(s): Romance | Type: Alternate Universe | Uploaded On: 10.23.2006 | Pages: 3 | Words: 6.2K | Visits: 185 | Status: Work In Progress
'inner thoughts'
Disclaimer-I do not own Inuyasha or the other characters from the show.
Chapter 2
As the morning's brilliant sun shone down upon the land and each person went about his or her daily tasks amidst the hustle and bustle of the streets, Inuyasha sat alone in her elegantly furnished bedroom pondering over the fate that ruled people's lives, and the cruel tricks it could handout to others.
Inuyasha had tried with all of her might for the past two months to sway her father's decision to send her to a foreign country to a mate she had never met. But all of her pleading and begging had been in vain. Her father had remained steadfast in his decision and had even told her of his wish for Sya to accompany her as a traveling companion.
Inuyasha let out her breath in a long sigh. "I don't even know my own father anymore," she told herself aloud. "He acts as though he does not care about my feelings at all."
As these thoughts went through her head, she thought back to the time when her mother had been alive. Her father had been deeply in love with her mother. The three of them had been so happy until the night when some humans had attacked his land and killed her, because she dared to love a demon. Inuyasha was seven and didn't understand why the humans were angry with her mother. Izayoi, although she was a powerful spiritualist as well as a princess, was able to defend herself. But unfortunately her mother had forfeited her life to protect her daughter. She had told Inuyasha to run, but the child was filled with fear. Some of the humans had caught her. Dropping her guard, she turned to attack the men. She had succeeded in saving her daughter, but she left herself wide open to attack. A large man had attacked driving his sword through her chest. Blood splattered over the horrified child's face. Her mother had said something, but it was lost in the sound of fire and shouting. Just as the men were about to turn their weapons on Inuyasha, Akemi had burst through the doors in his dog demon form ripping the humans to pieces. However, it was too late to save her mother.
Inuyasha shivered as she remembered the heart wrenching howl her father released when he lifted the body of his dead mate into his arms. That's when, he looked at her as though she was the reason his mate was gone. Those accusing eyes haunted her dreams.
Sighing again she stared at her reflection. 'So father, is that why you are sending me away? Do you still blame me for mother's death?'
Inuyasha thought back on those days after her mother died. He would spend his days in his study, and his nights out. She never knew where he went, but he would not return until the next day. She had been lonely and scared thinking her father had simply abandon her because it was her fault his mate was gone. She was left in the care of Jun and the other servants.
She would wake in the middle of the night crying for hours for her father to come in and comfort her. But he never showed. Again it was Jun that would come in and comfort her.
Then when she turned sixteen her father had announced his intentions of remating. It was strange since she thought dog demons only had one mate. Inuyasha looked back on this and almost laughed at herself for thinking at the time of his announcement that maybe this was a good idea. He needed someone to love him.
Inuyasha remembered her first meeting with Li-hua. Inuyasha had disliked the demoness immediately. But this was her father's new mate, and she tried her best to get along with the female dog demon. However, it was impossible. The woman seemed to resent her and would not make any effort to at least be civil. Only when her father was around would the woman be nice. Then that niece, Sya came along. Since they were related, Inuyasha didn't try to speak to the young demon. Like aunt like niece. They were two peas in a pod. Li-hua hated her because she was half demon. And heaven knows, why Sya hated her. She and Inuyasha had never met. Maybe it was because all the handsome demons would flock to her not caring that Inuyasha was a half breed.
Whenever an opportunity presented itself, Li-hua and Sya would run tell her father anything which Inuyasha did that they did not like. She would have thought that would have annoyed her father to have them disturbing him just about every day telling him something bad about her. Inuyasha thought that maybe her father would realize something was wrong and check things out for himself. But no, he just blindly believed those bitches over his flesh and blood daughter. That whore Li-hua truly had her father by the nose. Now, the bitch had schemed and won. She would soon be out of her way completely.
The only thing about the situation was why Sya was coming with her to Japan. One would have thought the psycho demoness would want to stay there and continue to sponge off the Yamamaru wealth.
xxxxx
Sya was in her room when a servant brought a message from her aunt, requesting her presence in the parlor as soon as possible. She could not figure out what Li-hua could have on her mind, but perhaps it was about that disgusting half breed, Inuyasha. Her aunt was always coming up with some new plot against her. 'I had best hurry,' she thought, brushing her hair quickly. Her aunt did not like to be kept waiting, and Sya had no wish to get on the wrong side of the woman. She knew her aunt well and was aware the elder demoness had a very vengeful and cruel streak. Staring at her reflection in the mirror, she caught back her long black hair putting it in a braid. Her blue eyes were dull. Her round face was pale, and her lips were thin. And she was skinny. Not the kind of skinny that would make you attractive, but the kind of skinny that made you looked as though you hadn’t eaten in weeks. In other words, she was a homely looking creature not very attractive.
Which is why she hated Inuyasha with a passion. She maybe a half breed, but Akemi’s daughter was absolutely breathtaking. With her long silver hair that was like moonlight, beautiful golden eyes that were like pools of liquid gold. Her lips were pink, succulent and very inviting to kiss. And to add insult to injure, Inuyasha had a figure that any woman would kill to have. With her firm, full rounded breasts, not to mention how her skin was smooth like silk and had a sort of sun kiss tan to it. Sya had no choice but to admit that Inuyasha was a woman men, demon or human, would kill to have for a mate. Even if she was dirt poor.
Sya Fu was the daughter of Quon and Mei Fu, the lord and lady of the north. After the death of her mother, Sya had been left in the care of her father. She got furious whenever she thought of her father. He had gone through all his wealth on loose women and unscrupulous demons that claimed to be his friends. Being a female and unmated, she could not inherit her father's domain. It went instead to one of her uncles that did not like the girl at all. Upon his death, she sought out her aunt and eagerly accepted the charity that she offered her. 'If only I could have been born like Inuyasha,' she thought, 'instead of a poor penniless beggar, having to beg for the morsels of bread I eat. Inuyasha, that bitch,' she continued with rage, 'had everything-this house, lovely clothes, and all of her beautiful jewels. While a woman like me, who more than deserved the good things in life, had nothing. Well, one day . . . ' She swore with a vengeance, 'I'll have everything just like that half breed, Inuyasha.'
By the time Sya reached the parlor to greet her aunt she was so upset by her troubled thoughts that she doubted whether she would be able to keep her emotions hidden. When she entered the room, her Aunt Li-hua was deep in thought herself and didn’t notice the turmoil going on within Sya. The elder demon had her red hair up in a bun, and her green eyes were a million miles away. Dressed in a dark red robe and matching slippers, she looked quite the regal demoness.
Sya cleared her throat and started. "Aunt Li-hua, you wished to have a word with me?"
"Sya, if you would be good enough to take a seat for just a few minutes, I do have something of importance to talk over with you. Would you care for a cup of tea, dear?"
"No thank you, I had a late breakfast this morning, and I fear I overdid it." Sya could not figure out what was going on in her aunt's scheming head. She was filled with curiosity and could hardly wait for her to finish the small talk and get on with what she had on her mind.
"Sya," Li-hua began. "I called you here to have a little talk with you about your future welfare. As you know you came to this house virtually penniless, and I have a proposition for you."
"Yes, aunt?" Sya asked, feeling a small flicker of rage spreading through her body. The nerve of this woman acting so superior and haughty when she herself had been no better off before she mated Lord Akemi.
"As I was saying, you have no funds of your own and Akemi and I are in need of a companion to accompany Inuyasha to Japan. You shall have funds for the voyage and perhaps will be able to find yourself a mate while you are on this visit. I hear there are plenty of young, wealthy demons in this land."
“And if I do not wish to go to this backwater country as a companion for Inuyasha?" Sya questioned, already knowing the answer.
"I am afraid dear. You have no choice. You will find yourself out in the street if you do not comply. I will assure you though, that if you do not find yourself an agreeable young man I shall send you funds to get yourself started in some other venture of your choice.”
Sya knew that this last statement was a lie and that once she left she would be on her own, but what other choice did she have but to go along with her aunt. Perhaps she would find herself a rich mate in japan, and she had to admit it would be an exciting adventure. Sya knew her aunt was waiting for her answer so she put on a forlorn expression and answered. "Very well, aunt Li-hua, since I seem to have no choice in the matter, and you are so set on having things your own way. I shall accept your offer and accompany Inuyasha on her trip. Does Inuyasha know of your plans?" she asked, with a sarcastic tone of voice.
"Yes, she does, and I assure you she will be no trouble. Her father has talked to her on this matter, and she seems to give no resistance to his wishes. But let me tell you I am glad you are using your head and going along with my plans. You may leave now," Li-hua said rising from the settee dismissing her niece. "I shall have to see about some other arrangements that are in need of my tending."
"Thank you aunt. I think I shall go out for a walk now. I find myself wishing to think about my future for a while."
Li-hua was relieved when Sya left the room. She had all but held her breath waiting for her answer about the trip. She could not help thinking what she would have done if Sya had refused to go. Akemi would have forbade her from leaving Sya to take care of herself.
'Yes,' she thought, 'Sya is just like me, trying to make things go just as she wanted.' She sat back down on the settee and sighed. Taking a sip of her tea, she frowned because it was now cold. Putting the cup down, she let her mind wander back to her niece and stepdaughter. She was sure her niece would fare better than Inuyasha. She had heard of Sesshomaru Aoki, and she did not envy Inuyasha one bit. From what she had heard, Sesshomaru Aoki had a cruel temper. He had one affair after another, and the demon lord hated humans and half breeds. She certainly would not wish to be in Inuyasha's shoes when she was forced to mate this demon.
xxxxx
Inuyasha arrived at dinner wearing a lite blue shenyi with silver embroidered songbirds stitched into it. The one-piece silk robe wrapped delicately around her slender body. She wore her hair flowing free to her waist, and made a very fetching sight to behold as she entered the dining room.
Li-hua and Sya were already in their places and were talking comfortably about the trip on which the two young ladies would be going.
As Inuyasha took her seat, her father strolled into the room. "Good evening ladies, I hope I have not kept you waiting. I was talking with Wong about the amount of wine we would need for the ball tomorrow night.”
Li-hua looked up with a smile. "You needn't have bothered yourself, Akemi. I could have done it if you had mentioned the matter to me. I am afraid I have been so busy with the preparations for this ball that I have been running myself ragged," she said with a weary smile on her face.
Inuyasha silently snorted.
"I know you have been working hard my dear, but I do wish everything to be perfect for Inuyasha's last ball in china," he stated looking down at his daughter. "Have you finished your packing, Inuyasha, my child? You know it will not be long now, and you shall be on your way."
"Yes father," she answered meekly, her words hardly reaching his canine ears.
"Are you not feeling well, dear?" Li-hua questioned with a sly grin. "It would not do for you to come down with a fever or something right before your voyage."
Inuyasha straightened her backbone and glared directly at the hated woman. Inuyasha sneered in disgust as the woman's lips were red as blood. 'I wonder if she knows that only whores paint their lips that color.' "No, I guess it wouldn't do for me to become ill. It would probably ruin your plans to get me away from my father so you can destroy him." Inuyasha smiled in satisfaction when she saw the anger in the other woman's green eyes. "But you need not worry, I will be out of your hair soon enough."
"Inuyasha," her father snapped at her. "I will not have you speaking to your mother in that way."
"Stepmother." Inuyasha continued to glare at the woman. Since she was being thrown out of her own home by this bitch. Inuyasha could see no reason why she should be nice to this whore. "I would rather walk through the gates of hell than call that,” she glared at Li-hua, “my mother."
"Yasha! If you speak ill of my mate again, I will not hesitate to backhand you in the mouth!" the dog demon roared. "Do I make myself clear, young lady?"
"Understood father."
Inuyasha saw the anger turn into a smug smile on the bitch's face. Inuyasha wanted to leap over the table and ripped the whore’s face off. "It's okay dear. I’m sure that it is nerves that are the reason for her lashing out." She said as she slap a false smile of innocence on her heavily made up face. "Anyway, Sya and I were discussing the trip, and Sya has found she is in need of a few new items of clothing before she departs. I have promised her we would go tomorrow and pick out the things she will need. And I do insist on you joining us in our little outing, Inuyasha."
Inuyasha had no wish or intentions of going anywhere with the woman. "I am afraid that you and Sya will have to go without me. I am going to Shanghai to spend a few hours with my friend, Chao-xing Ming."
"Ming? Isn't the Ming family a group of humans?" asked Sya scowling in disgust.
"Yes, and she is one of my best friends," said Inuyasha smirking deviously. "Bet you wish you two could say the same."
Sya turned red with rage. The blood in Li-hua's veins boiled over at the half breed's insolence.
"Inuyasha!"
"If you will excuse me." Inuyasha started before her father could order her to leave the table. "I am no longer hunger. I think I will retire. Good night father." She got up and kissed her father on the cheek. But the young half breed said nothing to her stepmother and her niece. She just turned her nose up at the two and walked out.
xxxxx
The next day Inuyasha left for Shanghai and didn't return home until late that evening. As she stepped through the front door, she could hear voices coming from the study and at that same moment her father opened the door. Upon seeing his daughter, he requested her to join him.
As Inuyasha entered the room her father took her by the arm and steered her toward a chair across the room whereupon sat an elderly demon with a smiling face and a partial mane of white hair.
Inuyasha, I would like to present to you Totosai Matsu. He shall be traveling along with you and Sya on your voyage to japan. He is one of my dearest friends and also friends with the Aoki family. Your father-in-law sent him here to escort you to your new home and to your new mate. Totosai, this is my daughter and my pride, Inuyasha," he added addressing the elderly demon.
"It is my honor and pleasure to meet you, Princess Inuyasha," the older man said, rising and bowing to her. "I have known your father every since he was a little pup. You look a little like him. You poor thing." Totosai added teasingly. Inuyasha smiled. She rather liked the old man and knew she had found a friend. She gave him one of her most becoming smiles and expressed her hopes of a safe voyage.
"Now Totosai you make it sound as though I was nothing but trouble," said Akemi smiling with affection for the other demon.
"Maybe because you were." They started laughing. Akemi watched as his daughter asked Totosai more about his childhood, and a feeling of relief came over him. He was sure now he had made the right decision when he asked Inutaisho to send Totosai to take charge of his daughter. The old demon would protect her as if she were his own.
"Inuyasha perhaps you would like to go to your room and rest for a while before the ball tonight.”
"Of course father, if you will excuse me," she said bowing to them and left the room.
xxxxx
The next morning Inuyasha was up and dressed. She walked around her room taking one last look at her home. She sighed with a heavy heart as she sat on the bed. Her thoughts went back to the ball and how the disgusting Tsun-Chung tried to force his intentions upon her. Inuyasha felt the hackles rise on the back of her neck when the demon had the gall to proposition her as though she was a common whore. The fool was lucky all he got for his disgusting behavior were four deep scratches from her claws on his cheeks and not across his throat. However, she shuddered in remembrance of the demon’s promise after she ordered him to leave her father’s domain.
-flashback-
Lord Tsun-Chung had escorted Inuyasha into the garden after their dance. She had met him several times when her father and the young man had dipolmatic business. He was dressed in red wide leg pants and a heavily embrodiered jacket. He had his long black hair in a ponytail. As they sat down on a bench in the gardens, they began to speak about events going on in the world. Once they had exhausted that avenue of talk. They sat in peaceful silence with Inuyasha staring up at the stars.
Inuyasha was brought out of her thoughts as Tsun-Chung began stroking her arm in a suggestive way.
"My beautiful Inuyasha, you are by far the loviest creature I have ever laid eyes upon, and I would wish for perhaps one small kiss for my time."
Inuyasha glared at the man, shocked by what he was suggesting. "I am betrothed to another, and I shall not dishonor myself, my father or my future mate by doing what you want."
"It won't hurt. It's just a kiss," he whispered as he placed his arms around her shoulders. "Afterwards, if you are so inclined, we can spend the night together at my private home in the south. I would have you back in plenty of time to catch your ship.
"Get your filthy hands off of me!" Inuyasha snarled as her golden eyes flashed red with anger. She slapped his hands from her body. "You are an overconfident fool if you think your lame ass attempts at seduction can get me to lower myself to the standards of a whore."
Tsun-Chung tried to wrestle a kiss from her as his free hand fondled her breasts. Filling pure rage consume her, she raised her claws and slashed him across the face. The human quickly got up and stepped away from the volatile half breed. Inuyasha also got up and stepped behind the bench to put some distance between her and the disgusting human.
Tsun-Chung looked upon this woman who stood as if she would like nothing better than to slice his throat open. His eyes lit up with undisguised lust. "Very well my lovely," he had whispered to her as he looked down at his bloodstained clothes. "I find myself in no condition to continue this evening anyway." He took out a silk handkerchief mopping the blood from his cheek. "But perhaps, dear Inuyasha, we shall meet again, and this time, I shall have your delicious body beneath mine."
-end of flashback-
Inuyasha shuddered again in revulsion at the thought of the demon’s accusation. She was brought out of her disturbing thoughts by a knock on the door. Without waiting to be told to enter, Li-hua walked into the room wearing another of her fake smiles.
"Zao Shang Hao, I hope you slept well Inuyasha," she said with sarcasm dripping from her voice.
"Why yes, I did. Thank you for being so unconcerned," answered Inuyasha narrowing her eyes at the bitch standing before her. "Let's cut the crap. You hate me and I hate, despise, loath and can't stand you. This is our last day together. So let's be honest with each other."
Li-hua smirked. "Very well, I will be. You're right. I do hate you. You’re nothing but a filthy half breed but yet you live in such luxury that you do not deserve. I hate you because you are half human, and I hate that human whore you call mother. I hate her because every night that bitch comes between my mate and me. Every night we make love he calls her name and not mine. I hate the fact that he still has her portrait in the bedroom that he shared with her. And I am so glad that I convinced your father to send your little ass to Japan. With you out of the way I can finally get him to see me and not that weak whore."
Inuyasha had to use every ounce of her reserves to stop herself from leaping onto that bitch and clawing her eyes out for daring to insult her mother. She closed her eyes and took a deep breath. Opening her eyes, she stared at the other demoness with eyes that were like chips of ice. "Fair enough. Now it is my turn. First of all, since my mother was human, and you're a dog demon, you are the bitch here and not her. Second, I’m quite sure you knew of the extremely close relationship my parents had with each other. Heavens, whenever we would go out in public I was embarrassed to be seen with them. They would be hugging and kissing and paid no mind to what others might be whispering about them. The only thing that mattered was their feelings towards each other. Third, you walked into your relationship with my father with your eyes wide open. You knew how much he adored and loved my mother. She was everything to him, and you expect him to forget about her that easily or that quickly. You’re a fool for even thinking he would want to forget her. You knew that you would always be second best to her. That's the price you pay when all you want is money and a title."
Li-hua arched a delicate brow at the insipid half breed.
"Did you think I was some simpleton? Did you think just because I was raised with everything that I could possibly want that I would be some simpering little twit with no backbone? Did you think I didn't know that you were a scheming, conniving little bitch? You think I don't know all you want is my father's land. You will never have it." Then the most malevolent smile spread across Inuyasha's lovely face. The smile made Li-hua cringe inside. She had never seen such an evil smile on such a face before. Only through sheer will, was Li-hua able to stand there and take that vicious look on her stepdaughter's face. "If you think having a child will get you what you want. I’m sorry to say you should cut your loses."
"How dare you . . . " Li-hua started to say, but Inuyasha stopped her.
"You truly are a fool. Didn’t anyone in your miserable family teach you anything about royal dog demons of Japan?"
The woman scowled.
Inuyasha sneered in disgust at the elder demon's ignorance. "My father is a prince from East Japan. The demonic powers of a dog demon are triple that of other demons. The only other demons that comes close to them in demonic power are dragons. In order for you to give birth to a Japanese dog demon child, you must be strong in body, mind, spirit and power. My mother was all that. Plus she was a powerful spiritualist. That is why she was able to give birth to me. Anyway, if your power doesn't matches that of your mates'. Not only does the baby dies, but you die as well." Inuyasha smiled when she saw the woman pale at that bit of information. Then Li-hua turned to Inuyasha as though to call the girl a liar.
Just then they heard the door opening downstairs, and Akemi called out that he was home.
"Oh and if you think I’m lying," said Inuyasha smiling down at the woman as she stood up. "You can go to any demon healer and ask them." And as she walked toward the door to leave the woman alone, she added. "I mean, how do you think I know about it."
Li-hua could hear the half breed running downstairs greeting her father, and she had never hated anyone more than she hated Inuyasha. She didn't believe the girl not for a moment. She would have her child and all of East China will be hers.
xxxxx
It was a cool, crisp day and the sun was making its way across the sky when Inuyasha smelt the first tinge of salt air from the ocean hit her nostrils. It was still early and the everyday life in Eastern China had not yet begun, but here on the docks was a different story.
Whenever one would chance to look, the scurrying and activity of men at work could be seen. There were demons, humans and half demons unloading and loading boxes and crates from the ships to the docks.
As the carriage pulled to a stop Inuyasha looked on as a large half demon with huge muscles stood holding two huge crates, one in each arm.
Her father noticed the direction of her gaze and rested a hand upon her shoulder. "They are busy today, for there are three ships leaving port this afternoon. They must load their provisions aboard this morning, and I am quite sure that a demon of that size is used to putting his back into his work."
"It's amazing. I don't think I have ever seen a half demon as large as that," whispered Inuyasha, still looking at the hulking half breed from her window. He looked to be half human and half oxen. Long horns protruded from either side of his head.
Akemi smiled. "I would say not. But now, I see Totosai, so we should get out of the carriage.”
Totosai stood holding the carriage door open as Inuyasha's father helped all three women out of the carriage. "Ohayou," said Totosai bowing to his friend and his family.
"Ohayou," said Inuyasha smiling.
Li-hua and Sya frowned at the strange greeting. "What was that you just said?" asked Sya.
"It was Japanese. It means good morning," said Inuyasha sighing in disgust.
"Anyway," said Akemi giving his daughter a sidelong glance, "I trust we have not kept you waiting?" He smiled at his friend.
Of course not. I myself have just arrived. And this must be your companion, Lady Fu?" Totosai inquired, looking at the other demoness with a fatherly smile.
"Yes it is. Sya, this is Totosai. He shall be traveling with the two of you to Japan."
"A pleasure to meet you, Lord Totosai," Sya said giving the elderly demon a cold smile and bowing to him.
"Please, just call me Totosai," he returned the young woman's bow. "It is my pleasure to escort you as well, my dear." Totosai was a good judge of people, and he knew at once the kind of woman this Sya Fu was. He could not understand why Akemi would choose such a woman to accompany his daughter.
As the small group made their way to the boarding plank to board the Dawn's Glory, Inuyasha surveyed the long sleek ship that would be her home for the next few days. She noticed at once the clean-cut and well cared for look about the ship, and she could only hope that it would be as seaworthy as Totosai claimed. As they made their way to the quarter deck Inuyasha's preoccupation with the many different sights was interrupted when she heard a loud clear male voice coming from the bow of the boat.
Totosai looked up and toward the voice. "Here comes our good captain now. Come along and I shall introduce you all to him. He looks a bit young but I assure you, Akemi, he is a good sea captain.”
As they came into view of a tall, black-haired human, Inuyasha could hardly believe here eyes. She had expected to see an elderly man in rough dress but instead saw before her a handsome young man, looking to be about the age of twenty-five.
Captain Arita, these are your two passengers and Lord Akemi Yamamaru," said Totosai introducing them. "And ladies this is Hiroshi Arita."
Hiroshi Arita was the only son of a wealthy lord who had given his son, upon his twentieth birthday, the Dawn's Glory as a present. Lord Arita deplored the fact that his son loved the sea, but he could deny him nothing since he was his only child. Captain Arita ran a smooth ship and got on well with his crew. He also had a shady reputation with the ladies and prized himself on picking the most beautiful women for himself and being the envy of his friends and companion.
Captain Arita showed a smile of flashing white teeth to his companions and presented a formal courtly bow to the ladies. "Lord Yamamaru, Totosai has been telling me of you and your charming daughter and niece. And you," he turned in Inuyasha's direction, "must be Princess Inuyasha?" 'What a beauty,' he told himself. This was one voyage he would enjoy. With this lovely woman along it certainly would not be routine or boring as it had been on a number of occasions.
Sya cleared her throat rather loudly. Her blue eyes were smoldering with jealousy as the captain stood holding Inuyasha's hand and looking into her golden eyes longer than necessary.
"Oh excuse me, you must be Lady Fu. It is a pleasure to meet you," he replied automatically bowing to her. Ugh, this was the type of woman most men tried to avoid,' he thought to himself. 'She was plain looking and would try to bind a man to her if the opportunity presented itself.' Well, he would put her out of his mind and just keep the image of the lovely Inuyasha there.
After meeting the captain, Akemi bade his daughter farewell and again apologized for not being able to join her on her most important day. But he could not leave. The humans were trying to invade his lands, and he had to stay to make sure they didn't try to take his lands. Inuyasha kissed his cheek lovingly and told him she understood and wished him success.
Inuyasha and Sya were then informed they would set sail within the next half hour as soon as their provisions were all loaded and all the crew had boarded. Her father and Li-hua remained until it was time to leave. As the ship pulled away, Akemi yelled to his daughter, "Take care my precious, and I love you very much Inuyasha! I always have, and I always will!"
Upon hearing this tears fell from her eyes. For so long she had thought that her father did not love her and blamed her for her mother's death. But with those few words, he had proved her wrong, and she was so happy.
Zao Shang Hao-----Good morning
Disclaimer-I do not own Inuyasha or the other characters from the show.
Chapter 2
As the morning's brilliant sun shone down upon the land and each person went about his or her daily tasks amidst the hustle and bustle of the streets, Inuyasha sat alone in her elegantly furnished bedroom pondering over the fate that ruled people's lives, and the cruel tricks it could handout to others.
Inuyasha had tried with all of her might for the past two months to sway her father's decision to send her to a foreign country to a mate she had never met. But all of her pleading and begging had been in vain. Her father had remained steadfast in his decision and had even told her of his wish for Sya to accompany her as a traveling companion.
Inuyasha let out her breath in a long sigh. "I don't even know my own father anymore," she told herself aloud. "He acts as though he does not care about my feelings at all."
As these thoughts went through her head, she thought back to the time when her mother had been alive. Her father had been deeply in love with her mother. The three of them had been so happy until the night when some humans had attacked his land and killed her, because she dared to love a demon. Inuyasha was seven and didn't understand why the humans were angry with her mother. Izayoi, although she was a powerful spiritualist as well as a princess, was able to defend herself. But unfortunately her mother had forfeited her life to protect her daughter. She had told Inuyasha to run, but the child was filled with fear. Some of the humans had caught her. Dropping her guard, she turned to attack the men. She had succeeded in saving her daughter, but she left herself wide open to attack. A large man had attacked driving his sword through her chest. Blood splattered over the horrified child's face. Her mother had said something, but it was lost in the sound of fire and shouting. Just as the men were about to turn their weapons on Inuyasha, Akemi had burst through the doors in his dog demon form ripping the humans to pieces. However, it was too late to save her mother.
Inuyasha shivered as she remembered the heart wrenching howl her father released when he lifted the body of his dead mate into his arms. That's when, he looked at her as though she was the reason his mate was gone. Those accusing eyes haunted her dreams.
Sighing again she stared at her reflection. 'So father, is that why you are sending me away? Do you still blame me for mother's death?'
Inuyasha thought back on those days after her mother died. He would spend his days in his study, and his nights out. She never knew where he went, but he would not return until the next day. She had been lonely and scared thinking her father had simply abandon her because it was her fault his mate was gone. She was left in the care of Jun and the other servants.
She would wake in the middle of the night crying for hours for her father to come in and comfort her. But he never showed. Again it was Jun that would come in and comfort her.
Then when she turned sixteen her father had announced his intentions of remating. It was strange since she thought dog demons only had one mate. Inuyasha looked back on this and almost laughed at herself for thinking at the time of his announcement that maybe this was a good idea. He needed someone to love him.
Inuyasha remembered her first meeting with Li-hua. Inuyasha had disliked the demoness immediately. But this was her father's new mate, and she tried her best to get along with the female dog demon. However, it was impossible. The woman seemed to resent her and would not make any effort to at least be civil. Only when her father was around would the woman be nice. Then that niece, Sya came along. Since they were related, Inuyasha didn't try to speak to the young demon. Like aunt like niece. They were two peas in a pod. Li-hua hated her because she was half demon. And heaven knows, why Sya hated her. She and Inuyasha had never met. Maybe it was because all the handsome demons would flock to her not caring that Inuyasha was a half breed.
Whenever an opportunity presented itself, Li-hua and Sya would run tell her father anything which Inuyasha did that they did not like. She would have thought that would have annoyed her father to have them disturbing him just about every day telling him something bad about her. Inuyasha thought that maybe her father would realize something was wrong and check things out for himself. But no, he just blindly believed those bitches over his flesh and blood daughter. That whore Li-hua truly had her father by the nose. Now, the bitch had schemed and won. She would soon be out of her way completely.
The only thing about the situation was why Sya was coming with her to Japan. One would have thought the psycho demoness would want to stay there and continue to sponge off the Yamamaru wealth.
xxxxx
Sya was in her room when a servant brought a message from her aunt, requesting her presence in the parlor as soon as possible. She could not figure out what Li-hua could have on her mind, but perhaps it was about that disgusting half breed, Inuyasha. Her aunt was always coming up with some new plot against her. 'I had best hurry,' she thought, brushing her hair quickly. Her aunt did not like to be kept waiting, and Sya had no wish to get on the wrong side of the woman. She knew her aunt well and was aware the elder demoness had a very vengeful and cruel streak. Staring at her reflection in the mirror, she caught back her long black hair putting it in a braid. Her blue eyes were dull. Her round face was pale, and her lips were thin. And she was skinny. Not the kind of skinny that would make you attractive, but the kind of skinny that made you looked as though you hadn’t eaten in weeks. In other words, she was a homely looking creature not very attractive.
Which is why she hated Inuyasha with a passion. She maybe a half breed, but Akemi’s daughter was absolutely breathtaking. With her long silver hair that was like moonlight, beautiful golden eyes that were like pools of liquid gold. Her lips were pink, succulent and very inviting to kiss. And to add insult to injure, Inuyasha had a figure that any woman would kill to have. With her firm, full rounded breasts, not to mention how her skin was smooth like silk and had a sort of sun kiss tan to it. Sya had no choice but to admit that Inuyasha was a woman men, demon or human, would kill to have for a mate. Even if she was dirt poor.
Sya Fu was the daughter of Quon and Mei Fu, the lord and lady of the north. After the death of her mother, Sya had been left in the care of her father. She got furious whenever she thought of her father. He had gone through all his wealth on loose women and unscrupulous demons that claimed to be his friends. Being a female and unmated, she could not inherit her father's domain. It went instead to one of her uncles that did not like the girl at all. Upon his death, she sought out her aunt and eagerly accepted the charity that she offered her. 'If only I could have been born like Inuyasha,' she thought, 'instead of a poor penniless beggar, having to beg for the morsels of bread I eat. Inuyasha, that bitch,' she continued with rage, 'had everything-this house, lovely clothes, and all of her beautiful jewels. While a woman like me, who more than deserved the good things in life, had nothing. Well, one day . . . ' She swore with a vengeance, 'I'll have everything just like that half breed, Inuyasha.'
By the time Sya reached the parlor to greet her aunt she was so upset by her troubled thoughts that she doubted whether she would be able to keep her emotions hidden. When she entered the room, her Aunt Li-hua was deep in thought herself and didn’t notice the turmoil going on within Sya. The elder demon had her red hair up in a bun, and her green eyes were a million miles away. Dressed in a dark red robe and matching slippers, she looked quite the regal demoness.
Sya cleared her throat and started. "Aunt Li-hua, you wished to have a word with me?"
"Sya, if you would be good enough to take a seat for just a few minutes, I do have something of importance to talk over with you. Would you care for a cup of tea, dear?"
"No thank you, I had a late breakfast this morning, and I fear I overdid it." Sya could not figure out what was going on in her aunt's scheming head. She was filled with curiosity and could hardly wait for her to finish the small talk and get on with what she had on her mind.
"Sya," Li-hua began. "I called you here to have a little talk with you about your future welfare. As you know you came to this house virtually penniless, and I have a proposition for you."
"Yes, aunt?" Sya asked, feeling a small flicker of rage spreading through her body. The nerve of this woman acting so superior and haughty when she herself had been no better off before she mated Lord Akemi.
"As I was saying, you have no funds of your own and Akemi and I are in need of a companion to accompany Inuyasha to Japan. You shall have funds for the voyage and perhaps will be able to find yourself a mate while you are on this visit. I hear there are plenty of young, wealthy demons in this land."
“And if I do not wish to go to this backwater country as a companion for Inuyasha?" Sya questioned, already knowing the answer.
"I am afraid dear. You have no choice. You will find yourself out in the street if you do not comply. I will assure you though, that if you do not find yourself an agreeable young man I shall send you funds to get yourself started in some other venture of your choice.”
Sya knew that this last statement was a lie and that once she left she would be on her own, but what other choice did she have but to go along with her aunt. Perhaps she would find herself a rich mate in japan, and she had to admit it would be an exciting adventure. Sya knew her aunt was waiting for her answer so she put on a forlorn expression and answered. "Very well, aunt Li-hua, since I seem to have no choice in the matter, and you are so set on having things your own way. I shall accept your offer and accompany Inuyasha on her trip. Does Inuyasha know of your plans?" she asked, with a sarcastic tone of voice.
"Yes, she does, and I assure you she will be no trouble. Her father has talked to her on this matter, and she seems to give no resistance to his wishes. But let me tell you I am glad you are using your head and going along with my plans. You may leave now," Li-hua said rising from the settee dismissing her niece. "I shall have to see about some other arrangements that are in need of my tending."
"Thank you aunt. I think I shall go out for a walk now. I find myself wishing to think about my future for a while."
Li-hua was relieved when Sya left the room. She had all but held her breath waiting for her answer about the trip. She could not help thinking what she would have done if Sya had refused to go. Akemi would have forbade her from leaving Sya to take care of herself.
'Yes,' she thought, 'Sya is just like me, trying to make things go just as she wanted.' She sat back down on the settee and sighed. Taking a sip of her tea, she frowned because it was now cold. Putting the cup down, she let her mind wander back to her niece and stepdaughter. She was sure her niece would fare better than Inuyasha. She had heard of Sesshomaru Aoki, and she did not envy Inuyasha one bit. From what she had heard, Sesshomaru Aoki had a cruel temper. He had one affair after another, and the demon lord hated humans and half breeds. She certainly would not wish to be in Inuyasha's shoes when she was forced to mate this demon.
xxxxx
Inuyasha arrived at dinner wearing a lite blue shenyi with silver embroidered songbirds stitched into it. The one-piece silk robe wrapped delicately around her slender body. She wore her hair flowing free to her waist, and made a very fetching sight to behold as she entered the dining room.
Li-hua and Sya were already in their places and were talking comfortably about the trip on which the two young ladies would be going.
As Inuyasha took her seat, her father strolled into the room. "Good evening ladies, I hope I have not kept you waiting. I was talking with Wong about the amount of wine we would need for the ball tomorrow night.”
Li-hua looked up with a smile. "You needn't have bothered yourself, Akemi. I could have done it if you had mentioned the matter to me. I am afraid I have been so busy with the preparations for this ball that I have been running myself ragged," she said with a weary smile on her face.
Inuyasha silently snorted.
"I know you have been working hard my dear, but I do wish everything to be perfect for Inuyasha's last ball in china," he stated looking down at his daughter. "Have you finished your packing, Inuyasha, my child? You know it will not be long now, and you shall be on your way."
"Yes father," she answered meekly, her words hardly reaching his canine ears.
"Are you not feeling well, dear?" Li-hua questioned with a sly grin. "It would not do for you to come down with a fever or something right before your voyage."
Inuyasha straightened her backbone and glared directly at the hated woman. Inuyasha sneered in disgust as the woman's lips were red as blood. 'I wonder if she knows that only whores paint their lips that color.' "No, I guess it wouldn't do for me to become ill. It would probably ruin your plans to get me away from my father so you can destroy him." Inuyasha smiled in satisfaction when she saw the anger in the other woman's green eyes. "But you need not worry, I will be out of your hair soon enough."
"Inuyasha," her father snapped at her. "I will not have you speaking to your mother in that way."
"Stepmother." Inuyasha continued to glare at the woman. Since she was being thrown out of her own home by this bitch. Inuyasha could see no reason why she should be nice to this whore. "I would rather walk through the gates of hell than call that,” she glared at Li-hua, “my mother."
"Yasha! If you speak ill of my mate again, I will not hesitate to backhand you in the mouth!" the dog demon roared. "Do I make myself clear, young lady?"
"Understood father."
Inuyasha saw the anger turn into a smug smile on the bitch's face. Inuyasha wanted to leap over the table and ripped the whore’s face off. "It's okay dear. I’m sure that it is nerves that are the reason for her lashing out." She said as she slap a false smile of innocence on her heavily made up face. "Anyway, Sya and I were discussing the trip, and Sya has found she is in need of a few new items of clothing before she departs. I have promised her we would go tomorrow and pick out the things she will need. And I do insist on you joining us in our little outing, Inuyasha."
Inuyasha had no wish or intentions of going anywhere with the woman. "I am afraid that you and Sya will have to go without me. I am going to Shanghai to spend a few hours with my friend, Chao-xing Ming."
"Ming? Isn't the Ming family a group of humans?" asked Sya scowling in disgust.
"Yes, and she is one of my best friends," said Inuyasha smirking deviously. "Bet you wish you two could say the same."
Sya turned red with rage. The blood in Li-hua's veins boiled over at the half breed's insolence.
"Inuyasha!"
"If you will excuse me." Inuyasha started before her father could order her to leave the table. "I am no longer hunger. I think I will retire. Good night father." She got up and kissed her father on the cheek. But the young half breed said nothing to her stepmother and her niece. She just turned her nose up at the two and walked out.
xxxxx
The next day Inuyasha left for Shanghai and didn't return home until late that evening. As she stepped through the front door, she could hear voices coming from the study and at that same moment her father opened the door. Upon seeing his daughter, he requested her to join him.
As Inuyasha entered the room her father took her by the arm and steered her toward a chair across the room whereupon sat an elderly demon with a smiling face and a partial mane of white hair.
Inuyasha, I would like to present to you Totosai Matsu. He shall be traveling along with you and Sya on your voyage to japan. He is one of my dearest friends and also friends with the Aoki family. Your father-in-law sent him here to escort you to your new home and to your new mate. Totosai, this is my daughter and my pride, Inuyasha," he added addressing the elderly demon.
"It is my honor and pleasure to meet you, Princess Inuyasha," the older man said, rising and bowing to her. "I have known your father every since he was a little pup. You look a little like him. You poor thing." Totosai added teasingly. Inuyasha smiled. She rather liked the old man and knew she had found a friend. She gave him one of her most becoming smiles and expressed her hopes of a safe voyage.
"Now Totosai you make it sound as though I was nothing but trouble," said Akemi smiling with affection for the other demon.
"Maybe because you were." They started laughing. Akemi watched as his daughter asked Totosai more about his childhood, and a feeling of relief came over him. He was sure now he had made the right decision when he asked Inutaisho to send Totosai to take charge of his daughter. The old demon would protect her as if she were his own.
"Inuyasha perhaps you would like to go to your room and rest for a while before the ball tonight.”
"Of course father, if you will excuse me," she said bowing to them and left the room.
xxxxx
The next morning Inuyasha was up and dressed. She walked around her room taking one last look at her home. She sighed with a heavy heart as she sat on the bed. Her thoughts went back to the ball and how the disgusting Tsun-Chung tried to force his intentions upon her. Inuyasha felt the hackles rise on the back of her neck when the demon had the gall to proposition her as though she was a common whore. The fool was lucky all he got for his disgusting behavior were four deep scratches from her claws on his cheeks and not across his throat. However, she shuddered in remembrance of the demon’s promise after she ordered him to leave her father’s domain.
-flashback-
Lord Tsun-Chung had escorted Inuyasha into the garden after their dance. She had met him several times when her father and the young man had dipolmatic business. He was dressed in red wide leg pants and a heavily embrodiered jacket. He had his long black hair in a ponytail. As they sat down on a bench in the gardens, they began to speak about events going on in the world. Once they had exhausted that avenue of talk. They sat in peaceful silence with Inuyasha staring up at the stars.
Inuyasha was brought out of her thoughts as Tsun-Chung began stroking her arm in a suggestive way.
"My beautiful Inuyasha, you are by far the loviest creature I have ever laid eyes upon, and I would wish for perhaps one small kiss for my time."
Inuyasha glared at the man, shocked by what he was suggesting. "I am betrothed to another, and I shall not dishonor myself, my father or my future mate by doing what you want."
"It won't hurt. It's just a kiss," he whispered as he placed his arms around her shoulders. "Afterwards, if you are so inclined, we can spend the night together at my private home in the south. I would have you back in plenty of time to catch your ship.
"Get your filthy hands off of me!" Inuyasha snarled as her golden eyes flashed red with anger. She slapped his hands from her body. "You are an overconfident fool if you think your lame ass attempts at seduction can get me to lower myself to the standards of a whore."
Tsun-Chung tried to wrestle a kiss from her as his free hand fondled her breasts. Filling pure rage consume her, she raised her claws and slashed him across the face. The human quickly got up and stepped away from the volatile half breed. Inuyasha also got up and stepped behind the bench to put some distance between her and the disgusting human.
Tsun-Chung looked upon this woman who stood as if she would like nothing better than to slice his throat open. His eyes lit up with undisguised lust. "Very well my lovely," he had whispered to her as he looked down at his bloodstained clothes. "I find myself in no condition to continue this evening anyway." He took out a silk handkerchief mopping the blood from his cheek. "But perhaps, dear Inuyasha, we shall meet again, and this time, I shall have your delicious body beneath mine."
-end of flashback-
Inuyasha shuddered again in revulsion at the thought of the demon’s accusation. She was brought out of her disturbing thoughts by a knock on the door. Without waiting to be told to enter, Li-hua walked into the room wearing another of her fake smiles.
"Zao Shang Hao, I hope you slept well Inuyasha," she said with sarcasm dripping from her voice.
"Why yes, I did. Thank you for being so unconcerned," answered Inuyasha narrowing her eyes at the bitch standing before her. "Let's cut the crap. You hate me and I hate, despise, loath and can't stand you. This is our last day together. So let's be honest with each other."
Li-hua smirked. "Very well, I will be. You're right. I do hate you. You’re nothing but a filthy half breed but yet you live in such luxury that you do not deserve. I hate you because you are half human, and I hate that human whore you call mother. I hate her because every night that bitch comes between my mate and me. Every night we make love he calls her name and not mine. I hate the fact that he still has her portrait in the bedroom that he shared with her. And I am so glad that I convinced your father to send your little ass to Japan. With you out of the way I can finally get him to see me and not that weak whore."
Inuyasha had to use every ounce of her reserves to stop herself from leaping onto that bitch and clawing her eyes out for daring to insult her mother. She closed her eyes and took a deep breath. Opening her eyes, she stared at the other demoness with eyes that were like chips of ice. "Fair enough. Now it is my turn. First of all, since my mother was human, and you're a dog demon, you are the bitch here and not her. Second, I’m quite sure you knew of the extremely close relationship my parents had with each other. Heavens, whenever we would go out in public I was embarrassed to be seen with them. They would be hugging and kissing and paid no mind to what others might be whispering about them. The only thing that mattered was their feelings towards each other. Third, you walked into your relationship with my father with your eyes wide open. You knew how much he adored and loved my mother. She was everything to him, and you expect him to forget about her that easily or that quickly. You’re a fool for even thinking he would want to forget her. You knew that you would always be second best to her. That's the price you pay when all you want is money and a title."
Li-hua arched a delicate brow at the insipid half breed.
"Did you think I was some simpleton? Did you think just because I was raised with everything that I could possibly want that I would be some simpering little twit with no backbone? Did you think I didn't know that you were a scheming, conniving little bitch? You think I don't know all you want is my father's land. You will never have it." Then the most malevolent smile spread across Inuyasha's lovely face. The smile made Li-hua cringe inside. She had never seen such an evil smile on such a face before. Only through sheer will, was Li-hua able to stand there and take that vicious look on her stepdaughter's face. "If you think having a child will get you what you want. I’m sorry to say you should cut your loses."
"How dare you . . . " Li-hua started to say, but Inuyasha stopped her.
"You truly are a fool. Didn’t anyone in your miserable family teach you anything about royal dog demons of Japan?"
The woman scowled.
Inuyasha sneered in disgust at the elder demon's ignorance. "My father is a prince from East Japan. The demonic powers of a dog demon are triple that of other demons. The only other demons that comes close to them in demonic power are dragons. In order for you to give birth to a Japanese dog demon child, you must be strong in body, mind, spirit and power. My mother was all that. Plus she was a powerful spiritualist. That is why she was able to give birth to me. Anyway, if your power doesn't matches that of your mates'. Not only does the baby dies, but you die as well." Inuyasha smiled when she saw the woman pale at that bit of information. Then Li-hua turned to Inuyasha as though to call the girl a liar.
Just then they heard the door opening downstairs, and Akemi called out that he was home.
"Oh and if you think I’m lying," said Inuyasha smiling down at the woman as she stood up. "You can go to any demon healer and ask them." And as she walked toward the door to leave the woman alone, she added. "I mean, how do you think I know about it."
Li-hua could hear the half breed running downstairs greeting her father, and she had never hated anyone more than she hated Inuyasha. She didn't believe the girl not for a moment. She would have her child and all of East China will be hers.
xxxxx
It was a cool, crisp day and the sun was making its way across the sky when Inuyasha smelt the first tinge of salt air from the ocean hit her nostrils. It was still early and the everyday life in Eastern China had not yet begun, but here on the docks was a different story.
Whenever one would chance to look, the scurrying and activity of men at work could be seen. There were demons, humans and half demons unloading and loading boxes and crates from the ships to the docks.
As the carriage pulled to a stop Inuyasha looked on as a large half demon with huge muscles stood holding two huge crates, one in each arm.
Her father noticed the direction of her gaze and rested a hand upon her shoulder. "They are busy today, for there are three ships leaving port this afternoon. They must load their provisions aboard this morning, and I am quite sure that a demon of that size is used to putting his back into his work."
"It's amazing. I don't think I have ever seen a half demon as large as that," whispered Inuyasha, still looking at the hulking half breed from her window. He looked to be half human and half oxen. Long horns protruded from either side of his head.
Akemi smiled. "I would say not. But now, I see Totosai, so we should get out of the carriage.”
Totosai stood holding the carriage door open as Inuyasha's father helped all three women out of the carriage. "Ohayou," said Totosai bowing to his friend and his family.
"Ohayou," said Inuyasha smiling.
Li-hua and Sya frowned at the strange greeting. "What was that you just said?" asked Sya.
"It was Japanese. It means good morning," said Inuyasha sighing in disgust.
"Anyway," said Akemi giving his daughter a sidelong glance, "I trust we have not kept you waiting?" He smiled at his friend.
Of course not. I myself have just arrived. And this must be your companion, Lady Fu?" Totosai inquired, looking at the other demoness with a fatherly smile.
"Yes it is. Sya, this is Totosai. He shall be traveling with the two of you to Japan."
"A pleasure to meet you, Lord Totosai," Sya said giving the elderly demon a cold smile and bowing to him.
"Please, just call me Totosai," he returned the young woman's bow. "It is my pleasure to escort you as well, my dear." Totosai was a good judge of people, and he knew at once the kind of woman this Sya Fu was. He could not understand why Akemi would choose such a woman to accompany his daughter.
As the small group made their way to the boarding plank to board the Dawn's Glory, Inuyasha surveyed the long sleek ship that would be her home for the next few days. She noticed at once the clean-cut and well cared for look about the ship, and she could only hope that it would be as seaworthy as Totosai claimed. As they made their way to the quarter deck Inuyasha's preoccupation with the many different sights was interrupted when she heard a loud clear male voice coming from the bow of the boat.
Totosai looked up and toward the voice. "Here comes our good captain now. Come along and I shall introduce you all to him. He looks a bit young but I assure you, Akemi, he is a good sea captain.”
As they came into view of a tall, black-haired human, Inuyasha could hardly believe here eyes. She had expected to see an elderly man in rough dress but instead saw before her a handsome young man, looking to be about the age of twenty-five.
Captain Arita, these are your two passengers and Lord Akemi Yamamaru," said Totosai introducing them. "And ladies this is Hiroshi Arita."
Hiroshi Arita was the only son of a wealthy lord who had given his son, upon his twentieth birthday, the Dawn's Glory as a present. Lord Arita deplored the fact that his son loved the sea, but he could deny him nothing since he was his only child. Captain Arita ran a smooth ship and got on well with his crew. He also had a shady reputation with the ladies and prized himself on picking the most beautiful women for himself and being the envy of his friends and companion.
Captain Arita showed a smile of flashing white teeth to his companions and presented a formal courtly bow to the ladies. "Lord Yamamaru, Totosai has been telling me of you and your charming daughter and niece. And you," he turned in Inuyasha's direction, "must be Princess Inuyasha?" 'What a beauty,' he told himself. This was one voyage he would enjoy. With this lovely woman along it certainly would not be routine or boring as it had been on a number of occasions.
Sya cleared her throat rather loudly. Her blue eyes were smoldering with jealousy as the captain stood holding Inuyasha's hand and looking into her golden eyes longer than necessary.
"Oh excuse me, you must be Lady Fu. It is a pleasure to meet you," he replied automatically bowing to her. Ugh, this was the type of woman most men tried to avoid,' he thought to himself. 'She was plain looking and would try to bind a man to her if the opportunity presented itself.' Well, he would put her out of his mind and just keep the image of the lovely Inuyasha there.
After meeting the captain, Akemi bade his daughter farewell and again apologized for not being able to join her on her most important day. But he could not leave. The humans were trying to invade his lands, and he had to stay to make sure they didn't try to take his lands. Inuyasha kissed his cheek lovingly and told him she understood and wished him success.
Inuyasha and Sya were then informed they would set sail within the next half hour as soon as their provisions were all loaded and all the crew had boarded. Her father and Li-hua remained until it was time to leave. As the ship pulled away, Akemi yelled to his daughter, "Take care my precious, and I love you very much Inuyasha! I always have, and I always will!"
Upon hearing this tears fell from her eyes. For so long she had thought that her father did not love her and blamed her for her mother's death. But with those few words, he had proved her wrong, and she was so happy.
Zao Shang Hao-----Good morning