InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ Tender Love ❯ Chapter 4
[ 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: 5 | Words: 7.8K | Visits: 250 | Status: Work In Progress
Anime/Manga: InuYasha Fan Fiction | Genre(s): Romance | Type: Alternate Universe | Uploaded On: 10.23.2006 | Pages: 5 | Words: 7.8K | Visits: 250 | Status: Work In Progress
'inner thoughts'
Chapter 4
There was only one day left until they reach Nagasaki. Inuyasha was sitting in her room reading, and Sya had gone up on deck to walk around when she heard a loud crash like thunder. The sound was so loud and close that it caused her to drop her book and sit frozen on the settee.
Sya rushed through the door, and Inuyasha could hear men shouting and cursing up on deck.
"What is it, Sya?" Inuyasha demanded jumping to her feet.
"Pirates! It is pirates, Inuyasha. What are we going to do?"
"Are you sure Sya? Did you see them?"
"Yes I did, and they are the vulgaris and dirtiest bunch of humans and demons I have ever seen in my life. The captain said he would talk with them and try to give them the cargo if they would let us go. By the seventh level of hell, Inuyasha what are we to do? I have heard dreadful stories of what pirates do to the women they capture," Sya cried, her voice ending with a raking screech.
"Stop your sniveling! Do you want them to find us? I am sure the captain will handle everything, and we will be on our way. Now, you had better get a grip on yourself," said Inuyasha biting her bottom lip nervously pacing back and forth.
Inuyasha had heard the many stories of the fates of the women who fell into the hands of murderous pirates. There had been stories of women being raped by whole gangs of pirates and finally, when they were either dead or unconscious, being thrown overboard to the sharks. Inuyasha shuddered at this thought, but she knew she had better keep a grip on herself and not lose her head. Sya would probably be in hysterics soon, and it would do no good for both of them to fall apart.
"The captain said we should remain in our cabin and out of sight unless he sends for us," Sya sniffled in between sobs.
xxxxx
The pirate ship overtook the merchant ship Dawn's Glory without a fight. Captain Arita knew he could not outrun the pirate ship, and his ship was not armed to fight. He thought it best to try to persuade the pirate crew into taking his cargo and letting his crew and passengers go in peace.
The leader of the pirates was a sadistic piece of scum called Naraku. He kills for the sheer pleasure of killing. He is the most feared pirate in Asia. He ordered his ship tied alongside the Dawn's Glory, and he and his men boarded the merchant ship. Captain Arita felt his hopes for an alliance between himself and the pirate captain drain before his very eyes. They were the roughest looking bunch of cutthroats he had ever set eyes upon and the pirate captain looked as though he were the devil himself.
The captain of the pirates was a tall, lean man dressed in a black haori and hakama. Several sharp bones protruded from his back. He wore no sword but the aura coming from him was very threatening. He had piercing scarlet red eyes which snapped back and forth taking in his surrounds. His long black hair flowed in waves down his back.
"What is the meaning of this? Taking over my ship in this manner? My ship holds nothing of value except the small amount of cargo on board," said Captain Arita in a nervous manner, trying to appear brave in the eyes of this horrid demon pirate.
"I don't have to give you reasons for my actions. I have captured your ship and everything aboard now belongs to me. If you or any members of your crew try to interfere with me or my men, I shall feed you to some of my more blood thirsty crew members." He turned to a tall demon with horns sticking out of its skull. It wore only a piece of loincloth. "Right Goshinki."
"Please Master Naraku, can't I just eat one human," said the savage monster. "You know human blood always taste good when there is fear in it." The entire pirate crew laughed.
Captain Arita felt a sudden stabbing pain of dread run down his spine as he regarded the demons and their captain.
"Are there any passengers onboard?" He ignored the demon’s crude remark.
Captain Arita cleared his throat and shook his head slowly. "There are no other passengers onboard."
"We shall see about that. Kanna!" he yelled and a small white hair girl stepped forward holding a strange mirror.
The captain frowned. He had not seen the girl when the pirates came aboard. With that snow white hair, he could not have missed her. So how did that strange child get to be on his ship with him not seeing her.
Suddenly the mirror flashed and an image of Totosai, Inuyasha and Sya appeared in it.
"Well well well, what have we here." A very devious smile flashed across the pirate's face.
"It seems that you have three stowaways." His eyes narrowed dangerously. "I do not like it when people lie to me."
"They are of no importance. Please take what you wish of the cargo and let us go on our way," pleaded the captain.
The pirate captain known as Naraku looked as if he were a lord breathing down his nose at one of his peasants. "Who do you think you are telling me what is of value? I asked you a question not for your opinion. I shall tell you this only one time and if you value your worthless life and that of your crew and passengers, I advise you to get those three up here at once!"
Captain Arita sighed in defeat. "Shori, go below and tell the passengers they are requested up on deck."
"Yes sir." The first mate turned and hurried below deck.
Inuyasha jumped from her chair when she heard the knock outside their cabin door.
"Calm down," said Totosai resting a hand on her shoulder. He stood before the young half demon. "Who is it?" he asked with a strained voice.
"It is me, first mate, Shori Moto. The captain sent me to tell you he wishes all passengers up on deck at once."
"We shall be there in just a few minutes," he replied to the closed door.
Sya became hysterical as loud sobs were heard from her. The young demoness clutched her hands together terrified. "Come along Sya, we must get this thing done with, and I am sure everything will be just fine. Just try not to show them your fear, and we might make it out of this alive," Inuyasha said more for herself than for the other girl.
"But I am so scared, I do not think I will be able to endure this." Sya sobbed dabbling at her eyes and nose with a handkerchief.
"You can and you will endure it, if you pull yourself together," said Totosai.
As they made their way up to the deck, Totosai took hold of Inuyasha’s hand. "Have faith
child, I shall protect you and your companion with my life if need be."
"Thank you but hopefully that will not be necessary," said Inuyasha smiling at the elderly demon. "Perhaps it will be all worked out once the pirates see we have nothing of value."
"I hope so but do stay by my side in any case," said Totosai not believing for one moment things would work out as the princess had hoped.
As soon as the pirates caught sight of the two women, chaos broke out. They each dropped what they were doing and rushed toward Totosai and the girls leering and smiling evilly at them.
Inuyasha stiffened her back and glared at the men coming toward them. ‘If only I knew how to use a sword. I would gut each and every one of these filthy swine,' she thought to herself. She sighed in defeat knowing she would never be able to defeat even one of those ruffians. 'All I have are my claws and the two attacks Jun had taught me.' Never had she seen such dirty, terrifying men in her life.
The pirates came closer shouting obscenities to one another and sneering at the women in front of them. "One is a full demon and the other is a hanyou," said one of the demon pirate's.
"I'll take the hanyou," said Goshinki.
Inuyasha growl readying her claws to slash the barbaric demon across the throat if he came near her. "Don't you dare lay your stinking, filthy hands on me, you barbarian." She raised her claws preparing to slash the demon across the face. Suddenly in a blink of an eye, the demon seem to disappear and it reappeared behind her. Goshinki grabbed her by the wrist lifting her into the air. "You're a little spitfire. I’m going to enjoy you." His tongue slithered out of his mouth and glidded over Inuyasha’s cheek. Inuyasha cringed in disgust.
"That's enough Goshinki," said Naraku. "Put her down."
"But master-"
"Do I have to repeat myself?" he said in a dangerously silky tone. "You know what will happen if I have to repeat myself."
Goshinki released her, and she fell to the floor in an ungracious heap. Suddenly a tentacle shot out from Naraku’s side spearing Goshinki in the chest. The demon howled in pain as he was lifted from the deck and tossed over the side like garbage.
Inuyasha stared in horror as blood splattered over her face as this pirate captain killed one of his own men and just toss him into the sea. She could not believe her eyes. This pirate captain was a monster indeed.
"See to the cargo," he bellowed. After giving his order to his crew and saw they were being carried out, he turned and looked at the women and Totosai. The elderly demon had given Inuyasha his handkerchief to clean herself off. Naraku looked first at Inuyasha, taking in her silver lustrous hair, dark honey golden eyes and voluptuous figure. Then, taking his eyes from Inuyasha's beauty, he let them roam over Sya. He grimaced as he took in her disheveled black hair, swollen red eyes from crying and her too-skinny frame.
Then he turned to the old demon and smirked. "Well Totosai, it's good to see you again."
“Hmph, well I can’t say the same about you.” Totosai glared at the dark hair pirate.
Totosai snorted as he helped Inuyasha to stand. "You know this vile beast, Totosai?"
"I'm afraid so." Totosai sneered at the demon pirate. “This is Naraku. He is the vilest beast to walk the face of the earth.”
Naraku smiled obviously pleased with his well-known reputation. "What is your name?" Naraku asked the silver hair dog demoness. "And where are you going?"
At first, Inuyasha refused but after he threatened the lives of Totosai and Sya, she answered him. "Inuyasha, and I am on my way to Japan to meet my mate."
The pirate captain stood as if contemplating each word that was said. "And who may I ask is your mate?"
"You know him Naraku," spoke up Totosai. "It is Lord Sesshomaru."
Naraku was taken aback by the name at first; then a huge evil grin appeared on his face. "So, the great Lord Sesshomaru has finally found himself a woman that would willingly have him? Will wonders ever cease." Inuyasha was surprised to learn that the menacing looking pirate captain could know Sesshomaru Aoki and Totosai.
"You look surprised that I know your mate to be, little one, " he said looking at them. " Oh yes, sesshomaru and I go way back. In fact we even have a small score to settle with each other and one day I’m sure we shall see it to its end. But enough of this talk about Sesshomaru. I think we have some business to discuss."
"I don't think so. I insist you leave these women alone and let us be on our way. I warn you if any harm should come to these ladies, you shall regret it!" warned Totosai.
"Oh but you are mistaken old Totosai. We most certainly do have some business to talk over. You see we pirates make a very good living, on holding captured prisoners for ransom. First I think we should discuss the amount of ransom these lovely young ladies will bring.
Inuyasha looked on not believing her ears and the longer she listened to this demon or half demon, if Inuyasha’s nose is correct which it is, talking about her as if she were a slave on an auction block. She became angrier than she thought possible. "Fool, have you taken leave of your senses. This is an outrage. I will have you know if you dare try anything my father will have you hunted down and beheaded like the swine you are."
Naraku looked upon this woman whose dark golden eyes were even lovelier now that sparks of anger were shooting from them. "I assure you, my sweet, I am very serious. I shall keep you and your friend as my guests until the required amount of money for the both of you has arrived."
Totosai looked at this vile villain and stated flatly. "I will remind you once again that if any harm should befall these young ladies you shall regret your actions. Lord Akemi of
China shall hunt you down and destroy you utterly."
"Totosai, I give you my word these ladies shall be properly taken care of, and will be in the best of health upon your return."
"And what is the word of a scum like you worth," spat Inuyasha.
"My word is as good as gold and that will have to be good enough, little princess. Now let us get down to the price of your worth, my sweet ladies. I think ten thousand each will be fair enough."
Inuyasha choked on the price of the ransom while Sya looked in horror. "That is outrageous. My father will need time to get that together."
"I don't mean from your father. I want the ransom to come from your future mate, Lord Sesshomaru," stated Naraku smugly.
"You can't be seriously demanding money from my betrothed. Besides, we haven't met yet. What makes you think he will be willing to pay the ransom?"
"Oh, he will pay it princess. On that you can be sure."
"But . . . you can't . . ." she said in a quiet defeated tone. This was humiliating. How was she ever going to face her future mate after this affair?
"I assure you old Sesshy would be more than pleased to spend any amount of money for a beauty such as yourself to warm his bed."
The pirate crew started to roar with laughter and vile remarks when Naraku's words reached their ears, and Inuyasha felt her face flush red.
"It's all right Inuyasha. I’ll go straight to Sesshomaru but be warned Naraku . . ."
"Yes yes, I know Totosai," said the half breed cutting him off. "Sesshomaru will hunt me down and kill me. I already know but he will have to find me first." He smirked at the elderly demon. "Fear not, not one of my men shall lay a hand on these lovely ladies. I’m sure no one wants to follow Goshinki to the bottom of the sea."
Sya who had remained quietly standing by started to weep profoundly when she heard these last words of the pirate captain.
"You needn't worry, Lady Fu, I shall be back as soon as possible," said Totosai placing a comforting hand on her shoulder. Then he turned to Inuyasha and spoke gently. "Be brave my princess, I shall not linger a moment until I see you safe once again."
Inuyasha reached up and kissed the elderly demon on the cheek. "I fell better already."
After their exchange Naraku shouted for two of his men to take the ladies to his ship. "Hiten! Maten! Take the ladies to my ship."
The men who were to escort them were two demons. One was a handsome young man with a long black braid dangling down his back while the other was an ugly fat toad with a single braid hanging from his huge balding head. Unlike some of the crew, these two were very well dressed. Their hakama and haori were made from silk and the one with the long braid carried a two-prong spear attached to his back. If it wasn't for the fact that they were pirates, Inuyasha would have sworn they were demon nobles. At least the handsome one looked like a prince. The other was just simply ugly.
"I am Hiten and this is my younger brother, Maten. But you can call us the thunder brothers," said the handsome one with the cruel dark eyes. Inuyasha gawked at the two. Brothers! Now that was something new.
"That's enough Hiten," said Naraku without looking at the young demon.
"Yes master." Hiten grabbed Inuyasha while Maten grabbed Sya and led the women to the pirate ship.
Out of the corner of her eye, Inuyasha could see Sya was terrified as the dark hair demoness glanced fearfully about her.
"Sya, control yourself, everything will be all right. They will not hurt us. The captain had given his word," Inuyasha whispered softly to her not believing her own words.
xxxxx
Inuyasha and Sya were taken to a small cramped cabin in which there was hardly enough space for both of them to move about.
As they entered the cabin Inuyasha rushed to the porthole and watched as the Dawn's Glory set sail for Nagasaki, Japan. Never before had she felt so downhearted as she did at that moment. Would Totosai be able to get the large amount of ransom and get it back to these pirates in time? Or would their fate lie in the hands of these barbarians? As she turned and looked around her at the small untidy cabin. Sya was sitting on the small bed still sobbing. Inuyasha felt herself wanting to just lie down and cry also. Inuyasha shook herself mentally. She must not give in to this feeling of despair. She must calm herself and be prepared for whatever was to come. The first thing to do, she told herself was to calm Sya down, and then the two of them must make this filthy room more comfortable.
It was not quite as easy as Inuyasha had thought it would be to calm the other girl down. Sya was hysterical.
"They will kill us, I know they will!" Sya wept uncontrollably.
"Sya, you must get control of yourself," Inuyasha said sharply losing her already waning patience with the girl. "Totosai will return with the ransom and the pirates will set us free."
"They won't. I know they won't. Those dirty, vulgar men will rape us and then they will throw our bodies over into the sea," she screeched, her eyes were glazed over in terror.
Inuyasha had taken all she could from this sniveling creature who prided herself on being a full-blooded demon. she had seen human women behave more rationally than Sya was. When Sya began to sob louder and more hysterically, Inuyasha had had enough. Raising her hand, she struck the other across her face. "Now pull yourself together and quit acting like a coward," she shouted, not regretting that she had struck the other girl. Never in her life had she hit another woman but this weeping, whining mongrel had worked her last nerve. Inuyasha knew Sya had a good reason to be frightened, but she also knew that it would do no good for either of them to fall to pieces.
Sya sat as if frozen holding her hand against her stinging cheek which had turned a deep shade of red. "How dare you strike me, you filthy half breed?" she shouted coming to her senses.
"Maybe if you weren't sobbing like a cow going to be slaughtered, I wouldn't have had to strike you," said Inuyasha clutching her hands into fists at her side.
"You will regret ever touching me, I promise you this, Inuyasha." Sya spat, hate for the other woman filling her eyes.
"If I were you, I wouldn't be making threats I won't be able to keep." Inuyasha folded her arms across her chest as her golden eyes flashed with her own anger. "In case you have forgotten, you will be staying with me and my mate. If you do not like it. Once we get to Nagasaki, I am sure Lord Sesshomaru would be more than happy to send you back to China."
Inuyasha could see the rage darkening Sya’s dull blue eyes. The other said nothing as she sat on the bed silently fuming at the way the half breed was treating her. One day she would surely make the half breed bitch sorry she every laid her filthy paws on her person.
xxxxx
The pirate captain, Naraku gave strict orders to his men that they were not to go near the women and he also told them that if they valued their lives they would obey him. He then posted one of his most trusted men to stand guard outside of the women's cabin door and gave him orders not to let them leave their room for any reason. He had thought over the matter carefully and had decided to release the women unharmed as he had promised when Totosai brought the required ransom back to him. He had at first given thought to keeping Sesshomaru’s woman for his own pleasure and with her charm and beauty it would indeed be a pleasure. But then he had thought of Totosai’s warnings about her father being a demon lord in China and at the thought of having an angry dog demon tracking him down he reconsidered the idea. Life was hard enough on the seas in this kind of business without having an angry father chasing him. One day he told himself he would have Sesshomaru in his grasp and perhaps even have the little golden eyed vixen, but for now he would leave the women in peace and get the money which was to come from Sesshomaru. He would derive some pleasure out of this, he told himself.
Inuyasha had expected the pirate captain to enter their small cabin at any time but she was surprised when the second day of their captivity had passed and the only person who had entered the cabin was a young boy of about fifteen who had brought their meals and come back and taken their trays away. Inuyasha’s nerves were tightly drawn as a rope and she prayed nightly for Totosai's return.
Sya kept to herself and would only talk to Inuyasha when necessary. Which wasn't often. Inuyasha was glad. She couldn't stand the other girl anyway. But Inuyasha could see the hatred growing stronger in the other girl's eyes with each passing hour. And every chance she gets, she would tell Inuyasha time and again that she would one day have her vengeance over the half breed.
On the third day of their imprisonment Naraku decided to pay a visit to his captives. "Good morning, ladies," he greeted them upon entering their room. "I trust you're comfortable and have everything you require?"
Inuyasha looked at him with contempt which she could not conceal and turned her head away from his directions. But to her complete amazement, Sya received him with a warm smile.
"Why yes, Lord Naraku, everything is fine. I must confess though I had expected things to be much worse under the circumstances, but I assure you that everything has been quite comfortable."
Naraku gave this woman a knowing look. So he had figured this one right. The only thing she cared about was herself and what she could get out of life. She would be a good ally for him in the future and she also would fit into his plans for the great Lord Sesshomaru. "Well, I’m glad to see that you don't mind being my personal captive," Naraku said pleasantly looking in Inuyasha’s direction and marveling at the rare beauty which she possessed. 'Yes,' he thought to himself, 'Sesshomaru sure had the devil's own luck with women and everything else, but one day that will change.' "I came this morning to see if perhaps you ladies would care to go for a walk with me about the ship?"
Sya’s thin face lit up with the thought of being able to get out of the small cabin. "I would be delighted, my lord. You are most kind for your invitation."
"And you, Princess Inuyasha, would you care for a walk?"
"Only if it’s to see you getting your head cut off," she said feeling angry and disgusted at Sya for accepting this pirate's invitation.
Naraku laughed. "Well, if you are sure, I shall take Lady Fu for a short stroll," he replied taking Sya by the arm and leading her to the door.
Inuyasha could hear Sya’s shrill laughter outside the door and could not imagine what could have come over her. She had been so frightened of these pirates a short time ago and now she acts as though she and that dreadful captain were some close friends. She just could not understand her.
Sya and Naraku had been gone only a short time during which Inuyasha stood gazing out at the sea through the porthole, before she heard the knob on the door turn. She supposed it to be Sya returning and when she felt a presence beside her she started to speak. "You certainly were not gone very long on your walk with that awful pirate, Sya." She snorted not feeling any remorse for her next words. "I didn't know you lowered your standards, considering how you make such a fuss about hating us filthy half breeds."
All of a sudden Inuyasha was seized by strong hands. "What is the meaning of this?" she screamed.
"Little one," came her answer.
Inuyasha realized that it was Naraku's voice. Suddenly she had a sick feeling in the pit of her stomach.
"So you think of me as dreadful, do you?" he asked, his piercing red eyes looking into her golden ones. "You have no reason to fear me, my sweet, for I have a very high regard for you."
"Where is Sya?" she questioned, swallowing convulsively.
"Do not worry about her. I have one of my men watching over her; nothing shall happen to her. But I did not come here to talk of her. Do you know you happen to be one of the most ravishing women I have ever seen, Inuyasha? I do not believe I have ever seen eyes that were as bright as the sun before," he states while drawing his hand through her long silver tresses.
"Take your hands off me!" she shouted and slapped his hand away.
"Why do you try to resist me, my sweet? Just hear me out. Why would you wish to mate a monster like Sesshomaru Aoki? You need a man like myself who would treat you as a queen and love you and no other but you," he coaxed, caressing her jaw with a gentle touch.
Inuyasha slapped the hand away once again. "I would never give myself to you willingly. You are one of the lowest things I have ever had the misfortune of meeting."
Naraku looked down at her, anger contorting his masculine features. "You shall regret those words, and you shall one day beg for my favors. I promise you this."
Inuyasha shrank away from his words and the anger in his crimson eyes. She had forgotten her life depended on this man's every whim.
"I shall give you time to see for yourself and realize your own mistake in choosing Sesshomaru Aoki, little one. For I can wait and you shall come to me with open arms. You can be sure of this."
Naraku was so sure of himself and sure that Inuyasha would detest Sesshomaru for his bad temper that he decided he would let her go and see the demon lord’s cruelty for herself. When she had had enough of Sesshomaru she would flee and he would be waiting for her when the time came. A woman such as this was worth waiting for, he told himself and in the end she would be his and only his.
"Never," Inuyasha bravely stated holding her chin out. "Never shall I be yours."
Naraku ignored her words and grabbed her in his arms in a tight embrace. When his lips sought Inuyasha’s she struggled in vain against this tall, lean man who had a viselike grip around her waist. When finally his lips touched on hers she felt only revulsion.
He released her after a time and looked into the golden pools in front of him. "You will belong to me one day," he stated with a bow and left the room without further ado.
Inuyasha stood in silence, looking at the closed door through which the pirate captain had just gone. As she thought of his departing words, a shudder went through her body which she could not control. 'Does this barbaric beast really think she would ever become his? He must be insane.' She began to nervously bit on the claw of her forefinger. He must have only wished to frighten her,' she told herself. And he had successfully frightened her. That was one thing she knew for sure. She would have to tell Sya to stay away from this monstrous man; there was no telling what he was capable of doing.
xxxxx
Inuyasha tried to ignore those red piercing eyes and the evil smile which Naraku wore when he returned with Sya.
"Well Sya, I must leave you for now, but I shall come tomorrow and take you for another stroll."
"Thank you very much," Sya said softly looking up at him with adoring eyes.
"The pleasure has been mine, my dearest," Naraku said, bowing and kissing one of Sya's hands while his eyes caressed Inuyasha’s beauteous body.
When the pirate captain left their cabin Inuyasha tried to warn Sya about Naraku’s behavior toward her but Sya was so taken by this pirate and his charms that she refused to believe anything Inuyasha had to say. Inuyasha tried several times to tell her about the pirate, but she would either ignore her or shout out in rage that Inuyasha was jealous of the attention which he paid to her and was making up lies about her beloved Naraku.
"Jealous!" Inuyasha was infuriated at the other girl's accusations. She was so livid with rage, she raised her fist and was about to smash it against the stupid fool's face for even suggesting that she would be jealous of the attention given to her by a murderous pirate or lying to her. "You simple little twit. Why in the hell would I be jealous of the attentions of lying, blood thirsty, murderous pirate?"
"Be silent you filthy half breed! I shall not have you speaking of the captain in that manner," Sya said sticking her chin out daring Inuyasha to strike her again.
Inuyasha’s fist twitched violently from pent up rage. Taking several deep breaths, she lowered her hand and glared in disgust at the other. Then her golden eyes flashed with contempt. "I maybe a filthy half breed but at least I am not whoring myself out to filthy pirate who so happens to be one of us filthy half breeds." Inuyasha turned from the demoness and sat with her back to her. And she gave Sya no more warnings about his treachery.
Sya continued her morning walks with her gallant pirate captain while Inuyasha waited below in the cabin not knowing whether Naraku would make a return visit. She doubted Naraku cared about Sya, but the fool girl needed to wake up and see what kind of a villainous piece of scum the man truly was. With Sya’s apparent dislike of her, she knew the other girl would not listen to her. Inuyasha prayed to whatever deity that will listen to her that Totosai would return soon, and they could leave these barbaric monsters for good.
xxxxx
On their tenth day of being held captive a boat was sighted approaching the pirate ship. The women were ordered to stay in the cabin, and Inuyasha watched from the porthole as the Dawn's Glory bore down upon them and then finally was secured alongside the pirate ship.
'We are finally going to be leaving the clutches of these vile monsters,' Inuyasha thought with glee. After being held prisoner they were finally going to be free to leave. Inuyasha's heart filled with joy as she released a sigh of relief. "We are finally going to be free again," she shouted with happiness. "It is the Dawn's Glory and Totosai. We are going to be rescued at last from these terrible people."
As Sya walked over to the porthole, Inuyasha frowned. Did she see anger in the girl's eyes? No, she had to be mistaken. Even Sya with her stupidity could see that if Naraku cared about her he would not let her leave. Inuyasha shrugged her shoulders and began to straighten herself up.
As Sya stood staring out of the porthole, she felt so angry she could hardly bear it. Finally, when she had found the one man she loved and who loved her in return, she had to leave him and go back to the same dreary life she had been living before she had met Naraku. 'If only he would let me stay with him, we could be together forever,' she thought with a sigh. But hadn't he promised her that he loved her and that he would come for her soon and they would be together again? She would just have to put up with Inuyasha for a while longer. Then she would show them all including that filthy little half breed, and perhaps she would even have her chance to get even with Inuyasha for the way she had treated her since they left China.
It seemed to Inuyasha that it took Naraku forever before he finally entered their cabin and stated, "Ladies, if you are ready, I will take you back to the Dawn's Glory."
Just as they walked outside the door, Naraku took Inuyasha by the arm and whispered for only her ears to hear, "Do not forget my words of the other day. You shall be mine one day, little one."
Inuyasha pulled herself free and walked ahead of the couple.
But Sya, who had seen the exchange of words between Inuyasha and Naraku, glared at Inuyasha with hate filling her dull blue eyes.
Naraku saw Sya’s anger and took her arm and gave her a large smile. "Have patience, my love, I will come for you soon."
Sya’s hatred melted away and her eyes filled with love for this man beside her. "I shall wait forever, if need be, only I pray you will hurry to me so I can be away from that vile half breed," said Sya scornfully.
Naraku arched a brow at her hateful use of the word half breed. Seeing his look, Sya thinks Naraku was angered by her use of the word. "I'm sorry beloved. I meant no disrespect to you by saying what I did."
Naraku smiled and leaned forward pressing his lips against Sya's lips in a chaste kiss. The demoness blushed shyly as Naraku lead her up on deck.
xxxxx
Naraku and some of his crew stood on deck, the pirate captain helped Sya onto the deck of the Dawn's Glory. "Have no fear it will not be too long before we are again together, I promise you this," he said softly to her.
As soon as Inuyasha set foot on the deck of the merchant ship, she ran immediately to Totosai’s opened arms. The old demon held the silver hair demoness tightly in his arms. "Didn't I tell you I would be back for you?"
Inuyasha giggled and tightened her hug on him for a brief second and then released him. She looked into the face of her rescuer and smiled. "I always had faith in you."
As Totosai turned, he saw Sya and Naraku making their way toward him. "You should count yourself as being lucky no harm had befallen the ladies."
Naraku smiled with an arrogant twist of his lip. "Oh, but you have judged me wrongly, old Totosai. I gave my word that these ladies would be safe and as you can see with those ancient eyes of yours they have not been ill treated."
Totosai gave an angry snort to his comment on his age, but held his tongue, afraid to rouse the pirate's anger, for he knew they were still in danger and this pirate could at any minute change his mind Lord Sesshomaru in Nagasaki."
"Indeed," Naraku replied. "Ladies, may I say your company has been the most gracious I have ever had aboard my ship in a while." As Naraku turned and started to board his own ship, he turned around looking directly at Inuyasha and said, "Until we meet again, ladies. I shall dream nightly of your beauty."
Inuyasha shuddered in revulsion and fright. She did not like him at all. But Sya, not knowing these words were meant only for Inuyasha, thought his words were directed toward her and her heart melted with unwavering love and happiness.
xxxxx
Aboard the Dawn's Glory, Inuyasha tried to forget about Naraku and everything he had said to her. She was free of him and he no longer was a threat to her. She kept herself busy by writing a letter to her father. She decided not to tell him about the kidnaping. It would do him no good knowing this now since she was safe thanks to Lord Sesshomaru. She spent the rest of her time talking with Totosai. She felt as though she owed him her life even though he told her it was his pleasure to come to her rescue. Captain Arita tried to stay out of Inuyasha’s way and she thought this was just as well for she would not be as easy a victim as she had been previously. After her experiences with him and other men she vowed to herself she would never let herself be put in the same position again.
Inuyasha enjoyed taking long strolls on the deck before dinner. The weather was cool now and it lifted her spirits to feel the chilly air against her face.
On their last evening aboard the Dawn's Glory Inuyasha was on deck looking up at the stars thinking about her future when Totosai approached her.
"So here you are Inuyasha. I have been looking for you. I thought perhaps we could have a little talk." He took off his cape and wrapped it around her shoulders. "You should remember to keep yourself warm. Wouldn’t want you to catch a cold?"
She giggled at his fatherly way. "Thank you.
"I did not wish to mention the subject before, but I feel I must tell you a few things about your future mate."
Inuyasha looked at the old demon alarmed. "What is it?"
"Nothing to worry about child," he said seeing the fear in her eyes. "It is just that you know I have a great fondness for you. It is almost as though you were my own daughter. And that is why I thought I would venture to speak with you."
"Go on, Totosai. I would like to hear about this demon lord I am to mate," she said in a small voice.
"Well, you know Inuyasha, I had to go to Lord Sesshomaru for the money with which to get the ransom."
"And he gave it to you reluctantly. Is that what you are telling me Totosai?"
"No, no child, if you will let me finish."
"Sorry, please continue."
"As I was saying, Lord Sesshomaru did not become angry over the money as much as he did over who held you captive. Naraku. There is indeed bad blood between the two men. And I must tell you I have never known a man with a temper such as Lord Sesshomaru possesses."
"Oh," Inuyasha replied her worst fears coming to light. Her mate would be a bully and a tyrant.
"Well, it was almost all I could do to keep Sesshomaru from coming along with us to rescue you and Lady Fu, but I was afraid for your and Lady Fu's safety to depend on the outcome of these two men meeting. So, I insisted he stay in Nagasaki while I retrieved you ladies. But I must warn you child, your future mate has a very bad temper and you will fare much better if you try to avoid it."
"Thank you Totosai," said Inuyasha with a sinking feeling inside her chest. "I shall heed your warning, but for now if that is all, I would like to retire to my cabin."
"I hope I did not upset you with what I said?"
"I assure you that you have not upset me. You have been so kind to me, but I do not know what I shall do when we have to part."
"You will make out just fine. The young lord may have a temper, but he is a good and honorable man. once he realizes how lucky he is to have you, he will treasure you for the rest of your lives."
Inuyasha hugged the elderly demon tightly and kissed him on the cheek. "Thank you so much. Now, if you will excuse me."
Totosai realized Inuyasha needed time to herself, and he put his arm out for her to take. "Yes, my dear, I think you shall find a great deal of happiness, in time."
Time. Inuyasha did not want to think of time; all she could think of was tomorrow. She would be in a foreign country, in unfamiliar surroundings, and she would meet the man she most dreaded to meet. There was really nothing left to do except resign herself to her fate.
Chapter 4
There was only one day left until they reach Nagasaki. Inuyasha was sitting in her room reading, and Sya had gone up on deck to walk around when she heard a loud crash like thunder. The sound was so loud and close that it caused her to drop her book and sit frozen on the settee.
Sya rushed through the door, and Inuyasha could hear men shouting and cursing up on deck.
"What is it, Sya?" Inuyasha demanded jumping to her feet.
"Pirates! It is pirates, Inuyasha. What are we going to do?"
"Are you sure Sya? Did you see them?"
"Yes I did, and they are the vulgaris and dirtiest bunch of humans and demons I have ever seen in my life. The captain said he would talk with them and try to give them the cargo if they would let us go. By the seventh level of hell, Inuyasha what are we to do? I have heard dreadful stories of what pirates do to the women they capture," Sya cried, her voice ending with a raking screech.
"Stop your sniveling! Do you want them to find us? I am sure the captain will handle everything, and we will be on our way. Now, you had better get a grip on yourself," said Inuyasha biting her bottom lip nervously pacing back and forth.
Inuyasha had heard the many stories of the fates of the women who fell into the hands of murderous pirates. There had been stories of women being raped by whole gangs of pirates and finally, when they were either dead or unconscious, being thrown overboard to the sharks. Inuyasha shuddered at this thought, but she knew she had better keep a grip on herself and not lose her head. Sya would probably be in hysterics soon, and it would do no good for both of them to fall apart.
"The captain said we should remain in our cabin and out of sight unless he sends for us," Sya sniffled in between sobs.
xxxxx
The pirate ship overtook the merchant ship Dawn's Glory without a fight. Captain Arita knew he could not outrun the pirate ship, and his ship was not armed to fight. He thought it best to try to persuade the pirate crew into taking his cargo and letting his crew and passengers go in peace.
The leader of the pirates was a sadistic piece of scum called Naraku. He kills for the sheer pleasure of killing. He is the most feared pirate in Asia. He ordered his ship tied alongside the Dawn's Glory, and he and his men boarded the merchant ship. Captain Arita felt his hopes for an alliance between himself and the pirate captain drain before his very eyes. They were the roughest looking bunch of cutthroats he had ever set eyes upon and the pirate captain looked as though he were the devil himself.
The captain of the pirates was a tall, lean man dressed in a black haori and hakama. Several sharp bones protruded from his back. He wore no sword but the aura coming from him was very threatening. He had piercing scarlet red eyes which snapped back and forth taking in his surrounds. His long black hair flowed in waves down his back.
"What is the meaning of this? Taking over my ship in this manner? My ship holds nothing of value except the small amount of cargo on board," said Captain Arita in a nervous manner, trying to appear brave in the eyes of this horrid demon pirate.
"I don't have to give you reasons for my actions. I have captured your ship and everything aboard now belongs to me. If you or any members of your crew try to interfere with me or my men, I shall feed you to some of my more blood thirsty crew members." He turned to a tall demon with horns sticking out of its skull. It wore only a piece of loincloth. "Right Goshinki."
"Please Master Naraku, can't I just eat one human," said the savage monster. "You know human blood always taste good when there is fear in it." The entire pirate crew laughed.
Captain Arita felt a sudden stabbing pain of dread run down his spine as he regarded the demons and their captain.
"Are there any passengers onboard?" He ignored the demon’s crude remark.
Captain Arita cleared his throat and shook his head slowly. "There are no other passengers onboard."
"We shall see about that. Kanna!" he yelled and a small white hair girl stepped forward holding a strange mirror.
The captain frowned. He had not seen the girl when the pirates came aboard. With that snow white hair, he could not have missed her. So how did that strange child get to be on his ship with him not seeing her.
Suddenly the mirror flashed and an image of Totosai, Inuyasha and Sya appeared in it.
"Well well well, what have we here." A very devious smile flashed across the pirate's face.
"It seems that you have three stowaways." His eyes narrowed dangerously. "I do not like it when people lie to me."
"They are of no importance. Please take what you wish of the cargo and let us go on our way," pleaded the captain.
The pirate captain known as Naraku looked as if he were a lord breathing down his nose at one of his peasants. "Who do you think you are telling me what is of value? I asked you a question not for your opinion. I shall tell you this only one time and if you value your worthless life and that of your crew and passengers, I advise you to get those three up here at once!"
Captain Arita sighed in defeat. "Shori, go below and tell the passengers they are requested up on deck."
"Yes sir." The first mate turned and hurried below deck.
Inuyasha jumped from her chair when she heard the knock outside their cabin door.
"Calm down," said Totosai resting a hand on her shoulder. He stood before the young half demon. "Who is it?" he asked with a strained voice.
"It is me, first mate, Shori Moto. The captain sent me to tell you he wishes all passengers up on deck at once."
"We shall be there in just a few minutes," he replied to the closed door.
Sya became hysterical as loud sobs were heard from her. The young demoness clutched her hands together terrified. "Come along Sya, we must get this thing done with, and I am sure everything will be just fine. Just try not to show them your fear, and we might make it out of this alive," Inuyasha said more for herself than for the other girl.
"But I am so scared, I do not think I will be able to endure this." Sya sobbed dabbling at her eyes and nose with a handkerchief.
"You can and you will endure it, if you pull yourself together," said Totosai.
As they made their way up to the deck, Totosai took hold of Inuyasha’s hand. "Have faith
child, I shall protect you and your companion with my life if need be."
"Thank you but hopefully that will not be necessary," said Inuyasha smiling at the elderly demon. "Perhaps it will be all worked out once the pirates see we have nothing of value."
"I hope so but do stay by my side in any case," said Totosai not believing for one moment things would work out as the princess had hoped.
As soon as the pirates caught sight of the two women, chaos broke out. They each dropped what they were doing and rushed toward Totosai and the girls leering and smiling evilly at them.
Inuyasha stiffened her back and glared at the men coming toward them. ‘If only I knew how to use a sword. I would gut each and every one of these filthy swine,' she thought to herself. She sighed in defeat knowing she would never be able to defeat even one of those ruffians. 'All I have are my claws and the two attacks Jun had taught me.' Never had she seen such dirty, terrifying men in her life.
The pirates came closer shouting obscenities to one another and sneering at the women in front of them. "One is a full demon and the other is a hanyou," said one of the demon pirate's.
"I'll take the hanyou," said Goshinki.
Inuyasha growl readying her claws to slash the barbaric demon across the throat if he came near her. "Don't you dare lay your stinking, filthy hands on me, you barbarian." She raised her claws preparing to slash the demon across the face. Suddenly in a blink of an eye, the demon seem to disappear and it reappeared behind her. Goshinki grabbed her by the wrist lifting her into the air. "You're a little spitfire. I’m going to enjoy you." His tongue slithered out of his mouth and glidded over Inuyasha’s cheek. Inuyasha cringed in disgust.
"That's enough Goshinki," said Naraku. "Put her down."
"But master-"
"Do I have to repeat myself?" he said in a dangerously silky tone. "You know what will happen if I have to repeat myself."
Goshinki released her, and she fell to the floor in an ungracious heap. Suddenly a tentacle shot out from Naraku’s side spearing Goshinki in the chest. The demon howled in pain as he was lifted from the deck and tossed over the side like garbage.
Inuyasha stared in horror as blood splattered over her face as this pirate captain killed one of his own men and just toss him into the sea. She could not believe her eyes. This pirate captain was a monster indeed.
"See to the cargo," he bellowed. After giving his order to his crew and saw they were being carried out, he turned and looked at the women and Totosai. The elderly demon had given Inuyasha his handkerchief to clean herself off. Naraku looked first at Inuyasha, taking in her silver lustrous hair, dark honey golden eyes and voluptuous figure. Then, taking his eyes from Inuyasha's beauty, he let them roam over Sya. He grimaced as he took in her disheveled black hair, swollen red eyes from crying and her too-skinny frame.
Then he turned to the old demon and smirked. "Well Totosai, it's good to see you again."
“Hmph, well I can’t say the same about you.” Totosai glared at the dark hair pirate.
Totosai snorted as he helped Inuyasha to stand. "You know this vile beast, Totosai?"
"I'm afraid so." Totosai sneered at the demon pirate. “This is Naraku. He is the vilest beast to walk the face of the earth.”
Naraku smiled obviously pleased with his well-known reputation. "What is your name?" Naraku asked the silver hair dog demoness. "And where are you going?"
At first, Inuyasha refused but after he threatened the lives of Totosai and Sya, she answered him. "Inuyasha, and I am on my way to Japan to meet my mate."
The pirate captain stood as if contemplating each word that was said. "And who may I ask is your mate?"
"You know him Naraku," spoke up Totosai. "It is Lord Sesshomaru."
Naraku was taken aback by the name at first; then a huge evil grin appeared on his face. "So, the great Lord Sesshomaru has finally found himself a woman that would willingly have him? Will wonders ever cease." Inuyasha was surprised to learn that the menacing looking pirate captain could know Sesshomaru Aoki and Totosai.
"You look surprised that I know your mate to be, little one, " he said looking at them. " Oh yes, sesshomaru and I go way back. In fact we even have a small score to settle with each other and one day I’m sure we shall see it to its end. But enough of this talk about Sesshomaru. I think we have some business to discuss."
"I don't think so. I insist you leave these women alone and let us be on our way. I warn you if any harm should come to these ladies, you shall regret it!" warned Totosai.
"Oh but you are mistaken old Totosai. We most certainly do have some business to talk over. You see we pirates make a very good living, on holding captured prisoners for ransom. First I think we should discuss the amount of ransom these lovely young ladies will bring.
Inuyasha looked on not believing her ears and the longer she listened to this demon or half demon, if Inuyasha’s nose is correct which it is, talking about her as if she were a slave on an auction block. She became angrier than she thought possible. "Fool, have you taken leave of your senses. This is an outrage. I will have you know if you dare try anything my father will have you hunted down and beheaded like the swine you are."
Naraku looked upon this woman whose dark golden eyes were even lovelier now that sparks of anger were shooting from them. "I assure you, my sweet, I am very serious. I shall keep you and your friend as my guests until the required amount of money for the both of you has arrived."
Totosai looked at this vile villain and stated flatly. "I will remind you once again that if any harm should befall these young ladies you shall regret your actions. Lord Akemi of
China shall hunt you down and destroy you utterly."
"Totosai, I give you my word these ladies shall be properly taken care of, and will be in the best of health upon your return."
"And what is the word of a scum like you worth," spat Inuyasha.
"My word is as good as gold and that will have to be good enough, little princess. Now let us get down to the price of your worth, my sweet ladies. I think ten thousand each will be fair enough."
Inuyasha choked on the price of the ransom while Sya looked in horror. "That is outrageous. My father will need time to get that together."
"I don't mean from your father. I want the ransom to come from your future mate, Lord Sesshomaru," stated Naraku smugly.
"You can't be seriously demanding money from my betrothed. Besides, we haven't met yet. What makes you think he will be willing to pay the ransom?"
"Oh, he will pay it princess. On that you can be sure."
"But . . . you can't . . ." she said in a quiet defeated tone. This was humiliating. How was she ever going to face her future mate after this affair?
"I assure you old Sesshy would be more than pleased to spend any amount of money for a beauty such as yourself to warm his bed."
The pirate crew started to roar with laughter and vile remarks when Naraku's words reached their ears, and Inuyasha felt her face flush red.
"It's all right Inuyasha. I’ll go straight to Sesshomaru but be warned Naraku . . ."
"Yes yes, I know Totosai," said the half breed cutting him off. "Sesshomaru will hunt me down and kill me. I already know but he will have to find me first." He smirked at the elderly demon. "Fear not, not one of my men shall lay a hand on these lovely ladies. I’m sure no one wants to follow Goshinki to the bottom of the sea."
Sya who had remained quietly standing by started to weep profoundly when she heard these last words of the pirate captain.
"You needn't worry, Lady Fu, I shall be back as soon as possible," said Totosai placing a comforting hand on her shoulder. Then he turned to Inuyasha and spoke gently. "Be brave my princess, I shall not linger a moment until I see you safe once again."
Inuyasha reached up and kissed the elderly demon on the cheek. "I fell better already."
After their exchange Naraku shouted for two of his men to take the ladies to his ship. "Hiten! Maten! Take the ladies to my ship."
The men who were to escort them were two demons. One was a handsome young man with a long black braid dangling down his back while the other was an ugly fat toad with a single braid hanging from his huge balding head. Unlike some of the crew, these two were very well dressed. Their hakama and haori were made from silk and the one with the long braid carried a two-prong spear attached to his back. If it wasn't for the fact that they were pirates, Inuyasha would have sworn they were demon nobles. At least the handsome one looked like a prince. The other was just simply ugly.
"I am Hiten and this is my younger brother, Maten. But you can call us the thunder brothers," said the handsome one with the cruel dark eyes. Inuyasha gawked at the two. Brothers! Now that was something new.
"That's enough Hiten," said Naraku without looking at the young demon.
"Yes master." Hiten grabbed Inuyasha while Maten grabbed Sya and led the women to the pirate ship.
Out of the corner of her eye, Inuyasha could see Sya was terrified as the dark hair demoness glanced fearfully about her.
"Sya, control yourself, everything will be all right. They will not hurt us. The captain had given his word," Inuyasha whispered softly to her not believing her own words.
xxxxx
Inuyasha and Sya were taken to a small cramped cabin in which there was hardly enough space for both of them to move about.
As they entered the cabin Inuyasha rushed to the porthole and watched as the Dawn's Glory set sail for Nagasaki, Japan. Never before had she felt so downhearted as she did at that moment. Would Totosai be able to get the large amount of ransom and get it back to these pirates in time? Or would their fate lie in the hands of these barbarians? As she turned and looked around her at the small untidy cabin. Sya was sitting on the small bed still sobbing. Inuyasha felt herself wanting to just lie down and cry also. Inuyasha shook herself mentally. She must not give in to this feeling of despair. She must calm herself and be prepared for whatever was to come. The first thing to do, she told herself was to calm Sya down, and then the two of them must make this filthy room more comfortable.
It was not quite as easy as Inuyasha had thought it would be to calm the other girl down. Sya was hysterical.
"They will kill us, I know they will!" Sya wept uncontrollably.
"Sya, you must get control of yourself," Inuyasha said sharply losing her already waning patience with the girl. "Totosai will return with the ransom and the pirates will set us free."
"They won't. I know they won't. Those dirty, vulgar men will rape us and then they will throw our bodies over into the sea," she screeched, her eyes were glazed over in terror.
Inuyasha had taken all she could from this sniveling creature who prided herself on being a full-blooded demon. she had seen human women behave more rationally than Sya was. When Sya began to sob louder and more hysterically, Inuyasha had had enough. Raising her hand, she struck the other across her face. "Now pull yourself together and quit acting like a coward," she shouted, not regretting that she had struck the other girl. Never in her life had she hit another woman but this weeping, whining mongrel had worked her last nerve. Inuyasha knew Sya had a good reason to be frightened, but she also knew that it would do no good for either of them to fall to pieces.
Sya sat as if frozen holding her hand against her stinging cheek which had turned a deep shade of red. "How dare you strike me, you filthy half breed?" she shouted coming to her senses.
"Maybe if you weren't sobbing like a cow going to be slaughtered, I wouldn't have had to strike you," said Inuyasha clutching her hands into fists at her side.
"You will regret ever touching me, I promise you this, Inuyasha." Sya spat, hate for the other woman filling her eyes.
"If I were you, I wouldn't be making threats I won't be able to keep." Inuyasha folded her arms across her chest as her golden eyes flashed with her own anger. "In case you have forgotten, you will be staying with me and my mate. If you do not like it. Once we get to Nagasaki, I am sure Lord Sesshomaru would be more than happy to send you back to China."
Inuyasha could see the rage darkening Sya’s dull blue eyes. The other said nothing as she sat on the bed silently fuming at the way the half breed was treating her. One day she would surely make the half breed bitch sorry she every laid her filthy paws on her person.
xxxxx
The pirate captain, Naraku gave strict orders to his men that they were not to go near the women and he also told them that if they valued their lives they would obey him. He then posted one of his most trusted men to stand guard outside of the women's cabin door and gave him orders not to let them leave their room for any reason. He had thought over the matter carefully and had decided to release the women unharmed as he had promised when Totosai brought the required ransom back to him. He had at first given thought to keeping Sesshomaru’s woman for his own pleasure and with her charm and beauty it would indeed be a pleasure. But then he had thought of Totosai’s warnings about her father being a demon lord in China and at the thought of having an angry dog demon tracking him down he reconsidered the idea. Life was hard enough on the seas in this kind of business without having an angry father chasing him. One day he told himself he would have Sesshomaru in his grasp and perhaps even have the little golden eyed vixen, but for now he would leave the women in peace and get the money which was to come from Sesshomaru. He would derive some pleasure out of this, he told himself.
Inuyasha had expected the pirate captain to enter their small cabin at any time but she was surprised when the second day of their captivity had passed and the only person who had entered the cabin was a young boy of about fifteen who had brought their meals and come back and taken their trays away. Inuyasha’s nerves were tightly drawn as a rope and she prayed nightly for Totosai's return.
Sya kept to herself and would only talk to Inuyasha when necessary. Which wasn't often. Inuyasha was glad. She couldn't stand the other girl anyway. But Inuyasha could see the hatred growing stronger in the other girl's eyes with each passing hour. And every chance she gets, she would tell Inuyasha time and again that she would one day have her vengeance over the half breed.
On the third day of their imprisonment Naraku decided to pay a visit to his captives. "Good morning, ladies," he greeted them upon entering their room. "I trust you're comfortable and have everything you require?"
Inuyasha looked at him with contempt which she could not conceal and turned her head away from his directions. But to her complete amazement, Sya received him with a warm smile.
"Why yes, Lord Naraku, everything is fine. I must confess though I had expected things to be much worse under the circumstances, but I assure you that everything has been quite comfortable."
Naraku gave this woman a knowing look. So he had figured this one right. The only thing she cared about was herself and what she could get out of life. She would be a good ally for him in the future and she also would fit into his plans for the great Lord Sesshomaru. "Well, I’m glad to see that you don't mind being my personal captive," Naraku said pleasantly looking in Inuyasha’s direction and marveling at the rare beauty which she possessed. 'Yes,' he thought to himself, 'Sesshomaru sure had the devil's own luck with women and everything else, but one day that will change.' "I came this morning to see if perhaps you ladies would care to go for a walk with me about the ship?"
Sya’s thin face lit up with the thought of being able to get out of the small cabin. "I would be delighted, my lord. You are most kind for your invitation."
"And you, Princess Inuyasha, would you care for a walk?"
"Only if it’s to see you getting your head cut off," she said feeling angry and disgusted at Sya for accepting this pirate's invitation.
Naraku laughed. "Well, if you are sure, I shall take Lady Fu for a short stroll," he replied taking Sya by the arm and leading her to the door.
Inuyasha could hear Sya’s shrill laughter outside the door and could not imagine what could have come over her. She had been so frightened of these pirates a short time ago and now she acts as though she and that dreadful captain were some close friends. She just could not understand her.
Sya and Naraku had been gone only a short time during which Inuyasha stood gazing out at the sea through the porthole, before she heard the knob on the door turn. She supposed it to be Sya returning and when she felt a presence beside her she started to speak. "You certainly were not gone very long on your walk with that awful pirate, Sya." She snorted not feeling any remorse for her next words. "I didn't know you lowered your standards, considering how you make such a fuss about hating us filthy half breeds."
All of a sudden Inuyasha was seized by strong hands. "What is the meaning of this?" she screamed.
"Little one," came her answer.
Inuyasha realized that it was Naraku's voice. Suddenly she had a sick feeling in the pit of her stomach.
"So you think of me as dreadful, do you?" he asked, his piercing red eyes looking into her golden ones. "You have no reason to fear me, my sweet, for I have a very high regard for you."
"Where is Sya?" she questioned, swallowing convulsively.
"Do not worry about her. I have one of my men watching over her; nothing shall happen to her. But I did not come here to talk of her. Do you know you happen to be one of the most ravishing women I have ever seen, Inuyasha? I do not believe I have ever seen eyes that were as bright as the sun before," he states while drawing his hand through her long silver tresses.
"Take your hands off me!" she shouted and slapped his hand away.
"Why do you try to resist me, my sweet? Just hear me out. Why would you wish to mate a monster like Sesshomaru Aoki? You need a man like myself who would treat you as a queen and love you and no other but you," he coaxed, caressing her jaw with a gentle touch.
Inuyasha slapped the hand away once again. "I would never give myself to you willingly. You are one of the lowest things I have ever had the misfortune of meeting."
Naraku looked down at her, anger contorting his masculine features. "You shall regret those words, and you shall one day beg for my favors. I promise you this."
Inuyasha shrank away from his words and the anger in his crimson eyes. She had forgotten her life depended on this man's every whim.
"I shall give you time to see for yourself and realize your own mistake in choosing Sesshomaru Aoki, little one. For I can wait and you shall come to me with open arms. You can be sure of this."
Naraku was so sure of himself and sure that Inuyasha would detest Sesshomaru for his bad temper that he decided he would let her go and see the demon lord’s cruelty for herself. When she had had enough of Sesshomaru she would flee and he would be waiting for her when the time came. A woman such as this was worth waiting for, he told himself and in the end she would be his and only his.
"Never," Inuyasha bravely stated holding her chin out. "Never shall I be yours."
Naraku ignored her words and grabbed her in his arms in a tight embrace. When his lips sought Inuyasha’s she struggled in vain against this tall, lean man who had a viselike grip around her waist. When finally his lips touched on hers she felt only revulsion.
He released her after a time and looked into the golden pools in front of him. "You will belong to me one day," he stated with a bow and left the room without further ado.
Inuyasha stood in silence, looking at the closed door through which the pirate captain had just gone. As she thought of his departing words, a shudder went through her body which she could not control. 'Does this barbaric beast really think she would ever become his? He must be insane.' She began to nervously bit on the claw of her forefinger. He must have only wished to frighten her,' she told herself. And he had successfully frightened her. That was one thing she knew for sure. She would have to tell Sya to stay away from this monstrous man; there was no telling what he was capable of doing.
xxxxx
Inuyasha tried to ignore those red piercing eyes and the evil smile which Naraku wore when he returned with Sya.
"Well Sya, I must leave you for now, but I shall come tomorrow and take you for another stroll."
"Thank you very much," Sya said softly looking up at him with adoring eyes.
"The pleasure has been mine, my dearest," Naraku said, bowing and kissing one of Sya's hands while his eyes caressed Inuyasha’s beauteous body.
When the pirate captain left their cabin Inuyasha tried to warn Sya about Naraku’s behavior toward her but Sya was so taken by this pirate and his charms that she refused to believe anything Inuyasha had to say. Inuyasha tried several times to tell her about the pirate, but she would either ignore her or shout out in rage that Inuyasha was jealous of the attention which he paid to her and was making up lies about her beloved Naraku.
"Jealous!" Inuyasha was infuriated at the other girl's accusations. She was so livid with rage, she raised her fist and was about to smash it against the stupid fool's face for even suggesting that she would be jealous of the attention given to her by a murderous pirate or lying to her. "You simple little twit. Why in the hell would I be jealous of the attentions of lying, blood thirsty, murderous pirate?"
"Be silent you filthy half breed! I shall not have you speaking of the captain in that manner," Sya said sticking her chin out daring Inuyasha to strike her again.
Inuyasha’s fist twitched violently from pent up rage. Taking several deep breaths, she lowered her hand and glared in disgust at the other. Then her golden eyes flashed with contempt. "I maybe a filthy half breed but at least I am not whoring myself out to filthy pirate who so happens to be one of us filthy half breeds." Inuyasha turned from the demoness and sat with her back to her. And she gave Sya no more warnings about his treachery.
Sya continued her morning walks with her gallant pirate captain while Inuyasha waited below in the cabin not knowing whether Naraku would make a return visit. She doubted Naraku cared about Sya, but the fool girl needed to wake up and see what kind of a villainous piece of scum the man truly was. With Sya’s apparent dislike of her, she knew the other girl would not listen to her. Inuyasha prayed to whatever deity that will listen to her that Totosai would return soon, and they could leave these barbaric monsters for good.
xxxxx
On their tenth day of being held captive a boat was sighted approaching the pirate ship. The women were ordered to stay in the cabin, and Inuyasha watched from the porthole as the Dawn's Glory bore down upon them and then finally was secured alongside the pirate ship.
'We are finally going to be leaving the clutches of these vile monsters,' Inuyasha thought with glee. After being held prisoner they were finally going to be free to leave. Inuyasha's heart filled with joy as she released a sigh of relief. "We are finally going to be free again," she shouted with happiness. "It is the Dawn's Glory and Totosai. We are going to be rescued at last from these terrible people."
As Sya walked over to the porthole, Inuyasha frowned. Did she see anger in the girl's eyes? No, she had to be mistaken. Even Sya with her stupidity could see that if Naraku cared about her he would not let her leave. Inuyasha shrugged her shoulders and began to straighten herself up.
As Sya stood staring out of the porthole, she felt so angry she could hardly bear it. Finally, when she had found the one man she loved and who loved her in return, she had to leave him and go back to the same dreary life she had been living before she had met Naraku. 'If only he would let me stay with him, we could be together forever,' she thought with a sigh. But hadn't he promised her that he loved her and that he would come for her soon and they would be together again? She would just have to put up with Inuyasha for a while longer. Then she would show them all including that filthy little half breed, and perhaps she would even have her chance to get even with Inuyasha for the way she had treated her since they left China.
It seemed to Inuyasha that it took Naraku forever before he finally entered their cabin and stated, "Ladies, if you are ready, I will take you back to the Dawn's Glory."
Just as they walked outside the door, Naraku took Inuyasha by the arm and whispered for only her ears to hear, "Do not forget my words of the other day. You shall be mine one day, little one."
Inuyasha pulled herself free and walked ahead of the couple.
But Sya, who had seen the exchange of words between Inuyasha and Naraku, glared at Inuyasha with hate filling her dull blue eyes.
Naraku saw Sya’s anger and took her arm and gave her a large smile. "Have patience, my love, I will come for you soon."
Sya’s hatred melted away and her eyes filled with love for this man beside her. "I shall wait forever, if need be, only I pray you will hurry to me so I can be away from that vile half breed," said Sya scornfully.
Naraku arched a brow at her hateful use of the word half breed. Seeing his look, Sya thinks Naraku was angered by her use of the word. "I'm sorry beloved. I meant no disrespect to you by saying what I did."
Naraku smiled and leaned forward pressing his lips against Sya's lips in a chaste kiss. The demoness blushed shyly as Naraku lead her up on deck.
xxxxx
Naraku and some of his crew stood on deck, the pirate captain helped Sya onto the deck of the Dawn's Glory. "Have no fear it will not be too long before we are again together, I promise you this," he said softly to her.
As soon as Inuyasha set foot on the deck of the merchant ship, she ran immediately to Totosai’s opened arms. The old demon held the silver hair demoness tightly in his arms. "Didn't I tell you I would be back for you?"
Inuyasha giggled and tightened her hug on him for a brief second and then released him. She looked into the face of her rescuer and smiled. "I always had faith in you."
As Totosai turned, he saw Sya and Naraku making their way toward him. "You should count yourself as being lucky no harm had befallen the ladies."
Naraku smiled with an arrogant twist of his lip. "Oh, but you have judged me wrongly, old Totosai. I gave my word that these ladies would be safe and as you can see with those ancient eyes of yours they have not been ill treated."
Totosai gave an angry snort to his comment on his age, but held his tongue, afraid to rouse the pirate's anger, for he knew they were still in danger and this pirate could at any minute change his mind Lord Sesshomaru in Nagasaki."
"Indeed," Naraku replied. "Ladies, may I say your company has been the most gracious I have ever had aboard my ship in a while." As Naraku turned and started to board his own ship, he turned around looking directly at Inuyasha and said, "Until we meet again, ladies. I shall dream nightly of your beauty."
Inuyasha shuddered in revulsion and fright. She did not like him at all. But Sya, not knowing these words were meant only for Inuyasha, thought his words were directed toward her and her heart melted with unwavering love and happiness.
xxxxx
Aboard the Dawn's Glory, Inuyasha tried to forget about Naraku and everything he had said to her. She was free of him and he no longer was a threat to her. She kept herself busy by writing a letter to her father. She decided not to tell him about the kidnaping. It would do him no good knowing this now since she was safe thanks to Lord Sesshomaru. She spent the rest of her time talking with Totosai. She felt as though she owed him her life even though he told her it was his pleasure to come to her rescue. Captain Arita tried to stay out of Inuyasha’s way and she thought this was just as well for she would not be as easy a victim as she had been previously. After her experiences with him and other men she vowed to herself she would never let herself be put in the same position again.
Inuyasha enjoyed taking long strolls on the deck before dinner. The weather was cool now and it lifted her spirits to feel the chilly air against her face.
On their last evening aboard the Dawn's Glory Inuyasha was on deck looking up at the stars thinking about her future when Totosai approached her.
"So here you are Inuyasha. I have been looking for you. I thought perhaps we could have a little talk." He took off his cape and wrapped it around her shoulders. "You should remember to keep yourself warm. Wouldn’t want you to catch a cold?"
She giggled at his fatherly way. "Thank you.
"I did not wish to mention the subject before, but I feel I must tell you a few things about your future mate."
Inuyasha looked at the old demon alarmed. "What is it?"
"Nothing to worry about child," he said seeing the fear in her eyes. "It is just that you know I have a great fondness for you. It is almost as though you were my own daughter. And that is why I thought I would venture to speak with you."
"Go on, Totosai. I would like to hear about this demon lord I am to mate," she said in a small voice.
"Well, you know Inuyasha, I had to go to Lord Sesshomaru for the money with which to get the ransom."
"And he gave it to you reluctantly. Is that what you are telling me Totosai?"
"No, no child, if you will let me finish."
"Sorry, please continue."
"As I was saying, Lord Sesshomaru did not become angry over the money as much as he did over who held you captive. Naraku. There is indeed bad blood between the two men. And I must tell you I have never known a man with a temper such as Lord Sesshomaru possesses."
"Oh," Inuyasha replied her worst fears coming to light. Her mate would be a bully and a tyrant.
"Well, it was almost all I could do to keep Sesshomaru from coming along with us to rescue you and Lady Fu, but I was afraid for your and Lady Fu's safety to depend on the outcome of these two men meeting. So, I insisted he stay in Nagasaki while I retrieved you ladies. But I must warn you child, your future mate has a very bad temper and you will fare much better if you try to avoid it."
"Thank you Totosai," said Inuyasha with a sinking feeling inside her chest. "I shall heed your warning, but for now if that is all, I would like to retire to my cabin."
"I hope I did not upset you with what I said?"
"I assure you that you have not upset me. You have been so kind to me, but I do not know what I shall do when we have to part."
"You will make out just fine. The young lord may have a temper, but he is a good and honorable man. once he realizes how lucky he is to have you, he will treasure you for the rest of your lives."
Inuyasha hugged the elderly demon tightly and kissed him on the cheek. "Thank you so much. Now, if you will excuse me."
Totosai realized Inuyasha needed time to herself, and he put his arm out for her to take. "Yes, my dear, I think you shall find a great deal of happiness, in time."
Time. Inuyasha did not want to think of time; all she could think of was tomorrow. She would be in a foreign country, in unfamiliar surroundings, and she would meet the man she most dreaded to meet. There was really nothing left to do except resign herself to her fate.