Disclaimer: I do not own Inuyasha.

Chapter 5- Know the Enemy

Kagome woke up to the sound of swift footsteps rumbling in her ears. She slowly lifted her head from the ground to find the silver haired captain in front of his desk with a piece of paper in his hand. She stole a glance at the window and could see it was still late at night. What caught her attention though was the expression she never had seen on his face since she has (unfortunately) known him. His lips were pressed tightly and his eyes were narrowed; they glinted with pain. He sighed and put the paper away before turning around. She quickly averted her eyes so that it would not be obvious she was watching him. She felt his eyes on her for long agonizing minutes before he broke the silence.

-You're awake.

She wanted to roll her eyes at his obviousness. She opted to fumble with her tattered clothes. His eyes kept following her movements. Without a word, he opened his chest and took some light clothes from it. She closed her eyes tightly, thinking he planned to change but was surprised when she felt the course material land on her lap. She blinked down at the clothes and then sent him a quizzical look which he responded with a quirk of his own eyebrow. He made an obvious gesture to her scantily clad body.

-You should change. Those clothes are no longer suitable for any purpose.

His lips shifted in his signature smirk and it felt like he wanted to add something else but decided against it. Kagome on the other hand felt apprehensive on changing in the same room with him, as any other decent girl would have been. She kept waiting for him to leave and when he made no move to do so she simply put the clothes away and turned her gaze away from him.

Annoyingly, he asked.

-Are you not satisfied?

She huffed in frustration. Either he was being an oblivious asshole or a lecherous bastard. In the situation she was currently in any warm clothes would be enough. She just wanted to rid herself of her filthy clothes.

So, with tremendous calm, she answered.

-I find your attempt at pleasing me surprisingly thoughtful yet it is not enough for me to even bear the thought of baring myself in front of the likes of you.

By the end of it, his smirk lowered to a displeased frown and she did a little victory dance inside her mind. He looked positively (for her) flustered. He cleared his throat and she noted that he looked somewhat awkward after what she said. He snarled at her and his eyes almost looked disappointed.

-How ungrateful.

And then he left.

She sat there, looking stupidly at the closed door. If she didn't know him better, she would say he felt insulted. Surely he would never expect more than disdain and contempt from her? Not to mention other distasteful feelings he brought out on her.

-Ungrateful?

Kagome whispered. What should she be grateful for? He has done nothing but make her miserable since the very day they met. She looked down at herself and then nervously at the door. Slowly she started to peel away the many layers of her kimonos until she was as bare as the day she was born. She eyed the clothes he had given her and quickly put on the overgrown baggy breaches and tunic. She squeaked as the tunic started to fall off and she had to hold it up with her hands before one breast was revealed. She frowned in irritation. This would not do! His clothes were obviously too big. She blushed as she realized how tiny she truly was compared to him. The door opened and she gasped as he walked once again with an indifferent expression. He crossed his arms and eyed her pathetic form trying to fit in clothes much larger than her.

Sesshomaru hummed as he saw how exquisite she looked in his clothes. The breaches pooled at her feet and he had to suppress his own mocking chuckle. Silently he took one of his belts from his chest and motioned her to approach him. When she seemed reluctant he gave her a warning glare that said he was not in the mood for her insecurities and she warily took a step closer to him. Kagome yelped and her cheeks burned when he pulled her uncomfortably closer and moved her hands away from her chest. She watched horrified but before the tunic could fall off, Sesshomaru wrapped the belt around her waist two times and tied it securely making the tunic somewhat baggy around her breasts but comfortable and modest. She admitted that she was relieved by that and her anger was appeased. Sesshomaru then crouched and gathered the length of the breaches that was pooling at her feet and in one quick motion ripped them away. She gasped in surprise and shivered as her bare feet moved freely on the wooden floors. She was surprised though that he would damage his clothing for her.

Bitterly, she thought.

I must be worth a really lot of money…

Once he got rid of her he could get much better clothes anyway.

The silver giant then stood up and she shifted. Now she was the one who felt awkward. She would never admit that she was indeed slightly grateful for the change. She felt much fresher with the new clothes.

As if sensing her thoughts, Sesshomaru gave her a simple nod and bent to pick up her tattered kimonos, probably to throw away though they were made from the best silk a rich landlord could buy. She wouldn't have bothered but when she saw something glinting forgotten from the corner of her eye she felt a strange urge to stop him. With surprising speed she was the first to grab the clothes and gave him a weak glare, trying to look insulted. She could feel the sharp edge of the mysterious hairpin between the soft, colorful bundle and let out a little sigh. By now, the man was frowning at her in confusion and a mix of annoyance with curiosity. She said the first words that came to her head.

-I would appreciate it if you wouldn't lay those hands of sin in the clothes my family has so lovingly gifted me.

She could swear a barely noticeable wince wrecked his body before powerful muscles hidden in those tight clothes stilled in tension. His expression was void of emotion and she had the feeling that she went too far. Without saying a word he mockingly bowed to her. His whispered words were sharper than steel.

-As the mistress wishes.

The door was shut with a loud bang that made her jump, leaving her alone in the silence of the room. She searched for the hairpin and there it was, as perfect and beautiful as the day she found it.

She didn't know what came over her to act like that to the man who was her enemy over something like this. But it was a masterpiece of jewelry and it didn't suit it to be in the hands of despicable pirates.

She smiled lightly. Maybe she would wear it on her wedding day.

Sesshomaru was furious. How dare she speak to him like that! Was she that stupid or just plain arrogant? His fingers itched for him to beat some sense into that pretty face.

But he couldn't…

Not if he wanted his plan to go perfectly.

What angered him the most were her haughty words that made him feel like he wasn't even worthy of breathing the same air as her. His lips tilted downwards as he folded his arms on the wooden, sturdy railing of his trusty ship. He stared at the moonlight lit ocean and felt the pleasant nightly breeze on his face. It helped him relax.

He was being foolish. To think, for a second, that she would have been different. He snorted. What respectful person would find worth in a cold murderer and pillager like him? He wasn't surprised she despised him.

Why was he bothered then?

The time he spent there, just staring at the sea, felt like minutes but when the first signs of the morning sun appeared he was sure hours had passed. His body felt tired but he couldn't find the will to just go to sleep. Maybe his insomnia episodes were starting again.

He heard rustling and he knew his crew was starting to wake up while the two who stayed awake during the night happily retreated to their beds.

His numb arms tickled unpleasantly and he hummed as he felt the first warm rays of the sun.

-Capitão? (Captain?)

He turned to see Pedro looking at him respectfully. He nodded. The man, trying to improve his Japanese, talked with a horrible pronunciation.

-Do ya…need anything…?

Sesshomaru simply shook his head.

-The little woman…?

Sesshomaru's blood boiled just at the thought of her. He waved his hand dismissingly. He did not want anything with that insufferable woman right now. He spoke slowly; out of all his crewmen, Pedro was the one who was the most knowledgeable in Japanese language. When Sesshomaru himself didn't have a way to communicate with the foreign men, he had to rely on Pedro's loyalty and good will many times to translate his orders. A bit risky but the man had slowly earned his respect.

-Give her something to eat.

Nodding, the sailor retreated to help his mates and left the captain alone. He didn't seem in a good mood but then again…he didn't remember ever seeing his leader truthfully satisfied. The entire crew was older than Sesshomaru though they had never seen someone as ambitious and skilled as him. That's why they followed him without question. Though they shared their past and stories with each other, the captain only listened silently all the time. Startled, Pedro realized they truly didn't know anything about the captain's past. The strange man remained a mystery to all of them.

Behind him he heard the yawn of one of his crewmates, not one of tiredness but simply boredom. Truthfully, it has been too calm for Sesshoumaru's tastes. It didn't feel right. He was steeling himself for the moment when all that peace would fall apart and reveal its true nature whether in the form of a wild and untamable sea or the appearance of the first ships from the royal army or bounty hunters. Though, he hated this tensed peace it would be bothersome for something to try to get them now, since they were two days away from their first stop.

It was best if everything stayed boring for now.

-Get your hands off me, you pig headed jerk!

He sighed and closed his eyes as her enraged voice reached all available ears. The woman must get some thrill from being the center of attention, either positive or negative. As if in great pain, he slowly turned his head to look at a flustered Pedro trying to get the little woman to eat something. When she plainly refused he showed the intention of dragging her towards the kitchen room but then she yelled.

The Portuguese man looked confused since he couldn't understand what she was yelling, though Sesshomaru was sure the man knew some of the insults she spewed forth so highly. The man's nostrils flared with impatience and his green eyes darkened in incoming anger. His hand curled and uncurled, ready to strike, but his admirable sense of duty prevented him from doing so. The silver haired captain leaned against the railing of his ship and stood there watching the scene. If he deemed the situation was getting out of control he would interfere. He was kind of curious how the woman would handle herself.

Kagome's blue eyes shone fierce and stubborn. She had been getting some more rest since the captain's leaving had given her much desired peace. She was in a blissful light sleep when the door snapped open and that man she had seen before, practically dragged her up and insisted in getting her out, all the while mumbling incoherent things in that stupid foreign language of his. She was getting tired of being handled like some rag doll. She didn't remember ever doing anything that deserved this kind of treatment. Besides being a hostage that is.

The situation soon turned ridiculous. He would pull and she would shake her head since he didn't seem to understand anything else. She was about to snap but it seemed the man was ahead of her as he suddenly stopped and took a deep breath. He glanced discreetly at the silver haired giant that watched them silently. Then to her astonishment she heard him speak, albeit with a terrible accent, in a hesitant but understandable Japanese.

-Hungry…?

He pointed to himself.

-Going to give food. Nothing more. Little woman follow now?

She felt like an idiot, with her mouth hanging open as she gazed at the man in shock. He led her to a stool by a table in the kitchen and put a bowl of steaming, nice smelling soup in front of her. Her stomach was indeed screaming for attention and somehow she knew she shouldn't waste the opportunity of having decent food in a pirate ship while she still could. She was sure one less mouth would not receive this soup because of her.

It made her feel…somewhat uncomfortable.

She tried to ignore his amber eyes looking at her with curiosity and amusement. The man seemed to like watching her suffer in humiliation. She smiled coldly and carelessly swallowed the first spoonful of many.

Sesshomaru chuckled at her obvious rebellious gesture. Indeed he had been expecting her to be a spoiled little brat and refuse to eat but she had managed to surprise him.

Pedro watched them both and could sense something starting between them. The rivalry and distaste for each other was clearly apparent and unquestionable, yet Sesshomaru's eyes sparkled in excitement, like never before. A more playful side of him was peeking through.

Pedro didn't know if that was a good sign, since it was nice to see his captain had such a side, or bad considering the one he was showing it to.

Kagome finished eating and dropped the spoon in the bowl, making as much noise as she could. Sesshomaru narrowed his eyes and she averted her gaze; her perky, delicate nose raised arrogantly in the air. Pedro sighed. He was certain now that the little woman was the least of his problems. He picked up the bowl and retreated further into the kitchen to wash it.

The silence lingered for some moments. The steady lullaby of the ocean waves calmed their pulsing hearts and Sesshomaru's features softened. He turned and resumed looking at his beloved sea. Kagome noticed and one eyebrow rose. She fumbled with her borrowed clothes, feeling the other's curious glances. She didn't know what to do.

She herself wanted to see more. Since she was in a ship, a pirate ship, but a ship nonetheless, she might as well enjoy the sights. She gracefully stood up and stopped a few feet away from the silver giant. She let out a silent gasp as she admired the beauty of the morning sunrays showering the deep blue waves with golden hues in a glorious but lazy dance. She had never marveled at such a sight before. White clouds littered almost completely the sky but the sun could be seen clearly peeking through them. The scenery looked perfect and she mourned not having her painting tools at her disposal right now.

She was unaware of Sesshomaru staring at her. He thought he had never seen such a beautiful woman before the moment he had first seen her.

Her personality leaves much to be desired though.

Indeed, he begrudgingly admitted she was quite the beauty but the chances of being successful in his plan without losing some of his sanity were becoming quite narrow.

Insufferable woman.

-Will you stop glaring holes into my face?

He blinked and noticed she was staring right back at him. Her cheeks had the slightest tint of red clearly from irritation and her blue eyes sparkled dangerously. He did find that she looked much less like a pompous stuck up bitch without her fine silks covering her body. Not to mention her hair was an incurable mess as the sea breeze and occasional winds tossed the dark strands at its will. It gave her a more approachable appearance. Common, to put it simply. He snorted and smirked, turning back to the sea. She huffed and turned away too. She admitted that they were acting like children but there was no way she could ever get along with him. He was the most infuriating man she had ever seen.

She was terribly curious about him though. He was as much infuriating as he was mysterious. And his unique attractive looks just drew her in even more. No Japanese man had such bright hair color and eyes. Her nose twitched in thoughtfulness.

Maybe a foreign parent?

She had heard of warriors as pale as the snow of their lands and almost as tall as a bear standing up. Their hairs were worn like bright long manes that even the men displayed proudly. His father said he had once encountered one of their kind and made trades with him. They were wild and rude people but when treated right they weren't that bad. That was just the way they lived. He had said that his hair was as red as blood and his eyes were the color of the sea much like hers. That was one thing that always intrigued her too. The color of her eyes. She had never really delved further into the matter though. Her family was very ancient and one thing would just lead to another until it became a never ending circle. In that subject, she preferred to stay ignorant and just accept her eyes. It's not like she had any problem with them anyway.

But the silver giant had such striking eyes. She didn't believe that a human could ever possess a color like that. She shivered, a silly question passing quickly in her mind. Was he even human?

He was just so strange.

Of course he was human. Pirate scum, but still a breathing human with a beating heart somewhere underneath all that vileness.

She was so submersed in her musings that she didn't notice the tension quickly building up or the commotion taking suddenly over the ship. Her eyes widened when the captain abruptly turned and went to collect his cutlasses in his room. She visibly paled as he cursed at the two majestic ships sailing quickly in their direction; the winds were on their favor. She faintly recognized the symbol they displayed in the triangular sails.

-Reckless fools. They walk towards their death.

She gasped as he smirked evilly, showing the cruel glint of a golden fang protruding from his upper lip.

-Looks like your betrothed is as stubborn as you, mistress. You would be perfect for each other.

She felt a tiny bit of hope that she would be rescued. There were two ships against one after all. But the Howler was a sturdy western ship equipped with powerful cannons and what he lacked in speed he made up in battle. There was a high chance that before the ships could even get close enough for the warriors to jump into the Howler they would be blasted into pieces.

She heard the silver giant claiming in a booming voice.

-Pedro! Cannons!

The other man shouted orders at the others and they promptly rushed to their positions while the rest stayed, in case there would be need to fight, should they miraculously reach the ship and attack. She noticed that one of the opposing ships had a set of cannons, smaller but cannons nonetheless. She knew this wouldn't get pretty. She had never faced the impending dread and thrill of an incoming battle and now that she did, she could only tremble in fear. That silver madman was chuckling almost with delight and his bloodthirsty gaze fell on her, amused.

-Would you like to watch, mistress? Maybe you would learn something.

Kagome snapped out of her daze and sneered disdainfully at him. His enthusiasm was disgusting and she couldn't help herself. She lost control and abandoned all ladylike grace as she spit at his feet, turned tail and ran to the nearest room. She shut the door with all her strength and curled around herself in a dark corner, trying to shut herself from the outside world. She cringed as she heard the captain's war cry followed by the deafening 'boom!' of the first cannon shot. She yelped in fright when the whole ship was then hit with a violent impact that shook the entire structure making her almost fall down and hit her head on the wall in front of her. She vaguely noticed she was in the much smaller storage room, near the kitchen.

She covered her ears though when she heard the sound of the first man to die and the sound of steel against steel.

This was really, truly, torture.

Author's Note: I'm really sorry for the veeeeery late update! Really I am! But I'm back now xD