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This fanfic is heavily inspired by That Piece of My Heart by Renee Dominique.
Of all the times they could be captured, it had to be today - on a new moon. What's worse is they are fighting against opponents that they are not at all suited to be victorious over: youkai ghosts. If they were plain ghosts, Mirokou could deal with them; youkai alone, Sango would have them subdued. And it doesn't stop at that. Now they are on a cliff, expected to walk the plank to their inevitable fatal moment.
Kagome remembers that gods and godesses of mythology were thought to act according to whim. How much better it would be if it was an exclusive trait! Then, they wouldn't be at the literal mercy of crazy youkai ghosts pretending to be pirates.
"We are fair ones aren't we?" flipping black cloth to leer at her from the single eye beneath the patch.
Being nudged by the previous speaker's elbow on the rib, his companion grinned through rows of multiple, needle-thin, sharp-as-knives teeth. "We simply demand to be entertained," he cajoled as he lifted an oddly-shaped koto that they require to be incorporated in the performance.
These phantoms, in their zeal to live their missed out dream, congregate. Truly, this is the most devoted group Kagome had seen with this predilection, personalizing it to a point it could be labelled as pirate cosplay: dead youkai edition. If not for the incredulousness of their power, it is easy to mistake them as a bumbling bunch of pirate-wannabes.
Contrary to being lashed to masts with twine - though the inutachi are still being coerced on threat of death - the power-tripping self-proclaimed "pirates" operate differently. Collectively, they are controlling the inutachi.
Inconspicuously, it seems, because the entire inutachi is free to move as they please - until they are not - when the demons decide to pull at strings and prevent them from enacting their ideas: notably, escaping. The inutachi seems to have that idea furthest from their minds though every now and then, they could be observed stiffening in struggle.
What kind of spell is this? There is no room to mistake that the freedoms they enjoy are under the mercy of those who held them in utter subjugation.
And as the rowdy crew surrounds them, they are compelled to take turns at the small pear-shaped koto, pulling and plucking at its strings and belting songs to the best of their abilities.
It was Inuyasha's turn first. Whether their captors are aware that he would turn half-demon at the first light of day or not, they do not know. It might be a trump card. Most likely not, as even Kirara and Shippo succumbed to their enchantments, the two swaying along with them amicably and Shippo calling them familiarly as ojisan as he regales them with all the tricks he knows - the way a child tries to endear himself to the father he had not been with for some time.
To the outsider, it is nothing but a ragtag group of people enjoying downtime with booze, snacks and merry-making around a campfire. In reality, Inuyasha taking pride in the ruckus he had made with the odd koto to the accompaniment of drums and flute from the ghouls and clapping and cheering from the tachi to a song he composed on the spot about ramen: its soothing warmth and complex flavor, is totally unexpected spellwork.
Regardless of how he had shamed himself with this, the inutachi - with united spirit - look up to him for his bravery, volunteering to do the deed to placate the crazy crew and save their lives.
The act had no similar effect to the unsatisfied pirates, one sneering, "Surely that was not the best you have if you still want to live!" to the cheers of his peers who raise and bump their filled cups to each other's which Sango, Miroku, Kagome and even Inuyasha join in.
Emboldened by Inuyasha's sacrifice or much possibly, the demon sake he just had, Miroku belted out a sonorous chant. Of all topics, it was about how much he enjoys touching Sango's butt and how he yearns to be hit by her.
And, horror of horrors, not only was he deep drunk to do this with smug showmanship, Sango also sang to this impromptu duet! Sango replied to Miroku's entreaties, tuning to his song to let him know that she'll hit him all he wants. "And more," Sango seductively amended causing Kagome's eyes to widen an unprecedented degree.
Not that she could resist whatever charms were placed upon them, but at this point, only Kagome was mortified. Must be because she did not down as much sake as her companions. She is now the shade of Inuyasha's robe in consternation under the firelight.
"That was to my taste," a vested male with protruding ribs slurred. The group's chorus of "Aye," followed. "Too bad, you forgot to use this, holy man," as another in a blue bandana croaked between munches of boar thigh, prominently highlighting that their demands were not fully met.
This is the last call, as they are now closer to the cliff. When did they move nearer? And of all the entities present, why is Shippo skipping gaily to the outcrop!? Turning her head to catch her friends' eyes, Kagome ascertained they were too far-out drunk, smirk-laughing at nothing and swaying out of balance as they sat.
"This pirate bunch found another source of amusement," Sesshomaru observed. It was inevitable to come across the raucous pirates as he patrols his lands.
He had to admit that their antics were entertaining, a way to divert his attentions - no matter how fleeting - from his responsibilities. He could call for any entertainer to play instruments and sing to him at any time of day but he concedes that this is better.
The pirates plied their victims with food and alcohol and compelled that they entertain them. They turned their prey into companions they spend a fun time with. They might be misled into thinking they should make fun of themselves or die, but when tomorrow comes they'll simply wake from a hangover and memories of a drunken night with a motley band of fun youkai pirates.
He came as the revelry started. His blood somewhat ran cold in shame to be associated with his half brother. Even in his full human self, Sesshomaru could identify the whelp's stench. And unexpectedly, he had surprised him with his panegyric of ramen. It was not his delivery, but the subject that caught his curiosity, "What is this ramen?" and resolves to get one for himself the next day.
Sesshomaru was not surprised at the failed verdict. If not for the novelty of the topic, it was a presentation that was a total waste of time.
Still undetected by his sibling's inutachi, Sesshomaru maintained his position as an onlooker. The merry band had already acknowledged his presence discreetly. Seeing them as they are, it is easy to dismiss the fact that these were the feared men of the seas whose debauchery and violence were known to everyone. If not for the mysterious storm they were caught in, they would undoubtedly reign. As specters they could exert power, in their corporeal form what exponential might!
Inebriated, the monk and slayer publicly acknowledged their attraction. It was a performance that was leagues better than Inuyasha's, but jarring for its lasciviousness.
The mood speaks contentment for the ghosts. They are willing to put their captives to sleep. It did not escape his eye that same as before was a weary restlessness that blanketed the pirates, put in words it was saying, "Ah, this is good enough for now. Next time we will find it."
Before the kit was teetering off the edge, the miko grabbed the mishapen koto with a small hole on its pear-shaped form. She held it close to her stomach, the strings that stretched from before the hole to the narrow shaft facing the air. She turned the keys on the end and plucked at the strings, setting them to her desired tension.
All eyes were now on Kagome. The haze of drunkeness holding its breath beneath their lids. She stood. She strung all strings, running the nails of her thumb and forefinger from the top string downwards.
Kagome felt that she was pulled taut. Much tighter than the strings of the tuned ukelele. Her life depended on this. Shippo's life was first on the line. These spirits mean business. And though they did not voice that an original composition close to the perfomer's heart is a must, she understood. Why else would Inuyasha sing of ramen and Miroku and Sango unabashedly mention their desires? It's now. Not never. She strummed,
I was so intrigued by you, can't help it
Kagome's voice rang clear. Not even the wind dared to disturb the leaves as she sang, chin up but eyes down.
Think I was already falling deep deep down this hole
A day ain't complete without you in it
She voiced, raising her eyes and slowly trained it on Inuyasha.
You make me feel so different, it's nothing I have felt before
At this, she had a slight smile on her face, as if she's savoring a refreshing and bright moment.
So I allowed myself to fall
But then a big boom exploded
Only to realize that I landed on the floor
Ended up with broken bones
At the gentle mention of this, Kagome closed her eyes and smiled to herself at the thought of all the injuries she incurred.
And maybe a heart that's a little torn
'Cause I was not the one you wished for
An unheard sigh escaped the tachi save Inuyasha and the singing Kagome. Her longing resonates in the clearing.
Why'd you leave me hanging
And one of the pirates clapped. Another played the drums to the beat. Kagome's heart is out in the open, its pain heard by their ears. But this is Kagome: even in her vulnerability, she will not cause discomfort.
Why'd you leave me outside your door
It's funny how I gave a piece of my heart
To you who wanted me no more
Why'd you leave me hurting
It's funny 'cause I feel so stupid it's true
She snidely discloses. She continued, looking now at the spirits, seeing them as the weary souls that they are. She thought, "This must be what they require to be at peace," as she leaned her head to acknowledge her voluntary band.
Please give me back the piece of my heart
That I thought belonged to you
Oh please
"They must be musicians in the guise of being pirates," Kagome mused as they joined in an instrumental, Miroku shaking his shakujo in tune and Sango humming along.
If the power the pirates showed in controlling the inutachi appeared impressive, Sesshomaru thought what he was witnessing was outstanding. The living and the dead, humans, holies and demons, are in complete accord to produce spontaneous harmonious melodies.
But I still can't stop
Thinking about you
It's making me bluer than blue
It's funny to think that I'm such a fool
For believing that someone like me can be swept off my feet
By someone like you
This brought listeners to an introspective perspective: the pirates in particular were thinking, "I would sweep her off her feet." Miroku and Sango were entangled, grateful for their mutual affection. Sesshomaru concurred, "Such loyalties are wasted on the whelp."
Why'd you leave me hanging
Kagome strummed on, wistfully, and she just noticed her accompaniment died down, leaving her singing to the ukelele.
Why'd you make me feel so admired
Only to find out that the girl you loved before
Is who you want and no one more
Announcing this was hurtful but liberating. She can now move on, accepting fully that Inuyasha's affections are not hers. She nudged Inuyasha, subtly gesturing to let him know it's okay, and the accompaniment joined in again. Shippo offered her comfort, jumping on her shoulder and Kirara was rubbing against her feet.
Why'd you leave me hanging
Why'd you leave me outside your door
It's funny how I gave a piece of my heart
To you who wanted me no more
Why'd you leave me hurting
It's funny 'cause I feel so stupid it's true
Please give me back the piece of my heart
That I thought belonged to you
Oh please
Kagome ended her song, her eyes glinting with peace. The song was sad but delivered in a fun manner, she hoped. She also aspired she was not the only one at peace: the only one liberated by it.
"That was lovely," the eye patch youkai declared.
"You know how to use the instrument," blue bandana ghost said in wonder, reaching his arm out to handle it properly.
"It's a ukelele," Kagome answered, handing it over.
Before the inutachi, the pirate ghosts slowly faded - smiles on their faces apparent, and relief exuding from them. Sesshomaru was convinced it was a worthy concluding experience for the crew.
After a while Sango accused, "Why didn't you tell us you could sing?"
Kagome smiled sheepishly, "Well, you never asked." "Not that it ever was necessary before," she mumbled, "Until today, singing could not save our lives."
They were all still, quietly staring. "It's not like Sesshomaru would stop attacking Inuyasha if I sang!" Kagome added.
Under the shelter of shadows, "Hn," Sesshomaru remarked. "Indeed, miko. There would be no need to attack the hanyou if you were to stay by my side and sing to me and our pups," Sesshomaru resolved, formulating plans to make sure Kagome would be his.