Haruka's Fanfiction

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WARNING! This fanfic contains most if not all of the
following: graphic descriptions of S&M, non-consensual m/m f/f sex,
violence, rape, torture, physical and/or emotional abuse, humiliation,
degradation, suffering, regret, angst, misunderstandings, etc. If _any_
of the above bothers you even a little PLEASE DON'T READ ANY
FURTHER! If you do not heed this warning, I am not responsible.
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Seigi - Part 18

by Haruka (haruka@ymail.com)

--

"If it weren't for the fact that our lives are all in danger, I could
really love this ship," Duo remarked to Kurama as the two of them
walked up to the railing and let the sea breeze hit them in the face.

"It's very deceptive, all this fresh air and the breaking waves,"
Kurama said. "Who would ever guess what this cruise was really
about?"

"Well, anyone who saw you in that harem-boy outfit
yesterday." Duo grinned and looked Kurama up and down. "This
one's different! Who comes up with these, anyway, you or Hiei?"

Kurama smiled from underneath his cap. He was dressed like
a young schoolboy, in a crested jacket that matched his cap, a white
shirt and a pair of shorts with a sharp pleat. White knee socks and
shiny black shoes were the finishing touch.

"I'll never tell," Kurama replied. "But I _will_ admit he really
likes the shorts with this one."

"Who wouldn't?" Duo murmured.

Kurama leaned back against the railing and looked around the
recreation deck. Lina and female Maze were poring over a spellbook
with Yui. Kenshin and Soujirou were chatting, and Ryoga was
blushing as Chihaya smiled and asked him questions. Inu Yasha
arrived on deck and watched both Chihaya and Ryoga intently.

"I felt really badly for that poor slob," Duo remarked, nodding
in Inu Yasha's direction. "He's hard to deal with, but he didn't
deserve what that jerk did to him."

"It was cruel," Kurama agreed. "I'm vulpine, not canine, but I
think that for a young dog, being struck with a newspaper is the height
of humiliation."

"And for a young human, to have it done in public is even
worse," Duo said grimly. He followed Inu Yasha's gaze to Chihaya.
"Especially in front of someone you like."

"Hmm?" Kurama saw what Duo meant. "Oh yes. Inu
Yasha's expression changes when he sees Chihaya, doesn't it?"

"I wish Pulse and Nuriko could buy Inu Yasha away from
Sesshomaru on pretense of giving him to Chihaya," Duo said. "Might
kill two birds with one stone that way."

"Maybe you could question Quatre about it," Kurama
suggested. "It couldn't hurt."

"And it just might help," Duo added, looking over at the half-
demon.

--

Inu Yasha was torn. He knew something important --
something Chihaya should know -- but was it his place to do so?
Nakago and Sesshomaru had spoken openly in his presence at
breakfast. Naturally neither would suspect he might talk about their
conversation. They knew that _he_ knew doing so might result in a
fate worse than Fish Eye suffered. And what would be the point?

He sighed, watching Chihaya wave goodbye to Ryoga as the
Pet left. Chihaya wasn't like the other owners. Granted, he wasn't an
owner yet, but he would be soon, and had been proxy-owner to his
parents' Pets. Inu Yasha's ears flicked. His parents -- Nuriko. From
what he had seen of the family together, Nuriko loved his kids a lot,
and they felt the same way. Nakago had _no_ business violating a
mate and mother, Suzaku seishi or not. Chihaya had to know, so he
could tell his father and Pulse could kick the crap out of Nakago.
Once Sesshomaru found out where the information came from, he
would be a dead dog, but maybe that didn't matter. Fish Eye had
already killed himself to escape Sesshomaru -- if he was going to do
the same at least he could take Nakago down with him, save Van
further suffering, and see justice done for once.

"Inu Yasha! Hi!"

Chihaya was waving at him, smiling. What a strange excuse
for a Master he would be for somebody. And what a fortunate
somebody that would be. Gathering his courage, he walked over to
the black angel.

"Master Chihaya." He nodded a greeting.

"Oh, you look so serious," Chihaya said, his wide ruby eyes
full of concern. "Are you all right?"

"I am, yeah, but your-- " Inu Yasha stopped himself as a
familiar scent hit him. He looked over his shoulder and saw
Sesshomaru in the entryway watching him closely. He waited for a
moment to see what his half-brother would do. Sesshomaru took a
seat on one of the deck chairs and leaned back, closing his eyes.

Damn it all, he couldn't tell Chihaya now. Even if
Sesshomaru's sensitive canine hearing somehow didn't pick up the
actual words, the little angel's reaction to Inu Yasha's information was
bound to be emotional, and Sesshomaru would definitely notice that.
He'd probably call Inu Yasha a liar to Chihaya's face and come up
with some plausible story for what his younger brother had overheard.

"My what?" Chihaya asked, gently prompting Inu Yasha to
finish what he was saying.

"Nothing," Inu Yasha said briskly, then realized he was
speaking to a Master. His ears flattened a little. "Sorry, I didn't mean
to snap."

"That's all right," Chihaya said with a warm smile. He looked
past Inu Yasha and his expression became sad. "He's cruel to you,
isn't he?"

Inu Yasha's ears perked up straight. "What? Who?"

"Your Master, Sesshomaru. He's not very nice to you, and ...
and I saw what happened at breakfast."

"Everyone saw it," Inu Yasha growled. "That was the whole
point. Sesshomaru loves to see Pets punished in public, whether they
deserve it or not."

"I don't think you could have deserved that."

"Not my place to say." Inu Yasha turned away quickly, feeling
an alien heat in his cheeks. Was he _blushing_?

Chihaya moved around so that he was in front of Inu Yasha
once more. "Please don't be afraid to speak to me. When I get my
own Pet, I want to be a _good_ Master. I won't turn you in for
anything you say to me."

"Then you won't make a good Master because they're
expected to be informants for each other all the time," Inu Yasha
retorted, then silently cursed himself. He was saying some dangerous
things here, and with Sesshomaru not very far away.

"Come with me," Chihaya said, and began walking to the
opposite end of the relaxation deck. Inu Yasha glanced toward
Sesshomaru, but the dog demon's eyes were still closed. He followed
Chihaya.

When they reached the railing furthest away from anyone else,
Chihaya turned toward him. "I'm going to be straightforward about
this. I want my parents to buy you from Sesshomaru."

Inu Yasha's slitted gold eyes widened. He stared at Chihaya in
disbelief. "Me? Why?"

"Are you happy with him?"

"No," Inu Yasha said bluntly. "Why the hell would I be? He's
my half-brother, and he treats me like garbage just for the
entertainment value."

"Then you should have no objections when I ask my parents to
buy you."

If only that were true, Inu Yasha thought grimly. Yes, he
wanted to get away from Sesshomaru, and he could even admit he
wanted to be with Chihaya. But ... he didn't see Chihaya as his
Master. He saw them as ....

Go on, Inu Yasha, admit it at least to yourself. You want to
mate with him.

The word 'love' had always been a foreign concept to him. He
wasn't sure how it was supposed to feel. All he _did_ know was that
he wanted to hold Chihaya in his arms and keep him from harm
forever. Living with him as his submissive Pet _wasn't_ what he had
in mind. It might even be worse than being with Sesshomaru. At least
if his brother grew disgusted enough with him to consider selling him
he could safely say it wouldn't bother him. If Chihaya were his
Master and became tired of his attitude, being sold away would break
his heart.

"Don't," Inu Yasha stated. "Don't ask your parents to buy
me."

Chihaya blinked. "But ... I don't understand. You don't love
Sesshomaru or feel any loyalty to him, do you?"

"Of course not, but that doesn't mean I want to be your Pet,
either," Inu Yasha said impatiently.

Chihaya looked as if he'd been slapped. "Oh ... I see." He
turned away. "Sorry I brought it up."

Inu Yasha felt a whimper rise in his throat and fought it down.
Seeing that unhappy look on Chihaya's pretty face and knowing he put
it there made him feel like the lowest cur. "Wait," he said,
impulsively catching Chihaya's sleeve between clawed fingers. The
angel looked back at him with tears shining in his eyes.

"What is it?"

"Uh ...." Inu Yasha scratched his ear. "I didn't mean to ... that
is ... you're nice. I ... like you. But ... I don't want to be _anybody's_
Pet."

Chihaya's mouth became a dot. "Oh!" he said, realization
dawning on him. He smiled in relief. "Then I'll ask my parents to buy
you so I can set you free."

For the second time in two minutes, Inu Yasha felt genuine
shock. "Really?"

"Yes," Chihaya said.

_Now_ Inu Yasha knew what love felt like.

--


"You win again, Soujirou!" Rascal announced and put down
his ping-pong paddle. "I think I should get out before my ego is not
only stomped into the ground, but buried six-feet deep!"

"You should know better than to take him on, Rascal," Yuri
teased. "Nobody has faster reflexes."

"True, true," Rascal agreed, tucking his bullwhip under his
arm. "May I buy you some coffee, Yuri, so that you might console
me?"

"I never turn down free coffee."

"How about my coffee for winning?" Soujirou asked.

"Oh, very well, far be it from me to be called a welcher."
Rascal laughed and the three of them went over to the snack bar.

Yuri had to admit she enjoyed being flanked by two attractive
men as well as being _without_ Kei. It had always been easy for her
to flirt and make friends with the males of the species, and it might
just prove useful on this mission. She also liked the Masters' lounge
a place where no Pet was allowed to enter unescorted. This was where
many Masters spent Free Time, while their Pets congregated on the
recreation deck.

"That man is intense, isn't he?" Rascal remarked, nodding
toward Hiei, who looked on skeptically as Chocolate tried to interest
him in a game of pool.

"Not as intense as Nakago," Yuri remarked, hoping to learn
more about Van's owner. "His Pet isn't the only one afraid of him."

"You're right about that," Rascal sipped his coffee. "I don't
think any of us wants to rub him the wrong way."

"He borrowed Hiei's Pet, Kurama, right?" Yuri ventured.
"Scarlet told me he wasn't returned in very good shape. Her Pet had
to perform healing magic."

"I wouldn't expect any Pet Nakago borrowed to remain in
good shape," Soujirou said, his usual smile disappearing briefly. "One
need only look at Van to know that."

"Has anyone tried buying Van from him?" Yuri asked. "To
protect the boy."

"I don't think so, but then Nakago probably knows that no one
on board would sell him another Pet, so if he loses Van, he has
nothing," Rascal said. "There aren't too many here looking for new
Pets, anyway."

"Except that new family," Soujirou remarked. "The one with
the pretty purple-haired mother and the serious-looking father."

"Yes, they want new Pets for their children." Yuri nodded. "A
child's first Pet is an important event."

"It certainly is." Rascal nodded. "Perhaps for that reason a
Master may be willing to consider a new Pet themselves, and will sell
their established Pet to Nuriko and Pulse."

"Would you?" Yuri asked.

"No, but Maze has problems, as you know." Rascal shrugged.
"She wouldn't make a good Pet for a first-timer."

"Van would," Yuri said. "He's probably so intimidated by
Nakago now that a nice boy like Chihaya or Signal would be a perfect,
patient owner for him."

"Don't be fooled," Soujirou said. "Just because they appear to
be nice doesn't mean they will be once they become Masters. The
power changes some people."

"You mean Nakago and Sesshomaru used to be _nice_?" Yuri
asked pointedly.

"I seriously doubt it!" Rascal laughed. "But take Chocolate
over there I knew her before she bought Hamel, and she was rather
reserved then. Since becoming a Mistress, she's become extremely
strict and outspoken. That's not a bad thing in a Master, but Hamel
doesn't get away with much."

"You don't let Maze get away with much, either," Soujirou
remarked.

"Not male Maze, no, but he _needs_ more discipline. Female
Maze is a good girl generally, so I can forgive the occasional slip-up."
Rascal looked at Yuri. "Your Kei must be a handful."

Yuri sighed. "You don't know the half of it."

"Sometimes it only takes one firm step," Rascal advised.
"Give her a spanking and she'll probably fall right into line."

Or she'll kill me in my sleep, Yuri thought. She swallowed
some coffee. "I don't think that new boy, Arislan, needs much in the
way of discipline. He seems like a little sweetie."

"Which may be why Sesshomaru has targeted him," Soujirou
replied. "He doesn't like seeing Masters and Pets who are happy
together, and especially doesn't like seeing Pets treated as less than
humiliated slaves."

"He must think your situation with Xelloss is a travesty," Yuri
said.

Soujirou smiled. "I'm sure he does, but who cares?"

"Well, Daryun and Narsus better watch their backs," Rascal
remarked frankly. "Sesshomaru is up to something and he usually gets
what he wants."



Chihaya hurried down the corridor, anxious to get back to his
cabin so that he could talk to Pulse and Nuriko about approaching
Sesshomaru. The dog demon _had_ to be convinced to give up
ownership of Inu Yasha it was the only way. The halfling's spirit
hadn't been broken yet, but there was no telling how much more he
could take, and Chihaya didn't want to find out.

He skidded around a corner and stopped dead. Not twenty feet
away stood Sesshomaru speaking intently with Quatre. Chihaya felt
resentment burn inside him toward this creature who had been so cruel
to Inu Yasha, but knew an opportunity when he saw one. If he went to
Pulse and Nuriko first, they'd probably have to face Sesshomaru in
private later, and the youkai wouldn't even have to pretend to be
reasonable. With Quatre, the Leader of the Community, present, he'd
at least have to hear him out. Without another moment's hesitation,
he approached them.

"Thank you," Sesshomaru was saying. "I think it will be quite
enjoyable."

"It certainly could be, but of course you must obtain their
permission first," Quatre replied.

"Usual rules apply if they deny permission?"

"Yes."

Chihaya stepped up. "Hello, Quatre-sama, Master
Sesshomaru."

Both Masters looked startled, but Quatre's surprised
expression quickly changed to a warm smile. "Hello, Chihaya. How
are you and your family enjoying the trip?"

"Oh, it's wonderful!" Chihaya beamed. "The ship is beautiful
and everyone is so nice. My brother and I are really excited that we'll
finally have our own Pets." He turned to Sesshomaru. "Which is what
I'd like to speak with you about, Master Sesshomaru. I'm very
interested in owning Inu Yasha and was wondering if you'd consider
selling him."

Sesshomaru raised an eyebrow. "Why would a nice boy like
you be even remotely interested in owning a disobedient cur like
him?"

"He seems to be a misfit of sorts, like me." Chihaya flushed,
looking away. "I'm a black angel -- a rarity and not a popular one. Inu
Yasha being half-youkai and half-human ... I imagine he doesn't fit
into either world very comfortably. I think we could relate to each
other."

"That sounds like good reasoning," Quatre said.

"Perhaps it would be except for one thing," Sesshomaru said in
a silky voice. "Inu Yasha is dangerous. That's why I have him wear
those bespelled prayer beads. His claws aren't just for show, and he's
incredibly strong. Only another youkai can keep him in check, and I
know him better than anyone. He is my lifelong burden to bear." A
white, clawed hand patted Chihaya's head. "It would be better for
your own safety to look elsewhere for a Pet, child."

Was that a veiled threat? Chihaya wasn't sure, but the flicker
in Sesshomaru's slitted eyes made him suspicious. Quatre watched
the exchange carefully, and finally placed a hand on Chihaya's
shoulder.

"I'm afraid Sesshomaru may be right, Chihaya. In any case, no
Master has to sell his Pet unless he wishes to or unless ordered by their
Community leader. I'm sorry."

Chihaya now found Quatre's presence a hindrance. He wanted
to scream accusations at Sesshomaru, tell him he knew about Fish Eye
leaping overboard to escape him and how Inu Yasha might be next,
but more than anything he wanted to take flight with the demon in his
grasp and drop him into the ocean to drown. That realization
frightened him a little and mingled with his disappointment and
frustration became too much to bear. He ran away down the corridor,
leaving the two Masters staring after him.

--

Narsus glanced at Daryun during dinner and wished he would
better mask the dismay in his eyes at seeing the Prince kneel on the
floor to eat. He supposed he should be grateful that Daryun hadn't yet
given them all away inadvertently. But no, to do so would jeopardize
Arislan's life, and that Daryun would never do. He was too devoted
to ensuring the crowned Prince's safety, just one of the traits Narsus
secretly admired in him.

"This steak is excellent, is it not?" he said pleasantly.

Daryun looked at him. "Yes, it's very good," he said, and
turned his gaze down to Arislan once more. For his part, the Prince
seemed to be managing quite well no one would suspect he usually
ate meals deemed safe by official tasters.

Narsus glanced around the dining area at the various Masters
and their Pets. "Let's hope we don't have a repeat of what happened
during breakfast," he remarked, shaking his head. "That poor boy, the
one who is part dog ...."

Daryun nodded. "Nothing he did could have deserved that,
especially not from his own half-brother. The attitudes of some of
these people are despicable."

"Some are very nice, too, Master." Arislan looked up.

"Yes," Narsus agreed. "I'm just not sure where the majority
lies."

"I know one thing," Daryun said grimly, his dark eyes fixed at
a neighbouring table. "I do _not_ like the way that bastard
Sesshomaru keeps staring at Arislan."

Narsus followed Daryun's gaze and saw that Sesshomaru was
indeed studying Arislan again only something was different.
Something that set off alarm bells in Narsus' mind.

"He's up to something," he murmured.

As if on cue, Sesshomaru casually turned toward Quatre's table
and spoke to him. Quatre wiped his mouth and nodded, then got to his
feet. He gently clinked his spoon against his glass for attention.

"Everyone! There has been a request for some entertainment
with tonight's meal!"

"Oh good!" Scarlet smiled. "We haven't done that yet on the
trip!"

"I know, and I'm sorry," Quatre apologized. "At home, we
would all expect it at any dinner party and yet here no one gave it a
thought except for Master Sesshomaru."

"I'm not liking this, Narsus," Daryun growled.

Narsus felt his heart pounding. "Nor am I."

Quatre looked toward them and smiled. "Daryun, Narsus,
you've been honoured by having your Pet chosen for entertainment."

Everyone clapped while the Parsians sat mystified. Quatre
directed Duo to set up a chair in the centre of the dining room where
everyone could see it.

"Now all that must be decided is which Pet will participate
with him," Quatre said, beaming.

Kurama and Yui exchanged puzzled glances, while Kenshin
remained expressionless. Kei was frowning. The Seigi members
posing as Masters tried not to look blank. Duo fiddled uncertainly
with his braid.

"Me! Me! I'll do it!"

"Maze!" Rascal rebuked the salivating black-haired boy and
cracked his whip. "That'll be enough out of you or I'll request that
_you_ be entertainment tomorrow night!"

"There's a good idea, we should be doing this nightly,"
Chocolate said. "What do you think, Master Quatre?"

"I think you just want to see Hamel spanked in public!" Quatre
laughed and others joined in.

"Did he say what I thought he said?!" Daryun hissed to Narsus.

"Is _that_ what they mean by entertainment?!" Narsus said
incredulously.

"All right, people," Quatre was saying. "Any Masters wish to
volunteer their Pets to spank the lovely Arislan?"

The intended victim squeaked incoherently, while Narsus leapt
to his feet. "Just a moment, please! Daryun and I haven't consented
to this!"

There were a few groans, but Quatre held up his hand to
silence them. "Now now, it's their right to refuse." He smiled his
understanding at Narsus. "It's perfectly fine if you don't wish Arislan
to participate, of course, but according to the rules, you must choose
another Pet to take his place."

Narsus was about to say that was fine with him when he felt an
urgent tug on his pant leg. He looked down and saw Arislan's blue
eyes pleading with him.

"Don't," he whispered. "I'll do it."

Everything in Narsus screamed at him to prevent this -- and it
would be so easy to do so! But he knew Arislan would never forgive
him if he allowed another Pet to be punished in his stead.

"Could you gentlemen make your choice, please?" Quatre
prompted.

Narsus looked helplessly toward Daryun, whose knuckles were
white as he clenched his fists at his side. The knight shook his head
and looked away in frustration, leaving it to Narsus to put their
decision into words.

"We've reconsidered. Arislan will participate."

--

End of part 18

(1997)

Character copyrights are too numerous to mention. Just know that none of them are mine.

Please do not re-post this fic in any form or otherwise distribute it.