InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ Forgotten Memories ❯ Some As Ensurements, OThers As Bribes... ( Chapter 13 )

Chapter Thirteen

Some As Ensurements, Others As Bribes…

**IMPORTANT!!!!!!!**

Yuki: *cowers* I feel soo ashamed...>.<

Hachi: *stands over Yuki with a stick* You should, Yuki, you should. Shame on you for giving people the wrong impression!!!

Yuki: I didn't mean to! *wails* I mean, it was all just jokes and fun! I never thought people would take me seriously!!!

Hachi: *sigh* Well, set everyone straight, and tell a HUGE gomen nasai...

Yuki: *bows to everyone* Waah...There are a few things people have to know and a few things I have to say...

First, I have owe a HUGE sorry to my editor, Judy, who got attacked by mail because of some of the things I joked with. Remember when I said it was my editor that's taking a long time? Those were just jokes, people. Sorry if I didn't clarify that...Judy is MAD fast when it comes to editing (1 day) and she's accurate! (At least, I think) She's a friend/editor/judge. She's the first reader to my newest updates (hence, she's my editor) and she gives me her opinion. So, please don't attack her any more!!!!!!

Second, I want to thank all those who reviewed--by mail and not. Your urges for me to update faster is (to me anyways) a compliment on its own.

Third, to the people who offered to be editors or who gave me sites to FIND editors, I thank you for the offers, but it's OK. Judy is enough of an editor for me, and I don't really enjoy allowing random strangers (taken from sites) to be the first viewer of my works. I'd rather have a friend do that.

Finally, sorry to those people who took this seriously. It wasn't meant to!!!!!!

Yuki: *turns to Hachi* Happy?

Hachi: *nods* OK everyone, on with the chapter!!!!

InuYasha sneered at the dead demon laying by his feet. That weakling dared challenge him? Miroku and Sango both shooked their head. Ever since the departure of Kagome, InuYasha's been on a role of killing off any and all demons in their sight, in the hopes of finding a shikon shard.

Of course, Miroku and Sango would whack him, every time he tries to kill off innocent youkai. However...

"I don't think he was the one responsible for the village's ailments, InuYasha." Miroku reproved, as he stepped up to his friend. He eyed the demon lying on the ground. "And I do wish you haven't made such a mess of things."

The hanyou replied with his usual, "Feh" Before turning away to begin their journey east again.

~* Some time later *~

Miroku, Sango, and Kirara all plopped tiredly onto their seats. No way can one travel ALL DAY and still want to travel some more. Sighing, Sango grabbed her bag and began gathering the clothing she needed for a bath.

Miroku, who'd just noticed his beloved's new position, couldn't help but eye her behind. Hey, who can resist? They were scrumptious...

Sango, having just finished gathering her necessities, froze suddenly. The monk's eyes widened, knowing what's coming. "HENTAI!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"

Without a moment's wait, she grabbed her hiraikotsu, and threw it with all the strength she possessed. Satisfied that he's been knocked out, the blushing Sango headed for the springs.

~*~*~*~

Settled in the springs, Sango continued to fume. "That perverted little--" Unabled to think of a word vile enough to describe Miroku, she settled for, "BASTARD!"

Scrubbing herself quickly--since she didn't want him to regain consciousness and peek--she quickly dressed. "I can't believe Kagome would EVER think I like him." She muttered to herself as she gathered her clothing. "Really, WHAT was she thinking?"

So preoccupied in her thoughts, Sango failed to notice immediately the shadow that appeared behind her. Then she felt the warm sunlight shadowed over her. She quickly drew up. Bonking her invader in the head, she didn't even turn around.

"I thought you had enough the LAST time--" Her eyes widened considerably, when she felt a pair of hand clutch themselves around her mouth and nose.

Letting loose nothing but a muffled scream, she willed herself to break free. But her captor was too strong, and seeing that she didn't bring any weapons with her, she knew she couldn't match him this time. Choking from the lack of oxygen, she breathed in a handful of powder into her system.

Coughing and willing her eyes to stay open, the demon exterminator slowly slid into unconsciousness.

~*~*~*~

InuYasha soon returned. He gave Miroku his usual deadpanned look when he caught sight of his friend's lump. Throwing the three rabbits, each with a clean slice on their throat, he indicated that it was Miroku who would be skinning them.

"Hey!" the astonished monk protested. "What happened to CIVILIZED food?"

"All used up. And this IS civilized." Settling himself onto a tree branch, he added, "Where's Sango?"

"Taking a bath, I presume." Miroku shrugged. "I don't have the guts to go peek--she's too steamed."

InuYasha snorted. So, it seemed that Miroku had a brain after all. Now, if only he'd caught up earlier, HE wouldn't have had that bashing from the girls...

Frowning slightly, he felt his spirit dimmed, as thoughts of Kagome returned. She'd been on his mind on and off for the last couple days. For some reason, he kept seeing her beautiful smile.

Miroku seemed to sense his friend's change in mood, and smirked. "You know what they say, InuYasha. Absence makes the heart grow fonder."

"Feh."

Turning away, the winds suddenly blew hard against them. The scent of fear and danger was so thick, the hanyou couldn't help but wonder how he couldn't have spotted it before. "What the--?" Turning sharply, the hanyou jumped from the tree.

Miroku quickly followed, when he heard a muffled scream. Panic rose in his chest. Sango. What happened to Sango?

~*~*~*~

Rin smiled happily at Kagome. "Rin is very happy oneesan is back!" she said jubilantly, as Sesshoumaru brought them to his garden. "Is oneesan here to stay for good?"

Kagome smiled warmly at the little girl, life brightening up her entire features. "I'd like to, Rin."

Cheering happily, the girl proceeded to jump on Sesshoumaru. "Kagome oneesan said she want to stay, Sesshoumaru-sama!"

Sesshoumaru didn't reply, but sent Kagome a questioning gaze. Does she wish it? Is she returning to him?

Noting his gaze, the girl blushed prettily. "It's not polite to stare." She pointed out frankly. His eyes warmed, when he noted her innocent reaction. Yes, he's really missed her.

"Go on and pick some flowers, Rin." He ordered immediately. The ningen girl happily obeyed, as she ran off, in search for beautiful flowers.

The moment the he was sure Rin was occupied with flowers, he turned his gaze on Kagome again. Reaching for her, he wrapped his arms around her lithe form. "Welcome back."

Kagome sighed and settled her head softly onto his chest. "It's good to be back."

~*~*~*~

"How is it going?"

The figure sat alone on a bed, a large, four poster bed. Her back was to the light, so her features could not be made out easily. She held an orb of pure fire on her hands and her eyes merged with the color of the flames until it was flaming red. "He doesn't suspect a single thing."

"Good. I want their plans on my lap within two weeks, understand?"

"Crystal clear, master lord."

~*~*~*~

"Oh good. She's waking."

Groaning slightly, Sango opened her eyes slowly. Blots of color were hovering above her, seemingly to just be observing her. Groaning, she rose with great difficulty. Just where was she?

Hands shot to her side, steadying her as she struggled to sit up. "There, it's alright."

Opening her eyes, she found herself looking at another girl maybe two years older than she. There was nothing so special about her. She had the usual Japanese look about her. Dark brown eyes, long black hair, and flawless white skin. "Where am I?"

Sango slowly took in their surrounding. They were in a room, filled only with beds. A single window was to the left. Outside, she could see the vast boundaries of the sea. About twenty girls shared this room with her and not one of them seemed happy to be here.

"Where are we?" she repeated.

"We've all been kidnapped the same way." The girl holding her said softly, looking lost. "A pirate came in a while ago, and brought you here. Then, we began flying across the sea."

"Flying?"

"Hai. It's some sort of enchantment placed by a demon, I believe." Another girl said, looking equally frightened. "What do they want with us anyways?"

Sango frowned. That's a good question. One that WILL be answered later. She'll make certain of it.

~*~*~*~

"Lassie!" Groaning, Kagome slowly opened her eyes. Looking over at the pirate that seemed to be in charge of her, she bit out testily, "What?"

"Jus' though ye would like t' see th' sight, tha's all." He held the door open for her. "Come. Ye're able' t' come out now."

Kagome, eager to get out of her splendid prison, rushed happily out to the deck to embrace the sunlight. Her eyes shone, as she took on the sight. For the first time, she realized that they were FLYING on what appeared to be a SHIP over the sea. Her throat constricted when she caught sight of the six other ship flying by them, none of them as grand as the one she's on.

"Do they each carry a kidnapped girl too?" Kagome remarked dryly to the pirate.

"Nay, not ONE girl. They each carry aroun' twenty girls each, give o' take," the pirate laughed, and waved to one of the sailors on a ship to their right. "Non' carryin' a girl as important as lassie here." He said. "They will jus' be th' ensurements'. An' those who're not attached, well, they be th' bribes."

Kagome frowned, not sure what to make of this piece of information. "And I'm...?"

"Ye? Ye are special interest t' th' master himself, ye are."

Kagome frowned. Again this master. Just who is the guy? "Care to tell me more about this master of yours?"

"Sorry, lassie. No can' do. Me master will have me darlin's head. Better t' jus' stick t' his rules, me advice." He then turned to the upper deck. "Have t' help me crew, now. G'day, lassie."

Kagome watched him leave, realizing that she could have worse jailers. She then remembered that she never even asked for his name.

Oh well. Now that she's free, she might as well explore this giant ship. She noticed a sailor walking down the ladder, and ran over to him. "Hey!"

Turning, he smirked when he saw her. "Well, if it ain't t' lady in t' cabin!" He said, walking over to her. His outfit was quite normal (with their blue and white with the cotton gray pants). His hair, a flaming color of orange red, contrasted horribly with his pale face. Kagome briefly wondered if he's Irish.

"Do you know where we're heading?"

"Nay. Captin' gives us th' directions, an' we jus' follow `em. Anythin' else, m'lady?"

Shaking her head, Kagome went back to the front. She eyed the horizon, wondering what this master could possibly do with so many girls. Ensurements and bribes. What were they for?

Frowning slightly, she looked at one of the ships to the left. And just what importance can I be to a guy I don't even know?

~*~*~*~

InuYasha and Miroku had already scanned the whole entire area, and came up empty on Sango. Nothing showed her whereabouts, but for her dirty clothing by the spring.

Frustrated, the monk punched a tree. "Who took her?"

InuYasha sniffed, hoping to catch the girl's scent. Nothing. He noted that Miroku was becoming more frustrated and panicked. "Calm down." He advised. "Sango is perfectly capable of taking care of herself."

"If she is, she would never have been taken!" Miroku snarled, feeling panic starting to take over. "WHAT HAPPENED TO HER?"

"Don't start panicking on me, Miroku." InuYasha cried, snatching his friend at his collar. "Calm down, and think! D'you think Sango would be taken out so easily? Calm down and rationalize this!

"What we need to do is to find out any and all information we can on this!" the hanyou cried, shaking Miroku slightly. "But we can't do that until you've got yourself under control, so calm yourself already!"

Miroku breathed in deeply. It was more of the fact that InuYasha seemed to be making sense than anything else that eased some of the panic in the monk. "You're right. Sango's fine. We'll find her."

"That's it." InuYasha released him, and jumped onto a tree. His golden eyes were clouded with worry. Kagome...What if the same thing happened to Kagome...?

~*~*~*~

"There's been disappearances throughout all the territories for some time now." The village's headman said, sorrow laced into his eyes. "They take women, mostly. It's to ensure that the males would continue to work for them."

InuYasha and Miroku leaned forward. They've been tracking for just this information for some time already. "Who is `they'?"

The headman shook his head. "No one knows who they are, exactly. We just know that they're a bunch of youkai not from any of the territories. Rumor has it that they've even taken ladies of the ruling youkai around here. That is why the tension has been so intense lately."

InuYasha tensed. "Did you say, women from ALL territories?"

"Hai, that's right."

Abruptly, the hanyou left the room. Confused, the headman looked at Miroku. "Sir monk, what...?"

"Do not worry." Miroku eyed the hanyou's exit. "He is just worried."

"So are the rest of us." The headman replied, looking sorrowful. "I only hope my daughter is alright."

Miroku shook his head, wishing the same for his Sango. "Did you say they are rumored not to be in any of the territories?"

~*~*~*~

Sunlight broke through the window and slowly roused the girl. Kagome, opening her eyes a crack, found the pirate captain by her foot again. "What the--?!"

She snapped out of her sleeping position, and clutched at her sheets. Seeing her reaction, he chuckled. "No need t' worry, lassie." He said, just as cheerily. "An' g'mornin' t' ye too! We're goin' t' be landin' soon." He pointed at the kimono that laid by the foot of her bed. "Me master wants ye t' be presentable. Wear tha'. When ye are finished, ye can join us fer breakfast. Or, if lassie wishes, ye can have breakfast here yerself."

Kagome looked up at him and sighed. "I'll be out in a moment."

"As lassie wants." Tipping his captaincy hat as though he was an Englishmen, he stepped out of the room to give her privacy.

Kagome quickly changed into the offered kimono and marveled at how perfectly it fitted her figure. Again, she wondered at who this "master" is, and why he knows so much about her.

Sweeping her hair into the style that she knew Sesshoumaru liked, she walked slowly out of the room. Her eyes were not adjusted to the bright morning sunlight and she squinted slightly.

Catching sight of the "cafeteria," so to speak, she walked through the opened doorway. Inside, she saw around a dozen sailors, excluding the captain, sitting around the table. They all stopped and made room when she entered.

"Have whatever it is that hits yer fancy, lassie." The captain offered, indicating to the gourmet meal before them. It's more like a dinner party than breakfast in a pirate's ship. "Th' master provided." He added, as an after thought.

Knowing that any questions would not be answered, she settled to eat. She'd come to trust these sailors, even though they were her kidnappers and jailers. If they wanted her life, they'd have taken it ages ago. And they're only following orders and are more cordial than most men she'd encountered in the Sengoku Jidai.

Slowly, she began to eat. The others watched her, as though waiting for her opinion. "Good." She offered.

Smiling, they all laughed, and began eating themselves.

The captain smiled at her. "Ye're alright, lassie. Ye're alright."

~*~*~*~

Sango jerked awake when she heard the click of the doors. Widening her eyes, she saw a herd of men walking into the room. Immediately, without thinking, she dropped into a defensive position. If these guys want to hurt any of them, they'd have to go through her first, weapon or no.

"Come," one of the men grunted, eyeing Sango's fighting pose. "We're not here to kill you. We're t' land soon and ye all will have t' get off this ship eventually."

Sango's eyes narrowed, as she surveyed them. "Land?"

"Look, lass," the man sighed, impatient. "if we wanted t' kill ye, ye'd be dead right now." He turned to go. "If ye prefer to stay in this room fer the rest o' the day, stay for all we care. Th' master will send someone t' get ye eventually." Then, without saying anything further, they all walked out, leaving the door wide open. Frowning, Sango slowly followed.

She didn't see it coming, the mass of ropes. The men had them all binded before they even knew what was happening. Sango glared at the sailor, who was binding her tightly.

He noticed her glare. "Sorry lass." He said and he really looked regretful. "But I have a wife of me own tha' I have t' keep safe."

Bowing slightly, he left them. Sango's eyes widened when she saw the land before them. They were still far, so she can't see much but for the large mountains and the coast of it. But just the size of the secluded island impressed her.

For some reason, her heart started pounding. The time's come. She thought, eyes never leaving the place.

~*~*~*~

Kagome eyed the large island. "This is an ISLAND?"

The "island" was GIGANTIC!!!!! From the size, one would think they're heading towards a continent, not an island.

"Aye lassie." The captain said. He looked at her. "I'm hopin' lassie would cooperate. It would be most unfortunate if we would have t' bind ye."

Kagome shrugged.

The captain shook his head in reply. "Then, I'll be takin' tha' as a yes, lassie." He said, smiling at her with an almost fatherly gaze.

Kagome didn't reply, but instead looked on ahead. This is it. She thought, not realizing she just thought almost the same thing as her friend. Not knowing her friend is even IN this mess. My chance to escape.

Her eyes never left the island. But why? WHY am I so afraid?!

Author's Corner

Yuki: *sigh* I'm happy with that chapter. There's not a lot of action, but there's lots of "part-but-not-whole" information! How'd y'all like it?!?!?! *snickers evilly*

Hachi: *stares at the snickering Yuki* Whoever knew that Yuki is such a freak?

Yuki: *glares* Anyways, this was a "filler" chap, I guess you can say, and some of these information WAS quite important. I hope y'all paid attention!!!! Well, I don't think there's another such chap... *flips through pages holding all the plans* ...Oh, heh. Whoops, spoke too soon.

Hachi: *opens his own copy with varying details from Yuki's* Yuki, you've got this part all wrong...*points to page 67 in Yuki's planner*...it's supposed to be for... *leans over to Yuki's ear*

[whisper, whisper]

Yuki: *frowns* But, Hachi, that won't WORK!!! LOOK!!!! *points to page 72.* See? You've got to keep it as... *leans over*

[whisper, whisper]

Hachi: *scratches head* Hmm...I'll have to go over some things...Here, how's this? *scratches something off the planners/scripts, and add new things in...

Yuki: But how to word this...and besides...

[Hachi and Yuki continues to whisper their plans, as an irritated audience watches. Finally...]

Audience 1: HEY!! Are you going to be telling us this any day soon??

Yuki: *raises head from huddle* Hm? Oh, you guys are still here? Gee...

Audience 2: Don't you know it's RUDE to keep people out like this??

Hachi: *frowns* But you WON'T be out!!! ...Eventually...

Audience 1: *glares at Hachi* Ahem!

[deadly quiet]

Audience 2: GET THEM!!!!!!!!!!!

[mobs of people chases alarmed Yuki and Hachi.]

Audience 1: Thought we won't kill you just because you're the writer and the muse, huh? Too bad you leaked about your PLANNER!!!!!!! GET THAT BOOK!!!!!!

Hachi: Darn, knew I should've stuck with the map...

Yuki: Oh, gee, NOW you realize that? *runs with the mob hot on heels* Damn! Go on with the Responses and Announcements, and LEAVE US ALONE!!!!!!!!!!

~* Fanfiction *~

SavedFromBoredom: Lots of people asked that same question...Just read, and you'll find out! Oh, and don't be so angry at my editor--I'm sure she's going as fast as she can...*stares over at the `editor's corner' and snickers at the harassed Judy* YUP! She's going as fast as possible...*smoke* Hey, is that Judy?? *glances over* OMG!!! It IS!!!

AnimeFreak: Gee...I'm sure glad you liked it...And, heh, sorry for the cliff.

Queenanneus: I'd answer all the questions...but I won't. Just make guesses, for the meantime...*smirk* Besides, it's fun keeping people in suspense!

Tsuki Yume: Uhm...hmm... *flips through planner* sorry Yume. I mean, it'll be SOON (I think) but you'll have to stomach the next few chaps...Can you believe I've never actually saw the Swan Princess I? I've seen the second and third one million of times, but everytime I get the chance to watch the first...I just looses interest. I wonder why...? *strokes chin in confusion*

xx-taintedblack-xx: Thanks, glad you hold me in high esteem...*smiles happily while dances the happy jig* And, I'd never know whether you're good or bad, cuz I don't see any fic in your account! Why not write something?

Sweet Cherry Kisses: Uhm...again? Uh...um...*frowns in frustration* Argh!!!! NO!!! ONLY for you??? But, but that's not FAIR!!! I love Hiei!!!! *cries* He's one of my fav characters in YYH!!!! If I gave him to you...I'll never see him again!!!!!!! NO!!!! You can keep Ryou/Bakura, Yugi, and whatever bishie, as long as I get to keep my few!!! But, hey, how `bout we share Hiei, just the two of us? *blinks hopefully* We'll keep the other fan-girls off his back! As for the fic...heh heh, how'd you guess? I had Sparrow in mind when I wrote that chap (though I added the one-eyed thing, to keep trampling fan-girls off my back)! *giggles* He's way cute, Johnny/Sparrow...and I LOVED Pirates of the Caribbean...

Wake-Robin: Thankee!! ^^ I came as quick as possible!

GoodDaySesshoumaru: Sorry to disappoint! Can't answer questions!!! That'll ruin things, so heh, gomen!

Judy: Aiiya!!! Need you write that LONG thing just to complain about my laziness, girl? The entire world knows that I'm infamous for it! lol ^^ And I'm NOT slow (not that much, anyways)! It takes TIME to come up with new chapters! (Even though I've got mine done three chapters in advance, just in case...) But that's not the point!!!!!! And my stupid conscience's the one that's making me type those stupid parenthesis...*pouts* *grumble* I should have Hachi delete them... *grumble* As for ME being more insane that YOU??? *oggle* You're kidding right?? *feels Judy's forehead* JUST as I suspected! *turns to readers* Don't mind my crazy editor/friend, here! She's got a fever of 110!!! DARN, that's a high temperature...would she make it? *gasp!* x_X Uhm...yea, I realize that this makes me sound insane...

Star: I'm glad you liked this. Yes, I'm definitely going to continue writing this story. Thanks for reviewing!

Forever_faded: *singy song voice* I'm not telling!!!!!!! *dances in circles* BTW, who's Jouromaru? Can you describe him a bit? I watched the anime in english, but they tend to cut off lots of parts, so I read the mange, except I read the manga in Chinese or Japanese, so, I won't know their English names...

Gopher2806: Can't tell you! It'll ruin everything! As for the fake Kagome, well, I'll have the reasons posted up soon...Danx for reviewing, BTW!!!

Ptbear: Sorry for the long wait! I tried coming, but I couldn't sign in to my accounts!!!!! Glad you're enjoying the fic, BTW!

Kanemoshi: Haha, glad you like this story. I did the same thing one time, except I was in my school library...the librarian had to shush me a million times, because I kept giggling from the story....

~* Mediaminer *~

Dah88: Glad you liked it!! ^^ Thanks for reviewing!

CrescentMoon22000: Sorry it took so long to update! Glad you liked!

Orb: Glad to know you're still into my story. Sorry it took so long to update...

Strange_World: *giggles helplessly* I'm so happy!!!! This is the first time someone told me that they're in love with my fic!!! Not with the way I portrayed Sesshoumaru, but my FIC!!!!!! *giggles happily* This is making me all happy!!! Thanks a LOT for reviewing!!! And I'm glad you're so happy and swoony with Sess's personality with all the -ness, that you added! These compliments have just swelled my head tenfolds...

SavedFromBoredom: Heh, glad you see you here too!

IndecisiveFreak: Soo...you're reading the lemon here, eh?? *smirks evilly* Who knew I had such a hentai in my hands?? *eyes bulges at the next line* Oh, geez!!! Mou, this is the first time someone actually ADMITS that they like my lemon. *snickers helplessly* Jeez, you're, like, SUPER hentai or something...j/k. Um, there's no difference in the chapter contents, though in Mediaminer, I've got pairings that are not just Sess/Kag.

SenileFool;): Hm...*eyes narrows against screen* Same time...(around)...same day...same contents...(basically)...Do you know IndecisiveFreak? Just wondering...I bet she got you all perverted...I should know...

~* A Single Spark *~

A few of you asked me if this is my entire collection [being only Forgotten Memories, Heart of the Sea, and Tears of the Moon.] I'll have to say no. I've got other pairings in my other accounts, in Fanfiction.net and Mediaminer.org.

~* Announcements *~

A new story, my first Romance/Horror, will be posted soon! For more information on this fic, just visit my weblog/homepage! A summary will be given as well, in my homepage. If you have any questions, pertaining to any of my fics, don't hesitate to give me a mail! Or leave your comment on the chatterbox!

Oh, heh, don't attack my editor so much. She is a good editor, and is fast! Attack my brother, if you want! It might get him off my back...I'm joking! I'm joking! Don't kill him!!! *frowns as Yuki stares at what she just wrote* Hm...on second thought...

~* End *~

Thanks for the reviews! I appreciate them! Happy to see that you're all liking this! The next update will come as soon as I can manage! Though, I must tell, I'm going to concentrate a bit more on my other stories first! Happy Reading!

DON'T FORGET TO REVIEW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Love from,

Yukisora and Hachigatsu

[Judy] OK, there. I made a DOUBLE announcement pertaining to you...so you shouldn't get so much attacks anymore. So...what's your story?? I know you got reviews already...well? I let you read MY stuff!!!! TELL ME!!! TELL ME!!!!!

O, and what did you think of this update?