Disclaimer: I don't own Memoirs of a Geisha.

First of all, I sincerely apologize for lack of updating or any news of this story over the past few years. I never once planned on not finishing this story. From the Prologue, I had the plan of completing this and still do now. I had to put it on the shelf since life got so hectic. Now, since life has been so stressful, I need to come back and get my mind off of it. From getting married, having a miscarriage, and then successfully starting a family, I have no other excuse, but that is all I have. I am sincerely sorry.

I ask for patience and understanding of any wrong details or words as I get back into writing this story. I have had a friend read the 9 chapters I have already written, to help get my mind back in the atmosphere of the story. As always, I will correct mistakes as you point them out. Also, the Japanese used in this chapter is defined at the bottom, as in previous chapters.

Now, the Japan arc starts…

Memoirs of a Geisha 2: Sayuri's Next Journey
Chapter 9: "A Voice from the Past"

Sayuri breathed in the Narita air and let it calm her nervousness. In an instant, she could see the country of Japan clearly. The New York style houses in her memory were replaced by ryokan, ramen shops, and several other vendors down the streets. It was only just a few minutes, but everything felt right, more right than in the States.

"Shukujo-san, daijobu desu ka?" a little girl wrapped her left hand around Sayuri's right. She looked around 5 years of age to Sayuri. The girl just looked up at her with innocent concern as Sayuri's gaze fell upon the child's clean, black hair. For a split second, Sayuri saw herself, before her mother got sick, before their father sold her.

A woman suddenly approached her calmly, grabbing the child, saying something in Japanese that Sayuri didn't pay attention to. "Gomenasai…" The woman bowed respectively before turning away.

"Sayuri-sama?" Nadori stepped to the left of her. She searched for Sayuri's eyes.

"Oh, Nadori-san… I'm ok." Sayuri said, almost absentmindedly. "I was just thinking about some things."

"We need to go." Pumpkin interrupted, her voice raw and emotionless. Sayuri looked over at her, but Pumpkin avoided her gaze.

"Where are we headed next, Hatsumiyo?" Nadori looked back at Pumpkin, caught off guard by her uncaring tone. Sayuri smiled grimly. She could feel the tension and pressure between herself and her former best friend. No one else can feel it. Only Pumpkin and I have these… negative feelings between us. I guess because of our past in this place. The last time we saw each other prior to now wasn't a cheerful goodbye.

"Ms. Sayuri, can we go now? Everyone else is leaving, and I want to see more of Japan." Wendy tugged slightly at the woman's left sleeve. Sayuri was forced back to reality and looked down at the girl. She nodded and smiled at Wendy's pleading eyes. "Yes, let's go. I'm sorry Wendy."

"We're going to a hotel for tonight." Pumpkin was saying as Sayuri walked up to the group and Wendy took hold of her left hand, trying to restrain herself from showing too much excitement. "Tomorrow we're going to go to Innoshima Islands for a day trip, then back to Kyoto for my performance in Gion."

"Innoshima?" Sayuri almost whispered and slowed down to a stop, "But.. why?"

Pumpkin looked back at her and smiled, "I thought you'd want to go see your hometown again, Sayuri. You don't want to?"

"Pumpkin, you know I do!" Sayuri reeled back at her own angry tone. She was almost shocked at herself. "No, I'm sorry I yelled like that. I mean, of course I do, Pumpkin. It's just that I'm… taking it all in. All of this at one time is… I can't find the words for it. I wonder if anyone I know is still around here."

"What? You're interested in Nobu now that Ken is gone?" The words left Pumpkin before she realized she said them. She only smiled knowingly.

Sayuri looked up at Pumpkin quietly, gazing intently. She wasn't going to let Pumpkin's chiding get to her. "Who I want to see is none of your business, Pumpkin. Where is our hotel for the night?"

Her assertiveness was only received by quiet stares.

Emily watched solemnly as Sayuri went into her own room. There was no describing what Sayuri could have been feeling. She also wondered if she was right. Hopefully, Sayuri would see someone from her past here.

To her left, an over excited Wendy pulled her mother into their room. Sayuri's room was on Emily's right, with Nadori and Sachike, and then Pumpkin further down Pumpkin had reserved five rooms for one night at Mercure Hotel Narita, in Chiba.

Sayuri closed her door to her room and headed straight to the king sized bed. She wasn't used to all this traveling, but she knew it was her choice. She didn't have to say yes to Pumpkin, but part of her felt like that 9-year old child wanted to come out somewhere. She was happy in New York, but she remembered how happy all four of them – her, Satsu, her father and mother – were before her mother got sick.

Her thoughts were interrupted when she heard a knock at her door. She looked at the door curiously as she walked over to it. I just got here myself. Who in Tokyo would be visiting me? The knock came again, this time more hurried. "I'm coming!" Sayuri said as she placed her right hand on the handle. She didn't know why but something told her the person on the other side was someone important.

She opened it slowly and saw an older woman look at her, and then smile softly, "Sayuri, it's been a while."

Those few words struck Sayuri's memory. She didn't immediately recognize this woman but somehow, it was the way she spoke those words that told her she knew her.

Only one word came to Sayuri's lips, "Mameha…?"

The woman nodded and embraced her in a gentle hug, "It's been way too long, Sayuri."

Sayuri smiled as Mameha hugged, "Oh, Mameha, why are you here, is something wrong?" She was trying to sort it out in her mind. She knew she had a chance to run into people she knew, but she wasn't expecting it so soon.

"Come on, let's sit down, Sayuri." Mameha motioned with her left hand to the red cushioned seats by the window.

"It's been so long, Mameha…" Sayuri spoke quietly, watching t he older woman walk to the other side of the room. It's been atleast 10 years… Yet she still walks with the same grace as she did back then.

"Sayuri, are you ok?" Mameha looked back at her as she sat down, "You look…"

Sayuri shook her head and sat on the chair on the other side of the table, "I'm ok, Mameha. It's just a lot at one time. First seeing Pumpkin in the States, and her inviting me to come along. Now, you showing up so soon after we landed." She grew quiet as she folded her hands and stared out the window.

Mameha looked at Sayuri with her eyes low. She could only imagine what was going through her mind. She hadn't visited Sayuri recently so she wasn't up to date with the last few years. She was curious, but yet didn't want to push her too much.

"Mameha?" Sayuri spoke suddenly, still not looking at her. Mameha glanced at Sayuri, waiting for her to speak. Sayuri slowly looked up and gazed at her former sister, "Mameha… Tell me, how much has changed?" She kept her voice low. "Will I recognize anyone?"

Mameha looked at her, but didn't say anything. She never left Japan, so she was up to date. "Sayuri…" She said, barely audible, not able to put her thoughts into words. For some reason, the only thing that was going through her mind was when that young Chiyo kept asking about her sister, Satsu. No one knew where Satsu wound up all those years ago. "Sayuri, it's been a long time since you left. Nothing bad has happened, but it isn't the same. It's just hard to explain. That's all."

"I understand." Sayuri said softly. "I guess I'll have to see it for myself, huh?" Sayuri gave Mameha a half smile.

Suddenly, the older woman stepped over and pulled Sayuri into a hug. Sayuri heard her whisper something under her breath, "Mameha?"

"It's nothing, Sayuri. I just miss you."

Sayuri heard Mameha try to hold back tears. The muffled whimpers went to Sayuri's heart, and she placed her arms around her back and hugged her back. Mameha… She closed her eyes, letting the memories she's suppressed for so long, come flooding back.

Shukujo-san, daijobu desu ka? – Are you alright, lady?
Gomenasai – I'm sorry.

Yes, the Mercure Hotel Narita is a real hotel in Tokyo. I hope to get feedback from this new chapter. Please try to refrain from negative comments about me not updating. I need encouragement, not discouragement. Any positive criticism is also welcome. I do ask that when you review, please sign in, as I can't reply to guest or anonymous reviews. I would like to reply to reviewers to get feedback. You can also send me a private message if you do not wish for everyone to see what you have to say.