Disclaimer: I recently had the good fortune to acquire a 'Dead Men Tell No Tales' T shirt, and a few pairs of skull and crossbones shoelaces to go with my pirate bandanna. Unfortunately, I didn't get any copyrights to potc, or Inuyasha. Damn.

Chapter 23: The long road

Sesshoumaru flew in a long, looping arc back towards the ship. Inuyasha crossed his arms and scowled, while Kagome simply sat on the edge of the cloud, watching as the ship drew closer, trying to pull some of the many tangles out of her hair. She grinned, loving the sensation of flying. A pity Sesshoumaru wasn't the sort to give free rides on cloudback. He'd have made a fortune in her own time, doing that. The girls would have just mobbed him.

Jack simply wondered what it would be like to be able to fly whenever the mood took you. Even more freedom that a ship, that would be. He wondered whether or not he would be able to blackmail Sesshoumaru…maybe he could get him to ferry him around….

Kagome waved excitedly at Sango as they came in over the rail. Inuyasha's head picked up, and he looked slightly relived to see the ship so close. It was almost as though he hadn't trusted Sesshoumaru to get them there properly.

Kagome waved harder at Sango, grinning furiously as the cloud came in over the deck. Then she let out a surprised yelp as the cloud under her abruptly vanished, dropping her onto the wooden boards with a thump. Inuyasha stumbled down beside her, glaring at his half brother. He'd been right to be suspicious, it seemed. At least Sesshoumaru hadn't dropped them in the sea as well…

He was pretty sure Sesshoumaru had done that on purpose. He couldn't prove it, but he was certain he had. Particularly since his half brother was standing there with a vaguely satisfied look on his face.

"You didn't need to drop us like a bunch of baggage you know!" Kagome muttered, before Sango rushed over, closely followed by Miroku. She forgot about her bruised backside immediately "Sango! Miroku! Am I glad to see you two! Wait till you hear what happened!"

Jack grinned, pushing himself up off the deck beside her "Yes…these two broke out of prison, past at least 40 guards, and still got me out of there in one piece! First class piracy!" He grinned, and dusted off his pants. "Gibbs!"

Gibbs, who'd come up beside him, grinned slightly uneasily

"Weren't you going by the code?" Jack raised an eyebrow. He was sure Gibbs would have gone by the code, at least at first. Perhaps Sango and Miroku, who didn't follow the code, had pressed him to turn around?

"We figured they were more actual…guidelines." He avoided looking at Sango and Miroku very hard. Jack grinned back. Those two must have played some small role in getting him to turn back for sure. He'd have to thank them later.

"Thank you." Cotton handed him his hat, and he held it for a moment. He'd missed his hat, and hadn't though he'd see it again in this lifetime. Perhaps in hat heaven. Still…

Kagome paused in her garbled account of Port Royal and the battle in the cave as Anamaria walked over to Jack

"Captain Sparrow" Anamaria's face broke out into a broad smile, and she put the coat in her arms around his shoulders with care. "We want you to be captain once more…the Black Pearl is yours." She fussed with the coat's collar and stepped back, teeth flashing in a pale grin.

Jack touched the collar where she'd been arranging it "Excellent! Break out the rum!" He turned around elegantly, running his hand along the familiar wood of the wheel, mouth set in a wide, happy smile. He fingered the rough fabric of the coat, momentarily overwhelmed by it all. He was Captain in more than name, now. Captain of the Pearl again. He was really, truly, Captain Jack Sparrow, freelance commander of the Pearl.

He had waited ten years for this. Ten long, hard years. And he wanted to savor it just a little longer, before he called out the orders that would send them to Singapore by way of India.

He glanced over at Kagome, Inuyasha and, behind them, Sesshoumaru. He wouldn't be here right now if it hadn't been for them. And Will, though he was missing. Probably kissing Elisabeth right now, if he had any sense, Jack supposed. He'd seen the way they looked at one another.

All of these …people…had helped him commandeer a decent ship, and pulled more than their fair share in the battles they'd gone though.

When their two other friends had literally dropped out of the sky, they had helped him as well. He had seen a fine fighter in Sango, and a kindred spirit in Miroku. They had come though nearly as much with him. Hopefully, Miroku would be willing to celebrate long into the evening with him. He was fairly sure the other man wouldn't pass up the chance for rum. Inuyasha, on the other hand…he had a feeling it would be near impossible to get him to try any more rum, and same for Sesshoumaru. Maybe Kagome and Sango would join in too…

It seemed a small thing to do to get them to Singapore. Even aside from the fact that they would pass by India and its lucrative merchant vessels on the way there. It was hardly any skin off his back, with the lax security sailing from Madras to Hong Kong, and the nearly unguarded merchant vessels sailing from British seaports in Asia. There should be no objections when he announced where they were going. He hoped not. Fine thing it would be if his crew named him captain in one breath, and disobeyed in the second.

Jack reluctantly let go of the wheel, giving it a last affectionate pat. He'd be back at the helm soon enough. He straightened, and then drew a deep breath. Just like old times, this was.

Out came the orders, bellowed in a voice that would have done any officer proud "On deck you scabrous dogs! Man the braces! Set sail for Singapore! For Africa!" He watched in satisfaction as most of the crew leapt up and ran to obey, with the exception of the foreigners. He hadn't expected them to jump right away, and didn't mind too much. No doubt they had to catch up on what was planned from Kagome.

Still…couldn't have them set a bad example. He walked over to where Inuyasha was standing with his arms crossed by Miroku and Sesshoumaru. They weren't talking, like Kagome, Sango and Miroku were. So he'd put them to work first.

Jack couldn't resist letting one small, smug smile escape him. This voyage might be more entertaining than he'd thought…

He clapped his hands together and grinned, facing the two white haired brothers. "I believe I said to get to work! I saw you" he turned to Miroku "Working on cleaning the poor Pearl up. Barbossa's let it get disgracefully dirty. Hop to it when you're done talking." He smirked slightly.

He turned to Inuyasha and Sesshoumaru, as Miroku's mouth worked in soundless horror. He was supposed to be able to get back out of cleaning when they got to Port Royal, not get more work piled on him! What was it about the deck needing to be clean? It was fine the way it was!

This was not fair! Why couldn't Inuyasha do the cleaning? Or Sesshoumaru? (He wasn't stupid enough to suggest Kagome or Sango attempt such a thing.)

Jack looked at Inuyasha, considering where he should put him to work first. "Rigging. You were learning quite fast on the last voyage." He was sure that, by the end of this little trip, all five newcomers would be hardened seamen and women.

"But!...I.." He wasn't actually supposed to work, was he? Did Jack want –or expect- him to earn his keep? He frowned. Apparently, he did. And you really couldn't argue with the man who was getting you home, and 'halfway across the world', according to Kagome.

Damn. That meant he'd not only be doing the work, but he couldn't slack off either, or he'd feel guilty. Crap…

"You get a ride, you help out, on my ship!" Jack drew himself up. "I think Kagome would agree with me, don't you?"

Inuyasha winced slightly. His suspicions had just been proven right "Fine." He turned towards the rigging, muttering something about 'playing dirty'. He didn't need Kagome to tell him what to do, even if he did think she was pretty special. He didn't need a 'sit' this early in the day.

Jack grinned even wider as he turned slightly to face Sesshoumaru. "Same for you. Lookout duty suit?"

Sesshoumaru's mouth twisted slightly, as though he'd just eaten something sour. "Yes." His mind had followed much the same pathways as Inuyasha's. Jack was helping them get to their destination, therefore they should make every effort to accomplish this goal. Which meant working under Jack, as a sailor.

He was not exactly used to common labor, but he was no stranger to it either. Growing up and learning to fight like a sharp edged nightmare had taken a lot of hard, sweaty practice sessions. He gritted his teeth, and nodded sharply. At least lookout duty wasn't too bad. It got him away from the rest of the ship, for one thing.

Jack's smile took up half his face by this time. "Good, good! I don't need to remind you, I hope?"

Sesshoumaru didn't bother answering, tilting his head up and half leaping, half gliding towards the crows nest. The poor soul who was already there squeaked, and tumbled down the rope ladder hastily to make room. Death from below was most unwelcome…

Jack shaded his eyes and watched in satisfaction looking over at Kagome. She was helping Miroku and berating him on his cleaning standards, so he felt he needn't intervene for the moment. He turned back to the helm, and stroked the weathered wood of the wheel.

He leaned back with a grin, and hummed a few short bars of the pirate song Elisabeth had taught him. "Now...bring me that horizon." He flipped open his compass, looking at it sideways. He hummed a little louder, adding thoughtfully "And really bad eggs." He twirled the wheel, enormously happy. Today had started out terribly, beginning sometime in the unmentionable wee hours of the mourning, but had brightened considerably since, starting with being rescued.

He glanced over the bow of the ship, smiling quietly to himself. Just him and the Pearl, now. Just him and freedom. "Drink up, me 'arties yo ho!" Oh, they'd drink up tonight, all right…He closed the compass again, and spun the wheel sharply with a flourish.

Today could not be any better. Except for tonight. When they dished out the rum…

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Kagome grinned as Jack pointed a very disappointed looking Miroku back towards the cleaning rag.

"Did you think you were getting out of it?" Kagome quirked an eyebrow.

Miroku stared glumly at the pail of dirty, soapy water. "Yes." He said mournfully. "I thought we were…going to look for the shard, then going home….?"

Kagome sighed. "I haven't told you about that yet, have I? There's so much to tell." She pulled out her necklace, showing them both the completed jewel that hung there. "The shard was back in the cave. I couldn't look before since I was busy at the time, but I could tell it was there!"

She held the jewel out farther for them to inspect its uncracked surface. It looked as though it had never been broken "When we finished off Barbossa, there was time to look. I found the shard, and fixed the jewel."

She didn't add anything about the promises that had been made, the vague hints that Inuyasha wanted her to stay, and her hints that she wanted to as well. She wouldn't, couldn't ever leave the past entirely. She had too many memories there, too many things that held her, gentle bonds of friendship…and…she dared to hope…love.

Sango stared at the Shikon, face carefully neutral. Her brother had nearly died for that chunk of rock. He might really have died, for all she knew. They hadn't been able to find him yet. It tore her apart, not knowing.

She pushed her feelings to the side with effort. She should be happy that the jewel was whole, and in the purifying hands of Kagome. It wouldn't be causing the same heartache for anyone else.

And that was something to be really glad of, right there. She didn't want anyone else in her position, ever.

"That's wonderful, Kagome!" She smiled with a slight effort.

"Yes! We can go home! I don't have to clean!" Miroku closed his eyes and kicked the mop away from himself in delight.

"I wouldn't do that just yet, Miroku." Kagome's eyes danced brightly as she tucked the jewel back under her top. "You see, Jack has kindly agreed to get us to Singapore on the Pearl. That means that you help out for the duration of the trip"

Miroku stared at her in shock. "What?"

Sango grinned. She didn't mind being on board ship, too much. Once you got used to the rolling of a deck, it wasn't too bad. And though she scarcely admitted it to herself, much less to anyone else, being stuck in the middle of the ocean (perhaps in the crows nest, so they could see the sun on the empty sea) with Miroku wasn't terribly onerous…far from it…

"How long should the trip be?" Sango asked Kagome. A week, maybe a bit more? She'd never been on a ship like this before, and certainly never in this part of the world. She didn't know how far away from home it was.

Kagome frowned. "I really have no idea, but since we have to go around Africa or around South America…not sure which, and it won't be through the Panama canal either or by the red sea one…can't remember what that one's called…, since that's not even built….maybe a month?"

Sango stared at her. "A month? Are you sure? That seems like an awfully long time to be sailing."

Kagome shrugged. "Ask Jack. It was only a guess. I don't know much about old sailing ships." She looked over at where Jack was manning the wheel alone.

"Why don't we let you get back to you important duties, Miroku? You'll have a while to get scrubbing the deck down perfectly…" Kagome wandered over to where Jack was, followed by Sango, who was trying to control a slight fit of giggling. The look on Miroku's face as he realized he might be swabbing the deck for a month had been too much for her.

Kagome and Sango stopped in front of Jack. Kagome's eyes crinkled in a smile as she realized which song he was humming. "You know, I don't think you said how long it takes to get to Singapore from here."

Jack looked a little surprised. "Didn't I? I thought I did."

Both women shook their heads. He hadn't said anything about the time or the route they were taking.

He frowned "Oh. Well, last time I sailed from Singapore to out 'ere, took me about 6 weeks." He looked back down at his compass. "Going round the tip of Africa, I think. Easier to do."

Sango stared at him "But…how can you sail straight for 6 weeks? The ocean isn't that big, is it?" Was it that big? She hadn't ever been on a long voyage like this one before…and what was Africa?

Kagome nodded. "Thanks Jack. Yeah, the world big, Sango. And they don't have planes or steam ships yet, so this is going to take a while…"

She thought with longing of the cruise she'd been on once, as a small girl. The ship had been huge, and her mom had laughed at her wide eyed child's impression of the whole thing.

That stopped her mid thought. Mom. She had thought that Kagome would be back after a week. It hadn't yet been a whole week she was gone, so her mom would not be worried yet, but if it took them 6 weeks to get to Singapore…not to mention however long it took to actually get to Japan, then to the well…she'd be gone for a long time.

She'd be worried about her. Kagome bit her lip. She didn't want her mom to worry, and she didn't want her to have to start making excuses for her again at school. Or worse, let her grampa make the excuses. She might end up with something like acute gingivitis….Why couldn't he just say something common, infectious, and normal, like mono?

She swallowed. Not only would her family be worried, but her friends and near family in the feudal era would be wondering what had happened to Sango, Miroku and Inuyasha. They were used to her disappearing for periods of time, but for the rest of them to do so? No.

Sango looked like she'd just realized the same thing. As the two women walked over towards a few stray ropes that they could work on, she looked at Kagome. "Is there a faster way?"

"Kagome shook her head. "Not that I know of. I don't want to even suggest crossing the Atlantic on Sesshoumaru's little cloud. At the speed he goes, it would be much faster, but it would still be days at least. I don't want us to drop out of the sky miles from land if he gets too tired."

Sango sighed. Too bad. "I hope Shippo's alright with Kirara…she'll protect him, but if he waits for a month beside the well…" She paused. "I think they'd have the sense to go back to Kaede's home. I hope so, at least."

"I'm sure they will" Kagome soothed, though she was worried herself. She frowned at the ropes in her hands, tuning out the normal bustle of a ship. The sun sank lower, starting to create long angles across the deck. It had been a long night, and a long day.

She wished there was a faster way, but she had yet to think of it. Although, once they'd gotten to Singapore, perhaps they'd be able to go to Hong Kong, then hop across the chain of islands up to Japan. That part of it shouldn't take too long. She hoped. And once they were in Japan, they were practically home free.

Unless the well wouldn't take them back to the feudal era. Then they were really, really screwed…

Ah well. Hadn't she wanted to be a pirate, when she was little? This was a little girls dream come true, in a rather backhanded way. She'd just have to sit back and enjoy the ride, since it wasn't going to go any faster.

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Sesshoumaru watched the horizon, carefully listening to the conversation going on below. Over a month, on this tiny ship? That was very unwelcome news. He echoed Kagome's sentiments, wishing there was a quicker way himself. He wondered why she didn't think he could cross the ocean, but then thought of the explanation in the same breath.

No clear direction on how to get back home, and unfamiliar surroundings. If they went with Jack, they had someone who knew the land, or sea. They had someone they could trust to get them where they needed to go. And if she thought it would take him many days to fly across this Atlantic ocean, then she perhaps was right to take the ship.

Flying took a considerable amount of energy, much more so when he had passengers. Short distances were fine, but flying for a whole day would be really pushing it. He wouldn't be able to go nearly as far the next day, if he overworked himself like that.

He didn't know how large this Atlantic was, or if Kagome had been right to judge it at least several days worth of flight. He'd have to see. But he didn't favor lifting off in the direction of open water with no end in sight.

They would have to come down in the middle of the ocean, since there would be no land. That was not a good idea, even apart from his extreme dislike of the salty water. Spending a whole night floating in unknown waters, with unknown monsters, while tired, ws nothing short of suicide in his mind.

He silently agreed. Flying home wasn't the way to solve this.

Still…a month was a long time. He'd heard Kagome and Sango mention a Shippo and a Kirara. He thought they might be the firecat, and the kitsune child he'd seen with them once or twice before. She'd left others behind, waiting for her. So had he. Rin. Jaken

Jaken had better be watching over Rin very, very carefully. The toad did not dislike the girl…he was gruff, and ill tempered, but he did care for her. Part of why he knew he could allow him to watch her.

But he was still worried. They were not about to return o the castle without him, most definitely since Rin had never been there and might be in danger without his protection. They would be left in the woods, beside the well.

Rin could take care of herself, and so could Jaken. They wouldn't starve or die of exposure. But he still worried.

He looked out across the ocean, spotting a few distant islands, and beyond them empty water.

How big was an ocean? He was pretty sure he'd find out by the end of this trip, with Jack's crew. He might even learn something about boats, and how this future world worked. His advisors had recently considered trading outside the island. He would be able to see firsthand what it was like in future generations, and also see where to invest so it would generate the most good.

Of course, he would likely only see the human portion of commerce, not the youkai trade, so the two might be different. What was a prosperous British trading port might hold no interest for him and his kind. Unless he traded with humans…there seemed to be a great many of them and no youkai in this neck of the world…

That stopped Sesshoumaru cold, as something finally occurred to him. Over a month, on a ship, surrounded by humans, and with his half brother for company.

Shit.

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Jack was still grinning as the sun set. He'd glanced up at where Sesshoumaru had perched, like an overgrown bird of prey in the crows nest, and he'd had to smother a laugh when Inuyasha cursed loudly because he'd tangled himself in the rigging earlier.

He'd not been able to hold back the laughter when Kagome decided the best way to free poor Inuyasha was to tell him to move over the deck, and make sure the ropes were loose. Then she calmly told him to sit.

He'd laughed as the strange fellow did a faceplant, then got up and chased after her, him growling ferociously and Kagome laughing and running off.

He'd lost sight of them after that, since Kagome disappeared into the galley to help with dinner, Inuyasha in close pursuit. He saw them emerge later as the sun just touched the horizon. They musty have sorted it out somehow, since neither was dead or in the process of trying to kill the other.

That reminded him. It was nearly twilight, and they had best drop anchor for now. They'd managed to go a fair distance today, with a good wind behind them. They'd anchor well offshore, following the coastline in parallel till they moved far enough down to cross the Atlantic towards the African continent. It was a good arrangement. Patrols didn't come this far off shore, but they were still within a close enough range that they could stop to re-supply the ship when needed. Plus, they could start laundering some of the gold in the hold Barbossa had left behind.

He rubbed his hands. They had also found a large amount of rum in the hold, and as soon as the anchor was let down, they could celebrate.

There was a lot to be happy about. Fine drink, company, and sailing weather. A new adventure, one almost guaranteed to make them all rich. India was ripe for the plucking, as was Asia. They would be in the area, so they would have to visit a few fat merchant vessels. Wouldn't be polite not to.

And, most of all…he wanted to celebrate reclaiming the Pearl, becoming Captain again. He wanted to celebrate just being alive. Being alive, and freely sailing on a wide, open ocean. The world was his oyster, and he was out to steal all the pearls.

He started calling out the orders that would drop the anchor and stop them for the night. They were in no hurry, and night sailing could be dangerous. Why take chances?

Cheers sounded as the anchor splashed down into the water. The crew knew what that meant.

He left the wheel, and wandered over to where Miroku was grinning, kicking the mop into a corner. Jack clapped him on the shoulder, and steered him towards the galley. "Ready for a few rounds?"

"Yes." The monk replied fervently "I don't want to be cleaning when I could be drinking!"

"That's the spirit!" Jack grinned. "I wonder which of us can hold the most rum? Perhaps we should test our drinking skills…a contest!"

Miroku grinned back. "What a lovely idea! I wonder if Sango would join us…" He looked around, but he couldn't see Sango. He hoped she would join the party. Having her fall asleep against his side last time had been very pleasant.

He frowned. Of course, if she was drunk when she snuggled up to him, then it was different. He didn't know if it was her or the rum talking. He'd far rather have them both sober and curled up together in a corner. And last time, she'd started crying for no apparent reason. He still didn't know why.

Perhaps she shouldn't come after all. She might start to dwell on some painful memories, or lose her inhibitions. He didn't mind too much (he thought it would be rather pleasant,) if she fell asleep on him, and wouldn't press his advantage. But he knew there were a few on board less scrupulous.

He put it from mind, for now. Perhaps she and Kagome had simply gone below to avoid the drinking session that was just starting.

Jack looked up at the rigging, where a red blotch was sitting against the mast. "Oy! Inuyasha! Come down and have a drink!"

Inuyasha looked down, and raised an eyebrow. He unwound himself from his seat against the mast, and dropped a few meters to the deck. "A drink? Are you nuts?" He raised an eyebrow. Didn't the idiot remember what had happened last time he'd tried drinking? What had happened to Jack after he'd been drinking?

You ended up with a skull that felt like it had been picked apart by bird youkai, left to rot, then stuffed back together in a confused, hurting jumble. Ie, a hangover. Why Jack liked rum…why Miroku liked it…he would never know.

"Of course not! Come on, you just had a bit of trouble last time. It wasn't the rum, it was whatever else you had!"

Inuyasha shuddered. "No way am I doing that again. Keep that swampwater to yourselves."

Jack sighed, exasperated. What was wrong with Inuyasha? Didn't everyone like liquor…?

Now that he thought about it, he'd only started drinking when it became clear there was no other liquid available. "Fine. We won't let you have any." He looked up at the pale patch against the darkening sky. "What about you, Sesshoumaru?" He yelled up.

Sesshoumaru jumped down to the deck, landing silently. "I have said this before. I will not drink that poisonous bile." His fingers twitched. He remembered very well the night they had been all been drunk, and the indignities he'd suffered on the island.

He'd admit that it had been entertaining to watch them all suffer with a smug expression the next morning, but to do that again, he needed to remain sober. "I will not tell you again. I will not drink."

Jack crossed his arms, miffed. "Don't know what you're missing."

Inuyasha felt he knew exactly what he was missing, and didn't think getting out of waking up with the taste of vomit on his tongue was terribly special, himself. He wasn't missing anything, as far as he was concerned. Even if the spotty memories he had of dancing round the fire with Kagome were pretty good…

Jack shrugged, and wandered off to find the rum with Miroku. More for them, then.

Inuyasha sighed. "I was an idiot to drink." he muttered softly to himself. He should never have touched the stuff before. At least he could avoid doing it again now.

"Yes, you were. At least you didn't repeat the mistake." Sesshoumaru couldn't resist the jab at Inuyasha, but he softened the last bit.

If he was going to be stuck with Inuyasha for at least six weeks, probably more, then he wanted to at least attempt getting along. Sort of. He wasn't going to get too friendly anytime soon. The way he saw it, cutting down on any open hostility was probably enough.

Inuyasha looked at the deck. What was Sesshoumaru up to? That didn't sound like the sarcastic bastard he knew…"Yeah." He agreed cautiously, trying to watch his half brother out of the corner of his eye. Sesshoumaru didn't make a move, or say anything. Inuyasha mentally shrugged.

He straightened, and climbed back up to his perch. It felt almost like being in a tree, at home. If he closed his eyes and thought about it, the ropes in the rigging almost felt like unusually large, grainy vines.

A few minutes later, he half felt, half saw a white patch leap up to the crows nest though the slits of his eyelids. Looked like Sesshoumaru had settled in the crows nest till the festivities, which were starting to spill out onto the deck, passed.

Inuyasha shifted on the wooden pole, trying to get comfortable. He watched as laughing, booze guzzling pirates made their way onto the deck, and as a table was set up on deck.

He rolled his eyes as Jack and Miroku sat down facing each other over a keg of rum, each holding a glass.

"First one drunk under the table looses!" Jack grinned. "If you lose, I get your stash of scrolls!"

Miroku smirked back., "And if you lose, then I get some of that gold in the hold!"

"I'll drink to that!" Jack grinned, and poured them both a glass. He and Miroku drank the first glasses right off, and then they started getting serious.

Soon, they'd managed to make a considerable dent in the keg of rum, and above them, Inuyasha was astonished.

Why were they drinking that much? They should be passing out, soon. He couldn't believe how much of the vile stuff they were downing….

He blinked as Kagome and Sango emerged onto the deck, hanging around the outskirts of the partying crowd. He decided to join them, and swung himself own. He left Jack and Miroku's drinking contest behind, and gave a wide birth to a shadowed face being hugged fiercely by Anamaria. The stink of alcohol wafted over the whole mass, and he sighed in annoyance. Lucky Sesshoumaru. He got to sit up out of the way at the top of the mast.

He stopped in front of Kagome and Sango. "Wondered where you were."

"We didn't really want rum. And since that seems to be what this party is all about…we just stayed below."

Sango frowned, and peered around Inuyasha's shoulder. "What is Miroku doing?" She raised an eyebrow as she saw him hiccup, then down another glass, matching Jack pint for pint.

Inuyasha snorted in disgust, "He and Jack are having a contest to see which idiot passes out first. Stupid, if you ask me."

Sango stared. Miroku did have a way with trouble, didn't he? She watched as he and Jack had another round, both swaying in their seats.

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Jack wobbled, then put down his glass. He could go a lot longer if her had to. He was used to heavy drinking. He'd done a fair bit of it, the year after he'd lost the Pearl .Trying to drown his woes in alcohol. It hadn't really worked, but he'd never lost the ability to hold his liquor.

He grinned drunkenly as Miroku swayed wildly, a slightly confused look on his face. "Still won't surrender?"

"Neer!" Miroku slurred. He reached for another glass, then slumped in his seat. "Feel…woozy..." Miroku slid off his seat, and started snoring.

The crowd gathered round the table laughed. "Can't hold his rum!" "Oh, he did fair well. Can't nobody beat our cap'n!" The gathered pirates cheered as Jack stood up, and gave a wobbly bow.

Miroku had done better than Jack had expected, since he wasn't used to drinking rum, but he'd still won in the end. And now he'd get those funny little scrolls Miroku had in his pocket. They'd look good pasted all over his cabin…Make it look classy.

Jack bowed again, and laughed as Sango pushed thought the crowd. "You next?"

Sango shook her head. "No. I'd rather not. I'll just get him below, so he doesn't freeze." She started to move Miroku over to where Kagome and Inuyasha were, ignoring some of the drunken catcalls pouring in on all sides. Some of the more lewd suggestions made her cheeks flame.

Inuyasha grinned, then lent a hand, helping her get the snoring Miroku down the narrow stairs. Kagome followed behind, slightly amused by the sight of Miroku rattling the floor with his snores. "I think I'll stay down here with you. I don't feel like going up there again."

Inuyasha paused. He didn't really want to go back up either. The pirates were nearly as loud as their counterparts in Tourtuga by now. The only interesting thing to watch had been Miroku making a fool of himself. He wanted to stay down here, with Kagome.

"I think I'll stay too."

Both women shot him a Look, and he cringed slightly. Then Kagome smiled, and it was alright. "Not a partier, eh? Can't say I blame you."

They finished pulling the moth nibbled sheets over Miroku, then settled in for the night themselves, trying to ignore the sounds of the sea slapping the hull, and of the revel overhead.

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In the dark, Inuyasha laid flat on his back, staring at the ceiling. About an hour ago the noise from above had stopped. It must be early morning. He closed his eyes.

Their first day entirely at sea loomed up ahead. It would be interesting to see how Miroku dealt with it. He was pretty sure the other man would wake up with a massive hangover sometime before noon, and he was quite tempted to say something along the lines of 'I told you so' when that happened.

Beside him, Kagome shifted in her sleep, turning over on her side. He watched the slight breathing movements the covers made, and smiled. She always looked so innocent when she was asleep. Just like…

Kagome moved again, and managed to roll onto his arm. He blinked at her. Perhaps not so innocent. Although…she was still sleeping…

He really didn't object to having her there. It was …pleasant. Knowing she was there, so close, sensing her breath, hearing the dull, low beat f a heart, breathing in the mix of soaps and personal scents that made up Kagome in his mind.

He sighed. The closest he'd ever come to admitting anything had been in that cave. And even then, he'd been nervous and had messed it up, speaking too fast, sweating with anxiety. It was damn hard, having to think about you own life, to have to say anything to another person. Especially something like that, like what he had wanted to say for a long time. To talk of things such as what you wanted to do, what you really felt. It was very hard, especially for him. He'd never had much of a chance to even practice communication, much less this, before.

He moved his arm out from under Kagome gently, and put it over her shoulders protectively. This was much easier. No words. He was always bad with words. Actions were easier, more natural, something he could do.

Kagome shifted under his arm, moving up against him, and he smiled into her hair. The long, silky strands were tickling his nose, brushing softly against his cheeks. He didn't care how long it took to get back home, if this was how he could go to sleep every night…

He yawned, tired, and shifted on the floor, settling in. He should try sleeping. He felt drowsy, by this time. It had been a long night and day. And the big boat…ship…was rocking slowly from side to side…lulling him….he could dimly scent the warm, calming fragrance that surrounded him….Kagome always smelled so good….

A second set of snores filled the tiny room.

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It's getting there…I'm not going to detail the trip too closely, since it is a fairly long period of time. Travel in those days was LONG. But I am wrapping it up. Lol. Much thanks to those who reviewed! If I could, I'd bake you all brownies!

The Violent Tomboy: Half in two hours. Probably long since done, by the time this is posted, I'll bet. And yeah. You have to .Miserable family. Voldie came by his meanness honestly, I think…

Victory's Ashes:I rather like the hat. Yup, he is! That's who he based the Jack sparrow character on, too, if I'm not mistake. And don't worry about throwing anything more at me. I like the plusshie very much :P(pets plushie Sess's tail XD)

RubyRoseoftheBlackBlood: lol. Happy reading, though I suspect you're done by now. ;

Akana Akazen: Lol. Sorry…I feel that if I got up as early as I did just to be first in line, then I deserved to read the book before my brother and the rest of my family. I'm sure by now you've got the book though, right?

DogEarFetish: I don't believe so, no. Apart from Inu gang, of course. And Jack is awesome! XD

TrisakAminawn: No, he isn't, not really. And I don't think I ever said that ch was the last one. I said it was starting to be close to the end. And it is. I still don't know how many chapters there are left, since I rarely know lengths till I actually write them out, but I think it's within three, probably less. Don't quote me on that, though.

I realized I'd made a faily big mistake shortly after I posted that I'd seen an episode where Sess has a flashback involving being shot at. Doh Too late to fix, till I redo.. One of the many things I've been meaning to edit seriously. I think it was….1542, the first time Portugal imported guns? Sometime around there. I'm glad I was good enough to make you over look that detail:P

Thanks you, so so much!

Yami Pandora: Lol. I'm glad I provide you entertainment:P

Inuzrule: Look at my tendency to vanish for months without updates! I can't say anything about a week:P lol. And…o.o. You actually thought something I wrote was good enough to quote? I wonder what it was…I'm pleasantly amazed at that minor miracle. :P And no, the sixth HP book isn't in the way. Finished it in just under four hours, and then posted the chapter before this one. I'd worry more about all the other writing I do and my disobedient webpages, as distractions. :P

BlackFeatherz29: Nonono! I didn't mean that you were flaming me! Never! I meant that if I'm badmouthing my own stuff, then it's probably not really a flame. Technically, or by definition, or something. I apologize profusely for that. I didn't mean to imply anything like that at all. What you said was far from a flame! It was a nice critique, pointing out an area to improve upon. Not 'you suck, I hate you.' THAT is a flame….

And they do get back. I haven't hashed out all the details yet, so I think you'll have to wait on that. They do get back eventually though.

Japanimeniac: Yeah…need to fix those earlier chapters. Someday. And then they well have proper spelling. . . Glad you like the mix of the two stories, though!