Author's note: Phew! this sure was a long chapter, took me a while to finish it.
"..." Normal chat
ABC Thought
CHAPTER 10
I slowly awake from my slumber and the first thing comes across my eyes is an absolute darkness.
Huh? It's still midnight? Sitting up from my spot, I look around the area only to see nothing.
How odd, it's pitch-black. Confused, I wave my arms around to check for the surroundings but there's none. My backpack, Ah-Un, the giant tree i was sleeping against on with Rin last night. Everything's gone, not even a single living presence is here beside me.
More importantly, I don't recognize this place at all. Did they move me to somewhere else when I was unconscious?
"Rin? Jaken-san?" I decide to explore the mysterious area. Looking for the two while at it but receive no response.
What's going on? Where's everyone? I keep on walking aimlessly for god knows how long within the darkness. Then I begin to fasten up the pace, hoping to find an exit until there's no strength left inside and end up kneeling onto the floor. Still being stuck one place and start to wonder If I have even made any progress.
Where the heck am I?! Is it a cave? I feel nothing here, cold nor hot, airy or not. There's nothing here. Not even a single sound. Somewhat giving up, I just sit there, hugging my knees closely and stare at the endless black walls. The anxious feeling keeps building up inside for every second passes.
Did they get tired of my presence and decide to abandon me without noticing? Was it because Sesshomaru doesn't trust me anymore? Or because I was slowing them down? What did I do wrong?
I don't like it here at all. If Sesshomaru didn't want me to come along that much, he could have at least lead me back to the well instead of leaving me behind in such a bizarre place. Just how cold-heart can that guy be?
Letting out a long sigh, my eyes attention unconsciously land onto the black ground next my hand and suddenly notice something. Huh? My hand is visible?
Curious about this new information, I look at my leg and my skirt. They are indeed shine within the dark. Now that I think about it, there is no sunlight or torch to light up the place yet I can see my body parts and my clothes. What kind of weird phenomenon is this? Am I still on earth? Or could it be...
...That I'm dreaming? Yes! That must be it! And that single thought comes across my mind has instantly enlightened me and I shut my eyes. Okay, gotta focus and get out of here! Then open my eyes again yet find everything's still the same.
Having no choice but to use the final trick, I slap myself at the cheek. "Whack!"
The impact's so strong that almost send my soul flying but still, nothing changes. And more importantly, my cheeks feel as if they're on fire. Why is it hurt so much? Isn't this suppose to be a dream?
While in the middle of trying to figure out what is even going on, a ball of light suddenly appears out of nowhere and stops in front of me. It's so bright that I have to cover my eyes from being blind.
"What…? What is it?" I crawl backward as light's getting smaller and smaller then finally reveals to be an old friend of mine. "It's you!"
The white fox just sit there, staring at me as I slowly approach. "Weird, what is it doing here? How did it get in here?"
Well I guess those don't matter anyway. As least there's one thing good about this is that I won't be stuck here alone. Kneeling in front of the strange animal, we exchange our gazes for a while and suddenly, I have a crazy urge to pet it since this is the first time I've ever gotten this close to the fox.
It won't bite right? I mean he/she doesn't look so aggressive. With that in mind, I reach out my hand and aim for its head. Yet before I can even touch it, an unknown force appears out of nowhere and pushes me fly away "Kyah!"
Straight out of that hell hole and I jolt up from my spot, quickly rub my eyes to clear up my vision. Then a familiar sight starting to reveal in front of me, the forest, wild flowers, green grass plus the sound of bird chirping and feeling the warm sunlight at my skin. Lying on the ground next to me is Rin as she's still sleeping soundly while using Ah-Un's body as her pillow.
Sitting against another big tree not too far away from us is Jaken, who is snoring quite loudly. Then my eyes shift to Sesshomaru's spot and see those sharp amber eyes are on me. Seriously that stare of his, it always sends me goosebumps. Geh! Just how long has he been staring at me like that?
"Hmm…Onee-chan…?" Rin stirs and immediately draw my attention back to her.
"Ah, good morning, Rin. Did you sleep well?" I ask and the girl rubs her eyes, yawning. While Sesshomaru has already left his spot and approaches the sleeping Jake.
"Jaken" His calls instantly snaps him out of his wonderland. With half opened eyes, he looks up while wiping his drool "Y-yes, Sesshomaru-sama?"
"Stay with them." Sesshomaru orders and the little servant nods.
After watching him swiftly disappear into the woods, I turn to the little girl next to me. "Come on, Rin. Let's us go wash our faces and find something to eat while waiting."
She nods in response and only a second later, Jaken begins to nag. "Hey! Do not go too far, you hear?!"
"Alright, I heard you." I shout back in annoyance. Jeeze, somehow he's starting to act like a mother now.
A couple of hours later
"Jaken-sama, Sesshomaru-sama sure is late. We should have gone with him too." Rin pouts in boredom as we're sitting together on a big branch lying on the ground.
Jaken, who is having his back facing against us, explains. "Fool, Sesshomaru-sama has gone to a place with poison around. If he brought you humans. You'd be a goner for sure"
With no other choice, the girl let out a long sigh then suddenly pause once she spots something in the corner of her eyes. "Eh?"
"Rin?" I turn to look where she's staring and see a familiar figure walking alone behind those trees. Huh? Isn't that Kohaku?
Notice our abnormal silence, Jaken asks. "What's wrong?"
"I-it's nothing." I answer, pretending nothing has happened. Though the moment I turn back, Kohaku's already nowhere to be seen.
I wonder what's he doing here all my himself. Judging from our last encounter, wasn't he one of Naraku's underling? Could it be that Naraku is nearby?
Perhaps it is best to stay away from him for now. Who knows what that boy may do once he finds us.
The next day
Once the sun rises, Sesshomaru leads us into another remotely mountainous region. Amazed by the beautiful scenery, I look down from mountain's edge to enjoy the view and feel the cool breeze blowing against my skin.
"They're coming." Suddenly Sesshomaru claims, drawing our attentions.
Who are coming? I see no one else is here but us. Confused, I turn around and attempt to ask for what he meant. But before I can open my lips, Sesshomaru's already have his sword sheathed to counter a long line of zig-zagged, which was flying directly at us.
It reveals to be a bunch of blades which are connected together by pins, all coming from a young man appears out of the bush at the back. A strange feminine looking guy in yukata we've never met. with a purple scarf on his neck. On the outside, he seems to be normal enough for a human. But then again who knows what's he hiding inside.
"One of Naraku's agents, huh?" Sesshomaru says, doesn't seem to be amused.
"Hehehe, you're good…And even sexy." His smirk instantly sends a chill down to my bones.
Wait a minute...Did I just hear him call Sesshomaru sexy? Well, I do have to admit that his beauty definitely surpasses any human and youkai I've seen here. Guess it's also normal that he attracts even same gender or different race (?).
"Like that poison user, the same corpse smell." Much to that man's disappointment, Sesshomaru ignores his praise.
The same corpse smell? What does he mean by that.
"Ohh, you've got a good nose. Just what I'd expected from Inuyasha's older brother!" He smiles brightly and swings his sword at Sesshomaru. Just like last time, the lord easily blocks his attack and launches forward to strike him with his sword.
But he's fast enough to avoid being smashed by jumping to the side. "Woah! That was close!"
Witnessing the young man's disadvantage in the fight, Jaken laughs at his face. "Wahaha. Stupid human, better give up and die!"
His arrogant attitude quickly dies down however once the zig-zag sword flies at us and hits the ground near where we stand. Causing three of us flinch in fear "Ekk!"
"You said something?" The man says then shifts his eyes to me.
Not sure if I'm being paranoid or this guy doesn't seem to be pleased seeing me together with Sesshomaru's group. Or should I say that he's clearly annoyed.
Suddenly, he points his weird sword at me. "A woman, eh? Interfere us and I'll cut you into pieces, you got that?"
Dude, chill. I wouldn't dare even if you ask me to.
"Jaken!" Figure that it won't be safe for us to stay, Sesshomaru calls to him.
"R-right away, Sesshomaru-sama!" The servant immediately understands the signal and pushes us to the bridge's direction in order to escape. "Come on, we're leaving here"
Doesn't want to leave her lord behind, Rin resists. "Eh... But?"
"He's right, Rin. We will only be in his way if we stay here." I convince the girl, attempting to drag her away.
Still, Rin doesn't fasten her movement even one bit and keeps looking back. "But will Sesshomaru-sama be alright?"
"There's no way Sesshomaru-sama would lose to a measly human!" And this time Jaken replies in full confident. I guess he really hold a high regard in his lord's power.
As soon as reaching the bridge, we're greeted by another man in armor and long sharp claws in his hand. Judging from his intense glare, it can be easily guessed that he's an enemy, who looks like he won't be showing any mercy even to children.
"Uhm... Maybe we should find another way." I gesture my arm to the two behind me and try to push them backward. However when I turn back, Sesshomaru and the other guy are fighting too close to where we are standing. Definitely not that path too.
That means the only way is to move forward... Meaning we have to fight our way through the bridge.
"Fool! You're not going to get away from me!" The man shouts and charges at me in full speed.
"W-Wait! Can we at least talk this out?!" However the guy ignores my offer and I have to draw out the Naginata to block his attack. Yet can barely stand straight. Damn it! He's strong!
I cringe my teeth through the inhumane force as my arms, legs are getting weaker. If it keeps going on at this rate, I won't be able to hold much longer. "Urg...You two hurry up and pass the bridge! I will try to keep him busy for a while!"
If something happens to any of them, I'll be killed by Sesshomaru-sama for sure! Jaken bites his finger in anxiety, watching the two humans (or not) struggle in front of him. Leaving with no option, he jumps in between us and summons a long stream of flame at the enemy, destroying half of the bridge. "Nintoujou!"
Gyah! I watch half of the bridge burn down in terror as Jaken smirks at his victory. "Hehehe. Blown away, eh?"
Cannot control my emotion, I pinch his cheek hard, almost shouting. "Why did you have to burn down the bridge, you idiot! Now it's your fault that we have nowhere else to run!"
"Shuddup! If I didn't do that he would slice you in half!" He struggles under my grip, yelling back.
"So what if he slice me in half, it's not like I can-" Our argument is cut off by Rin's call from behind and look back, seeing that the girl tries to keep herself balance. "Onee-chan! Jaken-sama! The bridge is breaking apart!"
Using all of my strength, I grab both Jaken and Rin with me and run back to where Sesshomaru is. For sure that is a bad idea, but it's still better to stay on land than falling into the oblivion to death.
"Release me this instant!" Jaken resists in my arm but failed anyway.
However just after taking some steps, the sharp claws rises up and shatter the wooden floor from below that only a bit away from my feet. Startled, I accidentally drop Jaken and he falls flat on his butt. "Wha…! He's alive!"
Seeing the frightening expression on our faces, the man growls like he's in the advantage despite struggling to get himself back up. "Heh! You won't get me that easily!"
He proceeds destroying what left of the bridge and drag all of us down with him. "Kyaahh!"
Rin definitely won't be able to survive falling from this kind of height, no human can! In order to keep the girl as safe as possible (or at least still stay in one piece) I hug her closely and turn my back downward so that my body will hit the ground first.
Suddenly, I feel a rough hand grabs my left ankle from below and turns out to be that weirdo, again.
"I've got you!" Finally caught me, he smirks in victory.
After spending a while struggling to get out of his grip, I manage to kick him in his face with the other foot. "Let go of me! You creep!"
Due to the impact, he finally let go. Lucky enough for us, we land on water instead of solid ground. But neither I and Rin have enough strength left to swim back up within the strong current.
Scared, the girl cries and hugs me tighter. "Onee-chan…"
Damn it if I can't think of something fast, we will end up getting drowned. However because of being too weak, all of my effort has turned out to be useless against the cruel nature. And Jaken's voice's the last thing I hear before giving up and getting carried away by the cold water. "Rin! Sora!"
Some minutes later
After feeling like forever, I finally gain back consciousness. "Cough...! Gasp!"
The very first thing i do is to look around for the girl and find that she is lying some feet away from me.
Quickly I crawl to her spot. My heart skips a beat when the girl isn't moving, so I check her pulse and breathing. Sighing in relief that she's only fainted and totally unharmed.
After that I go to retrieve the Naginata which is lying nearby and notice that where we are sitting at right now isn't the end of the river. So we couldn't be possibly get washed up here. Does that mean someone has saved us?
"A-are you two okay?" Suddenly hearing a man voice behind me and in reflex, I hold up the weapon and point to that direction in defense. "S-stay back!"
Standing in front of us is a man in armor that look exactly like the guy from before. Startled by my threatening, he raises his arm up in the air. "Don't worry. I am a doctor, I won't hurt you"
Doctor? What is this dude blabbing about?
"You don't look like one to me! Thus you even tried to kill us just minutes ago!" I claim, holding firmly onto my Naginata.
Hearing so, the strange man pleads. Somehow he sounds quite sincere and gentle, unlike that barbarian from last time. "There must be some sort of misunderstand here, I wasn't trying to kill anyone. It was me who got you two out of the river. Please trust me, I can help you."
Now that I have observed him closely, he doesn't look like that weirdo either.
"You saved us?" Somewhat is convinced, I slowly lower the weapon and the young man nods, offering his hand to me. "Come, I know there's a place for us to rest."
With no other option, I decide to follow him but definitely still stay on my guard. Who knows what this guy is thinking, he may stab our back anytime he wants to. If him and that man are different persons then good for us, If not then I still have my arms and legs to escape.
With Rin resting in my back, I and the strange man head off into the woods up ahead. Soon after Rin wakes up and she begins having a conversation with him.
"…I see, you have companions." He says and Rin nods, suggesting us to stay behind to wait for her lord. "Yup. I suppose they're looking for us right now. So I think we shouldn't move around too much…"
"We're in the middle of a forest. How about you follow me until your companions come?" Still, the guy rejects her idea.
"Onee-chan?" Rin turns to me.
"I think he's right, Rin." I actually agree with the guy because I do not want us to stay in the middle of the woods. God knows what is lurking in here and my strength alone won't be able to defend us all.
Let's just hope that this guy would actually lead us to a civilized place like what he told us to.
We soon get out of the forest and he leads us to his house which is near the base of a mountain called Hakurei. We also learn from him that there are a lot of children around Rin's ages with no relatives reside in that place.
However the moment I set my feet inside the village, I feel pain all over my body. Though only a bit but still recognizable and I gradually slower my pace.
Notice my uneasiness, Rin asks. "What's wrong, onee-chan?"
Curious, the doctor also turns around to check.
"I-I'm okay, don't worry about it" I shake my head in response. How odd, they seem to be totally fine. Is it only just me?
Once arrived to a small hut inside the village, we are greeted by some children and one of the girl there seem to be surprised to see him. "Suikotsu-sama…"
"I'm sorry…For being away." The self-claimed doctor apologizes.
Doubt begins raising in me when I see the children look at each other, asking in confusion. "Is he really Suikotsu-sama?"
I wonder if this guy actually as good as he really is.
Minutes later and a group of people carry torches appears from the field not too far away. The old man, who seems to be the leader, speaks up when they approach to where we are. "I thought it was Suikotsu-sama. He's come back…"
"What's with this group of villagers?" Suikotsu asks, seems to be confused.
"Suikotsu-sama. I beg of you, Please leave the village. It was your fault that the shichinintai attack this village, wasn't it? Also, back then your face… was like a demon." The old man states.
Shocked, my eyes widened. A demon? Could it be...?
"Heh…" Suikotsu smirks mysteriously and much to everyone fear, he pulls out his claws and starts slashing the villagers. Scared by the horrid moment, The children screams and attempt to flee off the scene.
"You're really ungrateful, aren't you. Suikotsu-sama really took good care of you all…" Suikotsu's face remains incredibly calm as he chases after the villagers and takes them down one by one mercilessly.
Watching the old man collapses onto the ground in his blood pool, I burst into cold sweat and limbs gradually feeling weak. I knew it! This guy isn't normal in the head after all!
Figure that we cannot stay here any longer, I push Rin to the other direction to escape. While hoping that the crazy man doesn't pay his attention on us. "Let's get out of here."
Unfortunately, the guy in purple yukata from before gets up from the tall grass and grabs Rin by her back. Scared, the girl waves her arms and legs in the air, trying to get out of his grip as he points his sword at me. "Make one move and she's dead"
After wasting more time listening to Jakotsu (She learns his name from their conversations) and Suikotsu's conversation as we watch him struggling to kill the children, a Saimyosho appears from afar and flies to Jakotsu. Then he warns Suikotsu about the silver lord's arrival and tosses Rin to me before departing. "Sesshomaru is coming! Come on, get going woman."
Somewhere at the mountain
We're now making our way up probably to the top of the mountain. Of course, the higher we get the slower I walk. Not because of lacking of stamina but from something in this place that is making me feel uncomfortable. It's so painful to the point that I'm about to collapse in any second right now if there isn't any sword behind our necks. God...This feels like torture...
"What's with you?" Annoyed by my slowness. Jakotsu asks.
"I don't know... I just don't feel good when being here." I murmur.
He then raises his eyebrow at me. "This mountain is protected by a holy barrier that would purify any youkai within it, even humans with corrupted mind like us are also being affected. Hmm…For you to be suffering this much…Don't tell me you're actually that impure?"
"Hey!" I instantly ticked off but then his words have put me into thinking. Youkai, huh? I wonder...
"Who cares about that anyway. Beside, that bastard Sesshomaru won't be coming. It would be too intense to come here, wouldn't it?" Jakotsu smirks at their advantage. Though Suikotsu doesn't seem to agree. "It doesn't seem that way…"
Notice a long silver hair figure with a sword in his hand approaching from up ahead, Rin calls out. "Sesshomaru-sama!
As greeting, Jakotsu wields his long sword at him and like any other time, it's being reflected. The guys are shocked to find that Sesshomaru is actually immune to the barrier but the idea soon fades once they see a cut on at his hand. "Hehehe... Sesshomaru, you're only just managing to stand because of the barrier, aren't you?"
While Sesshomaru and Jakotsu busy fighting each other, Suikotsu locks me inside his right arm and points his sharp claws at my neck with his left arm. No matter how much I struggle to get free, this guy strength is just too much to handle.
"You there, little girl. Run away I'll slit her throat then kill you, you hear me?" The man glares at Rin and she sobs, not even dare to move a limb. "Onee-chan…"
"Now you get it? Make one wrong move and your woman is dead. Though it's only a matter of time." Jakotsu laughs as his victory is near. And what the hell did that dude just say? Who exactly is whose woman?!
But then Sesshomaru smirks "Matter of time, you say?"
Annoyed by his arrogant attitude, Jakotsu frowns. "What's so funny?!"
Perhaps Jakotsu's warning is pointless to Sesshomaru because he knows that I won't die even if being killed. But then again that's just my guess.
Taking the advantage that Jakotsu's wavered, Sesshomaru throws away his sword to the back right at Suikotsu chest to kill him.
I almost stop breathing when seeing the sword flying straight to my face and miss it only by an inch. After that Suikotsu finally releases me from his dangerous embrace and collapse onto the ground.
Goodness! Did he try to kill me too or what?! I fall down to my knees and sigh in relief.
Assume that the situation is safe, Rin rushes over to my side. "Onee-chan!"
"Y-Yeah. Let us hurry and get away from here." When I'm about to get up, a hand grabs my ankle from behind and yanks it backward. Causing me to fall onto the ground again. "Ouch!"
Feeling dizzy from the pain, I hear a familiar voice from behind and Rin gasps in terror. "Heh! You're not getting away, woman…"
Unbelievable, that barbarian is alive Knowing that it's impossible to escape, I tell Rin not to wait for me and escape. Annoyed, Suikotsu slams my head hard onto the ground to shut my mouth up. "Uff!"
"Hey, Jakotsu. It's okay to kill them both now, isn't it?" The man raises his sharp claws and aim at my neck to strike, "Guess I will have to start with you first!"
Yet it's his neck that get pierced instead by an arrow coming out of nowhere. And this time Suikotsu lays on the floor and stays stiff in his spot.
"Onee-chan, are you okay?!" Rin kneels next to me as I wipe the blood flowing from forehead's scratch off my eyes. Even my vision is fuzzy and ears going tingling from that impact. "Yeah I'm good but damn, that's really hurt."
Sesshomaru then approaches us in his casual manner and I notice that Jakotsu is now nowhere to be found.
For a moment, I thought that I saw Sesshomaru-sama eyes turned red. Was it just my imagination? Rin asks herself about what happened earlier, giving her lord a strange look.
A long black hair miko, who carries a bow and a pack of arrows on her back, appears and kneels next to Suikotsu. Judging by the weapon in her hand, I figure that she was the one who fired the arrow at him.
But the woman's face is what attracts me the most. Is it me or she look really similar to Kagome? Just who is she exactly?
"Kikyou…sama…As long last I've reverted…It was because of the black light that I couldn't come out…" Suikotsu mumbles under his breath but he sounds much gentle than before.
I wonder if what he's saying right now is true or he's just faking it again. And what does he mean by revert? Does he have double personality or something?
The lady, who is called Kikyou, speaks. "You are…Suikotsu-sama, the doctor?"
After that Suikotsu insists Kikyou on taking his jewel's fragment away, she's hesitated at first but eventually agreed on doing it. However, Jakotsu has taken the upper hand and stolen it away from her then flees off the scene. Leaving Suikotsu behind fading into nothing but dried bones.
From there I finally realize that these guys had already dead a long time ago and thanks to this strange thing's power, they had gotten brought back to life...
"Uhm Kikyou-san? Thank you for saving us from earlier." I bow at her in appreciation and the woman nods back. "Sure, you're not injured are you?"
Her voice and attitude are so gentle that they give me a calm at heart. "Yes, we're alright"
"I'm sorry but we have to go now." Rin grabs my hand and drags me away when she sees Sesshomaru is leaving. "Let's go, onee-chan"
Since we definitely cannot stay here any longer. I bid the woman farewell and follow Rin. "Good bye, Kikyou-san"
Kikyou watches the short hair girl disappears along with silver haired man. The miko has noticed that she's been struggling inside the barrier for the whole time even if not showing. That girl is a human and yet I can detect a small amount of youkai energy resting inside her. How strange.
Some days later
In one casual morning
"Sesshomaru-sama...Perhaps, can I go back home for today?"
Now that I have been away from home for a while now. Mom and the others must be very worried. Plus, I'm getting more and more anxious about my school's performance since exam is about to come and I haven't revised or prepared anything for it yet. Not to mention that being absent for too long may get people to suspicious.
Sesshomaru sits comfortably under a huge tree and glances back to me as our eyes meet. Still doesn't answer and I just stand there waiting for him awkwardly. Say something goddamn it! Is this silent a yes or a no?!
Rin then approach us. "You want to go back, onee-chan?"
I nod, "Yes, I need to restock my supply and check if everything is okay at home."
"Then when will you return?"
"Probably in two days"
"And what about the way back to that well? Do you know it?"
Now that is something I haven't expected of. No, more like I completely forgot about it. Of course, I totally have no clue/memory about the route...
Bursting into cold sweat, I ask. "Erm…Maybe?... No? Do you, Rin?"
And much to my disappointment, she shakes her head. "Not a clue!"
There goes a long silence between us and I let out a long sigh, defeated. Guess the only way for me to go home is to ask... My eyes unwillingly shift back to the silver haired man on the ground. Him...
Suddenly, Sesshomaru stands up from his spot and gestures his head to me to follow before walking off. Much to my surprise. What?! Is he going to lead me back?! Yay!
Overjoyed, my eyes turns sparkle in appreciation. "Thank you, Sesshomaru-sama!"
"Sesshomaru-sama, where are you going?" Jaken attempts to follow his lord but end up getting ordered to stay behind.
Thinking that it will be much more faster and convenient to fly there, I jump onto Ah-Un's back and follow after Sesshomaru onto the sky. "Jaken-san, I'm going to borrow Ah-Un for a bit"
"H-hey! Where are you going with Sesshomaru-sama?! Sesshomaru-sama!" Jaken objects our sudden departure, as always, but is ignored anyway.
Around 20 minutes later
At the Bone-Eaters well
Once reached to the magical well, I spot some familiar figures gathering next to it. Huh? Isn't that Kagome and Inuyasha?
I get down from Ah-Un and call her. "Kagome-chan?"
Notice my voice, Kagome spins around to find where I am. Her eyes widened by the sight of the man next to me. "Sesshomaru?!"
In instant, Inuyasha pushes Kagome behind him and draws out his sword. "Sesshomaru?! Why is he here- "
"- Is none of your business. Inuyasha." Sesshomaru cuts him off, somehow I can feel the mockery in his tone.
Not having the time to waste watching pointless brother's fight, I get in between them. "Calm down, Sesshomaru is only here because I asked him to lead me back. That's all"
"Shut up! You are also on his side, who knows what you two are planning?!" However, Inuyasha's too stubborn to listen and points his sword at me instead. Of course, he earns an "Osuwari!" from Kagome for his rude action.
"Senpai, Are you also going back to prepare for the exams?" Kagome then mentions about the important matter and I gasp. "Oh yeah! If I remember correctly they will be next week"
"I see... mine will start tomorrow morning." She sighs.
Suddenly A monk, who seems to be tagging along with Inuyasha and carries a Shakujou in his hand, leaves the nearby group and walks up to where I'm standing. Grabbing me by the hands before I can even react. "Hello there, pretty miss. Would you like to-Gyah!"
The strange guy is interrupted by a whip coming straight at him from nowehere. Luckily he's fast enough to dodge it within a mere second. "T-that was close"
Having missed his target, Sesshomaru frowns. "Tch..."
"Eh?" And I just stand there dumbfounded, not sure what just have happened. Would I like to what?
A lady in a ninja look-alike suit with her hair tied up into a high ponytail, shakes her head in disappointment. While Inuyasha and a brown hair kid with a fluffy tail at his back give him an unamused look. "Idiot"
Strange, they don't even seem to bother to help the guy from almost being killed.
Different from others expressions, Kagome blinks in surprise due to the unexpected turn of event. Hmm...That's the first time I see Sesshomaru acts like that. There isn't something between them, is there?
Kagome claps her hands to draw everyone's attention and begin the greetings. "Alright everyone, let me introduce to you a friend of mine from the modern world. Her name is..uh... S-Sora"
The girl flutters at my part and I flinch, feared that she almost revealing my real name. "She's two years older than me and we used to study under the same school. So technically she's my senpai."
I learn that the weird monk just now is Miroku, a good person but really love to mess around. Sango, the lady in suit who is a demon slayer and wields a giant boomerang, having this cute little two-tailed cat Kirara as her pet/companion. Then there is Shippou, a young and bright Kitsune in practice (Kitsune: Fox demon)
"And last but not least is Inuyasha. I guess there's no need for introduction since you two have already met from before." Kagome shifts her head back to the Hanyou and I extend my hand to greet him. "We meet again."
But he just scoffs and turns away, "Cheh!"
Yes, very friendly indeed. I can't help but wonder if this guy just simply doesn't like me or the grumpy, rude attitude has been running through their family. Especially the older brother. (It could be both)
Right, talk about the older brother. I turn to the silver haired man standing nearby. "Sesshomaru-sama, you can go back now. I can handle things from here"
Hearing so, he responds with a "Hn" before flying off the area with Ah-Un by his side. Now that I think about it, he didn't leave right away after I had reached here, not until I told him to. Was he actually worried about me?
Nah, that's impossible. I shake my head and almost laugh at my (probably most) stupid idea. I'm just thinking too much.
"So senpai. What are you going to do once you get back?" Kagome asks and I tilt my head, deeply in thought. "Hmm… Probably take a bit of rest and start working on my upcoming exams...Since I've been absent from school for a while, there is going to be a lot of things to take care of"
"Wow, you don't seem to be worried at all!" Her jaw drops when she hears about my plan.
"Well it's not like doing that will solve anything. Since it will only bring me more stress for worrying too much." I shrugs, giggling.
Now that remind me, she did mention about her exam coming up tomorrow morning, that is really close. "What about you, Kagome? Do you have any problem with your study progress?"
As expected, the girl sighs again. "Well everything is fine except Math and English... I never like those subjects"
"Hm… I can understand your feeling as I too, not really fond of math itself." I nods in understanding and Kagome speaks up excitedly. As if she has finally found a long lost companion. "Really, Senpai?! Even you having difficulties with it?!"
"Yup. My math scores are always the lowest comparing to other subjects."
"I know right?! They are too complicated for no reasons with all those formula and stuff!"
"Does anyone have a clue of what they're saying?" Shippou asks, having no idea of what the girls are talking about and the others are also sharing the same fate. "Nope"
But they continue watching Kagome and her senpai conversation till the end anyway. Since they have nothing else better to do.
"Say, senpai. What was your math score in final exam when you was at my grade?" Kagome then shifts her attention to my score and I answer bluntly. "90"
Suddenly she expression freezes and she starts fluttering. "B-But you said your math test was the lowest, does that mean the others are…"
Being completely insensitive like I always be, I grin brightly. "Yes. They're all marked 100."
Hearing so, Kagome looks like she's about to collapse on her knees. But still manage to stand on her feet before asking me another question. "W-what about your latest exam's result…?"
"Oi…" Standing behind us, Inuyasha tries to stop the girl. Somewhat figured out half of what their conversation is about.
But it's already too late cause I have opened my mouth to speak. "Well everything else was 100. Except math…"
"Which was…?" Kagome leans closer to me.
Still trying to figuring out the number, I murmur. "Uh...9...?"
With just that her spirit suddenly boosted up "9?!" before they're doomed into oblivion once she hears my final answer. "9..2...? Around 92 I think? Yeah 92."
"Whooshh…" A cool breeze blows at Kagome as she smiles painfully. Tears begin to rolls down from both of her cheeks.
Knowing this would bound to happen, Inuyasha crosses his arms and shoots her a bored look. "You know, you should have stopped asking when you still had some pride left."
The dense me finally realize the true meaning behind her questions and I quickly apologize. "Oh no, I'm so sorry Kagome-chan."
"No…It's alright, senpai...It's not your fault." The girl denies, still, her face is as pale as a corpse.
"Yeah, it can't be her fault that you're suck at studying, right?" Another person with no capable of reading other's thinking/feeling chuckles.
"And whose fault would that be?!" The angered Kagome yells. Her voice's so loud and scary that it causes the guy jumps in fear. Notice the tension is rising up high to the cloud, I try to calm the two down but failed miserably. "Uhm... Guys?"
"If you weren't there in the first place I would have been able to study properly!"
"Hey! Don't you lay that on me! It was obviously your fault from the beginning for lacking of concentration!"
"H-how could you say that?!"
"W-Wait...!"
"You are such a jerk! You idiot! Osuwari!"
"Bwegh!" At result, Inuyasha becomes the one to suffer the most by kissing the hard ground multiple times as the chanting keeps going on and on without any sight of ending...
From afar, Shippou sighs at the overly familiar scene. "Didn't you say you have something really important to take care of at home?"
Miroku shrugs in defeat, "I think Kagome-chan has already forgotten about it."
Sango shakes her head, "Somehow I'm not really surprised."
"Hey, Kagome-chan. Listen, I have an idea" Suddenly a brilliant thought crosses my mind and I try to draw her attention. Only until then, Kagome stops punishing Inuyasha and shifts her head to me. "Yes, senpai?"
"I know it won't be much but…How about we study for exam together? Maybe I will be able to help you with some pro-" I offer her a group study. And before my sentence is even finished. Kagome has jumped in front of me and grabs my hands tightly, almost crying. "Really, senpai?! Thank you. Thank you. Thank you!"
Now that Kagome has agreed, I appoint the time and place. "Y-yeah. I will come to your house around 8 P.M, will that be alright?"
"Yes, totally!" The girl just nods at everything coming out of my mouth.
My eyes shift back to Inuyasha, who is lying under the ground and seems to be in too much pain to even move. To think that Osuwari chanting thing could do this much to a half youkai. I guess it's really not something to be easily underestimated. Damn, perhaps the guy could have been killed if he's human...
Once returning home, I was greeted by a long and tight hug from mom along with a bunch of questions, which mostly were about my health and the journey that I had went. Though she looked a sad when hearing that I still hadn't gain any information about my power and needed to leave again in two days.
And while I'm gone, mom had informed the teacher about my awful flu, which causing me to unable to leave my bed for days. Not forgetting to ask the others not to pay me a visit as this sickness is infectious. As bad as it might sound, the excuse had actually worked miraculously.
Also I decided to hide her about the world behind the Bone-Eaters well, along with Sesshomaru's group and the life-threatening incidents. Since they would probably gave her a heart attack and I would be banned from leaving home for the rest of my life...
In the evening
8 P.M
Kagome's bedroom
Kagome has set a small round table in the middle of her room for us to study on the floor since her desk won't be enough for two. There we have prepared books and notebooks, along with hot coffee to go through the night. And then there's Inuyasha, who has settled himself on her bed from the beginning yet never sits still.
"I can understand why Inuyasha is with us but…" I say, glaring at an uninvited guess standing beside Kagome's bedroom window. "What are you doing here, Sesshomaru-sama?!"
Sesshomaru, who has forced his way into Kagome's house at the same time as I do, ignores me and continues watching the scenery outside as if nothing has happened. Just how the hell did he know about my study group plan to begin with?!
Beside, shouldn't this lord be having anything else better to do than sitting in one place and wasting his precious time when he's always acting so busy?
And if Sesshomaru came here to fight with Inuyasha, he should have done so ages ago instead of exchanging glares with his brother from time to time like having an unrequited love. Or... He didn't come all the way here just to mess my studying up, did he? Just what exactly does he gain by doing so anyway.
Annoyed by his attitude, I slam my hands onto the table and try to find a reason for him to leave. "What about Rin? Are you going to leave her all alone?"
Of course, Rin would be the best bait. But then my eyes widened at his unbelievably calm response. "She's safe with Jaken"
But I'm not fine at all! I curse inside and drop onto the floor helplessly. To think that I could have some peaceful time to study with Kagome. At this rate these guys are going to ruin it!
Still, I'm not going to give up that easily. "Why don't you go back, Sesshomaru-sama? I believe there are still many matters there for you to look after."
He ignores me again and looks away, refusing to move a single inch. Why you…!
"Heh! Maybe he's here waiting for me to chop off his other arm too" Then Inuyasha's words immediately draws my attention.
Too? Does that mean Inuyasha was the one who did that to Sesshomaru's left arm?
Not getting worked up easily like his brother, Sesshomaru's smirks. "Didn't you think too highly of yourself, little brother?"
Instantly ticked off just by a tiny mocking, Inuyasha stands up from Kagome's bed and scrolls up his sleeves. "What was that?! You wanna fight, you bastard?!"
"Stop it, you guys! Can't you see we're busy here?!" Can no longer hold back, Kagome shouts at them. Yet the intense between them remains the same (or even worse) when their piercing eyes never leave each other. And the girl sighs. "Senpai, please say something"
"Like he will ever listen." I say, not even bother to spare a glance at those two.
Now that I think about it, Kouga did mention that Sesshomaru's not a half-youkai, could it be that they're not sharing the same mother? Is that why their relationship turn this bad?
"If you excuse us for a bit." After a short moment thinking, I drag Kagome out of the room and close the door.
"What is it, Senpai?" Confused, she asks.
"How about we ditch them and find another place to study? Somewhere like Wacdnalds maybe?" Leaning against her bedroom's door, I suggest many other options but the girl refuses them all. "Uhm I don't think that will work...You know they can find us in any minute, right?"
Damn it! I completely forgot about their sharp noses!
"Beside it may cause a fuss if other people see them. Not to mention about their bad attitudes. As for Inuyasha, I can manage but Sesshomaru. who knows what he will do." Kagome explains.
I understand what she meant but if we don't do something about this. There will be no exam for us. "But there have got to be a way to-" Therefore I resists, but get cut off by a loud crash coming from Kagome's room. "What the heck?!"
Quickly, we barge inside and find that her room has already become a total mess. While the other two main characters with a not-so-happy expression on their faces, have drawn out their sword and pointing them at each other. Horrified by the scene, Kagome screams. "My room!"
Girl, your room will be the least thing to worry about if we don't stop those crazy brothers..
"If you two want to fight then fight somewhere else! But leave my room alone!" Kagome's yell turns me dumbfounded. "Wait what...?"
Surprisingly those two actually oblige and jump out of the window. Yet they pick her yard to be their next fighting arena and my face turns even darker. That's not any better either! At this rate they're going to wipe off the whole shrine!
I turn to Kagome, hoping that she's planning something to stop the guys but it seems like the girl's too busy picking up her books to care. "My books…"
Cannot wasting more time, I drag Kagome out of her room despite her unwillingness and head to the front yard. "Snap out of it! We're having something more important to deal with right now!"
"Nee-chan, what happened?" Sota peeks out of his room due to the loud sound as we run pass him. "I-it's nothing! Go back to your room!"
Higurashi house's front yard
Once we've reached there, Sesshomaru and Inuyasha have already in a middle of the fight. Fortunately enough for us, they're mostly doing normal attacks and everything is still intact.
"Kaze no…" My heart skips a beat by a loud call from Inyasha as he leaps into the air with his giant sword And thanks to Kagome's quick thinking, she chant the word and he immediately gets back onto the ground.
Hurt and annoyed, he yells. "What was that for?!"
"We have rules here! No special moves or anything that will summon energy waves!" The girl gives him an X signal with her arms and Sesshomaru smirks at his advantage. Before we know it, he has changed his stand position and aura can be seen surrounding his sword.
Wait, I notice that stance! My eyes widened at the fearful deja vu. Leaving with no choice, I rush into the fight and stand before Inuyasha. Much to everyone's surprise.
Soon I hear Kagome's gasp. "Senpai?!"
Inuyasha's yell. "Hey! What are you doing?!"
And Sesshomaru's deadly order. "Stand aside"
"Y-you heard what Kagome-chan said, you can't use special moves here! If you're insist doing so then I-I will have to stop you no matter what...!" Gaining all my courage, I talk back to him and almost choking my own breath. Arms and legs are about to give up but I have to remain standing.
Still receiving no response but a deadly glare from the guy, I shut my eyes tightly to hope for the best. I know this is going to hurt a lot. But it's still better than having Kagome's house being destroyed.
Meanwhile Iuyasha and Kagome have noticed an abnormal hesitation from Sesshomaru. "Huh? He's not moving?"
And after a seems to be long moment, he finally loosens his grip on the sword and the aura has also disappeared, much to my joy. Thanks god it worked! My face brightens up and I rush over to Kagome's spot, relieved to know that he's no longer trying to summon any giant energy waves.
Kagome too, sighs in relief to see that I'm still intact "Senpai, that was really dangerous. What will happen if Sesshomaru wield his sword at you?"
"I just have to try." I scratch the back of my head awkwardly. "Well it's not like I can die anyway. It's still better than watching your whole house being wiped out by him."
Since it was me who suggest about this whole group study things and lead everyone into this mess to begin with. There's no way I'm letting Kagome suffers without doing anything.
Wow...Senpai sure is something. Kagome sweat dropped and we continue keeping the two brothers in check, at least until they finish their fight.
Only after they're done and results in a draw, I finally remember something really important. Wait! What the heck are we doing out here?! Aren't we suppose to be studying right now?
"K-kagome-chan? W-what time is it now…?" I murmur, starting to have a bad feeling.
"Huh? It's 11 P.M, why?" Kagome answers, seems to be absolutely calm and oblivious. Until she stares at her watches again and finally realizes what I am trying to say. "Ah!"
I sigh in defeat, "This is going to be a long night, isn't it..."
"Well let's look at the bright side…At least we still have some time to review some lessons before the exams. It's better than nothing right?" Incredible, Kagome sill manages to stay positive till the very end.
I nod, my voice somewhat trails off. "Well if you say so..."
But sadly, things didn't work out well in the end for Kagome due to lacking of study materials. (Apparently more than half of Kagome's books and notebooks were badly/completely damaged by some you-know-who guys)