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ABC Thought

CHAPTER 14

Next morning

Shiomi and her family members are having their casual breakfast, at the dining table,

Megumi, who has been stalking me ever since I returned home yesterday, persisting in asking me how the *date* went "So, how was your date? Was it fun? Have you two kissed yet?"

Despite what she receive would only my same old question "How many times do I have to tell you, sister. That wasn't a date!" And kissing?! Are you crazy?

However, she's too stubborn to believe in my words and whacks me by my shoulder. Causing me to almost drop the plate. "Stop pretending, I know you two have something for each other!"

Getting annoyed, I strongly protest to point out the situation clearly "I told you we weren't dating. There is nothing between us!"

Fortunately enough, Megumi finally gives in "What? You mean that was just only friends hanging out? Jeeze, how boring" Therefore, she pouts and I nod in confirmation. But then it's my mom turn to suggest that it's not a bad idea to go along "I think Tatsuya is a good kid. Why don't you give him a chance?"

"But mom, I don't think of him that way." Giving up, I let out a sigh then get off from my seat, finding a way to escape before the subject's getting worse. "Anyway, I have to go back to my room and start packing. I'm getting late"

Just then Megumi tugs my shirt and stops me from leaving "Oh yeah, Shiomi. Can I borrow one of your coats?"

No! Anything but my precious coats! "Eh? Again? You haven't given me back the other ones I lent you!"

"Please, pretty please? I promise I will return all of them after today" And once again, I've lost against her pitiful pleading's face and voice. Seriously, why is she so good at acting. Perhaps she should have considered studying to become an actress instead of a doctor/

"You better be, onee-chan. This isn't the first time you promised me that."

Hearing my answer, Megumi jumps in joy and hugs me "Yay! Thank you! My little sister is the best!" a

"Sure, sure. Now let go of me already." I struggle to breath within her strong grip.

Once reaching to my room's door, I turn the doorknob and to step inside. However the moment the door is opened, I immediately shut it "Slam!" then back away and startled my sister.

"What the heck? What's wrong? Why didn't you go in?" Megumi asks when seeing me standing against the door, preventing her from going in.

"Uhm…uh…O-on a s-second thought, how about I bring the coat to your room later?"

"What are you talking about?! I have to get in there and pick, you don't even know which one I want!" However, she declines my offer instantly.

Yet I still refuse to move, "T-then describe what it's like? And I will get it for you!"

Some seconds later of struggling between the two sisters, Megumi successfully pushes herself through the door by force "Jeeze, what's with you all of the sudden! What are you trying to hide in there, huh?!"

Can no longer stop her, I can only watch my sister steps inside helplessly. "W-wait! Onee-chan!"

Just as I've expected, Megumi pauses as her eyes staring at some strange silver haired dude, who is standing in the middle of my room, in a funny costume and even carrying two swords at his hip. Then she frowns at the sight of a giant fur ball on his right shoulder. "Can you explain to me why there's a cosplayer in your room? Little sister?"

I rush over to Sesshomaru's side to cover him "Well..Uh…Y-you see, he is uhm…A friend! Yeah, a friend of mine! His name is Sesshomaru"

Quickly, I introduce my sister to the lord. Just in case that if she ever annoys him, hopefully he will consider us being siblings to show some mercy "Sesshomaru, this is my onee-chan, Megumi"

Seriously what is he even thinking, coming to my room in the middle of the day like that?!

*Flash back*

30 minutes ago

At the Bone-Eaters well

"Onee-chan sure is taking long" Rin peeks inside the well, waiting for a familiar figure to appear.

"This stupid girl! This is the second time we have to wait!" Jaken's getting more and more impatient. Seeing that Sesshomaru approaches the well's edge and keeps staring at it, he follows him from behind curiously. "Sesshomaru-sama? Are you going to get her?"

However, the lord doesn't respond and jumps right in before he can even react. "Ah! Sesshomaru-sama, wait for me!"

Without hesitation, Jaken pushes himself up to the well's entrance and follows after, hoping to catch Sesshomaru's Mokomoko (I will call it Mokomoko from now on since fluffy white fur is too long)

Unfortunately for Jaken that he misses his lord just by an inch as Sesshomaru vanishes into thin air. While the servant ends up falling flat on his face. "Bwegh!"

And from above Rin shouts out to him "Jaken-sama! Are you okay?!" seeing that the small youkai's lying on his stomach at the bottom of the well. Groaning in pain, the servant can only cries for his lord helplessly "Sesshomaru-sama…"

*End Flash back*

"Why are you here?!" I whisper to Sesshomaru and his reply greatly surprises me "You are late"

Could it be that he come all the way here just to pick me up? Wait, but that's not what important right now!

"Sesshomaru? Why haven't I ever heard of him from you before. Beside, isn't your *friend* a little bit rude, not even introducing himself nor saying hi. Just standing there idling like that." Megumi crosses her arms while questioning me.

Feeling her intense gaze burning through my skin, I awkwardly dart my eyes away. "Well..I was about to many times before…But I keep forgetting"

Hmm...Why did she have to hide about him from us? Could it be that they're in some kind of secret relationship…? As expected, Megumi's getting even more suspicious.

And I have no choice but to find an excuse as fast as possible "You see... My friend doesn't talk much, he's a little shy! But he's definitely not a bad person, trust me"

Yet she doesn't look even a bit convinced and stares at Sesshomaru from head to toes. Was it because of him that she refused Tatsuya? This Sesshomaru guy indeed has a good face but still. There's no way I'm letting Shiomi throw herself to a weirdo!

"What nonsense-" As Sesshomaru's about to say something, I quickly gesture him to stay quiet. Much to his annoyance. "Shhh, just play along with me for a bit! Please?"

Fortunately after listening to my plead, the guy actually stands still remains silent. Good, at least he still know how to act.

Only to make thing worse, Megumi raises her eyebrow suspiciously while throwing more arrows at us. "Too shy that he has to sneak up into your room in the middle of the day? Are you sure that he's normal in the head?"

Goddammit sister, Are you trying to kill all of us or what?!

Suddenly sense a killing aura behind me, I gulp. Fearing for our lives, my heart races to the point almost jumps out of my chest and I have to hold back the urge to burst in to tears, not even dare to turn around.

Completely different from my reaction however, Megumi just smirks and continue mocking Sesshomaru. Causing his frown to intensify. "What? I hit the bull eyes?"

Their glares burn so much that electricity begins to spark out and crashes each other. While me, staying in between the two monsters, can only suffer in silent. If I don't do something fast we're all gonna die!

Now that finally remember why we are here in the first place, I call Megumi to gain her attention "Onee-chan! Didn't you say you want to borrow my coat? Hurry up and take one so I can leave!"

Luckily, Megumi still know what her priority is as she claps her hands "What? Oh right! Fine, since I too have to go soon. We will deal with this matter later"

After she's done with getting her coat, I shoo her away. "Have fun with your date!"

Peace has finally brought back to my life the moment I shut the door "Jeeze, finally gone." Wiping the sweat off my forehead, I begin to pack up. While Sesshomaru remains still on his feet, watching me by running around the room to collect stuff like a headless chicken. Once finished, I check my schoolbag one last time and walk over to the Sesshomaru.

However before we can jump out of the window, I realize something really important. Not good, we definitely can't fly our way to the well... And that means we will have to walk our way through the front door. Which isn't a good idea either because the dining room, where mom's at right now, is just next to it.

Even so, there's no other way around! Guess we have no choice but to take the risk! Once settled, I grab his hand and drag Seshomaru, despite his irritation of sudden human's contact, out of my room and down the stairs. Toward the front door as fast as possible while praying that my mom won't notice us.

However, it obviously doesn't work "Shiomi?" as my mom has already seen Sesshomaru at the corner of her eyes. Curious by the sight of a strange man in her house, she asks. "Who is there with you?"

I flinch in shock for being called by my real name out of the blue "Gyah!" Oh crap, Sesshomaru must have heard that too...

Then my mom approaches us then stares at the silver haired man in front of her from head to toes. Hmm…His look sure is different. Is this one of the youth's new trends?

Sensed the dangerous curiosity in her eyes, I quickly introduce him and not forgetting to let go of his hand. "Uhm mom? This guy is my travel companion and also a friend. His name is Sesshomaru, he came here to pick me up."

Having learnt that Sesshomaru's my *friend*, she smiles and extends her hand to greet him. "Oh I see, how nice of you. Hello, I am Shiomi's mother. Thank you for taking care of my daughter within these weeks, I'm really appreciated"

Much to my terror, she repeats my name again while Sesshomaru just stares at my mom's hand without greeting back. Being left hanging, my mom whispers to me in confusion. "Oh my, did I say something wrong?"

I shake my head, trying to find another excuse to cover him up. "N-No of course not! He's just shy, that's all. Don't worry about it!"

"Oh is that so. Ho ho, How cute!" Once hearing that, my mom giggles and pats his arm gently. Finding this handsome fellow interesting and even acts very friendly toward him.

I, on the other hand, just want to find a pit to jump down hiding because of their unexpected/unwanted greetings. Taking a peek at Sesshomaru's face, I can clearly see that he is trying hard to hold back the urge to slash someone with his nails. That's it, he's going to kill me for sure when we get back...

In order to save everyone's life, I jump in between them to stop my mom from making the situation worse. "By the way mom, what did you call me for?"

"Right! It's because of this" She claps her hand in realization then hands me a brand new white box.

I open and take a look inside "Chocolate? Wow, they look delicious!" (Around 25 pieces of chocolate) Needless to say, I'm completely awed by the beautiful sight of my favorite treat and hug her in joy. It's been ages since I've eaten any of them. "Thank you mom! You're the best!"

"Have a safe trip okay?" She caresses my head and I nod, drowning too deep within her gentle touch against my hair that almost forgetting about Sesshomaru's still here waiting for me.

"Okay, we have to leave now. See you later, mom" I quickly let go of her and drag Sesshomaru away. But as soon as we reach to the garden, Mina rushes over to us and jumps at me. Her push is so strong that it nearly make me fall backward. "Wah, Mina! calm down"

"Sorry but I can't play with you today either" I pat Mina's head to ease her but different from my expectation to see it yelping and whining about my departure like she always does. The girl just gets off me as if nothing has happened and circles around Sesshomaru, waving her tail at him excitedly. For a moment I thought I saw heart shapes in her eyes.

How odd, Isn't she always aware of strangers? Now that reminds me, isn't Sesshomaru an Inu youkai…? My jaw drops in sudden realization… C-Could it be that…?!

Figuring out what she's having on her mind. I pull the guy away from Mina, much to her distress "Mina be good, we're leaving!"

Not letting her crush escape that easily, she follows us straight up to the gate and not showing any sight of giving up until I ask the guard to hold her back. Goodness me, talk about obsession.

Somehow with all the dragging here and there, Sesshomaru doesn't seem to mind about it. Or perhaps the guy just having a really high tolerance to something similar to this. Considering how he has been keeping Rin beside him for god knows how long already. Though it's still hard to believe that he's willing to follow me around without having at least a single complain.

As soon as getting out of the main gate and making sure that the situation is safe (for her mostly) Sesshomaru then picks Shiomi up and flies off.

When gliding on the sky, none of us speaks a word and the atmosphere turns quite awkward. Even though knowing that it's normal for him to stay this quiet yet for some reasons, I find this situation kind of uncomfortable. Watching the scene of the city below, I try to find an interesting topic to say.

However before I can even to break the silence, Sesshomaru has beat me to it "Shiomi?" though it's only my name comes out of his lips that makes me blink in surprise "Huh?"

After so many things have happened and all he cares about is my name? "Y-yes! That's how I am called in this world"

His amber eyes shift to me suspiciously and I quickly explain to cease the up-coming fire "B-but you still can call me Sora! They both are my real names! Though you are free to choose whichever to address me!"

However as sharp as he's always be, of course the guy would not buying it. Figuring out that can no longer hide from him, I finally give in "Alright, alright I lied. Sora is a fake name that I created from the beginning… It's because lacking of trust between us and thinking that I wouldn't be coming with you guys this far…"

"Up till now…I really do want to tell everyone the truth but I just can't bring myself to, afraid that you would no longer letting me tag along." After revealing everything, I cover my face in shame. "There I said it! If you're still angry then just drop me from here or slash me with your sword, or whatever that float your boat!"

Surprisingly, all he responds is a "Hn" and remains keeping me firmly in his arm. Once reach to the Bone-Eaters well, Sesshomaru let me down for me to walk on my own. Though his face is still as cold as ever, sometimes I really hate him doing that face. It's so difficult to read what he's actually thinking in that complicated head of his.

At the other side of Bone-Eaters well

Rin greets us "Sesshomaru-sama, Onee-chan, welcome back!" as hers, together with Jaken's heads pop out of the well's entrance from above.

I wave at them "I'm back" then climb up the high wall by tugging on the long vine while Sesshomaru just gently flies out of it.

And the moment Jaken sees my face, he starts to nag. "How many more times do we have to wait for you huh?!" as he points his staff at my direction.

"What happened, onee-chan?" Curious about our late arrival, Rin asks me and I flutter. "Well… I overslept?"

Nope, I definitely cannot tell them what happened back at my home. (Actually she did oversleep)

Instantly angered by my answer, Jaken yells and stomps his feet on the ground. "What?!"

Though before another annoying scolding can happen, Sesshomaru has stopped him. "We're going"

"R-right, Sesshomaru-sama!" Hearing his order, the servant rushes to his lord and completely ignores my presence. Then I hold Rin hand and we quickly follow them into the forest. "Let's us go too"

A couple of hours later

Within the forest

Like usual, Sesshomaru has gone off somewhere on his own and leave us behind in Jaken's care.

Now that we don't need to move anymore and have plenty of free time, I take out a box of crayon with a blank sketchbook from my schoolbag and hand them to Rin. "Here, I have something for you"

The girl stares at the strange objects curiously for a while before accepting them. Obviously the colorful looking things aren't food as they don't taste or smell like one. "What are these for, onee-chan?"

"These are called crayons. Let me show you how to use it." I explain, picking up the red crayon inside the box and open up the sketchbook to draw a simple flower on it. And the moment the sketch is done, Rin's eyes start to sparkle and shows lots of interested in these magical pencil from the future "Wah! It looks so nice! I want to try too!"

Can no longer holding back my smile from watching her excited face, I pass her the book and the girl immediately picking various of crayons and start drawing multiple things at once. Once she's done with once picture, I ask the girl about her confusing drawing. "Huh? Is this a frog?"

It includes two giant black dots inside a big green circle. But why does it have multiples of long tangled lines at top and bottom of its face?

After hearing my question, Rin giggles. "It's not a frog! This is Jaken-sama!"

Okay, now that explains why this *frog* have wrinkles on its face. Then Rin proceed drawing his body and somehow this version of Jaken is pretty messed up. Can no longer holding back, I burst out laughing cause of how ridiculous it looks. "Pfft…" Seriously, I swear he looks exactly like a mutated chicken.

Getting thirsty from all the playing around, I search for a bottle of water in my backpack and notice my mom's chocolate box from earlier. Oh yeah! I almost forgot about these!

Taking out the box, I put it down next to Rin while she's still busy drawing. The second it's opened, the sweet scent of chocolate instantly gains the girl's attention as she stops and takes a peek inside. "Are those candies, onee-chan?"

"They are chocolate. Take one, it's really good." I give her a piece and the girl takes a huge bite into with no caution. "Wow! Yummy!"

Then it's my turn to enjoy the treat as I put another piece in my mouth and chew, feeling the delicious chocolate slowly melts on my tongue. "I know right!"

And so we go back drawing more stuff, laughing nonstop at our ridiculous pictures while enjoying the sweet. Meanwhile, Jaken's sitting with Ah-Un not too far away and starts groaning "Urg, how noisy"

Despite having offered him some chocolate, he refuses them saying that peasant human food doesn't suit him.

Around 30 minutes later

Hmm? Why is it so quiet? Usually Jaken would really appreciate to have some of these rare peaceful moments in his life time. However, this kind of silence somehow is giving him an odd feeling. Curious, Jaken takes a peek at the two human girls who are sitting with their back facing against him. And for some reasons they aren't moving. These girls! What kind of mischief are they planning now?

Jaken then approaches them from behind and pokes Shiomi's back with his staff. "Hey, what's with you two?!"

Yet only to earn a glare from the girl. "Huh? What was that?"

And fearlessness/arrogant in her tone irritates him even more. "I asked what was wrong! Are you deaf?!"

Suddenly being insulted, Shiomi spins back so fast that almost makes him jump in surprise, "Who are you calling deaf… Huh?! You lousy kappa?!"

"W-wha?!" Jaken's taken aback by her sudden outburst for a moment but instantly gets back onto his feet and yells back. "How dare you! You imbecile little human! Who are you calling lousy?!"

Entirely different from his expectation that the girl would shut up and stays obedient, Shiomi remains being stubborn and even sticks out her tongue to challenge him. "Obviously you...Ugly!"

"T-this girl! Do you wish to die?!" Obviously can no longer holding back his anger, Jakens holds up his staff and attempts to whack some sense back to her head. Until he notices something unusual about her face. "Wait, why is your face so red? Are you drunk?"

Especially her breath, it smells like some nasty alcohol. And before the little servant can say something else, Shiomi has shoved him flying away. "Don't be ridiculous! I'm not drunk!" Yet she is trying hard to stand up multiples time and still stumbling here and there.

Starting to get panic, Jaken immediately turns to Rin and sees that she's also sharing the same fate as hers. Though the only thing different, which is a bit better, is that the little girl is much less aggressive.

Rin points at him and giggles like a maniac. "Hiccup! Hee hee…Jaken-sama's face is funny"

For god's sake, these girls seriously don't know how to stop when it's coming to causing troubles. "Just what do you two think you are doing, huh?! Drinking wine in the middle of the day like that?! The nerve! Sesshomaru-sama is going to eliminate you all when he returns!"

"Then before that can happen…" Suddenly Shiomi smirks mysteriously and crawls toward him. There's something different about her aura that makes him back away in fear. "Wha, wha-?! What are you trying to do?!"

Jaken screams for his life to the point losing his voice as the girl launches at him like a hungry predator. "...Gyahh!"

15 minutes pass

Sesshomaru finally returns from his personal business and notices that their resting spot has now turned into a mess. Shiomi is grinning while holding Jaken down with her arms, drawing something on his face while Rin's waving the two-head staff around and chanting Nintoujou all over, laughing like a maniac. At his spot he can even smells the alcohol coming all over from their bodies. The scene and scent are so ridiculous when mixed together that it makes him frown.

"S-Sesshomaru-sama!" Once seeing his savior from afar, Jaken squeezes his way out of Shiomi's grip and rushes over to to his lord's side for help. Thinking that Sesshomaru will at least showing some pity toward him for his hard work to keep the monsters in check.

However, all he receives is a cold look from him. "Jaken, explain."

He demands as his eyes shift from the servant whose face is now covered with colorful drawing to Ah-Un, which is sitting near Rin, sharing the same fate but worse since its whole body has been covered up with colors.

And before Jaken can make his report, "U-uhm, Sesshomaru-sama you see…" Shiomi's voice from behind has instantly stopped him "Hey! Where are you going?! I haven't finished!"

Terrified for what is about to come, Jaken quickly hides behind Sesshomaru's legs to shield himself and points at the criminal, shaking horribly. "I-It's her, Sesshomaru-sama! Everything was her fault!"

As Shiomi attempts to seize Jaken, Sesshomaru has stopped her by grabbing the girl by her left wrist to hold it up. "Stop this ridiculous act." He orders and Shiomi struggles, trying to yank her hand back from his strong grip. "Who are you to ordering me around?! Let go!"

Despite the youkai's deadly glare, she still kicks him at his legs and scratches his hand multiple times with all her strength to get free yet the guy doesn't even budge. Though even Jaken has to admit that it's already a miracle for Shiomi to not have Sesshomaru finish her right off the bat with all of the messing around.

And after the while, the drunk girl finally calms down but then she stares at him straight in the eyes "Fine, if you're that stubborn…Then prepare to suffer from my Divine Punishment!" While declaring with full confident.

Somewhat getting an uneasy feeling about that warning and her sudden change in tone, Jaken pops his head out to take a look "What!? What are you planning you-" and before he can even see what is going on, Shiomi has gotten close to Sesshomaru and fling her right arm around his neck. Not missing any beat, Shiomi jumps up and kisses him right on his lips.

Having entirely taken aback by the contact, Sesshomaru's eyes widened as he can clearly sees her lips brushes softly against his, and immediately loosen his grip on her hand. While Jaken watches them from below, jaw dropped straight down to the ground and face turns pale from the shock that almost collapses on his spot. On the other hand, Rin's awed by the impossible scene in front of her then starts to giggle "Wah~"

At that very frightening moment, time has seemed to be stopped flowing and every other living object turned solid frozen...

It's not until 3 seconds, that last like an enternity, later that Shiomi finally let go of him and grins mischievously "How was that huh! Scared of me yet?!"

Much to Jaken's horror, you can say that his face looks like he's about to cry a river "You…! You…What have you done to Sesshomaru-sama, you wench?!"

Being insulted once again, Shiomi turns to the little servant but this time what make it scarier is that, her eyes are shining up like a cat in midnight. "Who are you calling wench?! Do you want to be punished?!"

Before any abominate action can go any further, Jaken quickly makes a run for his life. Yet ended up tripping on his own feet and fall flat on his face. Having no other choice, he warns her with his staff while crawling away from the monster "I-I'm going to kill you if you get any closer!"

As if it's going to stop her when she keeps getting closer and closer "Behold! Divine-" However Shiomi is stopped once again by Sesshomaru, who has returned to his senses just in time to step in and cover Jaken.

Tired of getting interrupted multiples times, Shiomi groans and attempts to walks around Sesshomaru to avoid him "Step aside! I'm done with you already!" yet to trip over a tiny rock on the ground and immediately loses her balance "Ah!"

In a flash, Sesshomaru reaches out to catch her from falling. Though instead of continue causing more troubles, Shiomi just lies quietly into his arm and no longer moving. Finally receiving a positive result from her, Jaken sighs in relief and walks over to Shiomi to check. Only to see that her eyes are shut tight and even snoring. "Eh?! She's sleeping?!"

He then glances back to Rin's spot, only to find that the little girl has also fallen asleep on the grass next to Ah-Un. Having papers and crayons scattered around. With a sigh, Sesshomaru carries Shiomi over to where Rin is and gently places her down lying next to her. While Jaken picks up his staff on the ground and groans as their calmness. How can they sleep so peacefully after creating such chaos?!

Sesshomaru just stands there watching them sleep in silence, his face remains miraculously stoic like ever as if nothing has happened. Which surprise Jaken greatly, to think that his lord would have teared the girl into shred for that unforgivable action ages ago. Yet he didn't do so and even acted quite cool about it.

In the afternoon

Slowly gaining back my consciousness, I open my eyes and try to stand up yet having to struggle to move my heavy muscles for some unknown reasons. And not to mention that everything seems to be kind of fuzzy. Strange, since when have I fallen asleep without knowing?

While still deep in thought trying hard to recall what have happened, something stirs right beside me and I notice that Rin's lying next to me, soundly asleep. I did remember about the eating chocolate and drawing stuff with her part but what after was a total blank...

My eyes then shift to Jaken's spot, which is really far from us and once our eyes meet. He gives me an annoying "Hmph!" and turns away, much to my confusion. What's with him?

Then I turn to Sesshomaru, who is sitting against a big tree a couple feet away from Jaken, seeing that he's staring at my direction. Though there is something quite odd about him that I cannot describe. Somehow…his stare is …different? Just what exactly has happened earlier?

Moreover, How come I don't remember anything...? Figuring that squeezing my brain with a bunch of questions won't do any help. I decide get out of here to find some cold water to clear up my head.

And for some unknown reasons, Jaken flinches uncomfortably the moment I get on my feet and start moving. To think that even Jaken is acting cautious toward me. Guess I must have caused something very bizarre, haven't I...

After searching for a bit, I find a small stream running nearby and squat down next to it. Dipping my hands into the clear, cold water to wash my face. And only a second later, every single piece of missing memories from before suddenly come back all at once and hit me hard to the brain. That cursing chocolate and kissing...?…I kissed Sesshomaru?!

Collapsing on the floor while recalling back to that very fateful moment, my face turns pale in all kind of shades then become as red as a tomato from embarrassment. T-that can't be…! I cover my face as the crystal clear image is still vivid in my mind, trying not to scream or cry. It's all too late to explain now isn't it! Oh god, how am I suppose to face him now?!

Not to mention that it was my first kiss too! Just then I realize having lost something mentally important from the incident and die even faster inside. Seriously, can this day get any more worse?!

A couple of days later

In the morning

Within the next few days, to think that I had tried to act normal as much as possible by talking to them (Jaken and Rin mostly) like any original day. Yet it's already difficult enough to make a small chat with Jaken and maintaining an eye contact with Sesshomaru would have seemed to be an impossible task.

To make it worse, that haunting image would pop up in my head whenever I try to call him and things just ended up getting nowhere. It kept repeating like that all over and over till I eventually give up.

At result, it has become really awkward between me and Sesshomaru. Guess that I have to wait until everything is cooled down to even do anything...Well at least on the bright side, Jaken has stopped ignoring me and responds back to my persistent calls with multiple of yelling.

"Jaken, stay." Just then Sesshomaru's low voice instantly cut off all my thoughts.

Jaken nods, "At your command, Sesshomaru-sama" and we watch the lord floats off.

There he goes again. I sigh in defeat and find a place to take a seat.

After checking around and doesn't see the two-headed dragon, Rin asks. "Hmm… Ah-Un has disappeared again. I wonder where he went"

"Maybe he was hungry? Talk about hungry, do you want to get something to eat?" My head tilts in thinking.

"Sure!" Rin nods and calls out for Jaken, "Jaken-sama! We're going to grab some food, do you want to come?"

He then groans in despair and unwillingly following us. "Hmph! It's not like I have a choice."

Somehow I notice that he walks in a very slow pace on purpose to keep a long distance from me.

After spending a while to search around the area, I finally find something edible enough to eat and show Rin the raspberries in my palm. "Look what I've found!"

Much to my satisfaction, the little girl jumps in joy at the sight of sweet fruit. "Yay, berries!"

Though the only one who doesn't seem to be happy as much is Jaken "Are you two done?! Hurry up will ya?!"

Taking that as a hint from him getting impatient, I quickly collect more berries from the tree to finish the hunting "Alright, alright just one more minute. I'm almost done"

Just as I'm about to pack everything up however, there's a big rustle coming out of the bushes from where Jaken is sitting and we immediately spin around to check. Only to see a huge crimson Oni around 10 feets height (3 or 3.1meters), big horns on his head and carrying a huge wooden spike, glaring down at us.

"A-An Oni!" Its sudden appearance causes Jaken to jumps in terror and rushes to Rin to protect her.

While I, who is completely horrified by the giant figure in front of us, turning dead freeze on my spot. Trying hard to scream out loud to alert someone for help yet there is something is stuck inside my throat and prevents me from doing so. It's already difficult enough to remains balance when having my legs and arms shaking nonstop. I-I can't move my feet.

Having no other choice but to get in defense, I drop the berries in my hand and get hold onto the Naginata to face the giant.

Witnessing my weak attempt to save Rin, the Oni laughs out loud at how ridiculous it is "Hah hah! You think a little bug like you can harm me?!" then pointing at Rin and commands "Enough fooling around and hand me the child!"

Though it's quite obvious that the thing is going to abduct her anyway whether we agree to give her up or not...

Luckily, Jaken has jumped in between us to save the day "I won't let you take Rin!" gathering all of his courage, he holds up his staff to summon fire in order to burn it "Nintouj-" but to no avail as the Oni whacks Jaken by the side before he can do so and easily knocks him out cold "Bwegh!"

"Onee-chan…" Rin hides behind me and tugs my skirt, crying as I whisper to her "R-Run" and step up ahead.

Since my feet has given up to run, I guess the only way left is to move forward. Even though trembling in so much fear to the point getting difficult to breath for knowing that I will get hit and perhaps eaten alive in any moment, at least I need to make sure that Rin has to make out of here alive.

Annoyed when seeing that his food is getting away, the Oni whacks me from the side to send me flying out of its way and chase after the girl. "I have no interest in you. Outta my way!"

And what is coming has to come, my body slams hard onto one of the trees in the area due to his attack. The force is so strong that I can even hear the sound of my bones shattering into pieces. Flopping down onto the ground, I instantly cough out blood.

Fully aware that Rin's is still in danger, yet I cannot lift one single finger or toe no matter how much strength having put into. Soon the sharp, painful feeling of everything breaking apart inside takes over me and my consciousness fades within a heart beat "Urg…"

Notice that I'm down, Rin immediately abandons her escape to return to me but ended up getting caught by the Oni instead. "Kyah! Let me go!"

Finally catching its breakfast, the Oni brings Rin up to its face and licks its lips "…Such a delicious child, just my luck"

Then it opens its mouth wide full of sharp teeth and slowly putting her inside. Completely helpless seeing death is coming in front of her, Rin can only scream for her lord. Praying that he can hear her voice and comes to rescue them. "Sesshomaru-sama!"

However the Oni's delight moment doesn't last very long until someone has once again dared to interrupt its meal with an insult "Oi, fat ass"

Getting irritated for being called fat, the youkai shifts its head toward the sound's direction and sees that young girl who got hit from before has now miraculously recovered. To the point even standing up straight on her feet and walking fearlessly toward them.

Much to its surprise as the girl stops in front of it and smirks "Has anyone told you that it's rude to hit a woman?" Tapping the Naginata on her shoulder and glares at the Oni in the eyes.

Still refusing to let go of Rin, the youkai raises its eyebrow at her "What? You're alive?" And in a flash, She dashes forward to slash its leg off with ease "Oh? You think that little bi*** slap of yours would actually do any harm to me? Didn't you just think too highly of yourself?"

The way she moves her blade is so fast and clear that the Oni cannot even see to react in time "Eh?" It's not until a second later for the pain to kick ins and the giant roars, dropping Rin to the ground "M-My leg!"

Hurry to get back on her feet, Rin attemps to rush over to Shiomi's side but halts as soon as she notices something odd about her face. Huh? Why are her eyes red?

Ignoring the little girl, Shiomi jumps up on the air to dodge the Youkai's huge wooden spike. Seeing that the other arm of its has gotten redundant, she cut it off in one hit and watches The Oni cries.

Finally awaken by all the roars and cries, Jaken's jolts up from the unconsciousness and instantly crawls his way to where Rin is. His jaw drops the moment he looks into the air and finds that the person who is fighting against the giant right now is no one else but Shiomi, who he has been calling weak and useless all this time.

It was only a while ago that they were still trembling before the Oni and now she has already taken a leg and an arm from it "W-What's going on? What happened to her?!" Confused, he asks Rin. Still not believing in his own two eyes but the girl shakes her head in defeat. "I- I don't know. Onee-chan suddenly become like that after getting hit from that Oni"

Angered, the Oni tries to seizes her with its other hand yet failed terribly. "How dare you!"

And thanks to that idiotic action, the giant loses its balance then falls backward on its butt, creating a big rumble. While in the air Shiomi just chuckles at how miserable the thing look and decides that it's time to end the game "Alright, enough playing"

She gently lands onto the youkai's chest and slices in half with her Naginata in ease. "How pathetic"

After everything has died down, Shiomi gets off the giant yet as soon as her feet touch the ground. The girl suddenly holds her head and starts to tumble. Ending up losing her balance and gets on her knees, seems to be suffering in pain even though she's completely fine a moment ago. Much to Jaken's and Rin's confusion as Shiomi didn't get hit or there's not a single scratch on her body either.

Getting worried, the two rush over to her side to check yet she pushes them away, even shouting at them "Back off!" Cursing in annoyance as they watch her speechlessly.

Because of her unforeseen change in tone and action, not to mention the inhumane power that leaves Jaken with no choice but to question her true identity. She acts nothing like the normal Shiomi. It's as if she has become a total different person... Just who or what exactly is this girl?

Just then, Shiomi eyes slowly return to her original brown color and she starts losing her aggressiveness "Rin? Jaken-san…?" Much to their surprise as she calls out for them. While still having her hand get a hold onto her head "…What?"

Notice that the girl has magically turned back to normal, Rin makes her way toward to her to help "Onee-chan! Are you okay?!" Upon hearing her call, Shiomi's eyes shift at Rin's direction in response yet somehow they are not really focusing on her.

"...I" She mumbles to the little girl in some in-comprehend words that she cannot understand then completely flopping down onto the grass. And the last thing Shiomi sees before losing her consciousness is the image of that white fox, which staring down at her quietly with its deep red ruby eyes.