WOOHOO! 20 chapters! already 5 more than the story's predecessor. anyway, like i said, the story's gonna be over by the end of the day. whoopee, right? anyway, disclaimers and enjoy

Dad pushed me to my limit. He wasn't sparring like he usually was. He was going all out, which greatly improved my skills in just a few short matches. We sparred for hours, though, Dad winning most of them.

Here and there, he would give me praise or encouragement. As with any time he said something good about me, it made me feel good. I felt worthy of my demon blood when he did.

Dad didn't end the day until the Sun was setting. We were both covered in sweat, and I'm sure we stank. Not taking the risk to find out, I put the swords up and went straight to the hot spring.

Luckily enough, no one was there. I stripped down and submerged myself in the warmth with a sigh.

It didn't take long for me to hear someone approaching. I instantly recognized the scent as Sirka. This'll be great.

I went completely under the water. Her footsteps were muffled, but I could still hear her approaching. She must not have seen my clothes, because soon enough, she was getting in, too.

When she found where she wanted to sit, I worked my way over to her, careful not to disturb the water. When I reached her, I had to think.

How do I want to do this? Should I jump out at her? Nah. Hmm, how about I slowly float up like a dead body? Nah, she'd get pissed like last time. Guess I'll just…

I simply grabbed her ankle. She grabbed my wrist and quickly pulled me up with strength I would never have guessed she had.

As my head came up, I couldn't pass up the chance to go, "Boo!" She yelped and dropped me. I popped my head back up. "Scare ya?"

"Kashi! Damn it, don't ever do that again!" I burst into laughter as she made threats I knew she would never actually do.

She sighed when she ran out of threats. "I'm glad you're back. I missed you." She never failed to surprise me with her words.

I worked my way to sit next to her. "That's funny. I thought about you a lot while I was gone." "Where'd you end up?" she asked.

I explained to her what happened. I told her about Kikyo, the fishing village, everything. When I was done, she asked how I got back, and I told her that story, too.

She rested her head on my shoulder. "Your parents were so worried. Your dad kept beating himself up, saying it was his fault. He looked like he couldn't believe it when your mom told him to wait until nightfall to go look for you. She didn't want the villagers to catch on to him."

I put my arm around her shoulder. "Sorry. I must've worried you, too." She moaned to herself. "It doesn't matter. What matters is that you're here now."

"I don't suppose Mantosu is feeling any more friendly?" "Let's not talk about him right now." What did that punk do now? I didn't question Sirka, though. I didn't want her to get upset, not so soon after I got back.

"Then, what do you want to talk about?" I asked. Before she could answer, I heard someone approaching, quick.

"Aw, shit." I muttered. Sirka looked at me, confused. Not now, please. Not that they could hear me.

My parents came running out of the woods and saw us. Their faces turned almost as red as mine and Sirka's. We just sat there for a moment, no one knowing what to do.

"Uh, I-I, well, I'll just, uh, be going, then." Dad stuttered before he disappeared back into the trees. Mom shot me a good job smile, making my face even warmer.

Sirka stood up. God, she has an awesome body. What the Hell?! Pervert! "I think I'm gonna get out." she said.

I stood up, too, and she looked me up and down. "Me, too." Guess she was eventually gonna see this. We left the warm water, and before she could walk over to her clothes, I kissed her.

She wrapped her arms around my neck. This ain't so bad. We eventually pulled apart, remembering we were nude.

After we'd gotten dressed, I scooped her into my arms and we returned to the village.

yeah, kinda short. but hey, u can't talk sh*t cuz its my story, ppl! (not that any of u have talked any sh*t, tho) so, thoughts? does anyone notice the recurring hot spring scenario? me neither. i mean, theres only 2 hot spring chapters. im rambling. anyway, plz review. laters!