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ABC Thought
CHAPTER 3
Later, on the same day when the sun has set
"Hey, you! Gather up the branches and start the fire! It's getting dark already!"
Jaken commands me to pick up the branches scatter around the spot into one place in the middle of the circle.
"Alright, alright I'm on it, no need to yell at me."
Soon notice that I'm the only one working, I ask for his help. Assuming that the more the faster.
"Are you joking? That's your job and you gotta do it all by yourself, Human! Now hurry up!"
However he spat, pointing the staff to my face.
"Wha...? My job...?"
The heck is thing blabbing about? I don't remember ever signing up for these kinds of job.
"Aren't we suppose to be travel companions now? There's nothing abnormal for us share the work."
I try to convince him to work together with me as it may help us to get to know each other better. However...
"Travel companion!? Ha! Never in your life time, moron! There is no such thing called companionship between a lowly vermin as you to me and Sesshomaru-sama!"
He laughs out loud like it's the most ridiculous thing ever.
"M-Moron...?!"
The hell with this frog?! And what did he just call me?!
"Please don't fight. Jaken-sama, Sora onee-san."
As I'm about to launch a good kick at him, Rin jumps in between us.
"How about you start the fire for us, Jaken-sama? It's always been easy for you to do it, right?"
Therefore she suggests, much to his displeasure.
"What?!"
Easy? What does she mean by easy. Is he that good at starting fire?
"Don't you think too highly of yourself! I only do this because Rin ask me to!"
In the end Jaken agrees to help anyway.
"Yeah sure, of course."
I reply in auto-tune, not bother looking back. Jeeze, Why does he have to think so badly of me? What's wrong with him!
Ignores my attitude, Jaken waves the two heads staff in front of the newly made campfire, chanting something.
"Behold, the power of Nintoujou!"
Are you saying that staff has a name? And what is he even doing? Casting a spell?
I hold back the urge to laugh while watching his funny looking gestures. Suddenly, fire comes out of the old man's mouth and set the branches on fire in a blink of an eye.
"Wow!"
Even though I hate to admit, but that was kind of cool.
Seems to have noticed my expression, he smirks as if doing that has made him become the winner.
Heh! See that you low life!
And I glare at him, feeling even more irritated as his vicious grin never dies down.
Meanwhile Sesshomaru, who is sitting under the tree nearby, observing the whole situation yet not moving an inch. His face remains expressionless and staying on his guard, ready to strike if he notices any suspicious movement.
"Alright, the only thing that missing is food."
Everyone must be hungry since we had been walking and hadn't gotten anything to eat since noon. While trying to figure out what to eat in the middle of the woods, I remember something important.
Of course! I still have my bento with me!
Quickly, I reach for my schoolbag and search for that precious bento of mine. While Rin, out of curiosity, move closer to me and take a peek.
"What are you looking for in there?"
"My lunch box, I totally forgot about it till now."
"More food? You sure bring a lot of food with you, Sora onee-san"
Not sure whether that's a compliment or not, I decide to laugh it off. Then take out a bento box covered with Blue Furoshiki (Japanese wrapping cloth) and a pair of wood chopsticks.
"I hope it's still edible though."
I open the box and let Rin takes a look.
The bento box consists of 4 Onigiri (Rice ball) which are filled with salted salmon, some cherry tomatoes on top of salad leaves. Including 2 pieces of each Tamagoyaki (Fried rolled egg) and Tonkatsu (deep fried pork cutlet).
"Wow," Rin is awed by the food in front of her.
"Look good huh? I made them this morning!"
I giggle and pick up an Onigiri to have a bite, sighing relief that they are still edible. Then I hand Rin another one inside the box.
"Thank you, Sora onee-san!"
"Just onee-chan is fine."
"Hee hee. Okay onee-chan," Rin laughs and nods.
It's not until half of the food is gone that I remember the other two members in the group, who are sitting not too far away from us and share the same situation.
Especially that Jaken, he's been glancing at us, mostly at my bento, from time to time but doesn't make any move. Feeling sympathetic for the little guy, I approach him and offer a gift of friendship.
"What do you want."
The moment seeing me, he asks but doesn't spare me a glance. That annoyed attitude has yet to fade but at least he recognizes my presence. So I will take that as something of an improvement.
"Here, have one. I know you haven't eaten as much as I and Rin do."
Casually I hands him an Onigiri.
"No way! Who knows if you had put anything strange in there!"
And Jaken resists strongly, trying to push it away from my hand.
"The only thing I put in there is salted salmon. I'm eating it too, see?"
To prove my innocence, I show him the half eaten Onigiri in my other hand.
"If you think you can trick me with those bad lies of yours. Then you've mistaken!"
Perhaps having used his last energy for all the yelling, his stomach begins to growl. So loud that I almost burst out laughing If not quickly holding back.
"Pfft..."
We freeze for a moment until I shove the Onigiri into his small empty palm.
"Don't worry, I'm not crazy enough to poison people that will help me to find my way home."
Or not helping at all. Who knows.
Staring at the Onigiri in his palm, Jaken questions himself whether he should eat or not. While I just shrug and walk away.
Wait for me to finally gone, Jaken takes up his courage and takes a really, really small bite out of the top of the Onigiri. He chews slowly and pauses in realization, then takes a bigger bite then another bigger one. Seconds pass and his food is already gone.
I chuckle at how cautious and funny Jaken can be when watching him struggling from afar. Since there's still leftovers in the box, I decide to give him some more.
"Here, try some fried rolled egg too. Catch."
Seeing a piece of Tamagoyaki flying toward to him, he jumps and catches it skillfully with his hand. Devouring the whole thing down in one gulp.
"You're welcome."
Now that Jaken's taken care of, I make my way toward to the silver haired person who sit the furthest away, leaning his back to a tree with his eyes closed and one arm settle on stomach.
Sesshomaru's hair is so long that it cover most of his shoulders, even stomach and what's more, they look like they're shining within the dark.
Also I realize that despite acting so cold and grumpy yet when sleeping, Sesshomaru actually looks peaceful and gentle(?)
Should I wake him up? But won't he get pissed off if I do? Should I just put the box here and leave?
Confused, I stand there staring at him with the bento box in my hands and one second later, Sesshomaru snaps his eyes open to glare at me. Such intense look on his face that makes my feet jump.
"Why are you here?"
Fearing for my life, I fidget and quickly show him the half empty Bento. Trying hard to avoid his piercing gaze.
"I...Uh... Was wondering if you was hungry? I have some food here with me so i thought that I should share you some."
To me, Sesshomaru acts kind of like a loner. Ever since traveling with him, I barely ever see him speak as he always isolate himself and never stop looking somewhere in distance.
"No."
Sesshomaru refuses without taking a single look at the food. Closing his eyes and shifting his head away from me. Treating my presence like an eyesore.
"Oh…Okay. Sorry for waking you up."
After apologizing for interrupting his sleep, I walk back to my seat. Maybe he isn't hungry like others do? Or is it because he doesn't like me...
Once returning to my spot next to Rin, I hear Jaken voice's echoing from his seat.
"You should give up offering food to Sesshomaru-sama from now on, little girl."
"How so? He doesn't need food to live?"
"Because he will not accept food from anyone but Rin."
Anyone but Rin? Really?
"Nuh-uh. What he says isn't true! I know someday Sesshomaru-sama will accept onee-chan food too!"
Rin shakes her head in disapproval.
"It's okay Rin, I really don't mind at all."
I ensure her. Beside Jaken, who I'm not sure whether he hates me specifically or he just hates the human race in general, accepts my food so I safely say that my effort doesn't fully go to waste.
Though I'm amazed to find out that Rin and Sesshomaru are actually very close, as he's always acting so cold and distant, even to Jaken.
Perhaps there's another side of him that I don't know of? Which he can show only to Rin? Not quite a surprise considering how long they have traveled together.
My gaze returns to the silver haired man, who seems to be sleeping.
A warm and gentle Sesshomaru, huh? I seriously doubt I will be able to witness THAT in my lifetime. And even if it ever happens, I'm pretty sure that it won't be for me.
Although seeing them keeping a little human girl as a companion. I suppose they don't despite our race much to the point killing/eating everyone they see.
Maybe they're not bad youkai? But it's still too soon to make a conclusion since I've only met them for nearly a day...
That night, I and Rin sleep next to each other. Having my bag as a pillow while Rin lying completely on the ground. Since she refused my bag, claiming she had gotten used to sleeping on the grass.
For the whole night, Rin hugs me tightly and not letting me go. I wonder if it's due to being cold or she misses the human contact.
Mom, dad, sister, Mina... I miss you all so much. Everyone must be so worried since I disappeared without notice. I want to go home. I don't belong here.
If things keep go on like this, I don't know how long I can last...
The next day.
Around noon.
After what happened last night, to think that the great tension between Jaken and I would have reduced, even if just a little bit.
But god how wrong I was at assuming. As soon as the sun rose, he changed his attitude right back to when we first met, being extremely grumpy. Or even worse than that.
Jaken would nag me to hurry every minute and yelled at me for everything I did, literally everything, even to the point saying how I chose my food and how I breathe disgusted him.
"Will you stop spacing out and hurry up already!? You're slowing Sesshomaru-sama down!"
My heart jumps again the moment hearing his yelling from further ahead.
If this continues even a minute more, I may end us losing my moral side and go crazy...
Cannot withstand this kind of treatment any longer, I step forward to confront him.
"Jaken-san, How come you are always angry at me? Have I ever done anything wrong to you?"
Seem to be only waiting for my question, Jaken spat.
"Hmph! For you being born as a human is already wrong enough. Who knows if you're trying to sneak on us and stab our backs! You nasty, disgusting, evil race!"
Those cruel words of his instantly shock me. "N-Nasty...?"
Is this all I get for being nice? Do I really deserve this kind of treatment? How stupid of me to hold so much faith in him! Thinking that we could all be friends!
My face turns red from all the anger building inside and finally snapped.
"I don't care anymore! You... You stupid, ugly, meanie little Kappa!"
Jaken's ears twitches by my insults and he immediately turns his head back, "What was that, you brat?!"
"I say you are a Stupid! Ugly! Meanie little Kappa!"
Therefore I shout into his ears, repeating every single word loud and clear.
"Who are you calling a Kappa, you imbecile!? Do you have a death wish?! I am an Imp! An Imp you hear me!?"
Triggered like a bomb, Jaken explodes and yells back at me. Pointing his staff at my face.
"I don't care who or what you are! Just because you hate human doesn't mean every human is bad! And I was even trying my best to become friend with you too! You ass!"
No longer giving a damn, I shut my eyes tightly and release all my anger onto him.
"How dare you insult me! You insolent human!"
Furious, Jaken waves his staff around and about to hit me with it. Not going to lose to him so easily, I try to yank it away from his hand and that's how our tug of war begin.
"Please stop fighting! Onee-chan! Jaken-sama!"
Rin has to jump in to cease the war. Notice that she's about to cry, I halt my anger and shift my head away.
"Fine! Whatever!"
Since staying here any longer won't do any good to my mental health, I take Rin's hand and drag her away to another direction.
"Come on, let's leave him and find ourselves something to eat."
"Hey! Where are you taking Rin!"
Still, he attempts to stop me from taking her. To annoy Jaken, I stick my tongue out at him in response and flee off the scene, much to his horror.
"Anywhere away from you! Bleh!"
Damn it! She took Rin! Should I run after them?!
Getting worried for Rin's safety, Jaken turns to Sesshomaru, who has stopped not too far away to watch their arguments, for permission.
"I-Is it okay to let Rin go with her, Sesshomaru-sama? Should I follow?"
However, Sesshomaru seems to be fine with their situation as he approaches nearby tree to take a sit, closing his eyes and not speaking a word.
Arg! I wonder what Sesshomaru-sama is thinking. Jaken look between the route and his lord before hesitantly sits down at the spot near the tree, waiting for the girls to come back.
Meanwhile, Shiomi and Rin
Leading Rin further into the forest, I haven't stop pouting about what happened earlier.
"Are you still mad, onee-chan?"
Curious, Rin asks me.
How can I not be? It's not even 5 minutes passed.
"Of course I am, he just insulted me right there! Not just me, he insulted the whole human race. Even you're included, Rin! Are you not angry at all?"
To think that I just walked away instead of giving him a good beating right at the spot. Talk about incredible tolerance.
"I don't think Jaken-sama really meant what he said. I know he's not a bad person."
Yet, Rin still covers for him.
Except that he obviously acting like one.
I pat her head and decide to let it go. After all it was bad of me to yell and curse in front of a child like that. Hopefully she won't take after any of us.
"Sigh... You're just too kind, Rin."
Being praised, she giggles and tries to change the subject to improve my mood.
"Hee hee. By the way, onee-chan. What are we going to eat?"
We go searching further inside the forest, hoping to find at least some edible berries.
Suddenly rustling are heard around us and some figures appear behind the tall bushes, they are muscular men who carries sharp shining swords in their hands and scary look on their faces.
First was an oni and now bandits?! Just my luck...
"Hello there, onee-chan. Are you and your little sister lost your way?"
A man with a long scar on his face, smirks.
"How about you accompany us? Maybe we can help you out."
Damn it, I was so angry at Jaken a while ago that totally let down my guard about this place.
Right now there are four or five of them, the route behind us is cleared but there's a slightest chance we can outrun them...
"So what'd ya say? Pretty onee-chan?"
That bandit approaches us and quickly, I grab Rin's hand and drag her out of the scene.
"What are you all standing there for! Go get them!"
Seeing their preys are getting away, he yells to his subordinates.
We can't give up! Not until we reach to where the others are.
I force myself to move my feet as much as I can. But to no avail as we are indeed slowing down and they're getting faster.
Eventually, one of them catches up and snatches Rin away from my grip.
"Rin!"
Terrified, I freeze on my spot and watch the girl struggles inside the man's arms helplessly.
"Lemme go! Onee-chan!"
Keeping Rin as hostage, he holds the sharp blade at her neck so close that it's about to draw blood.
"Heh! You better come with us Missy. Or I will slide her head off."
His warning instantly sends a chill down my spine, I don't have the strength to fight against him and he will surely kill her if I make any suspicious move.
W-What should I do!? Come on, I can't let someone else die because of me! Brain please work, please!
While I'm hesitating to follow him, Rin bites the bandit's arm to make him release her.
"Ouch!"
Once dropping on her feet, she crawls away from him and tries to run to my side. However the bandit draws out his sword out of anger and aims to strike at Rin.
"Shit! You little bitch!"
"No!"
I shout and lunge foward to shield her. Then the next thing i know, everything turns black...
The scent of blood, human blood.
Sesshomaru's eyes widen and he shifts his head to that direction, which the girls have left since earlier.
Rin!
Without hesitation, he goes to save her. While Jaken's struggling to follow him from behind, having a bad feeling about his quick reaction.
"S-Sesshomaru-sama, what's wrong?! Did something happen to Rin?!"
Once arriving to the destination, in front of their eyes is a horrifying scene.
"Onee-chan! Onee-chan! Please, wake up!"
Rin, having blood cover all over her orange Kosode, is kneeling next to Shiomi, who is lying lifelessly on the ground with a big open wound on her chest. Surrounding them is a bunch of human bandits yelling at each other.
"You moron! Why did you stab her!? Can you sell a dead body, huh?"
"I wasn't trying to, boss! I swear! I was aiming for the little girl but she jumped in the way all of a sudden!"
One of the bandits flutters, holding the bloody sword in his hand.
"Guys, watch out! Youkai are here!"
One man among them notices the uninvited guesses and shouts, drawing other bandit's attentions. Then they all turn around and point their swords at Sesshomaru.
"Sesshomaru-sama! Jaken-sama!"
Rin cries out to them but too scared to move.
"Rin! Are you okay!?"
Jaken rushes to the girls, concerned.
"I-I'm fine. But onee-chan is…"
Feeling relief that her lord is here, she sobs louder.
"It's too late, Rin. She's dead."
After checking Shiomi's body and seeing that there's no longer any sign of life, he states.
Ignores the feeble threats coming from the surrounding bandits, Sesshomaru approaches Rin to check on her. There are some minor scratches on her skin, and the blood isn't hers.
Good, she's unharmed.
Sesshomaru sighs in relief.
For the whole time being, the bandits have been studying Sesshomaru from heads to toes. Thinking that he isn't strong due to his look, they intend to kill him and loot his valuable items.
"Go get 'em!"
In instant, they all charge at Sesshomaru.
"Die!"
Before they're able to realize what is happening, Sesshomaru has already ended the fight by slashing the bandits into pieces with his claws,
"Fools."
He scoffs, removing the dirty blood out of his fingers. As he's about to leave the unpleasant scene, Rin stops him.
"Sesshomaru-sama! Please! Help onee-chan!"
Unwillingly, he shifts his gaze back to Shiomi's body on the ground. Sesshomaru doesn't want to save the human girl when bandits have done such a good job of getting rid of her for him.
"We're leaving."
Therefore he moves on. Finding no reason to use his power on something too redundant.
"Sesshomaru-sama…."
Much to his surprise, Jaken also begins to plead to save the girl's life.
"Even you, Jaken?"
Irritated that this time Jaken isn't taking his side, Sesshomaru questions his decision again and the servant nods quietly. Feeling guilty since everything happened was also a part of his fault.
Leaving with no option, Sesshomaru's eyes return from Rin to the girl on the ground. He frowns and slowly reaches out for Tenseiga.
"Cough...! I-It's...H-Hurts...R-Rin...?"
Much to their shock, the corpse lying below them stirs and gasps for air. Seconds later and Shiomi opens her eyes. Lacking of too much blood make her feels weak and dizzy, as if the world is spinning around her head.
Despite struggling between life and death, she still manage to think for Rin's safety. Is she incredibly kind or just plainly stupid?
Confused by her first reaction after waking up from the death, both Sesshomaru and Jaken stare at her speechlessly.
"Onee-chan! You're alive! I'm so glad!"
Overjoyed, Rin hugs Shiomi tightly, crying to her heart content.
"T-That was really scary, don't you think so? heh..."
Notice how messy the situation is, she let out a faint laugh.
"How can you laugh at such a horrible thing! You shouldn't have done that to save me!"
"I'm...sorry. I... didn't know what i was thinking so.. My body just moved on its own..."
While Rin is helping Shiomi to sit up, Jaken jumps in between them and throws a bunch of question at her.
"What's going on!? We saw you died right in front of our eyes! How can you still be alive?! Did you have some kind of revival magic?!"
"Woah there... Can you let me breath a little? I just got back from the dead, you know."
Feeling his face being too close, she pushes him away and notices that Sesshomaru is also staring at her, expecting a proper explanation.
"Okay, okay I'll explain. But first, I need a bath. Is there any river nearby?"
Figure that they won't let this slide so easily, Shiomi gives in. But requires to feel comfortable before doing so as her body is all covered with blood and it's really nasty.
"I will tell you while we're on the way there. How does it sound?"
Seeing the great displeasure on their faces, especially Sesshomaru's. She adds. And only then Sesshomaru walks off with Jaken by his side.
"Are you sure you're alright, onee-chan?"
Still concerned, Rin asks her and Shiomi nods. Revealing her clean chest with no single scar and ensure her.
"Yes, I'm fine. See, it's all healed. And you can let go of me now, I can walk on my own."