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ABC Thought
Chapter 23
Within some unknown forest.
Sesshomaru came all the way to that wench's place just to retrieve her, even holding her hand in such gentle manner!
Glaring at Shiomi walking behind her, Nanase's mind's filling up with jealousy when recalling to what happened at the well back then.
While I, who had spent 3 days straight being by his side, didn't even get a chance for a proper conversation!
The more Nanase remembers the cold treatments that Sesshomaru has given her, the more she desires for him to be hers. And her pride as a Inu Daiyoukai will never allow Nanase to lose her mate to a mere human.
Just what does she have but I don't?!
While too deep in thoughts, Nanase steps onto her Kimono and trips, falling on her knees. However, Sesshomaru doesn't even bother to look back to check and continues moving forward. Much to Nanase's displeasure.
"Are you okay?"
Seeing Nanase's struggling to get up on her own due to those heavy clothes, I rush over to help yet she pushes me away instantly.
"Don't touch me with those filthy hands! I don't need your pity!"
Pity? Where the heck did she get that from.
"What is there to pity about? I just wanted to help."
Still, Nanase is too stubborn to listen and stands up by herself. Once done patting off the dirt and grasses sticking on her kimono, she huffs and stomps away.
"Hmph! You can't fool me!"
At noon
"Hmm… Let's see what I have."
Sitting on the ground next to Rin, I search inside my backpack for some snacks and eventually find a colorful paper bag. Oh? This is the Taiyaki that onee-chan bought for me this morning!
"What's that?"
Curious, Rin leans closer to take a better look.
"These are called Taiyaki. And they taste pretty good." (Taiyaki: Fish cake)
Unwrapping the paper bag and reveal a medium looking box, I take out a piece of Taiyaki and hand it to her.
"Red bean! Yummy!"
Rin grins at the sight of delicious sweetened beans filling inside the fish cake.
"I know you would like it."
I pat her head and and begin to eat mine. Noticing that Jaken's staring at us, I offer one to him.
"What is this thing?! So sweet! I can't take it!"
Jaken spits out after taking his first bite. Wiping the corner of his mouth, he asks for the salty, meat flavored chips instead.
"Give me something else! Where's the other thing you promised me?"
"Uhm… you mean those fried potato snacks?"
Only then I remember the deal we have not too long ago.
"What else? Do you have them with you or not?"
"Well… Because I got here today in a hurry so... I wasn't able to buy any of it…?"
As expected after hearing my excuse, he yells. "What?!"
Since this is not the first time. No, more like two or three times more already that I have ditched bringing him treats due to being too busy with exams and such.
"I'm sorry! Next time I will get them for you, I promise!"
Seeing his eyes are about to pop out in anger, I claps my hand and bows slightly at him in apologize.
"Do you seriously think that those stupid promises of yours would worth anything now?! You-"
As Jaken's about to launch his anger at me, he feels a deadly energy eating him up from behind and freezes on his spot. Getting a bad feeling, he gulps and slowly turns around.
"Hiiee!"
Realizes that his lord is glaring at him from afar, Jaken shrieks in fear. After taking a moment to calm himself down, he speaks up again but in a much softer tone, while sweating heavily.
"A-Anyway! Y-You better get them next time, you hear?!"
"No problem."
Therefore I give him an okay sign and he huffs, turning his head away.
For some reasons both Sesshomaru and Nanase, who are sitting under a big tree, are staring at us. Thinking that it would be impolite to enjoy the food all by myself, I decide to share it with them.
And with the half-eaten cake in one hand and the Taiyaki box in the other, I approach to their spot.
"Do you want some?"
First I offer the Taiyaki to Nanase, only to receive a big "No" from her plus a look of disgust.
"How about you?"
Notice Sesshomaru is staring at me, I turn the box to him. He looks at the box for a couple of seconds before snatching the Taiyaki, which I am still eating, out of my other hand and takes a bite into it.
"H-Hey! That's mine!"
It's futile to take it back, since Sesshomaru's already gulped the whole thing down his throat.
What the heck? Why does he have to pick the half-eaten one?! Is he trying to mess with me or something?!
Nanase too, staring at him in frustration but due to a whole different reason. Sesshomaru accepts human food?! Why?! And on top of that, taking the one she's eating?!
"So? Is it good?"
After witnessing such performance, I ask him half-hardheartedly and Sesshomaru comments that it's too sweet for his taste. Yet instead of spitting it out after one bite like Jaken does, he just eats it all within a heartbeat.
Jeeze, this guy sure is acting weird sometimes…
At night
"I'm going to get some water."
Holding an empty bottle in my hand, I make my way into the deep woods. From behind, I can still hear Jaken shouting.
"Hurry up and return, you hear?! Don't make me have to go looking for you again!"
After a bit of searching, I come across a pond full of clear water, surrounded by tall grasses about half human body height and wild colorful flowers.
"Found it!"
The bright white moon's reflection on the pond's surface creates such a beautiful scenery and what's more, being embraced by the fresh cool breeze and the gentle scent of multiple flowers in the air is probably the best feeling ever.
Not wasting time, I squat down next to the border and dip my hands into the cold water below, washing my face with it. Then a wild brilliant idea pops up in my head. And that I want to stay here longer to chill around.
What's the hurry when we are going to remain here for the night anyway? Plus this spot doesn't seem to be too dangerous.
Setting the empty bottle aside, I throw away all the worries just to enjoy my little peaceful moment. After having enough day dreaming, I stand up and attempt to return.
"Eh?"
However, something appears out of the tall grass and stops me from leaving.
Around 20 minutes earlier.
"Onee-chan sure is late."
It's almost late yet Shiomi has yet to be back, Rin starts to get worried.
"That troublesome girl! I bet she's slacking off at somewhere strange again!"
Irritated Jaken yells, obviously not wanting to set his feet into the dark woods just to look for one single girl.
"Maybe onee-chan got lost?"
"How?! The pond is super close by! She must be really stupid to get lost that easily!"
"Well, it's really dark out there..."
"Hmph! Excuses!"
After spending a bit more time to reconsider, Jaken eventually agree to search for her and Rin quickly follows. However before anyone of them can set off, they see Sesshomaru passes by and walks straight into the dark forest, toward to the pond direction up ahead.
From behind Nanase watches him leaving her side for another woman helplessly. That damn wench, always having a plan to gain Sesshomaru attention!
"I guess there's no need for us to go anymore, right Jaken-sama?"
Once Sesshomaru's out of sight. Rin tilts her head and Jaken huffs, returning to his seat.
"Whatever! I bet she's going to get her lesson once Sesshomaru-sama finds her!"
At the pond.
"What are you doing?"
Sesshomaru finds her standing by herself at the side of the pond, seems to be staring at something as he approaches her from afar.
"Come, I will show you!"
Now that Sesshomaru's here, I take his hand and lead him further inside. Soon after passing the pond, we reach to a wide grass field full of various of small green lights.
As we make our way through the large field. More fireflies begin to fly away from the grasses due to the sudden movement caused by our foot steps. Brightening up the whole place.
"What do you think? Beautiful, isn't it?"
Walking by my side, Sesshomaru doesn't respond and simply stares at them with a stoic face.
I wonder if he doesn't like it. Maybe this is too girly for him?
"Too bad I didn't bring any jar with me. And I really want to show these to Rin and Jaken too."
When one of the fireflies lands into my palm, I remember having left the empty bottle back at the pond and thinking of going back to retrieve it. Also to call for the other two to come with me as well.
"Just return if you are bored. Okay?"
As soon as I let go of his hand. Sesshomaru swiftly reaches over and grabs mine. Holding me back.
"Huh? What is it?"
"Stay."
All of sudden Sesshomaru demands, his eyes still not leaving the fireflies floating from above.
"H-Huh..? Okay."
Needless to say his intimate action causes my face to blush as red as a tomato. And firm grip he has on my hand pretty much proved his determination that there is no point for me to resist.
"But I thought the fireflies aren't interest you?"
"They aren't."
"Then why do you want to stay?"
Getting even more confused, I ask.
"I do not know why… It's just that I do not mind spending my time here."
Sesshomaru long silver hair floats within the night breeze as he looks straight into my eyes.
"As long as I have you by my side."
Getting shy after hearing those gentle words, I shift my focus back to the fireflies flying around us. In hope to hide away the smile on my face, and my heart is pounding harder for every second inside my chest.
But Sesshomaru's one true mate... isn't me.
Thankfully that thought's appeared again like a reminder and and brought me back to reality right in time.
"Even though we're doing nothing but watching bugs playing around?
I break our moment with a lame joke and Sesshomaru turns away, seems to be clearly annoyed. "Hmph!"
And for the first time witnessing his rare expression, I can't help but chuckle.
"What are you smiling about?"
He frowns. Yet his hand still refuses to leave mine.
"Nothing much."
Unfortunately, his question makes it even more funny and I end up bursting into laughter. Much to his irritation.
And we remains at the fireflies field for a while more before returning to the camping spot. No one knows since when our fingers have interlocked but we decide to keep it that way. As long as none of us is bothered by it.
From afar Nanase is hiding behind one of the huge trees, watching their every movement from the beginning.
The next morning.
Just like any other times, I, Jaken and Rin search around the woods for food when Sesshomaru's away. And surprisingly, this time we are accompanied by Nanase because she doesn't want to stay alone at the camping spot.
"Look, Rin. Persimmon!"
"Yay! Persimmon!"
Upon seeing the potential source of food up on the tree, I call Rin and she jumps in joy as the sight of sweet ripe fruits.
"Finally. No more walking."
Hearing us cheering, Jaken sighs in relief and takes a seat nearby.
They're happy just because they found a fruit? Human sure is simple. While Nanase stands there dumdfounded.
"I'm not really good at climbing though,"
Right now those ripe fruits are located quite high up and the unripe ones located lower, much easier to reach. If only Ah-Un is here, this won't be too much of a problem.
"I don't mind eating the unripe persimmon."
Rin suggest to take the easiest way since she's hungry but I digress. "We can't, Rin. They aren't edible."
Getting impatience, Jaken urges me. "What are you waiting for?! Hurry up and grab them so we can go back!"
"Alright, calm down. I'm on it."
I carry the backpack onto my shoulder and take my shoes off to prepare for climbing.
Suddenly we hear big rustles coming out of the bushes around us and reveals to be a bunch of familiar looking boars. Quickly, Nanase and Rin get behind me, leaving Jaken standing alone at the front to deal with the situation.
"It's those boars from before! Hasn't Sesshomaru-sama already killed all of you?!"
Jaken shouts, pointing Nintoujou at them and a fully armored boar stomps up, growling at him.
"That was Aniki and his troups! If you thought having eliminated us all then you had mistaken!"
Once knowing that his brother is here to take revenge on us, Jaken snickers.
"Heh! It's useless I'm telling ya. Because Sesshomaru-sama shall destroy you all once more!"
Except he is not here with us right now?! Seriously, Jaken? Do you even think things through before provoking them like that?! And I facepalm myself, hard.
"How dare you underestimate us! Men! Show them what we've got!"
Then it roars and every single one of them immediately charging at us. In reflex we all turn around and start running for our lives. After a while however the main path splits into two smaller routes and we halt. Unsure which one to take.
"Jaken-sama, what do we do?"
Seeing those mad animal are getting close to us, Rin turns to ask Jaken.
"Let's separate, so they won't be able to get us all at once."
He suggests then points his staff the right direction, indicating me and Nanase to go there.
"You two go that way while I and Rin will go this way!"
Hearing the noises getting closer from behind, they rush to the left route and we make our way further into the opposite route.
"The sea…"
After bit more of running, Nanase suddenly speaks up.
"What did you just say?"
"The sea, I can smell the sea from here."
"Are you for real?!"
I groans out loud, praying that she's wrong. However once getting out of the thick forest, a gust of wind carries the scent of sea water scent blow right into our faces and there, before our eyes is a giant blue sky and of course, a cliff.
"It's a dead end!"
I rush over to the edge of the cliff in front of us to check. Only to find that the height is too ridiculous for anyone to stay alive after jumping. And not to mention the rouge waves keep hitting nonstop at the ledge.
"We have to go back!"
Therefore I suggest us to take another way out but Nanase shakes her head.
"It's already too late. They're already here."
A couple of seconds later and I hear the youkai's roars.
This is bad, neither one of us is able to fight many of them at the same time. We can't either jump or run, we are pretty much stuck!
Shutting my eyes to stay focus, I try to find another way to escape but everything is going haywire in my head.
Think! Shiomi, think! What should I do?! What can we do?!
"We've got you now! Better surrender to us, wenches!"
Finally reach to the cliff, The youkai shouts. However, there is no one is in sight. "Huh? Where did they go?!"
"Maybe they jumped?"
Another boar looks below the cliff and states, only get hit in the head by the leader.
"You idiot! They will die if they do!"
Rubbing its head painfully, the subordinate groans. "But where else could they be? This is already dead end!"
"Those girls probably had found another way to escape. Let's hurry, they won't be far!"
And the leader gestures his men to return.
5 minutes later.
"Nanase-san, are they gone?"
I ask Nanase, knowing that her sense of hearing is better than mine and grins in victory once she nods back to confirm.
"Nice!"
Just before the Youkai reach here, both of us have hidden ourselves by standing on the ledge of the cliff, right below where the boars are standing and wait quietly till they leave.
"Here, get on my shoulder."
Figures that Nanase would be having hard time to climb with that complicated and heavy clothing, I help her go up first. Once done, the earth below me starts to crumble and I immediately lose my balance. Fortunately, Nanase's fast enough and grab my right wrist, preventing me from falling.
"T-Thanks."
I sigh in relief as Nanase slowly pulls me up. However, she stops in mid-way and stares at me intensely.
"What's wrong?"
Confused by her strange reaction, I ask.
"Why do I have to help you…?"
Nanase muttering something under her breath.
"What? I cannot hear you! Can you repeat that?"
I ask her to speak louder, due to the sea strong wind's blocking my hearing.
Suddenly, she clenches her fangs and screams. "I despise you! You are nothing but a nuisance!"
"Huh? What are you-"
Before even knowing what is going on, I get cut off by another shout to the face.
"If you die here, everything will be solved. Sesshomaru will be mine!"
Just like that she let go of my hand as I cannot find anything to grab on in time, helplessly feeling gravity pull my body down and hits the cold water below a few seconds later. Turning everything into a blur.
"Splash!"
Meanwhile Nanase sits there at the edge and watches, waiting for Shiomi to completely disappear into the raging sea before leaving the area.
Do not blame me, girl… It was your fault that things had turned out this way…
15 minutes later.
Back to the forest
Thanks to her enhanced ability of sensing smell, Nanase's able to find Rin and Jaken whereabouts and regroup with them.
"Nanase onee-san!"
Rin calls out once she sees her while Jaken glances at Nanase in a bored manner.
"So you're still alive eh? How disappointing."
Earlier, Rin and Jaken took the advantage of their small figures to get away from those boars by hiding themselves behind the big bushes. Lucky enough for them that old tactic still worked against the idiots.
Not only being useless but also unsympathetic, Nanase glares at Jaken and curses inside. This ugly kappa…! If it wasn't because you're Sesshomaru's servant, I would have gotten rid of you by now!
"Where's onee-chan?"
After darting her eye around and not finding the other girl, Rin asks and Jaken begins to notice the missing of another annoying one.
"Oh yeah, that reminds me. Wasn't she with you a while ago?"
And suddenly, Nanase's face darkened. "Well she…"
Just then they hear a soft "Thud" sound from behind and turn around. Gasping in joy once seeing the long silver haired person standing in front of their eyes.
"Sesshomaru-sama!"