"..." Normal chat.
ABC Thought.
Chapter 57
It's still pouring rain by the time they return.
Spotting a specific figure appearing from the sky above, Jaken jolts up from his seat and runs forward to greet him. An unconscious Shiomi can be seen lying in his arms.
"What happened?! Where did she run off this tim-"
His tongue freezes when Sesshomaru's expression darkens.
Oh boy... It's just like that time all over again.
Recalling to those terrifying moments from the past, he shivers.
While following him into their room, Jaken notices that not only her yukata is badly damaged but also drenches in blood and mud.
Eh? Had she been attacked?
There is no sight of injures so he assumes that Shiomi's already healed herself up. As Jaken looks to his master in hope for some explanation however, all he gains is silence.
Sigh... What in the world did this girl do this time?
A few hours ago.
As intended, Sesshomaru arrived home to pick Jaken up. Yet when they were about to leave, Jaken hesitated.
"Sesshomaru-sama, I think that there's something you need to know."
He recalled to his strange conversation with Shiomi not long ago.
"Her demeanor was... different. Maybe you should go check on her first."
To ease their anxiousness, Sesshomaru returned to Kaede's hut to check on her. There, standing by the door waiting for him was Rin, who was terrified by Shiomi's sudden disappearance.
"Sesshomaru-sama, you're finally here!"
She rushed to his side to inform him about what happened earlier.
"Onee-chan is acting very weird today!"
Rin was still confused and had no idea where Shiomi had gone to since she didn't say anything before leaving.
"It's too dangerous for her to wander off alone! Last time she was almost attacked by bandits!"
That's the first time Sesshomaru heard about their incident at the forest. Since Shiomi had been keeping quiet about it so that he wouldn't have to worry about her safety again.
"I'll find her."
Sesshomaru affirmed and took off into the sky.
Following Shiomi's scent, he made his way toward to a forest nearby. As the heavy rain began to wash her presence away, the anxiety in him started to grow.
Then, within the various noises inside the deep forest. Human's footsteps could be heard further ahead of him. And they were gradually getting faster.
He took his chance and chased after the source. But it wasn't easy to shorten their distance.
Normal human can never possesses such speed.
That was definitely Shiomi. Though it's strange that her power was activated. Was she trying to get away from something? Yet his noses didn't catch any other suspicious scents around.
If this continue any longer, she will...
Figured that her youkai energy would run out shortly, Sesshomaru sped up. Even calling out to her for several times but Shiomi ignored it all.
Who is controlling her?
His pursuit came to an end when they were about to reach to another mountain, where Shiomi lost her balance and fell into the oblivion below. Since they're still far apart, Sesshomaru extended his Mokomoko in attempt to catch her in mid-air.
All of a sudden, a thin flow of energy appeared from above and surrounded Sesshomaru's body. It electrified him enough to make his muscles feel numb and missed her by an inch.
...!
There was a horrible sound of flesh crashed into the ground. His heart stopped.
In instant, everything became hazy and suffocating. A memory that he would never be able to forget.
At the very dept of despair he found her, lifeless and broken.
The next day.
Early in the morning Shiomi awakened and needless to say, everyone's relieved. Both Kagome and Rin cried their eyes out by her bed, having afraid that Shiomi had fallen into coma like how she did three years ago.
"Onee-chan, how are you feeling? Are you hurt anywhere?"
Rin asks, but there's no response.
"Perhaps she is still in shock. We shouldn't rush it."
After comforting Rin that everything will be okay, Kagome turns to Sesshomaru.
"Can I borrow your kitchen for a bit?"
...
..
"Please nee-san, you need to eat. Just one sip, okay?"
Carrying a bowl of steamy porridge that she has just made in her hand, Kagome tries every way to persuade Shiomi to have a taste but none works. As she keeps staring at the floor, refusing to speak or looking at anyone.
For her to be in such state, something horrible must have happened.
"Just leave her be. I'm sure she will crawl for it once feeling hungry."
Getting tired of watching them struggling over a bowl of porridge, Jaken comments and she sighs.
Despite wanting to ask about the accident, Kagome afraid that her questions may trigger bad memories and makes Shiomi uncomfortable.
Right now, I need to be patient and stay by her side...
She lost so deep in her thoughts that it's not until Inuyasha has come to pick her up that Kagome realizes the sky has already turned orange. Once done packing up, she promises to return again before going home.
Just as they're about to leave however, Sesshomaru stops them.
"It's about Shiomi..."
At night, inside Kaede's hut.
Everyone from Inuyasha's group has gathered here for an urgent meeting. Both Jaken and Rin are asked to come as well.
"I heard that Shiomi-chan was sick. How is she now?"
Sango's the first to ask about her condition.
"Well, nee-san seems alright but..."
Kagome continues describing Shiomi's condition. Including what Sesshomaru has shared to her about what happened that day.
"What?! Did she really flew to that place by herself?"
After listening to the whole story, Miroku's shocked.
The flower field that Sesshomaru's mentioned must have been Haru's grave, it's also where they had fought Sora and buried her Naginata due to its sentimental value.
For the time being, that place is unoccupied and the weapon is well-hidden under Miroku's barrier.
"And Shiomi-chan got hurt?"
Curious about that important part, Sango asks her for more information. Though Kagome shakes her head. "He said that she fell. But that's it."
"Still, how did she know about that place?"
There's an agreement among them that Shiomi will never know of its existence or location. In order to prevent any unfortunate events to occur if the two of them reunite.
"Was Sora the culprit? Had she been possessed?"
Having heard that Shiomi acted strange and was not herself that day. An image of the devious nine-tailed fox instantly came to Kagome's mind. However...
"There was no trace of Sora. Or any other youkai that has the ability to possess or mind control..."
Except for the youkai energy which Shiomi received from Sora before her disappearing years ago.
"THAT could be the reason, couldn't it?"
Among the various discussions, Sango suddenly speaks up. Gaining everyone's attention. "Shiomi-chan activated it every day for her training, right? Perhaps it finally took a toll on her."
While both Inuyasha and Kagome think that she's got a point. Miroku comes up with another possibility. And that Shiomi may have heard about the weapon from someone else.
"Well... there's one thing for sure is that onee-chan is a very curious person."
Rin states the well-known fact. "I wouldn't be surprised if she had gone out of her way to look for it. Just to see what would happen."
Subconsciously everyone's eyes falls onto Jaken, who is the last and the most suspicious one, to speak to her before the accident takes place.
"For the last time, I did not mention a single thing about damned weapon to her!"
Annoyed by their mistreatment, Jaken strikes his staff onto the wooden floor and shouts. "It could have been coincidence! Maybe she just happened to pass by, that's all!"
His argument also makes sense since no one knows what Shiomi is thinking inside her head at that time.
"Right now is a little too early to jump into conclusion."
Therefore Miroku reminds everyone to stay vigilant. As their priority at the moment is to help Shiomi fully recover. After that they can start with their investigation by asking her about what has really happened.
The following morning.
Waking up, Shiomi finds him still remains beside her side. Sitting next to her bed and staring at the scenery outside of the window. It seems that he's been staying like that since last night to watch over her.
Their peaceful moment is soon disturbed by the sound of light footsteps by the door. Two figures can be seen standing behind it turn out to be Rin and Kagome, who have just arrived to visit Shiomi.
"Oops... Sorry... We didn't mean to interrupt or anything."
Without a word, Sesshomaru stands up from his seat and goes outside. Leaving the room to them.
"... You guys don't have to come here everyday."
Watching both Kagome and Rin taking a seat next to her, Shiomi mutters.
"Why not? We're family, aren't we? It's normal for us to take care of each other."
Despite being told for countless time that helping her has never been a bother. Shiomi pale, strained face doesn't ease up, even for one bit.
"Onee-chan look! Isn't it pretty? I made it just for you!"
Rin then shows Shiomi a ceramic vase with various fresh flowers that she has prepared early in the morning. In hope that their colorfulness will be able to cheer her up.
"I'm very tired right now. Can you please leave me alone."
Not bother sparing a glance however, Shiomi turns her head away and Rin's face saddened.
"Just one look? Then Rin will put it away. Promise."
Still, she presses on and takes it closer to her.
"I don't care! Go away already!"
In annoyance, Shiomi slaps her hands away. Causing the flower vase to slip our of Rin's grasp and falls onto the floor, breaking into pieces.
"Oh no!"
In panic, Rin injures her finger while collecting the broken pieces. "Ouch!"
"Rin, you okay?!"
Quickly Kagome takes out a handkerchief to bandage her finger. Catching the scent of Rin's blood in the air, Sesshomaru steps inside to check the situation.
"Don't worry. We were careless and broke the vase."
Notices he's staring at Rin and the mess lying nearby, Kagome explains.
"What's the ruckus?"
Curious about the loud noise, Inuyasha appears as well.
Once everything is cleaned up, they return to their seat. Including the two short-tempered brothers standing at opposite corner of the room. And despite having calmed down from the earlier incident, no one feels like saying anything for a quite while.
It's not until Inuyasha gets uncomfortable with the awkward silence that he decides to speak up.
"Hey, what caused this? Did you lose control of your power or something?"
The moment that topic is mentioned, Shiomi's shoulders flinch.
"Inuyasha!"
Kagome turns to scold him, but it's already too late.
"What? Keeping quiet from her is not a good idea either."
"I know, but right now is a little bit..."
"It's either now or too late. Who knows what she's going to try later on when we aren't around."
Knowing that they cannot risk having that accident happens again, Kagome eventually gives in.
"Nee-san? I think that there's something you need to know..."
Taking a deep breath, she tries to find proper words to persuade Shiomi.
"It maybe too soon to assume anything. But we think that it's better if you quit trying to control that power."
They believe that relying too much on youkai energy may have left some negative effects on her health, both mentally and physically. Therefore Shiomi's advised to stop getting involved with it to ensure her safety. However...
"... Maybe it's just me going crazy."
Shiomi brushes it all off, claiming that everything is her fault.
"Nee-san, I'm sure that there's an explanation for all of this. Please, you need to listen to me and-"
As Shiomi's trying cover her ears. Kagome holds her arms back to keep her focus.
"Enough! What would you know about me?!"
At result of their struggling, Shiomi pushes Kagome away. However the impact appears to be stronger than intended and ends up sending Kagome flying away.
"Kagome!"
In instant Inuyasha lunges forward to catch her, causing both of them hit the wall nearby.
"I-I'm sorry, Kagome! I swear I didn't mean to-"
As Shiomi's trying to explain, Inuyasha cuts her off with a growl.
"You ungrateful bitch!"
Knowing their situation is heading south, Sesshomaru swiftly steps in to cover for Shiomi. Though before Inuyasha is able to move any of his limb, Kagome stops him with a chant.
"Inuyasha, sit!"
Immediately Inuyasha hits the floor. Confused, he looks at her for some explanation.
"Shiomi's mentality isn't stable right now. Please, we all have to keep calm or her condition will get worse."
After telling him to stay put, she slowly approaches Shiomi again.
Hiding behind Sesshomaru, Shiomi's seen to be traumatized by what happened just now. She's trembling and crying non-stop. Meanwhile Rin, shocked by the sudden turn of event, starts sobbing as well.
"I'm sorry, Kagome... I'm sorry... I-I wasn't trying to hurt you! I-"
When Kagome gets close, Shiomi apologizes to her all over and over. Carefully and gently, she wipes away the tears and pats Shiomi's head.
"Shh... It's okay. Everything is alright now."
...
..
"Have you calmed down?"
After a while, Kagome asks her and Shiomi nods.
"...I don't know what has gotten over me. Lashing out at you guys like that."
Slowly from their side, Rin moves closer to give her a hug.
"It's because of Rin that you're sad. Will you forgive me?"
While Shiomi's confused by the sudden apology, Rin continues.
"That day, Sesshomaru-sama had helped me pick it and yet..."
The item lying inside the bag which Rin tried so hard to hide was the ceramic vase from earlier. It was intended to be her gift for the upcoming surprise party since Shiomi had been looking down lately. Due to the accident however, their original plan was changed so it arrived to Shiomi's hand sooner than expected.
"... In the end the vase was ruined and you even got angry. I'm sorry."
Presumed it's her fault that Shiomi didn't like their gift and felt left out. Rin cries after revealing everything.
"No, you did nothing wrong, Rin."
Holding Rin closer into her embrace, Shiomi cries as well. Blaming herself for being immature and hurts everyone who cares so much about her.
"Thank you, Rin. Even for a short while, I love your gift. It's very pretty."
Immediately after being praised, Rin's face brightens up. "Really?!"
Then realizes the flower vase is no longer, she sulks. "But it's all gone now..."
Not letting her disappoint for too long, Shiomi comes up with an idea and whispers into Rin's ear.
"Shall we make a new one, together?"
..
...
While on her way home with Inuyasha, Kagome recalls.
"When nee-san pushed me away, I sensed something."
It has made itself present due to the heat of the moment. Though only for a few seconds
"So it's that fox again?"
Inuyasha assumes the most possible outcome. Still, Kagome finds the problem isn't that simple.
"The link between them was faint, so I wasn't able to detect its origin."
Like an act of disguise, it has mixed with the youkai energy that Shiomi is carrying inside.
"If Sora is indeed gone. I wonder what that thing is and what it actually wants from her..."
Night falls.
These past few days to her felt like a long nightmare, but it turned out well in the end.
"I'm alright. Just not feeling sleepy."
She assures the silver haired man standing beside her.
Shiomi enjoys the night here, calm and quiet. But not too dull since there are sound of crickets and leaves rustling from time to time. Staring at the bright moon shining up above their head, she slowly recalls to the memories from back then.
"To be honest, I was jealous... of Rin... of the special bond you two shared."
Looking at Sesshomaru, she notices a tint of surprise on his face.
"And I felt insecure. Because Rin stayed with you much longer than I did. She had what I had and could easily give you everything. If not more."
Several years passed and Rin grown up into a beautiful lady. Yet instead of being happy for her, Shiomi couldn't help but feeling nervous whenever seeing them together. Those horrible thoughts kept torturing her mind for so long that ended up driving her crazy.
"Knowing you. There wouldn't be such thing called change of heart. But..."
What if one day, Sesshomaru decides to let Rin into his heart as well? The thought of having to share a lover, she can't stand it.
"Once again, I had said and done things that hurt you. I'm sorry."
After listening to everything she has to say, Sesshomaru comments with a single word.
"Fool."
In instant she feels her whole body tense up and bites her lips hold back the urge to cry. Despite having prepared to be scolded from the beginning, it sure still hurts as heck when he does that so nonchalantly.
After letting Shiomi reflects on her bad decisions for a little more, he continues.
"One is sufficient. Any more than that is nothing but a hassle."
"A... hassle?"
Figures that Shiomi doesn't fully get his message from the puzzled look she gives him, Sesshomaru sighs and takes a seat next to her.
"Such ideal, will remains unchanged."
Therefore he claims, his voice's soothing like the cool night breeze.
"And never forget..."
As their eyes meet, Sesshomaru caresses her face.
"...That I have no intention of letting you go, Shiomi. Not in this lifetime."
Finally understand his resolve, Shiomi turns speechless for a moment before bursting into tears.
"Jeeze! I've already felt bad for acting stupid. Now you're just making it worse!"
It's been a while, but that ridiculous response of her never fails to make Sesshomaru chuckle.
As always, his human lover is full of surprises.
A few days later.
"What weapon? And which flower field are you talking about? There are plenty of them around here."
Sitting on her futon, Shiomi repeats like it's her first time hearing those words. Eventually earning confused stare from everyone in the room.
"That time... Did you know where you was heading toward to?"
Kagome asks her to try to remember the details, but Shiomi shakes her head in response.
"Not a clue... Actually, I didn't remember what happened after getting lost in the forest."
Feeling guilty for not being any help, Shiomi sighs.
"It's okay. We can try again later."
Since Shiomi's still weak, Kagome tells her to take things easy. Also reminding Shiomi not to activate youkai energy by herself again until the mystery is solved.
"Kagome-chan is right. That's why you need to eat a lot more!"
They hear Sango's voice by the door and she appears with a huge steaming pot full of god-knows-what in her hands. While Shiomi's giving her a bewildered look, Sango explains that this soup is made by following her family recipe, which is famous for helping the sick recover quickly.
"T-Thank you Sango-san. This soup sure smells... interesting."
Despite having gain enough courage to have a taste, Shiomi faints upon seeing Rin picks up something from the pot.
"Wow! I've never seen a lizard tail this big before!"
At night.
Once again, she arrives to that place.
Standing before the giant boulder that is covered in talismans and surrounded by magical seals, she destroys it with ease with a few punches. Revealing Amenonuhoko hidden deep inside and it's constantly giving off a strange aura.
Without hesitation, her hand reaches out to grab it.
"Shiomi!"
Suddenly I'm woken up by a familiar voice.
"Sesshomaru?"
I feel his strong grip on my arms. Then a second later, my body's being forcefully turned around to face him.
"Are you awake?"
Somehow there's mix of irritation and concern in his voice.
"Of course I am. What do you think?"
Tired and sleepy, I answer his strange question between several yawns. Seriously, who wouldn't if you keep calling and shaking their arms like that?
A moment later after gaining back half of my senses however, I find myself no longer inside my bedroom. The surrounding is so dark that I can barely distinguish which from which.
"Huh? Where are we? What's going on?"
After slapping my face a few times to assure that this is not a dream, I ask him.
"Did you carry me all the way to this place while I was sleeping?"
Sesshomaru replies with a No. And he's definitely not the type to lie about these kind of things.
Then... Was I being kidnapped? Highly doubt that was be the case since Sesshomaru stayed with me all the time. Plus, there is nobody around here except for us.
"Did I come here by myself?"
And one single nod from him is enough to clear up my confusion.
So I was sleepwalking? For real? This has never happened to me before. Why now?
All of a sudden a gust of cold wind passes by, carrying the scent of various flowers along with it. Making me realize that we are standing on a wide flower field. A huge Sakura tree can be seen nearby.
Unbelievable! It looks exactly like what Kagome has described this morning!
"We've been here before."
Then Sesshomaru states, much to my confusion.
"We have? Since when? How come I have no memory of it?"
There's no answer since Sesshomaru's busy staring at the weird-looking weapon standing before us like he's about to eat it alive. While I'm standing there watching those two, completely dumbfounded.
Seriously! Can somebody please tell me just what the heck is going on?!