Chapter 10:

After hearing Arisa's exclamation, Sesshomaru looked at his arm. He acknowledged that it was in a better condition compared to before, but he didn't have anything to say to the girl. After all, it was not her business but she still butted in. Just like that, he then decided to leave.

But just as he was about to stand up, the lady beside him collapsed, her head already on the lower part of his scarf. He noticed that she was a little pale, and somehow behind his innermost being, he felt…worried. He quickly disregarded that feeling, and sighed irritably.

Why should I care about what happens to her?

But even with that thought, his body didn't want to move. It took him quite a while to adjust, and in the end, he gave in and unwillingly removed his scarf. He then carried her and positioned her properly, making her fully rest on it. He took the opportunity to stare at Arisa, who looked like she was just sleeping soundly. He couldn't believe the situation he was in right now.

Why is abandoning this woman so hard right now? Tsk…might as well just take a nap.

Despite having mixed feelings, he stayed beside her for the night.

Jaken finally found his master, and he was shocked to the core at what he saw.

Se-Sesshomaru-sama is sleeping beside that girl? And he even let her sleep on that untouchable scarf of his? What in the world is going on?

Jaken was about to go and wake him up, but he noticed how calm his expression was for the first time. It was an unbelievable sight, so he decided to give up and let him sleep, thinking maybe he was just tired after all these years. Still, he couldn't process what went behind the scenes. Setting his worries aside, he then searched for a comfy area just a little close to where they were, and slept there.

At dawn, Sesshomaru was woken up by the sound of soft cries coming from no other than Arisa.

"Mom…little brother…sis…"

He raised an eyebrow at her. Is she mumbling about her family…?

He suddenly remembered the time when she asked him to guide her back to a wooden well. He didn't really care about it, and he also clearly told her that he won't help her. But, to his surprise, she followed them. As always, he tried driving her back but it was no use, so he just let her be. After all, she didn't turn out to be a burden to them - of course, except to Jaken. Actually, she was quite the entertainer.

He slowly stood up, carefully carrying Arisa in his arms and started walking back to the woods while having the goal of searching for a scent that was the same with hers. He sensed that Jaken was asleep nearby, but he didn't bother waking him up.

It took him several forests to finally pick up the scent that was the same with Arisa. It was already noon, but Arisa still didn't wake up.

How long does this woman intend to sleep?

In just a few quick steps, he was now at the clearing, and there stood a wooden well. The scent was already strong enough, and he was quite sure this was what Arisa was looking for.

"Woman. Wake up." He said, moderately shaking her in his arms to make sure.

Arisa slowly opened her eyes, and they widened as soon as she saw Sesshomaru, up-close. She then noticed that he was carrying her, again.

"U-uhmm…what happened to me?"

"You went unconscious."

"Oh…"

That's right…after I made that evil aura go away…

"There is the well you're searching for."

Arisa's thoughts were interrupted as she turned to where he was looking at, and she couldn't believe it. It really was the wooden well where she came from.

Sesshomaru let her down properly this time, much to her astonishment. But, she was truly grateful so she looked at him happily instead.

"What are you waiting for?" he said with an impatient look.

"I…don't know what compelled you to do this, but thank you very much!" she said cheerfully and gave him a quick hug, taking him by surprise. She felt him awfully cringe.

"Get those hands off…!"

"Sorry!" she said, still smiling widely. But Sesshomaru was looking at her with a very gloomy expression.

O-kay…my bad. Better go before he kills me.

She then quickly ran to the well, and there, she saw her bag, covered with few molds and dirt.

"Gross…"

Well, that is to be expected.

But before she jumped, she turned back to Sesshomaru, who was already on his way back.

"Sesshomaru!"

He came to a halt, but he didn't turn her way.

"Please take care of yourself, okay? I hope you work on improving that attitude of yours, and remember not to associate yourself with that Naraku again!" she said with a tease, but didn't get a reply. The dog demon just continued on walking away.

"And after all that, he's still a jerk. But…kind, maybe? Just a little." She mumbled, and with one last glance over the area, she jumped into the well, and a bright light consumed her, along with her backpack.

Sesshomaru, who just hid behind one of the trees, peeked as Arisa jumped into the well. He was clearly intimidated by the bright light, and in a flash, he was already beside the well. He looked below, and there was nothing but the ground. There were no signs of her and her so-called backpack either. Also, her scent was completely gone.

He was intrigued by what just happened, but realized that it was none of his business. However, he suddenly remembered her words.

"You dare lecture me, huh?" he mumbled, smirking gloomily. As he went on his way back to the woods, he stopped for a while and stared again at the blue sky.

I despise humans…and yet I helped her, twice. What a joke.

He then resumed walking, forgetting the whole issue.

"…this will be the last." He mumbled in thin air.

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