Chapter 13:

The day has finally come for Arisa to compete with the other universities. She wasn't able to finish reading the recommended books, but she took note of facts that she felt were important. More than ever, she accustomed herself to be prepared. No matter what the result will be, she would readily accept it, just as what her sensei told her.

Trust your instincts, as they say.

"Mom, I'm going ahead!"

"Yes dear. Jin and I will follow to support you at the sidelines."

Arisa sighed in embarrassment. "Y-you don't have too. I'll be more nervous."

"All the more reason we should be there." Her mother replied with a wink.

"Ugh…seriously. Just don't let me see you on the crowds."

"Sure thing."

She was now on her way to school, and she was quite excited. It felt like she went on a vacation, and it was her first day of classes. Just as she went past by the forest, she felt the company of someone familiar. But, she was going to be late if she would abide by her curiosity, so she decided to brush it off.

A few unfamiliar faces greeted her as she entered the school gate, and she realized that they were probably the participants from the other schools. Then, her adviser came running to her at the same time.

"Arisa!"

"Oh, sensei!" she replied with a wave.

"This way; they are already setting up the seating arrangements at the auditorium. There are a lot of supporters from the other schools who came, so expect a large crowd."

She suddenly became nervous. "But I-I hate being in front of an audience…"

"Don't worry. Just focus on me and some of your classmates. We'll wave our hands as a sign."

"Okay sensei…thank you so much."

But then, before they could enter the auditorium, a commotion at the school gate caught their attention.

"Who is he? Why does it look like he is wearing a kimono from the past?"

"Woah! What long hair he has!"

"Wow, that scarf must feel nice, thought it's unusually long…"

"He even carries a sword! And look at those facial marks!"

"So what? He actually is handsome, if you look at him better."

"Oh…yeah, you're right!"

All the murmurs and comments Arisa heard only matched up to one single person she knew: Sesshomaru. She couldn't believe that the man would actually be here himself, since it is THE modern era. Still, she wanted to confirm her suspicions , so she dashed into the school gate. She forced himself into the group of students, until she was able to see who they were talking about. Her eyes went wide.

Sesshomaru flew out of the well easily, and he felt how strange the forest was.

So this is an entirely different world, huh.

He then followed the open path, and when he was almost at the end, he saw a familiar figure who passed by, and it was no mistake.

It's that woman…

He quietly followed her and while he was at it, he was starting to become overwhelmed by the unusual surrounding. But, he was suddenly aggravated once 'they' reached the busy streets – the presence of humans.

Wherever he looked, there were humans who were dressed differently, just like Arisa. There was surprisingly no sign of war either; so he assumed thereafter that he was also in a different timezone.

Hmph, I'll just kill them all if they bother me.

He then took the spots or places where he wouldn't encounter people while following Arisa. He had already caught up to her scent, so it wasn't much of a problem even if he lost sight of her. Also, he moved pretty fast that the human eye couldn't really notice. That is, until he reached the university.

It really is Sesshomaru!

"Move."

Sesshomaru said, sounding like an aristocrat and it offended most of the students.

"Woah, this bastard has attitude!"

"Ugh, scary."

Nevertheless, he just raised an eyebrow at all of them.

"Bastard…? Do you worthless insects know who you are talking to?" he warned them, but they weren't taking him seriously. He was now getting mad, and it was clearly shown on his face. He readied his sharp claw-like nails, preparing to tear all of them apart in just one slash.

Panic was written all over Arisa's face as she saw his reaction and movements. Quickly, she went to him and grabbed his hand, then forced him to run away from the scene.

"H-hey!"

"Wait a minute, isn't that...?"

"Oh yeah, our participant for the quiz bee, right?"

Recognizing the familiar gesture, his expression relaxed and he made her stop, of which Arisa heeded.

"What are you doing here!? How and why were you able to come here!?" Arisa quickly asked in an alarmed tone.

"I simply jumped into the well, and then a strange light engulfed me."

"Where is Jaken?"

"Seems like he is not able to pass. I am here to give this back."

He held out her handkerchief, and Arisa's jaw dropped. But actually, she was touched by his behavior, but she didn't want to be that obvious.

"You came here just to bring this back…!?"

"Yes. I do not want to carry a human baggage with me all the time."

Weird. He could've just thrown it, but...oh well.

She sighed heavily, and just as she was about to get it, her adviser called for her.

"Arisa! The contest is about to begin! You have to come now!"

Great, just great!

She looked at Sesshomaru with determined eyes, but he gave her a questioning yet annoyed look.

"Okay. Now, I need to attend something very important. I'll get my handkerchief from you after this. If you want, you could stay here and wait for me, as there are no humans that you hate so much lurking around. But please, I beg of you - don't kill them, alright? See you later."

She rushed into the auditorium after telling Sesshomaru a careful request. He continued to stare at her until she was nowhere in sight, still the handkerchief in his hand.

The audacity of that woman to give this Sesshomaru an order.

And despite having that kind of thought, seeing her again made him feel a bit pleased and again, he didn't like it. Still, he did just as what she had told him to do, even if it was everything against his principles.

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