Chapter 40:

Sesshomaru chose an area beside a riverbank, with soft grasses and luscious trees around. He carefully laid Arisa down under one of those trees, and flung his furry scarf on her, just enough to be cover her.

He then sat down beside her, and leaned against the tree. He was about to take a nap when Arisa nudged a little, catching his attention. Slowly, she opened her eyes, and looked around. His expression relaxed a bit upon seeing her awake.

"Sesshomaru…?"

"What."

"What happened to Naraku…?" she asked with a hoarse voice.

"He escaped."

"…I see." She quietly replied, her tone filled with regret.

"It infuriates me that I cannot even whiff a trace of his scent. But we will continue to find him."

Arisa lightly chuckled in sarcasm. "…that jerk. Say, was I able to injure him a little?"

He paused as he flashed back to that moment. But all he could see was Naraku's angry face, ordering Kohaku to kill her when half of his face disappeared without reforming.

"It seemed like it."

"…okay."

A wordless atmosphere crossed between them for a while, before Sesshomaru broke it down.

"Arisa."

"Yes…?"

"What did you do when you went to see that Kaede person?"

"You're suddenly interested about it?" she said, smiling.

"I am only asking." He replied in a quite defensive tone, and it amused her.

"Well, I asked for her guidance if I could use my powers in battle."

Sesshomaru raised an eyebrow at her. "You have powers?"

"Uh... I do. How come I was able to heal you then, huh?"

"And?"

"As a result, I opted for onmyodo."

"That last thing you had cast against Naraku. Is that your only incantation?"

"O-of course not. That was a stronger version, which was supposed to work against him. But it wasn't enough, since I lost my focus."

"..."

"It's understandable, though...since I fought a lot of his demons before we went to that castle."

The twisted worry that Sesshomaru had felt loosened over the fact that Arisa was indeed, just tired.

"Do not overexert yourself." He said with a tinge of concern.

Now that was unexpected. Is he actually worried about me...?

"...I just don't want to be a burden to you."

He was rather surprised at her answer, making him clear his throat.

"Hmph. Onmyodo...huh."

"Are you scared that I might apply it to you?" she said in a teasing manner, but he only scoffed at her.

"You are pretty brazen to think that you could harm me with it."

"I'm kidding. Effective or not, I won't ever apply it to you…" she replied wholeheartedly.

Sesshomaru's eyes widened for a second and it caused him to stare at her. There she was, smiling gently with her eyes closed. It suddenly made him want to touch her face; and just like that, he was about to go for her cheeks. But he hesitated and put his hand on her forehead otherwise; startling Arisa.

"W-what are you—"

His brows drew together. "You are burning up."

Arisa immediately placed her hand on her forehead as well, but was met with the back of another one's hand - tender yet cold. Her heart pounded as she realized that Sesshomaru's hand was still there. She was expecting him to either pull his hand away, or push hers, but he didn't. Instead, he held it back and put both of their hands down.

Arisa blushed deeply at his gesture.

"W-wait a minute…"

"Your hand, as well." He casually commented, making her sigh.

I'm glad it turned out to be like that, but I sort of…feel sad about it.

"I-I guess I am feverish…" she said, her heart still beating fast. Shortly after, she began sneezing.

"Are you still cold?"

"Hmm…?"

Only then did she take note that she had Sesshomaru's scarf all over her, and it flustered her.

"O-oh…! Your fluff—"

"It's fine."

Arisa smiled bashfully, and Sesshomaru stood up as he called for Jaken who just came back with Ah-un, after feeding him off somewhere.

"Jaken."

The little servant immediately went to him. "Yes, sire?"

"Do you know any medicinal herbs for fever and colds?"

"Why? Is Arisa not feeling well?"

"Hn."

Jaken bit his lip. "I'm terribly sorry, Sesshomaru-sama, but I…don't."

"Stay here with Arisa." He said, and was now on his way to find them.

"Wait, Sesshomaru…! You don't have to…!" she shouted as she quickly sat up, coughing. But the dog demon was already nowhere in sight.

"Arisa, what's it like in your world?" Jaken asked, suddenly curious about her time.

With a small laugh, she started explaining in simpler terms.

"Oh, there are a lot of big and tall houses, and the way of life has changed. Humans are busy earning for a living, and there are no more wars or any supernatural creatures wanting to dominate the world. There is technology, advanced medicine—"

"Advanced medicine?"

"Yes."

"Then…isn't it better if you go back there for the meantime?"

"I was about to suggest that to Sesshomaru, but he's gone."

"I'll explain it to him later. For now, can you at least stand? Ah-un will carry you."

"Okay…"

Jaken called for Ah-un to come to their side, and as if knowing what to do, he lowered his body for Arisa to easily climb on. Jaken climbed on as well, sat in front and led the way.

"Ah-un, take us to the well!"

Jaken, Arisa and Ah-un had set foot on the clearing where the well was located and slowly, Arisa got down on Ah-un. She still had Sesshomaru's fluffy shawl and handed it over to Jaken.

"I'll probably be back after two or three days."

"Ah-un and I will come get you by then."

"Sure. Thanks a lot."

"Make sure you get well." Jaken reminded, and Arisa waved him goodbye.

She was about to jump into the well, but she was stopped by someone's familiar deep voice.

"You are heading home without even telling me?"

Arisa looked back and saw Sesshomaru, pulling a face at her while holding a few herbs with him.

"I-I can explain, milord!" Jaken quickly interrupted, as his master started walking towards them.

"I suggested that maybe she would get better immediately if we sent her home. She also told me that they had advanced medicines over there…!"

"I was about to tell you this too, but you were already out…" Arisa added, feeling a little guilty.

Sesshomaru didn't seem to mind, as he reservedly got his scarf from Jaken when he walked past by him and dropped the herbs. He hung it over his shoulder, and stopped right in front of Arisa.

"Umm…"

"I will take you there." He said with a somewhat unreadable expression.

Before she could react, he grabbed her by the waist, making her cling into him. They jumped into the well and soon, a bright light swallowed them both.

Jaken hurriedly ran towards the well, and peered at it. There was no trace of anything, as it was bare with only a few vines hanging below, just as it always was.

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