I've been reposting this chapter a lot of times but Fanfiction doesn't update correctly, so...

This has been edited and an additional scene was added. *wink*

Chapter 53:

Sesshomaru's instincts suddenly started acting up as he was searching for Arisa.

What the hell is it? Don't tell me she's…

His brows knitting slightly out of worry, he sharpened his sense of smell to a higher level with the intention of picking up larger amounts of her scent. He was able to sniff her out within a few seconds, and he quickened his pace.

The cocky man was the first one in his view, and as he approached the scene, the woman he was looking for was there, being held hostage by an unfamiliar man. Jakotsu swung his sword, and it was going straight towards her, and fast. His expression tensed as he gnashed his teeth and he raced with time in order to stop the snake-like sword from getting in contact with her.

Jakotsu felt that the pressure which Sesshomaru was exerting on his sword was very strong that it might very well break if he continued to leave it as it is. Quickly, he withdrew his chain-like sword. But the moment he did that, Sesshomaru acted quickly and went straight to Suikotsu, only to be stopped when he pointed his claws of blade near Arisa's neck in a rush. Then, a threat that sounded like a joke from Jakotsu followed.

"Suikotsu can kill that girl any time. If you want her to be spared, focus on our battle…or willingly get yourself killed."

Tsk. Naraku and his pesky weaklings trying to destroy my patience.

However, Sesshomaru responded with a piercing glare, and didn't give them a chance to blink as he bolted right in front of him seemingly striking him with his Tokijin. Contrastingly, he threw it backwards; targeting Suikotsu at a perfect angle. Then, with just one-second interval, he pierced Jakotsu's chest with his hand and released poison from his claws as he pulled his hand out.

Suikotsu was too late in anticipating Sesshomaru's move, and so he was hit deeply in the shoulder, causing him to quickly let go of Arisa and pull out the sword from his shoulder. He covered the wound with the same hand and fell to his knees, whining in pain. Jakotsu staggered as the poison started manifesting over his chest.

"Heh…that was one bastardly…move…" he commented, and fell to his knees as well.

Arisa quickly took the opportunity and crawled further away from Suikotsu, despite the physical hurt she sustained. Snappily guessing that Suikotsu might be able to do something since he had a jewel shard despite the wound, Sesshomaru immediately went to her side to counterattack it just in case. But, she already had the same idea and cast the five cuts right away to remove Naraku's fortified dark aura from him; despite her arms being sore. Simultaneously, a sacred arrow had hit his neck, where his jewel shard was kept intact.

The combination of such power was vehemently effective that it was able to permanently drive Suikotsu's bad persona away. But, it led him to be extremely weak, and on the verge of death due to the wound incurred by Sesshomaru's sword.

"…I think I am truly freed from that curse, which came out when I killed someone with my own hands. Kikyo…I know you're there. Please take my sacred jewel shard before I have the chance to become evil again." Suikotsu said with a cracked voice, ready to be embraced by death.

Arisa immediately turned to where the sacred arrow came from, and she saw a priestess wearing the same clothing as Kagome and Kaede.

Whoa…so that's the rumored Kikyo, and just now I almost mistook her for Kagome. So it's true that she is a reincarnation of her. Still, there's a difference between them…

She thought as she continued to gaze at Kikyo, who started to approach Suikotsu to take his shard. Apparently, Jakotsu healed after quite some time, and he was only pretending to be wounded so as not to attract Sesshomaru's attention. Once every one dropped their guards down, Jakotsu quickly seized the shard from Suikotsu, therefore killing him.

"Sorry, but I was told to get this!" he exclaimed, and fled from the place, concluding that he really had no chance against Sesshomaru. He was about to chase him, but Arisa suddenly stopped him by grabbing his sleeve with a trembling hand. He looked at her sharply - but he was met with soft, pleading eyes that were followed by a gradual shake of her head.

Sesshomaru remained silent, but he slowly gripped her hand as a response, much to her astonishment. . It certainly made her heart pound; but it was ceased a few seconds later, when Jaken and Ah-un showed up.

"Sesshomaru-sama! Arisa! Are you alright?" Jaken called out as he jumped off of Ah-un and went closer to the two.

"…we're fine." Arisa answered, though with a lackluster in her voice. Her body throbbed from the earlier beatings she received from Jakotsu and Suikotsu, but she was relieved that she only had minimal exposure to Naraku's energy. Or else, she would've felt dizzy by now.

Then, she noticed Kikyo already walking away from the place. She couldn't help but be curious, so she ran towards her regardless of the pain she was bearing.

"Umm…please wait…Kikyo-san!"

The priestess stopped on her tracks, and turned to her half-way.

"Is there something you want? I'm in a hurry." she asked.

"I just…want to know where you're going and what you're doing in this world."

Kikyo sighed but she looked like she wanted to laugh.

"You seem to know something about me. Anyway, I'll answer your question. My goal is to kill Naraku and throw him to the depths of hell."

"And you're doing it alone?"

"…it's better this way."

"I'm only suggesting, but if you need help, you can call for me. Or Kagome, at least."

She smirked at the mention of Kagome's name.

"I appreciate your thoughts. What's your name?"

"Arisa."

"You dress differently, but I can sense that you're overwhelming with spiritual magic. Are you some sore of a high-ranking priestess?"

"No…I'm more of a healer. But I am also practicing the art of onmyoji."

"I see. Well, I better get going...your companion over there seems to be in a bad mood already."

Arisa quickly glanced at Sesshomaru, and he was, indeed, giving them chilly stares.

"Right…! I guess I'll probably see you around, Kikyo-san."

Kikyo went separate ways from them, while Arisa tried to think of ways to woo Sesshomaru as she approached him. She was expecting some harsh words and deeper, icy stares; but she was met with the opposite.

"How are you feeling?"

He asked in his usual flat tone, but there was an unexpected gentleness imbued in it.

She blushed lightly and scratched her temple as she answered him.

"My entire body stings, especially my arms… but I can manage."

She looked up at Sesshomaru to see his reaction, and was surprised to see him gazing at her with genuine concern.

"Strange. You're a healer, but you can't heal yourself."

"Haha... I can probably remove poisons or impurities in my system, but I can't really do anything with physical pain. I'll have to use some salves or ointment."

"…we will rest for tonight. A spot that's a little far from here will do."

"Wait, are you sure about this? Aren't we going to pursue some more clues about Naraku?" she asked, trying to grasp what made him suddenly change his mind.

"With this barrier, we cannot do anything yet." Sesshomaru answered matter-of-factly as he looked back at her.

"But I could go and—"

"Did you not learn your lesson? Naraku's decoys are here as well, and your powers don't work against them. You were just lucky enough that the man with duality was the one you encountered."

She sighed in defeat. "…you're right. But…I just wanted to help."

"You do not need to do anything risky."

"Alright...and thank you."

"For what?"

"For saving me..." She said sincerely and gave him a bright smile.

The dog demon once again felt oddly pleased with her expression that he had to avert his eyes before he could get attached with it. He started to walk off, but then he stopped and faced the young lady again.

"Shall I carry you?"

Arisa's eyes went wide, and her face flushed as she swiftly shook her head.

"Y-you don't have to! I'll just...have Ah-un carry me, as always."

"Huh. You let Inuyasha carry you, but you do not want me to?" he complained evidently, his forehead gradually furrowing.

"I-it's not like that...! I-"

"Suit yourself."

Having said that, he walked out hastily; making Arisa immediately hop on Ah-un and chase after him - still confused of his behavior.

Is he actually...jealous?

For the whole time they searched for a place to settle for the night and even after they found one, Sesshomaru gave her the cold shoulder, and it made Arisa nervous and guilty.

"Look, Sesshomaru. I didn't know you were bothered by that. I'm sorry…"

A sigh escaped from his lips.

"I am not bothered at all."

"Then why are you sort of ignoring me?"

"This is how I always am. It shouldn't be surprising to you anymore."

"Oh. Right…"

Convinced that he wouldn't back down and blurt out what he really feels, she sulked and pouted – but sat beside him anyway and leaned against his arm. They both quietly stared at a distance in opposite directions, and stayed like that for some time.

Sesshomaru suddenly had somewhere to go in mind, shifting his body. That was a cue for Arisa to move away for a little. Then, he carefully stood up.

"I will be right back." He stated, then continued to trudge.

"Huh? Where are you going?"

She didn't receive an answer, but she gave him a lopsided grin as he watched him go.

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