Authors Notes

Hello again to all my readers, I just wanted to add a quick note and apologize for a few mistakes I made in this story... I didn't realize until after I posted the first four chapters, that I forgot it was supposed to be in either Ukaran or Sayuri's point of view. Also, my cell phone acts up a bit sometimes when I'm typing and erases a few words here and there without me realizing it. But I do hope you all like my sequel so far... And as for Ukaran, if any of you have realized how I came up with that name, please tell me in your reviews!😋

On with the story...

Chapter 5

Sayuri's POV...

Mama was standing in the forest clearing, tapping her foot impatiently... It was the first time I'd ever seen her look angry at any of us...

' Oh boy...' I thought nervously, ' I'm in deep trouble...'

" Oh Sayuri..." Mama sighed thankfully, " I'm so glad your safe... I felt a powerful evil demonic energy and I was worried, so I came to find you... Are you alright?!"

I sighed as mama hugged me tightly and looked around for Ukaran, but his aura was gone, so I knew he'd already left...

" I'm fine mama..." I sighed irritatedly, " I'm not a baby any more..."

Seeing the hurt expression on my mother's face, I immediately regretted those words as soon as they left my mouth...

" I'm sorry, mama... I do love you..." I sighed hugging her gently.

" I know you do dear..." Mama said warmly, " And I know your all grown up now... I just worry about you... It doesn't mean I don't think that you can take care of yourself..."

" I know, mama..." I said smiling, " And it means a lot to me that you care so much... I just... I want to get out and meet friends of my own... Understand?"

" I suppose your right..." Mama sighed...

" Does that mean I can?!" I asked excitedly.

Mama nodded and smiled and I flung my arms around her... She laughed for a bit, and then we headed back to the castle together... Because of my meeting Ukaran, I was a bit distracted, so I didn't get a chance to hunt for crystals... It's ok though... Since mama gave me permission to do what I wish, I plan on going out after lunch and searching for more crystals. My heart began to pound and I blushed as I thought back to how he'd pressed up against me... His touch had made me feel as if I were on fire... And when he kissed me... I swallowed hard as I tried to erase his scent and the way his body felt against me from my mind... He was the first man I'd ever met that didn't want my money or my title... Just me... He was truly handsome, and I hope that he truly will except my friendship... I sighed as an image of him flashed across my mind once again...

' Oh brother...' I thought to myself, ' if I keep sighing like this, someone is going to wind up thinking that I've fallen in love with someone! I wish they could all meet Ukaran, but... He's still so rough and his aura is very dark right now... I absolutely do not want mama to get the wrong idea and end up purifying him! I'll introduce him to everyone once I can calm him of his anger... There's good inside him... I know there is... Somewhere...'

After mama made us what she called, her teriyaki beef, with seasoned roasted vegetables for lunch, I excused myself after eating and went back outside, heading for the forest... Unfortunately, I wasn't alone for very long... Bankotsu fell into step beside me, much to my irritation...

" Hey, Sayuri! How are you doing today?!" Bankotsu asked grinning.

" I'm fine... Just going for a walk in the forest... I'll be back before nightfall..." I said passing him up when he stopped to look at me dumbfounded...

" Hey hey hey! Now that's not a good idea!" Bankotsu said grabbing my hand to stop me, " Sayuri, there are some dangerous demons out and about!"

" I'll be fine Bankotsu..." I said as I gently pulled my hand from his, " I'm a demon too, remember?!"

I smiled at him when he stopped following me and shrugged his shoulders before turning and heading back to the castle... I sighed in relief at that... I want to have time to myself and do not wish to be followed... Hopefully since Bankotsu understood, so would everyone else... About an hour later, Renkotsu fell into step by me and began walking beside me...

" Good afternoon, lady Sayuri... And how are you today?!" Renkotsu asked smiling...

" Just fine thanks..." I putting on a fake cheery smile, " Out for a walk by myself... Wanting to get some fresh air by myself... Wanting to have some time by myself..."

" Ok... Ok..." Renkotsu said, raising his hands defensively, " I'm sorry I bothered you!"

Renkotsu was quick to leave after that, and I was free to be by myself once again... I sighed in relief... Honestly, the only company I wished for right now was Ukaran. But a short while later...

" Hi ya!" Jekotsu said, irritatingly happily, " Ah what a beautiful day it is for a walk! So, where are we heading?! The meadow?! The river?! Oh! I know! There a great waterfall a few miles from here! We can go there and hang out! What do you say?!"

I closed my eyes, trying to gain control of my anger, for I didn't want to accidentally lash out and hurt the man I'd come to consider my older brother...

" Maybe some other time..." I said cooling down a bit... " I'm sorry, Jekotsu, but I'd like to be by myself right now, ok?"

He was silent as I began to walk away from him, but not for long, unfortunately...

" Sayuri, your mother said she sensed a dark presence when she was out looking for you earlier..." Jekotsu said sternly, his smiling fading into a worried frown, " I don't think that you should be out here by yourself!"

" Yeah!" I screamed angrily, " You and every other member of my family! You think i can't take care of myself! You think I can't do anything on my own! I'll show every single one of you! Tell everyone back at the castle, not to bother coming after me because I don't want to be around anyone right now! Got that?! I'm so sick and tired of being treated like a damn baby!"

I stood there breathing heavily, my head swimming from finally being able to speak my mind as I stared angrily at Jekotsu, daring him or anyone else to try and stop me... And then I turned and ran as fast as my legs could carry me... Leaving a very confused looking Jekotsu behind...