Chapter 7

After slipping into the Kimono, I reached for the cursed yukatas. Ok, you can do this, I told myself as I stared at the ground. It's just raised sandals and a fancy robe. Steadily rising on one leg and holding both arms out like I'm a plane, I stand up and give another silent prayer, please watch my steps. I take my first step and wobble. How could anyone even walk in these shodals (my version of the words shoes and sandals combined). I took a second step and teetered to the left then slowly to the right. I then swayed and waved my arms frantically like I was trying to fly. Rin's giggle brought me back to a standing position.

"You're funny Valor-san." She stood up and skipped to me, "I'll hold your hand and you can walk." I nodded as I took her hand.

One step at a time, come on, right foot, left foot, right foot, left foot…. I repeated the steps to myself as Rin continued to hold my hand. Focus Valor! FOCUS!

My confidence started to build up as I took longer steps and started to pick up my speed. I can do this, I thought as I clenched my left fist in pure determination.

"Stupid human girl!" The scratchy voice broke my concentration and I fell onto my knees, "You can't sway the Lady's mind."

Damn Jaken. I was about to get up when I felt air rushing past my knees; I looked down and growled and saw that the kimono had ripped at my knees. Ooooh great! He's going to get it! I picked up the nearest rock and threw it.

"Ouch! Damn human!" Jaken turned to me and was about to lay on me with his over sized staff when Rin jumped in-between us. She raised her little hands and yelled at Jaken. One more inch and he would have hit Rin on the head. Frozen in that position, Rin called for Sesshoumaru, and I was about to pounce on that runt, "BRING IT TOAD!" I yelled as I gathered dirt in my hands.

Jaken brought his staff up and ran to the left and swung it down, Rin yelled again for Sesshoumaru, I let out a laugh. Mind you this was all in slow-mo, just as I was to let the sand go Jaken disappeared, and Rin went quiet. I looked around and I saw Jaken skipping like a rock across the meadow as he screamed, "Whyyyyyy Lorrrrrrrd Sesshoumaruuuuuu!"

I looked to the front and saw him… I let the sand slip out of my hands. Rin ran to him and tugged at his leg, "Don't get mad Sesshoumaru-sama."

He looked down at her and gently pushed her aside, he walked over to me. His eyes followed my body then back to my face.

I squeaked the word, "Hi?"

He raised no eyebrows but knelt down and took the torn kimono in his hands, "your kimono is dirty and ripped." He looked up at me.

"Yeeeah ... too many tries." I scratched the back of my head.

"You must refrain from fighting."

"PSH! As if!"

Rising to his knees he drew me in, "Behave for me."

Letting a sigh go, I replied, "Only if you will." I freed myself from his grasp. He turned to leave. "Where are you going?"

"To get you another Kimono." He continued walking.

My eyes widened as an image of terrified village folks crossed my mind as I saw him mow through the town while monks try to purify him, then a green whip flashes through and all that is left is a store of kimonos and a frightened store clerk. He walks in and grabs a kimono then flies off leaving behind a dismantled village.

He turns around and hears my heart racing and sees my face loose color. The next second he is in front of me, "What's the matter?"

"Promise me." I look at him square in the face.

"What?"

"That you won't destroy the village in the process."

He repeats the four words from my request, "won't destroy the village."

I nodded. He repeats the same four words again, "won't destroy the village." He turns around and walks off.

I let out a sigh and give a silent prayer.

Dear God,

Please keep a check on his temper.