Chapter 6- Company

Shura stared down at Haru as he slept in a bed of lush grass off the side of the road. She bent down and picked up his straw hat from off his head. Seeing as how he didn't react, she guessed he was deep in sleep. It must have been an enjoyable dream since there was a serene smile on his lips.

"Haru" she said.

"Haru...wake up old man."

She flicked a finger at his nose. He gave a small yelp as he jumped up, instinctively grasping his sword.

"Ah? Whose there?" he said as he scrambled up to his feet, obviously still drowsy.

Shura watched in amusement as he spun around and continued to call out.

"You think this is funny huh? Just flick a poor homeless man and then run away? I ought to teach you… some… some manners."

Already, he was making himself comfortable in the grass. He settled down and stopped moving except for the occasional muttering that escaped his lips.

It was quite a riot to Shura to mess around with this blind soul. But she remembered she couldn't waste her day here with him. She found herself regretting it. Shura shook the thought off. What was she thinking?

"Old man… it's me. Surely you haven't forgotten the Black Oni?"

"Zzzzzzzz…."

"No way. You can't be asleep already."

She delivered a dull kick to his ribs. He buckled up and clutched his throbbing side. He staggered for his weapon but Shura booted it to the side.

"All right… that does it!" he said, "Let me sleep you little monsters or I'll give you a thrashin' that would make my father proud!"

"You wanna spank me?" she asked.

Haru became silent, either from recognizing her or her unusual response. Perhaps it was both.

At last, he said, "Shura!"

She put her hands to her hips and smiled smugly.

"A pleasure. Would it be rude to ask what brings you back to a quiet town like this?" he asked.

"I'm simply passing through. There's a demon whose time's run up."

"A demon in these parts? That's rare."

"It seems to be wandering, but it sticks to the mountainside. It never leaves the trees except to attack travelers. It even got a few notable monks."

"Sounds like you've found your quarry. Wait a minute, is it safe to be speaking to me like this. What if it attacks or gets away?"

Shura answered, "You think I'm stupid? I'm already an hour ahead of it. It's shown no sign of turning around and if it does, I can track it."

"I see… well then," he turned to look at her, "Have you brought any sake?"

"No. Don't expect me to bring you alcohol every time you cheapskate."

Haru considered asking her the next obvious question. The question he had in mind was to the reason she was speaking to him at all. It occurred to him though that he'd given a breathless chain of questions and they had been getting more and more annoying for her to answer.

He settled on saying, "Don't worry. You're company is a better gift than any sake."

Shura lost her breathe.

What are you saying? Don't lie to me! There's no reason to enjoy the company of a killer so much. Unless you're into that, given the sort of man you appear to be- unlikely.

Shura wondered if just maybe he was telling the truth. She found herself appreciating the comment in spite of her initial skepticism. A moment later, she sat down beside him in the cool grass. She scooted a few inches back and forth until she found the position she would remain for a while. She leaned back, supporting herself by her firm arms.

For the longest time they sat in silence, enjoying the restful sounds of nature and one another's company. A shadow fell over the loungers. Shura looked up to see a heavy rain cloud was speeding by. Goosebumps broke out over her arms as a chill wind hit the roadside enclave.

"It's wonderful, isn't it? Life's calmest moments?" said Haru.

Shura said, "Yeah. It's not a bad feeling. But don't you get bored doing this all the time?"

"Me?" asked Haru, "What else is there to do? This is the path fate chose for me when she took my eyes. I've simply grown to accept and love that path."

"I think I would go insane if I could no longer fight." said Shura.

"You'd be surprised how well you can cope with loss. It's like fighting. You have to learn to adapt to your opponent right? It's the same with life."

"You're gushing with wisdom. I wasn't expecting that."

"Me? No? I'm just a blissful old hermit."

"Hmmm."

Haru nearly jumped when he felt her head resting on his shoulder. His heart began to pound accordingly. There was a long pause as he waited for her to say something to explain her sudden act of affection. He never got an answer. The only sound she made was a series of long sequenced breaths.

He exhaled as his worry left him. Still, he hadn't' expected her to fall asleep so fast.

Neither did Shura.

Shura woke up to find herself unexpectedly huddled against Haru's side. Her fellow swordsman had returned to a state of peaceful slumber.

I fell asleep? Shit.

She hurriedly rose to her feet and checked over her gear.

"How long have I been asleep?"

"Nearly an hour." said the spirit.

"Why didn't you say something?"

"Why bother? You obviously felt an afternoon nap took priority over slaying a demon you've been tracking for days now."

Shura scowled before turning her attention to Haru. Her eyes narrowed for a second. She turned around and headed down to the forest.

"You're not going to say goodbye? That's cold as suits you."

"We can't lose anymore time. Our prey is close by."

"I have to ask," he added, "when are you going to tell him about me? I do hate being treated as an inanimate object. Perhaps I should just start up a conversation out of nowhere when you two are chatting. That would make for a fun explanation."

"You—" she paused.

"I don't believe it…" he said, "you really have a problem with explaining. You actually care what he thinks of you! How sweet."

"You're a fool." she said, "He couldn't care any less. If my profession doesn't bother him than I doubt a demon passively possessing me will make any difference."

"But given a choice between the two, which would you choose? To tell him or hide it?"

"Whichever will silence your accursed tongue. You're criticizing me, but you're the one forgetting our target."

"You think I've forgotten? I've never once forgotten my reason for being here. Now I don't have any issue with who you spend your time with, but don't forget who else's time your wasting. In the meantime, until that cursed day comes, I'll just enjoy tormenting you."

"Damn demon. Warn me if you're gonna shoot off like that."

"You're so wonderful when you hate me."

Shura said, "So good that you've found a hobby."

Author's Note: I'm not sure what I love writing more: Shura and Haru's fluff or Shura and the demon's head butting companionship.