Chapter 4:

Arisa was a little left behind but she decided to follow Sesshomaru and Jaken. Although she didn't like the idea, she had no choice. She wanted to thank him for actually saving her, and it was only right that he deserved her gratitude. Apart from that, he was more familiar with the area, so he might help her get back to the well she came from.

She was able to catch up to them, but she remained at a safe distance. But still, he was able to sense her presence.

"Woman. Why are you following us?"

Arisa had no choice but to reveal herself, since she was found out anyway.

"A-about earlier…I'm sorry. And thank you for saving me." She said sincerely, but received a rather insincere and careless reply.

"I did not save you."

"Huh?"

"The sword saved you. I merely complied with what it wanted."

Jaken noticed the young lady's confused expression, so he decided to step in and explain. After all, that was one of his jobs as his servant.

"Allow me. What Sesshomaru-sama meant is that his sword, Tenseiga, was the one who saved you. It has the ability to bring the dead back to life. In other words, you almost lost your life but he – I mean, the sword went to your aid."

Of course I know, idiot. I'm only confused at how he just can't bring himself to admit that he saved me. Would that sword just swing itself to save me? Duh, it has to have the owner's genuine cooperation!

She thought sarcastically, but she just nodded to avoid unnecessary arguments. There was a proud aura coming out of Jaken, and it made her eyebrows twitch.

"Anyway, thank you again. But can I please ask for another favor? I swear, it's not something difficult!"

Sesshomaru turned his head half-way.

"Do you perhaps know an old wooden well located in the forest? I was hoping you could—"

However, before she was even finished, he cut her off.

"Helping humans is not my job." He simply stated in a cold tone, then resumed walking.

Irked by his answer, she decided to answer back with the intent of insulting.

"How bold of you, Sesshomaru. I was asking for that sword to help me. In the first place, it was the one who saved my life, right? I'm sure it wouldn't hesitate to help a poor, lost human woman get back to her place."

Usually, Jaken would interfere and combat her with words but now he was fidgeting at her answer; as he was only scared of what Sesshomaru would do. Arisa saw that, and she wanted to laugh out loud so badly, but she can't; or else her act would be ruined. Her answer also made Sesshomaru halt, but after some time, he replied.

"Unfortunately, Tenseiga doesn't have that ability."

O-kay...that was totally unexpected. Arisa thought as she grit her teeth.

"I-In other words, you should just go on your own." Jaken added with a forced laugh, his expression relieved, and it made Arisa fume.

"Aahhh, you two seriously can't even take a little sarcasm!"

"Then see for yourself if Tenseiga can help you." he said curtly and proceeded walking.

Arisa tried to grasp what he really meant, but since she was actually desperate for help, she chose to indirectly understand his answer as 'he would help her after all'. She then nonchalantly followed Sesshomaru, leaving Jaken behind who was confused about the sudden situational twists.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX