Chapter 59:

Using Kanna's mirror, Naraku watched as Sesshomaru killed his recent detachment. He frowned, as it was only a matter of time before Arisa was finished.

Is that unpleasant woman just lucky or Sesshomaru is just too keen?

He really hated her to the point that he couldn't even bring to say her name. He regarded her existence as hindrance to all of his plans, especially with the sacred jewel. He set his annoyance aside, and thought of a new plan to dispose of her – surely.

Just then, he thought of someone who is capable of luring Sesshomaru away from her side. It was both possible and impossible, and it made him smirk.

Kagura.

As they continued their trip, they crossed upon a rocky valley, surrounded with mist. Arisa absentmindedly followed Sesshomaru all throughout. She just kept on walking until she bumped onto his broad back. She squeezed her eyes shut and her nose crinkled from the impact.

"Ouch…" she softly complained, and was about to ask him what made him stop. But, she sensed a demonic aura coming towards them, together with the sound of a flute. It was playing a melody, and Sesshomaru squinted as a figure appeared from the mist. It was not from Naraku, but it still made her nervous.

She took a peek and saw a beautiful woman dressed in tad kimono. She focused on her to make sure of what she sensed, and certainly, she was emitting a dark aura, which could probably be solved with her five cuts. But, there was something different within the dark energy, and it bugged her. There were specks of light, adding to her confusion. Yet, she was definitely looking human, but she doesn't exude a half-demon's energy.

Could she be…?

But before she could voice out her thoughts, the woman had started her introductions.

"It's been quite some time, Sesshomaru-sama."

Instead of the man she was referring to, it was Jaken who quickly answered her with extreme doubts.

"Who are you? Are you an acquaintance of Sesshomaru-sama?"

"I am Sara. Have you perhaps forgotten that time at Asano Castle?" she answered, looking intently at Sesshomaru.

"Asano Castle…?" he replied with a spark of curiosity.

"You slaughtered all our enemies when we were about to surrender. It was because of you that our clan was saved."

Sesshomaru, who witnessed so many wars and even participated in some of them, singlehandedly killed anybody who was on his way, and passed by so many places in his lifetime didn't bother remembering such things, unless they were significant. He wasn't even affiliated to literally anything, but according to Sara, he was their hero, and he even had eye contact with her.

"Ever since then, I haven't forgotten about you. I longed for you." She continued.

Arisa, who quietly listened to their conversation, was triggered with annoyance.

So in short, she fell in love with Sesshomaru. Great, just great…! Now I have one more to worry about aside from Kagura.

She began comparing herself to her, and she couldn't deny that she has the looks indeed, and she looked dependable. Still, she was bothered of her skeptical behavior.

Sesshomaru was silent for a moment, and looked briefly at her with disinterest.

"I do not know you."

He simply stated, then walked past her. But Sara quickly retorted.

"Please wait a minute, Sesshomaru-sama. I want to make your wish come true."

"Wish…you say?" he responded in a sardonic manner, but it didn't affect her.

Ha? How does she even know that he has a wish?

Arisa thought irritably as she waited for her to continue.

"I tried my best to search for you. Then I finally found you, but you were resting under the tree while muttering those words. You seemed to have incurred a serious injury."

"…"

"When it comes true, please accept my feelings for you."

Arisa's mouth fell open at Sara's direct confession. Deep inside, she was already going wild.

What...! Did she just say under the tree!? So… she was there before I found him and tended to his wound…?

"What nonsense are you talking about!? What can a human like you could possibly do—"

Arisa's thoughts were interrupted by Jaken's loud complaints, but it actually made her happy.

There he is again with his misgivings about humans, but I can at least assume that Jaken is on my side….yes!

But, the little creature was bluntly cut off by Sesshomaru.

"Jaken."

"Y-yes, milord?"

"Stand back."

He reluctantly obeyed his words and stepped aside to make way for Sara.

"I will make your wish come true, no matter what happens." She said with conviction, to which he replied apathetically.

"Do as you please."

However, as she was nearing Arisa, she purposefully avoided her and didn't give her a single glance. There was also a slight change in her complexion, which intensified Arisa's suspicions about her.

Once Sara was out of the area, Arisa immediately bombarded Sesshomaru with words and questions.

"Sesshomaru, there's something fishy about that woman! She was giving off dark energy and—"

"I know that."

"Then why'd you just let her go?"

However, he left her hanging and resumed walking anyway.

"H-hey…! Answer me!"

"She's a demon…no, she was once a human."

"Then...! That means she is probably possessed! Well now, I better go after her and do something about it!" she said and was about to run off, but was hindered by an authoritative voice.

"Arisa."

"What now?"

"Who she is and what she is up to is none of your concern."

"Are you serious? If anything, I should be—"

"Be quiet."

He said in a rather disparaging tone, and it caused her to feel a pang in her heart.

"Huh…"

"You and Jaken stay here."

He said flatly and started walking away.

At first, she was upset that he didn't turn Sara down instantly like he usually would to any stranger. And now, it hurt her that she was the one he turned down. She hated the probability that she had earned his favor easily and they could click anytime.

"….you are going after her, right? I am coming with you."

However, he didn't give an answer, and it pissed her off. She then ran up to him.

"I insist…!"

But, he glared at her as soon as he faced her.

"Do as you are told and do not follow me." He said in an obviously ticked-off tone, and that was enough to make her fall silent.

Sesshomaru nonchalantly turned his back on her once more and set off to spy on Sara's activities. Arisa stood there, feeling dejected.

There have been no suspicious activities as of late. I am sure that area is secluded… so even if I am away, Naraku won't be able to make a move.

Sesshomaru thought as he went on his way to check on what Sara was planning to do. He had to be harsh, because he didn't want her to overdo things again especially that she had just recovered. Even if Naraku isn't involved, he didn't want to expose her to such activities just yet; especially that that woman wasn't just any other ordinary demon. And he had the feeling that the demon was after him, so he didn't want her to be involved.

Also, he had a vague idea about the wish Sara was talking about, but he wanted to make sure.

That woman could be referring to the Tetsusaiga.

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