Chapter 64:

Arisa started breaking into nervous sweats, as she stepped back little by little while her assailant also moved little by little towards her. She wriggled the chains out of her hands, but to no avail. It was still tightly bound.

Damn it…I can't do anything with my hands tied like this…! At this rate…I'm really going to…

"You know, why don't you just stay still and let me stab you?" Hakudoshi said in a grouchy tone and raised his spear, ready to throw it directly at her.

She was already a few inches from the edge of the cliff, and she side glanced at the sea beyond it.

Even if I could somehow escape…I can't make it out alive. I don't know how to swim, and at the same time, he could still throw that weapon on me as I fall from here…!

"Finally giving in, huh? That's good, because you really have no choice." He continued to say, and she gritted her teeth as he was exactly on point.

It's now or never…!

She was decided and ready, until Sesshomaru's image crossed her mind. She then broke into a sad smile.

What a time to suddenly think about him…

But she quickly brushed it off and faced Hakudoshi with a teasing expression.

"I'd rather die from drowning in the ocean than have you throw your disgusting and tainted spear at me!" she shouted and briskly walked backwards; and soon she fell freely into the water.

"You won't get away from me!" Hakudoshi shouted and immediately hurled his spear towards her with full force. However, his eyes went wide as someone had passed by him like a wind. Then, the weapon he had just thrown seconds ago was violently tossed right back to him, and it was done by the man he was very well avoiding.

She hit the water hard; and while gasping for air with her half-opened eyes, she pictured the presence of a slender yet muscular arm of a tall figure seemingly there to rescue her before succumbing to blackout.

Sesshomaru had arrived to where Arisa was, only to witness her fall from the cliff with a weapon thrown at her. With brows snapped together and his jaw clenched, he raced with time and dived straight from the cliff. He was able to get the spear spot on and furiously sent it back to the owner. Then, he smoothly went into the water and once she was in sight, he quickly stretched his hand and grabbed her body tightly.

He got out of the water with ease while carrying her, and drifted towards the shore momentarily. Soaking wet, he laid her down on the white sand along with his fluff and started to think of ways to wake her up.

Should I use Tenseiga?

But hee could hear her normal breathing pattern, so it wasn't applicable.

What is there to do?

He casually plopped beside her, but he was panicking deep inside. Then, he reluctantly closed his eyes to deal first with the stirring of unwanted emotions he was currently having.

Arisa opened her eyes hastily, and coughed up water the instant she tried to sit up. She felt a familiar soft texture when she placed her hands on the ground, and it made her gape silently.

"You should be resting."

A deep voice said in concern, making her glance to her side, shocked by his presence. His hair was still dripping wet.

"Sesshomaru…how are you here…?"

"You have become one of Naraku's targets." He said in a candid tone, ignoring her question.

She slouched when he evaded her question.

"I think so…"

An awkward silence suddenly wrapped them both, and it was Arisa who broke it.

"S-still, thank you for saving me…" she said softly with a guilty smile, but had her eyes on the horizon. She didn't want to look at him, because she had a feeling that she would cry.

There was no answer from him, and only the sound of the waves filled the background. Her lips pursed into a thin line, and thoughts began to cloud her mind.

Though I'm really thankful that he still came for me…but lately I…I've been causing nothing but trouble for Sesshomaru. If only my verse cuts had finished Naraku back at Mt. Hakurei…! Ugh, maybe I'm just not fit to kill him. I hate this…

She quietly smirked in pity to herself.

I might end up like Sara anyway…and then there's Kagura...who looks more dependable than me. I hate to admit it, but she would suit him better since they're both demons…and he would actually prefer someone like her. Maybe…it's better if I'm not here anymore. It's just…too good to be true for someone like me to stay by Sesshomaru's side.

Sesshomaru suddenly spoke up, and it made her flinch. She quickly held back the tears that were threatening to come out.

"Arisa."

She faced him with a forced smile.

"Y-yes?"

"Your hand."

Curious of what he would need it for, she voluntarily extended her hand out to him. He then reached for something inside his breast pocket, and gently put it in her palms. Her eyes widened when she saw that it's a silver pendant with a blue locket.

"W-where did you get this…?" she asked, still looking at him in confusion.

"A nosy merchant gave it to me on my way back."

"And…?"

"I am giving it to you since I have no interest in it." He casually said with a hint of gentleness in his voice, while gazing at the sea.

Her heart raced and her face flushed, making her speechless. She didn't expect him to actually keep something like that, and it really was surprising for him to "reward" her; especially after everything that happened recently.

"I thought this was pretty common for humans like you. Throw it away if you do not like it."

Sesshomaru quickly retorted after receiving no words from her, which actually bothered him.

"Are you kidding me? There's no way I would ever throw this away...! Thank you." she replied defensively in a croaked voice and clutched the necklace tightly. He briefly glanced at her, and saw her in tears.

"Why are you crying?" he asked cynically, to which she shook her head vigorously.

"These are tears of joy…"

"So you can cry because you're happy."

She couldn't help but giggle at his statement.

"Of course…! At least now you know."

"Hmph."

Oops, looks like I pissed him off a little.

She then gazed endearingly at the necklace in her hands, followed by a sad smile.

At the very least…I still get to have a parting gift from him.

The sunset rays enveloped the surroundings, and it dragged Arisa's attention. She gave an eyeful towards the sea, and it was a wonderful sight. It was more beautiful and serene compared to the sunsets she witnessed when they went to a beach in her era.

She took a glance at Sesshomaru, and secretly swooned at his handsome profile that was enhanced by the sunbeam and water droplets. Just then, an idea crossed her mind as she slowly wore the necklace.

Arisa scooted closer to him, and carefully rested her head on his shoulder. She felt him stiffen a little, but she didn't care.

"What are you doing?"

"Leaning on you, obviously."

He spared her a quick, irritated glare.

"Don't give me bizarre answers."

"Allow me to do this…please."

There was a tinge of loneliness in her tone, and it made him feel slightly guilty.

"I did not say I wouldn't."

She smiled to herself as she closed her eyes.

"Thank you…"

His forehead creased a little. "Stop thanking me for every little thing."

"Why not? It just means I appreciate everything you do, and you deserve my gratitude."

"…"

Sesshomaru chose not to respond, and instead, went back to gazing at the marvelous sunset by the sea with a small smile that stayed a bit longer on his face.

Arisa didn't know, but he was discreetly aware of this. A pleasant feeling bloomed inside of him, and he wanted to punch himself for it.

…seems like it's a good thing that I kept that pendant after all.

He smirked at his own thoughts, and dismissed them right after.

How does this woman make me think and feel things I shouldn't have?

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX