Chapter Three

All I remember before my world went completely dark was a bright white light coming towards me. At first, I thought it was an angel taking me to heaven, but what angel screams, "is she alive?" Or "Did anyone call for an ambulance?"

Was I hit? I'm not in any pain, so why would I need to be treated? "Did anyone get the person's license plate number?" So, the car that almost hit me took off?

The next thing I heard was, "dude, did you record that?" A young male voice asked.

"Yeah dude! I am totally uploading this to the internet. Especially TikTok!" another guy answered. I forgot that we live in a world where idiots would rather record something than help somebody. Stupid people of the twenty-first century, with their stupid smartphones. I don't even use mine for that stuff. I only use it for emergencies.

I became more alert when I heard someone I did not expect say, "do you bastards have anything better to do than record?" Is… Did Sesshomaru save me? I flashed open my eyes to see him up above me. I was sitting on the ground, in his lap, held within his arms, and he was eyeing whoever was being a dick heavily.

"Oh! Come on, Sesshomaru. This town is in need of some action. That girl… hey isn't she the new girl at school that's a massive bitch to everyone?" He did not just call me the b-word?

"Do not use such foul language! If you have nothing better to do, leave!" He ordered them by pointing to go in a different direction.

"Sesshomaru, you are the most popular guy in our high school, and the boyfriend to Sara, you have gone soft. Oh man! Wait till she sees another girl in your arms, Haha." I don't give two shits about what she'll think. She's the least of my worries.

"You upload that video, then you are the next one needing an ambulance."

"Oh, I'm so scared."

As I sat here listening to them bicker with one another, I remembered about Tashi. Crap! There's a storm coming, and I need to get him home… "Rin!" I heard him scream my name. Did it happen near his school? I sat up fast and turned to see he was next to me. "Rin, what happened? Are you okay?" I could see the fear in his eyes.

I could feel Sesshomaru's eyes on me too, "you are finally alert! Help is coming, Rin," was all he said.

Help? I don't need medical attention. I tried to stand up and he wouldn't let me. I was pissed, "I don't need help. I am fine. Now let me go!" I was back in my foul mood.

"Aww, I told she was a bitch!"

"Fuck off!" Not only did I say that Sesshomaru did too. I know I shouldn't have said that word around Tashi, but I was aggravated. I then turned my attention to Sesshomaru once again, "I don't need to be seen. I'm going home if you like it or not!"

His eyes read something different. "You might want to rethink that!" He expressed. I watched him point to my lower left leg where me over the knee sock was torn, exposing my skin. My leg had a slight cut from the knee and down towards my ankle. "You were slightly struck by the car."

I did indeed see that my leg was bleeding. This is a great way to start my first week of school. "I'm not hurting, and I can treat myself at home," I said angrily, as I tried to stand up, and he still wouldn't allow me.

"You could have more serious injuries that we can't see, Rin. Just sit here and relax. You might need a tetanus shot."

I hate needles. "No! I want to go home…" I heard the sirens of an ambulance coming towards us. "Damn it!" I mumbled.

"Rin, just do as they tell you. Please!" Tashi placed his little hand on my shoulder with the same fear in his eyes. Why is it that he can bring my mood back to normal?

I closed my eyes and took a relaxing inhale and let it out, "okay. But you're coming with me…" it dawned on me. "Mom and dad… crap!" They were probably the ones that got the call and don't know it was me that got hurt.

"Do you need me to contact them for you both?" Sesshomaru asked, holding his iPhone out.

"No, I'll do that myself." I couldn't reach my phone since it was in my bag, behind my back. "Tashi, get my phone out and call mom or dad."

As he dug through my bag, he had to say, "mom is going to freak!" He is right. Ever since the incident, she calls every hour on the hour to make sure we are doing well at home. I watched as he called mom or dad first with my iPhone. I could tell the phone just rang and rang. "Mom's not answering,'' he announced.

"Try dad," I ordered. Tashi did as I told him and dialed for dad. After a minute his face showed that father wasn't answering. "We'll try again later."

"Where did you say they worked?" Sesshomaru asked quickly, holding his expensive phone out still.

"At… at the dispatcher for emergencies." Is he going to call for them?

I watched him open the screen on his phone and clicked a number. Does he have the number on speed-dial? "Izayoi, contact Rin's guardians. She was involved in a hit and run." After a few seconds, "She's alert and has a gash going down her leg. I'll go with her to the hospital."

No he will not! "I'm perfectly fine and I don't need you..."

He held a finger up at me to shut me up. "I'm a witness and the police will want to know my side of the story," he basically answered both me and his stepmom.

I closed my eyes as I said, "fine!" I hate this so much. I just want this day to end.

There is something about this girl Rin that I find mysterious and intriguing. She doesn't let people get in her way, like Muso who she almost pummeled on Monday morning. She doesn't let a gash that she received from the edge of a license plate faze her. It took everything in my power to have her go by ambulance to seek treatment. On the ride here she mostly talked to her younger brother about what to have for dinner. Pizza was what they wanted. As I watched them communicate, I noticed they didn't have any similarities at all. Nothing even matched on their face, hair, skin, and eyes. I wonder if one of them is adopted.

Rin's younger brother and I sat out in the waiting room after we arrived, while she was being treated in another room. Her parents still haven't answered their phones and Izayoi is still trying to contact them. We've been here an hour, sitting, and waiting.

Sara has been texting and calling me non-stop since the information got broadcasted out on Facebook and TikTok that I saved Rin from a hit and run. Damn those bastards for posting that video. They'll get what's coming to them soon.

Sesshomaru, where are you? I saw the video on TikTok.

Who's this girl you saved?

Answer my calls and texts please!

Why don't you answer me?

If you don't answer me soon, I'm going to track your phone!

I just ignored everything she had sent to me. I might block her for the day. Then Naraku and Muso added me to a stupid group chat of theirs on Facebook Messenger.

Hey man, I can't believe you ditched Sara just to save an underclassman girl. The video on TikTok has over two hundred thousand likes and views. ~ Naraku

Dude, what's gotten into you? This is so unlike you being away from Sara. We saw the video and the whole school is talking about it. Everyone thinks you're in love with the new girl. ~ Muso

Totally, are you thinking of cheating on Sara? ~ Naraku

What Naraku said! ~ Muso

Thinking about it. She's been getting on my nerves since the start of senior year back in spring. I put my phone on mute when Rin's phone started ringing. Her brother answered very fast. "Mom! Hey, we're at the hospital… no I'm not with her… I'm with…" he looked at me not knowing who I was.

I held my hand out for the phone so I could explain to his mother who I was. "Hello, Mrs. Agawa. My name is Sakamoto Sesshomaru. I am a… friend of your daughter, Rin."

"Is she okay? What happened? Which hospital?" She had the panic of every parent's worst nightmare. It was the same panic my father had when I broke my arm doing the stupidest stuff kids did when they are young. Jumping off things they shouldn't be playing on.

"She's alert and sustained a slight cut from her knee down to her ankle from a hit and run. The cops are still looking for the car that hit her. We are at Kagoshima Takaoka Hospital," I explained. I'll explain every detail that I can to her.

"My husband and I are on our way. How did she not sustain more injuries?"

"I pulled her away before the car could fully strike her. She passed out for just a few short minutes and awoke before the paramedics arrived." Should I tell them that she tried to get up and walk home?

"What? How?" I could tell she was puzzled.

"I'm a dog demon with built in speed." One of my greatest powers that I have. Inheritance from both my parents, but mostly my father.

"I see… Thank you, Sesshomaru. We'll be there soon." She hung up before I could say anything else. The tone in her voice seems like this has happened or something else happened within their past. Mostly Rin's past.

"They're on their way."

I gave back the phone to her brother, "it scares me to see Rin like this. She's the brave one and nothing scares her. She must have been in deep thought again." His head was lowered, and he was looking at his hands.

"Is she always in her mind?"

"No, it all started when she… since our parents got a better job opportunity to come out here to work in the city." Something doesn't add up with what he is saying. "She's my best friend and I'm scared to lose her. She kills spiders for me."

I had to smirk that she kills spiders. "Is she scared of anything?"

"Mhh…" I guess he had to think about it. "Her nightmares." Nightmares? I was going to ask my next question when the doors opened and out came Rin in a wheelchair. The cut she received was wrapped in a white bandage along her left leg. She also had multiple bandages along both her legs and arms. Her brother jumped out of his seat and went towards her. "Rin, are you feeling better?"

"I'm numb, so I can't feel anything. Were you able to get in contact with mom and dad?"

"Yeah, mom called a little while ago. She and dad should be here soon."

"Okay." I noticed she was looking my way and she was not impressed that I was here. "You're still here?"

"Yes, I told you I had to talk to the police." The car that hit her was a black Tesla. I managed to get the license plate number in memory. "I gave them every detail that I witnessed."

"The details!" She demanded.

"That you crossed the street with the pedestrian sign lit up and the driver of the Tesla ran a red light."

"How is it you know that?" She demanded and crossed her arms. "Were you following me?"

"No, I was heading to swim practice in that general direction. I noticed you weren't paying attention to the oncoming car. So, I did what was best to save you."

"Swim practice? So, the school doesn't have a swimming pool?"

"It does, but I wanted to practice elsewhere." I'm avoiding Sara. I've been debating breaking up with her for some time now.

"Well since you talked to the police you can leave." Is her attitude always like this?

Lighting struck outside causing the power to go in and out. Rain pounded against the roof at great speed. Rin's brother Tashi, who was right next to me, was now hiding his head within Rin's neck. I could smell the change in her attitude from anger to calmness. "Tashi, it's okay. We'll be leaving soon, hopefully."

As I watched Rin reassure her brother that everything will be okay, I could pick up Izayoi's voice along with Rin's mothers too. The bay doors opened, and they both came in. Her father followed suit. "Oh Rin!" Her mother called for her. She came running over and carefully wrapped her arms around her daughter. "Baby, are you okay?"

"I'm fine, mom. I'm numb and can't feel a thing," they gave her the good stuff. "I want to go home!"

"We'll leave as soon as we can." Her mother looked up to me and asked, "are you Sesshomaru?" She stood up so she could fully face me.

"I am," I held my hand out to shake her hand.

She placed both her hands into my claw hand and cried happy tears, "thank you. Thank you for saving our daughter."

Her father came over and shook my hand quickly. I noticed he was a full fox demon, and her mother was human. But Rin and her brother Tashi are human? So, they both must be adopted. "Thank you, Sesshomaru. We owe you big time for that."

I threw my hands up and said, "it's all good. I was there just at the right time. I gave all the details to the police and they're looking for the driver as we speak."

Izayoi came over and placed a hand on my back, "Sesshomaru is such an amazing man. He takes after his father." I have a feeling she's going to tell him tonight. That means a long talk from him. A talk that I don't need.

As the doctor talked to my parents on what I can and cannot do for the next several weeks, I listened to the news talk about my hit and run. They even showed that stupid video of me in the arms of Sesshomaru. I already know I'm going to get so many people in my face tomorrow, including his girlfriend, Sara. Maybe I could play sick or that I'm in pain and miss a day. But I'm one of those rare people who can face their fears head on.

Tashi came over, took my hand in his, and squeezed it. I looked over at him and gave him the smile I know he loves. "Hey Rin, can we have your special tea when we get home?"

I squeezed his hand too and told him, "Of course. Maybe we'll order out and have a feast." Mom and dad could go out and have a date night for themselves. "We can watch a movie if you want?"

"Sure."

"Are you still up for this weekend to see the volcano?" I forgot Sesshomaru was still here when he came over to ask.

I totally forgot about that. Knowing that I was involved in a hit and run, I don't think mom and dad will allow it. "Rin, did you make plans for this weekend?" Tashi asked me.

"Uh… yeah. I was planning to take you to see an active volcano. It all depends on if mom and dad allow it."

"I'm sure they will, Rin. You just got to ask them."

"I have to go now, here's my number," Sesshomaru handed me a piece of paper with his cell phone number on it. "If you don't come tomorrow, just text me. If you do come, I'll get your answer in the courtyard by the tree." He then left with his stepmother.

On the drive home, we were all silent. I was tired, needed food, and to work on homework. I had so much that needed to be done. So, I think I'll stay home tomorrow, including Tashi. I'll just have a relaxing night and do my schoolwork tomorrow after breakfast. I texted Sesshomaru that I won't be in school on Friday and that I would give him my answer for Saturday tomorrow.

The numbing medicine was wearing off. I could feel the pain from the cut and stitches now. It hurt like a bitch. We had to wait outside the pharmacy for my medication to be made. Next door I noticed there was a movie store going out of business. It gave me an idea. "Hey mom, can I go see what they are selling?" It will help make the time go by fast.

"Of course, dear. Tashi, do you want to see if they have anything you like?"

"Yeah! Maybe they have some Studio Ghibli movies, Rin!"

"I'm sure they do. Umm… dad, can I have some money?" I rarely ask him for money.

"Sure." He took out his debit card and handed it to me. "You should be able to get something good with the fifty percent off deal they're having."

"I agree." Inside was kind of dead and the shelfs were pretty filled. "We came on a good day."

"Yeah. Hey, I think I found a bundle pack, Rin."

"Good eyeing, Tashi, and the price is excellent." It had all of our favorite movies in one huge box.

At home I took the medicine they provided me to prevent infections and one to help with pain. Mom and dad left some money for Tashi and me to order out. They left to have dinner together and they wouldn't be home till late. I hope they have an amazing time together.

Tashi and I both decided on something simple: pepperoni pizza, extra cheesy breadsticks, and a liter of soda. We decided to have a picnic in my room and watch a few movies. We both decided on the Studio Ghibli movie set that we got earlier. The first we were starting off with was Spirited Away.

After I got everything set up for the night, the doorbell finally rang. Food was here! "Tashi, come help me, please."

I opened the door to find a silver haired half-demon dressed in the typical pizza delivery uniform. He looks almost like Sesshomaru. "Yo! Agawa, Rin?"

"Yes, how much?"

I was grabbing him the money when he answered, "¥2,200 yen. Hey, aren't you the girl that was saved by my older stepbrother earlier today?"

What did he just say? Wait… is this Inuyasha? I'm surprised that I remembered his name after it was mentioned one time. "Uh… I guess the cat is out of the bag," I announced as I took our food from him and handed over the money, including his tip. I handed Tashi the liter of soda.

"Yeah, you've become like the celeb at our school. Man, Sesshomaru's girlfriend Sara is harassing him non-stop. I don't see their relationship lasting much longer. Well anyways, take care."

"You as well." Like I thought earlier, Sesshomaru can do so much better. I can see his girlfriend having OCD.

"Rin?"

"Yes?" We were back in my room, sitting on the floor, ready to eat, and watch a movie.

"Are you really a celeb?"

"Haha, no. It's just a metaphor to describe something. I'm nowhere close to being one and I don't care to be."

I played the movie and we both forgot about what happened today. I just wanted to enjoy this evening with the one person I could count on.