After the Mask (Secret of the cursed mask game sequel)

Part 9

Two days later we come across a point where we've been before, close to the mountains. I wonder why we are here again. Little do I know that my answer is coming sooner than expected.

As the others settle down, I go to do the same, only to be hold back by Sesshomaru. "What do you think you're doing?"

"Uhm, make camp?" I ask uncertain.

He shakes his head. "You are going up there." he says pointing at a close by mountain.

My mouth goes agape. "Uh..."

"You have until sundown. Show me that I have no reason to regret contacting that old fool for your sake." he states, confusing me.

"Old fool? What? Who?"

He doesn't answer but turns away from me. "You'd better hurry." he says before jumping off and disappearing out of sight. I'm really confused at this point. What was he talking about?

"Don't just stand there girl, you heard what he said." says Jaken.

"Good luck big sister!" Rin shouts happily. I nod at them and get going, although still not getting what's happening. Is this another way of training?

Once I reach the steep slopes of the mountain I look up to see how much sunlight I have left. The sun is almost reaching its peak for the day, which makes me guess that I have seven to eight hours left. Looking back up the mountain I realize I'm going to have a hard time. Not wanting to disappoint Sesshomaru I put any doubts aside and get going.

..........

About three hours passed and I'm already huffing and puffing, and that was just the easy part. From here on it gets really rocky with steep cliffs. I realize that I will have no time for breaks if I wish to reach the top in time.

I grab onto the rocks and go for the first real climb. This is really hard, rocks keep crumbling and I just hope I'm going to make it out of this in one piece.

I think I just jinxed myself, because as I reach for a ridge of a platform, the rocks under my feet give way. Dropping fast I come to a halt almost just as quickly. Looking up with wide eyes from adrenaline I see a hand tightly clasped around my wrist. Looking to the person holding on I meet familiar bright blue eyes.

He pulls me up with relative ease before putting me back on my feet in front of him. "Are you crazy or what? What the heck are you doing climbing on your own like this?" Koga asks crossing his arms.

I mutter a 'thanks' before brushing off some dust from my clothes. "It's training...I think." I say unsurely.

"You think?" he asks, quirking a brow.

"Yeah, Sesshomaru left me a little confused." I admit.

Koga looks surprised. "Huh, you still hang out with that guy? I was surprised let you the first time, and now he's even training you? Why?"

"I asked him to." I tell him.

He looks taken aback. "Y-You.. Jeesh. You're even crazier than I thought." I glare at him. "Well, whatever floats your boat I guess." he defends.

I glance at the sun and almost panic before running off to the next climb. "What are you doing?" Koga asks from behind me.

"I need to reach the top before sundown. No time to lose." I quickly explain.

He sighs, "You are going to get yourself killed like this." Soon he's up on the cliff next to me.

"What are you doing?" it's my turn to ask.