InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ Dances with Demons ❯ Gods and Demons ( Chapter 2 )
[ P - Pre-Teen ]
By: Marbleman 
Ole Jaken has a marvelous secret. Delve into the mind of our small green friend.
Anime/Manga: InuYasha Fan Fiction | Genre(s): Adventure | Type: Alternate Universe | Uploaded On: 07.27.2004 | Updated On: 07.27.2004 | Pages: 1 | Words: 2.7K | Visits: 204 | Status: Completed
Ole Jaken has a marvelous secret. Delve into the mind of our small green friend.
Anime/Manga: InuYasha Fan Fiction | Genre(s): Adventure | Type: Alternate Universe | Uploaded On: 07.27.2004 | Updated On: 07.27.2004 | Pages: 1 | Words: 2.7K | Visits: 204 | Status: Completed
A Golden Heart
A superstition was passed down from generation to generation among the villagers at the foot of Mount Kogane. Its claim was that if one were to ascend a certain mountain path on a certain night when the moon was the thinnest crescent, one would find themselves in a beautiful mountain grove. The grove was said to be filled with delicate fairies of colors that the human eye could not discern, and that the area was guarded by four ancient ogre statues which protected the sacred place from defilement. Further on, vines streamed up four primeval, crumbling gables that shone bronze with some inner power. And in the middle of these barriers stood a golden altar filled with a bright, yellow fire that never went out.
This was the shrine of some long-forgotten and volatile god of the forest. This horrible god was nothing to be trifled with, on this the mountain people agreed. Adventurous youths were dissuaded from making the dangerous journey with this fell warning: if an insolent youngster chanced to cross the first threshold, the trespasser would be instantly transformed into a small green frog, rendering him unable to boast of his exploits. So it was that the mountain pass was permanently abandoned.
Jaken always giggled gleefully whenever he thought of how the humans cowered from the forbidden place, as they would never cower from him! He, of course, had been responsible for the fictitious legend.
He could remember it as though it were only yesterday (how the centuries fly!). One night over three hundred years ago, he had returned to the grove (which Jaken had been using as refuge from other larger demons) and caught a boy slinking around. Luckily, Jaken had brought his jintojo with him, and he frightened the boy with the threat of fire, keeping his diminutive, frog-like body in the darkness. With harsh words, Jaken misled the boy into the false belief that Jaken was a great god – indeed - a powerful god who enjoyed his privacy. Then he had let the lad go, but made him swear he would never return or tell a soul what he had seen. The child broke his promise, but the situation worked to Jaken’s advantage. For later, that boy became a great priest, and Jaken’s false words became golden truth (with some embellishment from the priest).
Like most stories it had an ounce of legitimacy. The grove was indeed beautiful, nestled in the womb of the mountain herself. The thick, wall-like forest of Hyjal covered it on all sides, and only the mountain path (or wings) could lead a body onto its grounds. The truth was the grove was once an ancient toll booth, a kind of rest stop, and that the mountain trail came to an end just around the corner at an immense, secluded orchard. The grounds of the orchard truly were magical, and it was the largest Jaken had ever laid eyes upon, filled with golden fruit that made the mouth salivate simply looking at them. When he had initially stumbled upon it, Jaken had believed himself to be dreaming. He had stuffed as many of the glittering, apple-shaped treasures into his mouth before sleep overcame him. When he awoke the following day, Jaken was amazed to find the magnificent orchard was still there. What's more, the recently picked stems had grown new wonders overnight. A miracle! His miracle! Yes, it was his discovery, and he had never let its existence be known to any other. . . well. . . one other.
Years later, even his master Sesshoumaru had been pleased with the taste of the fruit. After having bitten into one of the large, ripe fruits, his eyes had flashed. It had taken Jaken days to wipe the smile off his face after the Lord of the Western Lands proclaimed the fruit to be “exquisite.”
That had been many years ago, and since then Jaken and his master had made several visits to the place. It was a paradise, and at the moment it served as a much needed retreat. The trail of the evil Naraku, his master’s enemy, had gone cold. So had the weather. The winter months were fast approaching, and the woods at the base of the mountain had dropped their leaves. The mysterious Mount Kogane boasted foliage which never turned with the seasons. In this way, the mountain was left suspended in a forgotten era of Japan, untroubled by man and time.
Jaken walked briskly and blew little wisps as he exhaled. It was late evening, and a red blanket had covered the mountain and the fields surrounding the quieting village. The cold, clammy air at the base of the mountain was staggering when coming down from the grove. He did not descend by choice, but because his lord had bid him to retrieve Rin. A human girl, worthless in every way, Rin had been nothing but a thorn in his master’s side, yet he was unwilling to dispose of her. Jaken sighed audibly as he plunged his staff into the thick brown mud of the farming land he was traversing. Lord Sesshoumaru had sent her into the large village to collect information on the whereabouts of Naraku, as if any small piece of information she found would justify her weakness and utter irrelevance. Did he neglect to remember how terribly ugly she was? It wouldn’t be so bad if her eyes protruded a bit more and she had greener skin.
Suddenly, the frog demon tripped and fell headlong into the muck; his foot had caught in a small hole. Jaken yelped in surprise before his face met the ground, and only the top of his little black hat avoided a splattering. This land was supposed to grow rice, yet it was quickly becoming a marshland. Jaken picked himself up and shook his head. His yellow bulbous eyes peered across the unfertile fields at the lights coming from the hut windows. Jaken stood, arms crossed, frog-lips puckered impatiently, and waited. . .
Humans are so pathetic. Jaken frowned at the thought. Was it not demons who were superior in every conceivable way? Why was it, then, that everywhere he went he found humans prospered while demons lived on the outskirts of their primitive society? Jaken decided that it had little to do with intellectual or physical domination and more to do with the fact that, generally, demons couldn’t get along. We fight among ourselves while they build their “ touns” and “kitties,” thought Jaken. Well, Lord Sesshoumaru doesn’t need the counsel of others, or someone to share reign over his land. He doesn’t need anyone at all! And his independence has served him well.
At last, he saw Rin approaching. “Is that you, Jaken-sama?” the disheveled girl called out to him. The demon didn’t answer her question. He turned and began padding towards the mountain, but Rin caught up with him in an instant. They walked side-by-side in silence for awhile, and the girl looked sad. Jaken didn’t move his head, but he saw she was upset from the corner of his eye. “Have you failed in your duty, or have you learned something?” Jaken asked sharply. “Oh,” she replied, “I heard lots about Naraku. But those villagers - they are so poor. I’ve never seen people with so little. There’s a famine, and an old man said it was the worst he had ever seen. The children catch the rats if they can, but not for sport. And I saw a boy,” Rin’s voice grew softer, “I saw one boy who reminded me of my brother. Only he was so thin, his arms were like sticks and he was moaning. . .”
Rin told the frog demon all about the plight of the village, but Jaken’s mind was concerned only with information about Naraku. He demanded to know all she had learned, and she disclosed what she had heard in a distracted voice. It was good to know that his trip had not been completely wasted. Now Jaken’s thoughts were bent on returning to his master and his golden orchard. Rin, however, continued speaking of the villagers in a cheerless tone.
“. . . and they say they won’t leave. The mountain is sacred to them and they worship the spirit that lives there. They worship him but he won’t help them,” she looked at Jaken peculiarly, “it’s strange they admire him so, since they’ve never met him. Don’t you think that’s strange, Jaken-sama?” If Jaken had eyebrows, they would have bristled. “No! Some humans worship pieces of wood and some worship fat, lazy demons. So why shouldn’t they worship someone who doesn’t exist!?”
Rin was quiet for the rest of the journey up the pass; she appeared to be deep in thought. They came to a spot where the road had a clear view of the landscape below. A large, flat-topped boulder was perched on the edge with a few rocks here and there next to it. Lying in the shadow of the boulder was the two headed horse demon, which she called Ah-Un. Its heads reared up in a greeting to the two unlikely traveling companions.
Jaken didn’t stop to look at the setting sun. He kept trudging his way up the path, and Rin remained behind by the boulder. Lord Sesshoumaru had wisely instructed her to wait on the ledge, away from the grove and the enchanted orchard beyond. There was, after all, no reason for her to know about it. Jaken heard her voice call after him, “I think he’s real, Jaken-sama! I think the mountain god will help the villagers!” Jaken scowled and kept his pace.
It was well into the night before he arrived at the secret grove. A blazing fire roared on the “altar,” which was actually a primitive light post to brighten the area. At its base, Jaken could see Lord Sesshoumaru among many golden fruits. The demon lord sat cross-legged and erect, eyes closed, hands folded in his lap. Past his master, Jaken could see the faint glow of the orchard just around the corner. The imp did not know if Sesshoumaru wished to be disturbed or not, so he stood at the edge of the firelight and waited.
“What news of Naraku?” Sesshoumaru asked at last, but only his mouth moved. Jaken repeated what Rin had learned from the village, delighted to give his master the valuable information. The demon lord listened, then spoke grimly, “These are unfortunate tidings. If they speak truthfully, Naraku is well beyond my grasp now. I will have to make great strides to close the distance between us. I cannot afford to delay here any longer. In the morning, I go to search for my half-breed sibling with all speed.”
Jaken opened his mouth to protest, but Sesshoumaru continued emotionlessly, “You and the girl will join me on the road three days from now, after you are finished here.” He spoke the last part slowly and meaningfully.
What is my master doing, leaving me behind? thought the little demon, and what remains to be done here? The frog demon frowned and blurted out, “But Lord Sess-“
Sesshoumaru ignored him and began to speak. He seemed to be addressing no one in particular. ”My father. . . had a strange fondness for humans. He loved that woman, the one whose womb bore my half-brother. I never could understand this. . .” Sesshoumaru opened his eyes callously and looked up at the starry sky.
Jaken was spellbound. Lord Sesshoumaru never spoke to him this way. Was he in trouble? Or was his master speaking to someone else? Jaken whirled about, searching the edges of the firelight for the powerful demon lord who his master was speaking to. But there was no one else. And anyway, Jaken knew that he and his master were the only demons who knew about the grove. The little imp began to sweat profusely.
Sesshoumaru went on imperviously, “But when I pressed him about it, he always told me a story. He had heard it in his travels in the far West. In that land, only the gods could make fire. On the earth the humans fumbled and toiled in darkness, but one among the gods felt pity for them. Though it was forbidden, he brought the humans fire, and was punished harshly for this noble deed. My father would turn to me after retelling the story and he would ask me: ‘What did it profit those gods to keep fire from man? What does it profit my son to hate them?’” The Lord of the Western Lands closed his eyes again, raised one eyebrow, and added, “Strange. All these years later, it does seem rather. . . fruitless.” Then Sesshoumaru was still and said no more.
The imp could not believe what he had just heard. Had he understood correctly? Was his master telling him to. . . No, Lord Sesshoumaru had not given him any order. But he had suggested something. Jaken had been given a choice by his master. He stared at the golden fruits all about him. They glittered brightly back at him.
Jaken wanted to believe that if the humans of the village entered the golden orchard, the enchantment would be lifted. He wanted to believe the fruit’s sparkle would fade and the mountain forests would fall in line with the seasons once more. But he knew these things would not happen. And so his master’s words stuck fast in Jaken’s head like a purification arrow. He pondered these things throughout the night. But when dawn came, the little demon could not think of a reason to keep the humans out.
* * *
Rin woke up with a start. It felt as if someone had poked her with a stick. She blinked and looked up into the face of Jaken. “Get up, you!” he commanded grumpily. Rin mumbled and got up from the straw mat she had used to sleep on. The smooth surface of the boulder on the cliff was a fine place to make camp. The morning sun was rising on the other side of the peak, so the flatlands and forests below were still concealed in shadow. The air was still and peaceful.
The green frog demon had bags under his eyes from lack of sleep. Rin looked around and asked him, “Where is Sesshoumaru-sama?” Jaken rubbed his head with his three-fingered hand. “Nevermind that. You must do what I say directly. Go down into the village. Tell them that the mountain god has heard their entreaties. Tell them that they have his consent to enter the sacred grove of the mountain. Tell them. . .” Jaken’s eyes paused nervously, “tell them he will be waiting there.”
Rin was perplexed. “But how will –“
Jaken pulled a golden apple out from under his sleeve and held it out to the girl. Her eyes were wide with amazement at its beauty. She licked her lips involuntarily, and it took the frog demon all his strength to let the marvelous fruit drop into her hands. “Show this to them. Tell them it’s a tribute to their faithfulness. In this way, they’ll know you’re telling the truth.” Jaken looked down at the village miserably.
The young girl grinned widely. She threw her arms around Jaken and kissed him on the cheek. Then she turned and ran down the path as fast as she could. Ah-Un’s two heads looked down on Jaken merrily. “You’re a good god, Jaken-sama!” Rin yelled over her shoulder.
Jaken had flushed, turning an unnatural purplish color. His face was frozen in a mixture of horror, revulsion, and surprise. But the little demon’s yellow eyes shimmered softly, confirming his contented resignation.
“Make sure you don’t eat it ‘til you show it to them!” he shrieked as she sprinted down the sloping path of Mount Kogane.
______________________
A superstition was passed down from generation to generation among the villagers at the foot of Mount Kogane. Its claim was that if one were to ascend a certain mountain path on a certain night when the moon was the thinnest crescent, one would find themselves in a beautiful mountain grove. The grove was said to be filled with delicate fairies of colors that the human eye could not discern, and that the area was guarded by four ancient ogre statues which protected the sacred place from defilement. Further on, vines streamed up four primeval, crumbling gables that shone bronze with some inner power. And in the middle of these barriers stood a golden altar filled with a bright, yellow fire that never went out.
This was the shrine of some long-forgotten and volatile god of the forest. This horrible god was nothing to be trifled with, on this the mountain people agreed. Adventurous youths were dissuaded from making the dangerous journey with this fell warning: if an insolent youngster chanced to cross the first threshold, the trespasser would be instantly transformed into a small green frog, rendering him unable to boast of his exploits. So it was that the mountain pass was permanently abandoned.
Jaken always giggled gleefully whenever he thought of how the humans cowered from the forbidden place, as they would never cower from him! He, of course, had been responsible for the fictitious legend.
He could remember it as though it were only yesterday (how the centuries fly!). One night over three hundred years ago, he had returned to the grove (which Jaken had been using as refuge from other larger demons) and caught a boy slinking around. Luckily, Jaken had brought his jintojo with him, and he frightened the boy with the threat of fire, keeping his diminutive, frog-like body in the darkness. With harsh words, Jaken misled the boy into the false belief that Jaken was a great god – indeed - a powerful god who enjoyed his privacy. Then he had let the lad go, but made him swear he would never return or tell a soul what he had seen. The child broke his promise, but the situation worked to Jaken’s advantage. For later, that boy became a great priest, and Jaken’s false words became golden truth (with some embellishment from the priest).
Like most stories it had an ounce of legitimacy. The grove was indeed beautiful, nestled in the womb of the mountain herself. The thick, wall-like forest of Hyjal covered it on all sides, and only the mountain path (or wings) could lead a body onto its grounds. The truth was the grove was once an ancient toll booth, a kind of rest stop, and that the mountain trail came to an end just around the corner at an immense, secluded orchard. The grounds of the orchard truly were magical, and it was the largest Jaken had ever laid eyes upon, filled with golden fruit that made the mouth salivate simply looking at them. When he had initially stumbled upon it, Jaken had believed himself to be dreaming. He had stuffed as many of the glittering, apple-shaped treasures into his mouth before sleep overcame him. When he awoke the following day, Jaken was amazed to find the magnificent orchard was still there. What's more, the recently picked stems had grown new wonders overnight. A miracle! His miracle! Yes, it was his discovery, and he had never let its existence be known to any other. . . well. . . one other.
Years later, even his master Sesshoumaru had been pleased with the taste of the fruit. After having bitten into one of the large, ripe fruits, his eyes had flashed. It had taken Jaken days to wipe the smile off his face after the Lord of the Western Lands proclaimed the fruit to be “exquisite.”
That had been many years ago, and since then Jaken and his master had made several visits to the place. It was a paradise, and at the moment it served as a much needed retreat. The trail of the evil Naraku, his master’s enemy, had gone cold. So had the weather. The winter months were fast approaching, and the woods at the base of the mountain had dropped their leaves. The mysterious Mount Kogane boasted foliage which never turned with the seasons. In this way, the mountain was left suspended in a forgotten era of Japan, untroubled by man and time.
Jaken walked briskly and blew little wisps as he exhaled. It was late evening, and a red blanket had covered the mountain and the fields surrounding the quieting village. The cold, clammy air at the base of the mountain was staggering when coming down from the grove. He did not descend by choice, but because his lord had bid him to retrieve Rin. A human girl, worthless in every way, Rin had been nothing but a thorn in his master’s side, yet he was unwilling to dispose of her. Jaken sighed audibly as he plunged his staff into the thick brown mud of the farming land he was traversing. Lord Sesshoumaru had sent her into the large village to collect information on the whereabouts of Naraku, as if any small piece of information she found would justify her weakness and utter irrelevance. Did he neglect to remember how terribly ugly she was? It wouldn’t be so bad if her eyes protruded a bit more and she had greener skin.
Suddenly, the frog demon tripped and fell headlong into the muck; his foot had caught in a small hole. Jaken yelped in surprise before his face met the ground, and only the top of his little black hat avoided a splattering. This land was supposed to grow rice, yet it was quickly becoming a marshland. Jaken picked himself up and shook his head. His yellow bulbous eyes peered across the unfertile fields at the lights coming from the hut windows. Jaken stood, arms crossed, frog-lips puckered impatiently, and waited. . .
Humans are so pathetic. Jaken frowned at the thought. Was it not demons who were superior in every conceivable way? Why was it, then, that everywhere he went he found humans prospered while demons lived on the outskirts of their primitive society? Jaken decided that it had little to do with intellectual or physical domination and more to do with the fact that, generally, demons couldn’t get along. We fight among ourselves while they build their “ touns” and “kitties,” thought Jaken. Well, Lord Sesshoumaru doesn’t need the counsel of others, or someone to share reign over his land. He doesn’t need anyone at all! And his independence has served him well.
At last, he saw Rin approaching. “Is that you, Jaken-sama?” the disheveled girl called out to him. The demon didn’t answer her question. He turned and began padding towards the mountain, but Rin caught up with him in an instant. They walked side-by-side in silence for awhile, and the girl looked sad. Jaken didn’t move his head, but he saw she was upset from the corner of his eye. “Have you failed in your duty, or have you learned something?” Jaken asked sharply. “Oh,” she replied, “I heard lots about Naraku. But those villagers - they are so poor. I’ve never seen people with so little. There’s a famine, and an old man said it was the worst he had ever seen. The children catch the rats if they can, but not for sport. And I saw a boy,” Rin’s voice grew softer, “I saw one boy who reminded me of my brother. Only he was so thin, his arms were like sticks and he was moaning. . .”
Rin told the frog demon all about the plight of the village, but Jaken’s mind was concerned only with information about Naraku. He demanded to know all she had learned, and she disclosed what she had heard in a distracted voice. It was good to know that his trip had not been completely wasted. Now Jaken’s thoughts were bent on returning to his master and his golden orchard. Rin, however, continued speaking of the villagers in a cheerless tone.
“. . . and they say they won’t leave. The mountain is sacred to them and they worship the spirit that lives there. They worship him but he won’t help them,” she looked at Jaken peculiarly, “it’s strange they admire him so, since they’ve never met him. Don’t you think that’s strange, Jaken-sama?” If Jaken had eyebrows, they would have bristled. “No! Some humans worship pieces of wood and some worship fat, lazy demons. So why shouldn’t they worship someone who doesn’t exist!?”
Rin was quiet for the rest of the journey up the pass; she appeared to be deep in thought. They came to a spot where the road had a clear view of the landscape below. A large, flat-topped boulder was perched on the edge with a few rocks here and there next to it. Lying in the shadow of the boulder was the two headed horse demon, which she called Ah-Un. Its heads reared up in a greeting to the two unlikely traveling companions.
Jaken didn’t stop to look at the setting sun. He kept trudging his way up the path, and Rin remained behind by the boulder. Lord Sesshoumaru had wisely instructed her to wait on the ledge, away from the grove and the enchanted orchard beyond. There was, after all, no reason for her to know about it. Jaken heard her voice call after him, “I think he’s real, Jaken-sama! I think the mountain god will help the villagers!” Jaken scowled and kept his pace.
It was well into the night before he arrived at the secret grove. A blazing fire roared on the “altar,” which was actually a primitive light post to brighten the area. At its base, Jaken could see Lord Sesshoumaru among many golden fruits. The demon lord sat cross-legged and erect, eyes closed, hands folded in his lap. Past his master, Jaken could see the faint glow of the orchard just around the corner. The imp did not know if Sesshoumaru wished to be disturbed or not, so he stood at the edge of the firelight and waited.
“What news of Naraku?” Sesshoumaru asked at last, but only his mouth moved. Jaken repeated what Rin had learned from the village, delighted to give his master the valuable information. The demon lord listened, then spoke grimly, “These are unfortunate tidings. If they speak truthfully, Naraku is well beyond my grasp now. I will have to make great strides to close the distance between us. I cannot afford to delay here any longer. In the morning, I go to search for my half-breed sibling with all speed.”
Jaken opened his mouth to protest, but Sesshoumaru continued emotionlessly, “You and the girl will join me on the road three days from now, after you are finished here.” He spoke the last part slowly and meaningfully.
What is my master doing, leaving me behind? thought the little demon, and what remains to be done here? The frog demon frowned and blurted out, “But Lord Sess-“
Sesshoumaru ignored him and began to speak. He seemed to be addressing no one in particular. ”My father. . . had a strange fondness for humans. He loved that woman, the one whose womb bore my half-brother. I never could understand this. . .” Sesshoumaru opened his eyes callously and looked up at the starry sky.
Jaken was spellbound. Lord Sesshoumaru never spoke to him this way. Was he in trouble? Or was his master speaking to someone else? Jaken whirled about, searching the edges of the firelight for the powerful demon lord who his master was speaking to. But there was no one else. And anyway, Jaken knew that he and his master were the only demons who knew about the grove. The little imp began to sweat profusely.
Sesshoumaru went on imperviously, “But when I pressed him about it, he always told me a story. He had heard it in his travels in the far West. In that land, only the gods could make fire. On the earth the humans fumbled and toiled in darkness, but one among the gods felt pity for them. Though it was forbidden, he brought the humans fire, and was punished harshly for this noble deed. My father would turn to me after retelling the story and he would ask me: ‘What did it profit those gods to keep fire from man? What does it profit my son to hate them?’” The Lord of the Western Lands closed his eyes again, raised one eyebrow, and added, “Strange. All these years later, it does seem rather. . . fruitless.” Then Sesshoumaru was still and said no more.
The imp could not believe what he had just heard. Had he understood correctly? Was his master telling him to. . . No, Lord Sesshoumaru had not given him any order. But he had suggested something. Jaken had been given a choice by his master. He stared at the golden fruits all about him. They glittered brightly back at him.
Jaken wanted to believe that if the humans of the village entered the golden orchard, the enchantment would be lifted. He wanted to believe the fruit’s sparkle would fade and the mountain forests would fall in line with the seasons once more. But he knew these things would not happen. And so his master’s words stuck fast in Jaken’s head like a purification arrow. He pondered these things throughout the night. But when dawn came, the little demon could not think of a reason to keep the humans out.
* * *
Rin woke up with a start. It felt as if someone had poked her with a stick. She blinked and looked up into the face of Jaken. “Get up, you!” he commanded grumpily. Rin mumbled and got up from the straw mat she had used to sleep on. The smooth surface of the boulder on the cliff was a fine place to make camp. The morning sun was rising on the other side of the peak, so the flatlands and forests below were still concealed in shadow. The air was still and peaceful.
The green frog demon had bags under his eyes from lack of sleep. Rin looked around and asked him, “Where is Sesshoumaru-sama?” Jaken rubbed his head with his three-fingered hand. “Nevermind that. You must do what I say directly. Go down into the village. Tell them that the mountain god has heard their entreaties. Tell them that they have his consent to enter the sacred grove of the mountain. Tell them. . .” Jaken’s eyes paused nervously, “tell them he will be waiting there.”
Rin was perplexed. “But how will –“
Jaken pulled a golden apple out from under his sleeve and held it out to the girl. Her eyes were wide with amazement at its beauty. She licked her lips involuntarily, and it took the frog demon all his strength to let the marvelous fruit drop into her hands. “Show this to them. Tell them it’s a tribute to their faithfulness. In this way, they’ll know you’re telling the truth.” Jaken looked down at the village miserably.
The young girl grinned widely. She threw her arms around Jaken and kissed him on the cheek. Then she turned and ran down the path as fast as she could. Ah-Un’s two heads looked down on Jaken merrily. “You’re a good god, Jaken-sama!” Rin yelled over her shoulder.
Jaken had flushed, turning an unnatural purplish color. His face was frozen in a mixture of horror, revulsion, and surprise. But the little demon’s yellow eyes shimmered softly, confirming his contented resignation.
“Make sure you don’t eat it ‘til you show it to them!” he shrieked as she sprinted down the sloping path of Mount Kogane.
______________________