InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ To Perish Once More ❯ Chapter Seven: Stand ( Chapter 7 )

To Perish Once More: Chapter Seven: Stand

-Jasmine Fields

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His lordship had not yet summoned them. The shadows on the terrain grew long and the sun's searing heat was finally cast behind gray lofty clouds. Summer's first pleasant day.

It wasn't that he fretted for his lord…no, not at all. He knew he would not need his humble servant's presence while he attended to business. He just hated being left out of the circle of protection his lordship willingly offered - without requesting any return.

Milord does not even request our loyal following.

He is most generous, indeed.

Yes, he was concerned at the wind sorceress's interest in his lordship…though this time he him self scented on her person the boy that had caused much trouble.

Kohaku, was it?

Though, he supposed, it couldn't be helped.

That boy - a pawn of milord's vile enemy - cannot think of what he does.

For shame.

Really it is.

He admired his master's glory and power. He willingly allowed his protector to walk all over him.

Literally.

He lived to be able to assist his lord any way that might please him…even when he was hurled away to act as this she-child's care-giver and babysitter. If he truly had any knowledge to the amount of gratitude and honor his lordship bequeathed for these simplest of acts, he would have spent his eternal afterlife groveling at his royal feet…never regretting his actions.

Though then, he would not necessarily have given his charge much thought.

She would probably torment me and even embarrass this lowly servant in front of milord…

At least she is respectful towards my - our - lord.

That Rin.

For all the complaining he did, he loved the human girl.

Ironic in every way.

Yes, this Jaken loves Rin.

He would be sad the day of her departure from life. For now…

He glanced around.

There she is…

What is that girl staring at?

Hmph. Strange girl.

His ugly toad feet ambled over to the place captivating her observations.

"Look, Lord Jaken!" She chirped. "It's Lord Sesshoumaru's brother's friend!"

"And who, prey tell, might that be?" He leaned over Rin's shoulder to take a peek.

Eh! That Kagome woman!

What to do? What to do?

My heavens!!!

What would milord think if he knew his brat of a brother were near by?

Ack! He'd maul him self a servant!

He was nearly panicking. He really didn't want this beauty of a day spoiled by interference by that hanyou!

***

"Mweeewh!"

"Kirara?"

"Mweeewh!"

"Sango? Is Kirara okay?"

Seems like it to me…

Sango silently scolded herself at such a thought.

Maybe she's just affectionate today?

"Mweeewh! Prrrrr…" Kirara shoved her kitten body against Sango's calf and flicked her tail around her ankle.

"Maybe she's trying to tell us something, Kagome."

"Wanna check it out?"

They had just finished donning their clothes and gear…packing up Hirakutsu and Kagome's bow and sacred arrows.

They didn't think anything of it when they had heard some insignificant rustling in the bushes and had figured Miroku had discovered their path. Of course, there was no need to pitch pebbles at him since they were already dressed. But then again…who knew how long he had been staring?

Sango sighed.

When would he learn?

She was about to say something, when Kagome stepped toward her and placed a hand on her elbow as a reassuring gesture.

A gesture of compassion that was rarely given during this warring states period.

Kirara didn't seem to feel threatened. It was almost as though she knew what was hiding behind those bushes.

I wonder…She stepped forward.

Kagome was distracted by the vision of a dual skulled staff poking up from behind a tree anchored against the stream's bank. Her eyes widened.

What's that toad doing…peeking on us!!!

She picked up a small stone and heaved it toward the offender.

"You little peeping tom!"

He crashed forward from behind the bushes, girl in tow…

Hmm. Guess I didn't miss!

That'll teach him!

She thought proudly.

What were they doing here?

***