In requiem

"Jaken stay with Rin."

Jaken felt a twig of annoyance, but did not emphasize it before replying. "Yes me lord."

"Jaken-sama! I saw some flower's awhile back let's go!" Rin had a smile enlighten her face as she gripped Jaken's hand and lead him down a path.

"Alright slow down Rin!" Jaken replied his mind itched around the idea of his lord's peculiar attitude. He seemed more, if possible, unnervingly clam and blunt then usual. And the fact Sesshomaru insisted on taking Ah-Un to accompanying him was odd, what reason would he need such a demon? Jaken pondered this while he sat on a large rock not necessarily paying attention to Rin's flower gathering. Rin; Jaken still hadn't grasp the concept of why his lord would even give a glance to this human…

"Jaken! These are for you." Rin interrupted his thoughts in bringing him a batch of flowers. He regarded them then said. "Rin don't give me such non-sense and continue with whatever you were doing."

"Humm alright Jaken." Rin gave a sheepish grin and skipped a ways off. Jaken looked back to the flowers at his side.

…Then again Rin always did give you something to smile about.

---

"Jaken-sama do you know where lord Sesshomaru could be…" Rin sighed Jaken just shrugged her off. "Sesshomaru is on an important task, it may take hours Rin, so quit you're complaining."

Rin was silent afterwards, Jaken began to pace in circles. Sesshomaru has left them countless times without telling how long it'll take him to return or frankly where he was going. It wasn't such a complication, irksome but no dilemma. This was utterly different; his master was different, a sense of trust for his lord seemed to be filtering away. There was some thing Sesshomaru was hinting to him, but he couldn't grasp any concept of it.

"Jaken-sama… What are you doing?" A confused Rin stared.

"Uh… nothing girl, Sesshomaru-sama will arrive eventually have no doubt." Doubt he was beginning to doubt his lord Sesshomaru? Jaken stopped pacing and shook his head. There was no doubt! He will follow Sesshomaru-sama till the end! That provided confidence through Jaken. And so he waited… and they waited… and waited…wait.

---

A breath of the August air danced through her dark hair, the heat pelted her soft skin as she invoked her feet in the cool water. Gripping her naginata with a blade on each end; she looked toward the large and deformed Yōkai. She held a defensive stance her feet planted firmly. The beast lugged at her in attack, rapidly dodging his strike did she leap and land a fatal blow. The demon dead she began to walk back through the forest, back to her village.

"Rin! Your back!" Exclaimed an imp-like Yōkai as he dashed for her. Rin laughed lightly. "Jaken-sama did I make you worry?" Jaken shook his head in disregard. "You silly child get back into the hut your late for Jaken's special lunch." Rin winced knowing Jaken's cooking wasn't always the delicacy of the evening, but at least there was food on the table. Side-stepping onto a different topic other then Jaken's choice of foods Rin replied "I'm not a child anymore Jaken-sama, after living with each other for so long I thought you would notice." Rin winked before heading back into the hut. Jaken turned to follow suit. He knew she was correct, she wasn't a child anymore, clearly. Yet not only had her appearance changed but without doubt her personality, her smile. Rin's breath taking smile had began to evaporate with time, ever since Sesshomaru's abandonment. They waited until realization hit them brutally; even so they found a village and thrived there. The villagers kindness towards a Yōkai and child was outstanding. Giving the two a home and food until they were able to feed for themselves was a generosity unheard of, and most defiantly appreciated. It wasn't long until Rin became to change dramatically unable to shed anymore tears she was entranced in the village lord warrior's training. She had practiced herself in secret watching the warrior's and in doing so improved. With time she asked the lord for a position in his armies, if he were any other lord he would have laughed at her but in stead he gave her a chance. Granting Rin a weapon a two bladed naginata named Hyouri "Two sides" she was sent out to defeat her first demon and so she did with much strength in her heart. Jaken was wide-eyed with this turn of events but gradually became used to Rin's authority as a high ranked official in the lords guards. She was given a large hut which both Jaken and her occupied. Considering this Jaken always felt a sense of protectiveness for the girl no matter how strong she became. And now though out all these years Rin hadn't shed a tear or brightened life with her smile's. Now there was rain to be her tears and others to demand her smile never a truly enchanting smile, only to hide what pain she felt.

Jaken walked into the hut glancing toward the hungry girl as she ate. 'I'm sorry Rin…' Jaken thought. 'I'm sorry you lost your happiness.' Sighing he sat across Rin. Rin looked up from her food. "Jaken-sama signing like that all the time is going to make you look much older."

"Why you-" Sighing again. "Maybe your right Rin." Jaken stared at the flooring beneath him laboriously in thought.

"I miss him too…" Was all Rin stated before standing up. Jaken looked up to her as she rose. "I'm going to the Lords manor I will home around sunset." Giving another one of her artificial smile's she left. Jaken sighed once more.

---

Rin's hand curled into a hard fist as she stood outside the door of her hut. Breathing deeply she continued forward. It wasn't a far distance before she reached the Lords manor. The guards and civilizes of the village greeted her kindly as she entered walking through hallways Rin arrived at her destination. Finding the village Lord seated calmly drinking tea. Rin bowed before she seated herself across from him her weapon by here side. He briefly took a glance before speaking. "I'm glad you keep him in such pristine condition."

"Only the best." she replied. "I heard you wanted to meet with me; I have already taken care of the demon in the forest." The man set his cup down gently a warm smile on him lips. "Rin… you have done so much for this village, and become so strong through these years… which is why I trust you and only you for this important task." Rin straightened in confidence; knowing her full strength was undoubtedly recognized. Learning to defend herself become her ultimate goal after lord Sesshomaru had left, night's crying telling herself she was at fault that he left because she was nothing but a weak human. Perhaps this was for certain, human she would remain but weak… "My only daughter princess Akane, is arranged to marriage with the lord's son to the west, and so you must become her guard in your travel."

"Arranged?" It wasn't a word Rin thought out as lovely. Considering she felt a deep passion for love in a relationship, but the thought was quickly put aside as the lord continued. "Yes, but there is one complication…" The lord glanced to his empty tea cup before eyeing her again. "There will be a demon slayer to accompanying you though I have heard great deals of him, I still feel an edge of worry, be cautious around him, my daughters life is on the line." The slight wrinkles on his face became more potent in his soberly stated. Reassuringly Rin spoke softly. "Do not fear my lord your daughter is in no better hands." again Rin gave a fake grin. Her words were more believable; with out a returned smile the lord dismissed her. "You will begin tomorrow as does this demon slayer arrive."

I do not own this anime or any of these characters. Perhaps an Oc or two though.

I'd love to know what you think. thanks :) -luv9