Absurdity and Assurance

Watching a leaf flutter to ground had to be the most boring activity in the world for Jaken, but what else was there to do? Ordering his subordinate to wait in this thicket, Sesshomaru had said he would return after attending to some sort of business.

Or would he? The dog-demon mentioned he was to meet with an associate and discuss territorial rights or something such – Jaken hadn't quite paid attention, he was still thunderstruck over the implications that he'd be left behind.

And that's where he was now – left behind.

Jaken had only been in Sesshomaru's service for but a few weeks and already it seemed he was being ditched out.

At this rate, what use could Lord Sesshomaru possibly have for me? Jaken mentally groaned. Perhaps I shouldn't have been so persistent in joining his retinue…Is that why he took me on? Just to momentarily shut me up?

Jaken turned the Head-Staff over in his hands.

Then why would he entrust me with this? It looks like a family heirloom.

Jaken thought back.

The last time I was told to wait, Lord Sesshomaru did come back for me. Or was it simply because I carry the Skull Staff? Maybe he's just waiting for the opportune moment to repossess the Staff, then abandon me. That's probably what he's really off discussing with whomever he's supposed to meet right now. I wonder what stations the other vassals hold. Who are they anyway? I've never seen them traveling around with Lord Sesshomaru as I do.

Gradually what sounded like an absurd thought trickled into the imp's mind. He tried to shove it down, erase it, but it proved immutable.

For all of his associates, in spite all the ties to a myriad of demons, Sesshomaru was loneliest creature Jaken had ever known.

Did he enlist me because I was persistent or…?

Suddenly, the bushes before him rustled. The Western Lord emerged.

"Jaken, we're going." Before pivoting on heel, Sesshomaru spared a glance at his retainer. "Aren't you coming?"

Jaken hopped to his feet. "Yes, of course, m'lord!"

I'm coming and we're going.