Genre: Friendship (in a servitile sense)

Theme: Loyalty

Featuring: Jaken/Rin

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To the Ends of the Earth

"To the ends of earth, my lord! Until there, I shall forever follow you!" Jaken remembered vowing shortly after receiving the treasured Staff of Two Heads.

Now, peering over the cliff's edge and gazing out to the abyss below, the little imp's jaw went slack. They'd reached it.

"Well, Jaken," announced a stern voice behind him. "That's it."

"What is, my lord?"

Sesshomaru pivoted on heel. "You'd said until the ends of the earth. We've arrived, there is no further purpose for you. Come, Rin, Kohaku, Ah-Un."

"What?!" Jaken shrieked his shock. "Wait, sire! 'Twas merely an expression! I'll still follow you!"

The Western Lord's figure was swallowed into the swirling mist. Before long, Jaken heard only the cadence of his own tiny footsteps.

"Wait! Wait, m'lord! Lord Sesshomaru! Wait for —"

"Master Jaken!"

He leapt to his feet. To his feet? He'd been lying down?

"You fell asleep, Master Jaken." Rin blinked large, brown eyes at him. "Are you all right? You were talking in your sleep an'…"

"Stupid girl! Of course, I'm fine!"

"Jaken."

"Oh, Lord Sesshomaru! How I've –"

"Let's be off. Everyone."

Jaken scuttled after his liege to wherever he may lead; but just in case, Jaken declared aloud, "Yes, m'lord! I'm coming, too! And I vow to follow you forever!"