Pecking Order

The world swam before Jaken's eyes; the starry sky looked liked the ground and the dirt replaced the heavens. It seemed as if everything had gone topsy-turvy.

That's because it is!

"Idiot boy, put me down!"

Kohaku quickly obliged, but Jaken's harsh words did nothing to wipe the smile from his face.

Rubbing the sides of his temples, Jaken thought aloud to make sense of it all. "In case you haven't noticed, you're all fine physically, but it would seem your ki energy – your personalities, if you will – have been switched."

"Astute observation," Rin drawled with a sarcasm she wasn't born with.

Jaken kneaded his brow. "Exactly."

For more decades than he had claws, Jaken had known Sesshomaru to be the undisputed leader – confident, reserved, and strong. Without Sesshomaru the whole operation fell apart. Now it looked as if whether he liked it or not, Jaken was in charge. So as much as it pained him to ask, he drew breath to know, "How did this all happen?"

"Oh, oh, let me tell it!" Kohaku volunteered effusively. "So there was this old grandpa-looking guy who seemed kind weird, but really nice, y'know? And he called Rin over, but Lord Sesshomaru just kept walking because we're trying to get out of this creepy ravine and really I would've just gone around it if it'd been up to –"

"Get to the point!" everyone barked in unison.

"So then the old man turned out to be a tengu and he whipped out a magic pearl and started sucking out everyone's life energy, except yours, Master Jaken, since you were hiding."

"I was not hiding!" Jaken snapped. "I was getting that stupid blanket for you—er, for Rin." Gods, this was taxing, especially with Kohaku batting large brown eyes at him. "Get on with it," he sighed.

"Anyways, when we came to we had each other's personalities…except for you."

"So, now we have to find this tengu who has hexed you."

"Brilliant." Rin examined the back of her nails. "You truly are an asset to the group."

"Fine then, brassy whelp," Jaken retorted. "If you know so much you should figure it out!"

"Moron," Rin droned, knocking the imp upside his head. "This Rin has Sesshomaru's ki, not his knowledge."

Sesshomaru thoughtfully placed a hand to his chin. If what Rin said was true, then he needed only to negate all the ridiculous empathy that clouded his reason. But if it were that easy, why did his teeth still sit on edge at the casual sight of Jaken taking a beating?

It's simply a distraction, he decided, then winced as he sympathized with the next blow. A noticeable distraction.

"Rin."

She looked up, foot firmly planted on Jaken's skull.

"Enough."

Rin didn't agree with her usual "yes, my lord," but she did let up.

For the first time in many years, Sesshomaru felt a full smile spread across his face and he had to remember to school his features. Rin might have his personality, but he knew himself and there would be no challenge of authority here.

Kohaku cleared his throat before adding cheerfully, "I think finding the tengu again should be a simple matter. He left behind enough feathers for Lord Sesshomaru to track. Here." The taijiya indecorously waved a black plume directly under the dog-demon's sensitive nose. Sesshomaru snorted, recoiled and sneezed. On reflex, the daiyokai irritably smacked the offending hand away. Half a second later, he deeply regretted his action.

"My apologies, young Kohaku." Sesshomaru felt his brows knitting together as he felt the compulsion to explain. "I didn't care for the sudden intrusion." The Western Lord shifted uncomfortably. Why did he feel the urge to broadcast his every fleeting emotion? Where was his perfect self-control? How irritating!

"Lord Sesshomaru? The feather?"

"Ah, thank you, Rin." Refocusing, the daiyokai took three fresh sniffs and started wandering in the general direction of the scent. He idly twirled the stem between his fingers. The small downy feather reminded him of Kagura, another person he'd failed. Father, Rin, Kagura…how many other people would he disappoint?

Rin had stopped following Sesshomaru about ten paces ago the second she saw his golden eyes glaze over. Obviously Kohaku's meditative guilt complex was kicking in.

"Jaken, get him back on track," the little girl ordered.

"Watch yourself, twerp!" He struck the Staff of Heads against the ground. "Don't forget that I'm still his lordship's vassal!"

Rin stepped up until she towered over Jaken. "And I'm tired of being aware of just how weak I am!"

"I found a dandelion!" Kohaku looked expectantly between the two, waiting to be acknowledged. "Who wants it?"

Ever so gently, Jaken pulled down the hat atop his head and, with the full force of his small lungs, screamed into it.

Whatever perverted jollies that crow beast was getting from their plight Jaken had had his fill.

It's up to me! I'm in charge!

"Rin get back on Ah-Un. Kohaku take the reins. Lord Sesshomaru, we need to follow that scent – lead the way!"

We're making headway! The fates willing Sesshomaru won't get distracted again, Jaken prayed…And that Rin would kindly get her foot off of his back.