Disclaimer: I do hereby disclaim all rights and responsibilities for the characters in this playful misadventure... especially for the one who's insulted. A nod of recognition is bent towards Rumiko Takahashi for her creative prowess.
Chapter 12: Some Things Never Change
When Kagome was allowed back inside Kaede's hut, Jaken sent her a half-hearted glare, but at Rin's return, his expression softened, one corner of his mouth lifting in a sly sort of smile. It's easier to read his face now. Or... is it? If Kagome was completely honest, she'd never really considered the imp's thoughts or feelings. For all I know, he's always smiled like that. As the green-haired taiyoukai ducked his head so Rin could straighten his floral crown, the miko silently admitted, Changing his shape probably has changed who he is... but I should make sure the shard isn't twisting him.
"Jaken-sama?" He tugged Rin close when she approached, as if trying to hide behind the girl. With a reassuring smile, Kagome knelt beside him, and said, "The shards of the Shikon-no-Tama are powerful, but they have a way of causing trouble. It'd be best if I purified yours."
"Stay back!" snapped the imp. "You shall not purify me! Sesshoumaru-sama has need of me! He will defend me!"
Kagome held up her hands, trying to stem the flow of words. As Jaken's handsome face shifted from panic to indignation, a vague memory stirred. He overreacts. I'm quite sure I remember him being very loud when defending his precious Sesshoumaru-sama. With a firm shake of her head, she said, "I won't purify you."
Rin patted the imp's shoulder and cheerfully declared, "Jaken-sama must be very brave!"
He flinched when she lightly touched his shoulder, but Kagome concentrated on the shard that was hidden deep within his body. What's this? She didn't have a clue as to how it was possible, but the fragment shone brightly, completely untainted. Startled, she blurted, "For a demon, you're incredibly pure!"
"Keep you insults to yourself, miko," he retorted huffily, pushing her hand aside.
End Note: This chapter was written for the Live Journal community fanfic(underscore)bakeoff and their Secret Ingredient for April 2011—Clue. Posted on April 13, 2011. 300 words.
