Author's Notes: This is a happy fic to combat chapter 2. This is the longest chapter yet!
Daydream: And Shippo, too...
Jaken cried as he raced to catch up with his master. Where are you going, Sesshomaru-sama?
Sesshomaru turned coldly to his flustered servant. He was aggrivated by such an annoying creature. I am going out, he replied simply, then continued walking.
Jaken struggled over a few rocks and flailed his arms wildly to keep his balance. At last, he tripped and fell on his face. To where? he asked his master.
Sesshomaru would not allow a bothersome creature like Jaken to disturb his privacy. Take care of Rin, was all he said before he dissappeared from view.
When Sesshomaru was safely out of earshot, Jaken mimicked, Take care of Rin, to himself. Oh, why is Sesshomaru-sama so fond of a little human like her? I just wish I could get rid of her somehow.
That was when he heard her voice. Hello, Jaken-sama. Where is Sesshomaru-sama? Rin spoke politely and playfully.
Jaken's claws curled into a fist. If only I could get rid of her... Then it dawned on him. A disgusting sneer slid across his lips.
He turned to the little girl. Sesshomaru-sama is out right now. But he asked me to tell you to do him a favor. Sesshomaru-sama would like you to pick purple berries that grow on a tree in the forest we are in.
Time ticked slowly as Rin assessed the situation. A bead of sweat trickled down Jaken's hideous forehead. At last, Rin agreed. If that is what Sesshomaru-sama wishes, she said with a bow, then skipped off in the opposite direction.
Perfect, Jaken thought to himself. The only tree that grows those berries is guarded by a demon. I'll just tell Sesshomaru-sama that Rin ran off by herself. And I'll never have to deal with that horrible wretch again!
Meanwhile, Shippo was desperately bored and looking for someone to play with. Kagome! Will you play with me? he asked her as she wrung her hair dry.
Gomen, Shippo-chan. I'm a little tired right now, Kagome sighed, casting a death glare at Inu Yasha and Miroku. Both men wore matching injuries.
Sango, can you play?
Sango's hair was wet as well. But she was currently tying Miroku's hands behind his back. Gomen, Shippo-chan. I'm a little busy right now.
Sango said as she finished tying Miroku's hands. That should keep you from doing anything wrong for a while.
But I didn't even use my hands, the monk explained as a sweatdrop formed on the side of his cheerful face. All I did was take a peek.
Sango glared at Miroku. I tyed your hands together to prevent future problems!
Miroku grinned. It was worth it. He recieved a light smack to the side of his head, via Sango's Hiraikotsu.
Sango walked over to Inu Yasha. Inu Yasha began. You're not gonna tie me up too, are you? I thought you guys were in danger. How was I supposed to know you were screaming because Miroku was watching you bathe?
You were sitting right next to him! Kagome called.
A sweatdrop formed on Inu Yasha's head. I wasn't watching him, he muttered to himself.
Isn't anybody gonna play with me?! Shippo yelled, having lost everyone's attention. Nobody spoke up. Fine! I'll go find somebody else to play with!A tree with purple berries, Rin reminded herself as she walked through the forest. She had never been left completely alone since Sesshomaru began taking care of her.
The wind blew a chill up her spine. She felt herself shivering. Rin wished she wasn't alone in this eerie forest.
Determination crossed her face. I must continue my mission for Sesshomaru-sama!
She heard a sound, like someone talking. she called. A twig broke nearby. She screamed.
The thing screamed back at her! She looked over, and on the ground nearby was what appeared to be a little boy.
He sat up holding his head. Don't scare me like that, he complained.
Rin got to her feet and walked over to him. You look like a human, she explained, but your arms and legs are small. And that, is that a tail?
The boy grabbed his tail defensively. So what if it is? Besides, I'm not a human; I'm a kitsune.
Rin pondered to herself. I've never heard of one of those before. Does that mean your a demon?
The boy seemed nervous to answer. he said at last.
Rin was unfazed by that. My name's Rin, she said.
I'm Shippo, the kitsune smiled. Hey, you look like you're right around my age. That's great! I've been looking for somebody my age to play with!
Rin smiled sadly. I'm on a mission, so I can't play right now.
Shippo gasped and grinned wildly. I love missions! Can I help?
Rin giggled. Sure! I need to find a... she recalled it slowly, purple berry that grows on a tree.
cried Shippo. I think I saw one on my way into the forest! Let's go! He took the girl by the hand and lead her near the entrance to the forest.
Indeed, a tall tree with purple berries towered over them. gasped Rin. It's beautiful.
Shippo agreed, giggling. he awoke Rin of her trance. The fruit's not gonna pick itself.
Rin nodded.
Shippo easily hopped up the tree. Rin however, struggled as she climbed. When she was finally 3 feet up, the twig underneath her snapped. She felt herself falling!
But Shippo reached out and grabbed her with his miniature hand. He struggled as he pulled her up.
Thank you, Shippo, Rin said sweetly when she was finally up the tree. She climbed out on one of the lower branches and picked a berry.
The minute the fruit was picked, the air seemed to grow thinner and darker. Who dares disturb my tree? a voice hissed.
A snake slithered onto the branch Rin was on. Were you the one who disturbed my tree? the snake asked her.
Rin shrieked. A demon!
Shippo jumped in front of her. Look out! he cried, then threw an acorn at the serpent. It threw its head back in pain from the attack.
Get away from her! the kitsune cried as he continued to throw acorns that he kept in his pockets. The snake demon finally slithered away.
Wow, Shippo! Rin said excitedly. You were so brave.
Shippo put his hands on his hips and tried to look as heroic as possible. I'll never let anything hurt my friends!
Rin smiled. I'm glad you're my friend, Shippo.
Shippo felt a blush come across his cheeks. It was nothing, he responded. Here, let me help you pick the berries.
When at last, Rin had an armful of berries, Shippo began to lead her back home. But he heard the calling of Inu Yasha and the others in the opposite direction.
Aww, I gotta go now, he told his new friend.
Rin nodded. I understand. I can get home by myself now. Thank you for a wonderful day, Shippo, she said, and gave him a kiss on the cheek. she called as she walked away.
Shippo touched the cheek she'd kissed gingerly. Um, bye! he waved. Then his hand returned to his cheek. Everyone continued to call Shippo over. But soon their words became, Wake up, Shippo.
Shippo's eyes opened. He was curled up to Kagome.
He sat up, looking around for his new friend. he whispered. But there was no response. he called a bit louder.
He realized there wouldn't be a response. It was just a dream. But it was a great dream. Shippo smiled to himself. If he ever saw Rin in real life, he would make sure to be friends with her.
Rin woke up in a pile of leaves. She looked around and saw Jaken sprawled out on the ground, snoring loudly. She began to crawl over to him.
a strong voice called forth her attention. She gasped. What are you doing? Sesshomaru asked.
Oh, Sesshomaru-sama. I had a wonderful dream, she whispered and walked over to him. I met a little demon and he became my friend.
Sesshomaru considered for a moment. He was always uncharacteristically patient with the girl. This friend of yours, was he nice? He almost seemed to be asking for personal benefits.
Oh, yes. He helped me pick berries for you, Rin explained.
Berries, for me? he seemed slightly taken aback. After a minute, Sesshomaru decided that he couldn't let her live in fantasy. Rin, this was just a dream. Your friend isn't real. So you shouldn't waste any more time thinking about him.
Rin bowed her head. Yes, Sesshomaru-sama. He got up and walked away. But as he did so, Rin reached into her pocket, and felt something. Pulling it out, she found it was a purple berry.
she gasped.