Kenji rode at a leisurly pace along the narrow game trail. He had seen nothing of intrest since leaving his father. Truth be known none of them had seen anything of interest since they had passed a small villiage two weeks ago.
Kenji suddenly halted his horse. "Hannako, do you hear something?" He asked the flicking ears of the chestnut mare. He strained his mortal ears to hear. Music? No, singing.
But who would be singing out in this desolate wilderness? It sounded like a woman. He dismounted and sneaked toward the sound. He had left Hannako untied incase he had to call her for a quick get away. She would not wander away, she was a good horse.
Kenji peeked through thick foliage into a clearing and his breath caught in his throat. A maiden sat amonst the flowers singing to herself. She had long raven black hair, skin like fine porcelain, and deep brown eyes that sparkled like stars. She was dressed in a light pink kimono with fushia and violet flowers and a fushia obi and had tucked a bright red blossom behind her ear.
To kenji's surprise she appeared to be unescorted. He saw no man there to defend the young maiden. Jaken had fallen asleep on the otherside of a large boulder and thus could not be seen.
He was both alarmed and outraged. Where the hell was her father, her husband,or a brother? True he had not seen any other men or youkai but these were wild lands. Anything could happen to an unguarded woman! One could never know when bandits or other undesirable characters may come along. And a woman that beautiful with no man to guard her...
Or perhaps she was a Youkai. After all, such a beauty could not truely be human, could she? That would explain why she looked so calm. Perhaps all of this was actually a trap!
'A trap? Honestly Kenji!' He scolded himself. 'A trap for whom? Who could she be hunting in so isolated a location, no one around for miles.'
He had not failed to notice the dragon sitting so close. Perhaps she was it's prisoner. But she did not appear frightened. Was the dragon a friend? A pet? Her guardian? What would happen if her made his presence known it it? What would happen if the dragon caught him sneaking around in the bushes!
Ok, he made his desision. He stood and strode out into the clearing. "Excuse me, My Lady"
The lady looked up at him and gasped. Then she had done what he had begun to expect, she scrambled to her feet and ran to the dragon. One of it's heads nuzzled Rin's cheek reassuringly while the other watched Kenji like a hawk.
Kenji knew he had to do something to show his intentions were peaceful. He took off his helmet so that she could see his face. He had midnight black hair that fell to his shoulders. His face looked gentle and his light brown eyes looked carefree and fun.
"My Lady, I mean you no harm. I am sorry that I have startled you, I wish only to speak with you." He bowed low before her. "My name is Kenji Yomato..."
The boy had been about to say more but a small green something had interupted him. "What? Human be gone!" Jaken screamed jumping up and running between Kenji and Rin with speed that seemed unbelievable for such small legs.
Kenji stared down at the little deamon. "What on Earth..." Kenji knelt down to get a better look at the dimunitive, ranting figure before him. "Are you a frog or a toad? But you have a beak, I have seen neither frogs nor toads with beaks... Perhaps you are some kind of turtle?"
Rin clapped and hand over her mouth to stifle her giggles.
Jaken stared at Kenji for a moment then sputtered and continued ranting. "Ignorant human, You should be begging me to spare your life right now..."
"Jaken..." Rin warned in a calculated tone learned from her daddy. Her soft feminine voice however did not have the same power as the low growling voice of Sesshomaru. Her warning went unheard and the little imp continued to threatened an obviously unafraid young warrior.
"Jaken, stop this at once!" Rin tried once more. Still her voice did not have an impact on the imp. Either that or her was ignoring her. She was not Sesshomaru after all, what harm could she do?
Jaken was so into his little triade that he didn't even notice Kenji pick up a nearby stick, that is untill the boy poke him curiously with it. Rin once more had to stifle her laughter and Jaken only became angrier.
"Why you!" Jaken screeched. He was just about to use the Staff of Two Heads against Kenji when a dainty foot came down on his head and rendered him unconcious.
Kenji's eyes widened and he looked up at the fair maiden who now stood on the toads head. Then he laughed out load and Rin didn't bother to hide her giggle. The adorable sound of it made Kenji laugh even more, which caused Rin to laugh out loud.
She sat down beside Kenji whose eyes still sparkled with laughter. "Kenji was it? My name is Rin. I must appologize for Jaken's rude behavior. I assure you he will be punished for it later." And punished again for insubordination.
"Nah, no problem, I'm sure he was only tring to protect you. You can't be to careful in these times. He must care for you a lot."
"Actually he was probably afraid Daddy would find out he was sleeping on the job." Rin replied. "Which, of course, he just might."
Jaken snored loudly and scratched his butt as he rolled over. Rin rolled her eyes and stood up. She picked up Ah Un's reigns and held out a hand to Kenji. "Come on, lets go talk by the water where it's quieter."