Kiyomi sat on the back of A-Un along with Rin as they walked through the stoned cavern. It had been eight weeks since they had seen Naraku last. They had not progress in the search for him but recently it seemed as if they had taken a break from looking.
It was the middle of night as A-Un followed Lord Sesshomaru. Rin was leaning against Kiyomi as she slept and Jaken leaned against her back. She was psychically trapped between her two sleeping companions.
"My Lord," Kiyomi called softly, "do you not grow weary of traveling like this."
He glanced over his shoulder at her before he looked ahead of him.
"Not as easily as a human." Kiyomi nodded. Every night they would have conversations. She hadn't realized up until now.
"Lord Sesshomaru," Kiyomi called once again.
"What is it?"
Kiyomi chewed her bottom lip before she spoke.
"When Naraku is defeated," she said, "what will we do then?"
He stopped when she spoke and peered at her over his shoulder. He looked at her silently. She was giving it thought recently. She would have to go back to her lake again, right? She would be alone. She wouldn't be with them anymore. The thought of never seeing any of them again caused her a deep pain in her heart, although she wasn't sure why.
He said nothing then continued to walk and they followed as she stared at him.
"What do you desire, Kiyomi?"
Kiyomi blinked at him. What was he saying? Kiyomi pondered. She didn't really desire anything. Well, except...
"My Lord," she said, "I desire nothing but..."
Kiyomi shook her head.
"But what?" Kiyomi hugged Rin closer to her.
"My only true desire is to protect you and everyone else." She hadn't wanted to say anything but to be honest, deep down, she wanted to say it. She wanted him to be able to rely on her.
"Protect me?" Kiyomi blinked when she heard the surprise in his voice. She frowned.
"Do you think I cannot pull off such a feat My Lord?" the annoyance was clear in her voice. Kiyomi heard him scoff but it sounded more like a chuckle. She had never heard him laugh before so she wasn't sure if that is what he did.
"I will be waiting for the day you accomplish that." Kiyomi pouted at him. He was mocking her. Kiyomi's frown vanished from her beautiful features and her lips pulled themselves into a beautiful smile that lit up the night sky.
"I will definitely fulfill my desire, Lord Sesshomaru."