Wednesday, December 21, 2005

Inuenro
*episode 5*

The old priestess Konpon is settling down to sleep. She had considered the possibility that she would have to be away for the night, and discussed it with Inuyasha. He should be fine without her; and she hopes he’ll remember to stay out of sight. She is about to relax, when she suddenly feels a slight touch on her arm. She says quietly, “There is little blood left in this body, small demon; and many more appealing sources in this village.” She hears a response, “True, but will you prove a fine vintage; or mere bitter dregs?” She feels the tiny bite…then hears a nasty coughing and hacking. Smiling, she says, “Humans are like sake; we age poorly.” Regaining his breath, the pest says, “I heartily agree; but down to business.” Konpon asks, “Have I business with you?” The response comes, “You do if you are the lady Konpon. Which you must be, as you are one of only two priestesses in this village; and the other is much younger, more attractive, and tastes much better.” She tells him, “When a demon seeks one such as me by name, it is usually to kill her. But I think you are one demon even I can still handle.” He says, “I do not mean you harm. But I must know, what are your intentions regarding my lord.” She tells him, “I cannot answer that question without knowing who your lord is.” The bug says, “I now serve the younger son of my late lord; he is known as Inuyasha. I believe that you two are acquainted.” Smiling, Konpon says, “Then you would be the cowardly Myoga.” Myoga says, “I heartily object to your use of that term.” She says, “You abandoned that poor child when he needed you most; when he was being hunted by being who now stalk him in his dreams. You most certainly are a coward.” He shouts, almost loud enough for others to hear, “This is entirely off the subject! I didn’t come here to talk about me; I came to talk about you. What are you doing with my master?” She says, “I am taking care of him, and teaching him.” Myoga asks, “Why should I believe you?” Smirking in the half-light, she says, “You shouldn’t. If you truly have Inuyasha’s best interests at heart, you should not trust me. Your lord trusts me completely; far more than I would like. If you wish to protect him, be suspicious for him and doubt my good intentions.” The flea stops to think, then he says, “Don’t think that that speech has convinced me of your good will.” Konpon says, “It wasn’t meant to. Its purpose was to advise you toward the only sensible course of action.” The flea sits back to ponder this statement.
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