What We've Started [SEQUEL to A Pure Sacrafice From A Dark Heart]

Business

"Well, Miss Akira," Setsuko had gladly welcomed Bunny Girl, "have you no home?" The girl sat in the leather chair in front of Setsuko's office desk, her face passive.

"I usually stay at the shelter when I'm not at school, why?" She questioned dryly, her lack of enthusiasm painting the world gray. My focus remained trained on the conversation, curiosity cracking my resolve to keep quiet.

"My dear, do you enjoy your school? Are you treated properly where you live?" The headmistress leaned her chin on a hand, green eyes bright in hopes.

"W-why?" Tensing up, her pink hair fell over her shoulder, something disturbing falling into my view. At first, I was slightly startled, but once I pictured it happening, a feeling of nonchalance washed over me. It was as if something in my memories proved to serve that my past hadn't been picture perfect.

"Forget why. You'll be boarding here from now on and attending classes." Tone terse and firm, I brought a hush over the other two, my eyes ardent in frustration.

"Now, Star," Setsuko creased her brows as if ready to chastise me, "it's her choice. If she chooses not, we'll simply leave her be; if she chooses to comply, I'll do the paperwork. Yea?" Laughing steadily, the old woman moved to settle the tension.

I wasn't for it. This girl needed help.

"If anyone bothers you, come to me. I'll be sure they never simply look at you crookedly unless my punches screw their faces up, yea?" Winking, I attempted to alleviate my obvious intimidating aura. This seemed to calm the girl a bit, as her shoulders relaxed, and her eyes fell out of surprise. Gulping, she nodded, bewilderment in her crimson gaze.

Sighing, the headmistress slumped in her chair, sending me an incredulous gaze.

"Fine," she shook her head, "I'll let you board with Jaken. Not scared of dogs, are you?" As she grabbed a pen, jotting thoughts down in her ledger, Akira responded with a confirmed no.

"Jaken?" My interest piqued, the familiar name reminding me of an earlier conversation. Rin had told me of a Jaken. Was this him?

Setsuko rose a brow, a knowing smile lining her wizened lips.

"Yes, Star. He is a former acquaintance of yours. However, I do believe you had knowledge of more than one Jaken, yes?" She winked, standing to gesticulate for Akira to follow her. Wracking my mind, I fought for an understanding of her obvious hint.

'Mmm, more than one of those suck-ups? How terrifying~'

His random monologues were starting to become bothersome, and my eyebrow twitched in response.

'Naraku, I prefer you dormant. You're much more appealing that way.'

I retorted plainly, his presence always grating. Why not return the favor?

Feeling pleasure in the tickles of annoyance that wafted from his aura beneath my skin, a smirked played across my face.

'Didn't know you had a preference, dear. I'll keep it in mind."

His tone was sly, but I could literally see his narrowed eyes and poisonous hate. He seemed like the type that didn't respond well to insults. The type with too much ego.