"Wow, amazing!" Rin exclaimed as she bent down to take a closer look at the glowing blue flowers on the ground. "These flowers are BEAUTIFUL! Aren't they, Master Jaken?"

The petite demon gave her an annoyed look. "Quit pestering me with such idiotic things, child!" he growled.

"Hm...cranky as always, I see."

"I am NOT cranky!!"

"You are, too!"

Kohaku stepped in between the two and knelt down next to Rin. They're so noisy. I gotta put an end to their squabbling. He smiled at her and said, "I think they're really pretty, too, Rin. You know what they're called?"

Rin shook her head. "No...what?"

"Winter blossoms."

"Winter blossoms?"

"That's right." Kohaku picked one from off the ground and examined it. "They're usually only a dull, blue color during any season besides winter and only grow in high hills and mountains. But here's the thing- once winter comes around, they begin to emit some kind of glow like right now."

Rin's eyes widened in great fascination. "Wow!" she gasped. "I never knew! What a unique flower."

Kohaku nodded and handed her the flower. But it's strange since it hasn't snowed yet. The air is pretty chilly, though.

Jaken rolled his eyes in annoyance. "Humans are so simple," he spat. "It's almost too sad to watch you two simpletons be allured by a mere 'flower'. It's ridiculous!"

"What none sense goes on here?" a deep voice rumbled dangerously.

All three stood straight on their feet and turned to greet a snow-white youkai heading their way. "Lord Sesshoumaru!" Jaken spoke up. "Err...nothing, my Lord! Just kids being kids, ehehe..."

Sesshoumaru's eyes narrowed. "Keep it down," he grumbled. "I can't meditate with all the ruckus you three are making."

"Forgive me, Lord Sesshoumaru," Kohaku spoke next. "But would you mind telling why you brought us all the way up the Northern Hills?"

"That is none of your business."

"R-right..."

Rin stared dreamily up at Sesshoumaru, her chestnut eyes glittering with admiration. "Ooh..." she awed. He's probably whiter than snow. His pale skin smooth and flawless, complimenting his silver hair.

Sesshoumaru felt her stare and looked back at her, expression unmoved. "What is it, Rin?" he asked grumpily.

Rin blushed and looked away. "Oh, uhh..." she stammered. "Nothing, my Lord." She looked around her. "Would you like some flowers? I can pick some if you want."

What a terrible question to ask a demon. Sesshoumaru turned and began striding down the hill, not giving the slightest hint of a response.

"Was that a yes?" Rin asked Jaken and Kohaku. Both shrugged and so did she. "Oh, well. I'm going to pick those flowers anyway. They make me really happy!" She dismissed herself and went on picking the glowing beauties.

"We have no time for that!" Jaken fussed, waving his staff wildly. "Lord Sesshoumaru is already well on his way!"

"Don't worry, Master Jaken," Kohaku assured him. "You go on ahead with Lord Sesshoumaru. I'll stay here with Rin and keep an eye on her until she's done."

"Are you sure about this, boy?"

"Positive."

Jaken heaved a sigh and caved. "Alright then," he muttered. "Do NOT make me regret this!" He looked at the two-headed dragon resting under a fruitless peach tree. "Let's go, Ah-Uhn!"

"Rrr...." Ah-Uhn snorted and reluctantly followed the imph down the hill.

Kohaku perched himself on a smooth boulder and watched over Rin as she skipped through the field of Winter blossoms. Glowing, blue petals were picked up by the trail of cool breeze that left her as she turned and jumped. He smiled. If only others' lives were as simple as hers. No worries. Ignorance is bliss after all.

Rin clutched on tightly to the collection of flowers in one of her hands as she bent down to pick up another blossom. "Ooh, this one's pretty," she giggled. "Lord Sesshoumaru will definitely like it."

This winter blossom was small and delicate, but shone the brightest of all and had a paler shade of blue than the others.

Suddenly, a cold gust of wind combed over the hills, blowing flower petals and tree leaves everywhere. Kohaku covered himself with an arm and shivered as the icy feeling struck him. "This wind-"

Oh, no- Lord Sesshoumaru's flowers..! "Ahh!" Rin squeaked as she lost her balance and fell on the earth.

Rain is coming. Kohaku lifted his gaze to the grey skies.

"Ow..." Rin groaned and stood up, rubbing her sore rump. "That really hurt." She blinked and grinned happily. "But at least the flowers are safe. I can still give them to Lord Sesshoumaru!" Something cold and wet brushed past her cheek. "Huh?" She looked ahead and saw Kohaku looking upwards. Curious, she looked the same direction. As if on cue, dozens more raindrops began to fall- until it finally turned into a shower.

"RIN!" Kohaku shouted and ran to her. "Get out of the rain!"

"W-what?!"

Kohaku tried to shield her with his clearly-taller body, but to no avail. The rainstorm was just too much. No good.

Thunder boomed.

"Run for it!" Kohaku grabbed her hand and dashed down the hill, trying desperately to find shelter. If I don't get Rin out of the rain, it'll be really bad. Lord Sesshoumaru will never forgive me if she becomes ill again!

"Kohaku!" Rin cried. "Let go! You're hurting my hand!"She could feel her kimono instantly getting soaked and attaching to her skin. Her damp bangs fell on her eyes as her long, black hair thinned into watery locks.

Kohaku squinted to clear his vision and spotted a small further ahead. "Shelter!"

"Eh?"

"C'mmon!"

Rin helplessly allowed herself to be jerked into a mad dash for the cave. As soon as they arrived, she took a seat on a small boulder and tried to catch her breath.

Kohaku leaned on a wall, panting as well. Did I make it in time? Looking at Rin, his heart fell- she was soaked to the bone.

"What was THAT all about?" Rin asked in an annoyed voice, glaring at the boy.

"I was just trying to get us out of the rain."

"But you didn't need to run in a frenzy like that! I thought my arm was going to fly off!"

"Sorry, but I just had to get us out of the rain as soon as possible!"

"Hmph!" Rin stuck her tongue out at him. How annoying! ...h-hey! Where are my-? She looked around, eyes wide in fright. "The winter blossoms!" she wailed. "Oh, no, I must have dropped them!" She stood up and began running towards the opening of the cave.

Kohaku propelled himself from the wall, trying to catch her. "Rin, don't! Get back he-" He froze.

Rin's feet gave way as she wobbled and began descending to the ground. She tried to catch her own fall, but her moist hand slipped from the wall and she hit the ground, her body in a limp. "..."

"RIN!!" Koahku ran over to her and picked her up. "Rin! Rin!"

Rin struggled to open her eyes. "Koha...ku...?" she muttered weakly. Her face was now completely flushed and breathing heavy.

Kohaku placed a hand on her forehead. "You're burning up... Eh, what do I do!?" Lord Sesshoumaru will surely have my head by his blade! But Rin is... If it keeps going like this...

Rin closed her eyes and fell into a nauseating slumber.