This chapter is on the sadder/angst side

Don't worry fluffier times still ahead.

"Rin, this is Karna"

Rin looked up with wide eyes at the man with paper white skin and with matching hair. His pale green eyes trimmed with red underneath. Sticking out a small hand she waited as he stared at her. Slowly, he shook her hand. Rin gave him a bright smile- she had heard he was a Sun God or something similar. Definitely someone to make friends with.

As they were told days earlier by the director herself, there was a glitch in systems and missions were halted until further notice. Rin had tried to inquire about other potential masters- as they would surely compete against her for the best servants. But was quickly rebuked and brushed off. Rin had frowned as the director practically leapt at the chance to get away- if you asked her. Strange. Very strange. Rin made a mental note to get to the bottom of it.

However all that meant, they were left to their own devices. So, Atalanta had announced that morning that she was going to take Rin out to introduce her to various heroes. Though Atalanta had mentioned in passing that she should avoid some. Unrespectable ones she hastily explained. Which Rin made another mental note to look into. So, like a proud momma cat, Atalanta had brushed and fussed over her making sure Rin looked absolutely adorable. With the killer combo of charm and cuteness- Rin was sure to melt even the steadfast of hearts. And Rin absolutely determined to get as many heroes on her side as possible.

It certainly seemed luck was on her side. Atalanta had practically begged Rin to let her take care of her. And with Atalanta came Achilles who was easy going and instantly took to her. Chiron would even pop up once in a while to give tips on raising a child. Not that Rin needed raising. She was perfectly fine on her own. Though Rin would deny it until her dying day, a little piece of heart was happy as Atalanta watched over her. But rationally, Rin knew all this would only serve her cause. Shaking her head of the thoughts, Rin turned to grab Karna's hand and turn on the charm. Atalanta spoke again but the world had already slowed to a standstill for Rin.

For out the corner of her eye, Rin caught the sight of purple hair.

No…

Could it be?

No…

BUT!

Rin had found a way.

SO!

Maybe...Just maybe!

Atalanta had kept walking with Karna but Rin stood rooted to the floor. She felt her heart skip a beat when caught a glimpse of violet eyes. Swearing, Rin broke out into a run. Twisting and dodging heroic spirits left and right- through hallways she never went through following the glimpse of purple hair.

"SAKURA!"

Rin finally caught up by slamming into slim legs. Reeling from the collision, Rin looked up blindly. Someone gently picked her up and set her on her feet. Rin's hands were already reaching forward. But she knew. From the moment she had said her name aloud- that this wasn't her sister. She had glasses. She was too tall. Too old.

"Ah, I'm sorry. My name isn't Sakura- It's Mash. Were you looking for her?" Mash bent down to Rin. Lilac hair and eyes. Glasses. It certainly was not her sister. But looking into those lilac eyes- Rin thought she saw something similar to her sister in them. Rin's hands gently reached out to cradle Mash's face.

"Did they hurt you too?" Rin whispered gently as she ran a small hand through the purple strands. It reminded her so much of Sakura. With those eyes, Rin could almost imagine this was a grown up Sakura. Almost. Mash had stiffened under her hands at her words but Rin didn't notice for she was lost again in her thoughts. "...Just wait for me."

When Rin's eyes refocused- Mash's eyes were teary. Rin looked up as she was pulled away gently and found pale hands on her shoulders. Following the hands, she looked up to see Karna. He didn't smile or frown but titled his head. His pale green eyes seemed to look at her differently. Then something else flashed in his eyes that Rin didn't understand. Rin looked back at the knights who stood by Mash. Their expressions were ranged from concerned to unreadable.

"Atalanta worries. Let us return." With that he gently picked up Rin in his arms and carried her away. Mash stood there watching as Rin's arms wrapped around Karna's neck.

Overall, I didn't actually mean for Atalanta to take a large role but I ended up liking it!