Her Smile Chapter 5 First Mission, an inuyasha fanfic

Author: So...it's been a month, no? (sweatdrop) Yeah, I'm really sorry about this late update...school is really pissing me off nowadays, and I don't get enough sleep. And this chapter is rather hard to get out butI did it (claps for herself, and meets an empty audience) Aww shucks...anyhow, this is a longer chappie so maybe you guys would be satisfied with thisI hope:) oh yeah hee-hee now we get some real actions here….

Disclaimer: Just gimme my Bankotsu and I'll be nice and let you pet Fluffy…..XD Yes, sue me if you will but (hugs Bankotsu possessively) it's futile I say!

Real Disclaimer:InuYasha belongs to Takahashi Rumiko sensei. It is so because there's someone pointing a gun to my head and threatens to take away Bankotsu-plush.

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Chapter 5 First Mission

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Naturally, the news of what had happened traveled throughout the whole apartment. Even the other members, whom Rin hadn't met before, come up just to 'congratulate' her for no apparent reason. Rin was rather grateful at first that Jakotsu stopped all of them from overwhelming her. However, the gay-man just wanted to have her all by himself without no interruptions.

Rin still remembered distinctively of his questions, "So Rin-chan you like Sess then? Yea I understand he's gorgeous and all…so you won't get Aniki then? Any one going for Aniki had to earn my approval first and sadly, little girl you have not yet passed. Anywhoo, let's talk about Sesshy-chan then………I highly doubt Aniki would talk to you about these ESSENTIALS. So, what's his reaction? Nosebleed? Slightly perverted comments? Lust-filled gaze? I understand he has such intense stare all the time with those sexy mysterious yellow eyes of his……"

Rin massaged her temple irritably. Usually she doesn't get aggravated easily but this……incident is really, really getting on her nerves.

She refused to speak to Sesshoumaru the rest of the week……..not that she has the chance to actually refuse anyways. He is just as indifferent as before, walking straight past her without so much as a glance. Rin fumed silently with barely suppressed rage. Maybe she should tell her what she can do to an alarm clock? Maybe he'd learn his lesson? Even though the man's an assassin?

Is this what you feel Sango? Against Miroku's hentai behaviors? No wait! Sango loves Miroku and Sesshoumaru is….NO This. Is. Totally. Different. Rin ignored the urge to slap herself. She stared at the TV, missing her friends already. Just what does Sesshoumaru want? What did he mean by 'scars' on her back?

Rin stretched her hands as far as she could and tried to feel anything weird on her back but found nothing. Perhaps she should ask someone to check for her…… but she didn't know anyone that well yet. She sighed. It's already Saturday yet she's sitting at home doing absolutely nothing……how sad can this life be?

"Yo Rinny...I mean, Rin," Bankotsu stopped himself when Rin was ready to pound him. Even he knows not to mess around her in her temper, and he held his hands up in mock surrender, "Alrighty. Just listen will ya? K, we need to get you training soon……and also we need to find you a day-time job."

Rin stopped her playful punches, "Huh? What are you talking about……oh yea that reminds me, where have you all been leaving me bored to death at home? Locking me in and all……"

Seeing Rin was about to get mad again, Bankotsu quickly explained, "What? You think we only work for the government missions? Alright……who's the most famous person you know relating to laws?"

Rin replied without any hesitation, "Lawyer Getsuga, most successful lawyer who has not lost a case yet. I really admire him you know? Every single of those guilty ones got what they deserved yet there are never nay death sentences. What's so funny?" Rin pouted, looking perplexed at a chuckling Bankotsu.

"You…you don't know who he really is, do you?" Bankotsu wiped away a fake tear and pulled out two photos. One was the said Lawyer, Seki Getsuga. He has long, shiny black hair tied in high ponytail, his face chiseled and defined, and his eyes are of turquoise color yet they shone brightly. Rin looked at the other picture, which was of Sesshoumaru, and she looked back and forth…….

"WHAT? Sesshoumaru-sama……he's actually THE LAWYER!" Rin gasped, and Bankotsu had already prepared for the outburst by covering his ears. True enough, examining the two pictures closely, the two men had the same face, but how………?

"Well, temporary hair dye, duh, and colored lens. Sesshoumaru hates getting cooped up…which is what we do unless there's a mission. Besides, certain jobs come in handy sometimes concerning criminal investigation without the police's interference. So, under the alias 'Seki Getsuga' Sesshomaru has made quite bit of fame…… a quite a bit of fans as well I see," Bankotsu winked at Rin, smirking. Rin scowled, but couldn't help but blush. To think she actually admired that……grrrrrrrrr.

"Well, back to topic, just come with me for now okay? We'll leave the part-time job later," Bankotsu gestured for her to follow.

As they reached the third floor, of which Bankotsu didn't show her before, Rin suddenly felt a sense of foreboding. Bankotsu smiled lightly, "Now, I'll show you how we go on our missions…."

He opened the only door at this level, and Rin rubbed her eyes, wanting to make sure the reality of this. Dozens of doors spread on the floor of this level. None of them were labeled but differentiated by distinctive colors. Rin saw a familiar figure sitting in the only chair of this bizarre place.

"Oh hey Ban, Rin. Where are you off to?" Ayame took a sip from her coffee, the armchair spinning away from the computer to face them.

"Where's Sess? We need him to train Rin here."

Rin stiffened at the prospect of having to see that jerk, but was too excited to care. Exactly how are they going to get to wherever Sess is?

"R4:G012456," Ayame mumbled a reply, turning back to her computer to type something in. One of the red doors opened, revealing a dark tunnel underneath. Ayame explained briefly, "each color has its own categories, and each door has its own identifications. Think of it like railways. Sometimes the roads split, and so do these. Similar to network, I only need to type in thecodes so the tunnels would connect, and the tunnels would send you to whatever underground facilities or passages we have. After all, we're Cell 1; they provide us with whatever seems essential to them. To get back you just go by stairs up to the lobby on first floor….no one would say anything strange if an outsider sees anything – they would only think we come up from the parking lot."

Rin nodded numbly. Without digesting her information properly, Bankotsu gave her a push and Rin slid down the dark abyss with a loud scream.

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Rin had to admit it was rather fun sliding down such long and smooth tunnels. It's fast and sufficient, and Rin landed on a soft but vast cushion at the opening. Bankotsu landed behind her a bit more gracefully then she did as he was used to it. Rin looked around; it looked like your average gym, with all those training machines Rin had no idea what the names are.

"Come now. We don't have time," Bankotsu sighed exasperatedly and pulled her along.

They arrived in front of an obviously sound-proof door, seeing how secure and thick it is. Bankotsu kicked it open, shrugging at Rin's expression.

The first thing she saw was a wall, blocking whatever was inside. Looking around, Rin realized there was only one narrow entrance that leads to whatever it is beyond that wall. Just what it is to make this so secretive?

"Hey Sesshoumaru!" Bankotsu practically roared, slamming his fist hard on the wall. Rin noticed there was a few dents and decided that Bankotsu probably did that a lot of times already.

Footsteps echoed in this empty corridor and Sesshoumaru appeared from the narrow entrance…..shirtless?

She couldn't help but stare at his well-toned chest, glistening lightly with sweat and Rin figured he probably just had a workout. He has such wide shoulders, with firm muscles and well-proportioned arms……Rin felt her face heat up in embarrassment, and her eyes refused to glance away. Soon Rin was lost in her own imagination

"Have enough look yet?" Sesshoumaru's deep voice snapped her out of her fantasies, and Rin's blush deepened guiltily at her thoughts. She had never thought such things before……why Sesshoumaru?

Bankotsu smirked secretively and promptly made his exit. Rin gaped at his abandonment and was about to go after him, but Sesshoumaru's had gripped her shoulder, his voice a little too close to her liking, "Come. I shall train you."

Rin could only follow him numbly, wondering at the effects of merely his voice. She gasped when she saw what was behind the wall – a large target-practicing area. Rin turned away, remembering her grudge, "Well, I'm not going to listen to you unless you apologize for...you know."

Sesshoumaru stood in front of her, casuallywhipping outhis pistol, ignoring the girl completely,"the best weapon for an assassin would be a gun," deciding to intimidate the girl for a bit (since his glares don't seemed to work), he pointed the pistol straight at her head. Rin stiffened. He continued, "With certain trainings, anyone can wield it, and i have decided…….Rin?" Sesshoumaru's eyes narrowed slightly, gazing at Rin's trembling form.

"No..."Her voice came in a hoarse whisper. Rin could not concentrate on anything…… all she could hear were gunshots, screams, and the sickening thud of the contact when the bullet hits the target……….

She could replay the scene Renkotsu sprawled lifelessly……

She could smell and feel the blood on her hands……

She could see how her adoptive father and mother's terrified scream……

A gun pointed straight at her small huddled form in front of her mother's lifeless body...

All of a sudden, the flashbacks were broken when she felt arms embracing her, holding her close. "Shhhh, I didn't mean to scare you……," Hi voice was surpirsingly soft and gentle. Rin felt warm…and she closed her eyes in appreciation, willingly letting her memories going blank for now.

Sesshoumaru sat on his bed, deep in thought. The girl, Rin, doesn't just have fear for the guns, but terror…… it can even be classified as a gun phobia even. Was it the prospect of using them…or simply just because she had seen people getting killed by guns?

He shook his head in frustration. There aren't many things that can confuse him at all and he was irritated that Rin was one of them. This girl. She could have such a bright smile at times yet so vulnerable as well, making him wanting to protect her involuntarily. He still wondered why he had hugged her just to comfort her, and almost apologized, even.He is the cold-blooded assassin. He was not supposed to have any emotions, let alone compassion.

Yet…Sesshoumaru glanced at a photo on his desk, his finger tracing a person's face lightly. She showed me otherwise too……but it was all a mistake! I was right. Emotions are for the weak. Look what emotions had brought me……

He growled darkly, scrunching up the bed sheet in anger. Deciding he could no longer stay in this room, he got up and started looking for Rin.

Rin fingered Shippo's soft tail carefully, and kissed the boy gently on the forehead. They were just playing and the fox-kid fell asleep in her lap, and snuggling into her arms. Rin was surprised that he had called her 'Kaa-chan' by accident, but she understood his feelings. The poor boy probably still missed his parents, being so young.

Rin was reluctant to think about her own family, and she blushed slightly again at what happened yesterday. Sesshoumaru had calmed her down and wordlessly lead her up back in her own room. He had ignored Bankotsu's questioning gaze and simply escorted her to her room and had not bothered her about the issue at all. In fact, nobody had brought up this subject and Rin suspected that Sesshoumaru had done something, and for that she was grateful.

The brief memory of her birth mother...was she also killed by guns? Rin bit her lips. Why is it all because of guns? Why? Why do people even use those things/ They cause nothing but pain and regret...

Rinwas also nervous, wary of Sesshoumaru; something sets him apart from all the others that Rin just doesn't know what to think anymore. Sure she had been hugged by guys before; Inuyasha, Miroku (minus the groping) and Kohaku have always been there for her…..but when Sesshoumaru enveloped her whole being with those muscular arms……Rin's mind just became blank, and her heart rate increased.

After many hours of pondering, Rin passed it off as the room temperature.

A slight knocking brought Rin's attention, and she careful set the kitsune cub down on the couch, tucking in theblanket around the child, making sure he is warm enough. She quietly went to open the door, thinking Suikotsu had come back with Kanna. The doctor is a really gentle person, and Rin had hoped to talk to Kanna more.

Yellow eyes came to Rin's vision and she suddenly had to suppress the urge to blush. "We need to talk, Rin," his voice made her realize how close she was to him and she quickly backed away.

"What is it?" She tried to appear nonchalant, casually rearranging the flower decorations. Sesshoumaru narrowed his eyes slightly, "Rin. I will not force you to tell me anything you don't want to. I just came here to tell you that I shall train you how to use kunais and crossbows instead."

Rin hid her surprise; she didn't expect him to be so understanding. She sneaked a glance at him shyly, only to find him retreating. He stopped abruptly, and whispered, "And I also apologize about what happened in the bathroom before."

Rin was shocked again. But before she could reply, Sesshoumaru added, "But since you had one good look at me yesterday in the training hall, I'd say we're even."

Just as he had predicted, Rin's disbelieving gasps and angry denies exploded behind him. He had no idea what caused him to say such a line, but, for the first time in awhile, he allowed an amused smirk to appear fleetingly on his lips.

Too bad no one caught this Polaroid moment.

Furious growls resounded in the empty darkness, vicious enough to make the very ground tremble. Three pair's of feral, slit-eyes glared hungrily at the small figure sitting arrogantly right in front of it.

Piles of decapitated bodies, limbless corpses seemed to be the only decoration for this area, and a sick aroma of decay and blood is the only smell that filled the whole section. Area 51 is alsoknown beingthe worst of the worst, and it had more than enough evidence to back such alias.

The small figure chuckled cruelly, pointing a spear-like halberd mockingly at the eyes, "Now, now, we can't have you messing up this incredibly tidy place, can we? Gobbling all bits of remains, are you? Heh, those government fools…..they think they can infiltrate this area…..pitiful imbeciles! Entei!" The little figure called, and a fine steed with fiery-colored mane ambled proudly to the little figure, who jumped on its back without much effort.

At the appearance of the horse, a hideous roar erupted, so powerful that the horse's mane blew with the wind of the force. Hakudoushi chortled again, "Fine fine……can't have our best experiment go hungry, can we?"

With a light nudge, Entei galloped in one of the dark corner, where a cowering figure attempted to fake death. The spy screamed in terror when the halberd simply pierced through his head and flung him almost boringly at the beast.

Sickening rips and strangled sobs were like music to his ears.

"Kagome-chan! This isn't good for your health! Just eat something at least," Sango scolded her best friend in deep worry. Truthfully, they all have bags under their eyes, as they were sleep deprived just thinking about Rin's welfare. Two weeks without a single hint of her whereabouts.

Miroku, using his wealth, had hired many private investigators as they believed that calling the police would be too conspicuous. They have all agreed that this was no simple disappearance; Renkotsu's death, Rin's attack weeks prior and she vanished without a trace……

Kagome looked the worst; Sango's father is the police chief, Miroku being rich and Inuyasha being Inuyasha……these qualities have allmade them to be at ease more than Kagome, as she is the only one who couldn't obtain the newest information. And Inuyasha doesn't worry outwardly – he can cope with the stress but Kagome simply could not. And lately, she had a feeling that somebody was watching her and her family, monitoring their every single move. Yet, Kagome decided it was only the stress.

"Hey you guys," Sango glanced at her watch, scowling irritably, "I…I have something I need to do….I'll talk to you guys later okay? Bye!" She quickly took off, leaving a confuzzled Miroku behind.

Inuyasha smirked, "hey, you got ditched, man. Having a fight?"

Miroku took his sarcasm seriously, "You are right, Inuyasha……Sango never ditched me without a good reason…."

Inuyasha yawned, "Well, maybe she has a secret date? She's probably tired of what your 'cursed' hand could do…..to her butt."

Kagome's anger flared up immediately, "Mou! Why are you always so insensitive!" But she, too, was perplexed at Sango's sudden departure.

Inuysha folded his arms, his eyes goading Miroku, "Why don't we follow her, then?"

They all followed Inuyasha's lead, keeping a certain distance behind Sango, making sure that THEY were out of her sight yet close enough to make out her form in such distance.

Curiously enough, Sango arrived in front of Nightshades, a famous bar for its unique achohols. Even if Sango is going on a secret date, her expression was too furious for that to be true. After observing for a few minutes, Sango stormed out, dragging a laughing man holding a can of beer.

Miroku had never been so shocked in his life. It was as if he had lost his groping ability.

"I knew I couldn't leave it to YOU to find a suitable meeting place!" Sango raged on, glaring daggers at the smirking man besides her.

Bankotsu laughed again, "Sango, Sango, fiery as always. Chill out…..it's Thursday, and I always get some of those babies," he took another swig from the beer can to emphasize his point.

Sango gave him a glare that could almost compete with Sesshoumaru's icy ones, "I suggest you stop talking right now or you'll regret it!"

"What's the matter? You seemed grumpier than usual."

Sango's vein popped, though the oblivious man couldn't see that. She took a deep breath and gritted out, "So. Where can we talk privately….with zero chance of eavesdropping?"

Bankotsu's grin widened, "Why, my apartment of course. Ain't no place safer than that!"

Sango seemed wary. Going back to a man's apartment, alone…… but she had known Bankotsu for a long time….at least, he was her enemy whenever her father took her on real missions. She knew Bankotsu likes to fight fair and would not try other tactics, unlike a certain seducing monk-boy….

Sango whirled around when she heard a loud sneeze. She shrugged and warned the ex-mafia, "You better not try anything funny…..with or without my Hiraikotsu, I could still pound you to the ground."

Bankotsu waved her off, but he believed her. Geez, he seemed to be under a lot of threats lately.

"Alright, that's enough for today, Rin," Sesshoumaru announced, determined not to let her see him sweat because of her. He is impressed – this ordinary high school girl has amazing talents, her dead accuracy.

Sure it took her days to get used to handling kunais and crossbows, wanting to understand how to use these weapons. Yet once in possession of her fragile-seeming fingers…a flick of her wrist and the sharp blade was embedded in the centre of the target board. And Rin herself didn't even know her own ability. The first time she shoots the arrow from the crossbow, she actually yelped a bit and stumbled backwards.

It was true the girl needs to work on her close-combat skills, and her strength, as the kunai isn't embedded deep enough yet. However, with those accuracy of hers…Sesshoumaru is even willing to admit her skills as his equal in that perspective……inwardly of course. It is a pity that Rin's terrified of guns or she could probably rise up to his ranks. Although, for some reason, Sesshoumaru is rather reluctant for her to use one……..

Rin panted tiredly, shaking her hands vigorously. She knew she was pretty good at P.E. and all sorts of sports, but this is nuts. A weapon! She had never even seen a real kunai or crossbow ever in her life yet she could aim with it, as if instinctively. It was as if this quality resides in her blood; Rin wondered briefly, and wistfully, if her parents have such talents as well.

One thing good did come out of this training after all – learning to concentrate and block out the presence known as "Sesshoumaru". She seemed to transform into a whole new CLUMSY persona whenever he was too near. She convinced herself that he was just her tutor and he was just doing what he could. Learning to concentrate solely on her weapons had put a really useful barrier around that certain distraction.

"Rin, we're going out tonight," Sesshoumaru spoke, his eyebrow quirking slightly at her thoughtful expression.

"Eh! G-g-g-going out?" she squeaked in surprise. Did he just ask her out on a date?

"Of course. I had said your mission had been pushed back, and the date is today. We shall go investigate a suspicious area possible of a rather puzzling ambush on the residents. Do you think you're ready for it?" His voice showed no emotion but he was rather curious at Rin's suddenly crimson face.

If possible, her face darkened a few more shades, and she nodded hesitantly. Baka! Of course he's talking about a mission! That's a icy assassin you're talking about. And why am I so disappointed…… true no more school life for me but I've got to admit this is a rather exciting life….

Sesshoumaru told her to get ready and meet him in the third floor around 10:00. Rin sighed as she trudged upstairs. She has no problem staying up thanks to her previous job with Renkotsu, but now that she had put that particular life behind her she had hoped to live normally……then again, one can't really call this life 'ordinary, either'.

As she reached her floor, she paused in anticipation. She heard someone talking…..yes, no one can chuckle like that Bankotsu. It's without a doubt that sake-lover. But the female voice….., Rin's hands flew to her mouth in shock.

"San-………." Her friend's name died in her throat, and she was suddenly afraid to call out. She hesitated, but it was more than enough for someone to put a hand over her mouth and dragged her downstairs.

Rin glared up at her captor. Kouga shook his head gravely, his blue eyes shone with remorse and empathy but Rin saw it as a sneer. Kouga seemed to have added more points to Rin's dislike of him.

She angrily swapped away his hand, yet she merely stood at the base of the stairway, staring forlornly up. "Why do you have to interfere…I want to see Sango." It was more of a statement with only meager embers of hope, hoping for someone else to agree with her.

Kouga sighed worriedly. He knew he couldn't do anything; he wanted to comfort her and let her see her friends but, all the previous efforts would be in vain. Friend or not, Rin's existence within Cell 1 has to be protected no matter what. As for Sesshoumaru taking Rin on missions……none of them really agreed with it, but it was the only thing Rin could do that.

"Rin. Think of it this way. The faster you take down our objective, the faster you get your life back," Kouga spoke gently. Rin nodded silently and gave him a smile to the best of her ability; meaning, holding in her glares.

She cocked her head thoughtfully, "Hey...I haven't heard any of you say who or what the 'objective' really is...why?"

Kouga replied quietly, "If anything goes wrong, Rin,...well, it is better that you don't know of the objective. You wouldn't be useful to any of the enemy and you should be safer than if you were to know..." Rin found logic in taht and was simply too sullen to argue back.

The two of them waited silently, and Rin watched sadly at Sango's silhouette, and the closing elevator door.

"What the heck! What the hell were you doing! We saw everything! Gosh how can you do this Sango?" Inuyasha let it all out at once, when Sango had walked a few blocks away from the apartment.

Kagome sighed. So much for the 'undercover' part. Sango was stunned, and she glanced at Miroku, who, upon seeing her surprised expression, decided it was true after all. That she had abandoned him with another man……or not; Sango was instantly back to her old self.

"NO I WAS NOT INUYASHA! GIVE A CHANCE TO EXPLAIN AT LEAST DON'T JUST JUMP TO CONCLUSIONS!" Her famous flames flared and Inuyasha was forced to cower behind Kagome.

"Alright," Sango's voice dropped down o a bare whisper, "I'm sorry I keep this as a secret but…I was merely collecting information, since I've always worked for my dad on the police missions that requires 'secrecy'. Bankotsu…the guy you believed me cheating on you with," at this point, Sango's voice was gritted in both incredulity and anger, "is actually an ex-mafia. I have no idea why he would want the information on Na….I mean, a very well-known drug lord to the underground world, of course. Also I have no idea why the government protects him from prison…..but as I had said, it's all confidential. There, satisfied?" She folded her arms.

Miroku gave her a bear hug immediately. Sango was again, shocked, but it's because Miroku didn't try to grope her this time. Sango smiled; so this womanizer was actually worried and jealous……

Kohaku waved at them and came over, puzzled, "Hey Aneue, what are you doing here….?" Sango quickly filled him in, since he is her own brother after all and he also knew of Sango's secret identity.

She gasped during the middle of her explanation, remembering something important. She quickly informed her friends, "Guys! I saw something in Bankotsu's apartment. I saw it. It was Rin's dress, the one she wore on the night she disappeared. I'm definitely not mistaken, since Rin handmade that herself."

Inuyasha growled darkly, glancing at the apartment, his amber eyes narrowing in likeliness of a wary dog, "So, are you saying that Bankotsu guy has Rin?"Kohaku's fists clenched. At last, they had found some leads on Rin's whereabouts. And he will save her...and perhaps, Rin would pay more attention to him...

The four exchanged silent agreements. They shall find a way to infiltrate that apartment. To confirm Sango's assumption and, if true, to rescue Rin.

A pair of red eyes glinted in lust. A tongue licked its pearly white fangs with the desire for bloodshed. The figure shifted slightly under the cloak, and the figure snarled throatily, "Kohaku….follow her."

The teen, walking besides his sister, stood rigid for only half a second, and continued to walk again. His strides were more orderly and stiffer, his normally soft brown eyes seemed blank.

Rin gulped anxiously, fidgeting in her new garment. She wore a black uniform that has a similar design to the shinobis back in Feudal Japan. The only difference was the material, while isn't bullet-proof, can offer protection against ordinary blades and fires. She also wore special night-vision goggles, as Bankotsu had explained that she wasn't used to anything yet, since it is her first mission after all. Two hidden crossbows were secured under her long sleeves and kunais were strapped on a belt around her slim waist.

She groaned in annoyance. It took her really long to finally figure out to wear such thing. Yura and Jakotsu were both on missions and Ayame was too busy, leaving no option for anyone to help her with the clothing. Sesshoumaru must be mad that she was late by……40 minutes? Rin's eyes widened and she bolted out of her room.

She found him waiting, his expression just as indifferent as ever. "Follow me," Sesshoumaru said quietly. He was wearing the same attire when Renkotsu was killed. Rin wondered how he could see things under those sunglasses at such dark nights.

Ayame, without wasting much time, sent them to their destination. She had given Rin an encouraging smile before she, once again, was pushed down the endless tunnel. This time it took longer for them and Rin was getting a dizzy spell. A pair of arms held her firmly as they flew out the opening. Rin realized there is no softcushion this time, and that's why Sesshoumaru had helped her.

Rin looked around, scrunching her nose slightly at the smell. Sewers. The waterways. She should've guessed. What's more inconspicuous than this path?

Seshoumaru strode past her silently, and Rin had to jog to keep up. "So, where are we going, Sesshoumaru-sama? You never told me."

He didn't reply, but he seemed troubled. His speed increased, he almost ran, even. They quickly climbed out of the manhole, and Rin discovered they were in the middle of a forest. She didn't know how much distance they had covered but there aren't any forests around here, are there……?

"Stay close to me," he commanded calmly, pulling the safety pin out of his pistol carefully. Rin nodded; but soon, she became paranoid of any slight rustles from the bushes.

Suddenly, several screams penetrated the air, so full of agony and terror that Rin cringed in fear. Torrents of gunshots only contributed to that fear, and Rin stood paralyzed on the spot.

Move! Come on, Rin, you have to do this! Rin coaxed her legs, yet they still refused to move. Something whisked past by her head, and Sesshomaru's was beside her at once, shooting into the bushes. A death gurgle was evident enough Sesshoumaru had hit the mark.

"What are you doing!" He hissed angrily, shaking her shoulders. She heard another rustle, and she forced her trembling arm to aim with her crossbow. An arrow zipped into the bushes and before the target could even grunt in pain, Sesshoumaru shot at the figure, silencing immediately.

The corpse fell out and a bee-like mask could be seen. The Saimyousho, the lowest level of the subordinates.

"Come, we need to go check out the source of disturbance." How can he be so calm at a time like this; two men had just died! Rin gasped for breath, swallowing and not allowing herself to throw up. Even under the clouded moonlight, she could see blood streaking out from the reddening leaves.

Kunais are your last resources. Only use them when you are out of arrows. Sesshoumaru's lessons came to her mind, but she extracted one from her belt just in case. She followed Sesshoumaru closely, shooting her arrows on impulses and tried to keep her mind blank. Concentrate. Concentrate! She told herself repeatedly, hoping the mantra would block out the gunshots.

When they arrived at a clearing, Rin felt her heart stop. Her back suddenly chilled and the kunai in her hand dropped softly onto the ground.

Sesshoumaru growled irritably, "Kuso……we're too late……the culprit had already escaped. What is their purpose for attacking this place?"

Rin didn't hear him. How could she have not known? There aren't any forests in this area except one, as it is preserved as a memorial of Feudal Japan. The forest right besides the Higurashi shrine.

She took unsteady steps forward to the destroyed and burning buildings. The fire illuminated bloodied figures on the ground, giving them an unearthly glow.

Rin fell to her knees in front of a figure, whose raven-like hair seemed to be dyed in the crimson liquid. Blue gray eyes stared, and slowly turned to Rin's teary eyes. A faint spark of recognition ignited in these dull eyes.

"Rin…..?"

Rin clasped her best friend's hands, sobs racking her frame.

"Oh, Kagome-chan……………."

End of Chapter 5

I'm so evil am I not? And Sesshoumaru's alternate job will play an important role...(the alias was rather random, but i was watcing Bleach when I wrote that part so...lol. The name Getsuga means Moon Fang) Well, I'm really tired right now so I'll just take my leave…..

Now, push that review bottom and tell me what you guys think! Suggestions are always welcome!

Kaco out (signal ended)

Reviewers

Thank you all for your supports! I'm really happy! REALLY HAPPY!

(if my little corner of reviewer-replies is bothering you, tell me and I'll...um...think of someways to reply)

Sesshomaru's woman - :p i'm sorry about the lack of update... but you know how school sux at these times ... MUAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAMUAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA (beat ya lol) And yes get one e-mail! It'd be fun and i'd love to read you stories. And nah...me no prep (I smack prep's face with pom-poms remember? muFUFUKUKUkuku) And uh...cockroaches are disgusting...(dies)XX and hehehehe Family Guy IS funny...

icygirl2 - hehehe, people are realy interested at Rin's scars? But it seems she herself doesn't even know about it...OOoOo it's confidential hehehe. And no, the doggy brothers (couldn't resist) AREN'T youkai. There are normal humans with natural silver hair. Some people have platinum(pale blond hair) naturally, so I should think there might be silver hair...and no, if you have any questions, shoot! I'll answer to my best ability :D

Inuyashagirl0118 - Naw, Shippo's normal kid except fox-like features (smelling, hearing etc). And I'm too alazy to type right now so you should be able to find info on i think...if not, tell me XD And the other questions? Can't answer mufufufufufu