Gone

Night had fallen and Kohaku could barely make out Rin's form as she sat across from him in the small cave they had found. They had silently agreed to not start a fire, since it might draw unwanted attention. They had hardly spoken at all on their day's journey. It was obvious she was still angry with him.

The large cumbersome dragon laid against the fall wall with Rin resting against its flank. Her eyes remained closed, not asleep, but alert.

How in the world was he going to carry out this reconnaissance mission with her tagging along?

They were just an hour or so outside of the border, and only a few miles outside of the nearest village. He had explained to Sesshoumaru the night before that he while traveling, he had come across a few abandoned youkai and human villages. Youkai tended to live in seclusion, but if you knew where to look, you could find them. A southern kitsune clan that he had liked to trade with had disappeared. Their homes had been burned to the ground, their treasures ransacked. He had hoped they had escaped whoever had attacked them. He could only guess because he did not find any bodies. War between clans be it youkai or human were very common, but these villages seemed different. There were no evidence of survivors, or occupied territory. They were just...gone.

It was clear that whoever was on the warpath, was setting their sights on Sesshoumaru's territory.

Kohaku stood, gaining Rin's attention. "I'm going to go scout a head and see how the village is doing. I'll return soon."

Rin jumped to her feet. "I'll go too."

Kohaku scrubbed his face with his hands. "Rin. No. Stay here where it is safe. I'll be back quickly."

Rin clenched her jaw. "What is your problem!? I am here to help!"

"No, you are here to...I don't know, get out of the castle. I have no idea what you hope to accomplish here, but I'm trying to keep you alive." Kohaku pleaded.

Frustration stewed in her until she felt sick. "Alright, Kohaku-kun, it is clear I am not wanted here. I will leave."

Kohaku gave a loud sigh of relief. "Good. Go back to the castle. I know they're worried about you."

Rin gave no response. She patted the side of Ah-Uh rousing him from his nap.

She took them by the reins and led them outside of the cave.

"Let's go Ah-Uh."

He felt bad pushing her away, but he wanted her safe. He could not afford to have another death on his conscience.

Rin looked over her shoulder at him, her eyes held such intensity that it unnerved him. Kohaku watched as she disappeared into the sky without another word.

xxxxxxxx

Author's note: Thank you so much for all the reviews! The next set of chapters will alternate between Rin/Kohaku and Sess/Kag, so just giving you guys a heads up.