Chapter 3

It was silent for what seemed like ages. The stars were disapearing & a faint light on the horizen showed that morning approached.

"look I think we should just move on a bit, set camp & rest." Kohaku looked up just quick enough to catch Kanna nod her head yes. They had to leave this forest before the monk woke up.

They traveled for a long time, through forests & fields, never through human territories. The air was filled with awkward unanswered questions, though neither spoke as they knew not what to say. Kanna noticed they were reaching the edge of the forest they had been traveling, she could hear a river flowing in the distance. It was afternoon now when it was the most hot part of the day. Kohaku stopped dropped his belongings, including the scrolls & then sat down against the trunk of a tree. Kanna followed his lead, though she again opted to place her mirror face down & sat under a tree across from him.

Kanna knew that Kohaku being a human needed rest. She could have kept going without any problem, overtime however she had learned to accomadate to his needs. Funny she thought how I don't mind doing humanlike things with him. Sleeping eating resting talking. Why am I able to act like that around him, what is this feeling I have for him. I do not know. I will never know, I am a demon. An emotionless killer, like Naraku. No I am not Naraku. Her thoughts were interupted by Kohaku.

"How can you even think I would kill you? I wouldn't even be able to harm you." He laughed aloud. Then got serious, lookin directly at her. "I know you are not a human & your a part of Naraku, so you probably can't understand, but we humans form bonds, friendships. Sometimes more."

What was he saying? She thought to herself she was begining to blush. She used her long full bangs to cover her face from his eyes. She felt an overwhelming feeling rising in the pit of her stomache, as if she was expecting something.

He continued "We need comrads... friends."

That feeling she had felt moments ago was shattered.

"Where I grew up, in the slayers village, our whole look on life was based on each other. Our numbers & team work was what truly made us so formidable. They were formidable, I never actually became a slayer. I geuss it is just what makes a human a human. We need each other to survive. You know that I have been working for Naraku for far to long, all I want now is to destroy him as soon as I get the chance, to avenge my father, all the slayers, & all the innocent people that I have killed, My sister." He paused "I geuss since I'm with you so much, I subconciously became closer to you. When I am protecting you I become stronger, I have a reason to fight. I need you Kanna"

Kanna had been looking at him, but she was now looking intently.

"That is why I still do Naraku's bidding. That is why I protect you instead of kill you." He looked down again. After a moment he spoke again. "I'm sorry I didn't mean to go off & say all of that, you probably don't understand any of it."

Kanna had never seen Kohaku look like this before, he had smiled when he thought of his old village. She had never thought he looked so handsome. His face had a brightness to it. He lit up. She wished that he always looked like that. Everything he said made her feel so strongly, what was it though? It was sorrow. Even though it didn't feel good, she wished she could have felt it for an eterninty. Instead of her usual emptiness.

"No." She said quickly.

"Hmm?

"No, I didn't understand it, but I want to, more than anything. I don't understand emotions, I have never felt them for anyone. Naraku I have never felt anything for, Kagura I have never felt anything for, not Akago, definitally not Hakudoushi. They are the closest thing to a... family." She hesitated as if she wasn't sure she was using the correct word. "I only feel when am with...you."

Kohaku was now blushing & though Kanna was blushing she could not look away. She wished that she could feel, understand, see emotion. It was the most beautiful thing she had ever seen.

"Kanna." Kohaku smiled. She looked so pretty when she blushed. She would never seem to be a murderous demon, who had killed countless innocent people. She was an average teen girl riddled with questions. He took a step toward her.

"Kohaku!!!!!" A voice screamed jumping out from behind a nearby tree.

Kohaku instictivly picked up his chain sickle & stepped in front of Kanna. Just as he was about to launch an attack, he realized just who he was looking at & froze in utter shock.

"Rin?" He had barely gotten the word out of his mouth before she lept onto him with a tight hug. "Rin is that you?"

"Yes it is me! I have not seen you in so long!!!!" She said still clinging to him. Kohaku returned the hug, careful not to hurt her with the weapon he still held. He turned his head back to see Kanna. She was looking away.

This is awkward.

"Who is this?" Rin said noticing the girl behind him, she let go to face the girl. "Oh wait I remember her, when I was kidnapped. She was there. What is your name again? Oh Kagura? No. hmm? It was so long ago." As she spoke she hardly gave time for a response.

"Um, Her name is Kanna." Kohaku wanted to address Kanna about all that just happened but not in front of Rin. he stood next to Kanna. Kanna still looked away. "What are you doing here Rin?" He managed to look away from Kanna at last.

I Hope Kanna is ok

"I have been traveling with Lord Sesshomaru, he left a while ago & told me to stay here & wait. I heard voices & came to see who it was & I would never image it was you." She said looking pleasantly surprised. "I am so excited to see you!" She wrapped him again in an intense hug.

"I'm going to get some water from the river." Kanna said quickly. She picked up her mirror & turned on her heels & left.

"Are you sure?" Kohaku asked caught off gaurd. Kanna did not answer & quickly disapeared.

"She is awfully quiet."Rin said sitting down. "So what are you doing in this area Kohaku?" Rin looked up at him expectantly.

I geuss it would be best to let her have some alone time. Kohaku thought as he slowly sat down opposite Rin. "Oh umm we are...traveling." Kohaku answered vaguely.

Rin went on to chatter endlessly, Kohaku however tuned out, his mind was on other things. Rin had grown up since he saw her last. Her hair was loose, untamed & seemed to form random curls throughout. It aslo was so long that it hit the back of her upper leg. She wore a fine silk Kimona, full of bright flower like designs all over it. She had a smile that never faded. She truly was a lovely young woman.

"...Wouldn't you say Kohaku?" Rin said looking at him with large brown eyes.

"Oh...yeah." Kohaku faked an answer as he had not been listening. He nervously began itching the back of his head.

"Kohaku you are so funny." Rin giggled. Kohaku had to laugh too. Though he was worried about Kanna's abrupt exit, he had to admit Rins cheerfulness was contagious. "Oh my look at how dark it is getting. I must be getting back to where Master Sesshomaru left me. I must be back by night fall." Rin said looking to the dusk sky.

"I hadn't even realized how long we have been talking." Kohaku said helping Rin to her feet.

"I hadn't either." She giggled again, then her sweet smile returned. "Well I geuss this is goodbye."

"Yeah I geuss it is." Kohaku said. Rin quickly leaned up & kissed him on the cheek. His face felt a wave of red heat flush over his face & body.

"Good bye for now anyways." She cheerfully added quickly then skipped off into the night. Kohaku was not sure of what to make of her. She was a strange yet, apealing girl. He did hope he would see her again. Snapping back to reality, he remebered...

Kanna! I must go & make sure she is ok.

Kohaku followed the sound of the running water & made his way to the river.

End of Chapter