Disclaimer: I don't own Inuyasha…blah blah blah…

A/N: I'm so sorry for the loooooooooooonnnnnnnnngggggg ass time that I haven't updated. I hope you all forgive me. Oh. And I know I said this chapter will be "Knight in Shining Armor", but I moved that to be the next chapter.

But anyways, here's the long awaited chappy. Enjoy.

. x

. O

. x

. O

Thirty Nights: Chapter Two: Losing One, Finding Another

. x

. O

Two cloaked silhouettes moved stealthily across the palace grounds. One figure had a bow slung across her back along with a quiver of arrows and a few knives here and there. The other figure was loaded with a few daggers in her boots and clothes, a sword hanging from her hip, topped off with a pair of sharp, pointed chopsticks that became handy in battle wrapped skillfully in her hair.

Had these women been fighting in a grub match, they surely would've won.

But they weren't in a grub match; they weren't in a fight in which certain rules had to apply…certain rules that just might just save their lives. No. In this game they played, the rules were: there were no rules. And their lives? No guarantee that they'd live to see the next day.

But no matter what the danger, they had to get out of the dreaded place. With demonic speed, the first figure ran around the south wing to check if the coast was clear. When she signaled that it was safe, the second figure skulked through the area.

Once they got past this place, it'd be all field and forest from there.

The two women jumped down from a balcony and landed on the soft earth. Looking around before acting, they made sure that they were invisible to the palace guards before crossing the short path to the forest.

There, they would wait.

xOxO

Rin took the hood off her head and looked back at Ino. "How much longer do you think we have to wait?" she asked impatiently.

Ino had been sitting on a tree branch while Rin paced back and forth. "Rin, dear, why don't you occupy yourself with something else?"

"Like what?"

Ino sat up and thought for a moment. Tapping her chin, she glanced back down at her friend. "Well, for one, you could cover up the tracks you've just made."

Rin looked down at the dirt she had been walking on. True, her footsteps were all over the place. Grumbling under her breath, she picked up sticks and leaves that she had bunched and put together, brushing the forest floor with it.

"It's almost time. So don't worry." Ino said, looking up towards the palace where the night guards were making their usual rounds.

They had masked their scents by using a type of perfume that "eliminated" it. Ino had it with her since before she was captured by Naraku. Of course, he didn't know about it. And they had also covered up their tracks pretty good by using natural elements instead of using their own possessions. That way, if the guards were on their trail, it would confuse them, buy more time, and possibly send them in the wrong direction.

Of course, Ino has been planning this escape for years. It was just that she never got the chance to do so before. The last time the barrier was turned off was eight years ago…eight years back when Rin was captured. Since then, the barrier had been put up again, and it was never taken back down.

But now, it was their chance. The Eastern Lord had forewarned Naraku of a breakout of war if Naraku refused to pay him the full amount of…whatever he owed him. The servants weren't allowed to know any of that information. Not that Ino cared, but thanks to this situation, Naraku was forced to another meeting outside his palace. Meaning the barrier was going down again.

Not many servants knew this…or maybe no servant at all, excluding her and Rin, but that whole image where they've seen Naraku just pass through his barrier, was fake. It was nothing but an illusion. He made everyone else think that that was all he had to do and that the barrier always stayed up. But that wasn't the case. He made others believe in that nonsense, when in reality, the barrier had to be brought down first before anyone, or anything can pass through. Even if it was his barrier, that was the purpose of its existence. Not even the one who conjured it can change that.

But in a sense, it was pretty smart. People would think the barrier to be an impenetrable force that only the master and select others go through. That way, there was less chance of the palace inhabitants to even think they can try and escape.

So tonight, when that cage of a barrier finally goes down, it'd be their only chance to run…for their lives.

Ino smirked at how close they were to getting their freedom. But at the same time, she knew it was best to keep her guard up and not get too cocky. They'd lose this game if she did. Looking out into the edge of the forest where the borders of the barrier clearly were, Ino unconsciously took hold of the necklace dangling around her neck.

She looked up at the sky. It was the new moon. It was also, her hundredth birthday. Closing her eyes, Ino remembered the prophesy in her head.

'On the seventh moon of the seventh month of the seventh generation, during the hundredth year of the treasure's holder, will the curse begin anew' Ino frowned, knowing the time has come. 'Sesshoumaru…please wait for me.'

Ino and Sesshoumaru were distant cousins belonging to the Phantom Dog Demon Tribe. Of course, she never told anyone about it, not even Rin, for if anyone found out, Naraku would surely have taken her long time ago. Phantom Dogs were currently the most powerful demons in these ages, and just mating with such a being from this tribe would give one immense power.

Although she told Rin the truth in the fact that she was from a dog demon tribe, she never told her friend the extent of the prestigious status her tribe really held.

"Ino…listen."

Ino was snapped out of her thoughts at the sound of Rin's hushed voice and crouched stance. Alarmed for a moment, she looked around their surroundings, taking in all sights and listening to all sounds. She didn't sense anything potentially harmful, so she looked back at Rin. Noticing the direction her friend was facing, Ino looked forward to where a carriage pulled by demon horses headed out of the palace.

"It's time to move." Rin spoke again.

And with that, both girls pulled the hoods back over their heads. Rin tucked in her long, dark braid, while Ino tucked in her strands of silver. Running towards the barrier, the girls were careful not to set off the traps hidden all over the forest.

They halted their run near the edge of a cliff to see Naraku's carriage stop by the gates. A haze suddenly rose between the palace and the carriage. For sure, the people back at the palace saw Naraku just passing through it, but since Rin and Ino were past the haze, they saw the actual barrier going down.

Rin nudged Ino and they sped off towards the falling barrier.

In their concentrated run, they didn't notice that the carriage hadn't moved on yet, and that a guard was talking to the passengers.

xOxO

"Really now? Are you sure of this?"

"Yes, sir. Neither of them were in their rooms and when we sent out other guards to look for them, they couldn't be found on palace grounds."

Naraku stared at the soldier outside the carriage. Narrowing his eyes, he reached forward. A scream tore the air as Naraku amputated one of the soldier's limbs. "If you don't find them, you're head is next."

The soldier wanted to glare and defy him for what he had just done, but thought better and just nodded anxiously and ran off. When he gets his hands…or his hand, on those girls…they'd be in for it.

Naraku turned angrily in his seat. Crossing his arms, he stared at the empty seat in front of him. "So incompetent."

"My lord," his right hand man, Hyoga, spoke up, "are these the two girls that we had just gone over?"

Naraku leaned back against his seat and crossed his arms. "Although I don't see how this is any business of yours, yes, these foolish bitches trying to escape right now are the two girls we had been talking about."

"We should've expected it, my lord."

Naraku glared at him. "How so?"

"Well, maybe some are not fooled by the illusions you put up."

Naraku scoffed and looked out the window. "Only demons from esteemed bloodlines are impervious to such illusions, and I assure you, we don't have any servants of any sort like that."

"What is Rin?"

"A mere human. Beautiful, but human."

"And, Ino, my lord?"

Naraku took a moment to answer. "Dog demon. Such refined beauty and grace; though I'd prefer the human over her. They are about the same in such categories in comparison of beauty. But apparently, Ino is in much advantage in other categories in comparison of combat and skill."

"Dog demon…" Hyoga repeated. "…it couldn't be…"

Naraku looked up from the window and turned back to Hyoga. He lifted an eyebrow, his lips turning down in a grimace. "Don't tell me you're thinking that Ino could possibly be--."

"My lord!"

Another guard had showed up beside his carriage. Naraku looked back out the window. "What is it? Have you found them?"

"No…but we have found their tracks, sir."

"Their tracks? Good. Make sure you find them. Otherwise, the payment is…oh, well, you already know what the payment is, don't you. Understood?"

"Yes, sir." Bowing, the guard turned to leave.

"Oh, wait a minute." Naraku called out again. The guard immediately pivoted to face him. "No matter what the cost, bring them back, dead or alive. Although I would much rather be the one to carry out their punishment. Is that clear?"

The guard nodded, bowing again, and left to join his team.

"Why don't you just raise the barrier, my lord?" Hyoga asked.

"Don't be stupid, Hyoga. You are my right hand and army general, so use that organ that helped you get to that position and think. Where's your brain? There is a possibility that they already may be past the borders of the barrier. The soldiers still need to search both inside and out the borders. If I put up the barrier, they might just escape. What then?"

Hyoga fell silent at Naraku's words. After a few moments, he merely nodded before looking out his own window.

xOxO

"DAMN!!" Rin cursed as she was almost hit by another arrow. She and Ino have already passed the borders and just when everything looked great, someone just had to spot them. Separating in two different paths, Rin went one way, and Ino went the other, confusing the guards for a moment.

Ino looked behind her. Most of the guards were tailing after her and only a few were after Rin. Still, it was four demon soldiers against one human. It was the wrong decision to split up. Running ahead a bit further, Ino slipped into a darker area and hid for a moment. Hiding in the shadows, she waited until the soldiers ran past her before she jumped up as high as she could. She then ran on the tree tops, heading back to the direction Rin was running.

It wasn't long before she caught up. Below her, Rin was panting and breathing hard, running her fastest to escape the soldiers. Just then, a demon popped up in front of Rin. Rin had no time to stop and ending up colliding with the demon. She toppled over him before rolling on the forest floor.

The soldier immediately stood up and advanced towards her. Rin heard his footsteps and got to her feet. Just before the demon reached her, she pulled out her sword.

The demon chuckled darkly. "Pitiful human, you think you can defeat me with a measly sword and poor swordsmanship skills? Have you ever even wielded such a weapon?"

Rin twirled her sword towards him angrily. "My father was an excellent swordsman. Although I detested the lessons he gave to me and my siblings before, he taught me well."

The demon smirked. "Oh? Have at it, then. Let's see what you've got."

"Not now!!"

A dark figure came down from the trees and slashed the demon in half. Rin stood there stupefied for a moment before realizing it was Ino. Ino grabbed Rin by the arm.

"We have no time to waste our energy battling them. We've got to run!" Ino exclaimed. Shouts were heard from behind that made both females turn and look back. "Curses, they've already caught up."

Ino hefted Rin up onto her back and sprinted.

"Ino…I thought you said you'd let me carry my own weight."

Although Rin couldn't see her face, she was certain Ino smirked. "And what? Just watch you die?"

"This isn't what you promised."

"So…if I were in the same situation, you'd leave me at the hands of those merciless fools?"

Rin faltered at that statement. Of course she wouldn't. She'd rather die with Ino than run away and live with that kind of guilt on her conscious for the rest of her days. Ino smiled, knowing she won the argument when Rin fell silent.

Once they were a safe distance, Rin demanded for Ino to put her down. Ino obliged, and once again, they set off.

The run was becoming so difficult for Rin. Taking in air was becoming such a task, it was almost painful. Ino stopped and signaled for her and Rin to hide. Wrapping an arm around Rin, Ino jumped up and they landed on a tree branch.

As the soldiers passed by on the bottom, not catching their scent thanks to that perfume, Rin held in her breath, waiting for them to be out of ear shot, before releasing it. One hand clutched her knee as another clutched her heart. Her mouth was slightly open, trying to suck in more air as her oxygen-deprived lungs expanded and contracted heavily.

They sat in the tree for a few minutes, Rin catching her breath, and Ino watching out for anything else.

"We should leave. They're gone about fifty miles or so."

Rin looked up at Ino. "How do you know?"

Ino pointed at her nose. "I can smell them."

Rin nodded in defeat. "Oh. Right. How could I forget?" Of course, there wasn't much use for Ino's demon abilities in the palace. But out here… Rin fell silent again, letting her thoughts run in their moment of rest. She realized, just then, how much of a burden she must've been. If she weren't here, maybe Ino might've already escaped.

"What are you thinking?" Ino asked, sitting down next to Rin.

"I didn't realize…"

"Realize what?"

It took Rin a moment to say it, feeling overly stupid. But sighing, she told the truth. "…just how wrong I was." she finished off, looking somewhat depressed.

Ino scrunched her eyebrows. She gave Rin a dubious look. "What?"

Rin turned back to Ino. "I didn't realize, that…out here, you need to use everything you've got. Earlier, I asked for you not to slow down to my speed because, for the most part, I didn't want to be holding you down. But…another part thought that this escape, although a challenge, wouldn't be so difficult. I knew it'd be hard, but I thought it'd be a lot easier. Back at the palace, there wasn't much to look out for; there wasn't the need to use our senses for survival. So, what was the use for them? Out here, everything is needed. It's either use it or die. Survival of the fittest."

Ino put a hand around Rin's shoulders, smiling. "It's so amazing how fast you humans grow. Not only have you grown in body, but also in mind…you've attained knowledge in such a short span. You've grown so much, when it seems like just yesterday you were barely four feet tall and picking flowers."

Rin giggled. "Ino, that was ten years ago."

"I know, I know. But I'm a demon. Ten years is nothing. It's so short, to us, that it really is just like a day." Ino said, jumping down with Rin.

xOxO

Few minutes have passed since they've evaded the guards. They were smartly going in the opposite direction while covering their tracks along the way.

Rin's mind was filled with questions. What would they do now? What would she do now? She had no family to go back to. She had no life to go back to. All she's ever known after her parents had died was serving under the rule of Naraku.

Now that she thought about it, it seemed unreal, even to her, that they escaped him. Was it even possible to get away that easily? Sighing out loud, Rin looked down at the earth. Her footsteps were barely audible as she trudged through the forest.

Hearing Rin sigh, Ino looked up at the stars. Oh how long she waited for the moment where she could be free would come again. There never were better nights than these, where the stars were so plentiful, it would fill up the sky.

But the wonderful and nostalgic moment died as she caught something amiss. Now, with her head tilted up, her nose was able to catch something very faint in the wind. Bringing her head back down, she suddenly stopped in her tracks. Noticing the missing sound of Ino's footsteps, Rin turned around.

"What's wrong? Do you sense something?" she asked, putting a hand at the hilt of her sword.

Ino looked at their surroundings and sniffed out the air. "I don't understand."

"What…don't you…?"

Ino kept looking around, a look of confusion set on her face. "This just doesn't make sense." She said softly, more to herself than to Rin.

"What doesn't? What's going on?!" Rin demanded, becoming unnerved by the way Ino was talking. Although Ino said that in a whisper, she was still able to pick it up.

"My nose…I thought I caught something earlier. But now, no matter how hard I try, I can't smell anything strange. My body doesn't sense any other aura. But…for some reason, there's something inside me that tells me…something is just…wrong." Ino stopped looking around to give Rin a serious look. "My instinct is telling me we're not alone."

"Dogs and their instincts…they're always so sharp. Especially you, Ino."

Rin gasped as Ino's eyes narrowed. Turning around furiously, the two women met the red gaze of the wind witch.

Ino snarled at her, her fangs purposely shown. "Kagura…" she growled.

"Oh? You dare bare your fangs at me?" Kagura scoffed flatly.

"Save the small talk, Kagura, what do you want?" Ino demanded.

Kagura narrowed her eyes, noticing the lack of honorifics. "Brazen girl. Have you forgotten your manners?" She closed her fan shut. "Never mind. What else do you think I am here for? Naraku has sent me to retrieve your sorry asses. Now…we can go back the easy way…" she opened her fan again. "…or the hard way."

"Are you on something? What makes you think we'll go back?" Rin argued.

"I'm afraid you have no choice. Now, are you going to come back quietly? Or will I have to drag you there myself?"

Rin and Ino got into fighting stances. Ino readied her bow while Rin pulled out her sword and one of her daggers. "Well then…I guess if you do succeed in making us go back, you'll be dragging us, bound up and gagged." Rin said, smirking.

"Rin…don't give her ideas." Ino replied, looking at her friend blankly.

Kagura watched the interaction with bored eyes. "Whatever. Put up a fight if you must." She took out a feather. "I'm leaving this to you, Kanna."

"Kanna?" Rin and Ino asked in unison. "Who's Kanna?"

Kagura only smirked and flew up on her feather, making both girls shield their eyes from the flying whirl of dirt and dust. In front of Rin and Ino, a smaller, more fragile demon appeared in place of Kagura. The demoness was still a child. Holding a mirror in front of her, the girl spoke calmly.

"You both must return to Naraku."

Rin looked at her with contempt. "Haven't we been through this before?"

"What are you?" Ino asked, sensing something strange about the girl.

Kanna looked up from Rin to the taller female.

"What are you?" Ino repeated. "Why…why is it that I can't sense you?"

Kanna only stared back at her for a few moments, her eyes, blank and cold…completely void of emotion. What had Naraku done to her? It wasn't until she made a small movement, did she answer Ino. "Naraku said that I am…nothing."

Ino narrowed her eyes. Rin's heart was almost pained. Bringing a hand up to her chest, she kept her gaze on the kid. What were the extremities of Naraku's wrenched existence? Even this girl was a prisoner of his will and his will alone…to the extent where her powers were meant only for his use. It was ironic. Although this kid was sent to retrieve them, Rin's heart broke for this child…she felt bad that Naraku was using her as nothing but a pawn in his game.

"By nothing…you mean void, right?" Ino tested, bringing Rin out of her thoughts.

Kanna nodded.

"So that's why I couldn't sense you earlier. You have no scent, no aura. The smell I picked up earlier was only my instinct."

"Now that we've established that, we must get back to Naraku." Kanna said tonelessly.

"I'm sorry, but we can't do that." Ino then made a move to grab Rin and make a run for it. Kanna only tilted her mirror, the light flashing across its surface. It was then that Ino froze.

Rin turned to Ino, noticing her face was distraught. "Ino?"

"I…can't…I can't…move."

Rin stepped towards Ino.

"Stop!! Don't come near me." Ino screamed, before turning her attention to the void demoness.

"What have you done?"

Rin's eyes darted from Ino to Kanna. It was then that she noticed what was going on. Ino's reflection was caught in the mirror. Turning abruptly, Ino readied her bow and flew an arrow at Kanna. Raising her mirror, Kanna swallowed up the arrow.

"What the--?!" As soon as those words left Ino's mouth, the arrow reappeared, coming out of the mirror. It then flew at her with such speed.

Rin's eyes widened and her heartbeat quickened. She pivoted and ran as fast as she could towards Ino. If fate would be kind, she would be able to reach her best friend in time. But like usual, fate was not. Ino didn't even realize what was happening until the arrow pierced her through her heart.

Time froze then, the forest became unnervingly quiet and all movement stopped. The only thing audible was Rin's labored breathing…the only thing moving was her friend's heaving chest and the bead of sweat that rolled down her face. She looked down at the arrow protruding from her chest. It was then that her knees gave in; her soul was starting to succumb to the power of the mirror.

Rin caught her friend as she fell to the earth. Tears pricked at her eyes. "No…Ino…don't. Please…"

Ino looked up at her, breathing in deeply. Rin set her on the ground gently. The white aura that flowed between Ino and Kanna's mirror indicated that Ino's soul was still being stolen. "You…" Rin growled. Getting up, she positioned her sword and aimed it towards the kid.

Rin knew that long distance weapons wouldn't work on her, as they would be reflected with that mirror she was holding. But she wondered if it would be the same with her sword. "I don't care even if you are a kid. You're just as bad as he is if you continue serving him. You might be able to throw what we got right back at us…but see…if you can throw back this."

Determined and enraged, Rin ran forward. Raising her sword up above her head, she brought it back down on the expressionless child. Kanna only raised her mirror again. Light emerged from the contact between the mirror and Rin's sword. Rin held her ground, finding that there was an almost immiscible force that was trying to push the sword backwards.

Rin's muscles strained against the force. Sweat started to roll down her back as she repositioned her feet against the earth to get better footing. As her reflection got caught into the mirror, her soul began to slowly drain out of her. Her vision got blurry and her body felt weak.

She didn't know how long she had been standing there, trying hard not to lose the battle. But just when she thought she'd have to give in, life decided to give her a small break when the mirror started to crack. Kanna's usual expressionless face gave the hint of surprise when she, too, heard the mirror breaking. The crack ran from the edge, to the midway point of the mirror.

It was then that Rin's sword was thrown back, out of her hands. Rin turned to watch her sword, like her weaker body, fall to the ground. At that same moment, Kanna took the chance to flee. When Rin glanced back at her, all she caught was the sight of Kanna's retreating back.

Once that demon was out of sight, Rin painfully got to her feet. She rubbed her sleeve against her eyes to try and clear her vision. Trudging over to Ino, she fell on her knees by her side.

"Ino. Ino!!" Rin screamed desperately. "Please…don't you dare die on me."

Ino smiled at her. "This arrow…"

"…is nothing!" Rin finished.

Ino shook her head. "Stop acting like such a child, Rin. This arrow…as you can see…pierced my heart." Ino tried a smile, but still, a tear slid down her cheek. "I know, that being human, you are already an adult…although in my race, you have just been born. But still…you must act your age and take this like a woman would. You are no longer a babe. So I suggest you dry those tears and stop being so corny."

The tears that threatened to fall earlier were now flowing freely down Rin's face. "You're so mean to me." Rin accused.

"Heh. That's what older sisters are for, right?"

"Stop talking like that."

Ino laughed again. "Why?"

"Because one: it's not you. And two: you're creeping me out." Rin kidded, although her expression was solemn.

Ino frowned. "Please, Rin. I don't have much time. Bring me over to that tree…please. There is a lot I must explain to you."

Rin looked at her with confusion clear in her eyes, but said nothing as she helped Ino walk to the tree she pointed out. Once they reached it, Rin placed Ino against its bark.

"What is it that you have to tell me?" Rin asked after Ino settled more comfortably.

Ino grabbed a hold of the arrow and, with a soft shriek, pulled it out. Rin winced at that as the dog demon placed it down. Ino's hand then went up to touch Kiori. "The other story…the one I was supposed to tell you. It's now or never."

Rin sighed and sat down beside her. "I'm listening."

Ino painfully propped herself up a bit. "Alright. This necklace…there's another story behind it. Remember when I said that this object holds the key to revive the powers of our leaders? Of our cursed kings?"

Rin nodded.

"Well, only half of that is true. The real power resides in my body. Unlike the Shikon Jewel, this necklace cannot sustain such power…not to mention, the power we hold is much greater than that of the Jewel."

"I'm not sure I'm following." Rin said.

"This necklace is only a medium…it only holds the power for a very short amount of time. And that time is when it's passed down from one generation to the next. The power must reside in our bodies…in the guardian's body." Ino explained. Rin nodded again, finally understanding what she meant. "And so…I must pass it on to you."

Rin faltered at that. It took her a moment to realize what Ino was talking about. "W-what? Me?"

"Yes, Rin. You."

"But…but I…" Rin thought really hard about it. "What must I do...if I accept...what must I do?"

"What do you mean, Rin?"

"In order to give them back their full power. Must I simply return the necklace to them?"

Ino smiled. This wasn't going to be easy to explain. So she explained it in the simplest way possible. "No, dear. You make love."

Rin blanched at Ino's statement. "WHAT? Ino!! That's insane! I can't do that--that...that's suicide!! I mean...to...with a demon! And I'm only human! I mean, I couldn't possibly..." Rin blabbered on.

Ino groaned in pain. "I'm dying, Rin. I have a responsibility to my bloodline. And I can never rest in peace knowing I failed. Kiori must be passed on to you now, or it's the death of my entire clan. Please?"

Rin stood up. Looking down at Ino, she contemplated this situation again and again. "If I don't accept…then…"

"Then fate…will frown upon my people. And I…have failed them."

"Ok, ok…fine." Her breathing became greatly labored, and for the first time in a long time, Rin was scared. First, her friend is dying, and now, she'll have to carry on her responsibility? Looking down at Ino, remembering all that she had done for her, Rin took a shuddering breath. "For you…I'll take it." she finally obliged, kneeling down next to her again.

Ino smiled and took hold of Kiori with both hands. She recited an incantation in a language that Rin has never heard. At first, a faint glow surrounded Ino's body. It then turned into a blindingly bright light. Rin put an arm up to shield her eyes. When the light died down, she looked back at Ino. She looked the same, except that she looked weaker than ever. In her hand was a burning bright necklace.

"Take it." Ino ordered softly. Rin nodded as her hand inched its way to Kiori. Truth be told, she was afraid to even touch it.

"It's not going to bite." Ino smiled weakly, noticing Rin's obvious struggle.

Rin only gulped before engulfing the necklace in her hand. Picking it up and bringing her hand closer, Rin took a peak at the shining crystal. She was mesmerized for a full good measure. Never had she seen anything like it. The light was like the rainbow trapped within the crystal's walls.

"Hurry…put it around your neck." Ino said. Rin snapped out of her reverie and tore her gaze of the necklace. She quickly put it around her neck.

"Now…take it with both hands, and say this incantation with me." Ino closed her eyes as she clasped her hands around Rin's. She began chanting a spell which Rin followed.

This time, the light surrounded Rin. She felt funny at first; it felt like a soft, ticklish, tingling feeling. Then, not long after, it was replaced by a more painful feeling. Rin's eyes were forced shut at the searing sensation. The pain was almost unbearable. It felt like hundreds of knives and pins poking, stabbing, and slashing her body. Her blood rushed through her veins and it felt like her soul was ablaze.

But just as fast as it had come, it went away. Rin felt like the atoms in her body dispersed and came back together after being manipulated with. Her form dropped to the ground, feeling exhausted after that experience. Her breathing was hard and ragged.

"A little warning…would've been very much…appreciated." She half grumbled, half whispered to Ino, her voice slight coarse.

"They did the same exact thing to me when it was my turn." Ino whispered.

Rin pushed herself up with shaky arms, concentrating on focusing her sight. She barely noticed the weakness of her friend's voice, too busy trying to recover from what felt like being burned alive.

Ino only smiled as she watched Rin. "Know that I love you…and I always will."

"Yeah…I love you, too." Rin answered. She then turned to Ino to flash her a grin. The grin was immediately wiped off her face as her eyes went wide. Ino's eyes were closed, and although she was smiling, it didn't seem like…like…

"Ino…?"

Rin brought a shaky hand up and placed it on her shoulder. "Ino…" she tried again, shaking her this time. "C'mon, Ino…this isn't the time to be funny." A tear fell down her cheek. Still no movement.

"Damnit, Ino…I'm so tired of you and your games." Rin exclaimed, standing up and placing her hands on her hips. She turned the other way and smirked sadly. "I don't know why you're always trying to play dead with me. It worked when I was a kid, but it's not going to work now." Another tear fell.

She scanned the area and listened for any sound. "We've gotta go. Otherwise, we came this far for nothing. Get your lazy butt up…please?" Her tears were now flowing freely.

Turning back to the dog demoness, Rin stomped over and grabbed her by the shoulders. The rain started to pour. "Fuck, I'm sick and tired of this. Get up!!" Rin screamed. "Don't…don't you…don't die! Please, don't die!!" she sobbed, crying into the body of her companion.

"You said you'll always be there for me! You said that you'll never leave me! Mom, dad, and older brother said that. But they died and left me! Don't leave me here too…! Please!!"

The rain came down harder and soaked her to her bones. It was incredibly cold. Her tears disappeared with the falling rain. She was…lost. But before her body could get to that stage of numbness, she heard the faint sound of a twig snapping near by. Her body went on full alert and her senses strained to figure out the new intruder.

Slipping her hand stealthily to the hilt of her sword, Rin waited until she could sense the presence at her back. Getting up and striking with the sword in an un-humanlike skill, Rin found that there was no one standing there. Before she could get over her surprise, another sword was placed against her neck.

The intruder's breath was hot against her ear, and, mixed with the cold rain, made her shiver. His voice was baritone.

"Where's Ino?"