"Hoshi, what are you making now?"

Rin sat on a small log that served as a chair in the cave watching the demoness bend a small piece of metal with a small tool. It had been at least a month since Rin had found Hoshi, and they were now the best of friends or rather even like sisters now. Hoshi looked up into her eyes.

"I'm making a charm for myself to hide my scent. I am mostly healed now, so when I go out I must not be detected by any demons or even a certain half demon."

Rin knew what she meant but didn't really comment. No matter how much she tried to tell Hoshi that the half demon, Inuyasha, wouldn't hurt her unless a reason Hoshi still didn't listen. She knew Hoshi was just very overcautious and afraid for her life, plus the fact she was still somewhat injured. Rin looked at the fragile scars on the demoness's arms, the only ones she could currently see.

"Hoshi," she murmured. "When will you be fully healed?"

"Ah, about another week or 2 and I'll be good as new."

Rin smiled in joy in response. Hoshi returned the smile with one of her own before returning to her work. The little girl was fascinated. Hoshi was not only a healer, but also a magician and forger. She found it so interesting that the demoness was talented at many things besides those as well. Hoshi had explained to survive she had mastered these things so she could take care of herself. Rin looked outside and noted it was about noon. Suddenly she saw the demoness's elven looking ears perk up slightly.

"Rin," she murmured looking at her. "Your friends are calling you."

Rin was surprised. They had never gone looking for her before after she gave many excuses at the beginning. They must really need her. Go figure.

"Okay," Rin sighed but still smiled. "I will see you tomorrow?"

"Yes. Go on now. I will be seeing you later or tomorrow."

Rin nodded and took off, running, into the forest. She ran for a few minutes before arriving at the river. She skipped along the bank until she ran into Kagome.

"Rin," Kagome gasped. "There you are!"

"What's the matter, Kagome?"

Kagome smirked.

"Sesshomaru's back."

Rin gasped and let out a squeal of delight. She raced past the miko into the village, colliding straight into Inuyasha.

"Oi wench, look where you're going," he muttered.

"Okay Inuyasha," she squealed not really caring."Where is he?"

He nodded at the nearby field. Rin hugged him quickly before taking off leaving a slightly blushing hanyou. Suddenly, she saw him sitting under a tree, obviously waiting.

"PAPA!"

She leapt into his arms and it took him a moment before he wrapped a single arm around her in a small hug. They held each other for a few moments not moving before Sesshomaru pulled back looking as blank as ever. She could tell he was happy to see her.

"Rin."

"Papa."

"Hn, I take you are well?"

"Hai," she replied happily. "I missed you!"

He blinked for a moment but she knew he felt the same. She tilted her head as she thought of another question.

"Where's Jaken?"

"He is with An-Un."

"Oh. Oh well, at least you're here!"

He eyed her for a moment before withdrawing a white box from his side and handed it to her in silence. She knew what it was without asking. Another gift. Curious, she opened it and gasped. It was a white kimono with blue edges along the sleeves and a green sash. Another box sat in the white one, so she opened it and found two hairpins made of pure silver with green and blue gems that went with it. Rin gaped before a pang hit her. Hoshi. These colors reminded her of her friend. Suddenly she felt frightened. What is Lord Sesshomaru found her? He was a full demon; he might be able to still detect her! Rin began to shake in fear for her friend.

"Rin," her lord questioned. "Is there something wrong?"

"No, it's really pretty. I just don't think I should have such finery."

"Rin, you are my pup. You deserve such things," he said quietly to her.

"Really?"

"Hai."

Though her lord never asked for it, Rin began to tell him about all the time he had missed. He listened quietly to her. Rin hated to leave out the part about Hoshi, but she made a promise to her friend, so she skipped those parts. Inuyasha, Kagome, Kaede, and Shippo later on approached them and Sesshomaru turned to look at them for a moment and nodded his greeting before returning his attention to his little ward. They sat only a few feet away, watching the little girl in the lords lap talk on and on with him listening. Finally, Rin was done.

"Ah," her lord murmured.

"Yes! Papa, want to go to the river with me, please?"

He opened his mouth to respond but Kagome cut him off.

"Um, Rin? May I talk to Sesshomaru first, alone please?"

Rin was confused but she nodded nevertheless. She got up and took her new things with her, leaving quietly. Sesshomaru watched her go until she was out of sight. His cold golden gaze slid over to his brother's mate almost annoyed. It had been awhile since he had last seen his pup and he obviously wanted to spend time in her company, not the miko's.

"Miko, what is the meaning of this?"

"Milord, I'm worried about Rin."

Sesshomaru raised his eyebrow and waited. He kept a blank face, but everyone knew he was worried. Inuyasha frowned as his mate called his elder brother 'milord' but kept it to himself deciding it was better to do so than voice his complaints.

"She has been spending a lot of time alone lately. She wanders off for hours on end, sometimes the whole day, and claims she was hiking, swimming, or something. I'm concerned that she is hiding something or doing something that isn't allowed here in the village."

"Then why haven't you followed her?"

Silence filled his statement. Kagome looked at Inuyasha before flushing in embarrassment.

"Well," she murmured. "We never considered that. We hoped that she would tell us in time but she hasn't said anything. It's been about a month since this started happening."

Sesshomaru looked over above their heads deep in thought. They waited patiently, knowing he could take some time or respond with his body language.

"Have you ever considered that she wasn't lying? Perhaps she is hiking or such."

"Well, we have considered that. We know she is an honest girl but we just don't know what she is up to. I was hoping you could maybe try to push her for answers."

Sesshomaru looked at the miko.

"Maybe, or maybe not. I will observe this for myself and will try to get her to speak if I grow suspicious."

He got up and began to leave before stopping dead. He smelled the air and cursed loudly, causing the others to jump to their feet. Sesshomaru was one who rarely cursed and if he did, it was a new thing to be aware of. But still, they could tell something disturbed him greatly.

"Inuyasha," Sesshomaru growled. "Smell the air and tell me what you smell."

Inuyasha obeyed and stilled. "I don't smell Rin. It's like her scent cut off right here."

Everyone turned to stare at each other.

"I don't like this."

Rin had no idea what was going on. She had hurried to Kaede's hut to drop off her new things and raced for the woods almost immediately. She had to tell Hoshi of Sesshomaru's arrival! She arrived panting at the cave's entrance. Hoshi looked up in surprise.

"Rin? Why are you back so soon?"

"Hoshi, my father's back."

It took a moment for the demoness to process that and understood what it meant, but once she did she went paler than normal. Rin got concerned her friend would faint.

"You mean, Sesshomaru, the full blooded demon dog?"

"Hai."

Hoshi looked at the ground, thinking hard. Rin waited for her friend to respond.

"Rin, if he is here, that puts me in more danger of being discovered. You must give me the charm I made you and leave. You must not visit me while he is here."

"What? I'll be careful though!"

"Rin, think! If Sesshomaru is here he will be keeping track of you at all times. He came here to spend time with you. He would wonder why you're ditching him and will probably follow you. He will find me and I'll be found. I'm sorry Rin but this is the only solution I can think of."

Rin felt tears come to her eyes. Sesshomaru could stay up to a few days to at least a month, depending on his situation. As much as she loved him, he now made it harder for her. She couldn't see Hoshi while he was here. Hoshi was right. That was the only way. Hoshi got up and hugged the child once she saw the tears.

"Rin, please don't cry. Don't. Be strong."

"But I don't want to leave you! I love my papa, but I love you too!"

Hoshi stilled. Did the girl just say she loved her? She was going to make this harder.

"Don't worry about me Rin, I'll be okay. Spend time with your father, and once he is gone we can spend time together again. Okay?"

"Okay."

Rin surrendered the charm necklace. Hoshi went over and went through her bag of herbs before returning to the child. She carried a strange dark purple plant.

"Rin, when he is gone, use this. Put this in warm to hot water and wait until it turns white and is mud like. Rub it on your skin. It will hide your scent from all and you can return here, so I can give you the charm necklace back. Only use it when he is gone. Okay?"

"Hai, Hoshi."

Rin took the herb. She stared into those sky blue eyes filled with concern for her.

"Go now, Rin. I will see you in time. Go before he suspects anything."

Rin raced forward and hugged the demoness with all her strength. Hoshi returned the hug tightly and they just clung for a long moment. Rin pulled back and ran out of the cave, not wanting to see Hoshi's face again. It would hurt to see the face she would not see for quite some time. Once the girl was gone, though, Hoshi felt the tears spill from her eyes. She was going to miss that little girl so much. Rin went and bathed in the river quickly and went to meet Sesshomaru and the others.

"But how could this happen?"

"Her scent couldn't just disappear like that!"

"Uh, Papa?"

Everyone whipped around to find the little girl staring at them in confusion. She was wearing the new kimono her father had brought for her. Sesshomaru dove like a hawk at her and picked her up holding her tight and sniffing her to check for any harm done. He only smelled her normal scent. Rin was startled but didn't comment and just returned the hug. She felt relief in the air.

"We thought you had been kidnapped, Rin. Your scent disappeared right here!"

Rin looked at where Shippo was pointing and panicked for a split second. The necklace had hid her scent from them! Sesshomaru looked at the kit almost angrily, scaring the poor life out of him and sending him hiding behind Inuyasha.

"Rin, where did you go?"

"I just went to take a bath!"

"At this time of day," Kagome questioned.

"Hai."

Sesshomaru smelled her again and found indeed she was clean. The smell of a disgusting human soap coated her. He looked at her and Rin looked at him honestly. He nodded and carried his pup to the village with the others. They'd talk about it later.

The hours turned into days. Rin forgot about Hoshi and spent time with Sesshomaru, enjoying his company. Those days turned into a week. Rin was delighted. She spent more time in the village and dragged Sesshomaru around with her. The villagers weren't worried and didn't even fear the demon lord, much to his annoyance. They had gotten so used to demons they were comfortable now in their presence. Sesshomaru dealt with the usual playfulness from Rin watching her often play in the river, run around with Shippo, and talk without end. But the happiness rapidly changed on the second week of Sesshomaru's visit.

"Lady Kaede! Lady Kagome!"

Rin looked up from where she was gathering herbs with the two priestess's of the village, Kaede and Kagome, with certain lord just watching nearby. It was Miroku, looking quite panicked.

"Please, Kaede and Kagome, come help Sango! Please!"

The two priestess's grabbed the herbs and took off after the monk. They had sensed his urgency and hadn't protested. Rin began to follow when she was scooped up. She looked up at the blank face of Sesshomaru as he took off following them. He knew Rin would protest if he didn't take her so he just went with it. They arrived at the couple's cottage and Rin raced inside leaving the lord outside.

"Oh, dear me, this is bad."

Rin came over to see and gave a small gasp. Sango was lying on a cot, shaking violently. Her skin was covered in sweat and was almost a deep red like sunburn. Her face was pinched in pain.

"What's going on?"

No one responded to her, as the priestess's worked over the woman. Finally, Kaede looked up with eyes grave. Rin was worried about that look. Kagome even looked grave once she observed her teacher's expression.

"Miroku."

The man had been watching from a chair in grief when he jumped to his feet.

"I'm afraid there is nothing I can do for her. This illness is a killer."

"WHAT!"

"It is just known as the painful death. It leaves the victim in the state like Sango's for several days, only up to a week, and it kills them."

"Sango is pregnant with our baby! She can't die! I can't lose her! We have three other children too!"

"I'm sorry, monk, but there is nothing we can do."

"There must be some antidote!"

"There is, but it's a rare one. It comes from an underwater berry that is found in only one lake, Lake Tiger. But this herb is deep underwater where no one can get it. It only surfaces when it is fully ripe but it only can be used in a 24 hour period afterward. This only happens every ten years. This happened, sadly, 7 years ago. Nothing can be done now."

"NO!"

The monk fell to his knees in sobs. Rin felt tears come to her own eyes. Sango, the demon slayer, would die! No, this couldn't be! Kagome comforted Miroku while Kaede watched in grief and her own sorrow. Rin could see tears sparkling in Kagome's eyes. She knew how close they all were to each other.

"Isn't there some other way?"

"No, monk. If you were a demon, however, that might make a huge difference. It is said there is a frog demon that guards the berry and will give it to those who need it, but only to demons, but that is just a legend passed down. No one has ever seen such a frog demon."

"How long," the monk groaned into the floor, despairing in her answer.

"At her condition, at least 3 to 5 days from now. I'm sorry."

Rin burst into tears and raced outside to Sesshomaru, who immediately sensed her distress and allowed her to embrace him tightly. She felt his hand gently place itself at her back to hold her there in his warm embrace.

Rin thought hard as she cried. There must be something that could be done! The antidote was deep underwater where no one could get it and it was said a frog demon guarded the berry. It would save Sango's life and the baby would live. She couldn't ask Sesshomaru or Inuyasha for help, because they couldn't breathe underwater. She knew Sesshomaru could bring Sango back if she died, but the baby would still be dead. And the berry was not nearby; Lake Tiger was a week's journey or perhaps even longer.

'There must be someone who can help!'

Suddenly, it hit her. Hoshi. Hoshi was part sea serpent meaning she could breathe underwater! She was also a demon! HOSHI COULD HELP! Rin trembled in excitement, but Sesshomaru thought different. His grip tightened lightly on her.

"Papa, can you take me home?"

He merely picked her up and raced back to the village. He set her down at her doorway.

"Papa, I'm going to take a nap," she whispered. "I'll be okay."

To her surprise, Sesshomaru nodded slowly and gently patted her head, caressing her silky black locks of hair. He swiftly walked off, ignoring the villager's surprised faces at the small affection he had given to the human child. Rin raced inside and opened the jar full of the herb Hoshi had given her after the demon lord had disappeared. She dumped the herb into a boiling pot of water and waited until it turned white and mud-like just like Hoshi said. She rubbed it over her body and her clothes, ignoring the slimy texture. Rin checked outside to ensure no one would see and took off for the woods.

Hoshi sat in the cave, sewing a small tear in her kimono shut. She was lonely, to be honest. Once that little girl had left, she hadn't been really happy. She enjoyed her work but it wasn't the same really anymore, not without Rin. That little girl had changed her so. She raised the kimono to examine it when she heard a crash from the entrance of the cave. She pulled out a dagger immediately and looked at her enemy. To her surprise, it was Rin who had knocked over a small jar of herbs. She put the weapon away.

"Rin!"

The girl was crying, Hoshi could smell it like a dark musk over the child. Rin ran into her arms, sobbing, covered in dirt. Hoshiko dropped the kimono.

"RIN! What's the matter?"

"S-Sango is.. is .."

"Shh."

Hoshi held the child as she cried in grief. She had no idea what was going on, but she knew who Sango was. Rin had told her all about her friends, so Hoshi was aware. Sango, the demon slayer. Rin finally calmed herself and looked into her friend's eyes.

"Sango is going to die!"

Hoshi didn't respond, waiting for more information.

"She got a sickness that Kaede called the painful death! She said she would die in 3 to 5 days, with the baby! She said the antidote was a berry deep underwater in Lake Tiger!"

She felt Hoshi still and process her words. The demoness rubbed her back in comfort, but Rin felt she was deep in thought. Perhaps she was considering to try to help!

"Hoshi," she whispered. "Please help me save my friend. Please!"

Suddenly Hoshi understood everything. Rin wanted her to get the antidote for her friend and the baby to save their lives! She felt a deep grimness overcome her bright soul and wondered; could she do that?

"Rin, I don't know about this."

Rin panicked.

"You can't let her die! She's my friend!"

"You don't understand."

"Why not?"

Hoshi looked away for a moment.

"Did Kaede tell you about the frog demon that is "supposed" to be guarding the berry?"

"Yea, but he is just a myth."

"No, the frog demon isn't a myth. There is a frog demon really guarding the antidote."

Rin gasped.

"But you can get the berries, right?"

"Rin, the frog demon is very protective of his berries and doesn't let them go easily. It's easy getting to them, it's hard to get out. Plus, it's a long journey and it will take a good healer to prepare the antidote correctly."

"You can do it, Hoshi. Please!"

Rin burst into tears again and Hoshi felt her heart tear in two. She felt such pain for this girl. She longed to help so much. It reminded her of the times she had to make sacrifices for the ones she had loved. She winced internally.

"Rin."

The girl looked into those sparking sky blue eyes filled with so much concern and love even Rin had to gape. Sometimes, she wondered how she had become the person she was especially with her dark past stained with death, hatred, and rejection.

"I'll go get the antidote, for you."

Rin squealed in her joy and launched at Hoshi with so much force she knocked them both to the floor with no resistance from Hoshi. The two girls laughed. Hoshiko had never felt more frightened, however.

"Rin," Hoshi began. "I will go get the antidote and you will stay here, okay?"

"No! I'm going with you! You're still somewhat wounded, I want to be there for you if you're wounded or you faint again."

"Rin, I only faint when the wounds are serious. Otherwise, I'll be fine. No, you must stay here. I cannot put you in danger."

"Hoshi, please! I want to go, she's MY friend! Who knows, you might need me at some point! Please!"

Hoshi looked frightened.

"You cannot. If Sesshomaru thinks I kidnapped you I will be-"

"NO! I won't let him! He'll have to get through me, Hoshi! Please!"

Those puppy eyes were too much for Hoshi.

"Fine, but if we're caught it might be the end for me. You must be willing to take that risk, Rin. To lose me."

Rin went silent for a long moment.

"I will take the risk, Hoshi. I know I can protect you and you've never hurt me so Sesshomaru shouldn't - he wouldn't. But are you also willing to take the risk to die?"

Hoshi nodded.

"I'm not afraid of death, Rin. I have just lived this long so I can try to live my life to the fullest I can. If I die try to help my only friend now, I won't be regretful."

Rin nodded as well in response. Hoshi pulled out the charm necklace out of a pocket thing hanging from her belt and put it around Rin's neck.

"Don't let Sesshomaru see that. I will prepare for our journey. We will leave tonight, Rin. You also prepare for our journey and bring things you need, not want to just have. Okay?"

"Hai Hoshi!"

Rin hugged her one last time before running off into the woods again, leaving Hoshi to prepare.

'I hope,' Hoshi thought. 'I'm making the right choice.'

Rin raced to the village, hoping no one noticed her absence. To her good luck, no one did, and she took a nap like she said she would. She woke up to twilight and again to her luck Kaede or Sesshomaru weren't there. She grabbed a sack and yanked in things she would need. Brush, kimino, and a blanket. Once she was done, she checked and ran for her life to the river. She was so shocked to find out Sesshomaru didn't even seem to notice her leaving with his good nose. To her surprise, Hoshi was hiding in a bush by the river. But it scared the daylights out of her when she almost ran into her.

"Rin," she whispered. "Put this on."

She threw a pair of long sleeved pants and shirt at her. Rin went behind the bush thankful it was now dark and took off her kimino and put on the clothing Hoshi had given her. It was soft inside and very warm. Rin had noted that the pants were footsies, so her feet were covered. Hoshi handed her some gloves and pulled up the hood on the shirt once she emerged from the bushes and stuffed her kimino into her sack.

"Perfect, its fits just right. Come on now, Rin, let's hurry and get out of here!"

Rin could sense her friend's urgency. She probably didn't want to be caught by a certain hanyou or demon lord. Hoshi jumped in the river and Rin wondered how the heck she wasn't cold. Hoshi swam at the edge.

"Rin, jump on my back."

Rin jumped onto her back and grabbed Hoshi's shoulders to keep her balance. She had expected a cold shock to go through her at the icy water's temperature, but the clothes she wore kept her warm to her surprise. Hoshi ducked her head underwater and began to swim down the river, with Rin laying against her back down the river and they vanished. Everyone would notice Rin's absence in the morning but Rin would be so far gone with the necklace masking up her scent she wouldn't be found.