"I think…he might need this," Kurama said to Reiko, handing her an envelope.

"I don't believe it," Reiko said. "You're helping Rin?"

"I…don't consider him an enemy, really," Kurama said.

"But you are after Kuri," Reiko stated, opening the envelope and looking at the notes within. "What do these notes have to do with all of this?"

"I think you know the answer to that," Kurama replied cagedly. "Just…give it to him. Seal it first, so he won't think it's from you."

Reiko nodded. "Remember, Kurama…I am not going to help you. Catching Kuri is your thing."

"So…you aren't on my side, then?" Kurama eyed her warily.

Reiko shook her head, then left quickly before she could be seen. She made her way through the tables, until she reached the one with her friend, the other demons, and Rin.

Xxx

"Sorry I'm late," she said.

"What did that guy want?" Hiei asked.

"What guy?" Reiko said nervously.

Hiei pointed out Kurama. Rin flinched.

"Oh…him!" Reiko said. "He's…an acquaintance."

"Oh…you like him!" I exclaimed.

Reiko dropped her plate. "Ew! No way, he's like an annoying brother…or something."

"Ok…Ok…I believe you…" I replied. "Sorry. I didn't think you'd be so upset."

"I'm not upset…" Reiko said, waving it off. "Hey, Rin. I was told to give you this. But…come here."

Reiko grabbed Rin by the arm and pulled him to one side, then lowered her voice to a whisper. "If I were you…I wouldn't open this here. And Rin…I'm sorry."

I sighed. My headache was getting worse. And the whisper that had started at the beginning of camp had gotten louder. Sometimes it formed words…advice…and sometimes it got scary…commanding.

"Hey!" Inuyasha said. "You don't like Rin do you? Cuz I'm way better."

"What?" I exclaimed. He'd broken straight through the voice, as usual. "No. Of course not."

"Too bad your friend already made her move," Hiei said.

I looked up. Reiko and Rin were standing in the corner of the mess hall, talking in low tones.

You always knew she would betray you, the voice in my head started again. Everyone does. You're better off alone. Independent. Free.

"STOP!" I yelled, standing, hands over my ears. Tears formed in my eyes. I felt like…like I was fighting back the urge to hit something…or someone. My fists were clenched at my sides, and I could feel my teeth clench as well. I was starting to shake.

"Sit down," whispered Tomoe.

"Are you okay?" Inuyasha asked, concerned, and standing as well.

"I…I'll be fine…I'm going…to Piano Room B," I said softly. "Don't…come after me."

"I-I've got to go after her!" Rin said suddenly.

Reiko grabbed his wrist. "No. Don't, Rin. I…I have a bad feeling."

"No, stop it! I'm going after her!" Rin wrenched his wrist out of Reiko's grasp.

Xxx

Rin turned and left the mess hall. It took him about five minutes to reach the Music Building, since he had no idea where it was. It took ten more minutes to find the right room. Piano Room B.

He could hear the music through the door. For some reason, he knew that song…Moonlight Sonata. It was really sad. Rin paused for a moment. He…couldn't interrupt her.

The song ended while he was still deciding, and then the door opened.

"What are you doing—oh! Um…hello, Rin," Kristine said, not meeting his eyes.

There were mascara tracks down her face. She had obviously been crying.

"What's wrong?" Rin asked. He reached in his pocket and pulled out a handkerchief and handed it to her.

"I'm fine," She said softly, but took it and wiped the mascara off her face. "Oh…I guess I ruined it…sorry."

"It's fine, really. You keep it."

"Okay…I'm gonna go now," Kristine was biting her lip really hard, and she looked really tense.

"Wait!" Rin exclaimed. "Hey. Are you mad at me or something?"

"No, but why did you come after me?" she asked sharply. "Why would you leave your girlfriend?"

"What?" Rin flinched. "Reiko is not my girlfriend. She likes…someone else."

I almost told her Reiko likes Kurama, Rin thought. Why is she so mad? Is she…jealous?!

"Look…I'm sorry…you obviously like her a lot, and I'm just in the way…" Kristine continued angrily.

"H-Huh?" Rin responded. "I…don't feel that way about Reiko. We're just friends."

"Oh!" Kristine said, her face turning red. "I am so sorry. I was totally out of line. I just…my head really hurts…and I'm not really thinking clearly…"

"Why does it make you so mad?" Rin asked, confused.

Xxx

I stared at him. I wanted to answer, but there was ringing in my ears. I went to my knees, spots dancing before my eyes.

"Kristine!" Rin caught me before I hit the ground.

"Stop…you…you're making it worse…" I muttered, as the ringing escalated.

This is worse then what I was afraid of…I need be careful. Rin thought.

Rin pushed Kristine's hair away from her face. There were…white streaks in her hair.

Were those there before? Rin wondered.

"Rin?" Kristine's eyes opened. "Please let go of me."

"You need to see the nurse," Rin replied.

"Okay, I'll go," she replied, getting up.

"What if you pass out again?" Rin asked.

"I won't," Kristine replied sharply. "I'm not…some kind of wimp who passes out at every little thing okay? Just…I'm okay, I promise."

She's hiding something. I know, but what? Why does all of this seem so familiar?

"Rin?" She was waving a hand in front of his face. "Thank you."

She turned and left him standing there in shock. In a flash of an instant…he had almost transformed again.

He opened the envelope Reiko had given him. In it were notes about Kristine. He zeroed in on one of them.

A letter fell to the ground.

Rin picked it up.

"ALL demons want the peach maiden," It read. "The lesser want to eat her, and will use any manipulation they have to succeed…"

This…This is Kurama's handwriting…Rin thought. But why would he be giving me all this info about the peach? Does he want me to win her? I'm not sure…but somehow I know she's hiding something dangerous. I don't think even she knows. I Just have to be careful.