Chapter One

Monday came with the sound of my old school alarm clock going off at six in the morning. I ignored the loud obnoxious sound and added a pillow over my head to draw it out. Even my heavy fluffy quilt. I had a horrible night of sleep, and I didn't get any ounce of rest. There's a reason why. Each morning since that day we arrived at our new home in this city, I wake up in a pile of my own sweat. Sweat from that same dream, from that same day. Sweat that reminds me how much my life is in danger. A day that won't leave my mind. A day I wish I could travel back in time to change everything. But time travel doesn't exist, and I must live with this nightmare of a memory till who knows when.

This Monday morning, I felt like I have insomnia and I've been dreading this day for almost a week. The pillow I had against my head didn't help draw out the sound after several minutes. Neither did my quilt. The sun slightly blared through my curtain-closed window that made me decide that I should get up now.

I shut my old ass alarm off that I wanted to throw at a wall. The table lamp beside my bed lit up by the touch of the base, lighting my plain white bedroom up. No posters or pictures were hung up. A room that I hope to paint soon. Gray was what I wanted. The color makes a room feel cold. A color I needed for certain reasons. When it's finally colored, I'll soon decorate.

I jumped out of bed to begin my dreaded day. In Kagoshima, I have to start over at a new high school that has more of a student population than my old high school. People here probably have known each other since preschool. It would have been the same for me if my family and I didn't have to move here. I would have graduated with my best friends, attended the same local public university, and studied more on the career path of my choice, photography. A career I hope I live to see happen.

My younger brother and I shared a jack and jill bathroom that sat in between our own bedrooms. I got myself a quick steamy shower, using my favorite cocoa butter, and vanilla body wash. It makes my skin feel so soft and refreshed. Even the matching lotion that came with it. It was the only brand that I would ever use.

Back in my small eight by eight bedroom, my school uniform hung along my closet door. I hated uniforms with a passion. Back when I lived in the country, I could wear casual clothing to school every day. My everyday style consisted of skinny jeans, white tank tops, different colored flannel shirts, and hiking boots or sneakers. It was rare for me to wear dresses, skirts, and dress shoes. But starting today, I had to wear a navy-blue skirt that ended past my butt, a long poofy sleeve white shirt, with a navy-blue collar, that also had a big scarf in the same color tied in the front. I had to pair it with navy blue over the knee socks and dark brown moccasins. Totally not my style. The shoes were painful to walk in.

In the quiet three-bedroom home I lived in, I only had to walk through the shared bathroom to enter my little brother Tashi's room. Even though it was slightly dark in his room, thanks to the blackout curtains, I could see him all curled up in his blanket, with his teddy bear he's had since before he was adopted by our parents. A teddy bear he received from his late parents before they tragically lost their lives when he was two years old in a boating accident. He had no other family to claim him, and he was put into the foster care system. Our parents were the first ones to be notified about his care and they took him in immediately. He was adopted about a year or two after he came to live with us.

I grew up and adopted myself right after I was born. But my story doesn't match how Tashi's is. That day I was born, I was abandoned in a metro city bathroom in Tokyo. They believe my mother, a teen mom, gave birth to me in the handicap stall, and left me there. I was found by a female custodian, still attached to the umbilical cord, plus the placenta, and wrapped in an old, tattered Harajuku jacket.

I sat at the edge of Tashi's bed, placed my hand on his shoulder, and lightly shook him awake. "Tashi, it's time to wake up for school."

He turned over to face me, rubbed his brown eyes awake slightly, "Rin?" He yawned. "What time is it?" He remained in a laid position curled up with his teddy bear.

I chuckled, "hey there sleepyhead. It's about to be six-thirty." An hour before we would need to leave for school. "Your uniform is hanging on your closet door." I steamed it last night after he went to bed. It had a few wrinkles that needed some tlc.

"Mmh," he finally sat, stretched his arm as far as they could go, and threw the blankets off of himself. "Are you still making breakfast?"

"Yes, do you want a fried egg, with bacon on top of your porridge?" It would have to be instant porridge today… or maybe not. Something in the air smelled good. "I think mom is making breakfast."

Tashi sniffed the air, "I think you're right!" His arms stretched once more. "I'll be out shortly."

I got up from his bed, "take your time, Tashi," and I left him to get ready.

I arrived downstairs in the kitchen to find mom in the kitchen. She was in front of the stove cooking our breakfast. "Morning mom."

She turned around, smiled my way, "good morning, Rin. Is Tashi awake?"

I went and grabbed a cup down from the cabinet to have tea, "yes. He's getting ready now." I grabbed a jasmine tea bag down too and poured myself some hot water that was already heated. "Breakfast smells great."

"Good, and yes. I wanted you both to have a hearty breakfast for today. So, steamy rice porridge, bacon pieces, and two over easy eggs." A very pleasing breakfast.

"Sounds good." I went and took my seat at the table. Tashi finally joined too. "Good morning, Tashi."

"Morning, Rin and good morning to you too, mom." He went and grabbed his morning juice box from the fridge.

"Morning, Tashi. Breakfast is ready." She brought over our bowls and placed them in front of us. "Enjoy!" She then took her seat next to me. "Are you two sure that you don't want us to drive you?"

"We should be fine, mom. Our school is just a few blocks away in walking distance. Besides, you and dad start your first day of work at the dispatchers here shortly." I could hear dad upstairs moving around getting ready for work.

"I know, it's just…" she's worried about not only my safety, but Tashi's too. "I'll text you when I drop Tashi off and also when I arrive at my school." I recently updated to the new iPhone. My first time with a smartphone. I had grown accustomed to my old school flip phone until mom and dad decided that I should join in with the others.

"Good girl." She patted my hand that rested on the table. "Do you both know what you would like for dinner?"

"I'm craving chicken curry, mom!" That sounded good.

"I second that, Tashi." I'll be adding crushed red peppers on top.

"Haha, you both and your curry addiction. Okay, curry it is. Rin, I'll need you and Tashi to go to the store after school to pick up the ingredients." I have no problem doing that. The closet store is a block down the street. "I'll leave you the card on the counter and I'll also leave you the list. Also, if there's anything else you both want you may get."

"Thanks, mom," we both said together.

"Oh! Before I forget. I made both of your lunches and packed them in new bento boxes." Mom is amazing. She stays up part of the night, barely gets any sleep, and always has a smile on her face, even though she is tired, and I love her so much for it. I know Tashi does too.

We thanked her again just as dad came into the kitchen. "Morning my awesome family!" Dad is such a morning person… fox demon. He's very bubbly inside and out. "Mmh, smells good!" He walked over to mom, who was already prepping his bowl of hot porridge, and adding all the same fixings like ours. He wrapped his arms around her small frame, kissing the top of her head.

"Morning, dear." She handed him his breakfast. "Get your fillings in dear. We're leaving at the same time as the kids." That only leaves us thirty minutes to finish getting ready.

Dad took his seat at the head of the table, "are you kids sure you don't want us to drop you off?"

I'll be the one to answer that. "I'm sure dad. Our school is in the opposite direction from your guy's job." Plus, knowing dad, he would blast his favorite music to cheer up our day when we're dropped off.

"Ah, shucks. I was hoping to see you both off for your new first day. Well, I'll save that for your wedding day Rin, Haha." Not going to happen. I'm never getting married.

"Not funny, dad!"

"I'm kidding, Rin. Ah, I love messing with you. Just like when you're little and you told me you were going to marry a demon when you're all grown up. Remember?" Still not happening.

"Nope," my breakfast was finished, and I brought my bowl to the sink. "I'm going to finish getting ready for school." I left for the first-floor bathroom to brush my teeth.

"Love you, pumpkin head," he shouted to me.

I just raised my hand over my head and waved. I know dad means well, but I don't ever see myself with anyone, even if I said I would marry a demon at eight years old. With how I am feeling right now, and all that has occurred, it's best to stay out of relationships for now.

Tashi followed suit and joined me to brush his teeth too. "So, are you ready for the first day of school?" He asked me, putting paste on his toothbrush.

"To be honest Tashi, no. We're both starting during the second semester after all. I don't think I'll be able to join the photography club," I hope I can.

"Doesn't hurt to ask. I'm going to see if I can join soccer," he really loves his sports. "You're still walking me to school, right?"

"Yes, I even promised mom and dad. We're new to this city and I want to make sure that we both don't get lost. Plus, I don't trust anyone," a few weeks ago I wasn't like this at all. I hope to be able to get over that issue soon. But knowing me, I won't.

"I know, Rin. It's going to take some time to get used to our new life here in this city. Hopefully we can make some new friends while we are here."

Friends? I don't care about making new friends. I miss my old friends. All I could do was lie, "I hope you are right."

"Kids, it's time to go. I put your lunches in your school bags," mom appeared behind us in the doorway.

Today is going to be hell. I just know it. "Okay, mom."

We all walked out together, bid our goodbyes, and Tashi and I headed towards the direction of our school. Tashi will be attending Kagoshima Shiritsu Kamoike Elementary School and I'll be attending Kanoya Chuo High School. They were several blocks apart.

The sidewalk and streets were already filled with all sorts of humans and demons. All heading to either work or school. I held Tashi's hand tighter within mine. I guess he noticed my reaction, "Rin, we'll be fine. You have my word."

"I know, but I'm not taking any chances." I had to think of something else to get my mind off that day. "Anything else you want from the store besides the main stuff we're after?"

With a finger to his chin he asked, "ramen? Something to have for an afternoon snack."

I looked down to him with a gentle smile, "sounds good. Do you want some sliced ham and a soft-boiled egg to go with it?"

"Yes, please." I'll make a shopping list during my lunch break.

In fifteen minutes, we arrived at his school. I got down to his level and fixed the big red bow tie on his collar. "Have a good day Tashi. I'll pick you up right here after school." I don't want him walking home alone.

"I'll see you after three-fifteen. Take care, Rin," he hugged me like he always does.

I couldn't resist giving him a hug in front of the other elementary school students.

"You too, Tashi. Three-fifteen," I bopped him on the nose with my pointer finger.

I watched him walk into the school yard before I left. Tashi is a very confident boy and not scared of anything. Except the occasional spider that appears, and I have to kill it. Plus, thunderstorms. He still runs into my room and gets into bed with me for protection, which doesn't bother me. He enjoys the comfort of being in my arms and I love being his big sister. It's been like that for six years now and it doesn't bother me one bit.

I proceeded to my new high school that I was still dreading. I also sent a text to mom and dad that Tashi is at school now. During my walk, I saw students from that exact same school I will be attending walk by me as they talked amongst their friends. It makes me miss my friends, Sōten, and Satsuki. They were the best girlfriends I could ask for. We did everything together which consisted of a few things like hiking and spending time outdoors. We weren't the type of friends that talked on the phone, took stupid selfies, and spread gossip around about others. We were the type of friends that hung out in the woods, catching toads, fished in the creeks with our bare hands, and went camping every other weekend. We weren't afraid to get our hands dirty cutting the guts and bones out of fish for our dinner, but that all changed when my family, and I had to move out here for personal reasons and for my safety. I wished that I could turn back time and made sure that day never happened. Even though it's been a few weeks, I still wake up from night terrors.

I finally arrived at the new prison of learning, sending the same text to my parents that I arrived safely. Don't get me wrong I love school, but I hate transitioning from one place to another. I thought about turning around and going back home. So, I took in a deep breath, let it out, and headed inside with all the other students. I need to find the guidance office so I can get my class schedule.

Inside the school all I saw was crowded hallways of students, standing in their tracks, and talking amongst their friends. Some were kissing their significant other. I mean full on, blown out, kissing. It was like they were sucking each other's faces off. If it were me, I would tell them to get a room. But I won't.

I found the office in the main hallway and inside I found an elderly lady sitting at the desk. Her name plate read Ms. Kaede. She was typing away on the computer when I walked up to her desk. I politely said, "excuse me?"

Her one brown eye looked up to me. Her other eye had an eye patch, "yes? How can I help you?"

"I'm new, and it's my first day here."

"Your name, please?" She sat up straight with her fingers over the keyboard.

"Agawa, Rin." I should ask her, "is it too late to join a club?" I'm still undecided if I want to join or not.

Her fingers typed my name fast into the system. "I see your name here. What club would that be?"

"Photography?" I hope I can join.

"To join that club, you have to meet with Sohma, Koharu on Thursday's. She's in your grade and runs that club. The club meets in the courtyard after school and I'm printing out your schedule now. Let me know if there is any class you want to change," she said as she handed me the piece of paper.

Before I answered I looked at my class list. It looked fine to me. I was very smart. So, these classes would be a piece of cake. "This will do. Where can I find the lockers?" I need to switch out my shoes before heading to class.

She stood up and pulled out a piece of paper with the school map. "Just head right out the door, go about three hallways down, and the sophomore lockers will be here." She drew dotted lines on the paper and circled the area where they were located. "Your locker number is 016," my age.

"Thank you."

Back in the main hallway, more students gathered as they once again stood around, and talked to each other. They were loud and obnoxious. I tuned their voices out. As I headed towards my locker it felt like someone was watching me. I looked all around, and I didn't see any curious eyes looking my way. But I still feel creeped out. I really need to keep my guard up since I'm new here.

After I found my locker and changed out my shoes, I heard a group of teens laughing and talking amongst each other. I looked over my shoulder to see a boy and two girls chatting away. From what I can see they were friends. I ignored their conversation and proceeded to put on my white school shoes.

Not even a few seconds, I started to feel several eyes on me, but it didn't feel like danger. "Excuse me?" A male voice called to me. "Are you the new girl, Agawa, Rin?"

I turned my head to see the boy from the group standing several feet from me. He had dark brown short hair pulled back in a small ponytail. "Yes," was all I said. I went back to putting my school shoes on.

"I'm Kohaku and I'm the sophomore student council president. My best friends here, Koharu and Shiori, are also a part of the student council," he announced as I just ignored him. But he continued to talk. "I wanted to let you know we are holding a school festival for the end of summer. I was hoping since you are new and all that…" I wouldn't let him finish.

"No, thank you. I do not partake in school events. Nor engage with other students." I grabbed my school bag and stuffed my day shoes into my locker and proceeded to leave.

One of the girls that was with him got in front of me. She had black hair pulled into a low bun and had a massive number of freckles in the middle of her face. "Please say yes. My name is…"

"No, thank you," I walked around her.

The boy named Kohaku then said, "just give it a few days and think…" I still wouldn't let him finish his sentence.

I stopped in my tracks, kept my back to them, and told them, "Look I already told you no and I mean it. Don't ask me again!" I walked out of the locker area before they all could say anything else. The sad thing is I actually do really love school events. My best friends and I ran an environmental club. We had a bunch of students join us in keeping our country town clean. Even the town folks helped out. We cleaned out the rivers, the forest, parks, and all other places that had trash scattered around. It was the best thing we did. Took a few weeks, but in the end it was all worth it.

After a few days of rest, I decided to go out in the woods to take photos at the old round stone bridge. It was very historic that I loved being around. It was there when… I need to stop thinking about what I saw. I'll give myself a headache if I keep thinking about that day… I went from walking to falling on my butt in seconds. I should start looking where I'm walking when I'm in deep thought.

When I recollected myself, I looked up to see lots of brown hair that was held up by an old green headband around a sweaty forehead. Of course, I would bump into a person. A very tall human male in fact. His brown eyes eyed me sitting on the floor. "You seem to have a lot on your mind," he mouthed, holding his dirty hand out my way. I ignored his offer to help me off the floor and did that myself. "Never mind then."

My butt aches from that fall. I brushed any dust off of my skirt and tried to walk around him. But a long arm flashed in front of me. With a slight turn to the right, and a head tilt, the same man who knocked me to the ground was now blocking my way from leaving. "My name is Muso, what's your name, doll cake? I saw you a moment ago going to the sophomore lockers. Are you new? I don't think I ever recollect ever seeing you here."

This is the dude that I felt watching me! Eww. Now I feel even more creeped out. "My name is none of your concern. Now let me through," I tried to duck under his flexed arm only to have my forearm grabbed. He's out of his fucking mind! "Let me go!" Who does he think he is laying a hand on me?

My back was pushed up against the freshly painted brick white wall. His filthy hand grabbed my chin, held it tightly so I could look up at him. "You're cute, babe. Wanna hangout with me? My girlfriend just broke up with me and I'm looking for someone new." I watched his brown eyes eyeing me up and down. "You'll do. So, since I told you my name, will you tell me yours?"

"No, and I don't appreciate being grabbed. Let me go!" I was about to punch him in the face when a clawed hand grabbed my wrist. I looked up to see a silver haired male demon keeping me from pummeling this bastard.

"Muso, let the girl go," his voice was so calm and soothing. "Haven't you learnt the last time you put your hands on a female?"

The creepy dude who's name I forgot again looked at me one last time and uttered, "yeah you're right. I don't want to get sucker punched in the gut again." He's lucky that I don't sucker punch him right now. Mostly his face.

When they both finally let me go, I stormed off. I was livid, but grateful at the same time. If it wasn't for the silver haired demon, that other dude would have several broken bones. Possibly a broken nose and a black eye. I'm not the one for violence and attacking people. But if someone gets on my bad side, then the other side of me comes side no one needs to see.

I needed to calm my nerves. I went to the closest women's restroom so I could splash some cool water on my face. I didn't pay much mind to the two older girls as I walked inside. But it was hard to tune out their conversation. "Yura, why did you break up with Muso?" A female that I noticed in the mirror was human, asked the girl who looked like a demon.

"He's such an ass, Sara. I caught him watching random girls again. Especially another human girl," she cried into the palm of her hands.

So it's the same dude that knocked me to my butt.

"You can do so much better, Yura. Did you happen to see the girls he was looking at?" The long brunette asked.

"No, it doesn't matter. I was going to break up with him anyways. Eh, why did I ever date him? I should get back at him for the shit he does."

The toilet flushed and out came another demon, "you'll be back together by lunch. Face it, you two belong together," she addressed. I noticed she had two white feathers sticking out of her hair. Kind of tacky I must say. Did she wrestle a chicken before coming to school?

"Not this time, Kagura. Err, I might cast a spell on him using his hair. He always left his hairbrush at my house. That will teach him a lesson." She's a hair demon! They are the worst to be around if you get on their bad side. They're like spiders and can create webs out of any type of hair, human or demons. "Screw it, I'm going to ditch first class, and go get a boba tea. Sara, Kagura, you want to join?"

"I'm unable to join this time. I have flute lessons this morning. Kagura, are you joining or are you meeting up with Naraku?" The human girl asked.

"Yeah, I'll go. Naraku is up to his usual shenanigans trying to please your boyfriend, Sara. Sesshomaru really has been keeping the senior student council busy." I could feel the eyes of the demon on me now, "who are you? I don't think I've ever seen you around here before."

I turned my head to look at her and the other two girls who were looking my way. "My name is none of your concern," I affirmed aloud, as I grabbed a paper towel to dry my hands.

I tried to walk away, but her arm flexed out in front of me, and I noticed she had a red and white fan within her hands. A fan, plus a demon, equals a wind demon. Another scary anomaly to avoid. She placed her closed fan under my chin and lifted it up, "you got a mouth for a newcomer. You're lucky I don't teach you a lesson with my dance of blades."

I raised an eyebrow to her and uttered, "is that a threat? You don't scare me. Not even that girl over their ex-boyfriend. I almost gave him a knuckle sandwich moments ago. So, if you don't mind, I would like to find my first class."

As I walked around the wind demon, the hair demon got in front of me. "Hold it! You interacted with my ex-boyfriend? Are you one of the girls he peeped on?"

"Okay! First off, I didn't know he was peeping on me. Second, I didn't interact with him. He stood in my way and knocked me to the ground. Third, he tried to flirt his way with me, and I almost hit him after he put his hand on my chin." I threw my hands to my hips. I hate girls like these who get pissed off about another girl being around their ex.

"Listen here girl, he's mine. We may have broken up, but I still love him. I should teach you a lesson…" she tried to reach for my head when the girl with the flute in her hand stopped her.

"Yura, as the girlfriend to the student senior council leader, I recommend that you do not do that. Sesshomaru has warned you about this back in spring. You and Kagura go get your boba tea now. You, human girl, take this as a warning and stay clear of not just Yura's man, but also Kagura's, and mine as well."

"Wasn't planning on taking them. Now if you'll excuse me, I would like to take my leave." God, I hate girls like this. I was happy to finally exit out of that restroom. I need to put what happened just now to the side and find my classroom. I had one teacher teaching everything, but gym class. I pulled out my schedule to see that my teacher was Mr. Jakotsu. I hope he's a lot more decent from all the others I've met so far. Ms. Kaede was nice with helping me out this morning.

As I walked and being who I am, I again wasn't paying attention to where I was walking. I almost fell to my butt again when a clawed hand grabbed my wrist before I could fall hard. "You really must be in deep thought?" I followed the clawed hand that held my right wrist. I realized it was the same silver haired demon who stopped me from almost assaulting the other dude earlier. "I'm guessing you're new to this school?"

He let go of my hand and all I told him was, "yes." I went back to looking at my schedule to see the classroom number when the dude gently took it from my hands. I lifted my head up fast to him and mouthed, "excuse me! I was looking at that."

"Your class is on the second floor. Just take those staircases there and the room you'll want is three doors down to your left," he announced, handing me back my paper.

All I said was, "thanks." I could have found it myself. I do have a piece of paper with the map on it. I trudged forward hoping I could clear my mind before walking into class. It's the first day and I'm already in a foul mood.

I was walking up the white staircase thinking I was alone when heavy footing was right behind me. I looked over my shoulder and it was the same silver haired demon. Okay is he following me? Is he another creeper like that last bastard? Or is his classroom up here too? But anyway, it's still creepy. I hope Tashi is having a better first day than me.

I could feel the silver haired demon's eyes on me. When I arrived at the second floor, I tried to walk at a fast pace only to almost walk into a teacher… I think. "Why such a rush dear? Class hasn't even started yet." She was smiling my way and it kind of creeped me out. "Something is telling me this is your first day here. Are you by chance Agawa, Rin?" She kindly asked.

My eyes dilated when she asked if that was my name. "Yes?" I stuttered.

She lightly laughed and announced softly, "I am your principal, Mrs. Sakamoto. Ah! Sesshomaru, off to another student council meeting?" I turned my head again to see the same dude.

He stood next to me, and from what I could see in my peripheral vision, he was much taller, and actually quite handsome. He was wearing a typical white school button down shirt, with a blue tie, khaki pants, and the typical school loafers. Why am I looking at his school uniform? That's so weird of me. "Yes," the way he kind of answered her sounded kind of bland and bitter. "I need to get the final orders made for cleaning up the city." So he's not only the student senior council leader, but an environmentalist?

"Ah, yes. Well, you best be off Sesshomaru and I'll get to know our newest student, Rin," she explained, smiling my way. I could feel the dude Sesshomaru's eyes on me. He didn't say anything and walked off. When he was out of view, "my stepson is a man of not many words." Like me right now. "He keeps to himself at home but is adventurous and loves to be outdoors. His younger brother, my son Inuyasha, is the polar opposite of him and very boisterous. But enough about him dear. Tell me, are you enjoying your new life here in Kagoshima?"

"It's different," I wished I was still back in Yamanashi. "I'm still not used to everything here." It's going to be hard to get over the loud noises that come with a city like this.

My principal continued to smile my way, "it must be different from transitioning from the country to a big city?"

"Yes, it is." I hate it here so much. The city life is not me. Even though my old hometown was a mix. Where my house was you didn't hear that much traffic like here.

"If you ever need to talk about it, you are always welcome to come to my office," she explained.

"I'll keep that in mind, thank you." The bell finally rang, "I guess I should be heading to my class. Thank you again, Mrs. Sakamoto."

"You're welcome, Rin. Have a great first day."

"I will try." I want the day to end already.

The day went faster than I expected, when I finally found myself in front of Tashi's school. I found him at the front gates talking with a group of kids. It looks like he indeed made friends today. "Tashi!" I called for him.

He turned around with the biggest smile on his face. "Hey Rin!" He waved goodbye to his friends and ran over to me, "I made so many new friends today. Did you have any luck?"

I smiled brightly at him and let him know, "I didn't actually. They were all jerks," that was a lie. A few of them were kind. But the rest were other certain words I chose not to use. Tashi is so young and doesn't need me to hear me use such foul language. "I'm glad you at least made some friends. What are their names?" I wanted to keep the subject going for him. I sent a text to the group chat I am in with mom and dad to let them know that I picked up Tashi and we were headed home.

"That sucks sis, hopefully you can make some friends soon. My friends' names are Shippo, Sota, and Hetomi."

"Are they all in your class?" They most likely are.

"Yep, want to hear some other awesome news?" I have a feeling I know what that is.

"Did you join the soccer club?"

"Yep, lucky guess Rin." I had to laugh his way.

"Congrats! I found out that the photography club meets on Thursday." I'm not sure if I want to join now. I kind of was a jerk to the girl and club leader Koharu, after I found out she was in my class.

"Really? That's when I meet for soccer. Hey, at least our clubs fall on the same day."

"We'll… I haven't decided if I want to join now or not. I'll give it a few days to think about it."

"You should. You have the right camera for the club. Rin, I think you should show them the pictures you took from back home."

"I guess." I still have to think about it for a few days or a few weeks.

After we got home, we both changed out of our school uniforms, to regular street clothes, and left for the store to shop for dinner. I checked my surroundings along the busy sidewalk and saw no one watching me. But I have that strong feeling that they're hidden within the shadows of the dark alleyways. "Rin, what's wrong?" Tashi asked as I grabbed his hand.

Not wanting to scare him, "it's nothing. Just don't want to lose sight of you. It is becoming dark after all." A lot darker for this time in the evening.

"Yeah, you're right."

As we made it to the market and did the shopping, I still had that feeling we were… I was the one being watched. I just want this night of shopping to be over with and be back within my home. To help keep my mind off that issue, I focused on finding everything I could that I had on my list. "Tashi, do you want sushi for lunch tomorrow? I can grab a platter that's already made up?" It will also give mom a full night of sleep.

"That's a smart idea, Rin."

After the groceries were paid for, we headed for home. The streets were getting busier and filled with lots of people leaving from work. I noticed some were heading to the bars with their colleagues. Mom and dad should be leaving work soon too. She said she would call when they were headed home. We were about a block away when I felt the eyes of the same person on me again. "Tashi, we need to get home now. I'm having that feeling again…."

A dark shadow appeared in front of us. I couldn't tell if they were human or demon, but I was scared. "Rin…" I could feel Tashi shaking right next to me.

"Why such a rush darling? I have to say we've been looking for you for several weeks now. I can't believe it was so easy to track you down all the way out here," the mysterious man said as he held a dark object in his hand which made a clicking sound. "Say your last prayers," was all I heard when the sound of a gun fired at me.