"She's not waking up...!"

Those words rang in Sesshoumaru's ears like a loud clangor. He left his spot in a hurry and rematerialized by Rin's side. He touched her forehead, frowning at the hot feeling beneath his large hand. Snatching his hand away he said, "Her health is getting worse."

Kohaku shook Rin lightly, his worry becoming more evident. "Rin," he called softly. "Rin, wake up. Please."

"..." Rin seemed to stir a bit, but it looked like an hallucination. Her eyes remained closed, her body in a slump within Kohaku's arms. Stands of her bangs fell over her flushed face.

Jaken bowed his head and approached the trio. This human...she's such a pest. But why, HOW, is she making us feel so much sadness? And filling my master with so much regret? He looked at the youkai. I know it well enough.

No, I'm not finished here... As though done by some miracle, Rin awoke. She blankly gazed into the eyes of her guardians and whispered, "...Lord Sesshoumaru..."

Sesshoumaru turned to her. "..."

"I want to see them," Rin coughed. "The flowers. Please, can I see them?"

"You fool," Jaken scolded in a surprisingly gently way. "You're ill, hardly have the strength to wake up, and can't even talk properly. Yet you wish to travel to some place of that distance? You're ridiculous. Allow yourself to rest at least!" Before he could say another wors, a pale hand was placed in front him; signifying a stop to his lecture. He looked and found that it belonged to none other than Sesshoumaru.

Sesshoumaru nodded. "I understand," he breathed. "I'll take you to see those flowers."

A grave atmosphere fell about the group. Never before had Sesshoumaru complied to Rin's, or anyone's, requests so easily. Better yet so quickly. It was an act of understanding and kindness; it frightened Kohaku and Jaken. Kohaku lowered his head, unable to bear the pain in his chest. He knew why the youkai had complied.

"Kohaku-"

"I'm not going," the boy interrupted the silver demon. "I refuse." I don't want to see her anymore. Not like this.

Sesshoumaru was not surprised at this response. He pretty much expected it. Without another word, he took Rin from Kohaku's arms and turned to Jaken. "Stay here with Kohaku," he told the green servant. "I'll tend to this myself."

Jaken, though reluctantly, nodded. "Of course, m'Lord," he uttered.

Ah-Uhn let out a low growl and settled itself on the mound it sat on. "Rrr...."

"...?" Rin looked back at them, letting out a smile. "Goodbye Master Jaken, Ah-Uhn." Her eyes found Kohaku, his back turned to her. "Goodbye...Kohaku."

"Gih...!" Kohaku choked, grasping his own arm. I'm sorry, Rin.

Rin's eyes saddened at not having received a response from the boy. However, in her heart, she forgave him. In this sense, she hated herself for giving him such hurtful emotions. She held back the urge to cry and only smiled even more. "I'll see you later then."

Rin...

Sesshoumaru vanished in a gust of wind, along with Rin.

"Ugh!" Kohaku struck the ground with his fist, hot tears rolling down his cheeks. You really are an idiot. "Arrrgghhh!!!" he cried in anguish and punched away at a rock, ignoring the pain inflicted on his knuckles. Blood now leaked from them, but he didn't care. This is the last time you and I will ever meet.

With lightning speed, he jumped through the trees, expertly avoiding branches along the way. He then made a great jump across the river and headed for the hills. If I remember correctly...it should be here. A dim glow of sapphire from a distant hill caught his golden eyes. There. He quickly made his way to the glow. Sure enough, the blue flowers Rin adored lay before him in a damp heap. To his amazement, they were not wilted from the rain.

"Lord Sesshoumaru," Rin tugged at his sleeve weakly. "I...I want to see the flowers."

"Uhn." Sesshoumaru made an attempt to carry her over to the plants, but he felt a tug on his sleeve again. He looked down.

Rin shook her head. "I can...walk by myself," she told him. "Really."

Sesshoumaru's brows furrowed at this. "Are you sure?" he asked. He received a nod. Sighing, he carefully set her down. You pathetic little girl; you're lying. He gave her a gentle push to start her on her feet. "Don't fall."

Rin shakily waddled towards the flowers, her breathing becoming heavier each minute. When she reached them, se fought the urge to collapse. Strange...my body suddenly feels very heavy. But I can't falter! Putting on her best smile, she bent down to pick up one of the flowers. This flower she held was the one that glowed the brightest, its blue light reflecting in her brown eyes. "Winter blossoms," she sighed in contentment. "They're so beautiful, aren't they, Lord Sesshoumaru?"

"...hn."

"I wish there were more of them."

"Why is that?"

"So that everyone can...enjoy them...as well." It's no use. Rin felt as though her head had just spun a full 360. Dazed and vision in a dark blur, her feet gave way and she fell to the ground.

"Rin!" Sesshoumaru leapt to where she was and picked her up. "Rin!" he called again, shaking her as gently as he could.

Rin weakly held the flower to her master's nose, giggling a bit. "Lord Sesshoumaru," she said. "It smells so nice."

"..." Before he could respond, he was caught off guard by a sudden embrace from the little girl. His eyes widened in shock. "Wh-what are you-" He felt her small arms tighten around his neck and some wet drops fall on his shoulder and back.

I cried in the end. Rin bit her lower lip. "I'm sorry for being such a bother, Lord Sesshoumaru," she sniffed.

Sesshoumaru shook his head, giving her a pat on the back. "Don't waste your energy on saying such ridiculous things," he chastised. The next sentence made his heart feel heavy and caused his eyes and throat to burn. "...go ahead and sleep now."

A faint smile graced Rin's lips as tears continued to flow from her half-open eyes. "Lord Sesshoumaru."

"Hm...?"

"I...love you."

Sesshoumaru felt a sudden jerk in his chest as she said this. He nearly choked from the pain, gritting his teeth. Why did you say that? His hand shook slightly as he tried giving her another pat on the back.

"Always." With that final word, Rin closed her eyes and exhaled softly. Her arms that once wrapped around the youkai's neck now fell limp about his broad shoulders.

At last... Sesshomaru was speechless. I can't hear her heartbeat anymore. His lone arm encircled Rin's small body as he buried his face in her soft, dark hair. "Such a weak, insignificant human," he murmured. "You, who gets hurt with a single word..." Something moist and warm fell from his eyes as he closed them. "Taught me what true loneliness is."