InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ Love is What Keeps Us ❯ Birthday Surprises ( Chapter 10 )
[ X - Adult: No readers under 18. Contains Graphic Adult Themes/Extreme violence. ]
Disclaimer: I do not now, nor have I ever, owned any part of Inuyasha or his world. This is a work of fanfiction made entirely for the fans of Inuyasha to enjoy. This story is based off of Inuyasha characters that I do not own.
This is also a work of fiction. Any simularities to any real person, dead or alive, is completely coincidental.
Love is What Keeps Us
by: Tassana Burrfoot
Chapter Ten: Birthday Surprises
The next few days were torture for the spider demon. More then anything, he wanted to be away from school, away from the classroom, away from her. He did not look at her, tried to erase all he had felt for her. But, it was useless.
More then once, he had caught her eyes on him. She had stopped coming to him after class, asking for extra assignments. He now realized the real reason she had done that all these years. She knew he would never give her extra work. But, she had wanted an excuse to be near him. To get him to talk to her, do something.
He realized now just how many breaks she had given him. How many chances. That thought had bothered him more then anything. How could he have not seen it?
There were a lot of things he was realizing since Monday. The way she used to look at him, with star-studded eyes. The way she would talk to him, as if they were equals. When they argued, how she acted like someone who knew him better then anyone else ever could. And he admitted, it was true. She did know him.
She always knew how to get what she wanted from the spider demon. Even when he didn't want to give it to her, she found a way. That's when he had realized she never really wanted extra assignments from him. Had she truly wanted them, she could have gotten them.
She had so easily wound him around her finger and he didn't even realize it. What was more, she had given him a chance...after chance... after chance. He wondered how long it would have lasted had she not fallen in love with the kitsune.
As he thought about these things, he felt eyes on him and knew she was watching him. What did she want? he thought miserably to himself. How much longer was she going to put him through this torture? Hadn't she done enough?
The lunch bell rang and the classroom emptied. He still felt her eyes and knew she had not gone. He did not look up from his paperwork as he graded papers. He could sense her walking towards him. When did she learn to walk so silently? That's when he realized she had always walked silently. He had "heard" her before because it was instinctual.
His line of vision was disrupted by a pale hand holding a white envelope. The envelope had a silver crescent moon seal stamped on it.
"I don't know why you are trying to avoid me, Tomo," she whispered.
He shot up, his dark eyes meeting hers. He felt he should have been angry with her. But, instead, he was saddened. Hurt. "How can you not?" was all he could say.
"You cannot claim I never tried," she argued, in a soft voice.
He liked that aspect of her. She rarely ever lifted her voice higher then normal speech. He answered, "No. I see that now.... You are smart, Rin. Possibly the most intelligent woman I have ever met. You know me better then anyone else has ever known me. Better then my own mother knew me. So, tell me, why am I trying to avoid you?"
"I cannot change what has happened," she told him. "You know as well as I do it never would have lasted. If anything, I would eventually grow old and die.... I know you are hurt, Tomo. And you are angry. At yourself and at me. I cannot chang that. I cannot help it, either. What's done is done... You are my friend. You have been my friend since I started this school, though I didn't know it until now. For so long, I thought the only friend I had here was Hokochi. I know better now. I also believed that I would never fall in love... Instead, I found not one, but two men I easily could've fallen in love with. One, I actually did. The other.... has become my best friend. And I wouldn't trade that for the world...
"Do not throw away yet another chance at happiness, Tomo... You may not have won my soul, or even my heart, but, in a way.... you did. You have become dear to me. My best friend. You have taught me so many things about life and love. I do not know if I'll ever be able to repay the kindness you have shown to me. No one could ever take your place in my heart."
He had studied her while she spoke and saw the emotion behind her words. That spoke louder then any words possibly could. He knew then that, while he would never be her lover or her mate, it didn't matter. Tomo still won. He was her best friend. And she was his. That was more then he ever could have hoped for. He gave her a soft smile, one that barely tugged at the corners of his lips and he nodded.
Her smile was bright, cheery. It reached all the way to her ears as she bent down and kissed him on the cheek. Standing up straight, she tapped the envelope with her fingertips and gave him a warning glance. "If you don't come to this," she growled, "I shall never forgive you."
At that, she turned and left. Confused, Tomo looked down at the white envelope. He picked it up and turned it over. Carefully, he broke the seal and unfolded the letter that was within. The smell of wildflowers filled the air. He chuckled at the girl's choice of perfume as he read the letter:
It's time to celebrate! Taisho Rin's Sixteenth Birthday has come and she has invited you to join the celebration!
Can you dance? There will be a live band playing some of the Feudal Era's most intriguing music.
Make sure you wear clothing of the Feudal Era!
Fireworks will be held at night, so be prepared.
It will be a night to remember! Party starts at noon on Saturaday and ends...
Well, we'll just have to see!
If you bring a present, make sure to hand it to Jaken, the toad demon who will be stationed at the entrance hall. If normal food is not your thing, be sure to eat before you come to the party, self serve is not allowed. Dates are.
He laughed at the end of the letter. He knew most would probably not understand what she meant by it, but he did. So, she didn't want him eating his date at the party? He shrugged. There have been worse requests.
It wouldn't be hard for him to find a date. There were plenty of naive human teenagers who instantly fell for his charms. He wondered why she wanted Feudal Era clothing, but did not dwell on the question. He would find answers at the party.
Rin gazed in the mirror at her reflection. She smiled as her mate's face appeared behind her and he rested his chin on her shoulder. "You know, you aren't going to get any more beautiful staring into that mirror," he told her.
She laughed and turned in his arms. She gazed up into light blue eyes and could see the passion and desire stamped into them. "Today is my birthday. You have to be nice to me," she commanded.
He raised an eyebrow. "Is that so?"
Shippo stepped back and pretended to study her. She wore the clothes of a Feudal Era priestess. Clothes identical to her mother. He knew why, too. While Rin would never really become a priestess, she had the knowledge and understanding to be one. She also had a bit of the power needed for such a thing. Kagome had helped her with that.
Shippo was dressed in clothes simular to those he had worn five hundred years ago. In fact, they were identical. The only real difference was the fact he was much older now, so the clothes were made to fit him. He still had his old clothes locked away in a trunk at his dad's house.
Rin turned away from him and went to her vanity. There, she brushed her hair and tied it back in a ribbon, priestess style. "Uncle Inuyasha is coming, too, right?" she asked, concerned the hanyou wouldn't come.
Shippo laughed, "I warned him that if he didn't, you might make a new pair of beads for him and have your mother do 'sit' commands until you are satisfied."
The girl threw him a mischievous wink. "Who said I'd ask her to do them?"
The kitsune shook his head. He knew what that look meant and he did not want to dwell on the possiblities.
Together, Shippo and Rin walked into the main ballroom. They found Sesshomaru and Kagome standing near the bar, talking in soft voices. As if Sesshomaru ever spoke louder. Giggling, Rin ran up to them and threw her arms around her father's waist.
He was dressed in full uniform, so she had to be careful of his spiked armour. "I selected a special song that I wanted to dance with you to, Daddy," she told him, looking up into his golden eyes.
He raised an eyebrow, but said nothing. He had learned a long time ago the punishment for turning down his daughter. And it wasn't just her who punished him. Not that Sesshomaru, Lord of the Western Lands, would ever admit to being punished. Ridiculous.
Jaken brought InuTaisho into the room at that moment. Rin knelt down and held her arms out to her little brother. Eagerly, the little demon ran to his big sister, giggling. She caught him and picked him up in a huge hug. Then, she looked at him with a smile. "Oh, Inu, you're getting so big!" she commented, kissing the child on the cheek. "I fear you might even grow to be taller then Daddy."
"Highly unlikely," her father muttered.
Kagome laughed, "If he gets taller then your father, he's getting his own house."
Rin giggled as she set her brother down. InuTaisho immediately went to his mother. Rin felt her mate's hand slip around her waist as he whispered, "You really want one of those?"
The girl blushed as she nodded. She could tell from the look on Sesshomaru's face that he, too, had heard the fox demon's question. That made her blush even more.
The doorbell rang and Jaken ran off to answer it. Rin and Shippo stood with the lord and lady, speaking with them. To the side, the band had set up their instruments. They were simple instruments made of things from the forest.
Everything had a touch of Feudal Japan to it, even the food and sake. When she had first entered the ballroom, Rin felt as if she had been back in the Feudal Era. It was a nice feeling and she realized then just how much she had missed it. Not that she had any wish to return.
"Rin!" Hokochi's voice shouted from the other side of the room.
The girl groaned. Leave it up to the wolf to make a big scene. She turned and watched him enter with Koga and... a female wolf. Immediately, Rin could feel the fear rising up in her. They brought another wolf?! Grant it, she was a beautiful wolf, but a wolf was a wolf. The fear was still there and it was strong.
Unconsciously, Rin stepped behind Shippo as the three wolves approached. Koga held out open arms to the girl. "Aren't you going to give your Uncle Koga a hug, Rin?" the older wolf asked.
"W-who's that?" was her small, fearful response as she pointed to the female.
Hokochi blushed a deep crimson colour as he bowed his head. "I should have told you," he answered. Since he and Rin had spent so much time together, he had forgotten about her fear. More importantly, he figured she was passed that by now. He realized now that was not the case. While she wasn't scared of Koga or Hokochi, she still feared other wolves. "This is Riko. She's my date. I should have told you she was coming, I'm sorry."
Shippo knew his mate's fear. He turned and put his arms around her, to help calm her down. "Do you really think Hokochi or Koga would bring someone who would harm you?" he asked her softly.
Sesshomaru stepped forward. "You knew she feared your kind, wolf," he growled at Koga. "Yet, you still allowed that one to show up."
"You think I did it on purpose?" the wolf king asked, his chest puffing up. "Just so you know, I didn't even ride with Hokochi. Had I known he was bringing the bitch, I would have advised against it."
"It's ok, Daddy," Rin said, placing a calming hand on her father's arm. Her eyes did not leave Riko as she hugged the wolf king. "I'm glad you were able to make it, Uncle Koga," she told him before moving to Hokochi. The two friends hugged.
"She really isn't all that bad," the young wolf assured her.
Rin stood a few steps away from the female wolf. Just out of touching range. For a few moments, they said nothing to one another. Then, the wolf sighed, "I've heard very little of your history, but I've heard a lot about your present. Hokochi speaks of you as if you were a sister. I will be honoured the day I am able to speak of you as such."
The female had a soft, caressing voice. Very different from the males Rin was so used to being around. Rin studied her. The wolf was dressed simply. She wore a dark furred vest over an extremely short slip of cloth... Rin didn't even know what to call the white monstrosity. The wolf's belly was clearly shown. On her hips hung a black skirt that fell down to mid thigh. Her feet and lower legs, all the way up to the knees, were covered with white furred boots. Her hair was jet black as was the tail that swayed behind her. Her tail had a white underside to it.
"Are you from the same tribe?" Rin asked.
Riko nodded in response and slipped a hand around Hokochi's arm. "Most of our kind are known for picking their mates before they are old enough to actually mate. Hokochi and I picked one another a few months ago."
The girl's eyes widened with this news. She stepped closer to the female wolf and popped Hokochi on the opposite arm. "You didn't tell me you were getting a mate! You're supposed to be my friend and tell me these sort of things," she accused, wagging her finger at him.
The male wolf whimpered as he nursed his arm. That had hurt. "I'm..." he started before he was popped on the other arm.
"You didn't tell her?!" the female wolf snarled at him.
Hokochi looked helplessly to Shippo and Sesshomaru before looking to Koga. His gaze went from each male, but he got the same response. You did this to yourself, buddy. I ain't stupid enough to get in the middle, was the look they returned to him.
Hokochi whimpered some more as he bowed his head and murmurred his apologies. Rin rolled her eyes. "Just for that, I'm not giving you anymore of my mother's omelettes," she growled.
The male wolf accepted his punishment with a soft pout. He loved those omelettes and she knew that. "And you're not getting any romps tonight," the female added to Hokochi's horror. It was going to be a long night for the young male.
The doorbell rang again and a few moments later, Edward and Elizabeth came into the ballroom. Rin smiled and waved. The rat demons approached her and Edward shook his head. "Don't think you're getting away from hugging me, Birthday Girl," he playfully reprimanded as he held out his arms.
Giggling, Rin took the invitation and gave both the rats a hug. She had decided she could get used to Riko, especially since the wolf seemed to be a fellow torturer of Hokochi. She smiled as she introduced him to her parents and the wolves.
Edward threw her a surprisingly proud look when he saw she was getting along with not one, but three wolves. He had known of her fear and was glad to see she was slowly overcoming it... at least a little.
"Edward? What are you wearing?" the girl finally asked as she looked at the rat turned British knight.
The rat laughed, "I hope you don't mind, Rin. I figured since Elizabeth and myself weren't from Japan, we shouldn't dress Japanese. Instead, we went after a Medieval look. I would have hoped you would have noticed it. The time period matches the one of the Warring States Era. Have you really not been paying that much attention in class?"
Rin shrugged. "I know the time period you speak of... the Middle Ages. It was the darkest age of English history. I didn't realize you would come dressed like that, though."
He nodded and smiled. "Do you approve?"
Rin giggled, "A knight in shining armour with his lady in waiting... yes, I think I can approve of that."
Elizabeth laughed, "Rin, one day, we are going to have to go shopping. You'll have to bring your mother and Riko with you, of course."
Rin found that she agreed. A day of shopping with the girls sounded like a good plan. One look at her mother told Rin that she would enjoy it too. Edward just rolled his eyes and groaned. He looked to Sesshomaru, Shippo, and then Hokochi. "Be careful. She'll get them to buy everything under the sun. I daresay she's something of a pack rat and she will buy out a store if I let her."
The guys said nothing, but they agreed. Their mates did the same thing, but they knew better then to speak this aloud. Well, all of them except Hokochi. Putting himself further out the cave, the wolf responded with, "Oh, don't worry. Riko's just as bad. She'll buy up..."
He had to stop for Riko had knocked him upside the head. "Make that tomorrow night as well. Care to try for three?" she threatened.
"I see you still have a lot of training to do, Riko," Kagome commented, stepping forward.
The wolf snorted, "I've tried everything."
"It's his youth. Don't worry. You'll get him right some day," the miko assured her.
Rin giggled as she added, "If you would like, my mom's got these beads that are an excellent training device."
"Rin!" Shippo, Kagome, and Sesshomaru all said at the same time. Even Koga looked at the girl with wide eyes.
She just shrugged and giggled a little more. "It was just a suggestion, that's all."
Koga turned to Kagome and asked, "You still have those things?" At the miko's nod, he shook his head. "I wonder if mutt boy knows that."
Kagome shrugged and the doorbell rang again. "Kami-sama, is that Inuyasha or another of your friends, Rin?" her father asked.
The girl just shrugged. She had hoped Tomo would come. She was pleasantly surprised when he walked into the room, a teenage human girl at his side. Her smile faltered when she saw what he was wearing.
The dark blue robes had red and pink flowers scattered around. His long black hair was curled and full, hanging from a ponytail set high on the back of his head.
Before she could even offer a greeting, Rin heard the door again. She felt her feet give out as a hanyou dressed in the robes of a fire rat came charging in, bearing Tetsusaiga.
"Naraku!" Inuyasha growled.
Sesshomaru had drawn his sword as well. Kagome had stepped protectively in front of her daughter as Koga drew his own sword.
"Naraku," the wolf king breathed as he flexed his claws.
Sesshomaru spoke the name as well, his own claws dripping with poison. "How were you able to revive yourself, Naraku?" he asked.
"Let the girl go, Naraku!" Kagome shouted, her need to protect the innocent strong.
Tomo looked around curiously. He had not expected such a reaction from them. He hadn't realized he wore the same clothing as Naraku, for he had never had the pleasure of meeting the famed spider demon. However, he knew of the resemblance, but he would have thought the fools would have noticed he was different. Especially since he had been teaching their young for so long now.
The rats were confused. Never had they seen such a display. Edward demanded, "What is the meaning of this?"
"Why don't you ask him?" the hanyou scowled, his eyes never leaving the spider demon he believed was Naraku. "So, you thought to come ruin my neice's birthday, huh? I would have thought that by now, you would've at least attempted to hide your identity. But, I was able to smell your stench long before I even entered the gates. Where have you been hiding?"
Tomo knew then, that any answer he gave would be a helpless one. They wouldn't believe him. He watched in amazement as Rin broke free of her parents and came to stand in front of him. He did not move.
"Rin! Get the girl and get away from him. He'll destroy you both!" Kagome warned.
Her daughter shook her head. "He isn't Naraku," she told them. "Yes, I know he looks like him. But, they aren't the same guy. His name is Tomo, he's my math teacher and my best friend. I've known him for years now and I'm telling you, he's different."
She was defending him! To the spider demons, and everyone elses, surprise, Shippo came to stand next to his mate. In front of the spider. "Rin is right. Tomo is not Naraku. He may look like him, may even smell like him, but they are not the same. Naraku was destroyed. He was also extremely evil and desired power more then anything else. Tomo wants none of that. Unlike Naraku, Tomo is a full demon."
Rin turned to the spider demon then. "Though, I have to wonder, Tomo. Why do you look so much like Naraku?" she asked. She stepped closer to him and looked into his dark eyes. "Are you a relative of his?"
Tomo sighed as he bowed his head. He could smell the wildflower perfume the girl wore. "Rin," he whispered, speaking for the first time. His voice, which sounded so much like Naraku's, put everyone even more on their guard. Kagome shouted for Rin to get out of the way. Heedless of the others around them, Tomo had eyes only for the girl who was his best friend. He spoke softly, "Rin, I..."
Then Rin knew the truth. Her eyes widened as realization came to her. "Naraku is your father!" she breathed in shocked words.
The news stunned everyone.
This is also a work of fiction. Any simularities to any real person, dead or alive, is completely coincidental.
Love is What Keeps Us
by: Tassana Burrfoot
Chapter Ten: Birthday Surprises
The next few days were torture for the spider demon. More then anything, he wanted to be away from school, away from the classroom, away from her. He did not look at her, tried to erase all he had felt for her. But, it was useless.
More then once, he had caught her eyes on him. She had stopped coming to him after class, asking for extra assignments. He now realized the real reason she had done that all these years. She knew he would never give her extra work. But, she had wanted an excuse to be near him. To get him to talk to her, do something.
He realized now just how many breaks she had given him. How many chances. That thought had bothered him more then anything. How could he have not seen it?
There were a lot of things he was realizing since Monday. The way she used to look at him, with star-studded eyes. The way she would talk to him, as if they were equals. When they argued, how she acted like someone who knew him better then anyone else ever could. And he admitted, it was true. She did know him.
She always knew how to get what she wanted from the spider demon. Even when he didn't want to give it to her, she found a way. That's when he had realized she never really wanted extra assignments from him. Had she truly wanted them, she could have gotten them.
She had so easily wound him around her finger and he didn't even realize it. What was more, she had given him a chance...after chance... after chance. He wondered how long it would have lasted had she not fallen in love with the kitsune.
As he thought about these things, he felt eyes on him and knew she was watching him. What did she want? he thought miserably to himself. How much longer was she going to put him through this torture? Hadn't she done enough?
The lunch bell rang and the classroom emptied. He still felt her eyes and knew she had not gone. He did not look up from his paperwork as he graded papers. He could sense her walking towards him. When did she learn to walk so silently? That's when he realized she had always walked silently. He had "heard" her before because it was instinctual.
His line of vision was disrupted by a pale hand holding a white envelope. The envelope had a silver crescent moon seal stamped on it.
"I don't know why you are trying to avoid me, Tomo," she whispered.
He shot up, his dark eyes meeting hers. He felt he should have been angry with her. But, instead, he was saddened. Hurt. "How can you not?" was all he could say.
"You cannot claim I never tried," she argued, in a soft voice.
He liked that aspect of her. She rarely ever lifted her voice higher then normal speech. He answered, "No. I see that now.... You are smart, Rin. Possibly the most intelligent woman I have ever met. You know me better then anyone else has ever known me. Better then my own mother knew me. So, tell me, why am I trying to avoid you?"
"I cannot change what has happened," she told him. "You know as well as I do it never would have lasted. If anything, I would eventually grow old and die.... I know you are hurt, Tomo. And you are angry. At yourself and at me. I cannot chang that. I cannot help it, either. What's done is done... You are my friend. You have been my friend since I started this school, though I didn't know it until now. For so long, I thought the only friend I had here was Hokochi. I know better now. I also believed that I would never fall in love... Instead, I found not one, but two men I easily could've fallen in love with. One, I actually did. The other.... has become my best friend. And I wouldn't trade that for the world...
"Do not throw away yet another chance at happiness, Tomo... You may not have won my soul, or even my heart, but, in a way.... you did. You have become dear to me. My best friend. You have taught me so many things about life and love. I do not know if I'll ever be able to repay the kindness you have shown to me. No one could ever take your place in my heart."
He had studied her while she spoke and saw the emotion behind her words. That spoke louder then any words possibly could. He knew then that, while he would never be her lover or her mate, it didn't matter. Tomo still won. He was her best friend. And she was his. That was more then he ever could have hoped for. He gave her a soft smile, one that barely tugged at the corners of his lips and he nodded.
Her smile was bright, cheery. It reached all the way to her ears as she bent down and kissed him on the cheek. Standing up straight, she tapped the envelope with her fingertips and gave him a warning glance. "If you don't come to this," she growled, "I shall never forgive you."
At that, she turned and left. Confused, Tomo looked down at the white envelope. He picked it up and turned it over. Carefully, he broke the seal and unfolded the letter that was within. The smell of wildflowers filled the air. He chuckled at the girl's choice of perfume as he read the letter:
It's time to celebrate! Taisho Rin's Sixteenth Birthday has come and she has invited you to join the celebration!
Can you dance? There will be a live band playing some of the Feudal Era's most intriguing music.
Make sure you wear clothing of the Feudal Era!
Fireworks will be held at night, so be prepared.
It will be a night to remember! Party starts at noon on Saturaday and ends...
Well, we'll just have to see!
If you bring a present, make sure to hand it to Jaken, the toad demon who will be stationed at the entrance hall. If normal food is not your thing, be sure to eat before you come to the party, self serve is not allowed. Dates are.
He laughed at the end of the letter. He knew most would probably not understand what she meant by it, but he did. So, she didn't want him eating his date at the party? He shrugged. There have been worse requests.
It wouldn't be hard for him to find a date. There were plenty of naive human teenagers who instantly fell for his charms. He wondered why she wanted Feudal Era clothing, but did not dwell on the question. He would find answers at the party.
Rin gazed in the mirror at her reflection. She smiled as her mate's face appeared behind her and he rested his chin on her shoulder. "You know, you aren't going to get any more beautiful staring into that mirror," he told her.
She laughed and turned in his arms. She gazed up into light blue eyes and could see the passion and desire stamped into them. "Today is my birthday. You have to be nice to me," she commanded.
He raised an eyebrow. "Is that so?"
Shippo stepped back and pretended to study her. She wore the clothes of a Feudal Era priestess. Clothes identical to her mother. He knew why, too. While Rin would never really become a priestess, she had the knowledge and understanding to be one. She also had a bit of the power needed for such a thing. Kagome had helped her with that.
Shippo was dressed in clothes simular to those he had worn five hundred years ago. In fact, they were identical. The only real difference was the fact he was much older now, so the clothes were made to fit him. He still had his old clothes locked away in a trunk at his dad's house.
Rin turned away from him and went to her vanity. There, she brushed her hair and tied it back in a ribbon, priestess style. "Uncle Inuyasha is coming, too, right?" she asked, concerned the hanyou wouldn't come.
Shippo laughed, "I warned him that if he didn't, you might make a new pair of beads for him and have your mother do 'sit' commands until you are satisfied."
The girl threw him a mischievous wink. "Who said I'd ask her to do them?"
The kitsune shook his head. He knew what that look meant and he did not want to dwell on the possiblities.
Together, Shippo and Rin walked into the main ballroom. They found Sesshomaru and Kagome standing near the bar, talking in soft voices. As if Sesshomaru ever spoke louder. Giggling, Rin ran up to them and threw her arms around her father's waist.
He was dressed in full uniform, so she had to be careful of his spiked armour. "I selected a special song that I wanted to dance with you to, Daddy," she told him, looking up into his golden eyes.
He raised an eyebrow, but said nothing. He had learned a long time ago the punishment for turning down his daughter. And it wasn't just her who punished him. Not that Sesshomaru, Lord of the Western Lands, would ever admit to being punished. Ridiculous.
Jaken brought InuTaisho into the room at that moment. Rin knelt down and held her arms out to her little brother. Eagerly, the little demon ran to his big sister, giggling. She caught him and picked him up in a huge hug. Then, she looked at him with a smile. "Oh, Inu, you're getting so big!" she commented, kissing the child on the cheek. "I fear you might even grow to be taller then Daddy."
"Highly unlikely," her father muttered.
Kagome laughed, "If he gets taller then your father, he's getting his own house."
Rin giggled as she set her brother down. InuTaisho immediately went to his mother. Rin felt her mate's hand slip around her waist as he whispered, "You really want one of those?"
The girl blushed as she nodded. She could tell from the look on Sesshomaru's face that he, too, had heard the fox demon's question. That made her blush even more.
The doorbell rang and Jaken ran off to answer it. Rin and Shippo stood with the lord and lady, speaking with them. To the side, the band had set up their instruments. They were simple instruments made of things from the forest.
Everything had a touch of Feudal Japan to it, even the food and sake. When she had first entered the ballroom, Rin felt as if she had been back in the Feudal Era. It was a nice feeling and she realized then just how much she had missed it. Not that she had any wish to return.
"Rin!" Hokochi's voice shouted from the other side of the room.
The girl groaned. Leave it up to the wolf to make a big scene. She turned and watched him enter with Koga and... a female wolf. Immediately, Rin could feel the fear rising up in her. They brought another wolf?! Grant it, she was a beautiful wolf, but a wolf was a wolf. The fear was still there and it was strong.
Unconsciously, Rin stepped behind Shippo as the three wolves approached. Koga held out open arms to the girl. "Aren't you going to give your Uncle Koga a hug, Rin?" the older wolf asked.
"W-who's that?" was her small, fearful response as she pointed to the female.
Hokochi blushed a deep crimson colour as he bowed his head. "I should have told you," he answered. Since he and Rin had spent so much time together, he had forgotten about her fear. More importantly, he figured she was passed that by now. He realized now that was not the case. While she wasn't scared of Koga or Hokochi, she still feared other wolves. "This is Riko. She's my date. I should have told you she was coming, I'm sorry."
Shippo knew his mate's fear. He turned and put his arms around her, to help calm her down. "Do you really think Hokochi or Koga would bring someone who would harm you?" he asked her softly.
Sesshomaru stepped forward. "You knew she feared your kind, wolf," he growled at Koga. "Yet, you still allowed that one to show up."
"You think I did it on purpose?" the wolf king asked, his chest puffing up. "Just so you know, I didn't even ride with Hokochi. Had I known he was bringing the bitch, I would have advised against it."
"It's ok, Daddy," Rin said, placing a calming hand on her father's arm. Her eyes did not leave Riko as she hugged the wolf king. "I'm glad you were able to make it, Uncle Koga," she told him before moving to Hokochi. The two friends hugged.
"She really isn't all that bad," the young wolf assured her.
Rin stood a few steps away from the female wolf. Just out of touching range. For a few moments, they said nothing to one another. Then, the wolf sighed, "I've heard very little of your history, but I've heard a lot about your present. Hokochi speaks of you as if you were a sister. I will be honoured the day I am able to speak of you as such."
The female had a soft, caressing voice. Very different from the males Rin was so used to being around. Rin studied her. The wolf was dressed simply. She wore a dark furred vest over an extremely short slip of cloth... Rin didn't even know what to call the white monstrosity. The wolf's belly was clearly shown. On her hips hung a black skirt that fell down to mid thigh. Her feet and lower legs, all the way up to the knees, were covered with white furred boots. Her hair was jet black as was the tail that swayed behind her. Her tail had a white underside to it.
"Are you from the same tribe?" Rin asked.
Riko nodded in response and slipped a hand around Hokochi's arm. "Most of our kind are known for picking their mates before they are old enough to actually mate. Hokochi and I picked one another a few months ago."
The girl's eyes widened with this news. She stepped closer to the female wolf and popped Hokochi on the opposite arm. "You didn't tell me you were getting a mate! You're supposed to be my friend and tell me these sort of things," she accused, wagging her finger at him.
The male wolf whimpered as he nursed his arm. That had hurt. "I'm..." he started before he was popped on the other arm.
"You didn't tell her?!" the female wolf snarled at him.
Hokochi looked helplessly to Shippo and Sesshomaru before looking to Koga. His gaze went from each male, but he got the same response. You did this to yourself, buddy. I ain't stupid enough to get in the middle, was the look they returned to him.
Hokochi whimpered some more as he bowed his head and murmurred his apologies. Rin rolled her eyes. "Just for that, I'm not giving you anymore of my mother's omelettes," she growled.
The male wolf accepted his punishment with a soft pout. He loved those omelettes and she knew that. "And you're not getting any romps tonight," the female added to Hokochi's horror. It was going to be a long night for the young male.
The doorbell rang again and a few moments later, Edward and Elizabeth came into the ballroom. Rin smiled and waved. The rat demons approached her and Edward shook his head. "Don't think you're getting away from hugging me, Birthday Girl," he playfully reprimanded as he held out his arms.
Giggling, Rin took the invitation and gave both the rats a hug. She had decided she could get used to Riko, especially since the wolf seemed to be a fellow torturer of Hokochi. She smiled as she introduced him to her parents and the wolves.
Edward threw her a surprisingly proud look when he saw she was getting along with not one, but three wolves. He had known of her fear and was glad to see she was slowly overcoming it... at least a little.
"Edward? What are you wearing?" the girl finally asked as she looked at the rat turned British knight.
The rat laughed, "I hope you don't mind, Rin. I figured since Elizabeth and myself weren't from Japan, we shouldn't dress Japanese. Instead, we went after a Medieval look. I would have hoped you would have noticed it. The time period matches the one of the Warring States Era. Have you really not been paying that much attention in class?"
Rin shrugged. "I know the time period you speak of... the Middle Ages. It was the darkest age of English history. I didn't realize you would come dressed like that, though."
He nodded and smiled. "Do you approve?"
Rin giggled, "A knight in shining armour with his lady in waiting... yes, I think I can approve of that."
Elizabeth laughed, "Rin, one day, we are going to have to go shopping. You'll have to bring your mother and Riko with you, of course."
Rin found that she agreed. A day of shopping with the girls sounded like a good plan. One look at her mother told Rin that she would enjoy it too. Edward just rolled his eyes and groaned. He looked to Sesshomaru, Shippo, and then Hokochi. "Be careful. She'll get them to buy everything under the sun. I daresay she's something of a pack rat and she will buy out a store if I let her."
The guys said nothing, but they agreed. Their mates did the same thing, but they knew better then to speak this aloud. Well, all of them except Hokochi. Putting himself further out the cave, the wolf responded with, "Oh, don't worry. Riko's just as bad. She'll buy up..."
He had to stop for Riko had knocked him upside the head. "Make that tomorrow night as well. Care to try for three?" she threatened.
"I see you still have a lot of training to do, Riko," Kagome commented, stepping forward.
The wolf snorted, "I've tried everything."
"It's his youth. Don't worry. You'll get him right some day," the miko assured her.
Rin giggled as she added, "If you would like, my mom's got these beads that are an excellent training device."
"Rin!" Shippo, Kagome, and Sesshomaru all said at the same time. Even Koga looked at the girl with wide eyes.
She just shrugged and giggled a little more. "It was just a suggestion, that's all."
Koga turned to Kagome and asked, "You still have those things?" At the miko's nod, he shook his head. "I wonder if mutt boy knows that."
Kagome shrugged and the doorbell rang again. "Kami-sama, is that Inuyasha or another of your friends, Rin?" her father asked.
The girl just shrugged. She had hoped Tomo would come. She was pleasantly surprised when he walked into the room, a teenage human girl at his side. Her smile faltered when she saw what he was wearing.
The dark blue robes had red and pink flowers scattered around. His long black hair was curled and full, hanging from a ponytail set high on the back of his head.
Before she could even offer a greeting, Rin heard the door again. She felt her feet give out as a hanyou dressed in the robes of a fire rat came charging in, bearing Tetsusaiga.
"Naraku!" Inuyasha growled.
Sesshomaru had drawn his sword as well. Kagome had stepped protectively in front of her daughter as Koga drew his own sword.
"Naraku," the wolf king breathed as he flexed his claws.
Sesshomaru spoke the name as well, his own claws dripping with poison. "How were you able to revive yourself, Naraku?" he asked.
"Let the girl go, Naraku!" Kagome shouted, her need to protect the innocent strong.
Tomo looked around curiously. He had not expected such a reaction from them. He hadn't realized he wore the same clothing as Naraku, for he had never had the pleasure of meeting the famed spider demon. However, he knew of the resemblance, but he would have thought the fools would have noticed he was different. Especially since he had been teaching their young for so long now.
The rats were confused. Never had they seen such a display. Edward demanded, "What is the meaning of this?"
"Why don't you ask him?" the hanyou scowled, his eyes never leaving the spider demon he believed was Naraku. "So, you thought to come ruin my neice's birthday, huh? I would have thought that by now, you would've at least attempted to hide your identity. But, I was able to smell your stench long before I even entered the gates. Where have you been hiding?"
Tomo knew then, that any answer he gave would be a helpless one. They wouldn't believe him. He watched in amazement as Rin broke free of her parents and came to stand in front of him. He did not move.
"Rin! Get the girl and get away from him. He'll destroy you both!" Kagome warned.
Her daughter shook her head. "He isn't Naraku," she told them. "Yes, I know he looks like him. But, they aren't the same guy. His name is Tomo, he's my math teacher and my best friend. I've known him for years now and I'm telling you, he's different."
She was defending him! To the spider demons, and everyone elses, surprise, Shippo came to stand next to his mate. In front of the spider. "Rin is right. Tomo is not Naraku. He may look like him, may even smell like him, but they are not the same. Naraku was destroyed. He was also extremely evil and desired power more then anything else. Tomo wants none of that. Unlike Naraku, Tomo is a full demon."
Rin turned to the spider demon then. "Though, I have to wonder, Tomo. Why do you look so much like Naraku?" she asked. She stepped closer to him and looked into his dark eyes. "Are you a relative of his?"
Tomo sighed as he bowed his head. He could smell the wildflower perfume the girl wore. "Rin," he whispered, speaking for the first time. His voice, which sounded so much like Naraku's, put everyone even more on their guard. Kagome shouted for Rin to get out of the way. Heedless of the others around them, Tomo had eyes only for the girl who was his best friend. He spoke softly, "Rin, I..."
Then Rin knew the truth. Her eyes widened as realization came to her. "Naraku is your father!" she breathed in shocked words.
The news stunned everyone.