Chapter 2
(updated January 2021)
The next few weeks went by in a blur. For the most part, Rin and her father avoided the topic of her engagement, and Kikyo was suspiciously immersed in Rin's birthday planning. Kikyo insisted her father wanted to celebrate her entrance into adulthood by inviting business partners and extended family. Rin considered declining, but her father promised her a week away with friends for her cooperation. It was hard to reject the offer.
Allowing Kikyo to plan her party was surprisingly pain-free. Gal was a master at redirecting Kikyo's attention, so Rin's interactions with Kikyo were limited. As for her alleged fiancé, he had the sense to stay away from her.
"I don't know about this dress," Kagome mumbled, taking in the orange and tan pattern. "I know you love orange but, come on, this dress is ridiculous."
"It's silk!" Rin cried, loving the way the cool material laid on her skin. She's always been traditional in my clothing choices, a fact Kagome loved to tease her about.
"Are you planning to take a nap at your party, grandma? Seriously, it's a robe. This does not scream 18th birthday." Kagome cried. "You know what - try this dress. It's the orange color you love, but modest and sexy."
Kagome handed her a long flowing gown with off-the-shoulder sleeves. Rin loved it instantly but didn't want to give Kagome the satisfaction of knowing. "I suppose I'll try it." Rin shrugged nonchalantly.
Kagome laughed, taking Rin's hand. "Actually, there's something I've wanted to give you for a while now. And honestly, it's a bit weird birthday gift."
Kagome guided Rin to the fitting area's couch and handed her a wooden box. It was lighter than she expected. "I found this scroll at the shrine. My grandfather told me a story of a young woman protected by a daiyokai... a dog demon. The demon hated humans, but for some reason, this young human had no fear of him. Eventually, she grew into a beautiful and fearless woman who gained the demon's respect and love. Some say she was the reason he developed a heart."
Rin listened to Kagome's story, removing the scroll from the box. The colorful illustration displayed a man and a young woman. The man was beautiful and not what Rin imagined as a "dog demon." He had long silver hair and piercing yellow eyes. His pale skin was marked by blood-red markings, which was the most demonic aspect of his appearance. He gazed at the young woman who –
"-looks like me!" Rin gasped, her voice breaking. "She looks exactly like me. Are you sure you didn't have this designed?"
"No, I swear," Kagome laughed nervously.
In truth, Kagome had returned to the feudal era and asked a local painter to recreate the image. A few years ago, she captured a photo of Sesshomaru and his ward and printed a copy in the modern world. When Inu-Yasha began to suspect Rin was reincarnated, Kagome returned with the image and a few containers of colored ink to convince a painter to design the scroll. The painter was bewitched by the colors. Inu-Yasha had a theory that showing Rin the image could trigger a memory. The similarities in their look alone were enough to convince Kagome that Rin Tomeo was the young ward of the past.
"Sadly, their story had a devastating ending. The woman was murdered by a demon who was jealous of the dog demon's power. Finding his beloved on the brink of death, they made a promise to find each other again."
"And did they find each other?" Rin asked, locking eyes with Kagome.
Kagome smiled sadly, "I don't know."
"Maybe I'm her reincarnated, and my prince was a dog-demon all along," Rin laughed, returning the scroll to the container. "It's a beautiful and thoughtful gift. Thank you. But you're right, it's a little weird, but I love it."
|oOoOo|
Rin felt her legs walk the familiar path towards Kagome's well. It was the same dream, but something felt different. The energy around her felt thicker, as if she were deep in her consciousness.
"Rin," his voice growled as he pulled her into his arms.
"It feels different. I don't understand what's happening, but I don't want you to go. Please, let me see you. I need to see you." Rin begged, pulling him tighter.
The man was silent for a few moments, Rin fearing he had disappeared. Suddenly, he released her, kissing her fingertips.
"Open them," he demanded.
Rin's legs buckled slightly at the command in his voice. She didn't expect him to agree. Slowly, she opened my eyes, breath catching in her throat. He was beautiful. "It's you…" she gasped, realizing he matched the man on her scroll.
His intense yellow orbs stared into her eyes greedily. "Finally," he growled, voice vibrating throughout her body as his lips met hers in an eager and desperate kiss. Rin moaned deeply into his mouth. She wanted more. "Sesshomaru-" she gasped, the name unexpected escaping from her lips.
Her body thrust suddenly, pulling her out of her dream. Rin quickly sat up, her heart beating against her chest. "Sessho…maru," she whispered, still feeling the tingle of his lingering kiss. Who are you?"
|oOoOo|
Rin took in her reflection as Kagome pulled her hair into a tight bun. "You look fantastic," she beamed.
Rin twirled, letting the soft material sway along my legs. "The scar doesn't look too bad, does it?" Rin asked, getting a glance at her birthmark, a long pink scar along her back.
"Not at all. You are confident, sexy, and 18! Let's party!"
The two danced playfully. Rin felt her confidence grow as she realized she no longer needed her father's permission to decide on her life. Gal suddenly entered the hotel room and cried in joy. "Oh, Rin, you are lovely. You have grown into a beautiful young woman. You're mother and brother would be so proud of you," Dal cried, pulling her into a hug.
"Thank you, Gal. Have the guest arrived?"
"Yes, my dear. But a gentleman is waiting to escort you," she smiled nervously.
"Tony?" the girls asked in unison.
Gal shifted uncomfortably. "Your father and Ms. Kikyo thought it would make a lovely statement for you to enter the party together. Kagome dear, why don't you join me in the ballroom while the birthday girl prepares for her grand entrance." Gal suddenly grabbed Kagome's hand and pulled her out of the room before Rin could protest.
As if on cue, Tony appeared in the doorway. "You are stunning. A worthy fiancée and a soon-to-be most envied wife." Without permission, he gripped her hand tightly. "All of our dreams are about to come true."
Rin curled her lip in disgust, pulling her hand away. "I don't want to cause a scene, so I will accompany you to the party. But do not bother me at my party. I'm only playing along because Papa promised me a week away."
They made their way towards the ballroom. Tony grabbed her hand again, whispering to the usher that they had arrived. As the doors prepared to open, he grinned slyly, "Yes, the home in the mountains—a wonderful place to give us a chance to know each other. Your father was exceedingly kind to accept my offer of us going away together."
"What?" Rin gasped as Tony pulled her into the ballroom. The guests cheered excitedly as he grabbed a nearby microphone.
"Thank you all for attending our engagement party. I told Mr. Tomeo that a joint celebration would be one way to surprise our birthday girl. Join me in wishing my future wife, Riniko Tomeo, a happy 18th birthday."
Rin gasped as the cheers became louder, and the guests started making their way towards her. Before she knew it, her feet began to back away, and before her brain could fully process what had just occurred, she ran.
Out of instinct, she walked to Higurashi Shrine, crumbling to the ground in front of the Sacred Tree. "You certainly cry more than that last one," a sarcastic voice teased behind her.
Startled, Rin turned wide-eyed at the boy in front of her. "Wh-what are you?" she gasped, taking in his appearance. At first glance, he appeared to be a typical teenager, but his wide yellow orbs stare back at her as he approached. He removed his hat, displaying a pair of animal ears on the top of his head.
"Kagome wanted me to wait until she returned, but there's no time like the present," he mumbled, quickly grabbing her. Rin screamed in shock as he threw her over his shoulders and jumped into the tree. The sudden force of being lifted from the ground knocked the wind out of her chest, so she clenched onto him as he darted between trees.
"Please, let me go. Please!" Rin cried as he landed near the old well. He sat her along its edge and smiled awkwardly, displaying fangs.
"Have a nice trip," He smirked, suddenly pushing her back into the well. Rin screamed in horror as her body descended into darkness.
|oOoOo|
Story Changes – This chapter was tough! In the 2003 version, this chapter fast forward to Rin and Tony's wedding. It felt rushed and I liked the idea of Rin being caught off guard at her birthday party.
The dresses Rin tried on was inspired by her anime design. The silk dress (that Kagome hated) is almost an exact copy of the yukata Rin wears in the anime. However, I wanted to give her a modern look, so I picked the second dress but in her traditional orange color. You can check out the inspiration behind the dresses below. Don't forget to remove the brackets in the link.
Silk Dress: (www.)thisbluebird(.com)/products/vintage-1930s-silk-kimono-robe-juban-orange-flying-cranes
Birthday dress: (www.)jjshouse(.com)/A-Line-Off-The-Shoulder-Tea-Length-Chiffon-Lace-Bridesmaid-Dress-007153311-g153311
Do you like the dress Kagome picked out? Leave me a review and let me know! Chapter 3 will be coming soon.
Glumps and Love,
L. Starr