'Why hasn't anyone thanked me?'

Rin stared sadly into her own reflection in the river at dusk time. It had been a few days since she had brought the antidote for Sango's condition. As far as she knew, she had heard the medication had worked its magic and Sango had finally woken up a good few hours later afterward. Everyone was so relieved and joyful, and even more so when Kaede confirmed she and the baby would live. Rin was happy that her friend would live, but yet she was sad at the same time. No one had even thanked her or even really spoke, except her father and Hoshi, to her since she had given the antidote to Kaede. She didn't understand. After all, if it wasn't for her, Hoshi wouldn't have ever gone to get the antidote and Sango would still be dying…

"Rin?"

She looked up to see her father standing over her with his usual blank expression but in his eyes she could see he was concerned. He crouched down beside her before placing a hand on her shoulder gently.

"Are you alright?"

"Daddy? Is everyone mad at me? Why hasn't anyone thanked me for helping to get the antidote?"

He was quiet after that, just looking at her as though he didn't know how to answer. She looked away with tears in her eyes. They were mad weren't they? Not even thankful to her! She felt her father's arms wrap around her gently and pull her into a soft hug. She looked around and saw no one in sight, seeing he was acting like this because no one would see. If people were around, he would have just nothing except speak to her.

"Rin, don't be upset. You saved Sango's life, with the help of Hoshi and I. You shouldn't be down because of how the others are treating you. You should be proud about what you did. You saved not one, but two lives. Yes, they are angry, but they were also upset that you ran off when you did and didn't tell anyone where you were going. Rin, I am proud of you, and so is Hoshi."

Rin smiled softly at the mention of her adopted mother's name. Sesshomaru was right, though. She should be proud of what she did and just not care about what the others thought! She saved two lives! She looked up at her father and kissed his cheek.

"Thanks, daddy. Can we go see mommy?"

He smiled the tiniest of smiles before nodding his consent. He picked her up and once they made sure no one was watching, they took off for the demoness's cave. Sesshomaru and Rin had been to see Hoshi every day since their return, and to Rin's delight she saw how well Hoshi and Sesshomaru got along. It made her happy. She'd also noticed that they'd been somewhat flirty and sweet to each other, but if you would have asked them about that they would have refused to admit it. Rin smiled the second she saw her mom sitting outside the cave cooking something in a pot.

"Momma!"

Hoshi looked up at her pup's voice and grinned when she saw her two visitors. Sesshomaru nodded his greeting to her before taking a seat next to her. Rin crawled from his lap to her moms, hugging her tightly. Hoshi returned the hug before smiling at Sesshomaru. Rin suddenly gave a tug on her hair gently, making the demoness's attention return to her pup.

"Mommy?"

"Yes?"

"Do you think what we did was.. wrong?"

"Why do you ask," Hoshi asked suddenly concerned for her pup.

"Because everyone seems mad at me."

"Rin. You saved Sango's and her baby's lives. Don't be regretful."

"I already spoke to her about that," Sesshomaru stated.

"I see. Honey, listen to your father. He is right."

Rin just looked at her mom. Hoshi didn't know a word Sesshomaru had said, but yet was agreeing with him. Parents. She gave a weak smile before cuddling up against her mom, who held her as she continued to cook whatever she was cooking.

"What are you making, mom?"

"I'm just making some dinner for myself."

"Can I have some?"

"If you like to, I suppose so."

"What is it?"

"Deer stew."

"Okay!"

Hoshi laughed as she served Rin a bowl. Sesshomaru watched the two eat and chat with each other, laughing and enjoying each other's company. He was glad Rin had found Hoshi, or he wouldn't have met her. Though he would hate to admit it, he really enjoyed Hoshi's company and enjoyed speaking to her. She was very much like Rin, he had found out as he got to know her personality, but she was also different as well.

"Sesshomaru?"

He got jolted out of his thoughts to see the two girls looking at him with smiles. Sesshomaru realized he had been staring at them without noticing it much. He cursed himself to not paying much attention and quickly averted his gaze from his girls to look at the woods. He heard them both giggle before he felt Rin pat his arm.

"Daddy?"

"Hn?"

"Rin thinks.. she is ready."

He turned to look at her in confusion. She was ready for what? Rin must have noticed or sensed his confusion, because she smiled softly.

"Rin thinks she is ready to tell the others."

He just looked at her, not saying anything in response. She really thought she was ready now? It had been about 6 days, now going on 7 days because it was now dusk, since they had returned, but he honestly thought Rin would take longer. She was finally ready to tell the others the true story, along with Hoshi's involvement?

"Why," Hoshi questioned softly.

Sesshomaru could see the nervousness in her eyes. He knew she had been afraid of this moment, he could sense it. She never wanted the others to find out, but she now had to admit her presence here. She noticed his gaze and returned it with a frightened nervous look. She really thought it was a bad idea. But it had to be done, she knew that, so she wouldn't put up much of a fight about it.

"Because I don't want to hide it anymore, mommy and daddy. I want them to know about how you helped them in secret! Plus, they should know that you also helped protect the village, secretly though, even in your injured state when I first met you."

Sesshomaru raised his eyebrow as he gazed at the demoness. She'd been protecting the village in her injured state too? She must have loved Rin more than he imagined as he thought about it.

"Rin," Hoshi murmured. "If you think it is time, you may tell them. But I ask this. Do not tell them my name, my appearance, or my species. You can tell them about me and things, but not too much information, okay?"

"Okay momma."

Hoshi nuzzled her pup in affection. Sesshomaru just waited until Rin was done eating and spending time with Hoshi until she crawled into his lap. He scooped her up into his arms and stood up. The demoness next to him also stood up, leaning onto the cane he'd made for her. She waved as they took off into the woods, afraid for what might happen.

'I hope all goes well,' She thought grimly as they disappeared.

Sesshomaru arrived to the village only a minute or so later just as nervous as Rin about this. He'd worried about telling the others a bit. He didn't want any harm or hatred to come to Hoshi, though he hated to admit it. He went into Kaede's hut to find the two priestess's, Kagome and Kaede, were there with Inuyasha. The three looked up at the dog demon's and his little girl's appearance, before returning to their conversation. Sesshomaru felt a bit annoyed. They were still mad at Rin. Rin also detected it, because she shuddered against him.

"Kaede, Kagome, Inuyasha," he growled out.

The three looked up in surprise before Inuyasha recovered first.

"What is it, Sesshomaru?"

"Where is the demon slayer, monk, and the little kit?"

"At their hut."

"Retrieve them. Rin needs to tell you all something."

"Do I look like some dog?"

Sesshomaru snarled and Kagome quickly laid a reassuring hand on her husbands shoulder.

"Please go get them, Inuyasha. It might be important."

Inuyasha softened under his wife's touch and just nodded his consent. He strode out of the hut quietly. Sesshomaru walked over close to the fire and sat down, holding his Rin, waiting for the others to arrive. No one spoke except there was a tension in the air. Sesshomaru had never entered Kaede's home before. It was new, but it was obvious it was big because Rin must really need him around.

'I can do this,' Rin thought to herself as she waited in the comfort of her father's arms.

Within a few minutes, the monk and his wife appeared with Shippo. Rin felt a pang when she noticed the kit wasn't paying her any attention. They must really be upset or angry at her. Once everyone was seated, there was a silence.

"What is this all about, Sesshomaru?"

Sesshomaru just looked blankly at his brother.

"This isn't about me. It's about Rin."

Everyone watched as Rin crawled out of her father's arms and sat in front of him, shaking in fear. This was it. It was now or never. She took a deep breath before beginning.

"I've been keeping a few secrets from you all," she started.

"Wait."

Rin looked over at Sango, who was watching her with a tender smile. She didn't seem mad at Rin like the others were.

"Rin, I want to thank you for getting the antidote for me. If it weren't for you, I'd be dead. I want to thank you and if there is anything you ever need just let me know."

"Well, I didn't do it alone."

"Of course, you had Sesshomaru with you," Sango smiled.

"..No. It wasn't Sesshomaru who helped me. He only brought me back."

There was a silence as that sank in. Everyone stared at Sesshomaru who just nodded, confirming what his pup had said. Kagome immediately jumped on Rin's case.

"What?"

"Does everyone remember how I told you all I was hiking, swimming, or something like that?"

Nods from the others.

"I lied. I've been hiding a demoness in the woods and she was the one who helped me get the antidote for Sango."

I think this chapter was a bit stupid but oh well, enjoy!