Till The End Of Time [Inuyasha Fanfiction ]
Chapter 136's

"When will Shura be like Shiro, Rin-chan?" tanya Shiro looked at Rin who was holding Shura. Both of his golden eyes were directed at his cousin's brother who replied sharply dislike.

"Hmnn," Rin muttered softly as she smiled as she looked at Shura. He who was still sitting on the futon moved his right hand to gently stroke his son's head trying to calm down. Her face was still quite pale, yet happiness emanated clearly on her beautiful face. "After Shura's a little big?"

"When that?" ask Shiro again happily. His eyes sparkled happily. "Shiro wants to get Shura to play ball as soon as possible!!"

"You should wait for about another month," Inukimi replied laughing. His golden eyes sparkled with pride staring at Shura. "But, as I said Taisho's grandson, don't take my handsome grandson out to play ball, take him to swordplay. Swords are more useful than balls."

Inuyasha, Kagome, Sango, Miroku, Kohaku and Kaeda who were in the room could not say anything hearing Inukimi's words. It seems like how to raise an inuyoukai child is indeed very different from how to raise a human child or just in general.

"Shura is so funny!!" praise Aya who was beside Shiro all of a sudden. He wanted to raise his hand touching Shura's white fur that looked so soft and beautiful. However, the sharp gaze of the small inuyoukai made him undo the existing intentions.

"Yes," continued Maya who was also beside Shiro quickly. He's laughing a little. "It used to be beautiful once-like cotton."

Mamoru who was still in Miroku's arms did not say anything. Staring for a moment at the small inuyoukai figure in Rin's arms, he then returned to throw his face away. "What's the point of her being funny—she's not a girl."

Mamoru's words instantly made everything present look at the little boy. It seems that until now, he still did not want to accept the reality.

"This child will truly be like his father." Kaeda slowly looked at Mamoru. He could imagine the future figure of Mamoru who would continue to pursue beautiful girls.

Sango and Kohaku shook their heads resignedly, while Miroku could only laugh nervously while scratching his non-itchy head.

"Currently," Inuyasha who was silent suddenly opened his mouth. His eyes stared intently at Shura who immediately looked back at him. "This little one will also be like his father."

Rin's smile widened to hear Inuyasha's words. "Shiro will also be like you one day, Inuyasha-sama."

"Ughh," Kagome grumbled softly at Rin's words and sighed. "Enough one Inuyasha, don't add another "

"Yes, don't add Inuyasha anymore." Cut out Shippo's voice suddenly and make everything turn to look at the source of the sound

In front of shoji's open door, they see Shippo walking in with Yuki and Sora. A wide smile filled Shippo's face. "Adding one Kagome can be, but adding one Inuyasha—better not."

"What do you mean, Shippo?" inuyasha asked, full of annoyance. His two golden eyes glared at the smiling Shippo growing wider.

"I think everyone thinks so, too" Shippo laughed fearlessly. Walking closer to Kagome he leaped onto the shoulder of the future miko. "All right, Kagome?"

Kagome laughed and nodded her head. He paid no heed to the slightest Inuyasha who immediately raised a hand hitting Shippo—'s head long ago he hadn't seen this scene.

"It hurts!!" shippo shouted while touching his head with both hands. "You've become a father, but why hasn't your attitude changed, Inuyasha?"

"I will never change forever." Inuyasha replies casually and once again hits Shippo on the head.

Seeing what was happening, except Inukimi, they could only shake their heads at Inuyasha's attitude. But then for a moment they laughed. This loose, warm and relaxed atmosphere—for a long time they did not feel it.

Yuki and Sora who saw the proximity of Shippo and the others did not dare to move. The two of them were still standing at the door without daring to step inside, as there were Inukimi, Rin and Shura in front. Those who are nobody do not dare to carelessly harass the ruling family of the western land—not for when they need help.

Rin who noticed the doubtful and timid existence of Yuki and Sora at the door, then smiled. Waving his hands slowly, the western earthlings asked the two white rat youkai to enter. "You two, come in."

Yuki and Sora are stunned by Rin's soft and friendly voice asking them to come in. Kisaki's land west is famous for its beauty, they already saw it yesterday in the party. But, seeing the friendly and charming smile that they had for both of them, their bodies could only be pecked in disbelief.

"Yuki, Sora, come on!" call Shippo then. Running towards them, both of his hands pulled Yuki and Sora's arms in front of Rin. Smiling broadly, he laughed at the human woman carrying his son. "This is my new friend, Rin-chan. Yuki and her sister, Sora!"

"Greetings, Yuki-chan, Sora-chan," greeted Rin with a smile as beautiful as her spring. He knew who the two white rat youkai were in front of him now and also what they had done to stop the five region war. Lowering his gaze on Shura, the kisaki of the west ground moved his right hand in front of his son slowly and looked back at Yuki and Sora. "I'm Rin, and this is my son, Shura."

Yuki soon realized from his enchanted feeling of Rin's smile. Bowing in a respectful manner, her right hand pushed Sora's still unconscious head from her fifth feeling down. "Hamba, Yuki and the servant's sister, Sora give greetings to Rin-sama and Shura-sama."

Rin immediately moves her left hand to help Yuki and Sora get up. "Don't act like this, Yuki-chan, Sora-chan. The one who should be bowing is Rin" smiling kindly, he looked gently at the two white mouse youkai and bowed. "Rin still hasn't thanked the two of you; thank you for what you've done."

"No-no, no need to thank, Rin-sama." Yuki and Sora immediately put their hands together to help Rin who was bowing to the starting position. Their faces were full of fear, they could not imagine what would happen to them if the western land youkai came to know their beloved kisaki bowed to the two small youkai from the crumbling neutral ground.

"Just call Rin," Rin smiles again and then turns into laughter. "It's nice to meet you, Yuki-chan, Sora-chan."

Yuki and Sora can only be stunned once again with Rin's attitude. They had indeed heard the story that the kisaki of the western lands were very good women, but they did not expect as good and friendly as this.

Looking at Shippo, Rin smiled with eyes sparkling with joy. "Thank you, Shippo-kun. Rin and Shura are very grateful to you."

Shippp smiled back at Rin's thanks. Rubbing her nose with her index finger she laughed. "No problem, Rin."

"Gerrr..." Shura who saw both hands of Yuki and Sora still touched Rin growled dislike. His blood-red eyes stared intently at the two white mouse youkai.

Yuki and Sora immediately let go of their hands that touched Rin. Their faces turned deathly pale with fear. The sight of the western land heirs directed at them made them feel like they were targeted prey by wild and dangerous beasts.

"Shura, don't be like this" Rin said slowly and sighed resignedly. Stroking his son's head slowly, he really did not know anymore how to teach Shura who was so possessive to him. "Calm down."

Shura stopped growling. Staring at Rin, he stuck out his tongue licking his mother's palm and then closed his eyes.

"This little one is really very possessive" said Inuyasha who looked at Shura's demeanor as she folded her arms around her chest. "To his mother alone he was like that—how will his wife be?—she will be worse than Sesshoumaru."

Inuyasha's words instantly made everyone look at him. But, the inuanyou did not care, throwing his face away, he closed his golden eyes. "And fortunately, his wife will never be my son."

Everything was silent, and so was Kagome. Shaking his head, the future miko can only resignedly see Inuyasha's attitude. Their son is Shiro who is male, so, she cannot be Shura's wife, unless—if they have another daughter. However, it was something impossible, as she could no longer conceive.

"But" the silent Sango suddenly let out her voice. "I think Shura's future wife is also a very lucky woman in the future."

"What?"

"Eh?"

Simultaneously, everyone turned to look at the smiling Sango. "If Shura is similar to Sesshoumaru, then—dia will definitely also always look after and protect his wife like Sesshoumaru guarding and protecting Rin-chan. As a mother, I'd be relieved to get a daughter-in-law like that."

"Hmn, you're right, Sango," Kaeda nodded his head in agreement to Sango's remark. "A "good husband is a reliable husband. Can protect and protect his family."

How Sesshoumaru protected Rin and Shura, all that is in this room now are the ones who know best. For the sake of his wife and child, the high-self-pride inuyoukai was willing to fight the world and— won. It will never be easy to find a man who can do that.

"My son is not a dutiful son" Inukimi laughed. His eyes sparkled happily. "But, she is the most ideal example of husband and father, surpassing Inu No Taisho."

Kagome smiled and nodded her head. "Sister is reliable. He's the best husband and father I've ever seen."

"Am I not like that either, Kagome??" inuysha asked annoyed at Kagome's attitude that didn't care about her.

Miroku said nothing, silently mutely laughing as he scratched his head. Inwardly, the monk thought, if he was in the position of Sesshoumaru, he would also do everything the inuyoukai did, but managed to do it or not—it's a later affair.

Kohaku and Shippo said nothing. But, they plant in the heart what they hear, what an ideal husband and father looks like in the eyes of a woman.

"Aya and Maya understand, mother," Aya and Maya laugh together happily. "So, the two of us will be looking for a husband who is like uncle Sesshoumaru!"

Miroku laughed nervously at the words of his two twin daughters. Looking for a husband like Sesshoumaru?if it really happened -—how will he as in-laws face his son-in-law later?

"Dad," Mamoru pulled Miroku's hand and looked at him fixedly. The conversation just now made him feel that he had understood how to conquer the heart of a beautiful woman in the future. "Mamoru will grow up like Uncle Sesshoumaru and will have a wife like Rin-chan."

Miroku was completely at a loss for words. He did not need a child like Sesshoumaru. What would his life be like if his son and daughter-in-law were like inuyoukai the ruler of the western lands?

"Shiro will also grow up like Uncle Sesshoumaru!!" sela Shiro happy. Both of his eyes looked at Inuyasha gleaming happily. "Can you, dad?"

"Why do you have to grow up like him??" hardik Inuyasha was annoyed by Shiro's question. "Grow like your father later, Shiro! Your father is better than your uncle!!"

Rin said nothing. But, his heart was very happy. Other people's praise for Sesshoumaru was something he liked the most. Head down staring at Shura who raised her head looking at him, she smiled as beautiful as spring. "Grow up and be like your real father, Shura."

"Jumpy-jump." Shura looked up and wiggled her tail happily. Not knowing what her mother said or not, she closed her eyes and put a face on Rin's chest.

Rin laughed a little. Moving her right hand, she gently caressed Shura's head and back lovingly. "Be a reliable figure one day, my son from the west.."

Yuki and Sora who were silent from earlier could only stare at Rin and Shura. How much the western land loves its son, they can feel it, and inevitably, they can only remember their dead mother—mother who also loved them like this.

But, beyond that, the rumors circulating are not wrong. As the story goes, the human woman in front of them was truly like the incarnation of a miracle in the world. Beautiful, gentle, friendly, kind and affectionate—may he grant their request representing neutral lands.

"R-rin-sama!" emboldening herself, Yuki opened her mouth and knelt down. So also with Sora, silent silence, he knelt down before the western land kisaki.

"Rin-sama," call Yuki again. He straightened up to Rin full of supplications. "Servant please, help us from neutral ground."

Everything in the room was stunned in confusion, except for Shippo and Inukimi. Youkai the little fox already knows the purpose of Yuki and Sora meeting Rin, while for the former lord of the land west of—he can guess what the purpose of the two white rat youkai.

"Yuki-chan, Sora-chan, stand up" Rin said slowly. Until now, she still disliked someone kneeling to her, "What can Rin help you with?"

Yuki and Sora remained standing. The two of them then bowed their bodies and lowered their heads down. "Rin-sama, forgive us!! We beg!! Let us who are in neutral ground join the western land!!"

The neutral ground was now in chaos. Shui's death as well as what he had done exerted a tremendous effect on the neutral ground. Losing a strong leader makes them unsure if they can protect themselves if attacked, moreover, if given the desire of neutral land that is the main cause of the five-region war occurred. What if the ruler of the western lands did not forgive them and intended to destroy them?

Koharu, the squirrel youkai and Hima, the flower youkai of the neutral land while this serves as the leader while the western lands can only apologize to the western lands representing the neutral lands of what happened. Then, thinking about their safety and the sustainability of their lives in the future, the weak neutral land youkai inevitably had to find a new backrest, and they chose the western land—.

The war of the five regions that lasted made them able to see clearly, who was the strongest. There will be no other territory that can match the western land, the west will always be jaya-it is a reality. Their safety and security would be assured, and no one would dare to attack them recklessly if they were underground in the west. Moreover, the western lands are famous for justice in their leadership. It's just that the west will accept them?

In addition to their mistakes that started the five-country war, those neutral lands also do not have anything that can be dedicated to the western lands their weak strength will not be needed by the great and strong western lands.

The northern lands did extend a hand and offer them to join, but the neutral lands were unwilling. They could not trust the northern land and its ruler who still had a blood relationship with Shui. Moreover, it was still a question of how the warning letters Yuki, Sora and Shippo wrote in the destroyed fire lizard village in the northern lands could be in Shui's hands first.

The weak eastern lands would not be able to protect them, and the land south—Akihiko, the ruler of the southern lands who hated the weak and cowardly youkai would also be unlikely to accept them.

Joining the ever-strong but fair western lands is the best option. It will not be easy, however, the neutral ground is trying hard to try it.

To the ruler of the western land who is notoriously cold and heartless they do not dare, therefore, they decide Yuki and Sora meet the kisaki of the western land. The two youkai little white rats had enormous merit in stopping the war of the five regions. Their sacrifice—neutral groundmen hope the notoriously kind and gentle kisaki will be willing to lend a hand and accept them.

Rin says nothing at Yuki and Sora's request. He knew clearly the position of the neutral ground now even though no one had told him, and he also knew, neutral ground would not help the western lands in the slightest even if they joined, either, and also the risk ahead. But, for the sake of the future and the peace that exists—for a peaceful world where his son will grow up.

"Alright, Rin understands." Rin replied slowly. "Rin cannot make a decision, because the decision is in the hands of Sesshoumaru-sama, but—Rin will try to help and tell him."

Yuki and Sora immediately raised their heads to look at Rin as soon as they heard the answer they got. A wide and happy smile filled their faces. Bending their bodies in salute once more, they shouted loudly. "Thank you, Rin-sama!"

Inuyasha and the others smiled at Rin's reply. The kind and gentle nature of the human woman will never change. For a neutral land that is after his life and his son—he can forgive.

Inukimi, a former ruler of the western lands, said nothing. He stared full of smiles at the adopted daughter as well as her daughter-in-law. Rin's overly kind attitude and heart as a youkai kisaki may not be so good, but, if paired with the ruthless and heartless Sesshoumaru—they become the perfect ruler and kisaki, but, if paired with the ruthless and heartless Sesshoumaru, because they can balance each other.

However, the relationship between western lands and neutral lands was not as simple as imagined. Rin who did not meet directly the request of the two white rat youkai; did he also know? Inukimi was intrigued by the answer to the decision that the human woman gave to the neutral ground in the end.

"Don't get up like this." stretched out his hand, Rin tried to help the two little youkai stand up. A smile filled her beautiful face. But as usual, his hand had not touched Yuki and Sora, Shura again looked up dislike.

"Guk-guk-guk-grr..." Both of Shura's blood-red eyes once again stared furiously at Yuki and Sora who had regained the attention of her biological mother.

Rin shook his head and laughed at Shura's attitude. But, this time, he did not care about his son's protest. Slowly, he touches Yuki's hand and helps her stand up, as well as Sora.

Looking at Shura again, Rin smiled.

"Shura, it should not be like that," raised his right hand again, he gently stroked the small inuyoukai head in his arms. "People can touch Rin, Rin can also touch others. But, reality will never change; forever Rin is still your mother—you will still be the most important to mother.."

Shura who was staring at Rin let out her small voice. Not knowing whether or not to understand the mother's words, he stuck out his tongue to lick and remove the smell of others attached to Rin's hand.

However, this time, Rin immediately raised his hand dodging. Rin knew, she must not let Shura like this continue. This possessive attitude will not be good for his future. Raising her son, she will give all her love and affection, but, by no means will she indulge and obey all the wishes of the child.

Being a mother, there were many things she would give, as well as many that she would not give. Maintain the good attitude of the child and correct the bad attitude, do not love that makes you blind. The future of the child is in the hands of the child, and as a parent, the task is to guide and direct him in the right direction.

"Jumpy-jump." Shura was slowly barking. His two eyes looking straight at Rin looked very sad but also heartbreaking, and it inevitably made Rin laugh—his cute son.

Lifting Shura slowly, Rin then clutched her tightly to the chest to calm down. His right hand kept moving caressing his son's back lovingly. Shura now may not understand, but Rin is sure, slowly, her son will understand later. "Rin forever is your mother, Shura. There's no need to be afraid and never hesitate, Rin will forever love you.."

Rin's soft words, her soft, affectionate voice, all those who see can only smile.Everything, the woman in front of them is a perfect mother.

....xoxOx....

Name no naka

Kaze no naka

Yume no naka's

Sesshoumaru stepped slowly towards his bedroom in the eastern pavilion of the western earthen palace. His sharp sense of hearing could hear the clear sound of singing that was draping through the air, and a small smile filled his handsome face.

Sesshoumaru-sama doko ni iru

Jakken - sama wo shita naete

Continuing to take a step, Sesshoumaru's heart felt warm. The lyrics of the song are very childish, but every time he heard it, he felt he just liked it more and more.

Watashi wa hitori de machimashou

Shura wa hitori de machimashou

He and Shura are always waiting for the wife and his son who are waiting for his return. Never had Sesshoumaru thought there was a day where his existence was awaited by others.

Sesshoumaru's golden eyes then caught the snow that began to fall slowly from the daytime sky of winter. Accelerating his footsteps towards the bedroom, he paid no heed to Kiri who saluted him upon seeing him. Opening the door of the room, he immediately walked in with his calm face expressionless as usual.

If it were not for his urgent duty as ruler of the western lands, and also the opportunity for the children, Inuyasha and the others to visit his wife and son, then, then, Sesshoumaru had absolutely no intention of leaving and made the two of them wait for his return.

Wareware wa hitori de machimashou

Sesshoumaru's gaze fell on the figure of a human woman, and the woman sat on the futon hugging a small inuyoukai who was peacefully asleep. With hair as black as the sky without stars, skin as white as snow, nose that sharp, lips that stump, big brown eyes that are always clear and shining full of love—that woman is very beautiful and charming.

Noticing his presence, the human woman looked at him. A smile as warm and beautiful as spring brimmed across his face. "Sesshoumaru-sama, okaeri."

Approaching the woman, Sesshoumaru immediately sat down beside her. His mokomokonya immediately moved to cover the tiny body, while his eyes glowed softly. "Accept, Rin."

"Shura is asleep" Rin's smile widens. He looked back at Shura who was in his arms affectionately. "If not, he will definitely welcome you too, Sesshoumaru-sama."

Rin's words only made Sesshoumaru smile a little. Looking up at his son, he then kissed his forehead softly. "Accept, Shura."

Rin's smile turned into laughter. A slow, loose laugh full of happiness. In the past, he often imagined, what was the figure of Sesshoumaru when he became a father? Will the inuyoukai like his figure when he was a child?—inuyoukai who always looks indifferent, but actually always pay attention to what he does. But, it turns out that he was wrong, this inuyoukai is a kind of loving and gentle father.

Sesshoumaru did not say anything hearing Rin's laughter. Lifting slowly the tiny body on the side, he then placed his kisak to sit on his lap. His two hands then moved to hug his waist carefully and gently.

Rin also reflexively leaned her back against Sesshoumaru's chest. Comforting himself, he then looked up his head looking at Sesshoumaru's face and smiled. "Sesshoumaru-sama, what kind of future do you want?"

Rin's question made Sesshoumaru look at his kisaki. A small smile filled the handsome face of the ruler of the western lands. "The future where you and Shura are always there."

Rin's smile grew wider at Sesshoumaru's reply. "Other than that?" he asked again, his two big brown eyes sparkling happily.

"We're happy," Sesshoumaru laughed softly. Bending his head down, he kissed Rin's forehead gently. "Always be with her forever and always."

Rin's smile turned back into laughter. Closing his eyes, he nodded his head. "It's also the future Rin wants— to have forever together."

Forever together.

In the past, Rin wanted to be able to stay with Sesshoumaru forever. However, after Shura was around, she also wanted to be with Shura forever. Forever together and always—inseparable. The hope that is always expected, the dream that is always dreamed, the desire that never changes— the future is full of their happiness.

Smiling, while opening her eyes again, Rin then looked at Shura who was moving in her sleep. "Sesshoumaru-sama, what are you going to do about neutral ground?"

Sesshoumaru raised his hand and gently stroked Shura's head which immediately snorted complacently in his sleep. "What do you want to do, Rin?"

"Yuki-chan and Sora-chan came to visit me earlier," replied Rin slowly. Still staring at Shura who was soundly asleep, she kept smiling gently. "Neutral lands want to merge with western lands."

Sesshoumaru did not give any reaction to what Rin said. The neutral ground that wanted to join the western land, he could already expect it. The weak youkai clans who lost their leaders, for the sake of the duration of their lives, they had to find a new place to depend, and their main choice was; the western land.

Neutral ground—Sesshoumaru until now had no intention of doing anything against them. He had no intention of attacking, but also had no intention of forgiving the mistakes they had made. The war of the five regions was indeed masterminded by Shui, but without the clans on neutral ground, the war eyeing the lives of his wife and son would never have happened.

Neutral lands may join northern or eastern lands, and they may join southern lands. But, Sesshoumaru will forever remember them.

Sesshoumaru is not a good-natured youkai. The good word is very far from him - he is cruel and cold. To those who dared to harass his family—how could he openly accept them? Sesshoumaru wanted them to stay alive, but would forever remain in fear of the western lands that harrowed grudge—the western lands that could attack them at any moment.

"Are you going to accept them?" ask Rin slowly. He looked back at Sesshoumaru and smiled.

"No."

Short and clear. Rin's smile turned into laughter. He had expected Sesshoumaru to answer like that. He knew that inuyoukai well—it was not a lie, that's why he did not answer directly Yuki and Sora's request.

"The western lands under Sesshoumaru's rule do not need them" Sesshoumaru said. His eyes were still staring at Shura who was asleep comfortably. "So shall the western lands come under the rule of Shura."

Rin nodded his head. He agreed with Sesshoumaru's remark, the western land does not require neutral ground strength, it's just—"Sesshoumaru-sama," call Rin again. "The world where Shura will grow up, what kind of world do you want?"

"Any world doesn't matter" replied Sesshoumaru slowly. His golden eyes slowly returned to Rin. "Because our son will live, fight and win— according to your song, Rin."

Rin laughed and laughed again. His heart feels warm. This conversation with Sesshoumaru let him know, how inuyoukai this trusted their son like him.

Rin's laughter was something Sesshoumaru liked the most. Soft and beautiful, clear as the clink of a bell. Clenching his embrace, he buried his face in the crevice of Rin's neck, smelling the crescent moon so vividly on the snow-white neck. "What world do you want for Shura, Rin?"

Smiling, Rin looked at Shura for a moment and closed her eyes. "A world where there will be no more wars. No sadness, no suffering, a world where all there is can laugh and be happy—a peaceful world."

Sesshoumaru could only smile back at Rin's reply. A world without sorrow and suffering, a world where all there is can laugh and be happy; a world of peace without war—that world is impossible for Shura. Born as heirs of the western lands, their son was born to fight.

"Rin," call Sesshoumaru. He hugged Rin tighter and tighter in his lap. "A world like that will never exist. A world without sorrow and suffering, a world without war is a world impossible for Shura."

Rin chuckled with Sesshoumaru's words. Opening her eyes, she looked at Shura softly. "Yes, Rin knows Sesshoumaru-sama. Such a world was impossible for Shura."

Beyond anyone, Rin knows what Shura's destiny is. His son was destined to continue fighting and fighting. Although he was born a true youkai, the blood flowing, the responsibilities to be borne, the legacy of his destiny will never change; for his son is the son of Sesshoumaru, heir to the western lands.

But, as her mother, if she could, Rin wanted to change her—a little bit is fine. If he could help create a peaceful world that didn't last long for his son, then he would try. For Shura, though not forever, she wants her son to live and grow by tasting what peace is.

"Sesshoumaru-sama," called Rin again, he smiled broadly and looked back at Sesshoumaru. "Do you give a chance to neutral ground."

Replying to Rin's gaze, Sesshoumaru silently remained silent.

"Neutral lands will not be able to join the western lands. You will not allow, nor will— circumstances allow," Rin explained, smiling. He could clearly see the condition of the youkai world now. "The land of the west is too strong and large, the joining of neutral land with western land will not help the power of the western land. Although automatically, only the territory will be wider."

Silently silent, Sesshoumaru looked at Rin who explained the condition of the youkai world calmly.

"And the wider, also means that more and more must be protected. It—not good." Rin's smile again turned into a slow laugh. "Moreover, they are a group of youkai who attach great importance to the longevity of their lives. They were easy to use, the war of the five regions had already proven—they were so easily used by Shui."

As a ruler, having a large territory and many subordinates is a proud thing. But, if the territory is useless and the subordinates are more selfish and easy to use, then—they will become a sword that can be used by the enemy to stab the ruler at any time.

They can swear allegiance, but when will their oath last? Forever then? If one day they feel threatened, they could unite and destroy the western lands from within. Those who are weak, cowardly and self-serving—Rin cannot trust such neutral ground.

Sesshoumaru was the ruler now, and Shura was the next ruler—Rin would never be willing to let that dangerous sword exist beside them.

Sesshoumaru could not stop his smile from hearing all the explanations. Rin is a strange woman. She was innocent and kind-hearted, but most importantly; she was not a stupid woman. In this world, the way he looks and thinks, even though he is a human being, he can clearly see all the conditions that exist more than anyone. If anyone were to see the figure and hear his explanation now, would anyone still say he was no match for being a kisaki of the western lands?

"In that case, what chance do you want this Sesshoumaru to give to neutral ground, Rin?" ask Sesshoumaru slowly.

"Equivalent cooperative relations." Rin answered quickly.

"Equivalent?"

Rin nodded his head. "Yes. Give them protection, but don't join. The western lands would help them if they needed help, and in return they were obliged to support the western lands in the form of natural resources."

"That's it?"

Support in the form of natural resources? Sesshoumaru knew, Rin must have been aware the western underground did not need it at all their natural resources were far abundant compared to any region.

"Neutral lands will not have the right to speak and speak on western lands, because they are not part of western lands. Then, if they do something harmful and threaten the western land, then, the western land has the right to leave or— attacked them."

Smile again expands on Sesshoumaru's face. That Inuyoukai knows what his kisak is after now. "You want western lands to have a chance of destroying neutral lands without anyone to interfere?"

Rin was silent for a moment hearing Sesshoumaru's question. However, a moment later he nodded his head slowly. "Yes. If neutral lands agree with this, then neither the north, east nor south will be able to do anything more if the neutral lands betray the western lands and ask for help."

Taking a breath, Rin then turned her gaze to the snow that had started to fall through the open window. "The world knows enough the western lands are proposing deals like this because the western lands want to collect natural resources—or perhaps, the world may also think because Rin as a kisaki is too forgiving. The world does not need to know if the western lands will actually chain the freedom of neutral lands."

Sesshoumaru could not hold back his laughter anymore. Laughing, he stared at the human female in his lap.

Rin—change.

Rin becomes more—hard. However, Sesshoumaru also knew, this human woman thought like it was for Shura's future. After becoming a mother, she really wanted to do everything that would guarantee her son's future.

"Rin doesn't ask you to forgive the neutral ground, Sesshoumaru-sama," Rin smiled and looked back at Sesshoumaru. He knew, these inuyoukai still held a grudge on neutral ground. "Rin just asks you to understand them, and Rin believes, what this wants to do will help create a world of peace and security for Shura later on—though Rin has no idea how long it will last."

Sesshoumaru really liked Rin like this. Although innocent and kind, she was a very reality woman. He knew, the peaceful and safe world he wanted for Shura would never exist. However, as much as possible he wanted to create it for their son. Therefore—how did Sesshoumaru refuse his request?

"Alright," replied Sesshoumaru later. Stop laughing, he caught the tip of Rim's black hair and kissed her softly. "This sesshoumaru understands—Sesshoumaru is granting your wish, Rin"

"Thank you, Sesshoumaru-sama." Rin laughed again. A big smile filled his face. "Thank you for granting Rin this request."

This agreement, deep in heart, Rin hopes, neutral ground will keep it always, because this is the last chance the western land gives them.

Sesshoumaru did not say anything more. Removing Rin's hair, he hugged her back tightly. "You don't have to thank kash, Rin."

Rin's smile grew wider until she turned back into laughter. He had forgotten how many times he had laughed today. Slowly, he looked back at Shura who was still asleep. Instantly, something flashed through his mind, "Ne, Sesshoumaru-sama," he grilled slowly. "A world of peace without war for Shura, neither you nor Rin, we will be able to give it. But, perhaps someday, after all the wars, it will be our sons who will create such a world. The impossible world came true."

Sesshoumaru smiled. Rin's words this time, don't know why it doesn't sound impossible in his ears. "Shura will be stronger than this Sesshoumaru one day, and what you say will probably come true."

Rin's laughter only got wider and louder. In a distant and unpredictable future, in this world and this chaotic age, maybe someday the miracle of their lives will really create such an impossible worlda peaceful world without a war that contains only happiness.

Closing her eyes, Rin then kissed gently Shura's forehead affectionately. "Grow well, my son from the west. Live the way you want.."

Shura who was still asleep sighed softly full of happiness. The soft voice, warm touch, love and prayer of the mother—ini is what she likes the most.

Closing his eyes, Rin cradles the slumbering body of Shura. Smiling, she started singing in her soft voice.

Anata no nayami o sutete

Get rid of your worries, my dear

Ashita wa atarashi hi ga

Because tomorrow will come a new day

Dakishimete, osoreru koto wa nanimonai

Hold on to me, there's nothing to be afraid of

Anata no yume wa tikunaikara

Because your dreams are not far away

Atama o yoko ni shite

When you lay your head down and rest

Anata no yume ga watashi no ai o hikitsugu

May your dreams take over my love

Yoku kiite, Nishi no musuko

Be well, my son from the west

Sekai wa zankokudesuga

Even though the world is cruel

Mada kagayaku hikari ga arimasu

There is still a shining light

Watashitachi no jinsei no mottomo kurai

In the darkest days of our lives

Subete no kibo ga ushinawa reta ni mieru toki

When all hope seems lost

Soshite, anata wa anata no michi o mitsukeru koto ga

And you can't find a way

Sora o mitsumeru toki no koto or kangaete

Think of me when you look up at the sky

Ko kozan, anata no mirai wa akarui

My son, your future is bright

Anata no chichi no chi ga anata no jomyaku ni

Because your father's blood is in your veins

Kurayaminonakade, watashi wa anata ga tatakau koto o inoru

In the dark, I pray you will fight

Sekai ga sugu ni anata no namee o shiru you ni narukara

Because the world will know your name soon

The world who will know the name of his son—Rin hopes Shura can create a world of peace without war for himself; a world where his son will always be happy without suffering and sorrow.

....xoxOx....