Till The End Of Time [Inuyasha Fanfiction ]
Chapter 153

In the cold night forest of the western lands, Akihiko stared at Koga and his subordinates from the southern lands ahead. His expression was calm as if nothing had happened.

"Have you found a way to extend Rin's life?" akihiko's voice sounded calm and slowly broke the silence of the night.

No one answered Akihiko's question, they all knelt down and lowered their heads down. Their master did look calm, but they all knew that anger was filling their hearts, because, until now, they had not found any way to prolong the life of the western land.

"Basic is useless." Akihiko said slowly. His calm yet cold voice immediately brought fear to Koga and the existing southern land youkai.

Koga really wanted to cry and protest now, but he did not dare. How to prolong the life of a human being, they have tried to find it, from the flesh of a mermaid, the fruit of immortality or whatever. It's just, everything is useless—they failed to find a way.

"Search," Akihiko continued later, her eyes sharpened unable to hide the anger in her heart anymore. "Don't show up in front of me if you don't find him."

"Hamba understands." Simultaneously, Koga and all the southern land youkai replied to Akihiko's words. A second later, they all disappeared from the presence of the ruler of the southern lands carrying out the task at hand.

Tsubasa who stood behind Akihiko did not say anything. As usual, the youkai bird stared at what was happening in front with its calm face.

"Tsubasa," called Akihiko then without looking back. "Jaga Rin's. Let me know if anything happens to her."

"Hamba understands." Reply Tsubasa calmly while nodding his head.

Hearing Tsubasa's reply, Akihiko said nothing more. Raising his head gazing at the night sky above, he then jumped up and flew away leaving his concubine.

Tsubasa continued to stare at Akihiko's figure until it finally disappeared from view. A smile filled his face to see the stupidity of the ruler of the southern land.

Looking for a way to prolong the life of the kisaki of the western lands?—what makes the youkai wolf think he can find it? The western land that was so large and vast was desperately looking for a way to prolong their lives long before, even Sesshoumaru, the ruler of the western land itself dared to risk everything for it. But it's all for nothing, right?

Smiling more and more, Tsubasa felt that this would be better as soon as it passed. It would be better if the western land kisaki quickly died and disappeared from this world. Because then—Akihiko might return to be the Akihiko he knew.

'Your love, Rin understands.'

Rin's warm words and hugs flashed through Tsubasa's memory, making the smile on her face disappear. A moment later, he smiled and laughed again. Why did he keep thinking about the words of the human woman? Though he already knew, a human woman so loved by her loved ones would not understand. The pain of love clapping one hand, the pain and the destruction when he you love does not care for you—the human woman will not understand in the least.

....xoxOx....

Asano was unable to say anything looking at Akiko who was laughing in front of him right now. His face was flat expressionless, he did not know whether to be angry or join in laughing like his daughter who had just returned home from the western lands.

"The despicable woman will die, Father," said Akiko happily in between her endless laughter. "Although he possesses and is able to perfect fushi no kusur, he will not live!! This is the best news of the year!!!"

Asano said nothing. Closing his eyes, he sighed softly. Akiko is like this, she doesn't want to see it. He sent his daughter to the western lands with a gun in his hands—a weapon of information that could make his daughter a kisaki of the western lands. But, how could Akiko go home under these circumstances?—laughs happily just because a human woman would die.

Opening his eyes, Asano then looked back at Akiko. "Go back to your room, Akiko."

Akiko stopped laughing and smiled at Asano's orders. Not saying anything, with a face that still kept smiling, he stood up and walked away leaving Asano alone in his study.

Asano looked at Akiko until she finally disappeared from sight. Closing his eyes, he could only go back to making calculations as well as the steps that the eastern lands had to take in the future. Since the war of the five regions was over, the eastern lands continued to weaken, therefore he knew, Akiko had to become a western land quack to reverse the situation. However, the end he got was not as expected.

Fushi No Kusuri is in Bokuseno, Asano already knows from the beginning, and he also knows the promise of the tree youkai to Inu No Taisho. Therefore, he had never expected that fushi no kusuri would appear in a world like this.

Sighing, Asano opened his eyes and stared out the window. The return situation is not favorable to the eastern lands. Now the land of the west is untouched, the land of the south under Akihiko that is so pervasive with the western land is also impossible, Neutral land depends on the western land, and lastly—the silent northern land is silent without doing anything.

Since the war, the northern lands have closed themselves. In fact, while the whole world was looking for fushi no kusurus because of Sesshoumaru's words, the youkai snake lord of the northern land did nothing to gain an advantage. Therefore, what was the northern lands planning? Asano knew well how cunning Takeru was, he couldn't possibly keep quiet.

Sighing once more, Asano then sighed again. This was not the time he thought of the northern lands, he better think of another way to get closer to Sesshoumaru. Although not willing to admit, but the fact that the inudaiiyoukai is the axis of the youkai world is true, and Akiko has so successfully disrupted the axis of the youkai world, namely; the human woman who became the kisaki of the western lands.

....xoxOx....

Rin opened her closed eyes slowly. The cold and pain attacking together was unbearable making him close his eyes again, however, his face did not show the slightest reaction. He was used to it, and he was grateful that he was still strong to deal with it.

"Are you awake, Rin-chan?" kagome's voice sounded from beside Rin. Slowly and cheerfully as always.

Opening his eyes again, Rin smiled slightly at Kagome who was beside him. "Yes, Kagome-sama.."

Kagome smiled at Rin's smile. Although she could clearly hear the voice of the human woman who was so slow and weak, she did not say anything. Carefully and slowly, he helped the western land kisaki to sit down. Using her body to hold the tiny body, she placed a bowl in her hand, "You woke up at the right moment, Rin-chan," Kagome said with a laugh. "It's time to take the medicine!"

Rin laughed softly and nodded his head. Aided by Kagome, slowly, he drank the pitch-black potion in the bowl that was in the hands of the future miko. A bitter taste was felt on his tongue, and for the umpteenth time again, he ignored it.

Kagome kept smiling seeing Rin taking the medicine, but she did not know until when she could hold back her smile. He had examined the human woman's pulse just now, and there was no development, which was even more obscure. No one knows what is happening to Rin now, her state that continues to weaken day by day with great as if it was time the tiny body would stop functioning. His sleep time is getting longer and his stork time is short, he can even spend a day to sleep. Lalu—attack.

Never stop like usual. Every day an unknown attack attacks Rin and leaves him alone in the room. That attack would only leave a tremendous effect on Rin as well as the person who saw it. Seeing a person who means something to you weakens and suffers every day in plain sight without being able to do anything.

Kagome lowered the bowl in her hand as soon as she saw Rin had emptied it. With a forced smile on her face, she again helped the human woman lie on a futon. "If there's a bad part or whatever, tell me yes, Rin-chan."

Rin nodded his head slowly. "Rin understood, Kagome-sama.." - his smile was as usual. "Rin's fine.."

Kagome can only continue to maintain a smile on her face even though she knows Rin's lies. He is a person who is fully responsible for Rin's health, therefore, how the real condition, he is the one who knows best. But he is helpless, now all that exists can only participate in theatrical defending the lies that exist.

Looking to the left-right, Rin for the first time realized the existence of Shura who was not beside him. "Kagome-sama, where is Shura?"

"Ah, Inuyasha brought him to play with Shiro and the others," Kagome replied quickly. "I don't know what kind of commotion that's going to be."

Rin laughed at Kagome's reply. "Good then, Shura did have to familiarize herself with her uncles and brothers."

Kagome did not reply to Rin's words anymore, she just smiled ambiguously. The future Miko hesitates the human woman in front of her will say so if earlier she saw how Shura behaved when Inuyasha separated her from her mother. The Inuyoukai growled with rage with its form almost returning to its original figure. Blood-red eyes, fangs, claws—he can't really imagine what happened with Shura, Inuyasha, Shiro and the others.

"Sesshoumaru-sama is still not back?" ask Rin slowly.

"Sister is still in his study" Kagome replied again and smiled. "I think he'll be back in this room soon."

Both Rin and Kagome knew clearly without needing to be explained, what Sesshoumaru was doing in his closed workspace. The Inuyoukai tried hard to find a way to prolong Rin's life. Morning, day and night, when he was not next to Rin who was asleep, he used all his time to look for possibilities.

Rin once again nodded her head and asked nothing more. Slowly, he then turned his head staring out through the door of shoji's room that was left open.

Rin could see Kiri and Kira guarding the door, the two inuyoukai brothers stood guarding the door of the room with their calm, expressionless faces. Then, Rin's gaze then fell on the back of a female youkai standing in the middle of the garden.

His red hair looked a stark contrast to the color of the snow white that descended and piled up below. Standing with a sturdy full of elegance in a blue kimono, the youkai woman is very beautiful and attracts the attention of anyone who sees her—Tsubasa, the beloved concubine of the ruler of the southern land.

"Tsubasa-sama..." Call Rin slowly.

Rin's voice is very weak and slow, but for youkai who have a very sharp sense of hearing, they can hear it clearly. Slowly, Tsubasa turned her body and looked at the western earth kisaki lying on the futon.

Rin smiled looking at Tsubasa who was now looking at him. "Tsubasa-sama, the snow has started to fall again" he said slowly. "Get in and take shelter in the room with Rin."

Tsubasa said nothing hearing Rin's invitation. He was in front of this room just because he was following Akihiko's orders to look after the human woman, he did not intend to approach or get close to her in the least.

'Your love, Rin understands.'

Rin's words are always excited like a mantra in Tsubasa's head flashed. Making the bird youkai stunned for a moment. Simple and unforgettable words— words full of lies and falsehoods.

However, a moment later, Tsubasa smiled. Looking at the face of the human woman who was smiling gently at him, he realized, he could decide on the incantation that kept repeating itself in his head now. If she conveyed everything she had in mind, she would definitely be free from the speech that haunted her, because the human woman never understood her love.

Stepping foot with a smile on his face, Tsubasa approached Rin's bedroom door. Kiri and Kira were immediately on alert to see that, because they left the youkai birds in the garden not because they believed.

"Left-sama, Kira-sama," call Rin to stop the two inuyoukai. "It's okay."

Kiri and Kira had doubts about Rin's words. However, seeing the faint smile on that face, the two of them undo their intentions of stopping Tsubasa who had now entered the room. The two inuyoukai just keep quiet and watch every move of the youkai bird is full of alert.

"Kagome-sama," call Rin slowly and look at Kagome. "Would you help Rin sit down?"

Kagome immediately nodded and smiled. Moving her hands and body, she helped the weak Rin back to sit down.

After sitting well, Rin's clear brown eyes stared softly at the silent Tsubasa. The smile on his face was broken. "Rin wants to thank you, Tsubasa-sama," he said slowly. "Thank you for stopping Akiko-sama yesterday."

Tsubasa did not return Rin's thanks. His two red eyes only continued to stare at the figure of the human woman in front of him with her calm expressionless face.

"Then" continued Rin again with a smile that still does not disappear from his face. "Although Rin can't entertain you like you entertain Rin while in the southern earthen palace because of Rin's condition, Rin wishes you liked the western earthen palace."

Tsubasa remained unreturned, she still looked straight at Rin with her two eyes that were not guessed what her emotions were.

"Rin's glad you're here, Tsubasa-sama."

Rin's last words then made Tsubasa smile. However, his smile was clearly not a friendly smile but a scornful smile, as well as his eyes. "Rin-sama, can you stop being so arrogant in front of the servant?"

What Tsubasa said instantly stunned everything. Anger soon filled Kiri and Kira's hearts, and their angry spirits stepped straight towards the bird's youkai. They will never let anyone insult their beloved kisaki. However, Rin quickly stopped them. "Kiri-sama, Kira-sama, stop.."

Left and Kira immediately stopped, but they looked unhappy. Both of their golden eyes turned blood red aiming at Tsubasa who remained seated quietly.

Kagome herself did not know what to do, she looked at Tsubasa in disbelief. He could not guess what was in the mind of the youkai bird in front of it right now.

"You really are the most arrogant creature in the world, Rin-sama," Tsubasa continued again and chuckled. "You know nothing, but always act like you know everything. You know, I never intended to set foot here. Servants are here because of Akihiko-sama's orders."

Rin still did not say anything hearing Tsubasa's explanation. He did not smile, but was neither surprised nor showed the slightest expression on his face.

Tsubasa's anger and terrible grin still doesn't make Rin move. Silently mute a thousand languages, he continued to stare at the pair of red eyes in front of him calmly, and that look of his eyes left the youkai bird stunned.

'Your love, Rin understands.'

The spell-like sentence was re-energized in Tsubasa's head, and he could only laugh out loud later. "How do you understand?"

Rin could see clearly now, behind the pair of red eyes staring at him, how many wounds the youkai bird bore in silence.

"You are loved" Tsubasa continued again and smiled slightly. "You're never alone. Therefore, how can you say that you understand this servant's love?"

Rin understood Tsubasa's intentions and questions completely, and this time she was stunned. Because, youkai it's true—he doesn't understand.

Love's.

Rin thought she understood what love was when she first saw it clearly between Inuyasha and Kagome, then when she saw Sesshoumaru. Sosshoumaru said love is weakness, but in his eyes, love is; happiness. However, the more time passed, the more conscious and aware she was, the love was—undefined.

The first time Rin sees Tsubasa's love for Akihiko, she feels their love is the same. Those who are saved and love their savior with all their body no matter what happens. Their happiness is when they are next to a loved one. But, it turns out it was—salah.

Tsubasa was right, he was; arrogant. He said their love was the same, but in reality, their love was different. We cannot compare love, for there is no measure in measuring the magnitude of love. Everyone has their own past, thoughts, desires and also burdens—hence, he has no right to say their love is the same; Rin has no right to say he understands Tsubasa's love.

"You're right, Tsubasa-sama," Rin said slowly. "I'm sorry Rin's arrogance. Rin doesn't understand your love."

Tsubasa is stunned by Rin's sudden speech. But for a moment, he laughed again. "Really! You don't understand a thing!"

Laughing and continuing to laugh looking at Rin's flat face, Tsubasa closed her eyes. The words he wanted he had gotten, but, why was he not happy?—that there was even emptiness and pain in his heart that deepened.

Rin continued to look at Tsubasa and then closed her eyes. He feels very sad. Why?—because the truth, that's love.

Love is not defined.

For youkai, love is a weakness. For, reciprocated love, love is happiness. For those who wish for love, love is an object and a gift. For those who love is not welcomed, love is a bondage and suffering. Then too, as time goes on, in every second, love can change.

For Tsubasa first, when with Akihiko, he already felt enough and satisfied—he has been happy. But, now no longer, happiness has disappeared replaced with shackles and suffering. Her life is now full of pain because love is unrequited.

Opening her eyes, Rin then advances her face to stick her forehead on Tsubasa's forehead. The shocked Tsubasa immediately opened his eyes. Their eyes met and he had not yet done anything, Rin had opened his mouth. "If love is so painful, let it go.."

Rin's words instantly stunned Tsubasa. Unable to move and make a sound, he stared fixedly in disbelief at the human woman who was staring back at him.

"If suffering and sorrow are all that remains, do not continue. Let go of your love." continued Rin slowly. "Live freely, live happily..."

His life was so long, no one ever told him to live freely, to live happily, so Rin's words shook Tsubasa's world tremendously.

"Love is important" Rin continued again and closed his eyes. Unbelievable pain filled his heart, as if he had found no strength to continue his words. "But there's something more important..."

Love's.

For a love that has changed, for a happiness that has disappeared and replaced suffering. When love and happiness are no longer a unity but two different things, what is the best option? what to defend?

Seeing Tsubasa tormented by her love, Rin is also aware of the reality of her world now. The reality he saw every day, but he pretended to be blind and never saw it.

His love for Sesshoumaru has changed. Since the meido seki beats for him, Rin should have realized, his love for Sesshoumaru is not happiness anymore. As he stared at those pair of golden eyes he loved so much, he saw fear, helplessness and sorrow.

Because love is so blinding, because togetherness is so intimidating, when loving Sesshoumaru, Rin wants to give happiness. But, now no longer, loving Sesshoumaru, he only gives sorrow.

The end of their story, Rin knows more than anyone, but she wants to change it, even if she has to sacrifice her soul and body. But, everything remains the same, time will move towards an unwanted cover.

Rin is an arrogant woman, because she thinks she can get through death at any moment. Rin is a selfish woman, because she wants to get something she shouldn't have, and Rin is a woman who only thinks about herself, she said, because she wants to be with those she loves even though she can see how suffering they are now—Rin hates her.

Since when has everything changed? Since when did he become like this? Rin doesn't know anymore. He wants to be happy, very happy, so happy, he does not care about the suffering of people around him when he sees it. Their fears, their worries, their despair—their sufferings.

Love and happiness. Which is more important?— is very painful. But, Rin knew, what was more important was; happiness. How could he let someone he loved so much suffer? How does he let those who love him grieve for him? How could he do all that?

Opening her eyes, Rin smiled, a smile that was both beautiful and painful. "Happiness is more important..."

Not just for Tsubasa, but for herself and everything that exists. For those who live, do not sacrifice happiness for love. Love is amazing, but when love is compared to happiness, though painful—happiness is the most important.

When you have love but are unhappy, what does life mean? You won't know how to step. You will be caught in uncertainty and suffering. But when you are happy despite losing love, you will be able to move forward, you will be able to laugh, be free and find the meaning of life.

Rin must not be selfish anymore, because of her love, she has caught up with those who love her. He forced them to choose love and ignored the happiness—he gave them sorrow and suffering.

"Blessed in your life, Tsubasa-sama.."

Warm.

From their linked foreheads, Tsubasa felt a sense of warmth. Rin's soft words with a face full of sadness, but honestly expecting her happiness—Tsubasa did not know what to say. No one ever cared about her, no one ever told her she had a choice— no one ever told her to choose freedom and happiness in her life.

Tears flowed down suddenly, without Tsubasa stopping. Not knowing because of sadness or what, her feelings raged. Wh why? He had scorned the human woman in front of him, and he had also gotten what he wanted, but why? Why did this human woman once again smash herself with new words that she knew would haunt her for life?

Let go and be happy.

Can he? Is capable? Let go of his love that has been so deep and great, freeing himself from the torment that holds him every second and happy—do you have the courage to step up and die Akihiko?

Rin said nothing more, seeing Tsubasa's tears, he just hoped the youkai bird would understand. It will not be easy, it will be very torturous and suffering, but after that all passes there will be happiness. Isn't there always a rainbow after a storm hits?—that's life.

Turning his forehead away, Rin simply smiled once more looking at Tsubasa. "Thank you, Tsubasa-sama. Thank you for showing Rin the truth and the truth..."

Rin's words confused Tsubasa. Her tears stopped and looked at the woman in front of her. A second later he was stunned, as tears now filled the smiling weak face.

"Rin-sama.." call Tsubasa slowly. However, from behind, suddenly someone pulled the collar of the kimono behind him and threw him out of the room where he was.

Surprised, Tsubasa immediately landed on the snow and raised his face to look at who threw it. Long silver-haired, without seeing his face, the bird youkai knew; Sesshoumaru.

Kagome was very surprised by the sudden appearance of Sesshoumaru, as well as Kiri and Kira. They do not understand why the inuyoukai suddenly appeared in front of Rin and hit Tsubasa, but his unusual expression made them not dare to ask anything. That calm face looks very riled up.

Sesshoumaru immediately hugged Rin tightly. Staring at Kagome sharply, he said slowly and low. "Get out."

Kagome really did not know what was happening, but without saying anything, she immediately stood up and walked out. The state of Sesshoumaru is strange, and also Rin—from his conversation with Tsubasa, he did not feel any strange, the human woman was just entertaining the bird youkai, right?

Left and Kira who were in front closed the door of the room as soon as Kagome came out. Without being ruled, they both knew, the ruler of the western lands only wanted the two of them to be together now.

As the room had stayed the two of them, slowly and carefully, Sesshoumaru looked at Rin's face. His hand moved wiping away the tears flowing down from his wife's gentle face. "Don't cry, Rin. What's up?"

Rin shook his head slowly with tears still flowing down. Seeing clearly the worry in the golden eyes that he loved so much. Ah, how could he continue to engrave all these emotions in those golden eyes? Mistakes after mistakes he continues to make, maybe it's time to end.

Be ill.

So hurt. But, it still has to go through. Choice?—no; decision. Life and death, love and happiness. Rin must decide because the truth cannot be hidden anymore.

He will not be able to live normally again, in the time that goes forward, in the near future he will soon die. He desperately survives to live out of love and happiness with his loved ones, but is he happy now? Happy them?—no. There is no happiness anymore. Therefore, he could no longer sustain another life like this. There will be no happiness as long as he exists. But, if he were gone, this suffering would probably stop, he would not make those who loved him suffer and grieve anymore. As time goes on, everything will return to normal, they will definitely be able to laugh again.

Sesshoumaru is loved. Don't be sad for her, don't suffer for her anymore. Come back to being you once were, so strong and perfect. Always calm and full of pride, untouched and on the top of—, back to being Sesshoumaru who is always in Rin's memory as a child.

"Sesshoumaru-sama, Rin and Shura. The three of us, family. Always together forever.." Speeching weakly with a tearful smile, Rin stared fixedly at Sesshoumaru and laughed.

Be ill.

So hurt. It was painful, so painful more than when death came to pick him up. Their desire was a pseudo-dream. Because it—maaf.

Excuse me.

Excuse me.

Sorry to be together forever which is impossible. Sorry for the beautiful dreams that will stop crocheting. Sorry for the thread she decided herself— won't be together forever between them anymore. For the better in the future, for those who will still continue to live and find happiness. Between love and happiness, Rin would choose their happiness without her. Then, between life and death, now, Rin will choose—death.

Sesshoumaru could feel his heart ache. Like being squeezed and stabbed. Not being told she knew, this was Rin's pain that was in her arms. The woman who was crying and laughing slowly looked at him. But, that pair of beautiful eyes that were directed at him was truly frightening. The eyes were still as beautiful as ever, but the matchless sadness and pain was emanating clearly.

"What's up, Rin?" asked Sesshoumaru again and buried Rin's face in his chest. His right hand moved slowly stroking the black hair slowly trying to stop the tears.

Rin did not reply, he simply shook his head and let the warmth of Sesshoumaru envelop him. Closing her eyes, she just smiled a little.

Timing.

Give him a little more time. In that remaining time, he would straighten out what to straighten out, he would have to finish what he was supposed to finish. Give him a little more time for those he loves.

"Rin loves you, Sesshoumaru-sama. Really, really love you. You're just one...."

....xoxOx....